Finger-joint lumber is a sustainable building product commercialized as a structural solution for beams,pillars and other thin flat load-bearing elements.This study aims to study finger-joint lumber and its industry t...Finger-joint lumber is a sustainable building product commercialized as a structural solution for beams,pillars and other thin flat load-bearing elements.This study aims to study finger-joint lumber and its industry to promote this engineered wood product.The first research stage assessed the collection of publications on fingerjoint lumber available globally,in which a structured protocol was developed to prospect studies based on two complementary methodologies:PRISMA 2020 using Scopus and Web of Science databases,and Snowball using both forward and backward models to complete with additional literature.The second research stage assessed finger-joint lumber manufacturers,in which companies were globally prospected using Google search engine and their corporate websites were profoundly analyzed using a structured script to collect information.Literary approaches have provided structural performance and bonding quality of finger-jointing.In the review,we provide a global overview and data regarding the current stage and future directions of finger-joint lumber for industrialized construction.Regarding this structural product,we review the main resources,material preparation and processing,and automated production.Mainly active in Europe and already present in 38 nations across five continents,we survey a finger-joint lumber industry comprising 186 producers controlling 214 manufacturing operations worldwide.The vast majority of this industry has exported linear engineered solutions in different dimensions,certified as to compliance with the origins of their bioresources and the European Union requirements,to markets exposed to 24 languages in order to meet commercial applications such as single-story houses,townhouses,roof structures,and hangars.展开更多
Cement production,while essential for global infrastructure,contributes significantly to carbon dioxide emissions,accounting for approximately 7%of total emissions.To mitigate these environmental impacts,flash calcina...Cement production,while essential for global infrastructure,contributes significantly to carbon dioxide emissions,accounting for approximately 7%of total emissions.To mitigate these environmental impacts,flash calcination of kaolinitic clays has been investigated as a sustainable alternative.This technique involves the rapid heating of clays,enabling their use as supplementary cementitious materials.The primary objective of this study was to modify the color of calcined clay in various atmospheres(oxidizing,inert,and reducing)to achieve a grayish tone similar to commercial cement while preserving its reactive properties.The experimental procedure employed a tubular reactor with precise control of gas flows(atmospheric air,nitrogen,and a carbon monoxide–nitrogen mixture).Physicochemical characterization of the raw clay was conducted before calcination,with analyses repeated on the calcined clays following experimentation.Results indicated that clay calcined in an oxidizing atmosphere acquired a reddish hue,attributed to the oxidation of iron in hematite.The Clay exhibited a pinkish tone in an inert atmosphere,while calcination in a reducing atmosphere yielded the desired grayish color.Regarding pozzolanic activity,clays calcined in oxidizing and inert atmospheres displayed robust strength,ranging from 82%to 87%.Calcination in a reducing atmosphere resulted in slightly lower strength,around 74%,likely due to the clay’s chemical composition and the calcination process,which affects compound formation and material reactivity.展开更多
AIM: To evaluate the correlation between the immunoexpression of angiogenic markers [CD31, CD105 and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)], proliferative index(Ki67), and prognosis of patients with gastrointestina...AIM: To evaluate the correlation between the immunoexpression of angiogenic markers [CD31, CD105 and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)], proliferative index(Ki67), and prognosis of patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors(GIST).METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 54 GIST cases. Medical records were searched to obtain the GIST patients' demographic and clinical data, and paraffin-embedded blocks of tumor samples were retrieved from the hospital archives to conduct a new immunohistochemical evaluation. The tumor samples of GIST patients were subject to immunohistochemical evaluation for endoglin(CD105), CD31, VEGF, and Ki67 expression. The CD105 and CD31 intratumoral microvascular density(IMVD) was measured using automated analysis. We determined the correlation between the immunoexpression of CD105, CD31, VEGF,Ki67 and prognosis. In addition, we conducted a cutoff analysis using the receiver-operating characteristic curve. VEGF positivity was classified as either null/weak or strong. Ki67 was evaluated using a cutoff of 5%positive cells. The prognosis was classified as good(patient alive without recurrence) or poor(patient with recurrence/death).RESULTS: The distribution of tumor sites among the54 analyzed samples was as follows: 27(50%) in the stomach, 20(37.1%) in the small intestine, 6(11.1%)in the colon, and 1(1.8%) in the esophagus. The size of the tumors ranged from 2 to 33 cm(median: 8cm); in 12 cases(22.2%), the tumor was below 5 cm at the largest diameter, but in 42 cases(77.7%), the tumor was larger than 5 cm. The means of CD105 and CD31 were significantly higher in the group with poor prognosis(P < 0.001). The cut-off values of CD105(>1.2%) and CD31(> 2.5%) in the receiver-operating characteristic curve were related to a poorer prognosis.Cases with a better prognosis showed significantly null/weak staining for VEGF(P < 0.001). Ki-67 expression of≥ 5% was strongly correlated with a worse prognosis(P< 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, CD105 was the variable that most strongly correlated with prognosis.CONCLUSION: The IMVD cutoff values for the angiogenic markers CD105 and CD31, may be prognostic factors for GIST, in addition to VEGF and Ki67.展开更多
Ulcerative colitis(UC)is a chronic disease characterized by diffuse inflammation of the mucosa of the colon and rectum.The hallmark clinical symptom of UC is bloody diarrhea.The clinical course is marked by exacerbati...Ulcerative colitis(UC)is a chronic disease characterized by diffuse inflammation of the mucosa of the colon and rectum.The hallmark clinical symptom of UC is bloody diarrhea.The clinical course is marked by exacerbations and remissions,which may occur spontaneously or in response to treatment changes or intercurrent illnesses.UC is most commonly diagnosed in late adolescence or early adulthood,but it can occur at any age.The incidence of UC has increased worldwide over recent decades,especially in developing nations.In contrast,during this period,therapeutic advances have improved the life expectancy of patients,and there has been a decrease in the mortality rate over time.It is important to emphasize that there is considerable variability in the phenotypic presentation of UC.Within this context,certain clinical and demographic characteristics are useful in identifying patients who tend to have more severe evolution of the disease and a poor prognosis.In this group of patients,better clinical surveillance and more intensive therapy may change the natural course of the disease.The aim of this article was to review the epidemiology and demographic characteristics of UC and the factors that may be associated with its clinical prognosis.展开更多
Squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus (SCCE) carries a poor prognosis due to late diagnosis.Early detection is highly desirable,since surgical and endoscopic resection offers the only possible cure for esophageal c...Squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus (SCCE) carries a poor prognosis due to late diagnosis.Early detection is highly desirable,since surgical and endoscopic resection offers the only possible cure for esophageal cancer.Population screening should be undertaken in high risk areas,and in low or moderate risk areas for people with risk factors (alcoholics,smokers,mate drinkers,history of head and neck cancer,achalasia and lye stricture of the esophagus).Esophageal balloon cytology is an easy and inexpensive sampling technique,but the current methods are insufficient for primary screening due to sampling errors.Conventional endoscopy with biopsy remains the standard procedure for the identification of pre-malignant and early malignant changes in esophageal mucosa and endoscopic detection.It may be enhanced by several techniques such as dye and optic chromoendoscopy,magnifying endoscopy,and optical-based spectroscopic and imaging modalities.Since more than 80% of SCCE deaths occur in developing countries,where expensive techniques such as narrow band imaging (NBI) and autofluorescence imaging are unavailable,the most cost-effective tool for targeting biopsies may be Lugol dye chromoendoscopy,since it is easy,accurate,inexpensive and available worldwide.In ideal conditions,or in developed countries,is it reasonable to think that optimal detection will require a combination of techniques,such as the combination of Lugol’s chromoendoscopy and NBI to identify esophageal areas that require further characterization by a high resolution technique.The efficacy and cost-effectiveness will determine whether these modalities will become part of standard endoscopy practice.展开更多
