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With a view to identifying new knowledge on nursing care that will give additional support to nurses, this qualitative study sets out how final year nursing students conceive of the meaning and value of touch as a therapeutic instrument. Data was gathered from workshops on awareness-raising, expressiveness and creativity; through participative observation; and from field diary records. 13 final year nursing students at the State University of Paraíba, Campina Grande-PB took part. The findings, based on statements taken, emphasize touch as a fundamental strategy for humanization, which makes it viable to have an empathic relationship between client and professional. Professionals must display the sensitivity needed to use touch appropriately and at appropriate times. Therefore, the act of touch needs to be understood beyond its physical aspect, because this involves subjective factors, both by those who do the touching and those being touched. The workshops were successful in reawakening a sense of humanization, which had apparently lain dormant amongst group participants. They now regard touch as a means to establish a relationship of exchange, reward and respect between nurse and client, which is indispensable in the caregiver's daily routine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The indigenous population located in the central region of Brazil, is the second largest in terms of population size in the country. The Indigenous Reserve of Dourados has risk factors that increase the vulnerability of the indigenous population to infectious diseases, especially Human alphaherpesvirus (HSV-1), a neglected disease with high prevalence in priority populations in developing countries. The virus can also cause many more severe diseases, including widespread neonatal infections, herpetic keratitis, and herpes encephalitis, which can be fatal if left untreated. We estimated the prevalence of anti-HSV-1 antibodies and correlated it with the demographic and behavioral characteristics of the Indigenous population of the Jaguapirú and Bororó villages (Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul (MS), Brazil)., Methods: Our approach was cross-sectional. From March 2017 to November 2018. Using anti-HSV-1 (Gg1) IgM and anti-HSV-1 (gG1) IgG Euroimmun and the detection and quantification of HSV-1 viral load in plasma samples, through real-time PCR. The maps were constructed using QGIS and the statistical analyses using R Studio software., Results: A total of 1138 individuals (> 18 years old) were enrolled. The prevalence of anti-HSV-1 IgM and IgG were 20% and 97.5%, respectively. The prevalence of anti-HSV-1 antibodies for IgG was higher in both sexes. Anti-HSV-1 IgM antibodies were present in 17.1%, 21.2%, 12.5%, and 22% of the participants with urinary problems, genital wounds, genital warts, and urethral discharge, respectively. Real-time PCR was used for confirmatory testing; HSV-1 DNA was detected in 25.6% (54/211) of anti-HSV1 IgM-positive samples. Viral loads ranged from 5.99E + 02 to 3.36E + 13., Conclusions: The seroprevalence of HSV-1 IgM and detection of HSV-1 DNA in the Indigenous population confirmed high silent prevalence. Furthermore, the seroprevalence of HSV-1 in the Indigenous population was higher than that reported in the general adult Brazilian population. Various socioeconomic factors, drug use, and health and sexual behaviors could contribute to the facilitation of HSV-1 transmission in the Indigenous population. Our results may help develop culturally appropriate intervention programs that eliminate health access barriers and improve the implementation of public health policies aimed at promoting information regarding the prevention, treatment, and control of HSV-1 infection in Brazilian Indigenous populations., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

This study examines the epidemiological and genomic characteristics, along with the transmission dynamics, of SARS-CoV-2 within prison units I and II in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Conducted between May and October 2022, it reveals how the virus spreads in the confined settings of prisons, emphasizing the roles of overcrowded cells, frequent transfers, and limited healthcare access. The research involved 1927 participants (83.93% of the total prison population) and utilized nasopharyngeal swabs and RT-qPCR testing for detection. Contact tracing monitored exposure within cells. Out of 2108 samples, 66 positive cases were identified (3.13%), mostly asymptomatic (77.27%), with the majority aged 21-29 and varying vaccination statuses. Next-generation sequencing generated 28 whole genome sequences, identifying the Omicron variant (subtypes BA.2 and BA.5) with 99% average coverage. Additionally, the study seeks to determine the relationship between immunization levels and the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 cases within this enclosed population. The findings underscore the necessity of comprehensive control strategies in prisons, including rigorous screening, isolation protocols, vaccination, epidemiological monitoring, and genomic surveillance to mitigate disease transmission and protect both the incarcerated population and the broader community.

Objectives: To identify infants with biliary atresia (BA), European Society of Paediatric Gastroenteroloy and Nutrition (ESPGHAN)/North American Society of Pediatric Gastroenteroloy and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) guidelines recommend measurement of conjugated/direct bilirubin in infants with prolonged jaundice and using a stool colour card (SCC). The 'Quality of Care' Task Force of ESPGHAN performed two surveys to assess current case finding for BA and age at Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE)., Methods: The first survey approached 26 European hepatology centres to report age at referral and age at KPE of all infants diagnosed with BA from 2015 to 2019. The second survey targeted paediatricians in France to assess awareness and compliance with the recently introduced SCC., Results: Data from 785 patients with BA from 18 centres in 15 countries revealed a mean age at referral to tertiary centre of 55 days (median 53, IQR 48-60) (n = 636). The mean age at KPE was 61 days (median 60; IQR 54-67) (n = 772). For 6% of patients, cirrhosis was too advanced for surgery. Of 392 paediatricians answering the second survey, 53% felt familiar with the target diseases, 80% correctly identified cholestasis and 59% always inquired about the infant's stool colour. If abnormal, 93% would order blood tests and 85% call for advice. The SCC screening was considered helpful for case finding and improving knowledge of cholestatic diseases by 62% and 45% paediatricians, respectively., Conclusions: Referral of infants for KPE remains late, indicating low adherence to search for cholestasis in icteric infants by age 2-3 weeks. Knowledge and structures need improvement to allow earlier guideline conform case finding, diagnosis and therapy., (© 2024 The Authors. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition and North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition.)

