Inhibition of incipient caries lesion progression by different fluoridated varnishes.

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the potential of different fluoridated varnishes to inhibit the progression of incipient caries lesions after cariogenic challenge. Seventy-five enamel specimens of bovine teeth were prepared and selected based on the initial surface microhardness (SMH). The specimens were first subjected to artificial demineralization (in buffer solution) after which SMH was re-analyzed (SM1). They were then randomly assigned to five experimental groups: 1- CONTROL (pH cycling), 2 - MI VAR (MI Varnish with RECALDENTTM - CPP-ACP), 3 - PROFL (Profluorid®), 4 - CLIN (ClinproTM White Varnish with TCP), and 5 - DUR (Duraphat®) (n=15). The varnishes were applied in a thin layer and the specimens were then subjected to pH cycling for eight days. The SMH and cross-sectional microhardness (CSMH) were then analyzed (SM2). The fluoride and calcium ion concentrations in the solution were analyzed by the indirect method and atomic absorption spectrophotometry, respectively. Data were statistically analyzed by Student's t-test, ANOVA/Tukey-Kramer, or Kruskall-Wallis/Dunn tests for individual comparisons (p˂0.05). All varnishes led to significantly higher surface and subsurface remineralization compared with the control group but did not differ from each other. The varnishes with the highest fluoride release were: PROFL and CLIN, followed by MI VAR and DUR. The varnishes with significantly higher release of calcium were: DUR, CLIN, and PROFL. In conclusion, all commercial fluoridated varnishes tested have good potential to inhibit the progression of demineralization, regardless of the ion release mechanisms.

Apnea behavior in early- and late-stage mouse models of Parkinson's disease: Cineradiographic analysis of spontaneous breathing, acute stress, and swallowing.

This study aimed to evaluate the timing and frequency of spontaneous apneas during breathing and swallowing by using cineradiography on mouse models of early/initial or late/advanced Parkinson's disease (PD). C57BL/6 J mice received either 6-OHDA or vehicle injections into their right striatum, followed by respiratory movement recordings during spontaneous breathing and swallowing, and a stress challenge, two weeks later. Experimental group animals showed a significantly lower respiratory rate (158.66 ± 32.88 breaths/minute in late PD, 173.16 ± 25.19 in early PD versus 185.27 ± 25.36 in controls; p<0.001) and a significantly higher frequency of apneas (median 1 apnea/minute in both groups versus 0 in controls; p<0.001). Other changes included reduced food intake and the absence of swallow apneas in experimental mice. 6-OHDA-induced nigrostriatal degeneration in mice disrupted respiratory control, swallowing, stress responsiveness, and feeding behaviors, potentially hindering airway protection and elevating the risk of aspiration.

Salivary alpha-amylase stress reactivity in advanced-aged marmosets (Callithrix jacchus): Impacts of cognitive function and oral health status.

Salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) is an enzyme found in saliva and is considered a noninvasive biomarker for sympathetic nervous system activity. While a wide range of sAA activity in response to stress has been reported in nonhuman primates, the effects of stress on sAA activity in common marmosets are still unknown. We tested the hypothesis that advanced age and cognitive function may have an impact on stress-related sAA reactivity in marmosets. Thirteen marmosets (nine males and five females) had saliva samples collected during a stressful condition (manual restraint stress) at two different time points, with a 60-min interval. On the next day, the animals underwent the object recognition test (ORT, a type of cognitive test), and then oral examinations. The animals were categorized into two age groups: old (10-13 years), and very old (15-22 years). Irrespective of age, sAA levels showed a significant difference between T1 (mean 2.07 ± 0.86 U/mL) and T2 samples (mean 1.03 ± 0.67 U/mL), with higher values observed at T1 (p < 0.001). The intra-assay coefficients of variation (CV) for low and high sAA concentrations were 10.79% and 8.17%, respectively, while the interassay CVs for low and high sAA concentrations were 6.39% and 4.38%, respectively. Oral health issues were common but did not significantly impact sAA levels. The ORT indicated that the animals could recognize an object placed in the cage 6 h after familiarization. In conclusion, all marmosets showed a higher sAA concentration in the first saliva sample as compared to the second saliva sample collected 1 h later, indicating adaptation to stress. No significant differences in sAA levels were observed between sexes, ORT performance, or oral health. Our results indicate that autonomic responsivity and cognitive (memory) functions were preserved even in very old marmosets.

