Evaluation of organo-vermiculites as sorbent phases for solid-phase extraction of ibuprofen from water.

The study of ibuprofen (IBU) preconcentration was carried out making use of a homemade column for solid-phase extraction (SPE), using vermiculite (VT) or organo-vermiculites (OVTs) as sorbent phases. Aqueous samples (50.0 mL) percolated the column and IBU was sorbed onto the VT or OVT and then desorbed using acetonitrile. Employing this SPE system and OVT, calibration curves were generated for IBU, by spectrophotometric quantification using the α-naphthylamine method. R2 values higher than 0.9950 and LOD between 12 and 18 µg L-1 were observed, for real enrichment factors of 21 and 31, by using OVTs. The analytical protocol was applied to three water samples, which were spiked with IBU solutions to evaluate the precision and accuracy of the method. Recoveries between 77 and 110% at three different IBU concentrations and RSD lower than 18% were observed, even by using the spectrophotometric method. The protocol developed in this study demonstrated that the OVT was appropriate to work as a preconcentration phase for IBU determination in water samples.

Clinical and Epidemiological Assessment of Children and Adolescents Hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 in the Pre-Amazon Region.

INTRODUCTION: SARS-CoV-2 infection usually presents similarly to other respiratory viral pathogens. Children and adolescents do not present as a group that is highly affected by the disease, having low infection rates. However, limited publications are associated with the findings of pneumonia in pediatric patients with COVID-19. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical and epidemiological aspects of children and adolescents hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 in a pre-Amazon region. METHODS: A retrospective study, carried out in four public hospitals in São Luís, Brazil where medical records of children and adolescents aged from 0 to 13 years, of both sexes, with clinical diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia were evaluated from March 2020 to March 2021. RESULTS: Almost 40.0% of children were aged between 1 year and 5 years. Of the 128 children who had SARS-CoV-2, 3 are of indigenous ethnicity. Additionally, 78.6% of the children had fever and there was no significant difference between COVID-19 patients and those of other respiratory viruses. Eighteen patients had chronic neurological disease, which is the most common comorbidity observed in patients with coronavirus infection. Ground glass opacity attenuation was observed in 24.8% of children and adolescents with COVID-19. Anemia and increased inflammatory response markers were related to SARS-CoV-2 infection. More than 90.0% of patients admitted to hospital, regardless of etiology, were treated with antibiotics. Eighteen patients died. Pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome (PMIS) was diagnosed in 17 patients. CONCLUSIONS: SARS-CoV-2 in children and adolescents is mild, but the condition of patients with PMIS is more serious, with an increase in inflammatory biomarkers which can lead to death. Therefore, rapid diagnosis and differentiation of agents causing respiratory diseases are necessary for better therapeutic decision making, since the results of this study make us question the excessive use of antibiotics without meeting well-defined clinical-epidemiological criteria.

Altered erythropoiesis via JAK2 and ASXL1 mutations in myeloproliferative neoplasms.

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are driven by hyperactivation of JAK-STAT signaling but can demonstrate skewed hematopoiesis upon acquisition of additional somatic mutations. Here, using primary MPN samples and engineered embryonic stem cells, we demonstrate that mutations in JAK2 induced a significant increase in erythroid colony formation, whereas mutations in additional sex combs-like 1 (ASXL1) led to an erythroid colony defect. RNA-sequencing revealed upregulation of protein arginine methyltransferase 6 (PRMT6) induced by mutant ASXL1. Furthermore, genetic perturbation of PRMT6 exacerbated the MPN disease burden, including leukemic engraftment and splenomegaly, in patient-derived xenograft models, highlighting a novel tumor-suppressive function of PRMT6. However, augmented erythroid potential and bone marrow human CD71+ cells following PRMT6 knockdown were reserved only for primary MPN samples harboring ASXL1 mutations. Last, treatment of CD34+ hematopoietic/stem progenitor cells with the PRMT6 inhibitor EPZ020411 induced expression of genes involved in heme metabolism, hemoglobin, and erythropoiesis. These findings highlight interactions between JAK2 and ASXL1 mutations and a unique erythroid regulatory network in the context of mutant ASXL1.

