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Chronic inflammation plays an important role in the progression and outcome of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The circulating levels of the inflammatory biomarkers interleukin 6 (IL6) and pentraxin 3 (PTX3) are enhanced in CKD patients, and are associated with the progression of the disease and with higher risk for cardiovascular events, the major cause of death in CKD patients. Our aim was to study how specific polymorphisms of IL6 and PTX3 encoding genes affect the inflammatory response and outcome of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on dialysis. Methodology included the analysis of two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP), namely the IL6 (rs1800795) polymorphism in the promoter region (-174G > C), and the PTX3 (rs2305619) polymorphism in the intron 1 (+ 281A > G), which were analyzed in ESRD patients on dialysis and in a group of heathy individuals. The allelic frequencies, genotype distribution and their association with circulating levels of the inflammatory markers C-reactive protein (CRP), IL6, growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) and PTX3, were determined in ESRD patients. Events of death were recorded along one year, to assess the association of the studied SNPs with all-cause mortality and the inflammatory biomarkers, in ESRD patients. Results showed that the allelic frequencies and genotype distribution for IL6 and PTX3 SNPs in the control group and ESRD patients were similar and in agreement with other European reports. For the IL6 polymorphism, we found a trend towards higher levels of high-sensitivity (hs) CRP, IL6 and PTX3 in the homozygous genotypes; the CC genotype also showed the highest levels of GDF15. The mortality rate after the 1-year follow-up was 10.4%. The CC genotype (IL6 SNP) was associated to a higher risk of mortality and deceased patients carrying this genotype also showed the highest levels of hsCRP. Regarding the studied PTX3 SNP, the AA genotype was linked to an enhanced inflammatory response, showing the highest values of hsCRP and IL6. Nevertheless, this genotype had no significant impact on the mortality rate. In conclusion, both studied SNPs seem to modulate the inflammatory response in ESRD and may, therefore, be determinant on disease progression and patients' outcome. Our data also highlights the importance of research on genetic variants that, although less frequent, may have significant biological value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Worldwide, the number of elderly individuals receiving chronic hemodialysis is rising. The aim of our study was to evaluate several clinical and analytical biomarkers in chronically dialyzed patients and analyze how they change with age. A cross-sectional study was performed by evaluating 289 end-stage renal disease patients undergoing dialysis. We evaluated the hemogram, adipokines, the lipid profile, and several markers related to inflammation, endothelial function/fibrinolysis, nutrition, iron metabolism, and cardiac and renal fibrosis. Clinical data and dialysis efficacy parameters were obtained from all patients. The relationships between studied biomarkers and age were assessed by a statistical comparison between younger (adults with age < 65 years) and older (age ≥ 65 years) patients and by performing regression analysis. Participants presented a mean age of 68.7 years (±13.6), with 66.8% (n = 193) being classified as older. Compared to younger patients, older patients presented the following: (a) significantly lower values of diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and ultrafiltration volume; (b) lower levels of phosphorus, uric acid, creatinine, and albumin; and (c) higher circulating concentrations of tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA), D-dimer, interleukin-6, leptin, N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1. In the multiple linear regression analysis, DBP values, tPA, phosphorus, and D-dimer levels were independently associated with the age of patients (standardized betas: −0.407, 0.272, −0.230, and 0.197, respectively; p < 0.001 for all), demonstrating relevant changes in biomarkers with increasing age at cardiovascular and nutritional levels. These findings seem to result from crosstalk mechanisms between aging and chronic kidney disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and peroxiredoxin 2 (Prx2) are particularly important in erythroid cells. Reticulocytes and other erythroid precursors may adapt their biosynthetic mechanisms to cell defects or to changes in the bone marrow environment. Our aim was to perform a comparative study of the mRNA levels of CAT, GPX1, PRDX2 and SOD1 in reticulocytes from healthy individuals and from patients with hereditary spherocytosis (HS), sickle cell disease (SCD) and β-thalassemia (β-thal), and to study the association between their transcript levels and the reticulocyte maturity indices. In controls, the enzyme mRNA levels were significantly correlated with reticulocyte maturity indices for all genes except for SOD1. HS, SCD and β-thal patients showed younger reticulocytes, with higher transcript levels of all enzymes, although with different patterns. β-thal and HS showed similar reticulocyte maturity, with different enzyme mRNA levels; SCD and HS, with different reticulocyte maturity, presented similar enzyme mRNA levels. Our data suggest that the transcript profile for these antioxidant enzymes is not entirely related to reticulocyte maturity; it appears to also reflect adaptive mechanisms to abnormal erythropoiesis and/or to altered erythropoietic environments, leading to reticulocytes with distinct antioxidant potential according to each anemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies reveal that the negative effect of discrimination on mental health is particularly pernicious among stigmatised minorities. However, research also points out the importance of protection mechanisms that may buffer its effect. This study aimed to explore the relationships between mental health, perceived discrimination, and coping strategies of positive reframing and self-blame in LGB and heterosexual youth. Data were collected through a paper and pencil and an online survey administered to 195 Portuguese adolescents and young adults. The survey covered mental health (Mental Health Inventory-5), discrimination (Everyday Discrimination Scale), and coping strategies (Brief COPE). Of the sample, 73.3% were women and 51.8% self-identified as lesbian, gay or bisexual (LGB). Analyses of variance show that LGB participants have experienced more discrimination than their heterosexual counterparts. There was no difference in the levels of mental health and the use of self-blame or positive reframing coping strategies. Regression analyses reveal that perceived discrimination and self-blame contribute to the worsening of the mental health of LGB and heterosexual youth. Positive reframing coping was a predictor of mental health only in LGB participants, a strategy that contributed to their resilience in the face of discrimination. Additionally, only LGB participants displayed an indirect effect of discrimination on mental health, partially mediated by self-blame coping. Results corroborate previous findings that suggest that perceived discrimination has a more deleterious effect for members of a minority group and support the psychological mediation framework regarding the effect of discrimination on mental health in stigmatised groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Recent studies on the life satisfaction in children and young people have investigated its association with vulnerability, discrimination, the individual's school environment and network of relationships, and mental health. The growing interest in the area demands instruments with good psychometric properties. Aim: The aim of this study is to study the psychometric properties of the Multidimensional Life Satisfaction Scale for Children (MLSS-C). Method: The participants were 379 elementary schoolchildren aged 9 to 14 ( M = 10.5 years), enrolled in public schools in a city in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The instruments used were the MLSS-C, the Self-Description Assessment Questionnaire 1 (SDQ1), the Social Skills Rating System (SSRS), and the Childhood Stress Scale (CSS). Two data collections were made, one in the fifth year of elementary school and one in the sixth. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was carried out to assess the structural model's goodness of fit. The internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha and composite reliability), test-retest reliability and the discriminant, convergent, and divergent validity were also assessed. Results: Regarding CFA, after removing items with saturation values below .50, six dimensions proposed by the authors remained, five of them with alpha values above .70. The construct validity was confirmed by finding moderate and positive correlations between life satisfaction and self-concept and social skills (convergent validity) and lower and negative correlation with childhood stress (divergent validity). Conclusion: Together, the reported results provide preliminary evidence of the reliability and validity of this scale. It is suggested, therefore, that this scale is suitable for both research and practice with Brazilian schoolchildren. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a familistic southern European society such as the Portuguese, the family has historically played a prominent role in supporting the negotiation of transition pathways into adulthood. The present study aimed at capturing (1) the relative weight of parental financial support and autonomy support in contributing to the youngsters' psychological well-being (PWB), and (2) the mediating role of identity capital and uncertainty management in this relationship. A total of 620 participants completed measures of parental support, identity capital, uncertainty management and PWB. Autonomy support was found to be the strongest predictor of PWB, both directly and indirectly through its effects on identity capital and the use of target focused uncertainty management strategies. Conversely, financial support evidenced only a minor indirect impact through the mediation of tangible identity capital. Autonomy stimulation may constitute one of the most developmentally determinant family challenges in assisting the process of coming of age in Portugal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discrimination has a negative impact on people's mental health and academic and socioemotional outcomes. One of the most commonly used instruments to assess the frequency of discrimination experiences is the Everyday Discrimination Scale. However, this instrument has not yet been adapted to the Brazilian context. Hence, this study aimed to adapt and validate the Everyday Discrimination Scale to a sample of Brazilian adolescents and young adults of low socioeconomic level and describe the most prevalent grounds for discrimination. Linguistic equivalences and the scale's factorial structure were analyzed. The sample comprised 995 students with a background of poverty, attending five public elementary schools in Rio de Janeiro State and two public universities of Ceará State, aged between 11 and 29 years old (M = 15,81; SD = 3,55), of which 54,8% (n = 522) were women. The Exploratory Factor Analysis revealed a unifactorial structure, with good reliability and convergent validity. Among the reasons mentioned for the perceived discrimination, physical appearance and socioeconomic level were the most frequent. The findings suggest the scale's adapted version presents psychometric qualities that allow its use with Brazilian adolescents and young people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mounting evidence on the short- and long-term adverse effects associated with gadolinium [Gd (III)]-based contrast agents used in magnetic resonance imaging have emerged in the past 3 decades. Safety issues arise from the release of Gd (III) from chelates and its deposition in tissues, which is exacerbated in patients with renal disease, because the kidney is the major excretion organ of most of these agents. This study aimed at unveiling the cellular and molecular mechanisms of nephrotoxicity of Gd (III), using an in vitro model of human proximal tubular cells (HK-2 cell line). Cell viability declined in a concentration- and time-dependent manner after exposure to GdCl3·6H2O. The estimated inhibitory concentrations (ICs) eliciting 1%–50% of cell death, after 24 h of exposure, ranged from 3.4 to 340.5 µM. At toxic concentrations, exposure to Gd (III) led to disruption of the oxidative status, mitochondrial dysfunction, cell death by apoptosis, switching to necrosis at higher levels, and autophagic activation. Disturbance of the lipid metabolism was already observed at low-toxicity ICs, with accumulation of lipid droplets, and upregulation of genes related to both lipogenesis and lipolysis. Gd (III)-exposure, even at the subtoxic IC01, increased the expression of modulators of various signaling pathways involved in the development and progression of renal disease, including inflammation, hypoxia, and fibrosis. Our results give new insights into the mechanisms underlying the nephrotoxic potential of Gd (III) and highlight the need to further clarify the risks versus benefits of the Gd (III)-based contrast agents currently in use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Human erythrocyte peroxiredoxin 2 (Prx2) is a typical 2-cys cytosolic peroxiredoxin with thiol-dependent hydrogen peroxide scavenger activity. In a previous work, we reported Prx2 erythrocyte membrane linkage in some Hereditary Spherocytosis patients and that it seemed to be related to oxidative stress. The aim of the present work was to determine if Prx2 linkage to erythrocyte membrane could be induced by oxidative stress mediated by H2O2 and to further understand how and why this process occurs. We performed in vitro assays in which catalase or both Hb autoxidation and catalase were inhibited, under H2O2-induced oxidative stress conditions. Erythrocyte membrane linked Prx2 was detected by immunoblotting and quantified by densitometry. As oxidative stress markers, we determined membrane bound hemoglobin and lipid peroxidation, and we found that their values increased with H2O2 concentration. Prx2 linkage to the membrane also rose with increasing H2O2 concentration, and was only observed when the oxidized form of the enzyme was present in the cytosol. Oxidized Hb and Prx2 membrane linkages appear to be independent processes, although, both result from oxidative stress and may be useful as oxidative stress and/or erythrocyte damage/senescence markers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The itch associated with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), including Mycosis Fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS), is often severe and poorly