Prevalence and characteristics of vascular cognitive impairment in a European cohort of adult patients with Moyamoya angiopathy.

INTRODUCTION: Moyamoya angiopathy (MMA) is associated with a high risk of stroke, but it is also increasingly recognized as leading to cognitive impairment. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, nature, and severity of vascular cognitive impairment no dementia (VCIND) in adults with MMA and to identify clinical and imaging factors associated with VCIND. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of consecutive adult patients with MMA followed in two tertiary hospitals (Toulouse and Paris Lariboisiere). All patients underwent neuropsychological assessment and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). VCIND was defined as at least two variables of the same cognitive process with z-scores of < 2 standard deviations, regardless of the cognitive domain, that do not interfere in everyday life. Baseline demographic, clinical, and imaging data were compared between patients with and without VCIND. RESULTS: A total of 102 patients (mean age 43 years; 65% women) were included. Thirty-four patients (33.3%) had VCIND. VCIND was mild in 20/34 (59%), moderate in 8/34 (23%), and severe in 6/34 (18%) patients. Executive function was the most widely affected (25.5%), followed by attention and processing speed (24.8%). In univariable analyses, VCIND was associated with ischemic stroke at diagnosis and the presence of ischemic lesions on MRI. CONCLUSIONS: VCIND is highly prevalent in adults with MMA. Executive functions and processing speed are predominantly affected. These findings may guide clinicians in their evaluation of patients with MMA. Further research should assess the effect of revascularization therapies on cognitive functions.

Exploratory analysis of new craniometric measures for the investigation of biological sex using open-access statistical and machine-learning tools on a cone-beam computed tomography sample.

Investigation of the biological sex of human remains is a crucial aspect of physical anthropology. However, due to varying states of skeletal preservation, multiple approaches and structures of interest need to be explored. This research aims to investigate the potential use of distances between bifrontal breadth (FMB), infraorbital foramina distance (IOD), nasal breadth (NLB), inter-canine width (ICD), and distance between mental foramina (MFD) for combined sex prediction through traditional statistical methods and through open-access machine-learning tools. Ethical approval was obtained from the ethics committee, and out of 100 cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans, 54 individuals were selected with all the points visible. Ten extra exams were chosen to test the predictors developed from the learning sample. Descriptive analysis of measurements, standard deviation, and standard error were obtained. T-student and Mann-Whitney tests were utilized to assess the sex differences within the variables. A logistic regression equation was developed and tested for the investigation of the biological sex as well as decision trees, random forest, and artificial neural networks machine-learning models. The results indicate a strong correlation between the measurements and the sex of individuals. When combined, the measurements were able to predict sex using a regression formula or machine learning based models which can be exported and added to software or webpages. Considering the methods, the estimations showed an accuracy rate superior to 80% for males and 82% for females. All skulls in the test sample were accurately predicted by both statistical and machine-learning models. This exploratory study successfully established a correlation between facial measurements and the sex of individuals, validating the prediction potential of machine learning, augmenting the investigative tools available to experts with a high differentiation potential.

Split-scalp pilot study to evaluate effectiveness of Minoxidil 0,5% MMP® versus Topical Minoxidil 5% in the treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss.

Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL) is a common form of non-scaring hair loss that occurs in adult women. Although several treatments have already been proposed for FPHL, only Topical Minoxidil accumulated an adequate level of evidence. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic response of MMP® (intradermal infiltration) of Minoxidil formulation in the frontal-parietal-vertex regions compared with the gold-standard home administration of Minoxidil 5% Capillary Solution. This self-controlled comparative study evaluated 16 FPHL patients, without treatment for at least 6 months, confirmed by trichoscopy with TrichoLAB® software. They received 4 monthly sessions of MMP® with Minoxidil 0,5% on the right side of the scalp (frontal-parietal-vertex areas), followed by occlusion with plastic film for 12 h and prescription of Minoxidil 5% Solution for home use once a day, on both scalp sides, starting 72 h after the procedure. The reassessment trichoscopy was 6 weeks after the last session and they answered a "self-assessment" questionnaire. Treated scalp areas were compared and showed both treatments, in general, were effective, with no difference between them. If they were analyzed separately by treated areas, there were signs of better response in the parietal-vertex regions with treatment by MMP® with Minoxidil, while clinical treatment indicated a better response in the other regions. When patients were divided into more and less advanced cases, a better response in parietal-vertex regions treated by MMP® with Minoxidil in less advanced patients was confirmed. MMP® with Minoxidil showed a better response in the parietal-vertex regions in less advanced FPHL patients. It represents yet another resource to improve quality of life of these suffering patients.

