In vivo antischistosomal efficacy of Porcelia ponderosa γ-lactones.

BACKGROUND: Schistosomiasis, caused by the parasitic blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni, is a significant global health concern, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. The available chemotherapeutic drug is restricted to praziquantel with present problems related to efficacy, toxicity and resistance, justifying the search for new drugs. Different natural products, including γ-lactones, have demonstrated anthelmintic activity. Thus, in this study, new γ-lactones from Porcelia ponderosa were investigated for their anti-S. mansoni effects in vitro and in vivo. PURPOSE: To evaluate the therapeutical potential against S. mansoni of the mixture of γ-lactones 1 + 2 obtained from Porcelia ponderosa seeds. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The precipitate formed during the concentration of CH2Cl2 extract from seeds of P. ponderosa showed to be composed by a mixture of the new γ-lactones 1 + 2 (in a ratio 77:23) which were chemically characterized using NMR and ESI-HRMS. This mixture was evaluated in vitro and in vivo against S. mansoni, using a murine model of schistosomiasis. Additionally, toxicity of the mixture of 1 + 2 (77:23) was determined using mammalian cell lines (in vitro) or the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans (in vivo). RESULTS: Seeds of P. ponderosa afforded a mixture of two unreported γ-lactones, 3­hydroxy-4-methylene-2-(tetracosa-17'Z,23'-diene-13',15'-diynyl)­but-2-enolide (1) and 3­hydroxy-4-methylene-2-(tetracos-17'Z-ene-13',15'-diynyl)­but-2-enolide (2). Initially, the antischistosomal activity of the mixture of 1 + 2 (77:23) was investigated in vitro, and obtained results demonstrate reduced activity against Schistosoma mansoni worms (EC50 of 83.3 µg/ml) in comparison to positive control praziquantel (EC50 of 1.5 µg/ml). However, when tested in vivo using oral administration at 400 mg kg-1, the standard dose used in the murine model of schistosomiasis, the mixture of 1 + 2 (77:23) revealed expressive reductions in both worm burden (65.7 %) and egg production (97.2 %), similar of those observed to praziquantel (89.7 % and 91.5 %, respectively). On the other hand, when treated using 200 and 100 mg kg-1, reductions in worm burden (25.7 and 12.4 %) and egg production (33.6 and 13.3 %) were also observed. Importantly, the mixture of 1 + 2 (77:23) exhibited no toxicity using mammalian cell lines (in vitro) or C. elegans (in vivo). CONCLUSION: Considering the promising in vivo activity of γ-lactones from P. ponderosa, the mixture of 1 + 2 (77:23) can be considered as promising candidate for the development of novel antischistosomal therapeutics, underscoring the importance of biodiversity exploration in the search for effective treatments against neglected tropical diseases.

Immune-mediated impairment of tonic immobility defensive behavior in an experimental model of colonic inflammation.

Ulcerative colitis has been associated with psychological distress and an aberrant immune response. The immunomodulatory role of systemic cytokines produced during experimental intestinal inflammation in tonic immobility (TI) defensive behavior remains unknown. The present study characterized the TI defensive behavior of guinea pigs subjected to colitis induction at the acute stage and after recovery from intestinal mucosa injury. Moreover, we investigated whether inflammatory mediators (tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-8, IL-10, and prostaglandins) act on the mesencephalic nucleus, periaqueductal gray matter (PAG). Colitis was induced in guinea pigs by intrarectal administration of acetic acid. The TI defensive behavior, histology, cytokine production, and expression of c-FOS, IBA-1, and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 in PAG were evaluated. Colitis reduced the duration of TI episodes from the first day, persisting throughout the 7-day experimental period. Neuronal c-FOS immunoreactivity was augmented in both columns of the PAG (ventrolateral (vlPAG) and dorsal), but there were no changes in IBA-1 expression. Dexamethasone, infliximab, and parecoxib treatments increased the duration of TI episodes, suggesting a modulatory role of peripheral inflammatory mediators in this behavior. Immunoneutralization of TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-8 in the vlPAG reversed all effects produced by colitis. In contrast, IL-10 neutralization further reduced the duration of TI episodes. Our results reveal that peripherally produced inflammatory mediators during colitis may modulate neuronal functioning in mesencephalic structures such as vlPAG.

Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors for Headache After Elective Cranial Neurosurgery: Results from a Systematic Review of Efficacy of Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors for Headache After Acute Brain Injury.

Headache management after acute brain injury (ABI) is challenging. Although opioids are commonly used, selective cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitors (COXIBs) may be promising alternatives. However, concerns about cardiovascular effects and bleeding risk have limited their use. We aimed at summarizing available data on efficacy of COXIBs for headache management following ABI. A systematic review was conducted through MEDLINE and Embase for articles published through September 2023 (PROSPERO identifier: CRD42022320453). No language filters were applied to the initial searches. Interventional or observational studies and systematic reviews assessing efficacy of COXIBs for headache in adults with ABI were eligible. Article selection was performed by two independent reviewers using DistillerSR. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis, and meta-analysis was unfeasible because of study heterogeneity. Of 3190 articles identified, 6 studies met inclusion criteria: 4 randomized controlled trials and 2 retrospective cohort studies, all conducted in elective cranial neurosurgical patients (total N = 738) between 2006 and 2022. Five studies used COXIBs in the intervention group only. Of the six studies, four found a reduction in overall pain scores in the intervention group, whereas one showed improvement only at 6 h postoperatively, and one did not find significant differences. Pain scores decreased between 4 and 15%, the largest shift being from moderate to mild severity. Three studies found an overall opioid use reduction throughout hospitalization in the intervention group, whereas one reported a reduction at 12 h postoperatively only. Opioid consumption decreased between 9 and 90%. Two studies found a decrease in hospital length of stay by ~ 1 day in the intervention group. The one study reporting postoperative hemorrhage found a statistically nonsignificant 3% reduction in the intervention group. COXIBs may serve as opioid-sparing adjunctive analgesics for headache control after elective cranial surgery. Limited or no literature exists for other forms of ABI, and additional safety data remain to be elucidated.

Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats Present Exacerbated Focal Stroke Behavioral Outcomes.

This study aimed to analyze the effects of systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) in a model of permanent ischemic stroke (focal ischemia due to thermocoagulation of pial vessels) on sensorimotor function (cylinder test and patch removal test), behavioral tasks (novelty habituation memory open field task) and cerebral infarct size in adult male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) for 42 days after the occurrence of a stroke. We observed that the stroke caused asymmetry in the front paws and delayed adhesive removal. These effects were spontaneously reduced in WKY rats, but not in SHR. Short- and long-term novelty habituation memories were abolished by stroke in WYK and SHR. On the 3rd day after stroke, the size of the focal cerebral infarct was the same in WKY and SHR. However, on the 7th day, the infarct size decreased in WKY rats, but not SHR. These results suggested that SAH impairment of sensorimotor recovery in rats subjected to cerebral ischemia could be related to augmented focal cerebral infarct size. Moreover, the behavioral tasks used in this study were unaffected by Systemic Arterial Hypertension. Our results highlight the need for animal models of comorbidities in stroke research.

Análise de perfil de saúde dos trabalhadores de um hospital do sul do Brasil / Health profile analysis of hospital workers in southern Brazil / Análisis del perfil de salud de los trabajadores de un hospital del sur de Brasil

A análise do perfil de saúde dos profissionais de saúde é necessária em ambientes hospitalares devido ao nível de insalubridade apresentado nesses locais. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o perfil de saúde, nível de atividade física e exposição a telas de trabalhadores de um hospital no Sul do Brasil. Este estudo tem caráter transversal e descritivo, e a amostra utilizada foi composta por trabalhadores adultos de um hospital universitário do Sul do Brasil. Os resultados indicaram que a maioria eram mulheres, brancas, de 35-44 anos, com especialização, renda de três a seis salários mínimos, percepção de bem-estar "boa" a "regular", índice de massa corporal "eutrófico" a "sobrepeso", sem doenças crônicas, não fumantes, com sono irregular, ansiedade em níveis normais, saúde percebida como "boa", sedentários, com mais de seis horas de tempo sentado em dias de trabalho. Foram encontradas associações entre ansiedade e várias variáveis. Embora com aspectos positivos, destaca-se que os trabalhadores apresentaram fatores de riscos à saúde, como sedentarismo, tempo prolongado sentado e dor corporal leve e sono irregular. Intervenções em saúde como diminuição de sedentarismo promovendo a prática de atividade física, redução de tempo sentado e orientações para manejo do sono e alívio de dores são necessárias nesse ambiente.

