Evaluating Diagnostic Clarity: The Comparative Efficacy of BlueStain in Serous Effusion Cytology under the International System for Reporting Serous Fluid Cytopathology Reporting Framework.

Serous effusion cytology is a pivotal diagnostic and staging tool in clinical pathology, valued for its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. Staining techniques such as Giemsa and Papanicolaou are foundational, yet the search for rapid and efficient alternatives continues. Our study assesses the efficacy of an in-house-developed BlueStain, a toluidine blue variant, within the International System for Reporting Serous Fluid Cytopathology (TIS), aiming to optimize diagnostic clarity and resource use. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This section provides details on the cohort of 237 patients with serous effusions, the ethical approval process, sample collection, and staining procedures with BlueStain, Papanicolaou, and Giemsa. It also describes the microscopic evaluation criteria, scoring system, and statistical methods used to compare the stains. RESULTS: BlueStain demonstrated notable performance, particularly in identifying malignant cells, presenting a competitive alternative to the Papanicolaou stain, which, despite higher quality indices in other categories, requires more resources and time. The study revealed that BlueStain might offer a valuable balance between quality and efficiency, especially in cases where rapid diagnostic turnaround is essential. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that BlueStain is a viable staining method in the context of serous effusions, capable of providing detailed cytomorphological analysis. While traditional stains hold their place for their established diagnostic clarity, BlueStain offers a rapid and resource-optimized alternative. The absence of definitive diagnostic criteria in the atypical category and the inherent sample heterogeneity underscores the necessity for adaptable staining methods like BlueStain. The study highlights the potential trade-offs between detail and practicality in staining techniques, advocating for further research into innovative methods that do not compromise diagnostic precision for cost and time efficiency.

Significance of Furin Expression in Thyroid Neoplastic Transformation.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2), Transmembrane Serine Protease 2 (TMPRSS2), and Furin were known to be key players in the SARS-CoV-2 infection, and the thyroid gland was revealed to be one of the relevant targets of the virus. Regardless of the viral infection, the expression of these molecules in the thyroid gland and their putative role in the neoplastic transformation of the thyrocytes has not been thoroughly explored. In this work, we aimed to characterize the mRNA and protein expression pattern of ACE2, TMPRSS2, and Furin in a series of patients with thyroid lesions. Our main results revealed a significantly decreased expression of ACE2 mRNA in the thyroid neoplasms in comparison to normal adjacent tissue. Furin mRNA was significantly increased in thyroid neoplasms when compared to normal adjacent tissue. In addition, a higher Furin mRNA level in thyroid carcinomas was associated with the presence of lymph node metastasis. Furin mRNA expression revealed a high discriminatory power between adjacent tissue and neoplasms. Protein expression of these molecules did not correlate with mRNA expression. Our study shows the mRNA downregulation of ACE2 and overexpression of Furin in thyroid neoplasms. Further studies are required to clarify if Furin expression can be a potential diagnostic indicator in thyroid neoplasia.

Generation of an Obese Diabetic Mouse Model upon Conditional Atrx Disruption.

Atrx loss was recently ascertained as insufficient to drive pancreatic neuroendocrine tumour (PanNET) formation in mice islets. We have identified a preponderant role of Atrx in the endocrine dysfunction in a Rip-Cre;AtrxKO genetically engineered mouse model (GEMM). To validate the impact of a different Cre-driver line, we used similar methodologies and characterised the Pdx1-Cre;AtrxKO (P.AtrxKO) GEMM to search for PanNET formation and endocrine fitness disruption for a period of up to 24 months. Male and female mice presented different phenotypes. Compared to P.AtrxWT, P.AtrxHOM males were heavier during the entire study period, hyperglycaemic between 3 and 12 mo., and glucose intolerant only from 6 mo.; in contrast, P.AtrxHOM females started exhibiting increased weight gains later (after 6 mo.), but diabetes or glucose intolerance was detected by 3 mo. Overall, all studied mice were overweight or obese from early ages, which challenged the histopathological evaluation of the pancreas and liver, especially after 12 mo. Noteworthily, losing Atrx predisposed mice to an increase in intrapancreatic fatty infiltration (FI), peripancreatic fat deposition, and macrovesicular steatosis. As expected, no animal developed PanNETs. An obese diabetic GEMM of disrupted Atrx is presented as potentially useful for metabolic studies and as a putative candidate for inserting additional tumourigenic genetic events.

