Search

Mammography remains the standard imaging modality for the identification and characterization of breast calcifications. However, its low specificity results in high biopsy rates in cases of suspicious calcifications.To evaluate the diagnostic performance of MRI as an additional tool in the assessment of suspicious mammographic calcifications and to identify the enhancement patterns most related to malignancy.An observational, prospective, cross-sectional, bi-centre study was conducted including consecutive patients with suspicious calcification groups on mammography (BI-RADS® 4 and 5). Anatomopathological results obtained from biopsies were considered the reference standard, and the patients were followed up for at least two years. MRI examinations were interpreted by two radiologists in consensus. The chi-square test was used to evaluate the correlation between MRI features and histological results. The overall diagnostic performance of MRI for malignancy was calculated.162 female patients were included (mean age, 53 years; range 34-82 years), with 163 mammographic lesions, of which 77 (47.2%) were benign, 64 (39.3%) malignant, and 22 (13.5%) precursor lesions on histopathology. Malignant lesions demonstrated a significantly higher presence of enhancement (56/64; 87.5%) than benign lesions (17/77; 22.1%) (p 0.001). Non-mass enhancement (NME) was the morphology most related to malignant lesions (38/56; 67.9%). The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of MRI for malignancy were 81.5%, 87.5%, 77.8%, 71.8%, and 90.5%, respectively.MRI performed as an adjunct tool allows to increase imaging specificity for malignancy in suspicious calcifications, which may contribute to reduce the need for biopsy.

The use of botulinum neurotoxin-A (BoNT-A) is an alternative for the management of orofacial pain disorders. Although only Botox has labeled, there are other commercial brands available for use, among them: Dysport, Botulift, Prosigne, and Xeomin. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the possible differences in the antinociceptive effect evoked by different commercially available formulations of BoNT-A in an animal model of inflammatory orofacial pain induced by formalin injection. Male C57/BL6 mice (20–25 g) were submitted to the pre-treatment with five different commercial brands of BoNT-A (Botox, Botulift, Xeomin, Dysport, or Prosigne; with doses between 0.02 and 0.2 Units of Botulinum Toxin, in 20 μL of 0.9% saline) three days prior the 2% formalin injection. All injections were made subcutaneously into the right perinasal area. After formalin injections, nociceptive behaviors like rubbing the place of injection were quantified during the neurogenic (0–5 min) and inflammatory (15–30 min) phases. The treatment using Botox, Botulift, and Xeomin were able to induce antinociceptive effects in both phases of the formalin-induced pain animal model, however, Dysport and Prosigne reduced the response in neither of them. Our data suggest that the treatment using different formulations of BoNT-A is not similar in efficacy as analgesics when evaluated in formalin-induced orofacial pain in mice., Graphical abstract Image 1, Highlights • Botulinum neurotoxin-a reduced formalin-induced orofacial pain in mice. • There are differences in the analgesic potential of different available commercial brands of botulinum neurotoxin-A. • Botox, Botulift, Xeomin demonstrated analgesic effect when evaluated in formalin-induced orofacial pain in mice.

Background Persistent infection by high-risk Human Papillomavirus (hrHPV) are the major cause of cervical cancer. Studies report disparities in the incidence of infection and the various genotypes of this virus in different age groups, suggesting a higher frequency of hrHPV in young women and low-risk subtypes being predominant in older women. This study aimed to investigate the incidence and distribution of hrHPV genotypes in postmenopausal women as well as the correlation with the cytological findings. Methods 16 859 women, aged 50–64 years, performed cervical cancer screening test in Friuri Venezia Giulia region, Italy. The infection was evaluated by the Polymerase Chain Reaction methodology and the positive samples were evaluated by Liquid Based Cytology according to the Bethesda System from 2014. A statistical analysis was performed to study the molecular and cytological data of this population. Results hrHPV infection were found in 5.8% of the women and 78.3% of these were caused by hrHPV other than HPV16 and HPV18 (). Also, 65.7% of the positive samples were negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy while low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion was the most frequent (22.4%). There was an increase in the number of high-grade intraepithelial lesions in the presence of HPV16 compared to that recorded when this genotype was absent (20.8% vs. 8.5%). No cervical cancers were detected. Conclusions Infection with hrHPV is uncommon in postmenopausal women and it is mostly caused by subtypes less associated with the development of cervical cancer. Yet, HPV16 infection triggers the development of high-grade lesions.

Background Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most incident cancer and the sixth cause of cancer death among man worldwide. Patients diagnosed with advanced PCa are often treated with androgen deprivation therapy. Although tumors initially respond, they may progress to a lethal and drug-resistant form of PCa. Recent works from our team demonstrated that a promising anti-cancer agent is associated with reduced MCM2 and SKP2 expression in PCa cell lines. MCM2 and SKP2 play an important role in cell cycle progression with overexpression observed in several cancers with association with poor prognostic. Thus, to test its potential as predictive biomarker, MCM2 and SKP2 expression was evaluated in PCa tissues. Methods A total of 57 cases (25 resistant and 33 non-resistant) were used to explore MCM2 and SKP2 expression by immunohistochemistry. Percentage of positive tumor cells, intensity of immunostaining, and immunoexpression were blinded evaluated. Comparisons between therapy conditions and proteins expression were assessed by Chi square test (statistical significance considered when P < 0.05). Results MCM2 expression is associated to PCa patients’ therapy resistance, with significant differences found for percentage of positive tumor cells (P = 0.001) and immunostaining intensity (P = 0.002). SKP2 expression is also associated with resistance to therapy, with differences observed referred to immunostaining intensity (P = 0.001) and immunoexpression pattern (P = 0.02). Specifically, cytoplasmatic and nuclear expression was apparent in most cases that developed therapy-resistance, whereas responsive PCa patients showed only SKP2 cytoplasmatic expression. Conclusions In PCa patients, MCM2 and SKP2 expression is significantly associated with therapy resistance. SKP2 cellular localization is also indicative of patients’ resistance to treatment.

Background Breast cancer (BrCa) is the most incident cancer in women worldwide, with more than 2 200 000 new cases and 600 000 deaths in 2020. Concerning BrCa molecular signature, tumors expressing estrogen receptor (luminal A and B) normally respond to hormonal therapy, but some cases develop resistance. We recently showed that LDHA expression is reduced upon treatment with [C16Pyr][Amp], a new proposed anti-cancer drug. LDHA has been implicated in Warburg effect regulation and has been associated with BrCa patients’ worse outcome. So, the mail goal of this study was to evaluate LDHA expression in BrCa tissues and correlate it with several clinical and pathological parameters. Methods A total of 40 BrCa tissue samples were selected to assess LDHA expression by immunohistochemistry. Percentage of positive tumor cells, intensity of immunostaining, and immunoexpression pattern were blinded evaluated. Correlations between clinicopathological parameters and LDHA expression were assessed using the Chi square test (P < 0.05 was indicated of the statistically significance). Results Higher LDHA expression intensity significantly is associated with luminal B molecular subtype (P = 0.003). Conversely, no association is found between LDHA expression and tumor stage or therapy resistance. Conclusions The intensity of LDHA immunoexpression is related with luminal molecular subtype B. Since LDHA is associated with the production of lactate, leading to a greater energy obtaining by cancer cells, these cells may have an increased capacity for proliferation. In fact, this subtype was previously reported to express high Ki67 levels, a proliferative marker.

Background The aerobic glycolysis as energy source in cancer confers a selective advantage for its proliferation and survival. Previous in vitro studies demonstrated that treatment with [C16Pyr][Amp], a potential anti-cancer drug in prostate, decreased the transcript levels of LDHA and CPT2, both involved in metabolic plasticity. In fact, LDHA and CPT2 were reported to be overexpressed in cancer, with association with poor prognosis and resistance to chemo- and radiotherapy. Since LDHA and CPT2 can be potential therapy resistance biomarkers, the aim of this work was to assess LDHA and CPT2 expression using PCa tissues. Methods LDHA and CPT2 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in 57 PCa tissues, 24 from patients that developed resistance to hormonal therapy and 33 without therapy resistance. For both proteins, percentage of positive tumor cells, intensity of immunostaining, and immunoexpression pattern was determined by a blinded manner. Comparisons between therapy variables and protein expression were assessed using the Chi square test. P < 0.05 indicated a statistically significant difference. Results LDHA expression is significantly associated with therapy resistance (P < 0.001). Moreover, CPT2 pattern’s immunoexpression is also associated with therapy resistant (P < 0.001), being cytoplasmatic expression most frequent in patients that respond to therapy (41%), whereas both nuclear and cytoplasmatic expression is more prevalent in therapy-resistant cases (48%). Conclusions LDHA overexpression is significantly associated with therapy resistance in PCa cases, while CPT2 cell expression distribution might be a predictive marker.

