Clinical and epidemiological aspects of Candida yeast infections and rational use of antifungals.

Aim: The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical and epidemiological aspects of Candida infections. Methods: The study relied on the analysis of electronic medical records. Results: Among 183 patients with positive fungal infections, 57 were from the community and 126 from hospitals. Females predominated in both groups (82.4% in the community, 54.7% in hospitals). Non-albicans Candida spp. accounted for 62.8% of cases. Antifungal therapy was prescribed for 67 patients, with a 55.6% mortality rate. Conclusion: The increasing prevalence of non-albicans Candida species highlights the need for better candidiasis monitoring and control, especially concerning antifungal use amidst rising antimicrobial resistance, particularly in empirical therapy scenarios.

Fungal infections, particularly those caused by a group of yeasts called Candida, are a major concern. This study looks at clinical laboratory and medical records. We found that certain species of Candida not previously associated with human disease are common. We also noted the inappropriate use of antifungal medication, highlighting the need for healthcare workers to carefully diagnose patients and make appropriate decisions when treating fungal infections.

Assessing peri-implant bone microarchitecture: conventional vs. osseodensification drilling - ex vivo analysis.

The aim was to evaluate primary implant stability and bone microarchitecture in two drilling situations, by comparing the conventional technique (CT) and osseodensification (OD) (Versah Burs - Jackson - Mississippi - USA). The implant insertion torque (IT), implant stability quotient (ISQ), and the peri-implant trabecular microstructure were assessed on bone fragments obtained from pig's tibia (n=12), divided between CT (n=6) and OD (n=6). After the drilling procedure, the implants were installed (3.5x8.5 mm, Epikut - SIN - São Paulo - Brazil). The IT and ISQ were measured using a digital torque wrench and resonance frequency analysis. Then, the bone fragments containing the implants were removed with a trephine and analyzed by Microtomography (µCT, 8.0 µm). The comparison between groups was performed using the unpaired t-test (α=0.05). The results revealed that OD promotes a higher insertion torque (CT: 7.67±2.44 Ncm; OD: 19.78±5.26 Ncm) (p=0.0005), although ISQ was not different (CT: 61.33±4.66; OD: 63.25±4.58) (p=0.48). There was a significant increase in peri-implant bone volume (CT: 23.17±3.39 mm3; OD: 32.01±5.75 mm3) (p=0.008), and trabecular parameters: separation (CT: 0.4357±0.03 mm; OD: 0.3865±0.04 mm) (p=0.0449), number (CT: 1.626±0.18 1/mm; OD: 1.946±0.13 1/mm) (p=0.007), and thickness (CT: 0.1130±0.009 mm; OD: 0.1328±0.015 mm) (p=0.02). Structure model index (SMI) data demonstrate no significant differences between groups (CT: 1.7±0.2; OD: 1.4±0.4) (p=0.12). In conclusion, OD increases the insertion torque values and promotes beneficial changes regarding bone microarchitecture compared with CT, revealing more peri-implant bone volume with consequent higher primary stability.

Prevalence of asthma in people with type 1 diabetes mellitus: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: According to the Th1/Th2 paradigm, the expansion of Th1-type clones in individuals with type 1 diabetes results in reduced Th2-type clones, preventing the development of atopic diseases and vice versa. However, there is no consensus regarding the direct or inverse relationship between autoimmune and atopic diseases. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this scoping review was to examine the knowledge gap about the possibility of coexistence of asthma and type 1 diabetes and determine the prevalence of this association. METHODS: A scoping review was conducted, following the proposal of the Joanna Briggs Institute. The Population, Concept, and Context strategy was used to formulate the guiding question. The proposed question was: "What is the prevalence of asthma in people with T1DM?" After excluding duplicate articles, analyzing titles and abstracts, and excluding articles that did not answer the guiding question, 17 articles remained and were included in this review. RESULTS: Most of the articles selected conformed to the Th1/Th2 hypothesis, as the prevalence of asthma was lower in individuals with T1DM. However, similar or higher prevalence of asthma was found between cases and controls in few articles. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of asthma in people with T1DM ranged from 1.7% to 23.1%. Maybe the mechanisms that characterizes the Th1/Th2 paradigm aren't as simple as just the interaction of certain cytokines, since Th1-mediated autoimmune diseases and Th2- mediated atopy can coexist.

