RESUMEN

Terminal ileitis is a common finding in clinical practice and is often associated with Crohn's disease. However, other pathologies must be considered particularly those resulting from side effects of drugs. We report a case of an 18-year-old female that underwent renal transplant under mycophenolate sodium, tacrolimus, and prednisolone admitted for abdominal pain, diarrhea and weight loss. Abdominal ultrasound revealed terminal ileum wall thickness, extending through 6,6 cm, while a subsequent Ileocolonoscopy revealed normal ileal mucosae but congestive cecum mucosae with superficial ulcers. Histology revealed unspecific chronic inflammation. Under the hypothesis of drug-induced enterocolitis, and after multidisciplinary discussion, mycophenolate sodium was suspended, with a rapid recovery without further treatment. This case highlights the challenge of diagnosing ileocolitis and demonstrates that MS-induced lesions can present clinical and endoscopic changes similar to those seen in Crohn's disease. Although enteric-coated MS has delayed absorption from the GI tract compared to MMF, which might reduce GI adverse events, this difference does not seem to be statistically significant.

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Long-term deterioration in the mental health of healthcare workers (HCWs) has been reported during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Determining the impact of COVID-19 incidence and mortality rates on the mental health of HCWs is essential to prepare for potential new pandemics. This study aimed to investigate the association of COVID-19 incidence and mortality rates with depressive symptoms over 2 years among HCWs in 20 countries during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This was a multi-country serial cross-sectional study using data from the first and second survey waves of the COVID-19 HEalth caRe wOrkErS (HEROES) global study. The HEROES study prospectively collected data from HCWs at various health facilities. The target population included HCWs with both clinical and non-clinical roles. In most countries, healthcare centers were recruited based on convenience sampling. As an independent variable, daily COVID-19 incidence and mortality rates were calculated using confirmed cases and deaths reported by Johns Hopkins University. These rates represent the average for the 7 days preceding the participants' response date. The primary outcome was depressive symptoms, assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. A multilevel linear mixed model (LMM) was conducted to investigate the association of depressive symptoms with the average incidence and mortality rates. RESULTS: A total of 32,223 responses from the participants who responded to all measures used in this study on either the first or second survey, and on both the first and second surveys in 20 countries were included in the analysis. The mean age was 40.1 (SD = 11.1), and 23,619 responses (73.3%) were from females. The 9323 responses (28.9%) were nurses and 9119 (28.3%) were physicians. LMM showed that the incidence rate was significantly and positively associated with depressive symptoms (coefficient = 0.008, standard error 0.003, p = 0.003). The mortality rate was significantly and positively associated with depressive symptoms (coefficient = 0.049, se = 0.020, p = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to show an association between COVID-19 incidence and mortality rates with depressive symptoms among HCWs during the first 2 years of the outbreak in multiple countries. This study's findings indicate that additional mental health support for HCWs was needed when the COVID-19 incidence and mortality rates increase during and after the early phase of the pandemic, and these findings may apply to future pandemics. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04352634.

Asunto(s)

COVID-19 , Depresión , Personal de Salud , Humanos , COVID-19/mortalidad , COVID-19/epidemiología , COVID-19/psicología , Estudios Transversales , Personal de Salud/psicología , Depresión/epidemiología , Masculino , Femenino , Incidencia , Adulto , Persona de Mediana Edad , SARS-CoV-2

RESUMEN

The aim of the present study was to examine the relationships between gender, sense of coherence (SOC), social support, perception of academic environment and mental health of dental students during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. A longitudinal study involving 65 undergraduates enrolled from the first to sixth semesters in the bachelor dental course of Universidade Federal Fluminense, Brazil, was conducted. Baseline data (2018) included age, gender, SOC, social support, stress control and perception of education environment. Depression, anxiety and stress were assessed at baseline (response rate: 93%) and two-year follow-up (2020; response rate: 37%). Structural Equation Modelling was used to test the relationships between independent variables and depression, anxiety and stress during COVID-19 pandemic. Lower social support (ß = -0.15), lower stress control (ß = -0.20) and lower SOC (ß = -0.39) were directly linked to higher depression (ß = 0.22). Female gender (ß = 0.22), worse perception of educational environment (ß = -0.24) and lower SOC (ß = -0.57) directly predicted higher anxiety. Female gender (ß = 0.18), lower stress control (ß = -0.21), and lower SOC (ß = -0.46) directly predicted higher stress. The link between gender and both depression and stress, was mediated by stress control. Social support was indirectly linked to depression and stress via SOC. Perception of educational environment mediated the link between SOC and anxiety. Mental health of dental students during COVID-19 pandemic was influenced by demographic characteristics, perception of educational environment, social support and SOC through both direct and indirect pathways.

