Distinct effect of calorie restriction between congenic mating types of Cryptococcus neoformans.

Cryptococcus neoformans (Cn) is an opportunistic yeast that causes meningoencephalitis in immunocompromised individuals. Calorie restriction (CR) prolongs Cn replicative lifespan (RLS) and mimics low-glucose environments in which Cn resides during infection. The effects of CR-mediated stress can differ among strains and have only been studied in MATα cells. Cn replicates sexually, generating two mating types, MATα and MATa. MATα strains are more dominant in clinical and environmental isolates. We sought to compare the effects of CR stress and longevity regulation between congenic MATα and MATa. Although MATα and MATa cells extended their RLS in response to CR, they engaged different pathways. The sirtuins were upregulated in MATα cells under CR, but not in MATa cells. RLS extension was SIR2-dependent in KN99α, but not in KN99a. The TOR nutrient-sensing pathway was downregulated in MATa strains under CR, while MATα strains demonstrated no difference. Lower oxidative stress and higher ATP production were observed in KN99α cells, possibly due to higher SOD expression. SIR2 was important for mitochondrial morphology and function in both mating types. Increased ATP production during CR powered the upregulated ABC transporters, increasing efflux in MATα cells. This led to enhanced fluconazole tolerance, while MATa cells remained sensitive to fluconazole. Our investigation highlights differences in the response of the mating types to CR.

Pemigatinib in previously treated solid tumors with activating FGFR1-FGFR3 alterations: phase 2 FIGHT-207 basket trial.

Fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) alterations drive oncogenesis in multiple tumor types. Here we studied pemigatinib, a selective, potent, oral FGFR1-FGFR3 inhibitor, in the phase 2 FIGHT-207 basket study of FGFR-altered advanced solid tumors. Primary end points were objective response rate (ORR) in cohorts A (fusions/rearrangements, n = 49) and B (activating non-kinase domain mutations, n = 32). Secondary end points were progression-free survival, duration of response and overall survival in cohorts A and B, and safety. Exploratory end points included ORR of cohort C (kinase domain mutations, potentially pathogenic variants of unknown significance, n = 26) and analysis of co-alterations associated with resistance and response. ORRs for cohorts A, B and C were 26.5% (13/49), 9.4% (3/32) and 3.8% (1/26), respectively. Tumors with no approved FGFR inhibitors or those with alterations not previously confirmed to be sensitive to FGFR inhibition had objective responses. In cohorts A and B, the median progression-free survival was 4.5 and 3.7 months, median duration of response was 7.8 and 6.9 months and median overall survival was 17.5 and 11.4 months, respectively. Safety was consistent with previous reports. The most common any-grade treatment-emergent adverse events were hyperphosphatemia (84%) and stomatitis (53%). TP53 co-mutations were associated with lack of response and BAP1 alterations with higher response rates. FGFR1-FGFR3 gatekeeper and molecular brake mutations led to acquired resistance. New therapeutic areas for FGFR inhibition and drug failure mechanisms were identified across tumor types. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03822117 .

Potential Therapeutic Properties of Olea europaea Leaves from Selected Cultivars Based on Their Mineral and Organic Profiles.

Olive leaves are consumed as an extract or as a whole herbal powder with several potential therapeutic benefits attributed to polyphenols, tocopherol's isomers, and flavonoids, among others. This study assessed the potential variance in the functional features presented by olive leaves from three different Portuguese cultivars-Cobrançosa, Madural, and Verdeal-randomly mix-cultivated in the geographical area of Vale de Salgueiros. Inorganic analysis determined their mineral profiles while an organic analysis measured their total phenolic and flavonoid content, and scanned their phenolic and tocopherol and fatty acid composition. The extracts' biological activity was tested by determining their antimicrobial and antioxidant power as well as their ability to inhibit acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, MAO-A/B, and angiotensin-I-converting enzyme. The inorganic profiles showed them to be an inexpensive source able to address different mineral deficiencies. All cultivars appear to have potential for use as possible antioxidants and future alternative antibiotics against some multidrug-resistant microorganisms, with caution regarding the arsenic content in the Verdeal cultivar. Madural's extract displayed properties to be considered a natural multitarget treatment for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, depression, and cardiometabolic and dual activity for blood pressure modulation. This work indicates that randomly cultivating different cultivars significantly modifies the leaves' composition while keeping their multifaceted therapeutic value.

Urinary symptoms and sexual function after hysterectomy secondary to cervical cancer: A prospective, cohort study.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The estimated worldwide incidence of cervical cancer (CC) is half a million cases per year. Surgical treatment is the mainstay approach for this condition. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of hysterectomy due to cervical cancer in urinary symptoms and sexual function and the disorder related impact on the quality of patients life. STUDY DESIGN: A cohort study was performed in Fortaleza/CE (Brazil) with 71 patients; of these, 31 were diagnosed with cervical cancer (G-CCU) and 40 with gynecological benign disease (G-PB). Sexual function (FSFI questionnaire), quality of life (SF-36 questionnaire) and urinary symptoms (KHQ instrument) were investigated in both groups at baseline (T0), one month (T1) and four months after surgery (T2). RESULTS: Both groups presented at baseline, similar urinary symptoms (p > 0.05), but this frequency doubled for the G-CCU group at T1 and remained unchanged at T2 (p = 0.012). G-PB's frequency of symptoms remained the same for 4 months after surgery. At baseline G-PB had higher risk for sexual dysfunction than G-CCU (82.5 % versus 54.8 %, p = 0.011). However for G-CCU, an increase of this percentage was perceived at T2.Women from the G-CCU group presented worse general and specific quality of life results. CONCLUSION: Women underwent to hysterectomy due to cervical cancer presented higher percentages of urinary symptoms, higher risk for sexual dysfunction and worse general and specific quality of life scores.

A 5-Lipoxygenase Inhibitor, Zileuton, Modulates Host Immune Responses and Improves Lung Function in a Model of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) Induced by Betacoronavirus.

Exacerbated inflammatory responses are a hallmark of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Zileuton (Zi) is a selective inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase, an enzyme involved in the production of several inflammatory/pro-resolving lipid mediators. Herein, we investigated the effect of Zi treatment in a severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) model. Mouse hepatitis virus (MHV)3-infected mice treated with Zi significantly improved the clinical score, weight loss, cardiopulmonary function, and survival rates compared with infected untreated animals. The protection observed in Zi-treated mice was associated with a lower inflammatory score, reduced dendritic cell-producing tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and increased neutrophil-producing interleukin (IL)-10 in the lungs three days after infection (dpi). At 5 dpi, the lungs of treated mice showed an increase in Th2-, Treg CD4+-, and Treg CD8+-producing IL-10 and reduced Th1 infiltrating cells. Furthermore, similar results were found upon Zi treatment after SARS-CoV-2 infection in transgenic mice expressing the human angiotensin I-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor driven by the cytokeratin-18 (K18) gene promoter (K18-hACE2), significantly improving the clinical score, weight loss, and lung inflammatory score compared with untreated animals. Our data suggest that Zi protects against developing severe lung disease during SARS induced by betacoronavirus without affecting the host's capacity to deal with infection.

Nutritional status and physical activity of school-aged children with distinct health habits.

Obesity and sedentarism impact health and quality of life. School is a crucial environment for promoting healthy habits. The aim of this study was to identify and analyze studies on nutritional status and physical activity of school-aged children and adolescents with different lifestyles. This systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines, and results we presented according to PICO approach. Databases consulted were "ERIC", "Web of Science", "PubMed", "Scopus", and "Scielo". The search resulted in 14 studies. Boys and girls from Adventist (SDA) schools were lighter than those from public schools. The prevalence of overweight and obesity among them was lower in relation to the general population. The quality of the diet was better in SDA students when compared non-Adventists. Students from SDA schools were less involved in harmful habits to health. Differences in lifestyle among SDA and students from other public and private schools seem to favorably affect their nutritional status. There is no difference in the practice of physical activities, but SDA students spent less hours in sedentary activities. In conclusion, results may assist the planning of interventions aiming at the role of schools in the empowerment of children in promoting their personal health.

Environmental Planning and Non-Communicable Diseases: A Systematic Review on the Role of the Metabolomic Profile.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the major cause of death worldwide and have economic, psychological, and social impacts. Air pollution is the second, contributing to NCDs-related deaths. Metabolomics are a useful diagnostic and prognostic tool for NCDs, as they allow the identification of biomarkers linked to emerging pathologic processes. The aim of the present study was to review the scientific literature on the application of metabolomics profiling in NCDs and to discuss environmental planning actions to assist healthcare systems and public managers based on early metabolic diagnosis. The search was conducted following PRISMA guidelines using Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed databases with the following MeSH terms: "metabolomics" AND "noncommunicable diseases" AND "air pollution". Twenty-nine studies were eligible. Eleven involved NCDs prevention, eight addressed diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance, systemic arterial hypertension, or metabolic syndrome. Six studies focused on obesity, two evaluated nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, two studied cancer, and none addressed chronic respiratory diseases. The studies provided insights into the biological pathways associated with NCDs. Understanding the cost of delivering care where there will be a critical increase in NCDs prevalence is crucial to achieving universal health coverage and improving population health by allocating environmental planning and treatment resources.