Background: The prevalence of psychosis has been shown to be disproportionately high amongst sexual and gender minority individuals. However, there is currently little consideration of the unique needs of this population in mental health treatment, with LGBTQA+ individuals facing barriers in accessing timely and non-stigmatising support for psychotic experiences. This issue deserves attention as delays to help-seeking and poor engagement with treatment predict worsened clinical and functional outcomes for people with psychosis. The present protocol describes the methodology for a scoping review which will aim to identify barriers and facilitators faced by LGBTQA+ individuals across the psychosis spectrum in help-seeking and accessing mental health support., Methods: A comprehensive search strategy will be used to search Medline, PsycINFO, Embase, Scopus, LGBTQ+ Source, and grey literature. Original studies of any design, setting, and publication date will be included if they discuss barriers and facilitators to mental health treatment access and engagement for LGBTQA+ people with experiences of psychosis. Two reviewers will independently screen titles/abstracts and full-text articles for inclusion in the review. Both reviewers will then extract the relevant data according to pre-determined criteria, and study quality will be assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklists. Key data from included studies will be synthesised in narrative form according to the Guidance on the Conduct of Narrative Synthesis in Systematic Reviews., Discussion: The results of this review will provide a comprehensive account of the current and historical barriers and facilitators to mental healthcare faced by LGBTQA+ people with psychotic symptoms and experiences. It is anticipated that the findings from this review will be relevant to clinical and community services and inform future research. Findings will be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at conferences., Scoping Review Registration: This protocol is registered in Open Science Framework Registries ( https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/AT6FC )., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: Delayed pregnancy is a worldwide trend, especially in Western countries. University students and professors are at high risk of presenting age-related reproductive difficulties due to this new reproductive profile. Thus, through this study, we aimed at exploring the knowledge, awareness, and attitude of university students and professors related to fertility and fertility preservation (FP)., Methods: We adopted a prospective cross-sectional study design and included students and professors from private university located in the Northeast of Brazil. Eligible participants (male and female) were invited through an online message. The participants accessed the online questionnaire through a link., Results: We performed 256 surveys (100 students and 156 professors). The overall mean age of participants was 35.8±13.1 years (from 18 to 67 years). Fertility was considered relevant by all participants, being very important among a greater number of students compared to professors, 61% versus 30.1%, P<0.001, respectively. The main reasons why participants could have postponed parenthood were reach financial stability (62.1%), career building (51.2%), health issues (37.9%), and not having a partner (33.9%). Students demonstrated a better understanding of FP and highlighted the importance of the age of females at the time of the oocyte cryopreservation. Very few students and professors already discussed reproductive planning with a health professional., Conclusions: We observed a deficiency in the knowledge of Brazilian university students and professors about female fertility and FP options. Thus, exposing the population to information related to FP should be hyped in the university environment.

The emergence and continued geographic expansion of arboviruses and the growing number of infected people have highlighted the need to develop and improve multiplex methods for rapid and specific detection of pathogens. Sequencing technologies are promising tools that can help in the laboratory diagnosis of conditions that share common symptoms, such as pathologies caused by emerging arboviruses. In this study, we integrated nanopore sequencing and the advantages of reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to develop a multiplex RT-PCR protocol for the detection of Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and several orthoflaviviruses (such as dengue ( Orthoflavivirus dengue ), Zika ( Orthoflavivirus zikaense ), yellow fever ( Orthoflavivirus flavi ), and West Nile ( Orthoflavivirus nilense ) viruses) in a single reaction, which provides data for sequence-based differentiation of arbovirus lineages.

This study assessed the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in 496 asymptomatic individuals from Mato Grosso do Sul, located in Dourados, the largest periurban indigenous area in Brazil, from January 25 to February 4, 2021. The volunteers participated before receiving their first dose of the CoronaVac inactivated vaccine. For screening, blood samples were collected and analyzed using SARS-CoV-2 rapid tests and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We observed varying trends in total anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies across different variables. Seropositivity among the participants tested was 63.70% (316/496) using the rapid test and 52.82% (262/496) were positive using the ELISA method. The majority of participants identified with the Guarani-Kaiowá ethnic group, with 66.15% (217/328), and other ethnic groups with 58.84% (193/328). The median age of the subjects was 30.5 years, with 79.57% (261/328) being femaleThis research showed the elevated seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in asymptomatic Brazilians. The findings indicate a high seropositivity rate among the asymptomatic indigenous population of Midwest Brazil. This underscores the overlooked status of these communities and underscores the need for targeted national initiatives that emphasize the protection of vulnerable ethnic groups in the fight against COVID-19., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2023 de Oliveira et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

Background: There is wide variation in the problems prioritised by people with psychosis in cognitive behavioural therapy for psychosis (CBTp). While research trials and mental health services have often prioritised reduction in psychiatric symptoms, service users may prioritise issues not directly related to psychosis. This discrepancy suggests potential challenges in treatment outcome research., Aims: The present study aimed to examine the types of problems that were recorded on problem lists generated in CBTp trials., Method: Problem and goals lists for 110 participants were extracted from CBTp therapy notes. Subsequently, problems were coded into 23 distinct categories by pooling together items that appeared thematically related., Results: More than half of participants (59.62%) listed a non-psychosis-related priority problem, and 22.12% did not list any psychosis related problems. Chi-square tests indicated there was no difference between participants from early intervention (EI) and other services in terms of priority problem (χ 2 = 0.06, p = .804), but that those from EI were more likely to include any psychosis-related problems in their lists (χ 2 = 6.66, p = .010)., Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that psychiatric symptom reduction is not the primary goal of CBTp for most service users, particularly those who are not under the care of EI services. The implications for future research and clinical practice are discussed.

