Periodontal pathogen Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans JP2 correlates with colonic leukocytes decrease and gut microbiome imbalance in mice.

AIM: Evidence suggests that translocation of oral pathogens through the oral-gut axis may induce intestinal dysbiosis. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a highly leukotoxic Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) strain on the gut microbiota, intestinal mucosal integrity and immune system in healthy mice. METHODS: Eight-week-old male C57BL6 mice were divided into control (n = 16) and JP2 groups (n = 19), which received intragastric gavage with PBS and with a suspension of Aa JP2 (HK921), respectively, twice a week for 4 weeks. Colonic lamina propria, fecal material, serum, gingival tissues, and mandibles were obtained for analyses of leukocyte populations, inflammatory mediators, mucosal integrity, alveolar bone loss, and gut microbiota. Differences between groups for these parameters were examined by non-parametric tests. RESULTS: The gut microbial richness and the number of colonic macrophages, neutrophils, and monocytes were significantly lower in Aa JP2-infected mice than in controls (p < .05). In contrast, infected animals showed higher abundance of Clostridiaceae, Lactobacillus taiwanensis, Helicobacter rodentium, higher levels of IL-6 expression in colonic tissues, and higher splenic MPO activity than controls (p < .05). No differences in tight junction expression, serum endotoxin levels, and colonic inflammatory cytokines were observed between groups. Infected animals presented also slightly more alveolar bone loss and gingival IL-6 levels than controls (p < .05). CONCLUSION: Based on this model, intragastric administration of Aa JP2 is associated with changes in the gut ecosystem of healthy hosts, characterized by less live/recruited myeloid cells, enrichment of the gut microbiota with pathobionts and decrease in commensals. Negligible levels of colonic pro-inflammatory cytokines, and no signs of mucosal barrier disruption were related to these changes.

Silicon attenuates nutritional disorder of phosphorus in seedlings of Eucalyptus grandis × Eucalyptus urophylla.

BACKGROUND: Nutritional disorders of phosphorus (P), due to deficiency or toxicity, reduce the development of Eucalyptus spp. seedlings. Phosphorus deficiency often results in stunted growth and reduced vigor, while phosphorus toxicity can lead to nutrient imbalances and decreased physiological function. These sensitivities highlight the need for precise management of P levels in cultivation practices. The use of the beneficial element silicon (Si) has shown promising results under nutritional stress; nevertheless, comprehensive studies on its effects on Eucalyptus spp. seedlings are still emerging. To further elucidate the role of Si under varying P conditions, an experiment was conducted with clonal seedlings of a hybrid Eucalyptus spp. (Eucalyptus grandis × Eucalyptus urophylla, A207) in a soilless cultivation system. Seedlings were propagated using the minicutting method in vermiculite-filled tubes, followed by treatment with a nutrient solution at three P concentrations: a deficient dose (0.1 mM), an adequate dose (1.0 mM) and an excessive dose (10 mM), with and without the addition of Si (2mM). This study assessed P and Si concentration, nutritional efficiency, oxidative metabolism, photosynthetic parameters, and dry matter production. RESULTS: Si supply increased phenolic compounds production and reduced electrolyte leakage in seedlings provided with 0.1 mM of P. On the other hand, Si favored quantum efficiency of photosystem II as well as chlorophyll a content in seedlings supplemented with 10 mM of P. In general, Si attenuates P nutritional disorder by reducing the oxidative stress, favoring the non-enzymatic antioxidant system and photosynthetic parameters in seedlings of Eucalyptus grandis × Eucalyptus urophylla. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that Eucalyptus grandis × Eucalyptus urophylla seedlings are sensitive to P deficiency and toxicity and Si has shown a beneficial effect, attenuating P nutritional disorder by reducing the oxidative stress, favoring the non-enzymatic antioxidant system and photosynthetic parameters.

Cost-effectiveness of semaglutide 2.4 mg in chronic weight management in Portugal.

