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Functional traits shape small mammal-helminth network: patterns and processes in species interactions
No full textUnderstanding the role of species traits in mediating ecological interactions and shaping com munity structure is a key question in ecology. In this sense, parasite population parameters
allow us to estimate the functional importance of traits in shaping the strength of interactions
among hosts and parasites in a network. The aim of this study was to survey and analyse the
small mammal-helminth network in a forest reserve of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest in order
to understand (i) how functional traits (type of parasite life cycle, site of infection in their
host, host and parasite body length, host diet, host locomotor habit and host activity period)
and abundance influence host–parasite interactions, (ii) whether these traits explain species
roles, and (iii) if this relationship is consistent across different parasite population parameters
(presence and absence, mean abundance and prevalence). Networks were modular and their
structural patterns did not vary among the population parameters. Functional traits and abun dance shaped the interactions observed between parasites and hosts. Host species abundance,
host diet and locomotor habit affected their centrality and/or vulnerability to parasites. For
helminths, infection niche was the main trait determining their central roles in the networks
A Cytokine Network Balance Influences the Fate of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis Infection in a Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Hamster Model
No full textThe golden hamster is a suitable model for studying cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) due to Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis. Immunopathological mechanisms are well established in the L. (L.) major-mouse model, in which IL-4 instructs a Th2 response towards progressive infection. In the present study, we evaluated the natural history of L. braziliensis infection from its first stages up to lesion establishment, with the aim of identifying immunological parameters associated with the disease outcome and parasitism fate. To this end, hamsters infected with 104, 105, or 106 promastigotes were monitored during the first hours (4h, 24h), early (15 days, 30 days) and late (50 days) post-infection (pi) phases. Cytokines, iNOS and arginase gene expression were quantified in the established lesions by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. Compared to the 105 or 106 groups, 104 animals presented lower lesions sizes, less tissue damage, and lower IgG levels. Basal gene expression in normal skin was high for TGF-β, and intermediary for TNF, IL-6, and IL-4. At 4hpi, no cytokine induction was observed in the 104 group, while an upregulation of IL-6, IL-10, and IL-4 was observed in the 106 group. At 15dpi, lesion appearance was accompanied by an increased expression of all assessed cytokines, markedly in the 105 and 106 groups. Upregulation of all investigated cytokines was observed in the late phase, although less expressive in the 104 group. IFN-γ was the depending variable influencing tissue damage, while IL-6 was associated to parasite load. The network correlating gene expression and clinical and laboratorial parameters indicated inoculum-independent associations at 15 and 30dpi. A strong positive network correlation was observed in the 104 group, but not in the 105 or 106 groups. In conclusion, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and TGF-β are linked o L. braziliensis progression. However, a balanced cytokine network is the key for an immune response able to reduce the ongoing infection and reduce pathological damage
La percepción de niños cariocas sobre la pandemia de COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2 y los virus en general
No full textApesar de as crianças serem apontadas como o grupo menos afetado pelos sintomas da COVID-19, embora não ileso à doença e suas formas graves, seu cotidiano foi afetado de várias formas, incluindo a interrupção da vida escolar presencial e o contato com colegas de aula, além de impactos relacionados ao isolamento social e, em muitos casos, problemas financeiros e de saúde enfrentados por familiares. Neste trabalho, temos como objetivo compreender a percepção de crianças cariocas sobre o SARS-CoV-2, a COVID-19 e os vírus em geral, por meio de um estudo qualitativo. Entrevistamos 20 crianças por meio de plataformas de serviços de conferência. Os resultados indicam que elas estão conscientes dos riscos e cuidados necessários para a prevenção do coronavírus, mostrando-se apreensivas, com medo de pegar a doença e passar para os seus familiares. Quanto aos vírus em geral, observamos que suas percepções são relacionadas diretamente ao coronavírus, isto é, à situação com que estão lidando atualmente. O estudo traz subsídios que podem ajudar