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Local adaptation is common in plant species, and knowing whether a population is locally adapted has fundamental and applied relevance. However, local adaptation in tropical plants remains largely less studied, and covering this gap is not simple since reciprocal transplantation - the gold standard for detecting local adaptation - is not feasible for most species. Here, we combined genetic, climatic and phenotypic data to investigate ecotypic differentiation, an important aspect of local adaptation, in coastal and inland populations of the orchid Epidendrum fulgens Brongn., a long-lived tropical plant for which reciprocal transplantation would not be feasible. We used nine microsatellite markers to estimate genetic divergence between inland and coastal populations. Moreover, occurrence data and climate data were used to test for differences in the realized niche of those populations. Finally, we assessed saturated water content, leaf specific area, height, and stomatal density in common garden and in situ to investigate the effects of ecotypic differentiation and plasticity on the phenotype. Coastal and inland groups' niches do not overlap, the former occupying a wetter and warmer area. However, this differentiation does not seem to be driven by ecotypic differentiation since there was no positive correlation between genetic structure and climate dissimilarity. Moreover, specific leaf area and leaf saturated water content, which are important phenotypic traits related to soil fertility and drought stress, were rather plastic. We conclude that ecotypic differentiation is absent, since phenotypic plasticity is an important mechanism explaining the niche broadness of this species.

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Background: Pulsed-field ablation (PFA) is an alternative to thermal ablation (TA) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) receiving catheter-based therapy for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). However, its efficacy and safety have yet to be fully elucidated. Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the acute and long-term efficacies and safety of PFA and TA. Methods: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized and nonrandomized controlled trials comparing PFA and TA in patients with AF undergoing their first PVI ablation. The TA group was divided into cryoballoon (CB) and radiofrequency subgroups. AF patients were divided into paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) and persistent atrial fibrillation (PersAF) subgroups for further analysis. Results: Eighteen studies involving 4998 patients (35.2% PFA) were included. Overall, PFA was associated with a shorter procedure time (mean difference [MD] -21.68; 95% confidence interval [CI] -32.81 to -10.54) but longer fluoroscopy time (MD 4.53; 95% CI 2.18-6.88) than TA. Regarding safety, lower (peri-)esophageal injury rates (odds ratio [OR] 0.17; 95% CI 0.06-0.46) and higher tamponade rates (OR 2.98; 95% CI 1.27-7.00) were observed after PFA. In efficacy assessment, PFA was associated with a better first-pass isolation rate (OR 6.82; 95% CI 1.37-34.01) and a lower treatment failure rate (OR 0.83; 95% CI 0.70-0.98). Subgroup analysis showed no differences in PersAF and PAF. CB was related to higher (peri)esophageal injury, and lower PVI acute success and procedural time. Conclusion: Compared to TA, PFA showed better results with regard to acute and long-term efficacy but significant differences in safety, with lower (peri)esophageal injury rates but higher tamponade rates in procedural data.

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Environmental gradients have the potential to influence genetic differentiation among populations ultimately leading to allopatric speciation. However, environmental gradients can also facilitate hybridization between closely related taxa. We investigated a putative hybrid zone in western Ecuador, involving two polytypic wren species (Aves: Troglodytidae), Campylorhynchus zonatus and C. fasciatus. Our study addressed two primary questions: (1) Is there evidence of population structure and genetic admixture between these taxa in western Ecuador? and (2) What are the relative contributions of isolation by distance and isolation by the environment to the observed genetic differentiation along the environmental gradient in this region? We analyzed 4409 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 112 blood samples sequenced using ddRadSeq and a de novo assembly. The optimum number of genetic clusters ranged from 2 to 4, aligning with geographic origins, known phylogenetics, and physical or ecological constraints. We observed notable transitions in admixture proportions along the environmental gradient in western Ecuador between C. z. brevirostris and the northern and southern genetic clusters of C. f. pallescens. Genetic differentiation between the two C. f. pallescens populations could be attributed to an unreported potential physical barrier in central western Ecuador, where the proximity of the Andes to the coastline restricts lowland habitats, limiting dispersal and gene flow, especially among dry-habitat specialists. The observed admixture in C. f. pallescens suggests that this subspecies may be a hybrid between C. z. brevirostris and C. fasciatus, with varying degrees of admixture in western Ecuador and northwestern Peru. We found evidence of isolation by distance, while isolation by the environment was less pronounced but still significant for annual mean precipitation and precipitation seasonality. This study enhances our understanding of avian population genomics in tropical regions.

