Using probiotics to improve nutrient digestibility and gut-health of weaned pigs: a comparison of maternal and nursery supplementation strategies.

Maternal probiotic supplementation has been found to have a positive impact on the gut health of piglets, not only during the lactation period, but also after weaning. Providing probiotics to nursery pigs is also a common strategy for supplementation. The goal of this study was to evaluate which would be the most effective strategy to improve nutrient digestibility, energy metabolism, and intestinal health in weaned pigs considering the maternal or nursery options. A total of 32 newly weaned pigs were randomly split into a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement considering maternal probiotic supplementation (with or without) in gestation-lactation and probiotic supplementation in the nursery period (with or without). After weaning, experimental diets were provided for 22 days. Total fecal and urine collection was performed from day 15 to 21. Blood samples were collected from all pigs on days 3 and 22 of the experiment to assess serum biochemistry and intestinal permeability. All pigs were euthanized on day 22 for intestinal tissue collection. Pigs born from probiotic-fed sows had greater (p < 0.05) total tract digestibility of dry matter (+1%) and gross energy (+1.3%), and greater (p < 0.05) metabolizable energy coefficient (+1.3%), which resulted in a 46 kcal/kg increase (p < 0.05) in the metabolizable energy content of the diet. Nitrogen intake (p = 0.035), uptake (p = 0.007), and retention (p = 0.012) were all increased in these pigs. Fecal moisture was reduced in pigs born from probiotic-fed sows and pigs fed the probiotic diet only in the nursery (p < 0.05). Pigs born from probiotic-fed sows had reduced intestinal permeability by 16% (p < 0.05), whereas pigs fed the probiotic diet in the nursery only tended to improve this response (p < 0.10). The villus:crypt ratio of pigs born from probiotic-fed sows was greater compared to the control (p < 0.05), while serum levels of alanine aminotransferase were lower (p < 0.05). Pigs born from probiotic-fed sows had increased nutrient digestibility and improved gut health. Therefore, it is concluded that supplementing the sow diets with probiotics rather than just providing diets in the nursery phase is an advantageous strategy.

Predictors of recurrence after total thyroidectomy in 1,611 patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma: postoperative stimulated serum thyroglobulin and ATA initial and dynamic risk assessment.

Objective: Despite a favorable prognosis, some patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) develop recurrence. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of the combination of initial American Thyroid Association (ATA) risk stratification with serum level of postoperative stimulated thyroglobulin (s-Tg) in predicting recurrence in patients with PTC and compare the results with an assessment of response to initial therapy (dynamic risk stratification). Subjects and methods: We retrospectively analyzed 1,611 patients who had undergone total thyroidectomy for PTC, followed in most cases (87.3%) by radioactive iodine (RAI) administration. Clinicopathological features and s-Tg levels obtained 3 months postoperatively were evaluated. The patients were stratified according to ATA risk categories. Nonstimulated thyroglobulin levels and imaging studies obtained during the first year of follow-up were used to restage the patients based on response to initial therapy. Results: After a mean follow-up of 61.5 months (range 12-246 months), tumor recurrence was diagnosed in 99 (6.1%) patients. According to ATA risk, recurrence was identified in 2.3% of the low-risk, 9% of the intermediate-risk, and 25% of the high-risk patients (p < 0.001). Using a receiver operating characteristic curve approach, a postoperative s-Tg level of 10 ng/mL emerged as the ideal cutoff value, with positive and negative predictive values of 24% and 97.8%, respectively (p < 0.001). Patients with low to intermediate ATA risk with postoperative s-Tg levels < 10 ng/mL and excellent response to treatment had a very low recurrence rate (<0.8%). In contrast, higher recurrence rates were observed in intermediate-riskto high-risk patients with postoperative s-Tg > 10 ng/mL and indeterminate response (25%) and in those with incomplete response regardless of ATA category or postoperative s-Tg value (38.5-87.5%). Using proportion of variance explained (PVE), the predicted recurrence using the ATA initial risk assessment alone was 12.7% and increased to 29.9% when postoperative s-Tg was added to the logistic regression model and 49.1% with dynamic risk stratification. Conclusion: The combination of ATA staging system and postoperative s-Tg can better predict the risk of PTC recurrence. Initial risk estimates can be refined based ondynamic risk assessment following response to therapy, thus providing a useful guide for follow-up recommendations.

