Abstract We investigated the Biogran on bone repair and metabolism at several time-intervals upon grafting into rat tibia artificial defects. The biomaterial was thoroughly characterized in vitro, and its dissolution behavior upon immersion was assessed in simulated body fluid (SBF) solution for 1, 3, 7, 14, and 30 days. Biogran was also assessed by in vitro hydroxyapatite formation in SBF solution, which is a marker for bioactive behavior. In vivo, distal and proximal bone defects were performed in the Wistar rat's right tibia and filled according to the experimental groups: I) negative control, no filling; II) positive control, 10 mg of autogenous bone; and III) 10 mg of Biogran. Animals were euthanized at 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, and 10 weeks. Bone neoformation was analyzed using histomorphometry (proximal defect), and local levels of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) were measured using the ELISA assay (distal defect). In vitro, the Biogran sample showed a fast dissolution rate within the first 7 days, parallel to the formation of the hydroxyapatite layer. In vivo, the sample was progressively resorbed at a higher rate within the first month until it became almost absent at week 10th. The sample presented similar or higher bone neoformation concerning the autogenous bone. BMP-2 levels were sustained in the Biogran group (around 200 pg/mg) and detected until the last experimental time with a significant difference compared with the controls. Results suggest Biogran is a candidate for hard tissue engineering even in highly active bone remodeling sites.

Abstract This article aimed to map therapeutic itineraries in health care within rural Quilombola communities in the north of Minas Gerais, Brazil. This is a section of a qualitative research conducted in six visited communities. The data was collected through 18 individual interviews, analyzed using the theoretical-methodological framework of Therapeutic Itineraries, and organized into three empirical themes. The narratives allowed for understanding the paths taken in health care by the Quilombola population, identifying the components of the popular subsystem (natural resources, the use of teas and home remedies), the family subsystem (transmission of knowledge and cultural heritage of care), and the professional subsystem (hospital level, medical care, primary and specialized attention). The difficulties of access are not only due to geographical distances, but also broader aspects of social determination, such as institutional racism, low availability of services, the need for payment for transportation and medical procedures. In this sense, it is necessary to have an approach and interventions from public policies to address ethnic-racial, economic, and access inequalities in health care services.

Resumo Este artigo teve como objetivo mapear os itinerários terapêuticos no cuidado em saúde em comunidades quilombolas rurais no norte de Minas Gerais, Brasil. Trata-se de um recorte de uma pesquisa qualitativa realizada em seis comunidades visitadas. Os dados foram produzidos por meio de 18 entrevistas individuais, analisados pelo referencial teórico-metodológico dos itinerários terapêuticos e organizados em três temas empíricos. As narrativas permitiram a compreensão dos percursos trilhados no cuidado em saúde pela população quilombola, a identificação dos componentes do subsistema popular (recursos naturais, o uso de chás e remédios caseiros), do subsistema familiar (transmissão de conhecimentos e herança cultural de cuidados), e do subsistema profissional (nível hospitalar, cuidados médicos, atenção primária e especializada). As dificuldades de acesso não decorrem apenas das distâncias geográficas, envolvem aspectos mais amplos da determinação social, como o racismo institucional, a baixa oferta de serviços, a necessidade de pagamento para deslocamentos e procedimentos médicos. Nesse sentido, fazem-se necessárias uma abordagem e intervenções das políticas públicas frente às desigualdades étnico-raciais, econômicas e de acesso aos serviços de cuidado em saúde.

