A forward genetic screen identifies Sirtuin1 as a driver of neuroendocrine prostate cancer.

Although localized prostate cancer is relatively indolent, advanced prostate cancer manifests with aggressive and often lethal variants, including neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC). To identify drivers of aggressive prostate cancer, we leveraged Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon mutagenesis in a mouse model based on prostate-specific loss-of-function of Pten and Tp53 . Compared with control mice, SB mice developed more aggressive prostate tumors, with increased incidence of metastasis. Notably, a significant percentage of the SB prostate tumors display NEPC phenotypes, and the transcriptomic features of these SB mouse tumors recapitulated those of human NEPC. We identified common SB transposon insertion sites (CIS) and prioritized associated CIS-genes differentially expressed in NEPC versus non-NEPC SB tumors. Integrated analysis of CIS-genes encoding for proteins representing upstream, post-translational modulators of master regulators controlling the transcriptional state of SB -mouse and human NEPC tumors identified sirtuin 1 ( Sirt1 ) as a candidate mechanistic determinant of NEPC. Gain-of-function studies in human prostate cancer cell lines confirmed that SIRT1 promotes NEPC, while its loss-of-function or pharmacological inhibition abrogates NEPC. This integrative analysis is generalizable and can be used to identify novel cancer drivers for other malignancies. Summary: Using an unbiased forward mutagenesis screen in an autochthonous mouse model, we have investigated mechanistic determinants of aggressive prostate cancer. SIRT1 emerged as a key regulator of neuroendocrine prostate cancer differentiation and a potential target for therapeutic intervention.

Perfil epidemiológico da violência contra mulheres no estado da Paraíba de 2009 a 2019 / Epidemiological profile of violence against women in the state of Paraíba from 2009 to 2019

O objetivo desse estudo é traçar o perfil epidemiológico das notificações de violência contra a mulher no estado da Paraíba, no período de 2009 a 2019. Trata-se de um estudo transversal, descritivo, realizado por meio de consulta online ao Sistema de Informação TabNet na seção de Doenças e Agravos de Notificação através do campo violência interpessoal. Como parte dos resultados, identificamos que a violência mais frequente é a física, 45,2%. Foi observado que o maior número de queixas envolve mulheres negras, com 60,11% dos casos; na faixa etária de 20 a 29 anos, 22,71%; com ensino fundamental incompleto, 14,21%. Ademais, 59,2% das situações de violência contra a mulher ocorrem, predominantemente, em locais residenciais. Quanto aos encaminhamentos ao setor de saúde, os achados revelam que, nesse item, em 54,15% dos registros é definido como ignorado. O estudo apontou uma grande fragilidade nos registros de dados sobre violência, tanto pela falta de informações quanto pelo preenchimento inadequado das fichas. Por isso, é crucial reforçar a importância do preenchimento adequado das fichas de notificação compulsória e a qualificação dos profissionais para fornecer evidências precisas sobre o problema e subsidiar a gestão para os enfrentamentos.

This study aims to trace the epidemiological profile of notifications of violence against women in the state of Paraíba from 2009 to 2019. This cross-sectional, descriptive study conducted an online consultation of the TabNet Information System in the Diseases and Notifiable Diseases section through the field of interpersonal violence. As part of the results, we identified that the most frequent form of violence was physical violence (45.2%). We found that the highest number of complaints involved black women, with 60.11% of cases; in the 20-29 age group, 22.71%; and with incomplete primary education, 14.21%. In addition, 59.2% of situations of violence against women occur predominantly in residential areas. As for referrals to the health sector, the findings reveal that 54.15% of the records were defined as ignored. The study pointed to a significant weakness in the recording of data on violence, both due to the lack of information and the inadequate filling out of forms. For this reason, it is crucial to reinforce the importance of correctly filling out compulsory notification forms and training professionals to provide accurate evidence of the problem and support management in dealing with it.

Aerobic granulation and resource production under continuous and intermittent saline stress.

