Short Communication: Rotavirus Group A Occurrence in Rural Water Source Samples in a Midwest Region State of Brazil, Comparing Wet and Dry Seasons.

Identified as a potential reference pathogen by the WHO Guidelines for Drinking-Water Quality, Rotavirus (RV) is among the main enteric viruses that cause waterborne diseases. The aim of this study was to identify and correlate the presence of RV in collective and individual water sources of rural communities in the state of Goiás, within the seasons in which the collections were made (rainy and dry seasons). For this, 86 water samples in the dry period and 160 samples in the rainy period were collected. Concentration of water samples, extraction of viral genetic material and molecular tests were performed. When analyzing the presence of RV in the samples, taking into consideration the period studied, RV was found to be more prevalent in the dry season (54.7%) than in the rainy season (20%), showing a strong statistical association with the dry season (p-value < 0.001). The presence of pathogenic microorganisms in water is a public risk issue, enabling the emergence of outbreaks, endemics and epidemics. In the present research, there was an association between the presence of Rotavirus and the dry period of the year when compared to the rainy period.

Pollution control and biodiesel production with microalgae: new perspectives on the use of flat panel photobioreactors regarding variation in volume application rate.

In the present study, the microalga Arthrospira platensis DHR 20 was cultivated in vertical flat-plate photobioreactors (FPBRs) to bioremediate anaerobically digested cattle wastewater (ACWW) and used as a growth substrate. The final objective was to evaluate the properties of the oil extracted from this biomass to determine its potential for biodiesel production. The process was divided into five phases, varying the volume of the applied substrate: 1 L (Phase I), 5 L (Phase II), 10 L (Phase III), 15 L (Phase IV), and 20 L (Phase V). Dry biomass reached a maximum of 5.7 g L-1, and productivity peaked at 0.74 g L-1d-1. The highest rate of CO2 biofixation was 1213.5 mg L-1 day-1, showing good potential for purifying the air. The highest specific maximum growth rate (µmax) and the shortest doubling time (Dt) were found during Phase I. The removal of pollutants and nutrients during the experimental phases ranged from 65.8% to 87.1% for chemical oxygen demand (COD), 82.2% to 85.8% for total organic carbon (TOC), 91% to 99% for phosphate (PO43-), 62.5% to 93% for nitrate (NO3-), 90.4% to 99.7% for ammoniacal nitrogen (NH4+), and 86.5% to 98.5% for total nitrogen (TN). The highest lipid production recorded was 0.172 g L-1 day-1. The average cetane number recorded in Phase IV of 51 suggests that the fuel will ignite efficiently and consistently, providing smooth operation and potentially reducing pollutant emissions. The analysis of fatty acids revealed that the produced biodiesel has the potential to be used as an additive for other low-explosive biocombustibles, representing an innovative and sustainable approach that simultaneously offers bioremediation and carbon sequestration.

Spontaneous breathing trial in the weaning process from mechanical ventilation in pediatrics: outcome and predictive factors. / Prueba de ventilación espontánea en el proceso de liberación de la asistencia ventilatoria mecánica en pediatría: resultados y factores predictores.

Introduction. spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) in weaning from pediatric invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) is an endorsed practice, its positivity is based on clinical parameters; however, its results could be better documented. Objective. To describe the results of the SBT in the IMV weaning process. Population and methods. Retrospective analysis. Patients with ≥48 h in IMV from March 1, 2022 to January 31, 2024. Results. A total of493 SBT were analyzed in 304 patients; 71% (348) were positive, and 87% (302) resulted in successful extubations. The causes of negative SBT were increased work of breathing (70%), respiratory rate (57%), and heart rate (27%). In univariate analysis, respiratory distress as the reason for admission, peak inspiratory pressure before SBT and T-tube use, were predictors of negative SBT. In multivariate analysis, this association persisted for admission for respiratory cause, the higher programmed respiratory rate in IMV, as the T-tube modality. Those with negative SBT stayed more days in IMV (9 [7-12] vs. 7 [4-10]) and in PICU (11 [9-15] vs. 9 [7-12]). Conclusion. Positive SBT predicted successful extubation in a high percentage of cases. Respiratory distress on admission, higher programmed respiratory rate, and a higher proportion of T-tube mode were negative predictors of the test. Negative SBT was associated with more extended stays in IMV and PICU.

