Breast Cancer Molecular Subtype Prediction: A Mammography-Based AI Approach.

Breast cancer remains a leading cause of mortality among women, with molecular subtypes significantly influencing prognosis and treatment strategies. Currently, identifying the molecular subtype of cancer requires a biopsy-a specialized, expensive, and time-consuming procedure, often yielding to results that must be supported with additional biopsies due to technique errors or tumor heterogeneity. This study introduces a novel approach for predicting breast cancer molecular subtypes using mammography images and advanced artificial intelligence (AI) methodologies. Using the OPTIMAM imaging database, 1397 images from 660 patients were selected. The pretrained deep learning model ResNet-101 was employed to classify tumors into five subtypes: Luminal A, Luminal B1, Luminal B2, HER2, and Triple Negative. Various classification strategies were studied: binary classifications (one vs. all others, specific combinations) and multi-class classification (evaluating all subtypes simultaneously). To address imbalanced data, strategies like oversampling, undersampling, and data augmentation were explored. Performance was evaluated using accuracy and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Binary classification results showed a maximum average accuracy and AUC of 79.02% and 64.69%, respectively, while multi-class classification achieved an average AUC of 60.62% with oversampling and data augmentation. The most notable binary classification was HER2 vs. non-HER2, with an accuracy of 89.79% and an AUC of 73.31%. Binary classification for specific combinations of subtypes revealed an accuracy of 76.42% for HER2 vs. Luminal A and an AUC of 73.04% for HER2 vs. Luminal B1. These findings highlight the potential of mammography-based AI for non-invasive breast cancer subtype prediction, offering a promising alternative to biopsies and paving the way for personalized treatment plans.

Unzipped genome assemblies of polyploid root-knot nematodes reveal unusual and clade-specific telomeric repeats.

Using long-read sequencing, we assembled and unzipped the polyploid genomes of Meloidogyne incognita, M. javanica and M. arenaria, three of the most devastating plant-parasitic nematodes. We found the canonical nematode telomeric repeat to be missing in these and other Meloidogyne genomes. In addition, we find no evidence for the enzyme telomerase or for orthologs of C. elegans telomere-associated proteins, suggesting alternative lengthening of telomeres. Instead, analyzing our assembled genomes, we identify species-specific composite repeats enriched mostly at one extremity of contigs. These repeats are G-rich, oriented, and transcribed, similarly to canonical telomeric repeats. We confirm them as telomeric using fluorescent in situ hybridization. These repeats are mostly found at one single end of chromosomes in these species. The discovery of unusual and specific complex telomeric repeats opens a plethora of perspectives and highlights the evolutionary diversity of telomeres despite their central roles in senescence, aging, and chromosome integrity.

Pediatric chronic kidney disease: blood cell count indexes as inflammation markers / Doença renal crônica pediátrica: índices de contagem de células sanguíneas como marcadores de inflamação

Abstract Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is defined as a progressive decline of kidney functions. In childhood, the main triggering factors are congenital anomalies of the kidneys and urinary tract (CAKUT) and glomerulopathies. Inflammatory responses present challenges for diagnosis and staging, which justifies studies on biomarkers/indexes. Aim: To define blood cell count indexes and verify their association with pediatric CKD etiology and staging. The included indexes were: Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Derived Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio (dNLR), Lymphocyte-Monocyte Ratio (LMR), Systemic Inflammation Response Index (SIRI), Aggregate Index of Systemic Inflammation (AISI), and Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SII). Methods: We determined the indexes in 52 pediatric CKD patients and 33 healthy controls by mathematical calculation. CKD patients were separated in five groups based on the etiology and staging: Group IA: glomerulopathies at stage 1 or 2; IB: glomerulopathies at stage 3 or 4; IIA: CAKUT at stage 1 or 2; IIB: CAKUT at stage 3 or 4; and III: stages 3 or 4 of other etiologies. In addition, we combined all patients with CKD in one group (IV). Group V was a healthy control group. Results: Lower values of LMR were observed for groups IB and IIB compared to group V (p = 0.047, p = 0.031, respectively). Increased values of SIRI were found for group III versus group V (p = 0.030). There was no difference for other indexes when the groups were compared two by two. Conclusion: The LMR and SIRI indexes showed promising results in the evaluation of inflammation, as they correlated with CKD etiologies and specially staging in these patients.

