Sociocultural Implications in the Development of Early Maladaptive Schemas in Adolescents Belonging to Sexual and Gender Minorities.

Culture is a central theme across various theories and disciplines, influencing behavior and self-perception through interactions within social groups, families, and legal systems. This influence extends to the general population and particularly impacts sexual and gender minorities (SGMs), resulting in minority stress that contributes to mental health issues and the development of Early Maladaptive Schemas (EMSs). Adolescents within these groups face typical developmental stressors-such as hormonal changes and societal pressures-compounded by prejudice, increasing their vulnerability to depression, anxiety, stress, substance abuse, and eating disorders. Despite these challenges, Schema Therapy (ST) lacks comprehensive studies on the sociocultural aspects influencing EMS acquisition in SGM adolescents. This theoretical review aims to fill this gap by exploring the impact of society and culture on EMS development within SGM adolescents. We recognize the broad spectrum of cultural influences and emphasize the importance of cultural sensitivity and diversity. This review specifically addresses how societal and cultural dynamics impact SGM individuals, acknowledging that while ethnic or other cultural factors are not the focus of this paper, they merit future research. This manuscript will discuss central topics and their impact on LGBTQIA+ youth, including (1) the background (definition of culture, lack of studies on ST focusing on culture, and studies on adverse psychological outcomes), (2) minority stress theory and prejudice against sexual and gender diversity (distal and proximal stressors and sociocultural aspects), (3) EMSs and unmet emotional needs, (4) ST affirmative strategies (working with schema modes, imagery rescripting, chair work, and photo techniques), and (5) final considerations (limitations and research agenda).

Immune-monitoring of myelodysplastic neoplasms: Recommendations from the i4MDS consortium.

Advancements in comprehending myelodysplastic neoplasms (MDS) have unfolded significantly in recent years, elucidating a myriad of cellular and molecular underpinnings integral to disease progression. While molecular inclusions into prognostic models have substantively advanced risk stratification, recent revelations have emphasized the pivotal role of immune dysregulation within the bone marrow milieu during MDS evolution. Nonetheless, immunotherapy for MDS has not experienced breakthroughs seen in other malignancies, partly attributable to the absence of an immune classification that could stratify patients toward optimally targeted immunotherapeutic approaches. A pivotal obstacle to establishing "immune classes" among MDS patients is the absence of validated accepted immune panels suitable for routine application in clinical laboratories. In response, we formed International Integrative Innovative Immunology for MDS (i4MDS), a consortium of multidisciplinary experts, and created the following recommendations for standardized methodologies to monitor immune responses in MDS. A central goal of i4MDS is the development of an immune score that could be incorporated into current clinical risk stratification models. This position paper first consolidates current knowledge on MDS immunology. Subsequently, in collaboration with clinical and laboratory specialists, we introduce flow cytometry panels and cytokine assays, meticulously devised for clinical laboratories, aiming to monitor the immune status of MDS patients, evaluating both immune fitness and identifying potential immune "risk factors." By amalgamating this immunological characterization data and molecular data, we aim to enhance patient stratification, identify predictive markers for treatment responsiveness, and accelerate the development of systems immunology tools and innovative immunotherapies.

CASZ1 upregulates PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling and promotes T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

CASZ1 is a conserved transcription factor involved in neural development, blood vessel assembly and heart morphogenesis. CASZ1 has been implicated in cancer, either suppressing or promoting tumor development depending on the tissue. However, the impact of CASZ1 on hematological tumors remains unknown. Here, we show that the T-cell oncogenic transcription factor TAL1 is a direct positive regulator of CASZ1, that T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) samples at diagnosis overexpress CASZ1b isoform, and that CASZ1b expression in patient samples correlates with PI3KAKT- mTOR signaling pathway activation. In agreement, overexpression of CASZ1b in both Ba/F3 and T-ALL cells leads to the activation of PI3K signaling pathway, which is required for CASZ1b-mediated transformation of Ba/F3 cells in vitro and malignant expansion in vivo. We further demonstrate that CASZ1b cooperates with activated NOTCH1 to promote T-ALL development in zebrafish, and that CASZ1b protects human T-ALL cells from serum deprivation and treatment with chemotherapeutic drugs. Taken together, our studies indicate that CASZ1b is a TAL1-regulated gene that promotes T-ALL development and resistance to chemotherapy.

Background check: cross-cultural differences in the spatial context of comic scenes.

Cognitive research points towards cultural differences in the way people perceive and express scenes. Whereas people from Western cultures focus more on focal objects, those from East Asia have been shown to focus on the surrounding context. This paper examines whether these cultural differences are expressed in complex multimodal media such as comics. We compared annotated panels across comics from six countries to examine how backgrounds convey contextual information of scenes in explicit or implicit ways. Compared to Western comics from the United States and Spain, East Asian comics from Japan and China expressed the context of scenes more implicitly. In addition, Nigerian comics moderately emulated American comics in background use, while Russian comics emulated Japanese manga, consistent with their visual styles. The six countries grouped together based on whether they employed more explicit strategies such as detailed, depicted backgrounds, or implicit strategies such as leaving the background empty. These cultural differences in background use can be attributed to both cognitive patterns of attention and comics' graphic styles. Altogether, this study provides support for cultural differences in attention manifesting in visual narratives, and elucidates how spatial relationships are depicted in visual narratives across cultures.

Excess mortality from all causes during the COVID-19 pandemic in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate excess mortality in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, due to the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020 to January 2022). METHODS: Ecological study using secondary data from the Brazilian Mortality Information System, having the city of Rio de Janeiro as the unit of analysis. Excess mortality was estimated by the difference between the mean number of all expected deaths and the mean number of observed deaths, considering the 2015-2019 period. The quantile regression method was adjusted. The total value of cases above that expected by the historical series was estimated. Among all deaths, cases of COVID-19 and Influenza as underlying causes of death were selected. The ratio between excess mortality and deaths due to COVID-19 was calculated. RESULTS: We identified an excess of 31,920 deaths by the mean (increase of 26.8%). The regression pointed to 31,363 excess deaths. We found 33,401 deaths from COVID-19 and 176 deaths from Influenza. The ratio between the verified excess mortality and deaths due to COVID-19 was 0.96 by the mean and 0.95 by the regression. CONCLUSION: The study pointed to large excess deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic in the city of Rio de Janeiro distributed in waves, including the period of the Influenza outbreak.

