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Aim: Physical activity attenuates hypertension in older adults, but its impact on pulmonary function and mechanics in hypertensive older adults is unknown. The study seeks to understand whether a physically active lifestyle can improve respiratory capacity, the mechanical efficiency of the lungs, and, consequently, the quality of life of these individuals, comparing data between groups of active and sedentary hypertensive older adults. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. We evaluated 731 older adults, stratified into two initial groups: hypertensive older adults (HE; n = 445) and non-hypertensive older adults (NHE; n = 286). For a secondary analysis, we used the International Physical Activity Questionnaire to sub-stratify HE and NHE into four groups: physically inactive hypertensive (PIH; n = 182), active hypertensive (AH; n = 110), physically inactive non-hypertensive (PINH; n = 104), and active non-hypertensive (ANH; n = 65). Lung function was measured by spirometry, and lung mechanics were assessed by impulse oscillometry. Results: Hypertensive older adults presented reduced lung function compared to non-hypertensive older adults, and physical inactivity accentuated this decline. Regarding pulmonary mechanics, hypertensive older adults had higher resistance of the entire respiratory system (R5 Hz), the central airways (R20 Hz), and peripheral airways (R5–20 Hz), which may trigger bronchoconstriction. Conclusions: Hypertension is associated with impaired lung function and mechanics in older adults, and a physically active lifestyle attenuates these dysfunctions.

Introdução/objetivos: A neurossífilis (NS), uma manifestação da sífilis onde o agente etiológico Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum (Tp) invade o sistema nervoso central. Diagnosticar NS em pessoas vivendo com o HIV (PVHIV) é especialmente desafiador devido à sobreposição de sintomas neurológicos entre as duas condições. A CXCL13 é uma quimiocina responsável pela quimiotaxia de linfócitos B para tecidos linfoides e locais de inflamação. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar e comparar os níveis de CXCL13 no LCR em PVHIV sob suspeita de NS, PVHIV com sífilis sem NS e PVHIV sem infecção ativa pelo Tp. Adicionalmente, buscou-se avaliar as alterações nos níveis de CXCL13 no LCR antes e após o tratamento antibiótico, visando determinar sua utilidade como marcador diagnóstico e de monitoramento terapêutico para a NS em PVHIV. Materiais e métodos: Estudo prospectivo envolvendo 93 PVHIV sob suspeita de NS. Todos os participantes passaram por punção lombar para medir os níveis de CXCL13 no LCR. As diferenças de concentração de CXCL13 entre os grupos foram analisadas usando o teste H de Kruskal-Wallis. O teste U de Mann-Whitney foi usado para comparação em pares de grupos não dependentes e o teste de Wilcoxon foi utilizado para avaliar a diferença de CXCL13 antes e após o início antibioticoterapia. A eficácia diagnóstica dos níveis de CXCL13 no LCR para NS foi determinada através da curva de característica do receptor (ROC) e o limiar ideal foi obtido através do índice de Youden. Resultados: Pacientes com NS apresentaram níveis significativamente mais altos de CXCL13 no LCR em comparação com aqueles com sífilis sem NS e sem infecção pelo Tp. (P < 0,01). O estudo identificou uma área sob a curva para a concentração de CXCL13 de 0,98 (IC 95% de 0,95 a 1,0; P < 0,001) e um limiar de CXCL13 no LCR superior a 60,0 pg/mL, o qual, combinado com um teste FTA-ABS reativo no LCR, mostrou uma sensibilidade de 88,9% e uma especificidade de 97,6% para o diagnóstico de NS. Após o tratamento, houve uma queda nos níveis de CXCL13 no LCR em todos os casos de NS (P < 0,05). Conclusões: Os resultados do estudo indicam que o CXCL13 no LCR é um biomarcador promissor para o diagnóstico e monitoramento da NS em PVHIV, especialmente em casos com o teste de VDRL não reativo no LCR. Estes achados destacam o potencial da dosagem de CXCL13 no LCR como um complemento essencial aos métodos diagnósticos tradicionais para NS, particularmente em populações coinfectadas pelo HIV. Palavras-chave: Líquido cefalorraquidiano, CXCL13, Neurossífilis. Conflitos de interesse: Todos os autores declaram que não houve conflito de interesses. Ética e financiamentos: Declarações de interesse: Nenhum.