Resumo Introdução: Doença renal crônica (DRC) é definida como um declínio progressivo das funções renais. Na infância, os principais fatores desencadeantes são anomalias congênitas dos rins e trato urinário (CAKUT) e glomerulopatias. Respostas inflamatórias apresentam desafios para diagnóstico e estadiamento, o que justifica estudos sobre biomarcadores/índices. Objetivo: Definir índices de contagem de células sanguíneas e verificar sua associação com etiologia e estadiamento da DRC pediátrica. Os índices incluídos foram: Razão Neutrófilo-Linfócito (NLR), Razão Neutrófilo-Linfócito Derivada (dNLR), Razão Linfócito-Monócito (LMR), Índice de Resposta à Inflamação Sistêmica (SIRI), Índice Agregado de Inflamação Sistêmica (AISI) e Índice de Inflamação Imune Sistêmica (SII). Métodos: Determinamos índices em 52 pacientes pediátricos com DRC e 33 controles saudáveis por cálculo matemático. Pacientes com DRC foram separados em cinco grupos conforme etiologia e estadiamento: Grupo IA: glomerulopatias em estágio 1 ou 2; IB: glomerulopatias em estágio 3 ou 4; IIA: CAKUT em estágio 1 ou 2; IIB: CAKUT em estágio 3 ou 4; e III: estágios 3 ou 4 de outras etiologias. Além disso, combinamos todos os pacientes com DRC em um grupo (IV). Grupo V foi um grupo controle saudável. Resultados: Observamos valores menores de LMR nos grupos IB e IIB comparados ao grupo V (p=0,047; p=0,031, respectivamente). Encontramos valores maiores de SIRI para o grupo III versus grupo V (p=0,030). Não houve diferença para outros índices quando os grupos foram comparados dois a dois. Conclusão: Os índices LMR e SIRI apresentaram resultados promissores na avaliação da inflamação, pois correlacionaram-se com as etiologias da DRC e, principalmente, com o estadiamento desses pacientes.

Case of split notochord syndrome: a neonate with thoracic neuroenteric cyst, abdominal duodenal duplication cyst, malrotation and vertebral anomalies.

The authors describe a case of a male neonate with split notochord syndrome presenting with cervico-thoracic deformity, thoracic neuroenteric cyst, separate abdominal duodenal duplication cyst and concurrent intestinal malrotation. This combination of abnormalities is very rare. When these lesions are suspected, patients must be investigated carefully.This case is presented not only to recount an infrequent combination of structural abnormalities but also to raise awareness of the signs that should point to clinical suspicion and prompt diagnosis.Following surgical excision of the thoracic neuroenteric cyst, the patient has made a good recovery.

Digital Breast Tomosynthesis: Towards Dose Reduction through Image Quality Improvement.

Currently, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed type of cancer worldwide. Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (DBT) has been widely accepted as a stand-alone modality to replace Digital Mammography, particularly in denser breasts. However, the image quality improvement provided by DBT is accompanied by an increase in the radiation dose for the patient. Here, a method based on 2D Total Variation (2D TV) minimization to improve image quality without the need to increase the dose was proposed. Two phantoms were used to acquire data at different dose ranges (0.88-2.19 mGy for Gammex 156 and 0.65-1.71 mGy for our phantom). A 2D TV minimization filter was applied to the data, and the image quality was assessed through contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and the detectability index of lesions before and after filtering. The results showed a decrease in 2D TV values after filtering, with variations of up to 31%, increasing image quality. The increase in CNR values after filtering showed that it is possible to use lower doses (-26%, on average) without compromising on image quality. The detectability index had substantial increases (up to 14%), especially in smaller lesions. So, not only did the proposed approach allow for the enhancement of image quality without increasing the dose, but it also improved the chances of detecting small lesions that could be overlooked.

Gold nanoparticle intratesticular injections as a potential animal sterilization tool: Long-term reproductive and toxicological implications.

This study aimed to evaluate the gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) animal sterilizing potential after intratesticular injections and long-term adverse reproductive and systemic effects. Adult male Wistar rats were divided into control and gold nanoparticle (AuNPs) groups. The rats received 200 µL of saline or AuNPs solution (16 µg/mL) on experimental days 1 and 7 (ED1 and ED7). After 150 days, the testicular blood flow was measured, and the rats were mated with females. After mating, male animals were euthanized for histological, cellular, and molecular evaluations. The female fertility indices and fetal development were also recorded. The results indicated increased blood flow in the testes of treated animals. Testes from treated rats had histological abnormalities, shorter seminiferous epithelia, and oxidative stress. Although the sperm concentration was lower in the AuNP-treated rats, there were no alterations in sperm morphology. Animals exposed to AuNPs had decreased male fertility indices, and their offspring had lighter and less efficient placentas. Additionally, the anogenital distance was longer in female fetuses. There were no changes in the histology of the kidney and liver, the lipid profile, and the serum levels of LH, testosterone, AST, ALT, ALP, albumin, and creatinine. The primary systemic effect was an increase in MDA levels in the liver and kidney, with only the liver experiencing an increase in CAT activity. In conclusion, AuNPs have a long-term impact on reproduction with very slight alterations in animal health. The development of reproductive biotechnologies that eliminate germ cells or treat local cancers can benefit from using AuNPs.