Perturbations in the native structure, often caused by stressing cellular conditions, not only impair protein function but also lead to the formation of aggregates, which can accumulate in the cell leading to harmful effects. Some organisms, such as plants, express the molecular chaperone HSP100 (homologous to HSP104 from yeast), which has the remarkable capacity to disaggregate and reactivate proteins. Recently, studies with animal cells, which lack a canonical HSP100, have identified the involvement of a distinct system composed of HSP70/HSP40 that needs the assistance of HSP110 to efficiently perform protein breakdown. As sessile plants experience stressful conditions more severe than those experienced by animals, we asked whether a plant HSP110 could also play a role in collaborating with HSP70/HSP40 in a system that increases the efficiency of disaggregation. Thus, the gene for a putative HSP110 from the cereal Sorghum bicolor was cloned and the protein, named SbHSP110, purified. For comparison purposes, human HsHSP110 (HSPH1/HSP105) was also purified and investigated in parallel. First, a combination of spectroscopic and hydrodynamic techniques was used for the characterization of the conformation and stability of recombinant SbHSP110, which was produced folded. Second, small-angle X-ray scattering and combined predictors of protein structure indicated that SbHSP110 and HsHSP110 have similar conformations. Then, the chaperone activities, which included protection against aggregation, refolding, and reactivation, were investigated, showing that SbHSP110 and HsHSP110 have similar functional activities. Altogether, the results add to the structure/function relationship study of HSP110s and support the hypothesis that plants have multiple strategies to act upon the reactivation of protein aggregates., (© 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Purpose: To evaluate the morphological, biochemical, and histological effects of aqueous extracts of peanut (skinless and added to 1% skin) in Swiss mice submitted to a high-fat diet., Methods: Forty male Swiss mice were divided into four groups (n=10 per group): GI) normocaloric diet; GII) high-fat diet; GIII) high-fat diet + 0.5 mL of peanut extract; GIV) high-fat diet + 0.5 mL of peanut extract + 1% peanut skin. The animals were weighed weekly and euthanized after 12 weeks for histopathological and biochemical analyses. The study was approved by the Animal Use Ethics Committee., Results: The animals in the GIV group had higher body weight when compared to the other ones. Increase in total cholesterol in GIII, increase in blood glucose in groups GII, GIII and GIV, decrease in serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) concentration in groups GI and GIV and increase in serum concentration of C-reactive protein in GII were seen. The presence of vacuolar fat deposits was found in animal livers from GII., Conclusions: The extracts improved the plasma concentrations of animals that received a high-fat diet, including preventing morphological damage to liver tissue. These benefits were enhanced by the association of peanut shells with the extract.

Excessive sun exposure during childhood increases the risk of skin cancer. This study characterized the knowledge and attitudes of caregivers regarding exposure and sun protection of children and adolescents. One hundred and ninety-eight caregivers (38.5 ± 8.0 years) who resorted to the consultations of a Pediatrics Service or a Family Health Unit answered a questionnaire. The age of children/adolescents was 6.5 ± 5.1 years. On average, caregivers presented a high level of knowledge regarding exposure and sun protection. One hundred and twenty-six caregivers indicated that they obtained more information about sun protection on social communication, and 66% considered the information provided by healthcare professionals to be enough. One-hundred and fifteen caregivers reported that the child/adolescent was more exposed to the sun after 4 a.m., and 88% reported applying sunscreen on the beach/pool and outdoor activities. Fifty-seven percent of caregivers renewed sunscreen application on the child/adolescent every 2 h, and 94% applied a sun protection factor ≥ 50 in the child/adolescent. There was a significant association ( p < 0.001) between education level and caregivers' self-knowledge about sun protection (the higher the education, the higher the knowledge), and between the knowledge of the hour of sun exposure avoidance and the time when the child/adolescent was more exposed to the sun. This study shows that caregivers are highly knowledgeable about exposure and sun protection in children/adolescents, and their attitudes follow the general recommendations.

In human cells under stress conditions, misfolded polypeptides can form potentially cytotoxic insoluble aggregates. To eliminate aggregates, the HSP70 chaperone machinery extracts and resolubilizes polypeptides for triage to refolding or degradation. Yeast and bacterial chaperones of the small heat-shock protein (sHSP) family can bind substrates at early stages of misfolding, during the aggregation process. The co-aggregated sHSPs then facilitate downstream disaggregation by HSP70. Because it is unknown whether a human sHSP has this activity, we investigated the disaggregation role of human HSPB1. HSPB1 co-aggregated with unfolded protein substrates, firefly luciferase and mammalian lactate dehydrogenase. The co-aggregates formed with HSPB1 were smaller and more regularly shaped than those formed in its absence. Importantly, co-aggregation promoted the efficient disaggregation and refolding of the substrates, led by HSP70. HSPB1 itself was also extracted during disaggregation, and its homo-oligomerization ability was not required. Therefore, we propose that a human sHSP is an integral part of the chaperone network for protein disaggregation., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

A checklist of the coelidine leafhoppers of Reserva Nacional Tambopata, Madre de Dios, Peru, is provided, increasing the known diversity from 19 species and 9 genera, to 38 and 18, respectively. In addition, four species have their distributions expanded and recorded for the first time for Peru: Boliviela caverna Nielson, 2011, Carinoscapula sarcula (Nielson, 1992), Dicodia recurvata Nielson, 2011 (Coelidiini), and Plapigella elegans (Spångberg, 1878) (Teruliini). A new species of Coelidiini is also described: Daridna nielsoni sp. nov. from this reserve. A new junior synonym is also recognized: Vernobia johnsoni Nielson, 1979 equals Stalolidia amazonensis Barbosa Takiya, 2017 syn. nov.