ABSTRACT Objective: To learn about the structure of nursing students’ social representations about obstetric violence. Method: Qualitative study conducted with 117 nursing students from a state university in Brazil, between July and October 2022. Data were collected in person using the free Word evocation technique and processed using the Evoc software to create a four-box chart, through prototypical analysis. Results: The representational structure was organized on the central elements of disrespect, suffering and violation, which attribute to the representation negative meanings related to the group’s position on the grievance and its repercussions. The similarity analysis showed that the elements with the greatest connection were disrespect and suffering. Final considerations: Social representations of nursing students were organized around an attitudinal dimension through the terms disrespect and violation, and the affective dimension defined by suffering. It is noteworthy that, for students, obstetric violence is centered on disrespectful professional practices that cause suffering to women.

O aprimoramento da inteligência emocional é fundamental para o bem-estar individual, convívio social, para o desempenho acadêmico e o mundo do trabalho. Por isso, torna-se cada vez mais necessário o desenvolvimento de estratégias dentro da educação formal, visando a melhoria do equilíbrio emocional e dos processos de ensino-aprendizagem, principalmente no contexto pós-pandemia da COVID-19. Dentro desse contexto, o objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar uma revisão de escopo para levantar e examinar a natureza e extensão das publicações acerca da Inteligência Emocional no ambiente escolar formal, identificando lacunas e desafios. Realizou-se uma revisão de literatura, indexada em bases de dados, conforme a metodologia scoping review. As informações foram coletadas nas bases de dados Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS), Scopus (Sc) e Web of Science (WoS). Utilizaram-se as palavras-chave “Education”, “Emotional” and Intelligence” para coletar artigos publicados nos últimos cinco anos. Encontraram-se 541 artigos, dos quais 120 atenderam aos critérios de inclusão e foram analisados. A revisão evidencia que trabalhos sobre IE têm começado a ocupar os espaços do ensino formal, estando mais concentrados nos níveis médio e superior. Não foram identificados trabalhos desenvolvidos no Ensino Profissionalizante Integrado ao Médio, nem nas séries iniciais do Ensino Infantil. Trata-se, portanto, de uma lacuna que precisa ser preenchida, visto que o desenvolvimento do equilíbrio emocional é fundamental para o mundo do trabalho e deve ser desenvolvido desde a mais tenra idade para obtenção de melhores resultados. A revisão permitiu identificar que existem várias lacunas para a promoção da Educação Emocional nos ambientes formais, dentre elas: necessidade de incorporação de forma transversal no currículo escolar; necessidade de implementar/avaliar as ações em longo prazo; necessidade de melhorar os instrumentos de coleta de dados, bem como o tamanho e perfil amostral.

Background: The combination of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and LL-37 has never been tested in an animal study and our research team background suggests this strategy might be a promising alternative to intensify periodontitis resolution. This study aimed to assess the effects of multiple sessions of PDT with chlorin-e6 conjugated to the antimicrobial peptide LL-37 loaded nanoemulsion, as adjunctive therapy in experimental periodontitis in rats. Methods: Experimental periodontitis was induced in 81 rats. After disease establishment, animals were assigned to three groups: SRP (scaling and root planning); SRP + 1PDT, SRP followed by a single PDT session; SRP + 4PDT (n = 27), SRP followed by four PDT sessions at 0, 24, 48 and 72 h after SRP. Animals were subjected to euthanasia at 7, 14 and 28 days, and samples were submitted to osteoclast quantification, immunological and microtomography analysis. Results: All treatments resulted in significant periodontal improvements and there was no significant difference between the groups in both local inflammatory response and healing process. Minimal adjunctive effects could be found for the combined therapy in terms of cytokine levels (IL-1β and IL-10), with no statistical significance. However, the number of TRAP-positive osteoclasts per mm of alveolar bone linear surface for the group treated with PDT sessions was significantly lower than those treated with SRP only. Conclusions: Multiple PDT sessions with chlorin-e6 and LL-37 nanoemulsion as an adjunct to scaling and root planning reduced the presence of osteoclast in the local site but did not contribute towards bone regeneration and IL-1β and IL-10 levels.

