Highlights One-step synthesis provides affordable, stable, and biocompatible nanoparticles. PEG-coated gold nanoparticles exhibited very low cytotoxicity effects. This in vivo study did not reveal hematopoietic, renal, or hepatic alterations. The histopathological analysis did not present any tissue or cellular damage. ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the in vitro and in vivo toxicities of polyethylene glycol-coated gold nanoparticles synthesized using a one-step process. Methods: Gold nanoparticles were prepared via a co-precipitation method using polyethylene glycol, and the synthesis product was characterized. For […]

Highlights The average age was 4.34±2.56 years. Highest prevalence in Brown and White races. Highest prevalence rate was found in the Southeast, followed by the Central-West and South. The majority of analyzed cases progressed to hospitalization. Prevalent respiratory failure, hematemesis, and melena are associated with both. Prevalence of changes in the level of consciousness, which is important at the central nervous system level. ABSTRACT Objective: The prevalent symptoms of severe dengue in pediatric patients are divided into three subgroups: severe […]

Highlights This study focused on a prenatal biocellulose-based repair technique for open spina bifida that was performed at a later gestational age (26–28 weeks). Myelomeningocele repair involves placode and myofascial flap dissections, with the placement of a biocellulose patch that contributes to successful outcomes, by inducing the formation of a neodurameter. Only 4.4% of patients required cord untethering, indicating a notably low rate of tethered cord syndrome associated with the procedure, especially when compared with other prenatal myelomeningocele-correction techniques. The […]

Highlights High internet use: 92% of pregnant women used the internet to access health information during prenatal care. Top search topics: fetal development, nutrition, and childbirth were the primary topics of interest. Doctor-patient discussions: 88.1% discussed online findings with doctors, emphasizing patient engagement. No impact on delivery route: despite extensive internet use, no statistical impact on delivery route choice was observed. ABSTRACT Objective: The search for medical information on the internet is a part of people’s daily lives. Exponential volumes […]

Highlights Approximately 95% of the measles cases reported occurred in unvaccinated individuals. O ur findings revealed that socioeconomic factors influence the spread of the disease. Visual analytics enhanced epidemiological analysis. ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to present a temporal and spatial analysis of the 2018 measles outbreak in Brazil, particularly in the metropolitan city of Manaus in the Amazon region, and further introduce a new tool for spatial analysis. Methods: We analyzed the geographical data of the residences of over […]

Highlights Sociodemographic, clinical, and lifestyle factors impact the quality of life of breast cancer survivors. Breast cancer therapy may affect future perspectives and emotional, cognitive, and sexual function. Some aspects of quality of life still require attention from health professionals. ABSTRACT Objective: Patients with cancer often undergo multiple extended treatments that decrease their quality of life. However, the quality of life of women with breast cancer after they undergo treatment remains underexplored in Brazil. Therefore, this study determined sociodemographic, behavioral, […]

Highlights Developed models to forecast bed occupancy for up to 14 days and monitored errors for 365 days. Telemedicine calls from COVID-19 patients correlated withthe number of patients hospitalized in the next 8 days. ABSTRACT Objective: To develop and validate predictive models to estimate the number of COVID-19 patients hospitalized in the intensive care units and general wards of a private not-for-profit hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. Methods: Two main models were developed. The first model calculated hospital occupation as […]

Highlights Higher levels of HIF-1α in patients with peri-implantitis occurred possibly due to persistent hypoxia triggered by inflammation. Tissue hypoxia in peri-implantitis induced increase in HIF-1α consequently increased VEGF and angiogenesis, contributing to the persistence of inflammation. ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to compare the levels of HIF1-α, VEGF, TNF-α, and IL-10 in the periimplant crevicular fluid of patients with and without peri-implantitis. Methods: Forty patients, comprising 16 with and 24 without peri-implantitis were selected. Results: Patients with peri-implantitis exhibited […]

Highlights Sitting time increased in 73.9% of women and 84.9% of men at the onset of the pandemic. Physical activity was practiced by 23.9% of women and 39.6% of men at the onset of the pandemic. The prevalence of both women and men reporting physical mobility difficulties increased at follow-up. Hospitalization rates for reasons unrelated to COVID-19 have increased in both women and men. ABSTRACT Objective: This study analyzed the impact of sex on self-reported health and lifestyle parameters in […]

Highlights The overall incidence of febrile neutropenia in the study population was 13.4% (31 cases) Brand-name docetaxel (Taxotere®) use was the only factor associated with the occurrence of febrile neutropenia. No statistically significant differences in progression-free survival rates between brand-name and generic docetaxel. ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the incidence of febrile neutropenia without primary granulocyte colonystimulating factor prophylaxis in patients undergoing chemotherapy with adjuvant docetaxel and cyclophosphamide, and to evaluate the toxicity profile of brand-name docetaxel (Taxotere®) and the generic […]