Glycolipid Metabolic Disorders, Metainflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Cardiovascular Diseases: Unraveling Pathways.

Glycolipid metabolic disorders (GLMDs) are various metabolic disorders resulting from dysregulation in glycolipid levels, consequently leading to an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, liver dysfunction, neuromuscular complications, and cardiorenal vascular diseases (CRVDs). In patients with GLMDs, excess caloric intake and a lack of physical activity may contribute to oxidative stress (OxS) and systemic inflammation. This study aimed to review the connection between GLMD, OxS, metainflammation, and the onset of CRVD. GLMD is due to various metabolic disorders causing dysfunction in the synthesis, breakdown, and absorption of glucose and lipids in the body, resulting in excessive ectopic accumulation of these molecules. This is mainly due to neuroendocrine dysregulation, insulin resistance, OxS, and metainflammation. In GLMD, many inflammatory markers and defense cells play a vital role in related tissues and organs, such as blood vessels, pancreatic islets, the liver, muscle, the kidneys, and adipocytes, promoting inflammatory lesions that affect various interconnected organs through their signaling pathways. Advanced glycation end products, ATP-binding cassette transporter 1, Glucagon-like peptide-1, Toll-like receptor-4, and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) play a crucial role in GLMD since they are related to glucolipid metabolism. The consequences of this is system organ damage and increased morbidity and mortality.

Decellularized Bovine Skeletal Muscle Scaffolds: Structural Characterization and Preliminary Cytocompatibility Evaluation.

Skeletal muscle degeneration is responsible for major mobility complications, and this muscle type has little regenerative capacity. Several biomaterials have been proposed to induce muscle regeneration and function restoration. Decellularized scaffolds present biological properties that allow efficient cell culture, providing a suitable microenvironment for artificial construct development and being an alternative for in vitro muscle culture. For translational purposes, biomaterials derived from large animals are an interesting and unexplored source for muscle scaffold production. Therefore, this study aimed to produce and characterize bovine muscle scaffolds to be applied to muscle cell 3D cultures. Bovine muscle fragments were immersed in decellularizing solutions for 7 days. Decellularization efficiency, structure, composition, and three-dimensionality were evaluated. Bovine fetal myoblasts were cultured on the scaffolds for 10 days to attest cytocompatibility. Decellularization was confirmed by DAPI staining and DNA quantification. Histological and immunohistochemical analysis attested to the preservation of main ECM components. SEM analysis demonstrated that the 3D structure was maintained. In addition, after 10 days, fetal myoblasts were able to adhere and proliferate on the scaffolds, attesting to their cytocompatibility. These data, even preliminary, infer that generated bovine muscular scaffolds were well structured, with preserved composition and allowed cell culture. This study demonstrated that biomaterials derived from bovine muscle could be used in tissue engineering.

Morphofunctional Improvement of the Facial Nerve and Muscles with Repair Using Heterologous Fibrin Biopolymer and Photobiomodulation.

Peripheral nerve injuries impair the patient's functional capacity, including those occurring in the facial nerve, which require effective medical treatment. Thus, we investigated the use of heterologous fibrin biopolymer (HFB) in the repair of the buccal branch of the facial nerve (BBFN) associated with photobiomodulation (PBM), using a low-level laser (LLLT), analyzing the effects on axons, muscles facials, and functional recovery. This experimental study used twenty-one rats randomly divided into three groups of seven animals, using the BBFN bilaterally (the left nerve was used for LLLT): Control group-normal and laser (CGn and CGl); Denervated group-normal and laser (DGn and DGl); Experimental Repair Group-normal and laser (ERGn and ERGl). The photobiomodulation protocol began in the immediate postoperative period and continued for 5 weeks with a weekly application. After 6 weeks of the experiment, the BBFN and the perioral muscles were collected. A significant difference (p < 0.05) was observed in nerve fiber diameter (7.10 ± 0.25 µm and 8.00 ± 0.36 µm, respectively) and axon diameter (3.31 ± 0.19 µm and 4.07 ± 0.27 µm, respectively) between ERGn and ERGl. In the area of muscle fibers, ERGl was similar to GC. In the functional analysis, the ERGn and the ERGI (4.38 ± 0.10) and the ERGI (4.56 ± 0.11) showed parameters of normality. We show that HFB and PBM had positive effects on the morphological and functional stimulation of the buccal branch of the facial nerve, being an alternative and favorable for the regeneration of severe injuries.

First official record of Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) in the Acre State, Northern Brazil.

Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus (Skuse, 1854) was reported in Brazil for the first time in 1986 and has shown marked expansion throughout the Brazilian territory. During a routine activity to control dengue fever conducted by the Division of Entomology of the Municipal Health Department in Rio Branco city, adults and immatures of Culicidae were collected in a peri-urban area. The identified Culicidae forms indicated that they belonged to the species Ae. albopictus. This is the first official record of the presence of Ae. albopictus in the Acre State, confirming its current presence in all Brazilian states.

