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Background: Nurses provide essential care for symptomatic chronic Chagas disease carriers, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, offering crucial support, symptom management, medication administration, and monitoring to enhance their health-related quality of life. Objective: To increase healthcare professionals' awareness of the critical role played by high-quality care in the management of patients with chronic Chagas disease. Methods: This scoping review employed the PRISMA-ScR method as a framework for article selection. A comprehensive search was conducted in the Scielo Brazil, PubMed, and LILACS databases, using the keywords "Chagas disease," "nursing," "nursing care", and "nursing assistance" in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. The search covered the period from 1980 to 2022. The initial review identified a total of 633 studies, from which 17 studies were ultimately selected for analysis. These included two observational studies, two case series, and seven literature reviews. Results: These studies underscored the crucial role of nurses in supporting patients with chronic Chagas disease, particularly those with cardiac and/or digestive manifestations. Additionally, interventions pertaining to neonates with the infection and users of pacemakers/implantable cardioverter defibrillators were examined. Conclusion: Nurses play a critical role within a multidisciplinary care team in improving the health-related quality of life for individuals living with chronic Chagas disease, irrespective of the cardiac or digestive form of the disease. Therefore, it is essential to assess both the subjective and objective needs of infected individuals in order to develop tailored nursing care plans that address their individualized needs and clinical conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was developed to show a professor's perspective to comprehend his difficulties and challenges, within a different scenario and culture of teaching geriatric dentistry in a nursing home. It was a self-analysis theoretically supported by the Social Constructionism and the Interpretative Autoethnography perspective. Data were constructed by means of participant observation and interaction descriptions. They were analysed by means of a matrix of association. As a result, a culture of adaptation and negotiation was described. Teaching geriatrics is associated with a constant adaptation to technical difficulties. It needs a well-developed interpersonal and professional relation among professors, students, and elderly. It results in constant adjustments and negotiation with feelings and emotions. Teaching geriatrics, in this context, was perceived as a multi-emotional scenario, which enriches the health educational practices.

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Copyright of Saberes Plurais is the property of Saberes Plurais and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Saberes Plurais is the property of Saberes Plurais and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

SCDS (Sovereign Credit Default Swaps) are becoming more widely used as a country risk indicator after 2008 and stand out for providing real-time information rather than periodic reporting. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to economic disruptions and a decline in international trade. Understanding how the Pandemic affects SCDS return volatility in emerging economies like BRICS forms the motivation for our research. With this study, we aim to determine the impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on SCDS return volatility in Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, known as the BRICS countries. We used the Exponential Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity (EGARCH) model to analyze the data, which consisted of the daily closing price data for SCDS. The date of the first COVID-19 case in each country has been taken as the beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic in each country. The results of the estimated GARCH models show that the volatility processes of the SCDS return series differ between periods. EGARCH model results indicate that shocks created by news in these countries during the Pandemic have a small and persistent effect on Brazil and Russia's SCDS return volatility, while they have a large and enduring effect on China and South Africa's SCDS return volatility. The findings will guide policymakers and portfolio managers in determining risk management models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on developing accurate immunoassays for diagnosing Chagas disease (CD), a challenging task due to antigenic similarities between Trypanosoma cruzi and other parasites, leading to cross-reactivity. To address this challenge, chimeric recombinant T. cruzi antigens (IBMP-8.1, IBMP-8.2, IBMP-8.3, and IBMP-8.4) were synthesized to enhance specificity and reduce cross-reactivity in tests. While these antigens showed minimal cross-reactivity with leishmaniasis, their performance with other trypanosomatid infections was unclear. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic potential of these IBMP antigens for detecting CD in patients with Crithidia sp. LVH-60A, a parasite linked to visceral leishmaniasis-like symptoms in Brazil. This study involved seven Crithidia sp. LVH-60A patients and three Leishmania infantum patients. The results indicated that these IBMP antigens displayed 100% sensitivity, with specificity ranging from 87.5% to 100%, and accuracy values between 90% and 100%. No cross-reactivity was observed with Crithidia sp. LVH-60A, and only one L. infantum-positive sample showed limited cross-reactivity with IBMP-8.1. This study suggests that IBMP antigens offer promising diagnostic performance, with minimal cross-reactivity in regions where T. cruzi and other trypanosomatids are prevalent. However, further research with a larger number of Crithidia sp. LVH-60A-positive samples is needed to comprehensively evaluate antigen cross-reactivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Brazil has experienced transformations in higher education and health services, including launching more inclusive public policies focused on these two areas. Objective: To evaluate the profile of final‐year dental students from a Brazilian public university from 2010 to 2019, accompanied by changes in public health and higher education policies. Methods: A prospective observacional study was carried out with final‐year dental students. A self‐applicable semi‐structured questionnaire was applied. Result: Six‐hundred and seventy‐seven students participated, of which 71.5% were women, 72.9% aged between 21 and 25 years, 96.2% single, and 96.4% were without children. Over ten years, it was possible to identify trends in the profile explained by implementing public policies toward more inclusive access to Brazilian higher education by socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals. Students who completed the course between 2018 and 2019 did not have the state capital city (the wealthiest area) as their origin city and had lower parental education and income levels than dental students graduating between 2010 and 2011. Moreover, working as a primary care dentist in the Brazilian National Health System was considered a professional possibility by 61.4% of the students, and has gained prominence significantly over time, ranging from 21.1% in 2010 to 72.9% in 2019 (p <.05). Conclusion: Over the study period, concomitantly to advances in public health and higher education policies in Brazil, more diverse access to public dental education was observed, allowing students from low socioeconomic positions to take the education. Changes have also impacted the students' perspectives regarding the need for postgraduate training and a career in public health dentistry. However, these trends need to be consolidated, and public policies continued and strengthened. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

GARCH (Generalize Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity) family models, notably the GARCH (1,1), GJR-GARCH,EGARCH, M GARCH, and TGARCH models,(Chang, McAleer, & Tansuchat, 2012) are used in this study to empirically test volatility clusters of the IBOVESPA index using data from 20 May 1993 to 17 March 2023. A further perspective on asymmetric volatility clustering and leptokurtosis patterns is offered by the empirical analysis, which is based on daily observations from the Brazil stock market (7380). The study examines the existence of asymmetries in the patterns that transmit volatility, the movement of shocks with higher positive and negative magnitudes, and the suitability of the model. In addition, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of volatility forecasts using both univariate and multivariate models that of Normal, Student-t, and Generalized Error Distribution constructs in predicting stock volatility over a period of more than 30 years, from May 1993 to March 2023 in the Brazilian stock markets. The results supported the existence of the leverage effect during the sampling period. Furthermore, the empirical results revealed that the sample returns of the chosen stock market had a significant level of volatility. By adding new factual data on the long-term performance of the Brazilian stock market, particularly in light of exaggerated events, this study adds to the body of literature already in existence. By adding new empirical data on the long-term behavior of the Brazilian stock market, particularly in light of extraordinary occurrences, this study adds to the body of literature already in existence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Interface - Comunicação, Saúde, Educação is the property of Fundacao UNI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In Brazil, the notification of congenital (CS) and syphilis in pregnant women (SiP) is compulsory. Notification data provided by the Ministry of Health in combination with the mapping of vulnerable geographic areas is essential to forecasting possible outbreaks and more effectively combating infection through monitoring. We aim to evaluate the spatiotemporal distribution and epidemiological aspects of reported cases of CS and SiP in Brazil. A retrospective ecological study was carried out using secondary surveillance data obtained from the Brazilian National Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) database, considering all reported cases of CS and SiP between 2001 to 2017. Epidemiological characteristics and time trends were analyzed using joinpoint regression models and spatial distribution, considering microregions or states/macroregions as units of analysis. A total of 188,630 (359/100,000 birth lives) CS and 235,895 of SiP (6.3/100,000 inhabitants) were reported during the period studied. In general, the epidemiologic profile of Brazil indicates most reported CS cases occurred in "mixed-race" newborns who were diagnosed within seven days of birth and whose mothers had received prenatal care, but the epidemiologic profile varies by Brazilian macroregion. Regarding SiP, most cases were among women who self-reported 'mixed-race', were aged 20–39 years, had up to eight years of formal education and were diagnosed with primary or latent syphilis. Approximately 549 (98.4%) and 558 (100%) microregions reported at least one case of CS and SiP, respectively. From 2012 to 2016, CS cases increased significantly in almost all Brazilian states, most notably in the South, Southeast, and Central-West macroregions, from 2001–2017 and