General nurse competencies in disaster: A delphi study.

AIM: The aim of this study is to understand the significance of a disaster-related competence framework for Portuguese general nurses and identify from ICN - Core Competencies in Disaster Nursing version 2.0 core competencies description, those that are considered crucial for a competent preparedness and response in disaster scenarios. BACKGROUND: Research suggests that the occurrence of disasters will be more recurrent, requiring that nurses, pillars of any health system, have knowledge, skills and preparedness to face these events. DESIGN: An exploratory, cross-sectional qualitative study was carried out. Delphi method was used for data collection. METHODS: The study group consisted of technical-scientific council's presidents or coordinators/directors of nursing courses, nurses integrated in the Portuguese Council of Nurses and National Nursing Specialty Colleges and nurses with experience in the field of disasters. RESULTS: Findings revealed that there is consensus on sixteen competencies, considered relevant for developing general nurse knowledge and competence, both at a national or international level, in the field of disasters. CONCLUSIONS: The development of these competencies which establishes practice standards, building nurses skills and knowledge and ultimately, influencing nursing level-entry curricula's, conferring professional autonomy and self-regulation, in the field of disaster are fundamental. Furthermore, this study may serve as a reference for future alignment of competency frameworks between European Union countries or others.

Can toothbrushing reduce the intraoral viral load of SARS-CoV-2? A pilot study with a dentifrice containing an antimicrobial phthalocyanine derivative.

The aim of this study was to assess whether toothbrushing with a dentifrice containing an antimicrobial phthalocyanine derivative (APD) can reduce the intraoral viral load of SARS-CoV-2. Twenty COVID-19-positive dentate patients aged ≥18 years were selected instructed to brush their teeth for 2 min with a dentifrice containing APD. Self-collected samples of unstimulated saliva were carried out three times: T0 (baseline), T5 (5 min after toothbrushing), and T30 (30 min after toothbrushing). The analysis of viral RNA was performed by RT-qPCR for detection of three viral genes (ORF1ab, N and S genes). Results were statistically tested using Friedman's test and pairwise comparison with Bonferroni corrections, with a significance level of 5%. There was an increase in the cycle threshold (Ct) value from T0 to T5 in 13 patients (72.2%), and from T0 to T30 in 14 patients (77.8%). In two patients (11.1%) no SARS-CoV-2 was detected at T5 and five patients (27.8%) at T30. The Ct values were statistically significantly higher (p=0.020) at T30 in comparison to T0 and T5. This pilot study suggests that toothbrushing with a dentifrice containing APD could reduce the SARS-CoV-2 viral load in the oral cavity. However, further studies are needed to confirm this possible beneficial effect against SARS-CoV-2.

Oral herpes simplex virus infection in patients undergoing chemotherapy - an integrative review.

Aim: The purpose of this study is to undertake an integrative literature review in order to determine the prevalence, etiology, and reactivation of oral HSV infection in patients receiving chemotherapy (CT). Methods: The study was carried out in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Virtual Health Library, and Scopus databases, using the descriptors "Herpes Simplex", "Viral Diseases", "Mouth", and "Antineoplastic Agents". Results: The findings suggest that HSV infection is widespread in this group of patients and can be severe. HSV infection is frequent in CT patients, and treatment should begin as soon as it is feasible, utilizing antivirals to avoid future difficulties, as patients are immunocompromised. Conclusion: It is critical for health professionals to be fully informed on the dangers and treatment choices available, with the most appropriate therapy for each circumstance. Furthermore, more recent research with acceptable methodological rigor is required to better quantify the prevalence of HSV in these patients.

Seasonal influence on the essential oil chemical composition of Hyptis crenata Pohl ex Benth.: a valuable plant from Marajó, Brazil.

