Targeting Myeloperoxidase Ameliorates Gouty Arthritis: A Virtual Screening Success Story.

This study presents a new approach for identifying myeloperoxidase (MPO) inhibitors with strong in vivo efficacy. By combining inhibitor-like rules and structure-based virtual screening, the pipeline achieved a 70% success rate in discovering diverse, nanomolar-potency reversible inhibitors and hypochlorous acid (HOCl) scavengers. Mechanistic analysis identified RL6 as a genuine MPO inhibitor and RL7 as a potent HOCl scavenger. Both compounds effectively suppressed HOCl production in cells and neutrophils, with RL6 showing a superior inhibition of neutrophil extracellular trap release (NETosis). In a gout arthritis mouse model, intraperitoneal RL6 administration reduced edema, peroxidase activity, and IL-1ß levels. RL6 also exhibited oral bioavailability, significantly reducing paw edema when administered orally. This study highlights the efficacy of integrating diverse screening methods to enhance virtual screening success, validating the anti-inflammatory potential of potent inhibitors, and advancing the MPO inhibitor research.

Assessment of patients' knowledge and preferences for the use of orthodontic aligners.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the knowledge and preference of patients treated at a Dental School in Jaraguá do Sul, Brazil, about using aligners and the reasons for choosing this device as a treatment option. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 82 participants aged 18-45 years recruited at a screening clinic. METHODS: A questionnaire was completed in person using a tablet with digital forms. RESULTS: Almost half of the participants (49%) knew about aligners; 40% were aged 18-24 years, and 77% were female. When observing the images of the types of orthodontic appliances, the aligners had an acceptance rate of 80%. Among the reasons that led to the preference for choosing aligners, 68% cited aesthetics and 42% comfort. CONCLUSION: Recently, clear aligners have become a popular choice for orthodontic treatment, particularly among adults. Despite their popularity and effectiveness, many patients still need more information about aligner treatment. Over half of the respondents did not know what orthodontic aligners were. Younger participants had more knowledge about aligners than older participants. Patients still need more knowledge about the types of appliances available for orthodontic treatment. When presented with images of the kinds of devices available, almost 80% of participants showed greater satisfaction with aligners.

Effects of Whole-Body Vibration Exercise on Athletes with Ankle Instability: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: Chronic Ankle Instability (CAI) or Functional Ankle Instability (FAI) is a condition characterized by laxity and mechanical instability in the ankle joint. This instability interferes with the activities and physical-functional parameters of athletes, which leads to repetitive ankle sprains. The current systematic review was carried out to identify the effects of whole-body vibration exercise (WBVE) in athletes with CAI. METHODS: We conducted electronic searches in Pubmed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) and Academic Search Premier (ASP) (EBSCO) databases on 26 February 2022. Registers were identified, and studies were selected for inclusion according to the eligibility criteria. The methodological quality was assessed by the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. RESULTS: Seven studies were included with a mean methodological quality score of 5.85, considered 'regular' quality on the PEDro scale. WBVE interventions in athletes with CAI showed that this exercise contributes to a better response on parameters of neuromuscular performance, muscle strength and consequently in balance and postural control, variables that are for the management of CAI. CONCLUSION: WBVE interventions in sports modalities promote physiological responses that may lead to positive effects in several parameters. The protocols proposed in each modality can be carried out in practice and are considered effective additional exercise and training methods beyond traditional types of training for athletes. However, more studies are needed on athletes with this condition, with specific protocols, to highlight the possible physiological and physical-functional responses. Protocol study registration: PROSPERO (CRD42020204434).

Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic on Sleep Quality Evaluated by Wrist Actigraphy: A Systematic Review.

