Heterocyclic phytometabolites formononetin and arbutin prevent in vitro oxidative and alkylation-induced mutagenicity.

Phenolic phytometabolites are promising bioactive compounds for management of genomic instability related diseases. Formononetin (FMN) and arbutin (ARB) are found in several plant sources. Our goal was to investigate the safety and efficacy of FMN and ARB using in vitro both standardized and alternative toxicogenetic methods. FMN and ARB were evaluated through the OECD'S guidelines No. 471 (Bacterial Reverse Mutation Test -Salmonella/microsome) and No. 487 (In vitro Mammalian Micronucleus Test - CBMN assay), accordingly to the mentioned recommendations. Also, antimutagenicity of FMN and ARB was assessed in S. Typhimurium strains TA98, TA100 and TA1535, following pre-, co- and post- treatment protocols. Liver human lineages HepG2 and F C3H were assayed for cytotoxicity after exposure to FMN and ARB (24, 48 and 72 h) using in vitro WST-1 test. ARB showed no mutagenicity in the Salmonella/microsome test under both metabolic conditions (in presence or absence of 4 % S9 mix), but FMN was cytotoxic to the TA97 and TA100 strains after metabolic activation. Under this same condition, FMN induced an increase in the mutagenic index of strain TA1535 at two of the highest tested concentrations. Even so, ARB and FMN exhibited protection against the induced alkylation of DNA in multiple action modes. In the antimutagenicity assay, FMN reached the maximum of 80 % of oxidative-provoked mutagenicity reduction in TA98 strain in co-treatment with known mutagen, besides 69 % of reduction in TA100 in the same exposure condition. ARB showed up to reduce induced mutagenicity in strains TA100 and TA1535, reaching percentages from 55 % to 100 % of antimutagenicity in all of the tested exposure models against alkylating agent. In the CBMN assay, no increase in micronuclei formation was observed. The results suggest that FMN and ARB prevent DNA from mutation using multi-targeted antimutagenic roles. Finally, our data suggests that FMN and ARB are not genotoxic and presented encouraging antimutagenicity action in vitro, being promising compounds for use in genomic instability-related diseases therapeutics.

British Gynaecological Cancer Society and British Menopause Society guidelines: Management of menopausal symptoms following treatment of gynaecological cancer.

These guidelines have been developed jointly by the British Gynaecological Cancer Society and British Menopause Society to provide information for all healthcare professionals managing women treated for gynaecological cancer. Menopausal symptoms can have a significant impact on quality of life for women. Cancer therapies, including surgery, pelvic radiotherapy, chemotherapy and endocrine therapy, can all affect ovarian function. The benefits and risks of using hormone replacement therapy are considered by cancer type with guidance on the type of HRT and optimal time of commencement after cancer treatment. Vaginal estrogens can be very effective for improving urogenital symptoms and are safe for the majority of women, including those for whom systemic HRT is contraindicated with rare exceptions. Alternative options to HRT are reviewed including pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches.

Assessing the impact of simulated ocean acidification on the photodegradation of selected microplastics.

This study investigated the impact of ocean acidification on the photodegradation of three microplastics (MPs): polypropylene (PP), expanded polystyrene (EPS), and ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), under accelerated UV radiation at three pH levels (i.e., 8.1, 7.8, and 7.5), simulating marine conditions. The acidification system simulated current and projected future environmental conditions. As expected, an increase in partial pressure of CO2, total inorganic carbon, bicarbonate ion, and CO2 resulted in more acidic pH levels, with the reverse being true for the carbonate ion. Structural changes of MPs were evaluated, revealing that all weathered samples underwent higher degradation rate compared to the virgin samples. The oxidation state and crystallinity of PP and EVA MPs were higher in samples exposed to the lowest pH, whereas no significant increase in the degradation rate of EPS samples was observed. Saltwater acidification in this study contributed to enhance the photo-oxidation of MPs depending on their polymeric composition.

Trajectory, fate, and magnitude of continental microplastic loads to the inner shelf: A case study of the world's largest coastal shallow lagoon.