A prospective study was conducted on 79 advanced immunosuppressed AIDS patients from 1997 to 1999, during which nine cases of tuberculosis (TB) were diagnosed. The main clinical and laboratory characteristics and the response to TB treatment were reviewed. The clinical manifestations of TB were: pulmonary (six cases), extrapulmonary (two cases) and disseminated (one case). These patients were being treated with highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART) and were not responding. In three cases an optional regimen without rifampicin (RMP) was indicated to maintain HAART during TB treatment. A clinical response to TB treatment (disappearance of fever) was observed in 6/9 patients during a mean of 73 days (SD = 96). The three unresponsive patients were those treated without RMP. A switch to TB regimens containing RMP was proposed and successful. In our study, though it was limited by a small sample size, the response to TB regimens without rifampin was poor in immunossupressed patients failing HAART.

O objetivo deste estudo é analisar as relações da Teoria do Salário Eficiência e Produtividade do Trabalho na indústria de transformação brasileira no período 2007-2019. A Indústria de Transformação é responsável por 11,30% do PIB do país no primeiro trimestre de 2021 sendo assim uma das principais atividades econômicas do país com uma das maiores massas de trabalhadores empregados na atividade, chegando a mais de 8 milhões de pessoas em 2022. O estudo está segmentado em 4 partes. A primeira aborda a evolução da Massa Salarial da Indústria de Transformação brasileira, ao longo dos anos de 2007 a 2019. Na segunda parte foram feitas análises sobre a produtividade do trabalho do período, em sequência é elaborada uma discussão da relação dos dados. Por fim, os testes de que verificam as relações dos dados através de uma matriz de correlação de Pearson. Os resultados mostram forte Correlação entre Custos e Despesas, representando a Massa Salarial e a produtividade do trabalho no período, indicando que a Teoria dos Salários Eficiência pode ser observada na Indústria de Transformação brasileira.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the association between neck circumference (NC) measured during pregnancy and markers of glucose metabolism measured 2-6 months postpartum in women with overweight/obesity with and without gestational diabetes (GDM). Subjects and methods: This prospective study enrolled 100 pregnant women (including 50 with GDM) with pregestational body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg and < 40 kg/m². The cohort was stratified according to NC tertiles during pregnancy. Glucose metabolism was assessed in the postpartum period. The association between NC during pregnancy and markers of glucose metabolism postpartum was tested using linear regression analysis. Results: Participants with NC in the third tertile, compared with those with NC in the second and first tertiles, had higher levels of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c; 5.6 ± 0.4% versus 5.4 ± 0.3% versus 5.3 ± 0.2%, respectively, p = 0.006), fasting insulin (13.2 ± 6.6 µIU/mL versus 11.1 ± 5.8 µIU/mL versus 9.5 ± 4.9 µIU/mL, respectively, p = 0.035), homeostasis model for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR; 3.1 ± 1.7 versus 2.5 ± 1.3 versus 2.1 ± 1.2, respectively, p = 0.035) and triglyceride-glucose index (TyG; 4.6 ± 0.2 versus 4.5 ± 0.2 versus 4.5 ± 0.3, respectively, p = 0.010). In crude linear regression analysis, NC measured during pregnancy was significantly associated with levels of fasting plasma glucose, 2-hour glucose, HbA1c, log HOMA-IR, and TyG index. The association remained after adjustment for age, family history of diabetes, and number of pregnancies. When adjusted for pregestational BMI and gestational weight gain, NC remained independently associated with fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c levels. Conclusion: The NC measured during pregnancy was positively associated with worse glucose metabolic profile in the postpartum among women with obesity/overweight with and without GDM. The NC measurement may be a feasible tool for early identification of women at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Este estudo objetivou analisar atividades de intervenções educativas como forma de mediar informações sobre parasitoses intestinais e esquistossomose com escolares no estado do Rio de Janeiro. As obras foram recuperadas em diferentes plataformas até 2021, sendo analisados formato e conteúdo de Parasitologia. Foram recuperadas 19 obras, cuja atividades foram aplicadas principalmente em escolas estaduais (47,3%), no ensino fundamental II (73,7%) e nas escolas da cidade do Rio de Janeiro. O jogo foi a estratégia mais utilizada (68,4%) e os parasitos mais abordados foram Ascaris lumbricoides e Giardia duodenalis. A partir das análises verificou-se que as atividades aplicadas foram consideradas estratégias de ensino interessantes, que merecem ser utilizadas nas escolas para tornar os conteúdos mais atraentes.