Validation and measurement invariance of the Compulsive Exercise Test among Brazilian and American young adults.

PURPOSE: To evaluate compulsive exercise, researchers often rely on the widely used Compulsive Exercise Test (CET). However, the measure has shown unstable factor structure in several validation studies and is not available in Portuguese for use in Brazil. We aimed to describe the translation and cultural adaptation of the CET to Brazilian Portuguese, to test several factor structures among Brazilian and US samples of men and women, to test measurement invariance across countries, and to evaluate its internal consistency. Furthermore, we sought to evaluate convergent validity, correlating the CET with a measure of eating disorder symptoms, and to compare compulsive exercise symptoms between countries. METHODS: Four models of the latent structure of the CET were tested using confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs), three-factor structure with 15 items, three-factor structure with 18 items, four-factor structure with 21 items, and the original five-factor structure with 24 items, in a sample of 1,531 young adults (601 Brazilians and 930 Americans), aged 18-35 years. RESULTS: A series of CFAs demonstrated that the three-factor structure with 15 items showed a better fit to the data. This model demonstrated good convergent validity and internal consistency. Results from the CET multigroup CFA showed evidence for the invariance at the configural, metric, and scalar levels across Brazilians and Americans. Furthermore, significant differences were found between Brazilians and Americans, with Brazilians demonstrating higher scores on the Avoidance and rule-driven behavior and Mood improvement subscales, whereas US participants scored higher on the Weight control exercise subscale. CONCLUSIONS: Results support the three-factor structure with 15 items to be used as a measure of compulsive exercise among Brazilians and Americans, allowing cross-cultural comparisons between these countries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V, Cross-sectional, Psychometric study.

Inhibition of incipient caries lesion progression by different fluoridated varnishes

Abstract The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the potential of different fluoridated varnishes to inhibit the progression of incipient caries lesions after cariogenic challenge. Seventy-five enamel specimens of bovine teeth were prepared and selected based on the initial surface microhardness (SMH). The specimens were first subjected to artificial demineralization (in buffer solution) after which SMH was re-analyzed (SM1). They were then randomly assigned to five experimental groups: 1- CONTROL (pH cycling), 2 - MI VAR (MI Varnish with RECALDENTTM - CPP-ACP), 3 - PROFL (Profluorid®), 4 - CLIN (ClinproTM White Varnish with TCP), and 5 - DUR (Duraphat®) (n=15). The varnishes were applied in a thin layer and the specimens were then subjected to pH cycling for eight days. The SMH and cross-sectional microhardness (CSMH) were then analyzed (SM2). The fluoride and calcium ion concentrations in the solution were analyzed by the indirect method and atomic absorption spectrophotometry, respectively. Data were statistically analyzed by Student's t-test, ANOVA/Tukey-Kramer, or Kruskall-Wallis/Dunn tests for individual comparisons (p˂0.05). All varnishes led to significantly higher surface and subsurface remineralization compared with the control group but did not differ from each other. The varnishes with the highest fluoride release were: PROFL and CLIN, followed by MI VAR and DUR. The varnishes with significantly higher release of calcium were: DUR, CLIN, and PROFL. In conclusion, all commercial fluoridated varnishes tested have good potential to inhibit the progression of demineralization, regardless of the ion release mechanisms.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo in vitro foi avaliar o potencial de diferentes vernizes fluoretados em inibir a progressão de lesões de cárie incipientes. Setenta e cinco espécimes de esmalte de dentes bovinos foram preparados e selecionados com base na microdureza superficial inicial (MDS/SM). Os espécimes foram submetidos à desmineralização artificial (em solução de Buskes), sendo então a MDS (SM1) reanalisada. Foram então distribuídos aleatoriamente em cinco grupos experimentais: 1- CONTROLE (pH cycling), 2 - MI VAR (MI Varnish with RECALDENTTM - CPP-ACP), 3 - PROFL (Profluorid®), 4 - CLIN (ClinproTM White Varnish with TCP), and 5 - DUR (Duraphat®). Os vernizes foram aplicados em camada fina e os espécimes foram então submetidos à ciclagem de pH por oito dias. A MDS final (SM2) e a microdureza transversal (CSMH) foram então analisadas. As concentrações de flúor e íons cálcio em solução foram analisadas pelo método indireto e espectrofotometria de absorção atômica, respectivamente. Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente pelo teste T de Student, ANOVA/Tukey-Kramer ou testes de Kruskall-Wallis/Dunn para comparações individuais (p˂0,05). Todos os vernizes levaram a uma remineralização superficial e subsuperficial significativamente maior em comparação com o grupo controle, não diferindo significativamente entre si. Os vernizes com maior liberação de flúor foram: PROFL e CLIN, seguidos de MI VAR e DUR. Os vernizes com liberação significativamente maior de cálcio foram: DUR, CLIN e PROFL. Pôde-se concluir que todos os vernizes fluoretados comerciais testados apresentam bom potencial de inibição da progressão da desmineralização, independentemente dos mecanismos de liberação de íons.

