Gas-phase metallicity determinations in nearby AGNs with SDSS-IV MaNGA : evidence of metal-poor accretion

We derive the metallicity (traced by the O/H abundance) of the narrow-line region (NLR) of 108 Seyfert galaxies as well as radial metallicity gradients along their galaxy discs and of these of a matched control sample of no active galaxies. In view of that, observational data from the SDSS-IV MaNGA survey and strong emission-line calibrations taken from the literature were considered. The metallicity obtained for the NLRs was compared to the value derived from the extrapolation of the radial oxygen abundance gradient, obtained from H II region estimates along the galaxy disc, to the central part of the host galaxies. We find that, for most of the objects (∼ 80 per cent), the NLR metallicity is lower than the extrapolated value, with the average difference ( D ) between these estimates ranging from 0.16 to 0.30 dex. We suggest that D is due to the accretion of metal-poor gas to the AGN that feeds the nuclear supermassive black hole (SMBH), which is drawn from a reservoir molecular and/or neutral hydrogen around the SMBH. Additionally, we look for correlations between D and the electron density (Ne), [O III]λ5007, and H α luminosities, extinction coefficient (AV) of the NLRs, as well as the stellar mass (M∗) of the host galaxies. Evidence of an inverse correlation between the D and the parameters Ne, M∗, and Av was found

What is the role of circRNAs in the pathogenesis of cervical cancer? A systematic literature review

Cervical Cancer (CC) is one of the most prevalent neoplasms among women, considered the leading cause of gynecological death worldwide, and the fourth most common type of cancer. Regional metastasis is closely related to the low effectiveness of treatment, and validating biomarkers can optimize accuracy in diagnosis and prognosis. Among the potential biomarkers associated with disease metastasis are circular RNAs (circRNAs), whose altered expression has been linked to CC progression. In this context, this systematic review aims to compile information on the clinical-pathological significance and describe the biological function of circRNAs. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were used to include relevant literature, followed by in silico analysis. Additionally, we employed the UALCAN tools to search for host genes of circRNAs and expression data, miRTargetLink 2.0 to predict interactions of microRNA target genes and the Cytoscape software to predict possible interactions of microRNA target genes. According to the research, most circRNAs were found to be overexpressed and described as regulators of processes such as invasion, cell proliferation, apoptosis and migration. They were also implicated in clinical significance, including metastasis, TNM staging and microRNA interactions. CircRNAs may participate in critical processes in tumorigenesis; therefore, understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms of gene regulation in CC can contribute to the accuracy of diagnosis, prognosis and therapy

Being physically active leads to better recovery prognosis for people diagnosed with COVID-19: A cross-sectional study

The regular practice of physical activity helps in the prevention and control of several non-communicable diseases. However, evidence on the role of physical activity in mitigating worsening clinical outcomes in people with COVID-19 is still unclear. The aim of this study was to verify whether different levels of physical activity provide protection for clinical outcomes caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 509 adults (43.8 +/- 15.71 years; 61.1% female) with a positive diagnosis of COVID-19 residing in Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil. Participants were interviewed by telephone to determine the severity of the infection and the physical activity performed. Binary logistic regression was used to indicate the odds ratio (OR) of active people reporting less harmful clinical outcomes from COVID-19. Active people had a lower chance of hospitalization, fewer hospitalization days, less respiratory difficulty and needed less oxygen support. The results suggest that active people, compared to sedentary people, have a lower frequency of hospitalization, length of stay, breathing difficulty and need for oxygen support. These results corroborate the importance of public policies to promote the practice of physical activity, in order to mitigate the severity of the clinical outcomes of COVID-19.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Mudanças nas condições socioeconômicas e de saúde dos brasileiros durante a pandemia de covid-19

