Expression of monocyte chemokine receptors in diabetes after non-surgical periodontal treatment: A pilot study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of non-surgical periodontal treatment in the expression of chemokine receptors, in individuals with Periodontitis, associated or not with Diabetes. Pilot study, which included patients (n = 45) with Periodontitis, associated (n = 25) or not (n = 20) with Diabetes, submitted to the non-surgical periodontal treatment for one month. The expression of chemokine receptors CCR2, CCR5, and CX3CR1 at the mRNA level was evaluated in the peripheral mononuclear cells, as well as the expression of these receptors at the protein level was verified in monocyte subtypes (classical, intermediate, and non-classical monocytes). There was higher expression of CCR2 and CCR5 receptors at the initial visit in the group with Diabetes, with no differences for CX3CR1 (p = 0.002; p = 0.018, and p = 0.896, respectively), without differences after treatment. There was higher expression of CCR2 and CCR5 proteins in the group with Diabetes at the initial visit for classical, intermediate, and nonclassical monocytes, with no differences for CX3CR1 (CCR2: p = 0.004; p = 0.026; p = 0.024; CCR5: 0.045; p = 0.045; p = 0.013; CX3CR1: p = 0.424; p = 0.944; p = 0.392, respectively), without differences after the end of treatment. Concerning each group separately, there were reductions in the expression of CCR2 as well as CCR5 in classical, intermediate, and nonclassical monocytes, and reduction of CX3CR1 in classical monocytes after treatment in the group with Diabetes (p = 0.003; p = 0.006; p = 0.039; p = 0.007; p = 0.006; p = 0.004; p = 0.019, respectively), without differences in the group without Diabetes. The expression of the chemokine receptors CCR2 and CCR5, in patients with Periodontitis associated with Diabetes, is favorably modified after the end of the non-surgical periodontal treatment.

Between neurons and networks: investigating mesoscale brain connectivity in neurological and psychiatric disorders.

The study of brain connectivity has been a cornerstone in understanding the complexities of neurological and psychiatric disorders. It has provided invaluable insights into the functional architecture of the brain and how it is perturbed in disorders. However, a persistent challenge has been achieving the proper spatial resolution, and developing computational algorithms to address biological questions at the multi-cellular level, a scale often referred to as the mesoscale. Historically, neuroimaging studies of brain connectivity have predominantly focused on the macroscale, providing insights into inter-regional brain connections but often falling short of resolving the intricacies of neural circuitry at the cellular or mesoscale level. This limitation has hindered our ability to fully comprehend the underlying mechanisms of neurological and psychiatric disorders and to develop targeted interventions. In light of this issue, our review manuscript seeks to bridge this critical gap by delving into the domain of mesoscale neuroimaging. We aim to provide a comprehensive overview of conditions affected by aberrant neural connections, image acquisition techniques, feature extraction, and data analysis methods that are specifically tailored to the mesoscale. We further delineate the potential of brain connectivity research to elucidate complex biological questions, with a particular focus on schizophrenia and epilepsy. This review encompasses topics such as dendritic spine quantification, single neuron morphology, and brain region connectivity. We aim to showcase the applicability and significance of mesoscale neuroimaging techniques in the field of neuroscience, highlighting their potential for gaining insights into the complexities of neurological and psychiatric disorders.

Role of IL-18 in adipose tissue remodeling and metabolic dysfunction.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Proinflammatory cytokines are increased in obese adipose tissue, including inflammasome key masters. Conversely, IL-18 protects against obesity and metabolic dysfunction. We focused on the IL-18 effect in controlling adipose tissue remodeling and metabolism. MATERIALS/SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We used C57BL/6 wild-type (WT) and interleukine-18 deficient (IL-18-/-) male mice fed a chow diet and samples from bariatric surgery patients. RESULTS: IL-18-/- mice showed increased adiposity and proinflammatory cytokine levels in adipose tissue, leading to glucose intolerance. IL-18 was widely secreted by stromal vascular fraction but not adipocytes from mice's fatty tissue. Chimeric model experiments indicated that IL-18 controls adipose tissue expansion through its presence in tissues other than bone marrow. However, IL-18 maintains glucose homeostasis when present in bone marrow cells. In humans with obesity, IL-18 expression in omental tissue was not correlated with BMI or body fat mass but negatively correlated with IRS1, GLUT-4, adiponectin, and PPARy expression. Also, the IL-18RAP receptor was negatively correlated with IL-18 expression. CONCLUSIONS: IL-18 signaling may control adipose tissue expansion and glucose metabolism, as its absence leads to spontaneous obesity and glucose intolerance in mice. We suggest that resistance to IL-18 signaling may be linked with worse glucose metabolism in humans with obesity.

Prevalence of multimorbidity in Brazilian individuals: A population-based study.

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of multimorbidity in Brazilian individuals and its association with sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. This cross-sectional study used data from the National Health Survey conducted in 2019 with 88,531 Brazilian adults Multimorbidity is the presence of two or more non-communicable chronic diseases. Associated factors were assessed by calculating the prevalence ratio (PR) obtained using Poisson regression with robust variance. Multimorbidity was estimated in 29.9% (95%CI: 29.33% to 30.48%) of Brazilian individuals. In the multiple models, the prevalence was high in women (PR: 1.37; 95%CI: 1.32 to 1.42), individuals over 60 years (PR: 4.26; 95%CI: 3.87 to 4.69), non-employed (PR: 1.20; 95%CI: 1.15 to 1.26), individuals with obesity (PR: 1.49; 95%CI: 1.43 to 1.56), and smokers (PR: 1.24; 95%CI: 1.19 to 1.29). This study identified a high prevalence of multimorbidity and its association with sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. The monitoring of these outcomes may support the development of policies and services.

