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Effects of highly leukotoxic Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans associated with ligature-induced periodontitis on oral and gut tissues in male rats
No full textObjective To evaluate the effects of gastric administration of the highly leukotoxic Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans JP2 strain (Aa JP2), with or without ligature-induced periodontitis, on periodontal and small intestinal tissues in a rat model. Methodology Forty-eight-week-old male Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n=10/group): Control (CG), Periodontitis (PG), Periodontitis and Aa JP2 (PAaG), and Aa JP2 only (AaG). Ligatures were placed in PG and PAaG on day one and maintained for 42 days. After six weeks of twice-weekly gastric Aa JP2 inoculation, mandibles and small intestines were analyzed using stereomicroscopy, micro-computed tomography (CT), and histopathology to assess alveolar bone loss, trabecular architecture, inflammatory infiltrate, vascular congestion, goblet cell density, and villus morphology. Statistical analyses included the Kruskal–Wallis, Mann–Whitney, and Chi-square tests for group comparisons (p<0.05), as well as Spearman’s correlation test. Results PG and PAaG exhibited significantly greater bone loss compared to CG and AaG (p<0.05). Micro-CT analysis revealed reduced trabecular thickness in AaG (342.4±23.1µm) compared to PG (378.2±28.1µm) and PAaG (385.5±45.1µm) (p<0.05). PAaG and AaG presented higher inflammatory infiltrate scores (>751 inflammatory cells) compared to CG and/or PG (p<0.05). Elevated vascular congestion and/or goblet cell hyperplasia in the jejunum and ileum were observed in PAaG and AaG compared to CG and PG (p<0.05). Villus height (duodenum/ileum) and villus width (jejunum/ileum) differed significantly among groups (p<0.0001). Significant correlations were identified: the alveolar bone volume/total volume ratio was positively associated with duodenal vascular congestion (rho=0.738; p=0.037); the periodontal inflammatory infiltrate was positively associated with jejunal goblet cell counts (rho=0.704; p=0.007); alveolar bone loss was positively associated with both duodenal and jejunal villus height (rho≥0.762; p<0.05); and bone volume was negatively associated with both jejunal vascular congestion (rho=-0.696; p=0.003) and jejunal goblet cell counts (rho=-0.617; p=0.011). Conclusions Gastric inoculation with Aa JP2 exacerbates ligature-induced periodontitis and independently induces intestinal morphological changes
Expansion of the Invasive Green Mussel (Perna viridis) in Brazilian Mollusk Farming: A New Southern Frontier
No full textThe green mussel Perna viridis, native to the Indo-Pacific, has demonstrated significant invasive potential in various coastal regions worldwide, posing threats to both aquaculture and native ecosystems. In Brazil, mollusk farming is primarily concentrated in Santa Catarina, with an annual production exceeding 13,000 tons. This study aimed to confirm the occurrence of P. viridis in the region, specifically within the mollusk farming park of Itapocoroy Bay. A total of 210 individuals were collected, and molecular analyses confirmed the species’ presence through COI gene amplification, with sequences showing 99.85% similarity to those from China and India. The phylogenetic analysis supported this identification, placing the sample within a highly supported P. viridis clade. Biometric analysis revealed shell lengths ranging from 5.94 mm to 24.72 mm, with 38% of individuals’ sex indeterminate due to the absence of external sexual dimorphism. This represents an 800 km southward range expansion of P. viridis along the Brazilian coast over a six-year period. In Brazil, Perna viridis is likely introduced via ballast water and hull fouling, with secondary dispersal facilitated by coastal vessel movement. Mariculture systems are especially vulnerable due to abundant substrate and resources. The study underscores the importance of early detection to prevent further spread, given P. viridis’ ability to compete with native or commercial species, such as Perna perna, for space and food resources.The green mussel Perna viridis, native to the Indo-Pacific, has demonstrated significant invasive potential in various coastal regions worldwide, posing threats to both aquaculture and native ecosystems. In Brazil, mollusk farming