Long-term impacts of 48-h water and feed deprivation on blood and performance responses of grazing Bos indicus Nellore heifers.

The study investigated the effects of 48-h water and feed deprivation on blood and the performance of grazing Nellore (Bos indicus) heifers. Twenty-four Nellore heifers (initial body weight [BW] = 238 ±â€…10 kg; age = 16 ±â€…2 mo), were ranked by initial BW and age and randomly assigned to one of the two treatments: (1) grazing animals with free access to pasture, water, and mineral-mix (CON; n = 12), or (2) the same grazing conditions but deprived of pasture, water, and mineral-mix for 48 h (DPR; n = 12). The paddocks consisted of Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu, using a continuous and fixed stocking rate. The experiment lasted 225 d, with the first 14 d considered as the adaptation period (days -14 to -1) and the subsequent 211 d as the evaluation period (days 0 to 211). From days 0 to 2, treatments were applied by keeping the DPR heifers in pens and reintegrating them into the experimental area after a 48-h water and feed deprivation. Individual full BW was recorded on days -14, -13, -1, before (day 0) and after (day 2) treatment application, and on days 6, 11, 12, 41, 42, 210, and 211. Blood samples were collected in the morning on days 0, 2, 6, 12, and 211. A treatment effect was detected (P < 0.001) for shrink BW from days 0 to 2, which was greater (P < 0.001) in DPR vs. CON heifers. Subsequently, DPR animals were lighter (P < 0.001) compared with CON heifers by the end of the deprivation period (day 2). From days 4 to 211, DPR was lighter (P < 0.001) compared with CON heifers after treatment application and for the entire experimental period. In the first 10 d after treatment application (days 2 to 12), DPR heifers showed a partial compensatory average daily gain (ADG; P < 0.001) compared with CON heifers, while no significant differences were observed in ADG between the treatments from days 12 to 42 and 42 to 211 (P > 0.420). Overall ADG (days 2 to 211) was greater (P < 0.001) for DPR vs. CON heifers. All serum variables, except AST, were higher (P < 0.001) in DPR than in CON heifers on day 2 after treatment application. Our study demonstrates that grazing Nellore heifers subjected to 48-h water and feed deprivation experienced significant alterations in their blood metabolites and BW immediately after the stressful event. Although the deprived heifers partially compensated for their BW loss in the early days post-deprivation, they remained 12 kg lighter than the non-deprived animals throughout the production cycle.

Técnica de Puckett en el tratamiento de mamas tuberosas con lipotransferencia complementaria / The Puckett Technique for Treating Tuberous Breasts with Complementary Lipotransfer

Introducción: La mama tuberosa es una anomalía congénita de la mama que se presenta en la pubertad y es relativamente frecuente. Objetivo: El objetivo de este artículo es dar a conocer el resultado estético del tratamiento quirúrgico de esta afección con la técnica de Pukett sin incluir el implante mamario, con lipotransferencia complementaria. Presentación del caso: Se presenta una paciente femenina, de 25 años de edad, con mama tuberosa grado 4. Se le realiza corrección con técnica de Pukett sin implantes mamarios y en su lugar se usa grasa autóloga. Luego de corregir las anomalías que conforman esta malformación se obtuvo una mama armoniosa sin complicaciones. Conclusión: La técnica de Pukett combinada con lipotransferencia ofrece resultados estéticos y estables en el tratamiento de la mama tuberosa(AU)

Introduction: Tuberous breast is a congenital breast anomaly that presents at puberty and is relatively frequent. Objective: The aim of this article is to report the aesthetic outcome after treating this condition surgically using the Puckett technique without breast implant, with complementary lipotransfer instead. Case presentation: The is presented of a 25-year-old female patient with grade-4 tuberous breast. She is performed a correction using the Puckett technique without breast implants; autologous fat is used instead. After correcting the anomalies that make up this malformation, a harmonious breast was obtained without complications. Conclusion: The Puckett technique combined with lipotransfer offers aesthetic and stable outcomes in the treatment of tuberous breast(AU)

Inclusion of Yucca schidigera extract into finishing diets: impacts on ruminal, physiological, and productive responses of feedlot cattle.

