Fungal footprints in oral cancer: unveiling the oral mycobiome.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common type of head and neck cancer, with a high mortality rate. There is growing evidence supporting a link between oral cancer and the microbiome. The microbiome can impact various aspects of cancer, such as pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. While there is existing information on bacteria and its connection to oral cancer, the fungi residing in the oral cavity represent a significant component of the microbiome that remains in its early stages of exploration and understanding. Fungi comprise a minuscule part of the human microbiome called the mycobiome. Mycobiome is ubiquitous in the human body but a weakened immune system offers a leeway space for fungi to showcase its virulence. The role of mycobiome as a colonizer, facilitator, or driver of carcinogenesis is still ambiguous. Reactivating the mycobiome that undergoes collateral damage associated with cancer treatment can be watershed event in cancer research. The coordinated, virulent, non-virulent behavior of the fungi once they reach a critical density must be hacked, considering its diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic implications in cancer. This review highlights the diversity of the mycobiome and its potential role in oral cancer.

Microparticles and nanoparticles-based approaches to improve oral treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection.

Helicobacter pylori is a gram-negative, spiral-shaped, flagellated bacterium that colonizes the stomach of half the world's population. Helicobacter pylori infection causes pathologies of varying severity. Standard oral therapy fails in 15-20% since the barriers of the oral route decrease the bioavailability of antibiotics and the intrinsic factors of bacteria increase the rates of resistance. Nanoparticles and microparticles are promising strategies for drug delivery into the gastric mucosa and targeting H. pylori. The variety of building blocks creates systems with distinct colloidal, surface, and biological properties. These features improve drug-pathogen interactions, eliminate drug depletion and overuse, and enable the association of multiple actives combating H. pylori on several fronts. Nanoparticles and microparticles are successfully used to overcome the barriers of the oral route, physicochemical inconveniences, and lack of selectivity of current therapy. They have proven efficient in employing promising anti-H. pylori compounds whose limitation is oral route instability, such as some antibiotics and natural products. However, the current challenge is the applicability of these strategies in clinical practice. For this reason, strategies employing a rational design are necessary, including in the development of nano- and microsystems for the oral route.

Study of the Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Wound Healing Properties of Raw Hydrolyzed Extract from Nile Tilapia Skin (Oreochromis niloticus).

Oreochromis niloticus (Nile tilapia) skin is a by-product of Brazilian fish farming, rich in collagen. The present study aims to evaluate the wound healing, antioxidant, and antimicrobial potential of the raw hydrolyzed extract of Nile tilapia skin, as well as the identification of the main compounds. The in vitro activity was performed using antioxidant, antimicrobial and scratch wound healing assays. An in vivo experiment was performed to evaluate the wound healing potential. On days 1, 7, 14 and 21, the lesions were photographed to assess wound retraction and on the 7th , 14th and 21st  days the skins were removed for histological evaluation and the blood of the animals was collected for glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase and glutamic pyruvic transaminase determination. The chemical study was carried out through liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and de novo sequencing of peptides. The in vitro assays showed a reduction of the gap area in 24 h, dose-dependent antimicrobial activity for both bacteria, and antioxidant activity. The chemical analysis highlighted the presence of active biopeptides. The histological evaluation showed that the raw hydrolyzed extract of Nile tilapia skin has a healing potential, and does not present toxicological effects; therefore, is promising for the treatment of wounds.

Interim Federal Health Program: Survey of use of supplemental benefits by paediatric health care providers.

Objectives: The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) provides temporary healthcare coverage to refugees and refugee claimants. Previous research demonstrates that paediatric healthcare providers poorly utilize the IFHP, with low registration rates and limited understanding of the program. The objective of this study was to examine paediatric provider use of IFHP-covered supplemental benefits, and their experience with trying to access these benefits. Methods: A one-time survey was administered via the Canadian Paediatric Surveillance Program in February 2020. Of those who had provided care to IFHP-eligible patients, descriptive tables and statistics were created looking at provider demographics, and experience using the IFHP supplemental benefits. A multinomial logistic regression was built to look at provider characteristics associated with trying to access supplemental benefits. Results: Of the 2,753 physicians surveyed, there were 1,006 respondents (general paediatricians and subspecialists). Of the respondents, 526 had recently provided care to IFHP-eligible patients. Just over 30% of those who had recently provided care did not access supplemental benefits as they did not know they were covered by the IFHP. Of those who had tried to access supplemental benefits, over 80% described their experience as difficult, or very difficult. Conclusions: Paediatric providers have a poor understanding of IFHP-covered supplemental benefits, which is cited as a reason for not trying to access supplemental benefits. Of those who do try to access these benefits, they describe the process as difficult. Efforts should be made to improve provider knowledge and streamline the process to improve access to healthcare for refugee children and youth.

