Exercise-Induced Transient Oxidative Stress Is Mitigated in Down Syndrome: Insights About Redox Balance and Muscle Strength.

ABSTRACT: Reis, AL, Deus, LA, Neves, RVP, Corrêa, HL Reis, TL, Aguiar, LS Honorato, FS, Barbosa, JMS, Araújo, TB, Palmeira, TRC, Simões, HG, Prestes, J, Sousa, CV, Ide, BN, and Rosa, TdS. Exercise-induced transient oxidative stress is mitigated in Down syndrome: insights about redox balance and muscle strength. J Strength Cond Res 38(3): e125-e34, 2024-This study aimed to evaluate the acute effects of a session of resistance exercise (RE) performed with elastic tubes on the redox balance and inflammatory profile in individuals with Down syndrome (DS). Subjects ( n = 23) were allocated into 2 groups: individuals with DS (DS; n = 11) and individuals without DS (WDS; n = 12), who performed an acute RE session. Diagnostic assessment included medical history, anthropometric measures (body height, body mass, body mass index, and body composition assessment), biological collections, muscle strength assessments (handgrip and maximal voluntary isometric contraction tests), and exercises. The redox balance and inflammatory profile were assessed in urine and saliva samples before and after an acute RE session. There were no differences between WDS and DS groups for body composition ( p > 0.05). The DS group presented higher values pre and post an acute RE session with elastic tubes for oxidative and proinflammatory markers compared with WDS ( p < 0.05). Uric acid values increased from pre-acute RE session to post-acute RE session for WDS ( p < 0.0001). No differences were identified within groups for the delta analysis ( p > 0.05). Inverse correlations were found between total force and F2-isoprostane, 8OHdG, uric acid, allantoin, IL-6, TNF-α, and the TNF-α:IL-10 ratio. A positive correlation was found between IL-10 and total force. The DS group presented increased peak force in the knee extension and elbow flexion exercises (∼25 and 12%, respectively) but decreases in handgrip strength of ∼7%. The WDS group showed higher peak force values for knee extension, elbow flexion, and handgrip (∼16, 10, and 14%, respectively). The DS group had lower transient elevation of oxidative stress after an acute RE session compared with WDS. Oxidative stress and inflammation responses of DS to an acute RE session with elastic tubes may be insufficient to induce health adaptations for the same relative load compared with WDS.

Effect of systemic administration of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis HN019 on apical periodontitis.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (B. lactis) HN019 in drinking water on the development of apical periodontitis (AP) in rats. In total 60 animals were divided into a control group (sound teeth); Group I - regular water without AP; Group II - probiotic water without AP; Group III - regular water with AP; Group IV - probiotic water with AP. AP was induced after 3 days in the control groups and after 7, 21, and 42 days in groups III and IV. The animals were euthanized, and the mandibles were subjected to histotechnical processing. Samples were stained with hematoxylin & eosin (H&E) to identify root canal features, apical and periapical regions. Additionally, histoenzymology was performed to detect osteoclasts, immunohistochemistry was used to identify osteoclastogenesis markers, and the Brown & Brenn technique was applied for microbiological analysis. The data were analyzed using GraphPad Prism 8.0.1 with a significance level of 5%. Although no statistical differences were observed, the groups administered with probiotics showed better conditions in terms of histological aspects seen microscopically. Furthermore, there were no differences in the number of osteoclasts (p > 0.05). The RANKL marker was not found in the probiotic group at 42 days, unlike in group III.

The effects of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) with nanotechnology-applied curcumin and 450nm blue led irradiation on multi-species biofilms in root canals.

