Prevention of nasal trauma due to CPAP in a preterm newborn: case report

The administration of continuous positive airway pressure through nasal CPAP has been used in the treatment of neonatal respiratory diseases as a means of providing ventilatory support to preterm infants, producing adequate gas exchange, decreasing the complications induced by invasive mechanical ventilation and reducing bronchopulmonary dysplasia. The nasal prong is the most common device used to connect to the airways with the purpose of providing mechanical ventilation. Nasal prongs are available in different sizes and made of lightweight and flexible material. Despite its advantages, this device can cause trauma to the nose causing nasal discomfort and disfigurement. We report the case of an extremely low birth weight preterm who used a system of nasal CPAP developed by the nurses of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the HCPA to protect the skin, mucosa, and nasal septum. Protection was successful

A novel glucagon-related peptide (GCRP) and its receptor GCRPR account for coevolution of their family members in vertebrates

The glucagon (GCG) peptide family consists of GCG, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1), and GLP2, which are derived from a common GCG precursor, and the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). These peptides interact with cognate receptors, GCGR, GLP1R, GLP2R, and GIPR, which belong to the secretin-like G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family. We used bioinformatics to identify genes encoding a novel GCG-related peptide (GCRP) and its cognate receptor, GCRPR. The GCRP and GCRPR genes were found in representative tetrapod taxa such as anole lizard, chicken, and Xenopus, and in teleosts including medaka, fugu, tetraodon, and stickleback. However, they were not present in mammals and zebrafish. Phylogenetic and genome synteny analyses showed that GCRP emerged through two rounds of whole genome duplication (2R) during early vertebrate evolution. GCRPR appears to have arisen by local tandem gene duplications from a common ancestor of GCRPR, GCGR, and GLP2R after 2R. Biochemical ligand-receptor interaction analyses revealed that GCRP had the highest affinity for GCRPR in comparison to other GCGR family members. Stimulation of chicken, Xenopus, and medaka GCRPRs activated Gαs-mediated signaling. In contrast to chicken and Xenopus GCRPRs, medaka GCRPR also induced Gαq/11-mediated signaling. Chimeric peptides and receptors showed that the K(16)M(17)K(18) and G(16)Q(17)A(18) motifs in GCRP and GLP1, respectively, may at least in part contribute to specific recognition of their cognate receptors through interaction with the receptor core domain. In conclusion, we present novel data demonstrating that GCRP and GCRPR evolved through gene/genome duplications followed by specific modifications that conferred selective recognition to this ligand-receptor pair

Planejamento suicida entre adolescentes escolares: prevalência e fatores associados Suicide planning among teenage students: prevalence and associated factors

Estudo transversal com objetivo de investigar a prevalência de planejamento suicida e fatores associados em amostra representativa de adolescentes escolares de um município da grande Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, com idade entre 12 e 18 anos. Para a coleta de dados, utilizaram-se dois questionários auto-aplicáveis: um sobre uso de álcool, drogas, violência, sentimentos de solidão e tristeza, relacionamento familiar, planejamento suicida, comportamento na escola e com amigos, padronizado pela Organização Mundial da Saúde, e o Body Shape Questionnaire. A prevalência de planejamento suicida foi 6,3%. A análise multivariada utilizando a regressão de Cox mostrou que o planejamento suicida é mais prevalente em meninas e jovens que referem problemas na relação com os pais. O uso de drogas pelos amigos e pequeno número de amigos próximos aumentaram em, respectivamente, 90% e 66% o planejamento suicida. Aqueles agredidos por colegas, os que referiram sentirem-se sozinhos e tristes apresentaram duas a três vezes mais prevalência de planejamento suicida. Assim, relações familiares adversas, contatos agressivos com colegas e sintomas depressivos aumentam a prevalência de planejamento suicida, necessitando de ações preventivas na escola, incluindo a família.<br>This cross-sectional study evaluated the prevalence of suicide planning and associated factors in a representative sample of 12- to-18-year-old students in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Two self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data: a questionnaire, standardized by the World Health Organization, about use of alcohol and drugs, violence, feelings of loneliness and sadness, family relationships, suicide planning, behavior in school, and relationships with friends; and the Body Shape Questionnaire. Prevalence of suicide planning was 6.3%. Multivariate analysis using Cox regression showed that the prevalence of suicide planning was higher among girls and among adolescents that reported problems in the relationships with their parents. Drug use by friends and having a small number of close friends increased suicide planning by 90% and 66%, respectively. Prevalence of suicide planning was two to three times greater among adolescents bullied by classmates or who reported feelings of loneliness or sadness. Adverse family relationships, aggressive interactions with classmates, and depressive symptoms increase the prevalence of suicide planning. Therefore, preventive measures should be developed in schools and should include the family