75 research outputs found
SV40 and human cancers
No full textAn editorial by the Editor-in-Chief was recently published in this Journal[1] on the association of simian virus 40 (SV40) with specific types of human cancers: brain and bone tumors, lymphomas and mesotheliomas. While we agree with the author of the editorial that the association of SV40 with human tumors does not establish, at present, a causative link and that it is clearly premature to label SV40 as a human carcinogen, nevertheless we would like to point out some aspects of the topic that, in our opinion, have been omitted or not properly considered in the editorial.
1. The copy number of the SV40 genomes in human lymphoproliferative disorders and PBMC specimens was measured and was estimated, by semiquantitative PCR, to be between 10-4 and 10-2 genome equivalents per cell.[2] This result was confirmed by in situ hybridization experiments,[3] which detected 1 out of 250 cells positive for SV40 DNA in human lymphoblastoid B-cells, a value fitting the results of the previous analysis.[2] Recent contributions[4][5][6] have shown that human mesothelial cells, transformed by SV40 and expressing SV40 large T antigen (Tag), generate an autocrine-paracrine loop that may recruit SV40 Tag-negative cells into proliferation in SV40-associated human tumors. Thus, it is conceivable that not every cell in the tumor needs to express SV40 Tag in order to participate in tumor growth.
2. The two largest epidemiological studies on the incidence of brain tumors in poliovirus vaccinated individuals, carried out in the United States and in the former East Germany, were discontinued about 25 years ago[7] and 15 years ago,[8] respectively, just when a trend towards a greater incidence of certain brain tumors was observed in cohorts of vaccinated persons
Reprodutibilidade de medidas ecocardiográficas da massa ventricular esquerda no Estudo Longitudinal da Saúde do Adulto, ELSA Brasil
No full textIntrodução: A hipertrofia ventricular esquerda é importante preditor de eventos cardiovasculares. A ecocardiografia é o procedimento não-invasivo de menor custo para realização das medidas necessárias para a estimativa da massa ventricular esquerda (MVE). Objetivo: Avaliar a reprodutibilidade da MVE avaliada localmente (em centros de aquisição – online) com aquela obtida em Centro de Leitura (offline) e, também, entre medidas realizadas por diferentes avaliadores no Centro de Leitura, no Estudo Longitudinal da Saúde do Adulto. Método: Exames contendo 3 ciclos cardíacos, realizados em 124 indivíduos, nos 6 centros de aquisição, foram transmitidos ao Centro de Leitura (CL) via sistema DICOM. Medidas foram realizadas no modo bidimensional localmente e no CL. Uma amostra desses exames (n=68) foi também lida por um segundo leitor no CL. Resultados: Dos 124 exames, 5 foram considerados não mensuráveis (4%). Dos 119 restantes, 72 (61%) eram mulheres, a idade média de 50,2 ± 7,0 anos, sendo apenas 2 com diagnóstico de miocardiopatia. As imagens foram consideradas ótimas/boas pelos centros de aquisição em 115 (96,6%) dos exames e pelo CL em 110 (92,4%). Não foram observadas diferenças significativas entre as médias da MVE obtidas online e offline (1,29g, IC 95% -3,60 – 6,19), sendo o coeficiente de correlação intraclasse (CCI) de 0,79 (IC 95% 0,72 – 0,85). Em relação à reprodutibilidade de medidas realizadas no CL por diferentes avaliadores, a diferença média da MVE foi de -10,50g (IC 95% -16,40 – -4,60) e o CCI foi de 0,86 (IC 95% 0,78 – 0,91). Conclusão: Não havendo diferença significativa entre as avaliações online e offline da MVE, e sendo o coeficiente de correlação intraclasse bastante bom e próximo ao observado na avaliação da variabilidade interobservador estimado no CL, é possível considerar como confiáveis as leituras offline.Background: left ventricular hypertrophy is an important predictor of cardiovascular events. Echocardiography is the least expensive non-invasive procedure that allows for left ventricular mass (LVM) assessment. Objectives: to evaluate LVM reproducibility assessed locally (acquisition centers – online) compared to that assessed at a reading center (offline) and also between evaluations performed by different readers at the reading center, among participants on the Estudo Longitudinal de Saúde do Adulto. Method: an image loop corresponding to three cardiac cycles, performed on 124 subjects, at the six acquisition centers were recorded in the DICOM format and transmitted to the reading center. Measurements were performed over bidimensional mode images locally and at the reading center. A subsample (n=68) was also measured by a second reader at the reading center. Results: Among 124 echocardiograms, 