Glucocorticoid Receptor Gene () Polymorphisms and Metabolic Syndrome: Insights from the Mennonite Population.

The regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is associated with polymorphisms and the methylation degree of the glucocorticoid receptor gene () and is potentially involved in the development of metabolic syndrome (MetS). In order to evaluate the association between MetS with the polymorphisms, methylation, and gene expression of the in the genetically isolated Brazilian Mennonite population, we genotyped 20 polymorphisms in 74 affected (MetS) and 138 unaffected individuals without affected first-degree relatives (Co), using exome sequencing, as well as five variants from non-exonic regions, in 70 MetS and 166 Co, using mass spectrometry. The methylation levels of 11 1F CpG sites were quantified using pyrosequencing (66 MetS and 141 Co), and the expression was evaluated via RT-qPCR (14 MetS and 25 Co).

Nutritional status and inflammatory markers as survival predictors in pediatric central nervous system tumors.

Background & Aims: Central nervous system tumors (CNS) are the second most common malignancies in childhood. Inflammation and changes in nutritional status play an important role and can be used as prognostic markers. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the predictive ability of nutritional status and inflammatory markers on overall survival (OS) of pediatric patients with CNS.

CRISPR/Cas-9 vector system: targets UL-39 and inhibits Simplexvirus humanalpha1 (HSV-1) replication in vitro.

Simplexvirus humanalpha1 (HSV-1) affects approximately 67% of the world's population. Here, we sought to use the CRISPR / Cas9 system with the UL39 target, essential for virus replication. The sgRNA sequence was inserted into the plasmid (PX459-UL39).

Exposure of volunteers to microgravity by dry immersion bed over 21 days results in gene expression changes and adaptation of T cells.

The next steps of deep space exploration are manned missions to Moon and Mars. For safe space missions for crew members, it is important to understand the impact of space flight on the immune system. We studied the effects of 21 days dry immersion (DI) exposure on the transcriptomes of T cells isolated from blood samples of eight healthy volunteers.

Complex physical therapy employing self-adjusting garment (ReadyWrap®) in breast cancer-related lymphedema cases in Brazilian women: a protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Lymphedema is a common complication following breast cancer treatment. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a self-adjusting compression garment (ReadyWrap®) in reducing (phase 1) and maintaining (phase 2) upper limb volume in women presenting breast cancer-related lymphedema.

Methods: This study will comprise a randomized, controlled, single-blind clinical trial concerning women with breast cancer-related lymphedema undergoing treatment at a public cancer treatment reference hospital in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Impact of clinical and histopathological characteristics on the disease-free survival of stage I-II acral melanoma patients.

Background: Acral melanoma is rare and associated with a worse prognosis compared to cutaneous melanoma in other locations. Despite this, few studies have focused on the prognosis of acral melanoma, particularly in patients with initial clinical stage. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of clinical and histopathological characteristics on the disease-free survival (DFS) of stage I-II patients.

The economic impact of cancer mortality among working-age individuals in Brazil from 2001 to 2030.

Background: About half of cancer deaths in Brazil occur among individuals of working-age (under 65 years for men, under 60 for women), resulting in a substantial economic impact for the country. We aimed to estimate the years of potential productive life lost (YPPLL) and value the productivity lost due to premature deaths from cancer between 2001 and 2015 and the projected to 2030.

Methods: We used the Human Capital Approach to estimate the productivity losses corresponding to YPPLL for cancer deaths in working age people (15-64 years).

Neoadjuvant carboplatin in triple-negative breast cancer: results from NACATRINE, a randomized phase II clinical trial.

Background: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) is the mainstay of treatment of stages II and III triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). This study aims to evaluate if the addition of carboplatin to NACT is associated with an increase in the pathological complete response (pCR) rates in TNBC.

Methods: We conducted an open-label phase II randomized clinical trial in a single center in Brazil.

miR-99a-5p as a biomarker for lymph node metastasis prediction in oral squamous cell carcinoma patients.

Background: Metastatic lymph node involvement influences therapy decisions and serves as a prognostic indicator in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). However, many early-stage patients with clinically negative lymph nodes exhibit no metastasis upon surgical staging. This study aimed to identify differentially expressed miRNAs capable of distinguishing pathologically positive (pN+) from negative (pN0) nodes in OSCC patients without clinical evidence of lymph node metastases (cN0).

Female Homicides in Brazil and Its Major Regions (1980-2019): An Analysis of Age, Period, and Cohort Effects.

The objective was to analyze the temporal effects of age, period, and cohort on mortality from all female homicides, and from female homicides and by firearms, in Brazil from 1980 to 2019. Data were accessed from Brazilian health records. There was an increase in the risk of death in the 2000s in the North and Northeast regions and a decrease in the Southeast, South, and Midwest.

Clinical Cancer Research in South America and Potential Health Economic Impacts.

