RESUMO
This study analyzes the self-perception of mental health of socially vulnerable elderly people during the COVID-19 crisis in Brazil. Conducted across all state capitals from February 2021 to October 2023, it included 366 participants living in various conditions such as camps, street situations, slums, and communities. The average age was 66.7 years, with a majority being male (59.0%), of Black or Brown race/color (62.3%), and earning below one minimum wage (36.6%). Findings revealed that older adults in street situations, experiencing psychological manifestations like sleep disturbances due to the pandemic, tended to assess their mental health more negatively. In contrast, older men of white race/color without such manifestations, and those practicing strategies like physical activity or relaxation, were less likely to perceive their mental health as poor. Addressing housing, implementing health strategies, and recognizing sample and regional complexities are crucial interventions for older adults in street situations.
RESUMO
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common male disorder, often associated with cardiovascular disease and ageing. The Sildenafil, a PDE5 inhibitor, can improve the erectile function by prolonging the nitric oxide (NO) downstream effect. NO is a molecule of pivotal importance in erection physiology and is mainly produced by neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and endothelial NO synthase (eNOS). While it has been shown that eNOS and nNOS genetic polymorphisms could be associated with Sildenafil responsiveness in ED, no study so far has assessed whether nNOS polymorphisms and PDE5A polymorphism could be associated with increased risk to ED or with intensity of symptoms. A total of 119 ED patients and 114 controls were studied, with evaluation of the clinical disability by the International Index for Erectile Function instrument, plasma assessment of nitrite levels and genomic DNA analysis regarding the rs41279104 and rs2682826 polymorphisms of the NOS1 gene and the rs2389866, rs3733526 and rs13124532 polymorphisms of the PDE5A gene. We have found a significant association of the rs2682826 with lower IIEF scores in the clinical ED group. While this result should be confirmed in other populations, it may be helpful in establishing a genetic panel to better assess disease risk and prognosis on ED therapy.