Low-cost and convenient screening of disease using analysis of physical measurements and recordings.

In recent years, there has been substantial work in low-cost medical diagnostics based on the physical manifestations of disease. This is due to advancements in data analysis techniques and classification algorithms and the increased availability of computing power through smart devices. Smartphones and their ability to interface with simple sensors such as inertial measurement units (IMUs), microphones, piezoelectric sensors, etc., or with convenient attachments such as lenses have revolutionized the ability collect medically relevant data easily. Even if the data has relatively low resolution or signal to noise ratio, newer algorithms have made it possible to identify disease with this data. Many low-cost diagnostic tools have been created in medical fields spanning from neurology to dermatology to obstetrics. These tools are particularly useful in low-resource areas where access to expensive diagnostic equipment may not be possible. The ultimate goal would be the creation of a "diagnostic toolkit" consisting of a smartphone and a set of sensors and attachments that can be used to screen for a wide set of diseases in a community healthcare setting. However, there are a few concerns that still need to be overcome in low-cost diagnostics: lack of incentives to bring these devices to market, algorithmic bias, "black box" nature of the algorithms, and data storage/transfer concerns.

Analytical Validation of Two Point-of-Care Assays for Hematological Analysis in the Miranda Donkey.

Miranda donkeys are an endangered autochthonous breed of Portugal. The HemoCue WBC DIFF and HemoCue Hb 201 portable analyzers, developed as a simplified alternative method for total and differential WBC count and hemoglobin measurement, respectively, may be relevant tools in veterinary practice. This study aimed to validate these instruments using Miranda donkey blood samples. For the HemoCue WBC DIFF, most parameters showed acceptable intra- and inter-assay precision with coefficients of variation (CV) below 5%, except for monocytes and eosinophils with higher CVs. The HemoCue Hb 201 showed CVs of 1.98% and 4.07%. Linearity correlation coefficients (r) ranged from 0.53 to 0.99 for HemoCue WBC DIFF and 0.99 for HemoCue Hb 201. Significant levels for neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and Hb measurements varied. Comparisons with ProCyte Dx showed an excellent correlation for WBC (rs = 0.96), neutrophils (rs = 0.91), lymphocytes (rs = 0.94), and eosinophils (rs = 0.90) but a poor correlation for monocytes and basophils. The HemoCue Hb 201 showed a correlation of rs = 0.96 with ProCyte Dx. In conclusion, both analyzers provided reliable results and are suitable for use in Miranda's donkey breed for WBC counts and Hb measurements.

Exposure to toxicologically relevant atrazine concentrations impair the glycolytic function of mouse Sertoli cells through the downregulation of lactate dehydrogenase.

Atrazine (ATZ), a widely used herbicide with potent endocrine-disrupting properties, has been implicated in hormonal disturbances and fertility issues. Sertoli cells (SCs) play a crucial role in providing mechanical and nutritional support of spermatogenesis. Herein, we aimed to study the effects of environmentally relevant ATZ concentrations on the nutritional support of spermatogenesis provided by SCs. For that, mouse SCs (TM4) were exposed to increasing ATZ concentrations (in µg/L: 0.3, 3, 30, 300, or 3000). After 24 h, cellular proliferation and metabolic activity were assessed. Mitochondrial activity and endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were evaluated using JC-1 and CM-H2DCFDA probes, respectively. We also analyzed protein levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) using Western Blot and live cells glycolytic function through Seahorse XF Glycolysis Stress Test Kit. ATZ exposure decreased the activity of oxidoreductases in SCs, suggesting a decreased metabolic activity. Although ATZ is reported to induce oxidative stress, we did not observe alterations in mitochondrial membrane potential and ROS production across all tested concentrations. When we evaluated the glycolytic function of SCs, we observed that ATZ significantly impaired glycolysis and the glycolytic capacity at all tested concentrations. These results were supported by the decreased expression of LDH in SCs. Overall, our findings suggest that ATZ impairs the glycolytic function of SCs through LDH downregulation. Since lactate is the preferential energetic substrate for germ cells, exposure to ATZ may detrimentally impact the nutritional support crucial for spermatogenesis, hinting for a relationship between ATZ exposure and male infertility.

Nanoencapsulation of Maqui (Aristotelia chilensis) Extract in Chitosan-Tripolyphosphate and Chenopodin-Based Systems.

Maqui berries contain a high percentage of anthocyanins with high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity but that are unstable in the colonic site. Nanocarriers based on polysaccharides and/or proteins can protect against the degradation of anthocyanins. The aim of this study was the nanoencapsulation of maqui extract (ME) in chitosan-tripolyphosphate (CTPP-ME), chenopodin (CH-ME), and chenopodin-alginate (CHA-ME). A standardised ME was prepared and then encapsulated in the nanosystems. The physicochemical properties, encapsulation parameters, and the interactions of ME with the nanovehicles were characterised. The cyanidin-3-glucoside released and ORAC activity in phosphate buffer at pH 7.4 were evaluated. The content of ME was 8-9 mg of cyanidin-3-glucoside/g of extract. CTPP with ME at 3% obtained the highest encapsulation efficiency (EE = 91%), and no significant differences were observed in size (274-362 nm), PDI (0.5-0.7), and zeta potential (+34-+41 mV) when the concentration of ME changed from 1% to 5%. CH-ME was shown to be smaller (152 nm) than CTPP-ME, and CH-ME and CHA-ME showed lower EE (79% and 54%, respectively) than CTPP-ME. FT-IR revealed a stronger interaction of ME with CTPP-ME than with CH-ME. Both systems showed a significantly lower release than free ME, and the T50 value of CTPP-ME 3% (328 min) was higher than CH-ME (197 min). Both protected the ORAC activity of ME.

Deep learning-driven fragment ion series classification enables highly precise and sensitive de novo peptide sequencing.

Unlike for DNA and RNA, accurate and high-throughput sequencing methods for proteins are lacking, hindering the utility of proteomics in applications where the sequences are unknown including variant calling, neoepitope identification, and metaproteomics. We introduce Spectralis, a de novo peptide sequencing method for tandem mass spectrometry. Spectralis leverages several innovations including a convolutional neural network layer connecting peaks in spectra spaced by amino acid masses, proposing fragment ion series classification as a pivotal task for de novo peptide sequencing, and a peptide-spectrum confidence score. On spectra for which database search provided a ground truth, Spectralis surpassed 40% sensitivity at 90% precision, nearly doubling state-of-the-art sensitivity. Application to unidentified spectra confirmed its superiority and showcased its applicability to variant calling. Altogether, these algorithmic innovations and the substantial sensitivity increase in the high-precision range constitute an important step toward broadly applicable peptide sequencing.

Swallowing capacity and gravity of the laryngotracheal aspiration risk in atypical cerebellar stroke: case report. / Capacidade de deglutição e gravidade do risco de aspiração laringotraqueal no Acidente Vascular Encefálico atípico em via cerebelar: relato de caso.

This case report aimed to evaluate the swallowing capacity and the severity of the risk of laryngotracheal aspiration of a 52-year-old female patient with atypical and rare stroke, with major injury in the cerebellar pathway. In order to measure swallowing capacity and risk of aspiration a routine clinical assessment used in the speech therapy clinic was performed and two valid clinical tests were used: Massey Bedside Swallowing Screen (MBSS) and Gugging Swallowing Screen (GUSS). After evaluation with the clinical tests, it was observed that the patient had reduced swallowing capacity, performance characterized as pathological, 100% dysfunction in the water swallowing test (MBSS), presence of choking, coughing, change in vocal quality and anterior escape. In the assessment of risk of aspiration with the GUSS, the patient presented moderate dysphagia and risk of laryngotracheal aspiration.This case report demonstrated that moderate dysphagia is found in a stroke patient with lesions that affect the cerebellum. Standardized and validated clinical tests such as GUSS and MBSS should also be used to assess the risk of dysphagia after stroke at ambulatory care.

Esse relato de caso teve o objetivo de avaliar a capacidade de deglutição e a gravidade do risco de aspiração laringotraqueal de uma paciente, 52 anos, com Acidente Vascular Encefálico (AVE) atípico, com comprometimento na via cerebelar. Para mensurar a capacidade de deglutição e do risco de aspiração foram utilizados a avaliação de rotina na clínica de fonoaudiologia e dois testes clínicos validados: o Massey Bedside Swallowing Screen (MBSS) e o Gugging Swallowing Screen (GUSS). Após a avaliação com os testes clínicos, foi observado que a paciente apresentou capacidade de deglutição diminuída, desempenho caracterizado como patológico e de risco, com 100% de alteração no teste de deglutição de água pelo MBSS, presença de engasgo, tosse, alteração na qualidade vocal e escape anterior de alimento. Já na avaliação do risco de aspiração com o GUSS, a paciente apresentou disfagia moderada e com risco de aspiração laringotraqueal. A disfagia pode estar presente em casos de AVE com lesão anatômica comprometendo o cerebelo e suas vias, o que sugere a importância de avaliação específica da deglutição nesses casos. Os testes GUSS e o MBSS podem ser utilizados para avaliação de casos atípicos de AVE em fase ambulatorial, com objetivos de avaliar o risco de aspiração e a capacidade de deglutição.

Establishment of Reference Intervals of Hematological Parameters and Evaluation of Sex and Age Effect in the Miranda Donkey.

The Miranda donkey is an autochthonous Portuguese breed that is considered endangered. Several studies have been carried out on this breed, but to the authors' best knowledge, no studies have been conducted on their clinical pathology. The aims of this study were to determine the hematological reference intervals (RIs) in healthy Miranda donkeys and to estimate the influence of age and sex. Blood samples from 75 clinically healthy animals were analyzed for 22 hematological parameters on the IDEXX ProCyte Dx, an automated hematology analyzer previously validated for the species. The RIs were estimated following the ASVCP guidelines with the Reference Value Advisor software. Regarding sex, no significant differences were found between groups. Regarding age, significant statistical differences (p < 0.05) were observed for red blood cells, red cell distribution width, white blood cells, lymphocytes, monocytes, platelets, plateletcrit (higher mean in young animals), mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, neutrophils and eosinophils (higher mean in adults). The RIs described here can be used to evaluate and monitor the health status of animals and herds, as well as to guide diagnoses or select fit and healthy animals for reproduction, contributing to the preservation of the breed.

Capacidade de deglutição e gravidade do risco de aspiração laringotraqueal no Acidente Vascular Encefálico atípico em via cerebelar: relato de caso / Swallowing capacity and gravity of the laryngotracheal aspiration risk in atypical cerebellar stroke: case report

RESUMO Esse relato de caso teve o objetivo de avaliar a capacidade de deglutição e a gravidade do risco de aspiração laringotraqueal de uma paciente, 52 anos, com Acidente Vascular Encefálico (AVE) atípico, com comprometimento na via cerebelar. Para mensurar a capacidade de deglutição e do risco de aspiração foram utilizados a avaliação de rotina na clínica de fonoaudiologia e dois testes clínicos validados: o Massey Bedside Swallowing Screen (MBSS) e o Gugging Swallowing Screen (GUSS). Após a avaliação com os testes clínicos, foi observado que a paciente apresentou capacidade de deglutição diminuída, desempenho caracterizado como patológico e de risco, com 100% de alteração no teste de deglutição de água pelo MBSS, presença de engasgo, tosse, alteração na qualidade vocal e escape anterior de alimento. Já na avaliação do risco de aspiração com o GUSS, a paciente apresentou disfagia moderada e com risco de aspiração laringotraqueal. A disfagia pode estar presente em casos de AVE com lesão anatômica comprometendo o cerebelo e suas vias, o que sugere a importância de avaliação específica da deglutição nesses casos. Os testes GUSS e o MBSS podem ser utilizados para avaliação de casos atípicos de AVE em fase ambulatorial, com objetivos de avaliar o risco de aspiração e a capacidade de deglutição.

ABSTRACT This case report aimed to evaluate the swallowing capacity and the severity of the risk of laryngotracheal aspiration of a 52-year-old female patient with atypical and rare stroke, with major injury in the cerebellar pathway. In order to measure swallowing capacity and risk of aspiration a routine clinical assessment used in the speech therapy clinic was performed and two valid clinical tests were used: Massey Bedside Swallowing Screen (MBSS) and Gugging Swallowing Screen (GUSS). After evaluation with the clinical tests, it was observed that the patient had reduced swallowing capacity, performance characterized as pathological, 100% dysfunction in the water swallowing test (MBSS), presence of choking, coughing, change in vocal quality and anterior escape. In the assessment of risk of aspiration with the GUSS, the patient presented moderate dysphagia and risk of laryngotracheal aspiration.This case report demonstrated that moderate dysphagia is found in a stroke patient with lesions that affect the cerebellum. Standardized and validated clinical tests such as GUSS and MBSS should also be used to assess the risk of dysphagia after stroke at ambulatory care.

[Candida albicans: risk factor in covid-19 patients]. / Candida albicans: factor agravante en pacientes con covid-19.

The Candida Albicans fungus in our body can cause various conditions and will depend directly on the systemic condition of the host. Patients with COVID-19 who have previously presented this fungus can increase the likelihood of morbidity and mortality, since this microorganism can be located in areas that correspond to the respiratory system, generating a functional deficit. If not treated timely, it will proliferate into the blood and digestive system. Many patients with respiratory difficulties on account of this condition require mechanical ventilation to combat it. Objective: To relate the presence of Candida Albicans as an aggravating factor in patients with COVID-19. Materials and: methods: A literature review took place using the Redalyc, Scielo, PubMed, Research gate, Science direct, Google Scholar databases. The inclusion criteria used were: articles in English and Spanish, along with articles published from 2020 up to date. There were 65 scientific articles that met the search criteria and were analyzed. The analysis determined that oral candidiasis negatively affects patients with COVID-19 infection, increasing the risk of admission to the ICU with the use of artificial ventilators.

Significações de crianças sobre o futuro de educandos com queixas escolares / Meanings of children about the future of students with school complaints / Significados de los niños sobre el futuro de los alumnos con quejas escolares

Este artigo propõe-se a discutir as significações de crianças sobre o futuro de educandos com queixas escolares. Adota-se como referencial teórico-metodológico os fundamentos da Psicologia histórico-cultural edificada no materialismo histórico-dialético. Foram analisadas as enunciações de crianças de uma escola municipal, situada em Cuiabá-MT. Os procedimentos investigativos se alicerçaram no estudo do tipo etnográfico, utilizando-se da observação participante do cotidiano escolar, combinada com a realização de entrevistas, embasada no pressuposto de promoção de pesquisa com crianças e não sobre elas. Os dados revelaram uma presença significativa da dicotomia bom/mau orientando as significações de educandos(as) nas relações interperssoais estabelecidas com os pares identificados com queixas escolares, que foram objetivadas, simultaneamente, em possibilidades deles virem a ser policiais ou criminosos. Ao mesmo tempo, também sinalizaram a existência, em menor grau, de aspectos que tendem a promover rupturas em antinomias que engendram visões individualizantes dos fenômenos escolares, na medida em que práticas educativas imbuídas por valores humano-genéricos dirigidos ao processo de humanização também foram elementos incorporados em suas explicações sobre as perspectivas de futuro da "criança difícil". (AU)

This article proposes to discuss the meanings of children about the future of students with school complaints. The fundamentals of cultural-historical psychology built on historical-dialectical materialism are adopted as a theoreticalmethodological framework. The utterances of children from a public school located in Cuiabá-MT were analyzed. The investigative procedures were based on an ethnographic study, using participant observation of everyday school life, combined with interviews, based on the assumption of promoting research with children and not about them. The data revealed a significant presence of the good/bad dichotomy guiding the students' meanings in the interpersonal relationships established with peers identified with school complaints, which were objectified, simultaneously, in possibilities for them to become police officers or criminals. At the same time, they also signaled the existence, to a lesser extent, of aspects that tend to promote ruptures in antinomies that engender individualizing visions of school phenomena, insofar as educational practices embedded by human-generic values aimed at the humanization process were also incorporated elements in his explanations about the prospects for the future of the "difficult child". (AU)

Este artículo se propone discutir los significados de los niños sobre el futuro de los estudiantes con quejas escolares. Se adoptan como marco teórico-metodológico los fundamentos de la psicología histórico-cultural construida sobre el materialismo histórico-dialéctico. Se analizaron los enunciados de niños de una escuela pública ubicada en Cuiabá-MT. Los procedimientos investigativos se basan en estudios etnográficos, utilizando la observación participante del cotidiano escolar, combinado con entrevistas, partiendo del supuesto de promover la investigación con niños y no sobre ellos. Los datos revelaron una presencia significativa de la dicotomía bueno/malo que orienta los significados de los niños en las relaciones interpersonales establecidas con pares identificados con denuncias escolares, que se objetivaban, simultáneamente, en posibilidades de que se conviertan en policías o delincuentes. Al mismo tiempo, también señalan la existencia, en menor medida, de aspectos que tienden a promover rupturas de antinomias que engendran visiones individualizadoras de los fenómenos escolares, en tanto prácticas educativas inmersas en valores humano-genéricos tendientes al proceso de humanización. También se incorporaron elementos en sus explicaciones sobre las perspectivas de futuro del "niño difícil". (AU)

Explanatory model of symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression in the general population: Cross-sectional study during the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 pandemic has had a great impact worldwide, specially affecting mental health and has undoubtedly taken part in human behaviour modification, increasing global health burden and with stress, anxiety and depression being the main contributors to this load. Because of the importance of this issue, the objective of this study was the creation of an explanatory model for the causal relationship of the main psychological variables: stress, anxiety and depression in the COVID-19 pandemic context. A cross-sectional study was carried out with a sample of 709 volunteers, sociodemographic variables and psychological symptoms were measured through a virtual DASS-21 questionnaire, during the COVID-19 pandemic, dated from November 2 to 6, 2020. A structural equation model using the weighted least squares means and the adjusted variance was employed for the creation and adjustment of the explanatory relational model. The results showed the presence of stress, anxiety and depression symptoms among the general population. The model showed an adequate fit (CFI = 0.94; TLI = 0.94; RMSEA = 0.06; P = 0.000) and was able to explain more than 80% of depressive symptoms (R2 = 0.86) and more than 70% of anxiety symptoms (R2 = 0.72), in addition to showing a unidirectional causal relationship of long-term stress on anxiety, and anxiety on depressive symptoms, showing a linked behaviour of the same, in the adjusted model. It was also outlined that this model was characterized by being expressed mainly in women, with lower quality of sleep and at a younger age.

Optimization and use of near infrared imaging to guide lymph node collection in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta).

BACKGROUND: Identification of lymph nodes (LNs) draining a specific site or in obese macaques can be challenging. METHODS: Indocyanine Green (ICG) was administered intradermal (ID), intramuscular, in the oral mucosa, or subserosal in the colon followed by Near Infrared (NIR) imaging. RESULTS: After optimization to maximize LN identification, intradermal ICG was successful in identifying 50-100% of the axillary/inguinal LN at a site. Using NIR, collection of peripheral and mesenteric LNs in obese macaques was 100% successful after traditional methods failed. Additionally, guided collection of LNs draining the site of intraepithelial or intramuscular immunization demonstrated significantly increased numbers of T follicular helper (Tfh) cells in germinal centers of draining compared to nondraining LNs. CONCLUSION: These imaging techniques optimize our ability to evaluate immune changes within LNs over time, even in obese macaques. This approach allows for targeted serial biopsies that permit confidence that draining LNs are being harvested throughout the study.

Evaluation of Antioxidant Potential of Commercial Cinnamon Samples and Its Vasculature Effects.

Growing concerns on free radicals are the oxidative processes associated with physiological damage. The consumption of functional foods and use of plants with antioxidant capacity are widespread. Given the importance of determining antioxidant capacity in relation to the therapeutic effect, this study was aimed at evaluating cinnamon extract (Cinnamomum sp.) in commercial samples by spectrophotometric and voltammetric methods and assessing the vascular activity of some samples. The spectrophotometric methods performed were DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrihydrazine), ABTS (2,21-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)), and Folin-Ciocalteu radical sequestration assays. For the electrochemical experiments, a three-electrode system was used, consisting of carbon paste electrode, platinum wire, and Ag/AgCl/KClsat, representing the working, auxiliary, and reference electrodes, respectively. The electroanalytical methods used were differential pulse, square wave, and cyclic voltammetries. The extracts were prepared in hydroalcoholic solution. A calibration curve with gallic acid was calculated to quantify their equivalent amounts in the analyzed extract. The correlation between the electrochemical approach and the total phenols calculated by the ABTS, DPPH, and Folin-Ciocalteu methods was 0.63, 0.7, and 0.73, respectively, with 1 being an ideal directly proportional correlation. The correlation between spectrophotometric methods was 0.83. A biosensor was developed in a carbon paste electrode using the enzyme laccase, obtained by the fungus Marasmiellus colocasiae. It was observed that the antioxidant profile of the cinnamon samples had an analytical sign improvement of up to 4 times when compared with the electrode without the modification. The samples were analyzed by mass spectrometer, and the main chemical markers found were coumarin, cinnamaldehyde, and eugenol. Pharmacological trials showed that these samples also induce a significant vasorelaxant effect associated to antioxidant potential on vascular injury induced by oxidative stress. Thus, cinnamon showed a high antioxidant capacity, in agreement with the results obtained in other studies, emphasizing its importance as a functional food.

Vascular relaxing effect of Hydrocotyle umbellata L. is mediated by blocking of l-type Ca2+ channels.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Hydrocotyle umbellata L. is a medicinal herb for the treatment of some health problems including hypertension, according to traditional medicine. Even so, its vascular effects and the pharmacological action mechanisms have not been analyzed. AIM OF THE STUDY: This experiment aimed to analyze the effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Hydrocotyle umbellata L. (HEHU) on isolated vessels and verify the interaction of hibalactone (chemical marker) against Cav1.2 channels using molecular docking. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Vascular reactivity experiments were performed using rat aortas with (E+) or without endothelium (E-) in an isolated organ bath. Computational molecular docking approaches were used to show the direct effect on L-type Ca2+ Channels. RESULTS: HEHU (0-560 µg/mL) induced relaxation of the pre-contracted arteries in a concentration-dependent manner. The maximum effect was higher in E+ (76.8 ± 4.1%) as compared to E- (47.3 ± 5.5%). Pre-treatment of E+ arteries with L-NAME or ODQ reduced the relaxation to similar level of E- arteries. The treatment of arteries with MDL-12,330 A, diclofenac, propranolol and atropine did not change the relaxation induced by HEHU. The contraction caused by internal Ca2+ release induced by caffeine was reduced after HEHU treatment. Moreover, the HEHU also impaired the contraction induced by Ca2+ influx stimulated with phenylephrine or high KCl. The docking study demonstrated the effectiveness of hibalactone in blocking the Cav1.2 channel. CONCLUSIONS: These findings show that HEHU induces vascular relaxation which is potentiated (but not dependent) by endothelial cells. Blocking of Ca2+ influx seems to be the main mechanism for the vascular effects of HEHU.

Servicios psicológicos afirmativos para personas LGTBIQA+ en Ecuador: cambios en el malestar psicológico / Affirmative psychological services for LGTBIQA+ persons in Ecuador: changes in psychological distress

Resumen: Antecedentes: Aunque en el mundo anglosajón la Terapia Afirmativa tiene un amplio recorrido con un respaldo empírico contundente, en Iberoamérica su desarrollo es reciente. Objetivo: Analizar la Evidencia Basada en la Práctica de una red de servicios de psicología afirmativa para personas LGTBIQA+ en Ecuador. Método: Estudio naturalístico en el que se analiza la Evidencia Basada en la Práctica generada usando el Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation - Outcome Measure como herramienta de evaluación rutinaria para monitorizar los resultados de 101 consultantes que recibieron Terapia Afirmativa entre 2018 y 2020 en una red de servicios de psicología afirmativa para personas LGTBIQA+. Se evaluó el cambio estadísticamente significativo y el cambio confiable y clínicamente significativo. Resultados: Lxs participantes tenían en promedio 27.14 años. La mediana de sesiones fue seis. Hubo cambios estadísticamentes significativos para quienes completaron el cuestionario al menos dos veces. Se encontró un tamaño del efecto grande para el puntaje total y todas las dimensiones, a excepción de Riesgo. El 68% de los participantes presentaron mejoría. Conclusiones: Los resultados sugieren que la Terapia Afirmativa minimiza el riesgo que trae consigo el estrés de minorías. Se invita a estudiantes, terapeutas y usuarios a aprender, adoptar y acudir a Terapia Afirmativa, respectivamente.

