Occupational exposure to pesticides deregulates systemic cortisol levels in women with breast cancer and correlates with poor prognosis features

Pesticides have been pointed out as hormone disruptors and may significantly affect the prognosis of hormone-dependent diseases such as breast cancer (BC). Here, we investigated the impact of occupational pesticide exposure on systemic cortisol levels in female rural workers diagnosed with BC. Occupational exposure was assessed by interviews with a standardized questionnaire. Plasma samples (112 from pesticide-exposed women and 77 from unexposed women) were collected in the afternoon, outside the physiological cortisol peak, and analyzed by a chemiluminescent paramagnetic immunoassay for the quantitative determination of cortisol levels in serum and plasma. The results from both groups were categorized according to patients' clinicopathological and exposure data. BC pesticide-exposed women presented higher levels of cortisol than the unexposed. Higher cortisol levels were also detected in the exposed group with more aggressive disease (triple-negative BC), with tumors over 2 cm, with lymph node metastases, and with high risk of disease recurrence and death. These findings demonstrated that there is an association between pesticide exposure and BC that affected cortisol levels and correlated to poor disease prognosis.

Endogenous FGF21 attenuates blood-brain barrier disruption in penumbra after delayed recanalization in MCAO rats through FGFR1/PI3K/Akt pathway / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVES@#Restoration of blood circulation within "time window" is the principal treating goal for treating acute ischemic stroke. Previous studies revealed that delayed recanalization might cause serious ischemia/reperfusion injury. However, plenty of evidences showed delayed recanalization improved neurological outcomes in acute ischemic stroke. This study aims to explore the role of delayed recanalization on blood-brain barrier (BBB) in the penumbra (surrounding ischemic core) and neurological outcomes after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO).@*METHODS@#Recanalization was performed on the 3rd day after MCAO. BBB disruption was tested by Western blotting, Evans blue dye, and immunofluorescence staining. Infarct volume and neurological outcomes were evaluated on the 7th day after MCAO. The expression of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1), phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K), and serine/threonine kinase (Akt) in the penumbra were observed by immunofluorescence staining and/or Western blotting.@*RESULTS@#The extraversion of Evans blue, IgG, and albumin increased surrounding ischemic core after MCAO, but significantly decreased after recanalization. The expression of Claudin-5, Occludin, and zona occludens 1 (ZO-1) decreased surrounding ischemic core after MCAO, but significantly increased after recanalization. Infarct volume reduced and neurological outcomes improved following recanalization (on the 7th day after MCAO). The expressions of Claudin-5, Occludin, and ZO-1 decreased surrounding ischemic core following MCAO, which were up-regulated corresponding to the increases of FGF21, p-FGFR1, PI3K, and p-Akt after recanalization. Intra-cerebroventricular injection of FGFR1 inhibitor SU5402 down-regulated the expression of PI3K, p-Akt, Occludin, Claudin-5, and ZO-1 in the penumbra, which weakened the beneficial effects of recanalization on neurological outcomes after MCAO.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Delayed recanalization on the 3rd day after MCAO increases endogenous FGF21 in the penumbra and activates FGFR1/PI3K/Akt pathway, which attenuates BBB disruption in the penumbra and improves neurobehavior in MCAO rats.

Challenges in estimating the encapsulation efficiency of proteins in polymersomes - Which is the best method?

Abstract Polymersomes are nanometric vesicles that can encapsulate large and hydrophilic biomolecules, such as proteins, in the aqueous core. Data in literature show large variation in encapsulation efficiency (%EE) values depending on the method used for calculation. We investigated different approaches (direct and indirect) to quantify the %EE of different proteins (catalase, bovine serum albumin-BSA, L-asparaginase and lysozyme) in Pluronic L-121 polymersomes. Direct methods allow quantification of the actual payload of the polymersomes and indirect methods are based on the quantification of the remaining non-encapsulated protein. The protein-loaded polymersomes produced presented approximately 152 nm of diameter (PDI ~ 0.4). Higher %EE values were obtained with the indirect method (up to 25%), attributed to partial entanglement of free protein in the polymersomes poly(Ethylene Glycol) corona. For the direct methods, vesicles were disrupted with chloroform or proteins precipitated with solvents. Reasonable agreement was found between the two protocols, with values up to 8%, 6%, 17.6% and 0.9% for catalase, BSA, L-asparaginase and lysozyme, respectively. We believe direct determination is the best alternative to quantify the %EE and the combination of both protocols would make results more reliable. Finally, no clear correlation was observed between protein size and encapsulation efficiency.