Tumor de células granulares com acometimento pericárdico / Granular cell tumor with pericardial involvement. Final paper

Objetivo: Apresentar um raro caso de tumor de células granulares, também conhecido como tumor de Abrikossoff com acometimento pericárdico. Relato do caso: Paciente de 69 anos, com história de tumor de células granulares maligno, com lesão lombar ressecada em 1998 e paraesternal ressecada em 2000 e agora descobriu uma massa pericárdica. Refere dor torácica leve, dispneia aos mínimos esforços, perda ponderal importante por hiporexia, eventualmente rosto avermelhado sem edema. História de hipertensão, asma brônquica e tabagismo, 11 maços/ano. Murmúrio vesicular reduzido na base pulmonar direita, sibilos na ausculta pulmonar, bulhas hipofonéticas, circulação colateral visível em tórax. Discussão: Na ecocardiografia visualiza-se lesão homogênea, isoecogênica, de contornos imprecisos envolvendo o folheto pericárdico visceral das paredes inferior, ínfero-lateral e ântero-lateral do ventrículo esquerdo associado a derrame pericárdico moderado sem sinais de elevação da pressão intrapericárdica. Na tomografia computadorizada evidencia massa pericárdica, heterogênea, com áreas hipodensas de permeio, de limites imprecisos, associada a derrame pericárdico. Há também derrame pleural a direita. O diagnóstico histopatológico da lesão foi de tumor de células granulares, com comportamento maligno devido as atipias celulares. O aspecto histológico era semelhante as amostras anteriores da lesão lombar e paraesternal, podendo corresponder a metástase. Na imunohistoquímica mostrou a expressão da proteína S-100. O tumor de células granulares é um tumor incomum de partes moles, sendo que apenas 2% são malignos, os locais mais comuns são a língua e o dorso, sendo o acometimento pericárdico raríssimo. Suspeita que tenha origem neural, devido a expressão da proteína S-100. Comumente se manifesta como uma lesão nodular, medindo entre 1 e 2 cm de diâmetro. O tratamento preconizado é a remoção cirúrgica total da lesão. Conclusão: O diagnóstico de tumor de células granulares com acometimento pericárdico é difícil, mas deve ser considerado especialmente nos casos em que o paciente já apresenta o tumor em outras partes. O diagnóstico definitivo é histopatológico e os exames de imagem servem para guiar a biópsia e avaliar a extensão da doença

Objective: Report a rare case of granular cell tumor, also known as Abrikossoff's tumor with pericardial involvement. Case report: A 69-year-old patient with a history of malignant granular cell tumor. She had a lumbar lesion resected in 1998 and a parasternal lesion in 2000 and now she has discovered a pericardial mass. She reports mild chest pain, dyspnea on minimal exertion, significant weight loss due to hyporexia, sometimes reddened face without edema. History of hypertension, asthma and smoking, 11 packyears. Reduced breath sounds in the right lung base, wheezing on pulmonar auscultation, hypophonetic heart sounds, visible colateral circulation in the chest. Discussion: The echocardiography showed a homogeneous, isoechoic lesion with imprecise contours involving the visceral pericardium of the inferior, inferolateral and anterolateral walls of the left ventricle associated with moderate pericardial effusion. Computed tomography showed a heterogeneous pericardial mass with hypodense areas, imprecise limits, associated with pericardial effusion. There is also a right pleural effusion. The histopathological result was granular cell tumor with malignant behavior due to cytological atypia. The histological aspect was similar to previous samples of lumbar and parasternal lesion, possibly corresponding to metastasis. In immunohistochemistry showed expression of S-100 protein. Granular cell tumor is an uncommon soft tissue tumor, only 2% are malignant. The most common sites are the tongue and the back, while pericardial involvement is very rare. It is suspected that the lesion has a neural origin due to the expression of the S-100 protein. It commonly presents as a nodular lesion measuring between 1 and 2 cm in diameter. The recommended treatment is the total surgical removal of the lesion. Conclusion: The diagnosis of granular cell tumor with pericardial involvement is difficult, but it should be considered especially when the patient already has the tumor in other sites. The definitive diagnosis is histopathological and imaging tests are used to guide the biopsy and assess the extent of the disease

Bullying on Adolescence: Psychological Assessment with Projective Methods (Paris School) / Bullying na Adolescência: Avaliação Psicológica com Métodos Projetivos (Escola de Paris)

ABSTRACT This work aims to assess the psychological impact of school bullying on adolescents. This study is about an exploratory clinical-qualitative research with multiple case studies of four teenagers, who had been victimized by bullying acts aged between 15 and 17 years old. This study applied the following instruments: Semi-structured interview; SCL-90-R scale; Rorschach Method and Thematic Apperception Test (Parisian School). The results show depression, anxiety, non-suicidal self-injury and suicidal attempts. On the SCL-90-R Scale, five out of nine psychopathological factors stood out in two cases. On Rorschach, the coercion and extroversion predominate as a Type of Intimate Resonance. Thematic Apperception Test results points lability and rigidity. The presence of bullying points to an own psychological dynamic in each case.

RESUMO Analisa-se o impacto psicológico do bullying escolar em adolescentes. Trata-se de pesquisa exploratória clínico-qualitativo com estudo de casos múltiplos de quatro adolescentes que sofreram bullying, com idade entre 15 e 17 anos. Utiliza-se como instrumentos: Entrevista Semiestruturada; Escala SCL-90-R; Método de Rorschach e Teste de Apercepção Temática (Escola de Paris). Resultados mostraram sinais de depressão, ansiedade, comportamentos autolesivos e tentativas de suicídio. Na Escala SCL-90-R sobressaíram em dois casos, cinco dos nove fatores psicopatológicos. No Rorschach predomina Tipo de Ressonância Íntima coartado e extroversivo, com reatividade afetiva e capacidade de relacionamentos interpessoais afetadas em alguns casos. No Teste de Apercepção Temática destacam-se procedimentos que indicam labilidade e rigidez. A presença do bullying aponta para dinamismo psíquico próprio em cada caso.

