Empowering Underserved Communities in Southern Puerto Rico: A Formal Training Program in Community Health Promotion.

Community health promotion offers a potential solution to persistent healthcare challenges, with community health workers playing a pivotal role. The Community Training Institute for Health Disparities (CTIHD) implemented a problem-solving curriculum in Community Health Promotion, integrating a competency-based learning model through two courses: Introduction to Community Health Promotion and Design of an Action Plan for the Promotion of Community Health. Each course comprised ten three-hour sessions, featuring pre/post-tests, evaluations, and a cognitive debriefing. Knowledge change was assessed using pre/post-test scores among 27 community leaders from southern Puerto Rico. Cohort 1 and Cohort 2 demonstrated an overall retention rate of 62.6% and 96.7%, respectively. Although differences in knowledge gained between cohorts and courses weren't statistically significant, a trend toward increased knowledge was noted. Cohort 1 experienced a 22% knowledge increase in Course 1 and a 24% increase in Course 2. Cohort 2 demonstrated a 41% knowledge increase in Course 1 and a 25% increase in Course 2. The CTIHD's Community Health Promotion Program has made significant strides in elevating awareness and knowledge, marking a positive step toward reducing health disparities and fostering healthier, empowered communities in southern Puerto Rico.

Predictors of tooth loss in Brazilian older adults: An 8-year follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the risk factors for tooth loss after 8 years among community-dwelling older adults in a southern Brazilian city. METHODS: In 2004, 388 dentate community-dwelling older adults from Carlos Barbosa, southern Brazil, were selected using simple random sampling. In 2012, the follow-up consisted of 199 (51.3%) participants. Data collection comprised an interview with data about socio-demographic, behavioural and access to services and an oral examination. The outcome variable of this study is the ratio between the sum of the teeth lost during the 8-year period of follow-up, and the sum of the teeth present in 2004, per person, modelled through binomial regression analysis. RESULTS: Being older (IOR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.00-1.06), living in a rural area (IOR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.17-2.07), earning two or more monthly minimum wages (IOR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.09-1.96), living alone (single, widowed or divorced; IOR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.00-1.85), having more gingival bleeding sites (IOR = 1.01, 95% CI: 1.00-1.02) and wearing partial removable prosthesis (IOR = 2.82, 95% CI: 2.15-3.71) were risk factors for tooth loss. Approximately 48% of the participants lost one or more teeth over the 8-year follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Socio-demographic, economic and clinical variables were associated with the risk for tooth loss. This might be a result of social determinants of health influencing people's access to oral health care, oral health behaviours and oral health status. Public policy aimed at older adults living in rural areas, living alone and using removable dentures may contribute to reducing the risk of tooth loss.

Childhood obesity and risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the association between childhood obesity and the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection in a cohort followed from 4 to 12 years of age. METHODS: The data were obtained from two independent sources: the Longitudinal Childhood Obesity Study (ELOIN) and the epidemiological surveillance system data from the Community of Madrid (Spain), which served to identify the population within the cohort with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. The SARS-CoV-2 registry was cross-checked with the cohort population at 11-12 years of age. A total of 2018 eligible participants were identified in the cohort, who underwent physical examinations at 4, 6, and 9 years of age during which weight, height, and waist circumference were recorded. General obesity (GO) was determined according to the WHO-2007 criteria whereas abdominal obesity (AO) was defined based on the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria. The relative risks (RRs) of infection were estimated using a Poisson regression model and adjusted by sociodemographic variables, physical activity, and perceived health reported by the parents. RESULTS: The accumulated incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection was 8.6% (95% CI: 7.3-9.8). The estimated RR of SARS-CoV-2 infection was 2.53 (95% CI: 1.56-4.10) and 2.56 (95% CI: 1.55-4.21) for children 4-9 years old with stable GO and AO, respectively, compared with those who did not present GO. CONCLUSIONS: Childhood obesity is an independent risk factor for SARS-CoV-2 infection. This study provides new evidence that indicates that obesity increases the vulnerability of the paediatric population to infectious diseases.