Effects of Multistrain Probiotic Supplementation on Sows' Emotional and Cognitive States and Progeny Welfare.

The intensification of production systems has resulted in detrimental effects on sow welfare, which can have an adverse influence on their offspring. Considering the relevance of the microbiota-gut-brain axis, probiotics can mitigate such impacts. To investigate the effects of the dietary inclusion of probiotics on the welfare of sows and piglets, 147 multiparous sows were randomly assigned to two groups: a control group or a group supplemented with a multistrain probiotic from the beginning of pregnancy to the end of lactation. The human-animal relationship (HAR), stereotypic behavior, position changes, salivary cortisol, and plasma serotonin levels were assessed in the sows. The piglets' back test behavior and organ weight were analyzed. The probiotic-supplemented sows exhibited a better HAR index (p = 0.017), which indicated reduced aversion towards humans. The frequency of stereotypies was not influenced by the treatments. However, the supplemented sows spent more time standing (p = 0.054) and less time lying down (p = 0.008). The cortisol level of the supplemented sows was 50% lower (p = 0.047) and the serotonin levels were 11% higher (p = 0.034) than control animals. The multistrain piglets were more passive and less resistant (p = 0.076) in the back test. The organ weights were not influenced by treatments. In conclusion, the sows supplemented with probiotics showed less fear and more motivation indicators, while their piglets showed less aggression behaviors.

Experiences of women with physical disabilities in labor and delivery assistance.

OBJECTIVE: To understand the meaning attributed by women with physical disabilities to the health care received and expected during labor and delivery. METHODS: Qualitative study, based on Social Network Theory, conducted through an online workshop in April 2022, with the participation of six women with physical disabilities. Data, collected through the focus group technique, underwent thematic content analysis with the assistance of the IRaMuTeQ tool. RESULTS: Three thematic categories emerged: Challenges experienced during pregnancy; The experience within the maternity ward; and, The importance of social networks. The assistance provided by healthcare professionals sometimes differed between what was expected and what was received by women with physical disabilities during labor and delivery. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: Experiences were predominantly negative, resulting from inappropriate professional conduct due to ableist attitudes. Support from members of social networks is crucial for preventing stressors.

Understanding hypergammaglobulinemia in experimental or natural visceral leishmaniasis.

Nonspecific hypergammaglobulinemia (HGG) occurs in symptomatic human visceral leishmaniasis (VL) caused by L. L. infantum. This study assessed this finding in experimental infection in hamsters and natural infection in dogs. The serum concentration of proteins, albumin and globulins was determined through the biuret and bromocresol green reaction, where the HGG was better expressed through the albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio. HGG was associated with a higher concentration of specific anti-glycan antibodies (BSA-G)/promastigote soluble extract (PSE) and the presence of circulating immune complexes (IC) by dissociative enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA). The study found monovalent IC in 37.9% (PSE) and 50% (BSA-G) of sera from infected hamsters, with increased frequency as the disease progressed. HGG was found in >60% of the samples in dogs with VL, associated with higher levels of specific immunoglobulin (Ig)A and IgM, but not IgG, determined using the PSE and BSA-G ELISA. HGG was associated with the presence of monovalent IC in 58.9% (PSE) and 63.4% (BSA-G) positive dog samples. HGG may result not only from the nonspecific activation of B cells, with greater production of specific and nonspecific antibodies, but also due to lower IgG excretion due to the presence of soluble monovalent IC. HGG correlates to the progression of VL and may be a marker for manifested disease.

Experiences of women with physical disabilities in labor and delivery assistance / Experiencias de mujeres con discapacidad física en la asistencia durante el trabajo de parto y parto / Vivências de mulheres com deficiência física na assistência ao trabalho de parto e parto

