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Background: The proprioceptive program is directly related to neuromuscular control, which uses proprioceptive afferences to provide dynamic stabilization of the joint. Some variables can be considered risk factors for injuries, such as sprains, sudden and unexpected movement activities, simple quick changes of direction, soil type or footwear, among others. The balance training program contributes to lower injury rates and increases sports performance rate. Thus works the perception and maintenance of postural balance from information coming from sensory afferences. Objective: To perform a systematic review and verify the effect of proprioceptive training on ankle joint in athletes. Methods: A search for clinical trials was performed in the PUBMED, WEB OF SCIENCE, PEdro and SCIELO databases, the terms used for the search were “Proprioception”, “Athletic” and “Rehabilitation”, with the filters: articles published between the years of 2015 to 2020 and research in humans. Only studies published in the English language that addressed the proposed theme were included. The PEDro scale was used to evaluate the quality of studies with clinical trials, where studies with a score lower than 6/10 on the scale were excluded. Results: With the search 69 articles were found, removing the duplicates we obtained 67 eligible articles, of these, 15 studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. After complete analysis, 9 studies were included. Conclusion: Proprioceptive training in athletes, lasting at least three weeks with weekly protocols composed of dynamic exercises directed at individuals with ankle instability is totally effective for both joint injury prevention and rehabilitation. In addition to the increase of variables such as postural balance, coordination, postural control and functional performance.

Objective The purpose of the present study is to standardize and evaluate the use of the immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody avidity test on blood samples from newborns collected on filter paper to perform the heel test aiming at its implementation in ongoing programs. Methods Blood samples from newborns were collected on filter paper simultaneously with the heel prick test. All samples were subjected to immunoglobulin M IgM and IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Peripheral blood was collected again in the traditional way and on filter paper from newborns with high IgG levels (33). Three types of techniques were performed, the standard for measuring IgG in serum, adapted for filter paper and the technique of IgG avidity in serum and on filter paper. The results of the avidity test were classified according to the Rahbari protocol. Results Among the 177 samples, 17 were collected in duplicate from the same child, 1 of peripheral blood and 1 on filter paper. In this analysis, 1 (5.88%) of the 17 samples collected in duplicate also exhibited low IgG avidity, suggesting congenital infection. In addition, the results obtained from serum and filter paper were in agreement, that is, 16 (94.12%) samples presented high avidity, with 100% agreement between the results obtained from serum and from filter paper. Conclusion The results of the present study indicate that the avidity test may be another valuable method for the diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis in newborns. Resumo Objetivo O objetivo do presente estudo é padronizar e avaliar a utilização do teste de avidez de anticorpos imunoglobulina G (IgG) em amostras de sangue de recémnascidos (RNs) coletadas em papel filtro para a realização do teste do pezinho visando a implementação nos programas já vigentes. Métodos Foram coletadas amostras de sangue de recém-nascidos em papel filtro simultaneamente ao teste do pezinho. Em todas as amostras, foram realizados os testes imunoenzimáticos (ELISA) imunoglobulina M (IgM) e IgG. Dos RNs que apresentaram altos índices de IgG (33), foi novamente coletado sangue periférico da forma tradicional e em papel filtro. Foram realizadas técnicas padrão para a dosagem de IgG em soro, adaptadas para papel filtro, e a técnica de avidez de IgG em soro e em papel filtro. Os valores obtidos para o teste de avidez foram classificados de acordo com o protocolo de Rahbari. Resultados Dentre as 177 recoletas, em 17 amostras foi realizada a coleta simultânea de sangue periférico e papel filtro da mesma criança. Nesta análise, 1 (5,88%) das 17 amostras coletadas em duplicata obteve também baixa avidez de IgG, sugerindo infecção congênita da criança, e houve concordância entre os resultados obtidos em soro e em papel filtro: 16 (94,12%) das amostras apresentaram alta avidez, com concordância de 100% entre os resultados obtidos em soro e em papel filtro. Conclusão Os dados do presente trabalho evidenciam que o teste de avidez poderá ser mais um método valioso a ser utilizado no diagnóstico da toxoplasmose congênita em RNs.