Excess mortality from all causes during the COVID-19 pandemic in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / Excesso de mortalidade por todas as causas na pandemia de COVID-19 no município do Rio de Janeiro (RJ)

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate excess mortality in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, due to the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020 to January 2022). Methods: Ecological study using secondary data from the Brazilian Mortality Information System, having the city of Rio de Janeiro as the unit of analysis. Excess mortality was estimated by the difference between the mean number of all expected deaths and the mean number of observed deaths, considering the 2015-2019 period. The quantile regression method was adjusted. The total value of cases above that expected by the historical series was estimated. Among all deaths, cases of COVID-19 and Influenza as underlying causes of death were selected. The ratio between excess mortality and deaths due to COVID-19 was calculated. Results: We identified an excess of 31,920 deaths by the mean (increase of 26.8%). The regression pointed to 31,363 excess deaths. We found 33,401 deaths from COVID-19 and 176 deaths from Influenza. The ratio between the verified excess mortality and deaths due to COVID-19 was 0.96 by the mean and 0.95 by the regression. Conclusion: The study pointed to large excess deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic in the city of Rio de Janeiro distributed in waves, including the period of the Influenza outbreak.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar o excesso de óbitos no município do Rio de Janeiro (MRJ), RJ, durante a pandemia de COVID-19 (março de 2020 a janeiro de 2022). Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo ecológico com dados secundários do Sistema de Informação sobre Mortalidade cuja unidade de análise foi o MRJ. O excesso de mortalidade foi calculado pela diferença entre a média de óbitos esperados e a média dos óbitos observados levando-se em conta o período de 2015 a 2019. Foi ajustado um método de regressão quantílica. Calculou-se o valor total dos casos acima do esperado pela série histórica. Foram selecionados os óbitos por causa básica COVID-19 e Influenza. Também foi calculada a razão entre o excesso de óbitos e os óbitos atribuídos à COVID-19. Resultados: Foi identificado excesso de 31.920 óbitos pela média (26,8% de incremento). Pela regressão quantílica, encontrou-se excesso de 31.363 óbitos. Ocorreram 33.401 óbitos por COVID-19 e 176 por Influenza. A razão entre o excesso de óbitos encontrado e os óbitos atribuídos à COVID-19 foi de 0,96 pela média e 0,95 pela regressão quantílica. Conclusão: O estudo apontou grande excesso de óbitos durante a pandemia de COVID-19 no MRJ, distribuído em ondas, incluindo-se o período do surto de Influenza.

Por uma escuta sensível: a escarificação na adolescência como fenômeno multifacetado / For sensitive listening: the scarification in adolescence as a multifaceted phenomenon / Para una escucha sensible: la escarificación en la adolescencia como fenómeno multifacético / Pour une écoute sensible: la scarification à l'adolescence en tant que phénomène aux multiples facettes

Define-se a escarificação como o comportamento de machucar-se sem que haja intenção consciente de suicídio ou perversão sexual. Identificando-se um aumento recente de tais práticas bastante associadas à fase da adolescência, o presente artigo pretende contribuir com a leitura psicanalítica sobre autolesão na adolescência, buscando contemplar a metapsicologia do fenômeno e a especificidade da clínica psicanalítica para esses casos. Para tanto, foram utilizados trechos de entrevistas feitas com adolescentes que se cortam. Em geral, a prática de autolesão é sustentada por uma intricada cadeia associativa, na qual o sentido do corte frequentemente escapa a quem se corta. Notam-se importantes variações correspondentes à função do corte no corpo, frequentemente relacionado a dificuldades de simbolização de afetos decorrentes do traumatismo, a fragilidades narcísicas e identitárias, ao retorno pulsional da agressividade erotizada ao próprio corpo, ao "corte" do sofrimento, pela transformação deste em dor física, entre outras possibilidades. Para amenizar tais dificuldades, sugere-se que a intervenção clínica seja "feita sob medida" para cada adolescente atendido, com base na escuta sensível da psicodinâmica latente ao ato de se cortar.

The scarification is the ones behavior to hurt himself without a conscientious intention of committing suicide or performing a sexual perversion act. Recently, it has been identified the increscent of such habits, which are frequently associated to the adolescence period. This article aims to contribute to the psychoanalytical view about the self-injury on adolescence period, seeking to contemplate this phenomenon metapsychology and its clinical specificity. Therefore, we interviewed adolescents who cut themselves and used some interviews excerpts. In general, the practice of self-injury relates itself to an intricate associative chain, in which the meaning of the cut often eludes those who cut themselves. The cutting function is miscellaneous. Often, the self-injury relates itself to trauma affects and symbolization defects; to narcissus-identitary flaws; to the eroticized aggression drive breakthrough to the body; to the "cut" of suffering, by transforming it into physical pain; among other possibilities. In order to work with such issues, it is suggested that the clinical intervention be "made to measure" for each one attended, as it is recommended to the clinicians to be sensitive on their listening of the cutting psychodynamics and its latent meanings.

La escarificación es el comportamiento de una persona para lastimarse a sí mismo sin una intención consciente de suicidarse o realizar un acto de perversión sexual. Recientemente, se ha identificado el aumento de dichos hábitos, los cuales se asocian frecuentemente al período de la adolescencia. Este artículo tiene como objetivo contribuir a la visión psicoanalítica sobre la autolesión en el período de la adolescencia, buscando contemplar este fenómeno metapsicológico y su especificidad clínica. Por lo tanto, entrevistamos a adolescentes que se cortaron y usamos algunos extractos de entrevistas. En general, la práctica de la autolesión se relaciona con una intrincada cadena asociativa, en la que el significado del corte a menudo elude a quienes se cortan. La función de corte es diversa. A menudo, la autolesión se relaciona con afectos traumáticos y defectos de simbolización, a los defectos identitarios del narciso, a la agresión erotizada impulsa el avance hacia el cuerpo; al "corte" del sufrimiento, transformándolo en dolor físico, entre otras posibilidades. Para trabajar con estos temas, se sugiere que la intervención clínica sea "a medida" para cada uno de los atendidos, ya que se recomienda a los clínicos ser sensibles en su escucha de la psicodinámica cortante y sus significados latentes.

