Harvesting the Power of Green Synthesis: Gold Nanoparticles Tailored for Prostate Cancer Therapy.

Biosynthetic gold nanoparticles (bAuNPs) present a promising avenue for enhancing bio-compatibility and offering an economically and environmentally responsible alternative to traditional production methods, achieved through a reduction in the use of hazardous chemicals. While the potential of bAuNPs as anticancer agents has been explored, there is a limited body of research focusing on the crucial physicochemical conditions influencing bAuNP production. In this study, we aim to identify the optimal growth phase of Pseudomonas aeruginosa cultures that maximizes the redox potential and coordinates the formation of bAuNPs with increased efficiency. The investigation employs 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol (DCIP) as a redox indicator. Simultaneously, we explore the impact of temperature, pH, and incubation duration on the biosynthesis of bAuNPs, with a specific emphasis on their potential application as antitumor agents. Characterization of the resulting bAuNPs is conducted using ATR-FT-IR, TEM, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. To gain insights into the anticancer potential of bAuNPs, an experimental model is employed, utilizing both non-neoplastic (HPEpiC) and neoplastic (PC3) epithelial cell lines. Notably, P. aeruginosa cultures at 9 h/OD600 = 1, combined with biosynthesis at pH 9.0 for 24 h at 58 °C, produce bAuNPs that exhibit smaller, more spherical, and less aggregated characteristics. Crucially, these nanoparticles demonstrate negligible effects on HPEpiC cells while significantly impacting PC3 cells, resulting in reduced viability, migration, and lower IL-6 levels. This research lays the groundwork for the development of more specialized, economical, and ecologically friendly treatment modalities.

Effect of Dioscorea villosa extract and the phytoestrogen diosgenin on ovariectomized mice with zymosan-induced arthritis

Abstract Humans are exposed to natural compounds such as phytoestrogens primarily through diet and supplements. These compounds promote health by alleviating the symptoms and illnesses associated with menopause and arthritis. Diosgenin (DSG) occurs naturally in plants such as Dioscorea villosa (DV) and binds to estrogen receptors, so it may have similar effects to this hormone, including against arthritis. Thus, we investigated the effect of chronic treatment with dry extract of DV and its phytoestrogen DSG on ovariectomized mice with arthritis. We found that dry extract of Dioscorea villosa (DV) contains the phytoestrogen diosgenin (DSG) in its composition. Furthermore, arthritic mice treated with DV and DSG showed reduced neutrophil accumulation in the articular cartilage. Also, the dry extract of DV administered orally (v.o) did not alter the leukocyte count in the joints or promote changes in the reproductive tract. However, DSG altered these parameters, with possible beneficial effects by reducing symptoms related to reproductive aging. Thus, oral treatment with dry extract of DV and subcutaneous (s.c) treatment with DSG showed promise by acting against inflammation caused by arthritis and reducing symptoms in the reproductive tract due to menopause.

Anionic bio-flocculants from sugarcane for purification of sucrose: An application of circular bioeconomy.

In sugar production, polyacrylamide-based anionic flocculants are added for juice treatment, the main objective being to remove impurities that affect the quality of the sugar. However, if they remain in the final product, those polymers can present carcinogenic and neurotoxic actions besides contaminating the soils where the waste is discharged. To overcome this problem, the present study proposes, for the first time, natural flocculants based on cellulose obtained from sugarcane bagasse (residue from sugarcane processing) as substitutes for the flocculants based on polyacrylamide, normally used in sugar cane juice purification. Additionally, cellulose-based flocculants obtained from Acacia wood, developed in a previous study, have also been tested for sugar juice treatment. Acacia wood and sugarcane bagasse were first treated with a choline chloride/levulinic acid solution in a molar ratio of 1:2, at 160 °C, for 4 h. Subsequently, the cellulose-rich samples were modified by a two-stage process (oxidation with sodium periodate followed by reaction with sodium metabisulfite), and polyelectrolytes with different characteristics were produced. The final products obtained were characterized, and their performance in the treatment of sugarcane juice, at different concentrations (10, 50, 100, 250, and 500 mg kg-1), was evaluated and compared to the synthetic commercial flocculant (Flonex, based on polyacrylamide) usually used by the sugarcane industry in Brazil. The substitution of petrol-based flocculants by natural-based ones, obtained from sugarcane residues, is presented for the first time in this study, with very relevant performance of the new flocculants. Overall, it was possible to produce anionic flocculants, modifying the cellulose obtained from different raw materials, which showed good results in the purification of sucrose, when compared with the commercial polyacrylamide normally used. It is also important to stress that, for the first time, a residue from sugarcane industry could be used with success in the purification of the sugar juice itself, which constitutes a major novelty.