Os dicionários de língua geral apresentam inconsistências de uniformização e cientificidade no tratamento do conteúdo lexicográfico especializado. Analisando a presença e o tratamento de termos em dicionários de língua geral, propomos um tratamento mais uniforme e cientificamente rigoroso desse conteúdo, considerando também a necessidade de compilar e alinhar futuros recursos lexicais em consonância com padrões interoperáveis. Partimos da premissa de que o tratamento dos itens lexicais, sejam unidades lexicais (palavras em geral) ou unidades terminológicas (termos ou palavras pertencentes a determinados domínios), deve ser diferenciado, e recorremos a métodos terminológicos para tratar os termos dicionarizados. A nossa abordagem assume que a terminologia – na sua dupla dimensão linguística e conceptual – e a lexicografia, como domínios interdisciplinares, podem ser complementares. Assim, apresentamos objetivos teóricos (aperfeiçoamento da metalinguagem e descrição lexicográfica a partir de pressupostos terminológicos) e práticos (representação consistente de dados lexicográficos), que visam facilitar a organização, descrição e modelização consistente de componentes lexicográficos, nomeadamente a hierarquização das etiquetas de domínio, que são marcadores de identificação de léxico especializados. Queremos ainda facilitar a redação de definições, as quais podem ser otimizadas e elaboradas com maior precisão científica ao seguir uma abordagem terminológica no tratamento dos termos. Analisámos os dicionários desenvolvidos por três instituições académicas distintas: a Academia das Ciências de Lisboa, a Real Academia Española e a Académie Française, que representam um valioso legado da tradição lexicográfica académica europeia. A análise inicial inclui um levantamento exaustivo e a comparação das etiquetas de domínio usadas, bem como um debate sobre as opções escolhidas e um estudo comparativo do tratamento dos termos. Elaborámos, depois, uma proposta metodológica para o tratamento de termos em dicionários de língua geral, tomando como exemplo dois domínios, GEOLOGIA e FUTEBOL, extraídos da edição de 2001 do dicionário da Academia das Ciências de Lisboa. Revimos os termos selecionados de acordo com os princípios terminológicos defendidos, dando origem a sentidos especializados revistos/novos para a primeira edição digital deste dicionário. Representamos e anotamos os dados usando as especificações da TEI Lex-0, uma extensão da TEI (Text Encoding Initiative), dedicada à codificação de dados lexicográficos. Destacamos também a importância de ter etiquetas de domínio hierárquicas em vez de uma lista simples de domínios, vantajosas para a organização dos dados, correspondência e possíveis futuros alinhamentos entre diferentes recursos lexicográficos. A investigação revelou que a) os modelos estruturais dos recursos lexicais são complexos e contêm informação de natureza diversa; b) as etiquetas de domínio nos dicionários gerais da língua são planas, desequilibradas, inconsistentes e, muitas vezes, estão desatualizadas, havendo necessidade de as hierarquizar para organizar o conhecimento especializado; c) os critérios adotados para a marcação dos termos e as fórmulas utilizadas na definição são díspares; d) o tratamento dos termos é heterogéneo e formulado de diferentes formas, pelo que o recurso a métodos terminológicos podem ajudar os lexicógrafos a redigir definições; e) a aplicação de métodos terminológicos e lexicográficos interdisciplinares, e também de padrões, é vantajosa porque permite a construção de bases de dados lexicais estruturadas, concetualmente organizadas, apuradas do ponto de vista linguístico e interoperáveis. Em suma, procuramos contribuir para a questão urgente de resolver problemas que afetam a partilha, o alinhamento e vinculação de dados lexicográficos. General language dictionaries show inconsistencies in terms of uniformity and scientificity in the treatment of specialised lexicographic content. By analysing the presence and treatment of terms in general language dictionaries, we propose a more uniform and scientifically rigorous treatment of this content, considering the necessity of compiling and aligning future lexical resources according to interoperable standards. We begin from the premise that the treatment of lexical items, whether lexical units (words in general) or terminological units (terms or words belonging to particular subject fields), must be differentiated, and resort to terminological methods to treat dictionary terms. Our approach assumes that terminology – in its dual dimension, both linguistic and conceptual – and lexicography, as interdisciplinary domains, can be complementary. Thus, we present theoretical (improvement of metalanguage and lexicographic description based on terminological assumptions) and practical (consistent representation of lexicographic data) objectives that aim to facilitate the organisation, description and consistent modelling of lexicographic components, namely the hierarchy of domain labels, as they are specialised lexicon identification markers. We also want to facilitate the drafting of definitions, which can be optimised and elaborated with greater scientific precision by following a terminological approach for the treatment of terms. We analysed the dictionaries developed by three different academic institutions: the Academia das Ciências de Lisboa, the Real Academia Española and the Académie Française, which represent a valuable legacy of the European academic lexicographic tradition. The initial analysis includes an exhaustive survey and comparison of the domain labels used, as well as a debate on the chosen options and a comparative study of the treatment of the terms. We then developed a methodological proposal for the treatment of terms in general language dictionaries, exemplified using terms from two domains, GEOLOGY and FOOTBALL, taken from the 2001 edition of the dictionary of the Academia das Ciências de Lisboa. We revised the selected terms according to the defended terminological principles, giving rise to revised/new specialised meanings for the first digital edition of this dictionary. We represent and annotate the data using the TEI Lex-0 specifications, a TEI (Text Encoding Initiative) subset for encoding lexicographic data. We also highlight the importance of having hierarchical domain labels instead of a simple list of domains, which are beneficial to the data organisation itself, correspondence and possible future alignments between different lexicographic resources. Our investigation revealed the following: a) structural models of lexical resources are complex and contain information of a different nature; b) domain labels in general language dictionaries are flat, unbalanced, inconsistent and often outdated, requiring the need to hierarchise them for organising specialised knowledge; c) the criteria adopted for marking terms and the formulae used in the definition are disparate; d) the treatment of terms is heterogeneous and formulated differently, whereby terminological methods can help lexicographers to draft definitions; e) the application of interdisciplinary terminological and lexicographic methods, and of standards, is advantageous because it allows the construction of structured, conceptually organised, linguistically accurate and interoperable lexical databases. In short, we seek to contribute to the urgent issue of solving problems that affect the sharing, alignment and linking of lexicographic data.

