Brazilian public universities, especially in the last decade, are in the process of diversifying their student population, which requires research about who university students are. This article investigates the trajectories of university students from a public institution in the south of the country from the point of view of their social position, the forms of appropriation of family heritage, and their ruptures and adjustments to family project-paths in individuation processes. We analyze how the inheritors report the family and individual mobilization for maintaining or rising their social positions, considering the family paths-projects. Based on a questionnaire answered by 1,463 undergraduate students classified into three groups according to family income, in-depth interviews were carried out with 10 students from the 202 respondents belonging to the group of families with higher income. The analysis identified recurrent and singular situations that relate to distinct forms to perceived challenges faced in the university environment. Furthermore, we identify that the way individuals position themselves and behave is based on their relative social and school privilege position, compared to other segments of lower income classified through the survey. We observe that the interviewees and their families value schooling and that higher education at the public university is part of a naturalized family project-path. On the other hand, they present elements of dissatisfaction with family values and path prescriptions and build individual trajectories through the search for experiences in the university environment, a heterogeneous public space.

Las universidades públicas brasileñas, especialmente en la última década, están en proceso de diversificación del público estudiantil, situación que exige estudios sobre quienes son esos estudiantes. En este artículo se busca estudiar las trayectorias estudiantiles de una universidad pública del Sur del país, analizadas a partir de la posición social, de las formas de apropiación de la herencia familiar, con sus rupturas y ajustes a los trayectos-proyectos familiares en procesos de individuación. Nos preguntamos cómo los herederos reportan la movilidad social familiar e individual de mantenimiento o de mejora de enclasamiento social, considerando los trayectos-proyectos familiares. A partir de la respuesta a una encuesta que dan 1.463 estudiantes de pregrado, clasificados en tres grupos conforme la renta familiar, fueron realizadas entrevistas en profundidad con 10 estudiantes de un grupo de 202 participantes pertenecientes a familias de renta más alta. El análisis identificó tanto situaciones recurrentes, cuanto singulares, sendo identificada la presencia de inclinaciones para percibir los desafíos del contexto universitario, posicionarse y actuar de modo convergente con una situación de privilegio social y escolar relativos, frente a otros segmentos de renta más baja, clasificados a partir de una encuesta. Observamos que los entrevistados y sus familias valorizan la carrera en la universidad pública, que toma parte en un trayecto-proyecto familiar naturalizado. Por otro lado, hay elementos de desplazamiento en cuanto a valores y prescripciones familiares en la búsqueda por experiencias propias al ambiente de la universidad, espacio público heterogéneo, construyendo las trayectorias individuales.

As universidades públicas brasileiras, especialmente na última década, estão em processo de diversificação do público estudantil, situação que exige estudos sobre quem são esses estudantes. Este artigo se propõe a analisar trajetórias de estudantes, de uma universidade pública do Sul do país, a partir da posição social, das formas de apropriação da herança familiar, com suas rupturas e ajustes a trajetos-projetos familiares em processos de individuação. Nos perguntamos como os herdeiros relatam a mobilização familiar e individual para a manutenção ou a ascensão em suas posições sociais. A partir de um questionário respondido por 1.463 estudantes de cursos de graduação, classificados em três grupos conforme a renda familiar, foram realizadas entrevistas em profundidade com 10 estudantes do grupo de 202 respondentes pertencentes a famílias com renda mais alta. A análise identificou tanto situações recorrentes, quanto singulares, sendo identificadas inclinações para perceber os desafios do contexto universitário, se posicionar e agir de modo convergente com uma situação de relativo privilégio social e escolar, frente a outros segmentos de renda menor, classificados por meio de enquete. Observa-se que os entrevistados e suas famílias valorizam a escolarização, sendo que o curso superior na universidade pública está inserido em um trajeto-projeto familiar naturalizado. Por outro lado, apresentam elementos de desacomodação em relação a valores e prescrições familiares por meio da busca por experiências que compõem o ambiente da universidade, espaço público heterogêneo, construindo as trajetórias individuais.

ABSTRACT Psychomotor performance is a complex function generated by brain and motor systems integration, measured by accuracy, latency, and movement speed. In sports, looking for ways to improve movements is usual. Also, utilising Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) as a non-invasive stimulation technique may produce alterations in psychomotor sports skills. We conducted a systematic review, including experimental studies with sham or control groups in adults reporting tDCS effects on athletes’ psychomotor performance. Cochrane Manual for Systematic Reviews and the statement on systematic reviews and meta-analysis of PRISMA-P (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols) were followed. PsycINFO, PubMed (central), Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, SPORTDiscus, and Cochrane Library databases were searched. Empirical studies published in English, Spanish, and Portuguese from 2009 onwards and whose primary results presented an effective measure of transcranial direct current stimulation in the psychomotor performance of adult athletes were included. The results list 10 articles, 6 of them entered in the meta-analyses. The articles presented a low risk of bias and low publication bias but great dispersion of stimulation areas.

Nuestro objetivo es describir las diferencias en los diseños muestrales de las dos ediciones de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud (PNS 2013 y 2019) y evaluar cómo sus cambios afectaron el coeficiente de variación (CV) y el efecto de diseño (Deff) de algunos de los indicadores evaluados. Se analizaron variables de diferentes partes del cuestionario para evaluar proporciones con diferentes magnitudes. La prevalencia de obesidad se incluyó en el análisis, ya que la medición de la antropometría en la encuesta de 2019 se realizó en una submuestra. Los valores del estimador puntual, CV y Deff se calcularon para cada indicador considerando la estratificación de las unidades de muestreo primarias, la ponderación de las unidades de muestreo y el efecto de agrupamiento. Para la mayoría de los indicadores, CV y Deff fueron más bajos en las estimaciones de 2019. En cuanto a los indicadores para todos los miembros de la familia, los Deff fueron altos y alcanzaron valores superiores a 18 por tener un plan de salud. En cuanto a los indicadores del cuestionario individual, Deff osciló entre 2,7 y 4,2 en 2013, y entre 2,7 y 10,2 en 2019 para la prevalencia de obesidad. La prevalencia de hipertensión arterial y diabetes por Unidad Federativa tuvo mayor CV y menor Deff. Un mayor tamaño de la muestra para cumplir con los diversos objetivos de salud y un alto valor de Deff son desafíos importantes para el desarrollo de una encuesta nacional domiciliar probabilística. Se deben considerar nuevas estrategias de muestreo probabilístico para reducir los costos y efectos de agrupamiento.

Nosso objetivo é descrever as diferenças nos desenhos amostrais das duas edições da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde (PNS 2013 e 2019) e avaliar como suas mudanças afetaram o coeficiente de variação (CV) e o efeito do desenho (Deff) de alguns dos indicadores avaliados. Variáveis de diferentes partes do questionário foram analisadas para avaliar proporções com diferentes magnitudes. A prevalência de obesidade foi incluída na análise uma vez que a medição de antropometria na pesquisa de 2019 foi realizada em uma subamostra. Os valores do estimador pontual, CV e Deff foram calculados para cada indicador considerando a estratificação das unidades amostrais primárias, a ponderação das unidades amostrais, e o efeito do agrupamento. Para a maioria dos indicadores, CV e Deff foram menores nas estimativas de 2019. Em relação aos indicadores para todos os membros familiares, Deffs foram elevados e atingiram valores superiores a 18 para a posse de um plano de saúde. Quanto aos indicadores no questionário individual, Deff variou de 2,7 a 4,2 em 2013 e de 2,7 a 10,2 em 2019 para a prevalência de obesidade. A prevalência de hipertensão arterial e diabetes por Unidade Federativa apresentou CV maior e Deff menor. A expansão do tamanho da amostra para atender aos diversos objetivos de saúde e Deff altos são desafios expressivos para o desenvolvimento de uma pesquisa nacional domiciliar probabilística. Novas estratégias de amostragem probabilística devem ser consideradas para reduzir custos e efeitos do agrupamento.

