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Despite significant efforts to control cancer progression and to improve oncology treatment outcomes, recurrence and tumor resistance are frequently observed in cancer patients. These problems are partly related to the presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been developed as a therapeutic approach for solid tumors; however, it remains unclear how this therapy can affect CSCs. In this review, we focus on the effects of PDT on CSCs and the possible changes in the CSC population after PDT exposure. Tumor response to PDT varies according to the photosensitizer and light parameters employed, but most studies have reported the successful elimination of CSCs after PDT. However, some studies have reported that CSCs were more resistant to PDT than non-CSCs due to the increased efflux of photosensitizer molecules and the action of autophagy. Additionally, using different PDT approaches to target the CSCs resulted in increased sensitivity, reduction of sphere formation, invasiveness, stem cell phenotype, and improved response to chemotherapy. Lastly, although mainly limited to in vitro studies, PDT, combined with targeted therapies and/or chemotherapy, could successfully target CSCs in different solid tumors and promote the reduction of stemness, suggesting a promising therapeutic approach requiring evaluation in robust pre-clinical studies.

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Since the introduction of the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas in Baja California Sur, Mexico, its culture has faced environmental challenges, specifically increasing temperatures that result in high mortalities. The inter-tidal zone seawater temperature during a year at the Baja California Peninsula broadly ranges from 7 °C to 39 °C. Therefore, to understand how oysters respond to heat stress during daily temperature oscillations, heat-resistant (RR, father, and mother resistant) and heat-susceptible (SS, both parents susceptible) phenotypes families from a C. gigas breeding program were exposed to a thermal challenge. Based on a laboratory-simulated daily oscillatory thermal challenge (26 to 34 °C) for 30 days, RR phenotype presented differences compared to SS phenotype since the beginning (day 0) of the thermal challenge. Gene expression analyses revealed 1822 differentially expressed up-regulated transcripts in RR, related to functions of metabolic processes, biological regulation, and response to stimulus and signaling. At the end of the experiment (day 30), 2660 differentially expressed up-regulated transcripts were identified in RR. Functional analysis of the genes expressed indicates responses of regulation of biological processes and response to a stimulus. Additionally, 340 genes were differentially expressed among RR vs. SS from the beginning to the end of the thermal challenge, where 170 genes were up-regulated, and 170 were down-regulated. These transcriptomic profiles represent the first report to identify gene expression markers associated with RR phenotypes for the Pacific oyster to the future broodstock selection.

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Mood disturbances such as anxiety and depression are common in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and impact negatively on their quality of life and disease course. An integrated multidisciplinary IBD team, which includes access to psychology and psychiatry opinion, makes possible the prompt recognition and management of psychological disturbance in patients with IBD. Based on our experience and existing literature, including systematic reviews of the effectiveness of available treatment modalities, a stepwise approach to the maintenance and restoration of psychological well-being is recommended, evolving upwards from lifestyle advice, through behavioural therapies to pharmacotherapy.

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BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] are often affected during their reproductive years and may have many perinatal queries that require the comprehensive perspectives of a multidisciplinary team [MDT]. The purpose of this topical review is to assess the scientific evidence and provide expert opinion related to nutritional, psychological and supportive care of women and their infants throughout the prenatal, antenatal and infant periods. METHODS: A consensus expert panel of a paediatrician, gastroenterologists, nurses and dietitians was convened by the European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation. This panel critically reviewed literature related to the non-medical management of patients with IBD during preconception, pregnancy, the postnatal period and the first years of the infant's life. Statements were developed using an e-Delphi process over two rounds and were confirmed when ≥80% of experts agreed with the statements. RESULTS: A total of 19 current practice positions were developed that cover the preconception period, pregnancy and lactation, and early-life exposures associated with risk of IBD. Development of the infant microbiome and its role in the immune system and topics including nutritional optimization, psychological support and education relating to early life were reviewed. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with IBD have unique nutritional and psychosocial needs that may affect fertility and pregnancy outcomes. The early-life environment of infants born to parents with IBD may be associated with subsequent development of IBD in offspring. An MDT is the optimal setting to support and counsel patients throughout the perinatal period.

