Mercury exposure in riverine populations of Terra do Meio Extractive Reserves in the Xingu basin, Amazon, Brazil.

Amazon is a hotspot for mercury (Hg) contamination and Terra do Meio region, despite its protected status for sustainable use, has never been monitored for this element. Looking to address this gap, this study aimed to quantify capillary Hg concentration in riverine populations of Terra do Meio (Xingu Basin, Central Amazon, Brazil) and associated factors with high Hg levels (90 percentile). Hair samples from 182 individuals from Iriri, Riozinho do Anfrísio and Xingu Extractive Reserves (RESEX), aged between 18 and 70 years old, were collected to measure total mercury levels (HgT), and socioeconomic, demographic, and clinical-epidemiological data were annotated. Overall, high levels of Hg were observed (mean 4.985 µg/g, median 3.531 µg/g) with significant differences between localities. Among the factors related to high capillary Hg levels, male gender, smoking habit, work in agriculture, livestock or extractivism, and residence in Iriri and Riozinho do Anfrísio RESEX were highlighted. A high prevalence of symptoms related to Hg intoxication, including anxiety, memory deficit, and lower limb problems, was observed. Overall, the results reveal that communities in these RESEXs are exposed to Hg and appear to be suffering from chronic health effects. Considering the increased anthropogenic alterations observed recently in the Amazon region and the subsequent amplified environmental bioavailability of Hg, further studies and mitigating actions are critical. This includes better surveillance of illegal anthropic activities and provision of ongoing education on this matter and incentives for dietary adaptations.

Pointing out geographic and gender disparities related to productivity indicators among Brazilian ecotoxicologists.

Policies and actions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion have been discussed recently in Brazil, but there is still limited information available for most academic and knowledge fields, including ecotoxicology. This study aimed to describe the profile of Brazilian ecotoxicologists and assess gender and geographical disparities, especially regarding productivity indicators. An ecological study was conducted using data of the researchers registered in the open-access database of the Brazilian Society of Ecotoxicology, along with their respective curriculum data available on the Lattes Platform, which is the main registry portal for Brazilian researchers. The target population of our study was ecotoxicology researchers in academic educational institutions with a focus on human resource training. The data, collected in 2021, led to the inclusion of a total of 177 researchers in this study, with 62 men and 115 women, and 42.37% working in the southeastern region. Female researchers generally showed lower rates of scientific productivity when the analyzed metrics included research productivity scholarships, the number of articles published in scientific journals, and the number of articles published with international collaborations, compared to male researchers. Researchers from the southeastern and southern regions also had higher rates of productivity and human resource training compared to those from other regions of the country. The proportion of funding grants received was significantly higher among men, and this profile was also observed among researchers from the southern and southeastern regions, although with a smaller disparity. This means that there is an uneven distribution of funding grants from funding organizations, which favors men and urban centers. Our findings highlight gender and geographic disparities in the scientific production of ecotoxicologists working in Brazil and reinforce the existence of complex obstacles that need to be addressed and combated within scientific societies. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;00:1-8. © 2024 SETAC.

Current practices of Portuguese speech-language pathologists with preschool-age children with pragmatic impairment: A cross-sectional survey.

This study aims to investigate the practice patterns used by Portuguese speech-language pathologists (SLPs) with preschool-age children with pragmatic impairment and to identify the actual need(s) perceived by SLPs in this field. A total of 351 SLPs responded. The results reveal that 81.5 per cent of the respondents (n=286) reported working or had previously worked with preschool-age children with pragmatic impairment arising from autism spectrum disorder, developmental language disorder, or both. Considering the clinical practice, similarities and differences were found, many of which are due not to the inherent characteristics of each disorder but to the scarcity of research in clinical pragmatics. These results are also reflected in the needs perceived by SLPs and the degree of confidence with which they work with these children. Implications for clinical practice and directions for future research are discussed.

Is scanning under rubber dam isolation a feasible approach for the execution of indirect restorations? / O escaneamento sob isolamento absoluto é uma técnica viável para execução de restaurações indiretas?

