Systemic lupus erythematosus and implications for the oral cavity

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus affects several people around the world and because it is characterized as a chronic inflammatory disease of multifactorial origin, and with systemic impairment, great attention must be paid from diagnosis to treatment in order to optimize the entire follow-up of the patient. The dental doctor plays an important role in the diagnosis of the condition and must be attentive to the early signs that can appear in the oral cavity with a frequency of up to 21%. In this way, through this bibliographic review, which has as main goal to correlate Systemic Lupus Erythematosus with its direct consequences in the oral cavity, it will be possible to help dentists in the diagnosis, to understand in detail the development of the disease and what attitude should be taken in its presence.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Post-traumatic stress disorder in the military police of Rio de Janeiro: can a risk profile be identified?

Background: Significant exposure to critical incidents characteristic of military police work has a potentially traumatic effect and multiple consequences for the mental health of these professionals, such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This study aims to investigate the occurrence of PTSD in this occupational group and its correlations with socio-demographic and occupational variables. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of Rio de Janeiro’s Military Police officers (n = 3.577). Data was collected from self-reported questionnaires applied in an institutional health program. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist—Civilian version was used to assess PTSD. Results: Rates of 16.9% for full PTSD and 26.7% for partial PTSD were found. Based on logistic regression analysis, female officers and police officers in lower ranks of the military hierarchy and performing administrative duties were found to be at most risk of developing PTSD. Conclusions: These results suggest the need to further understand the predictive organizational and individual variables of PTSD correlated with the increased vulnerability of professionals in order to contribute to institutional policies for the prevention and rehabilitation of these cases.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Preocupações parentais de pais adotivos

Knowing the families in its multiple aspects is an intrinsic task of nursing care. It is essential listen to parents and define the changes to be implemented from what is felt by them as a complaint or restlessness. The concern for their children manifests itself usually through a complaint or concerns about the child. Adoptive parenthood is a different way to access parenting and being a mother or adoptive father brings other challenges and some more specific problems. This study aims to identify the parental concerns of adoptive parents and to identify which characteristics of these parents and adoption process can be associated with it. A descriptive cross-sectional study was developed. Data were collected from a snowball sample comprised of 18 adoptive families: 2 single adoptions and 16 joint adoptions or per couple, through a questionnaire that was sent by e - mail, which the Parental Concerns Scale (Algarvio and Leal, 2004), was part of. Based on the data found that the greatest concern of these parents are situated at the level of school problems and family concern , expressed on the concern if the child has what’s need in school and if the teacher understands the child. These concerns are observed with parents aged between 35 and 39 years old, who had adopted children who are currently in school age and without special needs. It is allied to these features that the adoption has been motivated by the desire to increase family integrated into a life project.Conhecer as famílias nas suas múltiplas vertentes é uma tarefa intrínseca à prestação de cuidados de enfermagem. É fundamental ouvir os pais e definir as mudanças a implementar a partir  daquilo que é sentido pelos mesmos como queixa ou inquietação. Esta preocupação relativamente aos seus filhos manifesta-se, habitualmente, através de uma queixa ou inquietação a respeito da criança. Sendo a parentalidade adotiva uma forma diferente de aceder à parentalidade, ser mãe ou pai adotivo traz outros desafios e alguns problemas mais específicos. Este estudo pretende identificar as preocupações parentais dos pais adotivos e identificar quais as características desses pais e do processo de adoção que se lhe associa. Foi desenvolvido um estudo descritivo e transversal. Os dados foram colhidos junto de uma amostra em bola de neve composta por 18 famílias adotivas: 2 adoções singulares e 16 adoções conjuntas ou por casal, através de um questionário enviado por e-mail, do qual fazia parte a escala de preocupações parentais de Algarvio e Leal (2004). Com base nos dados obtidos verificámos que a maior preocupação destes pais se situa ao nível das preocupações escolares e problemas familiares, manifestada na preocupação se a criança tem o que precisa na escola e se a professora entende a criança. A estas preocupações observam-se em pais com idades entre os 35 e os 39 anos, que adotaram crianças que estão atualmente em idade escolar e sem necessidades especiais. Alia-se a estas características o facto de a adoção ter sido motivada pelo desejo de aumentar a família integrado num projeto de vida

Glycosylation with O-linked β-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) induces vascular dysfunction via production of superoxide anion/reactive oxygen species