High density lipoprotein-associated miRNA is increased following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery for severe obesity.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is one of the most commonly performed weight-loss procedures, but how severe obesity and RYGB affect circulating HDL-associated microRNAs (miRNAs) remains unclear. Here, we aim to investigate how HDL-associated miRNAs are regulated in severe obesity and how weight loss after RYGB surgery affects HDL-miRNAs. Plasma HDLs were isolated from patients with severe obesity (n = 53) before and 6 and 12 months after RYGB by immunoprecipitation using goat anti-human apoA-I microbeads. HDLs were also isolated from 18 healthy participants. miRNAs were extracted from isolated HDL and levels of miR-24, miR-126, miR-222, and miR-223 were determined by TaqMan miRNA assays. We found that HDL-associated miR-126, miR-222, and miR-223 levels, but not miR-24 levels, were significantly higher in patients with severe obesity when compared with healthy controls. There were significant increases in HDL-associated miR-24, miR-222, and miR-223 at 12 months after RYGB. Additionally, cholesterol efflux capacity and paraoxonase activity were increased and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) levels decreased. The increases in HDL-associated miR-24 and miR-223 were positively correlated with an increase in cholesterol efflux capacity (r = 0.326, P = 0.027 and r = 0.349, P = 0.017, respectively). An inverse correlation was observed between HDL-associated miR-223 and ICAM-1 at baseline. Together, these findings show that HDL-associated miRNAs are differentially regulated in healthy participants versus patients with severe obesity and are altered after RYGB. These findings provide insights into how miRNAs are regulated in obesity before and after weight reduction and may lead to the development of novel treatment strategies for obesity and related metabolic disorders.

Sexual Dimorphism of Neuroimmune Cells and Its Impact on the Central Nervous System: a Special Issue.

Neuroimmune-related sex differences contribute to the complexity of neurologic disorders, such as drug abuse, depression, and chronic pain. The collection of articles presented in this issue add to our understanding of sex as a critical biologic variable in the study of psychiatric and neurologic diseases. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Consideration of sex in the design and interpretation of study results is critical. Sex differences may warrant different treatment approaches for diseases in which sex or gender influences disease outcomes. The studies and reviews presented here examine the contribution of sexual dimorphism in the physiologic responses and pharmacological treatments of neurological and psychiatric disorders.

Factors associated with hyposalivation and xerostomia in older persons in South Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate characteristics associated with xerostomia and hyposalivation in older persons. BACKGROUND: Saliva is one of the most important body fluids and plays an important role in food bolus formation, lubricating the oral mucosa and protecting teeth against demineralisation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study nested within a cohort and includes a sample of 872 older persons living independently in the community, both in rural and urban areas in Carlos Barbosa, Brazil. Data collection included standardised interviews to identify sociodemographic, behavioural and health-related variables, as well as oral clinical examination performed by two trained/calibrated dentists. Poisson regressions with robust variance were used to calculate the crude and adjusted prevalence ratios (PR) and their respective 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: The mean age was 68.5 ± 6.7 years, and the majority of the sample consisted of women (65.3%). The prevalence of xerostomia, of low stimulated salivary flow rate and low at rest salivary flow rate were 338 (38.8%), 494 (56.6%), 320 (36.7%), respectively. In the final adjusted model, women had a significantly increased prevalence of xerostomia (PR = 1.34; 95% CI: 1.12-1.61), as well as participants taking medication continuously (PR = 1.45; 95% CI: 1.16-1.82) and those with depressive symptoms (PR = 1.49; 95% CI: 1.27-1.76). Lower at rest (PR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.22-1.72) and lower stimulated salivary flow were more prevalent in women (PR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.11-1.44), while lower stimulated salivary flow was more prevalent in older persons taking medication continuously (PR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.07-1.43). CONCLUSION: Salivary hypofunction and xerostomia were more prevalent in women and in those with continuous medication use; however, depressive symptoms were associated only with xerostomia. Measures are required to promote oral comfort in cases of xerostomia, thereby reducing the unpleasant sensation of dry mouth and hyposalivation consequences in clinical practice.

