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Objective Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) associated with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a rare and challenging diagnosis requiring early treatment. The diagnostic criteria involve clinical, laboratory, and complementary tests. This review aims to draw pediatrician attention to this diagnosis, suggesting early treatment strategies, and proposing a pediatric emergency care flowchart. Sources The PubMed/MEDLINE/WHO COVID-19 databases were reviewed for original and review articles, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, case series, and recommendations from medical societies and health organizations published through July 3, 2020. The reference lists of the selected articles were manually searched to identify any additional articles. Summary of the findings COVID-19 infection is less severe in children than in adults, but can present as MIS-C, even in patients without comorbidities. There is evidence of an exacerbated inflammatory response with potential systemic injury, and it may present with aspects similar to those of Kawasaki disease, toxic shock syndrome, and macrophage activation syndrome. MIS-C can develop weeks after COVID-19 infection, suggesting an immunomediated cause. The most frequent clinical manifestations include fever, gastrointestinal symptoms, rash, mucous membrane changes, and cardiac dysfunction. Elevated inflammatory markers, lymphopenia, and coagulopathy are common laboratory findings. Supportive treatment and early immunomodulation can control the intense inflammatory response and reduce complications and mortality. Conclusions MIS-C associated with COVID-19 is serious, rare, and potentially fatal. The emergency department pediatrician must recognize and treat it early using immunomodulatory strategies to reduce systemic injury. Further studies are needed to identify the disease pathogenesis and establish the most appropriate treatment.

Brain death (BD) leads to a systemic inflammation associated with the activation of coagulation, which could be related to decreased microcirculatory perfusion. Evidence shows that females exhibit higher platelet aggregability than males. Thus, we investigated sex differences in platelets, coagulation and microcirculatory compromise after BD. BD was induced in male and female (proestrus) Wistar rats. After 3 h, we evaluated: (i) intravital microscopy to evaluate mesenteric perfusion and leucocyte infiltration; (ii) platelet aggregation assay; (iii) rotational thromboelastometry; and (iv) SerumNOx-. Female rats maintained the mesenteric perfusion, whereas male reduced percentage of perfused vessels. Male BD presented higher platelet aggregation than the controls. In contrast, female BD had lower platelet aggregation than the control. Thromboelastometry indicated a reduction in clot firmness with increased clotting time in the female group compared with the male group. SerumNOx-level in female BD was higher than that in the male BD and female control. There is sex dimorphism in platelet function and clotting process, which are altered in different ways by BD. Thus, it is possible to connect the reduction in microcirculatory perfusion in males to intravascular microthrombi formation and the maintenance of perfusion in females to a higher inflammatory response and NO synthesis.

Introduction Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a pregnancy specific liver disease characterised by pruritus and abnormal liver function tests and it has been associated with intrauterine fetal distress and stillbirth. We compared two guidelines of the management of ICP: One mandating induction at 38 weeks of gestation (Rigshospitalet and Hvidovre Hospital before 2012) and another separating ICP into a mild and severe form and only women with severe ICP were recommended induction at 38 weeks (Hvidovre Hospital after 2012). Material and methods We performed a historical cohort study at two Copenhagen Hospitals from 2004 to 2015. We included 62,937 women with singleton deliveries at Rigshospitalet and 71,015 at Hvidovre Hospital of which 971 women (1.5%) and 998 women (1.4%) were diagnosed with ICP at Rigshospitalet and Hvidovre Hospital respectively. Data was retrieved from a local medical database. For the analysis of induction and comparison of obstetrical outcomes we only included pregnancies with an ICP diagnosis and excluded women with other medical conditions that could mandate induction. Main outcome measures were induction and cesarean section rates, asphyxia and stillbirth. Results We found no changes in the rate of spontaneous labor, cesarean section and induction over the years at Rigshospitalet (p = 0.17) and Hvidovre Hospital (p = 0.38). For women with intended vaginal delivery we found no change in the final mode of delivery over the years at Rigshospitalet (p = 0.28) and Hvidovre Hospital (p = 0.57). Conclusions The two approaches to the management of mild ICP regarding the timing of induction are comparable. Women with mild ICP and their clinicians should be encouraged to engage in shared decision making when discussing timing of induction.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the biochemical profile and reproductive performance in postpartum dairy cows with clinical metritis. The research was carried out using performed on 213 pluriparous lactating cows from two dairy herds in southeast Brazil. Dairy cows were assigned into a group of healthy cows (n = 147) and cows with metritis (n = 66). Blood samples to assess serum albumin, cholesterol, fibrinogen, calcium, gamma-glutammyltransferase (GGT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) concentrations were performed on day 8 ± 2 postpartum. Metritic cows had lower (p < .05) serum albumin, cholesterol and calcium concentration, and higher (p < .05) GGT and AST activity, and BHBA and fibrinogen concentrations when compared to the healthy group. The calving-to-conception interval and services per pregnancy were higher in metritic cows (p < .01) than in healthy cows and the conception rate at first service was lower in metric group (p < .01). Variable importance in projection plots demonstrated that cholesterol was the main discriminator between metritic and healthy cows. Our results indicated alterations in the biochemical profile and impaired reproduction performance in metritic cows.

Ultimately, the diversity of research presented at this Brain Conference revealed that we are at an exciting juncture in the study of the brain: theoretical and empirical progress has afforded a view of the building blocks of dynamic computation in neural systems. The research presented provided a compelling picture of how transient neural activity can represent space, time and various features of a task, be it an abstract experimental manipulation or a naturalistic feature in a social setting such as communication or mating. The frontier is now to press forward in our understanding of how dynamic computation in the brain is flexibly controlled, and what mechanisms allow the reliable propagation of transient patterns of activity across different circuit architectures and in different environmental conditions. One of the key concepts for debate that emerged was the tension between invariance and flexibility: neural dynamics are naturally constrained by specific local connections, brain architecture and biophysical mechanisms, yet time and again throughout the meeting, researchers presented patterns of neural population activity that displayed surprisingly similar dynamics despite different model systems, different stimuli, and different tasks and global behavioral states. Continuing the search to find the fundamental mechanisms by which dynamic neural activity is flexibly controlled to produce these diverse behaviors will be an exciting next chapter for the field.

Solitary brain metastasis is defined by a single metastatic brain lesion as the only site of metastasis. The initial approach to this condition consists of radiographical evaluation to establish diagnosis, followed by assessment of functional and prognostic status. Neurologic symptom management consists of using dexamethasone and antiepileptic medications. Treatment consists of a combination of surgical and radiation therapy. Surgical treatment is indicated where there is a need for tissue diagnosis or immediate alleviation of neurologic symptoms and mass effect. Stereotactic radiosurgery has become an effective treatment modality. Whole-brain radiation therapy may have a role as an adjunctive therapy.

