Factors associated with signs of congenital syphilis in newborns.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze risk factors (maternal, obstetric and demographic) associated with congenital syphilis and the clinical characteristics of the newborns. METHOD: A cross-sectional study carried out in ten public maternity hospitals in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil that included cases of live births reported with congenital syphilis in 2015. RESULTS: 469 cases were analyzed; 199 (42.4 %) showed some sign or symptom suggestive of congenital syphilis; of these, 65 (32.7 %) were preterm, 87 (43.7 %) had low birth weight, 116 (58.3 %) had jaundice that required phototherapy, 13 (6.5 %) had hepatomegaly, 10 (5 %) had skin lesions, eight (4.0 %) had splenomegaly and one (0.5 %) had limb pseudoparalysis. Records of other clinical changes were identified in 36 (7.7 %) children. Children whose mothers were not treated or who received a drug other than penicillin and those whose mothers had a VDRL titer ≥ 1:16 at birth were 3.7 and 3.2 times more likely to be born with signs of congenital syphilis (p < 0.001- 95 % CI 2.41-5.58; p < 0.001 - 95 % CI 2.41-5.58) respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study draw attention to the importance of improving the quality of prenatal care and the development of studies aimed at finding alternative drugs for the treatment of syphilis in pregnant women and the prevention of congenital syphilis.

Digital Parenting Program: Enhancing Parenting and Reducing Child Behavior Problems.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Digital parenting programs using smartphone apps can support families in positive parenting and require evaluations of their effects, mainly in low- and middle-income countries with caregivers experiencing psychosocial vulnerabilities. The study evaluated the "Born Learning" digital parenting program on improving parenting practices, child prosocial behavior, and reducing the children's externalizing behavior problems. Additionally, participants' satisfaction and engagement with the program were evaluated. METHODS: Brazilian primary caregivers of 3- to 6-year-old children totaling 91, participated in the "Born Learning" program and pre-, post-intervention, and five-month follow-up evaluations. RESULTS: Most participants received cash transfers (64%) and reported some level of food insecurity (78%). The parenting coercive practices decreased from pre- to post-intervention, with maintenance in follow-up. Satisfaction with the role of parenting increased, and child conduct behavior problems decreased from pre-intervention to follow-up. Most participants found the program content very interesting and engaged adequately with the program strategies, such as messages and videos. CONCLUSIONS: The digital parenting program can support caregivers by enhancing parenting and decreasing child behavior problems, highlighting the potential for broader implementation in similar contexts.

Artificial neural networks optimize the establishment of a Brazilian germplasm core collection of winter squash (Cucurbita moschata D.).

With widespread cultivation, Cucurbita moschata stands out for the carotenoid content of its fruits such as ß and α-carotene, components with pronounced provitamin A function and antioxidant activity. C. moschata seed oil has a high monounsaturated fatty acid content and vitamin E, constituting a lipid source of high chemical-nutritional quality. The present study evaluates the agronomic and chemical-nutritional aspects of 91 accessions of C. moschata kept at the BGH-UFV and propose the establishment of a core collection based on multivariate approaches and on the implementation of Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs). ANNs was more efficient in identifying similarity patterns and in organizing the distance between the genotypes in the groups. The averages and variances of traits in the CC formed using a 15% sampling of accessions, were closer to those of the complete collection, particularly for accumulated degree days for flowering, the mass of seeds per fruit, and seed and oil productivity. Establishing the 15% CC, based on the broad characterization of this germplasm, will be crucial to optimize the evaluation and use of promising accessions from this collection in C. moschata breeding programs, especially for traits of high chemical-nutritional importance such as the carotenoid content and the fatty acid profile.

Endothelial cells signaling and patterning under hypoxia: a mechanistic integrative computational model including the Notch-Dll4 pathway.

Introduction: Several signaling pathways are activated during hypoxia to promote angiogenesis, leading to endothelial cell patterning, interaction, and downstream signaling. Understanding the mechanistic signaling differences between endothelial cells under normoxia and hypoxia and their response to different stimuli can guide therapies to modulate angiogenesis. We present a novel mechanistic model of interacting endothelial cells, including the main pathways involved in angiogenesis. Methods: We calibrate and fit the model parameters based on well-established modeling techniques that include structural and practical parameter identifiability, uncertainty quantification, and global sensitivity. Results: Our results indicate that the main pathways involved in patterning tip and stalk endothelial cells under hypoxia differ, and the time under hypoxia interferes with how different stimuli affect patterning. Additionally, our simulations indicate that Notch signaling might regulate vascular permeability and establish different Nitric Oxide release patterns for tip/stalk cells. Following simulations with various stimuli, our model suggests that factors such as time under hypoxia and oxygen availability must be considered for EC pattern control. Discussion: This project provides insights into the signaling and patterning of endothelial cells under various oxygen levels and stimulation by VEGFA and is our first integrative approach toward achieving EC control as a method for improving angiogenesis. Overall, our model provides a computational framework that can be built on to test angiogenesis-related therapies by modulation of different pathways, such as the Notch pathway.