Avaliação do impacto da fadiga nas atividades de vida diária em indivíduos com esclerose múltipla / Assessing the impact of fatigue on the activities of daily living in individuals with multiple sclerosis

A Fadiga é dos sintomas mais frequentes em doentes com Esclerose Múltipla e que pode ter impacto nas suas atividades de vida diária. Objetivos: Caracterizar os indivíduos com esclerose múltipla do ponto de vista sociodemográfico, clínico e relativamente à fadiga; relacionar a fadiga com a independência funcional em indivíduos com esclerose múltipla. Metodologia: Trata-se de um estudo exploratório, descritivo e correlacional. A amostra é constituída por 276 indivíduos que responderam ao questionário que explorava a situação sociodemográfica e clínica, a fadiga (FSS, MFIS, Escala Analógica Visual) e a independência funcional (Índice de Barthel). Resultados: Dos 276 participantes, a maioria são mulheres (74,6%), casados (56,9%), idade média de 40,03 anos, com nível de educação elevado e profissionalmente ativos (55,1%); 64,9% tem esclerose múltipla há menos de 10 anos e 40% dos indivíduos refere ter tido surtos no último ano. As principais queixas referidas são fadiga (83,4%), desequilíbrio da marcha (50,2%), diminuição da atenção e concentração (50,2%) e dormência/parestesias (46,5%). Quando agrupados em categorias, os problemas motores, onde se enquadra a fadiga, prevalecem em 31,2%. Apenas 2,2% da amostra faz referência a fármacos específicos para a fadiga. A prevalência da fadiga determinada pelas escalas MFIS e FSS foi de 61,2% e 74,3%, respetivamente. Verificou-se uma correlação moderada negativa, mas estatisticamente significativa, entre o Índice de Barthel e as escalas de avaliação da fadiga, parecendo que graus de independência baixos estão associados a níveis elevados de fadiga; o Controlo Urinário, Subir e descer escadas e Alimentação, são os itens que apresentam valores de correlação mais altos e com elevado nível de significância estatística. Conclusões: O reconhecimento do problema que é a fadiga para os indivíduos com esclerose múltipla e a relação desta com as atividades de vida diária é crucial no acompanhamento destes doentes, em todas as etapas do processo de reabilitação.

Fatigue is the most common symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis and can have an impact on activities of daily life. Aim: To characterize patients with Multiple Sclerosis sociodemographic, clinical point of view and with regard to fatigue; relate fatigue to the functional independence in patients with multiple sclerosis. Methods: This is an exploratory, descriptive and correlational study. The sample consisted of 276 individuals who responded to the questionnaire that explored the sociodemographic and clinical situation, fatigue (FSS, MFIS, Visual Analog Scale) and functional independence (Barthel Index). Results: Of the 276 participants, the majority are women (74.6%), married (56.9%), mean age 40.03 years, with high level of education and professionally active (55.1%); 64.9% had multiple sclerosis for less than 10 years and 40% of subjects reported having relapses last year. The main complaints reported are fatigue (83.4%), gait imbalance (50.2%), decreased attention and concentration (50.2%) and numbness/paresthesia (46.5%). When grouped into categories, motor problems, where fatigue fit to prevail in 31.2%. Only 2.2% of the sample refers to specific drugs to fatigue. The prevalence of fatigue determined by the MFIS and FSS scales was 61.2% and 74.3%, respectively. There was a negative moderate correlation but statistically significant between the Barthel Index and fatigue rating scales, looking like low levels of independence are associated with high levels of fatigue; the Controlling bladder, Ascend/descend stairs and Feeding, are the items that have higher correlation values and a high level of statistical significance. Conclusion: Recognition of the problem is fatigue for individuals with multiple sclerosis and its relationship with the activities of daily living is crucial in monitoring these patients, at all stages of the rehabilitation process.