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) utilizing nanotechnology-applied curcumin activated by blue LED (450 nm) on the elimination of microorganisms arranged in multispecies biofilms inside the root canals of extracted human teeth. Forty single-rooted human teeth were used; these were randomized into four experimental groups, each comprising 10 teeth: control group, no treatment; photosensitizer (PS) group, nanotechnology-applied curcumin alone; light group, blue LED used separately; and aPDT group, nanotechnology-applied curcumin activated by blue LED. To carry out the tests, the interiors of the root canals were inoculated with species of Candida albicans (ATCC 90029), Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) (ATCC 43300), using a multispecies biofilm. After the incubation period, the canals were treated according to the experimental groups, with no treatment given in the control group. Studied inasmuch as the antimicrobial effectiveness of aPDT was concerned, it was observed that the greatest reduction in microbial counts using aPDTs was achieved against MRSA (mean reduction = 2.48 Log10 CFU/mL), followed by Escherichia coli (mean reduction = 1.72), and Enterococcus faecalis (mean reduction = 1.65); a reduction greater than 1.5 Log10 CFU/mL showed relevant effectiveness of aPDT against these microorganisms. Of note, aPDT has also shown considerable effectiveness against Candida albicans (mean reduction = 0.71), with a statistical difference in the reduction between the groups. aPDT was effective in reducing all microorganisms examined. The average reduction was greater than 1.5 Log10 in all microorganisms except for Candida albicans. HIGHLIGHTS: • aPDT was a viable treatment for root canals; • Nanotechnological curcumin aPDT was effective in reducing multispecies biofilm microorganisms; • aPDT technique showed efficacy under the worst microbiological conditions , such as mature multispecies biofilm; • Nanotechnological curcumin aPDT was able to reduce Gram positive, negative bacterial and yeasts in root canals.

Occurrence of serological reactions for Leptospira spp. in donkeys and mules from Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Research concerning leptospirosis in donkeys and mules has been neglected around the world. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiological situation of the prevalence of anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies in donkeys and mules from the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Blood serum samples were collected from 180 animals (109 donkeys and 71 mules) in two rural properties from the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, and then submitted to a microscopic agglutination test (MAT). Urea and creatinine values were also quantified. Epidemiological variables such as age, breeding system, contact with other animal species, source of water and food, vaccination against leptospirosis, presence of reproductive alterations, and rodent control were also investigated. From 180 samples collected, 39 (21.67%) showed positive results in the MAT, at a dilution ≥ 1:100. Some animals were reactive for more than one serovar. The serovar Tarassovi was the most frequent (14.07%), followed by Hardjo (11.85%) and Wolffi (11.11%). There was a statistically significant difference between animals from 0 to 3 years of age reactive in the MAT in comparison to the other age groups. Most of the animals had urea and creatinine concentrations within the acceptable reference limit; however, there was a significant increase in creatinine levels in some of the test animals. The studied properties showed differences in some epidemiological aspects such as vaccination of the animals, presence of reproductive problems in the herd, and rodent control. Such aspects pointed as risk factors that may influence the frequency of positive serological results in property 1. The present study demonstrated that the prevalence of leptospirosis in donkeys and mules is high and several serovars are being maintained by these animals, representing a potential public health risk.

Evolutionarily conserved role of oxytocin in social fear contagion in zebrafish.

Emotional contagion is the most ancestral form of empathy. We tested to what extent the proximate mechanisms of emotional contagion are evolutionarily conserved by assessing the role of oxytocin, known to regulate empathic behaviors in mammals, in social fear contagion in zebrafish. Using oxytocin and oxytocin receptor mutants, we show that oxytocin is both necessary and sufficient for observer zebrafish to imitate the distressed behavior of conspecific demonstrators. The brain regions associated with emotional contagion in zebrafish are homologous to those involved in the same process in rodents (e.g., striatum, lateral septum), receiving direct projections from oxytocinergic neurons located in the pre-optic area. Together, our results support an evolutionary conserved role for oxytocin as a key regulator of basic empathic behaviors across vertebrates.

Atitudes e crenças de médicos ginecologistas- -obstetras e de pacientes do Hospital Universitário de Brasília sobre o rastreamento cervical e o exame pélvico / Attitudes and beliefs of obstetrician-gynecologists and patients at the University Hospital of Brasília about cervical screening and pelvic examination

Objetivo: Avaliar as atitudes e crenças de pacientes e médicos ginecologistas-obstetras sobre o rastreamento cervical e o exame pélvico no Hospital Universitário de Brasília (HUB). Métodos: Foram realizadas entrevistas com pacientes que aguardavam por uma consulta previamente agendada no ambulatório de ginecologia e com médicos ginecologistas-obstetras que atuavam no HUB. Cada grupo respondeu a um questionário que enfocava a realização do rastreamento cervical e do exame pélvico (EP). Resultados: No total, 387 pacientes responderam ao questionário. Dessas, apenas 4,13% sabiam que, de acordo com as diretrizes brasileiras, o rastreamento cervical deveria ser iniciado aos 25 anos de idade, 5,17% sabiam que ele deveria ser encerrado aos 64 anos e 97,93% esperavam um intervalo menor do que o trienal recomendado. Após serem informadas sobre as diretrizes, 66,93% acreditavam que o início aos 25 anos é tardio, 61,5%, que o encerramento aos 64 anos é precoce, 88,37%, que o intervalo trienal é muito longo e 94,06% ficaram com receio de que problemas de saúde pudessem aparecer nesse intervalo. Dos 44 médicos que responderam ao questionário, embora a maioria concordasse com as diretrizes, somente 31,82%, 38,64% e 34,1% as seguia com relação à frequência, à idade de início e à idade de encerramento, respectivamente. Quanto ao EP, aproximadamente metade dos participantes de cada grupo considerava que o exame deveria ser realizado nas consultas regulares com o ginecologista. Conclusão: Foi observada uma discrepância entre as expectativas das pacientes e as diretrizes para o rastreamento de câncer cervical. A maior parte das pacientes não as conhecia e, quando informadas, não concordava com elas. Quanto aos médicos ginecologistas- obstetras, a maioria não as seguia, apesar de conhecê-las. Quanto ao EP, grande parte dos médicos e pacientes considerava-o importante e acreditava que ele deveria ser realizado de forma rotineira nas consultas ginecológicas.

Objective: Evaluate the attitudes and beliefs of patients and obstetrician-gynecologists about cervical screening and pelvic examination in the University Hospital of Brasília (HUB). Methods: Face-to-face interviews with patients waiting for a previously scheduled consultation at the gynecology outpatient clinics and attending obstetrician-gynecologists at the HUB. Each group answered a questionnaire addressing cervical screening and pelvic examination (PE). Results: 387 patients answered the questionnaire. Of these, only 4.13% were aware that, according to Brazilian guidelines, cervical screening should begin at age 25, 5.17% that it should stop at age 64 and 97.93% expected a shorter interval than the recommended triennial. After being informed of the guidelines, 66.93% believed that starting at age 25 is late, 61.5% that stopping at 64 is early, 88.37% that the triennial interval is too long, and 94.06% would be afraid that health problems could appear during the interval. Of the 44 participating physicians, although most agreed with the guidelines, only 31.82%, 38.64% and 34.1% followed them regarding frequency, starting and stopping age, respectively. As for EP, approximately half of the participants in each group believed that it should be performed in regular consultations with the gynecologist. Conclusion: There was a discrepancy between patients' expectations and cervical screening guidelines. Most patients didn't know and, when informed, didn't agree with them. As for Ob-Gyn physicians, most did not follow these guidelines, despite knowing them. As for pelvic exam, most physicians and patients considered it important and believed it should be routinely performed during gynecological consultations.

Effect of systemic administration of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis HN019 on apical periodontitis

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (B. lactis) HN019 in drinking water on the development of apical periodontitis (AP) in rats. In total 60 animals were divided into a control group (sound teeth); Group I - regular water without AP; Group II - probiotic water without AP; Group III - regular water with AP; Group IV - probiotic water with AP. AP was induced after 3 days in the control groups and after 7, 21, and 42 days in groups III and IV. The animals were euthanized, and the mandibles were subjected to histotechnical processing. Samples were stained with hematoxylin & eosin (H&E) to identify root canal features, apical and periapical regions. Additionally, histoenzymology was performed to detect osteoclasts, immunohistochemistry was used to identify osteoclastogenesis markers, and the Brown & Brenn technique was applied for microbiological analysis. The data were analyzed using GraphPad Prism 8.0.1 with a significance level of 5%. Although no statistical differences were observed, the groups administered with probiotics showed better conditions in terms of histological aspects seen microscopically. Furthermore, there were no differences in the number of osteoclasts (p > 0.05). The RANKL marker was not found in the probiotic group at 42 days, unlike in group III.

Suicidal Ideation in University Students: a Rorschach Assessment / Ideação Suicida em Estudantes Universitários: Avaliação com Rorschach / Ideación Suicida en Estudiantes Universitarios: Evaluación con Rorschach

Abstract University students are particularly susceptible to suicidal ideation and behavior due to issues inherent to this vital lives' moment. The Rorschach test can help to understand these students' suffering. The objective was to evaluate perception, thinking, stress, and distress in the Rorschach test domains in university students attended at a public university mental health service, comparing students with suicidal ideation with those without it. A total of 36 students aged 18 or over were assessed. The instruments were: Rorschach Performance Assessment System (R-PAS), Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) and Self Report Questionnaire (SRQ-20). Two analyses were performed using Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney test, according to the presence of suicidal ideation in the last 30 days (SRQ-20) and in the last six months (C-SSRS). Statistically significant differences were found in the two analyses, indicative of greater perceptual distortion in students without suicidal ideation and of stress and distress in students with ideation.

Resumo Estudantes universitários são particularmente suscetíveis a ideação e comportamento suicidas decorrentes de problemas inerentes a este momento vital. O método de Rorschach pode contribuir na compreensão do sofrimento destes estudantes. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar os domínios percepção, pensamento, estresse e angústia no Rorschach de estudantes universitários atendidos em serviço de saúde mental de universidade pública, comparando estudantes com ideação suicida com aqueles sem ideação. Foram avaliados 36 estudantes com 18 anos ou mais. Os instrumentos foram: Rorschach Performance Assessment System (R-PAS), Escala de Avaliação do Risco de Suicídio de Columbia (C-SSRS) e Self Report Questionnaire (SRQ-20). Foram realizadas duas análises com teste de Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney, segundo a presença de ideação nos últimos 30 dias (SRQ-20) e nos últimos 6 meses (C-SSRS). Foram observadas diferenças estatísticas significativas nas duas análises, indicativas de maior distorção perceptiva nos alunos sem ideação suicida e de angústia e estresse nos estudantes com ideação.

Resumen Estudiantes universitarios son particularmente susceptibles a ideación y comportamiento suicida debido a problemas inherentes a este momento vital. El Rorschach puede ayudar a comprender su sufrimiento. El objetivo fue evaluar los dominios percepción, pensamiento, estrés y angustia en el Rorschach de universitarios atendidos en un servicio de salud mental de universidad pública, comparando estudiantes con ideación suicida con aquellos sin esa ideación. Se evaluaron 36 estudiantes de pregrado y posgrado de 18 años o más. Los instrumentos fueron: Rorschach Performance Assessment System, Escala Columbia para Evaluar la Seriedad de la Ideación Suicida (C-SSRS) y Self Report Questionnaire (SRQ-20). Se realizaron dos análisis con Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney test, según la presencia de ideación en los últimos 30 días (SRQ-20) y en los últimos 6 meses (C-SSRS). Hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas en los dos análisis, indicativas de mayor distorsión perceptiva en estudiantes sin ideación suicida y de angustia y estrés en estudiantes con ideación.

Chicken embryos are a valuable model for the selection of Bacillus subtilis for probiotic purposes.

