Senescence on Dental Pulp Cells: Effects on Morphology, Migration, Proliferation, and Immune Response.

INTRODUCTION: Evidence indicates that senescence can affect essential dental pulp functions, such as defense capacity and repair, consequently affecting the successes of conservative endodontic treatments. This study aims to evaluate the effects of senescence on the morphology, migration, proliferation, and immune response of human dental pulp cells. METHODS: Cells were treated with doxorubicin to induce senescence, confirmed by ß-galactosidase staining. Morphological changes, cellular proliferation, and migration were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, trypan blue cells, and the scratch method, respectively. Modifications in the immune response were evaluated by measuring the genes for pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin (IL)-6 and anti-inflammatory cytokines transforming growth factor beta 1 and IL-10 using the real time polymerase chain reaction assay. RESULTS: An increase in cell size and a decrease in the number of extensions were observed in senescent cells. A reduction in the proliferative and migratory capacity was also found in senescent cells. In addition, there was an increase in the gene expression of inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha and IL-6 and a decrease in the gene expression of IL-10 and transforming growth factor beta-1, suggesting an exacerbated inflammatory situation associated with immunosuppression. CONCLUSIONS: Cellular senescence is possibly a condition that affects prognoses of conservative endodontic treatments, as it affects primordial cellular functions related to this treatment.

Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation in Animal Model Studies: From Neural Mechanisms to Biological Effects for Analgesia.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic and meta-analysis review evaluated the transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)-induced action mechanisms for animal analgesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two independent investigators identified relevant articles published until February 2021 through a literature review, and a random-effects meta-analysis was performed to synthesize the results. RESULTS: Of the 6984 studies found in the data base search, 53 full-text articles were selected and used in the systematic review. Most studies used Sprague Dawley rats (66.03%). High-frequency TENS was applied to at least one group in 47 studies, and most applications were performed for 20 minutes (64.15%). Mechanical hyperalgesia was analyzed as the primary outcome in 52.83% of the studies and thermal hyperalgesia in 23.07% of studies using a heated surface. More than 50% of the studies showed a low risk of bias on allocation concealment, random housing, selective outcome reporting, and acclimatization before the behavioral tests. Blinding was not performed in only one study and random outcome assessment in another study; acclimatization before the behavioral tests was not performed in just one study. Many studies had an uncertain risk of bias. Meta-analyses indicated no difference between low-frequency and high-frequency TENS with variations among the pain models. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that TENS has presented a substantial scientific foundation for its hypoalgesic effect in preclinical studies for analgesia.

Mechanisms Involved in the Therapeutic Effect of Cannabinoid Compounds on Gliomas: A Review with Experimental Approach.

INTRODUCTION: Brain tumors have high morbidity and mortality rates, accounting for 1.4% of all cancers. Gliomas are the most common primary brain tumors in adults. Currently, several therapeutic approaches are used; however, they are associated with side effects that affect patients'quality of life. Therefore, further studies are needed to develop novel therapeutic protocols with a more favorable side effect profile. In this context, cannabinoid compounds may serve as potential alternatives. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to review the key enzymatic targets involved in glioma pathophysiology and evaluate the potential interaction of these targets with four cannabinoid derivatives through molecular docking simulations. METHODS: Molecular docking simulations were performed using four cannabinoid compounds and six molecular targets associated with glioma pathophysiology. RESULTS: Encouraging interactions between the selected enzymes and glioma-related targets were observed, suggesting their potential activity through these pathways. In particular, cannabigerol showed promising interactions with epidermal growth factor receptors and phosphatidylinositol 3- kinase, while Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol showed remarkable interactions with telomerase reverse transcriptase. CONCLUSION: The evaluated compounds exhibited favorable interactions with the analyzed enzymatic targets, thus representing potential candidates for further in vitro and in vivo studies.

Microbiological, physicomechanical, and surface evaluation of an experimental self-curing acrylic resin containing halloysite nanotubes doped with chlorhexidine.

