Systematic review and meta-analysis on population attributable fraction for physical inactivity to dementia.

INTRODUCTION: The number of cases of dementia attributable to physical inactivity remains unclear due to heterogeneity in physical inactivity definitions and statistical approaches used. METHODS: Studies that used population-based samples to estimate the population attributable fraction (PAF) of physical inactivity for dementia were included in this review. Weighted PAFs were adjusted for communality among the risk factors (i.e., inactive persons may also share other risk factors) analyzed. Values were reported as percentage (%) of cases of dementia attributable to physical inactivity. RESULTS: We included 22 studies. The overall impact of physical inactivity, defined by any criteria, on dementia ranged from 6.6% (95% CI: 3.6%, 9.6%; weighted) to 16.6% (95% CI: 14.4%, 18.9%; unweighted). Studies using the WHO criterion for physical inactivity estimated a higher unweighted impact (ß = 7.3%; 95% CI: 2.0%, 12.6%) than studies using other criteria. DISCUSSION: Conservatively, one in 15 cases of dementia may be attributable to physical inactivity, defined by any criteria.

Glucocorticoids contribute to metabolic and liver impairments induced by lactation overnutrition in male adult rats.

Introduction: Lactation overnutrition is a programming agent of energy metabolism, and litter size reduction leads to the early development of obesity, which persists until adulthood. Liver metabolism is disrupted by obesity, and increased levels of circulating glucocorticoids are pointed as a possible mediator for the obesity development, since bilateral adrenalectomy (ADX) can reduce obesity in different models of obesity. Methods: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of glucocorticoids on metabolic changes and liver lipogenesis and insulin pathway induced by lactation overnutrition. For this, on the postnatal day 3 (PND), 3 pups (small litter-SL) or 10 pups (normal litter-NL) were kept with each dam. On PND 60, male Wistar rats underwent bilateral adrenalectomy (ADX) or fictitious surgery (sham), and half of ADX animals received corticosterone (CORT- 25 mg/L) diluted in the drinking fluid. On PND 74, the animals were euthanized by decapitation for trunk blood collection, and liver dissection and storage. Results and Discussion: SL rats presented increased corticosterone, free fatty acids, total and LDL-cholesterol plasma levels, without changes in triglycerides (TG) and HDL-cholesterol. The SL group also showed increased content of liver TG, and expression of fatty acid synthase (FASN), but decreased expression of PI3Kp110 in the liver, compared to NL rats. In the SL group, the ADX decreased plasma levels of corticosterone, FFA, TG and HDL cholesterol, liver TG, and liver expression of FASN, and IRS2, compared to sham animals. In SL animals, CORT treatment increased plasma levels of TG and HDL cholesterol, liver TG, and expression of FASN, IRS1, and IRS2, compared with the ADX group. In summary, the ADX attenuated plasma and liver changes observed after lactation overnutrition, and CORT treatment could reverse most ADX-induced effects. Thus, increased circulating glucocorticoids are likely to play a pivotal role in liver and plasma impairments induced by lactation overnutrition in male rats.

Comparison of Physical and Chemical Properties of Green and Brown Brazilian Propolis Collected in Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Among the 13 types of propolis classified in Brazil according to their physicochemical properties, green propolis and brown propolis are the most commonly found and used. In this work, a comparison of the physicochemical properties of green and brown propolis produced in Minas Gerais, Brazil was performed according to the methodology established by the Brazilian legislation. And, the content of 9 bioactive compounds in the samples was determined by RP-HPLC. GrProp showed a higher content of pinocembrin, artepillin C and baccharin, and a higher quantity of total flavonoids, in comparison with BrwProp. The mechanical mass content in both types of propolis was above the limit established by legislation. However, the other physicochemical parameters were within the limits. The chemical composition, especially the flavonoid content and the free radical (DPPH) scavenger property confer to both types of propolis a promising pharmacological activity.

Virucidal antiviral activity of Maytenus quadrangulata extract against Mayaro virus: Evidence for the presence of catechins.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Mayaro virus (MAYV) is an arbovirus endemic to the Amazon region, which comprises the states of the North and Midwest region of Brazil and encompasses the largest tropical forest in the world, the Amazon Forest. The confirmation of its potential transmission by Aedes aegypti and recent cases in Brazil, mainly in large centers in the northern region, led to the classification of Mayaro fever as an emerging disease. Traditional medicine is commonly used to treat various diseases, mainly by local riverside populations. Some species of the genus Maytenus, which have similar morphologies, are popularly used to treat infections and inflammations. In this context, our research group has studied and confirmed the antiviral activity of several plant-derived compounds. However, several species of this same genus have not been studied and therefore deserve attention. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to demonstrate the effects of ethyl acetate extracts of leaves (LAE) and branches (TAE) of Maytenus quadrangulata against MAYV. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mammalian cells (Vero cells) were used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of the extracts. After cell infection by MAYV and the treatment with the extracts, we evaluated the selectivity index (SI), the virucidal effect, viral adsorption and internalization, and the effect on viral gene expression. The antiviral action was confirmed by quantifying the viral genome using RT-qPCR and by analyzing the effect on virus yield in infected cells. The treatment was performed based on the effective concentration protective for 50% of the infected cells (EC50). RESULTS: The leaves (LAE; EC50 12.0 µg/mL) and branches (TAE; EC50 101.0 µg/mL) extracts showed significative selectivity against the virus, with SI values of 79.21 and 9.91, respectively, which were considered safe. Phytochemical analysis revealed that the antiviral action was associated with the presence of catechins, mainly in LAE. This extract was chosen for the subsequent studies since it reduced the viral cytopathic effect and virus production, even at high viral loads [MOI (multiplicity of infection) 1 and 5]. The effects of LAE resulted in a marked reduction in viral gene expression. The viral title was drastically reduced when LAE was added to the virus before infection or during replication stages, reducing virus production up to 5-log units compared to infected and untreated cells. CONCLUSION: Through kinetic replication, MAYV was not detected in Vero cells treated with LAE throughout the viral cycle. The virucidal effect of LAE inactivates the viral particle and can intercept the virus at the end of the cycle when it gains the extracellular environment. Therefore, LAE is a promising source of antiviral agents.

A implementação do Projeto Apice On no Programa de Residência em Enfermagem Obstétrica: percepções de enfermeiras / La implementación del Proyecto Apice On en un Programa de Residencia em Enfermería Obstétrica: percepciones de enfermeras / The implementation of Apice On Project in the Obstetric Residency Program: Nurses' perceptions

Resumo Objetivo Descrever a percepção de egressas e da coordenação do Programa de Residência em Enfermagem Obstétrica sobre a implantação da enfermeira obstétrica em sala de parto de uma Instituição de Ensino, Pesquisa e Assistência integrante do projeto Apice On. Método Investigação descritiva, exploratória com abordagem qualitativa, realizada com cinco ex-residentes em Enfermagem Obstétrica e uma coordenadora do Programa que vivenciaram a execução desta proposta política em 2019. Após aprovação do Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa, realizou-se entrevista semiestruturada entre setembro a outubro de 2021, e os dados foram submetidos à análise de conteúdo. Resultados O cuidado da enfermeira obstétrica e sua formação profissional encontram-se sustentados nas evidências científicas. No entanto, constatou-se desafios a serem superados entre residentes, enfermeiras obstétricas e médicos obstetras no que tange a educação e as relações interprofissionais que favoreçam a consolidação do modelo colaborativo em Hospitais de Ensino. Considerações finais e implicações para a prática A Enfermagem obstétrica no cotidiano necessita avançar em soluções gerenciais que promovam melhor divulgação, conhecimento e envolvimento multiprofissional com este projeto ministerial, bem como na valorização do cuidado específico desenvolvido pela enfermeira obstétrica, membro integrante da equipe multiprofissional que atua no campo do parto e nascimento em hospitais de ensino.