Kidney cortex shear wave motion simulations based on segmented biopsy histology.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Biopsy stands as the gold standard for kidney transplant assessment, yet its invasive nature restricts frequent use. Shear wave elastography (SWE) is emerging as a promising alternative for kidney transplant monitoring. A parametric study involving 12 biopsy data sets categorized by standard biopsy scores (3 with normal histology, 3 with interstitial inflammation (i), 3 with interstitial fibrosis (ci), and 3 with tubular atrophy (ct)), was conducted to evaluate the interdependence between microstructural variations triggered by chronic allograft rejection and corresponding alterations in SWE measurements. METHODS: Heterogeneous shear wave motion simulations from segmented kidney cortex sections were performed employing the staggered-grid finite difference (SGFD) method. The SGFD method allows the mechanical properties to be defined on a pixel-basis for shear wave motion simulation. Segmentation techniques enabled the isolation of four histological constituents: glomeruli, tubules, interstitium, and fluid. Baseline ex vivo Kelvin-Voigt mechanical properties for each constituent were drawn from established literature. The parametric evaluation was then performed by altering the baseline values individually. Shear wave velocity dispersion curves were measured with the generalized Stockwell transform in conjunction with slant frequency-wavenumber analysis (GST-SFK) algorithm. By fitting the curve within the 100-400 Hz range to the Kelvin-Voigt model, the rheological parameters, shear elasticity (µ1) and viscosity (µ2), were estimated. A time-to-peak algorithm was used to estimate the group velocity. The resultant in silico models emulated the heterogeneity of kidney cortex within the shear wave speed (SWS) reconstructions. RESULTS: The presence of inflammation showed considerable spatial composition disparities compared to normal cases, featuring a 23 % increase in interstitial area and a 19 % increase in glomerular area. Concomitantly, there was a reduction of 12 % and 47 % in tubular and fluid areas, respectively. Consequently, mechanical changes induced by inflammation predominate in terms of rheological differentiation, evidenced by increased elasticity and viscosity. Mild tubular atrophy showed significant elevation in group velocity and µ1. Conversely, mild and moderate fibrosis exhibited negligible alterations across all parameters, compatible with relatively limited morphological impact. CONCLUSIONS: This proposed model holds promise in enabling patient-specific simulations of the kidney cortex, thus facilitating exploration into how pathologies altering cortical morphology correlates to modifications in SWE-derived rheological measurements. We demonstrated that inflammation caused substantial changes in measured mechanical properties.

Acompanhamento do prematuro na terceira etapa do método canguru: perspectiva de enfermeiras da atenção primária / Acompañamiento del prematuro en la tercera etapa del método canguro: perspectiva de enfermeras de la atención primaria / Monitoring of premature infants in the third stage of the kangaroo method: perspective of primary care nurses

Objetivo: descrever o acompanhamento do recém-nascido pré-termo na terceira etapa do método canguru na perspectiva de enfermeiras da Atenção Primária. Método: estudo qualitativo, descritivo e exploratório realizado nas unidades básicas de saúde do município do interior da Bahia, com nove enfermeiras. Utilizou-se a entrevista semi-estruturada e a análise de conteúdo de Bardin. Resultados: as enfermeiras compreendem o que é um prematuro superficialmente, porém não entendem exatamente como funciona o Método Canguru. Dentre as facilidades, destaca-se o auxílio dos Agentes Comunitários de Saúde e quanto às dificuldades a que mais prevaleceu foi a fragilidade na referência e contrarreferência. Considerações finais: em vista disso, evidencia-se a necessidade da educação permanente para as enfermeiras da Atenção Primária, da sistematização da terceira etapa do Método e da formação profissional para enfermagem no intuito de melhorar a informação a respeito do prematuro, de modo a disseminar conhecimento que favoreça o atendimento a esse público.

Objetivo: describir el acompañamiento del recién nacido pre-término en la tercera etapa del método canguro en la perspectiva de enfermeras de la Atención Primaria. Método: estudio cualitativo, descriptivo y exploratorio realizado en las unidades básicas de salud del municipio del interior de Bahía, con nueve enfermeras. Se utilizó la entrevista semi-estructurada y el análisis de contenido de Bardin. Resultados: las enfermeras comprenden lo que es un prematuro superficialmente, pero no entienden exactamente cómo funciona el Método Canguro. Entre las facilidades, se destaca la ayuda de los Agentes Comunitarios de Salud y en cuanto a las dificultades que más prevaleció fue la fragilidad en la referencia y contrarreferencia. Consideraciones finales: en vista de ello, se evidencia la necesidad de la educación permanente para las enfermeras de la Atención Primaria, de la sistematización de la tercera etapa del Método y de la formación profesional para enfermería con el fin de mejorar la información acerca del prematuro, de modo a diseminar conocimiento que favorezca la atención a ese público.

Objective: to describe the follow-up of the preterm newborn in the third stage of the kangaroo method from the perspective of Primary Care nurses. Method: a qualitative, descriptive and exploratory study conducted in the basic health units of the city in the interior of Bahia, with nine nurses. The semi-structured interview and content analysis of Bardin were used. Results: nurses understand what a premature infant is superficially, but do not understand exactly how the Kangaroo Method works. Among the facilities, the help of Community Health Agents stand out, and the difficulties that prevailed most were the fragility in the reference and counter-reference. Final considerations: in view of this, it is evident the need for continuing education for nurses in Primary Care, the systematization of the third stage of the Method and professional training for nursing in order to improve information about the premature child, to disseminate knowledge that favors the service to this public.

Preservação óssea alveolar pós exodontia: objetivos, opções técnicas, vantagens e desvantagens / Alveolar bone preservation after tooth extraction: objectives, technical options, advantages and disadvantages

A extração do elemento dentário promove uma série de eventos biológicos que resultam no colapso da estrutura alveolar, ocasionando a perda óssea volumétrica na região de extração. Preservar esse alvéolo dentário é imprescindível para uma boa reabilitação dentária do paciente. Objetivo: Realizar uma revisão de literatura abordando os objetivos, opções técnicas, vantagens e desvantagens da preservação óssea alveolar pós extração. Materiais e métodos: Foi feita uma revisão de literatura utilizando as bases de dados Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS), PubMed e Google acadêmico, usando os descritores "extração dentária", "perda do osso alveolar", "regeneração óssea". Foram incluídos 34 artigos. Resultados: A preservação alveolar pós extração começa desde a realização de uma técnica cirúrgica menos invasiva até a colocação de enxertos do tipo autógenos, alógenos, xenógenos, aloplásticos e biomateriais promotores de cicatrização e reparação tecidual. Conclusão: Existe na literatura atual uma vasta gama de textos científicos que abordam técnicas de preservação alveolar pós exodontia, com distintas respostas teciduais. Todavia, nenhum biomaterial listado nesta revisão contém todas as características que proporcionam regeneração completa do osso alveolar após exodontia(AU)

The extraction of the dental element promotes a series of biological events that results in the collapse of the alveolar structure, causing volumetric bone loss in the region of extraction. Preserving this dental alveolus is essential for a good dental rehabilitation of the patient. Objective: To conduct a literature review addressing the objectives, technical options, advantages and disadvantages of post-extraction alveolar bone preservation. Materials and methods: A literature review was carried out using the Virtual Health Library (VHL), PubMed and academic Google databases, using the descriptors "tooth extraction", "alveolar bone loss", "bone regeneration". 34 articles were included. Results: Post-extraction alveolar preservation starts from the performance of a less invasive surgical technique to the placement of autogenous, allogeneic, xenogeneic, alloplastic and biomaterials that promote healing and tissue repair. Conclusion: There´s is a wide range of scientific texts in the current literature that address post-extraction alveolar preservation techniques with different tissue responses. However, none of the biomaterials listed in this review contain all the characteristics that provide complete regeneration of alveolar bone after extraction(AU)

Effect of artificial aging on mechanical and physical properties of CAD-CAM PMMA resins for occlusal splints.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess and compare the color stability, flexural strength (FS), and surface roughness of occlusal splints fabricated from heat-cured acrylic resin, milled polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)-based resin, and 3D-printed (PMMA) based-resin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Samples of each type of resin were obtained, and baseline measurements of color and surface roughness were recorded. The specimens were divided into three groups (n = 10) and subjected to distinct aging protocols: thermomechanical cycling (TMC), simulated brushing (SB), and control (without aging). Final assessments of color and surface roughness and three-point bending test (ODM100; Odeme) were conducted, and data were statistically analyzed (2-way ANOVA, Tukey, P <.05). RESULTS: Across all resin types, the most significant increase in surface roughness (Ra) was observed after TMC (P < .05), with the 3D-printed resin exhibiting the lowest Ra (P < .05). After brushing, milled resin displayed the highest Ra (P < .05) and greater color alteration (ΔE00) compared to 3D-printed resin. The most substantial ΔE00 was recorded after brushing for all resins, except for heat-cured resin subjected to TMC. Regardless of aging, milled resin exhibited the highest FS (P < .05), except when compared to 3D-printed resin subjected to TMC. Heat-cured resin exposed to TMC demonstrated the lowest FS, different (P < .05) from the control. Under control conditions, milled resin exhibited the highest FS, different (P < .05) from the brushed group. 3D-printed resin subjected to TMC displayed the highest FS (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Among the tested resins, 3D-printed resin demonstrated superior longevity, characterized by minimal surface roughness and color alterations. Aging had a negligible impact on its mechanical properties.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and periodontal disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic liver disease, comprising hepatic steatosis, and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Periodontal disease (PD) may be a risk factor for the evolution of liver cirrhosis. This study aimed to evaluate the association between NAFLD and PD.We searched in Pubmed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Lilacs databases with descriptors (Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease OR (non-alcoholic AND Fatty Liver AND disease) OR Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis) AND (Periodontal Disease OR Gingivitis OR Periodontitis) from January 2021 to September 2021. We selected, by the abstract, cross-sectional, cohort (prospective and retrospective), and case-control studies that address periodontal disease in patients with Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, and aged ≥ 18 years. The search was without the restriction of language and publication time.The search resulted in 954 articles. After applying the selection criteria, five cross-sectional studies remained. A metanalysis combined the study estimates of periodontal disease in NAFLD, by using the random effects. The Odds Ratio (1.91; 95% CI 1.21-3.02; P = 0.006) indicates that the chance of presenting Periodontal disease is 91% higher in individuals with NAFLD when compared with individuals without NAFLD. There are few studies with appropriate methodology to produce sound evidence about the causal relationship between the use of NAFLD and PD, however, studies support the association. So, dental staff must be aware of this association for better management of periodontal disease in patients with NAFLD.

