A Promising Approach: Magnetic Nanosystems for Alzheimer's Disease Theranostics.

Among central nervous system (CNS) disorders, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder and a major cause of dementia worldwide. The yet unclear etiology of AD and the high impenetrability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) limit most therapeutic compounds from reaching the brain. Although many efforts have been made to effectively deliver drugs to the CNS, both invasive and noninvasive strategies employed often come with associated side effects. Nanotechnology-based approaches such as nanoparticles (NPs), which can act as multifunctional platforms in a single system, emerged as a potential solution for current AD theranostics. Among these, magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are an appealing strategy since they can act as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and as drug delivery systems. The nanocarrier functionalization with specific moieties, such as peptides, proteins, and antibodies, influences the particles' interaction with brain endothelial cell constituents, facilitating transport across the BBB and possibly increasing brain penetration. In this review, we introduce MNP-based systems, combining surface modifications with the particles' physical properties for molecular imaging, as a novel neuro-targeted strategy for AD theranostics. The main goal is to highlight the potential of multifunctional MNPs and their advances as a dual nanotechnological diagnosis and treatment platform for neurodegenerative disorders.

Rheological and Mechanical Properties of an Acrylic PSA.

The adhesion of pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) is a complex phenomenon that can be understood through the characterization of different properties, including viscoelastic, mechanical, and fracture properties. The aim of the present paper is to determine the viscoelastic behaviour of an acrylic PSA and place it in the viscoelastic window, as well as to determine the tensile strength of the material. Additionally, different numbers of stacked adhesive layers and two crosshead speeds were applied to characterize the tensile strength of the adhesive in the different conditions. Adding a new interface between layers showed a negative influence in the tensile strength, while a higher crosshead speed implied a considerable increase in the same value. Finally, double cantilever beam (DCB) fracture tests were performed, and the J-integral approach was used to evaluate the fracture energy throughout the tests. The substrate roughness, the number of stacked layers, and the thickness of the PSA proved to decrease the performance of the PSA in fracture tests. While tensile bulk tests in viscoelastic materials are not easily found in the literature, as well as DCB tests, for fracture characterization, the obtained results allowed for the characterization of those properties in an acrylic PSA.

Regeneration of starfish radial nerve cord restores animal mobility and unveils a new coelomocyte population.

The potential to regenerate a damaged body part is expressed to a different extent in animals. Echinoderms, in particular starfish, are known for their outstanding regenerating potential. Differently, humans have restricted abilities to restore organ systems being dependent on limited sources of stem cells. In particular, the potential to regenerate the central nervous system is extremely limited, explaining the lack of natural mechanisms that could overcome the development of neurodegenerative diseases and the occurrence of trauma. Therefore, understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms of regeneration in starfish could help the development of new therapeutic approaches in humans. In this study, we tackle the problem of starfish central nervous system regeneration by examining the external and internal anatomical and behavioral traits, the dynamics of coelomocyte populations, and neuronal tissue architecture after radial nerve cord (RNC) partial ablation. We noticed that the removal of part of RNC generated several anatomic anomalies and induced behavioral modifications (injured arm could not be used anymore to lead the starfish movement). Those alterations seem to be related to defense mechanisms and protection of the wound. In particular, histology showed that tissue patterns during regeneration resemble those described in holothurians and in starfish arm tip regeneration. Flow cytometry coupled with imaging flow cytometry unveiled a new coelomocyte population during the late phase of the regeneration process. Morphotypes of these and previously characterized coelomocyte populations were described based on IFC data. Further studies of this new coelomocyte population might provide insights on their involvement in radial nerve cord regeneration.

Young adults who self-harm: Barriers to and facilitators of seeking help.

