Impact of passive ultrasonic irrigation on the outcome of non-surgical root canal treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aimed to assess the impact of Passive Ultrasonic Irrigation on the periapical healing rate of primary root canal treatment compared to conventional syringe irrigation. METHODS: Registered a priori in the PROSPERO database, this review was conducted by two independent reviewers who performed an electronic search up to December 2023. The search included databases such as MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, LILACS, and the Cochrane Library, as well as grey literature. We included randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that focused on patients undergoing primary root canal treatments. The study compared intervention groups using PUI with control groups that did not use activation techniques. Periapical healing was assessed over follow-up periods of at least six months, utilizing either periapical radiographs or cone-beam computed tomography. To synthesize the findings, a meta-analysis and trial sequence analysis were conducted, employing the Relative Risk as the measure of effect, with a 95% confidence interval. The GRADE approach was utilized to assess the certainty of the evidence. RESULTS: The meta-analysis incorporated three RCTs, involving 474 patients (501 teeth). The analysis revealed that PUI led to a higher rate of periapical healing compared to CSI (Relative Risk: 1.10; 95% Confidence Interval: 1.01-1.21, I² = 0%), with moderate certainty of evidence. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the limited number of high-quality RCTs, the findings showed a positive impact of PUI on periapical healing rates in primary root canal treatments, in comparison to CSI. REGISTER: CRD42021290894.

Microscopic and metabolomics analysis of the anti-Listeria activity of natural and engineered cruzioseptins.

Listeria monocytogenes is a human opportunistic foodborne pathogen that produces life-threatening infections with a high mortality rate. The control of Listeria in the food production environment and effective clinical management of human listeriosis are challenging due to the emergence of antibiotic resistance. Hence we evaluate the in vitro anti-Listeria activity of two synthetic cruzioseptins reproducing their natural sequences CZS-9, and CZS-12, and one engineered sequence based on CZS-1, named [K4K15]CZS-1. The assessment of the in vitro potential of cruzioseptins, highlighted the promising antibacterial effect of [K4K15]CZS-1 in very low concentrations (0.91 µM) and its thermal stability at high-temperature conditions, is compatible with the food industry. Microscopic and metabolomic analyses suggest cruzioseptin induces anti-Listeria bioactivity through membrane disruption and changes in the intracellular metabolome. We also report that [K4K15]CZS-1 is not resistant to peptidases/proteases emphasizing a key advantage for their use as a food preservative. However, there is a need for further structural and functional optimisations for the potential clinical application as an antibiotic. In conclusion, [K4K15]CZS-1 stand out as membrane-active peptides with the ability to induce shifts in the bacteria metabolome and inspire the development of strategies for the prevention of L. monocytogenes emergence and dissemination.

Epidemiological profile of luxations injuries with or without dental fractures in permanent teeth: A 10-years retrospective study.

BACKGROUND/AIM: This study assessed the epidemiology of luxation injuries with or without dental fractures in patients attending the outpatient clinic of a Brazilian dental school over the past decade. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We reviewed clinical records from a specialized center for dental trauma care in Brazil, focusing on patients who experienced at least one traumatic dental injury (TDI) in a permanent tooth between 2012 and 2022. The extracted data included sex, age, etiology, time between trauma occurrence and the search for initial care, TDI classification, and the need for endodontic treatment. The statistical analysis involved Pearson's chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests at a 5% significance level. RESULTS: The 366 analyzed clinical records included 166 patients (350 teeth) with luxation injuries. Men (n = 102) showed a higher prevalence of luxation injuries than women (n = 64). Extrusive luxation prevailed (n = 99 patients and 208 teeth). Patients with luxation injuries sought care promptly after dental trauma incidents (p = .02) and demonstrated a higher incidence of endodontic treatment (p < .0001) than those without luxation injuries. Lateral luxation was notably associated with traffic accidents (p < .0001). The combination of luxation injuries and tooth fractures did not correlate with a higher need for endodontic treatment (p > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Age and trauma etiology seemed to have influenced the epidemiological profile of luxation injuries. Additionally, these injuries affected the time to seek initial care and the need for endodontic treatment.

