Do steroid abusers have more temporomandibular joint symptoms? A study with 97 bodybuilders.

OBJECTIVES: Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) are derivatives of testosterone, used to treat gonadal disturbances, performance enhancement, and aesthetic purposes. AAS abuse can lead to side effects, including androgenic, cardiovascular, and liver disturbances, effects on libido, gynecomastia, and behavioral effects. There is a hypothesis that some joint tissues may be targets for sex hormones, and the use of AAS without medical follow-up may exacerbate temporomandibular joint problems in patients seeking performance and aesthetics. METHODS: In this study, a cross-sectional survey was conducted on AAS abusers who voluntarily presented themselves for clinical evaluation. Patients were subdivided by sex and age group, and the length of AAS use and symptoms such as headache, tinnitus, and temporomandibular joint pain were evaluated. RESULTS: It was observed that drug usage is related to symptoms. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that AAS use without medical follow-up may exacerbate temporomandibular joint problems, especially in patients with low estrogen levels.

Structural Characterization and Rat Aortic Vascular Reactivity of Bradykinin-Potentiating Peptides (BPPs) from the Snake Venom of Bothrops moojeni from Delta do Parnaíba Region, Brazil.

Snake venoms contain various bradykinin-potentiating peptides (BPPs). First studied for their vasorelaxant properties due to angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition, these molecules present a range of binding partners, among them the argininosuccinate synthase (AsS) enzyme. This has renewed interest in their characterization from biological sources and the evaluation of their pharmacological activities. In the present work, the low molecular weight fraction of Bothrops moojeni venom was obtained and BPPs were characterized by mass spectrometry. Eleven BPPs or related peptides were sequenced, and one of them, BPP-Bm01, was new. Interestingly, some oxidized BPPs were detected. The three most abundant peptides were BPP-Bm01, BPP-Bax12, and BPP-13a, and their putative interactions with the AsS enzyme were investigated in silico. A binding cavity for these molecules was predicted, and docking studies allowed their ranking. Three peptides were synthesized and submitted to vasorelaxation assays using rat aortic rings. While all BPPs were active, BPP-Bm01 showed the highest potency in this assay. This work adds further diversity to BPPs from snake venoms and suggests, for the first time, a putative binding pocket for these molecules in the AsS enzyme. This can guide the design of new and more potent AsS activators.

Antiviral Action against SARS-CoV-2 of a Synthetic Peptide Based on a Novel Defensin Present in the Transcriptome of the Fire Salamander (Salamandra salamandra).

The potential emergence of zoonotic diseases has raised significant concerns, particularly in light of the recent pandemic, emphasizing the urgent need for scientific preparedness. The bioprospection and characterization of new molecules are strategically relevant to the research and development of innovative drugs for viral and bacterial treatment and disease management. Amphibian species possess a diverse array of compounds, including antimicrobial peptides. This study identified the first bioactive peptide from Salamandra salamandra in a transcriptome analysis. The synthetic peptide sequence, which belongs to the defensin family, was characterized through MALDI TOF/TOF mass spectrometry. Molecular docking assays hypothesized the interaction between the identified peptide and the active binding site of the spike WT RBD/hACE2 complex. Although additional studies are required, the preliminary evaluation of the antiviral potential of synthetic SS-I was conducted through an in vitro cell-based SARS-CoV-2 infection assay. Additionally, the cytotoxic and hemolytic effects of the synthesized peptide were assessed. These preliminary findings highlighted the potential of SS-I as a chemical scaffold for drug development against COVID-19, hindering viral infection. The peptide demonstrated hemolytic activity while not exhibiting cytotoxicity at the antiviral concentration.

Is ChatGPT a reliable source of scientific information regarding third-molar surgery?

BACKGROUND: ChatGPT (OpenAI) is a large language model. This model uses artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques to generate humanlike language and responses, even to complex questions. The authors aimed to assess the reliability of responses provided via ChatGPT and evaluate its trustworthiness as a means of obtaining information about third-molar surgery. METHODS: The authors assessed the 10 most frequently asked questions about mandibular third-molar extraction. A validated questionnaire (Chatbot Usability Questionnaire) was used and 2 oral and maxillofacial surgeons compared the answers provided with the literature. RESULTS: Most of the responses (90.63%) provided via the ChatGPT platform were considered safe and accurate and followed what was the stated in the English-language literature. CONCLUSIONS: The ChatGPT platform offers accurate and scientifically backed answers to inquiries about third-molar surgical extraction, making it a dependable and easy-to-use resource for both patients and the general public. However, the platform should provide references with the responses to validate the information. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Patients worldwide are exposed to reliable information sources. Oral surgeons and health care providers should always advise patients to be aware of the information source and that the ChatGPT platform offers a reliable solution.

