Feeding Behavior, Water Intake, and Physiological Parameters of Feedlot Lambs Fed with Diets Containing Babassu Oil Associated with Sunflower Oil Blend.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of dietary inclusion of babassu oil (BO) associated with sunflower oil (SO) on feeding behavior, water intake, and physiological parameters of feedlot lambs. Thirty-five castrated male lambs (16.6 kg ± 3.9 kg) were distributed in a randomized block design with 5 treatments (diets) and 7 replications. The tested diets were oil-free diet (OF), 45 g/kg BO (BO), 30 g/kg BO with an additional 15 g/kg SO (1.5 SO), 22.5 g/kg BO with an additional 22.5 g/kg SO (2.25 SO), and 30 g/kg SO with an additional 15 g/kg BO (3.0 SO) on dry matter (DM) basis. The experimental period lasted 60 days. Animals that received BO diet and the combination of BO with SO had lower intakes of DM and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) compared to the control diet (P < 0.05). Differences on the respiratory rate (RR) was observed between animals in the control diet and those in the diets containing SO (P=0.001), with a linear increase in RR as the levels of SO in the diets increased (P=0.004). All physiological parameters showed a time effect (P < 0.05). Animals fed with the control diet had higher water intake via drinking fountain (P=0.030) and total water intake (P=0.029) compared to animals fed with diets containing SO. In relation to SO levels, water intake via drinking fountain (P=0.002), total water intake (P=0.002), and total water intake per kg of DM ingested (P=0.001) linearly increased with the levels increase in the composition of the diets. The tested diets did not alter the feeding behavior of the feedlot lambs. However, the combination of BO with different levels of SO reduced DM and water intake via drinking fountain and RR.

Time series and risk factors associated with mortality in women with cervical cancer from 2000 to 2021.

Introduction: Cervical cancer is a significant public health problem worldwide. The development of cervical neoplasms is associated with persistent infection by oncogenic subtypes of the HPV virus, which are responsible for around 70% of cervical cancers.A study carried out in Brazil between 2002 and 2021 recorded 133,429 deaths from cervical cancer.. Methodology: An observational, retrospective, cross-sectional, quantitative study was carried out using data collected by the Cancer Registry Service of the Haroldo Juaçaba Hospital/Ceará Cancer Institute (HHJ/ICC) over 22 years. Results: The sample consisted of 9096 women. The mean age was 51.4 ± 15.5, ranging from 15 to 100, with a median age of 60 years. Median overall survival was 59.77. The most frequent histological type was squamous cell carcinoma, with 8023 (88.2 %) cases. Around 25 % of patients (n = 2270) entered the service with stage 4A. The most common treatment was radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy (n = 3270, 35.9 %), followed by surgical removal (n = 1909, 21.0 %).In multivariate analysis, age (p = 0.019), race (p = 0.016), low level of education (p < 0.001), tumor location, staging (p < 0.001), and treatment (p = 0.011) were risk factors independently associated with a higher chance of death in the sample studied. Conclusion: The sociodemographic characteristics of mortality from cervical cancer in patients followed up at the Haroldo Juaçaba Hospital (HHJ/ICC) highlight the higher frequency of deaths in women aged over 60, indigenous and black, with low levels of education, as well as clinical variables related to tumor location, staging and type of treatment.

SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein triggers gut impairment since mucosal barrier to innermost layers: From basic science to clinical relevance.

