Com o diabo no corpo: os terríveis papagaios do Brasil colônia

Desde a Antiguidade, papagaios, periquitos e afins (Psittacidae) fascinaram os europeus por seu vivo colorido e uma notável capacidade de interação com seres humanos. A descoberta do Novo Mundo nada faria além de acrescentar novos elementos ao tráfico de animais exóticos há muito estabelecido pelos europeus com a África e o Oriente. Sem possuir grandes mamíferos, a América tropical participaria desse comércio com o que tinha de mais atrativo, essencialmente felinos, primatas e aves - em particular os papagaios, os quais eram embarcados em bom número. Contudo, a julgar pelos documentos do Brasil colônia, esses voláteis podiam inspirar muito pouca simpatia, pois nenhum outro animal - exceto as formigas - foi tantas vezes mencionado como praga para a agricultura. Além disso, alguns psitácidas mostravam-se tão loquazes que inspiravam a séria desconfiança de serem animais demoníacos ou possessos, pois só três classes de entidades - anjos, homens e demônios - possuíam o dom da palavra. Nos dias de hoje, vários representantes dos Psittacidae ainda constituem uma ameaça para a agricultura, enquanto os indivíduos muito faladores continuam despertando a suspeita de estarem possuídos pelo demônio. Transcendendo a mera curiosidade, essa crença exemplifica o quão intrincadas podem ser as relações do homem com o chamado “mundo natural”, revelando um universo mais amplo e multifacetado do que se poderia supor a princípio. Nesse sentido, a existência de aves capazes de falar torna essa relação ainda mais complexa e evidencia que as dificuldades de estabelecer o limite entre o animal e o humano se estendem além dos primatas e envolvem as mais inusitadas espécies zoológicas.Since ancient times, parrots and their allies (Psittacidae) have fascinated Europeans by their striking colors and notable ability to interact with human beings. The discovery of the New World added new species to the international exotic animal trade, which for many centuries had brought beasts to Europe from Africa and the Orient. Lacking large mammals, tropical America participated in this trade with its most appealing species, essentially felines, primates and birds - especially parrots - which were shipped in large numbers. It should be noted, however, that at times these birds were not well liked. In fact, according to documents from colonial Brazil, only the ants rank higher than parrots as the animals most often mentioned as agricultural pests. On the other hand, some of these birds were so chatty that people suspected them to be demonic or possessed animals, since only three classes of beings - angels, men and demons - have the ability to speak. Nowadays, several Psittacidae still constitute a threat to agriculture, and the suspicion that extremely talkative birds were demon possessed has also survived. More than a joke or a mere curiosity, this belief exemplifies how intricate man’s relationships with the “natural world” may be. In this sense, the existence of birds that are able to speak adds a further twist to these relationships, demonstrating that the problem of establishing a boundary between the animal and the human does not only involve primates, but also includes some unusual zoological species

COVID-19 symptoms at hospital admission vary with age and sex: results from the ISARIC prospective multinational observational study

Background: The ISARIC prospective multinational observational study is the largest cohort of hospitalized patients with COVID-19. We present relationships of age, sex, and nationality to presenting symptoms. Methods: International, prospective observational study of 60 109 hospitalized symptomatic patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 recruited from 43 countries between 30 January and 3 August 2020. Logistic regression was performed to evaluate relationships of age and sex to published COVID-19 case definitions and the most commonly reported symptoms. Results: ‘Typical’ symptoms of fever (69%), cough (68%) and shortness of breath (66%) were the most commonly reported. 92% of patients experienced at least one of these. Prevalence of typical symptoms was greatest in 30- to 60-year-olds (respectively 80, 79, 69%; at least one 95%). They were reported less frequently in children (≤ 18 years: 69, 48, 23; 85%), older adults (≥ 70 years: 61, 62, 65; 90%), and women (66, 66, 64; 90%; vs. men 71, 70, 67; 93%, each P < 0.001). The most common atypical presentations under 60 years of age were nausea and vomiting and abdominal pain, and over 60 years was confusion. Regression models showed significant differences in symptoms with sex, age and country. Interpretation: This international collaboration has allowed us to report reliable symptom data from the largest cohort of patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19. Adults over 60 and children admitted to hospital with COVID-19 are less likely to present with typical symptoms. Nausea and vomiting are common atypical presentations under 30 years. Confusion is a frequent atypical presentation of COVID-19 in adults over 60 years. Women are less likely to experience typical symptoms than men