Abstract Background Cardiovascular risk factors are prognostic factors in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and have been scarcely studied in Brazil. Objective The aim of this study was to assess the impact of cardiovascular risk factors on the outcomes of patients admitted for COVID-19. Methods From July 2020 to February 2021, 200 patients from two public hospitals were enrolled. Patients were included if they had typical symptoms or signs of COVID-19, a positive real-time polymerase chain reaction test (RT-PCR) for COVID-19, and an age above 18 years. This is a prospective, observational, and longitudinal study. Data were collected within 24 h of admission. The primary endpoint was a combination of hospital lethality, mechanical ventilation, hemodialysis, or length of hospital stay >28 days. Continuous variables were compared with the Student’s t-test for independent samples or the Mann-Whitney test. For comparisons of proportions, the χ 2 test was applied. ROC curves and survival curves were constructed. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictors of events. The level of significance was 0.05. Results There were 98 (49%) events during the hospital course, and 72 (36%) died in the hospital. Patients with a primary endpoint were older and more likely to have a history of hypertension, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Vital signs at admission associated with events were diastolic blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation in ambient air (O 2 Sat). Serum creatinine >1.37 mg/dL at admission had a sensitivity of 51.6 and a specificity of 82% to predict the primary endpoint, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.68. In multivariate analysis, age, diabetes, CKD, and COPD were independent predictors of the primary endpoint. Age and CKD were independent predictors of in-hospital lethality. Conclusion Cardiovascular risk factors, such as diabetes and CKD, were related to a worse prognosis in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in this sample from two public hospitals in the state of Rio de Janeiro.

Abstract Tracheary elements can be classified as tracheids or vessel elements. In ferns, both cell types and even cells with intermediate characteristics can be observed. For a long time, the methods employed in the study of these cells were questioned and consequently their classification as well. In the present work, we analyze the stem tracheal elements of 13 Aspleniaceae species, occurring in different habitats and belonging to different clades. The samples were cut, dried on a hotplate, metallized, and analyzed in SEM. In general, the Asplenium species analyzed contain elongated conducting cells with oblique end walls, with scalariform thickening on all faces of the cell. The presence of pit membranes, however, varies greatly among species, it being possible to observe species with tracheids, with intermittent perforation plates, and with vessel elements.

Resumo Os elementos traqueais podem ser classificados como traqueídeos ou elementos de vaso. Nas samambaias podem ser observados ambos os tipos de células e até mesmo células com características intermediárias. Durante muito tempo os métodos empregados no estudo dessas células foram questionados e consequentemente a sua classificação também. No presente trabalho analisamos os elementos traqueais do caule de 13 espécies de Aspleniaceae, ocorrendo em diferentes habitats e pertencentes a diferentes clados. As amostras foram cortadas, secas em placa quente, metalizadas e analisadas em MEV. Em geral, as espécies de Asplenium analisadas contêm células condutoras alongadas com paredes terminais oblíquas, com espessamento escalariforme em todas as faces da célula. A presença de membranas de pontoações, entretanto, varia muito entre as espécies, sendo possível observar espécies com traqueídeos, com placas de perfuração intermitentes e com elementos de vasos.

ABSTRACT. Unpaid caregivers of people living with dementia tend to suffer mental health problems as a result of the negative effects associated with the care tasks. Thus, psychosocial interventions for this population group are necessary. iSupport is an online support program for caregivers that was created by the World Health Organization. Objective: To describe the design of a randomized clinical trial to measure the efficacy of the iSupport-Brasil version on caregivers’ mental health and well-being. Methods: The participants will be randomized into Intervention Group (IG) (n=195) and Control Group (CG) (n=195). For three months, the IG will access the iSupport-Brasil platform, the CG will enter the electronic page of the Brazilian Alzheimer’s Association, and both groups will be emailed the preliminary version of the “Guia de cuidados para a pessoa idosa” e-book (a guide to providing care to the elderly) from the Ministry of Health. The data will be collected at three moments: baseline, and three and six months after the beginning of the intervention. Results: It is expected that it will be possible to provide diverse validity evidence about iSupport-Brasil as an online and free intervention alternative, as a preventive means and as a way to promote mental health among caregivers of people living with dementia. Conclusion: Through the evaluation protocol of this randomized clinical trial on the effects of the iSupport-Brasil program, it may become a reference for countries that plan to adapt and improve the iSupport program using digital health solutions.