is primarily concentrated in Santa Catarina, with an annual production exceeding 13,000 tons. This study aimed to confirm the occurrence of P. viridis in the region, specifically within the mollusk farming park of Itapocoroy Bay. A total of 210 individuals were collected, and molecular analyses confirmed the species’ presence through COI gene amplification, with sequences showing 99.85% similarity to those from China and India. The phylogenetic analysis supported this identification, placing the sample within a highly supported P. viridis clade. Biometric analysis revealed shell lengths ranging from 5.94 mm to 24.72 mm, with 38% of individuals’ sex indeterminate due to the absence of external sexual dimorphism. This represents an 800 km southward range expansion of P. viridis along the Brazilian coast over a six-year period. In Brazil, Perna viridis is likely introduced via ballast water and hull fouling, with secondary dispersal facilitated by coastal vessel movement. Mariculture systems are especially vulnerable due to abundant substrate and resources. The study underscores the importance of early detection to prevent further spread, given P. viridis’ ability to compete with native or commercial species, such as Perna perna, for space and food resources
Surveys of terrestrial gastropods in three nature reserves in southeast Brazil
No full textThough only a small fraction of its original natural cover remains, the Atlantic Forest is considered a land snail diversity hotspot. While this biome has been widely explored by malacologists in the past, modern surveys of important conservation areas are lacking. Here we report the results of surveys conducted in two nature reserves and one national park in Espírito Santo state: Parque Nacional Caparaó (a fraction of which is located in Minas Gerais state), Reserva Biológica Córrego do Veado, and Reserva Biológica Sooretama. In total, 15 families of terrestrial gastropods were represented, with 35 species identified, plus another five additional morphospecies that could not be fully determined; 16 species-level taxa in Caparaó, 23 in Córrego do Veado, and 22 in Sooretama. The following are new records for Espírito Santo state (or Minas Gerais state in the case of Caparaó): Rectartemon piquetensis, Anthinus multicolor, Burringtonia labrosa, Rhinus velutinohispidus. Only two non-native species were found, Subulina octona in Sooretama and the marsh slug Deroceras laeve in Caparaó. Anecdotal natural history records are also provided, including depigmented individuals of Leiostracus perlucidus. The importance of local faunal surveys, particularly in preservation areas, cannot be overstated as we endeavour to understand our molluscan fauna.Though only a small fraction of its original natural cover remains, the Atlantic Forest is considered a land snail diversity hotspot. While this biome has been widely explored by malacologists in the past, modern surveys of important conservation areas are lacking. Here we report the results of surveys conducted in two nature reserves and one national park in Espírito Santo state: Parque Nacional Caparaó (a fraction of which is located in Minas Gerais state), Reserva Biológica Córrego do Veado, and Reserva Biológica Sooretama. In total, 15 families of terrestrial gastropods were represented, with 35 species identified, plus another five additional morphospecies that could not be fully determined; 16 species-level taxa in Caparaó, 23 in Córrego do Veado, and 22 in Sooretama. The following are new records for Espírito Santo state (or Minas Gerais state in the case of Caparaó): Rectartemon piquetensis, Anthinus multicolor, Burringtonia labrosa, Rhinus velutinohispidus. Only two non-native species were found, Subulina octona in Sooretama and the marsh slug Deroceras laeve in Caparaó. Anecdotal natural history records are also provided, including depigmented individuals of Leiostracus perlucidus. The importance of local faunal surveys, particularly in preservation areas, cannot be overstated as we endeavour to understand our molluscan fauna
Effects of altitude and climatic variables on alpha and beta diversity of wood-degrading beetles (Coleoptera: Passalidae) in the Eastern Andes of Colombia