To investigate the topical anti-inflammatory activity of the crude extract of Cariniana domestica fruit peels (CdE), its dichloromethane, n-butanol, and ethyl acetate (EtAc) fractions, and steroids (β-sitosterol, lupeol, and stigmasterol) isolated from the EtAc fraction in models of irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) croton oil-induced in mice. We induced skin inflammation by single (acute; 1 mg/ear) and multiple (chronic; 0.4 mg/ear) croton oil application. We topically applied C. domestica (CdE, fractions, and gel formulations) and β-sitosterol, lupeol, and stigmasterol immediately after applying croton oil. HPLC-DAD chromatography of the EtAc fraction and stability of the gel formulations were verified. HPLC-DAD of the EtAc fraction revealed the stigmasterol, lupeol, and β-sitosterol presence. CdE and EtAc fraction gels showed no organoleptic or pH changes at room temperatures. CdE and dichloromethane, n-butanol, and EtAc (1 mg/ear) fractions decreased the acute ear edema with maximum inhibition (Imax) of 97 ± 2, 86 ± 1, 81 ± 4, and 95 ± 2%, respectively. CdE and EtAc fraction gel presented similar effects, with respective Imax of 85 ± 6% (3%;15 mg/ear) and 82 ± 2% (1%;15 mg/ear). β-sitosterol (7.5 μg/ear), lupeol (10 μg/ear), and stigmasterol (5.7 μg/ear) also reduced this parameter by 46 ± 8, 51 ± 7, and 62 ± 7%, respectively. All topical treatments reduced the inflammatory cells’ infiltration in the acute ICD model. CdE reduced the ear edema by 77 ± 4% (1 mg/ear) and the inflammatory cell infiltration in the chronic ICD model. CdE’s anti-inflammatory effect was accompanied by a minimum development of adverse effects. C. domestica demonstrates a promising potential for the development of a topical anti-inflammatory agent.

Breast cancer is a major public health issue and it can impact individual’s lives in different dimensions. Although women are the ones most affected by this illness, there are other minority groups, such as men and transgender people, that are also affected and frequently ignored in healthcare approaches. People affected by breast cancer can face societal oppressions that puts them into a vulnerable situation where they need to deal with the suffering involved in have a serious illness and the societal expectations of the body. This situation can negatively influence an individual’s sense of identity and views of the body. As a result, it becomes necessary to dismantle the monolithic constructions on this collective, since these groups not only carry their gender identity but also the identities forged by social and cultural experiences. Thus, this article is a philosophical reflection to critically examine conceptual understandings of the body for individuals affected by breast cancer, to understand the influence of social interactions in this process based on the feminist philosophy, and to explore how nurses and healthcare professionals can help tackling this issue. Feminist thinking has become a crucial component of both political and sanitary philosophy and theory, and it is promoting a real "refoundation" of the political, philosophical, and theoretical dimensions. Therefore, it is important to healthcare professionals to use a philosophical feminist approach to breast cancer to help empowering these individuals and disassemble the constructions on this collective.

Aims Breast cancer-induced chronic pain is usually treated with opioids, but these compounds cause various adverse effects. Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) is involved in cancer pain; also, endogenous TRPA1 agonists are associated with cancer pain development. The aim of this study was to observe the antinociceptive effect of a repeated-dose TRPA1 antagonist administration and the production of endogenous TRPA1 agonists and TRPA1 expression in bone tissue in a model of breast cancer pain in mice. Second, we used a sequence reading archive (SRA) strategy to observe the presence of this channel in the mouse bone and in mouse bone cell lines. Main methods We used BALB/c mice for experiments. The animals were subjected to the tumor cell inoculation (4 T1 strain). HC-030031 (a TRPA1 antagonist) treatment was done from day 11 to day 20 after tumor inoculation. TRPA1 expression and biochemical tests of oxidative stress were performed in the bone of mice (femur). SRA strategy was used to detect the TRPA1 presence. Key findings Repeated treatment with the TRPA1 antagonist produced an antinociceptive effect. There was an increase in hydrogen peroxide levels, NADPH oxidase and superoxide dismutase activities, but the expression of TRPA1 in the bone tissue was not altered. SRA did not show TRPA1 residual transcription in the osteoblast and osteoclast cell lines, as well as for mice cranial tissue and in mouse osteoclast precursors. Significance The TRPA1 receptor is a potential target for the development of new painkillers for the treatment of bone cancer pain.

Background/Aims: Fabry disease (FD), an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder, leads to accumulation of globotriaosylceramide. Screening in dialysis patients may identify genetic variants of unknown clinical significance. We aimed to characterize the pathogenicity of a novel GLA gene mutation identified during hemodialysis screening and the histologic findings of early Fabry nephropathy. Methods: One out of 108 male hemodialysis patients screened for FD presented low α-galactosidase A activity. A novel missense mutation (p.G35V) in the GLA gene was detected. Family screening identified 11 additional cases (8 women). Clinical investigation was conducted in 10 patients (index case and 9 relatives). Pathogenicity of the new mutation was investigated by clinical and laboratory tests, cardiac and cranial magnetic resonance imaging, and kidney biopsy. Results: Cardiac manifestations were detected in most patient from both genders, such as left ventricular hypertrophy and short PR interval. White matter lesion was present in 3 women. Pulvinar lesion of the thalamus and ischemic stroke were detected in male patients. Abnormal glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and/or albuminuria were present in 5 patients (3 women). Renal biopsies (n = 7) revealed globotriaosylceramide deposits in different cell types and foot processes effacement in all patients, including women with normal albuminuria. Despite a normal GFR, tubulointerstitial fibrosis ranging from 5 to 20% was present in young women and men with normal or high albuminuria, respectively. Conclusion: The novel missense mutation p.G35V leads to severe systemic manifestations of FD in men and women. Kidney histological changes, including tubulointerstitial fibrosis, may predate albuminuria and GFR changes in adult women. Novel non-invasive markers are required for early detection of Fabry nephropathy.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) can cause large-scale and tenacious epidemics with high fatality rates. Current seroprevalence and circulating Leishmania species were evaluated in dogs domiciled in the municipality of Sabara, a small historic and touristic city in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. A total of 3926 dogs domiciled in seven different districts of Sabara were serologically tested for canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA) and immunofluorescence (IFA) assays, in a two-years census survey (2011–2012). The average positivity rate of canine infection was 3.4%. Three additional diagnostic tests – imprint/smear direct parasitological, molecular (LnPCR) and myeloculture – were performed in a random sample of fifty seropositive dogs composed of symptomatic (39) and asymptomatic (eleven) animals. LnPCR showed 100% of positivity for Leishmania DNA in, at least, one among four tissue samples tested (mesenteric lymph node, skin, spleen and bone marrow), independently of the clinical canine group. Higher and statistically equivalent positivity rates (98% and 96%) for Leishmania DNA were found in canine lymph node and spleen. Asymptomatic dogs showed expressive positivity rates in all three additional diagnostic techniques. Leishmania infantum was confirmed as the etiological agent of CVL in Sabara.

Introdução: A insuficiência cardíaca (IC) é um problema de saúde pública com altos níveis de morbimortalidade apresentando como sinais clínicos característicos a fadiga e dispneia precoce que geram limitações funcionais. Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos da ventilação não invasiva (VNI) na capacidade funcional de portadores de insuficiência cardíaca estável com fração de ejeção normal, avaliada através do teste da caminhada de seis minutos em esteira (TC6est). Métodos: Após a avaliação das provas de função pulmonar, os pacientes com IC estudados foram submetidos aos seguintes testes: 3 TC6est (uso prévio da VNI por 30 minutos, com uso da VNI durante o teste e sem uso da VNI) e a um teste de caminhada de 6 minutos em solo (TC6’). Nós comparamos a distância percorrida e variáveis cardiorrespiratórias: antes, durante e após os testes da caminhada. Resultados: Participaram do estudo 13 pacientes com IC classe funcional II e III (NYHA). Na prova de função pulmonar 3 participantes apresentaram distúrbio ventilatório restritivo e 8 pacientes apresentaram redução das pressões respiratórias máximas. Não foi observada diferença estatisticamente significativa na distância percorrida entre os quatro testes realizados (p=0,986). Na análise das variáveis cardiorrespiratórias durante os 3 TC6est pôde-se observar apenas diferença estatística significativa na frequência respiratória no sexto minuto (f6’) entre os testes de 30’ antes de VNI X VNI durante (p=0,026), sendo inferior no teste com a aplicação de VNI durante. Conclusão: Apesar do comprometimento da capacidade funcional e da função pulmonar, os portadores de insuficiência cardíaca com fração de ejeção normal estudados não tiveram aumento da distância percorrida no teste de caminhada em esteira com a utilização do suporte ventilatório não–invasivo.

Background: The incidence of skin cancer has increased worldwide, particularly melanoma rates, which had a mean development of 2.6 % a year in the last 10 years. The agreement on the relation between long-term or chronic exposure to the sun and the emergence of these neoplasias has made several workers who perform activities exposed to solar radiation to form a risk group for the development of skin cancer, community health agents included. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the prevalence of sunscreen-use-related factors to skin cancer in a labor risk group. METHODOLOGY: Cross-sectional study with community health agents selected through simple random sampling. After collecting data using semi-structured interviews, a descriptive analysis was performed for the qualitative variables, bivariate analysis was employed for checking the association between sunscreen use and sociodemographic, occupational and knowledge about skin variables, and multivariate analysis was conducted to check independent variables associated to sunscreen use. A 5% significance level was used. Results: Of 261 health gents selected, 243 were able to participate in the study. The prevalence rate of sunscreen use was 34.2% (95% CI: 28.2-40.2). Factors associated with sunscreen use were female sex, advanced age, use of sunscreen in situations when the skin got burnt, knowledge of the negative effects of the sun on the skin and skin cancer history. Conclusions: The prevalence found reveals that there is a need for implementing educational strategies in health services regarding photoprotection.

