Overview of the organization of protease genes in the genome of Leishmania spp

Background: The genus Leishmania includes protozoan parasites that are able to infect an array of phlebotomine and vertebrate species. Proteases are related to the capacity of these parasites to infect and survive in their hosts and are therefore classified as virulence factors. Findings: By analyzing protease genes annotated in the genomes of four Leishmania spp [Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum, L. (L.) major, L. (L.) mexicana and L. (Viannia) braziliensis], these genes were found on every chromosome of these protozoa. Four protease classes were studied: metallo-, serine, cysteine and aspartic proteases. Metalloprotease genes predominate in the L. (V.) braziliensis genome, while in the other three species studied, cysteine protease genes prevail. Notably, cysteine and serine protease genes were found to be very abundant, as they were found on all chromosomes of the four studied species. In contrast, only three aspartic protease genes could be detected in these four species. Regarding gene conservation, a higher number of conserved alleles was observed for cysteine proteases (42 alleles), followed by metalloproteases (35 alleles) and serine proteases (15 alleles). Conclusions: The present study highlights substantial differences in the organization of protease genes among L. (L.) infantum, L. (L.) major, L. (L.) mexicana and L. (V.) braziliensis. We observed significant distinctions in many protease features, such as occurrence, quantity and conservation. These data indicate a great diversity of protease genes among Leishmania species, an aspect that may be related to their adaptations to the peculiarities of each microenvironment they inhabit, such as the gut of phlebotomines and the immune cells of vertebrate hosts

Concordancia entre observadores en la aplicación de la lista de control para la administración segura de la nutrición enteral

Objective: to describe an evaluation of interobserver agreement in the use of a checklist related to the use of nasoenteral tube (NSS) as a presupposition for quality in obtaining data. Method: a methodological study conducted in 2018 in a Brazilian hospital, preceding the data collection of an open-label clinical trial. Independent observers, blinded to the evaluation of their peers, evaluated patients with NSS through a 25-item checklist. The data collected by eight previously trained research assistants (RA) were compared to those obtained by an experienced nurse (reference standard). Agreement was measured using the kappa coefficient and PABAK. Results: a total of 451 observations were made in pairs. Considering the total items on the checklist there was almost perfect agreement (k > 0.80) in all observation pairs (nurse vs. each RA): RA 1 (k = 0.91; 95 % CI = 0.89-0.93); RA 2 (k = 0.83; 95 % CI = 0.80-0.85); AP 3 (k = 0.92; 95 % CI = 0.90-0.94); RA 4 (k = 0.83; 95 % CI = 0.80-0.86); RA 5 (k = 0.94; 95 % CI = 0.92-0.96); RA 6 (k = 0.94; 95 % CI = 0.92- 0.96); RA 7 (k = 0.96; 95 % CI = 0.95-0.98); RA 8 (k = 0.73; 95 % CI = 0.70-0.77). However, for isolated items, and in specific RAs, there were fair agreements, unacceptable to effectively collect data from a clinical trial. Retraining and supervision of RAs were able to improve agreement between observers. Conclusion: an evaluation of interobserver agreement proved to be fundamental to ensure the reliability of data collection and, therefore, to avoid measurement biases.Objetivo: describir una evaluación de la concordancia entre observadores en el uso de una lista de control en la atención a pacientes con sonda nasoenteral (SNE) como premisa de la recogida de datos. Método: este estudio de fiabilidad se realizó en 2018 en un hospital brasileño, antes de la recogida de datos para un ensayo clínico abierto. Ocho observadores independientes, previamente capacitados y “cegados” con respecto a las evaluaciones de los demás, evaluaron a pacientes con SNE por medio de una lista de comprobación de 25 elementos. Los datos obtenidos por estos asistentes de investigación (AI) se compararon con los obtenidos por una enfermera experimentada. Se midió la concordancia mediante los coeficientes kappa y PABAK. Resultados: se realizaron 451 observaciones por pares. Considerando la totalidad de los elementos, hubo una concordancia casi perfecta (k > 0,80) en todos los pares de observación (enfermera vs. cada AI): AI 1 (k = 0,91; IC95 % = 0,89-0,93); AI 2 (k = 0,83; IC95 % = 0,80-0,85); AI 3 (k = 0,92; IC95 %= 0,90-0,94 ); AI 4 (k = 0,83; IC95 % = 0,80-0,86); AI 5 (k = 0,94; IC95 % = 0,92-0,96); AI 6 (k = 0,94; IC95 % = 0,92-0,96); AI 7 (k = 0,96; IC95 % = 0,95-0,98); AI 8 (k = 0,73; IC95 % = 0,70-0,77). Se identificó un menor número de concordancia en los elementos individuales y en determinados AI. La recapacitación y supervisión de los AI mejoró su desempeño y la concordancia entre observadores. Conclusión: la evaluación de la concordancia entre observadores resultó fundamental para asegurar la fiabilidad de la recogida de datos y, por consiguiente, evitar sesgos de medición en los estudios clínicos de enfermería

Impact on the Quality of Life of Older Adults Who Use Inadequate Dental Prostheses: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: To investigate the impact of inadequate prostheses on older adult’s quality of life at the Integrated Health Center for Older Adults in the northeastern city of Brazil. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 147 older adults aged 60-90 years old in João Pessoa, Brazil. Interviews and oral examinations were carried out to collect demographic characteristics (age and gender) and clinical dental measures (use of inadequate upper and/or lower dental prosthesis) and Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14 Questionnaire). The Pearson Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests were used to evaluate the association between the OHIP-14 dimensions and the use of unsatisfactory prostheses (p<0.05). Results: The sample consisted of 90.5% of women being a mean age of 69.86 (± 6.60) years. Individuals with inadequate prostheses had a higher impact on quality of life, with a predominant prevalence ratio for developing physical pain (PRR = 3.52; CI = 4.69-2.65), psychological discomfort (PRR = 5.0; CI = 5.85- 4.26) and psychological inability (PRR = 1.71; CI = 2.56-1.14). Conclusion: The use of inadequate prostheses had a negative impact on the quality of life of the older adult population. Therefore, services, which provide health care for older adults, should overcome this reality by providing broad access to oral rehabilitation that is appropriate to the needs of each individual

Má oclusão dentária em chinchila (Chinchilla lanigera) / Dental malocclusion in chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera)

Dos problemas de saúde que acometem as chinchilas (Chinchilla lanigera) a má oclusão merece destaque por ser comum, ter ampla repercussão nos sistemas e tratamento com prognóstico variável. Em decorrência disto, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo a revisão de literatura, com finalidade de servir de material de apoio ao clínico que trabalha nesta área. Chinchilas possuem 20 dentes permanentes e são classificadas como monofiodontes elodontes. A má oclusão pode ter causas genéticas, dietéticas, por processos infecciosos, neoplasias e até traumas. Ocorre dificuldade de se alimentar, perda de peso, alteração do formato das fezes e modificação no padrão da mastigação. Abscessos apicais em dentes molariformes podem surgir com o crescimento dos dentes. O diagnóstico é realizado pela radiografia do crânio, sendo realizadas as posições convencionais que podem ser complementadas com as laterais oblíquas. Também é necessário proceder pelo exame físico completo da cabeça com utilização de espéculos e em casos graves com fraturas ou abscessos retrobulbares a tomografia pode ser realizada. O tratamento e? feito com o desgaste adequado dos dentes e das pontas além do tratamento das várias doenças secundárias a má oclusão que podem ocorrer

Pyroligneous Acid Controls Aphis craccivora (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and Increases Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L., Walp)] Productivity

