Comparing reverse complementary genomic words based on their distance distributions and frequencies

In this work we study reverse complementary genomic word pairs in the human DNA, by comparing both the distance distribution and the frequency of a word to those of its reverse complement. Several measures of dissimilarity between distance distributions are considered, and it is found that the peak dissimilarity works best in this setting. We report the existence of reverse complementary word pairs with very dissimilar distance distributions, as well as word pairs with very similar distance distributions even when both distributions are irregular and contain strong peaks. The association between distribution dissimilarity and frequency discrepancy is explored also, and it is speculated that symmetric pairs combining low and high values of each measure may uncover features of interest. Taken together, our results suggest that some asymmetries in the human genome go far beyond Chargaff's rules. This study uses both the complete human genome and its repeat-masked version.Comment: Post-print of a paper accepted to publication in "Interdisciplinary Sciences: Computational Life Sciences" (ISSN: 1913-2751, ESSN: 1867-1462

Dissimilar Symmetric Word Pairs in the Human Genome

In this work we explore the dissimilarity between symmetric word pairs, by comparing the inter-word distance distribution of a word to that of its reversed complement. We propose a new measure of dissimilarity between such distributions. Since symmetric pairs with different patterns could point to evolutionary features, we search for the pairs with the most dissimilar behaviour. We focus our study on the complete human genome and its repeat-masked version.Comment: Submitted 13-Feb-2017; accepted, after a minor revision, 17-Mar-2017; 11th International Conference on Practical Applications of Computational Biology & Bioinformatics, PACBB 2017, Porto, Portugal, 21-23 June, 201

TSE Monitoring in Wildlife Epidemiology, Transmission, Diagnosis, Genetics and Control

Among the transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), chronic wasting disease (CWD) in cervids is now the rising concern within Europe. CWD will be outlined in this chapter gathering its epidemiology, transmission, diagnosis, genetics, and control. Prion diseases are fatal neurodegenerative diseases characterized by the accumulation of an abnormal isoform of the prion protein (PrPc), usually designated by PrPsc or prion. CWD is a prion disease of natural transmission affecting cervids detected mainly in North America. The first European case was detected in Norway, in 2016, in a wild reindeer; until April 2018, a total of 23 cases were described. The definite diagnosis is postmortem, performed in target areas of the brain and lymph nodes. Samples are first screened using a rapid test and, if positive, confirmed by immunohistochemistry and Western immunoblotting. It is not possible to establish a culling plan based on the genotype, once affected animals appear with all genotypes. However, some polymorphisms seem to result in longer incubation periods or confer a reduced risk. The control is not easy in captive cervids and even more in the wildlife; some recommendations have been proposed in order to understand the danger and impact of CWD on animal and public health

Scrapie at abattoir: monitoring, control, and differential diagnosis of wasting conditions during meat inspection

Wasting disease in small ruminants is frequently detected at slaughterhouses. The wasting disorder is manifested by the deterioration of the nutritional and physiological state of the animal indicated by thinness, emaciation, and cachexia. Evidence of emaciation and cachexia, alone, are pathological conditions leading to carcass condemnation during an inspection. Several diseases are associated with a wasting condition, including scrapie, pseudotuberculosis, tuberculosis, paratuberculosis, Maedi Visna, and tumor diseases. On the other hand, parasitic diseases, nutrition disorders, exposure or ingestion of toxins, metabolic conditions, inadequate nutrition due to poor teeth, or poor alimentary diet are conditions contributing to poor body condition. Classical and atypical scrapie is naturally occurring transmissible spongiform encephalopathies in small ruminants. The etiological agent for each one is prions. However, each of these scrapie types is epidemiologically, pathologically, and biochemically different. Though atypical scrapie occurs at low incidence, it is consistently prevalent in the small ruminant population. Hence, it is advisable to include differential diagnosis of this disease, from other possibilities, as a cause of wasting conditions detected during meat inspection at the abattoir. This manuscript is a review of the measures in force at the abattoir for scrapie control, focusing on the differential diagnosis of gross lesions related to wasting conditions detected in small ruminants during meat inspection.This article was funded by the Project POCI-01-0145-FEDER-029947 “Chronic wasting disease risk assessment in Portugal” supported by FCT (Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia)- FEDER-Balcão2020, projects UIDB/04033/2020. Nuno Gonçalves-Anjo has a Ph.D. grant scholarship (reference number SFRH/BD/146961/2019) financed by FCT through FSE (Fundo Social Europeu). Also, the authors of the research unit CECAV and CITAB received funding from the FCT, under the projects UIDB/CVT/0772/2020 and UIDB/04033/2020, respectively.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Pediatric liver transplantation: caregivers’ quality of life

