Relationship between depression, work, and grade of impairment in leprosy

Depression is the most common psychiatric disorder in leprosy and with high depressive symptoms. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and frequency of depressive symptoms and their relationship to WHO impairment grading (IG), and sociodemographic variables. Method: We applied a survey containing sociodemographic, clinical aspects and IG. The original scale of the BDI was applied to identify the frequency of depressive symptoms (21 items), as well as the cognitive subscale BDI-Short Form-BDI-SF (items 1-13), recommended to assess depressive symptoms in individuals with defined pathologies. Descriptive statistical analysis was used, with the frequency distribution to characterize the sample, and to the intersection of the variables, the Chi-square Test-corrected (Yates) was applied, considering significant results p - value < 0.05. Results: 130 patients who have or have had leprosy were evaluated. The mean age of patients was 49.64 (SD = 14.04). There was a predominance of males (64.6%), those living with family (87.7%), with incomplete primary education (66.2%), stable civil union (61.6%), which did not work (75.4%) and receive retirement or health aid (63.9%). Regarding clinical aspects, 94.5% were multibacillary, 74.6% had multidrug therapy and most have loss of protective sensation and/or deformities (31.5% IG1; 37 % IG2). Among the cases evaluated, 43.1% had depressive symptoms of moderate to severe intensity. There was no significant correlation between BDI-SF and IG (p - value = 0.950). However, the individuals without an occupation or job (“which did not work”) were associated with depressive symptoms (BDI-FS; p- value < 0.05). Somatic apprehension was the most frequent symptom (80.7%), followed by difficulty with work (78.5%), irritability (68.5%), fatigue (67.7%), self-blame (62.3%) and tearfulness (60%). Conclusion: It is concluded that moderate and severe depressive symptoms assaulted 43.1% of the cases evaluated, regardless of whether or not physical disabilities (IG1 and 2). Individuals who did not work were the most affected by depressive symptoms compared to those who had some sort of occupation.A depressão é o transtorno psiquiátrico mais comum na hanseníase e com alto índice de sintomas depressivos. Objetivo: Verificar a frequência dos sintomas depressivos e sua relação com o grau de incapacidade (GI) da OMS e variáveis sociodemográficas. Método: Aplicou-se um questionário, contendo aspectos sociodemográficos, clínicos e o GI. Foi aplicada a escala original do BDI para identificar a frequência dos sintomas depressivos (21 itens) e a subescala cognitiva chamada BDI-Short Form - BDI-SF (1-13 itens), recomendada para avaliar sintomas depressivos em indivíduos com diagnóstico de alguma patologia. Foi utilizada análise estatística descritiva, com distribuição de frequência para a caracterização da casuística e para o cruzamento das variáveis, foi utilizado o Teste Chi-square-corrected (Yates), considerando resultados significantes valor - p < 0,05. Resultados: Foram avaliados 130 pacientes que tem ou tiveram hanseníase. A idade média dos pacientes foi de 49,64 (SD 14,04). Houve predomínio do sexo masculino (64,6%), dos que vivem com familiares (87,7%), com ensino fundamental incompleto (66,2%), união civil estável (61,6%), não trabalham (75,4%) e recebem aposentadoria ou auxílio saúde (63,9%). Em relação aos aspectos clínicos, 94,5% são multibacilares, 74,6% concluíram a poliquimioterapia e a maioria apresenta perda da sensibilidade protetora e/ou deformidades (31,5% grau 1 e 37% grau 2). Dentre os casos avaliados 43,1% apresentou sintomas depressivos de intensidade moderada a grave. Não houve correlação significativa entre BDI-SF e GI (valor - p = 0,950), mas, “não trabalhar” associou-se com sintomas depressivos (BDI-SF) (valor - p = < 0,05). Preocupação somática foi o sintoma mais frequente (80,7%), seguido de dificuldade no trabalho (78,5%), irritabilidade (68,5%), fadiga (67,7%), auto-acusação (62,3%) e choro fácil (60%). Conclusão: Conclui-se que sintomas depressivos moderados e graves acometeram 43,1% dos casos avaliados, independentemente de ter ou não deficiências físicas (GI 1 e 2). As pessoas que não trabalhavam foram mais acometidas por sintomas depressivos em comparação aos que exerciam alguma atividade profissional