Interventions to Change Movement Behaviors After Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aimed to determine which interventions increase physical activity (PA) and decrease sedentary behavior (SB) based on objective measures of movement behavior in individuals with stroke. DATA SOURCES: The PubMed (Medline), EMBASE, Scopus, CINAHL (EBSCO), and Web of Science databases were searched for articles published up to January 3, 2023. STUDY SELECTION: The StArt 3.0.3 BETA software was used to screen titles, abstracts, and full texts for studies with randomized controlled trial designs; individuals with stroke (≥18 years of age); interventions aimed at increasing PA or decreasing SB; and objective measurement instruments. DATA EXTRACTION: Data extraction was standardized, considering participants and assessments of interest. The risk of bias and quality of evidence of the included studies were assessed. DATA SYNTHESIS: Twenty-eight studies involving 1855 patients were included. Meta-analyses revealed that in the post-stroke acute/subacute phase, exercise interventions combined with behavior change techniques (BCTs) increased both daily steps (standardized mean difference [SMD]=0.65, P=.0002) and time spent on moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activities (MVPAs) duration of PA (SMD=0.68, P=.0004) with moderate-quality evidence. In addition, interventions based only on BCTs increased PA levels with very low-quality evidence (SMD (low-intensity physical activity)=0.36, P=.02; SMD (MVPA)=0.56, P=.0004) and decreased SB with low-quality evidence (SMD=0.48, P=.03). In the post-stroke chronic phase, there is statistical significance in favor of exercise-only interventions in PA frequency (steps/day) with moderate-quality evidence (SMD=0.68, P=.002). In general, the risk of bias in the included studies was low. CONCLUSIONS: In the acute/subacute phase after stroke, the use of BCTs combined with exercise can increase the number of daily steps and time spent on MVPA. In contrast, in the post-stroke chronic phase, exercise-only interventions resulted in a significant increase in daily steps.

Performance and Analysis of the Alchemical Transfer Method for Binding-Free-Energy Predictions of Diverse Ligands.

The Alchemical Transfer Method (ATM) is herein validated against the relative binding-free energies (RBFEs) of a diverse set of protein-ligand complexes. We employed a streamlined setup workflow, a bespoke force field, and AToM-OpenMM software to compute the RBFEs of the benchmark set prepared by Schindler and collaborators at Merck KGaA. This benchmark set includes examples of standard small R-group ligand modifications as well as more challenging scenarios, such as large R-group changes, scaffold hopping, formal charge changes, and charge-shifting transformations. The novel coordinate perturbation scheme and a dual-topology approach of ATM address some of the challenges of single-topology alchemical RBFE methods. Specifically, ATM eliminates the need for splitting electrostatic and Lennard-Jones interactions, atom mapping, defining ligand regions, and postcorrections for charge-changing perturbations. Thus, ATM is simpler and more broadly applicable than conventional alchemical methods, especially for scaffold-hopping and charge-changing transformations. Here, we performed well over 500 RBFE calculations for eight protein targets and found that ATM achieves accuracy comparable to that of existing state-of-the-art methods, albeit with larger statistical fluctuations. We discuss insights into the specific strengths and weaknesses of the ATM method that will inform future deployments. This study confirms that ATM can be applied as a production tool for RBFE predictions across a wide range of perturbation types within a unified, open-source framework.

Impacto da Covid-19 na prática de automedicação em estudantes universitários / Impact of COVID-19 on self-medication practice in university students / Impacto de la Covid-19 en la práctica de la automedicación en estudiantes universitarios

RESUMO: A automedicação expõe os indivíduos a riscos como reações adversas, intoxicações, interações medicamentosas, falhas terapêuticas e erros de medicação. Na pandemia de Covid-19, houve aumento de compra e consumo de produtos farmacêuticos pelos brasileiros. O presente estudo teve como objetivo estimar a prevalência e os fatores associados à automedicação em estudantes de um centro universitário na região do Campo das Vertentes, Minas Gerais, bem como avaliar a incidência durante a pandemia de Covid-19. O estudo teve delineamento transversal e quantitativo, com 248 estudantes de um centro universitário em 2021. Os achados mostraram que 67,3% dos participantes relataram realizar a automedicação; 28,7% apontaram aumento da automedicação durante a pandemia; e 30,9% indicaram o início nesse período. Houve diferença significativa sobre: considerar-se capaz de se automedicar, ter costume de indicar medicamentos para outras pessoas e consumi-los por indicação de outros. Para aqueles que aumentaram a prática de automedicação na pandemia, houve associação com o hábito de indicar medicamentos para outras pessoas. Já para quem iniciou essa prática no período pandêmico, a capacidade de automedicação esteve associada. Os resultados abrem caminhos para medidas educativas sobre o uso irracional dos medicamentos pelos estudantes do ensino superior, independentemente da área de formação.

