Resumo Objetivo Comparar a aptidão funcional e as dimensões da qualidade de vida de idosos participantes e não participantes das práticas orientadas Lian Gong, Tai Chi e Qigong. Métodos Estudo caso-controle, desenvolvido no município de São Paulo – SP, Brasil, com 118 idosos, pareados por sexo e idade: 59 no grupo caso, participantes das práticas corporais, divididos em subgrupos por tempo de adesão:< 24 meses e ≥ 24 meses; e 59 no grupo controle, não participantes das práticas. Para a coleta de dados, aplicaram-se: questionário com variáveis sociodemográficas e de saúde, testes funcionais e o instrumento Medical Outcomes Study 36- Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF36). As análises estatísticas foram realizadas com o programa R versão 3.3.2. Os dados foram inicialmente analisados de forma descritiva e, em seguida, efetuou-se regressão logística univariada e o teste Kruskal Wallis. Os aspectos éticos da pesquisa com seres humanos foram obedecidos. Resultados Verificou-se que, no grupo caso, idosos com tempo de adesão às práticas ≥ 24 meses apresentaram resultado superior no teste funcional de levantar e sentar da cadeira (p=0,006), bem como melhor desempenho nos seguintes domínios da qualidade de vida: dor (p= 0,003), vitalidade (p=0,021), aspectos emocionais (p=0,034) e saúde mental (p=0,020). Conclusão A participação nas práticas corporais, orientadas, Lian Gong, Tai Chi e Qigong pode contribuir para a qualidade de vida e a aptidão funcional de idosos.

Abstract Objective To compare functional fitness and quality of life dimensions of elderly participants and non-participants of Lian Gong, Tai Chi and Qigong guided practices. Methods This is a case-control study, carried out in the city of São Paulo, SP, Brazil, with 118 elderly people, matched by sex and age: 59 in the case group, participants in body practices, divided into subgroups by time of compliance: < 24 months and ≥ 24 months; and 59 in the control group, non-participants in body practices. For data collection, the following were applied: a questionnaire with sociodemographic and health variables, functional tests and the Medical Outcomes Study 36- Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Statistical analyzes were performed using R version 3.3.2. The data were initially analyzed in a descriptive way and, then, a univariate logistic regression and the Kruskal Wallis test were performed. The ethical aspects of research with human beings were obeyed. Results It was found that, in the case group, elderly people with a time of compliance with practices ≥ 24 months showed a superior result in the functional 30-second chair stand test (p=0.006), as well as better performance in the following quality of life domains: bodily pain (p=0.003); vitality (p=0.021); role emotional (p=0.034); and mental health (p=0.020). Conclusion Participation in guided body practices, Lian Gong, Tai Chi and Qigong, can contribute to elderly people’s quality of life and functional fitness.

Resumen Objetivo Comparar la aptitud funcional y las dimensiones de la calidad de vida de adultos mayores que participan y que no participan en prácticas orientadas Lian Gong, Tai Chi y Qigong. Métodos Estudio caso-control, realizado en el municipio de São Paulo – estado de São Paulo, Brasil, con 118 adultos mayores, pareados por sexo y edad: 59 en el grupo caso, participantes de las prácticas corporales, divididos en subgrupos por tiempo de participación: < 24 meses y ≥ 24 meses; y 59 en el grupo control, no participantes de las prácticas. Para la recopilación de datos, se aplicó un cuestionario con variables sociodemográficas y de salud, pruebas funcionales y el instrumento Medical Outcomes Study 36- Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF36). Los análisis estadísticos se realizaron con el programa R versión 3.3.2. Los datos se analizaron inicialmente de forma descriptiva y, a continuación, se realizó regresión logística univariada y la prueba de Kruskal Wallis. Los aspectos éticos de la investigación con seres humanos fueron cumplidos. Resultados Se verificó que, en el grupo caso, los adultos mayores con tiempo de participación en las prácticas ≥ 24 meses presentaron un resultado superior a la prueba funcional de levantarse y sentarse en la silla (p=0,006), como también un mejor desempeño en los siguientes dominios de calidad de vida: dolor (p= 0,003), vitalidad (p=0,021), aspectos emocionales (p=0,034) y salud mental (p=0,020). Conclusión La participación en las prácticas corporales orientadas Lian Gong, Tai Chi y Qigong puede contribuir para la calidad de vida y para la aptitud funcional de adultos mayores.

ABSTRACT Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) plays a crucial role in viral infections by preventing viral replication and in the promotion of innate and adaptive immune responses. However, IFN-gamma can exert distinct effects in different persistent viral infections. The long-term overproduction of IFN-γ in retroviral infections, such as the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1), and human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs), resulting in inflammation, may cause neuronal damage. This review is provocative about the role of IFN-γ during persistent retroviral infections and its relationship with the causation of some neurological disorders that are important for public health.

ABSTRACT The human T cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is the first human retrovirus discovered. Since then, it has spread worldwide and is mainly associated with adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) and HTLV1-associated myelopathy (HAM). Its relationship, however, with other types of cancer is controversial. We describe the case of a patient presenting with small cells lung epidermoid carcinoma who had recently developed HAM, and a review of the literature related to these conditions. This is the first case of this type of lung cancer, the same of the first description in the literature, associated with HAM outside Japan.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Brazil has a high number of HTLV-1/2 infections which are unequally distributed in the country. Most prevalence studies have focused on specific populations, such as blood donors and pregnant women. Some areas, for example the state of Bahia, have robust information about HTLV-1/2 infection, however there is no information available about this infection in the general population of Vitoria, Espírito Santo, Brazil. Objective: To determine the prevalence of HTLV-1/2 infection in adults from the municipality of Vitoria, ES. Methods: A cross sectional study was performed from September 2010 to December 2011, in individuals of both sexes, aged 18 or older living in Vitoria-ES. Venous blood samples were collected and tested for anti-HTLV-1/2 antibodies by chemiluminescent immunoassay (CMIA). Individuals with CMIA reactive results were submitted to a new blood collection for retesting by CMIA, followed by PCR to confirm infection and discriminate the viral type. Results: From 1502 tested samples, eight were reactive in CMIA and all were confirmed by PCR. Therefore, the prevalence of HTLV-1/2 was 0.53% (8/1502, 95% CI: 0.2-1.0%). The infection rate was 0.7% in men (5/711, 95% CI: 0.17-1.51%), and 0.38% in women (3/791, 95% CI: 0 -0.81%). Conclusions: The prevalence of HTLV-1/2 infection was 0.53% (8/1502; 95% CI: 0.2 -0.9%). Confirmatory test using real-time PCR (qPCR) identified seven individuals positive for HTLV-1 and one for HTLV-2. Considering the risk of infected individuals to develop high morbidity and mortality diseases, it would be important to implement public health policies aimed at stopping transmission of these viruses in this municipality. 2021 Sociedade Brasileira de Infectologia. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license

RESUMO Apesar da síndrome de HAM / TSP clássica ser a perturbação neurológica mais atribuída, alguns distúrbios neurológicos denominados “menores” são vistos em portadores “assintomáticos” de HTLV-1. Esses distúrbios, incluindo alterações cognitivas já observadas em descrições de casos clínicos e estudos, podendo constituir uma verdadeira síndrome clínica intermediária (SI) entre o estado assintomático e mielopatia. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a presença de déficits cognitivos em pacientes portadores do vírus HTLV-1 diagnosticados classicamente como assintomáticos. Métodos Foram avaliadas 54 pessoas, sendo 35 assintomáticos, 19 com alterações neurológicas menores (avaliados por um neurologista) e 25 HTLV-1 negativo. Os instrumentos utilizados foram: Inventário Beck de Depressão, Escala de Atividades de Vida Diária de Lawton e uma completa bateria neuropsicológica. A aplicação destes instrumentos de avaliação foi realizada de forma cega, ou seja, a avaliadora não sabia a condição clinica do paciente. Resultados A maioria dos participantes era do sexo feminino (n = 57, 72,21%), com idade média de 52.34 anos (DP = 14,29) e escolaridade média de 9.70 anos (DP = 4,11). Discussão Avaliando o desempenho cognitivo nos três grupos, foi possível observar que os participantes classificados com SI, apresentaram menores escores brutos, quando comparados, com os pacientes com classificação assintomática e grupo controle e, em relação à memória episódica auditiva de evocação imediata (p < 0,01) (p = 0,01) e tardia. Conclusão Diante dos resultados foi possível concluir que os pacientes com SI apresentam comprometimento de memória quando comparado com os outros grupos, sendo possível, ser este um dos sintomas para auxiliar na classificação da síndrome.

