New anti-SARS-CoV-2 aminoadamantane compounds as antiviral candidates for the treatment of COVID-19.

Here, the antiviral activity of aminoadamantane derivatives were evaluated against SARS-CoV-2. The compounds exhibited low cytotoxicity to Vero, HEK293 and CALU-3 cells up to a concentration of 1,000 µM. The inhibitory concentration (IC50) of aminoadamantane was 39.71 µM in Vero CCL-81 cells and the derivatives showed significantly lower IC50 values, especially for compounds 3F4 (0.32 µM), 3F5 (0.44 µM) and 3E10 (1.28 µM). Additionally, derivatives 3F5 and 3E10 statistically reduced the fluorescence intensity of SARS-CoV-2 protein S from Vero cells at 10 µM. Transmission microscopy confirmed the antiviral activity of the compounds, which reduced cytopathic effects induced by the virus, such as vacuolization, cytoplasmic projections, and the presence of myelin figures derived from cellular activation in the face of infection. Additionally, it was possible to observe a reduction of viral particles adhered to the cell membrane and inside several viral factories, especially after treatment with 3F4. Moreover, although docking analysis showed favorable interactions in the catalytic site of Cathepsin L, the enzymatic activity of this enzyme was not inhibited significantly in vitro. The new derivatives displayed lower predicted toxicities than aminoadamantane, which was observed for either rat or mouse models. Lastly, in vivo antiviral assays of aminoadamantane derivatives in BALB/cJ mice after challenge with the mouse-adapted strain of SARS-CoV-2, corroborated the robust antiviral activity of 3F4 derivative, which was higher than aminoadamantane and its other derivatives. Therefore, aminoadamantane derivatives show potential broad-spectrum antiviral activity, which may contribute to COVID-19 treatment in the face of emerging and re-emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern.

Critically endangered Rice's whales (Balaenoptera ricei) selectively feed on high-quality prey in the Gulf of Mexico.

Determining the drivers of prey selection in marine predators is critical when investigating ecosystem structure and function. The newly recognized Rice's whale (Balaenoptera ricei) is one of the most critically endangered large whales in the world and endemic to the industrialized Gulf of Mexico. Here, we investigated the drivers of resource selection by Rice's whales in relation to prey availability and energy density. Bayesian stable isotope (δ13C, δ15N) mixing models suggest that Rice's whales feed primarily on a schooling fish, Ariomma bondi (66.8% relative contribution). Prey selection using the Chesson's index revealed that active prey selection was found to be positive for three out of the four potential prey identified in the mixing model. A low degree of overlap between prey availability and diet inferred from the mixing model (Pianka Index: 0.333) suggests that prey abundance is not the primary driver of prey selection. Energy density data suggest that prey selection may be primarily driven by the energy content. Results from this study indicate that Rice's whales are selective predators consuming schooling prey with the highest energy content. Environmental changes in the region have the potential to influence prey species that would make them less available to Rice's whales.

Diversity of HLA-A2-Restricted and Immunodominant Epitope Repertoire of Human T-Lymphotropic Virus Type 1 (HTLV-1) Tax Protein: Novel Insights among N-Terminal, Central and C-Terminal Regions.

The present study sought to search for the immunodominance related to the N-terminal, Central and C-terminal regions of HTLV-1 Tax using novel, cutting-edge peptide microarray analysis. In addition, in silico predictions were performed to verify the presence of nine amino acid peptides present along Tax restricted to the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A2.02*01 haplotype, as well as to verify the ability to induce pro-inflammatory and regulatory cytokines, such as IFN-γ and IL-4, respectively. Our results indicated abundant dose-dependent reactivity for HLA-A*02:01 in all regions (N-terminal, Central and C-terminal), but with specific hotspots. Furthermore, the results of fold-change over the Tax11-19 reactivity obtained at lower concentrations of HLA-A*02:01 reveal that peptides from the three regions contain sequences that react 100 times more than Tax11-19. On the other hand, Tax11-19 has similar or superior HLA-A*02:01 reactivity at higher concentrations of this haplotype. The in silico analysis showed a higher frequency of IFN-γ-inducing peptides in the N-terminal portion, while the C-terminal portion showed a higher frequency of IL-4 inducers. Taken together, these results shed light on the search for new Tax immunodominant epitopes, in addition to the canonic Tax11-19, for the rational design of immunomodulatory strategies for HTLV-1 chronic diseases.