La scarification est le comportement de celui qui se fait du mal sans intention consciencieuse de se suicider ou d'accomplir un acte de perversion sexuelle. Récemment, il a été identifié l'augmentation de ces habitudes, qui sont fréquemment associées à la période de l'adolescence. Cet article vise à contribuer à la vision psychanalytique de l'automutilation à l'adolescence, en cherchant à contempler ce phénomène métapsychologique et sa spécificité clinique. Par conséquent, nous avons interviewé des adolescents qui se coupaient et utilisé des extraits d'entretiens. En général, la pratique de l'automutilation se rapporte à une chaîne associative complexe, dans laquelle le sens de la coupure échappe souvent à ceux qui se coupent. La fonction de coupe est diverse. Souvent, l'automutilation se rapporte à des effets traumatiques et à des défauts de symbolisation ; aux défauts narcisse-identitaires ; à la percée érotisée agression motrice du corps ; à la « coupure ¼ de la souffrance, en la transformant en douleur physique; entre autres possibilités. Afin de travailler avec de telles problématiques, il est suggéré que l'intervention clinique soit « sur mesure ¼ pour chacun des participants, car il est recommandé aux cliniciens d'être sensibles à leur écoute de la psychodynamique coupante et de ses significations latentes.

Habilidades sociais e satisfação profissional de médicos que atendem em contexto ambulatorial / Social skills and professional satisfaction of physicians who attend in an outpatient setting / Habilidades sociales y satisfacción profesional de médicos que atienden en contexto de ambulatorio

Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar o repertório de habilidades sociais (HS) e a satisfação profissional (SP) de médicos que atendem em contexto ambulatorial. Adotou-se delineamento descritivo, correlacional e transversal. Quarenta e seis médicos, selecionados via amostragem não probabilística, responderam a um Protocolo de Caracterização Individual e ao Inventário de HS2 - versão preliminar. Os principais resultados indicaram: (a) bom repertório, acima da média, para o escore total de HS; (b) bom repertório, abaixo da média, para Conversação e Desenvoltura Social e Assertividade Afetivo-Sexual; bom repertório, acima da média, para Assertividade de Autodefesa e Assertividade de Autoexposição Social; e repertório bastante elaborado para Expressão de Sentimentos Positivos; e (c) correlação positiva entre HS e SP. Um bom repertório de HS facilita ao estabelecimento de um bom vínculo terapêutico, serve de fator de proteção contra o estresse e outros problemas mentais e possibilita a satisfação profissional.

This study aimed to characterize the repertory of Social Skills (SS) and professional satisfaction (PS) of physicians who attend in an outpatient setting. A descriptive, correlational and cross-sectional design was adopted. Forty-six physicians, selected through non-probabilistic sampling, answered to an Individual Characterization Protocol and the SS Inventory 2 - preliminary version. The main results indicated: (a) good repertory, above average, for the total SS score; (b) good repertoire, below average, for Conversation and Social Resourcefulness and Affective-Sexual Assertiveness; a good repertoire, above average, for Self-Defense Assertiveness and Social Self-Exposition Assertiveness; and a very elaborate repertoire for Expression of Positive Feelings; and (c) positive correlation between SS and PS. A good repertoire of SS facilitates the establishment of a good therapeutic link, works as a protector factor against stress and other mental health problems and makes possible the professional satisfaction.

Este estudio objetivó analizar el repertorio de habilidades sociales (HS) y la satisfacción profesional (SP) de médicos que atienden en contexto de ambulatorio. Se adoptó delineamiento descriptivo, correlacional y transversal. Cuarenta y seis médicos, seleccionados mediante muestreo no probabilístico, respondieron a un Protocolo de Caracterización y al Inventario de HS2 - versión preliminar. Los resultados indicaron: (a) buen repertorio, por encima de la media, para el puntaje total de HS; (b) buen repertorio, por debajo de la media, para Conversación y Desenvoltura Social y Asertividad Afectivo-Sexual; buen repertorio, por encima de la media, para Asertividad de Autodefensa y Asertividad de Autoexposición Social; y un repertorio bastante elaborado para Expresión de Sentimientos Positivos; y (c) correlación positiva entre HS y SP. Un buen repertorio de HS facilita el establecimiento del vínculo terapéutico, funciona como factor de protección contra el estrés y otros problemas mentales y posibilita la satisfacción profesional.

A implementação do Auxílio Emergencial como medida excepcional de proteção social / La implementación de la Ayuda de Emergencia como medida excepcional de protección social / The Implementation of Emergency Aid as an exceptional measure of social protection

Resumo O Auxílio Emergencial, instituído pela Lei nº 13.982, de 2020, é uma das maiores iniciativas do Governo Federal para minimizar os efeitos econômicos da pandemia do coronavírus (COVID-19) para a parte mais vulnerável da população, entres eles os beneficiários do Programa Bolsa Família (PBF) e os inscritos no Cadastro Único para Programas Sociais do Governo Federal (CadÚnico), cidadãos que já tinham algum tipo de relacionamento com políticas de assistência social. Além desses, o benefício abrange também trabalhadores informais, autônomos e microempreendedores individuais (MEI). Com base na análise documental e por meio de observação direta, este estudo buscou delinear o processo de implementação do Auxílio Emergencial, no âmbito do arranjo estabelecido pelo Ministério da Cidadania (MC), através da abordagem da burocracia de nível de sistema.