No full textWood-degrading beetles are subsocial insects, with a primarily pantropical distribution. For most species, the entire life cycle occurs within a decaying log, where individuals feed and contribute to wood decomposition and nutrient recycling. Species tend to be restricted to particular altitudinal ranges, possibly due to variables involved in wood decomposition, including humidity and temperature. The objectives of this work were to evaluate the alpha and beta diversity of Passalidae across an altitudinal gradient in the Colombian Andes, to identify the environmental variables driving changes in alpha diversity, and to determine the processes structuring beta diversity. Beetles were sampled at four altitudes (2,500, 2,700, 3,000, and 3,300 m.a.s.l.) in the Municipal Natural Park Robledales de Tipacoque, Boyacá, Colombia, and temperature and humidity were recorded at each site. Overall, five passalid species were collected, with the highest abundance at 2,700 m.a.s.l., where Passalus curtus dominated; P. irregularis was most abundant at 2,500, P. curtus at 3,000, and P. quyefutynsuca at 3,300 m.a.s.l. There was a progressive decrease in diversity towards higher altitudes. Altitude, temperature, and humidity influenced alpha diversity, while beta diversity was structured by both the abundance gradient and the balanced variation in abundance components. In conclusion, altitude has an effect on the taxonomic diversity of wood-degrading beetles in the study area, and species distribution is influenced by the climatic variables, such as temperature and humidity, involved in the wood decomposition process.Wood-degrading beetles are subsocial insects, with a primarily pantropical distribution. For most species, the entire life cycle occurs within a decaying log, where individuals feed and contribute to wood decomposition and nutrient recycling. Species tend to be restricted to particular altitudinal ranges, possibly due to variables involved in wood decomposition, including humidity and temperature. The objectives of this work were to evaluate the alpha and beta diversity of Passalidae across an altitudinal gradient in the Colombian Andes, to identify the environmental variables driving changes in alpha diversity, and to determine the processes structuring beta diversity. Beetles were sampled at four altitudes (2,500, 2,700, 3,000, and 3,300 m.a.s.l.) in the Municipal Natural Park Robledales de Tipacoque, Boyacá, Colombia, and temperature and humidity were recorded at each site. Overall, five passalid species were collected, with the highest abundance at 2,700 m.a.s.l., where Passalus curtus dominated; P. irregularis was most abundant at 2,500, P. curtus at 3,000, and P. quyefutynsuca at 3,300 m.a.s.l. There was a progressive decrease in diversity towards higher altitudes. Altitude, temperature, and humidity influenced alpha diversity, while beta diversity was structured by both the abundance gradient and the balanced variation in abundance components. In conclusion, altitude has an effect on the taxonomic diversity of wood-degrading beetles in the study area, and species distribution is influenced by the climatic variables, such as temperature and humidity, involved in the wood decomposition process
Regionalização e regulação: impacto na acessibilidade ao tratamento de câncer
No full textOBJETIVO: Avaliar o impacto das Redes Regionais de Atenção à Saúde (RRAS) e da Regulação de Oncologia na acessibilidade geográfica ao tratamento oncológico dos principais tipos de câncer no estado de São Paulo. MÉTODOS: Estudo antes-depois, comparando os triênios anterior (2007–2009) e posterior (2017–2019) à implementação das políticas. Utilizaram-se dados do Registro Hospitalar de Câncer de São Paulo para analisar indicadores de deslocamento e atração de pacientes para cirurgia, radioterapia ou quimioterapia em seis tipos de câncer: estômago, colorretal, pulmão, mama feminina, colo do útero e próstata. As RRAS foram adotadas como unidades geográficas de análise, e os deslocamentos inter-RRAS foram categorizados em quartis (< 25%, 25%–49%, 50%–74% e ≥ 75%). Análise temporal foi realizada por mapas temáticos (QGIS, versão 3.28) e teste de qui-quadrado (α = 5%). RESULTADOS: Aproximadamente 25% dos pacientes se deslocaram para tratamento. As RRAS 6 (Capital), 9 (Bauru) e 13 (Ribeirão Preto) mantiveram-se como polos de atração. No Norte e Noroeste, as RRAS 11 e 12 apresentaram redução nos deslocamentos para todos os tipos de câncer; na RRAS 10, a queda ocorreu para tumores colorretal e pulmão. No Sudeste, as RRAS 3 e 5 não possuem serviços habilitados, exigindo