Alcoholism and Strongyloides stercoralis: Daily Ethanol Ingestion Has a Positive Correlation with the Frequency of Strongyloides Larvae in the Stools

It has been reported that Strongyloides stercoralis infection is more prevalent in chronic alcoholic patients than in non alcoholics living in the same country. In a retrospective study on the prevalence of S. stercoralis infection in a large sample of alcoholic patients, we demonstrate that this prevalence is significantly higher than in non-alcoholic patients admitted at the same hospital. Moreover, the frequency of the parasite was in close relationship with the daily amount of ingested ethanol, even in the absence of liver cirrhosis, reinforcing the idea that chronic alcoholism is associated with increased susceptibility to Strongyloides infection. Beside the bad hygiene profile of alcoholic patients, which explains high risk for acquisition of the parasite, the high prevalence of S. stercoralis in alcoholics may be in relationship with other effects of ethanol on the intestinal motility, steroid metabolism and immune system, which could enhance the chance of autoinfection and the survival and fecundity of females in duodenum. In this way, the number of larvae in the stools is higher in alcoholic patients, increasing the chance of a positive result in a stool examination by sedimentation method

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

ON THE USE OF THE OPEN PHOTOACOUSTIC CELL TECHNIQUE FOR STUDYING PHOTOSYNTHETIC O2 EVOLUTION OF UNDETACHED LEAVES - COMPARISON WITH CLARK-TYPE O2 ELECTRODE

The leaf photosynthetic O2 evolution detected by the open photoacoustic cell (OPC) technique is compared to the measurements using a Clark-type O2 electrode detector. In vivo and in situ measurements were carried out with undetached maize leaves. From the correlation between these two methods the possibility of a calibration is proposed for the oxygen evolution OPC signal.6551512151

PHOTOSYNTHETIC O-2 EVOLUTION IN MAIZE INBREDS AND THEIR HYBRIDS CAN BE DIFFERENTIATED BY OPEN PHOTOACOUSTIC CELL TECHNIQUE

Photosynthetic efficiency is considered one of the traits potentially suitable to differentiate hybrids from their inbred lines, Previous evaluations concerning photosynthetic efficiencies of maize (Zea mays L.) plants in the field have shown inconsistent and contradictory data. In this work, we attempted to study photosynthetic O-2 evolution through photoacoustic spectroscopy in intact undetached leaves of dark-adapted seedlings of inbreds and their hybrids. The results indicate that photosynthetic efficiencies of inbreds and hybrids can be differentiated by photoacoustic measurements of oxygen evolution, providing a parameter that might prove useful in evaluating plant genotypes.104217718

Ophthalmic Manifestations Among Patients Surviving COVID-19

Vagner Loduca Lima,1 Larissa Caroline Mansano Soares,1 Leonardo Amarante Pereira,1 Priscila Alves Nascimento,1 Luciano Rabello Netto Cirillo,1 Hebert Toshiaki Sakuma,1 Glaucia Luciano da Veiga,1,2 Julio Zaki Abucham-Neto,1 Fernando Luiz Affonso Fonseca1– 3 1Departamento de Oftalmologia, Faculdade de Medicina do ABC, Santo André, Brazil; 2Laboratório de Análises Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina do ABC, Santo André, Brasil; 3Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas da Universidade Federal de São Paulo/UNIFESP, Diadema, BrasilCorrespondence: Glaucia Luciano da Veiga, Departamento de Oftalmologia, Faculdade de Medicina ABC, 2000 Lauro Gomes Avenue, Santo André, SP, 09069-870, Brazil, Tel +55 11 4993-5488, Email [email protected] and Aim: To identify ocular findings related to SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients after the resolution of COVID-19 using complete ocular examinations and optical coherence tomography (OCT).Methods: In this cross-sectional study, conducted from May 30 to October 30, 2020, patients who recovered from various stages COVID-19 underwent eye examination and multimodal retinal imaging (Retinographies and Spectral-OCT).Results: We included 50 patients, 29 (58%) males, median age of 46.5 [standard deviation 15.8]. Of these, 42% (21) had mild, 18% (9) had severe and 40% (20) had critical disease. The median time interquartile range (IQR) between symptom onset and ocular examination was 55 days [IQR 39– 71]. Seven patients (14%) reported ophthalmic symptoms, transitory low visual acuity (6%) and retroocular pain (8%). On OCT, one patient without comorbidities had sectoral retinal pallor suggestive of acute retinal ischaemia and oedema of the retina’s inner layers and atrophy. All findings progressively and spontaneously improved months after resolution of COVID-19.Conclusion: Patients with COVID-19 present findings compatible with the general population depending on age and comorbidities; nevertheless, acute retinal findings associated with the disease may be present, such as caused either by the direct effects of retinal SARS-CoV-2 infection, by indirect effects of the cytokine storm or by the pro-thrombotic state associated with COVID-19. Therefore, retinal involvement in patients with COVID-19 remains subject to considerable discussion and study.Keywords: COVID-19, retina, ophthalmology, Sars-Cov-2, eye manifestation

O trabalho das enfermeiras no SUS de Campinas: anos 70 e 80

Objetivamos analisar a inserção e as práticas desenvolvidas pelas enfermeiras na rede básica da Secretaria Municipal de Saúde de Campinas entre 1978 e 1989. Entre as práticas desenvolvidas pelas enfermeiras, destacamos a supervisão, como instrumento de avaliação/treinamento e fiscalização/controle do trabalho; a formação de auxiliares de saúde pública; a consulta e atendimento de enfermagem; a visita domiciliária; a normatização e desenvolvimento de procedimentos técnicos de enfermagem e os registros de enfermagem. Concluímos que houve transformações nos processos de trabalho das enfermeiras, e a posição assumida por elas foi fundamental para a instalação da rede básica de saúde, a reordenação das práticas de enfermagem e para a implantação do modelo de atenção à saúde