Enhanced Diagnostic Precision: Assessing Tumor Differentiation in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Using Multi-Slice Spiral CT Texture Analysis.

This study explores the efficacy of texture analysis by using preoperative multi-slice spiral computed tomography (MSCT) to non-invasively determine the grade of cellular differentiation in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). In a retrospective study, MSCT scans of patients with HNSCC were analyzed and classified based on its histological grade as moderately differentiated, well-differentiated, or poorly differentiated. The location of the tumor was categorized as either in the bone or in soft tissues. Segmentation of the lesion areas was conducted, followed by texture analysis. Eleven GLCM parameters across five different distances were calculated. Median values and correlations of texture parameters were examined in relation to tumor differentiation grade by using Spearman's correlation coefficient and Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests. Forty-six patients were included, predominantly female (87%), with a mean age of 66.7 years. Texture analysis revealed significant parameter correlations with histopathological grades of tumor differentiation. The study identified no significant age correlation with tumor differentiation, which underscores the potential of texture analysis as an age-independent biomarker. The strong correlations between texture parameters and histopathological grades support the integration of this technique into the clinical decision-making process.

Differences between Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment using brain networks from magnetic resonance texture analysis.

Several studies have aimed at identifying biomarkers in the initial phases of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Conversely, texture features, such as those from gray-level co-occurrence matrices (GLCMs), have highlighted important information from several types of medical images. More recently, texture-based brain networks have been shown to provide useful information in characterizing healthy individuals. However, no studies have yet explored the use of this type of network in the context of AD. This work aimed to employ texture brain networks to investigate the distinction between groups of patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and mild dementia due to AD, and a group of healthy subjects. Magnetic resonance (MR) images from the three groups acquired at two instances were used. Images were segmented and GLCM texture parameters were calculated for each region. Structural brain networks were generated using regions as nodes and the similarity among texture parameters as links, and graph theory was used to compute five network measures. An ANCOVA was performed for each network measure to assess statistical differences between groups. The thalamus showed significant differences between aMCI and AD patients for four network measures for the right hemisphere and one network measure for the left hemisphere. There were also significant differences between controls and AD patients for the left hippocampus, right superior parietal lobule, and right thalamus-one network measure each. These findings represent changes in the texture of these regions which can be associated with the cortical volume and thickness atrophies reported in the literature for AD. The texture networks showed potential to differentiate between aMCI and AD patients, as well as between controls and AD patients, offering a new tool to help understand these conditions and eventually aid early intervention and personalized treatment, thereby improving patient outcomes and advancing AD research.

In vivo efficacy of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) in the treatment of peripheral neuropathy: A systematic review of animal models.

We report on a systematic review of the efficacy of turmeric derivatives for the in vivo treatment of peripheral neuropathies. Our review protocol followed the PRISMA Statement. The Medline (PubMed), Web of Science, Scopus, and Scielo databases were used. The search strategy was ("neuropathy" OR "neuropathies" OR "nerve injury" OR "nerve injuries") AND ("curcumin" OR "turmeric yellow" OR "yellow, turmeric" OR "diferuloylmethane"). Eligibility criteria were in vivo animal models, published in English, Portuguese, Spanish, or French, evaluating the efficacy of turmeric derivatives in the treatment of peripheral neuropathies. We have included 30 papers, and all consisted of pre-clinical trials with good methodological quality. Animals treated with turmeric derivatives (i.e., curcumin, curcumin by-products and curcumin loaded delivery systems) demonstrated remarkable amelioration in the injuries caused by diabetic and sciatic neuropathy, as well as for vincristine, cisplatin, and alcohol-induced neuropathy, especially with regards to the functional recovery of the affected nerve. Turmeric has great potential for the treatment of peripheral neuropathies, including those associated with diabetes mellitus. Clinical trials still need to be performed to assess the feasibility of human treatment as an alternative or adjuvant to existing pharmacological therapy.

Texture-based brain networks for characterization of healthy subjects from MRI.