Introduction: The toxic effects of the ingestion of star fruit (Averrhoa carambola) in chronic kidney disease patients are well described in the literature. Recently, the compound caramboxin has been isolated, explaining the mechanisms of its neurotoxicity. Bilimbi fruit belongs to the family Oxalidaceae, Averrhoa bilimbi species, and exhibits similar biochemical characteristics to star fruit. Objective: To report the case of a patient with chronic kidney disease who developed a seizure disorder after the ingestion of bilimbi fruit. Case Report: A 69-year-old man with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis therapy had intractable hiccups, myoclonus, and generalized tonic-clonic seizures after the consumption of a moderate amount of bilimbi fruit. The electroencephalogram showed a pattern of seizure disorder despite the use of anticonvulsant drugs. Renal replacement therapy was maintained during the whole period and prescribed according to the patient’s hemodynamic status. Despite showing clinical resolution of the seizure disorder, the patient died on the 27th day of hospitalization for infectious complications. Conclusions: The neurologic status without any other known cause and with clear temporal association with the ingestion of the fruit suggests the diagnosis of neurotoxicity. We propose the hypothesis that the bilimbi fruit has neurotoxic effects similar to those exhibited by the star fruit.

Purpose: Prostate cancer (PCa) varies clinically from very indolent, not requiring therapeutic intervention, to highly aggressive, entailing radical treatment. Currently, stratification of PCa aggressiveness is mostly based on Gleason score, serum PSA and TNM stage, but outcome prediction in an individual basis is suboptimal. Thus, perfecting pre-therapeutic discrimination between indolent and aggressive PCa, avoiding overtreatment is a major challenge. Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) allows epithelial cells to acquire mesenchymal properties, constituting a critical step in tumor invasion and metastization. Thus, we hypothesized that EMT-related markers might allow for improved assessment of PCa aggressiveness. Methods and Results: Using RealTime ready Custom Panel 384 assay, 93 EMT-related genes were assessed in normal prostate tissues (NPT, n=5), stage pT2a+b-PCa (n=5) and stage pT3b-PCa (n=5), from which CAMK2N1, CD44, KRT14, TGFβ3 and WNT5A genes emerged as the most significantly altered. Expression levels were then evaluated in a larger series (16 NPT and 94 PCa) of frozen tissues using quantitative RT-PCR. Globally, CAMK2N1, CD44 and WNT5A displayed higher expression levels at higher stages and less differentiated PCa. CAMK2N1 and WNT5A immunoexpression analysis disclosed significantly lower expression in NPT and increasing proportion of high-expression cases from pT2a+b to pT3b and metastatic PCa. Furthermore, higher CAMK2N1 and WNT5A transcript levels associated with shorter disease-free and disease-specific survival. In multivariable analysis, a trend for WNT5A expression levels to independently predict DFS was disclosed (p=0.056). Conclusions: Globally, our findings suggest an association between PCa aggressiveness and increased expression of CAMK2N1 and WNT5A, reflecting the acquisition of effective EMT characteristics by PCa cells.

Different parts of Annona crassiflora Mart., a native species from Brazilian savanna, were traditionally used for the treatment of a wide variety of ailments including arthritis. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the possible antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties of a polyphenol-enriched fraction of the fruit peel of A. crassiflora, named here as EtOAc, in mice. Pro-inflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide (NO) production were evaluated in LPS-activated macrophages. Then, EtOAc fraction was administered by oral route in male C57BL/6/J mice, and the animals were submitted to glutamate-induced nociception and complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced monoarthritis tests to assess nociception (mechanical, spontaneous and cold pain) and inflammation (edema and neutrophil infiltration), and to the open-field and rotarod tests for motor performance analysis. EtOAc fraction inhibited the production of IL-6 and NO in the LPS-induced macrophages, and reduced spontaneous nociception induced by glutamate, without altering the animals' locomotor activity. In addition, the polyphenol-enriched fraction was able to revert the early and late hyperalgesia induced by CFA, as well as edema at the acute phase. Reduction of myeloperoxidase activity and inflammatory cell infiltration was observed in the paw tissue of mice injected with CFA and treated with EtOAc fraction. Together, our results support the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of the polyphenol-enriched fraction of A. crassiflora fruit peel and suggest that these effects are triggered, at least in part, by suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines and neutrophils infiltration.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer in the world and the increased survival of the colorectal cancer population is very significant. Thus, it becomes relevant to study the symptoms associated with the progression of the disease and treatment, for proper clinical management. OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical and epidemiological profile of colorectal cancer patients and to identify the most prevalent signs and symptoms patterns. METHODS: Cross-sectional study evaluating the prevalence of symptoms in 348 colorectal cancer patients admitted to a referral oncology hospital. We applied MSAS-BR scale and, through factor analysis with principal componente analysys, we performed the grouping of symptoms. RESULTS: There was a predominance of men, aged 60 years or older, married, white, with high school, moderately differentiated tumor, stage III/IV disease, colon cancer and no distant metastasis. The most prevalent symptoms were weight loss (67.53%) and the least prevalent were mouth sores (2.01%). The groupings of symptoms established were “fatigue and psychic symptoms”, “gastrointestinal symptoms”, “self-perceptive symptoms” and “general symptoms”, which described 80% of the symptoms presented. CONCLUSION: We evidenced the importance of identifying these symptoms clusters in order to improve strategies for clinical management in patients with colorectal cancer. RESUMO CONTEXTO: O câncer colorretal é o terceiro tipo de câncer mais comum no mundo e o aumento de sobrevida da população com câncer colorretal é muito significativo. Com isso, torna-se relevante o estudo dos sintomas associados à progressão da doença e do tratamento, para um manejo clínico adequado. OBJETIVO: Descrever o perfil clínico e epidemiológico de pacientes com câncer colorretal e identificar padrões de sinais e sintomas mais prevalentes. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal que avaliou prevalência de sintomas em 348 pacientes com câncer colorretal internados em hospital de referência em oncologia. Foi aplicada a escala MSAS-BR e, através da análise fatorial com análise dos componentes principais, realizou-se o agrupamento de sintomas. RESULTADOS: Houve predomínio de homens, com 60 anos ou mais, casados, de cor branca, com o ensino médio, com tumor moderadamente diferenciado, doença com estágio III/IV, com câncer de cólon e sem metástase à distância. O sintoma mais prevalente foi perda de peso (67,53%) e o menos prevalente foi ferida na boca (2,01%). Os agrupamentos de sintomas formados foram “fadiga e sintomas psíquicos”, “sintomas gastrointestinais”, “sintomas autoperceptivos” e “sintomas gerais”, que descreveram 80% dos sintomas apresentados. CONCLUSÃO: Evidenciou-se a importância da identificação desses sintomas para criação de estratégias de manejo clínico de pacientes com câncer colorretal.

An epidemiological characterization of human and feline sporotrichosis was carried out between 2016 and 2018, in a high density-populated area in Brazil. Professionals were trained to identify suspect cats and notify vets to interview the owners and collect swabs of the wounds from these animals. Mycological cultures were performed, and colonies identified as Sporothrix spp. Subsequently, data regarding the outcome from suspect animals were collected. Confirmed cases of human sporotrichosis (56) were also counted and analyzed for spatial distribution. 118 positive animals were observed. The prevalence of feline sporotrichosis was 8.36 ‰ (CI 95 %, 5.38-9.55 ‰). The odds for being positive in animals that lived only partially at home were 3.02 times greater than for those cats without access to the street (OR 3.02, CI 95 % 1,96-10,43). There was no statistically significant association between environmental variables and positive diagnosis, corroborating the hypothesis that direct transmission by infected cats plays a greater role in the occurrence and continuous outbreaks of sporotrichosis in Brazil. Among the positive animals, 61.90 % (CI 95 % 58.95-64.96) died, and they had an odds to die in the next six months 6.30 times greater than negative animals (p < 0.05, OR 6.30, CI 95 % 2,79-14,42). The case fatality rate was 55.08 % in cats (CI 95 % 49.20-51.15). The cause-specific death rate was 4.6 ‰ in cats (CI 95 % 3.4-6 ‰). Only 7.62 % (CI 95 % 7.12-8.16) positive cats were treated and cured. Among dead positive animals, 29.23 % were inappropriately discarded. In the study period 56 human cases were recorded in the Barreiro region. Regions with highest prevalence of feline sporotrichosis, had greater frequencies of both human and feline cases. This is the first report on the epidemic of sporotrichosis in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The free offer for treatment and veterinary care for these animals should be taken into consideration, as well as the collection and incineration of the dead ones, as measures of public health, followed by the guidance and care for the human patient.

