Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma: A Series of 96 Surgical Cases.

Introduction Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) is a benign vascularized tumor that affects almost exclusively male adolescents. Surgery is the treatment of choice for JNA. Objectives The present study is a 42-year retrospective review of a series of JNA cases treated surgically without previous embolization. Methods The present is a retrospective, descriptive study based on medical records of 96 patients with JNA who underwent microscopic or endoscopic excision without previous embolization from 1978 to 2020 in a single institution. The patients were categorized according to the Andrews et al. stage, and data were collected on age, gender, tumor staging, surgical approach, affected side, and outcome. Results All patients were male, with an average age of 17 years. The predominant tumor stage consisted of type II, with 52.1%. A total of 33.3% of the patients were submitted to the microscopic technique and 66.7%, to the endonasal technique. The rate of intraoperative blood transfusion was of 17.7%. Conclusion The present study reinforces that resection of JNA in various stages is viable without previous artery embolization.

Ethylene Elimination Using Activated Carbons Obtained from Baru (Dipteryx alata vog.) Waste and Impregnated with Copper Oxide.

Ethylene is a plant hormone regulator that stimulates chlorophyll loss and promotes softening and aging, resulting in a deterioration and reduction in the post-harvest life of fruit. Commercial activated carbons have been used as ethylene scavengers during the storage and transportation of a great variety of agricultural commodities. In this work, the effect of the incorporation of copper oxide over activated carbons obtained from baru waste was assessed. Samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 adsorption-desorption at -196 °C, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. The results showed that the amount of ethylene removed using activated carbon obtained from baru waste and impregnated with copper oxide (1667 µg g-1) was significantly increased in comparison to the raw activated carbon (1111 µg g-1). In addition, carbon impregnated with copper oxide exhibited better adsorption performance at a low ethylene concentration. Activated carbons produced from baru waste are promising candidates to be used as adsorbents in the elimination of ethylene during the storage and transportation of agricultural commodities at a lower cost.

Conhecimento e uso de práticas integrativas e complementares por pacientes submetidos a tratamento quimioterápico / Knowledge and use of integrative and complementary practices by patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment / Conocimiento y uso de prácticas integrativas y complementarias por pacientes sometidos a tratamiento de quimioterapia

Objetivo:avaliar o conhecimento e o uso das práticas integrativas e complementares por pacientes adultos com câncer durante a quimioterapia. Método:estudo quantitativo do tipo descritivo, realizado em uma unidade de quimioterapia de Minas Gerais entre outubro de 2022 e março de 2023. Foram entrevistados pacientes adultos com câncer de ambos os sexos, excluindo aqueles com déficit de compreensão. Aplicado questionário sociodemográfico e clínico-terapêutico, com análise pelosoftware Statistical Package forthe Social Sciences®. Resultados:foram entrevistados 93 pacientes, a maioria era homens, com média de idade 60,32 anos, brancos, casados e com baixa escolaridade. Os cânceres mais prevalentes foram colorretal, pulmão e mama. Quanto às práticas integrativas, 73 pacientes possuíam conhecimento, porém somente 33 realizavam alguma terapia, sendo as mais utilizadas a musicoterapia e a acupuntura. Conclusões:houve maior nível de conhecimento do que de utilização. Para evitar essa discrepância, o enfermeiro precisa realizar orientação e supervisão dessas práticas.

Objective:to evaluate the knowledge and the use of integrative and complementary practices by adult cancer patients during chemotherapy. Method:quantitative descriptive study, carried out in a chemotherapy unit in Minas Gerais between October 2022 and March 2023. Adult cancer patients of both sexes were interviewed, excluding those with comprehension deficits. A sociodemographic and clinical-therapeutic questionnaire was applied and analysis using the software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences®. Results:93 patients were interviewed, the majority were men, average age of 60.32 years, white, married and with a low level of education. The most prevalent cancers were colorectal, lung, and breast. Regarding integrative and complementary practices, 73 patients had knowledge, but only 33 performed some therapy, the most used being music therapy and acupuncture. Conclusions:there was a higher level of knowledge than use. To avoid this discrepancy, nurse need to provide guidance and supervision of these practices.

Objetivo:evaluar el conocimiento y uso de prácticas integrativas y complementarias por parte de pacientes adultos con cáncer durante la quimioterapia. Método:estudio descriptivo cuantitativo, realizado en unidad de quimioterapia de Minas Gerais entre octubre/2022 y marzo/2023. Se entrevistaron pacientes adultos con cáncer de ambos sexos, excluidos aquellos con déficit de comprensión. Se aplicó cuestionario sociodemográfico y clínico-terapéutico, con análisis mediante el software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences®. Resultados:se entrevistaron 93 pacientes, la mayoría eran hombres, edad promedio 60,32 años, blancos, casados y con bajo nivel educativo. Los cánceres más prevalentes fueron el colorrectal, de pulmón y de mama. En cuanto las prácticas integradoras y complementarias,73 pacientes tenían conocimientos, pero solo 33 realizaban alguna terapia, siendo las más utilizadas la musicoterapia y la acupuntura. Conclusiones:hubo mayor nivel de conocimiento que de uso. Para evitar esta discrepancia,la enfermera debe proporcionar orientación y supervisión de estas prácticas.

