Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of Bio-C Repair, Endosequence BC Root Repair, MTA Angelus and MTA Repair HP.

The aim was to evaluate in vitro cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of Bio-C Repair (BCR), compared to Endosequence BC Root Repair (ERRM), MTA Angelus (MTA-Ang), and MTA Repair HP (MTA-HP). MC3T3 osteoblastic cells were exposed to extracts of the repairing bioceramic cements. After 1, 3, and 7 days, cytotoxicity and genotoxicity were evaluated by MTT and Micronucleus tests, respectively. Cells not exposed to biomaterials were used as a negative control. Data were compared using ANOVA two-way, followed by the Tukey Test (α=5%). MTA-Ang and MTA-HP showed no difference in relation to control regarding cytotoxicity in any experimental times. BCR and ERRM reduced cell viability after 3 and 7 days (p<0.05); however, the reduction caused by BCR was less than that caused by ERRM. Considering the micronucleus formation, all biomaterials caused an increase after 3 and 7 days (p<0.05), being greater for the BCR and ERRM groups. It can be concluded that BCR is non-cytotoxic in osteoblastic cells, as well as MTA-Ang e MTA Repair HP. BCR and ERRM showed greater genotoxicity than others tested biomaterials.

Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of Bio-C Repair, Endosequence BC Root Repair, MTA Angelus and MTA Repair HP

Abstract The aim was to evaluate in vitro cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of Bio-C Repair (BCR), compared to Endosequence BC Root Repair (ERRM), MTA Angelus (MTA-Ang), and MTA Repair HP (MTA-HP). MC3T3 osteoblastic cells were exposed to extracts of the repairing bioceramic cements. After 1, 3, and 7 days, cytotoxicity and genotoxicity were evaluated by MTT and Micronucleus tests, respectively. Cells not exposed to biomaterials were used as a negative control. Data were compared using ANOVA two-way, followed by the Tukey Test (α=5%). MTA-Ang and MTA-HP showed no difference in relation to control regarding cytotoxicity in any experimental times. BCR and ERRM reduced cell viability after 3 and 7 days (p<0.05); however, the reduction caused by BCR was less than that caused by ERRM. Considering the micronucleus formation, all biomaterials caused an increase after 3 and 7 days (p<0.05), being greater for the BCR and ERRM groups. It can be concluded that BCR is non-cytotoxic in osteoblastic cells, as well as MTA-Ang e MTA Repair HP. BCR and ERRM showed greater genotoxicity than others tested biomaterials.

Resumo O objetivo foi avaliar in vitro a citotoxicidade e genotoxicidade do Bio-C Repair (BCR), em comparação com o Endosequence BC Root Repair (ERRM), MTA Angelus (MTA-Ang) e MTA Repair HP (MTA-HP). As células osteoblásticas MC3T3 foram expostas aos extratos dos cimentos biocerâmicos reparadores. Após 1, 3 e 7 dias, a citotoxicidade e a genotoxicidade foram avaliadas pelos testes MTT e Micronúcleo, respectivamente. Células não expostas aos biomateriais foram utilizadas como controle negativo. Os dados foram comparados por ANOVA de dois fatores, seguido do Teste de Tukey (p = 5 %). MTA-Ang e MTA-HP não apresentaram diferença em relação ao controle quanto à citotoxicidade em nenhum dos tempos experimentais. BCR e ERRM reduziram a viabilidade celular após 3 e 7 dias (p < 0,05); no entanto, a redução causada pelo BCR foi menor que aquela causada pelo ERRM. Todos os biomateriais causaram aumento na formação de micronúcleos após 3 e 7 dias (p < 0,05), sendo maior para os grupos BCR e ERRM. O BCR não é citotóxico em células osteoblásticas, assim como cimentos MTA-Ang e MTA Repair HP. BCR e ERRM apresentaram maior genotoxicidade do que outros biomateriais testados.

The importance of optimal 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in the glycemic control of older adults with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Data from the study on aging and longevity EELO

