Caffeine Boosts Weight-Lifting Performance in Rats: A Pilot Study.

Caffeine is a well-described ergogenic aid used to enhance athletic performance. Using animal models can greatly increase our understanding of caffeine's mechanisms in performance. Here, we adapted an animal weight-lifting exercise model to demonstrate caffeine's ergogenic effect in rats. Male Wistar rats (315 ± 35 g) were randomly divided into two groups: one group received 5 mg·kg-1 of caffeine (0.5 mL; CEx; n = 5) and the other 0.9% NaCl (0.5 mL; PEx; n = 4) through an orogastric probe (gavage) one hour before exercise. Weight-lifting exercise sessions were performed over three subsequent days, and the number of complete squats performed was counted. Analyses of the area under the curve in all three experiments showed that the CEx group responded more to stimuli, performing more squats (1.7-, 2.0-, and 1.6-fold; p < 0.05) than the control group did. These three days' data were analyzed to better understand the cumulative effect of this exercise, and a hyperbolic curve was fitted to these data. Data fitting from the caffeine-supplemented group, CEx, also showed larger Smax and Kd (2.3-fold and 1.6-fold, respectively) than the PEx group did. Our study demonstrated an acute ergogenic effect of caffeine in an animal weight-lifting exercise model for the first time, suggesting potential avenues for future research.

In silico optimization of analogs derived pro-adrenomedullin peptide to evaluate antimicrobial potential.

Diverse computational approaches have been widely used to assist in designing antimicrobial peptides with enhanced activities. This tactic has also been used to address the need for new treatment alternatives to combat resistant bacterial infections. Herein, we have designed eight variants from a natural peptide, pro-adrenomedullin N-terminal 20 peptide (PAMP), using an in silico pattern insertion approach, the Joker algorithm. All the variants show an α-helical conformation, but with differences in the helix percentages according to circular dichroism (CD) results. We found that the C-terminal portion of PAMP may be relevant for its antimicrobial activities, as revealed by the molecular dynamics, CD, and antibacterial results. The analogs showed variable antibacterial potential, but most were not cytotoxic. Nevertheless, PAMP2 exhibited the most potent activities against human and animal-isolated bacteria, showing cytotoxicity only at a substantially higher concentration than its minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). Our results suggest that the enhanced activity in the profile of PAMP2 may be related to their particular physicochemical properties, along with the adoption of an amphipathic α-helical arrangement with the conserved C-terminus portion. Finally, the peptides designed in this study can constitute scaffolds for the design of improved sequences.

Histórico e panorama das mulheres na perícia oficial criminal (odontolegista) no Brasil / History and overview of women as forensic odontologists in the Brazilian criminal system

Forensic Dentistry is a dental specialty, historically marked by many "fathers", but few information about women in this context. The female insertion in the labor market still suffers from historical barriers, and the objective of this research was to identify the participation of the first women as Forensic Odontologists in the Brazilian Criminal Expert Services, and carry out an overview of the current number of professionals in this position and its proportion between the sexes. Data were collected on the first Forensic Odontologist in each state and the currently active professionals through the records from the Scientific Polices, Civil Polices, and Brazilian Transparency Databases for descriptive statistics. The first women as Forensic Odontologists in Brazil were from the states of Paraíba, Maranhão, and Pará (1981, 1982, and 1985, respectively). According to the Brazilian Federal Council of Dentistry, 59.69% of Specialists in Forensic Dentistry are women and in the states where data collection was possible, 57.89% of Official Forensic Odontologists are women. Despite being the majority, it is still necessary to standardize the nomenclature and create new official positions to strengthen the Forensic Odontologist profession, and encourage greater female participation. It is concluded that in 1981 there was the first Forensic Odontologist female in Brazil in the state of Paraíba and that today there is a better balance in the proportion of men and women in this position

A Odontologia Legal é uma especialidade marcada historicamente por muitas figuras "paternas", mas pouco é abordado sobre a participação das mulheres nesse contexto. A inserção feminina no mercado de trabalho ainda sofre barreiras históricas, sendo o objetivo deste trabalho a identificação da participação das primeiras mulheres na Perícia Oficial no Brasil, especificamente na condição de Peritas Odontolegistas, e realizar um panorama da quantidade atual de profissionais no cargo e sua proporção entre os sexos. Foram coletados dados sobre as primeiras mulheres a ocupar o cargo de Perita Oficial Odontolegista de cada estado e as Peritas Odontolegistas ativas atualmente por meio dos registros das Polícias Científicas, Polícias Civis e dados do Portal da Transparência para tabulação e estatística descritiva. Das respostas recebidas, as primeiras Peritas Odontolegistas Oficiais do Brasil foram dos estados da Paraíba, Maranhão e Pará, nos anos de 1981, 1982 e 1985, respectivamente. No cenário atual, de acordo com o Conselho Federal de Odontologia, 59,69% dos Especialistas em Odontologia Legal são mulheres e, nos estados onde foi possível a coleta dos dados, 57,89% dos Peritos Oficiais Odontolegistas são mulheres. Apesar de maioria na Odontologia Legal, ainda é necessário padronizar a nomenclatura e criar novos cargos oficiais no Brasil para fortalecer a profissão de Perito Odontolegista, incentivando uma maior participação feminina. Conclui-se que em 1981 tivemos a primeira Perita Oficial Odontolegista do Brasil, sendo tal fato no estado da Paraíba, e que hoje há um maior equilíbrio na proporção de homens e mulheres nesse cargo

