Homologous equivalence study of immunogenicity after third dose of Covid-19 vaccine (recombinant) with an interval of six months after the second dose, comparing the interval of eight and 12 weeks between the first two doses.

BACKGROUND: In response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, Brazil authorised the Astra Zeneca/Fiocruz vaccine in January 2021. As the Delta variant emerged in May 2021, interval between vaccine doses was adjusted. By September 2021, the Brazilian National Immunisation Program recommended a booster dose for individuals over 70, and later expanded the recommendation to all adults. OBJECTIVES: Assess the equivalence of IgG antibody response against the Covid-19 S protein before and approximately 28 days after the third dose of a Covid-19 recombinant vaccine. Two groups received initial two doses with intervals of eight and 12 weeks. METHODS: This is a phase IV clinical study, uncontrolled, non-randomised. The study proposes calculating the ratio of geometric means titres (GMT) 28 days after the third dose, with a target ratio of confidence interval (CI) between 0.77 and 1.3. FINDINGS: In the primary endpoint, there was no equivalence between the eight- and 12-week intervals with a slight variation favouring the eight-week group. Post-third dose, both groups showed increases titres at 28 days, three months, six months and 12 months. Both groups responded similarly to Delta and Omicron BA.1, with a more significant increase for Delta. MAIN CONCLUSIONS: The study showed strong and consistent immune response in all age groups receiving the Covid-19 recombinant vaccine. Third dose elicited an increase in GMT by at least three times aligned with Ministry of Health strategies emphasising Bio-Manguinhos crucial role in pandemic control in the country.

Applications of MALDI mass spectrometry in forensic science.

Forensic chemistry literature has grown exponentially, with many analytical techniques being used to provide valuable information to help solve criminal cases. Among them, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI MS), particularly MALDI MS imaging (MALDI MSI), has shown much potential in forensic applications. Due to its high specificity, MALDI MSI can analyze a wide variety of compounds in complex samples without extensive sample preparation, providing chemical profiles and spatial distributions of given analyte(s). This review introduces MALDI MS(I) to forensic scientists with a focus on its basic principles and the applications of MALDI MS(I) to the analysis of fingerprints, drugs of abuse, and their metabolites in hair, medicine samples, animal tissues, and inks in documents.

Assessment of the Efficacy and Durability of IncobotulinumtoxinA in the Treatment of the Upper Face in Adult Women.

INTRODUCTION: IncobotulinumtoxinA (Xeomin®) is used in the treatment of dynamic wrinkles and the aesthetic repositioning of facial structures. The duration of its muscular effect typically extends for around 4 months. However, the residual aesthetic benefit can be observed for a longer period. To date, the long-term aesthetic benefit of incobotulinumtoxinA in facial aesthetics has not been systematically evaluated. This study aimed to evaluate longitudinally the duration and aesthetic benefits of incobotulinumtoxinA in the treatment of the upper face in adult women. METHODS: A quasi-experimental, evaluator-blind, clinical trial involving 28 adult women (30-60 years old) with facial movement lines, undergoing treatment of the upper face with incobotulinumtoxinA by two injectors, following an individualized protocol (ONE21 and glabellar contraction patterns) was performed. Participants were evaluated on the day of the intervention (day 0) and days 30, 120, 180, and 240, and subjected to standardized photographs. The following outcomes were evaluated blindly at each visit: Merz Aesthetics Facial Contraction Scale (MAS), GAIS (Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale), and patient satisfaction. Adverse effects were evaluated at each visit. RESULTS: Participants ranged in age from 30 to 60 years, 93% were self-declared white, and most of their baseline MAS scores for dynamic lines were moderate and severe. All the parameters presented significative reduction from baseline until day 180. At day 240, the dynamic MAS scores were lower than baseline for forehead lines in 15.4% (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.8-30.0%) of the participants, for glabellar lines in 38.5% (95% CI 18.8-58.1%), and for crow's feet lines in 26.9% (95% CI 9.0-44.8%). Aesthetic improvement compared to baseline was identified in 35% (CI 95% 23‒50%) of the participants at day 240, and 62% (CI 95% 42‒81%) of the sample kept reporting some satisfaction with the procedure. CONCLUSION: The aesthetic treatment of the upper face with incobotulinumtoxinA demonstrates enduring clinical benefits, and patient satisfaction lasting up to 180 days in most participants. The length of efficacy, which exceeded those reported in the literature, may be attributed to the use of techniques based on individualized assessment such as ONE21 and glabellar patterns of contraction.