Antineoplastic therapy has been associated with pain syndrome development characterized by acute and chronic pain. The chemotherapeutic agent dacarbazine, used mainly to treat metastatic melanoma, is reported to cause painful symptoms, compromising patient quality of life. Evidence has proposed that transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) plays a critical role in chemotherapy-induced pain syndrome. Here, we investigated whether dacarbazine causes painful hypersensitivity in naive or melanoma-bearing mice and the involvement of TRPA1 in these models. Mouse dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and human TRPA1-transfected HEK293 (hTRPA1-HEK293) cells were used to evaluate the TRPA1-mediated calcium response evoked by dacarbazine. Mechanical and cold allodynia were evaluated after acute or repeated dacarbazine administration in naive mice or after inoculation of B16-F10 melanoma cells in C57BL/6 mice. TRPA1 involvement was investigated by using pharmacological and genetic tools (selective antagonist or antisense oligonucleotide treatment and Trpa1 knockout mice). Dacarbazine directly activated TRPA1 in hTRPA1-HEK293 cells and mouse DRG neurons and appears to sensitize TRPA1 indirectly by generating oxidative stress products. Moreover, dacarbazine caused mechanical and cold allodynia in naive but not Trpa1 knockout mice. Also, dacarbazine-induced nociception was reduced by the pharmacological TRPA1 blockade (antagonism), antioxidants, and by ablation of TRPA1 expression. TRPA1 pharmacological blockade also reduced dacarbazine-induced nociception in a tumor-associated pain model. Thus, dacarbazine causes nociception by TRPA1 activation, indicating that this receptor may represent a pharmacological target for treating chemotherapy-induced pain syndrome in cancer patients submitted to antineoplastic treatment with dacarbazine.

Objective: To evaluate symptoms among patients with abdominal cancer and associated factors. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study with 100 patients. The prevalence of symptoms was evaluated through the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale (MSAS) and its association with demographic and clinical variables using chi-square and ANOVA tests. Results: The most prevalent symptoms were weight loss (64.0 %), pain (56.0 %), dry mouth (50.0 %), “I do not look more myself” (48.0 %) and lack of energy (45.0 %). There was a significant difference between sex and high-frequency (PHYS-H) (p = 0.001) and low-frequency (PHYS-L) physical symptoms (p = 0.004), and for general scale (TMSAS) (p = 0.002); (p = 0.001), general range (p = 0.027) and borderline significance for the global scale (GDI) (p = 0.051); high-frequency physical symptoms (p = 0.022), low-frequency physical symptoms (p = 0.034) and the overall scale (p = 0.034). There was one major complaint regarding the severity of high-frequency physical symptoms in patients with liver cancer (p = 0.018). Conclusion: Symptoms of physical and psychological aspects in cancer patients were associated with gender, race, marital status and tumor location. There is a need for tools to assess symptoms and enable health professionals to intervene more effectively. RESUMEN Objetivo: evaluar los síntomas entre los pacientes con cáncer abdominal y factores asociados. Materiales y método: estudio transversal realizado con 100 pacientes. Se evaluó la prevalencia de los síntomas, a través de la Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale (MSAS), y su asociación con variables demográficas y clínicas, por medio de pruebas de chi cuadrado y ANOVA. Resultados: los síntomas más prevalentes fueron pérdida de peso (64,0 %), dolor (56,0 %), boca seca (50,0 %), “No me siento yo mismo” (48,0 %) y falta de energía (45,0 %). Hay una diferencia significativa entre el sexo y los síntomas físicos de alta frecuencia (PHYS-H) (p = 0,001) y de baja frecuencia (PHYS-L) (p = 0,004), y para escala general (TMSAS) (p = 0,002); entre la raza y los síntomas físicos de alta frecuencia (p = 0,008), la escala general (p = 0,027) y la significancia limítrofe para la escala global (GDI) (p = 0,051); el estado civil y los síntomas físicos de alta frecuencia (p = 0,022), los síntomas físicos de baja frecuencia (p = 0,034) y la escala general (p = 0,034). Hubo una queja mayor en relación a la gravedad de los síntomas físicos de alta frecuencia en pacientes con cáncer de hígado (p = 0,018). Conclusión: síntomas de aspectos físicos y psicológicos en pacientes oncológicos se han asociado al sexo, la raza, el estado civil y la localización del tumor. Existe la necesidad de instrumentos para que los síntomas sean evaluados y permitan que los profesionales de la salud puedan intervenir de manera más eficaz. RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar sintomas entre pacientes com câncer abdominal e fatores associados. Materiais e método: estudo transversal realizado com 100 pacientes. Foi avaliada a prevalência dos sintomas, através do Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale (MSAS), e sua associação com variáveis demográficas e clínicas, por meio de testes de qui quadrado e ANOVA. Resultados: os sintomas mais prevalentes foram perda de peso (64,0 %), dor (56,0 %), boca seca (50,0 %), “Eu não pareço mais eu mesmo” (48,0 %) e falta de energia (45,0 %). Há diferença significativa entre sexo e sintomas físicos de alta frequência (PHYS-H) (p = 0,001) e de baixa frequência (PHYS-L) (p = 0,004), e para escala geral (TMSAS) (p = 0,002); entre raça e sintomas físicos de alta frequência (p = 0,008), escala geral (p = 0,027) e significância limítrofe para a escala global (GDI) (p = 0,051); estado civil e sintomas físicos de alta frequência (p = 0,022), sintomas físicos de baixa frequência (p = 0,034) e a escala geral (p = 0,034). Houve uma queixa maior em relação à gravidade de sintomas físicos de alta frequência em pacientes com câncer de fígado (p = 0,018). Conclusão: sintomas de aspectos físico e psicológico em pacientes oncológicos foram associados a sexo, raça, estado civil e localização do tumor. Há necessidade de instrumentos para que os sintomas sejam avaliados e permitam que profissionais de saúde possam intervir de maneira mais eficaz.

International audience; We studied the litter sizes of small rodents and opossums caught in the Guianan Region (Brazilian Amapá, French Guiana, Suriname, and Guyana) by pooling the data of animals collected during various field trips conducted primarily between 1990 and 2017. A series of 569 counts of embryos (or of pouch young for marsupials) in 40 species of Didelphidae (N = 12 species), Sigmodontinae (18), Murinae (2), and Echimyidae (8) allowed for a more detailed characterization of the reproductive condition of 14 species known each by more than 10 pregnant females. For eight species with at least 20 pregnant females, an examination of seasonality in breeding occurrence documented that the two months with the lowest percentage of pregnant females are July and August (16.0 and 17.3%, respectively) during the end of the long wet season and beginning of the dry season. By contrast, January and February showed the highest abundance of pregnancies (57.9% and 55.8%, respectively) during the beginning of the long wet season. This timing coincides with most juveniles foraging during the height of the wet season in May when food is presumably most prevalent.; Nós estudamos o tamanho das ninhadas de pequenos roedores e marsupiais capturados na Região Guiana (Amapá – Brasil, Guiana Francesa, Suriname e Guiana) reunindo dados coletados em diversas campanhas de campo conduzidas entre os anos de 1990 e 2017. Obtivemos resultados de 569 fêmeas com embriões (ou com filhotes na bolsa para marsupiais) de 40 espécies, das famílias Didelphidae (N = 12 espécies), Sigmodontinae (N=18), Murinae (N=2) e Echimyidae (N=8). Para 14 espécies com mais de 10 fêmeas grávidas foi possível a caracterização da condição reprodutiva. Para oito espécies, com pelo menos 20 registros de fêmeas grávidas, foi possível examinar sazonalidade na ocorrência de reprodução. Os dois meses com a menor porcentagem de grávidas foram julho e agosto (16,0 e 17,3% respectivamente) no final da longa estação chuvosa e início da estação seca. Por outro lado, janeiro e fevereiro mostraram a maior abundância de grávidas (57,9% e 55,8%, respectivamente) durante o início da longa estação chuvosa. Este momento coincide com a maioria dos juvenis forrageando durante o auge da estação chuvosa em maio quando ocorre, presumivelmente, maior disponibilidade de alimentos.

Fibromyalgia is a potentially disabling chronic disease, characterized by widespread pain and a range of comorbidities such as hypertension. Among the mechanisms involved in fibromyalgia-like pain symptoms are kinins and their B1 and B2 receptors. Moreover, angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, commonly used as antihypertensive drugs, can enhance pain by blocking the degradation of peptides such as substance P and bradykinin, besides enhancing kinin receptors signalling. We investigated the effect of ACE inhibitors on reserpine-induced fibromyalgia-like pain symptoms and the involvement of kinins in this effect in mice. Nociceptive parameters (mechanical and cold allodynia and overt nociception) were evaluated after ACE inhibitors administration in mice previously treated with reserpine. The role of kinin B1 and B2 receptors was investigated using pharmacological antagonism. Additionally, bradykinin levels, as well as the activity of ACE and kininase I, were measured in the sciatic nerve, spinal cord and cerebral cortex of the mice. The ACE inhibitors enalapril and captopril enhanced reserpine-induced mechanical allodynia, and this increase was prevented by kinin B1 and B2 receptor antagonists. Substance P and bradykinin caused overt nociception and increased mechanical allodynia in animals treated with reserpine. Reserpine plus ACE inhibitors increased bradykinin-related peptide levels and inhibited ACE activity in pain modulation structures. Since hypertension is a frequent comorbidity affecting fibromyalgia patients, hypertension treatment with ACE inhibitors in these patients should be reviewed once this could enhance fibromyalgia-like pain symptoms. Thus, the treatment of hypertensive patients with fibromyalgia could include other classes of antihypertensive drugs, different from ACE inhibitors.