Various post-harvest processes of rice are commonly employed,especially during the off-season,to ensure its consumption feasibility,which often affect the grain quality.Different forms of drying,storage and processing...Various post-harvest processes of rice are commonly employed,especially during the off-season,to ensure its consumption feasibility,which often affect the grain quality.Different forms of drying,storage and processing of rice are evaluated to identify their effects on grain quality.Microwave drying has emerged as an alternative to the widely-used intermittent-drying and fixed-bed-dryer methods of drying paddy rice.Control of drying-air temperatures(between 40℃ and 60℃)according to the rice variety can improve quality,especially for exotic varieties.Keeping stored grain in hygroscopic balance,with water content between 11%to 15%,at temperatures between 16℃ and 20℃ and with intergranular relative humidity near 60%,allows 12 months of storage in a controlled environment without significant deterioration.Other innovations,notably the application of artificial refrigeration to grain stored in bulk in vertical cylindrical silos and the use of impermeable packaging for storage,ensure the conservation of grain mass.The different stages and equipments used to obtain polished,brown and parboiled rice result in significant changes in the nutritional value of rice because of the removal of the outermost layers of the grains.Polishing reduces the nutritional value and physical homogeneity of rice.Brown rice retains more bioactive compounds and nutrients because it does not lose the outer layer of the grains in the polishing processes.Parboiled rice,although less nutritious than brown rice,has better grain integrity and milling yield and less loss of nutrients than white rice.展开更多
AIM To assess the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) in chronic liver disease due to hepatitis B virus(HBV) or hepatitis C virus(HCV) coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus(HIV).METHODS A retrospective c...AIM To assess the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) in chronic liver disease due to hepatitis B virus(HBV) or hepatitis C virus(HCV) coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus(HIV).METHODS A retrospective cohort study was performed, including patients with chronic liver disease due to HBV or HCV, with and without HIV coinfection. Patients were selected in the largest tertiary public hospital complex in southern Brazil between January 2007 and June 2014. We assessed demographic and clinical data, including lifestyle habits such as illicit drug use or alcohol abuse, in addition to frequency and reasons for hospital admissions via medical records review.RESULTS Of 804 patients were included(399 with HIV coinfection and 405 monoinfected with HBV or HCV). Coinfected patients were younger(36.7 ± 10 vs 46.3 ± 12.5, P < 0.001). Liver cirrhosis was observed in 31.3% of HIV-negative patients and in 16.5% of coinfected(P < 0.001). HCC was diagnosed in 36 patients(10 HIV coinfected and 26 monoinfected). The incidence density of HCC in coinfected and monoinfected patients was 0.25 and 0.72 cases per 100 patient-years(95%CI: 0.12-0.46 vs 0.47-1.05)(long-rank P = 0.002), respectively. The ratio for the HCC incidence rate was 2.98 for HIV-negative. However, when adjusting for age or when only cirrhotic are analyzed, the absence of HIV lost statistical significance for the development of HCC. CONCLUSION In this study, the presence of HIV coinfection in chronic liver disease due to HBV or HCV showed no relation to the increase of HCC incidence.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the pRb expression in a large group of patients with history of chronic exposure to the main risk factors for development of squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus. METHODS: One hundred and seven...AIM: To investigate the pRb expression in a large group of patients with history of chronic exposure to the main risk factors for development of squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus. METHODS: One hundred and seventy asymptomatic individuals at high risk for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (consumption of more than 80 g of ethanol and 10 cigarettes/d for at least 10 years) underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with biopsies of the esophageal mucosa. As a control group, specimens of esophageal mucosa obtained from 20 healthy subjects were also studied. Immunohistochemical assessment of the tissues was performed using a monoclonal antibody anti-pRB protein. RESULTS: Absence of the pRB staining, indicating loss of RB function, was observed in 33 (19.4%) of the individuals at risk for esophageal cancer, but in none of the healthy controls (P < 0.02). Loss of pRb expression increased in a stepwise fashion according to the severity of the histological findings (P < 0.005): normal mucosa (11/97 or 11.3%), chronic esophagitis (17/60 or 28.3%), low-grade dysplasia (3/10 or 30%), high-grade dysplasia 1/2 or 50%) and squamous cell carcinoma (1/1 or 100%). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that abnormal expression of the pRB protein may be implicated in the process of esophageal carcinogenesis. Additional studies are warranted to define the role of the pRBprotein as a biomarker for development of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in individuals at high risk for this malignancy.展开更多
BACKGROUND The use of herbal supplements and alternative medicines has been increasing in the last decades.Despite popular belief that the consumption of natural products is harmless,herbs might cause injury to variou...BACKGROUND The use of herbal supplements and alternative medicines has been increasing in the last decades.Despite popular belief that the consumption of natural products is harmless,herbs might cause injury to various organs,particularly to the liver,which is responsible for their metabolism in the form of herb-induced liver injury(HILI).AIM To identify herbal products associated with HILI and describe the type of lesion associated with each product.METHODS Studies were retrieved using Medical Subject Headings Descriptors combined with Boolean operators.Searches were run on the electronic databases Scopus,Web of Science,MEDLINE,BIREME,LILACS,Cochrane Library for Systematic Reviews,SciELO,Embase,and Opengray.eu.Languages were restricted to English,Spanish,and Portuguese.There was no date of publication restrictions.The reference lists of the studies retrieved were searched manually.To access causality,the Maria and Victorino System of Causality Assessment in Drug Induced Liver Injury was used.Simple descriptive analysis were used to summarize the results.RESULTS The search strategy retrieved 5918 references.In the final analysis,446 references were included,with a total of 936 cases reported.We found 79 types of herbs or herbal compounds related to HILI.He-Shou-Wu,Green tea extract,Herbalife,kava kava,Greater celandine,multiple herbs,germander,hydroxycut,skullcap,kratom,Gynura segetum,garcinia cambogia,ma huang,chaparral,senna,and aloe vera were the most common supplements with HILI reported.Most of these patients had complete clinical recovery(82.8%).However,liver transplantation was necessary for 6.6%of these cases.Also,chronic liver disease and death were observed in 1.5%and 10.4%of the cases,respectively.CONCLUSION HILI is normally associated with a good prognosis,once the implied product is withdrawn.Nevertheless,it is paramount to raise awareness in the medical and non-medical community of the risks of the indiscriminate use of herbal products.展开更多