Resumen Objetivo Describir la percepción de egresas ​​y de la coordinación del Programa de Residencia en Enfermería Obstétrica sobre la implementación de enfermeras obstétricas en la sala de partos de una Institución de Enseñanza, Investigación y Asistencia que forma parte del proyecto Apice On. Método Investigación descriptiva, exploratoria con abordaje cualitativo con cinco exresidentes de Enfermería Obstétrica y una coordinadora del Programa que vivieron la ejecución de esta propuesta política en 2019. Se realizó entrevista semiestructurada entre septiembre y octubre de 2021 y los datos fueron sometidos a análisis de contenido. Resultados El cuidado de la enfermera obstétrica y su formación profesional están respaldadas por evidencia científica. Sin embargo, hay que superar desafíos entre residentes, enfermeros obstétricos y obstetras en cuanto a la educación y relaciones interprofesionales que favorezcan la consolidación del modelo colaborativo en Hospitales de Enseñanza. Consideraciones finales e implicaciones para la práctica La enfermería obstétrica en el cotidiano necesita avanzar en soluciones gerenciales que promuevan una mejor difusión, conocimiento e involucramiento multiprofesionales con esta política de salud, así como la valorización del cuidado específico desarrollado por la enfermera obstétrica, integrante del equipo multiprofesional que actúa en el campo del trabajo de parto y nacimiento en hospitales de enseñanza.

Abstract Objective To describe the perception of graduates and the coordination of the Obstetric Nursing Program on the implementation of obstetric nurses in the delivery room of a Teaching, Research and Assistance Institution that is part of the Apice On Project. Method Descriptive, exploratory research with a qualitative approach carried out with five former residents in Obstetric Nursing and a Program Coordinator who experienced the execution of this health policy in 2019. A semi-structured interview was carried out between September and October 2021 and the data was submitted to content analysis. Results The obstetric nurse's care and their professional training are supported by scientific evidence. However, there are challenges to overcome among residents, obstetric nurses and obstetricians regarding interprofessional education and relationship that help the consolidation of the collaborative model in Teaching Hospitals. Final considerations and implications for practice Obstetric Nursing in everyday life needs to advance in management solutions which promote better publicity, knowledge and multiprofessional participation in this health project, as well as the valorization of the specific care developed by the obstetric nurse, a member of the multidisciplinary team who works in the field of labor and birth in teaching hospitals.

Mechanical Properties of Mini-Implants Used in Extra-Radicular Anchorage

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the mechanical properties of mini-implants (MIs) manufactured from stainless steel and compare them with conventional titanium-aluminum-vanadium alloy MIs. Material and Methods: The following groups were formed: G1 (n=24), 8×1.5 mm steel MIs; G2 (n=24), 12×2.0 mm steel MIs; and G3 (n=24), 10×1.5 mm titanium MIs. The 72 MIs were inserted in the infra zygomatic crest region of the maxilla and retromolar trigone in the jaw of 10 pigs. Pull-out, insertion torque, fracture and percussion tests were performed in order to measure the tensile strength, primary stability and fracture strength of MIs. A digital torque gauge was used to measure insertion and fracture torque, a universal mechanical testing machine was used for pull-out testing and a periotest device was used to measure the micromovement of MIs. For morphological and MI component evaluation, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed. D'Agostino & Pearson, Kruskal-Wallis, and Dunn post-hoc and normality tests were used. Results: G2 insertion and fracture torques were significantly higher than G1 and G3 insertion and fracture torques (p<0.05). The pull-out and percussion tests presented similar values among the groups. SEM revealed that the fracture point was predominantly on the fourth thread for steel MIs (G1 and G2) and on the seventh thread for titanium-aluminum-vanadium MIs (G3). Conclusion: The mechanical properties of stainless steel MIs are superior to those of titanium-aluminum-vanadium alloy MIs.

Root Curvature in Non-Syndromic Oral Clefts: A Case-Control Study in a Brazilian Population.

OBJECTIVE: This study assesses the degree of root curvature in patients with non-syndromic cleft lip and/or palate (NSCL/P). DESIGN: Retrospective. Case-control study. SETTING: Root curvature was assessed in lower premolars and molars in 800 panoramic radiographs: 400 from patients with cleft and 400 from healthy control individuals. Root curvature was classified according to its angulation, as well as its apical, medial, or coronal localization. RESULTS: The frequency of mild curvature in the NSCL/P group compared to the control group was higher in premolars especially in the left second premolar in cleft palate (OR: 6.91; 95% CI: 3.23-14.77; P < .0001). The frequency of moderate curvature in molars was significantly higher in the cleft group, with the highest risk in the right first molar in the cleft lip group (OR: 2.74; 95% CI: 1.67-4.52; P < .0001). Inclination was more frequently observed in the apical third of the root in the group with cleft, whereas for the control group, the curvature was more frequent in the medial third. In patients with cleft, the OR of curvature in the apical third was significant in premolars (left lower second premolar: Cleft lip, OR: 1.91; 95% CI: 1.04-3.52; P = .03; right lower second premolar: Cleft lip, OR: 1.91, 95% CI: 1.04-3.50; P = .03, cleft lip and palate, OR: 1.75; 95% CI: 1.12-2.73; P = .01). CONCLUSION: The results of the current study indicate differences in root curvature in patients with non-syndromic cleft lip and/or palate, which should be considered during the dental treatment planning of patients.

Anti-Mayaro virus activity of a hydroethanolic extract from Fridericia chica (Bonpl.) L. G. Lohmann leaves.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Mayaro fever is a neglected tropical disease. The region of the most significant circulation of the Mayaro virus (MAYV) is the Amazon rainforest, situated in remote areas that are difficult to access and where medicine is scarce. Thus, the regional population uses plants as an alternative for the treatment of various diseases. Fridericia chica is an endemic plant of tropical regions used in traditional medicine to treat fever, malaise, inflammation, and infectious diseases such as hepatitis B. However, its antiviral activity is poorly understood. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to investigate the anti-MAYV activity of the hydroethanolic extract of the leaves of Fridericia chica (HEFc) in mammalian cells and its possible mechanism of action. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The antiviral activity of HEFc was studied using Vero cell lines against MAYV. The cytotoxicity and antiviral activity of the extract were evaluated by the 3-(4, 5- dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2, 5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The overall antiviral activity was confirmed by the plaque forming units (PFU) method. Then, the effects of HEFc on MAYV multiplication kinetics, virus adsorption, penetration, and post-penetration, and its virucidal activity were determined in Vero cells using standard experimental procedures. RESULTS: HEFc exerted a effect against viral infection in Vero cells at a non-cytotoxic concentration, and no virion was detected in the supernatant in a dose-dependent and selective manner. HEFc inhibited MAYV in the early and late stages of the viral multiplication cycle. The extract showed significant virucidal activity at low concentrations and did not affect adsorption or viral internalization stages. In addition, HEFc reduced virions at all post-infection times investigated. CONCLUSIONS: HEFc has good antiviral activity against MAYV, acting directly on the viral particles. This plant extract possesses an excellent and promising potential for developing effective herbal antiviral drugs.

Lactation overnutrition-induced obesity impairs effects of exogenous corticosterone on energy homeostasis and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in male rats.

AIMS: Litter size reduction on the first days of life results in increased body weight and adiposity, with higher levels of circulating glucocorticoids. Obese rodents are more sensitive to the anabolic effects of glucocorticoids and less responsive to glucocorticoids feedback on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This study aimed to evaluate effects of the treatment with corticosterone on metabolic responses and HPA axis in adult male rats reared in small litters. MAIN METHODS: From postnatal day (PND) 60 to 88, adult male rats of normal (NL- 10 pups/dam) and small (SL- 3 pups/dam) litters received oral treatment with Corticosterone (CORT-15 mg/L) in the drinking water or no treatment, composing the four experimental groups (NL-water; NL-CORT; SL-water and SL-CORT), for the evaluation of energy homeostasis and HPA axis. KEY FINDINGS: Male rats of SL-water group presented on PND88: glucose intolerance, higher adiposity, plasma triglycerides, free fatty acids, total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and corticosterone. SL-water animals showed increased mRNA of corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and proopiomelanocortin (POMC) in the pituitary, with decreased mRNA expression of PVN mineralocorticoid receptor. NL-CORT animals presented glucose intolerance, increased body weight, food intake, total and LDL cholesterol. Glucocorticoid treatment reduced corticosterone levels and adrenal cortex thickness in NL group, associated with increased mRNA of PVN CRH and pituitary POMC, without effects on SL animals. SIGNIFICANCE: Lactation overnutrition promotes hyperreactivity of HPA axis and reduces the responsiveness to glucocorticoids effects on energy balance and negative feedback of HPA axis in adult male rats.

Capillary malformation-arteriovenous malformation syndrome associated with basilar artery aneurysm.

A 23-day-old boy with prenatal diagnosis of basilar artery aneurysm presented with multiple congenital red patches consistent with capillary malformations. Genetic testing confirmed the presence of a heterozygous pathogenic variant of the RASA1 gene, confirming the diagnosis of capillary malformation-arteriovenous malformation (CM-AVM) syndrome. This case illustrates an atypical presentation of the RASA1 associated CM-AVM syndrome, with the intracranial vascular malformation diagnosis preceding the identification of the skin lesions. Arterial aneurysms have been associated with CM-AVM syndrome in rare instances but to our knowledge this is the first reported case of an aneurysm of the basilar artery.

A 3-alkylpyridine-bearing alkaloid exhibits potent antimicrobial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) with no detectable resistance.

Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive bacterium responsible for a wide variety of infectious diseases, and its methicillin-resistant isolates pose a serious worldwide public health risk. New drugs are urgently needed for the treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. Here, we evaluated the antibacterial activity of five 3-alkyl-pyridinic analogs against MRSA and, of these compounds, compound 6 showed promising antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranging from 0.98 to 3.9 µgmL-¹ . In addition, it exhibited a rapid bactericidal action, with complete elimination of MRSA after 6 h of incubation at 15.6 µgmL-¹ . Compound 6 had the ability to damage the bacterial membrane and induce cell lysis and, due to its action on the membrane, showed low resistance induction potential in vitro. In the combination study, compound 6 revealed an additive effect (FICI = 1) with vancomycin and ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin (FICI = 0.75) against MRSA, reducing the effective concentration of this antibiotic two-fold. The anti-staphylococcal activity of compound 6 was stable in the presence of different concentrations of NaCl (50, 200, and 400 µM), trypsin ( 1:500, 1:250) and under a variety of pH values (4, 5, 6, and 8); however, its binding to plasmatic proteins (i.e., albumin) was substantial. The previous exposure of MRSA to the compound was able to reduce the formation of bacterial biofilm and reduce the biomass of mature biofilms. Compound 6 showed low selectivity in vitro for MRSA USA 300 when compared to eukaryotic cells (epithelial, fibroblast, and red blood cells).

Análise da cobertura vacinal e a prevalência de internações por doenças do trato respiratório por agentes imunopreveníveis no período de janeiro de 2015 a julho de 2020 / Analysis of vaccine coverage and prevalence of hospitalizations by respiratory tract vaccine-preventable diseases in the period from january 2015 to july 2020

Introdução: as infecções respiratórias das vias aéreas são frequentes no nosso meio. O combate dessas infecções ocorre por meio da introdução dos antimicrobianos, quando indicados, e a profilaxia através da imunização, reduzindo a incidência das infecções e suas complicações. Objetivo: avaliar a cobertura vacinal para agentes causadores de infecções do trato respiratório e a prevalência de internações por essas afecções no Brasil no período de 2015 a 2020. Metodologia: trata-se de um estudo epidemiológico descritivo, cujos dados foram obtidos por meio do banco de dados proveniente do DATASUS, Sistema de Internação Hospitalar e Sistema de Informação do Programa Nacional de Imunizações. A seleção ocorreu por meio dos registros de indivíduos que foram imunizados no Brasil, por região e por ano de imunização das vacinas Pneumocócica, Pneumocócica 1º reforço, Tríplice viral D1, Tríplice viral 2, Tetra Viral, Pentavalente e Influenza. Resultados: ao decorrer dos anos, observou-se uma redução significativa da cobertura vacinal de todas as vacinas analisadas, com a região Norte apresentando o menor registro em todos os anos. Em relação a taxa de internações por pneumonia, a região Sudeste obteve as maiores taxas. Houve um aumento importante de internamentos por influenza na região Centro-Oeste em 2019. As taxas de internação por sarampo aumentaram significativamente no ano de 2018, principalmente na região Norte. Conclusão: apesar da redução progressiva nas taxas de cobertura vacinal das regiões brasileiras nos últimos anos, as taxas de internação para pneumonia e influenza tendem a queda, com aumento mais expressivo dos internamentos por sarampo no período analisado.