the relative risk (RR) of SiP increased around 400% (RR: 1,00 to 445,50). Considering the epidemiological scenario of the infection in Brazil, it is necessary to enhance preventive, control and eradication measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Saberes Plurais is the property of Saberes Plurais and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Saberes Plurais is the property of Saberes Plurais and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: Interprofessional education (IPE) offers relevant theoretical, conceptual and methodological approaches to the development of effective teamwork competencies. Objective: To analyse an interprofessional experience of teaching-service-community integration carried out at a public university in the South of Brazil. Methods: A case study with a qualitative approach was carried out. The study's participants were thirty-eight undergraduate dental students who attended the IPE activity between 2012 and 2019. Data collection was developed in two sequential steps that included the application of an online instrument and semi-structured interviews. The textual material was interpreted by content analysis, considering Kirkpatrick's evaluation levels (reaction, learning and behaviour). Results: In the reaction level, students highlighted the contents provided by the National Curricular Guidelines regarding public health system and teamwork, as well as the pedagogical teaching proposal by tutoring groups, which stimulated students' autonomy. It was observed that the learning was geared towards the development of collaborative teamwork competencies and cultural competencies. In the behaviour level, students perceived positive changes in their attitudes and behaviours towards patients, focused on needs related to life conditions, realising that dentists may work within a team. The elective/optional nature of the experience allied with the absence of other IPE activities in the curricular grid showed to be challenging. Conclusion: IPE in undergraduate education presented positive results related to the reaction, learning and behaviour of dental students. We recommend the inclusion of interprofessional activities of teaching-service-community integration in Dentistry curricular structure to complement uniprofessional education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista de Enfermagem e Atenção à Saúde (REAS) is the property of Revista de Enfermagem e Atencao a Saude - Reas and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper reports on a cross-sectional study performed with 370 students and graduates from 15 undergraduate health courses in a public university in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The objective was to identify interprofessional education (IPE) curricular experiences and to evaluate the readiness for IPE among students and graduates who have attended a practical experience of IPE (Integrative Module) compared with undergraduate students who did not. The dimensionality and reliability of the Portuguese-validated expanded version of the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS) with 40-items were also evaluated. This version of RIPLS was validated with 32 items. Cronbach's alpha values of the three factors of the scale were: Factor 1 α = 0.89, Factor 2 α = 0.47 and Factor 3 α = 0.83. IPE initiatives were identified in the undergraduate curricula mainly in the practical experience (Integrative Module) (47.5%), curricular placements (29.8%) and extracurricular activities (29.5%). Students and graduates who participated in the Integrative Module demonstrated greater readiness for IPE than students who did not attend. This study suggested that shared experiences among different undergraduate courses are associated with positive attitudes and greater availability of students and graduates for interprofessional learning and work. Future studies including the psychometric analysis of the Portuguese-validated expanded RIPLS are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Qualitative approach about the implications that occur succeeding the premature loss teeth is still insufficient. This study aimed to understand the experience of early loss of deciduous teeth in children's lives, from the perspective of their caregivers. Qualitative case study included 52 caregivers of children from an outpatient service of a public university in the south of Brazil. Early loss of deciduous teeth to trauma or caries was identified through analysis of health records, and afterwards, semi-structured interviews were performed. Textual material was interpreted through the content analysis proposed by Bardin, supported by the ATLAS.ti software. The theoretical perspective of stigma was guided according to the principles of the phenomenology of Maurice Merleau-Ponty, centred on the experience of early loss of deciduous teeth as a historic-cultural expression of a social group. According to caregivers, premature loss of deciduous teeth due to trauma or decay brings functional limitations with chewing and speaking, and impairments related to social interaction with other children. The repercussions of missing teeth were not limited to the child's image, but also brought changes in families' daily lives. However, when early tooth loss was due to extraction because of pain and suffering, caregivers perceived the loss as 'commonplace' in children's lives. The understanding of how children see themselves without teeth in their social world for their caregivers, which also includes their family and friends, determines how much experiencing tooth loss affects their lives. Besides, caregivers' perceptions related to early loss of deciduous teeth should be included in strategies of oral health promotion programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite several available methodologies for Chagas disease (CD) serological screening, the main limitation of chronic CD diagnosis is the lack of effective tools for large-scale screening and point-of-care diagnosis to be used in different CD epidemiological scenarios. Taking into account that developing such a diagnostic tool will significantly improve the ability to identify CD carriers, we aimed at performing a proof-of-concept study (phase I study) to assess the use of these proteins in a point-of-care platform using serum samples from different geographical settings of Brazil and distinct clinical presentations. The diagnostic accuracy study was conducted on a panel of two WHO International Standards (IS) and 14 sera from T. cruzi-positive and 16 from T. cruzi-negative individuals. The results obtained with the test strips were converted to digital images, allowing quantitative comparison expressed as a relative band intensity ratio (RBI). The diagnostic potential and performance were also determined. Regardless of the geographical origin or clinical presentation, all sera with T. cruzi antibodies returned positive both for IBMP-8.1 and IBMP-8.4 chimeric antigens. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) values was 100% for both antigens, demonstrating an outstanding overall diagnostic accuracy (100%). Based on the data, we believe that the lateral flow assays based on these antigens are promising methodologies for screening CD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In Brazil, acute Chagas disease (ACD) surveillance involves mandatory notification, which allows for population-based epidemiological studies. We conducted a nationwide population-based ecological analysis of the spatiotemporal patterns of ACD notifications in Brazil using secondary surveillance data obtained from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) maintained by Brazilian Ministry of Health. Methodology/Principal findings: In this nationwide population-based ecological all cases of ACD reported in Brazil between 2001 and 2018 were included. Epidemiological characteristics and time trends were analyzed through joinpoint regression models and spatial distribution using microregions as the unit of analysis. A total of 5,184 cases of ACD were recorded during the period under study. The annual incidence rate in Brazil was 0.16 per 100,000 inhabitants/year. Three statistically significant changes in time trends were identified: a rapid increase prior to 2005 (Period 1), a stable drop from 2005 to 2009 (Period 2), followed by another increasing trend after 2009 (Period 3). Higher frequencies were noted in males and females in the North (all three periods) and in females in Northeast (Periods 1 and 2) macroregions, as well as in individuals aged between 20–64 years in the Northeast, and children, adolescents and the elderly in the North macroregion. Vectorial transmission was the main route reported during Period 1, while oral transmission was found to increase significantly in the North during the other periods. Spatiotemporal distribution was heterogeneous in Brazil over time. Despite regional differences, over time cases of ACD decreased significantly nationwide. An increasing trend was noted in the North (especially after 2007), and significant decreases occurred after 2008 among all microregions other than those in the North, especially those in the Northeast and Central-West macroregions. Conclusions/Significance: In light of the newly identified epidemiological profile of CD transmission in Brazil, we emphasize the need for strategically integrated entomological and health surveillance actions. Author summary: Chagas disease (CD) infection is a debilitating and neglected disease that occurs in 21 Latin America countries. CD has two distinct phases: acute and chronic. The generally asymptomatic acute phase begins shortly after infection and can last up to four months. When symptoms do appear, they are typically mild and unspecific. Following this phase, infected individuals evolve to a long-lasting chronic phase, which can be either symptomatic or asymptomatic. In Brazil, only acute cases are mandatorily notifiable in the Brazilian Notifiable Diseases Information System (Brazilian Ministry of Health). Most chronic cases are unknown and untreated. Considering that epidemiological data related to ACD is publicly available, we have analyzed the spatiotemporal distribution of notified cases of ACD and evaluated relevant epidemiological indicators throughout Brazil from 2001 to 2018. The data present here may contribute to surveillance actions designed at preventing new CD cases. We observed 5,184 cases of ACD during the period under study. The annual incidence rate in Brazil was 0.16 per 100,000 inhabitants/year. Three distinct epidemiological periods were identified: a rapid increase prior to 2005 (Period 1), a stable drop from 2005 to 2009 (Period 2), followed by another increasing trend after 2009 (Period 3). Vectorial transmission was the main route reported during Period 1, while oral transmission was found to increase significantly in the North during the other periods. Despite regional differences, over time cases of ACD decreased significantly nationwide. An increasing trend was noted in the North (especially after 2007). In light of the newly identified epidemiological profile of CD transmission in Brazil, we emphasize the need for strategically integrated entomological and health surveillance actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The primary objective of this study was to investigate whether noninvasive ventilation (NIV) can positively affect exercise capacity, maximum oxygen uptake (...), and symptoms after a 6-week physical training program for subjects with moderate to very severe COPD. METHODS: 47 subjects with COPD who were enrolled in