ABSTRACT Non-B DNA structures represent alternative conformations to the canonical double helix, characterized by unconventional base pairing that diverge from the Watson-Crick model. Among these, the i-motifs, formed in cytosine-rich regions, has attracted considerable attention due to its potential regulatory roles. This review examines the molecular mechanisms underlying the formation and stability of i-motifs, which rely on hydrogen bonding between protonated cytosines. These structures can form under slightly acidic and even neutral pH conditions, depending on the DNA sequence context. […]

ABSTRACT This essay examines human enhancement drugs – particularly anabolic-androgenic steroids – through the lens of public health theory from the Global South. It critiques prohibitionist policies, which criminalize users while disregarding social determinants, as well as extreme relativism, which reduces consumption to individual autonomy alone. In contrast, harm reduction emerges as an evidence-based, user-centered approach that rejects criminalization, upholds human rights, and provides contextualized health responses. By reframing anabolic-androgenic steroids as human enhancement drugs, the analysis promotes a less […]

ABSTRACT This essay presents a political-philosophical reflection on the need to reconstruct health practices in order to make them more effective and sensitive in identifying and responding to the needs of diverse individuals and populations. To this end, it draws on the experience of health sector reforms in Brazil and the development of the Brazilian Public Health System, focusing in particular on the relevance of three conceptual constructs associated with this process: comprehensiveness, vulnerability, and care. Inspired by philosophical hermeneutics […]

ABSTRACT Background: Hospital malnutrition has been studied for decades; however, its prevalence remains high, and research in this area is still relevant. Nutritional screening and assessment tools are routinely used in hospital settings. Objective: We aimed to describe and discuss the general characteristics of studies that used nutritional screening and assessment instruments in hospitalized adult populations, with a focus on clinical outcomes. Methods: We conducted a systematic review without meta-analysis. Eligible studies were original prospective or retrospective studies published in […]

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this meta-analysis was to determine the efficacy and safety of percutaneous irreversible electroporation combined with immunotherapy compared with irreversible electroporation alone in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer. Methods: We systematically searched Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and PubMed/Medline for relevant studies. The outcomes of interest were progression-free survival, overall survival, carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) levels, and adverse events. Progression-free survival and overall survival were assessed using pooled hazard ratios (HR), odds […]

ABSTRACT Background Computational modeling of human circulatory system has evolved significantly in recent decades. Among the various modeling strategies, one-dimensional (1D) models have emerged as alternatives to more complex models because of their balance between physiological accuracy and computational efficiency. Objective This scoping review aimed to summarize and compare the studies on 1D computational models of the entire circulatory system, including those that incorporated additional 0D and 3D components. Methods A systematic search was performed for studies on computational 1D […]

ABSTRACT This study explores the potential impact of Artificial Intelligence on narrative literature reviews in academic research. The literature review process involves finding, analyzing, and synthesizing relevant literature and is crucial for situating new research within existing knowledge. The integration of Artificial Intelligence tools, specifically Large Language Models such as the Generative Pre-Trained Transformer series, can significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of this process. This paper outlines the steps involved in conducting a literature review and examines how Artificial […]

ABSTRACT Objective: This scoping review evaluated the efficacy of topical tranexamic acid powder, prepared from crushed tablets, for bleeding prevention during minor oral surgical procedures. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in accordance with PRISMA-ScR guidelines across MEDLINE/PubMed, Elsevier, Embase, BVSalud, Web of Science, and Periódicos CAPES. Studies investigating topical tranexamic acid in powder form for minor dental procedures were included. Reviews, in vitro or animal studies, and investigations focusing on systemic, injectable, or mouthwash formulations of tranexamic acid […]

ABSTRACT Fetal anesthesia plays a critical role in ensuring maternal and fetal safety and optimizing outcomes during fetal surgical interventions. Despite its importance, there is currently no consensus regarding optimal anesthetic strategies for these procedures. This narrative review explores the principal types of fetal surgery, including minimally invasive and fetoscopic procedures, open fetal surgery, and Ex Utero Intrapartum Treatment, with particular emphasis on the factors influencing anesthetic decision-making. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across SciELO, PubMed, and Google Scholar, […]

ABSTRACT The set of somatic mutations present in a human tumor is a record of one or more mutational processes, each of which leaves distinct “signature” of mutation types. Mutation types can be classified in various ways, the most straightforward being the base change induced by a single-base substitution (e.g., C>A, T>G, etc.). The advent of high-throughput DNA sequencing has facilitated the comprehensive, genome-wide assessment of mutation types in human tumors. This has spurred the development of methodology to tease […]