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Abstract Background Although the well-established role of the HLA genes on the predisposition of type 1 diabetes (T1D), its contribution to the development and progression of diabetic retinopathy is still unclear, especially in admixed populations. We aimed to study the relationship between HLA alleles and severe diabetic retinopathy in a highly admixed population of T1D patients. Methods This was a nested case-control study based on a cross-sectional, nationwide survey conducted in Brazil. We included 117 patients with severe diabetic retinopathy and 117 random controls composed of T1D patients without retinopathy, matched for diabetes duration. HLA-class II genes (HLA-DRB1, -DQA1, and -DQB1) were genotyped using the SSO and NGS methods. Results Haplotypes HLA-DRB1*04:05 ~ DQA1*03:01 g ~ DQB1*03:02 (OR 1.75, CI 0.97–3.16, p value 0.058) and HLA-DRB1*13:02 ~ DQA1*01:02 ~ DQB1*06:04 (OR 5.18, CI 1.12–23.09, p value 0.019) were more prevalent on the severe DR group but they did not present statistically difference after Bonferroni correction. The most frequent haplotype on both groups was HLA-DRB1*03:01 ~ DQA1*05:01 g ~ DQB1*02:01 (29.6% on severe DR and 33.33% on the control group). Conclusions Our study showed no influence of HLA genes on the development of DR. Further longitudinal data is needed to better understand the role of genetic factors on this multifactorial significant microvascular complication.

A presença de elementos naturais em ambientes escolares tem se tornado cada vez mais escassa, especialmente nas grandes cidades. Esta é uma questão preocupante, dado que a natureza pode proporcionar ambiências pedagógicas voltadas para o bem-estar, cuidado ambiental e aprendizagem significativa dos estudantes. Diante disso, foram conduzidos mapeamentos para analisar a presença da natureza em escolas do ensino básico. A proposta incluiu croquis para visualização da distribuição dos elementos naturais na estrutura física da escola e a elaboração de uma fórmula matemática que calcula o nível de natureza nela disponível. Os procedimentos permitiram a construção de uma ferramenta de avaliação objetiva dos ambientes escolares e suas áreas verdes, possibilitando um diálogo mais efetivo com as escolas sobre o tema. Estas diretrizes destinam-se ao uso em pesquisas conduzidas por estudiosos da Psicologia Ambiental e áreas afins. Concluindo, esta proposta pode contribuir para o desenvolvimento de indivíduos e escolas mais sustentáveis.

Abstract Interactions between multiple genes and environmental factors could be related to the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes (T1D). The Brazilian population results from different historical miscegenation events, resulting in a highly diverse genetic pool. This study aimed to analyze the mtDNA of patients with T1D and to investigate whether there is a relationship between maternal ancestry, self-reported color and the presence of T1D. The mtDNA control region of 204 patients with T1D residing in three geographic regions of Brazil was sequenced following the International Society for Forensic Genetics (ISFG) recommendations. We obtained a frequency of Native American matrilineal origin (43.6%), African origin (38.2%), and European origin (18.1%). For self-declared color, 42.6% of the patients with diabetes reported that they were White, 50.9% were Brown, and 5.4% were Black. Finally, when we compared the self-declaration data with maternal ancestral origin, we found that for the self-declared White group, there was a greater percentage of haplogroups of Native American origin (50.6%); for the self-declared Black group, there was a greater percentage of African haplogroups (90.9%); and for the Brown group, there was a similar percentage of Native American and African haplogroups (42.3% and 45.2%, respectively). The Brazilian population with diabetic has a maternal heritage of more than 80% Native American and African origin, corroborating the country’s colonization history.

Abstract Background Rhodnius zeledoni was described from a single specimen. Since its description, doubts have arisen regarding the taxonomic status of this species in relation to Rhodnius domesticus. Methods The present study reviewed and compared R. zeledoni with R. domesticus based on morphological analysis and head geometric morphometrics. Results Our analysis revealed the absence of distinctive diagnostic characters between the two species at specific levels. Rhodnius zeledoni and R. domesticus show morphological and morphometric similarity, with only minor differences in coloration observed between them. Contrary to previous statements, our analysis showed that R. zeledoni and R. paraensis are not closely related species, not corroborating previous studies with such an assumption. Conclusions Therefore, we formally propose R. zeledoni as a junior synonym of R. domesticus.