ABSTRACT Objective: To understand the meaning attributed by women with physical disabilities to the health care received and expected during labor and delivery. Methods: Qualitative study, based on Social Network Theory, conducted through an online workshop in April 2022, with the participation of six women with physical disabilities. Data, collected through the focus group technique, underwent thematic content analysis with the assistance of the IRaMuTeQ tool. Results: Three thematic categories emerged: Challenges experienced during pregnancy; The experience within the maternity ward; and, The importance of social networks. The assistance provided by healthcare professionals sometimes differed between what was expected and what was received by women with physical disabilities during labor and delivery. Final Considerations: Experiences were predominantly negative, resulting from inappropriate professional conduct due to ableist attitudes. Support from members of social networks is crucial for preventing stressors.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Comprender el significado atribuido por mujeres con discapacidad física a la asistencia de salud recibida y esperada durante el trabajo de parto y parto. Métodos: Estudio cualitativo, fundamentado en la Teoría de Redes Sociales, llevado a cabo mediante un taller en línea en abril de 2022, con la participación de seis mujeres con discapacidad física. Los datos, recopilados mediante la técnica de grupo focal, fueron sometidos a análisis de contenido temático con la ayuda de la herramienta IRaMuTeQ. Resultados: Emergieron tres categorías temáticas: Problemas experimentados durante el embarazo; La experiencia dentro de la maternidad; y La importancia de las redes sociales. La asistencia proporcionada por los profesionales de la salud, en ocasiones, difirió entre lo esperado y lo recibido por las mujeres con discapacidad física durante el trabajo de parto y parto. Consideraciones finales: Las experiencias fueron predominantemente negativas, resultado de conductas profesionales inadecuadas debido a actitudes capacitistas. El apoyo de los miembros de las redes sociales es fundamental para la prevención de factores estresores.

RESUMO Objetivo: Compreender o significado atribuído por mulheres com deficiência física à assistência de saúde recebida e esperada durante o trabalho de parto e parto. Métodos: Estudo qualitativo, fundamentado na Teoria de Rede Social, realizado por meio de uma oficina online em abril de 2022, com a participação de seis mulheres com deficiência física. Os dados, coletados por meio da técnica de grupo focal, foram submetidos à análise de conteúdo temático com o auxílio da ferramenta IRaMuTeQ. Resultados: Três categorias temáticas emergiram: Problemas vivenciados na gravidez; A experiência dentro da maternidade; e A importância das redes sociais. A assistência prestada pelos profissionais de saúde, por vezes, diferiu entre o esperado e o recebido pelas mulheres com deficiência física durante o trabalho de parto e parto. Considerações Finais: As vivências foram predominantemente negativas, resultantes de condutas profissionais inadequadas devido a atitudes capacitistas. O apoio dos membros das redes sociais é fundamental para a prevenção de fatores estressores.

Dietary supplementation with ß-mannanase and probiotics as a strategy to improve laying hen performance and egg quality.

The objective of this study was to assess the impact of ß-mannanase and probiotic on the performance, serum biochemistry, gut morphometric traits, and fresh egg quality of laying hens. A total of 120 cages, housing light-weight laying hens (36 weeks old), were randomly assigned to four different treatments. These treatments included a control group fed non-supplemented diets; diets supplemented with 300 g/ton of beta-mannanase; diets supplemented with 50 g/ton of probiotic; or diets containing both 300 g/ton of ß-mannanase and 50 g/ton of probiotics. The trial spanned a duration of 26 weeks and was divided into three productive phases, each lasting 28 days. The inclusion of ß-mannanase resulted in a significant improvement in the laying rate by 11% (p < 0.05) compared to the control treatment. Similarly, the addition of probiotics also enhanced the laying rate by 7% (p < 0.05), as well as the supplementation with combined additives (11.5%). Combined additives showed an increase in egg masses, and additive association improved by 13.9% (p < 0.001) in contrast to the control treatment. Overall, ß-mannanase and combined additives used during the supplementation period resulted in improvements in the weight of fresh eggs. These benefits were observed after a period of 14 weeks without supplementation (p < 0.05). Furthermore, significant differences were observed in the serum biochemistry and egg masses of birds that were fed diets containing both additives (ß-mannanase + probiotics) compared to the control group. Parameters such as uric acid, total cholesterol, and triglycerides displayed notable variations. The villi height: crypt depth showed differences with combined additives (ß-mannanase + probiotics). The ß-mannanase improved specific gravity, yolk height, length, and pH, and yolk color traits compared to the control treatment. The use of probiotics helped to improve yolk height, pH, and color score. Besides, combined additives (ß-mannanase + probiotics) improve yolk height, length, weight, pH, and better traits in yolk color. Hence, incorporating ß-mannanase and probiotics into laying hen diets proves to be a highly effective strategy for enhancing laying rate and overall health status, while simultaneously elevating certain quality attributes of fresh eggs.

Characterization of Brazilian Buriti oil biomaterial: the influence on the physical, chemical properties and behaviour of Goat Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells.