Unveiling the anticancer potential of the ethanolic extract from Trichoderma asperelloides.

The discovery of new therapeutic alternatives for cancer treatment is essential for improving efficacy and specificity, overcoming resistance, and enabling a more personalized approach for each patient. We investigated the antitumor activity of the crude ethanolic extract of the fungus Trichoderma asperelloides (ExtTa) and its interaction with chemotherapeutic drugs. It was observed, by MTT cytotoxicity assay, that ExtTa significantly reduced cell viability in breast adenocarcinoma, glioblastoma, lung carcinoma, melanoma, colorectal carcinoma, and sarcomas cell lines. The highest efficacy and selectivity of ExtTa were found against glioblastoma T98G and colorectal HCT116 cell lines. ExtTa is approximately four times more cytotoxic to those tumor cells than to non-cancer cell lines. A synergistic effect between ExtTa and doxorubicin was found in the treatment of osteosarcoma Saos-2 cells, as well as with 5-fluorouracil in the treatment of HCT116 colorectal carcinoma cells using CompuSyn software. Our data unravel the presence of bioactive compounds with cytotoxic effects against cancer cells present in T. asperelloides ethanolic crude extract, with the potential for developing novel anticancer agents.

Stress symptoms occur in patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment independently of the level of physical activity.

The cancer patient is undergoing a set of procedures that affect the physical and psychological balance, which can generate stressful situations in the organism. In turn, physical activity helps to treat stress, promoting well-being and reducing anxiety. Our study aimed to verify the influence of physical activity practice on stress symptoms in patients undergoing oncological chemotherapy treatment. For this, we used Lipp's Inventory of Stress Symptoms (ISSL) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) in 56 patients with cancer. Our data show that 45.4% of the participants exhibited stress scores, of which, 21.8% were at near to exhaustion, and 23.6% at exhaustion. We observed that 30% of them are considered sufficiently active, 25% insufficiently active, 45% sedentary. No association was observed between physical activity and stress. These findings indicate that stress symptoms occur in patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment regardless of the level of physical activity.

Late effects of caffeine use on sleep of infants born prematurely / Efeitos tardios do uso de cafeína no sono de crianças nascidas prematuras

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to evaluate whether the therapeutic use of caffeine for premature newborns is associated with changes in sleep habits and the presence of obstructive sleep apnea in childhood. Methods: This is a cross-sectional single-center study in which the caretakers of 87 children aged 5-10 years, born full-term or preterm, treated or not with caffeine in the neonatal period, answered questionnaires to screen for obstructive sleep apnea (Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea Screening Tool [PosaST]) and to characterize the sleep habits (Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire [CSHQ]) of their children. ANOVA and linear regression tests were performed to verify possible differences between the groups. Results: Children born prematurely who were treated with caffeine woke up significantly later on weekdays than those born at term (09h±00h58 and 07h43±1h15, respectively, p=0.022) and had longer total daily sleep time also compared to those born at term (10h24±1h08 and 09h29±1h08, respectively, p<0.001). There was no significant difference between the three groups in overall PosaST and CSHQ scores. Conclusions: Caffeine use in the neonatal period did not impair sleep habits later in life and did not lead to increased obstructive sleep apnea scores in prematurely born children compared to those born at term.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar se o uso terapêutico de cafeína para recém-nascidos prematuros se associa a alterações nos hábitos de sono e à presença de apneia obstrutiva do sono na infância. Métodos: Este é um estudo unicêntrico transversal no qual os responsáveis por 87 crianças com idades entre cinco e dez anos, nascidas a termo ou pré-termo e tratadas ou não com cafeína no período neonatal responderam a questionários para triagem de apneia obstrutiva do sono (Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea Screening Tool - PosaST) e para a caracterização dos hábitos de sono (Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire - CSHQ) de seus filhos. Foram realizados testes de variância (ANOVA) e de regressão linear para verificar possíveis diferenças entre os grupos. Resultados: As crianças nascidas prematuras que foram tratadas com cafeína acordaram significativamente mais tarde nos dias de semana do que as nascidas a termo (09h±00h58 e 07h43±1h15, respectivamente, p=0,022) e tiveram maior tempo total de sono diário também comparadas às nascidas a termo (10h24±1h08 e 09h29±1h08, respectivamente, p<0,001). Não houve diferença significativa entre os três grupos na pontuação geral dos questionários PosaST e CSHQ. Conclusões: O uso de cafeína no período neonatal não prejudicou tardiamente os hábitos de sono e não levou ao aumento dos escores de apneia obstrutiva do sono de crianças nascidas prematuras quando comparadas com crianças nascidas a termo.