Three sequential batch reactors (SBR) were operated to evaluate salt addition's impact on granulation, performance, and biopolymer production in aerobic granular sludge (AGS) systems. System R1 was fed without adding salt (control); system R2 operated with saline pulses, i.e., one cycle with salt (2.5 g NaCl/L) addition followed by another without salt; and R3 received continuous supplementation of 2.5 g NaCl/L. The results indicated that the reactors supplemented with salt presented higher concentrations of mixed liquor volatile suspended solids (MLVSS) and better settleability than R1, showing that osmotic pressure contributed to biomass growth, accelerated granulation, and improved physical characteristics. The faster granulation occurred in R2, thus proving the beneficial effects of intermittent salt addition through alternating pulses. Salt addition did not impair the simultaneous removal of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus. In fact, R2 showed better carbon removals. In conclusion, continuous or intermittent (pulsed) supplementation of 2.5 g NaCl/L did not lead to increased production of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and alginate-like exopolymers (ALE). This outcome could be attributed to the low saline concentration employed, a higher food-to-microorganism (F/M) ratio observed in R1, and possibly greater endogenous consumption of biopolymers in the famine period in R2 and R3 due to the greater solids retention time (SRT). Therefore, this study brings important results that contribute to a better understanding of the effect of salt in continuous dosing or in pulses as a selection pressure strategy to accelerate granulation, as well as the behavior of the AGS systems for saline effluents.

In vivo genome-wide CRISPR screening identifies CITED2 as a driver of prostate cancer bone metastasis.

Most cancer deaths are due to metastatic dissemination to distant organs. Bone is the most frequently affected organ in metastatic prostate cancer and a major cause of prostate cancer deaths. Yet, our partial understanding of the molecular factors that drive bone metastasis has been a limiting factor for developing preventative and therapeutic strategies to improve patient survival and well-being. Although recent studies have uncovered molecular alterations that occur in prostate cancer metastasis, their functional relevance for bone metastasis is not well understood. Using genome-wide CRISPR activation and inhibition screens we have identified multiple drivers and suppressors of prostate cancer metastasis. Through functional validation, including an innovative organ-on-a-chip invasion platform for studying bone tropism, our study identifies the transcriptional modulator CITED2 as a novel driver of prostate cancer bone metastasis and uncovers multiple new potential molecular targets for bone metastatic disease.

Distinct mesenchymal cell states mediate prostate cancer progression.

In the complex tumor microenvironment (TME), mesenchymal cells are key players, yet their specific roles in prostate cancer (PCa) progression remain to be fully deciphered. This study employs single-cell RNA sequencing to delineate molecular changes in tumor stroma that influence PCa progression and metastasis. Analyzing mesenchymal cells from four genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) and correlating these findings with human tumors, we identify eight stromal cell populations with distinct transcriptional identities consistent across both species. Notably, stromal signatures in advanced mouse disease reflect those in human bone metastases, highlighting periostin's role in invasion and differentiation. From these insights, we derive a gene signature that predicts metastatic progression in localized disease beyond traditional Gleason scores. Our results illuminate the critical influence of stromal dynamics on PCa progression, suggesting new prognostic tools and therapeutic targets.

Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy: Pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.

Cardiac dysfunction among cirrhotic patients has long been recognized in the medical community. While it was originally believed to be a direct result of alcohol toxicity, in the last 30 years cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (CCM) has been described as a syndrome characterized by chronic cardiac dysfunction in cirrhotic patients in the absence of known cardiac disease, regardless of the etiology of cirrhosis. CCM occurs in about 60% of patients with cirrhosis and plays a critical role in disease progression and treatment outcomes. Due to its predominantly asymptomatic course, diagnosing CCM is challenging and requires a high index of suspicion and a multiparametric approach. Patients with CCM usually present with the following triad: impaired myocardial contractile response to exercise, inadequate ventricular relaxation, and electrophysiological abnormalities (notably prolonged QT interval). In recent years, research in this area has grown expeditiously and a new set of diagnostic criteria has been developed by the Cirrhotic Cardiomyopathy Consortium, to properly identify patients with CCM. Nevertheless, CCM is still largely unknown among clinicians, and a major part of its pathophysiology and treatment is yet to be understood. In the present work, we aim to compile and summarize the available data on the pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of CCM.