Bariatric surgery: behavioral patterns and personality disorders in the preoperative period

Introduction: Bariatric surgery has become an increasingly common procedure, especially for patients with morbid obesity who have obtained unsatisfactory results from conventional treatments. Objective: To evaluate the occurrence of behavioral patterns and personality disorders in patients in the preoperative period of bariatric surgery. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional study carried out with 146 patients from a medium-sized clinic, a reference in the execution of bariatric surgeries in the Midwest region of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Data collection was performed using the psychological instrument entitled Factorial Personality Battery. Descriptive analysis and data association were performed. Results: Half of the participants presented high or very high scores for greater propensity to develop depression and anxiety, showing a close relationship with personality disorders, especially with behavioral patterns of effort and dedication. Discussion: The patterns of effort and dedication behavior are protective factors in the postoperative period, taking into account the adaptations and new habits necessary for a good recovery and maintenance of weight loss. Conclusions: The dysfunctional patterns of behavior that stood out most are related to greater difficulty in perceiving the positive side and ease in perceiving the negative side, leading to a more intense experience of suffering, in addition to difficulty in making decisions and facing routine challenges. Screening behavioral patterns and personality disorders preoperatively is necessary for adequate patient monitoring and successful bariatric surgery.

Homologous equivalence study of immunogenicity after third dose of Covid-19 vaccine (recombinant) with an interval of six months after the second dose, comparing the interval of eight and 12 weeks between the first two doses

BACKGROUND In response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, Brazil authorised the Astra Zeneca/Fiocruz vaccine in January 2021. As the Delta variant emerged in May 2021, interval between vaccine doses was adjusted. By September 2021, the Brazilian National Immunisation Program recommended a booster dose for individuals over 70, and later expanded the recommendation to all adults. OBJECTIVES Assess the equivalence of IgG antibody response against the Covid-19 S protein before and approximately 28 days after the third dose of a Covid-19 recombinant vaccine. Two groups received initial two doses with intervals of eight and 12 weeks. METHODS This is a phase IV clinical study, uncontrolled, non-randomised. The study proposes calculating the ratio of geometric means titres (GMT) 28 days after the third dose, with a target ratio of confidence interval (CI) between 0.77 and 1.3. FINDINGS In the primary endpoint, there was no equivalence between the eight- and 12-week intervals with a slight variation favouring the eight-week group. Post-third dose, both groups showed increases titres at 28 days, three months, six months and 12 months. Both groups responded similarly to Delta and Omicron BA.1, with a more significant increase for Delta. MAIN CONCLUSIONS The study showed strong and consistent immune response in all age groups receiving the Covid-19 recombinant vaccine. Third dose elicited an increase in GMT by at least three times aligned with Ministry of Health strategies emphasising Bio-Manguinhos crucial role in pandemic control in the country.

Risk of bleeding in anticoagulated patients undergoing dental extraction treated with topical tranexamic acid compared to collagen-gelatin sponge: Randomized clinical trial.