In Portugal, the lifetime prevalence of DSH in adolescents is situated between 16% and 35% (Duarte et al., 2020a; Gouveia-Pereira et al., 2016). Help-seeking is an important facilitator to stop these behaviors, although it is known that most individuals who engage in self-harm do not ask for help (Rowe et al., 2014). Study one (n = 222) examines the differences between two groups of young adults with a history of deliberate self-harm (participants who asked for help and participants who did not ask for help) regarding these behaviors' severity and diversity, suicidal ideation, and family conflicts. Participants completed a self-report questionnaire which included an open-ended question focused on the reasons that may or may not contribute for seeking help. Significant differences between the two groups were found for all variables and are further discussed, followed by a qualitative analysis concerning the help-seeking motives. Study two (n = 110) used a self-report questionnaire to analyze the expectations of young adults with a history of deliberate self-harm concerning their social support network and the role of healthcare workers when they asked or thought about asking for help. These expectations included contents related with problem-solving, confidentiality, understanding and trust, support, and unburdening. Identifying facilitators and barriers to help-seeking can be a relevant step in planning and managing interventions within deliberate self-harm. Future directions and limitations are discussed.

Development of a Unified Specimen for Adhesive Characterisation-Part 1: Numerical Study on the Mode I (mDCB) and II (ELS) Fracture Components.

Adhesives are increasingly being employed in industrial applications as a replacement for traditional mechanical joining methods, since they enable improvements in the strength-to-weight ratio and lower the cost of the overall structures. This has led to a need for adhesive mechanical characterisation techniques that can provide the data needed to build advanced numerical models, allowing structural designers to expedite the adhesive selection process and grant precise optimisation of bonded connection performance. However, mechanically mapping the behaviour of an adhesive involves numerous different standards resulting in a complex network of various specimens, testing procedures and data reduction methods that concern techniques which are exceedingly complex, time-consuming, and expensive. As such, and to address this problem, a novel fully integrated experimental characterisation tool is being developed to significantly reduce all the issues associated with adhesive characterisation. In this work, a numerical optimisation of the unified specimen's fracture toughness components, comprising the combined mode I (modified double cantilever beam) and II (end-loaded split) test, was performed. This was achieved by computing the desired behaviour as a function of the apparatus' and specimens' geometries, through several dimensional parameters, and by testing different adhesives, widening the range of applications of this tool. In the end, a custom data reduction scheme was deduced and set of design guidelines was defined.

An Exploratory Study on Determining and Modeling the Creep Behavior of an Acrylic Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive.

In the present paper, an exploratory study on the creep behavior of a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) is performed. After the determination of the quasi-static behavior of the adhesive for bulk specimens and single lap joints (SLJ), SLJs were subjected to creep tests at 80%, 60%, and 30% of their respective failure load. It was verified that the durability of the joints increases under static creep conditions as the load level decreases, with the second phase of the creep curve becoming more pronounced, where the strain rate is close to zero. In addition, cyclic creep tests were performed for the 30% load level at a frequency of 0.04 Hz. Finally, an analytical model was applied to the experimental results in order to reproduce the values obtained for both static and cyclic tests. The model was found to be effective, reproducing the three phases of the curves which allowed for the characterization of the full creep curve, something not commonly found in the literature, especially for PSAs.

Developments in Laminate Modification of Adhesively Bonded Composite Joints.

The use of carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) materials is increasing in many different industries, such as those operating in the aviation, marine, and automotive sectors. In these applications, composite parts are often joined with other composite or metallic parts, where adhesive bonding plays a key role. Unlike conventional joining methods, adhesive bonding does not add weight or require the drilling of holes, both of which are major sources of stress concentration. The performance of a composite joint is dependent on multiple factors and can be improved by modifying the adhesive layer or the composite layup of the adherend. Moreover, joint geometry, surface preparation, and the manufacturing methods used for production are also important factors. The present work reviews recent developments on the design and manufacture of adhesively bonded joints with composite substrates, with particular interest in adherend modification techniques. The effects of stacking sequence, use of thin-plies, composite metal laminates and its specific surface preparations, and the use of toughened surface layers in the composite adherends are described for adhesively bonded CFRP structures.