Temporalidade no estabelecimento do vínculo parento-filial em adoções malsucedidas / Temporality in establishing the parent-child bond in unsuccessful adoptions / Temporalidad en el establecimiento del vínculo padre-hijo en adopciones fallidas

Este estudo é parte de uma ampla investigação sobre a vivência do processo de adoção malsucedida de crianças e adolescentes sob a perspectiva dos adotantes. Foi realizada uma pesquisa qualitativa, com base em entrevistas semiestruturadas com 11 sujeitos independentes, nove mulheres e dois homens, moradores de diferentes estados do Brasil, que vivenciaram adoções malsucedidas. Buscamos analisar as percepções dos adotantes relacionadas à temporalidade no estabelecimento do vínculo parento-filial nessas adoções. A temporalidade da gestação simbólica foi vivenciada pelos participantes de diferentes formas, podendo ser afetada pela lentidão no processo administrativo e/ou por fantasias e idealizações referentes à origem da criança/adolescente. Tanto a demora quanto a tentativa de agilização do processo de adoção são fatores que podem gerar ansiedade na experiência da gestação simbólica e que não serão amparados no tempo cronológico, afetando o estabelecimento do vínculo parento-filial. Ressaltamos a relevância do cuidado nos períodos iniciais de construção do vínculo parento-filial, considerando a temporalidade particular de cada caso e a história pregressa da criança/adolescente, aspecto que influencia o sucesso do processo de adoção.(AU)

This study is part of a broad investigation about the experience of the unsuccessful adoption process of children and adolescents from the perspective of the adopters. Qualitative research was carried out, based on semi-structured interviews with 11 independent subjects, nine women and two men, living in different states of Brazil, who experienced unsuccessful adoptions. We seek to analyze the perceptions of adopters related to the temporality in establishing the parent-child bond in these adoptions. The temporality of the symbolic gestation was experienced by the participants in different ways, which can be affected by the slowness of the administrative process and/or by fantasies and idealizations regarding the origin of the child/adolescent. Both the delay and the attempt to speed up the adoption process are factors that can generate anxiety in the experience of symbolic gestation and that will not be supported in chronological time, affecting the establishment of the parent-child bond. The relevance of care stands out in the initial periods of parent-child bond construction considering the particular temporality of each case and the child's/adolescent's past history, aspect that influences the success of the adoption process.(AU)

Este estudio es parte de una extensa investigación sobre la experiencia del proceso fallido de adopción de niños y adolescentes desde la perspectiva de los adoptantes. Se realizó una investigación cualitativa a partir de entrevistas semiestructuradas con 11 sujetos independientes, nueve mujeres y dos hombres, residentes en diferentes estados de Brasil, que experimentaron adopciones fallidas. En este trabajo se analizan las percepciones de los adoptantes relacionadas con la temporalidad en el establecimiento del vínculo padre-hijo en adopciones fallidas. La temporalidad del embarazo simbólico fue vivida por los participantes de diferentes formas, las cuales pueden verse afectadas por la lentitud del proceso administrativo y por fantasías e idealizaciones sobre el origen del niño/adolescente. Tanto la demora como el intento de agilizar el proceso de adopción pueden generar ansiedad por la vivencia del embarazo simbólico y que no serán sustentados en el tiempo cronológico, lo que afecta establecer este vínculo. Se enfatiza la relevancia del cuidado en los períodos iniciales de construcción del vínculo considerando la temporalidad particular de cada caso y la historia pasada del niño/adolescente, un aspecto que influye en el éxito del proceso de adopción.(AU)

Hepaticoyeyunostomía asistida por Robot vs la técnica abierta en un Hospital de tercer nivel / Robotic-Assisted vs open technique Hepaticojejunostomy in a third level Hospital

Resumen A pesar de la evidencia científica de la seguridad, la eficacia de la cirugía robótica, existen pocas publicaciones en la reparación de la vía biliar. El principal objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los resultados de la hepaticoyeyunostomía en Y de Roux asistida por robot (HYR) y la hepaticoyeyunostomía en Y de Roux abierta (HYA) en el HCM en el periodo de enero de 2012 a enero de 2019. Este es un estudio retrospectivo se recolectaron los datos sociodemográficos, las principales comorbilidades y se determinó la principal indicación quirúrgica de la hepaticoyeyunostomía; se agruparon según la indicación quirúrgica para comparar el sangrado transoperatorio, tiempo quirúrgico, los días de estancia hospitalaria y morbilidad entre la HYR vs HYA. Se registraron 78 hepaticoyeyunostomías (31 fueron HYR y 47 HYA), la edad promedio fue 55.2 ± 17.7 años predominio del género femenino, la principal comorbilidad fue la hipertensión arterial. La principal indicación quirúrgica de hepaticoyeyunostomía fue la disrupción de vía la biliar, en estos pacientes se encontró menor tiempo quirúrgico, días de hospitalización, y morbilidad en los pacientes sometidos a HYR que los pacientes tratados mediante HYA.

Abstract Despite the scientific evidence of safety, the efficacy of robotic surgery, there are few publications on bile duct repair. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the results of Robotic-assisted Hepaticojejunostomy (RHJ) versus open Hepaticoyejunostomy (OHJ) in the HCM during the period from January 2012 to January 2019. This is a retrospective study, database of patients was collected: sociodemographic data, the main comorbidities, and the main surgical indication of hepaticojejunostomy were determined. They were grouped according to the surgical indication to compare: transoperative bleeding, surgical time, hospital length of stay and morbidity RHJ vs. OHJ. Seventy-eight hepaticojejunostomies were registered (31 RHJ and 47 OHJ), the average age was 55.2 ± 17.7 years, predominantly female, the main comorbidity was arterial hypertension. The main surgical indication of hepaticoyeynostomy was bile duct disruption. Shorter surgical time, days of hospitalization, and morbidity were found in patients undergoing RHJ than patients treated with OHJ.

Disease Disruption among People Affected by Leprosy

Stigma-associated psychosocial problems are common in leprosy. Therefore, this study aimed at assessing the disease disruption among people affected by leprosy (PAL). A cross-sectional study was conducted among 358 people affected by leprosy above the age of 18, married and who were reporting at the tertiary leprosy referral hospital, Purulia, West Bengal. A semi-structured questionnaire was prepared and validated to collect the demographic and disease profile. The 11 points numerical rating scale was used to measure the disease disruption in family, social and work life. The results showed that 42%, 57% and 82% of the respondents felt that their disease conditions did not disrupt their work life, social life, and family life respectively. Association test showed that the male respondents experienced more disruption in their social life whereas female respondents experienced more in their family life. People with disability due to leprosy disease and disease duration above three years experienced more disruption in their work, social and family life due to disease than the people without disability and disease duration less than three years. The study emphasizes that awareness about leprosy should be improved among the family and community to enhance positive attitudes towards the disease

Short Term Outcome in Sleep Disturbance Intervention in Children with ASD in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Bangladesh

Aim: The aim of this study was to identify the relationship between sleep patterns and behavioral difficulties in children with ASD using sleep disturbance treatments. Methods: We selected a total 41 children with sleep disorders as study population. The sleep services (behavioral sleep management techniques) were given by the child development center team of Dhaka Shishu Hospital comprising of physician , developmental therapist and psychologist. Children were split into eight groups and two gender divisions based on their age, and they were then studied over a period of 6 months . Sleep disorders were investigated both before and after intervention. Results: The results revealed that the children抯 sleep dysfunction improved from before, with the lowest improvement percentage decreasing from 62.9 percent to 51.8 percent and the greatest improvement percentage increasing from 100 percent to 59.2 percent, whereas a sleep problem showed no change at all (sleepwalking). Conclusion: The study has tried and succeeded to an extent to intervene in the sleep dysfunction process of children with ASD in a tertiary care hospital. However, there is still much to learn about the clinical efficacy of these types of behavioral interventions in children with ASD who have sleep disruption.