INTRODUCTION: Optimal serum levels of vitamin D are of great importance, especially in populations with comorbidities such as Diabetes Mellitus (DM). OBJECTIVE: The study evaluated the relationship between hypovitaminosis D and glycemic control in older adults with type 2 DM. METHODS: Cross-sectional and prospective study, part of the EELO project (Study on Aging and Longevity), conducted in Southern Brazil. Glycated hemoglobin (diabetes ≥6.5%) and serum levels of vitamin D (25(OH)D) were evaluated. Hypovitaminosis D was determined using cutoff points <20 and <30 ng/mL). Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the risk of having uncontrolled DM. RESULTS: Of the 120 older adults included in the study, aged between 60 and 87 years, 74.2% were women, 66.7% used hypoglycemic medications and 75.8% exhibited uncontrolled diabetes. An inverse correlation was observed between the levels of 25(OH) D and glycated hemoglobin (rS=-0.19, p=0.037), suggesting that low levels of vitamin D are associated with poor glycemic control in diabetic individuals. The prevalence of hypovitaminosis D when using the cutoff points of <20 and <30 ng/mL were 34.2% and 75.0%, respectively. The odds ratio (OR) analysis showed that individuals with 25(OH)D<20ng/mL have almost 4 times more risk of having uncontrolled DM (OR:3.94; CI95%:1.25-12.46, p=0.02) when compared to the older adults with sufficient levels of vitamin D. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that the optimal serum levels currently recommended for 25(OH)D should preferably be 30 ng/mL or higher to contribute to better glycemic control in older adults with type 2 DM.

INTRODUÇÃO: Os níveis séricos ideais de vitamina D são de grande importância, especialmente na população com comorbidades como o Diabetes Mellitus (DM). OBJETIVO: O estudo avaliou a relação entre hipovitaminose D e controle glicêmico em idosos com DM tipo 2. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal e prospectivo, parte do projeto EELO (Estudo sobre Envelhecimento e Longevidade), no Sul do Brasil. A hemoglobina glicada (diabetes ≥6,5%) e os níveis séricos de vitamina D (25(OH)D) foram avaliados. Hipovitaminose D foi determinada usando ponto de corte <20 e <30 ng/mL. Regressão logística multivariada foi utilizada para avaliar o risco de ter DM descompensado. RESULTADOS: Dos 120 idosos incluídos no estudo, idade entre 60 a 87 anos, 74,2% eram mulheres, 66,7% faziam uso de medicamentos hipoglicemiantes e 75,8% apresentavam diabetes descompensada. Uma correlação inversa foi observada entre os níveis de 25(OH)D e hemoglobina glicada (rS=-0,19; p=0.037), sugerindo que baixos níveis de vitamina D está associado a um pior controle glicêmico em diabéticos. A prevalência de hipovitaminose D quando se utiliza ponto de corte <20 e <30 ng/mL foi de 34,2% e 75,0%, respectivamente. A análise Odds ratio (OR) mostrou que indivíduos com 25(OH)D<20 ng/mL tem quase 4 vezes mais risco de ter DM descompensado (OR:3,94; IC95%:1,25­12,46; p=0,02) quando comparado aos idosos com níveis suficientes de vitamina D. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados indicam que os níveis sérios ideais atualmente recomendados para 25(OH)D maior ou igual a 30 ng/ml contribuem para o melhor controle glicêmico na população idosa com DM tipo 2.

Pseudomonas fluorescens and Pseudomonas putida from refrigerated raw milk: genetic diversity and lipoproteolytic activity.

In this research communication the genetic diversity of Pseudomonas fluorescens (n = 67) and Pseudomonas putida (n = 44) isolated from refrigerated raw milk from bulk tank trucks were verified. The relationship between the genetic profile of the isolates and their lipoproteolytic potential was evaluated using skim milk agar and tributyrin agar (21°C/72 h). The lipoproteolytic potential (low or high), evaluated by the diameter of the halos (cm), was correlated with the number of milk producing properties that contributed to each sample (one sample = one bulk tank truck; 8-80 producers/sample) and the distance between the dairy properties and the processing plant (21-370 km). P. fluorescens was confirmed in all samples, while P. putida in 60% samples. For both species, two clusters (I and II) were observed, and the first one showed lower genotypic diversity and the presence of isolates with 100% similarity. P. fluorescens isolates presenting at least 70% similarity were 83.9% in Cluster I (n = 31) and 44.4% in Cluster II. In both clusters (I and II) observed in the P. fluorescens dendrogram, the occurrence of high proteolytic and lipolytic potential were equivalent. The higher the number of farms per milk sample, the greater the lipoproteolytic intensity of P. fluorescens isolates. In relation to P. putida isolates, 74% presented at least 50% similarity in Cluster I (n = 27) and only 35% in Cluster II (n = 17). The occurrence of high proteolysis linked to P. putida was proportional between both Clusters, but the occurrence of high lipolysis was greater in Cluster II. No significant association was detected between P. putida isolates and the variables studied. The results indicate the circulation of P. putida and P. fluorescens with 100% similarity in different milk producing regions. The level of genetic diversity was related only to the lipolytic capacity of P. putida.