Purification and Biological Properties of Raniseptins-3 and -6, Two Antimicrobial Peptides from Boana raniceps (Cope, 1862) Skin Secretion.

The number of multidrug-resistant pathogenic microorganisms has been growing in recent years, most of which is due to the inappropriate use of the commercial antibiotics that are currently available. The dissemination of antimicrobial resistance represents a serious global public health problem. Thus, it is necessary to search for and develop new drugs that can act as antimicrobial agents. Antimicrobial peptides are a promising alternative for the development of new therapeutic drugs. Anurans' skin glands are a rich source of broad-spectrum antimicrobial compounds and hylids, a large and diverse family of tree frogs, are known as an important source of antimicrobial peptides. In the present study, two novel antimicrobial peptides, named Raniseptins-3 and -6, were isolated from Boana raniceps skin secretion and their structural and biological properties were evaluated. Raniseptins-3 and -6 are cationic, rich in hydrophobic residues, and adopt an α-helix conformation in the presence of SDS (35 mM). Both peptides are active against Gram-negative bacteria and Gram-positive pathogens, with low hemolytic activity at therapeutic concentrations. No activity was observed for yeasts, but the peptides are highly cytotoxic against B16F10 murine melanoma cells and NIH3T3 mouse fibroblast cells. None of the tested compounds showed improvement trends in the MTT and LDH parameters of MHV-3 infected cells at the concentrations tested.

Release of immunomodulatory peptides at bacterial membrane interfaces as a novel strategy to fight microorganisms.

Cationic and amphiphilic peptides can be used as homing devices to accumulate conjugated antibiotics to bacteria-enriched sites and promote efficient microbial killing. However, just as important as tackling bacterial infections, is the modulation of the immune response in this complex microenvironment. In the present report, we designed a peptide chimaera called Chim2, formed by a membrane-active module, an enzyme hydrolysis site and a formyl peptide receptor 2 (FPR2) agonist. This molecule was designed to adsorb onto bacterial membranes, promote their lysis, and upon hydrolysis by local enzymes, release the FPR2 agonist sequence for activation and recruitment of immune cells. We synthesized the isolated peptide modules of Chim2 and characterized their biological activities independently and as a single polypeptide chain. We conducted antimicrobial assays, along with other tests aiming at the analyses of the cellular and immunological responses. In addition, assays using vesicles as models of eukaryotic and prokaryotic membranes were conducted and solution structures of Chim2 were generated by 1H NMR. Chim2 is antimicrobial, adsorbs preferentially to negatively charged vesicles while adopting an α-helix structure and exposes its disorganized tail to the solvent, which facilitates hydrolysis by tryptase-like enzymes, allowing the release of the FPR2 agonist fragment. This fragment was shown to induce accumulation of the cellular activation marker, lipid bodies, in mouse macrophages and the release of immunomodulatory interleukins. In conclusion, these data demonstrate that peptides with antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activities can be considered for further development as drugs.

Randomized clinical trial to evaluate the effect on postprandial glycemia of Nutren Control®, a glycemia-targeted specialized supplement, compared to standardized breakfast in patients with type-2 diabetes: the CONTROL DIABETES study / Ensayo clínico aleatorizado para evaluar el efecto sobre la glucemia posprandial de Nutren Control®, un suplemento especializado dirigido a la glucemia, en comparación con el desayuno estandarizado en pacientes con diabetes de tipo 2: el estudio CONTROL DIABETES