Association of salivary parameters and erosive tooth wear in preschool children.

The aims of this study were to 1) assess the association between erosive tooth wear (ETW) according to the BEWE (Basic Erosive Wear Examination) scoring system and salivary parameters and 2) compare salivary parameters according to ETW severity in the subgroup of children with ETW. This cross-sectional study included 52 preschool children aged 5 years paired by sex. A calibrated examiner assessed ETW using BEWE criteria, and stimulated saliva was collected to determine salivary flow, osmolality, pH, and buffering capacity. The children were divided into two groups: without ETW (n=26; BEWE score 0) and with ETW (n=26; BEWE scores 1 and 2). Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the magnitude of the association between ETW and salivary parameters and estimates of odds ratios (OR). In the unadjusted analysis, the ETW group was more likely to have lower salivary flow (OR = 0.079; 95%CI = 0.013-0.469; p = 0.005) and lower osmolality (OR = 0.993; 95%CI = 0.985-1.000; p = 0.049). In the adjusted analysis, salivary flow remained significantly associated with ETW (OR = 0.087; 95%CI = 0.014-0.533; p = 0.008). Lower salivary osmolality values were observed in ETW, especially in preschool children with more severe ETW (BEWE score 2). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) determined a salivary osmolality cutoff point of < 201 for the presence of ETW. In conclusion, salivary flow rate was significantly associated with ETW prevalence. Lower values of salivary osmolality were observed in preschool children with distinct erosive lesions with significant loss of tooth structure (BEWE 2).

Performance of near-infrared light transillumination in the detection of occlusal caries lesions in deciduous teeth.

BACKGROUND: This study compared the performance of near-infrared light transillumination (NILT; DIAGNOcam [DC]) in detecting occlusal caries lesions in deciduous molars with the performance of the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS), digital radiographic method (RX) and laser fluorescence (DIAGNOdent pen [LFpen]). METHODS: Fifty-seven extracted deciduous molars with no frank cavitation caries lesions were selected. One site per tooth was evaluated twice each by two examiners using all methods. Then, a histological examination was performed using a stereomicroscope. The performance of the methods was assessed with respect to two thresholds: D1 (all visible caries lesions affecting enamel) and D3 (caries lesions extended into dentin). RESULTS: A weighted kappa and intraclass correlation coefficients were calculated for intra- and inter-observer reproducibilities, varying from 0.31 (RX) to 0.89 (LFpen). The intra-observer reproducibility at D1 and D3 thresholds varied from 0.51 (ICDAS) to 0.85 (DC) and from 0.30 (ICDAS) to 1.00 (RX), respectively. The inter-observer reproducibility varied from 0.28 (RX) to 0.47 (DC) and from 0.22 (LFpen) to 0.75 (DC), respectively. At the D1 threshold, higher sensitivity and accuracy were found for LFpen (0.76/0.71) and ICDAS (0.65/0.66); and higher specificities were found for RX (0.94), DC (0.79), and ICDAS (0.71). At the D3 threshold, all methods exhibited lower sensitivities (0.13-0.35) and higher specificity, accuracy, and area under the ROC curve values (0.70-1.00). All methods showed a correlation with histological results, especially for ICDAS and DC. CONCLUSIONS: NILT technology (DC) and LFpen exhibited similar performance for the detection of occlusal caries lesions in deciduous molars when compared with ICDAS criteria.