Relationship between tooth loss, nutritional status and consumption of macro and micronutrients in elderly people from southern Brazil

Maintaining a functional natural dentition plays an important role in keeping a satisfactory nutritional status. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between oral health conditions determined by the presence of edentulism and the number of missing teeth, nutritional status and consumption of nutrients by the elderly. This cross-sectional study comprised 494 independent elderly of both genders, over 60 years of age, registered at the Brazilian public health service in Londrina, southern Brazil. The data collection included: oral examinations; anthropometric measurements by calculating the Body Mass Index (BMI); analysis of food consumption based on a multiple pass 24-hour dietary recall and a food intake frequency questionnaire; and structured interviews to obtain sociodemographic information. Multiple linear regression, the Fisher's Exact test, chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests, were applied at a 5% significance level. The prevalence of edentulism was 47.3%; this predominated in females, age group from 65 to 74 years, low education level and low/medium economic classification. A larger numberof underweight and fewer number of overweight elderly were recorded among the edentulous versus dentate participants (< 0.0001). Significantly lower consumption of several nutrients, as well as fruit, was recorded among the edentulous group. In particular, carbohydrates, vitamins (B1, B9 and C), and the majority of the minerals studied were associated with a larger number of missing teeth. In conclusion, tooth loss was associated with the food consumption pattern of some macro-and micronutrients and the nutritional status of the Brazilian elderly.

Evaluation of ApaI and FokI polymorphism of VDR gene and functional characterization in patients with fibromyalgia / Avaliação do polimorfismo ApaI e FokI do gene VDR e caracterização funcional em pacientes com fibromialgia

Abstract Introduction: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a syndrome of unknown origin characterized by several symptoms, and although its pathogenesis has not been completely elucidated, it seems to be related to inflammatory path-ways and neurochemical changes in the brain. Objective: To evaluate the association between BsmI, ApaI and FokI polymorphisms of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene, their polymorphisms, and clinical variables in women with and without FM. Methods: This is a case-control study composed of a group of 53 women with FM and another with 40 women without the disease. The McGill Pain Questionnaire, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, Pain Visual Analogue Scale and the sit-up test were applied. Real-time PCR was performed to analyze the ApaI and FokI polymorphism. Results: There was a statistical association between race, comorbidity and FM, where 78.4% of the individuals were white and had FM (p < 0.002) and 96.1% had some comorbidity (p < 0.001). Seventy-six point five percent (76.5%) of patients with FM underperformed in the sit-up test (p < 0.001). There was also an association between the genotypic and allele frequencies of the VDR and FM gene Apal and FokI polymorphisms (p < 0.001). In the VDR gene ApaI polymorphism, the CC genotype exhibited a higher frequency in women with FM, the C allele for the Apal polymorphism was 3.33 times more likely, and the FokI polymorphism was 10.9 times more likely to develop FM (p < 0,0001). Conclusion: Women with C allele for ApaI polymorphism are 3.33 times more likely to have FM (95%CI = 1.58-7.02; p = 0.0024), and in FokI polymorphism, the prevalence of T allele is 10.9 times greater (95% CI = 4.76-25.38; p < 0.0001). No significant associations were found in relation to BsmI polymorphism and frequency alleles (p = 0.062 and p = 0.078, respectively).

Resumo Introdução: A fibromialgia (FM) é uma síndrome de origem desconhecida caracterizada por diversos sintomas, e embora sua patogênese não tenha sido completamente elucidada, parece estar relacionada às vias inflamatórias e alterações neuroquímicas no cérebro. Objetivo: Avaliar a associação entre os polimorfismos BsmI, ApaI e FokI do gene do receptor da vitamina D (VDR), seus polimorfismos e variáveis clínicas em mulheres com e sem FM. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo caso-controle composto por um grupo de 53 mulheres com FM e outro com 40 mulheres sem a doença. Foram aplicados o Questionário de Dor de McGill, Questionário de Impacto da Fibromialgia, Escala Visual Analógica da Dor e o teste de sentar. A PCR em tempo real foi realizada para analisar o polimorfismo ApaI e FokI. Resultados: Houve associação estatística entre raça, comorbidade e FM, onde 78,4% dos indivíduos eram brancos e apresentavam FM (p < 0,002) e 96,1% tinham alguma comorbidade (p < 0,001). Setenta e seis vírgula cinco por cento (76,5%) dos pacientes com FM tiveram desempenho inferior no teste de abdominais (p < 0,001). Também houve associação entre as frequências genotípicas e alélicas dos polimorfismos Apal e FokI do gene VDR e FM (p < 0,001). No polimorfismo ApaI do gene VDR, o genótipo CC apresentou maior frequência em mulheres com FM, o alelo C para o polimorfismo Apal foi 3,33 vezes mais provável, e o polimorfismo FokI teve 10,9 vezes mais chance de desenvolver FM (p < 0,0001). Conclusão: Mulheres com alelo C para polimorfismo ApaI têm 3,33 vezes mais chance de ter FM (IC 95% = 1,58-7,02; p = 0,0024), e no polimorfismo FokI, a prevalência do alelo T é 10,9 vezes maior (IC 95% = 4,76-25,38; p < 0,0001). Não foram encontradas associações significativas em relação ao polimorfismo BsmI e alelos de frequência (p = 0,062 e p = 0,078, respectivamente).