Overproduction of superoxide anion (•O2-) and O-linked β-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc)-modification in the vascular system are contributors to endothelial dysfunction. This study tested the hypothesis that increased levels of O-GlcNAc-modified proteins contribute to •O2- production via activation of NADPH oxidase, resulting in impaired vasodilation. Rat aortic segments and vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMCs) were incubated with vehicle (methanol) or PUGNAc (100 µM). PUGNAc produced a time-dependent increase in O-GlcNAc levels in VSMC and decreased endothelium-dependent relaxation, which was prevented by apocynin and Tiron, suggesting that •O2- contributes to endothelial dysfunction under augmented O-GlcNAc levels. Aortic segments incubated with PUGNAc also exhibited increased levels of ROS, assessed by dihydroethidium fluorescence, and augmented •O2- production, determined by lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence. Additionally, PUGNAc treatment increased Nox1 and Nox4 protein expression in aorta and VSMCs. Translocation of p47phox subunit from the cytosol to the membrane was greater in aortas incubated with PUGNAc. VSMCs displayed increased p22phox protein expression after PUGNAc incubation, suggesting that NADPH oxidase is activated in conditions where O-GlcNAc protein levels are increased. In conclusion, O-GlcNAc levels reduce endothelium-dependent relaxation by overproduction of •O2- via activation of NADPH oxidase. This may represent an additional mechanism by which augmented O-GlcNAc levels impair vascular function

Changes in click characteristics during ABR recording

SummaryManipulation of auditory stimuli affect the ABR evoked potentials and aid the diagnosis, particularly in auditory neuropathy patients. Some patients with auditory neuropathy lose evoked otoacoustic emissions over time; in these cases, comparing responses to rarefaction and condensation clicks, and decreasing the stimulus rate can show an extended cochlear microphonism or yield an improved electric potential record.AimTo analyze the effect of these click manipulations on the records of potentials of patients with hearing loss as a form of improving the diagnosis.Study designA clinical prospective study.Patients and Method59 patients with hearing loss underwent ABR recording using rarefaction and condensation clicks at a stimulus rate of 27.7/sec, and rarefaction clicks at a stimulus rate of 3.3/sec. The records were compared to the otoacoustic evoked emission.ResultsEight (13.53%) patients showed changes in the recorded ABR potentials as a result of manipulating the characteristics of clicks, such as extended cochlear microphonism or an improved record of electric potentials. Five patients had no otoacoustic evoked emissions.ConclusionManipulation of click stimuli can improve the topographic diagnosis of hearing loss, particularly in the group of auditory neuropathy patients with no otoacoustic evoked emissions, where usually, the diagnosis is only possible through the method described above

Analysis of EGFR Overexpression, EGFR gene amplification and the EGFRvIII Mutation in portuguese high-grade gliomas

Background: Patients with malignant gliomas do not respond to any current therapy. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) controls several oncogenic processes, being frequently up-regulated in gliomas due to overexpression, gene amplification and gene mutation. EGFR inhibitors are being tried in gliomas, yet the molecular determinants of therapeutic response are unclear. Materials and Methods: EGFR overexpression, EGFRvIII mutation and EGFR amplification were determined by immunohistochemistry and chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH) in 27 primary glioblastomas (GBM), 24 anaplastic oligodendrogliomas (AO) and four anaplastic oligoastrocytomas (AOA). Results: EGFR overexpression was associated with EGFR amplification, being found in 48% and 53% GBM, 33% and 40% AO and 75% and 67% AOA, respectively. EGFRvIII was found in 22% GBM, 8% AO and was absent in AOA. No association was observed between EGFR alterations and patient survival. Conclusion: We characterized, for the first time, EGFR molecular alterations in Portuguese patients with malignant glioma and identified a subpopulation of patients presenting putative biomarkers for EGFR-based therapies

Development of a UV/Vis spectrophotometric method for analysis of total polyphenols from Caesalpinia peltophoroides Benth

Caesalpinia peltophoroides is a domesticated tree found in Brazil. It was necessary to develop an analytical method to determine the content of total polyphenols (TP) in this herbal drug. The pre-analytical method was standardized for analysis time, wavelength, and the best standard to use. The optimum conditions were: pyrogallol, 760 nm, and 30 min respectively. Under these conditions, validation by UV/Vis spectrophotometry proved to be reliable for TP of the crude extract and semipurified fractions from C. peltophoroides. Standardization is required for every herbal drug, and this method proved to be linear, precise, accurate, reproducible, robust, and easy to perform

