Teaching and training of human resources for genetics and genomics in Brazil.

This manuscript reviewed the state of the art about the teaching and training of human resources for genetics and genomics in Brazil. We presented the national scenario of teaching genetics in medical undergraduate and other health courses. We discussed the training of medical geneticists through medical residency and addressed the training in genetics of physicians from specialties other than genetics. We examined the training of health professionals specializing in genetics through lato sensu and stricto sensu postgraduate programs and presented the proposals for multi-professional residency in genetic counseling and genetics and genomics that are currently the subject of discussion in the country. Finally, we highlighted the importance of training primary health care professionals concerning genetics and genomics for the effective establishment of a line of care for individuals with genetic disorders in the Brazilian Unified Health System. Therefore, we provided a thorough overview of how genetics is (or is not) incorporated into professional training in a comprehensive public healthcare system such as the Brazilian.

Dynamics of Fe, Mn, and potentially harmful elements under reducing conditions in iron ore tailings after dam collapse in the Doce River basin-Brazil: flooded and non-flooded rice cultivations.

Potentially harmful element (PHE) bioavailability is important to environmental contamination and must be checked under several soil conditions. This study aimed to assess Fe, Mn, and PHE uptake by rice (Oryza sativa) grown on flooded and non-flooded Fe tailings collected from the Doce River basin after its collapse in Brazil. After 65 days of sowing, shoots and roots were harvested to determine PHE concentrations. The mean concentrations of Mn in shoots and Fe in the roots of rice grown on the flooded tailings were 2140 mg kg-1 and 15,219 mg kg-1, respectively. Mn was extensively translocated from roots to shoots (translocation factor (TF) = 2). Conversely, Fe accumulated in roots (TF = 0.015) and caused morphological damage to this rice organ. The application of macro and micronutrients lessened Fe toxicity in the roots of rice cultivated on the flooded tailings. The flooding of tailings influenced more Fe accumulation than Mn accumulation by rice plants. The PHE Ag, As, Cd, Ni, Hg, Pb, and Sb exhibited low total concentrations (maximum of 9 mg kg-1 for Ni and a minimum of 0.2 mg kg-1 for Cd, Hg, and Sb), and it was not observed an increase in their availability under tailings flooding conditions.

Time Trend of Occupational Noise-induced Hearing Loss in a Metallurgical Plant With a Hearing Conservation Program.

Background: This study aimed to analyze the trend of occupational noise-induced hearing loss (ONIHL) in Brazilian workers at a metallurgical plant with a hearing conservation program (HCP), which has been addressed in a previous study. Methods: All 152 workers in this time series (20032018) participated in the HCP and used personal protective equipment. All annual audiometry records in the company's software were collected from the electronic database. The trend of ONIHL was analyzed with the joinpoint regression model. The hearing thresholds of ONIHL cases at the end of the series were compared with those found in a national reference study. Results: The binaural mean hearing thresholds at 3, 4, and 6 kHz at the end of the series were higher for ages ≥50 years, exposures ≥85 dB (A), time since admission >20 years, and maintenance workers. Significance was found only in the group divided by age. There was an increasing time trend of ONIHL, though with a low percentage variation for the period (AAPC = 3.5%; p = 0.01). Hearing thresholds in this study differed from the reference one. Conclusion: Despite the unmet expectation of a stationary trend in the study period, the time pace of ONIHL evolution did not follow what was expected for a population exposed to noise. These findings signal to the scientific community and public authorities that good ONIHL control is possible when HCP is well implemented.

Wound fluid sampling methods and analysis of cytokine mRNA expression in ulcers from patients with diabetes mellitus.