Objective: To describe changes in socioeconomic and health conditions of Brazilians during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology: Cross-sectional study with data from a web-based behavioral survey data carried out from April 24 to May 24, 2020 with 45,161 participants recruited by chain sampling procedure. A descriptive analysis of the survey topics was performed: adherence to social restriction measures, diagnosis of the new coronavirus, work situation and income, difficulties in routine activities, presence of comorbidities, psychological issues, and access to health services. Prevalence and respective 95% confidence intervals were estimated. Results: Approximately 74% of Brazilians adhered to social restrictions. As for flu symptoms, 28.1% reported having at least one flu symptom, but only 5.9% underwent testing for covid-19. Regarding the socioeconomic impact, 55.1% reported a decrease in family income, and 7.0% were left without income; 25.8% of people lost their jobs, with the group of informal workers being the most affected (50.6%). As for health conditions, 29.4% reported worsening of health status; 45% having sleep problems; 40% frequently presented feelings of sadness and 52.5% of anxiety; 21.7% sought health care, and among them, 13.9% did not get care. Conclusion: The findings show the importance of controlling the covid-19 pandemic in Brazil, to mitigate the adverse effects on the socioeconomic and health conditions related to social restriction measures.Objetivo: Descrever as mudanças nas condições socioeconômicas e de saúde dos brasileiros durante a pandemia de covid-19. Metodologia: Estudo transversal com dados de pesquisa de comportamentos realizada pela internet de 24 de abril a 24 de maio, 2020 com 45.161 participantes recrutados por amostragem em cadeia. Foi realizada uma análise descritiva de temas abordados na pesquisa: adesão às medidas de restrição social, diagnóstico do novo coronavírus, situação de trabalho e rendimentos, dificuldades nas atividades de rotina, presença de comorbidades, estado de ânimo e acesso aos serviços de saúde. Foram estimadas as prevalências e intervalos de 95% de confiança. Resultados: Aproximadamente 74% dos brasileiros aderiram à restrição social. Quanto aos sintomas de gripe, 28,1% relatou ter apresentado algum sintoma, mas apenas 5,9% realizou teste para covid-19. Em relação à situação socioeconômica, 55,1% relataram diminuição do rendimento familiar, e 7,0% ficaram sem rendimento; 25,8% dos indivíduos ficaram sem trabalhar, sendo o grupo de trabalhadores informais o mais afetado (50,6%). Quanto às condições de saúde, 29,4% avaliaram que a sua saúde piorou; 45% tiveram problemas no sono, 40% apresentou, frequentemente, sentimento de tristeza e 52,5% de ansiedade/nervosismo; 21,7% procurou serviço de saúde, e, entre esses, 13,9% não conseguiu atendimento. Conclusão: Os achados mostram a importância do controle da pandemia de covid-19, no Brasil, para mitigar os efeitos adversos na situação socioeconômica e nas condições de saúde relacionados às medidas de restrição social

Distanciamento social, sentimento de tristeza e estilos de vida da população brasileira durante a pandemia de COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has had biopsychosocial impacts on individual and collective health. The aim of the study was to analyze adherence to social distance, the repercussions on mood and changes in the lifestyles of the Brazilian adult population during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a cross-sectional study with adult individuals living in Brazil (n = 45,161) who participated in the virtual health survey ConVid - Behavior Survey, from April 24 to May 24, 2020. Data collection was performed via web, using a self-administered questionnaire. The prevalence and 95% confidence interval of the studied variables were calculated. Of the sample studied, only 1.5% led normal lives, without any social restrictions and 75% stayed at home, of which 15% stayed strictly at home. The frequent feelings of sadness or depression (35.5%), isolation (41.2%) and anxiety (41.3%) were reported by a large part of the studied population. It was found that 17% of participants reported increased consumption of alcoholic beverages and 34% of smokers increased the number of cigarettes. There was an increase in the consumption of unhealthy foods and a reduction in the practice of physical activity in the period studied. It was concluded that there was a high adherence to social distance and an increase in feelings of sadness, depression and anxiety, as well as an increase in the consumption of unhealthy foods, use of alcoholic beverages and cigarettes and a reduction in the practice of physical activity. These changes are worrying and can result in damage to individual and collective health in the medium and long term.A pandemia de COVID-19 acarretou impactos biopsicossociais à saúde individual e coletiva. O objetivo do estudo foi analisar a adesão ao distanciamento social, as repercussões no estado de ânimo e mudanças nos estilos de vida da população adulta brasileira durante o início da pandemia da COVID-19. Trata-se de estudo transversal com indivíduos adultos residentes no Brasil (n = 45.161) que participaram do inquérito de saúde virtual ConVid - Pesquisa de Comportamentos, no período de 24 de abril a 24 de maio de 2020. A coleta de dados foi realizada via web, utilizando-se de um questionário autopreenchido. Foram calculadas as prevalências e intervalo de 95% de confiança das variáveis estudadas. Da amostra estudada, apenas 1,5% levou vida normal, sem nenhuma restrição social e 75% ficaram em casa, sendo que destes 15% ficaram rigorosamente em casa. Os sentimentos frequentes de tristeza ou depressão (35,5%), isolamento (41,2%) e ansiedade (41,3%) foram reportados por grande parte da população estudada. Verificou-se 17% dos participantes reportaram aumento do consumo de bebidas alcoólicas e de 34% dos fumantes aumentaram o número de cigarros. Observou-se aumento no consumo de alimentos não saudáveis e redução da prática de atividade física no período estudado. Conclui-se que houve elevada adesão ao distanciamento social e aumento dos sentimentos de tristeza, depressão e ansiedade, bem como aumento de consumo de alimentos não saudáveis, uso de bebidas alcóolicas e cigarros e redução da prática de atividade física. Essas mudanças são preocupantes e podem resultar em danos à saúde individual e coletiva a médio e longo prazo. &nbsp