This experiment compared ruminal, physiological, and productive responses of feedlot cattle receiving Yucca schidigera extract to replace or fed in conjunction with monensin + tylosin. Angus-influenced steers (n = 120) were ranked by body weight (BW; 315 ± 3 kg) and allocated to 4 groups of 30 steers each. Groups were housed in 1 of 4 drylot pens (30 × 12 m) equipped with GrowSafe feeding systems (4 bunks/pen) during the experiment (day -14 to slaughter). On day 0, groups were randomly assigned to receive a diet containing (2 × 2 factorial): 1) no inclusion or inclusion of monensin + tylosin (360 mg and 90 mg/steer daily, respectively) and 2) no inclusion or inclusion of Y. schidigera extract (4 g/steer daily). Steers were slaughtered in 3 groups balanced by treatment combination (36 steers on day 114, 36 steers on day 142, and 48 steers on day 169). Blood was sampled on days 0, 28, 56, and 84, and the day before shipping to slaughter. On day 41, eight rumen-cannulated heifers (BW = 590 ± 15 kg) were housed with steers (1 pair/pen). Pairs rotated among groups every 21 d, resulting in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square (n = 8/treatment combination) with 14-d washout intervals. Heifers were sampled for blood and rumen fluid at the beginning and end of each 21-d period. Monensin + tylosin inclusion decreased (P < 0.01) feed intake and improved (P = 0.02) feed efficiency of steers, but did not alter (P ≥ 0.17) steer BW gain or carcass merit traits. Inclusion of Y. schidigera extract did not impact (P ≥ 0.30) steer performance and carcass characteristics. Plasma glucose, insulin, insulin-like growth factor-I, and urea-N concentrations were not affected (P ≥ 0.16) by monensin + tylosin, nor by Y. schidigera extract inclusion in steers and heifers. Ruminal pH in heifers was increased (P = 0.04) by monensin + tylosin, and also by (P = 0.03) Y. schidigera extract inclusion. Rumen fluid viscosity was reduced (P = 0.04) by Y. schidigera extract, and rumen protozoa count was increased (P < 0.01) by monensin + tylosin inclusion. The proportion of propionate in the ruminal fluid was increased (P = 0.04) by monensin + tylosin, and tended (P = 0.07) to be increased by Y. schidigera extract inclusion. Hence, Y. schidigera extract yielded similar improvements in rumen fermentation compared with monensin + tylosin, but without increasing performance and carcass quality of finishing cattle. No complimentary effects were observed when combining all these additives into the finishing diet.

Performance, Intake, Feed Efficiency, and Carcass Characteristics of Young Nellore Heifers under Different Days on Feed in the Feedlot.

Two studies evaluated the productive characteristics of young Nellore heifers receiving different days on feed (DOF) to determine the biological slaughter endpoint. In Experiment 1 (Exp. 1), fifty-one Nellore heifers [324 ± 19.3 kg of body weight (BW); 16 ± 1 months] were split into three DOF lengths (45, 75, or 105 days), while in Experiment 2 (Exp. 2), thirty-six Nellore heifers (362 ± 25.5 kg of BW; 18 ± 1 months of age) were split into three DOF lengths (45, 90, or 135 days). In both studies, all animals were distributed in complete randomized blocks according to initial BW and stratified via carcass ultrasound. The diet was supplied ad libitum, allowing 3% of refusals. The point at which the animals achieved 25% of ether extract of shrunk body weight (EESBW) was defined as the biological endpoint. Thus, relationships were made between some characteristics obtained in both studies. Positive linear relationships were found between backfat thickness (BFT) vs. EESBW (p < 0.001, r = 0.84) and BFT vs. body weight (p < 0.001, r = 0.77). Our results suggest that the biological slaughter endpoint for young Nellore heifers is 6.97 mm of backfat thickness or 402 kg shrunk body weight, corresponding to around 75 DOF.

High Incidence of Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Children with Community-Acquired Pneumonia from a City in the Brazilian Pre-Amazon Region.

INTRODUCTION: Although fewer children have been affected by the severe form of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) continues to be the leading global cause of child hospitalizations and deaths. AIM: This study investigated the incidence of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) as well its subtypes (RSV A and B), adenovirus (ADV), rhinovirus (HRV), metapneumovirus (HMPV), coronavirus (NL63, OC43, 229E and HKU1), parainfluenza virus subtypes (PI1, PI2 and PI3), bocavirus and influenza A and B viruses (FluA and FluB) in children diagnosed with CAP during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A total of 200 children with clinically confirmed CAP were initially recruited, of whom 107 had negative qPCR results for SARS-CoV-2 and were included in this study. Viral subtypes were identified using a real-time polymerase chain reaction in the nasopharyngeal swab samples. RESULTS: Viruses were identified in 69.2% of the patients. RSV infections were the most frequently identified (65.4%), with type RSV B being the most prevalent (63.5%). In addition, HCoV 229E and HRV were detected in 6.5% and 3.7% of the patients, respectively. RSV type B was associated with severe acute respiratory infection (ARI) and a younger age (less than 24 months). CONCLUSIONS: New strategies for preventing and treating viral respiratory infections, particularly RSV infections, are necessary.

Aspergillus flavus from coffee in Cameroon: a non-aflatoxigenic endophytic isolate antagonistic to coffee leaf rust (Hemileia vastatrix).

AIMS: Elucidating the identity of an isolate of Aspergillus sp. obtained during searches for anti-coffee leaf rust (CLR) biocontrol agents, from healthy coffee berry samples, preliminarily verify whether it is an aflatoxin-producer, confirm its ability to grow as an endophyte in healthy coffee tissues and assess its biocontrol potential against CLR. METHODS AND RESULTS: One, among hundreds of fungal isolates fungus were obtained from healthy coffee tissues belonged to Aspergillus (isolate COAD 3307). A combination of morphology features and molecular analyses; including four regions-internal transcribed spacer, second-largest subunit of RNA polymerase (RPB2), ß-tubulin (BenA) and calmodulin (CAL)-identified COAD 3307 as Aspergillus flavus. Inoculations of healthy Coffea arabica with COAD 3307 confirmed its establishment as an endophyte in leaves, stems, and roots. Treatment of C. arabica plants by combinated applications of COAD 3307 on aerial parts and in the soil, significantly (P > .0001) reduced CLR severity as compared to controls. Thin-layer chromatography indicated that COAD 3307 is not an aflatoxin-producing isolate. In order to confirm this result, the extract was injected into high-performance liquid chromatography system equipped with a fluorescence detector, and no evidence of aflatoxin was found. CONCLUSIONS: COAD 3307 is an endophytic isolate of A. flavus-a species that has never been previously recorded as an endophyte of Coffea spp. It is a non-aflatoxin producing strain that has an anti-CLR effect and merits further evaluation as a biocontrol agent.

USB1 is a miRNA deadenylase that regulates hematopoietic development.

Mutations in the 3' to 5' RNA exonuclease USB1 cause hematopoietic failure in poikiloderma with neutropenia (PN). Although USB1 is known to regulate U6 small nuclear RNA maturation, the molecular mechanism underlying PN remains undetermined, as pre-mRNA splicing is unaffected in patients. We generated human embryonic stem cells harboring the PN-associated mutation c.531_delA in USB1 and show that this mutation impairs human hematopoiesis. Dysregulated microRNA (miRNA) levels in USB1 mutants during blood development contribute to hematopoietic failure, because of a failure to remove 3'-end adenylated tails added by PAPD5/7. Modulation of miRNA 3'-end adenylation through genetic or chemical inhibition of PAPD5/7 rescues hematopoiesis in USB1 mutants. This work shows that USB1 acts as a miRNA deadenylase and suggests PAPD5/7 inhibition as a potential therapy for PN.