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to synthesize halloysite nanotubes loaded with chlorhexidine (HNT/CHX) and evaluate the antimicrobial activity, microhardness, color change, and surface characteristics of an experimental self-curing acrylic resin containing varying concentrations of the synthesized nanomaterial. METHODS: The characterization of HNT/CHX was carried out by calculating incorporation efficiency, morphological and compositional, chemical and thermal evaluations. SAR disks were made containing 0 %, 3 %, 5 %, and 10 % of HNT/CHX. Specimens (n = 3) were immersed in distilled water and spectral measurements were carried out using UV/Vis spectroscopy to evaluate the release of CHX for up to 50 days. The antimicrobial activity of the composite against Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans was evaluated by disk-diffusion test. Microhardness, color analyses (ΔE), and surface roughness (Ra) (n = 9) were performed before and after 30 days of immersion. Data were analyzed using ANOVA/Bonferroni. {Results.} The incorporation efficiency of CHX into HNT was of 8.15 %. All test groups showed controlled and cumulative CHX release up to 30 or 50 days. Significant antimicrobial activity was verified against both microorganisms (p < 0.001). After the 30-day immersion period, the 10 % HNT/CHX group showed a significant increase in hardness (p < 0.05) and a progressive color change (p < 0.001). At T0, the 5 % and 10 % groups exhibited Ra values similar to the control group (p > 0.05), while at T30, all groups showed similar roughness values (p > 0.05). {Significance.} The modification of a SAR with HNT/CHX provides antimicrobial effect and controlled release of CHX, however, the immediate surface roughness in the 3 % group was compromised when compared to the control group.

Methyleugenol Has an Antidepressant Effect in a Neuroendocrine Model: In Silico and In Vivo Evidence.

Major depressive disorder is a severe mood disorder characterized by different emotions and feelings. This study investigated the antidepressant activity of the phenylpropanoid methyleugenol (ME) in adult female mice exposed to a stress model induced by dexamethasone. The animals were randomly divided into groups containing eight animals and were pre-administered with dexamethasone (64 µg/kg subcutaneously). After 165 and 180 min, they were treated with ME (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg intraperitoneally) or imipramine (10 mg/kg intraperitoneally) after 45 min and 30 min, respectively; they were then submitted to tests which were filmed. The videos were analyzed blindly. In the tail suspension test, ME (50 mg/kg) increased latency and reduced immobility time. In the splash test, ME (50 mg/kg) decreased grooming latency and increased grooming time. In the open field, there was no statistical difference for the ME groups regarding the number of crosses, and ME (50 mg/kg) increased the number of rearing and time spent in the center. Regarding in silico studies, ME interacted with dopaminergic D1 and α1 adrenergic pathway receptors and with tryptophan hydroxylase inhibitor. In the in vivo evaluation of the pathways of action, the antidepressant potential of ME (50 mg/kg) was reversed by SCH23390 (4 mg/kg intraperitoneally) dopaminergic D1 receptor, Prazosin (1 mg/kg intraperitoneally) α1 adrenergic receptor, and PCPA (4 mg/kg intraperitoneally) tryptophan hydroxylase inhibitor. Our findings indicate that ME did not alter with the locomotor activity of the animals and shows antidepressant activity in female mice with the participation of the D1, α1 and serotonergic systems.

ACW-02 an Acridine Triazolidine Derivative Presents Antileishmanial Activity Mediated by DNA Interaction and Immunomodulation.

The present study proposed the synthesis of a novel acridine derivative not yet described in the literature, chemical characterization by NMR, MS, and IR, followed by investigations of its antileishmanial potential. In vitro assays were performed to assess its antileishmanial activity against L. amazonensis strains and cytotoxicity against macrophages through MTT assay and annexin V-FITC/PI, and the ability to perform an immunomodulatory action using CBA. To investigate possible molecular targets, its interaction with DNA in vitro and in silico targets were evaluated. As results, the compound showed good antileishmanial activity, with IC50 of 6.57 (amastigotes) and 94.97 (promastigotes) µg mL-1, associated with non-cytotoxicity to macrophages (CC50 > 256.00 µg mL-1). When assessed by flow cytometry, 99.8% of macrophages remained viable. The compound induced an antileishmanial effect in infected macrophages and altered TNF-α, IL-10 and IL-6 expression, suggesting a slight immunomodulatory activity. DNA assay showed an interaction with the minor grooves due to the hyperchromic effect of 47.53% and Kb 1.17 × 106 M-1, and was sustained by docking studies. Molecular dynamics simulations and MM-PBSA calculations propose cysteine protease B as a possible target. Therefore, this study demonstrates that the new compound is a promising molecule and contributes as a model for future works.

Degenerative aortic stenosis in women: challenges and perspectives

Degenerative aortic stenosis is currently a public health problem. Affecting the elderly population, this pathology has been showing an increasing prevalence as a direct result of the population aging. In this context, women have a greater life expectancy, corresponding to most of the population with degenerative aortic stenosis. Specific characteristics of this pathology in females are present in the diagnosis, pathophysiology, anatomical aspects, imaging and in therapeutic approach. Women present a more severe disease with less valve calcification than men, more concentric ventricular remodeling, higher transvalvular gradients, and less myocardial fibrosis. Less evident symptoms mean that these patients are referred later for surgical or percutaneous therapeutic treatment. The greater comorbidity presented by females and possibly due to the smaller body surface, bring specific aspects that affect the surgery results, leading to higher mortality rates and, more often, the prosthesis-patient mismatch. Percutaneous valve implantation is a good alternative, with better results in females, when compared to surgery, both in the treatment of native valves and in the treatment of a previously implanted bioprosthesis' dysfunction. The challenges encountered for the treatment of aortic stenosis in women and their possible solutions are described in this article, focusing on the observed difference of aortic stenosis in females and their possible solutions.