Our objective is to describe the differences in the sampling plans of the two editions of the Brazilian National Health Survey (PNS 2013 and 2019) and to evaluate how the changes affected the coefficient of variation (CV) and the design effect (Deff) of some estimated indicators. Variables from different parts of the questionnaire were analyzed to cover proportions with different magnitudes. The prevalence of obesity was included in the analysis since anthropometry measurement in the 2019 survey was performed in a subsample. The value of the point estimate, CV, and the Deff were calculated for each indicator, considering the stratification of the primary sampling units, the weighting of the sampling units, and the clustering effect. The CV and the Deff were lower in the 2019 estimates for most indicators. Concerning the questionnaire indicators of all household members, the Deffs were high and reached values greater than 18 for having a health insurance plan. Regarding the indicators of the individual questionnaire, for the prevalence of obesity, the Deff ranged from 2.7 to 4.2, in 2013, and from 2.7 to 10.2, in 2019. The prevalence of hypertension and diabetes per Federative Unit had a higher CV and lower Deff. Expanding the sample size to meet the diverse health objectives and the high Deff are significant challenges for developing probabilistic household-based national survey. New probabilistic sampling strategies should be considered to reduce costs and clustering effects.

Nosso objetivo é descrever as diferenças nos desenhos amostrais das duas edições da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde (PNS 2013 e 2019) e avaliar como suas mudanças afetaram o coeficiente de variação (CV) e o efeito do desenho (Deff) de alguns dos indicadores avaliados. Variáveis de diferentes partes do questionário foram analisadas para avaliar proporções com diferentes magnitudes. A prevalência de obesidade foi incluída na análise uma vez que a medição de antropometria na pesquisa de 2019 foi realizada em uma subamostra. Os valores do estimador pontual, CV e Deff foram calculados para cada indicador considerando a estratificação das unidades amostrais primárias, a ponderação das unidades amostrais, e o efeito do agrupamento. Para a maioria dos indicadores, CV e Deff foram menores nas estimativas de 2019. Em relação aos indicadores para todos os membros familiares, Deffs foram elevados e atingiram valores superiores a 18 para a posse de um plano de saúde. Quanto aos indicadores no questionário individual, Deff variou de 2,7 a 4,2 em 2013 e de 2,7 a 10,2 em 2019 para a prevalência de obesidade. A prevalência de hipertensão arterial e diabetes por Unidade Federativa apresentou CV maior e Deff menor. A expansão do tamanho da amostra para atender aos diversos objetivos de saúde e Deff altos são desafios expressivos para o desenvolvimento de uma pesquisa nacional domiciliar probabilística. Novas estratégias de amostragem probabilística devem ser consideradas para reduzir custos e efeitos do agrupamento.

Our objective is to describe the differences in the sampling plans of the two editions of the Brazilian National Health Survey (PNS 2013 and 2019) and to evaluate how the changes affected the coefficient of variation (CV) and the design effect (Deff) of some estimated indicators. Variables from different parts of the questionnaire were analyzed to cover proportions with different magnitudes. The prevalence of obesity was included in the analysis since anthropometry measurement in the 2019 survey was performed in a subsample. The value of the point estimate, CV, and the Deff were calculated for each indicator, considering the stratification of the primary sampling units, the weighting of the sampling units, and the clustering effect. The CV and the Deff were lower in the 2019 estimates for most indicators. Concerning the questionnaire indicators of all household members, the Deffs were high and reached values greater than 18 for having a health insurance plan. Regarding the indicators of the individual questionnaire, for the prevalence of obesity, the Deff ranged from 2.7 to 4.2, in 2013, and from 2.7 to 10.2, in 2019. The prevalence of hypertension and diabetes per Federative Unit had a higher CV and lower Deff. Expanding the sample size to meet the diverse health objectives and the high Deff are significant challenges for developing probabilistic household-based national survey. New probabilistic sampling strategies should be considered to reduce costs and clustering effects.

