São Paulo medical journal = Revista paulista de medicina
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The human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) enzyme, encoded by the hTERT gene, synthesizes protective telomeric sequences on chromosomes and plays a fundamental role in cancer formation. Methylation of the hTERT gene has an upregulatory effect, increasing hTERT enzyme synthesis and allowing continuous tumor cell division. ⋯ Only one-third of patients displayed methylation in their cfDNA, which may be related to the success of chemotherapy.
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Congenital Anomalies of the Upper Limb (CAUL) are a group of structural or functional abnormalities that develop during intrauterine life and can lead to limb dysfunction. ⋯ There was an observed increase in the reporting of CAUL cases over the decade studied. This trend serves as an alert for health agencies, as understanding the prevalence of CAUL and its associated factors is crucial for preventive medicine.
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Some maternal characteristics are related to alcohol intake during pregnancy, which irreversibly compromises the maternal-fetal binomial integrity. ⋯ Alcohol intake during pregnancy is common and affects nearly one-third of pregnant women. Knowledge of the population at risk and protective factors is essential for the development of campaigns that seek to reduce consumption and, therefore, its consequences for the mother and fetus.
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Osteoporosis, characterized by decreased bone density and increased fracture risk, imposes significant physical, psychosocial, and financial burdens. Early detection and prevention are crucial for managing osteoporosis and reducing the risk of fractures. ⋯ This study confirmed that both adolescent and adult individuals seropositive for Hepatitis A antibodies had reduced BMD among both adolescents and adults, especially in the adult group. This finding suggests a possible link between Hepatitis A infection and risk of osteoporosis.
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Vaccination hesitation spans from historical diseases such as smallpox to the current challenges with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). In Brazil, vaccination faces obstacles related to trust and convenience. Despite the National Immunization Program, fear of adverse effects as well as misinformation challenge confidence in vaccines, and anti-vaccine movements have gained momentum. ⋯ This study emphasizes the importance of childhood health decisions, indicating the need to build trust in vaccines, tailor health policies, and investigate the causes of distrust to promote childhood immunizations.