Objetivo. Evaluar la reducción de los niveles de proteína bruta sin alterar la relación de aminoácidos esenciales en pollos de engorde criollos de uno a 42 días de edad. Materiales y métodos. Se realizaron dos ensayos que comprendieron la fase inicial (un a 21 días) y crecimiento (22 a 42 días). Se utilizaron 630 pollos de la línea Redbro de un día de edad, distribuidos en un diseño completamente al azar, con cinco tratamientos y seis repeticiones de 21 aves cada una, totalizando 30 unidades experimentales distribuidas en corrales con abrigo. Los niveles reducidos de la proteína bruta para la fase inicial fueron: 21.5; 21.0; 20.5; 20.0 y 19.5% y para la fase de crecimiento: 19.0; 18.5; 18.0; 17.5 y 17.0%. En todos los tratamientos se mantuvo la proporción mínima entre aminoácidos esenciales y lisina. Las características de desempeño evaluadas fueron: ganancia de peso, consumo de ración y conversión alimenticia. Resultados. No hubo diferencia (p>0.05) en la reducción de proteína bruta para ninguna de las variables en todas las fases, excepto para conversión alimenticia (p

No século XX assiste-se ao despontar do que se consagrou chamar de novas tecnologias. Procurar-se-á discutir aqui, em perspectiva histórica, o que diversos autores avaliam como sendo a revolução do século XXI, a “revolução biotecnológica”, que poderá configurar ou não “nosso futuro pós-humano”, expressão que constitui título de outra obra do consagrado autor de “O Fim da História” - seria o nosso futuro pós-história? -, Francis Fukuyama. Produtos de base biológica floresceram muito em função do imperialismo em expansão, principalmente a partir de meados do século XIX, tendo em vista o combate à malária, febre amarela, assim como o melhoramento de animais e plantas, entre outros desenvolvimentos – a palavra biotecnologia surge no começo do século XX, mas só terá sua difusão nas décadas finais do mesmo. Novo impulso foi dado em 1953, com a descoberta da estrutura em espiral da molécula de DNA que contém o código genético. Talvez nenhum fato científico nas últimas décadas tenha sido mais ansiosamente aguardado e retumbantemente anunciado quanto a conclusão do Projeto Genoma Humano pelos governos inglês e americano em 26 de junho de 2000.

Las bibliotecas universitarias contribuyen al desarrollo de las actividades de enseñanza, investigación y extensión de una universidad. Sin embargo, la dimensión social de la biblioteca universitaria no aparece claramente en la literatura, que se ha centrado en resaltar el aspecto administrativo y organizativo de sus procedimientos internos. Este artículo tiene como objetivo discutir la función social de las bibliotecas universitarias a partir de la noción social de servicios y los desafíos que deben afrontar en comunión con la sociedad y la universidad. Entre estos desafíos se destacan la relación entre las bibliotecas universitarias y la formación ciudadana, la diversidad cultural, los derechos humanos y el medio ambiente. A partir de una investigación bibliográfica exploratoria, nos hemos basado en autores que han estudiado las bibliotecas universitarias y temas conexos. Resaltamos que el compromiso de la biblioteca universitaria con lo social impacta a su comunidad interna (académica) y externa (sociedad), lo que requiere una gestión social vinculada a la promoción de principios y valores con el propósito de construir ciudadanía, valorar la diversidad cultural, respetar los derechos humanos y promover el cuidado del medio ambiente. Finalmente, pretendemos un giro social de la biblioteca universitaria, tanto práctico como teórico, a favor de una Bibliotecología social, superando la concepción tradicional, para así reforzar el carácter social y su compromiso con una sociedad más justa, equitativa y democrática.

Airborne Aspergillus spp. are critical pathogens that cause nosocomial infections in hospitals. Despite their importance, little is known about the distribution of Aspergillus species in the indoor air of hospitals in Brazil. We investigated Aspergillus spp. in the indoor air of critical areas in a tertiary hospital in Brazil. Air samples (n = 238) were collected from the intensive care unit (ICU), medical clinic unit (MCU), and urgency and emergency unit (UEU) using an air sampler (100 L/min). Of the 324 Aspergillus isolates, 322 were identified using phenotypic methods, and 37 were identified using DNA sequencing. Aspergillus spp. was grouped into five sections: Fumigati (29.3%), Nidulantes (27.8%), Nigri (27.5%), Flavi (11.7%), and Terrei (3.1%). The predominant species identified via sequencing were Aspergillus sydowii (n = 9), Aspergillus flavus (n = 7), and Aspergilus fumigatus (n = 6). The number of Aspergillus spp. and their sections varied according to the collection day. A. fumigatus was isolated more frequently during winter and in the ICU. This study is the first to demonstrate the diversity of airborne Aspergillus (saprophytic, allergenic, toxigenic, and potentially pathogenic) strains in a hospital located in the Midwest region of Brazil. It contributes to the knowledge of the diversity of cryptic species in the hospital environment.

The human N-acetyltransferase 2 enzyme, encoded by the NAT2 gene, plays an important role in the metabolism of isoniazid, the main drug used to treat tuberculosis. The interindividual variation in the response of patients to drug treatment for tuberculosis may be responsible for the occurrence of unfavorable outcomes. The presence of polymorphisms in genes associated with the metabolism and transport of drugs, receptors, and therapeutic targets has been identified as a major determinant of this variability. The objective of this study was to identify the genetic profile of NAT2 in the study population. Using the obtained genomic DNA followed by PCR amplification and sequencing, the frequency of nine SNPs as well as alleles associated with slow (47.9%), intermediate (38.7%), and fast acetylation phenotypes (11.3%), in addition to those whose phenotype has not yet been characterized (2.1%), was estimated. The NAT2*5B allele was identified more frequently (31.3%). The description of SNPs in pharmacogenes and the establishment of their relationship with the pharmacokinetics of an individual offer an individualized approach that allows us to reduce the unfavorable outcomes of a therapy, ensure better adherence to treatment, prevent the emergence of MDR strains, reduce the cost of treatment, and improve the quality of patients’ lives.

Balantioides coli is a ciliated protist that can cause dysentery in humans, pigs and nonhuman primates and may have the potential for zoonotic transmission. Its diagnosis is routinely performed through conventional parasitological techniques, and few studies have used culturing techniques to isolate it, applying molecular tools for the characterization of this protozoan. Thus, the objective of this study was to confirm B. coli diagnosis using molecular tools and to characterize the genetic variants of this parasite isolated from pigs kept on family farms in Brazil using three different culture media that differed in the serum added. Fecal samples from pigs were inoculated in Pavlova medium plus coconut water (PC), fetal bovine serum (PB) and horse serum (PH). Of the 127 samples positive for forms compatible with the phylum Ciliophora, 31 were selected for isolation. The most successful medium for isolation was PB 19/31 (61.3%), followed by PH 18/31 (58.1%) and PC 11/31 (35.5%). Of the nucleotide sequences generated, 20 were classified as genetic variant type B0, two as A1 and 15 as A0. The results indicated that PC, despite having allowed the isolation of B. coli for a short period, was not an adequate medium for the maintenance of this parasite in vitro, therefore requiring improvement.