Volatile compounds for biotechnological applications produced during competitive interactions between yeasts and fungi.

Fungi, yeasts and bacteria produce volatile compounds during their metabolism. In this study, the volatile compounds produced by yeast strains (Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa) and fungal strains (Aspergillus carbonarius and Aspergillus ochraceus) during competitive interactions were investigated by solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Fifty-six volatile compounds were identified representing alcohols, aldehydes, esters, ketones, aromatic compounds, acids, furans, phenols, and nitrogen compounds, being the largest amount in the class of esters and alcohols. Eight compounds were identified only in interactive culture conditions such as 2-amino-1-propanol, isopropylamine, dimethylamine, pentyl propanoate, ethyl-2-aminopropanoate, acetone, oxalic acid, and ß-elemene and five of these were produced in cocultures including A. carbonarius. These will be developed for future biotechnological applications such as in the pharmaceutical and biological industry to produce drugs. Antimicrobial and antifungal activities; Solvent and herbicide; flavoring ingredient; solvent, plastic synthesis, nail polish remover and thinner, pesticide and herbicide; important in the complexation of minerals in the soil; and plant-environment interactions, defending predators, pathogens, and competitors.

In vitro and in vivo efficacy of poly(lactic acid) nanofiber packaging containing essential oils from Ocimum basilicum L. and Ocimum gratissimum L. against Aspergillus carbonarius and Aspergillus niger in table grapes.

Apergillus carbonarius and Aspergillus niger are the principal fungi that attack table grapes, and they are responsible for producing and contaminating these fruits with ochratoxin A. Packaging containing essential oils from Ocimum gratissimum L. and Ocimum basilicum L. encapsulated in poly(lactic acid) (PLA) nanofibers were produced, the antifungal and antiocratoxigenic activities against A. carbonarius and A. niger were evaluated in vitro and in vivo, and the effect of these packages on the quality of table grapes was determined. The nanofibers were produced by the Solution Blow Spinning technique and characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy and Thermogravimetric Analysis. Fungal contamination and ochratoxin A production were significantly controlled by PLA nanofibers containing the essential oils and the physicochemical parameters of the grapes were preserved, preserving the quality and the shelf life of the fruit. Therefore, the active packaging developed herein has potential and may be suitable for application in fruits.

Active packaging of poly(lactic acid) nanofibers and essential oils with antifungal action on table grapes.

The table grape is a non-climateric fruit that is very susceptible to fungal contamination, in addition to suffering an accelerated loss of quality during storage. The in vitro and in grape antifungal and antiocratoxigenic effects of the essential oils from Alpinia speciosa and Cymbopogon flexuosus against Aspergillus carbonarius and Aspergillus niger were studied. The oils were encapsulated in poly(lactic acid) (PLA) nanofibers as a potential active packaging to be applied to control the degradation of grapes stored during the post-harvest period. Fungal proliferation and ochratoxin A synthesis in A. carbonarius and A. niger decreased in the presence of the active packaging. However, the nanofiber containing the essential oil from C. flexuosus was more efficient in providing a fungicidal effect against A. carbonarius (10% and 20%) and A. niger (20%). In addition, weight loss and color changes were controlled and the parameters of acidity, °Brix, softening and the texture of the grape were maintained. A very small mass loss of the essential oils encapsulated in nanofibers was observed by thermogravimetric analysis, showing that the nanofiber was efficient in enabling the controlled release. The quality and safety of table grapes were maintained for longer periods of storage in the presence of active packaging, so the incorporation of these oils in nanofibers can be a promising way to increase the shelf life of grapes.

Atrazine adsorption and desorption on functionalized montmorillonite: aluminum-pillared and lithium saturated.

