Prevalência, incidência e caracterização sociodemográfica e clínica das pessoas com estoma de eliminação em Portugal / Prevalence, incidence, and sociodemographic and clinical characterization of individuals with an intestinal or urinary stoma in Portugal / Prevalencia, incidencia y caracterización sociodemográfica y clínica de las personas con ostomía de eliminación en Portugal

Resumo Enquadramento: Dados que caracterizam as pessoas com estoma em Portugal são escassos. Estabelecer estimativas epidemiológicas pode melhorar o conhecimento sobre esta população e adaptar modelos de cuidados de saúde. Objetivos: Estimar a prevalência e incidência de pessoas com estoma de eliminação em Portugal em 2021. Metodologia: Estudo observacional, longitudinal e retrospetivo, a partir de uma base de dados de dispensa de dispositivos para ostomia. Resultados: Em 2021, o número estimado de pessoas com pelo menos um estoma foi de 22.045. Entre estes, 19.793 [IC95%:19.599;19.994] tinham um estoma de eliminação. Na sua maioria eram homens (61,4%), em média tinham 70,5 anos e residiam preferencialmente na região interior do país. O tipo de estoma de eliminação mais prevalente foi a colostomia (48,8%). A incidência estimada de novos casos foi de 6.622, sendo 5.834 [IC95%:5.680;5.984] referentes a estomas de eliminação. Conclusão: Estes resultados permitiram caracterizar o perfil das pessoas com estoma de eliminação em Portugal. Poderão ser úteis para ajustar os programas de prevenção/acompanhamento em saúde desta população e ainda alocar recursos especializados.

Abstract Background: Data characterizing individuals with a stoma in Portugal is limited. Establishing epidemiological estimates can enhance understanding of this population and facilitate the adaptation of healthcare models. Objectives: To estimate the prevalence and incidence of individuals in Portugal who have undergone intestinal or urinary ostomy in 2021. Methodology: Observational, longitudinal, and retrospective study using a stoma appliance dispensing database. Results: In 2021, an estimated 22,045 individuals had at least one stoma, with 19,793 [95%CI:19,599;19,994] having an intestinal/urinary stoma. Most of these individuals were men (61.4%) with a mean age of 70.5 years and resided in the inland region of Portugal. Colostomy was the most prevalent type of intestinal/urinary stoma (48.8%). The estimated incidence of new cases was 6,622, of which 5,834 [95%CI:5,680;5,984] were intestinal/urinary stomas. Conclusion: These results characterize the profile of individuals with intestinal and urinary stomas in Portugal. They may be useful in adjusting prevention and health monitoring programs for this population and allocating specialized resources.

Resumen Marco contextual: Los datos que caracterizan a las personas con estomas en Portugal son escasos. Establecer estimaciones epidemiológicas puede mejorar el conocimiento sobre esta población y adaptar modelos sanitarios. Objetivos: Estimar la prevalencia y la incidencia de personas con estoma de eliminación en Portugal en 2021. Metodología: Estudio observacional, longitudinal y retrospectivo, basado en una base de datos de dispensaciones de dispositivos de ostomía. Resultados: En 2021, el número estimado de personas con al menos un estoma era de 22.045, de las cuales 19.793 [IC95%:19.599;19.994] tenían un estoma de eliminación. La mayoría de ellos eran hombres (61,4%), tenían una edad media de 70,5 años y vivían principalmente en el interior del país. El tipo de estoma de eliminación más frecuente era la colostomía (48,8%). La incidencia estimada de nuevos casos fue de 6.622, de los cuales 5.834 [IC95%:5.680;5.984] eran estomas de eliminación. Conclusión: Estos resultados han permitido caracterizar el perfil de las personas con estoma de eliminación en Portugal. Podrían ser útiles para ajustar los programas de prevención/seguimiento de la salud de esta población y para asignar recursos especializados.