Mucoadhesive gellan gum-based and carboxymethyl cellulose -based hydrogels containing gemcitabine and papain for bladder cancer treatment.

Local treatment of bladder cancer faces several limitations such as short residence time or low permeation through urothelium tissue. The aim of this work was to develop patient-friendly mucoadhesive gel formulations combining gemcitabine and the enzyme papain for improved intravesical chemotherapy delivery. Hydrogels based on two different polysaccharides, gellan gum and sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), were prepared with either native papain or papain nanoparticles (nanopapain) to explore for the first time their use as permeability enhancers through bladder tissue. Gel formulations were characterized regarding enzyme stability, rheological behavior, retention on bladder tissue and bioadhesion, drug release properties, permeation capacity, and biocompatibility. After 90 days of storage, the enzyme loaded in the CMC gels retained up to 83.5 ± 4.9 % of its activity in the absence of the drug, and up to 78.1 ± 5.3 with gemcitabine. The gels were mucoadhesive and the enzyme papain showed mucolytic action, which resulted in resistance against washing off from the urothelium and enhanced permeability of gemcitabine in the ex vivo tissue diffusion tests. Native papain shortened lag-time tissue penetration to 0.6 h and enhanced 2-fold drug permeability All formulations demonstrated pseudoplastic behavior and no irritability. Overall, the developed formulations have potential as an upgraded alternative to intravesical therapy for bladder cancer treatment.

Engineering Resistance against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum Using a Truncated NLR (TNx) and a Defense-Priming Gene.

The association of both cell-surface PRRs (Pattern Recognition Receptors) and intracellular receptor NLRs (Nucleotide-Binding Leucine-Rich Repeat) in engineered plants have the potential to activate strong defenses against a broad range of pathogens. Here, we describe the identification, characterization, and in planta functional analysis of a novel truncated NLR (TNx) gene from the wild species Arachis stenosperma (AsTIR19), with a protein structure lacking the C-terminal LRR (Leucine Rich Repeat) domain involved in pathogen perception. Overexpression of AsTIR19 in tobacco plants led to a significant reduction in infection caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, with a further reduction in pyramid lines containing an expansin-like B gene (AdEXLB8) potentially involved in defense priming. Transcription analysis of tobacco transgenic lines revealed induction of hormone defense pathways (SA; JA-ET) and PRs (Pathogenesis-Related proteins) production. The strong upregulation of the respiratory burst oxidase homolog D (RbohD) gene in the pyramid lines suggests its central role in mediating immune responses in plants co-expressing the two transgenes, with reactive oxygen species (ROS) production enhanced by AdEXLB8 cues leading to stronger defense response. Here, we demonstrate that the association of potential priming elicitors and truncated NLRs can produce a synergistic effect on fungal resistance, constituting a promising strategy for improved, non-specific resistance to plant pathogens.

Impact of ATP-citrate lyase catalytic activity and serine 455 phosphorylation on histone acetylation and inflammatory responses in human monocytic THP-1 cells.

ATP-citrate lyase (ACLY) is a key enzyme provoking metabolic and epigenetic gene regulation. Molecularly, these functions are exerted by the provision of acetyl-coenzyme A, which is then used as a substrate for de novo lipogenesis or as an acetyl-group donor in acetylation reactions. It has been demonstrated that ACLY activity can be positively regulated via phosphorylation at serine 455 by Akt and protein kinase A. Nonetheless, the impact of phosphorylation on ACLY function in human myeloid cells is poorly understood. In this study we reconstituted ACLY knockout human monocytic THP-1 cells with a wild type ACLY as well as catalytically inactive H760A, and phosphorylation-deficient S455A mutants. Using these cell lines, we determined the impact of ACLY activity and phosphorylation on histone acetylation and pro-inflammatory gene expression in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Our results show that ACLY serine 455 phosphorylation does not influence the proper enzymatic function of ACLY, since both, wild type ACLY and phosphorylation-deficient mutant, exhibited increased cell growth and histone acetylation as compared to cells with a loss of ACLY activity. Transcriptome analysis revealed enhanced expression of pro-inflammatory and interferon response genes in ACLY knockout and H760A THP-1 cells under unstimulated or LPS-treated conditions. At the same time, S455A ACLY-expressing cells showed a phenotype very similar to wild type cells. Contrary to ACLY knockout, pharmacological inhibition of ACLY in THP-1 cells or in primary human macrophages does not enhance LPS-triggered pro-inflammatory gene expression. Our data thus suggest that ACLY retains functionality in the absence of Akt/PKA-mediated phosphorylation in human myeloid cells. Furthermore, loss of ACLY activity may elicit long-term adaptive mechanisms, increasing inflammatory responses.

Integrated Omic Approaches Reveal Molecular Mechanisms of Tolerance during Soybean and Meloidogyne incognita Interactions.

