A novel method to derive a human safety limit for PFOA by gene expression profiling and modelling.

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a persistent environmental contaminant that can accumulate in the human body due to its long half-life. This substance has been associated with liver, pancreatic, testicular and breast cancers, liver steatosis and endocrine disruption. PFOA is a member of a large group of substances also known as "forever chemicals" and the vast majority of substances of this group lack toxicological data that would enable their effective risk assessment in terms of human health hazards. This study aimed to derive a health-based guidance value for PFOA intake (ng/kg BW/day) from in vitro transcriptomics data. To this end, we developed an in silico workflow comprising five components: (i) sourcing in vitro hepatic transcriptomics concentration-response data; (ii) deriving molecular points of departure using BMDExpress3 and performing pathway analysis using gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) to identify the most sensitive molecular pathways to PFOA exposure; (iii) estimating freely-dissolved PFOA concentrations in vitro using a mass balance model; (iv) estimating in vivo doses by reverse dosimetry using a PBK model for PFOA as part of a quantitative in vitro to in vivo extrapolation (QIVIVE) algorithm; and (v) calculating a tolerable daily intake (TDI) for PFOA. Fourteen percent of interrogated genes exhibited in vitro concentration-response relationships. GSEA pathway enrichment analysis revealed that "fatty acid metabolism" was the most sensitive pathway to PFOA exposure. In vitro free PFOA concentrations were calculated to be 2.9% of the nominal applied concentrations, and these free concentrations were input into the QIVIVE workflow. Exposure doses for a virtual population of 3,000 individuals were estimated, from which a TDI of 0.15 ng/kg BW/day for PFOA was calculated using the benchmark dose modelling software, PROAST. This TDI is comparable to previously published values of 1.16, 0.69, and 0.86 ng/kg BW/day by the European Food Safety Authority. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the combined utility of an "omics"-derived molecular point of departure and in silico QIVIVE workflow for setting health-based guidance values in anticipation of the acceptance of in vitro concentration-response molecular measurements in chemical risk assessment.

Jawbone measurements of edentulous sites related to implant planning using magnetic resonance imaging compared to cone beam computed tomography: An ex vivo study.

AIM: To compare measurements on images obtained by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cone beam CT (CBCT) for height, width, and area in alveolar bone sites in human jaw specimens. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty edentulous alveolar posterior sites in human cadaver specimens were imaged using CBCT scanners, and with zero-echo-time MRI (ZTE-MRI). Semi-automatic volume registration was performed to generate representative coronal sections of the sites related to implant planning. ZTE-MRI sections were also presented after grayscale inversion (INV MRI). Three observers measured bone height, bone width 5 mm from the alveolar crest, and bone area stretching from the width measurement to the top of the alveolar crest in the images. Interobserver agreement was assessed by intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC). The measurements were analyzed using two-way repeated measures ANOVA factoring observer and image type. RESULTS: ICC was >0.95 for bone height, width, and bone area. No significant differences among observers (p = 0.14) or image type (p = 0.60) were found for bone height. For bone width, observer (p = 0.14) was not a significant factor, while ZTE-MRI produced width estimates that were significantly different and systematically smaller than CBCT-based estimates (p ≤ 0.001). Observer (p = 0.06) was not a significant factor regarding the bone area measurements, contrary to the imaging type where ZTE-MRI led to significantly smaller area estimates than CBCT (p ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSION: Bone height measurements were essentially equivalent using CBCT and MRI. This was found regardless of grayscale choice for the MRI. However, ZTE-MRI resulted in smaller estimates of bone width and area.

Uso da moulage na simulação clínica de curativos entre estudantes de enfermagem: relato de experiência / Use of moulage in the clinical simulation of dressings among nursing students: an experience report / Utilización del moulage en la simulación clínica de apósitos entre estudiantes de enfermería: informe de experiencia

Objetivo: relatar o uso de moulage na simulação clínica de curativos em lesões tegumentares entre estudantes de enfermagem. Método: relato de experiência sobre o uso de moulage para representar lesões tegumentares em simulação clínica de curativos para estudantes de enfermagem. Desenvolveu-se em cinco etapas: ponto de partida, perguntas iniciais, recuperação do processo vivido, reflexão de fundo e pontos de chegada. Resultados: realizaram-se três simulações clínicas, com 28 estudantes. Na produção da lesão tegumentar, utilizaram-se látex, massinha de maquiagem, amido de milho, tinta antialérgica, pincéis, esponja, sangue artificial e algodão, com um custo de R$107,35. No cenário simulado, havia um ator que representou o papel de paciente com lesão, após acidente automobilístico. As simulações ocorreram em três etapas: briefing, cena simulada e debriefing. Conclusão: a simulação clínica com moulage é uma estratégia para o ensino de curativos em lesões tegumentares e contribui para o processo de ensino-aprendizagem de estudantes de enfermagem.