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Reproductive isolation is one of the mechanisms of speciation. The two currently accepted subspecies of Parodia haselbergii (P. haselbergii subsp. haselbergii and P. haselbergii subsp. graessneri) were studied regarding flower traits, phenology, breeding systems and pollination. In addition, a principal component analysis with 18 floral characters and germination tests under controlled conditions were performed for both taxa. Pollination was studied in the field, in two localities of Southern Brazil. Pollinators were recorded through photos and film. Breeding system experiments were performed by applying controlled pollinations to plants excluded from pollinators. Both taxa mostly differ in asynchronous flowering periods, floral traits (including floral part measurements and nectar concentration) and pollinators. The flowers of both subspecies are functionally protogynous and perform remarkably long lifespans (≥ 15 days), both traits being novelties for Cactaceae. Whereas the reddish flowers of P. haselbergii subsp. haselbergii (nectar concentration: ca. 18%) are pollinated by hummingbirds of Thalurania glaucopis, the greenish flowers of P. haselbergii subsp. graessneri (nectar concentration: ca. 29%) are pollinated by Augochlora bees (Halictidae). Both subspecies are self-compatible, yet pollinator-dependent. The principal component analysis evidenced that both subspecies are separated, regarding flower traits. The seeds of both subspecies performed differently in the germination tests, but the best results were recovered at 20 °C and germination considerably decreased around 30 °C. In conclusion, all these results support that both taxa are in reproductive isolation, and can be treated as different species.

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OBJECTIVE: Few studies investigated the influence of oral parafunctional habits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since some studies have demonstrated that signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorder (TMD), as well as psychological alterations, increased during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, the aim of this study was to investigate whether social isolation is a situation that increases the prevalence of oral parafunctional habits. METHODS: This was an observational case-control study. An online survey with questions about TMD symptoms (Diagnostic Criteria Symptom Questionnaire) and oral parafunctional habits (Oral Behaviours Checklist [OBC]) was administered to Brazilian residents at two different times (2020 and 2021). The participants were divided according to social isolation practices into study groups (GI: 2020, n = 507; GIII: 2021, n = 282) and control groups (GII: 2020, n = 98; GIV: 2021, n = 202). RESULT: In each group, we evaluated the association of the frequency of oral parafunctional habits with the symptoms of TMD, and we observed that individuals with a greater presence of painful TMD present a greater number of oral parafunctional habits. Despite the literature showing that individuals who practiced social isolation developed more oral parafunctional habits, when analysing the association of the OBC questions in Groups GI × GII and GIII × GIV, only 'sustained talking' (p = .0022) and 'hold telephone between your hand and shoulders' (p = .0124) showed a significant difference in GI × GII. Kendall's coefficient of concordance revealed that there was a very strong concordance (GI × GII 0.9515 (p = .0087) and GIII × GIV 0.9655 (p = .0074)) between the ranks of the analysed oral parafunctional habits in all groups. CONCLUSION: We can state that Individuals who practiced social isolation did not present more oral parafunctional habits than individuals who did not.

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Coastal dunes are unique habitats, threatened by human activities. In biogeographical terms, coastal dunes are habitat islands, being discrete and distinct patches of similar habitat among themselves, separated from each other by a different type of habitat. Furthermore, coastal dunes harbor endemic species, adapted to living solely in the habitats found on specific dune systems. For example, the honeypot ant Myrmecocystus baja is endemic and restricted to coastal dunes of Mexico's Baja California Pacific coast. This ecological and biogeographical scenario led to the questions whether their geographical isolation is reflected in their genetic diversity and structuring, and how their demographic history is related with the formation of the dune system habitats. To answer these questions, population genetic, isolation-with-migration, and phylogeographical analyses were carried out, based on mitochondrial and five nuclear intronic markers. Minimal gene flow was detected only between two of the dune systems sampled; otherwise, the M. baja populations were found to be isolated and genetically structured, and their divergence generally pre-dated the modern-day dune systems. It is therefore highly likely that these ants were already present in paleodunes and that each of the populations was established from founder populations as the dunes formed. These findings highlight the importance of coastal dunes for species such as the honeypot ant from Baja California, in promoting genetic differentiation.

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Integrating in vitro embryo production with embryonic microsurgery facilitates the generation of monozygotic twins. However, despite their potential benefits, these methods have not been widely adopted in commercial settings because of their substantial costs. Hence, there is a need to streamline the bisection procedure while ensuring efficient production of viable demi-embryos. In this study, we investigated the impact of different orientations of microsurgical incisions in relation to inner cell mass on embryonic development, morphology, viability, and expression of cell fate protein markers using a simplified microsurgery approach. Ovaries were transported from the slaughterhouse to the laboratory and aspirated to obtain oocytes that were selected and subjected to in vitro embryo production. The selected expanded blastocysts (n = 204) underwent microsurgery. The blastocysts were immobilized to facilitate incision using an adapted microblade, yielding demi-embryos (vertical incision) and viable embryonic fragments (transverse incision). The structures were then re-cultured for 12 h. Viability was assessed by measuring the re-expansion rate after re-culture, followed by immunofluorescence analysis of proteins (CDX2 and NANOG) and apoptosis analysis using terminal deoxynucleotyl transferase dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL). Microsurgically derived embryos exhibited remarkable plasticity, as evidenced by a slight reduction (P < 0.05) in the re-expansion rate (transverse 64.2 % and vertical 57.2 %) compared to that of the control group (blastocysts without microsurgery) (86.7 %). They also demonstrated the ability of morphological reconstitution after culturing. Despite the anticipated decrease (P < 0.05) in the total number of cells and embryo volume, microsurgery did not result in a significant increase (P > 0.05) in the number of apoptotic cells. Furthermore, microsurgery led to higher (P < 0.05) expression of markers associated with pluripotency, indicating its efficiency in preserving regenerative capacity. Moreover, microsurgery, whether followed by immunosurgery or not, made the isolation of embryonic cells easier. In conclusion, both transverse and vertical microsurgery incisions enabled the production of identical demi-embryos and served as tools for isolating embryonic cells without compromising the resumption of development and the apoptotic index.

