Macrophages, IL-10, and nitric oxide increase, induced by hyperglycemic conditions, impact the development of murine melanoma B16F10-Nex2.

Epidemiological studies show a strong correlation between diabetes and the increased risk of developing different cancers, including melanoma. In the present study, we investigated the impact of a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced hyperglycemic environment on B16F10-Nex2 murine melanoma development. Hyperglycemic male C57Bl/6 mice showed increased subcutaneous tumor development, partially inhibited by metformin. Tumors showed increased infiltrating macrophages, and augmented IL-10 and nitric oxide (NO) concentrations. In vivo neutralization of IL-10, NO synthase inhibition, and depletion of macrophages reduced tumor development. STZ-treated TLR4 KO animals showed delayed tumor development; the transfer of hyperglycemic C57Bl/6 macrophages to TLR4 KO reversed this effect. Increased concentrations of IL-10 present in tumor homogenates of hyperglycemic mice induced a higher number of pre-angiogenic structures in vitro, and B16F10-Nex2 cells incubated with different glucose concentrations in vitro produced increased levels of IL-10. In summary, our findings show that a hyperglycemic environment stimulates murine melanoma B16F10-Nex2 primary tumor growth, and this effect is dependent on tumor cell stimulation, increased numbers of macrophages, and augmented IL-10 and NO concentrations. These findings show the involvement of tumor cells and other components of the tumor microenvironment in the development of subcutaneous melanoma under hyperglycemic conditions, defining novel targets for melanoma control in diabetic patients.

Gender and Drug Use Discrimination Among People Who Inject Drugs: An Intersectional Approach Using the COSINUS Cohort.

Purpose: Injection drug use is strongly associated with stigmatization by loved ones, healthcare providers, and society in general. This stigmatization can have negative consequences on the health of people who inject drugs (PWID) and limit their access to care. Women who inject drugs face greater stigma than men because of gendered social norms and the intersectional effect between gender and drug use identities. For this analysis, we aimed to study discrimination - which is closely linked to stigmatization - experienced by PWID, considering the intersectionality between drug use discrimination and gender discrimination in the French context. Methods: We used data from the COSINUS cohort study, conducted between June 2016 and May 2019 in four French cities. We selected 427 of the 665 PWID who regularly injected drugs enrolled in COSINUS, at three months of follow-up, and performed multivariable logistic regression to identify factors associated with self-reported drug use discrimination. Results: Women comprised 20.6% of the study sample. Sixty-nine percent of the participants declared drug use discrimination and 15% gender discrimination. In the multivariable regression analysis, PWID who had hurried injection out of fear of being seen were almost twice as likely to have experienced drug use discrimination (OR [95% CI]: 1.77 [1.15, 2.74], p = 0.010). Likewise, women experiencing gender discrimination were almost three times as likely to have experienced drug use discrimination (OR [95% CI]: 2.84 [1.07,7.56], p=0.037). Conclusion: Women who inject drugs experienced gender and drug use intersectional discrimination. This could be a reason for the low attendance rates of women in healthcare settings. In addition, discrimination negatively impacted injection drug use practices (eg, hurried injection), particularly for people with unstable housing who injected in public spaces. We recommend introducing adapted services in healthcare facilities for women who inject drugs, and creating a favorable social and physical environment for all PWID in order to improve their health and access to care.

Sleep and memory complaints in long COVID: an insight into clustered psychological phenotypes.