The Patos Lagoon estuary is a highly significant ecosystem where freshwater from a vast and densely populated area continuously flows into the Atlantic Ocean by coastal plumes, exporting not only freshwater but also sediment, nutrients, plastics, and other contaminants. In this work, numerical modeling tools together with field data were used to assess for the first time the capacity of the coastal plume to export microplastics (MPs) to the inner shelf under different hydrodynamic conditions. Two field surveys were conducted during plume events to quantify MP concentrations and validate the model approach. A bottom-up approach was employed to estimate the potential MP export from the estuary's domain to the Atlantic Ocean. MP concentration in surface plume waters ranged from 0.20 items m-3 to 1.37 items m-3, confirmed by FTIR as synthetic polymers in a 90 %, being Polypropylene (PP) and Polyethylene (PE) the most abundant in a 73 %. The accumulation pattern was observed on the plume's frontal system, consistent with simulation results. The estimated average MP potential export rate attained 9.0 million items day-1 during moderate plume events and 47.5 million items day-1 during high discharge plume events. Strong discharge events, coupled with intense northeast winds, facilitated rapid southwestward export of MPs. Conversely, moderate to weak discharge events retained MPs closer to the estuary's mouth, enabling either longer trajectories or earlier deposition. Significant MP accumulation hotspots were identified in the gyre between the jetties and Cassino beach, as well as in the saline front within the plume boundaries. These accumulation zones may function as reservoirs for MP particles, potentially posing threats to local ecosystems. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for ongoing monitoring efforts to assess potential harmful interactions over time.

Evidence of plastics contamination and sewage-derived residues in a Brazilian Hope Spot for conservation of marine biodiversity - Cagarras Islands and surrounding waters.

Cagarras Islands Archipelago, a no-take MPA in Southeast Brazil, was designated as Natural Monument (MONA Cagarras) and, more recently, recognized as Hope Spot for biodiversity conservation. This study aimed to assess plastic contamination by analyzing marine litter and microplastics in MONA Cagarras and surrounding waters. Marine litter (34.12 kg) was caught by artisanal fishermen in MONA Cagarras proximities, and plastics represented ∼79 %. Personal hygiene items and strains of hair were found, suggesting sewage-derived contamination from Ipanema SSO. Microplastics were detected in MONA Cagarras surface waters. Fragments and black particle were the most frequently found microplastic shape and color, respectively. µ-FTIR analysis identified, in descending order of occurrence, polystyrene-PS, polyethylene-PE, polyvinyl chloride-PVC, polypropylene-P, and polyamide-PA. Our integrated results of macro and microplastic contamination highlight an issue of effective conservation and health of marine biodiversity in MONA Cagarras and surrounding waters and a concern for better management of Brazilian MPAs.

Atuação da enfermagem e o diagnóstico precoce da cirrose hepática: revisão integrativa / Nursing performance and early diagnosis of liver cirrhosis: integrative review / Actuación de enfermería y diagnóstico precoz de la cirrosis hepática: revisión integrativa

Objetivo: Identificar as estratégias utilizadas para o diagnóstico precoce da cirrose hepática, considerando reflexões sobre a atuação do (a) enfermeiro (a) nesse processo, principalmente, no contexto da Atenção Primária à Saúde. Métodos: Revisão integrativa da literatura. As buscas foram realizadas nas bases de dados indexadas na Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde e no portal PubMed. Incluiu-se artigos originais, textos completos disponíveis gratuitamente, na íntegra, publicados entre janeiro de 2013 e fevereiro de 2024 nos idiomas inglês, português e espanhol. Resultados: Levantou-se 5471, sendo que 1771 foram descartadas por duplicação. Os critérios de elegibilidade resultaram em 65 artigos. Após análise criteriosa, 45 artigos formaram a amostra final. Conclusão: Evidenciou-se que são distintas as estratégias para a detecção da cirrose em sua fase inicial, sendo estas, em sua maioria, aplicáveis ao contexto da Atenção Primária à Saúde e correlacionadas com a atuação de enfermeiros (as). (AU)

Objective: To identify the strategies used for the early diagnosis of liver cirrhosis, considering reflections on the role of nurses in this process, mainly in the context of Primary Health Care. Methods: Integrative literature review. The searches were carried out in databases indexed in the Virtual Health Library and on the PubMed portal. Original articles were included, complete texts available for free, in full, published between January 2013 and February 2024 in English, Portuguese and Spanish. Results: 5471 were collected, 1771 of which were discarded due to duplication. The eligibility criteria resulted in 65 articles. After careful analysis, 45 articles formed the final sample. Conclusion: It was evident that the strategies for detecting cirrhosis in its initial phase are different, most of which are applicable to the context of Primary Health Care and correlated with the work of nurses. (AU)