The development of diabetic foot ulcers is a common and severe complication of diabetes that can significantly affect quality of life. The physiological healing cascade does not progress tissue repair in diabetic foot ulcerations in a timely manner. Serum markers from foot ulcers have been used to characterize the healing process of the diabetic foot using various collection techniques. This study aimed to compare the use of cervical brushes and the Levine technique to collect wound fluid from foot ulcers of people with diabetes in order to determine the presence of cytokines. The collected material was used for gene expression analysis of macrophage/monocyte-associated cytokines IL1-ß, IL-6, TNF-α, regulatory cytokine IL-10 and growth factor TGFß, via quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Both collection methods produced sufficient amounts of RNA, but significantly more RNA was collected using a cervical brush (brush 224.82 ng/µL vs. Levine 80.90 ng/µL p = 0.0001). Significantly higher levels of expression of the following cytokine genes were detected in samples collected using a cervical brush: IL1-ß (p = 0.0001), IL-6 (p = 0.0106), IL-10 (p = 0.0277) and TGFß (p = 0.0002). Understanding why some wounds are difficult to heal is important for developing more effective treatments, and biomarkers may be useful for predicting the healing trajectory. These results demonstrate that it is possible to collect material from the wound bed for RT-qPCR analysis, and the cervical brush proved to be a simple and rapid method for monitoring cytokine gene expression.

Effects of topical insulin on second-degree burn wound healing: brief report.

BACKGROUND: Burns are classified according to their mechanism of injury, depth, affected body area, affected region or part of the body, and extent of the lesions. Topical insulin modulates the healing process. However, studies evaluating the effects of topical insulin treatment on burns in human patients are lacking. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of topical insulin on healing time of second-degree burns. METHODS: In this nonrandomized clinical trial, patients with second-degree burns were allocated to a control group (CG) or an intervention group (IG) in which wounds were treated with 1% silver sulfadiazine and topical insulin, respectively. RESULTS: Healing time was significantly shorter in the IG relative to the CG (9.1 ± 1.9 days and 12.7 ± 3.3 days, respectively; P < .05). The estimated burn area was similar in both groups (CG 1.44 ± 1.0%; IG 1.42 ± 0.53%). CONCLUSION: In this study, topical insulin reduced healing time in second-degree burns. Further investigation is warranted to support wider use in clinical practice.

The Imidazacridine Derivative LPSF/AC-05 Induces Apoptosis, Cell Cycle Arrest, and Topoisomerase II Inhibition in Breast Cancer, Leukemia, and Lymphoma.

INTRODUCTION: Cancer is the major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Current treatments for both solid and hematological tumors are associated with severe adverse effects and drug resistance, necessitating the development of novel selective antineoplastic drugs. METHODS: The present study describes the antitumor activity of the imidazacridine derivative 5-acridin-9-ylmethylidene-2-thioxoimidazolidin-4-one (LPSF/AC05) in breast cancer, leuke-mia, and lymphoma cells. Cytotoxicity assays were performed in PBMC and in breast cancer, leukemia, and lymphoma cell lines using the MTT method. Changes in cell cycle progression and apoptosis were assessed using flow cytometry. Moreover, topoisomerase II inhibition as-says were performed. LPSF/AC05 exhibited cytotoxicity in six of the nine cell lines tested. RESULTS: The best results for leukemia and lymphoma were observed in the Toledo, Jurkat, and Raji cell lines (IC50 = 27.18, 31.04, and 33.36 M, respectively). For breast cancer, the best re-sults were observed in the triple-negative cell line MDA-MB-231 (IC50 = 27.54 µM). The compound showed excellent selectivity, with no toxicity to normal human cells (IC50 > 100M; selectivity index > 3). Cell death was primarily induced by apoptosis in all cell lines. Furthermore, LPSF/AC05 treatmentinduced cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase in leuke-mia/lymphoma and at the G2/M phase in breast cancer. CONCLUSION: Finally, topoisomerase II was inhibited. These results indicate the potential ap-plication of LPSF/AC05 in cancer therapy.

Evaluation of heating and liming treatments in sand samples artificially contaminated with Ancylostoma spp. eggs.

Ancylostoma spp. are found worldwide. Infected dog and cat feces can contaminate soil in public places. Despite prophylactic measures being available, studies on direct remediation of Ancylostoma-contaminated soils are scarce. This study aimed to determine the impact of heat treatment and liming on the viability of Ancylostoma spp. eggs in artificially contaminated sandy soil. Sterilized sand samples were contaminated with Ancylostoma spp. eggs extracted from infected dogs' feces. Samples were heated (trial I) to 70 °C or 80 °C, then sieved after 24 hours (212, 90, 38, and 25 µm). Larval cultures were assessed for larval development following heat treatment. Five quicklime concentrations (trial II; 50, 30, 20, 10 and 5%) were used to treat sand. The effect of liming on larval cultures was assessed by measuring embryonic development. Filariform larvae were exposed to 20% quicklime (25 °C and 37 °C, 20 min). Heat treatment destroys Ancylostoma spp. eggs and prevents in vitro larval development. Liming at 50, 30, and 20% concentrations made embryonic development impossible. However, filariform larvae treated with 20% lime solution retained their motility. Heating at 70 °C and liming at 20% were sufficient to make Ancylostoma spp. egg embryogenesis impossible in experimentally contaminated sand samples.

Correction: Zanchetta et al. Effects of Electrospun Fibrous Membranes of PolyCaprolactone and Chitosan/Poly(Ethylene Oxide) on Mouse Acute Skin Lesions. Polymers 2020, 12, 1580.

In the original publication, the authors claimed that Figure 6 reporting Western blot data was erroneous as published [...].

Condrossarcoma gigante de corpo esternal: relato de caso / Giant chondrosarcoma of the sternal body: case report

Os tumores de parede torácicas são relativamente inusitados, representando 1 a 2% de todas as neoplasias, e cerca de 5% das neoplasias torácicas. Sarcomas são tumores raros e com apresentação heterogênea. São divididos em dois grandes grupos: tumores ósseos e de partes moles. A ocorrência na parede torácica é rara, representando 8% de todos os sarcomas. O tratamento de escolha é a ressecção com margens ampliadas e, quando ocorre a invasão de estruturas profundas, a toracectomia é indicada. A reconstrução do arcabouço ósseo é realizada com materiais de síntese, proporcionando estabilidade, e é seguida da reconstrução de partes moles com retalhos musculares, musculocutâneos ou locais ao acaso. Os tumores malignos primários da parede torácica correspondem a menos de 1% de todas as neoplasias e incluem grande variedade de lesões ósseas e de tecidos moles. Os condrossarcomas representam 20% dos tumores primários da parede torácica, sendo que 80% têm origem nas costelas e 20% no esterno.

Chest wall tumors are relatively uncommon, representing 1 to 2% of all neoplasms, and approximately 5% of thoracic neoplasms. Sarcomas are rare tumors with heterogeneous presentation. They are divided into two large groups: bone and soft tissue tumors. Occurrence in the chest wall is rare, representing 8% of all sarcomas. The treatment of choice is resection with wide margins and, when invasion of deep structures occurs, thoracotomy is indicated. The reconstruction of the bone framework is carried out with synthetic materials, providing stability, and is followed by the reconstruction of soft tissues with muscular, musculocutaneous, or random local flaps. Primary malignant tumors of the chest wall account for less than 1% of all neoplasms and include a wide variety of bone and soft tissue lesions. Chondrosarcomas represent 20% of primary tumors of the chest wall, with 80% originating in the ribs and 20% in the sternum.

