Early ultrastructural damage in retina and optic nerve following intraocular pressure elevation.

Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is a significant risk factor for glaucoma, causing structural and functional damage to the eye. Increased IOP compromises the metabolic and structural integrity of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons, leading to progressive degeneration and influencing the ocular immune response. This study investigated early cellular and molecular changes in the retina and optic nerve (ON) following ocular hypertension (OHT).

Epidemiology, Ventilation Management, and Outcomes in Invasively Ventilated Coronavirus Disease 2019 Patients: An Analysis of Four Observational Studies in Four Countries on Two Continents.

Epidemiology, ventilator management, and outcomes in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) because of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been described extensively but have never been compared between countries. We performed an individual patient data analysis of four observational studies to compare epidemiology, ventilator management, and outcomes. We used propensity score weighting to control for confounding factors.

Small and Versatile Cyclotides as Anti-infective Agents.

Plants provide an abundant source of potential therapeutic agents, including a diverse array of compounds, such as cyclotides, which are peptides known for their antimicrobial activity. Cyclotides are multifaceted molecules with a wide range of biological activities. Their unique topology forms a head-to-tail cyclic structure reinforced by a cysteine knot, which confers chemical and thermal stability.

Wearable Smartphone-Based Multisensory Feedback System for Torso Posture Correction: Iterative Design and Within-Subjects Study.

Background: The prevalence of stroke is high in both males and females, and it rises with age. Stroke often leads to sensor and motor issues, such as hemiparesis affecting one side of the body. Poststroke patients require torso stabilization exercises, but maintaining proper posture can be challenging due to their condition.

Rock strength controls erosion in tectonically dead landscapes.

Interactions among tectonics, climate, and lithology shape the Earth's surface. In regions dominated by tectonic quiescence and climate stability, the role of rock strength related to lithology, and its role in landscape evolution, can be most clearly perceived. We leverage these qualities in a unique field site by integrating topographic data, erosion rates, and a large suite of rock strength measurements to quantify the relationship between bedrock strength and erosion rates along a 200-km section of the southeast coast of Brazil where climatic and tectonic variability are minimal.

A 4-year follow-up of the need for orthodontic treatment using the Dental Aesthetic Index-DAI: an exploratory analysis.

This study aim was to evaluate the need for orthodontic treatment of mixed to permanent dentition using the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) in a 4-year follow-up. A longitudinal study was conducted with 353 children in the stages from mixed (T1) to permanent (T2) dentition. The need for orthodontic treatment was assessed using the DAI categorized into: DAI 1 (absence of malocclusion and orthodontic treatment need; DAI ≤ 25); DAI 2 (malocclusion is defined and elective orthodontic treatment is needed; DAI = 26 to 30); DAI 3 (severe malocclusion and a desirable orthodontic treatment need; DAI = 31 to 35) and DAI 4 (severe malocclusion and a mandatory orthodontic treatment need; DAI ≥ 36).

Surface roughness of composite resins subjected to brushing with whitening toothpastes: an in vitro study.

The emergence of toothpastes containing different abrasive and whitening substances has been a constant concern among dental professionals. The aim of the present study was to perform an in vitro assessment of the surface topography of nanoparticle composite resins subjected to simulated brushing with dentifrices. Test samples were prepared with Filtek Universal (3M ESPE), Filtek Bulkfill (3M ESPE) and Z350 (3M ESPE), with 24 samples per resin.

Brazilian version of the OHIP 14 Periodontal Disease Questionnaire: cross cultural adaptation and validation.

Although it is recognized that periodontal disease negatively impacts quality of life, there is no validated instrument to assess this impact in Brazil. This study aimed to translate, cross-culturally adapt, and validate the OHIP 14 PD (Oral Health Impact Profile Applied to Periodontal Diseases) for application among Brazilian patients. The original instrument was translated and validated into Brazilian Portuguese in a cross-sectional study with 110 participants recruited from a Dental School clinic.

Safety of two-dose schedule of COVID-19 adsorbed inactivated vaccine (CoronaVac; Sinovac/Butantan) and heterologous additional doses of mRNA BNT162b2 (Pfizer/BioNTech) in immunocompromised and immunocompetent individuals.

