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Background: A gingival display higher than 3 mm is considered a characteristic of a gingival smile (GS). Several etiological factors have been associated to GS and for this reason various treatments have been proposed according to its etiology. The aim of this study is to present a case with an alternative technique to treat GS with minimally invasive vestibular incision subperiosteal tunnel access (VISTA) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) implants for lip repositioning. Methods and Results: The patient, a 25‐year‐old woman diagnosed with excessive gingival exposure, had previously done botulinum toxin (BoNT) injections and did not like the result. She had a major subnasal depression and the upper lip would lodge in there during spontaneous smile. She was informed about all options of treatment and agreed to a lip repositioning installing a customized PMMA implant. Conclusion: This is the first study to our knowledge to present a case with use of a PMMA implant associated with the VISTA approach for lip repositioning and gingival smile correction. The results are encouraging, and the patient was satisfied with results accomplished by this technique. Key points: Why is this case new information?This is a new and innovative surgical approach for gingival smile with PMMA implants through a minimally invasive technique (VISTA). What are the keys to successful management of this case?Well‐defined presurgical planning and the presence of the upper lip lodging in the subnasal depression during spontaneous smile. What are the primary limitations to success in this case?Cases with vertical maxillary excess and those in which osteotomy/osteoplasty is indicated.It is a technique‐sensitive treatment dependent on the clinician's experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may be associated with a wide range of hepatobiliary manifestations. This study aimed to characterize the spectrum of hepatobiliary disorders in patients with IBD who underwent liver biopsy for sustained abnormal liver function tests (LFT). Method A retrospective study was performed of all patients with IBD who underwent liver biopsy between January 2010 and December 2020 for sustained abnormal LFT (at least 6-month duration). Results A total of 101 patients were included, mostly male (62.4%), with a mean age of 44.4±13.3 years. The most common IBD type was Crohn's disease (61.4%). Median time interval between abnormal LFT and biopsy was 14 (7-36) months. Abnormal LFT was predominantly hepatocellular in 40 patients (39.6%), cholestatic in 26 (25.7%) and mixed in 35 (34.7%). The most frequent diseases were nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in 33 patients (32.7%), drug-induced liver disease (DILI) in 30 (29.7%), autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) in 13 (12.9%) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) in 13 (12.9%). Three patients had primary biliary cholangitis. Remarkably, 70 patients (69.3%) already had fibrosis by the time of liver biopsy and in 6 (5.9%) liver disease was already detected in the stage of cirrhosis. Conclusions Abnormal LFT in IBD patients had a wide range of etiologies and histology was often essential for reaching a correct diagnosis. NAFLD, DILI, AIH and PSC were the most common diagnoses and patients often presented in cirrhotic stage. Therefore, liver biopsy must be considered early in IBD patients with unexplained sustained abnormal LFT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suddenly we find ourselves in a pandemic, year 2020 of the 21st century. Habits, customs, cultures take new directions and meanings in the face of the global threat of death from Covid-19. Inequalities are accentuated. Again it is a black body that draws attention for its cruel racist care. Would it be too much to imagine that the world would once again need the sacrifice of a black body to alert itself? However, the racist historical processes of Minneapolis challenged the effectiveness of the complaints after the death of George Floyd and put back the scene of the permanent anti-racist struggle. The methodological path of this experience report will reflect on the territories of exclusion and the educational pulse of street demonstrations in Hennepin County, where the murder of George Floyd took place. Blacks and non-blacks took to the streets to denounce but also left hope about the effective possibilities that an anti-racist education could provide. We conclude that in these new times of inequalities under the Covid-19 pandemic, there is a complaint about structural racism, although there is also an effective bet on an anti-racist education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The multifunctional protein translationally controlled tumour protein (TCTP) was previously identified as necessary for infection by the potyvirus pepper yellow mosaic virus. Using turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) as a model to study potyvirus biology, we confirmed that TCTP has a positive effect on virus infection. Living cell confocal microscopy demonstrated that TCTP colocalises with 6K2‐tagged replication vesicles and with a perinuclear globular structure typically observed during potyvirus infection. Also, TCTP silenced protoplasts showed reduced virus accumulation, quantified by qRT‐PCR, which suggests an effect on virus replication, translation or other intracellular process. Finally, TCTP silencing in plants reduced the accumulation of two species belonging to Orthotospovirus and a Begomovirus genus, which are not closely related to potyviruses. The results suggest that TCTP is a general susceptibility factor to several unrelated viruses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a reading of Cristovão Tezza's novel A tirania do amor (2018) that analyzes the intertwining of narrative temporal modes which build the protagonist's consciousness and the centrality of mental processes in the narrative. The novel is built through the protagonist's subjective perspective, which reveals in non-sequential fragments of time and transposed voices the unfolding of an especially momentous day. Based on studies by Humphrey (1955) and Auerbach (2015) on temporal ruptures and their relationship with realism, we reflect on the effects that such an interweaving of voices, ideas and memories has in the novel. We also rely on discussions by Mäkelä (2006, 2013) and others to analyze the constitution of fictional subjectivity. Through this reading we seek to attribute to Tezza's work the mark of the new realisms present in contemporary Brazilian literature, as postulated by Schøllhammer (2009) and Pellegrini (2007), among others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to analyze the temporal relations and the hostility of the surrounding spaces experienced by the narrator-protagonist of O verão tardio (2019), by Luiz Ruffato. We propose that the realism in this work is not due to the richness of detail with which the narrator describes the world around him, or the objectivity of the narrative that evokes social critique, but rather the subjectivity of a particular - and therefore limited - gaze about the same fictional world. The confessional tone of the first-person narrative is the first element to establish empathy between the reader and the protagonist - a melancholic man, whose physical sensations are on the surface of the text and whose mechanical and repetitive gestures question the value of adapting to social expectations, and the relationship between the subject, his past and his hopelessness regarding the future. We rely on the theoretical support of Schøllhammer's (2009, 2012, 2020) discussions about affective realism as a trend in recent Brazilian literature (to which we align our reading of the novel), Pellegrini's critical observations on Ruffato's work and the contributions of Ginzburg (2012, 2017) about the narrator, and about violence and melancholy as constitutive elements of relationships throughout the history of Brazilian literature and society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic produced immeasurable impacts on the economy, education, and socialization, besides the loss of millions of lives. Thus, there has been an accelerated development of an unprecedented number of COVID-19 vaccine candidates to control the pandemic. The World Health Organization's emergency use authorization of COVID-19 vaccines still in clinical trial allowed immunizing the population. This paper presents a perspective of the bioethical precepts of autonomy, non-maleficence, beneficence, and justice in the emergency use of COVID-19 vaccines. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of surveillance at all stages of vaccine development to detect adverse effects and ensure compliance with bioethical precepts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article features Brazilian actress and filmmaker Helena Ignez and her life and works. It discusses the release of her documentary film "Fogo baixo, alto astral," her career in acting and her significant role in the Brazilian film industry, her escape from a military dictatorship in Brazil in 1970, and her personal background.