Respiratory therapies for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A state of the art review.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative condition noteworthy for upper and lower motor neuron death. Involvement of respiratory motor neuron pools leads to progressive pathology. These impairments include decreases in neural activation and muscle coordination, progressive airway obstruction, weakened airway defenses, restrictive lung disease, increased risk of pulmonary infections, and weakness and atrophy of respiratory muscles. These neural, airway, pulmonary, and neuromuscular changes deteriorate integrated respiratory-related functions including sleep, cough, swallowing, and breathing. Ultimately, respiratory complications account for a large portion of morbidity and mortality in ALS. This state-of-the-art review highlights applications of respiratory therapies for ALS, including lung volume recruitment, mechanical insufflation-exsufflation, non-invasive ventilation, and respiratory strength training. Therapeutic acute intermittent hypoxia, an emerging therapeutic tool for inducing respiratory plasticity will also be introduced. A focus on emerging evidence and future work underscores the common goal to continue to improve survival for patients living with ALS.

Body image as a global mental health concern.

Body image concerns related to weight or other dimensions of appearance are now prevalent on a global scale. This paper reviews the theoretical frameworks that account for the global similarities and regional differences in rates and presentation of body image concerns, as well as reviewing the extant data. Given the harmful consequences of body image concerns in terms of mental and physical health, their global burden is high. Interventions to mitigate these concerns at the individual and systemic level are warranted.

Gênero, dança e cultura: as danças de todos, femininas, masculinas e desconhecidas / Gender, dance and culture: the dances of all, female, male and unknown

O objetivo da pesquisa é compreender os espaços de contatos de adolescentes com a prática da dança enquanto atividade de lazer e as suas percepções sobre diferentes estilos de dança e gênero na sociedade. Utilizou-se como procedimento de coleta de dados questionário estruturado e para a interpretação, fez-se a análise descritiva. A amostra foi constituída por 200 estudantes do segundo ano do Ensino Médio. Identificou-se que, embora os adolescentes considerem a maior parte dos estilos de dança como uma dança possível de ser praticada por todos, ainda é presente uma divisão por gênero de determinadas danças. Foi observado também as danças consideradas como desconhecidas pelos adolescentes que em maior parte eram compostas por danças folclóricas. Percebeu-se que os homens eram os mais reprodutores da divisão de gênero e os que menos conheciam a diversidade de danças, principalmente as do folclore brasileiro.

The objective of the research is to understand the spaces of contact between adolescents and dance as a leisure activity, as well as their perceptions of different dance styles and gender in society. A structured questionnaire was used as the data collection procedure, and descriptive analysis was employed for interpretation. The sample consisted of 200 students in their second year of high school. It was identified that although adolescents consider the majority of dance styles as accessible to everyone, there still exists a gender division for certain dances. Additionally, dances that were largely unknown to the adolescents were predominantly composed of folk dances. It was observed that men were the main perpetuators of gender division and had the least knowledge of dance diversity, particularly regarding Brazilian folklore dances.

Pathogenicity and virulence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is the causative agent of tuberculosis, an infectious disease with one of the highest morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. Leveraging its highly evolved repertoire of non-protein and protein virulence factors, Mtb invades through the airway, subverts host immunity, establishes its survival niche, and ultimately escapes in the setting of active disease to initiate another round of infection in a naive host. In this review, we will provide a concise synopsis of the infectious life cycle of Mtb and its clinical and epidemiologic significance. We will also take stock of its virulence factors and pathogenic mechanisms that modulate host immunity and facilitate its spread. Developing a greater understanding of the interface between Mtb virulence factors and host defences will enable progress toward improved vaccines and therapeutics to prevent and treat tuberculosis.

Association of salivary parameters and erosive tooth wear in preschool children

Abstract The aims of this study were to 1) assess the association between erosive tooth wear (ETW) according to the BEWE (Basic Erosive Wear Examination) scoring system and salivary parameters and 2) compare salivary parameters according to ETW severity in the subgroup of children with ETW. This cross-sectional study included 52 preschool children aged 5 years paired by sex. A calibrated examiner assessed ETW using BEWE criteria, and stimulated saliva was collected to determine salivary flow, osmolality, pH, and buffering capacity. The children were divided into two groups: without ETW (n=26; BEWE score 0) and with ETW (n=26; BEWE scores 1 and 2). Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the magnitude of the association between ETW and salivary parameters and estimates of odds ratios (OR). In the unadjusted analysis, the ETW group was more likely to have lower salivary flow (OR = 0.079; 95%CI = 0.013-0.469; p = 0.005) and lower osmolality (OR = 0.993; 95%CI = 0.985-1.000; p = 0.049). In the adjusted analysis, salivary flow remained significantly associated with ETW (OR = 0.087; 95%CI = 0.014-0.533; p = 0.008). Lower salivary osmolality values were observed in ETW, especially in preschool children with more severe ETW (BEWE score 2). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) determined a salivary osmolality cutoff point of < 201 for the presence of ETW. In conclusion, salivary flow rate was significantly associated with ETW prevalence. Lower values of salivary osmolality were observed in preschool children with distinct erosive lesions with significant loss of tooth structure (BEWE 2).

Association of Swede Score and 2011 IFCPC Nomenclature in Women with Abnormal Cytology.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between two colposcopic indices, the Swede score and the 2011 International Federation of Cervical Pathology and Colposcopy (IFCPC) Nomenclature as well as to determine the efficacy of the Swede score with cutoffs of 7 and 8. METHODS: In the present cross-sectional pilot study, 34 women who had at least 1 colposcopy-directed biopsy due to abnormal cytology were enrolled. The colposcopic findings were scored by both the Swede score and the 2011 IFCPC Nomenclature and were compared with each other. The Kappa coefficient and the McNemar test were used. Accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values (NPV and PPV, respectively) were calculated, as well as the effectiveness with cutoffs of 7 and 8 in identifying cervical intraepithelial neoplasm (CIN) 2+ when using the Swede score. RESULTS: The correlation between the 2 colposcopic indices was 79.41%. The Kappa coefficient and the McNemar p-value were 0.55 and 0.37, respectively. The IFCPC Nomenclature had sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV, and NPV of 85.71, 55.00, 67.64, 57.14, and 84.61%, respectively. The Swede score had sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV, and NPV of 100, 63.15, 79.41, 68.18, and 100%, respectively. A Swede score cutoff of 7 for CIN 2+ detection had a specificity of 94.73%, while with a cutoff of 8 it increased to 100%. The sensitivity for both values was 60%. The PPV and NPV for cutoffs of 7 and 8 were 90 and 75 and 100 and 76%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Although both colposcopic indices have good reproducibility, the Swede score showed greater accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity in identifying CIN 2 + , especially when using a cutoff of 8.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a associação entre dois índices colposcópicos, o escore Swede e a Nomenclatura International Federation of Cervical Pathology and Colposcopy (IFCPC, na sigla em inglês) 2011, assim como determinar a eficácia do escore Swede com os pontos de corte 7 e 8. MéTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, com 34 mulheres incluídas, que realizaram colposcopia com biópsia dirigida devido a uma citologia anormal. Os achados colposcópicos foram categorizados pelo escore Swede e pela Nomenclatura IFCPC 2011 e comparados um com o outro. Foram avaliados o coeficiente Kappa e o teste de McNemar e foram calculados a acurácia, a sensibilidade, a especificidade e valores preditivos negativos e positivos (VPN e VPP, respectivamente) de cada índice, assim como a eficácia com os pontos de corte 7 e 8 do escore Swede para determinar as lesões de neoplasia intraepitelial cervical (NIC) 2 + . RESULTADOS: A concordância entre os 2 índices foi de 79,41% e o coeficiente Kappa e o valor-p do teste de McNemar foram 0.55 e 0.37, respectivamente. Pela Nomenclatura IFCPC 2011, obtivemos como sensibilidade, especificidade, acurácia, VPP e VPN, respectivamente: 85,71, 55,00, 67,64, 57,14 e 84,61%. Pelo escore Swede obtivemos como sensibilidade, especificidade, acurácia, VPP e VPN, respectivamente: 100, 63,15, 79,41, 68,18 e 100%. O uso do escore Swede para detecção das lesões NIC 2+ obteve como especificidade 94,73% com o valor de corte de 7, enquanto o valor de corte 8 obteve 100%. A sensibilidade para ambos os cortes foi de 60%. O VPP e o VPN com os cortes 7 e 8 foram, respectivamente: 90,00 e 75,00 e 100,00 e 76,00%. CONCLUSãO: Ambos os índices colposcópicos tiveram boa reprodutibilidade; no entanto, o escore Swede mostrou melhor acurácia, sensibilidade e especificidade em identificar as lesões NIC 2+ e o melhor ponto de corte para identificar as lesões NIC2+ foi com o valor 8.