ABSTRACT: Self-medication exposes individuals to risks such as adverse reactions, intoxications, drug interactions, therapeutic failures and medication errors. In the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an increase in the purchase and consumption of pharmaceutical products by Brazilians. The present study aimed to estimate the prevalence and factors associated with self-medication in students of a university center in the region of Campo das Vertentes, Southeastern Brazil, as well as to evaluate the incidence during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study had a cross-sectional and quantitative design, with 248 students from a university, in 2021. The findings showed that 67.3% of the participants reported self-medication; 28.7% indicated an increase in self-medication during the pandemic; and 30.9% indicated the beginning in this period. There was a significant difference about: to consider oneself capable of self-medicating, to have the habit of referring drugs to other people and to consume them by indication of others. For those who increased the practice of self-medication in the pandemic, there was an association with the habit of indicating drugs to other people. For those who initiated this practice in the pandemic period, the capacity of self-medication was associated. The results open paths for educational measures on the irrational use of medicines by higher education students, regardless of the education area.

RESUMEN: La automedicación expone a los individuos a riesgos tales como reacciones adversas, intoxicaciones, interacciones medicamentosas, fracasos terapéuticos y errores medicamentosos. En la pandemia de Covid-19, hubo un aumento en la compra y consumo de productos farmacéuticos por parte de los brasileños. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo estimar la prevalencia y los factores asociados a la automedicación en estudiantes de un centro universitario en la región de Campo das Vertentes, Sudeste de Brasil, así como evaluar la incidencia durante la pandemia de Covid-19. El estudio tuvo un diseño transversal y cuantitativo, con 248 estudiantes de un centro universitario en 2021. Los hallazgos mostraron que el 67,3% de los participantes reportaron automedicación; el 28,7% indicó un aumento en la automedicación durante la pandemia; y el 30,9% indicó el inicio en este período. Hubo una diferencia significativa en: Considerarse capaz de automedicarse, tener el hábito de referir drogas a otras personas y consumirlas por indicación de otros. Para aquellos que incrementaron la práctica de la automedicación en la pandemia, hubo una asociación con el hábito de indicar drogas a otras personas. Para aquellos que iniciaron esta práctica en el período pandémico, se asoció la capacidad de automedicación. Los resultados abren caminos para medidas educativas sobre el uso irracional de medicamentos por parte de los estudiantes de educación superior, independientemente del área de formación.

Nível de ruídos na unidade neonatal / Noise level in the neonatal unit / Nivel de ruido en la unidad neonatal

Objetivo: verificar os níveis de pressão sonora, a influência do turno e das ocorrências nesses níveis em uma unidade neonatal do Rio de Janeiro. Método: estudo longitudinal, exploratório, descritivo, com dados coletados entre novembro de 2021 e janeiro de 2022. As variáveis categóricas foram descritas por meio de frequências absoluta e relativa. A aderência à distribuição normal foi verificada pelo teste Shapiro-Wilk. Para a análise da associação entre variáveis de exposição e desfecho, utilizou-se teste Mann-Whitney, Kruskal Wallis e Qui-quadrado. Considerou-se estatisticamente significativos resultados de p<0,05. Resultados: foram coletados 10.122 registros de decibéis e 56 eventos relacionados as atividades, que ocorreram predominantemente no período diurno. Houve variação de 38,6 a 93,1 decibéis (dB). Em 96,3% do período observado, os níveis de pressão sonora estiveram acima do recomendado. Na comparação entre os períodos, o noturno apresentou menores níveis (p=0,000). Conclusão: os níveis de pressão sonora registrados estão acima do recomendado para um ambiente seguro.

Objective: to verify the sound pressure levels (SPL) and the influence of the shift and the occurrences in these levels in a neonatal unit in Rio de Janeiro. Method: longitudinal, exploratory, descriptive study. Collected from November 2021 to January 2022. Categorical variables were described using absolute and relative frequencies. To verify adherence to the normal distribution, the Shapiro-Wilk test was used. For the association between exposure and outcome variables, the Mann-Whitney, Kruskal Wallis and Qui-square tests were used. Results of p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: 10,122 decibel records and 56 events related to activities were collected, these occurred predominantly during the day. There was a variation from 38.6 to 93.1 decibels (dB). In 96.3% of the observed period, the NPS were above the recommended. Comparing the periods, nighttime had lower SPL (p=0.000). Conclusion: the registered NPS are above the recommended for a safe environment.

Objetivo: Verificar los niveles de presión sonora y la influencia del turno y de las incidencias en esos niveles en una unidad neonatal en Rio de Janeiro. Método: Estudio longitudinal, exploratorio, descriptivo, cuyos datos se recopilaron de noviembre de 2021 a enero de 2022. Las variables categóricas se describieron mediante frecuencias absoluta y relativa. Para verificar la adherencia a la distribución normal se utilizó la prueba de Shapiro-Wilk. Para el análisis de la asociación entre variables de exposición y de resultado se utilizaron las pruebas de Mann-Whitney, Kruskal Wallis y Qui-quadrado. Los resultados de p < 0,05 se consideraron estadísticamente significativos. Resultados: se recolectaron 10.122 registros de decibelios y 56 eventos relacionados con actividades, que ocurrieron predominantemente durante el día. Hubo una variación de 38,6 a 93,1 decibelios (dB). En el 96,3% del período observado, los niveles de presión sonora estuvieron por encima de lo recomendado. Comparando los períodos, el nocturno presentó niveles más bajos (p=0,000). Conclusión: Los niveles de presión sonora registrados están por encima de lo recomendado para un ambiente seguro.

