ABSTRACT The present study sought to investigate the risk factors for physical disability upon release from multidrug therapy (MDT) in new cases of leprosy, registered at a referral center in Brazil. This is a longitudinal and retrospective study that evaluated 260 patients. Multivariate analyses, using both the ordinal logistic regression, as well as the classification and regression tree (CART) algorithm were performed to determine the factors associated with physical disability upon release from treatment. The prevalence of disability did not differ significantly between diagnosis and release from treatment. Number of affected nerves and sensory impairment upon diagnosis were risk factors for disability at the end of MDT. The analysis using the CART algorithm resulted in the development of a clinical score to predict the risk of disability upon release from MDT. The decision tree may have a direct applicability in clinical practice for professionals dealing with leprosy, as it allows them to identify patients with a higher risk of physical disability through the use of simple and widely available clinical tests. This study also shows that the disability grade upon admission is the main risk factor for disability upon release from MDT. This result draws attention to the importance of early diagnosis in disability prevention.

ABSTRACT The Mitsuda test is a skin test based on the individual’s immune response through late and highly specific hypersensitivity reaction to the Mycobacterium leprae bacillus. A negative reaction identifies individuals who present a higher risk of becoming ill if exposed to M. leprae and, if they become ill, to develop the virchowian form of disease. The Mitsuda test reading is performed by means of a millimeter ruler. The dermatoscopy is a method that has not been used in the evaluation of cutaneous tests, although its use has increased in several areas. The study aimed to compare the results between the standardized reading and the total area of the Mitsuda test obtained by a computerized method which was structured by the association of digital dermatoscopy, the Dermatology Web system and the Image Tool 3.0 software. Data collection was performed at the Dermatology Outpatient Clinic of the Eduardo de Menezes Hospital, in Belo Horizonte, from November 2015 to August 2016. The sample consisted of 100 leprosy domiciliary contacts. There was an excellent agreement between the Mitsuda test (diameter and area), with a coefficient greater than 80%, and an excellent correlation with the Spearman’s correlation coefficient (0.936). The intraclass correlation coefficient indicated a low (0.219) but significant agreement between the two measurements. In conclusion, there is a significant correlation between the standardized reading and the total area of the Mitsuda test. Digital dermoscopy can be an alternative instrument of evaluation, allowing the computerization and recording of the Mitsuda test.

RESUMO Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar o perfil lipídico convencional, os níveis de LDL-ox e o polimorfismo da ApoE em pacientes com doença de Alzheimer (DA) e em indivíduos idosos sem comprometimento cognitivo. Métodos: Foram selecionados oitenta indivíduos idosos. Os níveis de LDL-ox foram determinados usando o kit ELISA e a investigação do polimorfismo do gene da ApoE por PCR-RFLP. Resultados: Níveis significativamente reduzidos de LDL-ox foram observados em pacientes com DA comparado ao grupo controle. Uma maior frequência do alelo ε4 da ApoE foi observada nos pacientes com DA em relação aos controles. Nenhuma diferença foi observada para os níveis de colesterol total, HDL-C e LDL-C entre os dois grupos, enquanto níveis de triglicérides foram mais altos em controles comparados aos pacientes com DA. Conclusão: Os dados analisados em conjunto não revelaram diferenças significativas no perfil lipídico, incluindo os níveis de LDL-ox. No entanto, não se pode excluir a importância de alterações lipídicas na gênese da doença. Não obstante, o alelo ε4 da ApoE foi signicativamente mais frequente nos pacientes com demência de Alzheimer em concordância com achados prévios da literatura, mas esse componente genético não interferiu nos níveis de LDL-ox.

ABSTRACT Objective: The objective of this study was to characterize the conventional lipid profile, oxLDL levels and ApoE polymorphism in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and in elderly individuals without cognitive impairment. Methods: Eighty elderly individuals were selected and the levels of oxLDL were determined using the ELISA kit, and ApoE gene polymorphism was investigated using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Results: Significantly reduced levels of oxLDL were observed in patients with AD compared to the control group. A higher frequency of the ApoE ε4 allele was observed in patients with AD compared to controls. No difference was observed for total cholesterol, HDL-C, and LDL-C levels between the two groups, while triglyceride levels were higher in controls compared with patients with AD. Conclusion: The data analyzed together did not reveal significant differences in lipid profiles, including oxLDL levels. However, the importance of lipid changes in the genesis of the disease cannot be ruled out. Nevertheless, the ApoE ε4 allele was significantly more frequent in patients with Alzheimer's dementia in agreement with previous findings in the literature, but this genetic component did not change the levels of oxLDL.