Association of Swede Score and 2011 IFCPC Nomenclature in Women with Abnormal Cytology / A Associação entre o escore Swede e a nomenclatura IFCPC 2011 em mulheres com citologia anormal

Abstract Objective To assess the association between two colposcopic indices, the Swede score and the 2011 International Federation of Cervical Pathology and Colposcopy (IFCPC) Nomenclature as well as to determine the efficacy of the Swede score with cutoffs of 7 and 8. Methods In the present cross-sectional pilot study, 34 women who had at least 1 colposcopy-directed biopsy due to abnormal cytology were enrolled. The colposcopic findings were scored by both the Swede score and the 2011 IFCPC Nomenclature and were compared with each other. The Kappa coefficient and the McNemar test were used. Accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values (NPV and PPV, respectively) were calculated, as well as the effectiveness with cutoffs of 7 and 8 in identifying cervical intraepithelial neoplasm (CIN) 2+ when using the Swede score. Results The correlation between the 2 colposcopic indices was 79.41%. The Kappa coefficient and the McNemar p-value were 0.55 and 0.37, respectively. The IFCPC Nomenclature had sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV, and NPV of 85.71, 55.00, 67.64, 57.14, and 84.61%, respectively. The Swede score had sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV, and NPV of 100, 63.15, 79.41, 68.18, and 100%, respectively. A Swede score cutoff of 7 for CIN 2+ detection had a specificity of 94.73%, while with a cutoff of 8 it increased to 100%. The sensitivity for both values was 60%. The PPV and NPV for cutoffs of 7 and 8 were 90 and 75 and 100 and 76%, respectively. Conclusion Although both colposcopic indices have good reproducibility, the Swede score showed greater accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity in identifying CIN 2 + , especially when using a cutoff of 8.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a associação entre dois índices colposcópicos, o escore Swede e a Nomenclatura International Federation of Cervical Pathology and Colposcopy (IFCPC, na sigla em inglês) 2011, assim como determinar a eficácia do escore Swede com os pontos de corte 7 e 8. Métodos Trata-se de um estudo transversal, com 34 mulheres incluídas, que realizaram colposcopia com biópsia dirigida devido a uma citologia anormal. Os achados colposcópicos foram categorizados pelo escore Swede e pela Nomenclatura IFCPC 2011 e comparados um com o outro. Foram avaliados o coeficiente Kappa e o teste de McNemar e foram calculados a acurácia, a sensibilidade, a especificidade e valores preditivos negativos e positivos (VPN e VPP, respectivamente) de cada índice, assim como a eficácia com os pontos de corte 7 e 8 do escore Swede para determinar as lesões de neoplasia intraepitelial cervical (NIC) 2 + . Resultados A concordância entre os 2 índices foi de 79,41% e o coeficiente Kappa e o valor-p do teste de McNemar foram 0.55 e 0.37, respectivamente. Pela Nomenclatura IFCPC 2011, obtivemos como sensibilidade, especificidade, acurácia, VPP e VPN, respectivamente: 85,71, 55,00, 67,64, 57,14 e 84,61%. Pelo escore Swede obtivemos como sensibilidade, especificidade, acurácia, VPP e VPN, respectivamente: 100, 63,15, 79,41, 68,18 e 100%. O uso do escore Swede para detecção das lesões NIC 2+ obteve como especificidade 94,73% com o valor de corte de 7, enquanto o valor de corte 8 obteve 100%. A sensibilidade para ambos os cortes foi de 60%. O VPP e o VPN com os cortes 7 e 8 foram, respectivamente: 90,00 e 75,00 e 100,00 e 76,00%. Conclusão Ambos os índices colposcópicos tiveram boa reprodutibilidade; no entanto, o escore Swede mostrou melhor acurácia, sensibilidade e especificidade em identificar as lesões NIC 2+ e o melhor ponto de corte para identificar as lesões NIC2+ foi com o valor 8.

