Selenium intracanal dressing: effects on the periapical immune response.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the selenium (Se) behavior when used as an endodontic dressing in teeth with pulp necrosis. Additionally, its effects was also compared with the calcium hydroxide (C.H.), which is used globally as a root canal dressing, and the combination of the C.H. with Se (C.H. + Se). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample consisted of 60 patients requiring endodontic treatment who were divided into groups, i.e., without intracanal medication (empty) and with medications as follows: selenium (Se), calcium hydroxide (C.H.), and calcium hydroxide + selenium (C.H. + Se) (n = 15). After the coronary opening, three absorbent paper points were placed in the RCS and maintained for 2 min for microbial evaluation. Following the cleaning and shaping procedures, new paper points were introduced into the root canal system, passing passively through the root apex (2 mm) into the periapical tissues for 2 min, for immune evaluation. The collections were performed again 15 days later. Real-time PCR quantified the expression of the prokaryotic 16S ribosomal RNA. The 16S mRNA was evaluated before the cleaning and shaping procedures and 15 days later in the groups treated with or without medication. RESULTS: A significant reduction in the microbial load was observed only in the groups that received endodontic dressing (p < 0.05). The cytokines IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-1α, IL-17A, IL-10, IL-6 and MCP-1, were also quantified by real-time PCR. There was an increase in the gene expression level of the cytokines (T15) TNF-α and IL-10 in the C.H. group compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). The IFN-γ mRNA expression was reduced in the groups treated with the medications (Se, C.H., and C.H. + Se). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the present study indicate that in the case of treatment over multiple sessions, the use of root canal dressing is essential to avoid the root canal system (RCS) microbial recolonization. Selenium potentiated the effects of calcium hydroxide inducing an anti-inflammatory response in periapical tissues. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Se is a mineral essential for the formation of the amino acid selenocysteine, which is directly involved in the maintenance of the immune response. Selenium has been widely used in the medical field in the treatment of cancer, as an activator of bone metabolism, and as a stimulator of the immune system. In this study, it was shown that the incorporation of Se, whether as intracanal medication alone or in conjunction with other medications, may potentiate periapical tissue repair after RCS cleaning and shaping procedures.

Immunological profile of periapical endodontic infection in patients undergoing haematopoietic transplantation.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the mRNA expression levels of cytokines interferon-γ, tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin IL-1ß, IL-10, and the chemokine CCL2/MCP-1, CCL4, and CXCR4 in the periapical interstitial fluid from root canal infections before and after bacterial load reduction in patients undergoing haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The case group was composed of 10 patients undergoing HSCT, and our control group included 10 healthy patients. Clinical samples were taken from teeth with pulp necrosis. Three paper points were placed in the RCS and maintained for 2 min for microbial evaluation before cleaning and shaping procedures. After cleaning and drying the canal, three paper points were introduced into the root canal, passing passively through the root apex (2 mm) into the periapical tissues for 1 min. Samples were collected immediately after root canal cleaning and 7 days later (restrained root canal bacterial load) to characterize gene expression using real-time PCR. RESULTS: The results showed significantly reduction in the microbial load on day 7. An increased expression level of TNF-α and IFN-γ on day 7 in control and case groups was observed (p < 0.05). The mRNA levels of IL-1ß and IL-10 in the pre-HSCT group increased in the samples from day 7 (p < 0.05). The chemokine CCL-2/MCP-1 was not detected in pre-HSCT group. Chemokine receptor CXCR4 levels increased in samples obtained from the day 7 in the control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Individuals undergoing HSTC presented similar cytokine and chemokine mRNA expression compared with healthy individuals. However, it was observed the total absence of mRNA MCP-1/CCL2 expression in those individuals undergoing HSCT. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Patients undergoing HSCT are at higher risk of infection. No study has analysed the periapical immune responses to root canal infections in HSCT individuals.

Clinical endodontic procedures modulate periapical cytokine and chemokine gene expressions.

OBJECTIVES: To identify the gene expression of the cytokines IL-9, TNF-α, IL-1, INF-γ, IL-17A, and IL-10 and the chemokines CCL-2/MCP-1 and CCR-6 in the periapical fluid of human root canal infections. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty samples were collected immediately and 7 days after the cleaning and shaping procedures (after reducing the intracanal microbial load) in an attempt to characterize the expression of these genes. The endogenous expression levels of cytokines and chemokines were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The Shapiro-Wilk and the Wilcoxon tests analyzed data. RESULTS: Significantly higher levels of the IL-9, INF-γ, TNF-α, IL-1, and IL-10 markers on day 7 were observed compared with day 0 (p < 0.05). However, IL-17A and the chemokines CCL-2/MCP-1 and CCR-6 did not show a significant difference in mRNA expression when comparing both timepoints (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The clinical variation of the periapical immune status after endodontic therapy suggests that the cytokine and chemokine-mediated pro-inflammatory response appears to be modulated in an IL-10/IL-9-dependent manner. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Few studies have investigated the role of Th9 cells in periapical lesions. IL-9 presents exciting plasticity, performing immunosuppressive actions, and it is also capable of changing their phenotype in the presence of IL-17. Hence, it is relevant to investigate its role in the context of the known mediators involved the periapical immune process.

Is the formation of N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) a feasible mechanism for the distillation of imidazolium ionic liquids?

