The role of the macroalgae Ulva lactuca on the cellular effects of neodymium and mercury in the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis.

Rare earth elements (REEs) are increasingly being studied mainly due to their economic importance and wide range of applications, but also for their rising environmental concentrations and potential environmental and ecotoxicological impacts. Among REEs, neodymium (Nd) is widely used in lasers, glass additives, and magnets. Currently, NdFeB-based permanent magnets are the most significant components of electronic devices and Nd is used because of its magnetic properties. In addition to REES, part of the environmental pollution related to electrical and electronic equipment, fluorescent lamps and batteries also comes from mercury (Hg). Since both elements persist in ecosystems and are continuously accumulated by marine organisms, a promising approach for water decontamination has emerged. Through a process known as sorption, live marine macroalgae can be used, especially Ulva lactuca, to accumulate potential toxic elements from the water. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the cellular toxicity of Nd and Hg in Mytilus galloprovincialis, comparing the biochemical effects induced by these elements in the presence or absence of the macroalgae U. lactuca. The results confirmed that Hg was more toxic to mussels than Nd, but also showed the good capability of U. lactuca in preventing the onset of cellular disturbance and homeostasis disruption in M. galloprovincialis by reducing bioavailable Hg levels. Overall, the biochemical parameters evaluated related to metabolism, antioxidant and biotransformation defences, redox balance, and cellular damage, showed that algae could prevent biological effects in mussels exposed to Hg compared to those exposed to Nd. This study contributes to the advancement of knowledge in this field, namely the understanding of the impacts of different elements on bivalves and the crucial role of algae in the protection of other aquatic organisms.

Can exposure to Gymnodinium catenatum toxic blooms influence the impacts induced by Neodymium in Mytilus galloprovincialis mussels? What doesn't kill can make them stronger?

The presence in marine shellfish of toxins and pollutants like rare earth elements (REEs) poses a major threat to human well-being, coastal ecosystems, and marine life. Among the REEs, neodymium (Nd) stands out as a widely utilized element and is projected to be among the top five critical elements by 2025. Gymnodinum catenatum is a phytoplankton species commonly associated with the contamination of bivalves with paralytic shellfish toxins. This study evaluated the biological effects of Nd on the mussel species Mytilus galloprovincialis when exposed to G. catenatum cells for fourteen days, followed by a recovery period in uncontaminated seawater for another fourteen days. After co-exposure, mussels showed similar toxin accumulation in the Nd and G. catenatum treatment in comparison with the G. catenatum treatment alone. Increased metabolism and enzymatic defenses were observed in organisms exposed to G. catenatum cells, while Nd inhibited enzyme activity and caused cellular damage. Overall, this study revealed that the combined presence of G. catenatum cells and Nd, produced positive synergistic effects on M. galloprovincialis biochemical responses compared to G. catenatum alone, indicating that organisms' performance may be significantly modulated by the presence of multiple co-occurring stressors, such those related to chemical pollution and harmful algal blooms. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS: Neodymium (Nd) is widely used in green technologies like wind turbines, and this element's potential threats to aquatic environments are almost unknown, especially when co-occurring with other environmental factors such as blooms of toxic algae. This study revealed the cellular impacts induced by Nd in the bioindicator species Mytilus galloprovincialis but further demonstrated that the combination of both stressors can generate a positive defense response in mussels. The present findings also demonstrated that the impacts caused by Nd lasted even after a recovery period while a previous exposure to the toxins generated a faster biochemical improvement by the mussels.

The Combined Heterozygosity of Factor V Leiden and G20210A Prothrombin Gene Mutation in a Patient With Venous Thromboembolism.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a chronic illness that includes pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and many risk factors are associated. Anticoagulation therapy remains the cornerstone of venous thromboembolism management, and the duration of anticoagulation depends on the risk of venous thromboembolism. We report a case of a female with a combined heterozygosity of factor V Leiden and G20210A prothrombin gene mutation.

Exploring Bioactivities and Peptide Content of Body Mucus from the Lusitanian Toadfish Halobatrachus didactylus.

Identifying bioactive molecules from marine organisms is still vastly understudied. Fish remain an untapped source of bioactive molecules, even when considering species whose toxicity to other fish species has been noticed before. We assessed potential applications of crude body mucus of the Lusitanian toadfish (Halobratachus didactylus) and characterized its peptide fraction composition. Mucus samples from three individuals (two wild and one captive) revealed potential antioxidant, antihypertensive, and antimicrobial activities. For antioxidant activity, the best results of 2371 ± 97 µmol Trolox Equivalent/g protein for ORAC and 154 ± 6 µmol Trolox Equivalent/g protein for ABTS were obtained. For antihypertensive activity, the relevant inhibitory activity of ACE resulted in IC50 of 60 ± 7 µg protein/mL. Antimicrobial activity was also identified against the pathogenic bacteria Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes. The peptide profile of the crude body mucus was obtained through size exclusion chromatography, with a conspicuous peak at ca. 800 Da. LC-MS/MS allowed the detection of the most probable peptide sequences of this dominant peptide. This is the first study where the bioactive potential of mucus from the Lusitanian toadfish is demonstrated. Peptides with such properties can be applied in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

The influence of temperature on the effects of lead and lithium in Mytilus galloprovincialis through biochemical, cell and tissue levels: Comparison between mono and multi-element exposures.

Lead (Pb) and lithium (Li) are metals which have been detected in the environment and, at high concentrations, can induce toxic effects that disturb the growth, metabolism or reproduction of organisms along the entire trophic chain. The impacts of these metals have scarcely been investigated using marine bivalves, especially when acting as a mixture. The present study aimed to investigate the influence of temperature on the ecotoxicological effects caused by Pb and Li, acting alone and as a mixture, on the mussel species Mytilus galloprovincialis after 28 days of exposure. The impacts were evaluated under actual (17 °C) and projected (+4 °C) warming conditions, to understand the influence of temperature rise on the effects of the metals (both acting alone or as a mixture). The results obtained showed that the increased temperature did not influence the accumulation of metals. However, the biomarkers evaluated showed greater responses in mussels that are exposed to metals under increased temperature (21 °C). The IBR index showed that there is a comparable toxic effect of Li and Pb separately, while exposure to a mixture of both pollutants causes a significantly higher stress response. Overall, the results obtained revealed that temperature may cause extra stress on the mussels and exposure to the metal mixture caused the greatest impacts compared to each metal acting alone.

Hearing screening using the uHear™ smartphone-based app: reproducibility of results from two response modes. / Triagem auditiva com o aplicativo para dispositivos móveis uHear™: reprodutibilidade dos resultados utilizando dois diferentes modos de resposta.

PURPOSE: Estimate the reproducibility of hearing screening results using the uHear™ smartphone-based app in two response modes: self-test response and test-operator. METHODS: Reliability study conducted with 65 individuals aged ≥18 years assisted at the Speech-language and Hearing Therapy clinic of a public higher-education institution. Hearing screening was conducted by a single researcher using the uHear app and earbud headphones in a soundproof booth. Participants responded to sound stimuli in both self-test response mode and test-operator mode. The order in which these two uHear test modes were applied was altered according to the entrance of each participant in the study. The correspondence between the hearing thresholds obtained from each response mode was analyzed and their Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) was estimated. RESULTS: A correspondence of ±5 dBHL >75% was observed between these hearing thresholds. The ICC values showed excellent agreement between the two response modes at all frequencies >40 dBHL tested. CONCLUSION: The two hearing screening response modes using the uHear app presented high reproducibility, suggesting that the test-operator mode is a viable alternative when the self-test response mode is not recommended.

OBJETIVO: Estimar a reprodutibilidade dos resultados da triagem auditiva com o aplicativo uHear, utilizando dois diferentes modos de resposta, o modo autoaplicado e o modo com intermediação do pesquisador. MÉTODO: Estudo de confiabilidade realizado com 65 indivíduos, maiores de 18 anos, que compareceram à clínica escola de Fonoaudiologia de uma instituição pública de ensino superior. A triagem auditiva foi realizada com o aplicativo uHear, em cabina acústica, utilizando fone intra-auricular e conduzida sempre pelo mesmo pesquisador. Os participantes responderam ao estímulo sonoro de maneira autoaplicada e com intermediação do pesquisador. A ordem de realização dos dois modos de resposta ao aplicativo uHear foi alternada de acordo com a entrada do participante no estudo. Foi analisada a correspondência entre os limiares auditivos obtidos com os dois modos de resposta, bem como estimado o Coeficiente de Correlação Intraclasse (ICC). RESULTADOS: Verificou-se uma correspondência de ± 5 dBNA superior a 75% entre os limiares auditivos obtidos nos dois modos de resposta. O ICC revelou concordância excelente entre os dois modos de resposta, em todas as frequências testadas, para intensidades superiores a 40 dBNA. CONCLUSÃO: Os dois modos de resposta à triagem auditiva com o aplicativo uHear apresentam elevada reprodutibilidade, o que permite indicar o modo de resposta com intermediação do pesquisador como uma alternativa viável quando o modo autoaplicado não for recomendado.

Toxic effects of a mixture of pharmaceuticals in Mytilus galloprovincialis: The case of 17α-ethinylestradiol and salicylic acid.

The impact of pharmaceuticals on marine invertebrates has been a topic of rising concern, with an increasing number of studies regarding the impacts on bivalves. However, very few investigated the toxicity of mixtures of pharmaceuticals. This knowledge gap was investigated in the present study, where the toxicity of 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) and salicylic acid (SA) mixture was evaluated. To this end, Mytilus galloprovincialis mussels were chronically subjected to both pharmaceuticals, acting alone and in combination, and the effects at the cellular level were measured. The Independent Action (IA) model was performed aiming to compare obtained with predicted responses. The integrated biomarker response (IBR) index was used to assess the overall biochemical response given by mussels. The results obtained revealed that the most stressful condition was caused by the combined effect of EE2 and SA, with the highest metabolic capacity, antioxidant (catalase activity) and biotransformation (carboxylesterases activity) activation and cellular damage in organisms exposed to the mixture of both drugs in comparison to responses observed when each drug was acting alone. Predicted responses obtained from the IA model indicate that caution should be paid as frequent deviations to observed responses were found. This study highlights the need for future studies considering the mixture of pollutants, mimicking the actual environmental conditions.

Triagem auditiva com o aplicativo para dispositivos móveis uHear™: reprodutibilidade dos resultados utilizando dois diferentes modos de resposta / Hearing screening using the uHear™ smartphone-based app: reproducibility of results from two response modes

RESUMO Objetivo Estimar a reprodutibilidade dos resultados da triagem auditiva com o aplicativo uHear, utilizando dois diferentes modos de resposta, o modo autoaplicado e o modo com intermediação do pesquisador. Método Estudo de confiabilidade realizado com 65 indivíduos, maiores de 18 anos, que compareceram à clínica escola de Fonoaudiologia de uma instituição pública de ensino superior. A triagem auditiva foi realizada com o aplicativo uHear, em cabina acústica, utilizando fone intra-auricular e conduzida sempre pelo mesmo pesquisador. Os participantes responderam ao estímulo sonoro de maneira autoaplicada e com intermediação do pesquisador. A ordem de realização dos dois modos de resposta ao aplicativo uHear foi alternada de acordo com a entrada do participante no estudo. Foi analisada a correspondência entre os limiares auditivos obtidos com os dois modos de resposta, bem como estimado o Coeficiente de Correlação Intraclasse (ICC). Resultados Verificou-se uma correspondência de ± 5 dBNA superior a 75% entre os limiares auditivos obtidos nos dois modos de resposta. O ICC revelou concordância excelente entre os dois modos de resposta, em todas as frequências testadas, para intensidades superiores a 40 dBNA. Conclusão Os dois modos de resposta à triagem auditiva com o aplicativo uHear apresentam elevada reprodutibilidade, o que permite indicar o modo de resposta com intermediação do pesquisador como uma alternativa viável quando o modo autoaplicado não for recomendado.

ABSTRACT Purpose Estimate the reproducibility of hearing screening results using the uHear™ smartphone-based app in two response modes: self-test response and test-operator. Methods Reliability study conducted with 65 individuals aged ≥18 years assisted at the Speech-language and Hearing Therapy clinic of a public higher-education institution. Hearing screening was conducted by a single researcher using the uHear app and earbud headphones in a soundproof booth. Participants responded to sound stimuli in both self-test response mode and test-operator mode. The order in which these two uHear test modes were applied was altered according to the entrance of each participant in the study. The correspondence between the hearing thresholds obtained from each response mode was analyzed and their Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) was estimated. Results A correspondence of ±5 dBHL >75% was observed between these hearing thresholds. The ICC values showed excellent agreement between the two response modes at all frequencies >40 dBHL tested. Conclusion The two hearing screening response modes using the uHear app presented high reproducibility, suggesting that the test-operator mode is a viable alternative when the self-test response mode is not recommended.

Developing New Tools to Fight Human Pathogens: A Journey through the Advances in RNA Technologies.

A long scientific journey has led to prominent technological advances in the RNA field, and several new types of molecules have been discovered, from non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) to riboswitches, small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and CRISPR systems. Such findings, together with the recognition of the advantages of RNA in terms of its functional performance, have attracted the attention of synthetic biologists to create potent RNA-based tools for biotechnological and medical applications. In this review, we have gathered the knowledge on the connection between RNA metabolism and pathogenesis in Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. We further discuss how RNA techniques have contributed to the building of this knowledge and the development of new tools in synthetic biology for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms. Infectious diseases are still a world-leading cause of death and morbidity, and RNA-based therapeutics have arisen as an alternative way to achieve success. There are still obstacles to overcome in its application, but much progress has been made in a fast and effective manner, paving the way for the solid establishment of RNA-based therapies in the future.

A New NOTCH3 Gene Mutation Associated With a CADASIL (Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy With Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy) Diagnosis.

Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is the most common and best-known monogenic small vessel disease. This disease is caused by a genetic mutation in the neurogenic locus notch homolog protein 3 (NOTCH3) gene, inherited as an autosomal dominant trait, the presence of which confirms the diagnosis of CADASIL. Clinically, it can express itself in a variety of symptoms, including migraine with aura, mood disturbance, vascular dementia, ischemic stroke, and premature death. This case reports a 69-year-old man who was admitted for an etiological study of paresthesias and was later confirmed with a diagnosis of CADASIL with a NOTCH3 mutation.

Biochemical alterations caused by lanthanum and gadolinium in Mytilus galloprovincialis after exposure and recovery periods.

The increasing use of rare earth elements (REEs) in electric and electronic equipment has been associated with the presence of these elements in aquatic systems. The present study aimed to evaluate the toxicity of two REEs, Lanthanum (La) and Gadolinium (Gd), towards the mussel species Mytilus galloprovincialis. For this, the toxicity was assessed after a short-term exposure (14 days) to an environmentally relevant concentration of each element (10 µg/L), followed by a recovery period (14 days) in the absence of any contaminant. The measured biomarkers included energy-related parameters, activity of antioxidant and biotransformation enzymes, indicators of oxidative damage, levels of oxidized glutathione and neurotoxicity. After exposure mussels accumulated more La (0.54 µg/g) than Gd (0.15 µg/g). After recovery higher concentration decrease was observed for Gd (≈40% loss) compared to La exposed mussels (≈30% loss) which may be associated with lower detoxification capacity of mussels previously exposed to La. Mussels increased their metabolism (i.e., higher electron transport system activity) only after the exposure to Gd. Exposure to La and Gd resulted into lower energy expenditure, while when both elements were removed glycogen and protein concentrations decreased to values observed in non-contaminated mussels. Antioxidant and biotransformation capacity was mainly increased in the presence of Gd. This defense response avoided the occurrence of cellular damage but still loss of redox balance was found regardless the contaminant, which was re-established after the recovery period. Neurotoxicity was only observed in the presence of Gd with no effects after the recovery period. Results showed that a short-term exposure to La and especially to Gd can exert deleterious effects that may compromise specific biochemical pathways in aquatic species, such as M. galloprovincialis, but under low concentrations organisms can be able to re-establish their biochemical status to control levels after a recovery period.

Structural Basis for Toxin Inhibition in the VapXD Toxin-Antitoxin System.

Bacterial type II toxin-antitoxin (TA) modules encode a toxic protein that downregulates metabolism and a specific antitoxin that binds and inhibits the toxin during normal growth. In non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae, a common cause of infections in humans, the vapXD locus was found to constitute a functional TA module and contribute to pathogenicity; however, the mode of action of VapD and the mechanism of inhibition by the VapX antitoxin remain unknown. Here, we report the structure of the intact H. influenzae VapXD complex, revealing an unusual 2:1 TA molecular stoichiometry where a Cas2-like homodimer of VapD binds a single VapX antitoxin. VapX consists of an oligonucleotide/oligosaccharide-binding domain that docks into an asymmetrical cavity on the toxin dimer. Structures of isolated VapD further reveal how a symmetrical toxin homodimer adapts to interacting with an asymmetrical antitoxin and suggest how a primordial TA system evolved to become part of CRISPR-Cas immunity systems.

Incidence of Adverse Drug Reactions in High-Risk Pregnancy: A Prospective Cohort Study in Obstetric Intensive Care.

PURPOSE: To estimate the cumulative incidence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in women with high-risk pregnancy hospitalized in an obstetric intensive care unit, then to describe the medicines involved and to identify major risk factors. METHODS: From June 2016 to December 2017, patients admitted to the ICU with high-risk pregnancy were considered eligible in this observational, longitudinal, prospective study. Patients were investigated daily for the occurrence of ADRs through pharmaceutical anamnesis, active search in medical records and questioning of the health team. Suspected ADRs were classified according to Naranjo's algorithm. Written informed consent was obtained from all patients. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to identify risk factors of ADR. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 607 high-risk pregnancies from 851 women admitted to the ICU, of whom 244 admitted for non-obstetric conditions, with an ICU stay less than 24 h or readmitted to the ICU were excluded. The mean age was 27.0 ± 7.5 years-old, mean gestational age was 33.8 ± 6.3 weeks. ADR were observed in 165 women (27.2%). No severe ADR was observed and 29.7% were of moderate severity. The most often implicated medicine was magnesium sulphate (25.2%) with 44.5% of patients administered that substance experiencing ADRs consisting of somnolence (68.6%), absent patellar reflex (21.6%) and hypotension (9.8%). Risk factors of ADR were blood pressure (adjusted odds-ratio (aOR) 1.02), haemoglobin level (aOR 1.21) and body temperature (aOR 0.71). CONCLUSIONS: ADRs affect about one third of high-risk pregnancies, mainly due to magnesium sulphate administrations. High blood pressure, lower body temperature, and high haemoglobin concentration on admission were associated with an increased risk of ADR.