Introduction: Essential oils (EOs) from the Hyptis genus have been reported as bactericides and fungicides. However, the properties of these oils can be affected by climatic factors, as well as the collection period, which promotes changes in the chemical composition of the oil. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the climatological influences on the chemical composition of the essential oil from the leaves of Hyptis crenata. Methods: The leaves were collected in Marajó island (Brazil) monthly for a year. The EOs were obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by Gas Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Pearson's correlation was used to evaluate the relationship between climatic parameters, content, and chemical composition of essential oil; multivariate analysis was used to evaluate the interrelationship between samples and their chemical constituents. Results and Discussion: The constituents with the highest contents (>2.0%) in essential oils during the studied period were 1,8-cineole (28.48% ± 4.32%), α-pinene (19.58% ± 2.29%), camphor (11.98% ± 2.54%), ß-pinene (9.19% ± 1.47%), limonene (6.12% ± 3.15%), α-terpineol (2.42% ± 0.25%) and borneol (2.34% ± 0.48%). ß-Pinene significantly correlated (p < 0.05) with precipitation and humidity. According to the chemometric tools, two groups were formed: chemical profile I, marked by 1,8 cineole, α-pinene, ß-pinene, borneol, α-terpineol, and limonene, while group II (July) presented a chemical type characterized by camphor. It is understood that the species in question can be a reliable source of biologically active components during different climatic periods in the Amazon. The chemical variability could have significant implications for the pharmaceutical industry and traditional medicine.

Unsupervised model for structure segmentation applied to brain computed tomography.

This article presents an unsupervised method for segmenting brain computed tomography scans. The proposed methodology involves image feature extraction and application of similarity and continuity constraints to generate segmentation maps of the anatomical head structures. Specifically designed for real-world datasets, this approach applies a spatial continuity scoring function tailored to the desired number of structures. The primary objective is to assist medical experts in diagnosis by identifying regions with specific abnormalities. Results indicate a simplified and accessible solution, reducing computational effort, training time, and financial costs. Moreover, the method presents potential for expediting the interpretation of abnormal scans, thereby impacting clinical practice. This proposed approach might serve as a practical tool for segmenting brain computed tomography scans, and make a significant contribution to the analysis of medical images in both research and clinical settings.

In vitro effect of TiF4/NaF solution on the development of radiation-induced dentin caries.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the protective effect of an experimental solution containing TiF4/NaF on the development of radiation-induced dentin caries lesions. METHODOLOGY: bovine root samples were irradiated (70Gy) and distributed as following (n=12/group): Commercial Saliva (BioXtra), NaF (500 ppm F-), TiF4 (500 ppm F), TiF4/NaF (TiF4: 300 ppm F-, NaF: 190 ppm F-), and Phosphate buffer solution (PBS, negative control). Biofilm was produced using biofilm from irradiated patients and McBain saliva (0.2% of sucrose, at 37oC and 5% CO2) for five days. The treatments were applied 1x/day. Colony-forming units (CFU) were counted and demineralization was quantified by transversal microradiography. The ANOVA/Tukey test was applied for all parameters. RESULTS: All treatments reduced CFU for total microorganisms. TiF4 reduced Lactobacillus sp. (7.04±0.26 log10 CFU/mL) and mutans streptococci (7.18±0.28) CFU the most, when compared to PBS (7.58±0.21 and 7.75±0.17) and followed by NaF (7.12±0.31 and 7.34±0.22) and TiF4/NaF (7.16±0.35 and 7.29± 0.29). TiF4 and Commercial saliva showed the lowest integrated mineral loss (ΔZ-vol%.mm) (1977±150 and 2062±243, respectively) when compared to PBS (4540±335), followed by NaF (2403±235) and TiF4/NaF (2340±200). Commercial saliva was the only to significantly reduce mineral loss (LD-µm) (111±25) compared to PBS (153±24).Mean mineral loss (R-vol%) decreased by 35.2% for TiF4 (18.2±3.3) when compared to PBS (28.1±2.9) Conclusion: TiF4/NaF has a comparable anti-cariogenic effect to TiF4 and Commercial saliva under the model in this study.

