OBJECTIVE: We carried out an exploratory study to determine the infection with Trypanosoma cruzi in the gray fox (U. cinereoargenteus) and the southern spotted skunk (S. angustifrons) in Yucatan, Mexico. METHODS: We used samples from various organs (heart, skeletal muscle, kidney, spleen, liver, esophagus, and stomach) corresponding to individuals of gray fox and spotted skunk, captured in the peridomicile of eight rural localities of Yucatan between the period 1990–2008. The presence of T. cruzi DNA in tissue samples was determined by PCR technique and histopathology study. RESULTS: All the individuals studied had at least one tissue sample with T. cruzi DNA. The esophagus (9/13), heart (7/13), and skeletal muscle (6/13) were the organs with the highest frequency of T. cruzi DNA. No nests of amastigotes were found, however, microscopic observation revealed lesions characteristic of T. cruzi infection, such as inflammatory infiltrate by lymphocytes and histiocytes with or without necrosis of cardiomyocytes cells, and proliferation of fibrocytes, fibroblasts and collagen fibers (fibrosis). CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm that these two wild carnivores are natural hosts for T. cruzi in Yucatan, Mexico. The synanthropic behavior of these two mammals in Yucatan makes it necessary to focus future studies on their role within the rural peridomiciliary transmission cycle of T. cruzi in the Yucatan Peninsula.

OBJECTIVE: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a severe vector-borne and zoonotic disease transmitted by phlebotomine sand flies. In the New World, is caused by the protozoan Leishmania infantum, having a great burden on human and animal health. Besides, environmental, and socioeconomic factors are significantly associated with the epidemiological pattern of the disease. VL continues to expand worldwide and in Brazil this situation is no different, reaching territories where it did not occur before, especially among marginalized populations in peri-urban areas. From a one health perspective, this paper details the first environmental health survey in one of the Brazilian marginalized communities, considered a new focus of VL. METHODS: In a qualitative approach, we combine entomological collections, records, and field observations to provide a comprehensive assessment of environmental conditions. RESULTS: The results highlight the need for monitoring the sand fly species found, as well as further studies for the real delimitation of their roles in the transmission of Le. infantum. The findings also suggest that bad housing conditions, lack of sanitation and the presence of arthropod vectors were associated with the occurrence of VL. Yet, we argue that many of the results found are quite similar across regions, and that the findings are not just a regional report but can reflect the reality of different parts of Brazil and the world. CONCLUSION: A one health approach is essential to truly face VL, addressing the health risks at the animal–human–ecosystems interface, without ignoring the social context involved.

OBJECTIVE: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a severe vector-borne and zoonotic disease transmitted by phlebotomine sand flies. In the New World, is caused by the protozoan Leishmania infantum, having a great burden on human and animal health. Besides, environmental, and socioeconomic factors are significantly associated with the epidemiological pattern of the disease. VL continues to expand worldwide and in Brazil this situation is no different, reaching territories where it did not occur before, especially among marginalized populations in peri-urban areas. From a one health perspective, this paper details the first environmental health survey in one of the Brazilian marginalized communities, considered a new focus of VL. METHODS: In a qualitative approach, we combine entomological collections, records, and field observations to provide a comprehensive assessment of environmental conditions. RESULTS: The results highlight the need for monitoring the sand fly species found, as well as further studies for the real delimitation of their roles in the transmission of Le. infantum. The findings also suggest that bad housing conditions, lack of sanitation and the presence of arthropod vectors were associated with the occurrence of VL. Yet, we argue that many of the results found are quite similar across regions, and that the findings are not just a regional report but can reflect the reality of different parts of Brazil and the world. CONCLUSION: A one health approach is essential to truly face VL, addressing the health risks at the animal–human–ecosystems interface, without ignoring the social context involved.

OBJECTIVES: Vestibular migraine is the leading cause of episodic vertigo and the second most common cause of dizziness in adults, due to its high prevalence, negative impacts on individual health, and increased public health expenditures, preventive treatment should be implemented early. This paper aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Flunarizine as a preventive for vestibular migraine crises in comparison to other drugs.   METHODS: We searched the databases for scientific articles using the terms (vestibular migraine OR migrainous vertigo) AND (Flunarizine) AND (prophylaxis). Subsequently, a systematic literature review and meta-analysis was performed, with the inclusion of 3 randomized clinical trials. The studies were analysed by making a ROB table, analysis using the GRADE method, and meta-analysis. RESULTS: Qualitatively, the analysis showed that Flunariniza was positive for decreasing the frequency of vertigo in cases of vestibular migraine, with moderate degree of evidence, relative risk of 0.34 and confidence interval 0.15 to 0.76. The meta-analysis showed a positive result of Flunarizine as a preventive drug for the study population. No serious side effects were reported from the use of the medication, which makes it safe for use by patients. CONCLUSION: Flunarizine is a good drug for prevention of vestibular migraine.

OBJETIVO: Identificar o conhecimento dos profissionais da equipe de enfermagem sobre a prevenção de infecção de corrente sanguínea relacionada a cateteres venosos em unidade de terapia intensiva pediátrica e neonatal. MÉTODOS: Pesquisa de campo com caráter analítico e quantitativo através de questionário com 50 profissionais da enfermagem que atuam na Unidade de Terapia intensiva neonatal e pediátrica de um hospital na zona sul de São Paulo há no mínimo três meses. RESULTADOS: Ainda que todos os participantes tenham acertado mais de 50% das questões sobre medidas de prevenção de infecção, identificou-se uma vulnerabilidade no conhecimento dos profissionais, de maneira que por menor que seja a dificuldade do profissional, pode causar dano ao paciente. CONCLUSÃO: O presente estudo tornou-se possível a identificação de lacunas no conhecimento dos profissionais da equipe de enfermagem sobre o tema proposto, sendo necessárias medidas educativas o que justifica a importância da pesquisa.