Intraoperative and Postoperative Outcomes of Minimally Invasive Versus Open Distal Pancreatectomy for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: This systematic review and meta-analysis compared the intraoperative and postoperative outcomes of minimally invasive versus open distal pancreatectomy (ODP) in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), which is a highly aggressive tumor with a high mortality rate. Surgical resection remains the only potentially curative treatment. Minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy (MIDP), including laparoscopic and robotic approaches, has gained popularity, although the evidence of its efficacy is limited.

Intrinsic Religiosity, Stress, Depression, Resilience, and Subjective Well-Being Among Hepatitis Patients in Brazil.

Religiosity is a desirable coping strategy for many people who are experiencing negative life events, such as infirmities and stressors. However, no studies have examined the beneficial effects of religiosity on resilience and mental health when dealing with chronic hepatitis. This study aimed to investigate the association among religiosity, stress, anxiety, depression, resilience, and subjective well-being (SWB) in hepatitis patients.

Reducing mortality risk in older adults by replacing sedentary behavior with leisure-time physical activity: insights from a prospective cohort study.

Background: Physical activity (PA) has many health benefits. However, more research is needed to understand its effects on mortality risk in older adults.

Objective: To verify the hypothetical effects of replacing sedentary behavior (SB) and PA domains on the risk of mortality in the older adults.

Benefits of Multimodal Exercise Intervention for BDNF and Cytokines Levels, Cognitive Function, and Motor Functionality in Alzheimer's Disease: A Preliminary Study.

Background: Physical exercise has been linked to improvements in motor and cognitive functions as well as to the modulation of neurotrophic and inflammatory factors, particularly in older adults. This aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a 12-week multimodal exercise program on cognitive function, motor performance, and plasma levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and cytokines in elderly individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods: A non-randomized controlled trial design was employed, involving 23 participants aged 62 to 85 years diagnosed with mild to moderate AD.

Quinolone Resistance and Zoonotic Potential of from Domestic Animals in Brazil.

Background: is an emerging zoonotic pathogen capable of cau-sing diphtheria-like infections in humans.

Objectives: we report, for the first time in Brazil, the detection and phenotypic/genomic characterization of three atoxigenic ST-339 strains isolated from domestic animals, including one with a ciprofloxacin resistance profile linked to double GyrA mutations (S89L, D93G).

Methods: species identification was performed by MALDI-TOF MS, followed by in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility testing, whole-genome sequencing, and bioinformatic analyses to predict virulence determinants, antimicrobial resistance genes, CRISPR-Cas systems, mobile genetic elements, and in silico structural analysis as well as phylogenetic reconstruction.

State-of-the-Art Organ-on-Chip Models and Designs for Medical Applications: A Systematic Review.

Unlabelled: Organ-on-a-chip (OoC) devices simulate human organs within a microenvironment, potentially surpassing traditional preclinical methods and paving the way for innovative treatments. A thorough understanding of the current state of OoC design enables the development of more precise and relevant models that replicate not only the structure of organs but also their intricate cellular interactions and responses to external stimuli. This knowledge facilitates the optimization of biomimetic materials and allows for the real-time simulation of physiological microenvironments.

Global Epidemiology of PD-L1 Expression in Epstein-Barr Virus-Associated Gastric Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Epstein-Barr virus-associated gastric cancer (EBVaGC) accounts for ~ 10% of gastric cancers (GC). Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression plays a key role in immune evasion and response to immunotherapy, but its correlation with EBVaGC remains unclear.

Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases for studies evaluating PD-L1 expression in EBVaGC.

Prenatal diagnosis of Apert syndrome with continuation of pregnancy-a report of two cases.

Background: Craniosynostosis, the premature fusion of cranial sutures, may occur in isolated or syndromic forms. Among syndromic craniosynostoses, Apert syndrome is a rare but significant condition, characterized by a triad of multisuture craniosynostosis, midface hypoplasia, and symmetric syndactyly of the hands and feet. Early prenatal diagnosis is challenging but essential for appropriate counseling and perinatal planning.