Assessing peri-implant bone microarchitecture: conventional vs. osseodensification drilling - ex vivo analysis

Abstract: The aim was to evaluate primary implant stability and bone microarchitecture in two drilling situations, by comparing the conventional technique (CT) and osseodensification (OD) (Versah Burs - Jackson - Mississippi - USA). The implant insertion torque (IT), implant stability quotient (ISQ), and the peri-implant trabecular microstructure were assessed on bone fragments obtained from pig's tibia (n=12), divided between CT (n=6) and OD (n=6). After the drilling procedure, the implants were installed (3.5x8.5 mm, Epikut - SIN - São Paulo - Brazil). The IT and ISQ were measured using a digital torque wrench and resonance frequency analysis. Then, the bone fragments containing the implants were removed with a trephine and analyzed by Microtomography (µCT, 8.0 µm). The comparison between groups was performed using the unpaired t-test (α=0.05). The results revealed that OD promotes a higher insertion torque (CT: 7.67±2.44 Ncm; OD: 19.78±5.26 Ncm) (p=0.0005), although ISQ was not different (CT: 61.33±4.66; OD: 63.25±4.58) (p=0.48). There was a significant increase in peri-implant bone volume (CT: 23.17±3.39 mm3; OD: 32.01±5.75 mm3) (p=0.008), and trabecular parameters: separation (CT: 0.4357±0.03 mm; OD: 0.3865±0.04 mm) (p=0.0449), number (CT: 1.626±0.18 1/mm; OD: 1.946±0.13 1/mm) (p=0.007), and thickness (CT: 0.1130±0.009 mm; OD: 0.1328±0.015 mm) (p=0.02). Structure model index (SMI) data demonstrate no significant differences between groups (CT: 1.7±0.2; OD: 1.4±0.4) (p=0.12). In conclusion, OD increases the insertion torque values and promotes beneficial changes regarding bone microarchitecture compared with CT, revealing more peri-implant bone volume with consequent higher primary stability.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a estabilidade de implante e a microarquitetura óssea em duas técnicas de fresagem, comparando a técnica convencional (CT) e a osseodensificação (OD) (Versah Burs - Jackson - Mississippi - EUA). O torque de inserção do implante (IT), quociente de estabilidade primária (ISQ) e a estrutura trabecular peri-implantar foram avaliados em fragmentos ósseos obtidos de tíbia de porco (n=12), divididos entre CT (n=6) e OD (n=6). Após o procedimento de fresagem, foram instalados implantes (3,5x8,5 mm, Epikut - SIN - São Paulo - Brasil). O IT e o ISQ foram aferidos por meio de um torquimetro digital e análise de frequência de ressonância. Em seguida, os fragmentos ósseos contendo os implantes foram removidos com trefina e analisados ​​por microtomografia computadorizada (µCT, 8,0 µm). A comparação entre os grupos foi realizada por meio do teste-t não-pareado (α=0.05). Os resultados revelaram que a OD promove maior torque de inserção (CT: 7,67 ± 2,44º Ncm; OD: 19,78 ± 5,26 Ncm) (p=0,0005), embora a estabilidade primária não tenha sido diferente (CT: 61.33 ± 4.66; OD:63.25 ± 4.58) (p=0,48). Houve um aumento significativo no volume ósseo peri-implantar (CT: 23,17±3,39 mm3; OD: 32,01±5,75 mm3) (p=0,0089) e parâmetros trabeculares: separação (CT: 0,4357 ± 0,03 mm; OD: 0,3865 ± 0,04 mm) (p=0,0449), número (CT: 1,626 ± 0,18 1/mm; OD: 1,946 ± 0,13 1/mm) (p=0,007) e espessura (CT: 0,1130 ± 0,009 mm; OD: 0,1328 ± 0,015 mm) (p=0,02) O índice de modelo estrutural (SMI) não demostrou diferença estatisticamente significativa (p=0.1228). Concluindo, OD apresenta maiores valores de torque de inserção e promove mudanças benéficas na microarquitetura óssea em comparação com a TC, revelando maior volume ósseo peri-implantar.