Analyzing the health profile of healthcare professionals is necessary in hospital environments due to their level of unhealthy conditions. Thus, this study investigated the health profile, level of physical activity, and screen exposure of workers at a hospital in southern Brazil. A cross-sectional descriptive was conducted with adult workers from a university hospital in southern Brazil. Results indicated that most participants were white women aged 35 to 44 years with specialization, an income of three to six minimum wages, well-being perceived as "good" to "regular", "eutrophic" to "overweight" body mass index, without chronic diseases, non-smokers, with irregular sleep, anxiety at normal levels, health perceived as "good," sedentary, sitting for more than six hours on work days. Associations were found between anxiety and several variables. Despite positive aspects, workers presented health risk factors such as a sedentary lifestyle, prolonged sitting, mild body pain, and irregular sleep. Health interventions to reduce sedentary lifestyles by promoting physical activity, to reduce sitting time, and to guide sleep management and pain relief are necessary in this setting.

El análisis del perfil de salud de los profesionales de la salud es importante en el ámbito hospitalario debido al nivel de condiciones de insalubridad en estos lugares. Así, el objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el perfil de salud, el nivel de actividad física y la exposición a pantallas por parte de los trabajadores de un hospital del Sur de Brasil. Este es un estudio transversal y descriptivo, y la muestra estuvo compuesta por trabajadores adultos de un hospital universitario del Sur de Brasil. Los resultados indicaron que la mayoría eran mujeres, blancas, de entre 35 y 44 años, con especialización, ingresos de tres a seis salarios mínimos, percepción de bienestar "bueno" a "regular", índice de masa corporal "eutrófico", "sobrepeso", sin enfermedades crónicas, no fumadores, con sueño irregular, ansiedad en niveles normales, salud percibida como "buena", sedentarios, con más de seis horas sentados en días laborales. Se encontraron asociaciones entre la ansiedad y varias variables. Aunque existen aspectos positivos, se destaca que los trabajadores presentaron factores de riesgo para la salud, como sedentarismo, estar sentado durante mucho tiempo, dolores corporales leves y sueño irregular. En este entorno son necesarias intervenciones sanitarias, como la reducción del estilo de vida sedentario mediante la promoción de la actividad física, la reducción del tiempo sentado y la orientación sobre el manejo del sueño y el alivio del dolor.

Mining threats in high-level biodiversity conservation policies.

Amid a global infrastructure boom, there is increasing recognition of the ecological impacts of the extraction and consumption of construction minerals, mainly processed as concrete, including significant and expanding threats to global biodiversity. We investigated how high-level national and international biodiversity conservation policies address mining threats, with a special focus on construction minerals. We conducted a review and quantified the degree to which threats from mining these minerals are addressed in biodiversity goals and targets under the 2011-2020 and post-2020 biodiversity strategies, national biodiversity strategies and action plans, and the assessments of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services. Mining appeared rarely in national targets but more frequently in national strategies. Yet, in most countries, it was superficially addressed. Coverage of aggregates mining was greater than coverage of limestone mining. We outline 8 key components, tailored for a wide range of actors, to effectively mainstream biodiversity conservation into the extractive, infrastructure, and construction sectors. Actions include improving reporting and monitoring systems, enhancing the evidence base around mining impacts on biodiversity, and modifying the behavior of financial agents and businesses. Implementing these measures could pave the way for a more sustainable approach to construction mineral use and safeguard biodiversity.