Lignin is a recalcitrant macromolecule formed by three alcohols (monolignols) predominantly connected by β-aryl ether linkages and is one of the most abundant organic macromolecules in the biosphere. However, the role played by environmental bacteria in lignin degradation is still not entirely understood. In this study, we identified an environmental Klebsiella strain isolated from sediment collected from an altitudinal region in a unique Brazilian biome called Caatinga. This organism can also grow in the presence of kraft lignin as a sole source of carbon and aromatic compounds. We performed whole-genome sequencing and conducted an extensive genome-based metabolic reconstruction to reveal the potential mechanisms used by the bacterium Klebsiella variicola P1CD1 for lignin utilization as a carbon source. We identified 262 genes associated with lignin-modifying enzymes (LMEs) and lignin-degrading auxiliary enzymes (LDAs) required for lignin and aromatic compound degradation. The presence of one DyP (Dye-decolorizing Peroxidase) gene suggests the ability of P1CD1 strain to access phenolic and nonphenolic structures of lignin molecules, resulting in the production of catechol and protocatechuate (via vanillin or syringate) along the peripheral pathways of lignin degradation. K. variicola P1CD1 uses aldehyde-alcohol dehydrogenase to perform direct conversion of vanillin to protocatechol. The upper funneling pathways are linked to the central pathways of the protocatechuate/catechol catabolic branches via β-ketoadipate pathways, connecting the more abundant catabolized aromatic compounds with essential cellular functions, such as energy cellular and biomass production (i.e., via acetyl-CoA formation). The combination of phenotypic and genomic approaches revealed the potential dissimilatory and assimilatory ability of K. variicola P1CD1 to perform base-catalyzed lignin degradation, acting on high- and low-molecular-weight lignin fragments. These findings will be relevant for developing metabolic models to predict the ligninolytic mechanism used by environmental bacteria and shedding light on the flux of carbon in the soil., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

There is a scarcity of studies on the prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) in indigenous populations of Brazil. We conducted a cross-sectional study between January and December 2018, on indigenous women living nearby an urban center of the Midwest region of Brazil and determined the prevalence of TV. Factors associated with TV infection and a comparison of molecular and direct microscopy diagnoses were determined. 241 indigenous women aged above 18 years participated in the study. Cervical and vaginal brush samples were collected to diagnose TV through polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Direct microscopy for detection of TV, and cellular changes was performed. A sociodemographic and behavioral questionnaire was applied at the beginning of the study. All the data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. The result obtained showed that 27.8% [95% CI: 22.2-33.9] were positive for TV on PCR, while 7.41% [95% CI: 4.1-11] showed positive on direct microscopy. Direct microcopy also found 21 (8.71%) and 8 (3.31%) women infected with Gardnerella vaginalis and Candida albicans, respectively. In addition, 10 women presented atypical squamous cells of unknown significance and 14 lesions suggestive of HPV. Single women, under the age of 30 and who do not use condoms, were found to have a greater chance of getting TV infection. The high prevalence TV found in this population is comparable to highly vulnerable populations, as prisoners, sex workers and women in regions with low socioeconomic levels, moreover, seems to be an underdiagnosis of this infection. Therefore, a routine test program, as well as a review of the diagnostic method used, is encouraged for proper management., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

The co-chaperone CHIP (carboxy terminus of Hsc70 interacting protein) is very important for many cell activities since it regulates the ubiquitination of substrates targeted for proteasomal degradation. However, information on the structure-function relationship of CHIP from plants and how it interacts and ubiquitinates other plant chaperones is still needed. For that, the CHIP ortholog from Sorghum bicolor (SbCHIP) was identified and studied in detail. SbCHIP was purified and produced folded and pure, being capable of keeping its structural conformation up to 42 °C, indicating that cellular function is maintained even in a hot environment. Also, SbCHIP was able to bind plant Hsp70 and Hsp90 with high affinity and interact with E2 enzymes, performing E3 ligase activity. The data allowed to reveal the pattern of plant Hsp70 and Hsp90 ubiquitination and described which plant E2 enzymes are likely involved in SbCHIP-mediated ubiquitination. Aditionally, we obtained information on the SbCHIP conformation, showing that it is a non-globular symmetric dimer and allowing to put forward a model for the interaction of SbCHIP with chaperones and E2 enzymes that suggests a mechanism of ubiquitination. Altogether, the results presented here are useful additions to the study of protein folding and degradation in plants., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Lignin is an abundant cell wall component, and it has been used mainly for generating steam and electricity. Nevertheless, lignin valorization, i.e. the conversion of lignin into high value-added fuels, chemicals, or materials, is crucial for the full implementation of cost-effective lignocellulosic biorefineries. From this perspective, rapid screening methods are crucial for time- and resource-efficient development of novel microbial strains and enzymes with applications in the lignin biorefinery. The present review gives an overview of recent developments and applications of a vast arsenal of activity and sequence-based methodologies for uncovering novel microbial strains with ligninolytic potential, novel enzymes for lignin depolymerization and for unraveling the main metabolic routes during growth on lignin. Finally, perspectives on the use of each of the presented methods and their respective advantages and disadvantages are discussed., (Copyright © 2020 Gonçalves, Bruce, Silva, Fillho, Noronha, Carlquist and Parachin.)

Mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) channel cause cystic fibrosis. Chaperones, including HSC70, DNAJA1 and DNAJA2, play key roles in both the folding and degradation of wild-type and mutant CFTR at multiple cellular locations. DNAJA1 and HSC70 promote the folding of newly synthesized CFTR at the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), but are required for the rapid turnover of misfolded channel at the plasma membrane (PM). DNAJA2 and HSC70 are also involved in the ER-associated degradation (ERAD) of misfolded CFTR, while they assist the refolding of destabilized channel at the PM. These outcomes may depend on the binding of chaperones to specific sites within CFTR, which would be exposed in non-native states. A CFTR peptide library was used to identify binding sites for HSC70, DNAJA1 and DNAJA2, validated by competition and functional assays. Each chaperone had a distinct binding pattern, and sites were distributed between the surfaces of the CFTR cytosolic domains, and domain interfaces known to be important for channel assembly. The accessibility of sites to chaperones will depend on the degree of CFTR folding or unfolding. Different folded states may be recognized by unique combinations of HSC70, DNAJA1 and DNAJA2, leading to divergent biological effects.

