Association of Genomic Prostate Score at positive margin with recurrence after radical prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the utility of the 17-gene Genomic Prostate Score® (GPS; MDxHealth, Irvine, CA, USA) performed on prostate cancer at the positive margin of the radical prostatectomy (RP) for its association with risk of subsequent biochemical recurrence (BCR). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We designed a case-cohort for the outcome of BCR, selecting 223 from a cohort of 813 RP patients treated at Johns Hopkins from 2008 to 2017 with positive margins and available clinical data; of these, 213 had available tissue and clinical data. RNA was isolated from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumour tissue adjacent to the positive surgical margin and the GPS was evaluable in 203 of these patients with a score ranging from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating higher risk. All patients underwent RP with or without adjuvant radiation therapy (ART). The statistical analysis employed Cox proportional hazards regression models for outcome of BCR weighted for case-cohort design. RESULTS: In univariable analysis, every 20-unit increase in the GPS was associated with a nearly threefold increase in risk of BCR (hazard ratio [HR] per 20 units 2.82, P < 0.001). In a multivariable Cox model adjusted for age, race, Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment Postsurgical score, Grade Group at the positive margin, and ART, the GPS was significantly associated with BCR (HR 1.56 per 20 units; 95% confidence interval 1.11-2.19; P = 0.011). The study is limited by its retrospective and single institution design. CONCLUSIONS: The GPS at the positive surgical margin could help stratify prognosis and inform clinical decision-making regarding adjuvant therapy after RP.

PTEN Loss Is Associated with Adverse Outcomes in the Setting of Salvage Radiation Therapy.

BACKGROUND: Salvage radiation therapy (SRT) is a mainstay of treatment for biochemical relapse following radical prostatectomy; however, few studies have examined genomic biomarkers in this context. OBJECTIVE: We characterized the prognostic impact of previously identified deleterious molecular phenotypes-loss of PTEN, ERG expression, and TP53 mutation-for patients undergoing SRT. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: We leveraged an institutional database of 320 SRT patients with available tissue and follow-up. Tissue microarrays were used for genetically validated immunohistochemistry assays. INTERVENTION: All men underwent SRT with or without androgen deprivation therapy OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Univariable and multivariable Cox-proportional hazard models assessed the association of molecular phenotypes with biochemical recurrence-free (bRFS) and metastasis-free (MFS) survival after SRT. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Loss of PTEN (n = 123, 43%) and ERG expression (n = 118, 39%) were common in this cohort, while p53 overexpression (signifying TP53 missense mutation) was infrequent (n = 21, 7%). In univariable analyses, any loss of PTEN portended worse bRFS (hazard ratio [HR] 1.86; 95% confidence interval 1.36-2.57) and MFS (HR 1.89; 1.21-2.94), with homogeneous PTEN loss being associated with the highest risk of MFS (HR 2.47; 1.54-3.95). Similarly, p53 overexpression predicted worse bRFS (HR 1.95; 1.14-3.32) and MFS (HR 2.79; 1.50-5.19). ERG expression was associated with worse MFS only (HR 1.6; 1.03-2.48). On the multivariable analysis adjusting for known prognostic features, homogeneous PTEN loss remained predictive of adverse bRFS (HR 1.82; 1.12-2.96) and MFS (HR 2.08; 1.06-4.86). The study is limited by its retrospective and single-institution design. CONCLUSIONS: PTEN loss by immunohistochemistry is an independent adverse prognostic factor for bRFS and MFS in prostate cancer patients treated with SRT. Future trials will determine the optimal approach to treating SRT patients with adverse molecular prognostic features. PATIENT SUMMARY: Loss of the PTEN tumor suppressor protein is associated with worse outcomes after salvage radiotherapy, independent of other clinical or pathologic patient characteristics.

Predicting prostate cancer grade reclassification on active surveillance using a deep Learning-Based grading algorithm.

Deep learning (DL)-based algorithms to determine prostate cancer (PCa) Grade Group (GG) on biopsy slides have not been validated by comparison to clinical outcomes. We used a DL-based algorithm, AIRAProstate, to re-grade initial prostate biopsies in two independent PCa active surveillance (AS) cohorts. In a cohort initially diagnosed with GG1 PCa using only systematic biopsies (n = 138), upgrading of the initial biopsy to ≥GG2 by AIRAProstate was associated with rapid or extreme grade reclassification on AS (odds ratio 3.3, p = .04), whereas upgrading of the initial biopsy by contemporary uropathologist reviews was not associated with this outcome. In a contemporary validation cohort that underwent prostate magnetic resonance imaging before initial biopsy (n = 169), upgrading of the initial biopsy (all contemporary GG1 by uropathologist grading) by AIRAProstate was associated with grade reclassification on AS (hazard ratio 1.7, p = .03). These results demonstrate the utility of a DL-based grading algorithm in PCa risk stratification for AS.