Amenazas de la minería a las políticas de alto nivel para la conservación de la biodiversidad Resumen Enmedio del auge global del desarrollo de infraestructura, hay un mayor reconocimiento de los impactos ecológicos de la extracción y consumo de materiales para construcción, procesados predominantemente como concreto. Estos materiales representan amenazas significativas y en expansión para la biodiversidad global. Investigamos cómo son abordadas las amenazas de la minería por las políticas nacionales e internacionales de alto nivel para la conservación de la biodiversidad, con enfoque especial en los minerales para construcción. Realizamos una revisión exhaustiva y cuantificamos el grado en el cual son abordadas las amenazas de la extracción de estos minerales en los objetivos y metas para la biodiversidad bajo estrategias 2011­2020 y post 2020, las estrategias y planes de acción nacionales para la biodiversidad, y las evaluaciones de la Plataforma Intergubernamental Científico­normativa sobre Diversidad Biológica y Servicios de los Ecosistemas. La minería raramente apareció en los objetivos nacionales, pero fue más frecuente en las estrategias nacionales. Sin embargo, fue abordada superficialmente en la mayoría de los países. La cobertura de minería de agregados fue mayor que la cobertura de la minería de caliza. Describimos ocho componentes clave, adaptados para una amplia gama de actores, para incorporar eficazmente la conservación de la biodiversidad en los sectores extractivo, desarrollo de infraestructura y construcción. Las acciones incluyen la mejora de los sistemas de informes y monitoreo, el reforzamiento de la base de evidencias en torno a los impactos de la minería sobre la biodiversidad y la modificación del comportamiento de los agentes financieros y comerciales. La implementación de estas medidas podría allanar el camino para un enfoque más sostenible en el uso de minerales para la construcción y la salvaguarda de la biodiversidad.

Efficacy of Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitors for Headache in Acute Brain Injury: A Systematic Review.

Background: Headache management after acute brain injury (ABI) is challenging. While opioids are commonly used, selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors (COXIBs) may be promising alternatives. However, concerns about cardiovascular effects and bleeding risk have limited their use. We aimed at summarizing available data on efficacy of COXIBs for headache management following ABI. Methods: A systematic review was conducted through MEDLINE and Embase for articles published through 09/2023 (PROSPERO CRD42022320453). No language filters were applied to the initial searches. Interventional or observational studies and systematic reviews assessing efficacy of COXIBs for headache in adults with ABI were eligible. Article selection was performed by two independent reviewers using Distiller SR®. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis, while meta-analysis was unfeasible due to study heterogeneity. Results: Of 3190 articles identified, six studies met inclusion criteria: four randomized controlled trials and two retrospective cohort studies, all conducted in neurosurgical patients (total n=738) between 2006-2022. Five studies used COXIBs in the intervention group only. Of the six studies, four found a reduction in overall pain scores in the intervention group, while one showed improvement only at 6 hours postoperative, and one did not find significant differences. Pain scores decreased between 4-15%, the largest shift being from moderate to mild severity. Three studies found an overall opioid use reduction throughout hospitalization in the intervention group, while one reported a reduction at 12 hours postoperative only. Opioid consumption decreased between 9-90%. Two studies found a decrease in hospital-length-of-stay by ~1 day in the intervention group. The one study reporting postoperative hemorrhage found a statistically non-significant 3% reduction in the intervention group. Conclusions: In adults with ABI, COXIBs may serve as opioid-sparing adjunctive analgesics for headache control, with limited but pointed data to indicate efficacy in the post-neurosurgical setting. However, further safety data remains to be elucidated.

Treatment with Blackberry Extract and Metformin in Sporadic Alzheimer's Disease Model: Impact on Memory, Inflammation, Redox Status, Phosphorylated Tau Protein and Insulin Signaling.

Natural products offer promising potential for the development of new therapies for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Blackberry fruits are rich in phytochemical compounds capable of modulating pathways involved in neuroprotection. Additionally, drug repurposing and repositioning could also accelerate the development of news treatments for AD. In light of the reduced brain glucose metabolism in AD, an alternative approach has been the use of the drug metformin. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of treatment with blackberry extract in a model of AD induced by streptozotocin (STZ) and compare it with metformin treatment. Male rats were divided into groups: I - Control; II - STZ; III - STZ + blackberry extract (100 mg/kg); IV - STZ + blackberry extract (200 mg/kg) and V - STZ + metformin (150 mg/kg). The animals received intracerebroventricular injection of STZ or buffer. Seven days after the surgical procedure, the animals were treated orally with blackberry extract or metformin for 21 days. Blackberry extract and metformin prevented the memory impairment induced by STZ. In animals of group II, an increase in acetylcholinesterase activity, phosphorylated tau protein, IL-6, oxidative damage, and gene expression of GSK-3ß and Nrf2 was observed in the hippocampus. STZ induced a decrease in IL-10 levels and down-regulated the gene expression of Akt1, IRS-1 and FOXO3a. Blackberry extract and metformin prevented the alterations in acetylcholinesterase activity, IL-6, GSK3ß, Nrf2, and oxidative damage. In conclusion, blackberry extract exhibits multi-target actions in a model of AD, suggesting new therapeutic potentials for this neurodegenerative disease.

