Use of music as an adjunct to sedation in patients undergoing transoesophageal echocardiography.

Aims: Transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is widely used for cardiac assessment and requires moderate sedation due to its semi-invasive nature, carrying potential risks. Music is a non-pharmacological strategy shown to reduce anxiety in various clinical settings. We prospectively investigated whether music could reduce anxiety and/or sedation dosage in patients undergoing TEE.

Tip-induced nanoscale engineering of surface potential and conductivity in GeSn alloys.

This study investigates the manipulation of the electronic properties of GeSn alloys at the nanoscale by applying electric fields between an atomic force microscope (AFM) tip and the surface of GeSn films grown on Ge/Si substrates. Local changes in work function (WF) and resistivity were observed by Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy and Scanning Spread Resistance Microscopy and were associated with an increased Sn content in the near-surface region within patterns produced by the AFM tip. The effect is explained by the poor stability of GeSn layers, making possible the diffusion of Sn toward the surface, driven by high electric fields near the AFM tip under combined alternating current and direct current biases.

MicroRNA-Mediated Regulation of Vascular Endothelium: From Pro-Inflammation to Atherosclerosis.

Endothelial inflammation and atherosclerosis remain leading drivers of cardiovascular disease, yet the post-transcriptional regulators orchestrating these events are not yet completely understood. In this review, we analyse recent preclinical and clinical studies to dissect microRNA (miRNA)-mediated control of vascular endothelial biology. We describe how miR-181b-5p and miR-223 modulate NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis, how miR-615-5p, miR-138, and miR-133a coordinate endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity and nitric oxide bioavailability, and how miR-33a/b, miR-150, and miR-342-3p influence lipid efflux and foam-cell formation in atherogenesis.

Annexin A1 is crucial during Toxoplasma gondii infection promoting the modulation of inflammation and intestinal and central nervous system barrier functions.

Background: Toxoplasmosis promotes acute and chronic symptoms ranging from ocular to severe congenital or neurotoxoplasmosis. A proper host immune response and a healthy gut microbiota control the pathophysiology of toxoplasmosis, presenting an opportunity for pro-resolving mediators.

Objective: Here, we evaluated the role of the anti-inflammatory/pro-resolving protein annexin (Anx)A1 in Toxoplasma gondii (Tg) infection.

Lung cancer screening in limited resource regions: the 3rd Brazilian Early Lung Cancer Trial (BRELT3/mobile ProPulmão).

Aims: To describe tomographic findings in a high-risk lung cancer population in resource-limited Brazilian areas, quantify pulmonary nodules and lung cancer frequency, analyze challenges in lung cancer screening within the Brazilian public health system, assess lung function in individuals with moderate or severe emphysema, and evaluate the role of community health agents in recruiting high-risk populations.

Methods: This is a prospective, single-arm, longitudinal observational study involving individuals aged 50-80 years, current or former smokers with a smoking history of at least 20 pack-years, undergoing low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) with a 12-month follow-up. Screening results are classified according to Lung-RADS v2022 standards, with those rated as 3 or 4 undergoing further diagnostic assessments.

Do Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Increase Bleeding Risk After Craniotomy for Brain Surgery? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background And Objectives: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used for pain management in adults undergoing craniotomy for brain surgery, with several randomized clinical trials supporting their efficacy. However, concerns remain about their safety, particularly regarding the risk of postoperative bleeding because of cyclooxygenase inhibition. This study aimed to evaluate whether NSAIDs increase the risk of hemorrhagic complications after craniotomy for brain surgery when compared with non-NSAID approaches or placebo.

Probiotic Administration Contributes to the Improvement in Intestinal Dysregulation Induced by Allergic Contact Dermatitis.

Recent studies have emphasized the impact of gut microbiota on skin health, but the reverse, how skin diseases affect gut homeostasis, has received less attention. Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), a common skin disorder affecting one in four people worldwide, can be accompanied by intestinal disturbances. To explore this, we used an experimental model of ACD to investigate the intestinal changes induced by the disease.

Double artificial insemination in sheep: a comprehensive review.

Artificial insemination (AI) in sheep presents variable results, especially when combined with estrus induction treatments during the anestrous period. Alternatives for obtaining better results without significantly altering the costs of hormonal protocols are essential because of the importance of this biotechnology in production systems. One alternative that potentially meets these requirements is double-AI.

Longitudinal Evaluation of the Detection Potential of Serum Oligoelements Cu, Se and Zn for the Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease in the 3xTg-AD Animal Model.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the accumulation of β-amyloid (Aβ) and hyperphosphorylated tau, leading to neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and neuronal death. Early detection of AD remains a challenge, as clinical manifestations only emerge in the advanced stages, limiting therapeutic interventions. Minimally invasive biomarkers are essential for early identification and monitoring of disease progression.

[What a basic health unit can offer to LGBTI+ people?].

Based on interviews with health professionals that work in primary healthcare in the city of São Paulo (Brazil), this paper identifies: 1) how the professionals describe LGBTI+ people and their health demands; 2) how they evaluate their education to deal with this segment; 3) which are the main obstacles to provide services to them; and 4) how they describe the healthcare provided to LGBTI+ people. Through Foucauldian discourse analysis and sources of sociology of medicine the research identified the preponderance of the anatomopathological gaze in the recognition of the LGBTI+ segment, a negative evaluation of previous education to deal with this population, the persistence of obstacles to provide healthcare to this segment, and the perception that service provided for these people is still deficient. The conclusion is that the hegemony of the biomedical model and the imperative of practical training create obstacles to provide comprehensive healthcare to the LGBTI+ population.

Grading Scores for Identifying Patients at Risk of Delayed Cerebral Ischemia and Neurological Outcome in Spontaneous Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Comparison of Receiver Operator Curve Analysis.

Background: Numerous grading scales were proposed for subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) to assess the likelihood of unfavorable neurological outcomes (UO) and the risk of delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI). We aimed to validate the Hemorrhage, Age, Treatment, Clinical Status, and Hydrocephalus (HATCH) score and the VASOGRADE, a simple grading scale for prediction of DCI after aneurysmal SAH.

Methods: This was a retrospective single-center study of patients with nontraumatic SAH (January 2016 to December 2021) admitted to the intensive care unit.

Exogenous acetate mitigates later enhanced allergic airway inflammation in a menopausal mouse model.

Introduction: Asthma, an inflammatory lung disease, disproportionately affects women in adulthood and is associated with a decline in estrogen levels during the menstrual cycle and menopause. To study asthma symptoms during menopause, we used a mouse model of postmenopausal asthma via ovariectomy (OVx). Similar to human menopause, we previously discovered that re-exposure of allergic OVx mice to allergen exacerbates lung inflammation.

Assessment of surface water quality based on physical and chemical parameters in a GIS, for three rivers in southern Brazil.

Land use and land cover changes significantly impact water quality worldwide. In Brazil, the expansion of agricultural activities and the introduction of pollutants severely compromise surface water quality, posing risks to aquatic life. This study evaluated, for the first time, the water quality of the São Camilo, Santa Fé, and Pioneiro Rivers in the western region of Paraná, a key agricultural area in southern Brazil.

Framingham score adapted: a valid alternative for estimating cardiovascular risk in epidemiological studies.

Background: Framingham risk score (FRS) is an important cardiovascular risk assessment tool, based on objective measurements of blood pressure and lipid profile, among other factors. However, in large population surveys, these measures are not always available, which limits their use.

Objectives: Evaluate the performance of the FRS predictive results using subjective measures.

Comparison of the effects of laser photobiomodulation at wavelength of 660 nm and 808 nm in full-thickness burns in rats: a pre-clinical study.

Third-degree burns are severe thermal injuries that require prolonged recovery periods and are associated with significant sequelae. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) has emerged as a promising approach for treating skin injuries, although parameter selection remains controversial. This study investigated the effects of PBMT using red (wavelength 660 nm) and infrared (wavelength 808 nm) lasers on tissue repair in third-degree burns in rats.

Contraceptive Strategies for Female Cattle: Efficacy and Zootechnical Aspects.

Unwanted pregnancies at the slaughterhouse are a recurring problem globally, compromising ethical aspects and animal welfare, and causing production losses. This review explores contraceptive strategies for female cattle, focusing on both management practices and suppression of the estrous cycle and/or fertilisation. Contraceptive techniques such as surgical castration, emasculation of the ovaries with rubber rings, intrauterine devices (IUDs), GnRH agonist implants, and immunocastration are discussed.

