OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the relationship between rs17576 (MMP-9) polymorphism and increased cancer risk in a Brazilian breast cancer cohort. METHODS: This study included 141 women (71 breast cancer patients and 70 controls without breast cancer) who donated 3 mL of their peripheral blood for genomic DNA extraction. This DNA was then genotyped using a real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The AG (rs17576) genotype was identified in 26 (18.43%) participants in the case group and in 22 (15.60%) participants in the control group (p=0.274), while the GG genotype was identified in ten (7.09%) participants in the case group and in one (0.70%) participant in the control group (p<0.003 - OR (95% CI) 13.13 (1.73, 593.08). No significant difference in the incidence rates was observed for AG or GG rs17576 genotypes in premenopausal women, p=0.813 and p=0.556, respectively. However, in postmenopausal women, the AG genotype was shown to occur in 14 (22.5%) participants in the case group and in 4 (6.45%) participants in the control (p<0.043), while GG genotype occurred in eight (12.90%) of the individuals in the case group and in none of the individuals in the control group (p<0.006). CONCLUSION: In this study, the MMP-9 rs17576 GG polymorphic variant was shown to be significantly associated with breast cancer risk in premenopausal women, while the AG and GG genotypes were associated with increased cancer risk in postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVES: In breast cancer diagnosis, mammography (MMG), ultrasonography (USG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are the imaging methods most used. There is a scarcity of comparative studies that evaluate the accuracy of these methods in the diagnosis of breast cancer. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out through the review of electronic medical records of 32 female patients who underwent breast imaging examinations at a imaging diagnostic center in Teresina, State of Piauí, Brazil. Patients who had these three imaging methods at the time of the evaluation of the same nodule were included. The nodule must have been classified as suspect by the BI-RADS® system in at least one of the methods. Data from each method were compared with the histopathological examination. Statistical analysis used the calculation of proportions in Excel 2010. RESULTS: MMG showed 56.2%, 87.5%, 81.8%, 66.7% and 71.8% of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and accuracy, respectively. USG had 75%, 18.8%, 48%, 42.8% and 46.9% of sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy, respectively. In turn, MRI had 100%, 50%, 66.7%, 100% and 75% of sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy, respectively. CONCLUSION: Thus, MRI and MMG were more accurate in evaluating suspicious breast lumps. MRI had a low specificity, mainly to high breast density, while MMG had also sensitivity limited due to high breast density and USG has been proven to be useful in these patients.

Resumen P. azurea es una especie de rana bien distribuida geográficamente en América del Sur, que incluye biomas brasileños como Pantanal y Cerrado. En comparación con otros anuros de Phyllomedusinae, existen pocos informes sobre el potencial bioactivo de las moléculas derivadas de la piel de esta especie. En esta perspectiva, el objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar la actividad antibacteriana in vitro de la secreción de la piel de P. azurea mediante la detección de la Concentración Inhibitoria Mínima (CIM) del crecimiento de cepas indicadoras bacterianas y determinar si ocurre un cambio en la permeabilidad de la envoltura celular bacteriana. La determinación de MIC se llevó a cabo mediante el método de la placa de microdilución. La absorbancia se midió y se analizó estadísticamente mediante la prueba t para comparar dos grupos (0.05 de significancia). El impacto del extracto crudo sobre la permeabilidad de la envoltura celular de Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 se realizó mediante el ensayo de cristal violeta, y se midió la absorbancia mediante espectrofotometría seguida del cálculo del porcentaje de absorción de violeta cristal. La CIM específica para S. aureus ATCC 25923 y Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 fue 31.25 μg / ml, mientras que para Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633 de 125 μg / ml y Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 de 250 μg / ml. El tratamiento con concentraciones crecientes de secreción de piel de rana aumentó la absorción de violeta cristal por las células de S. aureus ATCC 25923, sugiriendo una acción sobre la membrana plasmática de la célula. Los resultados demostraron que la secreción de la piel de P. azurea presenta actividad antibacteriana y amerita más investigaciones para caracterizar las moléculas bioactivas.