Endobronchial lesion in a premature neonate.

Endobronchial and endotracheal tumours are rare in the paediatric population, especially in neonates. The common presentation is respiratory distress with persistent lung collapse or hyperinflation. Treatment usually involves endoscopic or surgical lobar resection. This case presents a preterm neonate who developed acute respiratory distress with persistent right upper lobe atelectasis. A flexible bronchoscopy showed a pediculate violaceous endobronchial lesion in the right main bronchus. Endoscopic resection was not possible due to the patient's low weight and the decision was made to support the patient with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) at home, while monitoring her closely. Remarkably, the lesion spontaneously resolved, and CPAP support was discontinued successfully. The case emphasises the importance of early bronchoscopy, continuous monitoring and the possibility of using CPAP support until conditions are reunited for an eventual resection. This unique case also demonstrates the potential for spontaneous resolution in some cases.

FASN Gene Methylation is Associated with Fatty Acid Synthase Expression and Clinical-genomic Features of Prostate Cancer.

Fatty acid synthase (FASN) catalyzes the synthesis of long-chain saturated fatty acids and is overexpressed during prostatic tumorigenesis, where it is the therapeutic target in several ongoing trials. However, the mechanism of FASN upregulation in prostate cancer remains unclear. Here, we examine FASN gene CpG methylation pattern by InfiniumEPIC profiling and whole-genome bisulfite sequencing across multiple racially diverse primary and metastatic prostate cancer cohorts, comparing with FASN protein expression as measured by digitally quantified IHC assay and reverse phase protein array analysis or FASN gene expression. We demonstrate that the FASN gene body is hypomethylated and overexpressed in primary prostate tumors compared with benign tissue, and FASN gene methylation is significantly inversely correlated with FASN protein or gene expression in both primary and metastatic prostate cancer. Primary prostate tumors with ERG gene rearrangement have increased FASN expression and we find evidence of FASN hypomethylation in this context. FASN expression is also significantly increased in prostate tumors from carriers of the germline HOXB13 G84E mutation compared with matched controls, consistent with a report that HOXB13 may contribute to epigenetic regulation of FASN in vitro. However, in contrast to previous studies, we find no significant association of FASN expression or methylation with self-identified race in models that include ERG status across two independent primary tumor cohorts. Taken together, these data support a potential epigenetic mechanism for FASN regulation in the prostate which may be relevant for selecting patients responsive to FASN inhibitors. SIGNIFICANCE: Here, we leverage multiple independent primary and metastatic prostate cancer cohorts to demonstrate that FASN gene body methylation is highly inversely correlated with FASN gene and protein expression. This finding may shed light on epigenetic mechanisms of FASN regulation in prostate cancer and provides a potentially useful biomarker for selecting patients in future trials of FASN inhibitors.

Predicting Prostate Cancer Molecular Subtype With Deep Learning on Histopathologic Images.

Microscopic examination of prostate cancer has failed to reveal a reproducible association between molecular and morphologic features. However, deep-learning algorithms trained on hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained whole slide images (WSI) may outperform the human eye and help to screen for clinically-relevant genomic alterations. We created deep-learning algorithms to identify prostate tumors with underlying ETS-related gene (ERG) fusions or PTEN deletions using the following 4 stages: (1) automated tumor identification, (2) feature representation learning, (3) classification, and (4) explainability map generation. A novel transformer-based hierarchical architecture was trained on a single representative WSI of the dominant tumor nodule from a radical prostatectomy (RP) cohort with known ERG/PTEN status (n = 224 and n = 205, respectively). Two distinct vision transformer-based networks were used for feature extraction, and a distinct transformer-based model was used for classification. The ERG algorithm performance was validated across 3 RP cohorts, including 64 WSI from the pretraining cohort (AUC, 0.91) and 248 and 375 WSI from 2 independent RP cohorts (AUC, 0.86 and 0.89, respectively). In addition, we tested the ERG algorithm performance in 2 needle biopsy cohorts comprised of 179 and 148 WSI (AUC, 0.78 and 0.80, respectively). Focusing on cases with homogeneous (clonal) PTEN status, PTEN algorithm performance was assessed using 50 WSI reserved from the pretraining cohort (AUC, 0.81), 201 and 337 WSI from 2 independent RP cohorts (AUC, 0.72 and 0.80, respectively), and 151 WSI from a needle biopsy cohort (AUC, 0.75). For explainability, the PTEN algorithm was also applied to 19 WSI with heterogeneous (subclonal) PTEN loss, where the percentage tumor area with predicted PTEN loss correlated with that based on immunohistochemistry (r = 0.58, P = .0097). These deep-learning algorithms to predict ERG/PTEN status prove that H&E images can be used to screen for underlying genomic alterations in prostate cancer.