Psychotropic drug use and suggestive depression symptoms associated with NR3C1 DNA methylation / Uso de drogas psicotrópicas e sintomas sugestivos de depressão associados à metilação do DNA do NR3C1

Introduction: Psychiatric disorders have become a global problem that leads millions of people to use psychotropic medications, especially benzodiazepines. The effects of these substances are widely known regarding tolerance and chemical dependence, however, from epigenetics perspective, there are still little known.Objective: To evaluate the association between psychotropic drug use, NR3C1 gene methylation and its relation with symptoms suggestive of depression in adult individuals assisted in the public health system.Methods: 385 adult volunteers (20-59 years) users of the Brazilian Unified Health System were recruited to evaluate socioeconomic, health, lifestyle conditions in a cross sectional study. BDI-II evaluated symptoms suggestive of depression and pyrosequencing evaluated NR3C1 DNA methylation. Bivariate and multivariate Poisson regression model with robust variance (p < 0.05) evaluated the association between psychotropic drug use and NR3C1 gene methylation.Results: Specific depressive symptoms such as irritability, insomnia and fatigability were associated with psychotropic drug use. Symptoms of past failure, indecision and loss of appetite were associated with hypermethylation patterns in CpGs 40 to 47 of NR3C1 gene. Moreover, psychotropic drug use is associated with 50% reduction in NR3C1 gene methylation, through model adjusted with socioeconomic, health and lifestyle confounding variables.Conclusions: Psychotropic drug use and depressive symptoms was associated with changes in NR3C1 DNA methylation. In this context, epigenetic modification resulting from psychotropic drug use and depressive symptoms could be considered, mainly in population studies with epigenetic evaluation, where these factors may be influencing the findings of future studies.

Introdução: os distúrbios psiquiátricos tornaram-se um problema global que leva milhões de pessoas ao uso de medicamentos psicotrópicos. Os efeitos dessas substâncias são amplamente conhecidos quanto à tolerância e dependência química, porém, do ponto de vista epigenético, ainda são pouco conhecidos.Objetivos: avaliar a associação entre o uso de drogas psicotrópicas, metilação do gene NR3C1 e sua relação com sintomas sugestivos de depressão em indivíduos entre 20 a 59 anos usuários da rede pública de saúde.Método: 385 voluntários de 20-59 anos, usuários do Sistema Único de Saúde brasileiro foram recrutados para avaliação das condições socioeconômicas, de saúde e de estilo de vida em estudo transversal. O BDI-II avaliou sintomas sugestivos de depressão e o pirosequenciamento avaliou a metilação do DNA de NR3C1. Modelo de regressão de Poisson bivariado e multivariado com variância robusta (p < 0,05) avaliou a associação entre o uso de drogas psicotrópicas e metilação do gene NR3C1.Resultados: sintomas depressivos específicos como irritabilidade, insônia e fadiga foram associados ao uso de medicamentos psicotrópicos. Sintomas de fracasso passado, indecisão e perda de apetite foram associados a padrões de hipermetilação nos CpGs 40 a 47 do gene NR3C1. Além disso, o uso de psicofármacos está associado à redução de 50% na metilação do gene NR3C1, por meio de modelo ajustado com variáveis de confusão socioeconômicas, de saúde e estilo de vida.Conclusão: o uso de drogas psicotrópicas e sintomas específicos depressivos foram associados a alterações na metilação do DNA de NR3C1.

Ferramentas tecnológicas utilizadas para a melhoria da saúde física e mental da população: uma revisão sistemática / Technological tools used to improve the physical and mental health of the population: a systematic review / Herramientas tecnológicas utilizadas para mejorar la sa- lud física y mental de la población: una revisión sistemática

Os recursos tecnológicos podem ser eficazes na atenuação e tratamento de diversas doenças. O objetivo deste estudo é demonstrar ferramentas tecnológicas utilizadas para a melhoria da saúde física e mental da população, a fim de orientar futuras intervenções com esta população. A busca foi realizada nas bases de dados eletrônicas LILACS, MEDLINE, PEDro, SciELO e Science Direct. Como critério de inclusão, adotou-se a estratégia PICO(s). A busca resultou em 76 artigos, e após todas as etapas de seleção, cinco atenderam os requisitos para esta revisão. Todos os trabalhos selecionados propõem intervenção por meio de ferramentas tecnológicas disponíveis, sendo que em três estudos foi necessário o uso de celular para acessar aplicativos, como: COPe, BePrepared e SMART Eating. Foram investigadas diversas adaptações relacionadas ao sistema tecnológico utilizado em hospitais ou centros de saúde, cujo objetivo era analisar o bem-estar mental, a capacidade física, a usabilidade de aplicativos, o consumo de álcool e a qualidade alimentar. Sendo assim, o levantamento de informações indica que o uso da tecnologia é benéfico aos usuários dos sistemas de saúde.