responsive to treatment with antihistamines. Recent studies have highlighted the possible role of interleukins in nonhistaminergic itch. We investigated the role of IL-31 and IL-8 in CTCL, concerning disease severity and associated itch. Serum samples of 27 patients with CTCL (17 MF and 10 SS) and 29 controls (blood donors) were analyzed for interleukin- (IL-) 31 and IL-8; correlations with disease and itch severity were evaluated. IL-31 serum levels were higher in CTCL patients than in controls and higher in SS than in MF. Also, serum IL-31 levels were higher in patients with advanced disease compared to those with early disease, and they correlated positively with lactate dehydrogenase and beta 2-microglobulin levels, as well as with the Sézary cell count. Itch affected 67% of CTCL patients (MF: 47%; SS: 100%). Serum IL-31 levels were higher in itching patients than in controls and in patients without itching. There was no association between serum IL-8 and disease severity, nor with itching. Serum IL-8 levels correlated positively with peripheral blood leukocyte and neutrophil counts in CTCL patients. Our study suggests a role for IL-31 in CTCL-associated itch, especially in advanced disease and SS, offering a rational target for new therapeutic approaches. Increased serum IL-8 observed in some patients may be related to concomitant infections, and its role in exacerbating itch by recruiting neutrophils and promoting the release of neutrophil proteases deserves further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) should be highly biocompatible, stable and safely eliminated from the body, and can therefore be successfully used in modern medicine. Synthetic hydroxyapatite (HAP) has well established biocompatible and non-inflammatory properties, as well as a highly stable and flexible structure that allows for an easy incorporation of magnetic ions. This study characterized and compared the in vitro cytotoxicity and hemocompatibility of hydroxyapatite MNPs doped with different ions (Gd 3+/ Fe 2+ /Fe 3+ /Co 2+ ). HAP doped with 10% of Gd and Fe(III) presented the highest magnetic moments. Our results showed that Gd doped HAP nanoparticles are non-cytotoxic, hemocompatible, non-hemolytic and non-thrombogenic, in contrast with Fe(III) doped HAP that can be considered thrombogenic. For these reasons we propose that, Gd doped HAP nanoparticles have the most potential for application as a MRI contrast agents. However, use of Fe (III) doped HAP as MRI contrast agents should be further investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peer victimization and discrimination are two related forms of social victimization. However, the majority of studies only focus on one form or the other. This study investigates resilience in victims of both these forms of violence. To identify individual and family level factors that foster, or hinder, resilience in the face of both peer victimization and perceived discrimination. In a sample of 2975 high-school students, 22% (n = 644) met the criteria for substantial social victimization. The sample's mean age was 16.5 years, 57% were girls, 19% were in vocational courses, 12% were from an ethnic minority background, and 5% were lesbian, gay, or bisexual. A measure of resilience was created by regressing the mean levels of current mental health, self-esteem, and life satisfaction on the frequency of lifetime peer victimization and past year perceived discrimination. Regression analyses were conducted to identify correlates of resilience considering protective and vulnerability factors, including sociodemographic information, anxious personality, empathy, coping strategies, familial optimism, and the relationship with their mother and father. Resilience was associated with low anxious personality, four coping strategies (active, use of humor, low self-blame, low substance use), and satisfaction with the relationship with the mother. Resilience is related to both behavioral and meaning-making coping strategies, personality traits, and satisfaction in relationships. This study's findings can be used to tailor interventions to foster resilience in adolescents exposed to social victimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to study the influence of preventing methemoglobin (metHb) formation, in the roles of peroxiredoxin 2 (Prx2), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) on the erythrocyte antioxidant defense system. We performed in vitro assays using healthy erythrocytes, with and without inhibition of autoxidation of Hb (saturation with carbon monoxide), followed by H 2 O 2 -induced oxidative stress. We assessed the enzyme activities and amounts of CAT, GPx and Prx2 in the red blood cell (RBC) cytosol and membrane and several biomarkers of oxidative stress, such as the reduced and oxidized glutathione levels, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels, membrane bound hemoglobin and total antioxidant status. When autoxidation of Hb was inhibited, no significant changes were found for GPx and CAT; Prx2 was observed only in the monomeric form in the cytosol and none bound to the membrane. Blocking the function of Hb as a pseudo-peroxidase does not seem to have an impact on the function of the RBC peroxidases., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Intergenerational solidarity between parents and emerging adult offspring requires more substantial attention at the present time. Changing demographic structures and transformations in family dynamics over recent decades have increased both opportunities and the need for parent-child interactions and exchanges of support and affection during emerging adulthood., Purpose: The study had two aims: first, to explore patterns in intergenerational solidarity in accordance with different sociodemographic characteristics of emerging adults; and second, to analyse associations between intergenerational solidarity and emerging adults' psychological distress and satisfaction with life., Methods: Participants were 644 emerging adult university students from Southern Europe (Spain and Portugal), aged between 18 and 29 years, who completed a self-report questionnaire designed to assess variables linked to sociodemographic aspects (gender, country of residence, sexual orientation, living status, family income), intergenerational solidarity, psychological distress and satisfaction with life., Results: The results indicated some differences in intergenerational solidarity patterns in accordance with a range of sociodemographic characteristics. They also revealed significant associations between intergenerational solidarity dimensions and emerging adults' satisfaction with life and psychological distress. Moreover, affective solidarity was found to fully mediate the relationship between associational, functional and normative solidarity and emerging adults' adjustment. In the case of conflictual solidarity, affective solidarity was found to partially mediate the relationship between this dimension of intergenerational solidarity and emerging adults' distress and to fully mediate the relationship between this same dimension and emerging adults' satisfaction with life., Conclusion: The results indicate that it is important to take sociodemographic diversity into account when exploring relationships between emerging adults and their parents. They also suggest that affective solidarity acts as a protective factor in promoting emerging adults' adjustment., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work., (© 2024 García-Mendoza et al.)

We aimed to study the impact of polymorphisms in the genes encoding interleukin-6 (IL6) and tumor necrosis factor receptor-2 (TNFR2), reported to be mortality risk predictors, in patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) undergoing dialysis. TNFRSF1B (rs3397, rs1061624, and rs1061622) and IL6 (rs1800796, rs1800797, and rs1554606) polymorphisms were studied in patients with ESKD and controls; the genotype and allele frequencies and the associations with inflammatory and erythropoiesis markers were determined; deaths were recorded throughout the following two years. The genotype and allele frequencies for the TNFRSF1B rs3397 polymorphism were different in these patients compared to those in the controls and the global and European populations, and patients with the C allele were less common. Patients with the CC genotype for TNFRSF1B rs3397 presented higher hemoglobin and erythrocyte counts and lower TNF-α levels, suggesting a more favorable inflammatory response that seems to be associated with erythropoiesis improvement. Patients with the GG genotype for TNFRSF1B rs1061622 showed lower serum ferritin levels. None of the TNFRSF1B (rs3397, rs1061624, and rs1061622) or IL6 (rs1800796, rs1800797, and rs1554606) polymorphisms had a significant impact on the all-cause mortality rate of Portuguese patients with ESKD.

Catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and peroxiredoxin 2 (Prx2) can counteract the deleterious effects of oxidative stress (OS). Their binding to the red blood cell (RBC) membrane has been reported in non-immune hemolytic anemias (NIHAs). Our aim was to evaluate the relationships between CAT, GPx, and Prx2, focusing on their role at the RBC membrane, in hereditary spherocytosis (HS), sickle cell disease (SCD), β-thalassemia (β-thal), and healthy individuals. The studies were performed in plasma and in the RBC cytosol and membrane, evaluating OS biomarkers and the enzymatic activities and/or the amounts of CAT, GPx, and Prx2. The binding of the enzymes to the membrane appears to be the primary protective mechanism against oxidative membrane injuries in healthy RBCs. In HS (unsplenectomized) and β-thal, translocation from the cytosol to the membrane of CAT and Prx2, respectively, was observed, probably to counteract lipid peroxidation. RBCs from splenectomized HS patients showed the highest membrane-bound hemoglobin, CAT, and GPx amounts in the membrane. SCD patients presented the lowest amount of enzyme linkage, possibly due to structural changes induced by sickle hemoglobin. The OS-induced changes and antioxidant response were different between the studied NIHAs and may contribute to the different clinical patterns in these patients.

Gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) have been used for more than 30 years to improve magnetic resonance imaging, a crucial tool for medical diagnosis and treatment monitoring across multiple clinical settings. Studies have shown that exposure to GBCAs is associated with gadolinium release and tissue deposition that may cause short- and long-term toxicity in several organs, including the kidney, the main excretion organ of most GBCAs. Considering the increasing prevalence of chronic kidney disease worldwide and that most of the complications following GBCA exposure are associated with renal dysfunction, the mechanisms underlying GBCA toxicity, especially renal toxicity, are particularly important. A better understanding of the gadolinium mechanisms of toxicity may contribute to clarify the safety and/or potential risks associated with the use of GBCAs. In this work, a review of the recent literature concerning gadolinium and GBCA mechanisms of toxicity was performed.

Catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and Prx2 (peroxiredoxin 2) are the main antioxidant enzymatic defenses of erythrocytes. They prevent and minimize oxidative injuries in red blood cell (RBC) components, which are continuously exposed to oxidative stress (OS). The crosstalk between CAT, GPx and Prx2 is still not fully disclosed, as well as why these typically cytoplasmic enzymes bind to the RBC membrane. Our aim was to understand the interplay between CAT, GPx and Prx2 in the erythrocyte's cytosol and membrane. Under specific (partial) inhibition of each enzyme and increasing H 2 O 2 -induced OS conditions, we evaluated the enzyme activities and amounts, the binding of CAT, GPx and Prx2 to RBC membrane, and biomarkers of OS, such as the reduced and oxidized glutathione levels, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels, membrane bound hemoglobin and total antioxidant status. Our results support the hypothesis that when high levels of H 2 O 2 get within the erythrocyte, CAT is the main player in the antioxidant protection of the cell, while Prx2 and GPx have a less striking role. Moreover, we found that CAT, appears to have more importance in the antioxidant protection of cytoplasm than of the membrane components, since when the activity of CAT is disturbed, GPx and Prx2 are both activated in the cytosol and mobilized to the membrane. In more severe OS conditions, the antioxidant activity of GPx is more significant at the membrane, as we found that GPx moves from the cytosol to the membrane, probably to protect it from lipid peroxidation., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors report no declarations of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a common cardiovascular complication in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients. We aimed at studying the association of LVH with adiponectin and leptin levels, cardiovascular stress/injury biomarkers and nutritional status in these patients. We evaluated the LV mass (LVM) and calculated the LVM index (LVMI) in 196 ESKD patients on dialysis; the levels of hemoglobin, calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone, albumin, adiponectin, leptin, N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and growth differentiation factor (GDF)-15 were analyzed. ESKD patients with LVH ( n = 131) presented higher NT-proBNP and GDF-15, lower hemoglobin and, after adjustment for gender, lower leptin levels compared with non-LVH patients. LVH females also showed lower leptin than the non-LVH female group. In the LVH group, LVMI presented a negative correlation with leptin and a positive correlation with NT-proBNP. Leptin emerged as an independent determinant of LVMI in both groups, and NT-proBNP in the LVH group. Low hemoglobin and leptin and increased calcium, NT-proBNP and dialysis vintage are associated with an increased risk of developing LVH. In ESKD patients on dialysis, LVH is associated with lower leptin values (especially in women), which are negatively correlated with LVMI, and with higher levels of biomarkers of myocardial stress/injury. Leptin and NT-proBNP appear as independent determinants of LVMI; dialysis vintage, hemoglobin, calcium, NT-proBNP and leptin emerged as predicting markers for LVH development. Further studies are needed to better understand the role of leptin in LVH in ESKD patients.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with poor mental health symptoms, particularly among vulnerable populations such as LGBTQ+ individuals. In the present study, we aimed to (i) identify different psychological adjustment profiles among LGBTQ+ young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic and compare LGBTQ+ young adults in relation to (ii) sociodemographic characteristics and COVID-19-related experiences and (iii) the internal and external protective resources associated with each adjustment profile. An online questionnaire was administered to 1699 LGBTQ+ young adults from six countries (Brazil, Chile, Italy, Portugal, Sweden, and the UK). A cluster analysis was conducted, and four profiles of psychological adjustment were identified: unchallenged, resilient, distressed, and at-risk. The at-risk cluster scored lowest in social support (particularly from family). The profiles of participants who experienced the highest levels of pandemic adversity (at-risk and resilient) comprised mostly South American participants, those under lockdown at the time of survey completion, those who self-identified as transgender and non-binary, and those with a plurisexual sexual orientation. Interventions should consider strategies to help young adults maintain support systems and reinforce the value of positive family relationships. Specific groups within the LGBTQ+ community that seem to be in a particularly vulnerable situation may need additional tailored support.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is commonly associated with a high burden of comorbidities and poor clinical outcomes. Malnutrition-inflammation-atherosclerosis syndrome is common in the more severe stages of CKD, suggesting a close interplay for these three comorbid conditions. Both malnutrition and obesity are associated with a disturbed adipokine profile and inflammation, contributing to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events. Adiponectin and leptin have important roles in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, and in the inflammatory process. The effects of adiponectin and leptin alterations in CKD, which are usually increased, and their association with the different comorbidities found in CKD, will be focused on to understand their crosstalk with the risk of CVD events. Nonetheless, although adiponectin and leptin contribute to a higher risk of CVD events, further studies are warranted to fully clarify their roles, especially when different comorbidities exist.

Introduction: There is a growing demand for more aesthetic, comfortable, and faster orthodontic treatments, and clear aligners emerged as a solution to fulfill this need. However, the effectiveness of clear aligners to treat complex malocclusions is yet contentious. The use of acceleration methods could improve the efficacy of clear aligners by stimulating cells' mechanobiology through numerous pathways, but this hypothesis is still poorly explored., Objective: We aimed to monitor the release profile of an inflammatory marker-the interleukin-1 β -and to evaluate its relationship with self-reported pain scores with and without the use of acceleration techniques during an orthodontic treatment requiring difficult tooth movements with clear aligners. Case Report . Here, we report a case of a 46-year-old female patient who presented functional and aesthetic complaints. Intraoral examination revealed a diminished overjet and overbite, rotation of teeth 45 and 24, absence of teeth 25, 35, and 36, buccolingual dislocation of tooth 21, a tendency to a Class III malocclusion, and a 2 mm left deviation of the lower midline. This study is divided into three stimulation phases: no stimulation, mechanical vibration stimulation, and photobiomodulation. Interleukin-1 β levels in gingival crevicular fluid samples from the pressure side of six selected teeth were evaluated at four time points after the orthodontic treatment onset. Pain monitoring in those teeth was performed using a visual analogue scale at the same time points., Results: Interleukin-1 β protein production peaked 24 h after treatment onset. Complex movements were associated with increased self-reported pain., Conclusion: Clear aligners show limitations in solving complex tooth movements, even when combined with acceleration. The development of customized and programmable stimulation microdevices integrated into "smart aligners," which could be designed to specifically stimulate the direction of movement and stimulation parameters and could constitute a solution to optimize the orthodontic tooth movement with clear aligners., Competing Interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare., (Copyright © 2022 Selma Pascoal et al.)