Enhancement of the functionality of women with knee osteoarthritis by a gel formulation with Caryocar coriaceum Wittm ("Pequi") nanoencapsulated pulp fixed oil.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that occurs when there is a change in the mechanical and biological properties of the articular cartilage and the subchondral bone; The condition is more prevalent in women than in men. Pequi oil (PO), which is extracted from the fruits of the pequi tree (Caryocar coriaceum Wittm), is widely used in traditional medicine in the Brazilian northeast for the management of inflammation and joint pain. The aim of this study was to develop a pharmaceutical formulation containing Carbopol® hydrogel nanoencapsulated with pequi pulp fixed oil (PeONC) and evaluate its therapeutic effect on functionality and pain in women with knee osteoarthritis. The study was divided into two stages: Stage 1 - preparation and physico-chemical characterization of the pharmaceutical formulation containing PeONC, cell viability assays and skin irritability testing. Step 2 - A double-blind randomized clinical trial evaluating knee symptoms, quality of life, pressure pain, function, muscle strength and range of motion. The nanoformulation was in a gel form, with a particle size of 209.5 ± 1.06 nm, a pH of 6.23 ± 0.45, a zeta potential of - 23.1 ± 0.4 mV, a polydispersity index of 0.137 ± 0.52, and containing nanocapsules with a spherical shape a polymeric wall and an oily nucleus. The gel showed no cytotoxicity and was not irritating to human skin. The treatment with PeONC increased the strength of the knee flexor and extensor muscles and the total motion range of the knee. In addition, the treatment reduced knee instability, pain, swelling, and locking; There was also an improvement in some items of the SF-36 quality of life questionnaire such as in respect of functional capacity and social aspects. In conclusion, PeONC was found to be a stable, safe formulation with no toxicity in respect of topical use in humans. Additionally, the treatment produced an increase in muscle strength and functionality that was associated with reduced knee symptoms and improved quality of life. Our findings showed that in a group of women treated with PeONC mitigated the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis.

Anemia and nutritional aspects in adolescent athletes: a cross-sectional study in a reference sport organization / Anemia e aspectos nutricionais em atletas adolescentes: estudo transversal em agremiação desportiva de referência nacional

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the association between anemia and nutritional aspects in adolescent athletes from a large sport club. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, involving 298 athletes aged between 10 and 17 years, submitted to measurement of skin folds, weight and height, and collection of capillary blood in duplicate to determine hemoglobin values. It was carried out in a random sample composed of athletes from eight sport modalities. Results: Regarding nutritional status, 10.1% of athletes were overweight based on body mass index and 70 (23.5%) athletes had a percentage of body fat classified as high or very high. The prevalence of anemia was 16.4%, being more prevalent in judo (37.1%), basketball (34%) and futsal (20.5%) athletes. Low hemoglobin levels were significantly associated with shorter stature (p=0.006). Conclusions: There was a significant association between anemia and short stature, suggesting that the athlete's height-weight development may be affected in suboptimal conditions of oxygen distribution.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a associação entre anemia e aspectos nutricionais em atletas adolescentes de um clube desportivo de grande porte. Métodos: Trata-se de estudo de corte transversal que envolveu 298 atletas com idades entre 10 e 17 anos, submetidos à aferição de dobras cutâneas, peso e altura, além de coleta de sangue capilar em duplicata para a determinação dos valores de hemoglobina. Foi realizado em amostra aleatória composta de atletas oriundos de oito modalidades esportivas. Resultados: Em relação ao estado nutricional, 10,1% dos atletas apresentaram excesso de peso com base no índice de massa corpórea e 70 (23,5%) atletas estavam com porcentagem de gordura corporal classificada como alta ou muito alta. A prevalência de anemia foi de 16,4%, mais prevalente nos atletas do judô (37,1%), basquete (34%) e futsal (20,5%). Níveis baixos de hemoglobina foram associados à menor estatura (p=0,006). Conclusões: Observou-se associação significativa entre anemia e baixa estatura, o que sugere que o desenvolvimento pôndero-estatural do atleta pode ser afetado em condições subótimas de distribuição de oxigênio.