Self-efficacy measurement instruments for individuals with coronary artery disease: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Over the past decade, there has been a heightened interest in evaluating self-efficacy among patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). A significant number of instruments have been developed and validated, yet the need remains to assess the quality of their studies and their properties. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the measurement properties and link the content extracted from self-efficacy instrument items for individuals with CAD to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF). METHODOLOGY: The study was conducted following the Cochrane systematic review guidelines and COnsensus norms for Selection of health Measuring INstruments (COSMIN), registered under CRD42021262613. The search was carried out on MEDLINE (Ovid), Web of Science, EMBASE, and PsycINFO, including studies involving the development and validation of self-efficacy instruments for individuals with CAD, without language or date restrictions. Data extraction was performed in May 2022 and updated in January 2023 and all the steps of this review were carried out by two different collaborators and reviewed by a third when there were divergences. Modified Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) recommended by COSMIN was used to determine the quality of evidence as high, moderate, low, or very low. Instrument categorization was carried out per COSMIN recommendations, according to the construct of interest and study population into three categories (A, B, or C). RESULTS: A total of 21 studies from 12 instruments were identified. The best-rated instruments received a recommendation of B, which means, additional validation studies are needed. Barnason Efficacy Expectation Scale (BEES) showed high-quality evidence for structural, construct, criterion, and internal consistency validity; Cardiac Self-Efficacy Scale (CSES) demonstrated high quality for content, structural, cross-cultural validity, and internal consistency; Self-efficacy for Appropriate Medication Use (SEAMS) achieved a high level for structural, criterion, and internal consistency validity; Cardiovascular Management Self-Efficacy Scale exhibited high-level validity for structural, criterion, construct, and internal consistency. The CSES showed content linkage with all domains of the ICF, as well as the highest number of linkages with the categories. CONCLUSIONS: Instruments with a B-level recommendation hold potential for use. More studies assessing measurement properties are needed to reinforce or improve these recommendations. The CSES stands out as the most comprehensive instrument concerning the ICF.

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.

The Century-Long Journey of Peptide-Based Drugs.

The pioneering medical application of peptides as therapeutics began approximately a century ago; however, they remain clinically relevant candidates garnering more attention on the drug development agenda [...].

New-onset diabetes after kidney transplantation: Assessing urinary Wilm's tumor-1 protein to predict renal allograft dysfunction.

PURPOSE: New-onset diabetes after transplantation (NODAT) is a frequent metabolic complication associated with podocyte damage and renal allograft dysfunction. Thus, Wilm's tumor-1 (WT-1) protein, as a podocyte marker, holds promise as an option to evaluate renal allograft dysfunction in NODAT. Therefore, the study aimed to investigate urinary WT-1 levels in NODAT patients during the first year after kidney transplantation (KTx). MATERIALS AND METHODS: KTx patients were categorized into non-NODAT and NODAT groups. Fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR), serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and urinary WT-1 were measured at 3, 6, 9, and 12-months post-KTx. RESULTS: The NODAT group manifested elevated levels of blood glucose and HbA1c during the first year post-KTx. Also, exhibited elevations in ACR and serum creatinine levels at 6, 9, and 12-months post-KTx when compared to non-NODAT group. Conversely, eGFR values in the NODAT group demonstrated significant declines at 3, 6, and 9-months post-KTx relative to non-NODAT. Furthermore, NODAT group exhibited a median annual eGFR of 47 â€‹mL/min/1.73 â€‹m2. Urinary WT-1 levels at 3, 6, 9, and 12-months post-KTx were significantly higher in the NODAT group compared to non-NODAT. Additionally, noteworthy positive correlations were identified between urinary WT-1 and HbA1c levels, along with significant negative correlations between urinary WT-1 and eGFR at the 3, 6, 9, and 12-months post-KTx. CONCLUSION: The increased urinary WT-1 levels from 3-months post-KTx in NODAT patients may indicate the first sign of podocyte injury, predicting a renal allograft dysfunction in these patients.

