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The effect of juvenile stress on brain morphology, and especially white matter, is poorly understood. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of two models of stress, physical and psychological, in the juvenile phase of male rats and their long-term impact on the integrity of the brain white matter. Morphological analysis was based on two major pathways of brain connection and myelin concentration, corpus callosum (CC) and fornix. Animals were randomly assigned to three groups: Control (C), Immobilization Stress (IS), and Predator Exposure Stress (PES). The stress procedures occurred for three consecutive days from d95 of postnatal life (P25 to P27). For long-term evaluation, in adulthood (P90-P95), the brains were collected, fixed, and processed by the Klüver-Barrera technique. The collected material was evaluated using image capture and analysis in the ImageJ Software. Both models of stress studied produced no changes in body and brain weight, and all regions analyzed (genu, body, and splenium of the corpus callosum and the fornix) showed no changes in optical integrity. Thus, this study suggests that short-term juvenile stress does not cause lasting morphological effects on white matter structure, and this adaptation, in which neither reductive nor protective changes occurred, can be considered a positive adaptation.

Objetivo: identificar os efeitos e aplicação do propionato de clobetasol na cicatrização de feridas em humanos, e em quais feridas é mais frequente o uso dessa corticoideterapia tópica. Método: revisão integrativa, com a estratégia PICO, realizada entre janeiro e março de 2024 nas bases de dados U.S National Library of Medicine (PubMed), Cochrane Library, Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) e no Google Acadêmico. Utilizou-se o seguinte algoritmo de busca: “Clobetasol” AND “Wound Healing” AND “Patients” com recorte temporal de 10 anos. Resultados: foram encontrados 1939 estudos, sendo selecionados 18 para a revisão. A maioria foi do tipo relato de caso. O tipo de ferida mais prevalente foi o pioderma gangrenoso ulcerativo, sendo a aplicação do clobetasol duas vezes na semana por até 14 dias. Os efeitos com uso do medicamento foram a diminuição dos sinais de inflamação e resolução na cicatrização das feridas. Conclusão: os dados sugerem que a aplicação tópica do propionato de clobetasol, em conjunto com outras terapias, em humanos portadores de feridas do tipo pioderma gangrenoso, penfigoide bolhoso, hipergranulação, queimaduras, dermatoses e líquen escleroso promove melhoras no processo cicatricial.

Abstract Background Plasmodium species of non-human primates (NHP) are of great interest because they can naturally infect humans. Plasmodium simium, a parasite restricted to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, was recently shown to cause a zoonotic outbreak in the state of Rio de Janeiro. The potential of NHP to act as reservoirs of Plasmodium infection presents a challenge for malaria elimination, as NHP will contribute to the persistence of the parasite. The aim of the current study was to identify and quantify gametocytes in NHP naturally-infected by P. simium. Methods Whole blood samples from 35 NHP were used in quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) assays targeting 18S rRNA, Pss25 and Pss48/45 malaria parasite transcripts. Absolute quantification was performed in positive samples for 18S rRNA and Pss25 targets. Linear regression was used to compare the quantification cycle (Cq) and the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used to assess the correlation between the copy numbers of 18S rRNA and Pss25 transcripts. The number of gametocytes/µL was calculated by applying a conversion factor of 4.17 Pss25 transcript copies per gametocyte. Results Overall, 87.5% of the 26 samples, previously diagnosed as P. simium, were positive for 18S rRNA transcript amplification, of which 13 samples (62%) were positive for Pss25 transcript amplification and 7 samples (54%) were also positive for Pss48/45 transcript. A strong positive correlation was identified between the Cq of the 18S rRNA and Pss25 and between the Pss25 and Pss48/45 transcripts. The 18S rRNA and Pss25 transcripts had an average of 1665.88 and 3.07 copies/µL, respectively. A positive correlation was observed between the copy number of Pss25 and 18S rRNA transcripts. Almost all gametocyte carriers exhibited low numbers of gametocytes (

IntroductionZoonotic transmission is a challenge for the control and elimination of malaria. It has been recorded in the Atlantic Forest, outside the Amazon which is the endemic region in Brazil. However, only very few studies have assessed the antibody response, especially of IgM antibodies, in Neotropical primates (NP). Therefore, in order to contribute to a better understanding of the immune response in different hosts and facilitate the identification of potential reservoirs, in this study, naturally acquired IgM antibody responses against Plasmodium antigens were evaluated, for the first time, in NP from the Atlantic Forest.MethodsThe study was carried out using 154 NP samples from three different areas of the Atlantic Forest. IgM antibodies against peptides of the circumsporozoite protein (CSP) from different Plasmodium species and different erythrocytic stage antigens were detected by ELISA.ResultsFifty-nine percent of NP had IgM antibodies against at least one CSP peptide and 87% against at least one Plasmodium vivax erythrocytic stage antigen. Levels of antibodies against PvAMA-1 were the highest compared to the other antigens. All families of NP showed IgM antibodies against CSP peptides, and, most strikingly, against erythrocytic stage antigens. Generalized linear models demonstrated that IgM positivity against PvCSP and PvAMA-1 was associated with PCR-detectable blood-stage malaria infection and the host being free-living. Interestingly, animals with IgM against both PvCSP and PvAMA-1 were 4.7 times more likely to be PCR positive than animals that did not have IgM for these two antigens simultaneously.DiscussionIgM antibodies against different Plasmodium spp. antigens are present in NP from the Atlantic Forest. High seroprevalence and antibody levels against blood-stage antigens were observed, which had a significant association with molecular evidence of infection. IgM antibodies against CSP and AMA-1 may be used as a potential marker for the identification of NP infected with Plasmodium, which are reservoirs of malaria in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest.

Introduction and Objectives: Severe alcohol-associated hepatitis (AH) is an entity with high morbidity and mortality; however, data in Latin America is limited. We aimed to characterize patients hospitalized for AH in a multinational cohort in Latin America. Materials and Methods: Multicenter prospective cohort study. We included patients admitted with severe AH between 2015-2022. Sociodemographic and clinical information was recorded. The analysis included survival analysis using Kaplan-Meier curves. This study was approved by the institutional ethics committee. Results: 470 patients from 24 centers (8 countries: Mexico, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, and Ecuador) were included. Age 49.8 ± 10.6 years, 85.6% of men and 45% had a previous diagnosis of cirrhosis. Median MELD at admission was 26.9 [22-32] points. 26.5% met SIRS criteria and 34.3% had an acute kidney injury (AKI) on admission. Only 36.8% of patients were treated with corticosteroids. Survival at 30 days was 75.0% (95%CI: 70.1-79.3%) and 62.8% (95%CI: 57.1-68.0%) at 90 days. A total of 191 (45.8%) patients presented infections, 31.4% at admission and 24.9% during hospitalization. The most frequent locations of community-acquired infections were respiratory (33.5%), urinary (32.1%), spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (14.9%), and skin (10.5%), while the most frequent pathogens were Escherichia coli (40%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (12%), and Enterococcus (6%). The presence of infection at admission was associated with a decreased survival at 90-days (66.9% versus 48.1%, p=0.0002). AKI at admission was also associated with decreased survival at 90-days (86.8% versus 51.3%, p

Abstract Purpose Increasing incidences of syphilis highlight the preoccupation with the occurrence of neurosyphilis. This study aimed to understand the current diagnostic tools and their performance to detect neurosyphilis, including new technologies and the variety of existing methods. Methods We searched databases to select articles that reported neurosyphilis diagnostic methods and assessed their accuracy, presenting sensitivity and specificity values. Information was synthesized in tables. The risk of bias was examined using the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Diagnostic Test Accuracy recommendations. Results Fourteen studies were included. The main finding was a remarkable diversity of tests, which had varied purposes, techniques, and evaluation methodologies. There was no uniform criterion or gold standard to define neurosyphilis. The current basis for its diagnosis is clinical suspicion and cerebrospinal fluid analysis. There are new promising tests such as PCR tests and chemokine measurement assays. Conclusions The diagnosis of neurosyphilis is still a challenge, despite the variety of existing and developing tests. We believe that the multiplicity of reference standards adopted as criteria for diagnosis reveals the imprecision of the current definitions of neurosyphilis. An important next step for the scientific community is to create a universally accepted diagnostic definition for this disease.