Adaptação Acadêmica de Estudantes de Primeiro Ano de Psicologia / Academic Adaptation of the First Year of Psychology Students / Adaptación Académica de Estudiantes de Primer Año de Psicología

O objetivo do estudo foi verificar se as variáveis expectativas acadêmicas, satisfação com a experiência acadêmica, maturidade para a escolha profissional e habilidades sociais (HS) explicam a variável critério adaptação acadêmica. Participaram 212 universitários de primeiro ano do curso de Psicologia. Utilizou-se os seguintes instrumentos: Questionário de Vivências Acadêmicas (QVA-r), Escala de Expectativas Acadêmicas de Estudantes Ingressantes na Educação Superior (EEAEIES), Escala de Satisfação com a Experiência Acadêmica (ESEA), Inventário de Habilidades Sociais (IHS) e Escala de Maturidade para Escolha Profissional (EMEP). Utilizou-se para a análise dos dados a Regressão Linear Múltipla. Constatou-se que as expectativas acadêmicas, a satisfação com a experiência acadêmica e as HS impactaram positivamente nas vivências acadêmicas. Houve impacto positivo dos fatores Curso da ESEA e Autoconhecimento da EMEP e impacto negativo do fator Determinação. O presente estudo contribuiu principalmente mostrando a importância do comportamento das variáveis do modelo testado. Por ser a adaptação acadêmica um construto multideterminado, os resultados alcançados podem apontar para ações de intervenções no acolhimento de universitários ingressantes, considerando aspectos como autoconhecimento, determinação, expectativas acadêmicas, conhecimento da realidade e satisfação com a graduação. (AU)

The aim of the study was to verify if the variables academic expectations, satisfaction with academic experience, maturity for professional choice and social skills explain the variable academic adaptation criterion. Participated 212 university students in the 1st year of the Psychology course. The following instruments were used: Academic Experience Questionnaire (AEQ), Academic Expectations Scale for Students in Higher Education (AESSHE), Academic Experience Satisfaction Scale (AESS), Social Skills Inventory (SSI) and Scale of Maturity for the Professional Election (SMPE). Multiple Linear Regression was used for data analysis. It was found that the academic expectations, satisfaction with the academic experience and the social skill impact positively on the academic experiences. There was a positive impact on the Factors of the AESS and Self-knowledge of the SMPE and negative impact of the factor Determination. The present study contributed mainly by showing the importance of the behavior of the variables of the tested model. Once academic adaptation is a multidetermined construct, the results achieved can point to interventions in the reception of university students, considering aspects such as self-knowledge, determination, academic expectations, knowledge of reality and satisfaction with undergraduate education. (AU)

El objetivo del estudio fue verificar si las variables expectativas académicas, satisfacción con la experiencia académica, madurez para la elección profesional y habilidades sociales explican el criterio variable de adaptación académica. Participaron 212 universitarios del 1º año del curso de Psicología. Se utilizaron los siguientes instrumentos: Cuestionario de Vivencias Académicas (QVA), Escala de Expectativas Académicas de Estudiantes Ingresos en la Educación Superior (EEAEIES), Escala de Satisfacción con la Experiencia Académica (ESEA), Inventario de Habilidades Sociales (IHS) y Escala de Madurez para la Elección Profesional (EMEP). Se utilizó para el análisis de los datos la Regresión Lineal Múltiple. Se constató que las expectativas académicas, satisfacción con la experiencia académica y las HS han impactado positivamente en las vivencias académicas. Hubo impacto positivo en los factores Curso de la ESEA y Autoconocimiento de la EMEP e impacto negativo del factor Determinación. El presente estudio contribuyó principalmente al mostrar la importancia del comportamiento de las variables del modelo probado. Debido a que la adaptación académica es una construcción multideterminada, los resultados logrados pueden apuntar a intervenciones en la recepción de estudiantes universitarios, considerando aspectos como el autoconocimiento, la determinación, las expectativas académicas, el conocimiento de la realidad y la satisfacción con la graduación. (AU)

