Abstract Background: Real-world, primary data on the treatment of psoriasis are scarce, especially concerning the role of soluble biomarkers as outcome predictors. Objective: The authors evaluated the utility of Th1/Th17 serum cytokines along with clinical characteristics as predictors of drug survival in the treatment of psoriasis. Methods: The authors consecutively included participants with moderate to severe psoriasis who were followed up for 6 years. Baseline interferon-α, tumor necrosis factor-α, and inter-leukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-17A were measured using a cytometric bead array; clinical data were assessed. The authors calculated hazard ratios (HRs) for drug survival using a Cox proportional hazards model. Results: The authors included 262 patients, most of whom used systemic immunosuppressants or biologics. In the multivariate model, poor quality of life measured by the Dermatology Life Quality Index (HR = 1.04; 95% CI 1.01–1.07; p = 0.012) and elevated baseline IL-6 (HR = 1.99; 95% CI 1.29–3.08; p = 0.002) were associated with treatment interruption. Study limitations: The main limitation of any cohort study is the presence of confounders that could not be detected in clinical evaluation. Conclusions: Poor quality of life and elevated baseline serum IL-6 level predicted treatment interruption in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis. Although IL-6 is not the most important mediator of the inflammatory pathway in the skin environment, it is an interesting biomarker candidate for predicting psoriasis treatment response.

Abstract Objective: To investigate the effects of different physical exercise programs and polymorphisms of the FTO (fat mass and obesity-associated gene) on body composition and cardiovascular risk factors in adolescents with overweight and obesity. Methods: A randomized, parallel, double-blind clinical trial consisting of the adolescent overweight from the state public network, in a simple representative random sample, who participated in an aerobic exercise or weight training intervention for 10 weeks. Anthropometry, body composition, biochemical markers, sexual maturation, and rs9939609 polymorphism in the FTO gene were assessed. 347 adolescents had their characterization of nutritional status. 72 individuals with overweight and obesity were invited to participate. 39 remained for the start of the program and were randomly allocated to both types of intervention. In the end, 26 subjects participated in the intervention programs, with 12 and 14 in the aerobic and weight training programs, respectively. Results: Heterozygous and homozygous bearers of risk allele A participating in the aerobic program showed improvements in glycemia (p = 0.002) and total cholesterol (p = 0.023) and a reduction in body fat mass (p = 0.041). The weight training program reduced glycemia in patients with the risk allele A (p = 0.027). Cameron’s stage four sexual maturation participants were 2.1 times more likely to improve their body fat (CI = 1.31–3.39). Conclusion: Aerobic exercises produced exclusively a significant decrease in fat mass and total cholesterol in patients with risk allele A. Distinct physical exercise programs may cause diverse changes in risk variables related to the health of adolescents.

Abstract This thematic issue of Sisyphus aims at contributing to understanding diversity, fragmentation and complexity of comparison in adult education research, focussing on policy and practices developed in different parts of the world. The articles to be include in this issue are the outcome of the vivid discussion held in the INTALL Adult Education Academy 2021, promoted by the University of Würzburg, when the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on every ones’ lives, in special in those attending this educational initiative. Joined by more than 60 students and 20 teaching staff from higher education institutions of 5 continents, the INTALL Adult Education Academy is a significant event to reflect critically about adult education comparison when a health situation constrained and still constrains mobility and face-to-face teaching.

Resumo Este número temático da Sisyphus visa contribuir para a compreensão da diversidade, fragmentação e complexidade da comparação na investigação em educação de adultos, com destaque para as políticas e práticas desenvolvidas em diferentes partes do mundo. Os artigos deste número são o resultado da discussão realizada na Academia de Educação de Adultos INTALL 2021, promovida pela Universidade de Würzburg, quando a pandemia de COVID-19 teve um impacto significativo na vida de todos, em especial daqueles que participaram nesta iniciativa. Com a presença de mais de 60 alunos e 20 docentes de instituições de ensino superior dos 5 continentes, a Academia de Educação de Adultos INTALL é um evento durante o qual se reflete criticamente sobre a educação de adultos num tempo em que a situação sanitária condicionou e condiciona ainda a mobilidade e o ensino presencial.

Resumen El número temático de Sisyphus pretende contribuir paraa comprender la diversidad, la fragmentación y la complejidad de la comparación en la investigación sobre educación de adultos, centrándose en las políticas y prácticas desarrolladas en diferentes partes del mundo. Los artículos que se incluirán en este número son el resultado de la vívida discusión que tuvo lugar en la Academia de Educación de Adultos INTALL 2021, promovida por la Universidad de Würzburg, cuando la pandemia de COVID-19 tuvo un impacto significativo en la vida de todos, en especial en aquellos participaron en esta iniciativa educativa. Con la participación de más de 60 estudiantes y 20 docentes de instituciones de educación superior de los 5 continentes, la Academia de Educación de Adultos INTALL es un evento significativo para reflexionar críticamente sobre la comparación con la educación, cuando una situación de salud aún restringe la movilidad y la enseñanza presencial.

Abstract Varicella is a common viral infection in childhood and usually has a benign evolution. However, the evolution can be severe in immunosuppressed children. Vaccination can prevent its occurrence and especially the development of severe and/or complicated cases. Methotrexate is a systemic therapeutic option for many inflammatory diseases, and its immunosuppressive action exposes its users to a higher susceptibility to infection. The present report describes a case of severe varicella infection in a child immunosuppressed with methotrexate.

Abstract Cryopreservation of equine semen is crucial to semen commercialization. However, it reduces sperm motility and longevity. Thus, sperm selection methods and addition of motility-activating substances to sperm, such as caffeine, may improve sperm quality of equine frozen semen. The objective of the current work was to evaluate the effects of caffeine on recovery and quality parameters of frozen-thawed sperm subjected to swim-up selection to be used in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in assisted reproductive techniques. Stallion semen were frozen and after thawing different caffeine concentrations were added to the samples performing four treatments control (no caffeine), 3, 5, and 7.5 mM caffeine. Sperm kinematic and motility were assessed by computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA). Then, the four treated samples were submitted to the swim-up sperm selection, and the number of recovered sperm and morphology were evaluated at four times 20, 40, 60, and 80 min. The swim-up increased the recovery proportion of normal morphology sperm without (80.1±1%) or with caffeine addition (3mM: 81.2±1%, 5mM: 79.9±1% and 7.5 mM 78.9±1%) compared to the thawed semen (70±2%). However, the addition of 5 mM caffeine induced an increase in sperm motility (38.9±2.8 vs. 32.6±3.4%, P<0.05), and sperm recovery after swim-up (7.9x106 vs. 3.4x106 sperm/ml, P<0.05) compared to the control. The addition of 5 mM caffeine to frozen-thawed equine semen before swim-up selection improved sperm motility and increased the sperm recovery rate while not decreasing the percentage of morphologically normal sperm. Thus, caffeine addition to frozen-thawed equine semen before swim-up selection has potential clinical application in improving sperm quality for use in ICSI.

RESUMO O texto problematiza o insucesso escolar numa perspectiva de género, a partir da perceção de alunos dos ensinos básico e secundário em Portugal. A análise resulta de uma investigação cujos dados empíricos foram recolhidos por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas e de grupos focais. As estatísticas oficiais revelam uma taxa de insucesso escolar maior entre os rapazes, por comparação às raparigas. Todavia, os alunos não refletem, no seu quotidiano, sobre esse fenómeno e naturalizam-no com base em estereótipos de género. A construção de género ocorre em todos os tempos e espaços, incluindo a escola, porém, para os alunos envolvidos nesta pesquisa, o género é construído, sobretudo, no contexto familiar.

ABSTRACT This article aims to analyze school failure from a gender perspective, from the pupils’ perceptions, with alumni of primary and secondary education in Portugal. The analysis is based on data collected through semi-structured interviews and focus groups. Official statistics show a higher school failure rate among boys compared to girls. This research revealed that this phenomenon is not object of reflection by the pupils in their lives. The pupils justified this phenomenon through gendered behavior, based on gender stereotypes., essentially, on hegemonic masculinity. The construction of gender occurs in all times and spaces, including school. However, for the pupils, gender is constructed mainly in the family context, and they do not recognize the school’s contribution to its (re)production.

