ABCS Health Sciences

Visceral Leishmaniasis with Hemophagocytic Syndrome in a patient infected by SARS-COV2: a case report

Letícia Vitória Lino Sousa — 2025-05-06

Introduction: Visceral leishmaniasis is a disease that determines a picture of immunosuppression in the patient after contact with infected sandflies. Secondary hemophagocytic syndrome, on the other hand, is an immune-mediated condition that develops after infections, neoplasms, or autoimmune diseases. COVID-19 has infected more than 130 million people and caused more than 2.6 million deaths worldwide. Immunosuppression triggered by COVID-19 can be an aggravating factor for latent infections. Report: This article reported the case of a patient, 37 years old, with a previous history of Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome due to SARS-COV-2, later diagnosed with Hemophagocytic Syndrome Secondary to Visceral Leishmaniasis. Conclusion: A SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has revealed cases of co-infection with visceral leishmaniasis, highlighting the need for case reports that contribute to the efficiency of diagnosing and treating patients with comorbidities, aiming for a favorable outcome in the clinical condition of the patients.

High-fat diet and fructose drink stimulate apoptotic signaling via cleaved caspase-3 protein in hepatic cells of rats

Lorena Silva Freire — 2025-05-06

Introduction: The intake of a high-fat, high-fructose diet during childhood may lead to obesity, hepatic steatosis, and inflammation in adulthood. Objective: To investigate the effects on hepatic metabolism of intake of diets with various levels of fat associated with fructose drinks during childhood. Methods: Male 21-days-old rats were divided into groups: Control (C, 16.3% kcal from lipids diet and water); High-fat (HF, 45% kcal from lipids diet and fructose drink); and very high-fat (VHF, 60% kcal from lipids diet and fructose drink). After 10 weeks, blood and liver were collected for biochemical, histological, lipid profile, and Western blotting analyses. Results: The HF and VHF animals presented higher adiposity index, hepatic accumulation of lipids, and inflammatory cells, suggesting the treatments were effective at inducing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in its inflammatory form. The hepatic content of cleaved caspase-3 and deposition of collagen fibers were increased in the HF group. Conclusion: In summary, lipid-rich diets combined with fructose drinks seem to promote the increase in body lipids content and accumulation of lipids, inflammation, activation of apoptotic signaling pathways, and the initiation of a fibrotic process in the liver in adulthood.

Epidemiological profile of self-medication by university students during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil

Nikolas Lisboa Coda Dias — 2025-05-06

Introduction: Self-medication is characterized by drug consumption without a medical prescription to alleviate undesirable symptoms. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this practice may have been stimulated by the implementation of remote teaching with an extensive workload, the development of mental health disorders, and the dissemination of false information on social media. Objective: To outline the epidemiological profile of self-medication and drugs consumed by university students during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. Methods: This is an analytical cross-sectional epidemiological study, in which data were collected through an online questionnaire sent by email to the coordinators of university courses in different regions of Brazil in January 2022. The prevalence of self-medication was calculated, and binomial logistic regression analysis and chi-square tests were applied to determine the influence of some variables on the practice of self-medication. Results: A prevalence of 48.43% of self-medication was detected among the 384 participants, the majority of whom were female and studied non-health-related areas. Associations (p<0.005) were observed between self-medication and the female sex, the Applied Social Sciences course, and having comorbidities. Furthermore, prevalences of 43.22%, 24.22%, and 16.15%, respectively, of consumption of analgesics, antihistamines and antidepressants were detected. Conclusion: In the pandemic context, a set of interconnected factors, such as gender, course, comorbidities, mental suffering, and low-severity symptoms can influence the practice of self-medication by university students.

Music therapy reduces fatigue of the patients undergoing autologous hematopoietic stem cells transplantation

Carlos Antonio Dóro — 2025-05-06

Introduction: Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a therapeutic medical treatment for various neoplastic hematologic, congenital, genetic, or acquired disorders. In this procedure which combines high-dose chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy and has a high degree of cytotoxicity, the patient experiences solitary confinement, which causes psychological distress, anxiety, mood disorder, fatigue, nausea, and pain and can lead him/her to depression. Objective: Evaluate the effectiveness of music therapy intervention for fatigue in patients undergoing autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Methods: This is a randomized clinical trial patients (n=151) were selected randomly were selected for the Experimental Music Therapy Group (EMG, n=76) which received the intervention, and for the Control Group (CG, n=75) which received only standard treatment. Interventions of live music were made using music therapy methods and techniques by a qualified music therapist. For assessment and quantification, the visual analog scale (VAS), and piper fatigue scale (PFS) were used. Results: The analysis and statistical tests applied were considered statistically significant. (PFS) Score Total (EMG) Baseline 7.1 (CG) 6.7 p=0.30 follow up (EMG) 2.4 (CG) 5.7=2.4 p<0.001 (VAS) before intervention 6.45 p=0.89 after intervention 2.52 p<0.001. Conclusion: Music therapy reduces fatigue of the undergoing autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, providing bio-psychosocial welfare.

