Dissimilar forests along the Rio Doce watershed call for multiple restoration references to avoid biotic homogenization.

An environmental disaster caused by the rupture of a mining tailings dam has impacted a large area of the Rio Doce watershed in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, resulting in unprecedented damage at spatial and temporal scales. The Atlantic Forest is one of the world's most important biodiversity hotspots. A long history of land use conversion has resulted in a highly fragmented landscape. Despite numerous restoration initiatives, these efforts have often biased criteria and use limited species assemblages. We conducted a comprehensive synthesis of the plant community in riparian forests along the Rio Doce watershed. Our work detailed vegetation composition (tree and sapling strata) and examined its relationship with edaphic and landscape factors, aiming to inform restoration projects with scientifically robust knowledge. A total of 4906 individuals from the tree strata and 4565 individuals from the sapling strata were recorded, representing a total of 1192 species from 75 families. Only 0.8% of the tree species and 0.5% of the sapling species occurred in all sampled sectors, with over 84% of the species occurring in a single watershed sector for both strata. We observed a high species heterogeneity modulated by turnover (92.3% in the tree, and 92.7% in the sapling strata) among sites. Overall, our research revealed a gradient of soil fertility influencing species composition across different strata. Additionally, we discovered that preserved landscapes had a positive impact on species diversity within both strata. The species exclusivity in the sampled sites and the high turnover rate imply the need to consider multiple reference ecosystems when restoring the watershed to reduce the risk of biotic homogenization. Finally, the reference ecosystems defined here serve as a basis for the selection of locally particular species in the implementation of restoration projects that aim to improve biodiversity, ecosystem services, and water security.

Access to dental services in an elder population of African descent in Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated access to dental services and associated factors in a community of Quilombola older people. BACKGROUND: Quilombola populations are groups of individuals descended from black Africans subjected to slavery during part of Brazilian history. As marginalised and neglected individuals, they have high rates of negative indicators and require further attention to the social determinants that affect their health reality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted in the Quilombola community of Castainho, in the Northeast region of Brazil. In this community, 34 older people aged between 65 and 74 resided. We collected self-report data on sociodemographic and economic characteristics, along with oral examinations by the researchers. The primary dependent variable was regular access to dental services. Statistical analysis used Fisher's exact test (P = .05). RESULTS: Among the 32 participants in the final sample, 18.8% (n = 6) reported accessing dental services in the previous 6 months. Self-declared individuals of mixed race, with positive self-assessment of oral health, and those who did not self-perceive the need for treatment had lower rates of regular access to dental services (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Use of dental services by older Quilombola people is low, and there are differences by ethnicity and individual perception of oral health.

Annona crassiflora Mart. Fruit Peel Polyphenols Preserve Cardiac Antioxidant Defense and Reduce Oxidative Damage in Hyperlipidemic Mice.

Dyslipidemia and oxidative stress are directly related to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. Annona crassiflora Mart. (ACM) has been traditionally used in folk medicine to alleviate inflammation and pain. This plant is rich in polyphenols, which exhibit high antioxidant capacity. The present study aimed to elucidate the antioxidant properties of ACM in the heart of hyperlipidemic mice. The animals were orally administered either a crude ethanol extract (CEAc) or a polyphenols-rich fraction (PFAc) obtained from ACM fruit peel. There were correlations between blood and fecal biochemical data with cardiac oxidative stress biomarkers. Here, the pre-treatment with CEAc for 12 d led to an increase in glutathione content (GSH) and a reduction in the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase. Moreover, PFAc was found to enhance the total antioxidant capacity as well as GSH, SOD and CAT activities, which were reduced by Triton WR-1339-induced hyperlipidemia. Moreover, the administration of PFAc before the treatment resulted in a decrease in protein carbonylation and lipid peroxidation levels, as well as a reduction in the activities of glutathione reductase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. ACM fruit peel showed improvement in the glutathione system, mainly its polyphenols-rich fraction, indicating a potential cardioprotective antioxidant usage of this plant extract.

Simulated keratometry and central corneal thickness measured in cats by autokeratometer, ultrasonic pachymeter, and Galilei G6™.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to compare the central corneal thickness (CCT) measured by an ultrasonic pachymeter (SP-100, Tomey, Japão) versus the Galilei G6™ (Ziemer Ophthalmics System AG, Port, Switzerland) and to compare the simulated keratometry (SimK) measured by an autokeratometer (KM 500 Nidek) versus the Galilei G6™. ANIMAL STUDIED: Eighteen mixed-breed cats, 10 males, and eight females, aged between 18 and 48 months, were evaluated (n = 36 eyes). PROCEDURE(S): The cats were manually restrained using a blanket. The operator held the autokeratometer close to the eye and measured the SimK. Next, one anesthetic eye drop was applied; the operator lightly touched the corneal using the ultrasound pachymeter and measured the CCT. At another moment, the cats were sedated using meperidine and xylazine and then evaluated using the Galilei. Student's t-test was employed to perform the statistical analyzes. RESULTS: Considering the CCT, the ultrasound pachymeter provided mean ± SD of 623.03 ± 48.17 µm and the Galilei 617.34 ± 53.38 µm. The autokeratometer produced a SimK of 38.20 ± 0.84D (8.84 ± 0.20 mm) and the Galilei 38.37 ± 0.83D (8.80 ± 0.19 mm). The CCT and SimK did not differ statistically regardless of the device used. CONCLUSION: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first work to compare the CCT measured by the Galilei versus the ultrasonic pachymeter and to compare the SimK measured by the Galilei versus the keratometer in cats. No statistical difference was found considering the CCT and the SimK measured by the different devices.

Dual-Scheimpflug-Placido-disc corneal analysis in cats.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the corneal topography and tomography of cats using a dual Scheimpflug and Placido disc device. ANIMAL STUDIED: Sixteen mixed-breed cats (32 eyes). PROCEDURE(S): Cats were sedated using meperidine (4.3 mg/kg/IM) and xylazine (0.5 mg/kg/IM), and evaluated using the software Galilei™. Values assessed included anterior and posterior corneal curvature, total corneal power, and corneal thickness. RESULTS: Ten males and six females aged between 18 and 48 months were evaluated. The simulated keratometry (SimK) was 38.37 ± 0.83D, mean posterior keratometry -4.89 ± 0.34D, and mean total corneal power 38.04 ± 0.94D. The mean central corneal thickness (CCT) was 617.34 ± 53.38 µm with a mean thinnest point of 583.74 ± 60.60 µm. CONCLUSION: The Galilei™ examination was feasible in cats, enabling a detailed study of the cornea. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study evaluating the corneal topography and tomography of cats using a device that integrates data from a dual Scheimpflug and Placido disc system.

Orofacial features in children with microcephaly associated with Zika virus: A scoping review.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze published scientific evidence about the most common orofacial disorders in children with microcephaly associated with ZIKV infection. METHODS: Through a scoping review, we respond to the search question was formulated: "What are the orofacial alterations in children with microcephaly associated with ZIKV?" It was performed a search in PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Health Virtual Library. It was selected papers wrote in English, Portuguese, or Spanish. An evidence quality analysis was performed using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality classification. RESULTS: It was included 11 studies performed in the Brazilian Northeast region. The studies were carried out between 2018 and 2020. The main related alterations were delay in the tooth-eruption and deformation in the oral structures. CONCLUSION: The results observed in our work show moderate scientific evidence regarding the association of ZIKV with orofacial alterations in children with microcephaly due to the classifications of the quality of evidence of each one of the included studies. The main changes reported were in the chronology of tooth eruption, alteration in teeth, and oral structures.

Antioxidant compounds from Annona crassiflora fruit peel reduce lipid levels and oxidative damage and maintain the glutathione defense in hepatic tissue of Triton WR-1339-induced hyperlipidemic mice.

Dyslipidemia is a risk factor for the pathogenesis of several diseases, such as obesity, hypertension, atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. In addition to interfering with serum concentrations of cholesterol and triglycerides, hyperlipidemia is involved in oxidative stress increase and reduction of the endogenous antioxidant defenses. The fruit peel of Annona crassiflora crude extract (CEAc) and its polyphenols-rich fraction (PFAc) were investigated against hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia and hepatic oxidative stress in Triton WR-1339-induced hyperlipidemic mice. Lipid parameters in serum, feces and liver, as well as hepatic oxidative status, and enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defense systems were analyzed. Pre-treatment with CEAc for 12 days decreased hepatic triglycerides and total cholesterol, and similar to PFAc, increased the high-density lipoprotein level. There were reductions in lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation, as well as restoration of the glutathione defense system and total thiol content in the liver of the hyperlipidemic mice treated with PFAc. The fruit peel of A. crassiflora, a promising natural source of bioactive molecules, showed a potential lipid-lowering action and hepatoprotective activities triggered by reduction of oxidative damage and maintenance of the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems impaired by the hyperlipidemic state.

How much leaf area do insects eat? A data set of insect herbivory sampled globally with a standardized protocol.

Herbivory is ubiquitous. Despite being a potential driver of plant distribution and performance, herbivory remains largely undocumented. Some early attempts have been made to review, globally, how much leaf area is removed through insect feeding. Kozlov et al., in one of the most comprehensive reviews regarding global patterns of herbivory, have compiled published studies regarding foliar removal and sampled data on global herbivory levels using a standardized protocol. However, in the review by Kozlov et al., only 15 sampling sites, comprising 33 plant species, were evaluated in tropical areas around the globe. In Brazil, which ranks first in terms of plant biodiversity, with a total of 46,097 species, almost half (43%) being endemic, a single data point was sampled, covering only two plant species. In an attempt to increase knowledge regarding herbivory in tropical plant species and to provide the raw data needed to test general hypotheses related to plant-herbivore interactions across large spatial scales, we proposed a joint, collaborative network to evaluate tropical herbivory. This network allowed us to update and expand the data on insect herbivory in tropical and temperate plant species. Our data set, collected with a standardized protocol, covers 45 sampling sites from nine countries and includes leaf herbivory measurements of 57,239 leaves from 209 species of vascular plants belonging to 65 families from tropical and temperate regions. They expand previous data sets by including a total of 32 sampling sites from tropical areas around the globe, comprising 152 species, 146 of them being sampled in Brazil. For temperate areas, it includes 13 sampling sites, comprising 59 species. Thus, when compared to the most recent comprehensive review of insect herbivory (Kozlov et al.), our data set has increased the base of available data for the tropical plants more than 460% (from 33 to 152 species) and the Brazilian sampling was increased 7,300% (from 2 to 146 species). Data on precise levels of herbivory are presented for more than 57,000 leaves worldwide. There are no copyright restrictions. Please cite this paper when using the current data in publications; the authors request to be informed how the data is used in the publications.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: molecular and cellular interplays of the lipid metabolism in a steatotic liver.

INTRODUCTION: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects ~25% of world population and cases have increased in recent decades. These anomalies have several etiologies; however, obesity and metabolic dysfunctions are the most relevant causes. Despite being considered a public health problem, no effective therapeutic approach to treat NAFLD is available. For that, a deep understanding of metabolic routes that support hepatic diseases is needed. AREAS COVERED: This review covers aspects of the onset of NAFLD. Thereby, biochemistry routes as well as cellular and metabolic effects of the gut microbiota in body's homeostasis and epigenetics are contextualized. EXPERT OPINION: Recently, the development of biological sciences has generated innovative knowledge, bringing new insights and perspectives to clarify the systems biology of liver diseases. A detailed comprehension of epigenetics mechanisms will offer possibilities to develop new therapeutic and diagnostic strategies for NAFLD. Different epigenetic processes have been reported that are modulated by the environment such as gut microbiota, suggesting strong interplays between cellular behavior and pathology. Thus, a more complete description of such mechanisms in hepatic diseases will help to clarify how to control the establishment of fatty liver, and precisely describe molecular interplays that potentially control NAFLD.

Avaliação do conhecimento de cirurgiões-dentistas da atenção básica sobre estomatologia / Knowledge evaluation of primary health care dentists concerning oral medicine

Objetivo: Avaliar o nível de conhecimento em Estomatologia dos cirurgiões-dentistas (CD) que atuam na Atenção Básica de um município de Pernambuco, Brasil. Métodos: Este é um estudo observacional, indutivo, estatístico e de abordagem quantitativa. A população do estudo envolve os CD atuantes nas Unidades Básicas de Saúde do município. Os dados foram coletados através de um questionário elaborado pelos pesquisadores, contendo 27 perguntas sobre as lesões orais mais comuns, diagnóstico clínico e condutas frente a diagnósticos clínicos específicos. O nível de conhecimento foi mensurado a partir da média de acertos dos profissionais. Os dados coletados foram processados por meio do uso do programa estatístico IBM SPSS 20.0®. Resultados: A amostra obtida foi de treze CD. A média dos acertos nos conhecimentos específicos em Estomatologia foi de 17 (± 3,109). Quanto à classificação do desempenho geral, a maioria dos profissionais (69,2%) teve um desempenho regular. Quanto aos conhecimentos específicos sobre diagnóstico clínico, estes foram classificados como alto para a maioria (53,8%). Em relação aos conhecimentos específicos sobre as condutas adequadas frente às lesões, a classificação do desempenho foi baixa para a maioria dos participantes (84,6%). Conclusão: De modo geral, os CD obtiveram um desempenho regular de conhecimento em Estomatologia. Recomenda-se o desenvolvimento de mais pesquisas devido à escassez de discussões sobre o tema na literatura.

Aim: To evaluate the level of knowledge on oral medicine of dentists who work in Primary Health Care in the city in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. Methods: This is an observational, inductive, statistical study with a quantitative approach. The study population involves dentists working in the Basic Health Units of the city. The data were collected through a questionnaire prepared by the researchers, containing 27 questions about the most common oral lesions, clinical diagnoses, and conduct towards specific clinical diagnoses. The level of knowledge was measured from the mean of correct answers by the professionals. Collected data were processed using the IBM SPSS 20.0® statistical program. Results: This study's sample counted on the participation of thirteen dentists. The mean of correct answers regarding specific knowledge on Oral Medicine was 17 (± 3.109). As for the classification of general performance, most professionals (69.2%) performed regularly. As for specific knowledge about clinical diagnosis, the knowledge was classified as high for the majority (53.8%). About the appropriate behaviors in relation to injuries, the performance classification was low for most participants (84.6%). Conclusion: In general, dentists obtained a regular knowledge on Oral Medicine. Further research is recommended due to the scarcity of discussions on the topic in the literature.

The modulatory effect of triclosan on the reversion of the activated phenotype of LX-2 hepatic stellate cells.

Hepatic diseases leading to fibrosis affect millions of individuals worldwide and are a major public health challenge. Although, there have been many advances in understanding hepatic fibrogenesis, an effective therapy remains elusive. Studies focus primarily on activation of the hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), the principal fibrogenic cells in the liver; however, fewer numbers of studies have examined molecular mechanisms that deactivate HSC, controlling the profibrogenic phenotype. In the present study, we evaluated cellular and molecular actions of the chemical triclosan (TCS) in reverting activated HSCs to a quiesced phenotype. We demonstrated that the inhibition of the enzyme fatty acid synthase by TCS in activated HSCs promotes survival of the cells and triggers cellular and molecular changes that promote cellular phenotypic reversion, offering potentially new therapeutic directions.

Conhecimento e uso da biossegurança por profissionais de saúde bucal do SUS do Sertão Pernambucano / Knowledge and use of biosafety by professionals of oral health of the SUS of Sertão Pernambucano

Objetivo: Avaliar o conhecimento e o uso dos procedimentos que envolvem a biossegurança por cirurgiões dentistas e assistentes de saúde bucal em um município do sertão de pernambucano, buscando averiguar a compreensão da necessidade e da importância da utilização da biossegurança. Métodos: Estudo observacional descritivo realizado através de questionário aplicado para os profissionais da área odontológica vinculados ao Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) do município de Arcoverde, Pernambuco, Brasil. A amostra foi constituída de 29 profissionais da área odontológica que responderam ao questionário, sendo 9 dentistas e 20 auxiliares. Resultados: Cem por cento dos profissionais afirmam lavar as mãos antes e depois dos procedimentos. Apenas 20% dos ASB lavam o instrumental em pia fora do consultório; 90% costumam fazer a assepsia da cadeira odontológica após cada atendimento; 95% costumam fazer a assepsia da cuspideira e do equipo/cárter após cada atendimento. Conclusão: Os profissionais possuem conhecimento satisfatório acerca da biossegurança no consultório odontológico. Contudo, deve-se uma atenção especial ao uso de luvas estéreis e de campo cirúrgico durante os procedimentos necessários, bem como à disponibilização de equipamentos de proteção individual aos pacientes, a fim de minimizar o risco de contaminação cruzada.

Aim: To assess the knowledge and use of procedures that involve biosafety by dental surgeons and oral health assistants in a municipality in the backlands of the state of Pernambuco, Brazil, seeking to ascertain the understanding of the need and importance of using biosafety. Methods: This work was a descriptive observational study conducted through a questionnaire applied to dental professionals linked to the Unified Health System (SUS) in the municipality of Arcoverde, Pernambuco, Brazil. The sample consisted of 29 dental professionals who answered the questionnaire, including 9 dentists and 20 assistants. Results: One hundred percent of the professionals say they wash their hands before and after the procedures. Only 20% of ASBs wash the instruments in a sink outside the office; 90% usually perform asepsis of the dental chair after each visit; 95% usually clean the spit and the equipment / sump after each visit. Conclusion: The professionals have satisfactory knowledge about biosafety in the dental office. However, special attention should be paid to the use of sterile gloves and the surgical field during the necessary procedures, as well as the provision of personal protective equipment for patients to minimize the risk of cross contamination.

High performance of rapid influenza diagnostic test and variable effectiveness of influenza vaccines in Mexico.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the performance of rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDT) and influenza vaccines' effectiveness (VE) during an outbreak setting. METHODS: We compared the performance of a RIDT with RT-PCR for influenza virus detection in influenza-like illness (ILI) patients enrolled during the 2016/17 season in Mexico City. Using the test-negative design, we estimated influenza VE in all participants and stratified by age, virus subtype, and vaccine type (trivalent vs quadrivalent inactivated vaccines). The protective value of some clinical variables was evaluated by regression analyses. RESULTS: We enrolled 592 patients. RT-PCR detected 93 cases of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, 55 of AH3N2, 141 of B, and 13 A/B virus infections. RIDT showed 90.7% sensitivity and 95.7% specificity for influenza A virus detection, and 91.5% sensitivity and 95.3% specificity for influenza B virus detection. Overall VE was 33.2% (95% CI: 3.0-54.0; p = 0.02) against any laboratory-confirmed influenza infection. VE estimates against influenza B were higher for the quadrivalent vaccine. Immunization and occupational exposure were protective factors against influenza. CONCLUSIONS: The RIDT was useful to detect influenza cases during an outbreak setting. Effectiveness of 2016/17 influenza vaccines administered in Mexico was low but significant. Our data should be considered for future local epidemiological policies.

Variation in community structure of gall-inducing insects associated with a tropical plant supports the hypothesis of competition in stressful habitats.

Environmental factors act as drivers of species coexistence or competition. Mesic environments favor the action of parasites and predators on gall communities, while the factors that determine the structure of gall communities in xeric environments remain unknown. We evaluated the structure of gall communities along an environmental gradient defined by intrinsic plant characteristics, soil fertility, and aridity, and investigated the role of competition as a structuring force of gall communities in xeric environments. We created null models to compare observed and simulated patterns of co-occurrence of galls and used the C-score index to assess community aggregation or segregation. We used the NES C-score (standardized C-score) to compare patterns of co-occurrence with parameters of environmental quality. Xeric environments had poorer and more arid soils and more sclerophyllous plants than mesic environments, which was reflected in the distribution patterns of gall communities. Values of the C-score index revealed a segregated distribution of gall morphospecies in xeric environments, but a random distribution in mesic environments. The low availability of resources for oviposition and the high density of gallers in xeric environments reinforce interspecific competition as an important structuring force for gall communities in these environments.

MicroRNA-1254 contributes to the controlling of pro-fibrogenic environment in LX-2 cells by modulating SMAD3 and wound repair: new insights in hepatic fibrosis.

Hepatic fibrosis and its end-stage cirrhosis have increased worldwide, and, despite all the efforts, no successful therapy is available. More recently, the heptapeptide angiotensin-(1-7) [ang-(1-7)] was reported to be able to modulate liver fibrosis and even steatosis; however, the molecular bases of these effects are not clear. In this study, we investigated the overexpression of the microRNA-1254 in the human hepatic stellate cell line LX-2, based on the effect of the heptapeptide in such cells, previously, demonstrated by our research group. In addition, this miRNA was chosen based on the identification of putative binding site of this small molecule in the mRNA sequences of different molecular connectors of the AKT/ PI3K pathway, which is modulated by the heptapeptide and connects to the control of several cellular mechanisms, including proliferation, survival, migration, and even liver fibrogenesis. The results revealed an innovative function of the miR-1254 in controlling SMAD3 and pro-fibrosing elements as well as the wound healing response in LX-2, attenuating the scaring repair of the injured tissue. The combined findings provide useful information for future studies on the controlling of hepatic fibrogenesis.

Es todavía útil la biopsia radioquirúgica en hospitales de bajo recursos / Radio-surgical biopsy is still useful in low-income hospitals

Introducción El cáncer de mama es la primera causa de muerte por cáncer en Argentina, por lo cual su detección en estadio subclínico es imprescindible. Para esto, la mamografía y su clasificación (bi-rads) son un instrumento invaluable para elegir las pacientes que serán sometidas a estudios invasivos. Objetivo El objetivo del siguiente estudio fue evaluar la utilidad de la biopsia radioquirúgica (brq) en comparación con la punción aspiración asistida por vacío en el hospital Municipal de Morón. Material y método Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo observacional en 97 pacientes sometidas a punciones tipo Mammotome y a biopsias radioquirúrgicas: 76 brq y 21 Mammotome. Resultados En las brq se hallaron 65% de lesiones benignas, 12% de lesiones infiltrantes y 22% de lesiones proliferativas. En las pacientes sometidas a Mamotomme se encontraron 67% de lesiones benignas, 12% de lesiones malignas y 22% de lesiones proliferativas. La necesidad de nuevas re-biopsias por discordancia entre la anatomía patológica y las imágenes fue similar. La necesidad de una segunda intervención fue del 33% para ambos casos (segunda cirugía en caso de brq y primera cirugía para Mammotome). Los tiempos entre la primera cirugía y la finalización del tratamiento quirúrgico fueron considerablemente menores en la rama Mammotome. En el caso de brq, el tiempo fue de 110 días para pacientes con una sola intervención y de 140 días en pacientes con dos intervenciones. En las pacientes cuyo diagnóstico se hizo mediante Mammotome, el tiempo fue de 87 días si solo recibieron una intervención y 127 días si fueron sometidas a dos intervenciones. Conclusiones Si bien en hospitales de bajo recursos podríamos pensar al costo de Mammotome como un gasto extra, la comparación con la biopsia radioquirúgica nos muestra que el gasto es menor, con el beneficio de la disminución en el tiempo de tratamiento. Por esto, si bien la biopsia radioquirúgica es de uso frecuente y todavía muy útil en hospitales de bajos recursos, debemos esforzarnos para realizar convenios de trabajo con centros de diagnóstico que cuenten con esta útil herramienta

Introduction Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Argentina, so their detection in subclinical stage is essential. For this, mammography and breast imaging and Reporting Data System (bi-rads) are an invaluable tool for choosing patients will undergo invasive studies. Objective The objective of the following study was to compare the usefulness of the radio-surgical biopsy (brq) in comparison to the vacuum assisted aspiration puncture in the Municipal Hospital of Moron. Materials and method A retrospective observational study was performed on 97 patients submitted to Mamotomme punctures and radio-surgical biopsies: 76 brq and 21 Mammotome. Results In brq, 65% were benign lesions, 12% infiltrating lesions and 22% proliferative lesions. In the patients submitted to Mammotome, 67% of benign lesions, 12% of malignant lesions and 22% of proliferative lesions were found. The need for new biopsies due to discordance between the pathological anatomy and the images was similar. The need for a second intervention was 33% for both cases (second surgery in brq and first surgery for Mammotome). The time between the first surgery and the end of the surgical treatment was considerably shorter in the Mammotome branch. In the case of brq, the time was 110 days for patients with one intervention and 140 days for patients with two interventions. In patients whose diagnosis was made using Mammotome, the time was 87 days if they only received one intervention and 127 days if they underwent two interventions. Conclusions Although in low income hospitals we could think of the cost of Mammotome as an extra expense; the comparison with the radio-surgical biopsy shows that the expenditure is lower, with the benefit of a decrease in time at treatment. Therefore, while the brq is frequently used and still very useful in low-income hospitals, we must strive to make working agreements with diagnostic centers that have this useful tool

Altered global microRNA expression in hepatic stellate cells LX-2 by angiotensin-(1-7) and miRNA-1914-5p identification as regulator of pro-fibrogenic elements and lipid metabolism.

The development of new therapeutic strategies to control or reverse hepatic fibrosis requires thorough knowledge about its molecular and cellular basis. It is known that the heptapeptide angiotensin-(1-7) [ang-(1-7)] can reduce hepatic fibrosis and steatosis in vivo; therefore, it is important to uncover the mechanisms regulating its activity and cellular model of investigation. Ang-(1-7) is a peptide of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), and here we investigated its modulatory effect on the expression pattern of microRNAs (miRNAs) in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) LX-2, which transdifferentiate into fibrogenic and proliferative cells. We compared the miRNA profiles between quiesced, activated and ang-(1-7)-treated activated HSCs to identify miRNAs that may regulate their transdifferentiation. Thirteen miRNAs were pointed, and cellular and molecular analyses identified miRNA-1914-5p as a molecule that contributes to the effects of ang-(1-7) on lipid metabolism and on the pro-fibrotic environment control. In our cellular model, we also analyzed the regulators of fatty acid metabolism. Specifically, miRNA-1914-5p regulates the expression of malonyl-CoA decarboxylase (MLYCD) and phosphatidic acid phosphohydrolase (PAP or Lipin-1). Additionally, Lipin-1 was closely correlated with mRNA expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR)-α and -γ, which also contribute to lipid homeostasis and to the reduction of TGF-ß1 expression. These findings provide a novel link between RAS and lipid metabolism in controlling HSCs activation.

Molecular interplays in hepatic stellate cells: apoptosis, senescence, and phenotype reversion as cellular connections that modulate liver fibrosis.

Liver fibrosis is a pathophysiological process correlated with intense repair and cicatrization mechanisms in injured liver, and over the past few years, the characterization of the fine-tuning of molecular interconnections that support the development of liver fibrosis has been investigated. In this cellular process, the hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) support the organ fibrogenesis. The HSCs are found in two distinct morpho-physiological states: quiescent and activated. In normal liver, most HSCs are found in quiescent state, presenting a considerable amount of lipid droplets in the cytoplasm, while in injured liver, the activated phenotype of HSCs is a myofibroblast, that secrete extracellular matrix elements and contribute to the establishment of the fibrotic process. Studies on the molecular mechanisms by which HSCs try to restore their quiescent state have been performed; however, no effective treatment to reverse fibrosis has been so far prescribed. Therefore, the elucidation of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of apoptosis, senescence, and the cell reversion phenotype process from activate to quiescent state will certainly contribute to the development of effective therapies to treat hepatic fibrosis. In this context, this review aimed to address central elements of apoptosis, senescence, and reversal of HSC phenotype in the control of hepatic fibrogenesis, as a guide to future development of therapeutic strategies.