Background and Objectives: The incidence of novel coronavirus infection across the globe has been uneven, hitting some population subgroups harder than others. Media coverage has proffered explanations for this differential vulnerability, but psychosocial risk factors have been largely ignored. In contrast, multiple theories, medical and psychological, point to one psychosocial factor - stress - as important to the etiology of disease. They also agree that pathogenic stress arises from the particular circumstance in which adaptational demands overwhelm a person's resources, creating "stress overload" that deregulates normal functioning and increases susceptibility to illness. Assessment of stress overload is proposed as essential to understanding viral spread in the current pandemic.Methods: Studies are reviewed explicating (1) stress overload theories and relevant empirical evidence, (2) construction of a stress overload measure and related validity evidence.Results: Findings support the role of stress overload in illness and the accuracy of the measure in predicting illness.Conclusion: It is concluded that assessment of stress overload may help to explain the observed coronavirus disparities, and to identify populations at risk for imminent infection. The 10-item Stress Overload Scale-Short is offered as a potentially useful tool for researchers and clinicians working to map, and stem, the proliferation of coronavirus.

Event-related potentials (ERPs) provide a multidimensional and real-time window into neurocognitive processing. The typical Waveform-based Component Structure (WCS) approach to ERPs assesses the modulation pattern of components-systematic, reoccurring voltage fluctuations reflecting specific computational operations-by looking at mean amplitude in predetermined time-windows. This WCS approach, however, often leads to inconsistent results within as well as across studies. It has been argued that at least some inconsistencies may be reconciled by considering spatiotemporal overlap between components; that is, components may overlap in both space and time, and given their additive nature, this means that the WCS may fail to accurately represent its underlying latent component structure (LCS). We employ regression-based ERP (rERP) estimation to extend traditional approaches with an additional layer of analysis, which enables the explicit modeling of the LCS underlying WCS. To demonstrate its utility, we incrementally derive an rERP analysis of a recent study on language comprehension with seemingly inconsistent WCS-derived results. Analysis of the resultant regression models allows one to derive an explanation for the WCS in terms of how relevant regression predictors combine in space and time, and crucially, how individual predictors may be mapped onto unique components in LCS, revealing how these spatiotemporally overlap in the WCS. We conclude that rERP estimation allows for investigating how scalp-recorded voltages derive from the spatiotemporal combination of experimentally manipulated factors. Moreover, when factors can be uniquely mapped onto components, rERPs may offer explanations for seemingly inconsistent ERP waveforms at the level of their underlying latent component structure.

Introduction Literature data concerning the electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) behaviour of flavonoid 5-O-glycosides are poor and sometimes disputable. Therefore, we decided to analyse the compounds of this kind present in the bark of Prunus cerasus and Prunus avium by using high-performance liquid chromatography HPLC/ESI-MS. Objective The aim of this study is to obtain the comprehensive information about the ESI-MS(+/-) behaviour of flavonoid 5-O-glucosides, to compare their behaviour with that of their positional isomers, to confirm that the known susceptibility of flavonoid 5-O-glucosides to hydrolysis may be successfully used for their identification. Method The bark from Prunus trees was extracted with pure methanol or, in order to perform hydrolysis and extraction simultaneously, with 5% methanolic solution of hydrochloric acid. The HPLC-ESI-MS analyses were performed using a Waters model 2690 HPLC pump and Waters/Micromass ZQ2000 mass spectrometer. Results Flavonoid 5-O-glycosides were completely hydrolysed under the acid conditions used, in contrast to their positional isomers. In positive ion mode, at low cone voltage, flavonoid 5-O-glycosides yield abundant Y0 + aglycone ions, in contrast to their positional isomers. In the negative ion mode, flavonoid 5-O-glycosides do not yield [Y0 - H]-· fragment ions, in contrast to their positional isomers. When aglycone contains only two hydroxyl groups, the flavonoid 5-O-glycosides can be detected in negative ion mode, whereas their positional isomers do not yield [M - H]- ions. Conclusion It has been demonstrated that the susceptibility to hydrolysis of the analysed compounds, the abundances of respective fragment ions formed, and their ESI(-) response allow unambiguous identification of flavonoid 5-O-glycosides and their differentiation from their positional isomers.

The distance between the surface of the scalp and the surface of the grey matter of the brain is a key factor in determining the effective dose of non-invasive brain stimulation for an individual person. The highly folded nature of the cortical surface means that the depth of a particular brain area is likely to vary between individuals. The question addressed here is: what is the variability of this measure of cortical depth? Ninety-four anatomical MRI images were taken from the OASIS database. For each image, the minimum distance from each point in the grey matter to the scalp surface was determined. Transforming these estimates into standard space meant that the coefficient of variation could be determined across the sample. The results indicated that depth variability is high across the cortical surface, even when taking sulcal depth into account. This was true even for the primary visual and motor areas, which are often used in setting TMS dosage. The correlation of the depth of these areas and the depth of other brain areas was low. The results suggest that dose setting of TMS based on visual or evoked potentials may offer poor reliability, and that individual brain images should be used when targeting non-primary brain areas.

Summary The provision of high-quality health care involves many different aspects, including safety, effectiveness, efficiency, and patient centredness. In order for care to be truly patient centred requires patients’ views being sought and considered, and this may be achieved through patient-centred research. Patient-centred research is fundamentally important in contemporary health care and has many benefits; for example, it ensures that research is relevant, identifies those aspects of care that are important to patients, provides information that is important to current and future patients, and allows the integration of patients’ views regarding how services may be enhanced in the future. This paper provides an overview of how we currently involve patients in orthodontic research, what this means to the specialty and how we can enhance patient involvement in the future.

Several studies with substitution-inert polynuclear platinum(II) complexes (SI-PPC) have been carried out in recent years due to the form of DNA binding presented by these compounds. This form of bonding is achieved by molecular recognition through the formation of non-covalent structures, commonly called phosphate clamps and forks, which generate small extensions of the major and minor grooves. In this work, we use molecular dynamics simulations (MD) to study the formation of these cyclical structures between six different SI-PPCs and a double DNA dodecamer, here called 24_bp_DNA. The results showed the influence of the complex expressed on the number of phosphate clamps and forks formed. Based on the conformational characterization of the DNA fragment, we show that the studied SI-PPCs interact preferentially in the minor groove, causing groove spanning, except for two of them, Monoplatin and AH44. The phosphates of C–G pairs are the main sites for such non-covalent interactions. The Gibbs interaction energy of solvated species points out to AH78P, AH78H, and TriplatinNC as the most probable ones when coupled with DNA. As far as we know, this work is the very first one related to SI-PPCs which brings MD simulations and a complete analysis of the non-covalent interactions with a double DNA dodecamer.