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Introduction. Some studies have indicated that loneliness may be associated with an increased risk of mortality in cancer patients, as it can weaken treatment response and the immune system, and promote harmful behaviors, worsening the prognosis and increasing the likelihood of death. Addressing loneliness in public health is essential to provide social support and improve outcomes in cancer patients. Objective. To obtain an estimator of the unwanted loneliness-mortality association. Materials and methods. We followed a prospective cohort of 400 patients for two years (exposure=loneliness levels; outcome=mortality; sociodemographic and clinical control variables were included). A parametric survival model (log normal) was used. Results. The cohort had a median survival of 20.2 months and a mortality rate of 3.2 deaths/100 patient-months (95% CI: 2.8 to 3.7). The survival model found the following time ratios (TR): moderate level/low level: TR=0.55; 95% CI: 0.39 to 0.77; moderately high level/low level: TR=0.62; 95% CI: 0.41 to 0.93; high level/low level: TR=1.17; 95% CI: 0.31 to 4.42. Conclusion. Compared to patients with low levels of loneliness, patients with moderate or moderately high levels reach death more quickly (statistically significant TRs, adjusted for the effect of other variables in the model); this highlights the need for interventions to mitigate loneliness and promote social support in patients having cancer.

Introducción. Algunos estudios han señalado que la soledad podría estar relacionada con un aumento en el riesgo de mortalidad en pacientes con cáncer ya que puede debilitar la respuesta al tratamiento y del sistema inmunológico y promover comportamientos perjudiciales, lo que puede empeorar el pronóstico y aumentar la probabilidad de muerte en estos pacientes. El abordar la soledad en la salud pública es esencial para brindar apoyo social y mejorar los resultados en los pacientes con cáncer. Objetivo. Obtener un estimador de la asociación soledad no deseada - mortalidad en pacientes con cáncer. Materiales y métodos. Se le hizo el seguimiento durante dos años a una cohorte prospectiva de 400 pacientes (exposición=niveles de soledad; desenlace=tiempo hasta la muerte). Se incluyeron variables de control sociodemográficas y clínicas. Se utilizó un modelo de supervivencia paramétrico (log normal). Resultados. En la cohorte se encontró una mediana de supervivencia de 20,2 meses y una tasa de mortalidad de 3,2 muertes por 100 pacientes-mes (IC95 %: 2,8 a 3,7). En el modelo de supervivencia se encontraron las siguientes razones de tiempo (RT): nivel moderado-nivel bajo: RT=0,55; IC95 %: 0,39 a 0,77; nivel moderadamente alto-nivel bajo: RT=0,62; IC95 %: 0.41 a 0.93; nivel alto-nivel bajo: RT=1,17; IC95 %: 0,31 a 4,42. Conclusión. En comparación con los pacientes con niveles bajos de soledad, los pacientes con niveles moderados o moderadamente altos llegan más rápidamente a la muerte (RT estadísticamente significativas, habiendo ajustado por el efecto de las demás variables del modelo). Esto sugiere la utilidad de las intervenciones para mitigar la soledad y promover el apoyo social en los pacientes con cáncer.

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While genetic variation in any species is potentially shaped by a range of processes, phylogeography and landscape genetics are largely concerned with inferring how environmental conditions and landscape features impact neutral intraspecific diversity. However, even as both disciplines have come to utilize SNP data over the last decades, analytical approaches have remained for the most part focused on either broad-scale inferences of historical processes (phylogeography) or on more localized inferences about environmental and/or landscape features (landscape genetics). Here we demonstrate that an artificial intelligence model-based analytical framework can consider both deeper historical factors and landscape-level processes in an integrated analysis. We implement this framework using data collected from two Brazilian anurans, the Brazilian sibilator frog (Leptodactylus troglodytes) and granular toad (Rhinella granulosa). Our results indicate that historical demographic processes shape most the genetic variation in the sibulator frog, while landscape processes primarily influence variation in the granular toad. The machine learning framework used here allows both historical and landscape processes to be considered equally, rather than requiring researchers to make an a priori decision about which factors are important.