Introducción. La prueba de ventilación espontánea (PVE) en el proceso de liberación de la asistencia ventilatoria mecánica invasiva (AVMi) pediátrica es una práctica avalada; su positividad se sustenta en parámetros clínicos. Sin embargo, sus resultados están escasamente documentados. Objetivo. Describir los resultados de la PVE en el proceso de liberación de la AVMi. Población y métodos. Análisis retrospectivo. Pacientes con ≥ 48 h en AVMi del 1 de marzo de 2022 al 31 de enero de 2024. Resultados. Se analizaron 493 PVE en 304 pacientes; el 71 % (348) fueron positivas y el 87 % (302) redundó en extubaciones exitosas. Las causas de las PVE negativas fueron mayor trabajo respiratorio (70 %), frecuencia respiratoria (57 %) y frecuencia cardíaca (27 %). En el análisis univariado, la dificultad respiratoria como motivo de ingreso, la presión inspiratoria máxima previo a la PVE y el uso de tubo en T fueron predictores de PVE negativa. En el análisis multivariado, esta asociación persistió para el ingreso por causa respiratoria, la mayor frecuencia respiratoria programada en la AVM y la modalidad tubo en T. Quienes presentaron PVE negativas permanecieron más días en AVMi [9 (7-12) vs. 7 (4-10)] y en UCIP [11 (9-15) vs. 9 (7-12)]. Conclusión. La PVE positiva predijo la extubación exitosa en un alto porcentaje. La dificultad respiratoria al ingreso, la mayor frecuencia respiratoria programada y la mayor proporción de la modalidad tubo en T fueron predictores negativos para la prueba. La PVE negativa se asoció a mayor estadía en AVMi y UCIP.

OxInflammation Affects Transdifferentiation to Myofibroblasts, Prolonging Wound Healing in Diabetes: A Systematic Review.

Skin wounds, primarily in association with type I diabetes mellitus, are a public health problem generating significant health impacts. Therefore, identifying the main pathways/mechanisms involved in differentiating fibroblasts into myofibroblasts is fundamental to guide research into effective treatments. Adopting the PRISMA guidelines, this study aimed to verify the main pathways/mechanisms using diabetic murine models and analyze the advances and limitations of this area. The Medline (PubMed), Scopus, and Web of Science platforms were used for the search. The studies included were limited to those that used diabetic murine models with excisional wounds. Bias analysis and methodological quality assessments were undertaken using the SYRCLE bias risk tool. Eighteen studies were selected. The systematic review results confirm that diabetes impairs the transformation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts by affecting the expression of several growth factors, most notably transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) and NLRP3. Diabetes also compromises pathways such as the SMAD, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, protein kinase C, and nuclear factor kappa beta activating caspase pathways, leading to cell death. Furthermore, diabetes renders the wound environment highly pro-oxidant and inflammatory, which is known as OxInflammation. As a consequence of this OxInflammation, delays in the collagenization process occur. The protocol details for this systematic review were registered with PROSPERO: CRD42021267776.

Association of congenital heart defects (CHD) with factors related to maternal health and pregnancy in newborns in Puerto Rico.

Background: Given the pervasive issues of obesity and diabetes both in Puerto Rico and the broader United States, there is a compelling need to investigate the intricate interplay among BMI, pregestational, and gestational maternal diabetes, and their potential impact on the occurrence of congenital heart defects (CHD) during neonatal development. Methods: Using the comprehensive System of Vigilance and Surveillance of Congenital Defects in Puerto Rico, we conducted a focused analysis on neonates diagnosed with CHD between 2016 and 2020. Our assessment encompassed a range of variables, including maternal age, gestational age, BMI, pregestational diabetes, gestational diabetes, hypertension, history of abortion, and presence of preeclampsia. Results: A cohort of 673 patients was included in our study. The average maternal age was 26 years, within a range of 22 to 32 years. The mean gestational age measured 39 weeks, with a median span of 38 to 39 weeks. Of the 673 patients, 274 (41%) mothers gave birth to neonates diagnosed with CHD. Within this group, 22 cases were linked to pre-gestational diabetes, while 202 were not; 20 instances were associated with gestational diabetes, compared to 200 without; and 148 cases exhibited an overweight or obese BMI, whereas 126 displayed a normal BMI. Conclusion: We identified a statistically significant correlation between pre-gestational diabetes mellitus and the occurrence of CHD. However, our analysis did not show a statistically significant association between maternal BMI and the likelihood of CHD. These results may aid in developing effective strategies to prevent and manage CHD in neonates.