Hospitalisations and fatality due to respiratory diseases according to a national database in Brazil: a longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory diseases (RDs) cause millions of hospitalisations and deaths worldwide, resulting in economic and social impacts. Strategies for health promotion and disease prevention based on the epidemiological profile of the population may reduce hospital costs. AIM: To characterise hospitalisations and deaths due to RDs in Brazilian adults above 20 years old between 2008 and 2021. METHODS: This ecological study used secondary data of hospitalisations and deaths due to RDs from the Hospital Information System of the Brazilian Unified Health System between 2008 and 2021. Data were grouped according to region, age group and sex. The period was divided into first (2008-2011), second (2012-2015) and third (2016-2019) quadrennia and one biennium (2020-2021), and all data were analysed using the GraphPad Prism; statistical significance was set at p<0.05. RESULTS: A total of 9 502 378 hospitalisations due to RDs were registered between 2008 and 2021. The south and southeast regions presented the highest hospitalisation and fatality rate, respectively, in the age group ≥80 years with no significant differences between sexes. Also, RDs caused 1 170 504 deaths, with a national fatality rate of 12.32%. CONCLUSION: RDs affected the Brazilian population and impaired the health system, especially the hospital environment. The south/southeast regions were the most affected, and the ageing process contributed to the increased incidence of RDs.

Prevalence and reasons for referrals to the Endodontics Specialty Clinic at the Piracicaba Dental School.

Dental referrals to the Endodontics Specialty Clinic (ESC) are routine owing to the complexity of endodontic treatments. To obtain a better prognosis for treatment, students/dentists must perceive their technical limits. This study sought to investigate the referrals of patients to the ESC from different clinics of the Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas - SP, Brazil, and check: a) the demographic profile of patients and the most commonly affected tooth; b) the clinic with the largest number of referrals; c) the reasons for referrals; d) the complexity of the cases; e) and the difficulty in assessing the referred cases based on the classification provided by the American Association of Endodontists (AAE) and Souza-Filho. The study sample consisted of patients' electronic dental referral records from February 2015 to June 2019. A total of 1,707 patients were referred to the ESC during the study period, and 62.4% were female. Lower molars were the most frequently involved teeth (34.8%), and 60.7% of the cases were referred due to the presence of root curvature. The AAE classification showed prevalence of highly difficult cases (71.3%), whereas Souza-Filho classification demonstrated a high rate of class III cases (85.8%). This study highlights the difficulties encountered by undergraduate students before or during endodontic treatments, reinforcing the need for clear criteria for selecting cases appropriate for each education level, thus improving endodontic treatment prognosis.

Direct oral anticoagulants versus vitamin K antagonists in patients with atrial fibrillation and stage 5 chronic kidney disease under dialysis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: In patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and normal or slightly impaired renal function, the use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) is preferable to vitamin K antagonists (VKAs). However, in patients undergoing hemodialysis, the efficacy, and safety of DOACs compared with VKAs are still unknown. PURPOSE: To review current evidence about the safety and efficacy of DOACs compared to VKAs, in patients with AF and chronic kidney disease under hemodialysis. METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases for RCTs comparing DOACs with VKAs for anticoagulation in patients with AF on dialysis therapy. Outcomes of interest were: (1) stroke; (2) major bleeding; (3) cardiovascular mortality; and (4) all-cause mortality. Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 5.1.7 and heterogeneity was assessed by I2 statistics. RESULTS: Three randomized controlled trials were included, comprising a total of 383 patients. Of these, 218 received DOACs (130 received apixaban; 88 received rivaroxaban), and 165 were treated with VKAs (116 received warfarin; 49 received phenprocoumon). The incidence of stroke was significantly lower in patients treated with DOACs (4.7%) compared with those using VKAs (9.5%) (RR 0.42; 95% CI 0.18-0.97; p = 0.04; I2 = 0%). However, the difference was not statistically significant in the case of ischemic stroke specifically (RR 0.42; 95% CI 0.17-1.04; p = 0.06; I2 = 0%). As for the major bleeding outcome, the DOAC group (11%) had fewer events than the VKA group (13.9%) but without statistical significance (RR 0.75; 95% CI 0.45-1.28; p = 0.29; I2 = 0%). There was no significant difference between groups regarding cardiovascular mortality (RR 1.23; 95% CI 0.66-2.29; p = 0.52; I2 = 13%) and all-cause mortality (RR 0.98; 95% CI 0.77-1.24; p = 0.84; I2 = 16%). CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis suggests that in patients with AF on dialysis, the use of DOACs was associated with a significant reduction in stroke, and a numerical trend of less incidence of major bleeding compared with VKAs, but in this case with no statistical significance. Results may be limited by a small sample size or insufficient statistical power.