Objective: to evaluate the effects of a new glycemia targeted specialized supplement (GTSS) compared to a standard breakfast on postprandial blood glucose (PPG). Methods: patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and suboptimal control (A1C between 6.5 and 8.5 %) in monotherapy with metformin were included to this prospective, randomized, crossover trial. The standardized breakfast was isoenergetic compared to the GTSS, differing on macronutrients distribution. Both interventions were used once a day in the morning, each replacing breakfast for 7 consecutive days (14 days of observation). Intermittent scanning continuous glucose monitoring system (isCGM) determined the difference between the interventions regarding the incremental area under the curve (iAUC) of the PPG (3 hours after intervention), as a primary endpoint; secondary endpoints were the difference between the interventions regarding the glycemic peak, postprandial glucose excursion (PPGE), mean blood glucose (MBG) and time in range (TIR). Results: thirty-one T2D patients with ages between 39 and 69 years-old were enrolled. GTSS group had significantly lower iAUC of the PPG compared to standardized breakfast (33.3 [15.0 to 54.0] vs 46.8 [27.3 to 75.1] mg/dL), while also presenting a significantly lower PPG excursion (26.4 ± 17.2 vs 44.8 ± 24.4 mg/dL). There was no difference between the intervention periods regarding MBG, TIR and hypoglycemic events. Conclusion: The new GTSS, as a meal replacement in the breakfast, produced a 25 % reduction in the iAUC of the PPG, as accessed by isCGM, in comparison with an isocaloric-standardized meal. (AU)

Objetivo: evaluar los efectos de un suplemento especializado en el control de la glucosa (GTSS) frente a un desayuno estándar sobre la glucemia posprandial (PPG). Metodología: es un estudio cruzado, prospectivo, aleatorizado en el que se incluyeron a pacientes con diabetes tipo 2 (T2D) con control subóptimo de la glucemia (HbA1c entre 6,5 y 8,5 %) utilizando monoterapia con metformina. El desayuno estandarizado fue isocalórico en comparación con el GTSS y solamente la distribución calórica fue diferente. Ambas intervenciones se utilizaron una vez al día por la mañana, reemplazando cada una el desayuno durante 7 días consecutivos (14 días de observación). Se utilizó el sistema de monitoreo continuo de glucosa (isCGM) para determinar las diferencias entre las intervenciones con respecto al área bajo la curva (iAUC) de glucosa postprandial (PPG) (3 horas después de la intervención) como variable principal o primaria; las variables secundarias fueron la diferencia entre las intervenciones con respecto al pico glicémico, la excursión de glucosa posprandial (PPGE), la glucosa media en sangre (MBG) y el rango de tiempo (TIR). Resultado: se incluyeron treinta y un pacientes con T2D con edades entre 39 y 69 años. El grupo del GTSS tuvo un área bajo la curva (iAUC) significativamente más baja de la PPG en comparación con el grupo del desayuno estandarizado (33,3 [15,0 a 54,0] frente a 46,8 [27,3 a 75,1] mg/dL), mientras que también presentó una PPG significativamente más baja (26,4 + 17,2 vs. 44,8 + 24,4 mg/dL). No hubo diferencia entre los períodos de intervención con respecto a la MBG, el TIR y eventos hipoglucémicos. Conclusión: el nuevo GTSS, como sustituto del desayuno, produjo una reducción de la iAUC de la PPG del 25 %, según el isCGM, en comparación con un desayuno isocalórico normalizado. (AU)

Randomized clinical trial to evaluate the effect on postprandial glycemia of Nutren Control®, a glycemia-targeted specialized supplement, compared to standardized breakfast in patients with type-2 diabetes: the CONTROL DIABETES study.

Introduction: Objective: to evaluate the effects of a new glycemia targeted specialized supplement (GTSS) compared to a standard breakfast on postprandial blood glucose (PPG). Methods: patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and suboptimal control (A1C between 6.5 and 8.5 %) in monotherapy with metformin were included to this prospective, randomized, crossover trial. The standardized breakfast was isoenergetic compared to the GTSS, differing on macronutrients distribution. Both interventions were used once a day in the morning, each replacing breakfast for 7 consecutive days (14 days of observation). Intermittent scanning continuous glucose monitoring system (isCGM) determined the difference between the interventions regarding the incremental area under the curve (iAUC) of the PPG (3 hours after intervention), as a primary endpoint; secondary endpoints were the difference between the interventions regarding the glycemic peak, postprandial glucose excursion (PPGE), mean blood glucose (MBG) and time in range (TIR). Results: thirty-one T2D patients with ages between 39 and 69 years-old were enrolled. GTSS group had significantly lower iAUC of the PPG compared to standardized breakfast (33.3 [15.0 to 54.0] vs 46.8 [27.3 to 75.1] mg/dL), while also presenting a significantly lower PPG excursion (26.4 ± 17.2 vs 44.8 ± 24.4 mg/dL). There was no difference between the intervention periods regarding MBG, TIR and hypoglycemic events. Conclusion: The new GTSS, as a meal replacement in the breakfast, produced a 25 % reduction in the iAUC of the PPG, as accessed by isCGM, in comparison with an isocaloric-standardized meal.