COVID-19 has probably contributed as a risk factor for sleep disturbance. Actigraphy has been used to evaluate sleep complaints in self-isolated populations and frontline doctors during the COVID-19 pandemic. This systematic review aims to summarize the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sleep through wrist actigraphy, estimating sleep latency, total sleep time, awakening-after-sleep onset, and sleep efficiency. Searches were conducted of observational studies on the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and PEDro databases from 1 December 2019 to 31 December 2022. Ninety articles were found, and given the eligibility criteria, fifteen were selected. Six studies were classified by the National Health and Medical Research Council as evidence level IV, two studies as level III-3, and seven studies as level III-2. According to the ACROBAT-NRSI instrument, three studies were classified as having a "serious" risk of bias, two as having "critical" risk, four as having "moderate" risk, and six as having "low" risk. In the selected publications, various populations were evaluated via actigraphy during the COVID-19 pandemic, with reports of "poor" sleep quality. Actigraphy may be a relevant tool to assess individual day-night rhythms and provide recommendations under enduring pandemic conditions. Moreover, as actigraphy presents objective data for sleep evaluations, it is suggested that this method be used in similar pandemics and that actigraphy be included as part of the sleep hygiene strategy.

Evidence of Use of Whole-Body Vibration in Individuals with Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

(1) Background: Metabolic syndrome (MSy) is defined by a constellation of interconnected physiological, biochemical, clinical, and metabolic factors that directly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. This systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted to assess the effects of whole-body vibration exercise (WBVE) in metabolic syndrome (MSy) individuals. (2) Methods: An electronic search in Pubmed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, PEDro, and CINAHL databases in December 2022 was performed. Data regarding the included studies were extracted. The level of evidence, the methodological quality, and the risk of bias of each selected publication were individually evaluated. (3) Results: Eight studies were included in the systematic review and four studies in the meta-analysis, with a mean methodological quality score on the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro scale) of 5.6, considered "fair" quality. The qualitative results suggested positive effects of the systemic vibration therapy in relevant outcomes, such as quality of life, functionality, pain level, trunk flexibility, cardiovascular responses (blood pressure and heart rate), neuromuscular activation, range of motion of the knees, rating of perceived exertion, and body composition. The quantitative results, with weighted mean differences, standard mean differences, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), were calculated. Conclusions: WBVE may be an alternative capable of interfering with physical-mainly for flexibility with weighted mean differences (1.70; 95% CI 0.15, 3.25; n = 39)-functional, psychosocial, neuromuscular, emotional parameters, and consequently contribute to improvements in metabolic health and reduce the cardiovascular risk factor in MSy individuals. Nevertheless, further additional studies are required to understand the long-term effects of WBVE on MSy and its complications in a better way. Protocol study registration was as follows: PROSPERO (CRD 42020187319).

Effects of whole-body vibration exercise in patients with chronic kidney disease: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a clinical condition that promotes a decline in the overall health status of individuals affected, including parameters physical, functional, and psychosocial. This systematic review was conducted to assess effects of whole-body vibration exercise (WBVE) in individuals with CKD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was conducted electronic searches in Pubmed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science databases on May 2021. Records were identified and irrelevant studies were excluded based in eligibility criteria. RESULTS: Five studies were included with a mean methodological quality score of 9, considered high quality in PEDRo scale. The studies have shown that the WBVE intervention, when applied low intensity was well tolerated, and no adverse effects; was able to improve the motor performance and strength in frail people, which could benefit the prevention of falls events. However, did not improve the quality of life, and the heart rate variability; and not altered cardiorespiratory parameters. CONCLUSIONS: WBVE intervention promotes a better response in parameters of the motor performance and muscular strength, and interaction bone-muscle. Nevertheless, more studies are needed with this intervention to improve physiological responses, and to understand your recommendation to prevent and reduce the complications and symptoms of the CKD, promoting an active life to these patients. PROTOCOL STUDY REGISTRATION: PROSPERO (CRD42020203295).IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONChronic kidney disease (CKD) is a clinical condition that promotes a decline in the overall health status of individuals affected, including parameters physical, functional, and psychosocial.WBVE program possibility, of good acceptance, efficient as well tolerated by physically deconditioned patients who present difficulty to perform any type of exercise.WBVE protocol can promote changes in the patient with CKD lifestyle and benefits for this population because is an exercise without fatigue, impact, stress, or discomfort.

USE OF THE INTERNET AND SOCIAL NETWORKS IN ORTHOPEDICS AND TRAUMATOLOGY AND PERSPECTIVE OF POST COVID TELEMEDICINE.