[Estimated multimorbity among young Brazilians: results of the 2019 National Health Survey]. / Estimativa de multimorbidade em jovens brasileiros: resultados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde 2019.

Multimorbidity, namely the presence of two or more chronic non-communicable diseases, is directly associated with behavioral factors. This study sought to estimate the prevalence of multimorbidity among young Brazilians by linking it to different social and lifestyle determinants. It involved a cross-sectional study of the data source, namely the 2019 National Health Survey. Data from individuals aged between 15 and 24 years (n = 10,460) were selected. Associated factors were investigated by calculating the Prevalence Ratio with robust variance, suitable for bivariate and multivariate analysis. The prevalence of multimorbidity in young people was estimated at 7.84% (95%CI: 7.01-8.75; N: 2,455,097). The most common conditions were mental illness, depression, asthma or bronchitis and chronic back problems. In the adjusted model, young females (PR: 1.84; 95%CI: 1.44-2.36), obese youths (PR: 1.97; 95%CI: 1.45-2.68) and former smokers (PR: 1.46; 95%CI: 1.12-1.90) showed a higher prevalence of multimorbidity. It was also revealed that the prevalence ratio for multimorbidity increased by 5% for each year of the individual's life. This study identified an association of multimorbidity with social determinants and lifestyle.

A multimorbidade, presença de duas ou mais doenças crônicas não transmissíveis, está diretamente associada a fatores comportamentais. O objetivo da pesquisa foi estimar a prevalência de multimorbidade em jovens brasileiros relacionando-a aos diferentes determinantes sociais e de estilo de vida. Trata-se de um estudo transversal cuja fonte de dados foi a Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde em 2019. Foram selecionados dados de indivíduos com idade entre 15 e 24 anos (n = 10.460). Os fatores associados foram investigados por meio do cálculo da razão de prevalência com variância robusta, adequado para análise bivariada e multivariada. A prevalência de multimorbidade nos jovens foi estimada em 7,84% (IC95%: 7,01-8,75; N: 2.455.097). Os agravos mais comuns foram doenças mentais, depressão, asma ou bronquite e problemas crônicos de coluna. No modelo ajustado, jovens do sexo feminino (RP: 1,84; IC95%: 1,44-2,36), obesos (RP: 1,97; IC95%: 1,45-2,68) e ex-fumantes (RP: 1,46; IC95%: 1,12-1,90) apresentaram maiores prevalências para multimorbidade. A razão de prevalência para multimorbidade aumentou 5% a cada ano de vida do indivíduo. Este estudo identificou uma associação de multimorbidade com determinantes sociais e estilo de vida.

Estimativa de multimorbidade em jovens brasileiros: resultados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde 2019 / Estimated multimorbity among young Brazilians: results of the 2019 National Health Survey

Resumo A multimorbidade, presença de duas ou mais doenças crônicas não transmissíveis, está diretamente associada a fatores comportamentais. O objetivo da pesquisa foi estimar a prevalência de multimorbidade em jovens brasileiros relacionando-a aos diferentes determinantes sociais e de estilo de vida. Trata-se de um estudo transversal cuja fonte de dados foi a Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde em 2019. Foram selecionados dados de indivíduos com idade entre 15 e 24 anos (n = 10.460). Os fatores associados foram investigados por meio do cálculo da razão de prevalência com variância robusta, adequado para análise bivariada e multivariada. A prevalência de multimorbidade nos jovens foi estimada em 7,84% (IC95%: 7,01-8,75; N: 2.455.097). Os agravos mais comuns foram doenças mentais, depressão, asma ou bronquite e problemas crônicos de coluna. No modelo ajustado, jovens do sexo feminino (RP: 1,84; IC95%: 1,44-2,36), obesos (RP: 1,97; IC95%: 1,45-2,68) e ex-fumantes (RP: 1,46; IC95%: 1,12-1,90) apresentaram maiores prevalências para multimorbidade. A razão de prevalência para multimorbidade aumentou 5% a cada ano de vida do indivíduo. Este estudo identificou uma associação de multimorbidade com determinantes sociais e estilo de vida.

Abstract Multimorbidity, namely the presence of two or more chronic non-communicable diseases, is directly associated with behavioral factors. This study sought to estimate the prevalence of multimorbidity among young Brazilians by linking it to different social and lifestyle determinants. It involved a cross-sectional study of the data source, namely the 2019 National Health Survey. Data from individuals aged between 15 and 24 years (n = 10,460) were selected. Associated factors were investigated by calculating the Prevalence Ratio with robust variance, suitable for bivariate and multivariate analysis. The prevalence of multimorbidity in young people was estimated at 7.84% (95%CI: 7.01-8.75; N: 2,455,097). The most common conditions were mental illness, depression, asthma or bronchitis and chronic back problems. In the adjusted model, young females (PR: 1.84; 95%CI: 1.44-2.36), obese youths (PR: 1.97; 95%CI: 1.45-2.68) and former smokers (PR: 1.46; 95%CI: 1.12-1.90) showed a higher prevalence of multimorbidity. It was also revealed that the prevalence ratio for multimorbidity increased by 5% for each year of the individual's life. This study identified an association of multimorbidity with social determinants and lifestyle.