Este estudo exploratório, de natureza quanti-qualitativa, é um produto de pesquisa pós-doutoral realizada no Programa de Pós-Graduação da Faculdade de Educação da Universidade Federal da Bahia. Caracterizado como um estudo de correlatos, foca em experiências e narrativas de professoras lésbicas. Situado no campo dos estudos lesbofeministas, apreende professora lésbica como corpo político, pessoa estigmatizada pela sociedade heterossexual. Reconhecendo a invisibilidade lésbica como problema, uma face da lesbofobia, percebida como violência estrutural que ameaça, agride e mata mulheres em função do imbricamento do gênero, da sexualidade não heterossexual e da raça, entre outros marcadores da diferença, o estudo questiona em que raios de silêncio e obscuridade podemos encontrar as professoras lésbicas? Em busca de respostas, o objetivo é analisar como as experiências de professoras lésbicas são perspectivadas nos estudos disponíveis na base de dados Norte-Americana ERIC - Education Resources Information Center. A metodologia é inspirada no método Systematic Search Flow. O resultado é um mapa em aberto, aponta que a experiência de violência sofrida pelas lésbicas no ambiente de trabalho, e fora dele, é refletida como “homofobia”, fato que sugere não reconhecimento das especificidades da violência contra lésbicas, além de sugerir que não há existência segura para professoras lésbicas.

This study aimed to evaluate the presence and viability of Toxoplasma gondii in chickens intended for human consumption in the Pernambuco State, Brazil. Blood and tissue samples were collected from 25 chickens sold in markets in Recife, Pernambuco. Samples were evaluated by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) to detect antibodies to T. gondii. Pools of brain and heart of seropositive chickens were subjected to bioassay in two Swiss Webster mice, which were evaluated for 45 days then tested by IFA to detect seroconversion. The mice were euthanized, and their brains were evaluated for cysts. Peritoneal lavage was also conducted in mice that exhibited clinical signs. Brains containing cysts or peritoneal lavage with tachyzoites were inoculated into MA-104 cells. Brains of mice inoculated with the same tissue were pooled and analysed by ITS1-PCR. We obtained a frequency of antibodies to T. gondii of 68.00% (17/25) in chickens, and a seroconversion rate of 70.58% (24/34) in mice. Detection of Toxoplasma ITS1 DNA confirmed an isolation rate of 41.1% (7/17). Three isolates were characterized by mnPCR-RFLP as genotypes ToxoDB#36 and ToxoDB#114. We highlight the occurrence of ToxoDB#36 in chickens in Pernambuco State and the parasitesʼ viability in chickens intended for human consumption.

Erratum

O insulinoma é o tumor do pâncreas endócrino mais comum em cães, caracterizado pela secreção excessiva de insulina, mesmo na presença de hipoglicemia. Sua etiologia permanece desconhecida, considerado de ocorrência rara e, em geral, maligno. As manifestações clínicas resultam da neuroglicopenia e da liberação de hormônios contra regulatórios, manifestando-se em fraqueza, convulsão, tremores, agitação e até mesmo coma e óbito. O diagnóstico é baseado nos dados de anamnese, sinais clínicos, alterações laboratoriais nas concentrações de glicose sanguínea e insulina sérica em jejum, exames de imagem, como tomografia computadorizada (TC), além de ressecção cirúrgica com envio da amostra para análise histopatológica e imuno-histoquímica. A abordagem terapêutica primordial é a remoção cirúrgica do tumor. Este relato tem como objetivo apresentar o caso de um canino, fêmea, sem raça definida, castrada, seis anos, sem histórico de sinais típicos de insulinoma, mas com hipoglicemia em exame laboratorial e glicosímetro portátil validado. Com base nesse achado, surgiu a suspeita de insulinoma e iniciou-se a investigação com dosagem de insulina sérica e exames de imagem. O diagnóstico foi confirmado pela presença de hiperinsulinemia com hipoglicemia, TC com imagens compatíveis e pancreatectomia parcial, sendo posteriormente enviado o tumor para análise histopatológica e imuno-histoquímica. O tratamento instituído foi a quimioterapia por via oral. Concluiu-se que há possibilidade de diagnosticar o insulinoma antes do aparecimento de sinais clínicos, o que, embora não altere o prognóstico reservado da doença, possibilita um acompanhamento veterinário mais frequente, resultando em uma melhoria na qualidade de vida do animal.

Wastewater-based epidemiology can be a complementary approach for monitoring SARS-CoV-2 prevalence, diversity, and geographic distribution. It is a complementary approach regarding its prevalence and diversity, and geographic distribution. The study aimed to evaluate the genetic diversity of SARS-CoV-2 in two wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Samples were collected over a period of January to December 2021 and were concentrated with PEG8000 and the presence of SARS-CoV-2 was detected using E and N1 genes. Partial sequencing of the SARS-CoV-2 genomes resulted in the identification of variants of concern and variants of interest throughout the collection period. It was possible to identify the Mu, Delta, Gamma and Omicron variants in WWTP1; on the contrary, no variants were observed in WWTP2. To the best of our knowledge, we detected the variant Mu (B.1.621) containing characteristic mutations (S:E484K, S:N501Y) from WWTP, for the first time, in Brazil. Another Mu variant detected from clinical surveillance was announced one month after our finding. The detection of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater can serve as a tool to monitor the prevalence and epidemiology in each community, helping to understand the spread of the virus among the population. HIGHLIGHTS Sequencing analysis showed the circulation of the Mu variant from the wastewater one month before being detected in the clinical surveillance in Rio de Janeiro city.; Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) revealed Delta variant AY.32, Mu, B.1618, B.1469, XD presenting characteristic mutations by the WHO.; The potential for WBE to track the emergence and spread of variants of concern in wastewater before being detected through clinical surveillance in Rio de Janeiro city.;

Abstract Background Diabetic autonomic neuropathy (DAN) is a frequent complication in people with diabetes whose screening is often neglected. This study aimed to evaluate DAN through practical tools in people with diabetes in a referral center for diabetes treatment. Methods DAN symptoms and severity were assessed using the Survey of Autonomic Symptoms (SAS) via digital application (app) in patients attended from June 1, 2021, to November 12, 2021. SAS scoring for DAN was performed using established validated cutoffs. The adhesive with cobalt salt color indicator (Neuropad™) was used as a measure of sudomotor dysfunction. Demographical and clinical data were also collected. Results Data from 109 participants, 66.9% T2DM, 73.4% female, with a median age of 54.00 (± 20.00) years, were analyzed. Symptomatic DAN was present in 69.7% of participants and was associated with older age (p = 0.002), higher HbA1c (p = 0.043), higher abdominal circumference (p = 0.019), higher BMI (p = 0.013), more likely to have metabolic syndrome (MS) with a 10-fold increased risk, and more frequent association with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (p = 0.005). Sudomotor dysfunction was found in 65 participants with positive Neuropad™ detected in 63.1% of them. Conclusion The use of SAS through an app proved to be a practical and easy-to-use instrument to document symptoms of DAN in busy clinical practice. The high frequency of symptoms draws attention to the importance of screening this underdiagnosed diabetes complication. The risk factors and comorbidities associated with symptomatic DAN highlight the patients’ phenotypes linked to MS that should be targeted for DAN evaluations in larger samples in the community.

