Measuring access to medicines: a review of quantitative methods used in household surveys

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Medicine access is an important goal of medicine policy; however the evaluation of medicine access is a subject under conceptual and methodological development. The aim of this study was to describe quantitative methodologies to measure medicine access on household level, access expressed as paid or unpaid medicine acquisition.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Searches were carried out in electronic databases and health institutional sites; within references from retrieved papers and by contacting authors.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Nine papers were located. The methodologies of the studies presented differences in the recall period, recruitment of subjects and medicine access characterization.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The standardization of medicine access indicators and the definition of appropriate recall periods are required to evaluate different medicines and access dimensions, improving studies comparison. Besides, specific keywords must be established to allow future literature reviews about this topic.</p

A web resource for mining HLA associations with adverse drug reactions: HLA-ADR.

Human leukocyte antigens (HLA) are an important family of genes involved in the immune system. Their primary function is to allow the host immune system to be able to distinguish between self and non-self peptides-e.g. derived from invading pathogens. However, these genes have also been implicated in immune-mediated adverse drug reactions (ADRs), presenting a problem to patients, clinicians and pharmaceutical companies. We have previously developed the Allele Frequency Net Database (AFND) that captures the allelic and haplotype frequencies for these HLA genes across many healthy populations from around the world. Here, we report the development and release of the HLA-ADR database that captures data from publications where HLA alleles and haplotypes have been associated with ADRs (e.g. Stevens-Johnson Syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis and drug-induced liver injury). HLA-ADR was created by using data obtained through systematic review of the literature and semi-automated literature mining. The database also draws on data already present in AFND allowing users to compare and analyze allele frequencies in both ADR patients and healthy populations. The HLA-ADR database provides clinicians and researchers with a centralized resource from which to investigate immune-mediated ADRs.Database URL: http://www.allelefrequencies.net/hla-adr/

Data standardization of plant-pollinator interactions

Background: Animal pollination is an important ecosystem function and service, ensuring both the integrity of natural systems and human well-being. Although many knowledge shortfalls remain, some high-quality data sets on biological interactions are now available. The development and adoption of standards for biodiversity data and metadata has promoted great advances in biological data sharing and aggregation, supporting large-scale studies and science-based public policies. However, these standards are currently not suitable to fully support interaction data sharing. Results: Here we present a vocabulary of terms and a data model for sharing plant–pollinator interactions data based on the Darwin Core standard. The vocabulary introduces 48 new terms targeting several aspects of plant–pollinator interactions and can be used to capture information from different approaches and scales. Additionally, we provide solutions for data serialization using RDF, XML, and DwC-Archives and recommendations of existing controlled vocabularies for some of the terms. Our contribution supports open access to standardized data on plant–pollinator interactions. Conclusions: The adoption of the vocabulary would facilitate data sharing to support studies ranging from the spatial and temporal distribution of interactions to the taxonomic, phenological, functional, and phylogenetic aspects of plant–pollinator interactions. We expect to fill data and knowledge gaps, thus further enabling scientific research on the ecology and evolution of plant–pollinator communities, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services, and the development of public policies. The proposed data model is flexible and can be adapted for sharing other types of interactions data by developing discipline-specific vocabularies of terms.Fil: Salim, José A. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Saraiva, Antonio M.. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Zermoglio, Paula Florencia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnologico Conicet - Patagonia Norte. Instituto de Investigaciones En Recursos Naturales, Agroecologia y Desarrollo Rural. - Universidad Nacional de Rio Negro. Instituto de Investigaciones En Recursos Naturales, Agroecologia y Desarrollo Rural.; ArgentinaFil: Agostini, Kayna. Universidade Federal do São Carlos; BrasilFil: Wolowski, Marina. Universidade Federal de Alfenas; BrasilFil: Drucker, Debora P.. Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuaria (embrapa);Fil: Soares, Filipi M.. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Bergamo, Pedro J.. Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro; BrasilFil: Varassin, Isabela G.. Universidade Federal do Paraná; BrasilFil: Freitas, Leandro. Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro; BrasilFil: Maués, Márcia M.. Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuaria (embrapa);Fil: Rech, Andre R.. Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri; BrasilFil: Veiga, Allan K.. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Acosta, Andre L.. Instituto Tecnológico Vale; BrasilFil: Araujo, Andréa C. Universidade Federal do Mato Grosso do Sul; BrasilFil: Nogueira, Anselmo. Universidad Federal do Abc; BrasilFil: Blochtein, Betina. Pontificia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul; BrasilFil: Freitas, Breno M.. Universidade Estadual do Ceará; BrasilFil: Albertini, Bruno C.. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Maia Silva, Camila. Universidade Federal Rural Do Semi Arido; BrasilFil: Nunes, Carlos E. P.. University of Stirling; BrasilFil: Pires, Carmen S. S.. Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuaria (embrapa);Fil: Dos Santos, Charles F.. Pontificia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul; BrasilFil: Queiroz, Elisa P.. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Cartolano, Etienne A.. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: de Oliveira, Favízia F. Universidade Federal da Bahia; BrasilFil: Amorim, Felipe W.. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; BrasilFil: Fontúrbel, Francisco E.. Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso; ChileFil: da Silva, Gleycon V.. Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia, Inovações. Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia; BrasilFil: Consolaro, Hélder. Universidade Federal de Catalão; Brasi