Envelhecimento cutâneo: interlocuções entre o cuidado de enfermagem e a corporeidade em Merleau-Ponty / Skin aging: interlocutions between nursing care and corporeity in Merleau-Ponty / Envejecimiento de la piel: interlocuciones entre el cuidado de enfermería y la corporeidad en Merleau-Ponty

Objetivo: refletir acerca das possíveis interlocuções entre o cuidado de enfermagem e a corporeidade no tocante ao envelhecimento cutâneo à luz de Merleau-Ponty. Conteúdo: estudo teórico-reflexivo fundamentado na fenomenologia de Merleau-Ponty, com ênfase na obra Fenomenologia da Percepção e ao cuidado de enfermagem acerca de pessoas idosas que vivenciam o envelhecimento cutâneo. Organiza-se o exposto pelas categorias "O fenômeno da corporeidade na pessoa idosa à luz de Merleau-Ponty" e "Interlocuções entre Merleau-Ponty e o cuidado de enfermagem sobre o processo de envelhecimento cutâneo". Considerações finais: ao conceber as interlocuções, compreende-se que a objetivação do corpo vislumbra a intencionalidade de retorno ao corpo físico jovial e ao considerar o autoconhecimento, valorização do seu corpo e a vivência da corporeidade é possível uma melhor compreensão de si e do outro por meio da intersubjetividade que contribui com o desvelar de modificações no próprio ser(AU)

Objective: to reflect on the possible interlocutions between nursing care and corporeality regarding skin aging in the light of Merleau-Ponty. Content: theoretical-reflective study based on Merleau-Ponty's phenomenology, with emphasis on the work Phenomenology of Perception and nursing care about elderly people who experience skin aging. The above is organized into the categories "The phenomenon of embodiment in the elderly in the light of Merleau-Ponty" and "Interlocutions between Merleau-Ponty and nursing care on the skin aging process". Final considerations: when conceiving the interlocutions, it is understood that the objectification of the body envisions the intentionality of returning to the jovial physical body and when considering self-knowledge, appreciation of your body and the experience of corporeity, a better understanding of yourself and the other is possible through intersubjectivity that contributes to the unveiling of changes in the being itself(AU)

Objetivo: reflexionar sobre las posibles interlocuciones entre el cuidado de enfermería y la corporeidad en relación con el envejecimiento de la piel a la luz de Merleau-Ponty. Contenido: estudio teórico-reflexivo fundamentado en la fenomenología de Merleau-Ponty, con énfasis en la obra Fenomenología de la percepción y del cuidado de enfermería acerca de las personas mayores que experimentan el envejecimiento de la piel. Se organiza el estudio en las categorías "El fenómeno de la corporeidad en el anciano a la luz de Merleau-Ponty" e "Interlocuciones entre Merleau-Ponty y el cuidado de enfermería en el proceso de envejecimiento de la piel". Consideraciones finales: al concebir las interlocuciones se entiende que la objetivación del cuerpo vislumbra la intencionalidad de volver al cuerpo físico jovial y al considerar el autoconocimiento, la apreciación de su cuerpo y la experiencia de la corporeidad, una mejor comprensión de ti mismo y el otro a través de la intersubjetividad que contribuye al desvelamiento de cambios en el propio ser es posible(AU)

Secur-e-Health Project: Towards Federated Learning for Smart Pediatric Care.

The application of machine learning (ML) algorithms to electronic health records (EHR) data allows the achievement of data-driven insights on various clinical problems and the development of clinical decision support (CDS) systems to improve patient care. However, data governance and privacy barriers hinder the use of data from multiple sources, especially in the medical field due to the sensitivity of data. Federated learning (FL) is an attractive data privacy-preserving solution in this context by enabling the training of ML models with data from multiple sources without any data sharing, using distributed remotely hosted datasets. The Secur-e-Health project aims at developing a solution in terms of CDS tools encompassing FL predictive models and recommendation systems. This tool may be especially useful in Pediatrics due to the increasing demands on Pediatric services, and the current scarcity of ML applications in this field compared to adult care. Herein we provide a description of the technical solution proposed in this project for three specific pediatric clinical problems: childhood obesity management, pilonidal cyst post-surgical care and retinography imaging analysis.

