Referrals for rheumatologic evaluation following a positive antinuclear antibody test result. A cross-sectional single center Brazilian study.

BACKGROUND: In general, patients are referred for rheumatological evaluation due to isolated laboratory abnormalities, especially antinuclear antibody (ANA) positivity, with the risk of more severe patients remaining on the waiting list for longer than desired. The aim of this study was to analyze the demographic, clinical, and laboratory information of patients referred to a specialized rheumatological care unit because of positive antinuclear antibody. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 99 out of 1670 patients seen by the same rheumatologist between 01/01/2011 and 01/01/2019. Patients whose referrals were exclusively due to the ANA test result and the specialist's final diagnosis being "abnormal finding of serum immunological test" (ICD-10 R769) were included. Sociodemographic, clinical, and laboratory information were extracted from the consulting rheumatologist's chart. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. RESULTS: A total of 99 patients were included, most of whom were female (84.8%) with a median age of 49 years. At the moment of specialist's appointment, 97 patients (97.9%) repeated the ANA test, and 77 patients remained positive. Of these, only 35 (35.35%) were in a high titer range (greater than or equal to 1:320). Complete blood count for cytopenia's investigation was not performed in a high percentage of patients (22.2%), as well as urinalysis (31.3%). In addition, more than 70% of patients score 0 to 1 classification criteria for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, according to SLE - ACR 1987 (American College of Rheumatology) and SLICC 2012 (Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics). CONCLUSIONS: Most patients are still referred for specialized evaluation due to the misinterpretation of laboratory tests that were inappropriately requested in patients without clinical evidence of autoimmune rheumatic disease.

Combined Hip and Knee Strengthening Compared With Knee Strengthening for Individuals With Lateral Patellar Dislocation: A Single-blind, Superiority, Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: To investigate whether a combined hip and knee muscle strengthening program is superior to a knee strengthening program for people after lateral patellar dislocation (LPD). Design: Single-blind, superiority, randomized controlled trial with 48 weeks follow-up. Setting: Physiotherapy out-patient clinic. Participants: Forty individuals aged 16 or older, with a history of non-traumatic LPD were randomized to a knee-based strengthening (KBSG) or quadriceps and hip strengthening exercise (HQSG) program (N=40). Inclusion criteria included a positive apprehension sign, pain on palpation along the medial retinaculum, and J sign. Exclusion criteria included restricted range of motion (<90° knee flexion), and traumatic or postsurgical LPD. Interventions: Concealed randomization was performed using random permuted blocks of size 4. Individuals received their corresponding exercise program according to randomization and group allocation: knee-based strengthening (n=20) or combined hip and quadriceps strengthening (n=20) twice weekly for 8 weeks over 16 appointments. Main Outcome Measures: Primary outcome was the Lysholm Knee Score. Secondary outcomes included Numerical Pain Ratings Scale (NPRS) at rest and during effort, Norwich Patellar Instability Score (NPIS), Kujala Anterior Knee Pain Scale (AKPS), Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), 4 domains of the WHOQOL-Bref, and recurrence rate. Patient-reported outcome measures were assessed from the baseline to 48 weeks. Assessments were performed by a physiotherapist who was blinded to the group allocation. Data were analyzed by using a repeated-measures ANOVA model with Tukey's post hoc test after an intention-to-treat principle. Results: At the primary time-point of 8 weeks, there were no substantial between-group differences in the Lysholm Knee Score: mean difference=-6.8 (95% CI -14.3 to 3.7); NPIS: mean difference=23.5 (95% CI 5.6 to 41.3); AKPS: mean difference=-1.54 (95% CI -8.6 to 5.6), NPRS at rest and during effort (mean difference=0.32 (95% CI -0.37 to 1); and mean difference=0.68 (95% CI -0.9 to 1.86); LEFS mean difference=-1.08 (95% CI -5.9 to 2.4), WHOQOL-Bref domains (physical health: mean difference=-0.12, (95% CI -1.26 to 1.02); psychological: mean difference=-0.32 (95% CI -2.04 to 1.4); social relations: mean difference=-0.7 (95% CI -2.2 to 0.82); environment: mean difference=0.44 (95% CI -1 to 1.9), and recurrence rate (P=.69). Conclusion: This study indicates that combined hip and knee muscle strengthening is not superior to knee-based strengthening for LPD treatment. The limitations stemming from the underpowered nature of the trial must be acknowledged, concerning the potential oversight of moderate intervention effects.

Naphthoquinone-Quinolone Hybrids with Antitumor Effects on Breast Cancer Cell Lines-From the Synthesis to 3D-Cell Culture Effects.