deslocamentos, enquanto as RRAS 1, 2 e 4 mantiveram elevados percentuais. No Leste, as RRAS 14 a 17 registraram redução dos deslocamentos, exceto para câncer de pulmão. No Sul, os deslocamentos aumentaram nas RRAS 7 e 8. No geral, houve redução nos deslocamentos para câncer de colo do útero e próstata, e aumento para pulmão, especialmente cirurgia. CONCLUSÃO: A implementação das RRAS e da Regulação de Oncologia alterou a acessibilidade geográfica de forma heterogênea: houve melhora no Norte e Noroeste, piora no Sul, e estabilidade dos polos de referência. Destaca-se a necessidade de aperfeiçoamentos no planejamento regional, com atenção às desigualdades territoriais, ao tipo de tumor e à modalidade terapêutica.OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of Redes Regionais de Atenção à Saúde (RRAS - Regional Health Care Network) and Oncology Regulation on geographical accessibility to oncology treatment for the main types of cancer in the state of São Paulo. METHODS: A before-after study comparing the three-year periods before (2007–2009) and after (2017–2019) the policies were implemented. Data from the São Paulo Hospital Cancer Registry were used to analyze indicators of displacement and attraction of patients for surgery, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy in six types of cancer: stomach, colorectal, lung, female breast, cervix, and prostate. The RRAS were adopted as the geographical units of analysis, and inter-RRAS displacements were categorized into quartiles (< 25%, 25%–49%, 50%–74%, and ≥ 75%). Temporal analysis was carried out using thematic maps (QGIS, version 3.28) and the chi-squared test (α = 5%). RESULTS: Approximately 25% of patients traveled for treatment. RRAS 6 (Capital), 9 (Bauru), and 13 (Ribeirão Preto) remained the centers of attraction. In the North and Northwest, RRAS 11 and 12 showed a reduction in displacements for all types of cancer; in RRAS 10, the drop occurred for colorectal and lung tumors. In the Southeast, RRAS 3 and 5 do not have qualified services, requiring displacements, while RRAS 1, 2, and 4 maintained high percentages. In the East, RRAS 14 to 17 saw a reduction in displacements, except for lung cancer. In the South, displacements increased in RRAS 7 and 8. Overall, there was a reduction in displacements for cervical and prostate cancer, and an increase for lung cancer, especially for surgery. CONCLUSION: The implementation of the RRAS and Oncology Regulation altered geographic accessibility in a heterogeneous way: there was an improvement in the North and Northwest, a worsening in the South, and stability in the reference centers. There is a need to improve regional planning, paying attention to territorial inequalities, the type of tumor, and the therapeutic modality
Psychometric validation of the Paykel Suicidal Behavior Scale in Mexican adolescents
No full textOBJECTIVE: To psychometrically validate the Spanish version of the Paykel Suicidal Behavior Scale in the Mexican adolescent population, and to establish an optimal cut-off point to identify risk of suicidal behavior in school contexts.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2022 with a non-probabilistic sample of 1,407 students from eight public high schools in the state of Morelos, Mexico. The mean age was 17 years, 58.7% were female and 41.3% were male. The students completed an online questionnaire that included the Paykel Suicidal Behavior Scale, the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, and the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale. A confirmatory factor analysis, item response theory, factorial invariance analysis (by sex, gender identity, and school grade), divergent validity analysis, and ROC curves were applied in this study.
RESULTS: The confirmatory factor analysis was found to be acceptable. The factor loadings ranged from 0.799 to 0.938. Item discrimination parameters were elevated (2.33 to 6.63), with difficulties ranging from 0.17 to 1.11. Factor invariance was confirmed in all subgroups. The divergent validity of the Paykel Suicidal Behavior Scale was satisfactory, as evidenced by its moderate correlations with the Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (r = 0.507), depression (r = 0.644), anxiety (r = 0.570), and stress (r = 0.541). ROC analysis identified an optimal cutoff point of ≥ 1.0, with sensitivity of 75.93% and specificity of 76.54%.
