Abstract Background: Human Polyomaviruses such as MCPyV and HPyV6 are frequently found as part of healthy skin microbiota and have been associated with Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), pruritic and dyskeratotic dermatoses, respectively. Their presence in other types of skin conditions varies greatly depending on lesion type and population. Objectives: To analyse comparatively the presence of MCPyV and HPyV6 in nonmelanoma skin cancers and healthy skin. Methods: The authors utilized qPCR techniques to quantify these pathogens in NMSC, premalignant diseases, and healthy skin of 87 patients. Results: MCPyV was detected in over 40% of samples, while HPyV6 was in 9.6%. MCPyV load was higher in squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) compared to basal cell carcinomas (BCC) (p = 0.016) and HPyV6 showed a higher percentage of infected cells in areas of low solar exposure as well as normal skin (p = 0.012). A fair agreement (kappa = 0.301) was found between MCPyV detection in lesions and their respective perilesional skin, indicating a random process of local dissemination of the virus. Study limitations: The lack of a larger sampling of different lesion types and protein expression analyses limits the correlation findings. Conclusions: This is the first report of HPyV6 detection in the healthy skin of a Brazilian population, but the role of both polyomaviruses in NMSC has yet to be demonstrated.

Abstract Viruses have been frequently identified in several human neoplasms, but the etiological role of these viruses in some tumors is still a matter of controversy. Polyomaviruses stand out among the main viruses with oncogenic capacity, specifically the Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV). Recent revisions in the taxonomy of polyomaviruses have divided the Polyomaviridae family into six genera, including 117 species, with a total of 14 currently known human-infecting species. Although the oncogenicity of polyomaviruses has been widely reported in the literature since 1950, the first description of a polyomavirus as an etiological agent of a neoplasm in humans was made only in 2008 with the description of MCPyV, present in approximately 80% of cases of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), with the integration of its genome to that of the tumor cells and tumor-specific mutations, and it is considered the etiological agent of this neoplasm since then. MCPyV has also been detected in keratinocyte carcinomas, such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin in individuals with and without immunosuppression. Data on the occurrence of oncogenic viruses potentially involved in oncogenesis, which cause persistence and tissue injury, related to the Merkel cell polyomavirus are still scarce, and the hypothesis that the Merkel cell polyomavirus may play a relevant role in the genesis of other cutaneous carcinomas in addition to MCC remains debatable. Therefore, the present study proposes to explore the current knowledge about the presence of MCPyV in keratinocyte carcinomas.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The main aim of this study was to assess the associated factors for selective mediolateral episiotomy at a tertiary, academic hospital. METHODS: A retrospective cohort analysis between 2017 and 2019 was performed. The primary outcome was the prevalence of selective mediolateral episiotomy. Independent variables were maternal, intrapartum, and neonatal characteristics. A significance level of 5% was established, and univariate and multivariate analyses with logistic regression models were performed. RESULTS: From 2,761 vaginal deliveries eligible for inclusion during this period, the prevalence of selective mediolateral episiotomy was 18.7%. Univariate analysis has shown that non-white women were protective factors (OR=0.77 [0.63–0.96]; p=0.02) for episiotomy; primiparity (OR=2.61 [2.12–3.21]; p<0.01), number of vaginal examinations between 6–10 repetitions (OR=3.16 [2.48–4.01]; p<0.01) and 11–20 repetitions (OR=5.40 [3.69–7.90]; p<0.01), longer second stage duration (OR=1.01 [1.00–1.02]; p<0.01), and women with gestational age more than 37 weeks were risk factors. Multivariate analysis reported that second stage duration (AOR=1.01 [1.00–1.03]; p<0.01), primiparity (AOR=2.03 [1.34–3.06]; p<0.01), and number of vaginal examinations between 6–10 repetitions (AOR=2.36 [1.50–3.70]; p<0.01) and 11–20 repetitions (AOR=3.29 [1.74–6.20]; p<0.01) were remained as risk factors for selective mediolateral episiotomy. CONCLUSION: A higher number of vaginal examinations during labor (over six repetitions), longer duration of second stage labor, and primiparity were risk factors associated with selective mediolateral episiotomy.

