Bayesian Modeling and Estimation of Spatial Risk for Hospitalization and Mortality from Ischemic Heart Disease in Paraná, Brazil.

Objective: Despite significant advancements in understanding risk factors and treatment strategies, ischemic heart disease (IHD) remains the leading cause of mortality worldwide, particularly within specific regions in Brazil, where the disease is a burden. Therefore, the aim of this study was to estimate the risk of hospitalization and mortality from IHD in the state of Paraná (Brazil), using spatial analysis to identify areas with higher risk based on socioeconomic, demographic and health variables.

Methods: This is an ecological study based on secondary and retrospective IHD hospitalization and mortality data obtained from the Brazilian Hospitalization and Mortality Information Systems during the 2010-2021 period.

Association of neutrophil extracellular trap levels with Raynaud's phenomenon, glomerulonephritis and disease index score in SLE patients from Brazil.

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are cell-extruded DNA strands coated with neutrophils' nuclear proteins and enzymes from cytotoxic granules, produced by NETosis, a cell death pathway. They perform an important defensive role in innate immunity, but their increased production and/or inefficient degradation expose new antigens, such as DNA or citrullinated histone peptides, triggering autoimmunity. This study aimed to access possible associations between serum NETs levels with epidemiological, clinical, and serological data from a well-characterized SLE Brazilian patients' cohort.

Evaluation of blastocyst re-expansion, quality in relation to storage temperature, and sexing using blastocoel fluid after manual perforation with a hand-held needle involving in vivo produced equine embryos.

The present study was designed to evaluate equine blastocyst re-expansion rate, quality, and sex following perforation of the blastocoel, collection of blastocoel fluid (BF), and PCR amplification of free DNA. Experiment 1 tested the feasibility of the BF sample collection with a hand-held, small-gauged needle (26g) and subsequent PCR amplification of the TSP-Y gene for males and AMEL-Y gene for males and AMEL-X gene for females. Experiment 2 tested the application of the technique.

Expression of Endothelin-1, Endothelin Receptor-A, and Endothelin Receptor-B in facial melasma compared to adjacent skin.

Background/objectives: Although melasma is highly prevalent, its pathogenesis is not yet fully understood. In the skin, endothelin-1 (ET-1) is primarily produced by keratinocytes in response to UVB exposure, which is mediated by an increase in IL-1α or reactive oxygen species. ET-1 plays a role in melanogenesis by binding to specific receptor B (ERB) or receptor A (ERA).

A time with e-Natureza (e-Nature): a model of nature-based health interventions as a complex adaptive system.

Discussions surrounding the positive impacts of nature on human health and strategies to enhance our connection with the natural world have been ongoing. However, a limited number of theoretical models are available to guide research and practice in this area. Therefore, there is a pressing need for a systematic framework that outlines clear steps for conducting research implementing nature-based interventions.

In Vitro Transdifferentiation Potential of Equine Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Schwann-Like Cells.

Schwann cells (SCs) are essential for the regenerative processes of peripheral nerve injuries. However, their use in cell therapy is limited. In this context, several studies have demonstrated the ability of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to transdifferentiate into Schwann-like cells (SLCs) using chemical protocols or co-culture with SCs.

Acute graft thrombosis in patients who underwent renal transplant and received anticoagulant or antiplatelet agents. A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: Thrombosis is a major cause of early allograft loss in renal transplantation. Herein, we assessed the frequency of acute graft thrombosis in patients who underwent renal transplant and received anticoagulant or antiplatelet agents.

Methods: We performed a systematic review of all available case series studies of anticoagulant and/or antiplatelet prophylaxis of thrombosis in renal transplantation.

COVID-19-related deaths among women of reproductive age in Brazil: The burden of postpartum.

Objective: To compare risk of death due to COVID-19 among pregnant, postpartum, and non-pregnant women of reproductive age in Brazil, using the severe acute respiratory syndrome surveillance system (SARS-SS).

Methods: A secondary analysis was performed of the Brazilian official SARS-SS, with data retrieved up to August 17, 2020. Cases were stratified by pregnancy status, risk factors or co-morbidities, and outcome (death or recovery).

Addressing the COVID-19 transmission in inner Brazil by a mathematical model.

In 2020, the world experienced its very first pandemic of the globalized era. A novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, is the causative agent of severe pneumonia and has rapidly spread through many nations, crashing health systems and leading a large number of people to death. In Brazil, the emergence of local epidemics in major metropolitan areas has always been a concern.

Neutrophil Extracellular Traps: A Perspective of Neuroinflammation and Complement Activation in Alzheimer's Disease.

Complement system (CS) components are associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD), the commonest cause of dementia in the world. Neutrophils can be attracted to amyloid-β plaques by several pro-inflammatory factors, including the complement anaphylatoxin C5a. They may release neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which are chromatin nets associated with myeloperoxidase, elastase, and other enzymes.

Releases a DNase-Like Protein That Degrades NETs and Allows for Fungal Escape.

Paracoccidioidomycosis is a systemic fungal disease, considered endemic in Latin America. Its etiological agents, fungi of the complex, have restricted geographic habitat, conidia as infecting form, and thermo-dimorphic characteristics. Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) are responsible for an important defense response against fungus, releasing Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs), which can wrap and destroy the yeasts.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal mortality in Brazil: 523 maternal deaths by acute respiratory distress syndrome potentially associated with SARS-CoV-2.

During the study period, 523 pregnant or postpartum women died in Brazil due to confirmed COVID‐19 or undetermined etiology. This results in a projected COVID‐19 MMR of 17.5/100 000 or potentially even higher.

Paracoccidioimycosis and white individuals: Susceptibility and biogeographic aspects in an important endemic area in Brazil.

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a neglected mycosis most commonly occurring in Latin America. The etiologic agents are thermo dimorphic fungi of the genus Paracoccidioides, and cause an important granulomatous response in affected tissues. The Botucatu Medical School, from São Paulo State University (UNESP), is a PCM study pole, located in São Paulo State Midwest region, which is classified as a hyperendemic area in the Southeast region in Brazil.

Epstein-Barr virus microRNAs in the pathogenesis of human cancers.

The Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is a gamma-herpesvirus involved with a variety of human cancers, notably the endemic Burkitt lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma. In 2004, EBV was described as one the first known human oncoviruses to encode viral microRNAs (miRNAs), and these molecules were found to interact with viral and host targets. EBV miRNAs modulate biological processes that are critical for carcinogenesis, contributing to cell transformation and tumor progression of EBV-associated cancers.

Risk factors for adverse outcomes among pregnant and postpartum women with acute respiratory distress syndrome due to COVID-19 in Brazil.

Objective: To evaluate whether clinical and social risk factors are associated with negative outcomes for COVID-19 disease among Brazilian pregnant and postpartum women.

Methods: A secondary analysis was conducted of the official Acute Respiratory Syndrome Surveillance System database. Pregnant and postpartum women diagnosed with COVID-19 ARDS until July 14, 2020, were included.

Clinical characteristics and risk factors for mortality in obstetric patients with severe COVID-19 in Brazil: a surveillance database analysis.

Objective: To describe clinical characteristics of pregnant and postpartum women with severe COVID-19 in Brazil and to examine risk factors for mortality.

Design: Cross-sectional study based on secondary surveillance database analysis.

Setting: Nationwide Brazil.

Maternal mortality and COVID-19.

Objective: The aim of this study was to collect and analyze data from different sources to have a general overview of COVID-19-related maternal deaths in Brazil, as well as to compare data with worldwide reports.

Study Design: We systematically searched data about COVID-19 maternal deaths from the Brazilian Ministry of Health surveillance system, State Departments of Health epidemiological reports, and media coverage. Data about timing of symptom onset and death (pregnancy or postpartum), gestational age, mode of birth, maternal age, comorbidities and/or risk factors, date of death, and place of death were retrieved when available.

The tragedy of COVID-19 in Brazil: 124 maternal deaths and counting.

At the time of writing 124 pregnant or postpartum women in Brazil have died due to COVID‐19 (representing a mortality rate of 12.7%), a figure that currently surpasses the total number of COVID‐19‐related maternal deaths reported throughout the rest of the world.

43 kDa Glycoprotein (gp43) from Induced IL-17A and PGE2 Production by Human Polymorphonuclear Neutrophils: Involvement of TLR2 and TLR4.

The glycoprotein gp43 is the major antigenic/diagnostic component of , one of the etiologic agents of paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM). Gp43 has protective roles in mice, but due to adhesive properties, this glycoprotein has also been associated with immune evasion mechanisms. The present study evaluated gp43 interaction in vitro with Toll-like receptors 2 and 4 (TLR2 and TLR4) present in polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) from healthy human individuals and the consequent modulation of the immune response through the expression and release of cytokines and eicosanoids.

Surgical Repair of an Occipital Meningocele in a Foal.

There are no previous reports of cranial meningocele in horses. In this report, we present the case of a 1-day-old male Quarter Horse that was born with a mass in the occipital region. The newborn was brought to the veterinary hospital, and a meningocele was diagnosed.

Bone Marrow Aspirate Clot: A Useful Technique in Diagnosis and Follow-Up of Hematological Disorders.

Bone marrow biopsy is a diagnostic tool largely used in the evaluation of a broad number of disorders that could affect the hematopoietic system. Differently, bone marrow aspirate clot technique is rarely performed even though it has been described in literature. Here, we highlight the utility of the bone marrow aspirate clot, exemplifying through the discussion of three clinical cases in which this technique was used for diagnosis and follow-up purposes: megaloblastic hemopathy, multiple myeloma, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Involvement of the Dectin-1 Receptor upon the Effector Mechanisms of Human Phagocytic Cells against .

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), a systemic mycosis endemic in Latin America, occurs after inhalation of mycelial components of spp. When the fungus reaches the lungs and interacts with the alveolar macrophages and other cells, phagocytic cells such as neutrophils and monocytes are immediately recruited to the injured site. The interaction between surface molecules of pathogens and homologous receptors, present on the surface membrane of phagocytes, modulates the innate immune cell activation.