The Brazilian Buriti oil presents low extraction costs and relevant antioxidant properties. Thus, this work aimed to analyze Buriti oil biomaterial (BB), within its physicochemical properties, biocompatibility and cellular integration, with the purpose to the use as a growth matrix for Goat Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells. Biomaterials were produced from Buriti oil polymer (Mauritia flexuosa), for it's characterization were performed Infrared Region Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TG and DTG). The biointegration was analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and histological techniques. In order to investigate biocompatibility, MTT (3-(4,5-dimetil-2-tiazolil)-2,5-difenil-2H-tetrazólio) test and hemolytic activity tests were performed. The activation capacity of immune system cellswas measured by phagocytic capacity assay and nitric oxide synthesis . The BB presented an amorphous composition, with high thermal stability and high water expansion capacity, a surface with micro and macropores, and good adhesion of Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells (MSCWJ). We verified the absence of cytotoxicity and hemolytic activity, in addition, BB did not stimulate the activation of macrophages. Proving to be a safe material for direct cultivation and also for manufacturing of compounds used for in vivo applications.

Review of electromyography onset detection methods for real-time control of robotic exoskeletons.

BACKGROUND: Electromyography (EMG) is a classical technique used to record electrical activity associated with muscle contraction and is widely applied in Biomechanics, Biomedical Engineering, Neuroscience and Rehabilitation Robotics. Determining muscle activation onset timing, which can be used to infer movement intention and trigger prostheses and robotic exoskeletons, is still a big challenge. The main goal of this paper was to perform a review of the state-of-the-art of EMG onset detection methods. Moreover, we compared the performance of the most commonly used methods on experimental EMG data. METHODS: A total of 156 papers published until March 2022 were included in the review. The papers were analyzed in terms of application domain, pre-processing method and EMG onset detection method. The three most commonly used methods [Single (ST), Double (DT) and Adaptive Threshold (AT)] were applied offline on experimental intramuscular and surface EMG signals obtained during contractions of ankle and knee joint muscles. RESULTS: Threshold-based methods are still the most commonly used to detect EMG onset. Compared to ST and AT, DT required more processing time and, therefore, increased onset timing detection, when applied on experimental data. The accuracy of these three methods was high (maximum error detection rate of 7.3%), demonstrating their ability to automatically detect the onset of muscle activity. Recently, other studies have tested different methods (especially Machine Learning based) to determine muscle activation onset offline, reporting promising results. CONCLUSIONS: This study organized and classified the existing EMG onset detection methods to create consensus towards a possible standardized method for EMG onset detection, which would also allow more reproducibility across studies. The three most commonly used methods (ST, DT and AT) proved to be accurate, while ST and AT were faster in terms of EMG onset detection time, especially when applied on intramuscular EMG data. These are important features towards movement intention identification, especially in real-time applications. Machine Learning methods have received increased attention as an alternative to detect muscle activation onset. However, although several methods have shown their capability offline, more research is required to address their full potential towards real-time applications, namely to infer movement intention.

Trigeminal Neuralgia Due to Unilateral Early Bifurcated Superior Cerebellar Artery: Case Report and Literature Review.

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is considered a debilitating pain syndrome resulting from a neurovascular conflict in the prepontine cistern, usually through compression of the trigeminal nerve by the superior cerebellar artery (SCA), resulting in neural pathology at the root entry zone. This is a case report of a patient whose TN symptoms were attributed to an anatomical variant of the SCA, managed successfully through conservative treatment. Anatomical variants of the SCA have been related to TN. However, this is the first reported case in the PubMed literature of primary TN due to an unilateral early bifurcated SCA treated conservatively with first-line sodium channel blockers with a good outcome.

Prolactin does not seem to mediate the improvement on insulin resistance markers and blood glucose levels related to breastfeeding.

