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.

Low level methylmercury exposure affects neuropsychological function in adults

Abstract: The neurotoxic effects of methylmercury (MeHg) have been demonstrated in both human and animal studies Both adult and fetal brains are susceptible to the effects of MeHg toxicity However, the specific effects of adult exposures have been less well-documented than those of children with prenatal exposures This is largely because few studies of MeHg exposures in adults have used sensitive neurological endpoints The present study reports on the results of neuropsychological testing and hair mercury concentrations in adults (>17 yrs) living in fishing communities of Baixada Cuiabana (Mato Grosso) in the Pantanal region of Brazil A cross-sectional study was conducted in six villages on the Cuiaba River Participants included 129 men and women older than 17 years of age They were randomly selected in proportion to the age range and number of inhabitants in each village Questionnaire information was collected on demographic variables, including education, occupation, and residence history Mercury exposure was determined by analysis of hair using flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometry The neurocognitive screening battery included tests from the Wechsler Memory Scale and the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, Concentrated Attention Test of the Toulouse-Pierron Factorial Battery, the Manual Ability Subtests of the Tests of Mechanical Ability, and the Profile of Mood States Mercury exposures in this population were associated with fish consumption The hair mercury concentration in the 129 subjects ranged from 056 to 136 μg/g; the mean concentration was 42 ± 24 micrograms/g and the median was 37 μg/g Hair mercury levels were associated with detectable alterations in performance on tests of fine motor speed and dexterity, and concentration Some aspects of verbal learning and memory were also disrupted by mercury exposure The magnitude of the effects increased with hair mercury concentration, consistent with a dose-dependent effect This study suggests that adults exposed to MeHg may be at risk for deficits in neurocognitive function The functions disrupted in adults, namely attention, fine-motor function and verbal memory, are similar to some of those previously reported in children with prenatal exposures

Visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil: revisiting paradigms of epidemiology and control

Abstract: In the last 20 years, despite the known underestimation of cases, Brazil registered a marked increase in the incidence of visceral leishmaniasis. The main goal of this review is to reflect on some aspects of this zoonosis in Brazil and also to encourage the discussion in order to find more viable, effective and affordable strategies to be implemented by the Brazilian Leishmaniasis Control Program. The current situation of visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil might be seen as a paradox: the most important aspects of the disease are known, but so far the control of this disease has not yet been achieved. The current control strategies have not been able to prevent the geographical expansion, and even a rise in the incidence and lethality of visceral leishmaniasis. There is a need not only for a better definition of priority areas, but also for the implementation of a fieldwork monitoring system to the disease surveillance that could permit a further evaluation of the control program in areas where visceral leishmaniasis is endemic.