BACKGROUND:Chinese and contemporary Western medical practices evolved on different cultures and historical contexts and,therefore,their medical knowledge represents this cultural divergence.Computerization of traditio...BACKGROUND:Chinese and contemporary Western medical practices evolved on different cultures and historical contexts and,therefore,their medical knowledge represents this cultural divergence.Computerization of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)is being used to promote the integrative medicine to manage,process and integrate the knowledge related to TCM anatomy,physiology,semiology,pathophysiology,and therapy.METHODS:We proposed the development of the SuiteTCM software,a collection of integrated computational models mainly derived from epidemiology and statistical sciences for computerization of Chinese medicine scientific research and clinical practice in all levels of prevention.The software includes components for data management(DataTCM),simulation of cases(SimTCM),analyses and validation of datasets(SciTCM),clinical examination and pattern differentiation(DiagTCM,TongueTCM,and PulseTCM),intervention selection(AcuTCM,HerbsTCM,and DietTCM),management of medical records(ProntTCM),epidemiologic investigation of sampled data(ResearchTCM),and medical education,training,and assessment(StudentTCM).DISCUSSION:The SuiteTCM project is expected to contribute to the ongoing development of integrative medicine and the applicability of TCM in worldwide scientific research and health care.The SuiteTCM 1.0 runs on Windows XP or later and is freely available for download as an executable application.展开更多
Background and objective The advances in the lung cancer screening methods and therapeutics,together with awareness towards deleterious habits,such as smoking,is increasing the overall survival with better quality of ...Background and objective The advances in the lung cancer screening methods and therapeutics,together with awareness towards deleterious habits,such as smoking,is increasing the overall survival with better quality of life for the patients.However,lung cancer is still one of the most common and fatal neoplasm with a high incidence and consequently burden to public health worldwide.Thus,based on guidelines and recent phasesⅡandⅢclinical trials studies,this manuscript summarizes the current treatment sequencing strategies in lung cancer.Methods A comprehensive search of related articles was performed focused on phasesⅡandⅢclinical trials studies.Results The lung cancer management should take into consideration the tumor characteristics,histology,molecular pathology and be discussed in a multidisciplinary team.Lung cancer treatment options comprises surgery whenever possible,radiotherapy associate with/or chemotherapy and immunotherapy as monotherapy,or combined with chemotherapy and best palliative care.Conclusions The screening predictability in more patients,smoking reduction,early diagnosis,better disease understanding and individualized,more effective and tolerable therapeutics are related to an increasing in overall survival and quality of life.In the near future improvement of personalized therapy in precision medicine is expected,enhancing new predictive biomarkers,optimal doses and optimal treatment sequencing as well as anti-cancer vaccines development.展开更多
This article presents the stem and progenitor cells from subcutaneous adipose tissue,briefly comparing them with their bone marrow counterparts,and discussing their potential for use in regenerative medicine.Subcutane...This article presents the stem and progenitor cells from subcutaneous adipose tissue,briefly comparing them with their bone marrow counterparts,and discussing their potential for use in regenerative medicine.Subcutaneous adipose tissue differs from other mesenchymal stromal/stem cells(MSCs)sources in that it contains a pre-adipocyte population that dwells in the adventitia of robust blood vessels.Pre-adipocytes are present both in the stromal-vascular fraction(SVF;freshly isolated cells)and in the adherent fraction of adipose stromal/stem cells(ASCs;in vitro expanded cells),and have an active role on the chronic inflammation environment established in obesity,likely due their monocyticmacrophage lineage identity.The SVF and ASCs have been explored in cell therapy protocols with relative success,given their paracrine and immunomodulatory effects.Importantly,the widely explored multipotentiality of ASCs has direct application in bone,cartilage and adipose tissue engineering.The aim of this editorial is to reinforce the peculiarities of the stem and progenitor cells from subcutaneous adipose tissue,revealing the spheroids as a recently described biotechnological tool for cell therapy and tissue engineering.Innovative cell culture techniques,in particular 3D scaffold-free cultures such as spheroids,are now available to increase the potential for regeneration and differentiation of mesenchymal lineages.Spheroids are being explored not only as a model for cell differentiation,but also as powerful 3D cell culture tools to maintain the stemness and expand the regenerative and differentiation capacities of mesenchymal cell lineages.展开更多
Since the first reports of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)cases in December 2019 in China,numerous papers have been published describing a high frequency of liver injury associated with severe acute respiratory syn...Since the first reports of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)cases in December 2019 in China,numerous papers have been published describing a high frequency of liver injury associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection,many of them proposing a link between these findings and patient outcomes.Increases in serum aminotransferase levels(ranging from 16%to 62%)and bilirubin levels(ranging from 5%to 21%)have been reported and seem to be more often observed in patients with severe forms of COVID-19.Although absolute changes in these parameters are frequently seen,other variables,such as the ratio above the upper limit of normal,the onset of liver injury as a complication in severe cases and histopathological findings,reinforce that liver changes are of dubious clinical relevance in the course of this disease.Other factors must also be considered in these analyses,such as the repercussions of hemodynamic changes,the presence of thrombotic events,and,mainly,the possible drug-induced liver injury with the current,yet off-label,treatment.This paper aimed to analyze the currently available data on liver injury in patients with COVID-19.展开更多
Fibromyalgia(FM) is a complex pathology described as persistent hyperalgesia including somatic and mood dysfunctions, depression and anxiety. Although the etiology of FM is still unknown, a significant decrease in bio...Fibromyalgia(FM) is a complex pathology described as persistent hyperalgesia including somatic and mood dysfunctions, depression and anxiety. Although the etiology of FM is still unknown, a significant decrease in biogenic amines is a common characteristic in its pathogenesis. Here, our main objective was to investigate the role of dopamine D3/D2 receptor during the reserpine-induced pain in mice. Our results showed that pramipexole(PPX) – a dopaminergic D3/D2 receptor agonist – inhibited mechanical allodynia and thermal sensitivity induced by reserpine. Relevantly, PPX treatment decreased immobility time and increased the number of grooming in the forced swimming test and splash test, respectively. Animals that received PPX remained longer in the open arms than the reserpine group using elevated plusmaze apparatus. The repeated PPX administration, given daily for 4 days, significantly blocked the mechanical and thermal allodynia during FM model, similarly to pregabalin, although it failed to affect the reserpine-induced thermal nociception. Reserpine administration induced significant downregulation of dopamine concentration in the central nervous system, and repeated treatment with PPX restored dopamine levels in the frontal cortex and spinal cord tissues. Moreover, PPX treatment inhibited oxidants production such as DCFH(2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein) and nitrite, also decreased oxidative damage(carbonyl), and upregulated the activity of superoxide dismutase in the spinal cord. Together, our findings demonstrated the ability of dopamine D3/D2 receptor-preferring agonist in reducing pain and mood dysfunction allied to FM in mice. All experimental protocols were approved by the Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina(UFSC) Ethics Committee(approval No. 2572210218) on May 10, 2018.展开更多