Saúde Mental na Atenção Primária: tecendo ferramentas de abordagem familiar / Salud Mental en Atención Primaria: taller de herramientas de enfoque familiar / Mental Health in Primary Care: weaving family approach tools

Este estudo de caso objetiva realizar análise das relações dos sujeitos com transtorno mental, a partir de ferramentas de abordagem familiar, no município de Tianguá - Ceará, Brasil, no período de abril a junho de 2015. As informações foram coletadas por meio de uma entrevista e diário de campo, durante visita ao lar, também mapeadas e analisadas a partir das seguintes ferramentas de avaliação familiar: tipologia, genograma, ecomapa e P.R.A.C.T.I.C.E. O núcleo familiar é composto por quatro membros, sendo Rosa uma deficiente auditiva (mãe e provedora da família) e três filhos com transtorno mental: o Cravo (esquizofrenia), o Girassol (transtorno mental severo) e a Margarida (deficiente mental), que vivem em situação de extrema vulnerabilidade social, segundo a Escala de Risco Familiar Coelho-Savassi (ERF-CS). Os resultados evidenciaram um arranjo monoparental feminino, escore 32 da ERF-CS, com interação social frágil e relações familiares conflituosas e distantes, acentuadas pela descompensação mental e falta de apoio multiprofissional especializado. O estudo mostra a importância do uso de ferramentas de abordagem familiar para potencializar práticas e fortalecer o papel ordenador da ESF/APS. Contudo, diante de casos complexos, sozinha, a ESF/APS não consegue efetivar a integralidade, requerendo, portanto, apoio matricial da rede especializada, proporcionando mais autonomia aos sujeitos

Este estudio de caso tiene como objetivo realizar análisis de las relaciones de los sujetos con trastorno mental, a partir de herramientas de abordaje familiar, en el municipio de Tianguá - Ceará, Brasil, en el período de abril a junio de 2015. Las informaciones fueron recolectadas por medio de una entrevista y diario de campo, durante visita al hogar, también mapeadas y analizadas a partir de las siguientes herramientas de evaluación familiar: tipología, genograma, ecomapa y P.R.A.C.T.I.C.E. El núcleo familiar está compuesto por cuatro miembros, siendo Rosa una deficiente auditiva (madre y proveedora de la familia) y tres hijos con trastorno mental: Clavel (esquizofrenia), Girasol (trastorno mental severo) y Margarita (deficiente mental), que viven en situación de extrema vulnerabilidad social, según la Escala de Riesgo Familiar Coelho-Savassi (ERF-CS). Los resultados evidenciaron un núcleo monoparental femenino, escore 32 de la ERF-CS, con interacción social frágil y relaciones familiares conflictivas y distantes, acentuadas por la descompensación mental y falta de apoyo multiprofesional especializado. El estudio muestra la importancia del uso de herramientas de abordaje familiar para potenciar prácticas y fortalecer el papel ordenador de la ESF/APS. Sin embargo, delante de casos complejos, solamente, la ESF/APS no consigue hacer efectiva la integralidad, requiriendo, por lo tanto, apoyo matricial de la red especializada, proporcionando más autonomía a los sujetos

The objective of this case study is to conduct analysis of the relations of individuals with mental disorders, with the use of family approach tools in the municipality of Tianguá - Ceará, Brazil, from April to June 2015. The information was collected through interviews and field diary, during home visits; followed by mapping and analysis of family assessment tools: typology, genogram, ecomap and P.R.A.C.T.I.C.E. The family composition consists of four members, Rosa had hearing impaired (mother and provider of the family) and three children had mental disorders: Carnation (Schizophrenia), Sunflower (severe mental disorder) and Margaret (mentally handicapped). This family lives in extreme social vulnerability according to the Coelho-Savassi Family Risk Scale (ERF-CS). The results showed a female single parent arrangement, scoring 32 at ERF-CS with frail social interaction and distant family relations, marked by mental decompensation and lack of specialized multidisciplinary support. The study shows the importance of using family approach tools to enhance practices and strengthen the role of the FHS/PHC. However, in view of complex cases alone, the FHS/PHC cannot be effective, requiring, therefore, matrix support of specialized network which provides more autonomy to the subjects

Monocarboxylate transporter 1 is a key player in glioma-endothelial cell crosstalk.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most glycolytic and angiogenic human tumors, characteristics that contribute to the poor prognosis associated with this type of tumor. A lactate shuttle has been described between tumor cells and endothelial cells (ECs), with the monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) acting as important players in this tumor-EC communication. In this study, we aimed to understand how the tumor microenvironment modulates EC metabolism, and to characterize the role of MCTs in the glioma-brain EC crosstalk. Exposure of human brain microvascular ECs (HBMEC) to GBM cell-conditioned media increased the expression of MCT1, which corresponded to activation of oxidative metabolism and an increase in angiogenic capacity, as determined by increased proliferation, migration, and vessel assembly. Lactate depletion from the microenvironment or inhibition of lactate uptake in HBMEC induced an increase in lactate production and a decrease in proliferation, migration, and vessel assembly. Moreover, addition of lactate to HBMEC media promoted activation of AKT and AMPK pathways and increased expression in NFκB, HIF-1α, and the lactate receptor GPR81. Here, we demonstrate a role for MCT1 as a mediator of lactate signaling between glioma cells and brain ECs. Our results suggest that MCT1 can mediate EC metabolic reprograming, proliferation, and vessel sprouting in response to tumor signaling. Thus, targeting MCT1 in both tumor cells and brain EC may be a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of GBM.

An immunohistochemical study on the expression of sex steroid receptors, Ki-67 and cytokeratins 7 and 20 in feline endometrial adenocarcinomas.

BACKGROUND: Endometrial adenocarcinomas are a rare type of tumour in cats. Though different morphologies have been reported, the most frequent histological type of feline endometrial adenocarcinoma (FEA) is the papillary serous. Characterization of molecular markers expression in FEA may contribute to clarify the pathogenesis of these tumours and to assess the differences between normal endometrium and FEA regarding the expression pattern of several proteins. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the immunohistochemical profile of a wide panel of antibodies (specific for ER-α, PR, Ki-67, CK7 and CK20) in twenty-four cases of FEA. Comparisons were made between FEA and feline normal cyclic endometrium in follicular (n = 13) and luteal (n = 10) stages. Except for Ki-67, all other molecular markers were assessed independently for the intensity of immunolabeling and for the percentage of cells expressing the protein. RESULTS: This study showed that in FEA a loss of expression occurs for ER-α (P ≤ 0.0001) and less markedly also for PR. The lost in sex steroid receptors concerns a decrease in both the proportion of labelled cells and the intensity of immunolabelling (P = 0.002 and P = 0.024, respectively). Proliferative activity, estimated via Ki-67 immunoreaction, significantly increased in FEA as compared to normal endometrium (P ≤ 0.0001). Feline endometrial adenocarcinomas maintained the CK7+/CK20+ status of normal endometrium. However, FEA showed decreased CK7 intensity of labelling compared to normal endometria (P ≤ 0.0001) and loss of CK20 expression, both in intensity (P ≤ 0.0001) and in percentage of positive cells (P = 0.01), compared to normal tissues. CONCLUSIONS: Data gathered in this study suggest that proliferation in FEA accompanies ER-α down-regulation, possibly following activation of pathways mediated by local growth factors. Moreover, FEA retains combined expression of CK7 and CK20, as evidenced in normal endometrial epithelia, although a decrease in CK7 expression was observed.