Breast cancer stands as one of the foremost cause of cancer-related deaths globally, characterized by its varied molecular subtypes. Each subtype requires a distinct therapeutic strategy. Although advancements in treatment have enhanced patient outcomes, significant hurdles remain, including treatment toxicity and restricted effectiveness. Here, we explore the anticancer potential of novel 1,4-naphthoquinone/4-quinolone hybrids on breast cancer cell lines. The synthesized compounds demonstrated selective cytotoxicity against Luminal and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells, which represent the two main molecular types of breast cancer that depend most on cytotoxic chemotherapy, with potency comparable to doxorubicin, a standard chemotherapeutic widely used in breast cancer treatment. Notably, these derivatives exhibited superior selectivity indices (SI) when compared to doxorubicin, indicating lower toxicity towards non-tumor MCF10A cells. Compounds 11a and 11b displayed an improvement in IC50 values when compared to their precursor, 1,4-naphthoquinone, for both MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 and a comparable value to doxorubicin for MCF-7 cells. Also, their SI values were superior to those seen for the two reference compounds for both cell lines tested. Mechanistic studies revealed the ability of the compounds to induce apoptosis and inhibit clonogenic potential. Additionally, the irreversibility of their effects on cell viability underscores their promising therapeutic utility. In 3D-cell culture models, the compounds induced morphological changes indicative of reduced viability, supporting their efficacy in a more physiologically relevant model of study. The pharmacokinetics of the synthesized compounds were predicted using the SwissADME webserver, indicating that these compounds exhibit favorable drug-likeness properties and potential as antitumor agents. Overall, our findings underscore the promise of these hybrid compounds as potential candidates for breast cancer chemotherapy, emphasizing their selectivity and efficacy.

Risco de lesão por pressão em pessoas acamadas assistidas pela estratégia saúde da família / Risk of pressure ulcers in bedridden individuals assisted by the family health strategy

Objetivo: Avaliar o risco de Lesão por Pressão em pessoas acamadas assistidas pela Estratégia Saúde da Família. Método: Estudo transversal, com abordagem quantitativa, realizado com 62 pacientes. A coleta de dados sucedeu-se por meio de questionário semiestruturado com dados sociodemográficos, clínicos e a avaliação do risco de Lesão por Pressão por meio da Escala de Braden. Os dados foram analisados pelo softwareestatístico Statistical Package for Social Science, versão 20.0. Resultados: Prevaleceram os pacientes do sexo feminino (61,3 %), cor branca (43,5%), viúvos (35,5%), aposentados (66,1%) e não alfabetizados (62,9%). O principal motivo de estar acamado foi devido a sequelas do Acidente Vascular Encefálico (35,5%). Evidenciou-se prevalência de risco muito alto em 59,7% das pessoas acamadas. Conclusão: O risco para Lesão por Pressão foi elevado, e a identificação dos fatores de risco é necessária e pode contribuir para estratégias preventivas ou redutoras deste agravo. (AU)

Bacteriophages to control Vibrio alginolyticus in live feeds prior to their administration in larviculture.

AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of two phages [VB_VaC_TDDLMA (phage TDD) and VB_VaC_SRILMA (phage SRI)] alone and in a cocktail to control Vibrio alginolyticus in brine shrimp before their administration in larviculture. METHODS AND RESULTS: Phages were isolated from seawater samples and characterized by host spectrum, growth parameters, adsorption rate, genomic analysis, and inactivation efficiency. Both phages belong to the Caudoviricetes class and lack known virulence or antibiotic-resistance genes. They exhibit specificity, infecting only their host, V. alginolyticus CECT 521. Preliminary experiments in a culture medium showed that phage TDD (reduction of 5.8 log CFU ml-1 after 10 h) outperformed phage SRI (reduction of 4.6 log CFU ml-1 after 6 h) and the cocktail TDD/SRI (reduction of 5.2 log CFU ml-1 after 8 h). In artificial marine water experiments with Artemia franciscana, both single phage suspensions and the phage cocktail, effectively inactivated V. alginolyticus in culture water (reduction of 4.3, 2.1, and 1.9 log CFU ml-1 for phages TDD, SRI, and the phage cocktail, respectively, after 12 h) and in A. franciscana (reduction of 51.6%, 87.3%, and 85.3% for phages TDD, SRI, and the phage cocktail, respectively, after 24 h). The two phages and the phage cocktail did not affect A. franciscana natural microbiota or other Vibrio species in the brine shrimp. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that phages can safely and effectively control V. alginolyticus in A. franciscana prior to its administration in larviculture.

A trainee's perspective on scientific conferences.

Attending and presenting at conferences is a preeminent experience during scientific training. This article provides a trainee's perspective on strategies to promote trainee growth before, during and after scientific meetings, taking the initiatives implemented by the Canadian Society for Immunology (CSI) as an example. A foremost action was the establishment of the Trainee Engagement Committee (TEC) in 2020. The TEC members contribute to the annual symposia by participating in the local organizing committee meetings and organizing trainee-directed events. We propose actions that conference organizers can take to foster the development of the next generation of scientists. In addition, we offer advice to conference presenters on how to craft talks with trainees in mind and to attendees on how to maximize the quality and longevity of conference interactions. We hope this opinion piece evokes reflections and discussions among scientific societies, organizing committees, conference presenters and trainees alike.

Redes sociais institucionais frente à infodemia causada pela covid-19: uma análise das interações dos usuários / Institutional social networks against the infodemia caused by covid-19: an analysis of user interactions / Redes sociales institucionales ante la infodemia provocada por covid-19: un análisis de las interacciones de los usuários

Objetivo: Analisar a interação dos usuários em publicações de saúde com informações sobre covid-19 nas redes sociais da Prefeitura Municipal de Macapá (capital do estado do Amapá). Métodos: Trata-se de uma pesquisa de abordagem qualitativa, do tipo descritivo-exploratório, realizada com os usuários que interagiram com as publicações sobre covid-19 das redes sociais do Facebook, Instagram e Twitter da Prefeitura de Macapá. A coleta de dados ocorreu através de entrevista semiestruturada e os dados foram analisados por meio da análise de conteúdo de Bardin. Resultados: Com base nos discursos dos participantes, emergiram quatro categorias: 1 - Importância de informação clara e de fácil compreensão para todos os tipos de público; 2 - O compartilhamento de informações nas redes sociais como incentivo à prevenção; 3 - A responsabilidade de checar as informações nas redes sociais de fontes não oficiais; e 4 - A comunicação como uma via de mão dupla: postagem e resposta. Conclusão: As redes sociais institucionais podem ser um importante espaço para a disseminação de informações relacionadas à covid-19, porém se torna necessário qualificar o trabalho dessas redes através de estratégias que articulem a gestão destas em todos os âmbitos. (AU)

Objective: To analyze the interaction of users in publications of health with informations about covid-19 in Macapá's city hall (capital of the state of Amapá) social media. Methods: It is about a qualitative approach research, exploratory-descriptive type, performed with users that interacted with publications about covid-19 at this social medias: Facebook, Instagram and Twitter's city hall. The data collection occurred through semi-structured interviews and the data were analyzed through the Bardin' content analysis. Results: Based on the participants' speeches, four categories emerged: 1 - Importance of clear and easy-to-understand information for all types of public; 2 - Sharing information on social networks as an incentive for prevention; 3 - The responsibility to check information on social networks from unofficial sources; and 4 - Communication as a two-way street: post and reply. Conclusion: The institutional social medias are able to be an important space for the dissemination of information related to covid-19, however, it becomes necessary to qualify the work of those networks through strategies that can articulate better with the management of those in the whole sphere. (AU)

Objetivo: Analizar la interacción de los usuarios de publicaciones de salud con información sobre covid-19 en las redes sociales del Municipio de Macapá (capital del estado de Amapá). Métodos: Se trata de una investigación cualitativa, de tipo descriptiva-exploratoria, realizada con usuarios que interactuaron con las publicaciones sobre covid-19 de las redes sociales de Facebook, Instagram y Twitter del Municipio de Macapá. La recolección de datos ocurrió a través de entrevistas semiestructuradas y los datos fueron analizados utilizando el análisis de contenido de Bardin. Resultados: Con base en los discursos de los participantes, surgieron cuatro categorías: 1 - Importancia de la información clara y fácil de entender para todo tipo de público; 2 - Compartir información en las redes sociales como incentivo para la prevención; 3 - La responsabilidad de verificar la información en las redes sociales de fuentes no oficiales; y 4 - La comunicación como vía de doble sentido: post y respuesta. Conclusión: Las redes sociales institucionales pueden ser un espacio importante para la difusión de información relacionada con Covid-19, sin embargo, se hace necesario capacitar el trabajo de estas redes a través de estrategias que articulen su gestión en todos los ámbitos. (AU)

Neurological Involvement in a Portuguese Cohort of IgG4-Related Disease.