BACKGROUND: Obesity and overweight are a significant public health concern. Subcutaneous semaglutide 2.4 mg injection is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogue approved by the European Medicines Agency as an adjunct to a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity (diet and exercise, D&E) for the treatment obesity and overweight in the presence of at least one weight related comorbidity. This study aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of semaglutide 2.4 mg in combination with D&E compared to D&E alone for the Portuguese setting. METHODS: Analysis were conducted using the Core Obesity Model (COM) version 18, a Markov state transition cohort model, to predict the health outcomes and costs of weight related complications based on changes in surrogate endpoints. Efficacy and safety data were sourced from the STEP trials (Body Mass Index, systolic blood pressure and glycemic status) from a cohort of adults aged on average 48 years with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) and ≥ 1 obesity-related comorbidities, over a time horizon of 40 years. Costs were estimated from the perspective of the Portuguese National Health Service. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to test the robustness of results across a range of assumptions. RESULTS: On a patient level, Semaglutide 2.4 mg in addition to D&E compared to D&E alone, improved QALYs by 0.098 and yielded higher costs by 1,325 EUR over a 40-year time horizon, with an ICER of 13,459 EUR per QALY gained and 100% probability of cost-effectiveness at the given WTP. Semaglutide 2.4 mg remained cost-effective across all different scenarios and sensitivity analysis at a WTP of 20,000 EUR per QALY. Among the subpopulations examined, Semaglutide 2.4 mg yielded ICERs of 18,459 EUR for patients with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 and of 22,657 EUR for patients with BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2. CONCLUSIONS: Semaglutide 2.4 mg was cost-effective compared to D&E alone for patients with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) and weight related comorbidities in Portugal, over a 40-year time horizon.

Resources for health literacy among caregivers of prematurely born children: a scoping review.

OBJECTIVES: to map the available evidence on resources used to promote health literacy among caregivers of prematurely born children during outpatient follow-up. METHODS: the Joanna Briggs Institute's scope review protocol was utilized. The search encompassed six databases, incorporating studies from 2012 to 2022. RESULTS: the three included publications revealed that the resources employed are: mobile applications, phone calls, individual counseling, videos, educational pamphlets, and group discussions. Implementing an education protocol during the transition home enhances scientifically grounded health promotion rates. CONCLUSIONS: there is limited literature addressing the health literacy of these caregivers. The nursing team plays a crucial role in health education and in developing resources applicable to these families.

Influence of surgeon experience on implant placement in guided surgeries: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Guided surgical techniques in implant dentistry use virtual planning to accurately position implants. Understanding the effect of a surgeon's experience on guided surgery is essential to ensure successful outcomes. PURPOSE: The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials was to evaluate the influence of a surgeon's experience on the accuracy of implant positioning in guided surgery for completely or partially edentulous patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines, searches were conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, SciELO, and nonpeer-reviewed literature databases. Studies that met the population, intervention, control, and outcome (PICO) strategy were included: a completely or partially edentulous maxilla or mandible, guided surgery performed by experienced and inexperienced surgeons, and assessing implant positioning accuracy. A random-effects meta-analysis with a 95% confidence interval was conducted using Stata 15.1. The risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB2), and evidence certainty was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) tool. The study was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) database (CRD42022302288). RESULTS: Three articles from 2017 to 2020 encompassing 43 participants (22 men and 21 women) with a mean age of 61.2 years and a total of 150 implants were included. No significant difference was found between experienced and inexperienced surgeons in terms of angular, cervical, or apical deviations of the implants (95% confidence interval, P<.05). The difference between surgeons regarding positioning accuracy was less than 0.01 degrees for angular deviation, 0.35 mm for apical deviation, and 0.16 mm for cervical deviation. Low heterogeneity was observed for angular deviations (Q P=.021, I2=34%, and t2<.001) and cervical deviations (Q P=.18, I2=45%, and t2=.064). High heterogeneity was observed for apical deviations (Q P<.001, I2=87% and t2=.522). The overall bias risk was moderate, with the evidence certainty ranging from low to moderate. CONCLUSIONS: In guided surgery, the surgeon's experience did not significantly impact the occurrence of deviations in implant positioning.

Influence of CBCT-derived panoramic curve variability in the measurements for dental implant planning.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether the curve markings performed prior to panoramic and cross-sectional reconstructions can influence the planning of oral implants. METHODS: Twenty oral radiologists landmarked the reference panoramic curves in 25 CBCT scans of the mandible. Bone height was measured on the resulting cross-sectional slices in the edentulous region of the lower first molar. The following data were recorded: (1) number of landmarks used to build each reference curve; (2) shape of the reference curve (inverted "U", inverted "V" or "horseshoe"); and (3) measurement in the first molar region. The data were assessed for variability based on the number of landmarks, the shape of the reference curve, and the measurements obtained. RESULTS: The number of landmarks used to guide the panoramic reconstruction varied among radiologists (p < 0.05), but most of them draw curves in inverted "U" shape (68-100%). The reproducibility of the measurements taken in the edentulous mandibular first molar region was excellent (84.7%). The number of landmarks and the shape of the curve did not have a significant influence on the reproducibility of the measurements (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Variations of the operator-dependent steps during the panoramic reconstructions occur but do not play a significant part changing the measurements taken for oral implant planning.

Prevalence and Characterization of External Cervical Resorption Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of external cervical resorption (ECR) and characterize the cases of ECR using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). METHODS: High-resolution CBCT scans of 6216 patients (2280 males and 3936 females), consecutively acquired during the period July 2021 to March 2022, were analyzed. Identified cases of ECR were characterized by 3 evaluators regarding lesion height, circumferential spread, portal of entry proximity to root canal, stage, location, and width. RESULTS: In a total of 38 patients and 40 teeth, ECR cases demonstrated an incidence of 0.61%. The median age of the patients was 39 years. Prevalence of ERC was 0.78% among males and 0.50% among females. The most affected teeth were the maxillary incisors and canines. The most frequent characteristics of the lesion were: extension up to the cervical third (47.5%), more than 270° circumferential spread (42.55%), probable pulpal involvement (57.5%), progressive stage (65%), supracrestal (52.1%) and mesial (34.7%) localization of >1 mm in size (52.1%) portals of entry. Cases with greater longitudinal involvement also showed greater circumferential progression (P = .008). There was no association between portal of entry location and bone crest or ECR reparative phase (P = .42). Inter-rater agreement ranged from good to very good. No association between portal of entry and ECR progression was observed. CONCLUSIONS: ECR showed low prevalence in the Brazilian population, affecting mostly anterior maxillary teeth of patients within a wide age range. CBCT allowed characterization of ECR lesions with good interobserver agreement.

Evaluation of Mandibular Bone Microstructure in CT Scans of People with Sickle Cell Disease.

OBJECTIVE: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a common inherited disease, and is characterized by a genetic modification that determines the production of a hemoglobin with altered morphology. This anatomical change of hemoglobin leads to vaso-occlusive disorders and premature hemolysis of the cell, causing chronic anemia and bone marrow hyperplasia due to increased hematopoietic demand. As a consequence, several skeletal changes are reported in the skull, spine, ribs, pelvis, femur, and metatarsals. In the craniofacial region, dentofacial deformities are described, especially maxillary protrusion. However, studies evaluating bone microarchitecture are scarce. The aim of this study is to evaluate the mandibular bone microstructure of people with SCD on computed tomography (CT) scans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Morphometric parameters were analyzed on CT scans of the mandible of people with SCD and people without this disease or any other disease affecting bone metabolism, matched for sex and age. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The results were compared by Student's t-test for paired samples and for an error probability of 5%. RESULTS: This study demonstrated that the mandibular bone of people with SCD presents significantly less number, connectivity and thickness of bone trabeculae, as well as having a lower fractal dimension and greater porosity. CONCLUSION: Mandibular bone of people with SCD has lower bone density and more widely spaced trabeculae.

Modulating the sEH/EETs Axis Restrains Specialized Proresolving Mediator Impairment and Regulates T Cell Imbalance in Experimental Periodontitis.

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) and other epoxy fatty acids are short-acting lipids involved in resolution of inflammation. Their short half-life, due to its metabolism by soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH), limits their effects. Specialized proresolving mediators (SPMs) are endogenous regulatory lipids insufficiently synthesized in uncontrolled and chronic inflammation. Using an experimental periodontitis model, we pharmacologically inhibited sEH, examining its impact on T cell activation and systemic SPM production. In humans, we analyzed sEH in the gingival tissue of periodontitis patients. Mice were treated with sEH inhibitor (sEHi) and/or EETs before ligature placement and treated for 14 d. Bone parameters were assessed by microcomputed tomography and methylene blue staining. Blood plasma metabololipidomics were carried out to quantify SPM levels. We also determined T cell activation by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and flow cytometry in cervical lymph nodes. Human gingival samples were collected to analyze sEH using ELISA and electrophoresis. Data reveal that pharmacological sEHi abrogated bone resorption and preserved bone architecture. Metabololipidomics revealed that sEHi enhances lipoxin A4, lipoxin B4, resolvin E2, and resolvin D6. An increased percentage of regulatory T cells over Th17 was noted in sEHi-treated mice. Lastly, inflamed human gingival tissues presented higher levels and expression of sEH than did healthy gingivae, being positively correlated with periodontitis severity. Our findings indicate that sEHi preserves bone architecture and stimulates SPM production, associated with regulatory actions on T cells favoring resolution of inflammation. Because sEH is enhanced in human gingivae from patients with periodontitis and connected with disease severity, inhibition may prove to be an attractive target for managing osteolytic inflammatory diseases.

Resources for health literacy among caregivers of prematurely born children: a scoping review / Recursos para el alfabetismo en salud de cuidadores de niños nacidos prematuramente: revisión de alcance / Recursos para o letramento em saúde de cuidadores de crianças nascidas prematuras: revisão de escopo

ABSTRACT Objectives: to map the available evidence on resources used to promote health literacy among caregivers of prematurely born children during outpatient follow-up. Methods: the Joanna Briggs Institute's scope review protocol was utilized. The search encompassed six databases, incorporating studies from 2012 to 2022. Results: the three included publications revealed that the resources employed are: mobile applications, phone calls, individual counseling, videos, educational pamphlets, and group discussions. Implementing an education protocol during the transition home enhances scientifically grounded health promotion rates. Conclusions: there is limited literature addressing the health literacy of these caregivers. The nursing team plays a crucial role in health education and in developing resources applicable to these families.

RESUMEN Objetivos: mapear las evidencias disponibles sobre los recursos utilizados para la promoción del alfabetismo en salud de cuidadores de niños nacidos prematuramente en el seguimiento ambulatorio. Métodos: se utilizó el protocolo de revisión de alcance del Joanna Briggs Institute. La búsqueda se realizó en seis bases de datos, incluyendo estudios entre 2012 y 2022. Resultados: las tres publicaciones incluidas evidenciaron que los recursos utilizados son: aplicaciones para teléfonos móviles, llamadas telefónicas, asesoramiento individual, videos y folletos educativos, y discusiones en grupos. Implementar un protocolo educativo en la transición al hogar aumenta los índices de promoción de la salud respaldada científicamente. Conclusiones: hay poca información en la literatura sobre el alfabetismo en salud de estos cuidadores. El equipo de enfermería juega un papel fundamental en la educación en salud y en la creación de recursos que pueden aplicarse a estas familias.

RESUMO Objetivos: mapear as evidências disponíveis sobre os recursos utilizados para a promoção do letramento em saúde de cuidadores de crianças nascidas prematuras no seguimento ambulatorial. Métodos: utilizou-se o protocolo de revisão de escopo do Joanna Briggs Institute. A busca foi realizada em seis bases de dados, incluindo estudos entre 2012 e 2022. Resultados: as três publicações incluídas evidenciaram que os recursos utilizados são: aplicativos para celulares, ligações telefônicas, aconselhamento individual, vídeos e folhetos educativos e discussões em grupos. Efetivar um protocolo de educação na transição para casa aumenta os índices de promoção da saúde cientificamente embasada. Conclusões: pouco se aborda na literatura sobre o letramento em saúde desses cuidadores. A equipe de enfermagem desempenha um papel fundamental na educação em saúde e na construção de recursos que podem ser aplicados a essas famílias.

Zika virus: Antiviral immune response, inflammation, and cardiotonic steroids as antiviral agents.

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito-borne virus first reported from humans in Nigeria in 1954. The first outbreak occurred in Micronesia followed by an outbreak in French Polynesia and another in Brazil when the virus was associated with numerous cases of severe neurological manifestations such as Guillain-Barre syndrome in adults and congenital zika syndrome in fetuses, particularly congenital microcephaly. Innate immunity is the first line of defense against ZIKV through triggering an antiviral immune response. Along with innate immune responses, a sufficient balance between anti- and pro-inflammatory cytokines and the amount of these cytokines are triggered to enhance the antiviral responses. Here, we reviewed the complex interplay between the mediators and signal pathways that coordinate antiviral immune response and inflammation as a key to understanding the development of the underlying diseases triggered by ZIKV. In addition, we summarize current and new therapeutic strategies for ZIKV infection, highlighting cardiotonic steroids as antiviral drugs for the development of this agent.

Assessment of Oral Health Status in a Prison Population in Northern Portugal.

Background: Prisoners constitute one of the disadvantaged groups and it is observed that these individuals suffer from poor oral hygiene and the prevalence of oral diseases is higher compared to the general population. Material and Methods: The aim of this study is to assess the state of the oral health in a prison population in Northern Portugal. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted involving 103 male prisoners with age between 25 and 75 years old. A questionnaire was presented to all the prisoners and an intraoral clinical examination was performed in each of them. Results: The sample mean age was 41.58 ± 8.94 years. Most participants consume sugary foods, with 32% consuming then on a daily basis. It was noticed that 13.6% of the participants do not brush their teeth. Most of the prisoners smoke (78.6%) and 70 smoke more than 10 cigarettes per day. The mean DMFT was 17.17 ± 8.23 and the component with the highest weight was the number of missing teeth, with a mean value of 13.14 ± 8.32. It was observed that 7 individuals are edentulous and 64 (62.1%) have caries lesions. It has been noted that of the 64 individuals presenting caries lesions, 47 (73.4%) eat sugary foods, however this relationship is not statistically significant. It was found that the prevalence of periodontal health was 26%, gingivitis was 32.3% and periodontitis was 41.7%. Plaque Index was evaluated according to the periodontal condition, it was observed a significantly lower level of plaque index in the periodontally healthy subjects compared to the subjects with gingivitis and the subjects with periodontitis. Conclusions: The prevalence of oral diseases in this prison population is high, as is the loss of teeth. Dental caries is the most observed oral disease, and periodontitis the most common of the periodontal diseases. Key words:Prisoners, Oral health, Caries, DMFT, Periodontitis, Oral diseases.

Central Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma Radiographically Mimicking an Odontogenic Lesion.

Central mucoepidermoid carcinoma (CMEC) is a rare pathological entity with only a few case reports in the literature. The present case reported an uncommon occurrence of CMEC mimicking an odontogenic lesion in a young patient. A 17-year-old female patient sought dental care due to a slight swelling located in the posterior region of the mandible on the left side. Radiographic exams revealed an osteolytic lesion with defined limits in relation to proximity to the pericoronal follicle of tooth #38. The clinical and radiographic diagnostic hypothesis was an odontogenic lesion. Histological sections showed the presence of a neoplasm of glandular origin, not encapsulated, with a predominantly cystic growth pattern. The neoplasm consisted of mucous, intermediate, and squamous cells. In the immunohistochemical staining, the neoplastic cells were positive for cytokeratin 7. Mucous cells were positive for PAS with diastase digestion. The final diagnosis consisted of mucoepidermoid carcinoma. The tumor was removed surgically, and the patient has shown no signs of relapse nor recurrence. In conclusion, CMEC may mimic radiographic features of various pathologies, but despite its rarity, clinicians and oral radiologists should consider CMEC as a diagnostic hypothesis for jaw lesions.