Objective: to report on the use of moulage in the clinical simulation of dressings for skin injuries among nursing students. Methodology: experience report on the use of moulage to represent skin injuries in a clinical simulation of dressings for nursing students. It was developed in five stages: starting point, initial questions, recovery of the experienced process, background reflection and end points. Results: three clinical simulations were carried out with 28 students. In order to produce the skin injury, latex, makeup paste, cornstarch, anti-allergic paint, brushes, sponge, artificial blood and cotton were used, at a cost of R$107.35. In the simulated scenario, there was an actor who played the role of a patient with injuries after a car accident. The simulations took place in three stages: briefing, simulated scene and debriefing. Conclusion: clinical simulation with moulage is a strategy for teaching dressings for skin injuries and contributes to the teaching-learning process for nursing students.

Objetivo: informar sobre la utilización del moulage en la simulación clínica de apósitos para lesiones cutáneas entre estudiantes de enfermería. Metodología: informe de experiencia sobre la utilización del moulage para representar lesiones cutáneas en una simulación clínica de apósitos para estudiantes de enfermería. Se desarrolló en cinco etapas: punto de partida, preguntas iniciales, recuperación del proceso vivido, reflexión de fondo y puntos de llegada. Resultados: se realizaron tres simulaciones clínicas con 28 estudiantes. Para producir la lesión cutánea, se utilizó látex, pasta de maquillaje, almidón de maíz, pintura antialérgica, pinceles, esponja, sangre artificial y algodón, con un coste de R$107,35. En el escenario simulado, había un actor que representaba el papel de un paciente herido tras un accidente de coche. Las simulaciones se desarrollaron en tres etapas: briefing, escena simulada y debriefing. Conclusión: la simulación clínica con moulage es una estrategia para la enseñanza sobre apósitos de lesiones cutáneas y contribuye al proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje de los estudiantes de enfermería.

Eficácia da ivermectina e atazanavir no tempo de recuperação dos sintomas de covid-19: uma coorte prospectiva / Effectiveness of ivermectin and atazanavir on time to resolution from covid-19 symptoms: a prospective cohort / Eficacia de ivermectina y atazanavir en el tiempo hasta lá resolución de los síntomas de covid-19: una cohorte prospectiva

Objetivo: avaliar a eficácia da Ivermectina e do Atazanavir em comparação com placebo no tempo de resolução dos sintomas e no tempo de duração da doença por COVID-19. Método: estudo observacional, de coorte prospectivo, longitudinal, descritivo e analítico com pacientes sintomáticos ambulatoriais, acompanhados por 06 meses em duas Unidades Básicas de Saúde para atendimento de COVID-19 em Teresina- Piauí, Brasil, no período de novembro a abril de 2021 identificados por amostragem aleatória 1:1:1. Foram realizados exames Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) para confirmação laboratorial da suspeita de infecção pelo novo coronavírus e avaliação sociodemográfica e clínica. Resultados: dos 87 pacientes randomizados, 62,1% (n=54) eram do sexo masculino, com média de idade de 35,1 anos, possuíam companheira (53,9%), baixa renda (50,6%), eutróficos (40,7%) e sem comorbidades de saúde (78,2%). Não houve diferença entre o tempo médio para resolução dos sintomas, que foi de 21 dias (IQR, 8-30) no grupo atazanavir, 30 dias (IQR, 5-90) no grupo ivermectina em comparação com 14 dias (IQR, 9-21) no grupo controle. No dia 180, houve resolução dos sintomas em 100% no grupo placebo, 93,9% no grupo atazanavir e 95% no grupo ivermectina. A duração mediana da doença foi de 08 dias em todos os braços do estudo. Conclusão: o tratamento com atazanavir (6 dias) e ivermectina (3 dias) não reduziu o tempo de resolução dos sintomas e nem o tempo de duração da doença entre os pacientes ambulatoriais com COVID-19 leve em comparação com o grupo placebo. Os resultados não suportam o uso de ivermectina e atazanavir para tratamento de COVID-19 leve a moderado.

Objective: to evaluate the effectiveness of Ivermectin and Atazanavir compared to placebo in the time to resolution of symptoms and duration of illness due to COVID-19. Method: observational, prospective, longitudinal, descriptive and analytical cohort study with symptomatic outpatients, followed for 06 months in two Basic Health Units for COVID-19 care in Teresina-Piauí, Brazil, from November to April 2021 identified by 1:1:1 random sampling. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests were performed for laboratory confirmation of suspected infection with the new coronavirus and sociodemographic and clinical evaluation. Results: of the 87 randomized patients, 62.1% (n=54) were male, with a mean age of 35.1 years, had a partner (53.9%), low income (50.6%), eutrophic (40.7%) and without health comorbidities (78.2%). There was no difference between the median time to resolution of symptoms, which was 21 days (IQR, 8-30) in the atazanavir group, 30 days (IQR, 5- 90) in the ivermectin group compared with 14 days (IQR, 9- 21) in the control group. At day 180, there was resolution of symptoms in 100% in the placebo group, 93.9% in the atazanavir group, and 95% in the ivermectin group. The median duration of illness was 8 days in all study arms. Conclusion: Treatment with atazanavir (6 days) and ivermectin (3 days) did not reduce the time to symptom resolution or the duration of illness among outpatients with mild COVID-19 compared to the placebo group. The results do not support the use of ivermectin and atazanavir for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19.