Abstract Phyllomedusa azurea is a frog species well distributed geographically in South America, including Brazilian biomes as Pantanal and Cerrado. Compared with other anurans from the Phyllomedusinae family, there are few reports on the bioactive potential of skin-derived molecules from this species. In this perspective, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the in vitro antibacterial activity of skin secretion of P. azurea by detection of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of the growth of bacterial indicator strains and to determine if occurs a changing in the bacterial cell envelope permeability. The MIC determination was carried out by the microdilution plate method. The absorbance was measured and analyzed statistically using the t-test to compare two groups (0.05 % of significance). The impact of the crude extract on cell envelope permeability of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 was conducted by the crystal violet assay, and the absorbance was measured spectrophotometry followed by the calculation of the crystal violet uptake percentage. The specific MIC for S. aureus ATCC 25923 and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 was 31.25 µg/mL, while for Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633 was 125 µg/mL and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 was 250 µg/mL. The treatment with crescent concentrations of frog skin secretion increased the crystal violet uptake by S. aureus ATCC 25923 cells, suggesting an action on the cell plasma membrane. The results demonstrated that the skin secretion of P. azurea presents antibacterial activity and merit further investigations to characterize the bioactive molecules.

Resumo Os venenos de serpentes são reconhecidos como uma fonte promissora de substâncias farmacologicamente ativas e potencialmente úteis para o desenvolvimento de novas drogas antimicrobianas. Esse trabalho teve como objetivo investigar a atividade antimicrobiana do veneno de Crotalus durissus terrificus contra várias bactérias. A determinação da atividade antibacteriana foi realizada pelo método de microdiluição em placas e a ação na estrutura do envelope bacteriano pelo ensaio violeta de cristal. As proteínas do extrato bruto foram separadas por eletroforese e caracterizadas quanto à sua atividade proteolítica. O veneno de C. d. terrificus apresentou ação antimicrobiana frente bactérias gram-positivas e gram-negativas. Os valores de MIC foram definidos para Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 (62.5 µg/ mL), Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 (125 µg/mL) e Micrococcus luteus ATCC 9341 (≤ 500 µg/mL). Para Salmonella enterica serovar typhimurium ATCC 14028 e Corynebacterium glutamicum ATCC 13032, o decréscimo no crescimento bacteriano não foi detectado visualmente, mas foi estatisticamente significante. O teste do cristal violeta demonstrou que o veneno bruto aumentou a permeabilidade das células bacterianas e o perfil de proteína secretada está em consonância com relatos anteriores. Os resultados sugerem que as proteínas com atividade lítica contra bactérias no veneno de C. d. terrificus merecem atenção para uma melhor caracterização, uma vez que podem trazer reforços para o escasso arsenal terapêutico empregado para combater a multirresistência microbiana.

Abstract Snake venoms are recognized as a promising source of pharmacologically active substances and are potentially useful for the development of new antimicrobial drugs. This study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial activity of the venom from the rattlesnake Crotalus durissus terrificus against several bacteria. Antibacterial activity was determined by using the plate microdilution method and the activity on the bacterial envelope structure was screened by using the crystal violet assay. The proteins in crude venom were separated by electrophoresis and characterized regarding their proteolytic activity. C. d. terrificus venom exhibited antimicrobial action against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. MIC values were defined for Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 (62.5 µg/mL), Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 (125 µg/mL), and Micrococcus luteus ATCC 9341 (≤500 µg/mL). For Salmonella enterica serovar typhimurium ATCC 14028 and Corynebacterium glutamicum ATCC 13032, the decrease in bacterial growth was not detected visually, but was statistically significant. The crystal violet assay demonstrated that the crude venom increased bacterial cell permeability and the secreted protein profile agreed with previous reports. The results suggest that the proteins with lytic activity against bacteria in C. d. terrificus venom deserve further characterization as they may offer reinforcements to the weak therapeutic arsenal used to fight microbial multidrug resistance.

RESUMO Envelhecimento é um processo no qual existem alterações morfológicas, funcionais e bioquímicas. Os pés são estruturas acometidas nesse processo, afetando o equilíbrio corporal e aumentando o risco de quedas. Para minimizar esses efeitos, a Facilitação Neuromuscular Proprioceptiva (FNP) pode ser utilizada, pois melhora a perfusão, a força e a coordenação dos membros inferiores. Teve objetivo avaliar os efeitos da FNP no equilíbrio de idosos. Trata-se de estudo longitudinal e quantitativo, realizado em um hospital público em Teresina (PI). Participaram 20 idosas com idade entre 65 e 85 anos, submetidas a um protocolo de FNP. Foram coletados dados baropodométricos (áreas total, do antepé e do retropé) de forma estática (sem perturbação) e dinâmica (com perturbação), além do teste Timed Up and Go (TUG) e do teste de alcance funcional. Não houve diferença nas áreas plantares antes e após a intervenção, apesar da diminuição da área após os exercícios na avaliação estática (retropé antes: 150,85cm² e depois: 147,40cm²; p=0,0593) e na avaliação dinâmica (retropé antes: 154,30cm² e depois: 151,40cm²; p=0,0783). Foi observada diminuição do tempo do TUG de 10,75s para 8,23s (p<0,0001) um aumento da área de deslocamento, de 21,07cm para 31,10cm (p<0,0001) no teste de alcance funcional. As idosas apresentaram maior ativação dos músculos plantares, com diminuição da área de apoio após o protocolo de FNP. Houve melhora significativa no tempo de marcha e no alcance funcional nas idosas, o que está associado a um menor risco de quedas após os exercícios.

ABSTRACT Aging causes morphological, functional and biochemical changes. Feet are affected in this process, which impairs the functional balance and increases the risk of falls. To reduce such effects, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) can be used, because it improves perfusion, strength and coordination of lower limbs. Objective: To evaluate the effects of PNF on balance in older adults. Method: This is a longitudinal and quantitative study, from a public hospital in Teresina-Piauí. Twenty women aged from 65 to 80 years were submitted to a PNF protocol. Baropodometry (total, forefoot and hindfoot areas) was measured in static (no perturbation) and dynamic (with perturbation) conditions. Timed Up and Go (TUG) and functional reach were also tested. No differences were found in forefoot when the areas before and after intervention were compared. However, the area decreased after the exercises in static (hindfoot before: 150.85cm² and after: 147.40cm²; p=0.0593) and dynamic assessments (hindfoot before: 154.30cm² and after: 151.40cm²; p=0.0783). TUG decreased from 10.75s to 8.23s (p<0.0001) and functional reach increased from 21.07cm to 31.10cm (p<0.0001). Older women showed higher activation of plantar muscles and the plantar area decreased after the PNF protocol. Gait speed and functional reach improved after the exercises and such improvement is associated to a lower risk of falls.

RESUMEN Envejecer es un proceso en el que ocurre cambios morfológicos, funcionales y bioquímicos. Los pies sufren este proceso, lo que afecta al balance corporal y aumenta el riesgo de caídas en los adultos mayores. Para minimizar estos efectos, la Facilitación Neuromuscular Propioceptiva (FNP) es empleada ya que mejora la perfusión, la fuerza y la coordinación de los miembros inferiores. Este estudio tiene el propósito de evaluar los resultados de la FNP en el balance postural de adultos mayores. Se trata de un estudio de tipo longitudinal y cuantitativo, llevado a cabo en un hospital público de la ciudad de Teresina, Brasil. Participaron veinte adultos mayores entre 65 y 85 años de edad, y los sometieron a un protocolo de FNP. Se recolectaron datos baropodométricos (áreas total, del antepié y del retropié) de forma estática (sin interferencias) y dinámicas (con interferencias), además de aplicar la prueba Timed Up and Go (TUG) y la prueba del alcance funcional. Las áreas plantares antes y después de la intervención no presentaron diferencias, aunque ocurrió una disminución del área después de los ejercicios en la evaluación estática (retropié antes: 150,85cm² y después: 147,40cm²; p=0,0593) y en la evaluación dinámica (retropié antes: 154,30cm² y después: 151,40cm²; p=0,0783). Se observó una disminución del tiempo del TUG de 10,75s para 8,23s (p<0,0001) y un aumento del área de desplazamiento de 21,07cm para 31,10cm (p<0,0001) en la prueba del alcance funcional. Los adultos mayores tuvieron sus músculos plantares más activados, con una disminución del área de apoyo después del protocolo FNP. Además, presentaron una mejora significativa en el tiempo de marcha y en el alcance funcional, lo que puede asociar a un menor riesgo de caídas después de los ejercicios.