Factors associated with poor access to HIV and sexual and reproductive health services in Nigeria for women and girls living with HIV during the COVID-19 pandemic

Aim: To determine the proportion of women and girls living with HIV (WGLHIV) who had poor access to HIV, tuberculosis and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services in Nigeria during the COVID-19 pandemic and associated factors.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that recruited WGLHIV with six categories of vulnerability (sex work, transactional sex, injecting or using illegal drugs, people on the move, transgender women and people with a disability) through an online survey conducted in ten Nigerian states between June and October 2021. The associations between the limited access to HIV, tuberculosis and SRH services due to COVID-19, the categories of vulnerability and the financial and non-financial barriers to these services were determined using multivariable logistics regression analysis. Results: Over 6 in 10, almost 2 in 10, and almost 4 in 10 WGLHIV had limited access to HIV, tuberculosis and SRH services respectively during the COVID-19 pandemic. Transgender women had 3.59 (95% CI 2.19­5.91) higher odds, women who engaged in sex work had 4.51 (95% CI 2.28­8.42) higher odds, and women who inject or use illegal drugs had 2.39 (95% CI 1.47­32.90) higher odds of facing limited access to sexual and reproductive health services when it was needed. In addition, the direct consequences of the COVID-19 crisis, such as the closure of HIV services and SRH service points, exacerbated pre-existing barriers significantly. Having no money, having to pay additional unofficial fees and the lack of security on the road to the health facility were the barriers with the greatest impact on access to health services. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on the access of WGLHIV to essential health services. This impact was disproportionately higher for marginalised groups. WGLHIV need non-discriminatory and affordable access to essential health services during the pandemic.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people living with HIV in Zimbabwe

The COVID-19 pandemic was reported from March 2020 in Zimbabwe. COVID-19 containment measures which included repeated lockdowns have disrupted community interactions, reduced working hours, restricted travel and restricted HIV services for people living with HIV (PLHIV), among others. The study adopted a cross-sectional design. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected in all the 10 provinces and analysed. A sample size of 480 was calculated for the cross-sectional survey. Secondary data on HIV early warning indicators from 2018 to 2021 were extracted from 20 randomly selected health facilities and used for modelling. Mathematical modelling was conducted to assess the impact of COVID-19 on PLHIV. AIDS-related deaths increased from 20 100 in 2019 to 22 200 in 2020. In addition, there were significant years of life lost (yLLs) from premature mortality and years of life lost due to disability (yLDs) from COVID-19. Prevalence of COVID-19 among PLHIV was 4%. COVID-19 vaccination coverage was 64%, which is higher than the national average of 42%. Stress and breach of confidentiality as ARV medicines were given out in open spaces and fear of contracting COVID-19 were the perceived psychological issues. COVID-19 disrupted HIV service provision, increased AIDS-related deaths and caused psychological challenges

Experience with subinguinal cremasteric disruption and venous ligation for varicocele repair

Objective: To evaluate the outcome of subinguinal cremasteric disruption and venous ligation for the treatment of varicocele with regard to improvement in semen parameters, recurrence, hydrocele formation and testicular atrophy. Methods: The clinical study was carried out from December 2011 to June 2019. Fifty-nine patients were included in the study. Varicocele repair was done as a day case surgery under local anesthesia using cremasteric disruption and venous ligation technique. The treatment outcomes studied were improvement in semen parameters and complications like recurrence, hydrocele formation and testicular atrophy. Results: Seventy-four varicocelectomies were done in fifty-nine patients. Semen parameters improved in those nineteen patients who had abnormal semen parameters before surgery and nine out of these nineteen (47.36%) got their semen count normal after varicocele repair. There were five recurrences (6.75%). No hydrocele formation or testicular atrophy occurred during one year of follow up. Conclusion: Day case varicocelectomy by subinguinal cremasteric disruption and venous ligation is a simple, economical choice with minimal morbidity and comparable outcomes.

Representações sociais da devolução na adoção: tensionamentos e estratégias possíveis¹ / Social representations of disruption in adoption: tensioning and possible strategies / Representaciones sociales de la devolución en la adopción: tensiones y posibles estrategias

A concepção da adoção vem se transformando ao longo dos tempos. Apesar de ser uma medida irrevogável, a devolução de crianças e/ou adolescentes na adoção é recorrente. A devolução é o ato de desistência da adoção feito por parte dos adotantes, no qual as crianças ou adolescentes sofrem um novo rompimento de vínculos e retornam às instituições de acolhimento. A presente pesquisa teve o objetivo de compreender as representações sociais sobre a devolução de crianças e adolescentes na adoção para profissionais do Poder Judiciário e do Acolhimento Institucional. Realizou-se um estudo qualitativo que consistiu em entrevistas em profundidade com 30 profissionais. A análise de dados foi realizada com o auxílio do programa informático IRaMuTeQ. Como resultados, foram identificadas as dimensões constituintes das representações sociais da devolução na adoção e peculiaridades nos enunciados de profissionais no Acolhimento Institucional quando comparados aos profissionais do Poder Judiciário.