Follicular B-Mode Echotexture Parameters at P4 Insert Removal and Their Association With Pregnancy Outcomes in Beef Cows Undergoing Timed AI Protocol.

This study aimed to determine the relationship between echogenicity and heterogeneity of ovarian structures and cyclicity status, estrus expression and pregnancy per artificial insemination (P/AI) in multiparous beef cows during timed-artificial insemination (TAI). An ultrasound ovarian examination was carried out in 406 crossbred suckled cows at progesterone (P4) insert removal on D8 of a TAI protocol and at pregnancy diagnosis 30 days after TAI. Follicular (antrum, wall and perifollicular stroma) and luteal morphometry, and echotexture and heterogeneity parameters were analysed on D8 and D30 after TAI, respectively.

Luteal Function and Pregnancy Rate in Bos taurus Heifers Treated With GnRH Prior to Timed Artificial Insemination.

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of GnRH given 34 h after progesterone (P4) intravaginal device (IVD) removal in a timed artificial insemination (TAI) protocol. In Experiment 1, 17 Hereford and Braford heifers (control, n = 7; GnRH34; n = 10) received 2 mg estradiol benzoate (EB) and a 1 g P4 IVD on Day 0 (D0). On D8, IVDs were removed and 150 μg d-cloprostenol (PGF) and 1 mg estradiol cypionate (EC) were administered.

Preparation and characterization of new reference material for inorganic analysis of pumpkin seed flour - An interlaboratory program.

This work describes preparing a certified reference material for pumpkin seed flour for use in inorganic analyses of vegetable foods. The elements studied were potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, iron, manganese, and calcium. The ISO Guides were employed in the homogeneity and stability tests, interlaboratory program, and assignment of uncertainty value.

Geometrical interpretation of critical exponents.

We develop a hypothesis that the dynamics of equilibrium systems at criticality have their dynamics constricted to a fractal subspace. We relate the correlation fractal dimension associated with this subspace to the Fisher critical exponent controlling the singularity associated with the correlation function. This fractal subspace is different from that associated with the order parameter.

Sleeve Gastrectomy and Gastric Bypass Impact in Patient's Metabolic, Gut Microbiome, and Immuno-inflammatory Profiles-A Comparative Study.

Background: Bariatric surgery is the most long-term effective treatment option for severe obesity. The role of gut microbiome (GM) in either the development of obesity or in response to obesity management strategies has been a matter of debate. This study aims to compare the impact of two of the most popular procedures, sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (GB), on metabolic syndrome parameters and gut bacterial microbiome and in systemic immuno-inflammatory response.

The use of the FRAX® tool and its adjustments in women living with diabetes: a cohort study in primary care in Brazil.

Unlabelled: The FRAX® algorithm showed good accuracy in women living with DM followed in primary care. There were no differences between the ROC curve with and without adjustments for major and hip fractures. The FRAX® 10-year and FRAX® AR were better calibrated in this population.

Evaluation and characterization of lytic phages and their recombinant endolysins for control of Staphylococcus aureus aiming to mitigate bovine mastitis.

As a natural alternative to conventional antimicrobials, bacteriophages are emerging as highly effective biocontrol agents against Staphylococcus aureus and other pathogenic bacteria. Due to the wide diversity of S. aureus types and the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains, the search for highly lytic and prevalent bacteriophages against S.

Food consumption patterns and Framingham cardiovascular risk score among shift workers: A Nova-based approach.

Objective: To evaluate the association between dietary quantity and variety, by extent and purpose of processing, and Framingham cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk score among rotating shift workers.

Methods: The cross-sectional study included male shift workers. Dietary intake was assessed using a 24-h recall method conducted by trained interviewers.

Zileuton, a 5-Lypoxigenase Inhibitor, is Antiparasitic and Prevents Inflammation in the Chronic Stage of Heart Chagas Disease.

Chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy is associated with an unbalanced immune response and impaired heart function, and available drugs do not prevent its development. Zileuton (Zi), a 5-lypoxigenase inhibitor, affects inflammatory/pro-resolution mediators. Herein, Zi treatment in the early phase of infection reduced parasitemia associated mainly with the direct effect of Zi on the parasite, and the enzyme epoxide hydrolase was the potential molecular target behind the trypanocidal effect.