Eletrocardiograma padrão de 12 derivações para diagnóstico da oclusão coronariana aguda: nova abordagem eletrocardiográfica das síndromes coronarianas / Preservation of anatomical specimens in sodium chloride: a study with fertilization product / Conservación de especímenes anatómicos en cloruro sódico: un estudio con producto de fertilización

Introdução: As síndromes coronarianas agudas decorrem de ruptura de placa coronariana com formação de trombos, embolização e obstrução, dependendo do nível de obstrução, podemos ter infartos e anginas e a nível eletrocardiográfico podemos ter ou não o supra desnivelamento do segmento ST. Para o correto diagnóstico e melhor prognóstico é importante acompanhar suas manifestações clínicas e avaliar as alterações eletrocardiográficas. Objetivo: Estudar uso do eletrocardiograma padrão de 12 derivações, para diagnóstico da oclusão coronariana aguda: uma nova abordagem eletrocardiográfica das síndromes coronarianas. Método: Estudo de revisão integrativa, com dados secundários da Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS), base eletrônica de dados da Literatura Latino ­ Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (Lilacs) e da biblioteca digital Scientific Electronic Library Online (Scielo). Resultados: Descreveu-se 7 achados eletrocardiográficos sugestivos de oclusão coronariana aguda: padrões como os De Winter, Wellens, IAM posterior, distorção final do QRS, Critérios de Sgarbossa- Smith para IAM associado a BRE ou ritmo de marca-passo ventricular, ondas T's hiperagudas e fórmulas matemáticas para diagnóstico da oclusão da descendente anterior. Conclusão: Embora a abordagem que se vale de tais achados no ECG seja mais acurada na detecção da oclusão coronariana aguda do que os critérios milimétricos do segmento ST, essa nova abordagem precisa de mais estudos para avaliação de seu real poder diagnóstico.

Introduction: As acute coronary syndromes due to coronary plaque rupture, with thrombus formation, embolization and obstruction, depending on the degree of obstruction, we may have infarction and angina at the electrocardiographic level, we may have an unevenness or overdevelopment of the ST interval. For a correct diagnosis and prognosis, it is important to monitor its clinical manifestations and assess electrocardiographic changes. Objective: To study the use of a standard 12- lead electrocardiogram for the diagnosis of acute coronary occlusion: a new electrocardiographic approach to coronary syndromes. Method: Integrative review study, secondary data from the Virtual Health Library (VHL), electronic database of the Latin American and Caribbean Literature on Health Sciences (Lilacs) and the Scientific Electronic Library Online (Scielo) digital library. Results: Seven electrocardiographic findings suggestive of acute coronary occlusion were described: patterns such as De Winter, Wellen, posterior AMI, terminal QRS distortion, Sgarbossa-Smith criteria for AMI associated with LBBB or ventricular paced rhythm, hyperacute T waves, and mathematical formulas for diagnosing anterior descending occlusion. Conclusion: Although the approach that makes use of such ECG findings is more accurate in detecting acute coronary occlusion than the millimeter ST-segment criteria, this new approach needs further studies to assess its real diagnostic power.

Introducción: Como síndromes coronarios agudos debidos a rotura de placa coronaria, con formación de trombo, embolización y obstrucción, dependiendo del grado de obstrucción, podemos tener infarto y angina a nivel electrocardiográfico, podemos tener un desnivel o sobredesarrollo del intervalo ST. Para un correcto diagnóstico y pronóstico es importante monitorizar sus manifestaciones clínicas y valorar los cambios electrocardiográficos. Objetivo: Estudiar el uso de un electrocardiograma estándar de 12 derivaciones para el diagnóstico de la oclusión coronaria aguda: una nueva aproximación electrocardiográfica a los síndromes coronarios. Método: Estudio de revisión integradora, datos secundarios de la Biblioteca Virtual en Salud (BVS), base de datos electrónica de la Literatura Latinoamericana y del Caribe en Ciencias de la Salud (Lilacs) y de la biblioteca digital Scientific Electronic Library Online (Scielo). Resultados: Se describieron siete hallazgos electrocardiográficos sugestivos de oclusión coronaria aguda: patrones como De Winter, Wellen, IAM posterior, distorsión terminal del QRS, criterios de Sgarbossa-Smith para IAM asociado a BRIHH o ritmo ventricular estimulado, ondas T hiperagudas y fórmulas matemáticas para el diagnóstico de oclusión de la descendente anterior. Conclusiones: Aunque el enfoque que hace uso de dichos hallazgos ECG es más preciso en la detección de la oclusión coronaria aguda que los criterios milimétricos del segmento ST, este nuevo enfoque necesita más estudios para evaluar su poder diagnóstico real.