Miltefosina comparada con Glucantime para el tratamiento de la leishmaniasis cutánea en niños: una revisión sistemática y metaanálisis / Miltefosine compared to Glucantime for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis / Miltefosina comparada ao Glucantime para o tratamento da leishmaniose cutânea em crianças: uma revisão sistemática e meta-análise

Objetivo: este estudio pretende realizar una comparación de la eficacia y los posibles efectos adversos asociados al uso de Miltefosina y Glucantime para el tratamiento de la leishmaniasis cutánea (LC) en niños. Método: se realizó una revisión sistemática de ensayos clínicos y estudios de cohortes, que evaluaran tratamientos de la LC en niños (≤12 años). Se efectuaron búsquedas estructuradas en PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, LILACS, Web of Science y SciELO. No se aplicaron restricciones en cuanto a etnia, país, sexo o año de publicación. Los idiomas se limitaron a inglés, español y portugués. Dos revisores independientes revisaron los artículos, extrajeron los datos y evaluaron el riesgo de sesgo. Se realizó un resumen cuantitativo de los estudios incluidos. Resultados: encontramos un total de 747 registros, que incluían 3 ensayos clínicos aleatorizados (ECA) y 1 estudio no aleatorizado. La mayoría de los artículos excluidos en la revisión de texto completo no informaban de los resultados por separado para los niños. En la LC americana (LCA), 4 estudios evaluaron la Miltefosina y el Glucantime. Su eficacia varió del 55,8 al 82,7 % y del 55 al 68,9 %, respectivamente. Conclusiones: en esta revisión sistémica y metaanálisis encontramos que la Miltefosina es mejor opción de tratamiento sistémico para CL en términos de curación clínica y menor efecto adverso al Glucantime administrado de forma sistémica, sin embargo, estas diferencias no fueron significativas.

Objective: this study aims to perform a comparison of the efficacy and potential adverse effects associated with the use of Miltefosine and Glucantime for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in children. Method: a systematic review of clinical trials and cohort studies evaluating treatments for CL in children (≤12 years) was conducted. Structured searches were performed in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, LILACS, Web of Science, and SciELO. No restrictions were applied regarding ethnicity, country, gender, or year of publication. Languages were limited to English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Two independent reviewers screened articles, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias. A quantitative summary of included studies was performed. Results: a total of 747 records were found, including 3 randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and 1 non-randomized study. Most articles excluded in the full-text review did not report results separately for children. In American CL (ACL), 4 studies evaluated Miltefosine and Glucantime. Their efficacy ranged from 55.8 to 82.7 % and from 55 to 68.9 %, respectively. Conclusions: in this systematic review and meta-analysis, we found that Miltefosine is a better systemic treatment option for CL in terms of clinical cure and fewer adverse effects compared to Glucantime administered systemically; however, these differences were not significant.

Objetivo: este estudo tem como objetivo realizar uma comparação da eficácia e dos possíveis efeitos adversos associados ao uso de Miltefosina e Glucantime para o tratamento da leishmaniose cutânea (LC) em crianças. Método: foi realizado uma revisão sistemática de ensaios clínicos e estudos de coorte que avaliaram tratamentos para LC em crianças (≤12 anos). Foram realizadas buscas estruturadas no PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, LILACS, Web of Science e SciELO. Não houve restrições quanto à etnia, país, sexo ou ano de publicação. Os idiomas foram limitados a inglês, espanhol e português. Dois revisores independentes revisaram os artigos, extraíram os dados e avaliaram o risco de viés. Foi feito um resumo quantitativo dos estudos incluídos. Resultados: encontramos um total de 747 registros, incluindo 3 ensaios clínicos randomizados (ECR) e 1 estudo não randomizado. A maioria dos artigos excluídos na revisão em texto completo não relatava resultados separados para crianças. Na LC americana (LCA), 4 estudos avaliaram Miltefosina e Glucantime. Sua eficácia variou de 55,8% a 82,7% e de 55% a 68,9%, respectivamente. Conclusões: nesta revisão sistemática e meta-análise, encontramos que a Miltefosina é uma melhor opção de tratamento sistêmico para LC em termos de cura clínica e menos efeitos adversos em comparação com o Glucantime administrado de forma sistêmica; no entanto, essas diferenças não foram significativas.

Lignocellulosic materials valorization in second generation biorefineries: an opportunity to produce fungal biopigments.

Second generation biorefineries play an important role in the production of renewable energy and fuels, utilizing forest and agro-industrial residues and by-products as raw materials. The integration of novel bioproducts, such as: xylitol, ß-carotene, xylooligosaccharides, and biopigments into the biorefinery's portfolio can offer economic benefits in the valorization of lignocellulosic materials, particularly cellulosic and hemicellulosic fractions. Fungal biopigments, known for their additional antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, are appealing to consumers and can have applications in various industrial sectors, including food and pharmaceuticals. The use of lignocellulosic materials as carbon and nutrient sources for the growth medium helps to reduce production costs, increasing the competitiveness of fungal biopigments in the market. In addition, the implementation of biopigment production in biorefineries allows the utilization of underutilized fractions, such as hemicellulose, for value-added bioproducts. This study deals with the potential of fungal biopigments production in second generation biorefineries in order to diversify the produced biomolecules together with energy generation. A comprehensive and critical review of the recent literature on this topic has been conducted, covering the major possible raw materials, general aspects of second generation biorefineries, the fungal biopigments and their potential for incorporation into biorefineries.

