Increased Frequency of CD4 and CD8 Regulatory T Cells in Individuals under 15 Years with Multibacillary Leprosy

Background: Leprosy is a chronic disease, caused by Mycobacterium leprae, which poses a serious public health problem worldwide. Its high incidence in people under 15 years old in Ceara state, Brazil, reflects the difficulty of its control. the spectrum of clinical manifestations is associated with the immune response developed, with the Th1 and Th2 responses being related to the paucibacillary and multibacillary forms, respectively. Regulatory T cells (Treg), which can suppress Th1 and Th2 response, have received special attention in the literature and have been associated with development of chronic infections. However, their role in leprosy in individuals under 15 years old has not yet been elucidated. We evaluated the frequency of CD4(+)/CD8(+)CD25(high)FOXP3(+) and CD4(+)/CD8(+)CD25(high)FOXP3(high) cells in leprosy patients and household contacts, in both cases under 15 years old.Methodology/Principal Findings: PBMC from 12 patients and 17 contacts were cultured for 72 hours with anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 (activators) or with activators associated with total sonicated fraction of M. leprae. After culture, the frequency of CD4(+)/CD8(+) Treg was identified by flow cytometry. Cells stimulated by activators and antigen from multibacillary patients showed Treg frequencies almost two times that of the contacts: CD4(+)FOXP3(+) (21.93 +/- 8.43 vs. 13.79 +/- 8.19%, p = 0.0500), CD4(+)FOXP3(high) (10.33 +/- 5.69 vs. 5.57 +/- 4.03%, p = 0.0362), CD8(+)FOXP3(+) (13.88 +/- 9.19 vs. 6.18 +/- 5.56%, p = 0.0230) and CD8(+)FOXP3(high) (5.36 +/- 4.17 vs. 2.23 +/- 2.68%, p = 0.0461). Furthermore, the mean fluorescence intensity of FOXP3 in Treg was higher in multibacillary patients than in the contacts. Interestingly, there was a positive correlation of the bacillary index and number of lesions with the frequency of all Treg evaluated in patients.Conclusions/Significance: We have demonstrated for the first time that multibacillary leprosy patients under 15 years old have greater CD4(+) and CD8(+) Treg frequencies and these correlate with clinical and laboratorial aspects of disease. These findings suggest the involvement of these cells in the perpetuation of M. leprae infection.Fundacao Cearense de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento Cientifico e TecnologicoPost-Graduation Program in Medical MicrobiologyUniv Fed Ceara, Dept Pathol & Legal Med, Med Lab Immunol, Fortaleza, Ceara, BrazilDermatol Ctr Dona Libania, Fortaleza, Ceara, BrazilWalter Cantidio Univ Hosp, Fortaleza, Ceara, BrazilUniv Fortaleza, Fortaleza, Ceara, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Pediat, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Pediat, São Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc

Anti-PGL1 salivary IgA/IgM, serum IgG/IgM, and nasal Mycobacterium leprae DNA in individuals with household contact with leprosy

Objectives: Leprosy household contacts represent a group at high risk of developing the disease. the aim of this study was to detect Mycobacterium leprae subclinical infection in this group through serological and molecular parameters.Methods: Serum anti-PGL1 IgG/IgM and salivary anti-PGL1 IgA/IgM was investigated using an ELISA, and nasal carriage of M. leprae DNA was detected by PCR, in leprosy household contacts of paucibacillary (PB) and multibacillary (MB) household leprosy patients (n = 135), their index cases (n = 30), and in persons living in a low endemic city (n = 17).Results: Salivary anti-PGL1 IgA and IgM and serum anti-PGL1 IgG showed good correlation comparing contacts and index cases (p 0.05). A high frequency of anti-PGL1 IgM positivity was found in IgG-negative samples (p < 0.0001). for IgG-positive samples, IgM antibodies were also positive in most of the samples. None of the 17 volunteers living in a low endemic city presented seropositivity for IgG; however, two of them showed positivity for anti-PGL1 IgM. M. leprae DNA was found in the nasal swabs of nine out of the 85 MB household leprosy contacts (10.6%) and in three out of the 50 PB household leprosy contacts (6.0%).Conclusion: We strongly suggest that serum IgG/IgM and salivary anti-PGL1 IgA/IgM measurements are used to follow leprosy household contacts. (C) 2013 International Society for Infectious Diseases. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Univ Fed Ceara, Fac Pharm, Dept Clin Anal & Toxicol, BR-60430370 Fortaleza, Ceara, BrazilUniv Fed Ceara, Fac Pharm, Dept Pharm, BR-60430370 Fortaleza, Ceara, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Div Pediat Infect Dis, São Paulo, BrazilUniv Fed Ceara, Fac Med, Dept Pathol, BR-60430370 Fortaleza, Ceara, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Div Pediat Infect Dis, São Paulo, BrazilCNPq: 472.471/2007-4Web of Scienc

