Multinational evaluation of genetic diversity indicators for the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Under the recently adopted Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, 196 Parties committed to reporting the status of genetic diversity for all species. To facilitate reporting, three genetic diversity indicators were developed, two of which focus on processes contributing to genetic diversity conservation: maintaining genetically distinct populations and ensuring populations are large enough to maintain genetic diversity. The major advantage of these indicators is that they can be estimated with or without DNA-based data. However, demonstrating their feasibility requires addressing the methodological challenges of using data gathered from diverse sources, across diverse taxonomic groups, and for countries of varying socio-economic status and biodiversity levels. Here, we assess the genetic indicators for 919 taxa, representing 5271 populations across nine countries, including megadiverse countries and developing economies. Eighty-three percent of the taxa assessed had data available to calculate at least one indicator. Our results show that although the majority of species maintain most populations, 58% of species have populations too small to maintain genetic diversity. Moreover, genetic indicator values suggest that IUCN Red List status and other initiatives fail to assess genetic status, highlighting the critical importance of genetic indicators.

Spread and persistence of antimicrobial resistance genes in wastewater from human and animal sources in São Paulo, Brazil.

The spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through multiple reservoirs is a global concern. Wastewater is a critical AMR dissemination source, so this study aimed to assess the persistence of resistance genetic markers in wastewater using a culture-independent approach. Raw and treated wastewater samples (n = 121) from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), a human hospital, a veterinary hospital, and a pig farm were monthly collected and concentrated by filtration. DNA was extracted directly from filter membranes, and PCR was used in the qualitative search of 32 antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs). Selected genes (blaCTX-M, blaKPC, qnrB, and mcr-1) were enumerated by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Twenty-six ARGs were detected in the qualitative ARGs search, while quantitative data showed a low variation of the ARG's relative abundance (RA) throughout the months, especially at the human hospital and the WWTP. At the WWTP, despite significantly reducing the absolute number of gene copies/L after each treatment stage (p < 0.05), slight increases (p > 0.05) in the RAs of genes blaCTX-M, qnrB, and mcr-1 were observed in reused water (tertiary treatment) when compared with secondary effluent. Although the increase is not statistically significant, it is worth noting that there was some level of ARGs concentration after the disinfection process. No significant absolute or relative after-treatment quantification reductions were observed for any ARGs at the veterinary hospital or the pig farm. The spread of ARGs through sewage needs to be continuously addressed, because their release into natural environments may pose potential risks of exposure to resistant bacteria and impact local ecosystems.

Anticonvulsant Role of Adenosine is Blunted During Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome in an Adult Zebrafish Model.

Alcohol (ethanol) dependence and related disorders are life-threatening conditions and source of suffering for the user, family members and society. Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) is a little-known dynamic process associated with a high frequency of relapses. A state of hyperglutamatergic neurotransmission and imbalanced GABAergic function is related to an increased susceptibility to seizures during alcohol withdrawal. Adenosine signaling display an important role in endogenous response to decrease seizure and related damages. Here, an intermittent alcohol exposure regimen (1 h daily of 0.5% ethanol solution) for 16 days or 8 days of the same ethanol exposure regimen followed by 1 or 8 days of ethanol withdrawal was used to assess adenosine signaling in the context of seizure susceptibility using adult zebrafish. In both abstainer groups, a sub-convulsant dose of pentylenetetrazol (2.5 mM) was able to increase the frequency of animals reaching a clonic seizure-like state, while continuous-treated animals had no seizure, as did control animals. The total brain mRNA expression of A1 adenosine receptor was decreased in animals with 1 day of ethanol withdrawal. The agonism of A1 adenosine receptor induced an anticonvulsant effect in animals with 1 day of ethanol withdrawal after the injection of the specific agonist (N6-cyclopentyladenosine, 10 mg.Kg- 1; i.p.). These findings reinforce A1 adenosine receptor as a key target in acute alcohol withdrawal syndrome and zebrafish as an excellent platform to study biological mechanism of AWS.

Healing profiles in patients with a chronic diabetic foot ulcer: An exploratory study with machine learning.