High-Risk Committee for Cardiac Surgery Decision-Making: Results From 110 Consecutive Patients.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated our institutional experience in forming a surgeon-based committee to discuss and provide consensus opinion on high-risk cardiac surgical cases. METHODS: The committee consisted of 4 surgeons with at least 1 senior surgeon at any given time with a rotating schedule. Patients with a Society of Thoracic Surgeons predicted risk of mortality above specified thresholds were mandated for referral to the committee in addition to patients referred at the discretion of the surgeon. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to model survival. RESULTS: A total of 110 consecutive patients were reviewed by the committee. The most common procedure types for referral were isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (47.3%; n = 52) and coronary artery bypass grafting with concomitant aortic valve replacement (19.1%; n = 21). The overall median Society of Thoracic Surgeons predicted risk of mortality for referred patients was 5.35% (interquartile range, 4.07%-7.89%). After group discussion, a total of 62 patients were recommended to proceed with surgery (56.4%). Reasons for declining surgery included consensus that an intervention was not indicated (39.6%; n = 19), that an alternative, nonsurgical procedure was recommended (29.2%; n = 14), that there was continued medical management and reevaluation (18.8%; n = 9), and that the patient was deemed at too high a risk for surgery (12.5%; n = 6). Operative mortality in patients proceeding with surgery was 4.6% (n = 2), with an observed-to-expected mortality of 0.86. The 6-month survival after surgery was 92.2%. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of a surgeon-based committee to discuss high-risk cases provided a unified voice to referring physicians and facilitated consensus decision-making with acceptable clinical outcomes in a challenging patient cohort.

A satisfação de estudantes universitários com o curso de ensino superior / The satisfaction of university students with higher education courses / La satisfacción de los universitarios con el curso de educación superior

Resumo Este estudo exploratório qualitativo objetivou identificar as características que compõem a satisfação dos estudantes universitários com o curso superior. A amostra foi composta por 78 alunos de diferentes cursos de instituições públicas e privadas situadas no estado do Rio de Janeiro. Na coleta de dados, foi utilizado um questionário específico construído especialmente para este estudo, baseado na literatura pertinente. Para explorar os dados, foi realizada a análise do corpus textual por meio do software Iramuteq (versão 0.7 alpha 2). Os resultados evidenciaram características de satisfação e insatisfação dos alunos. A satisfação foi especialmente proporcionada pela figura do docente, indicando o papel dele como facilitador no desenvolvimento do conhecimento e das habilidades profissionais dos estudantes. A insatisfação se relacionou principalmente ao não oferecimento de diversos elementos pelo curso, dentre os quais destacam-se o papel do docente, a oportunidade de vivenciar aspectos práticos da profissão, a estrutura da Instituição e a qualidade da informação fornecida. Os achados oferecem subsídios para que as universidades possam melhorar suas práticas, elevando a qualidade dos cursos.(AU)

Abstract This qualitative exploratory study sought to identify the characteristics that make up the satisfaction and dissatisfaction of university students. The sample consisted of 78 students from different higher education courses, from public and private institutions located in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Data was collected using a questionnaire constructed specifically for this study, based on the relevant literature, and explored by textual corpus analysis performed on Iramuteq software (version 0.7 alpha 2). Results show that satisfaction was represented mainly by the professor, indicating their role as facilitator in the development of knowledge and professional skills. Dissatisfaction was mainly related to the course not offering several elements, such as the role of the professor, the opportunity to experience practical aspects of the profession, the institution's structure, and the quality of the information provided. Our findings offer support for universities to improve their practices, raising the quality of courses.(AU)

