Polymeric Fibers with High Strength and High Toughness at Extreme Temperatures.

Developing strong and simultaneously tough polymeric materials with excellent thermal stability and mechanical performance even under extreme temperatures is truly a challenge. In a disruptive progress, continuous polymeric yarns are developed with a combination of high tensile strength of (1145 ± 44) MPa and ultrahigh toughness of (350 ± 24) J g-1 and high thermomechanical properties from -196 to 200 °C. The comprehensive thermomechanical performance of this yarn surpasses that of previously developed polymeric materials and dragline spider silks. The results demonstrate that the molecular structure of polyimide (PI) with the incorporation of flexible-rigid macromolecular, hierarchically spiral-oriented fibers, and high glass transition temperature (248 °C) are keys for the yarn's notable comprehensive performance in thermomechanical properties. The materials are ideal for technical components exposed to high thermomechanical loadings, such as those encountered in spacecraft or automotive engineering for safety-critical applications.

Efficacy of different in-office treatments for dentin hypersensitivity: randomized and parallel clinical trial.

The aim of this clinical, prospective, randomized, and parallel study was to evaluate different in-office treatments for dentin hypersensitivity (DH). One hundred ninety-two teeth with non-cavitated root exposures were treated using different desensitizers: fluoride varnish (Duraphat - FLU); bioactive ceramic solution (Biosilicate - BIOS); universal self-etching adhesive (Single Bond Universal - SBU); bioactive photoactivated varnish (PRG filler - SPRG). The degree of DH was analyzed using a visual analog scale (VAS) and computerized visual scale (CoVAS), before treatments and after 7, 15, and 30 days from the first session. Comparisons among desensitizers were performed using the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's tests. Friedman test was used to compare between times (p ≤ 0.05). Comparing desensitizers FLU presented a higher value of DH than BIOS using VAS at 7 days, however, no differences were found using CoVAS analysis. Comparing times, BIOS and SBU showed a reduction in DH after 7 days and SBU showed a reduction at 30 days compared to 7 days using VAS. FLU and SPRG groups reduced DH from 15 days to 30 days using VAS. There was a reduction in DH for FLU, BIOS, and SBU after 7 days and for BIOS this reduction also occurred at 30 days when compared to 15 days using CoVAS. SPRG group showed a reduction from 15 to 30 days. All desensitizers tested were able to reduce the initial sensitivity. The bioactive ceramic solution reduced the DH gradually after 30 days using computerized analysis.

Oxidative responses in small juveniles of Colossoma macropomum anesthetized and sedated with Ocimum gratissimum L. essential oil.

This study evaluated the use of essential oil of Ocimum gratissimum (EOOG) for anesthesia and in transport of Colossoma macropomum. Experiment 1, Test 1, anesthesia induction and recovery times were determined using different EOOG concentrations (0, 20, 50, 100, 200, 300 mg L-1), with two size classes: Juveniles I (0.86 g) and Juveniles II (11.46 g) (independent tests in a completely randomized design). Based on the results of Test 1, in Test 2 Juveniles II were exposed to EOOG concentrations: 0, 20, 100 mg L-1. Tissue samples were collected immediately after induction and 1 h post-recovery, to assess oxidative status variables. Experiment 2, Juveniles I (0.91 g) and Juveniles II (14.76 g) were submitted to transport in water with different concentrations of EOOG (0, 5, 10 mg L-1) (independent tests in a completely randomized design). The effects on oxidative status variables were evaluated. Concentrations between 50 and 200 mg L-1 EOOG can be indicated for Juveniles I, while concentrations between 50 and 100 mg L-1 EOOG for Juveniles II. The concentration of 100 mg L-1 EOOG was able to prevent oxidative damage in the liver. In Experiment 2, the concentrations of 5 and 10 mg L-1 EOOG added to the transport water caused sedation for both studied size classes of juveniles and did not cause oscillations in water quality variables nor any mortality. The concentration of 10 mg L-1 EOOG improved the oxidative status. It can be concluded that EOOG can be used for anesthesia and transport of C. macropomum.

Home caregiver strategies for feeding older adults with dysphagia after dehospitalization.