Atrazine is an herbicide used worldwide, and it is considered a severe environmental contaminant. The present study aims to evaluate the atrazine adsorption in aqueous media in montmorillonite samples which were either in natural state or functionalized through saturation with lithium and pillarization with aluminum by different methods. Montmorillonite saturated with lithium adsorbed significantly more atrazine than the natural montmorillonite sample. Among the samples obtained through the three aluminum-pillarization methods, the mass percentage of adsorbed atrazine was very similar. However, the best combination was the aluminum-pillarization (due to the maintenance of the open interlayer region) and saturation with lithium (due to the significant reduction of the cation exchange capacity of the mineral), because both processes facilitate the interaction of atrazine with the montmorillonite. Another advantage was that the adsorption of atrazine in the pillared and lithium saturated samples had small desorption, which is desirable in the environmental perspective. It is recommended to build filters with aluminum-hydroxy pillared, lithium saturated montmorillonite as an alternative method to rapidly remove atrazine from aqueous media. In addition to the shorter production time, this process resulted in montmorillonite with high occupancy rate and stability of the aluminum-hydroxy pillars.

Nevo Melanocítico Congénito Gigante con hemangioma hepático asociado. Reporte de caso clínico. Revisión bibliográfica

El nevo melanocítico congénito gigante es una lesión pigmentada de gran tamaño presente al nacimiento. Su incidencia es de 1/1.000-500.000 recién nacidos. La localización más frecuente es el tronco posterior, la cara, el cuero cabelludo y las extremidades. El objetivo que buscamos con la presentación de este caso clínico es ofrecer una revisión actualizada sobre la evaluación al nacimiento, conducta y tratamiento a seguir por los neonatólogos y pediatra de atención primaria ante la inesperada presencia de las dermatopatías no tan frecuentes como la que nos ocupa. Se trata de un recién nacido que nace con un "nevo melanocítico congénito gigante" y que además se asocia con un hemangioma hepático diagnosticado en el ingreso. Valoramos la importancia de esta patología que radica en los problemas impactantes desde el punto de vista estético, quirúrgico y emocional que pueden originar en el paciente y sus familiares, además de la posible asociación con otras malformaciones del sistema nervioso central y en algunos de ellos, el riesgo de ser el origen de un melanoma.

The giant congenital melanocytic nevus is a large pigmented lesion present at birth. Its incidence is 1 / 1,000-500,000 newborns. The most frequent location is the posterior trunk, the face, the scalp and the extremities. We decided with the presentation of this clinical case to offer an updated review on the evaluation at birth, behavior and treatment to be followed by neonatologists, primary care pediatrician before the unexpected presence of dermatopathies not as frequent as the one we are dealing with today, the "nevus" giant congenital melanocytic ". The importance of this pathology lies in the impactful problems from the aesthetic, surgical and emotional point of view that can originate in the patient and their relatives, in addition to the possible association with other malformations of the central nervous system and in some of them, the risk of being the origin of a melanoma.

O nevo melanocítico congênito gigante é uma grande lesão pigmentada presente ao nascimento. Sua incidência é de 1/1.000-500.000 recém-nascidos. A localização mais frequente é o tronco posterior, face, couro cabeludo e extremidades. O objetivo que buscamos com a apresentação deste caso clínico é oferecer uma revisão atualizada sobre a avaliação ao nascimento, comportamento e tratamento a ser acompanhado por neonatologistas e pediatras da atenção primária na presença inesperada de dermatopatias não tão frequentes quanto a em questão. É um recém-nascido nascido com um "nevo melanocítico congênito gigante" e também está associado a um hemangioma hepático diagnosticado na admissão. Valorizamos a importância dessa patologia que reside nos problemas chocantes do ponto de vista estético, cirúrgico e emocional que podem se originar no paciente e em seus familiares, além da possível associação com outras malformações do sistema nervoso central e, em algumas de las, o risco de ser a origem do melanoma.