Resumen Este estudio exploratorio y cualitativo pretende identificar las características que conforman la satisfacción de los estudiantes universitarios con el curso superior. La muestra estuvo compuesta de 78 alumnos, de diferentes cursos en instituciones públicas y privadas ubicadas en el estado de Río de Janeiro. Para la recopilación de datos, se utilizó un cuestionario específico construido especialmente para este estudio a partir de la literatura pertinente. Para explorar los datos se realizó el análisis del corpus textual por medio del software Iramuteq (versión 0.7 alfa 2). Los resultados evidenciaron características de satisfacción e insatisfacción de los alumnos. La satisfacción fue especialmente representada por la figura del docente, indicando el papel de este como facilitador en el desarrollo del conocimiento y habilidades profesionales. La insatisfacción se relacionó principalmente con la falta de diversos elementos ofrecidos por el curso, entre los principales estaban el papel del docente, el ofrecimiento de oportunidad de vivir aspectos prácticos relacionados con la profesión, la estructura de la Institución y la calidad de la información suministrada. Los hallazgos proporcionan subsidios para que las universidades puedan mejorar sus prácticas, elevando la calidad de los cursos.(AU)

Antiepileptic effects of long-term intracerebroventricular infusion of angiotensin-(1-7) in an animal model of temporal lobe epilepsy.

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is the most frequent type of epilepsy and is often refractory to pharmacological treatment. In this scenario, extensive research has identified components of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) as potential therapeutic targets. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of long-term treatment with angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] in male Wistar rats with TLE induced by pilocarpine (PILO). Rats with TLE were submitted to intracerebroventricular (icv) infusion of Ang-(1-7) (200 ng/kg/h) for 28 days, starting at the first spontaneous motor seizure (SMS). Body weight, food intake, and SMS were evaluated daily. Behavioral tests and hippocampal protein levels were also evaluated at the end of the treatment. Ang-(1-7) treatment reduced the frequency of SMS and attenuated low anxiety levels, increased locomotion/exploration, and reduced body weight gain that was induced by TLE. Moreover, Ang-(1-7) positively regulated the hippocampal levels of antioxidant protein catalase and antiapoptotic protein B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), as well as mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) phosphorylation, which were reduced by TLE. The hippocampal up-regulation of angiotensin type 1 receptor induced by TLE was also attenuated by Ang-(1-7), while the Mas receptor (MasR) was down-regulated compared with epilepsy. These data show that Ang-(1-7) presents an antiepileptic effect, increasing neuroprotection markers and reducing SMS frequency, body weight, and behavior impairments found in TLE. Therefore, Ang-(1-7) is a promising coadjutant therapeutic option for the treatment of TLE.

Analysis of the small-sided games in volleyball: an ecological approach / Análise dos pequenos jogos no voleibol: uma abordagem ecológica

Abstract The aim of the present study was to compare the tactical and technical behavior of beginner players in volleyball side-out between four distinct situations of reduced games with different area/player ratios: 4.5 m2 (3.0 m x 3.0 m), 8.0 m2 (4.0 m x 4.0 m), 10.58 m2 (4.6 m x 4.6 m), and 13.52 m2 (5.2 m x 5.2 m). We analyzed 76 games played by 16 players with a mean age of 12.2 ± 0.5 years and experience of 1.2 ± 0.8 years of practice. Tactical and technical behavior was analyzed using an adaptation of the Game Performance Analysis Instrument (GPAI). The analysis was conducted for passing, setting and attacking according to the components related to technical adjustment, technical efficiency and decision-making. The results showed that players presented higher technical and tactical indexes in the passing and setting skills in 4.6 m x 4.6 m and 5.2 m x 5.2 m situations. Also, in the 3.0 m x 3.0 m situation higher technical indexes were found for the attacking. No differences were found in the tactical behavior of attacking for tested situations. We conclude that the environmental constraints imposed by the small-sided games imply distinct technical and technical behaviors. Thus, the pedagogical strategy of using small-sided games for the teaching of volleyball for beginner players must be associated with the intended objectives for each basic volleyball skills.