Immunocompromised individuals were considered high-risk for severe disease due to SARS COV-2 infection. This study aimed to describe the safety of two doses of COVID-19 adsorbed inactivated vaccine (CoronaVac; Sinovac/Butantan), followed by additional doses of mRNA BNT162b2 (Pfizer/BioNTech) in immunocompromised (IC) adults, compared to immunocompetent/healthy (H) individuals. This phase 4, multicenter, open label study included solid organ transplant and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients, cancer patients and people with inborn errors of immunity with defects in antibody production, rheumatic, end-stage chronic kidney or liver disease, who were enrolled in the IC group.

Asthma-related deaths in Brazil: data from an ecological study.

Objective: The aim of this study was to present epidemiological data on hospitalizations and deaths related to asthma in Brazil over the past 11 years.

Methods: An ecological study was conducted on asthma-related hospitalizations and mortality in Brazil from 2013 to 2023, using data extracted from the Department of Informatics of the Brazilian Unified Health System and the Mortality Information System.

Results: Asthma-related deaths showed an increasing trend during the analyzed period.

New spirometry recommendations from the Brazilian Thoracic Association - 2024 update.

The latest pulmonary function guideline from the Brazilian Thoracic Association was published in 2002, since which there have been updates to international guidelines (mainly those from the European Respiratory Society and the American Thoracic Society), as well as new national and international publications on various aspects of the performance, interpretation, and clinical implications of spirometry. Despite those updates, a careful analysis of what applies to the reality in Brazil is essential, because there have been studies that evaluated individuals who are representative of our population and who could show responses different from those of individuals in other regions of the world. This document is the result of the work of a group of specialists in pulmonary function who evaluated relevant scientific articles that could be applicable to the population of Brazil.

Topical application of the ethanol extract and the hydroethanolic fraction of ripe Solanum lycocarpum A. St. Hil. fruit improves the healing of excisional wounds.

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of the topical application of the ethanol extract (EESL) and the hydroethanolic fraction (HFSL) of ripe Solanum lycocarpum fruit on the healing of experimentally-induced wounds in mice.

Methods: The EESL and HFSL obtained from ripe fruit of the species S. lycocarpum were obtained by percolation with ethanol.

SURGICAL TECHNIQUES TO INCREASE RESECTABILITY IN LIVER METASTASIS.

The development of surgical techniques, chemotherapy, biological agents, and multidisciplinary approaches have made patients with unresectable colorectal liver metastases eligible for surgery. Many strategies have been developed to allow patients for surgical resection (percutaneous portal vein embolization, liver venous deprivation, parenchyma-sparing liver surgery, reverse strategy, associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy, and liver transplantation), the only form of disease control and curative treatment.

MANAGEMENT OF SYNCHRONIC LARGE LIVER METASTASIS IN A NON-OCCLUSIVE COLON TUMOR.

In patients with synchronic liver colorectal metastasis, resection of the primary tumor and liver metastases is the only potentially curative strategy. In such cases, there is no consensus on whether resection of the primary tumor and metastases should be performed simultaneously or whether a staged approach should be performed (resection of the primary tumor and after, hepatectomy, or hepatectomy first). Patients with no bowel occlusion and with extensive liver disease are advised neoadjuvant oncological therapy.

NON-FUNCTIONING SPORADIC PANCREATIC NEUROENDOCRINE TUMOR IS AN INDEPENDENT RISK FACTOR FOR RECURRENCE AFTER SURGICAL TREATMENT.

Background: Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) are uncommon and heterogeneous neoplasms, often exhibiting indolent biological behavior. Their incidence is rising, largely due to the widespread use of high-resolution imaging techniques, particularly influencing the diagnosis of sporadic non-functioning tumors, which account for up to 80% of cases. While surgical resection remains the only curative option, the impact of factors such as tumor grade, size, and type on prognosis and recurrence is still unclear.

COMPLICATIONS AFTER HEPATECTOMY.

Complete removal of metastatic disease and maintenance of an adequate liver remnant remains the only treatment option with curative intent concerning colorectal liver metastases. Surgery impacts on the long-term prognosis and complications adversely affect oncological results. The actual morbidity involving this scenario is debatable and estimated to be ranging from 15% to 50%.

EARLY REFEEDING AFTER COLORECTAL CANCER SURGERY REDUCES COMPLICATIONS AND LENGTH OF HOSPITAL STAY.

Background: Multimodal protocols such as Acceleration of Total Postoperative Recovery and Enhanced Recovery After Surgery propose a set of pre- and post-operative care to accelerate the recovery of surgical patients. However, in clinical practice, simple care such as early refeeding and use of drains are often neglected by multidisciplinary teams.

Aims: Investigate whether early postoperative refeeding determines benefits in colorectal oncological surgery; whether the patients' clinical conditions preoperatively and the use of a nasogastric tube and abdominal drain delay their recovery.

PREOPERATIVE HOSPITALIZATION AS A BRIDGING STRATEGY FOR WEIGHT LOSS IN PATIENTS WITH BODY MASS INDEX = 50 KG/M2 WHO ARE CANDIDATES FOR BARIATRIC SURGERY.

Background: Preoperative hospitalization with the purpose to obtain more effective weight loss provides intensive care for patients who have a higher body mass index (BMI) and associated diseases that involve a greater risk of peri- and postoperative complications. It is a therapeutic strategy that can make it possible to overcome obstacles related to the difficulty of adhering to obesity treatment.

Aims: To analyze the implementation of a preoperative hospitalization strategy for weight loss in patients eligible for bariatric surgery.

Neonatal mortality of live births with congenital diaphragmatic hernia in São Paulo State, Brazil: Failure of care?

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze if the healthcare organization of perinatal care and availability of referral neonatal intensive care units (NICU) impacted congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) neonatal mortality in the period 2004-2020. This study analyzed the spatial distribution of neonatal deaths of live births with CDH in São Paulo State, Brazil, and its association with NICU beds' availability.

Methods: Population-based study of all live births in São Paulo State from mothers residing in the same State, from 2004 to 2020.

First report of hypoplastic left heart syndrome in 3p- syndrome and review of candidate genes.

Objective: 3p deletion syndrome is a rare monosomal disease that encompasses deletions throughout the short arm of chromosome 3. It is often in the distal region (3p25-pter), but variations in breakpoints and a complex clinical manifestation exist, with congenital heart defects being considered rare. We present the first case of hypoplastic left heart syndrome and minor dysmorphic features associated with 3p- syndrome.

Physical development and sociocultural context influences on children's physical activity.

Objective: To examine the predictive strength of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), motor competence (MC), maternal educational status, and parental perception of their children's favorite leisure activities for meeting physical activity (PA) guidelines of each gender among children aged 3-6 years.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with 367 preschoolers (53% girls), assessing CRF (PREFIT 20m shuttle run), MC (battery of motor skills), PA (accelerometry), maternal education and parental perception of children's preferred leisure (questionnaires). Factorial analysis of covariance, multiple logistic regression, and chi-square tests were conducted.

Effect of application of the thoracoabdominal rebalancing (TAR) method in moderate premature children: randomized and controlled clinical trial.

Objective: To analyze the effect of the thoracoabdominal rebalancing (TAR) method on respiratory biomechanics, respiratory discomfort, pain sensation, and physiological parameters in moderate preterm newborns, compared to a control group.

Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted in a neonatal intensive care unit. The evaluation included: Neonatal Infant Pain Scale, physiological parameters, Silverman-Andersen score, and biomechanics (thoracic cirtometry and Charpy angle).

Montreal Cognitive Assessment Hearing Impairment (MoCA-H): cross-cultural adaptation to Brazilian Portuguese.

Purpose: This study aimed to adapt the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Hearing Impaired (MoCA-H) into Brazilian Portuguese (BP).

Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional, quantitative, and qualitative study involving participants selected by convenience. The instrument was adapted from its original version, in a six-stage process consisting of the following: Stage 1 - Translation and back translation of the MoCA-H; Stage 2 - Stimulus analysis and selection; Stage 3 - Semantic analysis of stimuli; Stage 4 - Analysis by non-expert judges, part 1; Stage 5 - Analysis by non-expert judges, part 2; Stage 6 - Pilot study.