We describe the synthesis of two tetrachloroindate ionic liquids used as probes to study the involvement of NHCs (N-heterocyclic carbenes) in the distillation of imidazolium derivatives. Atmospheric-pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry (APCI-MS), electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), atmospheric-pressure thermal desorption ion mass spectrometry (APTDI-MS) and laser-induced acoustic desorption (LIAD) were used to depict the possibility of the involvement of NHCs during the distillation process. Each type of imidazolium derivative showed a particular mechanism of distillation, pointing firmly to the dependence of both the cation and the anion natures to distil as ion pairs or NHCs. Ionic liquid 1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrachloroindate (1a) exhibited a preference to distil as ion pairs, whereas 3,3'-(ethane-1,2-diyl)bis(1-methyimidazolium)bis-tetrachloroindate (1b) may react with the Lewis acid anion, affording a bidentate NHC complex to distil. Thermodynamics, quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) and natural bond orbital (NBO) analyses of the ionic liquid 1a were also conducted and helped understand the preference for ion pairs instead of NHCs. The performed theoretical calculations did not forwent the possibility of NHC formation; however, they clearly indicated the high stability of the anions (Lewis acids in nature) and also indicated that the possible reaction between NHC and the anion is not favoured. The calculated thermodynamic values were in accordance with the features observed by MS and indicated ion pairs as the feasible species for the distillation of imidazolium-based ionic liquids.

Proposal of a screening instrument for autism spectrum disorder in children (Mini-TEA Scale).

BACKGROUND: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) requires trained professionals for its adequate diagnosis. There is a shortage of such professionals in Brazil. Screening tools could identify priority cases. The only instrument for that in Brazilian Portuguese is employed for toddlers up to 2.5 years old. OBJECTIVE: The Mini-TEA scale was conceived and tested as a screening for children from 2.5 to 12 years old. METHODS: After local ethics committee's approval, this study was conducted from December 2022 to April 2023 in the Associação de Pais e Amigos dos Excepcionais, Passo Fundo/RS, of invitations to children's parents/relatives who were under evaluation for ASD and by local advertisement. Inclusion criteria were age from 2.5 to 12 years old; consent from the child's legal guardians. 75 children's parents/relatives were interviewed using the 15-item Mini-TEA scale. After that, children were evaluated for the diagnosis of ASD by a pediatric neurologist. Sensibility and specificity for ASD diagnosis along the Mini-TEA scores were measured. Experts and target population evaluated the validity/reliability of the Mini-TEA scale. The reproducibility of the scores was assessed about 40 days later. RESULTS: From the 75 participants, 28 received a diagnosis of ASD. Scores ≥ 10 on the Mini-TEA scale require further evaluation of the children (sensitivity 100%; specificity 68%). Content validity coefficient (CVC) rendered values > 0.80 (acceptable). Test-retest analyzes with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) indicated excellent reliability (> 0.90). The time spent for applying the screening was about 10 minutes. CONCLUSION: The Mini-TEA scale presents as an easy tool for screening ASD among children.

ANTECEDENTES: O transtorno do espectro autista (TEA) requer profissionais treinados para o diagnóstico, escassos no Brasil. Instrumentos de triagem poderiam identificar casos prioritários para avaliação. O único em português brasileiro é empregado para crianças até 30 meses de idade. OBJETIVO: A escala Mini-TEA foi concebida e testada como triagem para crianças entre 2,5 e 12 anos. MéTODOS: Estudo foi conduzido de dezembro de 2022 a abril de 2023 na Associação de Pais e Amigos dos Excepcionais (APAE) de Passo Fundo/RS, após a aprovação bioética local. O recrutamento consistiu em convite aos familiares de crianças que estavam sendo avaliadas para TEA e por divulgação local. Os critérios de inclusão foram idade entre 2,5 e 12 anos e consentimento do guardião legal. Familiares de 75 crianças foram entrevistados com a escala Mini-TEA (15 itens). Depois, as crianças foram avaliadas para o diagnóstico de TEA por neuropediatra. A sensibilidade e a especificidade do diagnóstico de TEA com os escores da Mini-TEA foram mensuradas. A validade e a confiabilidade da escala Mini-TEA foram avaliadas por experts e pela população alvo. A reprodutibilidade dos escores foi medida após ± 40 dias. RESULTADOS: Dos 75 participantes, 28 receberam diagnóstico de TEA. Escores ≥ 10 na escala Mini-TEA requerem avaliação das crianças (sensibilidade 100%; especificidade 68%). O coeficiente de validação de conteúdo (CVC) rendeu valores > 0,80 (aceitável). Análises de teste-reteste com coeficiente de correlação intraclasse (ICC) indicou excelente confiabilidade (> 0,90). O tempo gasto para a triagem foi cerca de 10 minutos. CONCLUSãO: A escala Mini-TEA constitui ferramenta breve e fácil para triagem de TEA em crianças.

Water-soluble Tb3+ and Eu3+ complexes with ionophilic (ionically tagged) ligands as fluorescence imaging probes.

This article describes a straightforward and simple synthesis of ionically tagged water-soluble Eu(3+) and Tb(3+) complexes (with ionophilic ligands) applied for bioimaging of invasive mammal cancer cells (MDA-MB-231). Use of the task-specific ionic liquid 1-methyl-3-carboxymethyl-imidazolium chloride (MAI·Cl) as the ionophilic ligand (ionically tagged) proved to be a simple, elegant, and efficient strategy to obtain highly fluorescent water-soluble Eu(3+) (EuMAI) and Tb(3+) (TbMAI) complexes. TbMAI showed an intense bright green fluorescence emission selectively staining endoplasmic reticulum of MDA-MB-231 cells.