In Vitro and In Silico Evaluation of Red Algae Laurencia obtusa Anticancer Activity.

Studies estimate that nearly 2 million new cases of gastric cancer will occur worldwide during the next two decades, which will increase mortality associated with cancer and the demand for new treatments. Marine algae of the Laurencia genus have secondary metabolites known for their cytotoxic action, such as terpenes and acetogenins. The species Laurencia obtusa has demonstrated cytotoxicity against many types of tumors in previous analyses. In this study, we determined the structure of terpenes, acetogenins, and one fatty acid of Laurencia using mass spectrometry (ESI-FT-ICR/MS). In vitro cytotoxicity assays were performed with adenocarcinoma gastric cells (AGS) to select the most cytotoxic fraction of the crude extract of L. obtusa. The Hex:AcOEt fraction was the most cytotoxic, with IC50 9.23 µg/mL. The selectivity index of 15.56 shows that the Hex:AcOEt fraction is selective to cancer cells. Compounds obtained from L. obtusa were tested by the analysis of crystallographic complexes. Molecular docking calculations on the active site of the HIF-2α protein showed the highest affinity for sesquiterpene chermesiterpenoid B, identified from HEX:AcOEt fraction, reaching a score of 65.9. The results indicate that L. obtusa presents potential compounds to be used in the treatment of neoplasms, such as gastric adenocarcinoma.

Qualidade de vida de mulheres com excesso de peso / Quality of life of overweight women / Quality of life of overweight women

Objetivo: Identificar características sociodemográficas e clínicas de mulheres com excesso de peso e descrever a associação entre qualidade de vida e estado nutricional. Método: estudo transversal, com 82 mulheres de ambulatório público, na Bahia. Utilizou-se formulários sociodemográfico e clínico, o SF-36, a estatística descritiva, o teste de Kruskal Wallis e significância estatística de 5%. Resultados: A maioria era negra (92,7%), tinha de 40 a 59 anos (85,4%), companheiro (51,2%), até o ensino médio (61,0%), trabalho remunerado (52,4%) e renda mensal ≤ 3 salários-mínimos (86,6%). Tinha obesidade grau I 34,1% e III 31,7% e duas comorbidades 32,9%. Os domínios dor, estado geral de saúde e vitalidade foram mais comprometidos, com medianas de 51, 52, e 55, respectivamente. Mulheres com obesidade III apresentaram pior qualidade de vida nos domínios capacidade funcional, aspectos físicos e dor (p≤0,05). Considerações finais: O excesso de peso afeta a qualidade de vida, especialmente, em mulheres com obesidade III.

Objetivo: Identificar características sociodemográficas y clínicas de mujeres con sobrepeso y describir la asociación entre calidad de vida y estado nutricional Método: estudio transversal, con 82 mujeres de ambulatorio público, en Bahía. Se utilizó formularios sociodemográfico y clínico, el SF-36, la estadística descriptiva, el test de Kruskal Wallis y significación estadística del 5%. Resultados: La mayoría era negra (92,7%), tenía de 40 a 59 años (85,4%), compañero (51,2%), hasta la enseñanza media (61,0%), trabajo remunerado (52,4%) e ingreso mensual 3 salarios-mínimos (86,6%). Tenía obesidad grado I 34,1% y III 31,7% y dos comorbilidades 32,9%. Los dominios dolor, estado general de salud y vitalidad fueron más comprometidos, con medianas de 51, 52, y 55, respectivamente. Mujeres con obesidad III presentaron peor calidad de vida en los dominios capacidad funcional, aspectos físicos y dolor (p 0,05). Consideraciones finales: El sobrepeso afecta la calidad de vida, especialmente en mujeres con obesidad III.

Objective: To identify overweight women's sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and describe the association between quality of life and nutritional status. Method: a cross-sectional study with 82 women from a public outpatient clinic in Bahia. We used sociodemographic and clinical forms, the SF-36, descriptive statistics, the Kruskal Wallis test, and a statistical significance of 5%. Results: The majority were black (92.7%), had 40 to 59 years (85.4%), had a partner (51.2%), up to high school (61.0%), paid work (52.4%) and had monthly income 3 minimum wages (86.6%). She had obesity grade I 34.1%, III 31.7%, and two comorbidities 32.9%. The domains of pain, general health status, and vitality were more compromised, with medians of 51, 52, and 55, respectively. Women with obesity III had worse quality of life in the functional capacity, physical aspects and pain domains (p 0.05). Final considerations: Overweight affects quality of life, especially in women with obesity III.

Clinical features at diagnosis of sickle cell disease prior to universal newborn screening in Alberta.

Objectives: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited multisystem disorder with complications starting in the first year of life. Newborn screening (NBS) can identify infants with SCD and is associated with decreased morbidity and mortality. Variation in availability of NBS in Canada, and lack of standardized screening for immigrant children, may lead to delayed diagnosis. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of 126 children aged 0-18 years with SCD registered with the SCD clinic at the Alberta Children's Hospital between January 2003 and January 2018, prior to province-wide universal NBS for SCD. Patient demographic information, circumstances of diagnosis, and other contextual information were collected from patient health records. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize data, with Mood's median test used to compare medians between groups. Results: Forty-three (35%) patients were born in Alberta. Patients were mostly (95.3%) of African descent. Of patients born in Alberta, 63% (26/43) were diagnosed at >12 months of age, with a median age at diagnosis of 18 months (IQR = 4-39). This was significantly older (P < 0.001) than children born in the USA or in Canadian provinces with SCD NBS programs, where the median age at diagnosis was zero months (N = 36). Of the 42% of patients born outside North America, 64% were diagnosed following an acute complication. Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of NBS for early detection and management of SCD, and the importance of screening at-risk immigrants who may not have received NBS for SCD.

Organização do processo de trabalho através de conhecimento, atitudes e práticas para administração segura de vacinas em crianças: uma revisão de escopo / Organización del proceso de trabajo a través de conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas para la administración segura de vacunas en niños: una revisión de alcance / Organization of the work process through knowledge, attitudes, and practices for safe administration of vaccines in children: a scoping review

RESUMO Objetivo: mapear a organização do processo de trabalho através de conhecimento, atitudes e práticas para administração segura de vacinas em crianças. Método: realizou-se uma revisão de literatura com o método Scoping Review, de acordo com as recomendações do guia internacional PRISMA-ScR, e o método do Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewers Manual. A busca eletrônica dos estudos foi realizada nas bases de dados PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, COCHRANE, LILACS e PsycINFO e na literatura cinzenta, entre os anos 2000 e 2021. Foram incluídos artigos, revisões, teses, dissertações e manuais disponibilizados na íntegra que estivessem em consonância com o objetivo deste estudo, tendo sido contemplando os idiomas inglês, português, italiano, espanhol e francês. Foram excluídos da revisão estudos não gratuitos pela plataforma CAFe, duplicados, que não tivessem relação com a temática pesquisada e não tivessem sua metodologia bem definida. Resultados: a revisão englobou 19 estudos publicados. O Brasil foi o país com maior número de estudos. Os principais achados propiciaram a construção das categorias conceituais. As sete primeiras se referem às principais características dos estudos incluídos nesta revisão de escopo; as outras três categorias objetivaram responder à questão norteadora e foram compostas por indicadores presentes na organização do processo de trabalho antes, durante e após a administração segura de uma vacina na criança. Conclusão: conclui-se que os objetivos desta pesquisa foram alcançados mediante mapeamento da organização do processo de trabalho através de conhecimento, atitudes e práticas para administração segura de vacinas em crianças. Como limitação deste estudo, evidencia-se a escassez de pesquisas que norteiam os cuidados pós-vacinação e sugere-se que novas pesquisas sejam realizadas.

RESUMEN Objetivo: mapear la organización del proceso de trabajo a través de los conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas para la administración segura de vacunas en niños. Método: se realizó una revisión de la literatura mediante el método Scoping Review, según las recomendaciones de la guía internacional PRISMA-ScR y el método Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewers Manual. La búsqueda electrónica de estudios se realizó en las bases de datos PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, COCHRANE, LILACS y PsycINFO y en la literatura gris entre los años 2000 y 2021. Se incluyeron artículos, revisiones, tesis, disertaciones y manuales disponibles en su totalidad que estuvieran en línea con el objetivo de este estudio, en inglés, portugués, italiano, español y francés. Se excluyeron de la revisión los estudios no gratuitos a través de la plataforma CAFe, los duplicados, los que no estaban relacionados con el tema investigado y los que no tenían bien definida su metodología. Resultados: la revisión incluyó 19 estudios publicados. Brasil fue el país con el mayor número de estudios. Los principales resultados propiciaron la construcción de las categorías concebidas, las siete primeras se refieren a las principales características de los estudios incluidos en esta revisión de alcance, las otras tres categorías tienen como objetivo responder a la pregunta orientadora y se componen de indicadores presentes en la organización del proceso de trabajo antes, durante y después de la administración segura de una vacuna en el niño. Conclusión: se concluye que se lograron los objetivos de esta investigación al mapear la organización del proceso de trabajo a través de los conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas para la administración segura de las vacunas en los niños, se evidencia como limitación de este estudio la escasez de investigaciones que orienten la atención post-vacunación y se sugiere la realización de nuevas investigaciones.