CONCLUSION: The Mexican version of the Paykel Suicidal Behavior Scale demonstrates robust psychometric properties, including validity, reliability, and factorial invariance in the adolescent school population. The scale\u27s brevity, clarity, and ease of application make it an effective tool for school screening, allowing for timely detection and referral to mental health services. Its use is recommended in adolescent suicide prevention programs in educational contexts in Mexico
Guttman error graphs: a visual approach to scalability analysis
No full textOBJECTIVE: To develop an innovative graphical tool to represent Guttman errors and facilitate scalability analysis of measurement instruments in epidemiology. METHODS: Implemented in R (RStudio), the guttemap function was developed to fill this gap. It provides an intuitive visual representation of Guttman errors, with color gradients that facilitate the assessment of measurement instruments, revealing internal patterns of inconsistency. The rationale underlying the proposed Guttman error map is presented, along with an annotated summary of the routine for its implementation. RESULTS: Seven synthetic examples show the potential of graphical representation in identifying problem areas and how this helps to inform adjustments and develop more robust instruments. CONCLUSIONS: With guttemap, Guttman error analysis becomes more accessible and interpretable, contributing to the improvement of measurement instruments and the advancement of epidemiological research.OBJETIVO: Desenvolver uma ferramenta gráfica inovadora para representar erros de Guttman e facilitar a análise da escalabilidade de instrumentos de aferição em epidemiologia. MÉTODOS: Implementada em R (RStudio), a função guttemap foi desenvolvida para preencher essa lacuna. Ela oferece uma representação visual intuitiva dos erros de Guttman, com gradientes de cores que facilitam a apreciação dos instrumentos de aferição, revelando padrões internos de inconsistência. Apresenta‑se a racionalidade subjacente ao mapa de erros de Guttman proposto e uma síntese comentada da rotina para sua implementação. RESULTADOS: Com sete exemplos sintéticos, demonstra‑se o potencial da representação gráfica na identificação de áreas problemáticas e como isso auxilia no embasamento de ajustes informados e o desenvolvimento de instrumentos mais robustos. CONCLUSÕES: Com o guttemap, a análise de erros de Guttman torna‑se mais acessível e interpretável, contribuindo para o aprimoramento dos instrumentos de aferição e o avanço da pesquisa epidemiológica
Acute/subacute paracoccidioidomycosis associated with drug-resistant tuberculosis in a person living with HIV/AIDS
No full textParacoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a neglected tropical disease classified as acute/subacute and chronic. In people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), coinfection can lead to severe clinical manifestations. We report the case of a 30-year-old immunosuppressed male presenting fever, weight loss, polymorphic skin lesions, diffuse lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, and joint effusion. Histopathological analysis revealed fungal structures compatible with Paracoccidioides spp., and serology was positive at a titer of 1:16. Despite initial Amphotericin B and antiretroviral therapy, the patient developed a productive cough and persistent systemic symptoms. Initial sputum tests were negative for Mycobacterium tuberculosis, but subsequent bronchoalveolar lavage detected rifampin-resistant tuberculosis (TB). The remarkable overlap of clinical and radiological features of TB and PCM can significantly delay diagnosis, highlighting the need for high clinical suspicion and prompt investigation with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) testing. After one-month outpatient follow-up, the patient showed significant cutaneous improvement, undetectable HIV viral load, and a marked increase in CD4+ T-cell count. This report highlights the importance of recognizing the acute/subacute form of PCM as an AIDS-defining illness in endemic areas, enabling early treatment and improved outcomes
Yellow fever virus resurgence in Sao Paulo State, Brazil, 2024–2025
No full textWe report the detection of yellow fever virus in Campinas and Ribeirao Preto city areas (two geographic areas within Sao Paulo State, Brazil) from September 2024 to February 2025. Phylogenetic analysis of six new genomes showed a re-introduction in 2022 from Midwest Brazil followed by persistence in Sao Paulo State. Continued surveillance in neotropical primates is required to prevent cases in humans