RESUMEN El texto problematiza el fracaso escolar en una perspectiva de género, desde el punto de vista de los alumnos de la educación elementar y secundaria en Portugal. Los datos empíricos han sido compilados en una investigación con entrevistas semiestructuradas y grupos focales con alumnos. Las estadísticas oficiales muestran una mayor tasa de fracaso escolar entre los niños en comparación con las niñas. Todavía, los alumnos no reflecten sobre esto fenómeno en su vida cotidiana y lo naturalizan a partir de estereotipos de género. Aunque en este trabajo se considera que la construcción de género se da en todos los tiempos y espacios, incluida la escuela, los alumnos implicados en esta investigación consideran que el género se construye, principalmente, en el contexto familiar.

Resumo A ideia de que a experiência de vida pode constituir uma fonte de aprendizagem e de desenvolvimento não é, de todo, nova. Aliás, as experiências de vida quando são pensadas e refletidas adquirem uma dimensão formativa. No entanto, a experiência é, por si só, um conceito impreciso e que comporta um conjunto diversificado de significados. Nesse contexto, qual a relação entre experiência e aprendizagem? Acresce a essa questão, outras consideradas, de igual modo, importantes, tais como: Qual o papel formativo das experiências? E qual o papel da reflexão? Essas são algumas das questões que tentaremos responder. O presente artigo, de natureza teórica, procura refletir sobre os conceitos de aprendizagem e/ou formação experiencial e aprendizagem biográfica no quadro teórico-conceptual da educação e formação de adultos. A partir das principais perspectivas teóricas apresentadas e discutidas, os três conceitos assumem um sentido idêntico referente ao papel ativo do indivíduo, assim como à sua capacidade de refletir e, posteriormente, de atribuir sentidos e/ou significados às experiências vivenciadas. Acreditamos que a relevância desses conceitos teóricos se prende, precisamente, com a possibilidade de analisar os múltiplos significados e sentidos que os indivíduos atribuem quer às experiências, quer às aprendizagens adquiridas ao longo das suas vidas.

Abstract The idea that life experience can be a source of learning and development is not at all new. In fact, life experiences when they are thought and reflected upon acquired a formative dimension. However, experience is, in itself, an imprecise concept and it holds a diverse set of meanings. In this context, what is the relationship between experience and learning? In addition to this question, there are others considered equally important such as: what is the formative role of experiences? And what is the role of reflection? These are some of the questions that we will try to answer. This article of theoretical nature seeks to reflect on the concepts of experiential learning and/or training and biographical learning in the theoretical-conceptual framework of adult education and training. From the main theoretical perspectives presented and discussed, the three concepts take on an identical meaning concerning the active role of the individual, as well as their capacity to reflect and, subsequently, to attribute senses and/or meanings to the experiences lived. We believe that the relevance of these theoretical concepts is precisely related to the possibility to analyse the multiple meanings and senses that individuals attribute both to the experiences and to the learnings acquired throughout their lives.

This research investigates difficulties associated to the curricular component Organic Chemistry I based on a study case of Chemistry undergraduate courses (Bachelor and Teachers education) in two Federal Universities in the Brazilian South region. The analytical process integrated official documents of the courses (pedagogic projects, students’ grades), questionnaires, interviews, and researcher’s logbook of classes. Results show that the students’ success in Organic Chemistry I is lower than the sum of failure, unattendance, and temporary cancellation rates altogether in the curricular component offered by the different teachers and institutions studied. A complex scenario is highlighted in relation to factors that affect learning and teaching processes in undergraduate Organic Chemistry courses. The subjects’ responses highlight difficulties related to specific contents, such as conformation and spatial visualization of molecules, stereochemistry, and reaction mechanisms; lack of concepts from High School; and individual habits and characteristics of teachers, students, or both, such as didactics, concentration, and engagement. The results report on the importance of rethinking strategies and methodologies in the context of Organic Chemistry I in Higher Education.