Resumo O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar o comportamento tático e técnico de jogadores iniciantes no voleibol no side-out de acordo com quatro situações distintas de jogos reduzidos com diferentes relações área/jogador: 4,5 m2 (3,0 m x 3,0 m), 8,0 m2 (4,0 m x 4,0 m), 10,58 m2 (4,6 m x 4,6 m) e 13,52 m2 (5,2 m x 5,2 m). Foram analisados ​​76 jogos disputados por 16 jogadores com média de idade de 12,2 ± 0,5 anos e experiência de 1,2 ± 0,8 anos de prática. O comportamento tático e técnico foi analisado por meio de uma adaptação do Game Performance Analysis Instrument. A análise foi realizada para a recepção, o levantamento e o ataque de acordo com os componentes relacionados ao ajuste técnico, eficiência técnica e a tomada de decisão. Os resultados mostraram que os jogadores apresentaram índices táticos e técnicos superiores nas habilidades de recepção e levantamento nas situações de 4,6 m x 4,6 m e 5,2 m x 5,2 m. Além disso, na situação de 3,0 m x 3,0 m foram encontrados índices técnicos mais elevados para o ataque. Não foram encontradas diferenças no comportamento tático do ataque para as situações analisadas. Concluímos que as restrições ambientais, impostas pelos pequenos jogos, implicam em comportamentos táticos e técnicos distintos. Assim, a estratégia pedagógica de utilização de pequenos jogos para o ensino do voleibol para jogadores iniciantes deve estar associada aos objetivos pretendidos para cada uma das habilidades básicas do voleibol.

Diferenças de adaptação acadêmica entre estudantes do curso de psicologia / Differences in academic adaptation among students of the psychology course / Diferencias en la adaptación académica entre los estudiantes del curso de psicología

Objetivou-se identificar as diferenças entre alunos dos três primeiros períodos do curso de psicologia em relação as variáveis relacionadas a adaptação acadêmica. Participaram 426 estudantes universitários que responderam aos questionários e inventários relativos as variáveis. Os dados foram submetidos ao teste ANOVA. Os principais resultados apontam que os estudantes possuem expectativas irrealistas em relação a universidade. Houve aumento do repertório de habilidades sociais de enfrentamento e autoafirmação com risco e diminuição da habilidade de conversação e desenvoltura social em função dos períodos e, nos períodos mais avançados estão mais determinados, apresentam mais autoconhecimento e menos responsabilidade e independência em relação a sua escolha profissional. Em relação a Instituição, estão menos satisfeitos a medida em que o curso avança.

The main goal of this research was to identify the differences among Psychology University students from the first to the third periods. We took into account the variables concerning the academic adaptation period. Four hundred and twenty-six University students answered the questionnaires and inventories related to the variables. The data were submitted to ANOVA. The main results show that students have unrealistic expectations concerning the University as an institution. It has been noticed that there was an increase in the repertoire of social skills, such as confrontation and self assertion with risk, however as the students advanced in the course, there was some lessening in the conversation and social interaction skills depending on the period the students belonged to. Nonetheless, in the more advanced periods, they are more determined, show more self knowledge, but less responsibility and Independence in relation to their professional choice. As far as Institution is concerned, they feel less satisfied with it as they go further in their studies.

El objetivo era identificar las diferencias entre los estudiantes de los tres primeros períodos del curso de psicología en relación con las variables relacionadas con la adaptación académica. Los participantes fueron 426 estudiantes universitarios que respondieron a los cuestionarios e inventarios relacionados con las variables. Los datos fueron sometidos a la prueba de ANOVA. Los principales resultados indican que los estudiantes tienen expectativas poco realistas con respecto a la universidad. Hubo un aumento en el Repertorio de habilidades sociales de afrontamiento y autoafirmación con el riesgo y la disminución de la capacidad de conversación y desarrollo social en función de los períodos y, en los períodos más avanzados son más determinados, presente más Autoconocimiento y menos responsabilidad e independencia en relación con su elección profesional. En relación con la institución, están menos satisfechos a medida que avanza el curso.

Treinamento de habilidades sociais para universitários em situações consideradas difíceis no contexto acadêmico / Social skills training for university students in situations considered difficult in the academic context / Formación en habilidades sociales para los universitarios en situaciones consideradas difíciles en el contexto académico

