Interspecific association between two primatespecies in an urban park / Associação interespecífica entre duas espécies de primatas em um parque urbano

As with Amazonian primates, mixed associations between species in the Atlantic Forest are also influenced by ecological factors. However, Atlantic Forest primates may face additional challenges, such as isolation pressures and fragmentation of forest habitats, which may increase the frequency of these arrangements. The main of this work is to report a sympatry with possible interaction between individuals of two species of primates of the Pitheciidae and Callitrichidae families: Callicebus nigrifrons (Spix 1823) and Callithrix aurita (É. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire 1812) in an urban park in the south of the state of Minas Gerais. Individuals were observed interacting during foraging and displacement. The association of individuals of the two species can be explained by the low quality of the forest fragment, as it can increases the chances of obtaining food resources and configures a dilution strategy against predator attacks.

Assim como ocorre com os primatas amazônicos, as associações mistas entre espécies na Mata Atlântica também são influenciadas por fatores ecológicos. No entanto, os primatas da Mata Atlântica podem enfrentar desafios adicionais, como pressões de isolamento e fragmentação de habitats florestais, que podem aumentar a frequência desses arranjos. O objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar um relato de simpatia com possível interação entre indivíduos de duas espécies de primatas das famílias Pitheciidae e Callitrichidae: Callicebus nigrifrons (Spix 1823) e Callithrix Resumo aurita (É. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire 1812) em um parque urbano no sul do estado de Minas Gerais. Foram observados indivíduos interagindo durante o forrageio e deslocamento. A associação de indivíduos das duas espécies pode ser explicada devido à baixa qualidade do fragmento florestal, pois pode aumentar as chances de obter recursos alimentares e configura uma estratégia de diluição de contra-ataques de predadores.

Morphology and phylogenetic implications of the inclinatores dorsales for the galeomorph sharks (Chondrichthyes: Elasmobranchii).

Elasmobranchs have been studied in anatomical terms for nearly 200 years, but several elements of their anatomy, such as the dorsal fin musculature, have not been completely addressed and still lack detailed descriptions. In this context, the present study investigates the anatomical variation of the muscles inclinatores dorsales across galeomorph sharks, shedding new light on their evolution. We have observed that the inclinatores dorsales have two distinct components, being composed of a profundus and a superficialis component. Additionally, we have uncovered, through an anatomical comparative analysis, that the variation present in these muscles is considerably greater than previously considered, indicating some characteristics never described before, for instance the presence or absence of the inclinatores dorsales at the free rear tip of the first dorsal fin. Moreover, our findings for the inclinatores dorsales are different from their previous interpretation in the context of the hypnosqualean hypothesis, reinforcing the need for a reevaluation of previous morphological characters. Lastly, we discuss our findings in relation to the most recent interrelationships of elasmobranchs.

White shark comparison reveals a slender body for the extinct megatooth shark, Otodus megalodon (Lamniformes: Otodontidae).

The megatooth shark, †Otodus megalodon, which likely reached at least 15 m in total length, is an iconic extinct shark represented primarily by its gigantic teeth in the Neogene fossil record. As one of the largest marine carnivores to ever exist, understanding the biology, evolution, and extinction of †O. megalodon is important because it had a significant impact on the ecology and evolution of marine ecosystems that shaped the present-day oceans. Some attempts inferring the body form of †O. megalodon have been carried out, but they are all speculative due to the lack of any complete skeleton. Here we highlight the fact that the previous total body length estimated from vertebral diameters of the extant white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) for an †O. megalodon individual represented by an incomplete vertebral column is much shorter than the sum of anteroposterior lengths of those fossil vertebrae. This factual evidence indicates that †O. megalodon had an elongated body relative to the body of the modern white shark. Although its exact body form remains unknown, this proposition represents the most parsimonious empirical evidence, which is a significant step towards deciphering the body form of †O. megalodon.

[Rapid review: effectiveness of the Wolbachia strategy for arbovirus controlRevisión sistemática rápida: efectividad de la estrategia de control con Wolbachia en la lucha contra las arbovirosis]. / Revisão sistemática rápida: Efetividade da estratégia Wolbachia para enfrentamento às arboviroses.