Distinct mesenchymal cell states mediate prostate cancer progression.

Alterations in tumor stroma influence prostate cancer progression and metastatic potential. However, the molecular underpinnings of this stromal-epithelial crosstalk are largely unknown. Here, we compare mesenchymal cells from four genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) of prostate cancer representing different stages of the disease to their wild-type (WT) counterparts by single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and, ultimately, to human tumors with comparable genotypes. We identified 8 transcriptionally and functionally distinct stromal populations responsible for common and GEMM-specific transcriptional programs. We show that stromal responses are conserved in mouse models and human prostate cancers with the same genomic alterations. We noted striking similarities between the transcriptional profiles of the stroma of murine models of advanced disease and those of of human prostate cancer bone metastases. These profiles were then used to build a robust gene signature that can predict metastatic progression in prostate cancer patients with localized disease and is also associated with progression-free survival independent of Gleason score. Taken together, this offers new evidence that stromal microenvironment mediates prostate cancer progression, further identifying tissue-based biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets of aggressive and metastatic disease.

Phylogenomics provides insights into the evolution of cactophily and host plant shifts in Drosophila.

Cactophilic species of the Drosophila buzzatii cluster (repleta group) comprise an excellent model group to investigate genomic changes underlying adaptation to extreme climate conditions and host plants. In particular, these species form a tractable system to study the transition from chemically simpler breeding sites (like prickly pears of the genus Opuntia) to chemically more complex hosts (columnar cacti). Here, we report four highly contiguous genome assemblies of three species of the buzzatii cluster. Based on this genomic data and inferred phylogenetic relationships, we identified candidate taxonomically restricted genes (TRGs) likely involved in the evolution of cactophily and cactus host specialization. Functional enrichment analyses of TRGs within the buzzatii cluster identified genes involved in detoxification, water preservation, immune system response, anatomical structure development, and morphogenesis. In contrast, processes that regulate responses to stress, as well as the metabolism of nitrogen compounds, transport, and secretion were found in the set of species that are columnar cacti dwellers. These findings are in line with the hypothesis that those genomic changes brought about key mechanisms underlying the adaptation of the buzzatii cluster species to arid regions in South America.

OncoLoop: A Network-Based Precision Cancer Medicine Framework.

Prioritizing treatments for individual patients with cancer remains challenging, and performing coclinical studies using patient-derived models in real time is often unfeasible. To circumvent these challenges, we introduce OncoLoop, a precision medicine framework that predicts drug sensitivity in human tumors and their preexisting high-fidelity (cognate) model(s) by leveraging drug perturbation profiles. As a proof of concept, we applied OncoLoop to prostate cancer using genetically engineered mouse models (GEMM) that recapitulate a broad spectrum of disease states, including castration-resistant, metastatic, and neuroendocrine prostate cancer. Interrogation of human prostate cancer cohorts by Master Regulator (MR) conservation analysis revealed that most patients with advanced prostate cancer were represented by at least one cognate GEMM-derived tumor (GEMM-DT). Drugs predicted to invert MR activity in patients and their cognate GEMM-DTs were successfully validated in allograft, syngeneic, and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models of tumors and metastasis. Furthermore, OncoLoop-predicted drugs enhanced the efficacy of clinically relevant drugs, namely, the PD-1 inhibitor nivolumab and the AR inhibitor enzalutamide. SIGNIFICANCE: OncoLoop is a transcriptomic-based experimental and computational framework that can support rapid-turnaround coclinical studies to identify and validate drugs for individual patients, which can then be readily adapted to clinical practice. This framework should be applicable in many cancer contexts for which appropriate models and drug perturbation data are available. This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 247.

Comparative analysis of detoxification-related gene superfamilies across five hemipteran species.

BACKGROUND: Hemiptera is one of the most speciose orders of insects, and the most speciose considering Hemimetabola. Through their evolutive history, hemipterans with different feeding habits have adapted to deal with different chemical challenges. Three major gene families are involved in xenobiotic detoxification in insects: the cytochromes P450 (CYPs), carboxyl/cholinesterases (CCEs), and glutathione transferases (GSTs). Here we perform a comparative analysis on the complement of these gene superfamilies across five hemipteran species; four heteropterans (the pentatomid plant feeders Nezara viridula and Halyomorpha halys; the hematophagous Cimex lectularius, Cimicidae, and Rhodnius prolixus, Reduviidae), and one Auchenorrhyncha plant feeder (Nilaparvata lugens). RESULTS: Our results point to an expansion of several enzyme families associated with xenobiotic detoxification in heteropterans with respect to other species and the existence of a dynamic evolution pattern including CYP3 clan, hormone and pheromone processing class in the CCE superfamily, and sigma class in GST superfamily. Other detoxification-related families are reduced in the hemipteran species analyzed here: reduction or even absence of epsilon class and reduced delta class in GST superfamily; absence of mitochondrial CYP12 family; absence of CYP9 family in CYP3 clan; and reduction or even absence of some dietary/detoxification groups of CCEs. Interestingly, the most polyphagous species analyzed here (H. halys) is also the one that presents the largest repertoire of detoxification enzymes. Gene cluster analysis suggests that this could be due to gene duplication events. CONCLUSIONS: The evolutionary analysis performed here reveals characteristics that are both common and particular for heteropterans. The composition and organization of detoxification-related gene families could shed light on evolutionary forces that shaped their divergence. These families are important for both the detoxification of diet products and for conferring tolerance or resistance to synthetic insecticides. Furthermore, we present the first comprehensive analysis of detoxification gene superfamilies in N. viridula, an understudied species in spite of its economic relevance as a crop pest. The information obtained is of interest for basic insect science as well as for the control of harmful species and the management of insecticide resistance.

On how to identify a seminal fluid protein: A response to Wigby et al.

The choice of criteria to delimit a group or class is a subjective matter, even though the reasoning, the objectives and the criteria themselves should always be clearly stated. This paper is part of a discussion about the criteria used to identify seminal fluid proteins (SFPs) in Drosophila species. SFPs are proteins that are transferred to females during copulation together with sperm. The only way to ascertain that a protein is an SFP is to prove that it is produced in a male reproductive organ and is found in the female reproductive tract after insemination. Nevertheless, the required methodology is labour-intensive and expensive, and therefore this kind of data is unlikely to be available for many species, precluding comparative and evolutionary studies on the subject. To conduct evolutionary analyses, in a previous study, we capitalized on the accumulated knowledge we have in the model species D. melanogaster to recommend a set of criteria for identifying candidate SFPs in other Drosophila species. Those criteria, based on transcriptomic evidence and in silico predictions from sequences, would allow a good balance between sensitivity (the inclusion of true SFPs) and specificity (the exclusion of false positives). In view of the criticism raised by another group, here we defend our criteria on one hand while accepting there is room for improvement on the other. The results are updated sets of criteria and SFPs that we believe can be useful in future evolutionary studies.

Condiciones relacionadas con el riesgo de lesiones en personas mayores con xerosis / Condições relacionadas ao risco de lesões em idosos com xerose / Conditions Related with Lesion Risk in Elderly People with Xerosis

Introducción: La xerosis cutánea tiene una alta frecuencia y puede generar además de incomodidad, cambios en el aspecto visual y sensorial de la piel, así como un mayor riesgo de aparición de lesiones. Al instituir la evaluación de forma sistemática y diaria, es posible contribuir a la prevención de lesiones mediante la identificación de los riesgos. Objetivo: Mapear evidencia científica sobre las condiciones relacionadas con el riesgo de aparición de lesiones en ancianos con xerosis cutánea en el entorno hospitalario. Métodos: Se trata de una revisión del alcance en el uso de la herramienta PRISMA, la búsqueda de los estudios ocurrió en septiembre y octubre de 2020, publicados en inglés, portugués o español y en los últimos 10 años, combinando los descriptores y palabras clave entre sí por el operador booleano AND: "piel seca", "envejecimiento de la piel", "enfermería", "cuidado de enfermería" y "cuidados de ancianos". Conclusiones: Un total de 13 estudios compusieron el corpus, que encontraron en la literatura nacional e internacional las siguientes condiciones: presencia de áreas con sensibilidad alterada y potencial de hidrógeno, menor turgencia y elasticidad, inmovilidad, grupo de alta edad, prurito, agrietamiento, fricción y cizallamiento, así como la presencia de comorbilidades. Fue posible mapear las principales condiciones relacionadas con el riesgo de aparición de lesiones en los ancianos con xerosis cutánea en el entorno hospitalario, así como destacar la necesidad de intervenciones de las enfermeras para prevenir la aparición de lesiones, sin olvidar las contribuciones del equipo interprofesional, porque el problema tiene causas multifactoriales(AU)