Análise dos registros perioperatórios baseados na sistematização da assistência de enfermagem perioperatória: estudo transversal / Analysis of perioperative records based on the systematization of perioperative nursing care: a cross-sectional study / Análisis de registros perioperatorios a partir de la sistematización de la atención de enfermería perioperatoria: estudio transversal

Objetivo: analisar os registros perioperatórios baseados nas etapas de sistematização da assistência de enfermagem perioperatória em um hospital regional público do agreste de Pernambuco. Método: estudo transversal, descritivo, com abordagem quantitativa, obtido com dados secundários, conduzido em um hospital público. A amostra foi composta por 276 prontuários de indivíduos que se submeteram a procedimentos anestésico-cirúrgicos, durante os meses de janeiro a maio de 2023. Utilizou-se a análise descritiva e inferencial. Resultados: a efetuação dos registros da sistematização da assistência de enfermagem perioperatória foi predominante na maioria do período perioperatório, com respectiva significância principalmente no pré-operatório. Conclusão: as atividades satisfatórias corresponderam à visita pré-operatória de enfermagem, histórico, diagnóstico e prescrição de enfermagem. Já as fragilidades identificadas destacaram-se a ausência de reservas sanguíneas, a verificação de alergia e a colocação de placa de eletrocautério, inserção de sonda vesical, a efetuação do controle de perdas sanguíneas, fisiológicas e secreção gástrica.

Objective: analyzing perioperative records based on the phases of systematization of perioperative nursing care in a public regional hospital in Pernambuco's harsh region. Method: a cross-sectional, descriptive study with a quantitative approach, using secondary data, conducted in a public hospital. The sample consisted of 276 medical records of individuals who underwent anesthetic-surgical procedures between January and May 2023. Descriptive and inferential analysis was used. Results: the recording of the systematization of perioperative nursing care was predominant in the majority of the perioperative period, with significance mainly in the preoperative period. Conclusion: the satisfactory activities corresponded to the preoperative nursing visit, history, diagnosis, and nursing prescription. The weaknesses identified were the lack of blood reserves, checking for allergies and placing the electrocautery plate, inserting a urinary catheter, controlling blood loss, physiological loss, and gastric secretion.

Objetivo: analizar los registros perioperatorios a partir de las etapas de sistematización de la atención de enfermería perioperatoria en un hospital público regional de la zona rural de Pernambuco. Método: estudio descriptivo transversal, con enfoque cuantitativo, a partir de datos secundarios, realizado en un hospital público. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 276 historias clínicas de personas sometidas a procedimientos anestésico-quirúrgicos, de enero a mayo de 2023. Se utilizó análisis descriptivo e inferencial. Resultados: el registro de la sistematización de la atención de enfermería perioperatoria predominó en la mayor parte del periodo perioperatorio, con significación principalmente en el periodo preoperatorio. Conclusión: las actividades satisfactorias correspondieron a la visita de enfermería preoperatoria, registro, diagnóstico y prescripción de enfermería. Las debilidades identificadas incluyeron falta de reservas de sangre, comprobación de alergias y colocación de placa de electrocauterio, inserción de sonda vesical, control de la pérdida de sangre, fisiológica y secreción gástrica.

Representações sociais sobre o planejamento reprodutivo entre mulheres em gravidez não planejada / Social representations of reproductive planning among women with unplanned pregnancies / Representaciones sociales sobre la planificación reproductiva de las mujeres con embarazo no planificado

Objetivo: conhecer as representações sociais sobre o planejamento reprodutivo entre mulheres em gravidez não planejada na Estratégia Saúde da Família. Método: estudo qualitativo, orientado pela Teoria das Representações Sociais, realizado com 15 gestantes, entre abril e maio de 2019. Utilizou-se a entrevista semiestruturada. Os dados foram organizados por meio do Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo, com auxílio do software DSCsoft©. Protocolo de pesquisa aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa. Resultados: as representações sociais das mulheres em gravidez não planejada evidenciadas pelo Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo foram representadas por oito ideias centrais, a saber: "eu não me preveni, nem ele", "nós nos prevenimos", "eu comprava", "pegava no posto", "construir uma família", "ter esse acesso", "estou por fora" e "eu sei que é disponível". Conclusão: as representações sociais nos discursos das mulheres em gravidez não planejada estavam pautadas no desconhecimento acerca do planejamento reprodutivo, dos anticoncepcionais disponíveis e seu uso correto.

Objective: to understand the social representations of reproductive planning among women with unplanned pregnancies in the Family Health Strategy. Method: qualitative study, guided by the Theory of Social Representations, carried out with 15 pregnant women between April and May 2019. Semi-structured interviews were used. The data was organized using the Discourse of the Collective Subject, with the aid of DSCsoft© software. Research protocol approved by the Research Ethics Committee. Results: the social representations of women with unplanned pregnancies as evidenced by the Collective Subject Discourse were represented by eight central ideas, namely: "I didn't prevent myself, nor did he", "we prevented ourselves", "I would buy it", "I would get it at the health center", "build a family", "have this access", "I am not aware" and "I know it is available". Conclusion: the social representations in the women's speeches about unplanned pregnancies were based on a lack of knowledge about reproductive planning, the contraceptives available and their correct use.

