Cisplatin­resistant germ cell tumor models: An exploration of the epithelial­mesenchymal transition regulator SLUG.

Germ cell tumors (GCTs) constitute diverse neoplasms arising in the gonads or extragonadal locations. Testicular GCTs (TGCTs) are the predominant solid tumors in adolescents and young men. Despite cisplatin serving as the primary therapeutic intervention for TGCTs, 10­20% of patients with advanced disease demonstrate resistance to cisplatin­based chemotherapy, and epithelial­mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a potential contributor to this resistance. EMT is regulated by various factors, including the snail family transcriptional repressor 2 (SLUG) transcriptional factor, and, to the best of our knowledge, remains unexplored within TGCTs. Therefore, the present study investigated the EMT transcription factor SLUG in TGCTs. In silico analyses were performed to investigate the expression of EMT markers in TGCTs. In addition, a cisplatin­resistant model for TGCTs was developed using the NTERA­2 cell line, and a mouse model was also established. Subsequently, EMT was assessed both in vitro and in vivo within the cisplatin­resistant models using quantitative PCR and western blot analyses. The results of the in silico analysis showed that the different histologies exhibited distinct expression profiles for EMT markers. Seminomas exhibited a lower expression of EMT markers, whereas embryonal carcinomas and mixed GCT demonstrated high expression. Notably, patients with lower SLUG expression had longer median progression­free survival (46.4 months vs. 28.0 months, P=0.022). In the in vitro analysis, EMT­associated genes [fibronectin; vimentin (VIM); actin, α2, smooth muscle; collagen type I α1; transforming growth factor­ß1; and SLUG] were upregulated in the cisplatin­resistant NTERA­2 (NTERA­2R) cell line after 72 h of cisplatin treatment. Consistent with this finding, the NTERA­2R mouse model demonstrated a significant upregulation in the expression levels of VIM and SLUG. In conclusion, the present findings suggested that SLUG may serve a crucial role in connecting EMT with the development of cisplatin resistance, and targeting SLUG may be a putative therapeutic strategy to mitigate cisplatin resistance.

Comprehensive microRNA expression analysis of pediatric gonadal germ cell tumors: unveiling novel biomarkers and signatures.

microRNAs (miRNAs) are small endogenous noncoding RNAs, and alterations in their expression may contribute to oncogenesis. Discovering a unique miRNA pattern holds the potential for early detection and novel treatment possibilities in cancer. This study aimed to evaluate miRNA expression in pediatric patients with gonadal germ cell tumors (GCTs), focusing on characterizing the miRNA profiles of each histological subtype and identifying a distinct histological miRNA signature for a total of 42 samples of pediatric gonadal GCTs. The analysis revealed distinct miRNA expression profiles for all histological types, regardless of the primary site. We identified specific miRNA expression signatures for each histological type, including 34 miRNAs for dysgerminomas, 13 for embryonal carcinomas, 25 for yolk sac tumors, and one for immature teratoma, compared to healthy controls. Furthermore, we identified 26 miRNAs that were commonly expressed in malignant tumors, with six miRNAs (miR-302a-3p, miR-302b-3p, miR-371a-5p, miR-372-3p, miR-373-3p, and miR-367-3p) showing significant overexpression. Notably, miR-302b-3p exhibited a significant association with all the evaluated clinical features. Our findings suggest that miRNAs have the potential to aid in the diagnosis, prognosis, and management of patients with malignant GCTs.

Window therapeutic of extraoral photobiomodulation for prevention of oral mucositis in HSCT patients: additional arm.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of 1W extraoral photobiomodulation (EOPBM) and to compare with our previous results of 2W EOPBM and intraoral photobiomodulation (IOPBM) protocols in the management of oral mucositis (OM) related to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). METHODS: A total of 30 patients underwent autologous or allogenic HSCT. Experimental protocol of 1W EOPBM was performed daily beginning in the first day of the conditioning regimen until 5 days after transplantation. The application areas included six points on the face and three points on the cervical area. Additional application of IOPBM was performed if patients had ulcered mucositis. Its severity was assessed daily according to WHO (World Health Organization) and NCI (National Cancer Institute) scales. Oral and oropharynx pains were scored daily by visual analogue scale (VAS). RESULTS: The 1W EOPBM protocol was well tolerated without any complaints. Of total, 13 patients were male and 17 were female and the mean age was 49.3 years old. Most patients (21 patients - 70%) received autologous HSCT, and 24 patients (80%) underwent myeloablative conditioning (MAC) regime and 6 patients (20%) reduced intensive conditioning regime. Nineteen patients (63.3%) developed OM according to WHO criteria, 3 patients grade I, 10 grade II and 6 grade III. NCI mucositis grades were similar to WHO grades. OM outcomes of 1W EOPBM were similar when compared to our previous groups and no significant differences were observed. No differences were found between pain and the protocols (1W EOPBM, IOPBM and 2W EOPBM). CONCLUSION: This 1W EOPBM protocol seemed to be as effective as IOPBM and 2W EOPBM in the prevention of OM in HSCT patients. In addition, we might assume that there is a window of application on EOPBM.

