Resumo: Os padrões alimentares impactam significativamente os desfechos de saúde e a composição da microbiota intestinal. No entanto, estudos longitudinais sobre o consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados e a composição da microbiota intestinal, especialmente entre adolescentes em países de baixa e média renda, são escassos. Este estudo teve como objetivo explorar essa associação utilizando dados coletados de 364 participantes aos 6, 11 e 12 anos, da Coorte de Nascimentos de Pelotas (Brasil) de 2004. Os dados sobre microbiota foram obtidos aos 12 anos por meio de sequenciamento do gene 16S rRNA de amostras fecais autocoletadas. Modelos de regressão linear e logística avaliaram a relação entre faixas etárias e resultados da microbiota intestinal (diversidade alfa, diversidade beta e abundâncias relativas nos níveis de filo e gênero), considerando fatores demográficos, socioeconômicos, relacionados à saúde, comportamentais e covariáveis dietéticas. Não foram observadas associações significativas entre o consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados e a diversidade alfa após correção para múltiplos testes, e não foram encontradas evidências de uma ligação entre o consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados e a diversidade beta, com as métricas não ponderadas explicando pouca variância aos 11 e 12 anos. Foram encontradas associações nominais entre o consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados e as abundâncias relativas de Actinobacteria (p = 0,032) e Proteobacteria (p = 0,045) (filos), assim como entre Bacteroides (p = 0,037 aos 6 anos; p = 0,015 aos 11 anos) e Peptostreptococcus (p = 0,025 aos 6 anos; p = 0,010 aos 11 anos) (gêneros). No entanto, essas associações perderam significância estatística após os ajustes para comparações múltiplas. Esses achados destacam a necessidade de mais estudos longitudinais para compreender melhor a complexa interação entre o consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados e a composição da microbiota intestinal em populações adolescentes de países de baixa e média renda.

Resumen: Los patrones dietéticos afectan significativamente la salud y la composición de la microbiota intestinal. No obstante, se observan escasos estudios longitudinales sobre el consumo de alimentos ultraprocesados y la composición de la microbiota intestinal, especialmente entre adolescentes de países de ingresos bajos y medianos. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo explorar esta asociación a partir de datos recopilados de 364 participantes de 6, 11 y 12 años de edad de la Cohorte de Nacimientos de Pelotas (Brasil), 2004. Los datos de la microbiota se obtuvieron a los 12 años mediante la secuenciación del gen ARNr 16S de muestras fecales autorecogidas. Los modelos de regresión lineal y logística evaluaron la relación entre los grupos de edad y los resultados de la microbiota intestinal (diversidad alfa, diversidad beta y abundancias relativas a nivel de filo y género) teniendo en cuenta las covariables demográficas, socioeconómicas, relacionadas con la salud, el comportamiento y la dieta. No se observaron asociaciones significativas entre el consumo de alimentos ultraprocesados y la diversidad alfa después de la corrección para múltiples pruebas, y no se encontró evidencia de un vínculo entre el consumo de alimentos ultraprocesados y la diversidad beta, con métricas no ponderadas que explican poca varianza a los 11 y 12 años. Se encontraron asociaciones nominales entre el consumo de alimentos ultraprocesados y las abundancias relativas de Actinobacteria (p = 0,032) y Proteobacteria (p = 0,045) (filos), así como entre Bacteroides (p = 0,037 a los 6 años; p = 0,015 a los 11 años) y Peptostreptococcus (p = 0,025 a los 6 años; p = 0,010 a los 11 años) (géneros). Sin embargo, estas asociaciones perdieron significación estadística después de los ajustes para comparaciones múltiples. Estos hallazgos resaltan la necesidad de realizar más estudios longitudinales para conocer mejor la compleja interacción entre el consumo de alimentos ultraprocesados y la composición de la microbiota intestinal en poblaciones de adolescentes de países de ingresos bajos y medianos.