Associação entre intoxicação exógena e exposição ocupacional e ambiental de pacientes com câncer em Mato Grosso / Association between exogenous intoxication and occupational and environmental exposure of cancer patients in Mato Grosso

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a associação entre características sociodemográficas relacionadas à exposição ambiental e ocupacional e o autorrelato de intoxicação de pacientes com diagnóstico de câncer em Mato Grosso, Brasil. Trata-se de um estudo transversal, com 998 pacientes com câncer atendidos em hospitais de referência do estado. A variável dependente foi obtida a partir do autorrelato de algum sintoma de intoxicação nos últimos 5 anos e se a intoxicação foi decorrente ou não do trabalho/ocupação. A associação entre características sociodemográficas relacionadas à intoxicação e à exposição ambiental e ocupacional e o autorrelato de intoxicação foi avaliada pelo teste exato de Fisher. Do total de entrevistados, 7,4% (IC95%: 6,0; 9,2) referiram intoxicação, sendo 2,3% dos casos (IC95%: 1,5; 3,4) decorrentes do trabalho. Os fatores associados ao autorrelato de intoxicação decorrente do trabalho foram ser do sexo masculino, ter escolaridade menor que 4 anos, sintoma de dor de cabeça, intoxicação por agrotóxico agrícola, por via respiratória e ter trabalhado com agrotóxicos, amianto, metais pesados e poeira industrial. Conclui-se que os indivíduos com maior exposição ocupacional aos agrotóxicos e a outros produtos químicos referiram maior ocorrência de intoxicações decorrentes do trabalho.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to investigate the association between sociodemographic characteristics, related to environmental and occupational exposure and self-report of intoxication in patients diagnosed with cancer in Mato Grosso, Brazil. This is a cross-sectional study, with 998 cancer patients seen at referral hospitals in the state. The dependent variable was obtained from the self-report of some intoxication symptom in the last 5 years and whether or not the intoxication was caused by work/occupation. The association between sociodemographic characteristics, related to intoxication and environmental and occupational exposure and self-report of intoxication was assessed by Fisher's exact test. Of all respondents, 7.4% (95%CI: 6.0; 9.2) reported intoxication, and 2.3% (95%CI: 1.5; 3.4) were work-related. Factors associated with self-reported work-related intoxication were being male, having less than 4 years of education, headache, intoxication by agricultural pesticides, by respiratory route and having worked with pesticides, asbestos, heavy metals and industrial dust. It was concluded that individuals with higher occupational exposure to pesticides and other chemicals reported higher occurrence of poisoning due to work.

Generation of an Obese Diabetic Mouse Model upon Conditional Atrx Disruption.

Atrx loss was recently ascertained as insufficient to drive pancreatic neuroendocrine tumour (PanNET) formation in mice islets. We have identified a preponderant role of Atrx in the endocrine dysfunction in a Rip-Cre;AtrxKO genetically engineered mouse model (GEMM). To validate the impact of a different Cre-driver line, we used similar methodologies and characterised the Pdx1-Cre;AtrxKO (P.AtrxKO) GEMM to search for PanNET formation and endocrine fitness disruption for a period of up to 24 months. Male and female mice presented different phenotypes. Compared to P.AtrxWT, P.AtrxHOM males were heavier during the entire study period, hyperglycaemic between 3 and 12 mo., and glucose intolerant only from 6 mo.; in contrast, P.AtrxHOM females started exhibiting increased weight gains later (after 6 mo.), but diabetes or glucose intolerance was detected by 3 mo. Overall, all studied mice were overweight or obese from early ages, which challenged the histopathological evaluation of the pancreas and liver, especially after 12 mo. Noteworthily, losing Atrx predisposed mice to an increase in intrapancreatic fatty infiltration (FI), peripancreatic fat deposition, and macrovesicular steatosis. As expected, no animal developed PanNETs. An obese diabetic GEMM of disrupted Atrx is presented as potentially useful for metabolic studies and as a putative candidate for inserting additional tumourigenic genetic events.

MedSecurance Project: Advanced Security-for-Safety Assurance for Medical Device IoT (IoMT).

The MedSecurance project focus on identifying new challenges in cyber security with focus on hardware and software medical devices in the context of emerging healthcare architectures. In addition, the project will review best practice and identify gaps in the guidance, particularly the guidance stipulated by the medical device regulation and directives. Finally, the project will develop comprehensive methodology and tooling for the engineering of trustworthy networks of inter-operating medical devices, that shall have security-for-safety by design, with a strategy for device certification and certifiable dynamic network composition, ensuring that patient safety is safeguarded from malicious cyber actors and technology "accidents".