A new monotypic genus of Hoplojassini from French Guiana is proposed, described, and illustrated. Carinojassus gen. nov. differs from other genera of the tribe by the slightly produced crown; deeply transversely striated and strongly declivous pronotum; scutellum not extended posterior to the clavus apex of the forewing at rest and with the posterior half strongly keeled medially and elevated dorsally; and the apically rounded forewing.

Two new species of Regalana DeLong Freytag, 1975 are described and illustrated: Regalana jamari sp. nov. and Regalana madeira sp. nov., both from State of Rondônia, Northern Brazil. Delongiana gen. nov. is described within Gyponini, based on two new species from Brazil: Delongiana ramosa sp. nov., designated as type-species, from Minas Gerais and Paraná states and Delongiana baiana sp. nov. from Bahia and Rio de Janeiro states. The new genus can be distinguished from other Gyponini genera based on the combination of the following features: crown slightly produced, parallel striated; crown-face transition distinct, thick and striated; male pygofer with an oblique integument thickening near dorsal margin; subgenital plate very narrow and elongated; connective Y-shaped; style elongated with apex foot-shaped; aedeagus with dorsal apodemes strongly developed, shaft cylindrical and curved dorsally, with processes near mid-length and without apical processes. Additionally, new country records are given for Regalana bobbyi and R. dianae and state records to R. sheilae.

The phenomenon of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) through optical sensors was developed from initial studies involving excitation of surface plasmons on metallic substrates. From the beginning, these optical systems have attracted increasing interest for application in different areas, ranging from physics, chemistry, and materials science to biology. Although numerous applications have been explored, the use of SPR in the development of biosensors is by far the most prominent. This review provides a brief account of fundamental aspects related to the recent applications of SPR as a tool for the development of new clinical diagnosis methods. The applications of SPR biosensors were illustrated through recent studies published in the field of neglected tropical diseases, with an emphasis on the contributions achieved in visceral leishmaniasis. It was possible to demonstrate the real benefits and the difficulties that the SPR biosensors have encountered in this important and complex system. Finally, future trends in the use of nanomaterials for the development of SPR-based portable devices for application to neglected tropical diseases have been demonstrated., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Pentoffiini is a small tribe of Neotropical leafhoppers that includes two genera: Evanirvana Hill, 1973 with only one species, E. aurea, previously known only from females and Pentoffia Kramer, 1964 with seven species. Here, we describe the male of E. aurea, a new species of Evanirvana, E. tambopata sp. nov., from Peru, and a new species of Pentoffia, P. santosi sp. nov., from Peru. A revised diagnosis for Evanirvana and key to all known species of Pentoffiini are provided.

Two new monotypic genera of Gyponini from South America are proposed, described and illustrated. Caetana gen. nov., from Brazil and Ecuador, differs from other genera of the tribe by the scutellum strongly inflated; forewing expanded apically and hind wing with long r-m and m-cu. Insolitana gen. nov., from Peru, differs from other genera by the presence of a pair of longitudinal carinae on crown; crown, noto, and clavus punctuated; male sternite VIII (= pregenital sternite) fully covering the subgenital plates; and pygofer with internal dorsoapical process.

Two new species of Polana DeLong, 1942 are described and illustrated, P. (Angusana) pilosa sp. nov. from Peru and P. (Declivella) maculosa sp. nov. from Brazil. Polana (Striapona) desela Delong, 1979 is redescribed; the female terminalia of this species are described and illustrated for the first time.

Three new species of Nelidina DeLong, 1953 are described and illustrated, N. bifida sp. nov., N. coronata sp. nov. and N. platypenis sp. nov., all from Peru. A key to males of the six known species of Nelidina is presented and a new record for Nelidina sportula Kramer, 1967 is added.

During 2009-2014, incarceration rates in Brazil rose 34%, and tuberculosis (TB) cases among prisoners rose 28.8%. The proportion of national TB cases that occurred among prisoners increased from 6.2% to 8.4% overall and from 19.3% to 25.6% among men 20-29 years of age.

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is widely used for cholelithiasis. Abdominal ultrasonography often precedes this operation and can prove diagnosis, as well as helps in showing possible complications during the perioperative period., Aim: Evaluate the description of variables of gallbladder and bile ducts present in reports of preoperative abdominal ultrasonography in cholelithiasis comparing with surgical findings., Methods: Were studied 91 patients who underwent elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy with previous abdominal ultrasonography. Variables such as identification and amount of gallstones involved were evaluated, both in preoperative ultrasonography and during surgery to evaluate sensitivity, specificity, concordance and positive and negative predictive values., Results: The reports did not mention diameter of vesicular light (98.9%), organ distension (62.6%), gallstone sizes (58.2%), wall thickness (41.8%) and evaluation of the common bile duct (39.6%). Ultrasound had high values for sensitivity, consistency and positive predictive value for identifying the presence/absence of gallstones: 98.8%, 96.7% and 97.8% respectively. As for the amount of stones, ultrasonography showed agreement in 82.7%, negative predictive value in 89.1% and specificity in 87.7%, with lower values for sensitivity (68.2%) and positive predictive value (65.2%)., Conclusions: The ultrasound reports were flawed in standardization. Significant percentage of them did not have variables that could predict perioperative complications and surgical conversion.

The increasing incidence of chronic renal failure in Brazil and the consequential expansion of hemodialysis as a choice for treatment in final stage have to be taken into account to guarantee access to those in need. The ecological study conducted in Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil, in 2012, using data from the Brazilian Health Informatics Department (DATASUS) and from the analysis of medical records in 12 clinics, identified and mapped patients on hemodialysis, the distance they travelled and the estimated number of patients. The prevalence of hemodialysis patients in Mato Grosso do Sul State, about 55 per 100,000 inhabitants, is similar to the national average. The analyses indicated concentration of patients in counties with clinics and also geographical gaps that generate displacement of over 100km for more than 16% of patients. The results point to the necessity of strengthening public policies that consider, for decision-making, the decentralization of service, the expansion of home care and the follow-up education for professionals.