Factors associated with increased lactate levels in cardiac surgeries: scoping review.

OBJECTIVES: to map the factors associated with increased lactate levels in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery using extracorporeal circulation. METHODS: this is a scoping review carried out in December 2022, across ten data sources. It was prepared in accordance with the recommendations of the Joanna Briggs Institute and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews checklist. RESULTS: the most recurrent findings in studies regarding the factors responsible for the increase in lactate were: tissue hypoperfusion, cardiopulmonary bypass time and use of vasoactive drugs. In 95% of studies, increased lactate was related to increased patient mortality. CONCLUSIONS: discussing the causes of possible complications in cardiac surgery patients is important for preparing the team and preventing complications, in addition to ensuring quality recovery.

Non-pharmacological strategies to reduce stress and anxiety in endovascular procedures: A scoping review.

AIM: This study aimed to identify and map the production of knowledge on non-pharmacological strategies to reduce stress and anxiety in patients undergoing endovascular procedures. DESIGN: Scoping review. METHODS: The review was performed using the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. The searches were conducted in Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Wiley Online Library, BVS/BIREME, Lilacs, Gale Academic OneFile, SciELO, Cochrane Library, CAPES Catalog of Dissertations and Theses, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation Portal of Theses and Dissertations, and Theses and Dissertations from Latin America. RESULTS: Twenty-two articles were selected. The articles were published from 2001 to 2022, mostly in Iran, and there was a predominance of randomized clinical trials. The Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory was the most used instrument. The findings indicated that music therapy, educational guidelines or videos on the procedure, massage, psychological preparation and aromatherapy were the main non-pharmacological therapies used to reduce anxiety and stress in patients undergoing vascular procedures.

Characterization of the mechanical properties of the cortex region of human hair fibers by multiparametric atomic force microscopy mapping.

We show the benefit of the use of atomic force microscopy (AFM) in spectroscopy force mode (FV: force volume) for evaluation of the cosmetic active effectiveness in improving the mechanical properties of human hair fibers cortex region. For this, we characterized human hair fibers without and with chemical damage caused by bleaching process. Fiber and resin (embedding material) data were obtained simultaneously in the mapping in order to have the resin data as a reference to ensure a coherent comparison between data from the different fiber groups. Our AFM results, which were evaluated using statistical tests, demonstrated the degradation of fibers after bleaching, corroborating the findings of transmission electron microscopy analysis and the effectiveness of a cosmetic active ingredient in improving the Young's modulus (elastic modulus) (E) of the damaged fibers. We also found a radial decrease in the natural logarithm of Young's modulus ln(E) along the cross-section of the active group fiber, which is compatible with confocal Raman spectroscopy analysis by other authors, demonstrating variation of the active permeation with depth. We note that Young's modulus was also determined by a tensile tester (macro-scale technique), in which it was not possible to obtain statistically significant differences between the groups, evidencing the advantage of the FV-AFM analysis. We also found an increase in ln(E) accompanied by a decrease in maximum adhesion force between tip and sample (negative Pearson correlation coefficient). This result can be explained by the fact that structures composed of hydrophobic components have a higher Young's modulus than structures composed of hydrophilic components.

IL-1β and IL-17 in cutaneous lupus erythematous skin biopsies: could immunohistochemicals indicate a tendency towards systemic involvement?

Abstract Background: Only a fraction of patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) will eventually progress toward systemic disease (SLE). Objective: To find inflammatory biomarkers which could predict the progression of cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) into systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) using immunohistochemical (IHC) assays. Methods: Immunohistochemical markers for cytotoxic, inflammatory, and anti-inflammatory responses and morphometric methods were applied to routine paraffin sections of skin biopsies, taken from lesions of 59 patients with discoid lupus, subacute lupus, and lupus tumidus. For the diagnosis of SLE, patients were classified by both the American College of Rheumatology (ACR-82) and the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC-12) systems. Results: Skin samples from CLE/SLE +patients presented higher expression of IL-1β (ARC-82: p = 0.024; SLICC-12: p = 0.0143) and a significantly higher number of cells marked with granzyme B and perforin (ARC: p = 0.0097; SLICC-12: p = 0.0148). Biopsies from CLE/SLE- individuals had higher expression of IL-17 (ARC-82: p = 0.0003; SLICC-12: p = 0.0351) and presented a positive correlation between the density of granzyme A+and FoxP3+ cells (ARC-82: p = 0.0257; SLICC-12: p = 0.0285) and CD8+ cells (ARC-82: p = 0.0075; SLICC-12: p = 0.0102), as well as between granulysin-positive and CD8+ cells (ARC-82: p = 0.0024; SLICC-12: p = 0.0116). Study limitations: Patients were evaluated at a specific point in their evolution and according to the presence or not of systemic disease. The authors cannot predict how many more, from each group, would have evolved towards SLE in the following years. Conclusions: In this cohort, immunohistochemical findings suggested that patients with a tendency to systemic disease will show strong reactivity for IL-1β, while those with purely cutaneous involvement will tend to express IL-17 more intensely.

