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This report describes 2 events of degenerative myelopathy in 4- to 27-day-old piglets, with mortality rates reaching 40%. Sows were fed rations containing low levels of pantothenic acid. Piglets presented with severe depression, weakness, ataxia, and paresis, which were more pronounced in the pelvic limbs. No significant gross lesions were observed. Histologically, there were degeneration and necrosis of neurons in the spinal cord, primarily in the thoracic nucleus in the thoracic and lumbar segments, and motor neurons in nucleus IX of the ventral horn in the cervical and lumbar intumescence. Minimal-to-moderate axonal and myelin degeneration was observed in the dorsal funiculus of the spinal cord and in the dorsal and ventral nerve roots. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated depletion of acetylcholine neurotransmitters in motor neurons and accumulation of neurofilaments in the perikaryon of neurons in the thoracic nucleus and motor neurons. Ultrastructurally, the thoracic nucleus neurons and motor neurons showed dissolution of Nissl granulation. The topographical distribution of the lesions indicates damage to the second-order neurons of the spinocerebellar tract, first-order axon cuneocerebellar tract, and dorsal column-medial lemniscus pathway as the cause of the conscious and unconscious proprioceptive deficit, and damage to the alpha motor neuron as the cause of the motor deficit. Clinical signs reversed and no new cases occurred after pantothenic acid levels were corrected in the ration, and piglets received parenteral administration of pantothenic acid. This study highlights the important and practical use of detailed neuropathological analysis to refine differential diagnosis.

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BACKGROUND: The Spanish Melanoma Group (GEM) developed a national registry of patients with melanoma infected by SARS-CoV-2 ("GRAVID"). METHODS: The main objective was to describe the COVID-19 fatality rate in patients with melanoma throughout the pandemic, as well as to explore the effect of melanoma treatment and tumor stage on the risk of COVID-19 complications. These are the final data of the register, including cases from February 2020 to September 2021. RESULTS: One hundred-fifty cases were registered. Median age was 68 years (range 6-95), 61 (40%) patients were females, and 63 (42%) patients had stage IV. Thirty-nine (26%) were on treatment with immunotherapy, and 17 (11%) with BRAF-MEK inhibitors. COVID-19 was resolved in 119 cases, including 85 (57%) patients cured, 15 (10%) that died due to melanoma, and 20 (13%) that died due to COVID-19. Only age over 60 years, cardiovascular disorders, and diabetes mellitus increased the risk of death due to COVID-19, but not advanced melanoma stage nor melanoma systemic therapies. Three waves have been covered by the register: February-May 2020, August-November 2020, and December 2020-April 2021. The first wave had the highest number of registered cases and COVID-19 mortality. CONCLUSION: Tumor stage or melanoma treatments are non-significant prognostic factors for COVID-19 mortality. During the pandemic in Spain there was a downward trend in the number of patients registered across the waves, as well as in the severity of the infection. GOV IDENTIFIER: NCT04344002.

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Resumen Introducción: Variantes génicas relacionadas con la vía de señalización de las proteínas morfogenéticas óseas (BMP2, BMP4, GREM1, SMAD7) se han asociado a cáncer colorrectal, principalmente en poblaciones caucásicas. Objetivo: Describir la asociación de variantes en miembros de la vía BMP en población mexicana, caracterizada por su ancestría indoamericana y caucásica. Métodos: Se realizó el genotipado de 1000 casos de cáncer colorrectal y 1043 individuos de control reclutados en la Ciudad de México, Monterrey y Torreón mediante la plataforma Sequenom. Con análisis univariados y multivariados se estudiaron las asociaciones entre cáncer colorrectal y variantes. Resultados: Las variantes rs4444235, rs12953717 y rs4939827 replicaron la asociación con la neoplasia (p ≤ 0.05). La ascendencia caucásica mostró asociación con el tumor. Conclusiones: El estudio mostró las asociaciones entre cáncer colorrectal y las variantes SMAD7 y BMP4, así como con el componente caucásico de la mezcla étnica.