The present study aimed to evaluate the spatial distribution and risk factors for infection by Toxoplasma gondii in sheep in the state of Goias, located in the central-western region of Brazil. Through the immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT), the seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies was analyzed in 1000 blood serum samples obtained from sheep in all macro and micro regions of the state of Goias. Data related to sex, age of the animals, size of the farm, type of farm, water source, veterinary assistance, replacement of the herd, presence of domestic cats, presence of wild cats and presence of other wild animals were obtained at the sampling time. The differences between the seroprevalences obtained in relation to the variables analyzed were estimated using Pearson's chi-square test (χ2). The odds ratio (OR) values for each risk factor evaluated were statistically analyzed with a confidence interval of 95%. Positivity for IgG anti-T. gondii was observed (titer ≥64) in 34.3% (343/1000) of the samples, which ranged from 26.9% (31/115) to 44.2% (53/120) and from 21.8 (12/55) to 55.2% (16 / 29), respectively in the analyzed mesoregions and microregions. In all investigated regions of the State of Goias, serum-reactive animals were detected with the age of the animals, the source of water, the form of replacement of the herd and the presence of domestic cats and wild animals risk factors statistically associated with the occurrence of T. gondii in animals.

A principal fonte de infecção por parasitos intestinais pode ser a água e/ou alimentos contaminados ingeridos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a ocorrência de parasitos em frutas comercializadas nas ruas de Aparecida de Goiânia, Goiás, Brasil. Foram avaliadas frutas no primeiro semestre de 2017, coletadas nas ruas. A análise parasitológica foi realizada com as técnicas de Willis, Faust, Hoffman, Sheather, cultura para o isolamento de Amebas de Vida Livre e coloração por Ziehl-Nielsen modificado. Em 30 amostras analisadas, 15 (50%) foram positivas. Os parasitos encontrados foram: Acanthamoeba spp. em 5(17%), Giardia intestinalis em 2(6,6%), Entamoeba coli em 2(6,6%), Cryptosporidium spp. em 1 (3,3%), Endolimax nana em 1(3,3%), ovo de Fascíola Hepática em 1(3,3%), ovo de Ascaris lumbricoides em 1(3,3%), Endolimax nana em 1(3,3%). Foi possível, com as técnicas utilizadas, verificar que as amostras de frutas apresentaram contaminação por parasitos, o que evidencia a exposição da população consumidora destes alimentos. Portanto, medidas profiláticas como ações educativas com a propagação de informações sobre higienização por parte dos consumidores, produtores e manipuladores fazem-se necessárias.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the genotypic characteristics of Toxoplasma gondii isolated from free-range chickens in the metropolitan area of Goiânia, Goiás, in Brazil’s central-west region. The seroprevalence rate was found to be 96%, according to an indirect hemagglutination assay. Brain and heart samples were processed by peptic digestion for a mice bioassay. The tissues were homogenized and the resulting samples were subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which revealed that 64% of them contained the parasite's DNA. The mice bioassay revealed 15 isolates, 8 of them tachyzoites isolates from the peritoneal lavage and 7 from brain cysts. T. gondii genotypes were determined through PCR-RFLP, using the following markers: SAG1, SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1, alt. SAG2, Apico and CS3. Three genotypes were identified, inclued ToxoDB #65, and the other two are not yet described in the literature. Hence, we conclude that the isolates obtained from the metropolitan area of Goiânia showed relatively low genetic diversity. Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as características genotípicas de Toxoplasma gondii isolados de galinhas caipiras da Região Metropolitana de Goiânia, Goiás, Região Centro Oeste do Brasil. A soroprevalência foi de 96% dos animais, determinada por hemaglutinação indireta. As amostras de cérebro e coração foram processadas através da digestão péptica para o bioensaio em camundongos. Os tecidos foram homogeneizados, e as amostras resultantes foram analisadas por reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR), que possibilitou a detecção do DNA do parasito em 64% deles. Por meio do bioensaio em camundongos, foi possível detectar 15 isolados, 8 deles apresentando taquizoítos na lavagem peritoneal e 7 apresentando cistos cerebrais. A determinação dos genótipos de T. gondii foi realizada por PCR-RFLP com os seguintes marcadores: SAG1, SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1, alt. SAG2, Apico e CS3. Foi possível definir 3 genótipos, incluindo o ToxoDB # 65 e dois deles ainda não foram descritos na literatura. Portanto, conclui-se que os isolados obtidos na região metropolitana de Goiânia apresentaram diversidade genética relativamente baixa.