The aphid Aphis craccivora Koch (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is a major pest of cowpea crops [Vigna unguiculata (L., Walp.)]. Adults and nymphs feed on leaves, stems, flowers, and pods, leading to a reduction in plant productivity. Botanical insecticides can be an alternative for the control of A. craccivora, but studies under field conditions are necessary to evaluate these substances. We assessed the mortality of A. craccivora in cowpea crops for two seasons (dry and wet) using pyroligneous acid in three concentrations (2, 4 and 6 mL/L). Water was used as the control. Crop productivity was also evaluated. We performed the experiment using a completely randomized block design with four replications. Pyroligneous acid at 4 and 6 mL/L caused higher mortalities (p < 0.0001) and productivity was higher in plots sprayed with pyroligneous acid at these concentrations in both experimental seasons (p < 0.0001). In summary, pyroligneous acid controls A. craccivora and increases cowpea productivity

(Re)pensando a educação inclusiva: análise curricular de um curso de pedagogia

Muito se tem discutido acerca do papel da educação inclusiva em nossas escolas, e a formação docente sobre essa perspectiva: Mendes (2006), Mantoan (2003; 2006; 2007), Demo (2017), Freire (1996; 2013), entre outros. Assim sendo, este trabalho de conclusão do curso de Especialização em Ensino Interdisciplinar em Infância e Direitos Humanos da Universidade Federal de Goiás/Regional de Catalão, que ao percurso de dois anos de muitas leituras voltadas à Inclusão, reforçou a nossa ideia de direito a educação, como sinônimo de igualdade e respeito à dignidade humana. Partindo desses princípios, propomos um novo olhar sobre a Educação Inclusiva, a partir da formação inicial dos pedagogos, de como são estruturadas as matrizes curriculares do curso de Pedagogia no que tange o tema inclusão. Neste caso, escolhemos o curso ofertado pela Universidade Estadual de Goiás na unidade de Formosa, no anseio de realizarmos a análise de como essa formação inicial tem contribuído para preparação desses docentes para a atuação na área inclusiva. Com efeito, o objetivo deste estudo foi analisar, por meio de uma pesquisa qualitativa de cunho documental, com a coleta de dados relacionados ao tema inclusão e usando como instrumentos: o Projeto Político desse curso de Pedagogia, os planos de ensino e as ementas de cada disciplina ofertadas pelo currículo atual, vigente desde 2015, para compreendermos se houve mudança especificamente no que concerne a inclusão escolar. Por fim, os resultados ressaltaram a complexidade do processo de implementação dessa temática no universo acadêmico e de como esse tema é abordado na formação inicial de Pedagogia do campus da Universidade Estadual de Goiás (UEG) de Formosa-GO

Comparison Between Radiographs, White and Fluorescent Images in the Diagnosis and Treatment Decisions for Occlusal Caries: An Ex Vivo Study

Objective: To compare the agreement of images in white light (WL), fluorescence (FL), and digital radiographs (DR), on the diagnosis and treatment decisions for occlusal caries lesions against a micro-CT gold standard. Material and Methods: Ten extracted third molars, with enamel and/or dentin caries (ICDAS 2-4), were included. Occlusal surface images were acquired with an intraoral camera (SoproLife®) in WL and FL modes. DR was obtained using an intraoral X-ray and a semi-direct digital system. A total of 780 images were needed, organized in a template, to be later examined by twenty-six dentists invited to compose the study. The Generalized Estimation Equations model was used to compare the proportions of the correct answers between the three methods and the gold standard. When significant, Bonferroni post-hoc test was used to identify differences (α=5%). Results: Most of the examiners were specialists (76.9%) with 14.5 years of experience. All diagnostic methods were similar and showed low agreement (DR 12.7%, WL 16.5%, and FL 16.5%) compared with gold standard caries diagnostic scores. Regarding treatment decisions, mean agreement for all diagnostic methods was higher (43.2%; p<0.001), and among all methods, WL (48.1%) and FL (51.2%) modes performed better than DR (30.4%, p<0.001). Conclusion: SoproLife® images could help clinicians to propose rational, minimally invasive treatments for occlusal caries lesions