We retrospectively reviewed the data of 140 female pediatric patients with rare mitochondrial diseases (MDs) confirmed using muscle biopsy. We evaluated patients who were diagnosed with central precocious puberty (PP) with early pubertal development to determine whether PP is a clinical manifestation of MDs. We also examined the clinical, auxiological, laboratory, and radiological parameters after 1 year of gonadotropin-releasing hormone treatment for central PP. Among the 140 girls with MDs, 29 had early pubertal development and underwent endocrine evaluation. Ten (7.1%) patients were diagnosed with central PP; the prevalence of central PP was higher than was that previously thought. Patients with central PP exhibited bone age advancement over 1 year and increased sex hormone levels despite their young age at diagnosis. Serum estradiol levels were significantly higher in younger patients than in older patients (P = 0.004). Patients with central PP treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone had favorable outcomes, and their pubertal development was suppressed for 1 year. Conclusion: Central PP may be a manifestation of endocrine dysfunction in young girls with MDs.

A retrograde fibular medullary screw may be utilized in certain fractures about the ankle. The purpose of this study is to investigate the anatomic considerations of a retrograde medullary screw inserted from a lateral starting point to nearby anatomic structures about the distal fibula. Ten fresh-frozen cadaveric lower extremities were utilized. A 1.6-mm Kirschner wire was inserted into the distal fibula from a far-lateral starting point. A 3.2-mm cannulated drill bit was then inserted over the Kirschner wire. After placement of the drill bit, dissection of the lateral ankle was undertaken. The proximity of nearby anatomic structures to the drill bit was measured using calipers. A 4.5-mm cortical screw was then inserted using fluoroscopic guidance. Measurements were then taken again to assess the relationship of the screw head to adjacent structures. Mean distance from drill bit to nearby structures is as follows: Peroneus longus tendon 4.56 mm, peroneus brevis tendon 6.62 mm, sural nerve 4.13 mm, superior peroneal retinaculum 7.52 mm, inferior peroneal retinaculum 6.61 mm, anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) 6.1 mm, calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) 6.7 mm. Average distance from 4.5-mm screw head to nearby structures is as follows: peroneus longus tendon 6.79 mm, peroneus brevis tendon 6.73 mm, ATFL 4.16 mm, CFL 5.14 mm, lateral talar process 9.41 mm. Retrograde medullary fibular screw fixation may be safely carried out through a lateral start point. Anatomic structures about the lateral ankle are nearby but not immediately adjacent to the drill bit.

The jabuticaba peel extract (JPE) contains bioactive compounds that regulate fat metabolism. Because the negative correlation between fat accumulation and bone formation in bone marrow, we hypothesized that JPE inhibits adipocyte as well as favors osteoblast differentiation of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) under healthy and osteoporotic conditions, a disease that display an imbalance between adipocyte and osteoblast differentiation resulting in reduced bone mass. To test these hypotheses, bone marrow MSCs were harvested from healthy and osteoporotic rats and cultured in adipogenic and osteogenic media with three concentrations of JPE, 0.25, 5 and 10 µg/ml, and vehicle (control). After selecting the most efficient concentrations of JPE, we used them to evaluate adipocyte and osteoblast differentiation of MSCs from both sources. We observed that, in general, JPE inhibited adipocyte differentiation of MSCs with more pronounced effects in cells from healthy than osteoporotic rats. In addition, JPE increased osteoblast differentiation, exhibiting a slightly higher osteogenic potential on MSCs from osteoporotic compared to healthy condition. Our results demonstrated that JPE drives MSCs to inhibit adipocyte differentiation and toward osteoblast differentiation under healthy and osteoporotic conditions. These findings pave the way for further translational studies to investigate the therapeutic possibilities of JPE in both prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.

Purpose Spirulina has previously been reported to improve high-intensity exercise performance and hemoglobin. However, spirulina’s effect on arm cycling exercise has yet to be investigated. The purpose of this study was to investigate the responses of spirulina supplementation on hemoglobin and on oxygen uptake, RER and HR during seated arm cycling exercise. Methods In a double-blinded randomized crossover design, eleven males untrained in arm cycling ingested 6 g/day of spirulina or placebo for seven days. Seated on the Arm Crank Ergometer, each participant performed a baseline V̇O2max test, and then after supplementation, 2 × 30-min submaximal exercise bouts corresponding to 55% of their V̇O2max, followed by an incremental test to fatigue. A seven-day wash-out period was required between conditions. Oxygen uptake, RER and HR were measured continuously during exercise and hemoglobin measured prior to exercise after both conditions. Results Spirulina significantly (p Conclusion Spirulina supplementation significantly reduces oxygen uptake and HR during arm cycling submaximal exercise, allowing for an increased oxygen uptake during an incremental test to fatigue.

One of the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals is clean and affordable energy. This is also the aim of the Biofuels Act of 2007 in the Philippines. However, this law is confronted with challenges such as the limitation of lignocellulosic feedstock, specifically available for bioethanol production. The present study sought to address the issue by exploring the potential of mango seed husk (MSH), a by-product of the mango industry, in bioethanol production. MSH is considered a waste material and its utilization also permit value-addition as this can serve as an alternative and affordable source of feedstock in energy production. Two pretreatment strategies are employed to exploit the cellulose and hemicellulose content of MSH, namely, dilute acid treatment and enzymatic hydrolysis. Results show that the %H2SO4 resulting in the highest glucose concentration and yield is 4% v/v at 95 °C hydrolysis temperature, 1:10 (w/v) solid-to-solvent ratio, and 60-min hydrolysis time. For enzymatic hydrolysis using a commercial enzyme preparation, the reaction time up to 72 h did not affect glucose concentration and yield at the following conditions: 50 °C hydrolysis temperature, 150 rpm, pH 5.0, 10% solids loading, and 4% enzyme loading. This could be attributed to the lignin and non-structural compounds present in MSHs. However, a combined process strategy of dilute acid pretreatment followed by enzymatic hydrolysis in the pretreatment of MSH contributes to an increased concentration and yield of sugars in the hydrolysates, which is advantageous for bioethanol production.

The aging process is associated with many brain structural alterations. These changes are not associated with neuronal loss but can be due to cortical structural changes that may be related to white matter (WM) structural alterations. In this study, we evaluated age-related changes in WM and gray matter (GM) parameters and how they correlate for specific brain tracts in a cohort of 158 healthy individuals, aged between 18 and 83 years old. In the tract-cortical analysis, cortical regions connected by tracts demonstrated similar thinning patterns for the majority of tracts. Additionally, a significant relationship was found between mean cortical thinning rate with fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) alteration rates. For all tracts, age was the main effect controlling diffusion parameter alterations. We found no direct correlations between cortical thickness and FA or MD, except for in the fornix, for which the subcallosal gyrus thickness was significantly correlated to FA and MD (p < 0.05 FDR corrected). Our findings lead to the conclusion that alterations in the WM diffusion parameters are explained by the aging process, also associated with cortical thickness changes. Also, the alteration rates of the structural parameters are correlated to the different brain tracts in the aging process.

Chiral discrimination in biological systems, such as L-amino acids in proteins and d-sugars in nucleic acids, has been proposed to depend on various mechanisms, and chiral discrimination by mutated enzymes mediating cancer cell signaling is important in current research. We have explored how mutated isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) catalyzes the oxidative decarboxylation of isocitrate to α-ketoglutarate which in turn is converted to d-2-hydroxyglutatrate (d-2HG) as a preferred product instead of l-2-hydroxyglutatrate (l-2HG) according to quantum chemical calculations. Using transition state structure modeling, we delineate the preferred product formation of d-2HG over l-2HG in an IDH active site model. The mechanisms for the formation of d-2HG over l-2HG are assessed by identifying transition state structures and activation energy barriers in gas and solution phases. The calculated reaction energy profile for the formation of d-2HG and l-2HG metabolites shows a 29 times higher value for l-2HG as compared to d-2HG. Results for second-order Møller-Plesset perturbation theory (MP2) do not alter the observed trend based on Density Functional Theory (DFT). The observed trends in reaction energy profile explain why the formation of D-2HG is preferred over l-2HG and reveal why mutation leads to the formation of d-2HG instead of l-2HG. For a better understanding of the observed difference in the activation barrier for the formation of the two alternative products, we performed natural bond orbital analysis, non-covalent interactions analysis and energy decomposition analysis. Our findings based on computational calculations clearly indicate a role for chiral discrimination in mutated enzymatic pathways in cancer biology.

Many developing countries currently face a double burden of malnutrition (DBM) at the household level, defined by the World Health Organization, as when a mother may be overweight or anemic, and a child or grandparent is underweight, in the same household. For the present study, we defined it as the coexistence of overweight or obesity in the mother, and at least one child under the age of 5 undernourished, within the same household. Although underweight has long been considered a major issue in South and Southeast Asia, overweight and obesity have also been identified as a growing problem. The main aim of this study was to assess the DBM at the household level and its major determinants in South and Southeast Asia. We used population-representative cross-sectional data from the Demographic and Health Survey, conducted between 2007 and 2017, for eight South and Southeast Asian countries: Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Myanmar, Timor, Maldives, and Cambodia. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify the sociodemographic factors associated with DBM. A total of 798,961 households were included in this study. The pooled prevalence of overweight or obesity for the mother and stunted child was 10.0% (95% CI: 8.0.0–12.0), for OBM and wasted child, it was 7.0% (95% confidence interval (CI): 6.0–8.0), and for overweight or obese mother (OBM) and underweight child, it was 7.0% (95% CI: 6.0–8.0). The prevalence of any of these DBM coexistences was 12.0% (95% CI: 10.0–13.0) in all households. Statistically significant positive associations (p

We show an annual overview of the sea-air CO2 exchanges and primary drivers in the Gerlache Strait, a hotspot for climate change that is ecologically important in the northern Antarctic Peninsula. In autumn and winter, episodic upwelling events increase the remineralized carbon in the sea surface, leading the region to act as a moderate or strong CO2 source to the atmosphere of up to 40 mmol m–2 day–1. During summer and late spring, photosynthesis decreases the CO2 partial pressure in the surface seawater, enhancing ocean CO2 uptake, which reaches values higher than − 40 mmol m–2 day–1. Thus, autumn/winter CO2 outgassing is nearly balanced by an only 4-month period of intense ocean CO2 ingassing during summer/spring. Hence, the estimated annual net sea-air CO2 flux from 2002 to 2017 was 1.24 ± 4.33 mmol m–2 day–1, opposing the common CO2 sink behaviour observed in other coastal regions around Antarctica. The main drivers of changes in the surface CO2 system in this region were total dissolved inorganic carbon and total alkalinity, revealing dominant influences of both physical and biological processes. These findings demonstrate the importance of Antarctica coastal zones as summer carbon sinks and emphasize the need to better understand local/regional seasonal sensitivity to the net CO2 flux effect on the Southern Ocean carbon cycle, especially considering the impacts caused by climate change.

To assess whether the main genetic differences observed in high-grade gliomas (HGG) will present different MR imaging and MR spectroscopy correlates that could be used to better characterize lesions in the clinical setting. Seventy-nine patients with histologically confirmed HGG were recruited. Immunohistochemistry analyses for isocitrate dehydrogenase gene 1 (IDH1), alpha thalassemia mental retardation X-linked gene (ATRX), Ki-67, and p53 protein expression were performed. Tumour radiological features were examined on MR images. Metabolic profile and infiltrative pattern were assessed with MR spectroscopy. MR features were analysed to identify imaging-molecular associations. The Kaplan-Meier method and the Cox regression model were used to identify survival prognostic factors. In total, 17.7% of the lesions were IDH1-mutated, 8.9% presented ATRX-mutated, 70.9% presented p53 unexpressed, and 22.8% had Ki-67 > 5%. IDH1 wild-type tumours had higher levels of mobile lipids (p = 0.001). The tumour-infiltrative pattern was higher in HGG with unexpressed p53 (p = 0.009). Mutated ATRX tumours presented higher levels of glutamate and glutamine (Glx) (p = 0.001). An association was observed between Glx tumour levels (p = 0.038) and Ki-67 expression (p = 0.008) with the infiltrative pattern. Survival analyses identified IDH1 status, age, and tumour choline levels as independent predictors of prognostic significance. Our results suggest that IDH1-wt tumours are more necrotic than IDH1-mut. And that the presence of an infiltrative pattern in HGG is associated with loss of p53 expression, Ki-67 index, and Glx levels. Finally, tumour choline levels could be used as a predictive factor in survival in addition to the IDH1 status to provide a more accurate prediction of survival in HGG patients. • IDH1-wt tumours present higher levels of mobile lipids than IDH1-mut. • Mutated ATRX tumours exhibit higher levels of glutamate and glutamine. • Loss of p53 expression, Ki-67 expression, and glutamate and glutamine levels may contribute to the presence of an infiltrative pattern in HGG.

