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Purine nucleotides and nucleosides play critical roles in various pathological conditions, including tumor cell growth. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) activates pro-tumor receptors, while adenosine (ADO) is a potent immunosuppressant and modulator of cell growth. This study aims to analyze the purinergic actions of ATP and its metabolites, associated enzymes, and P1 or P2 class receptors in primary central nervous system tumors. Additionally, we sought to correlate the levels of nucleosides and the density of P1, P2X, and P2Y receptors in cells with tumor progression. The results indicate that purinergic signaling depends on the receptor concentration and signaling molecules specific to each cell type, tissue, and tumor histology. The purinergic system may function as either a tumor-promoting agent or an antitumor factor, depending on the microenvironmental conditions and the concentrations of receptors and their respective activators. Notably, ATP emerges as the most significant extracellular signal, capable of being converted into other cellular stimulators pertinent to neoplasms, such as adenosine diphosphate, adenosine monophosphate, adenosine, and inosine. Consequently, a cascade of responses to these stimuli promotes tumor development, cell division, and metastasis. Purine nucleotides in central nervous system tumors are pivotal in cellular responses in glioblastoma multiforme, vestibular schwannoma, medulloblastoma, adenomas, gliomas, meningiomas, and pineal tumors. These findings hold the potential for developing novel therapeutic strategies and aiding in therapeutic management., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

Initial evidence supports the reliability of the Participation Measurement Scale (PM-Scale) in Brazil, but further exploration of its psychometric properties is needed for Brazilian stroke survivors. The aim of the study is to analyze the reliability, convergent validity, internal consistency, and accuracy of the PM-Scale Brazil. A methodological study involved three assessments over intervals of 7-14 days. Reliability was evaluated through the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient. Convergent validity was assessed using Spearman's correlation coefficient to evaluate the alignment of the PM-Scale Brazil with the SATIS-Stroke. Internal consistency was assessed through Cronbach's α. Accuracy was estimated by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. The study involved 110 stroke survivors, revealing adequate intra-rater and inter-rater reliability. A significant weak correlation was observed between the PM-Scale and SATIS-Stroke. Internal consistency and accuracy were adequate. The PM-Scale Brazil demonstrates good reliability, internal consistency, and sensitivity. However, its weak correlation with SATIS-Stroke suggests limited convergent validity., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Purpose: T1 bladder cancer is known for its high progression and recurrence rates. Identifying aggressive tumours at the non-muscle-invasive stage is crucial to allow early interventions and subsequently increase patient survival. This study aimed to investigate the potential of the cubilin/myeloperoxidase (CUBN/MPO) ratio as a high-grade T1 bladder cancer biomarker., Methods: Urine samples were collected from 30 patients who underwent transurethral resection of the tumour with high-grade T1 bladder cancer (June 2015 to December 2019) before surgery. The urinary proteome was analysed using high-resolution mass spectrometry and the CUBN/MPO ratio was calculated. The primary outcome was the recurrence during the follow-up (around 31.5 months after resection). Univariate Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier curves were used for data analysis., Results: Patients with a low CUBN/MPO ratio exhibited upregulated MPO and/or downregulated CUBN. This group of patients had a higher incidence of disease recurrence and progression. Low CUBN/MPO ratio was significantly associated with a higher likelihood of recurrence, progression, and death. It is worth noting that this study was exploratory and conducted on a small sample size, so further research is needed to validate these findings in larger cohorts., Conclusion: This study highlights the potential of the CUBN/MPO ratio as a prognostic biomarker for high-grade T1 bladder cancer., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Dementia is an umbrella term for a broad group of age-associated neurodegenerative diseases. It is estimated that dementia affects 50 million people worldwide and that Alzheimer's disease (AD) is responsible for up to 75% of cases. Small extracellular senile plaques composed of filamentous aggregates of amyloid β (Aβ) protein tend to bind to neuronal receptors, affecting cholinergic, serotonergic, dopaminergic and noradrenergic neurotransmission, leading to neuroinflammation, among other pathophysiologic processes and subsequent neuronal death, followed by dementia. The amyloid cascade hypothesis points to a pathological process in the cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein (APP), resulting in pathological Aβ. There is a close relationship between the pathologies that lead to dementia and depression. It is estimated that depression is prevalent in up to 90% of individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, with varying severity, and in 20 to 30% of cases of Alzheimer's disease. The hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis is the great intermediary between the pathophysiological mechanisms in neurodegenerative diseases and depression. This review discusses the role of Aβ protein in the pathophysiological mechanisms of dementia and depression, considering the HPA axis, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, signalling pathways and neurotransmission., (© 2024 Nordic Association for the Publication of BCPT (former Nordic Pharmacological Society). Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Purpose: To analyze WHODAS 2.0's diagnostic capacity and accuracy in stroke survivors., Methods: Cross-sectional methodological study, in which individuals with chronic stroke were evaluated. Disability was considered the outcome variable, being evaluated by WHODAS 2.0; the modified Rankin scale (mRS) was used as the parameter variable. Disability was categorized in two levels being: "No or mild disability" (mRS 0-2) and "Moderate to severe disability" (mRS 3-5). To identify the cutoff point, a Receiver-Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed with a confidence interval (CI) of 95% and considering sensitivity and specificity., Results: The cutoff point >39.62 proved acceptable for distinguishing individuals with moderate/severe disability from individuals with no or mild disability (≤39.62 points), with 66.22% sensitivity, 72.41% specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) of 45.45%, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 84.74%. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.747 (CI 95%: 0.65-0.83; p  < 0.001)., Conclusion: WHODAS 2.0 demonstrated acceptable diagnostic capacity and the cutoff point of 39.62 proved suitable for distinguishing individuals with moderate/severe disability from those with no or mild disability after stroke.Implications for rehabilitationWHODAS 2.0 demonstrated acceptable diagnostic capacity.The WHODAS 2.0 cut-off point of >39.62 allows stratification of post-stroke disability into two different levels (no/mild disability versus moderate/severe disability).These results facilitate clinical decision-making by rehabilitation professionals.