Studies have reported the occurrence of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, primarily diarrhea, in COVID-19. However, the pathobiology regarding COVID-19 in the GI tract remains limited. This work aimed to evaluate SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein interaction with gut lumen in different experimental approaches. Here, we present a novel experimental model with the inoculation of viral protein in the murine jejunal lumen, in vitro approach with human enterocytes, and molecular docking analysis. Spike protein led to increased intestinal fluid accompanied by Cl- secretion, followed by intestinal edema, leukocyte infiltration, reduced glutathione levels, and increased cytokine levels [interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-1ß, IL-10], indicating inflammation. Additionally, the viral epitope caused disruption in the mucosal histoarchitecture with impairment in Paneth and goblet cells, including decreased lysozyme and mucin, respectively. Upregulation of toll-like receptor 2 and toll-like receptor 4 gene expression suggested potential activation of local innate immunity. Moreover, this experimental model exhibited reduced contractile responses in jejunal smooth muscle. In barrier function, there was a decrease in transepithelial electrical resistance and alterations in the expression of tight junction proteins in the murine jejunal epithelium. Additionally, paracellular intestinal permeability increased in human enterocytes. Finally, in silico data revealed that the Spike protein interacts with cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) and calcium-activated chloride conductance (CaCC), inferring its role in the secretory effect. Taken together, all the events observed point to gut impairment, affecting the mucosal barrier to the innermost layers, establishing a successful experimental model for studying COVID-19 in the GI context.

Chemical Properties, Ruminal Fermentation, Gas Production and Digestibility of Silages Composed of Spineless Cactus and Tropical Forage Plants for Sheep Feeding.

The aim was to evaluate the chemical composition, carbohydrates, protein fractionation and in vitro gas production of silages composed of spineless cactus and tropical forages and their effect on sheep performance. Treatments consisted of silages: corn silage (CS), spineless cactus silage (SCS), spineless cactus + gliricidia (SCG), spineless cactus + buffel grass silage (SCBG) and spineless cactus + pornunça (SCP). Silos were opened 60 days after ensiling, and analyses were carried out. The digestibility test lasted for 36 days, with eight animals per treatment. A completely randomized design was adopted. Considering carbohydrate fractionation, CS, SCS and SCBG silages had higher total carbohydrate content (p = 0.001). The SCS silage presented a higher A + B1 fraction (p = 0.001). The SCBG and SCG silages showed a higher B2 fraction (p < 0.0001) compared to the CS and SCS silages. The SCBG and SCP silages presented a higher C fraction (p = 0.001). For protein fractionation, the SCP and SCG silages showed higher crude protein contents (p = 0.001). The CS and SCS silages showed a higher A fraction (p = 0.001). The SCBG silage presented a higher B1 + B2 fraction (p = 0.001). The SCG silage showed a higher B3 fraction (p = 0.006) compared to SCBG silage. The SCS and SCP silages showed a higher C fraction (p = 0.001). Exclusive SCS silage showed higher in vitro dry matter digestibility (p = 0.001), dry matter degradability (p = 0.001) and total gas production (p = 0.001). The use of the SCBG, SCP and SCG silages to feed sheep increased the dry matter intake (p < 0.001). Sheep fed the SCG silage showed greater dry matter and crude protein digestibility compared to the sheep fed the CS, SCS and SCP silages (p = 0.002). There was a higher water intake (p < 0.001) with the use of the SCS and SCG silages to feed the sheep. The SCP and SCG silages provided a greater intake (p < 0.001) and excretion (p < 0.001) of nitrogen by the animals. Although there were no differences between the treatments for daily gains, lambs that received the spineless cactus-based silage associated with tropical forages showed higher gains (160-190 g/day) than lambs that received CS silage (130 g/day). Thus, the use of spineless cactus associated with buffelgrass, pornunça and gliricidia to prepare mixed silages (60:40) to feed sheep has potential use to feed sheep, with positive effects on nutrient degradation and increases in dry matter intake. Under experimental conditions, we recommend the exclusive use of spineless cactus silage associated with buffel grass, pornunça and gliricidia in feeding sheep in semi-arid regions, as it provides nutrients, water and greater daily gains compared to corn silage.