Objetivo: evaluar la efectividad de Ivermectina y Atazanavir en comparación con placebo en el tiempo de resolución de los síntomas y duración de la enfermedad por COVID-19. Método: estudio de cohorte observacional, prospectivo, longitudinal, descriptivo y analítico con pacientes ambulatorios sintomáticos, seguidos durante 06 meses en dos Unidades Básicas de Salud para atención de COVID-19 en Teresina-Piauí, Brasil, de noviembre a abril de 2021 identificados por 1:1:1 muestreo aleatorio. Se realizaron pruebas de reacción en cadena de la polimerasa con transcriptasa inversa (RT-PCR) para confirmación de laboratorio de sospecha de infección por el nuevo coronavirus y evaluación sociodemográfica y clínica. Resultados: de los 87 pacientes aleatorizados, 62,1% (n=54) eran del sexo masculino, con una edad media de 35,1 años, tenían pareja (53,9%), bajos ingresos (50,6%), eutróficos (40,7%) y sin comorbilidades de salud (78,2%). No hubo diferencia entre la mediana de tiempo hasta la resolución de los síntomas, que fue de 21 días (RIC, 8-30) en el grupo de atazanavir, 30 días (RIC, 5- 90) en el grupo de ivermectina en comparación con 14 días (RIC, 9 - 21) en el grupo control. En el día 180, hubo una resolución de los síntomas del 100 % en el grupo de placebo, del 93,9 % en el grupo de atazanavir y del 95 % en el grupo de ivermectina. La mediana de duración de la enfermedad fue de 8 días en todos los brazos del estudio. Conclusión: El tratamiento con atazanavir (6 días) e ivermectina (3 días) no redujo el tiempo de resolución de los síntomas ni la duración de la enfermedad entre los pacientes ambulatorios con COVID-19 leve en comparación con el grupo placebo. Los resultados no respaldan el uso de ivermectina y atazanavir para el tratamiento de la COVID-19 de leve a moderada.

Continuing breastfeeding upon returning to work: feelings, challenges and strategies of breastfeeding nurses.

OBJECTIVE: To describe feelings, challenges and strategies related to the continuity of breastfeeding after returning to work in the perception of lactating nurses. METHOD: Descriptive, exploratory, qualitative study, with snowball sampling. Data collection occurred virtually between August and September 2020 in the State of Rio de Janeiro. Interface de R pour les Analyses Multidimensionnelles de Textes et de Questionnaires software and a thematic analysis were used. RESULTS: 42 breastfeeding nurses participated and cited fear, missing the child, anguish, and pleasure in returning to work. Challenges such as lack of infrastructure for pumping the breast in health services, unfavorable scales, and multiple jobs were reported. Support networks, listening spaces, and appropriate times and places for breast milk pumping were mentioned as strategies. CONCLUSION: Different feelings and challenges for the continuity of breastfeeding upon returning to work were identified; some strategies found were common to other working women while others related to the specific nursing work context.

High-dose Vitamin C supplementation in the treatment of patients with COVID-19: A systematic review

Introduction: Vitamin C supplementation has been seen as a supportive treatment to control and prevent complications of COVID-19 by enhancing the immune response against infection. However, the effects of high doses of this vitamin are not yet fully understood. Objective: To analyze the effects of high-dose vitamin C in patients with COVID-19. Methods: This was a systematic review, using original studies published from April 2020 to November 2022 in PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus and Web of Science databases. The combination of descriptors registered in Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) used to search for articles were: (("vitamin C" OR "ascorbic acid") AND ("COVID-19" OR "SARS-CoV-2" OR "coronavirus")). Original articles of clinical trials conducted with patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and submitted to high-dose vitamin C supplementation were included. Results: Eligible studies included patients in intensive care units, wards, or outpatient clinics, who were given doses of vitamin C, ranging from 6,000 to 8,000 mg/day, with an average duration of 6.25 days of supplementation and mostly intravenous administration. A reduction in fever and myalgia was observed, as well as an improvement in oxygen saturation and lung impairment rate. Conclusion: The role of high-dose vitamin C in patients affected by COVID-19 requires further study, however, to date, the results have been promising for symptom reduction and improvement in lung function and oxygenation.

Introducción: La administración de suplementos de vitamina C se ha considerado un tratamiento de apoyo para controlar y prevenir las complicaciones del COVID-19 al mejorar la respuesta inmunitaria contra la infección. Sin embargo, los efectos de dosis elevadas de esta vitamina aún no se conocen en su totalidad. Objetivo: Analizar los efectos de altas dosis de vitamina C en pacientes con COVID-19. Métodos: Se trata de un estudio de revisión sistemática, utilizando artículos originales publicados desde abril de 2020 hasta noviembre de 2022 en las bases de datos PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus y Web of Science. Para la búsqueda de los artículos se utilizó la combinación de descriptores registrados en Medical Subject Headings (MeSH): (("vitamin C" OR "ascorbic acid") AND ("COVID-19" OR "SARS-CoV-2" OR "coronavirus")). Se incluyeron artículos originales de tipo ensayo clínico realizados con pacientes diagnosticados con COVID-19 y sometidos a suplementación con altas dosis de vitamina C. Resultados: Los estudios elegibles se realizaron con pacientes ingresados en unidades de cuidados intensivos, salas o ambulatorios, a los que se administraron dosis de vitamina C que oscilaban entre 6.000 y 8.000 mg/día, con una duración media de 6,25 días de suplementación y vía de administración mayoritariamente intravenosa. Se observó una reducción de la fiebre y las mialgias, además de una mejoría de la saturación de oxígeno y de la tasa de compromiso pulmonar. Conclusión: El papel de las dosis altas de vitamina C en pacientes afectados por COVID-19 requiere más estudios; sin embargo, hasta la fecha, los resultados han sido prometedores en cuanto a la reducción de los sintomas, y la mejora de la función pulmonar y la oxigenación.

The current role and future potential of digital diagnostic imaging in implant dentistry: A scoping review.

OBJECTIVES: Diagnostic imaging is crucial for implant dentistry. This review provides an up-to-date perspective on the application of digital diagnostic imaging in implant dentistry. METHODS: Electronic searches were conducted in PubMed focusing on the question 'when (and why) do we need diagnostic imaging in implant dentistry?' The search results were summarised to identify different applications of digital diagnostic imaging in implant dentistry. RESULTS: The most used imaging modalities in implant dentistry include intraoral periapical radiographs, panoramic views and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). These are dependent on acquisition standardisation to optimise image quality. Particularly for CBCT, other technical parameters (i.e., tube current, tube voltage, field-of-view, voxel size) are relevant minimising the occurrence of artefacts. There is a growing interest in digital workflows, integrating diagnostic imaging and automation. Artificial intelligence (AI) has been incorporated into these workflows and is expected to play a significant role in the future of implant dentistry. Preliminary evidence supports the use of ionising-radiation-free imaging modalities (e.g., MRI and ultrasound) that can add value in terms of soft tissue visualisation. CONCLUSIONS: Digital diagnostic imaging is the sine qua non in implant dentistry. Image acquisition protocols must be tailored to the patient's needs and clinical indication, considering the trade-off between radiation exposure and needed information. growing evidence supporting the benefits of digital workflows, from planning to execution, and the future of implant dentistry will likely involve a synergy between human expertise and AI-driven intelligence. Transiting into ionising-radiation-free imaging modalities is feasible, but these must be further developed before clinical implementation.

Use of Monoterpenes as Potential Therapeutics in Diabetes Mellitus: A Prospective Review.

Monoterpenes are secondary metabolites of plants belonging to the terpenoid class of natural products. They are the most abundant components of essential oils that are generally considered to have various pharmacological properties. These compounds are reported to have antidiabetic effects in recent years. Due to nature's complex biosynthetic machinery, they also exhibit a reasonable degree of structural complexity/diversity for further analysis in structure-activity studies. Therefore, monoterpenes as antidiabetic agents have been investigated by recent in vitro and in vivo studies extensively reported in the scientific literature and claimed by patent documents. The purpose of this survey is to provide a comprehensive and prospective review concerning the potential applications of monoterpenes in the treatment of diabetes. The data for this research were collected through the specialized databases PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect between the years 2014 and 2022, as well as the patent databases EPO, WIPO, and USPTO. The research used 76 articles published in the leading journals in the field. The main effect observed was the antidiabetic activity of monoterpenes. This review showed that monoterpenes can be considered promising agents for prevention and/or treatment of diabetes as well as have a marked pharmaceutical potential for the development of bioproducts for therapeutics applications.

Magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of periodontal and periapical disease.

OBJECTIVES: Early pre-clinical inflammatory changes in periodontal and/or periapical lesions, which typically precede bone loss, are challenging to diagnose using ionizing-radiation-based imaging modalities. MRI provides relevant additional diagnostic information of inflammatory processes in soft and hard tissues. The aim of the present study is to undertake a systematic review of the literature on MRI in the diagnosis of periodontal and/or periapical disease. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The PubMed/MEDLINE and Scopus bibliographic databases were searched (2000-2021) using the search string: ("MRI" or "magnetic resonance imaging") and ("periodontitis" or "periodontal" or "apical pathology" or "endodontic pathology" or "periapical" or "furcation" or "intrabony"). The search was limited to studies published in English. The studies were assessed independently by three reviewers, focusing on the MRI sequences, imaging modalities (radiographs, cone beam CT (CBCT), and MRI), disease definition, assessed parameters, and outcome measurements. RESULTS: The search strategy yielded 34 studies, from which 13 were included. Overall, the findings of MRI were in agreement with CBCT. The studies showed that MRI provided diagnostic information of the hard and soft tissue components affected by periodontal and/or periapical disease with a fairly high sensitivity and specificity. However, the assessed parameters (e.g. MRI acquisition protocols, and disease definition) differed substantially. CONCLUSIONS: The included studies indicate that the use of MRI in the diagnosis of periodontal and/or periapical disease is feasible and promising. More studies are needed to define the accuracy of this non-ionizing-radiation-based diagnostic modality, in the assessment of periodontal and/or periapical lesions.