MicroRNA-146a polymorphism is not associated with cardiovascular disease in the elderly / Polimorfismo MicroRNA 146a não está associado a doenças cardiovasculares em idosos

Abstract Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) figure among the most significant causes of morbidity and mortality in the world and, among genetic factors, the literature has demonstrated the crucial role of miRNAs and the relationship of physical activity with this pathology. Objective: To investigate the relationship between the functional capacity of exercise, the level of physical activity, and the polymorphism in the miRNA-146a gene in elderly individuals with and without CVD. Methods: This study, developed in a city in the southern region of Brazil, is characterized as cross-sectional. The sample for this study comprised 342 participants, aged 60 or over. The following aspects were analyzed: anthropometric characteristics, genetic profiles, diagnosis of CVD, functional capacity, and the level of physical activity. Results: A statistically significant association was observed between CVD and body mass index (BMI) (א² = 14.278; p = 0.0003), and 40.6% of elderly individuals with CVD were obese, while 31.5% of the normally developed elderly participants presented normal BMI. However, the genotype frequencies (p = 0.546; א² = 1.211) and 6MWT (p = 0.311; א² = 1.025) did not show a statistically signifi-cant association with CVD. Conclusion: Our results suggest that the polymorphism in the miRNA-146A (rs2910164) and functional capacity are not associated with CVD in the elderly. However, the BMI did demonstrate an association with this disease.

Resumo Introdução: As doenças cardiovasculares (DCV) figuram entre as causas mais significativas de morbimortalidade no mundo e, dentre os fatores genéticos, a literatura tem demonstrado o papel crucial dos miRNAs e a relação da atividade física com essa patologia. Objetivo: Investigar a relação entre a capacidade funcional do exercício, o nível de atividade física e o polimorfismo no gene miRNA-146a em idosos com e sem DCV. Métodos: Este estudo, desenvolvido em um município da região sul do Brasil, caracteriza-se como transversal. A amostra deste estudo foi composta por 342 participantes, com idade igual ou superior a 60 anos. Foram analisados ​​os seguintes aspectos: características antropométricas, perfis genéticos, diagnóstico de DCV, capacidade funcional e nível de atividade física. Resultados: Observou-se associação estatisticamente significativa entre DCV e índice de massa corporal (IMC) (א² = 14,278; p = 0,0003), sendo que 40,6% dos idosos com DCV eram obesos, enquanto 31,5% dos idosos normalmente desenvolvidos apresentaram IMC normal. No entanto, as frequências genotípicas (p = 0,546; א² = 1,211) e TC6 (p = 0,311; א² = 1,025) não mostraram associação estatisticamente significante com DCV. Conclusão: Os resultados do presente estudo sugerem que o polimorfismo no miRNA-146A (rs2910164) e a capacidade funcional não estão associados à DCV em idosos; no entanto, o IMC demonstrou associação com essa doença.

Vitamin D deficiency, functional status, and balance in older adults with osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Low vitamin D levels are associated with a more severe case of knee osteoarthritis (OA). However, there are few published reports concerning an association between vitamin D deficiency and functional status of individuals with OA and no reports about postural balance in this population. AIM: To analyze the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and severity, functional status, and balance in elderly patients with OA. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 105 elderly patients with hip and knee OA were included. The severity was assessed by the Kellgren-Lawrence criteria. The functional status was assessed with the Lequesne index. Postural balance was assessed using a force platform, and center-of-pressure parameters (velocity at anteroposterior and mediolateral axis) were used as the balance outcomes. Serum 25(OH) vitamin D levels were measured using a chemiluminescence method. RESULTS: Most of the patients (mean age: 70.6 ± 6.5 years) were female (n = 78, 74.3%). In the group with vitamin D deficiency, 43 patients (56.6%) had severe OA, while 33 patients (43.4%) had mild or moderate OA (χ 2 test, P = 0.04). Patients with vitamin D deficiency showed a higher Lequesne index score (Mann-Whitney test, P = 0.04), indicating a worse functional impairment when compared to individuals with normal vitamin D levels. Additionally, patients with vitamin D deficiency had worse postural balance according to the Mann-Whitney test (P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Vitamin D deficiency is associated with worse severity, functional status, and postural balance in patients with OA.