This two-arm, parallel-group, double-blind, randomized clinical trial design evaluated the risk of postoperative bleeding in anticoagulated patients undergoing dental extraction treated with topical TXA in comparison to collagen-gelatin sponge. Forty patients were randomly included in one of the study groups: (1) topical use of 4.8% TXA solution; and (2) resorbable hydrolyzed collagen-gelatin sponge applied to the surgical alveolus. Primary outcomes were postoperative bleeding episodes and secondary outcomes were thromboembolic events and postoperative INR values. The relative risk (RR), the absolute risk reduction (RAR) and the number needed to treat (NNT) were used as effect estimates and calculated from the counting of bleeding episodes observed during the first postoperative week. The bleeding rate under the TXA treatment was 22.2%, while in the collagen-gelatin sponge group it was 45.7%, resulting in a RR of 0.49 (95% CI 0.24-099; p = 0.046), RAR 23.5% and NNT 4.3. TXA was more effective in reducing bleeding in surgical sites located in the mandible (RR = 0.10; 95% CI 0.01-0.71; p = 0.021) and the posterior region (RR = 0.39; 95% CI 0.18-0.84; p = 0.016). Within the limitations of the study it seems that topical TXA is more effective in controlling bleeding after tooth extractions in anticoagulated patients than collagen-gelatin sponge. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: RBR-83qw93.

Efficacy and Tolerability of Hyperdiluted Calcium Hydroxylapatite (Radiesse) for Neck Rejuvenation: Clinical and Ultrasonographic Assessment.

Background: The subdermal injection of calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) can improve the mechanical properties of the skin, providing immediate correction and stimulating the endogenous production of collagen, elastin, angiogenesis, and dermal cell proliferation; however, few studies have examined the neck region. Purpose: This study assessed the clinical and ultrasonographic improvement induced by two sessions of subdermal injection of hyperdiluted (1:4) CaHA for neck rejuvenation in 22 women. Patients and Methods: A quasi-experimental longitudinal trial (before and after) was performed by enrolling 22 adult women with mild and moderate neck aging (grades 1 and 2) on Merz Neck Volume Scale at rest (laxity) and Neck Horizontal Lines. They were submitted to two sessions of subdermal hyperdiluted CaHA (D0 and D45) treatments and assessed clinically and ultrasonographically at D0, D45, and D120. The main outcomes were the blinded photographic assessment (Merz scales of neck laxity and horizontal lines), dermal thickness (at three points), and the GAIS (Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale) score. Results: The mean (SD) age was 43.5 (5.6) years. At the inclusion, the Merz scores for neck laxity were mild for 27% and moderate for 73% of participants, and the Merz scores for necklines were mild for 32% and moderate for 68%. At D120, scores decreased in 86% (95% CI 68-99%) of the participants by at least one degree on the necklines scale and in 82% (95% CI 73-90%) for neck laxity. According to the GAIS, 91% (95% CI 77-99%) of the participants evidenced improvement at D120. The mean dermal thickness increased by 15% (95% CI 8-21%) at D120. No severe adverse effects were recorded, and high satisfaction was reported by 82% of the participants. Conclusion: Two sessions of subdermal hyperdiluted CaHA were well-tolerated and improved necklines, neck laxity, and dermal thickness in adult women with mild and moderate cervical aging.

Predicted Bezlotoxumab Exposure in Patients Who Have Received a Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant.

PURPOSE: Bezlotoxumab is approved for prevention of recurrent Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile infection (CDI) in adults receiving antibacterial treatment for CDI who are at high risk for recurrent CDI. Previous studies have shown that although serum albumin levels are an important predictor for bezlotoxumab exposure, this has no clinically meaningful impact on efficacy. This pharmacokinetic modeling study assessed whether hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients, at increased risk of CDI and exhibiting decreased albumin levels within the first month posttransplant, are at risk of clinically relevant reductions in bezlotoxumab exposure. METHODS: Observed bezlotoxumab concentration-time data pooled from participants in Phase III trials MODIFY I and II (ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers NCT01241552/NCT01513239) and three Phase I studies (PN004, PN005, and PN006) were used to predict bezlotoxumab exposures in two adult post-HSCT populations: A Phase Ib study of posaconazole including allogeneic HSCT recipients (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01777763; posaconazole-HSCT population); and a Phase III study of fidaxomicin for CDI prophylaxis (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01691248; fidaxomicin-HSCT population). The bezlotoxumab PK model used the minimum albumin level for each individual in post-HSCT populations to mimic a "worst-case scenario." FINDINGS: Predicted worst-case bezlotoxumab exposures for the posaconazole-HSCT population (N = 87) were decreased by 10.8% versus bezlotoxumab exposures observed in the pooled Phase III/Phase I data set (N = 1587). No further decrease was predicted for the fidaxomicin-HSCT population (N = 350). IMPLICATIONS: Based on published population pharmacokinetic data, the predicted decrease in bezlotoxumab exposure in the post-HSCT populations is not expected to have a clinically meaningful effect on bezlotoxumab efficacy at the recommended 10 mg/kg dose. Dose modification is therefore not required in the hypoalbuminemia setting expected post-HSCT.