Context: The use of the CINtec® PLUS Cytology Kit as a complementary method of diagnosis is intended to contribute to a risk assessment of CIN II+ cervical lesions development, thus avoiding unnecessary colposcopy in negative cases. This method has proved to be effective in the follow-up of cervical lesions, although there is need for consistency in the approach of equivocal or negative cytological results, with persistent positive High-Risk Human Papillomavirus (HR-HPV) test. Aims: The present study intends to retrospectively evaluate the capacity of the CINtec® to add information to the clinical practice within the screening and follow-up of cervical lesions. Additionally, this study intends to define criteria for CINtec® referral in order to maximize its utilization in the Portuguese context. Materials and Methods: For this purpose, 225 cases with CINtec® PLUS Cytology Kit and histology results were used, and data were analysed and compared according to the cytology and HR-HPV molecular test results. Results: The data of this study show that CINtec® PLUS Cytology Kit is a valid test for the diagnosis of persistent HPV lesions (p = 0.0005), with excellent sensitivity and reliable values of specificity. Relevant patient groups to apply the kit are in agreement with the manufacturer recommendations: women with ASC-US/LSIL result and NILM cytology with HPV-positive test, essentially over 30 years old. Conclusions: Although clinical data and previous cytological information must help guiding, authors considered that CINtec® is a really valid test for the prognosis of persistent HPV infections in the female population.

Breast (BrCa) and prostate (PCa) cancers are the most common malignancies in women and men, respectively. The available therapeutic options for these tumors are still not curative and have severe side effects. Therefore, there is an urgent need for more effective antineoplastic agents. Herein, BrCa, PCa, and benign cell lines were treated with two ionic liquids and two quinoxalines and functional experiments were performed&mdash, namely cell viability, apoptosis, cytotoxicity, and colony formation assays. At the molecular level, an array of gene expressions encompassing several molecular pathways were used to explore the impact of treatment on gene expression. Although both quinoxalines and the ionic liquid [C2OHMIM][Amp] did not show any effect on the BrCa and PCa cell lines, [C16Pyr][Amp] significantly decreased cell viability and colony formation ability, while it increased the apoptosis levels of all cell lines. Importantly, [C16Pyr][Amp] was found to be more selective for cancer cells and less toxic than cisplatin. At the molecular level, this ionic liquid was also associated with reduced expression levels of CPT2, LDHA, MCM2, and SKP2, in both BrCa and PCa cell lines. Hence, [C16Pyr][Amp] was shown to be a promising anticancer therapeutic agent for BrCa and PCa cell lines.

Summary Objective To analyze the voice formants (F1, F2, F3, and F4 in Hz) of seven oral vowels, in Brazilian Portuguese, [a, e, e, i, ɔ, o, and u] in adult individuals with congenital lifetime untreated isolated growth hormone deficiency (IGHD). Study Design This is a cross-sectional study. Methods Acoustic analysis of isolated vowels was performed in 33 individuals with IGHD, age 44.5 (17.6) years (16 women), and 29 controls, age 51.1 (17.6) years (15 women). Results Compared with controls, IGHD men showed higher values of F3 [i, e, and e], P = 0.006, P = 0.022, and P = 0.006, respectively and F4 [i], P = 0.001 and lower values of F2 [u], P = 0.034; IGHD women presented higher values of F1 [i and e] P = 0.029 and P = 0.036; F2 [ɔ] P = 0.006; F4 [ɔ] P = 0.031 and lower values of F2 [i] P = 0.004. IGHD abolished most of the gender differences in formant frequencies present in controls. Conclusions Congenital, severe IGHD results in higher values of most formant frequencies, suggesting smaller oral and pharyngeal cavities. In addition, it causes a reduction in the effect of gender on the structure of the formants, maintaining a prepubertal acoustic prediction.

Background: A canine vaccine remains a promising approach for effective control of visceral leishmaniasis(VL), given its complex epidemiology in areas where zoonotic VL is prevalent. Leish-Tec®is a recombi-nant vaccine, based on the Leishmania A2 antigen, against canine VL (CVL). It is, since 2014, the singlecommercial vaccine licensed in Brazil. Here, Leish-Tec®efficacy was estimated through a randomizedfield trial (RFT), in a highly VL endemic area.Methods: The RFT was conducted from 2008 to 2010 in an endemic area of southeastern Brazil, presentinga CVL seroprevalence of 41.9%. Eight hundred forty-seven seronegative dogs were randomly selected toreceive Leish-Tec®(n = 429) or placebo (n = 418). Animals were followed up by clinical, serological, andparasitological exams for 18 months. The CVL incidence in both groups was compared through proportionanalysis.Results: A significant reduction in the number of cases of CVL was observed in the vaccine group, ascompared with the placebo group, whether efficacy was estimated according to parasitological results(71.4%; 95% CI: 34.9–87.3%; p = 0.001; risk ratio = 0.287), by adding results of xenodiagnosis and parasito-logical exams (58.1%; 95% CI: 26.0–76.3%; p = 0.002; risk ratio = 0.419). Among the animals that convertedto a positive anti-A2 serology, efficacy reached 80.8% (95% CI: 37.6–94.1%, p = 0.001; risk ratio = 0.192).Xenodiagnosis has detected a reduction of 46.6% (p = 0.05) in transmission to sand flies from vaccinatedanimals presenting anti-A2 positive serology.Conclusion: The Leish-Tec®vaccine proved significantly effective for prophylaxis of CVL, after naturalchallenge assured by transmission of Leishmania parasites, in a highly endemic area. Noteworthy, thisreport has unveiled the complexity of performing a RFT for anti-CVL vaccines in Brazil, which may behelpful for designing of future studies.

Gastrointestinal bleeding represents a common medical emergency, with considerable morbidity and mortality rates, and a prompt diagnosis is essential for a better prognosis. In such a context, endoscopy is the main diagnostic tool; however, in cases where the gastrointestinal hemorrhage is massive, the exact bleeding site might go undetected. In addition, a trained professional is not always present to perform the procedure. In an emergency setting, optical colonoscopy presents limitations connected with the absence of bowel preparation, so most of the small bowel cannot be assessed. Scintigraphy cannot accurately demonstrate the anatomic location of the bleeding and is not available at emergency settings. The use of capsule endoscopy is inappropriate in the acute setting, particularly in the emergency department at night, and is a highly expensive method. Digital angiography, despite its high sensitivity, is invasive, presents catheterization-related risks, in addition to its low availability at emergency settings. On the other hand, computed tomography angiography is fast, widely available and minimally invasive, emerging as a promising method in the diagnostic algorithm of these patients, being capable of determining the location and cause of bleeding with high accuracy. Based on a critical literature review and on their own experience, the authors propose a computed tomography angiography protocol to assess the patient with gastrointestinal bleeding. Resumo O sangramento gastrintestinal representa uma emergência médica comum, com taxas consideráveis de morbimortalidade, sendo essencial um rápido diagnóstico para se obter um prognóstico favorável. A endoscopia digestiva alta é o principal método diagnóstico, porém, em casos de sangramento maciço, o exato local de sangramento pode não ser detectável. Além disso, nem sempre está disponível um profissional treinado para a sua execução. A colonoscopia óptica na urgência tem suas limitações ligadas à ausência do preparo intestinal adequado e não permite avaliar a maior parte do intestino delgado. A cintilografia não determina a localização precisa do sangramento e não é disponível na emergência. O uso da cápsula endoscópica é inapropriado no cenário emergencial e tem custo elevado. A angiografia digital, apesar de altamente sensível, é um método invasivo, tem riscos associados ao cateterismo, além de baixa disponibilidade emergencial. Por outro lado, pela sua rapidez, ampla disponibilidade e baixa invasividade, a angiotomografia desponta como opção promissora no algoritmo diagnóstico desses pacientes, sendo capaz de determinar o local e a causa do sangramento com alta acurácia, bem como orientar o seu tratamento. Com base em revisão crítica da literatura e na nossa própria experiência, propomos um protocolo de exame de angiotomografia para o paciente com hemorragia digestiva.

Background Tabernaemontana catharinensis, popularly known as snake skin, has been empirically used as an anti-inflammatory to treat cutaneous skin disorders. However, no study proves its effectiveness as a topical anti-inflammatory. Study design We investigated the topical anti-inflammatory effect of T.catharinensis leaves crude extract (TcE) in irritant contact dermatitis models in mice and its preliminary toxicity profile. Methods The topical anti-inflammatory effect was evaluated by ear thickness measurement, inflammatory cell infiltration (MPO activity measurement and histological procedure) and cytokines levels. TcE qualitative phytochemical analysis was performed by UHPLC-ESI-HRMS and the TcE effect (therapeutic dose; 10 µg/ear) on preliminary toxicological parameters was also evaluated (on the 14° day of experiment). Results TcE (10 μg/ear) prevented the development of ear edema induced by cinnamaldehyde, capsaicin, arachidonic acid, phenol, and croton oil with maximum inhibition of 100% to cinnamaldehyde, arachidonic acid, phenol, and croton oil and 75 ± 6% to capsaicin. Besides, the TcE (10 μg/ear) also prevented the increase of MPO activity by 96 ± 2%, 48 ± 7%, 100%, 87 ± 8%, and 93 ± 4%, respectively, to the same irritant agents. The positive controls also prevented both ear edema and the increased of MPO activity by 100% and 42 ± 8% (HC-030031), 54 ± 6% and 80 ± 4% (SB-366791), 100% and 54 ± 5% (indomethacin), 100% and 80 ± 4% (dexamethasone in skin inflammation model induced by phenol) and 100% and 97 ± 3% (dexamethasone in inflammation model induced by croton oil), respectively. TcE also prevented the inflammatory cells infiltration and the increase of MIP-2, IL-1β and TNF-α levels irritant agents-induced. TcE topical anti-inflammatory effect may be attributed to the combined effect of indole alkaloids, terpenes, and phenolic compounds found in the extract and identified by dereplication method. The TcE’ therapeutic dose proved to be safe in preliminary toxicological tests. Conclusion Our results suggest that TcE could be an interesting strategy for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Tabernaemontana catharinensis, popularly known as snakeskin, is used in traditional medicine to treat skin inflammatory disorders. To confirm the topical anti-inflammatory effect of T. catharinensis leaves, we evaluated the therapeutic effect of crude extract (TcE) and its different fractions on irritant contact dermatitis model in mice and verified its anti-inflammatory action mechanism. Materials and methods The qualitative phytochemical analysis of TcE and its dichloromethane, n-butanol and ethyl acetate fractions was performed by UHPLC-ESI-HRMS. The gel accelerated stability was performed to ensure the effectiveness formulation. We investigated the TcE’ inhibitory effect, its fractions and a gel formulation containing TcE in irritant contact dermatitis models induced by unique (1000 μg/ear) and multiple (400 μg/ear) croton oil application, evaluated by the ear edema formation, inflammatory cell infiltration (MPO activity measurement and histological procedure) and pro-inflammatory cytokines levels. The action glucocorticoid-like of TcE was investigated using a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist (mifepristone; 50 mg/kg, s.c.). Results The treatments (10 μg/ear) reduced the ear edema and MPO activity by 100% and 94 ± 3% (TcE) 85 ± 4% and 88 ± 3% (dichloromethane fraction), 83 ± 6% and 73 ± 11% (n-butanol fraction) and 86 ± 6% and 93 ± 4% (ethyl acetate fraction) and 100% (dexamethasone solution), respectively to the acute ICD model. The TcE and dexamethasone gel (15 mg/ear) also reduced by 66 ± 6% and 70 ± 5% the ear edema and by 58 ± 14% and 84 ± 4% the MPO activity, respectively. To the chronic ICD model, the TcE and dexamethasone (10 μg/ear) also reduced the ear edema (66 ± 6% and 70 ± 5%) and the MPO activity (58 ± 14% and 84 ± 4%); on the 9th day of the experiment. TcE and dexamethasone also reduced the pro-inflammatory cytokines (MIP-2, IL-1β and TNF-α) levels in acute ICD model induced by croton oil. Besides, mifepristone prevented the topical anti-edematogenic effect of TcE’ and dexamethasone’ solutions by 97 ± 9% to TcE and 75 ± 15% to dexamethasone. The accelerated stability study of T.catharinensis gels showed no relevant changes at low temperatures. The dereplication of the TcE and fractions revealed the presence of indole alkaloids, triterpenes, and flavonoids by UHPLC-ESI-HRMS. These classes of compounds are known in the literature for present potential anti-inflammatory action, supporting the results obtained. Conclusion The results confirm the topical popular use ofT.catharinensis leaves in the treatment of skin inflammation and demonstrate the TcE’ potential for the development of a promising topical anti-inflammatory agent to treat inflammatory disorders.

Background The aim of this study was to compare cases of Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) with and without HIV in a state in northeastern Brazil. Methodology We performed a comparative study in the state’s referral hospital for infectious/parasitic diseases located in Northeast Brazil between January 2007 and July 2017. The data obtained using this protocol were analyzed with SPSS. Principal findings In total, 252 patients were evaluated, including 126 with coincident VL/HIV and 126 with VL alone. Both groups primarily consisted of male patients. The most commonly affected ages were 30–39 years in the coinfected group and 19–29 years in the VL group (p < 0.001). Fever and anorexia (p = 0.001), which were more common in those with VL alone, were frequently observed, while diarrhea, vomiting, bleeding and dyspnea were more common in patients with VL/HIV coinfection (p

Purpose Traumatic dislocation of the mandibular condyle into the middle cranial fossa (DMCCF) is a rare event after maxillofacial trauma. Treatment may be performed with closed or open reduction (with or without craniotomy), and arthroplasty procedures might be necessary for long-standing cases. The aims of this study were to perform an integrative review of traumatic DMCCF cases reported in an electronic database and to report a case in which cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurred after open treatment. Patients and Methods The study was carried out in 2 phases. In the first part, an electronic search was undertaken in MEDLINE (via PubMed) in April 2018, with 52 articles being included. In the second, we report a case in which cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurred through the external auditory canal after open reduction of the mandibular condyle into the middle cranial fossa in a 22-year-old male patient, with a follow-up of 5 months. Results A total of 59 cases were included. Most patients were female patients (69%), the right condyle was mostly affected, and traffic accidents (53%) were the main etiology. Closed treatment was ideally performed within 2 weeks of intrusion. Open treatment was required for cases with 2 or more weeks of impaction. The types of open treatment were open reduction, condylectomy, condylotomy, and temporomandibular joint reconstruction with alloplastic implants. The glenoid fossa was reconstructed in 28 cases, and a temporalis muscle flap with or without bone grafts was the main choice. Despite the treatment option used, mandibular deviation during opening occurred in 41% of cases. Rare complications included persistent facial paralysis, persistent hearing loss on the affected side, increased cerebral contusion after reduction, and postoperative pneumocephalus. Conclusions Cases of DMCCF require a multidisciplinary approach based on the expertise of both maxillofacial and neurologic surgeons. Close monitoring is extremely important to mitigate complications.

Made available in DSpace on 2020-12-12T01:52:44Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2018-01-01 Background: Bone tumors have a challenging diagnosis and treatment. Osteosarcoma is the name given to a heterogeneous group of malignant, agressive and invasive tumors that often determine bone lysis. Almost all of the animals develop lung metastases, progressing to death. Usually affect the appendicular skeleton, but can also occurs in others areas, although these presentations are rare. Prognosis is always poor. The aim of this paper is to report a case of a dog with osteoblastic osteosarcoma of the sternum, which was diagnosed by computed tomography and histopathologic analysis after excisional biopsy. Case: A male Cocker Spaniel dog, weighing 25 kg, elderly, was examined at the Veterinary Hospital. As main complaint was reported soft swelling on the ventral cervical region causing dyspnea. The patient had previously been medicated with dexamethasone with a significant decrease in the swelling, however recurrence was observed with the cessation of the treatment. Due to the presence of heart murmur, patient underwent to chest radiography and eletrocardiography. Images showed a tumor in the sternal lymph node region, displacing the heart caudally, trachea and esophagus dorsally, causing cranial edema due to a compression of the venous return by the cranial vena cava and subsequent dyspnea. Furosemide (Lasix®) was administered during ambulatorial treatment and prescribed to home, with satisfactory results, with decreased edema and consequent improvement of respiratory symptoms. It was decided to perform computed tomography to better design of the chest structure. The structure located in cranial thoracic region measured about 10.5 cm long x 5.8 cm high x 8.4 cm wide. The patient was undergone to sternotomy to remove the mass that was closely adhered to the sternum and pericardium. The pericardectomy and sternum removal were not performed due to animal being old and present metabolic and cardiopulmonary conditions. Some samples were collected for histological examination resulting in osteoblastic osteosarcoma. After surgical treatment, the patient showed improvement of dyspnea, more active and no signs of pain at the surgical site. Due to the unfavorable result of the histopathological analysis, it was decided to star chemotherapy. The protocol chosen was carboplatin (Carboplatino®) as a single drug, every 21 days totalizing four applications as recommended by literature. Two cycles of carboplatin were done as adjuvant chemotherapy. The patient supported the treatment very well without any clinical or laboratory abnormality. Any radiographic signs of pulmonary metastasis or local recurrence was seen, however, after 18 months of survival, the patient died of non-related cause. Discussion: Osteosarcoma is the most commonly diagnosed bone tumor in dogs. Intense dyspnea and the swelling in the submandibular region was due to the compression of thoracic structures by the size of the tumor and the internal location within the chest. The cranial swelling is due to the syndrome caval that is rare in veterinary medicine and is describe in some specific conditions. Computed tomography was performed to better tumor delineation, as it is an important tool to assess the extent of the tumor and other characteristics, allowing optimal surgical planning for each case. Histophatological diagnosis of osteoblastic osteosarcoma is characterized by new bone formation that appears radiographically with increased radiopacity, as observed in all images. Gold standard treatment of neoplasms is the association of surgical excision followed by chemotherapy, which was effective in this case reported, since it provided quality of life during 18 months, three times higher than the majority of cases reported in the literature, being death due to causes unrelated to the tumor. Programa de Cirurgia Veterinária Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) Hospital Veterinário Laboratório de Ortopedia e Neurocirurgia FCAV, Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane s/n Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinária Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias (FCAV) Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) Departamento de Cirurgia e Anestesiologia Veterinária Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FMVZ) UNESP Departamento de Reprodução Animal e Radiologia Veterinária Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FMVZ) UNESP Programa de Cirurgia Veterinária Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) Hospital Veterinário Laboratório de Ortopedia e Neurocirurgia FCAV, Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane s/n Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinária Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias (FCAV) Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) Departamento de Cirurgia e Anestesiologia Veterinária Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FMVZ) UNESP Departamento de Reprodução Animal e Radiologia Veterinária Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FMVZ) UNESP

Paclitaxel is an antineoplastic agent widely used to treat several solid tumor types. The primary mechanism of action of paclitaxel is based on microtubule stabilization inducing cell-cycle arrest. Here, we use several tumor models to show that paclitaxel not only induces tumor cell-cycle arrest, but also promotes antitumor immunity. In vitro, paclitaxel reprogrammed M2-polarized macrophages to the M1-like phenotype in a TLR4-dependent manner, similarly to LPS. Paclitaxel also modulated the tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) profile in mouse models of breast and melanoma tumors; gene expression analysis showed that paclitaxel altered the M2-like signature of TAMs toward an M1-like profile. In mice selectively lacking TLR4 on myeloid cells, for example, macrophages (LysM-Cre+/−/TLR4fl/fl), the antitumor effect of paclitaxel was attenuated. Gene expression analysis of tumor samples from patients with ovarian cancer before and after treatment with paclitaxel detected an enrichment of genes linked to the M1 macrophage activation profile (IFNγ-stimulated macrophages). These findings indicate that paclitaxel skews TAMs toward an immunocompetent profile via TLR4, which might contribute to the antitumor effect of paclitaxel and provide a rationale for new combination regimens comprising paclitaxel and immunotherapies as an anticancer treatment. Significance: This study provides new evidence that the antitumor effect of paclitaxel occurs in part via reactivation of the immune response against cancer, guiding tumor-associated macrophages toward the M1-like antitumor phenotype. Graphical Abstract: http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/canres/78/20/5891/F1.large.jpg. Cancer Res; 78(20); 5891–900. ©2018 AACR. See related commentary by Garassino et al., p. 5729

Introduction The kidney system is responsible for the maintenance of homeostasis and in patients with Chronic Kidney Disease the kidney functions changes, contributing for the development of various complications that will have adverse effects in tolerance to the physical exercise and in Quality of Life of this patients. Objective To evaluate the Effects of non-invasive ventilatory support in tolerance to the patients’ physical exercise in dialysis. Methods The patients performed two 6-minute walk tests, following an adapted protocol for treadmill, one of them without the use of non-invasive ventilatory support and the other with non-invasive ventilatory support during the walk. Besides, the patients answered a questionnaire of quality of life and the KDQOL-SFTM specific for the population under study. Results It was noticed that there was not statistical difference in the distance recorded during the 6-minute walk tests. Regarding the quality of life, the greater impact of the disease was in relation to “Professional Activity”. Conclusion In conclusion, a non-invasive ventilatory support did not cause significant effects in tolerance to the exercise of this population. However, we should take into consideration the limitations suffered during the research development.

Pain is the most common complaint in the medical field and the identification of novel compounds that can effectively treat painful states without causing side effects remains a major challenge in biomedical research. The aim of the present study is to investigate the antinociceptive effect of 3-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-trifluoromethyl-1H-1-tosylpyrazole (FTosPz) in models of pathological pain in mice and compare these effects with those produced by Celecoxib. FTosPz (100-500 μmol/kg) or Celecoxib (26-260 μmol/kg) was administrated orally. The administration of either FTosPz or Celecoxib reduced the hyperalgesia but not the edema or leukocyte infiltration that was caused by Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA), used as an arthritis model. Oral administration of both FTosPz and Celecoxib also attenuated the postoperative hyperalgesia as well as the hyperalgesia caused by partial sciatic nerve ligation, used as a neuropathic pain model. FTosPz and Celecoxib produced antinociceptive effects without altering the locomotor activity of animals. Furthermore, FTosPz neither altered AST/ALT enzyme activity nor the urea/creatinine levels. Still, the FTosPz did not alter the COX-1 and COX-2 enzyme activities. Thus, FTosPz is an interesting prototype for the development of novel analgesic drugs.

Introduction Dogs play a primary role in the zoonotic cycle of visceral leishmaniasis (VL). Therefore, the accurate diagnosis of infected dogs, primarily asymptomatic dogs, is crucial to the efficiency of VL control programs. Methods We investigated the agreement of four diagnostic tests for canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL): parasite detection, either after myeloculture or by direct microscopic examination of tissue imprints; kinetoplast-deoxyribonucleic acid-polymerase chain reaction (kDNA-PCR); and an immunochromatographic test (ICT). An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and an indirect immunofluorescence test (IFAT), both of which were adopted as part of the screening-culling program in Brazil, were used as reference tests. Our sample set consisted of 44 seropositive dogs, 25 of which were clinically asymptomatic and 19 were symptomatic for CVL according to ELISA-IFAT. Results The highest and lowest test co-positivities were observed for ICT (77.3%) and myeloculture (58.1%), respectively. When analyzed together, the overall percentage of co-positive tests was significantly higher for the symptomatic group compared to the asymptomatic group. However, only ICT was significantly different based on the results of a separate analysis per test for each group of dogs. The majority (93.8%) of animals exhibited at least one positive test result, with an average of 2.66 positive tests per dog. Half of the symptomatic dogs tested positive for all four tests administered. Conclusions The variability between test results reinforces the need for more efficient and reliable methods to accurately diagnose canine VL, particularly in asymptomatic animals.

Epignathus teratomas are rare tumors that originate in the region of the palate or pharynx and are known as Rathke pouch. They may be associated with other malformations such as a cleft palate and bifid tongue or nose. The prenatal diagnosis can be established by two-dimensional ultrasonography showing a heterogeneous mass protruding through the mouth of the fetus. The three-dimensional ultrasonography in rendering mode permits better understanding of this anomaly by the parents, facilitating the counseling. The importance of prenatal diagnosis lies in the fact that this tumor may obstruct the airways, thus leading to death at birth due to respiratory insufficiency. We report a case of prenatal diagnosis of epignathus teratoma in the 30th week of pregnancy by two-dimensional ultrasonography. We focus on the importance of three-dimensional ultrasonography in rendering mode for demonstrating the spatial relationships of the tumor with the oral cavity and provide correlations between the ultrasound images and the anatomopathological findings.

Urera baccifera (Urticaceae) is a shrub used in folk medicine for rheumatic diseases and mycosis. This study aimed to test the antiviral, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities of U. baccifera leaves and roots. The cytotoxic and antiviral activity was evaluated against Herpes virus type 1, in vitro. The antimicrobial activity was determined by the broth microdilution method based on Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) M27-A3, M38-A2 and M7-A6 standardized reference method. In vivo anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activity were evaluated in ear edema measurement, complete Freund’s adjuvant-induced nociception, measurement of cold allodynia and spontaneous nociception in male adult Swiss mice. U. baccifera roots and leaves presented anti-herpetic activity. The plant extract, predominantly the ethyl acetate and butanol fractions, also inhibit Klebsiella pneumoniae, Prototheca zopfii and Saccharomyces cerevisiae and did not show antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effect on the tested experiments. The presence of biologically active products and the low cytotoxicity demonstrated by the extract and fractions of U. baccifera makes these extracts promising antiviral candidates. This nettle can also be considered a moderated antimicrobial agent against K. pneumoniae, P. zopfii and S. cerevisiae. However, antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects to the samples in this study were not observed. Key words: Stinging nettle, herpes simplex type 1, Urticaceae, Klebsiella pneumonia, Prototheca zopfii, Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Objective: GH influences thyroid function and anatomy. Although goiter is frequent in acromegalic patients, the effects of GH deficiency (GHD) are difficult to assess, because hypopituitaric subjects who lack GH often also have a partial or complete deficit of TSH. Study Design: We studied thyroid morphology and serum levels of thyroid hormones in adult members of a large Brazilian kindred with untreated isolated GHD due to a homozygous mutation in the GHRH receptor gene (GHRHR; nine men and 15 women; GHD group) and compared them to subjects heterozygous for the same mutation (eight men and 10 women; HET group) and subjects homozygous for the wild-type allele [seven men and 11 women; control (CO) group]. Results: GHD subjects had a smaller thyroid volume (TV) than HET and CO. The TV of the HET group was intermediate between those of the GHD and CO groups. When TV was corrected by body surface area, it remained smaller in the GHD and HET groups than in the CO group, but the difference between GHD and HET groups disappeared. The GHD group had lower serum T3 levels than the CO group and higher free T4 levels than HET and CO groups. Conclusions: Individuals with severe untreated GHD due to a homozygous GHRHR mutation and heterozygous carriers of the same mutation have smaller TV than normal subjects, suggesting that GH has a permissive role in the growth of the thyroid gland. In addition, GHD subjects have reduced serum total T3 and increased serum free T4, suggesting a reduction in the function of the deiodinase system.

