Spatial analysis of epidemiological and quality indicators of health services for leprosy in hyperendemic areas in Northeastern Brazil

Leprosy is a public health problem due to the physical disabilities and deformities it causes. This study aimed to describe new leprosy cases using an operational classification and analyzing spatial patterns by means of epidemiological and quality indicators of health services in Pernambuco State, Brazil, between 2005 and 2014. This was an ecological study performed in 184 municipalities grouped into 12 health regions units for analysis. To analyze spatial patterns, the Bayesian local empirical method and Moran’s spatial autocorrelation indicator were applied and box and Moran maps were used. Individuals aged ≥15 years old, grade zero physical disability and complete remission as the treatment outcome were predominant in both paucibacillary and multibacillary cases, the only difference was the predominance of females (n=9,286; 63.00%) and males (n=8,564; 60.70%), respectively. These variables were correlated (p<0.05) with the operational classification. The overall detection rate showed three high-priority areas; the indicator rate of grade 2 physical disability revealed clusters in regions IV, V, and VI; and the indicator rate of cases with some degree of disability showed precarious municipalities in seven health regions. Pernambuco maintains an active chain of transmission and ongoing endemicity of leprosy. Therefore, spatial analysis methods allow the identification of priority areas for intervention, thereby supporting the disease elimination strategy

Structural assessment, toxicity, and increased antimicrobial activity

Scorpion venom is a rich source of biologically active components and various peptides with high-potential therapeutic use that have been characterized for their antimicrobial and antiproliferative activities. Stigmurin is a peptide identified from the Tityus stigmurus venom gland with high antibacterial and antiproliferative activities and low toxicity. Amino acid substitutions in peptides without a disulfide bridge sequence have been made with the aim of reducing their toxicity and increasing their biological activities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the structural conformation and structural stability, as well as antimicrobial, antiproliferative, and hemolytic activities of two peptide analogs to Stigmurin, denominated StigA6 and StigA16. In silico analysis revealed the α-helix structure for both analog peptides, which was confirmed by circular dichroism. Data showed that the net charge and hydrophobic moment of the analog peptides were higher than those for Stigmurin, which can explain the increase in antimicrobial activity presented by them. Both analog peptides exhibited activity on cancerous cells similar to the native peptide; however, they were less toxic when tested on the normal cell line. These results reveal a potential biotechnological application of the analog peptides StigA6 and StigA16 as prototypes to new therapeutic agents.publishersversionpublishe

Impactos negativos da administração de hidroxicloroquina e anticoagulante em pacientes com infecção por SARS-COV-2: um ensaio clínico randomizado

Objetivo: Avaliar antimalárico com ou sem tratamento anticoagulante, em pacientes com infecção recente por SARS-COV-2. Métodos: Estudo clínico realizado no Hospital das Clínicas Samuel Libânio da Universidade do Vale do Sapucaí, Pouso Alegre-MG. Aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética (4.034.077) e registrado nos Ensaios Clínicos (NCT04788355). Pacientes suspeitos de COVID-19 foram incluídos na sala de emergência. Os grupos foram: C (controle) com 6 pacientes, A (anticoagulante apixabana) com 9 pacientes, H (hidroxicloroquina) com 5 pacientes e HA (hidroxicloroquina e anticoagulante apixabana) com 8 pacientes. Resultados: não houve diferenças significativas entre os grupos. O grupo HA, no qual houve intervenção com dois medicamentos, apresentou maior número de dias com sintomas (p = 0,037) e piores resultados, quando comparado ao controle: os sintomas mais relevantes foram: tosse (p = 0,001), e anosmia/ageusia (p = 0,011) cefaléia (p = 0,001). Conclusão: O presente estudo teve início quando havia dúvidas sobre o uso de medicamentos como hidroxicloroquina (HCQ) e apixabana (APX). O “n” reduzido foi definido por meio de questões burocráticas e polêmicas independentes das ações dos autores. Nenhum benefício clínico foi associado com HCQ e APX. Houve um aumento no número de dias sintomáticos quando HCQ e APX foram administrados. Apesar das limitações, não houve indicação terapêutica dos medicamentos avaliados.Purpose: To evaluate antimalarial with or without anticoagulant treatment, in patients with recent SARS-COV-2 infection. Methods: Clinical study carried out at Samuel Libânio Clinic Hospital, University of Vale do Sapucaí, Pouso Alegre-MG. Approved by the Ethics Committee (4.034.077) and registered in the Clinical Trials (NCT04788355). Suspected patients for COVID-19 were included in the emergency room. The groups were: C (control) with 6 patients, A (anticoagulant apixaban) with 9 patients, H (hydroxychloroquine) with 5 patients and HA (hydroxychloroquine and anticoagulant apixaban) with 8 patients. Results: there were no significant differences between groups. The HA group, in which there was an intervention with two drugs, presented a greater number of days with symptoms (p = 0.037) and worse results, when compared to the control: most relevant symptoms, were: cough (p = 0.001), and anosmia / ageusia (p = 0.011) headache (p = 0.001). Conclusion: The present study began when there were doubts about the use of drugs such as Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and apixaban (APX). The reduced “n” was defined through bureaucratic and polemic issues independent of the authors’ actions. No clinical benefit was associated with HCQ and APX. There was an increase in the number of symptomatic days when HCQ and APX were administered. Despite the limitations, there was no therapeutic indication of the evaluated drugs