RESUMO. Cuidadores informais de pessoas que vivem com demência tendem a sofrer problemas de saúde mental como resultado dos efeitos negativos associados às tarefas de cuidado. Assim, intervenções psicossociais para essa população são necessárias. O iSupport é um programa de apoio online para cuidadores criado pela Organização Mundial da Saúde. Objetivo: Descrever o desenho de um ensaio clínico randomizado para medir a eficácia da versão iSupport-Brasil na saúde mental e no bem-estar de cuidadores. Métodos: Os participantes serão randomizados em Grupo Intervenção (GI) (n=195) e Grupo Controle (GC) (n=195). Durante três meses, o GI acessará a plataforma iSupport-Brasil, o CG entrará na página eletrônica da Associação Brasileira de Alzheimer e ambos os grupos receberão por e-mail a versão preliminar do e-book Guia de cuidados para a pessoa idosa, do Ministério da Saúde. Os dados serão coletados em três momentos: linha de base, três e seis meses após o início da intervenção. Resultados: Espera-se que seja possível fornecer diversas evidências sobre os efeitos do iSupport-Brasil como alternativa de intervenção online e gratuita, de forma a promover a saúde mental entre os cuidadores de pessoas que vivem com demência. Conclusão: O protocolo de avaliação deste ensaio clínico randomizado sobre os efeitos do programa iSupport-Brasil pode se tornar uma referência para os países que planejam adaptar e melhorar esta intervenção, usando soluções digitais de saúde.

Resumo O fenômeno de assistir lives musicais popularizou-se durante a pandemia do COVID-19, enquanto um ato de lazer dentro de casa. Durante três meses elas pertenceram à rotina de brasileiros e estrangeiros, para então perder audiência de forma exponencial. Essa trajetória é o objeto de pesquisa desse trabalho, estudada sob o prisma da teoria da prática, o qual buscou entender os elementos formadores dessa prática de consumo, sua sincronia com outras práticas do cotidiano, bem como fenômenos externos que atuam na consolidação (ou não) de uma prática. Para tal, foram coletadas entrevistas em profundidade com 24 praticantes, sendo os resultados analisados por meio de uma análise temática. Os achados dão pistas sobre os motivos pelos quais a prática decaiu, com destaque para a sobreposição de práticas pertencentes à rotina criada no isolamento social pelos praticantes, e redução da originalidade (entendimento) inicial de lives mais intimistas, que se perdem em meio à busca por inovações na prática. Possíveis desdobramentos sobre o futuro das lives pós pandemia, contribuições teóricas e gerenciais também são discutidos.

Abstract The phenomenon of watching live online music events became popular during the COVID-19 pandemic as a leisure activity practiced at home while social distancing. For 3 months, they were part of the routine of Brazilians and foreigners, before exponentially losing their audience. This trajectory is the object of research for this paper, studied under the prism of practice theory to understand the elements that form this consumption practice, its synchrony with other everyday practices, and external phenomena that act in the consolidation (or not) of a practice. In-depth interviews were conducted with 24 practitioners, and the results were analyzed through a thematic analysis. The findings provide clues as to why the practice declined, emphasizing the overlapping of practices belonging to the routine created during social distancing and the reduction of the initial originality (understanding) of more intimate lives that get lost in the search for innovations in practice. Possible developments in the future of post-pandemic live events and theoretical and managerial contributions are also discussed.