Alterations in deglutition in children with congenital Zika virus syndrome.

PURPOSE: To characterize swallowing in children with congenital Zika virus syndrome in comparison to typical children. METHODS: This cross-sectional study enrolled 45 children diagnosed with congenital Zika virus syndrome and 45 others with typical development. Swallowing was evaluated through clinical feeding evaluations Protocolo de Avaliação Clínica da Disfagia Pediátrica and using acoustic swallowing parameters (Doppler sonar). RESULTS: The mean age of children with congenital Zika virus syndrome was 26.69 ± 4.46 months and the mean head circumference was 29.20 ± 1.98 cm. Moderate/severe oropharyngeal dysphagia was found in 32(71.1%) of the children with congenital Zika virus syndrome. Significant differences were found between the groups on clinical evaluation: Children with congenital Zika virus syndrome presented insufficient lip closure 42(93.3%) and altered tonus of the tongue 35(77.8%) and cheeks 34(75.6%). In the children in the comparison group, only 6(13.3%) presented insufficient lip closure and 1(2.2%) had inadequate tongue posture. Changes during swallowing with liquid and spoonable food were not observed in the comparison group. When liquid/food was offered, affected children presented difficulties in sipping movements 14(77.8%) and lip/spoon contact 35(75%). The presence of residual food in the oral cavity after swallowing 38(86.4%) and clinical signs indicative of laryngotracheal penetration/aspiration, such as coughing, gagging and/or labored breathing, were also notable. No differences were found between the groups with regard to the acoustic parameters evaluated instrumentally. CONCLUSION: Children with congenital Zika virus syndrome present alterations in the oral phase of swallowing, as well as clinical signs indicative of pharyngeal phase impairment.

Alterations in deglutition in children with congenital Zika virus syndrome / Alterações na deglutição em crianças com síndrome congênita do vírus Zika

ABSTRACT Purpose To characterize swallowing in children with congenital Zika virus syndrome in comparison to typical children. Methods This cross-sectional study enrolled 45 children diagnosed with congenital Zika virus syndrome and 45 others with typical development. Swallowing was evaluated through clinical feeding evaluations Protocolo de Avaliação Clínica da Disfagia Pediátrica and using acoustic swallowing parameters (Doppler sonar). Results The mean age of children with congenital Zika virus syndrome was 26.69 ± 4.46 months and the mean head circumference was 29.20 ± 1.98 cm. Moderate/severe oropharyngeal dysphagia was found in 32(71.1%) of the children with congenital Zika virus syndrome. Significant differences were found between the groups on clinical evaluation: Children with congenital Zika virus syndrome presented insufficient lip closure 42(93.3%) and altered tonus of the tongue 35(77.8%) and cheeks 34(75.6%). In the children in the comparison group, only 6(13.3%) presented insufficient lip closure and 1(2.2%) had inadequate tongue posture. Changes during swallowing with liquid and spoonable food were not observed in the comparison group. When liquid/food was offered, affected children presented difficulties in sipping movements 14(77.8%) and lip/spoon contact 35(75%). The presence of residual food in the oral cavity after swallowing 38(86.4%) and clinical signs indicative of laryngotracheal penetration/aspiration, such as coughing, gagging and/or labored breathing, were also notable. No differences were found between the groups with regard to the acoustic parameters evaluated instrumentally. Conclusion Children with congenital Zika virus syndrome present alterations in the oral phase of swallowing, as well as clinical signs indicative of pharyngeal phase impairment.

RESUMO Objetivo Caracterizar a deglutição das crianças com síndrome congênita do Zika vírus e comparar com crianças típicas. Método Estudo de delineamento transversal, com 45 crianças diagnosticadas com síndrome congênita do Zika vírus e 45 típicas. A deglutição foi avaliada por meio de avaliações clínicas da alimentação através do Protocolo de Avaliação Clínica da Disfagia Pediátrica e dos parâmetros acústicos da deglutição (sonar Doppler). Resultados A idade média das crianças com síndrome congênita do vírus Zika foi de 26,69 ± 4,46 meses e o perímetro cefálico médio foi de 29,20 ± 1,98 cm. Disfagia orofaríngea de moderada a grave foi observada em 32(71,1%) das crianças com síndrome congênita do Zika vírus, ao contrário do grupo comparação que não revelou alterações na deglutição. Nas crianças com síndrome congênita do Zika vírus foram verificados lábios entreabertos 42(93,3%) e tônus alterado em língua 35(77,8%) e bochechas 34(75,6%). Nas crianças do grupo comparação apenas 6(13,3%) apresentaram fechamento labial insuficiente e 1(2,2%) postura de língua inadequada. Alterações durante a deglutição com líquido e alimento pastoso não foram observadas no grupo comparação. Durante a oferta do alimento ocorreram dificuldades no movimento de sorver 14(77,8%), na captação da colher 35(75%), resíduo em cavidade oral 38(86,4%) e sinais clínicos indicativos de penetração/aspiração laringotraqueal como tosse, engasgo e respiração com esforço. Não foram encontradas diferenças nos parâmetros acústicos da avaliação instrumental. Conclusão as crianças com síndrome congênita do Zika vírus têm alterações nas fases oral e faríngea da deglutição, com sinais clínicos indicativos de penetração/aspiração laringotraqueal quando comparadas a crianças típicas.

An mTORC1-mediated negative feedback loop constrains amino acid-induced FLCN-Rag activation in renal cells with TSC2 loss.

The mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) integrates inputs from growth factors and nutrients, but how mTORC1 autoregulates its activity remains unclear. The MiT/TFE transcription factors are phosphorylated and inactivated by mTORC1 following lysosomal recruitment by RagC/D GTPases in response to amino acid stimulation. We find that starvation-induced lysosomal localization of the RagC/D GAP complex, FLCN:FNIP2, is markedly impaired in a mTORC1-sensitive manner in renal cells with TSC2 loss, resulting in unexpected TFEB hypophosphorylation and activation upon feeding. TFEB phosphorylation in TSC2-null renal cells is partially restored by destabilization of the lysosomal folliculin complex (LFC) induced by FLCN mutants and is fully rescued by forced lysosomal localization of the FLCN:FNIP2 dimer. Our data indicate that a negative feedback loop constrains amino acid-induced, FLCN:FNIP2-mediated RagC activity in renal cells with constitutive mTORC1 signaling, and the resulting MiT/TFE hyperactivation may drive oncogenesis with loss of the TSC2 tumor suppressor.

Use of technology for self-care in surgical wound infection surveillance: integrative review.

OBJECTIVES: to synthesize knowledge about technology for self-care in surgical wound infection surveillance. METHODS: integrative review conducted in CINAHL, Embase, LILACS, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases with the descriptors "surgical wound infection" and "self-care", in addition to manual search in the references of the included studies. The selection and evaluation of the methodological quality of the studies and data collection were performed by two independent reviewers; conflicts were resolved by a third reviewer. RESULTS: nine primary studies were included, published between 2011 and 2019. Six are cross-sectional, two are randomized clinical trials, and one is a case report. Mobile, text messaging, and imaging applications, computer software, assessments, and data storage capacity stand out. CONCLUSIONS: the technologies identified for self-care in surgical wound infection surveillance were the creation and use of mHealth and the use of health apps on mobile devices. Effective technologies in surveillance of surgical wound infection that enable rapprochement with the healthcare team, encourage a greater number of surgical wound assessments, enhance self-care actions, and decrease patient anxiety. Technology is also a monitored and recorded form of patient care, one of the main axes of infection surveillance.

New records of Tabanidae (Diptera) in an ecotone zone between the Cerrado and the Amazon Forest and an updated list of species of Tocantins, Brazil / Novos registros de Tabanidae (Diptera) em uma zona ecotonal entre o Cerrado e a Floresta Amazônica e lista atualizada de espécies do Tocantins, Brasil

Abstract Tabanidae is a family of the order Diptera composed of insects popularly known as horse flies. Compared to the current knowledge about other insects, tabanids can be considered a well-studied group in Brazil, however, little is known about the Tabanidae fauna in the Tocantins state, since only 44 species had been recorded for the state, which is not a very significant number among the 488 species recorded for the country. Thereby, we aimed to enlarge the knowledge of tabanids present in the state by identifying the specimens collected over the last decade in an important transition area between the Cerrado and Amazon domains. We accounted 302 specimens distributed in three subfamilies (Pangoniinae, Chrysopsinae, and Tabaninae), four tribes (Scionini, Chrysopsini, Diachlorini, and Tabanini), 12 genera, 29 species, and two varieties. Of these, only eight species and the two varieties had been recorded in the Tocantins state, numbering 21 new records for the state. Thus, we updated the records of Tabanidae for the Tocantins state for 65 known species.

Resumo Tabanidae é uma família da ordem Diptera composta por insetos popularmente conhecidos como mutucas. Quando comparado ao conhecimento sobre os demais insetos, os tabanídeos podem ser considerados um grupo bem estudado no Brasil, entretanto pouco se conhece sobre a fauna de Tabanidae do Tocantins, sendo que até então, apenas 44 espécies haviam sido registradas para o estado, um número pouco significativo, já que são registradas 488 espécies para o País. Desse modo, o presente trabalho visou ampliar o conhecimento acerca dos tabanídeos do estado através da identificação dos espécimes coletados ao longo da última década em uma importante área de transição entre os domínios Cerrado e Amazônia. Foram estudados 302 espécimes, distribuídos em três subfamílias (Pangoniinae, Chrysopsinae e Tabaninae), quatro tribos (Scionini, Chrysopsini, Diachlorini e Tabanini), 12 gêneros, 29 espécies e duas variedades. Apenas oito espécies e as duas variedades haviam sido previamente registradas para o Tocantins, totalizando 21 novos registros para o estado. Com isso, os registros de Tabanidae para o Tocantins são atualizados para 65 espécies.

Use of technology for self-care in surgical wound infection surveillance: integrative review / Uso de tecnología para el autocuidado en la vigilancia de infección de la herida quirúrgica: revisión integradora / Uso de tecnologia para o autocuidado na vigilância de infecção da ferida cirúrgica: revisão integrativa

ABSTRACT Objectives: to synthesize knowledge about technology for self-care in surgical wound infection surveillance. Methods: integrative review conducted in CINAHL, Embase, LILACS, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases with the descriptors "surgical wound infection" and "self-care", in addition to manual search in the references of the included studies. The selection and evaluation of the methodological quality of the studies and data collection were performed by two independent reviewers; conflicts were resolved by a third reviewer. Results: nine primary studies were included, published between 2011 and 2019. Six are cross-sectional, two are randomized clinical trials, and one is a case report. Mobile, text messaging, and imaging applications, computer software, assessments, and data storage capacity stand out. Conclusions: the technologies identified for self-care in surgical wound infection surveillance were the creation and use of mHealth and the use of health apps on mobile devices. Effective technologies in surveillance of surgical wound infection that enable rapprochement with the healthcare team, encourage a greater number of surgical wound assessments, enhance self-care actions, and decrease patient anxiety. Technology is also a monitored and recorded form of patient care, one of the main axes of infection surveillance.

RESUMEN Objetivos: sintetizar el conocimiento sobre tecnología para el autocuidado en la vigilancia de infección de la herida quirúrgica. Métodos: revisión integradora realizada en las bases de datos CINAHL, Embase, LILACS, PubMed, Scopus y Web of Science con los descriptores "surgical wound infection" y "self care", además de búsqueda manual en referencias de estudios incluidos. La selección y evaluación de la calidad metodológica de estudios y recolecta de datos fueron realizadas por dos revisores independientes; y los conflictos, por un tercero. Resultados: nueve estudios primarios fueron incluidos, publicados entre 2011 y 2019. Seis son de delineamento transversal, dos ensayos clínicos randomizados y un relato de caso. Destacados los aplicativos mobile, de mensajes de texto y de imágenes, softwares para ordenadores, evaluaciones y capacidad de almacenamiento de datos. Conclusiones: las tecnologías identificadas para el autocuidado en la vigilancia de infección de la herida quirúrgica fueron la creación y utilización de mHealth y uso de aplicativos de salud en dispositivos móviles. Tecnologías eficaces en la vigilancia de la infección de la herida quirúrgica que permiten acercamiento con el equipo de salud, incentivan un mayor número de evaluaciones de la herida quirúrgica, intensifican las acciones de autocuidado y disminuyen la ansiedad del paciente. La tecnología también es una manera monitorizada y registrada de atención al paciente, uno de los principales ejes de la vigilancia de infección.

RESUMO Objetivos: sintetizar o conhecimento sobre tecnologia para o autocuidado na vigilância de infecção da ferida cirúrgica. Métodos: revisão integrativa realizada nas bases de dados CINAHL, Embase, LILACS, PubMed, Scopus e Web of Science com os descritores "surgical wound infection" e "self care", além da busca manual nas referências dos estudos incluídos. A seleção e avaliação da qualidade metodológica dos estudos e coleta de dados foram realizadas por dois revisores independentes; e os conflitos, resolvidos por um terceiro revisor. Resultados: nove estudos primários foram incluídos, publicados entre 2011 e 2019. Seis são de delineamento transversal, dois ensaios clínicos randomizados e um relato de caso. Destacam-se os aplicativos mobile, de mensagens de texto e de imagens, softwares para computadores, avaliações e capacidade de armazenamento de dados. Conclusões: as tecnologias identificadas para o autocuidado na vigilância de infecção da ferida operatória foram a criação e utilização de mHealth e o uso de aplicativos de saúde em dispositivos móveis. Tecnologias eficazes na vigilância da infecção da ferida operatória que permitem aproximação com a equipe de saúde incentivam um maior número de avaliações da ferida operatória, intensificam as ações de autocuidado e diminuem a ansiedade do paciente. A tecnologia também é uma forma monitorizada e registrada de atendimento ao paciente, um dos principais eixos da vigilância de infecção.

Social isolation stress facilitates chemically induced oral carcinogenesis.

Social isolation has affected a large number of people and may lead to impairment of physical and mental health. Although stress resulting from social isolation may increase cancer progression, its interference on tumorigenesis is poorly known. In this study, we used a preclinical model to evaluate the effects of social isolation stress on chemically induced oral carcinogenesis. Sixty-two 21-day-old male Wistar rats were divided into isolated and grouped groups. After 90 days of age, the rats from both groups underwent oral carcinogenesis with 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4NQO) for 20 weeks. All rats were assessed for depressive-like behavior and euthanized for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) diagnosis and measurement of inflammatory mediators in the tumor microenvironment. Social isolation stress increased the OSCC occurrence by 20.4% when compared to control. Isolated rats also showed higher tumor volume and cachexia than the grouped rats. Social isolation did not induce changes in the depressive-like behavior after carcinogenic induction. Tumors from stressed rats had increased levels of the inflammatory mediators, TNF-alpha, IL1-beta and MCP-1. The concentrations of TNF-alpha and MCP-1 were significantly increased in the large tumors from isolated animals. Higher tumor levels of TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL1-beta and MCP-1 were positively correlated with OSCC growth. This study provides the first evidence that social isolation stress may facilitate OSCC occurrence and tumor progression, an event accompanied by increased local levels of inflammatory mediators.

TEAComplex: plataforma digital tátil para sujeitos com transtorno autístico, baseada na perspectiva da complexidade / TEAComplex: a tactile digital platform for people with autistic disorder, based on the perspective of complexity / TEAComplex: plataforma digital táctil para sujetos con trastorno autístico, basada en la perspectiva de la complexidad