5 (4%) were considered not measurable. Among the 119 remaining, 72 (61%) were women, mean age was 50.2 ± 7.0 years and 2 were diagnosed with myocardiopathy. Images were considered to be optimal/good quality by the acquisition center on 115 (96.6%) and by the reading center on 110 (92.4%). There was no significant difference between online and offline measurements (1.29g, CI 95% -3.60 – 6.19) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) between them was 0.79 (CI 95% 0.72 – 0.85). Regarding images read by two readers at the reading center, mean LVM difference was -10.50g (CI 95% -16.40 – -4.60) and the ICC was 0.86 (CI 95% 0.78 – 0.91). Conclusion: Since there was no significant difference between online and offline LVM measurements and the ICC between them were close to that observed between different measurements performed at the reading center, offline measurements were considered reliable
An essential step of kinetochore formation controlled by the SNARE protein Snap29
No full textThe kinetochore is an essential structure that mediates accurate chromosome segregation in mitosis and meiosis. While many of the kinetochore components have been identified, the mechanisms of kinetochore assembly remain elusive. Here, we identify a novel role for Snap29, an unconventional SNARE, in promoting kinetochore assembly during mitosis in Drosophila and human cells. Snap29 localizes to the outer kinetochore and prevents chromosome mis-segregation and the formation of cells with fragmented nuclei. Snap29 promotes accurate chromosome segregation by mediating the recruitment of Knl1 at the kinetochore and ensuring stable microtubule attachments. Correct Knl1 localization to kinetochore requires human or Drosophila Snap29, and is prevented by a Snap29 point mutant that blocks Snap29 release from SNARE fusion complexes. Such mutant causes ectopic Knl1 recruitment to trafficking compartments. We propose that part of the outer kinetochore is functionally similar to membrane fusion interfaces
Efetividade e custo do tratamento invasivo da estenose valvar aórtica
No full textO expressivo número de brasileiros que necessitam correção anatômica da estenose valvar aórtica acentuada e que não realizam cirurgia de substituição valvar devido ao risco proibitivo justifica a necessidade de investigação, tanto da efetividade no cenário clínico real quanto dos custos impostos ao Sistema Único de Saúde e aos planos de saúde suplementar brasileiros pela incorporação do implante transcateter de valva aórtica, que tem se demonstrado efetivo mas oneroso, internacionalmente. No primeiro artigo da tese, avaliaram-se os desfechos intra-hospitalares, a sobrevida e o reembolso pela internação hospitalar de 41 pacientes com idade média de 78,7 ± 6,3 anos, estenose valvar aórtica acentuada, com recusa cirúrgica e decisão multidisciplinar por tratamento transcateter entre outubro de 2010 e outubro de 2015. Os sujeitos foram seguidos prospectivamente por um período mediano de 15,2 (4,5 – 25,6) meses e a sobrevida estimada em 1 e 2 anos foi de 73,2% e 64,1%, respectivamente. Identificou-se que hipertensão pulmonar e revascularização miocárdica cirúrgica prévia estavam independentemente associadas à menor sobrevida. O valor mediano reembolsado pelos pacientes atendidos pelo Sistema Único de Saúde foi R 115.126,77 (94.603,21 – 132.603,01) para aqueles internados por planos de saúde suplementar ou particulares, sendo o respectivo valor mediano reembolsado pela prótese valvar de R 14.035,96 (11.956,11 – 16.644,90) para os internados pelo Sistema único de Saúde e R 108,634.34 (101,051.05 - 127,255.27) and by supplementary health plans was R 82,000.00 (82,000.00 - 95,450.00) and 84,050.00 (75,000.00 - 92,400.00). In a group of 585 surgical aortic valve replacement procedures in subjects aged ≥ 60 years, performed between January 2010 and December 2015 in the same institution, in-hospital mortality was associated with age and was 5.9% in those with age between 60 and 70 years, 10.8% between 70 and 80 years and 22.2% in ≥ 80 years. The median reimbursement was R 20,273.97 (15,358.03 - 32,815.49) by supplementary or private health plans. In the second article of the thesis, it was identified that of the total of 819 patients consecutively included in the Brazilian Registry of Aortic Bioprosthesis Implantation by Catheter (RIBAC) between January 2008 and October 2015, 15 (1.8%) suffered perforation of the left ventricle. Patients with perforation were older (85.4 ± 6.3 vs. 81.5 ± 7.3 years, p=0.038), predominantly women (80.0% vs. 50.5%, p=0.024), had a higher ejection fraction (67.3 ± 7.8% vs. 58.6 ± 15.0%, p=0.001), lower left ventricular mass (203.9 ± 47.1g vs. 247.6 ± 78, 7g, p=0.039) and