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Soil contamination by hydrocarbons is a problem that causes severe damage to the environment and public health. Technologies such as bioremediation using native microbial species represent a promising and environmentally friendly alternative for decontamination. This study aimed to isolate indigenous fungi species from the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and evaluate their diesel degrading capacity in soils contaminated with crude oil. Seven filamentous fungi were isolated after enrichment cultivation from soils collected from contaminated sites and subjected to growth analysis on diesel nutrient media. Two fungal species were pre-selected and identified by morphological genus analysis and molecular techniques as Trichoderma asperellum and Penicillium pedernalense. The microdilution test showed that T. asperellum presented better fungal growth in high diesel concentrations than P. pedernalense. In addition, T. asperellum was able to degrade 41 and 54% of the total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) content present in soil artificially contaminated with diesel (10 g/kg of soil) in 7 and 14 days of incubation, respectively. In higher diesel concentration (1000 g of diesel/kg of soil) the TPH degradation reached 26%, 45%, and 48%, in 9, 16, and 30 d, respectively. The results demonstrated that the selected species was suitable for diesel degradation. We can also conclude that the isolation and selection process proposed in this work was successful and represents a simple alternative for obtaining native species with hydrocarbon degradation capacity, for use in the bioremediation process in the recovery of contaminated areas in an ecologically acceptable way.

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This work discusses the ongoing challenge of cancer, focusing on therapy issues such as chemotherapy resistance and adverse drug effects. It emphasizes the need for new anticancer agents with improved efficacy and fewer side effects, exploring natural products from plant sources. The Annonaceae family, specifically the Annona genus, is highlighted for its medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. The study focuses on the isolation and elucidation of the substances present in Annona acutiflora leaves. The methodology involves chromatographic and spectroscopy techniques. The isolated compounds, (6S)-5'-oxohepten-1'E,3'E-dienyl)-5,6-dihydro-2H-pyran-2-one (1), (6R)-5'-oxohepten-1'Z,3'E-dienyl)-5,6-dihydro-2H-pyran-2-one (2) and (6R)-5'-oxohepten-1'Z,3'E-dienyl)-5,6-dihydro-2H-pyran-2-one (3) were investigated for cytotoxicity assays on cancer cell lines and normal cells. Results show promising cytotoxic activity, particularly with compound 3, demonstrating potential activity against oral cancer (43.18 µM), hepatocarcinoma (17.24 µM), melanoma (5.39 µM), and colon cancer (59.03 µM). The compound outperforms carboplatin in selectivity against oral cancer (S. I. 2.15) and melanoma (S. I. 17.22). The study concludes by suggesting the potential of these α-pyrones as effective and less toxic alternatives for cancer therapy.

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A comprehensive study was conducted in the Cuatro Ciénegas Basin (CCB) in Coahuila, Mexico, which is known for its diversity of microorganisms and unique physicochemical properties. The study focused on the "Archaean Domes" (AD) site in the CCB, which is characterized by an abundance of hypersaline, non-lithifying microbial mats. In AD, we analyzed the small domes and circular structures using metagenome assembly genomes (MAGs) with the aim of expanding our understanding of the prokaryotic tree of life by uncovering previously unreported lineages, as well as analyzing the diversity of bacteria and archaea in the CCB. A total of 325 MAGs were identified, including 48 Archaea and 277 Bacteria. Remarkably, 22 archaea and 104 bacteria could not be classified even at the genus level, highlighting the remarkable novel diversity of the CCB. Besides, AD site exhibited significant diversity at the phylum level, with Proteobacteria being the most abundant, followed by Desulfobacteria, Spirochaetes, Bacteroidetes, Nanoarchaeota, Halobacteriota, Cyanobacteria, Planctomycetota, Verrucomicrobiota, Actinomycetes and Chloroflexi. In Archaea, the monophyletic groups of MAGs belonged to the Archaeoglobi, Aenigmarchaeota, Candidate Nanoarchaeota, and Halobacteriota. Among Bacteria, monophyletic groups were also identified, including Spirochaetes, Proteobacteria, Planctomycetes, Actinobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, Bacteroidetes, Candidate Bipolaricaulota, Desulfobacteria, and Cyanobacteria. These monophyletic groups were possibly influenced by geographic isolation, as well as the extreme and fluctuating environmental conditions in the pond AD, such as stoichiometric imbalance of C:N:P of 122:42:1, fluctuating pH (5-9.8) and high salinity (5.28% to saturation).

