Introduction: Analysis of the outcome of 268 ICU patients in a single-center, as well the impact of viral infection on patients with preexisting medical conditions and how these factors affected survival and hospital stay. Methodology: Patients admitted to the ICU from March-August, 2020 were retrospectively analyzed under the same protocol at Hospital Alemão Oswaldo Cruz, São Paulo, Brazil. Several factors were considered and the results were presented using 95% confidence intervals. For statistical significance, p <0.05 was adopted. Results: Patient median age was 72 years, 64,2 years for discharged patients and 79.9 years for those deceased (p<0.001). The most common comorbidities were: systemic arterial hypertension, diabetes, thyroid disease, cardiovascular and kidney disease. Predictors of survival through univariate analysis: myalgia (p=0.001), cerebrovascular disease (p=0.002), COPD (p=0.003), dementia (p=0.000), mechanical ventilation (p=0.000), dialysis (0.000), vasopressor use (0.000), SAPS3 (0.000), lymphopenia (p=0.004), elevated D-dimer (P=0.011), time in ICU before tracheostomy (p=0.002), and performing a tracheostomy (p=0.000). The independent predictors of mortality were: advanced age (p=0.003) and tracheostomy performed in ICU (p=0.002). Discussion: COVID-19 affects usually older adults, where there already is a higher fatality rate. Acute respiratory distress syndrome is the primary cause of death and <5% of patients were reported as experiencing co-infection at admission. Conclusion: age, vasopressor use in patients with tracheostomy, and systemic coronary disease, heart failure, neoplasia, and COPD, were found to be significantly associated with COVID-19 severity.

Abstract: COVID-19 rapidly spread across the world in an unprecedented outbreak with a massive number of infected and fatalities. The pandemic was heavily discussed and searched on the internet, which generated big amounts of data related to it. This led to the possibility of attempting to forecast coronavirus indicators using the internet data. For this study, Google Trends statistics for 124 selected search terms related to pandemic were used in an attempt to find which keywords had the best Spearman correlations with a lag, as well as a forecasting model. It was found that keywords related to coronavirus testing among some others, such as “I have contracted covid”, had high correlations (≥0.7) with few weeks of lag (≤4 weeks). Besides that, the ARIMAX model using those keywords had promising results in predicting the increase or decrease of epidemiological indicators, although it was not able to predict their exact values. Thus, we found that Google Trends data may be useful for predicting outbreaks of coronavirus a few weeks before they happen, and may be used as an auxiliary tool in monitoring and forecasting the disease in Brazil.

Resumo Objetivo Analisar a prevalência e os fatores associados à cefaleia em idosos brasileiros no contexto de Infodemia de covid-19. Método Trata-se de um estudo transversal realizado com 3.307 idosos brasileiros com a utilização de um questionário virtual, autopreenchido por meio de celular, tablet ou computador com acesso à internet. A coleta de dados ocorreu entre junho de 2020 a janeiro de 2021. O modelo de análise foi composto por variáveis distribuídas em quatro blocos: variáveis exógenas, determinantes primários, comportamentos de saúde e condições de saúde. Regressão de Poisson com variância robusta foi utilizada para estimar as associações. Resultados A prevalência de cefaleia foi de 31,7%. O desfecho esteve associado ao uso de psicofármacos, preocupação com informações sobre a covid-19, sintomas de depressão e ansiedade, e percepção de estresse. Conclusão Considera-se que ansiedade, depressão e estresse estão associados a dor de cabeça em idosos que são expostos ao excesso de informação e informações falsas sobre a covid-19.