A Preliminary Study on Hepatoprotective, Hypolipidemic and Aortic Morphometric Effects of Omega-3-Rich Fish Oil in Hypercholesterolemic Mice.

This study aims to evaluate the hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic and aortic morphometric effects of fish oil rich in omega-3 in hypercholesterolemic BALB/c mice. This is an experimental model that included 16 male BALB/c mice (Mus musculus) divided into three groups (G1 (standard commercial chow and 0.9% saline solution), G2 (hypercholesterolemic diet and 0.9% saline solution) and G3 (hypercholesterolemic diet and fish oil)) for 8 weeks. There was no significant difference in the treatment with omega-3-rich fish oil in the lipid profile (p > 0.05). In the histological analysis, group G2 detected the presence of hepatitis and liver tissue necrosis, but this was not observed in group G3. As for the morphometry in the light area of the vessel, the G1 group had a higher score (2.62 ± 0.36 mm2) when compared to G2 (2.10 ± 0.16 mm2) and G3 (2.26 ± 0.25 mm2) (p < 0.05). The vessel wall thickness did not differ between the groups (p > 0.05). It is concluded that supplementation with fish oil rich in omega-3 carried out in this study may have a protective effect on liver tissue, but it has not yet improved the lipid and morphometric profile. Despite this research being preliminary, it is a relevant study with future prospects for improving the doses of EPA and DHA in order to better elucidate the benefits of fish oil in models of dyslipidemia.

Antibacterial and Antiviral Properties of Chenopodin-Derived Synthetic Peptides.

Antimicrobial peptides have been developed based on plant-derived molecular scaffolds for the treatment of infectious diseases. Chenopodin is an abundant seed storage protein in quinoa, an Andean plant with high nutritional and therapeutic properties. Here, we used computer- and physicochemical-based strategies and designed four peptides derived from the primary structure of Chenopodin. Two peptides reproduce natural fragments of 14 amino acids from Chenopodin, named Chen1 and Chen2, and two engineered peptides of the same length were designed based on the Chen1 sequence. The two amino acids of Chen1 containing amide side chains were replaced by arginine (ChenR) or tryptophan (ChenW) to generate engineered cationic and hydrophobic peptides. The evaluation of these 14-mer peptides on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli showed that Chen1 does not have antibacterial activity up to 512 µM against these strains, while other peptides exhibited antibacterial effects at lower concentrations. The chemical substitutions of glutamine and asparagine by amino acids with cationic or aromatic side chains significantly favoured their antibacterial effects. These peptides did not show significant hemolytic activity. The fluorescence microscopy analysis highlighted the membranolytic nature of Chenopodin-derived peptides. Using molecular dynamic simulations, we found that a pore is formed when multiple peptides are assembled in the membrane. Whereas, some of them form secondary structures when interacting with the membrane, allowing water translocations during the simulations. Finally, Chen2 and ChenR significantly reduced SARS-CoV-2 infection. These findings demonstrate that Chenopodin is a highly useful template for the design, engineering, and manufacturing of non-toxic, antibacterial, and antiviral peptides.

Photodynamic therapy in the root canal treatment of primary teeth: A systematic review of clinical trials.

BACKGROUND: Dental caries is the most common oral disease worldwide, and it is estimated to affect 2.3 billion people, with at least 530 million of them being schoolchildren with decayed primary teeth. This condition can rapidly evolve into irreversible pulp inflammation and pulp necrosis and thus requiring endodontic intervention. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a supplementary method to conventional pulpectomy and is used to improve the protocol used for disinfection. AIM: The main objective of this study was to evaluate through a systematic review the efficacy of supplementary PDT on the pulpectomy of primary teeth. This review was registered a priori on the PROSPERO database (CRD42022310581). DESIGN: Two independent and blinded reviewers carried out a comprehensive search in five databases: PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science. Eligible studies were randomized and nonrandomized clinical trials that evaluated in vivo microbiological load or clinical outcomes after using supplementary PDT in infected primary teeth. RESULTS: After the selection process, four studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this study. Data regarding the sample characteristics and PDT protocols were retrieved. All included trials used phenothiazinium salts as photosensitizer agents. Only one study observed a significant difference in the in vivo microbiological load reduction outcome when performing PDT on primary teeth. The remaining studies all discussed the possible benefits of this intervention; however, none observed a significant difference in this outcome. CONCLUSION: In this systematic review, moderate-to-low certainty of the available evidence was observed, and thus, no significant conclusions can be drawn from the findings.

Evaluation of the acute toxicity of ellagic acid and gallic acid incorporated in Poloxamer407® gel, in Zophobas morio larvae.

Gallic acid (GA) has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, while ellagic acid (EA) demonstrates anticancer, antiviral and photoprotective activity. In this study, the combination of these substances incorporated into a poloxamer gel was tested to verify the individual effect of the substances, in addition to taking advantage of a probable complementary effect, aiming to provide additional therapeutic benefits. As a result of the incorporation, formulations containing GA, EA and GA + EA were obtained, which were evaluated for the effects of the Freeze-thaw cycle on pH, which revealed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in most samples, including the vehicle (without drug) and the gel containing both drugs. No sample showed variation outside the normal pH range for the skin, with values ranging from 4.8 to 6.0. Regarding conductivity, the GA, EA and GA + EA formulations showed a reduction (p < 0.05) after the freeze-thaw cycle. The drug content in the formulations ranged from 95.86% to 101.35% initially to 91.30% to 101.51% after the freeze-thaw cycle. Regarding the drug release, the results revealed the following cumulative percentages: GA-3% - 92.58% after 1.5 h; AE-3% - 51.60% after 6 h; GA + EA (1.5% = 1.5%) - 99.91% after 2 h; GA + EA- (1.5% = 1.5%) released 57.06%, after 6 h. Regarding toxicity, it was observed that the group treated with GA showed a lower survival rate of the larvae (40%) at the dose 3000 mg/Kg in the formulation. Following the same trend, in the acute lethal concentration (ALC50) test performed using Zophobas morio larvae, an ALC50 of 2191.51 mg/Kg was observed for GA at 48 h. Melanin analysis showed a decrease in concentrations of 30 mg/Kg in the GA group, 3 mg/Kg of EA and 3, 300, 3000 mg/Kg of GA + EA, of the pure drugs. In the groups with the drugs incorporated into the gel, there was a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in melanin in the vehicle (gel), at concentrations of 300 and 3000 mg/Kg of GA and EA. On the other hand, in the combination of GA + EA, a reduction was observed at concentrations of 3 and 30 mg/Kg when compared to the control group. Thus, the gel showed good quality as a pharmaceutical formulation for topical use and low toxicity, making it promising for use in skin therapies.

Caracterización de pacientes con serología reactiva. Un estudio de cinco años

Introducción: El test del Venereal Diseases Research Laboratory es una prueba serológica, no treponémica, cuyo resultado reactivo es útil en el diagnóstico de sífilis. Sin embargo, no es específica, pues resulta reactiva debido a múltiples causas. Objetivo: Caracterizar a los pacientes que acudieron a consulta con serología reactiva, según variables de interés para el estudio. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio clínico, descriptivo y transversal en el Policlínico Docente Aquiles Espinoza Salgado, del municipio Las Tunas. El universo fue de 232 pacientes con serología reactiva durante el período de enero de 2018 a diciembre de 2022. Se estudiaron las variables: edad, sexo, motivo de realización de la serología, orientación sexual, causas de test reactivo y criterios diagnósticos en casos de test reactivo debido a sífilis. La información obtenida se presentó en tablas y los resultados se mostraron en porcientos. Resultados: Predominaron los heterosexuales (93,5 %), el chequeo preoperatorio como motivo de realización del test (24,6 %), el sexo masculino (53 %), el grupo de edad entre 25 y 59 años (66,4 %) y la unificación de los tres criterios para el diagnóstico de sífilis (56,8 %). El 53,9 % de los test dieron sífilis. Conclusiones: Se caracterizaron algunas variables en pacientes con test reactivo, destacándose que en la mayoría de ellos la causa fue sífilis. El test se realizó, fundamentalmente, debido a causas no referidas a sífilis. De igual manera, el criterio diagnóstico prevaleciente para confirmar sífilis fue la unificación de los tres criterios.

Introduction: The Venereal Diseases Research Laboratory test is a nontreponemal serological test, whose reactive result is useful in the diagnosis of syphilis. However, it is not specific as it is reactive due to multiple causes. Objective: To characterize the patients who attended the consultation with reactive serology according to variables of interest for the study. Materials and methods: A clinical, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in the Teaching Policlinic Aquiles Espinoza Salgado in the municipality of Las Tunas, Cuba. The universe was 232 patients with reactive serology during the period from January 2018 to December 2022. The variables studied were: age, sex, reason for serology, sexual orientation, causes of reactive test and diagnostic criteria in cases of reactive test due to syphilis. The information obtained was presented in tables and the results were shown in percentages. Results: There was a predominance of heterosexuals (93,5%), preoperative check-up as the reason for performing the test (24,6%), male sex (53%), age group between 25 and 59 years (66,4%), and unification of the three criteria for the diagnosis of syphilis (56,8%). 53,9% of the tests showed syphilis. Conclusions: Some variables were characterized in patients with a reactive test, highlighting that in most of them the cause was syphilis. The test was performed mainly due to causes not related to syphilis. Likewise, the prevailing diagnostic criterion for confirming syphilis was the unification of the three criteria.

Prevalence and reasons for referrals to the Endodontics Specialty Clinic at the Piracicaba Dental School

Abstract Dental referrals to the Endodontics Specialty Clinic (ESC) are routine owing to the complexity of endodontic treatments. To obtain a better prognosis for treatment, students/dentists must perceive their technical limits. This study sought to investigate the referrals of patients to the ESC from different clinics of the Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas - SP, Brazil, and check: a) the demographic profile of patients and the most commonly affected tooth; b) the clinic with the largest number of referrals; c) the reasons for referrals; d) the complexity of the cases; e) and the difficulty in assessing the referred cases based on the classification provided by the American Association of Endodontists (AAE) and Souza-Filho. The study sample consisted of patients' electronic dental referral records from February 2015 to June 2019. A total of 1,707 patients were referred to the ESC during the study period, and 62.4% were female. Lower molars were the most frequently involved teeth (34.8%), and 60.7% of the cases were referred due to the presence of root curvature. The AAE classification showed prevalence of highly difficult cases (71.3%), whereas Souza-Filho classification demonstrated a high rate of class III cases (85.8%). This study highlights the difficulties encountered by undergraduate students before or during endodontic treatments, reinforcing the need for clear criteria for selecting cases appropriate for each education level, thus improving endodontic treatment prognosis.

Vigilância Popular em Saúde no sul do Brasil: expressões de um território que pulsa / Vigilancia popular en salud en el sur de Brasil: expresiones de un territorio que pulsa / Popular Health Surveillance in southern Brazil: expressions of a pulsating territory

Em todo o território nacional tem sido possível identificar variadas iniciativas de protagonismo popular na perspectiva da promoção e da proteção da vida, em busca de territórios saudáveis e sustentáveis. Este texto objetiva descrever a experiência de um processo histórico, dinâmico e permanente de luta e mobilização social contra a violação de direitos fundamentais por saúde e sustentabilidade ambiental, no Assentamento Santa Rita de Cássia II, em Nova Santa Rita, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Essa experiência pode ser considerada como uma ação de fortalecimento e reinvenção da vigilância em saúde pela população, portanto uma Vigilância Popular em Saúde, transgredindo fronteiras fragmentadoras da hegemonia dos saberes, percorrendo caminhos que priorizam e enfrentam os problemas do seu território vivo, território que pulsa e luta desde sua retomada.(AU)