The root-knot nematode (RKN), Meloidogyne incognita, is a devastating soybean pathogen worldwide. The use of resistant cultivars is the most effective method to prevent economic losses caused by RKNs. To elucidate the mechanisms involved in resistance to RKN, we determined the proteome and transcriptome profiles from roots of susceptible (BRS133) and highly tolerant (PI 595099) Glycine max genotypes 4, 12, and 30 days after RKN infestation. After in silico analysis, we described major defense molecules and mechanisms considered constitutive responses to nematode infestation, such as mTOR, PI3K-Akt, relaxin, and thermogenesis. The integrated data allowed us to identify protein families and metabolic pathways exclusively regulated in tolerant soybean genotypes. Among them, we highlighted the phenylpropanoid pathway as an early, robust, and systemic defense process capable of controlling M. incognita reproduction. Associated with this metabolic pathway, 29 differentially expressed genes encoding 11 different enzymes were identified, mainly from the flavonoid and derivative pathways. Based on differential expression in transcriptomic and proteomic data, as well as in the expression profile by RT-qPCR, and previous studies, we selected and overexpressed the GmPR10 gene in transgenic tobacco to assess its protective effect against M. incognita. Transgenic plants of the T2 generation showed up to 58% reduction in the M. incognita reproduction factor. Finally, data suggest that GmPR10 overexpression can be effective against the plant parasitic nematode M. incognita, but its mechanism of action remains unclear. These findings will help develop new engineered soybean genotypes with higher performance in response to RKN infections.

Automatic Classification of Simulated Breast Tomosynthesis Whole Images for the Presence of Microcalcification Clusters Using Deep CNNs.

Microcalcification clusters (MCs) are among the most important biomarkers for breast cancer, especially in cases of nonpalpable lesions. The vast majority of deep learning studies on digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) are focused on detecting and classifying lesions, especially soft-tissue lesions, in small regions of interest previously selected. Only about 25% of the studies are specific to MCs, and all of them are based on the classification of small preselected regions. Classifying the whole image according to the presence or absence of MCs is a difficult task due to the size of MCs and all the information present in an entire image. A completely automatic and direct classification, which receives the entire image, without prior identification of any regions, is crucial for the usefulness of these techniques in a real clinical and screening environment. The main purpose of this work is to implement and evaluate the performance of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) regarding an automatic classification of a complete DBT image for the presence or absence of MCs (without any prior identification of regions). In this work, four popular deep CNNs are trained and compared with a new architecture proposed by us. The main task of these trainings was the classification of DBT cases by absence or presence of MCs. A public database of realistic simulated data was used, and the whole DBT image was taken into account as input. DBT data were considered without and with preprocessing (to study the impact of noise reduction and contrast enhancement methods on the evaluation of MCs with CNNs). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to evaluate the performance. Very promising results were achieved with a maximum AUC of 94.19% for the GoogLeNet. The second-best AUC value was obtained with a new implemented network, CNN-a, with 91.17%. This CNN had the particularity of also being the fastest, thus becoming a very interesting model to be considered in other studies. With this work, encouraging outcomes were achieved in this regard, obtaining similar results to other studies for the detection of larger lesions such as masses. Moreover, given the difficulty of visualizing the MCs, which are often spread over several slices, this work may have an important impact on the clinical analysis of DBT images.

Epidemiological analysis of accidents by scorpions in a municipality in the Triângulo Mineiro / Análise epidemiológica dos acidentes por escorpiões em um município do Triângulo Mineiro

Introduction: Minas Gerais is the Brazilian state with the highest rate of scorpionism, 223,033 cases were recorded between 2010-2017, so reflections on how to reduce this public health problem are necessary. Objective: to describe the epidemiological profile of accidents with scorpions that occurred in the municipality of Patos de Minas (MG), from 2013 to 2017, and to develop an intervention project based on it. Methods: First, the number of accidents by venomous animals in Patos de Minas (MG) was analyzed using the variables included in the SINAN notification and investigation form, available on DATASUS. Additionally, two databases, CAFE and Pubmed, were used for the theoretical framework, with the following descriptors: "escorpião", "Minas Gerais", "envenenamento", "prevenção", and their respective translations into English: "scorpion", "Minas Gerais", "envenomation" and "prevention". Results: Scorpion sting accidents were the most recorded among venomous animals, and were increased annually during the study period, reaching, in 2017, the number of 274 reported cases. In addition, the frequency of accidents was recorded in greater numbers in males (51.18%) and the most affected age group was between 20 and 39 years of age (32.64%). It is also observed that most of the victims were classified as mild cases and treated in the first hour of the sting (97.92%), with no deaths in the period. The results found are in agreement with the references used, being more common, in studies, the registration of mild cases, in male adults. For the basis of the intervention proposal, five articles were used, and based on them, preventive, corrective environmental and educational actions are proposed. Conclusion: The study allowed to identify the target audience of the intervention proposals and when they should be intensified, to try to contain, thus, the constant increase in cases of scorpionism in the analyzed municipality (AU)