Mídias sociais como ferramentas para a extensão remota: um relato de experiência de uma liga acadêmica de enfermagem / Social media as tools for remote extension: an experience reportof an academic nursing league / Las redes sociales como herramientas de extensión a distancia: relato de experiencia de uma liga académica de enfermería

O Coronavírus da Síndrome Respiratória Aguda Grave 2 (SARS-CoV-2), causador da pandemia de COVID-19, tem causado problemas mundiais para além da doença, como na Educação, que, na impossibilidade da promoção de encontros presenciais, precisou encontrar formas de oportunizar a continuidade dos processos de ensino-aprendizagem. Desse modo, a Liga de Enfermagem em Saúde da Família, considerando o cenário pandêmico e a necessidade de seguir com as atividades, teve que se adequar ao formato remoto e usar da sua criatividade para transpor as barreiras físicas da sala de aula.Objetivo:Relatar as ações extensionistas desenvolvidas virtualmente pela Liga de Enfermagem em Saúde da Família, demonstrando sua importância para a formação acadêmica em Enfermagem.Metodologia:Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, do tipo relato de experiência,sobre atividades desenvolvidas por acadêmicos de Enfermagem na Liga de Enfermagem em Saúde da Família vinculada ao Curso de Enfermagem da Universidade Estadual Vale do Acaraú, Sobral, Ceará.Resultados:A extensão foi desempenhada de forma onlinepor meio do Instagrame Youtube, com a criação de vídeos, imagens educativas e eventos com temas atuais e relevantes para a promoção da saúde, considerando a realidade sanitária, divididos em eixos: cooperação social, integração interprofissional, acadêmica e comunitária, politização acadêmica, datas comemorativas e vacinação.Conclusões:Esse relato reforça a interação universidade-sociedade frente a momentos de reestruturação, e a relevância das Ligas como estratégias extracurriculares de ensino, integrando-se à pesquisa e à extensão (AU).

The Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, which caused the COVID-19 pandemic, has been causing worldwide problems beyond the disease itself, for instance in Education, which became unable to provide face-to-face meetings, it had tofind ways to make possible to continue the teaching-learning processes. Considering the pandemic scenario and the need to continue their activities, the members of Academic Nursing League in Family Healthhad to adapt to a remote format and use their creativity to bridge the physical barriers of a classroom. Objective:To report academic extension actions developed virtually by members of the Nursing League in Family Health, demonstrating its importance for college education in nursing.Methodology:This is a descriptive study, an experience report developed from the activities performed by members of theAcademic Nursing League in Family Health, bounded to the Nursing College of Vale do Acaraú State University, in Sobral city, Ceará state.Results:Extension actions were performed using Instagramand Youtubeplatforms, by creating videos, educational images, and events approaching current and relevant topics for health promotion. Taking into consideration the sanitary reality of the population, topics werecategorized in the following groups: social cooperation; professional, academic, and community integration; academic politization; special dates; and vaccination.Conclusions:This report reinforces the university-society interaction facing restructuring moments and the relevance of academic leagues as an extracurricular strategy of teaching, integrating it to research and extension actions (AU).

El Síndrome Respiratorio Agudo Severo Coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2), provocador de la pandemia del COVID-19, ha ocasionado a nivel mundial problemas más allá de la enfermedad, como por ejemplo en la Educación, que, ante la imposibilidad de ofrecer citas presenciales, ha necesitado encontrar formas de generar oportunidades para la continuidad de los procesos de enseñanza-aprendizaje. De esa forma, la Liga de Enfermería en Salud de la Familia, considerando el escenario de la pandemia y la necesidadde seguir con las actividades, ha tenido que adaptarse al formato remoto y a echar creatividad para rebasar las barreras físicas del aula. Objetivo:Informar las acciones de extensión desarrolladas virtualmente por la Liga de Enfermería en Salud de la Familia, demostrando su relevancia para la formación académica en el curso de Enfermería. Metodología: Se trata de un estudio descriptivo, del tipo relato de experiencia, desarrollado a partir de las actividades de los estudiantes de Enfermería de la Liga de Enfermería en Salud de la Familia vinculada al Curso de Enfermería de la Universidad Estatal Vale do Acaraú, Sobral, Ceará. Resultados: Se ha realizado la extensión en línea a través de Instagramy Youtube, con la creación de videos, imágenes educativas y eventos con temas actuales y relevantes para la promoción de la salud, considerando la realidad de la salud, divididos en ejes: cooperación social, interprofesional, académica e integración comunitaria, politización académica, fechas conmemorativas y vacunación.Conclusiones: Este informe refuerza la interacción universidad-sociedad frente a momentos de reestructuración, y la relevancia de lasLigas como estrategias de enseñanza extracurricular, integrándose con la investigación y la extensión (AU).

Association between Consumption of Ultra-Processed Food and Body Composition of Adults in a Capital City of a Brazilian Region.

The present study investigates the relationship between the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) and anthropometric indices of body composition in adults and seniors living in Teresina, the state capital of an area in northeastern Brazil. The article seeks to address two questions: Is UPF consumption linked to worsening body composition in different age groups? Do anthropometric indicators of body composition change with the increasing consumption of UPF? The study is a cross-sectional, household, population study, carried out with 490 adults and seniors. The food consumption was obtained with a 24 h food recall, and the foods were classified using NOVA. Anthropometric indicators evaluated were waist-to-height ratio, triceps skinfold thickness, arm circumference, corrected arm muscle area, subscapular skinfold thickness, and calf circumference. The association between energy contribution of UPF with anthropometric indicators was verified with a simple and multiple linear regression analysis. Individuals aged 20 to 35 years showed a significant association between UPF consumption and skinfold thickness (ß: 0.04; CI: 0.03/0.09), demonstrating an increase in this subcutaneous body fat marker with higher UPF consumption. Moreover, in participants aged 36 to 59 years, an inverse correlation between UPF intake and muscle mass markers, arm circumference (ß: -0.02; confidence interval: -0.03/-0.01), and corrected arm muscle area (ß: -0.07; confidence interval: -0.12/-0.02) were observed. Such results suggest there is decreased muscle mass with increasing UPF consumption. This is the first study that verified an association between UPF consumption and low-cost body composition indicators in different age groups.

Association between Polyphenol Intake and Lipid Profile of Adults and Elders in a Northeastern Brazilian Capital.

This research was aimed at evaluating the relationship between the estimated polyphenol intake and the atherogenic lipid profile in adult and elder residents in the city of Teresina, located in the Northeastern Region of Brazil. This study was a cross-sectional population-based survey with 501 adults and elders, conducted in Teresina, Brazil. Food intake was obtained by 24-h food recall. The estimated polyphenol intake was calculated by multiplying the food consumption data from the recall by the polyphenol content in the foods described in the Phenol-Explorer database. The mean intake of total polyphenols was 1006.53 mg/day. The phenolic acids was the class with the highest intake, followed by the flavonols. Coffee, beans and apples were the main foods contributing to the total polyphenol intake. In the individuals with elevated serum concentrations of total cholesterol and triglycerides, the intake of total polyphenols was significantly higher. The intake of total polyphenols, phenolic acids and lignans was higher in the subjects with dyslipidemia. This article provides, for the first time, data on the intake of the total polyphenol classes and subclasses in the evaluated population and the relationship with the lipid profile. The individuals with a higher intake of total polyphenols had a worse lipid profile, which may be a consequence of an improved diet in those individuals who present with dyslipidemia.

Hypokinetic Activity of Menthofuran on the Gastrointestinal Tract in Rodents.

The acute toxicity and hypokinetic activity induced by menthofuran on the gastrointestinal tract of rodents were investigated in the present study. An absence of acute toxicity was observed. Menthofuran delayed gastric emptying at oral doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg in the experimental model of phenol red, as well as it reduced the intestinal transit at oral doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg. Interestingly, a scopolamine-similar hypokinetic effect was observed for menthofuran. In the experimental model of castor oil-induced intestinal hypermotility, menthofuran (50 and 100 mg/kg) reduced the number of loose stools as observed for the normal group. Additionally, menthofuran induced a marked concentration-dependent relaxation in rat ileum segments precontracted with KCl (EC50 = 0.059 ± 0.008 µg/mL) or carbachol (EC50 = 0.068 ± 0.007 µg/mL). These results suggest the possible decrease of calcium influx underlying the effects of menthofuran on the gastrointestinal tract, which opens the door for further study regarding this potential application for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, noting possible limitations of its use due to adverse effects in children.

Lycopene from Red Guava (Psidium guajava L.): From Hepatoprotective Effect to Its Use as Promising Self-Emulsifying Drug Delivery System for Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Applications.

Lycopene is a carotenoid with potential use in the treatment of chronic illnesses. Here, different formulations of lycopene were studied: lycopene-rich extract from red guava (LEG), purified lycopene from red guava (LPG) and a self-emulsifying drug delivery system loaded with LPG (nanoLPG). The effects of administering orally various doses of LEG to hypercholesterolemic hamsters were evaluated regarding the liver function of the animals. The cytotoxicity of LPG in Vero cells was analyzed by a crystal violet assay and by fluorescence microscopy. In addition, nanoLPG was employed in stability tests. LPG and nanoLPG were tested for their cytotoxic effect on human keratinocytes and antioxidant capacity on cells in an endothelial dysfunction model in an isolated rat aorta. Finally, the effect of different nanoLPG concentrations on the expression of immune-related genes (IL-10, TNF-α, COX-2 and IFN-γ) from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) using real-time PCR was also analyzed. Results suggest that LEG, despite not being able to improve blood markers indicative of liver function in hypercholesterolemic hamsters, reduced hepatic degenerative changes. Additionally, LPG did not show cytotoxicity in Vero cells. In relation to nanoLPG, the effects produced by heat stress evaluated by Dynamics Light Scattering (DLS) and visually were loss of color, texture change and phase separation after 15 days without interfering with the droplet size, so the formulation proved to be efficient in stabilizing the encapsulated lycopene. Although LPG and nanoLPG showed moderate toxicity to keratinocytes, which may be related to cell lineage characteristics, both revealed potent antioxidant activity. LPG and nanoLPG showed vasoprotective effects in aortic preparations. The gene expression assay indicates that, although no significant differences were observed in the expression of IL-10 and TNF-α, the PBMCs treated with nanoLPG showed a reduction in transcriptional levels of IFN-γ and an increased expression of COX-2. Thus, the work adds evidence to the safety of the use of lycopene by humans and shows that tested formulations, mainly nanoLPG due to its stability, stand out as promising and biosafe products for the treatment of diseases that have oxidative stress and inflammation in their etiopathology.

Antioxidant Mechanisms Underlying the Gastroprotective Effect of Menthofuran on Experimentally Induced Gastric Lesions in Rodents.

Menthofuran is a monoterpene present in various essential oils derived from species from Mentha genus, and in Brazil, those species are widely used in treating gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders. Considering the wide pharmacological potential of monoterpenes, including their antioxidant activity, this study aimed to evaluate menthofuran-gastroprotective activity, as well as the involvement of antioxidant mechanisms in this effect. The acute toxicity was evaluated according to the fixed dose method. The antiulcerogenic activity was investigated by using experimental models of gastric ulcers induced by ethanol, indomethacin, and ischemia/reperfusion in rats. The antisecretory gastric activity, the catalase activity, and the gastric wall mucus were determined in pylorus ligated rats. Gastric wall nonprotein sulfhydryl (NPSH) group content, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content were evaluated in ethanol-induced the gastric ulcer model. Menthofuran (2 g/kg) presented low acute toxicity and showed gastroprotective activity against ethanol-, indomethacin-, and ischemia/reperfusion-induced ulcers. Moreover, menthofuran presented antisecretory activity, reduced the total acidity, and increased pH of gastric secretion. On the other hand, a decrease in mucus content of gastric wall without alteration of gastric juice volume and catalase activity was observed. Interestingly, menthofuran increased NPSH levels and reduced MDA levels and MPO activity. Gastroprotective effects of menthofuran appear to be mediated, at least in part, by the NOS pathway, endogenous prostaglandins, reduced gastric juice acidity, increased concentration of the NPSH groups, and reduced lipidic peroxidation. These findings support the menthofuran as an effective gastroprotective agent, as well as the marked participation of antioxidant mechanisms in this response.

Photobiomodulation for the management of xerostomia and oral mucositis in patients with cancer: a randomized clinical trial.

To evaluate the applicability of photobiomodulation therapy (PBM-T) in the management of xerostomia and OM. Fifty-three patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma were randomized into two groups: Sham and PBM-T. The Sham group received artificial saliva and laser simulation, while the PBM-T group received artificial saliva and PBM-T. Xerostomia-related quality of life (QoL), the presence or absence of OM lesions, the decayed-missing-filled teeth (DMFT) index, and periodontal charts were evaluated. The results of the QoL questionnaire, DMFT index, and periodontal chart were analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis test, followed by the Student-Newman-Keuls test, while OM findings were compared using the Mann-Whitney test. QoL scores significantly increased in the Sham group (p < 0.0001), denoting more severe xerostomia symptoms (p = 0.0074), and decreased in the PBM-T group, indicating no or very mild xerostomia. Higher grades of OM were found in the Sham group than the PBM-T group (p = 0.0001). There was no significant difference in DMFT index or periodontal charts between the groups (p > 0.05). PBM-T improved QoL in patients with head and neck cancer treated with radiotherapy, whether as radiation alone or as an adjunct to chemotherapy and surgery.

Ultrasonographic and radiographic evaluation of gestation in golden lanceheads (Bothrops insularis) in ex situ breeding programs.

The golden lancehead (Bothrops insularis) is a critically endangered snake endemic to Queimada Grande Island, southeastern Brazil. Captive breeding programs are vital for the conservation of this species. This study evaluates the gestation of two females golden lanceheads using radiography and ultrasonography. The first female was collected on the island while reproductively active (late vitellogenesis or early pregnancy) and kept in captivity. This female gave birth to five neonates after an 8-month gestation period, which is longer than estimates based on specimens preserved in museums. The second female copulated in captivity in July and probably ovulated in October. In this case, no embryonic development was detected, and the female deposited 14 undeveloped eggs approximately 6 months after ovulation.

Clinical, laboratory and tomographic characteristics associated with obesity and BMI at hospital admission in adult patients with COVID-19: a cross-sectional study / Características clínicas, laboratoriais e tomográficas associadas à obesidade e IMC na admissão hospitalar em pacientes adultos com COVID-19: um estudo transversal

INTRODUCTION: The pathological status of obesity can influence COVID-19 from its initial clinical presentation, therefore, the identification of clinical and laboratory parameters most affected in the presence of obesity can contribute to improving the treatment of the disease. OBJECTIVE: To identify the clinical, laboratory, and tomographic characteristics associated with obesity and BMI at t hospital admission in adult patients with COVID-19. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional observational study with a total of 315 participants with COVID-19 confirmed by rt-PCR. The participants were divided into non-Obese (n=203) and Obese (n=112). Physical examinations, laboratory tests, and computed tomography of the chest were performed during the first 2 days of hospitalization. RESULTS: Patients with obesity were younger, and they had higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure, higher frequency of alcoholism, fever, cough, and headache, higher ALT, LDH, and red blood cell count (RBC), hemoglobin, hematocrit, and percentage of lymphocytes. Also, they presented a lower value of leukocyte count and Neutrophil/Lymphocyte Ratio (RNL). The parameters positively correlated with BMI were alcoholism, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fever, cough, sore throat, number of symptoms, ALT in men, LDH, magnesium, RBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and percentage of lymphocytes. The parameters negatively correlated with the BMI were: age and RNL. CONCLUSION: Several parameters were associated with obesity at hospital admission, revealing better than expected results. However, these results should be interpreted with great caution, as there may be some influence of a phenomenon called the Obesity Paradox that can distort the severity and prognosis of the patient.

Effects of consumption of mauritia flexuosa fruits on renal and hepatic functions in growing rats

INTRODUCTION: Previous studies have reported that buriti (Mauritia flexuosa L. f.) is a typical fruit from the Brazilian cerrado ecosystem and an important food source for low-income populations. Its composition is rich in carotenoid polyphenols, monounsaturated fatty acids, and ascorbic acid. However, studies on the biological effects resulting from the consumption of this fruit are scarce. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of a diet supplemented with buriti (Mauritia flexuosa L. f.) on kidney and liver functions in growing rats. METHODS: Determination of centesimal composition, carotenoids, and fatty acids content for buriti pulp, standard chow, and butiti-supplemented chow were performed. Then, Wistar rats of both sexes were fed a standard diet or supplemented with buriti pulp. Blood samples were collected at the end of the experiment to determine biochemical parameters. The unpaired t-test was applied, and differences were considered significant when p<0.05. RESULTS: A diet enriched with buriti pulp did not interfere with kidney function and most markers of liver function in animals. Alkaline phosphatase showed significantly higher plasma concentration in female rats, and albumin and uric acid showed lower concentrations in male rats in both experimental groups. CONCLUSION: The changes observed in biochemical markers did not provide evidence of adverse effects of buriti pulp supplementation on liver function. Thus, the intake of buriti pulp can be encouraged as it is a low-cost food source for the general population.

Hydrogen physisorption on the (BeO)n, B2H4(Be,Ti), and B6Ti3 metal clusters: a computational study of energies and atomic charges.

The equilibrium structures of BeO clusters and Be,Ti-decorated boranes were computed with the ωB97X-D method and the 6-31G + (2d,2p) and aug-cc-pVTZ basis sets to study their intermolecular interactions with hydrogen molecules. Thermochemical and molecular properties such as the harmonic vibrational frequency, dipole and quadrupole moments, and atomic charges are employed to understand the attractive interactions that control the adsorption process. Comparison of molecular properties and atomic charges of the studied compounds before and after H2 molecule adsorption shows that most of the interactions among the BeO clusters and boranes with H2 molecules constitute a combination of dispersion, electrostatic, and weak charge transfer interactions. Calculated values of Hirschfeld atomic charges and ΔEe (in parenthesis) (BeO)4.8H2 (0.028 e and -2.0 kcal.mol-1), (BeO)2.12H2 (0.030 e and -2.8 kcal.mol-1), B6Ti3.10H2 (0.045 e and -15.4 kcal.mol-1), and B6Ti3+.10H2 (0.058 e and -15.3 kcal.mol-1) show qualitative correlation between hydrogen atomic charges and electronic energy of hydrogen interaction. The ωB97X-D/6-31 + G(2d,2p) values of Gibbs free energy at 298.15 K for (BeO)4.8H2 B2H4Ti.4H2 and B6Ti3.10H2 clusters are equal to -5.0, -4.9, and -5.1 kcal.mol-1, respectively, which are within the range of energy parameters of materials that could be employed in hydrogen storage tanks for light vehicles.