Guided Endodontic Approach in Teeth with Pulp Canal Obliteration and Previous Iatrogenic Deviation: A Case Series.

Pulp canal obliteration (PCO) is a challenging clinical scenario in which canals must be located in progressively narrowing roots. Recently, proof of concept papers have, in parallel, introduced the combination of cone-beam computed tomography and surface scans for the construction of guides to pilot the negotiation and preparation of partially or completely obliterated pulp chambers and canals in anterior and posterior teeth. Authors' purpose is to describe the treatment approach for teeth with PCO and previous iatrogenic deviation using guided endodontic technique. The clinical cases reported here show that technological evolutions should make guided endodontic procedures more widespread because their execution is relatively fast and safe even in the cases of root canal deviation. Treatment of teeth with pulp canal obliteration with deviations or perforation may be more effective with designed 3D printed access guides that seems to be a safe and clinically feasible method to locate root canals.

Effect of low-power gallium-aluminum-arsenium laser therapy (830 nm) in combination with bisphosphonate treatment on osteopenic bone structure: an experimental animal study.

Laser therapy is able to modulate cell metabolism and accelerate the repair of fracture. Little attention has been given to the effect of laser on bone with osteopenia or osteoporosis. The purpose of our study was to verify the effect of laser therapy in combination with bisphosphonate on osteopenic bone structure. The 35 Wistar female rats used were divided into five groups: (1) sham-operation rats (control), (2) ovariectomized (OVX'd) rats with osteopenia, (3) OVX'd rats with osteopenia treated with laser, (4) OVX'd rats with osteopenia treated with bisphosphonate and (5) OVX'd rats with osteopenia treated with bisphosphonate and laser. Groups 3 and 5 were given daily 6 mg doses of bisphosphonate orally. Groups 4 and 5 underwent low level laser therapy [gallium-aluminum-arsenium (GaAlAs) laser, 830 nm, 50 mW and 4 J/cm(2)] on the femoral neck and vertebral segments (T13-L2). Both treatments were performed over an 8-week period. Rats from the osteopenic control and osteopenic + laser groups presented marked osteopenia. In the osteopenic + bisphosphonate group, the trabecular bone volume in vertebra L2 was significantly greater than in the osteopenic control group. Notably, in the association between laser and bisphosphonate, the trabecular bone volume was significantly greater in vertebrae L2 and T13 and was similar to that in the sham-operation control group. It was concluded that the laser therapy associated with bisphosphonate treatment was the best method for reversing vertebral osteopenia caused by the ovariectomy.

Proposal of a screening instrument for autism spectrum disorder in children (Mini-TEA Scale) / Proposta de um instrumento de triagem para transtorno do espectro autista em crianças (Escala Mini-TEA)

Abstract Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) requires trained professionals for its adequate diagnosis. There is a shortage of such professionals in Brazil. Screening tools could identify priority cases. The only instrument for that in Brazilian Portuguese is employed for toddlers up to 2.5 years old. Objective The Mini-TEA scale was conceived and tested as a screening for children from 2.5 to 12 years old. Methods After local ethics committee's approval, this study was conducted from December 2022 to April 2023 in the Associação de Pais e Amigos dos Excepcionais, Passo Fundo/RS, of invitations to children's parents/relatives who were under evaluation for ASD and by local advertisement. Inclusion criteria were age from 2.5 to 12 years old; consent from the child's legal guardians. 75 children's parents/relatives were interviewed using the 15-item Mini-TEA scale. After that, children were evaluated for the diagnosis of ASD by a pediatric neurologist. Sensibility and specificity for ASD diagnosis along the Mini-TEA scores were measured. Experts and target population evaluated the validity/reliability of the Mini-TEA scale. The reproducibility of the scores was assessed about 40 days later. Results From the 75 participants, 28 received a diagnosis of ASD. Scores ≥ 10 on the Mini-TEA scale require further evaluation of the children (sensitivity 100%; specificity 68%). Content validity coefficient (CVC) rendered values > 0.80 (acceptable). Test-retest analyzes with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) indicated excellent reliability (> 0.90). The time spent for applying the screening was about 10 minutes. Conclusion The Mini-TEA scale presents as an easy tool for screening ASD among children.

Resumo Antecedentes O transtorno do espectro autista (TEA) requer profissionais treinados para o diagnóstico, escassos no Brasil. Instrumentos de triagem poderiam identificar casos prioritários para avaliação. O único em português brasileiro é empregado para crianças até 30 meses de idade. Objetivo A escala Mini-TEA foi concebida e testada como triagem para crianças entre 2,5 e 12 anos. Métodos Estudo foi conduzido de dezembro de 2022 a abril de 2023 na Associação de Pais e Amigos dos Excepcionais (APAE) de Passo Fundo/RS, após a aprovação bioética local. O recrutamento consistiu em convite aos familiares de crianças que estavam sendo avaliadas para TEA e por divulgação local. Os critérios de inclusão foram idade entre 2,5 e 12 anos e consentimento do guardião legal. Familiares de 75 crianças foram entrevistados com a escala Mini-TEA (15 itens). Depois, as crianças foram avaliadas para o diagnóstico de TEA por neuropediatra. A sensibilidade e a especificidade do diagnóstico de TEA com os escores da Mini-TEA foram mensuradas. A validade e a confiabilidade da escala Mini-TEA foram avaliadas por experts e pela população alvo. A reprodutibilidade dos escores foi medida após ± 40 dias. Resultados Dos 75 participantes, 28 receberam diagnóstico de TEA. Escores ≥ 10 na escala Mini-TEA requerem avaliação das crianças (sensibilidade 100%; especificidade 68%). O coeficiente de validação de conteúdo (CVC) rendeu valores > 0,80 (aceitável). Análises de teste-reteste com coeficiente de correlação intraclasse (ICC) indicou excelente confiabilidade (> 0,90). O tempo gasto para a triagem foi cerca de 10 minutos. Conclusão A escala Mini-TEA constitui ferramenta breve e fácil para triagem de TEA em crianças.

Polineuropatia diabética assintomática induzida pelo uso crônico de metformina e correlação com vitamina B12 / Asymptomatic diabetic polyneuropathy induced by chronic metformin use and correlation with vitamin B12

Introdução: Diabetes Mellitus é doença metabólica, caracterizada pela deficiência absoluta ou relativa de insulina, que acomete cerca de 382 milhões de pessoas em todo mundo, tendo uma das complicações mais comuns a polineuropatia. A Metformina, medicamento amplamente utilizado como tratamento do Diabetes, foi descrita como responsável, em algumas literaturas, por causar ou agravar deficiência de vitamina B12, que está similarmente relacionada ao desenvolvimento de polineuropatia.Métodos: Nesse sentido, foi conduzido um estudo no município de Soledade ­ RS, com objetivo de verificar se essa relação é condizente com a realidade da localidade. Foram escolhidos 58 pacientes, dos quais 30 responderam questionários adaptados baseados na literatura e na Classificação de Neuropatia de Michigan (MNSS-Brasil), então colhidos 5 ml de sangue venoso da fossa antecubital, preparado soro do qual uma alíquota foi separada para determinação bioquímica da vitamina B12.Resultados: Analisando os resultados, a maioria dos pacientes analisados apresentou sintomas de polineuropatia, e 10% deste, deficiência vitamínica.Conclusão: nenhuma variável explicou a correlação do uso crônico da Metformina, dose e gênero com a deficiência da vitamina B12, o que indica que não há evidências fortes o suficiente que sustentem esse fato, de acordo com as particularidades da localidade analisada.

Introduction: Diabetes Mellitus is a metabolic disease, characterized by absolute or relative insulin deficiency, which affects about 382 million people, with polyneuropathy being one of the most common complications. Metformin, a drug widely used as a treatment for diabetes, has been described as responsible, in some literature, for causing or aggravating vitamin B12 deficiency, which is similarly related to the development of polyneuropathy.Methods: In this sense, a study was conducted in Soledade ­ RS, in order to verify whether this relationship is consistent with the reality of the locality. Fifty-eight patients were selected, of which 30 answered adapted questionnaires based on the literature and on the Michigan Neuropathy Classification (MNSS-Brazil), then 5 ml of venous blood was collected from the antecubital fossa, serum prepared from which an aliquot was separated for biochemical determination of the vitamin B12.Results: Analyzing the results, most of these patients presented symptoms of polyneuropathy and, 10% of them, vitamin deficiency.Conclusion: no variable explained the correlation of chronic use of Metformin, dose and gender with vitamin B12 deficiency, which indicates that there is not enough evidence to support this fact, according to the particularities of the analyzed locality.

Contribution of the practice of resistance exercises and the type of delivery to the diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles in primiparous women / Contribución de la práctica de ejercicios de resistencia y el tipo de parto a la diástasis de los músculos rectos abdominales en mujeres primíparas / Contribuição da prática de exercício resistido e do tipo de parto para a diástase dos músculos retos do abdome em primíparas

ABSTRACT Maternal organism suffers physiological and biomechanical changes during pregnancy, including the separation of rectus abdominis muscles (RAM). This cross-sectional study aimed to compare the distance between the RAM among sedentary and active primiparous women who had vaginal childbirth and cesarean section, to correlate RAM separation with maternal and child variables and to compare these variables between primiparous women with and without RAM diastasis. In total, 56 women were evaluated in their ninth postpartum week, divided into four groups according to the mode of delivery and the practice of resistance exercises. RAM distance was calipered in the supraumbilical, umbilical, and infraumbilical regions. The values obtained were verified via analysis of variance (ANOVA), Pearson's correlation, and independent t-test. We found no main effect between mode of delivery and practice of resistance exercises or interaction between mode of delivery and practice of resistance exercises (p≥0.118) for RAM distance. We found significant correlation between body weight before pregnancy and RAM distance (p<0.001). There was no association between body weight gain during pregnancy and the newborn's weight with RAM distance (p≥0.132). We observed significant difference in body weight before pregnancy between primiparous women with and without RAM diastasis (p<0.005). We found no differences between groups regarding body weight gain during pregnancy and the newborn's weight (p≥0.122). It was concluded that the practice of resistance exercises and the mode of delivery have no impact on the separation of supraumbilical, umbilical, and infraumbilical regions of RAM in primiparous women.

RESUMEN El cuerpo materno sufre cambios fisiológicos y biomecánicos durante el embarazo, entre los cuales se destaca el alejamiento de los músculos rectos abdominales (MRA). Los objetivos de este estudio transversal fueron: comparar la distancia entre los MRA entre mujeres primíparas que realizaban entrenamiento y las sedentarias que se sometieron a parto vaginal y cesárea; correlacionar el alejamiento de los MRA con las variables materno-infantiles; y comparar estas variables entre mujeres primíparas con y sin diástasis de los MRA. Se evaluaron a 56 mujeres en la novena semana posparto, quienes fueron divididas en cuatro grupos según el tipo de parto y la práctica de ejercicios de resistencia. La distancia entre los MRA se midió con un calibre en las regiones supraumbilical, umbilical e infraumbilical. En los datos se aplicaron el análisis de varianza (Anova), la correlación de Pearson y la prueba t independiente. No hubo efecto del tipo de parto, la práctica de ejercicios de resistencia o la interacción del tipo de parto y la práctica de ejercicios de resistencia (p≥0,118) en la distancia entre los MRA. Hubo una correlación significativa entre el peso antes del embarazo y la distancia entre los MRA (p<0,001). No hubo asociación entre el aumento de peso durante el embarazo y el peso del bebé con la distancia entre los MRA (p≥0,132). Hubo una diferencia significativa en el peso antes del embarazo entre mujeres primíparas con y sin diástasis de los MRA (p<0,005). No hubo diferencia entre los grupos en el aumento de peso durante el embarazo y el peso del bebé (p≥0,122). Se concluye que la práctica de ejercicios de resistencia y el tipo de parto no tienen impacto en el alejamiento de los MRA en las regiones supraumbilical, umbilical e infraumbilical en mujeres primíparas.

RESUMO O organismo materno sofre alterações fisiológicas e biomecânicas durante a gestação, dentre elas o afastamento dos músculos retos do abdome (MRAs). Os objetivos deste estudo transversal foram: comparar a distância entre os MRAs entre primíparas treinadas e sedentárias que realizaram parto vaginal e cesárea; correlacionar o afastamento dos MRAs com variáveis materno-infantis; e comparar essas variáveis entre primíparas com e sem diástase dos MRAs. Foram avaliadas 56 mulheres na nona semana pós-parto, divididas em quatro grupos de acordo com o tipo de parto e a prática de exercício resistido. A distância entre os MRAs foi mensurada com paquímetro nas regiões supraumbilical, umbilical e infraumbilical. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância (Anova), correlação de Pearson e teste t independente. Não houve efeito do tipo de parto, da prática de exercício resistido ou da interação tipo de parto e prática de exercício resistido (p≥0,118) para a distância entre os MRAs. Houve correlação significativa entre peso antes da gestação e distância entre os MRAs (p<0,001). Não houve associação entre ganho de peso na gestação e peso do bebê com a distância entre os MRAs (p≥0,132). Houve diferença significativa no peso antes da gestação entre primíparas com e sem diástase dos MRAs (p<0,005). Não houve diferença entre grupos no ganho de peso na gestação e no peso do bebê (p≥0,122). Conclui-se que a prática de exercício resistido e o tipo de parto não têm impacto no afastamento entre os MRAs nas regiões supraumbilical, umbilical e infraumbilical em primíparas.

Working conditions of nursing professionals in the context of COVID-19 / Condições de trabalho dos profissionais de enfermagem no contexto da COVID-19

Introduction: the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the number of hospitalizations and is responsible for increasing the workload of nursing professionals with a deficiency in human resources and personal protective equipment.Objective: to analyze aspects related to the working conditions of Nursing professionals in the context of COVID-19.Methods: documentary research recorded under narratives in the databases of the Federal Nursing Council, the Regional Nursing Councils of Espírito Santo and Pernambuco, the Federal Public University and Social Media.Results: are presented and analyzed according to the categories: a) nursing work conditions, threatening the worker's health and life; b) the autonomy of nurses in the full exercise of their profession and the cultural aspect of the dominant ideology; c) the Federal Nursing Council and the Regional Nursing Councils of Espírito Santo and Pernambuco as disciplining, normalizing, managing and controlling bodies for the professional practice of nursing.Conclusion: the narratives found in this study demonstrate the precarious working conditions, exacerbated by the pandemic, and the role of nursing in coping with COVID-19

Introdução: a pandemia pela COVID-19 tem elevado o número de internações hospitalares sendo responsável pelo aumento da carga de trabalho dos profissionais de enfermagem com deficiência de recursos humanos e de equipamentos de proteção individual. Objetivo: analisar aspectos relativos às condições de trabalho dos profissionais da Enfermagem no contexto da COVID-19. Método: pesquisa documental registrada sob narrativas nas bases de dados do Conselho Federal de Enfermagem, dos Conselhos Regionais de Enfermagem do Espírito Santo e de Pernambuco, de Universidade Pública Federal e das Mídias Sociais. Resultados: são apresentados e analisados mediante as categorias: a) as condições de trabalho da enfermagem, ameaçando a saúde e vida do trabalhador; b) a autonomia do enfermeiro/a no exercício pleno de sua profissão e aspecto cultural da ideologia dominante; c) o Conselho Federal de Enfermagem e os Conselhos Regionais de Enfermagem do Espírito Santo e de Pernambuco como órgãos disciplinadores, normalizadores, gestores e de controle do exercício profissional da enfermagem. Conclusão: as narrativas encontradas nesse estudo demonstraram as precárias condições de trabalho, agudizadas pela pandemia, e o protagonismo da enfermagem no enfrentamento da COVID-19.

The need for endodontic treatment and systemic characteristics of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation patients.

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between the epidemiological and clinical profiles of patients before and after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and the need for endodontic treatment. The subjects included 188 individuals enrolled in the dental care program for transplanted patients of the School of Dentistry, Federal University of Minas Gerais (Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, FO-UFMG) from March 2011 through March 2016. The patients were subjected to an HSCT conditioning dental regimen based on a thorough clinical and radiographic evaluation. Intraoral periapical and bite-wing X-rays were obtained, and after evaluation, specific dental treatment was planned and performed. The following demographic and clinical data were collected from the patients' medical records: age, gender, transplantation stage, primary disease, transplant type, medication used, complete blood count at the time of visit, and need for endodontic treatment. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov and the chi-square tests were used. Leukemia (31.3%) and multiple myeloma (17.9%) were the most prevalent primary diseases. Most patients were subjected to allogeneic-related transplantation (83.6%). Most patients exhibited platelet counts and hemoglobin concentrations below the reference values in the pre-transplantation stage, while the neutrophil and platelet counts and the hemoglobin levels were within the reference ranges in the post-transplantation stage. The proportions of individuals requiring endodontic treatment were similar between the pre- and post-transplantation groups: 24.3% and 24.7%, respectively. The systemic conditions of the patients referred for dental treatment were compromised.

Efeitos da auriculoterapia na ansiedade de gestantes no pré-natal de baixo risco / Efectos de la auriculoterapia en la ansiedad de mujeres embarazadas en atención prenatal de bajo riesgo / Effects of auriculotherapy on anxiety of pregnant women receiving low-risk prenatal care

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar os efeitos da auriculoterapia nos níveis de ansiedade em gestantes atendidas em pré-natal de baixo risco. Métodos Trata-se de estudo clínico randomizado, simples-cego, realizado em um ambulatório de pré-natal de baixo risco em uma maternidade filantrópica, no Espírito Santo, Brasil, com amostra de 50 gestantes (25 em grupo controle e 25 em grupo experimental). Utilizou-se como intervenção a auriculoterapia da Medicina Tradicional Chinesa, que é uma das práticas utilizadas como acupuntura de microssistema. Para o tratamento com auriculoterapia, utilizou-se pontos do pavilhão auricular sendo respectivamente: Triângulo Cibernético (Shen Men, Rim e Simpático), que são caracterizados como pontos de abertura, usados para ativar os pontos a serem estimulados: Tronco Cerebral, Baço, Ansiedade. O conjunto desses pontos tem a função de acalmar a mente e o espírito, reduzir a ansiedade, bem como produzir analgesia e sedação. O tipo de semente utilizada na auriculoterapia foi mostarda amarela-colza. A intervenção proposta foi realizada pelo pesquisador, enfermeiro obstetra, especialista em acupuntura. Gestantes de ambos grupos, controle e intervenção, participaram de quatro consultas de enfermagem em pré-natal, porém somente o grupo intervenção foi submetido a três sessões de auriculoterapia nessas consultas, com intervalo de três dias entre cada sessão, totalizando 13 dias de acompanhamento. A resposta esperada foi a presença de sensibilidade nos locais dos pontos a serem aplicados; e a estimulação das sementes de colza, adesivadas com fita cirúrgica microporosa e hipoalergênica, foram realizadas pela manipulação manual da gestante. Levantamento através de instrumentos como formulários contendo as variáveis sociodemográficas e clínicas, e o Inventário de Traço e Estado de Ansiedade (IDATE) aplicado por enfermeira especialista em acupuntura, não tendo participação na intervenção de Enfermagem-auriculoterapia, para se evitar o viés do estudo. Realizou-se a análise descritiva dos dados, através de tabelas de frequência com número e percentual para cada um dos itens dos instrumentos de pesquisa e utilizou-se gráfico box-plot para ilustração e melhor visualização dos resultados. O ANOVA foi utilizado para comparação dos diferentes momentos, e o t Student para comparação entre os grupos caso e controle. O grau de significância adotado foi de 5%. O pacote estatístico SPSS 20 foi utilizado para análise. Resultados No primeiro momento ambos os grupos apresentaram Traço de Ansiedade e Estado de Ansiedade em nível médio, não houve diferença estatística entre os grupos, o que evidenciou homogeneidade da amostra (p=0,385 e p=0,352, respectivamente); após a intervenção com auriculoterapia houve uma redução significante do Estado de Ansiedade do grupo intervenção (p=0,033) entre a terceira e quarta consulta, o mesmo não ocorreu no grupo controle (0,052). Conclusão A auriculoterapia pode ajudar a diminuir a ansiedade em gestantes durante o pré-natal de baixo risco, sendo uma prática integrativa e complementar em potencial no âmbito do Sistema Único de Saúde, tendo o enfermeiro acupunturista relevante importância nesse processo.

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Abstract Objective To evaluate the effects of auriculotherapy on anxiety levels of pregnant women receiving low-risk prenatal care. Methods This was a randomized, single-blind clinical study conducted at a low-risk prenatal clinic in a philanthropic maternity hospital in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil, with a sample of 50 pregnant women (25 in control group; 25 in experimental group). The intervention used was Auriculotherapy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which is one of the practices used as microsystem acupuncture. For auriculotherapy treatment, three ear points were used together, namely the Shen Men, Kidney and Sympathetic (in Portuguese they are called triângulo cibernético or "cyber triangle"). These are opening points used for activation of the following points to be stimulated: Brainstem, Spleen, Anxiety. All these points have the function of calming the mind and spirit, reducing anxiety and producing analgesia and sedation. The mustard seed (yellow rapeseed) was used for auriculotherapy. The proposed intervention was performed by the researcher, an obstetric nurse and acupuncture specialist. Pregnant women from both control and intervention groups attended four prenatal nursing consultations, but only the intervention group underwent three auriculotherapy sessions at these consultations, with a three-day interval between each session, totaling 13 days of follow-up. The expected response was the presence of sensitivity at the sites of points to be applied and stimulation of the point through the mustard seed attached with microporous, hypoallergenic surgical tape, which were performed by manual manipulation of pregnant women. The survey was performed through instruments such as forms containing sociodemographic and clinical variables, and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) applied by an acupuncture nurse who did not participate in the auriculotherapy-nursing intervention to avoid bias. Descriptive data analysis was performed through frequency tables with number and percentage for each item of the research instruments. A box-plot graph was used for illustration and better visualization of results. The ANOVA was used for comparison of the different moments, and the Student's T for comparison between the case and control groups. The significance level adopted was 5%. The SPSS 20 statistical package was used for analysis. Results In the first moment, both groups presented medium level of Trait Anxiety and State Anxiety, and there was no statistical difference between groups, thereby demonstrating the sample homogeneity (p=0.385 and p=0.352). After the auriculotherapy intervention, between the third and fourth consultations, there was a significant reduction of State Anxiety in the intervention group (p=0.033), but the same did not occur in the control group (0.052). Conclusion Auriculotherapy is a potential integrative and complementary practice within the National Health System (Brazilian SUS) that can help reduce pregnant women's anxiety during low-risk prenatal care. The acupuncturist nurse has relevant importance in this process.

Intervenção de enfermagem baseada na teoria de Neuman mediada por jogo educativo / Intervención de enfermería basada en la teoría de Neuman mediante juegos educativos / Nursing intervention based on Neuman's theory and mediated by an educational game

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar intervenção de enfermagem baseada na teoria de Betty Neuman mediada por jogo educativo no que tange à redução dos níveis de ansiedade e estresse vivenciados pelos usuários submetidos à revascularização miocárdica. Métodos Trata-se de estudo de intervenção, realizado com usuários em pré-operatório de revascularização miocárdica, internados em hospitais de referência localizados na região Sudeste do Brasil. A amostra constituiu-se de 32 participantes, sendo 2 deles como pré-teste. O período de coleta de dados foi de maio a novembro de 2016. Utilizaram-se os seguintes instrumentos: questionário para identificação dos dados sociodemográficos e para avaliação das experiências da pessoa perante a internação; Inventário de Ansiedade Traço-Estado (IDAtE) e Lista de Sintomas de Stress (LsS/VAS) para avaliação dos níveis de ansiedade e estresse antes e depois do jogo educativo. Os dados foram analisados por meio do programa IBM SPSS Statistics version 21. Resultados Verificou-se que os participantes, antes da intervenção de enfermagem mediada pelo jogo educativo, apresentaram um traço de ansiedade com mediana de 37, estado de ansiedade com mediana de 31 e um nível de estresse com mediana de 30. Após aplicação do jogo educativo, verificou-se que houve redução significante (p<0,001) dos níveis de ansiedade e estresse (mediana de 25 e mediana de 11). Conclusão A intervenção de enfermagem mediada pelo jogo educativo reduziu significantemente os níveis de ansiedade e estresse dos participantes do estudo.

Resumen Objetivo Evaluar la intervención de enfermería basada en la teoría de Betty Neuman mediante juegos educativos en lo que atañe a la reducción de los niveles de ansiedad y estrés que sufren los usuarios sometidos a baipás coronario. Métodos Se trata de un estudio de intervención, realizado con usuarios en preoperatorio de baipás coronario, internados en hospitales de referencia ubicados en la región Sudeste de Brasil. La muestra consistió en 32 participantes, siendo dos de ellos como preprueba. El período de recolección de datos fue de mayo a noviembre de 2016. Se utilizaron los siguientes instrumentos: cuestionario para identificar datos sociodemográficos y evaluar las experiencias de la persona ante la internación, Cuestionario de Ansiedad Estado Rasgo (STAI) y Lista de Síntomas de Estrés (LSS/VAS) para evaluar los niveles de ansiedad y estrés antes y después del juego educativo. Los datos fueron analizados a través del programa IBM SPSS Statistics version 21. Resultados Se verificó que los participantes presentaron, antes de la intervención de enfermería mediante juego educativo, un rasgo de ansiedad con mediana de 37, estado de ansiedad con mediana de 31 y nivel de estrés con mediana de 30. Después de la aplicación del juego educativo, se verificó que hubo una reducción significativa (p<0,001) de los niveles de ansiedad y estrés (mediana de 25 y mediana de 11). Conclusión La intervención de enfermería mediante juegos educativos redujo significativamente los niveles de ansiedad y estrés de los participantes del estudio.

Abstract Objective To evaluate nursing intervention based on Betty Neuman's theory and mediated by an educational game, regarding the reduction of anxiety and stress levels experienced by patients undergoing myocardial revascularization. Methods An interventional study was carried out with preoperative patients undergoing myocardial revascularization in reference hospitals from the southeast region of Brazil. The sample was made up of 32 participants, two of whom as a pre-test. Data collection occurred from May to November 2016 with the use of the following instruments: questionnaire for identification of sociodemographic data and evaluation of patients' experiences in face of hospitalization; State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI); and Stress Symptoms List (SSL/VAS) for evaluation of anxiety and stress levels before and after application of an educational game. The data were analyzed by means of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 21 (SPSS) software. Results Participants, before the nursing intervention mediated by the educational game, presented anxiety trait with a median of 37, anxiety state with a median of 31, and stress level with a median of 30. After application of the educational game, a significant reduction (p<0.001) was found in anxiety and stress levels (median of 25 and 11, respectively). Conclusion The nursing intervention mediated by the educational game significantly reduced the anxiety and stress levels of the participants in the study.