IL4 and IFNalpha generation of dendritic cells reveals great migratory potential and NFkB and cJun expression in IL4DCs.

Dendritic cells (DCs) recently revealed as a potent tumor vaccine component, are commonly differentiated from monocytes by cultivation with IL-4 and GM-CSF. Despite the different opinions, the use of IFNalpha can promote DCs differentiation and activation. The aim of this study was to compare the functionality and phenotypic characterization of monocyte-derived DC generated by IL-4 (IL4DC) and IFNalpha (IFNalphaDC) modified protocols. To this aim, we investigated the expression of maturation markers, co-stimulatory molecules, relevant miRNA, cytokine and migratory profiles and the functional ability of these cells to stimulate autologous T cells in vitro. We herein investigated the molecular mechanism underlying the parameters previously described, as the relative expression of NF-kB p65, c-fos and c-jun, transcription factors. Our results demonstrated that IL4DC presented a stable phenotype, an increase in migratory capacity and NF-KB activation, in addition to lower levels of miR-146 a and miR-221. We believe that the IL4DC migratory potential and increase in NFkBp65 expression may be involved in higher IL12 expression and migration, suggesting a preferential activation of TH1 immune responses by IL4DC.

Eficácia do gelo e gás na determinação da sensibilidade pulpar antes e após a restauracão / Reliability of ice and refrigerant gas before and after in restorative procedures

O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar a frequência de respostas positivas e negativas, bem como a intensidade da dor do paciente frente à aplicação térmica em 625 dentes humanos cariados antes e após os procedimentos restauradores. A intensidade dolorosa foi medida por meio da Escala Analógica Visual representada por uma régua calibrada em milímetros de 1 a 10. Antes de fazer a restauração aplicou-se o bastão de gelo e depois o gás refrigerante, para obtenção da resposta pulpar. Após a restauração, nova aplicação dos testes e avaliação da intensidade dolorosa valendo-se da referida escala. Os dados relativos antes e após os procedimentos restauradores foram tabulados analisando-se a frequência e percentual de respostas positivas e negativas e a intensidade dolorosa em leve, moderada e intensa. Ao comparar o bastão de gelo e gás refrigerante ocorreu diferença percentual de repostas positivas e negativas com significado estatístico (p=O,ooool) o mesmo ocorrendo à intensidade da dor nos seus três níveis tanto antes como depois dos procedimentos restauradores. Concluiu-se que, o gás refrigerante comparado com o gelo, determinou maior número de frequências de respostas positivas tanto antes como depois dos procedimentos restauradores. O número de dentes com dor intensa antes dos procedimentos restauradores foi maior do que depois da restauração a aplicação do gelo como o gás refrigerante. Quanto à intensidade dolorosa moderada e leve verificou-se que antes de realizar a restauração os índices percentuais foram menores em relação à intensidade dolorosa depois dos procedimentos restauradores tanto a aplicação do gelo como o gás refrigerante.

The aim of this study was to compare the frequency of positive and negative responses and intensity of patient pain in the thermal application in 625 human caries teeth before and after the restorative procedures. Pain intensity was measured by Visual Analogue Scale represented bya calibrated rule 1-10 mm. Before making the restoration was applied the ice stick and then the refrigerant gas to obtain the pulp response. After the restoration were made the new application testing and evaluation of pain intensity availing himself of that scale. The data before and after the restorative procedures were tabulated by analyzing the frequency and percentage of positive and negative responses and pain intensity as mild, moderate and intense. By comparing the ice stick and refrigerant occurred percentage difference of positive and negative responses with statistical significance (p = 0.00001) occurring at the same intensity of pain at its three levels both before and after restorative procedures. it concluded that the refrigerant compared to the ice stick determined more positive response frequencies both before and after restoratives procedures. The number of teeth with pain before the restorative procedures was higher than after application of the restoration of ice stick as the refrigerantAs a moderate and mild pain intensity was found that before performing the restoration percentage rates were lower in relation to pain intensity after the restorative procedures both the application of ice and the refrigerant gas.

Clareamento em consultório em sessão única ativado com luz híbrida led/laser / Single visit in office dental bleaching with the use of hybrid light activation

Este caso clínico descreve o clareamento em consultório realizado com gel de peróxido de hidrogênio a 35% e ativado com fonte de luz híbrida (LED + Laser terapêutico). Após anamnese, exame clínico, radiográfico e profilaxia supragengival completa a cor avaliada visualmente com escala VITA e foi realizada a documentação fotográfica digital. Após isolamento dos tecidos moles com barreira gengival, o gel clareador a base de peróxido de hidrogênio a 35% (Lase Peroxide Sensy - DMC) foi manipulado e aplicado na face vestibular dos dentes. Após 1 minuto de aguardo, o gel foi ativado com luz híbrida durante 3 minutos, 1 minuto de aguardo e nova ativação com luz por mais 3 minutos. Foram realizadas 3 aplicações do gel clareador (3x 8 minutos), sendo considerada como satisfatória a cor obtida. Realizou-se o polimento final com pasta para polimento e disco de feltro, seguido da aplicação do dessensibilizante e laserterapia. Esse procedimento clareador em consultório apresentou um bom resultado estético, em apenas uma sessão de atendimento, sem relato de sensibilidade dentária, demonstrando a efetividade do uso da luz híbrida na aceleração do procedimento clareador. Após 3 meses e 1 ano de acompanhamento, pôde-se verificar a efetividade da técnica empregada e a manutenção do clareamento obtido

This clinical case describes in office dental bleaching performed using 35% hydrogen peroxide gel activated with a hybrid light source (LED + therapeutic laser). After anemnesis, clinical exame and supragengival prophilaxy, the color was visually available with VITA scale and digital photograph. After the isolation of the soft tissues using gengival barrier, the 35% hydrogen peroxide gel (Lase Peroxide Sensy - DMC) was prepared and applied to the teeth. After 1 minute, the gel was activated with hybrid light for 3 minutes, 1 minute without light and then applied for 3 more minutes. In total, 3 gel applications were performed (3x8 minutes) and new color evaluation was done and satisfactory color results were obtained. The final polishing was performed with paste and a felt disc, followed by the application of the desensitizing gel and laser therapy. This in office bleaching procedure presented good aesthetic results with only one session, without tooth sensibility and demonstrated the effectiveness of the use of hybrid light on the acceleration of the bleaching procedure. After 3 and 12 month follow-ups, the technique employed proved to be effective and color obtained was maintained

Toxic cyanobacteria and microcystin concentrations in a public water supply reservoir in the Brazilian Amazonia region.

Toxic cyanobacteria in public water supply reservoirs represent a serious health risk as they can release potent cyanotoxins into the water. In the present study we analyzed surface water collected from the Utinga Reservoir, the main source of drinking water for the city of Belem-PA, in order to characterize the reservoir's cyanobacterial biota and to determine the toxicity of these organisms and the concentration of microcystins in raw and treated water. The cyanobacterial biota included potentially toxic genera such as Aphanizomenon, Microcystis, Nostoc, Oscillatoria, Planktothrix and Radiocystis. Mouse bioassays revealed a 43.6% frequency of hepatotoxic strains, including 30.8% Microcystis viridis strains and 12.8% Radiocystis fernandoi strains, with the lowest LD(100) (ip) of 45 and 75 mg kg(-1) body weight, respectively. Subacute hepatotoxicity was observed for Aphanizomenon cf. gracile and Coelomoron pusillum strains. HPLC analysis confirmed the production of microcystins at maximum concentrations of 4.22 microg mg(-1) dry weight for M. viridis and 2.47 microg mg(-1) for R. fernandoi. Microcystins at concentrations of up to 1.25 microg L(-1) detected in raw water by ELISA, together with a cyanobacterial density of 20,000 cells mL(-1), represents the first report of a bloom of cyanobacteria for an Amazonian water body.