Hiv/aids e sua principal coinfecção-tuberculose: panorama de uma década de um estado do nordeste brasileiro e suas semelhanças à sociodemografia subsaariana / Hiv/aids and its main coinfection-tuberculosis: a decade panorama of a northeastern brazilian state and its similarities to subsaharan sociodemographics / Vih/sida y su principal coinfección-tuberculosis: panorama decenal de un estado del nordeste brasileño y sus similitudes con la sociodemografía subsahariana

Introdução: Entre o início da epidemia do HIV na década de 1980 até 2018, houve cerca de 32 milhões de óbitos e no mundo existem aproximadamente 37,9 milhões de pessoas viviam com HIV e AIDS. Assim, mesmo com advento da TARV, as pessoas vivendo com HIV/AIDS permanecem sujeitas a redução na qualidade de vida, sendo que dentre esses fatores a coinfecção por Tuberculose se demonstra a principal responsável pela alteração de prognóstico. Desta forma o presente estudo busca estabelecer um panorama epidemiológico das pessoas vivendo com HIV/ AIDS e a sua principal coinfecção no Estado do Maranhão. Metodologia: Trata-se de um estudo epidemiológico descritivo retrospectivo, de abordagem quantitativa que apresenta o perfil das pessoas que vivem com HIV/AIDS, bem como, a principal coinfecção, no período de 2009 a 2018 no Maranhão. Resultados: No período de 2009 a 2018 foram notificados 7691 casos de AIDS no Maranhão, sendo a maioria composta por indivíduos de 20 a 49 anos, do sexo masculino, cor parda e com escolaridade entre a 1ª serie e o ensino fundamental completo, via de transmissão heterossexual e com maior tendência a coinfecção por Tuberculose nos últimos anos da amostra e nos casos de uso de TARV. Conclusão: O Panorama obtido propõe uma maior necessidade de intervenção e conscientização da necessidade de códons, além de maior rastreio de indivíduos no uso da TARV. Embora observada forte redução nas notificações em 2018, há a necessidade de cautela, principalmente pelo retrato da epidemia em regiões com similaridade sócio demográfica.

Introduction: Between the beginning of the HIV epidemic in the 1980s until 2018, there were about 32 million deaths and in the world there are approximately 37.9 million people living with HIV and AIDS. Thus, even with the advent of ART, people living with HIV/AIDS remain subject to reduced quality of life, and among these factors, co-infection with tuberculosis proves to be the main responsible for the change in prognosis. Thus, the present study seeks to establish an epidemiological panorama of people living with HIV/AIDS and their main co-infection in the state of Maranhão. Methodology: This is a retrospective descriptive epidemiological study, of quantitative approach that presents the profile of people living with HIV/AIDS, as well as, the main coinfection, in the period from 2009 to 2018 in Maranhão. Results: In the period from 2009 to 2018, 7691 cases of AIDS were notified in Maranhão, being the majority composed of individuals aged 20 to 49 years, male, brown color and with education between 1st grade and complete elementary school, heterosexual transmission route and with a greater tendency to coinfection by Tuberculosis in the last years of the sample and in cases of ART use. Conclusion: The Panorama obtained proposes a greater need for intervention and awareness of the need for codons, in addition to greater screening of individuals on ART use. Although observed a strong reduction in notifications in 2018, there is a need for caution, mainly because of the epidemic's portrayal in regions with socio demographic similarity.

Introducción: Entre el inicio de la epidemia del VIH en la década de 1980 hasta 2018, hubo cerca de 32 millones de muertes y en el mundo hay aproximadamente 37,9 millones de personas que viven con el VIH y el SIDA. Así, incluso con el advenimiento de la terapia antirretroviral, las personas que viven con VIH/SIDA siguen estando sujetas a la reducción de la calidad de vida, y entre estos factores, la coinfección con tuberculosis resulta ser el principal responsable del cambio en el pronóstico. Así, el presente estudio busca establecer un panorama epidemiológico de las personas que viven con VIH/SIDA y sus principales coinfecciones en el estado de Maranhão. Metodología: Se trata de un estudio epidemiológico descriptivo retrospectivo, de abordaje cuantitativo que presenta el perfil de las personas que viven con VIH/SIDA, así como, la principal coinfección, en el período de 2009 a 2018 en Maranhão. Resultados: En el período de 2009 a 2018, fueron notificados 7691 casos de SIDA en Maranhão, siendo la mayoría compuesta por individuos de 20 a 49 años, de sexo masculino, color castaño y con escolaridad entre 1º grado y primaria completa, vía de transmisión heterosexual y con mayor tendencia a la coinfección por Tuberculosis en los últimos años de la muestra y en los casos de uso de TAR. Conclusiones: El Panorama obtenido propone una mayor necesidad de intervención y concienciación de la necesidad de codones, además de un mayor cribado de los individuos en uso de TAR. A pesar de observarse una fuerte reducción de notificaciones en 2018, es necesario ser cautelosos, principalmente por el retrato de la epidemia en regiones con similitud socio demográfica.

Realidade epidemiológica da morbimortalidade hospitalar por acidente vascular cerebral no nordeste brasileiro, de 2015 a 2019 / Epidemiological reality of hospital morbimortality due to cerebral vascular accident in northeast brazil, from 2015 to 2019 / Realidad epidemiológica de la morbimortalidad hospitalaria por accidente vascular cerebral en el noreste de brasil, de 2015 a 2019

Com grande impacto social por alta mortalidade e morbidade no Brasil e no Mundo, o AVC continua em destaque dentre as Doenças Crônicas Não transmissíveis. Visando oferecer subsídios técnico-científicos sobre o perfil epidemiológico desta patologia no Nordeste, este artigo consiste em um estudo de corte transversal, quantitativo, epidemiológico, de série temporal, entre os anos de 2015 a 2019, tendo por base os dados disponibilizados na plataforma DATASUS. Evidenciou-se que o ano de 2019 foi o ano com maior número de internações por esta patologia, predominando em homens. No entanto, as mulheres tiveram mais óbitos. A raça mais acometida foi a parda, com mais de 82% das internações e mais de 83% dos óbitos. Os óbitos ocorreram em todas as faixas etárias, predominando nos mais idosos. O Estado com maior quantitativo de óbitos foi a Bahia, também o mais populoso do estudo. O perfil epidemiológico geral, do paciente acometido por AVC na região Nordeste do Brasil no período avaliado, foi, homem, com idade mais avançada (a partir de 60 anos), pardo, permanecendo cerca de 7,8 dias internados. O custo total desse período, com internações por AVC, foi de R$278.874.426.3, certamente, um custo bastante oneroso ao nosso sistema de saúde. As unidades federativas com maior acometimento são também as mais populosas. Percebendo-se que, por se tratar de uma doença prevenível, com graves sequelas e que causam grandes prejuízos pessoais, sociais e econômicos, torna-se relevante que o sistema público de saúde adote rigorosas medidas para sua prevenção.

With a great social impact due to high mortality and morbidity in Brazil and the world, stroke continues to be highlighted among Chronic Non-communicable Diseases. Aiming to offer technical-scientific support on the epidemiological profile of this pathology in the Northeast, this article consists of a cross-sectional, quantitative, epidemiological, time series study, between the years 2015 and 2019, based on data available on the DATASUS platform . It was evident that 2019 was the year with the highest number of hospitalizations for this pathology, predominantly in men. However, women had more deaths. The most affected race was the mixed race, with more than 82% of hospitalizations and more than 83% of deaths. Deaths occurred in all age groups, predominantly among the elderly. The State with the highest number of deaths was Bahia, also the most populous in the study. The general epidemiological profile of the patient affected by stroke in the Northeast region of Brazil during the period evaluated was male, older (60 years and older), mixed race, and remained hospitalized for approximately 7.8 days. The total cost of this period, with hospitalizations for stroke, was R$278,874,426.3, certainly a very costly cost to our health system. The federative units most affected are also the most populous. Realizing that, as it is a preventable disease, with serious consequences and causing great personal, social and economic losses, it is important that the public health system adopts strict measures for its prevention.

Con gran impacto social debido a la alta mortalidad y morbilidad en Brasil y el mundo, el accidente cerebrovascular sigue destacándose entre las Enfermedades Crónicas No Transmisibles. Con el objetivo de ofrecer soporte técnico-científico sobre el perfil epidemiológico de esta patología en el Nordeste, este artículo consiste en un estudio transversal, cuantitativo, epidemiológico, de series temporales, entre los años 2015 y 2019, con base en datos disponibles en la plataforma DATASUS. . Se evidenció que 2019 fue el año con mayor número de hospitalizaciones por esta patología, predominantemente en hombres. Sin embargo, las mujeres tuvieron más muertes. La raza más afectada fue la mestiza, con más del 82% de las hospitalizaciones y más del 83% de las muertes. Las muertes se produjeron en todos los grupos de edad, predominantemente entre los ancianos. El estado con mayor número de muertes fue Bahía, también el más poblado del estudio. El perfil epidemiológico general del paciente afectado por accidente cerebrovascular en la región Nordeste de Brasil durante el período evaluado fue masculino, mayor (60 años y más), mestizo y permaneció hospitalizado durante aproximadamente 7,8 días. El costo total de este período, con las hospitalizaciones por accidente cerebrovascular, fue de R$ 278.874.426,3, ciertamente un costo muy costoso para nuestro sistema de salud. Las unidades federativas más afectadas son también las más pobladas. Al ser conscientes de que, al tratarse de una enfermedad prevenible, de graves consecuencias y que provoca grandes pérdidas personales, sociales y económicas, es importante que el sistema público de salud adopte medidas estrictas para su prevención. PALABRAS CLAVE: Accidente Cerebrovascular; Epidemiología; Salud Pública.

Histopathological and immunological characteristics of placentas infected with chikungunya virus.

Although vertical transmission of CHIKV has been reported, little is known about the role of placenta in the transmission of this virus and the effects of infection on the maternal-fetal interface. In this work we investigated five placentas from pregnant women who became infected during the gestational period. Four formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples of placenta (cases 1-4) were positive for CHIKV by RT-PCR. One (case 5) had no positive test of placenta, but had positive RT-PCR for CHIKV in the serum of the mother and the baby, confirming vertical transmission. The placentas were analyzed regarding histopathological and immunological aspects. The main histopathological changes were: deciduitis, villous edema, deposits, villous necrosis, dystrophic calcification, thrombosis and stem vessel obliteration. In infected placentas we noted increase of cells (CD8+ and CD163+) and pro- (IFN-γ and TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory (TGF-ß and IL-10) cytokines compared to control placentas. Moreover, CHIKV antigen was detected in decidual cell, trophoblastic cells, stroma villi, Hofbauer cells, and endothelial cells. In conclusion, CHIKV infection seems to disrupt placental homeostasis leading to histopathological alterations in addition to increase in cellularity and cytokines overproduction, evidencing an altered and harmful environment to the pregnant woman and fetus.

In silico and in vitro arboviral MHC class I-restricted-epitope signatures reveal immunodominance and poor overlapping patterns.

Introduction: The present work sought to identify MHC-I-restricted peptide signatures for arbovirus using in silico and in vitro peptide microarray tools. Methods: First, an in-silico analysis of immunogenic epitopes restricted to four of the most prevalent human MHC class-I was performed by identification of MHC affinity score. For that, more than 10,000 peptide sequences from 5 Arbovirus and 8 different viral serotypes, namely Zika (ZIKV), Dengue (DENV serotypes 1-4), Chikungunya (CHIKV), Mayaro (MAYV) and Oropouche (OROV) viruses, in addition to YFV were analyzed. Haplotype HLA-A*02.01 was the dominant human MHC for all arboviruses. Over one thousand HLA-A2 immunogenic peptides were employed to build a comprehensive identity matrix. Intending to assess HLAA*02:01 reactivity of peptides in vitro, a peptide microarray was designed and generated using a dimeric protein containing HLA-A*02:01. Results: The comprehensive identity matrix allowed the identification of only three overlapping peptides between two or more flavivirus sequences, suggesting poor overlapping of virus-specific immunogenic peptides amongst arborviruses. Global analysis of the fluorescence intensity for peptide-HLA-A*02:01 binding indicated a dose-dependent effect in the array. Considering all assessed arboviruses, the number of DENV-derived peptides with HLA-A*02:01 reactivity was the highest. Furthermore, a lower number of YFV-17DD overlapping peptides presented reactivity when compared to non-overlapping peptides. In addition, the assessment of HLA-A*02:01-reactive peptides across virus polyproteins highlighted non-structural proteins as "hot-spots". Data analysis supported these findings showing the presence of major hydrophobic sites in the final segment of non-structural protein 1 throughout 2a (Ns2a) and in nonstructural proteins 2b (Ns2b), 4a (Ns4a) and 4b (Ns4b). Discussion: To our knowledge, these results provide the most comprehensive and detailed snapshot of the immunodominant peptide signature for arbovirus with MHC-class I restriction, which may bring insight into the design of future virus-specific vaccines to arboviruses and for vaccination protocols in highly endemic areas.

Protective measures feasibility for infants of low income SARS-CoV-2 positive breastfeeding mothers: a prospective multicenter cohort study.