Clinicopathological Features of Metastasis to the Oral and Maxillofacial Region-Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the clinicopathological features of metastases in the oral and maxillofacial regions. METHODS: In this retrospective study, biopsy records were obtained from referral centers for oral and maxillofacial diagnosis in Brazil, Guatemala, Mexico, and South Africa. RESULTS: A total of 120 cases were evaluated. Of these, 53.78% affected female patients, with a mean age of 57.64 years. Intraosseous lesions were more frequent, particularly in the posterior region of the mandible (49.58%). Clinically, most cases presented with symptomatic swelling, with an average evolution time of 25 months. The clinical diagnostic hypothesis in most instances was that of a malignant lesion. Breast cancer was the most common primary tumor location in females, while lung origin was most common in males. In most cases, the primary cancer was an adenocarcinoma (44.73%). The follow-up period was available for 29 cases, and out of these, 20 had died due to the disease. CONCLUSION: Although this is a rare condition, clinicians should be aware that any oral lesions have the possibility of being metastatic, particularly in individuals with a previous history of cancer. The findings from this study could assist clinicians in prompt diagnosing these lesions and subsequent conducting oncologic assessments and treatment.

Cardiorespiratory fitness in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis assessing the cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) among individuals with and without type 2 diabetes. Materials and methods: The current review was registered in PROSPERO under the number CRD42018082718. MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched from inception through February 2022. Eligibility criteria consisted of observational or interventional studies that evaluated CRF through cardiopulmonary exercise testing or six-minute walk test in individuals with type 2 diabetes compared with individuals without type 2 diabetes. For data extraction, we used baseline CRF assessments of randomized clinical trials or follow-up CRF assessments in observational studies. We performed a meta-analysis using maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max), and distance walked in the 6MWT as primary outcomes. They were extracted and expressed as mean differences (MDs) and 95% CIs between treatment and comparator groups. The meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager (RevMan) software. Results: Out of 8,347 studies retrieved, 77 were included. Compared with individuals without type 2 diabetes, individuals with diabetes achieved a lower VO2 max (-5.84 mL.kg-1.min-1, 95% CI -6.93, -4.76 mL.kg-1.min-1, p = <0.0001; I2 = 91%, p for heterogeneity < 0.0001), and a smaller distance walked in 6MWT (-93.30 meters, 95% CI -141.2, -45.4 meters, p > 0.0001; I2: 94%, p for heterogeneity < 0.0001). Conclusion: Type 2 diabetes was associated with lower cardiorespiratory fitness, as observed by lower VO2 max on maximal tests, and smaller distance walked in 6MWT, however the quality of studies was low.

Novel Brazilian hop (Humulus lupulus L.) extracts through supercritical CO2 extraction: Enhancing hop processing for greater sustainability.

Hop cultivation has been increasing in the past decade in Brazil, demanding a better understanding of how the processing influences the national hop varieties. Despite the hop process being well-established in the producer countries, there is still room for optimization to reduce energy consumption for a more sustainable process. This study's main purpose was to understand the influence of drying and supercritical CO2 extraction on the quality of hop extracts. The hop quality during drying was evaluated regarding color, bitter acids, xanthohumol, total essential oil content, and volatile profile. Supercritical CO2 extraction yields, and bitter acid recovery were assessed by HPLC in a range of different temperatures (40 or 60 °C) and pressure (15, 20, 25, or 30 MPa) conditions. Hop processing was optimized to produce a greater extract quality from a Brazilian hop variety, saving energy and solvent consumption, and consequently, reducing the process footprint. Furthermore, this study established supercritical CO2 extraction conditions for Brazilian hop extract production, offering the national beer industry an alternative to overpriced products.

Molecular Biology of Pediatric and Adult Ovarian Germ Cell Tumors: A Review.

Ovarian germ cell tumors (OGCTs) are rare in adults; indeed, they occur predominantly in children, adolescents, and young adults, and they account for approximately 11% of cancer diagnoses in these groups. Because OGCTs are rare tumors, our current understanding of them is sparse; this is because few studies have investigated the molecular basis of pediatric and adult cancers. Here, we review the etiopathogenesis of OGCTs in children and adults, and we address the molecular landscape of these tumors, including integrated genomic analysis, microRNAs, DNA methylation, the molecular implications of treatment resistance, and the development of in vitro and in vivo models. An elucidation of potential molecular alterations may provide a novel field for understanding the pathogenesis, tumorigenesis, diagnostic markers, and genetic peculiarity of the rarity and complexity of OGCTs.

Somatic mutation detection and KRAS amplification in testicular germ cell tumors.

Background: Testicular Germ Cell Tumors (TGCT) are the most common cancer among young adult men. The TGCT histopathology is diverse, and the frequency of genomic alterations, along with their prognostic role, remains largely unexplored. Herein, we evaluate the mutation profile of a 15-driver gene panel and copy number variation of KRAS in a large series of TGCT from a single reference cancer center. Materials and methods: A cohort of 97 patients with TGCT, diagnosed at the Barretos Cancer Hospital, was evaluated. Real-time PCR was used to assess copy number variation (CNV) of the KRAS gene in 51 cases, and the mutation analysis was performed using the TruSight Tumor 15 (Illumina) panel (TST15) in 65 patients. Univariate analysis was used to compare sample categories in relation to mutational frequencies. Survival analysis was conducted by the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test. Results: KRAS copy number gain was a very frequent event (80.4%) in TGCT and presented a worse prognosis compared with the group with no KRAS copy gain (10y-OS, 90% vs. 81.5%, p = 0.048). Among the 65 TGCT cases, different variants were identified in 11 of 15 genes of the panel, and the TP53 gene was the most recurrently mutated driver gene (27.7%). Variants were also detected in genes such as KIT, KRAS, PDGFRA, EGFR, BRAF, RET, NRAS, PIK3CA, MET, and ERBB2, with some of them potentially targetable. Conclusion: Although larger studies incorporating collaborative networks may shed the light on the molecular landscape of TGCT, our findings unveal the potential of actionable variants in clinical management for applying targeted therapies.

Addition of Hop (Humulus Lupulus L.) Bitter Acids Yields Modification of Malt Protein Aggregate Profiles during Wort Boiling.

Hop bitter acids are used in the brewing industry to give beer bitterness. However, much of this bitterness is lost during processing, specifically during the wort boiling step. One of the major causes might be the interaction with protein-protein complexes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to clarify the role of hop bitter acids in protein aggregate formation using a proteomic approach. The effect of hop addition on protein composition was analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/MS (LC-MS/MS), and further analyses were performed to characterize the wort before and after boiling. Addition of hop bitter acids yielded a change in wort protein profiles, and hop bitter acids were found to bind primarily to less abundant proteins which are not related to beer quality traits, such as foam or haze. Wort protein aggregate profiles were revealed, and findings from this study suggested the precipitation of particular proteins in the aggregates during boiling when hops were added.

Cardiorespiratory fitness in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Objective: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis assessing the cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) among individuals with and without type 2 diabetes Materials and methods: The current review was registered in PROSPERO under the number CRD42018082718. MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched from inception through February 2022. Eligibility criteria consisted of observational or interventional studies that evaluated CRF through cardiopulmonary exercise testing or six-minute walk test in individuals with type 2 diabetes compared with individuals without type 2 diabetes. For data extraction, we used baseline CRF assessments of randomized clinical trials or follow-up CRF assessments in observational studies. We performed a meta-analysis using maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), and distance walked in the 6MWT as primary outcomes. They were extracted and expressed as mean differences (MDs) and 95% CIs between treatment and comparator groups. The meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager (RevMan) software. Results: Out of 8,347 studies retrieved, 77 were included. Compared with individuals without type 2 diabetes, individuals with diabetes achieved a lower VO2max (−5.84 mL.kg−1.min−1, 95% CI −6.93, −4.76 mL.kg−1.min−1, p = <0.0001; I2 = 91%, p for heterogeneity < 0.0001), and a smaller distance walked in 6MWT (−93.30 meters, 95% CI −141.2, −45.4 meters, p > 0.0001; I2: 94%, p for heterogeneity < 0.0001). Conclusion: Type 2 diabetes was associated with lower cardiorespiratory fitness, as observed by lower VO2max on maximal tests, and smaller distance walked in 6MWT, however the quality of studies was low.