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Jatropha isabellei Mull Arg. (Euphorbiaceae) is a medicinal plant that has been used in South American folk medicine for the treatment of arthritic diseases, particularly gout. Aim of the study: This study was designed to verify the antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and hypouricemic potential of Jarropha isabellei. Materials and methods: Rats were orally administered with the crude extract (100-300 mg/kg) or a fraction that is rich in alkaloids (0.15 mg/kg) of Jatropha isabellei. An intra-articular (i.a.) injection of 50 mu l of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals (1.25 mg/site) was used to generate the gout model to assess the effect of the treatment on nociception (thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia) and inflammation (oedema and neutrophil infiltration). The effect of Jatropha isabellei on the serum levels of uric acid was evaluated in a model of hyperuricaemia induced by the intraperitoneal injection of potassium oxonate (250 mg/kg). The side effects were analysed using an open-field test, gastric lesion assessment and by measuring the levels of the ALT and AST enzymes. Results: Our study demonstrated that the crude extract of Jatropha isabellei and a fraction rich in alkaloids were able to prevent the thermal hyperalgesia, mechanical allodynia, oedema and neutrophil infiltration induced by intra-articular MSU injection in rats. On the other hand, treatment with Jatropha isabellei did not alter the uric acid levels increased by potassium oxonate in the hyperuricaemia model. In addition, Jatropha isabellei did not induce gastric lesions or liver damage and did not alter spontaneous locomotor activity. Conclusion: The crude extract of Jatropha isabellei and its fraction rich in alkaloid presents antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects in a rat gout model, similar to that observed after treatment with colchicine, supporting the traditional use of this plant in gouty patients. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Objective: To determine whether anthropometric indicators are associated with markers of renal function in adults and older adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 279 adults and older adults attending eight primary healthcare units in eastern Goiânia, Góias. Sociodemographic, lifestyle, and clinical data were collected using a standard questionnaire. Body mass index was categorized as overweight (≥25 kg/m²) or non-overweight. Waist circumference was classified as normal or high; chronic kidney disease was defined as a glomerular filtration rate below 60 mL/minutes/1.73 m²; micro/macroalbuminuria was defined as an albumin/creatinine ratio above 30 mg/g. The association between anthropometric indicators and renal function markers was assessed by multiple linear regression analysis. Results: Chronic kidney disease was present in 8.9% and micro/macroalbuminuria in 34.8% of the sample. The prevalence of overweight was 57.0%. Waist circumference and body mass index were positively associated with glomerular filtration rate, characterized as glomerular hyperfiltration. Microalbuminuria was positively associated with body mass index in women. Conclusion: The prevalences of chronic kidney disease and overweight were high in the study population. Overweight was positively associated with glomerular filtration rate. Objetivo: Avaliar a associação entre indicadores antropométricos do estado nutricional e marcadores da função renal em adultos e idosos. Métodos: Estudo transversal realizado com 279 adultos e idosos atendidos por oito Unidades de Atenção Básica à Saúde da Família da região Leste de Goiânia por meio de visitas domiciliares. Foram coletados dados socioeconômicos, de estilo de vida e clínicos. Para avaliação do estado nutricional foi considerado o índice de massa corporal, com classificação para excesso de peso (≥25 kg/m²) e sem excesso de peso; também foi avaliada a circunferência da cintura, caracterizada como aumentada ou normal. Para o diagnóstico de doença renal crônica foi considerada uma taxa de filtração glomerular 30 mg/g. A associação entre os indicadores antropométricos e marcadores da função renal foi avaliada com regressão linear múltipla. Resultados: A prevalência de doença renal crônica foi de 8,9% e de albuminúria foi de 34,8%. O excesso de peso foi detectado em 57,0% da amostra. Houve associação positiva do índice de massa corporal e da circunferência da cintura com a taxa de filtração glomerular em ambos os sexos (p

Disseminated neoplasia in cultured Mytilus chilensis (Mytilidae) from the Beagle Channel (Tierra del Fuego Province) in southern Argentina has been detected for the first time. The disease is characterized by the infiltration of neoplastic cells with enlarged nuclei and high nuclear-to-cytoplasmic volume ratios. All specimens with disseminated neoplasia were female and exhibited gonadal atrophy in advanced stages of the disease. The high prevalence reported (13.3%) indicates an epizootic level. Fil: Cremonte, Florencia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Nacional Patagónico; Argentina Fil: Vázquez, Nuria Natalia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Nacional Patagónico; Argentina Fil: Silva, Mara Regina. Laboratorio Regional Ushuaia; Argentina

The present study was developed in the urban area of Paracatu, an endemic city for the American visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil. A six-month canine survey was performed with 6295 domiciled dogs in 28 districts in that area and showed that 4.2% of those (267 dogs) were positive for VL by ELISA and IFAT serum assays. Prevalence ratios for canine VL varied between 1.2% and 16.1%, depending on the district under investigation. Fifteen dogs - 80% of which were clinically asymptomatic for VL - were submitted to a more detailed study that comprised direct parasitological examination and Leishmania kDNA amplification of tissue samples as well as two PCR-RFLP methods using myelocultures. Leishmania amastigotes or Leishmania DNA were detected in all dogs but one. The infecting species of Leishmania was identified in about 50% (7/15) of the sample dogs: Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi in two of them and, unexpectedly, Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis in the remaining five. Three months after the end of confiscation and elimination of the VL-seropositive dogs in the 28 districts of Paracatu, a systematic entomological survey was performed in five of them. Six hundred and sixty five (665) phlebotomine sand flies were captured in total, from which 89.5% were identified as Lutzomyia longipalpis. The population density of that species increased during the rainy season. Other thirteen (13) species of phlebotomine sand flies were captured at varying percentages from 0.2 to 5.0%. It is worth noting that L. longipalpis females were predominantely intradomicile when compared to males, suggesting that the VL transmission cycle in Paracatu may be occurring inside home.

Despite considerable advances in the detection of genomic abnormalities in congenital heart disease (CHD), the etiology of CHD remains largely unknown. CHD is the most common birth defect and is a major cause of infant morbidity and mortality, and conotruncal defects constitute 20% of all CHD cases. We used array comparative genomic hybridization (array-CGH) to retrospectively study 60 subjects with conotruncal defects and identify genomic imbalances. The DNA copy number variations (CNVs) detected were matched with data from genomic databases, and their clinical significance was evaluated. We found that 38.3% (23/60) of CHD cases possessed genomic imbalances. In 8.3% (5/60) of these cases, the imbalances were causal or potentially causal CNVs; in 8.3% (5/60), unclassified CNVs were identified; and in 21.6% (13/60), common variants were detected. Although the interpretation of the results must be refined and there is not yet a consensus regarding the types of CHD cases in which array-CGH should be used as a first-line test, the identification of these CNVs can assist in the evaluation and management of CHD. The results of such studies emphasize the growing importance of the use of genome-wide assays in subjects with CHD to increase the number of genomic data sets associated with this condition.

Introduction: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is an important Brazilian public health issue that has as main etiologies, arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus (DM). The precocious diagnosis is important, because it allows the implementation of preventive measures that retard or interrupt the progression to the most advanced stages of the CKD. Objective: Identify the prevalence and the associated factors to the CKD among adults served by the Family Health Strategy (FHS). Methods: Cross-sectional study with epidemiological, descriptive and observational design, realized with 511 adults older than 20 years, served by the FSH in a region of Goiania. CKD was defined as GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73m2 and/or albuminuria ≥ 30 mg/g. The GFR was estimated by the Cockcroft-Gault equation and albuminuria by the ratio of albumin and urinary creatinine in the urine sample. The independent variables were age, sex, blood pressure, alcohol comsumption, DM, smoking and overweight/obesity. Results: The CKD prevalence was 32,53%. While GFR < 60ml/min/1.73 m2 occurred in 10,64% and albuminuria in 25,29% of the sample. The analysis identified a significant association between the ages ≥ 60 and GFR < 60ml/min/1.73 m2 (p < 0,001); as the albuminuria ≥ 30 mg/g the association was found in the male gender (p = 0,043), DM (p = 0,002) and alcohol consumption (p = 0,035). Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of CKD's early stages on FHS, taking in consideration the risk factors of age ≥ 60 years old, masculine gender, DM and alcohol consume. Therefore, a CKD screening and monitoring is suggested in adults who are served by the FHS.

Excessive UV-B radiation by sunlight produces inflammatory and oxidative damage of skin, which can lead to sunburn, photoaging, and cancer. This study evaluated whether nanoencapsulation improves the protective effects of rice bran oil against UVB radiation-induced skin damage in mice. Lipid-core nanocapsules containing rice bran oil were prepared, and had mean size around 200 nm, negative zeta potential (∼-9 mV), and low polydispersity index (