Abstract: Background: Although in the Anglo-Saxon world Affirmative Therapy has a long history with strong empirical support, in Ibero-America its development is recent. Objective: To analyze the Practice-Based Evidence of a network of affirmative psychology services for LGTBIQA+ persons in Ecuador. Methods: This is a naturalistic study analyzing Practice-Based Evidence generated using the Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation - Outcome Measure as a routine evaluation tool to monitor the outcomes of 101 clients who received Affirmative Therapy between 2018 and 2020 in a network of affirmative psychology services for LGTBIQA+ people. Statistically significant change and reliable, clinically meaningful change were assessed. Results: Participants were on average 27.14 years old. The median number of sessions was six. There were statistically significant changes for those who completed the questionnaire at least twice. A large effect size was found for the total score and all dimensions except for Risk. Sixty-eigth percent participants showed improvement. Conclusions: The results suggest that Affirmative Therapy minimizes the risk brought on by minority stress. Students, therapists, and clients are encouraged to learn, adopt, and use Affirmative Therapy, respectively.

Insulin-like growth factor-1 short-period therapy stimulates bone marrow cells in obese swiss mice.

Bone marrow cells (BMCs) from obese Swiss mice fed with Western diet show mitochondrial dysfunction. Obesity interferes with BMCs disrupting energetic metabolism, stimulating apoptosis, and reducing cell proliferation since adipose tissue releases inflammatory adipokines into the medullar microenvironment. These changes lead to reduction of BMC differentiation capacity and hematopoiesis impairment, a process responsible for blood cell continuous production through hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). This work aimed to analyze the effects of IGF-1 therapy on BMC viability in Western diet-induced obesity, in vivo. We observed that after only 1 week of treatment, obese Swiss mice presented reduced body weight and visceral fat and increased mitochondrial oxidative capacity and coupling, indicating mitochondrial function improvement. In addition, IGF-1 was able to reduce apoptosis of total BMCs, stem cell subpopulations (hematopoietic and mesenchymal), and leukocytes, restoring all progenitor hematopoietic lineages. The treatment also contributed to increase proliferative capacity of hematopoietic stem cells and leukocytes, keeping the hematopoietic and immune systems balanced. Therefore, we conclude that IGF-1 short period therapy improved BMC survival, proliferation, and differentiation capacity in obese Swiss mice.

Rapid decline of neutralizing antibodies is associated with decay of IgM in adults recovered from mild COVID-19.

The fate of protective immunity following mild severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection remains ill defined. Here, we characterize antibody responses in a cohort of participants recovered from mild SARS-CoV-2 infection with follow-up to 6 months. We measure immunoglobulin A (IgA), IgM, and IgG binding and avidity to viral antigens and assess neutralizing antibody responses over time. Furthermore, we correlate the effect of fever, gender, age, and time since symptom onset with antibody responses. We observe that total anti-S trimer, anti-receptor-binding domain (RBD), and anti-nucleocapsid protein (NP) IgG are relatively stable over 6 months of follow-up, that anti-S and anti-RBD avidity increases over time, and that fever is associated with higher levels of antibodies. However, neutralizing antibody responses rapidly decay and are strongly associated with declines in IgM levels. Thus, while total antibody against SARS-CoV-2 may persist, functional antibody, particularly IgM, is rapidly lost. These observations have implications for the duration of protective immunity following mild SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Invisible conversations: subjects spoken but unheard in gynecological visits. / Conversas invisíveis: assuntos falados, mas não ouvidos em consultas ginecológicas.

This is a qualitative study based on the theoretical-methodological assumptions of the Conversation Analysis (CA) that describes and analyzes face-to-face interactions between three nurses and seven users of primary health care services during the cytopathological test collection visits. The descriptions and analyses were based on excerpts from the audio-recorded interactions during the nursing visits and transcribed based on the CA conventions. Data microanalysis from an emic perspective allowed identifying interactional situations of (mis)alignment, (dis)affiliation, repairs, and sensitive issues, and lack of listening to specific topics by nurses while conducting visits. Thus, signs of suffering, malaise, or violence were not explored, and care was not enhanced. The study shows that the cytopathological test collection visit can be a space to listen to issues related to sexuality and investigate the presence of violence against women. The dissemination of these findings and this methodology among public health and nursing professionals may stimulate a reflection on their communicative abilities, contributing to improved quality of care in health services.