Abstract Introduction: Genetic variants related to bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP2, BMP4, GREM1, SMAD7) signaling pathway have been associated with colorectal cancer, mainly in Caucasian populations. Objective: To describe the association of variants in members of the BMP signaling pathway in a Mexican population, characterized by its indigenous American and Caucasian ancestry. Methods: Genotyping of 1,000 colorectal cancer cases and 1,043 control individuals recruited in Mexico City, Monterrey, and Torreón was carried out using the Sequenom platform. Associations between colorectal cancer and variants were studied with univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: Variants rs4444235, rs12953717 and rs4939827 replicated the association with the neoplasm (p ≤ 0.05). Caucasian ancestry showed association with the tumor. Conclusions: The study replicated the associations between colorectal cancer and SMAD7 and BMP4 variants, with an association being observed with the Caucasian component of the ethnic mix.

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INTRODUÇÃO: A Reabilitação Neuropsicológica (RN) pode ser definida como um processo Neuropsicológico, que visa promover uma melhor adaptação às dificuldades cognitivas e comportamentais do indivíduo. Com a pandemia, as técnicas da RN que eram realizadas de maneira exclusivamente presencial necessitaram ser adaptadas para uma forma remota. OBJETIVO: Diante disso, o objetivo do estudo foi criar um perfil no Instagram com a finalidade de divulgar, sem fins comerciais, a teoria e a prática da Reabilitação Neuropsicológica. Destaca-se que, nos dias atuais, o Instagram é a rede social mais utilizada no mundo, sendo, portanto, considerada um excelente meio de divulgação de conteúdos. METODOLOGIA: A metodologia é dividida: 1) define-se uma linha editorial dos principais conceitos acerca da RN, 2) é estabelecida um conjunto de técnicas e práticas de Reabilitação Neuropsicológica, no qual delimita-se qual função cognitiva será estimulada com aquela atividade, quais os procedimentos a serem utilizados e a qual público se destina (um dos prérequisitos para os exercícios a serem apresentados é que sejam utilizados materiais de baixo custo e que possam ser realizados em casa), e 3) escrita dos textos e realização de vídeos utilizando a literatura científica como base. RESULTADOS E DISCUSSÃO: Até o presente momento, o perfil do Instagram conta com um público prioritariamente composto por alunos e profissionais envolvidos nas temáticas de estimulação, com uma média de acessos semanais de 1802 impressões. CONCLUSÃO: Acredita-se que tem sido uma importante ferramenta de divulgação e aprendizagem das técnicas e dos conceitos da área de reabilitação neuropsicológica. Isso possibilita que alunos e profissionais se tornem ainda mais qualificados para atuarem na área.