Introdução: A xerose cutânea apresenta elevada frequência e pode gerar além do desconforto, alterações do aspecto visual e sensorial da pele, bem como o aumento do risco para o surgimento de lesões. Ao instituir-se a avaliação de modo sistemático e diário, é possível contribuir para a prevenção de lesões através da identificação dos riscos. Objetivo: Mapear evidências científicas acerca das condições que estão relacionadas ao risco para o surgimento de lesões em idosos com xerose cutânea no ambiente hospitalar. Métodos: Trata-se de uma scoping review realizada a partir da utilização da ferramenta PRISMA, a busca dos estudos deu-se nos meses de setembro e outubro de 2020, publicados em línguas em inglês, português ou espanhol e nos últimos 10 anos, combinando os descritores e palavras-chaves entre si pelo operador booleano AND: "pele seca", "envelhecimento da pele", "enfermagem", "cuidados de enfermagem" e "idoso". Conclusões: Um total de 13 estudos compuseram o corpus, encontrou-se nas literaturas nacional e internacional as seguintes condições: presença de áreas com alteração da sensibilidade e do potencial hidrogeniônico, turgor e elasticidade reduzidos, imobilidade, faixa etária elevada, prurido, rachaduras, fricção e cisalhamento bem como presença de comorbidades. Foi possível mapear as principais condições que estão relacionadas ao risco para o surgimento de lesões em pessoas idosas com xerose cutânea em ambiente hospitalar, como também ressaltar a necessidade de intervenções dos enfermeiros para prevenir o surgimento de agravos, sem esquecer das contribuições da equipe interprofissional, pois o problema tem causas multifatoriais(AU)

Introduction: Cutaneous xerosis presents a high frequency and can generate, in addition to discomfort, changes in the visual and sensory appearance of the skin, as well as an increased risk of injury occurrence. Upon instituting systematic and daily examination, it is possible to contribute to injury prevention by identifying risks. Objective: To map the scientific evidence on conditions related to the risk of injury occurrence in elderly people with cutaneous xerosis in the hospital setting. Methods: This is a literature review using the PRISMA tool (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses). The search for studies was carried out in September and October 2020. Articles published in English, Portuguese or Spanish within the last ten years were reviewed, combining the following descriptors and keywords with each other by the Boolean operator AND: piel seca [dry skin], envejecimiento de la piel [skin aging], enfermería [nursing], cuidado de enfermería [nursing care], and cuidados del anciano [elderly care]. Conclusions: A total of thirteen studies made up the corpus, through which the following conditions were found in the national and international literature: presence of areas with altered sensitivity and hydrogen potential, lower turgor and elasticity, immobility, high-age group, pruritus, skin cracking, friction and shearing, as well as the presence of concomitant diseases. It was possible to map the main conditions related to the risk of occurrence of lesions in the elderly people with cutaneous xerosis in the hospital setting, as well as to highlight the need for interventions by nurses to prevent the occurrence of lesions, without forgetting the contributions of the interprofessional team, because the problem has multifactorial causes(AU)

Establishment of the LNCaP Cell Line - The Dawn of an Era for Prostate Cancer Research.