Background: SATISPART-Stroke (SATIS-Stroke) is the most complete instrument for the assessment of activity and participation following a stroke. However, its use in a developing country has only been tested through in-person interviews., Objective: To determine the validity, reproducibility and viability of the SATIS-Stroke scale administered in two tele-assessment modalities: self-assessment of an electronic form versus videoconference., Methods: Methodological study with Brazilian chronic stroke survivors was conducted. Stage I comprised an in-person interview to apply the SATIS-Stroke and a self-assessment by completing an electronic form to respond to the SATIS-Stroke items. Step II occurred 6 to 8 months after Step I, during which SATIS-Stroke was administered again in-person and via videoconference. The order was randomized., Results: Ninety-five stroke survivors were recruited, but only 50 answered the electronic form (adherence: 52.6%). Mean scores were higher in the self-administration of electronic form compared to the in-person interview (mean difference = -0.36 ± 0.93; P  = 0.009). Adequate reliability was found in the comparison of the in-person and self-assessment of electronic form (ICC 2,1  = 0.66; 95%CI: 0.40-0.81). Fifty stroke survivors participated in Step II, during which adequate reliability was found in the comparison of the in-person administration and videoconference (ICC 2,1  = 0.55; 95%CI: 0.21-0.74) and a moderate correlation was found between the assessment methods ( r  = 0.43; P  = 0.02)., Discussion: Adequate validity and reliability were found in the tele-assessment. Thus, this method is appropriate and viable for use in developing countries. Although reliable, the self-assessment did not have good adherence in the Brazilian population due to internet access problems, lack of familiarity with the digital form and lack of autonomy to answer the questions alone.

Purpose: Propose a way of coding and qualifying HRQoL following a stroke using the codes and qualifiers of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF)., Methods: An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted involving 51 individuals with hemiparesis resulting from a stroke. ICF codes related to the Stroke Specific Quality of Life (SS-QOL) scale were listed and subsequently classified using the generic ICF qualifiers, which range from .0 - no impairment to .4 - complete impairment. A simple mathematic calculation was proposed to convert the SS-QOL scores into ICF qualifiers., Results: The use of the ICF qualifiers revealed that the individuals exhibited a moderate level (.2) of quality of life, with mild impairment (.1) regarding upper limb function, language, self-care, and vision as well as severe impairment (.3) regarding social relations., Conclusions: The proposal presented in this study allowed qualifying 43 ICF codes related to quality of life after a stroke in a simple, standardized manner, enabling the identification of different levels of impairment on each of the domains of the SS-QOL scale. This coding standardizes the evaluation, facilitates communication between healthcare providers, and systematizes the collection of data and information on health.Implications for rehabilitationProposal for qualifying concepts related to body functions, activity & participation, and environmental factors in a simple, standardized manner.The proposed mathematic calculation is simple and easy to understand, which minimizes the occurrence of errors.Possibility to identify different levels of impairment in each of the domains of the Stroke Specific Quality of Life scale, facilitating the establishment of individualized, longitudinal care.The ICF codes standardize the evaluation, facilitate communication between healthcare providers, and systematize the collection of data and information on health and functioning.

Objectives: Identify how environmental barriers and facilitators are associated with disability in stroke survivors., Materials and Methods: An analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted involving individuals in the chronic stage of stroke. The dependent variable was disability, which was assessed using the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS-2.0). Environmental factors (independent variable) were evaluated using the Measure of the Quality of the Environment (MQE). Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to estimate the impact of the environment on disability following a stroke., Results: Seventy-five individuals (mean age: 54.2 + 9.8 years) were analyzed. The most frequent environmental facilitators were related to technology, social networks, and public services. The main barriers were related to the physical environment. Environmental barrier was a predictor of both overall disability [F(1.73) = 4.24; R 2 =0.06; β = -0.23; t = -2.06; p=0.04] and participation [F(1.73) = 10.45; R 2 =0.13; β = -0.35; t = -3.23; p = 0.01]. Environmental facilitators were not correlated with disability., Conclusion: Environmental barriers explained 13% of the variation in restrictions to social participation and were also a significant predictor of overall disability. The main barriers were related to the physical environment. Identifying environmental factors related to disability in stroke victims can assist in the planning of guided therapy., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing interest The authors report no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in Manaus, Brazil, resurged in late 2020 despite previously high levels of infection. Genome sequencing of viruses sampled in Manaus between November 2020 and January 2021 revealed the emergence and circulation of a novel SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern. Lineage P.1 acquired 17 mutations, including a trio in the spike protein (K417T, E484K, and N501Y) associated with increased binding to the human ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2) receptor. Molecular clock analysis shows that P.1 emergence occurred around mid-November 2020 and was preceded by a period of faster molecular evolution. Using a two-category dynamical model that integrates genomic and mortality data, we estimate that P.1 may be 1.7- to 2.4-fold more transmissible and that previous (non-P.1) infection provides 54 to 79% of the protection against infection with P.1 that it provides against non-P.1 lineages. Enhanced global genomic surveillance of variants of concern, which may exhibit increased transmissibility and/or immune evasion, is critical to accelerate pandemic responsiveness., (Copyright © 2021 The Authors, some rights reserved; exclusive licensee American Association for the Advancement of Science. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.)

Objective: To compare the amplitude of trunk flexion and extension through goniometry among athletes and non-athletes and to correlate these data with the popliteal angle and hamstring muscle tests., Methods: The amplitude of trunk flexion and extension was evaluated in 50 individuals who practiced sports on a regular basis and 50 non-athletes who did not present any painful lumber symptoms or any symptoms that could affect test performance. The measurements were made consecutively by two independent examiners by means of goniometry. The trunk flexion and extension values from the goniometry evaluation were correlated with the popliteal angle and hamstring flexibility tests, and the statistical correlation between them was analyzed., Results: The mean values obtained were 130.7 (101.9) for flexion and 40.2 (36.4) for extension. Statistically significant differences between the athletes and non-athletes were found in relation to the following parameters: goniometer in flexion with examiner 1, goniometer in flexion with examiner 2 and hamstring test. No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in relation to the following parameters: goniometer in extension with examiner 1, goniometer in extension with examiner 2 and popliteal angle test., Conclusion: Individuals who practiced sports presented higher trunk flexion values. The use of goniometry to measure trunk amplitude showed variations in measurements between the examiners.

This paper describes a novel series of N,O-acetals and N,S-acetals (7a-o) derived from 2-amino-1,4-naphthoquinones that were synthesized and evaluated as potential antimicrobial agents. These compounds were obtained in good yields using microwave irradiation, and several of them showed promising antibacterial profiles. Three of our biologically active 2-amino-1,4-naphthoquinone N,O-acetals and N,S-acetals tested against hospital bacterial strains were identified as potential lead compounds. Characterization of all compounds was performed using one-dimensional NMR techniques ((1)H, (13)C-APT), IR spectra, elemental analyses and high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HR-ESI-MS)., (Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.)

Celiac disease (CD) is a permanent condition of gluten intolerance and a number of autoimmune diseases have been associated with it. In the past few years, a relation between CD and dilated cardiomyopathy (CM) was described in Europe and United States. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of CD among south Brazilian precardiac transplant patients with advanced CM. A total of 74 patients on a list for heart transplantation were evaluated for the presence CD. The presence of anti-endomisial antibody (IgA-EmA) was determined by indirect immunofluorescence and for the anti-transglutaminase antibody (IgA anti-h-tTG) by ELISA. Serologically positive patients were submitted to upper endoscopy with intestinal biopsy. Two individuals (2.63%) were positive for IgA-EmA and 5 (6.75%) for IgA anti-h-tTG; 1 (1.35%) had both tests positive. Histologic confirmation of CD occurred only in the IgA-EmA positive patients. In conclusion, data from the present study allows recommend the screening for CD in patients with CM using IgA-EmA test as the method of choice.