The correlation between myocardial injury and clinical outcome in COVID-19 patients is gaining attention in the literature. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of cardiac involvement and of respiratory failure in a cohort of COVID-19 patients hospitalized in an academic hospital in Lombardy, one of the most affected Italian (and worldwide) regions by the epidemic. The study included 405 consecutive patients with confirmed COVID-19 admitted to a medical ward from February 25th to March 31st, 2020. Follow-up of surviving patients ended either at hospital discharge or by July 30th, 2020. Myocardial injury was defined on the basis of the presence of blood levels of hs-TnI above the 99th percentile upper reference limit. Respiratory function was assessed as PaO2/FiO2 (P/F) ratio. The primary end-point was death for any cause. During hospitalization, 124 patients died. Death rate increased from 7.9% in patients with normal hs-TnI plasma levels and no cardiac comorbidity to 61.5% in patients with elevated hs-TnI and cardiac involvement (p

To investigate the course of anxiety and depression before and after transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy (TRUS-Bx) and in the postoperative 1st month when the histopathological biopsy result was obtained.In between June 2017- January 2019, 204 patients who underwent TRUS-Bx and completed the questionnaires assessing anxiety and depression were included in the study. Questionnaires were completed immediately before the biopsy, immediately after the biopsy and at the end of the first month when the histopathological biopsy results were given. State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and perceived stress scale (PSS) forms were used to assess anxiety and depression. After the histopathological examination patients were divided into two groups as patients without cancer (Group 1) and with cancer (Group 2). Data was compared between the groups.PSA level was negatively correlated with STAI TX-1 scores of the patients immediately after TRUS-Bx, whereas it was positively correlated with STAI TX-1 and TX-2 30 days after the TRUS-Bx. PSA level was positively correlated with HADS-A and HADS-D scores immediately before and 30 days after TRUS-Bx. Biopsy results showed a significant difference in 30 day post-biopsy related data. STAI TX-1, STAI TX-2, HADS-A, HADS-D and PSS scores were higher in Group 2 compared with Group 1.Pre-biopsy anxiety disappeared after bx, but there was a significant increase in anxiety and depression in patients after the diagnosis of malignancy. Patients were seriously concerned about the diagnosis of prostate cancer.

Introduction Risk factors for mortality associated with COVID-19 have been reported to include increased age, male sex and certain comorbidities. Fracture neck of femur (NOF) patients is high-risk surgical patients, often with multiple comorbidities and advanced age. We quantify the 30-day mortality rate in fractured NOF patients with a positive peri-operative COVID-19 antigen test and identify risk factors for increased mortality. Methods This is a retrospective multi-centre review of all patients admitted with a fractured NOF and a confirmed laboratory diagnosis of COVID-19 between 1 March and 26 April 2020. Demographic data, comorbidities, ASA grade and date of death (if applicable) were collected. Results There were 64 patients in the cohort with an overall 30-day mortality rate of 32.8% (n = 21). Thirty-five (55%) were female, and mean age was 83 (SD 9, range 46–100) years. There was significantly increased mortality for those with a history of myocardial infarction (p = 0.03). Sixty-four percent of patients underwent surgery within the 36-h target, which is comparable to previous data for the same time of year. Overall mortality increased to 50% (n = 32) at 45 days post-operatively. Conclusion This is a large review of 30-day mortality in NOF patients with concurrent COVID-19 infection. We report a substantial increase from the pre-COVID-19 mean 30-day mortality rate (6.5% in 2019). We highlight the need for counselling patients when presenting with a NOF in relation to peri-operative COVID-19 infection and the associated increased risks.

Jacob Cohen developed two statistical measures for judging the magnitude of effects produced by an intervention, known as Cohen’s d, appropriate for assessing scaled data, and Cohen’s h, appropriate for assessing proportions. These have been widely employed in evaluating the effectiveness of alcohol, cigarette, marijuana, and other drug prevention efforts. I present two tests to consider the adequacy of using these statistics when applied to drug use prevention programs. I used student survey data from grades 6 through 12 (N = 1,963,964) collected by the Georgia Department of Education between 2015 and 2017 and aggregated at the school level (N = 1036). I calculated effect sizes for an imaginary drug prevention program that (1) reduced 30-day alcohol, cigarette, and marijuana prevalence by 50%; and (2) maintained 30-day prevalence at a pretest level for multiple years. While both approaches to estimating intervention effects represent ideal outcomes for prevention that surpass what is normally observed, Cohen’s statistics failed to reflect the effectiveness of these approaches. I recommend including an alternative method for calculating effect size for judging program outcomes. This alternative method, Relative Reduction in Prevalence (RRP), calculates ratio differences between treatment and control group drug use prevalence at posttest and follow-up, adjusting for differences observed at pretest. RRP allows researchers to state the degree to which an intervention could be viewed as efficacious or effective that can be readily understood by practitioners.

The vascular endothelium provides the crucial interface between the blood compartment and tissues, and displays a series of remarkable properties that normally maintain homeostasis. This tightly regulated palette of functions includes control of haemostasis, fibrinolysis, vasomotion, inflammation, oxidative stress, vascular permeability, and structure. While these functions participate in the moment-to-moment regulation of the circulation and coordinate many host defence mechanisms, they can also contribute to disease when their usually homeostatic and defensive functions over-reach and turn against the host. SARS-CoV-2, the aetiological agent of COVID-19, causes the current pandemic. It produces protean manifestations ranging from head to toe, wreaking seemingly indiscriminate havoc on multiple organ systems including the lungs, heart, brain, kidney, and vasculature. This essay explores the hypothesis that COVID-19, particularly in the later complicated stages, represents an endothelial disease. Cytokines, protein pro-inflammatory mediators, serve as key danger signals that shift endothelial functions from the homeostatic into the defensive mode. The endgame of COVID-19 usually involves a cytokine storm, a phlogistic phenomenon fed by well-understood positive feedback loops that govern cytokine production and overwhelm counter-regulatory mechanisms. The concept of COVID-19 as an endothelial disease provides a unifying pathophysiological picture of this raging infection, and also provides a framework for a rational treatment strategy at a time when we possess an indeed modest evidence base to guide our therapeutic attempts to confront this novel pandemic.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, elective medical services have had to be reduced to a minimum, which has also affected care in pain medicine. Following these drastic cutbacks, a cautious resumption of elective care is planned. This also applies to the delivery of inpatient and day-care interdisciplinary multimodal pain therapy (IMPT). Since the majority of pain medicine centers have been closed to date, the question has arisen as to whether a resumption of regular care can be easily provided under the required protective measures. To answer this question, the authors conducted a survey among patients that were in a position to make a direct comparison between IMPT under normal conditions as well as under the currently required protective measures. The survey recorded the level of disruption caused by the different protective measures in the various treatment modules. An evaluation of the questionnaires, which were completed by two patient groups and all therapists involved, revealed that interdisciplinary multimodal pain therapy is possible without significant impairments even under the required protective measures. In particular, wearing protective masks proved to be the protective measure with the greatest negative impact. However, options like the use of protective visors or relocating treatment modules to the outdoors offer practicable alternative solutions for protection. Both patient and therapist satisfaction was high despite these constraints, and personal concern regarding possible infection low.

Kinesins constitute a superfamily of ATP-driven microtubule motor enzymes that convert the chemical energy of ATP hydrolysis into mechanical work along microtubule tracks. Kinesins are found in all eukaryotic organisms and are essential to all eukaryotic cells, involved in diverse cellular functions such as microtubule dynamics and morphogenesis, chromosome segregation, spindle formation and elongation and transport of organelles. In this review, we explore recently reported functions of kinesins in eukaryotes and compare their specific cargoes in both plant and animal kingdoms to understand the possible roles of uncharacterized motors in a kingdom based on their reported functions in other kingdoms.