Background: Increased global cancer incidence rates have led to a growing demand for cancer diagnosis and treatment, as well as basic and clinical research on the subject. The expansion of clinical cancer trials beyond the borders of highly developed countries has aided the arrival of these assessments in South American countries. In this context, this study's objective is to highlight clinical cancer trial profiles developed and sponsored by pharmaceutical companies and conducted in South American countries from 2010 to 2020.

Partial Laryngectomy for pT4a Laryngeal Cancer: Outcomes and Limits in Selected Cases.

A large multi-institutional case series of laryngeal cancer (LC) T4a was carried out, including 134 cases treated with open partial horizontal laryngectomies (OPHL) +/- post-operative radiation therapy (PORT). The goal was to understand better whether OPHL can be included among the viable options in selected pT4a LC patients who refuse a standard approach, represented by total laryngectomy (TL) + PORT. All 134 patients underwent OPHL type I (supraglottic), II (supracricoid), or III (supratracheal), according to the European Laryngological Society Classification.

Parthenolide inhibits proliferation and invasion, promotes apoptosis, and reverts the cell-cell adhesion loss through downregulation of NF-κB pathway TNF-α-activated in colorectal cancer cells.

The activation of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway has been associated with the development and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). Parthenolide (PTL), a well-known inhibitor of the NF-κB pathway, has emerged as an alternative treatment. However, whether PTL activity is tumor cell-specific and dependent on the mutational background has not been defined.

Locus specific human endogenous retroviruses reveal new lymphoma subtypes.

The heterogeneity of cancers are driven by diverse mechanisms underlying oncogenesis such as differential 'cell-of-origin' (COO) progenitors, mutagenesis, and viral infections. Classification of B-cell lymphomas have been defined by considering these characteristics. However, the expression and contribution of transposable elements (TEs) to B cell lymphoma oncogenesis or classification have been overlooked.

CDKN2A/CDK4 status in Brazilian patients meeting clinical criteria for hereditary melanoma: a cross-sectional descriptive trial.

Background: Melanoma is the most lethal skin cancer, and its incidence has increased worldwide. About 10% of cases are classified as hereditary melanoma (HM). CDKN2A and CDK4 are the major high-risk genes.

The Usefulness of an Online Simplified Screening Questionnaire (SSQ) in Identifying Work-Related Cancers.

To obtain a history of occupational exposure in the workplace, the questionnaire is one of the main sources of information. The aim of this study was to develop an online questionnaire using the REDCap data management platform based on the Work-Related Cancer Surveillance Guidelines, reported by the Brazilian National Cancer Institute. Several issues were taken into consideration for its routine application.

Epigenetic Alterations in DCIS Progression: What Can lncRNAs Teach Us?

Some transcripts that are not translated into proteins can be encoded by the mammalian genome. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are noncoding RNAs that can function as decoys, scaffolds, and enhancer RNAs and can regulate other molecules, including microRNAs. Therefore, it is essential that we obtain a better understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of lncRNAs.

The Expression of CTLA-4 in Breast Tumors and Tumor-Infiltrating Leukocytes Affects Patients' Systemic Inflammatory Status and Varies According to Their Molecular Subtypes.

Recent evidence has pointed out that the cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) expression is a poor prognosis factor. However, the implications of CTLA-4 expression on circulating inflammatory mediators are unclear for breast cancer. Tumor biopsies and blood samples were collected from 117 breast cancer patients.

Senotherapeutic peptide treatment reduces biological age and senescence burden in human skin models.

Cellular senescence is known to play a role in age-related skin function deterioration which potentially influences longevity. Here, a two-step phenotypic screening was performed to identify senotherapeutic peptides, leading to the identification of Peptide (Pep) 14. Pep 14 effectively decreased human dermal fibroblast senescence burden induced by Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS), chronological aging, ultraviolet-B radiation (UVB), and etoposide treatment, without inducing significant toxicity.

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Monoclonal Antibodies Associated With Chemotherapy in First-Line Treatment of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (cetuximab and panitumumab) or anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (bevacizumab) monoclonal antibodies associated with conventional chemotherapy (CT) (fluorouracil and leucovorin with irinotecan) as a first-line treatment for unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer.

Methods: A partitioned survival analysis model was adopted to simulate direct health costs and benefits comparing therapeutic options in a 10 years' time horizon. Model data were extracted from the literature and costs were obtained from Brazilian official government databases.

Exploring biomarkers and prognostic factors in uterine carcinosarcoma: An insight into L1CAM, CDX2, p53, and MSI status.

Background: Uterine Carcinosarcomas (UCS) are a rare type of cancer composed of an admixture of high-grade carcinomatous and sarcomatous elements. Clinicopathological prognostic factors in UCS are well established, but studies that approach the impact of biomarkers in this unusual disease are scarce. The study objective was to evaluate the prevalence and prognostic impact of a panel of prominent biomarkers in uterine carcinosarcoma (UCS) using an immunohistochemical characterization with four biomarkers.