OBJECTIVE: To understand caregivers' strategies for offering food to older adults with oropharyngeal dysphagia after dehospitalization. METHOD: Qualitative research carried out with caregivers of older adults with oropharyngeal dysphagia, who were discharged after hospitalization at a university hospital in Bahia. Data collection was carried out between January and February 2023 through a semi-structured interview, whose data were organized based on content analysis and analyzed with the help of IRaMuTeQ software. RESULTS: Three categories emerged: Caregivers' strategies for safely offering food to older adults with dysphagia; Caregiver strategies for oral hygiene for older adults; Recognition of continuity of speech therapy after dehospitalization. CONCLUSION: Caregivers' strategies for offering food to older adults with oropharyngeal dysphagia were supported by tacit knowledge and effective care in the hospital-home transition.

Mentha spp. essential oils: toxicity to Alphitobius diaperinus, activity against poultry pathogenic bacteria, and Beauveria bassiana compatibility.

The botanical insecticide market is growing because of limitations placed on the use of certain synthetic chemical insecticides. In this sense, the lesser mealworm Alphitobius diaperius (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) is the main poultry pest. The insect causes weight loss and damage to the digestive system of poultry, and it is a vector and reservoir of pathogens. Consequently, this study explored the following hypotheses: (i) essential oils (EOs) derived from Mentha spp. are toxic to A. diaperius; (ii) these EOs are compatible with Beauveria bassiana, the natural enemy of the poultry pest, that parasite A. diaperinus; (iii) these EOs also exhibit activity against bacteria that are pathogenic to poultry. In topical applications and ingestion tests, EOs from Mentha arvensis, Mentha spicata, and Mentha piperita were toxic to A. diaperinus. Chromatographic analyses revealed that menthol is the predominant compound in M. arvensis and M. piperita, whereas carvone is the major compound in M. spicata. Both (-)- and (+)-menthol, along with (-)- and (+)-carvone, underwent testing with A. diaperinus. Nevertheless, their activity was not as potent as those of the EOs, suggesting a possible synergistic and/or additive effect. The EOs did not have any adverse effects on the conidial germination, vegetative growth, or conidia production per colony of the entomopathogenic fungus B. bassiana. Consequently, these EOs are compatible with this natural enemy. The EO extracted from M. spicata exhibited significant toxicity against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), whereas the remaining EOs displayed moderate toxicity against this bacterium. The EOs derived from Mentha spp., as assessed in this study, hold promise for the development of botanical insecticides tailored for the control of A. diaperinus. These insecticides are selective in favor of the natural enemy B. bassiana and can also serve as effective sanitizers, thanks to their antibacterial properties.

Síndrome de burnout y factores asociados en enfermeras de cuidados intensivos: un estudio transversal / Síndrome de burnout e fatores associados em enfermeiros de terapia intensiva: um estudo transversal / Burnout syndrome and associated factors in intensive care nurses: a cross-sectional study

Introducción: El Síndrome de Burnout (SB) surge en el contexto de condiciones laborales precarias, y se manifiesta a través de un conjunto de signos y síntomas que afectan la psicología del trabajador debido a la exposición a factores estresantes en el ambiente laboral.Objetivo: Analizar la prevalencia y los factores asociados al Síndrome de Burnout (SB) en enfermeras de cuidados intensivos. Método: Estudio transversal y analítico, realizado con 94 enfermeros asistenciales en unidades de cuidados intensivos de un hospital público en el estado de Bahía. Se utilizó el Inventario de Burnout de Maslach (MBI) y un cuestionario que contenía aspectos sociodemográficos, culturales y ocupacionales. Resultados: El 62,8% mostró alto agotamiento emocional; 64,9% alta despersonalización y 77,7% alta reducción de la realización profesional. Los factores asociados al SB fueron: edad hasta 38 años (RP: 2,38; IC 95%: 1,44-3,94), no tener pareja (RP: 1,97; IC 95%: 1,17-3,32), insatisfacción laboral (RP: 1,78; IC 95%: 1,15 -2,75), tener dolor de espalda (RP: 3,33; IC 95%: 1,72 -6,42), ansiedad (RP: 2,33; IC 95%: 1,22-4,46) y patrón de sueño hasta 5 horas (RP: 1,67; IC 95%: 1,08-2,59). Se encontró que tener hijos es un índice protector (RP: 0,55; IC 95%: 0,33-0,90). Enfermería GlobalNº 74 Abril 2024Página 224Conclusión: Se considera alto el porcentaje de enfermeros con diagnóstico sugestivo del síndrome (43,6%), así como la existencia de factores asociados. Es fundamental que la institución ofrezca un ambiente de trabajo sano, en el que la prevención sea la mejor vía para que estos profesionales no se conviertan en blancos del síndrome. (AU)