Vitamin D-Dependent Rickets Type 3: A Case Report and Systematic Review.

Although vitamin D deficiency resulting from insufficient sunlight exposure or inadequate dietary vitamin D intake is the most common cause of rickets, mutations in genes involved in vitamin D metabolism can cause genetic forms of rickets termed Vitamin D-Dependent Rickets (VDDR). In 2018, Roizen et al. described a new type of VDDR, named VDDR3, caused by a recurrent missense mutation in the CYP3A4 gene that leads to accelerated inactivation of vitamin D metabolites. Here, we describe the third case of VDDR3 due to the same CYP3A4 mutation in a 2-year-old boy with bone deformities associated with poor growth. As in the previously reported cases, this patient had no family history of rickets. Serial measurements of vitamin D metabolites after a single 150,000 IU dose of cholecalciferol demonstrated an accelerated inactivation of 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D. Significant improvement in growth velocity and healing of bone deformities were achieved after a short period of treatment with 10.000 IU of cholecalciferol daily, showing the importance of early recognition and prompt precision therapy of this condition.

Model-Informed Dose Justifications of Posaconazole in Japanese Patients for Prophylaxis and Treatment Against Fungal Infection.

Posaconazole is a globally approved broad-spectrum triazole antifungal compound. In Japanese patients, posaconazole has identical dosing regimens as those approved globally for both tablet and intravenous formulations. This article aims to describe a model-informed approach for dose justification of posaconazole in the Japanese population as either high-risk patients with fungal infections (prophylaxis patients) or patients with fungal infections (treatment patients). A simultaneous population pharmacokinetic (PK) model for tablet and intravenous formulation was developed on the basis of a data set including Japanese data from healthy participants and treatment patients. The PK profiles and exposure distributions in Japanese patients were predicted and compared against foreign patients, that is, patients outside of Japan. Relationships between the post hoc posaconazole exposures and frequently observed clinical adverse events were evaluated. Although clinical trials for Japanese prophylaxis patients were not conducted, PK profiles in Japanese prophylaxis patients were predicted using the population PK model and demographic covariate information obtained from the published literature. Based upon the globally approved dosing regimen, posaconazole exposure distribution was predicted to be the highest in Japanese treatment patients, and generally similar between Japanese and foreign prophylaxis patients. Exposures in Japanese patients exceeded the efficacy target level (500 ng/mL). Safety profiles in Japanese treatment patients with the highest exposures were clinically acceptable without specific concerns to Japanese patients and appeared to have no relationship with posaconazole exposures. From PK, safety, and efficacy perspectives, the use of the same dosing regimen as in foreign patients was justified in Japanese prophylaxis and treatment patients.

Does Melatonin Associated with Nanostructured Calcium Phosphate Improve Alveolar Bone Repair?

Background and objectives: Calcium phosphates have been widely used as bone substitutes, but their properties are limited to osteoconduction. The association of calcium phosphates with osteoinductive bioactive molecules has been used as a strategy in regenerative medicine. Melatonin has been studied due to its cell protection and antioxidant functions, reducing osteoclastic activity and stimulating newly formed bone. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of topical application of melatonin associated with nanostructured carbonated hydroxyapatite microspheres in the alveolar bone repair of Wistar rats through histological and histomorphometric analysis. Materials and Methods: Thirty female Wistar rats (300 g) were used, divided randomly into three experimental groups (n = 10), G1: nanostructured carbonated hydroxyapatite microspheres associated with melatonin gel (CHA-M); G2: nanostructured carbonated hydroxyapatite (CHA); G3: blood clot (without alveolar filling). The animals were euthanized after 7 and 42 days of the postoperative period and processed for histological and histomorphometric evaluation. Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's post-test were applied to investigate statistical differences between the groups at the same time point for new bone and connective tissue variables. Mann-Whitney was used to assess statistical differences between different time points and in the biomaterial variable. Results: Results showed a greater volume of residual biomaterial in the CHA-M than the CHA group (p = 0.007), and there were no significant differences in terms of newly formed bone and connective tissue between CHA and CHA-M after 42 days. Conclusions: This study concluded that both biomaterials improved alveolar bone repair from 7 to 42 days after surgery, and the association of CHA with melatonin gel reduced the biomaterial's biodegradation at the implanted site but did not improve the alveolar bone repair.