Ao ingressar em uma instituição de ensino superior, o aluno vivencia mudanças substanciais no que se refere ao modo de relacionar-se com a aprendizagem, as novas relações interpessoais e as exigências acadêmicas, o que requer dele inúmeros ajustes. A adaptação aos novos amigos, professores e funcionários tem-se mostrado essencial para o bom desempenho acadêmico. O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar e avaliar a eficácia de um Treinamento de Habilidades Sociais (THS) com universitários em seu período inicial na instituição e verificar a relação entre as habilidades sociais e as vivências acadêmicas e os comportamentos sociais acadêmicos. Participaram 11 universitários de instituições públicas e privadas de ensino superior, todos cursando o primeiro ou segundo período da graduação e com idades entre 18 e 25 anos. O THS foi realizado em 12 sessões semanais com duração de 120 minutos cada e desenvolveu temas como falar em público, lidar com autoridade, lidar com críticas, fazer elogios, entre outros. Foram utilizados como instrumentos o Inventário de Habilidades Sociais (IHS), o Questionário de Vivências Acadêmicas na sua versão reduzida (QVA-r) e o Inventário de Comportamentos Sociais Acadêmicos (ICSA), aplicados antes e depois da intervenção. Os resultados apontaram que todos os participantes tiveram ganhos quanto à aquisição de habilidades sociais e que existe relação associativa positiva entre habilidades sociais, vivências acadêmicas e comportamentos sociais acadêmicos.

Upon entering a higher education institution, the student experiences substantial changes in the way he relates to learning, to new interpersonal relationships and to academic demands, which requires him to make numerous adjustments. Adapting to new friends, teachers, and staff has proven to be essential for good academic performance. The purpose of this study was to perform and evaluate the effectiveness of a Social Skills Training (SST) with university students in their initial period in the institution and to assess the relation of social skills to academic experiences and academic social behavior. Eleven university students from public and private institutions of higher education took part, all of them attending the first or second undergraduate period and aged between 18 and 25 years old. The SST was performed in 12 weekly sessions lasting 120 minutes each and developed topics such as speaking in public, dealing with authority, dealing with criticism, offering praise, among others. The Social Skills Inventory (IHS), the Scholarship Questionnaire in its reduced version (QVA-r) and the Inventory of Academic Social Behaviors (ICSA), applied before and after the intervention, were used as instruments. The results showed gains by all the participants in the acquisition of social skills and it was found that there is a positive associative relationship between social skills, academic experiences and academic social behavior.

Al ingresar en una institución de enseñanza superior, el alumno vive cambios sustanciales con respecto al modo de relacionarse con el aprendizaje, a las nuevas relaciones interpersonales y a las exigencias académicas, lo que requiere de él innumerables ajustes. La adaptación a los nuevos amigos, profesores y empleados se ha mostrado esencial para el buen desempeño académico. El objetivo de este estudio fue el de realizar y evaluar la eficacia de un Entrenamiento de Habilidades Sociales (THS) con universitarios en su período inicial en la institución y verificar la relación entre las habilidades sociales y las vivencias académicas y comportamientos sociales académicos. Participaron 11 universitarios de instituciones públicas y privadas de enseñanza superior, todos cursando el primer o segundo período de la graduación y con edad entre 18 y 25 años. El THS se realizó en 12 sesiones semanales con una duración de 120 minutos cada una y desarrolló temas como hablar en público, lidiar con autoridad, lidiar con críticas, hacer elogios, entre otros. Se utilizaron como instrumentos el Inventario de Habilidades Sociales (IHS), el Cuestionario de Vivencias Académicas en su versión reducida (QVA-r) y el Inventario de Comportamientos Sociales Académicos (ICSA), aplicados antes y después de la intervención. Los resultados apuntan que todos los participantes ganaron con respecto a la adquisición de habilidades sociales y que existe relación asociativa positiva entre habilidades sociales, vivencias académicas y comportamientos sociales académicos.

Association between BRAF (V600E) mutation and clinicopathological features of papillary thyroid carcinoma: a Brazilian single-centre case series

ABSTRACT Objectives: We aimed to investigate the prevalence of the BRAF (V600E) mutation in consecutive cases of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) in patients diagnosed and treated at the Hospital Sao Rafael (Salvador, BA, Brazil) and evaluate its association with clinical and pathological characteristics of PTC. Subjects and methods: We retrospectively enrolled in the study a total of 43 consecutive PTC patients who underwent total thyroidectomy. We performed DNA extraction from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumour tissue samples. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and direct sequencing were used to determine BRAF (V600E) mutation status. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed to identify independent associations. Results: The prevalence of BRAF (V600E) mutation was 65.1% (28/43). A high frequency of older patients (p value: 0.004) was observed among the BRAF-mutated PTC group and, in contrast, a low frequency of concurrent Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) (p value: 0.011) was noted. Multivariate analysis confirmed that older age (OR: 1.15; 95% CI: 1.00 - 1.33; p value: 0.047) and HT (OR: 0.05; 95% CI: 0.006-0.40; p value: 0.005) were independent factors associated with BRAF (V600E) mutation. Conclusion: We found a high prevalence of BRAF (V600E) mutation in PTC cases. Older age and no concurrent HT were independently associated with BRAF (V600E) mutation.

Association between BRAF (V600E) mutation and clinicopathological features of papillary thyroid carcinoma: a Brazilian single-centre case series.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate the prevalence of the BRAF (V600E) mutation in consecutive cases of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) in patients diagnosed and treated at the Hospital Sao Rafael (Salvador, BA, Brazil) and evaluate its association with clinical and pathological characteristics of PTC. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively enrolled in the study a total of 43 consecutive PTC patients who underwent total thyroidectomy. We performed DNA extraction from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumour tissue samples. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and direct sequencing were used to determine BRAF (V600E) mutation status. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed to identify independent associations. RESULTS: The prevalence of BRAF (V600E) mutation was 65.1% (28/43). A high frequency of older patients (p value: 0.004) was observed among the BRAF-mutated PTC group and, in contrast, a low frequency of concurrent Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) (p value: 0.011) was noted. Multivariate analysis confirmed that older age (OR: 1.15; 95% CI: 1.00 - 1.33; p value: 0.047) and HT (OR: 0.05; 95% CI: 0.006-0.40; p value: 0.005) were independent factors associated with BRAF (V600E) mutation. CONCLUSION: We found a high prevalence of BRAF (V600E) mutation in PTC cases. Older age and no concurrent HT were independently associated with BRAF (V600E) mutation.

HOPX homeobox methylation in differentiated thyroid cancer and its clinical relevance.

BACKGROUND: The inactivation of the tumor-suppressor homeodomain-only protein X (HOPX) usually involves promoter methylation in several cancer types. This study aimed to investigate the HOPX-ß mRNA expression and promoter methylation and their clinical relevance in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Clinicopathological data and paraffin-embedded thyroid tumor tissues from 21 patients with DTC and 6 with benign tumors (T) and their non-tumor parenchyma (NT) were investigated. Tumor cell lines (FTC238, FTC236 and WRO) were treated with demethylating agent. HOPX-ß mRNA expression was assessed by qRT-PCR and methylation status by Q-MSP. Thyroid cancer data from Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) was also collected. RESULTS: HOPX-ß mRNA re-expression in two cell lines treated with demethylating agent was observed concomitantly with reduced promoter methylation. Reduced mRNA expression in T group compared to their NT was observed, and reduced protein expression in T compared to NT was observed in three cases. Low mRNA expression with high methylation status was detected in 6/14 DTC samples. High methylation status was associated with older age at diagnosis, recurrent or progressive disease and with the presence of new neoplasm event post initial therapy while hyper-methylation correlated with worse overall survival, worse disease-free status and older age. CONCLUSION: A moderate coupling of downregulation of HOPX-ß mRNA expression in DTC followed by high HOPX-ß promoter methylation was observed however; high HOPX promoter methylation status was associated with the worse prognosis of DTC patients.

Cardiopulmonary Bypass in the Setting of Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia.

Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia (WM) is a rare lymphoma caused by the overproduction of immunoglobulin M (IgM). The elevated level of IgM causes serum hyperviscosity, cold agglutinins, and cryoglobulinemia. Anemia is also present because of impaired production of erythrocytes. For these reasons, placing a patient with WM on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) requires careful preparation. In this case, the patient was a 73-year-old male with known Waldenström's disease who required coronary artery bypass graft surgery. This report details the perioperative considerations used for successful CPB on a Waldenström's patient. Critical to this case was the use of plasmapheresis before surgery. Temperature management and acid/base status were carefully controlled. A successful coronary revascularization surgery was performed. Many of the Wadenstrom's disease complications expected on CPB failed to materialize.