Healthy lifestyle as predictors of common mental disorder during coronavirus disease

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to verify the indication of common mental disorder and changes in healthy lifestyle among individuals affected by coronavirus disease, as well as to evaluate if changes in healthy lifestyle are predictors of common mental disorder. METHODS: This descriptive, cross-sectional study employed an exploratory approach and quantitative methodology, using the Self-Reporting Questionnaire to assess the indication of common mental disorder and questions regarding healthy lifestyle during the pandemic. RESULTS: A total of 280 individuals affected by coronavirus disease, aged 18 years and above, participated in the study. The average indication for common mental disorder was 5.0±5.34. The average age was characterized by adults (41.24±14.03 years), with the majority being women (57.9%), White (51.4%), and those in stable relationships (55.7%). Worsening sleep quality (β==6.327; p<0.001) was the main predictor of common mental disorder, followed by female gender (β==2.814; p<0.001) and worsening dietary habits (β==2.227; p<0.012). CONCLUSION: These factors should be considered in the assessment of individuals affected by coronavirus disease to provide comprehensive care.

An Experimental Approach to Induce Trips in Lower-Limb Amputees.

Reestablishing balance after a trip is challenging for lower-limb amputees and often results in a fall. The effectiveness of reestablishing balance following a trip depends on factors such as amputation level (transtibial or transfemoral) or which limb is tripped (prosthetic or sound/lead or trailing). Understanding the recovery responses can help identify strategies to avoid a trip becoming a fall and what trip-response functionality could be designed into a prosthesis. This study presents an experimental approach for inducing unexpected trips in individuals with amputation. Tripping was manually triggered by activating an electromagnetic device to raisea polypropylene wire to obstruct (bring to a near halt) theswinging limb during its mid-swing phase. A safety harness attached to a ceiling rail ensured participants did not hit the ground if they failed to reestablish balance following the trip (i.e., it prevented a fall from occurring). One transtibial amputee completed repeated walking trials in which a trip was induced around 1 out of 15 times to avoid it being anticipated. 3D kinematics were determined via two smartphones (60Hz) using the OpenCap software, highlighting that the experimental approach induced meaningful tripping/recovery responses dependent on which limb was tripped (prosthetic or sound). The presented methodology avoids using a rigid obstacle, potentially reducing the risk of injuries, and is inexpensive and easy to set up. Importantly it permits a trip to be unexpectedly introduced during the mid-swing phase of the gait and hence provides an approach for identifying real-world trip recovery responses. When tripping the sound limb, participants could 'disentangle' from the trip-wire (post-trip) by plantarflexing the ankle, but such action was not possible when tripping the prosthetic limb.

What We Know about Euterpe Genus and Neuroprotection: A Scoping Review.

The Euterpe genus (mainly Euterpe oleracea Martius, Euterpe precatoria Martius, and Euterpe edulis Martius) has recently gained commercial and scientific notoriety due to the high nutritional value of its fruits, which are rich in polyphenols (phenolic acids and anthocyanins) and have potent antioxidant activity. These characteristics have contributed to the increased number of neuropharmacological evaluations of the three species over the last 10 years, especially açaí of the species Euterpe oleracea Martius. The fruits of the three species exert neuroprotective effects through the modulation of inflammatory and oxidative pathways and other mechanisms, including the inhibition of the mTOR pathway and protection of the blood-brain barrier, all of them intimately involved in several neuropathologies. Thus, a better understanding of the neuropharmacological properties of these three species may open new paths for the development of therapeutic tools aimed at preventing and treating a variety of neurological conditions.

Analysis of salivary flow rate, biochemical composition, and redox status in orchiectomized spontaneously hypertensive rats.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the salivary flow rate, biochemical composition, and redox status in orchiectomized spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) compared to normotensive Wistar rats. DESIGN: Thirty-two young adult male SHR and Wistar (3-months-old) rats were randomly distributed into four groups; either castrated bilaterally (ORX) or underwent fictitious surgery (SHAM) as Wistar-SHAM, Wistar-ORX, SHR-SHAM, and SHR-ORX. Two months beyond castration, pilocarpine-induced salivary secretion was collected from 5-month-old rats to analyze salivary flow rate, pH, buffer capacity, total protein, amylase, calcium, phosphate, sodium, potassium, chloride, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs), carbonyl protein, nitrite, and total antioxidant capacity. RESULTS: The salivary flow rate was higher in the Wistar-ORX compared to the Wistar-SHAM group, while remaining similar between the SHR-SHAM and SHR-ORX groups. ORX did not affect pH and salivary buffer capacity in both strains. However, salivary total protein and amylase were significantly reduced in the Wistar-ORX and SHR-ORX compared to the respective SHAM groups. In both ORX groups, salivary total antioxidant capacity and carbonylated protein were increased, while lipid oxidative damage (TBARs) and nitrite concentration were higher only in the Wistar-ORX than in the Wistar-SHAM group. In the Wistar-ORX and SHR-ORX, the salivary calcium, phosphate, and chloride were increased while no change was detected in the SHAM groups. Only salivary buffering capacity, calcium, and chloride in the SHR-ORX adjusted to values similar to Wistar-SHAM group. CONCLUSION: Hypertensive phenotype mitigated the orchiectomy-induced salivary dysfunction, since the disturbances were restricted to alterations in the salivary biochemical composition and redox state.

Effects of the Whole-Body Vibration Exercise on Sleep Disorders, Body Temperature, Body Composition, Tone, and Clinical Parameters in a Child with Down Syndrome Who Underwent Total Atrioventricular Septal Defect Surgery: A Case-Report.

BACKGROUND: The health and developmental issues of people with Down syndrome (DS) are complex and are associated with many medical, psychological, and social problems from childhood through into adulthood. DS children have an increased risk of multiorgan comorbidities, including congenital heart disease. Atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) is a congenital heart malformation that often occurs in DS people. AIM: Physical activity and exercise are recommended for patients with cardiovascular disease and are considered to be the gold standard of cardiac rehabilitation. Whole-body vibration exercise (WBVE) is considered a form of exercises. The aim of this case report is to show the effects of WBVE on sleep disturbances, body temperature, body composition, tone, and clinical parameters in a child with DS with corrected total AVSD. The subject is a 10-year-old girl, with free-type DS, who underwent surgery to correct a total AVSD at 6 months. She underwent periodic cardiological monitoring and was released to perform any type of physical exercise, including WBVE. WBVE improved sleep quality and body composition. CONCLUSION: WBVE leads to physiological effects that benefit the DS child.

High mobility group box 1, ATP, lipid mediators, and tissue factor are elevated in COVID-19 patients: HMGB1 as a biomarker of worst prognosis.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, the agent of the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, has spread worldwide since it was first identified in November 2019 in Wuhan, China. Since then, progress in pathogenesis linked severity of this systemic disease to the hyperactivation of network of cytokine-driven pro-inflammatory cascades. Here, we aimed to identify molecular biomarkers of disease severity by measuring the serum levels of inflammatory mediators in a Brazilian cohort of patients with COVID-19 and healthy controls (HCs). Critically ill patients in the intensive care unit were defined as such by dependence on oxygen supplementation (93% intubated and 7% face mask), and computed tomography profiles showing ground-glass opacity pneumonia associated to and high levels of D-dimer. Our panel of mediators included HMGB1, ATP, tissue factor, PGE2 , LTB4 , and cys-LTs. Follow-up studies showed increased serum levels of every inflammatory mediator in patients with COVID-19 as compared to HCs. Originally acting as a transcription factor, HMGB1 acquires pro-inflammatory functions following secretion by activated leukocytes or necrotic tissues. Serum levels of HMGB1 were positively correlated with cys-LTs, D-dimer, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase. Notably, the levels of the classical alarmin HMGB1 were higher in deceased patients, allowing their discrimination from patients that had been discharged at the early pulmonary and hyperinflammatory phase of COVID-19. In particular, we verified that HMGB1 levels above 125.4 ng/ml is the cutoff that distinguishes patients that are at higher risk of death. In conclusion, we propose the use of serum levels of HMGB1 as a biomarker of severe prognosis of COVID-19.

As implicações do distanciamento social à saúde psicossocial do idoso em tempos de pandemia / The implications of social withdrawal on the psychosocial health of the elderly in times of pandemic / Las implicaciones del distanciamiento social en la salud psicosocial de los ancianos en tiempos de pandemia

O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar os efeitos do distanciamento social à saúde psicossocial da pessoa idosa no período da pandemia da COVID-19. Metodologia: Estudo revisão integrativa, realizado entre abril e Setembro de 2022, documentos dispo- nível como artigos científicos; ano de publicação 2020 a 2022. Os critérios de exclusão foram artigos de revisão, arquivos do tipo dissertação e teses. A pesquisa incluiu 47 do- cumentos; posteriormente foi realizada leitura crítica e reflexiva dos assim, estabeleceu- se a amostra de 11 artigos. Resultados e Discussão: Mediante todas as medidas tomadas para conter a pandemia, o distanciamento social é a estratégia até então mais eficiente para evitar a disseminação do vírus. Entretanto, as evidências mostram que o mesmo pode trazer prejuízos de natureza psicológica e psicossomática à população, principalmente à população idosa, que é um dos grupos de risco para contágio da doença. Além disso, pode provocar hábitos como o sedentarismo e inatividade física, condições que também são atreladas ao desenvolvimento de doenças físicas, mentais e, consequentemente, ao risco de morte em populações vulneráveis. Conclusão: Trata-se de um fenômeno social com- plexo e que exige atenção das entidades prestadoras de serviço à comunidade idosa, assim como os gestores e familiares. Desse modo, as linhas de cuidado devem se basear nas respostas em rede, que realizam esforços intersetoriais que envolvem políticas públicas de saúde, apoio do estado, assistência social, seguridade e justiça em ação das proteções de direitos, instituídos no Estatuto do Idoso.

The objective of this work was to analyze the effects of social distancing on the psychosocial health of the elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology: Integrative review study, carried out between April and September 2022, documents available as scientific articles; year of publication 2020 to 2022. Exclusion criteria were review articles, dissertation and theses type files. The research included 47 documents; later, a critical and reflective reading of the articles was carried out, thus, a sample of 11 articles was established. Results and Discussion: Through all the measures taken to contain the pandemic, social distancing is the most efficient strategy so far to prevent the spread of the virus. However, evidence shows that it can bring psychological and psychosomatic damage to the population, especially the elderly population, which is one of the risk groups for contagion of the disease. In addition, it can cause habits such as physical inactivity and physical inactivity, conditions that are also linked to the development of physical and mental illnesses and, consequently, to the risk of death in vulnerable populations. Conclusion: It is a complex social phenomenon that requires attention from entities providing services to the elderly community, as well as managers and family members. In this way, the lines of care must be based on network responses, which carry out intersectoral efforts that involve public health policies, state support, social assistance, security and justice in action of the protections of rights, established in the Statute of the Elderly.

El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar los efectos del distanciamiento social en la salud psicosocial de los ancianos durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Metodología: Estudio de revisión integradora, realizado entre abril y septiembre de 2022, documentos disponibles como artículos científicos; año de publicación 2020 a 2022. Los criterios de exclusión fueron artículos de revisión, archivos tipo disertación y tesis. La investigación incluyó 47 documentos; posteriormente, se realizó una lectura crítica y reflexiva de los artículos, así, se estableció una muestra de 11 artículos. Resultados y Discusión: A través de todas las medidas tomadas para contener la pandemia, el distanciamiento social es la estrategia más eficiente hasta el momento para prevenir la propagación del virus. Sin em- bargo, la evidencia muestra que puede traer daños psicológicos y psicosomáticos a la población, especialmente a la población anciana, que es uno de los grupos de riesgo de contagio de la enfermedad. Además, puede provocar hábitos como la inactividad física y el sedentarismo, condiciones que también están relacionadas con el desarrollo de enfer- medades físicas y mentales y, en consecuencia, con el riesgo de muerte en poblaciones vulnerables. Conclusiones: Se trata de un fenómeno social complejo que requiere atención por parte de las entidades prestadoras de servicios a la comunidad de adultos mayores, así como de los gestores y familiares. De esta forma, las líneas de atención deben basarse en respuestas en red, que realicen esfuerzos intersectoriales que involucren políticas públicas de salud, apoyo estatal, asistencia social, seguridad y justicia en acción de las protecciones de derechos, establecidas en el Estatuto del Anciano.

Favorable Safety Experience of Local Dental Anesthesia in ICD Recipients with Cardiac Channelopathies

Abstract Background Dental anesthetic management in implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) recipients with cardiac channelopathies (CCh) can be challenging due to the potential risk of life-threatening arrhythmias and appropriate ICD therapies during procedural time. Objectives The present study assessed the hypothesis that the use of local dental anesthesia with 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine or without a vasoconstrictor can be safe in selected ICD and CCh patients, not resulting in life-threatening events (LTE). Methods Restorative dental treatment under local dental anesthesia was made in two sessions, with a wash-out period of 7 days (cross-over trial), conducting with a 28h - Holter monitoring, and 12-lead electrocardiography, digital sphygmomanometry, and anxiety scale assessments in 3 time periods. Statistical analysis carried out the paired Student's t test and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. In all cases, a significance level of 5% was adopted. All patients were in stable condition with no recent events before dental care. Results Twenty-four consecutive procedures were performed in 12 patients (9 women, 3 men) with CCh and ICD: 7 (58.3%) had long QT syndrome (LQTS), 4 (33.3%) Brugada syndrome (BrS), and 1 (8.3%) Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT). Holter analysis showed no increased heart rate (HR) or sustained arrhythmias. Blood pressure (BP), electrocardiographic changes and anxiety measurement showed no statistically significant differences. No LTE occurred during dental treatment, regardless of the type of anesthesia. Conclusion Lidocaine administration, with or without epinephrine, can be safely used in selected CCh-ICD patients without LTE. These preliminary findings need to be confirmed in a larger population with ICD and CCh.

Global Proteomic Profile of Aluminum-Induced Hippocampal Impairments in Rats: Are Low Doses of Aluminum Really Safe?