Introducción: Objetivo: evaluar los efectos de un suplemento especializado en el control de la glucosa (GTSS) frente a un desayuno estándar sobre la glucemia posprandial (PPG). Metodología: es un estudio cruzado, prospectivo, aleatorizado en el que se incluyeron a pacientes con diabetes tipo 2 (T2D) con control subóptimo de la glucemia (HbA1c entre 6,5 y 8,5 %) utilizando monoterapia con metformina. El desayuno estandarizado fue isocalórico en comparación con el GTSS y solamente la distribución calórica fue diferente. Ambas intervenciones se utilizaron una vez al día por la mañana, reemplazando cada una el desayuno durante 7 días consecutivos (14 días de observación). Se utilizó el sistema de monitoreo continuo de glucosa (isCGM) para determinar las diferencias entre las intervenciones con respecto al área bajo la curva (iAUC) de glucosa postprandial (PPG) (3 horas después de la intervención) como variable principal o primaria; las variables secundarias fueron la diferencia entre las intervenciones con respecto al pico glicémico, la excursión de glucosa posprandial (PPGE), la glucosa media en sangre (MBG) y el rango de tiempo (TIR). Resultado: se incluyeron treinta y un pacientes con T2D con edades entre 39 y 69 años. El grupo del GTSS tuvo un área bajo la curva (iAUC) significativamente más baja de la PPG en comparación con el grupo del desayuno estandarizado (33,3 [15,0 a 54,0] frente a 46,8 [27,3 a 75,1] mg/dL), mientras que también presentó una PPG significativamente más baja (26,4 + 17,2 vs. 44,8 + 24,4 mg/dL). No hubo diferencia entre los períodos de intervención con respecto a la MBG, el TIR y eventos hipoglucémicos. Conclusión: el nuevo GTSS, como sustituto del desayuno, produjo una reducción de la iAUC de la PPG del 25 %, según el isCGM, en comparación con un desayuno isocalórico normalizado.

Penetrating Orbital Trauma by Large Foreign Body: Case Series Study with Treatment Guidelines and Literature Review.

Purpose: The present study aims to describe a case study of large penetrating orbital trauma and treatment guidelines associated with a review of English-language literature of large foreign bodies impacting the orbit from 1997 to 2020. Patients and Methods: Five patients suffered large penetrating orbital trauma and required emergency surgical procedures. Results: Together with this present study, a total of 33 cases were selected. The present work has data similar to the literature, and emergency surgical treatment was required in the majority of the cases. Conclusion: Penetrating orbital trauma by large objects is a challenge. The initial assessment and treatment are fundamental to determine the case severity. The large foreign body should be surgically removed by a trained and experienced team in an advanced hospital unit as soon as possible to minimize visual, functional and aesthetic sequelae.

Ultrasound protocol in odontogenic infections: a new proposal

Background: Point-of-care-ultrasound can be applied to preview a difficult airway, detect the presence of fluid collection, and soft-tissue edema, and guide the drainage location, although is rarely used. The purpose of this study is to validate a protocol for the assessment of these clinical features on patients with severe odontogenic infections.Material and methods: This was a single-group prospective cohort study (n=20) including patients with the diagnosis of deep-neck propagation of odontogenic infection. A transcervical linear high-frequency probe transducer (13-6 MHz) was used to scan the structures of the upper airway and the infectious collections. The drainage was guided by ultrasound and the patients were daily evaluated, according to the protocol. The data were extracted and the airway volume, midline deviation, and other important data such as length of hospital stay, dysphagia, voice alteration, raised floor of the mouth, dyspnea, and neck swelling were registered.Results: The ultrasound examination was correlated with multiple clinical findings, such as dyslalia (p=0,069), dysphagia (p=0,028), dyspnea (p=0,001), among others. This protocol has an advantage as it can be used at bedside evaluation, allowing the assessment of severe and unstable patients, and predicting the increase of the hospitalization time (p=0,019).Conclusions: This protocol is reliable for the assessment of the upper airway, even in an emergency, predicting not only the severity of the clinical features but aids in the determination of the length of the hospitalization time. (AU)

Electroosmotic flow in fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D-printed microchannels.