Introdução: Minas Gerais é o estado brasileiro com a maior taxa de escorpionismo, foram registrados 223.033 casos entre 2010-2017, dessa forma se faz necessária reflexões sobre como reduzir esse problema de saúde pública. Objetivo: O presente estudo visa descrever o perfil epidemiológico de acidentes oriundos do escorpionismo ocorridos no município de Patos de Minas (MG) no período de 2013 a 2017 e desenvolver um projeto de intervenção a partir do mesmo. Métodos: Primeiramente, o número de acidentes por animais peçonhentos em Patos de Minas (MG) foi analisado utilizando-se as variáveis que contemplam a ficha de notificação e investigação do SINAN, disponíveis no DATASUS. Além disso, foram utilizadas duas bases de dados, CAFE e PUBMED, para o referencial teórico, com os seguintes descritores: escorpião, Minas Gerais, envenenamento e prevenção e suas respectivas traduções para o inglês. Resultados: Acidentes por picada de escorpião foram os mais registrados dentre os animais peçonhentos, além de terem aumentado anualmente no período de estudo, atingindo, em 2017, o número de 274 casos notificados. Ademais, a frequência dos acidentes foi registrada em maior número no sexo masculino (51,18%) e a faixa etária mais atingida foi entre 20 a 39 anos (32,64%). Observa-se também que os acidentados foram classificados como casos leves e atendidos na primeira hora da picada (97,92%), com nenhum óbito no período. Os resultados encontrados estão em concordância com as referências utilizadas, sendo mais comum, em estudos, o registro de casos leves, em adultos, do sexo masculino. Para o embasamento da proposta de intervenção, foram utilizados cinco artigos e baseado neles propõem-se o desenvolvimento de ações preventivas, corretivas do ambiente e educacionais. Conclusão:Com o estudo, foi possível identificar o público-alvo das propostas de intervenção e quando elas deveriam ser intensificadas, para tentar conter, assim, o aumento constante dos casos de escorpionismo no município analisado (AU)

Adoecimento Mental, Antipsiquiatria e Antidiagnóstico: Notas a Partir de Elso Arruda / Mental Illness, Anti-psychiatry, and Anti-diagnosis: Notes from Elso Arruda / Enfermedad Mental, Antipsiquiatría y Antidiagnóstico: Apuntamientos desde Elso Arruda

A conformação da Psicologia Clínica ocorreu por meio de tensionamentos produzidos por diferentes profissionais, envolvidos nas práxis da clínica psi, no país. Parte desses embates ressaltam a utilização de métodos e técnicas psicológicas, para solução de problemas de ajustamento, no campo Psi - Psiquiatria, Psicologia e Psicanálise. Esta pesquisa objetiva identificar e caracterizar tensionamentos no campo psi referentes à Psicologia Clínica a partir de publicações de um de seus personagens, Elso Arruda. Metodologicamente, essa é uma investigação sociobibliométrica, que se insere na interseção entre a História Social da Psicologia, a História da Psiquiatria e a História da Psicanálise. Para a análise do conteúdo das fontes primárias utilizamos o software Iramuteq. Os resultados sugerem que circularam, entre os saberes psi, discursos pró-reforma psiquiátrica, na década de 1960. As fontes indicam ainda uma mudança da noção de diagnóstico na clínica psi, norteada por uma proposta antipsiquiátrica e antidiagnóstica, bem como o uso da psicologia, da psicanálise e da fenomenologia existencial para compreender o indivíduo.

Clinical psychology's conformation occurred by tensions produced by different professionals involved into the praxis of Psy's clinic, in Brazil. Part of this struggle is related to psychological methods and techniques to solve adjustment problems in the Psy's field - Psychiatry, Psychology and Psychoanalysis. This research aims to identify and characterize those tensions related particularly to Clinical Psychology based on one of its characters, Elso Arruda. Methodologically, this is a socio-bibliometric investigation, which is inserted in the intersection between the Social History of Psychology, the History of Psychiatry and the History of Psychoanalysis. For the content analysis of the primary sources, we used the Iramuteq software. Our results suggest that, among the Psy knowledge in the 1960's, circulated proposals advocating psychiatric reform. Besides, these sources suggest a change in the notion of diagnosis guided by an antipsychiatric and antidiagnostic proposal, as well as the use of psychology, psychoanalysis, and existential phenomenology to understand the subject.

En Brasil, la conformación de la Psicología Clínica se dio a través de tensiones producidas por diferentes profesionales involucrados en la praxis de la clínica psi. Parte de estos enfrentamientos están relacionados con el uso de métodos y técnicas psicológicas para resolver problemas de adaptación en el campo psi - Psiquiatría, Psicología y Psicoanálisis. Esta investigación tiene como objetivo identificar y caracterizar aquellas tensiones relacionadas particularmente con la Psicología Clínica a partir de uno de sus personajes, Elso Arruda. Metodológicamente, esta es una investigación socio-bibliométrica, que se inserta en la intersección entre la Historia Social de la Psicología, la Historia de la Psiquiatría y la Historia del Psicoanálisis. Para el análisis de contenido de las fuentes primarias hemos utilizado el programa informático Iramuteq. Los resultados proponen que circularon discursos a favor de la reforma psiquiátrica dentro de los saberes psi en la década de 1960. Además, las fuentes sugieren un cambio en la noción de diagnóstico en la clínica psi, guiado por una propuesta anti psiquiátrica y anti diagnóstica, así como el uso de la psicología, psicoanálisis y la fenomenología existencial para comprender el sujeto desajustado.

Adiponectin and Stnfr2 peripheral levels are associated with cardiovascular risk in patients with schizophrenia.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between cytokine peripheral levels and the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with schizophrenia and controls. METHODS: A sample of 40 patients and 40 control subjects participated in the study. Psychiatric diagnosis was established following structured clinical assessment. The Framingham Score was used to assess cardiovascular risk (CVR). Serum levels of the cytokines IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70 and TNF-α were determined by cytometric bead array (CBA) technique, and the serum levels of IL-33, sST2, sTNFR1, sTNFR2, Leptin and Adiponectin by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Patients with schizophrenia showed greater frequency of moderate CVR when compared with controls (p = 0.14). In addition, patients showed higher levels of sTNFR2 and Adiponectin compared to controls (p = 0.007 and p < 0.001, respectively). Adiponectin and sTNFR2 were associated with CVR only in patients (p = 0.0002 and p = 0.033, respectively). In multivariate analysis controlling for socio-demographic and clinical confounders, illness duration (r = 0.492; p < 0.002) and sTNFR2 (r = 0.665; p < 0.004) were independent predictors of CVR. CONCLUSION: Our results reinforce the concept that patients with schizophrenia are at greater risk to develop cardiovascular diseases, and suggest that the associated chronic low-grade inflammation might play a role in this process.

Predicting nursing leadership roles of patient safety in the operating room / Roles de liderazgo de enfermería que predicen la seguridad del paciente en el quirófano / Papéis de liderança em enfermagem preditores da segurança do doente no bloco operatório

Objective: to identify the leadership perceived by perioperative nurses and to determine the role of leadership predictors of patient safety in the operating room. Method: descriptive and explanatory study in a sample of 1,001 nurses, using the patient safety questionnaire in the operating room and Quinn's leadership instrument adapted to health. The IBM SPSS Statistics application, version 25.0, was used in the data processing. Result: all leadership dimensions were higher than the midpoint of the scale (M>4). A minimum value was observed in the role of Innovator (M=4.63) and maximum in the Producer (M=5.04). The regression models allowed pointing out that leadership roles are predictors of patient safety in the operating room, especially the roles Monitor, Producer and Facilitator. Conclusion: perioperative nurses have moderately positive perception of leadership exercise, indicating the need to promote the development of different leadership roles exercised by perioperative management nurses.

Objetivo: identificar el liderazgo percebido por las enfermeras perioperatorias y determinar el papel de los predictores de liderazgo de la seguridad del paciente en el quirófano. Método: estudio descriptivo y explicativo en una muestra de 1.001 enfermeras, utilizando el cuestionario de seguridad del paciente en el quirófano y el instrumento de liderazgo de Quinn adaptado a la salud. La aplicación IBM SPSS Statistics, versión 25.0, se utilizó en el procesamiento de datos. Resultado: todas las dimensiones de liderazgo fueron superiores al punto medio de la escala (M>4). Se observó un valor mínimo en el rol de Innovador (M=4,63) y máximo en el Productor (M=5,04). Los modelos de regresión permitieron señalar que los roles de liderazgo son predictores de la seguridad del paciente en el quirófano, especialmente los roles Monitor, Productor y Facilitador. Conclusión: las enfermeras perioperatorias tienen una percepción moderadamente positiva del ejercicio de liderazgo, indicando la necesidad de promover el desarrollo de diferentes roles de liderazgo ejercidos por las enfermeras administradoras de quirofano.

