Antonio Gilvan Teixeira Júnior

Clinical and Epidemiological Aspects of Scorpionism in the World: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE Scorpion stings are registered worldwide, but the incidence and the features of the envenomations vary depending on the region. The aim of this review was to summarize the epidemiological, clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic data worldwide regarding humans stung by scorpions. METHODS A systematic review of the literature was conducted through the online databases of the Virtual Health Library (VHL), which hosts Medline and the Latin American and Caribbean Center on Health Sciences Informational (LILACS) database. We selected articles published between January 1, 2002 and July 31, 2014. RESULTS Scorpion envenomation reports were found throughout the world, mainly in subtropical and tropical regions. The clinical manifestations were sympathetically and parasympathetically mediated, depending on the species of scorpion. Some of the most common severe complications of scorpionism included respiratory distress syndrome, pulmonary edema, cardiac dysfunction, impaired hemostasis, pancreatitis, and multiple organ failure. Scorpion envenomation could be classified as mild, moderate, and severe, and the therapeutic approach was based on the case severity. The treatment comprised 3 components: symptomatic measures, vital functions support, and injection of antivenom. Moreover, the time that elapsed between the sting and administration of the appropriate medical care was extremely important to the patients prognosis. CONCLUSIONS The large number of scorpion stings worldwide is concerning and reaffirms the need for new prevention measures and policies to reduce the incidence, prevalence, morbidity, and mortality rates from these poisonous arachnids.

Association between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and cervical carcinoma: A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been implicated as a major factor in cervical carcinogenesis. However, many pieces of evidence gathered over the last two decades suggest Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) plays a secondary role in this process. The purpose of the present meta-analysis was to determine whether the presence of EBV infection increases the risk of cervical carcinoma. METHODS Based on 25 articles, the analysis yielded a 33.44% overall pooled prevalence of EBV. RESULTS The pooled prevalence was higher in patients with carcinoma (43.63%) than in healthy patients (19.0%) or patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 1 (CIN1) (27.34%) or CIN2/3 (34.67%). Co-infection with EBV and HPV displayed a similar pattern. EBV infection was significantly and positively associated with lesion grade in cervical epithelia and was more prevalent in malignant lesions. Moreover, cervical carcinoma occurred four times as often among EBV positive women as in women without EBV infection (OR=4.01 [1.87-8.58]; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS The existence of EBV(+)HPV(-) carcinomas, the confirmed expression of latent oncoproteins (EBNA1, EBNA2, LMP1) and EBERs in tumor cells, and the association of EBV with the integration of high-risk-HPV DNA in malignant specimens point to EBV as a co-factor (so far underestimated) in the genesis and/or progression of cervical carcinoma. However, further studies are necessary before the link between EBV and cervical carcinoma can be established.

Bipolar disorder incidence between children and adolescents: a brief communication

BACKGROUND Bipolar affective disorder is one of most injurious psychiatric diseases, not, rarely leading patient for suicide, and its prevalence keeps increasing worldwide, notably on low and, middle-income countries. For children living in northeast Brazil, extreme social conditions constitute, an environment of special vulnerability. OBJECTIVE Here we show that bipolar disorder incidence, between children and adolescents in this Brazilian region increased 34.2% from 2005 to 2014 and, in, the same area and age group, deaths provoked by self-caused injuries also became progressively, greater. RESULTS According to DATASUS, the Brazilian national databank for public health, information, in the last five years, we observed an increase of Bipolar Disorder incidence rates under, 19 year-old of about 34.2% in the northeast region of Brazil, while the increase for Brazilian general, population was 12.4%. If considered only patients under 10, this number is even greater, of 47.2%. Content of Table 2 shows this disproportion, while comparing the advance of bipolar disorder, morbidity indices nationwide and worldwide. CONCLUSION Children living in Brazils northeast, region are in a condition of extreme social disadvantage, what can be determinant for the recent and, sequential increase of bipolar disorder prevalence and the mortality in this age-group due to suicide, one of possible reflections of untreated mood disorders. For protecting these children is important to, identify the factors which prevent these illnesses and promote resilience for these young people.

Suicide: A Danger Between Surgeons

Suicide has been a growing problem all around the world, with around 1 million deaths registered per year. This scenery affects the medical population more frequently and it has been a concern for more than one hundred years. It has been reported that the work situation to which the physicians are submitted causes distress, burnout and other symptoms that help to develop suicidal ideation. Based on previous works, it was found that among the physicians, surgeons have a higher tendency to be a victim of these disorders, due to work related harassment, sickness presenteeism, unfulfillment feelings and, mainly, the stigma of seeking psychological help. Although, some studies indicates strategies to overcome this situation as regular meetings provided by the work management to discuss stressful work related events and the clarification of suicidal ideation treatment.

An Update On Rodent Model Studies In Diabetic Neuropathy: A Brief Communication

The diseases of the peripheral nerves are quite common and diversified, are directly related to several factors, ranging from the imbalance related to good nutrition and adequate needs of nutrients, going to the injuries caused by drugs or mechanisms external to the human organism. Diabetes is a complex syndrome that affects and kills millions of people worldwide. We demonstrated through the experimental model of diabetes using STZ@ in single intraperitoneal dose of 60 mg / kg, that both a purely motor nerve can be directly affected as well as a special afferent nerve (cranial nerve), this comparison showed us that there is a possibility of having a new type of mixed type neuropathy, this may be related to the amount of the dose involved, such as the time of disease progression, but more studies need to be done for definitive confirmation. We can extrapolate the original results to understand the mechanisms of diabetes in humans, although it does not yet have an experimental model of type II diabetes, more related to eating disorders, the STZ application simulates the effects of type I or insulin dependent diabetes, with more serious and deleterious effects mainly the more distal portions of the nerves. Prevention and food control are very important, especially those related to the mechanisms that involve carbohydrate metabolism and its peripheral resistance. The original results commented here are relevant for the continuous study of this serious but old illness, but quite current in the medical and therapeutic clinic. Keywords: Experimental Model of Diabetes; Sensory and Motor Peripheral Nerves; Peripheral Nerve Injuries; Neuropathies; STZ; Rats.

Are there Childhood Major Depressive Disorder Genetic Markers and Mutations

Background: There are many challenges in the childhood psychopathology field to carry out epidemiological studies. The child is a being in evolution with behavioral changes, making more difficult to conduct this kind of research. Even nowadays, there are still several diseases being treated as they were all the same, such as disorders, disturbances, and behavioral changes. Moreover, there are still difficulties regarding the parameterized diagnostic criteria, such as the points awarding cut-off scales utilization and the questionnaires application. Objective: To identify whether are genetic changes that can cause childhood major depressive disorder and if there are genetic markers that can be used to detect these changes. Results: Studies showed a strong relationship between environmental stress (whether emotional or physical) and the genetic pool that each individual has as specific genes regulating serotonergic and neurotrophic circuits. The pathophysiology and the interaction of these circuits are not well established, but studies confirm their interactions and expression with depression. Conclusion: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a deeply familiar disorder, with genetic influences not very well established and relevant environmental components.

Ebola: an international public health emergency

The outbreak of Ebola in West Africa could become one of the worst infectious-disease-driven humanitarian crises of recent times. With more than 3000 deaths since the first case was confirmed in March 2014, the international community has recognized Ebola as a public health emergency of international concern and a clear threat to global health security. The complexity of dealing with this Ebola outbreak has highlighted the need for traditional actors, such as WHO and the CDC, to embrace the wider health and humanitarian community. The epidemic reinforces the need for nations to investment in health infrastructure and disease surveillance to keep pace with other developments in Africa. If Ebola arrives in high-income and middleincome nations, it should be contained quickly. The crisis shows the importance of sufficient levels of multilateral funding for WHO. The world needs a strong WHO, with the financing and political influence to fulfil its historic mission.

Plagiarism as another ethical issue in scientific research

The excessive demand for publications results in high plagiarism and duplicate numbers by scientists who take over existing texts into new publications. In addition to serious ethical problems, this practice hinders the generation of original material. In order to reduce the problem, softwares such as eTBLAST are being used to detect plagiarism and repeated papers. Despite the persistence of fraudsters, these tools have helped to reduce these problems; however, the ideal solution would be the basic ethical establishment principles. Therefore, plagiarism has always been a foible that could lead to fraudulent and dishonorable development of science.