Bacillus subtilis (BS) has been used as an excellent probiotic; however, some BS strains seem to be opportunist pathogens or do not present inhibitory effects in the pathogenic bacteria, so the characterization of BS strains for use in animals is mandatory. This study aimed to select nonpathogenic strains of BS, which can inhibit Salmonella spp., avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC), and Campylobacter jejuni (CJ) using a chicken embryo as a model. We tested nine (9) strains of BS isolated from several sources (named A to I) in in vitro by tests of mucin degradation activity, haemolytic activity, apoptosis, and necrosis in fibroblasts from chickens. After the in vitro test, we tested the remaining seven (7) strains (strains A to G) in a chicken embryo (CE) as an in vivo model and target animal. We inoculated 3 log CFU/CE of each strain via allantoic fluid at the 10th day postincubation (DPI). Each treatment group consisted of eight CEs. At the 17th DPI we checked CE mortality, gross lesions, CE weight, and whether BS strains were still viable. To perform the cytokine, total protein, albumin, and reactive C protein analysis, we collected the CE blood from the allantoic vessel and intestine fragments in the duodenum portion for histomorphometric analysis. After the results in CEs, we tested the inhibition capacity of the selected BS strains for diverse strains of Salmonella  Heidelberg (SH), S. Typhimurium (ST), S. Enteritidis (SE), S. Minnesota (SM), S. Infantis (SI), Salmonella var. monophasic (SVM), APEC and C. jejuni. After the in vitro trial (mucin degradation activity, haemolytic activity, apoptosis, and necrosis), we removed two (2) strains (H and I) that showed ß-haemolysis, mucin degradation, and/or high apoptosis and necrosis effects. Although all strains of BS were viable in CEs at the 17th DPI, we removed four (4) strains (A, B, D, F) once they led to the highest mortality in CEs or a high albumin/protein ratio. C. jejuni inoculated with strain G had greater weight than the commercial strain, which could be further used for egg inoculation with benefits to the CE. From the tests in CEs, we selected the strains C, E, and G for their ability to inhibit pathogenic strains of relevant foodborne pathogens. We found that the inhibition effect was strain dependent. In general, strains E and/or G presented better or similar results than commercial control strains in the inhibition of SH, ST, SI, APEC, and two (2) strains of CJ. In this study, we selected BS strains C, E and G due to their in vitro and in vivo safety and beneficial effects. In addition, we emphasize the value of CE as an in vivo experimental model for assessing BS's safety and possible benefits for poultry and other animals.

Efficacy of photobiomodulation therapy on healing of ionizing irradiated bone: a systematic review of in vivo animal studies.

This systematic review aimed to answer the research focused question: What are the effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy on bone healing after ionizing irradiation in animal models? The EMBASE, LILACS, LIVIVO, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, including gray literature, were searched using the following keywords: "Head and Neck Neoplasms"; "Ionizing Radiation"; "Low-Level Light Therapy"; and "Bone regeneration", focusing on the primary studies that assessed the effects of PBM therapy on animal models of irradiated bone. Six studies have met the eligibility criteria and presented an overall regular quality according to the risk of bias assessment tools. All the studies utilized rat animal model and near-infrared laser PBM at low power output setting. Most of the studies showed increased new bone formation, osteocytes, osteoblasts, and vascularization networking, as a result of PBM therapy. However, only one out of the six studies has not shown any differences in bone healing in both lased and non-lased animal groups. Nevertheless, PBM therapy is a potential tool to improve bone healing induced by ionizing radiation. However, due to the scarce number of studies and the great variability of laser parameters and treatment protocols, a clear conclusion cannot be drawn. Hence, extensive preclinical in vivo studies are warranted to ensure these beneficial effects have been addressed prior to translational clinical trials.

Comparative randomized trial study about the efficacy of photobiomodulation and curcumin antimicrobial photodynamic therapy as a coadjuvant treatment of oral mucositis in oncologic patients: antimicrobial, analgesic, and degree alteration effect.

INTRODUCTION: As conventional treatments currently available for mucositis are not considerably effective, there is a need to implement an adjuvant protocol for the treatment of oral mucositis in patients undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of photobiomodulation (PBM) and antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) mediated by curcumin and blue LED as an adjunct treatment of oral mucositis for oncology patients using chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. METHODS: Clinical, randomized study, in a single location, in an oncology service of a general hospital, with a total of 30 patients (over 18 years old) with stable oral mucosa lesions in the process of chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. The patients were divided into 3 groups: control group (treated with nystatin), PBM group (treated with low-level laser therapy), and the aPDT group (treated with 450-nm blue LED and curcumin photosensitizer). RESULTS: The results showed, by means of intra-group comparisons, that the two experimental treatments promoted yeast reduction of the genus Candida in the last two evaluations (21 days and 30 days), but not in the first two evaluations (7 days and 14 days). The intra-group comparisons showed that the control and aPDT group showed a significant difference in the degree of mucositis over the four evaluations performed, with the results pointing out that the mucositis worsened in the control group from the 14th day, while reduced in the aPDT group from the 21st day of treatment. CONCLUSION: A reduction in the degree of mucositis and pain score was observed in the PBM and aPDT groups, with the aPDT group standing out when presenting early clinical improvement in relation to the PBM group and the control group, thus emphasizing its effectiveness within the desired aspects. Regarding the antimicrobial effect, aPDT showed a greater reduction of yeasts of the genus Candida in the tested parameters.

Lack of direct association between oral mucosal lesions and SARS-CoV- 2 in a cohort of patients hospitalised with COVID-19.

Background: COVID-19 is a disease affecting various human organs and systems, in which the virus seeks to interact with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptors. These receptors are present in the oral cavity, but the direct relationship between such an interaction and possible oral manifestations of COVID-19 is still unclear. Aim: The present study evaluated oral manifestations in a cohort of COVID-19 patients during the period of hospitalisation. Methods: In total, 154 patients presenting moderate-to-severe forms of COVID-19 had their oral mucosa examined twice a week until the final outcome, either discharge or death. The oral alterations observed in the patients were grouped into Group 1 (pre-existing conditions and opportunistic oral lesions) and Group 2 (oral mucosal changes related to hospitalization). Results: Oral lesions found in the patients of Group 1 are not suggestive of SARS-CoV-2 infection as they are mainly caused by opportunistic infections. On the other hand, oral alterations found in the patients of Group 2 were statistically (P < 0.001) related to intubation and longer period of hospitalisation. Conclusion: It is unlikely that ulcerative lesions in the oral cavity are a direct manifestation of SARS-CoV-2 or a marker of COVID-19 progression.

Modulus of Elasticity of Elastic Tubes Used in Neuromuscular Rehabilitation Programs.

CONTEXT: The elastic tubes have been used for clinical rehabilitation programs in which exercises are performed with submaximal intensities due to the difficulty in the measure the applied force. The authors aimed to quantify the elastic constant of elastic tubes used in neuromuscular rehabilitation programs predicting the force related to elastic tube elongation. A force test was performed by stretching the elastic tubes to determine the relationship between force and elongation. Eight elastic tubes with progressive levels of resistance represented by colors (yellow, red, blue, gray, black, grape, purple, and gold-low to higher resistance) were used. DESIGN: Experimental. METHODS: The test and retest were compared using the paired t test. The agreement and reliability between the test versus retest of pooled means colors were analyzed by plotting the Bland-Altman graph and intraclass correlation coefficient and the coefficient of variation. Pearson correlation was used to verify the validity between measurements. RESULTS: The force values generated from the elastic tube elongation increase according to the color and thickness of elastic tubes with a strong and significant association between them (P < .0001). The elastic constant measurements were similar and presented high intraclass correlation coefficient values, low coefficient of variation values, and were reproducible (P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: The force could be quantified according to elastic tube length variation by the linear regression equation with reproducibility. It gives greater measurement precision and better training load control when using elastic tubes in strength training programs.

Are Resistance Training-Induced BDNF in Hemodialysis Patients Associated with Depressive Symptoms, Quality of Life, Antioxidant Capacity, and Muscle Strength? An Insight for the Muscle-Brain-Renal Axis.