Objective: The aim of the study was to report the aplicability of intraoral scanning while rubber dam isolation is in place. Material and Methods: Female patient, 50 years old, required restorative procedures on teeth 35 and 37. An intraoral scan was initially performed on both arches. Isolation was carried out from 33 to 37, tooth preparation and immediate dentin sealing were carried out. A new scan with the rubber dam in place was performed and a CAD/CAM lithium disilicate hybrid block was digitally designed, milled, crystallized and cemented under the tooth surface with the rubber dam still in position. After completing this stage, the rubber dam was removed, the occlusion was verified, presenting excellent aesthetic and functional results. Results: The absolute isolation process used in the present study works as an excellent device for gingival retraction. Conclusion: The absolute isolation can be recommended in clinical activities of intraoral scanning favoring the quality of the final result of treatments (AU)

Objetivo: O objetivo do estudo foi relatar a aplicabilidade do escaneamento intraoral sob isolamento absoluto. Material e Métodos: Paciente do sexo feminino, 50 anos, necessitou de procedimentos restauradores nos dentes 35 e 37. Uma varredura intraoral foi inicialmente realizada em ambos os arcos. O isolamento absoluto foi feito de 33 a 37, permitindo a realização do preparo dentário e selamento imediato da dentina. Um novo escaneamento com o dique de borracha colocado foi realizado e um bloco híbrido de dissilicato de lítio CAD/CAM foi projetado digitalmente, fresado, cristalizado e cimentado sob a superfície dentária ainda com o dique de borracha em posição. Após a finalização dessa etapa, o dique de borracha foi removido, a oclusão foi verificada apresentando ótimos resultados estéticos e funcionais. Resultados: O isolamento absoluto utilizado no presente estudo funciona como um excelente dispositivo para retração gengival. Conclusão: O isolamento absoluto pode ser recomendado em atividades clínicas de escaneamento intraoral favorecendo a qualidade do resultado final dos tratamentos (AU)

Valorization of the Red Seaweed Gracilaria gracilis Through a Biorefinery Approach.

The interest in seaweeds as an abundant feedstock to obtain valuable and multitarget bioactive ingredients is continuously growing. In this work, we explore the potential of Gracilaria gracilis, an edible red seaweed cultivated worldwide for its commercial interest as a source of agar and other ingredients for cosmetic, pharmacological, food, and feed applications. G. gracilis growth conditions were optimized through vegetative propagation and sporulation while manipulating the physicochemical conditions to achieve a large biomass stock. Green extraction methodologies with ethanol and water were performed over the seaweed biomass. The bioactive potential of extracts was assessed through a set of in vitro assays concerning their cytotoxicity, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Additionally, dried seaweed biomass was incorporated into pasta formulations to increase food's nutritional value. Pigments extracted from G. gracilis have also been incorporated into yogurt as a natural colorant, and their stability was evaluated. Both products were submitted to the appreciation of a semi-trained sensorial panel aiming to achieve the best final formulation before reaching the market. Results support the versatility of G. gracilis whether it is applied as a whole biomass, extracts and/or pigments. Through implementing several optimized protocols, this work allows the development of products with the potential to profit the food, cosmetic, and aquaculture markets, promoting environmental sustainability and a blue circular economy. Moreover, and in line with a biorefinery approach, the residual seaweed biomass will be used as biostimulant for plant growth or converted to carbon materials to be used in water purification of the in-house aquaculture systems of MARE-Polytechnic of Leiria, Portugal.

Can iron chelators ameliorate viral infections?

The redox reactivity of iron is a double-edged sword for cell functions, being either essential or harmful depending on metal concentration and location. Deregulation of iron homeostasis is associated with several clinical conditions, including viral infections. Clinical studies as well as in silico, in vitro and in vivo models show direct effects of several viruses on iron levels. There is support for the strategy of iron chelation as an alternative therapy to inhibit infection and/or viral replication, on the rationale that iron is required for the synthesis of some viral proteins and genes. In addition, abnormal iron levels can affect signaling immune response. However, other studies report different effects of viral infections on iron homeostasis, depending on the class and genotype of the virus, therefore making it difficult to predict whether iron chelation would have any benefit. This review brings general aspects of the relationship between iron homeostasis and the nonspecific immune response to viral infections, along with its relevance to the progress or inhibition of the inflammatory process, in order to elucidate situations in which the use of iron chelators could be efficient as antivirals.

Liquid crystalline nanogel targets skin cancer via low-frequency ultrasound treatment.