AIM: The aim was to evaluate the feasibility of protective measures for infants of low-income SARS-CoV-2 positive breastfeeding mothers. BACKGROUND: Breastfeeding mothers with SARS-CoV-2 positive should avoid exposing the infant through protective measures (PM), but it could be challenging in a low-income population. METHODS: A prospective, multicenter study was conducted between July and October 2020 (BRACOVID). The participants were recruited at birth and interviewed through a structured questionnaire at seven and 14 days in the home environment. The feasibility of PM during breastfeeding at home was defined by guidelines recommendations (mask using, handwashing, and distancing from newborn when not breastfeeding). Three groups according to the feasibility of guidelines: complete guidelines feasibility (CG): all PM; partial guidelines feasibility (PG): at least one PM feasible; no guidelines (NG): infeasibility to all of PM. Flu-like neonatal symptoms, mothers' breastfeeding practices. We evaluated the association between PM feasibility and socioeconomic factors. RESULTS: 117 infected mothers from 17 Brazilian hospitals were enrolled. 47 (40%) mothers followed all recommendations, 14 (11.9%) could not practice at least one recommendation, and 50 (42.7%) did not execute any of them. The breastfeeding rate was 98%. Factors associated with infeasibility were monthly family income < 92.7 dollars/person, high housing density (>1 inhabitant/room), teenage mothers, responsive feeding, and poor schooling. Regarding infants' flu-like symptoms, 5% presented symptoms at fourteen days (NG group). CONCLUSION: The guidelines were not applied to infants of SARs-CoV-positive mothers in 54.6% of the dyads since the recommendations were unviable in their environments. During pandemics, we should look for feasible and effective guidelines to protect neonates from low-income populations. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Poor socioeconomic conditions lead to the unfeasibility of protective measures for infants of low-income SARS-CoV-2 positive breastfeeding mothers during the isolation period in the pandemics. The orientations and the support provided to dyad should consider the socioeconomic factors to guide feasible measures in the home environment and promote adequate protections; only an individual approach will allow a safe environment for low-income infants.

Laterally Positioned Flap with Subepithelial Connective Tissue Graft Modified One-Stage Procedure for the Treatment of Deep Isolated Gingival Recessions in Mandibular Incisors.

The laterally positioned flap (LPF) has been proposed as a promising treatment for isolated gingival recessions (GRs) in mandibular incisors. Several modifications have been proposed to reduce the risk of gingival recession (GR) at the donor tooth site. Therefore, the aim of this was to describe a modified one-stage procedure of performing the LPF associated with the subepithelial connective tissue graft (LPF + SCTG) with the modifications for the treatment of deep isolated GR in mandibular incisors. The modified one-stage technique (LPF + SCTG) is unique because it was presented being bilaminar with tunneled connective tissue graft (CTG) in the adjacent tooth and extended to the flap donor site, without a submarginal incision in the adjacent tooth, taking the entire band of the keratinized tissue (KT) into the flap. In addition, 3 clinical cases were described using this surgical technique. Three healthy patients with Cairo RT1 or RT2 GRs on teeth 31 or 41 were treated with the LPF + SCTG technique. Probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), complete root coverage (CRC), mean root coverage (MRC), recession depth (RD), and keratinized tissue width (KTW) were assessed at baseline and in the follow-up periods of 18, 24, and 48 months, in the cases 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The LPF + SCTG with the modifications presented is a predictable approach for the treatment of deep isolated RT1 and RT2 GRs in mandibular incisors that are well positioned in the bone envelope with the presence of KTW adjacent to GR and adequate vestibule depth in the donor area of the flap.

Handgrip strength in patients with acute decompensated heart failure: Accuracy as a predictor of malnutrition and prognostic value.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine whether handgrip strength (HGS) has diagnostic accuracy for malnutrition assessment and whether it is an independent predictor of 90-d mortality in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). METHODS: This cohort study evaluated patients with ADHF within 36 h of hospital admission. Subjective global assessment and handgrip dynamometry were performed and the patients' medical records were analyzed. Mortality was monitored by phone contact and/or medical record search after 90 d. Diagnostic accuracy was tested with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and survival was tested in a Cox model. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 161 patients with ADHF who were predominantly male (62%) and older (77%), with a mean age of 68 y (60-75 y) and an ejection fraction of 37.7% ± 16.2%. According to subjective global assessment, 60% were suspected of malnourishment or were moderately or severely malnourished and these patients had lower HGS values than the well-nourished patients (P < 0.001). The ROC curve for HGS was sufficiently accurate to assess malnutrition (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.696; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.614-0.779; P < 0.001) and had very good accuracy to predict severe malnutrition (AUC = 0.817; 95% CI, 0.711-0.923, P < 0.001). When analyzed by sex, HGS could only accurately detect malnutrition in men, although it could detect severe malnutrition in both men and women. During the 90-d follow-up period, there were 16 deaths (9.9%). An HGS cutoff value of 25.5 kg for men was considered significant for 90-d mortality (hazard ratio, 8.6; 95% CI, 1.1-70.9; P = 0.045). CONCLUSION: The results suggested that HGS is an independent indicator of malnutrition in patients with ADHF and can serve as a prognostic marker of 3-mo mortality in men.