Context Gonadotroph tumors represent approximatively one-third of anterior pituitary tumors, but despite their frequency, no medical treatment is currently recommended for them. This would be greatly needed because following surgery, which is the first-line treatment, a significant percentage of gonadotroph tumors regrow. Evidence Acquisition We performed PubMed searches in March 2020 using the term “gonadotroph” in combination with 36 different keywords related to dopamine type 2 receptor agonists, somatostatin receptor (SST) ligands, temozolomide, peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT), immunotherapy, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-targeted therapy, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors, and tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Articles resulting from these searches, as well as relevant references cited by these articles were reviewed. Evidence Synthesis SST2 analogs have demonstrated only very limited antitumor effect, while high-dose cabergoline has been more effective in preventing tumor regrowth, but still in only a minority of cases. In the setting of an aggressive gonadotroph tumor, temozolomide is the recommended medical treatment, but has demonstrated also only limited efficacy. Still, its efficacy has been so far better than that of PRRT. No case of a gonadotroph tumor treated with pasireotide, VEGFR-targeted therapy, mTOR inhibitors, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, or immune checkpoint inhibitors is reported in literature. Conclusions Gonadotroph tumors need better phenotyping in terms of both tumor cells and associated tumor microenvironment to improve their treatment. Until formal recommendations will be available, we provide the readers with our suggested approach for the management of gonadotroph tumors, management that should be discussed within multidisciplinary teams.

The influence of different chromatographic conditions and the process of spot visualization on determining the limit of detection as well as quantification (LOD and LOQ) of meloxicam by TLC-densitometric technique was estimated. Of all chromatographic conditions tested, the lowest limiting values, thus the best sensitivity, in the NP-TLC system was achieved on silica gel 60F254 and neutral aluminum oxide plates developed with the mobile phase consisting of ethyl acetate/toluene/n-butylamine (2:2:1, V/V/V). In the case of the RP-TLC method, a mixture of methanol/water (8:2, V/V) enabled densitometric detection of meloxicam at the lowest concentration level on RP-8F254 and RP-18F254 plates. Additionally, the smallest LOD value of meloxicam ensured crystalline violet and gentian violet as visualization agents on silica gel 60F254 and neutral aluminum oxide 150F254 plates, resp. Comparison of the densitometrically obtained spectra of meloxicam drug and its standard after the use of appropriate visualization agents could be a good and cheap alternative tool for the identification of meloxicam as an active pharmaceutical ingredient.

From his perspective as a general surgeon, Episcopal priest and Medical Director for High Risk Populations and Outcomes at a large health-care system, the author identifies an unrecognized problem that clergy were banned from visiting parishioners in most hospitals across the country during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic—a situation that persists in many contexts. The author explains why pastoral visitation should be considered essential care—especially at a time of crisis—and encourages hospital administrators across the country to clarify policies to welcome community clergy as essential personnel, but to do so with prudent procedures that mitigate risk to the community and to the visiting clergy. Given the fact that most hospitals in this country were founded by religious organizations and still carry the imprint of that founding in their names, it would be tragic for these very same hospitals to cut patients off from their religious communities precisely at the time they need them most. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s10943-020-01072-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The goal of the current research was to explore the perceptions of the students in the last year of a degree in Primary Education towards technology and inclusive education. It employed a mixed method research with a combined use of qualitative and quantitative methods. The research population was comprised of 153 learners, and the quantitative sample consisted of 104 participants and the qualitative one 57. Quantitative data collection was conducted using a validated questionnaire, while the qualitative data were collected through individual semi-structured interviews. On analysing the results, it was emphasized the effectiveness of technology to design and implementation of inclusive practices. However, the results also pointed out the necessity to train students technically as well as pedagogically in the use of technological tools. Moreover, it was highlighted the lack of training in inclusive education and inclusive practices during the degree, training that students considered essential to be ready for their future careers.

The absence of evidence-based guidelines make medical disqualification (MDQ) following concussion one of the most challenging decision-making processes faced by sports medicine professionals. We aimed to compare premorbid and postmorbid factors between student-athletes that were and were not medically disqualified from sport following a concussion. Among 1832 student-athletes diagnosed with concussion within the CARE Consortium, 53 (2.9%) were medically disqualified (MDQ +) and 1779 (97.1%) were not medically disqualified (MDQ−). We used contingency tables and descriptive statistics for an initial evaluation of a broad list of premorbid and postmorbid factors. For those factors showing association with MDQ status, we calculated odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for the odds of being MDQ + in the presence of the identified factor. History of 2 (OR: 3.2, 95% CI 1.5, 6.9) or 3 + (OR: 7.4, 95% CI 3.4, 15.9) previous concussions; 1 + headaches in past 3 months (OR: 1.8, 95% CI 1.0, 3.2); immediate removal from play (OR: 2.4, 95% CI 1.2, 4.9); alcohol (OR: 2.6, 95% CI 1.2, 5.4), tobacco (OR: 3.3, 95% CI 1.1, 9.5), or marijuana use since injury (OR: 5.4, 95% CI 1.5, 19.0); as well as prolonged recovery due to mental health alterations (OR: 5.3, 95% CI 2.0, 14.1) or motivation/malingering (OR: 7.5, 95% CI 3.3, 17.0) increased odds of being MDQ + . The MDQ + group took longer to become asymptomatic relative to the MDQ− group (MDQ + : 23.5 days, 95% CI 15.8, 31.2; MDQ−: 10.6 days, 95% CI 9.5, 11.6; p

This study aimed to quantify the penetration of hydrogen peroxide, color change evaluation, surface morphology, and composition after application of desensitizing agents before in-office bleaching. Fifty premolars were sectioned, an acetate buffer was placed in the pulp chamber and divided into five groups (n=10). In the positive control group, only the in-office bleaching gel was used, and in the negative control group, no treatment was used. Three different desensitizing agents were applied: Desensibilize KF2%® group; Mi Paste® group, and Desensibilize Nano-P® group. The bleaching procedure was carried out with 35% HP. The absorbance of the resulting solution was determined in a spectrophotometer. Color change was assessed by using a digital spectrophotometer. Four additional premolars were assigned to the same groups above for analysis under scanning electron microscope, as well as to evaluate the elemental composition with X-ray dispersive energy spectrometry. Data were subjected to ANOVA and Tukey's test (α=0.05). All products reduced the penetration of HP in the pulp chamber. Mi Paste and Nano P were the products that yielded the lowest HP penetration, which was similar to the negative control group (p