Entrevista al bibliotecario y profesor Felipe Meneses-Tello en la que reflexiona sobre su trayectoria y formación, y discute algunas dimensiones críticas, sociales, políticas y éticas de la Bibliotecología, especialmente en torno a la construcción de una bibliotecología social, activa en la transformación social.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the usability and usefulness of an application developed for surgical planning of scoliosis correction to measure the time spent on planning. Methods: Experimental, controlled, cross-sectional, and applied study. The application underwent a usability test using the SUS questionnaire, in addition to applying a questionnaire to assess its usefulness using the TAM utility perception model. Thirty-six volunteers were divided into three groups: residents, orthopedists from the Brazilian Society of Orthopedics and Traumatology (SBOT), and spine surgeons. Results: By applying the SUS questionnaire, the application obtained a score of 75.69, representing classification C on the Sauro and Lewis scale, the third best. The application’s utility was considered good after evaluating the positive responses of the TAM model. On average, planning through the application was 20% faster than manual planning. Conclusion: The Scoliplan application proved useful and optimizes surgical planning in AIS, as it establishes a step-by-step standardization supported by the literature (Suk classification); it helps the user with uniform and reliable planning. Level of Evidence III; Diagnostic Studies.

Introduction: Previous retrospective studies have demonstrated that the concentration of chemokine ligand CXCL13 in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF-CXCL13) is a promising biomarker in the diagnosis of neurosyphilis and, additionally, in the monitoring of therapeutic efficacy. Objective: To describe three cases of patients with neurosyphilis (NS) treated at Hospital Universitário Gaffrée e Guinle, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with suspected active syphilis with neurological symptoms. Case report: Three patients from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, were investigated for symptomatic NS. The concentration of CSF-CXCL13 was prospectively performed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in all participants at baseline and in follow-up visits at 3 months after therapy. CSF-CXCL13 concentrations were significantly higher in all three patients with established NS. The CSF-CXCL13 concentrations decreased after 3 months of therapy compared to baseline in all cases reported. The added high concentration of CSF-CXCL13 plus CSF-TPHA reactivity above 1:40 titer agreed with the diagnosis of NS in 100% of the cases. Conclusion: In this case series, we present three cases of NS diagnosed using CXCL13 in CSF as a complementary test. These case series suggest that the clinical use of CSF-CXCL13 is useful as a supplementary biomarker for NS and for monitoring the effectiveness of NS therapy, especially in patients with nonreactive CSF-VDRL, excluding other neurologic diseases.

ABSTRACT The diagnostic criteria for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), a transient hyperglycemic state during pregnancy, has varied remarkably over time, resulting in a diversity of prevalence rates. The aim of this systematic literature review was to provide estimates of prevalence rates of GDM in Brazil according to different diagnostic criteria. We identified, reviewed, and extracted data from the scientific literature on studies estimating the prevalence of diabetes in pregnant women living in Brazil. The databases searched were PubMed, LILACS, SciELO, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. We grouped studies by the source of information assessing GDM, patients’ age, and criteria used to diagnose GDM. When three or more studies were available in a group, we calculated the pooled prevalence. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) appraisal tool was used to assess the risk of bias. The data were reported according to the 2020 PRISMA recommendations. The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO. We identified 1,328 records and selected 21 studies involving 122,635 pregnant women. Studies in adults only, with primary data and laboratory measurements, and using the IADPSG criteria (n = 3) had a GDM prevalence of 18.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 16.0-20.1%) and included 6,243 participants. Estimates of self-reported GDM (n = 3; 10,136 participants of all ages) had a pooled GDM prevalence of 2.1% (95% CI: 1.5-5.2%), with high heterogeneity (I2 = 85.0%, p < 0.01). Studies including adolescents had consistently low prevalences. The prevalence of GDM in Brazil varied, was greater when the IADPSG criteria were applied, and depended on the methods used to obtain the GDM information and the age structure of the sample.