Electroosmotic flow (EOF) was determined in tridimensional (3D)-printed microchannels with dimensions smaller than 100 µm. Fused deposition modeling 3D printing using thermoplastic filaments of PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol), PLA (polylactic acid), and ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) were used to fabricate the microchannels. The current monitoring method and sodium phosphate solutions at different pH values (3-10) were used for the EOF mobility (µEOF ) measurements, which ranged from 2.00 × 10-4 to 12.52 × 10-4  cm2  V-1  s-1 . The highest and the smallest µEOF were obtained for the PLA and PETG microchannels, respectively. Adding the cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide to the sodium phosphate solution caused EOF direction reversion in all the studied microchannels. The obtained results can be interesting for developing 3D-printed microfluidic devices, in which EOF is relevant.

O nível de ansiedade, a renda e o acompanhamento psicológico podem influenciar na recorrência de peso corporal em mulheres submetidas a cirurgia bariátrica / Anxiety level, income and psychological monitoring can influence the recurrence of body weight in women submitted to bariatric surgery

Introdução: A melhora nos sintomas de ansiedade após a cirurgia bariátrica pode não permanecer estável em longo prazo, favorecendo a adoção de comportamentos alimentares disfuncionais. Objetivo: Testar a correlação entre o nível de ansiedade e a recorrência de peso em mulheres no pós-operatório tardio de cirurgia bariátrica e metabólica. Métodos: Foram avaliadas 50 mulheres adultas com no mínimo 24 meses após a cirurgia bariátrica e metabólica. Foram coletados dados sociodemográficos (idade, renda e nível de escolaridade) e de acompanhamento psicológico. Foram aferidos dados antropométricos (peso e altura). Para avaliar o nível de sintomas de ansiedade, foi utilizado o Inventário de Beck. Resultados: Foi encontrada média de idade de 40,9±11,4 anos. Todas apresentavam sintomas de ansiedade moderados a graves. Aquelas que estavam sem acompanhamento psicológico apresentavam maior peso corporal (p=0,049) e maior recorrência de peso (p=0,040). Observou-se correlação positiva entre o escore de ansiedade e a recorrência de peso, e correlação negativa entre o escore de ansiedade e a renda familiar. No modelo de regressão linear, a correlação entre o escore de ansiedade com a recorrência de peso (B=0,276; IC 0,003;0,594; p=0,048) e a renda (B=-0,310; IC -0,004;0,000; p=0,027) permaneceu significativa. Contudo, ao adicionar a variável "tempo de cirurgia", observou-se perda de significância entre ansiedade e recorrência de peso (B=0,270; IC -0,040; -0,624; p=0,083), mas manteve-se a correlação com a renda (B=-0,310; IC -0,004;-0,000; p=0,029). Conclusões: Ressalta-se a importância de suporte financeiro no pós-operatório, pelos custos com o tratamento, além de manter o acompanhamento com a equipe multiprofissional em longo prazo.

Introduction: The improvement in anxiety symptoms after bariatric surgery may not remain stable in the long term, favoring the adoption of dysfunctional eating behaviors. Objective: To test the correlation between anxiety level and weight recurrence in women in the late postoperative period of bariatric and metabolic surgery. Methods: Fifty adult women with at least 24 months after bariatric and metabolic surgery were evaluated. Sociodemographic data (age, income and level of education) and psychological monitoring were collected. Anthropometric data (weight and height) were measured. To assess the level of anxiety symptoms, the Beck Anxiety Inventory was used. Results: A mean age of 40.9±11.4 years was found. All had moderate to severe anxiety symptoms. Those who were without psychological support had higher body weight (p=0.049) and greater recurrence of weight (p=0.040). There was a positive correlation between the anxiety score and body weight recurrence, and a negative correlation between the anxiety score and family income. In the linear regression model, the correlation between anxiety score and weight recurrence (B=0.276; CI 0.003; 0.594; p=0.048) and income (B=-0.310; CI -0.004; 0.000; p=0.027) remained significant. However, when adding the variable "surgery time", there was a loss of significance between anxiety and weight recurrence (B=0.270; CI -0.040; -0.624; p=0.083), but the correlation with income was maintained (B=-0.310; CI -0.004; -0.000; p=0.029). Conclusions: We emphasize the importance of financial support in the postoperative period, due to treatment costs, in addition to maintaining monitoring with the multidisciplinary team in the long term.

Antioxidant and Neuroprotective Effects of the First Tryptophyllin Found in Snake Venom (Bothrops moojeni).