Asunto(s)

Ansiedad , COVID-19 , Depresión , Salud Mental , Apoyo Social , Estrés Psicológico , Estudiantes de Odontología , Humanos , Estudiantes de Odontología/psicología , Estudiantes de Odontología/estadística & datos numéricos , Femenino , COVID-19/psicología , COVID-19/epidemiología , Masculino , Estudios Longitudinales , Salud Mental/estadística & datos numéricos , Depresión/psicología , Depresión/epidemiología , Brasil/epidemiología , Ansiedad/psicología , Ansiedad/epidemiología , Factores Sexuales , Adulto Joven , Estrés Psicológico/psicología , Estrés Psicológico/epidemiología , Sentido de Coherencia , Adulto , Pandemias , SARS-CoV-2 , Adolescente

RESUMEN

INTRODUCTION: Understand the cause of gastrointestinal symptoms compatible with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in remission is challenging. Those patients are known to show more anxiety, that may influence the course of IBD. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of IBS-like symptoms and anxiety by a questionnaire, and his association with subclinical inflammation using calprotectin levels (FC), Mayo Endoscopic Score (MES) and Geboes score (GS) in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) in clinical remission. METHODS: Recruitment occurred between January 2020 and December 2021 and included UC patients scheduled for colonoscopy. Clinical remission was defined by stool frequency, ulcerative colitis activity index and serum C-reactive protein. IBS diagnosis was evaluated by Roma IV criteria. RESULTS: We included 106 patients (51.9% women; mean age 51 years ±14.8). Rome IV criteria were fulfilled by 29 patients (27.4%). In the UC+IBS group more individuals had calprotectin >100mg/Kg (58.6% vs 23.4%, P=0.001), MES≥1 (37.9% vs 16.9%, P=0.023) and GS>2 (69.0% vs 29.9%, P=0.000). Thirty-three patients reported anxiety (31.3%). UC+IBS group also showed higher anxiety rates (51.7% vs 23.4, P=0.006). In multivariate logistic regression analyses: FC>100mg/Kg, histological activity, and higher anxiety were associated with IBS-like symptoms. CONCLUSION: IBS-like symptoms are common in UC patients considered in clinical remission and relates with anxiety and subclinical inflammation. Our findings underscore the necessity for a comprehensive strategy for these patients, targeting not only inflammation but also psychological conditions.

RESUMEN

In 2018, an outbreak of human rabies caused by the hematophagous bat Desmodus rotundus hit the Brazilian Amazon Basin community of Melgaço, Brazil, resulting in the death of 10 people, 9 of them children. The incidence of rabies has been on the rise among populations in conditions of vulnerability in this ecosystem due to human expansion into sylvatic environments and limited access to public health services. To address this issue, in September 2019, a collaborative effort from national, local, and international institutions promoted and executed a pilot for pre-exposure prophylaxis of a population in high-risk areas for hematophagous bat-mediated rabies. This measure is usually only implemented in response to outbreaks. The pilot was conducted in Portel, in a nearby location to the previous outbreak, with the use of fluvial transportation, and 2987 individuals in 411 dwellings were successfully vaccinated. It established a methodology for pre-exposure prophylaxis for populations in conditions of vulnerability, identifying logistics and costs, as well as characterizing the target riverine population regarding risk factors associated with bites by hematophagous bats. This approach offers a proactive measure to prevent future outbreaks and provides valuable insights into how to address the issue of rabies in remote and difficult-to-reach areas.

RESUMEN

The collective involvement of virulence markers of Escherichia coli as an emerging pathogen associated with periodontitis remains unexplained. This study aimed to implement an in vitro model of infection using a human epithelial cell line to determine the virulome expression related to the antibiotic and disinfectant resistance genotype and pulse field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) type in E. coli strains isolated from patients with periodontal diseases. We studied 100 strains of E. coli isolated from patients with gingivitis (n = 12), moderate periodontitis (n = 59), and chronic periodontitis (n = 29). The identification of E. coli and antibiotic and disinfectant resistance genes was performed through PCR. To promote the expression of virulence genes in the strains, an in vitro infection model was used in the human epithelial cell line A549. RNA was extracted using the QIAcube robotic equipment and reverse transcription to cDNA was performed using the QuantiTect reverse transcription kit (Qiagen). The determination of virulence gene expression was performed through real-time PCR. Overall, the most frequently expressed adhesion genes among the isolated strains of gingivitis, moderate periodontitis, and chronic periodontitis were fimH (48%), iha (37%), and papA (18%); those for toxins were usp (33%); those for iron acquisition were feoB (84%), fyuA (62%), irp-2 (61%), and iroN (35%); those for protectins were traT (50%), KpsMT (35%), and ompT (28%); and those for pathogenicity islands were malX (45%). The most common antibiotic and disinfectant resistance genes among gingivitis, moderate periodontitis, and chronic periodontitis strains were sul-2 (43%), blaSHV (47%), blaTEM (45%), tet(A) (41%), dfrA1 (32%), marR-marO (57%), and qacEA1 (79%). The findings revealed the existence of a wide distribution of virulome expression profiles related to the antibiotic and disinfectant resistance genotype and PFGE type in periodontal strains of E. coli. These findings may contribute toward improving the prevention and treatment measures for periodontal diseases associated with E. coli.

Asunto(s)

Antibacterianos , Desinfectantes , Farmacorresistencia Bacteriana , Infecciones por Escherichia coli , Escherichia coli , Factores de Virulencia , Humanos , Escherichia coli/genética , Escherichia coli/efectos de los fármacos , Escherichia coli/patogenicidad , Factores de Virulencia/genética , Antibacterianos/farmacología , Infecciones por Escherichia coli/microbiología , Farmacorresistencia Bacteriana/genética , Desinfectantes/farmacología , Periodontitis/microbiología , Virulencia/genética , Células A549 , Células Epiteliales/microbiología , Genotipo , Adulto , Femenino , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Proteínas de Escherichia coli/genética , Proteínas de Escherichia coli/metabolismo , Electroforesis en Gel de Campo Pulsado

RESUMEN

The IgG response against SARS-CoV-2 infection can persist for over six months (long response; LR). However, among 30% of those infected, the duration can be as short as three months or less (short response; SR). The present study assembled serological data on the anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG response duration of two previous studies and integrated these results with the plasmatic cytokine levels and genetic profile of 10 immune-relevant SNPs that were also previously published, along with the plasmatic total IgG, IgA, and IgM levels, allowing for the genetic, clinical, immunological, and epidemiological aspects of the post-COVID-19 IgG response duration to be understood. The SR was associated with previous mild acute COVID-19 and with an SNP (rs2228145) in IL6R related to low gene expression. Additionally, among the SR subgroup, no statistically significant Spearman correlations were observed between the plasma levels of IL-17A and the Th17 regulatory cytokines IFN-γ (rs = 0.2399; p = 0.1043), IL-4 (rs = 0.0273; p = 0.8554), and IL-2 (rs = 0.2204; p = 0.1365), while among the LR subgroup, weaker but statistically significant Spearman correlations were observed between the plasma levels of IL-17A and IFN-γ (rs = 0.3873; p = 0.0016), IL-4 (rs = 0.2671; p = 0.0328), and IL-2 (rs = 0.3959; p = 0.0012). These results suggest that the Th17 response mediated by the IL-6 pathway has a role in the prolonged IgG response to SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Asunto(s)

Anticuerpos Antivirales , COVID-19 , Inmunoglobulina G , Polimorfismo de Nucleótido Simple , SARS-CoV-2 , Humanos , COVID-19/inmunología , COVID-19/epidemiología , COVID-19/sangre , COVID-19/virología , Inmunoglobulina G/sangre , Inmunoglobulina G/inmunología , SARS-CoV-2/inmunología , Anticuerpos Antivirales/sangre , Anticuerpos Antivirales/inmunología , Masculino , Femenino , Receptores de Interleucina-6/genética , Persona de Mediana Edad , Adulto , Interleucina-17/sangre , Interleucina-17/genética , Citocinas/sangre , Inmunoglobulina A/sangre , Interferón gamma/sangre , Interferón gamma/genética , Inmunoglobulina M/sangre , Interleucina-4/sangre , Interleucina-4/genética , Anciano

