Microwave-induced combustion for further determination of potentially toxic elements in honey by ICP-MS.

Microwave-induced combustion (MIC) was proposed in this study for honey decomposition aiming for As, Cd, Hg, and Pb determination by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Sample mass (up to 1.0 g), absorbing solution (0.5 to 14.4 mol L-1 HNO3, and H2O), heating program, and combustion aids were evaluated. The Eurachem guidelines were used for method validation. The proposed method enabled combustion of a high sample mass (0.8 g of honey, with 0.4 g of microcrystalline cellulose and 100 µL of 6 mol L-1 NH4NO3) using 6 mL of an absorbing solution consisting of 1 mol L-1 HNO3, which resulted in low residual carbon in solution (< 25 mg L-1). Honey samples from different geographical origins were analyzed. Results showed no significant difference in comparison to other two microwave decomposition methods, based on microwave-assisted wet digestion with single reaction chamber (MAWD-SRC) and microwave-assisted wet digestion (MAWD). Standard addition experiments resulted in recoveries higher than 98%. The limits of detection ranged from 1.10 (As) to 4.60 ng g-1 (Pb). In addition to using only diluted reagents and resulting in digests virtually free of interferences, the proposed method was faster (< 30 min) than most of those presented in the literature.

Urgent-Start Peritoneal Dialysis: Brazilian Experience.

INTRODUCTION: Unplanned peritoneal dialysis (PD) is an important option for chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients requiring kidney replacement therapy urgently as it offers the convenience of home-based therapy. The objective of this study was to assess the Brazilian urgent-start PD program in three different dialysis centers where there is shortage of hemodialysis (HD) beds. METHODS: This prospective, multicentric cohort study included incident patients with stage 5 CKD and no permanent vascular access established who started urgent PD between July 2014 and July 2020 in three different hospitals. Urgent-start PD was defined as initiation of treatment up to 72 h after catheter placement. Patients were followed up from catheter insertion and assessed according to mechanical and infectious complications related to PD, patients, and technique survival. RESULTS: Over 6 years, 370 patients were included in all three study centers. Mean patient age was 57.8 ± 16.32 years. Diabetic kidney disease was the main underlying condition (35.1%) and uremia was the main cause for dialysis indication (81.1%). Concerning complications related to PD, 24.3% had mechanical complications, 27.3% had peritonitis, 28.01% had technique failure, and 17.8% died. On logistic regression, hospitalization (p = 0.003) and exit site infection (p = 0.002) were identified as predictors of peritonitis, while mechanical complications (p = 0.004) and peritonitis (p < 0.001) were identified as predictors of technique failure and switching to HD. Age (p < 0.001), hospitalization (p = 0.012), and bacteremia (p = 0.021) were observed to predict death. The number of patients on PD increased at least 140% in all three participating centers. CONCLUSION: PD is a feasible option for patients starting dialysis in an unplanned manner and may be a useful tool for reducing shortage of HD beds.

Kappa and beta-casein alleles in dairy zebu cattle.

The kappa (CSN3) and beta-casein (CSN2) genes are intensively genotyped in dairy cattle for selection purposes. This information is also generated and disseminated for Zebu breeds adapted to tropical climates. The objective of this work was to gather information on the genotypes for the CSN3 and CSN2 genes in three breeds (Gyr, Guzerat and Sindhi), and to verify the genotypic frequencies in the populations. The genotype AA and allele A frequencies are high for the CSN3 gene, without changes in values over the years, possibly indicating a small gene participation in traits under selection. In addition, the A2A2 frequencies are high for the CSN2 gene (<∼0.80). It is recommended to verify the association and contribution of CSN3 genotypes in productive traits for these breeds. The potential of A2 milk production by these genetic groups is also confirmed.