Avaliação do processamento auditivo em operadores de telemarketing / Assessment of auditory processing on telemarketing operators

Objetivo: avaliar o processamento auditivo (PA) dos operadores de telemarketing quanto à decodificaçãoauditiva. Método: foram avaliados 20 sujeitos com idade entre 18 e 35 anos, de ambos os gêneros ,com jornada de trabalho de seis horas diárias, e até cinco anos de tempo de serviço na função,usuários de headset monoauricular e sem exposição prévia a ruído ocupacional. O grupo estudadoapresenta limiares auditivos dentro dos padrões de normalidade, timpanometria tipo A e reflexosacústicos presentes. Foi aplicado um questionário com objetivo de colher dados quanto às queixas,hábitos e sensações auditivas e foram realizados os testes de processamento de fala filtrada, RandomGap Detection Test (RGDT) e Masking Level Difference (MLD). Resultados: a análise do estudo foidescritiva, por meio de porcentagem onde observou-se que todos os indivíduos (com idade médiaentre 20 e 32 anos) apresentaram queixas características das desordens do processamento auditivo.Nos testes aplicados foram observadas 45% de alterações no RGDT e 25% no MLD, havendo umaassociação entre os testes de MLD alterados e o perfil de atuação no trabalho. Conclusão: esteestudo sugere que o profissional, operador de telemarketing pode apresentar desordens doprocessamento auditivo, com provável comprometimento da habilidade de interação binaural e resoluçãotemporal as quais mostraram-se alteradas em considerável parte destes indivíduos.

Purpose: to evaluate the auditory processing on telemarketing operators towards their auditorydecodification. Methods: there were evaluated 20 subjects from 18 to 35 years old, both genders, withsix hours a day work journey, and until five years as an operator, users of monoauricular headsets andwithout previous exposition to occupational noise. This group shows auditory thresholds in normalpattern, type A timpanometry, and auditory reflect. A questionnaire was applied to collect some datarelated to their complains, habits, and auditory sensations, and tests of filter speech processing werecarried out, Random Gap Detection Test (RGDT) and Masking Level Difference (MLD). Results: theanalysis by percentage showed that all the subjects (20 to 32-year old on average) showed characteristiccomplaints of auditory processing disorder. In the used tests we observed 45% RGDT and 25% MLDalteration. There was one association of the altered MLD test with the aspect of work performance.Conclusion: the evaluated subjects suggests that the telemarketing operators may show auditoryprocessing disorders with a probable compromising of temporal resolution and binaural interactionabilities that were altered in a considerable portion of these subjects.

A bioética e o cuidado humano / The bioethics and the human care

A bioética, como ética da vida, propõe-se a harmonizar as relações entre o homem e o ambiente, considerando, particularmente, as questões colocadas pelo progresso biomédico. Apesar do seu magnífico avanço, nas últimas décadas, o seu estudo ainda se reveste de uma importância extraordinária para a construção de uma sociedade, onde se faz necessária a redução dos conflitos sociais e dos dilemas éticos. Neste entendimento, este artigo de revisão objetivou realizar breve reflexão sobre a Bioética, onde se aborda, especificamente, sua historicidade, seus princípios norteadores e sua contribuição para o cuidado humano

Diagnóstico e intervençöes de enfermagem em unidade de clínica médica / Diagnosis and nursing intervention in a medical clinic unity

Este estudo exploratório-descritivo, realizado na Unidade de Clínica Médica do Hospital Universitário Lauro Wanderley - UFPB, teve como objetivos identificar diagnósticos de enfermagem e selecionar intervençöes adequadas para os diagnósticos mais frequentes...

Avaliação de uma proposta educativa sobre AIDS com adolescentes de escola pública de João Pessoa - PB / Evaluate of an educative proposal on AIDS with teenagers of public school in João Pessoa city - Paraíba - Brazil

A presente pesquisa retrata os resultados obtidos da implementação de uma proposta educativa sobre AIDS com adolescentes de uma Escola Publica Estadual do 1§ e 2§ graus. Os objetivos propostos para o estudo foram: verificar o conhecimento sobre AIDS em adolescentes e avaliar as ações educativas desenvolvidas com adolescentes de 10 a 19 anos. A partir dos resultados obtidos constatou-se que após as ações educativas, os adolescentes demonstraram um satisfatório nível de conhecimento em relação aos aspectos teóricos da AIDS e avaliaram a proposta educativa como de grande importância para o aumento do conhecimento sobre a doença e medidas preventivas