The potential of low-frequency ultrasound (LFU) combined with nanotechnology-based formulations in improving skin tumors topical treatment was investigated. The impact of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) and hydrophilic nanogels as coupling media on LFU-induced skin localized transport regions (LTR) and the penetration of doxorubicin (DOX) in LFU-pretreated skin was evaluated. SLN were prepared by the microemulsion technique and liquid crystalline nanogels using Poloxamer. In vitro, the skin was pretreated with LFU until skin resistivity of âˆ¼1 KΩ.cm2 using the various coupling media followed by evaluation of DOX penetration from DOX-nanogel and SLN-DOX in skin layers. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) induced in mice was LFU-treated using the nanogel with the LFU tip placed 5 mm or 10 mm from the tumor surface, followed by DOX-nanogel application. LFU with nanogel coupling achieved larger LTR areas than LFU with SLN coupling. In LFU-pretreated skin, DOX-nanogel significantly improved drug penetration to the viable epidermis, while SLN-DOX hindered drug transport through LTR. In vivo, LFU-nanogel pretreatment with the 10 mm tip distance induced significant tumor inhibition and reduced tumor cell numbers and necrosis. These findings suggest the importance of optimizing nanoparticle-based formulations and LFU parameters for the clinical application of LFU technology in skin tumor treatment.

Injectable Composite Resin Technique: An Alternative for Anterior Esthetic Restorations - Case Report / Técnica de Resina Compuesta Inyectable: Una Alternativa para Restauraciones Estéticas Anteriores - Reporte de Caso

This article aims to describe a clinical case of the use of the injectable restorative technique with composite resin in a patient with an esthetic complaint in the anterior teeth. Producing direct restorations in anterior teeth when performed with composite resin demands a long clinical time. Results often depend on the operator's ability to reproduce proper form, function, and esthetics. Lately, the versatility of composite resins has increased. As this material evolved, new techniques were introduced to simplify the restorative process and save time. The restorative technique with injectable fluid composite resin, in addition to delivering faster and with a certain ease, is capable of increasing the predictability of treatment results. However, it is known that flowable resins have lower wear resistance and color stability compared to conventional resins. Thus, a version of this material with a higher filler content in its composition was introduced to the market, to improve wear resistance and gloss retention. Long-term studies evaluating the use of low-viscosity resins are needed. The injectable technique can accurately reproduce the morphology obtained in the wax-up of the case, generating a satisfactory esthetic and functional result. Despite simplifying the fabrication of restorations when compared to the conventional technique, it is still necessary for the operator to have some experience and aptitude. The clinical time for the production of restorations has been considerably reduced. The material showed good flow, shine, and polish in the immediate result. However, the finishing and polishing of the restorations required a longer clinical period than usual and in the short- term follow-up, flaws in the gingival margins and a new finishing and polishing procedure were necessary. Therefore, the technique described in this article can be considered a restorative alternative, but it is still not able to replace the tradit ional method of making previous esthetic restorations.

Este artículo tiene como objetivo describir un caso clínico del uso de la técnica restauradora inyectable con resina compuesta en un paciente con una queja estética en los dientes anteriores. Producir restauraciones directas en dientes anteriores cuando se realizan con resina compuesta demanda un largo tiempo clínico. Los resultados a menudo dependen de la capacidad del operador para reproducir la forma, la función y la estética adecuadas. Últimamente, la versatilidad de las resinas compuestas ha aumentado. A medida que este material evolucionó, se introdujeron nuevas técnicas para simplificar el proceso de restauración y ahorrar tiempo. La técnica restauradora con resina compuesta fluida inyectable, además de una entrega más rápida y segura, es capaz de aumentar la previsibilidad de los resultados del tratamiento. Sin embargo, se sabe que las resinas fluidas tienen menor resistencia al desgaste y estabilidad del color en comparación con las resinas convencionales. Así, se introdujo en el mercado una versión de este material con un mayor contenido de relleno en su composición, con el objetivo de mejorar la resistencia al desgaste y la retención del brillo. Se necesitan estudios a largo plazo que evalúen el uso de resinas de baja viscosidad. La técnica inyectable es capaz de reproducir fielmente la morfología obtenida en el encerado del caso, generando un resultado estético y funcional satisfactorio. A pesar de simplificar la fabricación de restauraciones en comparación con la técnica convencional, todavía es necesario que el operador tenga cierta experiencia y aptitud. El tiempo clínico para la producción de restauraciones se ha reducido considerablemente. El material mostró buena fluidez, brillo y pulido en el resultado inmediato. Sin embargo, el acabado y pulido de las restauraciones requirió de un período de tiempo clínico más largo de lo habitual y en el seguimiento a corto plazo, fueron necesarios defectos en los márgenes gingivales y un nuevo procedimiento de acabado y pulido. Por lo tanto, la técnica descrita en este artículo puede considerarse una alternativa restauradora, pero aún no es capaz de reemplazar el método tradicional de realizar restauraciones estéticas previas.