Análise da eficácia do uso terapêutico da trimetazidina nas principais síndromes coronarianas agudas

A injúria de reperfusão, ou isquemia, é um mecanismo fisiopatológico que ocorre nas etiopatogenias do miocárdio, como na angina instável. Assim, são utilizados fármacos adjuvantes citoprotetores, como a trimetazidina (TMZ), que visam à diminuição do tempo de hospitalização e melhora na função cardíaca com ação profilática contra essa lesão. No entanto, apesar dos seus potenciais benefícios no tratamento da síndrome coronariana aguda, ainda não está clara a sua eficácia em relação a outras terapias disponíveis. Nesse sentido, o objetivo do estudo é analisar a eficácia do uso terapêutico da trimetazidina nas principais síndromes coronarianas agudas. Foi realizada uma revisão sistemática usando as bases de dados PubMed, Cochrane Library e Embase. Um total de 3 estudos foi incluído na análise. Os resultados mostraram que a terapia com trimetazidina reduziu significativamente a incidência de eventos cardíacos adversos maiores (ECAM) (OR = 0,33, IC 95% 0,15-0,75, p = 0,007), menor dano miocárdico (p < 0,05) e fração de ejeção ventricular esquerda mais elevada e menos eventos adversos em comparação com o grupo placebo (p < 0,05). Não foram observadas diferenças significativas entre os grupos de trimetazidina e controle em termos de mortalidade por todas as causas, mortalidade cardiovascular ou incidência de eventos adversos. Os resultados deste estudo sugerem que a terapia adjuvante com trimetazidina pode melhorar os resultados clínicos e a função cardíaca em pacientes com IAM sem aumentar o risco de eventos adversos. No entanto, são necessários mais ensaios clínicos randomizados em larga escala para confirmar esses resultados e determinar a duração e dose ideais da terapia com trimetazidina nessa população de pacientes

Efeito in vitro de químicos no crescimento micelial de Saprolegnia spp. In vitro effect of chemical on hyphal growth of Saprolegnia spp.

Com o aumento da produtividade na piscicultura, os peixes são expostos a altas densidades de estocagem que podem levar ao estresse e imunossupressão. Essa condição favorece a ocorrência de infecções, entre elas a saprolegniose que afeta os peixes e seus ovos, causando sérios prejuízos econômicos aos piscicultores. Dessa forma, compostos químicos eficazes e "ambientalmente amigáveis" são almejados para o controle da doença. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a suscetibilidade in vitro de 12 isolados de Saprolegnia spp., provenientes dos peixes-rei dulceaquícolas Odontesthes bonariensis e O. humensis. Para isso, testes de suscetibilidade, avaliando a inibição do crescimento micelial de Saprolegnia spp., foram realizados frente a seis químicos (cloreto de sódio, formaldeído, permanganato de potássio, iodopovidona, sal marinho e sal marinho iodado) nas concentrações seriadas de 0 a 10.000ppm. Os resultados obtidos evidenciaram que o formaldeído e o permanganato de potássio, em concentrações a partir de 10 e acima de 100ppm, respectivamente, inibiram o crescimento micelial de isolados Saprolegnia spp.. Já a iodopovidona e os compostos salinos não evidenciaram atividade antimicrobiana em nenhuma das concentrações testadas (0-10.000ppm). Embora os resultados in vitro demonstrem que formaldeído e permanganato de potássio sejam promissores no controle da saprolegniose, estudos futuros deverão avaliar a eficácia e o efeito in vivo desses compostos nos peixes-rei O. bonariensis e O. humensis.The productivity in fish farming has been increasing and consequently the fish are submitted to high stocking densities which usually cause stress and immunosuppression. These conditions determine the occurrence of a series of infections, including saprolegniosis. This disease affects fish and eggs from freshwater determining relevant economic losses to fish farmers. Thus, to avoid outbreaks, are being sought effective chemical agents that are "environmentally friendly". The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro susceptibility of 12 isolates of Saprolegnia spp. from the silversides Odontesthes bonariensis and O. humensis. Susceptibility tests evaluating inhibition of mycelial growth of Saprolegnia spp. were performed using six chemicals (sodium chloride, formaldehyde, potassium permanganate, povidone-iodine, sea salt and iodized sea salt) in concentrations from 0 to 10,000ppm. The results displayed that formaldehyde at the concentration of 10ppm, and potassium permanganate at concentrations above 100ppm, were able to inhibit the mycelial growth of isolates of Saprolegnia spp. However, povidone-iodine and saline compounds exhibited no antimicrobial activity on Saprolegnia spp. Although the in vitro results showed that formaldehyde and potassium permanganate could be promising in controlling saprolegniosis, further studies should be performed to evaluate the in vivo efficacy of these compounds as well as to verify the toxicity of the chemicals to the silversides O. bonariensis and O. humensis