The concept of adoption has been changing over time. Despite being an irrevocable measure, the return of children and / or adolescents during adoption is recurrent. The disruption is the act of abandonment of the adoption made by the adopters and in these cases, these children or adolescents suffer a new rupture of bonds and return to the host institutions. The present research had the objective to understand the social representations about the disruption of children and adolescents during adoption to professionals of the Judiciary and Shelters. A qualitative study was carried out, which consisted of in-depth interview with 30 professionals. Data analysis was performed with the aid of IRaMuTeQ software. As a result, the constituent dimensions of the social representations of devolution in adoption and peculiarities in the statements of professionals in Shelters were identified when compared to professionals from the Judiciary.

El concepto de adopción ha ido cambiando con el tiempo. A pesar de ser una medida irrevocable, el devolución de los niños y / o adolescentes en adopción es recurrente. El devolución es el acto de abandono de la adopción realizada por los adoptantes y en estos casos, estos niños sufren una nueva ruptura de lazos y regresan a las instituciones de acogida. La presente investigación tuvo el objetivo de comprender las representaciones sociales sobre el devolución de niños y adolescentes en adopción a profesionales del Poder Judicial y la Instituciones de Acogida. Se realizó un estudio cualitativo en el que se entrevistó a 30 sujetos en profundidad. El análisis de datos se realizó con la ayuda del software IRaMuTeQ. Como resultado, se identificaron las dimensiones constitutivas de las representaciones sociales de la devolución en la adopción y las peculiaridades en las declaraciones de los profesionales en Instituciones de Acogida en comparación con los profesionales del Poder Judicial.

Impact of COVID-19 in the participation of Filipino children 0-12 years old to nutrition-specific programs and their mothers' knowledge based on a Rapid Nutrition Assessment Survey

Background@#As the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19) continues to affect the capacity of the health system to deliver essential nutrition and health services, many countries, especially the low- and middle-income countries, including the Philippines, are beset with addressing undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies among children. @*Objective@#The rapid nutrition assessment survey (RNAS) was conducted in selected areas in the Philippines to provide evidence of the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on children's participation in the nutrition services and their mothers' knowledge level on nutrition. @*Methodology@#The RNAS was a cross-sectional survey conducted through phone interviews in nine (9) selected areas in the Philippines. A total of 7,092 children aged 0 to 12 years were included in the survey, of which 5,239 mothers and caregivers were interviewed regarding nutrition program participation of their children, and their knowledge on nutrition. @*Results@#A significant decline in children's participation in the Operation Timbang (OPT) Plus (83.0% vs. 51.1%), Vitamin A supplementation (65.4% vs. 54.9%), supplementary feeding (21.6% vs. 11.9%), and deworming (60.4% vs. 11.9%) was recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic based on RNAS as compared to the pre-pandemic period using the 2019 Expanded National Nutrition Survey (ENNS). The most commonly cited reasons for health service disruptions include: child did not visit health centers due to fear of infection, community health workers did not visit the child at home, and no available health workers in the facility. Stunting among children was more likely to be perceived by food insecure (19.7% vs 14.4%; p <0.001) and poor (22.1% vs 16.6%; p<0.000) mothers or caregivers than their counterpart mothers from food secure and rich households. @*Conclusion@#With prolonged limited access to health and nutrition services, children, particularly those from poor households, are at risk of hunger, malnutrition, and consequently, of not developing their full potential. Findings can guide efforts to ensure the continuity of essential health and nutrition services towards improving maternal knowledge and promotion of child health and nutrition during the COVID-19 outbreak and crisis recovery period.