Data standardization of plant–pollinator interactions

Background: Animal pollination is an important ecosystem function and service, ensuring both the integrity of natural systems and human well-being. Although many knowledge shortfalls remain, some high-quality data sets on biological interactions are now available. The development and adoption of standards for biodiversity data and metadata has promoted great advances in biological data sharing and aggregation, supporting large-scale studies and science-based public policies. However, these standards are currently not suitable to fully support interaction data sharing. Results: Here we present a vocabulary of terms and a data model for sharing plant–pollinator interactions data based on the Darwin Core standard. The vocabulary introduces 48 new terms targeting several aspects of plant–pollinator interactions and can be used to capture information from different approaches and scales. Additionally, we provide solutions for data serialization using RDF, XML, and DwC-Archives and recommendations of existing controlled vocabularies for some of the terms. Our contribution supports open access to standardized data on plant–pollinator interactions. Conclusions: The adoption of the vocabulary would facilitate data sharing to support studies ranging from the spatial and temporal distribution of interactions to the taxonomic, phenological, functional, and phylogenetic aspects of plant–pollinator interactions. We expect to fill data and knowledge gaps, thus further enabling scientific research on the ecology and evolution of plant–pollinator communities, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services, and the development of public policies. The proposed data model is flexible and can be adapted for sharing other types of interactions data by developing discipline-specific vocabularies of termsinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

2 nd Brazilian Consensus on Chagas Disease, 2015

Abstract Chagas disease is a neglected chronic condition with a high burden of morbidity and mortality. It has considerable psychological, social, and economic impacts. The disease represents a significant public health issue in Brazil, with different regional patterns. This document presents the evidence that resulted in the Brazilian Consensus on Chagas Disease. The objective was to review and standardize strategies for diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and control of Chagas disease in the country, based on the available scientific evidence. The consensus is based on the articulation and strategic contribution of renowned Brazilian experts with knowledge and experience on various aspects of the disease. It is the result of a close collaboration between the Brazilian Society of Tropical Medicine and the Ministry of Health. It is hoped that this document will strengthen the development of integrated actions against Chagas disease in the country, focusing on epidemiology, management, comprehensive care (including families and communities), communication, information, education, and research

Effects of inoculation by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on the composition of the essential oil, plant growth, and lipoxygenase activity of Piper aduncum L.

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in the production of secondary metabolites Piper aduncum seedlings were inoculated by spores of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) Rhizophagus clarus and Claroideoglomus etunicatum. P. aduncum seedlings were inoculated by spores of R. clarus and C. etunicatum and then, development parameters, root colonization, lipoxygenase (LOX) activity, and essential oil (OE) chemical composition were monitored at 30, 60 and 90 days’ post-inoculation (dpi). The inoculation had influenced the plant height and root length at 30 and 90 dpi and microscopic analysis of roots showed the presence of hyphae, arbuscules and vesicles in the inoculated plants. Phenylpropanoids and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons were the main compounds in the EO. In the leaves, the concentration of phenylpropanoids showed a decrease, mainly at 60 dpi, with increased sesquiterpene hydrocarbon production. The main compounds were dillapiole, myristicin, and germacrene D; the dillapiole concentration decreased in all treatments. LOX activity had an increase in the leaves and roots at 90 dpi. These results suggest that alterations in the secondary metabolites of P. aduncum can be induced by its mechanisms of resistance during AMF interaction

Frequency of isolation of wild type <i>Brucella ovis</i> from semen (A) and urine (B); or PCR detection in semen (C) or urine (D) samples, before and after challenge.