Relato de experiência: grupo de saúde mental para adolescentes em tempos de pandemia da COVID-19 / Experience report: mental health group for adolescents in times of the COVID-19 pandemic / Informe de experiencia: grupo de salud mental para adolescentes en tiempos de la pandemia de COVID-19

A pandemia da COVID-19 introduziu diversos estressores e descortinou questões relacionadas à existência humana, atingindo significativamente a saúde mental dos indivíduos. A Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF) é um cenário privilegiado para ações em saúde mental na Atenção Básica (AB), e, com isso, surgiu a proposta da criação do grupo de compartilhamento para adolescentes em sofrimento psíquico. OBJETIVOS: Oferecer escuta e suporte emocional ao público adolescente do território de abrangência de uma Unidade de Saúde da Família (USF), e favorecer a criação de estratégias de enfrentamento. METODOLOGIA: Trata-se de uma pesquisa-ação de abordagem qualitativa, do tipo relato de experiência, onde buscou-se refletir acerca da vivência grupal no decorrer de quatro meses em uma Residência Multiprofissional em Saúde. Como embasamento teórico-metodológico, utilizou-se as propostas da logoterapia e Análise Existencial de Viktor Emil Frankl. RESULTADOS: Foram desenvolvidas ações que propiciaram o desenvolvimento de aspectos como percepção de si, autenticidade e responsabilidade. Durante o processo, foi possível perceber a aproximação da equipe com a realidade desse público e a apropriação na condução das ações em saúde mental. CONCLUSÃO: O presente trabalho permite refletir sobre a importância das ações em saúde mental junto ao público juvenil, visto que o aumento da sensação de sentido e de valor da vida configura-se como fator importante de prevenção de crises e agravos psicológicos, especialmente em contexto da pandemia de COVID-19.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought in several stressor points and uncovered aspects related to human existence, deeply affecting the subjects' mental health. The Family Health Strategy is a privileged arena for the consolidation to mental health care in the Basic Attention. Taking that into account, the proposal for creating a group for sharing among teenagers with mental suffering came out. OBJECTIVES: To offer qualified listening and emotional support to the teenagers living in a territory covered by a Unit of Health Family as well as to promote the development of strategies of confrontation. METHODOLOGY: This is a qualitative research-action, an experience report, that aimed to reflect about the group perception for four months during the period of the Health Multidisciplinary Residence. It was used as theoreticalmethodological fundamentals of Logotherapy and Existential Analysis, both theories developed by Viktor Emil Frankl. RESULTS: It was built up actions that provided the development of aspects such as self-perception, authenticity and responsibility. During the process, it was possible to realize the approximation of the staff with the situation of the teenagers as well as the possibility of the staff to lead the actions aiming at mental health. CONCLUSION: This work allowed us to reflect on the meaning of the actions to develop mental health in teenagers since the increase of the worth and meaning of life denoted an important aspect for preventing psychological crisis and damages, mainly in the COVID-19 pandemic context.

La pandemia de COVID-19 introdujo varios estresores y destapó cuestiones relacionadas con la existencia humana, afectando significativamente la salud mental de las personas. La Estrategia Salud de la Familia (ESF) es un escenario privilegiado para las acciones en salud mental en la Atención Básica (AB), y con eso surgió la propuesta de crear un grupo de convivencia para adolescentes en sufrimiento psíquico. OBJETIVOS: Ofrecer escucha y apoyo emocional al público adolescente en el territorio de actuación de una Unidad de Salud de la Familia (USF), y favorecer la creación de estrategias de enfrentamiento. METODOLOGÍA: Se trata de una investigación-acción con abordaje cualitativo, del tipo relato de experiencia, donde se buscó reflexionar sobre la experiencia grupal a lo largo de cuatro meses en una Residencia Multidisciplinaria en Salud. Como base teórico-metodológica se utilizaron las propuestas de logoterapia y Análisis Existencial de Viktor Emil Frankl. RESULTADOS: Se desarrollaron acciones que favorecieron el desarrollo de aspectos como la autopercepción, la autenticidad y la responsabilidad. Durante el proceso, fue posible percibir la aproximación del equipo con la realidad de este público y la apropiación en la conducción de acciones en salud mental. CONCLUSIÓN: El presente trabajo permite reflexionar sobre la importancia de las acciones en salud mental con el público joven, ya que el aumento del sentido y valor de la vida es un factor importante en la prevención de crisis y trastornos psicológicos, especialmente en un contexto de la pandemia del COVID-19.

Influence of the Neuroprotective Properties of Quercetin on Regeneration and Functional Recovery of the Nervous System.