Resumen La Ayuda de Emergencia, instituida por la Ley n. 13.982, de 2020, es una de las mayores iniciativas del Gobierno Federal Brasileño para minimizar los efectos económicos de la pandemia de coronavirus (COVID-19) para la parte más vulnerables de la población, entre ellas, los beneficiarios del "Programa Bolsa Família" (PBF) y aquellos inscritos en el Registro Único para Programas Sociales del Gobierno Federal" (CadÚnico), ciudadanos que ya tenían algún tipo de relación con las políticas de asistencia social. Además de estos, el beneficio también abarca a trabajadores informales, autónomos e microempresarios individuales (MEI). Basado en el análisis documental y a través de la observación directa, este estudio buscó esbozar el proceso de implementación de la Ayuda de Emergencia, en el marco establecido por el Ministerio de Ciudadanía (MC), a través del enfoque de burocracia a nivel de sistema.

Abstract Emergency Aid, instituted by Law 13982, of 2020, is one of the biggest initiatives of the Brazilin Federal Government to minimize the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. This aid is directed at the most vulnerable population, among them, the beneficiaries of the conditional cash transfer program "Bolsa Família" (PBF) and those enrolled in the single registry for social protection "Cadastro Único para Programas Sociais do Governo Federal" (CadÚnico). The benefit also covers informal employees, self-employed and individual microentrepreneurs (MEI). Based on documentary analysis and through direct observation, this study sought to outline the process of implementing emergency aid measures, within the framework established by the Ministry of Citizenship (MC), through the system-level bureaucracy approach.

The Bone Marrow Niche - The Tumor Microenvironment That Ensures Leukemia Progression.

The human body requires a constant delivery of fresh blood cells that are needed to maintain body homeostasis. Hematopoiesis is the process that drives the formation of new blood cells from a single stem cell. This is a complex, orchestrated and tightly regulated process that occurs within the bone marrow. When such process is faulty or deregulated, leukemia arises, develops and thrives by subverting normal hematopoiesis and availing the supplies of this rich milieu.In this book chapter we will describe and characterize the bone marrow microenvironment and its key importance for leukemia expansion. The several components of the bone marrow niche, their interaction with the leukemic cells and the cellular pathways activated within the malignant cells will be emphasized. Finally, novel therapeutic strategies to target this sibling interaction will also be discussed.

Abortion in Brazil: what do the official data say? / Aborto no Brasil: o que dizem os dados oficiais?

According to the World Health Organization, from 2010 to 2014, there were around 55 million abortions worldwide, 45% of which were unsafe. In Brazil, data on abortion and its complications are incomplete. Health care data are only available for the public sector and mortality data depend on investigations of deaths. This study sought to describe the situation of abortion in the country using public data available in the different Information Systems - SIM (mortality), SINASC (live births) and SIH (hospitalization). From 2008 to 2015, there were around 200,000 hospitalizations/year for procedures related to abortion, 1,600 of which for medical and legal reasons. From 2006 to 2015, we found 770 maternal deaths in SIM whose underlying cause was abortion. There was a discreet reduction in the number of deaths from abortion in the period, with regional variation. This number could be increased by around 29% per year if deaths with mentions of abortion and declared with a different underlying cause were considered. Among the deaths reported as resulting from abortion, 1% were abortions due to medical and legal reasons and 56.5% were non-specified abortions. The proportion of deaths from abortion identified in SIH, in relation to the total number of deaths from abortion identified in SIM, varied between 47.4% in 2008 and 72.2% in 2015. Although official health data do not allow us to estimate the number of abortions in Brazil, we were able to establish the profile of women at higher risk for death from abortion: black and indigenous women, with low educational levels, under 14 and over 40 years of age, living in the North Northeast and Central regions, without a partner.

Segundo a Organização Mundial da Saúde cerca de 55 milhões de abortos ocorreram no mundo, entre 2010 e 2014, e 45% destes foram inseguros. No Brasil, dados sobre aborto e suas complicações são incompletos. Dados assistenciais estão somente disponíveis para o setor público e dados de mortalidade dependem de investigação do óbito. O objetivo do estudo foi descrever o cenário do aborto no país, utilizando dados públicos disponíveis para acesso nos diversos Sistemas de Informação - SIM (mortalidade), SINASC (nascidos vivos) e SIH (internação hospitalar). No período entre 2008 e 2015, ocorreram cerca de 200.000 internações/ano por procedimentos relacionados ao aborto, sendo cerca de 1.600 por razões médicas e legais. De 2006 a 2015, foram encontrados 770 óbitos maternos com causa básica aborto no SIM. Houve discreta redução dos óbitos por aborto ao longo do período, com variações regionais. Esse número poderia ter um incremento de cerca de 29% por ano se os óbitos com menção de aborto e declarados com outra causa básica fossem considerados. Entre os óbitos declarados como aborto, 1% foi por razões médicas e legais e 56,5% como aborto não especificado. A proporção de óbitos por aborto identificados no SIH, em relação ao total de óbitos por aborto identificados no SIM, variou de 47,4% em 2008 para 72,2% em 2015. Embora os dados oficiais de saúde não permitam uma estimativa do número de abortos no país, foi possível traçar um perfil de mulheres em maior risco de óbito por aborto: as de cor preta e as indígenas, de baixa escolaridade, com menos de 14 e mais de 40 anos, vivendo nas regiões Norte, Nordeste e Centro-oeste, e sem companheiro.