Objetivo: conocer las representaciones sociales sobre la planificación reproductiva de las mujeres con embarazo no planificado en la Estrategia Salud de la Familia. Método: estudio cualitativo, basado en la Teoría de las Representaciones Sociales, realizado con 15 mujeres embarazadas, entre abril y mayo de 2019. Se utilizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas. Los datos fueron organizados mediante el Discurso del Sujeto Colectivo, con ayuda del software DSCsoft©. El protocolo de investigación fue aprobado por el Comité de Ética en Investigación. Resultados: las representaciones sociales de las mujeres con embarazo no planificado reveladas por el Discurso del Sujeto Colectivo fueron representadas por ocho ideas centrales, a saber: "yo no me cuidé y él tampoco", "nos cuidamos", "yo los compraba", "los buscaba en el centro de salud", "construir una familia", "tener acceso", "no participo" y "sé que está disponible". Conclusión: las representaciones sociales en los discursos de las mujeres con embarazo no planificado se basaron en la falta de conocimiento sobre la planificación reproductiva, en los anticonceptivos disponibles y su uso correcto.

COVID-19 Computed tomography patterns in renal replacement therapy patients / Padrões de tomografia computadorizada da COVID-19 em pacientes em terapia renal substitutiva

ABSTRACT Introduction: Lung diseases are common in patients with end stage kidney disease (ESKD), making differential diagnosis with COVID-19 a challenge. This study describes pulmonary chest tomography (CT) findings in hospitalized ESKD patients on renal replacement therapy (RRT) with clinical suspicion of COVID-19. Methods: ESKD individuals referred to emergency department older than 18 years with clinical suspicion of COVID-19 were recruited. Epidemiological baseline clinical information was extracted from electronic health records. Pulmonary CT was classified as typical, indeterminate, atypical or negative. We then compared the CT findings of positive and negative COVID-19 patients. Results: We recruited 109 patients (62.3% COVID-19-positive) between March and December 2020, mean age 60 ± 12.5 years, 43% female. The most common etiology of ESKD was diabetes. Median time on dialysis was 36 months, interquartile range = 12-84. The most common pulmonary lesion on CT was ground glass opacities. Typical CT pattern was more common in COVID-19 patients (40 (61%) vs 0 (0%) in non-COVID-19 patients, p < 0.001). Sensitivity was 60.61% (40/66) and specificity was 100% (40/40). Positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 100% and 62.3%, respectively. Atypical CT pattern was more frequent in COVID-19-negative patients (9 (14%) vs 24 (56%) in COVID-19-positive, p < 0.001), while the indeterminate pattern was similar in both groups (13 (20%) vs 6 (14%), p = 0.606), and negative pattern was more common in COVID-19-negative patients (4 (6%) vs 12 (28%), p = 0.002). Conclusions: In hospitalized ESKD patients on RRT, atypical chest CT pattern cannot adequately rule out the diagnosis of COVID-19.

RESUMO Introdução: Doenças pulmonares são comuns em pacientes com doença renal em estágio terminal (DRET), dificultando o diagnóstico diferencial com COVID-19. Este estudo descreve achados de tomografia computadorizada de tórax (TC) em pacientes com DRET em terapia renal substitutiva (TRS) hospitalizados com suspeita de COVID-19. Métodos: Indivíduos maiores de 18 anos com DRET, encaminhados ao pronto-socorro com suspeita de COVID-19 foram incluídos. Dados clínicos e epidemiológicos foram extraídos de registros eletrônicos de saúde. A TC foi classificada como típica, indeterminada, atípica, negativa. Comparamos achados tomográficos de pacientes com COVID-19 positivos e negativos. Resultados: Recrutamos 109 pacientes (62,3% COVID-19-positivos) entre março e dezembro de 2020, idade média de 60 ± 12,5 anos, 43% mulheres. A etiologia mais comum da DRET foi diabetes. Tempo médio em diálise foi 36 meses, intervalo interquartil = 12-84. A lesão pulmonar mais comum foi opacidades em vidro fosco. O padrão típico de TC foi mais comum em pacientes com COVID-19 (40 (61%) vs. 0 (0%) em pacientes sem COVID-19, p < 0,001). Sensibilidade 60,61% (40/66), especificidade 100% (40/40). Valores preditivos positivos e negativos foram 100% e 62,3%, respectivamente. Padrão atípico de TC foi mais frequente em pacientes COVID-19-negativos (9 (14%) vs. 24 (56%) em COVID-19-positivos, p < 0,001), enquanto padrão indeterminado foi semelhante em ambos os grupos (13 (20%) vs. 6 (14%), p = 0,606), e padrão negativo foi mais comum em pacientes COVID-19-negativos (4 (6%) vs. 12 (28%), p = 0,002). Conclusões: Em pacientes com DRET em TRS hospitalizados, um padrão atípico de TC de tórax não pode excluir adequadamente o diagnóstico de COVID-19.