Global prevalence of human papillomavirus-related oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review to determine the global prevalence of HPV in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Literature was searched through October 2022 in main databases to address the question "What is the global prevalence of Human Papillomavirus in oral and oropharyngeal cancer?" Studies had to identify HPV by PCR, ISH, or p16 immunohistochemistry to be eligible. Quality was assessed using the JBI checklist for prevalence studies. Meta-analyses were performed, and reporting followed PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS: Sixty-five studies were included, and most of them had methodological limitations related to sampling and the HPV detection tool. The pooled prevalence of HPV-positivity was 10% (event rate = 0.1; 95% CI: 0.07, 0.13; P < 0.01; I2 = 88%) in the oral cavity and 42% (event rate = 0.42; 95% CI: 0.36, 0.49; P = 0.02; I2 = 97%) in oropharynx. The highest HPV prevalence in OSCC was reached by Japan, meanwhile, in OPSCC, Finland and Sweden were the most prevalent. HPV16 is the genotype most frequent with 69% in OSCC and 89% in OPSCC, being the tonsils the intraoral location more affected by HPV (63%, p < 0.01, I2 76%). CONCLUSION: The evidence points to an apparent burden in HPV-related OPSCC, mostly in North America, Northern Europe, and Oceania, especially due to the HPV16 infection suggesting different trends across continents. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This updated systematic review and meta-analysis provide sufficient evidence about the global HPV prevalence in OSCC and OPSCC and the most frequent HPV subtype worldwide.

Polysaccharides from Passion Fruit Peels: From an Agroindustrial By-Product to a Viable Option for 5-FU-Induced Intestinal Damage.

Gastrointestinal mucositis is a serious and dose-limiting toxic side effect of oncologic treatment. Interruption of cancer treatment due to gastrointestinal mucositis leads to a significant decrease in cure rates and consequently to the deterioration of a patient's quality of life. Natural polysaccharides show a variety of beneficial effects, including a gastroprotective effect. Treatment with soluble dietary fiber (SDF) from yellow passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) biomass residues protected the gastric and intestinal mucosa in models of gastrointestinal injury. In this study, we investigated the protective therapeutic effect of SDF on 5-FU-induced mucositis in male and female mice. Oral treatment of the animals with SDF did not prevent weight loss but reduced the disease activity index and preserved normal intestinal function by alleviating diarrhea and altered gastrointestinal transit. SDF preserved the length of the colon and histological damage caused by 5-FU. SDF significantly restored the oxidative stress and inflammation in the intestine and the enlargement and swelling of the spleen induced by 5-FU. In conclusion, SDF may be a promising adjuvant strategy for the prevention and treatment of intestinal mucositis induced by 5-FU.

Rodent models for anticancer toxicity studies: Contributions to drug development and future perspectives.

Antineoplastic treatment induces a type of gastrointestinal toxicity known as mucositis. Findings in animal models are usually easily reproducible, and standardized treatment regimens are often used, thus supporting translational science. Essential characteristics of mucositis, including intestinal permeability, inflammation, immune and oxidative responses, and tissue repair mechanisms, can be easily investigated in these models. Given the effects of mucositis on the quality of life of patients with cancer, and the importance of experimental models in the development of more effective new therapeutic alternatives, this review discusses progress and current challenges in using experimental models of mucositis in translational pharmacology research.

Polysaccharide Fraction from Campomanesia adamantium and Campomanesia pubescens Attenuates 5-Fluorouracil-Induced Intestinal Mucosal Inflammation in Mice.

Gastrointestinal toxicity, including diarrhea and inflammation, is commonly observed with the use of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Several studies have shown that polysaccharides are interesting bioactive macromolecules for the treatment or prevention of gastrointestinal diseases. Therefore, in this study, the effect of a polysaccharide fraction from a mixture of two Guavira species (Campomanesia adamantium and Campomanesia pubescens), referred to here as CPW, on the development of intestinal mucositis was investigated. Intestinal mucositis was induced by a single injection of 5-FU (450 mg/kg), and various doses of CPW (3-100 mg/kg) were tested. CPW attenuated disease development and prevented small bowel dysmotility and colon shortening. CPW prevented the increase in villi width, crypt depth, and mucosal thickness in the duodenum, but not in the colon. Preservation of mucus, reduction of oxidative stress, inflammation, and prevention of the 5-FU-induced enlargement and swelling of the spleen were observed. In conclusion, this study demonstrated for the first time that CPW alleviates the intestinal damage induced by 5-FU and could be used as an adjuvant strategy during chemotherapy.

Do patients with molar incisor hypomineralization have more dental anxiety and behavior management problems? A systematic review with meta-analysis

Abstract This systematic review evaluated the available evidence on whether children with molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) have more dental fear and anxiety (DFA) and dental behavior management problems (DBMPs) than those without MIH (Prospero CDR42020203851). Unrestricted searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Lilacs, BBO, Embase, Cochrane Library, APA PsycINFO, Open Grey, and Google Scholar. Observational studies evaluating DFA and/or DBMPs in patients with and without MIH were eligible. Reviews, case reports, interventional studies, and those based on questionnaires to dentists were excluded. The methodological quality assessment was based on the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted to synthesize data on DFA. The certainty of evidence was performed according to GRADE. Seven studies that evaluated a total of 3,805 patients were included. All of them presented methodological issues, mainly in the comparability domain. Most studies observed no significant difference in DFA between children with and without MIH. The meta-analysis did not show a significant effect of MIH on the standardized units for the DFA scores (SMD = 0.03; 95%CI: -0.06-0.12; p = 0.53; I2 = 0%). Synthesis including only the results for severe cases of MIH also did not show a significant effect of the condition on DFA scores (MD = 8.68; 95%CI: -8.64-26.00; p = 0.33; I2 = 93%). Two articles found DBMPs were significantly more frequent in patients with MIH. The overall certainty of evidence was very low for both outcomes assessed. The current evidence suggests no difference in DFA between children with and without MIH; DBMPs are more common in patients with MIH. This information should be viewed with caution because of the very low quality evidence obtained.

Protective Effect of Dietary Polysaccharides from Yellow Passion Fruit Peel on DSS-Induced Colitis in Mice.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a complex inflammatory disorder characterized by chronic and spontaneously relapsing inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. IBD includes two idiopathic disorders: Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). In particular, UC causes inflammation and ulceration of the colon and rectum. There is no cure for UC. The pharmacological treatment is aimed at controlling and/or reducing the inflammatory process and promoting disease remission. The present study investigated the possible protective effects of soluble dietary fiber (SDF) isolated from yellow passion fruit peel in the dextran sulfate sodium- (DSS-) induced colitis model in mice, induced by 5% of DSS. The animals were treated with SDF (10, 30, or 100 mg/kg (po)), and the disease activity index was monitored. Colon tissues were collected, measured, and prepared for oxidative stress, inflammation, and histology analysis. SDF improved body weight loss, colon length, and disease activity index and prevented colonic oxidative stress by regulating GSH levels and SOD activity. Furthermore, SDF reduced colonic MPO activity, TNF-α, and IL-1ß levels and increased IL-10 and IL-6 levels. As observed by histological analysis, SDF treatment preserved the colonic tissue, the mucus barrier, and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration. Although this is a preliminary study, taken together, our data indicate that SDF may improve the course of DSS-UC. More studies are needed to explore and understand how SDF promotes this protection.

Changes in antiparasitical activity of gold nanorods according to the chosen synthesis.

Gold nanorods (GNRs) are increasingly being studied for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Green synthesis based methods with natural compounds as additives stand out as a hope in terms of better synthesis methodology, with advantages of producing potentially less toxic and, perhaps, biologically active GNRs due to influence of natural additives used during synthesis. Exploring green chemistry using different natural phenolic compounds, the present work reveals different in vitro activity of GNRs evaluated against different parasites that causes skin infectious diseases compared to GNRs produced by convencional seed mediated method. This approach brings advantages in producing active GNRs, with ease calling, less cytotoxic and with a better selectivity index (SI) than GNRs synthesized by conventional seed mediated synthesis, opening new possibilities for therapies. Natural compounds used in green syntheses were gallic acid (GA), resveratrol (RSV) and a purified fraction of the hydroalcoholic extract of Stryphnodendron obovatum. GNRs exhibited great activity against Leishmania braziliensis, and the dermatophytes Tricophyton rubrum, T. interdigitale and Microsporum gypseum. The anti-Leishmania and antidermatophytic activity of GNRs reinforce the applicability of GNRs in biomedical field and the influence of synthesis method in biological activity, showing benefits related to the seedless synthesis with natural compounds. In addition, these preliminary results indicate the possibility of exploring at maximum the physical and chemical properties of GNRs in addition to the biological activity itself, such as the development of topical antiparasitic formulations for association with phototherapy.

Oral manifestations arising from oral piercings: A systematic review and meta-analyses.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review of oral manifestations arising from oral piercings. STUDY DESIGN: Literature was searched through January 2022 in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Virtual Health Library, OpenGrey, and Google Scholar to address the question, "Is there an association between oral piercings and oral alterations, complications, or lesions?" Quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute appraisal tools. Meta-analyses were performed, and certainty of evidence was assessed through Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). Reporting followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. RESULTS: Fifty-four studies were included, with 15 achieving good methodological quality. Periodontal and tooth damage were the most reported, followed by soft tissue/mucosal injuries, speech disorders, chewing, soft plaque, and saliva. Pain was the most reported complication, followed by infection, swelling, bleeding, inflammation, allergy, and adornment aspiration. Meta-analyses revealed that 33% of participants with piercings had gingival recession (GR) (event rate [ER] = 0.329). In participants with piercings, ER values for nonspecified dental damage (NSDD), tooth chipping, wear/abrasion, and dental fracture (DF) were 27% (ER = 0.270), 22% (ER = 0.219), 34% (ER = 0.344), and 34% (ER = 0.338), respectively. Certainty of evidence was very low. CONCLUSIONS: Alterations, complications, and lesions were associated with oral piercings and adornments, of which GR, DF, and NSDD were the most prevalent.

Local effects of natural alkylamides from Acmella oleracea and synthetic isobutylalkyl amide on neuropathic and postoperative pain models in mice.

Neuropathic and postoperative pain are clinical conditions that impair the patient's quality of life. The current pharmacotherapy of both painful states is ineffective and accompanied by several side effects. In order to develop new therapeutics targets, the secondary metabolites of plants have been extensively studied. Acmella oleracea ("jambu") is a native plant from the Amazon region and rich in alkylamides, bioactive compounds responsible for inducing anesthetic and chemesthetic sensations. We previously demonstrated that the intraplantar administration of an hexanic fraction (HF) rich in alkylamides from jambu and the synthetic isobutylalkyl amide (IBA) at 0.1 µg/20 µL can promote antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the local effect of HF and IBA (0.1 µg/20 µL) on neuropathic (partial sciatic nerve ligation, PSNL) and postoperative pain (plantar incision surgery, PIS) models in mice. Seven days after the PSNL, the mechanical (von Frey test) and cold (acetone-evoked evaporative cooling) allodynia, and digital gait parameters were analyzed. The intraplantar HF and IBA treatments attenuated the mechanical and cold allodynia as well as the static (max. Contact and print area) and dynamic (stand duration) parameters of digital gait analyses. On the day after PIS, the mechanical allodynia, heat hyperalgesia (hot plate, 52 ± 0.1°C), and spontaneous nociception scores were evaluated. Topical treatment with HF reduced the mechanical allodynia, heat hyperalgesia, and spontaneous nociception scores. In contrast, IBA treatment only partially reduced the mechanical allodynia. In summary, the local treatment with HF was effective on both neuropathic and postoperative pain, as opposed to IBA, which only had an effect on neuropathic pain.

Effects of Dietary Babassu Oil or Buriti Oil on Nutrient Intake and Total Tract Digestibility, and Abomasal Digesta Fatty Acid Profile of Lambs.

Our current understanding of the effect of medium-chain FA (MCFA) rich vegetable oils on ruminant nutrition is limited. We assessed the effects of babassu or buriti oil addition to the diet of lambs on intake, nutrient digestibility, FA profile of abomasal digesta content and biohydrogenation (BH) patterns in digestion. The experimental diets were defined by the addition of babassu oil or buriti oil to the diet, as follows: (1) non-supplemented diet (CON); (2) 40 g/kg of babassu oil (BAO, rich in C12:0); and (3) 40 g/kg of buriti oil (BUO, rich in c9 18:1), on a dry matter (DM) basis. During the last five days of the feedlot, samples of orts and feces were individually collected to determine the nutrient and FA digestibility. At the end of the experiment, animals were slaughtered, and the abomasal digesta was collected, freeze-dried and used for FA determinations conducted by gas chromatography. The BAO diet decreased the DM (p = 0.014) and nutrient intake. The lambs fed BUO had the greatest FA intake, followed by the BAO and CON diets. However, BAO increased total FA digestibility, compared with CON, but did not differ from BUO. The BAO diet extensively changed the FA composition of abomasal digesta when compared with both the CON and BUO diets. The BAO diet also increased C12:0 and C14:0, the sum of PUFA and the BH intermediates FA, including the t-10-18:1 but decreased the C18:0 in abomasal digesta. The BUO addition had the greatest total-FA and C18:0 and the lowest biohydrogenation intermediate content in abomasal digesta. The BH was less complete with the BAO diet and a large increase in t10-18:1 and of t10-/t11-18:1 ratio was observed, which indicates the occurrence of t10 possibly shifted rumen BH pathways, probably as a response to bacterial membrane stress induced by the greater C12:0 concentration in the rumen.

Clinical parameters in soft tissue adjunctive periodontal procedures for orthodontic patients: surgical laser vs scalpel.

OBJECTIVES: To systematically review existing literature regarding clinical parameters comparing surgical laser and conventional surgery with scalpel for soft tissue adjunctive periodontal procedures in orthodontic patients. METHODS AND MATERIALS: MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, LILACS, Bibliografia Brasileira de Odontologia (Brazilian Dental Literature - BBO), Embase, Open Grey, Portal de Periódicos da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel - CAPES), and Google Scholar were searched up to December 2020 without language restriction. Clinical trials comparing clinical parameters from surgical laser and conventional surgery with scalpel for soft tissue adjunctive periodontal procedures in orthodontic patients were selected. Risk of bias (RoB) assessments were performed using the Cochrane RoB2 tool. Narrative syntheses were performed, and the certainty of evidence was determined using the GRADE tool. RESULTS: Five randomized clinical trials were included. One study was rated as low RoB, whereas others presented some concerns or high RoB. The studies were highly heterogeneous in relation to the procedure performed, laser protocol, outcomes evaluated, and follow-up periods. In general, regardless of the procedure and laser protocol used, the studies did not show significant differences between laser and scalpel for the outcomes of probing pocket depth, clinical crown length, gingival index, and relapse rate. Pain and bleeding were significantly lower with the use of laser compared with the scalpel. The certainty of evidence ranged from moderate to very low. CONCLUSIONS: The existing literature on the subject is scarce and very heterogeneous and has methodological limitations. Based on the available evidence, it is not possible to draw definitive conclusions about the beneficial effect of laser use in orthodontic patients.