Integrative Analysis of the Ethanol Tolerance of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Ethanol (EtOH) alters many cellular processes in yeast. An integrated view of different EtOH-tolerant phenotypes and their long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) is not yet available. Here, large-scale data integration showed the core EtOH-responsive pathways, lncRNAs, and triggers of higher (HT) and lower (LT) EtOH-tolerant phenotypes. LncRNAs act in a strain-specific manner in the EtOH stress response. Network and omics analyses revealed that cells prepare for stress relief by favoring activation of life-essential systems. Therefore, longevity, peroxisomal, energy, lipid, and RNA/protein metabolisms are the core processes that drive EtOH tolerance. By integrating omics, network analysis, and several other experiments, we showed how the HT and LT phenotypes may arise: (1) the divergence occurs after cell signaling reaches the longevity and peroxisomal pathways, with CTA1 and ROS playing key roles; (2) signals reaching essential ribosomal and RNA pathways via SUI2 enhance the divergence; (3) specific lipid metabolism pathways also act on phenotype-specific profiles; (4) HTs take greater advantage of degradation and membraneless structures to cope with EtOH stress; and (5) our EtOH stress-buffering model suggests that diauxic shift drives EtOH buffering through an energy burst, mainly in HTs. Finally, critical genes, pathways, and the first models including lncRNAs to describe nuances of EtOH tolerance are reported here.

High prevalence of self-reported non-motor symptoms and lack of correlation with motor severity in adult patients with idiopathic isolated dystonia.

BACKGROUND: Although abnormal movements and postures are the hallmark of dystonia, non-motor symptoms (NMS) are common and negatively affect quality of life. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to screen dystonia patients for NMS and analyze their association with clinical parameters, including motor disability. METHODS: Adult patients with idiopathic isolated dystonia were interviewed and examined. Dystonia severity was evaluated with the Fahn-Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale and the presence of NMS was assessed using a list of 29 complaints. RESULTS: A hundred and two patients (63.7% female) were enrolled. Dystonia began after 20 years of age in 61.8% and was focal or segmental in 82.8% of patients. Only eight patients (7.8%) had no NMS and 59.8% reported more than five. The most prevalent NMS were pain (72.5%) and anxiety (63.7%), followed by difficulty recalling information (44.1%), sadness/anhedonia (41.2%), and difficulty falling asleep (38.2%). No correlation was found between the total number of NMS and dystonia severity (p = 0.18) or regular botulinum toxin use (p = 0.66). The majority of NMS domains correlated with each other. CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm a high prevalence of NMS among dystonia patients, even in those with mild motor disability. The pathophysiology of NMS in dystonia remains to be completely understood.

Haloperidol-induced catalepsy as an animal model for parkinsonism: A systematic review of experimental studies.

Several useful animal models for parkinsonism have been developed so far. Haloperidol-induced catalepsy is often used as a rodent model for the study of motor impairments observed in Parkinson's disease and related disorders and for the screening of potential antiparkinsonian compounds. The objective of this systematic review is to identify publications that used the haloperidol-induced catalepsy model for parkinsonism and to explore the methodological characteristics and the main questions addressed in these studies. A careful systematic search of the literature was carried out by accessing articles in three different databases: Web of Science, PubMed and SCOPUS. The selection and inclusion of studies were performed based on the abstract and, subsequently, on full-text analysis. Data extraction included the objective of the study, study design and outcome of interest. Two hundred and fifty-five articles were included in the review. Publication years ranged from 1981 to 2020. Most studies used the model to explore the effects of potential treatments for parkinsonism. Although the methodological characteristics used are quite varied, most studies used Wistar rats as experimental subjects. The most frequent dose of haloperidol used was 1.0 mg/kg, and the horizontal bar test was the most used to assess catalepsy. The data presented here provide a framework for an evidence-based approach to the design of preclinical research on parkinsonism using the haloperidol-induced catalepsy model. This model has been used routinely and successfully and is likely to continue to play a critical role in the ongoing search for the next generation of therapeutic interventions for parkinsonism.

Open Practical Laboratories in the Neurosciences: An outreach program for neuroscience communication in middle schools.

The Open Practical Laboratory in the Neurosciences is an outreach program that seeks to improve the knowledge of the neurosciences by elementary school students and to promote better attitudes in relation to neuroscience, science in general, and scientists. It consists in practical and demonstration activities on the theme of the neurosciences. This outreach strategy was applied in four public schools in a municipality in Southeastern Pará, Brazil characterized by low performance in educational reviews in Brazil. Students from both sexes from 9th grade (last grade before high school) were enrolled in the program. The outreach program improved students' knowledge about the neurosciences, and promoted better attitudes in relation to science and scientists, in comparison to students who did not go through the activities. Results suggest that scientific outreach strategies can produce results beyond immediate increases in knowledge, promoting better attitudes in relation to science.

Polarization-resolved microscopy reveals a muscle myosin motor-independent mechanism of molecular actin ordering during sarcomere maturation.

Sarcomeres are stereotyped force-producing mini-machines of striated muscles. Each sarcomere contains a pseudocrystalline order of bipolar actin and myosin filaments, which are linked by titin filaments. During muscle development, these three filament types need to assemble into long periodic chains of sarcomeres called myofibrils. Initially, myofibrils contain immature sarcomeres, which gradually mature into their pseudocrystalline order. Despite the general importance, our understanding of myofibril assembly and sarcomere maturation in vivo is limited, in large part because determining the molecular order of protein components during muscle development remains challenging. Here, we applied polarization-resolved microscopy to determine the molecular order of actin during myofibrillogenesis in vivo. This method revealed that, concomitantly with mechanical tension buildup in the myotube, molecular actin order increases, preceding the formation of immature sarcomeres. Mechanistically, both muscle and nonmuscle myosin contribute to this actin order gain during early stages of myofibril assembly. Actin order continues to increase while myofibrils and sarcomeres mature. Muscle myosin motor activity is required for the regular and coordinated assembly of long myofibrils but not for the high actin order buildup during sarcomere maturation. This suggests that, in muscle, other actin-binding proteins are sufficient to locally bundle or cross-link actin into highly regular arrays.

Playing remotely in times of crisis: A program to overcome social isolation.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to examine the feasibility of an intergenerational remote intervention program designed to promote the wellbeing and social connection of vulnerable older adults, mainly people with aphasia and dementia during the COVID-19 pandemic in the south of Brazil. Undergraduate students were guided to lead weekly sessions of clowning, storytelling, dancing, and cooking-related activities for 3 months (from November/2020 to February/2021). METHOD: The mixed-method design of the study addresses the implementation and feasibility of the program. Data analysis considered both quantitative-number of individuals who accepted the invitation to participate, voluntary dropouts, attendance-and qualitative data-participative observation and thematic analysis of evaluative conversations. An inclusive group of 34 older adults with stroke-induced cognitive impairments, dementia and individuals without any neurological conditions enrolled in the program based on social and racial equity principles. Feasibility and acceptability were addressed in terms of recruitment, implementation, remote evaluation, delivery of remote intervention, adherence, and attendance. Activities and participants' perceptions are described. RESULTS: The initial period of the program achieved 83.7% of adherence and sustainability for additional 3 months. Preliminary results suggest feasibility and acceptability, considering formal and informal support in digital inclusion. Participatory observations describe that the structure of sessions and activities were well received. The analysis of participants' perceptions detects the thematic saliency of feelings of social connection and a sense of having learned with the group. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary results of this study demonstrate the feasibility and acceptability of the program, pointing to its potential mental health benefits.

Biological and antimicrobial properties of the association Ambroxol and a water-soluble viscous liquid as a vehicle for a tricalcium silicate-based sealer.

This study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial and biological properties of Ambroxol associated with glycerin (GLI), propylene glycol (PG), and polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a possible vehicle for an experimental tricalcium silicate sealer, with the intention of developing a new biomaterial. Mouse undifferentiated dental pulp cells (OD-21) were cultured, and the effects of different association on cell proliferation and inflammatory cytokine production were investigated. Antimicrobial adhesion of Enterococcus faecalis to setting sealers at 2 h was evaluated. Polyethylene tubes containing experimental sealers and empty tubes were implanted into dorsal connective tissues of 12 male 3- to 4-months-old Wistar rats (250-280 g). After 7 and 30 days, the tubes were removed and processed for histological and immunohistochemical analyses. ANOVA followed by Bonferroni correction and ANOVA followed by Tukey test was used for parametric data and Kruskal-Wallis followed by Dunn for nonparametric (p < 0.05). Cell proliferation was dose-dependent, since all association were cytotoxic at higher concentrations; however, Ambroxol-PEG showed significantly higher cytotoxicity than other association (p < 0.05). In addition, irrespective of the association, no cytokine production was observed in vitro. Ambroxol-GLI reduced bacterial viability, whereas Ambroxol-PEG increased (p < 0.05). Histological examination showed no significant difference in the inflammatory response (p > 0.05) and mineralization ability in all association. Additionally, IL-1ß and TNF-α were upregulated on Ambroxol-PEG in relation to Control at 07 days (p < 0.05). Ambroxol-GLI was the best vehicle for experimental tricalcium silicate sealer, as it promoted an increase in antimicrobial activity without altering the inflammatory response or mineralization ability.

Reconnaître l'expérience vécue de la maladie : la recherche «â€ˆCroiser les expériences ¼.

INTRODUCTION: The action-training research project "Crossing Experiences: Towards a Transformation of Care Action in Chronic Illness" aims to offer an introduction to narrative approaches (NA), including moments of biographical narration and moments of explanation, to a mixed audience composed of patient-peer caregivers, care professionals and family caregivers interested in intervening in therapeutic patient education (TPE) programs. OBJECTIVE: To present the initial results of the training component of this research and to identify the forms of enunciation revealing traces of the construction of an emancipatory approach to care and support relationships within the framework of TPE programs. METHODOLOGY: The NAs were presented and then applied to different stages of TPE during three days of training. Collective discussions with participants were recorded. The ex-post content analyses carried out on the basis of these discussions sought to identify what interest(s) the NAs could offer, particularly in terms of experiential knowledge. RESULTS: The design of the training, centred on ethics and a non-directive, comprehensive approach, made it possible to develop an atmosphere of confidentiality, favouring the learning and practice of the DAs involved. These were implemented at different stages of the TPE process, by both carers and patients and carer-partners, and were accompanied by the adoption of an educational stance conducive to the coconstruction of care. DISCUSSION: The results show the potential of NAs to collaborate in strengthening democracy in health through the legitimisation of experiential knowledge that emerges from lived experience. CONCLUSIONS: Training in NA based on the narration of experiences and learning acquired and their explicitation through a relationship based on respect provides avenues for collaborative work in TPE by bringing out forms of mediation, capable of grasping the dimensions of life before, during and after the disease, which are formative for people. The use of NAs is also a lever for transforming the educational process, by allowing patients and caregivers to become partners with TPE caregivers.

Ion Pair Strategy in Solid Lipid Nanoparticles: a Targeted Approach to Improve Epidermal Targeting with Controlled Adapalene Release, Resulting Reduced Skin Irritation.

PURPOSE: Adapalene (AD) is one of the main retinoids used in the topical therapy of acne, an extremely common skin disease usually associated with psychological morbidity. However, like other retinoids, AD is frequently associated with skin irritation. To overcome the skin irritation, we proposed the encapsulation of AD in solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) using the ion pair strategy. METHODS: The developed SLN-AD was characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering, and transmission electron microscopy. In vitro permeation tests using porcine skin and in vivo mice skin irritation test were performed to evaluate, respectively, the drug's skin distribution and the skin irritation. RESULTS: The characterization studies were able to demonstrate that the proposed strategy effectively provided high AD encapsulation in SLNs and its incorporation into a hydrophilic gel. Sustained release, epidermal targeting, and less skin irritation were observed for SLN-AD gel in comparison to the marketed AD gel. CONCLUSIONS: The studies demonstrated that the encapsulation of AD in SLNs through the formation of an ion pair is a valuable alternative to diminish the adverse skin reactions caused by AD and can optimize patient adherence to treatment.

Peritoneal Dialysis as an Urgent-Start Option for Incident Patients on Chronic Renal Replacement Therapy: World Experience and Review of Literature.

Chronic kidney disease is a significant problem of public health worldwide, and up to 60% of patients start dialysis in an unplanned manner without a definitive dialysis access. Recently, peritoneal dialysis (PD) has emerged as an alternative to unplanned chronic dialytic method, and the world collective experience shows that PD can be an efficient, safe, and cost-effective alternative with comparable outcomes to the planned PD and urgent-start hemodialysis (HD). More importantly, as compared to urgent-start HD using a central venous catheter, urgent-start PD has significantly fewer incidences of catheter-related bloodstream infections, dialysis-related mechanical complications, and need for dialysis catheter reinsertions during the initial time of the therapy. An integrative review was conducted on PD urgent start compared to HD urgent start and to planned PD, identifying its potential advantages and limitations. Literature search was performed within multiple databases, and observational studies on clinical experience with urgent PD were reviewed and appraised.

Structure and function of class III pistil-specific extensin-like protein in interspecific reproductive barriers.

BACKGROUND: The transmitting tissue of the style is the pathway for pollen tube growth to the ovules and has components that function in recognizing and discriminating appropriate pollen genotypes. In Nicotiana tabacum, the class III pistil extensin-like (PELPIII) arabinogalactan protein is essential for the inhibition of N. obtusifolia pollen tube growth. The transmitting tissue-specific (TTS) arabinogalactan protein amino acid sequence and expression pattern is similar to PELPIII, but it facilitates self-pollinated N. tabacum. The TTS and PELPIII arabinogalactan protein can be divided into the less conserved N-terminal (NTD) and the more conserved C-terminal (CTD) domains. This research tested whether the NTD is the key domain in determining PELPIII function in the inhibition of interspecific pollen tube growth. Three variant PELPIII gene constructs were produced where the PELPIII NTD was exchanged with the TTS NTD and a single amino acid change (cysteine to alanine) was introduced into the PELPIII NTD. The PELPIII variants of N. tabacum were tested for activity by measuring the inhibition N. obtusifolia pollen tube growth by using them to complement a 3'UTR RNAi transgenic line with reduced PELPIII mRNA. RESULTS: The RNAi N. tabacum line had reduced PELPIII mRNA accumulation and reduced inhibition of N. obtusifolia pollen tube growth, but had no effect on self-pollen tube growth or pollen tube growth of 12 other Nicotiana species. The NTD of PELPIII with either the PELPIII or TTS CTDs complemented the loss PELPIII activity in the RNAi transgenic line as measured by inhibition of N. obtusifolia pollen tube growth. The TTS NTD with the PELPIII CTD and a variant PELPIII with a cysteine to alanine mutation in its NTD failed to complement the loss of PELPIII activity and did not inhibit N. obtusifolia pollen tube growth. CONCLUSION: The NTD is a key determinant in PELPIII's function in regulating interspecific pollen tube growth and is a first step toward understanding the mechanism of how PELPIII NTD regulates pollen tube growth.

Modulation of all-trans retinoic acid-induced MiRNA expression in neoplastic cell lines: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Cancer is a genetic and epigenetic disease that involves inactivation of tumor suppressor genes and activation of proto-oncogenes. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) is an isomer of retinoic acid involved in the onset of differentiation and apoptosis of a number of normal and cancer cells, functioning as an anti-cancer agent in several neoplasms. Ectopic changes in the expression of certain microRNAs (miRNAs) occur in response to ATRA, leading to phenotypic alterations in neoplastic cell lines. Moreover, the modulation of miRNA patterns upon ATRA-treatment may represent an effective chemopreventive and anti-cancer therapy strategy. The present systematic review was performed to provide an overview of the modulation of ATRA-induced miRNA expression in different types of neoplastic cells and identify the efficacy of intervention factors (i.e., concentration and duration of treatment) and how they influence expression profiles of oncogenesis-targeting miRNAs. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted according to the PRISMA statement via the US National Library of Medicine MEDLINE/PubMed bibliographic search engine. RESULTS: The search identified 31 experimental studies involving human cell lines from nine different cancer types (neuroblastoma, acute myeloid leukemia, breast cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, glioma, glioblastoma, embryonal carcinoma, and colorectal cancer) treated with ATRA at concentrations ranging from 10- 3 µmol/L to 102 µmol mol/L for 24 h to 21 days. CONCLUSION: The concentrations used and the duration of treatment of cancer cells with ATRA varied widely. The presence of ATRA in the culture medium of cancer cells was able to modulate the expression of more than 300 miRNAs, and inhibit invasive behavior and deregulated growth of cancer cells, resulting in total tumor remission in some cases. ATRA may thus be broadly effective for neoplasm treatment and prevention, although these studies may not accurately represent in vivo conditions. Additional studies are required to elucidate ATRA-induced miRNA modulation during neoplasm treatment.

Influence of the CYP3A4/5 genetic score and ABCB1 polymorphisms on tacrolimus exposure and renal function in Brazilian kidney transplant patients.

BACKGROUND: Polymorphisms in genes encoding transport proteins and metabolizing enzymes involved in tacrolimus (TAC) disposition may be important sources of individual variability during treatment. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of combined CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 variants, using a CYP3A4/5 genetic score, and ABCB1 polymorphisms on therapeutic TAC monitoring and their relationship with clinical outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Brazilian kidney transplant recipients (n=151), who received TAC over 3 months after transplantation, were genotyped for CYP3A4 rs2242480 (g.20230G>A), CYP3A5 rs15524 (g.31611C>T) and rs776746 (g.6986A>G), ABCB1 rs1128503 (c.1236C>T), rs1045642 (c.3435C>T), and rs2032582 (c.2677G>T/A) polymorphisms. RESULTS: Frequencies of CYP3A4 g.20230A, CYP3A5 g.31611C, and g.6986A were 0.37, 0.26, and 0.28, respectively. These alleles were associated with TAC rapid metabolization and were used for CYP3A4/5 genetic score construction. A higher CYP3A4/5 genetic score was associated with higher TAC dose and lower concentrations for dose administered (Co/D, P<0.05). Ninety days after transplantation, the presence of two or more rapid metabolization alleles contributed toward 27.7% of Co/D variability and was associated with a lower estimated glomerular filtration rate values (P<0.05). For ABCB1, the frequencies of c.1236T, c.3435T, and c.2677T/A alleles were 0.42, 0.42, and 0.33/0.04. At 30 days after transplantation, patients carrying ABCB1 c.1236TT+c.3435TT+(c.2677TT+TA) genotypes had higher TAC Co/D than those with common or heterozygous genotypes (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The results show the impact of the CYP3A4/5 genetic score on TAC exposure and renal function in Brazilian patients. Furthermore, ABCB1 polymorphisms, in a combined analysis, influenced TAC Co/D at 30 days after transplantation.

Interferon lambda 4 (IFNL4) gene polymorphism is associated with spontaneous clearance of HCV in HIV-1 positive patients.

Approximately one-third of the individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) are co-infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). Co-infected patients have an increased risk for developing end-stage liver diseases. Variants upstream of the IFNL3 gene have been associated with spontaneous and treatment-induced clearance of HCV infection. Recently, a novel polymorphism was discovered, denoted IFNL4 ΔG > TT (rs368234815), which seems to be a better predictor of spontaneous clearance than the IFNL4 rs12979860 polymorphism. We aimed to determine the prevalence of the IFNL4 ΔG > TT variants and to evaluate the association with spontaneous clearance of HCV infection in Brazilian HIV-1 patients. The IFNL4 ΔG > TT genotypes were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction digestion in 138 HIV-1 positive patients who had an anti-HCV positive result. Spontaneous clearance of HCV was observed in 34 individuals (24.6%). IFNL4 genotype distribution was significantly different between individuals who had spontaneous clearance and chronic HCV patients (p=0.002). The probability of spontaneous clearance of HCV infection for patients with the IFNL4 TT/TT genotype was 3.6 times higher than for patients carrying the IFNL4 ΔG allele (OR=3.63, 95% CI:1.51-8.89, p=0.001). The IFNL4 ΔG > TT polymorphism seems to be better than IFNL4 rs12979860 to predict spontaneous clearance of the HCV in Brazilian HIV-1 positive patients.

["The Unified Health System that works": actions of humanization of prenatal care]. / "O Sistema Único de Saúde que dá certo": ações de humanização no pré-natal.

OBJECTIVE: to know how the approach of public policy humanization prerequisites and health programs proposed by the Ministry of Health occur in the practice of prenatal of care usual risk. METHOD: field study, exploratory descriptive qualitative approach. The survey was conducted from February to June 2014, with participant observation and semi-structured interviews in four family health units where five nurses and three doctors attended. Operative Proposal was chosen for data analysis. RESULTS: the categories revealed in this study that promoted the humanization of prenatal care were: The approach and linking of pregnant woman and their family to family health units and Permanent education as a facilitator for humanization in prenatal care. CONCLUSIONS: it is understood that to approach humanized attention, an enlarged look in face of women's singularities is required.

The eleventh reported case of Mulvihill-Smith syndrome in the literature.

BACKGROUND: The Mulvihill-Smith Syndrome was first recognized in 1975. After the recognition of the Mulvihill-Smith Syndrome, ten cases have been described. CASE PRESENTATION: This article describes the eleventh case of this syndrome in a male patient, 24 years-old with short stature and microcephaly with mild cognitive impairment, deafness and allergic conjunctivitis. The patient was hospitalized several times for repeated infections, and the presence of multiple melanocytic nevi on his skin was noticed. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the entire set of signs and symptoms presented in our study, it was diagnosed the patient with Mulvihill-Smith Syndrome.

Dopamine D2-like receptors on conditioned and unconditioned fear: A systematic review of rodent pharmacological studies.

Growing evidence supports dopamine's role in aversive states, yet systematic reviews focusing on dopamine receptors in defensive behaviors are lacking. This study presents a systematic review of the literature examining the influence of drugs acting on dopamine D2-like receptors on unconditioned and conditioned fear in rodents. The review reveals a predominant use of adult male rats in the studies, with limited inclusion of female rodents. Commonly employed tests include the elevated plus maze and auditory-cued fear conditioning. The findings indicate that systemic administration of D2-like drugs has a notable impact on both innate and learned aversive states. Generally, antagonists tend to increase unconditioned fear, while agonists decrease it. Moreover, both agonists and antagonists typically reduce conditioned fear. These effects are attributed to the involvement of distinct neural circuits in these states. The observed increase in unconditioned fear induced by D2-like antagonists aligns with dopamine's role in suppressing midbrain-mediated responses. Conversely, the reduction in conditioned fear is likely a result of blocking dopamine activity in the mesolimbic pathway. The study highlights the need for future research to delve into sex differences, explore alternative testing paradigms, and identify specific neural substrates. Such investigations have the potential to advance our understanding of the neurobiology of aversive states and enhance the therapeutic application of dopaminergic agents.