Head and neck myofibroma: A case series of 16 cases and literature review.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to explore the clinical, histopathologic, and immunohistochemical characteristics of myofibromas (MFs) affecting the head and neck region. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue blocks of patients diagnosed with MFs in the head and neck were retrieved from the archives of three oral and maxillofacial pathology laboratories. Data including clinical, radiographic, microscopic and immunohistochemical findings, treatment employed, and follow-up status were retrieved from the patient's medical records or pathology reports. RESULTS: Sixteen cases were included in the study. Females were slightly more affected than males. The first and second decades of life were more prevalent. The most common locations were the alveolar ridge and cheek. Although rare, some of the patients were presented with intraosseous lesions. Microscopically, tumors consisted of plump, spindle-shaped myofibroblasts arranged in whorls or fascicles with varying degrees of differentiation. Immunohistochemically, diffuse positivity for vimentin and α-SMA was observed, while Ki-67 mostly showed low immunoreactivity (<5%). Treatment primarily involved complete excision. CONCLUSIONS: MFs in the head and neck region are rare and predominantly affect female patients during the second decade of life. Despite their rarity, central MFs should be considered in the differential diagnosis of intraosseous lesions in infants.

Timing Matters: Ultra-Early and Early versus Late Thromboprophyaxis Following Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) represents a critical and potentially devastating medical event resulting from the rupture of intracerebral vessels. Patients afflicted with ICH face an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) due to factors such as immobility. However, determining the ideal timing for initiating venous thromboembolism thromboprophylaxis (TP) remains uncertain, as it may carry the potential risk of exacerbating hematoma expansion. Thus, our objective was to ascertain the optimal timing for initiating TP following ICH through a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis.This systematic review and meta-analysis were performed following the Cochrane Collaboration and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement guidelines, considering outcomes based on the time of intervention: Ultra early (UEPT) < 24 h, Early (EPT) < 48 h, Late (LPT) > 48 h to perform an analysis on hematoma expansion and mortality.Of 2.777 Hematoma expansion was not more frequent in the 440 patients receiving UEPT/EPT (n = 440) versus 565 receiving LPT (Odds ratio (OR) 0.94 (95% CI; 0.62 to 1.43; I2 = 0%)). Similarly, mortality was not lower in the 293 received UEPT or EPT versus 477 receiving LPT (OR 0.63 (95% CI; 0.39 to 1.0; I2 = 0%).This study, through a systematic review and meta-analysis, conclusively found no difference in intracranial hematoma expansion and/or increased mortality between the use of heparin in the early thromboprophylaxis (< 48 h) group compared to the late thromboprophylaxis (> 48 h) group. Implementing this approach in the management of spontaneous cerebral hemorrhage could facilitate progress towards more optimal care protocols.

New biocatalyst produced from fermented biomass: improvement of adsorptive characteristics and application in aroma synthesis.

This study presents a novel approach to producing activated carbon from agro-industrial residues, specifically cocoa fruit peel, using solid-state fermentation (SSF) with Aspergillus niger. The process effectively degrades lignin, a major impediment in traditional activated carbon production, resulting in a high-quality carbon material. This carbon was successfully utilized for enzyme immobilization and aroma synthesis, showcasing its potential as a versatile biocatalyst. The study meticulously evaluated the physical and chemical attributes of activated carbon derived from fermented cocoa peel, alongside the immobilized enzymes. Employing a suite of analytical techniques-electrophoresis, FTIR, XRD, and TG/DTG the research revealed that fermentation yields a porous material with an expansive surface area of 1107.87 m2/g. This material proves to be an excellent medium for lipase immobilization. The biocatalyst fashioned from the fermented biomass exhibited a notable increase in protein content (13% w/w), hydrolytic activity (15% w/w), and specific activity (29% w/w), underscoring the efficacy of the fermentation process. The significant outcome of this research is the development of a sustainable method for activated carbon production that not only overcomes the limitations posed by lignin but also enhances enzyme immobilization for industrial applications. The study's findings have important implications for the agro-industrial sector, promoting a circular economy and advancing sustainable biotechnological processes.

