RESUMO Objetivo: Comparar as características antropométricas, bioquímicas, hormonais e a presença de polimorfismos genéticos de leptina, adiponectina e fator de necrose tumoral alfa (TNF-α) entre crianças e adolescentes eutróficos e obesos. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo caso-controle conduzido com 104 crianças e adolescentes. Todos os indivíduos foram avaliados quanto às características antropométricas e parâmetros clínicos, laboratoriais e de polimorfismo genético. A amostra foi selecionada no ambulatório de endocrinologia pediátrica especializado no tratamento da obesidade em crianças e adolescentes de acordo com a classificação do Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), e os controles foram selecionados no mesmo local, porém no ambulatório de pediatria geral. Resultados: Alguns parâmetros foram associados à obesidade em nosso estudo: cor preta, pais obesos, pais hipertensos e desmame precoce. Níveis aumentados de insulina, triglicerídeos, colesterol total, colesterol LDL, PCR-U, AST, ALT, GGT, T4 Livre, IGF-1, ácido úrico e níveis baixos de colesterol HDL estão associados a uma chance maior de obesidade. A presença de polimorfismos AG/AA na leptina está associada a uma chance 290% (OR 3,9) maior de obesidade, enquanto para os genes da adiponectina as chances são 740% (OR 8,4) maiores. Nessas crianças e adolescentes obesos com haplótipos AG/AA, os níveis séricos de leptina aumentaram e os níveis de adiponectina diminuíram em relação aos eutróficos, já os níveis séricos de TNF-α não se alteraram. Conclusões: Concluiu-se que os polimorfismos AG/AA nos genes da leptina e adiponectina alteram os níveis séricos dessas adipocinas e predispõem à obesidade precoce, e muitos marcadores antropométricos, bioquímicos e hormonais ficam alterados, trazendo consequências para a saúde dessas crianças e adolescentes.