Introduction: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increasing worldwide. Strategies to decrease this risk should be strongly encouraged. Lactation has been associated, for the mother, with reduction in future T2DM risk in several studies. The mechanisms behind this phenomenon, however, are poorly understood. The aims of this study were, first, to compare blood glucose levels and markers of insulin resistance (MIR) in early postpartum women with overweight/obesity according to their breastfeeding status and, second, to evaluate whether prolactin (PRL) levels could mediate improvements in these parameters. Methods: The prospective study followed 95 women older than 18 years from early pregnancy for up to 60 to 180 days postpartum. All participants had a BMI > 25 kg/m2 and a singleton pregnancy. At each visit, questionnaires and clinical and biochemical evaluations were performed. Participants were divided into two groups according to the breastfeeding status as "yes" for exclusive or predominant breastfeeding, and "no" for not breastfeeding. Results: Breastfeeding women (n = 44) had significantly higher PRL levels [47.8 (29.6-88.2) vs. 20.0 (12.0-33.8), p< 0.001]. They also had significantly lower fasting blood glucose levels [89.0 (8.0) vs. 93.9 (12.6) mg/dl, p = 0.04], triglycerides (TG) [92.2 (37.9) vs. 122.4 (64.4) mg/dl, p = 0.01], TG/HDL ratio [1.8 (0.8) vs. 2.4 (1.6) mg/dl, p = 0.02], TyG index [8.24 (0.4) vs. 8.52 (0.53), p = 0.005], fasting serum insulin [8.9 (6.3-11.6) vs. 11.4 (7.7-17.0), p = 0.048], and HOMA-IR [2.0 (1.3-2.7) vs. 2.6 (1.6-3.9), p = 0.025] in the postpartum period compared to the non-breastfeeding group. Groups were homogeneous in relation to prevalence of GDM, pre-gestational BMI, as well as daily caloric intake, physical activity, and weight loss at postpartum. Linear regression analysis with adjustments for confounders showed a statistically significant association of breastfeeding with fasting blood glucose [-6.37 (-10.91 to -1.83), p = 0.006], HOMA-IR [-0.27 (-0.51 to -0.04), p = 0.024], TyG index [-0.04 (-0.06 to -0.02), p = 0.001], and TG/HDL ratio [-0.25 (-0.48 to -0.01), p = 0.038]. Mediation analysis showed that PRL did not mediate these effects. Sensitivity analyses considering different cutoffs for PRL levels also did not show modification effect in the mediation analyses. Conclusion: Breastfeeding was associated with improvement in glucose metabolism and MIR 60 to 180 days after birth in overweight and obese women, even when adjusted for confounders. PRL levels were not found to mediate the association between breastfeeding and improvement in MIR.

Single-cell mutation rate of turnip crinkle virus (-)-strand replication intermediates.

Viruses with single-stranded, positive-sense (+) RNA genomes incur high numbers of errors during replication, thereby creating diversified genome populations from which new, better adapted viral variants can emerge. However, a definitive error rate is known for a relatively few (+) RNA plant viruses, due to challenges to account for perturbations caused by natural selection and/or experimental set-ups. To address these challenges, we developed a new approach that exclusively profiled errors in the (-)-strand replication intermediates of turnip crinkle virus (TCV), in singly infected cells. A series of controls and safeguards were devised to ensure errors inherent to the experimental process were accounted for. This approach permitted the estimation of a TCV error rate of 8.47 X 10-5 substitution per nucleotide site per cell infection. Importantly, the characteristic error distribution pattern among the 50 copies of 2,363-base-pair cDNA fragments predicted that nearly all TCV (-) strands were products of one replication cycle per cell. Furthermore, some of the errors probably elevated error frequencies by lowering the fidelity of TCV RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, and/or permitting occasional re-replication of progeny genomes. In summary, by profiling errors in TCV (-)-strand intermediates incurred during replication in single cells, this study provided strong support for a stamping machine mode of replication employed by a (+) RNA virus.

Phase Angle, Inflammation, and Sarcopenia in Late Postoperative Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass.

Sarcopenic obesity is characterized by a disproportion between the amount of muscle to fat. Contrary to most studies evaluating parameters related to sarcopenic obesity in the elderly, this study aims to evaluate the phase angle (PhA) and sarcopenia in young individuals pre- and post-Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. A total of 69 volunteers (46 women and 23 men; 38.5 ± 8.1 years) participated in this study. Body composition and PhA were assessed using BIA. Sarcopenia was assessed using a handgrip strength test (HGS) and gait speed (GS), and appendicular lean mass (ALM) was assessed using Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA). The PhA was significantly lower (p < 0.0007) and the resistance (R) significantly higher (p = 0.0026) in the postoperative group. HGS was negatively correlated with R (r = -0.63669; p < 0.0001), hs-CRP (r = -0.45436; p = 0.0197), and leptin (r = -0.46505; p = 0.0043). GS was negatively correlated with R (r = -0.36220; p = 0.0254), and ALM was negatively correlated with reactance (r = -0.49485; p = 0.0034) and R (r = -0.65797; p ≤ 0.0001). PhA and other components of BIA provide a good correlation with sarcopenia, especially regarding the reduction in muscle function, in an early form, in individuals in the pre- and postoperative period of gastric bypass.

Novel Scaffold Based on Chitosan Hydrogels/Phthalated Cashew Gum for Supporting Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells.

Hydrogels are structures that have value for application in the area of tissue engineering because they mimic the extracellular matrix. Naturally obtained polysaccharides, such as chitosan (CH) and cashew gum, are materials with the ability to form polymeric networks due to their physicochemical properties. This research aimed to develop a scaffold based on chitosan and phthalated cashew tree gum and test it as a support for the growth of human mesenchymal stem cells. In this study, phthalation in cashew gum (PCG) was performed by using a solvent-free route. PCG-CH scaffold was developed by polyelectrolyte complexation, and its ability to support adherent stem cell growth was evaluated. The scaffold showed a high swelling rate. The pore sizes of the scaffold were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. Human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) were isolated, expanded, and characterized for their potential to differentiate into mesenchymal lineages and for their immunophenotypic profile. Isolated mesenchymal stem cells presented fibroblastoid morphology, plastic adhesion capacity, and differentiation in osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic lineages. Mesenchymal stem cells were cultured in scaffolds to assess cell adhesion and growth. The cells seeded on the scaffold showed typical morphology, attachment, and adequate distribution inside the matrix pores. Thus, cells seeded in the scaffold may improve the osteoinductive and osteoconductive properties of these biomaterials.

Intracellular bottlenecking permits no more than three tomato yellow leaf curl virus genomes to initiate replication in a single cell.

Viruses are constantly subject to natural selection to enrich beneficial mutations and weed out deleterious ones. However, it remains unresolved as to how the phenotypic gains or losses brought about by these mutations cause the viral genomes carrying the very mutations to become more or less numerous. Previous investigations by us and others suggest that viruses with plus strand (+) RNA genomes may compel such selection by bottlenecking the replicating genome copies in each cell to low single digits. Nevertheless, it is unclear if similarly stringent reproductive bottlenecks also occur in cells invaded by DNA viruses. Here we investigated whether tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), a small virus with a single-stranded DNA genome, underwent population bottlenecking in cells of its host plants. We engineered a TYLCV genome to produce two replicons that express green fluorescent protein and mCherry, respectively, in a replication-dependent manner. We found that among the cells entered by both replicons, less than 65% replicated both, whereas at least 35% replicated either of them alone. Further probability computation concluded that replication in an average cell was unlikely to have been initiated with more than three replicon genome copies. Furthermore, sequential inoculations unveiled strong mutual exclusions of these two replicons at the intracellular level. In conclusion, the intracellular population of the small DNA virus TYLCV is actively bottlenecked, and such bottlenecking may be a virus-encoded, evolutionarily conserved trait that assures timely selection of new mutations emerging through error-prone replication.

Realidade virtual no ensino da graduação em odontologia: uma revisão integrativa / Realidad virtual en la enseñanza de pregrado en odontología: una revisión integradora / Virtual reality in the teaching of undergraduatesin Dentistry: an integrative review

O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar, por meio de uma revisão de literatura, a utilização da realidade virtual no processo de ensino-aprendizagem da graduação em Odontologia. Trata-se de um estudo de revisão integrativa da literatura, com buscas de alta sensibilidade, realizado nas bases de dados Medline (PubMed), EMBASE (Elsevier), Cochrane Library e Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, utilizando-se descritores relacionados à realidade virtual, ensino na Odontologia e educação, com termos correlatos recuperados no MeSH, DeCS e Emtree. A busca foi realizada em maio de 2022 por ensaios clínicos nas línguas portuguesa, inglesa ou espanhola. Após avaliação por meio dos critérios de inclusão e exclusão estabelecidos, 14 ensaios clínicos, publicados entre os anos de 2004 e 2021 em língua inglesa, foram incluídos. As finalidades mais testadas das tecnologias de realidade virtual foram para preparos cavitários para remoção de cárie (n=7) e no ensino teórico (n=2). Quanto aos instrumentos de avaliação dos participantes, a avaliação prática de destreza manual foi a mais usada (n=9). As limitações mais recorrentes (n=6) foram deficiências na avaliação ou nos métodos avaliativos dos estudos. Assim, conclui-se que a utilização da realidade virtual na área da Odontologiaapresenta o potencial de aprimorar habilidades técnicas e complementar o ensino de assuntos teóricos de disciplinas da graduação. Considerando esse potencial, sugere-se que mais estudos sejam realizados para uma melhor eficácia e aplicabilidade da realidade virtual na graduação (AU).

El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar, a través de una revisión de la literatura, el uso de la realidad virtual en el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje de la carrera de Odontología. Se trata de un estudio de revisión integradora de la literatura, con búsquedas de alta sensibilidad, realizado en las bases de datos Medline (PubMed), EMBASE (Elsevier), Biblioteca Cochrane y Biblioteca Virtual en Salud, utilizando descriptores relacionados con la realidad virtual, la enseñanza en Odontología y la educación, con temas relacionados. términos recuperados de MeSH, DeCS y Emtree. La búsqueda se realizó en mayo de 2022 de ensayos clínicos en portugués, inglés o español. Tras la evaluación mediante los criterios de inclusión y exclusión establecidos, se incluyeron 14 ensayos clínicos, publicados entre 2004 y 2021 en inglés. Los usos más probados de las tecnologías de realidad virtual fueron la preparación de cavidades para la eliminación de caries (n=7) y la enseñanza teórica (n=2). En cuanto a los instrumentos de evaluación de los participantes, la evaluación práctica de la destreza manual fue la más utilizada (n=9). Las limitaciones más recurrentes (n=6) fueron deficiencias en la evaluación o métodos de evaluación de los estudios. Así, se concluye que el uso de la realidad virtual en el área de Odontología tiene el potencial de mejorar las habilidades técnicas y complementar la enseñanza de materias teóricas en los cursos de pregrado. Considerando este potencial, se sugiere realizar más estudios para mejorarla efectividad y aplicabilidad de la realidad virtual en los estudios de pregrado (AU).

The objective of this study was to investigate, through a literature review, the use of virtual reality in the teaching-learning process of undergraduate Dentistry. This is an integrative literature review study, with high sensitivity searches, carried out in the Medline (PubMed), EMBASE (Elsevier), Cochrane Library and Virtual Health Library databases, using descriptors related to virtual reality, teaching in Dentistry and education, with related terms retrieved from MeSH, DeCS and Emtree. The search was carried out in May 2022 for clinical trials in Portuguese, English or Spanish.After evaluation using the established inclusion and exclusion criteria, 14 clinical trials, published between 2004 and 2021 in English, were included. The most tested purposes of virtual reality technologies were for cavity preparations for caries removal (n=7) and in theoretical teaching (n=2). Regarding participant assessment instruments, the practical assessment of manual dexterity was the most used (n=9). The most recurrent limitations (n=6) were deficiencies in the evaluation or evaluation methods ofthe studies. Thus, it is concluded that the use of virtual reality in the area of Dentistry has the potential to improve technical skills and complement the teaching of theoretical subjects in undergraduate courses. Considering this potential, it is suggested that more studies be carried out to improve the effectiveness and applicability of virtual reality in undergraduate studies (AU).

Scavenger receptors mediate increased uptake of irradiated T.gondii extracts by J774 macrophages.

PURPOSE: Protein extracts developed increased immunogenicity without the aid of adjuvants after gamma irradiation. Gamma irradiation of snake venom increased antivenin production by detoxification and enhanced immunity, probably due preferential uptake of irradiated venoms by macrophage scavenger receptors. We studied this uptake of irradiated soluble Toxoplasma gondii extract (STag) by the J774 macrophage cell line similar to antigen presenting cells. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We labeled STag by biosynthesis in living tachyzoites with radioactive amino acids before purification and irradiation or by adding labels as biotin or fluorescein in stored STag, for quantitative studies or subcellular distribution visualization. RESULTS: There was enhanced binding and uptake of irradiated STag into the cells compared to non-irradiated STag. Using fluorescein labeled antigens and morphological assays, we confirmed that cells avidly ingested both native and irradiated proteins but native STag were digested after ingestion while irradiated proteins remained in the cell, suggesting diverse intracytoplasmic pathways. Native or irradiated STag present the same in vitro sensitivity to three types of peptidases. Inhibitors of scavenger receptors (SRs) such as Dextran sulfate (SR-A1 blocker) or Probucol (SR-B blocker) affect the specific uptake of irradiated antigens, suggesting its association with enhanced immunity. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggests that cell SRs recognize irradiated proteins, mainly SRs for oxidized proteins, leading to antigen uptake by an intracytoplasmic pathway with fewer peptidases that prolongs presentation to nascent major histocompatibility complex I or II and enhances immunity by better antigen presentation.