Objetivo: Objetivo: Identificar las estrategias utilizadas para el diagnóstico precoz de la cirrosis hepática, considerando reflexiones sobre el papel del enfermero en ese proceso, principalmente en el contexto de la Atención Primaria de Salud. Métodos: Revisión integrativa de la literatura. Las búsquedas se realizaron en bases de datos indexadas en la Biblioteca Virtual en Salud y en el portal PubMed. Se incluyeron artículos originales, textos completos disponibles de forma gratuita, íntegros, publicados entre enero de 2013 y febrero de 2024 en inglés, portugués y español. Resultados: Se recolectaron 5471, de los cuales 1771 fueron descartados por duplicación. Los criterios de elegibilidad resultaron en 65 artículos. Después de un análisis cuidadoso, 45 artículos formaron la muestra final. Conclusión: Se evidenció que las estrategias para detectar la cirrosis en su fase inicial son diferentes, la mayoría de las cuales son aplicables al contexto de la Atención Primaria de Salud y correlacionadas con el trabajo del enfermero. (AU)

How to Measure Polymer Degradation? An Analysis of Authors' Choices When Calculating the Carbonyl Index.

The carbonyl index aims to measure the degradation level and is used in plastic degradation research as a proxy for the general degradation level of collected plastic pieces. According to the choices for carbonyl index calculation, comparison using this index is prevented and must be unveiled by the authors, which does not always happen. In order to study the proper usage of the carbonyl index, regarding the choice of the reference band and the usage of the band intensity or the absorption area, we systematically reviewed the methodologies used for polypropylene as a case study. Based on 95 studies gathered from 2000 to 2024, two main methods were used to determine the carbonyl index: the ratio between the carbonyl band area and the reference band area (33.68%) and the ratio between the highest intensity of the carbonyl band and the reference band (66.31%). The reference band of choice and the type of calculation method produce different carbonyl index values for the same spectra and mean different information, preventing comparison among works with different calculations.

Local Antimicrobial Resistance Trends in Pediatric Urinary Tract Infection: The Importance of Local Surveillance of a Global Problem.

Introduction Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common pediatric bacterial infections and consequently a major reason for antibiotic treatment. Despite being a global problem, antimicrobial resistance is often geographically heterogeneous. Thus, it is fundamental to know local epidemiology and practice frequent surveillance of each hospital's antibiograms. The aims of this study are to determine the local antimicrobial resistance profile in pediatric UTIs, to understand its evolution over 14 years, and finally, to infer if the currently instituted antibiotic empirical therapy remains effective. Materials and methods A retrospective observational study was performed through the analysis of urine cultures and respective antibiograms of children diagnosed with UTI from 2017 to 2019 in Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Algarve (Faro's unit, Portugal), followed by a comparison of the obtained data with the results of a similar study performed between 2003 and 2005. Results A total of 784 urine cultures were selected. Escherichia coli was the most frequent microorganism (n = 561; 71.56%), followed by Proteus mirabilis (n = 117; 14.92%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 40; 5.10%). The most commonly prescribed antibiotic was cefuroxime axetil (66.28%). Escherichia coli had an increase in resistance to amoxicillin-clavulanate of 6.16% to 34.76% and cefuroxime axetil of 0.73% to 4.46%. Proteus mirabilis had an increase in resistance to amoxicillin-clavulanate of 1.64% to 11.11%. Klebsiella pneumoniae had an increase in resistance to cefuroxime axetil (0%-27.50%) and nitrofurantoin (0%-47.50%). The three microorganisms showed a decrease in trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole resistance profiles, as well as low resistance profiles to fosfomycin. In fifty cases in which antibiotic empirical therapy was instituted, the isolated microorganism revealed in vitro resistance; 37 of these cases had a good evolution, maintaining the antibiotic empirical therapy. Discussion Local surveillance of antimicrobial resistance allows monitoring of the resistance trends and adequacy of empirical antibiotic therapy. This study's local resistance profile was distinct from other regions of the country and the world. Continuous local surveillance also potentiates the dissemination of the results to the concerned healthcare providers and the initiation of timely responsive measures, containing the increase in antimicrobial resistance. As Escherichia coli was the commonest isolated microorganism, its antimicrobial profile should dictate antibiotic empirical therapy. This study supports that in vitro is not equivalent to in vivo resistance. Conclusion There was a significant increase in antimicrobial resistance profiles, especially to amoxicillin-clavulanate. Cefuroxime axetil remains the recommended antibiotic for empirical therapy in this hospital, although fosfomycin should be considered as an alternative in non-complicated cystitis in adolescent females. This study reinforces the importance of continuous local resistance surveillance as a preventive measure against the global increase in antimicrobial resistance.