Made available in DSpace on 2021-06-25T10:19:28Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-12-01 The aim of the present study was to evaluate the spatial distribution of the prevalence of T. gondii in cows using the indirect immunofluorescence assay and determine associated risk factors. Serum samples were collected from 2970 cows on 263 rural farms in 223 municipalities. A questionnaire was administered to herd owners to collect data for the evaluation of risk factors associated with this disease. Mean seroprevalence of T. gondii in cows was 8.48% (95% CI: 7.48 to 9.49). The microregions with the greatest likelihood (p ≤ 0.05) of having infected animals were Anápolis, Ceres, São Miguel do Araguaia, the Federal District, Anicuns, and Vão do Paraná. The purchase of females or males for reproductive/breeding purposes was significantly associated (p ≤ 0.05) with the prevalence of T. gondii in these regions. A positive correlation (0.7618; p = 0.047) was found between the prevalence of T. gondii and total area in hectares of forests in these regions, suggesting that wild cats may be disseminating T. gondii at these sites. The present results highlight the importance of considering the meat from these animals to be an important infection route for humans who eat raw or undercooked food. Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia – EVZ Universidade Federal de Goiás – UFG Agência Goiana de Defesa Agropecuária – AGRODEFESA Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública – IPTSP Universidade Federal de Goiás – UFG Universidade Brasil – Campus de Descalvado Centro Universitário Central Paulista (UNICEP) – Rua Miguel Petroni n.5111, CEP 13563-470 Escola de Veterinária Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais – UFMG Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias Universidade Estadual Paulista – Unesp Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias Universidade Estadual Paulista – Unesp

O gato doméstico (Felis catus domesticus) é um importante transmissor de agentes zoonóticos para o homem, em especial Toxoplasma gondii. O gato infectado é capaz de eliminar milhões de oocistos no meio ambiente, provocando uma contaminação maciça nestes locais, sendo considerado um problema de saúde pública. A toxoplasmose é uma doença com alta prevalência em todo o mundo, sendo o gato responsável pela perpetuação do parasito. O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar a frequência de anticorpos IgG anti-T. gondii pelo teste de aglutinação modificado (MAT) em gatos errantes capturados pelo Centro de Controle de Zoonoses de Goiânia, Goiás no ano de 2016. Foram coletadas 50 amostras sanguínes de gatos e foi realizado o MAT. Ao analisar a frequência de anticorpos 64% (32/50) eram soropositivos e 36% (18/50) soronegativos. Com isso ressaltamos a importância do gato doméstico na epidemiologia da toxoplasmose, por ser o perpetuador do parasito no meio ambiente. A frequência de anticorpos anti-T. gondii em gatos errantes ainda não havia sido determinada no estado de Goiás, esses resultados contribuem com a literatura para analisar a distribuição do parasito e favorecer estudos da epidemiologia da doença.

We report an Acanthamoeba keratitis case associated with the use of contact lens in a 28-year-old female from Brasília, Brazil. Samples from corneal scraping and contact lens case were used for culture establishment, PCR amplification, and partial sequencing (fragments of ~400kb) of small subunit rDNA; both culture and PCR were positive. The sequence analyses of the cornea and of isolates from the contact lens case showed similarity with the T4 genotype. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of T4 Acanthamoeba keratitis case from the Midwest region of Brazil.

Parasitoses are the most widespread diseases in the world. They are transmited via contaminated water or food. Considering that the daily consumption of vegetables is estimated at 142g per person, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of parasites in salads available for consumption in restaurants in Aparecida de Goiânia, Goiás State. Salad samples were collected from the restaurants and parasitological analysis was performed using the Willis, Hoffman, Faust and Ziehl Neelsen techniques as well as cultures for the isolation of free-living amoebae. 51 samples were analyzed, 16 (31.4%) were positive. The parasites detected were: Acanthamoeba spp. in 12 (23.5%); free-living larvae, Schistosoma mansoni and Entamoeba coli in 1 (2.0%); Endolimax nana in 2 (3.9%). The PCR technique determined that 17.6% of the samples presented Toxoplasma gondii DNA. These techniques evidenced that the salad samples presented parasite contamination not only in the restaurants with the lowest price per Kg, but also in the most expensive ones. Therefore, in addition to effective sanitary surveillance, prophylactic measures are necessary regarding suppliers, handlers and restaurant owners to prevent the spread of these and other parasites.KEY WORDS: Food contamination; food parasitology; polymerase chain reaction.

