HPV and Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review.

This systematic review aims to explore the diagnostic criteria, epidemiology, etiology, and prognosis of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection in lung cancer. This PRISMA-guided review searched the PubMed® and EmbaseTM databases for "lung cancer AND HPV" on 10 June 2023, filtering human subject papers. A total of 97 studies encompassing 9098 patients worldwide, revealing varied HPV infection rates in lung cancer, ranging from 0% to 69%, were analyzed. While HPV16/18 was predominant in some regions, its association with lung cancer remained inconclusive due to conflicting findings. Studies from Asia reported lower HPV infection rates compared to Western populations. Some studies suggested a limited role of HPV in lung carcinogenesis, particularly in non-smokers. However, intriguing associations were noted, including HPV's potential role in lung adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Discrepancies in HPV detection methods and sample sources highlight the need for further research with standardized methodologies to elucidate HPV's role in lung carcinogenesis and its clinical implications. Overall, this systematic review offers insights into HPV's role in lung cancer epidemiology and clinical characteristics. Despite inconclusive evidence, intriguing associations between HPV and lung adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma have emerged. Further research with standardized methodologies and larger cohorts is needed for clarity.

Tendência temporal, distribuição regional e perfil da morbimortalidade por queimadura na infância em Santa Catarina: Um estudo ecológico / Temporal trend, regional distribution and profile of morbidity and mortality due to childhood burns in Santa Catarina: An ecological study

Introdução: As queimaduras são um desafio da saúde pública devido à alta morbimortalidade e prejuízo na qualidade de vida da vítima. Elas afetam desproporcionalmente as populações de menor nível socioeconômico, resultando em elevados custos para saúde. Método: Estudo ecológico, retrospectivo, observacional, com abordagem quantitativa e análise de tendência temporal da morbimortalidade por queimadura em Santa Catarina, com dados obtidos dos Sistemas de Informações Hospitalar e de mortalidade disponibilizados pelo Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde. Análise temporal pelo Teste de Correlação de Spearman. Resultados: Verificada tendência de crescimento na taxa geral de internação (Spearman=0,806; p<0,005) por queimaduras no estado no período analisado. Maior prevalência no sexo masculino (RP 1,68), na população de 0 a 4 anos (RP 3,08) e na região da Grande Florianópolis (taxa média 23,22%). Predominou o grupo classificado como médio queimado (taxa média 25,67%) e as internações de 0 a 3 dias (taxa média 50,25%). Queimaduras em cabeça, pescoço e tronco (taxa média 32,25%) foram as mais prevalentes. Conclusão: Identificada tendência de crescimento na taxa de internação por queimaduras em crianças no estado. Maior prevalência de internação no sexo masculino, em crianças de 0 a 4 anos e na região da Grande Florianópolis. Predomínio de médio queimados e de queimaduras em cabeça, pescoço e tronco, com maior taxa de internações de curta duração.

Introduction: Burns is a public health challenge due to high morbidity and mortality and impairment of the victim's quality of life. They disproportionately affect populations of lower socioeconomic status, resulting in high health costs. Method: Ecological, retrospective, observational study, with a quantitative approach and temporal trend analysis of morbidity and mortality due to burns in Santa Catarina, with data obtained from the Hospital and Mortality Information Systems made available by the Information Technology Department of the Unified Health System. Temporal analysis by Spearman Correlation Test. Results: There was a growing trend in the general hospitalization rate (Spearman=0.806; p<0.005) for burns in the state in the period analyzed. Higher prevalence in males (RP 1.68), in the population aged 0 to 4 years (RP 3.08), and in the Greater Florianópolis region (mean rate 23.22%). The group classified as medium burn predominated (mean rate 25.67%) and hospitalizations of 0 to 3 days (mean rate 50.25%). Burns to the head, neck, and trunk (mean rate 32.25%) were the most prevalent. Conclusion: A growth trend was identified in the hospitalization rate for burns in children in the state. Higher prevalence of hospitalization in males, in children aged 0 to 4 years, and in the Greater Florianópolis region. Predominance of moderate burns and burns to the head, neck, and trunk, with a higher rate of short-term hospitalizations.

Obesity and Colorectal Cancer: A Narrative Review.

Background and Objectives: Cancer is a multicausal disease, and environmental, cultural, socioeconomic, lifestyle, and genetic factors can influence the risk of developing cancer. Colorectal cancer (CRC) stands as the third most common cancer globally. Some countries have observed a rise in the incidence of CRC, especially among young people. This increase is associated with lifestyle changes over the last few decades, including changes in diet patterns, a sedentary lifestyle, and obesity. Currently, obesity and overweight account for approximately 39% of the world's population and increase the risk of overall mortality of certain cancer types. This study aims to conduct a literature review examining the association between obesity and CRC. Materials and Methods: This narrative review explored the pathophysiological mechanisms, treatment strategies, and challenges related to obesity and CRC. Results: Several studies have established a clear causal relationship between obesity and CRC, showing that individuals with morbid obesity are at a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer. The adipose tissue, particularly the visceral, secretes proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-alpha, interleukin-6, and C-reactive protein. Chronic inflammation is closely linked to cancer initiation and progression, with a complex interplay of molecular mechanisms underlying this association. Obesity can complicate the treatment of CRC due to several factors, reducing the therapeutic effectiveness and increasing the risk for adverse events during treatment. Dietary modification, calorie restriction, and other types of weight-control strategies can reduce the risk of CRC development and improve treatment outcomes. Conclusions: Obesity is intricately linked to CRC development and progression, making it a crucial target for intervention, whether through diet therapy, physical exercises, medical therapy, or bariatric surgery.

In the flow of molecular miniaturized fungal diagnosis.

The diagnosis of fungal infections presents several challenges and limitations, stemming from the similarities in symptomatology, diversity of underlying pathogenic species, complexity of fungal biology, and scarcity of rapid, affordable, and point-of-care approaches. In this review, we assess technological advances enabling the conversion of cutting-edge laboratory molecular diagnostic methods to cost-effective microfluidic devices. The most promising strategies toward the design of DNA sequence-based fungal diagnostic systems, capable of capturing and deciphering the highly informative DNA of the pathogen and adapted for resource-limited settings, are discussed, bridging fungal biology, molecular genetics, microfluidics, and biosensors.

Cytomegalovirus in Adenoma and Carcinoma Lesions: Detecting Mono-Infection and Co-Infection in Salivary Glands.

Salivary glands' neoplasms are hard to diagnose and present a complex etiology. However, several viruses have been detected in these neoplasms, such as HCMV, which can play a role in certain cancers through oncomodulation. The co-infections between HCMV with betaherpesviruses (HHV-6 and HHV-7) and polyomaviruses (JCV and BKV) has been investigated. The aim of the current study is to describe the frequency of HCMV and co-infections in patients presenting neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions, including in the salivary gland. Multiplex quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used for betaherpesvirus and polyomavirus quantification purposes after DNA extraction. In total, 50.7% of the 67 analyzed samples were mucocele, 40.3% were adenoma pleomorphic, and 8.9% were mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Overall, 20.9% of samples presented triple-infections with HCMV/HHV-6/HHV-7, whereas 9.0% were co-infections with HCMV/HHV-6 and HCMV/HHV-7. The largest number of co-infections was detected in pleomorphic adenoma cases. All samples tested negative for polyomaviruses, such as BKV and JCV. It was possible to conclude that HCMV can be abundant in salivary gland lesions. A high viral load can be useful to help better understand the etiological role played by viruses in these lesions. A lack of JCV and BKV in the samples analyzed herein does not rule out the involvement of these viruses in one or more salivary gland lesion subtypes.

Eco-Friendly Transformation of Bioethanol into Ethylene over Bimetallic Nickel-Copper Catalysts.

The conversion of bioethanol to ethylene in gas phase and atmospheric pressure was investigated over γ-Al2O3 supported copper and nickel catalysts. These catalysts were prepared by co-precipitation and pre-treated with hydrogen at 450 °C. Six catalysts were studied at 450 °C under a nitrogen atmosphere. It was found that the monometallic Cu/γ-Al2O3 catalyst exhibited the highest ethylene concentration, with a selectivity of around 90 %. The bioethanol conversion obtained was between 57 %-86 %. Another catalyst that exhibited high concentration values was the NiCu1 : 7 bimetallic catalyst. The catalysts were characterised using XRD, SEM, EDS, TEM, TGA, FTIR, Raman, and N2-physisoption techniques. Furthermore, the Cu/γ-Al2O3 catalyst was studied under different reduction temperatures and gas flow conditions. It was found that the catalysts reduced at 350 °C and 35 ml/min N2 flow presented ethylene concentrations between (0.18-0.21) g/L. Moreover, the catalyst deactivation was identified to be first order and the equation of the Cu/γ-Al2O3 catalyst deactivation model was determined. Carbonaceous deposits over the used sample were not detected by Raman and FTIR. It was determined that the Cu/γ-Al2O3 catalyst deactivation could be mainly attributed to the blocking of the catalytic sites by strongly adsorbed compounds and hydroxylation of the catalyst surface.

Assessing proteases and enzymes of the trypanothione system in subpopulations of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis Thor strain during macrophage infection.

BACKGROUND: Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis Thor strain exhibits a heterogeneous composition comprised of subpopulations with varying levels of infectivity. Clonal subpopulations were previously obtained from the strain Thor by sorting single-parasites and proceeding cultivation. The subpopulations used in this study are named Thor03, Thor 10 and Thor22. OBJECTIVES: Phenotypic characteristics of the parasite, specially focusing on virulence factors and resistance to the antimicrobial mechanisms of macrophages, were investigate in these subpopulations. METHODS: Cellular and molecular biology, as well as biochemistry approaches were applied to obtain the data analysed in this study. FINDINGS: Relative quantification of gene expression was measured for calpain, cysteine protease B (CPB), and subtilisin proteases but no significant differences in these genes' expression among subpopulations was observed. However, subtilisin and CPB proteins were assessed as more abundant in Thor03 by fluorescence-labelled flow cytometry technique. Western Blotting assays, as semi-quantitative analysis in gel, showed higher concentrations of subtilisin (110 to 50 kDa) and CPB (40 to 18 kDa) in extract of intracellular amastigotes from subpopulations Thor03 and Thor10 and calpain (60 to 25 kDa) showed no significant differences among subpopulations. Complementary, higher trypanothione reductase activity was observed in Thor10 intracellular amastigotes and assays of susceptibility to hydrogen peroxide-inducing agents and nitric oxide donors conducted with promastigotes revealed greater resistance to in vitro oxidative stress induction for Thor10, followed by Thor03. MAIN CONCLUSIONS: The data obtained for the virulence factors explored here suggest how multiple coexisting phenotypic-distinct subpopulations may contribute in adaptability of a single L. (V.) braziliensis strain during infection in the host cells.

Transparent, flexible, and eco-friendly starch-based films for reversible optoelectronic noses for food spoilage monitoring in smart packaging.

A reversible optoelectronic nose is presented consisting of ten acid-base indicators incorporated into a starch-based film, covering a wide pH range. The starch substrate is odorless, biocompatible, flexible, and exhibits high tensile resistance. This optical artificial olfaction system was used to detect the early stages of food decomposition by exposing it to the volatile compounds produced during the spoialge process of three food products (beef, chicken, and pork). A smartphone was used to capture the color changes caused by intermolecular interactions between each dye and the emitted volatiles over time. Digital images were processed to generate a differential color map, which uses the observed color shifts to create a unique signature for each food product. To effectively discriminate among different samples and exposure times, we employed chemometric tools, including hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA). This approach detects food deterioration in a practical, cost-effective, and user-friendly manner, making it suitable for smart packaging. Additionally, the use of starch-based films in the food industry is preferable due to their biocompatibility and biodegradability characteristics.

Prevalence of chronic cough, its risk factors and population attributable risk in the Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease (BOLD) study: a multinational cross-sectional study.

Background: Chronic cough is a common respiratory symptom with an impact on daily activities and quality of life. Global prevalence data are scarce and derive mainly from European and Asian countries and studies with outcomes other than chronic cough. In this study, we aimed to estimate the prevalence of chronic cough across a large number of study sites as well as to identify its main risk factors using a standardised protocol and definition. Methods: We analysed cross-sectional data from 33,983 adults (≥40 years), recruited between Jan 2, 2003 and Dec 26, 2016, in 41 sites (34 countries) from the Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease (BOLD) study. We estimated the prevalence of chronic cough for each site accounting for sampling design. To identify risk factors, we conducted multivariable logistic regression analysis within each site and then pooled estimates using random-effects meta-analysis. We also calculated the population attributable risk (PAR) associated with each of the identifed risk factors. Findings: The prevalence of chronic cough varied from 3% in India (rural Pune) to 24% in the United States of America (Lexington,KY). Chronic cough was more common among females, both current and passive smokers, those working in a dusty job, those with a history of tuberculosis, those who were obese, those with a low level of education and those with hypertension or airflow limitation. The most influential risk factors were current smoking and working in a dusty job. Interpretation: Our findings suggested that the prevalence of chronic cough varies widely across sites in different world regions. Cigarette smoking and exposure to dust in the workplace are its major risk factors. Funding: Wellcome Trust.

Comparison of important factors to patients recovering from pulmonary embolism and items covered in patient-reported outcome measures: A mixed-methods systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Up to 50 % of patients recovering from pulmonary embolism (PE) experience negative long-term outcomes. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are important in identifying what matters to patients. We aimed to identify PROMs used in clinical studies and recommended by the International Consortium of Health Outcomes (ICHOM) and compare individual items with factors considered important by patients recovering from PE. METHODS: This was a convergent mixed-methods systematic review, including quantitative studies, using PROMs and qualitative studies with non-cancer-related PE patients. Items from each PROM and qualitative findings were categorised using an International Classification of Function linking process to allow for integrated synthesis. RESULTS: A total of 68 studies using 34 different PROMs with 657 items and 13 qualitative studies with 408 findings were included. A total of 104 individual ICF codes were used, and subsequently sorted into 20 distinct categories representing patient concerns. Identified PROMs were found to adequately cover 17/20 categories, including anxiety, fear of bleeding, stress, depression, dizziness/nausea, sleep disturbance, pain, dyspnea, fatigue, activity levels, family and friends, socializing, outlook on life, and medical treatment. PROMs from the ICHOM core set covered the same categories, except for dizziness/nausea. CONCLUSIONS: No single PROM covered all aspects assessed as important by the PE population. PROMs recommended in the ICHOM core set cover 16/20 aspects. However, worrisome thoughts, hypervigilance around symptoms, and uncertainty of illness were experienced by patients with PE but were not covered by PROMS.

Assessing proteases and enzymes of the trypanothione system in subpopulations of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis Thor strain during macrophage infection

BACKGROUND Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis Thor strain exhibits a heterogeneous composition comprised of subpopulations with varying levels of infectivity. Clonal subpopulations were previously obtained from the strain Thor by sorting single-parasites and proceeding cultivation. The subpopulations used in this study are named Thor03, Thor 10 and Thor22. OBJECTIVES Phenotypic characteristics of the parasite, specially focusing on virulence factors and resistance to the antimicrobial mechanisms of macrophages, were investigate in these subpopulations. METHODS Cellular and molecular biology, as well as biochemistry approaches were applied to obtain the data analysed in this study. FINDINGS Relative quantification of gene expression was measured for calpain, cysteine protease B (CPB), and subtilisin proteases but no significant differences in these genes' expression among subpopulations was observed. However, subtilisin and CPB proteins were assessed as more abundant in Thor03 by fluorescence-labelled flow cytometry technique. Western Blotting assays, as semi-quantitative analysis in gel, showed higher concentrations of subtilisin (110 to 50 kDa) and CPB (40 to 18 kDa) in extract of intracellular amastigotes from subpopulations Thor03 and Thor10 and calpain (60 to 25 kDa) showed no significant differences among subpopulations. Complementary, higher trypanothione reductase activity was observed in Thor10 intracellular amastigotes and assays of susceptibility to hydrogen peroxide-inducing agents and nitric oxide donors conducted with promastigotes revealed greater resistance to in vitro oxidative stress induction for Thor10, followed by Thor03. MAIN CONCLUSIONS The data obtained for the virulence factors explored here suggest how multiple coexisting phenotypic-distinct subpopulations may contribute in adaptability of a single L. (V.) braziliensis strain during infection in the host cells.

"O nome era de homem, mas era um corpo de mulher": a população transexual na Estratégia Saúde da Família / "It was a man's name but a woman's body": the transexual population in the family health strategy / "El nombre era de hombre, pero era un cuerpo de mujer": la población transexual en la estrategia de la salud de la familia

Apesar da criação de políticas que buscam equidade para as pessoas transexuais, reconhece-se uma realidade alarmante evidenciada pela elevada vulnerabilidade. Ao buscar assistência à saúde, essas pessoas vivenciam experiências que produzem barreiras a esse acesso. Objetiva-se analisar os desafios no cuidado à saúde dessa população nos serviços de Estratégia Saúde da Família, em um município de São Paulo, caracterizando as representações dos profissionais, ofertas de cuidado e capacitações. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa e exploratória, realizada a partir de entrevistas semiestruturadas. A investigação é referenciada pela análise de conteúdo segundo Minayo e por estatística descritiva. Os núcleos elaborados foram: "A demanda existe", "O vazio formativo" e "Ecos da violência". Os relatos apontam para estigmas, falta de políticas públicas, preconceitos e violências associadas às pessoas transexuais.(AU)

Despite the creation of policies that seek to promote equality for transexuals, an alarming reality exists characterized by a high level of vulnerability. When seeking health care, transexuals have experiences that create barriers to access. The aim of this study was to analyze the health care challenges for this group in family health strategy services in the municipality of São Paulo, characterizing the representations of professionals, availability of care and training. We conducted an exploratory study using a qualitative design based on semi-structured interviews. The data were analyzed using content analysis as proposed by Minayo and descriptive statistics, resulting in the following units of analysis: demand exists; the training void; and echoes of violence. The interviewees' accounts point to stigma, lack of public policy, prejudice and violence against transexuals.(AU)

A pesar de la creación de políticas que buscan equidad para los transexuales, se reconoce una realidad alarmante puesta en evidencia por la alta vulnerabilidad. Al buscar asistencia para la salud, ellos viven experiencias que producen barreras para el acceso. El objetivo es analizar los desafíos en el cuidado de la salud de esa población en los servicios de Estrategia de Salud de la Familia, en el municipio de São Paulo, caracterizando las representaciones de los profesionales, ofertas de cuidado y capacitaciones. Se caracteriza una investigación cualitativa y exploratoria, realizada por entrevistas semiestructuradas. La referencia del análisis es el análisis de contenido según Minayo y la estadística descriptiva. Los núcleos elaborados fueron: la demanda existe. El vacío formativo; Ecos de la violencia. Los relatos señalan estigmas, falta de políticas públicas, prejuicios y violencias relacionadas a los transexuales.(AU)

The relationship between burden and caregiver's sleep disturbances in dementia: a systematic review.

Caregivers of people living with dementia (PLwD) have a high burden degree that leads to health issues, including sleep. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the impacts of the caregiving burden on caregiver's sleep disturbances. Methods: This systematic review involved a qualitative analysis of publications on Web of Science and Pubmed/Medline databases published between February 2018 and August 2022. Results: A total of 27 studies were identified and analyzed. Caregiver's sleep presents impairments in sleep latency, sleep fragmentation, sleep duration, subjective sleep quality, daytime dysfunction, and insomnia. Caregiver's distress and depressive symptoms have a dual relationship with sleep problems. Conclusion: Sleep disturbances presented by caregivers are correlated with higher burden levels and lead to more vulnerability to psychiatric symptoms and health issues.

Cuidadores de pessoas com demência possuem alto grau de sobrecarga que impacta de forma objetiva o sono e suas dimensões. Objetivo: Este estudo teve o objetivo de analisar o impacto da sobrecarga nas alterações do sono do cuidador. Métodos: Esta revisão sistemática envolveu a análise de resultados quantitativos e qualitativos de publicações das bases de dados Web of Science e PubMed/ Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (Medline) publicadas entre fevereiro de 2018 e agosto de 2022. Resultados: O total de 27 estudos foi identificado e analisado. Cuidadores apresentam prejuízos na latência, fragmentação, duração e qualidade subjetiva do sono, disfunção diurna e insônia. O estresse e sintomas depressivos apresentados pelo cuidador possuem com o sono uma relação bidirecional. Conclusão: Os distúrbios do sono apresentados pelos cuidadores estão correlacionados com o alto nível de sobrecarga e geram maior vulnerabilidade para sintomas psiquiátricos e problemas de saúde.

Astrocytoma Mimicking Herpetic Meningoencephalitis: The Role of Non-Invasive Multimodal Monitoring in Neurointensivism.

Neuromonitoring is a critical tool for emergency rooms and intensive care units to promptly identify and treat brain injuries. The case report of a patient with status epilepticus necessitating orotracheal intubation and intravenous lorazepam administration is presented. A pattern of epileptiform activity was detected in the left temporal region, and intravenous Acyclovir was administered based on the diagnostic hypothesis of herpetic meningoencephalitis. The neurointensivist opted for multimodal non-invasive bedside neuromonitoring due to the complexity of the patient's condition. A Brain4care (B4C) non-invasive intracranial compliance monitor was utilized alongside the assessment of an optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) and transcranial Doppler (TCD). Based on the collected data, a diagnosis of intracranial hypertension (ICH) was made and a treatment plan was developed. After the neurosurgery team's evaluation, a stereotaxic biopsy of the temporal lesion revealed a grade 2 diffuse astrocytoma, and an urgent total resection was performed. Research suggests that monitoring patients in a dedicated neurologic intensive care unit (Neuro ICU) can lead to improved outcomes and shorter hospital stays. In addition to being useful for patients with a primary brain injury, neuromonitoring may also be advantageous for those at risk of cerebral hemodynamic impairment. Lastly, it is essential to note that neuromonitoring technologies are non-invasive, less expensive, safe, and bedside-accessible approaches with significant diagnostic and monitoring potential for patients at risk of brain abnormalities. Multimodal neuromonitoring is a vital tool in critical care units for the identification and management of acute brain trauma as well as for patients at risk of cerebral hemodynamic impairment.

Exercise-based real-time telerehabilitation for older patients recently discharged after transcatheter aortic valve implantation: An extended feasibility study.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the extended feasibility of a telerehabilitation program and its effects on physical performance in older adults who have recently undergone transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). METHODS: In this single-center feasibility study, patients underwent an eight-week telerehabilitation program, involving web-based home exercise training twice weekly, an activity tracker, access to an informative website, and one online session with a nurse, starting one-week postoperative. Data collection was performed before surgery and three months postoperative. The feasibility of the intervention was based on recruitment and adherence to the program. As a secondary outcome, we evaluated the change in six-minute walk distance from before surgery to three months postoperative. RESULTS: Forty-one patients scheduled for TAVI were assessed for eligibility; 15 patients (37%) were enrolled. Of these, eight were excluded after surgery due to tiredness (n = 2), non-cardiac related hospital readmission (n = 2), fluctuating health (n = 1), death during hospital stay (n = 1), and reduced cognition (n = 2). Seven patients completed the eight-week web-based intervention and were evaluated three months postoperative. Their median (IQR) age was 83 [81, 87] years, and the sample comprised three men and four women. Their walked distance improved from median (IQR) 262 [199, 463] before surgery, to 381 [267, 521] meters three months postoperative. No adverse events were reported. CONCLUSION: Web-based telerehabilitation, including supervised exercise training, in older adults who have recently undergone TAVI was feasible for a small number of patients who completed the eight-week intervention. This was reflected in an improvement in their walked distance three months after the surgery. However, the low recruitment and retention rates do question the overall feasibility of this intervention in a frail, older population of post-TAVI patients.

Animal Welfare in Radiation Research: The Importance of Animal Monitoring System.

Long-term research into radiation exposure significantly expanded following World War II, driven by the increasing number of individuals falling ill after the detonation of two atomic bombs in Japan. Consequently, researchers intensified their efforts to investigate radiation's effects using animal models and to study disease models that emerged post-catastrophe. As a result, several parameters have been established as essential in these models, encompassing radiation doses, regimens involving single or multiple irradiations, the injection site for transplantation, and the quantity of cells to be injected. Nonetheless, researchers have observed numerous side effects in irradiated animals, prompting the development of scoring systems to monitor these animals' well-being. The aim of this review is to delve into the historical context of using animals in radiation research and explore the ethical considerations related to animal welfare, which has become an increasingly relevant topic in recent years. These concerns have prompted research groups to adopt measures aimed at reducing animal suffering. Consequently, for animal welfare, the implementation of a scoring system for clinical and behavioral monitoring is essential. This represents one of the primary challenges and hurdles in radiation studies. It is concluded that implementing standardized criteria across all institutions is aimed at ensuring result reproducibility and fostering collaboration within the scientific community.

Pertussis antibodies and vaccination coverage among healthcare professionals in Brazil is inadequate: A cross-sectional serological study.

INTRODUCTION: Worldwide, tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccination coverage of healthcare professionals (HCPs) is below 40%, but this data is not available for Brazil. We hypothesize that a high number of HCPs are not immune to pertussis in Brazil. Main objective was to determine the seroprevalence of anti-pertussis toxin (anti-PT IgG) among HCPs. Secondary objectives were to evaluate Tdap vaccination coverage, to assess predictive factors associated with anti-PT IgG, and to estimate the decay of anti-PT IgG and time to Tdap vaccination. METHODS: Observational cross-sectional serological study in 352 HCPs who worked at São Paulo Hospital - Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP) in 2020, approved by UNIFESP Ethics Committee. Data collected included sociodemographics, knowledge about Tdap, and vaccination status. Anti-PT IgG were quantified by ELISA: <10 IU/mL seronegative and ≥ 10-1000 IU/mL seropositive. Titers ≥ 10-50 IU/mL were classified low positivity, indicating no recent B. pertussis infection or Tdap vaccination; >50 IU/mL high positivity, indicating recent B. pertussis infection or Tdap vaccination, and > 100 IU/mL as acute B. pertussis infection or Tdap vaccination in the previous year. Comparisons were done by Chi-square test, multivariable logistic regression, and Pearsons correlation, at 5% p-level. RESULTS: 331/352 HCPs were not aware the Brazilian National Immunization Program recommends Tdap for all HCPs and pregnant women. 68/339 HCPs received Tdap (mean 3.1 ± 2.0 years). 55/352 were seronegative for pertussis, all unvaccinated. 56/271 with no history of Tdap vaccination had high positivity. The probability of anti-PT IgG > 50 IU/mL was 11.5 times higher in Tdap vaccinated HCPs than in non-vaccinated (p < 0.001). There was a weak but significant correlation between anti-PT IgG and interval of Tdap vaccination (r = 0.404; p = 0.001). Anti-PT IgG dropped 5 IU/mL/year (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Better education of HCPs on needs and benefits of Tdap vaccination is critical. Goals must be to improve HCPs vaccination coverage.

Evidence that ectoparasites influence the hematological parameters of the host: a systematic review.

Ectoparasites are important to the one health concept because their parasitism can result in the transmission of pathogens, allergic reactions, the release of toxins, morbidity, and even death of the host. Ectoparasites can affect host physiology, as reflected in immune defenses and body condition as well as hematological and biochemical parameters. Thus, evidence that ectoparasites influence host hematological parameters was systematically reviewed, and the methodological quality of these studies was analyzed. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines were followed, and the studies included were limited to those that evaluated changes in hematological tests in ectoparasite-infested and non-infested animals, and bias and methodological quality were evaluated using the Animal Research: Reporting of In Vivo Experiments guideline. Thirty-four studies were selected and information about the host, ectoparasite infestation, blood collection, and analysis was collected and compared whenever possible. In this review, the presence of ectoparasites influenced both the red series and the white series of hematological parameters. Among the main parameters analyzed, hematocrit, red blood cells, hemoglobin, and lymphocytes showed reductions, probably due to ectoparasite blood-feeding, while including eosinophils, neutrophils, and basophils increased in infested animals due to the host immune response. However, methodologic improvements are needed to reduce the risk of bias, enhance the reproducibility of such studies, and ensure results aligned with the mechanisms that act in the ectoparasite-host relationship.

Design and application of a paper-based optoelectronic nose for the on-site discrimination of essential oils using a chemometric web app.

Essential oils are appreciated worldwide for their pleasant aroma, in addition to their therapeutic, pharmacological, and cosmetic functions. For these reasons, adulteration is a common practice that decreases product quality causing economic and health issues. In this study, we present for the first time the application of a simple, inexpensive and disposable paper-based optoelectronic nose (i.e. colorimetric sensor array) to (i) discriminate sixteen different types of essential oils and (ii) detect adulterated samples. The colorimetric array was prepared by adding 1.5 µL of 9 chemo-responsive dyes with different chemical properties to each circular spot of the paper-based device. 1 mL of each essential oil was transferred to a flask and bubbled with synthetic air at an airflow of 200 mL min-1. Then, the optoelectronic nose was exposed to the airstream containing the volatiles from the sample for 5 minutes. Digital images from before and after exposure were obtained using a smartphone and the RGB values were extracted using appropriate software. The color changes provided a unique color map fingerprint for each essential oil. Hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) were successfully employed using a customized smartphone app, showing suitable discrimination of all studied essential oils as well as among adulterated and non-adulterated samples. The proof-of-concept showed the potential of the optoelectronic nose approach for the discrimination of different essential oils and the identification of adulterated samples, providing a valuable tool for quality control procedures.