Efeito da Analgesia Preventiva na Redução da Dor Pós-Operatória: Uma Análise Abrangente

This article explores the significant intersection between anesthesia and chronic pain therapy in cancer patients, highlighting the importance of these approaches in the context of treating various neoplastic conditions. Anesthesia plays a crucial role in surgical procedures and therapeutic interventions, requiring a comprehensive analysis of available options to ensure the safety and comfort of patients. When considering different anesthetic techniques, the goal is to provide healthcare professionals with an in-depth understanding of the latest and most effective strategies, taking into account factors such as postoperative recovery and acute pain management. The choice of anesthetic approach in cancer patients is multifaceted, influenced by variables such as the type of intervention, the patient's overall health, and the specificities of the neoplastic condition. In this context, the comparative analysis of different anesthetic techniques, such as regional and general approaches, becomes essential to ensure treatment effectiveness and minimize adverse impacts. Furthermore, chronic pain therapy in cancer patients is a complex challenge that requires an integrated approach. This article examines various therapeutic modalities, from pharmacological interventions to non-pharmacological methods, with the aim of providing valuable insights to optimize chronic pain management and improve post-treatment quality of life. Understanding the complexities and nuances of these therapies is essential to ensure comprehensive and personalized care for cancer patients, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach in managing chronic pain in an oncological context. Finally, this article seeks to consolidate up-to-date information on anesthesia and chronic pain therapy in cancer patients, offering a critical review of available scientific literature. The goal is to contribute to the continuous development of clinical practices in this area, promoting the effectiveness of procedures and improving the quality of life for patients facing this challenging condition.Este artigo explora a significativa interseção entre a anestesia e a terapia de dor crônica em pacientes oncológicos, destacando a importância dessas abordagens no contexto do tratamento de diversas condições neoplásicas. A anestesia desempenha um papel crucial em procedimentos cirúrgicos e intervenções terapêuticas, exigindo uma análise abrangente das opções disponíveis para garantir a segurança e o conforto dos pacientes. Ao considerar diferentes técnicas anestésicas, o objetivo é fornecer aos profissionais de saúde uma visão aprofundada das estratégias mais recentes e eficazes, levando em conta fatores como a recuperação pós-operatória e o manejo da dor aguda. A escolha da abordagem anestésica em pacientes oncológicos é multifacetada, influenciada por variáveis como o tipo de intervenção, estado de saúde geral do paciente e especificidades da condição neoplásica. Neste contexto, a análise comparativa de diferentes técnicas anestésicas, como abordagens regionais e gerais, torna-se essencial para garantir a eficácia do tratamento e minimizar os impactos adversos. Além disso, a terapia de dor crônica em pacientes oncológicos é um desafio complexo que requer uma abordagem integrada. Este artigo examina diversas modalidades terapêuticas, desde intervenções farmacológicas até métodos não farmacológicos, com o intuito de fornecer insights valiosos para otimizar o manejo da dor crônica e melhorar a qualidade de vida pós-tratamento. A compreensão das complexidades e nuances dessas terapias é essencial para garantir um cuidado abrangente e personalizado aos pacientes oncológicos, destacando a importância de uma abordagem holística na gestão da dor crônica em contexto oncológico. Por fim, este artigo busca consolidar informações atualizadas sobre anestesia e terapia de dor crônica em pacientes oncológicos, oferecendo uma revisão crítica da literatura científica disponível. O objetivo é contribuir para o desenvolvimento contínuo das práticas clínicas nessa área, promovendo a eficácia dos procedimentos e a melhoria da qualidade de vida para os pacientes que enfrentam essa condição desafiadora. &nbsp

Patologias atuais: a compulsão e a sociedade dos excessos: Current pathologies: compulsion and the society of excesses

O artigo em tela tem por objetivo analisar os aspectos biopsicossociais da conduta compulsiva de consumo. Propõe-se a apresentar os elementos psicológicos contidos nesse comportamento, além de verificar quais são os resultados decorrentes dessa compulsão. O consumo compulsivo, também chamado de oniomania, é um transtorno causado pela ansiedade despertada pela necessidade de comprar e saciada, somente, quando é materializada a aquisição daquilo que se deseja comprar. O estudo em questão pode ser classificado como sendo de cunho bibliográfico, a partir da análise de documentos publicados em forma de artigos científicos e livros em formato digital

Análisis espacial de los homicidios intencionales de mujeres*

Objetivo: Analizar las características y la distribución espacial de los homicidios intencionales de mujeres, de acuerdo con las regionales de salud, en una provincia de la Región Noreste de Brasil. Método: Estudio ecológico que utilizó el municipio y las regiones de salud como unidades de análisis y empleó datos del Sistema de Informaciones sobre Mortalidad. Se calcularon las tasas de mortalidad que fueron mitigadas por el método bayesiano empírico local. Se utilizó el índice de Moran para identificación de la existencia de autocorrelación espacial. Resultados: Fueron registrados 1.144 homicidios con un promedio de 6,2/100.000 mujeres. En todas las regiones de salud predominaron mujeres con edades entre 10 y 39 años, de raza/color negro y solteras. Los homicidios ocurrieran en vía pública. Los días en los que más ocurrieron fueron sábado y domingo y los meses diciembre, enero, febrero y junio. El índice de Moran global fue 0,6 (p = 0,01). Se identificaron clusters de municipios con altas tasas de homicidios en las III y IV regiones de salud. Consideraciones Finales: Las victimas de homicidios eran jóvenes, negras y solteras. El análisis espacial localizó áreas críticas de ocurrencia de homicidios, que son prioritarias para las acciones preventivas de la violencia contra las mujeres.Objetivo: Analisar as características e a distribuição espacial dos homicídios intencionais de mulheres, de acordo com as regionais de saúde, em um estado da Região Nordeste do Brasil. Método: Estudo ecológico que teve o município e as regiões de saúde como unidades de análise e usou dados do Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade. Calcularam-se as taxas de mortalidade, que foram suavizadas pelo método bayesiano empírico local. Para identificação da existência de autocorrelação espacial, utilizou-se o índice de Moran. Resultados: Registraram-se 1.144 homicídios, com taxa média de 6,2/100.000 mulheres. Para todas as regiões de saúde prevaleceram a faixa etária de 10 a 39 anos, a raça/cor negra e a situação conjugal solteira. Os homicídios ocorreram em via pública. Os dias da semana com maiores registros foram sábado e domingo e os meses do ano dezembro, janeiro, fevereiro e junho. O índice de Moran global foi de 0,6 (p = 0,01). Identificaram-se clusters de municípios com altas taxas de homicídios nas III e IV regiões de saúde. Conclusões: As vítimas de homicídios eram jovens, negras e solteiras. A análise espacial localizou áreas críticas de ocorrência de homicídios, que são prioritárias para as ações de prevenção da violência contra as mulheres.Objective: To analyze the characteristics and spatial distribution of female intentional homicides, according to the regional health offices, in a state in the Northeast Region of Brazil. Method: This is an ecological study that had the municipality and regional health offices as units of analysis and used data from the Brazilian Mortality Information System. Mortality rates were calculated and smoothed by the local empirical Bayesian method. To identify the existence of spatial autocorrelation, the Moran’s index was used. Results: A total of 1,144 homicides were reported, with an average rate of 6.2/100,000 women. For all regional health offices, the 10-39 age group, black race/skin color, and single marital status prevailed. The homicides took place in public spaces. The days of the week with the highest records were Saturday and Sunday and the months of the year December, January, February, and June. The global Moran’s index was 0.6 (p = 0.01). Clusters of municipalities with high homicide rates were identified in regional health offices III and IV. Conclusions: The homicide victims were young, black, and single. The spatial analysis found critical areas of homicide occurrence, which are a priority for actions to prevent violence against women

Effect of exposure to a light‑emitting diode (LED) on the physicochemical characteristics of natural latex biomembranes used to treat diabetic ulcers

Purpose Natural latex biomembrane has shown high therapeutic potential for the treatment of diabetic ulcers when associated with phototherapy. In this study, physical and chemical alterations in the latex biomembranes were evaluated after exposure to light-emitting diode (LED) irradiation and after contact with NaCl solution. Methods There were three experimental groups: natural latex biomembranes (1) in natura; (2) after 35 min of LED light irradiation; and (3) after immersion in NaCl 0.9 g% solution. The samples were analyzed by tensile strength test, thermogravimetry, contact angle wettability, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Results The biomembranes that were submitted to contact with NaCl aqueous solution or exposure to LED did not undergo impairment of mechanical resistance. The thermogravimetry analysis indicated that increasing temperature led to mass loss in all samples, referring to their decomposition temperatures. In the wettability test, biomembranes exposed to LED showed a signifcant reduction in the contact angle between 0 and 10 min, indicating an increase in hydrophilicity, suggesting water storage capacity. The Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry assay showed that there was a more signifcant reduction in vibration intensity after immersion in NaCl solution compared to untreated biomembranes. An increase in the intensity of the entire spectrum of biomembranes exposed to LED was observed in comparison with the other samples, which may be related to photodegradation caused by LED light irradiation. Conclusion The biomembranes underwent signifcant changes in its chemical structure after being subjected to diferent types of exposure and maintained its elasticity and tensile strength properties, in addition to showing good water retention capacity after exposure to LED. Thus, it maintains many of its properties for application as a tissue-regenerating biomaterial, even when subjected to LED irradiation and a humid environment

NEOTROPICAL ALIEN MAMMALS: a data set of occurrence and abundance of alien mammals in the Neotropics

Biological invasion is one of the main threats to native biodiversity. For a species to become invasive, it must be voluntarily or involuntarily introduced by humans into a nonnative habitat. Mammals were among first taxa to be introduced worldwide for game, meat, and labor, yet the number of species introduced in the Neotropics remains unknown. In this data set, we make available occurrence and abundance data on mammal species that (1) transposed a geographical barrier and (2) were voluntarily or involuntarily introduced by humans into the Neotropics. Our data set is composed of 73,738 historical and current georeferenced records on alien mammal species of which around 96% correspond to occurrence data on 77 species belonging to eight orders and 26 families. Data cover 26 continental countries in the Neotropics, ranging from Mexico and its frontier regions (southern Florida and coastal-central Florida in the southeast United States) to Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, and Uruguay, and the 13 countries of Caribbean islands. Our data set also includes neotropical species (e.g., Callithrix sp., Myocastor coypus, Nasua nasua) considered alien in particular areas of Neotropics. The most numerous species in terms of records are from Bos sp. (n = 37,782), Sus scrofa (n = 6,730), and Canis familiaris (n = 10,084); 17 species were represented by only one record (e.g., Syncerus caffer, Cervus timorensis, Cervus unicolor, Canis latrans). Primates have the highest number of species in the data set (n = 20 species), partly because of uncertainties regarding taxonomic identification of the genera Callithrix, which includes the species Callithrix aurita, Callithrix flaviceps, Callithrix geoffroyi, Callithrix jacchus, Callithrix kuhlii, Callithrix penicillata, and their hybrids. This unique data set will be a valuable source of information on invasion risk assessments, biodiversity redistribution and conservation-related research. There are no copyright restrictions. Please cite this data paper when using the data in publications. We also request that researchers and teachers inform us on how they are using the data