Technological resources can be effective in mitigating and treating various diseases. The objective of this study is to demonstrate technological tools used to improve the physical and mental health of the population, in order to guide future interventions with this population. The search was carried out in LILACS, MEDLINE, PEDro, SciELO and Science Direct electronic databases. As an inclusion criterion, the PICO (s) strategy was adopted. The search resulted in 76 articles, and after all the selection steps, five met the requirements for this review. All works selected intervention proposal through avai- lable technological tools, and in three studies it was necessary to use a cell phone to access apps, such as: COPe, BePrepared and SMART Eating. Several adaptations related to the technological system used in hospitals or health centers were investigated, whose objec- tive was to analyze mental well-being, physical capacity, apps usability, alcohol con- sumption and food quality. Therefore, the survey of information indicates that the use of technology is beneficial to users of health systems.

Los recursos tecnológicos pueden ser eficaces para mitigar y tratar diversas enfermedades. El objetivo de este estudio es demostrar las herramientas tecnológicas uti- lizadas para mejorar la salud física y mental de la población, con el fin de orientar futuras inter-venciones con esta población. La búsqueda se realizó en las bases de datos electró- nicas LILACS, MEDLINE, PE-Dro, SciELO y Science Direct. Como criterio de inclu- sión, se adoptó la estrategia PI-CO (s). La búsqueda resultó en 76 artículos, y después de todos los pasos de selección, cinco cumplieron los requisitos para esta revisión. Todos los trabajos seleccionaron la propuesta de intervención a través de herramientas tecnológicas disponibles, y en tres estudios fue necesario el uso de un teléfono móvil para acceder a apps, como: COPe, BePrepared y SMART Eating. Se investigaron varias adaptaciones relacionadas con el sistema tecnológico utilizado en hospitales o centros de salud, cuyo objetivo era analizar el bienestar mental, la capacidad física, la usabilidad de las apps, el consumo de alcohol y la calidad de los alimentos. Por lo tanto, el estudio de la informa- ción indica que el uso de la tecnología es beneficioso para los usuarios de los sistemas de salud.

Degenerative Aortic Stenosis in Women: Challenges and Perspectives

Abstract Degenerative aortic stenosis is currently a public health problem. Affecting the elderly population, this pathology has been showing an increasing prevalence as a direct result of the population aging. In this context, women have a greater life expectancy, corresponding to most of the population with degenerative aortic stenosis. Specific characteristics of this pathology in females are present in the diagnosis, pathophysiology, anatomical aspects, imaging and in therapeutic approach. Women present a more severe disease with less valve calcification than men, more concentric ventricular remodeling, higher transvalvular gradients, and less myocardial fibrosis. Less evident symptoms mean that these patients are referred later for surgical or percutaneous therapeutic treatment. The greater comorbidity presented by females and possibly due to the smaller body surface, bring specific aspects that affect the surgery results, leading to higher mortality rates and, more often, the prosthesis-patient mismatch. Percutaneous valve implantation is a good alternative, with better results in females, when compared to surgery, both in the treatment of native valves and in the treatment of a previously implanted bioprosthesis' dysfunction. The challenges encountered for the treatment of aortic stenosis in women and their possible solutions are described in this article, focusing on the observed difference of aortic stenosis in females and their possible solutions.