DECREASED EXPRESSION OF MICRORNA-629 IN GASTRIC CANCER SAMPLES POTENTIATED BY THE VIRULENCE MARKER OF H. PYLORI, CAGA GENE.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a gram-negative bacterium associated with the etiology of several gastrointestinal tract pathologies, and cagA-positive (cagA+) strains are found in populations with gastric ulcers and precancerous lesions, inducing pro-inflammatory responses. The development of neoplasms is related to microRNA (miRNA) dysregulation, indicating highly expressed miRNA-629. The article aims to correlate the expression level of miRNA-629 with the presence of H. pylori and the pathogenicity marker cagA. METHODS: 203 gastric biopsy samples were evaluated from individuals with normal gastric tissue (n=60), gastritis (n=96), and gastric cancer (n=47) of both genders and over 18 years old. The samples were subdivided according to the presence or absence of H. pylori, detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RNA was extracted using a commercial kit and quantified. Complementary DNA (cDNA) was synthesized using commercial kits, and the relative expression was calculated using the 2-ΔΔCt method. RESULTS: Individuals infected with H. pylori are nine times more likely to develop gastric cancer. Cancer patients appeared to have decreased expression of miRNA-629; however, the presence of the bacterium would not influence this reduction. Individuals in the cancer group showed lower miRNA-629 expression when cagA+; however, in the control group, the expression was higher when cagA+. CONCLUSION: H. pylori is a factor involved in the etiology and progression of gastric diseases. Reduction in miRNA-629 expression in cancer patients occurs independent of the presence of the bacterium, but when the cagA pathogenicity marker is present, it induces changes in the gene expression of the respective miRNA.

Self-help mobile messaging intervention for depression among older adults in resource-limited settings: a randomized controlled trial.

Scalable solutions to treat depression in older adults in low-resourced settings are urgently needed. The PRODIGITAL-D pragmatic, single-blind, two-arm, individually randomized controlled trial assessed the effectiveness of a mobile messaging psychosocial intervention in improving depressive symptomatology among older adults in socioeconomically deprived areas of Guarulhos, Brazil. Older adults (aged 60+ years) registered with 24 primary care clinics and identified with depressive symptomatology (9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) scores ≥ 10) received the 6-week Viva Vida intervention based on psychoeducation and behavioral activation (n = 298) or a single message (n = 305). No health professional support was offered. The primary outcome was improvement from depressive symptomatology (PHQ-9 < 10) at 3 months. Of the 603 participants enrolled (mean age = 65.1 years; 451 (74.8%) women), 527 (87.4%) completed the follow-up assessment. In the intervention arm, 109 of 257 (42.4%) participants had an improved depressive symptomatology, compared with 87 of 270 (32.2%) participants in the control arm (adjusted odds ratio = 1.57; 95% confidence interval = 1.07-2.29; P = 0.019). No severe adverse events related to trial participation were observed. These results demonstrate the usefulness of a digital messaging psychosocial intervention in the short-term improvement from depressive symptomatology that can potentially be integrated into primary care programs for treating older adults with depression. Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials registration: ReBEC ( RBR-4c94dtn ).

Occurrence of antibiotics, hormones and PFAs in surface water from a Nile tilapia aquaculture facility in a Brazilian hydroelectric reservoir.

This study assessed the occurrence of five antibiotics, three hormones, caffeine, and long and short-chain perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in surface water and feedstuff samples obtained from aquaculture cages in Três Marias reservoir in Brazil. This is the first work to evaluate the presence of PFAS in surface water used for aquaculture in Brazil. Solid-phase extraction and low temperature partitioning extraction followed by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS) were performed to process and analyze surface water samples and feedstuff, respectively. The ecotoxicological risk quotient was calculated for target compounds detected in water. Ciprofloxacin and caffeine were detected in all surface water samples. Pharmaceutical drugs ranged from 0.7 ng L-1 (trimethoprim) to 389.2 ng L -1 (ß-estradiol). Estrone (10.24 ng g-1) and ß-estradiol (66.20 ng g-1) were also found in feedstuff. Four PFASs (PFOA, PFDoA, PFTeDA, and PFBS) were detected (9.40-15.2 µg L-1) at levels higher than reported in studies conducted worldwide. Ecotoxicological risk assessment indicated high risks for caffeine and PFOA, PFDoA, and PFTeDA with RQ values from 10 to 103. These findings reveal risks to biodiversity, ecosystem integrity and human health considering possible intake of these contaminants by fish consumption due to potential bioaccumulation of these substances. Hence, it is critical to conduct more studies in this direction in Brazil and other low and middle-low-income countries.