Effect of RIM21 gene disruption on flocculation of lager yeast / 生物工程学报

Lager yeast is the most popular yeast strain used for beer production in China. The flocculation of yeast plays an important role in cell separation at the end of fermentation. Therefore, appropriately enhancing the flocculation capability of the lager yeast without affecting its fermentation performance would be desirable for beer industry. Our previous study showed that the defect of gene RIM21 might contribute to the enhanced flocculation capability of a lager yeast G03. To further investigate the role of the RIM21 gene in flocculation of strain G03, this study constructed a RIM21-deleted mutant strain G03-RIM21Δ through homologous recombination. Deletion of RIM21 improved the flocculation capability of strain G03 during wort fermentation at 11 °C without changing its fermentation performance significantly. The expression of FLO5, Lg-FLO1 and some other genes involved in cell wall integrity pathway were up-regulated in strain G03-RIM21Δ. In addition, the disruption of RIM21 enhanced resistance of yeast cells to cell wall inhibitors. These results provide a basis for elucidating the flocculation mechanism of lager yeast under low-temperature fermentation conditions.

Falhas no reconhecimento da alteridade nos casos de devolução em adoções tardias / La non-reconnaissance de l'altérité dans les cas d'interruption en adoption tardive / No reconocer la alteridad en casos de interrupción en adopciones tardías / Failed recognition of otherness in cases of disruptions in late adoptions

Resumo Este estudo é parte de uma ampla investigação sobre vivência do processo de adoção malsucedida de crianças e adolescentes sob a perspectiva dos adotantes. Foi realizada uma pesquisa qualitativa, com base em entrevistas semiestruturadas com 11 sujeitos independentes, nove mulheres e dois homens, moradores de diferentes estados do Brasil, que passaram por adoções malsucedidas. Neste trabalho, buscamos investigar as falhas no reconhecimento da alteridade do filho, vivenciadas no período do estágio de convivência, nos casos de devolução na adoção. Foi comum, entre os participantes, a busca por uma explicação psicopatológica para os comportamentos considerados ruins da criança/adolescente. Ficou evidente a necessidade de maior investimento afetivo-emocional nos períodos iniciais do estabelecimento do vínculo parento-filial, para o acolhimento da criança/adolescente em sua totalidade e individualidade.

Résumé Cette étude découle d'une recherche approfondie sur l'expérience des adoptions infructueuses d'enfants et d'adolescents du point de vue des adoptants. Axé sur une approche qualitative, on a mené des entretiens semi-structurés avec 11 sujets indépendants (neuf femmes et deux hommes), habitant dans différents États du Brésil, qui ont vécu des adoptions infructueuses. La recherche s'intéresse à l'échec de la reconnaissance de l'altérité de l'enfant, vécues pendant la phase de coexistence, dans les cas d'interruption de l'adoption. Il était courant, chez les participants, la recherche d'une explication psychopathologique aux comportements dit mauvais de l'enfant/adolescent. Les résultats montrent la nécessité d'un plus grand investissement émotionnel-affectif dans les périodes initiales d'établissement du lien parent-enfant, pour accueillir l'enfant/adolescent dans son intégralité et son individualité.

Resumen El presente estudio es parte de una extensa investigación sobre la experiencia del proceso fallido de adopción de niños, niñas y adolescentes desde la perspectiva de los adoptantes. Se realizó una investigación cualitativa, basada en entrevistas semiestructuradas con 11 sujetos independientes, nueve mujeres y dos hombres, residentes en diferentes estados de Brasil, que tuvieron adopciones fallidas. En este trabajo se busca investigar las fallas en el reconocimiento de la alteridad del niño, vividas durante el período de la etapa de convivencia, en los casos de devolución en adopción. Entre los participantes, fue común la búsqueda de una explicación psicopatológica de los comportamientos considerados malos por el niño / adolescente. Era evidente la necesidad de una mayor inversión afectivo-emocional en los períodos iniciales de establecimiento del vínculo pariente-hijo, para acoger al niño / adolescente en su totalidad e individualidad.

Abstract This study derives from a broader investigation on the experience of unsuccessful adoptions of children and adolescents from the adopters' perspective. Based on a qualitative approach, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 11 independent subjects (nine women and two men), living in different states of Brazil, who experienced unsuccessful adoptions. The research investigates the failure in recognizing the child's alterity, experienced during the cohabitation stage, in cases of disruptions. Common among the participants was the search for a psychopathological explanation for the child/adolescent's supposed bad behaviors. Results show the need for greater emotional-affective investment in the initial periods of establishing the parent-child bond, to welcome the child/adolescent in their totality and individuality.

