Microcosting analysis of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation and chemotherapy with intermediate doses of cytarabine in the treatment of acute myeloid leukaemia.

BACKGROUND: Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is considered a costly disease. Depending on the risk stratification, the patient may receive consolidation with cycles of intermediate doses of cytarabine, auto-HSCT or allo-HSCT according to availability in each service and the availability of a compatible donor. Literature data indicate that safety and effectiveness do not differ between consolidation therapy with intermediate-dose cytarabine or auto-HSCT, and so the cost can help physicians and health managers in their choice. METHOD: The cost of the second consolidation was compared in 18 to 60-year-old patients with de novo AML who were included in the International Consortium of Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (ICAML) protocol. Patients treated with auto-HSCT or intermediate doses of cytarabine (IDAC) were analysed during four years using the microcosting methodology. RESULTS: The mean costs for auto-HSCT and IDAC were BRL$ 34,900.95 (range: 23,611.36-41,229.59) and 15,231.64 (range: 6,546.36-23,253.53), respectively. The mean duration of in-hospital stay was 88.4 (93-133) and 94 (50-153) days, respectively. The mean cost of the four cycles of treatment was BRL$ 114.212,78 for auto-HSCT and BRL$ 121.980,93 for the chemotherapy group. Regardless of the type of treatment, the input that had the greatest economic impact was hospital admission, mainly due to infections. CONCLUSION: Auto-HSCT had a lower average cost per patient and hospitalization rate than chemotherapy.

Dietary DNA metabarcoding reveals a trophic niche partitioning among sympatric Iberian sandgrouses and bustards.

The study of trophic niche partitioning is of great importance for understanding community structure and species coexistence, particularly if these are threatened. Here DNA metabarcoding was used to assess the diet of four threatened steppe bird species (two bustards and two sandgrouses), with the aim of better understanding their dietary requirements, trophic interactions, and potential threats. The results showed seasonal and interspecific differences in their plant diet, with greater importance of cultivated plants during autumn and winter (around 50 % of their diet) than spring. Plants of the genus Convolvulus and of the family Brassicaceae were frequently consumed by all species. In spring, poppies (Papaver spp.) were a considerable part of their diet, and could be used as a source of carotenoids or for their anti-parasitic properties. Furthermore, results evidenced a trophic niche partitioning among species, with a marked segregation between bustard species and, to a lesser extent, between sandgrouse species. Diet similarity was generally higher between species from different orders that occur in mixed-species flocks (bustard - sandgrouse) than between species of the same order. This partitioning was probably related to a stratification in habitat use rather than to specialisation and might prevent competition to some extent. However, the homogenization of trophic resources resulting from agricultural intensification could pose an important threat, particularly during autumn, when weeds are scarcer and the most abundant trophic resource are sown seeds, which are often treated with pesticides.

Nivolumab-associated immune-related filamentary keratitis.

A woman in her late 50s presented to the ophthalmology clinic having bilateral eye pain and discharge for the last month. Her medical history was significant for lung adenocarcinoma, for which she was being treated with nivolumab. Filamentary keratitis was evident at the slit-lamp examination. Regardless of ophthalmic reasons, nivolumab was suspended. Prednisolone ointment was started, with a complete remission. We present a case of steroid-responsive filamentary keratitis triggered by nivolumab. We aim to highlight the importance of prompt ophthalmology referral and the use of therapies targeting ocular surface inflammation in immune checkpoint inhibition therapy.

Factors associated with external causes in elderly attended by the mobile emergency care service.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the prevalence and factors associated with external causes in elderly people attended by the mobile emergency care service. METHOD: Cross-sectional study with 1,972 pre-hospital care records of elderly victims of external causes from 2019 to 2020. A descriptive and bivariate analysis was performed, with a significance level of 5% (p<0.05). RESULTS: The prevalence of external causes in elderly people attended by the mobile emergency service was 12.2%. Falling was the most frequent occurrence. The associations of the occurrence of falls with age from 90 years old (OR=29.31; p<0.001) and female gender (OR=5.38; p<0.001) stood out, as well as the suspicion of ingestion of alcoholic beverages with occurrence of violence (OR=4.17; p<0.001) and traffic accidents (OR=1.97; p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The study showed factors associated with injuries due to external causes in theelderly and may support the formulation of coping strategies for this problem.