This study evaluated clinical features of individuals with long COVID (5-8 months after diagnosis) who reported sleep and memory problems (62 cases) compared to those without (52 controls). Both groups had a similar mean age (41 vs. 39 years). Around 86% of the participants were non-hospitalized at the time of infection, and none of them were vaccinated at that point. Subsequently, both cases and controls received the vaccine; however, the vaccination rates differed significantly between the groups (30.7% vs. 51.0%). Cases and controls had similar rates of symptoms at acute COVID phase. However, cases were more likely to experience coryza, dyspnea, headache, and nausea/vomiting during long COVID. Regarding new-onset symptoms in long COVID, 12.9% of cases had dyspnea, and 14.5% experienced nausea/vomiting, whereas in the control group there were only 1.9% and 0.0%, respectively. Cases also had a significantly higher prevalence of persistent headache (22.6% vs. 7.7%), and dyspnea (12.9% vs. 0.0). In addition, cases also showed an increased rate of mental health complaints: disability in daily activities (45.2% vs. 9.6%; P < 0.001); concentration/sustained attention difficulties (74.2% vs. 9.6%; P < 0.001); anxiety-Generalized Anxiety Disorder 2-item scale (GAD-2) ≥ 3 (66.1% vs. 34.6%; P = 0.0013); and "post-COVID sadness" (82.3% vs. 40.4%; P < 0.001). We observed a significant correlation between sadness and anxiety in cases, which was not observed in controls (P=0.0212; Spearman correlation test). Furthermore, the frequency of concomitant sadness and anxiety was markedly higher in cases compared to controls (59.7% vs. 19.2%) (P < 0.0001; Mann-Whitney test). These findings highlight a noteworthy association between sadness and anxiety specifically in cases. In conclusion, our data identified concurrent psychological phenotypes in individuals experiencing sleep and memory disturbances during long COVID. This strengthens the existing evidence that SARS-CoV-2 causes widespread brain pathology with interconnected phenotypic clusters. This finding highlights the need for comprehensive medical attention to address these complex issues, as well as major investments in testing strategies capable of preventing the development of long COVID sequelae, such as vaccination.

Mycobacterium leprae is able to infect adipocytes, inducing lipolysis and modulating the immune response.

Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by the intracellular bacillus Mycobacterium leprae (M. leprae), which is known to infect skin macrophages and Schwann cells. Although adipose tissue is a recognized site of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, its role in the histopathology of leprosy was, until now, unknown. We analyzed the M. leprae capacity to infect and persist inside adipocytes, characterizing the induction of a lipolytic phenotype in adipocytes, as well as the effect of these infected cells on macrophage recruitment. We evaluated 3T3-L1-derived adipocytes, inguinal adipose tissue of SWR/J mice, and subcutaneous adipose tissue biopsies of leprosy patients. M. leprae was able to infect 3T3-L1-derived adipocytes in vitro, presenting a strong lipolytic profile after infection, followed by significant cholesterol efflux. This lipolytic phenotype was replicated in vivo by M. leprae injection into mice inguinal adipose tissue. Furthermore, M. leprae was detected inside crown-like structures in the subcutaneous adipose tissue of multibacillary patients. These data indicate that subcutaneous adipose tissue could be an important site of infection, and probably persistence, for M. leprae, being involved in the modulation of the innate immune control in leprosy via the release of cholesterol, MCP-1, and adiponectin.

[Unsafe practices fostering cutaneous abscesses in people who inject substances : Results from the ANRS-OUTSIDER study]. / Des pratiques à risque favorisant la survenue d'abcès cutanés chez les personnes qui injectent des substances : résultats de l'étude ANRS-OUTSIDER.

INTRODUCTION: Cutaneous abscesses are a common complication of intravenous substance use. Although these skin and soft tissue infections represent one of the main causes of emergency room visits and hospitalizations in people who inject drugs (PWID), data on their prevalence and causes are scarce. The present study was part of the larger ANRS-OUTSIDER project and aimed to study the factors associated with skin abscesses in PWID, focusing in particular on the different stages of injection. METHOD: Analyses were based on data of the 164 persons who regularly injected psychoactive substances participating in the French ANRS-OUTSIDER project. A face-to-face questionnaire collected data on sociodemographics, substance use, injection practices, and experience of skin abscesses in the previous six months. Factors associated with skin abscesses were studied using a logistic regression model. RESULTS: Of the 140 participants for whom abscess data were recorded at inclusion, 35% reported having a skin abscess in the previous six months. Factors associated with skin abscesses were: benefiting from universal health coverage (PUMA/CMU/AME) (Odd ratio (OR) = 0.28, confidence interval (CI) à 95%=0.08-0.99), finding the vein to inject by touch (OR=3.44, 95% CI=1.41-8.43) and licking the needle before injection (OR=5.16, 95% CI=1.10-24.30). CONCLUSION: Our results highlight that skin abscesses were very frequent among the complications observed in our sample of French PWID, and that certain injection practices fostered their occurrence. These data will provide stakeholders with useful information to improve prevention and harm reduction messages for PWID.

Is transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) effective to improve cognition and functionality after severe traumatic brain injury? A perspective article and hypothesis.

Severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) is an important cause of disability and mortality and affects people of all ages. Current scientific evidence indicates that motor dysfunction and cognitive impairment are the main limiting factors in patients with sTBI. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) seems to be a good therapeutic option, but when it comes to patients with sTBI, the results are inconclusive, and some protocols have not yet been tested. In addition, there is still a lack of information on tDCS-related physiological mechanisms, especially during the acute phase. In the present study, based on current evidence on tDCS mechanisms of action, we hypothesized that performing tDCS sessions in individuals with sTBI, especially in the acute and subacute phases, together with conventional therapy sessions, could improve cognition and motor function in this population. This hypothesis presents a new possibility for treating sTBI, seeking to elucidate the extent to which early tDCS may affect long-term clinical outcomes.

Predictors of Mortality and Functional recovery after severe traumatic brain injury: protocol for a prospective cohort study

Introduction: traumatic brain injury is a global public health problem due to its severity and high rates of morbimortality worldwide. Identifying predictors associated with increased mortality and unfavorable functional outcomes after the traumatic brain injury event is crucial for minimizing morbidity and mortality rates. Therefore, this study aims to establish a protocol to investigate the predictors of mortality and functional recovery after severe traumatic brain injury in Brazil.Methods: The study will include all patients admitted for severe traumatic brain injury (Glasgow Coma Scale ≤ 8) at the State Hospital of Urgency and Emergency, which is the referral trauma hospital of Espirito Santo. The outcomes of interest are hospital mortality and functional recovery 24 months after hospital discharge. Subjects will be followed up at seventy-two hours, three months, six months, twelve months, and twenty-four months after the trauma. Morbidity will be determined by assessing: 1) the level of motor and cognitive disability, 2) functional impairment and quality of life, and 3) aspects of rehabilitation treatment. Additionally, the traumatic brain injury load, estimated by the years of life lost, will be calculated. Discussion: the results of this study will help identify variables that can predict morbidity and mortality, as well as diagnostic and therapeutic targets for patients with severe traumatic brain injury. Furthermore, the findings will have practical implications for: 1) the development of public policies, 2) investments in hospital infrastructure 3) understanding the socioeconomic impact of functional loss in the individuals.Study registration: the study received approval from the Ethics Committee of the Federal University of Espirito Santo under protocol number 4.222.002 on August 18, 2020.

Introdução: traumatismo cranioencefálico é um problema global de saúde pública devido à sua gravidade e altas taxas de morbimortalidade em todo o mundo. Identificar preditores associados ao aumento da mortalidade e desfechos funcionais desfavoráveis após o evento do traumatismo craniencefálico é primordial para minimizar as taxas de morbidade e mortalidade. Portanto, este estudo tem como objetivo estabelecer um protocolo para investigar os preditores de mortalidade e recuperação funcional após traumatismo cranioencefálico grave no Brasil. Métodos: este estudo tem como objetivo investigar os preditores de mortalidade e recuperação funcional em pacientes com traumatismo cranioencefálico, além de fornecer uma visão geral do traumatismo cranioencefálico no estado do Espírito Santo. O estudo abrangerá todos os pacientes internados por traumatismo cranioencefálico grave (Escala de Coma de Glasgow ≤ 8) no Hospital Estadual de Urgência e Emergência, o hospital de referência para traumas no Espírito Santo. Os desfechos de interesse incluem mortalidade hospitalar e recuperação funcional após 24 meses da alta hospitalar. Os participantes serão acompanhados em setenta e duas horas, três meses, seis meses, doze meses e vinte e quatro meses após o trauma. A morbidade será determinada pela avaliação de: 1) nível de incapacidade motora e cognitiva, 2) comprometimento funcional e qualidade de vida, e 3) aspectos do tratamento e reabilitação. Além disso, a carga de traumatismo cranioencefálico, estimada em anos de vida perdidos, será calculada. Discussão: os resultados deste estudo ajudarão a identificar variáveis que podem predizer a morbidade e a mortalidade após traumatismo cranioencefálico grave. Além disso, as descobertas terão implicações práticas para: 1) o desenvolvimento de políticas públicas, 2) investimentos em infraestrutura hospitalar e 3) compreensão do impacto socioeconômico da perda funcional nesses indivíduos. Registro do estudo: o estudo recebeu aprovação do Comitê de Ética da Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo sob o número de protocolo 4.222.002 em 18 de agosto de 2020

Potentialities and limitations of Interprofessional Education during graduation: a systematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative studies.

BACKGROUND: Rapid demographic, epidemiological, technological, cultural/behavioural, and educational transitions, as they become more complex, demand new integrated and complementary professional skills and abilities. Interprofessional Education (IPE) is a promising alternative to deal with these changes, especially in courses in the health area. This systematic review was to explore the potentialities and limitations of IPE, from the perspective of undergraduate students, through a thematic synthesis of qualitative studies. METHODS: A thematic synthesis of qualitative studies was conducted. The question elaborated for this review was: "What is the impact of interprofessional education on the teaching and learning of students in the health area inserted in Higher Education Institutions?". The search strategy was performed in the electronic databases PubMed, Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS), Cochrane Library, and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO). In addition, searches were carried out in grey literature on the ERIC platforms, ProQuest Disserts and Theses, and Academic Google. The assessment of the quality of the studies was carried out using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool. Data were summarized through thematic synthesis. From the databases, 8,793 studies were identified. After standardized filters procedures, critical summaries, and assessment of relevance to the eligibility criteria, 14 articles were included. RESULTS: The synthesis of the studies revealed the potential of this teaching approach, arranged in three analytical themes: learning from each other and about them; the value of education and interprofessional practice; patient-centred health care. On the other hand, some limitations were also identified, such as barriers related to EIP; the difficulties related to teaching methodologies. CONCLUSION: Overcoming the identified limitations can enhance the results of the IPE, in view of its impact on the education of students and on the health care of the population.

Correlação entre indicadores de desenvolvimento municipal e de saúde bucal em uma mesorregião metropolitana do Brasil / Correlation between municipal development indicators and oral health in a Brazilian metropolitan mesoregion

Resumo Introdução O estudo da relação entre indicadores sociais e indicadores de saúde bucal pode contribuir para a avaliação dos impactos das políticas e ações de saúde. Objetivo Investigar a correlação entre indicadores de desenvolvimento municipal e indicadores de saúde bucal dos municípios integrantes da mesorregião metropolitana de Curitiba, Paraná, Brasil. Método Estudo epidemiológico do tipo ecológico, por meio de dados referentes ao Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano Municipal (IDHM) do ano 2010, obtidos no portal Atlas Brasil; Índice Ipardes de Desempenho Municipal (IPDM) dos anos 2015 e 2016, obtidos no portal do Ipardes; e indicadores de saúde bucal dos anos 2015 a 2018, oriundos do SIA/SUS. Posteriormente, foi empregado o teste de correlação de Spearman. Resultados Verificou-se correlação positiva estatisticamente significativa entre indicadores de desenvolvimento municipal e indicadores de primeira consulta odontológica programática no ano de 2017; correlação negativa entre IDHMs e exodontias nos anos de 2015 e 2016; correlação positiva entre IPDMs e procedimentos odontológicos individuais básicos dos anos 2015 a 2018. Conclusão Houve correlação significativa entre os indicadores de desenvolvimento municipal e os indicadores de saúde bucal. Municípios com maiores índices de desenvolvimento proporcionaram maior acesso aos serviços de saúde bucal e menores proporções de exodontias por habitante.

Abstract Background The study of the correlation between social and oral health indicators can contribute to evaluating the impacts of health policies and actions. Objective To investigate the correlation between municipal development indicators and oral health indicators in the metropolitan region of Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil. Method Epidemiological study of the ecological type was carried out, using data from the Municipal Human Development Index (MHDI) of the year 2010, obtained from the Atlas Brasil portal; Ipardes Municipal Performance Index (IPDM) of the years 2015 and 2016, obtained from the Ipardes portal; and oral health indicators from 2015 to 2018, from SIA/SUS. Subsequently, the Spearman correlation test was used. Results There was a statistically significant positive correlation between municipal development indicators and indicators of the first programmatic dental consultation in 2017; a negative correlation between MHDI and tooth extractions, in the years 2015 and 2016; a positive correlation between IPDM and basic individual dental procedures from the years 2015 to 2018. Conclusion There was a significant correlation between the municipal development indicators and the oral health indicators. Municipalities with higher development rates provided greater access to oral health services and lower proportions of tooth extractions per inhabitant.