Speech pathology in facial aesthetics: effects of two strategies for the suprahyoid muscles / Fonoaudiologia em estética da face: efeito de duas estratégias para musculatura supra-hioidea

ABSTRACT Purpose: to verify the effects of tongue pressure exercises against the incisive papilla, used both alone and in combination with functional swallowing training, on the electrical activity of the suprahyoid muscles and the self-perception of aesthetic changes in the submandibular region. Chi-square, Fisher's exact, Mann-Whitney, Kruskal Wallis, and Wilcoxon tests were used. The significance level was set at 5%. Methods: an experimental, analytical, prospective study on 27 women, aged 30 to 78 years, divided into two treatment groups (G1 and G2), and a control group (CG). Individuals were submitted to 8 weeks of training, in which G1 performed only tongue pressure exercises against the incisive papilla, and G2 performed the same exercises in combination with swallowing training, while CG was not submitted to any intervention. The suprahyoid muscle electrical activity was obtained with surface electromyography at the beginning and end of the study when subjects also answered a self-perception questionnaire on possible aesthetic results. Pearson's chi-square, Fisher's exact, Mann-Whitney, Kruskal Wallis, and Wilcoxon tests were used. The significance level was set at 5%. Results: statistically significant differences were found between the initial and final electrical activity in both G1 and G2, which was not found in CG. There was no significant difference between the groups regarding their self-perception of visual or muscle improvements. Conclusion: both strategies analyzed were equally effective to increase suprahyoid muscle recruitment, though with no impact on the self-perception of aesthetic changes in the submandibular region.

RESUMO Objetivo: verificar os efeitos do exercício de pressão de língua contra a papila incisiva, realizado de forma isolada e associada ao treino funcional da deglutição, na atividade elétrica da musculatura supra-hioidea e na autopercepção da mudança estética na região submandibular. Métodos: estudo experimental, analítico e prospectivo, realizado com 27 mulheres entre 30 e 78 anos, divididas em dois grupos de tratamento (G1 e G2) e um grupo controle (GC). Os indivíduos foram submetidos a oito semanas de treinamento, sendo que o G1 realizou somente o exercício pressão de língua contra a papila incisiva, o G2 realizou o mesmo exercício associado ao treino da deglutição e o GC não foi submetido a qualquer intervenção. A atividade elétrica da musculatura supra-hioidea foi obtida por meio da eletromiografia de superfície no início e ao final do estudo, quando também foi aplicado um questionário de autopercepção dos possíveis resultados estéticos obtidos. Foram utilizados os testes Qui-quadrado de Pearson, Exato de Fisher, Mann Whitney, Kruskal Wallis e Wilcoxon, com nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significativas na atividade elétrica entre os valores inicial e final tanto no G1 quanto no G2, fato não observado no GC. Não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos em relação à autopercepção da melhora visual e da melhora muscular. Conclusão: as duas estratégias analisadas mostraram-se igualmente eficazes para promover o maior recrutamento da musculatura supra-hioidea, porém, sem impacto na autopercepção da mudança estética na região submandibular.

Efficacy of treatments used to relieve signs and symptoms associated with teething: a systematic review

Abstract: The purpose of this review was to systematically evaluate all the existing literature on the efficacy of treatments used to relieve the signs and symptoms associated with teething. A systematic search up to February 2021, without restrictions on language or date of publication, was carried out in MEDLINE/PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, EMBASE, LILACS, BBO, OpenGrey, Google Scholar, Portal de Periódicos da CAPES, clinicaltrials.gov, and the references of the included studies. Clinical studies that evaluated the effect of any intervention to alleviate the signs and symptoms associated with teething in babies and children were included. The risk of bias was assessed using the ROB-2 and ROBINS-I tools. The characteristics and results of the individual studies were extracted and synthesized narratively. The GRADE approach was followed to rate the certainty of the evidence. Three randomized and two non-randomized clinical trials were included. The outcomes of these five articles were classified as high or serious risk of bias. Three studies using homeopathy reported improvement in appetite disorders, gum discomfort, and excess salivation. One study showed a new gel with hyaluronic acid was more effective than an anesthetic gel in improving signs and symptoms such as pain, gingival redness, and poor sleep quality. Another study applied non-pharmacological treatments, which were more effective, especially against excess salivation. Although the present systematic review suggests some therapies could have a favorable effect on signs and symptoms related to teething, definitive conclusions on their efficacy cannot be drawn because of the very low certainty of the evidence. The existing literature on the subject is scarce and heterogeneous and has methodological flaws; therefore, further high-quality investigations are necessary.

Knowledge of health professionals about breastfeeding and factors that lead the weaning: a scoping review / Conhecimento de profissionais de saúde sobre amamentação e fatores que levam ao desmame: uma revisão de escopo

Abstract This review evaluated the knowledge of health professionals (HP) about breastfeeding and factors that leading the weaning. A search was performed in four electronics databases and the grey literature. The search strategy included Mesh terms and synonyms. No language or date restrictions were adopted. Studies that evaluated the knowledge of HP about breastfeeding and weaning were considered eligible. The studies retrieved by the searches were evaluated by two independently examiners. From 1,417 studies retrieved, 35 were included. Many countries and professionals from different health areas were analyzed. No studies evaluated the dentists' knowledge. Although the included HP know the benefits of breastfeeding for health, the length of breastfeeding recommended by the World Health Organization, exclusive or not, was not aligned with all professionals' endorsement. Information about weaning is scarce; however, HP are mindful of the main potential causes of early weaning. The knowledge of HP is conflicting about breastfeeding and unusual about weaning. Furthermore, no studies were found that presented data on the knowledge of dentists on the subject. Thus, assessments of dentists' knowledge and education measures for HP are necessary since they are frequently questioned about these issues.

Resumo Esta revisão avaliou o conhecimento dos profissionais de saúde (PS) sobre amamentação e fatores que levam ao desmame. Realizou-se buscas em quatro bancos de dados eletrônicos e literatura cinzenta. A estratégia de busca incluiu termos Mesh e sinônimos. Não se adotou restrição de idioma ou data. Estudos avaliando o conhecimento dos PS sobre amamentação e desmame foram elegíveis. Estudos recuperados pelas buscas foram avaliados por dois examinadores independentes. Dos 1.417 estudos recuperados, 35 foram incluídos. Muitos países e PS de diferentes áreas foram analisados. Nenhum estudo avaliou o conhecimento dos dentistas. Embora os PS conheçam os benefícios da amamentação, a duração recomendada pela Organização Mundial da Saúde, exclusiva ou não, não está alinhada com o endosso de todos os PS. Considerando o desmame, a informação é escassa. No entanto, os PS estão atentos às principais causas potenciais do desmame precoce. O conhecimento dos PS é conflitante sobre amamentação e incomum sobre o desmame. Não foram encontrados estudos que apresentassem dados sobre o conhecimento de dentistas sobre a temática. Investigações quanto ao conhecimento dos mesmos e medidas de educação para todos os PS são necessárias, considerando que são frequentemente questionados sobre o tema.

Beneficial Effects of Polysaccharides on the Epithelial Barrier Function in Intestinal Mucositis.

Intestinal mucositis is a clinically relevant side effect of anticancer therapies. It is experienced by 60-100% of patients undergoing treatment with high doses of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and bone marrow transplantation. Intestinal mucositis can manifest as pain, weight loss, inflammation, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and infection; affecting normal nutritional intake and intestinal function. It often impacts adherence to anticancer therapy as it frequently limits patient's ability to tolerate treatment, causing schedule delays, interruptions, or premature discontinuation. In some cases, local and systemic secondary infections are observed, increasing the costs toward medical care and hospitalization. Several strategies for managing mucositis are available which do not always halt this condition. In this context, new therapeutic strategies are under investigation to prevent or treat intestinal mucositis. Polysaccharides from natural resources have recently become promising molecules against intestinal damage due to their ability to promote mucosal healing and their anti-inflammatory actions. These effects are associated with the protection of intestinal mucosa and regulation of microbiota and immune system. This review aims to discuss the recent advances of polysaccharides from natural resources as potential therapies for intestinal mucositis. The source, species, doses, treatment schedules, and mechanisms of action of polysaccharides will be discussed in detail.