na concepção de estratégias de divulgação científica.CNPq; FAPERJAlthough children have been identified as the group least affected by COVID-19 symptoms (even though they are not automatically shielded from the disease or its severe forms), their daily lives have been affected in various ways, including interruption of in-person school activities and contact with classmates, besides other impacts from social isolation and in many cases family financial and health problems. This study aims to understand the perceptions of children in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil towards SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, and viruses in general, through a qualitative study. We interviewed 20 children via conference services platforms. The findings indicate that children are aware of the risks and necessary precautions for coronavirus prevention, displaying apprehension and fear of catching the disease and transmitting it to their family members. As for viruses in general, we found that their perceptions are related directly to the novel coronavirus, that is, the situation they are dealing with at present. The study provides elements that can help design science dissemination strategies.A pesar de que los niños sean apuntados como el grupo menos afectado por los síntomas de la COVID-19 -aunque no ilesos a la enfermedad y sus formas graves-, su día a día estuvo afectado de varias formas, incluyendo la interrupción de la vida escolar presencial y el contacto con compañeros de clase, además de sufrir impactos relacionados con el aislamiento social y, en muchos casos, problemas financieros y de salud, a los que se tuvieron que enfrentar sus familiares. En este estudio, tenemos como objetivo comprender la percepción de los niños de Río de Janeiro, Brasil, sobre el SARSCoV-2, la COVID-19 y los virus en general, mediante un estudio cualitativo. Entrevistamos a 20 niños a través de plataformas de servicios de conferencia. Los resultados indican que los niños son conscientes de los riesgos y cuidados necesarios para la prevención del coronavirus, mostrándose aprensivos, con miedo de contraer la enfermedad y contagiársela a sus familiares. En cuanto a los virus en general, observamos que sus percepciones están relacionadas directamente con el coronavirus, esto es, con la situación que están afrontando actualmente. El estudio presenta contribuciones que pueden ayudar en la concepción de estrategias de divulgación científica
Effect of Itraconazole-Ezetimibe-Miltefosine Ternary Therapy in Murine Visceral Leishmaniasis
No full textDrug combination therapy is an interesting approach to increase the
success of drug repurposing for neglected diseases. Thus, the objective of this work
was to evaluate binary and ternary therapies composed of itraconazole, ezetimibe,
and miltefosine for the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis. Intracellular Leishmania
infantum amastigotes were incubated with the drugs alone or in combination for
72 h. For in vivo experiments, we tested long-course (21 days, once per day) and
short-course (5 days, twice per day) treatments for the binary combination of itraco nazole and ezetimibe. For the ternary therapy including miltefosine, we adopted the
short-course treatment and varied the vehicle. None of the combinations were toxic
to macrophages. The binary combination of itraconazole plus ezetimibe and the ter nary combination of itraconazole, ezetimibe, and miltefosine had synergistic effects
in intracellular amastigotes, for some of the proportions evaluated. Although the in
vivo long-course therapy had been more effective than the short-course protocol, it
showed hepatic toxicity signs. Ezetimibe has been proven to be able to reduce the
parasite burden alone or in combination. Both suspensions of the ternary combina tion were active, but when the drugs were suspended in the commercial Ora-Plus
formulation instead of purified water, the parasite burden was reduced by 98% in
the liver and spleen. Altogether, the results demonstrate for the first time the activity
of ezetimibe in a viscerotropic species of Leishmania and indicate that ternary treat ment composed of miltefosine, itraconazole, and ezetimibe at low doses is a promis ing therapeutic alternative for the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis.Drug combination therapy is an interesting approach to increase the
success of drug repurposing for neglected diseases. Thus, the objective of this work
was to evaluate binary and ternary therapies composed of itraconazole, ezetimibe,
and miltefosine for the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis. Intracellular Leishmania
infantum amastigotes were incubated with the drugs alone or in combination for
72 h. For in vivo experiments, we tested long-course (21 days, once per day) and
short-course (5 days, twice per day) treatments for the binary combination of itraco nazole and ezetimibe. For the ternary therapy including miltefosine, we adopted the
