Abstract Objectives To better characterize the role of endoscopic cubital tunnel release in leprosy neuritis and determine whether there is an improvement in pain, sensitivity, and strength with the use of this minimally invasive technique. Methods A total of 44 endoscopic procedures for ulnar nerve decompression at the elbow were performed in patients who were previously diagnosed with leprosy neuritis. The inclusion criteria were surgical indication for ulnar nerve release and clinical treatment failure for 4 weeks in patients with cubital tunnel syndrome who had their ulnar nerve function, whether motor or sensitive, deteriorated progressively despite the treatment with prednisone 1 mg/kg/day and physiotherapy. For endoscopic release, the CTS Relief Kit (Linvatec. Largo, FL, USA) and a standard 4mm 30° arthroscope were used. Results The study included 39 patients, 29 (74.4%) males and 10 (25.6%) females. The age of the patients ranged from 12 to 64 years (33 ± 14.97). Five patients underwent bilateral release. The release demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in pain (p 0.002), in sensitivity (p< 0.001), and in strength (p< 0.001). The best results were obtained when ulnar release was performed less than 6 months after surgery indication. None of the procedures were converted from endoscopic to open. No major complications (infection, vascular injury, and nervous injury) were reported. One patient had ulnar nerve subluxation. Conclusion The endoscopic release of the ulnar nerve at the elbow in leprosy neuritis entails true and safe benefits for the patient, such as improvement in pain, sensitivity and strength.

Resumo Objetivos Os objetivos deste estudo foram caracterizar melhor o papel da liberação endoscópica do túnel cubital na neurite hansênica e determinar se há melhora da dor, sensibilidade e força com esta técnica minimamente invasiva. Métodos Um total de 44 procedimentos endoscópicos para descompressão do nervo ulnar no cotovelo foram realizados em pacientes previamente diagnosticados com neurite por hanseníase. Os critérios de inclusão foram indicação cirúrgica para liberação do nervo ulnar e insucesso do tratamento clínico por 4 semanas em pacientes com síndrome do túnel cubital que sofreram deterioração progressiva da função motora ou sensitiva do nervo ulnar apesar do tratamento de 1 mg/kg/dia de prednisona e fisioterapia. A liberação endoscópica foi realizada com CTS Relief Kit (Linvatec. Largo, FL, EUA) e um artroscópio padrão de 4 mm e 30°. Resultados O estudo incluiu 39 pacientes, sendo 29 (74,4%) homens e 10 (25,6%) mulheres. A idade dos pacientes variou de 12 a 64 anos (33 ± 14,97). Cinco pacientes foram submetidos à liberação bilateral. A liberação provocou melhora estatisticamente significativa de dor (p= 0,002), sensibilidade (p <0,001) e força (p <0,001). Os melhores resultados foram obtidos quando a liberação ulnar foi realizada em menos de 6 meses após a indicação da cirurgia. Nenhum procedimento foi convertido de endoscópico para aberto. Não foram relatadas complicações maiores (infecção, lesão vascular e lesão nervosa). Um paciente apresentou subluxação do nervo ulnar. Conclusão A liberação endoscópica do nervo ulnar no cotovelo na neurite hansênica traz benefícios verdadeiros e seguros para o paciente, como melhora da dor, sensibilidade e força.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Lipomatous pseudohypertrophy of the pancreas, pancreatic lipomatosis, pancreatic steatosis, non-alcoholic fatty pancreatic disease, or fatty pancreas is an extremely rare disease, characterized by the organ enlargement and a localized or diffuse replacement of pancreatic acinar cells by mature adipose tissue, preserving the pancreatic ductal system and islets of Langerhans. AIMS: To report a rare case of lipomatous pseudohypertrophy of the pancreas in a symptomatic patient and the surgical treatment employed. METHODS: A 24-year-old male patient with weight loss (10 kilograms in 8 months), hyperglycemia, severe and recurrent acute abdominal pain, epigastric discomfort associated with nausea, vomiting, and jaundice for 40 days. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed, revealing an irregular lipomatous pseudohypertrophy of the pancreas, measuring 6.0 × 5.6 cm in the head, uncinate process, and part of the body of the pancreas. The pancreatic duct dilation was diffuse and irregular, associated with atrophy of the remnant parenchyma, particularly in the tail of the pancreas. The patient underwent pancreatoduodenectomy without total mesopancreas excision followed by pancreatojejunostomy. RESULTS: The postoperative course was uneventful, the length of stay in the ICU was two days, and the patient was discharged on the seventh postoperative day. CONCLUSIONS: The disease treatment depends on the signs and symptoms at presentation and a pancreatoduodenectomy is indicated in patients with severe and recurrent abdominal pain.