Toxoplasma gondii alters NMDAR signaling and induces signs of Alzheimer's disease in wild-type, C57BL/6 mice.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease associated with cognitive decline and complete loss of basic functions. The ubiquitous apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infects up to one third of the world's population and is implicated in AD. METHODS: We infected C57BL/6 wild-type male and female mice with 10 T. gondii ME49 cysts and assessed whether infection led to behavioral and anatomical effects using immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, Western blotting, cell culture assays, as well as an array of mouse behavior tests. RESULTS: We show that T. gondii infection induced two major hallmarks of AD in the brains of C57BL/6 male and female mice: beta-amyloid (Aß) immunoreactivity and hyperphosphorylated Tau. Infected mice showed significant neuronal death, loss of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) expression, and loss of olfactory sensory neurons. T. gondii infection also caused anxiety-like behavior, altered recognition of social novelty, altered spatial memory, and reduced olfactory sensitivity. This last finding was exclusive to male mice, as infected females showed intact olfactory sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that T. gondii can induce advanced signs of AD in wild-type mice and that it may induce AD in some individuals with underlying health problems.

Oral health of the Latin American elders: What we know and what we should do-Position paper of the Latin American Oral Geriatric Group of the International Association for Dental Research.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this review was to gather information and discuss oral health status of older people in the Latin American and Caribbean region (LAC). BACKGROUND: Scarce data are available to portrait the oral situation of older people in the region. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This review paper is the result of a meeting of the IADR's Latin American Geriatric Oral Research Group held in Porto Alegre, Brazil, in November of 2016, part of the activities of an IADR Regional Development Programme (RDP). A group of researchers from 8 countries of LAC held a discussion using 5 questions related to the oral health situation of older Latin Americans, the most appropriate strategies to face the problem and the challenges for the future, with an open discussion format. In a second step, a group of 6 experts refined the answers and reviewed the existent literature. RESULTS: The review of the evidence revealed that only a few LAC countries have information, which suggests the need for multinational efforts to understand the oral health status and programmes in place. Of the few studies available, it is possible to observe poor oral health as a common feature of older adults in the region. CONCLUSION: There is a need for the development of national surveys and standardised tools for the assessment of oral health in older adults. Also, intense advocacy to modify and influence public health policies in the different countries of the LAC is strongly recommended.

Inhibition of inflammatory signaling pathways in 3T3-L1 adipocytes by apolipoprotein A-I.

Activation of inflammatory signaling pathways links obesity with metabolic disorders. TLR4-mediated activation of MAPKs and NF-κB are 2 such pathways implicated in obesity-induced inflammation. Apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) exerts anti-inflammatory effects on adipocytes by effluxing cholesterol from the cells via the ATP binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1). It is not known if these effects involve inhibition of inflammatory signaling pathways by apoA-I. This study asks if apoA-I inhibits activation of MAPKs and NF-κB in mouse 3T3-L1 adipocytes and whether this inhibition is ABCA1 dependent. Incubation of differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes with apoA-I decreased cell surface expression of TLR4 by 16 ± 2% and synthesis of the TLR4 adaptor protein, myeloid differentiation primary response 88, by 24 ± 4% in an ABCA1-dependent manner. ApoA-I also inhibited downstream activation of MAPKs, such as ERK, p38MAPK, and JNK, as well as expression of proinflammatory adipokines in bacterial LPS-stimulated 3T3-L1 adipocytes in an ABCA1-dependent manner. ApoA-I, by contrast, suppressed nuclear localization of the p65 subunit of NF-κB by 30 ± 3% in LPS-stimulated 3T3-L1 adipocytes in an ABCA1-independent manner. In conclusion, apoA-I inhibits TLR4-mediated inflammatory signaling pathways in adipocytes by preventing MAPK and NF-κB activation.-Sultana, A., Cochran, B. J., Tabet, F., Patel, M., Cuesta Torres, L., Barter, P. J., Rye, K.-A. Inhibition of inflammatory signaling pathways in 3T3-L1 adipocytes by apolipoprotein A-I.