Resumen El fenómeno de ver lives musicales se hizo popular durante la pandemia de COVID-19, como un acto de ocio en casa. Durante tres meses pertenecieron a la rutina de brasileños y extranjeros, y luego perdieron su audiencia de manera exponencial. Esta trayectoria es el objeto de investigación de este trabajo, estudiada bajo el prisma de la teoría de la práctica, que buscó comprender los elementos que forman esta práctica de consumo, su sincronía con otras prácticas cotidianas, así como los fenómenos externos que actúan en la consolidación (o no) de una práctica. Para ello, se realizaron entrevistas en profundidad a 24 practicantes, y los resultados se analizaron mediante un análisis temático. Los hallazgos dan pistas sobre las razones por las que la práctica declinó, con énfasis en la superposición de prácticas pertenecientes a la rutina creada en el aislamiento social por los practicantes, y la reducción de la originalidad (opinión) inicial de lives más intimistas, que se pierden en medio de la búsqueda de innovaciones en la práctica. También se discuten los posibles desarrollos sobre el futuro de las lives pospandemia y las contribuciones teóricas y gerenciales.

ABSTRACT Camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia), a fruit from the Amazon region, has received attention due to its high content of antioxidant compounds such as ascorbic acid and polyphenols. This study's objective was to select camu-camu clones according to their morphological characteristic using multivariate analyses. We evaluated 56 camu-camu clones distributed in three blocks with two plants per experimental plot. The variables measured were plant height (H), number of basal branches (NBB), number of terminal buds (NTB), basal stem diameter (BSD), chlorophylls a (Chl a) and b (Chl b), and total chlorophyll (Chl a + b). Principal component (PCA) and multivariate clustering analyses were performed using the average linkage mean and Mahalanobis distance algorithms. After 24 months, results showed that the characteristic that least contributed to clone selection was NBB. The plant height (H), number of terminal buds (NTB), basal stem diameter (BSD), chlorophylls a (Chl a) and b (Chl b), and total chlorophyll (Chl a + b) had the most positive contribution towards the initial selection of camu-camu clones at two years of age. The 22 camu-camu clones showed the highest rate of vegetative development or vegetative quality index (VQI) in the transitional savanna/forest area of the northern Amazon, Brazil, after two years of transplanting.

RESUMEN El camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia) es una fruta de la región amazónica que ha recibido atención debido a su alto contenido de compuestos antioxidantes, como el ácido ascórbico y los polifenoles. El objetivo del estudio fue seleccionar clones de camu-camu según sus características morfológicas mediante análisis multivariados. Se evaluaron 56 clones de camu-camu distribuidos en tres bloques con dos plantas por parcela experimental. Las variables medidas fueron altura de la planta (H), número de ramas basales (NRB), número de brotes terminales (NBT), diámetro basal del tallo (DT), clorofila a (Chl a) y b (Chl b) y clorofila total (Chl a + b). Los análisis de agrupamiento de componentes principales (PCA) y multivariados se realizaron utilizando la media de enlace y los algoritmos de distancia de Mahalanobis. Después de 24 meses, los resultados mostraron que la característica que menos contribuyó a la selección del clon fue el NRB. La altura de la planta, número de ramas basales (NRB), diámetro basal del tallo (DBT), clorofila a (Chl a) y b (Chl b) y clorofila total (Chl a + b) tuvieron la contribución más positiva hacia la selección inicial de clones de camu-camu a los dos anos de edad. Veintidós clones de camu-camu presentaron la mayor tasa de desarrollo vegetativo o índice de calidad de la vegetación (ICV) en la sabana de transición/área forestal del norte del Amazonas, Brasil, después de dos anos de trasplante.