Abstract Objective Analyze the prevalence and factors associated with headache in Brazilian older people in the context of COVID-19 Infodemic. Methods This is a cross-sectional study carried out with 3,307 elderly Brazilians using a virtual questionnaire, self-completed using a cell phone, tablet or computer with internet access. Data collection was developed between June 2020 and January 2021. The analysis model consisted of variables distributed into four blocks: exogenous variables, primary determinants, health behaviors and health conditions. Poisson regression with robust variance was used to estimate the associations. Results The prevalence of headache was 31.7%. The outcome was associated with the use of psychotropic drugs, concern with information about covid-19, symptoms of depression and anxiety, and perception of stress. Conclusion Anxiety, depression and stress are thought to be associated with headache in older adults who are exposed to excess information and fake news about covid-19.

Abstract Factors associated with violence against older Brazilians were analyzed according to the type of aggressor. Population-based cross-sectional study with secondary data from the National Health Survey in 2013, totaling 11,697 individuals aged 60 years or older in Brazil. The dependent variable was having suffered violence by a known or unknown aggressor, and the independent variables were divided into blocks (Socioeconomic and demographic; Self-perception and health care; Health service use; Health status/disease and Functioning). The effect of the independent variables on the response variable was expressed by the “Odds Ratio” with a 95% Confidence Interval. Hierarchical models of simple and multiple multinomial logistic regression were performed. In the simple analysis, variables with p-value 0.05 were elective for multiple analysis. A thematic map was constructed according to the spatial distribution of violence, by state. White skin color, 68 years, knowing how to read and write, sleep problems, not feeling pleasure in doing activities and having a physical disability were associated with the unknown aggressor. Poor health, smoking, discrimination in the health service and feeling bad about oneself were associated with the known aggressor. Discrimination by type of illness and little difficulty going, out alone were associated for both aggressors. States with the highest number of cases of violence found were Amapá, Paraná, Mato Grosso, Amazonas and Rio Grande do Norte. Thus, estimating the prevalence of violence against older people, the type of aggressor, as well as associated factors, is essential for identifying and preventing individual, institutional and structural abuse.

Resumo Analisou-se os fatores associados à violência contra pessoas idosas brasileiros segundo o tipo de agressor. Estudo transversal de base populacional com dados secundários, da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde em 2013, totalizando 11.697 indivíduos com 60 anos ou mais no Brasil. A variável dependente foi ter sofrido violência por agressor conhecido ou desconhecido e as independentes foram divididas em blocos (Socioeconômico e demográfico; Autopercepção e cuidado com a saúde; Utilização do serviço de saúde; Estado de saúde/doença e Funcionalidade). O efeito das variáveis independentes sobre a variável resposta, foi expresso pela “Odds Ratio” com Intervalo de Confiança 95%. Realizou-se modelos hierarquizados de regressão logística multinomial simples e múltipla. Na análise simples foram eletivas para análise múltipla as variáveis com p-valor <0,05. Construiu-se um mapa temático segundo a distribuição espacial da violência, por estado. Cor da pele branca, <68 anos, saber ler e escrever, problemas no sono, não sentir prazer em fazer atividades e ter deficiência física associaram-se ao agressor desconhecido. Saúde ruim, fumar, discriminação no serviço de saúde e sentir-se mal consigo mesmo se associaram ao agressor conhecido. Discriminação por tipo de doença e pequena dificuldade para sair sozinho foram associados para ambos agressores. Estados com maior número de casos de violência encontrados foram Amapá, Paraná, Mato Grosso, Amazonas e Rio Grande do Norte. Desse modo, estimar a prevalência de violência contra pessoas idosas, o tipo de agressor, assim como os fatores associados, é imprescindível para identificação e prevenção do abuso individual, institucional e estrutural.

Objective: To analyze the association between sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of new cases (NC) of leprosy as determinants in the performance of contact assessment. Methods: A cross-sectional study with temporal approach of the 100% examined contacts assessment indicator of each NC registered in the State of Ceará, Brazil, via the Notification Information System, 2008-2019. Logistic regression was undertaken to estimate the odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). The time trend was based on Joinpoint regression. Results: 23,675 NC of leprosy were analysed, 65.4% with examined contacts. There was a greater chance of not evaluating of 100% of registered contacts when the NC was multibacillar (OR=1.19 – 95%CI 1.11;1.28), and with contact examination as entry mode (OR=1.71 – 95%CI 1.35;2.18). An increasing time trend of the indicator was verified (annual percentage change: 2.1 (95%CI 1.2;3.0). Conclusion: Different dimensions of individual and social vulnerability of new cases of leprosy in Ceará influence the persistent unsatisfactory performance of the evaluation of their contacts.