16p11.2 Microduplication Syndrome with Increased Fluid in the Cisterna: Coincidence or Phenotype Extension?

We report the first case of a child with 16p11.2 microduplication syndrome with increased fluid in the cisterna magna seen on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This finding may correspond to a Blake's Pouch Cyst (BPC) or a Mega Cisterna Magna (MCM), being impossible to differentiate through image examination. The molecular duplication was diagnosed using chromosomal microarray analysis with single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). We review the clinical and neuroimaging features in published case reports in order to observe the findings described in the literature so far and present a skull three-dimensional model to contribute to a better understanding. Despite the variable expressivity of the syndrome being well known, there is no case described in the available literature that mentions the association of 16p11.2 microduplication and the presence of BPC or MCM seen in neuroimaging exams. This finding may represent an extension of the phenotype not yet reported or may present itself as a coincidence in a child with various malformations.

Acute exercise modulates the inflammatory response in adipose tissue in both lean and obese mice.

OBJECTIVES: Acute physical exercise acts as a metabolic stressor, promoting activation of the immune system, and this response could be relevant in the adipose tissue remodeling process. In addition, some cytokines have important functions in lipolysis. Because chronic exercise improves obesity-related metabolic and inflammatory dysfunction, herein we investigated the effect of acute exercise on the inflammatory responses in the adipose tissues of lean and obese mice. METHODS: Lean mice were fed a standard chow diet, whereas obese mice were fed a high-refined carbohydrate diet for 8 wk. Both groups were subjected to 60 min of moderate-intensity exercise. RESULTS: In the epididymal adipose tissue of lean mice, exercise enhanced interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α levels, which correlated positively with increased serum free fatty acid concentrations. In vivo confocal imaging of epididymal adipose tissue vessels revealed higher recruitment of neutrophils after exercise. Also, the number of leukocytes expressing CD11b+F480- was elevated 6 h after exercise. Similarly, the chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 level increased at 6 h and remained high until 24 h after exercise. Myeloperoxidase activity was increased at 6, 12, and 24 h after exercise. Surprisingly, however, no changes were observed in epididymal adipose tissue from obese mice, considering proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α). On the other hand, IL-13, IL-4, and IL-10 levels were higher in obese mice after exercise. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that acute exercise promotes an inflammatory response in the adipose tissue of lean mice that is observed as part of its role in adipose tissue remodeling. In contrast, acute exercise promotes an antiinflammatory response in adipose tissue from obese mice, likely as an important tool for restoring homeostasis.

Diabetic foot ulcer self-care assessment: a scoping review.

OBJECTIVES: to map, in the world literature, instruments for assessing foot self-care of people with diabetes. METHODS: a scoping review in Scopus by Elsevier, MEDLINE via PubMed, LILACS, SciELO databases and gray literature, using the controlled words diabetic foot, self care, questionnaire. Search was carried out in February and March 2021, according to JBI recommendations and PRISMA-ScR extension. RESULTS: fifteen studies made up the review, 14 articles and one thesis, published between 2000 and 2020. 16 instruments were identified: five with an emphasis on general self-care and 11 on foot self-care. Inspection, hygiene, washing and drying between the toes, lotion application and use of proper shoes and socks were the main self-care measures presented. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: foot self-care is assessed by knowledge, social support and frequency with which measures are being put into practice, encouraging professional practice.

Eosinophils protect from metabolic alterations triggered by obesity.

BACKGROUND: Eosinophils are generally related to helminth infections or allergies. Their association with metabolic alterations and adipose tissue (AT) remodeling has been demonstrated mainly in animal models of obesity. However, their physiological role in driving metabolic features has not yet been well described. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the participation of eosinophils in metabolic and adipose tissue homeostasis in mice and humans, focusing on a translational perspective. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Male BALB/c wild-type (WT) mice and GATA-1 knockout (Δdb/GATA-1-/-) mice were followed until 16-week-age in a regular diet or were fed with a high-refined-carbohydrate (HC) diet or high-fat (HF) diet for eight weeks. In subjects with obesity, clinical parameters and omental AT gene expression were evaluated. RESULTS: Eosinophils lack in mice fed a regular diet induced insulin resistance and increased adiposity. Their adipose tissue showed augmented cytokine levels, which could be attributed to increased leukocytes in the tissue, such as neutrophils and pro-inflammatory macrophages. Bone marrow transplant from WT mice to Δdb/GATA-1-/- mice showed some improvement in glucose metabolism with lower adipose tissue mass accretion. Upon an unhealthy diet challenge, Δdb/GATA-1-/- mice fed HC diet showed a mild degree of adiposity and glucose metabolic dysfunction severe in those mice fed HF diet. The expression of eosinophil markers in omental AT from humans with severe obesity was positively correlated to eosinophil cytokines and insulin sensitivity surrogate markers and negatively correlated to systemic insulin, HOMA-IR, and android fat mass. CONCLUSIONS: Eosinophils seem to have a physiological role by controlling systemic and adipose tissue metabolic homeostasis by modulating glucose metabolism, inflammation, and visceral fat expansion, even in lean mice. Indeed, eosinophils also seem to modulate glucose homeostasis in human obesity.

