"Times of war and time of uncertain peace": Narratives of parents of childhood cancer survivors.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the meaning attributed by parents to the extended and permanent survival of childhood cancer. METHOD: qualitative narrative inquiry, developed with parents of adolescents and young adults who survived childhood cancer. Recruitment and data collection involved virtual and in-person approaches. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed according to reflective thematic analysis. RESULTS: a total of ten parents were included in the study. Two thematic narrative syntheses were constructed: "Times of war"; and "Time of uncertain peace", with their respective sub-themes. The cancer diagnosis marks the beginning of times of war in the parents' lives. They experience cancer treatment as "highs and lows" with potential threats to their children's lives. After that, "Time of uncertain peace" are reached, and the balance of the family unit is reestablished. However, the fear of recurrence makes the family peace uncertain, and its maintenance requires constant vigilance and attention to the signs and symptoms of a possible new battle. CONCLUSION: the results highlight the experience of being a parent of a childhood cancer survivor and can be applied to develop models of care centered on the survivors' family.

Noncommunicable disease burden in Brazil and its states from 1990 to 2021, with projections for 2030.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyse the burden of disease due to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) between 1990 and 2021 in Brazil. In addition, this study compared mortality from NCDs with mortality from all causes and COVID-19, analysed NCD mortality trends and projections for 2030, and analysed NCD mortality rates and risk factors attributed to these deaths among the 27 states of Brazil. STUDY DESIGN: Ecological studies. METHODS: This study used the Global Burden of Disease study (GBD) database from 1990 to 2021. Premature deaths from four NCDs (neoplasms, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes mellitus) were analysed. The following metrics were used to analyse the burden of NCDs in Brazil: absolute number of deaths, proportional mortality, mortality rate, years of life lost due to premature death (YLL), years lived with disabilities (YLD) and disability-adjusted years of life lost due to premature death (DALY). For comparison between the years studied and states, age-standardised rates were used. RESULTS: Finding from this study showed that there was increase in the proportion of premature deaths due to NCDs between 1990 and 2019 (29.4 % in 1990, 30.8 % in 2019), and a reduction in 2021 (24.7 %). The mortality rates, DALY and YLL from NCDs declined between 1990 and 2019 (-37.7 %, -34.5 % and -38.3 %, respectively); however, a stability in mortality rates, DALY, YLD, YLL was observed between 2019 and 2021 (-0.1 %, 0.7 %, -0.1 % and 0.8 %, respectively). Between 1990 and 2021, there was a decline in mortality rates, DALY and YLL for most states and an increase in YLD rates. However, results suggest that the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) for the reduction in mortality from NCDs by one-third by 2030 will not be achieved. The main risk factors associated with premature death from NCDs in 2021 were high blood pressure, tobacco use, dietary risks, high body mass index (BMI) and high blood glucose levels. The correlation between sociodemographic index and percentage change in mortality rates was significant for the following total NCDs, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease, diabetes and neoplasms. CONCLUSIONS: The current study highlights the importance of deaths from NCDs in Brazil and the worsening of mortality rates since 2016, as a result of austerity measures and the COVID-19 pandemic, which compromises the achievement of the SDG reduced mortality targets for NCDs. There was a reduction in risk factors for NCDs, mainly behavioural, although metabolic risk factors are of great concern and require new strategies to promote health, prevention and comprehensive care.

Marine mesocosm system: A reliable tool for testing bioaccumulation and effects of seawater enrichment with dissolved iron in reef organisms.

In 2015, a marine mesocosm facility was designed and implemented by the Coral Vivo Project in its research station (Porto Seguro, Bahia State, Brazil) to initially study the effects of global impacts, especially ocean warming and acidification, on coral reefs. However, local impacts, including seawater contamination with metal(loid)s, are considered as a major threat to coral reefs. Also, in 2015, the largest disaster involving a mining dam occurred in Brazil. Iron (Fe) mining tailings originated from the dam failure affected not only freshwater ecosystems (rivers, lakes and lagoons), but also adjacent beaches, mangroves, restingas, reefs and other marine systems. Seawater, sediments and biota were contaminated with metal(loid)s, especially Fe, arsenic (As), mercury (Hg) and manganese (Mn). Therefore, we aimed to adapt the marine mesocosm facility of the Coral Vivo Project to evaluate the bioaccumulation and biological impacts of increasing concentrations of dissolved Fe on a diversity of reef organisms. Results obtained indicate a great versatility and reliability of the marine mesocosm system for application in biological and ecological studies on the isolated effect of seawater dissolved Fe on reef organisms of different functional groups simultaneously.•Studies involving seawater enrichment with dissolved Fe can be performed using a marine mesocosm system.•The marine mesocosm is a reliable tool to study the isolated effects of metal(loid)s on reef organisms.

Underreporting of violence against women: an analysis of two data sources. / Subnotificação de violência contra as mulheres: uma análise de duas fontes de dados.

This article aims to estimate the underreporting of violence against women (VAW) in the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN), based on data from the National Survey of Health (NSH), in Brazil and subnational units (SU). This work was an ecological study using SINAN and NSH, both from 2019. In SINAN, reports of sexual, physical, and psychological VAW, aged 18 years or older, were selected. In the NSH, women of the same age group who reported psychological, physical, or sexual violence, and who had sought health care due to consequences of the violence were selected. SINAN underreporting was calculated in reference to the NSH's estimated population, for Brazil and each SU. Underreporting of VAW in Brazil was 98.5%, 75.9%, and 89.4% for psychological, physical, and sexual violence, respectively. The North and Northeast states presented the lowest reporting rates among the states. VAW in Brazil is highly underreported by the health sector, showing the need for adequate training of health professionals to recognize situations of violence and raise awareness of the importance of reporting.

O objetivo do artigo é estimar a subnotificação da violência contra as mulheres (VCM) no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN) a partir de dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde (PNS), para o Brasil e as unidades federadas (UF). Estudo ecológico utilizando o SINAN e a PNS, ambos do ano de 2019. No SINAN, foram selecionadas as notificações de casos de violências sexual, física e psicológica contra mulheres com idade igual ou superior a 18 anos. Na PNS, foram selecionadas as mulheres da mesma faixa etária com relato de violência psicológica, física ou sexual que tenham procurado atendimento em saúde em razão de consequência relacionada à violência vivida. Calculou-se a subnotificação do SINAN a partir da estimativa da população da PNS para o Brasil e cada UF. A subnotificação de VCM no Brasil foi de 98,5%, 75,9% e 89,4% para as violências psicológica, física e sexual, respectivamente. Os estados do Norte e Nordeste apresentaram os menores índices de notificação entre as UF. A VCM no Brasil apresenta grande subnotificação no setor saúde, demonstrando a necessidade de capacitação dos profissionais de saúde para o reconhecimento de situações de violência e conscientização da importância da notificação.

Unveiling viral pathogens in acute respiratory disease: Insights from viral metagenomics in patients from the State of Alagoas, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory illness affects individuals across all age demographics on a global scale, often precipitated by viral infections. The symptomatic manifestations of these diseases bear clinical resemblance, complicating the accurate determination of their etiological origins. Furthermore, the diagnostic panels for respiratory pathogens used within local medical practices, may not encompass the full spectrum of viral agents responsible for such ailments. Consequently, a significant number of clinically important viral pathogens may remain undetected. METHODS AND FINDINGS: In the light of this, we conducted a metagenomic examination of 66 nasopharyngeal swab specimens, obtained from patients presenting with acute respiratory conditions yet tested negative by the standard diagnostic panels available locally. These specimens were obtained from the Public Health Laboratory, Maceio, State of Alagoas. Our findings indicate a predominant diagnostic escape of rhinoviruses and notably enterovirus D68. Moreover, our study identified a substantial quantity of sequence reads attributed to human respirovirus 3 (human parainfluenza 3) along with various herpresviruses including human herpesvirus-1, Epstein-Barr virus (Human herpesvirus-4), Human herpesviruses 6 and 7 and human parvovirus B19 (B19V). Notably, the metagenomic analysis uncovered a widespread presence of the emerging human vientovirus FB in most of sample pools, though its clinical importance remains to be elucidated. CONCLUSIONS: The obtained results in this study underscore the invaluable role of viral metagenomics in the identification of underrecognized viruses bearing clinical relevance. Furthermore, it offers insights into the dissemination of these pathogens within the studied area, thereby informing public health strategies aimed at enhancing diagnostic accuracy and improving patient care.

Changes in tobacco use and associated factors among Brazilian adolescents: National Student Health Survey. / Mudanças no uso do tabaco entre adolescentes brasileiros e fatores associados: Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde do Escolar.

This cross-sectional study used data from Brazil's National Student Health Survey (PeNSE), from 2015 and 2019, to compare consumption of tobacco products among adolescent students in Brazil and identify associated factors. The study variables were current cigarette smoking, use of other tobacco products and use of any tobacco product. Pearson's Chi-square test was used to ascertain associations between the variables; bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed using logistic regression. Cigarette smoking remained stable between 2015 (6.6%) and 2019 (6.8%), but use of any tobacco product increased (from 10.6% in 2015 to 14.8% in 2019), involving particularly hookahs (7.8%) and e-cigarettes (2.8%). Cigarette smoking was greater among adolescents aged 16 and 17, whose skin colour was black or brown, who missed classes without permission, who reported having no friends, displayed other risk factors, such as drinking alcoholic beverages, or who were passive smokers. The prevalence of smoking has increased over the years and is associated with sociodemographic aspects and other health risk behaviour, highlighting the need for lifelong health promotion actions.

O estudo objetiva comparar o consumo de diferentes produtos do tabaco entre os escolares adolescentes no Brasil em 2015 e 2019 e identificar os fatores associados ao seu uso. Estudo transversal com dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde do Escolar (PeNSE) de 2015 e 2019. Variáveis: uso atual de cigarro, uso de outros produtos do tabaco e uso de qualquer produto do tabaco. Foi usado o teste do Qui-quadrado de Pearson para verificar associação entre as variáveis, realizada análise bivariada e a multivariada por meio da regressão logística. O uso de cigarros se manteve estável entre 2015 (6,6%) e 2019 (6,8%). Mas houve aumento do uso de qualquer produto do tabaco (de 10,6% em 2015 para 14,8% em 2019), sendo o narguilé o mais frequente (7,8%) seguido do cigarro eletrônico (2,8%). O uso de cigarro foi mais elevado entre os adolescentes de 16 e 17 anos, com cor da pele preta e parda, que faltaram as aulas sem autorização, entre aqueles que relataram não ter amigos, que apresentavam outros fatores de risco como consumir bebidas alcoólicas e que eram fumantes passivos. A prevalência de tabagismo aumentou ao longo dos anos e foi associada com aspectos sociodemográficos e a outros comportamentos de risco à saúde, o que alerta para a necessidade de ações de promoção da saúde ao longo do ciclo de vida.

Cyberbullying among Brazilian schoolchildren: data from the National Student Health Survey, 2019. / Cyberbullying entre escolares brasileiros: dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde do Escolar, 2019.

This cross-sectional study assessed data from Brazil's 2019 National Student Health Survey to investigate associations between cyberbullying and sociodemographic, family, mental health, and behavioural factors among Brazilian schoolchildren. Multivariate analysis by Poisson regression found 13.2% prevalence of cyberbullying, which was higher among adolescents who felt nobody cared about them (PR=1.47; 1.36-1.59); felt sad (PR=1.5; 1.4-1.7); reported that life was not worth living (PR=1.71; 1.59-1.84); had no friends (PR=1.68; 1.50-1.87); suffered parental aggression (PR=1.54; 1.45-1.65); missed classes without permission (PR=1.13; 1.06-1.20); used tobacco (PR=1.19; 1.10-1.30); alcoholic beverages (PR=1.16; 1.08-1.25); or illicit drugs (PR=1.14; 1.04-1.25); or had sexual intercourse (PR=1.23; 1.14-1.33). Prevalence was lower among boys (PR=0.85; 0.80-0.91); those 16-17 years old (PR=0.88; 0.82-0.95); and who reported having parental supervision in their free time (PR=0.78; 0.73-0.83). Cyberbullying has a high prevalence, highlighting the importance of monitoring this practice and establishing prevention measures in schools.

O estudo analisou a associação entre Cyberbullying e fatores sociodemográficos, familiares, de saúde mental e comportamentais em escolares (13 a 17 anos) brasileiros. Trata-se de um estudo transversal com dados da PeNSE 2019. Realizou-se análise multivariada com regressão de Poisson. A prevalência de Cyberbullying foi de 13,2% e foi maior entre os adolescentes que sentiam que ninguém se preocupava com eles (RP=1,47; 1,36-1,59); se sentiam tristes (RP=1,5; 1,4-1,7); referiram que a vida não vale a pena (RP=1,71; 1,59-1,84); não tinham amigos (RP=1,68; 1,50-1,87); sofriam agressão dos pais (RP=1,54; 1,45-1,65); faltavam às aulas sem autorização (RP=1,13; 1,06-1,20); usavam tabaco (RP=1,19; 1,10-1,30); bebidas alcóolicas (RP=1,16; 1,08-1,25); drogas ilícitas (RP=1,14; 1,04-1,25); e tiveram relação sexual (RP=1,23; 1,14-1,33). Tiveram menor prevalência os adolescentes do sexo masculino (RP=0,85; 0,80-0,91), os mais velhos (16-17 anos) (RP=0,88; 0,82-0,95) e que reportaram ter supervisão dos pais no tempo livre (RP=0,78; 0,73-0,83). O Cyberbullying tem elevada prevalência e destaca-se a importância de monitorar a prática, estabelecendo ações de prevenção nas escolas.

Parental stress, depression, anxiety and participation to care in neonatal intensive care units: results of a prospective study in Italy, Brazil and Tanzania.

BACKGROUND: Studies comparing the frequency of different mental health conditions across different settings and evaluating their association with parental participation in newborn care are lacking. We aimed at evaluating the frequency of parental stress, anxiety and depression, along with the level of participation in newborn care, among parents of newborns in Italy, Brazil and Tanzania. METHODS: Parental stress, anxiety, depression and participation in care were assessed prospectively in parents of newborns in eight neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) utilising: the Parental Stressor Scale in NICU (PSS:NICU); the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and EPDS-Anxiety subscale (EPDS-A); the Index of Parental Participation in NICU (IPP-NICU). Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Study outcomes were assessed on 742 parents (Brazil=327, Italy=191, Tanzania=224). Observed scores suggested a very high frequency of stress, anxiety and depression, with an overall estimated frequency of any of the mental health condition of 65.1%, 52.9% and 58.0% in Brazil, Italy, Tanzania, respectively (p<0.001). EPDS scores indicating depression (cut-off: ≥13 for Brazil and Tanzania, ≥12 for Italy) were significantly more frequent in Tanzania (52.3%) when compared with either Brazil (35.8%) and Italy (33.3%) (p<0.001). Parental participation in care was also significantly higher in Tanzania (median IPP-NICU=24) than in the other two countries (median=21 for Brazil, 18 for Italy, p<0.001). Severe stress (PSS:NICU ≥4) was significantly more frequently reported in Brazil (22.6%), compared with Italy (4.7%) and Tanzania (0%, p<0.001). Factors independently associated with either parental stress, anxiety or depression varied by country, and a significant association with parental participation in care was lacking. CONCLUSIONS: Study findings suggest that parental stress, anxiety and depression are extremely frequent in NICUs in all countries despite diversity in the setting, and requiring immediate action. Further studies should explore the appropriate level of parental participation in care in different settings.

Potentially inappropriate medication on communitydwelling older adults: Longitudinal analysis using the International Mobility in Aging Study. / Medicación potencialmente inapropiada en adultos mayores de la comunidad: análisis longitudinal del estudio IMIAS

Introduction: Medications are a fundamental part of the treatment of multiple pathologies. However, despite their benefits, some are considered potentially inappropriate medications for older people given their safety profile. Epidemiological data differences related to potentially inappropriate medications make it difficult to determine their effects on elderly people. Objective: To estimate the prevalence and types of potentially inappropriate medications using the 2019 Beers Criteria® in a cohort of adults older than 65 years. Materials and methods: We performed an observational, multicenter, retrospective, longitudinal study of a four-year follow-up of potentially inappropriate medications in community-dwelling older adults. Results: We followed 820 participants from five cities for four years (2012-2016) and evaluated them in three different moments (m1 = 2012, m2 = 2014, and m3 = 2016). The average age was 69.07 years, and 50.9% were women. The potentially inappropriate medication prevalence in the participants was 40.24%. The potentially inappropriate medications' mean among the studied subjects in the first moment was 1.65 (SD = 0.963), in the second was 1.73 (SD = 1.032), and in the third was 1.62 (SD = 0.915). There were no statistical differences between measurements (Friedman test, value = 0.204). The most frequent potentially inappropriate medications categories were gastrointestinal (39.4%), analgesics (18.8%), delirium-related drugs (15.4%), benzodiazepines (15.2%), and cardiovascular (14.2%). Conclusions: About half of the population of the community-dwelling older adults had prescriptions of potentially inappropriate medications in a sustained manner and without significant variability over time. Mainly potentially inappropriate medications were gastrointestinal and cardiovascular drugs, analgesics, delirium-related drugs, and benzodiazepines.

Introducción. Los fármacos son parte fundamental del tratamiento de múltiples enfermedades. Sin embargo, a pesar de sus beneficios, algunos se consideran medicamentos potencialmente inapropiados en adultos mayores, dado su perfil de seguridad. Las diferencias en los datos epidemiológicos relacionados con los medicamentos potencialmente inapropiados dificultan el establecimiento de sus efectos en adultos mayores. Objetivo. Estimar la prevalencia longitudinal y los tipos de medicamentos potencialmente inapropiados, utilizando los criterios Beers® del 2019 en una cohorte de adultos mayores de 65 años. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un estudio observacional, multicéntrico, retrospectivo y longitudinal, de cuatro años de seguimiento de los medicamentos potencialmente inapropiados en adultos mayores de la comunidad. Resultados. Se evaluaron 820 participantes de cinco ciudades durante cuatro años (2012 a 2016) en tres momentos (m1: 2012, m2: 2014 y m3; 2016). La edad promedio fue de 69,07 años y el 50,9 % eran mujeres. La prevalencia de medicamentos potencialmente inapropiados en los participantes fue del 40,24 %. El promedio de estos medicamentos entre los sujetos estudiados en el primer momento fue de 1,65 (DE = 0,963), en el segundo fue de 1,73 (DE = 1,032) y en el tercero fue de 1,62 (DE = 0,915). No hubo diferencias estadísticas entre las mediciones (prueba de Friedman, p = 0,204). Las categorías de los medicamentos potencialmente inapropiados más frecuentes fueron: gastrointestinales (39,4 %), analgésicos (18,8 %), relacionados con delirium (15,4 %), benzodiacepinas (15,2 %) y cardiovasculares (14,2 %). Conclusiones. En cerca de la mitad de la población de adultos mayores de la comunidad, se prescribieron medicamentos potencialmente inapropiados de manera sostenida y sin variabilidad importante en el tiempo. Los más recetados fueron aquellos para tratar malestares gastrointestinales y cardiovasculares, analgésicos, para el delirium y benzodiacepinas.

Pregnancy in girls under 14 years old: Spatial analysis in Brazil, 2011-2021. / Gravidez em meninas menores de 14 anos: análise espacial no Brasil, 2011 a 2021.

The objective was to analyze the spatial distribution of pregnancy in children under 14 years and six months by Brazilian region and municipality and sociodemographic and health characteristics of pregnant women and live births. Ecological study analyzing the Live Birth Information System (SINASC) from 2011 to 2021 in three age groups (< 14 years and six months, 15-19 years, and 20 years and above) by demographic and birth variables. We applied the Global and Local Moran. A total of 127,022 live births to girls aged 10-14 years were identified during the period, most of whom were Black, 21.1% in common-law or married relationships, with a lower proportion of seven prenatal care appointments and enrollment in the first trimester, a higher proportion of low birth weight and low Apgar score, residing in the North and Northeast. The mean live birth rate for 10-to-14-year-old girls was significantly autocorrelated with space, especially in municipalities of the Midwest and North. Pregnancy from 10 to 14 years of age reveals several vulnerabilities suffered by these girls due to pregnancy at an early age, which is more common among Black women, with implications for morbimortality for them and their children and the presumed violence in these cases, including denied access to legal abortion.

O objetivo foi analisar a distribuição espacial da gravidez em menores de 14 anos e seis meses segundo regiões e municípios brasileiros e características sociodemográficas e de saúde das parturientes e nascidos vivos. Estudo ecológico, analisando o Sistema de Informação sobre Nascidos Vivos (SINASC), 2011-2021, em três grupos etários (<14 anos e 6 meses, 15-19 e 20 anos e mais), segundo variáveis demográficas e do parto. Foram aplicados os Índices Global e Local de Moran. No período foram 127.022 nascidos vivos de meninas 10-14 anos, na maioria negras, 21,1% em união estável ou casadas, com menor proporção de 7 consultas de pré-natal e captação no primeiro trimestre, maior proporção de baixo peso ao nascer e baixo índice de Apgar, residentes nas regiões Norte e Nordeste. A taxa média de nascidos vivos de 10-14 anos mostrou autocorrelação significativa com o espaço, especialmente em municípios do Centro-Oeste e Norte. A gravidez de 10 a 14 revela uma sequência de vulnerabilidades sofridas por essas meninas, pela gravidez em idade precoce, maior frequência entre negras, com implicações na morbimortalidade para ela e seus filhos; e pela violência presumida nesses casos, incluindo o acesso negado ao aborto legal.

Genetic polymorphisms associated with developmental defects of enamel: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Polymorphisms in genes related to enamel formation and mineralization may increase the risk of developmental defects of enamel (DDE). AIM: To evaluate the existing literature on genetic polymorphisms associated with DDE. DESIGN: This systematic review was registered in the PROSPERO (CRD42018115270). The literature search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, BBO, Cochrane Library, and in the gray literature. Observational studies assessing the association between DDE and genetic polymorphism were included. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess the risk of bias. RESULTS: One thousand one hundred and forty-six articles were identified, and 28 met the inclusion criteria. Five studies presented a low risk of bias. Ninety-two genes related to enamel development, craniofacial patterning morphogenesis, immune response, and hormone transcription/reception were included. Molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) and/or hypomineralization of primary second molars (HPSM) were associated with 80 polymorphisms of genes responsible for enamel development, immune response, morphogenesis, and xenobiotic detoxication. A significant association was found between the different clinical manifestations of dental fluorosis (DF) with nine polymorphisms of genes responsible for enamel development, craniofacial development, hormonal transcription/reception, and oxidative stress. Hypoplasia was associated with polymorphisms located in intronic regions. CONCLUSION: MIH, HPSM, DF, and hypoplasia reported as having a complex etiology are significantly associated with genetic polymorphisms of several genes.

Analysis of the indications for and results of breast cancer screening by magnetic resonance imaging at a cancer center in Brazil.

Objective: To evaluate the indications for and results of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations for breast cancer screening at a cancer center in Brazil. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective observational study, based on electronic medical records, of patients undergoing MRI for breast cancer screening at a cancer center in Brazil. Results: We included 597 patients between 19 and 82 years of age. The main indications for MRI screening were a personal history of breast cancer, in 354 patients (59.3%), a family history of breast cancer, in 102 (17.1%), and a confirmed genetic mutation, in 67 (11.2%). The MRI result was classified, in accordance with the categories defined in the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System, as benign (category 1 or 2), in 425 patients (71.2%), probably benign (category 3), in 143 (24.0%), or suspicious (category 4 or 5), in 29 (4.9%). On MRI, 11 malignant tumors were identified, all of which were invasive carcinomas. Among those 11 carcinomas, six (54.5%) were categorized as minimal cancers (< 1 cm), and the axillary lymph nodes were negative in 10 (90.9%). The cancer detection rate was 18.4/1,000 examinations, and the positive predictive value for suspicious lesions submitted to biopsy was 37.9%. Conclusion: In our sample, the main indication for breast MRI screening was a personal history of breast cancer. The results indicate that MRI is a highly accurate method for the early detection of breast neoplasms in this population.

Objetivo: Avaliar as indicações e resultados de exames de ressonância magnética (RM) para rastreamento de câncer de mama em um centro oncológico no Brasil. Materiais e Métodos: Estudo observacional, realizado mediante análise retrospectiva de pacientes submetidos a RM das mamas para rastreamento de câncer de mama, por meio de revisão do prontuário eletrônico em um centro oncológico. Resultados: Foram incluídas 597 pacientes com idade variando de 19 a 82 anos. As principais indicações para rastreamento foram história pessoal de câncer de mama em 354 (59,3%) pacientes, história familiar em 102 (17,1%) e mutação genética confirmada em 67 (11,2%). O resultado da RM foi benigno (BI-RADS 1 ou 2) em 425 (71,2%) pacientes, provavelmente benigno (BI-RADS 3) em 143 (24,0%) e suspeito (BI-RADS 4 ou 5) em 29 (4,9%). Foram identificados 11 tumores malignos na RM, todos carcinomas invasivos, porcentagem de cânceres "mínimos" (< 1 cm) de 54,5% e porcentagem de axila negativa de 90,9%. A taxa de detecção de câncer na RM foi 18,4/1000 exames e o valor preditivo positivo para as lesões suspeitas submetidas a biópsia foi 37,9%. Conclusão: A principal indicação para RM de rastreamento na nossa população foi história pessoal de câncer de mama. Os resultados mostraram que a RM constitui um método com alta acurácia para detecção precoce de neoplasias da mama nessa população.

Which are the clinical consequences of Molar Incisor hypomineralization (MIH) in children and adolescents? Systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review was conducted to address the following research question: "What are the clinical consequences (outcome) of Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) (exposure) in children and adolescents (population/patient)?". MATERIAL AND METHODS: After defining the strategy, a search was performed in different databases (MEDLINE via Pubmed, Cochrane Library, BBO, LILACS, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase) and Grey literature in August 2023. Cross-sectional observational studies that identified clinical consequences of MIH (dental caries, post-eruptive structural loss, atypical restorations, hypersensitivity and tooth extraction) were included. The risk of bias was assessed following the Joanna Briggs Institute protocol for cross-sectional studies. Meta-analyses were conducted for each outcome, taking into account the number of patients and teeth. The effect measure considered was the prevalence; random-effects model was adopted. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistics and prediction intervals (PI). RESULTS: A total of 903 studies were identified; 41 were selected for qualitative analysis and 38 for quantitative analysis. Twenty eight studies were classified as presenting uncertain risk of bias, 11 as low risk and 3 as high risk of bias. The prevalence levels, ranked from highest to lowest and considering the tooth and patient units, respectively, were: caries lesions (0.252 - 95% CI 0.158-0.375; 0.512 - 95% CI 0.385-0.639); hypersensitivity (0.286 - 95% CI 0.190-0.407; 0.417 - 95% CI 0.197-0.674), post-eruptive fracture (0.125 - 95% CI 0.099-0.158; 0.257 - 95% CI 0.145-0.412); atypical restorations (0.048 - 95% CI 0.030-0.077; 0.167 - 95% CI 0.096 - 0.274); tooth extraction (0.012 - 95% CI 0.007-0.019; 0.090 - 95% CI 0.019 - 0.331). All meta-analyses resulted in heterogeneity greater than 85%, with the exception of the outcome "tooth extraction" according to the tooth unit (I2 = 57.83). This heterogeneity may be attributed to factors such as differences in the location where the study was realized, the socioeconomic conditions of the studied population, the asymmetric nature of MIH, and patient age. CONCLUSION: The most common consequences of MIH are caries lesions, hypersensitivity, and post-eruptive breakdown. (PROSPERO:CRD42020201410).

Association of defects of enamel with polymorphisms in the vitamin D receptor and parathyroid hormone genes.

This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the association between developmental defects of enamel (DDE) and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the genes encoding the vitamin D receptor (VDR) and parathyroid hormone (PTH). Orthodontic patients receiving treatment at a dental school were selected through convenience sampling. Intra-oral photographs were used to assess DDE, which were classified according to the criteria proposed by Ghanim et al. (2015) by a single calibrated examiner (Kappa>0.80). Enamel hypoplasia, molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH), hypomimineralized second primary molar (HSPM), and non-MIH/HSPM demarcated opacities were considered for the analysis. Genomic DNA was extracted from buccal cells. The SNPs in VDR (rs7975232) and PHT (rs694, rs6256, and rs307247) were genotyped using real-time polymerase chain reactions (PCR). Statistical analyses were performed using the PLINK software (version 1.03, designed by Shaun Purcell, EUA). Chi-square or Fisher's exact tests were performed at a significance level of 5%. Ninety-one (n=91) patients (49 females and 42 males) (mean age of 14.1±5.8 years) were included. The frequency of DDE was 38.5% (35 patients). Genotype distributions were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. No significant statistical association was found between DDE and the SNPs evaluated. A borderline association (p=0.09) was observed between DDE and the CC haplotype for SNP rs7975232 in VDR. In conclusion, the selected SNPs in VDR and PTH genes were not associated with DDE in the studied samples.

Examining the Use of VR as a Study Aid for University Students with ADHD.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by patterns of inattention and impulsivity, which lead to difficulties maintaining concentration and motivation while completing academic tasks. University settings, characterized by a high student-to-staff ratio, make treatments relying on human monitoring challenging. One potential replacement is Virtual Reality (VR) technology, which has shown potential to enhance learning outcomes and promote flow experience. In this study, we investigate the usage of VR with 27 university students with ADHD in an effort to improve their performance in ctableompleting homework, including an exploration of automated feedback via a technology probe. Quantitative results show significant increases in concentration, motivation, and effort levels during these VR sessions and qualitative data offers insight into considerations like comfort and deployment. Together, the results suggest that VR can be a valuable tool in leveling the playing field for university students with ADHD.

Cytotoxicity Screening of Sterculia striata A.St.-Hil. & Naudin (Chichá) and Arachis hypogaea L. (Peanut) and Comparative Chemical Profiles Before and After in Vitro Digestion.

This study traced the cytotoxicity, antioxidant activity, and phytochemical profile before and after in vitro digestion of nuts from Sterculia striata A. St.-Hil. & Naudin (Malvaceae) (chichá or monkey's peanut), a native plant from Brazil, in comparison with Arachis hypogaea L. (peanut). The antioxidant activity in the 2,2'-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power Assay (FRAP) assays was lower in chichá when compared with peanuts, corroborating the lower concentration of polyphenols. None of the samples studied showed significant cytotoxicity in 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromideDAD: diode-array detection (MTT) assays. In vitro digestion altered the phytochemical profile in both plants, increasing the concentration of rutin in fresh and roasted chichá but only in raw peanuts. In roasted peanuts, rutin was converted into quercetin. Chichá nuts have been used by the local population for centuries, and the identification of their bioactive components can be useful to promote their benefits as a functional food.

The creation of the Fundação Brasileira para a Conservação da Natureza.

This study within the field of environmental history explores the scenario amid which the Fundação Brasileira para a Conservação da Natureza (Brazilian Foundation for Nature Conservation) was founded between 1958 and 1966; this important Brazilian non-governmental organization headquartered in Rio de Janeiro worked at the local, national, and international levels. Primary documentary sources were utilized, along with research of the related literature. The conclusions demonstrate the importance of non-governmental organizations predating this foundation, and the influence of conservationists on its establishment and current work.

Evolution of mortality rates among women of reproductive age in Brazilian municipalities: an ecological analysis using Global Burden of Disease estimates.

OBJECTIVES: Women's mortality at a reproductive age has been a global concern, and its decrease has been incorporated as a target of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The aim of this study was to describe the spatial-temporal evolution of mortality rates among women of reproductive age in Brazilian municipalities by groups of causes and socioeconomic indicators from 2000 to 2018. STUDY DESIGN: Ecological analysis. METHODS: This work was an ecological, descriptive study that analyzed estimates of mortality rates among women of reproductive age (15-49 years) by main groups of causes of death from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study in three consecutive trienniums, T1 (2000-2002), T2 (2009-2011), and T3 (2016-2018). To quantify the temporal evolution in mortality rates, the present study calculated the percentage change for each triennium. The spatial analysis of mortality rates was carried out using Moran's index. The Pearson coefficient was used to analyze the correlation between the data. RESULTS: A significant decline in mortality rates was found for all groups of causes in all regions of the country. Despite the downward trend, the percentage change from 2009 to 2011 to 2016 to 2018 showed a decrease in the group of Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) and external causes. The decline in mortality rates of women due to external causes showed only a minimal change in the North and Northeast regions from T2 to T3, whereas a cluster of neighboring municipalities with high mortality rates persisted in the municipalities of the South region and in the state of Roraima. The ranking of the main causes of death in Brazilian municipalities showed an increase in neoplasms in detriment to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). CONCLUSIONS: The main causes of death in women of reproductive age at a more local level could be used to recognize inequalities and to develop interventions aimed at tackling premature and preventable deaths.

Dentin hypersensitivity and toothache among patients diagnosed with Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of dentin hypersensitivity (DH) and toothache in patients with Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH); and evaluate whether patients with MIH have greater likelihood of presenting DH/toothache than controls. DATA: Studies evaluating DH/toothache in patients with MIH were included. Studies focusing on other enamel defects were excluded. SOURCES: Eight databases, including grey literature, were searched in January 2024. STUDY SELECTION: The methodological quality of studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist for Cross-sectional studies. Proportion and association meta-analyses, subgrouped by diagnostic methods, were conducted. The certainty of evidence was assessed using GRADE approach. RESULTS: Fifteen studies were included in the qualitative analysis and fourteen in the meta-analyses. Two studies fulfilled all items of the methodological quality checklist. The overall prevalence of DH/toothache among patients with MIH was 45 %. Prevalence rates of 30 %, 47 %, and 55 % were estimated based on proxy reports, self-reports, and air stimulation, respectively. The overall prevalence of DH/toothache per tooth was 22 %, ranging from 16 % to 29 % according to the diagnostic method. Patients with MIH demonstrated higher likelihood of presenting proxy reports of DH/toothache compared to those without MIH (OR: 1.51, 95 % CI [1.23-1.85], P < 0.01, I2: 0 %). The certainty of evidence was very low, mainly due to the low methodological quality of included studies and high inconsistency. CONCLUSIONS: The global prevalence of DH/toothache was 22 %, per tooth, and 45 % per patient. Estimates vary according to diagnostic methods. Patients with MIH showed higher likelihood of presenting proxy reports of DH/toothache than controls. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This systematic review contributes valuable information to the dental literature by assessing the prevalence and associated factors of DH/toothache in patients with MIH. The findings can guide future research, inform clinical practices and public policy makers, and ultimately improve the management of oral health of patients with MIH. REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42023432805.

Can We Use the Maximum Phonation Time as a Screening of Pulmonary Forced Vital Capacity in Post-COVID-19 Syndrome Patients?

OBJECTIVE: To verify the accuracy of the maximum phonation time of the vowel /a/ (MPT/a/), fricative /s/ (MPT/s/), number counting (MPTC), and number reached in this count (CN) to estimate forced vital capacity (FVC) in patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome. METHOD: Cross-sectional study involving adult patients, who were admitted to the intensive care unit and referred to the Post-COVID-19 Rehabilitation Outpatient Clinic. Voice function was assessed using a Vocal Handicap Index (VHI) self-assessment questionnaire and MPT tests. To perform the phonatory tests, the patients remained in a standing posture and were instructed to inhale as much air as possible and, during a single exhalation, at usual pitch and loudness, sustain the emission of /a/ and /s/; and in another breath, to perform the ascending numerical count, starting from the number one up to the highest number they could reach. Pulmonary function was assessed by spirometry. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted, and FVC values lower than the normal limit by Z-score (fifth percentile) were classified as impaired lung function. The predictive values and likelihood ratios were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 70 patients participated, with 20-30% having a high VHI. Approximately 24% had an FVC impairment and significantly low values of MPT/a/, MPT/s/, MPTC, and CN. The test results showed overall accuracy of 70% and the cutoff points of 9.69, 6.78, 10.60, and 13, respectively, with high sensitivity, predictive negative value and low specificity, predictive positive value, and positive likelihood ratio. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the MPT has moderate discriminatory power for FVC impairment, indicating that it is not a reliable indicator of pulmonary function in the population studied. Therefore, in patients with an MPT of less than 10.60 seconds, or a CN lower than 13, other criteria should be added to improve the diagnostic accuracy and support the decision to perform more complex investigations.