This paper aims to analyze the temporal relations and the hostility of the surrounding spaces experienced by the narrator-protagonist of O verão tardio (2019), by Luiz Ruffato. We propose that the realism in this work is not due to the richness of detail with which the narrator describes the world around him, or the objectivity of the narrative that evokes social critique, but rather the subjectivity of a particular - and therefore limited - gaze about the same fictional world. The confessional tone of the first-person narrative is the first element to establish empathy between the reader and the protagonist - a melancholic man, whose physical sensations are on the surface of the text and whose mechanical and repetitive gestures question the value of adapting to social expectations, and the relationship between the subject, his past and his hopelessness regarding the future. We rely on the theoretical support of Schøllhammer's (2009, 2012, 2020) discussions about affective realism as a trend in recent Brazilian literature (to which we align our reading of the novel), Pellegrini's critical observations on Ruffato's work and the contributions of Ginzburg (2012, 2017) about the narrator, and about violence and melancholy as constitutive elements of relationships throughout the history of Brazilian literature and society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Edible films and coatings have been proposed for food preservation. The coalho cheeses coated with galactomannan from Caesalpinia pulcherrima and Cymbopogon citratus essential oil (EO) were evaluated. Thus, the microbiological, physical–chemical, and weight loss aspects in the coated cheeses were analyzed during 20 days of storage. The treatment with 1.0% galactomannan and 0.2% EO obtained better stability; therefore, it was stored for 30 days at 4 ± 1°C. The extraction yield of galactomannan from C. pulcherrima was 25.4%. In EO, the main found compounds are α‐citral (41.49%), β‐citral (30.63%), and β‐mycrene (16.66%). In the analysis of cheese stability, the values for weight loss as a function of storage time varied from 2.52% to 25.62%. The moisture, pH and water activity, there was a statistical difference only for moisture. Therefore, edible coverage provided microbial reduction, physical–chemical stability, and sensory characteristics within the acceptance zone, being considered viable for the food industry. Practical applications: The biopolymers extracted from the endosperm of the Caesalpinia pulcherrima seed, associated with the essential oil of Cymbopogon citratus, can be used as edible or biodegradable coatings in various food products. One of these products is rennet cheese, as it has an excellent nutritional composition and is conducive to the development of microorganisms, thus having a reduced shelf life. The use of coatings based on galactomannans and essential oil would make it possible to reduce the microbiological, physical, and sensory changes in these products, as well as the environmental impacts caused by non‐biodegradable packaging, being an alternative for replacing synthetic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine frequency of dysphagia risk and associated factors in hospitalized patients as well as to evaluate nutritional status by using different methods and correlate the status with scores of the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10). Methods: This was a cross-sectional study including 909 inpatients of a philanthropic hospital. For the diagnosis of dysphagia we used an adapted and validated Brazilian version of the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10). The nutritional status was evaluated through the subjective global assessment, and anthropometric measurements included weight, calf and arm circumference, and knee height. The Mann-Whitney test, associations using the Pearson's χ2 and Spearman's correlation were used to verify differences between the groups. Results: The prevalence of dysphagia risk was 10.5%, and aging was the associated factor with this condition. Patients at risk presented lower values of arm and calf circumference, variables that correlated inversely with the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) score. Malnutrition was observed in 13.2% of patients based on the subjective global assessment and in 15.2% based on the Body Mass Index. Conclusion: Screening for dysphagia and malnutrition should be introduced in hospitals routine to avoid or minimize damages caused by dysphagia or malnutrition, especially among older people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Most international guidelines recommend performing a routine colonoscopy after the conservative management of acute diverticulitis, mainly to rule out a colorectal malignancy; however, data to support these recommendations are scarce and conflicting. This study is aimed at determining the rate of advanced colonic neoplasia (ACN) found by colonoscopy, and hence the need for routine colonoscopy after CT-diagnosed acute diverticulitis. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed all patients hospitalized for acute diverticulitis between July 2008 and June 2013. Patients who underwent colonoscopy more than 1 year after the acute episode were excluded. Advanced adenoma (AA) was defined as an adenoma with: (i) ≥ 10 mm, (ii) ≥ 25% villous features, or (iii) high-grade dysplasia. ACN included cases of colorectal cancer (CRC) and AA. Results: Of the 364 selected patients, 252 (69%) underwent colonoscopy (51% women, median age 55 ± 11 years). Adenomatous polyps were evident in 14.7% patients; 5.1% had AA and 3.2% had CRC. Patients with complicated diverticulitis had a higher number of ACN compared to those with uncomplicated diverticulitis (20.9 vs. 5.7%, p = 0.003). On multivariate analysis, age ≥ 50 years (OR 8.12, 95% CI 2.463-45.112; p = 0.017) and abscess on CT (OR 3.15, 95% CI 1.586-11.586; p = 0.036) were identified as significant risk factors for ACN. Conclusions: Patients with diverticulitis complicated with abscess have a higher risk of ACN on follow-up colonoscopy. The prevalence of ACN in patients with uncomplicated diverticulitis is quite similar to the average-risk population, and therefore an episode of CT-diagnosed uncomplicated diverticulitis, per se, does not seem to be a recommendation for colonoscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycotoxins are secondary fungi metabolites present in foods that cause adverse effects in humans and animals. The aims of this work were to develop and validate a multi-mycotoxin method to determine the presence of aflatoxins, citreoviridin, deoxynivalenol, fumonisins ochratoxin A, zearalenone and some metabolites/derivatives in rice, maize-based products and wheat-based products, and a method to determine total fumonisins (free and bound/hidden forms) in maize-based products. The validated multi-mycotoxin method was based on extraction with acidified acetonitrile and LC-ESI + -MS/MS analysis, with LOQs ranging from 0.5 to 121 μg/kg, and proved to be suitable for the multi-mycotoxin analysis in wheat, maize and rice products. Bound/hidden fumonisins were determined after extraction of the free forms using the multi-mycotoxin method, followed by a basic hydrolysis of the unextracted bound/hidden and solid-liquid extraction with low temperature purification (SLE-LTP). The hydrolysis efficiency of the bound/hidden extraction procedure was investigated by analyzing a maize reference material and showed recoveries ranging from 75% (HFB2) to 108% (HFB1). The use of isotope internal standards was crucial for mycotoxins quantification in maize meal and wheat flour, while for rice, external calibration and matrix matched curves gave satisfactory results. All 55 samples of wheat-based products analyzed were contaminated with at least one mycotoxin and 16% of 44 rice samples were also contaminated. The most prevalent mycotoxins were DON and ZON in wheat-based products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim Immunization against hepatitis B virus ( HBV) infection is recommended in patients with inflammatory bowel disease ( IBD), particularly in those under immunosuppressive therapy. Limited data are available about IBD patient's response to HBV vaccination. We assessed the response rate to HBV vaccination in IBD patients and evaluated the impact of different factors on the efficacy of HBV vaccination. Methods Anti- HBs titers were measured in a cohort of IBD patients under treatment with infliximab and/or azathioprine. Vaccination was considered efficient when anti- HBs titers were higher than 10 IU/L. Results We have identified 217 patients with IBD under infliximab who were vaccinated for hepatitis B, 172 (79%) with Crohn's Disease and the remaining with ulcerative colitis; 114 patients (53%) were male and mean age was 33 ± 11 years. Overall, HBV vaccine was successful in 164 (76%) patients. Only 14 patients were vaccinated after infliximab was initiated, and only two of them had antibody levels above 10 IU/L. Among the patients that received vaccination before the beginning of infliximab, 88% of those who were vaccinated before starting azathioprine developed antibodies in contrast to 55% who already were under azathioprine. In multivariable analysis, treatment with infliximab (adjusted OR [95% CI]: 17.642 [8.514-33.937]) and with azathioprine (adjusted OR [95% CI]: 3.344 [1.653-9.145]) were the only factors associated with weaker response to HBV vaccination. Conclusion The response rate to the standard HBV vaccination in IBD patients is low mainly in those treated with infliximab and/or azathioprine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and Aims: The efficacy of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors in the treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is well established. Many cutaneous and mucosal lesions have been described under anti-TNF-α therapy, some of them being considered as paradoxical. In this series we aimed to review the cases of oral lichen planus (OLP) in IBD patients under treatment with anti-TNF-α agents.Methods: Histologic findings from oral lesions of IBD patients treated with anti-TNF were revised.Results: Three female patients with IBD developed oral lichen planus (OLP) after starting anti-TNF-α therapy. Other etiologies were excluded.Conclusions: In light of the increasing use of TNF-α inhibitors the occurrence of OLP is a potentially emerging side effect, thus we recommend a careful monitoring for oral manifestations in IBD patients treated with anti-TNF-α agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and aims: The efficacy of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors in the treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is well established. Many cutaneous and mucosal lesions have been described under anti-TNF-α therapy, some of them being considered as paradoxical. In this series we aimed to review the cases of oral lichen planus (OLP) in IBD patients under treatment with anti-TNF-α agents. Methods: Histologic findings from oral lesions of IBD patients treated with anti-TNF were revised. Results: Three female patients with IBD developed oral lichen planus (OLP) after starting anti-TNF-α therapy. Other etiologies were excluded. Conclusions: In light of the increasing use of TNF-α inhibitors the occurrence of OLP is a potentially emerging side effect, thus we recommend a careful monitoring for oral manifestations in IBD patients treated with anti-TNF-α agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aims to analyze the land issue in the CerradoPiauiense and the impact of agribusiness seeking catch, from documentary and bibliographic sources, the actions and omissions of the State in front of the advance of illegal land ownership, especially by large grain producers, which, coming from other places, come to Piauí carrying luggage in a rhetoric of economic development and agricultural modernization of the state. Finding this "new agricultural frontier" a secular failure of the state to issue of land ownership and a strong interest of governments in a type of development that keeps the functionality of big business interests in search of new spaces, find fertile ground to consolidate their developments. The paper analyzes especially as public institutions acts or omits with the problem of the Cerrado land, making susceptible grabbing "productive" forces agribusiness as grabbing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As national-socialism established its domain during the 1930's, many German citizens - especially Jews, artists, politicians and intellectuals - were compelled to leave Germany. Groups of exiled people were formed in several countries, aiming to help each other with the difficulties of exile and also to engage themselves in activities against Nazism, fighting for liberty in their nation. One of the most important means to articulate this intellectual resisting movement was the publication of periodicals. This paper aims to briefly present the characteristics of two of these magazines, namely, Freies Deutschland and Internationale Literatur, highlighting their ideological approach to the politics and arts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The literature produced by German writers, who were forced to leave the country between 1933 and 1945, makes up the rich and heterogeneous set of works named Exilliteratur. From various strands and styles, these writers - that could hardly be regarded as belonging to a cohesive movement - faced the difficulties of exile, nevertheless went on writing and publishing their works, which often showed a clear opposition to fascism. This is the case of most texts published by Anna Seghers; assiduous collaborator of journals and associations, the writer put her efforts on the articulation of an intellectual resistance movement against Nazism. She has among her wide bibliography as one of its main titles Transit Visa [Transit]. The novel, which depicts the obstacles of European emigration from the