miRNAs in liver diseases

Trabalho Final de Mestrado Integrado, Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Farmácia, 2013Aims: This work intends to provide a comprehensive review of the most recent available data on how the deregulation of microRNA (miRNA or miR) expression contributes to the onset and development of liver diseases. In addition, the possibility and potential of miRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers or therapeutic targets will also be explored. Methods: This work solely references articles published in the areas of molecular and cellular biology with the focus on translational studies in the liver area, obtained using the online PubMed database. Results: miRNA-122 is the most abundant miRNA in the liver found deregulated in most, if not all, liver diseases. Differential miRNA expression patterns have been associated to the genesis and development of liver diseases such as hepatitis B and C, alcoholic liver disease (ALD), non-alcoholic liver disease (NAFLD), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In addition, circulatory miRNAs have been described as potential biomarkers of most liver diseases, with a greater sensitivity and specificity than traditional reference methods. Finally, there is the possibility that miRNAs may one day be used as effective therapeutic tools, through the use of mimic or antagonist miRNAs. Conclusions: miRNAs are severely deregulated in many liver diseases and have a promising future as therapeutic targets in the liver. However, it is still necessary to address several pharmacokinetic and drug delivery issues.Objectivos: este trabalho tem como objectivo reunir e rever os dados científicos mais recentes sobre a forma como desregulações nos perfis de expressão de microRNAs (miRNAs ou miRs) contribuem para o inicio e desenvolvimento das doenças do fígado. Mais, pretende-se analisar a capacidade e potencial dos miRNAs como biomarcadores de diagnóstico ou alvos terapêuticos. Métodos: este trabalho referencia maioritariamente artigos publicados nas áreas da biologia celular e molecular, com particular detalhe nos estudos translacionais na área do fígado, obtidos com recurso à base de dados online PubMed. Resultados: o miR-122 é o miRNA mais abundante no fígado, estando desregulado na maior parte, se não todas, as patologias do fígado. Diferentes padrões de expressão dos miRNAs têm sido associados à génese e ao desenvolvimento e progressão de doenças hepáticas como por exemplo a hepatite B e C, o fígado gordo alcoólico (ALD), o fígado gordo não alcoólico (NAFLD) e o hepatocarcinoma. Além disso, os miRNAs encontrados na circulação sanguínea foram já identificados como potenciais biomarcadores da maior parte das patologias do fígado, apresentando normalmente um grau de sensibilidade e especificidade maior do que com os métodos clássicos de referência. Finalmente, existe a possibilidade de que os miRNAs possam um dia ser usados como ferramentas terapêuticas importantes, recorrendo-se ao uso de miméticos ou antagonistas de miRNAs. Conclusões: os miRNAs encontram-se extremamente desregulados na maior parte das patologias do foro hepático, tendo um futuro promissor enquanto alvos terapêuticos no fígado. No entanto, é ainda necessário resolver vários problemas de farmacocinética e de entrega, antes dessa perspectiva se tornar uma realidade

Role of mitochondria-targeting miRNAs in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) comprises a range of liver lesions from simple steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and remains a major cause of mortality when progressing to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although major risk factors relate with the metabolic syndrome, including cross-talk between the liver and the skeletal muscle, the biological mechanisms of disease are not entirely known. Therefore, a better understanding of NAFLD pathogenesis may help in finding novel targeted therapies for patients with liver damage. In that regard, we have shown that morbid obese patients with NAFLD exhibit increased microRNA-34a (miRNA/miR-34a) expression, p53 acetylation and apoptosis, as well as decreased Sirtuin-1 expression, in more severe disease stages, suggesting that miRNAs actively contribute to disease progression. In turn, further evidence also supports a role for mitochondrial dysfunction in NAFLD pathogenesis. In particular, mitochondrial fusion protein mitofusin 2 (Mfn2) is decreased in human NASH, with its liver-specific ablation in mice leading to a NASH-like phenotype. The main goal of the work presented in this thesis was to dissect the role of mitochondria-targeting miRNAs in human and experimental models of NAFLD, elucidating their functional role in disease progression and potential as therapeutic targets. First, we explored the role of miR-34a in skeletal muscle dysfunction associated to NASH development. Our results showed that miR-34a is activated in skeletal muscle of both human and experimental models of NASH, leading to inhibition of Sirtuin-1 and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). This resulted in impairment of insulin signalling and dysfunctional mitochondrial dynamics, including abnormally downregulated levels of Mfn2. Further, functional studies established a direct association between miR-34a- and palmitic acid (PA)-induced muscle cell deregulation, with downstream AMPK activation being able to restore muscle homeostasis. Finally, muscle miR-34a expression and Mfn2 protein levels correlated with hallmarks of human NAFLD and its progression. We next sought to identify miRNAs directly targeting liver Mfn2, which we showed to be consistently downregulated in multiple, complementary diet-induced NAFLD mice models. miR-222-3p was identified and validated as a direct Mfn2-binding miRNA, in vitro. Strikingly, miR-222-3p inhibition in two complementary diet-induced NASH mice models led to significantly increased Mfn2 expression levels, paralleling decreased hepatic steatosis, inflammation, liver injury and oxidative stress. Finally, we evaluated expression levels of both miR-34a and miR-222-3p in the liver of a large cohort of NAFLD patients, which progressively increased with disease severity and, further, correlated with the grades of steatosis, lobular inflammation and fibrosis. Overall, our results highlight the key function of mitochondria-targeting miRNAs in metabolic syndrome-associated NAFLD. In particular, muscle miR-34a- and liver miR-222-3p-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, involving Mfn2 downregulation, appear amenable to effective therapeutic targeting. This is particularly relevant considering that both miR-34a and miR-222-3p associate to a worse disease prognosis in NAFLD patient