Changes in holopelagic Sargassum spp. biomass composition across an unusual year.

The year 2021 marked a decade of holopelagic sargassum (morphotypes Sargassum natans I and VIII, and Sargassum fluitans III) stranding on the Caribbean and West African coasts. Beaching of millions of tons of sargassum negatively impacts coastal ecosystems, economies, and human health. Additionally, the La Soufrière volcano erupted in St. Vincent in April 2021, at the start of the sargassum season. We investigated potential monthly variations in morphotype abundance and biomass composition of sargassum harvested in Jamaica and assessed the influence of processing methods (shade-drying vs. frozen samples) and of volcanic ash exposure on biochemical and elemental components. S. fluitans III was the most abundant morphotype across the year. Limited monthly variations were observed for key brown algal components (phlorotannins, fucoxanthin, and alginate). Shade-drying did not significantly alter the contents of proteins but affected levels of phlorotannins, fucoxanthin, mannitol, and alginate. Simulation of sargassum and volcanic ash drift combined with age statistics suggested that sargassum potentially shared the surface layer with ash for ~50 d, approximately 100 d before stranding in Jamaica. Integrated elemental analysis of volcanic ash, ambient seawater, and sargassum biomass showed that algae harvested from August had accumulated P, Al, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Ni, probably from the ash, and contained less As. This ash fingerprint confirmed the geographical origin and drift timescale of sargassum. Since environmental conditions and processing methods influence biomass composition, efforts should continue to improve understanding, forecasting, monitoring, and valorizing sargassum, particularly as strandings of sargassum show no sign of abating.

Relação entre a doença periodontal e a doença de Alzheimer - Revisão de Literatura / Relationship between periodontal disease and Alzheimer disease ­ literature review

O objetivo do presente estudo foi revisar a literatura para buscar evidências na associação entre a doença de Alzheimer e a Periodontite. A metodologia usada resultou numa busca às bases de dados PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library e Web of Science, através dos artigos publicados entre o período de maio de 2000 a maio de 2022. A doença de Alzheimer (DA) é classificada como uma condição neurodegenerativa, um grupo heterogêneo de doenças caracterizadas pela perda lenta e progressiva de uma ou mais funções do sistema nervoso. A doença periodontal (DP) é uma doença infecciosa e inflamatória que causa principalmente destruição óssea alveolar e perda dentária e estima-se que entre 20 e 50% da população geral possa sofrer de DP, dos quais 15-20% apresentam formas graves. A inflamação desempenha um papel crítico no aparecimento e progressão de ambas as doenças. A conclusão desta revisão é que a literatura estudada mostra que os patógenos periodontais e as citocinas pró-inflamatórias contribuíram para a progressão do processo neurodegenerativo da doença de Alzheimer. Porém, são necessários mais estudos clínicos controlados randomizados para a confirmação da relação causal desta associação.

The aim of this study was to review the literature to look for evidence in the association between Alzheimer's disease and Periodontitis. The methodology used resulted in a search of the PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases, through the articles published between May 2000 and May 2022. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is classified as a neurodegenerative condition, a heterogeneous group of diseases characterized by the slow and progressive loss of one or more functions of the nervous system. Periodontal disease (PD) is an infectious and inflammatory disease that mainly causes alveolar bone destruction and tooth loss and it is estimated that between 20 and 50% of the general population may suffer from PD, of which 15-20% present severe forms. Inflammation plays a critical role in the onset and progression of both diseases. The conclusion of this review is that the literature studied shows that periodontal pathogens and pro-inflammatory cytokines contributed to the progression of the neurodegenerative process of Alzheimer's disease. However, more randomized controlled clinical trials are needed to confirm the causal relationship of this association.

Hair-to-Hair Trichoscopy: An Objective Method to Assess Effectiveness of Botulinum Toxin in a Clinical Trial for Androgenetic Alopecia.

Introduction: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common alopecia affecting both genders leading to a potential decrease in quality of life and self-esteem. A current concern in trichology is how to accurately measure clinical response in both daily medical practice and academic research. Hair-to-hair (H2H)-matching technology™ has recently emerged as a technique to evaluate variations in follicular units, hair shaft number, and thickness. This study aimed to describe the methodology employed in a clinical trial using this technology to test the efficacy of botulinum toxin (BT) for male AGA. Methods: This pilot study is a triple-blind, randomized, split scalp, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Patients enrolled were submitted to injections half of the scalp with 50 IU of BT and the other half with 1 mL of normal saline as a control. The trial involved three visits (weeks 0, 12, and 24) and 8 global clinical photographs followed by H2H-matching trichoscopy were captured before the injections at each visit. Paired t test analysis was employed for matched pairs of the following parameters: total hair count, the total number of terminal hair strands, average shaft thickness, and the number of hairs lost or gained during each visit. Then, the software compared the differences between the two sides (BT vs. placebo) per scalp zone and a long time. Conclusion: The combination of manually corrected image processing, follicular map, and H2H-matching technology™ appears to be the most precise way to evaluate changes in hair count and thickness over time. The design is reproducible and can help other researchers and dermatologists in their clinical practice to obtain reliable results in similar scientific research.

Resenha: A Pandemia e o Trabalho em Saúde - Vozes do Cotidiano

Trata-se da resenha do livro A Pandemia e o Trabalho em Saúde - Vozes do Cotidiano, publicado em dezembro de 2022 pela Rede Unida. A obra é um compêndio de textos sobre as consequências da pandemia da doença COVID-19 na vida dos trabalhadores da saúde brasileiros.

Fracture in Irradiated Rat Femur: A Description of an Experimental Model and Evaluation of its Effectiveness / Fratura em fêmur irradiado de rato: Descrição de um modelo experimental e avaliação de sua eficácia

Abstract Objective We aim to describe an experimental model for studying femoral fractures in rats after exposure to ionizing radiation, demonstrating a way to apply a substance for analysis, the method for patterning fracture and irradiation, and how to evaluate its effectiveness based on radiographic studies. Methods We used 24 rats divided into 2 groups of 12 animals each. The STUDY group was exposed to ionizing radiation and treated with saline solution, and the CONTROL group was not exposed to radiation and was treated with saline solution. All animals were subjected to standardized fracture of the right femur that was fixed with intramedullary wire. The efficiency of the bone union was assessed by radiographic exam. Results Fracture healing was more efficient in bones not exposed to ionizing radiation (p = 0.012). All fractures met the criteria of being simple, diaphyseal, transverse or short oblique. Conclusion The experimental model presented is an efficient alternative for the study of fractures in irradiated bones in rats.

Resumo Objetivo Nosso objetivo é descrever um modelo experimental para estudo de fraturas de fêmur em ratos após exposição a radiação ionizante, demonstrando uma forma de aplicação de uma substância para análise, o método de padronização de fratura e irradiação e a forma de avaliação de sua eficácia com base em estudos radiográficos. Métodos Utilizamos 24 ratos divididos em dois grupos de 12 animais cada. O grupo ESTUDO foi exposto à radiação ionizante e tratado com soro fisiológico, enquanto o grupo CONTROLE não foi exposto à radiação e foi tratado com soro fisiológico. Todos os animais foram submetidos à fratura padronizada do fêmur direito e sua fixação com fio intramedular. A eficácia da consolidação óssea foi determinada por exame radiográfico. Resultados A cicatrização de fraturas foi mais eficiente em ossos não expostos à radiação ionizante (p = 0,012). Todas as fraturas atenderam aos critérios de serem simples, diafisárias, transversas ou oblíquas curtas. Conclusão O modelo experimental apresentado é uma boa alternativa para o estudo de fraturas em ossos irradiados em ratos.

Exigência do código da CID em atestado: embasamento legal e análise da jurisprudência atual / ICD code requirement in medical statement: legal basis and analysis of current jurisprudence

A Classificação Estatística Internacional de Doenças e Problemas Relacionados à Saúde (CID) é uma forma globalmente padronizada para fornecer informações cruciais sobre as doenças, suas causas e consequências, colaborando para criar políticas de saúde e laborais. Porém, sua divulgação compulsória por parte de profissionais da saúde pode expor o empregado e sua privacidade. Neste contexto, o objetivo desse trabalho é analisar as decisões publicadas nos últimos dez anos, julgadas em última instância pelo Tribunal Superior do Trabalho (TST) e o entendimento dos magistrados sobre o assunto, as leis utilizadas no embasamento e a distribuição dos processos com esse teor. Foi realizada uma pesquisa no site do TST com os termos "exigência" "CID" "atestado" "médico" entre os anos de 2012 e 2022. Foram encontradas 18 decisões, 94% delas das regiões Sul e Sudeste do país. Quase 70% são desfavoráveis à exigência da CID em atestados, tendo como base a Constituição Federal (CF), resoluções do Conselho Federal de Medicina (CFM) e o Código Civil (CC). Conclui-se que as decisões relacionadas à exigência do código da CID estão concentradas em tribunais do Sul e do Sudeste, sendo os anos entre 2015 e 2019 com o maior número de ocorrências. Há uma predominância pela não exigência do código da CID em 12 das 18 decisões, sendo o argumento mais utilizado o sigilo e privacidade garantidos pela CF e Códigos de Ética Médica e de Ética Odontológica. As que se mostraram a favor predominantemente citam a súmula 122 do TST

International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Health Related Problems (ICD) is the global standard for diagnostic health information, providing key information about diseases, their causes, and consequences, leading to improvement on public and labor health. Its disclosure may expose employers when required by employers. Based on this context, the aim of this study is to analyze decisions law decisions and judgments reports from the Federal Labor Court between 2012 and 2022, the understanding of judges on the subject, the basis and distribution of decisions in this matter. Research was conducted on Superior Labor Court of Brazil website, using the keywords in Portuguese "requirement", "ICD", "statement" and "medical" between 2012 and 2022. It was found 18 judgments, 94% from South and Southeast of Brazil. Almost 70% of them were against the requirement of ICD code in medical statement, basing their decisions on our Federal Constitution (FC), resolutions of the Federal Medical Council (FMC) and Civil Code (CC). In conclusion, the Brazilian Law understands that the employee's privacy when seeking for medical help is above the employer's requirement. It is believed the new General Data Protection Law (GDPL) may reinforce this common Legal Knowledge and help footing new orders

COVID-19 e rastreamento do câncer de mama no Brasil: uma análise comparativa dos períodos pré-pandêmico e pandêmico / COVID-19 and breast cancer screening in Brazil: a comparative analysis of the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods

Resumo Objetivou-se avaliar os impactos da COVID-19 no rastreamento do câncer de mama no Brasil. Coletaram-se dados do Sistema de Informações Ambulatoriais referentes a "mamografia bilateral para rastreamento" de janeiro/2015 a dezembro/2021. As análises foram feitas por região e para o Brasil. Calculou-se a média de exames em cada mês do ano com base nos dados de 2015 a 2019, a qual foi comparada, mensalmente, com o quantitativo de exames em 2020 e 2021, obtendo-se a diferença bruta e percentual entre esses valores. A mesma análise foi realizada para o número total de exames em 2020 e 2021, individualmente, e para os dois anos em conjunto. Em 2020 houve quedas no número de exames que variaram de 25% (Norte) a 48% (Nordeste), culminando em 1,749 milhão de exames a menos no país (queda de 44%). Em 2021, a região Centro-Oeste apresentou quantitativo de exames 11% superior ao esperado, enquanto as demais regiões apresentaram quedas entre 17% (Norte) e 27% (Sudeste/Sul), culminando em negativo de 927 mil exames no país (redução de 23%). Na análise conjunta (2020/2021), encontraram-se reduções que variaram de 11% (Centro-Oeste) a 35% (Sudeste/Sul), culminando em negativo de 2,676 milhões de procedimentos no Brasil (queda de 33%).

