Mechanisms and biomarker candidates in pterygium development

Pterygium pathogenesis has been mainly associated with UV light exposure; however, this association remains quite controversial. The complete mechanism of pterygium also remains to be clarified. Factors such as inflammation, viral infection, oxidative stress, DNA methylation, inflammatory mediators, extracellular matrix modulators, apoptotic and oncogenic proteins, loss of heterozygosity, microsatellite instability, lymphangiogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal cell transition, and alterations in cholesterol metabolism have been identified as causes. Several studies aimed to clarify the molecular mechanisms underlying the growth and proliferation of pterygium. Understanding its molecular basis provides new potential therapeutic targets for its prevention and treatment. A comprehensive search of the databases, namely, MedLine, EMBASE, and LILACS, was conducted with the following key words: pterygium, epidemiology, pathogenesis, biomarkers, and review. This review describes the epidemiology, clinical presentation, and current investigation of biological mediators involved in pterygium development82652853

Uso do Feromônio Sexual Para Uma Agricultura Sustentável em Áreas Amazônicas no Estado de Mato Grosso

O Mato Grosso é considerado um dos principais estados brasileiros produtores de soja, milho e algodão. Anualmente ele vem exibindo uma alta produção, alcançada devido à expansão da fronteira agrícola para áreas da Amazônia legal. Um dos fatores que compromete a produtividade dessas culturas tem sido o complexo de lepidópteros-praga. Os danos ocasionados por estes insetos têm sido caracterizado pelo ataque as folhas, flores, grãos e vagens das culturas, reduzindo em até 80% da produção. O controle destas pragas é realizado com o uso intensivo de inseticidas, o que favorece o surgimento de populações resistentes, além de provocar a contaminação de rios e lençol freático, eliminação dos inimigos naturais e aumentar os riscos de contaminação de humanos. A busca por novas tecnologias é importante para a redução do uso destes inseticidas na agricultura. Nessa perspectiva o feromônio sexual se destaca como uma tecnologia promissora devido a sua alta especificidade e baixo impacto ao meio ambiente, sendo utilizado no monitoramento e controle das pragas. Embora eficiente, o feromônio sexual ainda é pouco utilizado no estado de Mato Grosso, desta forma faz-se necessário pesquisas para que esta ferramenta seja implantada efetivamente em áreas agrícolas no estado, em busca de uma agricultura sustentável

Uso do Feromônio Sexual Para Uma Agricultura Sustentável em Áreas Amazônicas no Estado de Mato Grosso

O Mato Grosso é considerado um dos principais estados brasileiros produtores de soja, milho e algodão. Anualmente ele vem exibindo uma alta produção, alcançada devido à expansão da fronteira agrícola para áreas da Amazônia legal. Um dos fatores que compromete a produtividade dessas culturas tem sido o complexo de lepidópteros-praga. Os danos ocasionados por estes insetos têm sido caracterizado pelo ataque as folhas, flores, grãos e vagens das culturas, reduzindo em até 80% da produção. O controle destas pragas é realizado com o uso intensivo de inseticidas, o que favorece o surgimento de populações resistentes, além de provocar a contaminação de rios e lençol freático, eliminação dos inimigos naturais e aumentar os riscos de contaminação de humanos. A busca por novas tecnologias é importante para a redução do uso destes inseticidas na agricultura. Nessa perspectiva o feromônio sexual se destaca como uma tecnologia promissora devido a sua alta especificidade e baixo impacto ao meio ambiente, sendo utilizado no monitoramento e controle das pragas. Embora eficiente, o feromônio sexual ainda é pouco utilizado no estado de Mato Grosso, desta forma faz-se necessário pesquisas para que esta ferramenta seja implantada efetivamente em áreas agrícolas no estado, em busca de uma agricultura sustentável

Influence of voxel size on the accuracy of linear measurements of the condyle in images of cone beam computed tomography : a pilot study

To analyze the influence of voxel size and exposure time on the accuracy of linear measurements of the condyle. Four macerated hemi-mandibles of pigs were scanned in nine different voxel size protocols. Three-dimensional models of the condyle were generated in order to establish a comparison between linear measurements obtained with each voxel protocol and those obtained with a caliper (gold standard). The comparison between the protocols was performed considering the average of the two measurements of the condyle in the latero-medial (LM) and antero-posterior (AP) axes and also through repeated measurement ANOVA with rank transformation. The level of significance was 5%. A significant difference was found between the protocols regarding the LM and AP variables (p-values = 0.0027 and 0.0263, respectively). In the LM axis, the protocol P6 (voxel size of 0.3 mm with scan time of 4.8 seconds) did not show statistical difference compared to the gold standard. The protocols P4 and P5 (voxel size of 0.25 mm with scan times of 14.7 and 26.9 seconds, respectively) were both statistically similar compared to caliper, although they have presented a longer scan time. In the AP axis, the protocol P8 (voxel size of 0.4 mm with time scan of 4.8 seconds) was statistically similar to the gold standard. A smaller voxel size does not necessarily mean more accuracy regarding the linear measurements of the condyle. It is possible to obtain an acceptable level of accuracy with a larger voxel size and a shorter exposure time to radiation

Testicular Morphological and Ultrasonographic Characterization of Male Gray Brocket Deers (Mazama gouazoubira) in Different Reproductive Status

Background: Gray brocket deer (Mazama gouazoubira) populations have been declining due to human intervention. Yet, only a few studies have assessed ultrasonographic testicular characteristics in cervids. Considering the relevance of monitoring testicular size, blood flow, and parenchyma, the present study aims to establish baseline information on scrotal circumference, testicular volume, and spectral Doppler parameters, to describe differences among adult male gray brocket deer in different reproductive status, and to correlate ultrasound parameters with testes size measurements.Materials, Methods & Results: Six adult male gray brocket deers were used in the study. Scrotal circumference and testicular volume were measured. B mode ultrasound images of testes (longitudinal and cross-sectional views) and epididymes were subjected to computer-assisted analysis, obtaining the numerical pixel values (NPV) and pixel standard deviation (PSD). Using spectral Doppler, supratesticular artery blood flow velocities (peak systolic velocity - PSV, end diastolic velocity - EDV, time-average maximum velocity - TAMAX, resistivity - RI and pulsatility indices - PI) were obtained. Semen was analyzed through total motility, vigor, and concentration tests. Three animals were normospermic (F+ group) and three were oligo/azoospermic (F- group). Groups were compared using were compared using a one-way ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis followed by Student-Newman-Keuls (SNK) test. Ultrasound parameters were correlated to testes size parameters using Pearson’s correlation for parametric variables and Spearman’s correlation for non-parametric variables. F+ group presented significantly higher scrotal circumference (14.57 ± 1.19 cm), testicular volume (26.18 ± 4.94 cm3), and testes cross-sectional NPV (69.88 ± 24.00) and PSD (10.78 ± 3.42) than group F- (NPV: 28.26 ± 13.75, PSD: 6.70 ± 1.84). No significant differences were observed between the groups regarding the spectral Doppler ultrasound parameters. Significant correlations were observed between scrotal circumference and longitudinal (r = 0.76) and cross-sectional testes NPV (r = 0.89), and testicular volume was correlated with longitudinal (r = 0.78) and cross-sectional testes NPV (r = 0.91) and with cross-sectional testes PSD (ρ = 0.82).Discussion: Increased testicular echogenicity (higher NPV) has been positively associated with improved testicular growth, cell population expansion, inner and outer seminiferous tubules diameter, spermatids percentages and testis weight. In addition, more heterogenous testes (higher PSD) were associated with higher sperm output. It was suggested that the animals in group F- had compromised testicular development and spermatogenesis. The correlation observed between testes NPV and scrotal circumference was proposed to be associated with seminiferous tubules impairment. The F- group showed lower testicular volume, NPVs and PSDs in cross-sectional testicular images, suggesting higher protein levels and lower lipid contents were present in their parenchyma, influencing in testicular echogenicity and echotexture. No differences in spectral Doppler parameters were observed between the two groups. Also observed in stallions. However, PSV, EDV, TAMAX could be potential infertility indicators in other mammalians. These different results may be due to different locations of the evaluated vessel, species and techniques, age, ambient temperature, pathological conditions, and anaesthesia. Thus, it is suggested that scrotal circumference, testicular volume, and testes NPV are good indicators of male reproductive health in gray brocket deer and may help with better male selection in the species

The Urinary Incontinence Repercussions Towards the Elderly’s Life Quality / As Repercussões Causadas pela Incontinência Urinária na Qualidade de Vida do Idoso

Objetivo: Analisar as repercussões causadas pela incontinência urinária na qualidade de vida dos idosos. Métodos: Pesquisa descritiva e exploratória, com abordagem qualitativa, composta por 12 idosos. A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de entrevistas, em um ambulatório de urologia e ginecologia de um hospital público/escola de referência em Teresina. Os dados foram interpretados pela análise temática de conteúdo.  Resultados: Os depoimentos originaram duas categorias: sentimentos negativos dos idosos com incontinência urinária e aspectos sociais que interferem na qualidade de vida dos idosos com incontinência urinária. Conclusão: A incontinência urinária nos idosos é uma patologia pouco discutida nas consultas, a baixa escolaridade dos idosos influencia na demora em procurar o tratamento para a doença e esclarecimento da mesma. Há a necessidade de um olhar diferenciado por parte dos profissionais de saúde para os idosos acometidos com esta patologia

Advanced circulatory support: artificial heart use in patients with heart failure / Suporte circulatório avançado: uso do coração artificial em pacientes com Insuficiência cardíaca

Objectives: To analyze recent clinical trials about mechanical circulatory support and other adjuvant therapies for the treatment of heart failure. Methods: Articles were selected from the Pubmed and Embase databases published between the years 2015 and 2020, randomized controlled trial or not. The descriptors used were: assisted circulation AND artificial heart AND heart failure, and the descriptor artificial heart was not used for research at EMBASE with 2 articles as results.  And 40 at PubMed with the filters: Controlled Clinical Trial, published in the last 5 years, Humans. Results: Several therapies have been proposed as management alternatives for critically ill patients with heart failure. Among them, we can highlight the HeartMate III implant, which has been shown to have fewer adverse effects compared to HeartMate II; the implantation of an atrial bypass device, which has been shown to decrease the pressure of pulmonary artery occlusion in 1 month compared to the control group, but has shown no long-term effects; and the use of mesenchymal precursor cells, which has not been shown to be significantly effective. Final considerations: It is suggested to carry out further studies to improve the indication criteria, making it possible to allocate resources in hospitalized patients

USE OF ATHEROGENIC INDICES AS ASSESSMENT METHODS FOR CLINICAL ATHEROSCLEROTIC DISEASES

Accurate assessment of clinical atherosclerotic diseases is essential to guide effective therapeutic interventions, and atherogenic indices have emerged as valuable methods in this setting. The complexity of these pathologies demands approaches that go beyond the simple measurement of total cholesterol, requiring tools that consider the interaction between different lipoproteins and other risk factors. In this context, the use of atherogenic indices appears as a promising approach, providing a more comprehensive and refined assessment of atherosclerotic conditions. Objective: To comprehensively analyze scientific studies published in the last 10 years that investigated the use of atherogenic indices as methods of evaluating clinical atherosclerotic diseases. The review seeks to consolidate the available evidence by examining the effectiveness of these indices in early identification, risk stratification and monitoring the progress of atherosclerotic diseases. Methodology: The systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. The PubMed, Scielo and Web of Science databases were consulted to identify relevant studies published in the last 10 years. The descriptors used were "atherogenic indices", "atherosclerotic diseases", "clinical assessment", "lipoproteins" and "cardiovascular risk factors". Inclusion criteria considered original studies that investigated the use of atherogenic indices in clinical populations, while exclusion criteria involved studies with unrepresentative samples and inadequate atherosclerotic assessment methods. Results: The results of the review highlight the diversity of available atherogenic indices and their usefulness in evaluating different aspects of atherosclerotic diseases, including prediction of cardiovascular events, risk stratification and treatment monitoring. The analysis identified indices that proved to be particularly sensitive and specific in different clinical contexts. Conclusion: In summary, the systematic review highlights the relevance of atherogenic indices as valuable tools in the assessment of clinical atherosclerotic diseases. The diversity of these indices and their ability to provide comprehensive information highlights their importance in clinical practice, contributing to a more refined and personalized approach to the management of these conditions.Accurate assessment of clinical atherosclerotic diseases is essential to guide effective therapeutic interventions, and atherogenic indices have emerged as valuable methods in this setting. The complexity of these pathologies demands approaches that go beyond the simple measurement of total cholesterol, requiring tools that consider the interaction between different lipoproteins and other risk factors. In this context, the use of atherogenic indices appears as a promising approach, providing a more comprehensive and refined assessment of atherosclerotic conditions. Objective: To comprehensively analyze scientific studies published in the last 10 years that investigated the use of atherogenic indices as methods of evaluating clinical atherosclerotic diseases. The review seeks to consolidate the available evidence by examining the effectiveness of these indices in early identification, risk stratification and monitoring the progress of atherosclerotic diseases. Methodology: The systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. The PubMed, Scielo and Web of Science databases were consulted to identify relevant studies published in the last 10 years. The descriptors used were "atherogenic indices", "atherosclerotic diseases", "clinical assessment", "lipoproteins" and "cardiovascular risk factors". Inclusion criteria considered original studies that investigated the use of atherogenic indices in clinical populations, while exclusion criteria involved studies with unrepresentative samples and inadequate atherosclerotic assessment methods. Results: The results of the review highlight the diversity of available atherogenic indices and their usefulness in evaluating different aspects of atherosclerotic diseases, including prediction of cardiovascular events, risk stratification and treatment monitoring. The analysis identified indices that proved to be particularly sensitive and specific in different clinical contexts. Conclusion: In summary, the systematic review highlights the relevance of atherogenic indices as valuable tools in the assessment of clinical atherosclerotic diseases. The diversity of these indices and their ability to provide comprehensive information highlights their importance in clinical practice, contributing to a more refined and personalized approach to the management of these conditions