Famílias ouvintes e filhos surdos: o papel da Libras na comunicação / Hearing families and deaf children: the role of Libras in communication / Familias oyentes y niños sordos: el papel de Lengua de Señas Brasileña em la comunicación

Introdução: A Língua Brasileira de Sinais (Libras) é uma língua de natureza visuo-motora com um sistema linguístico e estrutura gramatical próprio e sua aquisição em tempo oportuno é importante para o desenvolvimento cognitivo e comunicativo da criança surda. As famílias ouvintes de crianças surdas devem se engajar no aprendizado dessa língua, uma vez que na ausência do conhecimento da Libras, podem apresentar dificuldades de comunicação e de relacionamento com seu filho surdo. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi compreender o papel da Libras na comunicação de familiares ouvintes e seus filhos surdos atendidos em um centro de reabilitação. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, de caráter qualitativo. Foi aplicado um roteiro de entrevista semiestruturado com 10 questões abertas a pais ouvintes de crianças surdas que participam de atendimentos em um centro de reabilitação. A análise dos dados foi realizada por meio do método análise de conteúdo. Resultados: Ao todo foram entrevistadas 10 mães de crianças surdas. As idades das mães variaram de 21 a 47 anos. Nove mães afirmaram usar a Libras em casa com seus filhos todos os dias e todas relataram usá-la em atividades cotidianas da criança. Todas as mães afirmaram que o uso da Libras trouxe benefícios para o relacionamento na díade mãe-filho. Conclusão: Os achados revelam um importante papel da Libras tanto na comunicação de familiares ouvintes e seus filhos surdos, como no cotidiano desses lares. (AU)

Introduction: The Brazilian Sign Language (Libras) is a visual-motor language with its linguistic system and grammatical structure and its timely acquisition is important for deaf children's cognitive and communicative development. Deaf children's hearing families should engage in learning this language, since not knowing Libras may lead to communication and relationship difficulties with their deaf children. Objective: This study aimed to understand the role of Libras in the communication between hearing family members and their deaf children treated at a rehabilitation center. Methods: This cross-sectional qualitative study applied a semi-structured interview with 10 open-ended questions to hearing parents of deaf children who receive care at a rehabilitation center. Data were analyzed with the content analysis method. Results: Altogether, 10 mothers of deaf children were interviewed. Their ages ranged from 21 to 47 years. Nine mothers said they used Libras at home with their children every day, and all reported using it in their child's daily activities. All mothers stated that the use of Libras brought benefits to the mother-child relationship. Conclusion: The findings highlight the important role of Libras in the daily lives and communication of hearing family members and their deaf children. (AU)

Introducción: La Lengua de Señas Brasileña (Libras) es una lengua visomotora con sistema lingüístico y estructura gramatical propios y su adquisición oportuna es importante para el desarrollo cognitivo y comunicativo del niño sordo. Las familias oyentes de niños sordos deben involucrarse en el aprendizaje de este idioma, ya que en ausencia del conocimiento de Libras, pueden tener dificultades en la comunicación y las relaciones con su hijo sordo. Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio fue comprender el papel de Libras en la comunicación de los familiares oyentes y sus hijos sordos atendidos en un centro de rehabilitación auditiva. Métodos: Se trata de un estudio transversal, cualitativo. Se aplicó un guión de entrevista semiestructurada con 10 preguntas abiertas a padres oyentes de niños sordos que participan en el cuidado en un centro de rehabilitación. El análisis de los datos se realizó mediante el método de análisis de contenido. Resultados: En total, se entrevistaron 10 madres de niños sordos. Las edades de las madres oscilaron entre 21 y 47 años. Nueve madres dijeron que usan Libras en casa con sus hijos todos los días y todas informaron que lo usan en las actividades diarias de sus hijos. Todas las madres afirmaron que el uso de Libras trajo beneficios a la relación madre-hijo. Conclusión: Los hallazgos revelan un papel importante de Libra tanto en la comunicación de los miembros oyentes de la familia y sus hijos sordos, como en la vida diaria de estos hogares. (AU)

Physical training minimizes immunological dysfunction, oxidative stress and tissue destruction on experimental periodontitis in rats.

The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of a moderate intensity physical training protocol, on alveolar bone morphology of rats submitted to ligature-induced periodontitis. Twenty-eight male Wistar rats were divided into four groups, considering the presence/absence of periodontitis and presence/absence of training. The training protocol was performed on a treadmill, 30 min/day, 5 days a week, for 4 weeks. In the experimental periodontal breakdown, with/without training, ligatures were placed on the lower first molars on the 14th day of the experiment, and were followed until the end of the protocol. At the end of the experiment, animals were euthanized and samples of plasma and mandibles were collected for immunoenzymatic evaluation of interleukins (IL)-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α and IL-10, evaluation of serum concentrations of C-reactive protein, analysis of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and reduced glutathione, histological and microtomographic analyses were performed. Physical training resulted in a reduced levels of IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α C-reactive protein and LPO and an increase in the levels of IL-10 in rats with periodontitis (p<0.05); a reduction in the inflammatory infiltrate and decreased fiber degradation was identified in histological analysis. Additionally, it was shown a decrease in vertical bone loss and an increase in the bone volume/trabecular volume ratio was identified in periodontitis+physical training group (p<0.05). Based on the results, the practice of frequent physical exercise, at moderate intensity, can contribute to the reduction of damage related to the disproportionate inflammatory response in periodontitis.

Seasonal influence on the essential oil chemical composition of Hyptis crenata Pohl ex Benth.: a valuable plant from Marajó, Brazil.

Introduction: Essential oils (EOs) from the Hyptis genus have been reported as bactericides and fungicides. However, the properties of these oils can be affected by climatic factors, as well as the collection period, which promotes changes in the chemical composition of the oil. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the climatological influences on the chemical composition of the essential oil from the leaves of Hyptis crenata. Methods: The leaves were collected in Marajó island (Brazil) monthly for a year. The EOs were obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by Gas Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Pearson's correlation was used to evaluate the relationship between climatic parameters, content, and chemical composition of essential oil; multivariate analysis was used to evaluate the interrelationship between samples and their chemical constituents. Results and Discussion: The constituents with the highest contents (>2.0%) in essential oils during the studied period were 1,8-cineole (28.48% ± 4.32%), α-pinene (19.58% ± 2.29%), camphor (11.98% ± 2.54%), ß-pinene (9.19% ± 1.47%), limonene (6.12% ± 3.15%), α-terpineol (2.42% ± 0.25%) and borneol (2.34% ± 0.48%). ß-Pinene significantly correlated (p < 0.05) with precipitation and humidity. According to the chemometric tools, two groups were formed: chemical profile I, marked by 1,8 cineole, α-pinene, ß-pinene, borneol, α-terpineol, and limonene, while group II (July) presented a chemical type characterized by camphor. It is understood that the species in question can be a reliable source of biologically active components during different climatic periods in the Amazon. The chemical variability could have significant implications for the pharmaceutical industry and traditional medicine.

In silico prediction of ADMET parameters and in vitro evaluation of antioxidant and cytotoxic activities promoted by indole-thiosemicarbazone compounds.

Cancer is a complex and multifactorial disease characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and is one of the main causes of death in the world. This work aimed to evaluate a small series of 10 different indole-thiosemicarbazone compounds as potential antitumor agents. This is a pioneering study. For this, the antioxidant and cytotoxic capacity against normal and tumor cells was evaluated. The results showed that the compounds were able to promote moderate to low antioxidant activity for the ABTS radical scavenging assay. ADMET in silico assays showed that the compounds exhibited good oral bioavailability. As for toxicity, they were able to promote low cytotoxicity against normal cells, in addition to not being hemolytic. The compounds showed promising in vitro antitumor activity against the T47D, MCF-7, Jurkat and DU-145 strains, not being able to inhibit the growth of the Hepg2 strain. Through this in vitro study, it can be concluded that the compounds are potential candidates for antitumor agents.

Human papillomavirus in women infected with human immunodeficiency virus: association with viral load and lymphocyte count.

Women living with human immunodeficiency virus are at an increased risk of developing cancers related to human papillomavirus (HPV). Thus, it is important to combine clinical assessments, serological screening, and HPV data for planning prevention policies. This study aimed to identify HPV and its specific types in the cervical, anal, and oral mucosa of HIV-seropositive women, associating it with viral load and lymphocyte count. Sociodemographic characteristics, health data (CD4+ and CD8+ T cell counts and viral load), and biological samples (cervical, anal, and oral) were collected from 86 HIV-positive women undergoing antiretroviral therapy. Data were classified according to the presence or absence of HPV-DNA, HPV-DNA presence at one or more anatomic sites, and level of oncogenic risk, considering low- and high-risk oncogenic HPV-DNA groups. The presence of HPV in the cervicovaginal site was 65.9%, 63.8% in anal canal, and 4.2% in oral mucosa. A viral load ≥75 HIV copies/mL was associated with the presence of HPV-DNA. There was an association between viral load and the low-risk HPV or high-risk HPV groups. We found a high prevalence of HPV infection in HIV-seropositive women, particularly in the cervical and anal mucosa, with viral load ≥75 HIV copies/mL being associated with HPV-DNA presence.

Eficácia da ozonioterapia em lesões de pele em pacientes diabéticos / Efficacy of ozone therapy on skin lesions in diabetic patients / Eficacia de la ozonoterapia en lesiones cutáneas en pacientes diabéticos

Objetivo: Avaliar as principais evidências científicas acerca da eficácia da ozonioterapia em feridas diabéticas. Métodos: Foi utilizado o modelo de revisão integrativa da literatura. A coleta de dados aconteceu no mês de maio de 2021, obtendo as bases de dados: Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), Medical Literature Analysis and Retrievel System Online (Medline) e Índice Bibliográfico Español en Ciencias de la Salud (IBECS), ambos acessados pela Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS), onde foram selecionados nove artigos após o processo de filtragens, critérios de inclusão e exclusão. Resultados: A ozonioterapia apresenta propriedades analgésicas, antiinflamatórias, ação fungicida, bactericida e cicatrizante. Ressalta-se, ainda, os efeitos benéficos com uso do ôzonio e suas ferramentas terapéuticas eficientes para reversão do quadro agudo e/ou crônico das lesões de pele. Conclusão: Espera-se que esta pesquisa possa contribuir para uma reflexão sobre o uso da ozonioterapia em diabéticos, pois esta técnica constatou ser segura e eficaz. (AU)

Objective: To evaluate the main scientific evidence about the effectiveness of ozone therapy in diabetic wounds. Methods: The integrative literature review model was used. Data collection took place in May 2021, obtaining the following databases: Latin American and Caribbean Literature on Health Sciences (LILACS), Medical Literature Analysis and Retrievel System Online (Medline) and Bibliographic Index Español en Ciencias de la Salud (IBECS), both accessed by the Virtual Health Library (VHL), where nine articles were selected after the filtering process, inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: Ozone therapy has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, fungicidal, bactericidal and healing properties. The beneficial effects of using ozone and its efficient therapeutic tools for reversing the acute and/or chronic condition of skin lesions should also be highlighted. Conclusions: It is hoped that this research can contribute to a reflection on the use of ozone therapy in diabetics, as this technique was found to be safe and effective. (AU)