Multiple biomarkers response of Astyanax lacustris (Teleostei: Characidae) exposed to manganese and temperature increase.

The present study aimed to evaluate the toxicity of Mn (6.65 mg/L) at different exposure times (96 h, 7, 14, and 21 days) and evaluate its possible toxic effects on the fish Astyanax lacustris through multi-biomarkers and the maximum critical temperature (CT Max). The results show an increase in the Mn accumulation (liver and gills) with increasing exposure time. The glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity showed differences in the group exposed to Mn for 96 h compared to the group exposed for 21 days. The acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity increased in the fish exposed for 7 days compared to the control group. On the other hand, no genotoxic changes were observed. The CT Max showed that the loss of equilibrium of 50% of the fish occurs at a temperature of 39ºC, with and without the Mn presence. Furthermore, the catalase gene expression (oxidative stress) did not show alterations.

A comprehensive overview of genotoxicity and mutagenicity associated with outdoor air pollution exposure in Brazil.

This review examined the mutagenicity and genotoxicity associated with exposure to outdoor air pollutants in Brazil. A search was performed on the Web of Science database using a combination of keywords that resulted in 134 articles. After applying exclusion criteria, a total of 75 articles were obtained. The articles were classified into three categories: (1) studies with plants and animals, (2) in vitro studies, and (3) human biomonitoring. The investigations were conducted in 11 of 27 Brazilian states with the highest prevalence in the southeast and south regions. Only 5 investigations focused on the effects of burning biomass on the quality of outdoor air. Plants, especially Tradescantia pallida, were the main air pollution biomonitoring tool. When available, a significant association between levels of air pollutants and genetic damage was described. Among the in vitro studies, Salmonella/microsome is the most used test to evaluate mutagenesis of outdoor air in Brazil (n = 26). Human biomonitoring studies were the least frequent category (n = 18). Most of the investigations utilized micronucleus bioassay, in oral mucosa cells (n = 15) and lymphocytes (n = 5), and the comet assay (n = 6). The analysis in this study points to the existence of gaps in genotoxicity studies and our findings indicate that future studies need to address the variety of potential sources of pollution existing in Brazil. In addition to extent of the impacts, consideration should be given to the enormous Brazilian biodiversity, as well as the determination of the role of socioeconomic inequality of the population in the observed outcomes.

Psychometric Properties of Standardized Instruments that are Used to Measure Pragmatic Intervention Effects in Children with Developmental Language Disorder: A Systematic Review.

This review aimed to analyze the psychometric properties of standardized instruments that are used to measure pragmatic intervention effects in children with developmental language disorder. Following PRISMA structure, a comprehensive literature research was conducted in five electronic indexing databases: Central, PubMed, Medline, Web of Science and Scopus. Six studies between 2005 and 2019 were included and seven standardized instruments have been analyzed. All instruments present some evidence of validity and reliability, but none reported responsiveness. The instruments reviewed were not used for their original purpose, which may explain the results. The small number of studies prevent drawing clear conclusions. Future studies should focus on appropriate, valid, reliable, and responsive measures. Research focusing on psychometric properties is crucial, mostly about responsiveness.

Resistência de união entre cerâmica e dentina desmineralizada, simulando remoção seletiva de dentina cariada / Bond strength between ceramic and demineralized dentin, simulating selective removal of carious dentin