French city of Marseille, reports the conditions in which thousands of Europeans found themselves in 1941. This fictional text is grounded on solid historical and spatial references, and the subjectivity of the narrator, as well as other characters, corroborate the likelihood of the plot, making the work be commonly associated with the critique of the historical fact of the German invasion of France and the massive migration that followed. The purpose of this article is to point out the elements that constitute the realism of the novel, contextualizing it and approaching it, though notably fictional, to testimonial accounts that were multiplied among the publications of Exile Literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to revisit classic and relevant pieces of universal literature focusing on the exile as a major motive of its plot or as a fundamental issue concerning its characters. Having as a reference the theoretical reflections of Edward Said about the theme, we intend to briefly analyze in which ways the exile is present in important texts as the masterpiece from Homer, the Lusiadas and Robinson Crusoe, among others, observing the different imagery used and psychological or political extensions that the exile may assume in each one of these texts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] A simple method to synthesize fluorescent modified gold nanoparticles. [•] Modification of gold nanoparticles by tryptamine. [•] Characterization of modified gold nanoparticles by solid state 15N nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] The adjunct effect of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy to periodontal treatment was evaluated. [•] Real-time PCR evaluated the expression of genes in the two treatments. [•] aPDT associated to SRP may modulate the extracellular matrix and bone remodeling. [•] aPDT upregulated the TIMP-2/MMP-2 and OPG/RANKL mRNA ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The formation of mineral scales is one of the most common problems in oil wells around the world and despite great technological developments by engineers, this problem remains without an effective solution. The aim of this work was to investigate a methodological procedure that characterizes the composition of mineral scaling that occurs in wells from oilfields, assuming that the proper identification of these mineral scales is decisive for proper use of available technology resources in support of the oil industry. For this proposal we select the following thermal analytic techniques: thermogravimetric analysis (TG), derivative thermogravimetric analysis (DTG), and differential thermal analysis (DTA). These techniques are widely used for the characterization of mineral rocks, including those samples with complex chemical compositions. In order to complement the thermal analysis we used Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The samples employed in this work were collected from oil wells in the state of Sergipe, Brazil. Nowadays, Sergipe is the third largest producer of oil in this country. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A qualidade do leite é importante para a saúde dos animais e dos consumidores do leite, a contagem de células somáticas (CCS) é o método mais utilizado de predição da qualidade do leite. Assim, o presente projeto pesquisou a influência da qualidade do leite sob alguns parâmetros do leite. Não foram encontradas correlações entre a CCS do leite e sua composição química. Por outro lado, altas CCS estão relacionadas a alta contagem bacteriana total (CBT). Foi encontrada a presença de Staphilococcus coagulase positivo em todas as amostras positivas pelo teste CMT, com três cruzes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carne de rã oferece alto nível de nutrientes, com elevada digestibilidade e baixos teores de gordura e colesterol com potencial de utilização para pessoas em dificuldades digestivas, carência nutricional ou dietas com restrição calórica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this randomized, controlled, clinical study was to compare two surgical techniques with the acellular dermal matrix graft (ADMG) to evaluate which technique could provide better root coverage. Material and Methods: Fifteen patients with bilateral Miller Class I gingival recession areas were selected. In each patient, one recession area was randomly assigned to the control group, while the contra-lateral recession area was assigned to the test group. The ADMG was used in both groups. The control group was treated with a broader flap and vertical-releasing incisions, and the test group was treated with the proposed surgical technique, without releasing incisions. The clinical parameters evaluated before the surgeries and after 12 months were: gingival recession height, probing depth, relative clinical attachment level and the width and thickness of keratinized tissue. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the groups for all parameters at baseline. After 12 months, there was a statistically significant reduction in recession height in both groups, and there was no statistically significant difference between the techniques with regard to root coverage. Conclusions: Both surgical techniques provided significant reduction in gingival recession height after 12 months, and similar results in relation to root coverage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungal infections, including those caused by Candida spp., are recognized in immunocompromised individuals for their high rates of morbidity and mortality. Microorganism resistance to conventional drugs compromises treatment effectiveness and yet also reveals the need to develop new drugs. In many compounds, nitro groups contribute to antimicrobial activity; thus, the inhibitory activity of a collection of twenty esters and amides (derived from 3,5-dinitrobenzoic acid) against Candida spp. was elucidated using microdilution methods to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Fungicide Concentration (MFC), as well as probable mechanisms of action. The structures of the synthesized compounds were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, 1H-NMR, 13C NMR, and HRMS. Of the tested derivatives, ten presented fungicidal activity against at least one of the tested strains. Ethyl 3,5-dinitrobenzoate (2) exhibited the most potent antifungal activity against Candida albicans (MIC = 125 µg/mL; 0.52 mM), Candida krusei (MIC = 100 µg/mL; 4.16 mM), and Candida tropicalis (MIC = 500 µg/ml; 2.08 mM). The structure of the second most potent derivative (propyl 3,5-dinitrobenzoate (3) reveals that esters with short alkyl side chains exhibit better biological activity profiles. Compounds 2 and 3 presented a mechanism of action involving the fungal cell membrane. Though compound 2 modeling against C. albicans revealed a multitarget antifungal mechanism of action, involving various cellular processes, interference in the synthesis of ergosterol was observed. Our results demonstrate that certain ester derivatives containing aromatic ring nitro groups may be useful in the search for new antifungal drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Capsule endoscopy (CE) is a valuable tool for assessing inflammation in patients with Crohn's disease (CD). The current standard for evaluating inflammation are validated scores (and clinical laboratory values) like Lewis score (LS), Capsule Endoscopy Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CECDAI), and ELIAKIM. Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) have made it possible to automatically select the most relevant frames in CE. Objectives: In this proof-of-concept study, our objective was to develop an automated scoring system using CE images to objectively grade inflammation. Design: Pan-enteric CE videos (PillCam Crohn's) performed in CD patients between 09/2020 and 01/2023 were retrospectively reviewed and LS, CECDAI, and ELIAKIM scores were calculated. Methods: We developed a convolutional neural network-based automated score consisting of the percentage of positive frames selected by the algorithm (for small bowel and colon separately). We correlated clinical data and the validated scores with the artificial intelligence-generated score (AIS). Results: A total of 61 patients were included. The median LS was 225 (0–6006), CECDAI was 6 (0–33), ELIAKIM was 4 (0–38), and SB_AIS was 0.5659 (0–29.45). We found a strong correlation between SB_AIS and LS, CECDAI, and ELIAKIM scores (Spearman's r = 0.751, r = 0.707, r = 0.655, p = 0.001). We found a strong correlation between LS and ELIAKIM (r = 0.768, p = 0.001) and a very strong correlation between CECDAI and LS (r = 0.854, p = 0.001) and CECDAI and ELIAKIM scores (r = 0.827, p = 0.001). Conclusion: Our study showed that the AI-generated score had a strong correlation with validated scores indicating that it could serve as an objective and efficient method for evaluating inflammation in CD patients. As a preliminary study, our findings provide a promising basis for future refining of a CE score that may accurately correlate with prognostic factors and aid in the management and treatment of CD patients. Plain language summary: Artificial intelligence in Crohn's disease: the development of an automated score for disease activity evaluation This study introduces an innovative AI-based approach to evaluate Crohn's Disease. The AI system automatically analyzes images from capsule endoscopy, focusing on finding ulcers and erosions to measure disease activity. The research reveals a robust correlation between the AI-generated score assessing inflammation in the small bowel and traditional clinical scores. This suggests that the AI solution could be a quicker and more consistent way to evaluate Crohn's Disease, speeding up the evaluation process and reducing manual scoring variability. While promising, the study acknowledges limitations and emphasizes the need for further validation with larger groups of patients. Overall, it represents a crucial step toward integrating AI into gastroenterology, offering a glimpse into a future of more objective and personalized Crohn's Disease evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses findings of a longitudinal study of swimmers with airway inflammation develop during the training career. It evaluates the variation in airway inflammation among competitive swimmers during the three-year follow-up. The study found a significant difference in changes in airway's exhaled nitric oxide (NO).

A probabilistic dietary risk assessment on mycotoxins was conducted using the Monte Carlo Risk Assessment software, with consumption data from the 2008/2009 Brazilian Household Budget Survey for individuals who were at least 10 years old and occurrence data for 646 samples of rice, maize, wheat, and their products, collected in the Federal District and in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Processing factors were estimated and applied to concentration data. Chronic exposure was estimated for fumonisins (free and bound/hidden), deoxynivalenol (DON) (including the acetylated forms) and zearalenone (ZON) (including alfa-zearalenol) and acute exposure was estimated for DON. For the general population, the chronic exposure exceeded the safe exposure levels at the 95P for DON and at the 99P for fumonisins. Additionally, safe level exceedance occurred at the 97.5P for fumonisins and at the 95P for DON for teenagers, as well as at the 99P for fumonisins for women of child-bearing-age. No exceedances were found for chronic exposure to ZON and acute exposure to DON. Maize couscous contributed most of the total fumonisins (91%) and ZON intakes (~40%) and bread to total intake of DON (~30%). Further studies should be conducted with updated Brazilian consumption data, which should include information for individuals aged less than 10 years old. • 646 samples of rice, maize, wheat and their products were analyzed. • 22 mycotoxins, metabolites and hydrolyzed forms were determined by LC-MS/MS. • Dietary assessment was conducted for DON, fumonisins and ZON. • Chronic exposure exceeded the safe levels at the 95P for DON and at the 99P for fumonisins. • Consumption of maize couscous, bread and pasta contributed the most to the intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of capsule endoscopy and enteroscopy in managing various small-bowel pathologies is well-established. However, their broader application has been hampered mainly by their lengthy reading times. As a result, there is a growing interest in employing artificial intelligence (AI) in these diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, driven by the prospect of overcoming some major limitations and enhancing healthcare efficiency, while maintaining high accuracy levels. In the past two decades, the applicability of AI to gastroenterology has been increasing, mainly because of the strong imaging component. Nowadays, there are a multitude of studies using AI, specifically using convolutional neural networks, that prove the potential applications of AI to these endoscopic techniques, achieving remarkable results. These findings suggest that there is ample opportunity for AI to expand its presence in the management of gastroenterology diseases and, in the future, catalyze a game-changing transformation in clinical activities. This review provides an overview of the current state-of-the-art of AI in the scope of small-bowel study, with a particular focus on capsule endoscopy and enteroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a 60-year-old woman lasting extensive ulcerative colitis (UC). Topics discussed include her primary treatment with azathioprine and infliximab, presence of cystic lesion in rectum revealed through computed tomography (CT) scan, presence of hypermetabolic neoplasia and squamous cell carcinoma revealed in diagnosis; treatment of cancers with neoadjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy with cisplatin, and need of resection for cystic lesion treatment.