INTRODUCTION: Neurological involvement in immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is increasingly recognized. Its diagnosis can be challenging due to clinical mimics and difficulty in obtaining nervous system biopsies. The aim of this study was to describe a cohort of neurological IgG4-RD patients. METHODS: Patients were recruited from a neuroimmunology tertiary center. Clinical, laboratory, neuroimaging and histological data were reviewed. RESULTS: Fifteen patients (60% women), with a median age of 53 years (48.5 - 65.0) were included: 13 (86.7%) classified as possible IgG4-RD, one (6.7%) as probable and one (6.7%) as definitive. The most common neurological phenotypes were meningoencephalitis (26.7%), orbital pseudotumor (13.3%), cranial neuropathies (13.3%), peripheral neuropathy (13.3%), and longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LTEM) (13.3%). Median serum IgG4 concentration was 191.5 (145.0 - 212.0) mg/dL. Seven in 14 patients had CSF pleocytosis (50.0%) and oligoclonal bands restricted to the intrathecal compartment, while most cases presented elevated CSF proteins (64.3%). Magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities included white matter lesions in four (26.7%), hypertrophic pachymeningitis in two (13.3%), and LETM in two (13.3%). Two patients had biopsy-proven IgG4-RD in extra-neurological sites. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the phenotypical variability of the neurological IgG4-RD. Biopsy inaccessibility reinforces the importance of new criteria for the diagnosis of this subset of patients.

Gene editing in small and large animals for translational medicine: a review.

The CRISPR/Cas9 system is a simpler and more versatile method compared to other engineered nucleases such as Zinc Finger Nucleases (ZFNs) and Transcription Activator-Like Effector Nucleases (TALENs), and since its discovery, the efficiency of CRISPR-based genome editing has increased to the point that multiple and different types of edits can be made simultaneously. These advances in gene editing have revolutionized biotechnology by enabling precise genome editing with greater simplicity and efficacy than ever before. This tool has been successfully applied to a wide range of animal species, including cattle, pigs, dogs, and other small animals. Engineered nucleases cut the genome at specific target positions, triggering the cell's mechanisms to repair the damage and introduce a mutation to a specific genomic site. This review discusses novel genome-based CRISPR/Cas9 editing tools, methods developed to improve efficiency and specificity, the use of gene-editing on animal models and translational medicine, and the main challenges and limitations of CRISPR-based gene-editing approaches.

A importância da alimentação e nutrição para indivíduos com enxaqueca / La importancia de la alimentación y nutrición para personas con jaqueca / The importance of food and nutrition for people with chronic migraines

Introdução: As cefaleias são consideradas um importante problema de saúde pública e estima-se que são a segunda queixa mais comum de dor, sendo a enxaqueca uma das mais presentes. O tratamento da enxaqueca pode ser sintomático ou profilático, a fim de reduzir os sintomas em períodos de crise e evitar que novas crises se instalem, destacando a importância da adoção de hábitos saudáveis e uma alimentação equilibrada. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar uma revisão integrativa da literatura, destacando os principais achados sobre a importância da alimentação e nutrição para indivíduos acometidos pela enxaqueca. Metodologia: foi realizado um levantamento de estudos nas bases de dados: Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS); Medline, LILACS, SciELO e Google Acadêmico, além de ter sido considerada a lista de referências dos trabalhos consultados, utilizando a estratégia PECO, onde P (population) indica a população, a letra E (exposure) exposição, C (comparison) comparação e a letra O (outcome) se refere aos desfechos esperados, assim gerou a pergunta norteadora do estudo: "Qual é a importância da alimentação e nutrição para indivíduos com enxaqueca?". Resultados: Foram selecionados 15 estudos para a produção do presente trabalho e foi realizada uma síntese descritiva dos resultados obtidos da relação e influência de hábitos alimentares com a enxaqueca. Conclusões: Conclui-se que os hábitos alimentares e a nutrição adequada têm grande influência e importância para indivíduos com enxaqueca, pois dessa forma, podem reduzir os sintomas apresentados e crises, já que as substâncias presentes nos alimentos estão relacionadas com o início e intensificação das crises (AU).