Introduction: respiratory airway infections are frequent infections. These infections are fought through use of antimicrobials, when indicated, and prophylaxis is done through immunization, reducing the incidence of infections and their complications. Objective: to evaluate vaccine coverage for agents responsible for respiratory tract infections and the prevalence of hospitalizations for these conditions in Brazil from 2015 to 2020. Methods: This is a descriptive epidemiological study. Data were obtained through the database from the Department of Informatics of SUS, Hospitalization System and Information System from the National Vaccination Program. Selection was conducted through analysis of the records of individuals who were vaccinated in Brazil, by region and by year of vaccination for the Pneumococcal and Pneumococcal 1st booster dose vaccines, first and second doses for Triple Viral vaccine, Tetra Viral vaccine, Pentavalent vaccine and influenza. Expected Results: over the years, there has been a significant reduction in vaccination coverage, with the Northern brazilian presenting the lowest record in all years. Regarding the rate of hospitalizations for pneumonia, the Southeastern had the highest rates. Assessing influenza, there was a more significant increase in the Midwest. Measles hospitalization rates increased significantly in 2018, especially North, despite disease eradication in 2016, with a parallel registry of reduction in vaccination coverage in the period analysed. Conclusion: Despite the progressive reduction in vaccination coverage rates in Brazilian in recent years, the hospitalization rates for pneumonia and influenza tend to fall, with a more expressive increase in hospitalizations for measles in the analyzed period.

Potential medication incompatibilities in pediatric oncology prescriptions

Introduction: Pediatric oncology patients have a limited number of venous access routes and need a large number of drugs during hospitalization. This study evaluates potential medication incompatibilities (MI) in pediatric oncology prescriptions and identifies possible factors associated with the risk of their occurrence. Methods: This cross-sectional study evaluated prescriptions from a tertiary universitary hospital from December 2014 to December 2015. The association between variables and the risk of potential incompatibilities between drugs was determined by Student's t-test and Pearson's chi-square, considering p < 0.05 significant. The odds ratio was calculated considering a 95% confidence interval for each drug. Results: 385 prescriptions were evaluated. The mean age of 124 patients was 9.22 years old (SD = ± 5.10), and 50.65% were male. The most frequent diagnosis and reason for hospitalization were leukemia (27.30%) and chemotherapy (36.10%). The totally implantable catheter was the most commonly used venous access (61.30%). In 87.5% of prescriptions, there was the possibility of MI, and 2108 incompatibilities were found, considering 300 different combinations between two drugs. Age, diagnosis, reason for hospitalization, and type of venous access were risk factors for potential incompatibilities (p < 0.05). The following drugs present higher risk of potential incompatibilities: leucovorin, sodium bicarbonate, cefepime, diphenhydramine, dimenhydrinate, hydrocortisone, and ondansetron, with a significant odds ratio. Conclusion: The possibility of MI in prescriptions for pediatric oncology patients is frequent. Thus, the identification of risk factors may contribute to patient safety and to the rational use of drugs.

Correlations among neck circumference and anthropometric indicators to estimate body adiposity in people living with HIV.

INTRODUCTION: Neck circumference (NC) and anthropometric data of people living with HIV (PLWH) are correlated. METHODS: Socioeconomic, NC, body mass index (BMI), tricipital skinfold thickness (TSF), mid-arm circumference (MAC), mid-arm muscle circumference (MAMC), waist-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), waist circumference (WC), and hip circumference (HC) data of 72 PLWH were correlated. RESULTS: Higher adiposity was observed in NC (40.3% [n=29]) and WC (31.9% [n=23]). Correlations between NC/BMI, NC/WC, NC/HC, NC/MAC, NC/MAMC, and NC/WHtR were significant. Increased NC (40.3%[n=29]) and WC (31.9 [n=23]) were associated with higher cardiometabolic risk. CONCLUSIONS: NC correlations are adequate for estimating cardiometabolic risk.

Neonatal overfeeding reduces estradiol plasma levels and disrupts noradrenergic-kisspeptin-GnRH pathway and fertility in adult female rats.