Nuestro objetivo es describir las diferencias en los diseños muestrales de las dos ediciones de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud (PNS 2013 y 2019) y evaluar cómo sus cambios afectaron el coeficiente de variación (CV) y el efecto de diseño (Deff) de algunos de los indicadores evaluados. Se analizaron variables de diferentes partes del cuestionario para evaluar proporciones con diferentes magnitudes. La prevalencia de obesidad se incluyó en el análisis, ya que la medición de la antropometría en la encuesta de 2019 se realizó en una submuestra. Los valores del estimador puntual, CV y Deff se calcularon para cada indicador considerando la estratificación de las unidades de muestreo primarias, la ponderación de las unidades de muestreo y el efecto de agrupamiento. Para la mayoría de los indicadores, CV y Deff fueron más bajos en las estimaciones de 2019. En cuanto a los indicadores para todos los miembros de la familia, los Deff fueron altos y alcanzaron valores superiores a 18 por tener un plan de salud. En cuanto a los indicadores del cuestionario individual, Deff osciló entre 2,7 y 4,2 en 2013, y entre 2,7 y 10,2 en 2019 para la prevalencia de obesidad. La prevalencia de hipertensión arterial y diabetes por Unidad Federativa tuvo mayor CV y menor Deff. Un mayor tamaño de la muestra para cumplir con los diversos objetivos de salud y un alto valor de Deff son desafíos importantes para el desarrollo de una encuesta nacional domiciliar probabilística. Se deben considerar nuevas estrategias de muestreo probabilístico para reducir los costos y efectos de agrupamiento.

ABSTRACT Background: Brazil is the third country most affected by Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the world. Health care workers (HCWs) are at higher risk of infection. Despite the increasing numbers of studies on the topic, There are gaps in the knowledge of characteristics and risk factors for infection of HCWS. This information is important to design preventive strategies and to mitigate the disease impact. The objective of this study was to estimate the incidence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, to identify factors associated, and to describe symptoms reported by healthcare workers at a tertiary hospital in Salvador, Brazil. Methods: All HCWs were evaluated in a cross-sectional study conducted between May and September 2020, using self-administered questionnaires, and screening all participants for SARS-COV-2 IgG and IgM antibodies by rapid tests. Reactive IgG samples were retested by ELISA and IgM-positive test had a saliva sample retest by RT-PCR. Univariate associations were estimated by a non-adjusted incidence proportion ratio. Variables associated with COVID-19 incidence at p < 0.20 were selected for inclusion in a binary logistic regression model. Results: A total of 2083 HCWs were included, mean age 41±10 years, 71.8% women, and 77.8% non-white. Of these, 271 (13.0%) and 25 (1.2%) HCWs tested positive for IgG and IgM SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, respectively, and three had a positive RT-PCR. Ancillary work [Odds Ratio (OR): 4.96], elementary education (OR: 2.91), high school education (OR: 2.89), and catholic religion (OR: 2.16) were associated with an increased likelihood of a positive IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. Anosmia [Incidence Proportion Ratio (IPR): 7.41] and ageusia (IPR:8.51) were the most frequent associated symptoms. Conclusion: HCWs with low mean family income, lower level of schooling, ancillary workor being black had a significantly higher likelihood of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Social vulnerability was an important risk factor for COVID-19 infection.

ABSTRACT Background: Over-the-counter use of ivermectin amongst other drugs as SARS-CoV-2 treatment has been increasingly common, despite the lack of evidence on its clinical efficacy. Objective: To evaluate the effect of ivermectin use on production of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in health care workers (HCW) diagnosed with COVID-19 and of Th1/Th2 cytokines by stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells of the same cohort (PBMCs). Methods: This cross-sectional study evaluated seroconversion and neutralizing antibodies production in HCW at Complexo Hospitalar Universitário Professor Edgard Santos (Salvador, Brazil), diagnosed with COVID-19 from May to July, 2020, as well as in vitro production of antibody against SARS-CoV-2 and Th1/Th2 cytokines. Analyses were performed between December 2020 and February 2021. Participants were stratified according to the use of ivermectin (≤ 1 dose vs. multiple doses) for treatment of COVID-19. Results: 45 HCW were included (62% women). Mean age was 39 years, and disease severity was similar across groups. Neutralizing antibodies were detected less frequently in multiple doses (70%) vs. ≤ 1 dose (97%) groups, p = 0.02). PBMCs of patients in multiple doses group also were less likely to produce antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 following in vitro stimulation with purified spike protein in comparison with patients in ≤ 1 dose group (p < 0.001). PBMC’s production of Th1/Th2 cytokines levels was similar across groups. Abdominal pain (15% vs 46%, p = 0.04), diarrhea (21% vs. 55%, p = 0.05) and taste perversion (0% vs. 18%, p = 0.05) were more frequently reported by participants that used multiple doses of ivermectin. Conclusions: Although there was no evidence for differential disease severity upon ivermectin use for treatment of COVID-19 it was associated with more gastro-intestinal side-effects and impairment of anti-SARS-CoV2 antibodies production, in a dose dependent manner. This potentially impacts the effectiveness of immune response and the risk of reinfection and warrants additional studies for clarifying the mechanisms and consequences of such immunomodulatory effects.