The coparenting relationship begins with a process of planning and negotiation about having children. Available psychological instruments have not been adapted to sexual minority people, which compromises their ecological validity. This mixed method study aimed to adapt and validate a prospective version of the Co-Parenting Relationship Scale in a Portuguese sample of sexual minority and heterosexual adults who did not have children and who were in a dyadic relationship. In study 1, cognitive interviews were used to gather participants' reflections about the original items and the role played by the family of origin and anticipated stigma in coparenting ( n = 6). In study 2, using a sample of individuals from 18 to 45 years old, two Exploratory Factor Analyses (EFA) were conducted separately for sexual minority ( n = 167) and heterosexual persons ( n = 198), and a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was conducted for heterosexual persons ( n = 176). Results showed underscored the importance of families of origin independent of sexual orientation. Different factorial structures for sexual minority and heterosexual persons were observed. Among sexual minority persons, the role of stigma was also highlighted. Implications for practice and research are discussed.

Mounting evidence on the short- and long-term adverse effects associated with gadolinium [Gd (III)]-based contrast agents used in magnetic resonance imaging have emerged in the past 3 decades. Safety issues arise from the release of Gd (III) from chelates and its deposition in tissues, which is exacerbated in patients with renal disease, because the kidney is the major excretion organ of most of these agents. This study aimed at unveiling the cellular and molecular mechanisms of nephrotoxicity of Gd (III), using an in vitro model of human proximal tubular cells (HK-2 cell line). Cell viability declined in a concentration- and time-dependent manner after exposure to GdCl3·6H2O. The estimated inhibitory concentrations (ICs) eliciting 1%-50% of cell death, after 24 h of exposure, ranged from 3.4 to 340.5 µM. At toxic concentrations, exposure to Gd (III) led to disruption of the oxidative status, mitochondrial dysfunction, cell death by apoptosis, switching to necrosis at higher levels, and autophagic activation. Disturbance of the lipid metabolism was already observed at low-toxicity ICs, with accumulation of lipid droplets, and upregulation of genes related to both lipogenesis and lipolysis. Gd (III)-exposure, even at the subtoxic IC01, increased the expression of modulators of various signaling pathways involved in the development and progression of renal disease, including inflammation, hypoxia, and fibrosis. Our results give new insights into the mechanisms underlying the nephrotoxic potential of Gd (III) and highlight the need to further clarify the risks versus benefits of the Gd (III)-based contrast agents currently in use., (© The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society of Toxicology. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Objective: This work aimed to analyze parental burnout (PB) and establish a comparison between the times before (Wave 1) and during (Wave 2) the COVID-19 pandemic., Background: The COVID-19 pandemic brought additional stress to families. The pandemic could be particularly difficult for parents experiencing parental burnout, a condition that involves four dimensions: an overwhelming sense of exhaustion , emotional distancing from the child, saturation or a loss of fulfillment with the parental role, and a sharp contrast between how parents used to be and how they see themselves now., Method: A quasi-longitudinal research design was adopted, comparing two cross-sectional studies among Portuguese parents ( N = 995), with an interval of 2 years between each wave of data collection. Participants were surveyed voluntarily through an online questionnaire located on the institutional web platform of the universities involved in the study. Multivariate analysis of covariance was used to take into account the associations among variables, alongside controlling the possible confounding effects., Results: Parents have overall higher parental burnout scores in Wave 2 than Wave 1, with increased exhaustion, emotional distancing, and contrast, but decreased saturation. Although parental burnout levels remain higher for mothers across the two Waves, the growth is greater for fathers than for mothers., Conclusion: Reconciling childcare with paid work is a stressful and new experience for many fathers. However, results suggest that even amid a crisis, some parents had the opportunity to deeply bond with their children., Implications: We expect this work to encourage stakeholders to consider proper intervention strategies to address potential parental burnout. Also, initiatives that strengthen gender equity within parenting context are needed., (© 2021 National Council on Family Relations.)

Objectives: Weight loss achieved by laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) induces an increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc) but a small effect on low-density lipoprotein (LDL), although changes in their quality (size and composition) are uncertain. Our aim was to study the impact of weight loss, achieved 13-months after LAGB, on inflammation and dyslipidemia, focusing on HDL and LDL subfractions, and oxidized LDL (oxLDL)., Design & Methods: We evaluated standard lipid profile, HDL and LDL subfractions, oxLDL, interleukin (IL)-6 and C-reactive protein (CRP), in twenty obese patients, before (T0) and 13-months after LAGB (T1), and in seventeen healthy controls., Results: At T1, patients showed lower body weight (12% median weight loss) and anthropometric indices; reduction in TG, atherogenic indices, oxLDL, oxLDL/LDL ratio, CRP and IL-6, and enhancement in HDLc; an increase in large HDL and intermediate HDL subfractions, and a decrease in small HDL subfraction; LDL subfractions were not modified. Percentual change (%Δ) of oxLDL, from T0 to T1, correlated significantly and positively with %Δ of small HDL subfraction and with %Δ of body mass index., Conclusions: Weight loss induced atheroprotective changes on inflammation, and lipid profile, enhancing larger HDL, the more atheroprotective subfraction, reducing the less protective subclass, small HDL, and reducing oxLDL and oxLDL/LDL ratio. Quality of lipoproteins appears useful cardiovascular risk biomarkers, deserving further studies., (Copyright © 2018 The Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Victimisation has a negative effect on psychosocial functioning. Based on the resilience theory, and with a sample of 2975 Portuguese students, the present study aims to: i) identify patterns of adjustment in the face of peer victimisation and perceptions of discrimination; ii) explore the association between the patterns of adjustment and the characteristics of participants (the who) and of the victimisation (the when and why). Cluster analysis revealed five patterns of adjustment: Unchallenged; Externally Maladjusted; Internally Maladjusted; Resilient, and At-Risk. The results suggest that there is no complete resilience in the face of social victimisation. Group differences were found regarding: i) gender, type of course, sexual orientation, ethnicity, nationality, parental educational level and religious beliefs; ii) the age at which peer victimisation was more frequent, and; iii) the motives underlying discrimination. Globally considered, peer victimisation is representative of the wider cultural environment and interventions should also target social prejudices., (Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Psoriasis and eczema seem to present a specific distinctive gene expression pattern. In the Science Translation Medicine (Sci Transl Med), Quaranta et al. reported a specific molecular signature of psoriasis and eczema. By using an intraindividual genome expression analysis in patients affected by both diseases, the authors identified genes and signaling pathways that are regulated in common and that are exclusive for each disease.