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a resistência de união de restaurações indiretas cimentadas em superfícies dentinárias desmineralizadas como simulação da remoção seletiva de dentina cariada. Foram utilizados 40 dentes, os quais as superfícies foram planificadas até que a dentina fosse exposta. Os dentes foram divididos em quatro grupos: o primeiro é formado por dentes com dentina sadia, o segundo por aqueles que passaram pelo protocolo de desmineralização de sua dentina. O terceiro grupo de espécimes, além de receberem a desmineralização de sua dentina, receberam selamento da dentina com resina fluida. E o quarto grupo recebeu camada de cimento de ionômero de vidro (CIV) sobre a dentina desmineralizada. Em seguida, peças em dissilicato de lítio foram cimentadas individualmente na região condicionada de cada amostra. O adesivo utilizado foi o autocondicionante (Single Bond Universal; 3M), com duas aplicações ativas. O cimento usado foi o RelyX Ultimate (3M). As peças foram cimentadas e a força de cimentação foi padronizada. Somente após a cimentação, o conjunto recebeu fotoativação com aparelho Bluephase (Ivoclar Vivadent, Liechtenstein), com emitância de 1200 mW/cm², por 60 segundos em cada lado. Após 48 horas da cimentação, os espécimes foram submetidos aos testes mecânicos de tração, com velocidade de 1 mm/min. A análise do tipo de fratura foi realizada por estereomicroscopia. Os dados foram convertidos em MPa. Os grupos controle, desmineralizado e SDI não apresentaram diferenças estatísticas significativas. O grupo do CIV apresentou diferenças estatísticas em relação aos grupos com dentina desmineralizada e que recebeu a resina flow, porém não foi observada diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre os valores do grupo controle e que recebeu CIV (AU)

The aim of this study was to analyze the bond strength of cemented indirect restorations on demineralized dentin surfaces as a simulation of selective removal of decayed dentin. 40 teeth were used, whose surfaces were flattened until the dentin was exposed. The teeth were divided into four groups: the first is formed by teeth with healthy dentin, the second by those who have gone through the protocol of demineralization of their dentin. The third group of specimens, in addition to receiving demineralization of their dentin, received dentin sealing with fluid resin. And the fourth group received a layer of glass ionomer cement over the demineralized dentin. Then, pieces of lithium disilicate were cemented individually in the conditioned region of each sample. The adhesive used was self-etching (Single Bond Universal; 3M), with two active applications. The cement used was RelyX Ultimate (3M). The pieces were cemented, and the cement strength was standardized. Only after cementation, the set received photoactivation with a Bluephase device (Ivoclar Vivadent, Liechtenstein), with an emittance of 1200 mW/cm², for 60 seconds on each side. After 48 hours of cementation, the specimens were submitted to mechanical tensile tests with a speed of 1 mm/min. An analysis of the type of fracture was performed by stereomicroscopy. The data was converted to MPa. The control, demineralized and IDS groups did not show statistically significant differences. The GIC group showed statistical differences in relation to the groups with demineralized dentin and the one that received the flow resin. However, no statistically significant differences were observed between the values of the control group and the GIC one (AU)

A prospective cohort study of TIMP1 as prognostic biomarker in gastric and colon cancer.

BACKGROUND: Tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP1) inhibits proteins which has proteolytic activity, but in cancer it contributes for tumoral invasion and metastization. The authors investigated the expression of TIMP1 in different digestive cancer types. The aim of this study was to test TIMP1 as a serum marker since in clinical practice there is a lack of biomarkers to monitor the response to treatments or to detect early relapses. METHODS: It was performed a prospective study with recently diagnosed patients with gastrointestinal cancers. Patients with esophageal, gastric, colon, rectal, hepatocarcinoma, and cholangiocarcinoma at any stage, that did not perform any type of treatment, were included. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and chemiluminescence were used to quantify levels of TIMP1. The differences of the Kaplan-Meier survival curves were tested for statistical significance with the log rank test, and the 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Multivariate analysis was done using the COX proportional hazard model and a forward stepwise method. Statistical analyses were done using the IBM SPSS Statistics version 26.0. P value inferior to 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: A total of 190 patients were recruited: 54.7% males, median age of 68 years old, 57.9% with colorectal cancer followed by esophagogastric disease with 22.6%. TIMP1 level were increased in 29.5%. In colon cancer, patients with higher levels of TIMP1 are associated with worse progression free survival (PFS) (P=0.007) and overall survival (OS) (P=0.036). No relationship was seen with Rat sarcoma virus (RAS), B-raf (BRAF) and Microsatellite instability status (MSI). In gastric cancer, patients with higher levels of TIMP1 are associated with worse OS (P=0.020), with no difference in PFS. CONCLUSIONS: Higher TIMP1 levels in gastric and colon cancer patients are associated with worse prognosis. Further studies are needed: higher number of patients and sequential measurements of TIMP1 during patient treatments.