Abstract Background Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the cause of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Although Real Time Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) of respiratory specimens is the gold standard test for detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection, collecting nasopharyngeal swabs causes discomfort to patients and may represent considerable risk for healthcare workers. The use of saliva as a diagnostic sample has several advantages. Objectives The aim of this study was to validate the use of saliva as a biological sample for diagnosis of COVID-19. Methods This study was conducted at Infectious Diseases Research Laboratory (LAPI), in Salvador, Brazil. Participants presenting with signs/symptoms suggesting SARS-CoV-2 infection underwent a nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) and/or oropharyngeal swab (OPS), and saliva collection. Saliva samples were diluted in PBS, followed by RNA isolation and RT-Real Time PCR for SARS-CoV-2. Results of conventional vs saliva samples testing were compared. Statistical analyses were performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software (SPSS) version 18.0. Results One hundred fifty-five participants were recruited and samples pairs of NPS/OPS and saliva were collected. The sensitivity and specificity of RT-PCR using saliva samples were 94.4% (95% CI 86.4–97.8) and 97.62% (95% CI 91.7–99.3), respectively. There was an overall high agreement (96.1%) between the two tests. Conclusions Use of self-collected saliva samples is an easy, convenient, and low-cost alternative to conventional NP swab-based molecular tests. These results may allow a broader use of molecular tests for management of COVID19 pandemic, especially in resources-limited settings.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Overweight and obesity in childhood are health problems due to their consequences in later periods of life. Objective: To determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity and their association with risk factors in school-age children. Methods: A cross-sectional study that included 125 children aged 5 to 10 years from three family doctor’s offices in Havana. The nutritional status was classified according to the percentiles of body mass index of the Cuban tables for growth and development. It was considered overweight as: body mass index between 90 and 97 percentile, and obese: above the 97 percentile. The response variable was the nutritional status of the child and the risk factors were: nutrition and maternal smoking habit, gestational diabetes, birth weight and breastfeeding. The data were obtained through an interview to the mother, the revision of clinical records and physical examination to the child. Results: The 14.4% of schoolchildren presented overweight and 16.8% obesity. The risk factors that showed a greater association with overweight and obesity were the maternal overweight (p= 0.01), and birth weight higher than 3500 grams. The history of not having received exclusive breastfeeding was more frequently in overweight children. Conclusions: The results demonstrated the influence of prenatal factors such as maternal nutrition, birth weight and the absence of exclusive breastfeeding in the presence of overweight and obesity in school-age children.

RESUMEN Introducción: El sobrepeso y la obesidad en la infancia constituyen problema de salud por sus consecuencias en etapas posteriores de la vida. Objetivo: Determinar la frecuencia de sobrepeso y obesidad y su asociación con factores de riesgo en niños de edad escolar. Métodos: Estudio transversal que incluyó 125 niños de 5 a 10 años de tres consultorios de médicos familiares en La Habana. El estado nutricional se clasificó según los percentiles de índice de masa corporal de las tablas cubanas de crecimiento y desarrollo. Se consideró sobrepeso: índice de masa corporal entre el 90 y el 97 percentil, obeso: por encima del 97 percentil. La variable de respuesta fue el estado nutricional del niño y los factores de riesgo analizados fueron: nutrición y tabaquismo materno, diabetes gestacional, peso al nacer y lactancia materna. Los datos se obtuvieron a través de una entrevista a la madre, la revisión de historias clínicas y examen físico al niño. Resultados: El 14,4 % de los escolares presentó sobrepeso y 16,8 % obesidad. Los factores de riesgo que mostraron una mayor asociación con el sobrepeso y la obesidad fueron el sobrepeso materno (p= 0,01), el peso al nacer mayor de 3 500 gramos. El antecedente de no haber recibido lactancia materna exclusiva se mostró con mayor frecuencia en los niños con sobrepeso. Conclusiones: Se demostró la influencia de factores prenatales como la nutrición materna, el peso al nacimiento y la ausencia de lactancia materna exclusiva en la presencia de sobrepeso y obesidad en niños de edad escolar.