Abstract: Dietary patterns significantly impact health outcomes and gut microbiota composition. However, longitudinal studies associating ultra-processed food consumption with gut microbiota composition, especially among adolescents in low- and middle-income countries, are lacking. This study aimed to explore this association using data collected from 364 participants at ages 6, 11, and 12 years from the 2004 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort. Microbiota data was obtained at age 12 after 16S rRNA gene sequencing of self-collected fecal samples. Linear or logistic regression models evaluated the relationship between age groups and gut microbiota outcomes (alpha diversity, beta diversity and relative abundances at the phylum and genus levels), considering dietary covariates and demographic, socioeconomic, health-related, and behavioral factors. No significant associations between ultra-processed food consumption and alpha diversity were observed after multiple testing corrections, and there was no strong evidence linking ultra-processed food consumption and beta diversity, with unweighted metrics explaining little variance at ages 11 and 12. Nominal associations were found between ultra-processed food and relative abundances of Actinobacteria (p = 0.032) and Proteobacteria (p = 0.045) (phyla), Bacteroides (p = 0.037 at age 6; p = 0.015 at age 11) and Peptostreptococcus (p = 0.025 at age 6; p = 0.010 at age 11) (genera). However, these associations lost statistical significance after adjustments for multiple comparisons. These findings highlight the need for more longitudinal studies to better understand the complex interaction between ultra-processed food intake and gut microbiota composition in adolescent populations in low- and middle-income countries.

Resumo: O diagnóstico precoce pode ser um fator benéfico para minimizar os riscos à saúde relacionados à multimorbidade. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a associação da multimorbidade com interleucina 6 (IL-6), proteína C-reativa (CRP) e adiponectina em participantes de 22 anos da coorte de nascimentos de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Ao todo, 3.578 sujeitos passaram por medições séricas de IL-6, CRP e adiponectina na visita dos 22 anos. Para a avaliação da multimorbidade, foi utilizada uma lista de 15 morbidades, dividida em subgrupos (doenças cardiometabólicas, pulmonares, alérgicas e distúrbios mentais). A ocorrência de ≥ 2 morbidades foi maior em mulheres (55,1%) do que em homens (45,2%). Foi encontrada uma associação negativa entre multimorbidade e adiponectina em mulheres, enquanto associações positivas entre o número de doenças e IL-6 e CRP foram observadas em homens. Para ambos os sexos, condição cardiometabólica foi a morbidade mais consistentemente associada aos marcadores. A análise isolada das doenças identificou que a dislipidemia foi a única condição cardiometabólica associada aos marcadores fisiológicos. Os achados sugerem uma associação inversa entre multimorbidade e adiponectina em mulheres, bem como uma associação cumulativa direta entre o número de doenças e IL-6 e CRP em homens jovens.

Resumen: El diagnóstico precoz puede ser un factor beneficioso para minimizar los riesgos para la salud relacionados con la multimorbilidad. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar la asociación de multimorbilidad con interleucina 6 (IL-6), proteína C reactiva (PCR) y adiponectina en participantes de 22 años de edad en la cohorte de nacimientos de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. La muestra estuvo conformada por 3.578 sujetos de 22 años de edad que tuvieron mediciones en suero de IL-6, PCR y adiponectina. Para evaluar la multimorbilidad, se utilizó una lista de 15 morbilidades, divididas en subgrupos (trastornos cardiometabólicos, pulmonares, alérgicos y mentales). La aparición de ≥ 2 morbilidades fue mayor en mujeres (55,1%) que en hombres (45,2%). Se encontró una asociación negativa entre la multimorbilidad y la adiponectina en las mujeres, mientras que se observaron asociaciones positivas entre el número de enfermedades y la IL-6 y la PCR en los hombres. Para ambos sexos, el problema cardiometabólico tuvo una mayor asociación consistente de morbilidad con los marcadores. El análisis aislado de las enfermedades identificó que la dislipidemia fue la única condición cardiometabólica asociada con los marcadores fisiológicos. Los hallazgos indican una asociación inversa entre la multimorbilidad y la adiponectina en mujeres, así como una asociación acumulativa directa entre el número de enfermedades e IL-6 y PCR en hombres jóvenes.