Resumo Apesar de amplamente conhecidos os benefícios à saúde relacionados à prática de atividade física (AF), o baixo nível de participação segue sendo um problema de saúde pública. Pesquisas anteriores mostraram diferenças motivacionais consistentes entre Esportes e Exercícios. Entretanto, poucos estudos focaram em categorizações mais amplas. Nesta pesquisa, investigamos motivações para prática de quatro categorias de AFs (Esportes Individuais, Esportes Coletivos, Exercícios e Práticas Corporais), assim como possíveis efeitos do sexo e idade em 1.420 indivíduos fisicamente ativos, os quais responderam à Medida de Motivação para Atividade Física Revisada (Motivation for Physical Activity Measure Revised). As motivações intrínsecas foram maiores para os Esportes, enquanto as extrínsecas para os Exercícios. A categoria de Práticas Corporais, embora composta por várias atividades definidas como Exercícios por estudos anteriores, mostrou um padrão motivacional mais próximo dos Esportes. A motivação de Condicionamento/Saúde aumentou com a idade, enquanto a de Aparência seguiu o padrão inverso. Com relação ao sexo, as mulheres reportaram maior Interesse/Prazer que os homens. Nossos resultados podem ter implicações para a promoção de atividades físicas, sobretudo ao se considerar categorias mais abrangentes que Esportes/Exercícios e sua associação às diferentes motivações para prática.

Abstract Despite the well-known benefits for health, low levels of physical activity (PA) remain a public health issue. Research on motives for engaging in different PA shows differences in motives for Sports and Exercises. However, few studies addressed motives using more categories of PA. In this research, we investigated motives for four categories of PA (Individual Sports, Collective Sports, Exercises, and Body/Movement Practices), and possible effects of sex and age among 1,420 physically active individuals. Respondents answered the Motivation for Physical Activity Measure Revised. Intrinsic motives were higher for Sports, while Exercisers were motivated more extrinsically. Body/Movement Practices, although being composed of several activities defined by previous studies as Exercises, showed a motivational pattern closer to Sports. Fitness/Health motivation increased with age, while Appearance motivation decreased. Regarding sex, women reported higher Interest/Enjoyment than men. Our results can have implications for physical activities promotion, especially considering more categories than Sports/Exercises in the context of different motives.

Resumen Los bajos niveles de actividad física (AF) continúan siendo un asunto de salud pública, a pesar de ser bien conocidos sus beneficios para la salud. La investigación sobre los motivos para participar en distintas AFs muestra diferencias en la motivación hacia los deportes y ejercicios. Sin embargo, pocos estudios han abordado los motivos para practicar AFs usando más categorías de AF. En este estudio investigamos las motivaciones hacia cuatro categorías de AFs (Deportes Individuales, Deportes Colectivos, Ejercicios y Prácticas Corporales) y los posibles efectos de la edad y el sexo, en una muestra de 1420 individuos físicamente activos. Los participantes respondieron la Medida de la Motivación para la Actividad Física- Revisada (Motivation for Physical Activity Measure Revised). La motivación intrínseca fue más alta para los Deportes mientras que la motivación extrínseca primó en el Ejercicio. La Prácticas Corporales, a pesar de estar compuestas por actividades previamente definidas como Ejercicios, mostraron un patrón motivacional más cercano a los Deportes. La motivación Aptitud/Salud aumentó con la edad, mientras que la motivación por la Apariencia disminuyó. En cuanto al sexo, las mujeres relataron mayor Interés/Diversión que los hombres. Nuestr Motivaciones, Deporte, Ejercicio, Práctica Corporal os resultados pueden tener implicaciones en la promoción de las actividades físicas, especialmente al considerar otras categorías además de Deportes/Ejercicios en el contexto de las diferencias de motivación.