Rhinovirus infection and co-infection in children with severe acute respiratory infection during the COVID-19 pandemic period.

Rhinovirus causes respiratory tract infections in children and is found in co-infections. The objective of this research was to study the clinical profile of rhinovirus infection and co-infection in children with severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) during the COVID-19 pandemic period. We included 606 children ranging in age from 0.1 to 144 months of age from March 2020 to December 2021, hospitalized in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). The samples were collected by secretion from the nasopharynx region. A total of 259 children were tested positive for viral infection, 153 (59.07%) of them had a single rhinovirus infection and, 56 (36.6%) were aged between 60.1 and 144 months. Nine types of co-infections were identified and were found coinfection with three or more viruses (22/104, 21.15%). Observing the seasonality, the number of cases was similar between 2020 (49.53%) and 2021 (51.47%). Patients with a single infection (86.88%) and coinfection (67.30%) were more likely to have coughed. Patients with co-infection required the use of O2 for longer than those with a single rhinovirus infection. Hemogram results obtained from individuals with a single infection had higher levels of urea when compared to patients with co-infection with and other respiratory viruses. Multiple correspondence analyses indicated different clinical symptoms and comorbidities in patients with co-infection compared to those with single infection. The results found that the rhinovirus was much prevalent virus during the pandemic period and was found in co-infection with other virus types, what is important to diagnostic for the correct treatment of patients.

Changes in Expression of Key Genes in Alzheimer's Disease: A Specific Brain Tissue Change.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an irreversible and neurodegenerative disorder. Its etiology is not clear, but the involvement of genetic components plays a central role in the onset of the disease. In the present study, the expression of 10 genes (APP, PS1 and PS2, APOE, APBA2, LRP1, GRIN2B, INSR, GJB1, and IDE) involved in the main pathways related to AD were analyzed in auditory cortices and cerebellum from 29 AD patients and 29 healthy older adults. Raw analysis revealed tissue-specific changes in genes LRP1, INSR, and APP. A correlation analysis showed a significant effect also tissue-specific AD in APP, GRIN2B, INSR, and LRP1. Furthermore, the E4 allele of the APOE gene revealed a significant correlation with change expression tissue-specific in ABPA2, APP, GRIN2B, LRP1, and INSR genes. To assess the existence of a correction between changes in target gene expression and a probability of AD in each tissue (auditory cortices and cerebellum) an analysis of the effect of expressions was realized and showed that the reduction in the expression of the APP in auditory cortex and GRIN2B cerebellum had a significant effect in increasing the probability of AD, in the same logic, our result also suggesting that increased expression of the LRP1 and INSR genes had a significant effect on increasing the probability of AD. Our results showed tissue-specific gene expression alterations associated with AD and certainly opened new perspectives to characterize factors involved in gene regulation and to obtain possible biomarkers for AD.

Hydrodynamic cavitation-assisted acid pretreatment and fed-batch simultaneous saccharification and co-fermentation for ethanol production from sugarcane bagasse using immobilized cells of Scheffersomyces parashehatae.

A new alternative for hydrodynamic cavitation-assisted pretreatment of sugarcane bagasse was proposed, along with a simultaneous saccharification and co-fermentation (SSCF) process performed in interconnected columns. Influential variables in the pretreatment were evaluated using a statistical design, indicating that an ozone flow rate of 10 mg min-1 and a pH of 5.10 resulted in 86 % and 72 % glucan and xylan hydrolysis yields, respectively, in the subsequent enzymatic hydrolysis process. Under these optimized conditions, iron sulfate (15 mg L-1) was added to assess Fenton pretreatment, resulting in glucan and xylan hydrolysis yields of 92 % and 71 %, respectively, in a material pretreated for 10 min. In SSCF, ethanol volumetric productivities of 0.33 g L-1 h-1 and of 0.54 g L-1 h-1 were obtained in batch and fed-batch operation modes, achieving 26 g L-1 of ethanol in 48 h in the latter mode.

