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Abstract Inferior frontal sulcal hyperintensities (IFSH) observed on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) MRI have been proposed as indicators of elevated cerebrospinal fluid waste accumulation in cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). However, to validate IFSH as a reliable imaging biomarker, further replication studies are required. The objective of this study was to investigate associations between IFSH and CSVD, and their potential repercussions, i.e., cognitive impairment and depression. We prospectively recruited 47 patients with CSVD and 29 cognitively normal controls (NC). IFSH were rated visually based on FLAIR MRI. Using different regression models, we explored the relationship between IFSH, group status (CSVD vs. NC), CSVD severity assessed with MRI, cognitive function, and symptoms of depression. Patients with CSVD were more likely to have higher IFSH scores compared to NC (OR 5.64, 95% CI 1.91–16.60), and greater CSVD severity on MRI predicted more severe IFSH (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.14–1.88). Higher IFSH scores were associated with lower cognitive function (-0.96, 95% CI -1.81 to -0.10), and higher levels of depression (0.33, 95% CI 0.01–0.65). CSVD and IFSH may be tightly linked to each other, and the accumulation of waste products, indicated by IFSH, could have detrimental effects on cognitive function and symptoms of depression.

A large storm surge caused by Hurricane Dorian in 2019 resulted in extensive flooding and saltwater intrusion into the aquifers of the island of Grand Bahama. This caused about 40 % of the island's water supply to become brackish with no or slow recovery to date and damage to more than 70 % of mangroves and forests on Grand Bahama. Managed aquifer recharge (MAR) and reforestation were considered nature-based solutions (NBS) to mitigate the impacts of Hurricane Dorian. First, a technical assessment of MAR investigated (hydro)geological aspects. As a result, potential locations for a MAR scheme are proposed. Further, a financial and an extended cost–benefit analysis (CBA) integrating ecosystem service (ES) assessments are conducted for proposed MAR and reforestation measures. Based on the current data availability, results indicate that the MAR scheme of rooftop rainwater harvesting is technically feasible. However, based on our first estimate with limited data, this MAR scheme will be able to provide only about 10 % of the water demand in the study area and thus would not be favorable from a financial perspective. Since MAR has a range of positive aspects (including potential reduction of desalinization efforts and improvement freshwater-dependent ecosystems), we recommend reassessment with more detailed hydrogeological data. On the other hand, reforestation measures are assessed to be financially profitable. The results of this study not only prove the technical feasibility and the added value of restoring groundwater and the forest ecosystem on Grand Bahama, but also highlight the associated high costs. The developed methods for investigating ecosystem services from an economic perspective was proven to allow for a systematic comparison of NBSs and reverse osmosis costs and benefits helping, e.g., policy- and decision-makers and to justify their implementation.

A família possui um papel central nos processos de intervenção precoce na infância e é componente essencial para o desenvolvimento da criança. A presente pesquisa abordou a percepção de 34 famílias envolvidas no Programa de Intervenção Precoce para Recém-Nato de Risco em relação às orientações fornecidas pela equipe multiprofissional. Empregando uma abordagem quali-quantitativa, foram aplicados questionários de cotidiano familiar e conduzidas entrevistas. A análise quantitativa revelou que as famílias reconhecem a relevância da intervenção precoce, sendo capazes em sua maioria implementar as orientações em seus domicílios. Entretanto, as entrevistas semiestruturadas destacaram a expressão de sentimentos de desamparo e a percepção de falta de informação após o parto, resultando em fragilidades e auto culpabilização. Em continuidade, observou-se que a maioria das famílias não possuíam conhecimento prévio sobre a intervenção precoce, destacando a necessidade de uma maior divulgação sobre o tema, tanto pela mídia quanto por instituições de saúde públicas e privadas.

Background White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) are frequently observed on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). The neuropathological substrates that underlie WMHs in CAA are unclear, and it remains largely unexplored whether the different WMH distribution patterns associated with CAA (posterior confluent and subcortical multispot) reflect alternative pathophysiological mechanisms. Methods and Results We performed a combined in vivo MRI—ex vivo MRI—neuropathological study in patients with definite CAA. Formalin‐fixed hemispheres from 19 patients with CAA, most of whom also had in vivo MRI available, underwent 3T MRI, followed by standard neuropathological examination of the hemispheres and targeted neuropathological assessment of WMH patterns. Ex vivo WMH volume was independently associated with CAA severity (P=0.046) but not with arteriolosclerosis (P=0.743). In targeted neuropathological examination, compared with normal‐appearing white matter, posterior confluent WMHs were associated with activated microglia (P=0.043) and clasmatodendrosis (P=0.031), a form of astrocytic injury. Trends were found for an association with white matter rarefaction (P=0.074) and arteriolosclerosis (P=0.094). An exploratory descriptive analysis suggested that the histopathological correlates of WMH multispots were similar to those underlying posterior confluent WMHs. Conclusions This study confirmed that vascular amyloid β severity in the cortex is significantly associated with WMH volume in patients with definite CAA. The histopathological substrates of both posterior confluent and WMH multispots were comparable, suggesting overlapping pathophysiological mechanisms, although these exploratory observations require confirmation in larger studies.