O Transtorno do Espectro Autista (TEA) é uma realidade para a qual a sociedade atual está cada vez mais desperta. Apesar da multiplicidade de abordagens existentes, o objetivo pretendido de integração social destes sujeitos ainda se mostra muito longe de ser alcançado. Pretendemos criar uma plataforma digital para crianças do transtorno do espectro autista baseada nas teorias da Complexidade, Biologia da Cognição e Segunda Cibernética. Esta plataforma tem como intuito ajudar estas crianças a construir e desenvolver sua autoconsciência, indispensável a seu processo de autoconstrução e consequente envolvimento social. Pretendemos promover uma abordagem inovadora distante das atuais, focadas no cognitivismo e construtivismo. Esta nova abordagem considera as mais recentes descobertas neurocientíficas, habilidades autopoiéticas e de neuroplasticidade. Acreditamos que uma abordagem centrada nestes pressupostos ajudará a ultrapassar a grande barreira social comumente presente no autismo, que é a da comunicação. A metodologia a ser usada parte de uma análise do histórico de atendimento aos sujeitos da pesquisa em vídeos, gravações e diários dos pesquisadores para identificar as principais demandas dessas crianças e proceder então à construção das funcionalidades da plataforma usando os pressupostos da complexidade. A partir daí desenvolveremos o protótipo da plataforma.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a reality which current society is ever more aware of. Despite the assortment of existing approaches, the intended goal of social integration is still far from being reached. We plan to create a digital platform for children who suffer from Autism Spectrum Disorder based on the theories of Complexity, Cognitive Biology, and Second Cybernetics. This platform is meant to help these children in building and developing their self-conciousness, essential to their process of self-building and consequent social involvement. We intend to promote an innovative approach distinct from current ones, which are focused on cognitivism and constructivism. This new approach takes into consideration the most recent neuro-scientific discoveries, autopoietic skills and neuroplasticity. We believe that such an approach will help in overcoming the great social barrier commonly present in autism, which is communication. The methodology to be used starts from an analysis of the history of caring for the subjects of research in videos, sound recordings and researchers' logbooks to identify the main demands of these children and then proceed to build the platform capabilities, using the assumptions of complexity. From there, a platform prototype will be developed.

El Trastorno del Espectro Autista (TEA) es una realidad para la cual la sociedad actual está cada vez mais despierta. Pese a la multiplicidad de abordajes existentes, el objetivo pretendido de integración social de estos sujetos aún se revela muy lejos de alcanzar. Pretendemos crear una plataforma digital para niños del Trastorno del Espectro Autista basada en las teorías de la Complexidad, Biología de la Cognición y Segunda Cibernética. Esta plataforma tiene como intuito ayudar estos niños a construir y desarollar su autoconciencia, indispensable a su proceso de autoconstrucción y consequente envolvimiento social. Pretendemos promover un abordaje innovador distante de las actuales, enfocadas en el cognitivismo y el constructivismo. Este nuevo abordaje considera las más recientes descubiertas neurocientíficas, habilidades autopoiéticas y de neuroplasticidad. Creemos que un abordaje centrado en estos presupuestos ayudará a sobrepasar la gran barrera social comúnmente presente en el autismo, que es la comunicación. La metodología a ser usada parte de un análisis del historial de atención a los sujetos de la investigación en videos, grabaciones y diarios de los investigadores para identificar las principales demandas de esos niños y proceder entonces a la construcción de las funcionalidades de la plataforma usando los presupuestos de la complejidad. A partir de ahí desarrollaremos el prototipo de la plataforma.

Sleep habits in infants: the role of maternal education.

OBJECTIVE: Sleep disturbances are frequent in infants. Early development of sleep routines has a positive effect on sleep quality. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of maternal education on the development of infants' sleep habits (SHs). METHODS: This was an experimental, longitudinal study. Postnatal mothers were allocated into two groups: to receive (intervention group, IG), or not receive (control group, CG) information on sleep hygiene. Individual 15-min sessions were provided and a leaflet was handed to the IG. A questionnaire on infants' SHs was applied by telephone/e-mail at 1, 2, 4, and 6 months of age. RESULTS: At least three questionnaires were answered by 314 mothers. Results were adjusted for maternal age, education, and race. In the IG, infants acquired more independent sleep habits, an effect still present at six months; slept more frequently in their own beds; adjusted odds ratio (ORadj) 3.8, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.1-13.5); fell asleep more frequently alone (ORadj, 4.29; 95% CI, 2.4-7.6); fell asleep more frequently in their own beds (ORadj, 6.1; 95% CI, 3.5-10.6) and needed less breast/bottle feeding to fall asleep (ORadj, 2.68; 95% CI, 1.5-4.6). The autonomy was greater in IG infants after night awakenings; also until six months they went back to sleep more frequently alone (ORadj, 3.88; 95% CI, 2-7.5) and needed less breast/bottle feeding (ORadj, 2.35; 95% CI, 1.3-4.3). No differences were found regarding the need for light, television or other routines to fall asleep or after night awakenings. CONCLUSION: Maternal education is positively associated with the adoption of autonomous SHs in infants. Early maternal education is an adequate prevention strategy to be considered in neonatal care.

Sleep disturbance in pediatric patients on automated peritoneal dialysis.