Knowledge and Practices of Mothers towards Infant Oral Health Care in Their Children's First Year of Life / Conhecimentos e Práticas de Mães Sobre a Saúde Bucal Infantil no Primeiro Ano de Vida de seus Filhos

This study aimed to assess mothers' oral health-related knowledge and practices in immediate and late puerperium, and in the child's first year of life. This study is a prospective cohort study, in which data were collected from 358 mothers of children born between 2013 and 2014, in immediate and late puerperium, and in children's first year of life, by interviews with sociodemographic characterization and oral health questionnaires, and were analyzed by descriptive statistics and Chi-square test (α = 5%). Participants were mainly aged 20 to 29 years (53.9%), with 7 to 11 years of education (67.6%), from low social class (72.3%), unemployed (58.9%), married or in common-law marriage (84.1%), with more than one child (60.1%). Although 51.7% of them had received information about children's oral health, only 0.8%, 32.4% and 13.7%, respectively, knew the concept, etiology and preventive attitudes regarding dental caries. Mothers aged under 20 and over 30 years, with lower education and from low social class presented significantly lower oral health related knowledge. At children's first year of life, although 78.7% of the children had already been taken to the dentist, half of them had already tasted sugary foods and drinks. It is highlighted the social determination and the need of an improvement of mothers' oral health-related knowledge and practices. Educational actions, especially in prenatal programs, are important to achieve this improvement and to decrease early childhood caries rates. (AU)

Avaliar o conhecimento e as práticas de mães sobre a saúde bucal de seus filhos no puerpério imediato, tardio, e no primeiro ano de vida da criança. Trata-se de um estudo de coorte prospectiva, no qual os dados foram coletados de 358 mães de bebês nascidos entre 2013 e 2014, no puerpério imediato, tardio e um ano após o parto, por entrevistas com perguntas sobre dados sociodemográficos e sobre saúde bucal. Os dados foram analisados por estatísticas descritivas e pelo teste Qui-quadrado (α = 5%). As participantes apresentavam, majoritariamente, idades entre 20 a 29 anos (53,9%), com 7 a 11 anos de estudo (67,6%), eram de baixa classe social (72,3%), desempregadas (58,9%), casadas ou em união estável (84,1%), e tinham mais de um filho (60,1%). Apesar de 51.7% delas afirmarem ter recebido informações sobre saúde bucal infantil, apenas 0,8%, 32,4% e 13,7%, respectivamente, sabiam o conceito, etiologia e as atitudes preventivas à cárie. Mães com idades abaixo de 20 e acima de 29 anos apresentaram menor conhecimento sobre saúde bucal do que as demais. No primeiro ano de vida, apesar de 78,7% das crianças já terem ido ao dentista, metade delas já havia experimentado alimentos e bebidas açucarados. Destaca-se a determinação social e a necessidade de melhora no conhecimento e práticas das mães sobre saúde bucal. Ações educativas, especialmente em programas de atenção pré-natal, são importantes para atingir essa melhora e, consequentemente, diminuir as taxas da cárie na primeira infância. (AU)

Impact of headache on a supplemental healthcare emergency unit and on use of opioids.

BACKGROUND: Headache is one of the most common causes of emergency care and migraines are the most common primary headache in this regard. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this research study was to assess the incidence of medical consultations due to headache, along with demographic characteristics and treatments pertaining to cephalalgia that were offered to patients cared for in supplemental healthcare emergency rooms. METHODS: In 2017, a total of 11,105 consultations took place, and 4,865 (43.8%) of them were complaints relating to headache. 407 records of patients with headache were randomly selected and assessed. Demographic, clinical and therapeutic data were collected using a structured form. RESULTS: The cause of headache was diagnosed as migraine in 60.0% of the patient records. Patients were mostly female (75.2%), with an average age of 33.9 ± 13.7 years. Patient management consisted of administering dipyrone in 62.4% of cases, antiemetics in 66.9%, corticosteroids in 58.9%, opioids in 24.3% and NSAIDs in 13.5%. Use of opioids was associated with a diagnosis of migraine (OR 2.4; CI 1.4-3.9; p = 0.001). Patients who received opioids were kept under observation for longer periods of time (OR 3.4; CI 2.1-5.4; p < 0.001) and exhibited a higher rate of use of antiemetics (OR 11.0; CI 4.7-25.9; p < 0.001), compared with patients who did not receive opioids. CONCLUSION: Dipyrone and antiemetics were administered to most of the patients. Opioids were used for a significant proportion of these individuals, despite the diagnosis of migraine, a condition for which their use is discouraged.