Objective: To identify and synthesize evidence of the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the Wolbachia-Aedes methodology for reducing cases of arboviral infection. Methodology: Rapid systematic review. A search of five online portals and bibliographic databases was conducted in February 2022. Two reviewers conducted the selection stages, with any disagreements resolved by a third investigator. Data were extracted by one reviewer and subsequently checked by another. The inclusion criteria were studies describing the cost-effectiveness and effectiveness of the Wolbachia-Aedes methodology, based on field interventions, published in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, with no restrictions on date of publication. Results: Four studies were included: one cluster randomized trial, two quasi-experimental studies, and one pre-post study, published between 2019 and 2021 in four countries. The included studies reported effectiveness for some of the outcomes of interest, such as a reduction in the incidence of dengue, Zika, and chikungunya cases. Although no experimental studies addressing the cost-effectiveness of the Wolbachia-Aedes strategy were identified, some modeling studies have demonstrated potential cost-benefit of this methodology. Conclusion: Considering the results of the included studies, Wolbachia has the potential to be an economically effective strategy that leads to reductions in the incidence of dengue, Zika, and chikungunya. Nevertheless, this strategy cannot yet be recommended as a public policy; additional large-scale studies with high methodological quality are still needed to inform political decision-making.

Objetivo: Señalar y sintetizar la evidencia sobre efectividad y costo-efectividad de la metodología de control de Aedes con Wolbachia para reducir los casos de arbovirosis. Método: Revisión sistemática rápida, con una búsqueda realizada en febrero del 2022 en cinco portales de búsqueda y bases de datos bibliográficas en línea. Las fases de selección estuvieron a cargo de dos revisores y la resolución de conflictos se asignó a un tercero. Un revisor extrajo los datos y luego otro los verificó. Los criterios de inclusión fueron: estudios que describieran la efectividad y la relación costo-efectividad de la metodología de control de Aedes con Wolbachia, basados en intervenciones sobre el terreno, publicados en portugués, inglés o español, sin restricciones en cuanto a la fecha de publicación. Resultados: Se incluyeron cuatro estudios, un ensayo aleatorizado por conglomerados, dos estudios cuasiexperimentales y uno de tipo antes-después, publicados entre el 2019 y el 2021 en cuatro países. En los estudios se obtuvieron resultados de efectividad en algunos de los criterios de valoración evaluados, como la reducción de la incidencia de casos de dengue, enfermedad de Zika y chikunguña. Aunque no se han encontrado estudios experimentales que aborden la costo-efectividad de la estrategia de control de Aedes con Wolbachia, algunos estudios de modelización han demostrado el posible costo-beneficio de esta estrategia. Conclusión: Teniendo en cuenta los resultados presentados, se puede concluir que la estrategia de control con Wolbachia tiene potencial para ser económicamente efectiva y conducir a una reducción de la incidencia de casos de dengue, enfermedad de Zika y chikunguña. Sin embargo, a pesar de ello, no es posible recomendar la estrategia como política pública, puesto que se requieren todavía más estudios a gran escala y de gran calidad metodológica para apoyar la toma de decisiones en materia de políticas.

SpiN-Tec: A T cell-based recombinant vaccine that is safe, immunogenic, and shows high efficacy in experimental models challenged with SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern.

The emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern associated with waning immunity induced by natural infection or vaccines currently in use suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic will become endemic. Investing in new booster vaccines using different platforms is a promising way to enhance protection and keep the disease under control. Here, we evaluated the immunogenicity, efficacy, and safety of the SpiN-Tec vaccine, based on a chimeric recombinant protein (SpiN) adjuvanted with CTVad1 (MF59-based adjuvant), aiming at boosting immunity against variants of concern of SARS-CoV-2. Immunization of K18-hACE-2 transgenic mice and hamsters induced high antibody titers and cellular immune response to the SpiN protein as well as to its components, RBD and N proteins. Importantly in a heterologous prime/boost protocol with a COVID-19 vaccine approved for emergency use (ChAdOx1), SpiN-Tec enhanced the level of circulation neutralizing antibodies (nAb). In addition to protection against the Wuhan isolate, protection against the Delta and Omicron variants was also observed as shown by reduced viral load and lung pathology. Toxicity and safety tests performed in rats demonstrated that the SpiN-Tec vaccine was safe and, based on these results, the SpiN-Tec phase I/II clinical trial was approved.