Brain networks have been widely used to study the relationships between brain regions based on their dynamics using, e.g. fMRI or EEG, and to characterize their real physical connections using DTI. However, few studies have investigated brain networks derived from structural properties; and those have been based on cortical thickness or gray matter volume. The main objective of this work was to investigate the feasibility of obtaining useful information from brain networks derived from structural MRI, using texture features. We also wanted to verify if texture brain networks had any relation with established functional networks. T1-MR images were segmented using AAL and texture parameters from the gray-level co-occurrence matrix were computed for each region, for 760 subjects. Individual texture networks were used to evaluate the structural connections between regions of well-established functional networks; assess possible gender differences; investigate the dependence of texture network measures with age; and single out brain regions with different texture-network characteristics. Although around 70% of texture connections between regions belonging to the default mode, attention, and visual network were greater than the mean connection value, this effect was small (only between 7 and 15% of these connections were larger than one standard deviation), implying that texture-based morphology does not seem to subside function. This differs from cortical thickness-based morphology, which has been shown to relate to functional networks. Seventy-five out of 86 evaluated regions showed significant (ANCOVA, p < 0.05) differences between genders. Forty-four out of 86 regions showed significant (ANCOVA, p < 0.05) dependence with age; however, the R2 indicates that this is not a linear relation. Thalamus and putamen showed a very unique texture-wise structure compared to other analyzed regions. Texture networks were able to provide useful information regarding gender and age-related differences, as well as for singling out specific brain regions. We did not find a morphological texture-based subsidy for the evaluated functional brain networks. In the future, this approach will be extended to neurological patients to investigate the possibility of extracting biomarkers to help monitor disease evolution or treatment effectiveness.

Influence of music on the behavior of children during dental care / Influência da música no comportamento de crianças frente ao atendimento odontológico

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the role of music as a distraction technique to minimize anxiety during dental care in children aged 7 to 9 years when submitted to local anesthetic procedure. Method: This study was carried out in the Dentistry Module of the State University of Southwestern Bahia, located in the city of Jequié, Bahia, Brazil. It was performed through the application of the Facial Image Scale, measurement of heart rate and blood pressure with the aid of the digital sphygmomanometer at two different times during pediatric dentistry care with and without the influence of classical music. Data were tabulated in the Statistical Package for Social Sciences software, version 21.0, expressed as medians and interquartile range. For inferential statistics, the Shapiro-Wilk normality test was used and the analysis of the effect of music was calculated using the paired T-tests and Wilcoxon, considering a significance level of 95%. Results: The sample consisted of 7 children, mostly male, with a median of 8 years of age. Regarding the psychophysiological variables, no significant variations were observed compared to before and after in the groups with music and without music. Conclusion: In this study, no differences were found regarding the reduction of anxiety in the group in which music was used. Additional studies with a representative sample are needed.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar o papel da música como técnica de distração para minimizar a ansiedade durante o atendimento odontológico em crianças de 7 a 9 anos de idade quando submetidas a procedimento anestésico local. Métodos: Este estudo foi realizado no Módulo de Odontologia da Universidade Estadual do Sudoeste da Bahia, situado na cidade de Jequié - BA. Foi realizado a partir da aplicação da Facial Image Scale, mensuração da frequência cardíaca e pressão arterial com auxílio do esfigmomanômetro digital em dois momentos distintos ao longo do atendimento em odontopediatria com e sem a influência da música clássica. Os dados foram tabulados no software Statistical Package for Social Sciences, versão 21.0, expressos como medianas e intervalo interquartílico. Para a estatística inferencial, utilizou-se o teste de normalidade Shapiro-Wilk e a análise do efeito da música foi calculada utilizando os testes T-pareado e o Wilcoxon, considerando nível de significância de 95%. Resultados: A amostra foi constituída por 7 crianças, pertencendo sua maioria ao sexo masculino, com uma mediana de 8 anos de idade. Em relação às variáveis psicofisiológicas, não foram observadas variações significativas em comparação ao antes e depois nos grupos com música e sem música. Conclusões: Neste estudo não foram encontradas diferenças no que diz respeito à redução da ansiedade no grupo em que a música foi utilizada, havendo necessidade de estudos adicionais, com amostra representativa.

Molecular Hybridization Strategy on the Design, Synthesis, and Structural Characterization of Ferrocene-N-acyl Hydrazones as Immunomodulatory Agents.

Immunomodulatory agents are widely used for the treatment of immune-mediated diseases, but the range of side effects of the available drugs makes necessary the search for new immunomodulatory drugs. Here, we investigated the immunomodulatory activity of new ferrocenyl-N-acyl hydrazones derivatives (SintMed(141−156). The evaluated N-acyl hydrazones did not show cytotoxicity at the tested concentrations, presenting CC50 values greater than 50 µM. In addition, all ferrocenyl-N-acyl hydrazones modulated nitrite production in immortalized macrophages, showing inhibition values between 14.4% and 74.2%. By presenting a better activity profile, the ferrocenyl-N-acyl hydrazones SintMed149 and SintMed150 also had their cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory effect evaluated in cultures of peritoneal macrophages. The molecules were not cytotoxic at any of the concentrations tested in peritoneal macrophages and were able to significantly reduce (p < 0.05) the production of nitrite, TNF-α, and IL-1ß. Interestingly, both molecules significantly reduced the production of IL-2 and IFN-γ in cultured splenocytes activated with concanavalin A. Moreover, SintMed150 did not show signs of acute toxicity in animals treated with 50 or 100 mg/kg. Finally, we observed that ferrocenyl-N-acyl hydrazone SintMed150 at 100 mg/kg reduced the migration of neutrophils (44.6%) in an acute peritonitis model and increased animal survival by 20% in an LPS-induced endotoxic shock model. These findings suggest that such compounds have therapeutic potential to be used to treat diseases of inflammatory origin.