Efecto de disrupción endocrina de la genisteína sobre caenorhabditis elegans

La genisteína es una isoflavona presente en la soya, de alto consumo en la población infantil por su uso como sucedáneo de la leche materna, sin embargo, poco se conoce acerca de los efectos a nivel endocrino. En este trabajo, Caenorhabditis elegans se utilizó como modelo para evaluar el efecto de disrupción endocrina de la genisteína a través de letalidad, crecimiento, reproducción, almacenamiento de lípidos y cambios en la expresión de genes de respuesta al estrés (hsp-3, sod-4 y gpx-4). Los resultados indicaron que, aunque la genisteína no indujo letalidad, sí promovió la reproducción, el aumento de la longitud del cuerpo, el incremento en la expresión de genes relacionados con estrés celular y estrés oxidativo y la acumulación lipídica. En conclusión, la genisteína generó efectos relacionados con el efecto de disrupción endocrina en C. elegans, muy probablemente a través de mecanismos de estrés oxidativo.

Genistein is an isoflavone present in soy, which children highly consume as a substitute for breast milk; however, little is known about its effects at the endocrine level. This paper used Caenorhabditis elegans as a model to evaluate the endocrine disrupting effect of genistein through lethality, growth, reproduction, lipid storage, and changes in the expression of stress response genes (hsp-3, sod- 4, and gpx-4). The results indicated that, although genistein did not induce lethality, it did promote reproduction and increased body length, expression of genes related to cellular stress and oxidative stress, and lipid accumulation. In conclusion, genistein produced effects related to endocrine disruption on C. elegans, most likely through oxidative stress mechanisms.

Endocrine disruption and infertility: Circulatory hormone and bisphenol A concentrations in infertile Saudi women

Aim: Human infertility is a public problem and a cause of social and psychological complications affecting more than 50 million couples globally. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a ubiquitous environmental endocrine disrupting chemical and has been associated with infertility problems in women.The aim of the present study was to analyze concentrations of bisphenol A and circulating hormones in infertile Saudi women for evaluating the association of BPA with infertility.Methodology: The present study was done on 43 infertile women for evaluating possible association of systemic BPA concentrations with infertility in Saudi Arabia. The clinical indications were irregular menses, hyper-androgenism, multiple small ovarian cysts, polycystic ovarian syndrome and unexplained infertility. Blood samples from infertile women and a control group of 18 healthy fertile women were analyzed and compared for concentrations of BPA and circulatory hormones. Results: The results showed that BPA concentrations were not significantly different between infertile women and controls. BPA concentrations were also not correlated with systemic hormone concentrations in infertile women. Interpretation: Serum BPA levels had no association with hormone imbalance in this cohort of infertile Saudi women. However, considering the previous studies that have shown a relationship of BPA with female infertility, an argument can be made that there might be lower exposure of Saudi population to BPA in comparison to BPA analogues such as BPS (according to recent reports). Therefore, it is suggested to conduct more infertility studies that include detection of BPA and its analogues in infertile Saudi women

Sex Hormone Disruption and Histological Changes in Testes on Chronic Dichlorvos Exposure in Animal Model

Background:Dichlorvos is an organophosphate used indiscriminately as a pesticide in homesand for agricultural purposes. This study evaluated the effects of its low dose sub-lethal chronic exposure on male reproductive function using an animal (Rattus norvegicus) model.Methodology:Three groups of rats were given dichlorvos at the dosages of 0.28mg/kg, 0.56mg/kg and 1.68mg/kg respectively on alternate days. The control group was given only plain drinkingwater. The experiment lasted for 50 weeks.Results: Dichlorvos induced a dosage variation effect on blood levels of follicle stimulating hormone but this was insignificant on levels of luteinizing hormone, oestrogen, progesterone and dihydrotestosterone. Prolonged treatment with dichlorvos had no overall influence on luteinizing hormone levels. The major histological findings in descending order of frequency included tubular atrophy and degeneration, germ cell depletion, germ cell exfoliation, tubular necrosis, spermatid retention and Leydig cell hyperplasia, each scored on a semi-quantitative scale. After 50 weeks of dichlorvos treatment, progesterone and oestrogen blood levels both had strong positive correlations with the frequency of germ cell exfoliation and residual bodies in the testes. In contrast, there was no statistically significant correlation between blood levels of follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and dihydrotestosterone and the histological findings.Conclusion:This research evaluated the chronic effect of low dichlorvos exposure on reproductive function using an animal model. There was a strong positive correlation between progesterone and germ cell exfoliation and residual bodies. Oestrogen also correlated withgerm cell exfoliation, depletion and presence of residual bodies. Furthermore, the correlation between the blood hormone levels and histological changes in the testes was largely unpredictable