Dissertação de Mestrado em Enfermagem Comunitária apresentada na Escola Superior de Saúde do Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo As doenças crónicas na infância são muito comuns, atingindo cerca de 10 a 15% da população com menos de dezasseis anos, de acordo com os dados estatísticos do Ministério da Saúde de 2009. O facto de a doença crónica acontecer na criança, vai proporcionar no seio familiar repercussões no seu quotidiano, passando a família a viver em função da criança com doença crónica, deixando para segundo plano os seus projetos de vida. Assim, colocamos a seguinte questão de investigação: Quais as repercussões para a família ao cuidar da criança com doença crónica no domicílio? com o objetivo geral de conhecer as repercussões na família ao cuidar da criança com doença crónica no domicílio, com o propósito da melhoria das práticas das equipas de saúde, nomeadamente para inovação/mudança das práticas de cuidados dos cuidados de saúde primários que trabalham com as crianças e famílias afetadas por uma doença crónica; fomentar a reflexão e discussão no seio das equipas de saúde de forma a contribuir para a minimização do sofrimento da família no domicílio Metodologia: abordagem qualitativa, estudo exploratório-descritivo, utilizando a entrevista semiestruturada dirigida a familiares da criança com doença crónica da região do Alto Minho, para a recolha de dados. Utilizamos a análise de conteúdo segundo Bardin (2011), como procedimento para a análise dos dados. Os procedimentos ético-moral foram respeitados. Principais Resultados: verificamos que os participantes do estudo conceptualizam a doença crónica como algo que vai exigir um processo de reorganização do seu quotidiano. Constatou-se que a maioria dos participantes, consideram que cuidar da criança com doença crónica no domicílio, gerou mudanças como o afastamento social, a perda financeira, a quebra na dinâmica do casal, a perda da atividade laboral, a dificuldade em manter o equilíbrio entre a atividade profissional e familiar, cansaço, mudança da atividade laboral, mudanças arquitetónicas do domicílio, sobrecarga, absentismo ao trabalho e sofrimento emocional. Entendem que cuidar da criança com doença crónica é complexo e envolve uma variabilidade de dificuldades, que se estendem desde ter que lidar com reações comportamentais da criança, lidar com o afastamento social e desajustes de atitudes familiares até ao enfrentamento de situações discriminatórias, entre outros. Verificamos ainda, que as famílias apelam a que exista formação à comunidade escolar para uma maior integração do seu filho na escola e na comunidade, maior apoio das equipas de saúde, nomeadamente do enfermeiro, e que este apoio seja de proximidade. Preservar o bem-estar das famílias da criança com doença crónica exige dos enfermeiros, nomeadamente do enfermeiro especialista em enfermagem comunitária competências para empoderar as famílias na gestão dos cuidados aos seus filhos, de forma a promoverem a sua autonomia e capacidade de tomada de decisão em relação ao seu estado de saúde. Conclusão: cuidar da criança com doença crónica exige a todos os parceiros, quer da área da saúde quer da educação, uma articulação efetiva, onde a educação para a saúde ocupe um papel central para o estabelecimento de um propósito partilhado e perfilhado por todos envolvidos. Chronic illness in childhood is quite common, affecting around 10 to 15% of the population with less than sixteen years of age, according to statistics from the Ministry of Health in 2009. The fact that chronic illness occurs amongst the child will bring about repercussions in the daily life of the family; leading to the family living for the child with chronic illness and putting their life projects aside. As such, we asked the following question in this study: What are the repercussions for the family caring for a child with chronic illness at home?; With the general objective of knowing the repercussions for the family caring for a child with chronic illness at home and with the purpose of improving practices of health teams, namely for innovation/change in practices of primary health care that work with children and families affected by chronic illness, foster a reflection and discussion amongst health teams, so as to contribute to a minimization of the suffering of the family at home. Methodology: qualitative approach, exploratory-descriptive study, utilizing a semi-structed interview of families with children with chronic illness within the Alto Minho region, for the collection of data. We utilized content analysis as per Bardin (2011) as the procedure for data analysis. Moral and ethical guidelines were respected. Main results: we verified that the participants of the study conceptualize chronic illness as something that will require a process of reorganization of their daily lives. We determined that the majority of participants consider that caring for the child with chronic illness in the home led to such changes as, social withdrawal, income loss, a breakdown in the couple’s dynamics/relationship, the loss of work, difficulty in maintaining a balance between professional and family activities, fatigue, change in work activity, architectural changes to the home, being overburdened, work absenteeism and emotional suffering They see that caring for the child with chronic illness is complex and involves a variety of difficulties, which extend from having to deal with behavioral reactions from the child, dealing with social withdrawal and mismatched attitudes of family members to the confrontation of discriminatory situations, amongst other things. We verified that families called for training amongst the education community to better integrate their child at school and within the community, greater support from the health teams, namely from the nurse, and that this support be one of proximity. Maintaining the well-being of families with a child with chronic illness requires that nurses, namely specialist nurses in community nursing, have skills to empower families in the management of care of their children so as to promote their autonomy and capacity in decision-making in relation to their state of health. Conclusion: caring for the child with chronic illness requires that all partners, be they from the health or education sector, have an effective articulation where education for health plays a central role in the establishment of a shared goal that is advocated by all those involved.