ABSTRACT Background: Class I human leukocyte antigens, especially the molecules encoded at the B locus (HLA-B), are associated with AIDS progression risk. Different groups of HLA-B alleles have been associated to a protective effect or increasing susceptibility to HIV infection and are expressed from the earliest stages of gestation. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate which variants of HLA-B are associated with the risk of HIV vertical transmission in infected pregnant women and in their offspring, in a referral center in Salvador Bahia. Methods: We performed HLA-B genotyping in 52 HIV-infected mothers and their children exposed to HIV-1 during pregnancy (N = 65) in Salvador, Brazil. We compared the HLA-B alleles frequency in mothers, uninfected and infected children, according to the use of antiretroviral prophylaxis. Results: Absence of antiretroviral antenatal and postnatal prophylaxis was significantly associated with vertical transmission of HIV-1 (p = <0.01, and p = <0.01 respectively). Frequency of HLA-B*14 (29.2%, p = 0.002), HLA-B*18 (16.7%, p = 0.04) or HLA-B*14:1 (20.8%, p = 0.01) alleles subgroups were significantly higher in HIV-1 infected children and persisted (HLA-B*14, p = 0.04) even after adjusting for use of antiretroviral prophylaxis. No significant difference in expression of HLA-B alleles was observed among mothers who transmitted the virus compared to those who did not. Conclusions: Expression of HLA-B*14 allele in children exposed to HIV-1 is predictive of vertical transmission and reinforces the important role of genetics in mother-to-child transmission.

ABSTRACT Background: Mother-to-child-transmission (MTCT) is the main route of HIV-1 infection in children. Genetic studies suggest HLA-B alleles play an important role on HIV-1 transmission, progression, and control of HIV-1 infection. Objective: To evaluate which polymorphisms of HLA-B are involved in HIV-1 MTCT. Methods: Two independent reviewers performed a systematic review on search engines PubMed, Europe PMC, Cochrane, Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), and Literatura Latino-americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (Lilacs), using the following key terms: "HIV infection", "HIV newborn", "HLA polymorphisms", "HLA-B", and "Mother to child transmission". All studies focusing on evaluation of HIV-1 MTCT, HIV infection evolution, and molecular analyses of HLA-B in children were selected. Results: Nine studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Sixteen HLA-B alleles groups were associated with HIV-1 infection; seven of them (43.8%) were related to slow disease progression or reduced risk of MTCT, while six (37.5%) alleles groups were linked to a faster progression of HIV infection in children and to increased risk of MTCT. The available evidence suggest that HLA-B*57 group allele is associated with slow disease progression, while HLA-B*35 group allele is associated to increased risk of MTCT and rapid disease progression in infected children. The role of HLA-B*18, B*58 and B*44 are still controversial because they were associated to both, protection against MTCT, and to higher HIV replicative capacity, in different studies. Conclusion: HLA-B*57 group allele can be protective against MTCT while HLA-B*35 groups alleles are consistently associated with HIV-1 MTCT.