MicroRNA-195 acts as an anti-proliferative miRNA in human melanoma cells by targeting Prohibitin 1

Abstract Background Melanoma is the most lethal type of skin cancer. Since chemoresistance is a significant barrier, identification of regulators affecting chemosensitivity is necessary in order to create new forms of intervention. Prohibitin 1 (PHB1) can act as anti-apoptotic or tumor suppressor molecule, depending on its subcellular localization. Our recent data shown that accumulation of PHB1 protects melanoma cells from chemotherapy-induced cell death. Lacking of post-transcriptional regulation of PHB1 could explain this accumulation. Interestingly, most of melanoma patients have down-regulation of microRNA-195. Here, we investigate the role of miR-195, its impact on PHB1 expression, and on chemosensitivity in melanoma cells. Methods TCGA-RNAseq data obtained from 341 melanoma patient samples as well as a panel of melanoma cell lines were used in an expression correlation analysis between PHB1 and predicted miRNAs. miR-195 impact on PHB1 mRNA and protein levels and relevance of this regulation were investigated in UACC-62 and SK-MEL-5 melanoma lines by RT-qPCR and western blot, luciferase reporter and genetic rescue experiments. Cell proliferation, cell-cycle analysis and caspase 3/7 assay were performed to investigate the potential action of miR-195 as chemosensitizer in melanoma cells treated with cisplatin and temozolomide. Results Analysis of the TCGA-RNAseq revealed a significant negative correlation (Pearson) between miR-195 and PHB1 expression. Moreover, RT-qPCR data showed that miR-195 is down-regulated while PHB1 is up-regulated in a collection of melanoma cells. We demonstrated that miR-195 regulates PHB1 directly by RT-qPCR and western blot in melanoma cells and luciferase assays. To establish PHB1 as a relevant target of miR-195, we conducted rescue experiments in which we showed that PHB1 transgenic expression could antagonize the suppressive effect miR-195 on the proliferation of melanoma cells. Finally, transfection experiments combined with drug treatments performed in the UACC-62 and SK-MEL-5 melanoma cells corroborated miR-195 as potential anti-proliferative agent, with potential impact in sensitization of melanoma cell death. Conclusions This study support the role of miR-195 as anti-proliferative miRNA via targeting of PHB1 in melanoma cells

Photosynthetic capacity of 'Niagara Rosada' grapes grown under transparent plastic covering

ABSTRACT: New techniques in tropical regions such as use of transparent plastic covering (TPC), have been employed in grapes to avoid the wetting leaves and fruits, which can reduce the occurrence of fungal diseases, reduce the use of sprays, and reduce damage caused by hail and high winds. TPC may significantly affect the photosynthetic rates of grapevines cultivated in tropical regions, and thus have strong effects on plant productivity and improve fruit quality. However, in the North of Rio de Janeiro region there are lacks of studies related to TPC effects on photosynthetic capacity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the photosynthetic capacity in 'Niagara Rosada' vines grown under TPC and without transparent plastic covering (WTPC). The experiment was conducted between April and June 2013, on Tabuinha farm, located in the 3rd district of São Fidélis, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. A completely randomized block design was used with two treatments (TPC and WTPC) and twelve replications. Evaluations consisted of climatological variables, gas exchange and maximum quantum efficiency of open photosystem II centers-quantum yield (Fv/Fm) It was possible to observe that under TPC maximum temperature increase of 2.3°C, relative humidity reduced 1.5%, vapor pressure deficit increase 0.4kPa, and light intensity reduced 47.7%. These changes did not cause photochemical damage to the leaves. The TPC promoted higher net photosynthetic rate at 800h, which was associated with higher stomatal conductance. Thus, the TPC used in the northern region of Rio de Janeiro State did not impair the photosynthetic capacity of 'Niagara Rosada' vines