En todo el territorio nacional ha sido posible identificar variadas iniciativas de protagonismo popular desde la perspectiva de la promoción y protección de la vida, buscando territorios saludables y sostenibles. El objetivo de este texto es describir la experiencia de un proceso histórico, dinámico y permanente de lucha y movilización social contra la violación de derechos fundamentales de salud y sostenibilidad ambiental, en el Asentamiento Santa Rita de Cássia II, en Nova Santa Rita, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Esa experiencia puede considerarse como acción de fortalecimiento y reinvención de la vigilancia en salud por parte de la población; por lo tanto, una Vigilancia Popular en Salud, transgrediendo fronteras de fragmentación de la hegemonía de los saberes, recorriendo caminos que priorizan y enfrentan los problemas de su territorio vivo, territorio que pulsa y lucha desde su retomada.(AU)

Throughout the country it had been identified diverse initiatives of popular protagonism in the perspective of promotion and protection of life, in search of healthy and sustainable territories. This text aims at describing the experience of a historical, dynamic and permanent process of struggle and social mobilization against the violation of fundamental rights for health and environmental sustainability in the Settlement Santa Rita de Cássia II, in Nova Santa Rita, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. This experience can be considered as an action of strengthening and reinvention of health surveillance by the population, therefore a Popular Health Surveillance, trespassing the fragmenting frontiers of knowledge hegemony, going through paths that prioritize and face the problems of its living territory, a territory that pulsates and struggles since its resumption.(AU)

Dual antibacterial mechanism of [K4K15]CZS-1 against Salmonella Typhimurium: a membrane active and intracellular-targeting antimicrobial peptide.

Salmonella genus is a leading cause of food-borne infections with strong public health impact and economic ramifications. The development of antimicrobial resistance added complexity to this scenario and turned the antibiotic drug discovery into a highly important challenge. The screening of peptides has served as a successful discovery platform to design new antibiotic candidates. Motivated by this, the antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties of three cruzioseptins against Salmonella Typhimurium and RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells, respectively, were investigated. [K4K15]CZS-1 was the most potent antimicrobial peptide identified in the screening step with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 16 µg/mL (7.26 µM) and moderate cytotoxicity. From a structural point of view, in vitro and in silico techniques evidenced that [K4K15]CZS-1 is a α-helical cationic antimicrobial peptide. In order to capture mechanistic details and fully decipher their antibacterial action, we adopted a multidimensional approach, including spectroscopy, electron microscopy and omics analysis. In general lines, [K4K15]CZS-1 caused membrane damage, intracellular alterations in Salmonella and modulated metabolic pathways, such as the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, fatty acid biosynthesis, and lipid metabolism. Overall, these findings provide deeper insights into the antibacterial properties and multidimensional mode of action of [K4K15]CZS-1 against Salmonella Typhimurium. In summary, this study represents a first step toward the screening of membrane-acting and intracellular-targeting peptides as potential bio-preservatives to prevent foodborne outbreaks caused by Salmonella.

Calidad de vida relacionada con la salud en estudiantes de tecnicatura en enfermería / Health-related quality of life among technical nursing students / Qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde em estudantes de técnica de enfermagem

Objetivo: Analizar la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud y sus factores asociados en los estudiantes de la carrera de Tecnicatura en enfermería de una institución de educación superior no universitaria de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina. Metodología: Estudio descriptivo, transversal y cuantitativo. La muestra estuvo constituida por 204 estudiantes de Tecnicatura en enfermería elegidos mediante muestreo no probabilístico quienes respondieron al instrumento SF-36 durante el primer cuatrimestre del 2023. Resultados: Los encuestados tuvieron una media de edad de 29,87 años (DE: 8,41) y fueron mayormente mujeres (78,92%), solteras (79,41%), sin hijos (59,31%), de segundo año del plan de estudios de la carrera (43,14%) y del turno mañana (40,69%). Relativo al autocuidado, se halló una baja prevalencia de tabaquismo (18,14%) y alta de sedentarismo (67,16%), la mayoría concurren a consulta médica 2 veces al año (58,33%) y se realizan exámenes de sangre anuales (57,35%). Al analizar las dimensiones que componen la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud, se encontró que la Función Física fue la mejor puntuada con una media de 89,95 (DE: 13,45), mientras, Vitalidad obtuvo la valoración más baja con una media de 49,12 (DE: 17,24). Conclusiones: Con excepción de la Vitalidad, todas las dimensiones evaluadas presentaban una valoración positiva. El sexo (hombre), el año del plan de estudios (tercero), el turno (vespertino), el índice de masa corporal (normal) y la implementación de actividades de autocuidado se relacionaron positivamente con la calidad de vida.

