Erythrocyte alterations in specimens of Danio rerio caused by exposure to metformin.

The antidiabetic drug metformin is widely prescribed around the world. However, its permanence in different environmental concentrations has been associated with adverse toxicological effects in organisms that do not target its therapeutic action. In the aquatic environment, fish such as the Zebrafish (Danio rerio) have been considered potential bioindicators of environmental impacts and used as experimental models in toxicological studies due to the sensitivity of these species to different types of contaminants, including pharmaceuticals. Thus, this study aimed to analyze metformin's cytotoxic effects on Danio rerio erythrocytes. The animals were submitted to different concentrations of the drug (50 µg/L, 100 µg/L, 150 µg/L, and 10000 µg/L) for 365 days and subsequently observed employing light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to evaluate the alterations that occurred. Exposure of animals to metformin led to significant erythrocyte cell abnormalities across all tested concentrations, with a particularly pronounced effect at the higher concentration previously defined as the NOEC (No Observed Effect Concentration). Remarkable abnormalities included cytoplasmic vacuoles, echinocytes, and vesicle-like cytoplasmic fragments. These findings suggest that metformin, even at concentrations similar to those found in nature and at the NOEC level, exhibits cytotoxic potential in D. rerio, raising concerns about its potential health impacts.

Complete genome sequences and characteristics of mycobacteriophages Diminimus, Dulcita, Glaske16, and Koreni.

Complete genome sequences of four novel mycobacteriophages, Diminimus, Dulcita, Glaske16, and Koreni, isolated from soil are presented. All these bacteriophages belong to subcluster M1, except Koreni that belongs to subcluster A4. Moreover, all have siphovirus morphologies, with genome sizes ranging from 51,055 to 81,156 bp.

Cannabis sativa L. from Seized Drug Material: In Vitro Germination and Establishment.

Background: With the expansion of the cannabis-derived product market, there is a growing need for seedling development to produce raw material for pharmaceutical applications and medicinal research. However, cannabis cultivation is illegal in many countries, and legal producers do not sell cannabis seeds in these countries. In Brazil, cannabis is still illegal, and the only way to obtain access to cannabis plants for research or as medicine is through importation, which is costly and requires authorization from the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA), or from material seized by the police from drug trafficking. Methods: Therefore, since cannabis seeds obtained from drug trafficking have never been tested regarding their viability and use in in vitro cultivation, the aim of this study was to analyze the in vitro establishment of cannabis from seeds derived from Brazilian drug trafficking seizures that were provided by the police to investigate seed disinfestation procedures and further multiplication of nodal segments, with the purpose of obtaining material for medicinal research in the country. Seeds were subjected to four disinfestation treatments. Results: The best disinfestation treatment consisted in submerging the seeds in a 2 g·L-1 Captan® solution for 30 min before following the standard procedure with 70% ethanol for 30 sec and then 20 min in 2.5% sodium hypochlorite. The in vitro establishment of cannabis from seeds originating from Brazilian drug trafficking seizures was successful. The germination rate ranged from 10% to 90% according to the sample material. Non-brick weed, which consisted of dry leaves, stalks, and flowers, was more suitable for seed extraction and germination. Clones originating from BW4b showed the best development results compared with others. Conclusions: This is the first report of in vitro cannabis use in Brazil and opens great prospects for future work on its cultivation and research for medicinal applications in the country without relying on seed importation.

Construção de procedimento operacional padrão como ferramenta facilitadora de gestão em saúde em uma faculdade de odontologia / Construction of standard operating procedure as a facilitating tool for health management in a school of dentistry / Construcción de procedimiento operativo estándar como herramienta facilitadora para la gestión en salud en una facultad de odontología

O Procedimento Operacional Padrão é uma relevante ferramenta de gestão para otimizar o processo de trabalho dentro da perspectiva da resolutividade definida nos princípios do Sistema Único de Saúde.Objetivo:elaborar um Procedimento Operacional Padrãopara estandardizar o funcionamento do fluxo de materiais do almoxarifado da Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade Federal do Pará. Metodologia:Estudo descritivo que propôs a criação de uma ferramenta de tecnologia leve dividido em três etapas: aprofundamento teórico, elaboração e refinamento. Resultados:A equipe envolvida no processo de trabalho da unidade de saúde colaborou com a construção do instrumento, favorecendo o estabelecimento de vínculo e assertividade. O Procedimento Operacional Padrãoelaborado constitui subsídio para organização do fluxo com o objetivo de esclarecer, facilitar e padronizar o uso do almoxarifado, promovendo estratégias de uso adequado no manejo dos materiais e a racionalização dos mesmos, com a finalidade de tirar máximo proveito e reduzir custos. Conclusões:A elaboração da ferramenta promoveu aprimoramento do processo de trabalho no manejo dos materiais e equipamentos odontológicos. A participação dos sujeitos envolvidos gerou fortalecimento do vínculo e co-responsabilização (AU).