Neck pain and associated factors in a sample of high school students in the city of Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil: cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Neck pain is a major public health problem. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of neck pain among high school students and to analyze associations with sociodemographic variables, use of electronic devices, habitual physical activity practices and mental health problems. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional epidemiological study on a sample of high school students in the city of Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil. METHOD: Participants were selected through cluster sampling in two stages and data were collected via face-to-face interviews. Data collection comprised the following steps: 1. sociodemographic characteristics; 2. use of electronic devices; 3. habitual physical activity levels; 3. mental health; and 4. neck pain. RESULTS: A total of 1,628 participants were interviewed. The prevalence of neck pain was 49.1% (95% confidence interval, CI 46.7 to 51.5), with 40.4% (95% CI 37.0 to 43.7) in men and 57.5% (95% CI 54.2 to 60.9) in women. The variables associated with in neck pain were: female (prevalence ratio, PR = 2.04), use of cell phone in standing posture (PR = 1.47), use of tablet in sitting posture (PR = 1.72), length of computer use greater than 3 hours/day (PR = 1.54), length of cell phone use greater than 3 hours/day (PR = 1.54), length of tablet use greater than 3 hours/ day (PR = 1.34) and mental health problems (PR = 1.56). CONCLUSION: There is high prevalence of neck pain among students and striking associations with female sex, use of electronic devices and mental health problems.

Neck pain and associated factors in a sample of high school students in the city of Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil: cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Neck pain is a major public health problem. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of neck pain among high school students and to analyze associations with sociodemographic variables, use of electronic devices, habitual physical activity practices and mental health problems. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional epidemiological study on a sample of high school students in the city of Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil. METHOD: Participants were selected through cluster sampling in two stages and data were collected via face-to-face interviews. Data collection comprised the following steps: 1. sociodemographic characteristics; 2. use of electronic devices; 3. habitual physical activity levels; 3. mental health; and 4. neck pain. RESULTS: A total of 1,628 participants were interviewed. The prevalence of neck pain was 49.1% (95% confidence interval, CI 46.7 to 51.5), with 40.4% (95% CI 37.0 to 43.7) in men and 57.5% (95% CI 54.2 to 60.9) in women. The variables associated with in neck pain were: female (prevalence ratio, PR = 2.04), use of cell phone in standing posture (PR = 1.47), use of tablet in sitting posture (PR = 1.72), length of computer use greater than 3 hours/day (PR = 1.54), length of cell phone use greater than 3 hours/day (PR = 1.54), length of tablet use greater than 3 hours/ day (PR = 1.34) and mental health problems (PR = 1.56). CONCLUSION: There is high prevalence of neck pain among students and striking associations with female sex, use of electronic devices and mental health problems.

Reliability of pressure pain threshold to discriminate individuals with neck and low back pain.

BACKGROUND: Pressure pain threshold (PPT) is decreased in several musculoskeletal disorders, giving indirect evidence regarding pain status. Despite the fact that PPT has been already proven to be reliable in patients with acute conditions, there is great variability of methods and results observed within studies, and only a few evidences confirming its reliability in chronic conditions. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the test-retest reliability of PPT in the neck and low back regions to discriminate individuals with neck or low back pain from healthy individuals. Additionally, one secondary aim was to establish the minimum detectable change (MDC) and the standard error of measurement for future clinical studies and interventions. METHODS: In this reliability study, 74 individuals (15 individuals from the neck pain and 17 from the neck control group; 21 individuals from the low back pain and 21 from the low back control group). PPT was measured in the neck region (suboccipital, trapezius and supraspinal muscles) and in the lower back region (paraspinal muscles in the levels of L1, L3 and L5). Intrarater reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coeficient and Bland-Altman. RESULTS: Excellent intra-rater reliability was observed for both (ICC of 0.874 for the neck pain versus ICC of 0.895 in neck control group; ICC of 0.932 for the low back pain group versus ICC of 0.839 for the control group). A small bias was observed for all groups (-0.08 for the neck pain group versus 0.10 in the control group; and 0.32 in low back pain group versus 0.44 in the control group). Minimum detectable change of 0.63 kgf of neck pain and 1.21 kgf of low back pain was calculated. It was found difference in PPT between pain and control groups (p< 0.05). CONCLUSION: It may be suggested that the protocol with PPT is reliable and able to discriminate individuals with and without neck and low back pain with a minor measurement error. Therefore, this method may be used to detect possible progress after interventions in patients with neck or low back pain.