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) are one of the most frequent and debilitating complications of diabetes. DFU wound healing is a highly complex process, resulting in significant medical, economic and social challenges. Therefore, early identification of patients with a high-risk profile would be important to adequate treatment and more successful health outcomes. This study explores risk assessment profiles for DFU healing and healing prognosis, using machine learning predictive approaches and decision tree algorithms. Patients were evaluated at baseline (T0; N = 158) and 2 months later (T1; N = 108) on sociodemographic, clinical, biochemical and psychological variables. The performance evaluation of the models comprised F1-score, accuracy, precision and recall. Only profiles with F1-score >0.7 were selected for analysis. According to the two profiles generated for DFU healing, the most important predictive factors were illness representations on T1 IPQ-B (IPQ-B ≤ 9.5 and < 10.5) and the DFU duration (≤ 13 weeks). The two predictive models for DFU healing prognosis suggest that biochemical factors are the best predictors of a favorable healing prognosis, namely IL-6, microRNA-146a-5p and PECAM-1 at T0 and angiopoietin-2 at T1. Illness perception at T0 (IPQ-B ≤ 39.5) also emerged as a relevant predictor for healing prognosis. The results emphasize the importance of DFU duration, illness perception and biochemical markers as predictors of  healing in chronic DFUs. Future research is needed to confirm and test the obtained predictive models.

Genomic and proteomic characterization of vB_SauM-UFV_DC4, a novel Staphylococcus jumbo phage.

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most relevant mastitis pathogens in dairy cattle, and the acquisition of antimicrobial resistance genes presents a significant health issue in both veterinary and human fields. Among the different strategies to tackle S. aureus infection in livestock, bacteriophages have been thoroughly investigated in the last decades; however, few specimens of the so-called jumbo phages capable of infecting S. aureus have been described. Herein, we report the biological, genomic, and structural proteomic features of the jumbo phage vB_SauM-UFV_DC4 (DC4). DC4 exhibited a remarkable killing activity against S. aureus isolated from the veterinary environment and stability at alkaline conditions (pH 4 to 12). The complete genome of DC4 is 263,185 bp (GC content: 25%), encodes 263 predicted CDSs (80% without an assigned function), 1 tRNA (Phe-tRNA), multisubunit RNA polymerase, and an RNA-dependent DNA polymerase. Moreover, comparative analysis revealed that DC4 can be considered a new viral species belonging to a new genus DC4 and showed a similar set of lytic proteins and depolymerase activity with closely related jumbo phages. The characterization of a new S. aureus jumbo phage increases our understanding of the diversity of this group and provides insights into the biotechnological potential of these viruses. KEY POINTS: • vB_SauM-UFV_DC4 is a new viral species belonging to a new genus within the class Caudoviricetes. • vB_SauM-UFV_DC4 carries a set of RNA polymerase subunits and an RNA-directed DNA polymerase. • vB_SauM-UFV_DC4 and closely related jumbo phages showed a similar set of lytic proteins.

Genetic diversity goals and targets have improved, but remain insufficient for clear implementation of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework.

Genetic diversity among and within populations of all species is necessary for people and nature to survive and thrive in a changing world. Over the past three years, commitments for conserving genetic diversity have become more ambitious and specific under the Convention on Biological Diversity's (CBD) draft post-2020 global biodiversity framework (GBF). This Perspective article comments on how goals and targets of the GBF have evolved, the improvements that are still needed, lessons learned from this process, and connections between goals and targets and the actions and reporting that will be needed to maintain, protect, manage and monitor genetic diversity. It is possible and necessary that the GBF strives to maintain genetic diversity within and among populations of all species, to restore genetic connectivity, and to develop national genetic conservation strategies, and to report on these using proposed, feasible indicators.

Innovative Functional Biomaterials as Therapeutic Wound Dressings for Chronic Diabetic Foot Ulcers.

The imbalance of local and systemic factors in individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM) delays, or even interrupts, the highly complex and dynamic process of wound healing, leading to diabetic foot ulceration (DFU) in 15 to 25% of cases. DFU is the leading cause of non-traumatic amputations worldwide, posing a huge threat to the well-being of individuals with DM and the healthcare system. Moreover, despite all the latest efforts, the efficient management of DFUs still remains a clinical challenge, with limited success rates in treating severe infections. Biomaterial-based wound dressings have emerged as a therapeutic strategy with rising potential to handle the tricky macro and micro wound environments of individuals with DM. Indeed, biomaterials have long been related to unique versatility, biocompatibility, biodegradability, hydrophilicity, and wound healing properties, features that make them ideal candidates for therapeutic applications. Furthermore, biomaterials may be used as a local depot of biomolecules with anti-inflammatory, pro-angiogenic, and antimicrobial properties, further promoting adequate wound healing. Accordingly, this review aims to unravel the multiple functional properties of biomaterials as promising wound dressings for chronic wound healing, and to examine how these are currently being evaluated in research and clinical settings as cutting-edge wound dressings for DFU management.

Formulation and performance evaluation of emulgel platform for combined skin delivery of curcumin and propolis.

The environment can modify the physiology and body protective function of the skin. Propolis (PRP) and curcumin (CUR) possess important antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, and they can be administered in a combined way and using photodynamic therapy (PDT). Emulgels can control drug release due to the physicochemical properties of the gel and the emulsion. They constitute a good strategy for achieving an improved platform for the combined delivery of PRP and CUR. There are no other studies of emulgels composed of PRP and CUR and their performance as antimicrobial and skin healing using or not PDT. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Carbopol 934 P (C934P), 974 P (C974P) or polycarbophil (PC) on physicochemical stability, antioxidant activity, drug release profile, antimicrobial activity, and ex vivo skin permeation and retention of emulgels containing PRP and CUR. Formulations containing C974P or PC displayed improved stability and antioxidant activity. They displayed activity against Staphylococcus aureus and modified (extended) drug release, governed mainly by non-Fickian anomalous transport. C974P and PC resulted in improved emulgels for combined CUR and PRP delivery, allowing the drugs to cross the stratum corneum, and permeate the epidermis, reaching the dermis. The selected emulgels are candidates for further studies to prove their action and benefits to skin health.

Understanding food waste-reducing platforms: A mini-review.

Food waste is one of the main obstacles to transitioning to sustainable and circular food systems. Food waste-reducing platforms (FWRPs) have emerged as low-cost alternatives by donating or commercializing surpluses and non-commercial food. However, as a recent phenomenon, little is known about their actual contribution to the fight against food waste. This study aims to employ a systematic review of the literature to understand the main issues of FWRPs. Our results indicate that technology plays multiple roles in FWRPs: enabling the sharing of surpluses by connecting supply and demand, monitoring and generating data on waste, among others. However, technology is insufficient for food recovery. FWRPs' business models must be aligned with the sustainability concept, encompassing environmental, economic and social benefits. Innovators must design and prototype solutions to address these various intended functions. This study points out many barriers to implementing these digital platforms, such as delivering multiple benefits for heterogeneous actors. Other barriers involve building trust and changing the behaviour of actors concerning their food habits. The scarcity of empirical studies has limited a better understanding of FWRPs and their actual ability to tackle food waste on a large scale. Despite the limitations found in the literature, digital platforms are an interesting solution to food waste management by promoting food waste prevention and reduction strategies at the source.

Inhibition of Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemases by mycocins produced by Wickerhamomyces anomalus.

New alternatives have been under study as treatment due to the problem of multidrug-resistant bacteria. Among them, Wickerhamomyces anomalus mycocins have shown a great potential against several microorganisms since they have high antimicrobial activity, as well as they can be used as fast available nutrients and stand several extreme conditions. In this way, Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemases inhibition by mycocins produced by W. anomalus is important. Microdilution assays were carried out to evaluate strains inhibition in liquid medium and the test in solid medium were carried out. Toxicity was evaluated by both hemolysis and Artemia salina Leach tests. W. anomalus supernatant showed 2.36 U/mg ß-glucanases activity, and antimicrobial activity was evidenced in 100% Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase strains up to 0.12 U/mg concentration. Besides, there was low toxicity in hemolysis and Artemia salina Leach tests. It is suggested that W. anomalus mycocins may be an alternative to develop new antimicrobial substances.

The Combined Relationship of Vitamin D and Weight-Bearing Sports Participation on Areal Bone Density and Geometry Among Adolescents: ABCD - Growth Study.

Osteoporosis is a public health problem, which negatively impacts society and national health services worldwide. Altered mineralization of the skeleton can be caused by persistent vitamin D deficiency. However, the combined impact of both on bone health is still under investigation. In fact, although there is compelling evidence in the literature about the positive effect of weight-bearing sports participation on bone mineral density, its impact on bone geometry gains more attention in pediatric population. The sports modalities that we evaluated were artistic gymnastics and track and field. Nonsports group was composed of 43 adolescents. Bone density was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Vitamin D concentration was assessed by blood analysis. In the crude comparison of bone outcomes, the sport group presented higher aBMD only in the trochanter (p-value = 0.040). Considering the combination of the engagement in sports and vitamin D, adolescents in the sports group presented significantly higher values of aBMD in lower limbs, whole body, trochanter, shaft, and femur whole body (p-value = 0.024, 0.035, 0.001, 0.019 and 0.003 respectly). In contrast, only the sport group with high vitamin D presented a higher CSA (p-value = 0.015) and femur neck aBMD compared to the non-sport/low vitamin D group. Only adolescents with a combination of sports participation and higher serum concentrations of vitamin D presented better bone geometry, denoting the relevance of the combination of both factors to bone health.

Effects of Complex Physical Therapy and Multimodal Approaches on Lymphedema Secondary to Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

OBJECTIVE: What are the immediate, short-term, and long-term effects of complex physical therapy and multimodal approaches on lymphedema secondary to breast cancer? DATA SOURCES: Four electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, Physiotherapy Evidence Database) were searched from inception up to August 2020. STUDY SELECTION: Randomized controlled trials comparing complex physical therapy and multimodal approaches to the conservative treatment of lymphedema secondary to breast cancer. DATA EXTRACTION: Two independent researchers performed data extraction and assessed the risk of bias, respectively, using the predefined form and Cochrane Collaboration of Risk of Bias. The determination of evidence quality was carried out using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation tools. DATA SYNTHESIS: Fourteen studies were identified for the systematic review and 11 studies for the meta-analysis with standardized mean difference (SMD), 95% CI, and random-effect model. The common outcomes involved total volume, pain, and physical function of the upper limb. Complex physical therapy has shown a favorable tendency to control outcomes in the short- and long-term. The meta-analysis indicated a small effect for volume reduction (SMD, -0.18; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.35 to 0.00) and a moderate effect for short-term pain reduction (SMD, -0.61; 95% CI, -1.19 to -0.02). CONCLUSIONS: High-quality evidence suggests a more significant effect of complex physical therapy on multimodal approaches to the control of the upper limb total volume, substantiating the absence of changes in the current clinical practice in the management of lymphedema secondary to breast cancer. Future research should aim to identify concrete effect of therapeutic modalities in the immediate-, short-, and long-term.

First report of Leishmania RNA virus 1 in Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis clinical isolates from Rio de Janeiro State - Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Leishmania parasites carry a double-stranded RNA virus (Leishmania RNA virus - LRV) that has been divided in LRV1 and LRV2. OBJECTIVES: Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis clinical isolates were assessed in order to determine LRV presence. METHODS: Two-round polymerase chain reaction (PCR and nested PCR) was performed to detect LRV1 or LRV2 in L. (V.) braziliensis clinical isolates (n = 12). FINDINGS: LRV1 was detected in three clinical isolates which was phylogenetically related to other sequences reported from other American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL) endemic areas of Brazil. Patients infected with L. (V.) braziliensis LRV-negative showed only cutaneous lesions while LRV-positive reported different manifestations. MAIN CONCLUSION: Data presented here show for the first time that LRV1 is circulating in L. (V.) braziliensis clinical isolates from Rio de Janeiro State in Brazil.

Dielectric Dispersion Modulated Sensing of Yeast Suspension Electroporation.

A specific pulsed electric field protocol can be used to induce electroporation. This is used in the food industry for yeast pasteurization, in laboratories for generic transfer and the medical field for cancer treatment. The sensing of electroporation can be done with simple 'instantaneous' voltage-current analysis. However, there are some intrinsic low-frequency phenomena superposing the electroporation current, such as electrode polarization. The biological media are non-homogeneous, giving them specific characterization in the broad frequency spectrum. For example, the cell barrier, i.e., cell membrane, causes so called ß-dispersion in the frequency range of tens to thousands of kHz. Electroporation is a dynamic phenomenon characterized by altering the cell membrane permeability. In this work, we show that the impedance measurement at certain frequencies could be used to detect the occurrence of electroporation, i.e., dielectric dispersion modulated sensing. This approach may be used for the design and implementation of electroporation systems. Yeast suspension electroporation is simulated to show changes in the frequency spectrum. Moreover, the alteration depends on characteristics of the system. Three types of external buffers and their characteristics are evaluated.

Poly(o-methoxyaniline) Chain Degradation Based on a Heat Treatment (HT) Process: Combined Experimental and Theoretical Evaluation.

Poly(o-methoxyaniline) emeraldine-salt form (ES-POMA) was chemically synthesized using hydrochloric acid and subjected to a heat treatment (HT) process for 1 h at 100 °C (TT100) and 200 °C (TT200). The HT process promoted a progressive decrease in crystallinity. The Le Bail method revealed a decomposition from tetrameric to trimeric-folded chains after the HT process. The unheated POMA-ES presented a globular vesicular morphology with varied micrometric sizes. The heat treatment promoted a reduction in these globular structures, increasing the non-crystalline phase. The boundary length (S) and connectivity/Euler feature (χ) parameters were calculated from the SEM images, revealing that ES-POMA presented a wide distribution of heights. The TT100 and TT200 presented a narrow boundary distribution, suggesting smoother surfaces with smaller height variations. The UV-VIS analysis revealed that the transition at 343 nm (nonlocal π → π*) was more intense in the TT200 due to the electronic delocalization, which resulted from the reduced polymer chain caused by the HT process. In addition to the loss of conjugation, counter ion withdrawal reduced the ion-chain interaction, decreasing the local electron density. This result shows the influence of the chlorine counter ions on the peaks position related to the HOMO → LUMO transition, since the π → polaron transition occurs due to the creation of the energy states due to the presence of counter ions. Finally, the electrical conductivity decreased after the HT process from 1.4 × 10-4 S.cm-1 to 2.4 × 10-6 S.cm-1 as result of the polymer deprotonation/degradation. Thus, this paper proposed a systematic evaluation of the POMA molecular structure and crystallite size and shape after heat treatment.

Thermosensitive gel based on cellulose derivative for topical delivery of propolis in acne treatment.

Thermosensitive bioadhesive formulations can display increased retention time, skin permeation, and improve the topical therapy of many drugs. Acne is an inflammatory process triggered by several factors like the proliferation of the bacteria Propionibacterium acnes. Aiming for a new alternative treatment with a natural source, propolis displays great potential due to its antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties. This study describes the development of bioadhesive thermoresponsive platform with cellulose derivatives and poloxamer 407 for propolis skin delivery. Propolis ethanolic extract (PES) was added to the formulations with sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and poloxamer 407 (Polox). The formulations were characterized as rheology, bioadhesion, and mechanical analysis. The selected formulations were investigated as in vitro propolis release, cytotoxicity, ex vivo skin permeation by Fourier Transform Infrared Photoacoustic Spectroscopy, and the activity against P. acnes. Formulations showed suitable sol-gel transition temperature, shear-thinning behavior, and texture profile. CMC presence decreased the cohesiveness and adhesiveness of formulations. Polox/HPMC/PES system displayed less cytotoxicity, modified propolis release governed by anomalous transport, skin permeation, and activity against P. acnes. These results indicate important advantages in the topical treatment of acne and suggest a potential formulation for clinical evaluation.

Leiomyosarcoma of the inferior vena cava as etiology of chronic abdominal pains - a case report.

Inferior vena cava leiomyosarcomas are rare tumors that account for less than 0.7% of all retroperitoneal leiomyosarcomas. They are more common in women and cause nonspecific chronic abdominal pain. In this report, we present the case of a 53-year-old female patient complaining of chronic nonspecific periumbilical abdominal pain with initial onset 8 months previously who was diagnosed with inferior vena cava leiomyosarcoma by computed tomography angiography. The patient was treated with complete resection of the tumor and reconstruction of the inferior vena cava with interposition of a Dacron prosthetic graft. The treatment considered the gold standard consists of complete surgical excision, because these tumors are resistant to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The prognosis of these patients is closely related to early diagnosis. Therefore, it is very important that vascular and general surgeons know that this disease is a possible differential diagnosis of chronic abdominal pains.

Advertising patterns of a fast-food chain on social media in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the advertising patterns on the posts of a fast-food chain in Brazil on three social media platforms in 2019. DESIGN: An exploratory cross-sectional study. SETTING: Advertising strategies on the posts of a major fast-food chain on their official Facebook, Instagram and YouTube accounts. The strategies were investigated according to the INFORMAS protocol for food promotion monitoring. Principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to identify advertising patterns in each platform. PARTICIPANTS: 305 advertisements. RESULTS: Four advertising patterns were identified in the PCA of Facebook and Instagram. In both platforms, the components for kids and product exaltation were similar. On Facebook, a pattern corresponding to economic appeal was identified as price and discount, while on Instagram, this pattern also included a practical approach. On Facebook, the fourth component was named celebrity, while on Instagram it was celebrity/innovation since on this second social media the component also included the 'new brand development' variable. On YouTube, three advertising patterns were identified in PCA. Similar to the other platforms, the first and the second patterns were called for kids and price and discount, and the third component referred to both celebrity and commemorative dates. CONCLUSIONS: The advertising patterns of the fast-food chain on three social media platforms were commonly directed to children and addressed price, discounts and the celebrities' universe. The findings of this study corroborate other data in the literature regarding unhealthy food advertising on social media. This study discusses the urgency of regulating food advertising content on this medium.

Unravelling the Immunotoxicity of Polycaprolactone Nanoparticles-Effects of Polymer Molecular Weight, Hydrolysis, and Blends.

Poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) is a biodegradable polyester that has FDA and CE approval as a medical device. Nonetheless, the lack of toxicity exhibited by the polymer cannot be extrapolated to its nanomaterial conformation. Despite PCL-based NPs being widely studied in the biomedical field for their advantages as controlled drug delivery systems, little data describe PCL NPs' toxicity, particularly immunotoxicity. This work assessed different PCL-based delivery systems intended for protein delivery regarding their immunotoxicity and hemocompatibility. Two different molecular weight PCL polymers were used, as well as blends with chitosan and glucan. Results showed that the presence of NaOH during the production of PCL2 NPs and PCL2/glucan NPs induced PCL alkali hydrolysis, generating more reactive groups (carboxyl and hydroxyl) that contributed to an increased toxicity of the NPs (higher reduction in peripheral blood mononuclear cell viability and lower hemocompatibility). PCL2/glucan NPs showed an anti-inflammatory activity characterized by the inhibition of LPS stimulated nitric oxide (NO) and TNF-α. In conclusion, generalizations among different PCL NP delivery systems must be avoided, and immunotoxicity assessments should be performed in the early stage of product development to increase the clinical success of the nanomedicine.

Effects of low level laser therapy in cancer cells-a systematic review of the literature.

The aim of the present study was to conduct a systematic review regarding the use of photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy in tumoral cells, addressing the different types of lasers and parameters used. An electronic search was performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE databases. The inclusion criteria were being an in vitro study, with tumoral cells, and have at least one group of treatment with low-power laser and a control group (without treatment). Were excluded studies that used only non-carcinogenic cells, in vivo studies, studies that used high-power laser or the association with photosensitizers. The primary outcome evaluated was the cellular viability, and the secondary outcomes were the apoptosis rate and gene and inflammatory mediators' expression. Nineteen studies were identified among the lists of citations of studies that met the exclusion/inclusion criteria. There is a wide divergence regarding the wavelengths and doses used, as well as the type of laser, and each variation leads to different results, with some studies showing an increase in cell proliferation, while other studies showed a decrease. It is possible to suggest that PBM can be used in cancerous lesions in order to decrease the proliferation of these cells depending on the parameters used; however, the lack of standardization of laser irradiation protocols for in vitro investigations does not allow the establishment of ideal parameters for this purpose. Therefore, PBM should be used with caution in cancer patients until more studies are performed.