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Resumo A fim de analisar as narrativas biográficas de mulheres agricultoras sobre seu papel como trabalhadoras no contexto da agroecologia, desenvolveu-se um estudo qualitativo exploratório. A partir de uma abordagem etnográfica, foram realizadas observações de campo e entrevistas em uma feira agroecológica. Com a informação coletada foi realizada uma análise temática por meio de uma abordagem indutiva. Evidenciou-se que as agricultoras vivenciam desafios associados aos estereótipos de gênero, à dupla jornada de trabalho, à invisibilidade de seu trabalho e à dificuldade em ocupar cargos de gestão. Diante dos desafios cotidianos, essas mulheres implementam práticas de transformação, que geram rupturas com os papéis tradicionais de gênero.

Resumen Con el fin de analizar las narrativas biográficas de las mujeres agricultoras sobre su papel como trabajadoras en el contexto de la agroecología, se desarrolló un estudio cualitativo exploratorio. A partir de un enfoque etnográfico, se realizaron observaciones de campo y entrevistas en una feria agroecológica. Con la información recolectada, se realizó un análisis temático con enfoque inductivo. Se evidenció que las mujeres agricultoras experimentan desafíos asociados a los estereotipos de género, la doble jornada laboral, la invisibilidad de su trabajo y la dificultad para ocupar puestos directivos. Frente a los desafíos cotidianos, estas mujeres implementan prácticas transformadoras que generan rupturas con los roles tradicionales de género.

Abstract In order to analyze the biographical narratives of women farmers about their role as workers in the context of agroecology, an exploratory qualitative study was developed. Based on an ethnographic approach, field observations and interviews were carried out at an agroecological fair. With the collected information, a thematic analysis was performed using an inductive approach. It was evident that female farmers experience challenges associated with gender stereotypes, double working hours, the invisibility of their work, and the difficulty in occupying management positions. Faced with everyday challenges, these women implement transformative practices that generate ruptures with traditional gender roles.

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The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of PDT using the photosensitizer 5-aminoulevulinic acid (5-ALA) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) behavior, mainly regarding its role on the cancer stem cell (CSC) phenotypes and in maintenance of the stem cell properties. Two OSCC cell lines were used and divided in the groups: Control, 5-ALA, LED 6 J/cm2 and PDT. MTT and Neutral red assays were used to access cellular viability, cell migration was evaluated by the wound healing assay. The stem cell phenotype was analyzed by flow cytometry to evaluate the CD44high/ESAhigh, CD44high/ESAlow and CD44low populations, by the clonogenic and tumor sphere formation assays as well as by RT-qPCR. The presence of Protoporphyrin IX in each CSC fraction was evaluated by flow cytometry. The OSCC cell lines showed a significant decrease in cell viability and migration after PDT. The percentage of CD44high/ESAhigh cells decreased after PDT, which was associated with an increase in the CD44low cells and with a functional decrease in the colony and sphere formation capacity. CD44high/ESAhigh cells showed increased PpIX, which contributed for their greater sensitivity to PDT. INV gene increased significantly after PDT, indicating cellular differentiation. Altogether, our results demonstrate that 5-ALA mediated PDT decreases not only the fraction of oral CSC but also their functional capabilities, inducing their differentiation.