Abstract Background Cardiovascular risk factors are prognostic factors in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and have been scarcely studied in Brazil. Objective The aim of this study was to assess the impact of cardiovascular risk factors on the outcomes of patients admitted for COVID-19. Methods From July 2020 to February 2021, 200 patients from two public hospitals were enrolled. Patients were included if they had typical symptoms or signs of COVID-19, a positive real-time polymerase chain reaction test (RT-PCR) for COVID-19, and an age above 18 years. This is a prospective, observational, and longitudinal study. Data were collected within 24 h of admission. The primary endpoint was a combination of hospital lethality, mechanical ventilation, hemodialysis, or length of hospital stay >28 days. Continuous variables were compared with the Student’s t-test for independent samples or the Mann-Whitney test. For comparisons of proportions, the χ 2 test was applied. ROC curves and survival curves were constructed. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictors of events. The level of significance was 0.05. Results There were 98 (49%) events during the hospital course, and 72 (36%) died in the hospital. Patients with a primary endpoint were older and more likely to have a history of hypertension, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Vital signs at admission associated with events were diastolic blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation in ambient air (O 2 Sat). Serum creatinine >1.37 mg/dL at admission had a sensitivity of 51.6 and a specificity of 82% to predict the primary endpoint, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.68. In multivariate analysis, age, diabetes, CKD, and COPD were independent predictors of the primary endpoint. Age and CKD were independent predictors of in-hospital lethality. Conclusion Cardiovascular risk factors, such as diabetes and CKD, were related to a worse prognosis in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in this sample from two public hospitals in the state of Rio de Janeiro.

RESUMO Introdução: A epilepsia afeta cerca de 50 milhões de pessoas em todo o mundo e aproximadamente 30% desses pacientes apresentam epilepsia refratária, com possíveis consequências na qualidade de vida, morbidade e mortalidade prematura. Objetivo: O objetivo do tratamento com fármacos antiepilépticos (FAEs) é permitir que os pacientes permaneçam sem crises epilépticas com boa tolerabilidade. O levetiracetam (LEV) é um FAE de amplo espectro, com mecanismo de ação único, diferente dos demais e que demonstra ser eficaz e seguro no tratamento de adultos e crianças. Métodos: Estudo de fase III, multicêntrico, randomizado, duplo-cego e controlado por placebo avalia a eficácia e a segurança do LEV em crianças e adultos (4-65 anos) como tratamento adjuvante para crises de início focal em 114 pacientes já tratados com até três FAEs. A análise de eficácia primária foi baseada na proporção de pacientes que apresentaram redução ≥50% no número médio de crises epilépticas focais semanais, durante 16 semanas. Os pacientes foram randomizados para receber placebo ou LEV, titulado a cada duas semanas de 20 mg/kg/dia ou 1.000 mg/dia até 60 mg/kg/dia ou 3.000 mg/dia. Resultados: LEV foi significativamente superior ao placebo (p=0,0031), com 38,7% dos participantes no grupo LEV e 14,3% no grupo controle que apresentaram redução das crises focais. LEV apresenta bom perfil de segurança com eventos adversos semelhantes ao placebo. Conclusão: Corroborando com os resultados da literatura, o levetiracetam mostra-se eficaz e seguro para crianças e adultos com epilepsia focal refratária.

ABSTRACT Background: Epilepsy affects about 50 million people worldwide and around 30% of these patients have refractory epilepsy, with potential consequences regarding quality of life, morbidity and premature mortality. Objective: The aim of treatment with antiseizure medications (ASMs) is to allow patients to remain without seizures, with good tolerability. Levetiracetam is a broad-spectrum ASM with a unique mechanism of action that differs it from other ASMs. It has been shown to be effective and safe for treating adults and children with epilepsy. Methods: This was a phase III, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of levetiracetam in children and adults (4-65 years) as an adjuvant treatment for focal-onset seizures. It was conducted among 114 patients undergoing treatment with up to three ASMs. The primary efficacy analysis was based on the proportion of patients who achieved a reduction of ≥ 50% in the mean number of focal seizures per week, over a 16-week treatment period. The patients were randomized to receive placebo or levetiracetam, titrated every two weeks from 20 mg/kg/day or 1,000 mg/day up to 60 mg/kg/day or 3,000 mg/day. Results: Levetiracetam was significantly superior to placebo (p = 0.0031); 38.7% of the participants in the levetiracetam group and 14.3% in the control group shows reductions in focal seizures. Levetiracetam was seen to have a favorable safety profile and an adverse event rate similar to that of placebo. Conclusion: Corroborating the results in the literature, levetiracetam was shown to be effective and safe for children and adults with refractory focal-onset epilepsy.