Effects of Aging and Nerve Growth Factor on Neuropeptide Expression and Cholinergic Innervation of the Rat Basolateral Amygdala.

The basolateral amygdala (BLA) contains interneurons that express neuropeptide Y (NPY) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), both of which are involved in the regulation of functions and behaviors that undergo deterioration with aging. There is considerable evidence that, in some brain areas, the expression of NPY and VIP might be modulated by acetylcholine. Importantly, the BLA is one of the brain regions that has one of the densest cholinergic innervations, which arise mainly from the basal forebrain cholinergic neurons. These cholinergic neurons depend on nerve growth factor (NGF) for their survival, connectivity, and function. Thus, in this study, we sought to determine if aging alters the densities of NPY- and VIP-positive neurons and cholinergic varicosities in the BLA and, in the affirmative, if those changes might rely on insufficient trophic support provided by NGF. The number of NPY-positive neurons was significantly reduced in aged rats, whereas the number of VIP-immunoreactive neurons was unaltered. The decreased NPY expression was fully reversed by the infusion of NGF in the lateral ventricle. The density of cholinergic varicosities was similar in adult and old rats. On the other hand, the density of cholinergic varicosities is significantly higher in old rats treated with NGF than in adult and old rats. Our results indicate a dissimilar resistance of different populations of BLA interneurons to aging. Furthermore, the present data also show that the BLA cholinergic innervation is particularly resistant to aging effects. Finally, our results also show that the reduced NPY expression in the BLA of aged rats can be related to changes in the NGF neurotrophic support.

Functional anatomy of the orbit in strabismus surgery: Connective tissues, pulleys, and the modern surgical implications of the "arc of contact" paradigm.

Oculomotricity is a multidimensional domain characterised by a delicate interplay of anatomical structures and physiological processes. This manuscript meticulously dissects the nuances of this interplay, bringing to the fore the integral role of the extraocular muscles (EOMs) and their intricate relationship with the myriad orbital connective tissues as it harmoniously orchestrates binocular movements, ensuring synchronised and fluid visual tracking. Historically, the peripheral oculomotor apparatus was conceptualised as a rudimentary system predominantly driven by neural directives. While widely accepted, this perspective offered a limited view of the complexities inherent in ocular movement mechanics. The twentieth century heralded a paradigm shift in this understanding. With advances in anatomical research and imaging techniques, a much clearer picture of the gross anatomy of the EOMs emerged. This clarity challenged traditional viewpoints, suggesting that the inherent biomechanical properties of the EOMs, coupled with their associated tissue pulleys, play a pivotal role in dictating eye movement dynamics. Central to this revised understanding is the "arc of contact" paradigm. This concept delves deep into the mechanics of eye rotation, elucidating the significance of the point of contact between the EOMs and the eyeball. The arc of contact is not just a static anatomical feature; its length and orientation play a crucial role in determining the effective torque generated by a muscle, thereby influencing the amplitude and direction of eye rotation. The dynamic nature of this arc, influenced by the position and tension of the muscle pulleys, offers a more comprehensive model for understanding ocular kinematics. Previously overlooked in traditional models, muscle pulleys have now emerged as central players in the biomechanics of eye movement. These anatomical structures, formed by dense connective tissues, guide the paths of the EOMs, ensuring that their pulling angles remain optimal across a range of gaze directions. The non-linear paths resulting from these pulleys provide a more dynamic and intricate understanding of eye movement, challenging two-dimensional, linear models of orbital anatomy. The implications of these revelations extend beyond mere theoretical knowledge. The insights garnered from this research promise transformative potential in the realm of strabismus surgery. Recognising the pivotal role of muscle pulleys and the "arc of contact" paradigm allows for more precise surgical interventions, ensuring better post-operative outcomes and minimising the risk of complications. Surgical procedures that previously relied on basic mechanical principles now stand to benefit from a more nuanced understanding of the underlying anatomical and physiological dynamics. In conclusion, this manuscript serves as a testament to the ever-evolving nature of scientific knowledge. Challenging established norms and introducing fresh perspectives pave the way for more effective and informed clinical interventions in strabismus surgery.

The amygdala NT3-TrkC pathway underlies inter-individual differences in fear extinction and related synaptic plasticity.

Fear-related pathologies are among the most prevalent psychiatric conditions, having inappropriate learned fear and resistance to extinction as cardinal features. Exposure therapy represents a promising therapeutic approach, the efficiency of which depends on inter-individual variation in fear extinction learning, which neurobiological basis is unknown. We characterized a model of extinction learning, whereby fear-conditioned mice were categorized as extinction (EXT)-success or EXT-failure, according to their inherent ability to extinguish fear. In the lateral amygdala, GluN2A-containing NMDAR are required for LTP and stabilization of fear memories, while GluN2B-containing NMDAR are required for LTD and fear extinction. EXT-success mice showed attenuated LTP, strong LTD and higher levels of synaptic GluN2B, while EXT-failure mice showed strong LTP, no LTD and higher levels of synaptic GluN2A. Neurotrophin 3 (NT3) infusion in the lateral amygdala was sufficient to rescue extinction deficits in EXT-failure mice. Mechanistically, activation of tropomyosin receptor kinase C (TrkC) with NT3 in EXT-failure slices attenuated lateral amygdala LTP, in a GluN2B-dependent manner. Conversely, blocking endogenous NT3-TrkC signaling with TrkC-Fc chimera in EXT-success slices strengthened lateral amygdala LTP. Our data support a key role for the NT3-TrkC system in inter-individual differences in fear extinction in rodents, through modulation of amygdalar NMDAR composition and synaptic plasticity.

Factors associated with external causes in elderly attended by the mobile emergency care service / Factores asociados a causas externas en ancianos atendidos por el servicio de atención móvil de urgencia / Fatores associados às causas externas em idosos atendidos pelo serviço de atendimento móvel de urgência

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the prevalence and factors associated with external causes in elderly people attended by the mobile emergency care service. Method: Cross-sectional study with 1,972 pre-hospital care records of elderly victims of external causes from 2019 to 2020. A descriptive and bivariate analysis was performed, with a significance level of 5% (p<0.05). Results: The prevalence of external causes in elderly people attended by the mobile emergency service was 12.2%. Falling was the most frequent occurrence. The associations of the occurrence of falls with age from 90 years old (OR=29.31; p<0.001) and female gender (OR=5.38; p<0.001) stood out, as well as the suspicion of ingestion of alcoholic beverages with occurrence of violence (OR=4.17; p<0.001) and traffic accidents (OR=1.97; p<0.001). Conclusion: The study showed factors associated with injuries due to external causes in theelderly and may support the formulation of coping strategies for this problem.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Analizar la prevalencia y los factores asociados a causas externas en ancianos atendidos por el servicio de atención móvil de urgencia. Método: Estudio transversal con 1.972 registros de atención pre hospitalaria de ancianos víctimas de causas externas en el período de 2019 a 2020.Se realizó un análisis descriptivo y bivariado, con un nivel de significación del 5% (p<0,05). Resultados: La prevalencia de causas externas en adultos mayores atendidos por el servicio de emergencia móvil fue de 12,2%. La caída fue la ocurrencia más frecuente. Se destacaron las asociaciones de la ocurrencia de caídas con la edad a partir de 90 años (OR=29,31; p<0,001) y el género femenino (OR=5,38; p<0,001), así como la sospecha de ingesta de bebidas alcohólicas con la ocurrencia de violencia (OR=4,17; p<0,001) y accidentes de tránsito (OR=1,97; p<0,001). Conclusión: El estudio mostró factores asociados a las lesiones por causas externas en ancianos y puede apoyar la formulación de estrategias de enfrentamiento de este problema.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar a prevalência e fatores associados a causas externas em idosos atendidos pelo serviço de atendimento móvel de urgência. Método: Estudo transversal com 1.972 fichas de atendimento pré-hospitalar de idosos vítimas de causas externas no período de 2019 a 2020. Realizou-se análise descritiva e bivariada, com nível de significância de 5% (p<0,05). Resultados: A prevalência de causas externas em idosos atendidos pelo serviço móvel de urgência foi de 12,2%. A queda foi a ocorrência mais frequente. Destacaram-se as associações da ocorrência de queda com a idade a partir de 90 anos (OR=29,31; p<0,001) e o sexo feminino (OR=5,38; p<0,001), bem como da suspeita de ingestão de bebida alcoólica com a ocorrência de violência (OR=4,17; p<0,001) e acidentes de trânsito (OR=1,97; p<0,001). Conclusão: O estudo evidenciou fatores associados aos agravos por causas externas em idosos e poderá subsidiar formulação de estratégias de enfrentamento a essa problemática.

Perfil clínico-epidemiológico e desfecho de pessoas idosas hospitalizadas por COVID-19 / Clinical-epidemiological profile and outcome of old people hospitalized for COVID-19

Objetivo: Descrever o perfil clínico-epidemiológico e desfecho de pessoas idosas hospitalizados por COVID-19 no Hospital Universitário do Piauí. Métodos: Realizou-se um estudo observacional, transversal, realizado com dados secundários envolvendo 137 prontuários de pacientes idosos internados por COVID-19 no HU durante o período de abril a dezembro de 2020. Os dados foram coletados nos meses de agosto e setembro de 2021. Utilizou-se um formulário formado por questões equivalentes aos dados sociodemográficos e epidemiológicos dos pacientes idosos. Os dados foram analisados utilizando o Software estatístico SPSS versão 25. Resultados Observou-se que o "uso de ventilação mecânica" (Odds Ratio: 35,96 [10,23-126,47]) e "tipo de leito de internação" (Odds Ratio: 9,40 [2,69-32,82]) foram as variáveis que melhor explicam os óbitos sendo preditoras independentes para esse desfecho. Houve associação estatisticamente significativa entre a quantidade de comorbidades (p=0,007), a presença de manifestações clínicas (p=0,003), a quantidade de manifestações clínicas (p=0,003) e óbito. O menor tempo de sobrevida foi associado à internação em UTI e uso de ventilação mecânica (p=0,000). Conclusão: Os resultados do estudo evidenciam que a presença de fatores de risco para a COVID-19, manifestações clínicas da doença, estavam internados em leitos de UTI, em uso de VM e os que apresentavam idade superior tiveram piores desfechos. Descritores: Perfil de saúde; Saúde do idoso; Coronavirus. COVID-19.

Objective: To describe the clinical-epidemiological profile and outcome of old people hospitalized for COVID-19 at the University Hospital of Piauí. Methods:An observational, cross-sectional study was carried out with secondary data involving 137 medical records of old patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in the UH during the period from April to December 2020. Data were collected in August and September 2021. Aform consisting of questions equivalent to the sociodemographic and epidemiological data of old patients was used. Data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software version 25. Results: It was observed that the "use of mechanical ventilation" (Odds Ratio: 35.96 [10.23-126.47]) and "type of hospitalization bed" (Odds Ratio: 9.40 [2.69-32.82]) were the variables that best explain the deaths being independent predictors for this outcome. There was a statistically significant association between the number of comorbidities (p=0.007), the presence of clinical manifestations (p=0.003), the number of clinical manifestations (p=0.003) and death. The shorter survival time was associated with ICU admission and use of mechanical ventilation (p=0.000). Conclusion: The results of the study show that the presence of risk factors for COVID-19, clinical manifestations of the disease, to be admitted to ICU beds, using MV and those who were older had worse outcomes. Descriptors: Health profile; Health of old people; Coronavirus. COVID-19.

Prevalência de atendimentos às vítimas de acidentes de trânsito durante a pandemia de COVID-19 / Prevalence of care for road traffic accident victims during the COVID-19 pandemic

Objetivo: Analisar a prevalência de acidentes de trânsito atendidos em um hospital de referência de urgência e emergência, no contexto da pandemia de COVID-19. Métodos: Estudo transversal, com amostra de 364 adultos vítimas de acidentes de trânsito, com idade entre 18 a 60 anos, de ambos os sexos. Utilizou-se um formulário de caracterização sociodemográfica e as características do acidente para coletar os dados. As variáveis foram analisadas por meio da estatística descritiva, análise bivariada e pelo teste Exato de Fisher, com nível de significância de 5% (p<0,05). Resultados: Na amostra, observou-se predomínio de pacientes do sexo masculino (77,1%), motoristas (71,1%), envolvendo motocicleta (68,6%) e sem a utilização do equipamento de proteção (73,3%). As lesões predominantes nos acidentes foram as fraturas (70,8%). Conclusão: Apesar da prevalência de atendimentos de urgências às vítimas de acidentes de trânsito durante a pandemia de COVID-19 ter diminuído de 0,77% (2019) para 0,34% em 2020, percebeu-se que as variáveis ainda permaneceram predominantes. Logo, os achados compreendem uma ferramenta importante para as políticas de prevenção e promoção à saúde, visando a redução de mortes, lesões e incapacidades. Descritores: Acidentes de trânsito. Serviços médicos de emergência. Epidemiologia. COVID-19

Objective: To analyze the prevalence of traffic accidents attended at an urgent and emergency referral hospital, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Cross-sectional study with a sample of 364 adult victims of traffic accidents, aged between 18 and 60 years, of both sexes. A sociodemographic characterization form and accident characteristics were used to collect data. The variables were analyzed using descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and Fisher's Exact test, with a significance level of 5% (p<0.05). Results: In the sample, there was a predominance of male patients (77.1%), drivers (71.1%), involving motorcycle (68.6%) and without the use of protective equipment (73.3%). The predominant injuries in accidents were fractures (70.8%). Conclusion:Although the prevalence of emergency care for traffic accident victims during the COVID-19 pandemic decreased from 0.77% (2019) to 0.34% in 2020, it was noticed that the variables still remained predominant. Therefore, the findings comprise an important tool for prevention and health promotion policies, aiming at reducing deaths, injuries and disabilities. Descriptors: Accidents, traffic. Emergency medical services. Epidemiology. COVID-19

An anatomical approach to the tarsal tunnel syndrome: what can ankle's medial side anatomy reveal to us?

BACKGROUND: The heel is a complex anatomical region and is very often the source of pain complaints. The medial heel contains a number of structures, capable of compressing the main nerves of the region and knowing its anatomical topography is mandatory. The purpose of this work is to evaluate if tibial nerve (TN) and its main branches relate to the main anatomical landmarks of the ankle's medial side and if so, do they have a regular path after emerging from TN. METHODS: The distal part of the legs, ankles and feet of 12 Thiel embalmed cadavers were dissected. The pattern of the branches of the TN was registered and the measurements were performed according to the Dellon-McKinnon malleolar-calcaneal line (DML) and the Heimkes Triangle (HT). RESULTS: The TN divided proximal to DML in 87.5%, on top of the DML in 12,5% and distal in none of the feet. The Baxter's nerve (BN) originated proximally in 50%, on top of the DML in 12,5% and distally in 37.5% of the cases. There was a strong and significant correlation between the length of DML and the distance from the center of the medial malleolus (MM) to the lateral plantar nerve (LPN), medial plantar (MPN) nerve, BN and Medial Calcaneal Nerve (MCN) (ρ: 0.910, 0.866, 0.970 and 0.762 respectively, p <  0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In our sample the TN divides distal to DML in none of the cases. We also report a strong association between ankle size and the distribution of the MPN, LPN, BN and MCN. We hypothesize that location of these branches on the medial side of the ankle could be more predictable if we take into consideration the distance between the MM and the medial process of the calcaneal tuberosity.

Telomeric repeat-containing RNA is dysregulated in acute myeloid leukemia.

TERRA (telomeric repeat-containing RNA) is a class of long noncoding RNAs transcribed from subtelomeric and telomeric regions. TERRA binds to the subtelomeric and telomeric DNA-forming R-loops (DNA-RNA hybrids), which are involved in telomere maintenance and telomerase function, but the role of TERRA in human cells is not well characterized. Here, we comprehensively investigated for the first time TERRA expression in primary human hematopoietic cells from an exploratory cohort of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), patients with telomere biology disorder (TBD), and healthy subjects. TERRA expression was repressed in primary human hematopoietic cells, including healthy donors, patients with ALL, and patients with TBD, irrespective of their telomere length, except for AML. A second cohort comprising 88 patients with AML showed that TERRA was overexpressed in an AML subgroup also characterized by higher R-loop formation, low TERT and RNAseH2 expression, and a paucity of somatic splicing factor mutations. Telomere length did not correlate with TERRA expression levels. To assess the role of TERRA R-loops in AML, we induced R-loop depletion by increasing RNAseH1 expression in 2 AML cell lines. Decreased TERRA R-loops in AML cell lines resulted in increased chemosensitivity to cytarabine. Our findings indicate that TERRA is uniformly repressed in primary human hematopoietic cells but abnormally expressed in an AML subset with low telomerase.

Diet and Spatial Ecology Influence Red-Legged Partridge Exposure to Pesticides Used as Seed Treatment.

Seed treatment with pesticides is an extended agricultural practice with a high risk to granivorous birds that consume those seeds. To characterize that risk, it is necessary to understand the ecological factors that determine the exposure chances of birds to treated seeds. We investigated how pesticide uptake by red-legged partridges was related to cultivated plant ingestion and to the use of recently sown fields. We analyzed pesticide residues in 144 fecal samples from 32 flocks and determined the plant diet composition using DNA metabarcoding. Habitat use was studied through the monitoring of 15 GPS-tagged partridges. We confirmed, through the analysis of seeds, that >80% of cereal fields from the area had seeds treated with triazole fungicides. Tebuconazole was detected in 16.6% of partridges' feces. During the sowing season, cultivated plants accounted for half of the plant diet, but no association was found between cultivated plant consumption and pesticide intake. GPS tracking revealed that tebuconazole was detected in feces when partridges had recently used sown fields, whereas nonexposed partridges showed no overlap with recently sown areas. Our results highlight the need to incorporate field ecology into the characterization of pesticide exposure to improve the efficacy of environmental risk assessment.

Superior Gluteal Nerve Anatomy and Its Injuries: Aiming for a More Secure Surgical Approach of the Pelvic Region.

Because most of the recognized causes of superior gluteal nerve (SGN) injury are iatrogenic, detailed knowledge of the anatomy of the SGN is crucial to prevent its injury associated with surgical procedures. This study aims to describe the precise location of SGN or its branches at the greater sciatic foramen, measure the distances of these neural structures to palpable bony landmarks, and evaluate the possible correlation between these parameters and pelvis size. Twenty human cadaveric hemipelvises were studied. After dissection to expose the SGN or its branches at the greater sciatic foramen, the distances from these neural structures to the greater trochanter (GT), to the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS), to the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS), to the ischial tuberosity (IT), and to the greater sciatic notch apex were measured. We found that at the greater sciatic foramen, the SGN emerges as a common trunk in 75% of hemipelvises, and already divided in its superior and inferior branches in 25% of hemipelvises. When the SGN exits the pelvis as a common trunk, it does so, in most cases, in contact with the bone at the apex of the greater sciatic notch or superior to the level of the apex. The median distance from the SGN at the greater sciatic notch to the PSIS, ASIS, GT and IT is 7.6 cm, 10.9 cm, 7.5 cm and 10.8 cm, respectively. We found a positive correlation between some of the analyzed parameters and the size of the pelvis. The anatomical data of this study may serve as pivotal guides during orthopedic pelvic surgery, contributing to minimize SNG iatrogenic lesions with significant implications in the patient's quality of life.

Lack of genetic structure in euryhaline Chelon labrosus from the estuaries under anthropic pressure in the Southern Bay of Biscay to the coastal waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

Over the last decade, xenoestrogenic effects have been reported in populations of thicklip grey mullet Chelon labrosus from contaminated estuaries in the Bay of Biscay, resulting in intersex condition. To understand the level of gene flow in individuals of different Basque estuaries microsatellite markers were used to evaluate the population structure and connectivity of C. labrosus from estuaries of the Basque coast. 46 microsatellites were tested and 10 validated for the analysis of 204 individuals collected from 5 selected Basque estuaries and 2 outgroups in the Bay of Cadiz and Thermaic Gulf. The polymorphic microsatellites revealed 74 total alleles, 2-19 alleles per locus. The mean observed heterozygosity (0.49 ± 0.02) was lower than the expected one (0.53 ± 0.01). There was no evidence of genetic differentiation (FST = 0.0098, P = 0.0000) among individuals or sites. Bayesian clustering analysis revealed a single population in all sampled locations. The results of this study indicate widespread genetic homogeneity and panmixia of C. labrosus across the current sampling areas spanning the Atlantic and Mediterranean basins. The hypothesis of panmixia could therefore be well supported so individuals inhabiting estuaries with high prevalence of intersex condition should be considered as members of the same single genetic group as those inhabiting adjacent estuaries without incidence of xenoestrogenicity.

A puericultura e os desafios decorrentes da pandemia de COVID-19

Com este estudo buscou-se analisar pela perspectiva médica, a evasão nas consultas de puericultura durante a pandemia de COVID-19. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa e descritiva, que foi realizada com cinco médicos atuantes nas Estratégias de Saúde da Família localizadas na cidade de Blumenau, do Médio Vale do Itajaí, em Santa Catarina. A coleta de dados foi realizada nos meses de julho e agosto de 2022, por meio de entrevista (gravada e transcrita), utilizando um questionário semiestruturado, por meio do método bola de neve, sendo escolhida a análise temática para análise dos dados. A pesquisa foi aprovada sob nº CAAE 58302622.0.0000.5370. A pandemia de COVID-19 impactou negativamente no acompanhamento das consultas de puericultura e as principais repercussões relacionam-se à diminuição das consultas; atraso no acompanhamento do desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor; aumento dos casos respiratórios com o retorno das crianças às creches e baixos índices de cobertura vacinal. Além disso, aspectos nutricionais foram evidenciados, como desmame precoce e mudanças dos hábitos alimentares (com aumento ou perda ponderal). Até o momento, as implicações acerca da COVID-19 na puericultura se tornaram inestimáveis, desta forma, os dados do estudo trazem dados relevantes para o planejamento de estratégias de fortalecimento das ações de puericultura, de promoção da saúde e prevenção de doenças.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Animal Model Presents Retinal Alterations and Methylphenidate Has a Differential Effect in ADHD versus Control Conditions.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders. Interestingly, children with ADHD seem to experience more ophthalmologic abnormalities, and the impact of methylphenidate (MPH) use on retinal physiology remains unclear. Thus, we aimed to unravel the retina's structural, functional, and cellular alterations and the impact of MPH in ADHD versus the control conditions. For that, spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) were used as animal models of ADHD and the controls, respectively. Animals were divided into four experimental groups as follows: WKY vehicle (Veh; tap water), WKY MPH (1.5 mg/kg/day), SHR Veh, SHR MPH. Individual administration was performed by gavage between P28-P55. Retinal physiology and structure were evaluated at P56 followed by tissue collection and analysis. The ADHD animal model presents the retinal structural, functional, and neuronal deficits, as well as the microglial reactivity, astrogliosis, blood-retinal barrier (BRB) hyperpermeability and a pro-inflammatory status. In this model, MPH had a beneficial effect on reducing microgliosis, BRB dysfunction, and inflammatory response, but did not correct the neuronal and functional alterations in the retina. Curiously, in the control animals, MPH showed an opposite effect since it impaired the retinal function, neuronal cells, and BRB integrity, and also promoted both microglia reactivity and upregulation of pro-inflammatory mediators. This study unveils the retinal alterations in ADHD and the opposite effects induced by MPH in the retina of ADHD and the control animal models.

TrkC Intracellular Signalling in the Brain Fear Network During the Formation of a Contextual Fear Memory.

Learned fear is orchestrated by a brain fear network that comprises the amygdala, hippocampus and the medial prefrontal cortex. Synaptic plasticity within this network is critical for the formation of proper fear memories. Known for their role in the promotion of synaptic plasticity, neurotrophins position as obvious candidates in the regulation of fear processes. Indeed, recent evidence from our laboratory and others associates dysregulated signalling through neurotrophin-3 and its receptor TrkC with the pathophysiology of anxiety and fear-related disorders. Here, we put wild-type C57Bl/6J mice through a contextual fear conditioning paradigm in order to characterize TrkC activation and expression in the main brain regions involved in (learned) fear - amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex - during the formation of a fear memory. We report an overall decreased activation of TrkC in the fear network during fear consolidation and reconsolidation. During reconsolidation, hippocampal TrkC downregulation was accompanied by a decrease in the expression and activation of Erk, a critical signalling pathway in fear conditioning. Moreover, we did not find evidence that the observed decrease of TrkC activation was caused by altered expression of dominant negative form of TrkC, neurotrophin-3, or the PTP1B phosphatase. Our results indicate hippocampal TrkC inactivation through Erk signalling as a potential mechanism in the regulation of contextual fear memory formation.

Simultaneous analysis of the intestinal parasites and diet through eDNA metabarcoding.

Agricultural expansion and intensification are having a huge impact on plant and arthropod diversity and abundance, affecting food availability for farmland birds. Difficult food access, in turn, can lead to immunosuppression and a higher incidence of parasites. In the studies designed to examine changes in the diet of birds and their parasites, metabarcoding is proving particularly useful. This technique requires mini-barcodes capable of amplifying the DNA of target organisms from fecal environmental DNA. To help to understand the impact of agricultural expansion on biodiversity, this study sought to design and identify mini-barcodes that might simultaneously assess diet and intestinal parasites from the feces of farmland birds. The capacity to identify diet and parasites of 2 existing and 3 newly developed mini-barcodes was tested "in silico" in relation to the behavior of a reference eukaryotic barcode. Among the newly designed mini-barcodes, MiniB18S_81 showed the higher taxonomic coverage of eukaryotic taxa and a greater amplification and identification capacity for diet and parasite taxa. Moreover, when it was tested on fecal samples from 5 different steppe bird species, MiniB18S_81 showed high taxonomic resolution of the most relevant diet and parasite phyla, Arthropoda, Nematoda, Platyhelminthes, and Apicomplexa at the order level. Thus, the mini-barcode developed emerges as an excellent tool to simultaneously provide detailed information regarding the diet and parasites of birds, essential for conservation and management.

Characterisation of progression of macular oedema in the initial stages of diabetic retinopathy: a 3-year longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: To characterise the prevalence and three-year progression of centre-involving diabetic macular oedema (CI-DMO) in minimal to moderate non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and measurements of retinal fluid using tissue optical reflectivity ratios (OCT-Leakage). METHODS/METHODS: Seventy-four eyes from 74 patients were followed in a 3-year prospective longitudinal observational cohort of type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), OCT-Angiography (OCT-A) and OCT-Leakage (OCT-L). Eyes were examined four times with 1-year intervals. Sixteen eyes (17.8%) were excluded from the analysis due to quality control standards. Retinal oedema was measured by central retinal thickness and retinal fluid by using optical reflectivity ratios obtained with the OCT-L algorithm. Vessel density was measured by OCT-A. Thinning of the ganglion cell and inner plexiform layers (GCL + IPL) was examined to identify retinal neurodegenerative changes. Diabetic retinopathy ETDRS classification was performed using the seven-field ETDRS protocol. RESULTS: CI-DMO was identified in the first visit in 9% of eyes in ETDRS groups 10-20, 10% of eyes in ETDRS group 35 and 15% of eyes in ETDRS groups 43-47. The eyes with CI-DMO and subclinical CI-DMO showed a progressive increase in retinal extracellular fluid during the 3-year period of follow-up. The eyes with CI-DMO and increased retinal extracellular fluid accumulation were associated with vision loss. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of subclinical CI-DMO and CI-DMO in the initial stages of NPDR occurs independently of severity grading of the retinopathy, showing progressive increase in retinal extracellular fluid and this increase is associated with vision loss (82% 9 out of 11 cases).