Breastfeeding practices among women working in companies with breastfeeding support rooms: a cross-sectional study

Carolina Belomo de Souza — 2025-05-06

Introduction: The Breastfeeding Support Room is part of the Working Women's Breastfeeding Action and is an important strategy to increase breastfeeding rates. Objective: To identify the profile and breastfeeding practices of women employees who attended Breastfeeding Support Rooms. Methods: A cross-sectional research was conducted through convenience sampling of women working in companies with breastfeeding support rooms. A semi-structured questionnaire was applied through interviews and online self-completion. The association between the duration of breastfeeding and time of room use with socioeconomic variables and company characteristics was analyzed using Fisher's exact test. A significance level of 5% was considered. Results: 87% of the women breastfed exclusively for 6 months; 60.3% had an undergraduate or graduate degree; 66% breastfed throughout their child's second year of life; 41% used their company's Breastfeeding Support Room for 5 to 10 months and 100% of women had six months' maternity leave. Women who were married or in a civil union (96%) received the most support to continue breastfeeding after returning to work (p=0.03). Conclusion: This data can be used to propose improvements to this strategy or subsidize a large-scale expansion of Breastfeeding Support Rooms. It is imperative to reflect upon future actions so that these rooms reach a higher number of attendees.

Predictive factors for sexual dissatisfaction in men after traumatic spinal cord injury

Josepha Karinne de Oliveira Ferro — 2025-05-06

Introduction: In addition to motor and sensory losses, the urinary tract and sexual function are also affected by spinal cord injury, with sexual dysfunction being one of the most common problems in these patients and its severity depends on the level and complexity of the injury. This alteration of sexual function occurs due to changes in the neurophysiological process, but this mechanism and its association with sexual satisfaction are not well established. Objective: To analyze the association between clinical and psychosocial factors and sexual satisfaction in men after traumatic spinal cord injury, as well as predictive factors for sexual dissatisfaction after the injury. Method: Observational study performed with 45 men, with traumatic and sexually active spinal cord injury. The International Erectile Function Index assessed sexual function, and the level and grade of the lesion were determined following the guidelines of the International Standards for Neurological Examination and Functional Classification of Spinal Cord Injury. Bi and multivariate analysis was applied to observe the association between factors, with a significance level of 0.05. Results: 45 individuals with mean lesion time in years 7.5 (CI 5.2 - 9.9) were evaluated. Frequency of monthly sexual intercourse is a risk factor (OR: 11.69, 95% CI: 2.16 - 63.19) for sexual dissatisfaction, as well as orgastic dysfunction (OR: 10,13; 95% CI: 1, 33-77, 18). Conclusion: Infrequent sexual relations and orgastic dysfunction are predictors of sexual dissatisfaction after spinal cord injury.

Daytime Sleepiness in elderly people under Hemodialysis: initial data from a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial

Maria Clara Brasileiro Barroso — 2025-05-06

Introdução: O sono é um processo fisiológico complexo que se alterna com períodos de vigília. Alterações no sono estão associadas a patologias crônicas, incluindo distúrbios renais, e resultam em déficit na qualidade de vida. Objetivo: Analisar os efeitos da Terapia de Luz Brilhante (BLT) no sono de idosos com Doença Renal Crônica Terminal (DRCT) em hemodiálise. Métodos: Ensaio clínico , randomizado, controlado por placebo, com abordagem quantitativa, onde a coleta de dados foi baseada na aplicação da Escala de Sonolência de Epworth em clínicas de hemodiálise antes e após o fornecimento de BLT ou placebo lightbox (PLB). Foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética da Universidade Proponente sob o nº 4.987.780 e aprovado também no Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos (ReBEC) com o número RBR-8bmjpd4. Resultados: 34 pacientes formaram quatro grupos (17 pacientes antes e os mesmos 17 após BLT e 17 pacientes antes e os mesmos 17 após PLB). A idade média foi de 71 anos, predominantemente (62%-21/34) do sexo masculino. A análise revelou que a sonolência diurna diminuiu após o uso do BLT, ANOVA e eta-squared 0,05, por outro lado, a sonolência diurna aumentou significativamente após o uso do PLB. A realização do teste t effect size para comparar as médias dos dois grupos após o PLB e após o BLT (6,53 versus 7,88) encontrou um efeito alto, d de Cohen 4,83 e g de Hedges 4,95. Conclusão: Há benefícios no uso do BLT à tarde para idosos com DRT em hemodiálise, no contexto da regularização do ciclo sono-vigília.

