Category: Nevin Manimala

Arq Gastroenterol. 2024 Mar 4;61:e23062. doi: 10.1590/S0004-2803.246102023-62. eCollection 2024.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer is one of the most prevalent pathologies worldwide whose prognosis is linked to early detection. Colonoscopy is the gold standard for screening, and diagnosis is usually made histologically from biopsies. Aiming to reduce the inspection and diagnostic time as well as the biopsies and resources involved, other techniques are being promoted to conduct accurate in vivo colonoscopy assessments. Optical biopsy aims to detect normal and neoplastic tissues analysing the autofluorescence spectrum based on the changes in the distribution and concentration of autofluorescent molecules caused by colorectal cancer. Therefore, the autofluorescence contribution analysed by image processing techniques could be an approach to a faster characterization of the target tissue.

OBJECTIVE: Quantify intensity parameters through digital processing of two data sets of three-dimensional widefield autofluorescence microscopy images, acquired by fresh colon tissue samples from a colorectal cancer murine model. Additionally, analyse the autofluorescence data to provide a characterization over a volume of approximately 50 µm of the colon mucosa for each image, at second (2nd), fourth (4th) and eighth (8th) weeks after colorectal cancer induction.

METHODS: Development of a colorectal cancer murine model using azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulphate induction, and data sets acquisition of Z-stack images by widefield autofluorescence microscopy, from control and colorectal cancer induced animals. Pre-processing steps of intensity value adjustments followed by quantification and characterization procedures using image processing workflow automation by Fiji’s macros, and statistical data analysis.

RESULTS: The effectiveness of the colorectal cancer induction model was corroborated by a histological assessment to correlate and validate the link between histological and autofluorescence changes. The image digital processing methodology proposed was then performed on the three-dimensional images from control mice and from the 2nd, 4th, and 8th weeks after colorectal cancer chemical induction, for each data set. Statistical analyses found significant differences in the mean, standard deviation, and minimum parameters between control samples and those of the 2nd week after induction with respect to the 4th week of the first experimental study. This suggests that the characteristics of colorectal cancer can be detected after the 2nd week post-induction.

CONCLUSION: The use of autofluorescence still exhibits levels of variability that prevent greater systematization of the data obtained during the progression of colorectal cancer. However, these preliminary outcomes could be considered an approach to the three-dimensional characterization of the autofluorescence of colorectal tissue, describing the autofluorescence features of samples coming from dysplasia to colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: • A new digital image processing method was developed to measure intensity in 3D autofluorescence images of colorectal samples using a CRC mouse model.

BACKGROUND: • This method showed that autofluorescence intensity in colon mucosa is similar in healthy tissue but changes significantly in tumor development.

BACKGROUND: • Statistical analysis revealed CRC traits detectable from the second week post-induction, aiding in early CRC detection.

BACKGROUND: • The study provides a basis for 3D autofluorescence characterization in colorectal tissue from dysplasia to cancer, although variability in autofluorescence limits data systematization during cancer progression.

PMID:38451659 | DOI:10.1590/S0004-2803.246102023-62

Cien Saude Colet. 2024 Mar;29(3):e10202023. doi: 10.1590/1413-81232024293.10202023. Epub 2023 Jul 20.

ABSTRACT

This ecological, time-trend study examined rates of homicide against women residing in Brazil, by state and race/colour, from 2016 to 2020, by performing. Multiple analysis by regression model on longitudinal data. During the study period, 20,405 homicides of women were recorded in Brazil. Standardised homicides rates were higher among black women (6.1/100,000) than among white women (3.4/100,000). From 2016 to 2020, rates decreased 25.2%, from 4.7 deaths per 100,000 women in 2016 to 3.5 in 2020, with a statistically significant downward trend among both black and white women. Statistically significant inverse relationships were found between female homicide rates and HDI, illiteracy rate and proportion of ill-defined causes. The average homicide rate decreased in 2019 and 2020, as compared with 2016. Despite the decreasing time trend in homicide rates for both black and white women, they differed substantially by race, with worse outcomes for black women.

PMID:38451652 | DOI:10.1590/1413-81232024293.10202023

Cien Saude Colet. 2024 Mar;29(3):e05202023. doi: 10.1590/1413-81232024293.05202023. Epub 2023 Jul 28.

ABSTRACT

This ecological study examined time series, from 2002 to 20121, of age-adjusted coefficients of cervical cancer mortality, in Brazil, in women aged 20 years or more, by race. The information sources were Brazil’s mortality information system (Sistema de Informação sobre Mortalidade – SIM) and the official bureau of statistics (Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística – IBGE). Annual changes in age-adjusted mortality rates were calculated using the Prais-Winsten linear regression method. Black women die more and the rate is decreasing less. Racial inequality has increased over the years. In 2002, there were 0.08 more deaths per 100,000 women in the black population than among white women; in 2021, the number was one death. Health policymaking should consider racial differences in the implementation of strategies and goals.

PMID:38451646 | DOI:10.1590/1413-81232024293.05202023

Cien Saude Colet. 2024 Mar;29(3):e04232023. doi: 10.1590/1413-81232024293.04232023. Epub 2024 Jan 24.

ABSTRACT

This article aimed to analyze how institutional racism at a Brazilian public university affects the lives of Black students. This mixed study was developed by applying an online self-administered questionnaire to university students who self-declared as Blacks. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis using chi-square, and multinomial logistic regression. Qualitative data analysis was performed using IRAMUTEQ. Sixty-eight (54.4%) of the 125 respondents claimed to have suffered racism at least once within the university. We noticed that racist situations experienced by Black people within the university environment call into question the student’s self-confidence and motivation, directly affecting their mental health and performance in the course. The importance of receptive groups for strengthening students’ belonging was highlighted.

PMID:38451638 | DOI:10.1590/1413-81232024293.04232023

Cien Saude Colet. 2024 Mar;29(3):e01712023. doi: 10.1590/1413-81232024293.01712023. Epub 2023 May 4.

ABSTRACT

The aim is to analyze the trend in breast cancer mortality rates and its correlation with the socioeconomic development status in Brazil. It involved an ecological time series study carried out in the 26 units of the federation, Federal District and regions of Brazil. Data sources included the Mortality Information System (number of deaths), the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (resident population) and the study of the Global Burden of Disease (Socio-demographic Index – SDI). Data from 2005 to 2019 were used. The trend was analyzed using Prais-Winsten regression models. The relationship between the mortality rate and the SDI was analyzed using Spearman’s correlation coefficient. During the study period, 207,683 deaths from breast cancer occurred. The average standardized mortality rate was 19.95 deaths per 100,000 women in Brazil. All the regions of Brazil showed an increasing trend in mortality. Of the total federative units, 22 showed an increasing trend. There was a positive relationship between the mortality rate and the SDI. The standardized mortality rate for breast cancer showed an increasing trend in Brazil, in all regions and in most states. There was a direct association between mortality and SDI, indicating a greater magnitude in more developed regions.

PMID:38451636 | DOI:10.1590/1413-81232024293.01712023

Rev Gaucha Enferm. 2024 Mar 1;45:e20230058. doi: 10.1590/1983-1447.2023.20230058.en. eCollection 2024.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the usability of the “Quali+” mobile application prototype for people with high blood pressure.

METHOD: Descriptive, cross-sectional study of heuristic evaluation of a mobile application prototype carried out between June and July 2021, in a university hospital. Participants were 22 people with arterial hypertension in the city of Campina Grande, PB, Brazil. To measure usability, the Smartphone Usability questionnaiRE instrument was applied. Levels (70 points have good usability. Descriptive statistics were used.

RESULTS: The overall usability average was 105.8(7.44 points, with the lowest score being 83 and the highest being 113. Usability was at the highest level(80 points).

CONCLUSION: The usability evaluation showed that, although it is a prototype, the application has good usability and can be considered for routine use in health self-management. Future research is needed to verify its effectiveness.

PMID:38451622 | DOI:10.1590/1983-1447.2023.20230058.en

Arq Bras Cardiol. 2024 Mar 4;120(12):e20230441. doi: 10.36660/abc.20230441. eCollection 2024.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Central Illustration : Performance of the SHARPEN Score and the Charlson Comorbidity Index for In-Hospital and Post-Discharge Mortality Prediction in Infective Endocarditis.

BACKGROUND: SHARPEN was the first dedicated score for in-hospital mortality prediction in infective endocarditis (IE) regardless of cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the ability of the SHARPEN score to predict in-hospital and post-discharge mortality and compare it with that of the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI).

METHODS: Retrospective cohort study including definite IE (Duke modified criteria) admissions from 2000 to 2016. The area under the ROC curve (AUC-ROC) was calculated to assess predictive ability. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression was performed. P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: We studied 179 hospital admissions. In-hospital mortality was 22.3%; 68 (38.0%) had cardiac surgery. Median (interquartile range, IQR) SHARPEN and CCI scores were 9(7-11) and 3(2-6), respectively. SHARPEN had better in-hospital mortality prediction than CCI in non-operated patients (AUC-ROC 0.77 vs. 0.62, p = 0.003); there was no difference in overall (p = 0.26) and in operated patients (p = 0.41). SHARPEN > 10 at admission was associated with decreased in-hospital survival in the overall (HR 3.87; p < 0.001), in non-operated (HR 3.46; p = 0.006) and operated (HR 6.86; p < 0.001) patients. CCI > 3 at admission was associated with worse in-hospital survival in the overall (HR 3.0; p = 0.002), and in operated patients (HR 5.57; p = 0.005), but not in non-operated patients (HR 2.13; p = 0.119). Post-discharge survival was worse in patients with SHARPEN > 10 (HR 3.11; p < 0.001) and CCI > 3 (HR 2.63; p < 0.001) at admission; however, there was no difference in predictive ability between these groups.

CONCLUSION: SHARPEN was superior to CCI in predicting in-hospital mortality in non-operated patients. There was no difference between the scores regarding post-discharge mortality.

PMID:38451614 | DOI:10.36660/abc.20230441

Arq Bras Cardiol. 2024 Mar 4;120(12):e20230409. doi: 10.36660/abc.20230409. eCollection 2024.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Central Illustration : Higher Arterial Stiffness Predicts Chronic Kidney Disease in Adults: The ELSA-Brasil Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Arterial stiffening can directly affect the kidneys, which are passively perfused by a high flow. However, whether the relation between arterial stiffness and renal function depends on diabetes and hypertension conditions, is a matter of debate.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between arterial stiffening by carotid-to-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) incidence in individuals and verify whether this association is present in individuals without hypertension and diabetes.

METHODS: A longitudinal study of 11,647 participants of the ELSA-Brasil followed up for four years (2008/10-2012/14). Baseline cfPWV was grouped per quartile, according to sex-specific cut-offs. Presence of CKD was ascertained by glomerular filtration rate (eGFR-CKD-EPI) < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 and/or albumin-to-creatinine ratio ≥ 30 mg/g. Logistic regression models were run for the whole cohort and a subsample free from hypertension and diabetes at baseline, after adjustment for age, sex, race, schooling, smoking, cholesterol/HDL ratio, body mass index, diabetes, use of antihypertensive, systolic blood pressure, heart rate, and cardiovascular disease. Statistical significance was set at 5%.

RESULTS: The chance of CKD was 42% (CI 95%: 1.05;1.92) greater among individuals in the upper quartile of cfPWV. Among normotensive, non-diabetic participants, individuals in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quartiles of cfPWV presented greater chances of developing CKD, as compared to those in the lower quartile, and the magnitude of this association was the greatest for those in the upper quartile (OR: 1.81 CI 95%: 1.14;2.86).

CONCLUSION: Higher cfPWV increased the chances of CKD and suggests that this effect is even greater in individuals without diabetes and hypertension.

PMID:38451613 | DOI:10.36660/abc.20230409

An Acad Bras Cienc. 2024 Mar 4;96(1):e20231201. doi: 10.1590/0001-3765202420231201. eCollection 2024.

ABSTRACT

Biotechnology offers solutions and opportunities to meet various societal demands, thereby contributing to significant scientific advancements. This study aimed to characterize the technological development of biotechnology in the healthcare sector in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, from 2016 to 2022 by analyzing patents filed by and granted to public and private Higher Education institutions. For data collection, a quantitative exploratory approach was employed using statistical methods and a patent analysis of institutions in the patent database of the Brazilian National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI), focusing on patents related to the healthcare field. Data were collected in October, November, and December. A total of 580 patent records were collected from the INPI, belonging to Sections A and C of the International Patent Classification (IPC) related to educational institutions. Furthermore, this study highlighted that higher education institutions have a higher number of patents in the healthcare field. These results provide an understanding of the strategic areas for technological development in biotechnology in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

PMID:38451600 | DOI:10.1590/0001-3765202420231201

An Acad Bras Cienc. 2024 Mar 4;96(1):e20220610. doi: 10.1590/0001-3765202320220610. eCollection 2024.

ABSTRACT

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of supplementation the diet of pigs with grape pomace preserved in silage form (GPS) and its interaction with indoor and outdoor production systems, with and without access to vegetation, on the attributes of meat quality produced. Analyzes of proximal composition, cholesterol content, fatty acid profile, shear force, texture profile and sensory analysis were performed. During cold storage, oxidative stability and objective color were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed in a 3×2 factorial design (production systems (S) x GPS-feed (F)) and the interaction between them (S*F). The results showed that there was no interaction between the production system and GPS feeding for the attributes evaluated. The proximate composition and fatty acid profile of the muscle remained unchanged. Additionally, it provides higher subjective and objective tenderness, higher red color intensity, and reduces lipid oxidation under refrigeration. The supplementation of pig feed with GPS improve the quality of the meat and constitute a sustainable alternative for the winemaking residue.

PMID:38451592 | DOI:10.1590/0001-3765202320220610