A new species of the genus Zonana DeLong & Freytag, 1963 from Peru is described and illustrated: Z. petalacea sp. nov. This species is easily distinguished from other species of the genus by its peculiar aedeagus with a pair of slender ventral processes and a unique flattened petal-shaped dorsal process. A taxonomic key to the now four known species of Zonana is provided.

Seven new species of the previously monotypic genus Regalana DeLong & Freytag, 1975, described from Panama, are described and illustrated. The new species are described from lowland and montane Amazonian/Andeanrain forests and Cerrado savanna of Brazil, Ecuador, French Guiana, and Peru. They can be distinguished from each other, as well as from the type-species, R. corona DeLong & Freytag, 1975, mainly by features of the aedeagus. A key to the now eight known species of Regalana is provided.

Two new species of Tetralidia Marques-Costa & Cavichioli, 2008: Tetralidia pachamama sp. nov. and Tetralidia viracocha sp. nov. are described and illustrated. T. pachamama sp. nov. can be distinguished from the other species of the genus by the simple aedeagus, without processes, spines or lamellae, while T. viracocha sp. nov. can be distinguished by the aedeagus with two pairs of lamellae at shaft and anal tube with basiventral processes strongly curved posteriorly. An identification key to males of the species is provided.

Two new species of the previously monotypic genus Platypona DeLong, 1982 from Peru are described and illustrated: P. furcata sp. nov. (Cusco Department) and P. inca sp. nov. (Pasco Department). These two species can be distinguished from each other, as well as from the type-species, P. sinverda DeLong, 1982, mainly by features of the style and aedeagus. A key to the three known species of Platypona is provided.

Four species of gonyleptid harvestmen, Acanthogonyleptes pulcher, Gonyleptes saprophilus (Gonyleptinae), Sodreana barbiellini, and Sodreana leprevosti (Sodreaninae), were examined by GC-MS and ¹³H NMR. All of these species release vinyl ketones, and three of them produce the corresponding pyranyl ketones, which are presumed hetero-Diels-Alder (HDA) dimers. The vinyl ketones 5-methyl-1-hexen-3-one, rac-4-methyl-1-hexen-3-one, and (S)-4-methyl-1-hexen-3-one were synthesized. Natural 4-methyl-1-hexen-3-one is present as a single stereoisomer and has the R-configuration. Vinyl ketone dimers (HDA dimers) were also observed in the scent gland exudate and characterized by HRMS, ¹³C NMR, and ¹H NMR chemical shifts of the pyranyl moiety.

Intrathecal synthesis of human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) antibodies (Abs) represents conclusive evidence of a specific immune response in the central nervous system of HTLV-1 associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) patients. Western blotting (WB) for HTLV Abs in serum is a confirmatory test for HTLV-1 infection. The aim of this study was to standardise the Western blot to demonstrate the intrathecal pattern of Abs against HTLV-1 proteins in HAM/TSP patients. Paired cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum samples were selected from 20 patients with definite HAM/TSP, 19 HTLV-1 seronegative patients and two HTLV-1 patients without definite HAM/TSP. The presence of reactive bands of greater intensity in the CSF compared to serum (or bands in only the CSF) indicated the intrathecal synthesis of anti-HTLV-1 Abs. All definite HAM/TSP patients presented with an intrathecal synthesis of anti-HTLV-1 Abs; these Abs were not detected in the control patients. The most frequent intrathecal targets of anti-HTLV-1 Abs were GD21, rgp46-I and p24 and, to a lesser extent, p19, p26, p28, p32, p36, p53 gp21 and gp46. The intrathecal immune response against env (GD21 and rgp46-I) and gag (p24) proteins represents the most important humoral pattern in HAM/TSP. This response may be used as a diagnostic marker, considering the frequent association of intrathecal anti-HTLV-1 Ab synthesis with HAM/TSP and the pathogenesis of this neurological disease.

Trypanosoma cruzi antioxidant enzymes are among the factors that guarantee parasite survival and maintain infection, enabling T. cruzi to cope with oxidative stress. Herein, the expression of cytosolic (TcCPx) and mitochondrial (TcMPx) tryparedoxin peroxidases was evaluated in tissue culture-derived trypomastigotes upon incubation with different concentrations of H(2)O(2). TcCPx expression slightly increased (5.4%) in cells submitted to 10 μM H(2)O(2) treatment when compared to the control, but decreased when higher H(2)O(2) concentrations (20-50 μM) were employed. Under these conditions, TcMPx expression increased (∼53%) with 10 μM-treatment compared to the control, followed by a reduction that reached ∼46% of the control when using the highest concentration tested. Interestingly, in the supernatant of the incubations, TcCPx, but not TcMPx, was detected, and its levels increased concomitantly with its decreased expression in the intracellular compartment. Our data show that peroxiredoxins in the tissue culture-derived trypomastigote can be modulated under oxidative stress and are present in higher amounts when compared to the epimastigote stage of T. cruzi. Additionally, due to the different expression patterns observed upon H(2)O(2)-treatment, each peroxiredoxin may play a distinct role in protecting the parasite under oxidative stress conditions., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

A new species of Tozzita Kramer, 1964, Tozzita bifida sp. nov., is described and illustrated. The new species can be distinguished from the other species of the genus by the following characteristics: (1) forewing with commissural brown band; (2) pygofer with dentiform process on ventral margin and apex not spatulate; (3) subgenital plates with macroseta at apex; (4) style with preapical lobe developed and produced posteriorly; (5) aedeagus symmetrical; (6) anal tube with bifid basal process. Tozzita ips Kramer, 1964 is firstly recorded from Brazil. Additionally, an updated genus description and an identification key to males of the species are provided.