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.

Chemical Constituents, Anticancer and Anti-Proliferative Potential of Limonium Species: A Systematic Review.

Limonium species represent a source of bioactive compounds that have been widely used in folk medicine. This study aimed to synthesize the anticancer and anti-proliferative potential of Limonium species through a systematic review. Searches were performed in the electronic databases PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Scielo and via a manual search. In vivo or in vitro studies that evaluated the anticancer or anti-proliferative effect of at least one Limonium species were included. In total, 942 studies were identified, with 33 articles read in full and 17 studies included for qualitative synthesis. Of these, 14 (82.35%) refer to in vitro assays, one (5.88%) was in vivo, and two (11.76%) were designed as in vitro and in vivo assays. Different extracts and isolated compounds from Limonium species were evaluated through cytotoxic analysis against various cancer cells lines (especially hepatocellular carcinoma-HepG2; n = 7, 41.18%). Limonium tetragonum was the most evaluated species. The possible cellular mechanism involved in the anticancer activity of some Limonium species included the inhibition of enzymatic activities and expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which suggested anti-metastatic effects, anti-melanogenic activity, cell proliferation inhibition pathways, and antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects. The results reinforce the potential of Limonium species as a source for the discovery and development of new potential cytotoxic and anticancer agents. However, further studies and improvements in experimental designs are needed to better demonstrate the mechanism of action of all of these compounds.

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.

Razões para viver e risco do suicídio em graduandos de uma universidade pública de Pernambuco / Reasons for living and the meaning of suicide in graduandos of a public university of Pernambuco / Razões para vivir y el significado del suicidio en graduandos de una universidad pública de Pernambuco

Objetivo: Investigar as Razões para Viver e os riscos da ideação suicida para os graduandos da Universidade de Pernambuco. Métodos: Trata-se de uma pesquisa quantitativa com caráter descritivo realizada nas instituições do Campus Santo Amaro com 359 acadêmicos. A coleta de dados foi realizada através de dois instrumentos autoaplicáveis: um questionário sociodemográfico e a Escala de Razões para Viver. Os dados foram digitalizados em planilhas eletrônicas, o tratamento estatístico foi realizado no programa Excel. Resultados: Constatou-se que 46,52% dos acadêmicos possuem risco médio para a ideação suicida, ressalta-se ainda que um percentual de 3,62% dos estudantes teve risco elevado para o pensamento suicida. Conclusão: Tais achados constituem tanto como um diagnóstico situacional, para que as instituições de ensino superior promovam programas e estratégias voltados para a prevenção da ideação suicida e a redução de fatores de risco, tal como para que os docentes atuantes, dentro do campus ou os que assistem os estudantes fora dele, tenham conhecimento da importância de medidas que visem identificar e minimizar tal situação, melhorando assim o ambiente acadêmico. (AU)

Objective: To investigate the meaning of suicidal ideation for undergraduate at the University of Pernambuco. Methods: This is a quantitative research with descriptive character carried out in the institutions of the Campus Santo Amaro with 359 academics. Data collection was performed through two self-applied instruments: a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Scale of reasons to live. The data were scanned in spreadsheets, the statistical treatment was performed in the Excel program. Results: It was found that 46.52% of the students had a moderate risk for suicidal ideation. It was also noted a percentage of 3.62% of the students risk for suicidal thoughts. Conclusion: These findings constitute both a situational diagnosis, so that higher education institutions promote programs and strategies aimed at the prevention of suicidal ideation and the reduction of risk factors, such as for active teachers, on campus or which assist students outside of it, are aware of the importance of measures aimed at identifying and minimizing such situation, thus improving the academic environment. (AU)

Objetivo: Investigar el significado de laideación suicida para los graduandos de laUniversidad de Pernambuco. Métodos: Se trata de una investigacióncuantitativacon carácter descriptivo realizada enlasinstitucionesdel Campus Santo Amaro con 359 académicos. La recolección de datosfue realizada a través de dos instrumentos autoaplicables: uncuestionario sociodemográfico y la Escala De Razones para Vivir. Los datosfueron digitalizados enhojas de cálculo, eltratamiento estadístico fue realizado enel programa Excel. Resultados: Se constató que el 46,52% de los académicos poseenriesgopromedio para laideación suicida, se resaltaaún que unporcentajedel 3,62% de losestudiantestuvieronunriesgo elevado para elpensamiento suicida. Conclusión: Tales hallazgosconstituyen tanto como un diagnóstico situacional, para que lasinstituciones de enseñanza superior promuevan programas y estrategias dirigidos a laprevención de laideación suicida y lareducción de factores de riesgo, tal como para que los docentes actuantes, dentro del campus o que asisten a losestudiantesfuera de él, tenganconocimiento de laimportancia de medidas que apunte a identificar y minimizar tal situación, mejorandoasíel ambiente académico. (AU)

Chemical characterization and antineoplastic effect of oligosaccharides from Cabernet Franc red wine in mammary tumor model in mice.