Anti-Inflammatory and Healing Effects of Pulsed Ultrasound Therapy on Fibroblasts.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound therapy under different pulse regimes on cultures of semiconfluent L929 fibroblasts, evaluating cell viability, anatomical structural alterations, modulation of vascular endothelial growth factor, interleukin 6, collagen type 1 alpha 1, collagen type 1 alpha 2, and fibroblast growth factor 7, as well as the amount of inflammatory mediators interleukin 2, interleukin 4, interleukin 6, interferon γ, tumor necrosis factor, interleukin 17A, and interleukin 10 at 24, 48, and 72 hrs. DESIGN: The design was experimental study. METHODS: The treatments consisted of 0.2 W/cm doses at a frequency of 1 MHz, with a pulse rate of 10% and 20%. Viability was assessed by the MTT assay (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazole)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide), gene expression by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and cytokine quantification by flow cytometry. RESULTS: At 48 hrs, ultrasound enhanced cell viability and affected interleukin 6 cytokine production, vascular endothelial growth factor, interleukin 6, type 1 alpha 1 and alpha 2 collagens, and fibroblast growth factor 7 gene modulation. CONCLUSIONS: Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound therapy had a biostimulatory effect on semiconfluent in vitro L929 fibroblast cells, where the group with a dose of 0.2 W/cm-10% (G2) presented higher responses, in all the analyzed aspects, toward the dose pulsed to 20%, confirming its therapeutic properties related to the initial phases of tissue healing.

Lower limb muscle strength and serotonin receptor gene polymorphism as factors associated in women with fibromyalgia.

BACKGROUND: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain syndrome characterized by generalized skeletal muscle chronic pain. Its etiology is not well defined, because there are several factors that may trigger it such as physical and/or emotional stresses, or a genetic susceptibility, involving serotonergic, dopaminergic and catecholaminergic paths. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between the strength of the lower limb, genetic polymorphism of the serotonin receptor gene HTR2A in women with fibromyalgia. METHODS: In this observational study of case-control type 48 women were evaluated who belonged to the group with FM (52 ± 12 years) and 100 women in the control group (58 ± 11 years). Socio demographic and anthropometric data were collected and peripheral blood samples for DNA extraction; genotypic analyzes were performed by means of PCR in real time by TaqMan® system. The lower limb muscle strength was assessed through the test of sitting down and standing up for 30 s. The chi-square test or Fischer Exact was used for possible associations among the variables; the t-test for independent samples was used to compare the averages among the groups; the value of significance adopted was 5%. RESULTS: There was an association between the polymorphism of the HTR2A gene with FM, demonstrating that carriers of the genotype GG have 24.39 times more likely to develop the syndrome (IC95% 5.15-115.47; p = 0.01). It was observed an association between FM and the test to sit and stand up demonstrating that women with fibromyalgia have lower limb muscle strength (p = 0.01). The study showed that the white race has 3.84 times more likely to develop FM (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that women of Caucasian ethnicity with GG genotype or G allele presented greater risk of developing fibromyalgia and that these patients have lower limb muscle strength compared to the control group.

Lipoproteolytic capacity and potential of Pseudomonas spp. isolated from cold raw milk.

The objective of the work described in this research communication was to determine the lipoproteolytic capacity and potential of Pseudomonas spp. from the microbiota of refrigerated raw milk. The influence of temperature and bacterial population on these activities was also evaluated. Pseudomonas spp. (PS) counts (30 °C/48 h) were confirmed by PCR. Proteolytic (10% milk agar) and lipolytic capacities (PLC) (tributyrin agar) were evaluated (21 °C/72 h). Proteolytic (PP) and lipolytic potential (LP) were assessed by measuring the diameter of the halos and were categorized as low or high. A total of 91.3% PS possessed PLC. The PP of 64.16% isolates was high and was frequently observed in PS from milk samples with higher counts and lower temperatures. The LP of 70.52% isolates was low, and higher LP was associated with low microbiological counts and temperatures. Genetic studies evaluating Pseudomonas spp. strains in the milking environment and investigating the origin of these isolates could be useful to improve the quality and shelf life of dairy products.

ORAL HEALTH PROMOTION IN PATIENTS WITH MORBID OBESITY AFTER GASTROPLASTY: A RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL.

BACKGROUND: The bariatric surgery may have negative repercussions on oral conditions. AIM: To evaluate the impact of oral health educational/preventive program developed with patients submitted to gastroplasties. METHOD: The sample consisted of 109 patients randomly allocated to two groups: intervention group (IG), where they participated in the oral health promotion program that include multiple educational-preventive approaches; control group (CG), where they received usual care from the bariatric clinic staff, without participation in the program. The oral conditions investigated in the pre-operative and postoperative periods of one month (1M) and six months (6M) were: dental caries, periodontal disease, tooth wear, dental plaque and salivary flow. RESULTS: After bariatric surgery, patients in IG presented: fewer changes in enamel (6M: p=0.004), dentin (6M: p=0.005) and gingival bleeding (6M: p<0.0001), reduction in plaque index (1M, 6M: p<0.0001) and increased salivary flow (6M: p=0.039), when compared with CG. Incipient tooth wear was recorded in both groups (6M: p=0.713). CONCLUSION: There was a positive impact of the implemented program in the prevention of the main oral health problems in patients who underwent gastroplasties, contributing to their quality of life.