Abstract The scope of this study was to evaluate the impacts of COVID-19 on breast cancer screening in Brazil. Data were collected from the Ambulatory Information System relating to "bilateral screening mammography" from January/2015 to December/2021. Analyses were performed by region and for Brazil. The average of exams in each month of the year was calculated based on 2015-2019 data, which was compared, monthly, with the number of exams in 2020 and 2021, obtaining the gross and percentage difference between these values. The same analysis was performed for the total number of exams in 2020 and 2021, individually, and for the two years combined. In 2020 there were reductions in the number of exams, which ranged from 25% (North) to 48% (Northeast), resulting in 1.749 million fewer exams than expected in the country (a drop of 44%). In 2021, the Midwest region presented a number of exams 11% higher than expected, while the other regions presented drops between 17% (North) and 27% (Southeast/South), resulting in 927 thousand exams fewer than expected in Brazil (reduction of 23%). In the joint analysis (2020/2021), reductions varied by region from 11% (Midwest) to 35% (Southeast/South), culminating in 2.676 million exams fewer than expected in Brazil (reduction of 33%).

Intramedullary nail versus locked plate in the treatment of two- and three-part proximal humerus fractures: a retrospective comparative study of 46 cases / Haste intramedular versus placa bloqueada no tratamento da fratura do úmero proximal em duas e três partes: um estudo comparativo retrospectivo de 46 casos

Objective: to retrospectively evaluate and compare the proportions of complications and radiographic findings of two- and three-part proximal humerus fracture osteosynthesis with two treatment methods: third-generation locked intramedullary nail and locked plate. Methods: 46 patients with a mean age of 58.9±16.6 years were evaluated between January 2020 and January 2021. In sixteen cases (34.8%), an intramedullary nail was used, and in thirty cases (65 .2%), the proximal humerus locked plate. The evaluation used included the rate of complications with a minimum follow-up of 6 months postoperatively and radiographic evaluation. Results: there was no significant difference between the groups regarding the proportion of complications (nail group 18.8%, plate group 13.3%; p=0.681). The nail group showed less residual loss in varus (cervicodiaphyseal angle, nail group 132.1º±2.3º, plate group 123.8º±10.1º; p<0.001). In the plaque group, women had a lower value (1.43±0.22) of the tuberosity-deltoid index (DTI) compared to men (1.58±0.11) (p=0.022). Conclusions: in the short-term follow-up, osteosynthesis, with locked plate and intramedullary nail, did not show differences in the proportions of complications. The nail group showed less change in the post-operative cervicodiaphyseal angle, however, there were two serious complications with cut out and varus deviation requiring a new surgical approach in the nail group.

Objetivo: avaliar intra, de modo retrospectivo, e comparando as complicações e os achados radiográficos da osteossíntese da úmero proximal em duas e três partes com dois métodos de tratamento: a terceira geração e placa bloqueada do tratamento. Métodos: foram obtidos 46 pacientes com média de idade de 58,9±16,6 anos entre janeiro de 2020 a janeiro de 2021. ,2%), uma placa bloqueada de úmero proximal. A utilização de uma taxa de acompanhamento com acompanhamento de acompanhamento pós-operatório e avaliação radiográfica. Resultados: não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos quanto à proporção de complicações (grupo pressa, 8%, grupo placa 13,61; p=0,61). O grupo pressa apresentou menor perda residual em varo (ângulo cervicodiafisário grupo pressa 132,1º±2,3º, grupo placa 123,8º±10,1º; p<0,001). No grupo placa, as mulheres apresentaram menor valor (1,43±0,22) do índice tuberosidade-deltoide (DTI) em relação aos homens (1,58±0,11) (p=0,022). Conclusões: sem seguimento de curto prazo, a osteoconformidade com placas fixadas e pressa intramedular, não apresentou diferenças nas proporções de complicações. O grupo apresentou menor alteração do projeto cervicodiafisário pós-operatório, entretanto, duas complicações graves com cut out e desvio em varo com necessidade de reabordagem integrada no grupo pressa. 22) do índice tuberosidade-deltoide (DTI) em relação aos homens (1,58±0,11) (p=0,022). Conclusões: sem seguimento de curto prazo, a osteoconformidade com placas fixadas e pressa intramedular, não apresentou diferenças nas proporções de complicações. O grupo apresentou menor alteração do projeto cervicodiafisário pós-operatório, entretanto, duas complicações graves com cut out e desvio em varo com necessidade de reabordagem integrada no grupo pressa. 22) do índice tuberosidade-deltoide (DTI) em relação aos homens (1,58±0,11) (p=0,022). Conclusões: sem seguimento de curto prazo, a osteoconformidade com placas fixadas e pressa intramedular, não apresentou diferenças nas proporções de complicações. O grupo apresentou menor alteração do projeto cervicodiafisário pós-operatório, entretanto, duas complicações graves com cut out e desvio em varo com necessidade de reabordagem integrada no grupo pressa. 