Abstract: Early diagnosis can be a beneficial factor for minimizing health risks related to multimorbidity. This study aims to assess the association of multimorbidity with interleukin 6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), and adiponectin in 22-year-old participants of the Pelotas (Brazil) birth cohort. A total of 3,578 subjects had serum measurements of IL-6, CRP, and adiponectin at the 22-year-old visit. For multimorbidity evaluation, a list of 15 morbidities was used and divided into subgroups (cardiometabolic, pulmonary, allergic diseases, and mental disorders). The occurrence of ≥ 2 morbidities was higher in females (55.1%) than in males (45.2%). A negative association between multimorbidity and adiponectin was found in females, whereas positive associations between the number of diseases and IL-6 and CRP were observed in males. For both sexes, cardiometabolic problem was the morbidity most associated with the markers. The analysis for isolated diseases identified dyslipidemia was the only cardiometabolic condition associated with physiological markers. Our findings suggest an inverse association between multimorbidity and adiponectin in females, as well as a direct cumulative association between the number of diseases and IL-6 and CRP in males at a young age.

ABSTRACT: Sporotrichosis and canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) are important but neglected zoonoses from a public health perspective. Herein, we reported the first case of co-infection by Sporothrix brasiliensis and Leishmania infantum in a dog with a history of non-healing ulcerated skin lesion. After unsuccessful diagnosis and treatment for one year and four months, the dog was referred to a university veterinary hospital where a diagnosis of sporotrichosis was made using the gold standard fungal culture technique, with the species molecularly confirmed as S. brasiliensis. Additionally, a lesion swab was sent for conventional and quantitative PCR to detect leishmaniasis, ultimately testing positive for L. infantum. Specific treatment for sporotrichosis comprising itraconazole was initiated. Furthermore, considering the absence of severe clinical signs of leishmaniasis the administration of a leishmanicidal agent and immunomodulator were recommended. However, the treatment for sporotrichosis was unsatisfactory, and owing to the animal’s worsening clinical condition and the lengthy process leading to an accurate diagnosis, the owner opted for euthanasia. Given the epidemiological scenario of these zoonotic infections, a combined approach using diagnostic methods to confirm the presence of both pathogens is essential in dogs with dermatological lesions indicative of CVL and sporotrichosis. This case report further demonstrates that the presence of one of these agents does not exclude the presence of the other, highlighting the need for veterinarians to be vigilant to increase the chances of ensuring an accurate diagnosis and timely treatment.