Estudo qualitativo baseado nos pressupostos teórico-metodológicos da Análise da Conversa (AC) que descreve e analisa interações face a face entre três enfermeiras e sete usuárias de serviços de atenção primária em saúde, ocorridas durante consultas para coleta do exame citopatológico. As descrições e as análises pautaram-se nos excertos das interações gravadas em áudio durante as consultas de enfermagem e transcritas com base nas convenções da AC. A análise micro dos dados realizada a partir da perspectiva êmica permitiu identificar situações interacionais de (des)alinhamento, (des)filiação, reparos e temas delicados, além da ausência de escuta de tópicos específicos por parte das enfermeiras ao conduzirem as consultas. Assim, sinalizações de situações de sofrimento, mal-estar ou violências não foram exploradas, deixando de potencializar o cuidado. O estudo demonstra que a consulta para coleta de exame CP pode ser um espaço para ouvir questões relacionadas à sexualidade e investigar a presença de violência contra a mulher. A divulgação destes achados e desta metodologia junto aos profissionais de saúde coletiva e de enfermagem pode estimular a reflexão dos mesmos sobre suas habilidades comunicativas, contribuindo para melhorar a qualidade da atenção nos serviços de saúde.

Detection of aberrant gene expression events in RNA sequencing data.

RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) has emerged as a powerful approach to discover disease-causing gene regulatory defects in individuals affected by genetically undiagnosed rare disorders. Pioneering studies have shown that RNA-seq could increase the diagnosis rates over DNA sequencing alone by 8-36%, depending on the disease entity and tissue probed. To accelerate adoption of RNA-seq by human genetics centers, detailed analysis protocols are now needed. We present a step-by-step protocol that details how to robustly detect aberrant expression levels, aberrant splicing and mono-allelic expression in RNA-seq data using dedicated statistical methods. We describe how to generate and assess quality control plots and interpret the analysis results. The protocol is based on the detection of RNA outliers pipeline (DROP), a modular computational workflow that integrates all the analysis steps, can leverage parallel computing infrastructures and generates browsable web page reports.

Conversas invisíveis: assuntos falados, mas não ouvidos em consultas ginecológicas / Invisible conversations: subjects spoken but unheard in gynecological visits

Resumo Estudo qualitativo baseado nos pressupostos teórico-metodológicos da Análise da Conversa (AC) que descreve e analisa interações face a face entre três enfermeiras e sete usuárias de serviços de atenção primária em saúde, ocorridas durante consultas para coleta do exame citopatológico. As descrições e as análises pautaram-se nos excertos das interações gravadas em áudio durante as consultas de enfermagem e transcritas com base nas convenções da AC. A análise micro dos dados realizada a partir da perspectiva êmica permitiu identificar situações interacionais de (des)alinhamento, (des)filiação, reparos e temas delicados, além da ausência de escuta de tópicos específicos por parte das enfermeiras ao conduzirem as consultas. Assim, sinalizações de situações de sofrimento, mal-estar ou violências não foram exploradas, deixando de potencializar o cuidado. O estudo demonstra que a consulta para coleta de exame CP pode ser um espaço para ouvir questões relacionadas à sexualidade e investigar a presença de violência contra a mulher. A divulgação destes achados e desta metodologia junto aos profissionais de saúde coletiva e de enfermagem pode estimular a reflexão dos mesmos sobre suas habilidades comunicativas, contribuindo para melhorar a qualidade da atenção nos serviços de saúde.

Abstract This is a qualitative study based on the theoretical-methodological assumptions of the Conversation Analysis (CA) that describes and analyzes face-to-face interactions between three nurses and seven users of primary health care services during the cytopathological test collection visits. The descriptions and analyses were based on excerpts from the audio-recorded interactions during the nursing visits and transcribed based on the CA conventions. Data microanalysis from an emic perspective allowed identifying interactional situations of (mis)alignment, (dis)affiliation, repairs, and sensitive issues, and lack of listening to specific topics by nurses while conducting visits. Thus, signs of suffering, malaise, or violence were not explored, and care was not enhanced. The study shows that the cytopathological test collection visit can be a space to listen to issues related to sexuality and investigate the presence of violence against women. The dissemination of these findings and this methodology among public health and nursing professionals may stimulate a reflection on their communicative abilities, contributing to improved quality of care in health services.