Antimutagenic and antitumor activities of a water-soluble fraction of soursop (syn Graviola, Annona muricata L.) fruit pulp.

Soursop (Annona muricata) is a tropical tree whose decoction derived from bark, root, seed, or leaf has been used for medicinal uses. In addition, the fruit itself is considered a food, and the juice is utilized to treat heart and liver diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the phenolic content. In addition, a water-soluble fraction of the soursop fruit pulp (WSSP) was examined for the following properties: antioxidant, mutagenic, and antimutagenicity. UV-visible spectrophotometry determined total phenolic content by the Folin-Ciocalteu method to be 11.22 ± 0.6 mg of gallic acid equivalent per gram dried extract, and free-radical scavenging activity by the 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH•) showed an EC50 of 1032 µg/ml. In the Salmonella/microsome assay, no marked mutagenicity was induced following WSSP treatment, and a chemopreventive capacity was observed in the antimutagenic assay. The cytotoxicity assays were carried out using the water-soluble tetrazolium salt and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays demonstrated that WSSP induced significant cytotoxicity in MCF-7 and Caco-2 cells, indicating greater effectiveness of cytotoxic action by destroying cell membrane integrity. Data suggest that WSSP may exert beneficial effects as a DNA chemopreventive and antitumor agent.

In vitro chemopreventive and cytotoxic effects of Amazon mosses Leucobryum martianum (Hornsch.) and Leucobryum laevifolium (Broth) extracts.

Several bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, demonstrate low toxicity and prominent effects on cancer cells with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor activities. Such compounds can be found in Amazon mosses Leucobryum martianum (Hornsch.) Hampe ex Müll. Hal. (Hornsch.) and Leucobryum laevifolium (Broth). Antimutagenic assay with Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium and cytotoxicity with different eukaryotic cell lines were carried out to screen aqueous, hydroalcoholic, and ethanolic extracts of those Amazon mosses for anticancer potential. The results indicate the capacity of all extracts of both mosses to exert chemopreventive effects against 4-nitroquinoline-N-oxide (4NQO) and 2-aminoanthracene (2-AA), which are direct or indirect mutagens. In particular, the ethanolic and aqueous extract from L. martianum. The ethanolic extract from L. martianum induces significant cytotoxicity by mitochondrial metabolism and cell membrane disruption pathways to tumor or non-tumor cells. The aqueous extract from L. martianum showed a mainly cytotoxic response in the HepG2 cells, a human liver carcinoma, reaching ~90% cytotoxicity. The same extract did not induce significant damage to normal liver cells (F C3H cells) by membrane interaction pathway. The selective cytotoxicity in the aqueous extract of L. martianum makes it a candidate against liver cancer. Further studies, including in vivo models, are necessary to validate the efficacy and safety of the aqueous extract of L. martianum.

Marketable 1,3-dimethylamylamine and caffeine-based thermogenic supplements: Regulatory genotoxicity assessment through in vitro and in silico approaches.

The consumption of dietary supplements to enhance physical performance has increased significantly in the last century, especially thermogenic pre-workout supplements. Nevertheless, this industry has faced criticism for inadequate safety measures surveillance in regulatory issues regarding their products. The aims of our study were to investigate two pre-workout supplements with respect to (1) mutagenicity utilizing Salmonella/microsome assay; (2) genotoxicity employing cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assay protocols; and (3) hepatocytoxicity using WST cell proliferation, activities of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and alkaline phosphatase using human liver carcinoma (HepG2) and mouse fibroblast (F C3H) cells. Oxidative stress was determined through glutathione (GSH) measurement and in silico for predictions of pharmacokinetics and toxicity for the most abundant isolated substances present in these supplements. Both supplements induced mutagenicity in all examined bacterial strains, especially in the presence of exogenous metabolism. Further, tested supplements significantly elevated the formation of micronuclei (MN) as well as other cellular phenomena. Concentration- and time-dependent curves were observed for hepatotoxicity in both studied cell lines. In addition, both supplements decreased levels of intracellular and extracellular GSH. In silico predictions showed that the isolated individual compounds failed to induce the observed outcomes. Our findings provide contributions to the molecular mechanisms underlying two pre-workout supplement-induced toxicity and the need for surveillance.