Clima ético no ambiente de trabalho na Atenção Primária à Saúde: um estudo misto
No full textObjetivo: analisar o clima ético no ambiente de trabalho da atenção primária à saúde em um município da região amazônica, por meio da articulação de dados quantitativos e qualitativos. Método:. estudo misto paralelo convergente. Os dados qualitativos de entrevistas com 46 profissionais sofreram análise temática reflexiva. Já os dados quantitativos foram obtidos com 170 profissionais por meio do Inventário de Clima Ético. A análise fatorial exploratória testou o modelo do Inventário de Clima Ético, propondo nova configuração para os itens, com poder explicativo superior à mantida na análise fatorial confirmatória. A integração dos dados foi independente e apresentada em joint display. Resultados: itens com maior carga fatorial dos quatro fatores do Inventário de Clima Ético (1. princípios e regras, 2. benevolência, 3. independência/individualismo, e 4. senso de comunidade/responsabilidade social) foram analisados em fusão à categoria qualitativa, com múltiplas expressões da subjetividade e ética no ambiente de trabalho, não sendo observadas divergências entre os dados, apenas convergências e complementação em sínteses analíticas por fator. Conclusão: a integração dos dados ampliou a compreensão do clima ético em cenário pouco explorado, demonstrando a distinção dessa realidade em termos dos construtos analisados e a força dos elementos éticos em ferramenta conceitual e analítica dos ambientes de trabalho.Objective: to analyze the ethical climate in the primary health care workplace in a municipality in the Amazon region, combining quantitative and qualitative data. Method: a convergent, parallel, mixed-method study. Qualitative data from interviews with 46 professionals underwent reflective thematic analysis. Quantitative data were obtained from 170 professionals using the Ethical Climate Inventory. Exploratory factor analysis tested the Ethical Climate Inventory model, proposing a new configuration for the items, with greater explanatory power than that maintained in the confirmatory factor analysis. Data integration was independent and presented in a joint display. Results: items with the highest factor loadings of the four factors of the Ethical Climate Inventory (1. principles and rules, 2. benevolence, 3. independence/individualism, and 4. sense of community/social responsibility) were analyzed in conjunction with the qualitative category, with multiple expressions of subjectivity and ethics in the workplace. No divergences were observed between the data, only convergences and complementarity in analytical syntheses by factor. Conclusion: data integration broadened the understanding of the ethical climate in a little-explored scenario, demonstrating the distinction of this reality in terms of the constructs analyzed and the strength of ethical elements as a conceptual and analytical tool for workplace environments.Objetivo: analizar el clima ético en el entorno de trabajo de la atención primaria de la salud en un municipio de la región amazónica, mediante la articulación de datos cuantitativos y cualitativos. Método: estudio mixto convergente paralelo. Los datos cualitativos de entrevistas con 46 profesionales se sometieron a análisis temático reflexivo. Por su parte, los datos cuantitativos se obtuvieron con 170 profesionales por medio del Inventario de Clima Ético. El análisis factorial exploratorio probó el modelo del Inventario de Clima Ético, proponiendo una nueva configuración de los ítems, con poder explicativo superior al mantenido en el análisis factorial confirmatorio. La integración de los datos fue independiente y se presentó en joint display. Resultados: los ítems con mayor carga factorial de los cuatro factores del Inventario de Clima Ético (1. principios y reglas, 2. benevolencia, 3. independencia/individualismo, y 4. sentido de comunidad/responsabilidad social) se analizaron en fusión con la categoría cualitativa, con múltiples expresiones de la subjetividad y de la ética en el entorno de trabajo, no observándose divergencias entre los datos, sino solo convergencias y complementación en síntesis analíticas por factor. Conclusión: la integración de los datos amplió la comprensión del clima ético en un escenario poco explorado, demostrando la distinción de esa realidad en términos de los constructos analizados y la fuerza de los elementos éticos como herramienta conceptual y analítica de los entornos de trabajo