Entre 2010 y 2014, según la Organización Mundial de la Salud, se produjeron en el mundo cerca de 55 millones de abortos, además un 45% de los mismos fueron inseguros. En Brasil, los datos sobre el aborto y sus complicaciones son incompletos. Los datos asistenciales se encuentran solamente disponibles para el sector público y los datos de mortalidad dependen de la investigación sobre el fallecimiento. El objetivo del estudio fue describir el escenario del aborto en el país, utilizando datos públicos disponibles para su acceso en los diversos Sistemas de Información - SIM (mortalidad), SINASC (nacidos vivos) y SIH (internamiento hospitalario). Durante el período entre 2008 y 2015, se produjeron cerca de 200.000 internamientos/año por intervenciones relacionadas con el aborto, siendo cerca de 1.600 por razones médicas y legales. De 2006 a 2015, se encontraron 770 óbitos maternos con el aborto como causa básica en el SIM. Se produjo una discreta reducción de los fallecimientos por aborto a lo largo del período, con variaciones regionales. Este número podría sufrir un incremento de cerca de un 29% por año, si se consideraran los fallecimientos donde se menciona el aborto y se declaran con otra causa básica. Entre los óbitos declarados como aborto, un 1% fue por razones médicas y legales y un 56,5% como aborto no especificado. La proporción de óbitos por aborto identificados en el SIH, en relación con el total de óbitos por aborto identificados en el SIM, varió de 47,4% en 2008 a un 72,2% en 2015. A pesar de que los datos oficiales de salud no permitan una estimación del número de abortos en el país, fue posible trazar un perfil de mujeres con mayor riesgo de fallecimiento por aborto: mujeres afrodescendientes e indígenas, con baja escolaridad, con menos de 14 años y más de 40, viviendo en las regiones Norte, Nordeste y Centro-oeste, y sin pareja.

Multi-modality Treatment and Survival in Sinonasal Minor Salivary Gland Tumors.

Objectives The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of the multimodality treatment on survival in sinonasal minor salivary gland tumors. Methods Adult clinical American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) tumor (T) 1-4a staged cases of sinonasal minor salivary gland tumors were isolated from the National Cancer Database (2004-2014). Multivariate regressions were performed to analyze the effect of multimodality treatment. A subset analysis was also performed in patients with positive margins following surgical management. Results We identified 556 cases, of which 293 (52.7%) patients were treated with surgery and radiotherapy (RT), 160 (28.8%) were treated with surgery alone, and 52 (9.4%) were treated with surgery and chemoradiotherapy (CRT). No patients were treated with chemotherapy alone. With surgery and CRT as a reference, the only treatment modality associated with decreased survival was RT alone (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.213 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.578-6.543]; p = 0.001). Within a subset analysis of patients with positive margins, surgery was associated with decreased survival (HR: 2.021 [95% CI: 1.401-3.925]; p = 0.038), but not triple modality therapy (HR: 1.700 [95% CI: 0.798-3.662]) when compared with surgery with RT. Conclusion The most common treatment was surgery and RT, consistent with National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines which recommends chemotherapy (CT) only in the most concerning cases. However, we found no difference in survival among most treatment modalities when compared with triple modality therapy, with the exception of RT alone. Although margins were prognostic within these cancers, we found no evidence that adjuvant CRT provides any survival benefit over surgery and RT, though surgery alone was associated with decreased survival.

Qualidade de vida de pessoas soropositivas: relação entre situação socioeconômica e estágio viral / Quality of life of HIV-positive people: relationship between socioeconomic status and viral stage / Calidad de vida de personas seropositivas: relación entre la situación socioeconómica y el estado viral

Objetivo: Analisar a influência da situação socioeconômica e do estágio do vírus da imunodeficiência humana na qualidade de vida de pessoas soropositivas. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo quantitativo e transversal, realizado entre 2016 e 2017, desenvolvido em um centro de referência no tratamento de pessoas com o vírus da imunodeficiência humana em São Luís (Maranhão, Brasil). A amostra compôs-se de 122 pessoas soropositivas que realizavam tratamento e acompanhamento nesse centro de referência. Utilizou-se um instrumento para coleta de dados socioeconômicos e o questionário de qualidade de vida WHOQol-HIV-bref. A análise dos dados ocorreu por meio da modelagem com equações estruturais. Construíram-se duas variáveis latentes, situação socioeconômica e qualidade de vida, utilizando análise fatorial confirmatória e, em seguida, a análise de caminhos. Resultados: Todas as cargas fatoriais das variáveis latentes apresentaram-se convergentes. Em relação à parte estrutural do modelo, para cada variação de um desvio padrão na situação socioeconômica, há um aumento de 0,601 desvio padrão na qualidade de vida dos participantes. Não houve efeito direto significante do estágio clínico do vírus na qualidade de vida (p=0,165), nem da situação socioeconômica no estágio clínico (p=0,610), bem como não houve efeito indireto da situação socioeconômica na qualidade de vida quando mediado pelo estágio clínico (p=0,654). Conclusão: O estágio clínico não se associou à qualidade de vida e não apresentou efeito mediador entre a situação socioeconômica e a qualidade de vida. A situação socioeconômica influenciou diretamente a qualidade de vida dos participantes.

Objective: To analyze the influence of socioeconomic status and human immunodeficiency virus stage on the quality of life of HIV-positive people. Methods: This quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted between 2016 and 2017 at a reference center for the treatment of people with human immunodeficiency virus in São Luís (Maranhão, Brazil). The sample comprised 122 HIV-positive people undergoing treatment and follow-up at the reference center. We used an instrument to collect socioeconomic data and the WHOQol-HIV-bref. Data analysis was performed using structural equation modeling. Two latent variables were constructed ­ socioeconomic status and quality of life ­ using confirmatory factor analysis followed by path analysis. Results: All factor loadings of the latent variables described converge. With regard to the structural part of the model, for each variation of one standard deviation in the socioeconomic status there was an increase of 0.601 standard deviation in the quality of life of the participants. The clinical stage of the virus had no significant direct effect on quality of life (p=0.165). Also, socioeconomic status had no significant effect on the clinical stage of the virus (p=0.610). Additionally, socioeconomic situation did not have any indirect effect on quality of life mediated by clinical stage (p=0.654). Conclusion: The clinical stage was not associated with quality of life and did not have a mediating effect on socioeconomic status and quality of life. The socioeconomic status directly influenced the participants' quality of life.