Objetivo: Evaluar las principales evidencias científicas sobre la efectividad de la ozonoterapia en heridas diabéticas. Métodos: Se utilizó el modelo de revisión integradora de la literatura. La recolección de datos se realizó en mayo de 2021, obteniendo las siguientes bases de datos: Literatura Latinoamericana y del Caribe en Ciencias de la Salud (LILACS), Sistema de Análisis y Recuperación de Literatura Médica en Línea (Medline) e Índice Bibliográfico Español en Ciencias de la Salud (IBECS), ambos accedidos por la Biblioteca Virtual en Salud (BVS), donde se seleccionaron nueve artículos tras el proceso de filtrado, criterios de inclusión y exclusión. Resultados: La ozonoterapia tiene propiedades analgésicas, antiinflamatorias, fungicidas, bactericidas y cicatrizantes. También deben destacarse los efectos beneficiosos del uso de ozono y sus eficaces herramientas terapéuticas para revertir la condición aguda y / o crónica de las lesiones cutáneas. Conclusiones: Se espera que esta investigación pueda contribuir a una reflexión sobre el uso de la ozonoterapia en diabéticos, ya que esta técnica resultó segura y eficaz. (AU)

Saliva as a Biological Fluid in SARS-CoV-2 Detection.

BACKGROUND: The polymerase chain reaction of upper respiratory tract swab samples was established as the gold standard procedure for diagnosing SARS-CoV-2 during the COVID pandemic. However, saliva collection has attracted attention as an alternative diagnostic collection method. The goal of this study was to compare the use of saliva and nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) samples for the detection of SARS-CoV-2. METHODS: Ninety-nine paired samples were evaluated for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 by saliva and swab for a qualitative diagnosis and quantitative comparison of viral particles. Furthermore, the detection limits for each sample collection technique were determined. The cycle threshold (CT) values of the saliva samples, the vaccination status, and the financial costs associated with each collection technique were compared. RESULTS: The results showed qualitative equivalence in diagnosis (96.96%) comparing saliva and swab collection, although there was low quantitative agreement. Furthermore, the detection limit test demonstrated equivalence for both collection methods. We did not observe a statistically significant association between CT values and vaccination status, indicating that the vaccine had no influence on viral load at diagnosis. Finally, we observed that the use of saliva incurs lower financial costs and requires less use of plastic materials, making it more sustainable. CONCLUSIONS: These findings support the adoption of saliva collection as a feasible and sustainable alternative to the diagnosis of COVID-19.

Preliminary evaluation of the toxicological, antioxidant and antitumor activities promoted by the compounds 2,4-dihydroxy-benzylidene-thiosemicarbazones an in silico, in vitro and in vivo study.

Thiosemicarbazones are promising classes of compounds with antitumor activity. For this study, six 2,4-dihydroxy-benzylidene-thiosemicarbazones compounds were synthesized. These compounds were submitted to different assays in silico, in vitro and in vivo to evaluate the toxicological, antioxidant and antitumor effects. The in silico results were evaluated by the SwissADME and pkCSM platforms and showed that all compounds had good oral bioavailability profiles. The in vitro and in vivo toxicity assays showed that the compounds showed low cytotoxicity against different normal cells and did not promote hemolytic effects. The single dose acute toxicity test (2000 mg/kg) showed that none of the compounds were toxic to mice. In in vitro antioxidant activity assays, the compounds showed moderate to low activity, with PB17 standing out for the ABTS radical capture assay. The in vivo antioxidant activity highlighted the compounds 1, 6 and 8 that promoted a significant increase in the concentration of liver antioxidant enzymes. Finally, all compounds showed promising antitumor activity against different cell lines, especially MCF-7 and DU145 lines, in addition, they inhibited the growth of sarcoma 180 at concentrations lower than 50 mg/kg. These results showed that the evaluated compounds can be considered as potential antitumor agents.

A study on phytogenotoxicity induced by biogenic amines: cadaverine and putrescine.