Prevalence of orofacial alterations in patients with sickle-cell disease: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of orofacial alterations in sickle-cell disease (SCD) and to compare it with the general population. STUDY DESIGN: This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines. The search was conducted on PubMed, Embase, Scientific Electronic Library Online, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, gray literature, and references of the included articles. RESULTS: A total of 770 records were found, and 28 studies were selected. In SCD, the prevalence of decreased bone density was 57% (95% CI: 35%-80%), with Q: P < .01 and I2 = 95%; for stepladder pattern was 30% (IC: 13%-47%), Q: P < .01 and I²: 93%; for delayed eruption was 20% (95% CI: 6%-34%), with Q: P < .01 and I2 = 86, Q: P < .01 and I2 = 99%; and for malocclusion, 66% (95% CI: 39%-92%), Q: P < .01 and I2 = 98%. A high risk of bias was observed in relation to the sample size of the studies. A limited number of articles compared the prevalence of orofacial alterations in patients with SCD and healthy individuals. CONCLUSIONS: Decreased bone density, malocclusion, orofacial pain, tooth necrosis, eruption delay, periodontal disease, and neuropathies may be present in patients with SCD with variable prevalence.

Pulp volume quantification methods in cone-beam computed tomography for age estimation: A critical review and meta-analysis.

The secondary dentin deposition that occurs after the tooth formation process results in a decrease in pulp cavity volume in adolescents and adults. The purpose of this critical review was to correlate pulpal and/or dental volume on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) with chronological age approximation. A subobjective was to investigate which methodology and CBCT technical parameters would be most appropriate to evaluate this correlation. This critical review followed the PRISMA guidelines, and it was conducted by a search through PubMed, Embase, SciELO, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library databases, as well as gray literature. Primary studies that used pulp volume, or pulp chamber to tooth volume ratio measured using CBCT were included. Seven hundred and eight indexed and 31 non-indexed records were identified. A qualitative analysis was performed including 25 selected studies with a total of 5100 individuals, age ranging from 8 to 87 years without sex predilection. The most used method was pulp volume/tooth volume. CBCT voxel size ranged between 0.09 and 0.5. Manual segmentation associated with threshold algorithms was used in most of the studies. Correlation between the pulp volume/tooth volume ratio was moderate: -0.66 for the upper central incisors, -0.59 for upper canines and -0.56 for lower canines. High heterogeneity was observed among the studies. It is concluded that pulp volume should be used with caution in age estimation. Evidence supports the preferable use of upper incisors with pulp volume/tooth volume ratio for age estimation. There is not enough evidence that voxel size interferes in age estimation by pulp volume.

Radiographic dental age estimation applying and comparing Demirjian's seven (1973) and four (1976) teeth methods.

To apply Demirjian's seven (1973, D7) and four (1976, D4) teeth methods in a sample of Brazilian children and compare their performances for age estimation. Panoramic radiographs of 1200 children (600 females and 600 males) were collected from Southeast Brazil. The children were equally distributed (n = 60 females and 60 males) between age intervals of 1 year between 6 and 15.9 (mean age = 10.9; standard deviation [SD]: 2.9) years. D7 and D4 dental age estimation methods were applied by two observers and were compared based on their error rates (error = estimated age-chronological age). Both methods overestimated the chronological age (p < 0.0001). D7 led to overestimations of 0.71 (p < 0.0001) in females and 0.83 (p < 0.0001) in males, while the overestimations with D4 were 0.14 (p = 0.0067) and 0.73 (p < 0.0001) for females and males, respectively. The mean age estimated by D7 was 11.7 (SD: 3.1) years, while for D4, it was 11.3 (SD: 3.3) years. Intra- and interobserver agreement was ≥ 0.98. D4 optimized the performance of radiographic dental age estimation compared to D7. Improvements were reflected in the total sample and separately for female and male children from Southeast Brazil.