RESUMO: A esporotricose e a leishmaniose visceral canina (LVC) são importantes zoonoses negligenciadas do ponto de vista da saúde pública. Aqui, relatamos o primeiro caso de coinfecção por Sporothrix brasiliensis e Leishmania infantum em um cão com histórico de lesão cutânea ulcerada não cicatrizante. Após um ano e quatro meses sendo atendido sem sucesso no diagnóstico e tratamento, o cão foi encaminhado a um hospital veterinário universitário e foi diagnosticado com esporotricose pela técnica de cultura fúngica, considerada padrão-ouro, e confirmou-se molecularmente a espécie envolvida, S. brasiliensis. Paralelamente, um suabe da lesão foi enviado para realização de PCR convencional e quantitativo para leishmaniose, sendo positivo para L. infantum. O tratamento específico para esporotricose foi iniciado com itraconazol. Além disso, foi preconizado o uso de um leishmaniostático e um imunomodulador considerando que o animal não apresentava um quadro clínico severo de leishmaniose. O tratamento para esporotricose não foi satisfatório e devido à condição de piora clínica do animal, somado ao longo processo para obtenção do diagnóstico preciso, o tutor optou pela eutanásia. Destacamos que dado o cenário epidemiológico dessas zoonoses, uma abordagem combinada de métodos diagnósticos que comprovem ambos os agentes patogênicos é essencial para cães com lesões dermatológicas sugestivas de LVC e esporotricose. O presente relato ainda demonstra que o encontro de um destes agentes não exclui a presença do outro, devendo os veterinários estarem atentos para aumentar as chances do diagnóstico correto e tratamento oportuno.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Prenatal depression threatens maternal and child well-being and interferes with issues prioritized by the 2030 agenda for the Sustainable Development Goals. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of depressive disorders during pregnancy using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). DESIGN AND SETTING: A cross-sectional study using a sample of pregnant Brazilian women, representative of Brazil as a whole. METHODS: Data were obtained from the National Health Survey 2019 (PNS-2019), as coordinated by the Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE). Women aged 18-49 years who were pregnant during PNS-2019 data collection were included. The prevalence of depressive disorders and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated. RESULTS: The prevalence of depression before the current pregnancy was 6.03% (95%CI: 3.80%; 8.25%). Using the PHQ-9, the prevalence of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in the current pregnancy was estimated to be 17.39% (95%CI: 12.70%–22.06%) among pregnant women who were targeted by the PNS-2019. Moreover, MDD was 15.26% (95%CI: 10.54%; 19.97%) among those who were free from depression history and in half of the pregnant woman population with depression history. Suicidal ideation has been reported in almost 23% of pregnant women with a history of depression. The two items from Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) (anhedonia and depressed mood) with a cutoff of ≥ 3 presented similar results. CONCLUSIONS: Depression during pregnancy affects a non-negligible proportion of pregnant women, thus constituting an important public health problem. Therefore, it is crucial to discuss the implementation of regular screening for depression during prenatal care programs in Brazil.

Abstract Background Chagas disease (CD) is a serious public health problem in Latin America. Benznidazole (BNZ) is used for the treatment of CD and, despite its wide use, little information is available about its toxicity and mechanisms of adverse drug reactions (ADR). Objectives To identify and classify clinical and laboratory adverse reactions caused by BNZ in terms of causality and severity. Methods Prospective cohort study from January 2018 to December 2021. Treatment follow-up included visits and biochemical tests (complete blood count, liver and kidney function tests) before, during and after treatment. ADR were classified according to causality and severity. In the statistical analysis, the significance level was set at p<0.05. Results Forty patients with chronic CD were included. A high prevalence of ADR was observed 161 ADR in 30 patients [90%]; of these, 104 (64.6%) were classified as possible and 57 (35.4%) as probable. The ADR were classified as moderate and mild. Of the 40 patients, nine (22.5%) discontinued treatment. ADR associated with treatment discontinuation and interventions were those that affected the dermatological system, central and peripheral nervous system and sense organs such as ageusia. Mild hematological and biochemical changes such as lymphopenia were observed after 30 days of treatment. Conclusion Many patients were able to complete the treatment even with ADR, which can be attributed to the successful follow-up strategy with symptomatic treatment and counseling, leading to patient’s awareness of symptoms and treatment adherence.