BACKGROUND: Hemodialysis patients are suffering from depressive symptoms. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels are negatively associated with depressive symptoms and decrease during a single hemodialysis session. Resistance training (RT) might be an additional non-pharmacological tool to increase BDNF and promote mental health. METHODS: Two randomized groups of hemodialysis patients: control (CTL, n = 76/F36; 66.33 ± 3.88 years) and RT (n = 81/F35; 67.27 ± 3.24 years). RT completed six months of training thrice a week under the supervision of strength and conditioning professional immediately before the dialysis session. Training loads were adjusted using the OMNI rating of perceived exertion. The total antioxidant capacity (TROLOX), glutathione (GSH), thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS), and BDNF levels were analyzed in serum samples. Quality of life (assessed through Medical Outcomes-SF36), and Beck Depression Inventory was applied. RESULTS: RT improved handgrip strength (21.17 ± 4.38 vs. 27.17 ± 4.34; p = 0.001) but not for CTL (20.09 ± 5.19 vs. 19.75 ± 5.54; p = 0.001). Post-training, RT group had higher values as compared to CTL related to TROLOX (RT,680.8 ± 225.2 vs. CTL,589.5 ± 195.9; p = 0.001) and GSH (RT, 9.33 ± 2.09 vs. CTL,5.00 ± 2.96; p = 0.001). RT group had lower values of TBARS as compared to CTL at post-training (RT, 11.06 ± 2.95 vs. CTL, 13.66 ± 2.62; p = 0.001). BDNF increased for RT (11.66 ± 5.20 vs. 19.60 ± 7.23; p = 0.001), but decreased for CTL (14.40 ± 4.99 vs. 10.84 ± 5.94; p = 0.001). Quality of life and mental health increased (p = 0.001) for RT, but did not change for CTL (p = 0.001). BDNF levels were associated with emotional dimensions of SF36, depressive symptoms, and handgrip (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: RT was effective as a non-pharmacological tool to increased BDNF levels, quality of life, temper the redox balance and decrease depressive symptoms intensity in hemodialysis patients.

First Report of Genetic Variability of Erysipelothrix sp. Strain 2 in Turkeys Associated to Vero Cells Morphometric Alteration.

Erysipelas is a disease caused by the Erysipelothrix genus, whose main species is the E. rhusiopathiae, the causative agent of animal erysipelas and human erysipeloid. We isolated Erysipelothrix sp. strain 2 (ES2) from turkey's organs during an outbreak in Brazilian commercial and breeder flocks with sepsis and high mortality levels. We studied 18 flocks, accounting for 182 samples, being eight flocks (84 samples) as ES2 positive with individuals demonstrating clinical symptoms and high mortality. We obtained the genetic variability of 19 samples with PFGE and found two clones, both from the same flock but different samples, and two clusters. Interestingly, we found 15 strains with high genetic variability among and within flocks. We have found a positive association between the proximity of ES2 positive turkey flocks and commercial swine sites through epidemiological analysis. We infected Vero cells with two different isolates and three distinct concentrations of ES2. After performing the morphometry, we recorded enlargement of the nucleus and nucleolus. Moreover, we performed fluorescence assays that resulted in apoptotic and necrotic cells. We demonstrated that ES2 could multiply in the extracellular medium and invade and survive inside Vero cells. For the first time, our finds show that ES2 may have similar behavior as E. rhusiopathiae as a facultative intracellular microorganism, which may represent a hazard for humans.

Comparative genomics of a novel clade shed light on the evolution of the genus Erysipelothrix and characterise an emerging species.

Erysipelothrix sp. isolates obtained from a deadly outbreak in farmed turkeys were sequenced and compared to representatives of the genus. Phylogenetic trees-supported by digital DNA:DNA hybridization and Average Nucleotide Identity-revealed a novel monophyletic clade comprising isolates from pigs, turkeys, and fish, including isolates previously described as E. sp. Strain 2. Genes coding for the SpaC protein, typically found in E. sp. Strain 2, were detected in all isolates of the clade. Therefore, we confirm E. sp. Strain 2 represents a unique species that may be isolated from a broad host range, and the name "Erysipelothrix takahashiae" is suggested. Core genome analysis showed that the pathogenic species of this genus, E. rhusiopathiae and the clade E. sp. Strain 2, are enriched in core functionalities related to nutrient uptake and transport, but not necessarily homologous pathways. For instance, whereas the aerobic DctA transporter may uptake C4-dicarboxylates in both species, the anaerobic DcuC transporter is exclusive of the E. sp. Strain 2. Remarkably, the pan-genome analysis uncovered that genes related to transport and metabolism, recombination and repair, translation and transcription in the fish isolate, within the novel clade, have undergone a genomic reduction through pseudogenization. This reflects distinct selective pressures shaping the genome of species and strains within the genus Erysipelothrix while adapting to their respective niches.