The internet has been changing the doctor-patient relationship in the orthopedic area, especially in recent months, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective: To gather information on the use of social networks regarding orthopedics and traumatology, as well as patient opinions on telemedicine. Methods: Cross-sectional study with 237 patients discharged from the orthopedics outpatient clinic of the Odilon Behrens Metropolitan Hospital, in service exclusively for the SUS, answered a questionnaire containing questions related to the use of the internet, social networks, and telemedicine in the current context. Results: Most participants never or rarely look for information on the internet before or after the medical appointment; but when they do, the search results are rarely enlightening. There was a lower demand for information among men when compared with women. There were no significant differences regarding the age of the participants who agreed that most appointments will be carried out over the internet in the future. Conclusion: The search for medical information on social networks is a global reality, but it still generates disagreements regarding its effectiveness and scope. More studies are needed in different orthopedic services for further analysis on the use of social networks within this field. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series.

A internet vem alterando a relação médico-paciente na área ortopédica, principalmente nos últimos meses, em função da pandemia da COVID-19. Objetivo: Reunir informações sobre o uso de redes sociais na ortopedia e traumatologia, assim como opiniões de pacientes sobre telemedicina. Métodos: Estudo do tipo transversal. 237 pacientes egressos do ambulatório de ortopedia do Hospital Odilon Behrens, de uso exclusivo do SUS, responderam a um questionário contendo questões relacionadas ao uso da internet, das redes sociais e da telemedicina no contexto atual. Resultados: A maioria dos participantes nunca ou raramente buscam informações na internet antes ou depois da consulta; mas, quando o fazem, os resultados da pesquisa raramente são esclarecedores. Houve uma menor procura de informações entre os homens quando comparados às mulheres. Não houve diferenças significativas quanto à idade dos participantes que concordaram que grande parte das consultas serão realizadas pela internet no futuro. Conclusão: A busca por informações médicas nas redes sociais é uma realidade mundial, mas ainda gera divergências referentes à sua eficácia e abrangência. São necessários mais estudos em serviços ortopédicos distintos para maior análise sobre o uso das redes sociais nesse segmento. Nível de Evidência IV, Série de Casos.

Prevalence of respiratory epithelial adenomatoid hamartomas (REAH) associated with nasal polyposis: an epidemiological study - how to diagnose

Abstract Objectives: To highlight the prevalence of respiratory epithelial adenomatoid hamartomas in the olfactory cleft of patients with nasal polyposis. To demonstrate characteristics indicative of hamartoma on the CT scans of paranasal sinuses during surgery and in histopathological exams. Methods: Cross-sectional study carried out in Hospital das Clínicas da UFMG and Núcleo de Otorrino BH. We performed 114 nasal endoscopic surgeries for polyposis, between February 2015 and November 2019. We assessed the olfactory cleft width in all preoperative CT scans. Upon seeing an indication of hamartoma on the CT scan, we took a tissue sample from the olfactory cleft during the surgery and sent for histopathological exam. We referred the samples to a pathologist experienced in the anatomopathological diagnosis of respiratory epithelial adenomatoid hamartomas. Results: Of the 114 patients with polyposis, 54 (47.4%) had olfactory cleft enlargement and, 100% of them had tissue with a dense and hardened polypoid aspect, with a slight cerebri-form appearance in this region during the surgery. Histology confirmed a respiratory epithelial adenomatoid hamartoma. Conclusion: This observation suggests that the presence of hamartomas in polyposis is common, but underdiagnosed. Level of evidence: Step 3 (Level 3).

Effectiveness of hypnosis on pain and anxiety in dentistry: Narrative review.

Hypnosis presents an auxiliary adjunct in medical, dental, physiotherapeutic, and other clinical fields. This narrative review verified the effect of hypnosis in the control of pain and anxiety in dentistry. It presents the importance and effectiveness of hypnosis to aid dental procedures. It´s use in dentistry allows a wide range of applications such as sedation, analgesia, anesthesia, and hemostasis to facilitate treatment and improve the experience of dental care for dental patients. A discussion about the regulation of hypnosis in dentistry in Brazil, the attributions of dentists qualified in hypnosis, as well as the benefits of application based on evidence of hypnosis in dentistry, and the need for certification by hypnosis practitioners due to the possible risks inherent to the use of hypnosis are presented. Hypnosis is useful in the management of pain and anxiety in dentistry, when the dental practitioner is adequately experienced in this modality and the patients are carefully selected.