Levodopa-Induced Pseudopheochromocytoma.

Pseudopheochromocytoma is a pathological condition presenting with paroxysmal hypertension with normal or moderate elevation in catecholamines and metanephrine levels, but no evidence of a tumoural cause. Imaging studies and I-123 metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy are essential for exclusion of pheocromocytoma. We describe a case of pseudopheochromocytoma related to levodopa in a patient with paroxysmal hypertension, headache, sweating, palpitations and increased plasmatic and urinary metanephrine levels, without adrenal or extra-adrenal tumour. The beginning of the patient's clinical symptoms coincided with the initiation of the levodopa treatment and the complete resolution of the symptoms occurred after the discontinuation of levodopa. LEARNING POINTS: Pseudopheochromocytoma and pheochromocytoma may have the same clinical and laboratorial presentation but different aetiologies.The diagnosis of pseudopheochromocytoma is based on paroxysmal hypertension with normal or increased plasma and urine levels of catecholamines or metanephrines after exclusion of a tumoural process.The pseudopheochromocytoma may be associated with levodopa, alone or in combination with other drugs that are likely to interfere with dopamine or catecholamine metabolism.

Effect of high-refined carbohydrate diet on intestinal integrity.

OBJECTIVES: One of the leading causes of obesity is the consumption of excess nutrients. Obesity is characterized by adipose tissue expansion, chronic low-grade inflammation, and metabolic alterations. Although consumption of a high-fat diet has been demonstrated to be a diet-induced obesity model associated with gut disorders, the same effect is not well explored in a mild-obesity model induced by high-refined carbohydrate (HC) diet intake. The intestinal tract barrier comprises mucus, epithelial cells, tight junctions, immune cells, and gut microbiota. This system is susceptible to dysfunction by excess dietary components that could increase intestinal permeability and bacterial translocation. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether an HC diet and the alterations resulting from its intake are linked to small intestine changes. METHODS: Male BALB/c mice were fed a chow or an HC diet for 8 wk. RESULTS: Although differences in body weight gain were not observed between the groups, mice fed the HC diet showed increased adiposity associated with metabolic alterations. The interferon-γ expression and myeloperoxidase levels were increased in the small intestine in mice fed an HC diet. However, the intestinal villi length, the expression of tight junctions (zonula occludens-1 and claudin-4) and tumor necrosis factor-α cytokine, and the percentage of intraepithelial lymphocytes did not differ in the jejunum or ileum between the groups. We did not observe differences in intestinal permeability and bacterial translocation. CONCLUSION: Metabolic alterations caused by consumption of an HC diet lead to a mild obesity state that does not necessarily involve significant changes in intestinal integrity.

Prática de avaliação da dor na unidade de terapia intensiva neonatal: estudo transversal / Práctica de evaluación del dolor en las unidades de cuidados intensivos neonatales: un estudio transversal / Pain assessment practice in a neonatal intensive care unit: a cross-sectional study

Objetivo: Analisar a prática dos profissionais de enfermagem quanto à avaliação da dor do recém-nascido internado na unidade neonatal. Métodos: Estudo transversal, analítico, realizado com profissionais de enfermagem no período de março a maio de 2018. Utilizou-se questionário autoaplicável. Fez-se análise da associação de variáveis categóricas com a prática profissional utilizando-se os testes Qui-quadrado e Exato de Fisher, com adoção do nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: Participaram do estudo 35 profissionais de enfermagem. O tempo de trabalho na unidade, a experiência profissional e a satisfação com as condições de trabalho influenciaram estatisticamente a prática adequada. O uso de escalas para avaliar a dor em recém-nascidos foi informado por 17,1% dos profissionais. Conclusão: A avaliação da dor neonatal ainda não está sedimentada na prática profissional de enfermagem. Recomendam-se ações de intervenção na prática, com avaliação de resultados de forma contínua, alinhados com os gestores e as diretrizes institucionais

Objective: To analyze the practice of nursing professionals regarding pain assessment in newborns hospitalized in a neonatal care unit. Method: This cross-sectional, analytical study was conducted with nursing professionals from March to May 2018. A self-administered questionnaire was applied. The association of categorical variables with professional practice was analyzed considering both the chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests, at a 0.05 significance level. Results: In total, 35 nursing professionals participated in the study. Factors such as time working in the unit, length of professional experience and satisfaction with working conditions statistically showed influence on appropriate practice. We found that 17,1% of professionals reported using scales to assess pain in newborns. Conclusion: Professional nursing practices still lack the required assessment of neonatal pain. This study recommends interventions in work practice in accordance with institutional guidelines and managers, as well as continuous evaluation of its results