ABSTRACT Background: This study was aimed at investigating the aesthetic impact of scars on the lives of patients who undergo conventional thyroidectomy. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was based on a retrospective analysis of 98 electronic medical records of patients who underwent conventional thyroidectomy performed by the same surgeon. The impact was determined through a qualitative question and categorized into three levels of dissatisfaction. Results: Among the 98 patients, 96 (97.95%) reported experiencing no functional or visual discomfort with their scars. The two unsatisfied individuals were women, and both classified their discomfort as moderate. Although the diseases that indicated surgery varied, papillary thyroid carcinoma predominated. Conclusion: The sample’s satisfaction level indicates that, in line with the current literature, the decision to opt for cosmetically appealing methods is not justified by aesthetic complaints about scars. The benefits of lower cost and fewer complications make conventional thyroidectomy an old but reliable option for afflictions of the thyroid gland that require surgery.

O texto se propõe a expor as experiências de quatro bailarinos, da cidade do Rio Grande/ RS, que se aventuram ao interpretar diferentes formas de representação do que eles entendem por gay, em seu contexto de solo gaúcho interiorano, seguindo uma influência Queer, acreditando que essa seja uma oportunidade de interagir com diferentes espaços. Por meio de duas formas de entrevista, em grupo e individual, os dados produzidos permitiram perceber que ocorrem transformações pelo uso de metáforas cênicas, utilizadas para expor identidades “ditas” femininas, paradoxalmente, em corpos masculinos de tal forma, que essas representações propiciem um misto de sensações, por exemplo, estranheza e desejo, entendendo essas, enquanto manifestações culturais, produzidas pela experimentação entre os seus corpos e os afetos sentidos pelos(as) seus/ suas expectadores(as).

Introdução: A elastografia hepática transitória (EHT) é o método não-invasivo mais validado como alternativa à biópsia hepática. O valor diagnóstico da elastografia hepática por 2D-SWE (EH-2D-SWE) para estadiamento da fibrose hepática ainda necessita de validação. Objetivo: Avaliar acurácia da EH-2D-SWE para estadiamento da fibrose hepática e correlacionar resultados de EHT e EH-2D-SWE em pacientes com hepatites virais e/ou infecção pelo HIV. Método: Estudo retrospectivo transversal de indivíduos com hepatites virais e/ou infecção pelo HIV que realizaram diferentes métodos de elastografia [EHT (Fibroscan) pelas sondas M e XL e EH-2D-SWE (LOGIQ-S8)] no mesmo dia. Indivíduos com outras doenças hepáticas e aqueles com pelo menos um método de elastografia não-interpretável foram excluídos. EHT foi considerada como padrão-ouro e o estadiamento da fibrose hepática foi definido pela “regra dos 5” [≥ 5,0 KPa, ≥ 10,0 KPa e ≥ 15,0 KPa]. Resultados de exames laboratoriais realizados até 6 meses da data da EHT foram coletados. A correlação entre métodos de elastografia e acurácia da EH-2D-SWE foram avaliadas pelo índice de Spearman (rho) e área sob a curva ROC, respectivamente. Os melhores pontos de corte da EH-2D-SWE foram identificados pelo ponto mais à esquerda e alto da curva ROC; sensibilidade (Se), especificidade (Sp) destes pontos foram calculadas. Resultados: 305 pacientes [61,3% do sexo masculino, mediana de idade de 51 anos; 40% com hepatites virais (VHC ou VHB) ± HIV, 28% com resposta virológica sustentada (RVS) do VHC ± HIV e 32% com mono-infecção pelo HIV] foram incluídos. Os valores de EH-2D-SWE [5,29 kPa (IQR, 4,56-6,39)] foram significativamente inferiores aos da EHT pela sonda M [EHT-M = 6,2 kPa (4,9-8,6); p < 0,001] e sonda XL [EHT-XL = 6,1 kPa (4,9-8,0); p < 0,001]. Os índices de correlação (rho) entre EHT-M e EH-2D-SWE foram satisfatórios de forma global (rho = 0.65) e estratificados por etiologia: HCV ± HIV = 0,75; HCV ± HIV pós-RVS = 0,77; HBV ± HIV = 0.52 e HIV monoinfectados = 0.33. AUROCs da EH-2D-SWE para EHT ≥ 10,0 KPa e ≥ 15,0 KPa foram 0,94 e 0,95, respectivamente. Os melhores ponto de corte da EH-2D-SWE para EHT ≥ 10,0 KPa e ≥ 15,0 KPa foram 6,6 kPa [Se = 89.3% (95%IC 71.8-97.7) e Sp = 91.6% (84.1%-96.3%)] e 8,0 kPa [Se = 82.4% (56.6-96.2) e Sp = 95.3% (89.3-98.5)]. Conclusão: Apesar de valores de EH-2D-SWE significativamente inferiores à EHT, os dois métodos apresentam boa correlação. EH-2D-SWE tem boa acurácia para detecção de estágios avançados de fibrose.