Our aim was to contribute to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of anemia in elderly, by studying how aging affects renal function, iron metabolism, erythropoiesis and the inflammatory response, using an experimental animal model. The study was performed in male Wistar, a group of young rats with 2 months age and an old one with 18 months age. Old rats presented a significant higher urea, creatinine, interferon (INF)-gamma, ferritin and soluble transferrin receptor serum levels, as well as increased counts of reticulocytes and RDW. In addition, these rats showed significant lower erythropoietin (EPO) and iron serum levels. Concerning gene expression of iron regulatory proteins, old rats presented significantly higher mRNA levels of hepcidin (Hamp), transferrin (TF), transferrin receptor 2 (TfR2) and hemojuvelin (HJV); divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) mRNA levels were significantly higher in duodenal tissue; EPO gene expression was significantly higher in liver and lower in kidney, and the expression of the EPOR was significantly higher in both liver and kidney. Our results showed that aging is associated with impaired renal function, which could be in turn related with the inflammatory process and with a decline in EPO renal production. Moreover, we also propose that aging may be associated with INF-gamma-induced inflammation and with alterations upon iron regulatory proteins gene expression.

Background: Cardiovascular risk factors are found with significantly high frequency in psoriatic patients. Periods of remission and reactivation of lesions are common in psoriasis., Objective: Considering the association of chronic inflammation with the atherogenic process, we aimed to search for a possible relationship between the lipid profile, adipokine levels and body mass index (BMI) at the end of a successful treatment for psoriasis, and the length of remission of psoriasis., Methods: Forty-three patients were clinically and analytically studied after a successful treatment [as shown by Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI)]--nine treated with topical agents, 17 with narrow-band UV light B (NB-UVB) and 17 with psoralen plus UVA-and were followed to record the length of remission., Results: The length of psoriasis remission correlated negatively and significantly with cholesterol levels, which correlated significantly and positively with C-reactive protein (CRP). In multiple linear regression analysis, cholesterol, CRP, PASI and BMI were associated with the length of remission. Patients with cholesterol levels <200 mg/dL (n = 13) presented a significantly longer remission, lower BMI and triglycerides values, and a trend towards lower PASI and CRP values than those with high cholesterol (n = 30). Considering patients according to the treatment used, cholesterol was also associated with length of remission, especially for patients treated with NB-UVB and topical therapy., Conclusion: Psoriasis patients with the highest cholesterol levels presented higher BMIs, triglycerides levels and shorter remission periods. Our data suggest that the identification of potentially treatable conditions, such as dyslipidaemia and obesity, and their adequate treatment may benefit psoriasis patients by increasing the length of remission of the disease.

Background: Periods of remission and of exacerbation of psoriatic lesions are common in psoriasis. We recently reported C-reactive protein (CRP) as a marker of psoriasis severity and that some patients still presented with a residual inflammation after treatment. We wondered if this residual inflammation could underlie an earlier exacerbation of psoriasis., Objective: The purpose of our study was to evaluate if there is a relationship between CRP levels, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), and body mass index (BMI), at the end of psoriasis treatment, with the length of psoriasis remission., Methods: We followed 46 patients studied at the end of treatment, to record the length of remission; 9 of the patients were treated with topical agents, 17 with narrow-band UVB (NB-UVB), and 20 with psoralen plus UVA (PUVA)., Results: We found that the length of remission correlated with the values for PASI and CRP at the end of therapy. By performing a multiple linear regression analysis, CRP, PASI, and BMI were each significantly associated with length of remission. Patients with residual inflammation at the end of treatment presented with a significantly shorter length of remission. When considering patients grouped according to the used therapies, CRP and PASI also emerged as potential determinants of length of remission, especially in the case of patients treated with NB-UVB and topical therapy., Conclusion: Our data suggest that CRP and PASI are important determinants of length of psoriasis remission for patients treated with phototherapy or topical therapy. Further studies with larger groups of patients are warranted to test this hypothesis. Moreover, we propose that, by the end of the treatment, the evaluation of CRP and PASI could be important to decide, when possible, if the treatment should be continued to achieve lower CRP values and longer periods of remission.