The Effects of the Pragmatic Intervention Programme in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Developmental Language Disorder.

PURPOSE: Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) frequently face pragmatic impairments which may result in learning, socialization, and mental health difficulties, therefore early intervention is crucial. In Portugal, the Pragmatic Intervention Programme (PICP) has been recently developed and validated, but its effects are unknown. This study aims to determine the effects of the PICP on preschool-age children with ASD or DLD with pragmatic impairments. METHODS: A non-randomized controlled trial has been conducted. The children (n = 20) were assigned to the intervention (n = 11) or the control group (waiting list) (n = 9). Each child attended 24 PICP-based intervention sessions provided by a Speech and Language Therapist in kindergarten. The primary outcome measure was a Goal Attainment Scale (GAS) rated by parents and kindergarten teachers. Secondary outcomes include parent/teacher-reported communication skills (Escala de Avaliação de Competências Comunicativas) and an assessment of the child's general language ability (Teste de Linguagem-Avaliação da Linguagem Pré-Escolar). RESULTS: GAS results show that all the children in the intervention group made progress. Statistically significant differences between pre- and post-intervention assessments were found for all secondary outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The main findings suggest that the PICP improves language in preschool-age children with ASD and DLD with pragmatic difficulties. Further research is needed to analyse the effects of the PICP for each neurodevelopmental disorder individually. These results are crucial and will contribute to future research and evidence-based practice.

Occurrence of entomopathogenic hypocrealean fungi in mosquitoes and their larval habitats in Central Brazil, and activity against Aedes aegypti.

Collecting entomopathogenic fungi associated with mosquitoes and studies on their activity against mosquito developmental stages will improve the understanding of their potential as agents to control important mosquito vectors. Twenty-one strains of entomopathogenic fungi affecting mosquitoes in Central Brazil were studied: 7 of Beauveria bassiana, 7 of Metarhizium humberi, 3 of M. anisopliae, 2 of Cordyceps sp. and one each of Akanthomyces saksenae and Simplicillium lamellicola. These fungi were isolated from field-collected mosquito adults (3 strains) or larvae (a single strain); the other 17 strains were isolated from laboratory-reared Aedes aegypti sentinel larvae set out in partially immersed cages placed in diverse small- to middle-sized aquatic mosquito habitats in or close to areas with secondary tropical forest. The frequent recovery of normally soil-borne Metarhizium spp. and B. bassiana from aquatic habitats is notable. Our laboratory findings indicated that M. anisopliae IP 429 and IP 438 and M. humberi IP 421 and IP 478 were highly active against immature stages and, together with M. anisopliae IP 432, also against adults. These strains appear to be the most promising candidates to develop effective control strategies targeting the different developmental stages of A. aegypti, the most important vector of viral diseases in humans in the tropics.

Análise do desenvolvimento de alterações bucais em pacientes sob transplante de células-tronco hematopoiéticas e seus fatores de risco: um estudo de coorte / Analysis of the development of oral changes in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and their risk factors: a cohort study

O transplante de células-tronco hematoiéticas (TCTH) pode causar efeitos adversos no meio ambiente bucal, podendo influenciar a resposta do paciente ao tratamento e, consequentemente, no prognóstico. Este estudo objetivou identificar as alterações bucais mais prevalentes durante o período de internação para a realização do TCTH, analisar o tempo de desenvolvimento destas alterações neste mesmo período, bem como os fatores inerentes ao paciente e ao TCTH associados ao desenvolvimento destas alterações. Tratou-se de um estudo observacional, longitudinal, do tipo coorte, realizado em 30 pacientes assistidos pelo setor de transplante de medula óssea em um hospital de referência no Rio Grande do entre dezembro de 2021 a junho de 2022. Os dados sobre o exame físico bucal, diagnóstico da desordem hematológica, o tipo de transplante, as comorbidades, os protocolos quimioterápicos e os fatores de risco individuais dos pacientes no período do TCTH obtidos foram submetidos a testes estatísticos para estimar o tempo de surgimento das alterações e associação de fatores de risco. A significância estatística adotada foi de 5%. Dos 30 pacientes selecionados, 56,7% eram do sexo masculino, mediana de 35 anos, no qual 93,3% desenvolveram alguma alteração bucal e 53,3% iniciaram o tratamento com algum fator de risco bucal. As desordens hematológicas mais frequentes foram as leucemias (mieloide e linfoide) e os mielomas múltiplos (23,3% cada). O FluBuMel foi o protocolo de condicionamento mais utilizado (46,7%). A alteração bucal mais frequente foi o edema de mucosa jugal (83,3%) seguida da mucosite oral (80%; grau 01 - 54,2%). O tempo de seguimento foi em média 23 dias e, foi verificado que no 5.º dia de internação a probabilidade do paciente estar livre de alterações bucais foi de 93,3%, com essa taxa diminuindo ao longo do tempo, atingindo 6,7% no 28.º dia. O protocolo Mel200 foi associado ao desenvolvimento mais precoce das alterações bucais (p=0,02), assim como o transplante do tipo autólogo (p=0,004). Nossos resultados sugerem que o tempo de surgimento das alterações bucais é influenciado pelo tipo de transplante e protocolo de condicionamento quimioterápico e, adicionalmente, reforçam que a presença de um cirurgiã-dentista na equipe influencia positivamente no controle da severidade das alterações bucais (AU).

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) can cause adverse effects in the oral environment that can affect the patient's response to treatment and prognosis. Thereby, this study aimed to identify the most prevalent oral alterations during the period of hospitalization for the performance of HSCT, to analyze the development time of these alterations in this period, as well as the factors associated with the development of these alterations. It was an observational, longitudinal, cohort study, carried out on patients assisted by the bone marrow transplant sector in a main hospital in Rio Grande do Norte between December 2021 and June 2022. Data about oral physical examination, diagnosis of hematological disorder, type of transplant, comorbidities, chemotherapy protocols and oral risk factors of patients obtained during the HSCT period were submitted to statistics tests to estimate the time of oral changes' onset and association of risk factors. The statistical significance adopted was 5%. 57.7% of the 30 selected patients were male, with a median age of 35 years, where 93.3% developed some oral alteration and 53.3% started treatment with some individual risk factor. The most frequent neoplasms were leukemias (myeloid and lymphoid) and multiple myeloma (23.3% each). FluBuMel was the most commonly used conditioning protocol (46.7%). The most frequent oral alteration was buccal mucosa edema (83.3%) followed by oral mucositis (80%; grade 1­54.2%). The follow-up time was on average 23 days and it was found that on the 5th day of hospitalization, the probability of the patient being free of alterations was 93.3%, with this rate decreasing over time, reaching 6.7% on the 28th day. The Mel200 protocol is associated with earlier development of alterations (p=0.02), as well as autologous transplantation (p=0.004). The results suggest that the time of onset oral alterations is affected by the type of transplant and chemotherapy conditioning protocol and, additionally, reinforce that the alterations' severity are positively affected by the presence of a dentist in the team (AU).

Response of Oreochromis niloticus (Teleostei: Cichlidae) exposed to a guanitoxin-producing cyanobacterial strain using multiple biomarkers.

Changes in environmental conditions in aquatic ecosystems caused by anthropic actions can modify the composition of primary producers, promoting the excessive proliferation of cyanobacteria. These organisms can form cyanobacterial blooms, which directly affect aquatic life. The present study investigated the mutagenicity of the cyanobacterium Sphaerospermopsis torques-reginae (strain ITEP-024), guanitoxin-producing (natural organophosphate), and sublethal effects on fish in relevant environment concentrations. For this, the Ames test (Salmonella/microsome) was performed as a mutagenic assay for extracts of the ITEP-024 strain. Specimens of Oreochromis niloticus (Teleostei: Cichlidae) were subjected to acute 96 h exposure to different concentrations of aqueous extract of the strain: C = control group; T1 = 31.25 mg/L; T2 = 62.5 mg/L; T3 = 125 mg/L; and T4 = 250 mg/L. Genotoxic, biochemical, osmoregulatory, and physiologic biomarkers were analyzed. Our results showed that the cyanobacterium had a weak mutagenic response for the TA102 strain of Salmonella with and without metabolic activation by S9. Strains TA98 and TA100 were not affected. Fish from treatments T3 and T4 showed changes in oxidative stress (CAT, SOD, and GST enzymes), inhibition of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase activity, micronucleus formation, and osmoregulatory disorders. No guanitoxin accumulation was detected in the different tissues of O. niloticus by LC-MS/MS. Our results showed unprecedented mutagenicity data of the guanitoxin-producing cyanobacteria by the Ames test and biochemical, osmoregulatory, and genotoxic disorders in fish, providing efficient aquatic contamination biomarkers. Despite the great concern related to the presence of guanitoxin in blooms in freshwater ecosystems, its concentration is not yet regulated, and thus there is no monitoring agenda in current legislation.