ABSTRACT Objective to map the organization of the work process through knowledge, attitudes, and practices for the safe administration of vaccines in children. Method: a literature review was carried out using the Scoping Review method, in accordance with the recommendations of the international PRISMA-ScR guide, and the method of the Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewers Manual. The electronic search of the studies was carried out in the databases PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, COCHRANE, LILACS and PsycINFO and in the gray literature, between the years 2000 and 2021. Articles, reviews, theses, dissertations, and manuals available were included. in full that were in line with the objective of this study, having been contemplating the English, Portuguese, Italian, Spanish and French languages. Studies that were not free of charge through the CAFe platform, duplicated, unrelated to the researched theme and that did not have a well-defined methodology were excluded from the review. Results: the review included 19 published studies. Brazil was the country with the highest number of studies. The main findings led to the construction of conceptual categories. The first seven refer to the main characteristics of the studies included in this scope review; the other three categories aimed to answer the guiding question and were composed of indicators present in the organization of the work process before, during and after the safe administration of a vaccine to the child. Conclusion: it is concluded that the objectives of this research were achieved by mapping the organization of the work process through knowledge, attitudes, and practices for the safe administration of vaccines in children. As a limitation of this study, there is a lack of research that guides post-vaccination care, and it is suggested that further research be carried out.

Interim Federal Health Program: Survey of access and utilization by paediatric health care providers.

Background: The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) provides health care coverage to refugees and refugee claimants, yet remains underused by providers. The objective of this study was to assess Canadian paediatricians' current understanding and utilization of the IFHP, and perceived barriers to utilization. Methods: A one-time survey was administered via the Canadian Paediatric Surveillance Program in February 2020. In addition to descriptive statistics, multinomial logistic regressions were built to examine paediatrician use of the IFHP, and characteristics associated with registration and use. Results: Of the 2,753 physicians surveyed, there were 1,006 respondents (general paediatricians and subspecialists). 52.2% of respondents had provided care to IFHP-eligible patients in the previous 6 months. Of those participants, only 26.4% were registered IFHP providers, and just 16% could identify 80% or more of IFHP-covered services. Knowledge of 80% or more of IFHP-covered services was associated with registration status (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.92; 95%CI 1.09 to 3.37). Among those who knew they were not registered, 70.2% indicated they did not know they had to register. aOR demonstrated that those with fewer years of practice had higher odds of not knowing that they had to register (aOR 1.22; 95%CI 1.01 to 1.49). Conclusions: We demonstrate that IFHP is poorly utilized by paediatric providers, with low registration rates and poor understanding of IFHP-covered supplemental services, even among those who have recently provided care to IFHP-eligible patients. Efforts to improve registration and knowledge of IFHP are essential to improving access to health care for refugee children and youth.

Neural correlates of psychodynamic and non-psychodynamic therapies in different clinical populations through fMRI: A meta-analysis and systematic review.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the ongoing crisis in psychiatric and psychological care, contributing to what we have identified as a new psychological and psychiatric pandemic. Psychotherapy is an effective method for easing the psychological suffering experienced also by the various impacts of COVID-19. This treatment can be examined from a neurological perspective, through the application of brain imaging techniques. Specifically, the meta-analysis of imaging studies can aid in expanding researchers' understanding of the many beneficial applications of psychotherapy. Objectives: We examined the functional brain changes accompanying different mental disorders with functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), through a meta-analysis, and systematic review in order to better understand the general neural mechanism involved in psychotherapy and the potential neural difference between psychodynamic and non-psychodynamic approaches. Data sources: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were employed for our systematic review and meta-analysis. We conducted a computer-based literature search, following the Population, Intervention, Comparison and Outcomes (PICO) approach, to retrieve all published articles in English regarding the above-described topics from PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus, and Web of Science. Study eligibility criteria participants and interventions: We combined terms related to psychotherapy and fMRI: ("psychotherapy" [All Fields] OR "psychotherapy" [MeSH Terms] OR "psychotherapy" [All Fields] OR "psychotherapies" [All Fields] OR "psychotherapy s" [All Fields]) AND ("magnetic resonance imaging" [MeSH Terms]) OR ("magnetic"[All Fields] AND "resonance"[All Fields] AND "imaging"[All Fields]) OR ("magnetic resonance imaging"[All Fields] OR "fmri"[All Fields]). We considered (1) whole brain fMRI studies; (2) studies in which participants have been involved in a clinical trial with psychotherapy sessions, with pre/post fMRI; (3) fMRI results presented in coordinate-based (x, y, and z) in MNI or Talairach space; (4) presence of neuropsychiatric patients. The exclusion criteria were: (1) systematic review or meta-analysis; (2) behavioral study; (3) single-case MRI or fMRI study; and (4) other imaging techniques (i.e., PET, SPECT) or EEG. Results: After duplicates removal and assessment of the content of each published study, we included 38 sources. The map including all studies that assessed longitudinal differences in brain activity showed two homogeneous clusters in the left inferior frontal gyrus, and caudally involving the anterior insular cortex (p < 0.0001, corr.). Similarly, studies that assessed psychotherapy-related longitudinal changes using emotional or cognitive tasks (TASK map) showed a left-sided homogeneity in the anterior insula (p < 0.000) extending to Broca's area of the inferior frontal gyrus (p < 0.0001) and the superior frontal gyrus (p < 0.0001). Studies that applied psychodynamic psychotherapy showed Family-Wise Error (FWE) cluster-corrected (p < 0.05) homogeneity values in the right superior and inferior frontal gyri, with a small cluster in the putamen. No FWE-corrected homogeneity foci were observed for Mindful- based and cognitive behavioral therapy psychotherapy. In both pre- and post-therapy results, studies showed two bilateral clusters in the dorsal anterior insulae (p = 0.00001 and p = 0.00003, respectively) and involvement of the medial superior frontal gyrus (p = 0.0002). Limitations: Subjective experiences, such as an individual's response to therapy, are intrinsically challenging to quantify as objective, factual realities. Brain changes observed both pre- and post-therapy could be related to other factors, not necessary to the specific treatment received. Therapeutic modalities and study designs are generally heterogeneous. Differences exist in sample characteristics, such as the specificity of the disorder and number and duration of sessions. Moreover, the sample size is relatively small, particularly due to the paucity of studies in this field and the little contribution of PDT. Conclusions and implications of key findings: All psychological interventions seem to influence the brain from a functional point of view, showing their efficacy from a neurological perspective. Frontal, prefrontal regions, insular cortex, superior and inferior frontal gyrus, and putamen seem involved in these neural changes, with the psychodynamic more linked to the latter three regions.

Fibropapillomatosis and the Chelonid Alphaherpesvirus 5 in Green Turtles from West Africa.

Fibropapillomatosis (FP) is a tumorigenic panzootic disease of sea turtles, most common in green turtles (Chelonia mydas). FP is linked to the chelonid alphaherpesvirus 5 (ChAHV5) and to degraded habitats and, though benign, large tumours can hinder vital functions, causing death. We analyse 108 green turtles, captured in 2018 and 2019, at key foraging grounds in Guinea-Bissau and Mauritania, West Africa, for the presence of FP, and use real-time PCR to detect ChAHV5 DNA, in 76 individuals. The prevalence of FP was moderate; 33% in Guinea-Bissau (n = 36) and 28% in Mauritania (n = 72), and most turtles were mildly affected, possibly due to low human impact at study locations. Juveniles had higher FP prevalence (35%, n = 82) compared to subadults (5%, n = 21), probably because individuals acquire resistance over time. ChAHV5 DNA was detected in 83% (n = 24) of the tumour biopsies, consistent with its role as aetiological agent of FP and in 26% (n = 27) of the 'normal' skin (not showing lesions) from FP turtles. Notably, 45% of the asymptomatic turtles were positive for ChAHV5, supporting multifactorial disease expression. We report the first baselines of FP and ChAHV5 prevalence for West Africa green turtles, essential to assess evolution of disease and future impacts of anthropogenic activities.

How Relevant is the Systemic Oxytocin Concentration for Human Sexual Behavior? A Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION: Despite its role in social cognition and affiliative behavior, less is known about the role played by oxytocin in human sexual behavior. AIM: In the present systematic review, we aimed to find the levels of oxytocin related to human sexual arousal and orgasm. METHODS: We conducted the study according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. We performed a systematic search in the principal databases for studies that reported collection of salivary or plasmatic samples, with dosage of oxytocin in relation to sexual activity during induction of sexual arousal and orgasm. RESULTS: 414 articles were obtained. After duplicates removal and the application of pre exclusion criteria, 16 articles were considered eligible and 13 articles were included with a Cohen's k of 0.827. Most of the studies used sexual self-stimulation and collected plasmatic or salivary samples to measure oxytocin. The sexual arousal and orgasm were assessed based on subjective reports. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The primary outcomes were the oxytocin levels collected during the induction of sexual arousal and orgasm. CONCLUSIONS: Several studies collected only subjective reports about the sexual arousal and the orgasm. Most of the studies found higher levels of oxytocin during the orgasm or ejaculation. Given the sexual arousal evoked by self-stimulation in which sexual fantasies play an important role, it should be possible to postulate for a role of the oxytocin in sexual desire. In particular, we hypothesize a complex role of the oxytocin in the modulation of sexual fantasies and thoughts that are relevant in the sexual desire and help to trigger genital and sexual arousal. Cera N, Vargas-Cáceres S, Oliveira C, et al. How Relevant is the Systemic Oxytocin Concentration for Human Sexual Behavior? A Systematic Review. Sex Med 2021;9:100370.

Que a universidade se pinte de povo / Let the university dress up as people

Resumo: O artigo busca socializar reflexões sobre uma experiência de extensão universitária junto a um acampamento da reforma agrária organizado pelo Movimento dos Trabalhadores Rurais Sem Terra (MST) no estado do Rio de Janeiro.

Abstract: This article aims at socializing reflections about an experience of university extension at a land reform camp. Such a university extension was organized by the Landless Workers' Movement (Movimento dos Trabalhadores Rurais Sem Terra - MST) in Rio de Janeiro State.

A laserterapia na prevenção e tratamento da mucosite oral em oncologia pediátrica / Laser therapy in prevention and treatment of oral mucositis in pediatric oncology / La terapia con láser en la prevención y tratamiento de la mucositis oral en oncología pediátrica

Objetivo: comprovar a eficácia da laserterapia na redução do grau e tempo de remissão da mucosite oral em pacientes oncopediátricos por quimioterapia. Método: estudo exploratório, de caso-controle, com abordagem quantitativa, realizado com crianças de 2 a 16 anos em quimioterapia em um hospital de referência, formado dois grupos com 30 pacientes cada, em que o grupo caso recebeu sessões diárias laserterapia 1 dia antes de cada ciclo quimioterápico. Para avaliação das lesões usou-se a escala de gradação da mucosite oral da WHO e o registro diário das lesões. Resultados: observou-se redução do tempo de remissão e da gravidade da mucosite oral no grupo caso. Conclusão: a laserterapia reduz o tempo de remissão, a frequência e a gravidade da mucosite oral, mostrando-se eficaz no manejo clínico da mucosite oral grave.(AU)

Objective: to prove the effectiveness of laser therapy in reducing the degree and time of remission of oral mucositis in oncopediatric patients by chemotherapy. Method: an exploratory study, case-control, with a quantitative approach, conducted with children from two to 16 years old undergoing chemotherapy in a reference hospital, with two groups of 30 patients each; the case group received daily sessions of laser therapy one day before each chemotherapy cycle. To evaluate the injuries, one used the gradation scale of oral mucositis of WHO and the daily log of injuries. Results: one noticed the reduction in remission time and severity of oral mucositis in the case group. Conclusion: laser therapy reduces the remission time, the frequency and severity of oral mucositis, being effective in the clinical management of severe oral mucositis.(AU)

Objetivo: demostrar la eficacia de la terapia con láser para reducir el grado y la duración de la remisión de la mucositis oral en pacientes de quimioterapia oncopediátricos. Método: un estudio exploratorio, de casos y controles, con un enfoque cuantitativo, realizado con niños de 2-16 años de la quimioterapia en un hospital de referencia, con grupos de 30 pacientes cada uno, en el grupo de casos recibidos sesiones diarias laserterapia un día antes cada ciclo de quimioterapia. Para evaluar la lesión fue utilizada la escala de gradación de la mucositis oral de la OMS y el registro diario de las lesiones. Resultados: se observó una reducción en el tiempo de remisión y la severidad de la mucositis oral en el grupo de casos. Conclusión: la terapia con láser reduce el tiempo de remisión, la frecuencia y la severidad de la mucositis oral, siendo eficaz en el tratamiento clínico de la mucositis oral grave.(AU)

The role of n - 6 and n - 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the manifestation of the metabolic syndrome in cardiovascular disease and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are manifestations of the metabolic syndrome. CVD remains the number one cause of mortality in the West, while NAFLD is the most common liver disease. Growing evidence suggests that polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) influence risk factors including circulating lipids and inflammation on the development of CVD and NAFLD. N - 6 and n - 3 PUFA are comprised of distinct family members, which are increasingly recognized for their individual effects. Therefore, this review examines what is currently known about the specific effects of the major n - 3 and n - 6 PUFA on CVD and NAFLD. Overall, this review supports a beneficial effect of n - 3 PUFA and highlights distinctive effects between alpha-linolenic acid found in plant oils relative to marine derived eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. This review also highlights contrasting health effects between the n - 6 PUFA, linoleic and arachidonic acid.

Oils rich in α-linolenic acid independently protect against characteristics of fatty liver disease in the Δ6-desaturase null mouse.