OBJECTIVE: There are few reports describing sleep disturbance (SD) in children on automated peritoneal dialysis (APD), and they are mostly based on the application of questionnaires. As far as we know, only two studies used polysomnography (PSG), the gold standard for the diagnosis of SD. This is the first study assessing SD in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on APD in our country. METHODS: This was an observational and descriptive study. Children up to 18 years of age who had undergone APD for a minimum of three months were considered eligible. Exclusion criteria were diabetes, neurologic disorders and sedative/hypnotic therapy. PSG was performed while the children were on their usual cycler nocturnal dialysis regimen. A questionnaire was completed on the same day. Informed, written consent was provided by all participants. RESULTS: Eight children on APD were studied. The median age was 10 years (range, 1-18 years) and the mean body mass index z-score was -0.35 (±0.71). The average duration on dialysis was 8.4 months. SD was noted in five (62.5%) patients. The results of PSG showed decreased sleep efficiency (81.05 ± 0.09%) and latency (13.6 ± 11.6 min), increased awake time (23.08% of total sleep time (TST) ± 14.3), apnea/hypopnea index (1.8/h ± 1.9) and desaturation index (4.5 ± 3.7). Periodic leg movements index average was normal (0.78/h ± 0.77). Subjective data obtained by the sleep questionnaire underestimated PSG findings. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that SD was present in more than half of children on PD. This result, in a small sample of patients, alerts to the need for systematic screening for sleep problems in children with CKD with a low threshold for a formal PSG.

Environment in pediatric wards: light, sound, and temperature.

UNLABELLED: The mutual relationship between sleep and disease is well known, becoming more relevant whenever the disease leads to hospitalization. We intend to describe patterns of environmental factors of some pediatric wards, and to verify if these are in line with those recommended. As a secondary aim, we characterize sleep quality during hospitalization. METHODS: Five pediatric wards of a tertiary-level hospital were included. Light, sound, and temperature were measured and assessed through descriptive statistics. The following recommended values were considered: maximum light 100 Lux, maximum sound 45 dB, and optimal temperature 20-24 °C. A questionnaire was prepared to assess children's sleep, and it was completed by a caregiver. RESULTS: Light values were within the desirable limits for 86% of evaluated time. In all wards, the intensity of sound was much higher than desirable, being above 45 dB during 85% of evaluated time. The temperature was above 24 °C during 78% of total time. Based on 34 answered questionnaires (out of 50 distributed), almost half of the respondents believe that sleep quality and restlessness are worse at the hospital. Most children slept for a longer time at home. Eighteen children awoke more times at the hospital, and those awakenings were mostly attributed to noise. CONCLUSIONS: The sound and temperature were higher than recommended. The different values between these wards may be due to different levels of care, but this shows that there are no standard rules on this matter. A worse quality and shorter duration of sleep at hospital were reported. Comprehensive studies are necessary to evaluate the impact of environmental factors on disease recovery.

Abdominal aorta interruption and CHD.

We report a rare case of CHD and abdominal aorta interruption. Renal hypertension was the first sign of the abdominal aortic malformation. The aetiology of abdominal aortic interruption remains unclear, it could be congenital or acquired.

Caffeine and diphenyl diselenide improve long-term memory impaired in middle-aged rats.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of diphenyl diselenide (PhSe)2 supplemented diet (10ppm) associated to the administration of caffeine (15mg/kg; i.g.) for 30days on the novel object recognition memory in middle-aged rats. The present findings showed that (PhSe)2-supplemented diet enhanced short-term memory, but not long-term memory, of middle-aged rats in the novel object recognition task. The (PhSe)2 supplemented diet associated with caffeine administration improved long-term memory, but did not alter short-term memory, impaired in middle-aged rats. Daily caffeine administration to middle-aged rats had no effect on the memory tasks. Diet supplemented with (PhSe)2 plus caffeine administration increased the number of crossings and rearings reduced in middle-aged rats. Caffeine administration plus (PhSe)2 diets were effective in increasing the number of rearings and crossings, respectively, in middle-aged rats, [(3)H] glutamate uptake was reduced in hippocampal slices of rats from (PhSe)2 and caffeine plus (PhSe)2 groups. In addition, animals supplemented with (PhSe)2 showed an increase in the pCREB/CREB ratio whereas pAkt/Akt ratio was not modified. These results suggest that the effects of (PhSe)2 on the short-term memory may be related to its ability to decrease the uptake of glutamate, influencing the increase of CREB phosphorylation. (PhSe)2-supplemented diet associated to the administration of caffeine improved long-term memory impaired in middle-aged rats, an effect independent of CREB and Akt phosphorylation.