The effect of prognostic factors at baseline on the efficacy of trifluridine/tipiracil in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer: A Portuguese exploratory analysis.

BACKGROUND: The RECOURSE trial supported trifluridine/tipiracil as a treatment option in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Subsequent analysis demonstrated that low tumour burden and indolent disease are good prognosis factors improving progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). This study aimed to evaluate the impact of prognosis group in the OS, PFS and safety of trifluridine/tipiracil in patients with mCRC. METHODS: Single-centre, retrospective, and observational study of patients with mCRC who started trifluridine/tipiracil between February 2018 and July 2019. Patients were divided into good prognosis characteristics (GPC) [low tumour burden (less than 3 metastasis site) and indolent disease (≥18 months from first metastasis diagnosis)] and poor prognostic characteristics (PPC) group [high tumour burden (3 or more metastasis sites) and/or aggressive disease (<18 months since the first metastasis diagnosis)]. RESULTS: Median age was 67 years (48-82), 67.3% of the patients were male, and 65.3% had stage IV disease at baseline. Overall, median OS was 7.5 months (95%CI:5.7-9.3). Twenty-two patients (44.9%) presented GPC and 29 (59.1%) had PPC. GPC patients had longer median OS [11.4 (95%CI:6.2-16.7)] versus 3.9 months [(95%CI: 3.3-4.6),p < 0.0001] and PFS [4.9 (95%CI:3.0-6.9) versus 2.6 months (95%CI:2.2-2.8),p < 0.0001]. These differences were more pronounced in GPC patients with no liver metastasis. Grade ≥3 adverse events incidence didn't vary between GPC and PPC subgroups. CONCLUSION: Our study validates the improved trifluridine/tipiracil efficacy in patients with GPC in comparison with PPC while maintaining a well-tolerated safety profile. Indolent disease, low tumour burden and the absence of liver metastasis were shown to be good prognosis factors influencing sustained response to trifluridine/tipiracil.

Seasonality effects on the metal concentration and biochemical changes in Astyanax lacustris (Teleostei: Characiformes) from Doce River after the collapse of the Fundão dam in Mariana, Brazil.

This study aimed to evaluate the harmful effects of metal accumulation on Astyanax lacustris and their biochemical response when exposed to the metals contained in the Doce River water, Brazil. The study was carried out in the Baixo Guandu region of the Doce River, Espírito Santo state. Samples were collected during the dry and wet seasons. Biochemical alterations were observed in the liver of A. lacustris, with apparent seasonal effects directly related to the high concentration of Al and Fe in this tissue. Despite this, the bioconcentration of metals in the organisms showed seasonal effects only in the gills, as they are the first organ in contact with the contaminated water. The data generated in this study provide an overview of the health of the ecosystem in this region, highlighting the harmful biochemical and metal concentration effects on the population of A. lacustris affected by the Fundão dam failure.

Do Manganese and Iron in Association Cause Biochemical and Genotoxic Changes in Oreochromis Niloticus (Teleostei: Cichlidae)?

The present study aimed to evaluate the toxicity of the association between Fe and Mn in Oreochromis niloticus through genotoxic (micronucleus test and comet assay) and biochemical (CAT and GST enzymes) assays. The tested treatments were T1 = control group (without metal addition), T2 = 2.60 mg L-1 of Fe + 0.2 mg L-1 of Mn, and T3 = 4.40 mg L-1 of Fe + 3.49 mg L-1 of Mn, during 96-h bioassays. All animals exposed to the metals showed a significant increase in erythrocyte micronucleus frequency and DNA damage. The hepatic GST activity increased two times in animals exposed to T3 compared to the control group. The results indicate that Fe + Mn caused genotoxic and biochemical changes in exposed fish. Therefore, excess metals in ecosystems, even those essential for organisms, can be dangerous for the local biota due to the risk associated with high concentrations of these metals.