Background The diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis can be inconclusive in many cases. Despite the several serological tests developed, the literature on biomarkers that can assist in the diagnosis of congenital an acute toxoplasmosis is limited. The objective of this study was to analyze the immunoreactive profile of Toxoplasma gondii protein bands with the potential to be biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of congenital and acute toxoplasmosis. Methods Peripheral blood samples from women of childbearing age and/or pregnant women diagnosed with acquired toxoplasmosis as well as from congenitally infected children were selected and submitted to immunoblotting for analysis of the immunoreactive bands profile by immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies. Results When comparing the immunoreactive bands profile for antibodies present in samples from different groups and subgroups, the 150, 18.5, and 16.96-kDa bands were more immunoreactive with the antibodies present in serum samples from the acquired infection group. The 343, 189, 150, 75, and 42-kDa bands showed more chance to be detected by the symptomatic congenital infection subgroup samples, while the 61, 50, and 16.96-kDa bands were significantly immunoreactive with the acute infection subgroup samples. Conclusions The identification of these potential biomarkers can assist in early diagnosis and treatment of congenital toxoplasmosis.

The gestational period is not an infection problem that affects maternal and fetal health. There are risks of developing infectious diseases transmitted vertically, which can lead to several problems in the development and vitality of the future concept. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the frequency of infectious diseases in pregnant women submitted to prenatal screening, using the filter paper technique in the city of Aparecida de Goiânia-GO. This is a cross-sectional study of 1,328 pregnant women submitted to prenatal screening in the period from 2011 to 2016, using the filter paper technique. After confirming the positive results on the paper filter, confirmation was carried out and the frequencies found were 22.52% for syphilis, 14.23% for toxoplasmosis, 7.45% for Chagas' disease, 4.74% for hepatitis B virus (HBsAg), 3.77% for HIV virus, 1.73% for hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV), 1.05% for HTLV virus, 0.98% for cytomegalovirus and 0.15% for rubella. The importance of screening for infectious diseases with vertical transmission is not the present study, mainly due to the frequency of the number of cases, toxoplasmosis, Chagas disease and hepatitis B virus, even though it is low in comparison with other studies. Through early diagnosis, it is possible to avoid vertical transmission and/or decrease fetal impairment. KEYWORDS: Infectious diseases, Pregnant women, Prenatal care, Vertical transmission. RESUMO: O período gestacional não é isento de infecções que comprometam a saúde materno-fetal. Existem riscos do desenvolvimento de doenças infecciosas de transmissão vertical, que pode levar diversos problemas ao desenvolvimento e vitalidade do futuro concepto. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a frequência de doenças infecciosas em gestantes submetidas à triagem do pré-natal através da técnica do papel filtro na cidade de Aparecida de Goiânia–GO. Trata-se de um estudo transversal de 1.328 gestantes submetidas à triagem pré-natal no período de 2011 a 2016 através da técnica de papel filtro. Após a confirmação dos resultados positivos em papel filtro, a confirmação foi realizada e as frequências encontradas foram de 22,52% para sífilis, 14,23% para toxoplasmose, 7,45% para doenças de Chagas, 4,74% para hepatite pelo vírus B (HBsAg), 3,77% para o vírus HIV, 1,73% para hepatite pelo vírus C (anti-HCV), 1,05% para vírus HTLV, 0,98% para citomegalovírus e 0,15% para rubéola. A importância da triagem para doenças infecciosas de transmissão vertical, é notória no presente estudo, principalmente pela frequência do número de casos de sífilis, toxoplasmose, doença de Chagas e hepatite pelo vírus B, mesmo que sendo baixo em comparação com outros estudos. Através do diagnóstico precoce é possível evitar a transmissão vertical e/ou diminuir os comprometimentos fetais. PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Doenças Infecciosas. Gestantes. Cuidado pré-natal. Transmissão vertical.

Studies in Toxoplasma gondii carried out in newborns are interesting and relevant as they induce serious lesions in newborns when they are not properly treated. Three isolates of Toxoplasma gondii in newborns and the RH strain were assessed regarding pathogenicity and virulence in Balb-c albino mice. Tachizoite suspension used in experimental tests was obtained through punction or lavage from the peritoneal cavity in mice presenting with ascites. Each sample was inoculated in groups of four mice with inoculates of 10 1 , 10 2 , 10 3 , 10 4 , 10 5 , 10 6 alive tachyzoites, via intra peritoneum. We found that isolates 15, 20 and RH strain behaved lethally to mice. Isolate-3 behaved lethally in all mice up to 10 5 tachyzoites. Death of all animals that presented acute infection occurred 5-10 days following inoculation. Isolate-15, isolate-20 and RH strain presented a greater diameter and minor areas as compared with isolate-3. We found that the most virulent isolate also demonstrated greater area and diameter and these findings reinforces the hypotheses that besides behavioral differences and genetic variations, morphological variations also exist when different strains of T. gondii are evaluated.