Diminuição da expressão do microRNA-629 em amostras de câncer gástrico potencializada pelo marcador de virulências do H. pylori, gene cagA / Decreased expression of microrna-629 in gastric cancer samples potentiated by the virulence marker of h. pylori, caga gene

ABSTRACT Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a gram-negative bacterium associated with the etiology of several gastrointestinal tract pathologies, and cagA-positive (cagA+) strains are found in populations with gastric ulcers and precancerous lesions, inducing pro-inflammatory responses. The development of neoplasms is related to microRNA (miRNA) dysregulation, indicating highly expressed miRNA-629. The article aims to correlate the expression level of miRNA-629 with the presence of H. pylori and the pathogenicity marker cagA. Methods: 203 gastric biopsy samples were evaluated from individuals with normal gastric tissue (n=60), gastritis (n=96), and gastric cancer (n=47) of both genders and over 18 years old. The samples were subdivided according to the presence or absence of H. pylori, detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RNA was extracted using a commercial kit and quantified. Complementary DNA (cDNA) was synthesized using commercial kits, and the relative expression was calculated using the 2-ΔΔCt method. Results: Individuals infected with H. pylori are nine times more likely to develop gastric cancer. Cancer patients appeared to have decreased expression of miRNA-629; however, the presence of the bacterium would not influence this reduction. Individuals in the cancer group showed lower miRNA-629 expression when cagA+; however, in the control group, the expression was higher when cagA+. Conclusion: H. pylori is a factor involved in the etiology and progression of gastric diseases. Reduction in miRNA-629 expression in cancer patients occurs independent of the presence of the bacterium, but when the cagA pathogenicity marker is present, it induces changes in the gene expression of the respective miRNA.

RESUMO Contexto: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) é uma bactéria gram-negativa associada à etiologia de várias patologias do trato gastrointestinal, e cepas positivas para cagA (cagA+) são encontradas em populações com úlceras gástricas e lesões pré-cancerígenas, induzindo respostas pró-inflamatórias. O desenvolvimento de neoplasias está relacionado à desregulação do microRNA (miRNA), indicando miRNA-629 altamente expresso. O artigo tem como objetivo correlacionar o nível de expressão do miRNA-629 com a presença de H. pylori e o marcador de patogenicidade cagA. Métodos: Foram avaliadas 203 amostras de biópsia gástrica de indivíduos com tecido gástrico normal (n=60), gastrite (n=96) e câncer gástrico (n=47) de ambos os sexos e com mais de 18 anos. As amostras foram subdivididas de acordo com a presença ou ausência de H. pylori, detectado por reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR). O RNA foi extraído usando um kit comercial e quantificado. O DNA complementar (cDNA) foi sintetizado usando kits comerciais, e a expressão relativa foi calculada usando o método 2-ΔΔCt. Resultados: Indivíduos infectados com H. pylori têm nove vezes mais chances de desenvolver câncer gástrico. Pacientes com câncer parecem ter diminuição da expressão do miRNA-629; no entanto, a presença da bactéria não influenciaria essa redução. Indivíduos no grupo do câncer apresentaram menor expressão do miRNA-629 quando cagA+; no entanto, no grupo controle, a expressão foi maior quando cagA+. Conclusão: H. pylori é um fator envolvido na etiologia e progressão das doenças gástricas. A redução na expressão do miRNA-629 em pacientes com câncer ocorre independentemente da presença da bactéria, mas quando o marcador de patogenicidade cagA está presente, induz mudanças na expressão gênica do respectivo miRNA.

Desafios da equipe interprofissionalna transição do cuidado hospitalar parao domicílio de pacientes oncológicos / Challenges of the interprofessional team in the transition from hospital care to home care for cancer patients

Os pacientes oncológicos necessitam de uma assistência integral, sobretudo no que se refere à transição do cuidado em saúde entre os diferentes locais e níveis de cuidado. Este estudo tem como objetivo investigar se existem protocolos assistenciais utilizados pela equipe interprofissional sobre a transição do cuidado oncológico hospitalar para o domicílio e identificar as estratégias utilizadas no planejamento e orientações da alta hospitalar. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo de abordagem qualitativa, realizado através de Grupo Focal, com profissionais da equipe interprofissional que atuam diretamente com o cuidado oncológico, em hospital filantrópico, localizado no interior do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Construíram-se categorias que elencaram as principais características: Desafios na transição do cuidado para a rede de atenção primária e domiciliar e Sugestões para a mudança nas intervenções do cuidado integrado em oncologia. Constatou-se que a equipe interprofissional apresenta dificuldades na compreensão sobre a transição do cuidado e a necessidade de uma maior quantitativo de colaboradores para a qualificação da assistência.(AU)