As infecções causadas por espécies de Candida são problema de grande impacto para a saúde pública, devido à alta incidência em pacientes hospitalizados e como causa de mortalidade. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a frequência de Candida spp. isoladas de pacientes hospitalizados, assim como a sensibilidade aos antifúngicos e o polimorfismo genético por RAPD-PCR. Os microrganismos incluíram isolados de hemocultura, líquido abdominal e ponta de cateter venoso central de pacientes internados no Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, região do Triângulo Mineiro, Minas Gerais, Brasil, no período de julho de 2010-junho de 2011. Os testes de sensibilidade aos antifúngicos foram realizados por microdiluição em caldo e na análise por RAPD-PCR foram utilizados os oligonucleotídeos OPA09, OPB11, e OPE06. Dos 63 isolados, 18 (28,5%) foram C. albicans, 20 (31,7%) C. parapsilosis, 14 (22,2%) C. tropicalis, quatro (6,4%) C. glabrata, quatro (6,4%) C. krusei, dois (3,3%) C. kefyr, e um (1,6%) C. lusitaniae. Resistência in-vitro à anfotericina B foi observada em 12,7% dos isolados. Não foi observada resistência in-vitro aos azólicos, exceto para os isolados de C. krusei. Os oligonucleotídeos OPA09 e OPB11 possibilitaram distinguir diferentes espécies. Isolados de C. albicans apresentaram seis clusters e o complexo C. parapsilosis, cinco clusters, com o iniciador OPA09, por RAPD-PCR, mostrando a variabilidade genética daquelas espécies. Conclui-se que o complexo C. parapsilosis foi a espécie mais frequente, e a maioria dos isolados foi sensível in vitro aos antifúngicos testados. Alto polimorfismo genético foi observado para os isolados de C. albicanse complexo C. parapsilosis, principalmente com o oligonucleotídeo OPA09.

Infections by Candida species are a high-impact problem in public health due to their wide incidence in hospitalized patients. The goal of this study was to evaluate frequency, susceptibility to antifungals, and genetic polymorphism of Candida species isolated from clinical specimens of hospitalized patients. The Candida isolates included in this study were obtained from blood cultures, abdominal fluids, and central venous catheters (CVC) of hospitalized patients at the Clinical Hospital of the Federal University of Uberlândia during the period of July 2010 - June 2011. Susceptibility tests were conducted by the broth microdilution method. The RAPD-PCR tests used employed initiator oligonucleotides OPA09, OPB11, and OPE06. Of the 63 Candida isolates, 18 (28.5%) were C. albicans, 20 (31.7%) were C. parapsilosis complex species, 14 (22.2%) C. tropicalis, four (6.4%) C. glabrata, four (6.4%) C. krusei, two (3.3%) C. kefyr, and one (1.6%) C. lusitaniae. In vitro resistance to amphotericin B was observed in 12.7% of isolates. In vitroresistance to azoles was not detected, except for C. krusei. The two primers, OPA09 and OPB11, were able to distinguish different species. Isolates of C. albicans and C. parapsilosis complex species presented six and five clusters, respectively, with the OPA09 marker by RAPD-PCR, showing the genetic variability of the isolates of those species. It was concluded that members of the C. parapsilosis complex were the most frequent species found, and most isolates were susceptible to the antifungals amphotericin B, flucozanole, and itraconazole. High genetic polymorphisms were observed for isolates of C. albicans and C. parapsilosis complex species, mainly with the OPA09 marker.

Use of CCR5 antagonists requires previous viral tropism determination. The available methods have high cost, are time-consuming, or require highly trained personnel, and sophisticated equipment. We compared a flow cytometry-based tropism assay with geno2pheno method to determine HIV-1 tropism in AIDS patients, in Bahia, Brazil. We tested peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 102 AIDS patients under antiretroviral therapy by using a cytometry-based tropism assay and geno2pheno assay. Cellular membrane receptors were identified by using CXCR4, CCR5 and CD4 monoclonal antibodies, while detection of cytoplasmic mRNAs for gag and pol HIV regions was achieved by using a labeled probe. Genotypic identification of X4 and R5 tropic viruses was attempted by geno2pheno algorithm. There was a high degree of concordance between cytometry-based tropism assay and geno2pheno algorithm in determination of HIV-1 tropism. Cytometry-based tropism assay demonstrated higher sensitivity and specificity in comparison to geno2pheno, which was used as a gold-standard. One sample could not be amplified by geno2pheno method, but was classified as duotropic by cytometry-based tropism assay. We did not find any association between CD4+ count or plasma HIV-1 RNA viral load and tropism results. The overall performances of cytometry-based tropism assay and geno2pheno assay were almost identical in determination of HIV-1 tropism.