Introduction: Headaches are considered an important public health problem and are estimated to be the second most common pain complaint, with migraines being one of the most common. Migraine treatment is symptomatic and prophylactic to reduce symptoms when an attack starts and prevent new ones from forming, highlighting the importance of adopting healthy habits and a balanced diet. Objective: The purpose of this study was to carry out an integrative review of the literature in order to highlight the main findings on the influence of eating habits and the importance of nutrition for migraine patients. Methodology:A survey study was performed in the following databases: Virtual Health Library (VHL); Medline, LILACS, SciELO, and Google Scholar, in addition to considering the reference list of the consulted works. The PECO P (population) E (exposure) C (comparison) O (outcome) strategy was used, which generated the guiding question of the study: 'How important is food and nutrition for people with chronic migraines?'. Results:A total of 15 studies were selected to analyze in this work and a descriptive synthesis of the results was performed on the relationship and influence of eating habits of people with chronic migraines. Conclusions:It was concluded that eating habits and adequate nutrition have great influence and importance for migraine patients, as they are one of the main culprits of triggering and intensifying attacks (AU).

Introducción: Las cefaleas son consideradas un importante problema de salud pública y se estima que son la segunda queja más común de dolor, siendo la jaqueca una de las más frecuentes. El tratamiento de la jaqueca puede ser sintomático o profiláctico, con el fin de reducir los síntomas en periodos de crisis y evitar que nuevas ocurran, destacando la importancia de una adopción de hábitos saludables y una alimentación equilibrada. Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio fue realizar una revisión integrativa de la literatura, destacando los principales hallazgos sobre la importancia de la alimentación y nutrición en personas afectadas por la jaqueca. Metodología: Fue realizada una investigación de los estudios en las bases de dados: Biblioteca Virtual en Salud (BVS); Medline, LILACS, SciELO y Google Académico, además de considerar la lista de referencias de los trabajos consultados, utilizando la estrategia PECO, donde P (population) indica la población, la letra E (exposure) exposición, C (comparison) comparación y la letra O (outcome) se refiere a los resultados esperados, así fue generada la pregunta guía del estudio: "¿Cuál es la importancia de la alimentación y nutrición para las personas con jaqueca?" Resultados: Fueron seccionados 15 estudios para la producción del presente trabajo y fue realizada una síntesis descriptiva de los resultados obtenidos de la relación e influencia de los hábitos alimentarios con la jaqueca. Conclusiones: Se concluye que los hábitos alimentarios y la nutrición adecuada tienen gran influencia e importancia para las personas conjaqueca, pues de esta forma, pueden reducir los síntomas presentados y crisis, ya que las sustancias presentes en los alimentos están relacionadas con el inicio e intensificación de las crisis (AU).

Evolution of ancient satellite DNAs in extant alligators and caimans (Crocodylia, Reptilia).

BACKGROUND: Crocodilians are one of the oldest extant vertebrate lineages, exhibiting a combination of evolutionary success and morphological resilience that has persisted throughout the history of life on Earth. This ability to endure over such a long geological time span is of great evolutionary importance. Here, we have utilized the combination of genomic and chromosomal data to identify and compare the full catalogs of satellite DNA families (satDNAs, i.e., the satellitomes) of 5 out of the 8 extant Alligatoridae species. As crocodilian genomes reveal ancestral patterns of evolution, by employing this multispecies data collection, we can investigate and assess how satDNA families evolve over time. RESULTS: Alligators and caimans displayed a small number of satDNA families, ranging from 3 to 13 satDNAs in A. sinensis and C. latirostris, respectively. Together with little variation both within and between species it highlighted long-term conservation of satDNA elements throughout evolution. Furthermore, we traced the origin of the ancestral forms of all satDNAs belonging to the common ancestor of Caimaninae and Alligatorinae. Fluorescence in situ experiments showed distinct hybridization patterns for identical orthologous satDNAs, indicating their dynamic genomic placement. CONCLUSIONS: Alligators and caimans possess one of the smallest satDNA libraries ever reported, comprising only four sets of satDNAs that are shared by all species. Besides, our findings indicated limited intraspecific variation in satellite DNA, suggesting that the majority of new satellite sequences likely evolved from pre-existing ones.

Potential of an Isolated Bacteriophage to Inactivate Klebsiella pneumoniae: Preliminary Studies to Control Urinary Tract Infections.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae can lead to severe clinical complications and even death. An alternative treatment option for infected patients is using bacteriophages. In the present study, we isolated phage VB_KPM_KP1LMA (KP1LMA) from sewage water using a K. pneumoniae strain as a host. Whole-genome analysis indicated that the genome was a double-stranded linear 176,096-bp long DNA molecule with 41.8% GC content and did not contain virulence or antibiotic resistance genes. The inactivation potential of phage KP1LMA was assessed in broth at an MOI of 1 and 10, and a maximum inactivation of 4.9 and 5.4 log CFU/mL, respectively, was observed after 9 h. The efficacy at an MOI of 10 was also assessed in urine to evaluate the phage's performance in an acidic environment. A maximum inactivation of 3.8 log CFU/mL was observed after 9 h. The results suggest that phage KP1LMA could potentially control a UTI caused by this strain of K. pneumoniae, indicating that the same procedure can be used to control UTIs caused by other strains if new specific phages are isolated. Although phage KP1LMA has a narrow host range, in the future, efforts can be made to expand its spectrum of activity and also to combine this phage with others, potentially enabling its use against other K. pneumoniae strains involved in UTIs.