RESUMEN

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by selective dopaminergic loss. Non dopaminergic neurotransmitters such as glutamate are also involved in PD progression. NMDA receptor/postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD-95)/neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) activation is involved in neuronal excitability in PD. Here, we are focusing on the evaluating these post-synaptic protein levels in the 6-OHDA model of PD. Adult male C57BL/6 mice subjected to unilateral striatal injury with 6-OHDA were assessed at 1-, 2-, or 4-weeks post-lesion. Animals were subjected to an apomorphine-induced rotation test followed by the analysis of protein content, synaptic structure, and NOx production. All biochemical analysis was performed comparing the control versus lesioned sides of the same animal. 6-OHDA mice exhibited contralateral rotation activity, difficulties in coordinating movements, and changes in Iba-1 and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression during the whole period. At one week of survival, the mice showed a shift in NMDA composition, favoring the GluN2A subunit and increased PSD95 and nNOS expression and NOx formation. After two-weeks, a decrease in the total number of synapses was observed in the lesioned side. However, the number of excitatory synapses was increased with a higher content of GluN1 subunit and PSD95. After four weeks, NMDA receptor subunits restored to control levels. Interestingly, NOx formation in the serum increased. This study reveals, for the first time, the temporal course of behavioral deficits and glutamatergic synaptic plasticity through NMDAr subunit shift. Together, these data demonstrate that dopamine depletion leads to a fine adaptive response over time, which can be used for further studies of therapeutic management adjustments with the progression of PD.

Asunto(s)

Impétigo , Humanos , Impétigo/historia , Impétigo/diagnóstico , Historia del Siglo XX , Historia del Siglo XIX , Historia del Siglo XXI , Historia del Siglo XVIII

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Primary Health Care (PHC) is essential for effective, efficient, and more equitable health systems for all people, including those living with HIV/AIDS. This study evaluated the impact of the exposure to one of the largest community-based PHC programs in the world, the Brazilian Family Health Strategy (FHS), on AIDS incidence and mortality. METHODS AND FINDINGS: A retrospective cohort study carried out in Brazil from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2015. We conducted an impact evaluation using a cohort of 3,435,068 ≥13 years low-income individuals who were members of the 100 Million Brazilians Cohort, linked to AIDS diagnoses and deaths registries. We evaluated the impact of FHS on AIDS incidence and mortality and compared outcomes between residents of municipalities with low or no FHS coverage (unexposed) with those in municipalities with 100% FHS coverage (exposed). We used multivariable Poisson regressions adjusted for all relevant municipal and individual-level demographic, socioeconomic, and contextual variables, and weighted with inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW). We also estimated the FHS impact by sex and age and performed a wide range of sensitivity and triangulation analyses; 100% FHS coverage was associated with lower AIDS incidence (rate ratio [RR]: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.68 to 0.84) and mortality (RR: 0.68, 95%CI: 0.56 to 0.82). FHS impact was similar between men and women, but was larger in people aged ≥35 years old both for incidence (RR: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.53 to 0.72) and mortality (RR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.43 to 0.72). The absence of important confounding variables (e.g., sexual behavior) is a key limitation of this study. CONCLUSIONS: AIDS should be an avoidable outcome for most people living with HIV today and our study shows that FHS coverage could significantly reduce AIDS incidence and mortality among low-income populations in Brazil. Universal access to comprehensive healthcare through community-based PHC programs should be promoted to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals of ending AIDS by 2030.

Asunto(s)

Síndrome de Inmunodeficiencia Adquirida , Atención Primaria de Salud , Humanos , Brasil/epidemiología , Masculino , Femenino , Incidencia , Adulto , Síndrome de Inmunodeficiencia Adquirida/mortalidad , Síndrome de Inmunodeficiencia Adquirida/epidemiología , Estudios Retrospectivos , Persona de Mediana Edad , Adulto Joven , Adolescente , Estudios de Cohortes , Pueblos Sudamericanos

RESUMEN

Objetivo: Avaliar o risco de Lesão por Pressão em pessoas acamadas assistidas pela Estratégia Saúde da Família. Método: Estudo transversal, com abordagem quantitativa, realizado com 62 pacientes. A coleta de dados sucedeu-se por meio de questionário semiestruturado com dados sociodemográficos, clínicos e a avaliação do risco de Lesão por Pressão por meio da Escala de Braden. Os dados foram analisados pelo softwareestatístico Statistical Package for Social Science, versão 20.0. Resultados: Prevaleceram os pacientes do sexo feminino (61,3 %), cor branca (43,5%), viúvos (35,5%), aposentados (66,1%) e não alfabetizados (62,9%). O principal motivo de estar acamado foi devido a sequelas do Acidente Vascular Encefálico (35,5%). Evidenciou-se prevalência de risco muito alto em 59,7% das pessoas acamadas. Conclusão: O risco para Lesão por Pressão foi elevado, e a identificação dos fatores de risco é necessária e pode contribuir para estratégias preventivas ou redutoras deste agravo. (AU)

---

Objective: To assess the risk of pressure ulcers in bedridden individuals assisted by the Family Health Strategy. Method: A cross-sectional study employing a quantitative approach was conducted with 62 patients. Data collection was performed through a semi-structured questionnaire, encompassing sociodemographic and clinical data, as well as the assessment of pressure ulcer risk using the Braden Scale. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software, version 20.0. Results: Female patients (61.3%), Caucasians (43.5%), widows (35.5%), married individuals (66.1%), and those with no formal education (62.9%) predominated. The primary reason for being bedridden was sequelae from a stroke (35.5%). A prevalence of very high risk was observed in 59.7% of bedridden individuals. Conclusion: The risk of pressure ulcers was high, emphasizing the necessity of identifying risk factors to inform preventive or mitigating strategies for this condition. (AU)

---

Objetivo: Evaluar el riesgo de Úlceras por Presión en personas encamadas atendidas por la Estrategia Salud de la Familia. Método: Se realizó un estudio transversal con enfoque cuantitativo con 62 pacientes. La recolección de datos se realizó a través de un cuestionario semiestructurado con datos sociodemográficos y clínicos, así como la evaluación del riesgo de úlceras por presión utilizando la Escala de Braden. Los datos fueron analizados utilizando el softwareStatistical Package for Social Science, versión 20.0. Resultados: Predominaron pacientes de sexo femenino (61,3%), raza blanca (43,5%), viudas (35,5%), jubiladas (66,1%) y analfabetas (62,9%). El principal motivo de encamación fue por las secuelas de un accidente cerebrovascular (35,5%). Hubo una prevalencia de riesgo muy alta en el 59,7% de las personas encamadas. Conclusión: El riesgo de úlceras por presión fue alto, y la identificación de los factores de riesgo es necesaria y puede contribuir a estrategias preventivas o reductoras de esta condición. (AU)

Asunto(s)

Humanos , Adulto , Úlcera por Presión , Estrategias de Salud Nacionales

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the antimicrobial activity of Brazilian honeys against oral microorganisms. DESIGN: Organic honeys (OH-1 to OH-8) were diluted (%-w/v) and sterilized by filtration. Antimicrobial activity was defined by determining MIC and CBM against oral Streptococcus. The component responsible for the antimicrobial action was defined by a catalase assay. Antibiofilm activity was evaluated against the monospecies biofilm of Streptococcus mutans  (ATCC 700610). RESULTS: OHs showed antimicrobial activity principally OH-1, OH-2, OH-3, and OH-7 with MIC values ​​ranging between 10 and 25%. The mechanism of action occurs mainly by hydrogen peroxide produced by honey enzymes. OH-1, OH-2, and OH-7 showed total biofilm destruction at low concentrations. CONCLUSION: Brazilian honeys have promising antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity with the potential to control oral microbiota.

Asunto(s)

Antibacterianos , Biopelículas , Miel , Pruebas de Sensibilidad Microbiana , Boca , Biopelículas/efectos de los fármacos , Miel/análisis , Brasil , Boca/microbiología , Antibacterianos/farmacología , Streptococcus mutans/efectos de los fármacos , Streptococcus mutans/fisiología , Humanos , Streptococcus/efectos de los fármacos , Streptococcus/fisiología

RESUMEN

The relationships between race, education, wealth, their intersections and AIDS morbidity/mortality were analyzed in retrospective cohort of 28.3 million individuals followed for 9 years (2007-2015). Together with several sensitivity analyses, a wide range of interactions on additive and multiplicative scales were estimated. Race, education, and wealth were each strongly associated with all of the AIDS-related outcomes, and the magnitude of the associations increased as intersections were included. A significantly higher risk of illness (aRR: 3.07, 95%CI:2.67-3.53) and death (aRR: 4.96, 95%CI:3.99-6.16) from AIDS was observed at the intersection of Black race, lower educational attainment, and less wealth. A higher case-fatality rate (aRR: 1.62, 95%CI:1.18-2.21) was also seen for the same intersectional group. Historically oppressed groups lying at the intersections of race, education, and wealth, had a considerably higher risk of illness and death from AIDS. AIDS-related interventions will require the implementation of comprehensive intersectoral policies that follow an intersectionality perspective.