Physical Activity and Mobility Impairment Across the Frailty Spectrum Among the Oldest Old: Insights From the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSI-Brazil).

This study analyzed data from the second wave of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSI-Brazil) to examine the prevalence of frailty and its association with physical activity (PA) and mobility impairments in a nationally representative sample of older adults aged 80 and older in Brazil. ELSI-Brazil is a national resource that investigates aging-related health, psychosocial, and economic factors to inform public policies promoting healthy aging. Data from 1,171 participants were analyzed using chi-square tests, ANOVA, and logistic regression adjusted for confounders.

The Use of Self-Selected Interval is not Effective in Eliciting Post-activation Performance Enhancement in Untrained Individuals.

This study investigated the efficacy of adopting self-selected interval (SSI) to elicit post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) in untrained individuals and compared it to adopting the best fixed recovery interval (BST). Eleven male participants (age: 21.6 ± 2.

Effects of oral semaglutide on cardiovascular outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM) patients. While injectable GLP-1 RAs have demonstrated efficacy in reducing cardiovascular risk, an oral formulation of semaglutide was developed to improve accessibility and treatment adherence, however, its therapeutic potential has yet to be fully elucidated. This meta-analysis evaluates the efficacy of oral semaglutide on cardiovascular outcomes to better inform clinical decision-making.

Radiomics, machine learning, and deep learning for hippocampal sclerosis identification: a systematic review and diagnostic meta-analysis.

Purpose: Hippocampal sclerosis (HS) is the primary pathological finding in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and a common cause of refractory seizures. Conventional diagnostic methods, such as EEG and MRI, have limitations. Artificial intelligence (AI) and radiomics, utilizing machine learning and deep learning, offer a non-invasive approach to enhance diagnostic accuracy.

Influence of resistance exercise on monocyte subtypes and intracellular immune markers in trained postmenopausal women.

Purpose: To compare the acute effects of high-load (HL) and low-load (LL) resistance exercise (RE) on circulating monocytes, their subpopulations, and intracellular expression of immunoregulatory markers (IL-10, IL-1β, TLR4, TLR6, and HSP27) in trained postmenopausal women.

Methods: Thirteen trained postmenopausal women completed two RE protocols (7 exercises): HL (90% 1RM, 6 reps, 3-min rest) and LL (50% 1RM, 20 reps, 90-s rest), in a randomized crossover design. Blood samples were collected PRE, POST, and 1H.

[Monitoring and evaluation indicators of Freestanding Birth Centers: results of the study Births in Brazilian Birthing Centers].

This study aimed to analyze the monitoring and evaluation indicators of Freestanding Birth Centers (FBC) in Brazil. This cross-sectional study was aligned with the survey Birth in Brazil II. All eight FBC that attended more than 100 births in 2019 were included in this study.

Effect of an aerobic exercise program on cardiac remodeling and functional capacity in patients with stroke: CRONuS trial.

Background: Aerobic exercise training leads to cardiovascular changes and improves cardiovascular performance and functional capacity after a stroke. However, the effect of aerobic exercise on cardiac remodeling in patients with stroke has been poorly explored. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a physical exercise program on morphofunctional echocardiographic variables and the functional capacity of post-stroke patients.

Pyrolysis of Kraft Lignin: The Effect of HZSM‑5 and HY-340 Catalysts and Torrefaction Pretreatment.

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of HZSM-5 zeolite, HY-340 niobic acid, and torrefaction temperature on the deoxygenation of pyrolysis vapors from the catalytic pyrolysis of kraft lignin (493, 533, and 573 K) to produce aromatic hydrocarbons. The analytical pyrolysis (723, 823, and 923 K) of raw Kraft lignin at different catalyst/biomass ratios (1:1, 5:1, and 10:1) and without catalysts was performed. The pyrolysis vapor from analytical pyrolysis presented high levels of oxygenated compounds, mainly phenolics.