Cancer patients need comprehensive care, especially with regard to the transition of health care between different locations and levels of care. This study aims to investigate whether there are care protocols used by the interprofessional team on the transition from hospital to home oncology care and to identify the strategies used in hospital discharge planning and guidance. This is a descriptive study with a qualitative approach, carried out through focus groups with professionals from the interprofessional team who work directly with cancer care in a philanthropic hospital located in the interior of the state of Rio Grande do Sul. Categories were constructed which listed the main characteristics: Challenges in the transition of care to the primary and home care network and Suggestions for change in integrated oncology care interventions. It was found that the interprofessional team has difficulties in understanding the transition of care and the need for a greater number of collaborators to improve care.(AU)

Los pacientes oncológicos requieren una atención integral, especialmente en lo que se refiere a la transición de la asistencia sanitaria entre diferentes lugares y niveles asistenciales. Este estudio pretende investigar si existen protocolos asistenciales utilizados por el equipo interprofesional en la transición de la atención oncológica hospitalaria a la domiciliaria e identificar las estrategias utilizadas en la planificación y guías de alta hospitalaria. Se trata de un estudio descriptivo con abordaje cualitativo, realizado a través de grupos focales con profesionales del equipo interprofesional que trabajan directamente con la atención oncológica en un hospital filantrópico localizado en el interior del estado de Rio Grande do Sul. Se construyeron categorías que enumeraron las principales características: Desafíos en la transición de la atención a la red de atención primaria y domiciliaria y Sugerencias de cambio en las intervenciones de atención oncológica integrada. Se encontró que el equipo interprofesional tiene dificultades en la comprensión de la transición de la atención y la necesidad de un mayor número de colaboradores para mejorar la atención.(AU)

Methods used to achieve different levels of the neuronal differentiation process in SH-SY5Y and Neuro2a cell lines: An integrative review.

To study the process of neuronal differentiation, the human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) and the murine neuroblastoma (Neuro2a) cell lines have proven to be effective models. For this approach, different protocols involving known neurotrophic factors and other molecules, such as retinoic acid (RA), have been assessed to better understand the neuronal differentiation process. Thus, the goal of this manuscript was to provide a brief overview of recent studies that have used protocols to promote neurodifferentiation in SH-SY5Y and Neuro2a cell lines and used acquired morphology and neuronal markers to validate whether differentiation was effective. The published results supply some guidance regarding the relationship between RA and neurotrophins for SH-SY5Y, as well a serum concentrations for both cell lines. Furthermore, they demonstrate the potential application of Neuro2a, which is critical for future research on neuronal differentiation.

Characterization of Thermo-Mechanical and Chemical Properties of Polypropylene/Hemp Fiber Biocomposites: Impact of Maleic Anhydride Compatibilizer and Fiber Content.

This article presents a comprehensive study on the physical, mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties of polypropylene (PP) composites reinforced with hemp fibers (HF) and compatibilized with maleic anhydride (MAPP). The composites were processed using a twin-screw extruder, followed by hot compression at 190 °C. Subsequently, the composites were analyzed using Izod impact and Shore D hardness tests to evaluate their mechanical properties. Thermal properties were investigated through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), while X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were employed to study their chemical properties. Additionally, a statistical analysis was conducted to compare the average results of the impact and hardness tests. XRD analysis revealed that the addition of HF and MAPP led to the disappearance of peaks corresponding to the beta phase in pure PP. Hemp fibers exhibited an impressive crystallinity of 82.10%, surpassing other natural fibers, and had a significant molecular orientation angle (MFA) of 6.06°, making them highly desirable for engineering applications. The crystallite size was observed to be relatively large, at 32.49 nm. FTIR analysis demonstrated strong interactions between the fiber, compatibilizing agent, and polymer matrix. TGA tests showed that the addition of 5 and 10 wt.% MAPP resulted in complete degradation of the composites, similar to pure PP. DSC analyses indicated a reduction in crystallinity (Xc) due to the incorporation of HF and MAPP. Shore D hardness tests revealed an increase in hardness with the addition of 5 wt.% MAPP, while a steep decline in this property was observed with 10 wt.% MAPP. In terms of impact resistance, fractions of 3 and 5 wt.% MAPP in the composites exhibited improved performance compared to the pure polymer. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed to ensure the statistical reliability of the mechanical test results. This comprehensive study sheds light on the diverse properties of PP composites reinforced with hemp fibers and compatibilized with MAPP, emphasizing their potential as sustainable materials for engineering applications. The results contribute to the understanding of the structural and functional aspects of these composites, guiding future research and developments in the field.