Quercetin is a dietary flavonoid present in vegetables, fruits, and beverages, such as onions, apples, broccoli, berries, citrus fruits, tea, and red wine. Flavonoids have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, acting in the prevention of several diseases. Quercetin also has neuroprotective properties and may exert a beneficial effect on nervous tissue. In this literature review, we compiled in vivo studies that investigated the effect of quercetin on regeneration and functional recovery of the central and peripheral nervous system. In spinal cord injuries (SCI), quercetin administration favored axonal regeneration and recovery of locomotor capacity, significantly improving electrophysiological parameters. Quercetin reduced edema, neutrophil infiltration, cystic cavity formation, reactive oxygen species production, and pro-inflammatory cytokine synthesis, while favoring an increase in levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines, minimizing tissue damage in SCI models. In addition, the association of quercetin with mesenchymal stromal cells transplantation had a synergistic neuroprotective effect on spinal cord injury. Similarly, in sciatic nerve injuries, quercetin favored and accelerated sensory and motor recovery, reducing muscle atrophy. In these models, quercetin significantly inhibited oxidative stress and cell apoptosis, favoring Schwann cell proliferation and nerve fiber remyelination, thus promoting a significant increase in the number and diameter of myelinated fibers. Although there is still a lack of clinical research, in vivo studies have shown that quercetin contributed to the recovery of neurological functions, exerting a beneficial effect on the regeneration of the central and peripheral nervous system.

Immunological dimensions of neuroinflammation and microglial activation: exploring innovative immunomodulatory approaches to mitigate neuroinflammatory progression.

The increasing life expectancy has led to a higher incidence of age-related neurodegenerative conditions. Within this framework, neuroinflammation emerges as a significant contributing factor. It involves the activation of microglia and astrocytes, leading to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines and the infiltration of peripheral leukocytes into the central nervous system (CNS). These instances result in neuronal damage and neurodegeneration through activated nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat containing (NLR) family pyrin domain containing protein 3 (NLRP3) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) pathways and decreased nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activity. Due to limited effectiveness regarding the inhibition of neuroinflammatory targets using conventional drugs, there is challenging growth in the search for innovative therapies for alleviating neuroinflammation in CNS diseases or even before their onset. Our results indicate that interventions focusing on Interleukin-Driven Immunomodulation, Chemokine (CXC) Receptor Signaling and Expression, Cold Exposure, and Fibrin-Targeted strategies significantly promise to mitigate neuroinflammatory processes. These approaches demonstrate potential anti-neuroinflammatory effects, addressing conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis, Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, Parkinson's Disease, and Alzheimer's Disease. While the findings are promising, immunomodulatory therapies often face limitations due to Immune-Related Adverse Events. Therefore, the conduction of randomized clinical trials in this matter is mandatory, and will pave the way for a promising future in the development of new medicines with specific therapeutic targets.

First official record of Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) in the Acre State, Northern Brazil

ABSTRACT Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus (Skuse, 1854) was reported in Brazil for the first time in 1986 and has shown marked expansion throughout the Brazilian territory. During a routine activity to control dengue fever conducted by the Division of Entomology of the Municipal Health Department in Rio Branco city, adults and immatures of Culicidae were collected in a peri-urban area. The identified Culicidae forms indicated that they belonged to the species Ae. albopictus. This is the first official record of the presence of Ae. albopictus in the Acre State, confirming its current presence in all Brazilian states.

The Effects of Probiotics, Prebiotics and Synbiotics in Non-Alcoholic Fat Liver Disease (NAFLD) and Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH): A Systematic Review.

Modifications in the microbiota caused by environmental and genetic reasons can unbalance the intestinal homeostasis, deregulating the host's metabolism and immune system, intensifying the risk factors for the development and aggravation of non-alcoholic fat liver disease (NAFLD). The use of probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics have been considered a potential and promising strategy to regulate the gut microbiota and produce beneficial effects in patients with liver conditions. For this reason, this review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of probiotics, prebiotics, and symbiotics in patients with NAFLD and NASH. Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were consulted, and PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) guidelines were followed. The clinical trials used in this study demonstrated that gut microbiota interventions could improve a wide range of markers of inflammation, glycemia, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, obesity, liver injury (decrease of hepatic enzymes and steatosis and fibrosis). Although microbiota modulators do not play a healing role, they can work as an important adjunct therapy in pathological processes involving NAFLD and its spectrums, either by improving the intestinal barrier or by preventing the formation of toxic metabolites for the liver or by acting on the immune system.

Application of Fibrin Associated with Photobiomodulation as a Promising Strategy to Improve Regeneration in Tissue Engineering: A Systematic Review.

Fibrin, derived from proteins involved in blood clotting (fibrinogen and thrombin), is a biopolymer with different applications in the health area since it has hemostasis, biocompatible and three-dimensional physical structure properties, and can be used as scaffolds in tissue regeneration or drug delivery system for cells and/or growth factors. Fibrin alone or together with other biomaterials, has been indicated for use as a biological support to promote the regeneration of stem cells, bone, peripheral nerves, and other injured tissues. In its diversity of forms of application and constitution, there are platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), Leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF), fibrin glue or fibrin sealant, and hydrogels. In order to increase fibrin properties, adjuvant therapies can be combined to favor tissue repair, such as photobiomodulation (PBM), by low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or LEDs (Light Emitting Diode). Therefore, this systematic review aimed to evaluate the relationship between PBM and the use of fibrin compounds, referring to the results of previous studies published in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science databases. The descriptors "fibrin AND low-level laser therapy" and "fibrin AND photobiomodulation" were used, without restriction on publication time. The bibliographic search found 44 articles in PubMed/MEDLINE, of which 26 were excluded due to duplicity or being outside the eligibility criteria. We also found 40 articles in Web of Science and selected 1 article, 152 articles in Scopus and no article selected, totaling 19 articles for qualitative analysis. The fibrin type most used in combination with PBM was fibrin sealant, mainly heterologous, followed by PRF or L-PRF. In PBM, the gallium-aluminum-arsenide (GaAlAs) laser prevailed, with a wavelength of 830 nm, followed by 810 nm. Among the preclinical studies, the most researched association of fibrin and PBM was the use of fibrin sealants in bone or nerve injuries; in clinical studies, the association of PBM with medication-related treatments osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). Therefore, there is scientific evidence of the contribution of PBM on fibrin composites, constituting a supporting therapy that acts by stimulating cell activity, angiogenesis, osteoblast activation, axonal growth, anti-inflammatory and anti-edema action, increased collagen synthesis and its maturation, as well as biomolecules.

A supervisão acadêmica do Projeto Mais Médicos para o Brasil na Bahia: facilidades, desafios e estratégias de intervenção pedagógica / Academic supervision within the Mais Médicos para o Brasil program in Bahia: facilities, challenges and strategies for pedagogic intervention / La supervisión académica del Proyecto Más Médicos para Brasil en Bahía: instalaciones, desafíos y estrategias en intervención pedagógica

Este artigo analisou as facilidades, dificuldades, ações e estratégias utilizadas na prática da supervisão acadêmica do Projeto Mais Médicos para o Brasil (PMMB) no estado da Bahia. Os dados foram produzidos por meio dos relatórios do sistema WebPortfólio pertencente à Universidade Aberta do Sistema Único de Saúde (UNA-SUS) e de entrevistas com os supervisores vinculados às instituições incluídas no programa. Os resultados demonstraram que a obrigatoriedade em ser supervisionado, o deslocamento para municípios distantes, a resistência dos médicos em relação à avaliação de suas condutas técnicas, as fragilidades da comunicação entre as coordenações estaduais e nacionais em relação à inabilidade técnica e o descumprimento de regras do programa são pontos que dificultam a supervisão acadêmica. A possibilidade de incluir as equipes na execução da supervisão da modalidade in loco foi considerada um facilitador. A supervisão longitudinal é favorecida por ser realizada coletivamente. Temas relacionados ao processo de trabalho, ao regramento do programa e relacionados às  atividades dos ciclos formativos eram mais recorrentes entre os médicos diplomados no Brasil. Quanto à realização de discussões clínicas e científicas sobre temas relevantes ao aperfeiçoamento das ações em Atenção Básica, percebe-se que eram priorizadas entre médicos cubanos, intercambistas individuais e médicos brasileiros diplomados no exterior. Este estudo trouxe a reflexão de que o contexto da pandemia pelo novo coronavírus trouxe impactos para a supervisão acadêmica. Além disso, a instabilidade política em torno do governo federal implicou uma descontinuidade na construção das diretrizes e dos espaços formativos, acarretando fragilidades na supervisão acadêmica.

This paper analyzes the facilities, difficulties, actions and strategies used by academic supervision within the Mais Médicos para o Brasil Program (PMMB) in the state of Bahia, Brazil. Data were collected by means of reports available in the WebPortfólio system, from the Open University of the Unified Health System (UNA-SUS), and interviews conducted with advisors linked to the institutions included in the program. Results show that the compulsory supervision, displacement to distant municipalities, the physicians' resistance towards an evaluation of their technical conducts, the communication gaps between the state and national coordinations regarding technical inability, and non-compliance with program rules are factors that hinder academic supervision. The possibility of including teams in on-site supervision was considered a facilitator. Longitudinal supervision is favored because it is carried out collectively. Brazilian physicians often look at themes related to the work process, program regulation and the activities developed in training cycles. In turn, clinical and scientific discussions on topics relevant for improving Primary Care actions were by Cuban doctors, individual exchange students and Brazilian doctors graduated abroad. This study demonstrates that the pandemic caused by the new coronavirus interfered with academic supervision. Moreover, the political instability surrounding the federal government generated discontinuities in the development of guidelines and training spaces, leading to gaps in academic supervision.

Este artículo analizó las facilidades, dificultades, acciones y estrategias utilizadas en la práctica de la supervisión académica del Proyecto Más Médicos para Brasil (PMMB) en el estado de Bahía. Los datos fueron recogidos de informes en el sistema WebPortfólio de la Universidad Aberta do Sistema Único de Saúde (UNA-SUS) y de entrevistas a supervisores vinculados a las instituciones incluidas en el programa. Los resultados demuestran que la obligación de ser supervisado; el desplazamiento hacia municipios lejanos; la resistencia de los médicos con relación a la evaluación de sus conductas técnicas; las debilidades con relación a la comunicación entre las coordinaciones estatales y nacionales respecto a la incapacidad técnica y el incumplimiento de las normas del programa son los puntos que dificultan la realización de la supervisión académica. Se consideró como facilitadora la posibilidad de incluir a los equipos en la ejecución de la supervisión en la modalidad in loco. Se favorece la supervisión longitudinal porque se lleva a cabo de forma colectiva. Los temas relacionados con el proceso de trabajo, las reglas del programa y las actividades de los ciclos de formación fueron los más recurrentes entre los médicos egresados de las facultades de medicina de Brasil. En cuanto a la realización de discusiones clínico-científicas sobre temas relevantes para el perfeccionamiento de las acciones en la Atención Primaria, se aprecia que fueron priorizadas entre médicos cubanos, estudiantes de intercambio y médicos brasileños graduados en el exterior. Este estudio plantea la reflexión de que el contexto de la pandemia provocada por el nuevo coronavirus trajo impactos a la supervisión académica. Además, la inestabilidad política en torno al gobierno federal implicó una discontinuidad en la construcción de lineamientos y espacios de formación, conllevando debilidades a la supervisión académica.

A atuação da supervisão acadêmica do Programa Mais Médicos no contexto da pandemia de Covid-19 na Bahia: um relato de experiência / Academic advising of the Mais Médicos Program during the Covid-19 pandemic in Bahia: an experience report / El desempeño de la supervisión académica del Programa Más Médicos en el contexto de la pandemia del Covid-19 en Bahía: un informe de experiencia

Este estudo tem o objetivo de relatar a experiência vivenciada pela equipe de apoio institucional do Ministério da Educação (MEC) no estado da Bahia em relação à supervisão acadêmica no contexto da pandemia de covid-19, no período de 2020 a 2021. Trata-se de uma pesquisa descritiva, do tipo relato de experiência, tendo como referência a atuação do apoio institucional frente à supervisão acadêmica no processo de trabalho dos médicos do Programa Mais Médicos para o Brasil (PMMB). Foram descritas as ações estratégicas e educacionais construídas pela supervisão acadêmica do PMMB no estado da Bahia, no período da pandemia pelo novo coronavírus, relacionadas às potencialidades e fragilidades encontradas no processo de trabalho nesse cenário. O contexto da pandemia impôs um grande desafio para os atores envolvidos no processo da supervisão acadêmica. Enfatiza-se, diante do cenário pandêmico, a importância da comunicação e articulação das instâncias do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) na organização do processo de trabalho nas unidades básicas de saúde e no enfrentamento da covid-19.

This study reports on the experience lived by the Institutional Support team from the Ministry of Education (MEC) in the state of Bahia, Brazil, concerning Academic Advising during the COVID-19 pandemic, from 2020 to 2021. This descriptive experience report concerns the institutional performance within Academic Advising in the work process of doctors from the Mais Médicos Program for Brazil (PMMB). It describes the strategic and educational actions built by the PMMB academic advising in Bahia during the pandemic caused by the new coronavirus, regarding the potentialities and weaknesses found in the work process in this context. The pandemic imposed a great challenge for the actors involved in the academic advising process. Given the pandemic scenario, the communication and articulation of instances from the Unified Health System (SUS) in organizing the work process in basic health units and in the fight against COVID-19 is of essence.

Este estudio describe la experiencia vivida por el equipo de apoyo institucional del Ministerio de Educación (MEC) en el estado de Bahía (Brasil) con relación a la supervisión académica en el contexto de la pandemia de Covid-19 en el período de 2020 a 2021. Se trata de un estudio descriptivo, de tipo informe de experiencia con referencia al desempeño institucional frente a la supervisión académica en el proceso de trabajo de los médicos del Programa Más Médicos para Brasil (PMM). Se describieron las acciones estratégicas y educativas construidas por la supervisión académica del PMMB en el estado de Bahía en el período de la pandemia provocada por el nuevo coronavirus, relacionadas con las fortalezas y debilidades encontradas en el proceso de trabajo en este contexto. El contexto de la pandemia ha impuesto un gran desafío para los actores involucrados en el proceso de supervisión académica. Ante este escenario, se destaca la importancia de la comunicación y articulación de las instancias del Sistema Único de Salud (SUS) en la organización del proceso de trabajo en las unidades básicas de salud y en el combate al Covid-19.

Effects of a Biocomplex Formed by Two Scaffold Biomaterials, Hydroxyapatite/Tricalcium Phosphate Ceramic and Fibrin Biopolymer, with Photobiomodulation, on Bone Repair.