Prevalence of respiratory epithelial adenomatoid hamartomas (REAH) associated with nasal polyposis: an epidemiological study - how to diagnose.

OBJECTIVES: To highlight the prevalence of respiratory epithelial adenomatoid hamartomas in the olfactory cleft of patients with nasal polyposis. To demonstrate characteristics indicative of hamartoma on the CT scans of paranasal sinuses during surgery and in histopathological exams. METHODS: Cross-sectional study carried out in Hospital das Clínicas da UFMG and Núcleo de Otorrino BH. We performed 114 nasal endoscopic surgeries for polyposis, between February 2015 and November 2019. We assessed the olfactory cleft width in all preoperative CT scans. Upon seeing an indication of hamartoma on the CT scan, we took a tissue sample from the olfactory cleft during the surgery and sent for histopathological exam. We referred the samples to a pathologist experienced in the anatomopathological diagnosis of respiratory epithelial adenomatoid hamartomas. RESULTS: Of the 114 patients with polyposis, 54 (47.4%) had olfactory cleft enlargement and, 100% of them had tissue with a dense and hardened polypoid aspect, with a slight cerebriform appearance in this region during the surgery. Histology confirmed a respiratory epithelial adenomatoid hamartoma. CONCLUSION: This observation suggests that the presence of hamartomas in polyposis is common, but underdiagnosed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Step 3 (Level 3).

Use of the internet and social networks in orthopedics and traumatology and perspective of post covid telemedicine / Uso da internet e redes sociais na ortopedia e traumatologia e perspectiva da telemedicina pós-covid

ABSTRACT The internet has been changing the doctor-patient relationship in the orthopedic area, especially in recent months, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective: To gather information on the use of social networks regarding orthopedics and traumatology, as well as patient opinions on telemedicine. Methods: Cross-sectional study with 237 patients discharged from the orthopedics outpatient clinic of the Odilon Behrens Metropolitan Hospital, in service exclusively for the SUS, answered a questionnaire containing questions related to the use of the internet, social networks, and telemedicine in the current context. Results: Most participants never or rarely look for information on the internet before or after the medical appointment; but when they do, the search results are rarely enlightening. There was a lower demand for information among men when compared with women. There were no significant differences regarding the age of the participants who agreed that most appointments will be carried out over the internet in the future. Conclusion: The search for medical information on social networks is a global reality, but it still generates disagreements regarding its effectiveness and scope. More studies are needed in different orthopedic services for further analysis on the use of social networks within this field. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series.

RESUMO A internet vem alterando a relação médico-paciente na área ortopédica, principalmente nos últimos meses, em função da pandemia da COVID-19. Objetivo: Reunir informações sobre o uso de redes sociais na ortopedia e traumatologia, assim como opiniões de pacientes sobre telemedicina. Métodos: Estudo do tipo transversal. 237 pacientes egressos do ambulatório de ortopedia do Hospital Odilon Behrens, de uso exclusivo do SUS, responderam a um questionário contendo questões relacionadas ao uso da internet, das redes sociais e da telemedicina no contexto atual. Resultados: A maioria dos participantes nunca ou raramente buscam informações na internet antes ou depois da consulta; mas, quando o fazem, os resultados da pesquisa raramente são esclarecedores. Houve uma menor procura de informações entre os homens quando comparados às mulheres. Não houve diferenças significativas quanto à idade dos participantes que concordaram que grande parte das consultas serão realizadas pela internet no futuro. Conclusão: A busca por informações médicas nas redes sociais é uma realidade mundial, mas ainda gera divergências referentes à sua eficácia e abrangência. São necessários mais estudos em serviços ortopédicos distintos para maior análise sobre o uso das redes sociais nesse segmento. Nível de Evidência IV, Série de Casos.

Análise de desempenho do questionário PosaST como ferramenta de rastreio para Síndrome da Apneia Obstrutiva do Sono (SAOS) em crianças / Performance analysis of the PosaST questionnaire as screening tool for Obstructive Sleep Apnea syndrome (OSA) in children

Introdução: a síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sono (SAOS) pediátrica atinge de 0,7 a 3% desta população, com importantes impactos secundários. Entretanto, o principal exame para seu diagnóstico, a polissonografia (PSG), é de pouca disponibilidade, principalmente no contexto nacional e de saúde pública. Torna-se necessária, portanto a avaliação de ferramentas alternativas, como os questionários, quanto à sua capacidade de rastreio dessa condição. Objetivo: Avaliar o desempenho do questionário Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea Screening Tool (PosaST) como ferramenta diagnóstica de rastreio de SAOS na população pediátrica. Adicionalmente, determinar se outras variáveis, obtidas a partir de preenchimento de questionários pré-PSG, e dos resultados da própria PSG, se comportam distintamente entre os grupos de pacientes com e sem SAOS. Métodos: pais de 122 pacientes de três a 12 anos, referidos a um Laboratório do sono para realização de PSG responderam o questionário PosaST e questionário pré-PSG. O escore cumulativo do PosaST foi obtido a partir de seus escores individuais para cada pergunta, e comparado com os resultados da PSG. Além de teste de correlação entre o índice de apneia e hipopneia obstrutivo (IAHO) e o escore cumulativo do PosaST, foram então determinadas: curva receiver operating characteristic (ROC), sensibilidade, especificidade, valor preditivo positivo (VPP) e valor preditivo negativo (VPN) para o escore cumulativo do PosaST, tanto para diagnóstico de SAOS (IAHO ≥ 1,5 eventos/h de tempo total de sono ­ TTS), quanto para diagnóstico de quadros moderados e graves dessa enfermidade (IAHO ≥ 5 eventos/h de TTS). Variáveis clínicas provenientes do questionário pré-PSG, do escore individual e cumulativo do PosaST e da polissonografia, foram avaliadas por estudos de associação nos grupos com e sem SAOS. Resultados: as curvas ROC obtidas mostraram baixa área sobre a curva, refletindo desempenho ruim da ferramenta PosaST tanto para diagnóstico de SAOS, quanto para diagnóstico de casos moderados/graves. Valores de sensibilidade, especificidade, VPP e VPN corroboraram esta conclusão. Foi identificada correlação significante, mas fraca, entre IAHO e escore cumulativo do PosaST. Entre as demais variáveis pesquisadas, apenas atraso de desempenho escolar, uso de medicações, saturação de oxigênio (SpO2) mínima e média, tempo com SpO2<90%, índices de dessaturação e despertares se comportaram de maneira diferente entre os grupos. Conclusão: apesar de se apresentar como uma ferramenta prática, o PosaST não mostrou boa capacidade para rastrear pacientes pediátricos com SAOS ou com SAOS moderada/grave. A SAOS associou-se a atraso de desempenho escolar, menores valores de SpO2 média e mínima e maiores valores de tempo com SpO2<90%, índices de dessaturação e despertares.

Introduction: Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) affects from 0,7 to 3% of patients in this population, with considerable secondary impact. Nevertheless, the main tool for its diagnosis, the polysomnography (PSG) exam, is not widely available, especially in national context and public health care system. Thus, it becomes imperative the evaluation of alternative tools, such as questionnaires, as its capacity to screen this condition. Objective: To evaluate the Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea Screening Tool (PosaST) questionnaire performance as a screening diagnostic tool among the pediatric population. Additionally, to determine if other variables, obtained through completion of pre-PSG questionnaires and PSG results, behave differently between groups of patients with and without OSA. Methods: Parents of 122 patients, from three to 12 years old, referred to a Sleep Laboratory for polysomnography exam, answered the PosaST and the pre-PSG questionnaires. The PosaST's cumulative score was acquired through its individual scores for each question, and compared to PSG results. In addition to the correlation test between Obstructive Apnea Hypopnea Index (OAHI) and PosaST's cumulative score, it was determined: receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) for PosaST's cumulative score as its capacity to diagnose OSA (OAHI ≥ 1,5 events/h of total sleep time ­ TST) and to diagnose moderate and severe OSA cases (OAHI ≥ 5 events/h of TST). Clinical variables, from pre-PSG questionnaire, PosaST's individual and cumulative escores, and polysomnography, were analyzed through association studies within OSA and non-OSA groups Results: ROC curves obtained showed low area under the curve, reflecting the tool's poor performance to diagnose OSA and moderate and severe OSA cases. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV values agreed to this assessment. A valid, but weak correlation between OAHI and PosaST's cumulative score was identified. Among other studied clinical variables, only impairment in school performance, use of medications, minimal and average oxygen saturation (SpO2), time with SpO2<90%, desaturation and arousals index were presented differently in the evaluated groups. Conclusion: Although PosaST presents itself as a practical tool, it doesn't show a reasonable capacity to screen OSA, or moderate/severe OSA patients in the pediatric population. OSA was associated to impairment in school performance, descreased values of minimal and average oxygen saturation (SpO2), e increased values of time with SpO2<90%, desaturation and arousals index.

Mitochondrial Respiration of Platelets: Comparison of Isolation Methods.

Multiple non-aggregatory functions of human platelets (PLT) are widely acknowledged, yet their functional examination is limited mainly due to a lack of standardized isolation and analytic methods. Platelet apheresis (PA) is an established clinical method for PLT isolation aiming at the treatment of bleeding diathesis in severe thrombocytopenia. On the other hand, density gradient centrifugation (DC) is an isolation method applied in research for the analysis of the mitochondrial metabolic profile of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in PLT obtained from small samples of human blood. We studied PLT obtained from 29 healthy donors by high-resolution respirometry for comparison of PA and DC isolates. ROUTINE respiration and electron transfer capacity of living PLT isolated by PA were significantly higher than in the DC group, whereas plasma membrane permeabilization resulted in a 57% decrease of succinate oxidation in PA compared to DC. These differences were eliminated after washing the PA platelets with phosphate buffer containing 10 mmol·L-1 ethylene glycol-bis (2-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'-tetra-acetic acid, suggesting that several components, particularly Ca2+ and fuel substrates, were carried over into the respiratory assay from the serum in PA. A simple washing step was sufficient to enable functional mitochondrial analysis in subsamples obtained from PA. The combination of the standard clinical PA isolation procedure with PLT quality control and routine mitochondrial OXPHOS diagnostics meets an acute clinical demand in biomedical research of patients suffering from thrombocytopenia and metabolic diseases.

Synthesis of chalcones derived from 1-naphthylacetophenone and evaluation of their cytotoxic and apoptotic effects in acute leukemia cell lines.

Chalcones and their derivatives have been described as promising compounds with antiproliferative activity against leukemic cells. This study aimed to investigate the cytotoxic effect of three synthetic chalcones derived from 1-naphthylacetophenone (F07, F09, and F10) in acute leukemia cell lines (K562 and Jurkat) and examine the mechanisms of cell death induced by these compounds. The three compounds were cytotoxic to K562 and Jurkat cells, with IC50 values ranging from 1.03 to 31.66 µM. Chalcones induced intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis, resulting in activation of caspase-3 and DNA fragmentation. F07, F09, and F10 were not cytotoxic to human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, did not produce any significant hemolytic activity, and did not affect platelet aggregation after ADP stimulation. These results, combined with calculations of molecular properties, suggest that chalcones F07, F09, and F10 are promising molecules for the development of novel antileukemic drugs.

Human Platelet Mitochondrial Function Reflects Systemic Mitochondrial Alterations: A Protocol for Application in Field Studies.

Human blood cells may offer a minimally invasive strategy to study systemic alterations of mitochondrial function. Here we tested the reliability of a protocol designed to study mitochondrial respiratory control in human platelets (PLTs) in field studies, using high-resolution respirometry (HRR). Several factors may trigger PLT aggregation during the assay, altering the homogeneity of the cell suspension and distorting the number of cells added to the two chambers (A, B) of the Oroboros Oxygraph-2k (O2k). Thus, inter-chamber variability (∆ab) was calculated by normalizing oxygen consumption to chamber volume (JO2) or to a specific respiratory control state (flux control ratio, FCR) as a reliable parameter of experimental quality. The method's reliability was tested by comparing the ∆ab of laboratory-performed experiments (LAB, N = 9) to those of an ultramarathon field study (three sampling time-points: before competition (PRE, N = 7), immediately after (POST, N = 10) and 24 h after competition (REC; N = 10)). Our results show that ∆ab JO2 changed PRE-POST, but also for LAB-POST and LAB-REC, while all ∆ab FCR remained unchanged. Thus, we conclude that our method is reliable for assessing PLT mitochondrial function in LAB and field studies and after systemic stress conditions.

The impact of COVID-19 pandemic in the quality of sleep by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index: A systematic review.

This article aims to evaluate the sleep quality in individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Searches were conducted in the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and PEDro databases, on May 22, 2020. In the publications, 208 articles were found and, considering the eligibility criteria, 10 articles were included at the end, showing the effects on sleep quality during the pandemic, in populations hospitalized, quarantined, and in frontline health professionals. The PSQI measured sleep disorders and a higher score indicated poor sleep quality. Nine articles were classified with evidence level IV and one as level III-2. Eight studies present a "serious" risk of bias and two in "moderate". The studies investigated different populations and described the results as "poor" sleep quality, considering the PSQI on quarantined individuals and frontline health professionals as the most committed. A poor sleep quality was found in the populations evaluated in the selected publications, probably, due to the COVID-19 to contribute as a risk factor for mental health. Psychological interventions must be made to minimize the consequences through social support and social capital.

Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis Induction by a New 2,4-Dinitrobenzenesulfonamide Derivative In Acute Leukemia Cells.

BACKGROUND: Current therapies for acute leukemias (ALs) are associated with severe adverse reactions and high relapse rates, which makes the search for new antileukemic agents a necessity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a new sulfonamide, S1, in AL cells K562 and Jurkat. METHODS: The cytotoxic activity of S1 was assessed using MTT method. The involvement of apoptosis in the mechanism of cell death was assessed by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. RESULTS: Our results demonstrated that S1 induced morphological changes suggestive of apoptosis in both K562 and Jurkat cells. Additionally, S1 was not cytotoxic to normal erythrocytes and mononuclear cells and had a highly selective cytotoxicity for AL lineages. The mechanisms of cell death induced by S1 in K562 cells involves cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase and the activation of both extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis, with an increased FasR and AIF expression and the loss of mitochondrial potential. As for Jurkat, we observed cell cycle blockade at G0/G1 phase, phosphatidylserine exposure and the involvement of intrinsic apoptosis only, with mitochondrial potential loss and a reduced expression of Survivin.  Although sulfonamide S1 did not altered Bcl-2 and Bax expression in AL cell lines, it was able to activate caspase-3 in K562 cells. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that sulfonamide S1 may be a promising candidate for the development of new drugs for the treatment of ALs.

Fructose Intake Impairs Cortical Antioxidant Defenses Allied to Hyperlocomotion in Middle-Aged C57BL/6 Female Mice.

Recent evidence suggests that young rodents submitted to high fructose (FRU) diet develop metabolic, and cognitive dysfunctions. However, it remains unclear whether these detrimental effects of FRU intake can also be observed in middle-aged mice. Nine months-old C57BL/6 female mice were fed with water (Control) or 10% FRU in drinking water during 12 weeks. After that, metabolic, and neurochemical alterations were evaluated, focusing on neurotransmitters, and antioxidant defenses. Behavioral parameters related to motor activity, memory, anxiety, and depression were also evaluated. Mice consuming FRU diet displayed increased water, and caloric intake, resulting in weight gain, which was partially compensated due to decreased food pellet intake. FRU fed animals displayed increased plasma glucose, and cholesterol levels, which was not observed in overnight-fasted animals. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities were markedly decreased in the prefrontal cortex of animals receiving FRU diet, while glutathione peroxidase (GPx) slightly increased. Liver (lower GPx), striatum (higher SOD and lower CAT), and hippocampus (no changes) were less impacted. No changes were observed in glutathione reductase, and thioredoxin reductase activities, two ancillary enzymes for peroxide detoxification. FRU intake did not alter serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine levels in the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and striatum. No significant alterations were observed in working, and short-term spatial memory; and in anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors in animals treated with FRU. Increased locomotor activity was observed in FRU-fed middle-aged mice, as evaluated in the open field, elevated plus-maze, Y maze, and object location tasks. Overall, these results demonstrate that high FRU consumption can disturb antioxidant defenses, and increase locomotor activity in middle-aged mice, open the opportunity for further studies to address the underlying mechanisms related to these findings.