The present study characterized oligosaccharide compounds (Oligo) in Cabernet Franc red wine and investigated its antineoplastic effects against mammary tumor cells in vivo and in vitro, isolated or in combination with chemotherapy. The Oligo fraction was characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The complex mixture of Oligo showed high amounts of oligoxyloglucuronans, oligorhamnogalacturonans, oligoarabinogalactans, and oligoglucans, such as trehalose and isomaltotriose. To investigate the antineoplastic effects of Oligo, Female Swiss mice were subcutaneously inoculated with Ehrlich tumor cells and then received vehicle (distilled water, p.o.), Oligo solution (9, 35, or 70 mg/kg, p.o.), or methotrexate (1.5 mg/kg, i.p.). The treatments were administered in a conventional (21-d) or chemopreventive (42-d) protocol. Oligo reduced the growth of Ehrlich tumors in both protocols and increased the effectiveness of methotrexate in controlling tumor growth. Oligo did not reduce the viability of MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-436, and HB4a human breast cells that were cultured for 48 h, showing no cytotoxicity. Overall, Oligo exerted an in vivo antineoplastic effect and modulated immune blood cells, dependent on treatment time, and was not directly cytotoxic to tumor cells. Thus, Oligo may indirectly regulate tumor cell development and may be a promising drug for cancer therapy in combination with methotrexate.

Iron counteracts zinc-induced toxicity in soybeans.

Zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) are essential micronutrients for all living organisms and the major targets for crop biofortification. However, when acquired in excess quantities, Zn and Fe can be toxic to plants. In this study, we examined the interaction between Zn and Fe in soybean plants under various Zn and Fe treatments. While the level of Zn accumulation increased with increasing Zn supplies, Zn content greatly decreased with rising Fe supplies. Moreover, Zn uptake rates were negatively correlated with Fe supplies. However, Fe accumulation was not greatly affected by elevating Zn supplies. Excess Zn supplies were found to induce typical Fe deficiency symptoms under low Fe conditions, which can be counteracted by increasing Fe supplies. Interestingly, leaf chlorosis caused by excess Zn and low Fe supplies was not directly associated with reduced total Fe content but likely associated with deleterious effects of excess Zn. The combination of high Zn and low Fe greatly activates FRO2 and FIT1 gene expression in soybean roots. Besides, Zn-Fe interaction influences the activities of antioxidative enzymes as well as the uptake, accumulation, and homeostasis of other essential micronutrients, such as copper and manganese in soybean plants. These findings provide new perspectives on Zn and Fe interaction and on heavy metal-induced Fe deficiency-like symptoms.

Treatment of a Mandibular Diastemal Fracture Using Locking Compression Plate and Cerclage Wire in a Mare.

This report describes the combination of two surgical fracture repair techniques and the postoperative management of a mandibular diastemal fracture in a two-year-old mare. The mare was referred to a veterinary hospital with a laceration over the body of the right mandible. Radiographic assessment revealed two mesial fracture lines involving the second premolar tooth and a ventrally displaced bone fragment. The mare was treated under general anesthesia and the fracture was corrected using open reduction and plate fixation. A 3.5 mm narrow 15-hole locking compression plate with seven locking screws were used in a bridge form. Cerclage wire was also used to anchor the incisor teeth to the second and third premolar teeth. The cerclage wire and incisor teeth were covered with polymethylmethacrylate to prevent implant failure and avoid injury to the oral mucosa. Implants were removed 55 days after surgery and the mare was discharged from hospital five days later. The mare returned for cerclage wire removal after 90 days and was allowed to resume exercise thereafter. The combination of two surgical techniques, proper implant choice and appropriate postoperative management, including use of pelleted feed, contributed to successful bone healing and return to function.