Introdução: A Síndrome de Burnout (SB) emerge no contexto das condições laborais precárias, e se manifesta por meio de um conjunto de sinais e sintomas que afetam o psicológico do trabalhador devido à exposição a estressores no ambiente de trabalho.Objetivo: Analisar a prevalência e fatores a Síndrome de Burnout em enfermeiros de terapia intensiva. Método: Estudo transversal e analítico, realizado com 94 enfermeiros assistenciais de unidades de terapia intensiva de um hospital público do estado da Bahia, Brasil. Utilizou-se o Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) e um questionário contendo questões sociodemográficos, culturais e ocupacionais. Resultados: 62,8% apresentaram alta exaustão emocional; 64,9%, alta despersonalização; e 77,7%, alta redução da realização profissional. Os fatores associados à SB foram: idade até 38 anos (RP: 2,38; IC 95%: 1,44-3,94), não ter companheiro (RP: 1,97; IC 95%: 1,17-3,32), insatisfação com o trabalho (RP: 1,78; IC 95%: 1,15 -2,75), apresentar dores dorsais (RP: 3,33; IC 95%: 1,72 -6,42), ansiedade (RP: 2,33; IC 95%: 1,22-4,46) e padrão de sono até 05 horas (RP: 1,67; IC 95%: 1,08-2,59). Verificou-se que ter filhos é um índice protetor (RP: 0,55; IC 95%: 0,33-0,90). Conclusão: Existe um percentual considerado elevado de enfermeiros com diagnóstico sugestivo da síndrome (43,6%), assim como a existência de fatores associados. É imprescindível que a instituição ofereça um ambiente de trabalho sadio, no qual, a prevenção é a melhor maneira para que os profissionais não se tornem alvos da síndrome. (AU)

Introduction: Burnout Syndrome (BS) emerges in the context of precarious working conditions, and manifests itself through a set of signs and symptoms that affect the worker's psychology due to exposure to stressors in the work environment. Objective: to analyze the prevalence and factors associated with Burnout Syndrome (BS) in intensive care nurses. Method: cross-sectional and analytical study, carried out with 94 nurses in intensive care units of a public hospital in the state of Bahia. The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and a questionnaire containing sociodemographic, cultural and occupational issues were used. Results: 62.8% showed high emotional exhaustion; 64.9% high depersonalization and 77.7% high reduction in professional achievement. The factors associated with BS were: age up to 38 years (PR: 2.38; 95% CI: 1.44-3.94), not having a partner (PR: 1.97; 95% CI: 1.17-3.32), job dissatisfaction (PR: 1.78; 95% CI: 1.15 -2.75), having back pain (PR: 3.33; 95% CI: 1.72 -6.42), anxiety (PR: 2.33; 95% CI: 1.22-4.46) and sleep pattern up to 5 hours (PR: 1.67; 95% CI: 1.08-2.59). It was found that having children is a protective index (PR: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.33-0.90). Conclusion: there is a considered high percentage of nurses with a diagnosis suggestive of the syndrome (43.6%), as well as the existence of associated factors. It is essential that the institution offers a healthy work environment, in which prevention is the best way for these professionals not to become targets of the syndrome. (AU)

Fluorescence intensity of composite resin for direct veneer removal using a fluorescence-aided identification technique.