In this study, we report the isolation, characterization, and synthesis of the peptide BmT-2 belonging to the tryptophyllins family, isolated from the venom of the snake Bothrops moojeni. This is the first time a tryptophyllin is identified in snake venom. We tested whether BmT-2 had cytotoxic effects and antioxidant activity in a set of experiments that included both in vitro and cell-based assays. BmT-2 presented a radical scavenging activity toward ABTS• and AAPH-derived radicals. BmT-2 protected fluorescein, DNA molecules, and human red blood cells (RBCs) from free radicals generated by the thermal decomposition of AAPH. The novel tryptophyllin was not toxic in cell viability tests, where it (up to 0.4 mg/mL) did not cause hemolysis of human RBCs and did not cause significant loss of cell viability, showing a CC50 > 1.5 mM for cytotoxic effects against SK-N-BE(2) neuroblastoma cells. BmT-2 prevented the arsenite-induced upregulation of Nrf2 in Neuro-2a neuroblasts and the phorbol myristate acetate-induced overgeneration of reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species in SK-N-BE(2) neuroblastoma cells. Electronic structure calculations and full atomistic reactive molecular dynamics simulations revealed the relevant contribution of aromatic residues in BmT-2 to its antioxidant properties. Our study presents a novel peptide classified into the family of the tryptophyllins, which has been reported exclusively in amphibians. Despite the promising results on its antioxidant activity and low cytotoxicity, the mechanisms of action of BmT-2 still need to be further elucidated.

Double blind randomized clinical trial comparing minimally- invasive envelope flap and conventional envelope flap on impacted lower third molar surgery

Background: The latest trend in surgery is to look for minimally invasive procedures, with fewer complications and a shorter recovery time. This study aims to compare the minimally- invasive envelope flap, with smaller incision and fewer dissection and the conventional envelope flap, with a 20mm incision, on impacted mandibular third molar surgery, focusing on the hypothesis that there were no differences in postoperative outcomes. Material and methods: A double-blind randomized clinical trial was designed to compare both incisions, focused on determining the approach with minor postoperative side-effects and minor impact on quality-of-life. A total of 60 patients were enrolled for the study if their presented impacted mandibular third molar and was 18-years-old or more. Both groups were evaluated from time elapsed on the surgery, maximum mouth opening, swelling and quality of life assessment. Results: The flap choice influenced facial swelling (p=0,03), pain on the first three days (p=0,037), interference with oral hygiene (p=0,019) and discomfort on speech (p=0,07). Chewing, swallowing, trismus, pain after seven days, postoperative complications and other quality-of-life arrangements were no different between groups. Conclusions: The minimally- invasive envelope flap could lead to a less painful experience for the patient, with fewer impact on the oral hygiene and speech discomfort. (AU)

One-way ticket to the blue: A large-scale, dated phylogeny revealed asymmetric land-to-water transitions in acariform mites (Acari: Acariformes).

Acariform mites are an ancient and megadiverse lineage that may have experienced a complex pattern of invasions into terrestrial and aquatic habitats. These among-realm transitions may relate to periods of turmoil in Earth's history or be simply results of uneven biodiversity patterns across habitats. Here, we inferred a dated, representative acariform phylogeny (five genes, 9,200 bp aligned, 367 terminals belonging to 150 ingroup plus 15 outgroup families, 23 fossil calibration points) which was used to infer transitions between marine/freshwater/terrestrial habitats. We detected four unambiguous transitions from terrestrial to freshwater habitats (Hydrozetes, Naiadacarus, Fusohericia, Afronothrus, Homocaligus); one from freshwater to marine (Pontarachnidae), and four from marine to brackish or freshwater transitions (all among Halacaridae: Acarothrix; Halacarellus petiti; Copidognathus sp.; clade Limnohalacarus + Soldanellonyx + Porohalacarus + Porolohmannella). One transition to the sea was inferred ambiguously with respect to the ancestor being either terrestrial or freshwater (Hyadesiidae), and another must be most carefully examined by adding potential related taxa (Selenoribatidae + Fortuyniidae). Finally, we inferred a single, remarkable transition from aquatic to terrestrial habitats involving early evolution of the large and ecologically diverse lineage: the ancestor of the Halacaridae + Parasitengona clade was probably freshwater given our dataset, thus making terrestrial Parasitengona secondarily terrestrial. Overall, our results suggested a strong asymmetry in environmental transitions: the majority occurred from terrestrial to aquatic habitats. This asymmetry is probably linked to mites' biological properties and uneven biodiversity patterns across habitats rather than Earth's geological history. Since the land holds more acariform diversity than water habitats, a shift from the former is more likely than from the latter. We inferred the following relationships: alicid endeostigmatid + eriophyoid (Alycidae, (Nanorchestidae, (Nematalycidae, Eriophyoidea))) being sister group to the remaining Acariformes: (proteonematalycid Endeostigmata, alicorhagiid Endeostigmata, Trombidiformes, Oribatida (including Astigmata)). Trombidiform relationships had several novel rearrangements: (i) traditional Eupodina lacked support for the inclusion of Bdelloidea; (ii) Teneriffidae, traditionally placed among Anystina, was consistently recovered in a clade including Heterostigmata in Eleutherengona; (iii) several lineages, such as Adamystidae, Paratydeidae, Caeculidae and Erythracaridae, were recovered in a large clade along other Anystina and Eleutherengona, suggesting single origins of several fundamental character states, such as the reduction of the cheliceral fixed digit and development of the palpal thumb-claw complex.