There are several treatment methods available for bone repair, although the effectiveness becomes limited in cases of large defects. The objective of this pre-clinical protocol was to evaluate the grafting of hydroxyapatite/tricalcium phosphate (BCP) ceramic biomaterial (B; QualyBone BCP®, QualyLive, Amadora, Portugal) together with the heterologous fibrin biopolymer (FB; CEVAP/UNESP Botucatu, Brazil) and with photobiomodulation (PBM; Laserpulse®, Ibramed, Amparo, Brazil) in the repair process of bone defects. Fifty-six rats were randomly divided into four groups of seven animals each: the biomaterial group (G1/B), the biomaterial plus FB group (G2/BFB); the biomaterial plus PBM group (G3/B + PBM), and the biomaterial plus FB plus PBM group (G4/BFB + PBM). After anesthesia, a critical defect was performed in the center of the rats' parietal bones, then filled and treated according to their respective groups. The rats were euthanized at 14 and 42 postoperative days. Histomorphologically, at 42 days, the G4/BFB + PBM group showed a more advanced maturation transition, with more organized and mature bone areas forming concentric lamellae. A birefringence analysis of collagen fibers also showed a more advanced degree of maturation for the G4/BFB + PBM group. In the comparison between the groups, in the two experimental periods (14 and 42 days), in relation to the percentage of formation of new bone tissue, a significant difference was found between all groups (G1/B (5.42 ± 1.12; 21.49 ± 4.74), G2/BFB (5.00 ± 0.94; 21.77 ± 2.83), G3/B + PBM (12.65 ± 1.78; 29.29 ± 2.93), and G4/BFB + PBM (12.65 ± 2.32; 31.38 ± 2.89)). It was concluded that the use of PBM with low-level laser therapy (LLLT) positively interfered in the repair process of bone defects previously filled with the biocomplex formed by the heterologous fibrin biopolymer associated with the synthetic ceramic of hydroxyapatite and tricalcium phosphate.

Therapeutic Effects of Citrus Flavonoids Neohesperidin, Hesperidin and Its Aglycone, Hesperetin on Bone Health.

Flavonoids are natural phytochemicals that have therapeutic effects and act in the prevention of several pathologies. These phytochemicals can be found in seeds, grains, tea, coffee, wine, chocolate, cocoa, vegetables and, mainly, in citrus fruits. Neohesperidin, hesperidin and hesperetin are citrus flavonoids from the flavanones subclass that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential. Neohesperidin, in the form of neohesperidin dihydrochalcone (NHDC), also has dietary properties as a sweetener. In general, these flavanones have been investigated as a strategy to control bone diseases, such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. In this literature review, we compiled studies that investigated the effects of neohesperidin, hesperidin and its aglycone, hesperetin, on bone health. In vitro studies showed that these flavanones exerted an antiosteoclastic and anti- inflammatory effects, inhibiting the expression of osteoclastic markers and reducing the levels of reactive oxygen species, proinflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinase levels. Similarly, such studies favored the osteogenic potential of preosteoblastic cells and induced the overexpression of osteogenic markers. In vivo, these flavanones favored the regeneration of bone defects and minimized inflammation in arthritis- and periodontitis-induced models. Additionally, they exerted a significant anticatabolic effect in ovariectomy models, reducing trabecular bone loss and increasing bone mineral density. Although research should advance to the clinical field, these flavanones may have therapeutic potential for controlling the progression of metabolic, autoimmune or inflammatory bone diseases.

Radiological and histological characteristics of patients with interstitial lung disease undergoing lung biopsy in a reference institution from eastern Colombia / Características radiológicas e histológicas de pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar intersticial llevados a biopsia pulmonar en una institución del oriente colombiano

Abstract Introduction: Interstitial lung disease (ILD) diagnosis requires a mukidisciplinary approach and, in some cases, lung biopsy. Objective: To describe the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, as well as the radiological and histological findings, of patients with ILD who required lung biopsy after a mukidisciplinary board (pneumology, radiology, and pathology) of a reference center for respiratory diseases in Bucaramanga, Colombia, failed to reach the ILD diagnosis. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional study. The medical records of 56 patients treated at the Instituto Neumológico del Oriente who underwent lung biopsy between 2015 and 2019 were reviewed. Measures of central tendency and dispersion were calculated for demographic and clinical variables, respectively, to characterize them. A bivariate analysis was performed using Fisher's exact test to determine whether there were differences in the distribution of the sociodemographic and clinical variables according to the radiological patterns and the final histological diagnosis. Results: Participants' median age was 67 years (IQR: 59-72) and 55.35% were men. 43 patients had a radiological pattern inconsistent with usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP); 4 had a pattern consistent with possible UIP; and 9 had a pattern consistent with UIP. The most common histologic diagnoses were hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) (32.14%), nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) (17.86%), and UIP (19.64%). Conclusion: In the study population, the primary reason for performing a lung biopsy was the presence of a radiologic pattern inconsistent with UIP, with HP being the predominant histopathological diagnosis. This is the first study to characterize patients with ILD who underwent lung biopsy in eastern Colombia, making a significant contribution to our understanding of the disease's epidemiology in the country.

Resumen Introducción. El diagnóstico de la enfermedad pulmonar intersticial (EPI) requiere un enfoque multidisciplinar y, en ocasiones, de una biopsia pulmonar. Objetivo. Describir las características sociodemográficas y clínicas, y los hallazgos radiológicos e histológicos de pacientes con EPI que requirieron biopsia pulmonar luego de no lograrse un diagnóstico de esta enfermedad por la junta médica multidisciplinar (neumología, radiología y patología) de un centro de referencia en enfermedades respiratorias de Bucaramanga, Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Estudio transversal. Se revisaron las historias clínicas de 56 pacientes atendidos en el Instituto Neumológico del Oriente y que fueron remitidos a biopsia pulmonar entre 2015 y 2019. Se analizaron variables demográficas y clínicas, calculando medidas de tendencia central y de dispersión para su respectiva caracterización. Se realizó un análisis bivariado mediante test exacto de Fisher para determinar si existían diferencias en la distribución de las variables sociodemográficas y clínicas de acuerdo con los patrones radiológicos y el diagnóstico histológico definitivo. Resultados. La mediana de edad fue 67 años (RIC: 59-72), 55.35% fueron hombres. 43 pacientes presentaron patrón radiológico inconsistente con neumonía intersticial usual (NIU); 4, patrón de posible NIU y, 9, patrón de NIU. Los diagnósticos histológicos más frecuentes fueron neumonitis por hipersensibilidad (NH) (32.14%), neumonía intersticial no específica (17.86%) y NIU (19.64%). Conclusión. La principal razón para realizar biopsia pulmonar en la población de estudio fue la presencia de un patrón radiológico inconsistente con NIU, siendo la NH el principal diagnóstico histopatológico. Este es el primer trabajo que caracteriza a pacientes con EPI del oriente colombiano llevados a biopsia pulmonar, lo que representa un importante aporte al conocimiento de la epidemiología de esta enfermedad en Colombia.

Biological Behavior of Xenogenic Scaffolds in Alcohol-Induced Rats: Histomorphometric and Picrosirius Red Staining Analysis.

In this experimental protocol, the objective was to evaluate the biological behavior of two xenogenic scaffolds in alcohol-induced rats through histomorphometric and Picrosirius Red staining analysis of non-critical defects in the tibia of rats submitted or not to alcohol ingestion at 25% v/v. Eighty male rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 20 each): CG/B (water diet + Bio-Oss® graft, Geistlich Pharma AG, Wolhusen, Switzerland), CG/O (water diet + OrthoGen® graft, Baumer, Mogi Mirim, Brazil), AG/B (25% v/v alcohol diet + Bio-Oss® graft), and AG/O (25% v/v alcohol diet + OrthoGen® graft). After 90 days of liquid diet, the rats were surgically obtained, with a defect in the tibia proximal epiphysis; filled in according to their respective groups; and euthanized at 10, 20, 40 and 60 days. In two initial periods (10 and 20 days), all groups presented biomaterial particles surrounded by disorganized collagen fibrils. Alcoholic animals (AG/B and AG/O) presented, in the cortical and medullary regions, a reactive tissue with inflammatory infiltrate. In 60 days, in the superficial area of the surgical cavities, particles of biomaterials were observed in all groups, with new compact bone tissue around them, without complete closure of the lesion, except in non-alcoholic animals treated with Bio-Oss® xenograft (CG/B), where the new cortical interconnected the edges of the defect. Birefringence transition was observed in the histochemical analysis of collagen fibers by Picrosirius Red, in which all groups in periods of 10 and 20 days showed red-orange birefringence, and from 40 days onwards greenish-yellow birefringence, which demonstrates the characteristic transition from the formation of thin and disorganized collagen fibers initially to more organized and thicker later. In histomorphometric analysis, at 60 days, CG/B had the highest volume density of new bone (32.9 ± 1.15) and AG/O the lowest volume density of new bone (15.32 ± 1.71). It can be concluded that the bone neoformation occurred in the defects that received the two biomaterials, in all periods, but the Bio-Oss® was superior in the results, with its groups CG/B and AG/B displaying greater bone formation (32.9 ± 1.15 and 22.74 ± 1.15, respectively) compared to the OrthoGen® CG/O and AG/O groups (20.66 ± 2.12 and 15.32 ± 1.71, respectively), and that the alcoholic diet interfered negatively in the repair process and in the percentage of new bone formed.

Potential of Fibrin Glue and Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) to Regenerate Nerve Injuries: A Systematic Review.

Cell-based therapy is a promising treatment to favor tissue healing through less invasive strategies. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) highlighted as potential candidates due to their angiogenic, anti-apoptotic and immunomodulatory properties, in addition to their ability to differentiate into several specialized cell lines. Cells can be carried through a biological delivery system, such as fibrin glue, which acts as a temporary matrix that favors cell-matrix interactions and allows local and paracrine functions of MSCs. Thus, the aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the potential of fibrin glue combined with MSCs in nerve regeneration. The bibliographic search was performed in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science and Embase databases, using the descriptors ("fibrin sealant" OR "fibrin glue") AND "stem cells" AND "nerve regeneration", considering articles published until 2021. To compose this review, 13 in vivo studies were selected, according to the eligibility criteria. MSCs favored axonal regeneration, remyelination of nerve fibers, as well as promoted an increase in the number of myelinated fibers, myelin sheath thickness, number of axons and expression of growth factors, with significant improvement in motor function recovery. This systematic review showed clear evidence that fibrin glue combined with MSCs has the potential to regenerate nervous system lesions.