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Disclaimer: This article is based on recommendations from the 12th WALT Congress, Nice, October 3-6, 2018, and a follow-up review of the existing data and the clinical observations of an international multidisciplinary panel of clinicians and researchers with expertise in the area of supportive care in cancer and/or PBM clinical application and dosimetry. This article is informational in nature. As with all clinical materials, this paper should be used with a clear understanding that continued research and practice could result in new insights and recommendations. The review reflects the collective opinion and, as such, does not necessarily represent the opinion of any individual author. In no event shall the authors be liable for any decision made or action taken in reliance on the proposed protocols. Objective: This position paper reviews the potential prophylactic and therapeutic effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) on side effects of cancer therapy, including chemotherapy (CT), radiation therapy (RT), and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Background: There is a considerable body of evidence supporting the efficacy of PBM for preventing oral mucositis (OM) in patients undergoing RT for head and neck cancer (HNC), CT, or HSCT. This could enhance patients' quality of life, adherence to the prescribed cancer therapy, and treatment outcomes while reducing the cost of cancer care. Methods: A literature review on PBM effectiveness and dosimetry considerations for managing certain complications of cancer therapy were conducted. A systematic review was conducted when numerous randomized controlled trials were available. Results were presented and discussed at an international consensus meeting at the World Association of photobiomoduLation Therapy (WALT) meeting in 2018 that included world expert oncologists, radiation oncologists, oral oncologists, and oral medicine professionals, physicists, engineers, and oncology researchers. The potential mechanism of action of PBM and evidence of PBM efficacy through reported outcomes for individual indications were assessed. Results: There is a large body of evidence demonstrating the efficacy of PBM for preventing OM in certain cancer patient populations, as recently outlined by the Multinational Association for Supportive Care in Cancer/International Society of Oral Oncology (MASCC/ISOO). Building on these, the WALT group outlines evidence and prescribed PBM treatment parameters for prophylactic and therapeutic use in supportive care for radiodermatitis, dysphagia, xerostomia, dysgeusia, trismus, mucosal and bone necrosis, lymphedema, hand-foot syndrome, alopecia, oral and dermatologic chronic graft-versus-host disease, voice/speech alterations, peripheral neuropathy, and late fibrosis amongst cancer survivors. Conclusions: There is robust evidence for using PBM to prevent and treat a broad range of complications in cancer care. Specific clinical practice guidelines or evidence-based expert consensus recommendations are provided. These recommendations are aimed at improving the clinical utilization of PBM therapy in supportive cancer care and promoting research in this field. It is anticipated these guidelines will be revised periodically.

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To evaluate the current state of the evidence regarding the association of silicone breast implantation with the onset of connective tissue diseases, constitutional symptoms, and rheumatic serological profile in adult women. A comprehensive search was carried out using MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science and Scopus, from inception to September 2, 2020. Cohort studies assessing the clinical and serological profile of women with cosmetic breast implants were included. Meta-analyses were conducted using risk ratios. A total of 10 cohorts with overall moderate quality of evidence were included in this systematic review. Exposure to silicone breast implants was slightly associated with the development of rheumatoid arthritis [RR: 1.35; (95% CI 1.08 to 1.68); P = .008; I2 = 0%]. However, no significant differences were exhibited between the breast implant-exposed population and controls regarding the rest of the outcomes. In adult women, exposure to silicone breast implantation is not associated with the onset of constitutional symptoms and most connective tissue diseases. A marginal association with rheumatoid arthritis was exhibited, but the certainty of this result is jeopardized by the significant amount of self-reported data for this outcome. Further research is required to adequately explore the clinical significance of these results.

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This narrative review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of PDT in early or advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). Scopus, MEDLINE/PubMed, and Embase were searched electronically following the PRISMA protocol. Quality assessment was performed according to JBI, NIH, and AMSTAR protocols. The main outcomes evaluated were treatment response, recurrence, survival, and adverse effects. A total of 49 articles met the search criteria: 43 case series, two cohort studies, two prospective before-after clinical trials, one systematic review, and one meta-analysis. Data from 2121 SCCHN patients were included. The response to PDT was variable according to the type of photosensitizer, tumor location, and tumor stage. In general, higher complete responses rated were observed in T1/T2 SCCHN, mainly with mTHPC-mediated PDT. With regard to T3/T4 or advanced SCCHN tumors, there is no compelling evidence suggesting the effectiveness of PDT. Any adverse effects reported were well tolerated by patients. The present review suggests that PDT is a promising treatment modality for early-stage SCCHN. Although there are limitations due to the low level of evidence of the included studies, we believe that the present review could help to design robust clinical trials to determine the efficacy of PDT in SCCHN.

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The modern field of biology has its roots in the curiosity and skill of amateur researchers and has never been purely the domain of professionals. Today, professionals and amateurs contribute to biology research, working both together and independently. Well-targeted and holistic investment in amateur biology research could bring a range of benefits that, in addition to positive societal benefits, may help to address the considerable challenges facing our planet in the 21st century. We highlight how recent advances in amateur biology have been facilitated by innovations in digital infrastructure as well as the development of community biology laboratories, launched over the last decade, and we provide recommendations for how individuals can support the integration of amateurs into biology research. The benefits of investment in amateur biology research could be many-fold, however, without a clear consideration of equity, efforts to promote amateur biology could exacerbate structural inequalities around access to and benefits from STEM. The future of the field of biology relies on integrating a diversity of perspectives and approaches-amateur biology researchers have an important role to play.

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Este artigo apresenta uma revisão sistemática da produção sobre a carreira científica das mulheres no Brasil, publicada no período de 2005 a 2019. Consultaram-se as bases de dados: Portal de Periódicos da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES/Brasil), Scielo, Web of Science e Scopus. Os descritores utilizados foram "Mulheres na ciência" AND Brasil* em português, inglês e espanhol. Os resultados evidenciam desafios enfrentados pelas pesquisadoras, como as dificuldades para avançar na carreira científica, os estereótipos sobre as mulheres na sociedade, situações de violência verbal, assédio, sobrecarrega de trabalho, dificuldades para conciliar o trabalho doméstico e de cuidado, com o de cientista. Conclui-se que a desigualdade de gênero ainda marca o contexto da ciência no Brasil.

This article presents a systematic review on the production about scientific career of Brazilian women, published between 2005 and 2019. The authors consulted the following databases: Portal of Scientific Journals from the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES/Brazil), Scielo, Web of Science, and Scopus. The descriptors used were "Women in Science" AND Brazil * in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. Results show challenges faced by the researchers, such as difficulties in advancing their scientific careers, stereotypes about women in society, situations of verbal violence, harassment, work overload, difficulties in reconciling domestic and caregiver work with that of a scientist. The conclusion is that gender inequality still characterizes the context of science in Brazil.

Este artículo presenta una revisión sistemática de la producción sobre la carrera científica de mujeres Brasileras, publicada en el periodo de 2005 a 2019. Fueron consultadas las bases de datos: Portal de Periódicos da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES), Scielo, Web of Science y Scopus. Los descriptores utilizados fueron "Mujeres en la ciencia" AND Brasil* en portugués, inglés y español. Los resultados evidencian desafíos que enfrentan las investigadoras, como dificultades para avanzar en la carrera, estereotipos sobre las mujeres, violencia verbal, acoso, sobrecarga de trabajo, dificultades para conciliar trabajo doméstico con trabajo científico. Se concluye que la desigualdad de género aún está presente en el contexto de la ciencia en Brasil.

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Patients with rheumatic diseases (RD) have a higher risk of morbidity and mortality from vaccine-preventable infections attributed to disease activity, comorbidities, immunosuppressive therapy, and other factors. Vaccines are one of the safest and most effective public health interventions. The aim of this study was to investigate knowledge and attitudes about influenza vaccination as factors influencing vaccine uptake and hesitancy in a population with RD. A descriptive cross-sectional study was designed. A self-administered questionnaire surveyed age, RD diagnosis, ten questions about the uptake, safety and efficacy of influenza vaccine, knowledge of cost-free availability, and the relationship between influenza vaccination and RD. A total of 223 questionnaires were filled; 79.8% of patients were vaccinated for influenza at least once. Uptake by diagnosis was 80.3% in rheumatoid arthritis, 76.2% in osteoarthritis, 86.7% in lupus, 73.9% in other auto-immune diseases (AID), and 60% in other non-AID; 83.9% of patients considered influenza vaccine as safe and effective. From those who had never been vaccinated, 26.7% of patients did not consider influenza vaccine safe and effective vs. 13.5% among patients who had been vaccinated (P = .032). Only 7.6% considered that RD patients could not be vaccinated; 11.7% thought that influenza vaccine would worsen their RD symptoms. This study showed that concerns about safety, efficacy, side effects, fear of the vaccine, and knowledge of cost diminished vaccine uptake. These are factors related to confidence, complacency, and convenience as components of vaccine hesitancy that affect influenza vaccination in RD patients.

