Accuracy of acute hyperglycemia as a biomarker of severe brain damage in children with traumatic brain injury.

PURPOSE: Biomarkers are substances measured at the systemic level to evaluate organic responses in certain situations, establishing diagnoses, disease staging, and prognosis. Blood glucose is a biomarker recognized as a predictor of prognosis in children victims of traumatic brain injury (TBI). The scope of this study was to identify the accuracy of blood glucose as a biomarker of severe brain injury. METHODS: A retrospective analytical study was conducted through the consecutive review of medical records of children and teenage victims of TBI who underwent neurological surgery between 2016 and 2023 in a level 1 trauma center. Two groups were compared: children with Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score ≤ 8 and children with GCS > 8. We calculated the predictive values to define the accuracy of blood glucose as a biomarker of brain injury. RESULTS: Ninety-two medical records were included for analysis. Hyperglycemia predominated in cases with GCS ≤ 8 (48% vs 3%; p < 0.0001; OR, 30; 95% CI, 5.9902-150.2448). The glycemic measurement considering the cutoff point of 200 mg/dL or 11.1 mmol/L showed a specificity of 97%, a positive predictive value of 86%, an accuracy of 84%, and a likelihood ratio for a positive test of 16. CONCLUSION: Victims with GCS ≤ 8 are 16 times more likely to develop acute hyperglycemia after TBI when compared to those with GCS > 8. Blood glucose is a biomarker with an accuracy of 84% to predict severe brain injury, considering the cutoff point of 200 mg/dL or 11.1 mmol/L.

Feasibility of performing the 3-minute step test with remote supervision in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis: A comparative study.

Importance: The 3-min step test is a simple option to monitor submaximal exercise capacity, although its use via remote video monitoring has not been investigated in children with cystic fibrosis (CF). Objective: This study aimed to assess the feasibility and reproducibility of performing the 3-min step test with remote supervision. Methods: A cross-sectional study including CF patients (6-18 years) from two CF services were performed. Demographic, anthropometric, clinical, and lung function data were collected and two 3-min step tests were performed: (i) in-person supervision, and (ii) remotely supervised by video monitoring. Before and after the tests, heart rate (HR), oxygen saturation (SpO2), and the Borg score for dyspnea and lower limb fatigue were monitored. Results: Twenty-three patients (10.7 ± 3.7 years) with a mean FEV1 of 89.5% ± 23.2% were included. There were no significant differences between tests, with mean differences (95% confidence intervals) in final HR of -3.3 (-8.9, 2.4), change in HR of -1.9 (-6.1, 2.1), final SpO2 of 0.3 (-0.4, 1.0), and final dyspnea of 0.1 (-0.8, 0.9). The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.852 (final HR), 0.762 (final SpO2), and 0.775 (final lower limb fatigue). Significant and moderate correlations were found between tests for final HR (r = 0.75), change in HR (r = 0.61), and final SpO2 (r = 0.61). The Bland-Altman analysis showed a mean difference in final SpO2 between tests of 0.3% (limit of agreement -3.0%, 3.5%). Interpretation: Physiological responses between tests were similar, indicating it was feasible to perform the 3-min step test with remote supervision in CF children.

Population Pharmacokinetic of the Diterpenes ent-Polyalthic Acid and Dihydro-ent-Agathic Acid from Copaifera Duckei Oil Resin in Rats.

Copaifera duckei oleoresin is a plant product extensively used by the Brazilian population for multiple purposes, such as medicinal and cosmetic. Despite its ethnopharmacological relevance, there is no pharmacokinetic data on this important medicinal plant. Due to this, we determined the pharmacokinetic profile of the major nonvolatile compounds of C. duckei oleoresin. The diterpenes ent-polyalthic acid and dihydro-ent-agathic acid correspond to approximately 40% of the total oleoresin. Quantification was performed using LC-MS/MS, and the validated analytical method showed to be precise, accurate, robust, reliable, and linear between 0.57 and 114.74 µg/mL plasma and 0.09 to 18.85 µg/mL plasma, respectively, for ent-polyalthic acid and dihydro-ent-agathic acid, making it suitable for application in preclinical pharmacokinetic studies. Wistar rats received a single 200 mg/kg oral dose (gavage) of C. duckei oleoresin, and blood was collected from their caudal vein through 48 h. Population pharmacokinetics analysis of ent-polyalthic and dihydro-ent-agathic acids in rats was evaluated using nonlinear mixed-effects modeling conducted in NONMEN software. The pharmacokinetic parameters of ent-polyalthic acid were absorption constant rate = 0.47 h-1, central and peripheral apparent volume of distribution = 0.04 L and 2.48 L, respectively, apparent clearance = 0.15 L/h, and elimination half-life = 11.60 h. For dihydro-ent-agathic acid, absorption constant rate = 0.28 h-1, central and peripheral apparent volume of distribution = 0.01 L and 0.18 L, respectively, apparent clearance = 0.04 L/h, and elimination half-life = 3.49 h. The apparent clearance, central apparent volume of distribution, and peripheral apparent volume of distribution of ent-polyalthic acid were approximately 3.75, 4.00-, and 13.78-folds higher than those of dihydro-ent-agathic.