Considering that health professionals at Brazil had doubts about the entomoepidemiological issues of Chagas disease (CD), and that many of them highlighted not feeling totally safe for clinical care, the knowledge of 281 Brazilian medical students was evaluated through a cross-sectional, descriptive, prospective, and quantitative research. Most students demonstrated that they knew about the etiological agent of CD (Trypanosoma cruzi), since 279 students answered the questionnaire correctly. Furthermore, the medical students demonstrated knowledge of the main form of transmission of the parasite, as 278 students associated CD transmission with triatomines. On the other hand, approximately 25 students did not associate CD transmission with triatomine feces. Besides that, these future health professionals had difficulties in relation to the treatment of CD, as more than half of the students (176) wrongly answered that CD “is not curable” or “is curable in the chronic phase”. Based on the results obtained that point out the difficulties medical students have with CD, there is a need for undergraduate medical courses to address the neglected diseases holistically because the National Curriculum Guidelines for the medical course require the training of competent health professionals capable of integrating the biological, psychological, social, and environmental dimensions.

IntroductionThis study aimed to investigate the sociodemographic factors, dietary adherence, regular physical activity, and genomic ancestry percentage associated with good glycemic control in Brazilian patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) using a hierarchical approach.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in 152 T1D patients. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) levels were measured to evaluate the glycemic control status (good, moderate, or poor). Independent factors included sex, age, self-reported skin color, educational level, family income, dietary patterns, and physical activity. The percentage of genomic ancestry (Native American, European, and African) was influenced by a panel of 46 autosomal insertion/deletion ancestry markers. Statistical analyses included receiver operating characteristic curves, and hierarchical logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe hierarchical analysis, patients who had high dietary adherence showed a positive association with good glycemic control (adjustedOR = 2.56, 95% CI:1.18-5.59, P = 0.016). Thus, age greater than 40 years was associated with good glycemic control compared to the children and adolescents group (adjustedOR = 4.55, 95% CI:1.14-18.1, P = 0.031). Males were associated with good glycemic control (adjustedOR = 2.00, 95% CI:1.01-4.00, P =0.047).ConclusionThe study findings suggest that consistent adherence to dietary regimens is associated with good glycemic control after adjusting for sociodemographic and genomic ancestry factors in an admixed population of T1D patients from Northeast Brazil.

ABSTRACT Background: An external quality assessment on the identification of triatomines within the laboratory network in the state of Rondônia. Methods: Seven laboratories participated in this evaluation. Each was provided with support materials and nine insects from the Hemiptera order for identification. Results: All samples were accurately identified at the species level. However, correct sex identification was achieved for only 79% of the samples. The most significant challenges were encountered in determining the sex of predators, phytophagous species, Rhodnius robustus, and Rhodnius pictipes. Conclusions: The identified shortcomings can inform enhancements in vector control programs for Chagas disease.

O ciúme e a violência conjugal são fenômenos complexos que precisam ser melhor compreendidos, especialmente no que se refere às suas repercussões na saúde mental. O presente estudo teve por objetivo mensurar a associação entre ciúme, violência conjugal e saúde mental (ansiedade, depressão e estresse). Participaram 194 pessoas, sendo 151 mulheres e 43 homens, com idade de 19 a 58 anos, casados ou em união estável. Os instrumentos foram: questionário sociodemográfico, Revised Conflict Tactics Scale, Interpersonal Jealousy Scale, Inventário de Ciúme Romântico e Escala de Ansiedade, Depressão e Estresse. Constatou-se alta prevalência de violência, chegando a índices de 85,4% de homens que admitem cometer agressão psicológica em seu relacionamento. Destaca-se maior prevalência do ciúme, violência conjugal e adoecimento mental em pessoas com menor escolaridade e renda, sem união oficializada e sem filhos. É importante que esses fatores sejam observados como de risco para ocorrência da violência conjugal e suas repercussões.

Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient known to play an important role in the antioxidant system that can potentially influence tumor growth. We aimed to investigate the effects of dietary Se supplementation after detection of 4T1 mammary tumor growth in BALB/c mice. Thirty female mice received subcutaneous inoculation of 4T1 cells. After five days, all animals presenting palpable tumors were randomly assigned to three groups: a control group (Se-control) receiving a diet with adequate Se (0.15 mg/kg) and two other groups that received Se-supplemented diets (1.4 mg/kg of total Se) with either Brazilian nuts (Se-Nuts) or selenomethionine (SeMet). Data were assessed by either One or Two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's HSD or Bonferroni's post hoc tests, respectively. Both Se-supplemented diets reduced tumor volume from the thirteenth day of feeding compared with the Se-adequate (control) diet (p < 0.05). The SeMet group presented a higher Se blood concentration (p < 0.05) than the Se-control group, with the Se-Nuts group presenting intermediate values. Selenoprotein P gene expression in the liver was higher in the Se-Nuts group than in the Se-control group (p < 0.05), while the SeMet group presented intermediate expression. Dietary Se supplementation, starting after detection of 4T1 palpable lesions, reduced tumor volume in mice.

Abstract We investigated the effect of dietary supplementation with kinkan orange on growth, adiposity, metabolic parameters, and oxidative stress in rats with diet-induced hypercholesterolemia. Female Wistar rats (6-8 weeks) were fed a AIN-93M diet (Control); AIN-93M diet containing 5% kinkan orange (CTkinkan); Hypercholesterolemic diet, containing 1% cholesterol and 25% fat (Hyper); or Hypercholesterolemic diet containing 5% kinkan orange (Hyperkinkan). Hypercholesterolemic diet increased body weight, adiposity, serum alanine transaminase (ALT), creatinine, cholesterol and triglycerides, hepatic total lipids, cholesterol, and triglycerides, and hepatic oxidative stress. Supplementation with kinkan reduced the serum and hepatic lipid content, decreased serum ALT, besides improving the antioxidant status in liver tissue of hypercholesterolemic animals. Moreover, HDL-cholesterol increased in both groups supplemented with kinkan orange (CTkinkan and Hyperkinkan). Our data suggest that diet supplementation with kinkan orange may consist of a valid strategy to prevent or reduce dyslipidemia and oxidative stress in hypercholesterolemic rats.

ABSTRACT: In this retrospective and prospective study, histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses of 62 cases of lymphomas in cats were performed to classify the anatomic forms and subtypes, according to the WHO guidelines, and correlate it to FeLV proviral DNA detected using PCR. The most common anatomical form was gastrointestinal (40.3%, 25/62), followed by multicentric (29%, 18/62), mediastinal (17.7%, 11/62) and extranodal (12,9%, 8/62). Among the lymphoma subtypes, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) (30.6%, 19/62) was the most commonly diagnosed followed by peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) (29%, 18/62) and enteropathy associated T-cell lymphoma type 2 (14.5%, 9/62). DNA extraction from paraffin-embedded neoplastic tissue was obtained in 28 cases and FeLV proviral DNA was detected by PCR, in 23 of these. Of the cases presenting with FeLV proviral DNA, nine (32%) were of the multicentric form, five (22%) of the mediastinal and extranodal forms and four (17%) of the gastrointestinal form. The most frequent subtypes with FeLV proviral DNA, independent of the anatomical form, were DLBCL (39.1%, 9/23) and PTCL (34.7%, 8/23). The presence of the FeLV proviral DNA in 23 cats of this study, probably had association with the multicentric form of lymphoma and higher occurrence in the DLBCL and PTCL subtypes.

Sentence-comprehension deficits have been described in patients with primary progressive aphasia (PPA). However, most instruments to address this domain in more detail and in a clinical context have not been adapted and translated into several languages, posing limitations to clinical practice and cross-language research.ObjectivesThe study aimed to (1) test the applicability of the Brazilian version of the Test for Reception of Grammar (TROG2-Br) to detect morphosyntactic deficits in patients with PPA; (2) investigate the association between performance in the test and sociodemographic and clinical variables (age, years of formal education, and disease duration); (3) characterize the performance of individuals presenting with the three more common variants of PPA (non-fluent, semantic, and logopenic) and mixed PPA (PPA-Mx) and analyze whether TROG-2 may assist in the distinction of these clinical profiles.MethodsA total of 74 cognitively healthy participants and 34 individuals diagnosed with PPA were assessed with TROG2-Br. Overall scores (correct items, passed blocks), types, and categories of errors were analyzed.ResultsIn controls, block scores were significantly correlated with years of formal education (Spearman's r = 0.33, p = 004) but not with age. In PPA, age, education, and disease duration were not significantly associated with performance in the test. Controls presented a significantly higher performance on TROG2-Br compared to PPA individuals and their errors pattern pointed to mild general cognitive processing difficulties (attention, working memory). PPA error types pointed to processing and morphosyntactic deficits in nonfluent or agrammatic PPA, (PPA-NF/A), logopenic PPA (PPA-L), and PPA-Mx. The semantic PPA (PPA-S) subgroup was qualitatively more similar to controls (processing difficulties and lower percentage of morphosyntactic errors). TROG2-Br presented good internal consistency and concurrent validity.DiscussionOur results corroborate findings with TROG-2 in other populations. The performance of typical older adults with heterogeneous levels of education is discussed along with recommendations for clinical use of the test and future directions of research.

Abstract Background Black individuals have a great risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD) that is associated with high morbimortality, so it is important to classify them into the correct renal function group. Some equations used to estimate glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) divide patients only into two categories: African Americans and non-African Americans. The CKD-EPI equation was tested only in African Americans, and not Black patients from other regions, and takes into consideration self-reported color-race instead of genomic ancestry (GA) to determine the use of the ethnic correction factor. So far, this equation has not been evaluated in admixed populations, such as the Brazilian, using the percentage of GA to decide to apply the correction factor. The purpose of our study was to compare, in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D), the eGFR calculated without the use of the correction factor, with the values obtained using the correction factor in patients presenting 50% or more of African GA. Methods This cross-sectional, multicenter study enrolled 1279 patients from all geographic regions of Brazil. The CKD-EPI equation was used and CKD was defined as eGFR

Panstrongylus geniculatus (Latreille, 1811) is the most widely distributed species in Brazil. This study presents the first report of this species collected inside a building in the “Centro de Estudos Ambientais e Desenvolvimento Sustentável”, at the Vila Dois Rios, Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The new record is important to understand the risk of Chagas disease transmission, mainly because this species is commonly found infected with Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas, 1909).

A multidimensionalidade do processo de envelhecimento envolve mudanças em distintas capacidades. A estratégia de cidades amigáveis ao envelhecimento prevê a necessidade de adaptações nos espaços urbanos que atendam às demandas de bem-estar da pessoa idosa. Assim, o objetivo desse estudo foi explorar como as técnicas de Mapeamento Participativo e World Café poderiam auxiliar na identificação de desafios para a oferta de serviços e recursos para criar comunidades promotoras de envelhecimento ativo, a partir da perspectiva de idosos e stakeholders. As técnicas geraram discussões coconstruídas e entendimentos compartilhados sobre as barreiras enfrentadas ao negociar e acessar os serviços. Demandas associadas à precariedade da infraestrutura local, à ausência de atividades de lazer e a um sentimento generalizado de insegurança foram temas recorrentes. As demandas levaram à conclusão de que para o envelhecimento saudável, a interrelação de fatores objetivos e subjetivos que considerem a multidimensionalidade da velhice possibilitará a participação ativa dessa população

Chagas disease is a neglected tropical disease caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi and transmitted mainly by members of the subfamily Triatominae. There are currently 157 species, grouped into 18 genera and five tribes. Most descriptions of triatomine species are based on classical taxonomy. Facing evolutionary (cryptic speciation and phenotypic plasticity) and taxonomic (more than 190 synonymizations) problems, it is evident that integrative taxonomy studies are an important and necessary trend for this group of vectors. Almost two-and-a-half centuries after the description of the first species, we present for the first time the state-of-the-art taxonomy of the whole subfamily, covering from the initial classic studies to the use of integrative taxonomy.

Abstract Introduction The hormonal changes that occur during the menstrual cycle and their relationship with hearing problems have been studied. However, they have not been well explained. Objective The objective of our study is to investigate the variation in hearing thresholds in women during the menstrual cycle. Method We conducted a cohort and longitudinal study. It was composed of 30 volunteers, aged 18–39 years old, of which 20 were women during the phases of the menstrual cycle and 10 were men (control group) who underwent audiometry and impedance exams, to correlate the possible audiological changes in each phase of the menstrual cycle. Results There were significant changes in hearing thresholds observed during the menstrual cycle phases in the group of women who used hormonal contraceptives and the group who did not use such contraceptives. Improved hearing thresholds were observed in the late follicular phase in the group who did not use hormonal contraceptives and the hearing thresholds at high frequencies were better. Throughout the menstrual cycle phases, the mean variation was 3.6 db HL between weeks in the group who used hormonal contraceptives and 4.09 db HL in the group who did not use them. Conclusions The present study found that there may be a relationship between hearing changes and hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle based on changes in the hearing thresholds of women. In addition, this study suggests that estrogen has an otoprotective effect on hearing, since the best hearing thresholds were found when estrogen was at its maximum peak.

Abstract Objective: To identify the vulnerabilities of women with human immunodeficiency virus to cervical cancer. Methods: Cross-sectional study carried out in a clinic with 152 adult women with HIV, by means of the application of a structured form comprising several types of vulnerability. Results: Related to individual vulnerability, were prevalent the age above 29 years (87.5%), education higher than eight years of study (53.3%) and family income lower than two minimum wages (94.1%). The majority reported active sexual life (81.6%) and non-use of condoms (57.2%). Regarding the social vulnerability, 56.6% were unemployed. About programmatic vulnerability, 44.0% of women underwent a prevention exam in a period of more than one year. Women with more schooling (p = 0.007), employed (p = 0.000) and that did not use illicit drugs (p = 0.000) underwent the preventive exam in proper frequency. Conclusion: In this study, were identified individual, social and programmatic vulnerabilities for cervical cancer in women with HIV.

Panstrongylus geniculatus (Latreille, 1811) is the most widely distributed species in Brazil. This study presents the first report of this species collected inside a building in the “Centro de Estudos Ambientais e Desenvolvimento Sustentável”, at the Vila Dois Rios, Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The new record is important to understand the risk of Chagas disease transmission, mainly because this species is commonly found infected with Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas, 1909).

RESUMO Banana, Musa sp,. é uma das frutas mais consumidas em todo o mundo, e o Brasil é um dos maiores produtores mundiais. A farinha de banana verde apresenta os maiores teores de amido resistente, quando comparada à banana madura. Estas características tornam a farinha de banana verde (FBV) e purê de banana verde (PBV) excelentes matérias-primas, capazes de aumentar o conteúdo de fibra alimentar (FA) nos alimentos adicionados, aumentando o apelo funcional. No presente estudo, pães foram preparados com diferentes percentuais de farinha e purê de banana verde (10%, 20% e 30%), em substituição à farinha de trigo e avaliada a qualidade do pão em função da altura, volume, rendimento, tempo de fermentação, a percentagem de umidade, cor da crosta/miolo e reologia do produto final. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativaentre o rendimento e o teor de umidade das formulações. Pães que foram preparados com FBV e PBV resultaram em produtos mais escuros em relação ao padrão, e a luminosidade (L*) diminuiu com o aumento do nível de substituição. Pães com 10% de FBV e até 20% de PBV não diferiram estatisticamente do padrão em relação à dureza. Estes resultados sugerem a viabilidade da aplicação dessas matérias-primas (FBV e PBV) em pães, o que, em função das caracteristicas já demonstradas em pesquisas, poderá elevar o valor nutricional desse tradicional alimento.