Resumo Com o final do regime autoritário e a expansão do ensino fundamental e médio nos anos 1990, cresceram as demandas por maior acesso ao ensino superior e por maior abertura das universidades públicas aos grupos historicamente menos representados. O artigo explora a forma como a USP respondeu a essas demandas, discutindo a expansão de vagas, a adoção de ações afirmativas e de políticas de permanência. Em seguida, examinamos as mudanças na composição do corpo estudantil. Ao descrever essas transformações, nossa análise documenta os ganhos, as contradições e as assimetrias do processo recente de democratização dessa universidade.

Several agri-food byproducts represent valuable sources of compounds to be reutilized for nutritional, nutraceutical, and cosmetic purposes. Examples especially comprise byproducts from the processing of fruits such as pomace, because of their richness in nutrients (e.g., fibers) and bioactive compounds (e.g., polyphenols) that can be destined for animal and human use. However, in agreement with the principles of circular economy that are being promoted during the most recent years, other understudied agri-food byproducts of both plant and animal origin are being evaluated to assess their possible reutilization and valorization. In this review, we aim at summarizing the most recent research dealing with the extraction of nutrients and bioactive compounds from agri-food byproducts using innovative and sustainable approaches. Specifically, the review is focused on byproducts generated in large amounts (tons/year) by the food industry of Northeast Italy, namely, honey, red fruits (grapes and berries), and chicory, which are especially of interest for their content in phenolic acids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and dietary fiber. The potential applications of these byproducts and extracts in cosmetic, nutraceutical, and nutritional fields are also discussed, referring to the published literature, as well as their potential utilization as sources of novel bioactive compounds with pharmacological applications.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused major human and social behavior changes. Human coronavirus (HCoV) OC43, a common human coronavirus, remains a major cause of respiratory infections. HCoV-OC43 can infect humans [...]

The potentialities of mechanochemistry trough extrusion have been investigated for the design of nanosized catalysts and their use in C-C bond-forming reactions. The mechanochemical approach proved successful for the synthesis of supported palladium nanoparticles with mean diameter within 6–10 nm, achieved by the reduction of Pd(II) acetate with ethylene glycol, in the absence of any solvent. A mesoporous N-doped carbon derived from chitin as a renewable biopolymer, was used as a support. Thereafter, the resulting nanomaterials were tested as catalysts to implement a second extrusion based-protocol for the Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction of iodobenzene and phenylboronic acid. The conversion and the selectivity of the reaction were 81% and >99%, respectively, with a productivity of the desired derivative, biphenyl, of 41 mmol gcat−1 h−1.

Abstract Background Cortical superficial siderosis (cSS) has recently emerged as one of the most important predictors of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage and is a risk factor for post-stroke dementia in cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). However, it remains unknown whether cSS is just a marker of severe CAA pathology or may itself contribute to intracerebral hemorrhage risk and cognitive decline. cSS is a chronic manifestation of convexal subarachnoid hemorrhage and is neuropathologically characterized by iron deposits in the superficial cortical layers. We hypothesized that these iron deposits lead to local neuroinflammation, a potentially contributory pathway towards secondary tissue injury. Methods Accordingly, we assessed the distribution of inflammatory markers in relation to cortical iron deposits in post-mortem tissue from CAA cases. Serial sections from the frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital lobes of nineteen autopsy cases with CAA were stained with Perls’ Prussian blue (iron) and underwent immunohistochemistry against glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP, reactive astrocytes) and cluster of differentiation 68 (CD68, activated microglia/macrophages). Digitized sections were uploaded to the cloud-based Aiforia® platform, where deep-learning algorithms were utilized to detect tissue, iron deposits, and GFAP-positive and CD68-positive cells. Results We observed a strong local relationship between cortical iron deposits and reactive astrocytes. Like cSS-related iron, reactive astrocytes were mainly found in the most superficial layers of the cortex. Although we observed iron within both astrocytes and activated microglia/macrophages on co-stains, there was no clear local relationship between the density of microglia/macrophages and the density of iron deposits. Conclusion Iron deposition resulting from cSS is associated with local reactive astrogliosis.

The tumor microenvironment is a highly complex and dynamic mixture of cell types, including tumor, immune and endothelial cells (ECs), soluble factors (cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors), blood vessels and extracellular matrix. Within this complex network, ECs are not only relevant for controlling blood fluidity and permeability, and orchestrating tumor angiogenesis but also for regulating the antitumor immune response. Lining the luminal side of vessels, ECs check the passage of molecules into the tumor compartment, regulate cellular transmigration, and interact with both circulating pathogens and innate and adaptive immune cells. Thus, they represent a first-line defense system that participates in immune responses. Tumor-associated ECs are involved in T cell priming, activation, and proliferation by acting as semi-professional antigen presenting cells. Thus, targeting ECs may assist in improving antitumor immune cell functions. Moreover, tumor-associated ECs contribute to the development at the tumor site of tertiary lymphoid structures, which have recently been associated with enhanced response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). When compared to normal ECs, tumor-associated ECs are abnormal in terms of phenotype, genetic expression profile, and functions. They are characterized by high proliferative potential and the ability to activate immunosuppressive mechanisms that support tumor progression and metastatic dissemination. A complete phenotypic and functional characterization of tumor-associated ECs could be helpful to clarify their complex role within the tumor microenvironment and to identify EC specific drug targets to improve cancer therapy. The emerging therapeutic strategies based on the combination of anti-angiogenic treatments with immunotherapy strategies, including ICI, CAR T cells and bispecific antibodies aim to impact both ECs and immune cells to block angiogenesis and at the same time to increase recruitment and activation of effector cells within the tumor.

O artigo propõe a discussão sobre o cotidiano e as ocupações de uma pessoa adulta com autismo. Neste sentido, apresenta-se um estudo que buscou compreender como se estrutura o cotidiano de uma mulher adulta com autismo, a partir da perspectiva de um dos cuidadores principais. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo, do tipo estudo de caso, realizado em Santos, São Paulo, Brasil. A partir de uma entrevista semiestruturada, foram selecionadas e analisadas as categorias: atividades cotidianas e ocupações e desafios enfrentados pela pessoa e sua família. Os resultados destacam a importância de criar espaços de discussão que abordam diferentes maneiras de vivenciar a vida adulta e o processo de envelhecimento com autismo, além de dialogar sobre formas de envelhecer ativamente, participando das atividades da comunidade, exercen- do a cidadania e acessando direitos. Os resultados também apontam a necessidade de construção de serviços que apoiem a transição ao longo da vida de pessoas que apresentam condição do espectro do autismo, além de estimular profissionais a desenvolverem ações de cuidado voltadas às demandas específicas dessas pessoas e suas famílias.

Key Clinical Message Pyoderma gangrenosum is a rare inflammatory ulcerative skin disease of unknown etiology. We report an image of a patient with pyoderma gangrenosum who presented right leg ulcers with violaceous margins, histologically characterized by mono‐ and polynuclear cell infiltrates. The patient was successfully treated with cyclosporin A.

Resumo O surgimento de mecanismos de governança privada tem sido destacado como um instrumento fundamental para evitar a flexibilização dos direitos trabalhistas e defender condições de trabalho decentes nas cadeias agrícolas. Este artigo analisa o impacto dos Padrões de Sustentabilidade Voluntária (VSSs, da sigla em inglês) nos direitos trabalhistas no setor de produção de café no Cerrado Mineiro, uma importante região produtora no Brasil. Em 2017, o Brasil passou por uma reforma abrangente de suas leis trabalhistas e instituições legais que regulam tais relações. Com base em pesquisa qualitativa utilizando dados primários e secundários, esta pesquisa investiga se os VSSs foram eficazes em preservar os direitos trabalhistas dos trabalhadores rurais em um ambiente institucional mais desregulamentado após a reforma trabalhista de 2017. Os resultados indicam que os VSSs não garantem os direitos trabalhistas e que a flexibilização das leis trabalhistas pode ameaçar os trabalhadores rurais do setor de café.

Resumo: Os produtos educacionais (PE) têm sido um aspecto estruturante nas investigações e intervenções propostas pelas pesquisas de mestrado ou doutorado profissionais. Pretende-se apresentar e discutir os resultados de uma pesquisa realizada sobre percepções de mestrandos e egressos do Programa de Pós-Graduação Ensino em Ciências da Saúde – Mestrado Profissional (PPGESC) sobre os processos de construção do PE. Foi utilizado questionário com perguntas fechadas e abertas. Responderam ao questionário 46,8% dos mestrandos e 17,7% dos egressos matriculados entre 2017-2020. Para 53,8% dos egressos e 29,8% dos mestrandos, o PE surgiu após os resultados obtidos com a pesquisa. Em relação à definição do PE, 32,4% dos mestrandos definiram como um recurso a ser desenvolvido com expectativas de intervenção na prática profissional. Em relação aos tipos e natureza dos PE elaborados, foram mais citados cursos de formação profissional (27% dos mestrandos e 34,6% dos egressos). Foi evidenciada a heterogeneidade de concepções e condutas sobre a construção e implantação do PE. As limitações do estudo referem-se à dificuldade em acessar os egressos do PPGESC e à necessidade de um instrumento de acompanhamento. Espera-se contribuir para aprimoramento do processo de elaboração dos PE no contexto dos programas profissionais da Área de Ensino.

Embora, no Brasil, as mulheres representem cerca da metade das pessoas com deficiência, faltam dados sobre assistência e necessidades específicas dessa população em fase reprodutiva, dificultando a formulação de políticas públicas. O presente estudo teve por objetivo investigar as particularidades do ciclo gravídico-puerperal de mulheres com deficiência. Foram colhidas narrativas de seis mulheres com deficiência visual e física, moradoras de Santos, São Vicente e Praia Grande. A partir dos resultados, foi possível identificar experiências tanto positivas quanto negativas na assistência ao parto e pós-parto dessas mulheres, ligadas ao tipo de acolhimento que receberam. A pesquisa demonstrou a necessidade de mais estudos sobre essa temática e traz importantes contribuições para as áreas da Reabilitação e da Saúde da Mulher.