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Environmental pollution caused by petroleum-derived plastics continues to increase annually. Consequently, current research is interested in the search for eco-friendly bacterial polymers. The importance of Bacillus bacteria as producers of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) has been recognized because of their physiological and genetic qualities. In this study, twenty strains of Bacillus genus PHA producers were isolated. Production was initially evaluated qualitatively to screen the strains, and subsequently, the strain B12 or Bacillus sp. 12GS, with the highest production, was selected through liquid fermentation. Biochemical and molecular identification revealed it as a novel isolate of Bacillus cereus. Production optimization was carried out using the Taguchi methodology, determining the optimal parameters as 30 °C, pH 8, 150 rpm, and 4% inoculum, resulting in 87% and 1.91 g/L of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB). Kinetic studies demonstrated a higher production within 48 h. The produced biopolymer was analyzed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), confirming the production of short-chain-length (scl) polyhydroxyalkanoate, named PHB, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis revealed thermal properties, making it a promising material for various applications. The novel B. cereus isolate exhibited a high %PHB, emphasizing the importance of bioprospecting, study, and characterization for strains with biotechnological potential.

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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The isolation of neutrophils and subsequent detection of anti-human neutrophil antigens (HNA) antibodies are crucial in clinical medicine for the diagnosis of autoimmune neutropenia, neonatal alloimmune neutropenia (NAIN) and transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI). This study reports two cases of maternal anti-Fc-gamma-receptor-IIIb (FcγRIIIb) isoimmunization without NAIN symptoms and compares the efficiency of immunomagnetic negative selection (IMNS) with traditional dextran/Ficoll for neutrophil isolation in HNA serological assays. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Investigating two cases of maternal anti-FcγRIIIb isoimmunization, neutrophils from three donors were isolated from 8 mL of whole blood using IMNS and dextran/Ficoll. Serological assays included the granulocyte agglutination and immunofluorescence test, monoclonal antibody immobilization of granulocyte antigens and the LABScreen Multi (One Lambda). IMNS and dextran/Ficoll were compared in terms of cell yield, viability, time, cost and purity. RESULTS: Maternal anti-FcγRIIIb isoantibodies with FCGR3B gene deletion were detected in both cases. Newborns and fathers exhibited specific gene combinations: FCGR3B*02/FCGR3B*02 (Case 1) and FCGR3B*02/FCGR3B*03 (Case 2). IMNS outperformed dextran/Ficoll, yielding four times more neutrophils (average neutrophil counts: 18.5 × 103/µL vs. 4.5 × 103/µL), efficiently removing non-neutrophil cells and reducing processing time (30-40 min vs. 70-90 min), although it incurred a higher cost (2.7 times). CONCLUSION: Two cases of maternal anti-FcγRIIIb isoantibodies, unrelated to NAIN, were identified. Although neutropenia has not been described in these cases, we emphasize the importance of identifying asymptomatic cases with the potential for severe neutropenia. Additionally, IMNS is introduced as a rapid, high-yield, high-purity neutrophil isolation technique, beneficial for serological assays detecting anti-HNA antibodies.

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BACKGROUND: The efficacy and safety of adjunctive low-voltage area (LVA) ablation on outcomes of catheter ablation (CA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) remains uncertain. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing CA with versus without LVA ablation for patients with AF. Risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were pooled with a random-effects model. Our primary endpoint was recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmia (ATA), including AF, atrial flutter, or atrial tachycardia. We used R version 4.3.1 for all statistical analyses. RESULTS: Our meta-analysis included 10 RCTs encompassing 1780 patients, of whom 890 (50%) were randomized to LVA ablation. Adjunctive LVA ablation significantly reduced recurrence of ATA (RR 0.76; 95% CI 0.67-0.88; p < .01) and reduced the number of redo ablation procedures (RR 0.54; 95% CI 0.35-0.85; p < .01), as compared with conventional ablation. Among 691 (43%) patients with documented LVAs on baseline substrate mapping, adjunctive LVA ablation substantially reduced ATA recurrences (RR 0.57; 95% CI 0.38-0.86; p < .01). There was no significant difference between groups in terms of periprocedural adverse events (RR 0.78; 95% CI 0.39-1.56; p = .49). CONCLUSIONS: Adjunctive LVA ablation is an effective and safe strategy for reducing recurrences of ATA among patients who undergo CA for AF.

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There is a lack of questionnaires specifically designed to assess social isolation in adolescents. We developed and validated a self-report measure of social isolation in adolescents, the Social Isolation Questionnaire (QIS). A literature review on social isolation and mental health in adolescents indicated 20 questions to form QIS. Two cross-sectional surveys with 48 and 1135 adolescents, respectively, evaluated the reproducibility and validity of QIS. The Bland-Altman plot did not indicate a systematic difference between measurements 15 days apart. Bartlett's sphericity test verified a correlation between the questions and the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin test showed good adequacy (.896) to the factor analysis. Exploratory factor analysis suggested the exclusion of three questions (loading factors <0.3), and eigenvalues (4.9-0.8) indicated that the questionnaire should be composed of three factors (dimensions). The Cronbach's alpha indicated high internal consistency of the 17 questions (0.850 overall; Dimensions: 0.815 'feeling of loneliness'; 0.760 'friendship'; and, 0.680 'Family support'). The QIS score ranged from 0 to 131 (maximum social isolation score). The correlation between QIS and depressive symptoms (r = .543) indicated the construct validity of QIS. We evaluated QIS in the Portuguese version, thus translation and cultural adaptation are necessary to evaluate the questionnaire in other settings. We constructed and validated the QIS questionnaire, a self-administered questionnaire to assess social isolation in adolescents, composed of three dimensions; feelings of loneliness, friendship and family support. The QIS questionnaire seems a very promising tool to support practitioners and researchers in assessing social isolation among adolescents.