Knee pain in adults from the northeast of São Paulo, Brazil: prevalence, risk factors, and impact on quality of life

Alberto de Vitta — 2025-02-17

Introduction: The existing literature describes several risk factors associated with knee pain, including personal, psychological, and work-related factors, among others. Furthermore, several studies have shown the negative impact of knee pain on quality of life; however, there is a lack of knowledge about knee pain in Latin American populations. Objective: This study aims to investigate the prevalence, risk factors, and impact on the quality of life of knee pain in Brazilian adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study was based on a population survey with 600 individuals interviewed using questionnaires including a) sociodemographic and labor aspects; b) physical activity level (IPAC questionnaire); c) musculoskeletal symptoms (Nordic questionnaire); and d) quality of life (SF-36). Results: The prevalence of knee pain was 25.6% (95% confidence interval: 22.3–29.3%), and it was associated with being >60 years old, black ethnicity, mean or low income, overweight, depression, gastrointestinal and renal diseases, and persons who performed occupations requiring repetitive movements, sitting while using a computer, and standing. All individuals with knee pain demonstrated significantly greater risks for summaries of the physical components. Conclusion: Knee pain is associated with socioeconomic variables, work aspects, and lifestyle factors and impacts the quality of life.

Post-traumatic stress disorder in individuals who required hospitalization for COVID-19: A cross-sectional study

Tatyane Gomes de Oliveira — 2025-02-17

Introduction: Currently, the physical and functional consequences on individuals who have recovered from the severe form of the Covid-19 and are experiencing traumatic stress remain unknown. Objective: To assess post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in individuals post-hospital discharge following COVID-19 and investigate its relationship with sociodemographic variables, quality of life, muscle strength and functional capacity. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, including individuals of both genders aged between 31 and 79 years, who had recovered from COVID-19 and required hospitalization. Participants underwent evaluations for PTSD, physical activity level, mobility and balance (Timed Up and Go test – TUG), the distance covered in the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and quality of life (Short Form-36 Health Srvey -SF-36). Results: Out of 153 eligible individuals, 60 successfully completed the assessments. The age range was 31 to 77 years, and 63.3% were female. PTSD was identified in 48.3%, with 38.7% exhibiting partial symptoms. Furthermore, 65.5% of individuals with PTSD were obese, and 62.1% were hypertensive. This group demonstrated a higher degree of sedentary behavior (p=0.009), increased frequency of intensive care unit hospitalization, and a greater number of days hospitalized, respectively (p<0.001 and p=0.010). They exhibited longer times in the TUG (p=0.014), shorter distances than predicted in the 6MWT (p=0.001), and a reduction in all domains of the SF-36. Conclusion: Given the findings of this study, the follow-up of these individuals needs to be continued in order to verify the permanence of these symptoms and functional manifestations.

Effects of low, moderate, and high-intensity aquatic exercise on joint edema in induced rat knee arthritis

Alline Mardegan Mioto — 2025-02-17

Introduction: Arthritis has prompted interest in using physical exercise as therapy. This study assesses the effects of low-, moderate-, and high-intensity exercise on induced arthritis in male Wistar rats. Objective: To evaluate the impact of low-, moderate-, and high-intensity physical exercise on induced arthritis. Methods: Twenty 60-day-old rats were divided into 5 groups: Control Group Arthritis (GCA), Control Group Placebo (GCP), Group Low Physical Activity (GL), Group Moderate Physical Activity (GM), and Group Intense Physical Activity (GI). The physical activity groups received intra-articular injections of Zymosan in the right knee, followed by aquatic activity, swimming with a dorsal load for 30 minutes, 4 times weekly, for five weeks. Exercise intensity varied: GL 1%, GM 5%, GI 15% of body weight. At the end of the 5th week euthanasia was performed, and soleus muscles were histologically. Group comparisons: one-way ANOVA with Tukey or Kruskal-Wallis with Dunn's post-test, contingent on data homogeneity Levene test. Weight changes: Student’s T-test or ANOVA for repeated measurements, with Bonferroni's post-test for inter-week and first and last-week comparisons within each group. Results: There were no significant differences in inflammatory edema before or after exercise in joint diameter analysis. GI exhibited decreased inflammatory edema in the 3^rd week post-activity. GM showed a substantial decrease in the 4^th week compared to GL and GI. Post-intervention inflammation did not differ significantly among groups. Conclusion: Varying exercise intensities did not harm any group-induced arthritis in rats.