University indigenous students' perspectives on climate change and survival of indigenous peoples in Brazil: a concept mapping study.

Introduction: This study aimed to identify what indigenous university students in Brazil perceived to be important and feasible actions to protect the survival of indigenous peoples from climate change-related impacts. Methods: Concept mapping, which is a participatory mixed methodology, was conducted virtually with 20 indigenous students at two universities in Brazil. A focus prompt was developed from consultations with indigenous stakeholders and read "To protect the survival of the Indigenous Peoples from climate change, it is necessary to…". Students brainstormed 46 statements, which they then sorted into clusters based on conceptual similarity. They rated each statement for importance and feasibility. Quantitative multivariate analyses of clusters and ratings were conducted to produce multiple visual maps of perceived actionable priorities. These analyses used the Group Wisdom TM software. Results: Students agreed on 8 clusters that reflect the factors that influence the survival of indigenous peoples-preservation of lands 0.16 (SD 0.13), protection of demarcated lands 0.31 (SD 0.10), indigenous health and wellbeing 0.35 (SD 0.14), ancestral customs 0.46 (SD 0.04), global and national actions 0.61 (SD 0.13), indigenous rights 0.64 (SD 0.23), collective living 0.71 (SD 0.21), and respect 0.75 (SD 0.14). Discussion: The most actionable priorities are related to the respect for their lands and customs, educational initiatives in schools about the importance of indigenous peoples to society, guarantees for basic health rights, and culturally appropriate provision of care, with specific mention of mental healthcare. The findings aligned closely with the concept of indigenous self-determination, which is rooted in autonomy and respect for cultural diversity, and the right to make decisions that impact their lives, land, and resources.

Climate change and mental health of Indigenous peoples living in their territory: a concept mapping study.

Background: The alarming increase in annual deforestation rates has had devastating consequences in climate change, and it is affecting Indigenous people, who depend entirely on the land for survival and has also weakened the rainforest's crucial role in stabilizing the global climate. Recognizing and respecting Indigenous people's needs and social, economic, and historical conditions influence health and healthcare. This study aimed to conduct online concept mapping workshops with university students to identify perceived important and feasible actions for improving the mental health of Indigenous people living in their territory in association with climate change. Methods: Concept mapping, a participatory mixed methodology, was conducted virtually with 20 Indigenous students at two universities in Brazil. A focus prompt was developed from consultations with Indigenous stakeholders and read-"To improve the mental health of Indigenous peoples in their territory during climate change crises, it is necessary to…." Results: University students organized 42 unique statements in 6 clusters that cover a wide range of topics: family support, 0.68 (SD 0.19); respect and understanding, 0.37 (SD 0.08); improvement actions, 0.52 (SD 0.07); public policies in favor of Indigenous people's mental health, 0.24 (0.09); health actions, 0.15 (SD 0.08); Indigenous training in health and its importance in improving mental health 0.32 (SD 0.07). Conclusion: These clusters range from community initiatives, public policies, health actions, and strengthening professional services in Indigenous communities. These all provide numerous concrete ideas for developing interventions designed to address mental health challenges associated with climate change.

Ontogenetic skull variation in a shovel-headed amphisbaenian species.

Leposternon microcephalum is a species belonging to the Amphisbaenia, a group of burrowing reptiles. Amphisbaenia present various morphological and physiological adaptations that allow them to penetrate the ground and live underground, through a system of galleries and permanent chambers that they build themselves. Among the morphological adaptations in this group, those of the skull stand out as it serves as the main excavation tool. Four basic skull shapes are recognized: rounded, keeled, shovel-shaped, and spade-shaped. The skull of L. microcephalum belongs to this last type, which is considered the most specialized. The species inhabits soils that are highly compacted and difficult to penetrate. Among the species of Leposternon present in South America, L. microcephalum has the widest distribution, being found in all Brazilian biomes and neighboring countries such as Bolivia, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. The analysis of the skull of this species was carried out using three-dimensional geometric morphometrics (3D-GMM), a technique that allows comparative analysis, through robust statistical methods, of shape and its variations, using Cartesian coordinate data from a configuration of homologous landmarks. The technique allows the size and shape components of a structure to be analyzed separately. From an ontogenetic point of view, this methodology had also been used to investigate variations in Cynisca leucura, a member of the Amphisbaenidae with a rounded head. Our hypothesis is that the patterns of morphological differentiation in the skull, mainly in the intermediate and occipital regions, are similar in different Amphisbaenia species. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze cranial morphological variations in an ontogenetic series of L. microcephalum using 3D-GMM. Computed Tomographic scans of 13 specimens were analyzed: juveniles (N = 8) and adults (N = 5), based on 20 landmarks that characterize the skull. Principal components and regression analyses between shape (dependent variable) and size (independent variable) showed a clear difference between the cranial morphological pattern of juvenile individuals and that of adults. For instance, young specimens tend to have a dorsoventrally tall neurocranium, with the tip of the snout more anteriorly oriented and its dorsal border subtly curved. Dorsally, the parietal region is thicker and smoothly dome-shaped in juveniles. As in C. leucura, the variation was strongly correlated with the size change from juvenile to adult, indicating a dominant role for ontogenetic allometry in determining skull shape.