Studies in recent years have shown that aquatic pollution by microplastics(MPs)can be considered to pose additional stress to amphibian populations.However,our knowledge of how MPs affect amphibians is very rudimentar...Studies in recent years have shown that aquatic pollution by microplastics(MPs)can be considered to pose additional stress to amphibian populations.However,our knowledge of how MPs affect amphibians is very rudimentary,and even more limited is our understanding of their effects in combination with other emerging pollutants.Thus,we aimed to evaluate the possible toxicity of polyethylene MPs(PE-MPs)(alone or in combination with a mix of pollutants)on the health of Physalaemus cuvieri tadpoles.After 30 days of exposure,multiple biomarkers were measured,including morphological,biometric,and developmental indices,behavioral parameters,mutagenicity,cytotoxicity,antioxidant and cholinesterase responses,as well as the uptake and accumulation of PE-MPs in animals.Based on the results,there was no significant change in any of the parameters measured in tadpoles exposed to treatments,but induced stress was observed in tadpoles exposed to PE-MPs combined with themixture of pollutants,reflecting significant changes in physiological and biochemical responses.Through principal component analysis(PCA)and integrated biomarker response(IBR)assessment,effects induced by pollutants in each test group were distinguished,confirming that the exposure of P.cuvieri tadpoles to the PE-MPs in combination with a mix of emerging pollutants induces an enhanced stress response,although the uptake and accumulation of PE-MPs in these animalswas reduced.Thus,our study provides newinsight into the danger to amphibians of MPs coexisting with other pollutants in aquatic environments.展开更多
Human papillomavirus 18(HPV18) E6 and E7 oncogenes are transcribed as a single bicistronic E6 E7 pre-mRNA. The E6 ORF region in the bicistronic E6 E7 pre-mRNA contains an intron. Splicing of this intron disrupts the E...Human papillomavirus 18(HPV18) E6 and E7 oncogenes are transcribed as a single bicistronic E6 E7 pre-mRNA. The E6 ORF region in the bicistronic E6 E7 pre-mRNA contains an intron. Splicing of this intron disrupts the E6 ORF integrity and produces a spliced E6*I RNA for efficient E7 translation. Here we report that the E6 intron has two overlapped branch point sequences(BPS) upstream of its 30 splice site, with an identical heptamer AACUAAC, for E6*I splicing. One heptamer has a branch site adenosine(underlined) at nt 384 and the other at nt 388. E6*I splicing efficiency correlates to the expression level of E6 and E7 proteins and depends on the selection of which branch site. In general, E6*I splicing prefers the 30 ss-proximal branch site at nt 388 over the distal branch site at nt 384. Inactivation of the nt 388 branch site was found to activate a cryptic acceptor site at nt 636 for aberrant RNA splicing. Together, these data suggest that HPV18 modulates its production ratio of E6 and E7 proteins by alternative selection of the two mapped branch sites for the E6*I splicing, which could be beneficial in its productive or oncogenic infection according to the host cell environment.展开更多
AIM:To determine the prevalence of a family history suggestive of Lynch syndrome (LS) among patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) followed in a coloproctology outpatient clinic in Southern Brazil.METHODS:A consecutive...AIM:To determine the prevalence of a family history suggestive of Lynch syndrome (LS) among patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) followed in a coloproctology outpatient clinic in Southern Brazil.METHODS:A consecutive sample of patients with CRC were interviewed regarding personal and family histories of cancer.Clinical data and pathology features of the tumor were obtained from chart review.RESULTS:Of the 212 CRC patients recruited,61 (29%) reported a family history of CRC,45 (21.2%) were diagnosed under age 50 years and 11 (5.2%) had more than one primary CRC.Family histories consistent with Amsterdam and revised Bethesda criteria for LS were identified in 22 (10.4%) and 100 (47.2%) patients,respectively.Twenty percent of the colorectal tumors had features of the high microsatellite instability phenotype,which was associated with younger age at CRC diagnosis and with Bethesda criteria (P < 0.001).Only 5.3% of the patients above age 50 years had been previously submitted for CRC screening and only 4% of patients with suspected LS were referred for genetic risk assessment.CONCLUSION:A significant proportion of patients with CRC were at high risk for LS.Education and training of health care professionals are essential to ensure proper management.展开更多
AIM: To evaluate the nutritional status and its association with proinflammatory cytokines in children with chronic liver disease.METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study with 43 children and adolescents, aged 0 ...AIM: To evaluate the nutritional status and its association with proinflammatory cytokines in children with chronic liver disease.METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study with 43 children and adolescents, aged 0 to 17 years, diagnosed with chronic liver disease. All patients regularly attended the Pediatric Hepatology Unit and were under nutritional follow up. The exclusion criteria were fever from any etiology at the time of enrollment, inborn errors of the metabolism and any chronic illness. The severity of liver disease was assessed by Child-Pugh, Model for End-stage Liver Disease(MELD) and Pediatric End Stage Liver Disease(PELD) scores. Anthropometric parameters were height/age, body mass index/age and triceps skinfold/age according to World Health Organization standards. The cutoff points for nutritional status were risk of malnutrition(Z-score <-1.00) and malnutrition(Z-score <-2.00). Interleukin-1β(IL-1β), IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α levels were assessed by commercial ELISA kits. For multivariate analysis, linear regression was applied to assess the association between cytokine levels, disease severity and nutritional status. RESULTS: The median(25th-75 th centile) age of the study population was 60(17-116)-mo-old, and 53.5% were female. Biliary atresia was the main cause of chronic liver disease(72%). With respect to Child-Pugh score, cirrhotic patients were distributed as follows: 57.1% Child-Pugh A, a mild presentation of the disease, 34.3% Child-Pugh B, a moderate stage of cirrhosis and 8.6% Child-Pugh C, were considered severe cases. PELD and MELD scores were only above the cutoff point in 5 cases. IL-6 values were increased in patients at nutritional risk(34.9%) compared with those who were well-nourished [7.12(0.58-34.23) pg/m L vs 1.63(0.53-3.43) pg/m L; P = 0.02], correlating inversely with triceps skinfold-for-age z-score(rs =-0.61; P < 0.001). IL-6 levels were associated with liver disease severity assessed by Child-Pugh score(P = 0.001). This association remained significant after adjusting for nutritional status in a linear regression model. CONCLUSION: High IL-6 levels were found in children with chronic liver disease at nutritional risk. Inflammatory activity may be related to nutritional status deterioration in these patients.展开更多
Function of lactate:Lactate is a three-carbon molecule produced by glycolytic metabolism that is a metabolic waste product with no known use in clinical therapy.Conversely,it is a metabolite that the body should quick...Function of lactate:Lactate is a three-carbon molecule produced by glycolytic metabolism that is a metabolic waste product with no known use in clinical therapy.Conversely,it is a metabolite that the body should quickly guarantee the clearance.However,lactate is now recognized as a potential energy substrate,as well as an anti-inflammatory signaling molecule.These actions were first reported in adult animal models with a brain injury,including a traumatic brain injury and cerebral ischemia,and have also been observed in human patients(Magistretti and Allaman,2018).Recently,however,two studies by independent research groups described promising n euro p rotective results from the use of lactate in animal models with neonatal hypoxia-ischemia(Roumes et al.,2021;Tassinari et al.,2020).展开更多
基金supported by the Scientific Grant Agency of the Ministry of Education,Science,Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic(VEGA)with VEGA 1/0228/24 Project and the Cultural and Educational Grant Agency Ministry of Education,Science,Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic(KEGA)with KEGA 017TUKE-4/2024 ProjectBrazilian Federal Agency for Support and Evaluation of Graduate Education(CAPES),with finance code 001.