Galactomannans are polysaccharides commercially used in foods as gelling agents, thickeners, and stabilizers. In this study, a galactomannan partially hydrolyzed from Adenanthera pavonina seeds was used as stabilizer, fat substitute, and source of dietary fibers in a mousse milk dessert. First, characterizations of intact (GM) and partially hydrolyzed (GMPH) galactomannan from A. pavonina were made. Through Rotational Central Compound Design (RCCD) and the response surface methodology, we evaluated creaming index, lipid content, moisture content, and texture of the mousses. The formulation F7 (1.75% of GMPH and 4.92% of fat) was chosen among the developed formulations, and it was characterized by low moisture content (44.13%), low lipid content (6.67%), low firmness (2.10 N), and high percentage of dietary fiber (4.21%). This formulation was compared with a traditional formulation of lemon mousse (FT) and with another formulation with the same fat percentage as the chosen formulation without GMPH (F7L). The three formulation were characterized physicochemically and microbiologically, and sensorial acceptance tests were performed. The results indicated that no structural modifications were found in the galactomannan after its partial hydrolysis. and good sensory acceptance when compared to FT. The lemon mousses produced met sanitary specifications, remaining stable for 21 days of storage. We concluded that the use of GMPH from Adenanthera pavonina seeds in lemon mousses proved to be a stable, light dessert alternative and a potential source of dietary fiber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The applicability of artificial intelligence (AI) in gastroenterology is a hot topic because of its disruptive nature. Capsule endoscopy plays an important role in several areas of digestive pathology, namely in the investigation of obscure hemorrhagic lesions and the management of inflammatory bowel disease. Therefore, there is growing interest in the use of AI in capsule endoscopy. Several studies have demonstrated the enormous potential of using convolutional neural networks in various areas of capsule endoscopy. The exponential development of the usefulness of AI in capsule endoscopy requires consideration of its medium- and long-term impact on clinical practice. Indeed, the advent of deep learning in the field of capsule endoscopy, with its evolutionary character, could lead to a paradigm shift in clinical activity in this setting. In this review, we aim to illustrate the state of the art of AI in the field of capsule endoscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To analyze the effects of dairy intake on cardiometabolic risk markers compared to other dietary fat sources in adults. Literature database and gray literature were searched for studies published up to October 2018. Two independent authors selected and extracted data from articles. Summary tables were constructed to present data for all outcomes. The intake of dairy appears to have a protective effect on some cardiovascular risk factors, or it is not worse than other SFA sources. The higher intake of dairy can decrease total cholesterol and reduce waist circumference and increase HDL cholesterol. However, it can also increase LDL and triglycerides, although those were small changes. It was observed that the effect of dairy on several serum lipids varied according to the type dairy product used on intervention. Dairy products seem to present a different effect on cardiometabolic risk factors than other fat sources, with evidence of improvement on metabolic parameters compared to another animal source of SFA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Congenital hydrocephalus is a significant challenge in neurosurgery, particularly in resource-limited settings. This study focuses on the congenital hydrocephalus in Brazil, a developing country, over the past 13 years. This study is a retrospective analysis of congenital hydrocephalus treatment and outcomes using data records on DATASUS from January 2008 to July 2021. Demographics, cost of hospitalizations, amount paid to professionals, mortality, and mean length of stay (LOS) were analyzed. Statistical analysis was conducted to determine significant associations between these indicators and pediatric hydrocephalus. DATASUS recorded 8493 cases of congenital hydrocephalus in the studied period, with a prevalence of 24.28 per 100,000 newborns, mostly linked to spina bifida. Congenital hydrocephalus caused 60.83 ± 13.98 neonatal deaths per year, with the highest rate among 32–36 weeks gestational age. Acquired hydrocephalus led to 1063 infant deaths, whereas congenital hydrocephalus resulted in 3122 deaths, with no clear trend by the years. White infants had the highest mortality. A total of 33,184 shunt procedures were performed, with an average cost of $715.37 per procedure. The mortality model showed no significant effects of cost or professionals' salary, but a significant effect of LOS on hospitalization costs was observed. Pediatric hydrocephalus in Brazil's public health system is a significant burden. Congenital hydrocephalus prevalence and mortality emphasize the need for early diagnosis and treatment. Early diagnosis, prenatal care, and adequate resources are crucial. This study offers insights into congenital hydrocephalus, highlighting challenges and future directions for improved care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Device-assisted enteroscopy is the only diagnostic and therapeutic exam capable of exploring the entire gastrointestinal tract. However, the diagnostic yield of this procedure is not sufficient enough to assure a cost-effective panendoscopy, and there is significant interobserver variability during the exam. Artificial intelligence tools have been proved to be beneficial in several areas of medicine, namely in Gastroenterology, with a strong image component. However, the development of deep learning models for application in device-assisted enteroscopy is still in an embryonic phase. The authors herein aimed to develop a multidevice convolutional neural network based on 338 exams performed in two renowned centers. The present model was able to accurately identify multiple clinically relevant lesions across the entire gastrointestinal tract, with an image processing time that favors its clinical applicability. The first worldwide panendoscopic model showed the potential of artificial intelligence in augmenting the accuracy and cost-effectiveness of device-assisted enteroscopy. Device-assisted enteroscopy (DAE) is capable of evaluating the entire gastrointestinal tract, identifying multiple lesions. Nevertheless, DAE's diagnostic yield is suboptimal. Convolutional neural networks (CNN) are multi-layer architecture artificial intelligence models suitable for image analysis, but there is a lack of studies about their application in DAE. Our group aimed to develop a multidevice CNN for panendoscopic detection of clinically relevant lesions during DAE. In total, 338 exams performed in two specialized centers were retrospectively evaluated, with 152 single-balloon enteroscopies (Fujifilm®, Porto, Portugal), 172 double-balloon enteroscopies (Olympus®, Porto, Portugal) and 14 motorized spiral enteroscopies (Olympus®, Porto, Portugal); then, 40,655 images were divided in a training dataset (90% of the images, n = 36,599) and testing dataset (10% of the images, n = 4066) used to evaluate the model. The CNN's output was compared to an expert consensus classification. The model was evaluated by its sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV), accuracy and area under the precision recall curve (AUC-PR). The CNN had an 88.9% sensitivity, 98.9% specificity, 95.8% PPV, 97.1% NPV, 96.8% accuracy and an AUC-PR of 0.97. Our group developed the first multidevice CNN for panendoscopic detection of clinically relevant lesions during DAE. The development of accurate deep learning models is of utmost importance for increasing the diagnostic yield of DAE-based panendoscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The exponential growth in artificial intelligence development, particularly its application in capsule endoscopy, serves as a