Objetivo: Analizar la influencia de la situación socioeconómica y del estado del virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana en la calidad de vida de personas seropositivas. Métodos: Se trata de un estudio cuantitativo y transversal realizado entre 2016 y 2017 desarrollado en un centro de referencia para el tratamiento de personas con el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana de São Luís (Maranhão, Brasil). La muestra ha sido de 122 personas seropositivas que realizaban el tratamiento y el seguimiento en ese centro de referencia. Se utilizó un instrumento para la recogida de datos socioeconómicos y el cuestionario de calidad de vida WHOQol-VIH-bref. El análisis de los datos se dio a través de ecuaciones estructurales. Se ha construido dos variables latentes, la situación socioeconómica y la calidad de vida, utilizándose el análisis factorial confirmatorio y después el análisis de caminos. Resultados: Todas las cargas factoriales de las variables latentes se presentaron convergentes. Respecto la parte estructural del modelo para cada variación de una desviación típica de la condición socioeconómica hay un aumento de 0,601 desviación típica de la calidad de vida de los participantes. No hubo el efecto directo significativo del estado clínico del virus para la calidad de vida (p=0,165) ni de la situación socioeconómica del estado clínico (p=0,610) así como no hubo el efecto indirecto de la situación socioeconómica en la calidad de vida cuando mediado por el estado clínico (p=0,654). Conclusión: El estado clínico no se asoció con la calidad de vida y no presentó el efecto mediador entre la situación socioeconómica y la calidad de vida. La situación socioeconómica ha influenciado directamente en la calidad de vida de los participantes.

Margins in Sinonasal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Predictors, Outcomes, and the Endoscopic Approach.

OBJECTIVES: To identify factors associated with positive margins following surgical management of sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SNSCC), especially with regard to endoscopic treatment. METHODS: In a retrospective analysis of adult patients with clinically staged tumor (T)1 to T4a SNSCC within the National Cancer Database (NCDB) from 2004 to 2014, factors were associated with positive margins using multivariable binary logistic regression. Cases from 2010 to 2014 had surgical approach (open vs. endoscopic) available and were analyzed in a subgroup to assess the association of surgical approach with margin status. The association of margin status with overall survival (OS) and additional therapy administration was also assessed. RESULTS: We identified 2,968 cases, of which 807 (27.2%) had positive margins. On multivariable analysis, factors associated with positive margins included higher T stage (T4a vs. T1: odds ratio [OR] 2.768 [95% CI 2.143-3.577]), less differentiated tumors (poorly differentiated vs. well differentiated: OR 1.403 [95% CI 1.060-1.856]), and tumors in the ethmoid sinus (vs. nasal cavity; OR 1.889 [95% CI 1.305-2.734]). Cases treated at higher volume facilities (HVFs) were associated with a lower likelihood of positive margins (OR 0.716 [95% CI 0.582-0.881]). Positive margins were associated with decreased OS (hazard ratio 1.672 [95% CI 1.464-1.908]) and an increased rate of additional therapy (OR 1.966 [95% confidence interval 1.597-2.421]). An endoscopic approach was not associated with an increased likelihood of obtaining positive margins (vs. open; OR 1.151 [0.903-1.651]). CONCLUSION: Positive margins were less likely when performed at HVFs and more likely in the ethmoid sinus than other subsites. Importantly, there was no association between positive margins and surgical approach. Endoscopic surgery may offer a safe, less invasive alternative to open surgery for select patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 130:E388-E396, 2020.

Efeitos de uma disciplina de relações interpessoais no repertório social de estudantes de exatas / Effects of an interpersonal relations discipline on social repertoire of science exact students / Efectos de una disciplina de relaciones interpersonales en repertorio sociale de estudiantes de exactas

Este estudo teve por objetivo avaliar o repertório de habilidades sociais de estudantes de Ciências Exatas antes e após uma disciplina de Relações Interpessoais. Participaram deste estudo 21 universitários, sendo 17 do curso de Engenharia Elétrica e 4 de Química Industrial, matriculados na disciplina de Relações Interpessoais para o Curso de Engenharia Elétrica. A disciplina teórico-prática foi baseada em vivências e os estudantes responderam ao Inventário de Habilidades Sociais (IHS) e ao Questionário de Avaliação Final da Disciplina (QAFD). Os resultados apontaram diferenças estatisticamente significativas quanto ao escore geral de habilidades sociais e a média no QAVD entre as avaliações do pré e pós-teste. Foram observadas ainda correlações positivas e fortes entre o QAVD antes e após a disciplina. Além disso, (b) o escore geral QAVD após adisciplina se relacionou positiva e moderadamente com o escore geral (IHS) dehabilidades sociais no pós-teste.

This study aimed to evaluate the repertoire of social skills of students of Exact Sciences before and after an Interpersonal Relations discipline. Twenty-one university students participated in this study, of which 17 were from Electrical Engineering and 4 from Industrial Chemistry, enrolled in the discipline of Interpersonal Relationships for the Electrical Engineering Course. The theoretical-practical discipline was based on experiences and the students answered the Social Skills Inventory (IHS) and the Discipline Final Assessment Questionnaire (QAFD). The results showed statistically significant differences in the general social skills score and the mean in the QAVD between the pre and post-test evaluations. Positive and strong correlations were also observed between the QAVD before and after the discipline. In addition, (b) the overall QAVD post-discipline score was positively and moderately related to the overall social skills score (IHS) in the post-test.

Este estudio tuvo por objetivo evaluar el repertorio de habilidades sociales de estudiantes de Ciencias exactas antes y después de una disciplina de relaciones interpersonales. Participaron de este estudio 21 universitarios, siendo 17 del curso de Ingeniería Eléctrica y 4 de Química Industrial, matriculados en la disciplina de Relaciones Interpersonales para el Curso de Ingeniería Eléctrica. La disciplina teórico-práctica fue basada en vivencias y los estudiantes respondieron al inventario de Habilidades Sociales (IHS) y al Cuestionario de Evaluación Final de la Disciplina (QAFD). Los resultados apuntaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en cuanto al puntaje general de habilidades sociales y la media en el QAVD entre las evaluaciones del pre y post-test. Se observaron correlaciones positivas y fuertes entre el QAVD antes y después de la disciplina. Además, (b) el puntaje general QAVD post la disciplina se relacionó positiva y moderadamente con el puntaje general (IHS) de habilidades sociales en el post-test.

Aborto no Brasil: o que dizem os dados oficiais? / Aborto en Brasil: ¿qué dicen los datos oficiales? / Abortion in Brazil: what do the official data say?

