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BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with systemic inflammation and comorbidities. Changes in the composition of the intestinal microbiome are involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases and metabolic syndrome. Characterizing the intestinal microbiome of patients with psoriasis may be relevant for the understanding of its clinical course and comorbidity prevention. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the intestinal microbiome of men with psoriasis compared to omnivore and vegetarian controls (without psoriasis). METHOD: Cross-sectional study of 42 adult males: 21 omnivores with psoriasis; and controls: 14 omnivores and 7 vegetarian individuals. The characterization of the intestinal microbiome was performed by metagenomic analysis. Serum levels of lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LPB) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were evaluated. RESULTS: The groups differed from each other regarding nutritional aspects and microbiome; individuals with psoriasis had a higher consumption of protein and lower consumption of fibers. Levels of LPB, CRP, and the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio were higher in the group with psoriasis than in the vegetarian group (p<0.05). The genera Prevotella, Mogibacterium, Dorea, Bifidobacterium and Coprococcus, differed in the group with psoriasis compared to vegetarians; the genera Mogibacterium, Collinsella and Desulfovibrio differed from omnivores. A microbiome pattern linked to psoriasis (plsPSO) was identified, which was associated with higher LPB levels (rho=0.39; p=0.02), and lower dietary fiber intake (rho=-0.71; p<0.01). STUDY LIMITATIONS: Only adult men were evaluated. CONCLUSION: A difference was identified in the intestinal microbiome of adult men with psoriasis when compared to healthy omnivores and vegetarian controls. The identified microbiome pattern was correlated with dietary fiber intake and serum levels of LPB.

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Abstract Background Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with systemic inflammation and comorbidities. Changes in the composition of the intestinal microbiome are involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases and metabolic syndrome. Characterizing the intestinal microbiome of patients with psoriasis may be relevant for the understanding of its clinical course and comorbidity prevention. Objective To characterize the intestinal microbiome of men with psoriasis compared to omnivore and vegetarian controls (without psoriasis). Method Cross-sectional study of 42 adult males: 21 omnivores with psoriasis; and controls: 14 omnivores and 7 vegetarian individuals. The characterization of the intestinal microbiome was performed by metagenomic analysis. Serum levels of lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LPB) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were evaluated. Results The groups differed from each other regarding nutritional aspects and microbiome; individuals with psoriasis had a higher consumption of protein and lower consumption of fibers. Levels of LPB, CRP, and the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio were higher in the group with psoriasis than in the vegetarian group (p < 0.05). The genera Prevotella, Mogibacterium, Dorea, Bifidobacterium and Coprococcus, differed in the group with psoriasis compared to vegetarians; the genera Mogibacterium, Collinsella and Desulfovibrio differed from omnivores. A microbiome pattern linked to psoriasis (plsPSO) was identified, which was associated with higher LPB levels (rho = 0.39; p = 0.02), and lower dietary fiber intake (rho = −0.71; p < 0.01). Study limitations Only adult men were evaluated. Conclusion A difference was identified in the intestinal microbiome of adult men with psoriasis when compared to healthy omnivores and vegetarian controls. The identified microbiome pattern was correlated with dietary fiber intake and serum levels of LPB.

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Abstract Background The factors associated with bacterial vaginosis in women with homosexual, bisexual and heterosexual practices are still poorly explored. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze the factors associated with bacterial vaginosis in women with different sexual practices. Methods Cross-sectional study that included 453 women, 149 Women with Homosexual practice (WSW); 80 bisexual Women (WSWM) and 224 Women with heterosexual practice (WSM). The diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis was performed by microscopic examination of the vaginal smears stained by Gram method and classified according to the Nugent et al. (1991) score. Data analysis was performed by Cox multiple regression. Results Bacterial vaginosis was associated to years of education among WSW (0.91 [95% CI 0.82‒0.99]; p= 0.048) and non-white skin color (2.34 [95% CI 1.05‒5.19]; p= 0.037) between WSWM. Changing partners in the last 3-months (2.09 [95% CI 1.14‒3.82]; p= 0.017), inconsistent use of condoms (2.61 [95% CI 1.10‒6.20]; p= 0.030) and positive diagnosis of Chlamydia trachomatis (2.40 [95% CI 1.01‒5.73]; p= 0.048) were associated with bacterial vaginoses only in WSH. Conclusions The factors associated to bacterial vaginosis differ between different sexual practices, suggesting that the type of sexual partner may influence the risk of developing this classic dysbiosis.

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ABSTRACT Background: Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) can be caused by viruses, bacteria, and parasites. The World Health Organization estimated more than 300 million new global cases of curable STIs among individuals of reproductive age. Infection by Trichomonas vaginalis is one of the most prevalent curable STL Despite the current treatments available, the diagnosis of T. vaginalis can be difficult, and the resistance to the treatment increased concern for the healthcare system. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with Trichomonas vaginalis infection among women of reproductive age attending community-based services for cervical screening. Patients and methods: A total of 1477 reproductive-aged women attending 18 Primary Health Care Units in Botucatu, Brazil, from September to October 2012, were enrolled. A structured questionnaire was used for individual face-to-face interviews for obtaining data on sociodemographic, gynecologic, and obstetrics history, sexual and hygiene practices, among others. Cervicovaginal samples were obtained for detection of T. vaginalis by culture using Diamond's medium and microscopic vaginal microbiota classification according to Nugent. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was carried out to estimate Odds Ratios (OR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (95% CI) for the association between participants' sociodemographic, behavioral factors, and clinical factors with T. vaginalis infection. Results: Median age of study participants was 33 years (ranging from 18 to 50). The overall prevalence of T. vaginalis infection was 1.3% (n = 20). Several factors were independently associated with T. vaginalis infection, such as self-reporting as black or Pardo for ethnicity (OR = 2.70; 95% CI 1.03-7.08), smoking (OR=3.18; 95% CI 1.23-8.24) and having bacterial vaginosis (OR = 4.01; 95%CI = 1.55-10.38) upon enrollment. A protective effect of higher educational level (having high school degree) was observed (OR = 0.16; 95% CI 0.05-0.53). Conclusions: Our data suggest that screening programs to correctly detect T. vaginalis infection can be helpful to guide prevention strategies to the community. Our study supports an association between abnormal vaginal microbiota and T. vaginalis infection.

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AIMS: To compare the cervicovaginal levels of human beta defensin (hBD)-1, 2 and 3 of women according to the status of Nugent-defined bacterial vaginosis (BV). METHODS: A total of 634 women of reproductive age were included in the study. Participants were equally distributed in two groups: according to the classification of vaginal smears according to Nugent criteria in normal (scores 0 to 3) and BV (scores ≥7). Cervicovaginal fluid samples were used for measurements of hBDs1, 2 and 3 levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Levels of each hBD were compared between the two study groups using Mann-Whitney test, with p-value <0.05 considered as significant. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated for sociodemographic variables and hBD1-3 levels associated with BV a multivariable analysis. Correlation between Nugent score and measured levels of hBDs1-3 were calculated using Spearman's test. RESULTS: Cervicovaginal fluids from women with BV showed lower levels of hBD-1 [median 2,400.00 pg/mL (0-27,800.00); p<0.0001], hBD-2 [5,600.00 pg/mL (0-45,800.00); p<0.0001] and hBD-3 [1,600.00 pg/mL (0-81,700.00); p = 0.012] when compared to optimal microbiota [hBD-1: [median 3,400.00 pg/mL (0-35,600.00), hBD-2: 12,300.00 pg/mL (0-95,300.00) and hBD-3: 3,000.00 pg/mL (0-64,300.00), respectively]. Multivariable analysis showed that lower levels of hBD-1 (OR: 2.05; 95% CI: 1.46-2.87), hBD-2 (OR: 1.85; 95% CI: 1.32-2.60) and hBD-3 (OR: 1.90; 95% CI: 1.37-2.64) were independently associated BV. Significant negative correlations were observed between Nugent scores and cervicovaginal levels of hBD-1 (Spearman's rho = -0.2118; p = 0.0001) and hBD-2 (*Spearman's rho = -0.2117; p = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Bacterial vaginosis is associated with lower cervicovaginal levels of hBDs1-3 in reproductive-aged women.

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BACKGROUND: Organoid cultures are primary cultures that maintain architectural characteristics and the relationships between cells, as well as the extracellular matrix. They are alternatives for pathophysiological or therapeutic investigation rather than animal and in vitro tests. OBJECTIVE: Development of a cutaneous organoid culture model, aiming at the study of radiation-induced melanogenesis. METHOD: A validation study, which involved biopsies of the skin of the back of the adult ear. One sample was irradiated with different doses of UVB, UVA, or visible light (VL); the other was maintained in the dark for 72h. The viability of the tissues was evaluated from the morphological and architectural parameters of the histology, and the expression of the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) gene, by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The radiation-induced melanin pigmentation was standardized according to the doses of each radiation and evaluated by digital image analysis (Fontana-Masson). RESULTS: The primary skin culture was standardized at room temperature using DMEM medium. The doses of UVB, UVA, and VL (blue light) that induced differential melanogenesis were: 166mJ/cm2, 1.524J/cm2, and 40J/cm2. The expression of the GAPHD constitutional gene did not differ between the sample of skin processed immediately after tissue collection and the sample cultured for 72h in the standardized protocol. STUDY LIMITATIONS: This was a preliminary study that evaluated only the viability and integrity of the melanogenic system, and the effect of the radiation alone. CONCLUSIONS: The standardized model maintained viable melanocytic function for 72h at room temperature, allowing the investigation of melanogenesis induced by different forms of radiation.

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OBJECTIVE: to describe the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis and factors associated among women who have sex with women. METHOD: cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study with 150 women. The vaginal microbiota profile was analyzed by microscopic examination of vaginal swabs according to the Gram method. Endocervical samples were collected with cytobrush for the investigation of endocervicitis by Chlamydia trachomatis. The polymerase chain reaction was used to diagnosis Human Papillomavirus infection. Socio-demographic data, sexual behavior and clinical history were obtained through an interview. Logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors independently associated with bacterial vaginosis. RESULTS: among the 150 participants, 71 (47.3%) presented some alteration in the vaginal microbiota, 54 (36.0%) bacterial vaginosis and 12 (8.0%) Flora II. The variable independently associated with bacterial vaginosis was the use of sexual accessories [2.37(1.13-4.97), p=0.022]. CONCLUSION: the high prevalence of bacterial vaginosis among women who have sex with women indicates the need for screening this population and association between use of sexual accessories and this disease suggests the possibility of transmission of sexual fluids between the partners during the sexual act, which demonstrates the need for educational actions on sexual and reproductive health.

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ABSTRACT Objective: to describe the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis and factors associated among women who have sex with women. Method: cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study with 150 women. The vaginal microbiota profile was analyzed by microscopic examination of vaginal swabs according to the Gram method. Endocervical samples were collected with cytobrush for the investigation of endocervicitis by Chlamydia trachomatis. The polymerase chain reaction was used to diagnosis Human Papillomavirus infection. Socio-demographic data, sexual behavior and clinical history were obtained through an interview. Logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors independently associated with bacterial vaginosis. Results: among the 150 participants, 71 (47.3%) presented some alteration in the vaginal microbiota, 54 (36.0%) bacterial vaginosis and 12 (8.0%) Flora II. The variable independently associated with bacterial vaginosis was the use of sexual accessories [2.37(1.13-4.97), p=0.022]. Conclusion: the high prevalence of bacterial vaginosis among women who have sex with women indicates the need for screening this population and association between use of sexual accessories and this disease suggests the possibility of transmission of sexual fluids between the partners during the sexual act, which demonstrates the need for educational actions on sexual and reproductive health.

RESUMO Objetivo: descrever a prevalência de vaginose bacteriana e fatores associados em mulheres que fazem sexo com mulheres. Método: trata-se de estudo transversal, descritivo e analítico com 150 mulheres. O padrão de microbiota vaginal foi analisado por microscopia do conteúdo vaginal corado pelo método de Gram. Amostras de secreção endocervical foram coletadas com cytobrush para a pesquisa de endocervicites por Chlamydia trachomatis e para infecção por Papilomavírus Humano por meio de reação em cadeia da polimerase. Dados sociodemográficos, de comportamento sexual e de história clínica foram obtidos por entrevista. Regressão logística foi realizada para identificar fatores de risco independentemente associados à vaginose bacteriana. Resultados: dentre as 150 participantes, 71 (47,3%) tinham alguma alteração da microbiota vaginal, 54 (36,0%) vaginose bacteriana e 12 (8,0%) Flora II. A variável independentemente associada com vaginose bacteriana foi o uso de acessórios sexuais [2,37(1,13-4,97), p=0,022]. Conclusão: a elevada prevalência de vaginose bacteriana entre mulheres que fazem sexo com mulheres aponta a necessidade de rastreio nessa população. O uso de acessórios sexuais associado a esse agravo sugere a possibilidade de transmissão de fluidos sexuais entre as parceiras durante o ato sexual, o que demonstra necessidade de ações de educação em saúde sexual e reprodutiva.

RESUMEN Objetivo: describir la prevalencia de la vaginosis bacteriana y los factores asociados en mujeres que tienen sexo con mujeres. Método: se trata de un estudio transversal, descriptivo y analítico realizado entre 150 mujeres. El patrón de microbiota vaginal se analizó por microscopía del contenido vaginal teñido por el método de Gram. Se recolectaron muestras de secreción endocervical con un citocepillo para investigar la endocervicitis por Chlamydia trachomatis y la infección por el Virus del Papiloma Humano mediante la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa. De la entrevista se obtuvieron datos sociodemográficos, de comportamiento sexual y del historial clínico. Se llevó a cabo una regresión logística para identificar factores de riesgo asociados independientemente a la vaginosis bacteriana. Resultados: entre las 150 participantes, el 71 (47,3%) tenía alteración de la microbiota vaginal, el 54 (36,0%), vaginosis bacteriana y el 12 (8,0%), Flora II. La variable asociada independientemente a la vaginosis bacteriana se debió al uso de accesorios sexuales [2,37(1,13-4,97), p=0,022]. Conclusión: la prevalencia elevada de vaginosis bacteriana entre mujeres que tienen sexo con mujeres señala la necesidad de estudiar dicha población, y el uso de accesorios sexuales asociado a este agravante sugiere la posibilidad de transmisión de fluidos sexuales entre las compañeras durante el acto sexual, razón por la cual deben llevarse a cabo acciones de educación en salud sexual y reproductiva.

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The etiopathogenesis of female pattern hair loss is still poorly understood. In addition to genetic and hormonal elements, environmental factors could be involved. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor is expressed in keratinocytes and can be activated by environmental pollutants leading to alterations in the cell cycle, inflammation, and apoptosis. Here we demonstrate the overexpression of nuclear aryl hydrocarbon receptors in miniaturized hair follicles in female pattern hair loss.

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Abstract The etiopathogenesis of female pattern hair loss is still poorly understood. In addition to genetic and hormonal elements, environmental factors could be involved. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor is expressed in keratinocytes and can be activated by environmental pollutants leading to alterations in the cell cycle, inflammation, and apoptosis. Here we demonstrate the overexpression of nuclear aryl hydrocarbon receptors in miniaturized hair follicles in female pattern hair loss.

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