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the anthropometric, biochemical, and hormonal characteristics and the presence of genetic polymorphisms of leptin, adiponectin, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) between eutrophic and obese children and adolescents. Methods: This is a case–control study involving 104 children and adolescents. All subjects were assessed for anthropometric characteristics and clinical, laboratory, and genetic polymorphism parameters. The sample was selected from the pediatric endocrinology outpatient clinic specialized in the treatment of obesity in children and adolescents according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classification, and controls were selected from the same location in the general pediatric outpatient clinic. Results: As a result, the parameters, such as black color, obese parents, hypertensive parents, and early weaning, were found to be associated with obesity. Increased levels of insulin, triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, CRP-U, AST, ALT, GGT, free T4, IGF-1, and uric acid and low levels of HDL cholesterol are found to be associated with a higher chance of obesity. The presence of AG/AA polymorphisms in the leptin is associated with a 290% (OR 3.9) higher chance of obesity, and for adiponectin genes, the chances are 740% (OR 8.4) higher. In these obese children and adolescents with AG/AA haplotypes, serum leptin levels were increased and adiponectin levels were decreased in eutrophic individuals, whereas serum TNF-α levels did not change. Conclusions: The AG/AA polymorphisms in the leptin and adiponectin genes alter the serum levels of these adipokines and predispose them to obesity, and many anthropometric, biochemical, and hormonal markers are altered, demonstrating early consequences for the health of these obese children and adolescents.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar as modificações nas características das paradas cardíacas no hospital após a implantação de um Time de Resposta Rápida. Métodos: Este foi um estudo observacional prospectivo de paradas cardíacas ocorridas no hospital entre janeiro de 2013 e dezembro de 2017. O critério de exclusão foi parada cardíaca na unidade de terapia intensiva, na emergência ou na sala cirúrgica. O Time de Resposta Rápida foi introduzido no hospital do estudo em julho de 2014. Os pacientes foram classificados em dois grupos: Pré-Time de Resposta Rápida (parada cardíaca no hospital antes da implantação do Time de Resposta Rápida) e Pós- Time de Resposta Rápida (parada cardíaca no hospital após a implantação do Time de Resposta Rápida). Os pacientes foram seguidos até a alta hospitalar ou óbito. Resultados: Ocorreram 308 paradas cardíacas (64,6 ± 15,2 anos; 60,3% homens; 13,9% com ritmo inicial chocável). Houve diminuição de 4,2 para 2,5 no índice de parada cardíaca no hospital por 1.000 admissões após o início da atuação do Time de Resposta Rápida, além de cerca de 124 chamados por 1.000 admissões. A parada antes da implantação do Time de Resposta Rápida se associou com hipóxia (29,4 versus 14,3%; p = 0,006) e alteração da frequência respiratória (14,7 versus 4,2%; p = 0,004) em comparação aos dados referentes à parada cardíaca após a implantação do Time de Resposta Rápida. Parada cardíaca por hipóxia foi mais comum antes da implantação do Time de Resposta Rápida (61,2 versus 38,1%; p < 0,001). Na análise multivariada, o retorno à circulação espontânea se associou com ritmo chocável (RC 2,97; IC95% 1,04 - 8,43) e parada cardíaca testemunhada (RC 2,52; IC95% 1,39 - 4,59) mas não com a implantação do Time de Resposta Rápida (RC 1,40; IC95% 0,70 - 2,81) ou sinais premonitórios (RC 0,71; IC95% 0,39 - 1,28). Na análise multivariada, a mortalidade hospitalar se associou com ritmo não chocável (RC 5,34; IC95% 2,28 - 12,53) e idade (RC 1,03; IC95% 1,01 - 1,05), porém não com a implantação do Time de Resposta Rápida (RC 0,89; IC95% 0,40 - 2,02). Conclusão: Apesar de a implantação de um Time de Resposta Rápida se associar com redução na incidência de parada cardíaca no hospital, ela não se associou com a redução da mortalidade das vítimas de parada cardíaca no hospital. Observou-se significante diminuição nas paradas cardíacas devidas a causas respiratórias após a implantação do Time de Resposta Rápida.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate changes in the characteristics of in-hospital cardiac arrest after the implementation of a Rapid Response Team. Methods: This was a prospective observational study of in-hospital cardiac arrest that occurred from January 2013 to December 2017. The exclusion criterion was in-hospital cardiac arrest in the intensive care unit, emergency room or operating room. The Rapid Response Team was implemented in July 2014 in the study hospital. Patients were classified into two groups: a Pre-Rapid Response Team (in-hospital cardiac arrest before Rapid Response Team implementation) and a Post-Rapid Response Team (in-hospital cardiac arrest after Rapid Response Team implementation). Patients were followed until hospital discharge or death. Results: We had a total of 308 cardiac arrests (64.6 ± 15.2 years, 60.3% men, 13.9% with initial shockable rhythm). There was a decrease from 4.2 to 2.5 in-hospital cardiac arrest/1000 admissions after implementation of the Rapid Response Team, and we had approximately 124 calls/1000 admissions. Pre-Rapid Response Team cardiac arrest was associated with more hypoxia (29.4 versus 14.3%; p = 0.006) and an altered respiratory rate (14.7 versus 4.2%; p = 0.004) compared with post-Rapid Response Team cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest due to hypoxia was more common before Rapid Response Team implementation (61.2 versus 38.1%, p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, return of spontaneous circulation was associated with shockable rhythm (OR 2.97; IC95% 1.04 - 8.43) and witnessed cardiac arrest (OR 2.52; IC95% 1.39 - 4.59) but not with Rapid Response Team implementation (OR 1.40; IC95% 0.70 - 2.81) or premonitory signs (OR 0.71; IC95% 0.39 - 1.28). In multivariate analysis, in-hospital mortality was associated with non-shockable rhythm (OR 5.34; IC95% 2.28 - 12.53) and age (OR 1.03; IC95% 1.01 - 1.05) but not with Rapid Response Team implementation (OR 0.89; IC95% 0.40 - 2.02). Conclusion: Even though Rapid Response Team implementation is associated with a reduction in in-hospital cardiac arrest, it was not associated with the mortality of in-hospital cardiac arrest victims. A significant decrease in cardiac arrests due to respiratory causes was noted after Rapid Response Team implementation.

ABSTRACT In recent years, the number of cases with severe Plasmodium vivax malaria has shown an increasing trend. It is, therefore, important to identify routine laboratory markers that best characterize the acute disease phase and can serve as a tool for clinical follow-up of patients. In a cohort study, we followed 87 patients with acute P. vivax monoinfection acquired in an endemic region of the Brazilian Amazon. Forty-two different biochemical and hematological parameters frequently tested in clinical routine were evaluated at the acute phase and the convalescent phase. A total of 42 laboratory tests were performed: biochemical parameters measured were serum lipids levels, aminotransferases, bilirubin, amylase, glucose, urea, creatinine, albumin, globulin, uric acid, C-reactive protein, and alpha-1-acid glycoprotein. Hematological parameters included total and differential white blood cell and platelet counts, hemoglobin concentration, mean platelet volume, platelet width distribution, and plateletcrit. Our results show that several biochemical and hematological parameters were associated with acute phase P. vivax malaria and these parameters reverted to normal values in the convalescent phase. The use of these parameters during diagnosis and follow-up of the infection is a useful clinical tool to evaluate the clinical course and therapeutic response of patients with uncomplicated vivax malaria.