Spatial and temporal variations of Cockle (Cerastoderma spp.) populations in two portuguese estuarine systems with low directed fishing pressure

Cockles are amongst the most exploited bivalve species in Portugal, playing an important ecological and socioeconomic role in coastal ecosystems. Two sympatric species of cockles, Cerastoderma edule (Linnaeus, 1758) and Cerastoderma glaucum (Bruguiere, 1789-1792) may co-occur in estuaries and coastal lagoons in mixed populations along the European Atlantic coast, namely in Portugal, France and the United Kingdom. The increasing importance of shellfish harvesting in Portugal requires a good knowledge of cockle stocks and temporal variability in stock levels to better inform sustainable management practices. Therefore, this study aimed at assessing spatial and temporal variations in cockle populations in two Portuguese estuarine systems where the species are exploited at low levels. Sampling was carried out using a clam dredge, covering the entire potential area of occurrence of cockles in the Tagus and Sado estuaries at around the same time of the year in each of the three sampling years (2015, 2018, and 2019). The abundance, spatial distribution and population structure of cockles were examined at each system. Moreover, several water and sediment parameters were measured to understand the influence of environmental conditions on the spatial distribution and abundance of cockles. The results obtained showed that cockles occur mostly in the intermediate areas of both estuarine systems and are more abundant in the Tagus estuary. Depth, average sediment grain size and the species Ruditapes philippinarum were the factors that better explained the probability of species occurrence. The population structure analysis indicated that natural mortality is constraining the cockle communities given the low abundance of adult individuals with marketable size in both estuaries. This study highlights the need for appropriate management measures to ensure the sustainability of these bivalve population stocks that have significant socioeconomic importance for local populations.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Práticas integrativas e complementares e abordagens grupais na atenção primária: uma percepção interprofissional

Introdução: As Práticas Integrativas Complementares (PICs) agrupam abordagens com foco na prevenção de agravos, recuperação da saúde e na promoção do autocuidado1. A inserção de grupos como modalidade de atenção coletiva à população é frequente nos serviços de saúde. Busca-se através da organização de grupos otimizar o processo de trabalho e a participação do processo educativo de usuários e de outros profissionais da equipe2. Os grupos operativos, que compreendem uma das abordagens grupais (AGs), são denominados como um conjunto de pessoas, ligadas no tempo e espaço, articuladas por sua mútua representação interna, que se propunham, explícita ou implicitamente, a uma tarefa, interatuando em uma rede de papéis com o estabelecimento de vínculos entre si3. Objetivo: Apresentar um relato de experiência com PICs e AGs em grupos realizados na Atenção Primária à Saúde. Metodologia: Acompanhamento, participação e promoção de PICs e abordagens grupais em três encontros realizados com o grupo “Caminhando e Contando” no NASF-AP Piraquara - PR. Resultados: Foi possível observar a importância da realização de abordagens grupais e PICs nos serviços de saúde, pois os resultados denotam que os processos grupais possibilitaram aos usuários diversas mudanças, tais como: espaços de convivência entre os participantes e profissionais, educação sobre PICs, ampliação de redes afetivas, entre outros. Pensar na ferramenta grupal atrelada às PICs, neste contexto, esteve sempre presente como uma proposta de educação em saúde, focando na aprendizagem e na oportunidade de vivenciar práticas de autocuidado. Por outro lado, pode-se dizer que, ao relacionar as duas ferramentas (PICs e AGs) à atuação dos profissionais, elas podem se complementar, uma vez que a condução de grupos é fundamental para que sejam estabelecidas as relações entre os participantes, além do envolvimento efetivo na atividade proposta. Destaca-se que a realização dos grupos fundamentados em PICs e AGs contribuíram para a prática e aprendizado compartilhado e integrado entre preceptor e bolsistas. Foi possível notar a relevância para o usuário e para os processos de cuidado que o trabalho em grupo e as PICs possuem, uma vez que contribuem para o fortalecimento do vínculo, autocuidado e longitudinalidade do cuidado. Considerações Finais: Ressalta-se a importância do PET-Saúde como possibilidade de ampliar o alcance das ações na comunidade e território. Observou-se que os conhecimentos acerca de PICs e AGs são estratégias que ampliam as possibilidades do cuidado integral ao usuário. Aos bolsistas, o programa oferece a experiência da correlação teórico-prática, contato direto com público-alvo e a interprofissionalidade. Desta forma, foi possível aprender com, sobre e entre si, no que diz respeito aos profissionais da equipe e público-alvo. Palavras-chave: Educação Interprofissional. Processos Grupais. Terapias Complementares

Estratégia de acompanhamento de crianças menores de dois anos na atenção primária à saúde / Monitoring of children under two years in primary health care

No âmbito da vigilância à saúde da criança, a equipe multiprofissional tem responsabilidades de cuidado e suporte humanizado à criança e sua família, valorizando o bem-estar biopsicossocial, identificando e intervindo em necessidades e vulnerabilidades. Este estudo tem como objetivo descrever a assistência prestada no cuidado compartilhado às crianças de 0 a 2 anos na Atenção Primária à Saúde. Trata-se de relato de experiência que descreve as atividades desenvolvidas por uma equipe multiprofissional em uma unidade básica de saúde, desde abril de 2017. Foi instituído como rotina na unidade o fluxo de atendimento às crianças de 0 a 24 meses: com avaliação odontológica; consulta compartilhada com a enfermagem e a nutrição aos seis meses; utilização da escala de Denver II para avaliação do desenvolvimento infantil; além da supervisão e reforço quanto a importância da suplementação de sulfato ferroso, dose semestral de vitamina A e calendário vacinal. Assim, a depender do caso, realiza-se uma consulta compartilhada a fim de garantir um atendimento integral e resolutivo. As consultas representam um espaço para a educação em saúde e uma oportunidade para que os profissionais orientem cada mãe de acordo com a fase da criança e problemas apresentados

NEUROCIÊNCIA E TDAH: EXPLORANDO CONEXÕES CEREBRAIS E AVANÇOS EM INTERVENÇÕES TERAPÊUTICAS

The topic involving neuroscience and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is complex and multifaceted, in addition to involving the understanding of the neural bases and how each region is affected and interfered, it is also possible to develop better and efficient therapeutic processes from this. that help to significantly improve the quality of life of each individual. Objective: To understand the relationship between neuroscience and ADHD, in addition to addressing the best therapeutic paths. Methodology: The bibliographic search to carry out the integrative review was conducted in specialized databases, PubMed and Scopus, using a combination of controlled and uncontrolled terms related to neuroscience, ADHD and therapeutic interventions, the Mesh used: “Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity ”; “Cognitive Neuroscience”; “Mental Health”. Results: The multiple neural systems and neurotransmitters affected in this process cause impacts on the nervous system and with this arises the importance of developing therapeutic approaches. Thus, the main points of impact are the prefrontal cortex, dopaminergic system, striatum nucleus and attentional network. Each affected region causes a series of changes confirming the theory that ADHD is a neurobiological condition.A temática envolvendo a neurociência e o Transtorno do déficit de atenção e hiperatividade é complexa e multifacetada, além de envolver o entendimento das bases neurais e como cada região é afetada e interferida, também é possível a partir disso desenvolver melhores e eficientes processos terapêuticos que ajudem na melhora significativa na qualidade de vida de cada indivíduo. Objetivo: Entender a relação entre a neurociência e o TDAH, além de abordar os melhores caminhos terapêuticos. Metodologia: A busca bibliográfica para realização da revisão integrativa foi conduzida em bases de dados especializadas, PubMed e Scopus, utilizando uma combinação de termos controlados e não controlados relacionados à neurociência, TDAH e intervenções terapêuticas, os Mesh usados: “Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity”; “Neurociencia Cognitiva”; “Mental Health”. Resultados: Os múltiplos sistemas neurais e&nbsp; neurotransmissores afetados nesse processo causam impactos no sistema nervoso e com isso surge a importância de desenvolvimento de abordagens terapêuticas. Desse modo, os principais pontos de impacto são córtex pré-frontal, sistema dopaminérgico, núcleo estriado e rede atencional. Cada região afetada causa uma série de mudanças confirmando a teoria que o TDAH é uma condição neurobiológica.&nbsp

Inter‐country differences in the cultural ecosystem services provided by cockles

1. Coastal systems provide many cultural ecosystem services (CES) to humans. Fewer studies have focused solely on CES, while those comparing CES across countries are even rarer. In the case of shellfish, considerable ecosystem services focus has been placed on nutrient remediation, with relatively little on the cultural services provided, despite strong historical, cultural, social and economic links between shellfish and coastal communities. The ecosystem services provided by the common cockle, Cerastoderma edule, have recently been described, yet the cultural benefits from cockles remain mostly unknown. 2. Here, we documented the CES provided by C. edule in five maritime countries along the Atlantic coast of western Europe, classifying evidenced examples of services into an a priori framework. The high-level classes, adapted from the Millennium Assessment and the Common International Classification of Ecosystem Services, were: inspirational, sense of place, spiritual & religious, aesthetic, recreation & ecotourism, cultural heritage and educational. A further 19 sub-classes were defined. We followed a narrative approach to draw out commonalities and differences among countries using a semi-quantitative analysis. 3. Examples of CES provided by cockles were found for all classes in most countries. Cockles supply important and diverse cultural benefits to humans across Atlantic Europe, making it an ideal model species to study CES in coastal areas. Most examples were in cultural heritage, highlighting the importance of this class in comparison with classes which typically receive more attention in the literature like recreation or aesthetics. We also found that the cultural associations with cockles differed among countries, including between neighbouring countries that share a strong maritime heritage. The extent to which cultural associations were linked with the present or past also differed among countries, with stronger association with the present in southern countries and with the past in the north. 4. Understanding the wider benefits of cockles could deepen the recognition of this important coastal resource, and contribute to promoting sustainable management practices, through greater engagement with local communities. This study is an important step towards better integration of CES in coastal environments and could be used as a framework to study the CES of other species or ecosystems

Viral genetic clustering and transmission dynamics of the 2022 mpox outbreak in Portugal

Pathogen genome sequencing during epidemics enhances our ability to identify and understand suspected clusters and investigate their relationships. Here, we combine genomic and epidemiological data of the 2022 mpox outbreak to better understand early viral spread, diversification and transmission dynamics. By sequencing 52% of the confirmed cases in Portugal, we identified the mpox virus sublineages with the highest impact on case numbers and fitted them into a global context, finding evidence that several international sublineages probably emerged or spread early in Portugal. We estimated a 62% infection reporting rate and that 1.3% of the population of men who have sex with men in Portugal were infected. We infer the critical role played by sexual networks and superspreader gatherings, such as sauna attendance, in the dissemination of mpox virus. Overall, our findings highlight genomic epidemiology as a tool for the real-time monitoring and control of mpox epidemics, and can guide future vaccine policy in a highly susceptible population.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

MAMMALS IN PORTUGAL : A data set of terrestrial, volant, and marine mammal occurrences in P ortugal

Mammals are threatened worldwide, with 26% of all species being includedin the IUCN threatened categories. This overall pattern is primarily associatedwith habitat loss or degradation, and human persecution for terrestrial mam-mals, and pollution, open net fishing, climate change, and prey depletion formarine mammals. Mammals play a key role in maintaining ecosystems func-tionality and resilience, and therefore information on their distribution is cru-cial to delineate and support conservation actions. MAMMALS INPORTUGAL is a publicly available data set compiling unpublishedgeoreferenced occurrence records of 92 terrestrial, volant, and marine mam-mals in mainland Portugal and archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira thatincludes 105,026 data entries between 1873 and 2021 (72% of the data occur-ring in 2000 and 2021). The methods used to collect the data were: live obser-vations/captures (43%), sign surveys (35%), camera trapping (16%),bioacoustics surveys (4%) and radiotracking, and inquiries that represent lessthan 1% of the records. The data set includes 13 types of records: (1) burrowsjsoil moundsjtunnel, (2) capture, (3) colony, (4) dead animaljhairjskullsjjaws, (5) genetic confirmation, (6) inquiries, (7) observation of live animal (8),observation in shelters, (9) photo trappingjvideo, (10) predators dietjpelletsjpine cones/nuts, (11) scatjtrackjditch, (12) telemetry and (13) vocalizationjecholocation. The spatial uncertainty of most records ranges between 0 and100 m (76%). Rodentia (n=31,573) has the highest number of records followedby Chiroptera (n=18,857), Carnivora (n=18,594), Lagomorpha (n=17,496),Cetartiodactyla (n=11,568) and Eulipotyphla (n=7008). The data setincludes records of species classified by the IUCN as threatened(e.g.,Oryctolagus cuniculus[n=12,159],Monachus monachus[n=1,512],andLynx pardinus[n=197]). We believe that this data set may stimulate thepublication of other European countries data sets that would certainly contrib-ute to ecology and conservation-related research, and therefore assisting onthe development of more accurate and tailored conservation managementstrategies for each species. There are no copyright restrictions; please cite thisdata paper when the data are used in publications.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio