ABSTRACT Objective: To determine whether polymorphisms of the IL10 and IL17 genes are associated with severe asthma control and bronchodilator reversibility in children and adolescents with severe asthma. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, nested within a prospective cohort study of patients with severe asthma. Two outcomes were evaluated: asthma control and bronchodilator reversibility. We extracted DNA from peripheral blood and genotyped three single nucleotide polymorphisms: rs3819024 and rs2275913 in the IL17A gene; and rs3024498 in the IL10 gene. For the association analyses, we performed logistic regression in three genetic models (allelic, additive, and dominant). Results: The rs3024498 C allele in the IL10 gene was associated with failure to achieve asthma control despite regular treatment (p = 0.02). However, the G allele of the IL17A rs3819024 polymorphism was associated with failure to respond to stimulation with a b2 agonist. The rs2275913 polymorphism of the IL17A gene showed no relationship with asthma control or bronchodilator reversibility. Conclusions: In pediatric patients with severe asthma, the IL10 polymorphism appears to be associated with failure to achieve clinical control, whereas the IL17A polymorphism appears to be associated with a worse bronchodilator response. Knowledge of the involvement of these polymorphisms opens future directions for pharmacogenetic studies and for the implementation of individualized therapeutic management of severe asthma in pediatric patients.

RESUMO Objetivo: Determinar se existe relação entre polimorfismos dos genes IL10 e IL17 e controle da asma grave e reversibilidade com broncodilatador em crianças e adolescentes com asma grave. Métodos: Estudo transversal, aninhado em um estudo prospectivo de coorte com pacientes com asma grave. Foram avaliados dois desfechos: controle da asma e reversibilidade com broncodilatador. Extraímos DNA do sangue periférico e genotipamos três polimorfismos de nucleotídeo único: rs3819024 e rs2275913 no gene IL17A e rs3024498 no gene IL10. Para as análises de associação, realizamos regressão logística em três modelos genéticos (alélico, aditivo e dominante). Resultados: O alelo C do polimorfismo rs3024498 do gene IL10 apresentou relação com asma que permaneceu descontrolada mesmo com tratamento regular (p = 0,02). No entanto, o alelo G do polimorfismo rs3819024 do gene IL17A apresentou relação com ausência de resposta ao estímulo com b2-agonista. O polimorfismo rs2275913 do gene IL17A não apresentou relação com controle da asma ou reversibilidade com broncodilatador. Conclusões: Em pacientes pediátricos com asma grave, o polimorfismo do gene IL10 parece estar relacionado com ausência de controle clínico, ao passo que o polimorfismo do gene IL17A parece estar relacionado com pior resposta ao broncodilatador. O conhecimento a respeito do envolvimento desses polimorfismos abre perspectivas futuras para estudos farmacogenéticos e para a implantação de manejo terapêutico individualizado da asma grave em pacientes pediátricos.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Liver transplantation represents the best therapeutic modality in end-stage chronic liver disease, severe acute hepatitis, and selected cases of liver tumors. AIMS: To describe a double retransplant in a male patient diagnosed with Crohn's disease and complicated with primary sclerosing cholangitis, severe portal hypertension, and cholangiocarcinoma diagnosed in the transplanted liver. METHODS: A 48-year-old male patient diagnosed with Crohn's disease 25 years ago, complicated with primary sclerosing cholangitis and severe portal hypertension. He underwent a liver transplantation in 2018 due to secondary biliary cirrhosis. In 2021, a primary sclerosing cholangitis recurrence was diagnosed and a liver retransplantation was indicated. Recipient's hepatectomy was very difficult by reason of complex portal vein thrombosis requiring extensive thromboendovenectomy. Intraoperative ultrasound with liver doppler evaluation was performed. Two suspicious nodules were incidentally diagnosed in the donor's liver and immediately removed for anatomopathological evaluation. RESULTS: After pathological confirmation of carcinoma, probable cholangiocarcinoma, at frozen section, the patient was re-listed as national priority and a new liver transplantation was performed within 24 hours. The patient was discharged after 2 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: The screening for neoplasms in donated organs should be part of our strict daily diagnostic arsenal. Moreover, we argue that, for the benefit of an adequate diagnosis and the feasibility of a safer procedure, the adoption of imaging tests routine for the liver donor is essential, allowing a reduction of the costs and some potential risks of liver transplant procedure.

RESUMO RACIONAL: O transplante de fígado representa a melhor modalidade terapêutica na doença hepática crônica terminal, hepatite aguda grave e casos selecionados de tumores hepáticos. OBJETIVOS: Descrever um retransplante duplo em paciente do sexo masculino, diagnosticado com doença de Crohn e complicado com colangite esclerosante primária, hipertensão portal grave e colangiocarcinoma diagnosticado no fígado transplantado. MÉTODOS: Paciente do sexo masculino, 48 anos, diagnosticado com doença de Crohn há 25 anos e complicado com colangite esclerosante primária e hipertensão portal grave. Foi submetido a um transplante de fígado em 2018 devido a cirrose biliar secundária. Em 2021, foi diagnosticada recidiva de colangite esclerosante primária e indicado retransplante hepático. A hepatectomia do receptor foi de alta complexidade devido à trombose complexa da veia porta, exigindo extensa tromboendovenectomia. Foi realizada ultrassonografia intraoperatória com doppler hepático. Dois nódulos suspeitos foram diagnosticados incidentalmente no fígado do doador e imediatamente removidos para avaliação anatomopatológica. RESULTADOS: Após confirmação patológica de carcinoma, provável colangiocarcinoma, pela congelação, o paciente foi relistado como prioridade nacional, e novo transplante hepático foi realizado em 24 horas. O paciente teve alta após 2 semanas. CONCLUSÕES: O rastreamento de neoplasias em órgãos doados deve fazer parte de nosso estrito arsenal diagnóstico diário. Além disso, defendemos que, em benefício de um diagnóstico correto e da viabilidade de um procedimento mais seguro, a adoção de uma rotina de exames de imagem é essencial em doadores hepáticos, permitindo a redução dos custos e alguns riscos potenciais do procedimento de transplante hepático.

RESUMO Antecedentes: Em 2019, testemunhou-se o surgimento de um novo tipo de coronavírus - o coronavírus associado à síndrome da angústia respiratória tipo 2 (SARS-CoV-2). O espectro da doença associada ao novo coronavírus, a COVID-19, é variável e, dentre suas manifestações, há implicações neurológicas. Objetivos: O presente estudo objetivou descrever achados eletroencefalográficos em pacientes com COVID-19 internados em um hospital terciário em São Paulo. Métodos: Tratou-se de estudo observacional, retrospectivo e não-intervencionista, realizado por meio de coleta anônima e retrospectiva de dados de prontuário médico de pacientes com diagnóstico confirmado (RT-PCR positivo) ou provável (CO-RADS 4 ou 5), que realizaram eletroencefalograma durante internação hospitalar. Resultados: Vinte e oito pacientes foram elencados, 17 (60,7%) mulheres e 11 homens. O diagnóstico de COVID-19 foi confirmado em 22 (78,5%) dos casos. Dos pacientes, 21 (75%) apresentaram a doença, requerendo suporte ventilatório, e 16 (57,1%) desenvolveram sepse sobreposta. Não houve padrão específico de EEG para COVID-19, e nenhum paciente apresentou estado de mal epiléptico ou crise eletrográfica; a maioria desenvolveu padrão de encefalopatia, com alentecimento da atividade cerebral, sendo a alta prevalência de alteração de estado mental a indicação para o exame. A sepse sobreposta foi associada a um pior desfecho, com maior mortalidade. Conclusão: No contexto da COVID-19, o EEG figura como ferramenta importante, auxiliando, como em outras condições, na diferenciação entre estado de mal epiléptico, encefalopatia e outras causas de alteração do estado mental. Estudos adicionais são necessários para avaliar a existência de padrão específico de alteração eletroencefalográfica na COVID-19.

ABSTRACT Background: In 2019, the world witnessed the emergence of a new type of coronavirus - the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The spectrum of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is variable, and amongst its manifestations are neurological implications. Objective: This report aimed to describe electroencephalographic findings in COVID-19 patients from a general tertiary hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. Methods: It was a retrospective, observational, and non-interventional study. Data were collected anonymously, comprising inpatients from Mar 1 to Jun 30, 2020, either confirmed (positive RT-PCR) or probable cases (CO-RADS 4/5) who had performed EEG during hospitalization. Results: Twenty-eight patients were enrolled, 17 (60.7%) women and 11 men, with a median age of 58 (minimum and maximum: 18-86; IQR 23.5). COVID-19 diagnosis was confirmed in 22 (78.5%). Twenty-one patients (75%) had severe disease, requiring mechanical ventilation due to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS); 16 (57.1%) patients developed adjunct sepsis throughout hospitalization. There was no specific pattern found for COVID-19 in EEG. No patients presented with status epilepticus or electrographic events; most patients developed an encephalopathic pattern, as seen in most studies, with a high prevalence of altered mental status as an indication for EEG. Adjunct sepsis was associated with higher mortality. Conclusions: EEG presents as a useful tool in the context of COVID-19, as in other conditions, to differentiate nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) from encephalopathy and other causes of mental status alterations. Further studies are required to analyze whether there might be a specific EEG pattern to the disease.

Resumo Colocar em perspectiva as representações sociais não é tarefa fácil. Neste trabalho, as percepções de dez estudantes de Educação Física antes e após a Caminhada do Privilégio - dinâmica que representa a trajetória de vida dos participantes através de passos - foram analisadas visando compreender os efeitos da atividade sobre o grupo a partir das percepções de suas posições sociais, dos fatores atribuídos a tais posições e das mudanças de perspectiva desencadeadas pela Caminhada do Privilégio. Os estudantes estimaram corretamente suas posições finais na Caminhada, porém esperavam encontrar pouca diferença entre eles, decorrente do esforço individual e do acesso a direitos e privilégios. Contudo, após a Caminhada do Privilégio, observaram uma grande distância entre eles e questões como gênero, orientação sexual, apoio familiar e condição econômica foram percebidas como centrais. O racismo foi citado, mas de forma reservada, em questionário, indicando a dificuldade de debate aberto de temas sociais.

Abstract Putting social representations at school in perspective is not an easy task. This study analyzed perceptions of ten Physical Education students before and after the Privilege Walk - activity that represents individual histories through steps - in order to understand its effects on the group, considering the previous perceptions of their own social positions, factors related to those positions, and changes of perspective triggered by the Privilege Walk. Students correctly estimated their final positions in the Walk, but they expected smaller differences among them as a result of individual effort and access to rights and privileges. However, after the Privilege Walk, they observed major distances among them, and issues of gender, sexual orientation, family support and economic condition were perceived as crucial. Racism was mentioned in the questionnaire but not in the group, indicating the difficulty of holding an open debate about social issues.

Resumen Discutir las representaciones sociales no es una tarea fácil. En este trabajo, las percepciones de diez estudiantes de EF antes y después de la Caminata del Privilegio -dinámica que representa la trayectoria de vida de los participantes a través de pasos- fueron analizadas con el objetivo de comprender los efectos de la actividad sobre el grupo, a partir de las percepciones de sus posiciones sociales, de los factores atribuidos a tales posiciones y de los cambios de perspectiva desencadenados por la Caminata del Privilegio. Los estudiantes estimaron correctamente sus posiciones finales en la Caminata, aunque esperaban encontrar poca diferencia entre ellos producto del esfuerzo individual y del acceso a derechos y privilegios. Sin embargo, después de la Caminata del Privilegio, observaron una gran distancia entre ellos y cuestiones como género, orientación sexual, apoyo familiar y condición económica fueron percibidas como centrales. El racismo fue citado, pero de forma reservada, en cuestionario, indicando la dificultad en el debate abierto de cuestiones sociales.

Abstract: Variable rates of HPV infection have been reported in healthy oral mucosa worldwide. The main objective of this study was to detect and genotype HPV infection in users and nonusers of drugs with clinically healthy mucosa from the Northeast Brazil. Samples from 105 patients were amplified using the primers MY09/MY11 and GP5+/GP6+, and genotyping was performed by multiplex-PCR for HPV-6/11, 16 and 18. A total of 81.9% samples were positive. Among drug users, 84.5% presented the virus and 20.4% showed multiple infections. Among non-drug users, 78.7% were positive and 13.5% had multiple infections. Limited information is available on oral HPV in Brazilian population, especially for drug users, and our results showed higher HPV infection rates in both users and nonusers of drugs. More studies and researches focused on drug users including factors like sexual behavior, nutrition and cultural habits are necessary to enhance the comprehension of this relationship, and develop preventive strategies.

Abstract The role of human papillomavirus (HPV) in oral carcinogenesis is still controversial as detection rates of the virus in oral cavity reported in the literature varies greatly. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of HPV infection and its genotypes in patients with oral lesions at the Ambulatory of Oral Diagnosis of the Federal University of Sergipe, Brazil. Material and Methods We conducted a molecular study with 21 patients (15 females) aged from two to 83 years with clinically detectable oral lesions. Samples were collected through exfoliation of lesions and HPV-DNA was identified using MY09/11 and GP5+/6+ primers. Genotyping was performed by multiplex PCR. Results Benign, premalignant and malignant lesions were diagnosed by histopathology. HPV was detected in 17 samples. Of these, HPV-6 was detected in 10 samples, HPV-18 in four and HPV-16 in one sample. When samples were categorized by lesion types, HPV was detected in two papilloma cases (2/3), five carcinomas (5/6), one hyperplasia (1/1) and nine dysplasia cases (9/11). Conclusion Unlike other studies in the literature, we reported high occurrence of HPV in oral lesions. Further studies are required to enhance the comprehension of natural history of oral lesions.

Abstract Background: Snake venoms are a complex mixture of proteins, organic and inorganic compounds. Some of these proteins, enzymatic or non-enzymatic ones, are able to interact with platelet receptors, causing hemostatic disorders. The possible therapeutic potential of toxins with antiplatelet properties may arouse interest in the pharmacological areas. The present study aimed to purify and characterize an antiplatelet DC protein from Bothrops alternatus snake venom. Methods: The protein, called BaltDC (DC protein from B. alternatus snake venom), was purified by a combination of ion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-Sephacel column and gel filtration on Sephadex G-75. The molecular mass was estimated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS-PAGE). The amino acid sequence of the N-terminal region was carried out by Edman degradation method. Platelet aggregation assays were performed in human platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Infrared (IR) spectroscopy was used in order to elucidate the interactions between BaltDC and platelet membrane. Results: BaltDC ran as a single protein band on SDS-PAGE and showed apparent molecular mass of 32 kDa under reducing or non-reducing conditions. The N-terminal region of the purified protein revealed the amino acid sequence IISPPVCGNELLEVGEECDCGTPENCQNECCDA, which showed identity with other snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs). BaltDC was devoid of proteolytic, hemorrhagic, defibrinating or coagulant activities, but it showed a specific inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation induced by ristocetin and epinephrine in PRP. IR analysis spectra strongly suggests that PO 3 2 − groups, present in BaltDC, form hydrogen bonds with the PO 2 − groups present in the non-lipid portion of the membrane platelets. Conclusions: BaltDC may be of medical interest since it was able to inhibit platelet aggregation.