Alpha-linolenic acid's (ALA) biological activity is poorly understood and primarily associated with its conversion to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Delta-6 desaturase (D6D) initiates the metabolism of linoleic acid (LA) and ALA to arachidonic acid, EPA, and DHA, respectively. In this study, D6D knock-out (D6KO) mice were used to evaluate the effects of ALA-rich oils in preventing hepatic steatosis and inflammation. D6KO and wild-type mice were fed 1 of 4 high-fat (14% w/w) diets: (i) lard (LD, 0% n-3 PUFA), (ii) canola oil + ARASCO (CD, 8% ALA), (iii) flax seed oil + ARASCO (FD, 55% ALA), (iv) menhaden oil (MD, 30% EPA/DHA) for 8 or 20 weeks. Livers of D6KO mice consuming CD and FD were depleted of EPA/DHA, and enriched in ALA. Markers of fat accumulation and inflammation were lowest in the MD-fed mice, at 8 and 20 weeks, regardless of genotype. CD- and FD-fed D6KO groups were found to have lower liver lipid accumulation and lower hepatic inflammation relative to the LD-fed mice at 8 weeks. In conclusion, while MD was the most protective, this study shows that ALA can act independently on risk factors associated with the development of fatty liver disease.

Menhaden oil, but not safflower or soybean oil, aids in restoring the polyunsaturated fatty acid profile in the novel delta-6-desaturase null mouse.

BACKGROUND: Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) have diverse biological effects, from promoting inflammation to preventing cancer and heart disease. Growing evidence suggests that individual PUFA may have independent effects in health and disease. The individual roles of the two essential PUFA, linoleic acid (LA) and α-linolenic acid (ALA), have been difficult to discern from the actions of their highly unsaturated fatty acid (HUFA) downstream metabolites. This issue has recently been addressed through the development of the Δ-6 desaturase knock out (D6KO) mouse, which lacks the rate limiting Δ-6 desaturase enzyme and therefore cannot metabolize LA or ALA. However, a potential confounder in this model is the production of novel Δ-5 desaturase (D5D) derived fatty acids when D6KO mice are fed diets containing LA and ALA, but void of arachidonic acid. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to characterize how the D6KO model differentially responds to diets containing the essential n-6 and n-3 PUFA, and whether the direct provision of downstream HUFA can rescue the phenotype and prevent the production of D5D fatty acids. METHODOLOGY: Liver and serum phospholipid (PL) fatty acid composition was examined in D6KO and wild type mice fed i) 10% safflower oil diet (SF, LA rich) ii) 10% soy diet (SO, LA+ALA) or iii) 3% menhaden oil +7% SF diet (MD, HUFA rich) for 28 days (n = 3-7/group). RESULTS: Novel D5D fatty acids were found in liver PL of D6KO fed SF or SO-fed mice, but differed in the type of D5D fatty acid depending on diet. Conversely, MD-fed D6KO mice had a liver PL fatty acid profile similar to wild-type mice. CONCLUSIONS: Through careful consideration of the dietary fatty acid composition, and especially the HUFA content in order to prevent the synthesis of D5D fatty acids, the D6KO model has the potential to elucidate the independent biological and health effects of the parent n-6 and n-3 fatty acids, LA and ALA.

Neurobehavioral and genotoxic parameters of antipsychotic agent aripiprazole in mice.

AIM: Aripiprazole is an antipsychotic agent to treat schizophrenia, which acts through dopamine D(2) partial agonism, serotonin 5-HT(1A) partial agonism and 5-HT(2A) antagonism. This study was designed to evaluate the neurobehavioral effects and genotoxic/mutagenic activities of the agent, as well as its effects on lipoperoxidation. METHODS: Open field and inhibitory avoidance tasks were used. Thirty min before performing the behavioral tasks, adult male CF-1 mice were administered aripiprazole (1, 3 or 10 mg/kg, ip) once for the acute treatment, or the same doses for 5 d for the subchronic treatment. Genotoxic effects were assessed using comet assay in the blood and brain tissues. Mutagenic effects were evaluated using bone marrow micronucleus test. Lipoperoxidation was assessed with thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). RESULTS: Acute and subchronic treatments significantly decreased the number of crossing and rearing in the open field task. Acute treatment significantly increased the step-down latency for both the short- and long-term memory in the inhibitory avoidance task. Subchronic treatments with aripiprazole (3 and 10 mg/kg) caused significant DNA strain-break damage in peripheral blood but not in the brain. Mutagenic effect was not detected in the acute and subchronic treatments. Nor TBARS levels in the liver were affected. CONCLUSION: Aripiprazole improved memory, but could impair motor activities in mice. The drug increased DNA damage in blood, but did not show mutagenic effects, suggesting that it might affect long-term genomic stability.