Effect of sanitizing solutions on cobalt-chromium alloys for dental prostheses: A systematic review of in vitro studies.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Given the wide use of cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) alloys, especially for removable partial dentures, and the importance of chemical solutions to complement the cleaning of dental prostheses, safe disinfection products should be identified for the regular decontamination of Co-Cr dental prostheses. PURPOSE: The purpose of this systematic review of in vitro studies was to determine the effects on the properties of Co-Cr dental alloys of the various chemical agents used to clean dental prostheses. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In vitro studies were included based on a literature search conducted in March 2022 in the Medline/PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Virtual Health Library, and Embase databases. Independent reviewers performed the search, selection, extraction, and analysis of the data. The review was performed based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The quality of the included articles was evaluated by using parameters adapted from the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) guidelines, and the risk of bias analysis was performed based on previous studies. RESULTS: Among the 15 included studies, the chemical agents evaluated were alkaline peroxides and hypochlorites, mouthwashes containing cetylpyridinium chloride and chlorhexidine, diluted acids, and enzymes. Some peroxides produced increased ion release, surface roughness, and mass loss of the alloys. The hypochlorites were responsible for the greatest surface corrosion, yielding dark stains, rough regions, and depressions. Acetic and peracetic acids and mouthwashes containing chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium did not produce significant changes in Co-Cr alloys. Most studies presented moderate risk of bias. CONCLUSIONS: According to the included studies, mouth rinses containing cetylpyridinium chloride or chlorhexidine and solutions with acetic and peracetic acid could be safely used to chemically sanitize Co-Cr prostheses. Alkaline peroxides should be used with caution, and alkaline hypochlorite solutions should be avoided.

Effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation in the treatment of dysfunctions in facial paralysis: a systematic literature review.

BACKGROUND: Facial palsy (FP) is defined as an injury of the seventh cranial nerve pair, partial or total, which can be classified as central or peripheral. Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) is primarily used in the functional recovery of upper and lower limb conditions, however the technique has also been used for FP. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effect of PNF in the treatment of dysfunctions in FP. METHODS: Ten databases including BVS, CENTRAL Cochrane, CINAHL, PEDro, PubMed, Scielo, ScienceDirect, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were comprehensively searched for dates prior to April 2021. Randomized controlled trials of PNF in individuals with dysfunctions caused by facial paralysis were eligible. Outcomes measures were recovery rate and clinical recovery, both measured by using the House Brackmann Scale. Recovery time was measured in days and synkinesis assessed with the Synkinesis Assessment Questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 184 patients were included. In general, the included studies have low methodological quality. None of the five studies used PNF as the sole intervention. In all of the included studies PNF was used in combination with other interventions. Our findings show very low evidence that PNF is more effective than minimal intervention for treating FP. CONCLUSION: We conclude that given the limited number of studies included and the low methodological quality presented, recommendations based on these studies should be interpreted with caution. The effects of PNF on facial paralysis are not clear.

Epigenetic alteration of BDNF gene, social and health status as predictors of food and nutrition insecurity among familiar coffee farmers / Alteração epigenética no gene BDNF, status social e de saúde como preditores da insegurança alimentar e nutricional em cafeicultores familiares

ntroduction: state of Food and Nutritional Security (FNS) is one that should guarantee the right of permanent access to quality food and in sufficient quantity without prejudicing access to other basic rights. In Brazil, rural family farming establishments represent 84.4% of total agricultural establishments and contribute to more than 70% of all food consumed by Brazilians. In this context, the production of the coffee commodity stands out. However, despite being food producers, they do not earn a good income. Slow economic activity can lead to loss of wages and income, illness, as well as food insecurity (FNiS). In addition, the molecular effects of FNiS are poorly studied, especially epigenetic.Objective: the objective of the present study is to analyze the association between Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) DNA methylation and socio demographic, lifestyle, and epigenetic factors, among coffee farmers in the Caparaó zone, in Espirito Santo, Southeast Brazil.Methods: the study was carried out in 22 randomly selected coffee producing communities in Zona Caparaó, an area that produces coffee of recognized quality. A total of 570 coffee farming households, 18 to 60 years of age, were included in the study by answering a questionnaire about socioeconomic characteristics, land use and ownership, behavior, health, and working conditions. FNiS evaluation was carried out using the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale. BDNF exon I methylation was examined by methylation-specific PCR. Body mass index and biochemical analyses were performed. Logistic regression models were used to verify factors associated with FNiS (p<0.05). Data were analyzed using the Stata® statistical software package version 14.Results: the FNiS prevalence found was 23.68%. In multivariable logistic regression, the occurrence of FNiS was associated with hypermethylation of exon I of the BDNF promoter exon I [ORa = 5.03 (95% (1.98, 12.82)] when compared to the unmethylated gene. Moreover, FNiS was associated with excessive workload [ORa = 3.36 (1.23, 9.22)], possession of less land (hectares) [ORa = 0.77 (0.67, 0.90)] and greater number symptoms and / or illnesses in real life [ORa = 1.12 (1.04.1.20)].Conclusion: there is a high prevalence of Food Insecurity in the studied region. This phenomenon was associated with epigenetic factors (BDNF methylation), excessive workload, small land ownership and a greater number of diseases / symptoms. Food insecurity is a psychosocial stressor that can lead to epigenetic changes in the BDNF gene, responsible for regulating cognitive functions, neuronal survival and involved in the genesis of psychiatric diseases.