Objetivo: Analisar o efeito de características sociodemográficas e clínicas de casos novos (CN) de hanseníase como determinantes no desempenho da avaliação dos contatos. Métodos: Estudo transversal, com abordagem temporal do indicador de avaliação de 100% dos contatos examinados de CNs registrados no Ceará, Brasil, via Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação, em 2008-2019. Empregou-se regressão logística para estimar razão de chances (OR) com intervalos de confiança de 95% (IC95%). A tendência temporal baseou-se em regressão joinpoint. Resultados: Analisou-se 23.675 CNs, 65,4% com contatos examinados. Verificou-se maior chance para não avaliação de 100% dos contatos registrados com CN multibacilar (OR=1,19 – IC95% 1,11;1,28) e com exame de contatos como modo de entrada (OR=1,71 – IC95% 1,35;2,18). A tendência temporal do indicador foi de aumento (variação percentual anual: 2,1 – IC95% 1,2;3,0). Conclusão: Dimensões distintas de vulnerabilidade individual e social de CNs de hanseníase influenciam o persistente desempenho insatisfatório da avaliação de contatos.

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é identificar os fatores associados à autonomia pessoal em idosos. Revisão sistemática de estudos epidemiológicos analíticos, selecionados nas bases PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus e LILACS, sem restrição de tempo e idioma. A busca de artigos resultou em 3.435 estudos. A seleção foi realizada em duas fases: leitura de resumos e leitura de artigos completos, seguindo critérios de inclusão e exclusão, por dois revisores independentes, resultando em sete estudos incluídos. O risco de viés foi avaliado pelo protocolo Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Todos os estudos incluídos foram de desenho seccional e analisaram a autonomia sobre a perspectiva de percepção da promulgação da autonomia. Os instrumentos mais utilizados foram Hertz Perceived Enactment of Autonomy Scale e Chinese version of Perceived Enactment of Autonomy Scale. Os fatores associados à autonomia dos idosos identificados foram agrupados em: funcionalidade, relações familiares, relações interpessoais, percepção sobre a vida, satisfação com serviços de saúde, fatores demográficos, escolaridade, estado geral de saúde e qualidade de vida. O estudo da autonomia pessoal do idoso apresentou caráter multifatorial e biopsicossocial, porém é uma temática recente, sendo necessário novas pesquisas com mais alta evidência científica.

Abstract The scope of this article is to identify factors associated with personal autonomy among the elderly. It is a systematic review of analytical epidemiological studies selected from the PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Lilacs databases, without time and language constraints. The search located 3,435 articles and selection was conducted in two phases: reading of abstracts and entire articles, with inclusion and exclusion criteria, by two independent reviewers, resulting in seven selected studies. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale protocol. All studies included were of sectional design and analyzed autonomy from the perspective of the perception of increased autonomy. The instruments used were the Hertz Perceived Entity of Autonomy Scale and the Chinese version of Perceived Enactment of Autonomy Scale. The factors associated with the autonomy of the elderly identified were grouped by functionality, family relations, interpersonal relations, life perception, satisfaction with health services, demographic factors, schooling, general health status and quality of life. The study of personal autonomy among the elderly presented a multifactorial and biopsychosocial character, although it is a recent theme in which further research with more detailed scientific evidence is necessary.