Association between delta anion gap/delta bicarbonate and outcome of surgical patients admitted to intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing high-risk surgeries with acid-based disorders are associated with poor outcomes. The screening of mixed acid-based metabolic disorders by calculating delta anion gap (AG)/delta bicarbonate (Bic) has a clinically relevant role in patients with high AG metabolic acidosis (MA), however its utility in individuals facing high-risk surgical procedures remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: Characterize metabolic acidosis using delta-AG/delta-Bic and its associations in patients undergoing high-risk surgeries with possible outcome-related complications. DESIGN: Prospective observational multicentric study. SETTING: Three tertiary hospitals in Brazil. PATIENTS: Patients undergoing high-risk surgeries, aged 18 years or older, requiring postoperative critical care. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patients undergoing high-risk surgeries monitored during the postoperative phase across three distinct intensive care units (ICUs), with assessment encompassing laboratory analyses upon admission and 24 h thereafter. Patients with MA and with elevated AG within 24 h were separated into 3 subgroups: [G1 - delta-AG/delta-Bic < 1.0] MA associated with hyperchloremia; [G2 - delta-AG/delta-Bic between 1.0 and 1.6] MA and no mixed disorders; and [G3 - delta-AG/delta-Bic > 1.6] MA associated with alkalosis. Primary endpoint was 30-day mortality. The secondary endpoints were cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, neurological, coagulation and infective complications. RESULTS: From the 621 surgical patients admitted to ICU, 421 (51.7%) had any type of acidosis. After 24 h, 140 patients remained with MA with elevated AG (G1: 101, G2: 18, and G3: 21). When compared to patients from subgroups 1 and 3, the subgroup with no mixed disorders 2 showed higher 30-day mortality (adjusted HR = 3.72; 95% CI 1.11-12.89, p = 0.001), cardiovascular complications (p = 0.001), ICU mortality (p = 0.03) and sum of all complications during the ICU period (p = 0.021). CONCLUSION: In the postoperative time, patients with metabolic acidosis and no mixed disorders present higher ICU-Mortality and higher cardiovascular postoperative complications when compared with patients with combined hyperchloremia or alkalosis. Delta-AG/delta-Bic can be a useful tool to evaluate major clinical outcomes in this population.

Determining Absolute Configuration of Small Molecules by Diffusion NMR Experiments.

Enantiomers are ubiquitous in many areas of science, such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and food. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) alone is not able to differentiate enantiomers as their spectra are identical. However, these can be distinguished using chiral auxiliaries (such as chiral complexing agents) that form diastereomeric complexes, but absolute identification is still troublesome, usually requiring a chemical reaction with a chiral derivatizing agent. Here, we propose a new method that uses a hybrid mixture of solvating agents in a simple comparison of diffusion NMR experiments, which can discriminate enantiomers in both frequency and diffusion domains, dubbed CHIMERA (CHIral Micelle Enantiomer Resolving Agent). The new method was assessed for twenty-three small chiral molecules using a combination of BINOL and (-)-DMEB, a chiral surfactant, and initial results indicate that absolute configuration can be obtained from a simple experiment.

Exploring yeast glucans for vaccine enhancement: Sustainable strategies for overcoming adjuvant challenges in a SARS-CoV-2 model.

Vaccine adjuvants are important for enhancing vaccine efficacy, and although aluminium salts (Alum) are the most used, their limited ability to induce specific immune responses has spurred the search for new adjuvants. However, many adjuvants fail during product development due to manufacturability, supply, stability, or safety concerns. This work hypothesizes that protein-free yeast glucans can be used as vaccine adjuvants due to their known immunostimulatory activity and high abundancy. Thus, high molecular weight glucans with over 99% purity, comprising 64-70% ß-glucans and 29-35% α-glucans, were extracted from a wild-type yeast and an engineered yeast to produce a steviol glycoside. These glucans underwent carboxymethylation to enhance solubility. Both water-dispersible and particulate glucans were evaluated as adjuvants, either alone or in combination with Alum or squalene stable emulsion (SE), for a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. The study demonstrated that glucans triggered a robust immune response and enhanced the effects of Alum and SE when used in combination, both in vitro and in vivo. Water-dispersible glucans combined with Alum, and particulate glucans combined with SE, increased the production of specific antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and enhanced serum neutralization titers against SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus. Furthermore, the results indicated that larger molecular weight glucans from engineered yeast exhibited stronger immunogenic activity in comparison to wild-type yeast glucans. In conclusion, appropriately formulated glucans have the potential to be scalable, low-cost vaccine adjuvants, potentially overcoming the limitations of current adjuvants.