Pedometer- and accelerometer- based physical activity interventions in Type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIMS: Although accelerometer- and pedometer-based physical activity (PA) interventions can increase PA, there is no solid evidence for their benefits in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) was to determine the effects of accelerometer- and pedometer-based PA interventions on hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting glucose, weight, BMI, blood pressure, lipids, and PA in adults with T2DM. DATA SYNTHESIS: Records from MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, LILACS, and Scopus were searched from inception through March 28th, 2022. RCTs of at least two weeks of duration evaluated the effectiveness of pedometers or accelerometers as motivating tools for increasing PA in T2DM patients. This study was registered with PROSPERO and followed the PRISMA reporting guide. Of the 7131 non-duplicated articles retrieved, 24 RCTs (1969 patients) were included. The mean baseline HbA1c of the experimental group of included studies varied from 6.3 ± 0.9 % to 9.0 ± 0.01 %. The accelerometer- and pedometer-based PA interventions resulted in a greater improvement in HbA1c (-0.22 %; 95%CI, -0.4 % to -0.05 %; I2 = 77 %) and triglycerides (-13.11 mg/dL; 95%CI, -25.21 to -1.02; I2 = 22 %) versus control participants. Pedometer ambulatory use as a motivating tool significantly increased PA by 2,131 steps/day (95 % CI, 1,348 to 2,914; I2 = 74 %) in T2DM patients. CONCLUSIONS: Pedometers and accelerometers are associated with reductions in HbA1c and triglycerides when used as motivating tools. Larger and higher-quality studies are required to determine the full effects of PA as motivated by trackers in T2DM population.

A rare report of a metastatic lung large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma in palatine tonsil.

INTRODUCTION: Neuroendocrine carcinoma is a rare form of cancer originating from neuroendocrine cells, with the lungs being the most common site of occurrence. These tumors have the potential to metastasize to the head and neck region. CASE REPORT: A 57-year-old man, with a smoking history of 74 pack-years, presented with complaints of hoarseness, dry cough, dysphagia, and significant weight loss over a two-month period. During oral examination, a submucosal nodule in the left palatine tonsil was discovered. Histological analysis confirmed a poorly differentiated tumor consisting of large cells with nuclear pleomorphism and abundant cytoplasm. The tumor tested positive for CD56, chromogranin, synaptophysin, and EMA. Further imaging revealed a substantial endobronchial lesion in the upper segment of the left lower lobe. Biopsy results from this lesion were morphologically and immunohistochemically consistent with those from the oral lesion. A diagnosis of metastatic large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma originating from the lung and involving the oral mucosa was established. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the metastatic potential of pulmonary neuroendocrine carcinoma and its occurrence in atypical dissemination sites. Additionally, our findings underscore the importance of early detection of oral metastases to ensure accurate diagnosis and expedite appropriate treatment.

Natural antioxidants as strategy to minimize the presence of lipid oxidation products in canned fish: Research progress, current trends and future perspectives.

Canned fish is one of the most popular forms of fish consumption due to its high nutritional value, availability, and practicality. However, canning may induce lipid oxidation. Thus, this study provides in-depth information on the impact of high temperatures applied during canning on fish lipids. The thermo-oxidation is evidenced, for example, by the high levels of both primary and secondary oxidation products determined in fish after canning, as well as the presence of harmful compounds such as cholesterol oxides. Given the role of lipid oxidation in canned fish, this study also presents a comprehensive review on using natural antioxidants to control it. The antioxidant properties of common liquid mediums (vegetable oils and sauces) are highlighted. Moreover, adding algae extracts, spices, and condiments to the liquid medium to enhance its antioxidant potential has been considered, while the exploitation of by-products and wastes from the food industry also emerges as a suitable strategy. Besides the promising results, these practices may promote positive impacts on other quality parameters (e.g. water and oil holding capacities, texture, microbiological growth). However, further studies are needed, including research on aspects related to safety, effective concentrations and application methods, without ignoring consumers' sensory acceptance.

Ultrasonic pre-treatment to enhance drying of potentially probiotic guava (Psidium guajava): Impact on drying kinetics, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG viability, and functional quality.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of ultrasound (US) on the drying acceleration of potentially probiotic guava, including its impact on drying kinetics, probiotic (Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG) viability, and functional quality of the product during drying. To perform US pre-treatments, one group of samples were first pre-treated by US (38 W/L, 25 kHz) for 15 and 30 min and then immersed in the probiotic solution for 15 or 30 min, and another group of samples were submerged in the probiotic solution simultaneously applying US (US-assisted) for 15 and 30 min. After pre-treatments, the samples were convectively dried at 60 °C. Based on the results, all US pre-treatments improved the drying rate (up to 59%) and reduced the drying time (up to 31%) to reach 25% moisture compared to non-sonicated samples. The reduction in drying time (from ∼6 h to ∼4 h for US pre-treated samples) was crucial for maintaining the probiotic viability in the dehydrated guavas. These samples showed counts of 6.15 to 7.00 CFU∙g-1 after 4 h, while the control samples reached counts of 4.17 to 4.45 CFU∙g-1 after 6 h. US pre-treatment did not affect the color parameters of the samples before drying (p > 0.05). The functional compounds were reduced during drying (p < 0.05), however, all US pre-treated samples had lower reductions in vitamin C content (up to 20%), phenolic compounds (up to 41%) and antioxidant capacity (up to 47%) compared to control samples (up to 52%, 81% and 61%, respectively). Therefore, US pre-treatment (highlighting the US-assisted probiotic incorporation for 30 min) reduced the drying time for guava slices and minimized the thermal impact on probiotic viability and functional compounds, being a strategy to produce potentially probiotic dehydrated guava.

Do we need a concept to address the influence of technologies in health? The proposal of Digital Determinants of Health / ¿Necesitamos un concepto para la influencia de las tecnologías? La propuesta de los Determinantes Digitales de la Salud / Precisamos de um conceito para a influência massiva das novas tecnologias na saúde? A proposta dos Determinantes Digitais da Saúde

Recognizing the significant effects of the New Information and Communication Technologies (NICTs), the work reports the experience of a reflection group on the following question: does the massive and pervasive use of technologies in life, and therefore in health, deserve its own concept for analytical and sociopolitical emphasis? Through the experience systematization proposed by Holliday (2006), we propose the concept of Digital Determinants of Health (DDH) as it reflects the need to better highlight NICTs' actions in the production of health - both from an epistemological and sociopolitical point of view. By suggesting the DDH concept, we urge the academic community to a more specific debate on the consequences of NICTs in contemporary life, in order to guide actions capable of mitigating negative effects and leveraging the benefits of new technologies in healthcare.

Reconociendo los efectos significativos de las Nuevas Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación (NTIC), este artículo relata la experiencia de un grupo sobre la cuestión: ¿merece el uso masivo y omnipresente de las tecnologías en la vida, y en consecuencia en la salud, un concepto propio para su prominencia analítica y sociopolítica? Utilizando la sistematización de Holliday (2006), el grupo propuso el concepto de Determinantes Digitales de la Salud (DDS) por la necesidad de destacar la acción de las NTIC en la salud, tanto desde el punto de vista epistemológico como sociopolítico. Con el concepto de DDS, instamos a la comunidad académica a mantener un debate más específico sobre las consecuencias de las NTIC en la vida contemporánea para orientar acciones capaces de mitigar los efectos negativos y maximizar los beneficios de las nuevas tecnologías en la salud.

Reconhecendo os efeitos significativos das Novas Tecnologias de Informação e Comunicação (NTICs), o trabalho relata a experiência de um grupo de reflexão sobre a seguinte questão: a utilização de tecnologias de modo massivo e pervasivo na vida e, consequentemente, na saúde, merece conceito próprio para destaque analítico e sociopolítico? Por meio da sistematização de experiências de Holliday (2006), o grupo propõe o conceito de Determinantes Digitais da Saúde (DDS) por entender a necessidade de evidenciar com mais força a ação das NTICs na produção da saúde ­ tanto do ponto de vista epistemológico, quanto do sociopolítico. Com a sugestão do conceito de DDS, exortamos a comunidade acadêmica a um debate mais específico sobre as consequências das NTICs na vida contemporânea para a orientação de ações capazes de mitigar os efeitos negativos e potencializar os benefícios das novas tecnologias na saúde.

Sensitivity of the Neotropical Solitary Bee Centris analis F. (Hymenoptera, Apidae) to the Reference Insecticide Dimethoate for Pesticide Risk Assessment.

Currently, only Apis mellifera is used in environmental regulation to evaluate the hazard of pesticides to pollinators. The low representativeness of pollinators and bee diversity in this approach may result in insufficient protection for the wild species. This scenario is intensified in tropical environments, where little is known about the effects of pesticides on solitary bees. We aimed to calculate the medium lethal dose (LD50) and medium lethal concentration (LC50) of the insecticide dimethoate in the Neotropical solitary bee Centris analis, a cavity-nesting, oil-collecting bee distributed from Brazil to Mexico. Males and females of C. analis were exposed orally to dimethoate for 48 h under laboratory conditions. Lethality was assessed every 24 h until 144 h after the beginning of the test. After the LD50 calculation, we compared the value with available LD50 values in the literature of other bee species using the species sensitivity distribution curve. In 48 h of exposure, males showed an LD50 value 1.33 times lower than females (32.78 and 43.84 ng active ingredient/bee, respectively). Centris analis was more sensitive to dimethoate than the model species A. mellifera and the solitary bee from temperate zones, Osmia lignaria. However, on a body weight basis, C. analis and A. mellifera had similar LD50 values. Ours is the first study that calculated an LD50 for a Neotropical solitary bee. Besides, the results are of crucial importance for a better understanding of the effects of pesticides on the tropical bee fauna and will help to improve the risk assessment of pesticides to bees under tropical conditions, giving attention to wild species, which are commonly neglected. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:2758-2767. © 2023 SETAC.

Induction chemotherapy response of HPV-related multiphenotypic sinonasal carcinoma: First-ever reported therapeutic outcome and a brief literature review.

A 54-year-old male patient complained of nasal obstruction and epistaxis for 2 years, with worsening of the symptoms in the preceding year. Physical examination revealed a friable, irregular mass, with yellowish secretion, in the left nasal fossa. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an expansive lesion in the left nasal cavity, extending into the nasopharynx, ethmoid, right nasal cavity, and cortical bone of the hard palate. An incisional biopsy was then performed. Morphologically, a cellular malignant proliferation with a solid basaloid appearance admixed with adenoid cystic-like areas was observed. Immunohistochemistry revealed positivity for AE1/AE3, CK7, p63, and calponin, with focal labeling for CD117 and α-SMA. p16 had diffuse cytoplasmic and nuclear positivity. Ki-67 index was >80%. Given the morphological and immunohistochemical aspects, the diagnosis was conclusive for HPV-related multiphenotypic sinonasal carcinoma. The tumor was considered irresectable, and the patient was submitted to induction chemotherapy with docetaxel, cisplatin, and infusional 5-fluorouracil, with significant regression after therapy, followed by chemoradiotherapy with carboplatin, without limiting toxicities. The patient is currently under regular follow-up, with complete clinical and radiological response. To date, there are no reports in the literature of induction chemotherapy use or its complete therapeutic responsiveness related to this lesion. A brief literature review was included with the main epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic, and prognostic aspects regarding the 85 cases reported in the literature, including ours.

High PD-L1 expression is associated with unfavorable clinical features in myelodysplastic neoplasms.

INTRODUCTION: Immune checkpoints are regulators of the immune system response that allow self-tolerance. Molecules such as Programmed Cell Death Protein 1 (PD-1) and its Ligand (PD-L1) participate in the immune checkpoint by signaling co-inhibition of lymphocyte responses. In cancers, PD-L1 expression is associated with the immune evasion mechanism, which favors tumor growth. The use of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 drugs is already well described in solid tumors, but still not fully understood in hematologic malignancies. Myelodysplastic neoplasms (MDSs) are heterogeneous bone marrow disorders with an increased risk of progression to Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). The MDS affects hematopoietic stem cells and its pathogenesis is linked to genetic and epigenetic defects, in addition to immune dysregulation. The influence of the PD-L1 on the MDS remains unknown. METHODS: In this study, we evaluated the mRNA expression of the PD-L1 in 53 patients with MDS, classified according to the WHO 2016 Classification. RESULTS: Patients with dyserythropoiesis presented significantly higher PD-L1 expression than patients without dyserythropoiesis (p = 0.050). Patients classified as having MDS with an excess of blasts 2 (MDS-EB2) presented a significant upregulation in the mRNA expression of the PD-L1 compared to the MDS with an excess of blasts 1 (MDS-EB1) (p = 0.050). Furthermore, we detected three patients with very high levels of PD-L1 expression, being statistically classified as outliers. CONCLUSION: We suggested that the high expression of the PD-L1 is associated with a worse prognosis in the MDS and functional studies are necessary to evaluate the possible use of anti-PD-L1 therapies for high-risk MDS, such as the MDS-EBs.