Magnetic resonance imaging texture analysis to differentiate ameloblastoma from odontogenic keratocyst.

The differentiation between ameloblastoma (AB) and odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) is essential for the formulation of the surgical plan, especially considering the biological behavior of these two pathological entities. Therefore, developing means to increase the accuracy of the diagnostic process is extremely important for a safe treatment. The aim of this study was to use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) based on texture analysis (TA) as an aid in differentiating AB from OKC. This study comprised 18 patients; eight patients with AB and ten with OKC. All diagnoses were determined through incisional biopsy and later through histological examination of the surgical specimen. MRI was performed using a 3 T scanner with a neurovascular coil according to a specific protocol. All images were exported to segmentation software in which the volume of interest (VOI) was determined by a radiologist, who was blind to the histopathological results. Next, the textural parameters were computed by using the MATLAB software. Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to assess the correlation between texture parameters and the selected variables. Differences in TA parameters were compared between AB and OKC by using the Mann-Whitney test. Mann-Whitney test showed a statistically significant difference between AB and OKC for the parameters entropy (P = 0.033) and sum average (P = 0.033). MRI texture analysis has the potential to discriminate between AB and OKC as a noninvasive method. MRI texture analysis can be an additional tool to differentiate ameloblastoma from odontogenic keratocyst.

Experimental and Theoretical DFT Study of Cu(I)/N,N-Disubstituted-N'-acylthioureato Anticancer Complexes: Actin Cytoskeleton and Induction of Death by Apoptosis in Triple-Negative Breast Tumor Cells.

Six complexes with the general formula [Cu(acylthioureato)(PPh3)2] were synthesized and characterized using spectroscopic techniques (IR, UV/visible, and 1D and 2D NMR), mass spectrometry, elemental analysis, and X-ray diffraction. Interpretation of the in vitro cytotoxicity data of Cu(I) complexes took into account their stability in cell culture medium. DFT calculations showed that NMR properties, such as the shielding of carbon atoms, are affected by relativistic effects, supported by the ZORA Hamiltonian in the theoretical calculations. Additionally, the calculation of the energies of the frontier molecular orbitals predicted that the structural changes of the acylthiourea ligands did not cause marked changes in the reactivity descriptors. All complexes were cytotoxic to the evaluated tumor cell lines [MDA-MB-231 (triple-negative breast cancer, TNBC), MCF-7 (breast cancer), and A549 (lung cancer)]. In the MDA-MB-231 cell line, complex 1 significantly altered the cytoskeleton of the cells, reducing the density and promoting the condensation of F-actin filaments. In addition, the compound caused an increase in the percentage of cells in the fragmented DNA region (sub-G0) and induced cell death via the apoptotic pathway starting at the IC50 concentration. Taken together, the results show that complex 1 has cytotoxic and apoptotic effects on TNBC cells, which is a cell line originating from an aggressive, difficult-to-treat breast cancer.

Unusual high prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis E virus in South Brazil.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is worldwide distributed and might cause acute or chronic hepatitis mainly in immunocompromised individuals. In previous studies we found a high prevalence of antibodies to HEV within blood donors in south Brazil and also within backyard-raised pigs. Here, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of anti-HEV antibody and HEV RNA within the general population from three major municipalities (Caxias do Sul, Passo Fundo and Santa Maria) in south Brazil. A total of 3000 blood samples were randomly obtained from clinical laboratories at each of the three municipality (n = 1000 each) to determine the presence of anti-HEV antibodies and HEV RNA. Overall, anti-HEV antibodies were detected in 574/1000 (57,4%) samples in Caxias do Sul, 655/1000 (65.5%) samples in Passo Fundo and 554/1000 (55.4%) samples in Santa Maria. The prevalence of HEV-positive samples increased steadily and significantly (P < 0,001) with age and was unusually higher within individual over 40 years. Despite of this, none of the pooled serum samples had detectable levels of HEV RNA. The high anti-HEV antibody prevalence suggests that the virus might be present on the environment and/or foodstuff and poses a permanent threat to immune-compromised individuals.

Selective Coordination Mode of Acylthiourea Ligands in Half-Sandwich Ru(II) Complexes and Their Cytotoxic Evaluation.

In this study, half-sandwich Ru(II) complexes containing acylthiourea ligands of the general type [Ru(η6-p-cymene)(PPh3)(S)Cl]PF6 (1m-6m) and [Ru(η6-p-cymene)(PPh3)(S-O)]PF6 (1b-6b) where S/S-O = N',N'-disubstituted acylthiourea were synthesized and characterized (via elemental analyses, IR spectroscopy, 1H NMR spectroscopy, 13C{1H} NMR spectroscopy, and X-ray diffractometry), and their cytotoxic activity was evaluated. The different coordination modes of the acylthiourea ligands, monodentately via S (1m-6m) and bidentately via S,O (1b-6b), to ruthenium were modulated from different synthetic routes. The cytotoxicity of the complexes was evaluated in five human cell lines (DU-145, A549, MDA-MB-231, MRC-5, and MCF-10A) by MTT assay. The IC50 values for prostate cancer cells (2.89-7.47 µM) indicated that the complexes inhibited cell growth, but that they were less cytotoxic than cisplatin (2.00 µM). Unlike for breast cancer cells (IC50 = 0.28-0.74 µM) and lung cancer cells (IC50 = 0.51-1.83 µM), the complexes were notably more active than the reference drug, and a remarkable selectivity index (SI 4.66-19.34) was observed for breast cancer cells. Based on both the activity and selectivity, complexes 5b and 6b, as well as their respective analogous complexes in the monodentate coordination 5m and 6m, were chosen for further investigation in the MDA-MB-231 cell line. These complexes not only induced morphology changes but also were able to inhibit colony formation and migration. In addition, the complexes promoted cell cycle arrest at the sub-G1 phase inducing apoptosis. Interaction studies by viscosity measurements, gel electrophoresis, and fluorescence spectroscopy indicated that the complexes interact with the DNA minor groove and exhibit an HSA binding affinity.

Compartilhamento do cuidado na atenção psicossocial: percepção de trabalhadores e usuários / Sharing care in psychosocial care: perception of workers and users / Intercambio de cuidados en atención psicosocial: percepción de trabajadores y usuarios

OBJETIVO: compreender a percepção de trabalhadores e usuários acerca do compartilhamento do cuidado ao egresso de uma Unidade de Internação Psicossocial com encaminhamento a um Centro de Atenção Psicossocial. MÉTODO: pesquisa qualitativa, desenvolvida em uma Unidade de Internação Psicossocial e um Centro de Atenção Psicossocial. Os entrevistados foram 15 profissionais e 10 usuários. RESULTADOS: evidenciou-se o encaminhamento e o acesso dos usuários aos serviços substitutivos e as orientações referente a alta hospitalar do usuário como desafios para o compartilhamento do cuidado. O acolhimento, a alta assistida e o vínculo com serviços substitutivos, apresentaram-se possibilidades para o compartilhamento do cuidado. CONCLUSÃO: observa-se a importância de um cuidado pautado nos princípios de interdisciplinaridade, intersetorialidade e integralidade.

OBJECTIVE: understand the perception of workers and users about the sharing of care to the user egress from a Psychosocial Inpatient Unit with referral to a Psychosocial Care Center. METHOD: qualitative research, developed in a Psychosocial Internment Unit and a Psychosocial Care Center. The interviewees were 15 professionals and 10 users. RESULTS: the referral and the access of the users to the substitutive services and the guidelines referring to the patient's hospital discharge as challenges for the sharing of the care were evidenced. In addition, the reception, the high attendance and the link with substitutive services, presented possibilities for the sharing of the care. CONCLUSION: the importance of care based on the principles of interdisciplinarity, intersectoriality and integrality is observed.

OBJETIVO: comprender la percepción de trabajadores y usuarios acerca del compartir el cuidado al egresado de una Unidad de Internación Psicosocial con encaminamiento a un Centro de Atención Psicosocial. MÉTODO: la investigación cualitativa realizada en una Unidad de Hospitalización psicosocial y un Centro de Atención Psicosocial. Los encuestados fueron 15 profesionales y 10 usuarios. RESULTADOS: se presentaron enrutamiento y fácil acceso a los servicios alternativos y directrices relacionadas con el usuario del hospital alto como retos para el intercambio de cuidado. Además, el anfitrión, asistido alto y el enlace con los servicios alternativos, se presenta posibilidades para el intercambio de cuidado. CONCLUSIÓN: señala la importancia de un cuidado guiadas los principios de la interdisciplinario, intersectorial e integridad.

Magnetic-field-tuned phase transition of a molecular material from the isolated-spin to the coupled-spin regime.

We report the preparation, X-ray structure, chemical properties, and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) studies at Q and X-bands and temperature (mainly) T = 293 K of powder and oriented single crystal samples of the new compound [Cu(N',N'-dimethyl-N'-benzoylthiourea)(2,2'-bipyridine)Cl], called CuBMB. The EPR spectra of single crystal samples at the Q-band display abrupt merging and narrowing of the peaks corresponding to two rotated copper sites as a function of magnetic field (B0) orientation. This behaviour indicates a quantum transition from an array of quasi-isolated spins to a quantum-entangled spin array associated with exchange narrowing processes and produced by weak intermolecular exchange interactions Ji between neighbour copper spins. This transition occurs when the magnitudes of the anisotropic contributions to the Zeeman couplings, tuned with the direction of B0, approach these |Ji| and produce level crossings. The exchange couplings between neighbour spins are estimated from the angular variation of the single crystal EPR results at the Q-band. We analyse the quantum behaviour and phase transitions of the spin system and discuss the magnitudes of the exchange couplings in terms of the structure of the chemical paths connecting Cu neighbours. The single crystal data at the Q-band indicates an uncommon ground electronic state of CuII which is discussed and compared with the results of DFT calculations. The spectrum of polycrystalline (powder) samples at the Q-band is a sum of contributions of microcrystals in each phase, and the fraction F of the entangled phase depends on the microwave frequency. The X-band spectrum is compatible with the Q-band results, but does not display a transition, and the spin system is in the quantum-entangled phase for all field orientations. This behaviour is further studied with a simple geometric model giving basic predictions. The crystal structure of CuBMB is monoclinic, space group P21/n, with a = 11.9790(3) Å, b = 14.0236(5) Å, c = 12.1193(3) Å, ß = 104.952(2)° and Z = 4, and the copper ions are equatorially bonded to the benzoylthiourea and bipyridine ligands in a heavily distorted square pyramidal structure.

Efeito cardiovascular superior do modelo periodizado para prescrição de exercícios comparado ao convencional em coronariopatas / Superior cardiovascular effect of the periodized model for prescribed exercises as compared to the conventional one in coronary diseases

O exercício físico melhora a sobrevida e a qualidade de vida de pacientes coronarianos, mas a maneira ideal de prescrevê-lo é ainda controversa. Criar um modelo periodizado para prescrição de exercícios para pacientes coronarianos e compará-lo com o modelo convencional. Randomização de 62 pacientes coronarianos em tratamento farmacológico em dois grupos: treinamento convencional, não periodizado (GNP, n = 33) e periodizado (GP, n = 29). Os dois grupos foram submetidos aos mesmos exercícios durante as 36 sessões do programa, mas prescritos de maneira diferente. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos à seguinte avaliação: consulta médica admissional, teste de esforço cardiopulmonar, teste de 1 repetição máxima (1RM) e avaliação da composição corporal. O VO2 pico melhorou nos dois grupos, embora de maneira mais efetiva no GP (4% versus 1,7%, p < 0,001). Além disso, a capacidade funcional do GP aumentou em 13%, tendo havido significativa redução no percentual de gordura corporal (2,1%, p < 0,005) e no peso corporal (1,9 kg, p < 0,005). A força muscular nos dois grupos melhorou como diagnosticado pelo teste de 1RM para seis diferentes grupos musculares (quádriceps, isquiotibiais, bíceps, tríceps braquial, peitoral e grande dorsal), mas sem diferença significativa entre os grupos, tendo os dois modelos a mesma eficiência. O presente estudo mostrou que a periodização do treinamento de pacientes cardíacos pode melhorar a capacidade cardiorrespiratória e reduzir a porcentagem de gordura corporal mais efetivamente do que o modelo convencional

Physical exercise improves the survival and quality of life of coronary patients, but the ideal way of prescribing these exercises is still controversial. To create a new periodized model for the prescription of exercises for coronary patients and compare it with a conventional model. 62 coronary patients under pharmacological treatment were randomized into two groups: conventional (NPG, n = 33) and periodized (PG, n = 29) training. The two groups were submitted to the same exercises during the 36 sessions making up the program, but prescribed in different ways. All patients underwent an evaluation consisting of: medical admission consultancy, cardiopulmonary endurance testing, 1 maximum repetition test (1MR) and body composition evaluation. The VO2 peak improved in both groups, although more effectively in the PG (4% against 1.7%, p < 0.001). In addition, the functional capacity of this group improved by 13%, and there was a significant reduction in the percent body fat (2.1%, p < 0.005) and body weight (1.9 kg, p < 0.005). The muscle strength of both groups improved as diagnosed by the 1RM test for six different muscle groups (quadriceps, hamstrings, brachial biceps, brachial triceps, pectoral and large dorsal), and showed no significant difference between the groups, evidencing that the two models had the same efficiency. The present study showed that periodization of the training of cardiac patients can improve their cardiorespiratory capacity and reduce the percent body fat more effectively than the conventional one

Hydrolysis reaction promotes changes in coordination mode of Ru(II)/acylthiourea organometallic complexes with cytotoxicity against human lung tumor cell lines.

In this study, Ru(II)-arene complexes with acylthiourea ligands of the type [Ru(η6­p­cymene)(PPh3)(T)Cl]PF6(1-5) and [Ru(η6­p­cymene)(PPh3)(T)]PF6(1a, 4a), where PPh3 = triphenylphosphine and T = N­acyl­N'(monosubstituted)thiourea, were synthesized and characterized, and their cytotoxic properties were also evaluated. 1a and 4a were obtained from the hydrolysis reaction of 1 and 4. All complexes showed unusual coordination modes for acylthiourea ligands, which are coordinated in a monodentate fashion (S) in 1-5, while they found to be bidentate (S,N), in 1a and 4a. To the best of our knowledge, 1a and 4a are the first crystallographically reported ruthenium compounds with acylthiourea coordinated via S and N(amide) atoms. The cytotoxicity of the compounds was evaluated in human lung cells, A549 and MRC-5. The IC50 values ranging from 0.25 to 0.61 µM after 48 h incubation in lung cancer cells indicate that the compounds showed high cytotoxicity with values significantly lower than the reference drug, cisplatin (11.84 µM). Interaction studies were carried out using human serum albumin (HSA) and DNA. All complexes showed similar cytotoxic activity, however complex 1a, which is the hydrolysis product of 1, presented the highest activity and selectivity among all seven compounds synthesized here. Complexes 1 and 1a inhibited the colony formation decreasing the colony size and inducing morphology changes in A549 cells. These complexes induced apoptosis cell death and promoted cell cycle arrest in the Sub-G1 phase with a decrease in the cell number at the S phase.

Laser de baixa intensidade favorece a regeneração muscular em modelo experimental desnutrido e recuperado / Láser de baja intensidad favorece la regeneración muscular en modelo experimental desnutrido y recuperado / Low-intensity laser favors muscle regeneration in a malnourished and recovered experimental model

RESUMO A terapia por laser de baixa intensidade (Low-Level Laser Therapy - LLLT) é utilizada com frequência nas lesões musculares, mas precisa ser investigada em modelo de desnutrição. O objetivo desse estudo foi analisar os efeitos da LLLT na regeneração muscular de ratos submetidos à desnutrição e recuperação proteica. Foram utilizados 40 ratos Wistar, recém-desmamados, divididos em grupo controle (C), que consumiu ração normoproteica (14% caseína), e grupo desnutrido (D), que consumiu ração hipoproteica (6% caseína) por 45 dias e ração normoproteica até o final do experimento. Posteriormente, o músculo tibial anterior direito foi criolesado e tratado com LLLT (AsGaAl 830nm, 30mW, 20J/cm²), três vezes por semana, por 7 e 21 dias. Houve redução da área de inflamação/regeneração no grupo C21 comparado ao D21 (p<0,05), sendo mais evidente com a LLLT (C21L e D21L). O conteúdo de TNF-α foi reduzido após 21 dias da lesão. A área de densidade de tecido conjuntivo (ADTC) foi menor nos grupos C21 e C21L comparados aos respectivos grupos desnutridos (p<0,05). A LLLT reduziu a ADTC no grupo D21L quando comparado do D21 (p<0,05), porém o conteúdo de TGF-β1 não foi influenciado. A área de secção transversa (AST) da fibra muscular aumentou nos grupos 21 dias. A m-TOR apresentou maior conteúdo no grupo C21L quando comparado ao D21L (p<0,05). Concluiu-se que a LLLT favoreceu a regeneração muscular na fase tardia no modelo experimental de desnutrição pós-natal e posterior recuperação proteica.