Abstract Introduction: appropriate appendicular lean soft tissue (ALST) parameters to identify sarcopenia in Brazil are scarce. The use of international references may lead to a false positive diagnosis. The objective was to propose cut-off points to identify sarcopenia in older men and women using DXA-derived ALST values from a young adult population. Methods: this was an observational study with a cross-sectional analysis. University students of both sexes (n = 125), aged 20 to 30 years, underwent anthropometric measurements and DXA scanning to obtain their ALST (kg). Cut-off points for sarcopenia were set at -2 standard deviations (-2SDs) away from the mean ALST of a young sample. Absolute values and index (ALST/height2, ALST/weight, and ALST/body mass index [BMI]) were considered as recommended by international consensus. Results: compared to women, men presented higher values of weight, height, BMI, bone mineral content, lean soft tissue, ALST, and ALST index (kg/m²). Only fat mass was higher in women, and age was not different between genders. The -2SD ALST index obtained were ≤ 6.56 kg/m² for men and ≤ 4.67 kg/m² for women. They were below international and national values, which tended to classify false positives. Conclusions: the -2SD ALST values proposed here are validated cut-offs for identifying low muscle in older adults and to prevent misdiagnosis with sarcopenia. In addition, they contribute to efficient monitoring and control of this disease in geriatric populations.

Resumen Introducción: los parámetros apropiados de masa muscular esquelética apendicular (MMEA) para identificar la sarcopenia en Brasil resultan escasos. Ello se debe al uso de referencias internacionales, lo cual puede conducir a un diagnóstico falso positivo. El objetivo del presente trabajo es proponer puntos de corte para determinar la sarcopenia en hombres y mujeres mayores empleando valores de MMEA derivados de las DXA de una población de adultos jóvenes. Métodos: estudio observacional con análisis transversal. Estudiantes universitarios de ambos sexos (n = 125), de 20 a 30 años de edad, se sometieron a mediciones antropométricas y DXA para obtener el MMEA (kg). Los puntos de corte de la sarcopenia se establecieron en -2 desviaciones estándar (-2SD) de la media de MMEA de una muestra joven. Se consideraron los valores absolutos e índices (MMEA/altura2, MMAE/peso y MMAE/índice de masa corporal [IMC]), según lo recomendado por el consenso internacional. Resultados: los hombres, en comparación con las mujeres, presentaron valores superiores de peso, altura, IMC, contenido mineral óseo, masa magra, MMEA e índice MMEA (kg/m²). Por otro lado, solo la masa grasa fue mayor en las mujeres, no habiendo diferencias de edad entre ambos géneros. El índice MMAE -2SD obtenido fue ≤ 6,56 kg/m² para los hombres y ≤ 4,67 kg/m² para las mujeres. Dichos resultados, al encontrarse por debajo de los valores internacionales y nacionales, tienden a clasificar los falsos positivos. Conclusiones: los MMAE -2SD propuestos aquí son valores de corte validados para identificar las cuantificaciones musculares bajas en los adultos mayores y para prevenir el diagnóstico erróneo de sarcopenia. Además, contribuyen a la monitorización y el control eficiente de esta enfermedad en las poblaciones geriátricas.

Abstract: Blue nevi are benign melanocytic lesions located in the deeper reticular dermis, consequence of failure of melanocytic migration into the dermal-epidermal junction from the neural crest. Lesions are usually asymptomatic and solitary, but may present in a multiple or agminated (grouped) pattern. The agminated subtype is formed when bluish-pigmented lesions cluster together in a well-defined area. Lesions can be flat or raised. We report the case of a patient who presented multiple bluish macules (1-3 mm in diameter) grouped on the left upper back. Dermoscopy and anatomic pathological examination were consistent with blue nevus.

Abstract: Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a multicentric vascular neoplasm, with cutaneous and extracutaneous involvement. Different clinical and epidemiological variants have been identified. The classic form is manifested mainly in elderly men with indolent and long-term evolution, with lesions localized primarily in the lower extremities. We present two cases of classic Kaposi's sarcoma (CKS) in two female patients with extensive, exuberant skin involvement and rapid evolution, with good response to radiotherapy.

Abstract Darier's disease is a rare autosomal dominant genodermatosis. It has an estimated prevalence of 1 in 55,000 to 100,000 individuals, regardless of gender. It is characterized by multiple keratotic papules on the seborrheic areas of the trunk, scalp, forehead and flexures, and the clinical picture is worsened by heat, sun exposure, perspiration and mechanical trauma. Histopathology observed loss of epithelial adhesion and abnormal keratinization. About 10% of cases present in the localized form of the disease. We report a case of segmental Darier's Disease Type I and discuss the main characteristics of this condition.

Abstract Collision tumors are characterized by the coexistence of two cancers in the same anatomical site and its pathogenesis remains controversial. Although uncommon, the association of basal cell carcinoma and melanocytic nevus is the most common among combinations of skin tumors. Even rarer is the association of two malignant tumors. We report a case of tumor collision representing melanoma and basosquamous cell carcinoma, a combination not previously described in the literature, since there are no reported cases of melanoma with this type of basal cell carcinoma.

Iron bioavailability was evaluated in three mixtures of cereals, seeds, and grains ("Human Ration"): light, regular, and homemade provided to rats. The animals received an iron depletion diet for 21 days, followed by a repletion diet containing 12 mg·kg-1 of iron for 14 days. The hemoglobin regeneration efficiency and the relative biological value did not differ between the light mixture and control group. The iron bioavailability of the light mixture of cereals, seeds, and grains and the control group were 99.99±27.62 and 80.02±36.63, respectively, while the regular and homemade mixtures of cereals, seeds, and grains showed lower iron bioavailability, 50.12±35.53 and 66.66±15.44, respectively; the iron content of the diet with light cereal mixture light was statistically similar to that of the control (ferrous sulfate 99.99±27.62). The high content of tannin (202.81±19.53 mg·100-1) in the diet with the regular cereal mixture may have contributed to its low iron bioavailability. The higher intake of soluble fiber by the animals fed the light mixture (21.15±0.92 g) was moderately correlated (r=0.5712, p=0.0018) with the concentration of propionate in the caecal bulk (65.49±11.08 µmol/g). The short chain fatty acids produced by soluble fiber fermentation, associated with the low-content of tannin may have improved iron solubility and absorption in the light cereal mixture diet. The iron bioavailability in the light mixture of cereals, seeds, and grains was similar to that of ferrous sulfate.

BACKGROUND: Changes arising from the aging process, particularly changes in body composition, contribute to the functional decline of the elderly.OBJECTIVE: To compare the body composition and muscle strength, mobility and quality in active elderly women according to the distance walked during the 6-minute walk test (6MWT).METHOD: The study included 77 active elderly women aged 65 to 80 years, who were divided into tertiles (A, B and C) according to the distance covered in the 6MWT. We performed anthropometric and clinical evaluations. Body composition was determined by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Handgrip strength (HGS) was measured with a portable dynamometer (Saehan), and knee extension strength (KES) was measured with the one repetition maximum test (1-RM). Functional mobility was assessed by the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and body balance was assessed by the Berg Balance Scale (BBS). Muscle quality was defined by the ratio between muscle strength (kgf) and muscle mass (kg).RESULTS: The group that walked the shortest distance in the 6MWT had a higher BMI (A=30.8±7.0, B=27.2±4.2 and C=25.9±3.5 kg/m2), greater amount of fat mass (A=31.3±10.7, B=25.9±6.7 and C=23.81±6.46 kg) lower HGS (A=21.8±5.1, B=22.1±3.5 and C=25.5±5.1 kgf), lower knee extension strength (A=30.6±10.9, B=40.4±12.5 and C=47.2±10.1 kgf), lower arm muscle quality (A=10.1±3.7, B=11.6±2 and C=12.7±2.2 kg) and lower leg muscle quality (A=1.78±1, B=2.84±0.98 and C=3.31±0.77 kg). There was no significant difference between muscle mass (p=0.25) and lean mass (p=0.26).CONCLUSION: Body fat has a negative influence on functional performance, even among active elderly women.