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This methodological study outlines effective and standardized procedures for obtaining high-quality chromosomal preparations in birds, which display complex karyotypes with a large number of microchromosomes. We describe every stage from sample obtaining and culture setup to the successful acquisition of metaphase chromosomes appropriate for in-depth analysis by combining three main methodologies (fibroblast, lymphocyte, and bone marrow cultures) into a coherent and methodical workflow. Furthermore, we offer thorough troubleshooting instructions to tackle typical problems, such as low mitotic indices, poor chromosome spreading, contamination, and suboptimal chromosomal morphology. We also focused on repeatability and adaptation across several bird taxa, taking into consideration species-specific differences in their body sizes, cell development, and chromosomal behavior, extending beyond standard procedure improvement. The incorporation of diverse methodologies into a unified framework offers avian cytogenetics researchers a readily available and practical workflow. Ultimately, our approach enhances the integration of cytogenetic data with novel genomic resources, facilitates the re-evaluation of chromosomal counts, and enables more precise karyotype characterization. This integration is crucial for advancing our understanding of chromosomal evolution, avian genome architecture, and the broader mechanisms underlying avian speciation and diversification.
Purpose: This systematic review aimed to compile studies discussing the influence of spiritual interventions on the recovery and quality of life of patients with CKD, compared to those receiving only conventional treatment. Methods: The review was conducted through searches in the SciELO, PubMed, Cochrane, LILACS and BVS databases, covering articles published between 2015 and 2025. Risk of bias was assessed using Rob 2.0 for randomized clinical trials, ROBINS-I for non-randomized trials, and JBI for observational studies. The quality of evidence was rated according to GRADE system criteria, based on the classification of the outcomes. Results: The analysis of the included studies revealed a positive relationship between spiritual practices and quality of life in CKD patients. However, there were variations in the instruments used and the population studied. Most studies presented a high risk of bias and low methodological precision. Conclusion: There is a growing need for more rigorous and standardized research on the subject in order to support the therapeutic use of spiritual practices that positively impact the quality of life of patients with CKD.
This study analyzed temporal trends and sociodemographic and territorial inequalities in police records of rape and rape of vulnerable persons in Brazil from 2021 to 2025. An ecological, descriptive, longitudinal study was conducted using data from the Brazilian Public Security Yearbooks published between 2022 and 2026. Absolute numbers, rates per 100,000 inhabitants, annual changes, sex, macroregion, federative unit, race/skin color, age group, relationship to the perpetrator, and place of occurrence were examined. Data from 2020 were used exclusively as the baseline for the 2021 variation. Records increased from 68,885 in 2021 to 84,388 in 2025, a 22.5% rise, after peaking at 88,843 in 2024. Female victims predominated, and more than three quarters of the records involved people aged 0–17 years. Black victims were the majority among cases with valid race/skin color information. The home remained the main setting, and family members or other acquaintances accounted for most reported perpetrators. The North, South, and Central-West showed higher rates, although with different trajectories. The findings demonstrate persistence, concentration among children and adolescents, and sex, racial, and territorial inequalities, requiring intersectoral prevention, improved records, protection within close relationships, and stronger care and accountability networks.
The epidemiology of human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV) among sexual minority cisgender women (SMCW) remains poorly understood globally. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 251 SMCW in Belém, Brazilian Amazon, between March 2023 and April 2025. Participants underwent serological screening (ELISA) with molecular confirmation (qPCR). The prevalence of HTLV infection was 0.4% (1/251), with HTLV-2 identified in a 46-year-old asymptomatic bisexual woman with previous male partners and a current female partner. Serological testing showed strong ELISA reactivity (OD ratio 3.8), and qPCR confirmed HTLV-2 with a Ct value of 28.4 for the pol gene, while HTLV-1 remained negative. This represents the first documented HTLV-2 case in SMCW in the Amazon region, demonstrating viral circulation in an understudied population. Despite the low prevalence, comparable to the general population, these findings highlight the need for inclusive epidemiological surveillance and culturally sensitive prevention strategies for LGBTQIA+ communities in endemic regions.
Introduction/Objectives: Influenza virus causes flu and leads to a high number of deaths and hospitalizations every year. In severe infections, especially among people at risk for complications, antivirals are key tools for clinical management. Resistance to neuraminidase (NA) inhibitor antivirals, such as oseltamivir, can compromise clinical response to influenza infection. Specific amino acid substitutions in the NA gene of influenza A and B viruses are associated with reduced susceptibility to treatment. This study aimed to verify the occurrence of mutations in the NA-coding gene related to antiviral resistance. Methods: NA gene sequences from influenza A and B viruses were analyzed from the GISAID database, referring to ten states in the North and Northeast regions of Brazil, collected between 2014 and 2025. The sequences were screened using FluSurver (GISAID), which maps resistance mutations described by the World Health Organization (WHO), highlighting H275Y (H1N1pdm09), E119V and R292K (H3N2), and T225V (influenza B). Mutation frequencies were assessed by subtype, year, and geographic location. Results: Among 2,920 analyzed NA gene sequences, 1,288 corresponded to influenza A H1N1pdm09, 940 to influenza A H3N2, and 692 to influenza B. Among H1N1pdm09 viruses, mutations Y155H and H275Y were identified, the latter in a sample collected in Pará in 2025. In H3N2, mutation I222V was observed in 21 samples from Pará, all from 2014. In 2021, resistance-associated mutations were detected in Acre, including H274Y and R292K. Mutation E119V was identified in a sample from Paraíba in 2022. Among influenza B viruses, mutations R102K were observed in Amazonas in 2017 and H273N in Pará in 2025. Conclusion: Identifying amino acid substitutions associated with oseltamivir resistance in influenza A and B viruses circulating in Brazil reinforces the importance of continuous genomic monitoring. Incorporating tools such as FluSurver into epidemiological surveillance enables early detection of variants with potential therapeutic impact, supporting control and disease management strategies and the development of new drugs.