Exercícios baseados no método Pilates são relatados na literatura para serem utilizados como proposta de fortalecimento de tronco. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar e comparar a atividade elétrica dos músculos reto abdominal e oblíquo externo, durante um exercício de abdominal tradicional e um exercício baseado no método Pilates com bola e com faixa elástica. A amostra foi composta por 10 mulheres saudáveis não praticantes de Pilates, que realizaram o exercício de abdominal tradicional e Roll-up com bola e faixa elástica. O sinal foi normalizado pelo pico eletromiográfico da atividade dinâmica e foram ajustados para 2000 amostras por segundo e o filtro em uma frequência de passagem de 20 a 450 Hz. Na comparação entre exercícios, o músculo oblíquo externo na fase concêntrica teve maior recrutamento no Roll-up com bola (P = 0,042). Na comparação entre os músculos em cada exercício, o reto abdominal teve maior ativação nas fases concêntrica (P = 0,009) e excêntrica (P = 0,05) do abdominal tradicional. As porcentagens de ativação variaram de 15% a 22%. O exercício de abdominal tradicional teve a maior porcentagem de ativação.

The use of Pilates-based exercises for trunk strengthening has been reported in the literature. The objective of this study was to analyze and compare the electrical activity of the rectus abdominis and external oblique muscles during a traditional abdominal exercise program and an exercise program based on the Pilates method using a ball and an elastic band. The sample was composed of 10 healthy women, non-practitioners of Pilates, who performed the traditional abdominal exercise and roll-up with the ball and elastic band. The sign was normalized by the electromyographic peak of the dynamic activity and was adjusted for 2000 samples/s; the filter was set in a frequency band from 20 to 450 Hz. In the comparison between exercises, the external oblique muscle in the concentric phase had a higher recruitment in the roll-up with the ball (P = 0.042). In the comparison between muscles in each exercise, the rectus abdominis showed a higher activation in the concentric phase (P = 0.009) and in the eccentric phase (P = 0.05) of the traditional abdominal exercise. Activation percentages ranged from 15% to 22%. The traditional abdominal exercise had the largest activation percentage.

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a qualidade de vida (QV) em uma população brasileira de indivíduos com distonia cervical (DC), que estavam sem o efeito da toxina botulínica ou com efeito residual da mesma, e identificar os possíveis aspectos físicos e sociais que afetam sua QV. MÉTODO: Sessenta e cinco de sessenta e sete pacientes consecutivos com DC foram avaliados com dois instrumentos: Short-form Health Survey com 36 questões (SF-36) e Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale (TWSTRS). RESULTADOS: A gravidade da DC (TWSTRS) correlacionou-se moderadamente com duas sub-escalas da SF-36: aspectos físicos (r= -0,42) e dor (r= -0,43). Mulheres apresentaram piores pontuações em duas sub-escalas da SF-36: vitalidade (p<0,05) e saúde mental (p<0,005). CONCLUSÃO: Gravidade da DC e gênero (feminino) foram os principais fatores relacionados à pior percepção de QV. Estes achados podem auxiliar profissionais da saúde a identificarem quais características poderiam levar a uma pior QV, e assim direcionar melhor suas intervenções, atenuando os danos causados pela DC.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate quality of life (QoL) in a Brazilian population of individuals with cervical dystonia (CD) without effect of botulinum toxin (BTx) or with only residual effect of BTx, and identify possible physical and social aspects that affect their QoL. METHOD: Sixty five out of sixty seven consecutive patients with CD were assessed with two instruments: Short-form Health Survey with 36 questions (SF-36) and Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale (TWSTRS). RESULTS: Severity of CD (TWSTRS) correlated moderately with two SF-36 subscale: role-physical (r= -0.42) and body pain (r= -0.43). Women also scored worse in two subscale of SF-36: vitality (p<0.05) and mental-health (p<0.005). CONCLUSION: Severity of CD and gender (female) were the main factors related to a worse QoL perception. These findings may help health professionals to predict which characteristics could lead to worse QoL, and therefore, better target their interventions to lessen the burden caused by CD.