Alpha-1-antitrypsin: A possible host protective factor against Covid-19.

Understanding Covid-19 pathophysiology is crucial for a better understanding of the disease and development of more effective treatments. Alpha-1-antitrypsin (A1AT) is a constitutive tissue protector with antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. A1AT inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infection and two of the most important proteases in the pathophysiology of Covid-19: the transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) and the disintegrin and metalloproteinase 17 (ADAM17). It also inhibits the activity of inflammatory molecules, such as IL-8, TNF-α, and neutrophil elastase (NE). TMPRSS2 is essential for SARS-CoV-2-S protein priming and viral infection. ADAM17 mediates ACE2, IL-6R, and TNF-α shedding. ACE2 is the SARS-CoV-2 entry receptor and a key component for the balance of the renin-angiotensin system, inflammation, vascular permeability, and pulmonary homeostasis. In addition, clinical findings indicate that A1AT levels might be important in defining Covid-19 outcomes, potentially partially explaining associations with air pollution and with diabetes. In this review, we focused on the interplay between A1AT with TMPRSS2, ADAM17 and immune molecules, and the role of A1AT in the pathophysiology of Covid-19, opening new avenues for investigating effective treatments.

Management of deep caries lesions with or without pulp involvement in primary teeth: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

Abstract: There is a lack of evidence about the best approach for cavitated caries lesions with the possibility of pulpal involvement in primary teeth. Thus, the present authors aimed to verify the best treatment for deep caries lesions with or without pulp involvement in primary teeth. The search was conducted in MEDLINE/Pubmed and Web of Science databases until May 2020. Studies that compared techniques to manage deep caries lesions with at least 12 months of follow-up were included. The risk of bias was evaluated using the RoB tool. Network meta-analysis and pairwise meta-analyses were conducted considering the treatment clinical success as an outcome, according to the pulp health condition. From 491 potentially eligible studies, 9 were included. For deep caries lesions with pulp vitality, the Hall Technique presented the highest probability of success (78%). In the event of accidental pulp exposure, pulpectomy presented a 76% chance of providing the best clinical results. For pulp necrosis, no difference was observed between a pulpectomy and non-instrumented endodontic treatment (RR = 0.69; 95%CI: 0.21-2.33) Thus, it was concluded that the Hall Technique may be a better option for deep caries lesions with pulp vitality. In cases of accidental pulp exposure of vital teeth during caries removal, a pulpectomy may be considered the best option. However, there are insufficient studies to build up evidence about the best treatment option when irreversible pulpitis or pulp necrosis is present.

Management of deep caries lesions with or without pulp involvement in primary teeth: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

There is a lack of evidence about the best approach for cavitated caries lesions with the possibility of pulpal involvement in primary teeth. Thus, the present authors aimed to verify the best treatment for deep caries lesions with or without pulp involvement in primary teeth. The search was conducted in MEDLINE/Pubmed and Web of Science databases until May 2020. Studies that compared techniques to manage deep caries lesions with at least 12 months of follow-up were included. The risk of bias was evaluated using the RoB tool. Network meta-analysis and pairwise meta-analyses were conducted considering the treatment clinical success as an outcome, according to the pulp health condition. From 491 potentially eligible studies, 9 were included. For deep caries lesions with pulp vitality, the Hall Technique presented the highest probability of success (78%). In the event of accidental pulp exposure, pulpectomy presented a 76% chance of providing the best clinical results. For pulp necrosis, no difference was observed between a pulpectomy and non-instrumented endodontic treatment (RR = 0.69; 95%CI: 0.21-2.33) Thus, it was concluded that the Hall Technique may be a better option for deep caries lesions with pulp vitality. In cases of accidental pulp exposure of vital teeth during caries removal, a pulpectomy may be considered the best option. However, there are insufficient studies to build up evidence about the best treatment option when irreversible pulpitis or pulp necrosis is present.