Desgaste e rugosidade de superfície das resinas compostas / Surface wear and roughnes of composite resins

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi verificar a resistência ao desgaste de duas resinas compostas e compará-las com a rugosidade de superfície. Confeccionou-se 20 amostras, 10 de cada material, e o acaamento foi padronizado para todos os corpos de prova. Foram utilizadas pontas diamantadas KGSorensen douradas #2135F, para a remoção dos excessos mais grosseiros, prateadas extrafinas #2135FF. Após a hidratação os espécimes foram pesados em uma balança digital com quatro dígitos e os valores, em gramas, foram regstrados em uma tabela contendo a média de três pesagens, que determinaram a massa iniciall (Mi) dos dois materiais examinados. A textura da superfície dos corpos de prova de resina composta foi avaliada usando um rugosímetro portátil, modelo "Surtronic 3+".Após o término do processo de escovação, os corpos de prova foram novamente pesados e os valores registrados como massa final(Mf). A rugosidade também foi medida. dessa forma, a diferença entre Mf-Mi representou a perda de massa. As duas resinas que apresentaram resultados diferentes em desgastes de escovação e rugosidade das superfícies foram lançadas no mercado com indicações específicas: Z250 para os dentes anteriores, para os quais a estética é o fator mais exigido, e P60 para restaurações posteriores, cujo principal requisito é a resistência..

Microcystin production by Radiocystis fernandoi (Chroococcales, Cyanobacteria) isolated from a drinking water reservoir in the city of Belém, PA, Brazilian Amazonia region.

During the monitoring of toxic cyanobacteria in the Utinga Reservoir, which is the main drinking water supply for the city of Belém, PA, Brazil, a Radiocystis fernandoi strain (SPC714) was isolated. This non-axenic strain was submitted to a toxicity bioassay with mice and microcystin production analyzed by HPLC-DAD. The species was identified based on cultured and natural preserved material. Morphometric, developmental and reproductive characteristics were analyzed. The strain was cultured in liquid ASM-1 medium, at 25+/-1 degrees C, at an incident irradiance of 20 micromol photon m(-2)s(-1) and constant aeration. At the end of the exponential growth phase, cells were lyophilized and submitted to toxicity tests. The strain showed high toxicity to mice, by intraperitoneal route, with an approximate LD100 of 60 mg kg(-1) of body weight, producing characteristic symptoms of hepatotoxicity. Analyses performed by HPLC-DAD confirmed the production of microcystins, in a concentration of 3.83 microg mg(-1) of lyophilized cells. This is the first reference related to the toxicity of the genus Radiocystis.

Toxic algae in freshwaters of Säo Paulo state

Sintetiza conhecimentos sobre floraçöes de algas e toxidade em corpos d'água no estado de Säo Paulo, e na literatura mundial. Discute a relaçäo entre eutrofizaçäo e ocorrência dessas floraçöes e enfatiza aspectos da soluçäo do problema

Algae and environment: a general approach

As espécies indicadoras de poluiçäo hídrica säo resistentes. A poluiçäo tem vários graus de intensidade, dependendo da diluiçäo do poluente no ambiente, fenômenos de antagonismo, sinergismo, grau de toxidade, etc, afetando a diversidade e a estabilidade dos organismos aquáticos. Para caracterizar zonas de poluiçäo säo usados grupos de organismos aquáticos do zoo e fitoplâncton. No Brasil, para as algas, há dificuldades por causa da falta de especialistas e recursos para a ciência taxonômica. Este trabalho faz levantamento histórico e recomenda a criaçäo de Centro Nacional de Taxonomia, para intercambiar informaçöes e facilitar o uso de algas como indicadores de poluiçäo

Substituição das restaurações de amálgama: estudo clínico das falhas e seus motivos / X

Os autores realizaram um estudo clínico sobre os motivos das falhas de restaurações de amálgama que necessitavam ser substituídas, assim como também a quantidade de novas restaurações realizadas devido a cárie inicial, num total de 730 (setecentos e trinta) restaurações. Após os resultados obtidos, puderam concluir que as restaurações substituídas, abrangem uma porcentagem maior em relação ao total, assim como também, os motivos que envolvem a maior porcentagem de todos os motivos

Clareamento de dentes / Teeth bleaching

Os AA apresentam um caso clínico de clareamento de dente despolpado, cujo escurecimento ocorreu devido a falhas no tratamento endodôntico. A técnica empregada foi com a utilização do BT-CLARIDENT, e obtiveram sucesso no tratamento com uma melhora considerável em termos estéticos