OBJECTIVES: This laboratory study evaluated the influence of the fluorescence intensity of composite resins on additional tooth wear and the presence of restorative material in different dental thirds during the retreatment of direct veneers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The crown dimensions of 60 bovine incisors were reduced to 10 × 8 mm. The teeth were classified according to the fluorescence intensity of the composites: low (LOW) (TPH Spectra), medium (MED) (Opallis), and high (HIGH) (Essentia) groups. The teeth were divided according to the removal methods: conventional (CON) and fluorescence-aided identification technique (FIT). The specimens were scanned (T0), received veneer preparation, and scanned again (T1). After restorations, the composites were removed and the teeth were scanned (T2). Measurement assessments between T1 and T2 were performed to determine additional wear, presence of residual areas, and the average between additional wear and the presence of residual areas. Kruskal Wallis, Mann-Whitney, Friedman, 2-way ANOVA, and post-Tukey tests were performed (α < 0.05). RESULTS: The comparison of composite resins indicated a smaller area of additional wear and greater residue presence in the HIGH group than the LOW group for both techniques in the cervical third. Regarding removal methods, the FIT produced greater additional wear than the CON method for the LOW and MED groups in the middle and cervical thirds. The incisal third exhibited greater additional wear than the other thirds. CONCLUSIONS: Composite resins with high fluorescence intensity removed using FIT had less tooth wear. The incisal third was the most affected area for direct veneer removal procedures. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: A FIT has been proposed for composite resin removal; however, the different fluorescence intensities of composite resins can influence tooth wear caused during this procedure.

The possible impacts of nano and microplastics on human health: lessons from experimental models across multiple organs.

The widespread production and use of plastics have resulted in accumulation of plastic debris in the environment, gradually breaking down into smaller particles over time. Nano-plastics (NPs) and microplastics (MPs), defined as particles smaller than 100 nanometers and 5 millimeters, respectively, raise concerns due to their ability to enter the human body through various pathways including ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact. Various investigators demonstrated that these particles may produce physical and chemical damage to human cells, tissues, and organs, disrupting cellular processes, triggering inflammation and oxidative stress, and impacting hormone and neurotransmitter balance. In addition, micro- and nano-plastics (MNPLs) may carry toxic chemicals and pathogens, exacerbating adverse effects on human health. The magnitude and nature of these effects are not yet fully understood, requiring further research for a comprehensive risk assessment. Nevertheless, evidence available suggests that accumulation of these particles in the environment and potential human uptake are causes for concern. Urgent measures to reduce plastic pollution and limit human exposure to MNPLs are necessary to safeguard human health and the environment. In this review, current knowledge regarding the influence of MNPLs on human health is summarized, including toxicity mechanisms, exposure pathways, and health outcomes across multiple organs. The critical need for additional research is also emphasized to comprehensively assess potential risks posed by degradation of MNPLs on human health and inform strategies for addressing this emerging environmental health challenge. Finally, new research directions are proposed including evaluation of gene regulation associated with MNPLs exposure.

Adhesion and sealing of different universal adhesive systems associated with bulk-fill resins after using endodontic irrigation solutions: An in vitro study.

This study aimed to evaluate the interface of universal adhesive (UA) with bulk-fill resin (BF) and dentin, after endodontic irrigation. The pulp chamber of 96 molars was irrigated with chlorhexidine 2% (CHX) or sodium hypochlorite 5.25% (NaOCl) and restored according to three restorative protocols. Microtensile bond strength (µTBS) and nanoleakage tests were performed after 24 h of thermocycling. Kruskal Wallis, Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon were performed (p < 0.05). Comparing restorative systems, a difference was found only when irrigated with CHX after 24 h. CHX provided higher µTBS than NaOCl after 24 h for two restorative protocols; after thermocycling, NaOCl provided the greatest µTBS than CHX for one group. Decreased µTBS was observed for all restorative systems when CHX was used after thermocycling. NaOCl demonstrated the highest nanoleakage. The composition of UA influenced the immediate adhesion and sealing to BF when CHX was used; ageing has a deteriorating effect on adhesion and sealing for all restorative systems.

Bioactive glass-ceramics containing fluorapatite, xonotlite, cuspidine and wollastonite form apatite faster than their corresponding glasses.