Purpose: The survival rate of pediatric patients undergoing liver transplantation has increased considerably. Despite this, the period after transplantation is still complex and poses several challenges to the recipient’s family, which is responsible for care management. Recently, more attention has been paid to the impact of this complex procedure on the quality of life of caregivers. Hence, this study is aimed at assessing the quality of life of caregivers of patients who have undergone liver transplantation and the aspects that influence it. Methods: This was an observational and cross-sectional study. From November 2020 to January 2021, short-form-36 questionnaires and additional questions were given to the main caregivers of children and adolescents who underwent pediatric liver transplantation. Results: Thirty-eight questionnaires were completed and the results revealed a lower quality of life in comparison to Brazilian standards, primarily in the mental domains (41.8±14.1 vs. 51.1±2.8; p<0.001). It did not show a significant association with socioeconomic or transplant-related factors, but it did show a negative impact on parents’ perception of the child’s health. Parents who reported worse health status for their children had a lower mental quality of life (44.1±13.8 vs. 33.3±12.6; p<0.05). Conclusion: The caregivers of transplanted children have a lower quality of life than those of the local population. Psychological assistance should be routinely provided to parents for long-term follow-up to mitigate potential negative effects on the transplanted child’s care

Processo de elaboração de um protocolo para consulta farmacêutica em uma unidade básica de saúde de Belém - PA / Process of elaboration of a protocol for pharmaceutical consultation in a basic health unit in Belém - PA

Diante da crescente preferência pela terapêutica de medicalização e do aumento de problemas relacionados aos medicamentos, a consulta farmacêutica vem emergindo como importante atividade clínica e assistencial, contribuindo para o melhor gerenciamento das farmacoterapias, para uma intervenção terapêutica mais custo-efetiva e para a promoção e recuperação da saúde. O presente estudo objetivou elaborar um protocolo para a consulta farmacêutica em uma unidade básica de saúde do município de Belém. O protocolo proposto inclui aspectos organizacionais e operacionais que viabilizam o planejamento, normatização e execução da consulta farmacêutica. As etapas de execução deste protocolo foram idealizadas com base no método de registro SOAP e com auxílio de instrumentos de coleta de dados já conhecidos e validados para o cuidado farmacêutico. Este protocolo permitiu sistematizar as etapas de execução da consulta, facilitar o uso dos instrumentos e possibilitar um melhor direcionamento para a execução da consulta farmacêutica em uma unidade básica de saúde

Processo de elaboração de um protocolo para consulta farmacêutica em uma unidade básica de saúde de Belém – PA/ Process of elaboration of a protocol for pharmaceutical consultation in a basic health unit in Belém - PA

Diante da crescente preferência pela terapêutica de medicalização e do aumento de problemas relacionados aos medicamentos, a consulta farmacêutica vem emergindo como importante atividade clínica e assistencial, contribuindo para o melhor gerenciamento das farmacoterapias, para uma intervenção terapêutica mais custo-efetiva e para a promoção e recuperação da saúde. O presente estudo objetivou elaborar um protocolo para a consulta farmacêutica em uma unidade básica de saúde do município de Belém. O protocolo proposto inclui aspectos organizacionais e operacionais que viabilizam o planejamento, normatização e execução da consulta farmacêutica. As etapas de execução deste protocolo foram idealizadas com base no método de registro SOAP e com auxílio de instrumentos de coleta de dados já conhecidos e validados para o cuidado farmacêutico. Este protocolo permitiu sistematizar as etapas de execução da consulta, facilitar o uso dos instrumentos e possibilitar um melhor direcionamento para a execução da consulta farmacêutica em uma unidade básica de saúde. Processo de elaboração de um protocolo para consulta farmacêutica em uma unidade básica de saúde de Belém – PA/  Process of elaboration of a protocol for pharmaceutical consultation in a basic health unit in Belém - P

Consulta farmacêutica como estratégia para redução de problemas relacionados à farmacoterapia: Revisão sistemática / Pharmaceutical consultation as strategy to reduce problems related to pharmacotherapy: Systematic review

Introdução: A revisão sistemática é uma metodologia planejada para pesquisar e avaliar criticamente os estudos com grande relevância. A consulta farmacêutica representa uma atividade clínica complexa a fim de uma farmacoterapia efetiva, promovendo uma melhor qualidade de vida do paciente. Objetivo: Investigar, selecionar, sintetizar e avaliar as evidências sobre os efeitos da consulta farmacêutica como estratégia essencial para redução de problemas relacionados à farmacoterapia em usuários da APS. Método: Revisão sistemática embasada em estudos publicados nas bases Cochrane Library, Health Evidence, Health Systems Evidence, Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde e Google Scholar. Resultados: Sete (07) artigos foram selecionados para esta revisão sistemática. Resultados: Através da aplicação de instrumentos específicos de avaliação da qualidade foram variados, oscilando entre média a alta qualidade. Em relação aos desfechos (clínicos, de acesso aos serviços, epidemiológicos, humanísticos e econômicos) correlacionados aos diferentes tipos de intervenções, foi possível evidenciar avanços. Conclusão: Deste modo, a consulta farmacêutica traz a possibilidade de melhoria da qualidade de vida desta população, através do exercício da farmácia clínica. 

MENINGITE: SINAIS, SINTOMAS E SUAS FORMAS DE DISSEMINAÇÃO DA DOENÇA

Meningitis, an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the central nervous system (CNS), presents a range of symptoms and progressions, classified as acute, subacute, or chronic. The meningococcus, among other microorganisms, stands out as the main agent, requiring a deep understanding of its symptoms for early diagnosis and effective treatment. Recognizing clinical signs such as fever, headache, nausea, and neck stiffness is crucial, as is performing laboratory tests such as cerebrospinal fluid analysis. The methodology adopted in this study, an integrative literature review, provided a comprehensive analysis of the signs, symptoms, and dissemination methods of meningitis. The PICo strategy was employed to formulate the guiding question, directing the search in specific databases, resulting in the careful selection of relevant articles. The thorough analysis of the selected works highlighted the importance of awareness and prevention, especially through vaccination, to mitigate the impacts of the disease. The results revealed that meningitis can be transmitted in various ways, including by asymptomatic carriers of the meningococcus. Clinical manifestation varies according to age and disease stage, requiring special attention to nonspecific symptoms in infants. Adequate treatment depends on identifying the causative agent, requiring avoidance of indiscriminate prescription of antibiotics and antivirals, which can contribute to antimicrobial resistance and increase treatment costs. In summary, this study emphasizes the importance of public education, early diagnosis, and effective treatment in managing meningitis. Collaboration among healthcare professionals, governments, and civil society is essential to implement preventive measures and ensure better clinical outcomes. Detailed knowledge of the signs and symptoms of the disease is crucial to avoid adverse outcomes and reduce the impact of this serious condition on public health.&nbsp; La meningitis, una inflamación de las membranas que rodean el sistema nervioso central (SNC), presenta una variedad de síntomas y formas de progresión, clasificada como aguda, subaguda o crónica. El meningococo, entre otros microorganismos, se destaca como el principal agente, requiriendo una comprensión profunda de sus síntomas para un diagnóstico temprano y un tratamiento efectivo. Reconocer signos clínicos como fiebre, dolor de cabeza, náuseas y rigidez en el cuello es crucial, al igual que realizar pruebas de laboratorio como el análisis del líquido cefalorraquídeo. La metodología adoptada en este estudio, una revisión integrativa de la literatura, proporcionó un análisis completo de los signos, síntomas y métodos de propagación de la meningitis. La estrategia PICo se empleó para formular la pregunta guía, dirigiendo la búsqueda en bases de datos específicas, lo que resultó en la selección cuidadosa de artículos relevantes. El análisis exhaustivo de los trabajos seleccionados destacó la importancia de la concienciación y la prevención, especialmente a través de la vacunación, para mitigar los impactos de la enfermedad. Los resultados revelaron que la meningitis puede transmitirse de diversas formas, incluso por portadores asintomáticos del meningococo. La manifestación clínica varía según la edad y la etapa de la enfermedad, requiriendo especial atención a los síntomas inespecíficos en los lactantes. El tratamiento adecuado depende de identificar el agente causante, evitando la prescripción indiscriminada de antibióticos y antivirales, lo que puede contribuir a la resistencia antimicrobiana y aumentar los costos del tratamiento. En resumen, este estudio enfatiza la importancia de la educación pública, el diagnóstico temprano y el tratamiento efectivo en el manejo de la meningitis. La colaboración entre profesionales de la salud, gobiernos y sociedad civil es esencial para implementar medidas preventivas y garantizar mejores resultados clínicos. Un conocimiento detallado de los signos y síntomas de la enfermedad es crucial para evitar resultados adversos y reducir el impacto de esta grave condición en la salud pública. &nbsp;A meningite, uma inflamação das membranas que envolvem o sistema nervoso central (SNC), apresenta uma gama de sintomas e formas de evolução, sendo classificada como aguda, subaguda ou crônica. O meningococo, entre outros micro-organismos, destaca-se como agente principal, exigindo uma compreensão profunda de seus sintomas para um diagnóstico precoce e tratamento eficaz. O reconhecimento dos sinais clínicos, como febre, cefaléia, náuseas e rigidez na nuca, é crucial, assim como a realização de exames laboratoriais, como a análise do líquido cefalorraquidiano. A metodologia adotada neste estudo, uma revisão integrativa da literatura, proporcionou uma análise abrangente dos sinais, sintomas e métodos de disseminação da meningite. A estratégia PICo foi empregada para formulação da pergunta norteadora, direcionando a busca nas bases de dados específicas, resultando na seleção criteriosa de artigos relevantes. A análise minuciosa dos trabalhos selecionados destacou a importância da conscientização e prevenção, especialmente através da vacinação, para mitigar os impactos da doença. Os resultados revelaram que a meningite pode ser transmitida de diversas formas, inclusive por portadores assintomáticos do meningococo. A manifestação clínica varia conforme a idade e o estágio da doença, exigindo atenção especial para sintomas inespecíficos em lactentes. O tratamento adequado depende da identificação do agente causador, sendo necessário evitar a prescrição indiscriminada de antibióticos e antivirais, o que pode contribuir para resistência antimicrobiana e aumentar os custos do tratamento. Em síntese, este estudo ressalta a importância da educação pública, do diagnóstico precoce e do tratamento eficaz na gestão da meningite. A colaboração entre profissionais de saúde, governos e sociedade civil é essencial para implementar medidas preventivas e garantir melhores resultados clínicos. O conhecimento detalhado dos sinais e sintomas da doença é crucial para evitar desfechos adversos e reduzir o impacto dessa condição grave na saúde pública

Health-related quality of life in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus in the different geographical regions of Brazil : data from the Brazilian Type 1 Diabetes Study Group

Background: In type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) management, enhancing health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is as important as good metabolic control and prevention of secondary complications. This study aims to evaluate possible regional differences in HRQoL, demographic features and clinical characteristics of patients with T1DM in Brazil, a country of continental proportions, as well as investigate which variables could influence the HRQoL of these individuals and contribute to these regional disparities. Methods: This was a retrospective, cross-sectional, multicenter study performed by the Brazilian Type 1 Diabetes Study Group (BrazDiab1SG), by analyzing EuroQol scores from 3005 participants with T1DM, in 28 public clinics, among all geographical regions of Brazil. Data on demography, economic status, chronic complications, glycemic control and lipid profile were also collected. Results: We have found that the North-Northeast region presents a higher index in the assessment of the overall health status (EQ-VAS) compared to the Southeast (74.6 ± 30 and 70.4 ± 19, respectively; p < 0.05). In addition, North- Northeast presented a lower frequency of self-reported anxiety-depression compared to all regions of the country (North-Northeast: 1.53 ± 0.6; Southeast: 1.65 ± 0.7; South: 1.72 ± 0.7; Midwest: 1.67 ± 0.7; p < 0.05). These findings could not be entirely explained by the HbA1c levels or the other variables examined. Conclusions: Our study points to the existence of additional factors not yet evaluated that could be determinant in the HRQoL of people with T1DM and contribute to these regional disparities