This work evaluated the effects of neonatal overfeeding, induced by litter size reduction, on fertility and the noradrenaline-kisspeptin-gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) pathway in adult female rats. The litter size was adjusted to 3 pups with each mother in the small litters (SL) and 10 pups with each mother in the normal litters (NL). SL females exhibited metabolic changes associated with reproductive dysfunctions, shown by earlier vaginal opening and first estrus, later regular cyclicity onset, and lower and higher occurrences of estrus and diestrus phases, respectively, as well as reduced fertility, estradiol plasma levels, and mRNA expressions of tyrosine hydroxylase in the locus coeruleus, kisspeptin, and GnRH in the preoptic area in adult females in the afternoon of proestrus. These results suggest that neonatal overfeeding in female rats promotes reproductive dysfunctions in adulthood, such as lower estradiol plasma levels associated with impairments in fertility and noradrenaline-kisspeptin-GnRH pathway during positive feedback.

Is Neck Circumference As Reliable As Waist Circumference for Determining Metabolic Syndrome?

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MS) comprises a cluster of risk factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases, which are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Many studies have shown that neck circumference (NC) has validity in the measure of MS since it correlates positively with the traditional components. For these reasons, this study aimed at comparing waist circumference (WC) and NC for identifying MS parameters in patients treated at a cardiology unit. Methods: This study included 309 patients assisted in a Cardiology Unit. Biochemical and anthropometric parameters were evaluated. Correlations between neck and WC with anthropometric, biochemical, and atherogenic indices were evaluated. The diagnostic ability of neck and WC was assessed by using the receiver operating characteristics curve. Results: The patients had a mean age of 57.2 years, and 56% were men. The diagnosis of MS was present in 48% of men and 39% of women. Neck and WC showed a positive correlation with each other, and both showed positive correlations with the criteria for MS. Moreover, NC showed a positive correlation with body mass index (BMI), insulin, homeostatic model assessment (HOMA)-ß, and C-reactive protein. WC showed a positive correlation with BMI, HOMA of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and Castelli Index I. Both neck and WC showed the ability to identify the presence of the MS. Conclusion: Both neck and WC showed a significant correlation with several of the metabolic parameters, including some used as criteria for the diagnosis of MS. In addition, both measures demonstrated a good ability to predict MS, making these measures promising for screening patients with this syndrome.

In vitro and In vivo evaluation of resin composites fluorescence.

This study aimed at comparatively evaluate, by visual method, the fluorescence intensity in vitro and in vivo of six resins composed of different classifications and viscosities compared to natural enamel. For the in vitro study, seventy specimens were prepared and for the in vivo study, a restoration was performed on the cervical portion of the buccal face of 6 anterior maxillary teeth, which under ultraviolet light were compared to the dental structure. The specimens and restorations were photographed only under the illumination of an ultraviolet lamp. The photographic record was performed, with standardized parameters for all photographs (ISO 100). After visual analysis of the images by three evaluators calibrated in the in vitro study and by ten evaluators calibrated in the in vivo study, numerical values were assigned to resins without fluorescence (zero), medium fluorescence (1) and high fluorescence (2). The evaluations were submitted to the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn test, which among the limitations of this study and according to the employed methodology, it was found that there was no statistical difference in fluorescence intensity among the composite resins evaluated, since all types of resins achieved fluorescent metamerism with dental enamel.

Efeito da suplementação de própolis verde no câncer de pâncreas: um relato de caso / Effect of green propolis supplementation on pancreas cancer: a case report

Introdução: O aumento da incidência de doenças crônicas não transmissíveis e a mortalidade associada a estas causas têm se destacado mundialmente. Entre essas doenças, destaca-se o câncer de pâncreas, que é caracterizado por tendência à evolução com metástase e baixa sobrevida. Relato de caso: As terapias oncológicas podem afetar a qualidade de vida e o estado nutricional dos pacientes e, por essa razão, a utilização de terapias alternativas e complementares, como o uso da própolis, podem auxiliar na melhoria da qualidade do tratamento, através da diminuição na proliferação de células neoplásicas e dos efeitos tóxicos da quimioterapia, devido às características epigenéticas, antitumorais, apoptóticas, antioxidantes e imunomodulatórias. Este relato de caso aborda o acompanhamento clínico e nutricional de um paciente idoso do sexo masculino, portador de câncer pancreático em tratamento quimioterápico, sob aconselhamento nutricional associado à suplementação de extrato hidroalcoólico de própolis verde. Conclusão: Observou-se com este relato de caso, a melhora da qualidade de vida e aumento da taxa de sobrevida do paciente de 12 meses para três anos e meio, além de estabilização da progressão tumoral. (AU)