a physical training program were randomized to either physical training alone or NIV + physical training (NIV-Physical training). Physical training consisted of dynamic aerobic exercises on a treadmill 3 times/week for 6 weeks, for a total of 18 sessions. NIV was titrated according to the subject's tolerance at rest and during exercise. Assessments included physiological responses and symptoms at the incremental cardiopulmonary exercise test peak and during submaximal exercise on a treadmill, 6-min walk distance, maximum inspiratory (PImax) and expiratory pressure (PEmax), BODE index, and health-related quality of life. RESULTS: 43 subjects completed the 6-week physical training program. Both groups improved 6-min walk distance, PImax, BODE index, and quality of life, and no differences were found between groups. However, significant improvements were observed for subjects in the NIV-Physical training group with regard to PEmax, maximum ..., maximum metabolic equivalents, circulatory power, and maximum ... CONCLUSIONS: A 6-week physical training program alone can improve tolerance for exercise and quality of life, in addition to reducing the risk of mortality. However, NIV associated with a physical training program was shown to have an additive beneficial effect on powerful prognostic markers (maximum ... and circulatory power) and to reduce symptoms and improve oxygen saturation in subjects with moderate to very severe COPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objectives: To explore factors associated with discrimination in healthcare services and to assess whether discrimination based on dental aesthetics differs by sex. Methods: Cross‐sectional analysis based on a household survey carried out in a city in Southern Brazil. Fifteen primary health care (PHC) units with a dental team were randomly selected, and individuals who used the public services in the catchment areas of the PHC units were interviewed. The survey questionnaire included experiences with discrimination related to health services, sociodemographic and dental characteristics. Multiple logistic regressions were estimated with dental appearance as outcome. Results: The final sample was composed of 433 individuals, with 15.2% reporting being discriminated in health services. Participants with ≥20 teeth were significantly more likely to report discrimination than those with <20 teeth (16.6% vs 9.1%, respectively), and people with twisted and stained teeth reported more discrimination than those with white and aligned teeth (23.2% vs 9.9%, respectively). Overall, individuals with twisted and stained teeth were more likely to report discrimination (OR=3.13; 95% CI: 1.46‐6.71). When the analyses were stratified by sex, women with twisted and stained teeth showed an OR=3.62 (95% CI: 1.55‐8.46) and men OR=0.54 (95% CI: 0.05‐6.18). Conclusion: Dental appearance may lead to discrimination in healthcare services, but this seems to be more important for women than men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Portable respiratory inductive plethysmography (RIP) systems have been validated for ventilatory assessment during resting conditions and during incremental treadmill exercise. However, in clinical settings and during field-based exercise, intensity is usually constant and submaximal. A demonstration of the ability of RIP to detect respiratory measurements accurately during constant intensity conditions would promote and validate the routine use of portable RIP devices as an alternative to ergospirometry (ES), the current gold standard technique for ventilatory measures. Objective: To investigate the agreement between respiratory variables recorded by a portable RIP device and by ES during rest and constant intensity exercise. Method: Tidal volume (VT), respiratory rate (RR) and minute ventilation (VE) were concurrently acquired by portable RIP and ES in seven healthy male volunteers during standing rest position and constant intensity treadmill exercise. Results: Significant agreement was found between RIP and ES acquisitions during the standing rest position and constant intensity treadmill exercise for RR and during the standing rest position for VE. Conclusion: Our results suggest that portable RIP devices might represent a suitable alternative to ES during rest and during constant submaximal exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of RGO: Revista Gaúcha de Odontologia is the property of RGO: Revista Gaucha de Odontologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Odonto Ciencia is the property of EDIPUCRS - Editora Universitaria da PUCRS and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Interface - Comunicação, Saúde, Educação is the property of Fundacao UNI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Interface - Comunicação, Saúde, Educação is the property of Fundacao UNI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: Reintroduction is a procedure used to reestablish wild animal populations. Objective: To evaluate the success of reintroducing Amazona aestiva and investigate whether abiotic factors (temperature, humidity, and luminosity) interfere with the search for food supplementation in feeders installed in the release area. Methods: Pre-release evaluations were initiated with 59 Amazonas spp. Tests were run to stool parasitological tests, leukocytes, flight capacity, and level of animal-human interaction. In all, 33 animals were selected and sent to the release area, which is an ecotone between the Atlantic Forest and the Caatinga biomes. After release, visits to the feeders and survival in the area were monitored for a year. Abiotic factors were also recorded in these periods. Results: The stool parasitological tests revealed the presence of Heterakis spp. and Eimeira spp. The leukocyte parameters were within the reference values for the species. At least 50 % of the released animals survived after one year, with recordings of reproductive events. Abiotic factors did not interfere with the animal visits to the feeder. However, the variable humidity best explained visits in the morning, while the variables temperature and luminosity most influenced visits in the afternoon. Conclusion: The reintroduction observed and presented here is on the threshold of being classified as successful. The installed feeders and artificial nests caused the animals to stay in the area for monitoring. Abiotic factors may influence daily behavioral decision-making related to the use of supplementary feeding in reintroduced parrots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Surveillance of deaths in NHPs is a key point for the prevention of YF in humans. • Determination of hepatic pathological features are crucial for screening YF in NHPs. • YF-associated hepatic injuries may vary between South American NHPs genera. • Humans and NHPs show marked differences in the set of YF-associated hepatic lesions. The early detection and diagnosis of deaths in free-ranging non-human primates (NHPs) are key points for the surveillance of Yellow Fever (YF) in Brazil. The histopathological identification of infectious diseases remains very useful and reliable in the screening and detection of emerging zoonotic diseases such as YF. We surveyed data records and liver slides stained with hematoxylin and eosin from the Epizootics Surveillance Network to control YF, Ministry of Health of Brazil, to evaluate histopathological hallmarks for the diagnosis of the YF virus infection. We selected natural fatal cases in NHPs from the genera Alouatta spp., Callithrix spp., and Sapajus spp. with a positive immunohistochemical assay for YF in liver samples. Our findings showed the full-spectrum YF-associated hepatic lesions in all NHPs, but some histopathological findings differed in the distribution and intensity between the three genera. In our study, South American NHPs showed significant differences in the YF-associated hepatic histopathological features compared to fatal cases reported in humans. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Muscle loss is one of the phenotypic criteria of malnutrition, is highly prevalent in patients with cirrhosis, and is associated with adverse outcomes. Mid-arm muscle circumference (MAMC) estimates the skeletal muscle mass and is especially helpful in cases of fluid overload. This study aimed to propose MAMC cutoff points for patients with cirrhosis and demonstrate its association with 1-year mortality., Methods: This is an analysis of cohort databases from five reference centers in Brazil that included inpatients and outpatients with cirrhosis aged ≥18 y. The nutritional variables obtained were the MAMC (n = 1075) and the subjective global assessment (n = 629). We established the MAMC cutoff points stratified by sex based on the subjective global assessment as a reference standard for malnutrition diagnosis, considering the sensitivity, specificity, and Youden index. An adjusted Cox regression model was used to test the association of MAMC cutoff points and 1-year mortality., Results: We included 1075 patients with cirrhosis, with a mean age of 54.8 ± 11.3 y; 70.4% (n = 757) male. Most patients had alcoholic cirrhosis (47.1%, n = 506) and were classified as Child-Pugh B (44.7%, n = 480). The MAMC cutoff points for moderate and severe depletion were ≤21.5 cm and ≤24.2 cm; ≤20.9 cm and ≤22.9 cm for women and men, respectively. According to these cutoff points, 13.8% (n = 148) and 35.1% (n = 377) of the patients had moderate or severe MAMC depletion, respectively. The 1-year mortality rate was 17.3% (n = 186). In the multivariate analysis adjusted for sex, age, MELD-Na, and Child-Pugh scores, a severe depletion in MAMC was an independent increased risk factor for 1-year mortality (HR: 1.71, 95% CI: 1.24-2.35, P < 0.001). Each increase of 1 cm in MAMC values was associated with an 11% reduction in 1-year mortality risk (HR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.85-0.94, P < 0.001)., Conclusions: Low MAMC classified according to the new cutoff points predicts mortality risk in patients with cirrhosis and could be used in clinical practice., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Colorectal cancer is a serious public health problem and one of the most common cancer worldwide. Countries around the world have shown different trends. While incidence and mortality rates for colorectal cancer are on an upward trend in developing countries, these rates have been on a downward trend in most developed countries., Objective: To analyze the temporal trend of morbimortality by colorectal cancer in Brazil between 2002 and 2016., Methods: Descriptive, time series research. Data were extracted from the national information systems for hospitalizations and deaths of the respective years., Results: There were increasing trends in hospital morbidity and mortality from colorectal cancer in all regions of the country, with the very elderly individuals dying at a higher rate. Women (52.1%) were more affected than men, but death rates were higher for males aged 60 years or more. Regional disparities were evident, with almost 80% of deaths occurring in the South and Southeast, with the largest annual increase in the South and the lowest in the North. Regarding hospitalization, South and Southeast presented higher annual growths., Conclusion: These data add knowledge about the profile of public hospitalizations and deaths, reaffirming that colorectal cancer contributes to an important burden of disease and mortality in Brazil. These elements have implications for the review of colorectal cancer prevention and control strategies, as well as for public health investments.

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) manifests itself in complex ways, with local and systemic effects; because of this, a multifactorial approach is needed for disease evaluation, in order to understand its severity and impact on each individual. Thus, our objective was to study the correlation between easily accessible variables, usually available in clinical practice, and maximum aerobic capacity, and to determine models for peak oxygen uptake (VO 2 peak) estimation in COPD patients., Subjects and Methods: Individuals with COPD were selected for the study. At the first visit, clinical evaluation was performed. During the second visit, the volunteers were subjected to the cardiopulmonary exercise test. To determine the correlation coefficient of VO 2 peak with forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV 1 ) (% pred.) and the COPD Assessment Test score (CATs), Pearson or Spearman tests were performed. VO 2 at the peak of the exercise was estimated from the clinical variables by simple and multiple linear regression analyses., Results: A total of 249 subjects were selected, 27 of whom were included after screening (gender: 21M/5F; age: 65.0±7.3 years; body mass index: 26.6±5.0 kg/m 2 ; FEV 1 (% pred.): 56.4±15.7, CAT: 12.4±7.4). Mean VO 2 peak was 12.8±3.0 mL⋅kg -1 ⋅min -1 and VO 2 peak (% pred.) was 62.1%±14.9%. VO 2 peak presented a strong positive correlation with FEV 1 (% pred.), r : 0.70, and a moderate negative correlation with the CATs, r : -0.54. In the VO 2 peak estimation model based on the CAT (estimated VO 2 peak =15.148- [0.185× CATs]), the index explained 20% of the variance, with estimated error of 2.826 mL⋅kg -1 ⋅min -1 . In the VO 2 peak estimation model based on FEV 1 (estimated VO 2 peak =6.490+ [0.113× FEV 1 ]), the variable explained 50% of the variance, with an estimated error of 2.231 mL⋅kg -1 ⋅min -1 . In the VO 2 peak estimation model based on CATs and FEV 1 (estimated VO 2 peak =8.441- [0.0999× CAT] + [0.1000× FEV 1 ]), the variables explained 55% of the variance, with an estimated error of 2.156 mL⋅kg -1 ⋅min -1 ., Conclusion: COPD patients' maximum aerobic capacity has a significant correlation with easily accessible and widely used clinical variables, such as the CATs and FEV 1 , which can be used to estimate peak VO 2 ., Competing Interests: Disclosure The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

Background & Aims: All known hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes occur in humans and hominoid Old World non-human primates (NHPs). The divergent woolly monkey HBV (WMHBV) forms another orthohepadnavirus species. The evolutionary origins of HBV are unclear., Methods: We analysed sera from 124 Brazilian monkeys collected during 2012-2016 for hepadnaviruses using molecular and serological tools, and conducted evolutionary analyses., Results: We identified a novel orthohepadnavirus species in capuchin monkeys (capuchin monkey hepatitis B virus [CMHBV]). We found CMHBV-specific antibodies in five animals and high CMHBV concentrations in one animal. Non-inflammatory, probably chronic infection was consistent with an intact preCore domain, low genetic variability, core deletions in deep sequencing, and no elevated liver enzymes. Cross-reactivity of antisera against surface antigens suggested antigenic relatedness of HBV, CMHBV, and WMHBV. Infection-determining CMHBV surface peptides bound to the human HBV receptor (human sodium taurocholate co-transporting polypeptide), but preferentially interacted with the capuchin monkey receptor homologue. CMHBV and WMHBV pseudotypes infected human hepatoma cells via the human sodium taurocholate co-transporting polypeptide, and were poorly neutralised by HBV vaccine-derived antibodies, suggesting that cross-species infections may be possible. Ancestral state reconstructions and sequence distance comparisons associated HBV with humans, whereas primate hepadnaviruses as a whole were projected to NHP ancestors. Co-phylogenetic analyses yielded evidence for co-speciation of hepadnaviruses and New World NHP. Bayesian hypothesis testing yielded strong support for an association of the HBV stem lineage with hominoid ancestors. Neither CMHBV nor WMHBV was likely the ancestor of the divergent human HBV genotypes F/H found in American natives., Conclusions: Our data suggest ancestral co-speciation of hepadnaviruses and NHP, and an Old World origin of the divergent HBV genotypes F/H. The identification of a novel primate hepadnavirus offers new perspectives for urgently needed animal models of chronic hepatitis B., Lay Summary: The origins of HBV are unclear. The new orthohepadnavirus species from Brazilian capuchin monkeys resembled HBV in elicited infection patterns and could infect human liver cells using the same receptor as HBV. Evolutionary analyses suggested that primate HBV-related viruses might have emerged in African ancestors of New World monkeys millions of years ago. HBV was associated with hominoid primates, including humans and apes, suggesting evolutionary origins of HBV before the formation of modern humans. HBV genotypes found in American natives were divergent from those found in American monkeys, and likely introduced along prehistoric human migration. Our results elucidate the evolutionary origins and dispersal of primate HBV, identify a new orthohepadnavirus reservoir, and enable new perspectives for animal models of hepatitis B., (Copyright © 2018 European Association for the Study of the Liver. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Aim: To evaluate the effects of soy supplementation on insulin resistance, fatty liver and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels in non-diabetic patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC)., Methods: In a prospective, randomized and single-blinded clinical trial, we compared patients with CHC who had casein as a supplement (n = 80) (control group), with patients who consumed a soy supplement diet (n = 80) [intervention group (IG)]. Both groups received 32 g/d of protein for 12 wk., Results: Patients' baseline features showed that 48.1% were overweight, 43.7% had abdominal fat accumulation, 34.7% had hepatic steatosis and 36.3% had an homeostasis model assessment index of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) ≥ 3.0. Descriptive analysis showed that protein supplementation diet reduced hepatic steatosis in both groups; however, significant reductions in ALT levels occurred in the soy group. Multiple regression modeling indicated that in the presence of severe fibrosis (F3/F4), γ glutamyl transferase elevation and high density lipoprotein (HDL) reduction, the intervention group had 75% less chance of developing hepatic steatosis (OR= 0.25; 95% CI: 0.06-0.82) and 55% less chance of presenting with an ALT level ≥ 1.5 × the upper limit of normal (ULN) (OR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.22-0.89). Soy treatment did not have any effect on insulin resistance (OR = 1.92; 95% CI: 0.80-4.83), which might be attributed to the fact that the HOMA-IR values at baseline in most of our patients were in the normal range. Advanced hepatic fibrosis, an ALT level > 1.5 × ULN and visceral fat were predictors of an HOMA-IR ≥ 3. The IG group had a reduced risk of an ALT level > 1.5 × ULN. An HOMA-IR ≥ 3.0 and HDL < 35 mg/dL were also risk factors for increased ALT., Conclusion: Soy supplementation decreased ALT levels and thus may improve liver inflammation in hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients; it also reduced hepatic steatosis in a subgroup of patients but did not change insulin resistance. It should be considered in the nutritional care of HCV patients.

The purpose of this study is a monthly assessment of fluoride levels in the public water supply in Lages, Santa Catarina State, Brazil. This town was divided into ten regions, where water samples were collected from October 2004 to September 2005. Two samples were drawn from each region and sent to the Fluoride Health Surveillance Laboratory at Vale do Itajaí University for analysis through an electrometric method (Orion 920A/Orion Electrode 9609). After twelve months, 120 samples had been collected, demonstrating gaps in the fluoride levels and some points with excessive fluoride levels (35,8%). Several points with ideal fluoride concentrations (54.2%) also appeared. These findings lead to the conclusion that external controls are required for monitoring fluoride levels in the public water supply in Lages.

The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence and severity of dental fluorosis in all schoolchildren (ages 4 to 18 years, n = 259) from the town of Santa Tereza, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, and to investigate associated factors. Data were obtained through a questionnaire and by means of clinical tests. Dean's index was used to determine fluorosis occurrence. Prevalence of fluorosis was 63.7%. The predominant category was very mild (43.6%), followed by mild (12.0%), moderate (7.7%), borderline (7.3%), and severe (0.4%). Approximately 85.0% of the schoolchildren currently have, or have had, access to other topical sources of fluoride. Significant associations were found between place of residence and previous or ongoing fluoride mouth rinsing and prevalence and severity of fluorosis (p < 0.05). There was also a significant association between dental fluorosis and parents' level of schooling, frequency of brushing teeth, fluoride rinsing, and use of fluoride gel (p < 0.05).