Objetivo: analizar la práctica de los profesionales de enfermería con relación a la evaluación del dolor del recién nacido internado en unidad neonatal. Método: estudio transversal, analítico, realizado con profesionales de enfermería en el periodo de marzo a mayo de 2018. Se utilizó un cuestionario autoaplicado. La asociación de variables categóricas con la práctica profesional se analizó mediante las pruebas de chi cuadrado y exacta de Fisher, con adopción del nivel de significancia del 5%. Resultados: en el estudio participaron 35 profesionales de enfermería. El tiempo de trabajo en la unidad, el tiempo de experiencia profesional y la satisfacción con las condiciones de trabajo influenciaron estadísticamente en una práctica adecuada. El uso de escalas para evaluar el dolor en recién nacidos fue relatado por el 17,1% de los profesionales. Conclusión: La evaluación del dolor neonatal aún no está establecida em la práctica profesional de enfermería. Se recomiendan acciones de intervención en la práctica, con evaluación continua de resultados, alineadas con los gestores y directrices institucionales

Saúde bucal na prática do cantor lírico / Oral health in the practice of the lyric singer / Salud bucal en la práctica del cantante lírico

Introdução:Para que haja qualidade na emissão vocal, énecessária alta compreensão em relação aos conhecimentos específicos e cuidados com o sistema fisiológico da voz. Destacando-se a anatomia corporal e os mecanismos pneumofonoarticulatórios, que envolvem respiração, fonação e articulação.Objetivo:O objetivo da pesquisa foi analisar a autopercepçãode cantores quanto a sua saúde bucal e com a sua própria fala; e se a saúde bucal interfere na prática do cantor lírico. Metodologia:Para a realização desta pesquisa, foi enviado por e-mail o link do questionário on-linevalidadoa cantores líricos, de várias localidades, com a faixa etária entre 18 a 51 anos. Os dados foram analisados utilizando a estatística analítica e descritiva com o parâmetro do poder de teste de 95% e o erro α de 5%.Resultados:Os resultados indicam que 34,3% dos cantores líricos estão insatisfeitos com a saúde bucal, 62,5% identificou que possui pelo menos uma das condições ou alterações de saúde bucal citadas no questionário.Conclusões:Os cantores entrevistados relataram estar insatisfeitos com sua saúde bucal e destacaram otratamento ortodôntico euso de prótese comoosfatores que mais prejudicam o desempenho no canto lírico (AU).

Introduction:High understanding of specific knowledge and care with the physiological system of the voice is necessary for quality vocal emission. Body anatomy and pneumo-phono-articulatory mechanisms such as breathing, phonation and articulation, stand out. Objective:The objective of the research was to analyze the self-perception of singers about their oral health and their own speech, and whether oral health interferes in the practice of classical singers. Metodology:Text of the method. The link to an online questionnaire was sent by e-mail to classical singers from various places, aged between 18 and 51 years. Data were analyzed using analytical and descriptive statistics with a test power of 95% and an αerror of 5%. Results:The results indicate that 34.3% of the classical singers are dissatisfied with their oral health, 62.5% identified that they had at least one of the oral health conditions or alterations mentioned in the questionnaire. Conclusions:The singers reported being dissatisfied with their oral health and highlighted orthodontic treatment and the use of prostheses as the factors that most hinder their performance in lyrical singing (AU).

Introducción: Para tener calidad en la emisión vocal es necesario un alto nivel de conocimientos específicos y cuidados con el sistema fisiológico de la voz, destacando la anatomía del cuerpo y los mecanismos neumofonoarticulatorios que involucran la respiración, la fonacióny la articulación. Objetivo:El objetivo de la investigación fue analizar la autopercepción de los cantantes respecto a su salud bucal y con su propio discurso; y si la salud bucal interfiere en la práctica del cantante lírico. Metodología:Texto delmétodo. Para llevar a cabo esta investigación, se envió por correo electrónico el enlace al cuestionario en línea a cantantes líricos, de diversas localidades, con edades comprendidas entre los 18 y los 51 años. Los datos se analizaron mediante estadística analítica y descriptiva con un parámetro de potencia de prueba del 95 % y un error α del 5 %. Resultados:Los resultados indican que el 34.3% de los cantantes de ópera se encuentran insatisfechos con su salud bucal, el 62.5% identificó que tiene al menosuna de las condiciones o alteraciones de salud bucal mencionadas en el cuestionario. Conclusiones:Los cantantes entrevistados manifestaron estar insatisfechos con su salud bucal y destacaron el tratamiento de ortodoncia y el uso de prótesis como los factores que más dificultan su desempeño en el canto lírico (AU).

Sistema de cotas e desempenho acadêmico: estudo seccional em uma universidade pública brasileira / Quota system and academic performance: sectional study in a brazilian public university / Sistema de cuotas y rendimiento académico: estudio seccional en una universidad pública brasileña