Father's weight could contribute to large babies in overweight and obese mothers with and without gestational diabetes.

We evaluated whether there was an association between fathers' nutritional status and children's birth weight (BW) considering weight-matched mothers with and without gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). In total, 86 trios of women, infants, and fathers were evaluated. BW was not different between the groups of obese and non-obese parents, frequency of maternal obesity, or GDM. The percentage of infants who were large for gestational age (LGA) was 25% in the obese group and 14% in the non-obese group (p = 0.44). There was a borderline significance for higher body mass index (p = 0.09) of the father in the LGA group compared with the adequate for gestational age group. These results corroborate the hypothesis that the father's weight can also be relevant for the occurrence of LGA.

Germline Mutations Landscape in a Cohort of the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, in Patients Who Underwent Genetic Counseling for Gynecological and Breast Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The present study evaluated the profile of germline mutations present in patients who underwent genetic counseling for risk assessment for breast cancer (BC), ovarian cancer (OC), and endometrial cancer (EC) with a possible hereditary pattern. METHODS: Medical records of 382 patients who underwent genetic counseling after signing an informed consent form were analyzed. A total of 55.76% of patients (213/382) were symptomatic (personal history of cancer), and 44.24% (169/382) were asymptomatic (absence of the disease). The variables analyzed were age, sex, place of birth, personal or family history of BC, OC, EC, as well as other types of cancer associated with hereditary syndromes. The Human Genome Variation Society (HGVS) nomenclature guidelines were used to name the variants, and their biological significance was determined by comparing 11 databases. RESULTS: We identified 53 distinct mutations: 29 pathogenic variants, 13 variants of undetermined significance (VUS), and 11 benign. The most frequent mutations were BRCA1 c.470_471delCT, BRCA1 c.4675 + 1G > T, and BRCA2 c.2T> G. Furthermore, 21 variants appear to have been described for the first time in Brazil. In addition to BRCA1/2 mutations, variants in other genes related to hereditary syndromes that predispose to gynecological cancers were found. CONCLUSION: This study allowed a deeper understanding of the main mutations identified in families in the state of Minas Gerais and demonstrates the need to assess the family history of non-gynecological cancer for risk assessment of BC, OC, and EC. Moreover, it is an effort that contributes to population studies to evaluate the cancer risk mutation profile in Brazil.

OBJETIVO: O presente estudo avaliou o perfil de mutações germinativas presentes em pacientes submetidas a aconselhamento genético para avaliação de risco para câncer de mama (CM), câncer de ovário (OC) e câncer de endométrio (CE) com possível padrão hereditário. MéTODOS: Foram analisados os prontuários de 382 pacientes que realizaram aconselhamento genético após consentimento informado. Um total de 55,76% dos pacientes (213/382) eram sintomáticos (história pessoal de câncer), e 44,24% (169/382) eram assintomáticos (ausência da doença). As variáveis analisadas foram idade, sexo, naturalidade, história pessoal ou familiar de CM, OC, CE bem como outros tipos de câncer associados a síndromes hereditárias. As diretrizes de nomenclatura da Human Genome Variation Society (HGVS) foram usadas para nomear as variantes e seu significado biológico foi determinado pela comparação de 11 bancos de dados. RESULTADOS: Identificamos 53 mutações distintas: 29 variantes patogênicas, 13 variantes de significado indeterminado e 11 benignas. As mutações mais frequentes foram BRCA1 c.470_471delCT, BRCA1 c.4675 + 1G > T e BRCA2 c.2T > G. Além disso, 21 variantes parecem ter sido descritas pela primeira vez no Brasil. Além das mutações BRCA1/2, foram encontradas variantes em outros genes relacionados a síndromes hereditárias que predispõem a cânceres ginecológicos. CONCLUSãO: Este estudo permitiu conhecer melhor as principais mutações identificadas nas famílias do estado de Minas Gerais e demonstra a necessidade de avaliar a história familiar de câncer não ginecológico para avaliação do risco de CM, OC e CE. Além disso, é um esforço que contribui com estudos populacionais para avaliar o perfil de mutações de risco para câncer no Brasil.