文摘Finger-joint lumber is a sustainable building product commercialized as a structural solution for beams,pillars and other thin flat load-bearing elements.This study aims to study finger-joint lumber and its industry to promote this engineered wood product.The first research stage assessed the collection of publications on fingerjoint lumber available globally,in which a structured protocol was developed to prospect studies based on two complementary methodologies:PRISMA 2020 using Scopus and Web of Science databases,and Snowball using both forward and backward models to complete with additional literature.The second research stage assessed finger-joint lumber manufacturers,in which companies were globally prospected using Google search engine and their corporate websites were profoundly analyzed using a structured script to collect information.Literary approaches have provided structural performance and bonding quality of finger-jointing.In the review,we provide a global overview and data regarding the current stage and future directions of finger-joint lumber for industrialized construction.Regarding this structural product,we review the main resources,material preparation and processing,and automated production.Mainly active in Europe and already present in 38 nations across five continents,we survey a finger-joint lumber industry comprising 186 producers controlling 214 manufacturing operations worldwide.The vast majority of this industry has exported linear engineered solutions in different dimensions,certified as to compliance with the origins of their bioresources and the European Union requirements,to markets exposed to 24 languages in order to meet commercial applications such as single-story houses,townhouses,roof structures,and hangars.
基金financial support for the research and for the publication costs of the articlesupported by Santa Catarina State Research Support Foundation(FAPESC)National Council for Scientific and Technological Development(CNPq no 302903/2023-2).
文摘Cement production,while essential for global infrastructure,contributes significantly to carbon dioxide emissions,accounting for approximately 7%of total emissions.To mitigate these environmental impacts,flash calcination of kaolinitic clays has been investigated as a sustainable alternative.This technique involves the rapid heating of clays,enabling their use as supplementary cementitious materials.The primary objective of this study was to modify the color of calcined clay in various atmospheres(oxidizing,inert,and reducing)to achieve a grayish tone similar to commercial cement while preserving its reactive properties.The experimental procedure employed a tubular reactor with precise control of gas flows(atmospheric air,nitrogen,and a carbon monoxide–nitrogen mixture).Physicochemical characterization of the raw clay was conducted before calcination,with analyses repeated on the calcined clays following experimentation.Results indicated that clay calcined in an oxidizing atmosphere acquired a reddish hue,attributed to the oxidation of iron in hematite.The Clay exhibited a pinkish tone in an inert atmosphere,while calcination in a reducing atmosphere yielded the desired grayish color.Regarding pozzolanic activity,clays calcined in oxidizing and inert atmospheres displayed robust strength,ranging from 82%to 87%.Calcination in a reducing atmosphere resulted in slightly lower strength,around 74%,likely due to the clay’s chemical composition and the calcination process,which affects compound formation and material reactivity.
文摘AIM: To evaluate the correlation between the immunoexpression of angiogenic markers [CD31, CD105 and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)], proliferative index(Ki67), and prognosis of patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors(GIST).METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 54 GIST cases. Medical records were searched to obtain the GIST patients' demographic and clinical data, and paraffin-embedded blocks of tumor samples were retrieved from the hospital archives to conduct a new immunohistochemical evaluation. The tumor samples of GIST patients were subject to immunohistochemical evaluation for endoglin(CD105), CD31, VEGF, and Ki67 expression. The CD105 and CD31 intratumoral microvascular density(IMVD) was measured using automated analysis. We determined the correlation between the immunoexpression of CD105, CD31, VEGF,Ki67 and prognosis. In addition, we conducted a cutoff analysis using the receiver-operating characteristic curve. VEGF positivity was classified as either null/weak or strong. Ki67 was evaluated using a cutoff of 5%positive cells. The prognosis was classified as good(patient alive without recurrence) or poor(patient with recurrence/death).RESULTS: The distribution of tumor sites among the54 analyzed samples was as follows: 27(50%) in the stomach, 20(37.1%) in the small intestine, 6(11.1%)in the colon, and 1(1.8%) in the esophagus. The size of the tumors ranged from 2 to 33 cm(median: 8cm); in 12 cases(22.2%), the tumor was below 5 cm at the largest diameter, but in 42 cases(77.7%), the tumor was larger than 5 cm. The means of CD105 and CD31 were significantly higher in the group with poor prognosis(P < 0.001). The cut-off values of CD105(>1.2%) and CD31(> 2.5%) in the receiver-operating characteristic curve were related to a poorer prognosis.Cases with a better prognosis showed significantly null/weak staining for VEGF(P < 0.001). Ki-67 expression of≥ 5% was strongly correlated with a worse prognosis(P< 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, CD105 was the variable that most strongly correlated with prognosis.CONCLUSION: The IMVD cutoff values for the angiogenic markers CD105 and CD31, may be prognostic factors for GIST, in addition to VEGF and Ki67.
文摘Ulcerative colitis(UC)is a chronic disease characterized by diffuse inflammation of the mucosa of the colon and rectum.The hallmark clinical symptom of UC is bloody diarrhea.The clinical course is marked by exacerbations and remissions,which may occur spontaneously or in response to treatment changes or intercurrent illnesses.UC is most commonly diagnosed in late adolescence or early adulthood,but it can occur at any age.The incidence of UC has increased worldwide over recent decades,especially in developing nations.In contrast,during this period,therapeutic advances have improved the life expectancy of patients,and there has been a decrease in the mortality rate over time.It is important to emphasize that there is considerable variability in the phenotypic presentation of UC.Within this context,certain clinical and demographic characteristics are useful in identifying patients who tend to have more severe evolution of the disease and a poor prognosis.In this group of patients,better clinical surveillance and more intensive therapy may change the natural course of the disease.The aim of this article was to review the epidemiology and demographic characteristics of UC and the factors that may be associated with its clinical prognosis.
文摘Squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus (SCCE) carries a poor prognosis due to late diagnosis.Early detection is highly desirable,since surgical and endoscopic resection offers the only possible cure for esophageal cancer.Population screening should be undertaken in high risk areas,and in low or moderate risk areas for people with risk factors (alcoholics,smokers,mate drinkers,history of head and neck cancer,achalasia and lye stricture of the esophagus).Esophageal balloon cytology is an easy and inexpensive sampling technique,but the current methods are insufficient for primary screening due to sampling errors.Conventional endoscopy with biopsy remains the standard procedure for the identification of pre-malignant and early malignant changes in esophageal mucosa and endoscopic detection.It may be enhanced by several techniques such as dye and optic chromoendoscopy,magnifying endoscopy,and optical-based spectroscopic and imaging modalities.Since more than 80% of SCCE deaths occur in developing countries,where expensive techniques such as narrow band imaging (NBI) and autofluorescence imaging are unavailable,the most cost-effective tool for targeting biopsies may be Lugol dye chromoendoscopy,since it is easy,accurate,inexpensive and available worldwide.In ideal conditions,or in developed countries,is it reasonable to think that optimal detection will require a combination of techniques,such as the combination of Lugol’s chromoendoscopy and NBI to identify esophageal areas that require further characterization by a high resolution technique.The efficacy and cost-effectiveness will determine whether these modalities will become part of standard endoscopy practice.
基金CAPES(Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel)(Financial Code 001)CNPq(National Council for Scientific Technological Development)+1 种基金FAPERGS-RS(Research Support Foundation of the State of Rio Grande do Sul)UFSM(Federal University of Santa Maria)-Research Group at Postharvest Innovation:Technology,Quality and Sustainability,for their financial contributions。
文摘Various post-harvest processes of rice are commonly employed,especially during the off-season,to ensure its consumption feasibility,which often affect the grain quality.Different forms of drying,storage and processing of rice are evaluated to identify their effects on grain quality.Microwave drying has emerged as an alternative to the widely-used intermittent-drying and fixed-bed-dryer methods of drying paddy rice.Control of drying-air temperatures(between 40℃ and 60℃)according to the rice variety can improve quality,especially for exotic varieties.Keeping stored grain in hygroscopic balance,with water content between 11%to 15%,at temperatures between 16℃ and 20℃ and with intergranular relative humidity near 60%,allows 12 months of storage in a controlled environment without significant deterioration.Other innovations,notably the application of artificial refrigeration to grain stored in bulk in vertical cylindrical silos and the use of impermeable packaging for storage,ensure the conservation of grain mass.The different stages and equipments used to obtain polished,brown and parboiled rice result in significant changes in the nutritional value of rice because of the removal of the outermost layers of the grains.Polishing reduces the nutritional value and physical homogeneity of rice.Brown rice retains more bioactive compounds and nutrients because it does not lose the outer layer of the grains in the polishing processes.Parboiled rice,although less nutritious than brown rice,has better grain integrity and milling yield and less loss of nutrients than white rice.
文摘AIM To assess the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) in chronic liver disease due to hepatitis B virus(HBV) or hepatitis C virus(HCV) coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus(HIV).METHODS A retrospective cohort study was performed, including patients with chronic liver disease due to HBV or HCV, with and without HIV coinfection. Patients were selected in the largest tertiary public hospital complex in southern Brazil between January 2007 and June 2014. We assessed demographic and clinical data, including lifestyle habits such as illicit drug use or alcohol abuse, in addition to frequency and reasons for hospital admissions via medical records review.RESULTS Of 804 patients were included(399 with HIV coinfection and 405 monoinfected with HBV or HCV). Coinfected patients were younger(36.7 ± 10 vs 46.3 ± 12.5, P < 0.001). Liver cirrhosis was observed in 31.3% of HIV-negative patients and in 16.5% of coinfected(P < 0.001). HCC was diagnosed in 36 patients(10 HIV coinfected and 26 monoinfected). The incidence density of HCC in coinfected and monoinfected patients was 0.25 and 0.72 cases per 100 patient-years(95%CI: 0.12-0.46 vs 0.47-1.05)(long-rank P = 0.002), respectively. The ratio for the HCC incidence rate was 2.98 for HIV-negative. However, when adjusting for age or when only cirrhotic are analyzed, the absence of HIV lost statistical significance for the development of HCC. CONCLUSION In this study, the presence of HIV coinfection in chronic liver disease due to HBV or HCV showed no relation to the increase of HCC incidence.
文摘AIM: To investigate the pRb expression in a large group of patients with history of chronic exposure to the main risk factors for development of squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus. METHODS: One hundred and seventy asymptomatic individuals at high risk for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (consumption of more than 80 g of ethanol and 10 cigarettes/d for at least 10 years) underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with biopsies of the esophageal mucosa. As a control group, specimens of esophageal mucosa obtained from 20 healthy subjects were also studied. Immunohistochemical assessment of the tissues was performed using a monoclonal antibody anti-pRB protein. RESULTS: Absence of the pRB staining, indicating loss of RB function, was observed in 33 (19.4%) of the individuals at risk for esophageal cancer, but in none of the healthy controls (P < 0.02). Loss of pRb expression increased in a stepwise fashion according to the severity of the histological findings (P < 0.005): normal mucosa (11/97 or 11.3%), chronic esophagitis (17/60 or 28.3%), low-grade dysplasia (3/10 or 30%), high-grade dysplasia 1/2 or 50%) and squamous cell carcinoma (1/1 or 100%). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that abnormal expression of the pRB protein may be implicated in the process of esophageal carcinogenesis. Additional studies are warranted to define the role of the pRBprotein as a biomarker for development of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in individuals at high risk for this malignancy.
文摘BACKGROUND The use of herbal supplements and alternative medicines has been increasing in the last decades.Despite popular belief that the consumption of natural products is harmless,herbs might cause injury to various organs,particularly to the liver,which is responsible for their metabolism in the form of herb-induced liver injury(HILI).AIM To identify herbal products associated with HILI and describe the type of lesion associated with each product.METHODS Studies were retrieved using Medical Subject Headings Descriptors combined with Boolean operators.Searches were run on the electronic databases Scopus,Web of Science,MEDLINE,BIREME,LILACS,Cochrane Library for Systematic Reviews,SciELO,Embase,and Opengray.eu.Languages were restricted to English,Spanish,and Portuguese.There was no date of publication restrictions.The reference lists of the studies retrieved were searched manually.To access causality,the Maria and Victorino System of Causality Assessment in Drug Induced Liver Injury was used.Simple descriptive analysis were used to summarize the results.RESULTS The search strategy retrieved 5918 references.In the final analysis,446 references were included,with a total of 936 cases reported.We found 79 types of herbs or herbal compounds related to HILI.He-Shou-Wu,Green tea extract,Herbalife,kava kava,Greater celandine,multiple herbs,germander,hydroxycut,skullcap,kratom,Gynura segetum,garcinia cambogia,ma huang,chaparral,senna,and aloe vera were the most common supplements with HILI reported.Most of these patients had complete clinical recovery(82.8%).However,liver transplantation was necessary for 6.6%of these cases.Also,chronic liver disease and death were observed in 1.5%and 10.4%of the cases,respectively.CONCLUSION HILI is normally associated with a good prognosis,once the implied product is withdrawn.Nevertheless,it is paramount to raise awareness in the medical and non-medical community of the risks of the indiscriminate use of herbal products.
基金supported by a grant(n°E-26/103.066/2012)from the Fundação Carlos Chagas Filho de AmparoàPesquisano Estado do Rio de Janeiro(FAPERJ).
文摘BACKGROUND:Chinese and contemporary Western medical practices evolved on different cultures and historical contexts and,therefore,their medical knowledge represents this cultural divergence.Computerization of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)is being used to promote the integrative medicine to manage,process and integrate the knowledge related to TCM anatomy,physiology,semiology,pathophysiology,and therapy.METHODS:We proposed the development of the SuiteTCM software,a collection of integrated computational models mainly derived from epidemiology and statistical sciences for computerization of Chinese medicine scientific research and clinical practice in all levels of prevention.The software includes components for data management(DataTCM),simulation of cases(SimTCM),analyses and validation of datasets(SciTCM),clinical examination and pattern differentiation(DiagTCM,TongueTCM,and PulseTCM),intervention selection(AcuTCM,HerbsTCM,and DietTCM),management of medical records(ProntTCM),epidemiologic investigation of sampled data(ResearchTCM),and medical education,training,and assessment(StudentTCM).DISCUSSION:The SuiteTCM project is expected to contribute to the ongoing development of integrative medicine and the applicability of TCM in worldwide scientific research and health care.The SuiteTCM 1.0 runs on Windows XP or later and is freely available for download as an executable application.
文摘Background and objective The advances in the lung cancer screening methods and therapeutics,together with awareness towards deleterious habits,such as smoking,is increasing the overall survival with better quality of life for the patients.However,lung cancer is still one of the most common and fatal neoplasm with a high incidence and consequently burden to public health worldwide.Thus,based on guidelines and recent phasesⅡandⅢclinical trials studies,this manuscript summarizes the current treatment sequencing strategies in lung cancer.Methods A comprehensive search of related articles was performed focused on phasesⅡandⅢclinical trials studies.Results The lung cancer management should take into consideration the tumor characteristics,histology,molecular pathology and be discussed in a multidisciplinary team.Lung cancer treatment options comprises surgery whenever possible,radiotherapy associate with/or chemotherapy and immunotherapy as monotherapy,or combined with chemotherapy and best palliative care.Conclusions The screening predictability in more patients,smoking reduction,early diagnosis,better disease understanding and individualized,more effective and tolerable therapeutics are related to an increasing in overall survival and quality of life.In the near future improvement of personalized therapy in precision medicine is expected,enhancing new predictive biomarkers,optimal doses and optimal treatment sequencing as well as anti-cancer vaccines development.
基金Supported by the Carlos Chagas Filho Foundation for Research Support of the State of Rio de Janeiro(FAPERJ),No.E-26/202.682/2018
文摘This article presents the stem and progenitor cells from subcutaneous adipose tissue,briefly comparing them with their bone marrow counterparts,and discussing their potential for use in regenerative medicine.Subcutaneous adipose tissue differs from other mesenchymal stromal/stem cells(MSCs)sources in that it contains a pre-adipocyte population that dwells in the adventitia of robust blood vessels.Pre-adipocytes are present both in the stromal-vascular fraction(SVF;freshly isolated cells)and in the adherent fraction of adipose stromal/stem cells(ASCs;in vitro expanded cells),and have an active role on the chronic inflammation environment established in obesity,likely due their monocyticmacrophage lineage identity.The SVF and ASCs have been explored in cell therapy protocols with relative success,given their paracrine and immunomodulatory effects.Importantly,the widely explored multipotentiality of ASCs has direct application in bone,cartilage and adipose tissue engineering.The aim of this editorial is to reinforce the peculiarities of the stem and progenitor cells from subcutaneous adipose tissue,revealing the spheroids as a recently described biotechnological tool for cell therapy and tissue engineering.Innovative cell culture techniques,in particular 3D scaffold-free cultures such as spheroids,are now available to increase the potential for regeneration and differentiation of mesenchymal lineages.Spheroids are being explored not only as a model for cell differentiation,but also as powerful 3D cell culture tools to maintain the stemness and expand the regenerative and differentiation capacities of mesenchymal cell lineages.
文摘Since the first reports of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)cases in December 2019 in China,numerous papers have been published describing a high frequency of liver injury associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection,many of them proposing a link between these findings and patient outcomes.Increases in serum aminotransferase levels(ranging from 16%to 62%)and bilirubin levels(ranging from 5%to 21%)have been reported and seem to be more often observed in patients with severe forms of COVID-19.Although absolute changes in these parameters are frequently seen,other variables,such as the ratio above the upper limit of normal,the onset of liver injury as a complication in severe cases and histopathological findings,reinforce that liver changes are of dubious clinical relevance in the course of this disease.Other factors must also be considered in these analyses,such as the repercussions of hemodynamic changes,the presence of thrombotic events,and,mainly,the possible drug-induced liver injury with the current,yet off-label,treatment.This paper aimed to analyze the currently available data on liver injury in patients with COVID-19.
基金supported by grants from Programa de Pos-graduacao em Neurociencias(PGN),Programa INCT-INOVAMED(grant No.465430/2014-7)Fundacao de Apoio à Pesquisa e Inovacao do Estado de Santa Catarina(FAPESC)Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior(CAPES)。
文摘Fibromyalgia(FM) is a complex pathology described as persistent hyperalgesia including somatic and mood dysfunctions, depression and anxiety. Although the etiology of FM is still unknown, a significant decrease in biogenic amines is a common characteristic in its pathogenesis. Here, our main objective was to investigate the role of dopamine D3/D2 receptor during the reserpine-induced pain in mice. Our results showed that pramipexole(PPX) – a dopaminergic D3/D2 receptor agonist – inhibited mechanical allodynia and thermal sensitivity induced by reserpine. Relevantly, PPX treatment decreased immobility time and increased the number of grooming in the forced swimming test and splash test, respectively. Animals that received PPX remained longer in the open arms than the reserpine group using elevated plusmaze apparatus. The repeated PPX administration, given daily for 4 days, significantly blocked the mechanical and thermal allodynia during FM model, similarly to pregabalin, although it failed to affect the reserpine-induced thermal nociception. Reserpine administration induced significant downregulation of dopamine concentration in the central nervous system, and repeated treatment with PPX restored dopamine levels in the frontal cortex and spinal cord tissues. Moreover, PPX treatment inhibited oxidants production such as DCFH(2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein) and nitrite, also decreased oxidative damage(carbonyl), and upregulated the activity of superoxide dismutase in the spinal cord. Together, our findings demonstrated the ability of dopamine D3/D2 receptor-preferring agonist in reducing pain and mood dysfunction allied to FM in mice. All experimental protocols were approved by the Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina(UFSC) Ethics Committee(approval No. 2572210218) on May 10, 2018.
基金supporting the financing of this study(Process#307743/2018–7)the granting of research productivity grants to Dr.Malafaia G.(Proc.#307743/2018–7)and Dr.Melo e Silva D.(Process#307652/2018-1)+1 种基金for the scientific initiation scholarships to students Silva A.M.and Luz T.M.In addition,the authors thank the Federal Institute of Goiano(GO,Brazil)granting important financial assistance for the publication of this study(Proc.#23219.000139.2022-17).
文摘Studies in recent years have shown that aquatic pollution by microplastics(MPs)can be considered to pose additional stress to amphibian populations.However,our knowledge of how MPs affect amphibians is very rudimentary,and even more limited is our understanding of their effects in combination with other emerging pollutants.Thus,we aimed to evaluate the possible toxicity of polyethylene MPs(PE-MPs)(alone or in combination with a mix of pollutants)on the health of Physalaemus cuvieri tadpoles.After 30 days of exposure,multiple biomarkers were measured,including morphological,biometric,and developmental indices,behavioral parameters,mutagenicity,cytotoxicity,antioxidant and cholinesterase responses,as well as the uptake and accumulation of PE-MPs in animals.Based on the results,there was no significant change in any of the parameters measured in tadpoles exposed to treatments,but induced stress was observed in tadpoles exposed to PE-MPs combined with themixture of pollutants,reflecting significant changes in physiological and biochemical responses.Through principal component analysis(PCA)and integrated biomarker response(IBR)assessment,effects induced by pollutants in each test group were distinguished,confirming that the exposure of P.cuvieri tadpoles to the PE-MPs in combination with a mix of emerging pollutants induces an enhanced stress response,although the uptake and accumulation of PE-MPs in these animalswas reduced.Thus,our study provides newinsight into the danger to amphibians of MPs coexisting with other pollutants in aquatic environments.
基金fully supported by Intramural Research Program of the National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research (1ZIASC010357 to ZMZ)a part of Brant AC Ph.D thesis being developed at the Post-graduate program in Genetics (PGGEN) of Rio de Janeiro Federal University (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil+2 种基金the National Cancer Institute of USAsupported by the PDSE program of Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (Capes, Brazil)the National Cancer Institute of USA
文摘Human papillomavirus 18(HPV18) E6 and E7 oncogenes are transcribed as a single bicistronic E6 E7 pre-mRNA. The E6 ORF region in the bicistronic E6 E7 pre-mRNA contains an intron. Splicing of this intron disrupts the E6 ORF integrity and produces a spliced E6*I RNA for efficient E7 translation. Here we report that the E6 intron has two overlapped branch point sequences(BPS) upstream of its 30 splice site, with an identical heptamer AACUAAC, for E6*I splicing. One heptamer has a branch site adenosine(underlined) at nt 384 and the other at nt 388. E6*I splicing efficiency correlates to the expression level of E6 and E7 proteins and depends on the selection of which branch site. In general, E6*I splicing prefers the 30 ss-proximal branch site at nt 388 over the distal branch site at nt 384. Inactivation of the nt 388 branch site was found to activate a cryptic acceptor site at nt 636 for aberrant RNA splicing. Together, these data suggest that HPV18 modulates its production ratio of E6 and E7 proteins by alternative selection of the two mapped branch sites for the E6*I splicing, which could be beneficial in its productive or oncogenic infection according to the host cell environment.
文摘AIM:To determine the prevalence of a family history suggestive of Lynch syndrome (LS) among patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) followed in a coloproctology outpatient clinic in Southern Brazil.METHODS:A consecutive sample of patients with CRC were interviewed regarding personal and family histories of cancer.Clinical data and pathology features of the tumor were obtained from chart review.RESULTS:Of the 212 CRC patients recruited,61 (29%) reported a family history of CRC,45 (21.2%) were diagnosed under age 50 years and 11 (5.2%) had more than one primary CRC.Family histories consistent with Amsterdam and revised Bethesda criteria for LS were identified in 22 (10.4%) and 100 (47.2%) patients,respectively.Twenty percent of the colorectal tumors had features of the high microsatellite instability phenotype,which was associated with younger age at CRC diagnosis and with Bethesda criteria (P < 0.001).Only 5.3% of the patients above age 50 years had been previously submitted for CRC screening and only 4% of patients with suspected LS were referred for genetic risk assessment.CONCLUSION:A significant proportion of patients with CRC were at high risk for LS.Education and training of health care professionals are essential to ensure proper management.
基金Supported by Fundo de Incentivo a Pesquisa(FIPE),Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre,Post-Graduate Program of Child and Adolescent Health-UFRGS and Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnológico(CNPq),Brazil
文摘AIM: To evaluate the nutritional status and its association with proinflammatory cytokines in children with chronic liver disease.METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study with 43 children and adolescents, aged 0 to 17 years, diagnosed with chronic liver disease. All patients regularly attended the Pediatric Hepatology Unit and were under nutritional follow up. The exclusion criteria were fever from any etiology at the time of enrollment, inborn errors of the metabolism and any chronic illness. The severity of liver disease was assessed by Child-Pugh, Model for End-stage Liver Disease(MELD) and Pediatric End Stage Liver Disease(PELD) scores. Anthropometric parameters were height/age, body mass index/age and triceps skinfold/age according to World Health Organization standards. The cutoff points for nutritional status were risk of malnutrition(Z-score <-1.00) and malnutrition(Z-score <-2.00). Interleukin-1β(IL-1β), IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α levels were assessed by commercial ELISA kits. For multivariate analysis, linear regression was applied to assess the association between cytokine levels, disease severity and nutritional status. RESULTS: The median(25th-75 th centile) age of the study population was 60(17-116)-mo-old, and 53.5% were female. Biliary atresia was the main cause of chronic liver disease(72%). With respect to Child-Pugh score, cirrhotic patients were distributed as follows: 57.1% Child-Pugh A, a mild presentation of the disease, 34.3% Child-Pugh B, a moderate stage of cirrhosis and 8.6% Child-Pugh C, were considered severe cases. PELD and MELD scores were only above the cutoff point in 5 cases. IL-6 values were increased in patients at nutritional risk(34.9%) compared with those who were well-nourished [7.12(0.58-34.23) pg/m L vs 1.63(0.53-3.43) pg/m L; P = 0.02], correlating inversely with triceps skinfold-for-age z-score(rs =-0.61; P < 0.001). IL-6 levels were associated with liver disease severity assessed by Child-Pugh score(P = 0.001). This association remained significant after adjusting for nutritional status in a linear regression model. CONCLUSION: High IL-6 levels were found in children with chronic liver disease at nutritional risk. Inflammatory activity may be related to nutritional status deterioration in these patients.
基金funding from Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico(CNPq-Brazil)Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior(CAPES-Brazil)+1 种基金Fundacao de AmparoàPesquisa do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul(FAPERGS-Brazil)Fundo de IncentivoàPesquisa e Eventos do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre(FIPE/HCPA-Brazil)(to LSdeF)。
文摘Function of lactate:Lactate is a three-carbon molecule produced by glycolytic metabolism that is a metabolic waste product with no known use in clinical therapy.Conversely,it is a metabolite that the body should quickly guarantee the clearance.However,lactate is now recognized as a potential energy substrate,as well as an anti-inflammatory signaling molecule.These actions were first reported in adult animal models with a brain injury,including a traumatic brain injury and cerebral ischemia,and have also been observed in human patients(Magistretti and Allaman,2018).Recently,however,two studies by independent research groups described promising n euro p rotective results from the use of lactate in animal models with neonatal hypoxia-ischemia(Roumes et al.,2021;Tassinari et al.,2020).