Among the relatively few established human prostate cancer cell lines, LNCaP cells are unique in their ability to model key stages of prostate cancer progression. Analyses of LNCaP cells and their derivatives have been invaluable for elucidating important translational aspects of prostate tumorigenesis, metastasis, and drug response, particularly in the context of androgen receptor signaling. Here, we present major highlights from a wealth of literature that has exploited LNCaP cells and their derivatives to inform on prostate cancer progression and androgen response for improving the treatment of patients with prostate cancer. See related article by Horoszewicz and colleagues, Cancer Res 1983;43:1809-18.

Research gaps and new insights in the evolution of Drosophila seminal fluid proteins.

While the striking effects of seminal fluid proteins (SFPs) on females are fairly conserved among Diptera, most SFPs lack detectable homologues among the SFP repertoires of phylogenetically distant species. How such a rapidly changing proteome conserves functions across taxa is a fascinating question. However, this and other pivotal aspects of SFPs' evolution remain elusive because discoveries on these proteins have been mainly restricted to the model Drosophila melanogaster. Here, we provide an overview of the current knowledge on the inter-specific divergence of the SFP repertoire in Drosophila and compile the increasing amount of relevant genomic information from multiple species. Capitalizing on the accumulated knowledge in D. melanogaster, we present novel sets of high-confidence SFP candidates and transcription factors presumptively involved in regulating the expression of SFPs. We also address open questions by performing comparative genomic analyses that failed to support the existence of many conserved SFPs shared by most dipterans and indicated that gene co-option is the most frequent mechanism accounting for the origin of Drosophila SFP-coding genes. We hope our update establishes a starting point to integrate further data and thus widen the understanding of the intricate evolution of these proteins.

Evolution of the Insect PPK Gene Family.

Insect pickpocket (PPK) receptors mediate diverse functions, among them the detection of mechano- and chemo-sensory stimuli. Notwithstanding their relevance, studies on their evolution only focused on Drosophila. We have analyzed the genomes of 26 species of eight orders including holometabolous and hemimetabolous insects (Blattodea, Orthoptera, Hemiptera, Phthiraptera, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, and Diptera), to characterize the evolution of this gene family. PPKs were detected in all genomes analyzed, with 578 genes distributed in seven subfamilies. According to our phylogeny, ppk17 is the most divergent member, composing the new subfamily VII. PPKs evolved under a gene birth-and-death model that generated lineage-specific expansions usually located in clusters, while purifying selection affected several orthogroups. Subfamily V was the largest, including a mosquito-specific expansion that can be considered a new target for pest control. PPKs present a high gene turnover generating considerable variation. On one hand, Musca domestica (59), Aedes albopictus (51), Culex quinquefasciatus (48), and Blattella germanica (41) presented the largest PPK repertoires. On the other hand, Pediculus humanus (only ppk17), bees, and ants (6-9) had the smallest PPK sets. A subset of prevalent PPKs was identified, indicating very conserved functions for these receptors. Finally, at least 20% of the sequences presented calmodulin-binding motifs, suggesting that these PPKs may amplify sensory responses similarly as proposed for Drosophila melanogaster ppk25. Overall, this work characterized the evolutionary history of these receptors revealing relevant unknown gene sequence features and clade-specific expansions.

Perfil de pacientes de uma unidade de terapia intensiva de adultos de um município paraibano / Profile of patients in an adult intensive care unit in a paraibano municipality

Resumo Objetivo: Investigar o perfil dos pacientes internados em uma unidade de terapia intensiva de um hospital da Paraíba, Brasil. Método: Estudo retrospectivo, documental, com abordagem quantitativa, realizado na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva de um hospital geral. A estatística descritiva foi utilizada para determinar a frequência e o teste do qui-quadrado para comparação. Resultados: De uma amostra de 461 pacientes, houve maior frequência na faixa etária entre 71 e 80 anos, 50,8% mulheres, 43,4% procedentes de emergência e diagnósticos relacionados a doenças cardiovasculares com 28%. Quanto à evolução, 45,3% tiveram alta hospitalar, 52% faleceram, 2% foram transferidos e 0,7% permaneceram na Unidade. Destes, 71,1% não apresentaram lesões por pressão na internação. Conclusão: A maioria dos pacientes internados em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva são idosos, com comorbidades, com equivalência de gênero. Ressalta-se que as informações adquiridas no estudo podem contribuir para a educação assistencial, financeira e permanente no planejamento do serviço.

