Accelerating Healing and Relieving Pain: High-Intensity Laser Therapy for Paraneoplastic Cutaneous Vasculitis Associated with Multiple Myeloma.

BACKGROUND Leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LCV) is an atypical form of cutaneous paraneoplastic manifestation. Its association with multiple myeloma (MM) is even rarer and is associated with poor prognosis and short survival, regardless of the therapy instituted. Different treatment approaches are necessary. We present a case in which LCV was the first manifestation of MM, and high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) was used as an option to accelerate healing and control pain. CASE REPORT A 76-year-old woman presented with pain and paresthesia in her lower limbs, associated with palpable purpura. The clinical diagnosis was small-vessel vasculitis. Laboratory tests showed an elevated gamma globulin monoclonal peak on protein electrophoresis. The immunophenotypic study of bone marrow aspirates led to the diagnosis of MM. Due to pain refractory to conventional analgesics, and the progressive evolution of the lesions, despite corticosteroid therapy, we performed photo-biomodulation with a neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser (Nd: YAG), wavelength 1064 nanometers, using a 7-mm probe and energy density 6 J/cm². After the first session, the patient was referred for pain management, and after 5 weeks, we observed complete healing in ulcerated lesions and involution of bullous lesions. CONCLUSIONS This case report shows the positive effects of the Nd: YAG laser in modulating healing and reducing pain. HILT is an innovative, non-invasive, and effective treatment and should be considered a promising technique to accelerate healing and controlling pain.

Religiosidade e espiritualidade no cuidado da saúde e o impacto na vida de pessoas com doenças crônicas / Religiosity and spirituality in health care and the impact on life / Religiosidad y espiritualidad en el cuidado de la salud y elimpacto en la vida

Objetivo: Descrever a influência da religiosidade e espiritualidade no cuidado da saúde, com ênfase nas seguintes doenças crônicas: diabetes, doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica, doenças cardiovasculares e renais. Método:Revisão sistemática realizada nas bases de dados Latindex, Pubmed e SciELO. As palavras-chave utilizadas foram: "religiosidade" OR "espiritualidade" AND "cuidados da saúde" AND "doenças crônicas" e seus equivalentes no idioma inglês: "religiosity" OR "spirituality" AND "health care" AND "Chronic disease". Foram selecionados artigos nos idiomas português e inglês, publicados nos últimos dez anos. Resultados:Foram encontrados 3.686 artigos. Após leitura e análise criteriosa foram selecionados 14 artigos finais. Os benefícios que aparecem nos estudos estão relacionados com mudanças no estilo de vida, redução de depressão, ansiedade e estresse, que o diagnóstico de doença crônica carrega, estimulando o maior enfrentamento as doenças e maior adesão aos tratamentos, contribuindo de forma geral para o bem-estar e melhora da saúde desta população. Conclusão:Indivíduos portadores de doenças crônicas que usam a R/E no enfrentamento da doença, apresentam um impacto positivo no cuidado das mesmas e melhor qualidade de vida.

Objective: To describe the influence of religiosity and spirituality in health care, with emphasis on the following chronic diseases: diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular and renal diseases. Method:Systematic review performed in the databases Latindex, Pubmed and SciELO. The keywords used were: "religiosity" OR "spirituality" AND "health care" AND "chronic diseases" and their equivalents in the English language: "religiosity" OR "spirituality" AND "health care" AND "Chronic disease". Articles in Portuguese and English, published in the last ten years, were selected. Results: A total of 3,686 articles were found. After careful reading and analysis, 14 final articles were selected. The benefits that appear in the studies are related to changes in lifestyle, reduction of depression, anxiety and stress, which the diagnosis of chronic disease carries, stimulating greater coping with diseases and greater adherence to treatments, contributing in a general way to the well-being and improvement of the health of this population. Conclusion:Individuals with chronic diseases who use R/E in coping with the disease have a positive impact on their care and better quality of life