The Standard Operating Procedure is a relevant management tool to optimizethe work processwithin the perspective of resolution as defined in the Unified Health Systemprinciples.Objective:to elaborate a Standard Operating Procedureto standardize the flow use of materials in the storeroom of the College of Dentistry of the Federal University of Pará.Methodology:Descriptive study which proposed the creation of a soft technology tool divided into three stages: theoretical deepening, elaboration and refinement. Results:The team involved in the health center'swork process collaborated with the development of the instrument, promoting the establishment of bonding and assertiveness. The elaborated Standard Operating Procedureconstitutes subsidy for the organization of the flow with the goal of clarifying, facilitating and standardizing the use of the storeroom, promoting strategies of adequate use in the handling of materials and the rationalization of them, in order to take full advantage and reduce costs. Conclusions:The tool elaborationpromoted the improvement of the work process in the handling of dental materials and equipment. The participation of the health center's team strengthened the bond and co-responsibility (AU).

El Procedimiento Operativo Estándar es una herramienta de gestiónrelevante para optimizar el proceso de trabajo en la perspectiva de resolución definida en los principios del Sistema Único de Salud.Objetivo: desarrollar un Procedimiento Operativo Estándarpara estandarizar el flujo de materiales en el almacén de la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad Federal de Pará. Metodología: Estudio descriptivo que propuso la creación de una herramienta de tecnología liviana dividida en tres etapas: profundización teórica, elaboración y refinamiento. Resultados: El equipo involucrado en el proceso de trabajo delaunidad de saludcolaboró con la construcción del instrumento, favoreciendo el establecimiento de un vínculoe asertividad. El Procedimiento Operativo Estándarelaboradoconstituyesubsidio para la organización del flujo con el objetivo de aclarar, facilitar y estandarizar el uso del almacén, promover estrategias de uso adecuado en el manejo de los materiales y la racionalización de los mismos, con el fin de aprovechar al máximo y reducir los costos.Conclusiones: La elaboración de la herramienta promovió la mejora del proceso de trabajo en el manejo de materiales y equipos odontológicos. La participación de los sujetos involucrados fortaleció el vínculo y la corresponsabilidad (AU).

A new experimental model to study shrimp allergy.

Shrimp is among the most sensitizing food allergens and has been associated with many anaphylaxis reactions. However, there is still a shortage of studies that enable a systematic understanding of this disease and the investigation of new therapeutic approaches. This study aimed to develop a new experimental model of shrimp allergy that could enable the evaluation of new prophylactic treatments. BALB/c mice were subcutaneously sensitized with 100 µg of shrimp proteins of Litopenaeus vannamei adsorbed in 1 mg of aluminum hydroxide on day 0, and a booster (100 µg of shrimp proteins only) on day 14. The oral challenge protocol was based on the addition of 5 mg/ml of shrimp proteins to water from day 21 to day 35. Analysis of shrimp extract content detected at least 4 of the major allergens reported to L. vannamei. In response to the sensitization, allergic mice showed significantly enhanced IL-4 and IL-10 production in restimulated cervical draining lymph node cells. High detection of serum anti-shrimp IgE and IgG1 suggested the development of allergies to shrimp while Passive Cutaneous Anaphylaxis assay revealed an IgE-mediated response. Immunoblotting analysis revealed that Allergic mice developed antibodies to multiple antigens present in the shrimp extract. These observations were supported by the detection of anti-shrimp IgA production in intestinal lavage samples and morphometric intestinal mucosal changes. Therefore, this experimental protocol can be a tool to evaluate prophylactic and therapeutic approaches.

Evaluation of Subtle Auditory Impairments with Multiple Audiological Assessments in Normal Hearing Workers Exposed to Occupational Noise.

Recent studies involving guinea pigs have shown that noise can damage the synapses between the inner hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons, even with normal hearing thresholds-which makes it important to investigate this kind of impairment in humans. The aim was to investigate, with multiple audiological assessments, the auditory function of normal hearing workers exposed to occupational noise. Altogether, 60 workers were assessed (30 in the noise-exposure group [NEG], who were exposed to occupational noise, and 30 in the control group [CG], who were not exposed to occupational noise); the workers were matched according to age. The following procedures were used: complete audiological assessment; speech recognition threshold in noise (SRTN); speech in noise (SN) in an acoustic field; gaps-in-noise (GIN); transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE) and inhibitory effect of the efferent auditory pathway; auditory brainstem response (ABR); and long-latency auditory evoked potentials (LLAEP). No significant difference was found between the groups in SRTN. In SN, the NEG performed worse than the CG in signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) 0 (p-value 0.023). In GIN, the NEG had a significantly lower percentage of correct answers (p-value 0.042). In TEOAE, the NEG had smaller amplitude values bilaterally (RE p-value 0.048; LE p-value 0.045) and a smaller inhibitory effect of the efferent pathway (p-value 0.009). In ABR, the NEG had greater latencies of wave V (p-value 0.017) and interpeak intervals III-V and I-V in the LE (respective p-values: 0.005 and 0.04). In LLAEP, the NEG had a smaller P3 amplitude bilaterally (RE p-value 0.001; LE p-value 0.002). The NEG performed worse than the CG in most of the assessments, suggesting that the auditory function in individuals exposed to occupational noise is impaired, even with normal audiometric thresholds.

Negligible Effects of Nutraceuticals from Beetroot Extract on Cardiovascular and Autonomic Recovery Response following Submaximal Aerobic Exercise in Physically Active Healthy Males: A Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: There is little evidence that nutraceuticals from beetroot extract are beneficial with regards to recovery of the cardiovascular parameters and the autonomic nervous system (ANS) after submaximal aerobic exercise, though this formulation is employed widely for this purpose. OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of beetroot extract supplementation on the recovery of cardiorespiratory and autonomic parameters after a session of submaximal aerobic exercise. METHODS: Sixteen healthy male adults commenced a cross-over, randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled trial. Beetroot extract (600 mg) or placebo (600 mg) were ingested 120 min prior to evaluation on randomized days. We assessed systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), pulse pressure (PP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR) and HR variability (HRV) indexes at Rest and during 60 min of recovery from submaximal aerobic exercise. RESULTS: Beetroot extract ingestion slightly accelerated HR, SBP, DBP and MAP reduction following exercise associated to the placebo protocol (vs. rest). Yet no group effect (p = 0.99) was identified between the beetroot and placebo protocols on HR mean, in addition to interaction (group vs. time) (p = 0.60). No group effect was attained between the SBP (p = 0.90), DBP (p = 0.88), MAP (p = 0.73) and PP (p = 0.99) protocols and no significant differences (group vs. time) were observed between the values of SBP (p = 0.75), DBP (p = 0.79), MAP (p = 0.93) and PP (p = 0.63) between placebo and beetroot protocols. Similarly, the reoccurrence of cardiac vagal modulation after exercise via the HF (ms2) was enhanced, but not with regards to the RMSSD index. No group effect (p = 0.99) was identified for the HF (p = 0.90) and RMSSD (p = 0.67) indices. Likewise, we observed no significant differences (group vs. time) amongst the values of HF (p = 0.69) and RMSSD (p = 0.95) between the placebo and beetroot protocols. CONCLUSION: Whilst beetroot extract might assist the recovery of the cardiovascular and autonomic systems following submaximal aerobic exercise in healthy males, these results seem insignificant owing to minor differences between interventions and are weak clinically.

Cerebrospinal fluid fistula as a complication of reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction collection for the detection of coronavirus disease 2019: illustrative cases.

BACKGROUND: The most used method to detect coronavirus disease 2019 during the pandemic is reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction with nasal swab. Despite being highly effective, the test does not leave the patient risk-free and can lead to serious complications. These can be traumatic nasal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistula and its consequences, such as meningitis. OBSERVATIONS: In this article, the authors present 4 case reports and a literature review. The following MeSH terms in the research were used: "CSF leak case report and covid 19." Six results were found and after searching the references and keywords 16 articles were identified. By using them, the authors tried to clarify the etiology of the fistula, its influences, and complications. LESSONS: The authors conclude that professionals must receive training, since CSF fistula originates from technical failure and lack of anatomical knowledge. The diagnosis cannot be neglected because it can bring complications to the patient's health.