Perceived risks of produced water management and naturally occurring radioactive material content in North Dakota.

Unconventional oil and gas development using hydraulic fracturing has caused conflict and controversy across the globe including the U.S. where some States banned the practice. Nevertheless, North Dakota (ND) has supported the practice because the State perceives the risks to be acceptable and because it has brought growth and opportunities to small communities. However, social acceptance of new technology is based on a number of factors and not contingent on economic benefits. To date, no research has been conducted to understand public risk perception of hazards associated with produced water from hydraulic fracturing in ND. This study focuses on understanding the risk perception of select ND stakeholder groups regarding produced water management and naturally occurring radioactive material. The software Qualtrics was used to create an online survey, collect data, and perform statistical analysis. The most important variables that seem to influence risk perception are the images and thoughts associated with produced water, level of knowledge about produced water handling and content, and knowing how to proceed in case of a spill of produced water. Overall, social risk perception could be in alignment with actual technical risk if availability of objective information is improved.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease induces signs of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in wild-type mice and accelerates pathological signs of AD in an AD model.

BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic liver disease afflicting about one third of the world's population and 30 % of the US population. It is induced by consumption of high-lipid diets and is characterized by liver inflammation and subsequent liver pathology. Obesity and consumption of a high-fat diet are known to increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, we investigated NAFLD-induced liver inflammation in the pathogenesis of AD. METHODS: WT and APP-Tg mice were fed with a standard diet (SD) or a high-fat diet (HFD) for 2, 5 months, or 1 year to induce NAFLD. Another set of APP-Tg mice were removed from HFD after 2 months and put back on SD for 3 months. RESULTS: During acute phase NAFLD, WT and APP-Tg mice developed significant liver inflammation and pathology that coincided with increased numbers of activated microglial cells in the brain, increased inflammatory cytokine profile, and increased expression of toll-like receptors. Chronic NAFLD induced advanced pathological signs of AD in both WT and APP-Tg mice, and also induced neuronal apoptosis. We observed decreased brain expression of low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP-1) which is involved in ß-amyloid clearance, in both WT and APP-Tg mice after ongoing administration of the HFD. LRP-1 expression correlated with advanced signs of AD over the course of chronic NAFLD. Removal of mice from HFD during acute NAFLD reversed liver pathology, decreased signs of activated microglial cells and neuro-inflammation, and decreased ß-amyloid plaque load. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that chronic inflammation induced outside the brain is sufficient to induce neurodegeneration in the absence of genetic predisposition.

Dynamic microglial modulation of spatial learning and social behavior.

Microglia are active players in inflammation, but also have important supporting roles in CNS maintenance and function, including modulation of neuronal activity. We previously observed an increase in the frequency of excitatory postsynaptic current in organotypic brain slices after depletion of microglia using clodronate. Here, we describe that local hippocampal depletion of microglia by clodronate alters performance in tests of spatial memory and sociability. Global depletion of microglia by high-dose oral administration of a Csf1R inhibitor transiently altered spatial memory but produced no change in sociability behavior. Microglia depletion and behavior effects were both reversible, consistent with a dynamic role for microglia in the regulation of such behaviors.

Apolipoprotein A-I Limits the Negative Effect of Tumor Necrosis Factor on Lymphangiogenesis.

OBJECTIVE: Lymphatic endothelial dysfunction underlies the pathogenesis of many chronic inflammatory disorders. The proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is known for its role in disrupting the function of the lymphatic vasculature. This study investigates the ability of apolipoprotein (apo) A-I, the principal apolipoprotein of high-density lipoproteins, to preserve the normal function of lymphatic endothelial cells treated with TNF. APPROACH AND RESULTS: TNF decreased the ability of lymphatic endothelial cells to form tube-like structures. Preincubation of lymphatic endothelial cells with apoA-I attenuated the TNF-mediated inhibition of tube formation in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, apoA-I reversed the TNF-mediated suppression of lymphatic endothelial cell migration and lymphatic outgrowth in thoracic duct rings. ApoA-I also abrogated the negative effect of TNF on lymphatic neovascularization in an ATP-binding cassette transporter A1-dependent manner. At the molecular level, this involved downregulation of TNF receptor-1 and the conservation of prospero-related homeobox gene-1 expression, a master regulator of lymphangiogenesis. ApoA-I also re-established the normal phenotype of the lymphatic network in the diaphragms of human TNF transgenic mice. CONCLUSIONS: ApoA-I restores the neovascularization capacity of the lymphatic system during TNF-mediated inflammation. This study provides a proof-of-concept that high-density lipoprotein-based therapeutic strategies may attenuate chronic inflammation via its action on lymphatic vasculature.

Outcome of Decolonization Therapy in a Hospital in Southern Puerto Rico.

OBJECTIVE: Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a resistant bacteria responsible for hard-to-treat infections. To understand the primary impact of this infection in healthcare settings, a retrospective study was performed at a hospital in southern Puerto Rico. Our objectives were to classify the types of MRSA infection, identify factors associated with the infection, and evaluate the outcome of decolonization therapy after its having been implemented at the hospital. METHODS: Medical records of cases encompassing October 2009 through October 2011 were reviewed. A total of 761 MRSA-positive patients were identified and their infections classified as community-acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA), hospital-acquired MRSA (HA-MRSA), or healthcare-associated community-onset MRSA (HACO-MRSA). Basic demographics, reason for hospitalization, medical history, and culture sites, along with other information, were obtained for each case. SPSS v17 was used for statistical analysis. Fisher's exact test was used to measure the statistical significance of the crude OR, using the patients with CA-MRSA as the comparison group. HA-MRSA cases were compared before and after the intervention, using Epidat v4.0 to calculate the cumulative incidence of HA-MRSA before and after the implementation of decolonization therapy at the hospital. RESULTS: In our study, 5.0% of the patients were found to be infected with HA-MRSA, 72.8%, with CA-MRSA, and 22.2%, with HACO-MRSA. After the intervention, we found a decrease of 10.35% (p = 0.704) in HA-MRSA, of 2.6% (p = 0.791) in CA-MRSA, and of 7.0% in HACO-MRSA (p = 0.650). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that CA-MRSA could be responsible for the majority of the infections caused by MRSA within the hospital at which the study took place. Decolonization of MRSA is a useful tool in helping to control the spread of infection, although future studies are needed to confirm our study's findings.

[The construction behind chosen names of transgender individuals and related aspects in a medium-sized city in the South of Brazil]. / Construção do nome social de pessoas trans e aspectos relacionados em um município de porte médio do Sul do Brasil.

This study analyzed the construction process of the chosen name and related aspects among transgender individuals from a medium-sized municipality in southern Brazil. Qualitative data from a descriptive and exploratory mixed-method study was used. Self-declared trans people aged 18 or over were included. Three focus groups were conducted with ten participants. These individuals, aged between 19 and 52 years, have a documented chosen name, but half have not yet changed their civil records. The content analysis technique produced two categories: "construction of the chosen name as an instrument for validating the transgender identity" and "impacts of the construction of the chosen name on self-acceptance and on family and social relationships." The results reinforce the importance of respecting the name as a way of contributing to the gender affirmation of transgender individuals. The name was linked to the experiences, individuality and values of these individuals. Its proper use, much more than respect for legislation, meant respect for the different possibilities of human existence. It is expected that the results presented can be used as a tool for recognizing the issues and nuances that permeate the construction of the chosen name and contribute to identity validation.

O trabalho analisou o processo de construção do nome social e aspectos relacionados em pessoas trans de um município de porte médio do Sul do Brasil. Foram utilizados dados qualitativos de um estudo de método misto descritivo e exploratório. Incluíram-se pessoas autodeclaradas trans com 18 anos ou mais. Foram conduzidos três grupos focais com dez participantes. Estes, com idade variando entre 19 e 52 anos, apresentam nome social documentado, porém metade ainda não fez a alteração nos registros civis. A técnica da análise de conteúdo produziu duas categorias: "construção do nome social como instrumento de validação da identidade trans" e "impactos da construção do nome social na autoaceitação e nas relações familiares e sociais". Os resultados reforçam a importância do respeito ao nome como forma de contribuição para a afirmação de gênero de sujeitos trans. O nome esteve atrelado às suas vivências, individualidades e valores. Seu uso adequado, muito mais do que o cumprimento de uma legislação, significou respeito às possibilidades diversas da existência humana. Espera-se que os resultados apresentados possam ser utilizados como ferramenta de reconhecimento acerca das questões e nuances que permeiam a construção do nome social, bem como contribuam para a validação identitária.

Concurrent progestogen and cerclage to reduce preterm birth: a multicenter international retrospective cohort.

BACKGROUND: Both progestogens and cerclage are individually effective in preterm birth prevention in high risk pregnancies. However, national and international guidelines cite a lack of data available to comment on the potential benefit of concurrent progestogen therapy after cerclage has been placed. Studies to date have been small with mixed results regarding benefit of concurrent progestogen with cerclage leaving uncertainty regarding best clinical practice. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate whether cerclage with progestogen therapy was superior to cerclage alone in the prevention of spontaneous preterm birth in singleton pregnancies. METHODS: This is an international retrospective cohort study of singleton pregnancies, without major anomaly or aneuploidy, and with cerclage placed at 10 different institutions in the United States and Colombia from June 2016 to June 2020. Exclusion criteria were lack of documentation regarding whether progestogen was prescribed, unavailable delivery outcome, and pregnancy termination (spontaneous or induced) before 16 weeks' gestation. The exposure of interest was progestogen use with cerclage placement, which included those who continued to use progestogen or who started progestogen after cerclage. The comparison group consisted of those without progestogen use after cerclage placement, which included those who had no progestogen use during the entire pregnancy or who initiated progestogen and then stopped it after cerclage placement. Progestogen type, cerclage indication, maternal baseline characteristics, and maternal/neonatal outcomes were collected. The primary outcome was spontaneous preterm birth at <37 weeks. The secondary outcomes were spontaneous preterm birth at <34 weeks, gestational age at delivery, and a composite neonatal outcome including ≥1 of the following: perinatal mortality, confirmed sepsis, grade III or IV intraventricular hemorrhage, retinopathy of prematurity, respiratory distress syndrome, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. There were planned subgroup analyses by cerclage indication, progestogen type (vaginal progesterone vs 17-hydroxyprogesterone caproate), preterm birth history, and site. Continuous variables were compared in adjusted analyses with analysis of covariance, and categorical variables were compared with multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for potential confounders with adjusted odds ratio. A Cox regression survival curve was generated to compare latency to spontaneous delivery, censored after 37 weeks. RESULTS: During the study period, a total of 699 singletons met the inclusion criteria: 561 in the progestogen with cerclage group and 138 with cerclage alone. Baseline characteristics were similar, except the higher likelihood of previous spontaneous preterm birth in the progestogen group (61% vs 41%; P<.001). Within the progestogen group, 52% were on 17-hydroxyprogesterone caproate weekly, 44% on vaginal progesterone daily, and 3% on oral progesterone daily. Progestogen with cerclage was associated with a significantly lower frequency of spontaneous preterm birth <37 weeks (31% vs 39%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.59 [0.39-0.89]; P=.01) and <34 weeks (19% vs 27%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.55 [0.35-0.87]; P=.01), increased latency to spontaneous delivery (hazard ratio for spontaneous preterm birth <37 weeks, 0.66 [0.49-0.90]; P=.009), and lower frequency of perinatal death (7% vs 16%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.37 [0.20-0.67]; P=.001). In planned subgroup analyses, association with reduced odds of preterm birth <37 weeks persisted in those on vaginal progesterone, those without a previous preterm birth, those with ultrasound- or examination-indicated cerclage, those who started progestogen therapy before cerclage, and in sites restricted to the United States. CONCLUSION: Use of progestogen with cerclage was associated with reduced rates of spontaneous preterm birth and early spontaneous preterm birth compared with cerclage alone. Although this study was not sufficiently powered for subgroup analysis, the strength of evidence for benefit appeared greatest for those with ultrasound- or examination-indicated cerclage, and with vaginal progesterone.

One-step conservative surgery vs hysterectomy for placenta accreta spectrum: a feasibility randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Placenta accreta spectrum is a serious condition associated with significant maternal morbidity and even mortality. The recommended treatment is hysterectomy. An alternative is 1-step conservative surgery, which involves the en bloc resection of the myometrium affected by placenta accreta spectrum along with the placenta, followed by uterine reconstruction. Currently, there are no studies comparing the 2 techniques in the setting of a randomized controlled trial. OBJECTIVE: We performed a prospectively registered multicenter randomized controlled trial comparing hysterectomy with 1-step conservative surgery. The aim was to collect feasibility and clinical outcomes of the 2 techniques in women assigned to hysterectomy or 1-step conservative surgery. In addition to assessing participants' willingness to be randomized, we also collected data on intraoperative blood loss, transfusion requirement, serious adverse event, and other clinical outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: Sixty women with strong antenatal suspicion of placenta accreta spectrum were assigned randomly to either hysterectomy (n=31) or 1-step conservative surgery (n=29). RESULTS: During a 20-month period, 60 of the 64 eligible patients (93.7%) underwent randomization. Intention-to-treat analysis showed that the clinical outcomes for 1-step conservative surgery were comparable to those of hysterectomy (median intraoperative blood loss, 1740 mL [interquartile range, 1010-2410] vs 1500 mL [interquartile range, 1122-2753]; odds ratio, 1 [1-1]; P=.942; median duration of surgery, 135 minutes [interquartile range, 111-180] vs 155 minutes [interquartile range, 120-185]; odds ratio, 0.99 [0.98-1]; P=.151; transfusion rate, 58.6% vs 61.3%; odds ratio, 0.96 [0.83-1.76]; P=.768; and adverse event rate, 17.2% vs 9.7%; odds ratio, 1.77 [0.43-10.19]; P=.398; respectively). In the subgroup of women with type 1 class on topographic classification, all participants allocated to 1-step surgery had successful outcomes, which were superior to those of hysterectomy. This was evidenced by the shorter surgery duration (median, 125 [interquartile range, 98-128] vs 180 [129-226] minutes; P=.002), lower transfusion rates (46.2% vs 82.4%), and fewer units of red blood cells transfused (median, 1 [interquartile range, 1-1.8] vs 3 [interquartile range, 2-4] units; P=.007). CONCLUSION: A randomized controlled trial comparing 2 surgical techniques for the treatment of placenta accreta spectrum is feasible. One-step conservative repair is a valid alternative to hysterectomy in the large majority of cases, but this can only be ascertained following intraoperative surgical staging. El resumen está disponible en Español al final del artículo.

Reasons for and consequences of tooth loss in adults and elderly people in Brazil: a qualitative metasynthesis. / Razões e consequências das perdas dentárias em adultos e idosos no Brasil: metassíntese qualitativa.

The objective was to analyze and systematize evidence reported in qualitative studies on the reasons and consequences of tooth loss in adults and elderly people in Brazil. A systematic review of the literature on qualitative research methods and a meta synthesis of the results were performed. The study population consisted of adults over 18 years of age and elderly people in Brazil. Searches were performed in the BVS, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, BBO, Embase, EBSCO and SciELO databases. The thematic synthesis identified 8 analytical themes regarding reasons for tooth loss and 3 analytical themes regarding consequences of tooth loss. Dental pain, care model, financial situation and desire for prosthetic rehabilitation were determining factors for extractions. There was recognition of negligence in oral care, and the naturalness of tooth loss was linked to old age. Missing teeth caused psychological and physiological impacts. It is imperative to verify whether the factors that cause tooth loss persist, and how much those factors influence decisions to extract teeth among current young and adult populations. It is necessary to change the care model through the inclusion and qualification of oral health care for the young and elderly adult populations; otherwise, the model of dental mutilation and the culture of edentulism will persist.

O objetivo foi analisar e sistematizar evidências levantadas por estudos qualitativos sobre razões e consequências de perdas dentárias em adultos e idosos no Brasil. Foi executada revisão sistemática da literatura de pesquisas de métodos qualitativos, e metassíntese dos resultados. A população de estudo foi de adultos acima de 18 anos e idosos brasileiros. Foi realizada busca nas bases de dados BVS, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, BBO, Embase, EBSCO e SciELO. A síntese temática definiu oito temas analíticos sobre razões das perdas dentárias e três temas analíticos sobre as consequências. A dor dentária, o modelo de atenção, a situação financeira e o desejo de reabilitação protética foram fatores determinantes para as exodontias. Houve reconhecimento da negligência com o cuidado bucal e da naturalidade das perdas dentárias ligada à velhice. Dentes perdidos causaram impactos psicológicos e fisiológicos. É imperativo verificar se os fatores que causaram as perdas dentárias persistem, e quanto influenciam as decisões de extrair dentes na população jovem e adulta atual. Há que se mudar o modelo de atenção pela inclusão e qualificação da atenção em saúde bucal da população adulta jovem e idosa, sob pena de persistir o modelo de mutilação dentária e a cultura de edentulismo.

Tutorial Education Program at a dental school in Southern Brazil: A transforming experience.

BACKGROUND: The Tutorial Education Program (PET), regulated in 2005 by Law no. 11.180/2004, in addition to transforming higher education in Brazil, has been an essential component for the development of academic students, expanding the education perspective. AIMS: This article aims to report the actions developed regarding these three pillars and the experience of undergraduate dentistry students, who are members of the Tutorial Education Program at the Federal University of Santa Maria. METHODS: Through teaching, research, and extension activities, which are the structuring pillars of Brazilian universities, PET enables the improvement of education and pedagogical projects in higher education courses. RESULTS: With regard to teaching and the search for knowledge construction, the group has been conducting six projects focused on dental students, in the form of lectures and workshops, as well as innovated the teaching-learning process through the preparation of video classes and the monitoring of freshmen students. Regarding the production of new knowledge through research, three projects focused on dental trauma, xerostomia, and the impact of COVID-19 on the teaching of dental students. As an exchange between community and university, in the extension pillar, the group participates in three projects aimed at blood donation, divulgation of the university, and the elderly public. During the 2020 pandemic, the group made adaptations and created new actions. CONCLUSION: Therefore, the activities planned and performed by the Tutorial Education Program have developed its members' skills and contributed to improvements in the quality of Brazilian higher education.

What influences dental students' attitudes regarding the treatment of older adults? A scoping review.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to investigate the literature to evaluate dental students' attitudes regarding the treatment of older adults. METHODS: A scoping review was performed following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses/PRISMA guidelines to identify articles from four electronic databases: MEDLINE via the PubMed interface, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and AgeLine. Gray literature searches were also performed in Scopus, Web of Science, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses-Health and Medicine. RESULTS: Eleven articles were assessed. The majority (72, 72%) were published between 2011 and 2020, evidencing various contexts of dental students, such as different countries and cultures, and levels of education. The most commonly used tool/instrument to survey dental students' attitudes was the Aging Semantic Differential Scale. Student age, race, and marital status did not seem to interfere with dental students' attitudes regarding the treatment of older adults. CONCLUSIONS: Dental students tend to have a positive attitude toward older people. In this context, female students, students who interact with older people, and clinical students have more positive attitudes than male and nonclinical students.