Infection with intravascular platyhelminths of the genus Schistosoma can result in the debilitating disease schistosomiasis. Schistosomes (blood flukes) can survive in the host for many years. We hypothesize that proteins on their host-interactive surface modify the worm’s external environment to help insure worm survival. Previously, we have shown that a surface ectoenzyme of Schistosoma mansoni, SmNPP5 – a nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase – can cleave ADP and block platelet aggregation in vitro. In this work, we show that both adult schistosomes and recombinant SmNPP5 can cleave the exogenous purinergic signaling molecule nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). In doing so, worms and rSmNPP5 can prevent NAD-induced apoptosis of T cells in vitro. Since regulatory T cells (Tregs) are especially prone to such NAD-induced cell death (NICD), we hypothesize that schistosome cleavage of NAD promotes Treg survival which creates a more immunologically hospitable environment for the worms in vivo. In addition to SmNPP5, schistosomes express another host-interactive NAD-degrading enzyme, SmNACE. We successfully suppressed the expression of SmNPP5 and SmNACE (singly or together) using RNAi. Only SmNPP5-suppressed worms, and not SmNACE-suppressed worms, were significantly impaired in their ability to cleave exogenous NAD compared to controls. Therefore, we contend that ectoenzyme SmNPP5 on the surface of the worm is primarily responsible for extracellular NAD cleavage and that this helps modulate the host immune environment by preventing Treg cell death.

International audience; Human filaggrin (FLG) plays a key role in epidermal barrier function, and loss-of-function mutations of its gene are primarily responsible for the development of human atopic dermatitis (AD). FLG expression is also reduced in the epidermis of atopic patients, due to the transcriptional effect of Th2 type cytokines. Canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) is a prevalent skin disease that shares many clinical and pathogenic features with its human homologue. The aim of this review is discuss current knowledge on canine filaggrin (Flg) in both healthy and atopic dogs, as compared to the human protein. Although the molecular structures of the two proteins, as deduced from the sequences of their gene, are different, their sites of expression and their proteolytic processing in the normal epidermis are similar. Concerning the expression of Flg in CAD, conflicting results have been published at the mRNA level and little accurate information is available at the protein level. It derives from a large precursor, named profilaggrin (proFLG), formed by several FLG units and stored in keratohyalin granules of the stratum granulosum. Canine and human proFLG sequences display little amino acid similarity (33% as shown using the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST)) except at the level of the S100 homologous part of the N-terminus (75%). Genetic studies in the dog are at an early stage and are limited by the variety of breeds and the small number of cases included. Many questions remain unanswered about the involvement of Flg in CAD pathogenesis.

Decades of investigation on genomic DNA have brought us deeper insights into its organization within the nucleus and its metabolic mechanisms. This was fueled by the parallel development of experimental techniques and has stimulated model building to simulate genome conformation in agreement with the experimental data. Here, we will discuss our recent discoveries on the chromatin units of DNA replication and DNA damage response. We will highlight their remarkable structural similarities and how both revealed themselves as clusters of nanofocal structures each on the hundred thousand base pair size range corresponding well with chromatin loop sizes. We propose that the function of these two global genomic processes is determined by the loop level organization of chromatin structure with structure dictating function. Abbreviations: 3D-SIM: 3D-structured illumination microscopy; 3C: chromosome conformation capture; DDR: DNA damage response; FISH: fluorescent in situ hybridization; Hi-C: high conformation capture; HiP-HoP: highly predictive heteromorphic polymer model; IOD: inter-origin distance; LAD: lamina associated domain; STED: stimulated emission depletion microscopy; STORM: stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy; SBS: strings and binders switch model; TAD: topologically associated domain, Graphical Abstract

A new series of N′-(substituted phenyl)-2-(1-(4-(methylsulfinyl) benzylidene)−5-fluoro-2-methyl-1H-inden-3-yl) acetohydrazide derivatives (1 – 25) were prepared in good yields in an efficient manner. All the compounds were fully characterised by the elemental analysis and spectral data. Synthesised compounds were evaluated for antioxidant activity by DPPH method. Compounds 7 (R = 3-methoxyphenyl), 3 (R = 4-dimethylaminophenyl) and 23 (R = 2,4,5-trimethoxy phenyl) substitutions were found to be having highly potent antioxidant activity. Compound 3, with para dimethylaminophenyl substitution was found to be having highest antioxidant activity. It was further evaluated in vivo for various analgesic, anti-inflammatory, ulcerogenic and COX-2 inhibitory activity in different animal models. Lead compound 3 was found to be significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent. It was also evaluated for ulcerogenic activity and demonstrated significant ulcerogenic reduction activity in ethanol and indomethacin model. The LD50 of compound 3 was found to be 131 mg/kg. The animals treated with compound 3 prior to cisplatin treatment resulted in a significant reduction in COX-2 protein expression when compared to cisplatin-treated group. Sulindac derivative with para dimethylaminophenyl substitution was found to be the most potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent as well as with significant gastric sparing activity as compared to standard drug sulindac. Compound 3 significantly downregulated liver tissue COX‐2 gene expression.

Substantial advances have been made recently in the pathobiology of pituitary tumors. Similar to many other endocrine tumors, over the last few years we have recognized the role of germline and somatic mutations in a number of syndromic or nonsyndromic conditions with pituitary tumor predisposition. These include the identification of novel germline variants in patients with familial or simplex pituitary tumors and establishment of novel somatic variants identified through next generation sequencing. Advanced techniques have allowed the exploration of epigenetic mechanisms mediated through DNA methylation, histone modifications and noncoding RNAs, such as microRNA, long noncoding RNAs and circular RNAs. These mechanisms can influence tumor formation, growth, and invasion. While genetic and epigenetic mechanisms often disrupt similar pathways, such as cell cycle regulation, in pituitary tumors there is little overlap between genes altered by germline, somatic, and epigenetic mechanisms. The interplay between these complex mechanisms driving tumorigenesis are best studied in the emerging multiomics studies. Here, we summarize insights from the recent developments in the regulation of pituitary tumorigenesis., Graphical Abstract Graphical Abstract