Lactic acid bacteria secreted proteins as potential Listeria monocytogenes quorum sensing inhibitors.

Listeria monocytogenes is an important human and animal pathogen able to cause an infection named listeriosis and is mainly transmitted through contaminated food. Among its virulence traits, the ability to form biofilms and to survive in harsh environments stand out and lead to the persistence of L. monocytogenes for long periods in food processing environments. Virulence and biofilm formation are phenotypes regulated by quorum sensing (QS) and, therefore, the control of L. monocytogenes through an anti-QS strategy is promising. This study aimed to identify, by in silico approaches, proteins secreted by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) potentially able to interfere with the agr QS system of L. monocytogenes. The genome mining of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG and Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM revealed 151 predicted secreted proteins. Concomitantly, the three-dimensional (3D) structures of AgrB and AgrC proteins of L. monocytogenes were modeled and validated, and their active sites were predicted. Through protein-protein docking and molecular dynamic, Serine-type D-Ala-D-Ala carboxypeptidase and L,D-transpeptidase, potentially secreted by L. rhamnosus GG and L. acidophilus NCFM, respectively, were identified with high affinity to AgrB and AgrC proteins, respectively. By inhibiting the translocation of the cyclic autoinducer peptide (cyclic AIP) via AgrB, and its recognition in the active site of AgrC, these LAB proteins could disrupt L. monocytogenes communication by impairing the agr QS system. The application of the QS inhibitors predicted in this study can emerge as a promising strategy in controlling L. monocytogenes in food processing environment and as an adjunct to antibiotic therapy for the treatment of listeriosis.

Microglia contribute to cognitive decline in hypercholesterolemic LDLr-/- mice.

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is caused by mutations in the gene that encodes the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor, which leads to an excessive increase in plasma LDL cholesterol levels. Previous studies have shown that FH is associated with gliosis, blood-brain barrier dysfunction, and memory impairment, but the mechanisms associated with these events are still not fully understood. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the role of microgliosis in the neurochemical and behavioral changes associated with FH using LDL receptor knockout (LDLr-/- ) mice. We noticed that microgliosis was more severe in the hippocampus of middle-aged LDLr-/- mice, which was accompanied by microglial morphological changes and alterations in the immunocontent of synaptic protein markers. At three months of age, the LDLr-/- mice already showed increased microgliosis and decreased immunocontent of claudin-5 in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Subsequently, 6-month-old male C57BL/6 wild-type and LDLr-/- mice were treated once daily for 30 days with minocycline (a pharmacological inhibitor of microglial cell reactivity) or vehicle (saline). Adult LDLr-/- mice displayed significant hippocampal memory impairment, which was ameliorated by minocycline treatment. Non-treated LDLr-/- mice showed increased microglial density in all hippocampal regions analyzed, a process that was not altered by minocycline treatment. Region-specific microglial morphological analysis revealed different effects of genotype or minocycline treatment on microglial morphology, depending on the hippocampal subregion analyzed. Moreover, 6-month-old LDLr-/- mice exhibited a slight but not significant increase in IBA-1 immunoreactivity in the PFC, which was reduced by minocycline treatment without altering microglial morphology. Minocycline treatment also reduced the presence of microglia within the perivascular area in both the PFC and hippocampus of LDLr-/- mice. However, no significant effects of either genotype or minocycline treatment were observed regarding the phagocytic activity of microglia in the PFC and hippocampus. Our results demonstrate that hippocampal microgliosis, microglial morphological changes, and the presence of these glial cells in the perivascular area, but not increased microglial phagocytic activity, are associated with cognitive deficits in a mouse model of FH.

Microbiology of street food: understanding risks to improve safety.

Street foods play important socioeconomic and cultural roles and are popular worldwide. In addition to providing convenient and low-cost meals for urban populations, street food offers an essential source of income for vendors, especially women, and it can reflect traditional local culture, which is an important attraction for tourists. Despite these benefits, the microbiological safety of street food has become a worldwide concern because it is often prepared and sold under inadequate safety conditions, without legal control and sanitary surveillance. Consequently, high counts of fecal indicator bacteria and several foodborne pathogens have been detected in street foods. This review provides insight into the microbiology of street food, focus on the associated microbiological safety aspects and main pathogens, and the global status of this important economic activity. Furthermore, the need to apply molecular detection rather than traditional culture-based methods is discussed to better understand the actual risks of microbial infection associated with street foods. Recognition is always the first step toward addressing a problem.

Competência para o cuidado ginecológico na atenção primária à saúde sob a ótica das enfermeiras / Competencia para el cuidado ginecológico en la atención primaria a la salud bajo la óptica de las enfermeras / Competence for gynecological care in primary health care from the perspective of nurses

Objetivo: descrever cuidados ginecológicos de enfermagem realizados com competência na Atenção Primária à Saúde sob a ótica das enfermeiras. Método: pesquisa convergente assistencial realizada com 31 enfermeiras no sul do Brasil, por meio de oficinas temáticas, no período de agosto a setembro de 2020. Os dados foram analisados mediante a proposta de Creswell, apoiado pelo software IRAMUTEQ®. Resultados: emergiram quatro categorias, sendo elas (des) conhecimento das competências para realização do cuidado ginecológico; (in) satisfação profissional e o desenvolvimento de competências para o cuidado ginecológico; protagonismo e autonomia da enfermeira para realizar o cuidado ginecológico com competência na consulta de enfermagem; importância da busca pelo conhecimento para o cuidar com competência. Conclusão: o estudo possibilitou descrever os cuidados ginecológicos de enfermagem, identificar as barreiras e fragilidades no processo de cuidado ginecológico, comentar e discutir a necessidade constante da busca do conhecimento para manutenção e aquisição da competência.

Objetivo: describir cuidados ginecológicos de enfermería realizados con competencia en la Atención Primaria de Salud bajo la óptica de las enfermeras. Método: investigación convergente asistencial realizada con 31 enfermeras en el sur de Brasil, por medio de talleres temáticos, en el período de agosto a septiembre de 2020. Los datos fueron analizados mediante la propuesta de Creswell, apoyado por el software IRAMUTEQ®. Resultados: emergieron cuatro categorías, siendo ellas (des) conocimiento de las competencias para realización del cuidado ginecológico; (in) satisfacción profesional y el desarrollo de competencias para el cuidado ginecológico; protagonismo y autonomía de la enfermera para realizar el cuidado ginecológico con competencia en la consulta de enfermería; importancia de la búsqueda del conocimiento para el cuidado con competencia. Consideraciones finales: el estudio permitió describir los cuidados ginecológicos de enfermería, identificar las barreras y fragilidades en el proceso de cuidado ginecológico, comentar y discutir la necesidad constante de la búsqueda del conocimiento para el mantenimiento y adquisición de la competencia.

Objective: to describe gynecological nursing care performed competently in Primary Health Care from the perspective of nurses. Method: convergent care research conducted with 31 nurses in southern Brazil, through thematic workshops, from August to September 2020. The data were analyzed by Creswell's proposal, supported by IRAMUTEQ®. Results: four categories emerged, being (lack of)knowledge of the competencies for performing gynecological care; professional (dis)satisfaction and the development of competencies for gynecological care; protagonism and autonomy of the nurse to perform gynecological care competently in nursing consultation; importance of the search for knowledge to care competently. Final considerations: the study allowed the description of gynecological nursing care, identification of barriers and weaknesses in the process of gynecological care, commentary and discussion of the constant need to seek knowledge for maintenance and acquisition of competence.

Clinical isolates of E. faecalis and E. faecium harboring virulence genes show the concomitant presence of CRISPR loci and antibiotic resistance determinants.

In this study, we evaluated the antimicrobial susceptibility, the presence of gene-encoding virulence factors and CRISPR systems, as well as the ability to produce lytic enzymes among clinical E. faecalis and E. faecium isolates (n = 44). All enterococci isolates showed phenotypes of multidrug resistance. E. faecalis and E. faecium isolates exhibited high-level aminoglycoside resistance phenotype, several of them harboring the aac(6')Ie-aph(2″)Ia and aph(3')-IIIa genes. The gene vanA was the most frequent among vancomycin-resistant E. faecium. High prevalence of the virulence genes esp and efaA were observed; hyl gene was more associated with E. faecium, while ace and efaA genes were more frequently detected in E. faecalis. Caseinase activity was frequently detected among the isolates. Gelatinase and DNAse activities predominated among E. faecalis, while hemolytic capability was frequent among E. faecium isolates. Twenty-nine isolates showed at least one CRISPR system investigated. Several enterococci isolates harbored the aac(6')-Ie-aph(2″)-Ia or aph(3')-IIIa genes and a CRISPR loci. CRISPR loci were positively correlated to efaA and gelE genes, and gelatinase and DNAse activities, while CRISPR loci absence was related to hyl gene presence. These results show that clinical isolates of E. faecalis and E. faecium harboring virulence genes show the concomitant presence of CRISPR loci and antibiotic resistance determinants.

Kefir modulates gut microbiota and reduces DMH-associated colorectal cancer via regulation of intestinal inflammation in adulthood offsprings programmed by neonatal overfeeding.

Obesity is associated with chronic inflammation, intestinal dysbiosis, and colorectal cancer risk. The anti-cancer effects of kefir are highlighted. Here, lactating Wistar rats were divided into: Normal litter (NL); Kefir normal litter (KNL); Small litter (SL); Kefir small litter (KSL). The NL and SL groups received 1 mL of water/day; KNL and KSL received kefir milk daily (108 CFU/mL) during lactation. After weaning, the pups continued to receive the same treatments until 60 days. At 67 days old, colorectal carcinogenesis was induced through intraperitoneal injection of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine. At 240 days, visceral adipose tissue was higher in SL compared to NL, KNL, and KSL. Kefir intake was found to suppress the number of tumors in both KNL and KSL groups (-100% and -71.43%; p < 0.01, respectively). IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α, and NO levels in the colon were higher in the NL and SL compared to the KNL and KSL. The gut microbiota in cecal samples of SL was enriched with Alloprevotella, Acinetobacter, and Bacteroides. In contrast, the cecal contents of KSL and KNL were higher Romboutsia. Thus, neonatal overfeeding leads to greater adiposity, inflammation and number of colon tumors in adulthood. Early-life nutrition based on kefir reverted these alterations.

Changes in food behavior during the first lockdown of COVID-19 pandemic: A multi-country study about changes in eating habits, motivations, and food-related behaviors.

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in severe, unprecedented changes affecting the world population. Restrictions in mobility, social distancing measures, and the persistent social alarm, during the first period of pandemic, resulted in dramatic lifestyle changes and affected physical and psychological wellbeing on a global scale. An international research team was constituted to develop a study involving different countries about eating motivations, dietary habits and behaviors related with food intake, acquisition, and preparation. This study presents results of an online survey, carried out during the first lockdown, in 2020, assessing food-related behavior and how people perceived them to change, comparatively to the period preceding the COVID-19 outbreak. A total of 3332 responses, collected from 16 countries, were considered for analysis [72.8% in Europe, 12.8% in Africa, 2.2% in North America (USA) and 12.2% in South America]. Results suggest that the main motivations perceived to drive food intake were familiarity and liking. Two clusters were identified, based on food intake frequency, which were classified as "healthier" and "unhealthier". The former was constituted by individuals with higher scholarity level, to whom intake was more motivated by health, natural concerns, and weight control, and less by liking, pleasure or affect regulation. The second cluster was constituted by individuals with a higher proportion of male and intake more influenced by affect-related motivations. During this period, a generalized lower concern with the convenience attributes of foods was noted (namely, choice of processed products and fast-food meals), alongside an increase in time and efforts dedicated to home cooking. Understanding the main changes and their underlying motivations in a time of unprecedented crisis is of major importance, as it provides the scientific support that allows one to anticipate the implications for the future of the global food and nutrition system and, consequently, to take the appropriate action.

Cross-validation of four different survey methods used to estimate illicit cigarette consumption in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To cross-validate estimates of the size of the illicit cigarette trade based on the results of four different survey methods. METHODS: In 2018/2019, four non-industry-funded, large-scale studies were conducted in selected Brazilian cities: packs discarded in household garbage/PDG (1 city), packs littered in the streets/PLS (5 cities), a phone survey of tobacco users' purchase behaviors/VIGITEL (5 cities), and a face-to-face household survey of tobacco users' purchase behaviors/FTF-household (2 cities). The proportions of illicit cigarettes consumed were based on the price paid by smokers in their last purchase (VIGITEL or FTF-household) and/or direct observation of brand names and health warnings (PDG, PLS or FTF-household). RESULTS: Based on PLS, the share of packs that avoided taxation ranged from 30.4% (95% CI 25.6% to 35.7%) in Rio de Janeiro to 70.1% (95% CI 64.6% to 75.0%) in Campo Grande; and PDG conducted in Rio de Janeiro found an even lower proportion point estimate of illicit cigarette use (26.8%, 95% CI 25.1% to 28.6%). In FTF-household, the share of illicit cigarette consumption based on the self-reported price ranged from 29.1% (95% CI 22.4% to 35.7%) in Rio de Janeiro to 37.5% (95% CI 31.2% to 43.7%) in São Paulo, while estimates based on pack observation ranged from 29.9% (95% CI 23.3% to 36.5%) in Rio de Janeiro to 40.7% (95% CI 34.3% to 47.0%) in São Paulo. For all cities, VIGITEL presented the lowest levels of illicit consumption, and most illicit brands were produced in Paraguay. CONCLUSIONS: Small differences in the estimated levels of illicit trade across methods were found, except for the phone survey. The cross-validation of estimates from independent studies is important to help effectively implement tobacco excise tax policy in Brazil and other low-income and middle-income countries.

Olive oil-rich diet during pregnancy/lactation attenuated the early life stress effects on depressive-like behavior and altered energy metabolism in the dorsal hippocampus in a sex-specific manner.

METHODS: and results: Pregnant Wistar rats received diets enriched in soybean oil (SO) or OO during gestation/lactation. At birth, litters were subdivided into MS or intact groups. After weaning, the pups received standard chow until adulthood, when they were subjected to behavioral tasks. At PND90 biochemical analyses were performed. Maternal OO-enriched diet prevented MS-induced higher weight gain, and decreased MS-induced anhedonic behavior. Increased latency to immobility and shorter immobility time were observed in the maternal OO-enrich diet groups. Maternal OO-enrich diet groups also presented reduced reactive oxygen species and increased activity of antioxidant enzymes. In addition, this diet showed sex-specific effects, by decreasing mitochondrial mass and potential, reducing AMPK activation, and increasing synaptophysin and PSD-95 immunocontent in the DH of male rats. Early stress, on the other hand, decreased production of free radicals and decreased levels of SIRT1 in the DH of male rats. In females, OO prevented the anhedonic behavior induced by MS. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal OO-enrich diet attenuated MS-induced depressive behavior in both sexes. In addition, it affected energy metabolism in the DH of male rats, favored synaptic plasticity, and contributed to reducing pathophysiological conditions.

Micro-tomographic analysis of the root trunk and pre-furcation area of the first mandibular molars.

This study analyzed the root trunk (RT) and the pre-furcation area (PFA) of mandibular first molars. Thirty lower first mandibular molars extracted due to advanced periodontal disease were evaluated in a high-energy spiral computerized micro-tomography. Two gutta-percha markings on the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) and at the furcation entrance (FE) at buccal and lingual surfaces served as reference points for measurements of RT length, and PFA width and depth, at the levels of CEJ, 1 mm apical to CEJ, 2 mm apical to CEJ, and at the FE. The mean RT length was 2.49 mm at buccal and 3.18 mm at lingual sides. The mean widths of the PFA at CEJ, at 1 and 2 mm apical to CEJ, and at FE were 2.9, 3.4, 3.9 and 4.3 mm, respectively, while the mean depths were 0.19, 0.32, 0.57 and 1.1 mm, respectively. The PFA coincided with CEJ in 10 buccal and 10 lingual surfaces, representing 33.33% of the sample. There was a negative correlation between RT length and PFA dimensions. This study concludes that the RT length was smaller than previous studies. From the CEJ up to the furcation entrance, the PFA showed a progressive increase in width and depth. The coincidence of the PFA area beginning at the CEJ in 1/3, and the negative correlation between RT length and PFA dimensions may represent greater risk factor for the early development of furcation lesions.

Inflammatory modulation and outer membrane vesicles (OMV) production associated to Bacteroides fragilis response to subinhibitory concentrations of metronidazole during experimental infection.

OBJECTIVE: An experimental infection based on a tissue cage model was reproduced to evaluate the interference subinhibitory concentration (SIC) of metronidazole in Bacteroides fragilis OMV production patterns and immunological and histological characteristics of the host facing the experimental challenge. METHODS: A tissue cage model was reproduced for B. fragilis experimental challenge in three Wistar rats groups: negative control group (NC) without bacterial inoculation; positive control group (PC) infected with parental strain; and experimental group (EG) infected with the parental strain and treated with metronidazole SIC. Tissue cage sections and histological preparations were evaluated under optical and transmission electron microscope. Observations included OMV identification and count and cellular envelope evaluation. Transcriptional analyses were performed to evaluate cytokines expression levels. RESULTS: Total counts of leukocytes and neutrophils were higher for EG, and slight increase in PC group. It was observed an exacerbated inflammatory infiltrate after 8 days on infection. The expression of TNF-α was increased during the experiments, along with IL-1α and IL-6. MCP-1 levels were suppressed in almost every evaluated time-point. The IL-10 was exacerbated in EG group. A massive production and release of OMV and cell wall thickening were observed especially the EG group. CONCLUSIONS: Despite literature data suggest positive association between OMV and antimicrobial stress for Gram negatives, no correlations are made for B. fragilis and drug-response during experimental model of infection. Results corroborate observations in which OMV may be involved in bacterial pathogenicity once the phenomenon was observed along histological evidence of exacerbated inflammation and cytokines modulation.

Micro-CT evaluation of root canal preparation with rotary instrumentation on prototyped primary incisors.

This study aimed to evaluate the endodontic instrumentation outcomes with asymmetrical files compared to reciprocating and hand files (HFs) in 3D-printed prototypes of upper primary incisors using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). For this purpose, 50 prototypes were randomly divided (n = 10) according to the instrumentation technique as follows: HFs, a reciprocating file (WaveOne® Gold [WOG]), and three asymmetrical movement files: XP-Endo® Shaper (XPS), XP-Endo® Finisher (XPF), and XP Clean (XPC). The specimens were scanned and, after registration of the baseline and instrumented volumes, changes in the root canal volume (RCV), debris accumulation, removed root material volume (RRMV), non-instrumented areas, and the presence of cracks/perforations were quantified. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance and Student's t-test, while the effect size was calculated for statistically significant outcomes. All groups showed an increase in RCV after instrumentation (p < 0.05), but this was higher with HFs (p < 0.05). Accumulated debris was higher for WOG and XPS (p < 0.05), but WOG exhibited more in the medium and apical third areas. HFs showed the highest RRMV (p < 0.05), especially at the apical third. The non-instrumented areas were lower for HFs and XPC than for the other systems (p < 0.05). Cracks were present in a few WOG (n = 2) and HF specimens (n = 3) and in this group, one of the cracked specimens and two others showed perforations. The asymmetric systems resulted in conservative dentin removal and fewer cracks/perforations as compared to HFs and a reciprocation file in prototyped primary upper incisors. XPC showed the best compromise between RRMV and non-instrumented areas with a low accumulation of debris.