Caring to deny, confront, shiver: negativity as a critique of the "natural caregiver" stereotype in nursing.

To discuss, based on Adorno's philosophy, the negativity of care in confronting the "natural caregiver" discourse in the profession and exercise discursive analysis of this stereotype based on the negative trihedron of care (deny, confront, shiver). Theoretical study that articulates negative dialectic with the biopolitics of caring for the body. Negativity of care, as an immanent criticism that emerges from the dialectic between help and power, aims to shiver at bodily suffering, a residue of nature violated by cultural discursive practices. We applied the methodological framework of care to deny, confront, and shiver in label analysis to highlight non-identity between nursing reality and natural caregiver affirmation. We confronted the injustices made invisible in the prejudice that women are naturally predestined to provide for others' well-being. We reflected on the contradictions and suffering of women, nurses or not, invisible in the vaunted loving care. We proposed shiver as a metaphor for deny, a critical negativity that opens to the strange coerced and mutilated in the human body.

Strengthening mother-child interactions among mothers and children with behavior problems at early development.

The present study examined the effectiveness of a personalized remote video feedback parenting program to improve mother-child interactions and child behavior outcomes among mothers of children with behavior problems in comparison to counterparts with no behavior problems. The sample comprised 60 mothers and their 2-to-6-year-old children, including children with behavior problems (BP = 19) and children without behavior problems (NoBP = 41). The Strengthening Bonds program included one in-person group session and remote personalized video feedback about their mother-child interactions in a play situation via smartphone for six weeks. Mother-child interactions were the primary outcome, and children's behaviors were the secondary outcome. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were performed. The mother-child interactions were recorded during free- and structured-play situations and were then analyzed by the Parenting Interactions with Children: Checklist of Observations Linked to Outcomes (PICCOLO) and the Dynamics of the dyad activity coding system. Additionally, the mothers answered the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. The results showed that, in the post-intervention, the mother-child interaction pattern improved in the BP group, especially in the teaching dimension of the PICCOLO. Also, after the program, more children with normal classification were in the BP group.

Endothelial cells signaling and patterning under hypoxia: a mechanistic integrative computational model including the Notch-Dll4 pathway.

Several signaling pathways are activated during hypoxia to promote angiogenesis, leading to endothelial cell patterning, interaction, and downstream signaling. Understanding the mechanistic signaling differences between normoxia and hypoxia can guide therapies to modulate angiogenesis. We present a novel mechanistic model of interacting endothelial cells, including the main pathways involved in angiogenesis. We calibrate and fit the model parameters based on well-established modeling techniques. Our results indicate that the main pathways involved in the patterning of tip and stalk endothelial cells under hypoxia differ, and the time under hypoxia affects how a reaction affects patterning. Interestingly, the interaction of receptors with Neuropilin1 is also relevant for cell patterning. Our simulations under different oxygen concentrations indicate time- and oxygen-availability-dependent responses for the two cells. Following simulations with various stimuli, our model suggests that factors such as period under hypoxia and oxygen availability must be considered for pattern control. This project provides insights into the signaling and patterning of endothelial cells under hypoxia, contributing to studies in the field.