Introdução: A lei de cotas (nº 12.711/2012) foi criada com o intuito de oportunizar o acesso de alunos oriundos de escolas públicas ao ensino superior. Desde então, medidas adicionais foram tomadas para garantir, não só o acesso, mas a permanência destes alunos nas universidades. Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o desempenho acadêmico dealunos cotistas e não cotistas da Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade Federal do Pará. Metodologia: Foram coletados dados de alunos matriculados nos anos de 2020 e2021 por meio de um questionário on-line e realizada a análise de histórico acadêmico dos voluntários. A análise dos dados foi realizada com software Jamovi versão 1.6.23, utilizando os testesQui-quadrado, t de Student para amostras independentes e análise de regressão linear multivariada. Em todas as análises foi adotado o nível de significância de 0,05. Resultados: Com uma taxa de resposta de 39,92% (n=200), os resultados demonstraram haver um melhor desempenho acadêmico para o grupo não-cotista no que se refere ao Coeficiente de Rendimento Geral (p=0,001). Além disso, alunos do grupo cotista enfrentam mais dificuldades quando comparados aos não-cotistas (p<0,0001). Na análise múltipla verificou-se que juntas, forma de ingresso (cotista ou não), o enfrentamento de dificuldades, recebimento de auxílios e atividades fora da Faculdade explicam quase 10% da variável Coeficiente de Rendimento Geral (R² = 0,098). Conclusões: A complexidade da comparação sugere a possibilidade de múltiplas causas, entre elas o fator socioeconômico e outras dificuldades experienciadas. Entender e atuar nestas causas é de fundamental importância para a construção de uma universidade inclusiva de qualidade (AU).

Introduction:The quota law (nº 12.711/2012) was created with the objective of providing opportunities for students from public schools to enter federal universities. Since then, additional measures have been taken to ensure not only the access, but the permanence of these students in universities. Objectives:This study aimed to assess the academic performance of quota students and non-quota students at the Faculty of Dentistry of the Federal University of Pará. Methods:Data were collected from students enrolled in the years 2020 and 2021 through an online questionnaire and the academic history of the volunteers was analyzed. Data analysis was performed with Jamovi software version 1.6.23, using the chi-square test, Student's t test for independent samples, and multivariate linear regression analysis. In all analyses, a significance level of 0.05 was adopted. Results:With a response rate of 39.92% (n=200), the results showed a better academic performance for the non-quotastudents with regard to the General PerformanceCoefficient (p=0.001). In addition, quota students face more difficulties when compared to non-quota students (p<0.0001). In the multiple analysis, it was found that the admission modality (quota students or non-quota students), facing difficulties, receiving aid, and activities outside the University explained together almost 10% of the General Performance Coefficient variable (R² = 0.098). Conclusion:The complexity of the comparison suggests the possibility of multiple causes, including the socioeconomic factor and other difficulties experienced. Understanding and acting on these causes is of fundamental importance for the construction of a quality inclusive university (AU).

Introducción: La ley de cuotas (nº 12.711/2012) fue creada con el objetivo de brindar a estudiantes de colegios públicosla oportunidad de ingresar a una universidad federal. Desde entonces, se han tomado medidas adicionales para asegurar, no solo el acceso, sino también la permanencia de estos estudiantes en las universidades. Objetivos:Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar el rendimiento académico de los alumnos con cuota y los sin cuota de la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad Federal de Pará. Métodos:Se recolectaron datos de estudiantes matriculados en los años 2020 y 2021 a través de un cuestionario en línea y se realizó el análisis del historial académico de los voluntarios. El análisis de datos se realizó con el software Jamovi versión 1.6.23, utilizando la prueba de qui-cuadrado, prueba t de Student para muestras independientes y análisis de regresión lineal multivariado. En todos los análisis se adoptó un nivel de significación de 0.05. Resultados:Con una tasa de respuesta del 39.92% (n=200), los resultados mostraron un mejor rendimiento académico de los alumnos sin cuotacon respecto al Coeficiente de Rendimiento General (p=0.001). Además, los estudiantes con cuota enfrentan más dificultades cuando comparados a los estudiantes sin cuota (p<0.0001). En el análisis múltiple, se encontró que,en conjunto, la forma de ingreso (alumnos con cuota o sin cuota), enfrentar las dificultades, recibir ayudas y actividades fuera de la Facultad explican casi el 10% de la variable Coeficiente de Rendimiento General(R² = 0,098). Conclusión:La complejidad de la comparación sugiere la posibilidad de múltiples causas, incluido el factor socioeconómico y otras dificultades experimentadas. Comprender y actuar sobre estas causas es de fundamental importancia para la construcción de una universidad inclusiva de calidad (AU).

Cardiac autonomic modulation in response to postural transition during a virtual reality task in individuals with spinal cord injury: A cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: The postural transition from sitting to standing is a moment of dysautonomic occurrence in individuals with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). Different tools can be used to minimize this event, such as virtual reality. Thus, we aimed to analyze cardiac autonomic modulation in individuals with SCI during postural transition from the sitting to orthostatism position using a cognitive virtual reality (VR) task. METHODS: Individuals with and without SCI were positioned on the Easy Stand® device, sitting at rest, at 0° considering the angle between the seat and the floor, elevation at 45°, and orthostatism at 90°, for 5 minutes in each position. Heart rate variability (HRV) measures of sympathovagal balance were collected (heart rate receiver: Polar V800). The groups were subdivided into two groups, one that performed VR as an intervention during the postural angle changes and another group that did not perform VR. RESULTS: We evaluated 76 individuals, 40 with a medical diagnosis of SCI and 36 who composed the able-bodied control group without SCI, matched by age and sex. The HRV results showed that the SCI group who performed the task in VR demonstrated no significant difference in parasympathetic activation and global variability between the sitting versus 90° positions. There was better sympathovagal balance in SCI and able-bodied control groups who performed the VR task between the sitting versus 90° positions. CONCLUSION: The use of a VR task seems to contribute to better sympathovagal balance, with the potential to reduce dysautonomia during postural changes.