Among the compounds present in necro-leachate, a liquid released during the process of decomposition of the human body, are the biogenic amines cadaverine and putrescine. Although some studies on necro-leachate have indicated a potential ecotoxicological and public health risk associated with it, the research on this type of contamination is still rather limited. This study presents information about the phytotoxic and cytogenotoxic potential of cadaverine and putrescine, evaluated separately and within a mixture. Phytotoxicity was evaluated through a germination test, the initial growth of seedlings with Lactuca sativa, and cytogenotoxicity through chromosomal aberration and micronucleus tests with Allium cepa. The L. sativa results showed a phytotoxic effect for the evaluated amines, by reducing root (> 90%) and hypocotyl (> 80%) elongation. The co-exposure of cadaverine and putrescine potentiated cytogenotoxic activity by aneugenic action in the meristematic cells of A. cepa. From this result, it is possible to infer the eco-toxicogenic potential of cadaverine and putrescine. This study not only highlights the importance of the phytotoxic and cytogenotoxic effects of these amines but also emphasizes the urgent need for further investigation into contamination originating from cemetery environments. By evaluating the risks associated with necro-leachate, this research is aimed at informing global efforts to protect ecological and public health.

Physical training attenuates systemic cytokine response and tissue damage triggered by apical periodontitis.

Apical periodontitis (AP) is a condition characterized by inflammatory and infectious components in the tooth canal. AP affects periradicular tissues and has systemic repercussions. Physical exercise is a structured activity that requires cardiorespiratory function, and can modulate the inflammatory profile in pathological conditions. As a result, this study aimed to determine the effects of aerobic physical training (PT) on the alveolar bone with and without AP, and its systemic inflammatory repercussions. AP was induced in the mandibular first molars, and PT was performed on a treadmill for five consecutive days over four weeks, with progressive increases in speed and activity time. Blood samples were collected to determine serum cytokine levels using immunoassays, and alveolar bone samples were collected for histopathological evaluation, lesion volume and microarchitecture assessment using computed microtomography. Animals with AP had increased pro-inflammatory cytokines levels compared to those without AP; however, these levels were attenuated or restored by PT. Compared to the AP group, the AP + PT group had a smaller lesion volume and greater preservation of the bone trabeculae in the remaining alveolar bone surrounding the lesion. In overall, PT minimized the severity of AP proving to be a valid strategy for individuals undergoing endodontic treatment.

Efficacy of oral 20-hydroxyecdysone (BIO101), a MAS receptor activator, in adults with severe COVID-19 (COVA): a randomized, placebo-controlled, phase 2/3 trial.

Background: SARS-CoV-2 binding to ACE2 is potentially associated with severe pneumonia due to COVID-19. The aim of the study was to test whether Mas-receptor activation by 20-hydroxyecdysone (BIO101) could restore the Renin-Angiotensin System equilibrium and limit the frequency of respiratory failure and mortality in adults hospitalized with severe COVID-19. Methods: Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled phase 2/3 trial. Randomization: 1:1 oral BIO101 (350 mg BID) or placebo, up to 28 days or until an endpoint was reached. Primary endpoint: mortality or respiratory failure requiring high-flow oxygen, mechanical ventilation, or extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation. Key secondary endpoint: hospital discharge following recovery (ClinicalTrials.gov Number, NCT04472728). Findings: Due to low recruitment the planned sample size of 310 was not reached and 238 patients were randomized between August 26, 2020 and March 8, 2022. In the modified ITT population (233 patients; 126 BIO101 and 107 placebo), respiratory failure or early death by day 28 was 11.4% lower in the BIO101 (13.5%) than in the placebo (24.3%) group, (p = 0.0426). At day 28, proportions of patients discharged following recovery were 80.1%, and 70.9% in the BIO101 and placebo group respectively, (adjusted difference 11.0%, 95% CI [-0.4%, 22.4%], p = 0.0586). Hazard Ratio for time to death over 90 days: 0.554 (95% CI [0.285, 1.077]), a 44.6% mortality reduction in the BIO101 group (not statistically significant). Treatment emergent adverse events of respiratory failure were more frequent in the placebo group. Interpretation: BIO101 significantly reduced the risk of death or respiratory failure supporting its use in adults hospitalized with severe respiratory symptoms due to COVID-19. Funding: Biophytis.