Introduction: The increase in the incidence of chronic noncommunicable diseases has been highlighted in terms of worldwide mortality rates. Among these diseases, pancreatic cancer stands out, which is characterized by a tendency towards the evolution of metastasis and low survival. Weight loss is associated with increased basal energy expenditure, decreased energy consumption and malabsorption of nutrients. Case report: Oncological therapies can affect to quality of life and nutritional status of individuals, due to the toxic and immunosuppressive effects. For this reason, the use of alternative and complementary therapies, such as the use of propolis, can help to improve the quality of treatment, by decreasing the proliferation of neoplastic cells and the toxic effects of chemotherapy, due to the epigenetic, antitumor, apoptotic characteristics, antioxidants and immunomodulatory. This case report addresses the clinical and nutritional monitoring of an elderly male patient, with pancreatic cancer undergoing chemotherapy, under nutritional advice associated with the supplementation of hydroalcoholic extract of green propolis. Conclusion: There was an improvement in the quality of life and an increase in the patient’s survival rate from 12 months to three years, in addition to stabilization of tumor progression. (AU)

Correlations among neck circumference and anthropometric indicators to estimate body adiposity in people living with HIV

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Neck circumference (NC) and anthropometric data of people living with HIV (PLWH) are correlated. METHODS: Socioeconomic, NC, body mass index (BMI), tricipital skinfold thickness (TSF), mid-arm circumference (MAC), mid-arm muscle circumference (MAMC), waist-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), waist circumference (WC), and hip circumference (HC) data of 72 PLWH were correlated. RESULTS Higher adiposity was observed in NC (40.3% [n=29]) and WC (31.9% [n=23]). Correlations between NC/BMI, NC/WC, NC/HC, NC/MAC, NC/MAMC, and NC/WHtR were significant. Increased NC (40.3%[n=29]) and WC (31.9 [n=23]) were associated with higher cardiometabolic risk. CONCLUSIONS: NC correlations are adequate for estimating cardiometabolic risk.

Intervention and Mechanisms of Alanyl-glutamine for Inflammation, Nutrition, and Enteropathy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Determine the minimum dosage of alanyl-glutamine (Ala-Gln) required to improve gut integrity and growth in children at risk of environmental enteropathy (EE). METHODS: This was a double-blinded randomized placebo-controlled dose-response trial. We enrolled 140 children residing in a low-income community in Fortaleza, Brazil. Participants were 2 to 60 months old and had weight-for-age (WAZ), height-for-age (HAZ), or weight-for-height (WHZ) z-scores less than -1. We randomized children to 10 days of nutritional supplementation: Ala-Gln at 3 g/day, Ala-Gln at 6 g/day, Ala-Gln at 12 g/day, or an isonitrogenous dose of glycine (Gly) placebo at 12.5 g/day. Our primary outcome was urinary lactulose-mannitol excretion testing. Secondary outcomes were anthropometry, fecal markers of inflammation, urine metabolic profiles, and malabsorption (spot fecal energy). RESULTS: Of 140 children, 103 completed 120 days of follow-up (24% dropout). In the group receiving the highest dose of Ala-Gln, we detected a modest improvement in urinary lactulose excretion from 0.19% on day 1 to 0.17% on day 10 (P = 0.05). We observed significant but transient improvements in WHZ at day 10 in 2 Ala-Gln groups, and in WHZ and WAZ in all Ala-Gln groups at day 30. We detected no effects on fecal inflammatory markers, diarrheal morbidity, or urine metabolic profiles; but did observe modest reductions in fecal energy and fecal lactoferrin in participants receiving Ala-Gln. CONCLUSIONS: Intermediate dose Ala-Gln promotes short-term improvement in gut integrity and ponderal growth in children at risk of EE. Lower doses produced improvements in ponderal growth in the absence of enhanced gut integrity.