shorter distance between the aortic annulus and the left main coronary artery ostium (11.2 ± 5.4mm vs. 14.0 ± 3.3mm, p=0.034). The independent predictors of left ventricular perforation were age and ejection fraction. In the third article, a case of septal ablation was described for the treatment of asymmetric obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy for posterior transcatheter aortic valve implantation, suggesting that this is a feasible strategy when these two conditions are concomitant In conclusion, the outcomes of transcatheter treatment of severe aortic stenosis in inoperable patients are compatible with those in the ideal scenario of randomized clinical trials, although they are associated with higher costs than previously estimated by expert panels. Surgical treatment, on the other hand, presented higher mortality than that idealized or reported as usual. The left ventricle hyperkinesia may favor the trauma determined by the metallic guide, positioned inside it to perform the procedure, the ejection fraction being independently associated with the chance of perforation. Furthermore, elective alcohol septal ablation, prior to transcatheter aortic valve implantation, is a feasible approach for patients with obstructive asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy associated with aortic valve stenosis
Análise da gestão financeira de uma organização de saúde: estudo de caso do Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein
No full textTCC (graduação) - Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Centro Sócio Econômico, Curso de Administração.Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo analisar as práticas de gestão financeira do Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein. Trata-se de um estudo de caso aplicado, descritivo, de abordagem quantitativa e qualitativa. A coleta de dados foi realizada em três etapas, sendo as duas primeiras de cunho documental. A revisão bibliográfica foi desenvolvida pela pesquisa em livros, artigos científicos, teses e dissertações sobre Administração Financeira e Hospitalar, e pela consulta a conteúdo digital na internet. A segunda parte foi a coleta dos dados contábeis nos relatórios publicados pela instituição, referentes aos anos de 2008, 2009 e 2010. Na terceira etapa foi realizada uma entrevista semi-estruturada com um dos gestores do hospital. O tratamento e a análise dos dados quantitativos foram feitos com a elaboração de quadros e gráficos e pelo cálculo dos indicadores financeiros de rentabilidade, liquidez e de estrutura e endividamento. Os dados qualitativos foram categorizados de acordo com a estrutura do roteiro de entrevista e analisados pela análise de conteúdo. Posteriormente, foram relacionados os resultados obtidos com cada um dos métodos. Quanto à rentabilidade, o Giro do Ativo mostrou crescimento no decorrer do período estudado. Os indicadores Margem Líquida, Rentabilidade do Ativo e Rentabilidade do PL, porém, apresentaram uma importante queda em 2009 e uma suave recuperação em 2010. A este decréscimo o Einstein atribui os fortes investimentos realizados, principalmente a partir de 2009. Os índices de liquidez geral e corrente apontaram um comportamento de permanente declínio, mais acentuado em 2009. Devido à grande participação do circulante na estrutura do ativo, a liquidez corrente foi maior do que a geral em todos os anos, podendo ser considerada excessiva. A redução dos indicadores de liquidez foi desejada pelo hospital, que pretende diminuir ainda mais a liquidez corrente. Em relação aos indicadores de estrutura e endividamento, a Participação do Capital de Terceiros se manteve praticamente inalterada ao longo dos anos, em decorrência do limite máximo de endividamento definido pela organização. A Composição do Endividamento mostrou um incremento da participação de dívidas de curto prazo perante o endividamento total, reflexo das ações visando a redução da liquidez corrente. A Imobilização do PL e dos Recursos Não Correntes tiveram aumento em todos os exercícios, decorrente dos fortes investimentos feitos no ativo permanente. Com base na entrevista, percebeu-se que a principal preocupação inerente à administração financeira de curto prazo está relacionada ao volume de contas a receber, que atualmente demanda um capital de giro excessivo, mas a entidade vem tomando medidas visando reduzir este volume. Na administração de longo prazo a preocupação maior é acerca dos investimentos, pois a instituição vem passando por anos de intensa aplicação de recursos em expansão de instalações, e pelo seu financiamento ser totalmente proveniente do BNDES. Conclui-se que mesmo as variações negativas apontadas pela análise por indicadores foram esperadas pela organização, já que são causadas pelas políticas adotadas com vistas à concretização do planejamento de longo prazo, e, considerando que mesmo estas alterações encontram-se em um patamar desejável, pode-se dizer que o hospital possui boas práticas de gestão financeira