Objetivo: Describir la influencia de la religiosidad y la espiritualidad en el cuidado de la salud, con énfasis en las siguientes enfermedades crónicas: diabetes, enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica, enfermedades cardiovasculares y renales. Método:Revisión sistemática realizada en las bases de datos Latindex, Pubmed y SciELO. Las palabras clave utilizadas fueron: "religiosidad" O "espiritualidad" Y "cuidado de la salud" Y "enfermedades crónicas" y sus equivalentes en el idioma inglés: "religiosidad" O "espiritualidad" Y "atención médica" Y "enfermedad crónica". Se seleccionaron artículos en portugués e inglés, publicados en los últimos diez años.Resultados:Se encontraron un total de 3.686 artículos. Después de una cuidadosa lectura y análisis, se seleccionaron 14 artículos finales. Los beneficios que aparecen en los estudios están relacionados con cambios en el estilo de vida, reducción de la depresión, ansiedad y estrés, que conlleva el diagnóstico de enfermedad crónica, estimulando un mayor afrontamiento de las enfermedades y una mayor adherencia a los tratamientos, contribuyendo de manera general al bienestar y mejora de la salud de esta población. Conclusión:Los individuos con enfermedades crónicas que utilizan R/E en el afrontamiento de la enfermedad tienen un impacto positivo en su cuidado y una mejor calidad de vida.

Middle Ear Cholesteatoma and Vestibular Schwannoma Resection Followed by Cochlear Implant: Surgical Challenges and Audiological Outcomes.

(1) Background: The occurrence of vestibular schwannoma (VS) associated with cholesteatoma is rare. A hearing impairment is one of the most significant issues in such cases. Moreover, the presence of middle and inner ear pathologies combined may represent a surgical challenge. No studies have described a combined surgical approach for these coexisting conditions (VS and cholesteatoma), nor the hearing rehabilitation outcomes of using cochlear implants for these patients. (2) Case Report: This paper is on a female patient who underwent simultaneous surgical treatments for VS and middle ear cholesteatoma in the right ear followed by a cochlear implant, describing the technique and the audiological results. (3) Conclusions: The surgical approach was successful and enabled the resection of lesions with the auditory nerve and cochlea preservation. Cochlear implantation in the right ear showed positive postoperative results, with an improvement in the results with the CI in silent and noisy environments.

Conventional Phacoemulsification Surgery Versus Femtosecond Laser Phacoemulsification Surgery: A Comparative Analysis of Cumulative Dissipated Energy and Corneal Endothelial Loss in Cataract Patients.

Purpose: To analyze whether femtosecond laser-assisted surgery leads to less cumulative dissipated energy (CDE) and decreased endothelial cell loss compared to conventional surgery. Patients and Methods: This non-blinded, non-randomized, quasi-experimental clinical trial was conducted at one center and involved one surgeon. Patients with cataracts and 50-80 years old were included, and the exclusion criteria were radial keratotomy, trabeculectomy, drain tube implant, corneal transplant, posterior vitrectomy, and re-implantation of intraocular lens. In total, 298 patients were recruited between October 2020 and April 2021, and the data collected included sex, laterality, age, ocular comorbidities, systemic comorbidities and CDE. An endothelial cell count was performed before and after surgery. Patients were divided according to femtosecond laser-assisted phacoemulsification or conventional phacoemulsification. The femtolaser patients were submitted to the equipment, and then, immediately after treatment, phacoemulsification surgery was performed. In the conventional method, the "divide and conquer" technique was used. The statistical analysis was made using an analysis of covariance linear model, using SAS version 9.4 (SAS Institute, Inc., 1999). Values with p < 0.05 were considered significant. Results: A total of 132 patients were analyzed. The only statistically relevant predictors of CDE were the severity of the cataract (p < 0.0001) and age of ≥75 years (p = 0.0003). The following factors were not significant: technique with or without laser (p = 0.6862), sex (p = 0.8897), systemic arterial hypertension (p = 0.1658), and diabetes (p = 0.9017). Grade 4 cataracts were associated with higher CDE than grade 3 cataracts, which in turn were associated with higher CDE than grade 2 cataracts. A comparison of pre- and post-operative specular microscopy with and without laser revealed no significant discrepancy (p = 0.5017). Conclusion: Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery did not reduce CDE or endothelial cell loss compared to conventional surgery regardless of severity.

Impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of public university hospital workers in Brazil: A cohort-based analysis of 32,691 workers.