Regular exercise in adolescents with ACE gene polymorphism helps preventing cardiovascular risk factors

Nivaldo de Jesus Silva Soares Junior — 2025-02-17

Introduction: Polymorphisms can influence the expression and production of regulatory components in the endocrine system. These include the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), which plays, along with other environmental factors, a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of essential arterial hypertension in both adults and adolescents. Objective: To analyze the influence of the level of physical activity and the polymorphism in the ACE gene on cardiac autonomic modulation and the chance of cardiovascular risk in adolescents. Methods: 136 adolescents were divided into active (AG) and sedentary (SG) groups. The genotypic frequencies in SG group are DD (38), DI (12) and II (10); and AG group are DD (38), DI (15) and II (23). Blood pressure, body composition, physical activity level, and sexual maturation were assessed to characterize the groups. Afterward, an electrocardiogram was performed to analyze heart rate variability and oral mucosal cells were collected for the genotypic of angiotensin-converting enzyme. Results: The AG presented lower systolic blood pressure and sympathetic modulation when compared to the SG DD. Additionally, the odds ratio for the cardiovascular events was increased in the SG DD compared with that in AG with DD allele (AG DD) adolescents, as verified for the autonomic variables LF%, HF%, LF/HF, and SBP. Conclusion: Regular physical activity in adolescents can contribute to the maintenance of blood pressure levels, preventing autonomic imbalance and cardiovascular risk factors in adolescents with ACE gene polymorphism.

Temporal trend, spatial distribution and factors associated with detection and mortality from viral hepatitis B and C in Brazil (2010–2019)

Lucas Vinícius de Lima — 2025-02-17

Introduction: The elimination of viral hepatitis stands out as one of the goals on the agenda for 2030, particularly due to its significant impact on public health. Objective: To analyze the temporal trends, spatial distribution, and factors associated with the detection and mortality of viral hepatitis B and C in Brazil from 2010 to 2019. Methods: An ecological study focusing on Brazilian regions and federative units. Annual detection and mortality rates were calculated, trend analysis was conducted using polynomial regression models, thematic maps were developed for spatial distribution, and the Spearman correlation coefficient was used to assess the association with seven socioeconomic indicators. Results: Brazil exhibited a decreasing trend in detection and mortality rates for hepatitis. The Southern and Northern regions showed the highest rates of hepatitis B, with decreasing and stable trends, respectively. The highest rates of hepatitis C were observed in the Southern and Southeast regions, both showing a declining trend. Hepatitis B detection was highest in Acre and Rondônia, while hepatitis C detection was highest in Rio Grande do Sul and Acre. An increase in hepatitis C detection and a decline in mortality were observed in Pará and Acre. Hepatitis detection was inversely related to the illiteracy rate and directly associated with the human development index, life expectancy, and per capita income. Conclusion: Regional and state disparities were evident regarding the behavior of viral hepatitis B and C in Brazil, with locations having better development indices exhibiting higher detection rates.

Factors associated with early hospital readmission for acute decompensation of cirrhosis - prospective cohort study

Tamara Liana Zocche — 2025-02-17

Introduction: The first months after the hospitalization of cirrhotic patients are considered at high risk for new complications. Knowing the factors associated with early readmission in these individuals may contribute to the development of preventive strategies that avoid the risks and costs related to a new hospitalization. Objective: To investigate the factors associated with the early readmission of hospitalized patients due to acute decompensation of cirrhosis. Methods: Data from the first hospitalization of each patient was considered during the study period and were followed up to the 90^th day by telephone contact. A prospective cohort study in Southern Brazil. Results: Between 2011 and 2016, 280 patients were included in the study. The mean age was 55.68±11.21 years, and 71.8% were males with a mean MELD of 15.65±5.64 and 41.4% Child-Pugh C. Early readmission occurred in 91 cases (32.5%). In the logistic regression analysis, CLIF-SOFA variables (odds ratio [OR] 1.137, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.003–1.289, p=0.045) and several complications present in the initial hospitalization (OR 1.503, 95% CI 1.074–2.105, p=0.018) independent of early readmission. Early readmission rates were 16.8% in patients with CLIF-SOFA <8 and less than 2 complications at admission and 49.2% in those with CLIF-SOFA ≥8 and 2 or more complications at the initial hospitalization. Conclusion: Simple parameters such as CLIF-SOFA and the number of complications of cirrhosis present at hospital admission are predictors of early readmission and can be used as tools to individualize the follow-up of cirrhotic patients after hospital discharge.