Percepção do acadêmico de enfermagem acerca do procedimento de coleta do material do exame Papanicolau / Perception of the nursing student about the procedure for collecting the material of Papanicolaou exam

Objetivos: analisar a percepção do acadêmico de enfermagem acerca do procedimento de coleta do material do exame Papanicolau durante a formação profissional na Atenção Primária à Saúde. Metodos: trata-se de um estudo descritivo, transversal, de abordagem qualitativa, realizado com 14 acadêmicos de enfermagem com idade entre 20 a 28 anos. Os dados foram coletados no período de agosto a setembro de 2021, por meio de uma entrevista semiestruturada e analisada mediante análise temática. Resultados: os acadêmicos reconhecem a importância da realização do procedimento da coleta do material Papanicolau durante a formação acadêmica; porém, há dificuldades em relação à adesão das mulheres devido à resistência em realizar o procedimento com estagiário, pela falta de confiança originada do medo e a vergonha em se submeter ao exame, sentimentos que se acentuam quando o estudante é do sexo masculino. Para enfrentar tais dificuldades, relataram estratégias de conscientização da importância em realizar o exame, além de buscar transmitirem segurança em sua abordagem e manterem postura ética e técnica durante a realização do procedimento. Conclusão: é preciso difundir as informações quanto à importância do procedimento, estabelecer vínculo e constante mobilização das mulheres para a realização do Papanicolau. Assim, os acadêmicos, enquanto profissionais em formação, são fortes aliados para a sensibilização do público e a intensificação das ações ofertadas.

Objectives: to analyze the perception of nursing students about the procedure for collecting material from the Pap smear during professional training in Primary Health Care. Methods: this is a descriptive, cross-sectional study with a qualitative approach conducted with 14 nursing students aged between 20 and 28. Data were collected from August to September 2021 through a semi-structured interview and analyzed using Thematic Analysis. Results: academics recognize the importance of performing the Pap smear collection procedure during academic training, but there are difficulties concerning the adhesion of women due to resistance to performing the procedure with an intern, the lack of confidence arising from fear and shame in undergoing the exam, feelings that are accentuated when the student is male. To face these difficulties, strategies were reported to raise awareness of the importance of performing the exam, besides transmitting safety in their approach and maintaining an ethical and technical posture during the procedure. Conclusion: it is necessary to disseminate information about the importance of the procedure, establish a bond, and constant mobilization of women to perform the Pap smear. Thus, academics, as professionals in training, are strong allies for public awareness and intensification of the actions offered.

Efetividade de vitamina D para rinite alérgica: sinopse baseada em evidências / Vitamin D effectiveness for allergic rhinitis: evidence-based synopsis

Contexto: A suplementação de vitamina é considerada na prevenção de muitas doenças, incluindo a rinite alérgica, cuja prevalência tem aumentado nos últimos anos, impactando a saúde pública. Objetivo: Avaliar a efetividade da suplementação de vitamina D para a prevenção e o tratamento da rinite alérgica. Material e Métodos: Trata-se de sinopse baseada em evidências. Procedeu-se à busca por estudos que associavam a vitamina D à rinite alérgica em três bases eletrônicas de dados: Cochrane - Central de Registros de Ensaios Clínicos - CENTRAL (2022), PubMed (1966-2022) e Portal BVS (1982-2022) e no megabuscador de evidências TRIPDATABASE (2022). Dois pesquisadores independentemente extraíram os dados e avaliaram a qualidade dos estudos para a síntese. O desfecho primário de análise envolveu a redução de crises de rinite. Resultados: Foram encontrados 125 estudos. Cinco estudos (três ensaios clínicos randomizados e dois coortes) foram incluídos. Discussão: A literatura apresenta poucos estudos relacionando vitamina D e rinite alérgica. Os estudos em humanos são ensaios clínicos de baixa amostragem e elevada heterogeneidade, que avaliaram efetividade da suplementação de vitamina D para redução de sintomas da rinite. Os dois estudos coorte encontrados não estabeleceram relação entre a exposição à vitamina D e menor manifestação de doença alérgica. O nível de evidência é muito baixo e não permite, nesse momento, aferir a efetividade da vitamina D para essa finalidade. Conclusões: Não há evidência de efetividade da suplementação de vitamina D para tratamento e prevenção da rinite alérgica, sendo recomendada a realização de novos estudos de boa qualidade metodológica.

Accesibilidad en la alimentación en personas mayores / Accessibility in food for older people / Acessibilidade alimentar em idosos

La alimentación adecuada es un derecho humano que contribuye a una buena calidad de vida de las personas y uno de sus componentes básicos es la accesibilidad. En el Plan de cuidados de Enfermería, se valora el proceso de envejecimiento y las modificaciones que éste genera pudiendo contribuir a situaciones de vulnerabilidad desde el punto de vista nutricional. La accesibilidad a la alimentación se puede ver afectada por diferentes factores, como es el acceso físico, alimentos suficientes y adecuados, y las dificultades económicas. El objetivo fue conocer la accesibilidad en la alimentación de personas mayores (65 años y más) que residen en complejos habitacionales para jubilados y pensionistas. Se realizó un estudio de tipo cuantitativo de corte transversal. La recolección de los datos se llevó a cabo en tres complejos habitacionales para jubilados y pensionistas, seleccionados dos de ellos en la ciudad de Montevideo y uno en la ciudad de Rivera. La muestra estuvo conformada por 68 personas (69% de los residentes) que residen en los complejos.Los resultados demuestran que un 18% de esta población tiene dificultades en la accesibilidad en la alimentación, las causas fueron la falta de dinero en un 70% y un 30% por problema en la movilidad. Es reconocido en Uruguay el derecho a la alimentación y en generar políticas públicas y programas que contribuyan a satisfacer esta necesidad vital y garantizar el acceso a la misma, en grupos de población vulnerables como puede ser en las personas mayores.

Adequate food is a human right that contributes to a good quality of life for people and one of its basic components is accessibility. In the Nursing Care Plan, the aging process and the changes it generates are valued and may contribute to situations of vulnerability from the nutritional point of view. Accessibility to food can be affected by different factors, such as physical access, sufficient and adequate food, and economic difficulties. The objective was to know the accessibility in food of older people (65 years and over) who reside in housing complexes for retirees and pensioners. A quantitative cross-sectional study was carried out. Data collection was carried out in three housing complexes for retirees and pensioners, two of them selected in the city of Montevideo and one in the city of Rivera. The sample consisted of 68 people (69% of the residents) who reside in the complexes. The results show that 18% of this population has difficulties in food accessibility, the causes were lack of money in 70% and 30% due to mobility problems. The right to food is recognized in Uruguay and to generate public policies and programs that contribute to satisfying this vital need and guaranteeing access to it, in vulnerable population groups such as the elderly.

A alimentação adequada é um direito humano que contribui para uma boa qualidade de vida das pessoas e um de seus componentes básicos é a acessibilidade. No Plano de Assistência de Enfermagem, o processo de envelhecimento e as mudanças que ele gera são valorizados e podem contribuir para situações de vulnerabilidade do ponto de vista nutricional. A acessibilidade aos alimentos pode ser afetada por diversos fatores, como acesso físico, alimentação suficiente e adequada e dificuldades econômicas. O objetivo foi conhecer a acessibilidade na alimentação de pessoas idosas (65 anos ou mais) que residem em conjuntos habitacionais para aposentados e pensionistas. Foi realizado um estudo quantitativo transversal. A coleta de dados foi realizada em três conjuntos habitacionais para aposentados e pensionistas, dois deles selecionados na cidade de Montevidéu e um nacidade de Rivera. A amostra foi composta por 68 pessoas (69% dos moradores) que residem nos complexos. Os resultados mostram que 18% dessa população tem dificuldades na acessibilidade alimentar, as causas foram falta de dinheiro em 70% e 30% por problemas de locomoção. O direito à alimentação é reconhecido no Uruguai e para gerar políticas e programas públicos que contribuam para satisfazer esta necessidade vital e garantir o acesso a ela, em grupos populacionais vulneráveis como os idosos.

Selamento de perfuração com técnica de inserção modificada do MTA: relato de caso clínico / Drilling seals rig with a modified MTA insertion technique: clinical case report

O presente artigo tem como objetivo relatar um caso clínico de selamento de perfuração com uma técnica de inserção modificada do MTA. Após a anestesia, foi realizado o isolamento absoluto do dente e remoção do material presente na câmara, com o auxílio do inserto ultrassônico Smart X 1. Realizada a limpeza da perfuração utilizando hipoclorito de sódio e modelagem do canal com o instrumento rotatório, a obturação foi concebida com cone de guta percha e cimento AHPlus. Com broca Gates Glidden #3 foi removida a guta percha até o nível da perfuração. Em seguida, 5 mg de MTA branco foi manipulado, de acordo com recomendações do fabricante usando água destilada na proporção 1:1 e inserido na canaleta de uma régua endodôntica. Com o auxílio do instrumento de RHEM o material foi removido da canaleta e inserido na perfuração, concluindo o vedamento da mesma. Conclui-se neste caso clínico que o selamento de perfuração com MTA obteve sucesso clínico e radiográfico, utilizando a técnica de inserção com MTA modificada(AU)