Functional status and severity of osteoarthritis in elderly is associated to the polymorphism of TNFA gene.

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a major musculoskeletal disease with high prevalence in the elderly. The study of genetic polymorphisms of inflammatory mediators involved in OA may contribute to the elucidation of the complex pathophysiology of this disease and identification of susceptibility individuals. AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the association between polymorphism at tumor necrosis factor alpha gene (SNP - 308 G/A TNFA) with presence, severity and functional status of osteoarthritis in elderly. METHODS: This study was characterized as case-control and encompassed 257 physically independent elderly (Mean Age: 68.55 ± 5.2; Minimum age: 60 and Maximum age: 82) were recruited. After this selection, the groups were divided in: 92 elderly individuals with osteoarthritis (case group) and 165 without the disease (control group). METHODS: The individuals were genotyped by the TaqMan real-time PCR system. The subjects were classified based on the degree of radiological impairment according to the criteria of Kellgren-Laurence and regarding functional impairment using the WOMAC and LEQUESNE questionnaires. RESULTS: TNFA gene polymorphic individuals (subjects harboring allele A) are more affected by OA (χ2 = 8.7, p = 0.003), once they have major radiological lesion both in hip (Fisher-Freeman-Halton Test = 3.9, p = 0.04) and knee (Fisher-Freeman-Halton Test = 4.0, p = 0.04) as well as worse functional status assessed by the Lequesne questionnaire (Mann-Whitney, p = 0.04). At the multivariate analysis, after adjustment for age, gender, body mass index, the presence of rare allele for TNFA (allele A) increases the susceptibility to OA development [OR: 1.87 (95% CI: 1.1-3.2)]. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the SNP - 308 G/A of TNFA gene may affect osteoarthritis susceptibility, severity and functional status of individuals with osteoarthritis.

Sweetness Taste Preference Levels and Their Relationship to the Nutritional and Dental Caries Patterns among Brazilian Preschool Children

Objective: To evaluate the sweetness taste preference levels and their relationship with the nutritional and dental caries patterns among preschool children. Material and Methods: The participants of this cross-sectional study were 191 children aged 4 to 5 years, who were regularly attending public Child Education Centers of a city southern Brazil. Children's preference for sugar was evaluated by the Sweet Preference Inventory; caries prevalence, according to the World Health Organization criteria, and nutritional status, by anthropometric weight and stature measurements, in accordance with child growth standards of the World Health Organization. Results: High levels of sweetness preference were identified. The majority of children (67.5%) opted for the most concentrated sucrose solutions. Excess weight was recorded in 27.7% of the preschoolers. The prevalence of caries was 51.8%, with the mean dmf-t equal to 1.92 (± 2.72) and the decayed (c) component responsible for 94.2% of the index. No significant association between sweetness preference and the nutritional or the oral health patterns could be established. In addition, no association between excess weight and dental caries was identified. The diseases studied were only associated with sociodemographic variables. Excess weight was associated with maternal age (p=0.004) and caries experience with family income (p=0.013). Conclusion: No significant associations could be stablished between the sweetness taste preference and the diseases studied, nor between excess weight and dental caries. However, the findings of high patterns of sweet preference, excess weight and untreated caries experience, highlight the need for the implementation of integrated public policies aimed at controlling both nutritional and of oral health problems in the studied population.

Interleukin-1 alpha gene polymorphism (IL-1α) and susceptibility to tinnitus in the elderly.

AIM: To investigate the association between the single nucleotide polymorphism in the position-889 (C/T) of the promoter region of the IL-1α gene and the susceptibility to tinnitus. METHOD: This was a case-control study with a sample of 108 independent elderly people over 60 years of age. Information on exposure to occupational noise and tinnitus was obtained by interviews. The genetic polymorphism was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction followed by cleavage with restriction enzyme NcoI. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square test, with the significance level set at 5%. For the statistical analysis all individuals with tinnitus on the right ear were eligible. RESULTS: Among elderly with tinnitus, 42.9% had a history of exposure to occupational noise. There was statistically significant association between IL-1α gene polymorphism and tinnitus in subjects without a history of exposure to occupational noise (P = 0.006 and χ2 = 10.39). The elderly with the T allele were less likely to have tinnitus due to occupational noise exposure when compared to those carrying the C allele. CONCLUSION: This study suggests an association between the IL-1α gene polymorphism with susceptibility to tinnitus in individuals without a history of exposure to occupational noise. The present study demonstrated that allele T of IL-1α is a protective factor for presence and severity of tinnitus in the elderly and allele C contributes to the pathogenesis of the inflammatory response. The present observation implied the signaling IL-1α is involved in ear aging.