Preoperative Alpha-Fetoprotein and Radiological Total Tumor Diameter as Predictors of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Recurrence After Liver Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Liver transplantation is a unique treatment opportunity for patients with chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Selection of HCC patients for transplantation was revolutionized by Milan-based criteria, but tumor recurrence and shortage of organs are still a major concern. Nowadays, additional preoperative tumor parameters can help to refine the graft allocation process. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value and cut-off points of pretransplant serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels and radiological tumor parameters on liver transplantation outcomes. METHODS: This is a single-team retrospective cohort of 162 consecutive deceased donor liver transplants (DDLT) with pathologically confirmed HCC. Pretransplant serum AFP levels and radiological tumor parameters were retrieved from a preoperative follow-up. Receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curves were used to evaluate cut-off points for each outcome. Multivariate Cox regression model was used to assess the predictors of HCC relapse and recipient mortality. RESULTS: Twelve recipients (7.4%) had HCC recurrence after transplantation, with median survival time of 5.8 months. Pretransplant AFP ≥30 ng/mL (hazard ratio [HR]: 13.84, P = .003) and radiological total tumor diameter (TTD) ≥5 cm (HR: 12.89, P = .005) were independent predictors for HCC relapse. Moreover, pretransplant AFP ≥150 ng/mL was independently associated with recipient mortality (HR: 4.45, P = .003). CONCLUSIONS: Pretransplant AFP levels and radiological TTD were independently associated with HCC relapse and recipient mortality after DDLT, with different cut-off points predicting different outcomes. These findings may contribute to improving decision-making in the context of liver transplantation for HCC patients.

Liver Transplant and Active Ulcerative Colitis: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: The association between ulcerative colitis (UC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis has been described for several years and can be classified as having a distinct disease phenotype from inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). The simultaneous occurrence of decompensated liver disease requiring liver transplant and active IBD is a management challenge, considering that these patients may be at increased risk of infections, thromboembolic events, bleeding, and drug hepatotoxicity. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe a case of a 37-year-old patient with UC and sclerosing cholangitis presenting with severe decompensated rectocolitis complicated with thromboembolic phenomena and severe liver dysfunction who underwent liver transplant while using biological therapy to control bowel disease. CONCLUSIONS: This case highlights the evolution of sclerosing cholangitis to liver transplant in patients with decompensated UC. Despite the risk of recurrence, primary sclerosing cholangitis has excellent results after liver transplant. Despite the use of immunosuppression after liver transplant, biological therapy may be necessary to control IBD.