This article aims to report a clinical case of sealing drilling rig with a modified MTA insertion technique. After anesthesia, the absolute isolation of the tooth and removing the material present in the Chamber, with the aid of ultrasonic Insert Smart X 1. Held drilling cleaning using sodium hypochlorite and modeling the canall with the Rotary instrument, the filling was designed with cone of gutta percha and cement AHPlus. With Gates Glidden bur #3 removed the gutta percha drilling level. Then 5 mg of white MTA was handled, according to manufacturer 's recommendations using distilled water in the ratio 1:1 and inserted in a canal endodontic ruler. With the aid of RHEM instrument the material was removed from the canal and inserted in drilling, completing the enclosure. It is concluded in this case that the sealing of drilling with clinical and radiographic success MTA, using the technique of does not avoid inserting rotating instrument. The obturation was performed with gutta percha cone and AHPlus cement. Removed gutta percha with Gates Glidden drill to drill level. Then, 5 mg of white MTA was handled, according to manufacturer 's recommendations using distilled water in the ratio 1: 1. Soon after, it was inserted in the caneleta of an endodontic ruler and with the aid of the instrument of RHEM the material was inserted in the indicated place. It is concluded in this clinical case that the perforation sealing with MTA obtained clinical and radiographic success, using the insertion technique with modified MTA(AU)

Impact of photobiomodulation for oral mucositis on body weight and BMI of patients with head and neck cancer.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of photobiomodulation for oral mucositis on body weight and body mass index (BMI) in head and neck cancer patients. METHODS: Patients were separated into two groups: photobiomodulation (PBM) (n = 17) and SHAM (n = 19). Participants assigned to the PBM group received the photobiomodulation therapy on alternate days at 33 different sites of the oral mucosa (1 J for 10 s per application point) using a low-power aluminum gallium arsenide (AsGaAl) laser device with a maximum output power of 86.7 mW and a wavelength of 660 nm (red). The same protocol was performed in patients allocated in the SHAM group but with the device turned off. At the first and twenty-fourth radiotherapy sessions, participants from both groups underwent an intraoral examination to assess the presence or absence of mucositis using the WHO scale, and measurements of weight and height for BMI calculation were undertaken. RESULTS: All patients had significant differences in weight and BMI throughout the study period. Patients in the PBM group lost less weight (p < 0.01) and had a reduced BMI loss (p < 0.01) in comparison to patients in the SHAM group. Although PBM did not prevent oral mucositis, it decreased its severity (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Photobiomodulation for oral mucositis reduced weight loss and prevented a reduction in BMI in patients who underwent chemoradiotherapy for head and neck cancer. Retrospectively registered at https://data.mendeley.com//datasets/4kd7s49wk4/1 .

Determination of the Ca, Mn, Mg and Fe in honey from multiple species of stingless bee produced in Brazil.

Stingless Bees (SB) honey is a product used for different purposes, and it is worth highlighting the presence of metallic species, which can have a nutritional or toxic effect, depending on the metal present and/or the amount ingested. Therefore, the objective of this work was to quickly determine Fe, Mn, Mg and Ca in SB honey, using slurry sampling and FAAS of 88 honey samples from different regions of Brazil. The concentrations varied from < LOD to 364 µg g-1 (Ca). The order for average concentration in the samples was Ca > Mg > Mn > Fe. Through the principal component analysis, it was verified that the SB honey analyzed in the present study has higher contents of the evaluated metals than the honey of the species Apis mellifera and SB honey from other Brazilian states. Theoretical calculation demonstrated that there is a little contribution of SB honey to human diet in relation to the metals, being more significative for Mn.

Intervenções para doença de Ménière à luz das revisões sistemáticas Cochrane / interventions for illness de Ménière in light of revisions Cochrane systematics

Contextualização: A doença de Ménière é uma síndrome vestibular episódica, relacionada ao acúmulo de endolinfa no ducto coclear e no vestíbulo. A sintomatologia envolve a tríade vertigem, zumbido e perda auditiva, podendo ser incapacitante. Objetivos: Este estudo avaliou a efetividade das intervenções para a doença de Ménière, segundo as revisões sistemáticas da Colaboração Cochrane. Métodos: Trata-se de overview de revisões sistemáticas Cochrane. Procedeu-se à busca na Cochrane Library (2021), sendo utilizado o termo MeSH "vertigo". Todos os estudos relacionados à doença de Ménière foram incluídos. O desfecho primário de análise foi a melhora clínica. Foram avaliados desfechos secundários, sendo a melhora dos parâmetros audiométricos, da qualidade de vida e eventos adversos. Resultados: Sete estudos foram incluídos, totalizando 17 ensaios clínicos randomizados (ECRs) (n = 639 participantes). A utilização de diuréticos, a restrição de sal, cafeína e álcool e a terapia com pressão negativa não apresentaram evidência de efetividade. Houve evidência baixa e limitada para injeção intratimpânica de esteroides e injeção intratimpânica de gentamicina. A evidência foi insuficiente para o tratamento com betaistina e para o tratamento cirúrgico. Os estudos mostraram risco de redução dos níveis auditivos com injeção intratimpânica de gentamicina. Discussão: Houve heterogeneidade e a amostragem não permite concluir atualmente sobre a efetividade de qualquer intervenção proposta. Sugere-se a realização de novos ECRs, de qualidade, seguindo-se as recomendações do CONSORT Statement para melhor elucidação da questão. Conclusão: Não há suporte com bom nível de evidência atualmente para qualquer intervenção terapêutica para a doença de Ménière, à luz das revisões sistemáticas da Cochrane.