Sleep disruption in pediatric intensive care unit / 中国小儿急救医学

Sleep disruption is prevalent in patients of pediatric intensive care unit(PICU). A variety of factors can cause sleep disruption in critical children, which may have an impact on disease recovery and long-term prognosis.Currently, there is still no systematic study on sleep disruption in critical children, and the available evaluation tools on sleep in PICU are limited.The diversified sleep management programs may be effective in promoting sleep.

New insights of growth hormone (GH) actions from tissue-specific GH receptor knockouts in mice

ABSTRACT In order to provide new insights into the various activities of GH in specific tissues, recent advances have allowed for the generation of tissue-specific GHR knockout mice. To date, 21 distinct tissue-specific mouse lines have been created and reported in 28 publications. Targeted tissues include liver, muscle, fat, brain, bone, heart, intestine, macrophage, pancreatic beta cells, hematopoietic stem cells, and multi-tissue "global". In this review, we provide a brief history and description of the 21 tissue-specific GHR knockout mouse lines. Arch Endocrinol Metab. 2019;63(6):557-67

Síndrome de banda amniótica: reporte de 18 casos / Amniotic band syndrome: a report of 18 cases

Amniotic band syndrome is a congenital fetal abnormality characterized by fibrous bands and multiple disruptive anomalies that vary in presentation and complexity, some of which are incompatible with life. We present 18 cases of this syndrome and the associated pathology. Five newborns and 13 fetuses were examined following the standard pathological examination protocol. Nine were males and nine, females, with body weight varying from less than 100 g to 3 680 g. Cases of amniotic bands affected fingers (13 cases), limbs (5 cases), lips (6 cases), face (6 cases), head (6 cases), abdominal wall (2 cases) and umbilical cord (8 cases). Eight cases included associated malformations in heart, lungs, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, and umbilical cord (single artery, velamentous insertion, short umbilical cord, nuchal cord). Maternal age was 17 to 41 years; 26 years in average. There were 11 primiparous and 7 multiparous women. Five women had a history of previous abortions. The mothers showed no other pathology. In conclusion, fetuses with the amniotic band syndrome present polymorphic and asymmetric anomalies which should be differentiated from those of chromosomal or genetic origin. Ultrasound examination may identify amniotic bands that could be excised, thus releasing the limb or anatomical segment involved.

El síndrome de banda amniótica es una entidad congénita fetal que consiste en la presencia de bandas fibrosas y anomalías disruptivas muy variadas y variables en presentación y complejidad, algunas incompatibles con la vida. Se presenta 18 casos de síndrome de banda amniótica con estudio anatomopatológico de los fetos o neonatos y revisión de la historia clínica materna. Se encontró 5 neonatos y 13 fetos, 9 de ellos de sexo masculino y 9 de sexo femenino. El menor pesó 19 g y el mayor fue un neonato de 3 680 g; 9 fetos pesaron < 110 g. Las lesiones encontradas estuvieron en dedos 13, en labio 6, en cara 6, en cráneo 5, en abdomen 2, en cordón umbilical 8, en pared abdominal 2, en extremidades 5. Se encontró malformaciones asociadas en 8 casos, de tipo renal, cardiaca, pulmonar, digestiva, musculoesquelética, neurológica y del cordón umbilical. Las del cordón umbilical fueron arteria única, cordón corto, inserción velamentosa y circular de cordón. En relación a la madre, la edad fue entre 17 y 41 años, promedio 26 años; 11 casos ocurrieron en primigestas; de las 7 multigestas, 5 tuvieron abortos previos. No se encontró otros antecedentes familiares o patológicos de importancia. Se concluye que el síndrome de banda amniótica produce en los fetos anomalías polimorfas y asimétricas que es necesario diferenciarlas de aquellas de tipo cromosómico o genético. Así mismo, existe la posibilidad de una intervención intraútero que elimine las bandas fibrosas diagnosticadas ecográficamente a temprana edad gestacional.