Segundo a Organização Mundial da Saúde cerca de 55 milhões de abortos ocorreram no mundo, entre 2010 e 2014, e 45% destes foram inseguros. No Brasil, dados sobre aborto e suas complicações são incompletos. Dados assistenciais estão somente disponíveis para o setor público e dados de mortalidade dependem de investigação do óbito. O objetivo do estudo foi descrever o cenário do aborto no país, utilizando dados públicos disponíveis para acesso nos diversos Sistemas de Informação - SIM (mortalidade), SINASC (nascidos vivos) e SIH (internação hospitalar). No período entre 2008 e 2015, ocorreram cerca de 200.000 internações/ano por procedimentos relacionados ao aborto, sendo cerca de 1.600 por razões médicas e legais. De 2006 a 2015, foram encontrados 770 óbitos maternos com causa básica aborto no SIM. Houve discreta redução dos óbitos por aborto ao longo do período, com variações regionais. Esse número poderia ter um incremento de cerca de 29% por ano se os óbitos com menção de aborto e declarados com outra causa básica fossem considerados. Entre os óbitos declarados como aborto, 1% foi por razões médicas e legais e 56,5% como aborto não especificado. A proporção de óbitos por aborto identificados no SIH, em relação ao total de óbitos por aborto identificados no SIM, variou de 47,4% em 2008 para 72,2% em 2015. Embora os dados oficiais de saúde não permitam uma estimativa do número de abortos no país, foi possível traçar um perfil de mulheres em maior risco de óbito por aborto: as de cor preta e as indígenas, de baixa escolaridade, com menos de 14 e mais de 40 anos, vivendo nas regiões Norte, Nordeste e Centro-oeste, e sem companheiro.

Entre 2010 y 2014, según la Organización Mundial de la Salud, se produjeron en el mundo cerca de 55 millones de abortos, además un 45% de los mismos fueron inseguros. En Brasil, los datos sobre el aborto y sus complicaciones son incompletos. Los datos asistenciales se encuentran solamente disponibles para el sector público y los datos de mortalidad dependen de la investigación sobre el fallecimiento. El objetivo del estudio fue describir el escenario del aborto en el país, utilizando datos públicos disponibles para su acceso en los diversos Sistemas de Información - SIM (mortalidad), SINASC (nacidos vivos) y SIH (internamiento hospitalario). Durante el período entre 2008 y 2015, se produjeron cerca de 200.000 internamientos/año por intervenciones relacionadas con el aborto, siendo cerca de 1.600 por razones médicas y legales. De 2006 a 2015, se encontraron 770 óbitos maternos con el aborto como causa básica en el SIM. Se produjo una discreta reducción de los fallecimientos por aborto a lo largo del período, con variaciones regionales. Este número podría sufrir un incremento de cerca de un 29% por año, si se consideraran los fallecimientos donde se menciona el aborto y se declaran con otra causa básica. Entre los óbitos declarados como aborto, un 1% fue por razones médicas y legales y un 56,5% como aborto no especificado. La proporción de óbitos por aborto identificados en el SIH, en relación con el total de óbitos por aborto identificados en el SIM, varió de 47,4% en 2008 a un 72,2% en 2015. A pesar de que los datos oficiales de salud no permitan una estimación del número de abortos en el país, fue posible trazar un perfil de mujeres con mayor riesgo de fallecimiento por aborto: mujeres afrodescendientes e indígenas, con baja escolaridad, con menos de 14 años y más de 40, viviendo en las regiones Norte, Nordeste y Centro-oeste, y sin pareja.

According to the World Health Organization, from 2010 to 2014, there were around 55 million abortions worldwide, 45% of which were unsafe. In Brazil, data on abortion and its complications are incomplete. Health care data are only available for the public sector and mortality data depend on investigations of deaths. This study sought to describe the situation of abortion in the country using public data available in the different Information Systems - SIM (mortality), SINASC (live births) and SIH (hospitalization). From 2008 to 2015, there were around 200,000 hospitalizations/year for procedures related to abortion, 1,600 of which for medical and legal reasons. From 2006 to 2015, we found 770 maternal deaths in SIM whose underlying cause was abortion. There was a discreet reduction in the number of deaths from abortion in the period, with regional variation. This number could be increased by around 29% per year if deaths with mentions of abortion and declared with a different underlying cause were considered. Among the deaths reported as resulting from abortion, 1% were abortions due to medical and legal reasons and 56.5% were non-specified abortions. The proportion of deaths from abortion identified in SIH, in relation to the total number of deaths from abortion identified in SIM, varied between 47.4% in 2008 and 72.2% in 2015. Although official health data do not allow us to estimate the number of abortions in Brazil, we were able to establish the profile of women at higher risk for death from abortion: black and indigenous women, with low educational levels, under 14 and over 40 years of age, living in the North Northeast and Central regions, without a partner.

Biliary tumorigenic effect on hypopharyngeal cells is significantly enhanced by pH reduction.

Biliary reflux has been considered a potential risk factor in upper aerodigestive tract malignancies. It is not yet clearly known how pH affects the bile-induced activation of NF-κB and its related oncogenic pathway previously linked to hypopharyngeal carcinogenesis. In this study, repetitive applications of conjugated primary bile acids with unconjugated secondary bile acid, deoxycholic acid (DCA), on human hypopharyngeal primary cells reveal that strongly acidic pH (4.0) optimally enhances the tumorigenic effect of bile, by inducing activation of NF-κB, STAT3 nuclear translocation, bcl-2 overexpression and significant overexpression of the oncogenic mRNA phenotype, compared to weakly acidic pH (5.5) or neutral pH (7.0). As the pH becomes less acidic the partially activated primary bile acids and activated DCA begin to exert their influence; however, with significantly less intensity compared to bile acids at strongly acidic pH. Our findings suggest that biliary tumorigenic effect is strongly pH dependent. Controlling pH during reflux events may be therapeutically effective in reducing the potential risk of bile-induced hypopharyngeal cancer.