Multiple gingival recessions associated with non-carious cervical lesions treated by partial restoration and modified coronally advanced flap with either connective tissue graft or xenogeneic acellular dermal matrix: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare a connective tissue graft (CTG) to a (porcine) xenogeneic acellular dermal matrix (XDM), both associated with modified coronally advanced flap (MCAF) and partial resin composite restoration to treat multiple combined defects (CDs). METHODS: Seventy-eight defects in 38 patients presenting multiple combined defects, that is, gingival recession associated with non-carious cervical lesions, were treated by partial resin composite restoration (apical margin up to 1 mm of the estimated cement-enamel junction) and MCAF along with CTG or XDM. After 6 months, the groups were compared with regard to clinical, patient-centered, and esthetic outcomes. RESULTS: CD coverage was 72.9% for CTG versus 50.7% for XDM (P < 0.001). Recession reduction was 2.3 mm for CTG versus 1.5 mm for XDM (P < 0.001). CTG resulted in a greater increase in keratinized tissue width (CTG: 0.96 mm vs. XDM: 0.3 mm, P = 0.04) and gingival thickness (CTG: 0.9 mm vs. XDM: 0.3 mm, P < 0.001). Both treatments successfully reduced dentin hypersensitivity and increased esthetics satisfaction, with no statistically significant intergroup differences. Moreover, XDM patients experienced a shorter surgery duration (CTG: 57.2 min vs. XDM: 37.4 min, P < 0.001) and less time to no pain (visual analog scale  =  0; CTG: 6.5 days vs. XDM: 3.5 days, P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: CTG resulted in significantly greater root coverage and increased keratinized tissue width compared to XDM for treating multiple partially restored CDs. However, increased root coverage at the CTG sites was accounted for by increased probing depth compared to the XDM sites.

Engineering dual-stimuli responsive poly(vinyl alcohol) nanofibrous membranes for cancer treatment by magnetic hyperthermia.

The development of new cancer treatment options, such as multifunctional devices, allows for a more personalized treatment, avoiding the known severe side effects of conventional options. In this context, on-demand drug delivery systems can actively control the rate of drug release offering a precise control of treatment. Magnetically and thermally controlled drug delivery systems have been explored as on-demand devices to treat chronic diseases and cancer tumors. In the present work, dual-stimuli responsive systems were developed by incorporating Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) microgels into electrospun polymeric fibers for application in cancer treatment. First, Fe3O4 NPs with an average diameter of 8 nm were synthesized by chemical precipitation technique and stabilized with dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) or oleic acid (OA). PNIPAAm microgels were synthesized by surfactant-free emulsion polymerization (SFEP). Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) was used as a fiber template originating fibers with an average diameter of 179 ± 14 nm. Stress tests of the membranes showed that incorporating both microgels and Fe3O4 NPs in electrospun fibers increases their Young's modulus. Swelling assays indicate that PVA membranes have a swelling ratio of around 3.4 (g/g) and that the presence of microgels does not affect its swelling ability. However, with the incorporation of Fe3O4 NPs, the swelling ratio of the membranes decreases. Magnetic hyperthermia assays show that a higher concentration of NPs leads to a higher heating ability. The composite membrane with the most promising results is the one incorporated with DMSA-coated NPs, since it shows the highest temperature variation, 5.1 °C. To assess the membranes biocompatibility and ability to promote cell proliferation, indirect and direct contact cell viability assays were performed, as well as cell adhesion assays. Following an extract method viability assay, all membrane designs did not reveal cytotoxic effects on dermal fibroblasts and melanoma cancer cells, after 48 h exposure and support long-term viability. The present work demonstrates the potential of dual-stimuli composite membranes for magnetic hyperthermia and may in the future be used as an alternative cancer treatment particularly in anatomically reachable solid tumors.