Antidepressant-like effect of riparin I and riparin II against CUMS-induced neuroinflammation via astrocytes and microglia modulation in mice.

Depression is a common mood disorder and many patients do not respond to conventional pharmacotherapy or experience a variety of adverse effects. This work proposed that riparin I (RIP I) and riparin II (RIP II) present neuroprotective effects through modulation of astrocytes and microglia, resulting in the reversal of depressive-like behaviors. To verify our hypothesis and clarify the pathways underlying the effect of RIP I and RIP II on neuroinflammation, we used the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) depression model in mice. Male Swiss mice were exposed to stressors for 28 days. From 15 th to the 22 nd day, the animals received RIP I or RIP II (50 mg/kg) or fluoxetine (FLU, 10 mg/kg) or vehicle, by gavage. On the 29 th day, behavioral tests were performed. Expressions of microglia (ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule-1 - Iba-1) and astrocyte (glial fibrillary acidic protein - GFAP) markers and levels of cytokines tumor necrosis factor alfa (TNF-α) and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß) were measured in the hippocampus. CUMS induced depressive-like behaviors and cognitive impairment, high TNF-α and IL-1ß levels, decreased GFAP, and increased Iba-1 expressions. RIP I and RIP II reversed these alterations. These results contribute to the understanding the mechanisms underlying the antidepressant effect of RIP I and RIP II, which may be related to neuroinflammatory suppression.

13-week repeated-dose toxicity study of optimized aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaves in mice.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Moringa oleifera (Moringaceae family), commonly known as horseradish or tree of life, is traditionally used for various diseases, such as diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, neurological disorders, among others. AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the toxicological profile of the oral use of an aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaves for 13 weeks in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Initially, a factorial design (23) was carried out to optimize aqueous extraction using as variables; the extraction method and proportion of drug. The 13-week repeated-dose toxicity trial used female and male mice, with oral administration of aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaves at doses of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg. The animals were evaluated for body weight, water and feed intake, biochemical and hematological parameters, urinalysis, ophthalmology and histopathology of the liver, spleen and kidneys. RESULTS: The extraction efficiency was evidenced by the extraction by maceration at 5%, obtaining the optimized extract of Moringa oleifera (OEMo). The oral administration of OEMo did not promote significant difference (p>0.05) in the weight gain, food and water consumption of the control animals and those treated with 250 and 500 mg/kg. However, treatment with 1,000 mg/kg promoted a reduction (p<0.05) in food intake and body weight from the 7th week onwards in male and female mice. No alterations were detected in the hematological and histological parameters in the concentrations tested for both sexes. The highest concentration treatment (1000 mg/kg) promoted an increase in transaminases in males and females. All concentrations promoted a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the serum lipid profile of mice. CONCLUSION: This study developed an optimized extract of Moringa oleifera leaves, which should be used with caution in preparations above 500 mg/kg for the long term because it leads to significant changes in liver enzymes. On the other hand, the extract proved to be a promising plant preparation for hyperlipidemia in mice.

Poultry slaughterhouse wastewater as a source of bacterial antimicrobial resistance.

Slaughterhouses produce huge volumes of effluents throughout the production chain that, when discharged untreated into bodies of water, can become a source of environmental contamination. This is particularly worrisome if these effluents are used for irrigation since they increase contamination levels and spread pathogens and resistance determinants to humans and animals. Therefore, in this study, we assessed antimicrobial resistance in bacteria isolated from inlet water, equalization wastewater tanks, treatment plant wastewater, and treated wastewater in slaughterhouse facilities in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Four samples were collected at each of the collection points, between June 2021 and July 2022. Following bacterial isolation and identification, the samples were analyzed for antimicrobial resistance using the disk diffusion method to test aminoglycoside, beta-lactam, and fluoroquinolone antimicrobials. A total of 229 bacteria were isolated, with 74 isolates selected from the genera Citrobacter (12), Enterobacter (14), Klebsiella (35), Serratia (5), and Pseudomonas (8). Inlet water had the lowest number of isolates and was the only point with gentamicin-resistant isolates. Raw effluent from the equalization tank showed the highest number of isolated bacteria and resistance levels, followed by treated wastewater and the treatment plant. Across all samples, a high rate of cefoxitin-resistance was observed among the isolated bacteria. Klebsiella pneumoniae stood out as the species that demonstrated the greatest resistance to a variety of antimicrobials. These results highlight the importance of water quality monitoring in mitigating public health and environmental risks and high antimicrobial resistance levels.