REVISÃO SISTEMATICA SOBRE A SÍNDROME DE BURNOUT EM PROFISSIONAIS DA ARÉA DE SAÚDE NA PANDEMIA PELO COVID-19

ABSTRACT: Objective: To review the national scientific production on the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic and its impact on health professionals, with an emphasis on Burnout Syndrome and its main tripod: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and reduction of personal fulfillment. Methods: This is a literature review, carried out by original and complete articles published in the databases: PUBMED, LILACS and GOOGLE ACADÊMICO, in Portuguese, Spanish and English. Results: Due to the theoretical overview, it was shown that health professionals already had high prevalence, with regard to the development of BS; with the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, the numbers grew even more, due to stressors. Conclusion: According to the increase in demand for medical services, it greatly overloaded health professionals who began to feel with a lower quality of life. With this, it is necessary measures that relieve these professionals so that they do not evolve with psychological consequence Keysword: Professional exhaustion, Mental health, Pandemic.RESUMEN: Objetivo: Revisar la producción científica nacional sobre los efectos de la pandemia del Coronavirus y su impacto en los profesionales de la salud, con énfasis en el Síndrome de Burnout y su trípode principal: el agotamiento emocional, la despersonalización y la reducción de la realización personal. Métodos: Se trata de una revisión bibliográfica, realizada por artículos originales y completos publicados en las bases de datos: PUBMED, LILACS y GOOGLE ACADÊMICO, en portugués, español e inglés. Resultados: Debido a la revisión teórica, se demostró que los profesionales de la salud ya tenían una alta prevalencia, con respecto al desarrollo de SB; con la llegada de la pandemia de COVID-19, las cifras aumentaron aún más debido a factores estresantes. Conclusión: De acuerdo al aumento de la demanda de servicios médicos, se sobrecargó en gran medida a los profesionales de la salud que comenzaron a sentirse con una menor calidad de vida. Con ello, son necesarias medidas que alivie a estos profesionales para que no evolucionen con secuelas psicológicas. Palabras clave: Agotamiento profesional, Salud mental, Pandemia.RESUMO: Objetivo: Revisar a produção científica nacional sobre os efeitos da pandemia pelo Coronavírus e seu reflexo em profissionais da saúde, com ênfase na Síndrome de Burnout e seus principais tripé: exaustão emocional, despersonalização e redução da realização pessoal. Métodos: Trata-se de uma revisão de literatura, efetivada por artigos originais e completos publicados nas bases de dados: PUBMED, LILACS e GOOGLE ACADÊMICO, em língua portuguesa, espanhola e inglesa. Resultados: Devido ao apanhado teórico, demonstrou que os profissionais de saúde já possuíam altas prevalências, no que se refere ao desenvolvimento da SB; com o advento da pandemia de COVID-19, os números cresceram ainda mais, em decorrências aos fatores estressores. Conclusão: De acordo com o aumento da demanda por serviços médicos, sobrecarregou muito os profissionais de saúde que começaram a sentir com uma menor qualidade de vida. Com isso, é necessário medias que desafoguem esses profissionais para que os mesmos não evoluam com consequências psicológicas. Palavras chaves: Esgotamento profissional, Saúde mental, Pandemia.RESUMO: Objetivo: Revisar a produção científica nacional sobre os efeitos da pandemia pelo Coronavírus e seu reflexo em profissionais da saúde, com ênfase na Síndrome de Burnout e seus principais tripé: exaustão emocional, despersonalização e redução da realização pessoal. Métodos: Trata-se de uma revisão de literatura, efetivada por artigos originais e completos publicados nas bases de dados: PUBMED, LILACS e GOOGLE ACADÊMICO, em língua portuguesa, espanhola e inglesa. Resultados: Devido ao apanhado teórico, demonstrou que os profissionais de saúde já possuíam altas prevalências, no que se refere ao desenvolvimento da SB; com o advento da pandemia de COVID-19, os números cresceram ainda mais, em decorrências aos fatores estressores. Conclusão: De acordo com o aumento da demanda por serviços médicos, sobrecarregou muito os profissionais de saúde que começaram a sentir com uma menor qualidade de vida. Com isso, é necessário medias que desafoguem esses profissionais para que os mesmos não evoluam com consequências psicológicas. Palavras chaves: Esgotamento profissional, Saúde mental, Pandemia