The effect of photoinitiator type and filler load on physicochemical and mechanical properties of experimental light-cured resin cements through lithium disilicate ceramics of different shades and thicknesses.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the influence of photoinitiator types on degree of conversion (DC), rate of polymerization (RP), flexural strength (FS), flexural modulus (FM), and light transmittance (LT) of filled and unfilled light-curable resin cements through different thicknesses and shades of lithium disilicate ceramics. METHODS: Lithium disilicate ceramic discs (IPS Emax Press, background [0.0], 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0 mm, shades A1 and BL3) were prepared. Experimental resin-based cements [TEGDMA/BisGMA (50/50 mass%)] were prepared using either camphorquinone (CQ)/amine (0.44/1.85 mol%) or TPO (0.44 mol%)], and a micro and nanofiller loads of nil (unfilled); 40/10 mass%; and 50/10 mass%). Resin cements (0.2 mm thick) were placed on the lower surface of the ceramic specimens and light-activated for 30 s from the upper surface using a Bluephase Style curing light (exitance at tip: 1236 mW/cm2 ± 1.20). LT and distribution of irradiance through the ceramics were measured using a UV-vis spectrometer and a beam profile camera, respectively (n = 3). The DC and RP were measured in real-time using mid infrared spectroscopy in attenuated total reflectance (ATR) mode (n = 3). FS and FM were measured using a universal testing machine (n = 5). Statistical analyses were performed on LT, DC, RP, FS, and FM data using a general linear model, and supplementary ANOVA and post hoc Tukey multiple comparison test were also performed (α = .05). RESULTS: Thicknesses, shades, photoinitiator type, and fillers load significantly influenced the optical and mechanical characteristics of the resin-based materials (p < 0.05). The BL3 shade ceramic provided higher values of DC, RP, FS, FM, and LT compared with the A1 shade (p < 0.05). Increasing ceramic thickness decreased the properties of the resin-based materials (p < 0.05). Generally, TPO improved mechanical properties of the resin cement compared with CQ (p < 0.05). SIGNIFICANCE: The luting process of indirect restorations may be improved by using high molar absorptivity, more reactive, and more efficient photoinitiators such as TPO, as opposed to conventional CQ. The use of such initiator may allow the placement of thicker and more opaque indirect restorations.

Corticomuscular and intermuscular coherence as a function of age and walking balance difficulty.

We determined beta-band intermuscular (IMC) and corticomuscular coherence (CMC) as a function of age and walking balance difficulty. Younger (n=14, 23y) and older individuals (n=19, 71y) walked 13 m overground, on a 6-cm-wide ribbon overground, and on a 6-cm-wide (5-cm-high) beam. Walking distance as a proxy for walking balance and speed were computed. CMC was estimated between electroencephalographic signal at Cz electrode and surface electromyographic signals of seven leg muscles, while IMC was calculated in four pairs of leg muscles, during stance and swing gait phases. With increasing difficulty, walking balance decreased in old individuals and speed decreased gradually independent of age. Beam walking increased IMC, while age increased IMC in proximal muscle pairs, and decreased IMC in distal muscle pairs. Age and difficulty increased CMC independent of gait phases. Concluding, CMC and IMC increased with walking balance difficulty and age, except for distal muscle pairs, which had lower IMC with age. These findings suggest an age-related increase in corticospinal involvement in the neural control of walking balance. DATA AVAILABILITY: The datasets used in this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Multi-trait index: selection and recommendation of superior black bean genotypes as new improved varieties.