compelling model for gastroenterologists. This review focusses on the latest advancements in capsule endoscopy, analyzing the possible benefits and ethical challenges that artificial intelligence may bring to the field of minimally invasive capsule panendoscopy, while also offering insights into future directions. Specifically in the context of oncological gastrointestinal screening, there is still a need to explore alternative strategies for enhancing this process. Artificial intelligence-enhanced capsule panendoscopy has the potential to positively impact the future by addressing time constraints and improve accessibility through the use of highly efficient diagnostic models. In the early 2000s, the introduction of single-camera wireless capsule endoscopy (CE) redefined small bowel study. Progress continued with the development of double-camera devices, first for the colon and rectum, and then, for panenteric assessment. Advancements continued with magnetic capsule endoscopy (MCE), particularly when assisted by a robotic arm, designed to enhance gastric evaluation. Indeed, as CE provides full visualization of the entire gastrointestinal (GI) tract, a minimally invasive capsule panendoscopy (CPE) could be a feasible alternative, despite its time-consuming nature and learning curve, assuming appropriate bowel cleansing has been carried out. Recent progress in artificial intelligence (AI), particularly in the development of convolutional neural networks (CNN) for CE auxiliary reading (detecting and diagnosing), may provide the missing link in fulfilling the goal of establishing the use of panendoscopy, although prospective studies are still needed to validate these models in actual clinical scenarios. Recent CE advancements will be discussed, focusing on the current evidence on CNN developments, and their real-life implementation potential and associated ethical challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Asymptomatic infection is the most common outcome of exposure to Leishmania parasites. In the Mediterranean region, where Leishmania infantum is endemic, studies on the prevalence of asymptomatic infection have often relied on serological testing in blood donors. In Spain, regional studies have shown seroprevalence in blood donors between 1 and 8%; in Portugal, values of 0 and 2% were suggested by two localized studies, in different populations. The purpose of this study was (i) to estimate the prevalence of asymptomatic Leishmania infection in blood donors in mainland Portugal, and (ii) to study the association between the detection of antibodies to Leishmania and sociodemographic factors, and also the knowledge, perceptions and practices (KPP) of the blood donors regarding leishmaniasis. Methods: A cross-sectional study targeted the population of people who donated blood in mainland Portugal. Participants, distributed proportionally by municipality and aged between 18 and 65 years, were selected randomly in 347 blood collection points between February and June 2022, and completed a sociodemographic and a KPP questionnaire. Detection of anti-Leishmania antibodies in serum was performed using an ELISA commercial kit. Individual KPP scores were calculated by adding grades defined for each question. Results: Globally, 201/3763 samples were positive. The estimated national true seroprevalence was 4.8% (95% CI 4.1–5.5%). The proportion of positive results was significantly different between NUTS (Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics) regions. Models suggested that seropositivity was significantly higher in male sex, people older than 25 years, or residing in the Centro NUTS2 region, but not in dog owners nor people with lower KPP scores. Overall, 72.3% of participants had previously heard of leishmaniasis and, in multivariate analysis, a higher Knowledge score was associated with age 25–40 years, female sex, ownership of dogs, and higher education. Conclusions: Global estimated true seroprevalence (4.8%) was similar to previous regional studies in blood donors in neighboring Spain. Higher seroprevalence values in the NUTS2 Centro region were consistent with incidence data from humans and seroprevalence studies in dogs. On the other hand, the low values in the Alentejo and the high values in the northern subregions may be the result of geographical shifts in parasite circulation due to climate change and should prompt localized and integrated, vector, canine, and human research, following a One Health approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a 39-year-old man who was presented to the emergency department complaining about perianal itching and pain and was found to be suffering from non-healing perianal ulcer . Topics include the non-healing perianal ulcer the immunocompetent patient as the presenting sign of a systemic disease, and histological examination of perianal ulcer showed epithelioid granulomas with caseous necrosis and Langhans' type multinucleated giant cells.

A letter to the editor is presented regarding a case of a 20-year-old woman who was presented with vulvar inflammation which served as manifestation of metastatic Crohn's disease.

A letter to the editor is presented regarding the case of a 44-year-old woman who undergone colonoscopy after experiencing rectal bleeding and was diagnosed with cavernous hemangioma of the rectum (DCHR).

Background: The treatment goal of Crohn's disease (CD) has moved towards achieving mucosal healing, resolution of transmural inflammation, and normalization of biomarkers. The purpose of this study was to evaluate how well computed tomography enterography (CTE) and fecal calprotectin (FC) correlated with endoscopic activity in newly diagnosed patients with CD and after 1 year of therapy. Methods: Consecutive patients with newly diagnosed CD were evaluated by endoscopy, CTE, and FC at diagnosis and 12 months after beginning immunosuppression. Endoscopic severity was assessed using the Simplified Endoscopic Score for Crohn's Disease (SES-CD). Biomarkers, clinical indexes, and FC were recorded on the day of ileocolonoscopy at diagnosis and 1 year after diagnosis. We adapted a CTE score for disease activity based on radiological signs of inflammation (i.e. mural thickness, mural hyperenhancement, mesenteric fat proliferation, mesenteric fat densification, comb sign, presence of strictures, fistulas, abscesses, ascites, and lymphadenopathy). Correlations between endoscopy, CTE, and FC were assessed using Spearman's rank correlation. Results: A total of 29 patients (48% women; median age 30 (24.5–35.5) years) were included in this prospective cohort. CTE findings significantly correlated with endoscopic findings. Endoscopic remission (ER) at 1-year follow up significantly correlated with improvement in mural hyperenhancement (p = 0.004), mesenteric fat densification (p = 0.001), comb sign (p = 0.004), and strictures (p = 0.008) in CTE. None of the CTE findings improved in patients without ER. FC correlated with SES-CD (rs = 0.696, p < 0.001) and with CTE features of inflammation (rs = 0.596, p < 0.001). A cut-off of 100 µg/g predicted ER with 92% sensitivity, 65% specificity, and 83% accuracy (area under curve 0.878, p < 0.001). Conclusions: CTE findings and FC levels correlated with endoscopic activity in CD both at diagnosis and at 1-year follow up. These two noninvasive markers of disease activity may be used as an alternative to endoscopy to monitor disease response to therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Asymptomatic infection is the most common outcome of exposure to Leishmania parasites. In the Mediterranean region, where Leishmania infantum is endemic, studies on the prevalence of asymptomatic infection have often relied on serological testing in blood donors. In Spain, regional studies have shown seroprevalence in blood donors between 1 and 8%; in Portugal, values of 0 and 2% were suggested by two localized studies, in different populations. The purpose of this study was (i) to estimate the prevalence of asymptomatic Leishmania infection in blood donors in mainland Portugal, and (ii) to study the association between the detection of antibodies to Leishmania and sociodemographic factors, and also