Introduction Head and neck specialists and otorhinolaryngologists are greatly exposed to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) transmission in their everyday praxis. Many articles are being published regarding medical staff protection and patient management during the pandemic. Objective To provide an easy access to and a trustful review of the main aspects that have changed in the head and neck surgery and otorhinolaryngology practice due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Data Synthesis The search terms used were: (head and neck or otorhinolaryngology or ORL or thyroid) AND (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 [SARS-COV-2] or COVID-19 or CORONAVIRUS). The results were limited to the year of 2020. Articles were read in English, Portuguese, French, German, and Spanish or translated from Chinese. All included articles were read by at least two authors. Thirty-five articles were included. Most articles suggest postponing elective surgeries, with exception to cancer surgeries, which should be evaluated separately. Twenty-five articles recommended some kind of screening prior to surgery, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests and epidemiological data. Extra precautions, such as use of personal protective equipment (PPE), are suggested for both tracheostomies and endoscopies. Fifteen articles give recommendation on how to use telemedicine. Conclusion The use of PPE (N95 or powered air-purifying respirator [PAPR]) during procedures should be mandatory. Patients should be evaluated about their COVID-19 status before hospital admission. Cancer should be treated. Tracheostomy tube cuff should be inflated inside the tracheal incision. All COVID-19 precautions should be kept until there is a validated antiviral treatment or an available vaccine.

BACKGROUND The influence of Plasmodium spp. infection in the health of Southern brown howler monkey, Alouatta guariba clamitans, the main reservoir of malaria in the Atlantic Forest, is still unknown. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate the positivity rate of Plasmodium infection in free-living howler monkeys in an Atlantic Forest fragment in Joinville/SC and to associate the infection with clinical, morphometrical, haematological and biochemical alterations. METHODS Molecular diagnosis of Plasmodium infection in the captured monkeys was performed by Nested-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (18S rRNA and coxI). Haematological and biochemical parameters were compared among infected and uninfected monkeys; clinical and morphometrical parameters were also compared. FINDINGS The positivity rate of Plasmodium infection was 70% among forty captured animals, the highest reported for neotropical primates. None statistical differences were detected in the clinical parameters, and morphometric measures comparing infected and uninfected groups. The main significant alteration was the higher alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels in infected compared to uninfected monkeys. MAIN CONCLUSIONS Therefore, Plasmodium infection in howler monkeys may causes haematological/biochemical alterations which might suggest hepatic impairment. Moreover, infection must be monitored for the eco-epidemiological surveillance of malaria in the Atlantic Forest and during primate conservation program that involves the animal movement, such as translocations.

Abstract Aims: The aim of the present study was 1) compare the drop-out rates between athletes born in different trimesters of the competitive year from different sports and 2) identify the causes pointed by the dropped-out athletes born in different selection year trimesters to disengage from the competitive sports environment. Methods: Data from 966 athletes who left the competitive sports context were analyzed under the Relative Age Effect (RAE) theoretical framework during 3 consecutive seasons. The drop-out rate and the reason to quit the competitive environment were analyzed by a routine club questionnaire. Results: An expected reverse RAE on drop-out rates was identified, in which the early born athletes were overrepresented (p

Este trabalho apresenta um sistema de vigilância que realiza a detecção de movimento automático, utilizando um dispositivo de captura de vídeo. A detecção automática de movimento permite que os usuários para ser notificado sobre eventos de segurança sem a necessidade de monitoramento contínua de vídeo a ser realizada por seres humanos. Neste trabalho também é apresentada a modelagem de sistemas computacionais que utilizam a Sun Microsystems 'Java Media Framework

IntroductionZoonotic transmission is a challenge for the control and elimination of malaria. It has been recorded in the Atlantic Forest, outside the Amazon which is the endemic region in Brazil. However, only very few studies have assessed the antibody response, especially of IgM antibodies, in Neotropical primates (NP). Therefore, in order to contribute to a better understanding of the immune response in different hosts and facilitate the identification of potential reservoirs, in this study, naturally acquired IgM antibody responses against Plasmodium antigens were evaluated, for the first time, in NP from the Atlantic Forest.MethodsThe study was carried out using 154 NP samples from three different areas of the Atlantic Forest. IgM antibodies against peptides of the circumsporozoite protein (CSP) from different Plasmodium species and different erythrocytic stage antigens were detected by ELISA.ResultsFifty-nine percent of NP had IgM antibodies against at least one CSP peptide and 87% against at least one Plasmodium vivax erythrocytic stage antigen. Levels of antibodies against PvAMA-1 were the highest compared to the other antigens. All families of NP showed IgM antibodies against CSP peptides, and, most strikingly, against erythrocytic stage antigens. Generalized linear models demonstrated that IgM positivity against PvCSP and PvAMA-1 was associated with PCR-detectable blood-stage malaria infection and the host being free-living. Interestingly, animals with IgM against both PvCSP and PvAMA-1 were 4.7 times more likely to be PCR positive than animals that did not have IgM for these two antigens simultaneously.DiscussionIgM antibodies against different Plasmodium spp. antigens are present in NP from the Atlantic Forest. High seroprevalence and antibody levels against blood-stage antigens were observed, which had a significant association with molecular evidence of infection. IgM antibodies against CSP and AMA-1 may be used as a potential marker for the identification of NP infected with Plasmodium, which are reservoirs of malaria in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest.

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak started in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, and evolved into a global problem in a short period. The pandemic has led to many social and health-care challenges. In this context, surgery is an area that is facing the need for many adaptations. In this systematic literature review, we analyzed different perspectives concerning this situation, aiming to provide recommendations that could guide surgeons and entities toward screening, elective and emergency surgeries, decision making, and operating room management. A computerized search in PubMed, Scopus, and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) for relevant literature up to April 4, 2020, was performed. Articles were included if they were related to surgery dynamics in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Of the 281 articles found in our initial search and 15 articles from alternative sources, 39 were included in our review after a systematic evaluation. Concerning preoperative testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection, 29 (74.4%) articles recommended some kind of screening. Another major suggestion was postponing all (or at least selected) elective operations (29 articles, 74.4%). Several additional recommendations with respect to surgical practice or surgical staff were also assessed and discussed, such as performing laparoscopic surgeries and avoiding the use of electrocauterization. On the basis of the current literature, we concluded that any surgery that can be delayed should be postponed. COVID-19 screening is strongly recommended for all surgical cases. Moreover, surgical staff should be reduced to the essential members and provided with institutional psychological support.

Background: Plasmodium species of non-human primates (NHP) are of great interest because they can naturally infect humans. Plasmodium simium, a parasite restricted to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, was recently shown to cause a zoonotic outbreak in the state of Rio de Janeiro. The potential of NHP to act as reservoirs of Plasmodium infection presents a challenge for malaria elimination, as NHP will contribute to the persistence of the parasite. The aim of the current study was to identify and quantify gametocytes in NHP naturally-infected by P. simium. Methods: Whole blood samples from 35 NHP were used in quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) assays targeting 18S rRNA, Pss25 and Pss48/45 malaria parasite transcripts. Absolute quantification was performed in positive samples for 18S rRNA and Pss25 targets. Linear regression was used to compare the quantification cycle (Cq) and the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used to assess the correlation between the copy numbers of 18S rRNA and Pss25 transcripts. The number of gametocytes/µL was calculated by applying a conversion factor of 4.17 Pss25 transcript copies per gametocyte. Results: Overall, 87.5% of the 26 samples, previously diagnosed as P. simium, were positive for 18S rRNA transcript amplification, of which 13 samples (62%) were positive for Pss25 transcript amplification and 7 samples (54%) were also positive for Pss48/45 transcript. A strong positive correlation was identified between the Cq of the 18S rRNA and Pss25 and between the Pss25 and Pss48/45 transcripts. The 18S rRNA and Pss25 transcripts had an average of 1665.88 and 3.07 copies/µL, respectively. A positive correlation was observed between the copy number of Pss25 and 18S rRNA transcripts. Almost all gametocyte carriers exhibited low numbers of gametocytes (< 1/µL), with only one howler monkey having 5.8 gametocytes/µL. Conclusions: For the first time, a molecular detection of P. simium gametocytes in the blood of naturally-infected brown howler monkeys (Alouatta guariba clamitans) was reported here, providing evidence that they are likely to be infectious and transmit P. simium infection, and, therefore, may act as a reservoir of malaria infection for humans in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]