Introduction: Medulloblastomas are the most common solid tumors of childhood and many studies seek to develop new chemotherapy drugs by identifying genes whose expression is new molecular targets for drugs, such as membrane receptors associated with cell replication. Objective: To review existing knowledge about the association of CD114 expression with mortality in medulloblastoma. Method: Narrative review collecting information with material for reading and analysis selected from research on virtual platforms (SciELO, Pubmed and Scopus). Initially, a search was carried out for descriptors related to the topic, which were identified through MESH using the following terms: “neurosurgery, surgical oncology, molecular targeted therapy, medulloblastoma” with AND or OR search, considering the title and/or abstract. After, the search was carried out, the title and abstract were analyzed and those that could be included were read in full. Results: 23 articles were included. Conclusion: There is no direct relationship between the expression of the CD114 membrane receptor and mortality in patients with medulloblastoma, and additional studies should be carried out on the intracellular signaling pathways associated with this receptor and its gene, CSF3R

Introdução: Meduloblastomas são os tumores sólidos mais comuns da infância e muitos estudos buscam desenvolvimento de novos quimioterápicos com a identificação de genes cuja expressão sejam novos alvos moleculares para drogas, como receptores de membrana associados à replicação celular. Objetivo: Revisar o cohecimento existente sobre a associação da expressão de CD114 com a mortalidade no meduloblastoma. Método: Revisão narrativa colhendo informações com o material para leitura e análise selecionado a partir de pesquisa em plataformas virtuais (SciELO, Pubmed e Scopus). Inicialmente foi realizada busca por descritores relacionados ao tema, os quais foram identificados por meio do DeCS utilizando os seguintes termos: “neurocirurgia, oncologia cirúrgica, terapia de alvo molecular, meduloblastoma” ” e seus equivalentes em inglês  “neurosurgery, surgical oncology, molecular targeted therapy, medulloblastoma” com busca AND ou OR, considerando o título e/ou resumo. Feita a busca, foi realizada análise do título, resumo e lidos na íntegra aqueles que poderiam ser incluídos.  Resultados: Foram incluídos 23 artigos. Conclusão: Não há relação direta entre a expressão do receptor de membrana CD114 e a mortalidade em pacientes portadores de meduloblastoma e estudos adicionais devem ser feitos sobre as vias de sinalização intracelulares associadas a esse receptor e ao seu gene, o CSF3R.

Abstract For oxide semiconductors for application in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), titanium dioxide conjugated with zinc oxide thin films was synthesized and characterized. The UV (ultraviolet) spectrum characterization showed a peak of absorbance at around 355 nm, with a band gap of 3.25 eV and reflectance around 85%. Such characteristics allowed the fabrication of DSSCs with N719 dye, under simulated light of 100 mW/cm2. The highest efficiency of 1.17% was at 5% titanium dioxide and 4 h of dye immersion.

Abstract Objective Most deaths in Pediatric Intensive Care Units involve forgoing life-sustaining treatment. Such deaths required carefully planned end-of-life care built on compassion and focused on palliative care measures. This study aims to assess topics related to the end of life care in Brazilian pediatric intensive care units from the perspective of a multidisciplinary team. Method The authors used a tested questionnaire, utilizing Likert-style and open-ended questions. After ethics committee approval, it was sent by email from September to November/2019 to three Pediatric Intensive Care Units in the South and Southeast of Brazil. One unit was exclusively dedicated to oncology patients; the others were mixed units. Results From 144 surveys collected (23% response rate) 136 were analyzed, with 35% physicians, 30% nurses, 21% nurse technicians, and 14% physiotherapists responding. Overall, only 12% reported enough end-of-life care training and 40% reported never having had any, albeit this was not associated with the physician's confidence in forgoing life-sustaining treatment. Furthermore, 60% of physicians and 46% of other professionals were more comfortable with non-escalation than withdrawing therapies, even if this could prolong suffering. All physicians were uncomfortable with palliative extubation; 15% of all professionals have witnessed it. The oncologic team uniquely felt that “resistance from the teams of specialists” was the main barrier to end-of-life care implementation. Conclusion Most professionals felt unprepared to forego life-sustaining treatment. Even for terminally ill patients, withholding is preferred over the withdrawal of treatment. Socio-cultural barriers and the lack of adequate training may be contributing to insecurity in the care of terminally ill patients, diverging from practices in other countries.

Abstract Objective: To investigate the role of Complex Chronic Conditions (CCCs) on the outcomes of pediatric patients with refractory septic shock, as well as the accuracy of PELOD-2 and Vasoactive Inotropic Score (VIS) to predict mortality in this specific population. Methods: This is a single-center, retrospective cohort study. All patients diagnosed with septic shock requiring vasoactive drugs admitted to a 13-bed PICU in southern Brazil, between January 2016 and July 2018, were included. Clinical and demographic characteristics, presence of CCCs and VIS, and PELOD-2 scores were accessed by reviewing electronic medical records. The main outcome was considered PICU mortality. Results: 218 patients with septic shock requiring vasoactive drugs were identified in the 30-month period and 72% of them had at least one CCC. Overall mortality was 22%. Comparing to patients without previous comorbidities, those with CCCs had a higher mortality (26.7% vs 9.8%; OR = 3.4 [1.3–8.4]) and longer hospital length of stay (29.3 vs 14.8; OR 2.39 [1.1–5.3]). Among the subgroups of CCCs, “Malignancy” was particularly associated with mortality (OR = 2.3 [1.0–5.1]). VIS and PELOD-2 scores in 24 and 48 hours were associated with mortality and a PELOD-2 in 48 hours > 8 had the best performance in predicting mortality in patients with CCC (AUROC = 0.89). Conclusion: Patients with CCCs accounted for the majority of those admitted to the PICU with septic shock and related to poor outcomes. The high prevalence of hospitalizations, use of resources, and significant mortality determine that patients with CCCs should be considered a priority in the healthcare system.

Abstract Semiconductors, such as zinc oxide (ZnO), are used in different scientific fields, including energy. This study applied ZnO thin films on a photovoltaic cell, specifically a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC). ZnO was used in solar cells due to its characteristics such as electronic mobility. Electrophoretic deposition (EPD) is an efficient method to deposit thin films since it can be done at room temperature and its parameters can be easily controlled. ZnO thin films were deposited on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) glass, changing the tension parameter, and used in a DSSC, with different dye immersion times, between 7 and 24 h, to observe time effects on cell efficiency. For lower tension, 30 and 40 V, 7 h improved the cell efficiency, and at 50 V, 24 h favored the current density and efficiency. The highest efficiency was for the photoanode EPD deposited at 50 V, for 24 h dye immersion, at about 2.68%, and photocurrent of 13.55 mA/cm2.

RESUMO Neste trabalho estudamos algumas propriedades qualitativas da equação de Allen-Cahn. Esta equação tem sido amplamente estudada em diversas áreas da ciência e principalmente na evolução de microestruturas durante o processo de solidificação de um metal puro ou liga metálica. Os principais resultados obtidos são: a solução exata, a energia de Ginzburg-Landau e a propriedade de decaimento exponencial da energia total do modelo. A solução exata do problema foi obtida pelo método da separação de variáveis, graças a uma escolha adequada do coeficiente de reação. Em relação a estabilização exponencial da energia total das soluções, usamos técnicas multiplicativas para estabelecer a lei de dissipação da energia e, em seguida, usamos algumas desigualdades clássicas da análise matemática para construir a estimativa de decaimento exponencial.

ABSTRACT In this work we study some qualitative properties of the Allen-Cahn equation. This equation has been studied widely in several areas of science and mainly in the evolution of micro-structures during the solidification process of a pure metal or metallic alloy. The main results achieved are: the exact solution, the energy of Ginzburg-Landau and the exponential decay property of the total energy of the model. The exact solution of the problem was built from variables separation method thanks to a particular choice of the coefficient of reaction. In respect to the exponential stabilization of the total energy of solutions, we use the multiplicative techniques in order to establish the energy dissipation law and in the following we use classical inequalities of the mathematical analysis to build the estimate of exponential decay.

Resumo O envelhecimento da população aumenta a incidência dos processos degenerativos osteomusculares, como a escoliose do adulto (EA). A EA é definida como uma deformidade da coluna no plano coronal com ângulo de Cobb > 10º e pode ocorrer devido a um processo degenerativo (escoliose de novo), evolução de uma escoliose pré-existente ou de forma iatrogênica. A EA é uma doença potencialmente limitante que acomete um grupo heterogêneo de pacientes. O tratamento clínico se mostrou pouco efetivo e a indicação cirúrgica é frequente. No presente artigo, é apresentada uma revisão sobre a fisiopatologia, a manifestação clínica e o diagnóstico da EA. Também são apresentadas as indicações cirúrgicas e as principais técnicas utilizadas atualmente.

Abstract Populational aging increases the incidence of musculoskeletal degenerative processes, such as adult scoliosis (AS). Adult scoliosis is defined as a spinal deformity in the coronal plane with a Cobb angle > 10º. Adult scoliosis may be iatrogenic or result from a degenerative process (scoliosis de novo) or a pre-existing scoliosis. Adult scoliosis is a potentially limiting condition that affects a heterogeneous group of patients. Clinical treatment proved to be ineffective and surgery is often indicated. The present paper reviews AS pathophysiology, clinical presentation and diagnosis, in addition to surgical indications and the main techniques currently used.

RESUMO Inúmeras doenças determinam dano intersticial crônico no parênquima pulmonar e são agrupadas com a denominação de pneumopatias intersticiais fibrosantes, incluindo fibrose pulmonar idiopática, doenças do colágeno, sarcoidose, pneumonite por hipersensibilidade fibrótica etc. Entre os métodos complementares à avaliação clínica, a TCAR tem um papel relevante. Perspectivas atuais de tratamento são encorajadoras e reforçam a necessidade de realização de estudos com técnica adequada, visando a detecção confiável de acometimento intersticial fibrosante o mais precocemente possível. Embora esforços tenham sido direcionados nesse sentido, o significado e manejo de anormalidades pulmonares intersticiais incipientes, detectadas nos estudos de imagem, ainda não são claros. Uma vez detectado o acometimento fibrosante, é importante que o radiologista conheça aspectos característicos de determinados padrões morfológicos e reconheça elementos que possam apontar para entidades clínicas específicas. Em casos nos quais a especificidade dos achados não é suficiente para a suspeição diagnóstica, as imagens de TC servem de guia para a escolha de sítios para biópsia cirúrgica. O seguimento evolutivo é útil para a determinação de pneumopatias fibrosantes progressivas e para a detecção de complicações não relacionadas à doença de base, como infecções, exacerbação aguda e neoplasias. Ferramentas automatizadas de quantificação têm aplicabilidade clínica e devem estar acessíveis para a análise imagética no futuro próximo. Além disso, a incorporação da avaliação tomográfica a escores com parâmetros clínicos e funcionais de estadiamento do acometimento fibrosante poderá se tornar valiosa na determinação prognóstica. O conhecimento das diversas aplicabilidades clínicas do método tomográfico é fundamental aos especialistas que acompanham esses pacientes, podendo impactar positivamente sua trajetória clínica.

ABSTRACT Many conditions result in chronic interstitial lung disease (ILD), being classified as fibrosing ILDs, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, connective tissue diseases, sarcoidosis, and fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis. HRCT plays an important role in the clinical evaluation of fibrosing ILDs. Current treatment perspectives are encouraging and reinforce the need for HRCT scans of adequate technical quality for early detection of fibrosing ILD. Despite efforts in this regard, the significance and management of imaging findings of early interstitial lung abnormalities have yet to be clarified. After identification of CT findings consistent with fibrosing ILD, radiologists must be able to identify characteristic morphological patterns and, in some cases, features of specific clinical entities. In cases in which HRCT features are not sufficiently specific for a definitive diagnosis, HRCT can aid in selecting the best site for surgical lung biopsy. CT follow-up is useful for identifying progressive fibrosing ILDs and detecting complications unrelated to the underlying disease, including infections, acute exacerbations, and neoplasms. Automated quantification tools have clinical applicability and are likely to be available for use in imaging analysis in the near future. In addition, incorporation of CT evaluation into scoring systems based on clinical and functional parameters for staging fibrosing disease is likely to become valuable in determining prognosis. Knowledge of the clinical applications of CT evaluation is essential for specialists managing patients with fibrosing ILD and can have a positive impact on the clinical course of the disease.

Abstract Background: Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are the sixth leading causes of death worldwide; monitoring them is fundamental, especially in patients with disorders like chronic rheumatic diseases (CRDs). The study aimed to describe the ADRs investigating their severity and associated factors and resulting interventions in pediatric patients with CRDs. Methods: A retrospective, descriptive and analytical study was conducted on a cohort of children and adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) and juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM). The study evaluated medical records of the patients to determine the causality and the management of ADRs. In order to investigate the risk factors that would increase the risk of ADRs, a logistic regression model was carried out on a group of patients treated with the main used drug. Results: We observed 949 ADRs in 547 patients studied. Methotrexate (MTX) was the most frequently used medication and also the cause of the most ADRs, which occurred in 63.3% of patients, followed by glucocorticoids (GCs). Comparing synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (sDMARDs) vs biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs), the ADRs attributed to the former were by far higher than the latter. In general, the severity of ADRs was moderate and manageable. Drug withdrawal occurred in almost a quarter of the cases. In terms of risk factors, most patients who experienced ADRs due to MTX, were 16 years old or younger and received MTX in doses equal or higher than 0.6 mg/kg/week. Patients with JIA and JDM had a lower risk of ADRs than patients with JSLE. In the multiple regression model, the use of GCs for over 6 months led to an increase of 0.5% in the number of ADRs. Conclusions: Although the ADRs highly likely affect a wide range of children and adolescents with CRDs they were considered moderate and manageable cases mostly. However, triggers of ADRs need further investigations.