Produção científica brasileira sobre saúde da população negra: revisão de escopo rápida / Brazilian scientific production on the health of the black population: a rapid scoping review

Resumo O artigo apresenta uma prospecção da produção científica brasileira sobre a saúde da população negra (SPN) publicada em periódicos científicos. Trata-se de uma revisão de escopo rápida, combinada com análise temática e bibliométrica. As buscas foram realizadas em quatro bases indexadas. Foram selecionados 519 trabalhos em consonância com os eixos temáticos e subtemas estratégicos da Agenda de Prioridades de Pesquisa do Ministério da Saúde e das diretrizes da Política Nacional de Saúde Integral da População Negra. Os dados mostraram estudos publicados entre 1969 e 2022, a maioria deles com abordagem quantitativa. Entre os selecionados, 65 foram especificamente sobre a população negra e 54 sobre a população quilombola. A análise dos termos mais recorrentes nos títulos dos trabalhos selecionados mostrou que prevaleceram aspectos epidemiológicos e condições de saúde e doença. Observou-se limitações nos descritores de indexação hoje disponíveis, que não abrangem a terminologia mais adequada conceitualmente. O artigo contribui para consolidar o conhecimento sobre a produção científica relacionada com a SPN, subsidiando também a discussão em torno de uma agenda prioritária propositiva para pesquisas com vistas a aprimorar as políticas de saúde para essa população, superar o racismo e denunciar as violações de direitos.

Abstract The article presents a perspective on the Brazilian scientific production on the health of the black population (SPN) published in scientific journals. We performed a rapid scoping review combined with thematic and bibliometric analysis. Our search included four indexed databases. We retrieved 519 studies in line with the thematic axes and strategic underlying themes of the Agenda of Research Priorities of the Ministry of Health and the guidelines of the National Policy for the Comprehensive Health of the Black Population. The data mainly returned quantitative studies published from 1969 to 2022. Sixty-five of the selected studies were explicitly about the black population and 54 about the quilombola population. The analysis of the most recurrent terms in the titles of the selected studies evidenced that epidemiological aspects and health and disease conditions prevailed. We observed limitations in the currently available indexing descriptors, which do not cover the most conceptually appropriate terminology. This paper consolidates knowledge about the SPN-related scientific production. It supports the discussion on a propositional priority research agenda to improve health policies for this population, overcome racism, and denounce rights violations.

Brazilian scientific production on the health of the black population: a rapid scoping review. / Produção científica brasileira sobre saúde da população negra: revisão de escopo rápida.

The article presents a perspective on the Brazilian scientific production on the health of the black population (SPN) published in scientific journals. We performed a rapid scoping review combined with thematic and bibliometric analysis. Our search included four indexed databases. We retrieved 519 studies in line with the thematic axes and strategic underlying themes of the Agenda of Research Priorities of the Ministry of Health and the guidelines of the National Policy for the Comprehensive Health of the Black Population. The data mainly returned quantitative studies published from 1969 to 2022. Sixty-five of the selected studies were explicitly about the black population and 54 about the quilombola population. The analysis of the most recurrent terms in the titles of the selected studies evidenced that epidemiological aspects and health and disease conditions prevailed. We observed limitations in the currently available indexing descriptors, which do not cover the most conceptually appropriate terminology. This paper consolidates knowledge about the SPN-related scientific production. It supports the discussion on a propositional priority research agenda to improve health policies for this population, overcome racism, and denounce rights violations.