Unveiling the intricacies of BPA and BPS: comprehensive insights into its toxic effects using a cutting-edge microphysiological system.

Concerns over Bisphenol A (BPA) and its substitute, Bisphenol S (BPS), have led to innovative exploration due to potential adverse health effects. BPS, replacing BPA in some regions to avoid toxic impacts, remains insufficiently studied. Besides this, the organ-on-a-chip technology emerges as a transformative solution in drug discovery and chemiclas toxicity testing, minimizing costs and aligning with ethical standards by reducing reliance on animal models, by integrating diverse tissues and dynamic cell environments enhances precision in predicting organ function. Here, we employ a 3-organ-on-a-chip microfluidic device with skin, intestine, and liver cultures to assess the effects of BPA and BPS via topical and oral administration. Our evaluation focused on gene markers associated with carcinogenicity, systemic toxicity, and endocrine disruption. BPA exhibited expected absorption profiles, causing liver injury and genetic modulation in related pathways. BPS, a safer alternative, induced adverse effects on gene expression, particularly in topical absorption, with distinct absorption patterns. Our findings underscore the urgency of addressing BPA and BPS toxicity concerns, highlighting the crucial role of organ-on-a-chip technology in understanding associated health risks. The study promotes the organ-on-a-chip methodology as a valuable tool for safe drug development and disease treatments, offering a novel liver toxicity screening alternative to traditional animal tests. This contributes to advancing comprehension of the biological effects of these compounds, fostering improved safety assessments in human health.

Loss of tumor suppressor TMEM127 drives RET-mediated transformation through disrupted membrane dynamics.

Internalization from the cell membrane and endosomal trafficking of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are important regulators of signaling in normal cells that can frequently be disrupted in cancer. The adrenal tumor pheochromocytoma (PCC) can be caused by activating mutations of the rearranged during transfection (RET) receptor tyrosine kinase, or inactivation of TMEM127, a transmembrane tumor suppressor implicated in trafficking of endosomal cargos. However, the role of aberrant receptor trafficking in PCC is not well understood. Here, we show that loss of TMEM127 causes wildtype RET protein accumulation on the cell surface, where increased receptor density facilitates constitutive ligand-independent activity and downstream signaling, driving cell proliferation. Loss of TMEM127 altered normal cell membrane organization and recruitment and stabilization of membrane protein complexes, impaired assembly, and maturation of clathrin-coated pits, and reduced internalization and degradation of cell surface RET. In addition to RTKs, TMEM127 depletion also promoted surface accumulation of several other transmembrane proteins, suggesting it may cause global defects in surface protein activity and function. Together, our data identify TMEM127 as an important determinant of membrane organization including membrane protein diffusability and protein complex assembly and provide a novel paradigm for oncogenesis in PCC where altered membrane dynamics promotes cell surface accumulation and constitutive activity of growth factor receptors to drive aberrant signaling and promote transformation.

Práticas de enfermagem: contexto ambiental e a relação com o materialismo histórico dialético / Nursing practices: environmental context and the relationship with dialectical historical materialism / Prácticas de enfermería: contexto ambiental y la relación con el materialismo histórico dialéctico

Objetivo: Descrever as práticas dos enfermeiros em nossa sociedade e sob as circunstâncias que podem contribuir para a inclusão das práticas avançadas. Métodos: Estudo descritivo, de abordagem qualitativa e delineamento transversal, sob a perspectiva da teoria do materialismo histórico-dialético de Karl Marx, estruturada pela utilização do instrumento COREQ. Resultados: O campo de atuação do enfermeiro na atenção primária à saúde é diversificado, extrapola os muros do consultório. Muitas vezes o dinamismo das atividades traduz o empenho de obter os melhores resultados por meio de sua assistência. E o materialismo histórico-dialético reflete justamente a busca por uma assistência de qualidade e as mudanças no ambiente laboral, onde a interação de diversos fatores contribuem de forma direta no ambiente laboral e social. Conclusão: Os enfermeiros da atenção primária à saúde brasileira atuam nos mais diversos territórios, desse modo, precisam dinamizar os seus atendimentos para contemplar as necessidades sociais. Perante esses aspectos, as diversidades sociodemográficas brasileiras demonstraram que a escassez de recursos em regiões remotas é um dos fatores que fortalece a inclusão das práticas avançadas de enfermagem na atenção primária à saúde no Brasil. (AU)

Objective: To describe the practices of nurses in our society and under circumstances that may contribute to the inclusion of advanced practices. Methods: Descriptive study, with a qualitative approach and cross-sectional design, from the perspective of Karl Marx's dialectical historical materialism theory, structured by using the COREQ instrument. Results: The nurse's field of action in primary health care is diverse, it goes beyond the walls of the office. Often the dynamism of activities translates the effort to obtain the best results through their assistance. And dialectical historical materialism precisely reflects the search for quality care and changes in the work environment, where the interaction of several factors directly contribute to the work and social environment. Conclusion: Brazilian primary health care nurses work in the most diverse territories, therefore, they need to streamline their care to address social needs. In view of these aspects, Brazilian sociodemographic diversity has shown that the scarcity of resources in remote regions is one of the factors that strengthens the inclusion of advanced nursing practices in primary health care in Brazil. (AU)

Objetivo: Describir las prácticas de los enfermeros en nuestra sociedad y en circunstancias que puedan contribuir a la inclusión de prácticas avanzadas. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, con enfoque cualitativo y diseño transversal, desde la perspectiva de la teoría del materialismo histórico dialéctico de Karl Marx, estructurado mediante el uso del instrumento COREQ. Resultados: El campo de actuación del enfermero en la atención primaria de salud es diverso, va más allá de las paredes del consultorio. Muchas veces el dinamismo de las actividades se traduce en el esfuerzo por obtener los mejores resultados a través de su asistencia. Y el materialismo histórico dialéctico refleja precisamente la búsqueda de cuidados de calidad y cambios en el ambiente laboral, donde la interacción de varios factores contribuyen directamente al ambiente laboral y social. Conclusión: Las enfermeras brasileñas de atención primaria de salud actúan en los más diversos territorios, por lo tanto, necesitan optimizar su atención para atender las necesidades sociales. Frente a estos aspectos, la diversidad sociodemográfica brasileña ha demostrado que la escasez de recursos en regiones remotas es uno de los factores que fortalece la inclusión de prácticas avanzadas de enfermería en la atención primaria de salud en Brasil. (AU)

Loss of Tumour Suppressor TMEM127 Drives RET-mediated Transformation Through Disrupted Membrane Dynamics.

Internalization from the cell membrane and endosomal trafficking of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK) are important regulators of signaling in normal cells that can frequently be disrupted in cancer. The adrenal tumour pheochromocytoma (PCC) can be caused by activating mutations of the RET receptor tyrosine kinase, or inactivation of TMEM127, a transmembrane tumour suppressor implicated in trafficking of endosomal cargos. However, the role of aberrant receptor trafficking in PCC is not well understood. Here, we show that loss of TMEM127 causes wildtype RET protein accumulation on the cell surface, where increased receptor density facilitates constitutive ligand-independent activity and downstream signaling, driving cell proliferation. Loss of TMEM127 altered normal cell membrane organization and recruitment and stabilization of membrane protein complexes, impaired assembly, and maturation of clathrin coated pits, and reduced internalization and degradation of cell surface RET. In addition to RTKs, TMEM127 depletion also promoted surface accumulation of several other transmembrane proteins, suggesting it may cause global defects in surface protein activity and function. Together, our data identify TMEM127 as an important determinant of membrane organization including membrane protein diffusability, and protein complex assembly and provide a novel paradigm for oncogenesis in PCC where altered membrane dynamics promotes cell surface accumulation and constitutive activity of growth factor receptors to drive aberrant signaling and promote transformation.

Effects of docetaxel on metastatic prostate (DU-145) carcinoma cells cultured as 2D monolayers and 3D multicellular tumor spheroids.

Docetaxel (DTX) is one of the chemotherapeutic drugs indicated as a first-line treatment against metastatic prostate cancer (mPCa). This study aimed to compare the impact of DTX on mPCa (DU-145) tumor cells cultured as 2D monolayers and 3D multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTS) in vitro. The cells were treated with DTX (1-96 µM) at 24, 48, or 72 hr in cell viability assays (resazurin, phosphatase acid, and lactate dehydrogenase). Cell death was assessed with fluorescent markers and proliferation by clonogenic assay (2D) and morphology, volume, and integrity assay (3D). The cell invasion was determined using transwell (2D) and extracellular matrix (ECM) (3D). Results showed that DTX decreased cell viability in both culture models. In 2D, the IC50 (72 hr) values were 11.06 µM and 14.23 µM for resazurin and phosphatase assays, respectively. In MCTS, the IC50 values for the same assays were 114.9 µM and 163.7 µM, approximately 10-fold higher than in the 2D model. The % of viable cells decreased, while the apoptotic cell number was elevated compared to the control in 2D. In 3D spheroids, only DTX 24 µM induced apoptosis. DTX (≥24 µM at 216 hr) lowered the volume, and DTX 96 µM completely disintegrated the MCTS. DTX reduced the invasion of mPCa cells to matrigel (2D) and migration from MCTS to the ECM. Data demonstrated significant differences in drug response between 2D and 3D cell culture models using mPCa DU-145 tumor cells. MCTS resembles the early stages of solid tumors in vivo and needs to be considered in conjunction with 2D cultures when searching for new therapeutic targets.