Common bean provides diet rich in vitamins, fiber, minerals, and protein, which could contribute into food security of needy populations in many countries. Developing genotypes that associate favorable agronomic and grain quality traits in the common bean crop could increase the chances of adopting new cultivars black bean. In this context, the present study aimed at selection of superior black bean lines using multi-variate indexes, Smith-Hazel-index, and genotype by yield*trait biplot analysis. These trials were conducted in Campos dos Goytacazes - RJ, in 2020 and 2021. The experimental design used was randomized blocks, with 28 treatments and three replications. The experimental unit consisted of four rows 4.0 m long, spaced at 0.50 m apart, with a sowing density of 15 seeds per meter. The two central rows were used for the evaluations. The selection of superior genotypes was conducted using the multiple trait stability index (MTSI), multi-trait genotype-ideotype distance index (MGIDI), multi-trait index based on factor analysis and genotype-ideotype distance (FAI-BLUP), Smith-Hazel index, and Genotype by Yield*Trait Biplot (GYT). The multivariate indexes efficiently selected the best black bean genotypes, presenting desirable selection gains for most traits. The use of multivariate indexes and GYT enable the selection of early genotypes with higher grain yields. These lines G9, G13, G17, G23, and G27 were selected based on their performance for multiple traits closest to the ideotype and could be recommended as new varieties.

Delayed repair of the facial nerve and its negative impacts on nerve and muscle regeneration.

Background: In this experimental protocol, we evaluated the immediate and delayed repair of the buccal branch of the facial nerve (BBFN) with heterologous fibrin biopolymer (HFB) as a coaptation medium and the use of photobiomodulation (PBM), performing functional and histomorphometric analysis of the BBFN and perioral muscles. Methods: Twenty-eight rats were divided into eight groups using the BBFN bilaterally (the left nerve was used for PBM), namely: G1 - control group, right BBFN (without injury); G2 - control group, left BBFN (without injury + PBM); G3 - Denervated right BBFN (neurotmesis); G4 - Denervated left BBFN (neurotmesis + PBM); G5 - Immediate repair of right BBFN (neurotmesis + HFB); G6 - Immediate repair of left BBFN (neurotmesis + HFB + PBM); G7 - Delayed repair of right BBFN (neurotmesis + HFB); G8 - Delayed repair of left BBFN (neurotmesis + HFB + PBM). Delayed repair occurred after two weeks of denervation. All animals were sacrificed after six weeks postoperatively. Results: In the parameters of the BBFN, we observed inferior results in the groups with delayed repair, in relation to the groups with immediate repair, with a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the diameter of the nerve fiber, the axon, and the thickness of the myelin sheath of the group with immediate repair with PBM compared to the other experimental groups. In measuring the muscle fiber area, groups G7 (826.4 ± 69.90) and G8 (836.7 ± 96.44) were similar to G5 (882.8 ± 70.51). In the functional analysis, the G7 (4.10 ± 0.07) and G8 (4.12 ± 0.08) groups presented normal parameters. Conclusion: We demonstrated that delayed repair of BBFN is possible with HFB, but with worse results compared to immediate repair, and that PBM has a positive influence on nerve regeneration results in immediate repair.

Fishing profile and commercial landings of shark and batoids in a global elasmobranchs conservation hotspot.

This paper describes the fishing profile and the temporal variation in the commercial landings of elasmobranchs in a global hotspot for their conservation and investigates the variables that influenced the landings. Census data on commercial catches were obtained between April 2008 and October 2010 from nine landing sites in Bragança (Pará, northern Brazil). Five vessel types, four fishing gears, and eight fishing techniques engaged with elasmobranch capture were identified. A total of 2,357 landings were recorded, with a total production of 354 t. The highest yields were recorded in 2009, with sharks being harvested mostly by small and medium-sized vessels, and batoids, by small vessels and canoes. Drifting nets and longlines played a prominent role in elasmobranch fisheries. The results show that the landings were influenced by days at sea, which is common in tropical fisheries. The elasmobranch data series is discontinuous as statistics are absent for most fishing sites albeit imperative for proper management, as well as relevant for decision-makers focusing on their conservation.

Dietary Tryptophan Plays a Role as an Anti-Inflammatory Agent in European Seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) Juveniles during Chronic Inflammation.

Where teleost fish are concerned, studies in tryptophan immunomodulation generally point to immunosuppressive properties, thus presenting a potential anti-inflammatory dietary strategy. The goal of the present work was to evaluate the effects of tryptophan dietary supplementation on immune and neuroendocrine responses of the European seabass, Dicentrarchus labrax, undergoing chronic inflammation. Juvenile European seabass were intraperitoneally injected with either Freund's Incomplete Adjuvant (FIA, inflamed group) or a saline solution (control group). Within each group, fish were fed a control (CTRL) and a CTRL-based diet supplemented with tryptophan (0.3% DM basis; TRP) for 4 weeks. Different tissues were sampled every week for the assessment of immune-related parameters. When TRP was provided to FIA-injected fish, mcsfr gene expression increased from 1 to 2 weeks and remained high until the end of the experiment. The same fish showed a concurrent increase in peripheral monocyte counts. Moreover, il34 expression at 1 week post-FIA injection was higher in TRP-fed than in CTRL-fed fish. After one week, molecular patterns of anti-inflammatory processes seemed to be favoured by TRP (mcsfr, gr1, il34 and tgfß). Altogether, the results show that the feeding period seems to be critical where tryptophan supplementation is concerned since at later inflammatory stages-and longer feeding periods-fish fed TRP displayed a molecular profile similar to that of the CTRL group. In contrast, shorter administration periods might accelerate immune regulatory pathways.

Smoking cessation decreases arterial blood pressure in hypertensive smokers: A subgroup analysis of the randomized controlled trial GENTSMOKING.

INTRODUCTION: High blood pressure in hypertensive smokers is affected by nicotine consumption. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of smoking cessation treatments on blood pressure in hypertensive smokers. METHODS: A total of 113 hypertensive smokers on antihypertensives during smoking cessation treatment in the randomized controlled trial GENTSMOKING were considered for analysis. At Baseline (T0) and Week 12 (T12), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP), and heart rate (HR) were measured using a semi-automated digital oscillometric device. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and delta differences for SBP, DBP, HR, and MAP were calculated. Smoking cessation was confirmed by measuring carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaled air. RESULTS: After 12 weeks of treatment, 72 participants ceased smoking (cessation group) and 41 did not (no cessation group). At T0, there was no statistically meaningful difference between groups with respect to age, body mass index, CO, and daily cigarette consumption. At T12, daily cigarette consumption and CO had decreased in both groups (p<0.001). The cessation group showed decreased SBP (131 ± 2 vs 125 ± 2 mmHg, p=0.004), DBP (79 ± 1 vs 77 ± 1 mmHg, p=0.031), MAP (96 ± 1 vs 93 ± 1 mmHg, p=0.005), and HR (79 ± 1 vs 74 ± 1 beats/min, p=0.001), and increased body weight (77.4 ± 2.1 vs 79.2 ± 2.2 kg, p<0.001). No significant differences were seen for these variables in the no cessation group. Decrease in blood pressure was significantly higher among hypertensive participants with SBP ≥130 mmHg: SBP (145 ± 2 vs 132 ± 2 mmHg, p<0.001), DBP (85 ± 2 vs 80 ± 1 mmHg, p=0.002), MAP (105 ± 1 vs 97 ± 1 mmHg, p<0.001), and HR (81 ± 2 vs 74 ± 2 beats/min, p=0.002). A positive correlation was found between HR and CO (r=0.34; p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Smoking cessation treatment reduced blood pressure in hypertensive smokers, allowing them to reach therapeutic targets for hypertension management. Smoking cessation has a positive impact on hypertension treatment; therefore, it should be encouraged in clinical practice. CLINICALTRIALSGOV IDENTIFIER: NCT03362099.

Cognitive maturity of Portuguese nursing students to intervene in disasters: initial training contribution.