BACKGROUND: In early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic paralyzed the world and exposed the fragility of health systems in the face of mass illness. Health professionals became protagonists, fulfilling their mission at the risk of physical and mental illness. The study aimed to evaluate absenteeism indirectly related to SARS-CoV-2 infection in a large population of health care professionals. METHODS: An observational longitudinal repeated measures study was performed, including workers linked to 40 public university hospitals in Brazil. All causes of absenteeism were analyzed, focusing on those not directly attributed to COVID-19. Results for the same population were compared over two equivalent time intervals: prepandemic and during the pandemic. FINDINGS: A total of 32,691 workers were included in the study, with health professionals comprising 82.5% of the sample. Comparison of the periods before and during the pandemic showed a 26.6% reduction in work absence for all causes, except for COVID-19 and mental health-related absence. Concerning work absence related to mental health, the odds ratio was 39.0% higher during the pandemic. At the onset of the pandemic, there was an increase in absenteeism (all causes), followed by a progressive reduction until the end of the observation period. INTERPRETATION: Work absence related to mental illness among health care professionals increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the need for health care managers to prioritize and implement support strategies to minimize absenteeism.

Initial panel of immunocytochemical markers for identification of primary carcinoma site for effusions and peritoneal washings from women.

INTRODUCTION: In women, most malignant effusions are from breast and ovary primary carcinomas that have metastasized to body cavity fluids (pleural, peritoneal and pericardial). When carcinoma is diagnosed in effusions, it is not possible to identify its site of origin solely by cytology (morphology); therefore, immunocytochemistry is used as a complementary method. There are no immunocytochemical markers with 100% sensitivity and specificity for identifying carcinoma primary site. The markers most used are TTF-1 for the lung, GATA-3 for the breast, and PAX-8 for the ovary. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of a panel including these markers for detecting the primary site of carcinoma in effusions. METHODS: Samples of pleural, pericardial, and peritoneal effusions and peritoneal washings with carcinoma of known primary site from women (n = 60) and men (n = 18) were prepared by using the cell block method, and immunocytochemistry was performed to evaluate the expression of primary site markers (TTF-1, PAX-8, and GATA-3). RESULTS: In women, the breast was the most frequent primary site of metastatic carcinoma to both pleural and pericardial cavities, followed by the lung, whereas the ovary was the most frequent primary site of carcinoma within peritoneal effusions and washings, followed by the gastrointestinal tract (stomach or intestine). The expected profiles for carcinomas of the most common primary sites were: breast (GATA-3 (+), PAX-8 (-), TTF-1 (-)), ovary (PAX-8 (+), GATA-3 (-), TTF-1 (-)), lung (TTF-1 (+), PAX-8 (-) GATA-3 (-)) and gastrointestinal tract (PAX-8 (-), GATA-3 (-), TTF-1 (-)). These were observed in 88.23% (45/51) of women's samples with carcinoma from these primary sites. By using TTF-1 as the sole primary site marker, 6.25% of carcinomas of primary site other than the lung would have been misdiagnosed. CONCLUSION: An initial panel of markers including GATA-3, PAX-8, and TTF-1 allows, with high sensitivity and specificity, the identification or exclusion of frequent primary sites of carcinoma in effusions from women. Our results highlight the importance of using a panel of markers to avoid misidentification of the primary site of tumor.

Transcranial direct current stimulation modulates autonomic nervous system and reduces ambulatory blood pressure in hypertensives.

Purpose: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) seems to positively modulate the autonomic nervous system in different clinical conditions and healthy subjects; however, its effects on hypertensive (HTN) patients are not completely known. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a tDCS or SHAM session (20 min) on blood pressure (BP) and autonomic variables of HTN patients.Materials and Methods: Subjects (n = 13) were randomly submitted to SHAM and tDCS sessions (1 week of washout). Hemodynamic and autonomic variables were measured at baseline, during, and immediately after tDCS or SHAM stimulation (Finometer®, Beatscope). Ambulatory BP measurement (ABPM) was evaluated after the experimental period.Results: Hemodynamic variables were not changed by tDCS, except for the fall in peripheral vascular resistance (Δ = -1696.51 ± 204.65 dyn.s/cm5). After the tDCS, sympathetic modulation was decreased (-61.47%), and vagal modulation was increased (+38.09%). Such acute autonomic changes may have evoked positive results observed in 24 hs-systolic blood pressure (Δ = -8.4 ± 6.2; P = .0022) and 24hs-diastolic blood pressure (Δ = -5.4 ± 4.2; P = .0010) in tDCS subjects compared with that in SHAM.Conclusion: These findings suggest that the tDCS could promote positive acute adjustments on cardiac autonomic control and reduced values on 24-hs BP of HTN patients. More than a proof-of-concept, these results may point out to the future, where brain stimulation (tDCS) can be used to HTN syndromes, such as refractory HTN.

Molecular breast imaging and background uptake of fibroglandular tissue as tools to predict neoplasms in dense breasts

The sensitivity of mammography as a screening method is low in dense breasts, which are associated with a high risk of developing tumors. Thus, molecular breast imaging (MBI) with background uptake (BPU) of fibroglandular tissue can be used as a complementary method. The aim of this review was to synthesize the existing evidence on these important diagnostic imaging tools. Three electronic databases were searched to identify original articles, including publications dating from September 2010 and September 2020, in English, conducted in any location, and addressing at least one aspect related to dense breasts and Breast-specific gamma-imaging (BSGI). In total, 22 studies were reviewed. Several advantages of MBI and BPU as complementary methods of screening for dense breasts were found. Among them, we can mention the increase in breast cancer detection rate, easy implementation in clinical practice, high patient satisfaction, low cost and good reproducibility. In view of the good results found in our review, we can conclude that the implementation of MBI, especially with BPU, can be a promising complementary tool for screening of dense breasts.

P16 as a marker of carcinoma in effusions and peritoneal washing.

BACKGROUND: Considering the potential of p16 as a marker for diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic response, the aim of this study was to assess its presence, via immunocytochemistry, in metastatic carcinoma of different primary sites and histological types obtained from effusions and peritoneal washings. A total of 118 samples including 85 of metastatic carcinoma and 33 samples of benign effusion/peritoneal washing were prepared by the plasma/thromboplastin method. Immunocytochemistry reactions were performed on cell block sections using antibodies against p16, claudin-4, MOC-31, calretinin, HBME and CD68. RESULTS: P16 overexpression was observed in 88.23% of all carcinoma samples. All cervix adenocarcinoma samples showed p16 overexpression. Overexpression in adenocarcinomas of ovary, lung and breast was observed in 93.75, 93.10 and 75% of the samples, respectively. Overexpression was observed in all different histological types analyzed: small cell carcinoma (lung), squamous cell carcinoma (cervical) and urothelial carcinoma (bladder). The specificity of p16 for carcinoma detection was of 96.96%. CONCLUSION: Overexpression of p16 was observed in most metastatic carcinoma, from different primary sites and histological types, obtained from effusions and peritoneal washings. Due to its high frequency of overexpression in metastatic carcinoma, p16 may play a possible role in tumor progression and it may be considered as a complementary diagnostic marker depending on histological type and primary site of carcinoma.

Does the number of sets in a resistance exercise session affect the fast and slow phases of post-exercise cardiac autonomic recovery?

Abstract Aims: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the acute effects of different resistance exercise (RE) volumes on postexercise cardiac autonomic modulation in men. Methods: Ten young men (25.5 ± 4.9 years, 24.8 ± 2.1 kg/m2) performed 3 trials of RE with 1, 2 or 3 sets (48-72 h between each trial) of 10-12 repetitions (70% of the one-maximum repetition) of bench press, leg press, and barbell row. Heart rate variability (HRV) was assessed at the 1st and 5th minutes of recovery (fast phase) and 3 consecutive 5-minute intervals from the 5th to 20th minute of recovery (slow phase). Parasympathetic and global modulations were assessed using the SD1 and SD2 indices of HRV, respectively. The comparison of the interventions was performed using the Friedman and Wilcoxon tests (p<0.05). Results: Lower parasympathetic modulation was identified after 2 and 3 sets compared to 1 set in both the fast and slow recovery phases (p= 0.004-0.05). Lower global modulation was identified after 3 sets compared to 1 set in both fast and slow recovery phases (p= 0.005-0.01). No differences in post-exercise parasympathetic and global modulation were observed between 2 and 3 sets. Conclusion: We concluded that 2 and 3 sets of RE compared to 1 set promoted higher autonomic reduction on the post-exercise phase, which should be considered by coaches when prescribing an RE program for untrained participants or intend to manipulate the postexercise organic recovery.

Cognitive impairment in bipolar disorder Neuroprogression or behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia?

Patients with Bipolar Disorder (BD) usually display cognitive deficits with aging. However, the correlation between BD and dementia syndromes is inconclusive, despite the similarity with behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia. We report a 78-year-old female patient who had bipolar type 1 disorder since adolescence. Her symptoms ranged from apathy to psychotic mania. She had had three hospitalizations, and since her last stay 10 years ago, her symptoms had remained stable. However, in the past 2 years, she displayed different symptoms, such as irritability manifested as verbal and physical aggression, cognitive impairment, repetitive pattern of behavior, perambulation, persecutory delusions, disorientation, and hyporexia. Treatment with anticholinesterases or mood stabilizers promoted no improvement. She scored 17/30 points on the Mini-Mental State Examination. Neuropsychological assessment suggested deficits in executive function, attention, and memory. Neuroimaging tests revealed frontotemporal degeneration and hypoperfusion. Diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for this type of patient represent a significant challenge for clinicians.

Pacientes com Transtorno Bipolar (TB) costumam apresentardéficits cognitivosao envelhecer. No entanto, a correlação com síndromes demenciais é inconclusiva, apesar da similaridade com a variante comportamental da demência frontotemporal (bvFTD). Nósrelatamos uma paciente de 78 anos de idade com TB tipo 1 desde a adolescência. Seus sintomas variavam de apatia a mania psicótica. A paciente passou por 3 internações, sendo a última há 10 anos, seguida de estabilização clínica. No entanto, nos últimos 2 anos, ela apresentou sintomas diferentes, como irritabilidade expressada por agressões verbal e física, comprometimento cognitivo, padrão repetitivo de comportamento, perambulação, delírios persecutórios, desorientação e hiporexia. O tratamento com anticolinesterásicos ou estabilizadores de humor não revelou melhora. Apresentou 17/30 pontos no miniexame do estado mental, a avaliação neuropsicológica sugeriu déficit de função executiva, atenção e memória. Os exames de neuroimagem demonstraram atrofia e hipoperfusão fronto-temporal. Abordagens diagnósticas e terapêuticas para este tipo de paciente representam um desafio significativo para os clínicos.

Cognitive impairment in bipolar disorder Neuroprogression or behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia? / Comprometimento cognitivo no transtorno bipolar: neuroprogressão ou variante comportamental da demência frontotemporal?

ABSTRACT Patients with Bipolar Disorder (BD) usually display cognitive deficits with aging. However, the correlation between BD and dementia syndromes is inconclusive, despite the similarity with behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia. We report a 78-year-old female patient who had bipolar type 1 disorder since adolescence. Her symptoms ranged from apathy to psychotic mania. She had had three hospitalizations, and since her last stay 10 years ago, her symptoms had remained stable. However, in the past 2 years, she displayed different symptoms, such as irritability manifested as verbal and physical aggression, cognitive impairment, repetitive pattern of behavior, perambulation, persecutory delusions, disorientation, and hyporexia. Treatment with anticholinesterases or mood stabilizers promoted no improvement. She scored 17/30 points on the Mini-Mental State Examination. Neuropsychological assessment suggested deficits in executive function, attention, and memory. Neuroimaging tests revealed frontotemporal degeneration and hypoperfusion. Diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for this type of patient represent a significant challenge for clinicians.

RESUMO Pacientes com Transtorno Bipolar (TB) costumam apresentardéficits cognitivosao envelhecer. No entanto, a correlação com síndromes demenciais é inconclusiva, apesar da similaridade com a variante comportamental da demência frontotemporal (bvFTD). Nósrelatamos uma paciente de 78 anos de idade com TB tipo 1 desde a adolescência. Seus sintomas variavam de apatia a mania psicótica. A paciente passou por 3 internações, sendo a última há 10 anos, seguida de estabilização clínica. No entanto, nos últimos 2 anos, ela apresentou sintomas diferentes, como irritabilidade expressada por agressões verbal e física, comprometimento cognitivo, padrão repetitivo de comportamento, perambulação, delírios persecutórios, desorientação e hiporexia. O tratamento com anticolinesterásicos ou estabilizadores de humor não revelou melhora. Apresentou 17/30 pontos no miniexame do estado mental, a avaliação neuropsicológica sugeriu déficit de função executiva, atenção e memória. Os exames de neuroimagem demonstraram atrofia e hipoperfusão fronto-temporal. Abordagens diagnósticas e terapêuticas para este tipo de paciente representam um desafio significativo para os clínicos.

Nova face de um velho problema: o autoplágio no cenário da produção científica / A new side of an old problem: self-plagiarism in scientific publications

Este artigo é parte de uma série especial que foi desenvolvida para auxiliar autores no processo da redação científica e comunicação. No cenário da produção científica, dentre as várias infrações éticas, está cada vez mais comum a ocorrência do plágio. Define-se plágio como a apresentação de uma obra contendo partes que pertençam a outra pessoa, sem o devido crédito. Um tipo de plágio que tem ganhado destaque nos últimos anos é o autoplágio, no qual o próprio autor reutiliza seus trabalhos anteriores sem a devida referência. Entretanto, há discussões na comunidade científica sobre esse tipo de plágio, estendendo o termo a algumas má-condutas específicas em publicações científicas. Isso acaba gerando artigos inautênticos e prejudicando a integridade da ciência. O presente artigo tem por objetivo abordar de forma mais detalhada o que é autoplágio, seus motivos e consequências para a comunidade científica. Para tanto, realizou-se uma pesquisa não sistemática da literatura, a fim de também apresentar os principais tipos de autoplágio, o que pode ser feito para evitá-lo e como proceder quando o mesmo é detectado.

This article is part of a special series that was designed to assist authors in the process of scientific writing and communication. Among the various forms of ethical misconduct in scientific publishing, plagiarism is increasingly common. Plagiarism is defined as the presentation of a work containing parts authored by another person without due credit. One type of plagiarism that has gained prominence in recent years is self-plagiarism, in which authors themselves reuse their previous work without proper referencing. However, active discussion remains in the scientific community about this type of plagiarism, with the term being extended to some specific forms of misconduct in scientific publication. This practice leads to inauthentic work and ultimately undermines the integrity of science. The purpose of this article is to address in depth the definition of self-plagiarism, the underlying motives for this practice and its consequences for the scientific community. To do so, a non-systematic review of the literature was conducted. Guidance is provided on the major types of self-plagiarism, what can be done to avoid it and how to proceed when it is detected.

A Novel Analysis via Micro-CT Imaging Indicates That Chemically Modified Tetracycline-3 (CMT-3) Inhibits Tooth Relapse after Orthodontic Movement: A Pilot Experimental Study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of chemically modified tetracycline-3 (CMT-3) and simvastatin on tooth relapse after orthodontic movement in rats using a novel analysis method employing high-resolution micro-CT (Micro-CT) images. In addition, the correlation between bone density and orthodontic relapse was also evaluated for each experimental group. METHODS: Forty adult male Wistar rats had stainless steel springs installed on their left upper first molars in order to generate tooth movement for 18 days. After this initial period, the animals were divided into three groups: (1) 30 mg/kg of CMT-3; (2) 5 mg/kg of simvastatin; and (3) 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose, and each group was treated for 20 days. Micro-CT images were analyzed (conventional method and 3D reconstruction) on the 7th and 18th days following spring fixation and finally, 20 days after treatment either with CMT-3 or simvastatin (38th day). Bone mineral density (BMD) of the mesial and distal roots of the upper first molar was also analyzed. RESULTS: The difference was statistically significant between the groups as to recurrence (p=0.048), and the post hoc test identified the value of p=0.007 between the control group and the CMT-3 group. Simvastatin was not able to inhibit tooth relapse. The bone mineral densities of both the mesial and distal roots were different between the three groups, after the 20th day of drug use (p=0001 and p < 0001). CONCLUSION: Our findings support the initial evidence that CMT-3 is able to prevent relapse after tooth movement. Future trials in humans should evaluate such treatment as a promising approach to preventing this common phenomenon. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Considering the results obtained, CMT-3 can be used to avoid relapse after tooth movement.

When to indicate radiotherapy after nipple-sparing mastectomy? Systematic review / Quando indicar radioterapia após mastectomia nipple-sparing? Revisão sistemática

Introduction: Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) and preservation of the nipple-areola complex (NAC) represent a therapeutic option of breast cancer with a better aesthetic result, a positive impact on body image and more satisfaction than the reconstruction of the NAC. It is questioned the indication of radiotherapy when the NAC is maintained and its potential aesthetic impairment. Objective: To examine the indication of radiotherapy in NSM and, secondarily, the incidence of NAC involvement and local recurrence rates. Methods: Systematic review carried out in the PubMed database with the terms ("breast neoplasm" [Mesh] OR "breast cancer") AND ("radiotherapy" OR "radiation therapy") AND ("nipple sparing mastectomy" OR "mastectomies" OR "subcutaneous mastectomies"). The selection of the studies, the evaluation of its quality and data extraction were carried out independently by four reviewers. Results: The indications for radiotherapy after NSM were: positive axilla, tumors over 5 cm and retroareolar tissue remaining greater than 5 mm. The NAC involvement occurred in 5 to 26.1% in the definitive anatomopathological study. NAC recurrence occurred from 2.59 to 10%. NAC necrosis occurred in 2.2 to 43.4%. Conclusions: The radiotherapy indications for NSM seem to follow the same classical indications for radiotherapy after mastectomy. The relapse index in NAC was not shown to be larger and without difference for the type of radiotherapy used. Radiotherapy should be based on factors that suggest a high risk for NAC involvement

Introdução: A mastectomia nipple-sparing (MNS) e a conservação do complexo aréolo-papilar (CAP) representam uma manobra terapêutica do câncer de mama com melhor resultado estético, impacto positivo na imagem corporal e mais satisfação do que a reconstrução do CAP. Questiona-se a indicação de radioterapia quando da manutenção do CAP e seu potencial prejuízo estético. Objetivo: Examinar a indicação de radioterapia em MNS e, secundariamente, a incidência do envolvimento do CAP e as taxas de recorrência local. Métodos: Revisão sistemática realizada na base de dados do PubMed com os termos ("breast neoplasm" [Mesh] OR "breast cancer") AND ("radiotherapy" OR "radiation therapy") AND ("nipple sparing mastectomy" OR "mastectomies" OR "subcutaneous mastectomies"). A seleção dos estudos, a avaliação da qualidade do estudo e a extração de dados foram realizadas de forma independente por quatro revisores. Resultados: As indicações para radioterapia após MNS foram: axila positiva, tumores acima de 5 cm e tecido retroareolar remanescente maior que 5 mm. O envolvimento do CAP ocorreu em 5 a 26,1% no anatomopatológico definitivo. A recorrência no CAP ocorreu de 2,59 a 10%. A necrose do CAP ocorreu em 2,2 a 43,4%. Conclusão: As indicações de radioterapia para MNS parecem seguir as mesmas indicações clássicas para radioterapia após mastectomia. O índice de recidiva no CAP não mostrou ser maior com uso de radioterapia nem ter diferença quanto ao seu tipo. A decisão de realizar a radioterapia deve se basear em fatores que sugerem alto risco para envolvimento do CAP

Oral lichen planus and malignant transformation: The role of p16, Ki-67, Bub-3 and SOX4 in assessing precancerous potential.

The association of oral lichen planus (OLP) lesions with malignant transformation risk has remained a controversial topic and is of clinical importance. Therefore, the present study evaluated the expression levels of p16, Ki-67, budding uninhibited by benzimidazoles 3 (Bub-3) and sex-determining region Y-related high mobility group box 4 (SOX4), and their roles as precancerous biomarkers in OLP. A retrospective study was performed, in which tissue blocks of OLP, oral dysplasia (OD), cutaneous lichen planus (CLP) and oral fibrous hyperplasia (OFH) were used (n=120). A positivity index (PI) for p16, BUB3, Ki-67 and SOX4 expression was calculated in each group. The PI for p16 was 20.65% for OLP, 7.85% for OD, 86.59% for CLP and 11.8% for OFH, and the difference between these groups was statistically significant (P<0.001). PIs of Ki-67 were indicated as 11.6% for OLP, 14.4% for OD, 8.24% for CLP and 5.5% for OFH, and a statistically significant difference was observed between the groups (P<0.001). Notably, the expression levels of BUB3 were not statistically different among groups. The highest expression levels of SOX4 were identified in CLP (P<0.001 vs. OLP/CLP; P=0,001 vs. CLP/OD). The determined expression levels of p16 and Ki-67 suggest that specific OLP lesions may have an intermediate malignant potential and should be carefully followed up. The intense SOX4 staining in CLP indicated a different proliferation pattern of epithelium compared with oral mucosa cells. These findings suggest that SOX4 expression may also be associated with the different clinical courses of OLP and CLP.

Glycated hemoglobin correlates with arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction in patients with resistant hypertension and uncontrolled diabetes mellitus.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c ) on flow-mediated dilation, intima-media thickness, pulse wave velocity, and left ventricular mass index in patients with resistant hypertension (RHTN) comparing RHTN-controlled diabetes mellitus and RHTN-uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus. Two groups were formed: HbA1c <7.0% (RHTN-controlled diabetes mellitus: n = 98) and HbA1c ≥7.0% (RHTN-uncontrolled diabetes mellitus: n = 122). Intima-media thickness and flow-mediated dilation were measured by high-resolution ultrasound, left ventricular mass index by echocardiography, and arterial stiffness by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity. No differences in blood pressure levels were found between the groups but body mass index was higher in patients with RHTN-uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. Endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness were worse in patients with RHTN-uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. Intima-media thickness and left ventricular mass index measurements were similar between the groups. After adjustments, multiple linear regression analyses showed that HbA1c was an independent predictor of flow-mediated dilation and pulse wave velocity in all patients with RHTN. In conclusion, HbA1c may predict the grade of arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction in patients with RHTN, and superimposed uncontrolled diabetes mellitus implicates further impairment of vascular function.

Maternal and developmental toxicity of the hallucinogenic plant-based beverage ayahuasca in rats.

Rats were treated orally with ayahuasca (AYA) on gestation days (GD) 6-20 at doses corresponding to one-(1X) to eight-fold (8X) the average dose taken by a human adult in a religious ritual, and the pregnancy outcome evaluated on GD21. Rats treated with 4X and 8X doses died during the treatment period (44 and 52%), and those that survived showed kidney injury. Rats surviving the 8X dose showed neuronal loss in hippocampal regions and in the raphe nuclei, and those from the 2X dose neuronal loss in CA1. Delayed intrauterine growth, induced embryo deaths and increased occurrence of foetal anomalies were observed at the 8X dose. At non-lethal doses, AYA enhanced embryolethality and the incidence of foetal soft-tissue and skeleton anomalies. This study suggested that AYA is developmentally toxic and that its daily use by pregnant women may pose risks for the conceptus.

Oropharynx HPV status and its relation to HIV infection.

BACKGROUND: The number of oropharyngeal lesions caused by HPV (Human papillomavirus) has been increasing worldwide in the past years. In spite of the clinical relevance of HPV infection in the anogenital tract of HIV-positive patients, the relevance of oropharynx HPV infection in these patients is not clear. The aim of the present study was to detect HPV infection, and clinical and cytological changes in the oropharynx of HIV-positive patients. METHODS: Samples collected from the oropharynx of 100 HIV-positive patients were subjected to hybrid capture (HC), conventional and liquid-based cytology. Clinical data were also collected to investigate the relation with HPV status. RESULTS: High and low-risk types of HPV were present in 8% and 16.7% of the total sample. The mean ± sd (maximum-minimum) of the relative ratio light unit (RLU)/cutoff (CO) was 2.94 ± 2.58 (1.09-7.87) and 1.61 ± 0.65 (1.07-2.8) for high- and low-risk-HPV, respectively. By cytology, dysplasia was not detected, but atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US) were diagnosed in two samples. No clinical change, suggestive of dysplasia/cancer, was detected. CONCLUSION: Our study was able to detect and characterize HPV infection by hybrid capture, which may represent a good tool for screening and follow-up of HPV in the studied population. The frequency and viral load of HPV were low. Neither clinical nor cytological changes suggestive of dysplasia/neoplasia were observed in oropharynx of HIV-positive patients.