Improvement of Laboratory Hepatic Parameters After Treatment With 177Lu-DOTATATE: Cohort in an Oncology Reference Center.

PURPOSE: Well-differentiated neuroendocrine neoplasms (NETs) overexpress the somatostatin receptor, which is the target for the peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT). NETs have a slow growth rate and can metastasize to liver, bone, and lungs. In NETs patients, liver metastasis is an important prognostic marker because liver failure is one of the most common causes of death in this population. In this regard, we aimed to describe the changes in laboratorial parameters in patients submitted to PRRT with 177Lu-DOTATATE, focusing on hepatic parameters. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred ten patients treated with 1 to 4 cycles of 7.4 GBq (200 mCi) of 177Lu-DOTATATE from January 2011 to December 2021 were analyzed in this retrospective observational single-center study. Patients were submitted to blood tests before and after each cycle of PRRT. Laboratory measurements were collected to assess liver function, cholestasis, kidney, and bone marrow function. RESULTS: In the general population (n = 110), ALP (P = 0.013) and GGT (P < 0.001) showed a statistically significant reduction. Patients with high liver disease volume showed a statistically significant reduction in ALT (P = 0.016), whereas patients with low liver disease volume showed a statistically significant reduction in GGT (P = 0.013). All parameters for bone marrow function showed a statistically significant decrease in all population subsets. CONCLUSIONS: Patients treated with 177Lu-DOTATATE showed a significant improvement in liver function and cholestasis parameters, and a consistent decrease in bone marrow function, even in the presence of advanced liver disease.

Unlocking Secrets: Lipid Metabolism and Lipid Droplet Crucial Roles in SARS-CoV-2 Infection and the Immune Response.

Lipid droplets (LD) are crucial for maintaining lipid and energy homeostasis within cells. LDs are highly dynamic organelles that present a phospholipid monolayer rich in neutral lipids. Additionally, LDs are associated with structural and non-structural proteins, rapidly mobilizing lipids for various biological processes. Lipids play a pivotal role during viral infection, participating during viral membrane fusion, viral replication, and assembly, endocytosis, and exocytosis. Severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection often induces LD accumulation, which is used as a source of energy for the replicative process. These findings suggest that LDs are a hallmark of viral infection, including SARS-CoV-2 infection. Moreover, LD participates in the inflammatory process and cell signaling, activating pathways related to innate immunity and cell death. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that LD induction by SARS-CoV-2 is a highly coordinated process, aiding replication and evading the immune system, and may contribute to the different cell death process observed in various studies. Nevertheless, recent research in the field of LDs suggests these organelles according to the pathogen and infection conditions may also play roles in immune and inflammatory responses, protecting the host against viral infection. Understanding how SARS-CoV-2 influences LD biogenesis is crucial for developing novel drugs or repurposing existing ones. By targeting host lipid metabolic pathways exploited by the virus, it is possible to impact viral replication and inflammatory responses. This review seeks to discuss and analyze the role of LDs during SARS-CoV-2 infection, specifically emphasizing their involvement in viral replication and the inflammatory response.

Disability, Physical Activity, and Their Correlates in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Portuguese Cross-Sectional Survey.

Knowledge about disability and physical activity is critical for enhancing self- and clinical management of inflammatory bowel disease, but the interplay between the two is unknown. This study aimed to explore the correlates of disability and physical activity in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in 2019 in Portuguese patients (n = 108) capturing disability, clinical factors including disease status and comorbidities, physical activity habits, and barriers. The magnitude of disability was moderate (mean [95% confidence interval] = 41.85 [38.39, 45.31]). Disease activity and comorbidities were the most important predictors of disability (Model 2, F(102) = 20.285, p < .001, R2 = 0.499, R2adj = 0.443). About 62% of the participants engaged in moderate (31.5%) to vigorous (30.6%) physical activities. Perceived effort to engage in physical activities was the sole predictor of total weekly physical activity (R2 = 0.070, R2adj = 0.044, p = .006). The amount of disability and physical activity were poorly associated (ρ = -0.144, p = .068). Findings encourage gastroenterology nurses and other healthcare providers involved in the comprehensive care of patients with gastrointestinal disorders to recommend regular physical activity to these patients as part of an overall health enhancement strategy. Disability and back pain should be given further attention.