Perfil epidemiológico de Zika no Brasil: estudo ecológico: Epidemiological profile of Zika in Brazil: an ecological study

Objetivo: analisar o perfil epidemiológico da infecção pelo ZIKV no Brasil e comparar entre as regiões. Método: estudo ecológico sobre os registros relacionados à infecção pelo ZIKV no Brasil e nas regiões brasileiras nos anos de 2016 a 2020. Os dados foram extraídos do banco de dados do Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde e analisados por meio de incidência e frequência. Resultados: No período foram registrados 162.462 casos da infecção pelo ZIKV, com maior frequência em mulheres e em pessoas na faixa etária entre 20 a 59 anos. As regiões sudeste, nordeste e centro-oeste foram as que tiveram número mais expressivo e o ano de 2016 representou 87,2% dos casos. Entre 2016 e 2018 todas as regiões apresentaram decréscimo significativo na incidência e, em contrapartida, entre 2018 e 2019 todas tiveram aumento, com exceção da região Centro-Oeste, que apresentou aumento entre 2019 e 2020 enquanto todas as demais tiveram queda. Conclusão: O cenário da infecção pelo ZIKV no Brasil é dinâmico, com oscilações nos quantitativos e incidências no decorrer do tempo, o que denota a necessidade de manter a vigilância e prevenção

Controle fitoterápico e fúngico de parasitoses na criação de ruminantes

O parasitismo é um dos maiores problemas encontrados na produção animal, causando um grande impacto econômico. Com isso, o uso de métodos químicos de controle vem perdendo sua eficácia devido à resistência parasitária. O presente trabalho teve por objetivo realizar um estudo sobre os métodos alternativos de controle parasitário na criação de ruminantes frente a resistência medicamentosa, evidenciando as formas não químicas de controle. Foi realizado um levantamento bibliográfico por meio da literatura disponível online nos bancos de dados do Google Acadêmico, Scielo, Ars Veterinária e RSD journal. Foram analisadas publicações no período de 2010 a 2022 e utilizados os descritores "métodos alternativos", "controle biológico", "animais" e "parasitário". Com base na literatura, observou-se que técnicas de manejo que visam o emprego de métodos não químicos de controle, podem contribuir para a redução da resistência antiparasitária. Nesse sentido, a fitoterapia surge como alternativa para a demanda, com a vantagem de, em geral, ser mais acessível aos produtores, estrutural e socioeconomicamente desfavorecidos, do que fármacos alopáticos. Partindo da ecologia, sabe-se que a interação de fungos nematófagos e os nematoides pode auxiliar na contenção de formas infectantes dos helmintos gastrintestinais encontrados no pasto. Com isso, o controle biológico é igualmente apontado como uma alternativa natural ao parasitismo de ruminantes. Apesar das evidências positivas acerca dessas técnicas de manejo parasitárias, ressalta-se a importância de mais estudos específicos para cada espécie vegetal e fúngica que possam comprovar seus efeitos terapêuticos, além de estabelecer padrões para o seu uso