Schinopsis brasiliensis is an endangered tree species found in the Caatinga biome. It presents a characteristic slow development and difficult propagation, although it has been traditionally exploited in the region. Application of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and phosphorus (P) fertilization may be beneficial to S. brasiliensis development at the seedling stage, which at the same time may help species conservation and the recovery of degraded areas in the Caatinga biome. We assessed the response of S. brasiliensis to AMF inoculation (Claroideoglomus etunicatum and Acaulospora longula) and P fertilization (0, 12, 24, and 48 mg dm−3 addition of P2O5). S. brasiliensis responded positively to both AMF inoculation and P fertilization. At low P concentrations, the inoculated plants showed higher leaf area and enhanced vegetative development, nutrient content and biomass production compared with non-inoculated plants. Conversely, increasing levels of P fertilization decreased the level of mycorrhizal colonization, plant responsiveness to inoculation, and spore production in C. etunicatum. Thus, P concentrations were able to influence the response of S. brasiliensis to mycorrhization and responsiveness to increased mycorrhization with the decrease in P availability. These results showed that mycorrhizal symbiosis plays an essential role in the development of S. brasiliensis.

RESUMO Um alcance educacional mais elevado constitui um fator protetivo contra o declínio cognitivo em idosos. Todavia, os elementos subjacentes a esta associação ainda são pouco compreendidos. Objetivo: O principal objetivo deste estudo foi comparar indivíduos analfabetos com comprometimento cognitivo com analfabetos cognitivamente normais, de acordo com aspectos demográficos, morbidades, hábitos de vida e genótipo APOE. Métodos: Este é um estudo transversal da amostra de participantes analfabetos (n=174) do Estudo Pietà, um levantamento de base comunitária sobre envelhecimento cerebral bem sucedido, conduzido em Caeté (MG), Brasil. Os sujeitos foram categorizados em três grupos diagnósticos: cognitivamente normais, comprometimento cognitivo não demência e demência. Os grupos foram então comparados conforme variáveis selecionadas. Resultados: Indivíduos com demência eram mais idosos e apresentaram uma maior prevalência de relato de acidente vascular encefálico ou ataque isquêmico transitório. Os três grupos não se mostraram diferentes em relação à demografia, prevalência de comorbidades, nível socioeconômico, perfil ocupacional prévio e frequência do alelo APOE-e4. A avaliação qualitativa de hábitos de vida, como o consumo de bebida alcoólica, fumo e engajamento em atividade física também foi semelhante entre os grupos. Conclusão: Não encontramos associações entre comprometimento cognitivo/demência e as variáveis investigadas nesta amostra comunitária de idosos analfabetos.

ABSTRACT A higher level of educational attainment constitutes a protective factor against cognitive decline in the elderly. Nevertheless, the elements underpinning this association are yet not fully understood. Objective: The primary aim of this study was to compare cognitively impaired illiterate elderly subjects with cognitively preserved counterparts, according to demographics, comorbidities, lifetime habits and APOE genotype. Methods: This is a cross-sectional analysis of the illiterate subset of participants (n=174) from the Pietà study, a community-based survey of successful brain aging conducted in Caeté (MG), Brazil. Subjects were categorized into three diagnostic groups: cognitively normal (CN), cognitive impairment no-dementia (CIND) and dementia. The groups were then compared according to selected variables. Results: Subjects with dementia were older and had an increased prevalence of reported stroke or transient ischemic attack. The three groups did not differ in relation to demographics, prevalence of comorbidities, socioeconomic level, previous occupation profile and APOE-e4 allele frequency. Qualitatively evaluated lifetime habits, such as alcohol consumption, smoking and physical activity engagement were also similar across groups. Conclusion: No associations were found between cognitive impairment/dementia and the variables evaluated in this community-based sample of illiterate elderly.

The main goal of this study was to determine the diversity and activity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in an area degraded by limestone mining within the semi-arid region of Brazil known as the caatinga (shrublands). Near a limestone quarry, we selected two areas of caatinga (preserved and degraded) for study. The number of glomerospores did not differ significantly between the two areas. There was a trend toward the most probable number of infective propagules being higher in the degraded area. Twenty AMF taxa were identified in the two sampled areas, species richness, diversity and evenness being higher in the preserved area. Two species of Racocetra represent new records for the semi-arid region of Brazil. Glomerospore production and AMF species richness were unaffected by mining activity in the study area.