Resumo Fundamento: A mortalidade por doenças cardiovasculares (DCV) vem mostrando tendência à estabilização em alguns países, incluindo o Brasil e o estado do Rio de Janeiro, após décadas de queda. Não encontramos análises detalhadas dessa tendência para o estado do Rio de Janeiro. Objetivo: Analisar as tendências da mortalidade prematura e tardia por doenças do aparelho circulatório (DAC), doença isquêmica do coração (DIC) e doença cerebrovascular (DCBV) por sexo nas regiões de saúde do estado do Rio de Janeiro e capital (1996-2016). Métodos: Dados de óbitos e população foram obtidos no DATASUS/MS. Taxas foram compensadas por códigos mal definidos, corrigidos pelos códigos cardiovasculares mal definidos e ajustadas por sexo e idade pelo método direto. O Joinpoint Trend Analysis Software foi empregado para calcular a variação percentual anual (APC) e variação percentual anual média (AAPC). Foram consideradas para o estudo APC e AAPC significativamente diferentes de zero, calculadas por um teste de student com significância de 5%. Resultados: A mortalidade por DIC estabilizou ou até aumentou em pelo menos 50% das localidades analisadas (EAPC ≥0). Nas regiões Norte e Noroeste, nenhuma mudança foi observada. Para DCBV, apenas uma região apresentou estabilidade na mortalidade (EAPC próximo a 0). Para as outras regiões, a taxa continuou a diminuir (APC <0) até 2016. Conclusão: Esses resultados observados no Rio de Janeiro devem se repetir em várias regiões brasileiras e apontam para a necessidade de uma resposta na abordagem dos comportamentos no estilo de vida. Os médicos da atenção primária devem estar familiarizados com a tendência desfavorável da doença isquêmica do coração entre os adultos mais jovens e rastrear ativamente os fatores de risco para DCV, com atenção especial às mulheres.

Abstract Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality, after several decades of decrease, has shown a tendency towards the stabilization in some countries, including Brazil and Rio de Janeiro state. This new tendency was not further analyzed by gender, age group and region of the Rio de Janeiro state. Objective: To analyze the trends of premature and late mortality from CVD, ischemic heart disease (IHD) and cerebrovascular disease (CBVD) by gender in the city of Rio de Janeiro (capital) and the health regions of Rio de Janeiro state (from 1996 to 2016. Methods: Data on deaths and the population were obtained from DATASUS/MS. The rates were compensated by ill-defined codes, corrected by Ill-Defined Cardiovascular codes and gender and age-adjusted by the direct method (reference population – population of the state of Rio de Janeiro - 2000 census). The Joinpoint Trend Analysis Software was employed. Results: IHD mortality stabilized or even increased for at least 50% of the analyzed areas (EAPC≥0). No change was observed. in the “North” and “Northwest” regions For CBVD, just one region showed stability regarding mortality (EAPC close to 0). For the other regions, the rate continued to decrease (APC<0) until 2016. Conclusion: These results observed in Rio de Janeiro are possibly appropriate to various Brazilian regions and demonstrate that a serious public health response is needed to address lifestyle behaviors. Primary care physicians should also be familiar with the unfavorable tendency in coronary heart disease among younger adults in recent years and actively screen for risk factors for cardiovascular disease, paying special attention to women.

ABSTRACT. Sugar apples have attracted attention in recent years due to their medicinal and nutritional properties. However, the shelf life of sugar apples is one of the most concerning problems owing to their perishability. This work aimed to determine the ideal harvest time for sugar apple fruits in relation to different classes of carpel interspaces. Therefore, fruits were classified into three stages according to the carpel interspace: stage 1 (0.0 - 2.0 mm); stage 2 (2.1 - 3.0 mm); and stage 3 (3.0 - 4.0 mm). After harvesting, the fruits were evaluated daily in the laboratory regarding their physical and physicochemical aspects until they reached the point of consumption (horticultural maturation). The following variables were evaluated: fruit diameter and length (mm); fruit, peel, pulp, and seed masses (g); color index, including the chromatic attributes L* (luminosity), C* (chroma), and h* (hue angle); bark firmness (N); soluble solids (°Brix); titratable acidity (g citric acid 100 g-1 of pulp-1); pulp yield; and ratio SS/TA. Fruits at stage 3 showed larger diameters, less firmness, and better chromaticity means. Fruits at stages 2 and 3 had eight days of postharvest life. However, fruits at stage 2 took longer for 50% of the fruits to be ready for consumption. The results demonstrate that stages 2 and 3 can be determinants for the harvest time of sugar apples.

Resumo Os temas sífilis congênita e criança exposta à sífilis compõem o Protocolo Clínico e Diretrizes Terapêuticas para Atenção Integral às Pessoas com Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis, publicado pelo Ministério da Saúde do Brasil em 2020. Tal documento foi elaborado com base em evidências científicas e validado em discussões com especialistas. Este artigo apresenta orientações para o manejo clínico da sífilis em gestantes e da sífilis congênita, enfatizando a prevenção da transmissão vertical do Treponema pallidum. Nele estão contemplados aspectos epidemiológicos e clínicos desses agravos, bem como recomendações aos gestores no manejo programático e operacional da sífilis. Também se incluem orientações para os profissionais de saúde na triagem, diagnóstico e tratamento das pessoas com infecções sexualmente transmissíveis e suas parcerias sexuais, além de estratégias para ações de vigilância, prevenção e controle da doença.

Abstract The topics of congenital syphilis and children exposed to syphilis are part of the Clinical Protocol and Therapeutic Guidelines for Comprehensive Care for People with Sexually Transmitted Infections, published by the Brazilian Ministry of Health in 2020. The Protocol and Guidelines have been developed based on scientific evidence and validated in discussions with specialists. This article provides guidelines for clinical management of both syphilis in pregnant women and also congenital syphilis, emphasizing prevention of vertical transmission of Treponema pallidum. Epidemiological and clinical aspects of these infections are presented, as well as recommendations for health service managers regarding the programmatic and operational management of syphilis. The article also includes guidelines for health professionals on screening, diagnosing and treating people with sexually transmitted infections and their sex partners, in addition to strategies for syphilis surveillance, prevention and control actions.

Resumen Los temas sífilis congénita y niños expuestos a la sífilis componen el Protocolo Clínico y Directrices Terapéuticas para la Atención Integral a Personas con Infecciones de Transmisión Sexual, publicado por el Ministerio de Salud de Brasil en 2020. Tal documento fue elaborado con base en evidencia científica y validado en discusiones con especialistas. Este artículo presenta directrices para el manejo clínico de la sífilis en mujeres embarazadas y de la sífilis congénita, con énfasis en la prevención de la transmisión vertical del Treponema pallidum. Se contemplan aspectos epidemiológicos y clínicos de la infección, así como recomendaciones para gestores en la gestión programática y operativa de la sífilis. También se incluyen directrices para profesionales de la salud en la detección, diagnóstico y tratamiento de personas con infecciones de transmisión sexual y sus parejas sexuales, además de estrategias para acciones de vigilancia, prevención y control de la enfermedad.