INTRODUCTION: Neuropsychological Rehabilitation (RN) can be defined as a Neuropsychological process, which aims to promote a better adaptation to the individual's cognitive and behavioral difficulties. With the Pandemic, the RN techniques that were carried out exclusively in person, were adapted to a remote way. OBJECTIVE: Therefore, the objective of the study was to create an Instagram profile with a repertoire to disseminate, without commercial purposes, a theory and practice of Neuropsychological Rehabilitation. It is noteworthy that, nowadays, Instagram is the most used social network in the world, being, therefore, considered an excellent means of disseminating content. METHODOLOGY: The methodology is divided: 1) an editorial line of the main concepts related to RN is defined, 2) a set of Neuropsychological Rehabilitation techniques and practices is elaborated, without which the cognitive function will be stimulated with that activity, what are the procedures to be used and to which audience it is intended (one of the prerequisites for the following exercises is that low-cost materials that can be done at home are used), and 3) writing texts and making videos using scientific literature as a basis. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: To date, the Instagram profile has an audience primarily made up of students and professionals responsible for stimulation issues, with an average of 1802 impressions per week, it is believed to have been an important tool for the dissemination and learning of techniques and concepts in the area of Neuropsychological Rehabilitation. CONCLUSION: This allows students and professionals to become even more appointed to work in the area.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La Rehabilitación Neuropsicológica (RN) se puede definir como un proceso Neuropsicológico, cuyo objetivo es promover una mejor adaptación a las dificultades cognitivas y conductuales del individuo. Con la pandemia, las técnicas de RN que se realizaban exclusivamente de manera presencial fueron adaptardas a una forma remota. OBJETIVO: Ante esto, el objetivo del estudio fue crear un perfil de Instagram con el propósito de difundir, sin fines comerciales, la teoría y práctica de la Rehabilitación Neuropsicológica. Cabe destacar que, en la actualidad, Instagram es la red social más utilizada en el mundo, siendo, por tanto, considerada un excelente medio de difusión de contenidos. METODOLOGÍA: La metodología se divide: 1) se define una línea editorial de los principales conceptos sobre RN, 2) se establece un conjunto de técnicas y prácticas de Rehabilitación Neuropsicológica, en el que se define qué función cognitiva se estimulará con esa actividad, qué procedimientos se van a utilizar y a qué público está destinado (uno de los requisitos previos para los ejercicios a presentar es que se utilicen materiales de bajo costo que se puedan realizar en casa), y 3) redacción de textos y elaboración de videos utilizando como base la literatura científica. RESULTADOS Y DISCUSIÓN: A la fecha, el perfil de Instagram tiene una audiencia principalmente compuesta por estudiantes y profesionales involucrados en temas de estimulación, con un promedio de acceso semanal de 1802 impresiones. CONCLUSIÓN: se cree que ha sido una herramienta importante para la difusión y aprendizaje de técnicas y conceptos en el campo de la rehabilitación neuropsicológica. Esto posibilita que estudiantes y profesionales estén aún más capacitados para trabajar en el área.

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INTRODUCTION: Genetic variants related to bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP2, BMP4, GREM1, SMAD7) signaling pathway have been associated with colorectal cancer, mainly in Caucasian populations. OBJECTIVE: To describe the association of variants in members of the BMP signaling pathway in a Mexican population, characterized by its indigenous American and Caucasian ancestry. METHODS: Genotyping of 1,000 colorectal cancer cases and 1,043 control individuals recruited in Mexico City, Monterrey, and Torreón was carried out using the Sequenom platform. Associations between colorectal cancer and variants were studied with univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Variants rs4444235, rs12953717 and rs4939827 replicated the association with the neoplasm (p ≤ 0.05). Caucasian ancestry showed association with the tumor. CONCLUSIONS: The study replicated the associations between colorectal cancer and SMAD7 and BMP4 variants, with an association being observed with the Caucasian component of the ethnic mix.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Variantes génicas relacionadas con la vía de señalización de las proteínas morfogenéticas óseas (BMP2, BMP4, GREM1, SMAD7) se han asociado a cáncer colorrectal, principalmente en poblaciones caucásicas. OBJETIVO: Describir la asociación de variantes en miembros de la vía BMP en población mexicana, caracterizada por su ancestría indoamericana y caucásica. MÉTODOS: Se realizó el genotipado de 1000 casos de cáncer colorrectal y 1043 individuos de control reclutados en la Ciudad de México, Monterrey y Torreón mediante la plataforma Sequenom. Con análisis univariados y multivariados se estudiaron las asociaciones entre cáncer colorrectal y variantes. RESULTADOS: Las variantes rs4444235, rs12953717 y rs4939827 replicaron la asociación con la neoplasia (p ≤ 0.05). La ascendencia caucásica mostró asociación con el tumor. CONCLUSIONES: El estudio mostró las asociaciones entre cáncer colorrectal y las variantes SMAD7 y BMP4, así como con el componente caucásico de la mezcla étnica.

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Forty-six pigs presented muscle weakness, hind limb paresis and paralysis, weight loss, lateral recumbency, and death in a clinical course of 7 to 10 days. Two pigs were necropsied and exhibited bone fragility, bone callus formation, and multiple fractures in the limbs, ribs, and vertebrae. Microscopically, there was a diffuse and marked decrease in thickness and number of trabeculae. These were disconnected, with a "free-floating" appearance, while the cortex of the long bones was thinned, with an increase of the cortical porosity by enlargement of Haversian canals and endosteal erosion and decreased osteoblastic activity. Flame atomic absorption spectrometry in liver samples revealed significant zinc overload (>2300ppm) and copper deficiency (<33.1ppm). In this communication, we present the first pathologic description of an outbreak of osteoporosis in pigs, and we also provide a brief review of metabolic bone diseases in pigs.

Quarenta e seis suínos apresentaram fraqueza muscular, paresia e paralisia de membros pélvicos, perda de peso, decúbito lateral e morte, com um curso clínico de 7 a 10 dias. Dois suínos foram submetidos a necropsia e exibiram fragilidade óssea, formação de calo ósseo, e múltiplas fraturas em membros, costelas e vértebras. Microscopicamente notou-se difusamente um marcado decréscimo na espessura e número de trabéculas ósseas. Essas estavam desconexas, com uma aparência de flutuação, enquanto o córtex dos ossos longos estava afinado, com um aumento da porosidade pela dilatação dos canais de Haversian, erosão endosteal e diminuição da atividade osteoblástica. Espectrofotometria por chama foi realizada em amostras de fígado, e revelou um excesso de zinco (>2300ppm) e deficiência de cobre (<33.1ppm). Neste trabalho, apresentamos a primeira descrição patológica de um surto de osteoporose em suínos, além de fornecer uma breve revisão de doenças metabólicas em suínos.

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RESUMEN Introducción: la COVID-19 ha generado serias consecuencias en la salud mental de los seres humanos, y ha provocado reacciones psicológicas como el miedo y la ansiedad. Los estudiantes de Ciencias Médicas, como protagonistas de la pesquisa activa, pudieran ser proclives a presentar dichas manifestaciones. Objetivo: describir las reacciones de ansiedad y miedo a la COVID-19 en los estudiantes pesquisadores del poblado de Falcón, Villa Clara. Métodos: se desarrolló una investigación cuantitativa, transversal y descriptiva mediante cuestionarios, en enero de 2021. La muestra estuvo constituida por 27 pesquisadores, estudiantes de Ciencias Médicas residentes en Falcón. Los resultados se analizaron mediante pruebas estadísticas de tipo no paramétrico. Resultados: se encontraron bajos niveles de ansiedad, mientras que el miedo obtuvo resultados equilibrados entre bajos y altos niveles. Estas manifestaciones fueron encontradas, en su mayoría, en los participantes que no conocían personas diagnosticadas con la enfermedad. Se destacó una correlación inversa significativa entre las variables edad y ansiedad. Se encontró que los niveles de ansiedad y de miedo resultaron inversos a conocer a una persona diagnosticada con COVID-19. Se destacó una correlación positiva y directa entre el miedo y la ansiedad. Conclusiones: la presente investigación constituyó un acercamiento al estado de salud mental de los estudiantes de Ciencias Médicas vinculados a la pesquisa activa. Una fortaleza de la investigación radica en el empleo de instrumentos desarrollados para evaluar reacciones psicológicas vinculadas específicamente a la COVID-19. Convendría la realización de estudios similares en poblaciones mayores, los cuales permitiesen la generalización de los resultados.

ABSTRACT Introduction: COVID-19 has generated serious consequences on humans' mental health, and has caused psychological reactions such as fear and anxiety. Medical Sciences students, as protagonists of the active research, could be prone to present such manifestations. Objective: to describe anxiety and fear reactions to COVID-19 in student researchers from Falcón town, Villa Clara. Methods: a quantitative, cross-sectional and descriptive questionnaire-based study was performed in January 2021. The sample consisted of 27 medical student researchers from Falcón town. The results were analyzed using non-parametric statistical tests. Results: low levels of anxiety were found, while fear obtained balanced results between low and high levels. These manifestations were found mostly in the participants who did not meet people diagnosed with the disease. A significant inverse correlation was noted between age and anxiety variables. Anxiety and fear levels were found to be inversely related to meeting a person diagnosed with COVID-19. A positive and direct correlation between fear and anxiety was highlighted. Conclusions: the current investigation constituted an approach to the mental health status of medical students linked to the active research. One of the research strengths lies in the use of instruments developed to assess psychological reactions specifically related to COVID-19. Similar studies should be carried out in older populations, which would allow the results to be generalized.

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Porcine encephalomyelitis can be associated with many etiologies, including viral agents, such as Porcine teschovirus (PTV), Porcine sapelovirus (PSV), and Porcine astrovirus (PoAstV). In this study, we investigated the presence of these viruses in a neurological disease outbreak in a swine farm in Southern Brazil. The piglet production farm unity had 1200 weaning piglets, and 40 piglets with neurological signs such as motor incoordination, paresis, and paralysis of hind limbs, with an evolution time of approximately 4 days. Among these, 10 piglets were submitted to postmortem examination. Gross lesions were restricted to a mild enlargement of the nerve roots and ganglia of spinal cord segments. The microscopic lesions were characterized by nonsuppurative encephalomyelitis and ganglioneuritis with evident neuronal degeneration and necrosis. Samples of the central nervous system (CNS), cerebrospinal fluid, and feces were collected and submitted to molecular analysis. PTV was identified in all samples of the CNS, while eight of the piglets were also positive for PSV, and seven were positive for Porcine enterovirus (EV-G). PoAstV was identified in a pool of feces of healthy animals used as controls. This study demonstrates the occurrence of encephalomyelitis associated with PTV on a swine farm in Southern Brazil, as well as the presence of other viruses such as PSV, EV-G, and PoAstV in the swineherd. Sequences of the fragments that were previously amplified by PCR showed a high similarity to PTV 6. Herein, we describe the first case report of severe swine polioencephalomyelitis associated with PTV in South America.

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Cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) are key targets for the development of new anti-inflammatory agents. LOX, which is involved in the biosynthesis of mediators in inflammation and allergic reactions, was selected for a biochemical screening campaign to identify LOX inhibitors by employing the main natural product library of Brazilian biodiversity. Two prenyl chalcones were identified as potent inhibitors of LOX-1 in the screening. The most active compound, (E)-2-O-farnesyl chalcone, decreased the rate of oxygen consumption to an extent similar to that of the positive control, nordihydroguaiaretic acid. Additionally, studies on the mechanism of the action indicated that (E)-2-O-farnesyl chalcone is a competitive LOX-1 inhibitor. Molecular modeling studies indicated the importance of the prenyl moieties for the binding of the inhibitors to the LOX binding site, which is related to their pharmacological properties.

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INTRODUCTION: The genetic admixture of the Brazilian population has considerable relevance to the implementation of the principles of pharmacogenomics (PGx), as it may compromise the extrapolation of data obtained in more homogeneous world populations. PURPOSE: This study aims to investigate a panel of 117 polymorphisms in 35 pharmacogenes, which contains label recommendations or clinical evidence by international drug regulatory agencies, in Amazonian Native American populations, and compare the results obtained with continental population data from the 1000 Genomes Project Consortium. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study population is composed of 109 Native American individuals from three Brazilian Amazon groups. The genotyping of the PGx polymorphisms was performed by allelic discrimination using TaqMan® OpenArray Genotyping with a panel of 120 customized assays on the QuantStudio™ 12K Flex Real-Time PCR System. RESULTS: Statistical differences within the Native American populations were observed regarding both genotypes and phenotypes of some genes of the CYP family. The discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPCs) between the NAM group and the continental populations of the 1000 Genomes Project resulted in the clustering of the three Native American populations. Additionally, in general, the NAM group was determined to be closely situated between East Asia, America, and South Asia groups, which enabled us to infer a genetic similarity between these populations. The DAPC analysis further demonstrated that eight polymorphisms and six polymorphisms were more relevant in differentiating the NAM from the continental populations and the NAM populations among themselves, respectively. CONCLUSION: Some investigated polymorphisms show differences among world populations, particularly with populations of European origin, for whom precision medicine protocols are primarily designed. The accumulated knowledge regarding these variations may assist in the design of specific protocols for Native American populations and populations admixed with them.