RESUMO O sofrimento psíquico do estudante de Medicina é conhecido e já estudado. O papel do professor em detectar dificuldades geradoras de sofrimento psíquico em seus alunos e saber como lidar com elas é fundamental para a prevenção desse sofrimento. Entretanto, nem sempre os professores estão preparados para esses desafios. Objetivo: Estudar a percepção dos docentes do curso de Medicina da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG) em relação ao sofrimento psíquico de seus alunos. Método: Estudo transversal quantitativo realizado com os docentes do ciclo profissional do curso de Medicina da UFMG. A amostra de 102 docentes foi obtida por sorteio aleatório e dividida em quatro estratos: masculino até dez anos de docência, masculino com mais de dez anos, feminino com até dez anos de docência e feminino com mais de dez anos. Foi elaborado um questionário autoaplicativo de 28 itens com cinco opções da escala de Likert. Para análise dos dados foram construídos quatro indicadores: indicador de percepção de sofrimento psíquico (IPSP), indicador de compromisso do professor com as dificuldades emocionais do estudante (ICDE), indicador de atuação frente ao sofrimento psíquico (IAPS) e indicador geral (IG). Realizou-se análise dos quartis e calculou-se a diferença entre os grupos utilizando testes não paramétricos. Cinco questões não incluídas nos indicadores foram analisadas separadamente. Resultados: Dos 102 sorteados, 79 docentes responderam e sete se negaram a participar da pesquisa. Foi constatada preocupação com o sofrimento psíquico dos estudantes, variável entre os estratos. Para o IG, as professoras com mais tempo de docência obtiveram a mediana mais elevada em relação aos homens com menos tempo (p < 0,05). Para os demais indicadores, apesar da diferença entre os quartis, a comparação das medianas não mostrou diferenças estatisticamente significativas. Para as perguntas não incluídas nos indicadores, do total de professores, 85% já tiveram alunos com dificuldades emocionais. Os homens, com maior frequência, afirmaram desconhecer a existência de problemas emocionais entre os estudantes. Houve desconhecimento das instâncias de acolhimento psicólogico aos estudantes por 16,5% dos professores. A ocorrência de bullying na FMUFMG não foi percebida por mais de 50% dos professores. Apenas 28% admitiram que seus atos ou atitudes teriam desencadeado sofrimento psíquico no estudante. Ao se perguntar sobre apoio ao professor, 75,9%desejavam uma instância de apoio emocional ao professor. Conclusão: Este estudo, apesar das limitações, é inédito ao avaliar a percepção do docente do curso de Medicina em relação ao sofrimento psíquico dos estudantes. Tempo de docência e sexo feminino parecem exercer um papel importante na percepção do docente sobre o sofrimento psíquico do estudante. Parcela significativa de professores desconhece a existência das instâncias de apoio psicológico aos estudantes. Situações de assédio e bullying na escola médica permanecem negadas por muitos docentes.

ABSTRACT The psychological distress suffered by medical students is well-known. The role of the teaching staff in detecting difficulties causing students psychological distress and their knowledge of how to handle them is fundamental for preventing such problems. However, medical teachers are not always prepared to deal with these challenges. Objective: To study the perception of the teaching staff of the medical school at the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (FMUFMG) concerning the psychological distress of the students. Method: A cross-sectional quantitative study carried out with the faculty of the UFMG medical school. The sample of 102 teachers was obtained by random draw and divided into four groups: males with up to ten (10) years of teaching, males with more than ten (10) years, females with up to ten (10) years of teaching, and females with more than ten (10)years. A self-applied 28-item questionnaire with a 5-point Likert scale from strongly agree to strongly disagree was prepared. For the data analysis four indicators were elaborated: psychological distress perception indicator (IPSP), commitment of the teacher to the student emotional difficulties indicator (ICDE), performance in the face of psychological distress indicator (IAPS) and a general indicator (IG). Quartile analysis was carried out and the difference among the groups was calculated using nonparametric tests. Five questions that were not included in the indicators were independently analyzed. Results: Seven teachers refused to participate and 79 answers were collected.The results showed varying degrees of concern among the groups in relation to the psychological distress of students. For the IG, the female teachers with longer teaching experience obtained a higher median in relation to the men with less teaching experience (p<0.05). For the other indicators, despite the difference between the quartiles, the comparison of the medians showed no statistically significant differences. For questions not included in the indicators, it was shown that 85% of the sample had perceived psychological distress among their students. Male teachers more frequently deny psychological distress among students. 16.5% of the teachers did not know of any instances of institutional psychological care. The occurrence of bullying failed to be noted by more than 50% of the teachers. Only 28% of the teachers admitted that their actions or attitudes could precipitate a student’s psychological distress. When questioned about emotional support for teachers, 75.9% would appreciate some institutional support. Conclusion: The present study, despite its limitations, is unique in assessing the perception of the medical teaching staff in relation to the psychological distress of the students. Teaching experience and being female seem to play an important role in the teacher’s perception of psychological distress among students. A significant portion of the teaching staff ignores the existence of psychological support programs for students.