Comparative proteomic analysis of saliva from chewing tobacco users and oral cancer patients reveals shared biomarkers: A case control observational study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the salivary proteomic profile of smokeless tobacco users with that of non-users and oral cancer patients using Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry/ Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). METHODS: Saliva samples from 65 participants were collected in three groups: control (25 participants), smokeless tobacco users (25 participants), and oral cancer (15 participants). RESULTS: The analysis revealed 343 protein groups with significantly altered abundance in the saliva samples (P < 0.05). Among these, 43 out of 51 dysregulated proteins in the smokeless tobacco group were also dysregulated in the oral cancer group. Notably, Apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) and Pon1 were found to be significantly increased in both smokeless tobacco users and oral cancer patients (p < 0.05). Furthermore, six out of the 20 most significantly altered proteins were mitochondrial proteins, and all of these were decreased relative to controls in both smokeless tobacco users and cancer samples. CONCLUSION: The proteomic profile of users of chewing (smokeless) tobacco (SLT) shows substantial overlap in the altered pathways and dysregulated proteins with those altered in oral cancer samples, suggesting that SLT use induces a shift toward an oncogenic state. Specifically indicated pathways included blood microparticles, platelet α-granules and protease inhibitors as well as indicators of oxidative stress and exogenous compound processing. What differentiates oral cancer samples from SLT users is enrichment of alterations related to cytoskeletal organisation and tissue remodelling. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The findings emphasize the importance of salivary proteomic profiles because changes in certain proteins may be indicators for early oral cancer identification and risk assessment in smokeless tobacco users.

Resurgence of Bordetella pertussis, including one macrolide-resistant isolate, France, 2024.

As other European countries, France is experiencing a resurgence of pertussis in 2024. Between 1 January and 31 May 2024, 5,616 (24.9%) positive Bordetella pertussis qPCR tests were identified, following a 3-year period of almost null incidence. Of 67 cultured and whole genome sequenced B. pertussis isolates, 66 produced pertactin and 56 produced FIM2, in contrast to pre-COVID-19 years. One isolate of genotype Bp-AgST4 was resistant to macrolides. Pertussis resurgence may favour isolates that produce FIM2 and pertactin.

Epidemiology and molecular detection of human adenovirus and non-polio enterovirus in fecal samples of children with acute gastroenteritis: A five-year surveillance in northern Brazil.

Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) is a common pediatric infection that remains a significant cause of childhood morbidity and mortality worldwide, especially in low-income regions. Thus, the objective of this study was to detect human adenovirus (HAdV) and non-polio enterovirus (NPEV) in fecal samples from the Gastroenteritis Surveillance Network, and to identify circulating strains by nucleotide sequencing. A total of 801 fecal samples were tested using qPCR/RT-qPCR, and 657 (82.0%) were inoculated into HEp-2C and RD cell lines. The HAdV and NPEV positivity rates obtained using qPCR/RT-qPCR were 31.7% (254/801) and 10.5% (84/801), respectively, with 5.4% (43/801) co-detection. Cytopathic effect was observed in 9.6% (63/657) of patients, 2.7% (18/657) associated with HAdV, and 6.2% (41/657) associated with NPEV after testing by ICC-PCR. A comparison of the two methodologies demonstrated an agreement of 93.5% for EVNP and 64.4% for HAdV. These two viruses were detected throughout the study period, with HAdV positivity rates ranging from 41% in Amapá to 18% in Pará. The NEPV varied from 18% in Pará/Rondônia to 3% in Acre. The most affected age group was over 60 months for both HAdV and NPEV. Samples previously positive for rotavirus and norovirus, which did not show a major difference in the presence or absence of diarrhea, fever, and vomiting, were excluded from the clinical analyses of these two viruses. These viruses circulated over five years, with a few months of absence, mainly during the months corresponding to the waves of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Brazil. Five HAdV species were identified (A, B, C, D, and F), with a greater predominance of HAdV-F41 (56.5%) followed by HAdV-C (15.2%). Three NPEV species (A, B, and C) were detected, with serotypes E14 (19.3%) and CVA-24 (16.1%) being the most prevalent. The present study revealed a high diversity of NPEV and HAdV types circulating in children with AGE symptoms in the northern region of Brazil.

Dynamic soil hydraulic resistance regulates stomata.

The onset of stomatal closure reduces transpiration during drought. In seed plants, drought causes declines in plant water status which increases leaf endogenous abscisic acid (ABA) levels required for stomatal closure. There are multiple possible points of increased belowground resistance in the soil-plant atmospheric continuum that could decrease leaf water potential enough to trigger ABA production and the subsequent decreases in transpiration. We investigate the dynamic patterns of leaf ABA levels, plant hydraulic conductance and the point of failure in the soil-plant conductance in the highly embolism-resistant species Callitris tuberculata using continuous dendrometer measurements of leaf water potential during drought. We show that decreases in transpiration and ABA biosynthesis begin before any permanent decreases in predawn water potential, collapse in soil-plant hydraulic pathway and xylem embolism spread. We find that a dynamic but recoverable increases in hydraulic resistance in the soil in close proximity to the roots is the most likely driver of declines in midday leaf water potential needed for ABA biosynthesis and the onset of decreases in transpiration.

Exposure to the World Center Particulate Matter Alters the Gut-Brain Axis in Early Onset Alzheimer's Disease Mice.

Background: The September 11, 2001, catastrophe unleashed widespread destruction beyond the World Center (WTC), with fires and toxic gases leaving lasting impacts. First responders at Ground Zero faced prolonged exposure to hazardous particulate matter (PM), resulting in chronic health challenges. Among the multitude of health concerns, the potential association between the WTCPM and Alzheimer's disease (AD) has emerged as an area of intense inquiry, probing the intricate interplay between environmental factors and neurodegenerative diseases. Objective: We posit that a genetic predisposition to AD in mice results in dysregulation of the gut-brain axis following chronic exposure to WTCPM. This, in turn, may heighten the risk of AD-like symptoms in these individuals. Methods: 3xTg-AD and WT mice were intranasally administered with WTCPM collected at Ground Zero within 72 hours after the attacks. Working memory and learning and recognition memory were monitored for 4 months. Moreover, brain transcriptomic analysis and gut barrier permeability along with microbiome composition were examined. Results: Our findings underscore the deleterious effects of WTCPM on cognitive function, as well as notable alterations in brain genes associated with synaptic plasticity, pro-survival, and inflammatory signaling pathways. Complementary, chronic exposure to the WTCPM led to increased gut permeability in AD mice and altered bacteria composition and expression of functional pathways in the gut. Conclusions: Our results hint at a complex interplay between gut and brain axis, suggesting potential mechanisms through which WTCPM exposure may exacerbate cognitive decline. Identifying these pathways offers opportunities for tailored interventions to alleviate neurological effects among first responders.

Effect of the dietary supplementation with sunflower oil-enriched bromoform from Asparagopsis taxiformis on lambs' growth, health, and ruminal methane production.

The red seaweed Asparagopsis taxiformis has a potent antimethanogenic effect, which has been proven both in vitro and in vivo. Vegetable oil immersions of this seaweed (hereafter Bromoil) help stabilise the bromoform (CHBr3) responsible for its antimethanogenic effect. We evaluate the effects of increasing the levels of CHBr3 in lamb diets on growth performance, methane (CH4) production, animal health and meat quality. Twenty-four Merino Branco ram lambs were fed a ground complete compound feed, supplemented with 50 mL/kg DM of sunflower oil with different CHBr3 content. The treatments were defined by the CHBr3 doses in the oil: 0 mg (control - B0), 15 mg (B15), 30 mg (B30) and 45 mg (B45) of CHBr3 per kg of feed DM. The feed was prepared daily by mixing Bromoil with the compound feed. At the end of the experiment, the lambs were sacrificed, the ruminal content was collected for in vitro fermentation to evaluate CH4 production and organic matter (OM) degradability, and the rumen mucosa was sampled for histological examination. Meat samples were collected for chemical composition and CHBr3 analysis. The half-life of CHBr3 in the air-exposed feed was 3.98 h making it very difficult to establish the practiced level of CHBr3 supplementation. Lambs-fed treatments B30 and B45 decreased DM intake by up to 28%. Average daily gain was also reduced due to CHBr3 supplementation, with B45 showing results 40% lower than B0. DM feed conversion ratio was similar for all treatments. The degradability of OM, the volume of total gas and of gas without CH4 were unaffected by the experimental treatments, evaluated by the in vitro method. However, the volume of CH4 decreased by up to 75% for treatments above 30 mg/kg DM, while the yield of CH4/g OM degraded was reduced by up to 78% with treatments above 30 mg/kg DM. Meat chemical composition was not affected by Bromoil supplementation and no traces of CHBr3 were found in meat samples. During this experiment, the animals presented normal health and behaviour. However, postslaughter examination of the rumen showed distinct lesions on the ventral region of the rumen mucosa of animals supplemented with Bromoil. These lesions were more severe in the animals receiving treatments B30 and B45. This research determined that although concentrations of CHBr3 in the diet above 30 mg/kg DM helped to reduce CH4 emissions, it negatively affected the performance and rumen wall.