Abstract Objective: To investigate the profile of patients admitted to an intensive care unit of a hospital in Paraíba in Brazil. Method: This is a retrospective documentary study, with a quantitative approach, carried out in the Intensive Care Unit of a general hospital. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the frequency and the chi-square test for comparison. Results: From a sample of 461 patients, there was a higher frequency in the age group between 71 and 80 years, 50.8% women, 43.4% coming from emergency and diagnoses related to cardiovascular diseases with 28%. Regarding their evolution, 45.3% were discharged, 52% died, 2% were transferred and 0.7% remained in the Unit. Of these, 71.1% did not present pressure injuries when admitted. Conclusión: Most of the patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit are elderly, with comorbidities, with gender equivalence. It is noteworthy that the information acquired in the study can contribute to assistance, financial and permanent education in service planning.

Resumen Objetivo: Investigar el perfil de los pacientes ingresados en una unidad de cuidados intensivos de un hospital en Paraíba en Brasil. Método: Este es un estudio documental, retrospectivo, con un enfoque cuantitativo, realizado en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos de un hospital general. Se utilizaron estadísticas descriptivas para determinar la frecuencia y la prueba de chi-cuadrado para la comparación. Resultados: De una muestra de 461 pacientes, hubo una mayor frecuencia en el grupo de edad entre 71 y 80 años, 50.8% mujeres, 43.4% provenientes de urgencia y diagnósticos relacionados con enfermedades cardiovasculares con 28%. En cuanto a su evolución, el 45,3% fueron dados de alta, el 52% falleció, el 2% fueron transferidos y el 0,7% permaneció en la Unidad. De estos, el 71.1% no presentó lesiones por presión cuando ingresó. Conclusión: La mayoría de los pacientes ingresados en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos son ancianos, con comorbilidades, con equivalencia de género. Es de destacar que la información adquirida en el estudio puede contribuir a la asistencia, educación financiera y permanente en la planificación del servicio.

Envelhecimento da pele: reflexões à luz da corporeidade e da empatia de Edith Stein / Skin aging: reflections in the light of Edith Stein body and empathy

Objetivo: refletir acerca do processo de envelhecimento da pele de pessoas idosas à luz da corporeidade e Da empatia de Edith Stein. Método: Trata-se de um ensaio teórico-reflexivo realizado a partir da busca por artigos, livros, dissertações e teses nos meses de maio e junho de 2021. Resultados:as reflexões deram-se a partir de interpretações da literatura e também de impressões reflexivas dos autores. Otexto foi organizado em duas categorias temáticas: "O fenômeno da corporeidade e o processo de envelhecimento da pele de pessoas idosas" e "A empatia como tecnologia leve em atenção a pessoas idosas que vivenciam o envelhecimento da pele". Considerações finais:Esta reflexão possibilitou aproximar os conceitos de corporeidade e empatia de Edith Stein em relação ao modo como percebe-se o corpo e a pele envelhecida. Espera-se que os enfermeiros em seus diversos cenários de atuação possam estimular o uso da empatia como instrumento de recondução/reconstrução sobre o olhar que se tem a respeito da pele envelhecida de pessoas idosas.

Objective: to reflect on the aging process of the skin of elderly people in the light of the corporeity and Empathy of Edith Stein. Method:This is a theoretical-reflective essay carried out from the search for articles, books, dissertations and theses in the months of May and June 2021. Results:the reflections were based on interpretations of the literature and also impressions reflections of the authors. The text was organized into two thematic categories: "The phenomenon of corporeality and the aging process of the skin of elderly people" and "Empathy as a light technology in attention to elderly people who experience skin aging". Final considerations:This reflection made it possible to bring together Edith Stein's concepts of corporeality and empathy in relation to the way in which aging skin and body are perceived. It is expected that nurses in their different work scenarios can encourage the use of empathy as an instrument of renewal/reconstruction of the look that one has regarding the aged skin of elderly people.