RESUMO RACIONAL: Pseudo-hipertrofia lipomatosa do pâncreas, lipomatose pancreática, esteatose pancreática, doença pancreática gordurosa não alcoólica ou pâncreas gorduroso é uma doença extremamente rara, caracterizada por aumento do órgão e substituição localizada ou difusa de células acinares pancreáticas por tecido adiposo, preservando o sistema ductal pancreático e as ilhotas de Langerhans. OBJETIVOS: Relatar um caso raro de pseudo-hipertrofia lipomatosa do pâncreas, em paciente sintomático e o tratamento cirúrgico empregado. MÉTODOS: Paciente do sexo masculino, 24 anos, com queixas de emagrecimento (10 quilos nos últimos 8 meses), hiperglicemia, dor abdominal aguda intensa e recorrente, desconforto epigástrico associado a náuseas, vômitos e icterícia há 40 dias. A ressonância magnética (RM) revelou pseudo-hipertrofia lipomatosa irregular do pâncreas, medindo 6,0 × 5,6 cm na cabeça, processo uncinado e parte do corpo do pâncreas. A dilatação do ducto pancreático era difusa e irregular, associada à atrofia do parênquima remanescente, principalmente na cauda do pâncreas. O paciente foi submetido à duodenopancreatectomia sem excisão total do mesopâncreas seguida de pancreatojejunostomia. RESULTADOS: O pós-operatório transcorreu sem intercorrências, o tempo de internação na UTI foi de 2 dias, com alta hospitalar no sétimo dia. CONCLUSÕES: O tratamento da doença depende dos sinais e sintomas na apresentação e a duodenopancreatectomia é indicada em pacientes com dor abdominal intensa e recorrente.

Abstract WC-Co cutting tools are widely used by the metalworking industry. In order to improve the properties of these tools, research on the application of wear-resistant coatings, such as polycrystalline diamond, are of great importance to several applications. It is known that the occurrence of high-stress levels between the coating and the substrate can lead to adhesion failures. One strategy to minimize these failures is applying an intermediate layer of SiC. In this work, the deposition of a SiC layer was carried out by a novel two-step laser cladding approach. Instead of cladding directly the pre-synthesized SiC on the substrates, a 200 µm silicon powder layer was pre-deposited on the WC-Co substrates and then irradiated with a 30 W CO2 laser. To improve metallurgical bonding between the tungsten and the Si layer, all substrates were chemically attacked. This attack allows cobalt removal from the surface and increases surface roughness, improving the laser cladding process. After the SiC laser cladding, samples were coated with a 200 µm graphite powder layer and irradiated again by a CO2 laser. The samples were characterized by SEM, EDS, and XRD analysis. The results showed that in the first step, an irradiation energy of about 0.27 J was enough to fuse the silicon powder to the substrate and in the second step, 0.13 J was enough to promote the reaction between silicon, carbon and the WC substrate, resulting in the in-situ synthesis of SiC. Finally, a new method was proposed for the deposition of SiC on WC-Co based substrates and the observed results allowed the proposal of an empirical equation to describe the chemical reactions of the process.

Abstract IAC Herculândia is a Coffea canephora cultivar multiresistant to Meloidogyne exigua, M. incognita, and M. paranaensis to be used as a rootstock for Coffea arabica cultivars. It is a synthetic cultivar resulting from recombination among the clonal cultivars IAC WG, IAC FEBS, IAC PM, IAC LCCBF, and IAC ARM.