Crystallisation of bioactive glasses has been claimed to negatively affect the ion release from bioactive glasses. Here, we compare ion release and mineralisation in Tris-HCl buffer solution for a series of glass-ceramics and their parent glasses in the system SiO2-CaO-P2O5-CaF2. Time-resolved X-ray diffraction analysis of glass-ceramic degradation, including quantification of crystal fractions by full pattern refinement, show that the glass-ceramics precipitated apatite faster than the corresponding glasses, in agreement with faster ion release from the glass-ceramics. Imaging by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray nano-computed tomography suggest that this accelerated degradation may be caused by the presence of nano-sized channels along the internal crystal/glassy matrix interfaces. In addition, the presence of crystalline fluorapatite in the glass-ceramics facilitated apatite nucleation and crystallisation during immersion. These results suggest that the popular view of bioactive glass crystallisation being a disadvantage for degradation, apatite formation and, subsequently, bioactivity may depend on the actual system study and, thus, has to be reconsidered.

Development of geriatric oncology in Latin America: A report from the Latin American Cooperative Oncology Group.

Population aging represents a critical issue for global cancer care, notably in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Latin America is a large region composed of 21 countries with notable diversity in both human development and access to quality healthcare. Thus, it is necessary to understand how care for older individuals is being delivered in such large and diverse regions of the world. This review describes the recent advances made in Mexico, Brazil, and Chile, focusing on the creation and implementation of educational, research, and clinical activities in geriatric oncology. These initiatives intend to change healthcare professionals' perceptions about the care for older adults and to improve the way older patients are being treated.

Home caregiver strategies for feeding older adults with dysphagia after dehospitalization / Estrategias del cuidador domiciliario para la alimentación de ancianos con disfagia después de la deshospitalización / Estratégias de cuidadores domiciliares para alimentação de pessoas idosas com disfagia após desospitalização

ABSTRACT Objective: To understand caregivers' strategies for offering food to older adults with oropharyngeal dysphagia after dehospitalization. Method: Qualitative research carried out with caregivers of older adults with oropharyngeal dysphagia, who were discharged after hospitalization at a university hospital in Bahia. Data collection was carried out between January and February 2023 through a semi-structured interview, whose data were organized based on content analysis and analyzed with the help of IRaMuTeQ software. Results: Three categories emerged: Caregivers' strategies for safely offering food to older adults with dysphagia; Caregiver strategies for oral hygiene for older adults; Recognition of continuity of speech therapy after dehospitalization. Conclusion: Caregivers' strategies for offering food to older adults with oropharyngeal dysphagia were supported by tacit knowledge and effective care in the hospital-home transition.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Comprender las estrategias de los cuidadores para ofrecer alimentos a ancianos con disfagia orofaríngea después de la deshospitalización. Método: Investigación cualitativa, realizada con cuidadores de ancianos con disfagia orofaríngea, que fueron dados de alta después de su internación en un hospital universitario de Bahía. La recolección de datos se realizó entre enero y febrero de 2023, a través de una entrevista semiestructurada, cuyos datos fueron organizados a partir del análisis de contenido y analizados con ayuda del software IRaMuTeQ. Resultados: Surgieron tres categorías: Estrategias de los cuidadores para ofrecer alimentos de forma segura a ancianos con disfagia; Estrategias del cuidador para la higiene bucal de personas mayores; Reconocimiento de la continuidad de la logopedia después de la deshospitalización. Conclusión: las estrategias de los cuidadores para ofrecer alimentos a ancianos con disfagia orofaríngea fueron sustentadas en conocimientos tácitos y cuidados efectivos en la transición hospital-hogar.

RESUMO Objetivo: Apreender as estratégias de cuidadores para oferta do alimento à pessoa idosa com disfagia orofaríngea após desospitalização. Método: Pesquisa qualitativa, realizada com cuidadores de pessoas idosas com disfagia orofaríngea, que tiveram alta após internamento em um hospital universitário na Bahia. A coleta de dados foi realizada entre janeiro e fevereiro de 2023, por meio de uma entrevista semiestruturada, cujo dados foram organizados com base na análise de conteúdo e analisados com auxílio do software IRaMuTeQ. Resultados: Emergiram três categorias: Estratégias dos cuidadores para oferta segura do alimento à pessoa idosa com disfagia; Estratégias de cuidadores para higiene oral da pessoa idosa; Reconhecimento da continuidade do acompanhamento fonoaudiológico após desospitalização. Conclusão: As estratégias dos cuidadores para a oferta do alimento a pessoas idosas com disfagia orofaríngea foram sustentadas pelo conhecimento tácito e por um cuidado efetivo na transição hospital-domicílio.