Hippocampus is the brain area where aluminum (Al) accumulates in abundance and is widely associated with learning and memory. In the present study, we evaluate behavioral, tissue, and proteomic changes in the hippocampus of Wistar rats caused by exposure to doses that mimic human consumption of aluminum chloride (AlCl3) in urban areas. For this, male Wistar rats were divided into two groups: Control (distilled water) and AlCl3 (8.3 mg/kg/day), both groups were exposed orally for 60 days. After the Al exposure protocol, cognitive functions were assessed by the Water maze test, followed by a collection for analysis of the global proteomic profile of the hippocampus by mass spectrometry. Aside from proteomic analysis, we performed a histological analysis of the hippocampus, to the determination of cell body density by cresyl violet staining in Cornu Ammonis fields (CA) 1 and 3, and hilus regions. Our results indicated that exposure to low doses of aluminum chloride triggered a decreased cognitive performance in learning and memory, being associated with the deregulation of proteins expression, mainly those related to the regulation of the cytoskeleton, cellular metabolism, mitochondrial activity, redox regulation, nervous system regulation, and synaptic signaling, reduced cell body density in CA1, CA3, and hilus.

Melanoma-targeted photodynamic therapy based on hypericin-loaded multifunctional P123-spermine/folate micelles.

Multifunctional P123 micelle linked covalently with spermine (SM) and folic acid (FA) was developed as a drug delivery system of hypericin (HYP). The chemical structures of the modified copolymers were confirmed by spectroscopy and spectrophotometric techniques (UV-vis, FTIR, and 1H NMR). The copolymeric micelles loading HYP were prepared by solid dispersion and characterized by UV-vis, fluorescence, dynamic light scattering (DLS), ζ potential, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results provided a good level of stability for HYP-loaded P123-SM, P123-FA, and P123-SM/P123-FA in the aqueous medium. The morphology analysis showed that all copolymeric micelles are spherical. Well-defined regions of different contrast allow us to infer that SM and FA were localized on the surface of micelles, and the HYP molecules are located in the core region of micelles. The uptake potential of multifunctional P123 micelle was accessed by exposing the micellar systems loading HYP to two cell lines, B16-F10 and HaCaT. HYP-loaded P123 micelles reveal a low selectivity for melanoma cells, showing significant photodamage for HaCat cells. However, the exposition of B16-F10 cells to Hyp-loaded SM- and FA-functionalized P123 micelles under light irradiation revealed the lowest CC50 values. The interpretation of these results suggested that the combination of SM and FA on P123 micelles is the main factor in enhancing the HYP uptake by melanoma cells, consequently leading to its photoinactivation.

A Religiosidade/Espiritualidade na atuação da Psicologia Social e Comunitária: relato de experiência / Religiosity/Spirituality in the performance of Social and Community Psychology: experience report / Religiosidad/Espiritualidad en el desempeño de la Psicología Social y Comunitaria: relato de experiencia

A partir da necessidade de explorar mais profundamente o modo como a reli-giosidade/espiritualidade (R/E) tem atravessado a formação em Psicologia, o presente estudo apresenta uma reflexão crítica acerca da literatura científica produzida sobre a R/E, tomando por base um relato de experiência profissional que narra a inserção de uma profissional da Psicologia em uma comunidade periférica durante o trabalho com famílias em uma cidade de médio porte do Estado de São Paulo. Este relato tem por objetivo refletir sobre como emerge a dimensão da R/E no contexto familiar e comunitário tendo como norte a Psicologia Social e Comunitária. O profissional que atua com a comunidade tem o compromisso com a promoção de direitos (humanos e sociais), com o protagonismo dos sujeitos e com a qualidade de vida para todos. Esse profis-sional deve acolher as diversas denominações e compreender os sentidos e significados que são atribuídos a elas pelas coletividades com as quais atua. A laicidade da prática psicológica não pode ser confundida com a negligência em torno dessa dimensão, mas sim de seu acolhimento ético, crítico e perene-mente humanizador das populações atendidas.

Given the need to explore more deeply the way in which religiosity/spirituality (R/S) has arisen in the studies of Psychology, this study presents a critical reflection regarding the scientific literature produced on R/S, based on a profes-sional experience report that narrates the insertion of a psychology professional in a peripheral community while working with families in a medium-sized city in the state of São Paulo. This report aims to reflect on how the dimension of R/S emerges in this context with Social and Community Psychology as its guide. The professional who works with the community is committed to the promotion of (human and social) rights, to subjects' protagonism and to quality of life for everyone. This professional must accept different denominations and understand senses and meanings attributed to them by the communities he works with. The secularity of psychological practice cannot be confused with the neglect surrounding this dimension, but rather with its ethical, critical, and permanently humanizing acceptance of the assisted populations.

Basado en la necesidad de explorar más a fondo la forma en que la religio-sidad/espiritualidad (R/E) ha recibido capacitación en psicología, este estudio presenta una reflexión crítica sobre la literatura científica producida en R/E basada en un informe de Experiencia profesional que narra la inserción de un profesional de psicología en una comunidad periférica mientras trabaja con familias en una ciudad mediana en el estado de São Paulo. Este informe tiene como objetivo reflexionar sobre cómo emerge la dimensión de R/E en este contexto, teniendo como guía la psicología social y comunitaria. El profe-sional que trabaja con la comunidad está comprometido con la promoción de los derechos (humanos y sociales), con el protagonismo de los sujetos y con la calidad de vida para todos, teniendo el deber de defender el secularismo para que todos puedan ejercer su R / Y sin sufrir ninguna represión por eso. Este profesional debe aceptar las diferentes denominaciones y comprender los sentidos y los significados que les atribuyen las comunidades con las que trabaja. La secularidad de la práctica psicológica no puede confundirse con el abandono que rodea esta dimensión, sino más bien con su aceptación ética, crítica y humanizadora permanente de las poblaciones atendidas.

Panorama do gerenciamento da saúde por idosos residentes no Brasil: impacto das doenças crônicas não trasmissíveis no gerenciamento da saúde / Overview of Health Management by Elderly Residents in Brazil: Impact of Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases on Health Management / Descripción General de la Gestión de la Salud de los Ancianos Residentes en Brasil: Impacto de las Enfermedades Crónicas no Transmisibles en el Manejo de la Salud

Introdução: As Doenças Crônicas Não Transmissíveis (DCNT) se encontram em crescente aumento na população idosa, sendo certo que a prevenção de seus fatores de risco é fundamental para evitar sua evolução. O gerenciamento da saúde é uma ocupação focada na capacidade do sujeito desenvolver, gerenciar e manter rotinas para promoção de saúde, contribuindo para prevenção, monitoramento e controle das DCNT. Objetivo: Identificar o panorama nacional do gerenciamento da saúde por pessoas idosas e compreender como realizam esta ocupação, comparando o grupo com e sem DCNT. Método: Estudo transversal, descritivo, exploratório e com abordagem quantitativa. Os dados foram coletados a partir da aplicação de um questionário. Para observar as possíveis associações entre as variáveis, foi utilizado o teste qui-quadrado. Resultados: A amostra foi composta por 222 idosos. As DCNT mais recorrentes foram: hipertensão, diabetes e doenças reumáticas. A maior parte da população estudada indicou que acompanhava sua saúde por meio da ida regular ao médico e da realização de exames periódicos. Os dispositivos mais utilizados para o gerenciamento da saúde foram o aferidor de pressão arterial e o aparelho celular. A maior parte das pessoas indicou acreditar que a prática do gerenciamento da saúde leva a um envelhecimento saudável e gera um aumento na qualidade de vida. Outrossim, 36,9% da amostra indicou possuir alguma dificuldade para realizar o gerenciamento da saúde. Conclusão: Foi possível delinear um panorama sobre como a população idosa gerencia sua saúde e observar as diferenças na realização desta ocupação pela população com e sem DCNT.(AU) Palavras-chave: Saúde do Idoso. Doenças não transmissíveis. Terapia Ocupacional

Introduction: Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are increasing in the elderly population, and it is certain that the prevention of their risk factors is essential to prevent their evolution. Health management is an occupation focused on the subject's ability to develop, manage and maintain health promotion routines, contributing to the prevention, monitoring and control of NCDs. Objective: To identify the national panorama of health management by the elderly and understand how people perform this occupation, comparing the group with and without NCD. Method: Cross-sectional, descriptive, exploratory study with a quantitative approach. Data were collected from the application of a questionnaire. To observe possible associations between variables, the chi-square test was used. Results: The sample consisted of 222 elderly people. The most recurrent NCDs were: hypertension, diabetes and rheumatic diseases. Most of the population studied indicated that they monitored their health through regular visits to the doctor and periodic exams. The most used devices for health management were the blood pressure gauge and the cell phone. Most people indicated that they believe that the practice of health management leads to healthy aging and generates an increase in quality of life. Furthermore, 36.9% of the sample indicated having some difficulty in performing health management. Conclusions: It was possible to outline an overview of how the elderly population manages their health and observe the differences in the performance of this occupation by the population with and without NCD.(AU) Keywords: Health of the Elderly. Noncommunicable Diseases. Occupational Therapy

Introducción: Las Enfermedades Crónicas No Transmisibles (ENT) están aumentando en la población anciana, y es cierto que la prevención de sus factores de riesgo es fundamental para prevenir su evolución. La gestión de la salud es una ocupación centrada en la capacidad del sujeto para desarrollar, gestionar y mantener rutinas de promoción de la salud, contribuyendo a la prevención, seguimiento y control de las ENT. Objetivo: Identificar el panorama nacional de la gestión en salud de los adultos mayores y comprender cómo las personas desempeñan esta ocupación, comparando el grupo con y sin ENT. Metodo: Estudio transversal, descriptivo, exploratorio con abordaje cuantitativo. Los datos se obtuvieron mediante la aplicación de un cuestionario. Para observar posibles asociaciones entre variables se utilizó la prueba de chi- cuadrado. Resultados: La muestra estuvo conformada por 222 ancianos. Las ENT más frecuentes fueron: hipertensión, diabetes y enfermedades reumáticas. La mayoría de la población indicó que monitoreaba su salud a través de visitas al médico y exámenes periódicos. Los dispositivos más utilizados fueron el medidor de presión arterial y el teléfono celular. La mayoría de las personas indicó que la práctica de la gestión de la salud conduce a un envejecimiento saludable y una mejor calidad de vida. Además, 36,9% de la muestra indicó tener alguna dificultad para realizar dicha actividad. Conclusiones: Fue posible esbozar un panorama de cómo la población anciana maneja su salud y observar las diferencias en el desempeño de esta ocupación por parte de la población con y sin ENT.(AU) Palabras clave: Salud del Anciano, Enfermedades no Transmisibles, Terapia Ocupacional

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) seroprevalence, cervical HPV prevalence, genotype distribution and cytological lesions in solid organ transplant recipients and immunocompetent women in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients are at increased risk of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) persistent infection and disease. This study aimed to evaluate HPV seroprevalence, cervical HPV prevalence, genotype distribution, and frequency of HPV-related cervical lesions in SOT recipients in comparison to immunocompetent women. METHODS: Cross-sectional study including SOT and immunocompetent women aged 18 to 45 years who denied previous HPV-related lesions. Cervical samples were screened for HPV-DNA by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based DNA microarray system (PapilloCheck®) and squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL) by liquid-based cytology. A multiplexed pseudovirion-based serology assay (PsV-Luminex) was used to measure HPV serum antibodies. RESULTS: 125 SOT and 132 immunocompetent women were enrolled. Cervical samples were collected from 113 SOT and 127 immunocompetent women who had initiated sexual activity. HPV-DNA prevalence was higher in SOT than in immunocompetent women (29.6% vs. 20.2%, p = 0.112), but this difference was not statistically significant. High-risk (HR)-HPV was significantly more frequent in SOT than in immunocompetent women (19.4% vs. 7.9%, p = 0.014). Simultaneous infection with ≥2 HR-HPV types was found in 3.1% of SOT and 0.9% of immunocompetent women. HPV seropositivity for at least one HPV type was high in both groups: 63.8% of 105 SOT and 69.7% of 119 immunocompetent women (p = 0.524). Low-grade (LSIL) and high-grade SIL (HSIL) were significantly more frequent in SOT (9.7% and 5.3%, respectively) than in immunocompetent women (1.6% and 0.8%, respectively) (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These results may reflect the increased risk of HPV persistent infection and disease progression in SOT women due to chronic immunosuppression.

The effects of whole-body vibration on cognition: a systematic review / Os efeitos da vibração de corpo inteiro na cognição: uma revisão sistemática

Porpouse: To systematically review the mechanisms by WBV improves the ability to learn, think, memorize and all other processes involving cognition. Methods: The present study collected data from three databases using the keywords "whole-body-vibration" and "cognition". Randomized clinical trials focusing on the association of WBV and cognition were considered. The study was registered in the database of systematic reviews protocols PROSPERO. All included studies used healthy patients, exposed to WBV. The included articles were obtained regarding the risk of bias according to the Cochrane Collaboration criteria, level of evidence and strength of recommendation following the GRADE and Oxford classification. Results: Of the 89 articles published to the eligibility criteria, four were submitted to data extraction. Cognitive parameters were improved in relation to attention, memory or learning in almost all articles evaluated in this systematic review. Conclusion: Intervention with WBV would positive effects on individuals' cognitive ability, although further randomized investigations must be conducted. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020203679

Objetivo: Revisar sistematicamente os mecanismos pelos quais a vibração de corpo inteiro (VCI) melhora a capacidade de aprender, pensar, memorizar e todos os outros processos que envolvem a cognição. Método: O presente estudo coletou dados de três bancos de dados usando as palavras-chave "vibração de corpo inteiro" e "cognição". Ensaios clínicos randomizados com foco na associação de WBV e cognição foram considerados. O estudo foi registrado no banco de dados de protocolos de revisões sistemáticas PROSPERO. Todos os estudos incluídos usaram pacientes saudáveis, expostos à VCI. Os artigos incluídos foram avaliados quanto ao risco de viés de acordo com os critérios da Colaboração Cochrane, nível de evidência e força de recomendação segundo a classificação GRADE e Oxford. Discussão e Resultados: Dos 89 artigos publicados, de acordo com os critérios de elegibilidade, quatro foram submetidos à extração de dados. Os parâmetros cognitivos, atenção, memória e aprendizagem demonstraram melhora em quase todos os artigos avaliados nesta revisão sistemática. Conclusão: A intervenção com VCI teria efeitos positivos na capacidade cognitiva dos indivíduos, embora mais ensaios clínicos randomizadas devam ser realizados para avaliação de tais parâmetros. Número de registro PROSPERO: CRD42020203679