Nursing Practice Environments in Hospitals: A Comparative Study between Portugal and Brazil.

Background: Assessing the elements of nursing practice environments is crucial, as investing in their improvement will enhance outcomes for nurses, patients, and organizations. Moreover, comparing practice environments from different countries improves the definition of cross-cutting guidelines that can be applied in various contexts. Thus, this study aims to evaluate nursing practice environments in hospitals in Portugal and Brazil. Methods: A multicenter and cross-sectional study was conducted in eight Portuguese and eight Brazilian hospitals. Five hundred eighty-two nurses completed a survey regarding their sociodemographic and professional attributes, as well as the Scale for the Environments Evaluation of Professional Nursing Practice. The data were subjected to comparative analyses between the two countries. We adhered to ethical requirements in both participating countries. Results: In Brazil, the Structure, Process, and Outcome components were considered favorable to the quality of care and well-being of nurses. In Portugal, nurses considered the Structure and Outcome components favorable and the Process component very favorable. Statistically significant differences were found between the two countries in several dimensions of the three subscales. The Structure and Outcome components scored significantly better in hospitals in Brazil, and the Process component scored better in Portuguese hospitals. Conclusions: These conclusions underscore the urgent need for investment in continuous training and a culture of evaluation that promotes continuous improvement. Additionally, promoting the involvement and participation of nurses could simultaneously contribute to the development of more sustainable health systems.

Artificial Intelligence in the Organization of Nursing Care: A Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND: The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in the organization of nursing care has continually evolved, driven by the need for innovative solutions to ensure quality of care. The aim is to synthesize the evidence on the use of artificial intelligence in the organization of nursing care. METHODS: A scoping review was carried out based on the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, in the MEDLINE, CINAHL Complete, Business Source Ultimate and Scopus® databases. We used ProQuest-Dissertations and Theses to search gray literature. RESULTS: Ten studies were evaluated, identifying AI-mediated tools used in the organization of nursing care, and synthesized into three tool models, namely monitoring and prediction, decision support, and interaction and communication technologies. The contributions of using these tools in the organization of nursing care include improvements in operational efficiency, decision support and diagnostic accuracy, advanced interaction and efficient communication, logistical support, workload relief, and ongoing professional development. CONCLUSIONS: AI tools such as automated alert systems, predictive algorithms, and decision support transform nursing by increasing efficiency, accuracy, and patient-centered care, improving communication, reducing errors, and enabling earlier interventions with safer and more efficient quality care.

[Cooperative Intelligence Platform for Primary Health Care (Picaps): techno-scientific solutions in digital health to confront COVID-19 and other crises]. / Plataforma de Inteligência Cooperativa com a Atenção Primária à Saúde (Picaps): soluções tecnocientíficas em saúde digital no enfrentamento da COVID-19 e outras crises.

The arrival of COVID-19 in Brazil had a marked impact on the health network as well as on the professionals involved, due to the significant number of cases and constantly updated information. In this context, the Cooperative Intelligence Platform for Primary Health Care - Picaps - is set up as a technological platform that assists by systematizing the communication and negotiation processes among actors, with a focus on science and technology. This article sets out to describe the processes of Picaps, which consist of a collaborative system conceived of as a public solution capable of generating innovations in the areas of Science, Technology and Health, in order to tackle COVID-19 in territories with populations in socially vulnerable situations in the Federal District (DF). It integrates data collection and processing, as well as the dissemination of information for its use, both at the governmental and societal levels. Picaps can be seen as a powerful government instrument to help societies across the country, especially those in vulnerable situations, capable of assisting in the use of cooperative intelligence in primary care and health surveillance actions to build innovative solutions such as rapid responses to face health crises in modern times.

A chegada da COVID-19 ao Brasil gerou grande impacto no sistema de saúde, bem como em seus profissionais, com o elevado número de casos e informações constantemente publicadas. Nesse contexto, criou-se a Plataforma de Inteligência Cooperativa para a Atenção Primária à Saúde (Picaps), uma plataforma tecnológica que ajuda a sistematizar os processos de comunicação e negociação de atores, tendo como foco a ciência e a tecnologia. O presente trabalho tem como objetivo descrever os processos da Picaps, sendo esta constituída por um sistema colaborativo concebido como solução pública capaz de gerar inovações nas áreas de ciência, tecnologia e saúde para o enfrentamento da COVID-19 no Distrito Federal (DF). Nela integram-se processos de coleta e tratamento de dados, além da disseminação de informações visando o seu uso tanto em nível governamental quanto em nível societal. A Picaps pode ser vista como um poderoso instrumento governamental para auxiliar sociedades espalhadas pelo país, sobretudo as que se encontram em situação de vulnerabilidade, com capacidade de nortear o uso da inteligência cooperativa em ações de atenção primária e vigilância em saúde para construção de soluções inovadoras como respostas rápidas para o enfrentamento de crises sanitárias em tempos contemporâneos.

Context-dependent agricultural intensification pathways to increase rice production in India.

Yield gap analysis is used to characterize the untapped production potential of cropping systems. With emerging large-n agronomic datasets and data science methods, pathways for narrowing yield gaps can be identified that provide actionable insights into where and how cropping systems can be sustainably intensified. Here we characterize the contributing factors to rice yield gaps across seven Indian states, with a case study region used to assess the power of intervention targeting. Primary yield constraints in the case study region were nitrogen and irrigation, but scenario analysis suggests modest average yield gains with universal adoption of higher nitrogen rates. When nitrogen limited fields are targeted for practice change (47% of the sample), yield gains are predicted to double. When nitrogen and irrigation co-limitations are targeted (20% of the sample), yield gains more than tripled. Results suggest that analytics-led strategies for crop intensification can generate transformative advances in productivity, profitability, and environmental outcomes.

"Pink power"-the importance of coralline algal beds in the oceanic carbon cycle.

Current evidence suggests that macroalgal-dominated habitats are important contributors to the oceanic carbon cycle, though the role of those formed by calcifiers remains controversial. Globally distributed coralline algal beds, built by pink coloured rhodoliths and maerl, cover extensive coastal shelf areas of the planet, but scarce information on their productivity, net carbon flux dynamics and carbonate deposits hampers assessing their contribution to the overall oceanic carbon cycle. Here, our data, covering large bathymetrical (2-51 m) and geographical ranges (53°N-27°S), show that coralline algal beds are highly productive habitats that can express substantial carbon uptake rates (28-1347 g C m-2 day-1), which vary in function of light availability and species composition and exceed reported estimates for other major macroalgal habitats. This high productivity, together with their substantial carbonate deposits (0.4-38 kilotons), renders coralline algal beds as highly relevant contributors to the present and future oceanic carbon cycle.

Biomarker Profiling of Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma Only and with Synchronous or Metachronous Bladder Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Molecular profiling in upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) with synchronous or metachronous urothelial bladder cancer (UBC) is scarce. We intended to assess immunohistochemical (IHC) and genetic differences between UTUC-only and UTUC with synchronous or metachronous UBC (UTUC + UBC) and evaluate the effect of subsequent UBC on the outcome of UTUC patients stratified by luminal-basal subtypes. METHODS: A retrospective cohort of UTUC was divided into UTUC-only (n = 71) and UTUC + UBC (n = 43). IHC expression of cytokeratin 5/6 (CK5/6), CK20, GATA3, and p53 was evaluated to assess relevant subtypes. Genetic characterization comprised TERTp, FGFR3, RAS, and TP53 status. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses estimated the effect of clinicopathological variables and molecular profiles on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of UTUC patients. RESULTS: No meaningful differences were detected among both subgroups according to luminal-basal stratification and genetic analysis. UTUC + UBC was independently associated with a worse PFS when stratified by luminal-basal phenotype (HR 3.570, CI 95% 1.508-8.453, p = 0.004) but with no impact in OS (HR 1.279, CI 95% 0.513-3.190, p = 0.597). CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals that both subgroups exhibited equivalent genomic features and luminal-basal subtypes. The involvement of the bladder relates to shorter PFS but does not seem to influence the survival outcome of UTUC, independently of the IHC phenotype.

Detecting the Sigma Phase in Duplex Stainless Steel by Magnetic Noise and First Harmonic Analysis.

Non-destructive electromagnetic tests based on magnetic noise analysis have been developed to study, among others, residual stress, heat treatment outcomes, and harmful microstructures in terms of toughness. When subjected to thermal cycles above 550 °C, duplex stainless steels form an extremely hard and chromium-rich constituent that, if it is superior to 5%, compromises the steel's corrosion resistance and toughness. In the present work, a study was carried out concerning the interaction of excitation waves with duplex stainless steel. Hence, by analyzing the magnetic noise and variations in the amplitude of the first harmonic of the excitation waves, the detection of the deleterious sigma phase in SAF 2205 steel is studied. To simplify the test, a Hall effect sensor replaced the pick-up coil placed on the opposite surface of the excitation coil. Sinusoidal excitation waves of 5 Hz and 25 Hz with amplitudes ranging from 0.25 V to 9 V were applied to samples with different amounts of the sigma phase, and the microstructures were characterized by scanning electron microscopy. The results show that the best testing condition consists of applying waves with amplitudes from 1 V to 2 V and using the first harmonic amplitude. Thus, the test proved effective for detecting the formation of the deleterious sigma phase and can follow the ability to absorb energy by impact and, thus, the material embrittlement.

How can quantum computing be applied in clinical trial design and optimization?

Clinical trials are necessary for assessing the safety and efficacy of treatments. However, trial timelines are severely delayed with minimal success due to a multitude of factors, including imperfect trial site selection, cohort recruitment challenges, lack of efficacy, absence of reliable biomarkers, etc. Each of these factors possesses a unique computational challenge, such as data management, trial simulations, statistical analyses, and trial optimization. Recent advancements in quantum computing offer a promising opportunity to overcome these hurdles. In this opinion we uniquely explore the application of quantum optimization and quantum machine learning (QML) to the design and execution of clinical trials. We examine the current capabilities and limitations of quantum computing and outline its potential to streamline clinical trials.

Advanced Polymeric Scaffolds for Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine.

Polymeric scaffolds play a pivotal role in tissue engineering (TE) and regenerative medicine strategies, as they offer the possibility to closely mimic the architectural features of the native tissues' extracellular matrix (ECM) and support cell performance both in vitro and in vivo, creating a favourable regenerative microenvironment [...].

Exploring the Therapeutic Implications of Co-Targeting the EGFR and Spindle Assembly Checkpoint Pathways in Oral Cancer.

Head and neck cancer (HNC), the sixth most common cancer worldwide, is increasing in incidence, with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) as the predominant subtype. OSCC mainly affects middle-aged to elderly males, often occurring on the posterior lateral border of the tongue, leading to significant disfigurement and functional impairments, such as swallowing and speech difficulties. Despite advancements in understanding OSCC's genetic and epigenetic variations, survival rates for advanced stages remain low, highlighting the need for new treatment options. Primary treatment includes surgery, often combined with radiotherapy (RT) and chemotherapy (CT). Cetuximab-based chemotherapy, targeting the overexpressed epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in 80-90% of HNCs, is commonly used but correlates with poor prognosis. Additionally, monopolar spindle 1 (MPS1), a spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) component, is a significant target due to its role in genomic fidelity during mitosis and its overexpression in several cancers. This review explores EGFR and MPS1 as therapeutic targets in HNC, analyzing their molecular mechanisms and the effects of their inhibition on cancer cells. It also highlights the promise of combinatorial approaches, such as microtubule-targeting agents (MTAs) and antimitotic agents, in improving HNC therapies, patient outcomes, and survival rates.

Association of sedentary behavior and physical activity with occurrence of signs and symptoms in participants of a cardiac rehabilitation program.

Sedentary behavior (SB) is associated with health impairments, while physical activity (PA) has been a protective factor. It is unclear whether SB and PA are associated with occurrence of signs and/or symptoms (SS) during cardiac rehabilitation program (CRP) exercise sessions. The objective was to evaluate the association between SB and PA with occurrence of SS. Was included 48 patients from a CRP program (64.7 ± 10.4 years-old). Daily time and % of time of SB and weekly time in moderate-to-vigorous-intensity [MVPA], % of MVPA time, steps/day, and steps/minute were accelerometer-measured. Patients were followed-up during 24 CRP sessions, for accompaniment of SS. Age, sex, and comorbidities (hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity) were covariates. Log-transformed values of SB, MVPA and steps/day were also analyzed. As results, 43.7% (n = 21) of participants presented occurrence of signs, 62.5% (n = 30) presented occurrence of symptoms, and 81.2% (n = 39) present occurrence of SS. In fully adjusted model, % of time in MVPA (ß: -0.449,p = 0.045) and steps/minute (ß: -0.244,p = 0.026) were inversely associated with occurrence of symptoms. No association was observed between SB and PA and occurrence of signs. The occurrence of symptoms and SS among CRP participants was directly associated with SB and inversely associated with variables of PA.