O artigo apresenta uma prospecção da produção científica brasileira sobre a saúde da população negra (SPN) publicada em periódicos científicos. Trata-se de uma revisão de escopo rápida, combinada com análise temática e bibliométrica. As buscas foram realizadas em quatro bases indexadas. Foram selecionados 519 trabalhos em consonância com os eixos temáticos e subtemas estratégicos da Agenda de Prioridades de Pesquisa do Ministério da Saúde e das diretrizes da Política Nacional de Saúde Integral da População Negra. Os dados mostraram estudos publicados entre 1969 e 2022, a maioria deles com abordagem quantitativa. Entre os selecionados, 65 foram especificamente sobre a população negra e 54 sobre a população quilombola. A análise dos termos mais recorrentes nos títulos dos trabalhos selecionados mostrou que prevaleceram aspectos epidemiológicos e condições de saúde e doença. Observou-se limitações nos descritores de indexação hoje disponíveis, que não abrangem a terminologia mais adequada conceitualmente. O artigo contribui para consolidar o conhecimento sobre a produção científica relacionada com a SPN, subsidiando também a discussão em torno de uma agenda prioritária propositiva para pesquisas com vistas a aprimorar as políticas de saúde para essa população, superar o racismo e denunciar as violações de direitos.

Telomere biology disorders: time for moving towards the clinic?

Telomere biology disorders (TBDs) are a group of rare diseases caused by mutations that impair telomere maintenance. Mutations that cause reduced levels of TERC/hTR, the telomerase RNA component, are found in most TBD patients and include loss-of-function mutations in hTR itself, in hTR-binding proteins [NOP10, NHP2, NAF1, ZCCHC8, and dyskerin (DKC1)], and in proteins required for hTR processing (PARN). These patients show diverse clinical presentations that most commonly include bone marrow failure (BMF)/aplastic anemia (AA), pulmonary fibrosis, and liver cirrhosis. There are no curative therapies for TBD patients. An understanding of hTR biogenesis, maturation, and degradation has identified pathways and pharmacological agents targeting the poly(A) polymerase PAPD5, which adds 3'-oligoadenosine tails to hTR to promote hTR degradation, and TGS1, which modifies the 5'-cap structure of hTR to enhance degradation, as possible therapeutic approaches. Critical next steps will be clinical trials to establish the effectiveness and potential side effects of these compounds in TBD patients.

Advances in the recruitment and loyalty of blood donors: A critical outlook over the Brazilian scenario / Avanços no recrutamento e fidelização de doadores de sangue: um olhar crítico sobre o panorama brasileiro

The growing need for more stringent methods of safe blood transfusion has engendered blood banks in Brazil. The transfusion appears, then, as an alternative path for blood-related pathologies and their components. Followed by the enforcement of altruistic principles, blood donation has become resistant within society due to its myths and prejudices. Thus, the implementation of public policies became more evident in tracing the social profile of blood donors, and the public power started regulating, supervising and controlling the rational use of blood and blood products. This way, the indices of blood donation in the Unified Health System (SUS) result from various means of interaction with both the potential donor and with the loyal donor, through digital media, school lectures, symposia, congresses and visual media. This process hitched the recruitment to the peculiarities of potential donors, mostly promoted by Health professionals. There is a need to gradually increase such measures to facilitate the donation process, adapting it to the reality of these people, to amplify the number of loyal donors (AU)

A crescente necessidade de métodos mais rígidos de segurança na transfusão sanguínea engendrou os bancos de sangue no Brasil. A transfusão aparece, então, como via alternativa para tratamento de patologias relacionadas ao sangue e aos seus componentes. A partir da aplicação de princípios altruístas, a doação de sangue tornou-se mais resistente pela sociedade, devido aos mitos e preconceitos. A aplicação de políticas públicas, dessa forma, tornaram-se mais evidentes para traçar o perfil social do doador de sangue, e o poder público passou a regulamentar, fiscalizar e controlar o uso racional de hemoderivados e hemocomponentes. Nesse sentido, os índices de doação de sangue no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) são resultados de diversos meios de interação tanto com o potencial doador quanto com o fidelizado, por intermédio de mídias digitais, palestras em centros escolares, simpósios, congressos e meios audiovisuais. Esse processo atrelou o recrutamento às peculiaridades dos potenciais doadores, promovido principalmente pelos profissionais da saúde. Surge a necessidade de aumentar, cada vez mais, tais medidas de modo a facilitar e flexibilizar o processo de doação, adaptando-o, assim, à realidade dessas pessoas, para amplificar o número de doadores fidelizados (AU)