Nevin Manimala

Braz J Med Biol Res. 2025 Sep 12;58:e14749. doi: 10.1590/1414-431X2025e14749. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

Breast cancer is the most frequent neoplasm and has the highest mortality rate among women. In the Afro-descendant population, these tumors may appear earlier and assume a more aggressive behavior. This study aimed to assess the epidemiological and clinical behavior of breast cancer in a predominantly Afro-descendant population, identify risk and prognostic factors, and compare them with already available data. Clinical and sociodemographic data were obtained from medical records and interviews with the patients involved. The variables ethnicity, age, number of children, monthly income, and education were used to describe the epidemiological profile and the results of clinical evaluation and pathological anatomy study. The immunohistochemical analysis was used to correlate the clinical characteristics of the tumors and prognosis. Afro-descendant women represented 77% of the population and the mean age at diagnosis was 54.4 years. Approximately 75% had up to 2 children, 20.5% had low income, and 37.3% had a low level of education. Infiltrating ductal carcinoma was diagnosed in 91% of patients, 70.2% had a moderate degree of differentiation, luminal subtype A was the most prevalent (39%), and a higher than global average percentage had a triple negative profile (22.9%). Early stages were identified in 53.4% of patients and only 4.8% were diagnosed with metastatic disease. The recurrence rate was 11.6%, and the mortality rate was 6.8%. The present study showed that unfavorable sociodemographic and clinical aspects, such as the high prevalence of triple-negative tumors, were not associated with a worse prognosis.

PMID:40960774 | DOI:10.1590/1414-431X2025e14749

An Acad Bras Cienc. 2025 Sep 15;97(3):e20241516. doi: 10.1590/0001-3765202520241516. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

Length-weight relationships (LWR) were calculated for five freshwater ornamental fish species from the middle Negro River basin in the Brazilian Amazon. Samplings were carried out from October 2011 to February 2012, and the specimens were found close to stream margins and submersed tree trunks and captured with hand nets. This study provides the LWR and condition factor (Kn) parameters for <italic>Carnegiella strigata </italic>butterfly fish, <italic>Dekeyseria brachyura </italic>jaguar fish, <italic>Dicrossus maculatus </italic>chess fish, <italic>Paracheirodon axelrodi</italic> cardinal and <italic>Petitella georgiae </italic>drunk’s nose. Descriptive statistics and estimated LWR parameters, including coefficient of determination (r2) and 95% confidence limits for a and b. Values of a ranged from 0.005 to 0.014, b ranged from 2.555 to 3.418, and r2 ranged from 0.931 to 0.996. Every species of fish displayed allometric growth (b ≠ 3). No difference was observed between the Kn of the five fish species, indicating good body condition. The information gathered here could be helpful for population dynamics research as well as for developing conservation and sustainable management plans for ornamental fish populations in the middle Negro River basin, Amazonas, Brazil.

PMID:40960769 | DOI:10.1590/0001-3765202520241516

An Acad Bras Cienc. 2025 Sep 15;97(3):e20240726. doi: 10.1590/0001-3765202520240726. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

This study aims to assess the scientific knowledge regarding the impact of pesticides and non-essential metals on freshwater aquatic organisms within the Amazon basin. The investigation encompasses a comprehensive analysis, including: i) temporal patterns; ii) methodological approaches; iii) keywords; iv) geographical distribution; v) academic institutions; vi) studied groups of aquatic organisms; and vii) specific environmental contexts investigated. It was used 203 publications in Web of Science and Scopus databases. A discernible ascending trajectory in publication frequency was observed over time, exhibiting a robust and statistically significant correlation with citation counts. The predominant disciplinary focus was discerned to be Environmental Science. Prevalent keywords encapsulated “Mercury,” “Fish,” “Amazon”, “methylmercury” and “bioaccumulation”. Noteworthy scholarly contributions emanated primarily from Brazil, with substantive collaboration of the United States, France, Canada and Bolivia. Among the foremost research entities were Brazilian institutions. Bioindicator selection exhibited a distinct predilection for fishes. The diverse spectrum of aquatic environments scrutinized included rivers, lakes, laboratory settings, and reservoirs. This scientometric analysis not only furnishes insights into the global trajectory of research on pesticides and non-essential metals within Amazonian aquatic ecosystems but also identifies prevailing methodologies, research lacunae, and prospects for future investigations within the Amazon basin.

PMID:40960765 | DOI:10.1590/0001-3765202520240726

Epidemiol Serv Saude. 2025 Sep 15;34:e20240519. doi: 10.1590/S2237-96222025v34e20240519.en. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence and mortality of respiratory diseases between 2008 and 2019 in municipalities with gypsum industry activity in the Sertão do Araripe region, Pernambuco, Brazil.

METHODS: This was a population-based ecological study using data extracted from hospital and mortality information systems. Ten municipalities from the gypsum production hub were compared to other municipalities in Pernambuco that do not have gypsum industry activity. Prevalence and mortality rates were calculated per 100,000 and 1,000 inhabitants and presented by mean values (standard deviation) for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, acute bronchitis, and pneumonia. Pearson’s correlation tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and multiple linear regression were performed to assess the relationship between gypsum industry activity and respiratory diseases.

RESULTS: During the study period, 17,630 cases of respiratory diseases were recorded, with a mean prevalence of 454.74 (147.16) per 100,000 inhabitants and a mortality rate of 0.34 (0.08) per 1,000 inhabitants. Pneumonia accounted for 12,680 hospitalizations, with a prevalence of 431.20 (173.04) per 100,000 inhabitants, being most frequent in Ouricuri (543.08), Ipubi (409.93), and Moreilândia (404.80). A higher prevalence of pneumonia was observed in municipalities within the gypsum production hub (p-value 0.007). A positive correlation was found between respiratory diseases and the hospital bed occupancy rate (r 0.24; p-value<0.050), and a negative correlation with per capita public health expenditures. There was a significant association between the presence of the gypsum industry and pneumonia (p-value<0.001).

CONCLUSION: The gypsum industry’s activity is associated with the prevalence of respiratory diseases in the region, with a particular emphasis on the high rates of pneumonia.

PMID:40960761 | DOI:10.1590/S2237-96222025v34e20240519.en

Epidemiol Serv Saude. 2025 Sep 15;34:e20240092. doi: 10.1590/S2237-96222025v34e20240092.en. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the mortality of users attended by a Mobile Emergency Care Service located in Paraná.

METHODS: This is a cross-sectional analytical study based on service reports from 2019 and 2020. The Mobile Emergency Care Service covered 21 municipalities, divided into hubs A and B. The dependent variables defined were death and time of care. Survival functions were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier estimator and the log-rank test; hazard ratio (HR) for death, by Cox regression with 95% confidence interval (95%CI).

RESULTS: The study evaluated 13,326 instances of care provided. Of these, 246 resulted in death. The risk of death was higher in time-sensitive calls (HR 0.17; 95%CI 0.008; 0.37), in 2020 (HR 2.09; 95%CI 1.39; 3.16), attended by advanced support (HR 21.51; 95%CI 12.61; 36.70) and in Hub B (HR 4.26; 95%CI 2.53; 7.17).

CONCLUSION: Mortality was higher in cases that had a long wait for time-sensitive calls, occurred in less populated regions, and were dealt with by advanced support in 2020.

PMID:40960760 | DOI:10.1590/S2237-96222025v34e20240092.en

Braz Oral Res. 2025 Sep 15;39:e096. doi: 10.1590/1807-3107bor-2025.vol39.096. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

This study investigated associations between sociodemographic and professional profiles, work-related factors, and the effectiveness of oral health promotion strategies implemented by dentists in the Family Health Strategy. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 211 dentists working in Oral Health Teams within the Family Health Strategy in the state of Paraíba, Brazil. Data were collected online using a validated instrument. A matrix encompassing the core values and pillars of health promotion was employed to evaluate the effectiveness of oral health promotion strategies. Data were analyzed using Poisson regression (p < 0.05), and all analyses were performed in Stata, version 14. Greater effectiveness of oral health promotion strategies was associated with mixed Oral Health Teams (urban and rural coverage) (PR = 1.54; 95%CI: 1.154-2.076; p = 0.003) and with dentists under temporary contracts (PR = 1.67; 95%CI: 1.240-2.250; p = 0.001). The effectiveness of oral health promotion strategies was associated with work-related factors. Evaluations of oral health promotion practices are essential to support improvements in oral health management. The findings highlight the need to strengthen these practices through professionals who, in addition to having a defined employment relationship and a structured work process, value oral health promotion as a key component of care.

PMID:40960757 | DOI:10.1590/1807-3107bor-2025.vol39.096

Braz Oral Res. 2025 Sep 15;39:e095. doi: 10.1590/1807-3107bor-2025.vol39.095. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

A cross-sectional study was carried out among patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD) in order to determine the frequency of oral mucosal lesions or conditions (OL), as well as to analyze its relationship with some clinical and laboratory parameters. Epidemiologic, clinical, and laboratory data were considered. Statistics included univariate and multivariate analyses. Ninety patients [46 (51.1%) males] were included [median age: 43 years (range 18-79 years)]. UC was diagnosed in 65 (72.2%) patients; CD in 25 (27.8%) patients; and inactive CD was detected in 78 (86.6%) patients. All patients (100%) had OL; fissured tongue was the most frequent finding [68 (75.6%)]. Furred tongue was more common in UC than in CD patients [45 (69.2%) vs. 11(44.0%); p = 0.03]; lower levels of hemoglobin were more often detected in mucosal pallor [(median (Md) =12.1 vs. 14.4g/dL); p = 0.02] than in other OLs. Higher frequency of melanosis was observed when oral rinses were used [37 (71.2%) vs. 15 (28.8%)]; p = 0.03], compared to those who did not use them. A higher risk of varix [OR: = 37.6 (95%CI: 4.7-298.9), p < 0.001], leukoedema [OR: 5.8 (95%CI: 1.4-24.2); p = 0.004], candidosis [OR: 3.9 (95%CI: 1.4-10.6); p = 0.05], fissured tongue [OR: 3.8 (95%CI: 1.2-11.5); p = 0.01], and all infectious processes analyzed collectively [OR: 3.6 (95%CI: 1.3-9.8); p = 0.03], was found in patients older than 45 years than in younger ones. Also, patients with fissured tongue presented a higher risk of having candidosis than those without this condition [OR: 6.1 (95%CI: 2.1-17.5); p = 0.007]. OLs were highly frequently observed in UC and CD patients. Age (> 45 years), low levels of hemoglobin, use of mouthwashes, among other variables, were predictive factors of OL in these patients; thus, their assessment and detection in inflammatory bowel disease should be emphasized.

PMID:40960756 | DOI:10.1590/1807-3107bor-2025.vol39.095

Braz Oral Res. 2025 Sep 15;39:e089. doi: 10.1590/1807-3107bor-2025.vol39.089. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

The etiological intersection between orofacial clefts and oral cancer may involve environmental factors modulating gene expression in shared biological pathways. This study aimed to investigate the association between orofacial clefts and oral potentially malignant disorders or oral squamous cell carcinoma, focusing on genetic variants and environmental risk factors. A case-control design was employed, comprising 48 histologically confirmed cases of oral potentially malignant disorders or oral squamous cell carcinoma and 96 age- and sex-matched controls. Information on family history of orofacial cleft, and biological and environmental risk factors, was collected through interviews. Genomic DNA was extracted from saliva samples and genotyped for rs1533767 (WNT11), rs9879992 (GSK3B), and rs3923087 and rs11867417 (AXIN2). Unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios (OR) for the associations between family history of orofacial cleft and oral potentially malignant disorders/oral cancer, and between environmental risk factors and oral potentially malignant disorders/oral cancer were calculated using STATA software. Genotype and allele frequency comparisons between groups were conducted using PLINK Software. Statistical significance was defined as p<0.05 and 95% confidence interval (95%CI). No statistically significant association was found between family history and orofacial clefts (p = 0.52). However, place of residence (adjusted OR:5.46, p < 0.001, 95%CI: 3.76-63.543), and three genetic variants-rs1533767 (OR: 1.94, p = 0.042, 95%CI: 1.018-3.694), rs3923087 (OR: 0.58, p = 0.038, 95%CI: 0.344-0.974), rs11867417 (OR: 0.51, p = 0.010, 95%CI: 0.304-0.857)-were associated with oral potentially malignant disorders and oral squamous cell carcinoma. These findings suggest that specific environmental risk factors and genetic variants may be associated with increased susceptibility to oral potentially malignant disorders and oral cancer.

PMID:40960755 | DOI:10.1590/1807-3107bor-2025.vol39.089

An Acad Bras Cienc. 2025 Sep 15;97(4):e20240217. doi: 10.1590/0001-3765202520240217. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

The objective is to analyze the association between depression and sweets consumption. Cross-sectional study carried out with data from VIGITEL (Brasil 2021). Surveillance of Risk Factors for Chronic Diseases by telephone survey, a system for monitoring the frequency and distribution of risk factors and protection against chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Brazilian adults ≥18 years. Crude Poisson regression, adjusted for sociodemographic and behavioral covariates, was used to verify the association between depression and sweets consumption. The total sample included 54.170 Brazilian adults. The consumption of sweets was reported by 25.6% and the diagnosis of depression by 11%. Consumption of sweets was associated with a statistically significant protection of 8% for the diagnosis of depression (95%CI 0.85-0.98). This finding can be seen as positive, as it encompasses a widely adopted, non-drug behavior. However, a warning should be raised about the harm caused by the exaggerated consumption of sweets.

PMID:40960743 | DOI:10.1590/0001-3765202520240217

Liver Transpl. 2025 Sep 17. doi: 10.1097/LVT.0000000000000726. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Liver transplantation (LT) is a critical treatment for end-stage liver disease (ESLD) and is often complicated by hemostatic disturbances, including low fibrinolytic activity (LFA). LFA has been linked to adverse outcomes such as splanchnic thrombosis and increased perioperative mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of LFA during LT, its association with thrombotic and clinical outcomes, and its predictive value for the 28-day mortality.

METHODS: This prospective observational study included 222 ESLD patients who underwent LT at the University of Pisa. Rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) analyses were performed at four time points: baseline (T0), anhepatic phase (T1), neohepatic phase (T2), and 24 h post-LT (T3). LFA was defined as a maximum lysis (ML)<3.5% in EXTEM and confirmed by FIBTEM to exclude platelet clot retraction. Outcomes assessed included postransplant splanchnic thrombosis, 28-day mortality, post-reperfusion syndrome (PRS), re-LT, and massive blood transfusion (MBT). Statistical analyses included chi-squared tests, odds ratios (ORs), and ROC curve assessments.

RESULTS: LFA occurred in 27.5% of patients at one or more time points. LFA was strongly associated with splanchnic thrombosis (OR=32.7, 95% CI: 14.7-72.7, p<0.001) and 28-day mortality (OR=8.7, 95% CI: 1.7-44.2, p=0.002). ROC curve analysis demonstrated excellent predictive accuracy for splanchnic thrombosis (AUC=0.84) and good accuracy for 28-day mortality (AUC=0.75). Significant associations were also observed between the LFA and PRS (OR=6.1, p<0.001), re-LT (OR=5.7, p<0.001), and MBT (OR=3.8, p<0.001). LFA was not associated with MELD score or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

CONCLUSIONS: LFA identified using ROTEM is a significant predictor of adverse outcomes, including splanchnic thrombosis and 28-day mortality, in LT patients. The real-time diagnostic capability of ROTEM offers critical prognostic insights and may guide therapeutic interventions to mitigate the thrombotic risk. These findings highlight the need for further multicenter studies to confirm the utility of ROTEM in LT and investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying LFA.

PMID:40960742 | DOI:10.1097/LVT.0000000000000726