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: In Chagas disease (CD), a neglected tropical disease caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, the development of mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, and memory loss may be underpinned by social, psychological, and biological stressors. Here, we investigated biological factors underlying behavioral changes in a preclinical model of CD. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: In T. cruzi-infected C57BL/6 mice, a kinetic study (5 to 150 days postinfection, dpi) using standardized methods revealed a sequential onset of behavioral changes: reduced innate compulsive behavior, followed by anxiety and depressive-like behavior, ending with progressive memory impairments. Hence, T. cruzi-infected mice were treated (120 to 150 dpi) with 10 mg/Kg/day of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine (Fx), an antidepressant that favors neuroplasticity. Fx therapy reversed the innate compulsive behavior loss, anxiety, and depressive-like behavior while preventing or reversing memory deficits. Biochemical, histological, and parasitological analyses of the brain tissue showed increased levels of the neurotransmitters GABA/glutamate and lipid peroxidation products and decreased expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the absence of neuroinflammation at 150 dpi. Fx therapy ameliorated the neurochemical changes and reduced parasite load in the brain tissue. Next, using the human U-87 MG astroglioma cell line, we found no direct effect of Fx on parasite load. Crucially, serotonin/5-HT (Ser/5-HT) promoted parasite uptake, an effect increased by prior stimulation with IFNγ and TNF but abrogated by Fx. Also, Fx blocked the cytokine-driven Ser/5-HT-promoted increase of nitric oxide and glutamate levels in infected cells. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE: We bring the first evidence of a sequential onset of behavioral changes in T. cruzi-infected mice. Fx therapy improves behavioral and biological changes and parasite control in the brain tissue. Moreover, in the central nervous system, cytokine-driven Ser/5-HT consumption may favor parasite persistence, disrupting neurotransmitter balance and promoting a neurotoxic environment likely contributing to behavioral and cognitive disorders.

Asunto(s)

Astrocitos , Enfermedad de Chagas , Fluoxetina , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Serotonina , Trypanosoma cruzi , Animales , Fluoxetina/farmacología , Fluoxetina/uso terapéutico , Enfermedad de Chagas/tratamiento farmacológico , Enfermedad de Chagas/psicología , Trypanosoma cruzi/efectos de los fármacos , Trypanosoma cruzi/fisiología , Serotonina/metabolismo , Ratones , Astrocitos/efectos de los fármacos , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Encéfalo/efectos de los fármacos , Encéfalo/parasitología , Encéfalo/metabolismo , Conducta Animal/efectos de los fármacos , Masculino , Humanos , Inhibidores Selectivos de la Recaptación de Serotonina/farmacología , Inhibidores Selectivos de la Recaptación de Serotonina/uso terapéutico , Cognición/efectos de los fármacos , Depresión/tratamiento farmacológico , Carga de Parásitos , Ansiedad/tratamiento farmacológico

RESUMEN

Plummer-Vinson syndrome (PVS) is characterized by the classic triad of post-cricoid dysphagia, iron-deficiency anemia and esophageal webs. PVS is commonly found in women of middle age especially in the fourth and fifth decade of life. The prevalence of PVS has decreased due to early detection of iron deficiency and repletion of iron stores. We report a case of a 81-year-old female patient who had a classic presentation of PVS, treated successfully with endoscopic procedure. To our knowledge, the current case is the fourth case of dysphagia related to Plummer-Vinson syndrome reported in an octogenarian in the literature so far. Iron supplementation can resolve dysphagia in many patients, but dilation of esophageal webs may sometimes be required. PVS should be part of the differential diagnosis of sideropenic dysphagia, especially due the risk of pharyngeal and esophageal epidermoid neoplasia.