Comparative genomics study of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from cattle and humans reveals virulence patterns exclusively associated with bovine clinical mastitis strains.

Staphylococcus aureus causes nosocomial and intramammary infections in humans and cattle, respectively. A large number of virulence factors are thought to play important roles in the pathogenesis of this bacterium. Currently, genome-wide and data-analysis studies are being used to better understand its epidemiology. In this study, we conducted a genome wide comparison and phylogenomic analyses of S. aureus to find specific virulence patterns associated with clinical and subclinical mastitis strains in cattle and compare them with those of human origin. The presence/absence of key virulence factors such as adhesin, biofilm, antimicrobial resistance, and toxin genes, as well as the phylogeny and sequence type of the isolates were evaluated. A total of 248 genomes (27 clinical mastitis, 43 subclinical mastitis, 21 milk, 53 skin-related abscesses, 49 skin infections, and 55 pus from cellulitis) isolated from 32 countries were evaluated. We found that the cflA, fnbA, ebpS, spa, sdrC, coa, emp, vWF, atl, sasH, sasA, and sasF adhesion genes, as well as the aur, hglA, hglB, and hglC toxin genes were highly associated in clinical mastitis strains. The strains had diverse genetic origins (72 protein A and 48 sequence types with ST97, ST8 and ST152 being frequent in isolates from clinical mastitis, abscess, and skin infection, respectively). Further, our phylogenomic analyses suggested that zoonotic and/or zooanthroponotic transmission may have occurred. These findings contribute to a better understanding of S. aureus epidemiology and the relationships between adhesion mechanisms, biofilm formation, antimicrobial resistance, and toxins and could aid in the development of improved vaccines and strain genotyping methods.

MALDI(+) FT-ICR Mass Spectrometry (MS) Combined with Machine Learning toward Saliva-Based Diagnostic Screening for COVID-19.

Rapid identification of existing respiratory viruses in biological samples is of utmost importance in strategies to combat pandemics. Inputting MALDI FT-ICR MS (matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry) data output into machine learning algorithms could hold promise in classifying positive samples for SARS-CoV-2. This study aimed to develop a fast and effective methodology to perform saliva-based screening of patients with suspected COVID-19, using the MALDI FT-ICR MS technique with a support vector machine (SVM). In the method optimization, the best sample preparation was obtained with the digestion of saliva in 10 µL of trypsin for 2 h and the MALDI analysis, which presented a satisfactory resolution for the analysis with 1 M. SVM models were created with data from the analysis of 97 samples that were designated as SARS-CoV-2 positives versus 52 negatives, confirmed by RT-PCR tests. SVM1 and SVM2 models showed the best results. The calibration group obtained 100% accuracy, and the test group 95.6% (SVM1) and 86.7% (SVM2). SVM1 selected 780 variables and has a false negative rate (FNR) of 0%, while SVM2 selected only two variables with a FNR of 3%. The proposed methodology suggests a promising tool to aid screening for COVID-19.

Analysis of Gliricidia sepium Leaves by MALDI Mass Spectrometry Imaging.