<p>The number of weeks is indicated in the x axis.</p

Encapsulated Brucella ovis Lacking a Putative ATP-Binding Cassette Transporter (ΔabcBA) Protects against Wild Type Brucella ovis in Rams.

Submitted by Nuzia Santos ([email protected]) on 2016-04-05T16:46:49Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Encapsulated Brucella(...) Transporte.pdf: 3817674 bytes, checksum: fc75361cde3ac21b6b485230614c7a04 (MD5)Approved for entry into archive by Nuzia Santos ([email protected]) on 2016-04-05T16:56:00Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 Encapsulated Brucella(...) Transporte.pdf: 3817674 bytes, checksum: fc75361cde3ac21b6b485230614c7a04 (MD5)Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-05T16:56:01Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Encapsulated Brucella(...) Transporte.pdf: 3817674 bytes, checksum: fc75361cde3ac21b6b485230614c7a04 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Instituto de Ciências Biológicas. Departamento de Patologia Geral. Belo Horizonte, MG, BrazilUniversidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Instituto de Ciências Biológicas. Departamento de Patologia Geral. Belo Horizonte, MG, BrazilUniversidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Instituto de Ciências Biológicas. Departamento de Patologia Geral. Belo Horizonte, MG, BrazilUniversidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Instituto de Ciências Biológicas. Departamento de Patologia Geral. Belo Horizonte, MG, BrazilUniversidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Escola de Veterinária. Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias. Belo Horizonte, MG, BrasilUniversidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Escola de Veterinária. Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias. Belo Horizonte, MG, BrasilUniversidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Escola de Veterinária. Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias. Belo Horizonte, MG, BrasilUniversidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Escola de Veterinária. Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias. Belo Horizonte, MG, BrasilUniversidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Escola de Veterinária. Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias. Belo Horizonte, MG, BrasilUniversidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Escola de Veterinária. Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias. Belo Horizonte, MG, BrasilUniversidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Escola de Veterinária. Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias. Belo Horizonte, MG, BrasilUniversidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Escola de Veterinária. Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias. Belo Horizonte, MG, BrasilUniversidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Escola de Veterinária. Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias. Belo Horizonte, MG, BrasilUniversidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Escola de Veterinária. Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias. Belo Horizonte, MG, BrasilUniversidade Estadual do Maranhão. Departamento de Patologia. São Luís, MA, BrasilFundação Oswaldo Cruz. Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou. Belo Horizonte, MG, BrasilUniversidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Escola de Veterinária. Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias. Belo Horizonte, MG, BrasilFundação Oswaldo Cruz. Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou. Belo Horizonte, MG, BrasilEmpresa Brasileira de Agropecuária. Juiz de Fora, MG, BrasilUniversidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Instituto de Ciências Biológicas. Departamento de Patologia Geral. Belo Horizonte, MG, BrazilUniversidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Escola de Veterinária. Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias. Belo Horizonte, MG, BrasilThis study aimed to evaluate protection induced by the vaccine candidate B. ovis ΔabcBA against experimental challenge with wild type B. ovis in rams. Rams were subcutaneously immunized with B. ovis ΔabcBA encapsulated with sterile alginate or with the non encapsulated vaccine strain. Serum, urine, and semen samples were collected during two months after immunization. The rams were then challenged with wild type B. ovis (ATCC25840), and the results were compared to non immunized and experimentally challenged rams. Immunization, particularly with encapsulated B. ovis ΔabcBA, prevented infection, secretion of wild type B. ovis in the semen and urine, shedding of neutrophils in the semen, and the development of clinical changes, gross and microscopic lesions induced by the wild type B. ovis reference strain. Collectively, our data indicates that the B. ovis ΔabcBA strain is an exceptionally good vaccine strain for preventing brucellosis caused by B. ovis infection in rams

Frequency of seropositive rams (non immunized or immunized with encapsulated or non encapsulated <i>Brucella ovis</i> Δ<i>abcBA</i>).

<p>Seropositivity was determined by agar gel immune diffusion (AGID) before and after challenge. The number of weeks before and after challenge is indicated in the x axis. Statistical differences between groups (10 rams per group) are indicated by asterisks (**p<0.01; *** p<0.001).</p