Resumo Fundamento A Doença de Chagas (DC) representa um grave problema de saúde pública na América Latina. O Benznidazol (BNZ) é utilizado para o tratamento DC e, apesar do seu amplo uso, poucas informações estão disponíveis sobre sua toxicidade e mecanismos das Reações Adversas ao Medicamento (RAM). Objetivos Identificar e classificar as reações adversas clínicas e laboratoriais ocasionadas pelo uso do BNZ quanto à sua causalidade e gravidade. Métodos Estudo de coorte prospectivo realizado no período de janeiro de 2018 a dezembro de 2021. O acompanhamento do tratamento incluiu consultas e análises laboratoriais antes, 30 e 60 dias após o início do tratamento. As RAM foram classificadas quanto à causalidade e gravidade. Na análise estatística o nível de significância adotado foi p<0,05. Resultados Participaram do estudo 40 pacientes com DC crônica, observou-se alta prevalência de RAM com um total de 161 em 30 (90%) pacientes. Destas, 104 (64,6%) foram classificadas como possíveis e 57 (35,4%) como prováveis. As reações foram classificadas em moderadas e leves. Dos 40 pacientes, nove (22,5%) suspenderam o tratamento. As RAM associadas à interrupção e intervenções foram as que afetaram o sistema dermatológico, sistema nervoso central e periférico ou que culminaram em ageusia. Após 30 dias de tratamento, alterações hematológicas e bioquímicas leves foram observadas como linfopenia. Conclusão Apesar do elevado percentual de RAM, muitos pacientes foram capazes de completar o tratamento, o que se atribui ao êxito da estratégia de acompanhamento com intervenções de tratamento sintomático juntamente ao aconselhamento, levando à compreensão da sintomatologia e manutenção do tratamento.

Resumo Objetivo: examinar a influência das variáveis sexo, idade, área de residência, ano de escolaridade, comportamentos de saúde e utilização de redes sociais na autoestima e no bem-estar psicológico numa amostra de estudantes universitários portugueses. Método: foi realizado um estudo descritivo, correlacional e quantitativo, com um desenho transversal e quasi-experimental. A amostra é constituída por 194 indivíduos, sendo 171 do sexo feminino e 23 do sexo masculino, com idades compreendidas entre os 18 e os 57 anos. Foram administrados um questionário sociodemográfico, a escala de Autoestima de Rosenberg e o Questionário Geral de Bem-Estar Psicológico - versão reduzida. Resultados: existe uma correlação positiva entre autoestima e bem-estar psicológico. Verificou-se que o sexo apresenta efeitos na autoestima e no bem-estar psicológico quando associado às horas de sono por dia e utilização de redes sociais. No caso do ano de escolaridade e prática de exercício físico apenas apresentou efeito na autoestima. Por sua vez, a idade apresentou efeitos multivariados estatisticamente significativos na autoestima e bem-estar psicológico. Quanto às restantes variáveis (área de residência, ano de escolaridade, prática de exercício físico, hábitos tabágicos, horas de sono por dia, utilização de redes sociais e horas passadas por dia nas redes sociais) não foram encontrados efeitos sobre a autoestima e o bem-estar psicológico. Conclusão: a autoestima exerce uma influência positiva no bem-estar psicológico e este sobre a autoestima, sendo por isso necessária uma relação saudável entre ambas, na medida em que face à sua inexistência é necessário o acesso a serviços de saúde mental e de apoio.

Abstract To examine the influence of Sex, age, area of residence, academic year, health behaviors, and social media use on self-esteem and psychological well-being in a sample of Portuguese university students. A descriptive, correlational, and quantitative study was conducted using a cross-sectional, quasi-experimental design. The sample comprised 194 individuals (171 female, 23 male) aged 18-57 years. Data were collected using a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and the Psychological General Well-being Index short version. The results showed a positive correlation between self-esteem and psychological well-being. Gender showed effects on both self-esteem and psychological well-being when associated with hours of sleep per day and social media use. Academic year and physical exercise practice only affected self-esteem. Age demonstrated statistically significant multivariate effects on both self-esteem and psychological well-being. No significant effects were found on self-esteem and psychological well-being for the remaining variables (area of residence, smoking habits, hours of sleep per day, social media use, and daily time spent on social networks). It is possible to conclude that self-esteem positively influences psychological well-being, and psychological well-being affects self-esteem, highlighting the importance of a healthy relationship between these constructs. In the absence of such a relationship, access to mental health and support services is necessary.