Influence of UV exposure time and simulated marine environment on different microplastic degradation.

This study investigated the influence of environmental factors (UV radiation and salinity) in the degradative process of microplastics (MPs). MPs derived from polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), and ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) were subjected to accelerated photodegradation while being submerged in distilled water or artificial seawater. Depending on the polymer, changes in surface properties, new functional chemical group formation and oxidative index, and thermal characteristics of samples were observed. After photodegradation experiments, EVA-MPs samples showed an increase in their thermal resistance, besides the changes in their surface. PP-MPs crystallinity index increased upon exposure to UV radiation. PS samples showed a higher carbonyl and hydroxyl index after 30 h of UV exposure. The methodology exploited applies to any location in the world and can be comparable once considering the total ultraviolet index (UVI). The saline medium increases the crystallinity index of PP and EVA-MPs samples and intensifies the formation of new carbonyl and hydroxyl bonds in EVA-MPs samples. The results showed that several environmental factors should be considered in interpreting MPs photodegradation.

Revealing microplastic dynamics: the impact of precipitation and depth in urban river ecosystems.

Research on microplastics in Latin America is limited compared to a global perspective. Brazil plays a significant role in this context, as it possesses 12% of the world's freshwater reserves, constituting 53% of South America's water resources. There has been growing concern regarding the plastic pollution of the country's freshwater systems in recent years. Therefore, this study investigated the impact of plastic pollution on the Guaíba River, a significant watercourse in the southern region of Brazil that is subjected to high anthropogenic pressure. Additionally, we examined correlations between the presence of microplastics and key factors influencing their distribution in the river. Thus, freshwater was collected in seven sampling campaigns from 2019 to 2020, totaling 66 samples. The microplastics were quantified and characterized according to their color, shape, and polymeric composition. The concentration of microplastics varied between 2.9 and 53.8 items m-3, and the distribution and transport were positively influenced by the population density, precipitations, and depth of each sampling point. White-transparent color category (51%) and fragment shape (89%) were predominant among the found particles. Polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) represented 37% and 57% of the analyzed particles. The non-metric multidimensional scaling (nMDS) analysis indicated that similar contamination sources, such as domestic sewage, could influence three out of ten sampled points. Several microplastics presented the formation of cracks, with sizes smaller than 10 µm on their surface, which might indicate an erosion process, resulting in the formation of nanoplastics. The color fading observed in microplastics suggests that the particles were subjected to environmental stressors, leading to the leaching or degradation of the dye on the plastic. The results confirmed the ubiquity of microplastics in Guaíba River, highlighting the importance of improving the regulations on plastic waste disposal in the country to prevent the contamination of freshwater bodies.

Structure/function studies of the NAD+-dependent DNA ligase from the poly-extremophile Deinococcus radiodurans reveal importance of the BRCT domain for DNA binding.

Bacterial NAD+-dependent DNA ligases (LigAs) are enzymes involved in replication, recombination, and DNA-repair processes by catalyzing the formation of phosphodiester bonds in the backbone of DNA. These multidomain proteins exhibit four modular domains, that are highly conserved across species, with the BRCT (breast cancer type 1 C-terminus) domain on the C-terminus of the enzyme. In this study, we expressed and purified both recombinant full-length and a C-terminally truncated LigA from Deinococcus radiodurans (DrLigA and DrLigA∆BRCT) and characterized them using biochemical and X-ray crystallography techniques. Using seeds of DrLigA spherulites, we obtained ≤ 100 µm plate crystals of DrLigA∆BRCT. The crystal structure of the truncated protein was obtained at 3.4 Å resolution, revealing DrLigA∆BRCT in a non-adenylated state. Using molecular beacon-based activity assays, we demonstrated that DNA ligation via nick sealing remains unaffected in the truncated DrLigA∆BRCT. However, DNA-binding assays revealed a reduction in the affinity of DrLigA∆BRCT for dsDNA. Thus, we conclude that the flexible BRCT domain, while not critical for DNA nick-joining, plays a role in the DNA binding process, which may be a conserved function of the BRCT domain in LigA-type DNA ligases.