Introdução: o Estado de Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional (SAN) é aquele que deve garantir o direito de acesso permanente à alimentação de qualidade e em quantidade suficiente sem prejudicar o acesso a outros direitos básicos. No Brasil, os estabelecimentos de agricultura familiar rural representam 84,4% do total de estabelecimentos agropecuários e contribuem com mais de 70% de todos os alimentos consumidos pelos brasileiros. Nesse contexto, destaca-se a produção da commodity café. No entanto, apesar de serem produtores de alimentos, não auferem bons rendimentos. A lenta atividade econômica pode levar à perda de salários e renda, doenças e insegurança alimentar (INSAN). Além disso, os efeitos moleculares da INSAN são pouco estudados, sobretudo epigenéticos.Objetivos: o objetivo do presente estudo é analisar a associação entre a metilação do promotor do BDNF e a INSAN e a associação da INSAN com fatores sociodemográficos, de estilo de vida e epigenéticos, em cafeicultores da zona do Caparaó, no Espírito Santo, Sudeste do Brasil.Método: o estudo foi realizado em 22 comunidades cafeeiras selecionadas aleatoriamente na Zona do Caparaó, área que produz café de reconhecida qualidade. Um total de 570 famílias de cafeicultores, entre 18 a 60 anos, foram incluídos no estudo e responderam a um questionário sobre características socioeconômicas, uso e posse da terra, hábitos de vida, saúde e condições de trabalho. A avaliação da INSAN foi realizada por meio da Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar. A metilação do éxon I do BDNF foi examinada por PCR específica para metilação. Índice de massa corporal e análises bioquímicas foram realizadas. Modelos de regressão logística foram utilizados para verificar os fatores associados à INSAN (p<0,05). Os dados foram analisados usando o software estatístico Stata® versão 14.Resultados: a prevalência de INSAN encontrada foi de 23,68%. Na regressão logística multivariada, a ocorrência de INSAN foi associada a hipermetilação do éxon I do promotor do gene BDNF [ORa = 5,03 (95% (1,98, 12,82)] quando comparado ao gene não metilado. Além disso, a INSAN foi associada a carga de trabalho excessiva [ORa = 3,36 (1,23, 9,22)], posse de menos hectares de terra [ORa = 0,77 (0,67, 0,90)] e maior número de sintomas e/ou doenças da vida real [ORa = 1,12 (1.04.1.20)].Conclusão: o estudo mostrou uma alta prevalência de Insegurança Alimentar na região analisada. Esse fenômeno foi associado a fatores epigenéticos (metilação do gene BDNF), carga horária excessiva, pequena propriedade de terra e maior número de doenças/sintomas. A INSAN pode ser um estressor capaz de promover alterações epigenéticas no gene BDNF, importante gene regulador da cognição, crescimento e sobrevivência neuronal e envolvido com doenças psiquiátricas.

Aprendizaje de competencias no técnicas en las urgencias prehospitalarias: perspectiva de los estudiantes de Medicina / Learning non-technical skills in pre-hospital emergency services: medical students' perspective

RESUMEN Introducción: para garantizar una atención de calidad en las urgencias, la formación médica debe incluir aspectos no técnicos, como la comunicación, el liderazgo, la capacidad de decisión y la interacción del equipo. Objetivo: analizar la percepción de los estudiantes de Medicina sobre el aprendizaje de competencias no técnicas, a través de simulaciones en situaciones de urgencia prehospitalaria. Materiales y métodos: estudio de enfoque cualitativo, con 50 estudiantes matriculados en el curso de Medicina de la universidad pública del sur de Minas Gerais, Brasil, seleccionados por conveniencia. Para la recolección de datos se utilizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas, y para el análisis de los mismos se utilizó el Análisis Temático. Resultados: se elaboraron dos temas: "La simulación como instrumento de construcción de conocimiento y desarrollo personal", y "Además de los procedimientos, las competencias no técnicas son fundamentales para el ejercicio de la medicina de urgencia", con el subtema: "Diferentes personas, diferentes trayectorias para el desarrollo de competencias no técnicas". La simulación se percibe como un recurso que permite experimentar el rol de un médico en el ambiente prehospitalario, de manera similar a la vida real, y despierta la necesidad de desarrollar competencias no técnicas. Este proceso no está desconectado del autoconocimiento. Conclusión: la simulación se percibe como una estrategia favorable para la construcción de conocimientos y la movilización del desarrollo de competencias no técnicas, fundamentales para el ejercicio de la medicina de urgencia. Se recomienda su inserción temprana en la graduación médica.

ABSTRACT Introduction: to ensure quality of care in emergencies, medical training must include non-technical aspects such as communication, leadership, decision-making and team interaction. Objective: to analyze the perception of medical students about learning non-technical skills, through simulations in pre-hospital emergency situations. Materials and methods: qualitative study with 50 students enrolled in the medical course at the public university in Southern Minas Gerais, selected by convenience. For data collection, semi-structured interviews were used, and thematic analysis was used to analyze them. Results: two themes were elaborated: "Simulation as an instrument for the construction of knowledge and personal development" and "Beyond the procedures, non-technical skills are basic for the practice of medicine in emergency", with the sub-theme "Different people, different ways for the development of non-technical skills". Conclusion: simulation is perceived as a recourse which allows experiencing the role of a physician in the pre-hospital environment, in a way similar to real life, and promotes the need of developing non-technical skills. This process is not disconnected from self-knowledge. Its early insertion in medical graduation is recommended.

First reported cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pets in São Paulo, Brazil.

Background and Aim: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the global coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) in humans in 2019. Although SARS-CoV-2 infection is primarily asymptomatic and transitory in companion animals, the role of these animals in the life cycle of the virus remains unclear. This study aimed to survey the first SARS-CoV-2 infection cases in pets, including a dog and three cats in São Paulo, Brazil. Materials and Methods: We invited COVID-19-positive pet owners to participate in the survey and obtained nasal, oropharyngeal, and rectal swab samples from their pets. These samples were placed in vials and subjected to a real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. In addition, the owners answered an epidemiological questionnaire, and the pets underwent clinical examination and monitoring. Results: Out of 49 sampled pets, 3/19 (15.8%) cats and 1/30 (3.3%) dogs tested positive, with wide variations in viral loads. Despite the limitations of size and non-randomized sampling, our results showed that cats are more susceptible than dogs to SARS-CoV-2 infection, presenting a cat: dog ratio of 4.8: 1. Only one cat presented mild and transitory respiratory symptoms. Conclusion: Although SARS-CoV-2 infection was detected in pets in the largest South American city and the COVID-19 epicenter at the time, these first detected pet cases displayed either none or mild clinical signs.

Social isolation due to COVID-19: impact on loneliness, sedentary behavior, and falls in older adults.

OBJECTIVES: The World Health Organization has recommended social isolation to prevent the transmission of COVID-19. Thus, feelings of loneliness, sedentary behavior, and predisposition to falls have been reported more often due to the adoption of social isolation, especially for older adults. The objective of this study was to compare older adults' loneliness, sedentary behavior, and occurrence of falls before and during social isolation due to the pandemic as well as to analyze the association of loneliness with sedentary lifestyle and falls in older adults. METHOD: Retrospective analytical study conducted through an online survey with older adults from Brazilian states in social isolation, approved by the Research Ethics Committee (number 32168920.0.0000.0068). RESULTS: There was a significant increase in loneliness and sedentary behavior during social isolation (p-value < 0.05 for both), but no increase was observed for falls (p-value = 0.615). There was no correlation between the outcomes, nor was there a correlation between the outcomes and the number of days in social isolation. CONCLUSION: The results of this research show that adoption of social isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic brought an increase in sedentary behavior and loneliness for older adults but had no effect on the number of falls.

Polymorphisms in ACE1, TMPRSS2, IFIH1, IFNAR2, and TYK2 Genes Are Associated with Worse Clinical Outcomes in COVID-19.

Although advanced age, male sex, and some comorbidities impact the clinical course of COVID-19, these factors only partially explain the inter-individual variability in disease severity. Some studies have shown that genetic polymorphisms contribute to COVID-19 severity; however, the results are inconclusive. Thus, we investigated the association between polymorphisms in ACE1, ACE2, DPP9, IFIH1, IFNAR2, IFNL4, TLR3, TMPRSS2, and TYK2 and the clinical course of COVID-19. A total of 694 patients with COVID-19 were categorized as: (1) ward inpatients (moderate symptoms) or patients admitted at the intensive care unit (ICU; severe symptoms); and (2) survivors or non-survivors. In females, the rs1990760/IFIH1 T/T genotype was associated with risk of ICU admission and death. Moreover, the rs1799752/ACE1 Ins and rs12329760/TMPRSS2 T alleles were associated with risk of ICU admission. In non-white patients, the rs2236757/IFNAR2 A/A genotype was associated with risk of ICU admission, while the rs1799752/ACE1 Ins/Ins genotype, rs2236757/IFNAR2 A/A genotype, and rs12329760/TMPRSS2 T allele were associated with risk of death. Moreover, some of the analyzed polymorphisms interact in the risk of worse COVID-19 outcomes. In conclusion, this study shows an association of rs1799752/ACE1, rs1990760/IFIH1, rs2236757/IFNAR2, rs12329760/TMPRSS2, and rs2304256/TYK2 polymorphisms with worse COVID-19 outcomes, especially among female and non-white patients.

Blueberry Consumption and Changes in Obesity and Diabetes Mellitus Outcomes: A Systematic Review.

Low-grade inflammation and oxidative stress are key mechanisms involved in obesity and related disorders. Polyphenols from blueberry (BB) and bilberries (BiB) might protect against oxidative damage and inflammation. To summarize the effects of BiB or BB consumption in parameters related to obesity and its comorbidities, a search of the literature was performed in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library repositories to identify all studies that evaluated associations of whole BB or BiB with obesity and associated disorders. Thirty-one studies were eligible for inclusion in this review: eight clinical trials and 23 animal studies. In humans, BB consumption only consistently decreased oxidative stress and improved endothelial function. In rodents, BB or BiB consumption caused positive effects on glucose tolerance, nuclear factor-kappa B (Nf-κb) activity, oxidative stress, and triglyceride (TG) content in the liver and hepatic steatosis. The high content of anthocyanins present in BB and BiB seems to attenuate oxidative stress. The decrease in oxidative stress may have a positive impact on glucose tolerance and endothelial function. Moreover, in rodents, these berries seem to protect against hepatic steatosis, through the decreased accumulation of hepatic TGs. BB and BiB might also attenuate inflammation by decreasing Nf-κb activity and immune cell recruitment into the adipose tissue.

Mulheres Comem, Mães Cozinham: uma aproximação da construção da maternidade e das práticas culinárias domésticas na Amazônia Ocidental Brasileira / Women eat, Mothers cook: motherhood and cooking practices in Western Brazilian Amazon

Resumo Este artigo objetiva descrever e discutir as maneiras como a maternidade é praticada e representada nas práticas culinárias domésticas das mulheres na Amazônia ocidental brasileira. Desenvolvemos um estudo qualitativo descritivo, conduzimos entrevistas em profundidade com 16 mulheres que eram mães e que cozinhavam em domicílio. Os dados foram analisados identificando as unidades de significância regulares, expressivas e significativas coletadas por meio das entrevistas. Essas mulheres, quando não tinham filhos, realizavam práticas culinárias atendendo suas demandas pessoais e horários do trabalho extradomiciliar. A partir da gestação, porém mais marcadamente após o parto, as mulheres modificam suas práticas culinárias se apropriando das ideias hegemônicas pré-construídas do que é ser uma mãe, desenvolvendo atividades culinárias mais rotineiras, não discricionárias, focadas no cuidado dos membros da família e com maior investimento de tempo e esforço. Estas mudanças reforçam a concepção de que a relação mãe e criança deve estar orientada para uma maternidade intensiva.

Abstract This paper describes and discusses how motherhood is practiced and represented in women's domestic cooking practices in Western Brazilian Amazon. A descriptive and qualitative study was conducted with 16 women cooks using in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed by identifying the regular, expressive and significant units of significance. These women, when childless, cooked to meet their individual needs and out-of-home work schedules. During pregnancy, but specially after birth, women modify their cooking practices, appropriating the preconceived hegemonic ideas on what it means to be a mother, focused on homemaking and greater investment of time and effort. Such changes reinforce the belief that mother-child relations should involve intensive motherhood.

Chlorine, chromium, proteins of oxidative stress and DNA repair pathways are related to prognosis in oral cancer.

The comparison of chemical and histopathological data obtained from the analysis of excised tumor fragments oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) with the demographic and clinical evolution data is an effective strategy scarcely explored in OSCC studies. The aim was to analyze OSCC tissues for protein expression of enzymes related to oxidative stress and DNA repair and trace elements as candidates as markers of tumor aggressiveness and prognosis. Tumor fragments from 78 OSCC patients that had undergone ablative surgery were qualitatively analyzed by synchrotron micro-X-ray fluorescence for trace elements. Protein expression of SOD-1, Trx, Ref-1 and OGG1/2 was performed by immunohistochemistry. Sociodemographic, clinical, and histopathological data were obtained from 4-year follow-up records. Disease relapse was highest in patients with the presence of chlorine and chromium and lowest in those with tumors with high OGG1/2 expression. High expression of SOD-1, Trx, and Ref-1 was determinant of the larger tumor. Presence of trace elements can be markers of disease prognosis. High expression of enzymes related to oxidative stress or to DNA repair can be either harmful by stimulating tumor growth or beneficial by diminishing relapse rates. Interference on these players may bring novel strategies for the therapeutic management of OSCC patients.