Ionically tagged iron complex-catalyzed epoxidation of olefins in imidazolium-based ionic liquids.

A new ionophilic ligand and a new ionically tagged imidazolium-based iron(III) complex were synthesized and applied in the air oxidation (also hydrogen peroxide) of alkenes in imidazolium-based ionic liquids. At least ten recycling reactions were performed. The epoxidized olefin was obtained in very good yields of 84-91 %. Some important mechanistic insights are also provided based on electrospray ionization quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry for the oxidation reaction. These results indicate that oxidations can take place by two different pathways, depending on the reaction condition: a radical or a concerted mechanism. These results contribute towards a better understanding of iron-catalyzed oxidation mechanisms.

The need for endodontic treatment and systemic characteristics of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation patients

Abstract The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between the epidemiological and clinical profiles of patients before and after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and the need for endodontic treatment. The subjects included 188 individuals enrolled in the dental care program for transplanted patients of the School of Dentistry, Federal University of Minas Gerais (Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, FO-UFMG) from March 2011 through March 2016. The patients were subjected to an HSCT conditioning dental regimen based on a thorough clinical and radiographic evaluation. Intraoral periapical and bite-wing X-rays were obtained, and after evaluation, specific dental treatment was planned and performed. The following demographic and clinical data were collected from the patients' medical records: age, gender, transplantation stage, primary disease, transplant type, medication used, complete blood count at the time of visit, and need for endodontic treatment. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov and the chi-square tests were used. Leukemia (31.3%) and multiple myeloma (17.9%) were the most prevalent primary diseases. Most patients were subjected to allogeneic-related transplantation (83.6%). Most patients exhibited platelet counts and hemoglobin concentrations below the reference values in the pre-transplantation stage, while the neutrophil and platelet counts and the hemoglobin levels were within the reference ranges in the post-transplantation stage. The proportions of individuals requiring endodontic treatment were similar between the pre- and post-transplantation groups: 24.3% and 24.7%, respectively. The systemic conditions of the patients referred for dental treatment were compromised.

Inhibitory avoidance acquisition in adult rats exposed to a combination of ethanol and methylmercury during central nervous system development.

Previous studies have shown that combined exposure to ethanol (EtOH) and methylmercury (MeHg) in rats during central nervous system development produces several behavioural impairments. This present study was done to investigate inhibitory avoidance acquisition and panic-like disorders in rats in an elevated T-maze (ETM) model of anxiety. Pregnant rats received tap water or EtOH at 22.5% (w/v) (6.5 g/kg per day, by gavage) during pregnancy and lactation. On the 15th day of pregnancy, half of each group received MeHg (8 mg/kg, by gavage). Adult offspring intoxicated by both EtOH + MeHg showed an increase in the ETM re-exposure time. Upon analysis of the enclosed arms latency in baseline and avoidance 1 session it was observed that the rats spent less time inside the arm, suggesting impairment in their short-term memory. The escape latency decreased for EtOH + MeHg and also for EtOH and MeHg groups, suggesting panic-like behaviour. After 24-h and 7-day trials (tests and retests), MeHg and EtOH + MeHg groups had their latency in the enclosed arm reduced with the exception of the EtOH group, revealing memory impairment. Upon analysis of the risk assessment, animals treated with EtOH + MeHg were the only ones to show a decrease in all evaluation stages. This study demonstrates that the exposure to both EtOH and MeHg has an impact on memory and panic-related behaviours, leading to the assertion that this association of toxicants should be studied more in detail to clarify the precise mechanisms of these pharmacological effects.

Cytotoxic effect of tobacco extracts on human oral squamous cell carcinoma cell-line.

Cancer is a public health problem worldwide. Incidences of oral carcinomas are increasing in the last decades, and the developed countries are the most affected. Current therapeutic options for this type of cancer are aggressive and/or invasive, including surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. In addition, they have not yet translated into an improvement of life quality or expectancy to patients. In this scenario, new therapeutics are urgently needed and actively sought after. The goal of this study was to investigate the cytotoxic effects of tobacco crude extract (TCE) and two fractions thereof in the human lineage of oral squamous cell carcinoma, OSCC-3. Exposure of human oral cancer cells to TCE-induced cell death and decreased cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. Of the fractions tested, one was able to induce significant cell death (over 50%) after 48 h treatment. DNA fragmentation and caspase-3 activation indicated that the type of cell death induced by TCE and its fraction was apoptosis. Our results indicate that tobacco contains compounds that could be useful in inducing apoptosis in cancer cells. More specifically, because of the neutral chemical nature of the fraction capable of inducing apoptosis, we postulate that the putative compound responsible for the cell death is non-polar. Further investigation is needed to uncover its chemical nature and structure.

Efeito do MTA Fillapex sobre a atividade de macrófagos peritoneais

A obturação do sistema de canais radiculares após a limpeza e modelagem é fundamental para o sucesso do tratamento endodôntico. Os materiais obturadores devem ter propriedades físicas e químicas favoráveis. Além disso, é altamente desejável que sejam biocompatíveis, porque, muitas vezes, são colocados em contato íntimo com os tecidos periapicais, através do forame e das comunicações acessórias apicais...