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the characteristics and infectious complications of neutropenic patients in a referral hospital., Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out between April and September 2008, which enrolled all neutropenic patients identified by daily blood counts in the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Demographic data and information on infections were obtained from the Hospital Infection Control Committee. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences., Results: One hundred and sixteen patients were followed up during 129 hospitalizations. The patients had a mean age of 48.7 years old. Sixty-four (55.2%) patients were male and 25 (21.6%) died during the follow-up. In 97 (75.2%) of the hospitalizations, patients had episodes of febrile neutropenia. Patients classified as low-risk had a mortality rate of 16.2% (n = 12) vs. 39.1% (n = 9) among high-risk patients (p-value = 0.02). The death rate of the patients who had been submitted to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation was 13.5% (n = 5) vs. 26.7% (n = 16) among patients not submitted to transplantation (p-value = 0.13). Of the 155 infections diagnosed, 45.5% were defined as clinically documented. The etiological agent most frequently isolated was Escherichia coli and the main topography reported was bloodstream infections. The most used antimicrobial agents were cefepime, vancomycin and fluconazole. Approximately 24% of patients evolved with impaired renal function during hospitalization., Conclusion: Most reported infections in neutropenic patients were defined as clinically documented, which shows the importance of suspicion in patients without specific signs and symptoms for early diagnosis and the need for the classification of risk for timely interventions.

This study focused on the therapeutic effect of a propolis SLNC 106 (PI) extract on experimental colitis. Wistar adult rats received 0.8 mL rectal dose of one of the following solutions: saline (group S), 20 mg TNBS in 50% ethanol (group TNBS), 20 mg TNBS in 50% ethanol and propolis extract in saline (group TNBS-P), propolis extract in saline (group SP), and 20 mg TNBS in 50% ethanol and 50 mg/kg mesalazine (group TNBS-M). The animals were euthanized 7 or 14 days after the colitis induction. Samples of the distal colon were harvested for the analysis of myeloperoxidase (MPO) enzyme activity and for morphometric analysis in paraffin-embedded histological sections with hematoxylin-eosin or histochemical staining. The animals treated with TNBS exhibited the typical clinical signs of colitis. Increased MPO activity confirmed the presence of inflammation. TNBS induced the development of megacolon, ulceration, transmural inflammatory infiltrate, and thickened bowel walls. Treatment with propolis moderately reduced the inflammatory response, decreased the number of cysts and abscesses, inhibited epithelial proliferation, and increased the number of goblet cells. The anti-inflammatory activity of the propolis SLNC 106 extract was confirmed by the reductions in both the inflammatory infiltrate and the number of cysts and abscesses in the colon mucosa.

Background: Nonpharmacological interventions have been efficacious to control blood pressure (BP) in clinical trials, but their long-term effectiveness in clinical practice was still not documented., Methods: This is a prospective cohort study of 825 patients who received repeated nonpharmacological recommendations to treat hypertension. The outcomes were BP change and rate of BP control by pattern of adherence (informed by the patients) to the recommendations to follow low-salt and low-calorie diets and to do physical activities., Results: Patients were followed for 23.1 ± 8.4 months. Between group deltas of BP change in patients with and without adherence to the low-salt diet, adjusted for baseline BP, body mass index (BMI), age, and number of drugs in use, were 5.1 (95% confidence interval: 1.7-8.6) mm Hg for systolic (P = 0.003) and 2.1 (0.2-3.9) mmHg for diastolic BP (P = 0.02). For adherence to low-calorie diet, the deltas were 6.6 (2.9-10.2) mm Hg (P < 0.001) and 2.0 (0.1-3.9) mm Hg (P = 0.045). Adherence to physical activities was not associated with a BP-lowering effect. Relative risks for a fall of 10 mm Hg in systolic or 5 mm Hg in diastolic BP, with adjustment for confounding, were 0.69 (95% confidence interval: 0.55-0.87) for adherence to the low-salt diet, 0.83 (0.66-1.05) for low-calorie diet, and 0.99 (0.79-1.24) for exercise., Conclusions: Adherence to low-salt and low-calorie diets is associated with clinically relevant long-term BP reduction and better hypertension control in a clinical setting.

Trypanosoma cruzi's antioxidant system is unique and relevant to the parasite. In this study, quantitative assays were performed to determine cytosolic and mitochondrial tryparedoxin peroxidases and superoxide dismutases expression (TcCPx, TcMPx, SODB and SODA) in correlation to H(2)O(2) release and O(2)(-) production. Differences were observed regarding H(2)O(2) release and O(2)(-) production between strains and along the growth curve. All of the enzymes studied exhibited varied expression as a function of time in culture. Although at lower levels, the Y strain exhibited the same pattern of Tulahuen 2 enzyme expression for all of the proteins studied, except SODA. In the stationary phase, the degree of expression of all of the enzymes in the Y strain returned to similar levels as those detected in the log phase with the exception of TcCPx and SODA. In Tulahuen 2, a higher expression of TcMPx, SODA and SODB was detected in the early stationary phase, and a slight decrease was observed in the late stationary phase for each enzyme, excluding TcMPx, which exhibited a marked decrease, and TcCPx, which increased its level. Because of the significance of ROS in redox signaling, these differences in enzyme expression underscore the importance of these parameters for epimastigote proliferation., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Solanum lycocarpum A. St. Hil. (Solanaceae) is a hairy shrub or small much-branched tree of the Brazilian Cerrado. S. lycocarpum fruits are commonly used in traditional medicine in powder form or as folk preparations for the treatment of diabetes and obesity, as well as for controlling cholesterol levels. The aim of the present study was to chemically characterize the hydroalcoholic extract (SL) of S. lycocarpum by determination of total flavonoids and total poyphenols and quantification of steroidal alkaloids, as well as to evaluate its mutagenic and/or antimutagenic potential on V79 cells and Swiss mice using chromosomal aberrations and bone marrow micronucleus assays, respectively. Three concentrations of SL (16, 32, and 24 µg/mL) were used for the evaluation of its mutagenic potential in V79 cells and four doses (0.25, 0.50, 1.0, and 2.0 g/kg body weight) were used for Swiss mice. In the antimutagenicity assays, the different concentrations of SL were combined with the chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin (DXR). HPLC analysis of SL gave contents of 6.57 % ± 0.41 of solasonine and 4.60 % ± 0.40 of solamargine. Total flavonoids and polyphenols contents in SL were 0.04 and 3.60 %, respectively. The results showed that not only SL exerted no mutagenic effect, but it also significantly reduced the frequency of chromosomal aberrations induced by DXR in both V79 cells and micronuclei in Swiss mice at the doses tested., (© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