Antiviral activity of terpenes isolated from marine brown seaweeds against herpes simplex virus type 2.

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is the most common agent of sexually transmitted infections around the world. Currently, no vaccine is available, and acyclovir is the reference compound in treatment HSV-2 infections. However, the emergence of resistant strains has reduced the efficacy in treatment. Several studies have shown marine seaweed biological activities, but there are no studies yet about the activity anti-HSV-2 of two its secundary metabolites, atomaric acid (1) and marine dolastane (2), isolated from Stypopodium zonale and Canistrocarpus cervicornis respectively. Therefore, we evaluated the anti-HSV-2 activity of compounds 1 and 2. Both compounds showed anti-HSV-2 activity with low cytotoxicity and compound 1 inactivated 90% of the viral particles at 50 µM. Both compounds inhibited the penetration and results in silico indicated the compound 1 as possible therapy alternative anti -HSV-2.

Cardiovascular Statistics ­ Brazil 2023 / Estatística Cardiovascular ­ Brasil 2023

The publication Cardiovascular Statistics ­ Brazil aims to provide an annual compilation of data and research on the epidemiology of CVDs in Brazil.  The report integrates official statistics from the Brazilian Ministry of Health and other governmental entities alongside data from the GBD project, coordinated by the IHME at the University of Washington. Additionally, it incorporates data derived from various sources and scientific studies, including cohorts and registries, that relate to CVDs and their associated risk factors. This publication is intended for a wide range of individuals, including researchers, clinicians, patients, healthcare policymakers, media professionals, the general public, and other interested parties seeking extensive national data about heart disease and stroke.  Volunteer researchers from various Brazilian universities and research institutions carry out the project. The group is led by a five-member steering committee (ALPR, CAP, DCM, GMMO, and LCCB). The Brazilian Society of Cardiology fully supports this initiative, and the project receives collaborative support from the GBD Brazil Network and an International Committee (GAR, PP, and TAG) from both the IHME/University of Washington (GAR) and the World Heart Federation (PP and TAG). 

A publicação Estatística Cardiovascular ­ Brasil tem por objetivo fornecer uma compilação anual dos dados e das pesquisas sobre a epidemiologia das DCV no Brasil.  Este documento integra as estatísticas oficiais do Ministério da Saúde do Brasil e outras entidades governamentais ao lado de dados do projeto GBD, coordenado pelo IHME da Universidade de Washington. Além disso, incorpora dados derivados de várias fontes e estudos científicos, inclusive coortes e registros, relacionados às DCV e fatores de risco associados. Esta publicação destina-se a um público variado, incluindo pesquisadores, clínicos, pacientes, formuladores de políticas de saúde, profissionais da mídia, o público em geral e todos aqueles que buscam dados nacionais abrangentes sobre DCV e acidente vascular cerebral. Pesquisadores voluntários de várias universidades e instituições de pesquisa brasileiros realizaram este projeto. O grupo é liderado por um comitê diretivo com cinco membros (ALPR, CAP, DCM, GMMO e LCCB). A Sociedade Brasileira de Cardiologia apoia integralmente esta iniciativa e o projeto recebe colaboração da Rede GBD Brasil1 e do GBD International Committee (GAR, PP e TAG) do IHME/Universidade de Washington (GAR) e da World Heart Federation (PP e TAG). 

Anti-ribosomal P (anti-P) antibodies in patients with autoimmune hepatitis.

OBJECTIVE: Anti-P-ribosomal antibody is a biomarker of systemic lupus erythematosus mainly associated with renal, nervous, and hepatic involvement. Systemic lupus erythematosus may present with features similar to autoimmune hepatitis. This study aimed to investigate the association of Anti-P-ribosomal antibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus compared to autoimmune hepatitis in the general Brazilian population. Autoimmune hepatitis and systemic lupus erythematosus share several clinical features. ÛªAnti-P ribosomal antibody is a biomarker for systemic lupus erythematosus. The association between anti-P ribosomal antibody and autoimmune hepatitis has shown conflicting results. Our results showed no association between anti-P ribosomal antibody and autoimmune hepatitis. Published studies have shown associations between anti-ribosomal P (anti-P) antibody and systemic lupus erythematosus with hepatic manifestations. This has been reported also in autoimmune hepatitis. However, the consistency of the latter association remains controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of anti-P antibodies in autoimmune hepatitis using two different immunoassays. METHODS: One-hundred and seventy-seven patients with autoimmune hepatitis were screened, and 142 were analyzed for anti-P antibody positivity. The samples were first analyzed using two different immunoassays: enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and chemiluminescence and then compared with a group of 60 patients with systemic lupus erythematous. The positive samples were subjected to western blot analysis. RESULTS: Anti-P was found in 5/142 autoimmune hepatitis cases (3.5%) by chemiluminescence and in none by ELISA. Among the five chemiluminescence-positive autoimmune hepatitis samples, on anti-P western blot analysis one was negative, two were weakly positive, and two were positive. In contrast, anti-P was detected in 10/60 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (16.7%) and presented higher chemiluminescence units than the autoimmune hepatitis samples. CONCLUSION: A low frequency of anti-P antibodies was observed in autoimmune hepatitis, suggesting that this test is not useful for the diagnosis or management of this disease.

Social support perceived by elderly people in social vulnerability according to family functionality: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the social support as perceived by elderly persons in a context of social vulnerability according to family functionality. METHOD: A cross-sectional study using a quantitative approach, carried out in São Carlos-SP, with 123 elderly people living in a context of high social vulnerability. The sample was divided into two groups: good family functionality and moderate/severe family dysfunction. Data was collected on sociodemographic characteristics, family functionality (Family APGAR) and social support (Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Scale). The Mann-Whitney, Chi-square and Fisher's exact statistical tests were used. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference between social support and family functionality (p < 0.05). The group with good family functionality obtained higher median social support scores: affective 100.00; material 95.00; information 90.00; emotional 90.00; positive social interaction 85.00; when compared to the group with moderate/severe family dysfunction: affective 86.67; material 87.50; information 70.00; emotional 65.00; positive social interaction 65.00. CONCLUSION: Elderly persons living in dysfunctional families have less perceived social support when compared to those living in families with good family functionality.

Proteomic analysis of stimulated saliva in gastroesophageal reflux disease patients with and without erosive tooth wear: Observational study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the difference in the proteomic profile of stimulated saliva in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with (GE) and without (GNE) erosive tooth wear (ETW), regarding both human and bacterial proteins. METHODS: Stimulated saliva (SS) was collected from 16 patients (8/group). Samples were centrifuged at 4.500 g for 15 min under refrigeration to remove all debris. The supernatant from each saliva sample was taken and frozen at -80 °C. After extracting the proteins, they were submitted to reverse phase liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (nLC-ESI-MS/MS). Label-free proteomic quantification was performed using Protein Lynx Global Service (PLGS) software (p < 0.05) for human and bacterial proteins. RESULTS: In total, 67 human proteins were common for GNE and GE groups. GNE group presented, compared to GE group, increase in proteins that confer antimicrobial and acid resistant properties, such as cystatins, histatin and immunoglobulins. However, GNE group had a marked decrease in subunits of hemoglobin (α, ß and delta). Regarding bacterial proteins, for SS, 7 and 10 unique proteins were identified in the GE and GNE groups, respectively. They are related to protein synthesis and energy metabolism and interact with human proteins typically found in saliva and supramolecular complexes of the acquired pellicle. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that the stimulation of the salivary flow increases acid resistant and antimicrobial proteins in saliva, which might protect against ETW. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This pioneer study showed important differences in the human and bacterial proteome of SS in patients with GERD with or without ETW.