Psoriasis is considered an immune chronic disease in which T cells are accepted as important. Nowadays, it is believed that psoriasis is most likely a T helper (Th)1/Th17 induced inflammatory disease. However, some other cells, such as endothelial cells, dendritic cells, monocytic cells, neutrophils, keratinocytes, and several cytokines, appear to have, at different stages of the disease, an important role in its pathogenesis. For instance, the response to psoriasis therapy is dependent not only on the inactivation of Th1 and Th17 immune responses but also on the inactivation of dendritic cell products. Moreover, interleukin (IL)-23 deregulation appears to be an independent factor in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Indeed, currently, the IL-23/Th17 axis is believed to be crucial in psoriasis pathogenesis, and its inhibition appears to be important for therapeutic achievement. This review presents the roles and interactions of cells and cytokines that are related to psoriasis pathogenesis., (© 2012 The International Society of Dermatology.)

Background: A few studies in psoriasis vulgaris patients have reported changes suggesting red blood cell (RBC) damage is linked to neutrophil activation, oxidative stress, and psoriasis worsening., Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate erythroid disturbances in Portuguese psoriasis vulgaris patients, before, during, and after treatment., Methods: A cross-sectional study (n = 73 patients vs 40 healthy control subjects) followed by a longitudinal study (n = 47 patients) was performed, with assessments before, and at 3, 6, and 12 weeks of therapy (10 patients started topical treatment, 17 narrow-band UVB, and 20 photochemotherapy [psoralen plus UVA; PUVA]). Evaluations included hematologic data, total bilirubin levels, membrane-bound hemoglobin (MBH), membrane protein band 3 profile, total plasma antioxidant status (TAS), lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid [TBA] assay), elastase, lactoferrin, and C-reactive protein (CRP)., Results: Before treatment, patients presented with higher leukocyte/neutrophil and reticulocyte counts, elastase, lactoferrin, TBA, TBA/TAS, reticulocyte production index, total bilirubin and MBH values, lower RBC and hematocrit, higher percentages of high-molecular-weight aggregates, and lower percentages of band 3 monomer. After treatment, we observed a reversal in most of the parameters. However, patients still presented with values suggestive of accelerated RBC damage, removal, and production, as most of the parameters were still higher than those in the control group; the same occurred with CRP., Conclusion: Our data suggest that psoriasis vulgaris triggers an inflammatory response, with release of acute-phase reactants, reactive oxygen species, cationic proteins, and proteases, leading to enhanced RBC damage/aging and, ultimately, to enhanced RBC removal. These assumptions were strengthened by the observation that, with treatment, all of these changes were reversed, the inflammation was reduced, the production of reticulocytes was increased, and the RBCs presented changes usually observed in younger/less damaged RBCs. These erythroid changes were enhanced with PUVA therapy, probably due to the more pronounced clearing of the lesions, as suggested by Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores. Finally, after treatment, a residual inflammation still persisted that might contribute to the observed erythroid disturbances.

Background: Psoriatic patients present with an increased frequency of cardiovascular events., Objective: To study the impact of psoriasis duration and therapy on traditional and new cardiovascular risk factors., Study Design: A longitudinal study performed between 2005 and the first trimester of 2008. Each patient was followed up for 12 weeks, and was observed before and 3, 6, and 12 weeks after starting therapy., Setting: Patients attending the Dermatology Service, University Hospital of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal were enrolled., Subjects: Thirty-four patients with psoriasis vulgaris and 37 healthy volunteers as controls., Main Outcome Measures: Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI); lipid profile, oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), oxLDL/low-density lipoprotein (LDL), total antioxidant status, lipid peroxidation, C-reactive protein (CRP), and circulating levels of adiponectin., Intervention: Ten patients started therapy with topical treatment, 11 with narrow-band UVB radiation (NB-UVB), and 13 with psolaren plus UVA (PUVA)., Results: Before starting therapy, psoriatic patients presented with several risk changes in their lipid profiles, and significantly higher CRP, oxLDL, and oxLDL/LDL, and lower adiponectin levels (vs control subjects), which may further contribute to inflammation and atherogenesis. After treatment of the patients, although no significant differences were observed in the lipid profile compared with baseline, some changes suggested that the treatment could somehow alter lipid metabolism, as the reduction in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and apolipoprotein A and the increase in the atherogenic index cholesterol/HDL-C maintained an even higher significance (as shown by p-values) when compared with the control group. After topical therapy, there was a significant reduction in thiobarbituric acid reactivity only, suggesting that the reduction in the hyperproliferative process within the lesions is important for lipid peroxidation. After NB-UVB therapy, oxLDL/LDL, cholesterol/HDL-C, lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)], and CRP remained higher than in the control subjects, reflecting persistent inflammation and atherogenic risk. After PUVA treatment, there was a significant reduction in Lp(a), associated with an almost significant increase in apolipoprotein-B (p = 0.054); these changes were not observed after NB-UVB treatment. However, after PUVA and NB-UVB treatment, CRP and, in the NB-UVB group, oxLDL/LDL were persistently higher than controls., Conclusion: Our data show that psoriatic patients present with several lipid profile changes that seem to be related to the severity of the disease and/or the treatment used. Mild psoriasis patients receiving topical treatment presented before starting therapy with a lipid profile similar to controls, whereas those undergoing NB-UVB and PUVA, who had higher PASI scores, presented with several risk factors. Moreover, PUVA therapy seems to interact in a different way with lipids that might result from an interaction of psoralen with plasma lipids, namely Lp(a). Inflammation, a hallmark of psoriasis, also seems to be related to psoriasis severity. Both NB-UVB and PUVA were effective, as shown by the reduction in PASI score, as well as in the oxidative and inflammatory stress markers. However, after NB-UVB and PUVA, a low-grade inflammatory process still persisted, which might be related to the duration of remission of the disease.