Comportamento de idosos para a promoção da saúde: análise segundo a teoria de Nola Pender / Older adults' behavior for health promotion: analysis according to Nola Pender's theory / Comportamiento de ancianos para promover la salud: análisis según la teoría de Nola Pender

Objetivo: Analisar o comportamento de idosos em relação à promoção da saúde segundo a teoria de Nola Pender. Métodos: Pesquisa participante de abordagem qualitativa, realizada em uma Instituição de Ensino Superior de Brasília (Distrito Federal), Brasil. Os dados foram coletados ao longo de quatro encontros presenciais, por meio da estratégia de grupo de reflexão, com base em questões norteadoras especificas para cada encontro. Para a análise dos dados, utilizou-se a Teoria de Promoção da Saúde de Nola Pender que pressupõe a avaliação de características e experiências individuais, dos sentimentos e conhecimentos sobre o comportamento que se quer alcançar e do comportamento de promoção da saúde desejável. Resultados: Participaram 13 idosos, os quais revelaram que a autoestima, o trabalho e a participação em diversas atividades familiares, culturais e religiosas os ajudam a realizar ações que promovem sua saúde. Eles desejam modificar alguns comportamentos e conservar outros, em função do beneficio percebido. influências interpessoais e situações como renda, doenças, religião, escolaridade e acesso a bens e serviços são apontados como fatores que influenciam as mudanças de comportamento em saúde. Conclusão: o comportamento dos idosos revelou esforços para manter e ampliar sua saúde e graus de autonomia.

Objective: To analyze older adults' behavior in relation to health promotion according to Nola Pender's theory. Methods: This is participatory research with a qualitative approach, carried out at a Higher Education Institution in Brasília (Federal District), Brazil. Data were collected over four on-site meetings, through the reflection group strategy, based on specific guiding questions for each meeting. For data analysis, Nola Pender's Health Promotion Theory was used, which presupposes assessing individual characteristics and experiences, behavior-specific cognitions and affect and behavioral outcome. Results: The study included 13 older adults, who revealed that self-esteem, work and participation in various family, cultural and religious activities help them carry out actions that promote their health. They wish to modify some behaviors and maintain others, depending on the perceived benefit. Interpersonal influences and situations such as income, illness, religion, education and access to goods and services are highlighted as factors that influence changes in health behavior. Conclusion: Older adults' behavior revealed efforts to maintain and expand their health and degrees of autonomy.

Objetivo: Analizar el comportamiento de los ancianos frente a la promoción de la salud desde la perspectiva del modelo teórico de Nola Pender. Métodos: Estudio de investigación participante con abordaje cualitativo, con 13 ancianos. Los datos fueron recolectados a través de la estrategia de grupos de reflexión, a partir de preguntas orientadoras elaboradas por los investigadores. Se utilizó la Teoría de Enfermería de Promoción de la Salud de Nola Pender. Resultados: Hubo interrelación entre las características y vivencias individuales de los ancianos, sus sentimientos y conocimientos sobre el comportamiento deseado y el comportamiento deseado de promoción de la salud. Conclusión: Este estudio permite reflexionar sobre las condiciones y motivaciones que llevan a los ancianos a tener determinados comportamientos, que influyen en su estado de salud. Contribuciones para la práctica: Reflexión de los profesionales de la salud sobre la creación de nuevas estrategias para la implementación de acciones de promoción de la salud de la población anciana.

Tempo de tela e prática de atividade física entre universitários durante a pandemia / Screen time and physical activity among university students during the pandemic

As Doenças Crônicas não Transmissíveis representam um problema de saúde pública a nível mundial, e são resultantes da combinação de distintos fatores de risco, a exemplo a prática insuficiente de atividade física e o uso excessivo de dispositivos eletrônicos. Identificar a frequência da prática de atividade física e do uso de dispositivos eletrônicos e televisão entre estudantes universitários. Trata-se de um estudo transversal com abordagem quantitativa realizado com 87 universitários de uma IES privada do Distrito Federal no segundo semestre de 2020. A coleta de dados foi realizada mediante questionário eletrônico estruturado. Para a análise dos dados foi utilizado a estatística descritiva através do software Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) versão 21.0. Observou-se que 63 (72,4%) estudantes relataram praticar algum tipo de atividade física nos últimos três meses. No que diz respeito a frequência da prática de atividade física, 53 (60,9%) discentes relataram praticar por pelo menos uma vez na semana, e 21 (24,1%) informaram a prática de 3 a 4 dias por semana. Quanto ao uso de dispositivos eletrônicos, observou-se que 80 (92,0%) discentes referiram utilizá-los em seu tempo livre, o tempo de uso mais relatado foi de 2-3 horas. Observou-se uma frequência elevada da utilização de dispositivos eletrônicos e da prática insuficiente de atividade física entre universitários durante a pandemia de COVID-19. Sendo assim, é crucial o estabelecimento de intervenções de promoção para adoção de hábitos de vida saudáveis para este grupo.

Chronic Noncommunicable Diseases represent a public health problem worldwide and are the result of a combination of different risk factors such as insufficient physical activity and excessive use of electronic devices. To identify the frequency of physical activity and the use of electronic devices and television among college students. This is a cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach carried out with 87 university students from a private Higher Education Institution in the Federal District during the second half of 2020. Data collection was performed using a structured electronic questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0 software. It was observed that 63 (72.4%) students reported practicing some type of physical activity in the last three months. Concerning the frequency of physical activity, 53 (60.9%) students reported practicing at least once a week, and 21 (24.1%) reported practicing 3 to 4 days a week. As for the use of electronic devices, it was observed that 80 (92.0%) students reported using them in their free time, the most reported time of use was 2-3 hours. There was a high frequency of use of electronic devices and insufficient practice of physical activity among university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, it is crucial to establish interventions to promote the adoption of healthy lifestyle habits for this group.

Marine-Inspired Drugs and Biomaterials in the Perspective of Pancreatic Cancer Therapies.

Despite its low prevalence, pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the deadliest, typically characterised as silent in early stages and with a dramatically poor prognosis when in its advanced stages, commonly associated with a high degree of metastasis. Many efforts have been made in pursuing innovative therapeutical approaches, from the search for new cytotoxic drugs and other bioactive compounds, to the development of more targeted approaches, including improved drug delivery devices. Marine biotechnology has been contributing to this quest by providing new chemical leads and materials originating from different organisms. In this review, marine biodiscovery for PC is addressed, particularly regarding marine invertebrates (namely sponges, molluscs, and bryozoans), seaweeds, fungi, and bacteria. In addition, the development of biomaterials based on marine-originating compounds, particularly chitosan, fucoidan, and alginate, for the production of advanced cancer therapies, is also discussed. The key role that drug delivery can play in new cancer treatments is highlighted, as therapeutical outcomes need to be improved to give further hope to patients.

Thymoma and myasthenia gravis - an observational study at a tertiary center.

INTRODUCTION: Acquired Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is a rare autoimmune neurological disorder characterized by fluctu- ating paresis of the skeletal muscle due to pathogenic antibodies against the acetylcholine receptor or other elements of the neuromuscular plaque. There is a close relation between MG and thymoma. We aimed to characterize a population of patients with Myasthenia Gravis associated thymoma (MGAT). METHODS: Retrospective and longitudinal study in all patients with MGAT observed at a tertiary center between 2009 and 2020. We assessed epidemiological, clinical, laboratory and therapeutic features of both MG and thymoma. RESULTS: We found 18 patients with an average age of 53 ± 16.2, 13 of them females. Most patients (n=15) presented the generalized MG form. Most frequent Masaoka staging was II (n=7). Regarding the WHO histopathological classification of thymoma, most patients (n=11) presented with type B2 or B3. Thirteen patients underwent extended thymectomy (12 by median sternotomy and 1 by VATS). Of the remaining 5 patients, 4 of them underwent a CT scan guided biopsy, and 1 patient did not accept further work-up. Seven patients were classified as R0 for surgical resection margins and only one of them had recurrence of thymoma. Besides surgery, oncological treatment included radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Five patients expe- rienced a myasthenic crisis during the course of the disease. Three deaths occurred in the studied population. CONCLUSIONS: This study helped to pinpoint important aspects concerning therapeutic orientation of MGAT patients, such as the clinical impact of thymectomy in the course of MGAT, the oncological prognostic value of surgical resection mar- gins, and the importance of preoperative intravenous immunoglobulin. Management of MGAT patients is only possible with a multidisciplinary approach.

Transient remission of hyperparathyroidism after fine-needle aspiration biopsy.

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is the unregulated overproduction of parathyroid hormone (PTH), resulting in abnormal calcium homeostasis. PHPT is most commonly caused by a single adenoma of the parathyroid gland, which can have an intrathyroid location in rare cases. The measurement of intact PTH in the washout fluid obtained by ultrasound (US)-guided fineneedle aspiration (FNA) can be useful in clarifying the aetiology of these lesions. This study presented a 48-year-old man with a background history of symptomatic renal stone disease who was diagnosed with PHPT and referred to our Endocrinology department. A neck US revealed a thyroid nodule with a size of 21 mm in the right lobe. The patient underwent US-guided FNA of the lesion. The measurement of PTH in the washout fluid was significantly elevated. Following the procedure, he reported neck pain and noticed distal paraesthesias in the upper limbs. Blood test results showed significant hypocalcaemia and supplementation with calcium and calcitriol was started. The patient was closely monitored. Recurrence of hypercalcaemia was later observed, and the patient was submitted to surgery. We present a case of FNAinduced transitory remission of PHPT in a patient with an intrathyroid parathyroid adenoma. We conjecture that intra-nodular haemorrhage might have occurred, which temporarily affected the viability of the autonomous parathyroid tissue. A few similar cases of spontaneous or induced remission of PHPT after FNA have been previously described in the literature. This remission can be transitory or permanent, depending on the degree of cellular damage thus follow-up of these patients is recommended.

Crianças com disfunção vesical e intestinal atendidas em ambulatório de enfermagem especializado / Children with bladder and bowel dysfunction treated in a specialized nursing outpatient service / Niños con disfunción vesical e intestinal atendidos en un servicio ambulatorio especializado de enfermería

RESUMO Objetivo: descrever as características clínico-epidemiológicas de crianças em idade escolar com disfunção vesical e intestinal atendidas em um ambulatório de enfermagem especializado. Método: estudo retrospectivo de abordagem quantitativa, descritivo e documental, realizado em prontuários de crianças atendidas em serviço de prática avançada de enfermagem em uropediatria, localizado em hospital universitário do Distrito Federal - Brasil, no período de abril a maio de 2019. Os dados foram analisados descritivamente e com teste qui-quadrado de Pearson para associações. Resultados: Todas as crianças apresentaram constipação intestinal funcional associada a sintomas urinários, sendo que os prevalentes foram urgência miccional (80%) e manobras de contenção (70%). Foi identificada significância estatística entre sexo e sintomas de urgência miccional, aumento e diminuição da frequência urinária. A Infecção do Trato Urinário foi a principal comorbidade (33%). Conclusão: esse estudo contribui para o planejamento e implementação de intervenções mais sensíveis e específicas do processo de cuidar em Uropediatria.

ABSTRACT Objective: to describe the clinical-epidemiological characteristics of schoolchildren with bladder and bowel dysfunction treated in a specialized Nursing outpatient service. Method: a retrospective study with a quantitative, descriptive and documentary approach, conducted from April to May 2019 with medical records of children treated in an advanced Nursing practice service specialized in Uropediatrics and located in a university hospital from Distrito Federal, Brazil. The data were analyzed both in a descriptive manner and through Pearson's chi-square test for associations. Results: All the children presented functional intestinal constipation associated with urinary symptoms, with prevalence of voiding urgency (80%) and retention maneuvers (70%). A statistically significant difference was identified between gender and voiding urgency symptoms, as well as with increased and reduced urinary frequency. The main comorbidity was Urinary Tract Infection (33%). Conclusion: this study contributed to planning and implementing more sensitive and specific interventions regarding the care process in Uropediatrics.

RESUMEN Objetivo: describir las características clínico-epidemiológicas de niños en edad escolar con disfunción vesical e intestinal atendidos en un servicio ambulatorio especializado de Enfermería. Método: estudio retrospectivo de enfoque cuantitativo, descriptivo y documental, llevado a cabo durante abril y mayo de 2019 con historias clínicas de niños atendidos en un servicio de práctica avanzada de Enfermería especializado en Uropediatría situado en un hospital universitario del Distrito Federal, Brasil. Los datos se analizaron en forma descriptiva y por medio de la prueba chi-cuadrado de Pearson para asociaciones. Resultados: todos los niños presentaron constipación intestinal funcional asociada con síntomas urinarios, con prevalencia de urgencia urinaria (80%) y maniobras de retención (70%). Se identificó significancia estadística entre el sexo de los participantes y los síntomas de urgencia urinaria, así como con aumento y disminución de la frecuencia. La comorbilidad más importante fue la Infección del Tracto Urinario (33%). Conclusión: este estudio generó aportes para planificar e implementar intervenciones más sensibles y específicas al proceso de atención uropediátrica.