RESUMEN La terapia por láser de baja intensidad (Low-Level Laser Therapy - LLLT) es utilizada con frecuencia en las lesiones musculares, sin embargo, precisa ser investigada en modelo de desnutrición. El objetivo de ese estudio fue analizar los efectos de la LLLT en la regeneración muscular de ratones sometidos a la desnutrición y a la recuperación proteica. Fueron utilizados 40 ratones Wistar, recién-destetados, divididos en grupo control (C), que consumió ración normoproteica (el 14% caseína), y grupo desnutrido (D), que consumió ración hipoproteica (el 6% caseína) por 45 días y ración normoproteica hasta el final del experimento. Posteriormente, el músculo tibial anterior derecho que tuvo criolesión y fue tratado con LLLT (AsGaAl 830nm, 30mW, 20J/cm²), tres veces a la semana, por 7 y 21 días. Hubo reducción del área de inflamación/regeneración en el grupo C21 comparado al D21 (p<0,05), siendo más evidente con la LLLT (C21L y D21L). El contenido de TNF-α fue reducido después de 21 días de la lesión. El área de densidad de tejido conjuntivo (ADTC) fue más pequeña en los grupos C21 y C21L comparados a los respectivos grupos desnutridos (p<0,05). La LLLT redujo la ADTC en el grupo D21L cuando comparado del D21 (p<0,05), sin embargo, el contenido de TGF-β1 no fue influenciado. El área de sección transversa (AST) de la fibra muscular incrementó en los grupos 21 días. La m-TOR presentó contenido más grande en el grupo C21L cuando comparado al D21L (p<0,05). Se concluyó que la LLLT favoreció la regeneración muscular en la etapa tardía en el modelo experimental de desnutrición posnatal y posterior recuperación proteica.

ABSTRACT Low-Level Laser Therapy - LLLT is used frequently on muscle lesions, but needs to be investigated in a malnutrition model. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of LLLT on muscle regeneration of rats subjected to malnutrition and protein recovery. Forty recently weaned Wistar rats were used, divided into control group (C), subjected to a normal-protein diet (14% casein), and the malnourished group (D), subjected to a low-protein diet (6% casein) for 45 days and to a normal-protein diet until the end of the experiment. Subsequently, the right tibialis anterior muscle was subjected to cryogenic cooling and treated with LLLT (830 nm AsGaAl, 30 mW, 20 J/cm²), three times a week, for 7 and 21 days. There was a reduction of the inflammation/regeneration area in the C21 group compared to D21 (p<0.05), which became more evident with the LLLT (C21L and D21L). The TNF-α contents were reduced after 21 days of the injury. The connective tissue density area (CTDA) was lower in the C21 and C21L groups compared to the respective malnourished groups (p<0.05). LLLT reduced the CTDA in group D21L in comparison to D21 (p<0.05), but the TGF-β1 contents were not influenced. The cross-sectional area (CSA) of the muscle fiber increased in the 21-day groups. Higher levels of m-TOR were found in the C21L group when compared to D21L (p<0.05). It was concluded that LLLT favored muscle regeneration in the late stage of the experimental model of postnatal malnutrition and subsequent protein recovery.

Structural design, synthesis and substituent effect of hydrazone-N-acylhydrazones reveal potent immunomodulatory agents.

4-(Nitrophenyl)hydrazone derivatives of N-acylhydrazone were synthesized and screened for suppress lymphocyte proliferation and nitrite inhibition in macrophages. Compared to an unsubstituted N-acylhydrazone, active compounds were identified within initial series when hydroxyl, chloride and nitro substituents were employed. Structure-activity relationship was further developed by varying the position of these substituents as well as attaching structurally-related substituents. Changing substituent position revealed a more promising compound series of anti-inflammatory agents. In contrast, an N-methyl group appended to the 4-(nitrophenyl)hydrazone moiety reduced activity. Anti-inflammatory activity of compounds is achieved by modulating IL-1ß secretion and prostaglandin E2 synthesis in macrophages and by inhibiting calcineurin phosphatase activity in lymphocytes. Compound SintMed65 was advanced into an acute model of peritonitis in mice, where it inhibited the neutrophil infiltration after being orally administered. In summary, we demonstrated in great details the structural requirements and the underlying mechanism for anti-inflammatory activity of a new family of hydrazone-N-acylhydrazone, which may represent a valuable medicinal chemistry direction for the anti-inflammatory drug development in general.

Encaminhamento e assistência à pessoa com transtorno mental: percepção de profissionais e usuários / Forwarding and assistance to the person with mental disorder: perception of professionals and users

Objetivo: compreender a percepção de profissionais e usuários acerca doencaminhamento e assistência à pessoa com transtorno mental egressa de uma unidade deinternação psicossocial aos serviços substitutivos. Método: pesquisa qualitativa, realizada emum Centro de Atenção Psicossocial e em uma Unidade de Internação Psicossocial, no períodode junho a setembro de 2016. Os dados foram obtidos por meio de entrevistassemiestruturadas com usuários e profissionais da saúde de ambos os serviços e submetidos àanálise temática. Resultados: evidenciou-se desafios e possibilidades no encaminhamento dousuário na pré-alta hospitalar e possíveis estratégias e dispositivos para delinear a assistênciaao usuário no serviço substitutivo. Conclusão: para “fazer” o cuidado em saúde mental énecessário planejar e relacionar a teoria com a prática, a fim de refletir em um atendimentoqualificado ao usuário.