The defensive secretions of five neotropical species of harvestmen (Opiliones: Gonyleptidae) from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest were analyzed and chemically characterized by GC-MS and NMR methods. Three of the species, Cobania picea, Roweria virescens, and Serracutisoma proximum, secrete a mixture of 2,3-dimethyl-1,4-benzoquinone and 2-ethyl-3-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone. The secretions produced by the other two species, Iporangaia pustulosa and Neosadocus maximus, contain 1-hepten-3-one, 5-methyl-1-hexen-3-one, and 1-(6-butyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)pentanone (1) as major components, as well as 2,3-dimethyl-1,4-benzoquinone and 2-ethyl-3-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone as minor constituents. The dihydropyran 1-(6-butyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)pentanone (1) is a new natural product, composed of two 1-hepten-3-one subunits formally linked in a hetero-Diels-Alder reaction. The natural product was proven to be racemic, and its biogenetic origin is discussed.

The aim of this work is to investigate the dynamics of reepithelialisation and the penetration rate of a propolis ointment formulation during cutaneous wounds healing. The experiments were performed as a function of the treatment time in a well controlled group of rats. We observed that the propolis ointment influenced the healing process stimulating keratinocytes cell proliferation as compared to the control group. It was shown that the propagation of the bee propolis was dependent on the wound healing stages. In addition, the photoacoustic spectroscopy showed that the applied substances reached the deep wound region, highlighting once again the particular characteristic of this technique to evaluate the penetration rate of substances through the skin.

This is a study with qualitative approach, whose objective was to look for the vision of professional's team about the experience of implantation of the Therapeutic Residences in the municipal district of Campina Grande, PB, Brazil. For data collection the systematic observation, field diary and a semi-structured interview were used, which was applied to 10 active professionals in the residences. As a result of content analysis of the interviews, the following analytical categories were identified: the several conceptions about the mental health; the daily activities in therapeutic residences; the difficulties found by the professionals in practice of the care; as well as the perspectives of those for the users.

This work was concerned with the dependence of the interfacial tension (Gamma(SL)) on surface degree of oxygen content and on polymer branching degree. The static Gamma(SL) was evaluated by contact angle (theta;(c)) and the dynamic Gamma(SL) by fluorescence depolarization of molecular probes seeded in induced flows of monoethylene glycol. The latter results were interpreted using statistical covariant analysis. Two different systems of flowing films were studied: free films flowing on the surfaces on which they impinge and films flowing inside 1-mm-thick microflow cells. The solid surfaces were polyethylene of low density, medium density, high density, and linear with low density, polypropylene, vinyl acetate co-polymer with oxygen content of 15% and 28%, borosilicate, and tin dioxide. Increase in oxygen content of the surface decreased both the static and the dynamic Gamma(SL), which demonstrated that the presence of oxygen atoms hindered wetting. Only the dynamical Gamma(SL) was sensitive to polymer branching, and it increased as branching degree decreased. This was attributed to the higher hydrogen-atom density at the surface, which favored temporary intermolecular bonds between the surface and the flowing liquid.

Interfacial interactions control two processes empirically known to be critical for molecular anchoring in twisted nematic liquid crystal displays technology (TN-LCDs): surface treatment and filling procedure. Static and dynamical interfacial tensions (Gamma(SL)) between liquids and several substrates with similar roughness were observed respectively by contact angle (theta(c)) of sessile drops and by fluorescence depolarization of thin liquid films flowing at high velocity. Gamma(SL) decreased when glass was coated with tin dioxide and increased with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) deposition. Drops were circular for all substrates except rubbed PVA, where they flowed spontaneously along the rubbing direction, reaching an oblong form that had theta(c) parallel and perpendicular to the rubbing direction respectively greater and smaller than theta(c) for non-rubbed PVA. This is attributed to polar group alignment generating an asymmetric Gamma(SL) distribution with nanometric preferential direction, inducing a capillary-like flow. Polarization and anisotropy maps for high-velocity flow parallel to the PVA rubbing direction showed an increase in the net alignment of molecular domains and a widening of the region where it occurred. This is attributed to preferential anchoring in the downstream direction, instead of in several directions, as for non-rubbed PVA. This explains why filling direction is crucial for TN-LCDs homogeneous behavior.

Iatrogenic occurrences with medication in ICU are adverse events that demand nurse's interventions. The aims of this study were:- to identify nurse's procedures and feelings in this situation;- to characterize factors related to this kind of event in ICU settings. A questionnaire was answered by 148 ICU nurses (76.7%) from 7 hospitals in São Paulo city, in 1997 and 1998. The results showed that of 407 mentioned procedures, 31.7% included to communicate the event to the doctor, followed by to intensify the patient control (26.5%). Regarding the 260 feelings informed by the nurses, anxiety and impotence were the most frequent, respectively, 38.1% and 14.6%. Of 303 factors related to the occurrences nurses pointed out neglect (24.6%) and professional inexperience (15.1%) as the most important. Forty three point two per cent (43.2%) of the nurses hardly experimented this situation in their professional life in ICU.