Acompanhamento longitudinal (5 anos) de estudo clínico randomizado sobre a utilização de matriz colágena xenógena para o tratamento de recessões gengivais associadas à lesão cervical não-cariosa / Longitudinal follow-up (5 years) of a randomized clinical study on the use of xenogenous collagen matrix for the treatment of gingival recessions associated with partially restored non-carious cervical lesion

As recessões gengivais acometem grande parte da população e ­ frequentemente ­ tratam-se de lesões combinadas onde há recessão acompanhada de lesão cervical não-cariosa. Diferentes estudos avaliaram opções de tratamentos cirúrgicorestauradores para melhor reestabelecimento estético e funcional desse tipo de condição. No entanto, estudos avaliando a longo prazo o desempenho de biomateriais para o tratamento de defeitos combinados restaurados ainda são escassos na literatura. Desta forma, o objetivo do presente estudo é avaliar longitudinalmente o desempenho da matriz colágena suína associada ao retalho posicionado coronariamente e a restauração parcial para o tratamento de defeitos combinados. Para tal, foi realizado um acompanhamento pós-operatório de 5 anos de um estudo previamente realizado. Quarenta pacientes (n=40) apresentaram-se na revocação e foram previamente tratados com: restauração parcial da lesão cervical e cirurgia para recobrimento radicular associado à matriz colágena xenógena de origem suína (CAF+MC; grupo teste; n=22) ou recobrimento radicular por meio do retalho posicionado coronariamente (CAF; grupo controle; n=18) foram avaliados. Foram realizados parâmetros clínicos, fotográficos e centrados no paciente, analisados e comparados em baseline e 1 ano após o procedimento cirúrgico-restaurador. Aos 5 anos, CAF e CAF+MC apresentaram resultados satisfatórios e sem diferença estatisticamente relevante entre si de Redução da Recessão (RedRec; 1,82 ± 0,89; 2,08 ± 1,08), Porcentagem de Recobrimento do Defeito Combinado (%CDC; 56,80 ± 23,90%; 57,25 ± 27,48%) e Recessão Gengival Relativa (RGR; 9,04 ± 0,99; 9,47 ± 1,51), sugerindo eficácia do tratamento em longo prazo. Os parâmetros ATQ e ETQ mostraram-se estáveis longitudinalmente no grupo CAF, embora os resultados de 1 ano do grupo teste tenham sido superiores, aos 5 anos não apresentaram diferença estatisticamente relevante ao grupo controle. Todos os grupos apresentaram redução significativa da hipersensibilidade dentinária (p<0,001) e melhora nas condições estéticas (p<0,001). Pode-se concluir que, em comparação a dados anteriores, o grupo que foi tratado com associação do biomaterial não mostrou benefícios adicionais quanto ao recobrimento radicular em 5 anos. (AU)

The gingival recessions affect the population majority and - very often ­ these are combined defects, associating recessions, and non-carious cervical lesions. Different studies evaluated options of surgical-restorative treatments for a better aesthetic and functional reestablishment for that type of condition. However, studies evaluating a long-term of soft tissue substitutes performance to the treatment of combined defects restored are scarce in the literature. Thus, the objective of the present study is to evaluate longitudinally the performance of a xenogeneic collagen matrix associated to coronally positioned flap and partial restoration for the treatment of combined defects. To this end, a 5-year postoperative follow-up of a previously conducted study was carried out. Forty patients (n=40) presented for recall and were previously treated with: partially restoration of the non-carious cervical lesion and root coverage procedure by coronally advanced flap associated with collagen matrix (CAF+MC; test group; n=22) or partial restoration of the cervical lesion and root coverage through the coronally advanced flap alone (CAF; control group; n=18) were evaluated. Clinical, photographic, and patient-centered parameters were analyzed and compared at baseline and 1 year after the surgical-restorative procedure. At 5 years, CAF, and CAF+MC showed satisfactory results, with no statistically significant difference between them in Gingival Recession Reduction (RedRec; 1.82 ± 0.89; 2.08 ± 1.08), CD Coverage (%CDC; 56.80 ± 23.90; 57.25 ± 27.48) and Relative Gingival Recession (RGR; 9.04 ± 0.99; 9.47 ± 1.51), suggesting long-term treatment efficiency. The ATQ and ETQ parameters were shown to be longitudinally stable in the CAF group, although the 1-year results of the test group were superior, at 5 years there was no statistically significant difference in relation to the control group. All groups showed a significant reduction in dentin hypersensitivity (p<0.001) and improvement in esthetic conditions (p<0.001). It can be concluded that, compared to previous data, the group that was treated with the biomaterial association did not show additional benefits in terms of root coverage in 5 years. (AU)

Experimental and Numerical Study of Thermal Residual Stresses on Multimaterial Adherends in Single-Lap Joints.

The presence of residual stresses in composite materials can significantly affect material performance, especially when integrated in bonded joints. These stresses, often generated during the cure process, can cause cracking and distortion of the material, and are caused by differences in the coefficients of thermal expansion or cure shrinkage. In the current research, multimaterial adherends combining carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) and aluminium in a single-lap joint (SLJ) configuration are analysed, allowing us to understand the effect of the thermal residual stresses, developed during the curing process, in the overall performance of the joints. A numerical model resorting to a finite element analysis (FEA) is developed to assess and predict the behaviour of the joints. The use of FML (fibre metal laminates) was found to significantly improve the strength of the joints, as well as the failure mode. The proposed geometry performed similarly to the comparable FML geometry, in addition to a decrease in the joint weight.

Characterization of Coelomic Fluid Cell Types in the Starfish Marthasterias glacialis Using a Flow Cytometry/Imaging Combined Approach.

Coelomocytes is the generic name for a collection of cellular morphotypes, present in many coelomate animals, and highly variable among echinoderm classes. The roles attributed to the major types of these free circulating cells present in the coelomic fluid of echinoderms include immune response, phagocytic digestion and clotting. Our main aim in this study was to characterize coelomocytes found in the coelomic fluid of Marthasterias glacialis (class Asteroidea) by using a combination of flow cytometry (FC), imaging flow cytometry (IFC) and fluorescence plus transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Two coelomocyte populations (P1 and P2) identified through flow cytometry were subsequently studied in terms of abundance, morphology, ultrastructure, cell viability and cell cycle profiles. Ultrastructurally, P2 diploid cells were present as two main morphotypes, similar to phagocytes and vertebrate thrombocytes, whereas the smaller P1 cellular population was characterized by low mitotic activity, a relatively undifferentiated cytotype and a high nucleus/cytoplasm ratio. In the present study we could not rule out possible similarities between haploid P1 cells and stem-cell types in other animals. Additionally, we report the presence of two other morphotypes in P2 that could only be detected by fluorescence microscopy, as well as a morphotype revealed via combined microscopy/FC. This integrative experimental workflow combined cells physical separation with different microscopic image capture technologies, enabling us to better tackle the characterization of the heterogeneous composition of coelomocytes populations.

Impact of simulated toothbrushing on surface properties of chairside CAD-CAM materials: An in vitro study.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Chairside computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) materials that do not require any firing steps are a promising option to expedite restoration production; however, little information is available to determine the most suitable material for each clinical situation. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of simulated toothbrushing on surface gloss, roughness, and wear of chairside CAD-CAM materials. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Disk-shaped specimens (n=15) were prepared of the following materials: ENA-VITA Enamic; LAV-Lava Ultimate; EMP-IPS Empress CAD; CER-Cerasmart; GRA-Grandio blocs. Gloss (Gloss Unit-GU) and surface roughness (Ra-µm) were evaluated before and after simulated toothbrushing (100 000 strokes). Wear (µm) was assessed by contact profilometry. Additional analyses of microhardness by scanning electron microscopy were also performed. Data were analyzed with 2-way repeated measures ANOVA test for roughness and gloss, and 1-way ANOVA for wear (α=.05). To estimate the correlation between Ra and GU, the Pearson correlation was calculated. RESULTS: Before brushing, CER showed the lowest Ra (P<.001), and GRA the lowest GU values. After brushing, the feldspathic ceramic-based materials (ENA and EMP) presented the highest gloss, whereas the ceramic group (EMP) showed the lowest Ra. Before and after brushing, GRA showed the lowest GU values. Higher wear values were found for the composite resin groups (CER>GRA), with the exception of LAVA, which was similar to ENA, and EMP showing improved wear resistance. A strong negative correlation (-0.925) between GU and Ra values was detected (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: The materials containing a glass phase (ENA and EMP) presented higher wear resistance, higher gloss, and lower roughness after brushing than the other materials tested. The correlation test showed that the higher the surface roughness, the lower the gloss.

Schizophrenia polygenic risk score influence on white matter microstructure.

Schizophrenia (SZ) and bipolar disorder (BD) are highly heritable, share symptomatology, and have a polygenic architecture. The impact of recent polygenic risk scores (PRS) for psychosis, which combine multiple genome-wide associated risk variations, should be assessed on heritable brain phenotypes also previously associated with the illnesses, for a better understanding of the pathways to disease. We have recently reported on the current SZ PRS's ability to predict 1st episode of psychosis case-control status and general cognition. Herein, we test its penetrance on white matter microstructure, which is known to be impaired in SZ, in BD and their relatives, using 141 participants (including SZ, BP, relatives of SZ or BP patients, and healthy volunteers), and two white matter integrity indexes: fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD). No significant correlation between the SZ PRS and FA or MD was found, thus it remains unclear whether white matter changes are primarily associated with SZ genetic risk profiles.

Morphological bases for intestinal paracellular absorption in bats and rodents.

Flying mammals present unique intestinal adaptations, such as lower intestinal surface area than nonflying mammals, and they compensate for this with higher paracellular absorption of glucose. There is no consensus about the mechanistic bases for this physiological phenomenon. The surface area of the small intestine is a key determinant of the absorptive capacity by both the transcellular and the paracellular pathways; thus, information about intestinal surface area and micro-anatomical structure can help explain differences among species in absorptive capacity. In order to elucidate a possible mechanism for the high paracellular nutrient absorption in bats, we performed a comparative analysis of intestinal villi architecture and enterocyte size and number in microchiropterans and rodents. We collected data from intestines of six bat species and five rodent species using hematoxylin and eosin staining and histological measurements. For the analysis we added measurements from published studies employing similar methodology, making in total a comparison of nine species each of rodents and bats. Bats presented shorter intestines than rodents. After correction for body size differences, bats had ~41% less nominal surface area (NSA) than rodents. Villous enhancement of surface area (SEF) was ~64% greater in bats than in rodents, mainly because of longer villi and a greater density of villi in bat intestines. Both taxa exhibited similar enterocyte diameter. Bats exceeded rodents by ~103% in enterocyte density per cm2 NSA, but they do not significantly differ in total number of enterocytes per whole animal. In addition, there is a correlation between SEF and clearance per cm2 NSA of L-arabinose, a nonactively transported paracellular probe. We infer that an increased enterocyte density per cm2 NSA corresponds to increased density of tight junctions per cm2 NSA, which provides a partial mechanistic explanation for understanding the high paracellular absorption observed in bats compared to nonflying mammals.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis whole genome sequencing provides insights into the Manila strain and drug-resistance mutations in the Philippines.

The Philippines has a high incidence of tuberculosis disease (TB), with an increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MDR-TB) strains making its control difficult. Although the M. tuberculosis "Manila" ancient lineage 1 strain-type is thought to be prevalent in the country, with evidence of export to others, little is known about the genetic diversity of circulating strains. By whole genome sequencing (WGS) 178 isolates from the Philippines National Drug Resistance Survey, we found the majority (143/178; 80.3%) belonged to the lineage 1 Manila clade, with the minority belonging to lineages 4 (European-American; n = 33) and 2 (East Asian; n = 2). A high proportion were found to be multidrug-resistant (34/178; 19.1%), established through highly concordant laboratory drug susceptibility testing and in silico prediction methods. Some MDR-TB isolates had near identical genomic variation, providing potential evidence of transmission. By placing the Philippine isolates within a phylogeny of global M. tuberculosis (n > 17,000), we established that they are genetically similar to those observed outside the country, including a clade of Manila-like strain-types in Thailand. An analysis of the phylogeny revealed a set of ~200 SNPs that are specific for the Manila strain-type, and a subset can be used within a molecular barcode. Sixty-eight mutations known to be associated with 10 anti-TB drug resistance were identified in the Philippine strains, and all have been observed in other populations. Whilst nine putative streptomycin resistance conferring markers in gid (8) and rrs (1) genes appear to be novel and with functional consequences. Overall, this study provides an important baseline characterisation of M. tuberculosis genetic diversity for the Philippines, and will fill a gap in global datasets and aid the development of a nation-wide database for epidemiological studies and clinical decision making. Further, by establishing a molecular barcode for detecting Manila strains it will assist with the design of diagnostic tools for disease control activities.

Specific Substantial Dysconnectivity in Schizophrenia: A Transdiagnostic Multimodal Meta-analysis of Resting-State Functional and Structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging Studies.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated characteristic large-scale brain changes in schizophrenia. Numerous imaging studies have demonstrated brain changes in schizophrenia, particularly aberrant intrinsic functional connectivity (iFC) of ongoing brain activity, measured by resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging, and aberrant gray matter volume (GMV) of distributed brain regions, measured by structural magnetic resonance imaging. It is unclear, however, which iFC changes are specific to schizophrenia compared with those of other disorders and whether such specific iFC changes converge with GMV changes. To address this question of specific substantial dysconnectivity in schizophrenia, we performed a transdiagnostic multimodal meta-analysis of resting-state functional and structural magnetic resonance imaging studies in schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders. METHODS: Multiple databases were searched up to June 2017 for whole-brain seed-based iFC studies and voxel-based morphometry studies in schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, addiction, and anxiety. Coordinate-based meta-analyses were performed to detect 1) schizophrenia-specific hyperconnectivity or hypoconnectivity of intrinsic brain networks (compared with hyperconnectivity or hypoconnectivity of each other disorder both separately and combined across comparisons) and 2) the overlap between dysconnectivity and GMV changes (via multimodal conjunction analysis). RESULTS: For iFC meta-analysis, 173 publications comprising 4962 patients and 4575 control subjects were included, and for GMV meta-analysis, 127 publications comprising 6311 patients and 6745 control subjects were included. Disorder-specific iFC dysconnectivity in schizophrenia (consistent across comparisons with other disorders) was found for limbic, frontoparietal executive, default mode, and salience networks. Disorder-specific dysconnectivity and GMV reductions converged in insula, lateral postcentral cortex, striatum, and thalamus. CONCLUSIONS: Results demonstrated specific substantial dysconnectivity in schizophrenia in insula, lateral postcentral cortex, striatum, and thalamus. Data suggest that these regions are characteristic targets of schizophrenia.

Suicídio em cidades históricas de um estado brasileiro / Suicide in historic cities of a Brazilian state

Objetivo: analisar a taxa de suicídio em regiões históricas de Minas Gerais, Brasil. Métodos: estudo epidemiológico realizado em 5 regiões históricas de um estado brasileiro. Os dados utilizados foram extraídos do Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde. Resultados: as Regiões Históricas das Manifestações e Riquezas apresentaram maiores taxas de suicídio quando comparado com a taxa do Estado. Em 11 dos 15 anos analisados, a Região das Riquezas apresentou taxa maior que a de Minas Gerais. Em relação a faixa etária constatou-se níveis médios de suicídio entre 20 e 59 anos em 14 anos estudados. Também se identificaram maiores taxas de suicídio de homens nas Regiões Históricas. Os meios de perpetração mais utilizado nas Regiões Históricas foram enforcamento, estrangulamento e sufocação. Conclusão: a distribuição dos casos de suicídio possibilitou conhecer as características epidemiológicas do suicídio nas Regiões Históricas de Minas Gerais durante o período analisado...