Progressive Familial Intrahepatic Cholestasis Type 2 and Recurrence After Liver Transplantation: A Case Report.

Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 2 (PFIC2) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the ABCB11 gene. Clinical manifestations include cholestasis with low γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT), hepatosplenomegaly, and severe pruritus. Liver transplantation is required for individuals with progressive liver disease or failure of the bypass procedure and has been considered curative. However, in the case of PFIC2, although bile salt excretory pump (BSEP) deficiency is a liver-specific condition rather than a systemic disease, evidence of recurrent BSEP disease has been shown in a small proportion of allografts. We describe an unusual case of a 21-year-old individual with PFIC2 and evidence of recurrent BSEP disease after liver transplantation, with clinical and laboratory improvement after pulse therapy with methylprednisolone for 3 days and adjustment of oral immunosuppression. This case report highlights the recurrence of PFIC2 in patients post liver transplant. It also emphasizes the importance of clinical suspicion, which should be considered in cases of posttransplant cholestasis in PFIC2 patients, especially those with low γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and without signs of acute graft rejection. Having knowledge of the condition favors a targeted diagnostic approach and contributes to early therapeutic management and a higher success rate.

Low-Level Laser Therapy for Management of Hypersensitivity in Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life: Case Report.

The aim was to report the use low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in the management of hypersensitivity in an adolescent with molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) and the impact of LLLT on his oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). Clinical examination revealed severe MIH with hypersensitivity, in all first permanent molars and incisors. The treatment proposed was desensitization with fluoride and esthetic rehabilitation of the affected teeth. Then, LLLT was applied perpendicularly in a continuous mode (wavelength of 808 nm, power of 100 mW, dose of 1 J, and fluence of 35 J/cm2). The visual analogue scale was applied each session of LLLT. The child perceptions questionnaire (CPQ11-14) was administered at the beginning and the end of the treatment. It was concluded that LLLT can be indicated in the management of hypersensitivity in an adolescent with severe MIH to control pain and to improve his OHRQoL.

Liver Transplantation After Acute Portal Vein Thrombosis: Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Portal vein thrombosis is a relatively frequent complication in patients with liver cirrhosis. Its detection and management are essential to avoid worsening portal hypertension or liver function complications. This complication can also negatively impact or even preclude liver transplant. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a patient who presented with acute portal vein thrombosis, which allowed the diagnosis of liver cirrhosis and hepatocarcinoma within the Milan criteria. Chemical thrombolysis was performed with a mechanical aspiration of the thrombus, and in a second moment, the patient was submitted to a liver transplant. CONCLUSIONS: Advances in the therapeutic approach to portal vein thrombosis and surgical techniques have allowed the condition to no longer be an absolute contraindication to liver transplantation. Diagnosis in the acute phase is associated with greater therapeutic success, aiming to avoid the extension of thrombosis and achieve portal vein recanalization.

Bag it, tag it: ubiquitin ligases and host resistance to Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the etiological agent of tuberculosis (TB), remains a significant global epidemic. Host resistance to Mtb depends on both adaptive and innate immunity mechanisms, including development of antigen-specific CD4 and CD8 T cells, production of inflammatory cytokines, bacterial phagocytosis and destruction within phagolysosomes, host cell apoptosis, and autophagy. A key regulatory mechanism in innate immunity is the attachment of the small protein ubiquitin to protein and lipid targets by the enzymatic activity of ubiquitin ligases. Here, we summarize the latest advances on the role of ubiquitination and ubiquitin ligases in host immunity against Mtb, with a focus on innate immunity signaling, inflammation, and antimicrobial autophagy. Understanding how ubiquitin ligases mediate immunity to Mtb, and the specific substrates of distinct ubiquitin ligases in the context of Mtb infection, could facilitate development of new host-directed antimicrobials.