When investigating the potential use of plants as a raw material for an all-natural cosmetic formulation, the main parameters are the chemical composition, antioxidant potential, antimicrobial action, and toxicity. Additionally, the production of natural cosmetics should also consider the availability of primary materials and the environmental and socioeconomic impact. Gliricidia sepium is a species that produces a large amount of plant material, being cultivated in the agroforestry system. However, studies of phytochemical composition and chemical spatial distribution are scarcely using the MALDI MS (matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry) and MALDI MSI (mass spectrometry imaging) techniques. A methodology was developed to optimize ionization parameters and analysis conditions by evaluating the efficiency of three matrices: α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid, 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB), and 2-mercaptobenzothiazole in MALDI MS analysis. All results were compared to ESI MS (electrospray ionization mass spectrometry), and afterward, MALDI MSI analysis was performed on the leaf surface. This study showed through phytochemical analysis that G. sepium leaves are composed of polyphenols and tannins, concluding that the methanolic extract had a higher amount of flavonoid content. Four compounds were identified on the leaf surface, and their spatial distribution was analyzed by MALDI MS using DHB as a matrix. Kaempferol, isorhamnetin, and some fatty acids showed potential applicability for cosmetical use. All the extracts presented antioxidant activity or antimicrobial action and no cytotoxicity. Therefore, extracts of G. sepium could be used as raw materials in cosmetics.

Ethyl Acetate Fraction from Leandra dasytricha (A. Gray) Cong. Leaves Promotes Vasodilatation and Reduces Blood Pressure in Normotensive and Hypertensive Rats.

Leandra dasytricha (A. Gray) Cong. is widely distributed in the south of Brazil and is commonly used for cardiovascular and kidney ailments. For this study, we used male Wistar normotensive rats (NTRs) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) to verify the effects of the ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) obtained from L. dasytricha leaves on isolated aorta relaxation and in the arterial blood pressure. The EAF was analyzed by LC-DAD-MS, and several components were annotated, including hydrolysable tannins, triterpenes, and O- and C-glycosylated dihydrochalcones, such as the most intense ion peak relative to C-hexosyl phloretin (nothofagin; compound number 13). The EAF caused a concentration and endothelium-dependent relaxation of the aorta in both NTRs and SHRs. This effect was abolished in the endothelium-denuded aorta. L-NAME, a nonselective nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, and ODQ, a soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor, entirely blocked the EAF-induced relaxation. The presence of a muscarinic receptor antagonist or a cyclooxygenase inhibitor did not alter the EAF's effectiveness in relaxing the aorta. The preincubation with tetraethylammonium, a Ca2+-activated K+ channel blocker, and with 4-aminopyridine, a voltage-dependent K+ channel blocker, significantly interfered with the EAF's relaxation. However, the incubation with glibenclamide, an ATP-sensitive K+ channel blocker, and barium chloride, an inward-rectifier K+ channel blocker, did not interfere with the EAF-induced relaxation. The EAF treatment also caused a dose-dependent decrease in the mean arterial pressure, systolic arterial pressure, and diastolic arterial pressure of both NTRs and SHRs, without significantly interfering with heart rate values. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the EAF-induced vasorelaxant and hypotensive actions, primarily dependent on the endothelium function and mainly with the participation of the nitric oxide and Ca2+-activated and voltage-dependent K+ channels.

Association between abuse and neglect with functional constipation and irritable bowel syndrome in adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association between violence exposure, abuse, and neglect victimization with functional constipation and irritable bowel syndrome in adolescents. METHODS: Observational cross-sectional case-control study conducted with adolescents from two public schools in the municipality of Osasco, metropolitan region of São Paulo, Brazil. A self-administered questionnaire validated for Brazilian Portuguese Child Abuse Screening Tools - Children's version (ICAST-C) was used to screen the different types of violence. The definition of functional constipation and irritable bowel syndrome was performed using the Rome IV criteria for adolescents. Parents or legal guardians completed the questionnaire for socioeconomic assessment and signed the informed consent form. RESULTS: 265 students aged 11-17 years, 157 females, were evaluated. Functional constipation and irritable bowel syndrome were found in 74 (27.9%) of the 265 adolescents. Violence exposure was found in 82.6% of the 265 screened adolescents, physical abuse in 91.3%, psychological abuse in 93.2%, sexual abuse in 12.1%, and neglect in 53.6%. The multiple logistic regression analysis showed an association (p < .05) between functional constipation and irritable bowel syndrome with violence exposure (OR = 2.77), physical abuse (OR = 2.17), psychological abuse (OR = 2.95), and neglect (OR= 2.31). There was no association with sexual abuse. CONCLUSIONS: Functional constipation and irritable bowel syndrome were associated with violence exposure, physical abuse, psychological abuse, and neglect in adolescent students from public schools. No association was found with sexual abuse. Further studies are necessary to investigate the causal relationship between violence and functional gastrointestinal disorders.

Genomic comparisons and phylogenetic analysis of mastitis-related staphylococci with a focus on adhesion, biofilm, and related regulatory genes.

Mastitis is a common and costly disease on dairy farms, commonly caused by Staphylococcus spp. though the various species are associated with different clinical outcomes. In the current study, we performed genomic analyses to determine the prevalence of adhesion, biofilm, and related regulatory genes in 478 staphylococcal species isolated from clinical and subclinical mastitis cases deposited in public databases. The most prevalent adhesin genes (ebpS, atl, pls, sasH and sasF) were found in both clinical and subclinical isolates. However, the ebpS gene was absent in subclinical isolates of Staphylococcus arlettae, S. succinus, S. sciuri, S. equorun, S. galinarum, and S. saprophyticus. In contrast, the coa, eap, emp, efb, and vWbp genes were present more frequently in clinical (vs. subclincal) mastitis isolates and were highly correlated with the presence of the biofim operon (icaABCD) and its transcriptional regulator, icaR. Co-phylogenetic analyses suggested that many of these adhesins, biofilm, and associated regulatory genes could have been horizontally disseminated between clinical and subclinical isolates. Our results further suggest that several adhesins, biofilm, and related regulatory genes, which have been overlooked in previous studies, may be of use for virulence profiling of mastitis-related Staphylococcus strains or as potential targets for vaccine development.

Analysis of Erythroxylum coca Leaves by Imaging Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-FT-ICR IMS).

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI IMS) can determine the chemical identity and spatial distribution of several molecules in a single analysis, conserving its natural histology. However, there are no specific studies on the spatial distribution of alkaloids in Erythroxylum coca leaves by MALDI IMS, preserving the histology of the monitored compounds. Therefore, in this work, positive-ion mode MALDI Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI(+)FT-ICR IMS) was applied to identify and analyze the distribution of alkaloids on the surface of coca leaves, evaluating the ionization efficiency of three matrices (α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (CHCA), 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT), and 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB)). The last was chosen as the best matrix in this study, and it was studied in five concentrations (0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, and 8.0 mg·mL-1), where 2 mg·mL-1 was the most efficient. The washing of coca leaves with the organic solvents (acetonitrile, methanol, toluene, and dichloromethane) tested did not improve the performance of the ionization process. Finally, a tissue section, 50 µm thick, was used to study the inner part of the leaf tissue, where alkaloids and flavonoid molecules were detected.

Reabilitação do polegar reimplantado: avaliação dos resultados funcionais em uma unidade de saúde no Rio de Janeiro / Rehabilitation of the replanted thumb: evaluation of functional results in a health unit in Rio de Janeiro

Introdução: O polegar é o dedo de maior importância funcional da mão, por isso a justificativa de reimplantação e reabilitação do mesmo. Objetivo: Realizar uma análise retrospectiva dos resultados, via revisão de prontuários de pacientes submetidos à reimplante de polegar, realizados pelo Serviço SOS-Reimplante do Hospital Estadual Adão Pereira Nunes. Metodologia: Trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo com amostra de conveniência, abrangendo o período entre janeiro de 2010 a dezembro de 2015, realizado através de prontuários de pacientes submetidos a processo de reimplante de polegar, atendidos no Serviço de Terapia Ocupacional/TO-Mão no Hospital estadual Adão Pereira Nunes, em Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro. Foram coletadas informações sociodemográficas, além de força muscular, sensibilidade e tempo de reabilitação. Resultados: Foram revisados 63 prontuários de pacientes submetidos a procedimento de reimplante de polegar, na faixa etária de 18 a 65 anos. Quanto ao local do acidente, 76,1% dos casos foi decorrente de acidente de trabalho e 23,2% acidentes domésticos. Ao observamos à lateralidade da lesão, 92% dos pacientes eram destros, enquanto o polegar com maior número de lesões foi o esquerdo, com um total de 82,5% pacientes. Quanto ao nível da lesão, 25,3% pacientes sofreram lesão na falange proximal, 20,8% pacientes sofreram lesão na região da interfalangeana, e 53,9% dos pacientes apresentaram lesão na falange distal. Dentre os reencaminhados para nova avaliação, 28,5% pacientes, foram submetidos a outros procedimentos cirúrgicos. Houve ganho de força em global em 88,2% dos pacientes em de sensibilidade. Conclusão: A maioria dos pacientes que sofreram reimplante do polegar conseguiram obter ganho de força muscular e sensibilidade, conseguirem retornar as suas atividades laborais, com um tempo de reabilitação que variou de 4 a 14 meses. (AU)

Introduction: The thumb is the greatest functional finger of the hand, which is justifies its replantation and rehabilitation. Objective: To carry out a retrospective analysis of the medical records of patients undergoing thumb reimplantation, performed by the SOS-Reimplantation Service of the State Hospital Adão Pereira Nunes. Methodology: This is a retrospective study with a convenience sample, covering the period between January 2010 and December 2015, conducted thorough medical records of patients undergoing the process of thumb replantation, attended at the Occupational Therapy Service / TO - Hand at the Adão Pereira Nunes State Hospital, in Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro. Sociodemographic information was collected, in addition to muscle strength, sensitivity, and rehabilitation time. Results: 63 medical records of patients who underwent thumb reimplantation procedure, aged 18 to 65 years, were reviewed. As for the accident site, 76.1% of the cases were due to occupational accidents and 23.2% to domestic accidents. When observing the laterality of the lesion, 92% of the patients were righthanded, while the thumb with the largest number of lesions was left, with a total of 82.5% patients. As for the level of the lesion, 25.3% of patients suffered an injury to the proximal phalanx, 20.8% of patients suffered an injury to the interphalangeal region, and 53.9% of the patients had lesions to the distal phalanx. Among those referred for further evaluation, 28.5% of patients underwent other surgical procedures. There was overall strength gain in 88.2% of patients in sensitivity. Conclusion: Most patients who underwent thumb reimplantation were able to obtain gains in muscle strength and sensitivity, being able to return to their work activities, with a rehabilitation time that varied from 4 to 14 months. (AU)

In Vivo Evaluation of Bovine Xenograft Associated With Oxygen Therapy in Alveolar Bone Repair.

To preserve alveolar bone thickness and width after extraction, clinical strategies have been adopted to reduce or eliminate the need for future surgical interventions to increase the alveolar ridge. The use of xenogeneic biomaterials has been increasing for such application. The association of bone substitutes with active oxygen-based materials, which is essential in the wound-healing process, could accelerate bone repair, optimizing the maintenance of alveolar architecture after extraction. However, the truth of this hypothesis is not clear. The present study aimed to compare the biological response to inorganic bovine bone graft Bonefill (BF), associated or not with active oxygen-based oral gel Bluem (BF+BM), in alveolar bone repair. Twenty female Wistar rats were randomly allocated. The left upper central incisor was extracted, and the dental sockets were filled with BF in the control group (n = 10) and with BF+BM in the experimental group (n = 10). The animals were euthanized at 7 and 42 days after implantation (n = 5), and the samples were processed for descriptive histological and histomorphometric evaluations. The results showed no significant difference between the groups (P > .05). Both groups presented a time-dependent increase in newly formed bone and biosorption biomaterial (P = .0001). The association between active oxygen-based gel and inorganic bovine bone graft did not interfere with or improve bone repair during the experimental periods of alveolar bone repair in rats.