Aspectos relacionados com a positividade para a esquistossomose: estudo transversal em área de baixa prevalência do estado de Alagoas, 2020

Objective: To analyze aspects related to positivity for schistosomiasis in an area of ​​low prevalence in Brazil. Methods: Cross-sectional study, carried out in the first half of 2020, where proportion of positivity was analyzed according to the number of Kato-Katz slides, the diagnostic performance of the test and the creation of a positivity estimation factor from the data of the Information from the Schistosomiasis Surveillance and Control Program (SISPCE). Results: 2,088 slides from 348 individuals were analyzed, with proportion of positivity of 11.8%, 26.7% and 31.0% for 1, 4 and 6 slides analyzed, respectively. There was excellent agreement (Kappa = 0.91) between the reading of 4 and 6 slides. An underreporting of 2.1 times was estimated in the SISPCE data. Conclusion: Increasing the number of blades increased the positivity of Kato-Katz, which can contribute to maximize the control of the disease as a public health problem.Objetivo: Analisar aspectos relacionados com a positividade para esquistossomose em área de baixa prevalência, no Brasil. Métodos: Estudo transversal, realizado no primeiro semestre de 2020, quando foram analisadas a proporção de positividade, em função do número de lâminas de Kato-Katz, o desempenho diagnóstico do teste e a estimação da positividade a partir dos dados do Sistema de Informação do Programa de Vigilância e Controle da Esquistossomose (SISPCE). Resultados: Foram analisadas 2.088 lâminas de 348 indivíduos, sendo a proporção de positividade de 11,8%, 26,7% e 31,0% para 1, 4 e 6 lâminas analisadas, respectivamente. Houve concordância excelente (índice Kappa = 0,91) na comparação entre as leituras de 4 e 6 lâminas. Foi estimada subnotificação de 2,1 vezes nos dados do SISPCE. Conclusão: Ampliar o número de lâminas aumentou a positividade do Kato-Katz, o que pode contribuir para maximizar o controle da doença enquanto problema de Saúde Pública

A pandemia de COVID-19 e mudanças nos estilos de vida dos adolescentes brasileiros