Introduction Considering that previous studies suggest that pesticides may cause hearing disorders in humans, as well as the lack of studies proving the specific mechanisms of injury and the difficulty of separating concomitant etiological factors of the hearing damage, such as noise and vibration, it is important to develop studies using animal models to elucidate the effects of exposure to those substances isolated from other hearing damage etiologies. Objective To evaluate if the exposure to a dichlorvos based organophosphorus insecticide may induce ototoxicity. Methods 36 male Wistar rats were assigned to 3 groups (12 rats/group): control (exposed to water), positive control (treated with cisplatin to induce hearing damage) and experimental (exposed to dichlorvos based organophosphorus insecticide). The amplitude of distortion product otoacoustic emissions in the frequencies of 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 kHz was evaluated before and after exposure, as well as systemic toxicity signs, body mass gain and plasma cholinesterase. Open field and plus maze tests were performed in 24 rats: experimental (n = 8), control (n = 8) and positive control group (n = 8 introduced new rats to induce anxiolytic activity) to evaluate the locomotor activity and anxiety, respectively. Results There was no significant change in body mass gain and plasma cholinesterase in the dichlorvos based organophosphorus insecticide group, however, the animals showed transient piloerection, depression and dyspnea during exposure. The behavior was not affected in any group. The frequencies of 8 and 10 kHz were significantly affected bilaterally in the insecticide group, which also showed a significant difference of the control in 10 kHz on the right and 8 and 10 kHz on the left ear. Conclusion Subchronic inhalation exposure to dichlorvos based organophosphorus insecticide induced ototoxicity in the cochlear function of rats without relevant systemic toxicity. Resumo Introdução Considerando que estudos anteriores sugerem que pesticidas podem causar distúrbios auditivos em humanos, além da falta de estudos que comprovem os mecanismos específicos de lesão e a dificuldade em separar fatores etiológicos concomitantes dos danos auditivos, como ruído e vibração, é importante desenvolver estudos que usem modelos animais para elucidar os efeitos da exposição a substâncias isoladas de outras etiologias de danos auditivos. Objetivo Avaliar se a exposição a um inseticida organofosforado baseado em diclorvos pode induzir ototoxicidade. Método Foram divididos em 3 grupos 36 ratos Wistar machos (12 ratos/grupo): controle (exposto à água), controle positivo (tratado com cisplatina para induzir dano auditivo) e experimental (exposto ao inseticida). A amplitude das emissões otoacústicas por produto de distorção nas frequências de 4, 6, 8, 10 e 12 kHz foi avaliada antes e após a exposição, bem como sinais de toxicidade sistêmica, ganho de massa corporal e colinesterase plasmática. Os testes Open Field e Plus Maze foram feitos em 24 ratos: experimental (n = 8), controle (n = 8) e grupo controle positivo (n = 8, introduziu novos ratos para induzir atividade ansiolítica) para avaliar a atividade locomotora e a ansiedade, respectivamente. Resultados Não houve alteração significativa no ganho de massa corporal e colinesterase plasmática no grupo experimental; entretanto, os animais apresentaram piloereção transitória, depressão e dispneia durante a exposição. O comportamento não foi afetado em qualquer grupo. As frequências de 8 e 10 kHz foram significativamente afetadas bilateralmente no grupo exposto ao inseticida, o qual também mostrou uma diferença significativa do controle em 10 kHz na orelha direita e 8 e 10 kHz na orelha esquerda. Conclusão A exposição subcrônica inalatória de inseticida organofosforado baseado em diclorvos induziu ototoxicidade na função coclear de ratos sem toxicidade sistêmica relevante.

Background: Enamel defects (EDs) are commonly reported dental findings in preterm/low birthweight children. EDs potentially increase caries susceptibility. Aim: To assess the prevalence of EDs and dental caries in a group of preterm children (aged 5–10 years) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methodology: A retrospective cohort study of medical records of 62 preterm children (mean age 8.1 ± 1.54) and 62 full-term children (mean age 8.1 ± 1.73) of both genders born in a UAE children’s hospital were studied. These children were dentally assessed for EDs and caries by a calibrated examiner. Results: EDs were 4.34 times more prevalent among preterm children [odd ratio (OR) = 4.338, CI 95% [2.010–9.366]. The prevalence of EDs in the pre-term group was 58.15%, significantly higher (P < 0.01) than the full-term control group (24.2%). Birth weight, intubation and type of delivery were statistically significant factors contributing to EDs. In the primary dentition, the mean dmft was 4.61 ± 4.30, while in the permanent dentition DMFT was 0.38 ± 0.99. There was a statistically significant difference in permanent teeth caries experience amongst pre-term children compared to the full-term control as measured by DMFT (P = 0.008). Conclusion: EDs and dental caries in permanent dentition in the pre-term group were significantly higher than the full-term group.

Recently, a friend of mine talked about his 92-year-old mother who lived in a home for the elderly, which was locked down four months ago to prevent COVID-19 infections. During the lockdown, she wa...

This is one in a series of statistical guidelines designed to highlight common statistical considerations in behavioral medicine research. The goal is to briefly discuss appropriate ways to analyze and present data in the International Journal of Behavioral Medicine (IJBM). Collectively, the series will culminate in a set of basic statistical guidelines to be adopted by IJBM and integrated into the journal’s official Instructions for Authors, and also to serve as an independent resource. If you have ideas for a future topic, please email the Statistical Editor, Suzanne Segerstrom at segerstrom@uky.edu.

Background There is uncertainty about the associations of angiotensive enzyme (ACE) inhibitor and angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) drugs with COVID-19 disease. We studied whether patients prescribed these drugs had altered risks of contracting severe COVID-19 disease and receiving associated intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Methods This was a prospective cohort study using routinely collected data from 1205 general practices in England with 8.28 million participants aged 20–99 years. We used Cox proportional hazards models to derive adjusted HRs for exposure to ACE inhibitor and ARB drugs adjusted for sociodemographic factors, concurrent medications and geographical region. The primary outcomes were: (a) COVID-19 RT-PCR diagnosed disease and (b) COVID-19 disease resulting in ICU care. Findings Of 19 486 patients who had COVID-19 disease, 1286 received ICU care. ACE inhibitors were associated with a significantly reduced risk of COVID-19 disease (adjusted HR 0.71, 95% CI 0.67 to 0.74) but no increased risk of ICU care (adjusted HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.75 to 1.06) after adjusting for a wide range of confounders. Adjusted HRs for ARBs were 0.63 (95% CI 0.59 to 0.67) for COVID-19 disease and 1.02 (95% CI 0.83 to 1.25) for ICU care. There were significant interactions between ethnicity and ACE inhibitors and ARBs for COVID-19 disease. The risk of COVID-19 disease associated with ACE inhibitors was higher in Caribbean (adjusted HR 1.05, 95% CI 0.87 to 1.28) and Black African (adjusted HR 1.31, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.59) groups than the white group (adjusted HR 0.66, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.70). A higher risk of COVID-19 with ARBs was seen for Black African (adjusted HR 1.24, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.58) than the white (adjusted HR 0.56, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.62) group. Interpretation ACE inhibitors and ARBs are associated with reduced risks of COVID-19 disease after adjusting for a wide range of variables. Neither ACE inhibitors nor ARBs are associated with significantly increased risks of receiving ICU care. Variations between different ethnic groups raise the possibility of ethnic-specific effects of ACE inhibitors/ARBs on COVID-19 disease susceptibility and severity which deserves further study.

Massive drug repurposing (or repositioning) campaigns are trying to find potential antiviral treatments for COVID-19. Many involve experimental or virtual screening of libraries of compounds previously proven safe in humans-"old drugs". In 20 years of these efforts in many other diseases, never has a new therapeutic hypothesis derived from screening of old drugs in a lab led to the drug being approved for the new indication.