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é identificar os fatores associados à autonomia pessoal em idosos. Revisão sistemática de estudos epidemiológicos analíticos, selecionados nas bases PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus e LILACS, sem restrição de tempo e idioma. A busca de artigos resultou em 3.435 estudos. A seleção foi realizada em duas fases: leitura de resumos e leitura de artigos completos, seguindo critérios de inclusão e exclusão, por dois revisores independentes, resultando em sete estudos incluídos. O risco de viés foi avaliado pelo protocolo Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Todos os estudos incluídos foram de desenho seccional e analisaram a autonomia sobre a perspectiva de percepção da promulgação da autonomia. Os instrumentos mais utilizados foram Hertz Perceived Enactment of Autonomy Scale e Chinese version of Perceived Enactment of Autonomy Scale. Os fatores associados à autonomia dos idosos identificados foram agrupados em: funcionalidade, relações familiares, relações interpessoais, percepção sobre a vida, satisfação com serviços de saúde, fatores demográficos, escolaridade, estado geral de saúde e qualidade de vida. O estudo da autonomia pessoal do idoso apresentou caráter multifatorial e biopsicossocial, porém é uma temática recente, sendo necessário novas pesquisas com mais alta evidência científica.

Abstract The scope of this article is to identify factors associated with personal autonomy among the elderly. It is a systematic review of analytical epidemiological studies selected from the PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Lilacs databases, without time and language constraints. The search located 3,435 articles and selection was conducted in two phases: reading of abstracts and entire articles, with inclusion and exclusion criteria, by two independent reviewers, resulting in seven selected studies. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale protocol. All studies included were of sectional design and analyzed autonomy from the perspective of the perception of increased autonomy. The instruments used were the Hertz Perceived Entity of Autonomy Scale and the Chinese version of Perceived Enactment of Autonomy Scale. The factors associated with the autonomy of the elderly identified were grouped by functionality, family relations, interpersonal relations, life perception, satisfaction with health services, demographic factors, schooling, general health status and quality of life. The study of personal autonomy among the elderly presented a multifactorial and biopsychosocial character, although it is a recent theme in which further research with more detailed scientific evidence is necessary.

Abstract We evaluated the efficacy of xylitol varnishes on the remineralization of newly erupted permanent and deciduous teeth in vitro and in situ. Human enamel specimens were randomly allocated to 8 groups (n = 15/group). Artificial caries lesions were produced and enamel alterations were quantified by surface/subsurface hardness and transverse microradiography. The blocks were then treated with the following varnishes: DuraphatTM; 20 wt% xylitol (146 μm) varnish; 20 wt% milled xylitol (80 μm) varnish, and placebo varnish, and removed after 6 h of immersion in artificial saliva. In vitro the blocks were subjected to pH-cycles for 8 days. In situ fifteen subjects wore palatal appliances containing four pre-demineralized and treated enamel specimens, for 5 days. Data were statistically analyzed by ANOVA/Tukey and Kruskal-Wallis/Tukey’s test (p < 0.05). The %SHR in both studies was significantly increased by xylitol and Duraphat™ varnishes when compared to placebo. Considering subsurface remineralization, only the xylitol varnishes were able to significantly reduce the enamel lesion. Xylitol varnishes can be promising alternatives to promote enamel remineralization of newly erupted permanent and deciduous teeth.

Resumo Objetivo Analisar o efeito de características sociodemográficas e clínicas de casos novos (CNs) de hanseníase como determinantes no desempenho da avaliação dos contatos. Métodos Estudo transversal, com abordagem temporal do indicador de avaliação de 100% dos contatos examinados de CNs registrados no Ceará, Brasil, via Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (Sinan), em 2008-2019. Empregou-se regressão logística para estimar razão de chances-odds ratio (OR) com intervalos de confiança de 95% (IC95%). A tendência temporal baseou-se em regressão joinpoint. Resultados Foram analisados 23.675 CNs, 65,4% com contatos examinados. Verificou-se maior chance para não avaliação de 100% dos contatos registrados com CN multibacilar (OR=1,19 - IC95% 1,11;1,28) e com exame de contatos como modo de entrada (OR=1,71 - IC95% 1,35;2,18). A tendência temporal do indicador foi de aumento (variação percentual anual: 2,1 - IC95% 1,2;3,0). Conclusão Dimensões distintas de vulnerabilidade individual e social de CNs de hanseníase influenciam o persistente desempenho insatisfatório da avaliação de contatos.

Abstract Objective To analyze the effect of sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of new leprosy cases as determinants in the performance of the evaluation of their contacts Methods This was a cross-sectional study, with a temporal approach to the evaluation indicator of 100% of contacts examined of each new case (NC) registered in the state of Ceará, Brazil, on the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN), in 2008-2019. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). The temporal trends were analyzed using joinpoint regression. Results 23,675 NCs, 65.4% with contacts examined were analyzed. It was less likely to evaluate 100% of the registered contacts when the new cases were multibacillary (OR=1.19 - 95%CI 1.11;1.28) and with examination of contacts as an entry mode (OR=1.71 - 95%CI 1.35;2.18). There was an increasing temporal trend of the indicator (Annual Percentage Change: 2.1 - 95%CI 1.2;3.0). Conclusion Distinct dimensions of individual and social vulnerability among new leprosy cases influenced the persistent unsatisfactory performance of the evaluation of contacts.

Resumen Objetivo Analizar la asociación entre características sociodemográficas y clínicas de casos nuevos (CNs) de lepra como determinantes para el desempeño de la evaluación de contactos. Métodos Estudio transversal con abordaje temporal del indicador de evaluación de 100% de los contactos examinados de cada CN registrado en el Sistema de Información de Enfermedades Notificables del Estado de Ceará, Brasil, 2008-2019. Análisis de regresión logística para estimar la razón de probabilidades (OR) e intervalos de confianza de 95% (IC95%), y tendencia temporal basada por regresión joinpoint. Resultados Fueron analizados 23.675 CN, 65,4% con contactos examinados. Se verificó mayor probabilidad para la no-evaluación del 100% de los contactos registrados cuando el CN: era multibacilar (OR=1,19 - IC95% 1,11;1,28) y forma de entrada por examen de contactos (OR=1,71 - IC95% 1,35;2,18). Tendencia temporal de aumento de este indicador (cambio porcentual anual: 2,1 (IC95% 1,2;3,0). Conclusión Diferentes dimensiones de la vulnerabilidad individual y social de los nuevos casos de lepra en Ceará influyen en el desempeño insatisfactorio persistente de la evaluación de sus contactos.

Resumo Objetivo Analisar o efeito de características sociodemográficas e clínicas de casos novos (CNs) de hanseníase como determinantes no desempenho da avaliação dos contatos. Métodos Estudo transversal, com abordagem temporal do indicador de avaliação de 100% dos contatos examinados de CNs registrados no Ceará, Brasil, via Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (Sinan), em 2008-2019. Empregou-se regressão logística para estimar razão de chances-odds ratio (OR) com intervalos de confiança de 95% (IC95%). A tendência temporal baseou-se em regressão joinpoint. Resultados Foram analisados 23.675 CNs, 65,4% com contatos examinados. Verificou-se maior chance para não avaliação de 100% dos contatos registrados com CN multibacilar (OR=1,19 - IC95% 1,11;1,28) e com exame de contatos como modo de entrada (OR=1,71 - IC95% 1,35;2,18). A tendência temporal do indicador foi de aumento (variação percentual anual: 2,1 - IC95% 1,2;3,0). Conclusão Dimensões distintas de vulnerabilidade individual e social de CNs de hanseníase influenciam o persistente desempenho insatisfatório da avaliação de contatos.

Abstract Objective To analyze the effect of sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of new leprosy cases as determinants in the performance of the evaluation of their contacts Methods This was a cross-sectional study, with a temporal approach to the evaluation indicator of 100% of contacts examined of each new case (NC) registered in the state of Ceará, Brazil, on the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN), in 2008-2019. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). The temporal trends were analyzed using joinpoint regression. Results 23,675 NCs, 65.4% with contacts examined were analyzed. It was less likely to evaluate 100% of the registered contacts when the new cases were multibacillary (OR=1.19 - 95%CI 1.11;1.28) and with examination of contacts as an entry mode (OR=1.71 - 95%CI 1.35;2.18). There was an increasing temporal trend of the indicator (Annual Percentage Change: 2.1 - 95%CI 1.2;3.0). Conclusion Distinct dimensions of individual and social vulnerability among new leprosy cases influenced the persistent unsatisfactory performance of the evaluation of contacts.

Resumen Objetivo Analizar la asociación entre características sociodemográficas y clínicas de casos nuevos (CNs) de lepra como determinantes para el desempeño de la evaluación de contactos. Métodos Estudio transversal con abordaje temporal del indicador de evaluación de 100% de los contactos examinados de cada CN registrado en el Sistema de Información de Enfermedades Notificables del Estado de Ceará, Brasil, 2008-2019. Análisis de regresión logística para estimar la razón de probabilidades (OR) e intervalos de confianza de 95% (IC95%), y tendencia temporal basada por regresión joinpoint. Resultados Fueron analizados 23.675 CN, 65,4% con contactos examinados. Se verificó mayor probabilidad para la no-evaluación del 100% de los contactos registrados cuando el CN: era multibacilar (OR=1,19 - IC95% 1,11;1,28) y forma de entrada por examen de contactos (OR=1,71 - IC95% 1,35;2,18). Tendencia temporal de aumento de este indicador (cambio porcentual anual: 2,1 (IC95% 1,2;3,0). Conclusión Diferentes dimensiones de la vulnerabilidad individual y social de los nuevos casos de lepra en Ceará influyen en el desempeño insatisfactorio persistente de la evaluación de sus contactos.

Resumo A violência contra a pessoa idosa desenha-se como um problema de saúde pública de complexa administração. É de fundamental importância conhecer seus fatores associados, com ênfase em cada tipo de violência, para possibilitar a criação de políticas públicas baseadas em evidências. Objetivou-se realizar uma revisão sistemática da literatura de estudos epidemiológicos analíticos sobre os fatores associados à violência contra idosos. Para a pesquisa bibliográfica utilizou-se quatro bases de dados: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science e Lilacs, sem corte de anos. A seleção dos artigos foi realizada por pares e em duas etapas: leitura dos resumos (3121) e leitura dos artigos completos (64), tendo sido selecionados 27 artigos. O risco de viés foi avaliado. Os fatores associados à violência geral foram idade, sexo, estado civil, nível de educação, renda, arranjo familiar, suporte social, solidão, transtorno mental, depressão, tentativa de suicídio, dependência para atividades da vida diária, função cognitiva, doenças crônicas, abuso de álcool ou drogas, entre outros. A violência contra idosos apresentou-se como um fenômeno multifatorial e complexo, por isso não pode ser vista de forma parcial, unidimensional e sim levando em consideração todas as dimensões e entender que há uma interdependência entre elas.

Abstract Elder abuse is a complex public health problem. It is of fundamental importance to ascertain which factors are associated with each specific type of abuse, as a way of enabling the creation of evidence-based public policies. The aim of the present study was to systematically review the literature regarding analytical epidemiological studies of factors associated with elder abuse. Four databases were used for the bibliographic search: Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science and Lilacs, with no limitations regarding year of publication. Articles were selected by pairs of researchers in two stages: reading of abstracts (3.121) and reading of complete articles (64). The total number of articles selected was 27. The risk of bias was evaluated. The factors associated with general violence were age, sex, marital status, educational level, income, family arrangement, social support, solitude, mental disorder, depression, suicide attempt, dependence on others in daily activities, cognitive function, chronic diseases, alcohol or drug abuse, among others. Elder abuse was found to be a multifactorial and complex phenomenon that should not therefore be viewed in a partial one-dimensional manner, but in such a way as to take into account all dimensions and the interdependence of these.