From Molecules to Behavior in Long-Term Inorganic Mercury Intoxication: Unraveling Proteomic Features in Cerebellar Neurodegeneration of Rats

Mercury is a severe environmental pollutant with neurotoxic effects, especially when exposed for long periods. Although there are several evidences regarding mercury toxicity, little is known about inorganic mercury (IHg) species and cerebellum, one of the main targets of mercury associated with the neurological symptomatology of mercurial poisoning. Besides that, the global proteomic profile assessment is a valuable tool to screen possible biomarkers and elucidate molecular targets of mercury neurotoxicity; however, the literature is still scarce. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of long-term exposure to IHg in adult rats’ cerebellum and explore the modulation of the cerebellar proteome associated with biochemical and functional outcomes, providing evidence, in a translational perspective, of new mercury toxicity targets and possible biomarkers. Fifty-four adult rats were exposed to 0.375 mg/kg of HgCl2 or distilled water for 45 days using intragastric gavage. Then, the motor functions were evaluated by rotarod and inclined plane. The cerebellum was collected to quantify mercury levels, to assess the antioxidant activity against peroxyl radicals (ACAPs), the lipid peroxidation (LPO), the proteomic profile, the cell death nature by cytotoxicity and apoptosis, and the Purkinje cells density. The IHg exposure increased mercury levels in the cerebellum, reducing ACAP and increasing LPO. The proteomic approach revealed a total 419 proteins with different statuses of regulation, associated with different biological processes, such as synaptic signaling, energy metabolism and nervous system development, e.g., all these molecular changes are associated with increased cytotoxicity and apoptosis, with a neurodegenerative pattern on Purkinje cells layer and poor motor coordination and balance. In conclusion, all these findings feature a neurodegenerative process triggered by IHg in the cerebellum that culminated into motor functions deficits, which are associated with several molecular features and may be related to the clinical outcomes of people exposed to the toxicant

Acute kidney injury and renal replacement therapy in critically ill COVID-19 patients: Risk factors and outcomes: A single-center experience in Brazil

Background: Critically ill patients with COVID-19 may develop multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, including acute kidney injury (AKI). We report the incidence, risk factors, associations, and outcomes of AKI and renal replacement therapy (RRT) in critically ill COVID-19 patients. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of adult patients with COVID-19 diagnosis admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) between March 2020 and May 2020. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was applied to identify risk factors for the development of AKI and use of RRT. The primary outcome was 60-day mortality after ICU admission. Results: 101 (50.2%) patients developed AKI (72% on the first day of invasive mechanical ventilation [IMV]), and thirty-four (17%) required RRT. Risk factors for AKI included higher baseline Cr (OR 2.50 [1.33-4.69], p = 0.005), diuretic use (OR 4.14 [1.27-13.49], p = 0.019), and IMV (OR 7.60 [1.37-42.05], p = 0.020). A higher C-reactive protein level was an additional risk factor for RRT (OR 2.12 [1.16-4.33], p = 0.023). Overall 60-day mortality was 14.4% {23.8% (n = 24) in the AKI group versus 5% (n = 5) in the non-AKI group (HR 2.79 [1.04-7.49], p = 0.040); and 35.3% (n = 12) in the RRT group versus 10.2% (n = 17) in the non-RRT group, respectively (HR 2.21 [1.01-4.85], p = 0.047)}. Conclusions: AKI was common among critically ill COVID-19 patients and occurred early in association with IMV. One in 6 AKI patients received RRT and 1 in 3 patients treated with RRT died in hospital. These findings provide important prognostic information for clinicians caring for these patients