Oswaldo Cruz Foundation

About: Oswaldo Cruz Foundation is a facility organization based out in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Trypanosoma cruzi. The organization has 18673 authors who have published 36752 publications receiving 802378 citations. The organization is also known as: Fundação Oswaldo Cruz & FIOCRUZ.

Serological evidence of hepatitis E virus infection in different animal species from the Southeast of Brazil

Abstract: Serological evidence of hepatitis E virus infection (HEV) has been observed in both humans and different animal species living in non-endemic areas, suggesting that animals could be important reservoir for virus transmission to man. Antibodies to HEV have been detected in some Brazilian population groups. Nevertheless, sporadic cases of acute HEV infection have never been reported. We collected 271 serum samples from several domestic animals and also from pig handlers from Southeast of Brazil in order to investigate the seroprevalence of HEV infection. Anti-HEV IgG was detected in cows (1.42%), dogs (6.97%), chickens (20%), swines (24.3%), and rodents (50%), as well as in pig handlers (6.3%). The recognition of swine HEV infections in pigs in many countries of the world led us to investigate a larger sample of pigs (n = 357) from the same Brazilian region with ages ranging from 1 to > 25 weeks. IgG anti-HEV was detected in 100% of 7-day old pigs. Following a gradual decline between weeks 2 and 8 (probably due to loss of maternal IgG), the prevalence then steady increased until it reached 97.3% of animals older than 25 weeks. Besides the detection of anti-HEV antibodies in different animal species, the results showed that swine HEV infection seems to be almost universal within this Brazilian pig population. This is the first report that shows evidences of HEV circulation in Brazilian animal species and pig handlers.

Chikungunya virus: clinical aspects and treatment - A Review.

Abstract: Chikungunya is a severe and debilitating disease. Currently, Brazil is experiencing an epidemic caused by three arboviruses, which has changed the way health professionals have diagnosed and treated infected patients. The difficulty of diagnosis and the lack of a protocol for patient treatment, which fits Brazilian health system models, have made it difficult to manage this disease. It is necessary to implement a multidisciplinary network of patient care, in which primary care units play the main role. This review aims to present current information regarding the clinical aspects and treatment of Chikungunya virus infection.

Sobre participação popular: uma questão de perspectiva

Abstract: The idea of popular participation is related to the distribution of public funds by government agencies and the popular classes' needs. Although the history of popular participation dates back to the late 19th century, it was during the 1980s that popular manifestations reached their peak in Brazil. The present context of globalization and neoliberalism have led to changes in the relationships between authorities and civil society, and an impasse has been created in negotiations. This context of impasse has fostered a reflection on the different forces acting within civil society and the various demands raised by them. The author's hypothesis is that the mediators in this process (middle-class and technical professionals), working together in popular participation with the popular classes, experience difficulties in perceiving the latter's interests and evaluations of reality. The popular classes' disbelief in Brazilian politics encourages them to solve their problems by forms of participation different than those practiced historically.

Processo de decisão pelo tipo de parto no Brasil: da preferência inicial das mulheres à via de parto final

Abstract: O objetivo deste artigo e descrever os fatores referidos para a preferencia pelo tipo de parto no inicio da gestacao e reconstruir o processo de decisao pelo tipo de parto no Brasil. Dados de uma coorte de base hospitalar nacional com 23.940 puerperas, realizada em 2011-2012, foram analisados, segundo fonte de pagamento do parto e paridade, com utilizacao do teste χ2. A preferencia inicial pela cesariana foi de 27,6%, variando de 15,4% (primiparas no setor publico) a 73,2% (multiparas com cesariana anterior no setor privado). O principal motivo para a escolha do parto vaginal foi a melhor recuperacao desse tipo de parto (68,5%) e para a cesariana o medo da dor do parto (46,6%). Experiencia positiva com parto vaginal (28,7%), parto cesareo (24,5%) e realizacao de laqueadura tubaria (32,3%) foram citadas por multiparas. Mulheres do setor privado apresentaram 87,5% de cesariana, com aumento da decisao pelo parto cesareo no final da gestacao, independentemente do diagnostico de complicacoes. Em ambos os setores, a proporcao de cesariana foi muito superior ao desejado pelas mulheres.

Bambuí Project: a qualitative approach to self-medication

Abstract: Representations related to self-medication were investigated, seeking to identify contextual elements that can reinforce or inhibit such practice. An anthropological approach based on the model of signs, meanings, and actions was used. Twenty-nine inhabitants from the town of Bambui, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, were interviewed (17 women and 12 men), selected among participants in a health survey that had been on medication in the previous 90 days. The research focused on the identification of different types of self-medication practiced by the interviewee or by a relative, and then "ways of thinking and behaving" associated with this practice were investigated. The influence of pharmacists/drugstore sales attendants as well as family and friends, perception of the health problem as transitory and a minor issue, familiarity with and easy access to certain pharmaceuticals, as well as difficulties in access to (and negative assessment of) health care were determinant factors for self-medication.