Objective: To analyze changes in the lifestyles of Brazilian adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Cross-sectional study carried out with adolescents who participated in the “Covid Adolescentes - Behavior Survey”. The indicators related to lifestyles before and during the pandemic were evaluated: consumption of healthy and unhealthy foods, physical activity and sedentary behavior, smoking and consumption of alcoholic beverages. Prevalence and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for the total population and according to sex and age group. Results: 9,470 adolescents participated in the study. During the period of social distance, there was an increase in the prevalence of consumption of vegetables (from 27.34% to 30.5%), frozen foods (from 13.26% to 17.3%), chocolates and sweets (from 48.58% to 52.51%) and time in front of screens (from 44.57% to 70.15%). On the other hand, there was a decrease in the practice of physical activity (from 28.7% to 15.74%) and in the consumption of alcoholic beverages (from 17.72% to 12.77%). Differences were observed according to sex and age group. Conclusion: The results show changes in the adolescents' lifestyles and an increase in health risk behaviors.Objetivo: Analisar as mudanças nos estilos de vida dos adolescentes brasileiros durante pandemia de COVID-19. Métodos: Estudo transversal realizado com adolescentes que participaram do inquérito “Convid Adolescentes - Pesquisa de Comportamentos”. Foram avaliados os indicadores relacionados aos estilos de vida antes e durante a pandemia: consumo de alimentos saudáveis e não saudáveis, prática de atividade física e comportamento sedentário, tabagismo e consumo de bebidas alcóolicas. Foram calculadas as prevalências e intervalos de confiança de 95% para população total e segundo sexo e faixa etária. Resultados: Participaram do estudo 9.470 adolescentes. Durante o período de distanciamento social, foi observado aumento nas prevalências de consumo de hortaliças (de 27,34% para 30,5%), de pratos congelados (de 13,26% para 17,3%), de chocolates e doces (de 48,58% para 52,51%) e do tempo em frente às telas (de 44,57% para 70,15%). Por outro lado, houve diminuição da prática de atividade física (de 28,7% para 15,74%) e do consumo de bebidas alcóolicas (de 17,72% para 12,77%). Foram observadas diferenças segundo sexo e faixa etária. Conclusão: Os resultados apontam mudanças nos estilos de vida dos adolescentes e aumento de comportamentos de risco à saúde. Objetivo: Analisar as mudanças nos estilos de vida dos adolescentes brasileiros durante pandemia de COVID-19. Métodos: Estudo transversal realizado com adolescentes que participaram do inquérito “Convid Adolescentes - Pesquisa de Comportamentos”. Foram avaliados os indicadores relacionados aos estilos de vida antes e durante a pandemia: consumo de alimentos saudáveis e não saudáveis, prática de atividade física e comportamento sedentário, tabagismo e consumo de bebidas alcóolicas. Foram calculadas as prevalências e intervalos de confiança de 95% para população total e segundo sexo e faixa etária. Resultados: Participaram do estudo 9.470 adolescentes. Durante o período de distanciamento social, foi observado aumento nas prevalências de consumo de hortaliças (de 27,34% para 30,5%), de pratos congelados (de 13,26% para 17,3%), de chocolates e doces (de 48,58% para 52,51%) e do tempo em frente às telas (de 44,57% para 70,15%). Por outro lado, houve diminuição da prática de atividade física (de 28,7% para 15,74%) e do consumo de bebidas alcóolicas (de 17,72% para 12,77%). Foram observadas diferenças segundo sexo e faixa etária. Conclusão: Os resultados apontam mudanças nos estilos de vida dos adolescentes e aumento de comportamentos de risco à saúde

Transcriptional profiles of the human pathogenic fungus paracoccidioides brasiliensis in mycelium and yeast cells

This work was supported by MCT, CNPq, CAPES, FUB, UFG, and FUNDECT-MS. PbGenome Network: Alda Maria T. Ferreira, Alessandra Dantas, Alessandra J. Baptista, Alexandre M. Bailão, Ana Lídia Bonato, André C. Amaral, Bruno S. Daher, Camila M. Silva, Christiane S. Costa, Clayton L. Borges, Cléber O. Soares, Cristina M. Junta, Daniel A. S. Anjos, Edans F. O. Sandes, Eduardo A. Donadi, Elza T. Sakamoto-Hojo, Flábio R. Araújo, Flávia C. Albuquerque, Gina C. Oliveira, João Ricardo M. Almeida, Juliana C. Oliveira, Kláudia G. Jorge, Larissa Fernandes, Lorena S. Derengowski, Luís Artur M. Bataus, Marcus A. M. Araújo, Marcus K. Inoue, Marlene T. De-Souza, Mauro F. Almeida, Nádia S. Parachin, Nadya S. Castro, Odair P. Martins, Patrícia L. N. Costa, Paula Sandrin-Garcia, Renata B. A. Soares, Stephano S. Mello, and Viviane C. B. ReisParacoccidioides brasiliensis is the causative agent of paracoccidioidomycosis, a disease that affects 10 million individuals in Latin America. This report depicts the results of the analysis of 6,022 assembled groups from mycelium and yeast phase expressed sequence tags, covering about 80% of the estimated genome of this dimorphic, thermo-regulated fungus. The data provide a comprehensive view of the fungal metabolism, including overexpressed transcripts, stage-specific genes, and also those that are up- or down-regulated as assessed by in silico electronic subtraction and cDNA microarrays. Also, a significant differential expression pattern in mycelium and yeast cells was detected, which was confirmed by Northern blot analysis, providing insights into differential metabolic adaptations. The overall transcriptome analysis provided information about sequences related to the cell cycle, stress response, drug resistance, and signal transduction pathways of the pathogen. Novel P. brasiliensis genes have been identified, probably corresponding to proteins that should be addressed as virulence factor candidates and potential new drug targets