Evaluation of microbial contamination in multi-dose fluorescein eyedrops in a reference eye center / Avaliação da contaminação microbiana em colírios multi-dose de fluoresceína em um centro oftalmológico de referência

ABSTRACT Purpose: To analyze the presence of microorganisms in fluorescein eyedrops used in a reference eye center in Recife-PE. Methods: This real-life and masked study evaluated fluorescein eyedrops used at the Altino Ventura Foundation in May 2019. Cultures were performed according to exposure times; I) three eyedrop bottles were analyzed after one day of use, II) three eyedrop bottles after 4 d of use, III) three eyedrop bottles after 8 d of use, and IV) three unopened bottles used as control. Samples were collected from the bottle's tip, instilled drop, and residual fluid. After incubation, all colonies were analyzed and identified through biochemical tests. Results: The contamination rate of the fluorescein eyedrop bottles in this study was 55.5% (5/9 vials). There was no contamination in the control group. The highest contamination was seen in one day exposed eyedrops, in 100% of the bottles. The bottle's tip had a higher rate of contamination compared to the drop and residual fluid. Gram-positive bacteria were isolated in 7/27 (25.9%) samples. Growth of fungi or gram-negative bacteria was not observed. Conclusion: The identification of gram-positive bacteria predominantly on the tip of the fluorescein eyedrop bottles suggests inadequate handling as the main cause of contamination.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar a presença de microrganismos nos colírios de fluoresceína utilizados em um centro oftalmológico de referência em Recife-PE. Métodos: Este estudo de vida real e mascarado avaliou colírios de fluoresceína utilizados na Fundação Altino Ventura em maio/2019. As culturas foram realizadas de acordo com os diferentes tempos de exposição: I - três frascos de colírio foram analisados após 1 dia de uso; II - três frascos de colírio após 4 dias de uso; III - três frascos de colírio após 8 dias de uso; IV - três garrafas fechadas foram usadas como grupo controle. As amostras foram coletadas da ponta do frasco, da gota instilada e do líquido residual interior. Após incubação, todas as colônias foram analisadas e identificadas através de testes bioquímicos. Resultados: A taxa de contaminação dos frascos de colírio de fluoresceína neste estudo foi de 55,5% (5/9 frascos). Não houve contaminação no grupo controle. A maior contaminação foi observada os colírios expostos de um dia - 100% dos frascos. A ponta da garrafa teve uma maior taxa de contaminação em comparação com as culturas de gota e de fluido residual inferior. Bactérias gram-positivas foram isoladas em 7/27 amostras (25,9%). Não houve crescimento de fungos ou bactérias Gram-negativas. Conclusão: A identificação de bactérias Gram-positivas predominantemente na ponta dos frascos de colírio de fluoresceína sugere manuseio inadequado como a principal causa de contaminação de colírios multidose.

Evaluation of microbial contamination in multi-dose fluorescein eyedrops in a reference eye center.

PURPOSE: To analyze the presence of microorganisms in fluorescein eyedrops used in a reference eye center in Recife-PE. METHODS: This real-life and masked study evaluated fluorescein eyedrops used at the Altino Ventura Foundation in May 2019. Cultures were performed according to exposure times; I) three eyedrop bottles were analyzed after one day of use, II) three eyedrop bottles after 4 d of use, III) three eyedrop bottles after 8 d of use, and IV) three unopened bottles used as control. Samples were collected from the bottle's tip, instilled drop, and residual fluid. After incubation, all colonies were analyzed and identified through biochemical tests. RESULTS: The contamination rate of the fluorescein eyedrop bottles in this study was 55.5% (5/9 vials). There was no contamination in the control group. The highest contamination was seen in one day exposed eyedrops, in 100% of the bottles. The bottle's tip had a higher rate of contamination compared to the drop and residual fluid. Gram-positive bacteria were isolated in 7/27 (25.9%) samples. Growth of fungi or gram-negative bacteria was not observed. CONCLUSION: The identification of gram-positive bacteria predominantly on the tip of the fluorescein eyedrop bottles suggests inadequate handling as the main cause of contamination.

The anti-cancer potential of crotoxin in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer: Its effects and mechanism of action.

Estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer is the most diagnosed subtype of breast cancer. Currently, aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are used as first-line treatment option in this type of tumors, however they cause several side effects, which is why new therapeutic approaches are demanding. The South American rattlesnake Crotalus durissus terrificus produces a venom enriched in several bioactive substances, like phospholipases A2 (PLA2). One of those is crotoxin, a ß-neurotoxin, that has already been reported for its anti-cancer properties in different cancers. Recently, its clinical interest has emerged and, in fact, a clinical trial in patients with advanced cancer is underway. Considering this, in this work, we studied the biological mechanisms behind the anti-cancer effects of crotoxin B (CTX) in an ER+ aromatase-overexpressing breast cancer cell line (MCF-7aro cells). Results revealed that CTX impairs MCF-7aro cells growth, through a cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase, inhibition of ERK1/2 pathway and by apoptosis through activation of caspase-8. In addition, it can be considered a safe natural compound as did not affect non-cancerous cells and only showed anti-growth effects in breast cancer cells. Therefore, this study represents an important landmark to better understand the effects and mechanisms of action of crotoxin in ER+ breast cancer.

Oral Tolerance Induced by Heat Shock Protein 65-Producing Lactococcus lactis Mitigates Inflammation in Leishmania braziliensis Infection.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by L. braziliensis induces a pronounced Th1 inflammatory response characterized by IFN-γ production. Even in the absence of parasites, lesions result from a severe inflammatory response in which inflammatory cytokines play an important role. Different approaches have been used to evaluate the therapeutic potential of orally administrated heat shock proteins (Hsp). These proteins are evolutionarily preserved from bacteria to humans, highly expressed under inflammatory conditions and described as immunodominant antigens. Tolerance induced by the oral administration of Hsp65 is capable of suppressing inflammation and inducing differentiation in regulatory cells, and has been successfully demonstrated in several experimental models of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. We initially administered recombinant Lactococcus lactis (L. lactis) prior to infection as a proof of concept, in order to verify its immunomodulatory potential in the inflammatory response arising from L. braziliensis. Using this experimental approach, we demonstrated that the oral administration of a recombinant L. lactis strain, which produces and secretes Hsp65 from Mycobacterium leprae directly into the gut, mitigated the effects of inflammation caused by L. braziliensis infection in association or not with PAM 3CSK4 (N-α-Palmitoyl-S-[2,3-bis(palmitoyloxy)-(2RS)-propyl]-L-cysteine, a TLR2 agonist). This was evidenced by the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines and the expansion of regulatory T cells in the draining lymph nodes of BALB/c mice. Our in vitro experimental results suggest that IL-10, TLR-2 and LAP are important immunomodulators in L. braziliensis infection. In addition, recombinant L. lactis administered 4 weeks after infection was observed to decrease lesion size, as well as the number of parasites, and produced a higher IL-10 production and decrease IFN-γ secretion. Together, these results indicate that Hsp65-producing L. lactis can be considered as an alternative candidate for treatment in both autoimmune diseases, as well as in chronic infections that cause inflammatory disease.

Pattern-Reversal Visual Evoked Potential in Children With Congenital Zika Syndrome.

PURPOSE: To objectively evaluate the visual function in children with congenital Zika syndrome using pattern-reversal visual evoked potential (PR-VEP). METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study composed of two patient groups: children aged between 18 and 24 months who were positive for the Zika virus (congenital Zika syndrome group) and age-matched healthy children (control group). All patients underwent a comprehensive ophthalmologic examination and PR-VEP was performed binocularly in a room with constant dim illumination. The P100 peak time in the 60' arc stimuli was used, and the results were correlated with visual acuity, cephalic perimeter at birth, and funduscopic findings. RESULTS: Thirty-seven children were included in the congenital Zika syndrome group and 15 in the control group. The mean age was 18.5 ± 0.9 months (range: 17 to 20 months) in the congenital Zika syndrome group and 24.3 ± 1.6 months (range: 21 to 28 months) in the control group. The P100 response was normal in 7 patients (18.9%) with congenital Zika syndrome, borderline in 2 (5.4%), abnormal with prolonged latency in 18 (48.6%), and abnormal with no response in 10 (27.0%). A significant correlation between the visual acuity and P100 peak time was observed (P < .001). The P100 values were not correlated significantly with the cephalic perimeter at birth (P = .412) or the funduscopic findings (P = .510). PR-VEP in children with congenital Zika syndrome and no funduscopic findings was significantly worse than in the control group (P = .001). CONCLUSIONS: Children with congenital Zika syndrome have characteristically abnormal PR-VEPs regardless of the funduscopic findings and severe microcephaly. The PR-VEP findings supported the diagnosis of cortical visual impairment in these children. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2021;58(2):78-83.].