RESUMO O sofrimento psíquico do estudante de Medicina é conhecido e já estudado. O papel do professor em detectar dificuldades geradoras de sofrimento psíquico em seus alunos e saber como lidar com elas é fundamental para a prevenção desse sofrimento. Entretanto, nem sempre os professores estão preparados para esses desafios. Objetivo: Estudar a percepção dos docentes do curso de Medicina da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG) em relação ao sofrimento psíquico de seus alunos. Método: Estudo transversal quantitativo realizado com os docentes do ciclo profissional do curso de Medicina da UFMG. A amostra de 102 docentes foi obtida por sorteio aleatório e dividida em quatro estratos: masculino até dez anos de docência, masculino com mais de dez anos, feminino com até dez anos de docência e feminino com mais de dez anos. Foi elaborado um questionário autoaplicativo de 28 itens com cinco opções da escala de Likert. Para análise dos dados foram construídos quatro indicadores: indicador de percepção de sofrimento psíquico (IPSP), indicador de compromisso do professor com as dificuldades emocionais do estudante (ICDE), indicador de atuação frente ao sofrimento psíquico (IAPS) e indicador geral (IG). Realizou-se análise dos quartis e calculou-se a diferença entre os grupos utilizando testes não paramétricos. Cinco questões não incluídas nos indicadores foram analisadas separadamente. Resultados: Dos 102 sorteados, 79 docentes responderam e sete se negaram a participar da pesquisa. Foi constatada preocupação com o sofrimento psíquico dos estudantes, variável entre os estratos. Para o IG, as professoras com mais tempo de docência obtiveram a mediana mais elevada em relação aos homens com menos tempo (p<0,05). Para os demais indicadores, apesar da diferença entre os quartis, a comparação das medianas não mostrou diferenças estatisticamente significativas. Para as perguntas não incluídas nos indicadores, do total de professores, 85% já tiveram alunos com dificuldades emocionais. Os homens, com maior frequência, afirmaram desconhecer a existência de problemas emocionais entre os estudantes. Houve desconhecimento das instâncias de acolhimento psicólogico aos estudantes por 16,5% dos professores. A ocorrência de bullying na FMUFMG não foi percebida por mais de 50% dos professores. Apenas 28% admitiram que seus atos ou atitudes teriam desencadeado sofrimento psíquico no estudante. Ao se perguntar sobre apoio ao professor, 75,9% desejavam uma instância de apoio emocional ao professor. Conclusão: Este estudo, apesar das limitações, é inédito ao avaliar a percepção do docente do curso de Medicina em relação ao sofrimento psíquico dos estudantes. Tempo de docência e sexo feminino parecem exercer um papel importante na percepção do docente sobre o sofrimento psíquico do estudante. Parcela significativa de professores desconhece a existência das instâncias de apoio psicológico aos estudantes. Situações de assédio e bullying na escola médica permanecem negadas por muitos docentes.

ABSTRACT The psychological distress suffered by medical students is well-known. The role of the teaching staff in detecting difficulties causing students psychological distress and their knowledge of how to handle them is fundamental for preventing such problems. However, medical teachers are not always prepared to deal with these challenges. Objective: To study the perception of the teaching staff of the medical school at the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (FMUFMG) concerning the psychological distress of the students. Method: A cross-sectional quantitative study carried out with the faculty of the UFMG medical school. The sample of 102 teachers was obtained by random draw and divided into four groups: males with up to ten (10) years of teaching, males with more than ten (10) years, females with up to ten (10) years of teaching, and females with more than ten (10)years. A self-applied 28-item questionnaire with a 5-point Likert scale from strongly agree to strongly disagree was prepared. For the data analysis four indicators were elaborated: psychological distress perception indicator (IPSP), commitment of the teacher to the student emotional difficulties indicator (ICDE), performance in the face of psychological distress indicator (IAPS) and a general indicator (IG). Quartile analysis was carried out and the difference among the groups was calculated using nonparametric tests. Five questions that were not included in the indicators were independently analyzed. Results: Seven teachers refused to participate and 79 answers were collected. The results showed varying degrees of concern among the groups in relation to the psychological distress of students. For the IG, the female teachers with longer teaching experience obtained a higher median in relation to the men with less teaching experience (p<0.05). For the other indicators, despite the difference between the quartiles, the comparison of the medians showed no statistically significant differences. For questions not included in the indicators, it was shown that 85% of the sample had perceived psychological distress among their students. Male teachers more frequently deny psychological distress among students. 16.5% of the teachers did not know of any instances of institutional psychological care. The occurrence of bullying failed to be noted by more than 50% of the teachers. Only 28% of the teachers admitted that their actions or attitudes could precipitate a student's psychological distress. When questioned about emotional support for teachers, 75.9% would appreciate some institutional support. Conclusion: The present study, despite its limitations, is unique in assessing the perception of the medical teaching staff in relation to the psychological distress of the students. Teaching experience and being female seem to play an important role in the teacher's perception of psychological distress among students. A significant portion of the teaching staff ignores the existence of psychological support programs for students.

Resumo O trabalho aborda brevemente os conceitos de Arquitetura da Informação, Encontrabilidade da Informação e Sistemas de Recomendação. Seu objetivo é demostrar como a utilização dos Sistemas de Recomendação nos projetos de Arquitetura da Informação de ambientes informacionais digitais podem auxiliar os sistemas de informação no oferecimento dos dados pertinentes aos usuários que neles interatuam, possibilitando, assim, a descoberta da Encontrabilidade da Informação pelos usuários. Para tanto, realizou-se uma análise bibliográfica a qual possibilitou a contextualização dos termos tratados neste trabalho e, também, um estudo dos sites (Amazon.com) para conhecer o comportamento do Sistema de Recomendação do mesmo e como podem aumentar o processo de Encontrabilidade da Informação nos ambientes informacionais digitais. Concluiu-se que a quantidade de informação disponível na web na atualidade dificulta a encontrabilidade dos dados disponibilizados por parte dos usuários, o que impossibilita aos sistemas entregar a informação adequada no momento exato. Por isso a utilização dos Sistemas de Recomendação nos projetos de Arquitetura da Informação é considerada uma variante para que os sistemas de informação ofereçam os dados facilitando a apropriação dos mesmos pelos usuários.

Abstract The present study discusses briefly the concepts of Information Architecture, Information Findability, and Recommendation Systems. It aims to demonstrate how the use of Recommendation Systems in Information Architecture of digital environments can help Information systems by providing users with relevant information enabling information discovery and findability. A literature review was conducted, allowing the contextualization of the terms used in this study. The Amazon.com website was analyzed to evaluate its Recommendation Systems and understand how they can improve Information Findability in digital information environments. It was concluded that the amount of available information on the World Wide Web today hinders the Findability of Information provided by users making it difficult for systems to provide the right information at the right time. Therefore, the use of Recommendation Systems in Information Architecture projects is considered an effective approach to information systems since it facilitates the appropriation of information by users.

The introduction, implementation, successes and failures of multidrug therapy (MDT) in all Hansen's disease endemic countries are discussed in this paper. The high efficacy of leprosy treatment with MDT and the global reduction of prevalence led the World Health Organization, in 1991, to establish the goal of elimination of Hansen's disease (less than 1 patient per 10,000 inhabitants) to be accomplished by the year 2000. Brazil, Nepal and East Timor are among the few countries that didn't reach the elimination goal by the year 2000 or even 2005. The implications of these aspects are highlighted in this paper. Current data from endemic and previously endemic countries that carry a regular leprosy control programme show that the important fall in prevalence was not followed by the reduction of the incidence. This means that transmission of Mycobacterium leprae is still an issue. It is reasonable to conclude that we are still far from the most important goal of Hansen's disease control: the interruption of transmission and reduction of incidence. It is necessary to emphasize to health managers the need of keeping Hansen's disease control activities to better develop control programmes in the future. The recent international proposal to interrupt the transmission of leprosy by the year 2020 seems to unrealistic and it is discussed in this paper. The possibility of epidemiological impact related to the human immunodeficiency virus/Hansen's disease coinfection is also considered.