Caring to deny, confront, shiver: negativity as a critique of the "natural caregiver" stereotype in nursing / Cuidar para descuidar, confrontar, enfriar: la negatividad como crítica al estereotipo del "cuidador natural" en enfermería / Cuidar para descuidar, confrontar, arrepiar: negatividade como crítica do estereótipo da "cuidadora natural" na enfermagem

ABSTRACT To discuss, based on Adorno's philosophy, the negativity of care in confronting the "natural caregiver" discourse in the profession and exercise discursive analysis of this stereotype based on the negative trihedron of care (deny, confront, shiver). Theoretical study that articulates negative dialectic with the biopolitics of caring for the body. Negativity of care, as an immanent criticism that emerges from the dialectic between help and power, aims to shiver at bodily suffering, a residue of nature violated by cultural discursive practices. We applied the methodological framework of care to deny, confront, and shiver in label analysis to highlight non-identity between nursing reality and natural caregiver affirmation. We confronted the injustices made invisible in the prejudice that women are naturally predestined to provide for others' well-being. We reflected on the contradictions and suffering of women, nurses or not, invisible in the vaunted loving care. We proposed shiver as a metaphor for deny, a critical negativity that opens to the strange coerced and mutilated in the human body.

RESUMEN Discutir, a partir de la filosofía de Adorno, la negatividad del cuidado frente al discurso del "cuidador natural" en la profesión; Ejercer el análisis discursivo de este estereotipo a partir del triángulo negativo del cuidado (descuido, confrontación, escalofrío). Estudio teórico que articula la dialéctica negativa con la biopolítica del cuidado del cuerpo. La negatividad del cuidado, como crítica inmanente que emerge de la dialéctica entre ayuda y poder, pretende hacer que la gente se estremezca ante el sufrimiento de lo corpóreo, un residuo de la naturaleza violado por prácticas discursivas culturales. Aplicamos el marco metodológico del cuidado para descuidar, confrontar y estremecer en el análisis de la etiqueta para resaltar la no identidad entre la realidad de la enfermería y la afirmación del cuidador natural. Nos enfrentamos a las injusticias que se vuelven invisibles debido al prejuicio de que las mujeres están naturalmente predestinadas a velar por el bienestar de los demás. Reflexionamos sobre las contradicciones y el sufrimiento de las mujeres, enfermeras o no, invisibles en el cacareado cuidado amoroso. Proponemos el escalofrío como metáfora del descuido, una negatividad crítica que se abre a lo extraño coaccionado y mutilado en el cuerpo humano.

RESUMO Discutir, a partir da filosofia de Adorno, a negatividade do cuidado no enfrentamento do discurso da "cuidadora natural" na profissão; exercitar a análise discursiva desse estereótipo a partir do triedro negativo do cuidar (descuidar, confrontar, arrepiar). Estudo teórico que articula a dialética negativa com a biopolítica do cuidar no corpo. A negatividade do cuidado, como crítica imanente que emerge da dialética entre ajuda e poder, visa ao arrepio diante do sofrimento do corpóreo, resíduo da natureza violentada por práticas discursivas culturais. Aplicamos o referencial metodológico do cuidar para descuidar, confrontar, arrepiar na análise do rótulo para aflorar a não identidade entre a realidade da enfermagem e a afirmação da cuidadora natural. Confrontamos as injustiças invisibilizadas no preconceito de que as mulheres seriam naturalmente predestinadas a prover o bem-estar dos outros. Refletimos sobre as contradições e os sofrimentos de mulheres, enfermeiras ou não, invisibilizados na alardeada amorosidade do cuidado. Propomos o arrepio como metáfora ao descuidado, uma negatividade crítica que se abre ao estranho coagido e mutilado no corpo humano.

Literatura e Psicopedagogia: Em busca do sujeito leitor / Literature and Psychopedagogy: In search of the reader subject

Este artigo foi escrito a muitas mãos. As autoras, psicopedagogas voluntárias no Projeto Social da Associação Brasileira de Psicopedagogia e participantes do curso "A literatura na construção do sujeito", ministrado no primeiro semestre de 2021 pela Profª Drª Leda Barone, buscam através dele registrar o que aprenderam naqueles encontros literários e, sobretudo, o modo como eles ecoaram singularmente sobre cada uma. Tem, assim, por objeto a constituição do sujeito-psicopedagogo pelo viés da literatura. Principia pelo conceito de sujeito aportado pela psicanálise e a relação entre literatura e constituição subjetiva. Resgata na sequência as memórias afetivas das autoras relativamente ao ato de ler, cerne do artigo e mote para refletir acerca de seu próprio processo singular de subjetivação e formação profissional, revivido e reelaborado no decorrer daqueles meses de estudo. Por fim, aponta para novas perspectivas no modo de ser psicopedagogo a partir dessa experiência.

This article was written by many hands. The authors, volunteer psycho pedagogues in the Social Project of the Brazilian Association of Psychopedagogy and participants of the course "Literature in the construction of the subject", taught in the first semester of 2021 by Professor Dr. Leda Barone, seek through him to record what they learned in those literary encounters and, above all, the way they echoed uniquely on each one. Its object, therefore, is the constitution of the subject-psychopedagogue from the perspective of literature. It begins with the concept of subject provided by psychoanalysis and the relationship between literature and subjective constitution. It then rescues the affective memories of the authors regarding the act of reading, the core of the article and a theme to reflect on their own unique process of subjectivation and professional training, revived and re-elaborated during those months of study. Finally, it points to new perspectives in the way of being a psychopedagogue based on this experience.

COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE USE IN BRAZILIAN PATIENTS WITH INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE.

BACKGROUND: The conventional treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is based on drug therapy, but different studies have shown a progressive increase in the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). The most used CAM comprises of acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, homeopathy, and herbal medicine, as well as more modern practices, including aromatherapy and reflexology. Data from CAM use in Brazil has previously been scarce and there are no studies among Brazilian patients with IBD. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the frequency of, and factors associated with the use of CAM among IBD patients in Brazil, in addition to estimating the satisfaction with CAM use. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed in adult IBD outpatients from two Southeastern Brazilian referral centers, with a total a sample of 227 individuals. A semi-structured questionnaire was used containing CAM products - tea, probiotics, omega 3 or glutamine, homeopathy, and herbal therapy, and factors associated with CAM use and patient satisfaction. We used descriptive statistics, association tests (P<0.05) and logistic regression for statistical analyses. RESULTS: In total, 126 patients with Crohn's disease and 101 with ulcerative colitis were included. The mean age was 41.19±14.49 years and 57.27% were female. The time since diagnosis was 10.58±7.5 years, and most patients were in clinical remission. Twenty-nine patients (12.8%) reported having used CAM for IBD treatment, such as tea (5.29%), probiotics (5.29%), omega-3 or glutamine (1.76%), homeopathy (0.88%), and herbal therapies (0.44%). Despite the low frequency, patients were satisfied (>50%). There was no difference between CAM use in Crohn's disease as compared to ulcerative colitis patients (P=0.1171). The factors associated with the use of CAM were regular or poor quality of life (odds ratio 2.084; 95% confidence interval 1.147-3.786, P=0.0159) and a shorter time since diagnosis (odds ratio 0.956; 95% confidence interval 0.918-0.995; P=0.0260). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of CAM use was low, but satisfactory among Brazilian IBD patients. The application of CAM has been associated with poor quality of life and shorter disease duration compared to patients with no use of CAM.

Uso de medicina complementar e alternativa em pacientes brasileiros com doença inflamatória intestinal / Complementary and alternative medicine use in brazilian patients with inflammatory bowel disease

ABSTRACT Background: The conventional treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is based on drug therapy, but different studies have shown a progressive increase in the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). The most used CAM comprises of acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, homeopathy, and herbal medicine, as well as more modern practices, including aromatherapy and reflexology. Data from CAM use in Brazil has previously been scarce and there are no studies among Brazilian patients with IBD. Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the frequency of, and factors associated with the use of CAM among IBD patients in Brazil, in addition to estimating the satisfaction with CAM use. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in adult IBD outpatients from two Southeastern Brazilian referral centers, with a total a sample of 227 individuals. A semi-structured questionnaire was used containing CAM products - tea, probiotics, omega 3 or glutamine, homeopathy, and herbal therapy, and factors associated with CAM use and patient satisfaction. We used descriptive statistics, association tests (P<0.05) and logistic regression for statistical analyses. Results: In total, 126 patients with Crohn's disease and 101 with ulcerative colitis were included. The mean age was 41.19±14.49 years and 57.27% were female. The time since diagnosis was 10.58±7.5 years, and most patients were in clinical remission. Twenty-nine patients (12.8%) reported having used CAM for IBD treatment, such as tea (5.29%), probiotics (5.29%), omega-3 or glutamine (1.76%), homeopathy (0.88%), and herbal therapies (0.44%). Despite the low frequency, patients were satisfied (>50%). There was no difference between CAM use in Crohn's disease as compared to ulcerative colitis patients (P=0.1171). The factors associated with the use of CAM were regular or poor quality of life (odds ratio 2.084; 95% confidence interval 1.147-3.786, P=0.0159) and a shorter time since diagnosis (odds ratio 0.956; 95% confidence interval 0.918-0.995; P=0.0260). Conclusion: The prevalence of CAM use was low, but satisfactory among Brazilian IBD patients. The application of CAM has been associated with poor quality of life and shorter disease duration compared to patients with no use of CAM.