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Trigeminal neuralgia is a recurrent episode of facial pain, that may be associated with other conditions such as multiple sclerosis, neoplasms, and nerve compromises or may occur due to an unknown cause. The available treatments are pharmacotherapy or surgery; however, both are susceptible to develop side effects. Photobiomodulation could be a promising alternative therapy for trigeminal neuralgia. A systematic review of literature was carried out using the PRISMA protocol, in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science databases. Risk of bias by ROB 2.0 protocol was performed in included studies. Initially, 20 identified articles were collected varying between the years of 1983-2018, from which 6 were included. A total of 193 patients were evaluated; photobiomodulation was compared to conventional therapies, TENS, and therapy combinations with pharmacotherapy. The overall risk of bias was low, with some concerns in the randomization and double-blinding process; moreover, there are few reports in the literature. Photobiomodulation appears to be as effective as conventional therapies, being a coadjutant therapeutic opportunity for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia.

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Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common head and neck malignancy; it has been shown that cancer stem cells (CSC) are present in OSCC and associated with tumor growth, invasion, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. Photobiomodulation (PBM) is an alternative tool for oncologic treatment adverse effects such as oral mucositis (OM); however, controversy exists regarding the undesirable effects of PBM on tumor or CSC. This study aimed to evaluate in vitro, the effects of PBM, with the same dosimetric parameters as those used in the clinic for OM prevention and treatment, on OSCC cellular viability, as well as PBM's effect on CSC properties and its phenotype. OSCC cell lines were submitted to single or daily PBM with 3 J/cm2 and 6 J/cm2 and then the cellular viability was evaluated by MTT, NRU (neutral red uptake), and CVS (crystal violet staining). The CSC populations were evaluated by clonogenic formation assay, flow cytometry, and RT-qPCR. The single PBM with the 3 J/cm2 group was associated with increased cellular viability. Daily PBM with 3 J/cm2 and 6 J/cm2 was associated with a significant decrease in cellular viability. Additionally, daily PBM was not able to promote CSC self-renewal or the CD44high/ESAlow and CD44high/ESAhigh cellular phenotypes. Moreover, a decrease in the number of spheres and in the expression of the CSC related gene BMI1 was observed after daily PBM with 6 J/cm2. Daily PBM with 3 J/cm2 and 6 J/cm2 showed an inhibitory effect on cellular viability and was not able to promote the CSC self-renewal or phenotype.

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In the hen oviduct, tubules have been identified that preserve the sperm, maintaining viability for up to 15 weeks. This study aimed to evaluate the physiological status of rooster sperm when preserved in vitro with uterus vaginal junction secretions (UVJS). Males and females of the Rhode Island breed were used. Sperm aliquots were prepared using Lake extender and Lake extender with UVJS (10.00%, 30.00%, 60.00%, and 90.00%). Subsequently, a basic sperm evaluation was performed and sperm physiological status was determined through the presence and distribution of Ca2+ and its acrosomal reaction capability via perivitelline layer (PVL) co-incubation. It was observed that motility was decreased in sperm preserved with UVJS at 6 and 24 hr) compared to 40 min and fresh semen. The sperm decapacitation percentage was increased when preserved with UVJS at 40 min, 6 and 24 hr compared to fresh semen. The acrosomal reaction was increased in sperm co-incubated with PVL, even when preserved with UVJS. It was concluded that UVJS induced physiological changes in sperm by inducing a decapacitation process, which increased sperm viability when preserved in vitro.

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Nowadays, the third part of parrots in the world is endangered or vulnerable; an alternative for their preservation is assisted reproduction in captivity through hormonal manipulation. In birds, GnRH is the main hormone which controls reproductive physiology, it is known there are three types: GnRH-I, GnRH-II and GnRH-III, involved in the release or inhibition of luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulant hormone to control gonadal and gametic development. The objective of this study was, to evaluate the effect of administrating synthetic GnRH-I in the testicular development of Melopsittacus undulatus. Twenty-eight adult budgerigars were randomly divided in two groups: control (n=14) and treated (n=14) with a unique dose of synthetic GnRH-I. Testicular development was assessed through ultrasonography and density was evaluated with pixels. Germinal diameter and thickness of germinal epithelium were determined with histology; there were identified and countified different cellular strains in seminiferous tubules therefore spermatobioscopy. Results. Ecographic density was: control group: 76 ± 7 pixels, treated group 41 ± 3 pixels. Thickness of germinal epitellium, 51.5 ± 2.9µm and 73.1 ± 3.1µm, for control group and treated group respectively. Sperm concentration in the treated group was 300% superior than in control group. It is concluded that the administration of synthetic GnRH-I, is a viable alternative to be used as part of the assisted reproductive techniques to induce reproduction.

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BACKGROUND: The GEMINI trials established the efficacy of vedolizumab in moderate-to-severe inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and demonstrated a favorable safety profile, suggesting it may be advantageous in older patients at greater risk of treatment-related complications. However, there is a paucity of data exploring the outcomes of vedolizumab in this group. Our objective was to determine the clinical effectiveness and safety of vedolizumab in older IBD patients within a real-world multicenter UK cohort. METHODS: A retrospective review of electronic records across 6 UK hospitals was undertaken to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety outcomes of vedolizumab in IBD patients aged ≥60 at start of therapy. Rates of clinical response, remission and corticosteroid-free remission were assessed at weeks 14 and 52, using validated clinical indices, and were compared to historical controls from real-world vedolizumab-treated cohorts unstratified by age. RESULTS: Of 74 patients aged 60 years or above (median 66 years), 48 were included in our effectiveness analysis (29 ulcerative colitis, 19 Crohn's disease). Rates of clinical response, remission and corticosteroid-free remission at week 14 were 64%, 48% and 30%, respectively. By week 52, the rates of clinical response, remission, and corticosteroid-free remission were 52%, 38%, and 32%, respectively. Six (8%) patients experienced adverse effects. Effectiveness and safety outcomes were comparable to those of age-unstratified vedolizumab-treated cohorts. CONCLUSION: Our 1-year outcome data suggests that vedolizumab is safe and effective in older IBD patients and broadly comparable to cohorts unselected by age.

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The fem-1 gene in Caenorhabditis elegans is involved in sex differentiation; it is specifically required for all aspects of male development. In this study, the full-length cDNA of the fem-1 (Pvfem-1) gene was isolated from the Pacific whiteleg shrimp Penaeus vannamei. The Pvfem-1 transcript is 3778 nt long and encodes a putative protein (PvFEM-1) of 638 amino acids that presented eight ankyrin repeats. The translated protein showed a significant (P < 0.05) structural similitude by superposition with C. elegans FEM-1 protein. Pvfem-1 expression was evaluated by qPCR and in situ hybridization (ISH) during embryogenesis, larval development, and gonads of both genders in subadult and adult life stages. Pvfem-1 was found expressed in brain, intestine, hepatopancreas, and in the gonads of both genders in subadults and adults when quantified by RT-qPCR. A significant finding was the discovery of a natural antisense transcript (NAT) of Pvfem-1 by ISH. It was present in the oocyte nucleus of subadult female shrimp gonads but was not seen within oocytes from adult females, although it was detected in follicular cells, suggesting a possible post-transcriptional regulation of Pvfem-1 in female gonad. Conversely, in males, no NAT was observed, and Pvfem-1 was found expressed in spermatogonia of both, subadult and adult shrimps indicating a function in male sexual differentiation and gametes generation. This study represents the first step for future functional analysis that is expected to contribute to clarifying the role of Pvfem-1 in sex differentiation and determination.

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