Doenças crônicas não transmissíveis e mudanças nos estilos de vida durante a pandemia de COVID-19 no Brasil

Objective: Compare lifestyle changes before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the presence or absence of chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in Brazilian adults. Methods: Cross-sectional study, using data from the ConVid survey, between April and May 2020. Variables were evaluated: lifestyle and presence of one or mor NCDs (diabetes, hypertension, respiratory disease, heart disease and cancer). Sociodemographic characteristics were used as adjustment. Relative frequencies and confidence intervals (CI) of 95% of the explanatory variables were calculated before and during the pandemic. For the comparison of groups, with or without NCDs for changes in lifestyles during the pandemic, the prevalence and crude and adjusted prevalence ratios (RPa) were estimated by Poisson regression. Results: There was a reduction in physical activity (60% without NCDs and 58% with NCDs), vegetable consumption (10.8% in those without NCDs and 12.7% in those with NCDs). On the other hand, there was an increase in the time spent using television and computer/tablet (302% and 43.5% in those with NCDs and 196.5% and 30.6% without NCDs, respectively); consumption of frozen foods (43.6% in those without NCDs and 53.7% without NCDs), snacks (42.3% without NCDs and 31.2% with NCDs) and chocolate (14.8% without NCDs). During the pandemic, NCDs patients showed less practice of sufficient physical activity (RPa 0.77; CI 0.65–0.92), greater habit of watching TV (RPa 1.16; CI 1.08–1.26) and lower consumption of vegetables (RPa 0.88; CI 0.81–0.96). Conclusion: It was evident that adults with NCDs had their lifestyles more altered during the COVID-19 pandemic.Objetivo: Comparar as mudanças de estilos de vida antes e durante a pandemia COVID-19, segundo presença ou não de doenças crônicas não transmissíveis (DCNT) em adultos brasileiros. Métodos: Estudo transversal, com dados da pesquisa ConVid, realizada entre abril e maio de 2020. Avaliaram-se as variáveis: estilo de vida e a presença de uma ou mais DCNT (diabetes, hipertensão, doença respiratória, doença do coração e câncer). As características sociodemográficas foram usadas como ajuste. Calcularam-se as frequências relativas e os intervalos de confiança (IC) de 95% das variáveis antes e durante a pandemia. Para a comparação de grupos, sem ou com DCNT, estimaram-se as prevalências e razões de prevalência bruta e ajustada (RPa) utilizando a regressão de Poisson. Resultados: Houve redução da prática de atividade física (60,0% nos sem DCNT e 58,0% nos com DCNT) e do consumo de hortaliças (10,8% nos sem DCNT e 12,7% nos com DCNT). Verificou-se aumento no tempo de uso de televisão e computador/tablet (302% e 43,5% nos com DCNT e 196,5% e 30,6% sem DCNT, respectivamente); consumo de congelados (43,6% nos sem DCNT e 53,7% com DCNT), salgadinhos (42,3% sem DCNT e 31,2% com DCNT) e chocolate (14,8% sem DCNT). Durante a pandemia, portadores de DCNT apresentaram menor prática de atividade física suficiente (RPa 0,77; IC 0,65–0,92), maior hábito de assistir TV (RPa 1,16; IC 1,08–1,26) e menor consumo de hortaliças (RPa 0,88; IC 0,81–0,96). Conclusão: Evidenciou-se que adultos com DCNT tiveram seus estilos de vida mais alterados durante a pandemia de COVID-19