RESUMEN La Educación Avanzada está marcadamente vinculada a la teoría educativa como sustento teórico de gran valor, pues brinda los sustentos teóricos, metodológicos y procedimentales necesarios para abordar la temática del mejoramiento profesional y humano. El presente artículo tiene el objetivo de exponer los principales retos que asume la cooperación pedagógica en la construcción de redes académicas que permiten el intercambio científico y elevan la profesionalidad de sus recursos humanos, se realizó un estudio descriptivo donde se reveló la importancia de la cooperación pedagógica a través de las redes académicas, se empleó la red de indagaciones teóricas, empíricas a partir de la sistematización de los referentes teóricos. La cooperación pedagógica a partir del trabajo con las redes académicas ha cobrado significado en la medida en que las acciones que se ejecutan se logran por la participación de sus miembros y la vía para el intercambio de conocimientos y crecimiento profesional como premisa fundamental de la teoría de la Educación Avanzada.

ABSTRACT Advanced Education is markedly linked to educational theory as a theoretical support of great value, as it provides the theoretical, methodological and procedural supports necessary to address the issue of professional and human improvement. The objective of this article is to expose the main challenges that pedagogical cooperation assumes in the construction of academic networks that allow scientific exchange and increase the professionalism of their human resources, a descriptive study was carried out. where the importance of pedagogical cooperation through academic networks was revealed, the network of theoretical and empirical investigations was used based on the systematization of theoretical references. Pedagogical cooperation based on work with academic networks has gained meaning to the extent that the actions carried out are achieved through the participation of its members and the means for the exchange of knowledge and professional growth as a fundamental premise of the theory of Advanced Education.

Resumo Iniquidades raciais em saúde têm sido amplamente documentadas na literatura científica. Uma compreensão mais profunda de como a raça está relacionada a processos sócio-históricos, especialmente o racismo, é fundamental para embasar os estudos sobre essas iniquidades. Este artigo se propõe a apresentar e discutir os principais aspectos teóricos, históricos e metodológicos relacionados aos construtos de raça e racismo em pesquisas em saúde. São abordados conceitos fundamentais, como raça, racismo sistêmico, estrutural, institucional, interpessoal e internalizado, além de discussões relevantes acerca de temas como o mito da democracia racial, colorismo, branquitude e racismo científico. Além disso, são discutidas as principais abordagens metodológicas para a mensuração do racismo em diferentes níveis. Espera-se fornecer subsídios e incentivar pesquisas que visem à equidade racial em saúde, contribuindo para uma agenda de pesquisa antirracista.

Abstract The scientific literature has extensively documented racial inequalities in health. A deeper understanding of how race is related to sociohistorical processes, especially racism, is crucial to ground studies on these inequalities. This study aims to describe and discuss the key theoretical, historical, and methodological aspects related to the constructs of race and racism in research in health. It addresses fundamental concepts such as race; systemic, structural, institutional, interpersonal, and internalized racism; and relevant debates on topics such as the myth of racial democracy, colorism, whiteness, and scientific racism. Additionally, it explores the main methodological approaches to measure racism at different levels. This study aims to provide insights and promote research aimed at racial equity in health, contributing to an anti-racist research agenda.

Abstract Effector proteins in Phakopsora pachyrhizi (Pp), the causative agent of Asian Soybean rust, are involved in the infection process. A previous study identified a rust effector Egh16-like family based expression profile during the interaction with soybean. Herein, we scrutinized available the Pp genomes to validate the predicted Egh16-like family of Pp and identify new family members. We described 22 members of the Egh16-like gene family in the Pp MT2006 genome and 18 in the UFV02 and K8108 genomes, highlighting a family expansion. Family members have a small signal peptide, conserved cysteine-rich R/Y/FxC motifs in the C-terminal region, and a virulence-related Egh16-like domain and were able to suppress PTI related responses in Benthamiana. Phylogenetic analysis placed the family members into eight clusters, with members induced during the early stages of rust infection. Members of clusters VI and VII are present in different copy numbers in Pp genomes and suppressed PAMP-related responses.