Aim: to understand the perception of professionals and users about the referraland the assistance to the person with mental disorder of a post-conflict psychosocialsubstitute services hospitalization. Method: qualitative research, held in a Center ofPsychosocial Attention and in an Psychosocial inpatient Unit from June to September 2016.Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with users and health professionalsof both services and examined from the thematic analysis. Results: challenges and possibilities in the referral of the user in hospital pre-discharge and possible strategies anddevices to delineate the assistance to the user in the substitutive service were evidenced.Conclusion: in order to "do" mental health care, it is necessary to plan and relate theory topractice in order to reflect a qualified care to the user.

Objetivo: conocer la percepción de profesionales y usuarios sobre la remisión yasistencia a la persona con trastorno mental, egresa de una unidad de internaciónpsicosocial, a los servicios sustitutivos. Método: investigación cualitativa, realizada en unCentro de Atención Psicosocial y en una Unidad de Internación Psicosocial, en el periodo dejunio a septiembre de 2016. Los datos fueron recolectados por medio de entrevistassemiestructuradas, con los usuarios y trabajadores de la salud, de ambos servicios, ysometidos a análisis temático. Resultados: se evidenció desafíos y posibilidades en elencaminamiento del usuario en la pre alta hospitalaria, posibles estrategias y dispositivospara delinear la asistencia al usuario en el servicio sustitutivo. Conclusión: para"desarrollar" el cuidado en salud mental es necesario planificar y relacionar la teoría con lapráctica, con el objetivo de ofrecer una atención calificada al usuario.

Quinolone resistance and ornithine decarboxylation activity in lactose-negative Escherichia coli.

Quinolones and fluoroquinolones are widely used to treat uropathogenic Escherichia coli infections. Bacterial resistance to these antimicrobials primarily involves mutations in gyrA and parC genes. To date, no studies have examined the potential relationship between biochemical characteristics and quinolone resistance in uropathogenic E. coli strains. The present work analyzed the quinolone sensitivity and biochemical activities of fifty-eight lactose-negative uropathogenic E. coli strains. A high percentage of the isolates (48.3%) was found to be resistant to at least one of the tested quinolones, and DNA sequencing revealed quinolone resistant determining region gyrA and parC mutations in the multi-resistant isolates. Statistical analyses suggested that the lack of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity is correlated with quinolone resistance. Despite the low number of isolates examined, this is the first study correlating these characteristics in lactose-negative E. coli isolates.

Quinolone resistance and ornithine decarboxylation activity in lactose-negative Escherichia coli

Quinolones and fluoroquinolones are widely used to treat uropathogenic Escherichia coli infections. Bacterial resistance to these antimicrobials primarily involves mutations in gyrA and parC genes. To date, no studies have examined the potential relationship between biochemical characteristics and quinolone resistance in uropathogenic E. coli strains. The present work analyzed the quinolone sensitivity and biochemical activities of fifty-eight lactose-negative uropathogenic E. coli strains. A high percentage of the isolates (48.3%) was found to be resistant to at least one of the tested quinolones, and DNA sequencing revealed quinolone resistant determining region gyrA and parC mutations in the multi-resistant isolates. Statistical analyses suggested that the lack of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity is correlated with quinolone resistance. Despite the low number of isolates examined, this is the first study correlating these characteristics in lactose-negative E. coli isolates.

Gestação ectópica abdominal:relato de caso com feto vivo / Abdominal ectopic pregnancy: a case report with live fetus

Este trabalho relata o caso de paciente admitida em Pronto-Atendimento, em Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, com dor abdominal progressiva e amenorreia, cujo ultrassom abdominal evidenciou gestação ectópica abdominal íntegra com embrião vivo, correspondente a nove semanas de gestação. Gravidez ectópica abdominal é aquela que ocorre fora da cavidade uterina, com implantação e desenvolvimento do sacogestacional dentro da cavidade abdominal. Pode-se manifestar com abdome agudo, que impõe diagnóstico precoce e assistência de urgência.

This study reports the case of a patient admitted to the emergency care in Belo Horizonte,Minas Gerais, with progressive abdominal pain and amenorrhea, whose abdominal ultrasoundshowed abdominal full ectopic pregnancy with a living embryo, corresponding to nineweeks of gestation. The abdominal ectopic pregnancy occurs outside the uterine cavity, withimplementation and development of the gestational sac inside the abdominal cavity. It canmanifest as acute abdomen, which requires an early diagnosis and emergency assistance.