Efficacy and Safety of Clazosentan After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: An Updated Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Clazosentan has been studied to treat cerebral vasospasm after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH).This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials updates the current knowledge regarding the efficacy and safety of clazosentan compared with placebo after aSAH. METHODS: Databases were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials directly comparing the use of clazosentan and placebo for the treatment of cerebral vasospasm after aSAH. Additional eligibility criteria were the report of any of the outcomes of interest (vasospasm, morbidity, functional outcome, or mortality). The primary outcome was vasospasm-related delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI). The analyses were stratified by clazosentan dosage (low or high dose) and aneurysm treatment modality (clipping or coiling). The Cochrane RoB-2 tool was used for studies quality assessment. RESULTS: Six studies comprising 7 clinical trials were included, involving 2778 patients. Clazosentan decreased the risk of vasospasm-related DCI (risk ratio [RR] 0.56, 95% CI 0.38-0.81) and delayed ischemic neurological deficit (RR 0.63, 95% 0.50-0.80). Angiographic vasospasm (RR 0.54, 95% CI 0.47-0.61) was also decreased. Functional outcomes (favorable Glasgow Outcome Scale, RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.79-1.24) and death (RR 1.03, 95% CI 0.71-1.49) did not change. Meanwhile, adverse events were increased by clazosentan (RR 1.54, 95% CI 1.35-1.76). CONCLUSION: Clazosentan decreased vasospasm-related DCI and angiographic vasospasm but did not improve functional outcomes or mortality. Adverse events were increased by clazosentan.

Production and applications of pullulan from lignocellulosic biomass: Challenges and perspectives.

Pullulan is an exopolysaccharide produced by Aureobasidium pullulans, with interesting characteristics which lead to its application in industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, and others. To reduce production costs for industrial applications, cheaper raw materials such as lignocellulosic biomass can be utilized as a carbon and nutrient source for the microbial process. In this study, a comprehensive and critical review was conducted, encompassing the pullulan production process and the key influential variables. The main properties of the biopolymer were presented, and different applications were discussed. Subsequently, the utilization of lignocellulosics for pullulan production within the framework of a biorefinery concept was explored, considering the main published works that deal with materials such as sugarcane bagasse, rice husk, corn straw, and corn cob. Next, the main challenges and future prospects in this research area were highlighted, indicating the key strategies to favor the industrial production of pullulan from lignocellulosic biomasses.

Viral Coinfection of Children Hospitalized with Severe Acute Respiratory Infections during COVID-19 Pandemic.

The main pathogens of severe respiratory infection in children are respiratory viruses, and the current molecular technology allows for a rapid and simultaneous detection of a wide spectrum of these viral pathogens, facilitating the diagnosis and evaluation of viral coinfection. METHODS: This study was conducted between March 2020 and December 2021. All children admitted to the ICU with a diagnosis of SARI and who were tested by polymerase chain reaction on nasopharyngeal swabs for SARS-CoV-2 and other common respiratory viral pathogens were included in the study. RESULTS: The result of the viral panel identified 446 children, with one infected with a single virus and 160 co-infected with two or more viruses. This study employed descriptive analyses, where a total of twenty-two coinfections among SARI-causing viruses were identified. Thus, the five most frequent coinfections that were selected for the study are: hRV/SARS-CoV-2 (17.91%), hRV/RSV (14.18%), RSV/SARS-CoV-2 (12.69%), hRV/BoV (10.45%), and hRV/AdV (8.21%). The most significant age group was 38.1%, representing patients aged between 24 and 59 months (61 individuals). Patients older than 59 months represented a total of 27.5%, comprising forty-four patients. The use of oxygen therapy was statistically significant in coinfections with Bocavirus, other CoVs, Metapneumovirus, and RSV. Coinfections with SARS-CoV-2 and the other different coinfections presented a similar time of use of oxygen therapy with a value of (p > 0.05). In the year 2020, hRV/BoV was more frequent in relation to other types of coinfections, representing a total of 35.1%. The year 2021 presented a divergent profile, with hRV/SARS-CoV-2 coinfection being the most frequent (30.8%), followed by hRV/RSV (28.2%). Additionally, 25.6% and 15.4% represented coinfections between RSV/SARS-CoV-2 and hRV/AdV, respectively. We saw that two of the patients coinfected with hRV/SARS-CoV-2 died, representing 9.52% of all deaths in the study. In addition, both hRV/hBoV and hRV/RSV had death records for each case, representing 8.33% and 6.67% of all deaths, respectively. CONCLUSION: Coinfections with respiratory viruses, such as RSV and hBoV, can increase the severity of the disease in children with SARI who are admitted to the ICU, and children infected with SARS-CoV-2 have their clinical condition worsened when they have comorbidities.