Perfil epidemiológico de pacientes amputados atendidos em um centro público de reabilitação / Epidemiological profile of amputees in a public rehabilitation center

Introdução: A perda parcial ou total de um membro causa inúmeros desafios físicos e psicossociais, incluindo redução na qualidade de vida, bem como limitações e restrições na participação social do indivíduo. Objetivos: Este estudo teve como objetivo descrever o perfil epidemiológico, coletar dados da amputação e da reabilitação dos pacientes atendidos no Centro de Reabilitação Física do Espírito Santo (CREFES). Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo e descritivo que consistiu na análise de 509 prontuários devidamente preenchidos de pacientes amputados atendidos na Unidade de Trabalho de Órteses e Próteses do CREFES de 2012 a 2018. Resultados: Observou-se predomínio de amputados do sexo masculino (72%), maiores de 60 anos (36%) e de amputações de membro inferior (94,4%). A principal etiologia das amputações foi a vascular (59%), seguida de acidentes de trânsito (23%). O tempo de início de reabilitação foi em média 27 meses e 34,97% chegaram de fato à protetização. Conclusão: As principais etiologias de amputação são de natureza preveníveis. Consiste, portanto, em um problema de saúde pública que requer atenção de uma equipe multidisciplinar.

Análise do teor de fluoretos nas águas de abastecimento público em um município da região metropolitana de Curitiba/PR: doze meses de heterocontrole / Analysis of fluoride content in the public water supply in a city of the metropolitan region of Curitiba/PR: twelve months of external control

Resumo Introdução A fluoretação das águas de abastecimento tem sido apontada em estudos nacionais e internacionais como a mais eficiente e equânime forma de acesso a fluoretos na prevenção da cárie dentária. Objetivo Relatar os resultados do heterocontrole nas águas de abastecimento público do município de Colombo/PR, no período de dezembro de 2013 a novembro de 2014. Método Foram coletadas amostras mensais em 15 Unidades Básicas de Saúde, em dias da semana aleatórios, no período de 12/2013 a 11/2014. As amostras foram analisadas pelo método eletrométrico na Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade Federal Fluminense. Resultados Foram analisadas 180 amostras, que variaram de <0,001 a 1,480 mg/L (média 0,715±0,232 mg/L). De acordo com o critério estabelecido pelo Centro Colaborador do Ministério da Saúde em Vigilância da Saúde Bucal, 51,11% das amostras apresentavam níveis de fluoretos adequados, 13,34% concentrações de flúor acima do ideal, e 35,56% abaixo do ideal. Conclusão O heterocontrole representa uma das principais estratégias de vigilância em saúde bucal, e, dessa forma, deve ser implementado e efetuado em todas as regiões que utilizam água fluoretada, a fim de garantir a manutenção de níveis ótimos de fluoretos.

Abstract Background The fluoridation of water supply has been pointed out in national and international studies as the most efficient and equal way of accessing fluorides in the prevention of dental caries. Objective To report the results of heterocontrol in public water supply in the municipality of Colombo/PR, from December 2013 to November 2014. Method The samples were monthly collected in 15 Basic Health Units, on random days of the week, from 12/2013 to 11/2014. The samples were analyzed by the electrometric method at the Faculty of Dentistry of Fluminense Federal University. Results 180 samples were analyzed, ranging from <0.001 to 1.480 mg/L (mean 0.715 ± 0.232 mg/L). According to the criteria established by the Collaborating Center of the Ministry of Health in Oral Health Surveillance, 51.11% of the samples had adequate fluoride levels, 13.34% above ideal fluoride levels, and 35.56% below ideal levels. Conclusion Heterocontrol could represent one of the main strategies of oral health surveillance, and, therefore, it should be implemented and carried out in all regions that use fluoridated water, in order to guarantee the maintenance of optimal fluoride levels.

Home-based is as effective as centre-based rehabilitation for improving upper limb motor recovery and activity limitations after stroke: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aimed to examine the effects of home-based exercises in comparison with centre-based exercises for improving the paretic upper limb after stroke. DATA SOURCES: AMED, MEDLINE, EMBASE CINAHL, Cochrane, PsycINFO, and PEDro databases. REVIEW METHODS: Only randomized clinical trials were included. Participants in the reviewed studies were adults at any time after stroke. The experimental intervention was home-based exercises compared with centre-based exercises. Outcome data related to strength, motor recovery, dexterity, activity, and participation were extracted from the eligible trials and combined in meta-analyses. The quality of included trials was assessed by the PEDro scores. The quality of evidence was determined according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system. RESULTS: Eight trials, involving 488 participants, were included. Most trials (63%) delivered semi-supervised interventions (amount of supervision 3-43%), and three trials provided full supervision. Random-effects meta-analyses provided moderate- to high-quality evidence that home- and centre-based exercises provide similar effects on motor recovery (MD 1.4 points; 95% CI -0.9 to 3.8), dexterity (MD -0.01 pegs/s; 95% CI -0.04 to 0.05), upper limb activity performance (SMD -0.04; 95% CI -0.25 to 0.18), and quality of movement (0.1 points; 95% CI -0.2 to 0.4). Effects on strength were also similar but the quality of the evidence was rated as low. No trials examined effects on participation. CONCLUSION: Effects of home-based prescribed exercises on upper limb motor recovery, dexterity, and activity are likely to be similar to improvements obtained by centre-based exercises after stroke.