Soybean is an important crop for Brazilian agribusiness. However, many factors can limit its production, especially root-knot nematode infection. Studies on the mechanisms employed by the resistant soybean genotypes to prevent infection by these nematodes are of great interest for breeders. For these reasons, the aim of this work is to characterize the transcriptome of soybean line PI 595099-Meloidogyne javanica interaction through expression analysis. Two cDNA libraries were obtained using a pool of RNA from PI 595099 uninfected and M. javanica (J2) infected roots, collected at 6, 12, 24, 48, 96, 144 and 192 h after inoculation. Around 800 ESTs (Expressed Sequence Tags) were sequenced and clustered into 195 clusters. In silico subtraction analysis identified eleven differentially expressed genes encoding putative proteins sharing amino acid sequence similarities by using BlastX: metallothionein, SLAH4 (SLAC1 Homologue 4), SLAH1 (SLAC1 Homologue 1), zinc-finger proteins, AN1-type proteins, auxin-repressed proteins, thioredoxin and nuclear transport factor 2 (NTF-2). Other genes were also found exclusively in nematode stressed soybean roots, such as NAC domain-containing proteins, MADS-box proteins, SOC1 (suppressor of overexpression of constans 1) proteins, thioredoxin-like protein 4-Coumarate-CoA ligase and the transcription factor (TF) MYBZ2. Among the genes identified in non-stressed roots only were Ser/Thr protein kinases, wound-induced basic protein, ethylene-responsive family protein, metallothionein-like protein cysteine proteinase inhibitor (cystatin) and Putative Kunitz trypsin protease inhibitor. An understanding of the roles of these differentially expressed genes will provide insights into the resistance mechanisms and candidate genes involved in soybean-M. javanica interaction and contribute to more effective control of this pathogen.

A estruturação do Sistema Nacional de Vigilância Epidemiológica do Brasil, em 1975, tornou obrigatória a notificação de algumas doenças transmissíveis com o objetivo de reduzir a carga destes eventos no país. Entretanto, as alterações no perfil epidemiológico destas doenças, associadas a características da sociedade contemporânea, determinam a constante adequação das atividades de vigilância a este cenário. Neste manuscrito, são descritos epidemiologia, tendências e diagnóstico diferencial das seguintes doenças dermatológicas de notificação compulsória no Brasil: aids, dengue, hanseníase, leishmaniose tegumentar americana, sarampo, rubéola e síndrome da rubéola congênita e sífilis. Também são apresentados os principais desafios atuais para o controle e prevenção para cada uma dessas doenças no Brasil

The development of a Brazilian National Surveillance System in 1975 led to a compulsory reporting of selected infectious diseases aiming to reduce the burden of these events in the country. However, shifts in the epidemiology of these diseases associated with modern life style, demand constant revision of surveillance activities. In this manuscript we present the epidemiology, trends and differential diagnosis of the following compulsory notifiable diseases in Brazil: Aids, dengue fever, hanseniasis, American tegumentary leishmaniasis, measles, rubella and congenital rubella syndrome and syphilis. Additionally, the current challenges for control and prevention of each disease are presented

INTRODUÇÃO: O objetivo deste estudo foi o de avaliar os fatores de risco para incapacidade física no momento do diagnóstico. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de estudo retrospectivo, descritivo e exploratório de 19.283 pacientes com hanseníase, notificados entre 2000 e 2005, no estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil. RESULTADOS: O risco para desenvolver grau 2 de incapacidade física foi 16,5 vezes maior no paciente com hanseníase virchowiana e 12,8 vezes maior no paciente com a forma dimorfa, quando comparados aos pacientes com a forma indeterminada. A presença de mais de um nervo acometido aumentou o risco de desenvolver grau 2 de incapacidade em 8,4 vezes. A idade inferior a 15 anos, os pacientes multibacilares e a falta de escolaridade aumentaram a chance de deformidades em 7,0, 5,7 e 5,6, respectivamente. CONCLUSÕES: Estes fatores devem ser considerados indicadores importantes do prognóstico para incapacidade física no momento do diagnóstico.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to evaluate risk factors for physical disability at the moment of leprosy diagnosis. METHODS: This is a retrospective, descriptive and exploratory investigation of 19,283 patients with leprosy, registered in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, between 2000 and 2005. RESULTS: The risk of Grade 2 disability was 16.5-fold higher in patients with lepromatous leprosy, and 12.8-fold higher in patients presenting the borderline form, compared to patients presenting indeterminate leprosy. The occurrence of more than one thickened nerve increased the odds of a patient developing Grade 2 disability, 8.4-fold. Age <15 years, multibacillary leprosy and no formal education presented 7.0, 5.7 and 5.6 odds of developing physical disability, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These factors should be considered as strong prognostic indicators in the development of physical disability at diagnosis.