In Vivo Study of Nasal Bone Reconstruction with Collagen, Elastin and Chitosan Membranes in Abstainer and Alcoholic Rats.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the use of collagen, elastin, or chitosan biomaterial for bone reconstruction in rats submitted or not to experimental alcoholism. Wistar male rats were divided into eight groups, submitted to chronic alcohol ingestion (G5 to G8) or not (G1 to G4). Nasal bone defects were filled with clot in animals of G1 and G5 and with collagen, elastin, and chitosan grafts in G2/G6, G3/G7, and G4/G8, respectively. Six weeks after, all specimens underwent radiographic, tomographic, and microscopic evaluations. Bone mineral density was lower in the defect area in alcoholic animals compared to the abstainer animals. Bone neoformation was greater in the abstainer groups receiving the elastin membrane and in abstainer and alcoholic rats receiving the chitosan membrane (15.78 ± 1.19, 27.81 ± 0.91, 47.29 ± 0.97, 42.69 ± 1.52, 13.81 ± 1.60, 18.59 ± 1.37, 16.54 ± 0.89, and 37.06 ± 1.17 in G1 to G8, respectively). In conclusion, osteogenesis and bone density were more expressive after the application of the elastin matrix in abstainer animals and of the chitosan matrix in both abstainer and alcoholic animals. Chronic alcohol ingestion resulted in lower bone formation and greater formation of fibrous connective tissue.

Effectiveness of Ergonomic Training to Decrease Awkward Postures during Dental Scaling Procedures: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Studies demonstrate that there is a lack of effective ergonomic principles for adopting a neutral posture during the execution of dental procedures. ISO 11.226:2000 Standard, Corr. 1:2006 has been thoroughly evaluated and adapted to the way that dentists work by the European Society of Dental Ergonomics (ESDE). However, after 15 years, no studies that showed strong evidence of effectiveness in reducing the prevalence of awkward posture in applying its parameters within the scope of dental practice were found. The aim of this study was to verify the effectiveness of applying the ergonomic parameters proposed by the European Society of Dental Ergonomics (ESDE) and ISO 11226 in reducing the prevalence of the main awkward postures adopted by female dental surgeons during the execution of dental scaling on a dental mannequin. A randomized clinical trial was carried out with sixty dental surgeons randomly assigned to two groups: the intervention group, who received instructions and theoretical and practical ergonomic training; and the control group, who received the same training only at the end of the study. For data analysis, Software IBM SPSS 27 and RStudio was used. Descriptive statistics were performed to verify the effectiveness of the intervention, and generalized linear models (specifically, generalized estimated equation models) were used. Poisson distribution was carried out with log link function and network analyses. Sixty female dental surgeons participated in the study. Twenty-two were distributed in the intervention group and thirty-eight in the control group. It was found that ergonomic training enabled a 63% reduction in the prevalence of awkward postures and that there was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) only in the intervention group. The analyses showed that the estimated marginal means of postures not recommended in the groups' initial control, final control, initial intervention, and final intervention were 8.6, 8.2, 9.0, and 3.4, respectively. The relationship of networks analyses of the variables is shown with different profiles in the control and intervention groups, but the same pattern between the groups only vary in the strength and direction of the correlations. It was concluded that the ergonomic training based on the parameters of ISO 11226 and DIN EN 1005-4, and its adaptations to the dental practice provided by the European Society of Dental Ergonomics, as well as recent studies, contributed significantly to reducing the prevalence of awkward postures adopted by female dentists during the simulation of the basic periodontal procedures; however, it was not effective enough to improve the posture of the head and neck.

Effects of Therapy with Fibrin Glue combined with Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) on Bone Regeneration: A Systematic Review.

Cell therapy strategies using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) carried in fibrin glue have shown promising results in regenerative medicine. MSCs are crucial for tissue healing because they have angiogenic, anti-apoptotic and immunomodulatory properties, in addition to the ability to differentiate into several specialized cell lines. Fibrin sealant or fibrin glue is a natural polymer involved in the coagulation process. Fibrin glue provides a temporary structure that favors angiogenesis, extracellular matrix deposition and cell-matrix interactions. Additionally, fibrin glue maintains the local and paracrine functions of MSCs, providing tissue regeneration through less invasive clinical procedures. Thus, the objective of this systematic review was to assess the potential of fibrin glue combined with MSCs in bone or cartilage regeneration. The bibliographic search was performed in the PubMed/MEDLINE, LILACS and Embase databases, using the descriptors ("fibrin sealant" OR "fibrin glue") AND "stem cells" AND "bone regeneration", considering articles published until 2021. In this case, 12 preclinical and five clinical studies were selected to compose this review, according to the eligibility criteria. In preclinical studies, fibrin glue loaded with MSCs, alone or associated with bone substitute, significantly favored bone defects regeneration compared to scaffold without cells. Similarly, fibrin glue loaded with MSCs presented considerable potential to regenerate joint cartilage injuries and multiple bone fractures, with significant improvement in clinical parameters and absence of postoperative complications. Therefore, there is clear evidence in the literature that fibrin glue loaded with MSCs, alone or combined with bone substitute, is a promising strategy for treating lesions in bone or cartilaginous tissue.