Accelerated aging test in the determination of safflower seeds vigor

In assessing the quality of seed lots, the vigor tests are complementary to the germination test and they identify differences in the degree of deterioration of the lots. For safflower, there is little information regarding these tests. In this way, the intention of this study was to adapt the accelerated aging test methodology to assess the physiological potential of safflower seeds (Carthamus tinctorius). For this purpose, 12 seed lots were evaluated for thousand-seed weight, germination, first germination count, seedling emergence test (emergence percentage, emergence speed index, relative emergence frequency and the initial, final and mean times) and accelerated aging. For the accelerated aging test, the traditional and saline methods were used. For this, the samples were conditioned in periods of 0, 8, 16, 24, 32 and 48 hours at 42 °C. Afterwards, they were submitted to the germination test, with evaluation of normal seedlings on the 3rd day. The 12 lots were evaluated within each period, in independent experiments. The data were submitted to analysis of variance and the means were compared using the Scott-Knott clustering method at 5% probability. In the traditional accelerated aging test the periods of 16, 24, 32 and 48 hours were more efficient in differentiating the lots in vigor levels, as they stratified the lots in three classes and the time of 8 hour classified the lots in two levels of vigor. In the accelerated saline aging method the time 32 hours were more efficient since it ranked seed lots at three levels of vigor and the periods of 8, 16 and 24 hour stratified the lots in two levels. In results obtained by the principal component analysis it was verified. The variables traditional accelerated aging for 24 and 32 hours correlated with emergence in the field. Therefore, the traditional accelerated aging test at 42 °C for 24 hours are promising for evaluating the physiological quality of safflower seeds.

Burden of syphilis in Brazil and federated units, 1990-2016: estimates from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

ABSTRACT Background: Syphilis is a chronic infectious disease that has created challenging situations for humanity for centuries. Transmission can occur sexually or vertically, with great repercussions on populations, particularly among women and children. The present study presents information on the main burden imposed by syphilis generated by the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2019 for Brazil and its 27 federated units. Methods: We described the metrics of incidence, deaths, years of life lost (YLLs), years lived with disability (YLDs), and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), standardized by age and per 100,000 inhabitants, from 1990 to 2019, and we compared the disease burden between the years 1990 and 2019. Results: In Brazil, the disease burden increased between 2005 and 2019 for all metrics. Although a higher incidence of syphilis was found among women in 2019, DALYs [YLLs (males: 15.9%; females: 21.8%), YLDs (males: 25.0%; females: 50.0%), and DALYs (males: 16.2%; females: 22.4%)] were higher among men. In 2019, the highest DALY rate per 100,000 inhabitants was observed in individuals aged above 50 years. The State of Maranhão presented the highest values of DALYs {1990: 165.2 [95% uncertainty interval (UI) 96.2-264.4]; 2005: 43.8 [95% UI 30.3-62.4]; 2019: 29.1 [95% UI 19.8-41.1]} per 100,000 inhabitants in the three years analyzed. Conclusions: The burden of syphilis has increased in recent years. Men presented higher DALYs, although the incidence of the disease was higher in women. Syphilis affects a large number of people across all age groups, causing different degrees of disability and premature death (DALYs).