Résumé Malgré les bénéfices bien connus des activités sportives (PA), leur faibles niveau de pratique reste un problème de santé publique. Les motifs de la pratique des Pas sont différents pour les sports et les exercices. Cependant, peu d’études ont abordé les motifs de la pratique des PAs en utilisant des catégories plus nombreuses. Dans cet article, nous étudions les motivations pour quatre catégories de PAs (sport individuel, sport collectif, exercices, et pratiques corporelles), et les effets possibles du sexe et de l’âge parmi 1420 individus actifs physiquement. Les participants ont répondu au questionnaire de mesure révisée de la motivation pour les activités physique (MPAMR). Les motivations intrinsèques furent supérieures pour les sports, alors que les praticants des exercices physiques furent plus motivés extrinsèquement. Les pratiques corporelles, bien que composées de plusieurs activités définies dans d’autres études comme exercices, ont montrés un patron de motivations plus proches des sports. Les motivations lié à la santé/forme physique augmentent avec l’âge, alors que les motivations liée à l’apparence diminuent. En ce qui concerne le sexe, les femmes rapportent un intérêt/attrait plus fort que les hommes. Nos résultats sont importants pour la promotion des activités sportives, en particulier quand il s’agit de considérer des catégories autres que les sports et les exercices dans le contexte de l’étude des différentes motivations.

ABSTRACT BKV and JCV belong to the Polyomaviridae family and are opportunistic agents associated with complications in immunocompromised individuals. Although a single screening assay for both viruses would be convenient, the diversity of BKV and JCV serotypes and genotypes is a methodological challenge. In this paper, we developed a PCR method able to detect and segregate BKV and JCV, despite these genetic discrepancies. A duplex semi-nested PCR (duplex snPCR) was designed to target a conserved region (639nt-1516nt) within the VP2 gene. In the first PCR, a primer set common to all BKV and JCV serotypes/ genotypes was used, followed by a semi-nested PCR with internal primers for BKV and JCV segregation. The limit of detection of the duplex snPCR was as low as 10 copies of BKV or JCV plasmids/μL. Specific products were observed when JCV and BKV plasmids were mixed in the same reaction. In field sample testing, the duplex snPCR detected and distinguished both viruses in different biological samples. Results were confirmed by Sanger's sequencing. The geographical complexity of BKV and JCV serotypes and genotypes imposes limits to a simple and universal method that could detect each virus. However, we describe here a sensitive and reliable PCR technique for BKV and JCV diagnosis that overcomes these limitations and could be universally applied.

SUMMARY The aim of this study was to investigate the association of EBV and HPV with gingivitis and/or periodontitis according to the immunologic status. To this end, 74 oral biopsies from transplanted and non-transplanted individuals with the abovementioned oral manifestations were submitted to a screening by PCR for both viruses. According to the results, EBV was strongly associated with gingivitis and/or periodontitis in transplanted individuals (p = 0.011) but not HPV (p = 0.766). EBV-HPV co-detections did not enhance the presence of tissue injury as well. Although a causal relationship was not investigated in this study, the higher frequency of these two oncoviruses in lesion tissues must be investigated in follow-up studies, especially among immunocompromised individuals.

RESUMO O esterco de poedeira in natura é utilizado como fertilizante, mas pouco se sabe se esta prática pode contaminar o solo com organismos patogênicos. O objetivo do trabalho foi o de avaliar o efeito da adubação orgânica, organomineral e mineral na contaminação do solo com estes organismos, utilizando o esterco de poedeira como fertilizante orgânico. Foram aplicadas 7,0 (milho 2008/2009), 8,0 (trigo 2009) e 14 t ha-1 (milho 2010/11) de esterco, em experimentos a campo. A adubação organomineral consistiu em 50% destas quantidades e 50% das quantidades aplicadas com fertilizantes minerais. Após 30 e 70 dias da adubação, avaliou-se a ocorrência de ovos e de larvas de helmintos e de bactérias enteropatogênicas no fertilizante orgânico e destes microrganismos na camada de 0-5 cm do Latossolo. Coliformes totais e fecais (Escherichia coli e Clostridium perfringens) foram constatados no fertilizante orgânico, enquanto Salmonella sp e os enteroparasitas não foram detectados. A população de bactérias enteropatogênicas do solo foi similar entre os tratamentos, em todas as culturas e ambas épocas de avaliações. A população de coliformes termotolerantes do fertilizante orgânico foi maior que o máximo permitido no Brasil, mas a adubação orgânica ou organomineral não contaminou o solo.