RESUMEN

Background: Conditional Cash Transfers (CCT) are the world's most widely implemented interventions for poverty alleviation. Still, there is no solid evidence of the CCT effects on the reduction of the burden of Tuberculosis (TB) in marginalized and extremely vulnerable populations. We estimated the effect of the Bolsa Família Program (BFP), the largest CCT in the world, on TB incidence, mortality, and case-fatality rate using a nationwide cohort of 54.5 million individuals during a 12-year period in Brazil. Methods: We selected low-income individuals who entered in the 100 Million Brazilians Cohort and were linked to nationwide TB registries between 2004 to 2015, and compared BFP beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries using a quasi-experimental impact evaluation design. We employed inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) multivariable Poisson regressions, adjusted for all relevant socioeconomic, demographic, and healthcare confounding variables - at individual and municipal level. Subsequently, we evaluated BFP effects for different subpopulations according to ethnoracial factors, wealth levels, sex, and age. We also performed several sensitivity and triangulation analyses to verify the robustness of the estimates. Findings: Exposure to BFP was associated with a large reduction in TB incidence in the low-income individuals under study (adjusted rate ratio [aRR]:0.59;95%CI:0.58-0.60) and mortality (aRR:0.69;95%CI:0.65-0.73). The strongest BFP effect was observed in Indigenous people both for TB incidence (aRR:0.37;95%CI:0.32-0.42), and mortality-aRR:0.35;95%CI:0.20-0.62), and in Black and Pardo people (Incidence-aRR:0.58;95%CI:0.57-0.59; Mortality -aRR:0.69;95%CI:0,64-0,73). BFP effects showed a clear gradient according to wealth levels and were considerably stronger among the extremely poor individuals for TB incidence (aRR:0.49, 95%CI:0.49-0.50) and mortality (aRR:0.60;95%CI:0.55-0.65). The BFP effects on case-fatality rates were also positive, however without statistical significance. Interpretation: CCT can strongly reduce TB incidence and mortality in extremely poor, Indigenous, Black and Pardo populations, and could significantly contribute to achieving the End TB Strategy targets and the TB-related Sustainable Development Goals.

RESUMEN

Zika virus (ZIKV) infections during pregnancy can result in Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS), a range of severe neurological outcomes in fetuses that primarily occur during early gestational stages possibly due to placental damage. Although some placentas can maintain ZIKV persistence for weeks or months after the initial infection and diagnosis, the impact of this viral persistence is still unknown. Here, we aimed to investigate the immunological repercussion of ZIKV persistence in term placentas. As such, term placentas from 64 pregnant women diagnosed with Zika in different gestational periods were analyzed by ZIKV RT-qPCR, examination of decidua and placental villous histopathology, and expression of inflammation-related genes and IFNL1-4. Subsequently, we explored primary cultures of term decidual Extravillous Trophoblasts (EVTs) and Term Chorionic Villi (TCV) explants, as in vitro models to access the immunological consequences of placental ZIKV infection. Placenta from CZS cases presented low IFNL1-4 expression, evidencing the critical protective role of theses cytokines in the clinical outcome. Term placentas cleared for ZIKV showed increased levels of IFNL1, 3, and 4, whether viral persistence was related with a proinflammatory profile. Conversely, upon ZIKV persistence placentas with decidual inflammation showed high IFNL1-4 levels. In vitro experiments showed that term EVTs are more permissive, and secreted higher levels of IFN-α2 and IFN-λ1 compared to TCV explants. The results suggest that, upon ZIKV persistence, the maternal-skewed decidua contributes to placental inflammatory and antiviral signature, through chronic deciduitis and IFNL upregulation. Although further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the decidual responses against ZIKV. Hence, this study presents unique insights and valuable in vitro models for evaluating the immunological landscape of placentas upon ZIKV persistence.

RESUMEN

Healthcare workers (HCWs) were at increased risk for mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic, with prior data suggesting women may be particularly vulnerable. Our global mental health study aimed to examine factors associated with gender differences in psychological distress and depressive symptoms among HCWs during COVID-19. Across 22 countries in South America, Europe, Asia and Africa, 32,410 HCWs participated in the COVID-19 HEalth caRe wOrkErS (HEROES) study between March 2020 and February 2021. They completed the General Health Questionnaire-12, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and questions about pandemic-relevant exposures. Consistently across countries, women reported elevated mental health problems compared to men. Women also reported increased COVID-19-relevant stressors, including insufficient personal protective equipment and less support from colleagues, while men reported increased contact with COVID-19 patients. At the country level, HCWs in countries with higher gender inequality reported less mental health problems. Higher COVID-19 mortality rates were associated with increased psychological distress merely among women. Our findings suggest that among HCWs, women may have been disproportionately exposed to COVID-19-relevant stressors at the individual and country level. This highlights the importance of considering gender in emergency response efforts to safeguard women's well-being and ensure healthcare system preparedness during future public health crises.

RESUMEN

Background: The role of capsule endoscopy in the evaluation of the small bowel is well established, and current guidelines position it as a first-line test in a variety of clinical scenarios. The advent of double-headed capsules further enabled the endoscopic assessment of colonic mucosa and the opportunity for a one-step noninvasive examination of the entire bowel (pan-enteric capsule endoscopy [PCE]). Summary: We reviewed the technical procedure and preparation of patients for PCE, as well as its current clinical applications and future perspectives. In non-stricturing and non-penetrating Crohn's disease affecting the small bowel and colon, PCE monitors disease activity by assessing mucosal healing, a major treatment outcome, with a higher diagnostic yield than cross-sectional imaging or conventional colonoscopy. Also in ulcerative colitis, double-headed capsules have been used to monitor disease activity noninvasively. Currently, validated scoring systems have been specifically devised for these double-headed capsules and permit a standardized assessment of the inflammatory burden. In suspected mid-lower digestive bleeding, some exploratory studies have demonstrated the feasibility and high diagnostic yield of PCE, which may work as a filter indicating which patients may benefit of further invasive procedures, namely, for planned hemostatic procedures. The possibility of using PCE is also discussed in the context of polyposis syndromes with simultaneous involvement of the small intestine and colon. Key Messages: PCE is a feasible, effective, and safe diagnostic procedure to evaluate the small bowel and colon. It has been increasingly explored in the setting of inflammatory bowel diseases and, more recently, in suspected mid-lower digestive bleeding. PCE is expected to reduce the demand for invasive procedures and expand the scope of noninvasive intestinal evaluation in the coming future.

---

Introdução: O papel da endoscopia por cápsula na avaliação do intestino delgado encontra-se bem estabelecido, e as orientações atuais posicionam-na como um teste de primeira linha numa variedade de cenários clínicos. O advento das cápsulas de dupla câmara permitiu expandir a sua aplicação para a avaliação endoscópica da mucosa do cólon, oferecendo a oportunidade de um exame não invasivo de todo o intestino (endoscopia pan-entérica por cápsula, PCE). Sumário: Procedemos a uma revisão de vários aspectos do procedimento e preparação dos doentes para a PCE, bem como as aplicações clínicas atuais e as perspetivas futuras das cápsulas de dupla câmara. Na doença de Crohn não estenosante e não penetrante localizada ao intestino delgado e cólon, a PCE permite monitorizar a atividade da doença e avaliar a cicatrização da mucosa, um indicador importante da eficácia da terapêutica, com um rendimento de diagnóstico superior aos métodos convencionais, nomeadamente os exames imagiológicos ou a colonoscopia invasiva. Também na colite ulcerosa, as cápsulas de dupla câmara têm sido utilizadas para monitorizar a atividade da doença de forma não invasiva. Existem índices endoscópicos validados e especificamente concebidos para as cápsulas de dupla câmara, que permitem uma avaliação sistematizada e quantificação objetiva da atividade inflamatória. Na suspeita de hemorragia digestiva média ou baixa, alguns estudos exploratórios demonstraram a aplicabilidade e o elevado rendimento diagnóstico da PCE, podendo funcionar como um filtro de modo a permitir indicar quais os doentes que mais irão beneficiar de um procedimento invasivo subsequente, nomeadamente para a realização de procedimentos hemostáticos dirigidos. A possibilidade de utilização da PCE é também discutida no contexto das síndromes de polipose com envolvimento simultâneo do intestino delgado e do cólon. Mensagens-chave: A PCE é um procedimento diagnóstico eficaz e seguro para avaliar diretamente a mucosa do intestino delgado e cólon. A sua aplicação tem vindo a expandir-se no contexto das Doenças Inflamatórias Intestinais e, mais recentemente, na suspeita de hemorragia digestiva média ou baixa. Existe a expectativa de que no futuro próximo possamos assistir a uma redução substancial da demanda por procedimentos endoscópicos invasivos, face à utilização crescente da PCE enquanto método de diagnóstico pan-intestinal não invasivo.