Objetivo: identificar a liderança percecionada pelos enfermeiros perioperatórios e determinar os papéis de liderança preditores da segurança do doente no bloco operatório. Método: estudo descritivo e explicativo numa amostra de 1.001 enfermeiros, com recurso ao questionário de segurança do doente no bloco operatório e ao instrumento de liderança de Quinn adaptado à saúde. No tratamento de dados utilizou-se a aplicação IBM SPSS Statistics, versão 25.0. Resultado: todas as dimensões de liderança obtiveram valor superior ao ponto médio da escala (M>4). Observado um valor mínimo no papel de Inovador (M=4,63) e máximo no Produtor (M=5,04). Os modelos de regressão permitiram salientar que os papéis de liderança são preditores da segurança do doente no bloco operatório, destacando-se os papéis Monitor, Produtor e Facilitador. Conclusão: os enfermeiros perioperatórios têm perceção moderadamente positiva do exercício da liderança, indiciando a necessidade de se promover o desenvolvimento dos diferentes papéis de liderança exercidos pelos enfermeiros gestores perioperatórios.

Teste de percepção de fala com figuras: aplicabilidade em crianças com síndrome de Down / Figure-based speech perception test: applicability in children with Down syndrome

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar a aplicabilidade do teste de percepção de fala com figuras em crianças com síndrome de Down. Método Estudo observacional, descritivo e prospectivo, realizado em dois centros fonoaudiológicos, aprovado pelos Comitês de Ética em Pesquisa sob número 82522217.5.0000.5440 e 79510317.8.0000.5257. Participaram 41 crianças com síndrome de Down, de ambos os sexos, com idade entre dois anos e dez anos e 11 meses, as quais foram divididas em três grupos: GI (dois a quatro anos e 11 meses); GII (cinco a sete anos e 11 meses) e GIII (oito a dez anos e 11 meses). Foram realizados os procedimentos de anamnese, meatoscopia, audiometria tonal liminar, teste de limiar de recepção de fala com figuras e imitanciometria. Para a análise estatística, Teste Exato de Fisher com nível de significância de 5%. Resultados Ao ser analisado o número de acertos e erros, em relação à idade cronológica, foi encontrada significância para sete palavras: gelo, faca, vaca, chave, rato, cão e sol. Foi analisado, posteriormente, o desempenho no teste de fala com figuras, dos participantes desse estudo e o desempenho dos participantes do estudo que elaborou e validou este teste. Foi observado que, quando se equiparou a porcentagem de acertos nos dois grupos, as palavras com maior ocorrência de acertos foram: mão, casa e sapo. Conclusão: O teste aplicado nesse estudo proporciona a interpretação do resultado de forma clara e objetiva e independe da produção verbal da criança.

ABSTRACT Purpose To verify the applicability of the picture-based speech perception test in children with Down syndrome. Methods Observational, descriptive, prospective study, carried out at two speech therapy centers, approved by their Research Ethics Committees under numbers 82522217.5.0000.5440 and 79510317.8.0000.5257. A total of 41 children with Down syndrome, of both sexes, aged 2 years to 10 years and 11 months participated. They were divided into three groups: GI (2 years to 4 years and 11 months); GII (5 years to 7 years and 11 months); GIII (8 years to 10 years and 11 months). We verified their medical history and carried out meatoscopy, pure-tone threshold audiometry, speech recognition threshold test with pictures, and immittance tests. For statistical analysis, we used Fisher's Exact Test with the 5% significance level. Results: The analysis of hits and misses in relation to chronological age revealed significance in seven words: "ice", "knife", "cow", "key", "mouse", "dog", and "sun". We then analyzed this study participants' performance in the speech test with pictures and those in the study that developed and validated this test. Comparing the percentage of correct answers in the two groups, we found that the words with the most correct answers were "hand", "house", and "frog". Conclusion: The test applied in this study provides a clear and objective interpretation of the results, regardless of the child's verbal production.

Recepção, circulação e disciplinarização da gestalt-terapia no Mato Grosso do Sul / Reception, Circulation and Disciplinarization of Gestalt-therapy in Mato Grosso do Sul / Recepción, Circulación y Disciplinarización de la Gestalt-terapia en Mato Grosso do Sul

A Gestalt-terapia vem crescendo e se desenvolvendo desde de sua recepção na década de 1950. Para alguns autores, a Gestalt-terapia está envolvida no processo de recepção da fenomenologia na psicologia Humanista. Todavia, aspectos que envolvem o processo de formação de um conhecimento especializado e institucionalizado, como a disciplinarização dessa abordagem, são pouco visíveis no Mato Grosso do Sul (MS). Nesse cenário, esta pesquisa objetiva descrever e analisar formas de disciplinarização da Gestalt-terapia, em Mato Grosso do Sul, entre 1980 e 1990. Metodologicamente, esta é uma pesquisa em História da Psicologia que opera com Análise Documental e Análise de Conteúdo de fontes orais e textuais. Os resultados indicam que a disciplinarização da Gestalt-terapia ocorreu simultaneamente à graduação dos primeiros psicólogos, na cidade. Eles destacam, também, envolvimento nessa formação como uma possibilidade de expansão de conhecimentos, já que o cenário campo-grandense, à época, dificultava o acesso a formações complementares. Por fim, sinalizam um perfil de grupo eminentemente feminino e que salienta a importância de vivências terapêuticas no grupo de formação. Assim, ao desvelarmos esse processo, compreende-se determinados aspectos da história da Psicologia brasileira além de clarificar aspectos não narrados da história local, até então.