Oral disorders among older Chileans: prevalence, incidence, and years lived with disability / Prevalência, incidência e anos vividos com incapacidade por doenças bucais no Chile

OBJECTIVE: Prior epidemiological surveys revealed that Chile experiences a high burden of oral diseases. However, no prior study has reported estimates of untreated dental caries, periodontitis, and edentulism over a three-decade period for the country. Using estimates of the Global Burden of Diseases Study (GBD) 2019, the objective of this study is to report the trends of prevalence, incidence, and years-lived with disability (YLDs) due to untreated dental caries, periodontitis, and edentulism in Chilean older adults between 1990 and 2019. METHODS: Estimates of prevalence, incidence, and YLDs due to dental caries, periodontitis, and edentulism were produced for Chile, by age and sex, between 1990 and 2019, using Dismod-MR 2.1. Trends of oral disorders were analyzed using generalized linear regression models applying the Prais-Winsten method. RESULTS: Untreated dental caries and periodontal disease showed an increase in prevalence and YLDs, whereas edentulism prevalence, incidence, and YLDs decreased in all older adults age groups. The incidence of dental caries decreased in the younger groups and increased in the older age groups; while the incidence of periodontal disease increased in the younger and decreased in the older age groups. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the burden of oral diseases in older Chileans increased between 1990 and 2019. This was particularly relevant for untreated caries and periodontal disease. Future estimates of oral diseases burden in Chile require concerted efforts to produce national health surveys that incorporate oral diseases metrics. These estimates are essential to inform policy formulation, implementation and evaluation. (AU)

OBJETIVO: Pesquisas epidemiológicas anteriores revelaram que o Chile apresenta uma elevada carga de doenças bucais. No entanto, nenhum estudo anterior relatou estimativas de cárie dentária não tratada, periodontite e edentulismo ao longo de um período de três décadas para o país. Usando estimativas do Global Burden of Diseases Study (GBD) 2019, o objetivo deste estudo é relatar as tendências de prevalência, incidência e anos vividos com incapacidade (YLDs) devido a cárie dentária não tratada, periodontite e edentulismo em idosos chilenos entre 1990 e 2019. METODOLOGIA: Estimativas de prevalência, incidência e YLDs devido à cárie dentária, periodontite e edentulismo foram produzidas para o Chile, por idade e sexo, entre 1990 e 2019, usando o Dismod-MR 2.1. Tendências de distúrbios bucais foram analisadas usando modelos de regressão linear generalizada aplicando o método Prais-Winsten. RESULTADOS: A cárie dentária não tratada e a doença periodontal mostraram um aumento na prevalência e nos YLDs, enquanto a prevalência, incidência e YLDs do edentulismo diminuíram em todas as faixas etárias de idosos. A incidência de cárie dentária diminuiu nos grupos mais jovens e aumentou nos grupos etários mais velhos; enquanto a incidência de periodontite aumentou nos grupos mais jovens e diminuiu nos grupos etários mais velhos. CONCLUSÕES: No geral, a carga de doenças bucais em idosos chilenos aumentou entre 1990 e 2019. Isso foi particularmente relevante para cárie não tratada e periodontite. As estimativas futuras da carga de doenças bucais no Chile exigem esforços concentrados para produzir pesquisas nacionais de saúde que incorporem métricas de doenças bucais. Essas estimativas são essenciais para informar a formulação, implementação e avaliação de políticas. (AU)

Construction and validation of educational videos for adolescents with Down Syndrome based on health literacy - LISA Down Program / Construção e validação de vídeos educativos para adolescentes com síndrome de down fundamentados no letramento em saúde - Programa LISA Down

Abstract Objectives: to construct and validate educational videos as part of the LISA Down Program - Literacy and Innovation in Health for Adolescents with Down Syndrome. Methods: this is a methodological study of construction and validation of educational videos based on health literacy designed for adolescents with Down syndrome, assisted by an Associação de Pais e Amigos dos Excepcionais (APAE) (Association of Parents and Friends of the Exceptional) located in the Northeast of Brazil. The stages of construction and validation of the vídeos were: pre-production, production and post-production. The storyboards were prepared according to the fundamentals of health literacy and validated by seven expert judges. Subsequently, the storyboards were transformed into videos (production) and these were evaluated by 13 adolescents with Down Syndrome (postproduction). Results: the storyboards totaled 248 scenes, ranging from 39 to 67 scenes each, were approved by the judges with percentages of agreement ranging from 94% to 100%. The vídeos recorded were approved by adolescentes with Down syndrome, in agreement of percentages ranging from 79.17% to 83.33%. Conclusion: the educational vídeos were validated and well evaluated and, therefore, can be used among adolescents in social spaces in which the focus of attention is adolescentes with Down syndrome.

Resumo Objetivos: construir e validar vídeos educativos como parte do Programa LISA Down- Letramento e Inovação em Saúde para Adolescentes com Síndrome de Down. Métodos: trata-se de estudo metodológico de construção e validação de vídeos educativos fundamentados no letramento em saúde arquitetados para adolescentes com síndrome de Down, atendidos por uma Associação de Pais e Amigos dos Excepcionais (APAE), localizada no Nordeste brasileiro. As etapas da construção e validação dos vídeos foram: pré-produção, produção e pósprodução. Os storyboards foram elaborados de acordo com os fundamentos do letramento em saúde e validados por sete juízes especialistas. Na sequência os storyboards foram transformados em vídeos (produção) e estes foram avaliados por 13 adolescentes com Síndrome de Down (pós-produção). Resultados: os storyboards totalizaram 248 cenas, variando de 39 a 67 cenas cada um, foram aprovados pelos juízes com percentuais de concordância que variaram de 94% a 100%. Os vídeos gravados foram aprovados pelos adolescentes com síndrome de Down, com percentuais de concordância que variaram de 79,17% a 83,33%. Conclusão: os vídeos educativos foram validados e bem avaliados e, portanto, podem ser utilizados entre adolescentes em espaços sociais nos quais o foco da atenção sejam os adolescentes com síndrome de Down.

Psicologia e Compromisso Social: junção importante, problematização necessária e atual / Psychology and Social Commitment: important unity, required and current problematization / Psychologie et engagement social: unification important, problématisation nécessaire et actuelle / Psicología y Compromiso Social: importante fusión, problematización necesaria y actual

Resumo O artigo tem como objetivo debater o Projeto de "Compromisso Social" da Psicologia (PCSP) brasileira mediante a atual conjuntura. O PCSP advém do processo de lutas históricas da Psicologia a partir dos anos 1970, o que também ocorreu em outras áreas, almejando um saber comprometido com a realidade brasileira e latino-americana, e com sua transformação social. Tais pressupostos exigiram um movimento teórico-político com novas bases metodológicas e ontológicas. Dessa forma, buscamos discorrer sobre algumas de suas limitações e potencialidades: primeiramente, há uma apresentação e contextualização histórica do PCSP para, posteriormente, ser debatido seu atrelamento ao âmbito das políticas sociais. Ancorados na presente conjuntura, de intensificação da barbárie, concluímos sinalizando a necessidade não apenas um compromisso, mas um projeto ético-político de Psicologia vinculado a outro projeto societário.

Abstract The article aims to discuss the "Social Commitment" Project of Brazilian Psychology (PCSP) in the current conjuncture. The PCSP comes from the process of historical battles of Psychology in the 1970s, which also occurred in other areas, aiming for a knowledge committed to Brazilian and Latin American reality, and with its social transformation. Such assumptions demanded a theoretical-political movement with new methodological and ontological bases. Thus, we aim to discuss some of its limitations and potentialities: first, there is a historical presentation and contextualization of the PCSP and, later, a debate about its linkage to the scope of social policies. Anchored in the present situation, of intensifying barbarism, we conclude by signaling the need not only for a social commitment, but for an ethical-political project in Psychology that is oriented and contributes to another societal project

Résumé L'article vise à discuter le Projet « d'Engagement Social ¼ de la Psychologie brésilienne (PCSP) dans la conjoncture actuelle. Le PCSP vient du processus de luttes historiques de la psychologie des années 1970, ce qui a également eu lieu dans d'autres domaines, en visant une connaissance engagée dans la réalité brésilienne et latino-américaine et dans sa transformation sociale. Ces hypothèses ont exigé un mouvement théorique-politique avec de nouvelles bases méthodologiques et ontologiques. Ainsi, nous visons à discuter sur quelques de ses limitations et potentialités: premièrement, il y a une présentation historique et une contextualisation du PCSP et, plus tard, un débat sur son lien avec la portée des politiques sociales. Ancrés dans la conjoncture actuelle de l'intensification de la barbarie, nous concluons en signalant la nécessité non seulement d'un engagement social, mais d'un projet éthico-politique en Psychologie qui s'oriente et contribue à un autre projet de société.

Resumen Este artículo tiene como objetivo debatir el Proyecto de "Compromiso Social" de la Psicología (PCSP) brasileña en el contexto actual. El PCSP proviene del proceso de luchas históricas de la Psicología a partir de los años 1970, lo que también ocurrió en otras áreas, anhelando un saber comprometido con la realidad brasileña y latinoamericana, y con su transformación social. Estos supuestos exigieron un movimiento teórico-político con nuevas bases metodológicas y ontológicas. De esta forma, pretendemos discurrir sobre algunas de sus limitaciones y potencialidades: primero, hay una presentación y contextualización histórica del PCSP para, posteriormente, debatir sobre su vinculación al ámbito de las políticas sociales. Anclados en la situación actual, de barbarie cada vez más intensa, concluimos que es necesario no solo un compromiso, sino un proyecto ético-político en Psicología que se oriente y contribuya a otro proyecto social.

3-Bromopyruvate Suppresses the Malignant Phenotype of Vemurafenib-Resistant Melanoma Cells.

(1) BRAF mutations are associated with high mortality and are a substantial factor in therapeutic decisions. Therapies targeting BRAF-mutated tumors, such as vemurafenib (PLX), have significantly improved the overall survival of melanoma patients. However, patient relapse and low response rates remain challenging, even with contemporary therapeutic alternatives. Highly proliferative tumors often rely on glycolysis to sustain their aggressive phenotype. 3-bromopyruvate (3BP) is a promising glycolysis inhibitor reported to mitigate resistance in tumors. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of 3BP as an antineoplastic agent for PLX-resistant melanoma treatment. (2) The effect of 3BP alone or in combination with PLX on viability, proliferation, colony formation, cell death, migration, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal marker and metabolic protein expression, extracellular glucose and lactate, and reactive species were evaluated in two PLX-resistant melanoma cell lines. (3) 3BP treatment, which was more effective as monotherapy than combined with PLX, disturbed the metabolic and epithelial-mesenchymal profile of PLX-resistant cells, impairing their proliferation, migration, and invasion and triggering cell death. (4) 3BP monotherapy is a potent metabolic-disrupting agent against PLX-resistant melanomas, supporting the suppression of the malignant phenotype in this type of neoplasia.

Pobreza, subalternidade e rupturas: problematizações acerca dos sujeitos na política de assistência social / Poverty, subalternity and ruptures: problems regarding subjects in social assistance policy / Pobreza, subalternidad y rupturas: problematizaciones acerca de los sujetos en la política de asistencia social

O presente trabalho visa analisar como os sujeitos destinatários da política de assistência social compreendem e se relacionam com as ações e programas sociais desenvolvidos. Recorremos, portanto, ao uso da entrevista semiestruturada, que contou com dez participantes, bem como do diário de campo proveniente do período de acompanhamento das atividades desenvolvidas em um Centro de Referência em Assistência Social (CRAS). O material construído e analisado abarca as seguintes categorias: (a) Assistência social: direito ou benesse? (b) Assistência social e (vs) trabalho: da (re) negação à busca por direitos; (c) Dilemas postos na condição de "assistido": tutela, subalternidade e rupturas. Os resultados sugerem, assim, que a perspectiva histórica da subalternidade presente no campo da assistência social, a qual vem sendo reforçada pela agenda neoliberal, impõe desafios para o avanço nas condições materiais e subjetivas de vida dos sujeitos "assistidos", podendo, por vezes, favorecer processos psicossociais de resignação e comprometer mecanismos de participação e controle social.

The present work aims to analyze how the "users" of the social assistance policy understand and relate to the social actions and programs. We resorted, therefore, to the use of semi-structured interviews, which included ten participants, as well as a field diary from the period of monitoring the activities developed in a Reference Center for Social Assistance (CRAS). The material built and analyzed covers the following categories: (a) Social assistance: right or benefit? (b) Social assistance and (vs) work: from (re)denial to the search for rights; (c) Dilemmas placed in the condition of "assisted": guardianship, subalternity and ruptures. The results suggest, therefore, that the historical perspective of subalternity present in the field of social assistance, which has been reinforced by the neoliberal agenda, poses challenges for the advancement of the material and subjective conditions of life of the "assisted" subjects, and may, sometimes favor psychosocial processes of resignation and compromise mechanisms of participation and social control.

El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo analizar cómo las personas atendidas por la política de asistencia social entienden y se relacionan con las acciones y programas sociales desarrollados. Por lo tanto, utilizamos la entrevista semiestructurada, que incluyó a diez participantes, así como el diario de campo del período de seguimiento de las actividades desarrolladas en un Centro de Referencia en Asistencia Social (CRAS). El material construido y analizado incluye las siguientes categorías: (a) Asistencia social: ¿derecho o ayuda? (b) Asistencia social y (vs) trabajo: de la (re)negación a la búsqueda de derechos; (c) Dilemas planteados en la condición de "asistidos": tutela, subalternidad y rupturas. Los resultados sugieren, por lo tanto, que la perspectiva histórica de subalternidad presente en el campo de la asistencia social, que ha sido reforzada por la perspectiva neoliberal, impone desafíos para el avance en las condiciones materiales y subjetivas de vida de las personas "asistidas", pudiendo contribuir, algunas veces, con los procesos psicosociales de resignación y comprometer los mecanismos de participación y control social.

Potential New Therapeutic Approaches for Cisplatin-Resistant Testicular Germ Cell Tumors.

BACKGROUND: Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs), a group of heterogeneous neoplasms, are the most frequent tumors of teenagers and young men, with the incidence rising worldwide. High cure rates can be achieved through cisplatin (CDDP)-based treatment, but approximately 10% of patients present refractory disease and virtually no treatment alternatives. Here, we explored new strategies to treat CDDP-resistant. METHODS: In vitro TGCT CDDP-resistance model was established and differential mRNA expression profiles were evaluated using NanoString technology. Then, TGCT cell lines were treated with four potential drugs (PCNA-I1, ML323, T2AA, and MG-132) to overcome CDDP-resistance. RESULTS: We found several differentially expressed genes related to DNA repair and cell cycle regulation on CDDP-resistant cell line (NTERA-2R) compared to parental cell line (NTERA-2P), and the proteasome inhibitor MG-132 demonstrated cytotoxic activity in all cell lines evaluated, even at a nanomolar range. MG-132 also enhanced cell lines' sensitivity to CDDP, increasing apoptosis in both NTERA-2P and NTERA-2R. CONCLUSIONS: MG-132 emerges as a potential new drug to treat CDDP-resistant TGCT. Targeted therapy based on molecular mechanism insights may contribute to overcome acquired chemotherapy CDDP-resistance.

Cigarette butts in two urban areas from Brazil: Links among environmental impacts, demography and market.

Environmental impacts are currently linked to smoking cigarette behavior, as cigarette butts (CBs) represent the most common litter item in natural areas. Despite this, even the best ranked Brazilian cities, in terms of urban cleaning, have no information about urban littered CBs. Thus, CBs were monitored in Santos and Niterói cities, aiming to assess contamination, Cigarette Butt Pollution Index (CBPI) and the illegal market size. CBs were collected in 36 walkways considering different land usage types and urban density levels. The CBPI was calculated, and brands were used to identify the size of the illegal market. CBs contamination in Santos (0.25 CBs/m2) was three times higher than Niterói (0.08 CBs/m2) and their occurrence and distribution presented no relationship with land usage types and urban population densities levels. CBPI = 17.6 was severe and the highest so far reported. A total of 28 cigarette brands were found both studied cities. Further, illegal cigarette consumption in Santos and Niteroi was estimated, based on brands of collected CBs, at 25.2% and 36.8%, respectively. Such data may be valuable for implementation of logistic reverse actions seeking to environmentally sustainable and socially resilient cities. Cigarette consumption threatens human life and the environment, and tobacco companies should be accountable for the pollution they generate.

Conscientização para Transformação social: Apontamentos para a Psicologia Social Comunitária / Conscientization for social transformation: appointments for community social psychology

O presente artigo trata-se de um estudo teórico que objetivou analisar a incorporação da categoria "conscientização" no campo da Psicologia Social Comunitária (PSC), de modo a refletir sobre o complexo arcabouço teórico que constitui tal pressuposto e os desafios que são colocados para a prática profissional da(o) psicóloga(o) comunitário(a) inserida(o) no atual contexto social brasileiro. Para tanto, buscamos delinear as bases teóricas da categoria conscientização a partir de Paulo Freire e sua adoção por percussores da psicologia social latino-americana, como Ignácio Martín-Baró e Maritza Montero. Em seguida, discorremos sobre os possíveis impasses teórico-metodológicos enfrentados por profissionais da psicologia para a concretização de ações de conscientização nos espaços de atuação profissional e comunitária. Consideramos que os limites e possibilidades colocados para a tarefa de conscientização perpassam por uma análise histórica dos fenômenos sociais e subjetivos, em sua relação dialética, tornando-se cada vez mais necessário o resgate e fortalecimento de perspectivas críticas de atuação que assumam, em sua radicalidade, o ideário ético-político de Libertação

This article is a theoretical study that aimed to analyze the incorporation of the category "conscientization" in the field of Community Social Psychology (PSC), in order to reflect on the complex theoretical framework that constitutes such an assumption and the challenges that are posed for the professional practice of the community psychologist in the current Brazilian social context. Therefore, we seek to delineate the theoretical bases of the category of conscientization based on Paulo Freire and its adoption by latin american social psychology, such as Ignácio Martín-Baró and Maritza Montero. Then, we discuss the possible theoretical-methodological impasses faced by professionals in psychology to implement the conscientization in the spaces of professional and community action. We considers that the limits and possibilities placed on the task of conscientization involve a historical analysis of social and subjective phenomena, in their dialectical relationship, making it increasingly necessary to rescue and strengthen critical perspectives of action that they assume, in their radicality, the ethical-political perspective of Liberation

Occurrence, characterization, partition, and toxicity of cigarette butts in a highly urbanized coastal area.

Cigarette butts (CBs) comprise one of the most relevant categories of marine litter worldwide. This study was structured as a case study simultaneously assessing (i) the occurrence of CBs in a highly urbanized coastal area, (ii) their partitioning in two environmental compartments (water column and sediments) by laboratory settling tests, and (iii) the toxicity produced by the CBs leachates (measured as copepod reproduction). Marine litter was sampled in beaches of the city of Santos (SW Brazil) and CBs were collected for analysis. The characterization showed that CBs were one of the most prevalent items (51.5% in summer and 34.4% in winter) and 22 cigarettes brands were identified at different stages of decomposition. Laboratory settling tests showed that CBs remain in the water column between 3 and 20 days, subsequently reaching the sediments. The toxicity results indicated that CBs the leachates extracted from a small amount of CBs was sufficient to affect copepod reproduction (0.1 and 0.01 CBs L-1). Furthermore, the approaches adopted by the present study can serve as a preliminary assessment to estimate local impacts resulting from inadequate disposal of cigarette butts in coastal areas around the world.

Molecular Biology of Pediatric and Adult Male Germ Cell Tumors.

Cancer is a leading cause of death by disease in children and the second most prevalent of all causes in adults. Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) make up 0.5% of pediatric malignancies, 14% of adolescent malignancies, and are the most common of malignancies in young adult men. Although the biology and clinical presentation of adult TGCTs share a significant overlap with those of the pediatric group, molecular evidence suggests that TGCTs in young children likely represent a distinct group compared to older adolescents and adults. The rarity of this cancer among pediatric ages is consistent with our current understanding, and few studies have analyzed and compared the molecular basis in childhood and adult cancers. Here, we review the major similarities and differences in cancer genetics, cytogenetics, epigenetics, and chemotherapy resistance between pediatric and adult TGCTs. Understanding the biological and molecular processes underlying TGCTs may help improve patient outcomes, and fuel further investigation and clinical research in childhood and adult TGCTs.