Objective: To analyze the quality of life related to health and its associated factors in technical nursing students of a non-university higher education institution in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional, and quantitative study. The sample consisted of 204 technical nursing students, selected by non-probabilistic sampling, who responded to the SF-36 instrument during the first quarter of 2023. Results: Respondents had a mean age of 29.87 years (SD: 8.41) and were predominantly female (78.92%), single (79.41%), without children (59.31%), in the second year of the career (43.14%), and working the morning shift (40.69%). Regarding self-care, a low prevalence of smoking (18.14%) and a high prevalence of sedentary lifestyle (67.16%) were found. Most of the students had medical examinations twice a year (58.33%) and had annual blood tests performed (57.35%). When analyzing the dimensions that make up health-related quality of life, it was found that physical function obtained the best evaluation, with a mean of 89.95 (SD: 13.45), while vitality received the lowest evaluation with a mean of 49.12 (SD: 17.24). Conclusions: Except for vitality, all dimensions received a positive evaluation. Gender (male), year of the career (third), shift (evening), Body Mass Index (normal), and self-care activities were positively associated with quality of life.

Objetivo: Analisar a qualidade de vida relacionada com a saúde e seus fatores associados em estudantes de técnica de enfermagem de uma instituição de ensino superior não universitária da Cidade Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina. Metodologia: Estudo descritivo, transversal e quantitativo. A amostra foi composta por 204 estudantes de técnica de enfermagem escolhidos por amostragem não probabilística que responderam ao instrumento SF-36 durante o primeiro quadrimestre de 2023. Resultados: Os entrevistados tinham idade média de 29,87 anos (DP: 8,41) e eram em sua maioria do sexo feminino (78,92%), solteiros (79,41%), sem filhos (59,31%), no segundo ano do curso de enfermagem (43,14%) e no turno da manhã (40,69%). Relativamente ao autocuidado, verificou-se uma baixa prevalência de tabagismo (18,14%) e uma alta prevalência de sedentarismo (67,16%), a maioria foi ao médico duas vezes por ano (58,33%) e fez análises sanguíneas anuais (57,35%). Ao analisar as dimensões que compõem a qualidade de vida relacionada com a saúde, verificou-se que a Função Física foi a mais bem classificada com uma média de 89,95 (DP: 13,45), enquanto a Vitalidade obteve a classificação mais baixa com uma média de 49,12 (DP: 17,24). Conclusões: Com exceção da Vitalidade, todas as dimensões avaliadas foram avaliadas positivamente. O sexo (masculino), o ano curricular (terceiro ano), o turno (noturno), o índice de massa corporal (normal) e a realização de atividades de autocuidado estavam positivamente relacionados com a qualidade de vida.

Recurrence of adolescent suicide attempt and self-harm (RASS study): Effectiveness of single therapeutic project.

OBJECTIVES: This retrospective cohort study aims to understand the effectiveness of the Singular Therapeutic Project (STP) implemented in a Child Psychosocial Care Center in preventing recurrence of self-harm and suicide attempt (SA), by comparing the group of patients who adhered to the STP with the group that did not adhere completely. METHOD: Data were collected from the medical records of adolescents with self-harm or SA during the period from 2015 to 2019. The primary outcomes analyzed were recurrence of SA, self-harm, and hospitalization; and the secondary outcomes analyzed were demographics, diagnosis, number of appointments, and negative life events. RESULTS: A total of 228 adolescents were included. After multivariate analysis, social service consultations decreased risk in 94.6% (HR .054, 95% CI: .004-.681) of the cases, but risk was increased by 23 times if there was an episode of self-harm among family members and/or friends (HR 23.641, 95% CI: 1.394-400.8). Additionally, in terms of SA, adherence to family interventions reduced the risk by 66.2% (HR .338, 95% CI: .125-.913). Victims of prejudice, racism, homophobia, transphobia presented a 3.7-fold increased risk (HR 3.766, 95% CI: 1.058-13.401). CONCLUSION: The STP interventions were effective in reducing the recurrence of self-harm and SAs in adolescents.