Objective: To determine the biochemical alterations of the energetic metabolism of Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigotes in vitro exposed to different concentrations of benzinidazole. Methods: Biochemical analyses were performed at 3, 6 (log phase), 9 and 12 (stationary phase) days of culture. Parasites were exposed to five concentrations of benzinidazole. Glycolysis, tricarboxilic acid cycle and fatty acids oxidation pathways were quantified through chromatography. Glucose, urea and creatinine were quantified through spectrophotometric analysis. Results: Anaerobic fermentation and fatty acids oxidation were increased in the stationary phase of the culture. Benzinidazole at high concentrations induced anaerobic metabolism in the log phase of the culture while the parasites exposed to the lower concentrations preferred the citric acid cycle as energy production pathway. Benzinidazole did not influence on the proteins catabolism. Conclusions: It is possible to conclude that there are metabolic differences between evolutive forms of Trypanosoma cruzi and the main drug used for its treatment induces the anaerobic metabolism in the parasite, possibly impairing the mitochondrial pathways.

Human cysticercosis caused by Taenia crassiceps is unusual; however, it is an useful experimental model for cysticercosis studies. Benzimidazole derivatives are important antihelminthic drugs widely used against helminths. A novel compound 6-chloro-5-(1-naphthyloxy) -2-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-benzimidazole (RCB20) is a benzimidazole derivative less polar and more lipophilic. The aim of this study was to detect the effect of the RCB20 on the in vitro energetic metabolism of T. crassiceps cysticerci. For this, products of the metabolism both produced and secreted/excreted (S/E) by the parasite were detected through spectrophotometry and high performance liquid chromatography after exposure to 6.5 and 13 μM of RCB20 and albendazole sulfoxide (ABZSO). There was a gradual increase in the concentrations of glucose not uptaken by parasites exposed to both concentrations RCB20 and ABZSO. There was a higher concentration of all the organic acids related to the tricarboxilic acid cycle int the parasites exposed to RCB20. The structural differences between RCB20 and ABZSO result in different targets within the parasite and in a greater induction of the energetic pathways, such as the glycolysis and the TCA cycle. RCB20 is a good candidate as a substitute for anthelminthic benzimidazoles due to a differentiated site of action with similar outcome.

This project received partial federal support from the Evandro Chagas Institute/Brazilian Ministry of Health. This research was also partially financed by FAPESP (S?o Paulo Research Foundation) through Grant 02/9546-1 and CNPq (National Council for Scientific and Technological Development) through Grant 302353/2003-8 Universidade Federal de Goi?s. Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Sa?de P?blica. Goi?nia, GO, Brasil. Universidade Federal de Fluminense. Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia. Niter?i, RJ, Brasil / Minist?rio da Sa?de. Secretaria de Vigil?ncia em Sa?de. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil. Minist?rio da Sa?de. Secretaria de Vigil?ncia em Sa?de. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro. Hospital Universit?rio Clementino Fraga Filho. Laborat?rio de Infectologia e Parasitologia Molecular. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro. Hospital Universit?rio Clementino Fraga Filho. Laborat?rio de Infectologia e Parasitologia Molecular. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil. Universidade Federal de Goi?s. Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Sa?de P?blica. Goi?nia, GO, Brasil. Minist?rio da Sa?de. Secretaria de Vigil?ncia em Sa?de. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro. Hospital Universit?rio Clementino Fraga Filho. Laborat?rio de Infectologia e Parasitologia Molecular. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil. Universidade Federal de Goi?s. Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Sa?de P?blica. Goi?nia, GO, Brasil. Universidade Nova de Lisboa. Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical. Lisboa, Portugal / UniEvang?lica. Centro Universit?rio de An?polis. An?polis, GO, Brasil. INTRODUCTION: Mutations in the propeller domain of the Plasmodium falciparum kelch13 (k13) gene are associated with artemisinin resistance. METHODS: We developed a PCR protocol to sequence the pfk13 gene and determined its sequence in a batch of 50 samples collected from 2003 to 2016 in Brazil. RESULTS: We identified 1 K189T substitution located outside the propeller domain of the PfK13 protein in 36% of samples. CONCLUSIONS: Although the sample size is relatively small, these results suggest that P. falciparum artemisinin-resistant mutants do not exist in Brazil, thereby supporting the continuation of current treatment programs based on artemisinin-based combination therapy.

Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii, whose definitive hosts are cats and whose intermediate hosts include humans.This research aims to evaluate aspects related to seroprevalence rates of anti-T. gondii antibodies among elderly users of the Primary Health Care Service in the municipality of Aparecida de Goiânia, state of Goiás, Brazil. A total of 101 elderly people participated in the study, and a questionnaire was applied to examine sociodemographic factors related to risk factors for toxoplasmosis. Five ml of peripheral blood were collected from all the participants for serological tests. IgM and IgG antibody screening was performed using the ELISA technique. The average age of the participants was 69.5 years, the seroprevalence rate was 75.2% (76/101) of IgG (+), and 24.8% (25/101) were non-reactive. IgM and IgG antibodies were found in 2.9% (3/101) of the participants. An IgG avidity test was performed, which revealed that the antibodies in the three samples were of low avidity, thus indicating that these individuals were in the acute phase of the infection. It was concluded that, in terms of socioeconomic conditions, an income of one to three monthly minimum salaries is the predominant risk factor for toxoplasmosis in this group.

Toxoplasma gondii can cross the placental barrier, causing fetal infection with potentially severe sequelae. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the serological screening for toxoplasmosis should be included in the basic neonatal heel prick test in order to establish criteria for the confirmation and/or exclusion of the diagnosis of congenital infection in newborns treated at three public health units in the metropolitan region of Goiania, Goias State, Brazil. Blood samples were collected on filter paper from newborns and later, peripheral blood samples from the mothers and their respective children were obtained to confirm or exclude the diagnosis of suspected congenital infection, by means of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (IgM and IgG) and a polymerase chain reaction assay. From a total of 1,159 blood samples collected on filter paper, 43.92% were reactive to IgG and 0.17% to anti-T. gondii IgM and IgG. One hundred and twenty-seven paired samples (mother and child) were collected following consensual protocols for peripheral blood collection. Results obtained from the filter paper and peripheral blood of the newborns were 90.55% concordant. A comparison of the mother and child blood test results showed agreement regarding the detection of IgG in 90.48% of the samples. The parasite DNA was detected in the peripheral blood of one child. In view of the results obtained in this study, the inclusion of the serological screening for toxoplasmosis in the newborn heel prick test proved to be effective for the early detection of congenital T. gondii infection.

Highlights • This is the first meta-analysis of individual data in chronic Trypanosoma cruzi infection after treatment. • The probability of seroreversion is variable along the course of follow-up. • An interaction was found between age at treatment and country setting. • The course of parasitological/molecular tests after treatment needs to be assessed., Objective To determine the course of serological tests in subjects with chronic Trypanosoma cruzi infection treated with anti-trypanosomal drugs. Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted using individual participant data. Survival analysis and the Cox proportional hazards regression model with random effects to adjust for covariates were applied. The protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database (http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO; CRD42012002162). Results A total of 27 studies (1296 subjects) conducted in eight countries were included. The risk of bias was low for all domains in 17 studies (63.0%). Nine hundred and thirteen subjects were assessed (149 seroreversion events, 83.7% censored data) for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), 670 subjects (134 events, 80.0% censored) for indirect immunofluorescence assay (IIF), and 548 subjects (99 events, 82.0% censored) for indirect hemagglutination assay (IHA). A higher probability of seroreversion was observed within a shorter time span in subjects aged 1–19 years compared to adults. The chance of seroreversion also varied according to the country where the infection might have been acquired. For instance, the pooled adjusted hazard ratio between children/adolescents and adults for the IIF test was 1.54 (95% confidence interval 0.64–3.71) for certain countries of South America (Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, and Paraguay) and 9.37 (95% confidence interval 3.44–25.50) for Brazil. Conclusions The disappearance of anti-T. cruzi antibodies was demonstrated along the course of follow-up. An interaction between age at treatment and country setting was found.

Objetivo : Identificar fatores que contribuem para a subnotificacao de doencas e agravos de notificacao compulsoria no Sistema Nacional de Agravos de Notificacao (Sinan), na percepcao dos profissionais de saude. Metodos : Estudo conduzido com base na Tecnica dos Incidentes Criticos para a coleta dos dados e na analise de conteudo, em uma amostra estratificada de trabalhadores e gestores das unidades de vigilância em saude responsaveis pelas notificacoes de doencas e agravos de notificacao compulsoria. Resultados : Os casos relatados associaram-se a 33 doencas e agravos de notificacao compulsoria e os principais comportamentos resultantes foram a nao notificacao ou a notificacao tardia no Sinan. A conduta do medico ou enfermeiro, as dificuldades no processo de notificacao e os problemas relacionados ao paciente e/ou familiares foram os principais fatores associados a subnotificacao. Conclusao : A subnotificacao e uma realidade vivenciada nas unidades de atendimento ao paciente e esconde a real situacao de saude da populacao. Palavras-chave : Vigilância Epidemiologica. Sistemas de Informacao em Saude. Notificacao Compulsoria. Notificacao de doencas.