On SFBC Schemes for Enabling Virtual Array Concept in Monostatic ISAC Scenarios.

The integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) paradigm is being proposed for 6G as a new feature of the physical layer (PHY), for tackling dual-functional applications, i.e., demanding radio-sensing and communication functions, such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and autonomous driving systems. This work considers the integration of sensing and communications functionalities in a unique platform. To achieve this goal, the use of orthogonal space frequency block codes (SFBC) is proposed. SFBC code orthogonality enables both the separation of communications data streams at a user terminal and the estimation of target parameters. The SFBC enhances the communications link diversity without requiring channel state information knowledge at the transmitter and enable the virtual antenna array concept for enhancing the direction-finding resolution. The use of different SFBCs provides a tradeoff between achieved diversity and sensing resolution. For example, an Alamouti code, applicable for the case with two transmitting antennas, duplicates sensing resolution and achieves a diversity order of two while the use of a Tarokh code, applicable for a scenario with four transmitting antennas, provides a fourfold better resolution and diversity order of four. However, the code rate achieved with the Tarokh code is half of the one achieved with the Alamouti code. Furthermore, the unambiguous range is reduced since the bandwidth is divided to multiplex the different antenna signals. For its simplicity, good performance and reduced integration requirements, the method is promising for future ISAC systems.

Prevalência de transtornos mentais em profissionais de saúde durante a pandemia da COVID-19: revisão sistemática / Prevalence of mental disorders in healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review

RESUMO Objetivo: Realizar uma revisão sistemática da literatura avaliando a prevalência de transtornos mentais em profissionais da saúde durante a pandemia da COVID-19. Métodos: Trata-se de revisão sistemática conduzida com base no checklist Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). As bases de dados usadas foram a Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde (BVS) e os serviços da United States National Library of Medicine (NLM) via PubMed, com as estratégias de busca: "COVID-19" AND "Saúde mental"; "COVID-19" AND "Saúde mental" AND "pessoal de saúde", em português e inglês, selecionando artigos observacionais e/ou de prevalência publicados a partir de 2020. Resultados: A busca resultou na identificação de 18.643 artigos, e a amostra final foi composta por 9 artigos. Os sintomas mais frequentes foram os de depressão, ansiedade e insônia em profissionais que atuaram no período da pandemia da COVID-19, predominantemente do sexo feminino e idade média de 34,5 anos. A média da prevalência de ansiedade, depressão e insônia foi, respectivamente, de 40,3%, 39,9% e 36,1%, aferidas em 8.866 profissionais da saúde. Os profissionais atuantes na linha de frente no combate à COVID-19 apresentaram maiores prevalências de transtornos mentais comuns em relação a outros profissionais de saúde. Conclusões: Mostraram-se associadas a maiores prevalências de sintomas de TMC: sexo feminino, atuação na linha de frente, maior jornada de trabalho, histórico de uso de medicamentos psicotrópicos, condições inadequadas de trabalho, uso de álcool e tabaco e atuação na área de enfermagem. Observa-se a importância de estratégias de atenção à saúde mental dos profissionais de saúde.