BACKGROUND Leishmaniasis, a neglected disease caused by the parasite Leishmania, is treated with drugs associated with high toxicity and limited efficacy, in addition to constant reports of the emergence of resistant parasites. In this context, snake serums emerge as good candidates since they are natural sources with the potential to yield novel drugs. OBJECTIVES We aimed to show the antileishmanial effects of γCdcPLI, a phospholipase A2 inhibitor from Crotalus durissus collilineatus snake serum, against Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis. METHODS Promastigotes forms were exposed to γCdcPLI, and we assessed the parasite viability and cell cycle, as well as invasion and proliferation assays. FINDINGS Despite the low cytotoxicity effect on macrophages, our data indicate that γCdcPLI has a direct effect on parasites promoting an arrest in the G1 phase and reduction in the G2/M phase at the highest dose tested. Moreover, this PLA2 inhibitor reduced the parasite infectivity when promastigotes were pre-treated. Also, we demonstrated that the γCdcPLI treatment modulated the host cell environment impairing early and late steps of the parasitism. MAIN CONCLUSIONS γCdcPLI is an interesting tool for the discovery of new essential targets on the parasite, as well as an alternative compound to improve the effectiveness of the leishmaniasis treatment. Leishmaniasis efficacy context A serum (Leishmania amazonensis cycle assays macrophages G G2M GM G2 M tested Moreover PLA pretreated. pretreated pre treated. pre-treated Also parasitism

Abstract Popilius gibbosus (Burmeister, 1847) was known only from localities in the Cordillera Oriental of the northern Andes in Colombia and Venezuela and the southern section in Colombia between 1,350-3,000 m. Herein, we provide the first record for Bolivia at low elevations (< 1,000 m), thus extending the geographic and altitudinal range of this species. Information about characters not yet used and the first description of the aedeagus are provided, accompanied with figures of those characters that facilitate the identification of the species. An identification key for Popilius species in Bolivia and a P. gibbosus distribution map are also provided.

Abstract Plutella xylostella (L.) is responsible for considerable vegetable crop losses in the metropolitan region of Manaus, Brazil. In recent decades, essential oils have been investigated as an alternative to synthetic insecticides. The genusPiperis widely distributed in Amazonia and essential oils from these plants have insecticidal properties. This study describes the chemical composition of the essential oils fromPiper capiterianumandPiper krukoffiias well as the lethal and sublethal effects onP. xylostella. The phytotoxicity of the oils on the host plant was also evaluated. Globulol was the major constituent of theP. krukoffiioil ando-cymene was the major constituent of theP. capitarianumoil. The oil fromP. capiterianumexhibited greater toxicity to larvae and eggs. This oil also presented greater repellant action, feeding deterrence and mild phytotoxicity to the host plant (Brassicae oleraceae). The findings suggest that this oil can be used in the preparation of a formulated insecticide for the management ofP. xylostellain different development phases. However, further studies are needed to evaluate the effect of this oil on crops under field conditions as well as non-target organisms and determine the cost-benefit ratio of a product formulated withP. capitarianumoil.

ABSTRACT Hydrogels have potential as soil conditioners due to their high capacity to retain water and mitigate soil salinity. However, investigations under saline conditions are necessary because there are losses in both water absorption and salinity mitigation depending on the composition of hydrogel and ions involved in salinity. In this work, we studied a commercial hydrogel in two experiments. The first experiment was conducted in the laboratory to evaluate the absorption by the hydrogel of water with electrical conductivity (EC) of 0.5, 1.5, 3.0, and 4.5 dS m–1, promoted by NaCl. The second experiment was conducted in a greenhouse in a 2 × 4 factorial scheme (with and without hydrogel × EC of the first experiment). Although salinity reduced water absorption by hydrogel by 84 %, the polymer applied in a sandy soil under saline conditions reduced water losses by 58 %. However, hydrogel did not increase the final soil moisture (~ 0.10 g g–1). The polymer reduced Na+ concentration in leachate from 1,499 to 1,219 mg L–1 at the highest salinity level (4.5 dS m–1), but it increased Na+ soil availability by 0.1 mg kg–1 in comparison with polymer absence. Hydrogel application increased Na+ content in plants from 9 to 13 mg kg–1 at the highest salinity, while K+ content was 10 to 16 mg kg–1 lower than that observed without a polymer. Hydrogel 0.07 % (w/w) reduced maize biomass, indicating damage by monovalent ions, compromising the polymer potential under salinity.