Pulsed-wave tissue Doppler imaging of the myocardium of cats with induced thyrotoxicosis / Doppler tecidual pulsado do miocárdio de gatos com tirotoxicose induzida

Left ventricular myocardial motion was quantified using pulsed-wave tissue Doppler imaging (PW-TDI) in nine adult cats before and after thyrotoxicosis induction. In order to induce thyrotoxicosis, all cats were given 150µg kg-1 of levothyroxine sodium as a single oral dose each day for 10 weeks. PW-TDI examinations were performed immediately before the induction and by the end of the experimental protocol. An increase in myocardial motion velocity was documented at the interventricular septum level, demonstrated by an elevation in systolic (Sa), and early (Ea) and late (Aa) diastolic waves (P<0.05). However, no alteration in Sa, Ea and Aa values was seen at the lateral mitral annulus. Heart rate increased significantly between the experimental stages, and three of the animals presented fused Ea and Aa waves at the end of the experiment. The experimental protocol used in this study caused alterations in left ventricular myocardial motion velocity, but did not impair left ventricular diastolic function.

A velocidade de movimentação miocárdica do ventrículo esquerdo foi quantificada por meio de exames ecocardiográficos com Doppler tecidual pulsado (PW-TDI) em nove gatos adultos antes e após indução à tirotoxicose. Para indução da tirotoxicose, todos os gatos receberam doses diárias de 150mg kg-1 de levotiroxina sódica, por via oral, durante 10 semanas. Os exames de PW-TDI foram realizados imediatamente antes da indução e ao final do protocolo experimental. Uma elevação na velocidade de movimentação miocárdica foi documentada ao nível do septo interventricular, demonstrado por um aumento das ondas sistólica (Sa) e diastólicas (Ea e Aa; P<0,05). No entanto, nenhuma alteração nos valores de Sa, Ea e Aa foi encontrada ao nível da parede livre do ventrículo esquerdo. A frequência cardíaca aumentou significativamente entre os momentos experimentais, sendo que três animais apresentaram fusão das ondas Aa e Ea ao final do experimento. O protocolo experimental utilizado neste estudo causou alterações na velocidade de movimentação do miocárdio ventricular esquerdo, mas sem causar danos à função diastólica do ventrículo esquerdo.

Avaliação ecocardiográfica de gatos com tirotoxicose induzida / Echocardiographic evaluation of cats with induced thyrotoxicosis

O hipertiroidismo é uma doença multissistêmica caracterizada pela elevação dos níveis séricos dos hormônios tireoidianos, sendo uma endocrinopatia comum em gatos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar possíveis alterações cardíacas pelo exame ecocardiográfico em gatos com tirotoxicose induzida. Foram utilizados nove gatos adultos, sem distinção de sexo ou raça e sem alterações que pudessem interferir nos resultados do estudo. Para indução à tirotoxicose, foram administrados, por via oral, comprimidos, na dose de 150µg kg-1 de levotiroxina sódica, a cada 24 horas, durante 70 dias. Os exames foram realizados em dois momentos: um momento antes da indução e outro ao término do protocolo experimental. Dos parâmetros avaliados, foi observada diminuição estatisticamente significativa nos valores de diâmetro interno do ventrículo esquerdo, tanto na sístole, quanto na diástole. O diâmetro diastólico (DDVE) médio nos animais variou de 14,97mm, no momento inicial, para 13,27mm, no momento final. Os valores médios do diâmetro sistólico (DSVE) variaram de 8,92mm para 7,92mm, nos momentos inicial e final, respectivamente. Os outros parâmetros avaliados não sofreram alterações. Dessa forma, já foi possível caracterizar alterações cardiovasculares secundárias ao excesso dos hormônios tiroidianos nesse curto prazo de indução, porém não havendo a instalação de um quadro de insuficiência cardíaca congestiva. Ressalta-se a necessidade de um diagnóstico precoce do hipertiroidismo felino para evitar a evolução dos efeitos cardiovasculares dessa enfermidade.

Hyperthyroidism is a multisystemic disease arising from the excessive serum levels of the thyroid hormones, being a common endocrinopathy in cats. This study aimed at the evaluation of possible cardiac abnormalities by the echocardiographic exam in cats with induced thyrotoxicosis. Nine adult cats, regardless of sex or race and without alterations that could interfere in the study results, were used. To induce the thyrotoxicosis, levothyroxine sodium oral tablets in doses of 150µg kg-1 every 24 hours over 70 days were administered. The examinations were conducted in two stages: a time before induction, and another at the end of the experimental protocol. It was observed a statistically significant decrease in left ventricle internal diameter during systole and diastole. The others evaluated parameters didn't suffer any alteration. The mean value of the left ventricle diastolic diameter (LVDD) was 14.97mm in the initial moment, and 13.27mm in the final moment. The mean values of the left ventricle systolic diameter (LVSD) were 8.92mm and 7.92mm at the initial and final moments respectively. The others evaluated parameters didn't suffer any alteration. Thus, it was possible to characterize cardiovascular changes secondary to the excess of thyroid hormones in this short period of induction, but none of the cats presented congestive heart failure. It is emphasized the need for an early diagnosis of the feline hyperthyroidism, in order to prevent the development of cardiovascular effects of this disease.