Abstract Dental implants are especially susceptible to bacterial adhesion and so microbial contamination. Several techniques have been explored in order to obtain implant surfaces enriched with silver (Ag). The main challenge is to obtain a bactericidal effect keeping the surface biocompatible. In this regard plasma-assisted deposition is a very attractive technique due to its versatility and low environmental impact. Thus, the present work aimed at evaluating the chemical stability, antibacterial activity, and biocompatibility of a commercially pure titanium (cp-Ti) surface containing very low amounts of plasma-deposited Ag. Ag deposition obtained by 10 minutes sputtering was able to promote antibacterial action (around 30%) on a clearly cytocompatible Ti/Ag surface with no apparent impact on biocompatibility. Taken together these results indicate that the proposed deposition process has a great potential for dental implant application with the advantage of using very small amounts of silver to achieve efficacy.

ABSTRACT The SaMi-Trop project is a cohort study conducted in 21 municipalities of endemic areas of Chagas disease, including 1,959 patients with chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy. In this article we updated the results of the project, adding information from the second cohort visit. Trypanosoma cruzi-seropositive patients were enrolled from the primary care Telehealth service in Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The eligibility criterium for the second visit was the participation in the baseline evaluation. Of 1,959 participants at the baseline assessment, 1,585 (79.9%) returned after two years for the second evaluation. The mortality rate was 6.7%, but varied from 0.9% to 18.2% when it was stratified by certain clinical characteristics. A lower age-adjusted NT-Pro-BNP level (less than 300) and a prior benznidazole treatment were associated with lower mortality. There was an improvement in most quality of life domain scores. Participants have also reported fewer signs and symptoms and greater use of medication. The second follow-up visit will be complete in Oct 2021.

Resumo Os temas sífilis congênita e criança exposta à sífilis compõem o Protocolo Clínico e Diretrizes Terapêuticas para Atenção Integral às Pessoas com Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis, publicado pelo Ministério da Saúde do Brasil em 2020. Tal documento foi elaborado com base em evidências científicas e validado em discussões com especialistas. Este artigo apresenta orientações para o manejo clínico da sífilis em gestantes e da sífilis congênita, enfatizando a prevenção da transmissão vertical do Treponema pallidum. Nele estão contemplados aspectos epidemiológicos e clínicos desses agravos, bem como recomendações aos gestores no manejo programático e operacional da sífilis. Também se incluem orientações para os profissionais de saúde na triagem, diagnóstico e tratamento das pessoas com infecções sexualmente transmissíveis e suas parcerias sexuais, além de estratégias para ações de vigilância, prevenção e controle da doença.

Resumen Los temas sífilis congénita y niños expuestos a la sífilis componen el Protocolo Clínico y Directrices Terapéuticas para la Atención Integral a Personas con Infecciones de Transmisión Sexual, publicado por el Ministerio de Salud de Brasil en 2020. Tal documento fue elaborado con base en evidencia científica y validado en discusiones con especialistas. Este artículo presenta directrices para el manejo clínico de la sífilis en mujeres embarazadas y de la sífilis congénita, con énfasis en la prevención de la transmisión vertical del Treponema pallidum. Se contemplan aspectos epidemiológicos y clínicos de la infección, así como recomendaciones para gestores en la gestión programática y operativa de la sífilis. También se incluyen directrices para profesionales de la salud en la detección, diagnóstico y tratamiento de personas con infecciones de transmisión sexual y sus parejas sexuales, además de estrategias para acciones de vigilancia, prevención y control de la enfermedad.

Abstract The topics of congenital syphilis and children exposed to syphilis are part of the Clinical Protocol and Therapeutic Guidelines for Comprehensive Care for People with Sexually Transmitted Infections, published by the Brazilian Ministry of Health in 2020. The Protocol and Guidelines have been developed based on scientific evidence and validated in discussions with specialists. This article provides guidelines for clinical management of both syphilis in pregnant women and also congenital syphilis, emphasizing prevention of vertical transmission of Treponema pallidum. Epidemiological and clinical aspects of these infections are presented, as well as recommendations for health service managers regarding the programmatic and operational management of syphilis. The article also includes guidelines for health professionals on screening, diagnosing and treating people with sexually transmitted infections and their sex partners, in addition to strategies for syphilis surveillance, prevention and control actions.