Resumo Objetivos: compilar estudos na literatura que tratem de oportunidades perdidas relacionadas ao tratamento dos parceiros de gestantes com sífilis. Métodos: trata-se de uma revisão sistemática nas bases de dados SciELO, PUBMED, Lilacs e BVS, utilizando artigos publicados entre 2008 a 2018. A pesquisa foi realizada entre os meses de abril a agosto 2019 e a busca aos artigos seguiu a recomendação da diretriz PRISMA. Resultados: foram identificados 56.686 títulos e extraídos 53 que abordavam aspectos relacionados ao tratamento dos parceiros de gestantes com sífilis. A maioria dos estudos foi nacional representando 60,7% dos artigos pesquisados. 51% utilizaram como base de dados os Sistemas de Informação de Agravos Notificados (SINAN), seguido da utilização de Questionários/Entrevista (33,9%) e consulta aos prontuários de pacientes (15,1%). Os fatores mais associados ao não tratamento dos parceiros de gestantes com sífilis foram: estruturação/qualidade dos serviços sob o aspecto relacionado a falhas na assistência prénatal, características das gestantes que interferem no tratamento dos mesmos e aos aspectos ligados as particularidades culturais que envolvem a assistência à saúde do homem. Conclusão: em todos os continentes o principal aspecto relacionado às falhas no tratamento dos parceiros/ gestantes com sífilis esteve associado a baixa qualidade da assistência pré-natal

Abstract Objectives: to compile studies in the literature that deal with missed opportunities related in treating pregnant women’s partners with syphilis Methods: this is a systematic review from SciELO, PUBMED, Lilacs and BVS databases, using articles published between 2008 and 2018. The research was carried out between April and August 2019 and followed PRISMA guideline recommendation Results: 56,686 titles were identified and 53 were extracted in which addressed aspects related intreating pregnant women’s partners with syphilis. Most studies were National, representing 60.7% of the researched articles. 51% of them used the Sistemas de Informação de Agravos Notificados (SINAN) (Notified Diseases Information System) as a database, followed by the use of Questionnaires / Interviews (33.9%) and consulted patients’ files (15.1%). The factors most associated with the non-treatment of the pregnant women’s partners with syphilis were: structuring /quality in the services from the aspect related to failures in prenatal care, characteristics of pregnant women that interfere in their treatment and aspects related to the cultural particularities that involvemen's healthcare. Conclusion: in all continents, the main aspect related to failures in the treatment of the partners/pregnant women with syphilis is associated with low quality in prenatal care.

RESUMEN Suponiendo que existe un alto acuerdo entre los pedólogos y una aplicación de smartphone en la descripción del color del suelo, el objetivo fue comparar las percepciones de los pedólogos y una aplicación en la obtención del color de un Argissolo [Lixisol] (horizontes A, E y B). Fueron recolectados diez agregados de cada horizonte. En un solo día, en las mismas condiciones de iluminación, tres podólogos describieron los componentes del color (matiz, valor y croma) de cada agregado (suelo seco y húmedo) utilizando la tabla de color Munsell. Cada uno de los diez agregados, de cada horizonte, fue fotografiado (secuencia de suelo seco y húmedo) con la cámara de un smartphone Motorola Moto G4 Plus. La distancia de la cámara a los agregados fue de 25 ± 5 cm. Además, cada agregado se colocó en una hoja blanca de papel A4 (fondo). La aplicación utilizada fue Soil Analysis Pro. El porcentaje de concordancia entre los pedólogos y la aplicación se obtuvo en relación con el matiz, valor y croma. Los datos se sometieron a análisis de varianza en un diseño completamente al azar, con diez repeticiones, utilizando el software Action Stat®. Se llegó a la conclusión de que el acuerdo entre los pedólogos y la aplicación del smartphone era medio en valor y croma y bajo en valor. En suelo seco, existe un alto nivel de acuerdo entre los pedólogos y la aplicación, principalmente en la percepción de matiz y croma. Por lo tanto, la aplicación para smartphone tiene el potencial de usarse en descripciones rutinarias del color del suelo.

ABSTRACT Based on the hypothesis that there is a high agreement between pedologists and a smartphone application in the assessment of soil color, this study aimed to compare the perceptions of pedologists and an application in obtaining the color of an Argissolo [Lixisol] (A, E, and B horizons). Ten aggregates of each horizon were collected. In a single day, under the same lighting conditions, three pedologists described the color components (hue, value, and chroma) of each aggregate (dry and moist soil) using the Munsell soil color chart. Each one of the ten aggregates, from each horizon, was photographed (dry and moist soil sequence) using the camera of a Motorola Moto G4 Plus smartphone. The distance of the camera to the aggregates was 25 ± 5 cm. Also, each aggregate was placed on a white sheet of A4 size paper (background). The application used was Soil Analysis Pro. The percentage of agreement between pedologists and application was obtained concerning hue, value, and chroma. The data were subjected to analysis of variance, in a completely randomized design, with ten replicates. Action Stat® software was used for statistical analysis. It was concluded that the agreement between pedologists and the smartphone application was medium for hue and chroma and low for value. For the dry soil condition, there is a high agreement between pedologists and the smartphone application, especially in the perception of hue and chroma. Thus, the smartphone application has the potential to be used in routine descriptions of soil color.