ABSTRACT Objective: To conduct a systematic review of the literature evaluating the prevalence of mental disorders in health professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This is a systematic review conducted based on the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist. The databases used were the Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde (BVS) and the services of the United States National Library of Medicine (NLM) via PubMed, with the search strategies: "COVID-19" AND "Mental health"; "COVID-19" AND "Mental health" AND "health personnel", in Portuguese and English, selecting observational and/or prevalence articles published from 2020 onwards. Results: The search resulted in the identification of 18,643 articles, and the final sample consisted of 9 articles. The most frequently evaluated symptoms were symptoms of depression, anxiety and insomnia in professionals who worked during the COVID-19 pandemic period, predominantly female and mean age of 34.5 years. The average prevalence of anxiety, depression and insomnia was respectively 40.3%, 39.9% and 36.1%, measured in 8,866 health professionals. Health professionals working on the front line in the fight against Covid-19 had higher prevalence of common mental disorders in relation to other health professionals. Conclusions: The following were associated with a higher prevalence of CMD symptoms: female sex, frontline work, longer working hours, history of psychotropic medication use, inadequate working conditions, use of alcohol and tobacco, and work in the nursing field. The importance of mental health care strategies for health professionals is observed.

Evaluation of the Bond Strength of Densely Sintered Ceramics Subjected to Extended Firing.

INTRODUCTION: Critical failures in ceramic materials can be caused by the processing mode, which includes all steps taken in the manufacture of a ceramic part, from molding to firing. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of extended firing on bond strength in densely sintered ceramics of the zirconium reinforced lithium silicate, lithium disilicate, and feldspathic ceramic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three types of ceramics were evaluated: zirconium reinforced lithium silicate, lithium disilicate, feldspathic ceramic. A total of 6 ceramic blocks, two for each material were used in the study. Each block was cut into four square sections. A total of 24 ceramic surfaces were randomly distributed into 6 groups (n = 4 surfaces per group) divided according to the variables: heat treatment: conventional firing or extended firing; test time: immediate (24 hours after cementation) or longevity (after 1000 cycles of thermocycling). The bond strength tests were performed in a semi-universal test machine for microshear bond strength. For data analysis, the Shapiro-Wilk test was performed to evaluate the normality between the groups measured, and regarding homoscedasticity (homogeneity of variances) by the Bartlett test. The comparisons between the groups were made using the nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference of the resistance values in relation to the thermal treatment methods (conventional firing and extended firing) in any ceramic group (p <0.05). Among the times (immediate and long), there was a statistically significant difference (p <0.05), with higher resistance values for immediate time. CONCLUSION: Extended firing did not influence the micro-shear bond strength of zirconium reinforced lithium silicate, lithium disilicate, feldspathic ceramic.

A utilização da classificação de risco familiar para a organização do processo de trabalho no âmbito da Estratégia Saúde da Família / The use of family risk classification for the organization of the work process in the framework of the family health strategy

O presente artigo objetiva descrever o processo de estratificação de risco familiar e sua relevância, em uma equipe da Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF), no município de Montes Claros, MG, Brasil. Relato de experiência de uma equipe multiprofissional em saúde, atuante em uma área adscrita. Foi utilizado instrumento de Classificação de Risco Familiar, idealizado pelo Plano Diretor de Regionalização da Atenção Primária à Saúde de Minas Gerais (PDAPS-MG), que avalia as famílias do território conforme duas dimensões (socioeconômica e presença de condições ou patologias prioritárias). Após o uso da ferramenta, foi observado que 29,33% das famílias são sem risco; 29,19% de médio risco; 25,22% baixo risco; e 2,88% são de alto risco. Após experiência, os profissionais da ESF avaliaram criticamente a importância da identificação das famílias com essas informações, pois permitem traçar o perfil da comunidade e organizar ações efetivas e resolutivas, seguindo o princípio da equidade em saúde.

This article aims to describe the family risk stratification process and its relevance, in an Family Health Strategy (FHS) team, in the country of Montes Claros, MG, Brazil. Experience report of a multiprofessional health team, working in an assigned area. A Family Risk Classification instrument was used. Idealized by the Master Plan for Regionalization of Primary Health Care in Minas Gerais (PDAPS-MG), which evaluates families in the territory according to two dimensions (socioeconomic status and the presence of priority conditions or pathologies). After using the tool, it was observed that 29.33% of families are without risk, 29.19% of medium risk, 25.22% low risk and 2.88% are high risk. After experience, FHS professionals critically evaluated the importance of identifying families with this information. By delimiting the profile of the community, it is possible to organize effective and resolutive actions, following the principle of equity in health.