BACKGROUND: Statins are used as cholesterol-lowering drugs and may also have direct antimicrobial effects. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate synergic interactions between simvastatin and both amphotericin B and fluconazole, against environmental strains of Cryptococcus neoformans isolated from captive birds’ droppings. DESIGNAND SETTING: Experimental study conducted at Federal University of Piauí, Parnaíba, in collaboration with Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Brazil. METHODS: Statin susceptibility tests of Cryptococcus neoformans samples were performed as prescribed in standards. Interactions of simvastatin with amphotericin and fluconazole were evaluated using the checkerboard microdilution method. Presence of these interactions was quantitatively detected through determining the fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI). RESULTS: Isolates of Cryptococcus neoformans were obtained from 30 of the 206 samples of dry bird excreta (14.5%) that were collected from pet shops and houses. Ten isolates were selected for susceptibility tests. All of them were susceptible to amphotericin and fluconazole. All presented minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) > 128 µg/ml and, thus, were resistant in vitro to simvastatin. An in vitro synergic effect was shown through combined testing of amphotericin B and simvastatin, such that six isolates (60%) presented FICI < 0.500. Two isolates showed considerable reductions in MIC, from 1 µg/ml to 0.250 µg/ml. No synergic effect was observed through combining fluconazole and simvastatin. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that simvastatin should be considered to be a therapeutic alternative, capable of potentiating the action of amphotericin B. However, further studies are necessary to clarify the real effect of simvastatin as an antifungal agent.

Abstract PVA cryogels are well established as candidate biomaterials for wound healing applications but are not themselves biodegradable or antimicrobial. Blending PVA with NaCMC (CMC) or gelatin (G) can increase the gel’s ability to swell and would introduce a degree of biodegradability. The incorporation of appropriate amounts of a natural antimicrobial/healing agents, such as honey (H), would contribute to the gels properties. The present work addresses the development and characterization of layered gels (PVA-H, PVA-CMC-H and PVA-G-H, with empty PVA, PVA-CMC, PVA-G gels presented as controls). The gels were characterized by FTIR, DSC, in vitro analysis of swelling and microbiological (S. aureus) effects. Addition of gelatin, NaCMC and honey to PVA diminished the PVA chains’ ability to pack into crystallites. Samples containing honey swelled less and presented higher weight loss/biodegradability than samples without honey. Only the honey-laden PVA-CMC and PVA-G presented activity against S. aureus.

Resumo A violência contra a pessoa idosa desenha-se como um problema de saúde pública de complexa administração. É de fundamental importância conhecer seus fatores associados, com ênfase em cada tipo de violência, para possibilitar a criação de políticas públicas baseadas em evidências. Objetivou-se realizar uma revisão sistemática da literatura de estudos epidemiológicos analíticos sobre os fatores associados à violência contra idosos. Para a pesquisa bibliográfica utilizou-se quatro bases de dados: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science e Lilacs, sem corte de anos. A seleção dos artigos foi realizada por pares e em duas etapas: leitura dos resumos (3121) e leitura dos artigos completos (64), tendo sido selecionados 27 artigos. O risco de viés foi avaliado. Os fatores associados à violência geral foram idade, sexo, estado civil, nível de educação, renda, arranjo familiar, suporte social, solidão, transtorno mental, depressão, tentativa de suicídio, dependência para atividades da vida diária, função cognitiva, doenças crônicas, abuso de álcool ou drogas, entre outros. A violência contra idosos apresentou-se como um fenômeno multifatorial e complexo, por isso não pode ser vista de forma parcial, unidimensional e sim levando em consideração todas as dimensões e entender que há uma interdependência entre elas.

Abstract Elder abuse is a complex public health problem. It is of fundamental importance to ascertain which factors are associated with each specific type of abuse, as a way of enabling the creation of evidence-based public policies. The aim of the present study was to systematically review the literature regarding analytical epidemiological studies of factors associated with elder abuse. Four databases were used for the bibliographic search: Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science and Lilacs, with no limitations regarding year of publication. Articles were selected by pairs of researchers in two stages: reading of abstracts (3.121) and reading of complete articles (64). The total number of articles selected was 27. The risk of bias was evaluated. The factors associated with general violence were age, sex, marital status, educational level, income, family arrangement, social support, solitude, mental disorder, depression, suicide attempt, dependence on others in daily activities, cognitive function, chronic diseases, alcohol or drug abuse, among others. Elder abuse was found to be a multifactorial and complex phenomenon that should not therefore be viewed in a partial one-dimensional manner, but in such a way as to take into account all dimensions and the interdependence of these.

RESUMO Objetivo: Este estudo analisou se a exposição ao ambiente enriquecido durante a fase juvenil da vida interferiria na atividade elétrica do cérebro de ratos adultos. Além disso, a presente pesquisa também investigou se esse provável efeito na atividade elétrica cerebral poderia ser afetado pela hipernutrição durante a lactação. A eletrofisiologia foi medida através da depressão alastrante cortical, um fenômeno relacionado à excitabilidade cerebral. Métodos: Ratos Wistar foram amamentados em ninhadas de nove ou três filhotes, formando os grupos nutridos ou hipernutridos, respectivamente. Aos 36 dias, metade dos animais de cada condição nutricional foram expostos ao ambiente enriquecido. A outra metade foi mantida na condição de ambiente padrão. Aos 90-120 dias de vida, foram obtidos os registros da depressão alastrante cortical. Resultados: A hipernutrição durante a lactação causou incrementos (p < 0,05) nos pesos corporal e cerebral.O Ambiente Enriquecido desacelerou a velocidade de propagação da depressão alastrante cortical independentemente do estado nutricional durante a lactação (p < 0,001). A desaceleração da depressão alastrante cortical no grupo nutrido/ambiente enriquecido foi de 23,8% e no grupo hipernutrido/ambiente enriquecido foi de 15% em comparação com os grupos nutrido/ambiente padrão e hipernutrido/ambiente padrão, respectivamente. Conclusão: Nossos dados demonstram que a exposição ao ambiente enriquecido na fase juvenil da vida do rato reduz a excitabilidade cerebral, e esse efeito pode ser observado mesmo se os animais estiverem hipernutridos durante a lactação. O ambiente enriquecido pode ser considerado um recurso terapêutico adjuvante para modular a excitabilidade cerebral.

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to analyze whether exposure to environmental enrichment (EE) during the juvenile phase of life interferes with the electrical activity of the adult rat brain. In addition, the present research also investigated whether this putative effect on brain electrical activity could be affected by prior overnutrition during lactation. Electrophysiology was measured through cortical spreading depression (CSD), a phenomenon related to brain excitability. Methods: Wistar rats were suckled in litters of either nine or three pups, forming the nourished (N) or overnourished (ON) groups, respectively. At 36 days old, half of the animals from each nutritional condition were exposed to EE. The other half was kept in the standard environment (SE). At 90-120 days of life, each animal was anesthetized for CSD recordings. Results: Overnutrition during lactation caused increases (p < 0.05) in body and brain weights. The EE decelerated CSD propagation velocity regardless of nutritional state during lactation (p < 0.001). The CSD deceleration in the N-EE group was 23.8% and in the ON-EE group was 15% in comparison with the N-SE and ON-SE groups, respectively. Conclusion: Our data demonstrated that EE exposure in the juvenile phase of the rat's life reduced brain excitability, and this effect was observed even if animals were overnourished during lactation. An EE could be considered an adjuvant therapeutic resource to modulate brain excitability.