-Derived β-Glucan Capsules as a Delivery System for DNA Vaccines.

Background/objectives: DNA vaccines are rapidly produced and adaptable to different pathogens, but they face considerable challenges regarding stability and delivery to the cellular target. Thus, effective delivery methods are essential for the success of these vaccines. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of capsules derived from the cell wall of the yeast as a delivery system for DNA vaccines.

Head and Neck Rhabdomyosarcoma in Pediatric Patients: An International Collaborative Study.

Background: Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), a rare malignant tumor, frequently affects pediatric patients, with 35%-40% occurring in the head and neck. This study analyzes the clinicopathologic profile of pediatric head and neck rhabdomyosarcomas from Brazil, Guatemala, Mexico, and South Africa.

Methods: We reviewed 44 cases from 10 Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology services, conducting immunohistochemical analyses of desmin, myogenin, Myo-D1, and Ki67, with quantification via QuPath software.

Zoonotic transmission of novel Influenza A variant viruses detected in Brazil during 2020 to 2023.

Zoonotic infections (swine-human) caused by influenza A viruses (IAVs) have been reported and linked to close contact between these species. Here, we describe eight human IAV variant infections (6 mild and 2 severe cases, including 1 death) detected in Paraná, Brazil, during 2020-2023. Genomes recovered were closely related to Brazilian swIAVs of three major lineages (1 A.

Co-occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 variants in rivers and sewage in India and Brazil.

The genomic monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) in riverine and sewage water has been widely used as an epidemiological tool worldwide. But its utility for epidemiological assessments still needs to be evaluated in some areas. Our study encompassed thirteen Brazilian rivers spanning a vast urban expanse across the states of Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Paraná.

Migration of metallic acupuncture threads from the breast to the right ventricle: a case report.

This case report discusses the migration of a foreign body from the breast to the mediastinum, which is rarely reported, and highlights complications associated with Okibari acupuncture. This technique involves the insertion of metal fragments into the skin. A 53-year-old woman underwent mammography showing acupuncture-related metallic fragments in the breast.

Social Technology in the Prevention of Adolescent Violence: documentary production.

Objective: To report the development of a technological innovation in the form of a documentary, aimed at disseminating actions for preventing violence against adolescents within the context of Primary Health Care.

Methods: The documentary was developed through action research and interventions with adolescents in the territory of a Health Unit, conducted between 2020 and 2022, using Social Technology as both an action strategy and a conceptual reference.

Results: The Social Technology proposal, created through workshops and seminars, resulted in a documentary focusing on violence prevention, involving 48 adolescents.

Adolescent Hip Pain Due to Iliopsoas Abscess.

Hip pain in children and adolescents poses a diagnostic challenge due to various underlying causes, ranging from benign to severe conditions. Presented here is the case of an otherwise healthy 14-year-old boy who arrived at the emergency department with a two-day history of left hip pain, limping, fever, anorexia, and vomiting. Upon physical examination, tenderness was noted upon palpation of the left sacroiliac joint and with mobilization of the left lower limb.

Effectiveness of physiotherapist-led tele-rehabilitation for older adults with chronic conditions: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Older adults live with chronic conditions worldwide. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the effectiveness of physiotherapist-led (PT-led) tele-rehabilitation on various health outcomes.

Methods: Six databases were searched.

Content validation of the COST for patient questionnaire (COPAQ) for patients with low back pain: a qualitative study.

Introduction: The costs of low back pain (LBP) are complex and difficult to estimate. This study aims to adapt the Cost for Patients Questionnaire (CoPaQ) for use in LBP populations.

Materials And Methods: In a cross-sectional qualitative study, we conducted cognitive interviews to assess the CoPaQ's suitability for addressing costs related to LBP.

FT-IR Spectroelectrochemistry Reveals Mechanistic Insights into Nitric Oxide Release from Ruthenium(II) Nitrosyl Complexes.

Ruthenium(II) tetraamine nitrosyl complexes with N-heterocyclic ligands are known for their potential as nitric oxide (NO) donors, capable of releasing NO through either direct photodissociation or one-electron reduction of the Ru(II)NO center. This study delivers a novel insight into the one-electron reduction mechanism for the model complex -[Ru(NO)(NH)(py)] (RuNOpy, py = pyridine) in phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.4).

The Hidden Dangers of Sedentary Living: Insights into Molecular, Cellular, and Systemic Mechanisms.

With the aging of the global population, neurodegenerative diseases are emerging as a major public health issue. The adoption of a less sedentary lifestyle has been shown to have a beneficial effect on cognitive decline, but the molecular mechanisms responsible are less clear. Here we provide a detailed analysis of the complex molecular, cellular, and systemic mechanisms underlying age-related cognitive decline and how lifestyle choices influence these processes.

Drug Nanocrystals in Oral Absorption: Factors That Influence Pharmacokinetics.

Despite the safety and convenience of oral administration, poorly water-soluble drugs compromise absorption and bioavailability. These drugs can exhibit low dissolution rates, variability between fed and fasted states, difficulty permeating the mucus layer, and P-glycoprotein efflux. Drug nanocrystals offer a promising strategy to address these challenges.

Is galactomannan a useful tool for triage and diagnosis of oral invasive aspergillosis?

Objective: To evaluate the accuracy of the galactomannan serum test in diagnosing oral invasive aspergillosis.

Methods: This prospective observational study included oncohematological neutropenic patients with suspected invasive aspergillosis, but without signs of pulmonary involvement. These patients underwent nasofibroscopy, biopsy, galactomannan serum testing, and maxillofacial high-resolution computed tomography to diagnose invasive aspergillosis.

Use of autologous micrografts associated with xenogeneic anorganic bone in vertical bone augmentation procedures with Barbell Technique®.

Introduction: Bidirectional vertical ridge augmentation in the posterior maxilla is very challenging.

Purpose: To evaluate the regenerative potential of micrografts, derived from periosteum or bone tissue, added to an anorganic xenograft in vertical reconstruction of the posterior maxilla, by a prospective, controlled study.

Materials And Methods: After clinical selection and the analysis of CBCT scans, 24 posterior maxillary sites, in 19 patients, were treated by using Barbell Technique®.

The Impact of Beta-Blocker Maintenance on Decompensated Heart Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Acute Heart Failure (HF) is related to a significant hospital mortality rate and functional impairment in many patients. However, there is still a lack of studies that support the use of Beta-blockers (BB) in the management of decompensated HF.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impact on mortality of maintaining BB in patients with decompensated HF.

Effect of Brazilian green propolis in chronic ulcer treatment: a randomized clinical trial.

Objective: to assess the effectiveness of 5% Brazilian green propolis (ointment) in individuals with chronic ulcers.

Methods: a randomized clinical trial, developed with 40 patients randomized equally to control group (treated with essential fatty acid) and experimental group (treated with 5% green propolis) for 30 days. The outcomes of interest were sociodemographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics, lesion characteristics, such as type of tissue in the bed, presence of exudate, edge characteristics, microbial content and pain.

Perceptions of Children and Caregivers Regarding Asthma and Its Pharmacotherapy: A Qualitative Study.

Asthma, when untreated, may lead to serious implications, especially in the pediatric population. Understanding the perceptions and needs of children and their caregivers may optimize asthma management. This study was aimed to analyze the perceptions of children and their caregivers regarding asthma and its pharmacotherapy.

Evaluating the Potential of Preembolization Using Ethylene-Vinyl Alcohol (Onyx and Squid) in Carotid Body Tumor Paraganglioma.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of preoperative embolization, used 48 hours before surgery to reduce tumor size and surgical complications in carotid body paragangliomas.

Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis and Cochrane Handbook. A comprehensive literature search was performed in Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases.