Smartphone-based inertial measurements during Chester step test as a predictor of length of hospital stay in abdominopelvic cancer postoperative period: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Objective assessment of pre-operative functional capacity in cancer patients using the smartphone gyroscope during the Chester step (CST) test may allow greater sensitivity of test results. This study has investigated whether the CST is a postoperative hospital permanence predictor in cancer patients undergoing abdominopelvic surgery through work, VO2MAX and gyroscopic movement analysis. METHODS: Prospective, quantitative, descriptive and inferential observational cohort study. Fifty-one patients were evaluated using CST in conjunction with a smartphone gyroscope. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to examine the predictive value of the CST. RESULTS: The duration of hospital permanence 30 days after surgery was longer when patients who performed stage 1 showed lower RMS amplitude and higher peak power. The work increased as the test progressed in stage 3. High VO2MAX seemed to be a predictor of hospital permanence in those who completed levels 3 and 4 of the test. CONCLUSION: The use of the gyroscope was more accurate in detecting mobility changes, which predicted a less favorable result for those who met at level 1 of the CST. VO2MAX was a predictor of prolonged hospitalization from level 3 of the test. The work was less accurate to determine the patient's true functional capacity.

Referred pain is associated with greater odontogenic spontaneous pain and a heightened pain sensitivity in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis.

BACKGROUND: Symptomatic irreversible pulpitis often results in heightened reactions to thermal stimuli such as pain evoked by a cold stimulus, and spontaneous odontogenic pain (unprovoked pain). OBJECTIVE: This study primarily compared the clinical manifestations of odontogenic spontaneous pain and pain provoked by cold stimulus specifically focusing on their sensory discriminative characteristics (intensity, duration and quality) between symptomatic irreversible pulpitis patients with and without referred pain. METHODS: Twenty-three patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis with referred pain and 12 patients without referred pain were included in this cross-sectional study. The following outcomes were assessed: odontogenic spontaneous pain and its descriptors; pain evoked by cold stimulus and qualitative sensory testing before and after local anaesthesia; referred pain location; use of analgesic medication; complementary anaesthesia efficacy. T-test, chi-squared and McNemar tests were applied to the data (p < .50). RESULTS: Patients with referred pain presented a greater odontogenic pain intensity (p < .05) when considered the average of the last 24 h. These patients also showed higher pain rating and pain descriptors (p < .05). Intensity and duration of the pain evoked by cold stimulus in the non-affected contralateral tooth at baseline were higher for patients with referred pain (p < .05). CONCLUSION: Symptomatic irreversible pulpitis patients with referred pain present greater odontogenic spontaneous pain and a heightened pain sensitivity. Therefore, patients with referred pain seem more complex from a pain severity perspective, supporting the clinical utility of discriminating symptomatic irreversible pulpitis with and without referred pain.

Functional Divergence of the Paralog Salmonella Effector Proteins SopD and SopD2 and Their Contributions to Infection.

Salmonella enterica is a leading cause of bacterial food-borne illness in humans and is responsible for millions of cases annually. A critical strategy for the survival of this pathogen is the translocation of bacterial virulence factors termed effectors into host cells, which primarily function via protein-protein interactions with host proteins. The Salmonella genome encodes several paralogous effectors believed to have arisen from duplication events throughout the course of evolution. These paralogs can share structural similarities and enzymatic activities but have also demonstrated divergence in host cell targets or interaction partners and contributions to the intracellular lifecycle of Salmonella. The paralog effectors SopD and SopD2 share 63% amino acid sequence similarity and extensive structural homology yet have demonstrated divergence in secretion kinetics, intracellular localization, host targets, and roles in infection. SopD and SopD2 target host Rab GTPases, which represent critical regulators of intracellular trafficking that mediate diverse cellular functions. While SopD and SopD2 both manipulate Rab function, these paralogs display differences in Rab specificity, and the effectors have also evolved multiple mechanisms of action for GTPase manipulation. Here, we highlight this intriguing pair of paralog effectors in the context of host-pathogen interactions and discuss how this research has presented valuable insights into effector evolution.

From Ethnobotany to Biotechnology: Wound Healing and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Sedum telephium L. In Vitro Cultures.

Sedum telephium is a succulent plant used in traditional medicine, particularly in Italy, for its efficacy in treating localized inflammation such as burns, warts, and wounds. Fresh leaves or freshly obtained derivatives are directly applied to the injuries for these purposes. However, challenges such as the lack of microbiologically controlled materials and product standardization prompted the exploration of more controlled biotechnological alternatives, utilizing in vitro plant cell cultures of S. telephium. In the present study, we used HPLC-DAD analysis to reveal a characteristic flavonol profile in juices from in vivo leaves and in vitro materials mainly characterized by several kaempferol and quercetin derivatives. The leaf juice exhibited the highest content in total flavonol and kaempferol derivatives, whereas juice from callus grown in medium with hormones and callus suspensions showed elevated levels of quercetin derivatives. The in vitro anti-inflammatory and wound-healing assays evidenced the great potential of callus and suspension cultures in dampening inflammation and fostering wound closure, suggesting quercetin may have a pivotal role in biological activities.

Relation between anxiety disorders in adolescent mothers and dental fear in children.

BACKGROUND: Maternal anxiety disorders can cause adverse consequences in child's health, cognitive development, and behavior. AIM: To investigate the association of maternal anxiety disorders with the occurrence of dental fear in children aged 24-36 months. DESIGN: This cross-sectional study is part of a cohort of adolescent mothers and their children (n = 527) in the city of Pelotas, RS, Brazil. Anxiety disorders in mothers were assessed using Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (DSM-IV), whereas the Dental Anxiety Question was used to assess children's dental fear. Clinical oral examinations were performed on the cohort. Poisson regression analysis was used to determine the association of maternal anxiety disorders with maternal perception of dental fear in children (p < .05). RESULTS: The prevalence of dental fear in children was 21.7% (n = 114), and maternal age, agoraphobia, social phobia, and maternal caries experience (p < .05) were associated with the presence of dental fear. After adjusted analysis, children of mothers presenting with agoraphobia (Prevalence ratios [PR] = 1.52; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.00-2.32) and social phobia (PR = 1.69; 95% CI = 1.06-2.71) had higher prevalence of dental fear than children whose mothers did not have any of these conditions. CONCLUSIONS: In this population of young mothers, agoraphobia and social phobia were associated with children's dental fear. Detection of and treatment for maternal mental disorders may aid in the prevention of dental fear and its oral health-related consequences.

Immunological and virological aspects of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and hepatitis C virus.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection can generate a systemic inflammatory response, characterized by a cytokine storm and associated with an exaggerated release of proinflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-17, all of which can affect the liver. Here, we aimed to evaluate the cytokine profiles of patients suffering from coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 and/or hepatitis. We subjected 87 patients to serology and/or polymerase chain reaction analysis for the hepatitis C virus. They were also tested for TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-17 using commercial immunoassay kits. The test results of the COVID-19/hepatitis C patients (n = 8) were compared with that of the negative controls (n = 28), hepatitis C patients (n = 29), and COVID-19 patients (n = 22). All COVID-19 patients (mono- and coinfected) expressed high levels of cytokines. The COVID-19/hepatitis patients exhibited higher levels of IL-6 (6.33 ± 3.9 pg/ml) and IL-17 (102.23 ± 2.7 pg/ml); however, TNF-α values were lower (68.08 ± 15.88 pg/ml), as compared with that of the hepatitis patients (p < 0.001), and lower than that of the COVID-19 patients and exceptionally for TNF-α (p < 0.05). These data highlight the importance of monitoring patients with hepatitis and COVID-19.

Dental caries severity and oral health-related quality-of-life in Brazilian preschool children.

The impact of dental caries on oral health-related quality-of-life (OHRQoL) may be influenced by disease severity. This study evaluated the impact of caries severity on OHRQoL in preschool children. A school-based, cross-sectional study was conducted with 205 children (aged 2-5 years) in Southern Brazil. Parents answered the Brazilian version of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (B-ECOHIS) and provided sociodemographic information. The Caries Assessment Spectrum and Treatment criteria were used to evaluate caries severity, and Poisson regression with robust variance estimation conducted to determine the rate ratio (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the mean OHRQoL scores according to severity level. Most children had at least one tooth in the morbidity (37%) or pre-morbidity (35%) stages, and the prevalence of impacts on OHRQoL was 40%. Caries severity was associated with the impact scores: after adjustments, the mean B-ECOHIS scores were 6.31 (95% CI: 4.24-9.38) higher for children in the morbidity stage, and 10.84 (95% CI: 6.51-18.05) higher in the severe morbidity stage, than for healthy children [RR = 10.84 (95% CI: 6.51-18.05)]. Children with carious lesions into dentine or with pulpally-involved or abscessed teeth had poorer OHRQoL than children without such lesions.

Sedimentary evidence of glacial entrainment at Patriot Hills and Union Glacier moraines, Ellsworth Mountains, West Antarctica.

This work aims to analyze and compare the sedimentological data of Ellsworth Mountains, West Antarctica: Patriot/Independence Hills and Union Glacier, and how sedimentological data can be used to infer sediment entrainment. Particular attention was concentrated on morainic deposits. Remote sensing data was used in the identification of deposits and the ice flow; granulometric, morphoscopic, and geochemical analyses were applied to investigate the sedimentary origin and transport history. Sediment rich in Si Al, Fe, and Ca predominate in Independence Hills and Rossman Cove but Ca prevails in Elephant Head. CIA indicated low values, which depict low chemical weathering processes. X-ray diffraction reveals the presence of minerals that constitute the local rocks in the Union Glacier area, and from the unexposed basement rocks in Independence Hills. Principal Component Analysis and Cluster Analysis results suggest the sediment is related to the local rocks in the Union Glacier and distinct exotic sources in Independence Hills, associated with far-traveled sediment. It is also observed the influence of distinct processes of entrainment sediment on its granulometric and morphoscopic characteristics.

Prognosis of primary teeth following intrusive luxation according to the degree of intrusion: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The degree of intrusion is an important aspect to be evaluated when treating children following intrusive luxation. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to evaluate re-eruption rates and the occurrence of sequelae in intruded primary teeth according to the degree of intrusion. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 238 teeth from 168 patients diagnosed with and treated for intrusion over a 16-year period at a specialized trauma center in South Brazil were included in this study. Patient details, including demographic characteristics, tooth affected, presence of sequelae of trauma during the follow up (pulp necrosis and infection, crown discoloration and abnormal mobility), and any effects on the permanent successors, were collected from their records. Photographs were analyzed to determine the degree of intrusion (Grade I, II, or III) and spontaneous re-eruption during follow up. Re-eruption and occurrence of sequelae according to the degree of intrusion were evaluated using the chi-squared test. The level of significance was set at 5%. RESULTS: Most teeth were maxillary central incisors (87.8%) with Grade I intrusion (32.8%). In the first 30 days, 13.1% had signs of re-eruption. After 3-6 months, the frequency of re-eruption increased to 58.7%. Of the teeth evaluated 6 months or more after intrusion, 68% had re-erupted. Total intrusion (Grade III) was associated with pulp necrosis and infection (p = .002), but the degree of intrusion was not associated with the presence of crown discoloration or abnormal mobility. Of the 78 permanent successors evaluated, 52.6% had developmental disturbances. CONCLUSION: Most intruded primary teeth re-erupted spontaneously, and the degree of intrusion was associated with a worse prognosis.

Monitoring of Spirulina Flakes and Powders from Italian Companies.

Microalgae and microalgae-derived compounds have great potential as supplements in the human diet and as a source of bioactive products with health benefits. Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis (Nordstedt) Gomont, or Spirulina platensis) belongs to the class of cyanobacteria and has been studied for its numerous health benefits, which include anti-inflammatory properties, among others. This work was aimed at comparing some spirulina products available on the Italian market. The commercial products here analyzed consisted of spirulina cultivated and processed with different approaches. Single-component spirulina products in powder and flake form, free of any type of excipient produced from four different companies operating in the sector, have been analyzed. The macro- and micromorphological examination, and the content of pigments, phycobiliproteins, phenols, and proteins have shown differences regarding the morphology and chemical composition, especially for those classes of particularly unstable compounds such as chlorophylls and carotenoids, suggesting a great influence of both culture conditions and processing methods.

Flow-Cytometric Method for Viability Analysis of Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Other Cell-Culture-Contaminant Mollicutes.

Mycoplasma is the smallest self-replicating bacteria, figuring as common contaminant of eukaryotic cell cultures. Production inputs and operator's manipulation seem to be the main sources of such contamination. Many analytical approaches have been applied for mycoplasma detection in cell cultures and also in biological products. However, unless they were validated, only indicator cell culture and bacteriological culture are considered as compendial methods for quality control of biological products. Nano-flow cytometry has been pointed out as an alternative technique for addressing prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell viability being a substantial tool for reference material production. In this study, a viability-flow-cytometry assay was standardized for M. gallisepticum and then applied to other cell-culture-contaminant mycoplasmas. For this, M. galliseticum's growth rate was observed and different treatments were evaluated to establish low viability cultures (cell death-induced control). Distinct viability markers and their ideal concentrations (titration) were appraised. Ethanol treatment showed to be the best death-inducing control. CFDA and TOPRO markers revealed to be the best choice for detecting live and dead mycoplasma frequencies, respectively. The standardized methodology was applied to Mycoplasma arginini, M. hyorhinis, M. orale, Spiroplasma citri and Acholeplasma laidlawii. Significant statistical difference was observed in the percentage of viable cells in comparison to ethanol treatment for A. laidlawii in CFDA and in both markers for M. gallisepticum, M. hyorhinis and S. citri. In summary, we standardized a flow cytometry assay for assessing M. gallisepticum - and potentially other species - viability and ultimately applied for reference material production improving the quality control of biological products.

Association between malocclusion and the severity of dental trauma in primary teeth.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The literature does not clearly state whether the type of malocclusion is associated with a specific type of trauma and the severity of the injury. Hence, the aim of this retrospective study was to assess the occlusal condition in children with traumatic dental injuries of the primary teeth, and the association between the occlusal characteristics and the type and severity of these injuries. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data were collected from records of children treated at a dental trauma center in Brazil over a period of 16 years. The data included age, gender, etiology of the trauma, place of occurrence, number of affected teeth, type of trauma, and injury severity. The occlusal condition was assessed by a trained dentist using photographs of the patients from their first visit. Chi-square tests and Poisson regression were used for data analyses. RESULTS: This study included 209 patients, and most were aged between 2-4 years (50.55%). Multivariate regression analysis showed that children with an anterior open bite had a 47% higher prevalence of severe trauma than those who did not have an anterior open bite, and those with class II canines had a 56% higher prevalence of severe trauma than those with class I and III canines. Children with an anterior open bite had a 46% higher prevalence of injuries affecting multiple teeth than those without an anterior open bite. CONCLUSIONS: Anterior open bite and class II canine relationship were associated with a higher prevalence of severe traumatic dental injury in primary teeth, and anterior open bite was associated with trauma affecting multiple teeth.

Maternal Common Mental Disorders symptoms influence associated with early childhood dental caries: A cross-sectional study in a southern Brazilian city.

BACKGROUND: Maternal mental problems can interfere with the overall health and care of the child; some oral health studies have been trying to elucidate whether there is a relationship between maternal common mental disorders (CMD) and children's oral health status. AIM: The aim was to investigate the influence of mothers that present CMD symptoms on their child's dental caries status. DESIGN: This cross-sectional study was carried out in Pelotas with 530 mother/child (aged 2-5 years old) dyads recruited from an epidemiological survey in August 2015 during the national vaccination campaign. A questionnaire was used to determine mother's CMD symptoms using the Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20) and socioeconomic/demographic variables which were used for adjustment. Dental caries examination was performed. The outcome was obtained using the dmfs (decayed, missing, filled surfaces) index, based on OMS guidelines. Poisson regression with robust variance was used to estimate the risk ratio and 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: Maternal CMD was positively associated with dental caries prevalence in children; the adjusted relative risk for every 1 SRQ-20 score increase was 1.06 (95% CI 1.00-1.12). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that maternal mental health can impair children's oral health in relation to dental caries.

Impact of protocol change on individual factors related to course of adverse reactions to chemotherapy for breast cancer.

PURPOSE: Asthenia, myalgia, arthralgia, mucositis, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and neutropenia are adverse reactions commonly reported by women undergoing chemotherapy. Traditional approaches do not take into account the effect that chemotherapeutic changes and variable interactions can cause in adverse reactions. We aimed to identify the impact of the change of a chemotherapy protocol within the same treatment in profiles associated with adverse reactions. METHODS: A total of 166 women admitted to the Brazilian National Institute of Cancer (INCA) were followed. Polymorphisms, clinical variables, and FAC-D protocols (3 cycles of cyclophosphamide, 5-fluorouracil, and doxorubicin followed by 3 cycles of docetaxel) composed the set of independent variables analyzed. Reaction levels were recorded at the end of each chemotherapy cycle via interviews. Marginal models were fitted. RESULTS: The results of marginal models for non-hematological reactions revealed that the docetaxel phase was associated with increased reaction levels compared with the FAC phase. In addition, the set of factors associated with the reactions changed in each protocol. The post-menopausal status was related to high levels of asthenia in docetaxel protocol whereas CYP2B6 polymorphism (rs3745274) was related to high levels in FAC protocol. Regarding the docetaxel phase, high levels of abdominal pain and mucositis were related to CBR3 gene (rs8133052) polymorphism and diabetes respectively. CONCLUSION: The results suggest the need for monitoring non-hematological reactions during the docetaxel phase of FAC-D treatment. The factors related to more severe reactions depend on the chemotherapy protocol used.

Incidence and prognosis of crown discoloration in traumatized primary teeth: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Knowledge of factors influencing the occurrence of crown discoloration following traumatic dental injuries in primary teeth and understanding its possible consequences can help dentists to provide appropriate care. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to investigate the incidence of crown discoloration following trauma in primary teeth. This study also estimated the risk of pulp necrosis with subsequent infection of the root canal system and pulp canal obliteration in discolored teeth. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Records of children treated at the specialized trauma center of the Federal University of Pelotas during a period of 10 years were analyzed. Patient details including the type of injury, presence of crown discoloration, pulp necrosis, and pulp canal obliteration were collected. Photographs of teeth with crown discoloration were assessed to evaluate the color presented (yellow or dark). Chi-square tests and Poisson regression were used for data analyses (P < .05). RESULTS: A total of 355 children with 628 traumatized teeth were included in the study. The incidence of crown discoloration was 27.9%, and 20.5% of the teeth were affected. Discoloration was higher in children whose age at the time of trauma was 2-4 years (P = .020), and it was associated with the type of injury (P = .019). Discolored teeth had a twofold risk of pulp necrosis and subsequent infection of the root canal system (RR 1.98 95% CI 1.42-276; P < .001) and a higher risk of pulp canal obliteration (RR 8.47; 95% CI 4.95-14.51; P < .001) than did teeth without discoloration. Teeth with dark and yellow discoloration were significantly associated with pulp necrosis and pulp canal obliteration, respectively (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the importance of monitoring traumatized primary teeth with crown discoloration, particularly those appearing darker, owing to their higher risk of pulp necrosis and subsequent infection of the root canal system.

Salmonella exploits host Rho GTPase signalling pathways through the phosphatase activity of SopB.

Salmonella uses Type 3 secretion systems (T3SSs) to deliver virulence factors, called effectors, into host cells during infection. The T3SS effectors promote invasion into host cells and the generation of a replicative niche. SopB is a T3SS effector that plays an important role in Salmonella pathogenesis through its lipid phosphatase activity. Here, we show that SopB mediates the recruitment of Rho GTPases (RhoB, RhoD, RhoH, and RhoJ) to bacterial invasion sites. RhoJ contributes to Salmonella invasion, and RhoB and RhoH play an important role in Akt activation. R-Ras1 also contributes to SopB-dependent Akt activation by promoting the localised production of PI(3,4)P2 /PI(3,4,5)P3 . Our studies reveal new signalling factors involved in SopB-dependent Salmonella infection.

Validity of the Brazilian version of the Dental Subscale of Children's Fear Survey Schedule.

BACKGROUND: Dental Subscale of Children's Fear Survey Schedule (CFSS-DS) is a tool widely used to assess dental fear in children. AIM: To translate and to verify the psychometric properties, including factor analyses of the Brazilian version of the CFSS-DS (B-CFSS-DS) in two settings. DESIGN: The CFFS-DS was translated into the Portuguese language. In the first cross-sectional study (dental setting), 128 children (age: 4-12 years) participated. Mothers were interviewed; children's dental fear was assessed through the CFSS-DS and the Venham picture test; and child behaviour was assessed using the Frankl Scale. The second was a longitudinal study, with 103 schoolchildren (age: 4-12 years). Two receiver operating characteristic curves were drawn to establish the cut-off points. RESULTS: The B-CFSS-DS version showed good internal consistency in dental and school settings (Cronbach's α = 0.88 and 0.77 respectively) and a good test-retest reliability (Weighted Kappa = 0.767), as well as good criterion and discriminant validities. Factor analyses showed four factors. CONCLUSION: The Brazilian version of the CFSS-DS is a valid tool for dental fear assessment in children aged 4-12 years. Further studies with representative samples should be performed to strengthen the findings of this study, especially in the school setting.

Comparison of the Morphology, Anatomy, and Chemical Profile of Mikania glomerata and Mikania laevigata.

Mikania glomerata and Mikania laevigata are medicinal plants popularly used in Brazil for colds and asthma. Although several studies report differences in their composition, they are frequently used indistinctly, which may be due to misidentification of the species or the plant part used. Herein, the chemical, anatomical, and morphological profiles of both species were evaluated, seeking to differentiate them. Due to the pattern of secondary metabolites found in M. glomerata and M. laevigata, the chemical profile of the leaves was the characteristic that best differentiated the two species. Coumarin was present in all the leaf samples of M. laevigata but absent or in low concentration in leaf samples of M. glomerata. The stems presented coumarin in both species, albeit in different concentrations. The quantification of chlorogenic and dicaffeoylquinic acids was crucial for the separation of the two species, as higher concentrations are found in M. glomerata. The anatomic structure of the leaves, stem, and petioles of both species was conserved, even when exposed to different environments, but presented only subtle differences between species. The morphology of the leaves presented different characteristics for each species but altered when exposed to shade. Therefore, the chemical analysis together with the morphological characteristics of plants grown in full sunlight may be used for the correct identification of these species.

Antibiotic resistance is ancient.

The discovery of antibiotics more than 70 years ago initiated a period of drug innovation and implementation in human and animal health and agriculture. These discoveries were tempered in all cases by the emergence of resistant microbes. This history has been interpreted to mean that antibiotic resistance in pathogenic bacteria is a modern phenomenon; this view is reinforced by the fact that collections of microbes that predate the antibiotic era are highly susceptible to antibiotics. Here we report targeted metagenomic analyses of rigorously authenticated ancient DNA from 30,000-year-old Beringian permafrost sediments and the identification of a highly diverse collection of genes encoding resistance to ß-lactam, tetracycline and glycopeptide antibiotics. Structure and function studies on the complete vancomycin resistance element VanA confirmed its similarity to modern variants. These results show conclusively that antibiotic resistance is a natural phenomenon that predates the modern selective pressure of clinical antibiotic use.