Objective: The risk of suicide is higher among health care workers than other workers. This study investigated the association between social support and suicidal ideation and behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic among Brazilian health care workers. Methods: This study used data from 10,885 respondents to the first (time point 1 – between May and June of 2020) and second (time point 2 – between December 2020 and February 2021) cross-sectional online surveys about mental health and quality of life among Brazilian health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The relationship between social support as the independent variable (time point 1) and suicidal ideation and behavior as the outcomes (time point 2) was investigated through logistic regression analysis. Results: Greater social support was associated with a significantly lower risk of reporting suicidal ideation and behavior in the month prior to follow-up assessment (adjusted OR: 0.71, 95%CI 0.66-0.76 and adjusted OR 0.61, 95%CI 0.54-0.68, respectively). These associations were independent of sex, age, feelings of loneliness, and self-reported psychiatric disorders. Conclusion: Social support is associated with a lower risk of suicidality among health care workers, and its protective role appears more closely related to suicidal behavior.

Abstract The importance of works of science fiction to scholars of International Relations has already been established by discussions pertaining to its pedagogical value, its value as a study object and even its value as a constitutive aspect of world politics. In this article, we argue that it is equally important to give attention to works of magical realism in IR, especially because magical realism blurs the boundaries between literary and genre fiction, posing a constructive challenge to the different ways literature is either considered art or mere entertainment. By relaying the deep connection between magical realism and its birthplace, Latin America, we use One Hundred Years of Solitude, by Gabriel García Márquez, and The House of Spirits, by Isabel Allende, to illustrate how magical realist pieces can serve as reflections of Latin American sensibilities and therefore provide relevant insights for the scholar of IR.

Resumo A importância das obras de ficção científica para os acadêmicos de Relações Internacionais já foi estabelecida por meio de discussões relativas ao seu valor pedagógico, seu valor como objeto de estudo e até mesmo seu valor como um aspecto constitutivo da política mundial. Neste artigo, argumentamos que é igualmente importante dar atenção às obras de realismo mágico nas RI, especialmente porque o realismo mágico borra as fronteiras entre a ficção literária e a ficção de gênero, representando um desafio construtivo para as diferentes maneiras pelas quais a literatura é considerada arte ou mero entretenimento. Ao relatar a profunda conexão entre o realismo mágico e seu local de nascimento, a América Latina, usamos Cem Anos de Solidão, de Gabriel García Márquez, e A Casa dos Espíritos, de Isabel Allende, para ilustrar como as obras do realismo mágico podem servir como reflexos das sensibilidades latino-americanas e, portanto, fornecer percepções relevantes para o estudioso de RI.

Abstract This cross-sectional study aimed to analyze the self-perceived oral health of young university students at the Federal University of Juiz de Fora and identify the associated factors. Data were collected in 2021 using a self-administered questionnaire containing questions on students’ sociodemographic variables and oral health. Binary logistic regression was applied in the multivariate analysis using the SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) software (version 20.0) for Windows. The final analysis included 1,316 students aged 17–24 years. The prevalence of negative self-perception of oral health was 14.1% (95%CI: 12.2–16.0). The following variables were associated with negative self-perception of oral health: single marital status (OR = 0.34; 95%CI: 0.12–0.98), monthly family income of up to three minimum wages (OR = 2.02; 95%CI: 1.32–3.09), non-regular use of dental services (OR = 2.29; 95%CI: 1.48–3.53), dissatisfaction with the last service (OR = 1.97; 95%CI: 1.23–3.16), fear of dental treatment (OR = 1.56; 95%CI: 1.06–2.29), dissatisfaction with the appearance of teeth and mouth (OR = 5.27; 95%CI: 3.37–8.22), and perceived need for dental treatment (OR = 6.94; 95%CI:3.14–15.33). In conclusion, most young university students had a positive self-perception of oral health. However, factors related to socioeconomic profile, access to oral health services, and satisfaction with one's appearance were found to increase the likelihood of having a negative self-perception of oral health.

Abstract This paper aims to present the representations of Copacabana related to lifestyles and consumption practices for a group of elderly people in the period that they call “golden years”. Based in a study with ethnographic inspiration, the group’s discourse shows the articulation between the moment they perceive as the ideal of the neighborhood and their own lives. Copacabana for them meant a route that goes from “emptiness” to “gold” and finally to “fear”. The first is represented as empty and lifeless space; the second reflect happiness, consumption and leisure; and the third is perceived as a moment of fear and decadency.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar as representações de Copacabana relativas a estilos de vida e práticas de consumo para um grupo de idosos no período que chamam “anos dourados”. A partir de um estudo com inspiração etnográfica, o discurso do grupo mostra a articulação entre o momento que percebem como ideal do bairro e de suas próprias vidas. Copacabana para eles significou um percurso que vai do “vazio”, ao “ouro” e finalmente ao “medo”. O primeiro é representado como espaço vazio e sem vida; o segundo espelha a felicidade, o consumo e o lazer; e o terceiro é percebido como de medo e decadência.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Blood transfusion is one of the most common medical practices worldwide. However, current scientific literature has shown that the immunomodulatory effects of blood transfusion are associated with an increased likelihood of infection, prolonged hospitalization, and morbimortality. Also, it means high costs for healthcare systems. Methods: In this context, acknowledging that blood transfusions are essentially heterologous cell transplantations, the use of therapeutic options has gained strength and is collectively known as the patient blood management (PBM) program. PBM is an approach based on three main pillars: (1) treating anemias and coagulopathies in an optimized manner, especially in the preoperative period; (2) optimizing perioperative hemostasis and the use of blood recovery systems to avoid the loss of the patient's blood; (3) anemia tolerance, with improved oxygen delivery and reduced oxygen demand, particularly in the postoperative period. Results: Current scientific evidence supports the effectiveness of PBM by reducing the need for blood transfusions, decreasing associated complications, and promoting more efficient and safer blood management. Thus, PBM not only improves clinical outcomes for patients but also contributes to the economic sustainability of healthcare systems. Conclusion: The aim of this review was to summarize PBM strategies in a comprehensive, evidence-based approach through a systematic and structured model for PBM implementation in tertiary hospitals. The recommendations proposed herein are from researchers and experts of a high-complexity university hospital in the network of the Sistema Único de Saúde, presenting itself as a strategy that can be followed as a guideline for PBM implementation in other settings.

Abstract Objective To report the prevalence of malignant transformation of vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) and possible risk factors. Methods This is a cohort study with data analysis from medical records of 138 patients with histological diagnosis of VLS registered at the Vulvar Pathology Outpatient Clinic of the University Hospital, between 2007 and 2017. Predominance of risk factors was performed using logistic regression analysis. The variables studied were the length of follow-up, age, regular or irregular follow up; presence of symptoms (dyspareunia, pruritus and/or vulvar burning); histology characteristics, the presence of epithelial hyperplasia; and the presence of autoimmune diseases. Results There were 138 patients included in the study, and among them five progressed to malignant transformation. The patients had a median age of 59 years and 83% were symptomatic. The most frequent symptom was itching with 72%. Autoimmune diseases were present in 11.6%, the most prevalent being thyroid disease. All five case of malignant transformation (0.6%) had an irregular follow up. The logistic regression analysis was used among the studied variables, and no statistical significance was found among them (p ≥ 0.05). The relationship between hyperplasia and the clinical outcome of malignant transformation, in which non-significant but acceptable p value close to 0.05 was observed. Conclusion The prevalence of malignant transformation in patients with VLS was 0.6%, and common factors were the lack of adherence to medical treatments and the loss of follow-up.