Background: Specialized intestinal metaplasia can be categorized according endoscopic and histological findings in long segment Barrett, short segment Barrett and specialized intestinal metaplasia of cardia. Barrett's esophagus is an acquired disease that is found in about 10%-13% of patients undergoing endoscopy for symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease and it is well established as predisposing to esophageal adenocarcinoma. The columnar epithelium with goblet cells replaces the normal squamous epithelium., Objective: To determine the prevalence and clinical-demographic characteristics of specialized intestinal metaplasia of distal esophagus in the gastroesophageal reflux disease., Methods: From April to October 2002, 402 patients referred to upper endoscopy due gastroesophageal reflux disease were evaluated through of a symptom questionnaire about clinical and demographic features and submitted to upper endoscopy with four-quadrant biopsies 1 cm below escamocolumnar junction., Results: Eighteen point four percent of patients had specialized intestinal metaplasia, 0.5% long segment Barrett esophagus, 3.2% short segment Barrett's esophagus and 14.7% specialized intestinal metaplasia of cardia. Patients with Barrett's esophagus showed a tendency to be male and specialized metaplasia of cardia to be female. All patients with Barrett's esophagus were white. There was not association between symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease and specialized intestinal metaplasia, but patients with Barrett's esophagus showed a tendency to have symptoms over 5 years and had more hiatal hernia and esophagitis. The use of alcohol and tobacco was not related to the presence of specialized intestinal metaplasia., Conclusions: Barrett's esophagus was more related to the male gender, gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms for 5 years or longer, more intense esophagitis and hiatal hernia, but was not related to the use of tobacco and alcohol.

Background: Barrett's esophagus is a condition in which the normal stratified squamous epithelium of the esophagus is replaced by specialized intestinal metaplasia, that carries an increased risk for the development of adenocarcinoma of the esophagus. Dysplasia and initial stage carcinoma generally precede this neoplasm; the increased risk has led to attempts at early detection of these lesions through periodic upper endoscopy and biopsies. The continued rise in the incidence of adenocarcinoma of the esophagus has fueled resurgent interest in the use of a variety of endoscopic techniques, like methylene blue chromoendoscopy, to improve the diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus and associated complications., Aim: To determine if methylene blue chromoendoscopy directed biopsies offer advantage over the conventional technique in the detection of Barrett's esophagus., Material and Method: Forty-five patients with previous diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus were enrolled in this study; all of them underwent upper endoscopy with random biopsies and upper endoscopy with methylene-blue directed biopsies within 4 weeks, in the period between April and October, 2002., Results: Results of histologic examination of random biopsies and those of methylene blue directed biopsies were compared. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were 62,5%, 15,4%, 57,7% and 18,2%, respectively. No significant differences were found in the total number of biopsy specimens. Differences were found in the total amount of time spent during each procedure (chromoendoscopy x conventional technique), with chromoendoscopy being significantly longer., Conclusion: We concluded that methylene blue chromoendoscopy offered no advantage over the conventional method in the diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus.

Rotavirus testing was performed on fecal samples of 607 infants and young children aging from 0 to 6 years with acute diarrhoea between May 1986 and April 1990. Samples were analyzed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). Rotaviruses were detected in 123 samples (20.27%); from those, 107 (87.00%) were classified as subgroup II (long profile). Rotaviruses were not detected in the control group of healthy children, but it were present in 7.80% of the children hospitalized for other causes but acute diarrhoea. Most of the children with rotavirus infection ranged from 6 to 24 months of age (73.98%). The mean of positive cases during the rainy months (October to April) was of 9.60% and during the dry period was of 34.48%. The highest values were 53.17 and 73.27% in June and July, the coldest months of the year.

A six-month-old female gypsy child, the daughter of second degree cousins, born after a full-term pregnancy and normal delivery, is described. There was generalized neonatal edema. Abnormalities included psychomotor retardation from birth and progressive appearance of facial dysmorphism, organ enlargement, axial hypotonia, hypertonia in limbs, myoclonic jerks, optic atrophy and bilateral cherry-red spots. The diagnosis of GM1 type 1 gangliosidosis was confirmed by biochemical, enzymatic and ultrastructural findings.

Mice from a randomly bred strain were divided into two groups according to their locomotor responses to ethanol (0.8-3.0 g/kg): in two thirds of the tested animals ethanol increased locomotor activity (ethanol activated-EA), whereas in the remaining one third it did not (ethanol non-activated-ENA). Both groups did not differ in their locomotor activity after saline administration. Furthermore, EA and ENA mice presented a similar increase in locomotor activity after challenge with 1.0 and 2.0 mg/kg d-amphetamine. Chronic exposure to ethanol increased the ethanol-induced locomotor activation in both EA and ENA groups. The possibility that the lack of responsiveness of ENA mice to ethanol's acute activating effect could be due to a higher sensitivity to the depressant effect of ethanol is discussed.