Análise da satisfação corporal em mulheres após cirurgia bariátrica e suas alterações psicológicas, comportamentais e alimentares / Analysis of body satisfaction in women after bariatric surgery and its psychological, bahavioral and eating changes / Análisis de la satisfacción corporal en mujeres tras la cirugía bariátrica y sus cambios psicológicos, conductuales y alimentarios

INTRODUÇÃO: A obesidade é uma doença crônica e de causa multifatorial caracterizada pelo acúmulo excessivo de gordura no corpo. A cirurgia bariátrica é um dos procedimentos indicados para o tratamento da obesidade. OBJETIVO: Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar a satisfação física de mulheres submetidas à cirurgia bariátrica, avaliando a incidência de alterações psicológicas pós-operatórias, comportamentos alimentares, escores de autoestima e compulsão alimentar. MÉTODOS: Este projeto foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética da Universidade São Judas Tadeu (CAAE 46628521.5.0000.0089). Trata-se de um estudo de caráter quantitativo com delineamento transversal que foi realizado em um grupo de 39 indivíduos do sexo feminino, com idade entre 27 e 56 anos, que se submeteram à cirurgia bariátrica do tipo Bypass Gástrico em Y de Roux há pelo menos 2 anos. Foi utilizado um formulário (Google Forms - http://gg.gg/pesquisacirurgiabariatrica) para a coleta dos dados. RESULTADOS: A análise dos dados evidenciou que as participantes apresentam sobrepeso e insatisfação corporal, mas manifestam autoestima satisfatória. A maioria das participantes afirma experimentar sentimentos positivos ou negativos quando comem, além de não fazer acompanhamento psicológico. CONCLUSÃO: Nota-se a importância do acompanhamento multidisciplinar antes, durante e depois da cirurgia bariátrica para que os resultados sejam duradouros. A terapia cognitivo-comportamental pode ser extremamente eficaz nesse processo, pois atua na modificação de pensamentos e comportamentos disfuncionais diante das necessidades individuais.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is a chronic, multifactorial disease characterized by the excessive accumulation of fat in the body. Bariatric surgery is one of the procedures indicated for the treatment of obesity. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the physical satisfaction of women undergoing bariatric surgery, assessing the incidence of postoperative psychological changes, eating behaviors, self-esteem scores, and binge eating. METHODS: This project was approved by the Ethics Committee of São Judas Tadeu University (CAAE 46628521.5.0000.0089). This is a quantitative cross-sectional study that was carried out on a group of 39 females aged between 27 and 56 who had undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery at least two years previously. A form (Google Forms - http://gg.gg/pesquisacirurgiabariatrica) was used to collect the data. RESULTS: Analysis of the data showed that the participants were overweight and had body dissatisfaction but expressed satisfactory self-esteem. Most of the participants said that they experience positive or negative feelings when they eat, and that they do not receive psychological counseling. CONCLUSION: It is important to have multidisciplinary support before, during, and after bariatric surgery so that the results are long-lasting. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can be extremely effective in this process, as it works to modify dysfunctional thoughts and behaviors in the face of individual needs.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La obesidad es una enfermedad crónica y multifactorial caracterizada por la acumulación excesiva de grasa en el organismo. La cirugía bariátrica es uno de los procedimientos indicados para el tratamiento de la obesidad. OBJETIVO: Este estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar la satisfacción física de mujeres sometidas a cirugía bariátrica, evaluando la incidencia de cambios psicológicos postoperatorios, comportamientos alimentarios, puntuaciones de autoestima y atracones. MÉTODOS: Este proyecto fue aprobado por el Comité de Ética de la Universidad São Judas Tadeu (CAAE 46628521.5.0000.0089). Se trata de un estudio cuantitativo, transversal, realizado en un grupo de 39 mujeres con edades comprendidas entre 27 y 56 años que habían sido sometidas a cirugía de bypass gástrico en Y de Roux al menos dos años antes. Para la recogida de datos se utilizó un formulario (Google Forms - http://gg.gg/pesquisacirurgiabariatrica). RESULTADOS: El análisis de los datos mostró que los participantes tenían sobrepeso e insatisfacción corporal, pero expresaron una autoestima satisfactoria. La mayoría de los participantes dijeron que experimentan sentimientos positivos o negativos cuando comen, y que no reciben asesoramiento psicológico. CONCLUSIÓN: Es importante recibir asesoramiento multidisciplinar antes, durante y después de la cirugía bariátrica para que los resultados sean duraderos. La terapia cognitivo-conductual puede ser extremadamente eficaz en este proceso, ya que trabaja para modificar los pensamientos y comportamientos disfuncionales frente a las necesidades individuales.