Brazilian headache registry: methods and preliminary data of the pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Evaluation and treatment of primary and secondary headaches is a global public health challenge. Recognizing the epidemiological impact of headaches, a group of researchers linked to the Brazilian Headache Society proposed the Brazilian Headache Registry and drew up its initial protocol. OBJECTIVE: Here we describe the methods and preliminary data obtained from the pilot study. METHODS: This was a multicenter longitudinal observational study conducted between September 2020 and August 2021. Prospective data were collected in three specialist centers for headache care in states in southern and southeastern Brazil. Patients aged 18 years or older who sought care for headache in tertiary centers and who agreed to participate in the study, were considered eligible. RESULTS: Sixty-six patients were included in the pilot study: 43 (65%) from Rio Grande do Sul state and 23 (35%) from Minas Gerais state. Overall, 90% were female, and the subjects' mean age was 38.2 ± 11.2 years. Primary headaches accounted for 85.3% of the diagnoses made. Among secondary headaches, medication overuse headache was the most frequent type (7.1%). CONCLUSIONS: The pilot study showed the feasibility of the research protocol developed for tertiary centers. The Brazilian Headache Registry will form a source of longitudinal data with the aim of contributing to better characterization of the various phenotypes of patients with primary and secondary headaches, and to detailing the use of health resources and identifying predictors of better clinical outcomes.

ANTECEDENTES: A avaliação e o tratamento das cefaleias primárias e secundárias são um desafio global de saúde pública. Reconhecendo o impacto epidemiológico das cefaleias, um grupo de pesquisadores vinculados à Sociedade Brasileira de Cefaleia propôs a criação de um Registro Brasileiro de Cefaleia e elaborou seu protocolo inicial. OBJETIVO: Nesta publicação descrevemos os métodos e dados preliminares obtidos a partir do estudo piloto. MéTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo prospectivo observacional longitudinal multicêntrico, realizado entre setembro de 2020 e agosto de 2021. Foram coletados dados em três centros especializados no atendimento de cefaleia, em estados da região sul e sudeste do Brasil. Pacientes com idade igual ou superior a 18 anos que procuraram os centros terciários por queixa de cefaleia e concordaram em participar do estudo foram considerados elegíveis. RESULTADOS: Sessenta e seis pacientes foram incluídos no estudo piloto, 43 (65%) do Rio Grande do Sul e 23 (35%) de Minas Gerais. Da amostra total, 90% eram do sexo feminino e a idade média dos sujeitos foi de 38,2 ± 11,2 anos. As cefaleias primárias representaram 85,3% dos diagnósticos realizados. Entre as cefaleias secundárias, a cefaleia por uso excessivo de medicamentos foi a mais frequente (7,1%). CONCLUSõES: O estudo piloto evidenciou a viabilidade do protocolo de pesquisa desenvolvido para centros terciários. O Registro Brasileiro de Cefaleia constituirá uma fonte de dados longitudinais com o objetivo de contribuir para melhor caracterização dos diversos fenótipos de pacientes com cefaleias primárias e secundárias, detalhar o uso de recursos de saúde e identificar preditores de melhores desfechos clínicos.

Brazilian headache registry: methods and preliminary data of the pilot study / Registro brasileiro de cefaleia: métodos e dados preliminares do estudo piloto

Abstract Background Evaluation and treatment of primary and secondary headaches is a global public health challenge. Recognizing the epidemiological impact of headaches, a group of researchers linked to the Brazilian Headache Society proposed the Brazilian Headache Registry and drew up its initial protocol. Objective Here we describe the methods and preliminary data obtained from the pilot study. Methods This was a multicenter longitudinal observational study conducted between September 2020 and August 2021. Prospective data were collected in three specialist centers for headache care in states in southern and southeastern Brazil. Patients aged 18 years or older who sought care for headache in tertiary centers and who agreed to participate in the study, were considered eligible. Results Sixty-six patients were included in the pilot study: 43 (65%) from Rio Grande do Sul state and 23 (35%) from Minas Gerais state. Overall, 90% were female, and the subjects' mean age was 38.2 ± 11.2 years. Primary headaches accounted for 85.3% of the diagnoses made. Among secondary headaches, medication overuse headache was the most frequent type (7.1%). Conclusions The pilot study showed the feasibility of the research protocol developed for tertiary centers. The Brazilian Headache Registry will form a source of longitudinal data with the aim of contributing to better characterization of the various phenotypes of patients with primary and secondary headaches, and to detailing the use of health resources and identifying predictors of better clinical outcomes.

Resumo Antecedentes A avaliação e o tratamento das cefaleias primárias e secundárias são um desafio global de saúde pública. Reconhecendo o impacto epidemiológico das cefaleias, um grupo de pesquisadores vinculados à Sociedade Brasileira de Cefaleia propôs a criação de um Registro Brasileiro de Cefaleia e elaborou seu protocolo inicial. Objetivo Nesta publicação descrevemos os métodos e dados preliminares obtidos a partir do estudo piloto. Métodos Trata-se de um estudo prospectivo observacional longitudinal multicêntrico, realizado entre setembro de 2020 e agosto de 2021. Foram coletados dados em três centros especializados no atendimento de cefaleia, em estados da região sul e sudeste do Brasil. Pacientes com idade igual ou superior a 18 anos que procuraram os centros terciários por queixa de cefaleia e concordaram em participar do estudo foram considerados elegíveis. Resultados Sessenta e seis pacientes foram incluídos no estudo piloto, 43 (65%) do Rio Grande do Sul e 23 (35%) de Minas Gerais. Da amostra total, 90% eram do sexo feminino e a idade média dos sujeitos foi de 38,2 ± 11,2 anos. As cefaleias primárias representaram 85,3% dos diagnósticos realizados. Entre as cefaleias secundárias, a cefaleia por uso excessivo de medicamentos foi a mais frequente (7,1%). Conclusões O estudo piloto evidenciou a viabilidade do protocolo de pesquisa desenvolvido para centros terciários. O Registro Brasileiro de Cefaleia constituirá uma fonte de dados longitudinais com o objetivo de contribuir para melhor caracterização dos diversos fenótipos de pacientes com cefaleias primárias e secundárias, detalhar o uso de recursos de saúde e identificar preditores de melhores desfechos clínicos.

Six new species of Elpidium Müller, 1880 (Podocopida: Limnocytheridae) from Eastern Brazil.

Elpidium is the most common ostracod genus occurring in phytotelmata in the Neotropical region, with distributions ranging from Florida, USA in the north to Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil in the south. However, the genus remains poorly known both in terms of diversity and of the distributional pattern of its species. Here, we describe six new species of Elpidium, E. oxumae n. sp., E. cordiforme n. sp., E. picinguabaense n. sp., E. eriocaularum n. sp., E. higutiae n. sp., E. purium n. sp., all from phytotelm environments in the Brazilian Atlantic rain forest. In addition, we discuss the distributional pattern and endemicity levels of Elpidium species in the light of these new taxonomic results and argue about possible misunderstandings on the distribution of the type species E. bromeliarum.

Análise dos perfis de cirurgiões-dentistas de Londrina (Paraná, Brasil) no Instagram / Análisis de losperfiles de odontólogos de Londrina (Paraná, Brasil) en Instagram: aspectos éticos de la publicidade y propaganda / Analysis of the profiles of dentists of Londrina (Paraná, Brazil) on Instagram: ethical aspects ofadvertising and publicity

A Odontologia tem adentrado nas redes sociais como forma de atrair e manter pacientes. O profissional, por vezes, não está atento às normativas éticas para utilizar a publicidade/propaganda na internet, cometendo infrações éticas referente à essas condutas. O objetivodesta pesquisa foi analisar os perfis públicos (de acesso aberto) de cirurgiões-dentistas (CD) do município de Londrina (PR) na rede social Instagram®frente aos aspectos da publicidade e propaganda caracterizados no Código de Ética Odontológica (CEO). Foi utilizada uma listagem de CD ativos no município de Londrina, disponibilizado pelo Conselho Regional de Odontologia do Paraná. Como critério de inclusão, foi necessário que o CD possuísse o perfil público e caracterizado como profissional da área, sendo excluídos os perfis privados, sem identificações, sem publicações e apenas com publicações pessoais.Após a seleção, cada perfil foi avaliado separadamente, levando-se em consideração as dez últimas postagens, de acordo com nove itens pré-estabelecidos tendo como base o CEO. Foram identificados 213 perfis que atendiam aos critérios de inclusão, sendo 137 em desacordo com o CEO e 76 em acordo. A maioria dos perfis analisados infringia um ou mais itens que foram avaliados, sendo a exposição de imagens de "antes e depois" o item encontrado com maior frequência (AU).

La Odontología ha entrado en las redes sociales como una forma de atraer y fidelizar pacientes. El profesional, en ocasiones, no es consciente de las normas éticas para el uso de publicidad/propaganda en internet, cometiendo infracciones éticas en relacióncon estas conductas. El objetivo de esta investigación fue analizar los perfiles públicos (acceso abierto) de los odontólogos (CD) de la ciudad de Londrina (PR) en la red social Instagram®frente a los aspectos de publicidad y propaganda caracterizados enel Código de Ética Dental (CEO). Se utilizó una lista de CD activos en la ciudad de Londrina, facilitada por el Consejo Regional de Odontología de Paraná. Como criterio de inclusión fue necesario que el CD tuviera perfil público y caracterizado como profesional del área, excluyendo perfiles privados, sin identificaciones, sin publicaciones y solo con publicaciones personales. Luego de la selección, cada perfil fue evaluado por separado, teniendo en cuenta los últimos diez cargos, según nueve ítems preestablecidos en base al CEO. Se identificaron un total de 213 perfiles que cumplían los criterios de inclusión, 137 en desacuerdo con el CEO y 76 de acuerdo. La mayoría de los perfiles analizados violaron uno o más ítems evaluados, siendo la exhibición de imágenes de "antes y después" el ítem encontrado con mayor frecuencia (AU).

Dentistry has entered social networks as a way toattract and retain patients. The professional, sometimes, is not aware of ethical norms for using publicity/advertisement on the internet, many times committing ethical infractions regarding these behaviors. The aim of this research was to analyze the public (open access) profiles of dentists (DE) in the municipality of Londrina (PR) on the social network InstagramTMin view of the aspects of publicity and advertisement characterized in the Code of Dental Ethics (CDE). A list of active DEs in the city of Londrina, made available by the Regional Council of Dentistry of Paraná, was used. As inclusion criterion, it was necessary that the dentist had public profile and characterized as a professional in the area, excluding private profiles, without identifications, without publications and only with personal publications. After selection, each profile was evaluated separately, taking into account the last ten posts, according to nine pre-established items based on CDE. A total of 213 profiles that met the inclusion criteria were identified, 137 in disagreement with CDE and 76 in agreement. Most profiles analyzed violated one or more items that were evaluated, with the exhibition of "before and after" images being the most frequently found item (AU).

MicroRNA dysregulation in schistosomiasis-induced hepatic fibrosis: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: MicroRNAs are involved in gene regulation in several common liver diseases and may play an essential role in activating hepatic stellate cells. The role of these post-transcriptional regulators in schistosomiasis needs to be further studied in populations from endemic areas for a better understanding of the disease, the development of new therapeutic approaches, and the use of biomarkers for the prognosis of schistosomiasis. AREAS COVERED: We performed a systematic review to describe the main human microRNAs identified in non-experimental studies associated with aggravation of the disease in people infected with Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni) and Schistosoma japonicum (S. japonicum). Structured searches were carried out in PubMed, Medline, Science Direct, Directory of Open Access Journals, Scielo, Medcarib, and Global Index Medicus databases without time and language restrictions. This is a systematic review following the guidelines of the PRISMA platform. EXPERT OPINION: The miR-146a-5p, miR-150-5p, let-7a-5p, let-7d-5p, miR-92a- 3p, and miR-532-5p are associated with liver fibrosis in schistosomiasis caused by S. japonicum, revealing that these miRNAs that have been shown to be associated with liver fibrosis are good targets for new studies that evaluate their potential as a biomarker or even treating liver fibrosis in schistosomiasis.

THE INTESTINAL MICROBIOME IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING BARIATRIC SURGERY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW.

BACKGROUND: Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota is frequently found in cases of obesity and related metabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus. The composition of the microbiota in diabetics is similar to that of obese people, thereby causing increased energy uptake efficiency in the large intestine of obese people, maintenance of a systemic inflammatory state, and increased insulin resistance. Bariatric surgery seems to entail an improvement in gut dysbiosis, leading to an increased diversity of the gut microbiota. AIMS: This study aimed to present a literature review on obesity-associated gut dysbiosis and its status post-bariatric surgery. METHODS: A systematic review of primary studies was conducted in PubMed, SciELO, BIREME, LILACS, Embase, ScienceDirect, and Scopus databases using DeCS (Health Science Descriptors) with the terms "obesity," "intestinal dysbiosis," "bariatric surgery," and "microbiota." RESULTS: We analyzed 28 articles that had clinical studies or literature reviews as their main characteristics, of which 82% (n=23) corresponded to retrospective studies. The sample size of the studies ranged from 9 to 257 participants and/or fecal samples. The epidemiological profile showed a higher prevalence of obesity in females, ranging from 24.4 to 35.1%, with a mean age of around 25-40 years. There was a variation regarding the type of bariatric surgery, migrating between the Roux-en-Y bypass, adjustable gastric banding, and vertical gastrectomy. Of the 28 studies, 6 of them evaluated the gut microbiota of obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery and their relationship with type 2 diabetes mellitus/glucose metabolism/insulin resistance. CONCLUSIONS: The intestinal microbiota is an important influencer in the regulation of the digestive tract, and obese individuals with comorbidities (diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, and metabolic syndrome) present important alterations, with an unbalance normal state, generating dysbiosis and the proliferation of bacterial species that favor the appearance of new diseases. Patients who undergo bariatric surgery present an improvement in the intestinal microbiota imbalance as well as reversibility of their comorbidities, increasing their life expectancy.

Perfil de pacientes com sepse e choque séptico em um hospital de trauma: estudo transversal / Profile of patients with sepsis and septic shock in a trauma hospital: cross-sectional study / Perfil de pacientes con sepsis y shock séptico en un hospital de trauma: estudio transversal

Objetivo: Avaliar o perfil e o desfecho clínico de pacientes com sepse e choque séptico em um hospital de trauma de Belo Horizonte. Métodos: Trata-se de estudo transversal, retrospectivo e descritivo dos casos de sepse e choque séptico. Resultados: Constatou-se que 97 (73%) pacientes eram do sexo masculino, com idade entre 19 e 59 anos, 87 (65%) previamente hígidos. Principal motivo de internação foi queda da própria altura com 23 (17%) casos e 37 (28%) diagnósticos de trauma crânio encefálico. Oitenta e seis (65%) pacientes tiveram diagnóstico de sepse e 47 (35%) choque séptico, o principal foco de infecção foi pulmonar 83 (62%). Obtivemos 88 (66%) resultados de hemoculturas negativas e 45 (34%) positivas, 64 (48%) pacientes receberam antibiótico em até 60 minutos após o diagnóstico e o tempo de internação mais prevalente após o evento séptico foi de 7 dias, representado por 31 (46%) pacientes que já estavam internados em uma Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI). Mortalidade de 37 (28%) e 96 (72%) sobreviventes da população estudada. Conclusão: O evento séptico é um problema de saúde pública e tem alta letalidade em pacientes traumatizados. (AU)

Objective: To evaluate the profile and clinical outcome of patients with sepsis and septic shock in a trauma hospital in Belo Horizonte. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, retrospective and descriptive study of cases of sepsis and septic shock. Results: It was found that 97 (73%) patients were male, aged 19 to 59 years, 87 (65%) were previously healthy. Main reason for hospitalization was a fall from one's own height with 23 (17%) cases and 37 (28%) diagnosis of traumatic brain injury. Eighty-six (65%) patients were diagnosed with sepsis and 47 (35%) septic shock, the main focus of infection was pulmonary 83 (62%). We got 88 (66%) negative blood culture results and 45 (34%) positive, 64 (48%) patients received antibiotics within 60 minutes after diagnosis and the most prevalent hospital stay after septic event was 7 days, represented by 31 (46%) patients who were already hospitalized in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Mortality of 37 (28%) and 96 (72%) survivors of the population studied. Conclusion: Septic event is a public health problem and has high lethality in traumatized patients. (AU)

Objetivo: Evaluar el perfil y el resultado clínico de los pacientes con sepsis y shock séptico en un hospital de trauma en Belo Horizonte. Métodos: Este es un estudio transversal, retrospectivo y descriptivo de casos de sepsis y shock séptico. Resultados: Se encontró que 97 (73%) pacientes eran hombres, de 19 a 59 años, 87 (65%) antes estaban sanos. La razón principal de la hospitalización fue una caída desde la propia altura con 23 (17%) casos y 37 (28%) diagnóstico de lesión cerebral traumática. Ochenta y seis (65%) pacientes fueron diagnosticados con sepsis y 47 (35%) shock séptico, el foco principal de infección fue pulmonar 83 (62%). Tenemos 88 (66%) resultados negativos del cultivo sanguíneo y 45 (34%) positivo, 64 (48%) los pacientes recibieron antibióticos dentro de los 60 minutos posteriores al diagnóstico y la estancia hospitalaria más frecuente después del evento séptico fue de 7 días, representados por 31 (46%) pacientes que ya estaban hospitalizados en una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI). Mortalidad de 37 (28%) y 96 (72%) sobrevivientes de la población estudiada. Conclusión: El evento séptico es un problema de salud pública y tiene alta letalidad en pacientes traumatizados. (AU)

A New Species of Elpidium (Crustacea: Ostracoda: Limnocytheridae) from Brazil and a Morphological Phylogenetic Proposal for the Genus.

Elpidium species exclusively inhabiting confined and temporary environments, such as those of tank-bromeliads, are a source of interesting and diverse studies on taxonomy, evolution and ecology, to name a few. However, despite its great diversity of species or potential for study, this genus (and other phytotelm members) has been poorly studied. In the last years, however, description of Elpidium species increased from six before 2013 to 11 today. This study is an effort to keep uncovering its great diversity and to go further in order to deeply understand the genus Elpidium. To this end, this study describes another species in the genus, Elpidium litoreum sp. nov., and proposes a phylogenetic reconstruction of it based on morphological characters. Our results point to the monophyly of Elpidium and puts Intrepidocythere ibipora as its sister-group. Although the phylogeny revealed some interesting relations, it also exposed some incongruities that ultimately demonstrate how superficial the current knowledge about the genus is. All these questions are discussed in detail. We see this work as at the same time an effort to better understand Elpidium and a stimulus to other researches to turn their attention to the historically neglected phytotelmata community.

Forensic Applications of Markers Present on the X Chromosome.

Microsatellite genetic markers are the gold standard for human genetic identification. Forensic analyses around the world are carried out through protocols using the analysis of STR markers in autosomal chromosomes and in the Y chromosome to solve crimes. However, these analyses do not allow for the resolution of all cases, such as rape situations with suspicion of incest, paternity without a maternal sample for comparison, and biological traces with DNA mixture where the profile sought is female, among other situations. In these complex cases, the study of X-chromosome STR markers significantly increases the probability of identification by complementing the data obtained for autosomal and Y-chromosome markers, due to the unique structure of the X chromosome and its exclusive method of inheritance. However, there are currently no validated Brazilian protocols for this purpose, nor are there any population data necessary for statistical analyses that must be included in the issuance of expert reports. Thus, the aim of this article is to provide a literary review of the applications of X-chromosomal markers in population genetics.

Evaluation of DNA damage induced by ionizing radiation from myocardial perfusion imaging: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: As patient exposure to ionizing radiation raises concern about malignancy risks, this study evaluated the effect of ionizing radiation on patients undergoing myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) using the comet assay, a method for detection of DNA damage. METHODS: Patients without cancer, acute or autoimmune diseases, recent surgery or trauma, were studied. Gated single-photon myocardial perfusion imaging was performed with Tc-99m sestamibi. Peripheral blood was collected before radiotracer injection at rest and 60-90 min after injection. Single-cell gel electrophoresis (comet assay) was performed with blood lymphocytes to detect strand breaks, which determine a "comet tail" of variable size, visually scored by 3 observers in a fluorescence microscope after staining (0: no damage, no tail; 1: small damage; 2: large damage; 3: full damage). A damage index was calculated as a weighted average of the cell scores. RESULTS: Among the 29 individuals included in the analysis, age was 65.3 ± 9.9 years and 18 (62.1%) were male. The injected radiotracer dose was 880.6 ± 229.4 MBq. Most cells (approximately 70%) remained without DNA fragmentation (class 0) after tracer injection. There were nonsignificant increases of classes 1 and 2 of damage. Class 3 was the least frequent both before and after radiotracer injection, but displayed a significant, 44% increase after injection. CONCLUSION: While lymphocytes mostly remained in class 0, an increase in class 3 DNA damage was detected. This may suggest that, despite a probable lack of biologically relevant DNA damage, there is still a need for tracer dose reductions in MPI.

Frequency of germline genetic variants in women with a personal or family history of breast cancer from Brazil.

BACKGROUND: About 5-10% of breast cancer cases are related to genetic and hereditary factors. The application of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) in oncology has allowed the identification of genetic variants present in several genes related to the increased risk of breast cancer. This study aimed to determine the frequency of germline genetic variants in patients with a family and/or personal history of breast cancer. METHODS: An analysis of positive reports from NGS panels was carried out in female individuals with a personal and/or family history of breast cancer, present in the database of a private laboratory in Brazil. RESULTS: From about 2000 reports, 183 individuals presented 219 different germline genetic variants. The genes with the highest number of variants were BRCA2 (16.0%), ATM (15.0%) and BRCA1 (12.8%). Among the variants found, 78 were either pathogenic or probably pathogenic, accounting for 35% of all variants discovered. The gene with the highest proportion of pathogenic/probably pathogenic variants was TP53 (80%) and the most frequent pathogenic variant was also reported in this gene (c.1010G > A p.(Arg337His)). Furthermore, the study obtained a high proportion of variants of uncertain significance (VUS) (65%) and approximately 32% of the variants found were in genes of moderate penetrance. CONCLUSIONS: Our results could improve the risk estimation and clinical follow-up of Brazilian patients with a history of breast cancer.

Role of Nitrogen and Yttrium Contents in Manufacturing (Cr, Y)Nx Film Nanostructures.

The high-power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS) technique was applied to deposit multilayer-like (Cr, Y)Nx coatings on AISI 304L stainless steel, using pendular substrate oscillation and a Cr-Y target and varying the nitrogen flow rate from 10 to 50 sccm. The microstructure, mechanical and tribological properties were investigated by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, instrumented nano-hardness, and wear tests. The columnar grain structure became highly segmented and nanosized due to pendular substrate oscillation and the addition of yttrium. The deposition rate increased continuously with the growing nitrogen flow rate. The increase in nitrogen flow from 10 to 50 sccm increased the hardness of the coatings (Cr, Y)Nx, with a maximum hardness value of 32.7 GPa for the coating (Cr, Y)Nx with a nitrogen flow of 50 sccm, which greatly surpasses the hardness of CrN films with multilayer-like (Cr, Y)Nx coatings architecture. The best mechanical and tribological performance was achieved for a nitrogen flow rate of 50 sccm. This was enabled by more elevated compressive stresses and impact energies of the impinging ions during film growth, owing to an increase of HiPIMS peak voltage with a rising N2/Ar ratio.

Escala de Motivação para Aprendizagem em Universitários: Versão Breve / Learning Motivation in Higher Education Scale: Brief Version / Escala de Motivación para el Aprendizaje en Universitarios: Versión Abreviada

A avaliação da motivação para aprender é um aspecto relevante em contextos educacionais, pois a motivação pode influenciar o engajamento dos estudantes, sua aprendizagem e seu desempenho em tarefas acadêmicas. O objetivo deste estudo foi propor uma versão breve da Escala de Motivação para Aprendizagem em Universitários (EMAPRE-U Breve). A EMAPRE-U é uma escala de 28 itens que avalia três dimensões motivacionais: meta aprender, meta performance-aproximação e meta performance-evitação. Participaram do estudo 525 universitários do primeiro ano de graduação de uma universidade pública. Através de análises fatoriais exploratórias e de conteúdo dos itens chegou-se a uma versão com 15 itens. Análises fatoriais confirmatórias e de correlação com construtos relacionados forneceram evidências de validade para a medida breve, e indicaram um bom ajuste dos dados ao modelo trifatorial. Os resultados sugerem que o instrumento tem o potencial de contribuir para a avaliação da motivação para aprendizagem na educação superior, ainda que aprimoramentos possam ser feitos no futuro.

The assessment of motivation to learn is a relevant aspect in educational contexts as motivation can influence student engagement, learning, and performance in academic tasks. The aim of this study was to propose a brief version of the Motivation Scale for Learning in University Students (EMAPRE-U Brief). The EMAPRE-U is a 28-item scale that assesses three motivational dimensions: the learning goal, the performance-approach goal, and the performance-avoidance goal. The study included 525 first-year undergraduate students at a public university. Through exploratory factor analysis and item content analysis, a 15-item version was developed. Confirmatory factor analysis and correlation with theoretically related constructs provided evidence of validity for the brief measure and indicated a good fit of the data to the three-factor model. The results suggest that the instrument has the potential to contribute to the assessment of motivation for learning in higher education, although improvements could be made in the future.

La evaluación de la motivación para aprender es un aspecto relevante en los contextos educativos, ya que la motivación puede influir en el compromiso, aprendizaje y desempeño del estudiante en las tareas académicas. El objetivo de este estudio fue proponer una versión breve de la Escala de Motivación para el Aprendizaje en Estudiantes Universitarios (EMAPRE-U Brief). La EMAPRE-U es una escala de 28 ítems que evalúa tres dimensiones motivacionales: metas de aprendizaje, metas de aproximación al rendimiento y metas de evitación del rendimiento. El estudio incluyó a 525 estudiantes de primer año de pregrado de una universidad pública. A través del análisis factorial exploratorio y el contenido de los ítems, se llegó a una versión de 15 ítems. Los análisis factoriales confirmatorios y las correlaciones con constructos relacionados proporcionaron evidencia de validez para la versión breve, e indicaron un buen ajuste de los datos al modelo de tres factores. Los resultados sugieren que el instrumento tiene el potencial de contribuir a la evaluación de la motivación para el aprendizaje en la educación superior, aunque podrían realizarse mejoras en el futuro.

Complicações em procedimentos de harmonização orofacial: uma revisão sistemática / Complications in orofacial harmonization procedures: a systematic review

Atualmente, as alterações estéticas faciais e a insatisfação com a autoimagem são influências que motivam a busca por procedimentos estéticos rápidos, não cirúrgicos e menos invasivos. Por esse motivo, a procura de pacientes que procuram por procedimentos estéticos orofaciais é crescente. O objetivo deste estudo foi elencar as complicações decorrentes dos procedimentos de harmonização orofacial por meio de uma revisão sistemática da literatura, identificando quais tipos de complicações e áreas são mais acometidas. As seguintes bases de dados foram pesquisadas: Medline (PubMed), SciELO, Scopus, Cochrane, Lilacs e Web of Science, de março a setembro de 2020, selecionando os estudos que apresentavam os seguintes critérios de inclusão: estudos originais em humanos sobre complicações após procedimentos de harmonização orofacial. Foram selecionados 33 estudos da literatura que apresentavam relatos de complicações em pacientes após o procedimento de harmonização orofacial na testa, nariz, olhos, região periocular e lábios. Mesmo a execução de procedimentos estéticos faciais menos invasivos pode acarretar possíveis complicações imediatas ou tardias após o procedimento, principalmente na região periocular e nos olhos. É importante alertar previamente os profissionais para essa possibilidade.

Currently, facial aesthetic changes and dissatisfaction with self-image are influences that motivate the search for quick, non-surgical and less invasive cosmetic procedures. For this reason, the demand for patients looking for orofacial aesthetic procedures is increasing. The objective of this study was List the complications resulting from orofacial harmonization procedures through a systematic literature review, identifying which types of complications and areas are most affected. The following databases were searched: Medline (PubMed), SciELO, Scopus, Cochrane, Lilacs and Web of Science, from March to September 2020, selecting the studies that presented the following inclusion criteria: original studies in humans, about complications after orofacial harmonization procedures. Thirty-three studies from the literature were selected that presented reports of complications in patients after the orofacial harmonization procedure in the forehead, nose, eyes, periocular region and lips. Even the execution of less invasive facial cosmetic procedures can cause possible immediate or late complications after the procedure, especially in the periocular region and eyes. It is important to make professionals aware of this possibility beforehand.

Conhecimento dos estudantes de odontologia do estado do Amazonas a respeito do Código de Ética Odontológica / Knowledge of dentistry students in the state of Amazonas regarding the Code of Ethics in Dentistry

O conhecimento do Código de Ética Odontológica pelos acadêmicos é relevante na sua formação, pois os conflitos éticos na prática profissional são recorrentes e tem sido observado um aumento nas denúncias relacionadas a infrações éticas nos Conselhos Regionais de Odontologia. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o conhecimento sobre o Código de Ética Odontológica por alunos do último ano de Odontologia do Estado do Amazonas. A pesquisa foi realizada em Manaus, por meio de um questionário contendo quinze situações a serem analisadas a luz do Código de Ética Odontológica. Participaram quatro diferentes cursos de graduação, totalizando 257 alunos. Os dados foram analisados por meio de estatística descritiva. A questão com maior quantidade de erros, 56%, foi em relação à publicidade e propaganda. E a questão com maior quantidade de acertos, 97%, foi referente à emissão de atestado falso. Pode-se concluir que os alunos possuem conhecimento sobre o Código de Ética Odontológica, com uma média de 73% de acertos