Association of the three-minute step test with the occurrence of pulmonary exacerbations in children with cystic fibrosis: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients experience pulmonary exacerbations and the three-minute step test (3-min step test) may be a simple and easy-to-perform functional test to help identify such episodes. The present study aimed to evaluate the association of the 3-min step test with the occurrence of pulmonary exacerbations in children with CF. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of CF patients aged 6 years and older. Pulmonary exacerbations were assessed using both the Fuchs criteria and the Kanga Score. The 3-min step test was performed using a 15 cm-high step and heart rate (HR), oxygen saturation (SpO2), and dyspnea were measured before and after the test. Correlations between the test and the scores, as well as comparisons between patients experiencing or not an exacerbation, were performed. RESULTS: Sixty-two patients (11.1±4.3 years) were included. Both the Fuchs criteria and the Kanga score correlated significantly with age, forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), final SpO2, and 1-min recovery SpO2. A fall greater than 4% in the final SpO2 was significantly associated with the presence of a pulmonary exacerbation, considering both Fuchs and Kanga criteria. Age, resting HR, and HR after 1-min recovery were significantly higher, while FEV1, SpO2 at rest, final SpO2, and SpO2 after 1-min recovery were significantly lower in patients classified as exacerbated. CONCLUSIONS: Physiological responses to the 3-min step test are associated with the occurrence of pulmonary exacerbation in children with CF. Desaturation at the end of the test or during 1-min recovery may be the best variable to monitor.

Tratamento de periodontite estágio III localizado grau C em um indivíduo fumante: um relato de caso / Treatment of periodontitis stage III localized grade C in smoker individual: a case report

Objetivo: A periodontite é uma doença infecto-inflamatória que acomete os tecidos de inserção periodontal, e ser fumante representa um risco modificável significativo para todos os graus da doença. Ainda, indivíduos fumantes apresentam uma resposta inflamatória alterada quando comparados a não fumantes. Nesse contexto, o objetivo deste estudo foi reportar um relato de caso de tratamento periodontal de paciente fumante pesado. Relato de caso: O paciente DRS, sexo masculino, 22 anos, foi encaminhado à Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel) com a queixa principal de necessidade de "realização de uma limpeza dentária". Na anamnese, relatou fumar 20 cigarros ao dia, há 7 anos (7 maços-ano). Na consulta inicial, foi encontrado índice de placa visível (IPV) de 100% e índice de sangramento gengival (ISG) de 66,67%. Foi encontrado cálculo supragengival como fator retentivo de placa (FRP) em 46,30% dos sítios. Estabeleceu-se o diagnóstico de periodontite estágio III localizado grau C. Os exames periodontais foram realizados por um único pesquisador calibrado e optou-se pelo tratamento periodontal não cirúrgico. Ao exame de 12 meses, o paciente apresentou IPV de 23,45% e ISG de 22,83%. Houve ausência de FRP. De uma forma geral, foi possível constatar a diminuição significativa das bolsas periodontais, bem como o ganho significativo de inserção clínica periodontal. Considerações finais: Dessa forma, é possível concluir a efetividade da terapia periodontal não cirúrgica, aliada à manutenção periodontal e instruções de higiene para o tratamento de periodontite estágio III, grau C, em paciente fumante.(AU)

Objective: Periodontitis is an infect-inflammatory diseases that affects the periodontal attachment tissues, and being smoker represents a significant modifiable risk for all degrees of the disease. Moreover, smokers have an altered inflammatory response when compared to non-smokers. Therefore, the aim of this study was to report a case report of periodontal treatment of a heavy smoker. Case report: A patient DRS, male, 22 years old, was referred to the School of Dentistry of the Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel) with the main complaint of the need to "perform a dental cleaning". During the anamnesis, he reported smoking 20 cigarettes a day for 7 years (7 pack-years). In the initial appointment, a visible plaque index (VPI) of 100% and a gingival bleeding index (GBI) of 66.67% were found. Supragingival calculus was found as a plaque retentive factor (PRF) in 46.30% of the sites. The diagnosis of periodontitis stage III localized grade C was established. Periodontal examinations were performed by a single calibrated researcher and non-surgical periodontal treatment was chosen. At the 12-month appointment, the patient had an VPI of 23.45% and an GBI of 22.83%. There was absence of PRF. In general, it was possible to observe a significant decrease in periodontal pockets, as well as a significant gain in periodontal clinical attachment. Final considerations: Thus, it is possible to conclude the effectiveness of non-surgical periodontal therapy, combined with periodontal maintenance and hygiene instructions for the treatment of periodontitis stage III localized grade C in a smoker.(AU)

Flavonoid brachydin B decreases viability, proliferation, and migration in human metastatic prostate (DU145) cells grown in 2D and 3D culture models.

Brachydin B (BrB) is a unique dimeric flavonoid extracted from Fridericia platyphylla (Cham.) LG Lohmann with different biological activities. However, the antitumoral potential of this flavonoid is unclear. In our study, we evaluated the effects of the BrB flavonoid on cell viability (MTT, resazurin, and lactate dehydrogenase assays), proliferation (protein dosage and clonogenic assay), and migration/invasion (3D ECM gel, wound-healing, and transwell assays) of metastatic prostate (DU145) cells cultured both as traditional 2D monolayers and 3D tumor spheroids in vitro. The results showed that the BrB flavonoid promotes cytotoxic effects from ≥1.50 µM after 24 h of treatment in DU145 cells in monolayers. In 3D prostate tumor spheroids, BrB also induced cytotoxic effects at higher concentrations after longer treatment (48, 72, and 168 h). Furthermore, BrB treatment is associated with reduced DU145 clonogenicity in 2D cultures, as well as decreased area/volume of 3D tumor spheroids. Finally, BrB (6 µM) reduced cell migration/invasion in 2D monolayers and promoted antimigratory effects in DU145 tumor spheroids (≥30 µM). In conclusion, the antitumoral and antimigratory effects observed in DU145 cells cultured in 2D and 3D models are promising results for future studies with BrB using in vivo models and confirm this molecule as a candidate for metastatic prostate cancer therapy.

Associação entre estado nutricional, indicadores socioeconômicos e quesito raça/cor em gestantes do Recôncavo da Bahia, Brasil / Association between nutritional status, socioeconomic indicators and race/color question in pregnant women in the Recôncavo da Bahia, Brazil

O estado nutricional gestacional adequado constitui-se como elemento essencial para a saúde materna e fetal. Este estudo teve como objetivo identificar a associação entre determinantes sociais, quesito raça/cor e estado nutricional, em gestantes do Recôncavo da Bahia, Brasil. Trata-se de um estudo ecológico, com dados extraídos do Sistema de Vigilância Alimentar e Nutricional no ano de 2020, referente ao estado nutricional de gestantes adultas e adolescentes dos 19 municípios do Recôncavo da Bahia. Foi utilizada a regressão quantílica para a análise do desfecho do estado nutricional de gestantes, variável exposição principal, raça/cor autorreferida e covariáveis Coeficiente de Gini (CG) e Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano (IDHM). Foram acompanhadas 4.061 gestantes (14,35% eram adolescentes) com predominância daquelas que se autodeclararam pretas ou pardas (62,34%). Houve prevalência de excesso de peso em 53,36% das gestantes. Identificou-se associação positiva do excesso de peso com a raça/cor preta ou parda e inversamente ao CG. Este estudo revelou que o estado nutricional de gestantes é influenciado pela raça/cor preta e/ou parda e pelo CG. Tais resultados podem contribuir para o planejamento de programas e/ou projetos que incluam ações de alimentação e nutrição e visam o acompanhamento nutricional de gestantes, principalmente dos grupos socialmente vulnerabilizados.

Adequate gestational nutritional status is an essential element for maternal and fetal health. The objective of this study was to identify the association between social determinants, race/color and nutritional status in pregnant women from Recôncavo da Bahia, Brazil. This ecological study, utilized data extracted from the 2020 Food and Nutrition Surveillance System, focusing on the nutritional status of adults and adolescents pregnant women across the 19 municipalities in the Recôncavo da Bahia. Quantile Regression was employed to analyze the nutritional status of pregnant women, considering the main exposure variable as self-reported race/color and covariates such as the Gini Coefficient and Human Development Index. In 2020, a total of 4,061 pregnant women were followed, with 14.35% being adolescents. The majority of pregnant women self-identified as black or brown (62.34%). The prevalence of overweight among pregnant women was 53.36%. The analysis revealed a positive association between overweight and black or brown race/color, while an inverse association was observed with the Gini Coefficient. These findings have implications for planning programs and projects that encompass food and nutrition interventions aimed at monitoring and improving the nutritional status of pregnant women, particularly those belonging to socially vulnerable groups.

Associação entre estado nutricional, indicadores socioeconômicos e quesito raça/cor em gestantes do Recôncavo da Bahia, Brasil / Association between nutritional status, socioeconomic indicators and race/color question in pregnant women in the Recôncavo da Bahia, Brazil

O estado nutricional gestacional adequado constitui-se como elemento essencial para a saúde materna e fetal. Este estudo teve como objetivo identificar a associação entre determinantes sociais, quesito raça/cor e estado nutricional, em gestantes do Recôncavo da Bahia, Brasil. Trata-se de um estudo ecológico, com dados extraídos do Sistema de Vigilância Alimentar e Nutricional no ano de 2020, referente ao estado nutricional de gestantes adultas e adolescentes dos 19 municípios do Recôncavo da Bahia. Foi utilizada a regressão quantílica para a análise do desfecho do estado nutricional de gestantes, variável exposição principal, raça/cor autorreferida e covariáveis Coeficiente de Gini (CG) e Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano (IDHM). Foram acompanhadas 4.061 gestantes (14,35% eram adolescentes) com predominância daquelas que se autodeclararam pretas ou pardas (62,34%). Houve prevalência de excesso de peso em 53,36% das gestantes. Identificou-se associação positiva do excesso de peso com a raça/cor preta ou parda e inversamente ao CG. Este estudo revelou que o estado nutricional de gestantes é influenciado pela raça/cor preta e/ou parda e pelo CG. Tais resultados podem contribuir para o planejamento de programas e/ou projetos que incluam ações de alimentação e nutrição e visam o acompanhamento nutricional de gestantes, principalmente dos grupos socialmente vulnerabilizados. (AU)

Adequate gestational nutritional status is an essential element for maternal and fetal health. The objective of this study was to identify the association between social determinants, race/color and nutritional status in pregnant women from Recôncavo da Bahia, Brazil. This ecological study, utilized data extracted from the 2020 Food and Nutrition Surveillance System, focusing on the nutritional status of adults and adolescents pregnant women across the 19 municipalities in the Recôncavo da Bahia. Quantile Regression was employed to analyze the nutritional status of pregnant women, considering the main exposure variable as self-reported race/color and covariates such as the Gini Coefficient and Human Development Index. In 2020, a total of 4,061 pregnant women were followed, with 14.35% being adolescents. The majority of pregnant women self-identified as black or brown (62.34%). The prevalence of overweight among pregnant women was 53.36%. The analysis revealed a positive association between overweight and black or brown race/color, while an inverse association was observed with the Gini Coefficient. These findings have implications for planning programs and projects that encompass food and nutrition interventions aimed at monitoring and improving the nutritional status of pregnant women, particularly those belonging to socially vulnerable groups. (AU)

Clinical and molecular overview of immunotherapeutic approaches for malignant skin melanoma: Past, present and future.

Traditional therapeutic approaches for malignant melanoma, have proved to be limited and/or ineffective, especially with respect to their role in improving patient survival and tumor recurrence. In this regard, immunotherapy has been demonstrated to be a promising therapeutic alternative, boosting antitumor responses through the modulation of cell signaling pathways involved in the effector mechanisms of the immune system, particularly, the so-called "immunological checkpoints". Clinical studies on the efficacy and safety of immunotherapeutic regimens, alone or in combination with other antitumor approaches, have increased dramatically in recent decades, with very encouraging results. Hence, this review will discuss the current immunotherapeutic regimens used to treat malignant melanoma, as well as the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved. In addition, current clinical studies that have investigated the use, efficacy, and adverse events of immunotherapy in melanoma will also be discussed.

Selpercatinib: First approved selective RET inhibitor.

Selpercatinib is a small molecule that binds at the RET kinase active site. It inhibits activity of constitutively dimerized RET fusion proteins and activated point mutants, thereby blocking downstream signals for proliferation and survival. It is the first selective RET inhibitor to be FDA approved for tumor agnostic targeting of oncogenic RET fusion proteins. To view this Bench to Bedside, open or download the PDF.

Methodology for using the Microscale Audit of Pedestrian Streetscapes-MAPS in the city of São Paulo / Metodologia de utilização do Microscale Audit of Pedestrian Streetscapes-MAPS na cidade de São Paulo

The Microscale Audit of Pedestrian Streetscapes-Global (MAPS Global) is an international instru-ment that aims to characterize the variability of pedestrian environments related to physical activity at the microscale level, being a reliable tool that allows comparisons between locations with different contexts. In this regard, the objective of the present study is to describe the methodological process adopted in the Health Survey of São Paulo or Inquérito de Saúde de São Paulo (ISA) in portu-guese ­ Physical Activity and Environment survey for the microscale environment assessment with the MAPS-Global instrument. The use of the method in São Paulo city involved several steps and adaptations relevant to the context of the study, such as: meetings with the group responsible for the validation of the method in Brazil, training of researchers for data collection, review of sections and questions and instrument hosting on Google forms, georeferencing of households and preparation of routes, training and certification of evaluators, and data collection procedures. The environment audit presented challenges, even though it was an exclusively online process, 25 months were required for all the stages development since the audit involved a considerable sample of 1,434 subjects, an increased evaluation coverage in cross-segment sections, and a team of seven evaluators. For future data collection it is suggested to consider the time available for auditing, the size of the team for the selected sample, as well as the possibility of adapting the instrument, such as the inclusion or removal of items according to the local context or reality of the study

O Microscale Audit of Pedestrian Streetscapes-Global (MAPS-Global) é um instrumento internacional que visa caracterizar a variabilidade de ambientes de pedestres relacionados à atividade física ao nível de microescala, sendo uma ferramenta confiável que permite comparações entre locais com diferentes contextos. Neste sentido, o objetivo do presente estudo é descrever o processo metodológico adotado na pesquisa Inquérito de Saúde de São Paulo (ISA) - Atividade Física e Ambiente para a avaliação da microescala do ambiente com o instrumento MAPS-Global. A utilização do método na cidade de São Paulo envolveu diversas etapas e adaptações relevantes para o contexto do estudo, inicialmente foram realizadas reuniões com o grupo responsável por validar o método no Brasil, treinamento dos pesquisadores para coletas de dados, revisão dos blocos e questões, hospedagem do instrumento no Google forms, georreferenciamento dos domicílios, elaboração das rotas, treinamento e certificação dos avaliadores e procedimentos de coletas de dados. A auditagem do ambiente apresentou desafios, mesmo se tratando de um processo exclusivamente online, foram necessários 25 meses para o desenvolvimento de todas as etapas do estudo, pois a avaliação envolveu 1.434 sujeitos, aumento da cobertura da avaliação nas seções dos segmentos e cruzamentos e uma equipe de sete avaliadores. Sugere-se para coletas futuras que seja observado o tempo disponível para auditagem, o tamanho da equipe para a amostra selecionada, bem como a possibilidade realizar adaptações no instrumento como a inclusão ou retirada de itens conforme contexto ou realidade local do estudo

Medidas de autocuidado para prevenção da recidiva de úlceras venosas: protocolo de revisão de escopo / Self-care measures to prevent venous ulcer recurrence: a scoping review protocol

OBJETIVO: Mapear as medidas de autocuidado para prevenção de recidiva de úlceras venosas nos diversos cenários de atenção à saúde. MÉTODO: Protocolo de revisão de escopo, tendo como pergunta de pesquisa: quais as medidas de autocuidado para prevenção de recidiva de úlceras venosas nos diversos cenários de atenção à saúde? Serão utilizados como bases de dados: Banco de Dados em Enfermagem (BDENF), CINAHL, LILACS, MEDLINE (via PUBMED), SCIELO, SCOPUS, Cochrane Library, EMBASE e Web of Science, além da literatura cinzenta. O processo de busca, a avaliação, seleção e extração de dados serão realizados por pares cegados e, em caso de divergência, um terceiro revisor será consultado. Os resultados serão apresentados na íntegra, em formato de narrativa e diagramas de fluxo, de forma a se alinhar à questão de pesquisa proposta. Protocolo registrado na Open Science Framework (OSF): osf.io/y7ckp.

OBJECTIVE: To map self-care measures to prevent venous ulcer recurrence in different healthcare settings. METHOD: Scoping review protocol, with the following research question: What are the self-care measures to prevent the recurrence of venous ulcers in different healthcare settings? The following databases will be used: Nursing Database (BDENF), CINAHL, LILACS, MEDLINE (via PUBMED), SCIELO, SCOPUS, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Web of Science, in addition to the grey literature. Blinded peers will carry out the search process, evaluation, selection, and data extraction, and in case of disagreement, a third reviewer will be consulted. The results will be presented in narrative format and using flow diagrams aligned with the proposed research question. The protocol was registered in the Open Science Framework (OSF): osf.io/y7ckp.

Is There Enough Knowledge to Standardize a Cannabis sativa L. Medicinal Oil Preparation with a High Content of Cannabinoids?

Introduction: Cannabis sativa L. medicinal oils are good therapeutic options due to their wide spectrum of pharmacological applications and the easy adjustment of individual doses. The lack of standardization of methodology in the preparation of medicinal oil using the Cannabis crude extract results in elevated variability of cannabinoid concentration in the final product. The elevated variability impairs the understanding of beneficial and adverse effects related to dose-response pharmacological activities. Objective: This study aimed to conduct a review on the current methods of Cannabis oil preparation present in the literature, to demonstrate the most appropriate methodologies to ensure a product with high content of cannabinoids and terpenes. Results: The decarboxylation stage is essential for the conversion of acid cannabinoids into neutral cannabinoids, which are substances with the highest bioavailability. Lower temperatures for longer periods of time instead of high temperatures in less time are highly recommended to ensure that all the acidic cannabinoids have passed through decarboxylation. For the guarantee of a high terpene content, the separate addition of essential oil to the fixed oil prepared from the crude extract should be considered. Ultrasound-assisted extraction is one of the best performing methodologies because it is cheaper than other techniques, such as supercritical fluid extraction, besides that, ultrasound extraction is effective in short extraction times and uses small amounts of solvent when compared with other techniques. Conclusion: Although the literature about the methods of preparation of Cannabis medicinal oil is scarce, it is possible to standardize an optimized, low-cost, and effective Cannabis extractive methodology from the results found in the literature; however, this will depend on new research for methodological validation.

Influence of COVID-19 pandemic on molar pregnancy and postmolar gestational trophoblastic neoplasia: An observational study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether the incidence and aggressiveness of molar pregnancy (MP) and postmolar gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN: Observational study with two separate designs: retrospective multicentre cohort of patients with MP/postmolar GTN and a cross-sectional analysis, with application of a questionnaire. SETTING: Six Brazilian Reference Centres on gestational trophoblastic disease. POPULATION: 2662 patients with MP/postmolar GTN treated from March-December/2015-2020 were retrospectively evaluated and 528 of these patients answered a questionnaire. METHODS: Longitudinal retrospective multicentre study of patients diagnosed with MP/ postmolar GTN at presentation and a cross-sectional analysis, with application of a questionnaire, exclusive to patients treated during the period of study, to assess living and health conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic compared with previous years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The incidence of MP/postmolar GTN. RESULTS: Compared with the last 5 pre-pandemic years, MP/postmolar GTN incidence remained stable during 2020 (COVID-19 pandemic). Multivariable logistic regression, adjusted for the patient age, showed that during 2020, presentation with MP was more likely to be >10 weeks of gestation (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.50, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.90-3.29, P < 0.001), have a pre-evacuation hCG level ≥100 000 iu/l (aOR 1.77, 95% CI 1.38-2.28, P < 0.001) and time to the initiation of chemotherapy ≥7 months (aOR 1.86, 95% CI 1.01-3.43, P = 0.047) when compared with 2015-2019. CONCLUSIONS: Although the incidence of MP/postmolar GTN remained stable during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil, the pandemic was associated with greater gestational age at MP diagnosis and more protracted delays in initiation of chemotherapy for postmolar GTN.

Avaliação dos efeitos do curativo compressivo após procedimentos intervencionistas por via radial / Evaluation of the effects of compressive dressing after interventional procedures via radial approach

Introdução: Dispositivos externos compressivos após a punção radial para cateterismo cardíaco e intervenção coronária percutânea visam à hemostasia, ao conforto para o paciente e à segurança. O estudo objetivou avaliar pacientes submetidos a procedimentos coronários invasivos por via radial, nos quais se utilizou um curativo compressivo e de baixo custo, desenvolvido no serviço, avaliando a segurança dele e a ocorrência de complicações. Métodos: Indivíduos submetidos à coronariografia e à intervenção coronária percutânea, avaliados no momento de retirada do curativo compressivo e após 7 dias, por meio de questionário abrangendo comorbidades, quadro clínico, tempo do procedimento e de compressão, avaliação física de hematoma e dor, e Doppler vascular sonoro para avaliação de oclusão da artéria radial. Resultados: Foram avaliados 144 pacientes, sendo 138 com seguimento em 7 dias. Os eventos não diferiram entre procedimentos diagnósticos e terapêuticos. Na avaliação imediata à retirada do curativo, revelou-se incidência de 4,2% de oclusão da artéria radial, com dor referida em 23,6% dos pacientes, graduada em 2,9±1,7 pela Escala Visual Analógica (intensidade de zero a dez) e sem sangramentos graves. Hematoma ocorreu em um paciente (0,9%), com classificação III pelo critério EASY. Na avaliação de 7 dias, a incidência de oclusão da artéria radial foi de 2,2%, a dor foi referida em 11,1% da amostra (intensidade 1,8±0,8), e o hematoma foi evidenciado em 3,5%. Conclusão: O curativo compressivo mostrou-se um procedimento seguro, com baixa taxa de complicações e baixa taxa de dor local nos pacientes submetidos a procedimentos coronários invasivos pela via radial.

Background: External compressive devices after radial puncture for cardiac catheterization and percutaneous coronary intervention aim at hemostasis, patient comfort, and safety. The objective of the study was to evaluate patients undergoing invasive coronary procedures by radial approach, in which a low-cost compressive dressing developed at the service was used, assessing its safety and the occurrence of complications. Methods: Patients undergoing coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention, evaluated at the time of removal of compressive dressing and after 7 days, by means of a questionnaire addressing comorbidities, clinical picture, procedure and compression time, physical assessment of hematoma and pain, and a vascular Doppler ultrasound to evaluate radial artery occlusion. Results: A total of 144 patients were evaluated, 138 of whom were followed up within 7 days. Events did not differ among diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. In the immediate evaluation after removal of dressing, an incidence of 4.2% of radial artery occlusion was observed, with pain reported by 23.6% of patients, graded at 2.9±1.7 points in the Visual Analogue Scale (intensity of zero to ten), and no major bleeding. Hematoma occurred in one patient (0.9%), classified as type III according to the EASY criteria. In the 7-day evaluation, the incidence of radial artery occlusion was 2.2%, pain was reported in 11.1% of sample (intensity 1.8±0.8), and hematoma was evident in 3.5%. Conclusion: The compressive dressing proved to be a safe procedure, with a low rate of complications and a low rate of local pain in patients undergoing invasive coronary procedures via radial approach.