short-course treatment and varied the vehicle. None of the combinations were toxic
to macrophages. The binary combination of itraconazole plus ezetimibe and the ter nary combination of itraconazole, ezetimibe, and miltefosine had synergistic effects
in intracellular amastigotes, for some of the proportions evaluated. Although the in
vivo long-course therapy had been more effective than the short-course protocol, it
showed hepatic toxicity signs. Ezetimibe has been proven to be able to reduce the
parasite burden alone or in combination. Both suspensions of the ternary combina tion were active, but when the drugs were suspended in the commercial Ora-Plus
formulation instead of purified water, the parasite burden was reduced by 98% in
the liver and spleen. Altogether, the results demonstrate for the first time the activity
of ezetimibe in a viscerotropic species of Leishmania and indicate that ternary treat ment composed of miltefosine, itraconazole, and ezetimibe at low doses is a promis ing therapeutic alternative for the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis
Asymmetric “partners”: work and health of app drivers in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
No full textEste artigo é fruto de resultados preliminares de uma pesquisa em andamento com motoristas por aplicativo e tem por objetivo discutir sobre como tem se dado o jogo de forças nas relações que se estabelecem entre as empresas, os trabalhadores, os órgãos reguladores e a sociedade. O estudo exploratório, com abordagem qualitativa, utilizou análise documental, questionário e entrevistas semiestruturadas com motoristas ligados a associações do Rio de Janeiro/RJ. Tendo como base o referencial teórico-metodológico da Ergologia, e a partir dos espaços micro e macroscópico da vida social, a análise se deu em uma perspectiva tripolar, abarcando os polos referentes à atividade humana, ao mercado e à política. Os resultados apresentam normas antecedentes que vêm sendo construídas sobre este trabalho na relação com as empresas, com os passageiros e entre os próprios motoristas, além de questões trazidas a partir da pandemia de COVID-19. Conclui-se ser necessário não contrapor a evolução tecnológica à conquista de direitos e da saúde dos trabalhadores, sendo imperativo lembrar que nenhuma ação que vise garantir a conciliação entre saúde, trabalho e direitos conseguirá avançar sem contar com uma dinâmica frutífera, e tendencialmente equilibrada, entre os três polos mencionados.This paper is the product of an ongoing research’s preliminary results with app drivers and aims to discuss how the game of forces has occurred in the relationships established between companies, workers, regulatory bodies, and society. This exploratory qualitative study employed document analysis, a questionnaire, and semi-structured interviews with drivers linked to associations in Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Brazil. The analysis was conducted from a tripolar perspective based on the theoretical-methodological framework of Ergology and social life’s micro and macroscopic spaces, encompassing the poles referring to human activity, the market, and politics. The results show a background of norms built on this work about the relationship with companies, passengers, and the drivers themselves, besides issues raised from the COVID-19 pandemic. We can conclude that it is necessary not to counteract technological evolution to achieve workers’ rights and health. We should recall that no action aimed at ensuring the reconciliation of health, work, and rights will advance without relying on a fruitful and balanced trend between the three poles mentioned
Saúde Amanhã: Textos para Discussão 52: Reestruturação do Setor Privado de Serviços de Saúde: atualidade e perspectivas
No full textPublicação cujo objetivo é divulgar resultados de estudos desenvolvidos no âmbito do Projeto Saúde Amanhã, disseminando informações sobre a prospecção estratégica em saúde, em um horizonte móvel de 20 anos. Busca, ainda, estabelecer um espaço para discussões e debates entre os profissionais especializados e instituições do setor. As opiniões emitidas nesta publicação são de exclusiva e de inteira responsabilidade do autor, não exprimindo, necessariamente, o ponto de vista da Fiocruz/MS. O projeto Saúde Amanhã é conduzido pela Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz) no contexto da “Estratégia Fiocruz para a Agenda 2030”/Fiocruz. É permitida a reprodução deste texto e dos dados nele contidos, desde que citada a fonte. Reproduções para fins comerciais são proibidas.Marco Antonio Rocha, da Universidade Estadual de Campinas, foi convidado pela Fiocruz, para autoria e desenvolvimento do conteúdo do trabalho.A análise presente neste texto está focada nas atividades de administração hospitalar, seguros de saúde e medicina diagnóstica. Esse recorte justifica-se tanto pelo grau de concentração, isto é, pela liderança exercida pelas grandes empresas no processo de concorrência, mas também pelo fato de serem atividades mais diretamente ligadas ao complexo industrial da saúde (Gadelha, 2003), no sentido de possuírem interfaces importantes com a dinâmica desse complexo industrial. As empresas dessas áreas, por exemplo, são demandantes de bens produzidos pelo complexo industrial da saúde, são atores fundamentais na disseminação de inovações e possuem papel de grande relevância nos ganhos de eficiência das novas tecnologias
Triple taboo: considerations about suicide among children and adolescents
No full textEste artigo pretende compreender a construção e a repercussão dos tabus que envolvem o suicídio de crianças e adolescentes, considerando o incômodo, o silêncio e o pavor que esse tema provoca em toda a sociedade. Diante do reconhecimento de um continuum de tabus (tabu da morte < tabu do suicídio < tabu do suicídio infantojuvenil), propôs-se, como tentativa de clarificar essa questão, o conceito de um triplo tabu, valorizando a incomensurabilidade das mortes autoprovocadas que têm as crianças e os adolescentes como protagonistas. Tendo sido desenvolvido a partir de um estudo qualitativo com pediatras em formação, este documento se configura como um chamado aos profissionais que assistem crianças e adolescentes no país. É preciso que a formação pediátrica reconheça esses tabus e as dimensões do comportamento suicida como uma manifestação de violência e um agravo à saúde mental, identificando-o como um elemento crítico e urgente na assistência contemporânea a crianças e adolescentes.This article aims to understand the construction and repercussion of taboos involving suicides among children and adolescents, considering the discomfort, silence, and dread that the theme causes across society. Due to the recognition of a continuum of taboos (taboo of death < taboo of suicide < taboo of child suicide), the authors present, as an attempt to address this issue, the concept of a triple taboo, recognizing the incommensurability of self-inflicted deaths that have children and adolescents as protagonists. Developed from a qualitative study with paediatricians during their medical residence, this paper serves as a call to professionals who assist children and adolescents in the country. Paediatric training needs to recognise these taboos and the dimensions of suicidal behaviour as a manifestation of violence and as a threat to mental health. Their identification is a critical and urgent element in contemporary children and adolescents' care
Evaluation of palliative care coverage as a consultant team in a hospital care unit in the Federal District - Brazil
No full textO objetivo desta dissertação consiste em avaliar a cobertura de cuidados paliativos (CP) na modalidade de equipe consultora em uma unidade da atenção hospitalar do Distrito Federal. A avaliação buscou explicitar em que medida esta estratégia atende às demandas da população que necessita e os fatores relacionados ao contexto que influenciam na implementação deste serviço de saúde. Para isso, explorou o contexto no qual o serviço está inserido e as relações entre os stakeholders relacionados à intervenção de saúde por meio de entrevistas realizadas com os componentes da Equipe Interconsultora de Cuidados Paliativos (EICP) e com a Responsável Técnica Distrital em Cuidados Paliativos (RTD-CP). Os stakeholders identificados foram classificados conforme seus atributos de poder, legitimidade e urgência, de acordo com a teoria dos stakeholders de Mitchell, Agle e Wood (1997), para compreensão das relações entre os interessados na intervenção de saúde. A estimativa mínima da população-alvo do serviço de CP foi calculada para identificar a cobertura potencial e real do serviço, ou sua disponibilidade e utilização. Percebemos uma complexa rede de fatores que interferem e influenciam na cobertura de CP em ambiente hospitalar nesta modalidade, entre fatores individuais, relacionados aos profissionais da saúde, à organização do serviço e às políticas adotadas. Considerando uma população-alvo mínima, verificou-se que a EICP oferece uma cobertura real menor que a necessidade mínima de CP calculada para o local. Fatores como a baixa carga horária dos profissionais da equipe, crenças e questões culturais associadas à morte, conhecimento deficiente sobre CP por parte de gestores e profissionais da saúde influenciam na oferta e na utilização do serviço. A educação e o engajamento dos gestores foram vistos como influência positiva no potencial de desenvolvimento do CP. A avaliação permitiu, portanto, conhecer esses fatores e pensar em alternativas que permitam o desenvolvimento do serviço para o alcance de suas metas.This dissertation aim to evaluate the coverage of palliative care (PC) as a consultant team in a hospital care unit in Distrito Federal. The evaluation sought to explain the extent to which this strategy meets the demands of the population that needs it and the factors related to the context that influence the implementation of this health service. For this, it explored the context where the service is inserted and the relationships between the stakeholders related to the health intervention through interviews carried out with the components of the Palliative Care Interconsulting Team (EICP) and with the District Technical Manager in Palliative Care (RTD-CP). The identified stakeholders were classified as attributes of power, legitimacy and urgency, according to the stakeholder theory of Mitchell, Agle and Wood (1997), to understand the relationships between those interested in this health intervention. The minimum estimate of the target population of the PC service was calculated to identify the potential and actual coverage of the service, or its availability and use. We noticed a complex network of factors that interfere and influence the coverage of this PC modality in a hospital unit, among individual factors related to health professionals, the organization of the service and the policies adopted. Considering a minimum target population, it was found that the EICP offers a real coverage lower than the minimum PC requirement calculated for the local population. Factors such as the low hours of work per week of the EICP, beliefs and cultural issues associated with death, deficient knowledge about PC by managers and health professionals influence the service provision and use. The education and engagement of managers was seen as a positive influence on the PC development potential. The evaluation allows knowing these factors and to think of alternatives to develop the service and reach its goals
Gene-environment interaction in molar incisor hypomineralizatio
No full textMolar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is an enamel condition characterized by lesions
ranging in color from white to brown which present rapid caries progression, and mainly
affects permanent first molars and incisors. These enamel defects usually occur when there
are disturbances during the mineralization or maturation stage of amelogenesis. Both
genetic and environmental factors have been suggested to play roles in MIH’s development,
but no conclusive risk factors have shown the source of the disease. During head and neck
development, the interferon regulatory factor 6 (IRF6) gene is involved in the structure for mation of the oral and maxillofacial regions, and the transforming growth factor alpha
(TGFA) is an essential cell regulator, acting during proliferation, differentiation, migration
and apoptosis. In this present study, it was hypothesized that these genes interact and con tribute to predisposition of MIH. Environmental factors affecting children that were 3 years of
age or older were also hypothesized to play a role in the disease etiology. Those factors
included respiratory issues, malnutrition, food intolerance, infection of any sort and medica tion intake. A total of 1,065 salivary samples from four different cohorts were obtained, and
DNA was extracted from each sample and genotyped for nine different single nucleotide
polymorphisms. Association tests and logistic regression implemented in PLINK were used
for analyses. A potential interaction between TGFA rs930655 with all markers tested in the
cohort from Turkey was identified. These interactions were not identified in the remaining
cohorts. Associations (p<0.05) between the use of medication after three years of age and MIH were also found, suggesting that conditions acquired at the age children start to social ize might contribute to the development of MIH
Exercise–Linked Irisin: Consequences on Mental and Cardiovascular Health in Type 2 Diabetes
No full textCoordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível
Superior-Brazil (CAPES)—Finance Code 001.Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disorder associated with insulin resistance and hyperglycemia. Chronic exposure to a T2DM microenvironment with hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, oxidative stress and increased levels of proinflammatory mediators, has negative consequences to the cardiovascular system and mental health. Therefore, atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and mental health issues have been strongly associated with T2DM. Lifestyle modifications, including physical exercise training, are necessary to prevent T2DM development and its associated complications. It is widely known that the regular practice of exercise provides several physiological benefits to subjects with T2DM, such as managing glycemic and blood pressure levels. Different types of exercise, from aerobic to resistance training, are effective to improve mental health and cognitive function in T2DM. Irisin is a myokine produced in response to exercise, which has been pointed as a relevant mechanism of action to explain the benefits of exercise on cardiovascular and mental health in T2DM patients. Here, we review emerging clinical and experimental evidence about exercise-linked irisin consequences to cardiovascular and mental health in T2DM