Various organisms have been characterized by molecular methods, including fungi of the genus Cryptococcus. The purposes of this study were: to determine the discriminatory potential of the RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) primers, the pattern of similarity of the Cryptococcus species, and discuss their useful application in epidemiological studies. We analyzed 10 isolates of each specie/group: C. albidus, C. laurentii complex, C. neoformans var. grubii, all from environmental source, and two ATCC strains, C. neoformans var. grubii ATCC 90112, and C. neoformans var. neoformans ATCC 28957 by RAPD-PCR using the primers CAV1, CAV2, ZAP19, ZAP20, OPB11 and SEQ6. The primers showed a good discriminatory power, revealing important differences between them and between species; the SEQ6 primer discriminated a larger number of isolates of three species. Isolates of C. laurentii showed greater genetic diversity than other species revealed by all six primers. Isolates of C. neoformans were more homogeneous. Only the primer CAV2 showed no amplification of DNA bands for C. albidus. It was concluded that the use of limited number of carefully selected primers allowed the discrimination of different isolates, and some primers (e.g., CAV2 for C. albidus) may not to be applied to some species.

INTRODUÇÃO: No Brasil, estudos mostram que a soroprevalência do HTLV entre gestantes varia de 0 a 1,8%. Contudo, esta soroprevalência era desconhecida no Estado do Pará, Brasil. O presente estudo descreve, pela primeira vez, a soroprevalência do HTLV entre gestantes do Estado do Pará, Norte do Brasil. MÉTODOS: 13,382 gestantes foram submetidas à triagem para HTLV durante o pré-natal, e aquelas com sorologia alterada para anti-HTLV foram submetidas ao teste de Western Blot (WB), para confirmar e discriminar portadoras do HTLV-1 e do HTLV-2. RESULTADOS: A soroprevalência do HTLV na população de gestantes foi de 0,3%, sendo o HTLV-1 identificado em 95,3% das pacientes. O perfil demográfico das portadoras do HTLV foi de: mulheres com idade entre 20-40 anos (78,4%); residentes na região metropolitana de Belém (67,6%) e com nível educacional igual ao ensino médio (56,8%). Outras variáveis relacionadas à infecção foram: início das relações sexuais compreendido entre 12-18 anos (64,9%), e ter sido aleitada mais de 6 meses (51,4%). A maior parte das mulheres estudadas teve ao menos duas gestações anteriores (35,1%); e nenhum aborto (70,3%). Co-infecções (sífilis e HIV) foram descritas em 10,8% (4/37) das gestantes. A soroprevalência da infecção pelo HTLV em gestantes atendidas em Unidades Básicas de Saúde do Estado do Pará, Norte do Brasil foi de 0,3% semelhante à descrita em outros estudos brasileiros. As variáveis relacionadas com a infecção são indicadores importantes na identificação de gestantes com maior tendência a soropositividade pelo HTLV, sendo uma estratégia de controle e prevenção, evitando a transmissão vertical.

INTRODUCTION: In Brazil, studies have shown that HTLV seroprevalence among pregnant women varies from 0 to 1.8%. However, this seroprevalence was unknown in the State of Pará, Brazil. The present study describes, for the first time, the HTLV seroprevalence among pregnant women from the State of Pará, Northern Brazil. METHODS: 13,382 pregnant women were submitted to HTLV screening during prenatal care, and those with non-seronegative results to anti-HTLV were submitted to Western blot (WB) test to confirm and separate HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 carriers. RESULTS: HTLV seroprevalence in the population of pregnant women was 0.3%, and HTLV-1 was identified in 95.3% of patients. The demographic profile of HTLV carriers was as follows: women with age between 20 and 40 years old (78.4%); residing in the metropolitan region of Belém, Pará (67.6%); and with educational level of high school (56.8%). Other variables related to infection were as follows: beginning of sexual intercourse between the age of 12 and 18 years old (64.9%) and have being breastfed for more than 6 months (51.4%). Most of the women studied had at least two previous pregnancies (35.1%) and no abortion (70.3%). Coinfections (syphilis and HIV) were found in 10.8% (4/37) of these pregnant women. CONCLUSIONS: Seroprevalence of HTLV infection in pregnant women assisted in basic health units from the State of Pará, Northern Brazil, was 0.3% similar to those described in other Brazilian studies. The variables related to infection were important indicators in identifying pregnant women with a higher tendency to HTLV seropositivity, being a strategy for disease control and prevention, avoiding vertical transmission.