the knowledge, perceptions and practices (KPP) of the blood donors regarding leishmaniasis. Methods: A cross-sectional study targeted the population of people who donated blood in mainland Portugal. Participants, distributed proportionally by municipality and aged between 18 and 65 years, were selected randomly in 347 blood collection points between February and June 2022, and completed a sociodemographic and a KPP questionnaire. Detection of anti-Leishmania antibodies in serum was performed using an ELISA commercial kit. Individual KPP scores were calculated by adding grades defined for each question. Results: Globally, 201/3763 samples were positive. The estimated national true seroprevalence was 4.8% (95% CI 4.1–5.5%). The proportion of positive results was significantly different between NUTS (Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics) regions. Models suggested that seropositivity was significantly higher in male sex, people older than 25 years, or residing in the Centro NUTS2 region, but not in dog owners nor people with lower KPP scores. Overall, 72.3% of participants had previously heard of leishmaniasis and, in multivariate analysis, a higher Knowledge score was associated with age 25–40 years, female sex, ownership of dogs, and higher education. Conclusions: Global estimated true seroprevalence (4.8%) was similar to previous regional studies in blood donors in neighboring Spain. Higher seroprevalence values in the NUTS2 Centro region were consistent with incidence data from humans and seroprevalence studies in dogs. On the other hand, the low values in the Alentejo and the high values in the northern subregions may be the result of geographical shifts in parasite circulation due to climate change and should prompt localized and integrated, vector, canine, and human research, following a One Health approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Cirrhosis is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Portal hypertension is the major contributor of cirrhosis‐related complications and is defined as a hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) > 5 mmHg. Measurement of HVPG is an invasive, difficult, and costly procedure. Therefore, it is only performed in specialized centers. Liver stiffness measured with transient elastography is one of the most studied noninvasive markers of portal hypertension, and spleen elastography has recently emerged as an important adjuvant tool. The development of a new probe (100 Hz) that more reliably reflect the grade of portal hypertension evaluated by spleen stiffness measurement has improved the accuracy of this technique. The aim of this work was to evaluate the accuracy of spleen stiffness with the new dedicated probe to predict the presence of high‐risk varices, as well as to determine the ideal cutoff to predict it. Methods: Prospective study of cirrhotic patients admitted to upper endoscopy that were also submitted to liver and spleen elastography with the 100‐Hz probe by the same blinded operator in a tertiary center. Results: We included 209 cirrhotic patients, with mean age of 61.9 years (±9.9), 77.0% male. The most common etiology was alcoholic liver disease (72.7%). The median value of liver elastography was 25.3 [4.5–75] kPa, and the median value of spleen elastography was 42.4 [7.6–100] kPa. At the cutoff of 53.25 kPa, we obtained sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 72.6% to predict high‐risk varices, and, according to this cutoff, 133/175 of esophagogastroduodenoscopy could have been spared (76.0%), while according to Baveno guidelines, only 51/175 would have been spared (29.1%). Conclusion: In the era of noninvasive exams, spleen elastography with the 100‐Hz probe emerges as an excellent tool for prediction of presence of high‐risk varices. At the cutoff of 53.25 kPa, spleen elastography avoids upper endoscopy for screening for high‐risk varices, promising to be become part of the hepatologists' daily routine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Posterior fossa tumors pose challenges in pediatric neurosurgery and can lead to complications such as cerebellar mutism, affecting speech and motor abilities. This study aims to describe the evolution of cerebellar mutism and identify relevant factors in its pathophysiology and prognosis. Methods: A review was conducted on three cases of children who underwent surgery for posterior fossa tumors by the same surgical team and developed postoperative cerebellar mutism. The study analyzed preoperative clinical presentation, mutism manifestation, and recovery. Additionally, a literature review was performed on the emergence, evolution, and prognosis. Results: Case 1 involved a 3-year-old girl with medulloblastoma who experienced mutism, behavioral changes, and self-mutilation after surgery. Symptoms resolved after one month but recurred with a subsequent operation, resolving again after a month. Case 2 featured a 15-year-old girl who developed severe posterior fossa syndrome, including mutism, dysarthria, aphasia, and motor impairments. With support care, she gradually improved over a year. Case 3 involved a 4-year-old boy with cerebral palsy and a posterior fossa tumor. He experienced akinetic mutism, resolved over time with rehabilitation therapies. Discussion: Cerebellar mutism following posterior fossa surgery has implications for patient recovery. It primarily involves impairment of cerebellar outflow pathways rather than direct brainstem or cortical lesions. Identifying at-risk patients remains challenging, though younger age and specific tumor characteristics may increase the likelihood of mutism. Rehabilitation, including physical and speech therapies, plays a crucial role in promoting recovery. Effective communication and support for patients and their families are essential during the recovery process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is known that the dietary pattern and macronutrients profile may influence the expression and secretion of inflammatory biomarkers, and the low-grade inflammation is associated with the manifestation of noncommunicable chronic diseases.,erefore, this review aimed to present and discuss the role of dietary patterns and macronutrients on the variation of inflammatory markers related to NCD risk. Scientific evidences within the last five years based on clinical trials, case-controls, cohorts, and cross-sectional studies indicate that normocaloric, carbohydrate-moderated, low-glycemic index, proteinmoderated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acid-rich, omega-3, and low-saturated fat diets display positive effects on the inflammatory state, both in healthy individuals and in those with cardiovascular risk, although the second group seems to benefit more from changes in the dietary profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smaller endoscopes and catheters have been developed that permit direct visualization of the bile and pancreatic ducts (cholangioscopy and pancreatoscopy, respectively). These endoscopes and catheters are passed through the working channel of a standard therapeutic duodenoscope during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The SpyGlass Direct Visualization System (Boston Scientific Corp, Natick, MA, USA) is currently the most widely used and studied device. Cholangioscopy with intraductal lithotripsy has become an established modality in the treatment of difficult biliary lithiasis. When used in the evaluation of indeterminate biliary strictures by experienced endoscopists in recognizing intraductal pathology, it increases the diagnostic yield of tissue sampling. Pancreatoscopy is complementary to other imaging modalities in the evaluation of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas and is emerging as a sole or adjunctive therapy to extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for the treatment of main pancreatic duct stones. It remains investigational in the diagnosis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Complications specific to the performance of cholangiopancreatoscopy include cholangitis, which is related to intraductal fluid irrigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]