Background Although classical human T-cell lymphocyte virus type 1 (HTLV-1)-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis syndrome is the most frequent HTLV-1-associated neurological disorder, some “minor” neurological disorders can be seen in “asymptomatic” carriers. These disorders, including cognitive alterations already described in clinical cases and studies, may constitute an intermediate syndrome (IMS) between the asymptomatic state and myelopathy. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of cognitive deficits in patients with HTLV-1 virus, who usually are diagnosed as asymptomatic. Methods A total of 54 HTLV-1-infected patients were evaluated, 35 asymptomatic and 19 with minor neurological alterations (evaluated by a neurologist); 25 HTLV-1-seronegative individuals served as controls. The instruments used were: Beck’s Depression Inventory, Lawton’s Daily Life Activity Scale, and a complete neuropsychological battery. The application of these evaluation instruments was performed blindly, with the evaluator neuropsychologist not knowing the clinical condition of the patient. Results Most of the participants in this cohort, including seronegative controls, were female (n = 57, 72.21%), their mean age was 52.34 years (SD = 14.29) and their average schooling was 9.70 years (SD = 4.11). Discussion Participants classified with IMS had lower gross scores when compared with both the patients classified as asymptomatic and with the control group, and when tested for auditory episodic memory of immediate (p < 0.01), and late (p = 0.01), recall. Conclusion Patients with IMS presented with memory impairment when compared with asymptomatic patients and seronegative individuals; this is one of the symptoms that aids in the classification of the syndrome.

ABSTRACT Background: Infection with Human T cell Leukemia Virus type 1 can be associated with myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) and other inflammatory diseases. Lymphocytes from about half of Human T cell Leukemia Virus type 1-infected subjects spontaneously proliferate in vitro, and how this phenomenon relates to symptomatic disease and viral burden is poorly understood. Objective: To evaluate T-cell proliferation in vitro among patients co-infected with Human T cell Leukemia Virus type 1/Hepatitis C Virus/Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1. Material and methods: From 610 Human T cell Leukemia Virus-infected patients of the Human T cell Leukemia Virus outpatient clinic from Institute of Infectious Diseases “Emilio Ribas” in São Paulo, 273 agreed to participate: 72 had HAM/TSP (excluded from this analysis) and 201 were asymptomatic, a classification performed during a regular neurological appointment. We selected the subgroup made up only by the 201 asymptomatic subjects to avoid bias by the clinical status as a confounder effect, who had laboratory results of Human T cell Leukemia Virus type 1 proviral load and T-cell proliferation assay in our database. They were further grouped according to their serological status in four categories: 121 Human T cell Leukemia Virus type 1 asymptomatic mono-infected carriers; 32 Human T cell Leukemia Virus type 1/Hepatitis C Virus, 29 Human T cell Leukemia Virus type 1/Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1, and 19 Human T cell Leukemia Virus type 1/Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1/Hepatitis C Virus co-infected patients. Clinical data were obtained from medical records and interviews. DNA Human T cell Leukemia Virus type 1 proviral load (PVL) and T-cell proliferation (LPA) assay were performed for all samples. Results: From a total of 273 subjects with Human T cell Leukemia Virus type 1, 80 presented co-infections: 29 had Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1, 32 had Hepatitis C Virus, and 19 had Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 and Hepatitis C Virus. Comparing the groups based on their serological status, independently of being asymptomatic carriers, we observed a significant increase of PVL (p < 0.001) and LPA (p = 0.001). However, when groups were stratified according to their clinical and serological status, there was no significant increase in Human T cell Leukemia Virus type 1 PVL and LPA. Conclusion: No significant increase of basal T-cell proliferation among Human T cell Leukemia Virus type 1 co-infected was observed. This interaction may be implicated in liver damage, worsening the prognosis of co-infected patients or, on the contrary, inducing a higher spontaneous clearance of Hepatitis C Virus infection in Human T cell Leukemia Virus type 1 co-infected patients.

ABSTRACT Decrease in bone mineral density (BMD) has been a complication among people living with HIV/AIDS. To investigate the prevalence of osteopenia/osteoporosis among HIV-infected people living in São Paulo city, we studied 108 HIV-infected patients (79 men and 29 women). We extracted data from patients’ medical records and BMD was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Median age of participants was 42 years (interquartile range [IQR] 36-48 years), and the median time since HIV diagnosis was 4.01 years (IQR 2-11 years). Patients had acquired HIV primarily by the sexual route (men who have sex with men 44%, heterosexual 49%). Median age, duration of HIV infection, duration of ART and CD4 nadir were similar for men and women. Plasma viral load was undetectable for 53 patients (49%). Median CD4 T cell count was 399 cells/µL (IQR 247 - 568). Twenty five patients (23%) had LBMD, and there was no statistically significant difference between men and women (<-1). The associated risk factors for LBMD were older age (≥ 50 years old) and smoking with a RR of 3.87 and 2.80, respectively. Thus, despite the lack of statistically significant relationship between the use of ART and LBMD or between duration of ART and LBMD, these factors should be addressed in larger studies.