Smartphone use and loneliness in life transitions : A biopsychosocial perspective
No full textMajor life transitions, such as entering the workforce or retirement, often disrupt social ties and increase the risk of involuntary loneliness and social isolation. Smartphone use as a coping strategy during these periods is complex, but particularly relevant for young and older adults, who are especially vulnerable. While smartphones can facilitate social connection, they also carry a substantial risk of problematic use, which has been linked to reduced offline interaction, anxiety, and depression. Clear age-related patterns emerge: young adults more often rely on impulsivity-driven coping (e.g., disordered eating or substance misuse), whereas in older adults, digital engagement more frequently intersects with health-related vulnerabilities, including sleep disturbances, cognitive decline, and gut–brain interactions. Developing a comprehensive biopsychosocial model that integrates biological (e.g., gut microbiota diversity and metabolic markers), psychological (e.g., stress and emotion regulation), and social (e.g., relationships and daily routines) levels of analysis would help distinguish protective from risky digital use. Such an approach could also enable earlier identification of at-risk individuals and support the development of tailored, age-sensitive prevention and intervention strategies during major life transitions.CC BY 4.0Short communicationFirst published online February 17, 2026Corresponding author: Gianluca Tognon, University of Skövde, School of Health Sciences, Högskolevägen 1, Skövde, 541 28, Sweden. E-mail: [email protected] authors received no financial support for the research, authorship and/or publication of this article.</p
La deduzione personalistica della democrazia nella pedagogia di Luigi Stefanini
No full textThrough a historical reading of the Luigi Stefanini’s philosophy (Treviso 1891 - Padua 1956), this paper presents the democratic theory of education that he elaborates in the years of the Reconstruction. Stefanini proposes a personalistic deduction of democracy, where the educational act becomes a place of event of the social person. Education for democracy coincides with a path of spiritual growth that causes the person in the individual and that has a mystical foundation: first the ego experiences itself and then meets others as similar but singular subjects. In this educational process the teacher is very important, because he acts as an intermediary between the disciple and the absolute Being, helping the student to learn himself and to become the author of his own life.
In the context of the educational personalism, since democracy is a form of community life, schools must keep people and communities together as an alternative to the visions that massify man. The school-community must become a place for perfecting existence and democratic education for the common good beyond selfish interests. Educating good is for Stefanini educating a good life that is never referred to the individual, but to the subject-person who realizes his identity together with other subjects and within a community horizon.
Stefanini’s personalism creates a pedagogy of the different where the school must be constituted according to the principle of personalization of educational processes, becoming an elective place of equality and of a personalistic foundation of democracy. The proposal for an education that restores the primacy of the person over the individual in the realization of a community and plural democracy, arouses interest and curiosity in the late-modern era where the education is increasingly becoming an individual and solitary enterprise
Considerazioni preliminari su un settore del Campo Marzio centrale.
No full textPartendo dall'esame diretto dei resti pertinenti al cosiddetto Arco di Camilliano, l'autrice procede all'individuazione di alcuni elementi critici nella ricostruzione del tessuto topografico antico del Campo Marzio centrale.Starting from an assessment of some remains related to so-called Arco di Camilliano the author proceeds to identify some critical elements in the reconstruction of the ancient topography in the middle Campo Marzio
Additional file 6: of Transcriptional profiling of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus during in vitro co-culture
No full textTable S4. Primers used in this study. (DOCX 18 kb
- …