Analysis of durability and replacement of vocal prostheses in total laryngectomy patients at a head and neck surgery referral center.

PURPOSE: The use of tracheoesophageal prostheses has become the gold standard in vocal rehabilitation of patients undergoing total laryngectomy. However, this method also has limitations, such as the need for frequent replacement of prostheses due to leakage or other complications. We have designed a study to access the clinical profile of patients using tracheoesophageal prostheses as vocal rehabilitation after total laryngectomy and to determine the average rate of changes, as well as the main causes of prostheses replacement. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed based on patients who underwent rehabilitation with voice prostheses after total laryngectomy between 2008 and 2017. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 93 patients and 432 vocal prostheses replacement events. The median change of prostheses per patient was 210.25 days, (range 57.33 to 651.50). The most frequent cause of prostheses replacement was leakage through the prostheses, 218 (50.46%). Lower level of education was associated to higher prostheses replacement rate. CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that the median of prostheses durability is higher than that presented in the literature, the main cause of replacement was protheses leakage and that low educational level is associated to higher replacement rate.

IL-1ß and IL-17 in cutaneous lupus erythematous skin biopsies: could immunohistochemicals indicate a tendency towards systemic involvement?

BACKGROUND: Only a fraction of patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) will eventually progress toward systemic disease (SLE). OBJECTIVE: To find inflammatory biomarkers which could predict the progression of cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) into systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) using immunohistochemical (IHC) assays. METHODS: Immunohistochemical markers for cytotoxic, inflammatory, and anti-inflammatory responses and morphometric methods were applied to routine paraffin sections of skin biopsies, taken from lesions of 59 patients with discoid lupus, subacute lupus, and lupus tumidus. For the diagnosis of SLE, patients were classified by both the American College of Rheumatology (ACR-82) and the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC-12) systems. RESULTS: Skin samples from CLE/SLE+patients presented higher expression of IL-1ß (ARC-82: p=0.024; SLICC-12: p=0.0143) and a significantly higher number of cells marked with granzyme B and perforin (ARC: p=0.0097; SLICC-12: p=0.0148). Biopsies from CLE/SLE- individuals had higher expression of IL-17 (ARC-82: p=0.0003; SLICC-12: p=0.0351) and presented a positive correlation between the density of granzyme A+and FoxP3+ cells (ARC-82: p=0.0257; SLICC-12: p=0.0285) and CD8+ cells (ARC-82: p=0.0075; SLICC-12: p=0.0102), as well as between granulysin-positive and CD8+ cells (ARC-82: p=0.0024; SLICC-12: p=0.0116). STUDY LIMITATIONS: Patients were evaluated at a specific point in their evolution and according to the presence or not of systemic disease. The authors cannot predict how many more, from each group, would have evolved towards SLE in the following years. CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort, immunohistochemical findings suggested that patients with a tendency to systemic disease will show strong reactivity for IL-1ß, while those with purely cutaneous involvement will tend to express IL-17 more intensely.

Biofunctionalization of surfaces to minimize undesirable effects in cardiovascular assistance devices.

BACKGROUND: The reactivity of blood with non-endothelial surface is a challenge for long-term Ventricular Assist Devices development, usually made with pure titanium, which despite of being inert, low density and high mechanical resistance it does not avoid the thrombogenic responses. Here we tested a modification on the titanium surface with Laser Induced Periodic Surface Structures followed by Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) coating in different thicknesses to customize the wettability profile by changing the surface energy of the titanium. METHODS: Four different surfaces were proposed: (1) Pure Titanium as Reference Material (RM), (2) Textured as Test Sample (TS), (3) Textured with DLC 0.3µm as (TSA) and (4) Textured with 2.4µm DLC as (TSB). A single implant was positioned in the abdominal aorta of Wistar rats and the effects of hemodynamic interaction were evaluated without anticoagulant drugs. RESULTS: After twelve weeks, the implants were extracted and subjected to qualitative analysis by Scanning Electron Microscopy under low vacuum and X-ray Energy Dispersion. The regions that remained in contact with the wall of the aorta showed encapsulation of the endothelial tissue. TSB implants, although superhydrophilic, have proven that the DLC coating inhibits the adhesion of biological material, prevents abrasive wear and delamination, as observed in the TS and TSA implants. Pseudo- neointimal layers were heterogeneously identified in higher concentration on Test Surfaces.

Factors associated with increased lactate levels in cardiac surgeries: scoping review / Factores relacionados a la elevación del nivel de lactato en cirugías cardíacas: revisión de ámbito / Fatores associados à elevação do nível de lactato em cirurgias cardíacas: revisão de escopo

ABSTRACT Objectives: to map the factors associated with increased lactate levels in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery using extracorporeal circulation. Methods: this is a scoping review carried out in December 2022, across ten data sources. It was prepared in accordance with the recommendations of the Joanna Briggs Institute and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews checklist. Results: the most recurrent findings in studies regarding the factors responsible for the increase in lactate were: tissue hypoperfusion, cardiopulmonary bypass time and use of vasoactive drugs. In 95% of studies, increased lactate was related to increased patient mortality. Conclusions: discussing the causes of possible complications in cardiac surgery patients is important for preparing the team and preventing complications, in addition to ensuring quality recovery.

RESUMEN Objetivos: mapear los factores relacionados a la elevación del nivel de lactato en el posoperatorio de cirugía cardíaca con uso de circulación extracorporea. Métodos: se trata de una revisión de ámbito realizada en diciembre de 2022, en diez fuentes de datos. Fue elaborada conforme las recomendaciones del Instituto Joanna Briggs y del checklist Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews. Resultados: los hallados más recurrentes en los estudios sobre los factores responsables por el aumento del lactato fueron: hipoperfusión tisular, tiempo de circulación extracorporea y uso de fármacos vasoactivos. En 95% de los estudios, el aumento del lactato se relacionó al aumento de la mortalidad de los pacientes. Conclusiones: discutir sobre las causas de posibles complicaciones en pacientes de cirugía cardíaca se hace importante para el preparo del equipo y prevención de intercurrencias, además garantizar recuperación de calidad.

RESUMO Objetivos: mapear os fatores associados à elevação do nível de lactato no pós-operatório de cirurgia cardíaca com uso de circulação extracorpórea. Métodos: trata-se de uma revisão de escopo realizada em dezembro de 2022, em dez fontes de dados. Foi elaborada conforme as recomendações do Instituto Joanna Briggs e do checklist Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews. Resultados: os achados mais recorrentes nos estudos a respeito dos fatores responsáveis pelo aumento do lactato foram: hipoperfusão tecidual, tempo de circulação extracorpórea e uso de fármacos vasoativos. Em 95% dos estudos, o aumento do lactato relacionou-se ao aumento da mortalidade dos pacientes. Conclusões: discutir sobre as causas de possíveis complicações em pacientes de cirurgia cardíaca faz-se importante para o preparo da equipe e prevenção de intercorrências, além de garantir recuperação de qualidade.

Use of a menthol popsicle in managing postoperative thirst in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy: A randomized clinical trial.

Background and aim: Thirst is a real bother that most patients feel in the immediate postoperative period when they still need to fast. Many approaches regarding symptomatic relief strategies have been described in the literature, but strategies with cold water and/or menthol are effective in quenching thirst, as they act on pre-absorptive mechanisms. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of using menthol popsicles in relieving postoperative thirst in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy. Material and methods: This is a randomized controlled clinical trial with a quantitative approach. In all, 44 patients were evaluated in the immediate postoperative period of radical prostatectomy, with the intensity and discomfort of thirst being evaluated initially and subsequently. The study consisted of two groups: (1) the placebo group, popsicles without the addition of menthol substrates and (2) the experimental group, popsicles with the addition of 0.05% minty substrates. Results: The results demonstrate that the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were homogeneous at the α = 5% significance level, except the occupation variable. The test detected changes in the intensity and discomfort of thirst in relation to the pre- and post-intervention times for the primary outcome when the groups were analyzed separately and for the interaction of the group versus time, there was no statistical difference between the groups. Conclusion: It was possible to prove that both the menthol popsicle and the popsicle without the addition of menthol were effective in relieving postoperative thirst in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy, but there was no statistically significant difference when comparing the two groups. Trial registration: The Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (RBR-8c3chr7).

Do Neuroprognostic Studies Account for Self-Fulfilling Prophecy Bias in Their Methodology? The SPIN Protocol for a Systematic Review.

Self-fulfilling prophecy bias occurs when a perceived prognosis leads to treatment decisions that inherently modify outcomes of a patient, and thus, overinflate the prediction performance of prognostic methods. The goal of this series of systematic reviews is to characterize the extent to which neuroprognostic studies account for the potential impact of self-fulfilling prophecy bias in their methodology by assessing their adequacy of disclosing factors relevant to this bias. Methods: Studies evaluating the prediction performance of neuroprognostic tools in cardiac arrest, malignant ischemic stroke, traumatic brain injury, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage will be identified through PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase database searches. Two reviewers blinded to each other's assessment will perform screening and data extraction of included studies using Distiller SR and following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We will abstract data pertinent to the methodology of the studies relevant to self-fulfilling prophecy bias. Results: We will conduct a descriptive analysis of the data. We will summarize the reporting of mortality according to timing and mode of death, rates of exposure to withdrawal of life-sustaining therapy, reasoning behind limitations of supportive care, systematic use of standardized neuroprognostication algorithms and whether the tool being investigated is part of such assessments, and blinding of treatment team to results of neuroprognostic test being evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: We will identify if neuroprognostic studies have been transparent in their methodology to factors that affect the self-fulfilling prophecy bias. Our results will serve as the foundation for standardization of neuroprognostic study methodologies by refining the quality of the data derived from such studies.

The Existing Drug Nifuroxazide as an Antischistosomal Agent: In Vitro, In Vivo, and In Silico Studies of Macromolecular Targets.

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease that afflicts approximately 250 million people worldwide. There is an urgent demand for new antiparasitic agents because praziquantel, the only drug available for the treatment of schistosomiasis, is not universally effective and may derail current progress toward the WHO goal of eliminating this disease as a public health problem by 2030. Nifuroxazide (NFZ), an oral nitrofuran antibiotic, has recently been explored to be repurposed for parasitic diseases. Here, in vitro, in vivo, and in silico studies were conducted to evaluate the activity of NFZ on Schistosoma mansoni. The in vitro study showed significant antiparasitic activity, with 50% effective concentration (EC50) and 90% effective concentration (EC90) values of 8.2 to 10.8 and 13.7 to 19.3 µM, respectively. NFZ also affected worm pairing and egg production and induced severe damage to the tegument of schistosomes. In vivo, a single oral dose of NFZ (400 mg/kg of body weight) to mice harboring either prepatent or patent S. mansoni infection significantly reduced the total worm burden (~40%). In patent infection, NFZ achieved a high reduction in the number of eggs (~80%), but the drug caused a low reduction in the egg burden of animals with prepatent infection. Finally, results from in silico target fishing methods predicted that serine/threonine kinases could be one of the potential targets for NFZ in S. mansoni. Overall, the present study revealed that NFZ possesses antischistosomal properties, mainly in terms of egg burden reduction in animals with patent S. mansoni infection. IMPORTANCE The increasing recognition of the burden imposed by helminthiasis, associated with the limited therapeutic arsenal, has led to initiatives and strategies to research and develop new drugs for the treatment of schistosomiasis. One of these strategies is drug repurposing, which considers low-risk compounds with potentially reduced costs and shorter time for development. In this study, nifuroxazide (NFZ) was evaluated for its anti-Schistosoma mansoni potential through in vitro, in vivo, and in silico studies. In vitro, NFZ affected worm pairing and egg production and induced severe damage to the tegument of schistosomes. In vivo, a single oral dose of NFZ (400 mg/kg) to mice harboring either prepatent or patent S. mansoni infection significantly reduced the total worm burden and egg production. In silico investigations have identified serine/threonine kinases as a molecular target for NFZ. Collectively, these results implied that NFZ might be a potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of schistosomiasis.