Gestalt Therapy has been growing and developing since its arrival in the 1950's. For some authors, Gestalt-therapy is involved in the process of receiving phenomenology in Humanistic Psychology. However, specifics and institutionalized aspects of its studies, as disciplinarization, are barely visible in Mato Grosso do Sul (MS). In this scenario, this research aims to describe and analyze Gestalt-Therapy's disciplinarization in MS, between 1980 and 1990. Methodologically, this is a research in History of Psychology that uses Documentary and Content Analysis from oral and textual sources. Results indicate that Gestalt-Therapy's disciplinarization happened at the same time the firsts psychologists graduated in the city. They also highlight the involvement in the Gestalt-Therapy's training as a possibility of expansion knowledge, considering the scenario of Campo Grande, at the time, made it difficult to access complementary education. Finally, they suggest an eminently female group profile that shows the importance of therapeutic experiences in the group formation. Therefore, by unveiling this process, we understand certain aspects of the history of Brazilian Psychology, in addition to clarifying untold aspects of this local history.

La Terapia gestáltica (GT), desde su recepción en la década de 1950, se ha desarrollado profusamente. Para algunos autores la terapia gestáltica está involucrada en el proceso de recepción de la fenomenología en la psicología humanística. Sin embargo, algunos aspectos disciplinares de ésta en Mato Grosso do Sul (MS) son poco visibles. En este escenario, esta investigación tiene como objetivo describir y analizar las formas de desarrollo disciplinar de la GT en MS, entre los años 1980 y 1990. Metodológicamente, este es un estudio en Historia de la Psicología que opera con análisis documental y de contenido de fuentes orales y textuales. Los resultados indican que el desarrollo disciplinar de la GT ocurrió junto con la graduación de los primeros psicólogos en la ciudad. Éstos destacan, que el interés en este enfoque terapéutico fue por la posibilidad de expansión de conocimientos, ya que el escenario campo-grandense de la época, dificultaba el acceso a formaciones complementarias. Finalmente, éstos señalan un perfil de grupo eminentemente femenino y que alentaba la importancia de vivencias terapéuticas en el grupo de formación. Es por ello que, al develar este proceso, se comprenden determinados aspectos de la historia de la psicología brasileña, además de clarificar aspectos hasta entonces no narrados de esa historia local.

Quality of life and eating habits of patients with obesity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: to verify the quality of life and eating habits of patients with obesity during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD: cross-sectional study with 68 outpatients, candidates for bariatric surgery, at university hospital in the Southern Brazil. Data collection was carried out by telephone, with questions about the profile of the participants and social distancing; questionnaires on quality of life and eating habits were also used. The data analysis, the logistic regression model, Spearman correlation, Mann-Whitney U and Student t-tests were used for independent samples. RESULTS: the general quality of life was 57.03 points and the eating habit with the highest score was cognitive restraint (61.11 points). Most patients (72.1%) were socially distancing themselves and 27.9% had not changed their routine. The chance of isolation was 3.16 times greater for patients who were married. There is a positive correlation between the domains of the Quality of Life questionnaire and cognitive restraint from the questionnaire about eating habits. CONCLUSION: we found that the participants tended to have a better quality of life as cognitive restraint increased.

Ectopic expression of an expansin-like B gene from wild Arachis enhances tolerance to both abiotic and biotic stresses.

Plant expansins are structural cell wall-loosening proteins implicated in several developmental processes and responses to environmental constraints and pathogen infection. To date, there is limited information about the biological function of expansins-like B (EXLBs), one of the smallest and less-studied subfamilies of plant expansins. In the present study, we conducted a functional analysis of the wild Arachis AdEXLB8 gene in transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) plants to clarify its putative role in mediating defense responses to abiotic and biotic stresses. First, its cell wall localization was confirmed in plants expressing an AdEXLB8:eGFP fusion protein, while nanomechanical assays indicated cell wall reorganization and reassembly due to AdEXLB8 overexpression without compromising the phenotype. We further demonstrated that AdEXLB8 increased tolerance not only to isolated abiotic (drought) and biotic (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Meloidogyne incognita) stresses but also to their combination. The jasmonate and abscisic acid signaling pathways were clearly favored in transgenic plants, showing an activated antioxidative defense system. In addition to modifications in the biomechanical properties of the cell wall, we propose that AdEXLB8 overexpression interferes with phytohormone dynamics leading to a defense primed state, which culminates in plant defense responses against isolated and combined abiotic and biotic stresses.