RESUMO Contexto: O tratamento convencional da doença inflamatória intestinal (DII) é baseado na terapia medicamentosa, mas diferentes estudos têm mostrado aumento progressivo do uso de medicina complementar e alternativa (MCA) na abordagem dos pacientes. As modalidades de MCA mais usadas compreendem: acupuntura, medicina tradicional chinesa, medicina ayurvédica, homeopatia e fitoterapia, bem como práticas mais modernas, como aromaterapia e reflexologia. Os dados do uso de MCA no Brasil são escassos e não há estudos entre pacientes brasileiros com DII. Objetivo: O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a frequência e os fatores associados com o uso de MCA entre pacientes com DII, além de estimar a satisfação com o uso de MCA. Métodos: Foi realizado estudo transversal em pacientes adultos ambulatoriais com DII oriundos de dois centros de referência no sudeste do Brasil, com amostra de 227 indivíduos. Foi aplicado questionário semiestruturado contendo produtos como - chá, probióticos, ômega 3 ou glutamina, homeopatia e fitoterapia, além de fatores associados ao uso de MCA e a satisfação do paciente. Utilizamos estatística descritiva, testes de associação (P<0,05) e regressão logística para análise estatística. Resultados: No total, 126 pacientes com doença de Crohn e 101 com retocolite ulcerativa foram incluídos. A média de idade foi 41,19±14,49 anos e 57,27% eram do sexo feminino. O tempo desde o diagnóstico foi de 10,58±7,5 anos, e a maioria dos pacientes estava em remissão clínica. Vinte e nove pacientes (12,8%) relataram ter usado MCA para o tratamento de DII, como chá (5,29%), probióticos (5,29%), ômega-3 ou glutamina (1,76%), homeopatia (0,88%) e fitoterápicos (0,44%). Apesar da baixa frequência, os pacientes ficaram satisfeitos com o uso (>50%). Não houve diferença entre o uso de MCA entre os pacientes com doença de Crohn em comparação com pacientes com retocolite ulcerativa (P=0,1171). Os fatores associados com o uso de MCA foram qualidade de vida regular ou ruim (Odds ratio 2,084; intervalo de confiança de 95% 1,147-3,786, P=0,0159) e menor tempo desde o diagnóstico (Odds ratio 0,956; intervalo de confiança de 95% 0,918-0,995; P=0,0260). Conclusão: A prevalência do uso de MCA foi baixa, mas satisfatória entre os pacientes com DII. O uso de MCA tem sido associada a baixa qualidade de vida e menor duração da doença.

Whitening efficacy of popular natural products on dental enamel

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of natural bleaching products on the color, whiteness, and superficial properties of dental enamel. Seventy fragments of bovine teeth were obtained (6mm x 6mm x 2mm). Initial surface roughness (Surfcorder SE1700, Kosakalab), microhardness (HMV-2, Shimadzu), color (EasyShade, VITA), and surface gloss (Micro-Gloss 45º BYK, Gardner) readings were done. Samples were separated into five groups (n=14) according to the treatments used: CT-conventional toothpaste (negative control); CH-charcoal; TU-turmeric; BP-banana peel, and CP16%-16% carbamide peroxide gel (positive control, 4 h/day for 14 days), and then brushed for 560 cycles (T1) and 1200 cycles (T2), equivalent to 14 and 30 days of brushing. New measurements were performed after T1 and T2. The whiteness index for dentistry change (∆WID) and Weight loss (Wl) were calculated. CP16% demonstrated the highest (p<.05) color change (ΔE00) and ∆WID (2-way ANOVA, Bonferroni, p<.05). Surface gloss alterations were lower for TU, CP16%, and BP. CT and CH increased surface roughness (p<.05). CP16% decreased enamel microhardness. CH presented medium abrasiveness, and CT and TU, low abrasiveness. The popular bleaching products were not efficient for tooth whitening. Furthermore, brushing with charcoal increased the enamel surface roughness, and CP16% decreased enamel microhardness over time

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito de produtos clareadores naturais na cor, efeito clareador e propriedades superficiais do esmalte dentário. Setenta fragmentos de dente bovino foram obtidos (6mm x 6mm x 2mm). Foram realizadas leituras iniciais de rugosidade de superfície (Surfcorder SE1700, Kosakalab), microdureza (HMV-2, Shimadzu), cor (EasyShade, VITA) e brilho (Micro-Gloss 45º BYK, Gardner). As amostras foram separadas em cinco grupos (n=14), de acordo com os tratamentos utilizados: DC - dentifrício convencional (controle negativo); CA - carvão ativado; CM - cúrcuma; CB - casca de banana e PC16% - gel de peróxido de carbamida a 16% (controle positivo, 4h/dia por 14 dias), foram então escovadas por 560 ciclos (T1) e 1200 ciclos (T2), equivalente a 14 e 30 dias de escovação. Novas leituras foram realizadas após T1 e T2. A alteração do whiteness index for dentistry (∆WID) e perda de massa (Pm) foram calculadas. PC16% demonstrou a maior (p<0,05) alteração de cor (ΔE00) e ∆WID (2-way ANOVA, Bonferroni, p<0,05). A alteração de brilho foi menor para CM, PC16% e CB. DC e CA aumentaram a rugosidade de superfície (p<0,05). PC16% diminuiu a microdureza do esmalte. CA apresentou abrasividade média, e DC e CM, baixa abrasividade. Os produtos clareadores populares não foram eficientes para clareamento dental. Ademais, a escovação com carvão ativado aumentou a rugosidade de superfície do esmalte dentário, e com maior tempo PC16% diminuiu a microdureza do esmalte.

Microwave versus Conventional Sintering of NiTi Alloys Processed by Mechanical Alloying.

The present study shows a comparison between two sintering processes, microwave and conventional sintering, for the manufacture of NiTi porous specimens starting from powder mixtures of nickel and titanium hydrogenation-dehydrogenation (HDH) milled by mechanical alloying for a short time (25 min). The samples were sintered at 850 °C for 15 min and 120 min, respectively. Both samples exhibited porosity, and the pore size results are within the range of the human bone. The NiTi intermetallic compound (B2, R-phase, and B19') was detected in both sintered samples through X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electron backscattering diffraction (EBSD) on scanning electron microscopic (SEM). Two-step phase transformation occurred in both sintering processes with cooling and heating, the latter occurring with an overlap of the peaks, according to the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results. From scanning electron microscopy/electron backscatter diffraction, the R-phase and B2/B19' were detected in microwave and conventional sintering, respectively. The instrumented ultramicrohardness results show the highest elastic work values for the conventionally sintered sample. It was observed throughout this investigation that using mechanical alloying (MA) powders enabled, in both sintering processes, good results, such as intermetallic formation and densification in the range for biomedical applications.

Whitening efficacy of popular natural products on dental enamel.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of natural bleaching products on the color, whiteness, and superficial properties of dental enamel. Seventy fragments of bovine teeth were obtained (6mm x 6mm x 2mm). Initial surface roughness (Surfcorder SE1700, Kosakalab), microhardness (HMV-2, Shimadzu), color (EasyShade, VITA), and surface gloss (Micro-Gloss 45º BYK, Gardner) readings were done. Samples were separated into five groups (n=14) according to the treatments used: CT-conventional toothpaste (negative control); CH-charcoal; TU-turmeric; BP-banana peel, and CP16%-16% carbamide peroxide gel (positive control, 4 h/day for 14 days), and then brushed for 560 cycles (T1) and 1200 cycles (T2), equivalent to 14 and 30 days of brushing. New measurements were performed after T1 and T2. The whiteness index for dentistry change (∆WID) and Weight loss (Wl) were calculated. CP16% demonstrated the highest (p<.05) color change (ΔE00) and ∆WID (2-way ANOVA, Bonferroni, p<.05). Surface gloss alterations were lower for TU, CP16%, and BP. CT and CH increased surface roughness (p<.05). CP16% decreased enamel microhardness. CH presented medium abrasiveness, and CT and TU, low abrasiveness. The popular bleaching products were not efficient for tooth whitening. Furthermore, brushing with charcoal increased the enamel surface roughness, and CP16% decreased enamel microhardness over time.

Identification of high seed oil yield and high oleic acid content in Brazilian germplasm of winter squash (Cucurbita moschata D.).

Cucurbita moschata D. seed oil contains approximately 75% unsaturated fatty acids, with high levels of monounsaturated fatty acids and antioxidant compounds such as vitamin E and carotenoids, constituting a promising food in nutritional terms. In addition, the Brazilian germplasm of C. moschata exhibits remarkable variability, representing an important source for the genetic breeding of this vegetable and other cucurbits. The present study evaluated the productivity and profile of the seed oil of 91C. moschata accessions from different regions of Brazil maintained in the Vegetable Germplasm Bank of the Federal University of Viçosa (BGH-UFV). A field experiment was conducted between January and July 2016. The accessions showed high genetic variability in terms of characteristics related to seed oil productivity (SOP), such as the weight of seeds per fruit and productivity of seeds, providing predicted selection gains of 29.39 g and 0.26 t ha-1, respectively. Based on the phenotypic and genotypic correlations, a greater SOP can be achieved while maintaining a high oleic acid concentration and low linoleic acid concentration, providing oil of better nutritional and chemical quality. In the variability analysis, the accessions were clustered into five groups, which had different averages for SOP and fatty acid concentration of seed oil, an approach that will guide the use of appropriate germplasm in programs aimed at genetic breeding for SOP and seed oil profile. Per se analysis identified BGH-4610, BGH-5485A, BGH-6590, BGH-5556A, BGH-5472A, and BGH-5544A as the most promising accessions in terms of SOP, with an average (µ + g) of approximately 0.20 t ha-1. The most promising accessions for a higher oleic acid concentration of seed oil were BGH-5456A, BGH-3333A, BGH-5361A, BGH-5472A, BGH-5544A, BGH-5453A, and BGH-1749, with an average (µ + g) of approximately 30%, almost all of which were also the most promising in terms of a lower linoleic acid concentration of the seed oil, with an average (µ + g) of approximately 45%. Part of the C. moschata accessions evaluated in the present study can serve as a promising resource in genetic breeding programs for SOP and fatty acid profile, aiming at the production of oil with better nutritional and physicochemical quality.