Periodontal Health, Nutrition and Anthropometry in Professional Footballers: A Preliminary Study.

Poor oral health in elite sport is a pressing issue, however little is known about the periodontal status of professional footballers. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of periodontitis in a group of professional footballers and its association with nutritional parameters and self-report non-traumatic injuries. Additionally, we assessed its association with anthropometric, dietary inflammatory load and self-reported muscular and/or articular injuries. Twenty-two professional footballers were evaluated at the beginning of the 2020-2021 season via full-mouth periodontal inspection, anthropometric measurements and the application of the dietary inflammatory index through a food intake measurement of 24 h dietary recall on two different days. Self-reporting non-traumatic muscular and articular injuries for the past 6 months were recorded from each athlete. Then we compared clinical measurements according to the periodontal status and we correlated age, periodontal and nutritional parameters. Overall, the prevalence of periodontitis was 40.9% and peri-implantitis was also observed. No significant differences were found regarding age or nutritional parameters according to the periodontal status. More non-traumatic muscular events in the past 6 months were found in the periodontitis group (55.6% vs. 38.4%), although the difference was non-significant. Both clinical attachment loss, periodontal pocket depth and the periodontal epithelial surface area revealed a significant moderate correlation with the percentage of fat mass, muscle mass, muscle mass index and total adipose folds. This group of professional footballers showed an alarming prevalence of periodontitis. Further studies shall examine whether periodontitis and periodontal treatment impact the performance of this group of athletes.

The impact of coronavirus outbreak on breastfeeding guidelines among Brazilian hospitals and maternity services: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization recognizes exclusive breastfeeding a safe source of nutrition available for children in most humanitarian emergencies, as in the current pandemic caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Despite the Brazilian national guideline protecting breastfeeding practices, there are many concerns about protecting infants from their infected mothers. This study aimed to analyze how the Brazilian hospitals and maternity services promote and support mothers suspected or diagnosed with coronavirus disease (COVID-19). METHODS: This is a descriptive cross-sectional and multicenter study which collected data from 24 Brazilian hospitals and maternity services between March and July 2020. Representatives of the institutions completed a questionnaire based on acts to promote and support breastfeeding, the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, and Brazil's federal law recommendations. RESULTS: The results showed that in delivery rooms, 98.5% of the services prohibited immediate and uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact between mothers and their infants and did not support mothers to initiate breastfeeding in the first hour. On the postnatal ward, 98.5% of the services allowed breastfeeding while implementing respiratory hygiene practices to prevent transmission of COVID-19. Companions for mothers were forbidden in 83.3% of the hospitals. Hospital discharge was mostly between 24 and 28 h (79.1%); discharge guidelines were not individualized. Additionally, a lack of support was noticed from the home environment's health community network (83.3%). Hospital and home breast pumping were allowed (87.5%), but breast milk donation was not accepted (95.8%). There was a lack of guidance regarding the use of infant comforting strategies. Guidelines specific for vulnerable populations were not covered in the material evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: In Brazil, hospitals have not followed recommendations to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding during the COVID-19 outbreak. The disagreement between international guidelines has been a major issue. The absence of recommendations on breastfeeding support during the pandemic led to difficulties in developing standards among hospitals in different regions of Brazil and other countries worldwide. The scientific community needs to discuss how to improve maternal and infant care services to protect breastfeeding in the current pandemic.

A Comparison of Costal Cartilage Warping Using Oblique Split vs Concentric Carving Methods.

IMPORTANCE: Warping of costal cartilage is well described; however, its strength and abundance still make it a desirable graft material, especially in complex reconstructive rhinoplasty. Despite multiple methods of cartilage harvest, carving, and preimplantation treatment being developed over the years, warp remains a challenging clinical problem. OBJECTIVE: To assess whether the 30° oblique split method of preparing costal cartilage grafts produces less warping of the graft than the current standard of harvesting the central segment of a rib using the concentric carving method. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This in vitro cadaveric study evaluated the warping of costal cartilage grafts using the oblique split method with an angle of 30° or the concentric carving method during a 3-month period beginning in December 2014. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Millimeters of warp from baseline (at 1 hour) and at 1, 2, and 3 months, measured in the frontal and lateral planes. RESULTS: Among 74 costal cartilage grafts (using the oblique split method with an angle of 30° in 41 and the concentric carving method in 33), the mean amount of warp in the frontal plane was between 1.12 mm (95% CI, 0.96-1.28 mm) and 1.57 mm (95% CI, 0.94-2.20 mm) for the oblique group and between 1.18 mm (95% CI, 0.98-1.38 mm) and 1.29 mm (95% CI, 0.86-1.72 mm) for the concentric group during the 3-month period. There was no statistically significant difference in the frontal plane between the 2 methods at 1 hour (P = .45; 0.10 mm, 95% CI, -0.38 to 0.17 mm), 1 month (P = .32; 0.13 mm, 95% CI, -0.13 to 0.40 mm), 2 months (P = .50; 0.28 mm, 95% CI, -0.55 to 1.11 mm), or 3 months (P = .15; 0.22 mm, 95% CI, -0.08 to 0.52 mm) using the t test, regression analysis, or panel data analysis. Similarly, no significant difference was found in the lateral plane at 1 hour (P = .89; 0.04 mm, 95% CI, -0.49 to 0.56 mm), 1 month (P = .82; 0.07 mm, 95% CI, -0.56 to 0.70 mm), 2 months (P = .29; 0.40 mm, 95% CI, -0.36 to 1.17 mm), or 3 months (P = .63; 0.22 mm, 95% CI, -0.70 to 1.13 mm) using the t test. Two grafts were excluded due to desiccation. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The 30° oblique split and concentric carving methods of costal cartilage graft carving are equivalent in terms of the amount of warp. The oblique split method may be superior because of easier carving and the increased volume of material. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA.

Indices of agreement between neurosurgeons and a radiologist in interpreting tomography scans in an emergency department / Índice de concordância entre neurocirurgiões e radiologistas na interpretação de tomografias de crânio na emergência

The power of interpretation in the analysis of cranial computed tomography (CCT) among neurosurgeons and radiologists has rarely been studied. This study aimed to assess the rate of agreement in the interpretation of CCTs between neurosurgeons and a radiologist in an emergency department. Method 227 CCT were independently analyzed by two neurosurgeons (NS1 and NS2) and a radiologist (RAD). The level of agreement in interpreting the examination was studied. Results The Kappa values obtained between NS1 and NS2 and RAD were considered nearly perfect and substantial agreement. The highest levels of agreement when evaluating abnormalities were observed in the identification of tumors, hydrocephalus and intracranial hematomas. The worst levels of agreement were observed for leukoaraiosis and reduced brain volume. Conclusions For diseases in which the emergency room procedure must be determined, agreement in the interpretation of CCTs between the radiologist and neurosurgeons was satisfactory. .

O poder de interpretação na análise de tomografias de crânio (TCC) entre neurocirurgiões e radiologistas tem sido pouco estudada. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar as taxas de concordância na interpretação de TCCs entre neurocirugiões e radiologista em um departamento de emergência. Método 227 TCCs foram independentemente analizadas por 2 neurocirugiões (NC1 e NC2) e um radiologista(RAD). O índice de concordância nas análises foi estudada posteriormente. Resultados O valor de Kappa obtido entre os NC1 e NC 2 e entre estes e RAD foram quase perfeitos e substancial respectivamente. O maiores índices de concordância quando avaliadas anormalidades foram observados na identificação de tumores, hidrocefalia e hematomas intracranianos. O piores índices foram observados com relação a leucaraiose e redução volumétrica. Conclusão Para doenças apresentadas em um departamento emergência que demandam tratamento mais agressivo o índice de concordância na interpretação de TCCs entre RAD e NC foi satisfatório. .

Indices of agreement between neurosurgeons and a radiologist in interpreting tomography scans in an emergency department.

UNLABELLED: The power of interpretation in the analysis of cranial computed tomography (CCT) among neurosurgeons and radiologists has rarely been studied. This study aimed to assess the rate of agreement in the interpretation of CCTs between neurosurgeons and a radiologist in an emergency department. METHOD: 227 CCT were independently analyzed by two neurosurgeons (NS1 and NS2) and a radiologist (RAD). The level of agreement in interpreting the examination was studied. RESULTS: The Kappa values obtained between NS1 and NS2 and RAD were considered nearly perfect and substantial agreement. The highest levels of agreement when evaluating abnormalities were observed in the identification of tumors, hydrocephalus and intracranial hematomas. The worst levels of agreement were observed for leukoaraiosis and reduced brain volume. CONCLUSIONS: For diseases in which the emergency room procedure must be determined, agreement in the interpretation of CCTs between the radiologist and neurosurgeons was satisfactory.