The knowledge of the Code of Ethics in Dentistry by undergraduate students is necessary since ethical issues in dental practice routinely happen. There has been an increase in complaints about ethical infractions in the Regional Councils of Dentistry. The objective was to evaluate the knowledge about the Code of Ethics in Dentistry by students in Amazonas State. The research was conducted in Manaus with a questionnaire with 15 questions, about situations implicating the Code of Ethics. A total of 4 schools and 257 students answered the questionnaire. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The question that got the worst result was concerning marketing and publicity (56% incorrect answers). And the issue about false medical certificates obtained 97% of correct answers. In general, it can be concluded that the students have acceptable knowledge about the Code of Ethics, evidencing an average of 73% of correct answers

The intestinal microbiome in patients undergoing bariatric surgery: a systematic review / O microbioma intestinal nos pacientes submetidos a cirurgia bariátrica. revisão sistemática

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota is frequently found in cases of obesity and related metabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus. The composition of the microbiota in diabetics is similar to that of obese people, thereby causing increased energy uptake efficiency in the large intestine of obese people, maintenance of a systemic inflammatory state, and increased insulin resistance. Bariatric surgery seems to entail an improvement in gut dysbiosis, leading to an increased diversity of the gut microbiota. AIMS: This study aimed to present a literature review on obesity-associated gut dysbiosis and its status post-bariatric surgery. METHODS: A systematic review of primary studies was conducted in PubMed, SciELO, BIREME, LILACS, Embase, ScienceDirect, and Scopus databases using DeCS (Health Science Descriptors) with the terms "obesity," "intestinal dysbiosis," "bariatric surgery," and "microbiota." RESULTS: We analyzed 28 articles that had clinical studies or literature reviews as their main characteristics, of which 82% (n=23) corresponded to retrospective studies. The sample size of the studies ranged from 9 to 257 participants and/or fecal samples. The epidemiological profile showed a higher prevalence of obesity in females, ranging from 24.4 to 35.1%, with a mean age of around 25-40 years. There was a variation regarding the type of bariatric surgery, migrating between the Roux-en-Y bypass, adjustable gastric banding, and vertical gastrectomy. Of the 28 studies, 6 of them evaluated the gut microbiota of obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery and their relationship with type 2 diabetes mellitus/glucose metabolism/insulin resistance. CONCLUSIONS: The intestinal microbiota is an important influencer in the regulation of the digestive tract, and obese individuals with comorbidities (diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, and metabolic syndrome) present important alterations, with an unbalance normal state, generating dysbiosis and the proliferation of bacterial species that favor the appearance of new diseases. Patients who undergo bariatric surgery present an improvement in the intestinal microbiota imbalance as well as reversibility of their comorbidities, increasing their life expectancy.

RESUMO RACIONAL: A disbiose da microbiota intestinal é encontrada frequentemente em casos de obesidade e doenças metabólicas relacionadas, como a diabetes mellitus tipo 2. A composição da microbiota em diabéticos é semelhante à de obesos, causando um aumento da eficiência de captação de energia no intestino grosso de obesos, manutenção de um estado inflamatório sistêmico e maior resistência à insulina. A cirurgia bariátrica parece acarretar em uma melhora da disbiose intestinal, levando ao aumento de diversidade da microbiota intestinal. OBJETIVOS: Este artigo apresenta uma revisão de literatura sobre a disbiose intestinal associada a obesidade e seu status pós cirurgia bariátrica. MÉTODOS: Uma revisão sistemática de estudos primários foi realizada em bases de dados PubMed, SciELO, BIREME, LILACS, Embase, ScienceDirect e Scopus utilizando o Descritores em Ciência da Saúde (DeCS) com os termos: "obesidade", "disbiose intestinal", "cirurgia bariátrica" e "microbiota". RESULTADOS: Foram analisados 28 artigos que tinham como característica principal serem estudos clínicos ou revisões de literatura, dos quais 82%, n=23, correspondem a estudos retrospectivos. O tamanho das amostras dos estudos variou de 9 a 257 participantes e/ou amostras fecais. O perfil epidemiológico mostrou haver maior prevalência de obesidade no sexo feminino, variação de 24,4 a 35,1%, com idade média em torno dos 25 a 40 anos. Houve uma variação com relação ao tipo de cirurgia bariátrica, migrando entre a Bypass em Y-de-Roux, Banda gástrica ajustável e gastrectomia vertical. Dos 28 estudos, 6 deles avaliaram a microbiota intestinal de obesos submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica e sua relação com diabetes mellitus tipo 2/metabolismo da glicose/resistência insulínica. CONCLUSÕES: A microbiota intestinal é um importante influenciador na regulação do aparelho digestivo, e que indivíduos obesos com comorbidades (diabetes mellitus, hipercolesterolemia e síndrome metabólica) apresentam alterações importantes, com desequilíbrio do seu estado normal, gerando disbiose e a proliferação de espécies bacterianas que favorecem o aparecimento de novas doenças. Pacientes submetidos a cirurgia bariátrica apresentam melhora do desequilíbrio da microbiota intestinal, bem como uma reversibilidade de suas comorbidades, elevando a expectativa de vida.