Histovariability and fossil diagenesis of Pissarrachampsa (Pseudosuchia, Notosuchia, Baurusuchidae) from the Upper Cretaceous of Southeast Brazil.

Notosuchians were key components of western Gondwanan Cretaceous ecosystems in terrestrial predator niches and exhibited remarkable taxonomic and ecological diversity. Previous research has explored their physiology, metabolism, and histology, revealing varied growth patterns and life history strategies. While significant advancements have been made in recent years, there is much to unveil about the evolution of growth rate strategies within this clade.

Effectiveness of short-term cycling interventions in older adults: a randomized trial of hypoxic, blood flow restriction, and eccentric cycling.

We evaluated whether a short-term cycling intervention in hypoxia, with blood flow restriction, or eccentric cycling induces greater health benefits than traditional cycling in older adults. Fifty-five individuals (68 ± 4 year, 25 females) performed supervised moderate-intensity intermittent training (MIIT) three times weekly for 4 weeks, assigned to one of four groups: HYP (hypoxic chamber, FiO₂ 14%), BFR (thigh cuffs at ≈ 350 mmHg, deflated between sets), ECC (eccentric ergocycle), or CON (traditional ergocycle). Pre- and post-training assessments covered cardiovascular function, quality of life, cognition, aerobic fitness, skeletal muscle oxidative capacity, knee extensors and flexors strength, and thigh volume.

Prognostic Significance of Circulating Tumor DNA Mutations in Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Based on Time-To-Event Data.

Background: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are rare mesenchymal neoplasms of the digestive tract, most commonly originating in the stomach or small intestine, and driven by activating mutations in the KIT or PDGFRA genes. Liquid biopsy has emerged as a promising, minimally invasive technique to detect and monitor circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), offering real-time insights into tumor dynamics and treatment response. Specifically, detecting KIT/PDGFRA mutations in ctDNA may aid in assessing prognosis, therapeutic response, and resistance.

Gastric cancer risk and BRCA1/2 mutations: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Gastric cancer is an aggressive and heterogeneous disease, primarily sporadic, with only 1-3% of cases being hereditary. However, gastric cancer is a component of several hereditary cancer syndromes. The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes encode key DNA repair proteins involved in homologous recombination.

The use of Doppler velocimetry of the ophthalmic artery and the fullPIERS model to predict adverse outcomes in hospitalized pregnant women with preeclampsia: a prospective cohort study.

Objective: To evaluate the role of Doppler ophthalmic artery (DOA) indices and fullPIERS score in predicting adverse maternal outcomes in pregnant women hospitalized for preeclampsia (PE).

Methods: Prospective cohort study conducted in pregnant women with PE and signs of deterioration. All pregnant women with PE with signs of clinical deterioration and with target organ involvement were evaluated when hospitalized, between September 2019 and November 2022.

"I had neither a mother nor a father": Child care and neglect for Brazilian families.

Background: Child neglect is a violation of rights, but it is often disregarded because it does not present physical and precise signs, especially in countries in the Global South.

Aim: To explore the meanings attributed to child care and neglect from the perspective of families under the supervision of a Guardianship Council.

Participants And Setting: This study was conducted with 20 perpetrators of child neglect, referenced by the Guardianship Council from the state of São Paulo, Brazil.

Nipple Pain and its Characteristics During the Breastfeeding Process: A Longitudinal Brazilian Study.

Objective: To characterize pain and its evolution during the breastfeeding process among primiparous women.

Method: Longitudinal study nested within a clinical trial with 102 Brazilian primiparous women, with conditions and intentions favorable to breastfeeding. Pain level was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale and the descriptors, according to McGill.

Exploring and evaluating the in vitro antifungal, antibiofilm and antitoxin efficacy of Artabotrys brachypetalus Benth. against Candida spp. and its toxicity in vivo assays.

Background: Given the few studies found in the literature and the search for new substances with antifungal and antivirulence activities against Candida spp., the use of natural products provides us with an effective treatment of infections with minimized side effects. This study was aimed at evaluating the toxicity and antifungal activity of Artabotrys brachypetalus Benth.