Neuronavigation as a minimally invasive tool in the treatment of intracranial gunshot injuries.

Gunshot injury is the most common cause of penetrating brain injury. The in-hospital mortality for civilians with penetrating craniocerebral injury is 52-95%. There are many surgical techniques suitable for the treatment of survivors. We report a surgical technique consisting of neuronavigation guidance for wound treatment with smaller incisions and craniotomies, followed by bullet removal if feasible. We report case of a 15 year old male patient who sustained an accidental firearm injury to the occipital region, submitted to surgical treatment that consisted in a minimally invasive approach guided by neuronavigation. Immediate neurological examination showed inferior homonymous quadrantanopsia alone as a clinical finding. Patient was discharged after one week, and no complications arised in follow-up. We conclude that using neuronavigation as a tool was effective in the reported case and that minimally invasive neurosurgical techniques may be a safe and efficient option for the treatment of traumatic brain injuries caused by firearm projectiles.

Protocol for the evaluation of chewing among older adults / Protocolo de avaliação da mastigação do idoso

Abstract Objectives : To evaluate the functional and physiological structures of the stomatognathic system of the oral cavity of older adults based on self-perception, comparing the same with a professional clinical evaluation, and investigating the difficulties encountered when chewing. Method : An analytical cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach was conducted with a sample of 53 older adults aged 60 to 90 years. A protocol consisting of three questionnaires was used: a sociodemographic evaluation, a self-perception based interview with 19 questions on the chewing of the older adults and a clinical evaluation containing 30 questions covering aspects of the oral cavity tissue. The self-perception and clinical evaluation scores were compared using the Mann-Whitney test and the proportions observed for each item were compared by the binomial test. Results : It was found that the self-perception of older adults did not correspond to the result of the clinical evaluation. While 31 (58.5%) reported satisfaction with chewing, 16 (30.2%) had high/very high impairment and 14(26.4%) moderate impairment, based on the results of the clinical evaluation found. Conclusion : It was found that the chewing analysis process cannot be exclusively based on the answers provided by the older adults, and assessment proved to be more accurate when combined with a clinical evaluation performed by a professional.

Resumo Objetivos : Avaliar as estruturas funcionais e fisiológicas do sistema estomatognático da cavidade bucal dos idosos diante da autopercepção, comparando-as com a avaliação clínica profissional e investigar as dificuldades encontradas para realizar sua mastigação. Método : Estudo transversal analítico de abordagem quantitativa, realizado com uma amostra de 53 idosos, idade entre 60 e 90 anos. Foi utilizado um protocolo constituído de três questionários: uma avaliação sociodemográfica, uma entrevista de autopercepção com 19 quesitos da mastigação do idoso e uma avaliação clínica contendo 30 quesitos abrangendo os aspectos teciduais da cavidade bucal. Os escores da autopercepção e da avaliação clínica foram comparados pelo teste de Mann-Whitney e as proporções observadas para cada item pelo teste binomial. Resultados : Constatou-se que a autopercepção relatada pelos idosos não correspondeu ao resultado da avaliação clínica. Enquanto 31 (58,5%) relataram satisfação com a mastigação, 16 (30,2%) possuíam comprometimento alto/muito alto e 14 (26,4%) comprometimento moderado. Conclusão : Evidenciou-se que o processo de análise da mastigação não pode ser realizado exclusivamente pelas respostas prestadas pelo idoso, sendo mais adequado quando se adiciona a etapa da avaliação clínica feita por um profissional.