Plantas medicinais na Atenção Primária à Saúde: riscos, toxicidade e potencial para interação medicamentosa / Medicinal plants in primary health care: risks, toxicity and potential for drug interaction

Visando contribuir para o fortalecimento do uso adequado de fitoterápicos na Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS), este estudo apresenta resultados de pesquisa exploratório-descritiva que buscou avaliar o risco associado ao uso de plantas medicinais. Foi realizado um levantamento etnobotânico e etnofarmacológico junto à população da área de abrangência de uma Unidade de Saúde da Família (USF) rural localizada em um município da região Sul do Brasil. Em 80,65% dos domicílios visitados, verificou-se que o uso terapêutico de plantas medicinais estava associado a medicamentos de uso contínuo, e 51,61% dos entrevistados relataram não comunicar o uso de plantas medicinais ao profissional de saúde. 58,33% das espécies identificadas apresentaram possíveis riscos, contraindicações ou toxicidade, e 35,83% apresentaram possíveis interações com medicamentos convencionais de acordo com a literatura consultada. Discute-se sobre os riscos associados ao uso dessas plantas nessa população, e apresentam-se sugestões e orientações para minimizar esses riscos.

To contribute to the strengthening of the appropriate use of herbal medicines in primary health care, this study presents the results of exploratory and descriptive research which sought to assess the risk associated with the use of medicinal plants. It was realized an ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological survey, carried out with the population of the areacovered by a rural Family Health Care Unit located in a county in the South region of Brazil. In 80.65% of the households visited, it was found that the therapeutic use of medicinal plants was associated with continuous-use medications, and 51.61% of the interviewees reported not communicating the use of medicinal plants to the health professional. 58.33% of the identified species presented possible risks, contraindications, or toxicity, and 35.83% presented possible interactions with conventional drugs according to the literature consulted. It discusses the risks associated with the use of these plants in this population and offers suggestions and guidelines to minimize these risks.

Cellular Model of Malignant Transformation of Primary Human Astrocytes Induced by Deadhesion/Readhesion Cycles.

Astrocytoma is the most common and aggressive tumor of the central nervous system. Genetic and environmental factors, bacterial infection, and several other factors are known to be involved in gliomagenesis, although the complete underlying molecular mechanism is not fully understood. Tumorigenesis is a multistep process involving initiation, promotion, and progression. We present a human model of malignant astrocyte transformation established by subjecting primary astrocytes from healthy adults to four sequential cycles of forced anchorage impediment (deadhesion). After limiting dilution of the surviving cells obtained after the fourth deadhesion/readhesion cycle, three clones were randomly selected, and exhibited malignant characteristics, including increased proliferation rate and capacity for colony formation, migration, and anchorage-independent growth in soft agar. Functional assay results for these clonal cells, including response to temozolomide, were comparable to U87MG-a human glioblastoma-derived cell lineage-reinforcing malignant cell transformation. RNA-Seq analysis by next-generation sequencing of the transformed clones relative to the primary astrocytes revealed upregulation of genes involved in the PI3K/AKT and Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathways, in addition to upregulation of genes related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and downregulation of genes related to aerobic respiration. These findings, at a molecular level, corroborate the change in cell behavior towards mesenchymal-like cell dedifferentiation. This linear progressive model of malignant human astrocyte transformation is unique in that neither genetic manipulation nor treatment with carcinogens are used, representing a promising tool for testing combined therapeutic strategies for glioblastoma patients, and furthering knowledge of astrocytoma transformation and progression.

Interdisciplinaridade em estágio de vivência acadêmica: reconhecimento da atuação profissional no Sistema de Saúde / Interdisciplinarity in an academic experience internship: recognition of professional performance in the Health System / Interdisciplinaridad en prácticas de experiencia académica: reconocimiento de la actuación profesional en el Sistema de Salud

Objetivo: Descrever a experiência de um estágio acadêmico vivenciado por universitários da área da saúde em um município do Baixo Solimões. Síntese dos dados:Trata-se do relato descritivo de um estágio acadêmico extramuro realizado em Manacapuru, Amazonas, ocorrido no período de outubro de 2019 a fevereiro de 2020. A realização da atividade teve a participação de acadêmicos de Medicina, Enfermagem e Odontologia e contou com a aplicação de práticas em saúde direcionadas à atuação individual e coletiva. Tendo como público-alvo os pacientes atendidos por uma Unidade Básica de Saúde (UBS), os universitários auxiliaram na realização de atendimentos eletivos em suas respectivas áreas de atuação e conduziram atividades de educação em saúde como rodas de conversa, gincanas educativas, palestras interativas e educação continuada à equipe da UBS. Conclusão: As práticas e ações em saúde realizadas no período do estágio extramuro proporcionaram uma integração interdisciplinar satisfatória entre os acadêmicos, possibilitando aos mesmos uma vivência apropriada na atenção básica do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS).

Objective: To describe the experience of an academic internship completed by university students in the health field in a municipality in Baixo Solimões. Data synthesis: This is a descriptive report of an extramural academic internship carried out in Manacapuru, Amazonas, from October 2019 to February 2020. The activity was carried out with the participation of medical, nursing and dentistry students and included the application of health practices aimed at individual and collective action. Having as a target audience the patients assisted by a Primary Health Care (PHC) center, the university students helped in carrying out elective care in their respective fields and conducted health education activities such as conversation circles, educational scavenger hunts, interactive lectures and continuing education for the PHC center team. Conclusion: The health practices and actions carried out during the extramural internship enabled a satisfactory interdisciplinary integration among the students and allowed them to have an appropriate experience in primary care in the Unified Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde ­ SUS).

Objetivo: Describir la experiencia de una pasantía académica vivida por universitarios del área de la salud en un municipio del Baixo Solimões. Síntesis de los datos: Se refiere al informe descriptivo de una pasantía académica extramuros realizado en Manacapuru, Amazonas, ocurrido entre octubre de 2019 y febrero de 2020. La realización de la actividad tuvo la participación de académicos de medicina, enfermería y odontología y contó con la aplicación de prácticas en salud direccionadas a la actuación individual y colectiva. Teniendo como público meta los pacientes atendidos por una Unidad Básica de Salud (UBS), los universitarios ayudaron en la realización de atendimientos electivos en sus respectivas áreas de actuación y condujeron actividades de educación y en salud como charlas, juegos educativos, conferencias interactivas y educación continuada para el equipo de la UBS. Conclusión: Las prácticas y acciones en salud realizadas en el período de la pasantía extramuros proporcionaron una integración interdisciplinar satisfactoria entre los académicos, posibilitando a los mismos una experiencia apropiada en la atención básica del Sistema Único de Salud (SUS).

Comparative evaluation of vegetable matter involved lesions with oral parasitic infections in the oral cavity.

The current research aims to perform a comparative evaluation of vegetable matter involved lesions with oral parasitic infections found in oral mucosa, presenting histochemical methods to differentiate their microscopic similarities. Eight cases were selected out of a sample of 1.975 reports from a single Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Service of the author's institution from 2012 to 2019. Specimens were examined by hematoxylin and eosin staining (HE), periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining, Gomori-Grocott staining, Ziehl-Neelsen staining, Giemsa, and mucicarmine staining. Microscopic analysis included fluorescence, polarized light, and confocal microscopy. Microscopically, in HE coloration, hookworm eggs showed as eosinophilic. Inflammatory multinucleated giant cells and lymphocytes, were usually related to the nematode eggs, forming an intense inflammatory infiltrate. Biofluorescent properties of eggs and larvae revealed to be sensitive in the detection of parasitic structures contrasting with the inflamed connective tissue. Vegetable presence was confirmed by polarized light microscopy and it was found to be associated with microbial biofilms. Confocal microscopy has showed to be an excellent method for morphotype differentiation of parasitic eggs. Parasitic infection and vegetable matter displayed similarities in the inflammatory response, but the latter can rot and agglomerate biofilms. The microscopic diagnosis of such infections requires the interpretation of challenging morphological features since the parasites are usually sectioned and mixed with an inflammatory reaction. These histochemical approaches proved to be excellent to distinguish both lesions.

Quality of biosafety guidelines for dental clinical practice throughout the world in the early COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: To conduct a systematic review of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related biosafety guidelines for dental clinical practice in the early stage of the pandemic, focusing on quality assessment. METHODS: Electronic (via PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature database, Brazilian Library in Dentistry, and Cochrane Library) and gray literature searches were performed for documents published up to May 12, 2020. Guidelines updated until April 17, 2021 were identified. Documents were included as guidelines if they (1) consisted of a set of statements, directions, or principles presenting current or future rules or policy; (2) were developed by government agencies, institutions, organizations, or expert panels; and (3) were related to the general conduct of healthcare activities rather a particular condition. Two researchers, using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation II, independently extracted the recommendations and evaluated the quality of the guidelines. RESULTS: Twenty-seven documents from 19 countries were included in the review. These documents presented 122 recommendations related to (1) professional biosafety; (2) patients'/companions' safety; (3) the organization and biosafety of the physical dental facility environment; and (4) the work process in dental care. Overall, the scientific quality of the guidelines was considered low. Some recommendations presented in these guidelines would require further research to establish their effectiveness. CONCLUSIONS: We found a wide variety of biosafety guidelines for dental practice regarding COVID-19 in the early months of the pandemic, but their quality was low. Biosafety recommendations should be frequently updated.

Impact of interprofessional education on the teaching and learning of higher education students: A systematic review.

AIM: This systematic review was to explore the potentialities and limitations of Interprofessional Education (IPE), from the perspective of undergraduate students. BACKGROUND: The increasing complexity in health increasingly demand professionals with the capacity to act in the face of new global challenges. Thus, this pedagogical approach presents itself as one of the most promising choices in facing these new obstacles. DESIGN: A synthesis of quantitative studies and mixed methods. METHODS: Studies involving quantitative analyzes were included, with no restriction on the date of publication and language. The search strategy was carried out in the electronic databases: PubMed, Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS), Cochrane Library and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO). In addition, searches were carried out in gray literature on the ERIC platforms (ProQuest), ProQuest Disserts and Theses Full text and Academic Google. The assessment of the quality of the studies was carried out using the instrument by Downs and Black. The risks of bias in the studies were examined with the aid of the adapted version of the Cochrane Collaboration tool, with the domains of the Downs and Black instrument. RESULTS: After standardized filter procedures, critical summaries and assessment of relevance to the eligibility criteria, 11 articles were included. The results showed that most students have a positive perception of IPE, with different factors influencing this research finding. The need to develop more robust assessment instruments is highlighted, in view of the insufficiency of tools with sufficient methodological rigor to measure real changes in attitudes among different groups of students. CONCLUSION: More consistent research is needed, which assesses, in a longitudinal way, the effects that the IPE has on the teaching and learning of undergraduate students and its impact after professional training.

Os marcos legais das políticas públicas de plantas medicinais e fitoterápicos no Brasil / Legal frameworks of the public policies of medicinal plants and herbal medicines in Brazil

Apresenta-se resultado de pesquisa documental, cujo objetivo é verificar a evolução dos marcos legais associados às políticas públicas de plantas medicinais e fitoterápicos no Brasil. Realizou-se a identificação e análise do conteúdo de Leis, Decretos, Resoluções, Políticas, Portarias e Instruções Normativas relacionadas ao tema. Apesar de consideradas intrínsecas à cultura popular, a legislação instituiu-se de forma recente no Brasil. Constatou-se que as mudanças na legislação sanitária foram significativas e tornaram as exigências para o setor de fitoterápicos brasileiro, especialmente quanto à qualidade dos produtos, mais próximas dos padrões encontrados na legislação internacional. Porém, evidencia-se ainda uma carência de políticas públicas que incentivem a inserção dessas práticas dentro dos serviços de saúde, a fim de preencher a lacuna existente entre a regulamentação e a prática instituída nesses serviços.

A documentary research was carried out with the aim to verify the evolution of legal frameworks associated with public policies of medicinal plants and herbal medicines in Brazil. We conducted the identification and analysis of the content of Laws, Decrees, Resolutions, Policies, Administrative Rules, and Normative Instructions related to the topic. Although it is considered intrinsic to popular culture, legislation has been instituted in Brazil recently. It was found that changes in sanitary legislation were significant, which made the requirements for the Brazilian herbal medicine sector, especially regarding product quality, closer to the international standards. However, there is also a lack of public policies that encourage the insertion of these practices within the health services in order to fill the gap between the regulations and the practice established in these services.