Parasitic contamination of lettuce: comparison between establishments located in areas with high and low economic values

Gustavo Trentini Barancelli — 2025-02-17

Introduction: Diseases caused by contaminated food are a threat to public health. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is a widespread vegetable for human alimentation. Some systematic reviews showed parasitic contamination of lettuce in Brazil. Objective: To evaluate if the economic value of the places where lettuce is bought could be a determinant of parasitic contamination. Methods: We assessed the presence of parasites in the curly lettuces sold in the city of Passo Fundo, Brazil, and compared the frequency of contamination between markets and fruit stores, and between areas with high and low economic values. 130 samples of lettuce from 65 commercial establishments scattered throughout the city were washed with distilled water and analyzed under optical microscopy after 24 hours of spontaneous sedimentation method. Results: Parasitic forms were found in 80% of the samples, namely: ciliated cysts (probable Balantioides coli), larvae of nematode, Ascaris lumbricoides, cestode eggs, Giardia lamblia, Hymenolepis nana, Entamoeba coli, and Fasciola hepatica. Contamination by larvae of nematode was more frequent in fruit stores than in markets (35.9% vs. 19.7%; p=0.039). Areas with high and low economic values had the same frequency of contamination, but there was a trend to higher contamination by cestode eggs in areas with low economic values. Conclusion: This study was the first to show that the frequency of parasitic contamination is not different compared to establishments located in areas of high and low economic values, refuting any common sense that regions of the city with higher income are less exposed to parasitic contamination of food.

Effects of gestational and lactational exposure to ethanol on body and bone growth of rat offspring

Natalia Viana Tamiasso — 2025-02-17

Introduction: Ethanol is the most widely consumed drug in the world. When this consumption occurs by pregnant women, the harmful effects extend to the fetus. There are few data available on its effects on infants. Objective: To evaluate the effects of maternal ethanol consumption during pregnancy (prenatal) as well as during pregnancy and lactation (pre- and post-natal). Methods: 12 Wistar rats were divided into ethanol and control groups. Ethanol group received ethanol (4 g/kg/day) via oral gavage from the ninth day of gestation to the 17th day of lactation. The weight and length of the pups were determined at birth and 17 days of age. The length and width of the femur and tibia and the thickness of the epiphysis were measured in the neonates, and the thickness of the articular cartilage, epiphyseal plate, and its zones were measured at 17 days of age. CDC-47 immunoexpression was evaluated and the expressions of aggrecan, collagen type II, and collagen type X were determined by RT-PCR. Results: In neonates, rats in the group with prenatal exposure to ethanol were significantly shorter (body length) than the control group. At 17 days of age, the femur of the group with pre-and postnatal exposure to ethanol showed a significantly lower percentage of proliferating chondrocytes, as evidenced by the different CDC-47 immunoexpression between groups. Conclusion: Prenatal exposure to ethanol in rats reduced body length at birth while pre- and postnatal exposure to ethanol decreased the proliferation of femoral epiphyseal plate chondrocytes.

Physical exercise in the prevention and rehabilitation of Osteopenia in premature infants and children with Down Syndrome: a systematic review

Helena Mariotto Palma — 2025-05-06

Introduction: Osteopenia is a systemic metabolic disease derived from decreased bone formation and/or increased resorption without compromising microarchitecture, causing increased fragility and susceptibility to fractures, which can affect growth in childhood and adolescence. Objective: Identify which interventions through physical exercise can help in the treatment and prevention of osteopenia/osteoporosis in premature infants and children with Down Syndrome. Methods: The searches were conducted in specific databases in Health Sciences, structured in the form PICOS, including randomized clinical trials related to physical exercise against osteopenia in premature children and with Down Syndrome from 0 to 12, using the Health Sciences Descriptors to identify the keywords. Studies with high methodological quality were eligible for meta-analysis in the random effects model. Results: Of the 15 articles analyzed, it was observed that both infants, children, and adolescents in the experimental groups, who performed physical exercise, showed statistically significant differences in at least one of the biomarkers of bone formation or bone resorption and, in the same way, showed statistical differences in densitometry and ultrasound measurements. The meta-analysis performed with the studies in preterm infants showed statistically significant mean differences of 0.77 and 0.61 for bone formation in the intervention group and 1.07 for the intensity of 10 repetitions in the Moyer and Mileur protocol. Conclusion: Physical exercise contributes to greater bone formation and reduction of bone resorption, effectively treating and preventing metabolic diseases of osteo in premature infants and children with Down Syndrome.

Acknowledgements to reviewers

ABCS Health Sciences — 2025-02-17