OBJECTIVE: To understand whether, from the perspective of coordinators/directors of nursing courses and nurses with skills in the field of disasters, nursing students have the necessary cognitive maturity to articulate the various dimensions inherent to the area of disasters, allowing efficient performance. METHOD: A study with a qualitative methodological approach, based on inductive reasoning and rigorous phenomenon description, based on exploratory research. RESULTS: Given the specificity and complexity of these phenomena, the inclusion of the disaster domain in the teaching-learning process, supporting valid knowledge construction and allowing the development and maturity of nursing students' cognitive processes, is crucial. CONCLUSION: Currently, reduced technical-scientific training in the field of disasters in Portugal constitutes a barrier in the development of nursing students' cognitive maturity, impeding their ability to respond when faced with phenomena of this complexity.

Efficacy of bupropion and varenicline genetic markers in choosing pharmacological treatment for smoking cessation, and implications for combining drugs: A randomized controlled trial - GENTSMOKING.

INTRODUCTION: Smoking cessation is the best strategy for reducing tobacco-related morbimortality. The goal of this randomized controlled trial was to test whether using the genetically favorable markers to choose a smoking cessation drug treatment (precision medicine) was superior to using the most effective drug (varenicline) in terms of abstinence rates. Additionally, combination therapy was tested when monotherapy failed. METHODS: This partially blind, single-center study randomized (1:1) 361 participants into two major groups. In the genetic group (n=184), CYP2B6 rs2279343 (genotype AA) participants started treatment with bupropion, and CHRNA4 rs1044396 (genotype CT or TT) participants started treatment with varenicline; when genetic favorable to both, participants started treatment with bupropion, and when favorable to neither, on both drugs. In the control group (n=177), participants started treatment with varenicline, regardless of genetic markers. Drug treatment lasted 12 weeks. Efficacy endpoints were abstinence rates at Weeks 4, and Weeks 8-12, biochemically validated by carbon monoxide in exhaled air. Participants who did not achieve complete abstinence at Week 4, regardless of group, were given the choice to receive combination therapy. RESULTS: Abstinence rates were 42.9% (95% CI: 36-64) in the control group versus 30.4% (95% CI: 23-37) in the genetic group at Week 4 (p=0.01); and 74% (95% CI: 67-80) versus 52% (95% CI: 49-64) at Week 12 (p<0.001), respectively. The strategy of combining drugs after Week 4 increased abstinence rates in both groups and the significant difference between genetic and control groups was maintained. CONCLUSIONS: Results show that using these selected genetic markers was inferior to starting treatment with varenicline (control group), which is currently the most effective smoking cessation drug; moreover, the addition of bupropion in cases of varenicline monotherapy failure improves the efficacy rate until the end of treatment. CLINICAL TRIAL IDENTIFIER: NCT03362099.

Harnessing the 14-3-3 protein-protein interaction network.

Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) play a critical role in cellular signaling and represent interesting targets for therapeutic intervention. 14-3-3 proteins integrate many signaling targets via PPIs and are frequently implicated in disease, making them intriguing drug targets. Here, we review the recent advances in the 14-3-3 field. It will discuss the roles 14-3-3 proteins play within the cell, elucidation of their expansive interactome, and the complex mechanisms that underpin their function. In addition, the review will discuss significant advances in the development of molecular glues that target 14-3-3 PPIs. In particular, it will focus on novel drug discovery and development methodologies that have delivered selective, potent, and drug-like molecules that could open new avenues for the development of precision molecular tools and medicines.

Knowledge about cervical cancer in young Portuguese women: a cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Health literacy is crucial to adherence to medical interventions in therapeutics, prevention, and diagnosis. The basis for literacy is knowledge. To accomplish the goals for the elimination of cervical cancer, one of the most prevalent and preventable cancers, we must understand the determinants of non-adherence and address them specifically to ensure patients' active participation. Aim: To determine women's knowledge regarding the manifestations of cervical cancer and its prevention. Materials and methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in an urban population from northern Portugal. Women aged 18 to 30 years were randomly assigned to answer the Cervical Cancer Awareness Measure questionnaire, including questions of knowledge about the causes and symptoms of cervical cancer, prospecting for individual and social-related determinants. Results: The total number of participants was 270, with a mean age of 24.7 years. Knowledge about symptoms scored 5.4 ± 2.6, with a maximum of 12 points, and knowledge about the causes scored 5.7 ± 1.9, with a maximum of 11 points. The correlation between both was 0.334. High education, high socio-economic status, self-perception of one's capacity to recognize symptoms, and knowledge about the HPV vaccine were associated with better knowledge. Discussion: Portuguese women present low knowledge about cervical cancer, potentially affecting their health through exposure to risk situations and non-adherence to routine screening.

Dopamine improves defective cortical and muscular connectivity during bilateral control of gait in Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's Disease (PD)-typical declines in gait coordination are possibly explained by weakness in bilateral cortical and muscular connectivity. Here, we seek to determine whether this weakness and consequent decline in gait coordination is affected by dopamine levels. To this end, we compare cortico-cortical, cortico-muscular, and intermuscular connectivity and gait outcomes between body sides in people with PD under ON and OFF medication states, and in older adults. In our study, participants walked back and forth along a 12 m corridor. Gait events (heel strikes and toe-offs) and electrical cortical and muscular activities were measured and used to compute cortico-cortical, cortico-muscular, and intermuscular connectivity (i.e., coherences in the alpha, beta, and gamma bands), as well as features characterizing gait performance (e.g., the step-timing coordination, length, and speed). We observe that people with PD, mainly during the OFF medication, walk with reduced step-timing coordination. Additionally, our results suggest that dopamine intake in PD increases the overall cortico-muscular connectivity during the stance and swing phases of gait. We thus conclude that dopamine corrects defective feedback caused by impaired sensory-information processing and sensory-motor integration, thus increasing cortico-muscular coherences in the alpha bands and improving gait.

Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO1) - Can dendritic cells and monocytes expressing this moonlight enzyme change the phase of Parkinson's Disease?

Parkinson's Disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease where central and peripheral immune dysfunctions have been pointed out as a critical component of susceptibility and progression of this disease. Dendritic cells (DCs) and monocytes are key players in promoting immune response regulation and can induce the enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) under pro-inflammatory environments. This enzyme with catalytic and signaling activity supports the axis IDO1-KYN-aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), promoting disease-specific immunomodulatory effects. IDO1 is a rate-limiting enzyme of the kynurenine pathway (KP) that begins tryptophan (Trp) catabolism across this pathway. The immune functions of the pathway, which are extensively described in cancer, have been forgotten so far in neurodegenerative diseases, where a chronic inflammatory environment underlines the progression of the disease. Despite dysfunctions of KP have been described in PD, these are mainly associated with neurotoxic functions. With this review, we aim to focus on the immune properties of IDO1+DCs and IDO1+monocytes as a possible strategy to balance the pro-inflammatory profile described in PD. We also highlight the importance of exploring the role of dopaminergic therapeutics in IDO1 modulation to possibly optimize current PD therapeutic strategies.

Self-mutilation: a systematic review.

Self-mutilation lesions can represent a clinical diagnosis challenge for healthcare professionals, as patients do not admit to self-mutilation. This leads to failed diagnoses due to the similarity of this condition to other diseases. Searches on the subject were carried out at the PubMed, Periódicos Capes, Scopus, Science Direct and WoS databases, according to the following inclusion criteria: articles in English, Portuguese or Spanish, published from 2018 to June 2023, encompassing case reports, case series and literature reviews. Men are slight more affected by self-mutilation injuries, also presenting the most serious lesions. Self-mutilation injuries are reported globally, mostly in the Asian and American continents. Clinical presentations are varied, but morphology is, in most cases, associated to the form/instrument used for self-mutilation. Greater evidence of diagnosed mental disorders in women and underreporting of these cases in men due to low demands for specialized treatment are noted. A higher prevalence of self-mutilation lesions was verified for men, affecting a wide age range, with the highest number of cases in the USA. The most affected body areas are arms and external genitalia, mostly due to knife use. An association between self-mutilation injuries and mental disorders is clear, with most cases being previously undiagnosed.