RESUMO Este trabalho investigou a influência da volatilidade cambial sobre as exportações brasileiras para os Estados Unidos entre janeiro de 1999 a fevereiro de 2017. Para tanto, empregou-se o teste de fronteira de Pesaran em uma estrutura ARDL. Adicionalmente foram construídas medidas não lineares para a volatilidade cambial a fim de verificar se choques positivos e negativos no câmbio afetam igualmente sua volatilidade. As medidas não lineares propostas indicaram que choques positivos no câmbio implicam em maior volatilidade para os períodos seguintes. Os resultados dos testes de Pesaran mostraram que a influência a longo prazo da volatilidade cambial nas exportações é similar para as diferentes medidas, contudo, os modelos considerando medidas não lineares obtiveram mais relações positivas do que os com medidas lineares. Os setores negativamente afetados foram produtos com dependência do capital externo e produtos manufaturados ou com baixo valor agregado. Os setores positivamente afetados foram produtos sem dependência do capital externo ou com demanda altamente elástica.

ABSTRACT This paper investigated the influence of exchange-rate volatility on Brazilian exports to the US from January 1999 to February 2017. For this purpose, we used Pesaran’s bound test in an ARDL framework. Moreover, we built nonlinear measures for exchange-rate volatility to verify whether positive and negative exchange rate shocks affect equally on volatility. The proposed nonlinear measures indicated that positive exchange rate shocks imply greater volatility in the following periods. The results showed that long-term exchange rate volatility affected the exports similarly for the different measures. However, we found more positive relationships in the models using nonlinear measures than in those using linear ones. The sectors negatively affected were external capital-dependent products and manufactured or low value-added products. In contrast, the ones positively affected were products with no dependence on external capital or products with highly elastic demand.

Abstract Cratomorphus Motschulsky, 1853 includes 38 species restricted to the Neotropical region. Based on adult males from Mexico, Cratomorphus leoneli sp. nov. is herein described from the states of Oaxaca, Campeche and Chiapas. We place the new species in Cratomorphus’ group IV, which includes species with the posterior border of sternite VIII medially produced. The new species can be distinguished from other species of the group IV by the clypeus subquadrate, posterior margin of pygidium bisinuate and posterior margin of sternite VIII with an apically obtuse median projection. Illustrations of habiti and diagnostic traits are provided, along with an identification key and a distribution map for the group IV species.

Resumen Cratomorphus Motschulsky, 1853 incluye 38 especies restringidas a la región Neotropical. Con base en machos adultos de México, se describe Cratomorphus leoneli sp. nov., distribuida en los estados de Oaxaca, Campeche y Chiapas. Incluimos a la nueva especie en el grupo IV de Cratomorphus, que incluye especies con el borde posterior del esternito VIII proyectada medialmente. La nueva especie se puede distinguir de otras del grupo IV por el clípeo subcuadrado, pygidium con margen posterior bisinuado y esternito VIII con un margen posterior con una proyección mediana apicalmente obtusa. Se proporcionan ilustraciones del hábito y caracteres diagnósticos, junto con una clave de identificación y un mapa de distribución de los machos de las especies del grupo IV.

Abstract This study evaluated the effects of supplying altrenogest from day 6-12 of pregnancy on the endometrial glandular epithelium, corpora lutea (CL) morphology, and endometrial and CL gene expression. A total of 12 crossbred females (Landrace × Large White) were used. The females were assigned to 4 treatments according to a random design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, with two categories (sow or gilt) and two treatments (non-treated and treated with altrenogest). On day 6 of pregnancy, animals were allocated to one of the following groups: non-treated (NT, n = 6; 3 sows and 3 gilts), and (T, n = 6; 3 sows and 3 gilts) treated daily with 20 mg of altrenogest, from day 6-12 of pregnancy. All animals were euthanized on day 13 of pregnancy. All CLs were individually weighed, and their volume were determined. The endometrial glandular density (GD), mean glandular area (MGA), and vascular density (VD) were determined by histomorphometric and immunohistochemical analyses. Endometrium samples were collected and analyzed by qRT-PCR to evaluate the abundance of transcripts for VEGF and IGF-I. Females in the T group had higher MGA (P < 0.05) compared to the NT group. There was no effect of treatment on GD or VD for both experimental groups. Sows in the T group had augmented expression of IGF-I (P < 0.05). Progestagen had no detrimental effect on CL morphology. In conclusion, altrenogest improves the uterine environment during the peri-implantation period in pigs without compromising corpora lutea development.

Resumo Objetivos: estimar a prevalência e apontar fatores associados à colonização por estreptococos do grupo B (EGB) em gestantes da zona urbana atendidas em unidades de saúde de um município do nordeste do Brasil. Métodos: trata-se de um estudo transversal realizado entre janeiro de 2017 a março de 2018. Foram coletados swabs vaginorretais de 210 gestantes entre a 32 e 40 semanas de gestação. As amostras foram semeadas em ágar sangue de carneiro 5% e ágar cromogênico. Para identificação confirmatoria de EGB foram utilizados o teste de CAMP e aglutinação em látex. Foram realizadas análise descritiva, de associação univariada e multivariada utilizando modelo logístico multinomial. Resultados: a prevalência de colonização por EGB entre as gestantes foi de 18,1% (n=38), e as variáveis renda e paridade no grupo de mulheres mais velhas na análise univariada além de cor da pele, idade e paridade na análise multivariada final estiveram estatisticamente associadas ao desfecho (p<0,05). Conclusões: a prevalência da colonização materna pelo EGB mostrou-se semelhante às descritas em outros estudos. Apesar de alguns fatores de risco como cor da pele, idade e paridade estarem associados à colonização, outros estudos são fundamentais para se estabelecer maiores informações sobre as gestantes mais passíveis de colonização pelo EGB.

Abstract Objectives: to estimate the prevalence and the factors associated with the colonization by group B streptococcus (GBS) in pregnant women from the urban area attended at health units in a municipality in northeastern Brazil. Methods: it is a cross-sectional study conducted from January 2017 to March 2018. Vagino-rectal swabs were collected from 210 pregnant women between 32 and 40 weeks of gestation. The swabs were seeded on 5% sheep blood agar and on chromogenic agar. For confirmatory identification of GBS, the CAMP test and latex agglutination were used. Descriptive analysis and univariate and multivariate association analysis were performed using a multinomial logistic model. Results: the prevalence of GBS colonization among pregnant women was 18.1% (n = 38), and a statistically significant association (p<0.05) was found for income and parity variables in the group of older women in the univariate analysis, and for skin color, age and parity in the final multivariate analysis. Conclusions: the prevalence of maternal colonization by GBS was similar to that described in other studies. Although some risk factors, such as skin color, age and parity, were associated with colonization, other studies are essential to establish more information on pregnant women more likely to be colonized by GBS.

RESUMO O autores descrevem a organização, no âmbito do Sistema Único de Saúde, do arcabouço para resposta a situações de emergência em saúde pública, especificamente a preparação para a entrada da pandemia causada por Sars-CoV-2 no Brasil. São discutidas as contradições da ação do Estado em meio à grave crise político-institucional. A resistência ao conhecimento científico num ambiente de conflito político e crescimento do autoritarismo é representada na disputa de narrativas que sustentam propostas antagônicas para enfrentar a crise. Informações falsas (fake-news) alimentam a cisão e confundem-se com a própria decisão do Governo Federal de dificultar o acesso a informações. A negação da gravidade da situação e a inexistência de um plano nacional de ação são mais exuberantes no momento em que o país se torna um dos epicentros da pandemia de Covid-19.

ABSTRACT The authors describe the organization, within the scope of Brazil’s Unified Health System, of the framework for responding to emergency public health situations, specifically the preparation for the onset of the pandemic caused by Sars-CoV-2 in Brazil. The contradictions of the State’s actions in the midst of a serious political-institutional crisis are discussed. The resistance to scientific knowledge in an environment of political conflict and growth of authoritarianism is represented in the dispute for narratives that support opposing proposals to face the crisis. Fake news feed the splitting and are confused with the federal government’s decision to hinder access to information. The denial of the gravity of the situation and the absence of a national action plan are even more exuberant at a time when the country becomes one of the epicenters of the covid-19 pandemic.