ABSTRACT Poultry manure is used as fertilizer in natura, but little is known about whether it contaminates the soil with pathogenic organisms. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of organic, organomineral and mineral fertilizers on soil contamination by enteric pathogens, using poultry manure as the organic fertilizer. Manure was applied in field experiments at rates of 7.0 ton. ha-1 (maize crop, 2008/2009), 8.0 ton. ha-1 (wheat crop, 2009) and 14 t ha-1 (maize crop, 2010/2011). Organomineral fertilizer was applied at the same rates but was comprised of 50% manure and 50% mineral fertilizer. At 30 and 70 days after fertilization, the organic fertilizer and the upper 0-5 cm layer of the soil were tested for the presence of helminth eggs and larvae and enteropathogenic bacteria. Fecal and non-fecal coliforms (Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringes) were found in the organic fertilizer, but neither Salmonella spp. nor enteroparasites were detected. The population of enteropathogenic bacteria in the soil was similar among the treatments for all crops at both evaluation times. The population of thermotolerant coliforms in the organic fertilizer was larger than the maximum level allowed in Brazil, but neither the organic or nor the organomineral fertilizer contaminated the soil.

Here, we present a review of the dataset resulting from the 11-years follow-up of Trypanosoma cruziinfection in free-ranging populations of Leontopithecus rosalia(golden lion tamarin) andLeontopithecus chrysomelas(golden-headed lion tamarin) from distinct forest fragments in Atlantic Coastal Rainforest. Additionally, we present new data regarding T. cruziinfection of small mammals (rodents and marsupials) that live in the same areas as golden lion tamarins and characterisation at discrete typing unit (DTU) level of 77 of these isolates. DTU TcII was found to exclusively infect primates, while TcI infectedDidelphis aurita and lion tamarins. The majority ofT. cruziisolates derived from L. rosaliawere shown to be TcII (33 out 42) Nine T. cruziisolates displayed a TcI profile. Golden-headed lion tamarins demonstrated to be excellent reservoirs of TcII, as 24 of 26 T. cruziisolates exhibited the TcII profile. We concluded the following: (i) the transmission cycle of T. cruziin a same host species and forest fragment is modified over time, (ii) the infectivity competence of the golden lion tamarin population fluctuates in waves that peak every other year and (iii) both golden and golden-headed lion tamarins are able to maintain long-lasting infections by TcII and TcI.

BK Poliomavírus (BKPyV) é um agente causal de nefropatia, estenose ureteral e cistite hemorrágica em receptores de transplante renal, sendo considerado uma importante doença emergente na transplantação. Rastreamento regular para reativação do BKPyV, principalmente nos dois primeiros anos pós-transplante, com subsequente redução preemptiva da imunossupressão é considerada a melhor conduta para evitar a progressão da doença, já que a eliminação ou redução da viremia é alcançada na grande maioria dos pacientes dentro de 6 meses. O uso de drogas com propriedades antivirais para os pacientes com viremia persistente tem sido tentado, embora sem benefícios claros. As manifestações clínicas da nefropatia por BKPyV, as estratégias para o diagnóstico e monitoramento da infecção por BKPyV, o manejo do regime de imunossupressão após a detecção da reativação do BKPyV e o uso de drogas antivirais são discutidas nesta revisão.

BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) is a causal agent of nephropathy, ureteral stenosis and hemorrhagic cystitis in kidney transplant recipients, and is considered an important emerging disease in transplantation. Regular screening for BKPyV reactivation mainly during the first 2 years posttransplant, with subsequent pre-emptive reduction of immunosuppression is considered the best option to avoid disease progression, since successful clearance or reduction of viremia is achieved in the vast majority of patients within 6 months. The use of drugs with antiviral properties for patients with persistent viremia has been attempted despite unclear benefits. Clinical manifestations of BKPyV nephropathy, current strategies for diagnosis and monitoring of BKPyV infection, management of immunosuppressive regimen after detection of BKPyV reactivation and the use of antiviral drugs are discussed in this review.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar se as respostas do cortisol ao teste com 250 µg de hormônio adrenocorticotrófico, por via intravenosa, estão relacionadas à gravidade da doença e, consequentemente, à mortalidade. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo realizado em unidade de terapia intensiva de um hospital universitário. Foram estudados 69 pacientes consecutivos com choque séptico no período de 1 ano, submetidos a um teste rápido com 250 µg de hormônio adrenocorticotrófico, porque apresentavam >6 horas de instabilidade hemodinâmica progressiva, exigindo repetidos desafios hídricos e terapia com vasopressor para manter a pressão sanguínea. O teste foi realizado injetando-se 250 µg de hormônio adrenocorticotrófico sintético e avaliando-se o cortisol imediatamente antes, e 30 e 60 minutos depois da injeção. RESULTADOS: O escore APACHE II médio foi 22±7. A taxa de mortalidade na unidade de terapia intensiva foi de 55% no 28º dia. A mediana do cortisol basal (19 [11 a 27] µg/dL versus 24 [18 a 34] µg/dL; p=0,047) e a mediana da razão cortisol basal/albumina (7,6 [4,6 a 12.3] versus 13,9 [8,8 a 18,5); p=0,01) foram mais baixas nos sobreviventes do que nos não sobreviventes. Respondedores e não respondedores tiveram dados clínicos basais e desfecho semelhantes. As variáveis significantemente relacionadas ao desfecho, baseadas na área sob curva ROC (AUC), foram: 0,67 [0,535 - 0,781] para APACHE II; 0,662 [0,536 - 0,773] para cortisol basal (µg/dL); 0,642 [0,515 a 0,755] para pico do cortisol (µg/dL); e -0,75 [0,621 - 0,849] para cortisol basal/albumina. CONCLUSÕES: O aumento no cortisol basal está associado à mortalidade e à gravidade da doença. As respostas do cortisol após a estimulação por hormônio adrenocorticotrófico não se relacionaram ao desfecho. A razão cortisol basal/albumina não prevê resultados desfavoráveis melhor que o cortisol total e nem auxilia na acurácia desse teste.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if cortisol responses to 250 µg of intravenously administered adrenocorticotropic hormone are related to disease severity and, hence, mortality. METHODS: This is a retrospective study in a medical-surgical intensive care unit of a university hospital. We studied 69 consecutive patients with septic shock over a 1-yr period; these patients underwent a short 250-µg adrenocorticotropic hormone test because they exhibited >6 hours of progressive hemodynamic instability requiring repeated fluid challenges and vasopressor treatment to maintain blood pressure. The test was performed by intravenously injecting 250 µg of synthetic adrenocorticotropic hormone and measuring cortisol immediately before injection, 30 minutes post-injection and 60 minutes post-injection. RESULTS: The mean APACHE II score was 22±7. The intensive care unit mortality rate at day 28 was 55%. Median baseline cortisol levels (19 [11-27] µg/dL versus 24 [18-34] µg/dL, p=0.047) and median baseline cortisol/albumin ratios (7.6 [4.6-12.3] versus 13.9 [8.8-18.5]; p=0.01) were lower in survivors than in non-survivors. Responders and non-responders had similar baseline clinical data and outcomes. The variables that were significantly correlated with outcome based on the area under the ROC curves (AUC) were APACHE II (AUC=0.67 [0.535 to 0.781]), baseline cortisol (µg/dl) (AUC=0.662 [0.536 to 0.773], peak cortisol (µg/dl) (AUC=0.642 [0.515 to 0.755]) and baseline cortisol/albumin (AUC=0.75 [0.621 to 0.849]). CONCLUSIONS: Increased basal cortisol is associated with mortality and disease severity. Cortisol responses upon adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation were not related to outcome. The cortisol/albumin ratio does not predict unfavorable outcomes better than total cortisol levels or help to improve the accuracy of the adrenocorticotropic hormone test.