Imprensa e Insegurança Alimentar no Brasil da pandemia / Media and food insecurity in Brazil during pandemic

Introdução: Este texto identifica e analisa matérias jornalísticas que abordaram o consumo de alimentos  durante a pandemia, no contexto da crise econômica e do desmonte das políticas públicas de segurança alimentar no país. Objetivo: O objetivo geral do trabalho é analisar o conteúdo das matérias que abordaram o tema para perceber que mensagens elas transmitiam a respeito do agravamento da insegurança alimentar no contexto da crise econômica e do aumento do preço dos alimentos. Método: Para efetuar a análise do conteúdo, foram selecionadas 15 matérias nos sites de dois jornais, a saber, Extra e G1, do Grupo Globo S.A., publicadas entre 2020 e 2021, auge da pandemia. Resultados: Os resultados obtidos mostraram que, via de regra, a cobertura jornalística abordou o aumento do preço dos alimentos e dos custos na cadeia de suprimentos como uma realidade dada ­ às vezes, da natureza ­ e não como resultante de um processo construído politica e socialmente a partir das decisões políticas dos nossos dirigentes. Com isso, os verdadeiros responsáveis pela crise e pelo desmonte das políticas de segurança alimentar seguiram invisíveis e, portanto, protegidos da opinião pública. Discussão: O estudo examina de forma crítica o papel da mídia na produção de mensagens que perpetuam narrativas que ocultam os responsáveis pelos problemas coletivos da população e mostra, a partir da trajetória do setor, as decisões políticas que nos levaram de volta ao mapa da fome. Por fim, destaca a importância de reativar o CONSEA como órgão consultivo fundamental no combate à insegurança alimentar. (AU)

Introduction: This text identifies and analyzes journalistic articles that addressed food consumption during the pandemic, in the context of the economic crisis and the dismantling of public food security policies in the country. Objective: The general objective of the work is to analyze the content of the articles that addressed the theme to understand what messages they transmitted regarding the worsening of food insecurity in the context of the economic crisis and the increase in food prices. Method: To perform the content analysis, 15 articles were selected on the websites of two newspapers, namely, Extra and G1, from Grupo Globo S.A., published between 2020 and 2021, the height of pandemic. Results: The results showed, mostly, that journalistic coverage addressed the increase in food prices and costs in the supply chain as a given reality ­ sometimes, of nature ­ and not as a result of a political and social process, based on the political decisions of our leaders. As a result, those truly responsible for the crisis and the dismantling of food security policies were not properly identified or held accountable for their actions. Discussion: The study critically examines the role of the media in producing messages that perpetuate narratives that hide those responsible for the collective problems of the population and shows, based on the trajectory of the sector, the political decisions that led us back to the hunger map. Finally, it highlights the importance of reactivating the CONSEA as fundamental advisory body in the fight against food insecurity. (AU)

Atenção à saúde bucal de escolares durante a pandemia de COVID-19: relato de experiência / Schoolchildren's oral health care during the COVID-19 pandemic: an experience report

Objective:To report the experience in carrying out educational and preventive activities in oral health for the population of schoolchildren in the inland of Rio Grande do Norte, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods:A report of the experience underwent by a dental surgeon working in a basic health unit from inland Potiguar. An active search for the schoolchildren was conducted in partnership between the municipal institutions and the family health team. The activities took place between June and August2020, involving 207schoolchildren. They included infant health promotion actions for children and guardians alike, considering the family context to generate changes.Results: The schoolchildren underwent an oral evaluation, received guidance about oral hygiene and supervised brushing. An Odontogram and a clinical form were filled out. Guidance was offered to parents/guardians in a leaflet, and they were handed in an oral hygiene kit, gifts and a Certificate of Completed Treatment.Conclusion:Through this action, it was possible to monitor the epidemiological situation of oral diseases in the school-aged population and carry out the activities provided for in the Healthat School Program, keeping it implemented, even during a period in which several procedures were suspended due to the pandemic

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.

Gamification in Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This study is a narrative review aiming at evaluating the current literature of the last 5 years on gamification and musculoskeletal rehabilitation. The article search involved the following MeSH terms at PubMed: "gamification," "exergaming," and "rehabilitation." Original studies in English language were included. RECENT FINDINGS: After careful analysis of the search results, 17 articles were included in this review. The use of games for rehabilitation was investigated in musculoskeletal rehabilitation conditions such as shoulder surgery, impingement syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, low back pain, fibromyalgia, fracture, and ligament reconstruction. Results were similar or superior to conventional physical therapy or home-based exercises, with the additional benefit of improving motivation to the exercise program. Improvements in quality of life and perceived health status were also observed. The cost-effectiveness of this type of technology was also mentioned as an advantage of exergames in musculoskeletal rehabilitation. Studies involving gamification in musculoskeletal rehabilitation stress the potential of this resource in several aspects of physical fitness, health, and quality of life, also improving motivation and adherence to the exercise treatment.