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Introducción: La Pandemia COVID-19, ha tenido impactos negativos en la salud física y mental de las personas, así como las medidas adoptadas por los gobiernos, para prevenir el contagio masivo de la población como el confinamiento, el aislamiento social, el trabajo y educación virtual. Dentro de los afectados por estos cambios, se encontrarían los estudiantes universitarios del área de la salud, que además de estudiar en estas condiciones de pandemia, no han podido hacer sus prácticas de los servicios de salud. Esta situación de exposición al aislamiento, podría afectar la salud mental de los jóvenes estudiantes universitarios. Objetivo: determinar los niveles de depresión, ansiedad y estrés en estudiantes universitarios y su relación con variables sociodemográficas y las características del aislamiento social durante la Pandemia COVID-19. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, observacional, de corte transversal y cuantitativo, con una muestra de 818 estudiantes universitarios de facultades de ciencias de la salud, mediante el cuestionario autoadministrado DASS-21. Resultados: Los principales hallazgos fueron: una mayor prevalencia en niveles altos (severos y extremadamente severos) en la ansiedad, alcanzado casi a 4 de cada 10 de los evaluados; por otro lado, en depresión y el estrés, 2 de cada 10 de los evaluados, se encontraron en los niveles mencionados. En relación con las variables sociodemográficas, las relacionadas con el COVID-19 y aislamiento social, se hallaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas con el género (mujeres > varones), el haber tenido COVID-19 (Sí > No) y vivir con familiares como antes de la pandemia (Sí > No) obtuvieron en promedio mayores puntajes en depresión, ansiedad y estrés. Conclusión: Los estudiantes que presentaron mayor depresión, ansiedad y estrés con una diferencia significativa fueron de género femenino, con antecedentes de haber tenido Covid-19, menor contacto con familiares y haber cumplido con aislamiento social total.

Introduction: The COVID-19 Pandemic has had negative impacts on the physical and mental health of people, as well as the measures adopted by governments to prevent the massive contagion of the population, such as confinement, social isolation, virtual work, and virtual education. Among those affected by these changes would be university students in the health area who, in addition to studying in these pandemic conditions, have been unable to do their health service practices. This situation of exposure to isolation could affect the mental health of young university students. Objective: To determine the levels of depression, anxiety, and stress in university students, their relationship with sociodemographic variables, and the characteristics of social isolation during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Methods: A descriptive, observational, cross-sectional, and quantitative study was carried out with a sample of 818 university students from health sciences faculties using the DASS-21 self-administered questionnaire. Results: The main findings were a higher prevalence of high levels (severe and highly severe) in anxiety, reaching almost 4 out of 10 of those evaluated; On the other hand, in depression and stress, 2 out of 10 of those evaluated were found at the mentioned levels. Concerning the sociodemographic variables, those related to COVID-19 and social isolation, statistically significant differences were found with gender (women > men), having had COVID-19 (Yes > No), and living with relatives as before. On average, the pandemic (Yes > No) obtained higher scores in depression, anxiety, and stress. Conclusion: The students who presented greater depression, anxiety, and stress with a significant difference were female, with a history of having had Covid-19, less contact with family members, and having complied with total social isolation

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Introducción. El sobrepeso y la obesidad infantil constituyen un problema de salud pública. El inicio de la pandemia por COVID-19 pudo haber favorecido esta patología. El puntaje Z del índice de masa corporal (Z-IMC) es un indicador aceptado para su diagnóstico y seguimiento. Objetivo. Evaluar si la prevalencia de sobrepeso y obesidad, y el Z-IMC en niños de 2 a 5 años aumentó durante la pandemia. Población y métodos. Estudio de cohorte retrospectiva. Se incluyeron pacientes asistidos en efectores públicos de salud del Gobierno de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires (GCABA), de 2 a 5 años de edad, con registro de peso y talla en dos consultas, antes y después de haber comenzado el aislamiento social preventivo y obligatorio (ASPO). Se registró estado nutricional (Z-IMC) y variación del Z-IMC entre ambas consultas. Resultados. Se evaluaron 3866 sujetos, edad promedio 3,4 ± 0,8 años; el 48,1 % fueron mujeres. El intervalo promedio entre consultas fue 14,3 ± 2,5 meses. La prevalencia de sobrepeso/obesidad aumentó del 12,6 % (IC95% 11,6-13,6) al 20,9 % (IC95% 19,6-22-2); p <0,001, al igual que el Z-IMC (0,4 ± 1,1 vs. 0,8 ± 1,3; p <0,001). Conclusión. La prevalencia de sobrepeso y obesidad, y el Z-IMC en niños de 2 a 5 años aumentó significativamente durante la pandemia.

Introduction. Childhood overweight and obesity are a public health problem. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic may have contributed to this condition. The body mass index (BMI) Z-score has been accepted as an indicator for overweight and obesity diagnosis and follow-up. Objective. To assess whether the prevalence of overweight and obesity and the BMI Z-score in children aged 2 to 5 years increased during the pandemic. Population and methods. Retrospective, cohort study. Patients included were those seen at public health care facilities in the City of Buenos Aires (CABA), who were aged 2 to 5 years, had weight and height values recorded at 2 different visits, before and after the establishment of the preventive and mandatory social isolation policy. Patients' nutritional status (BMI Z-score) and the variation in this indicator between both visits were recorded. Results. A total of 3866 subjects were assessed; their average age was 3.4 ± 0.8 years; 48.1% were girls. The average interval between both visits was 14.3 ± 2.5 months. The prevalence of overweight/ obesity increased from 12.6% (95% CI: 11.6­13.6) to 20.9% (95% CI: 19.6­22.2), p < 0.001, and so did the BMI Z-score (0.4 ± 1.1 versus 0.8 ± 1.3, p < 0.001). Conclusion. The prevalence of overweight and obesity and the BMI Z-score in children aged 2 to 5 years increased significantly during the pandemic.

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O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar os impactos do período do lockdown ocorrido em 2020 na cidade de São Luís, no Maranhão, de acordo com as percepções de cinco categorias profissionais. Trata-se de um estudo observacional descritivo de caráter qualitativo, realizado por meio de entrevista semiestruturada aplicada aos profissionais selecionados sobre os impactos do lockdown no direito constitucional de ir e vir, na vida profissional e no sistema de saúde brasileiro. Foram entrevistados 130 profissionais, entre médicos, professores universitários, gestores de saúde, empresários e autônomos. Para a análise da pergunta aberta, foi utilizado o método do discurso do sujeito coletivo (DSC). Foram também aplicados Testes de qui-quadrado ou exato de Fisher, adotando-se p < 0,05 como hipótese de nulidade, para verificar a associação entre variáveis categóricas. A maioria dos entrevistados considerou como negativos os impactos do lockdown sobre o direito de ir e vir dos cidadãos (51,6%) e nas atividades de vida diária de suas respectivas profissões (67,7%). O Sistema Único de Saúde não conseguiu conter os avanços da doença, segundo opiniões da maioria (59,2%) dos entrevistados. Os resultados qualitativos mostraram que o lockdown foi desfavorável para 66 profissionais, seguido de 33 que o classificaram como favorável. Os participantes destacaram que o lockdown causou impactos negativos no direito de ir e vir e na vida profissional dos cidadãos, tendo sido considerada uma medida política equivocada e ineficiente na contenção da disseminação da covid-19.

Objective: to analyze the impacts of the lockdown period in the municipality of São Luís, Maranhão (2020), according to the perceptions of five professional categories. Methodology: this descriptive, qualitative, and observational study was carried out by a semi-structured interview applied to selected professionals about the impacts of the lockdown on their constitutional right to free movement, their professional life, and on the Brazilian health system. Results: Overall, 130 professionals were interviewed, including physicians, university professors, health managers, businesspeople, and self-employed people. To analyze the open question, the Collective Subject Discourse-DSC method was used. Chi-squared or Fisher's exact tests were also applied, adopting p < 0.05 as the null hypothesis, to attest to the association between categorical variables. Most interviewees considered the impacts of the lockdown on citizens' right to free movement (51.6%) and on the daily life activities of their respective professions (67.7%) as negative. The Brazilian Unified Health System was unable to contain the spread of the disease, according to the opinions of most (59.2%) interviewees. Qualitative results showed that the lockdown was unfavorable for 66 professionals, followed by 33 professionals who classified it as favorable. Conclusion: the lockdown negatively impacted the right to free movement and professional lives and was considered a mistaken and inefficient political measure to contain the spread of COVID-19.

El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar los impactos del período de confinamiento en 2020 en la ciudad de São Luís, Maranhão, según las percepciones de cinco categorías profesionales. Se trata de un estudio observacional descriptivo, de carácter cualitativo, realizado mediante una entrevista semiestructurada aplicada a profesionales seleccionados sobre los impactos del confinamiento en el derecho constitucional de ir y venir, en la vida profesional y en el sistema de salud brasileño. Se entrevistaron a 130 profesionales, entre médicos, profesores universitarios, gestores de salud, empresarios y autónomos. Para analizar la pregunta abierta se utilizó el método discurso del sujeto colectivo (DSC). También se aplicaron las pruebas de Chi-cuadrado o exacta de Fisher, adoptando p < 0,05 como hipótesis nula, para verificar la asociación entre variables categóricas. La mayoría de los entrevistados consideraron negativos los impactos del confinamiento en el derecho de ir y venir de los ciudadanos (51,6%) y en las actividades de la vida diaria de sus respectivas profesiones (67,7%). El Sistema Único de Salud (SUS) no pudo contener la propagación de la enfermedad, según la opinión de la mayoría (59,2%) de los entrevistados. Los resultados cualitativos mostraron que el confinamiento fue desfavorable para 66 profesionales, seguido de 33 profesionales que lo calificaron como favorable. Los participantes destacaron que el confinamiento provocó impactos negativos en el derecho a ir y venir y en la vida profesional, además, fue considerado una medida política equivocada e ineficaz para contener la propagación del covid-19.

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Objetivo: analisar as percepções de profissionais da atenção primária à saúde de Paranaguá/PR sobre as relações entre a pandemia de COVID-19 e casos de violência doméstica em seus territórios adscritos, identificando desafios na abordagem, impactos nas famílias e manejo dos casos. Metodologia: pesquisa qualitativa com entrevistas semiestruturadas e grupos focais com 36 profissionais de duas unidades básicas de saúde de Paranaguá, litoral paranaense. Resultados: profissionais da atenção primária à saúde foram unânimes em relatar o aumento no número de casos de violência doméstica naquelas comunidades, com impactos tanto para mulheres, quanto para crianças e adolescentes, sendo o fechamento das escolas um fator agravante. Como principais desafios, foram reportados: a desestruturação da atenção primária à saúde durante o auge da pandemia com deslocamento de profissionais e recursos; desinformação sobre fluxos de encaminhamento nos casos de violência doméstica na rede intersetorial; medo dos profissionais, tanto da pandemia, quanto de denunciar casos de violência doméstica; e rotatividade de profissionais. Conclusão: o período de isolamento social causado pela pandemia intensificou os casos de violência doméstica segundo as percepções de profissionais da atenção primária à saúde de Paranaguá. O desmonte da rede intersetorial prejudicou ainda mais o cuidado de pessoas em situação de vulnerabilidade e/ou violência. A ausência de diretrizes nacionais do governo federal deixou municípios e profissionais da atenção primária à saúde à própria sorte para lidar com o problema.

Objective: to analyze the perceptions of primary health care professionals in Paranaguá/PR about the relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic and cases of domestic violence in their assigned territories, identifying challenges in the approach, impacts on families and case management. Methodology: qualitative research was conducted using semi-structured interviews and focus groups with 36 professionals from two primary health care units in Paranaguá, on the Paraná coast. Results: primary health care professionals unanimously reported an increase in the number of domestic violence cases in those communities, affecting women, children, and adolescents, with the closure of schools identified as an aggravating factor. The main challenges highlighted were the disruption of primary health care services during the peak of the pandemic due to the reallocation of professionals and resources; misinformation about referral processes for domestic violence cases within the intersectoral network; fear among professionals regarding the pandemic and reporting domestic violence cases; and high staff turnover. Conclusion: the period of social isolation caused by the pandemic intensified domestic violence cases, according to the perceptions of primary health care professionals in Paranaguá. The dismantling of the intersectoral network further compromised the care of individuals in situations of vulnerability and/or violence. The absence of national guidelines from the federal government left municipalities and primary health care professionals on their own to deal with the issue.

Objetivo: analizar las percepciones de los profesionales de la atención primaria de salud de Paranaguá/PR sobre las relaciones entre la pandemia de COVID-19 y los casos de violencia doméstica en sus territorios asignados, identificando desafíos en el abordaje, impactos en las familias y gestión de casos. Metodología: investigación cualitativa con entrevistas semiestructuradas y grupos focales con 36 profesionales de dos unidades básicas de salud de Paranaguá, en la costa de Paraná. Resultados: los profesionales de la atención primaria de salud fueron unánimes al reportar el aumento del número de casos de violencia doméstica en esas comunidades, con afectaciones tanto a mujeres, niños y adolescentes, siendo el cierre de escuelas un agravante. Se informaron los principales desafíos: la interrupción de la atención primaria de salud durante el apogeo de la pandemia con el desplazamiento de profesionales y recursos; desinformación sobre los flujos de derivación de casos de violencia doméstica en la red intersectorial; miedo entre los profesionales, tanto a la pandemia como a denunciar casos de violencia doméstica; y rotación profesional. Conclusión: el período de aislamiento social provocado por la pandemia intensificó los casos de violencia doméstica según la percepción de los profesionales de la atención primaria de salud en Paranaguá. El desmantelamiento de la red intersectorial perjudicó aún más la atención a personas en situación de vulnerabilidad y/o violencia. La ausencia de directrices nacionales por parte del gobierno federal dejó a los municipios y a los profesionales de atención primaria de salud a su suerte a la hora de abordar el problema.

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