Significance of osteopontin expression in human invasive breast tumour stroma

Osteopontin has been reported to stimulate cell adhesion, migration and specific signalling functions. Its overexpression has been found in melanoma, breast, lung, colorectal, stomach and ovarian cancer. However, its overexpression and role in human breast cancer remains to be elucidated. In this study, invasive breast tumours from 129 patients were examined by immunohistochemistry in order to assess osteopontin association with several molecular tumour markers. Additionally, its relationship with proliferation and angiogenesis was determined. Ultimately, other tumour variables such as histological grade, tumour size and nodal status were also assessed. Results achieved showed that no statistical significant association exists between osteopontin expression and major clinicopathological parameters or angiogenesis, except for the number of lymph nodes involved. However, a correlation with some molecular markers was observed, namely with P-Cadherin, EGFR, cytokeratin 14 and vimentin. Additionally, higher proliferation rates were found for the tumours expressing osteopontin. Although several studies refer osteopontin as a potential breast cancer biomarker, it is still not clear if it can provide important diagnosis information, evaluate treatment effects or assess the potential for metastatic disease in patients.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT

Physical training improves cardiopulmonary functional capacity and increases cytokine IL-10 levels in individuals with Chagas disease

Purpose: To evaluate cardiopulmonary functional capacity and the production of cytokines in patients with and without Chagas disease, and with and without hypertension, after short and long-term exercise.Methods: In a case-controlled study, 56 participants who attended the Chagas Disease Laboratory at the State University of Maringa (LDC/UEM) and Basic Health Units (UBS) in Maringa that agreed to participate. The participants were divided into the following groups: 16 with Chagas disease (CHD group), 21 with systemic arterial hypertension (SAH group) and 19 normal individuals without these morbidities (NI group). Each participant performed the 6-min walk test (6MWT), and a 12-week physical training program. Pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines were measured before and after physical training.Results: The CHD group presented good performance in the 6MWT, with no significant differences in distance traveled or perceived exertion (p > 0.05) compared with the NI group. After physical training, the 6MWT results were significantly better, with significant decreases in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, in the SAH group (p = 0.0409; and p = 0.0377, respectively) and NI group (p = 0.0180; and p = 0.0431, respectively) and a significant increase in the levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10; p < 0.05) in all three groups. The NI group exhibited a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the serum levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-17 and tumor necrosis factor (all p< 0.05).Conclusion: All of the participants presented improvements in cardiopulmonary functional capacity and good prognosis, indicating the protective effect of IL-10 production and the benefits of physical training.Keywords: Chagas disease, Six-minute walk test, Physical training, Cytokines, Cardiopulmonary function capacity, Hypertensio

In Vitro Hepatotoxic and Neurotoxic Effects of Titanium and Cerium Dioxide Nanoparticles, Arsenic and Mercury Co-Exposure

This article belongs to the Special Issue Toxicity of Nanomaterials and Legacy Contaminants: Risks to the Environment and Human Health.Considering the increasing emergence of new contaminants, such as nanomaterials, mixing with legacy contaminants, including metal(loid)s, it becomes imperative to understand the toxic profile resulting from these interactions. This work aimed at assessing and comparing the individual and combined hepatotoxic and neurotoxic potential of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs 0.75-75 mg/L), cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2NPs 0.075-10 μg/L), arsenic (As 0.01-2.5 mg/L), and mercury (Hg 0.5-100 mg/L) on human hepatoma (HepG2) and neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells. Viability was assessed through WST-1 (24 h) and clonogenic (7 days) assays and it was affected in a dose-, time- and cell-dependent manner. Higher concentrations caused greater toxicity, while prolonged exposure caused inhibition of cell proliferation, even at low concentrations, for both cell lines. Cell cycle progression, explored by flow cytometry 24 h post-exposure, revealed that TiO2NPs, As and Hg but not CeO2NPs, changed the profiles of SH-SY5Y and HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent manner, and that the cell cycle was, overall, more affected by exposure to mixtures. Exposure to binary mixtures revealed either potentiation or antagonistic effects depending on the composition, cell type and time of exposure. These findings prove that joint toxicity of contaminants cannot be disregarded and must be further explored.This research was funded by FEDER—Fundo Europeu de Desenvolvimento Regional funds through the COMPETE 2020—Operacional Programme for Competitiveness and Internationalisation (POCI), and by Portuguese funds through FCT—Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia in the framework of the project POCI-01-0145-FEDER-029651. This work was also financed by national funds through FCT—Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, I.P., in the scope of projects UIDB/04750/2020 and LA/P/0064/2020. This work was also developed within the scope of the project CICECO- Aveiro Institute of Materials, UIDB/50011/2020, UIDP/50011/2020 & LA/P/0006/2020, financed by national funds through the FCT/MEC (PIDDAC). A.T. Reis thanks the financial support of FCT through individual Grant SFRH/BPD/122112/2016. C.B. Lopes and A.C. Estrada acknowledge their research position funded by national funds (OE), through FCT—Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, I.P., in the scope of the framework contract foreseen in the numbers 4, 5 and 6 of the article 23, of the Decree-Law 57/2016, of August 29, changed by Law 57/2017, of July 19.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio