Photobiomodulation does not improve anaerobic performance in well-trained cyclists.

To determine if photobiomodulation (PBM) has ergogenic effects on the anaerobic performance of well-trained cyclists. Fifteen healthy male road or mountain bike cyclists participated in this randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover study. Athletes were randomly assigned to receive photobiomodulation (630 nm, 4.6 J/cm2, 6 J per point, 16 points, PBM session) or placebo intervention (PLA session) in the first session. The athletes then performed a 30-s Wingate test to determine mean and peak average power, relative power, mean and peak velocity, mean and peak RPM, fatigue index, total distance, time to peak power, explosive strength, and power drop. After 48 h, athletes returned to the laboratory for the crossover intervention. The repeated-measures ANOVA test followed by Bonferroni post hoc test or Friedman test with Dunn's post hoc test (p < 0.05), and Cohen's d statistic were used for comparisons. Performance in the Wingate test was not significantly different (p > 0.05) between PBM and PLA sessions for any variable. Only a small effect size was detected for time to peak power (-0.40; 1.11 to 0.31) and explosive strength (0.38; -0.34 to 1.09). We conclude that irradiation with red light, under a low energy density, does not promote ergogenic effects on the anaerobic performance of cycling athletes.

The association of oral health with length of stay and mortality in the intensive care unit.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the relationship between the oral and systemic health status of adult patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with the length of stay and mortality. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A daily oral examination and oral hygiene were performed in patients admitted to an adult ICU. Dental and oral lesions, systemic health status, the need for mechanical ventilation, length of stay, and mortality were registered. Multivariate linear and logistic regression analyses were performed to identify associations between length of stay and death of patients, respectively, with oral and systemic health status. RESULTS: In total, 207 patients were included, 107 (51.7%) male. Ventilated patients presented an increased length of stay (p < 0.001), mortality (p < 0.0001), number of medications (p < 0.0001), edentulism (p = 0.001), mucous lesions and bleeding (p < 0.0001), oropharyngitis (p = 0.03), and drooling (p < 0.001) compared to non-ventilated patients. The number of days in the ICU was associated with mechanical ventilation (p = 0.04), nosocomial pneumonia (p = 0001), end-stage renal disease (p < 0.0007), death (p < 0.0001), mucous bleeding (p = 0.01), tongue coating (p = 0.001), and cheilitis (p = 0.01). Mortality was associated with length of stay in the ICU (p < 0.0001), number of medications (p < 0.0001), and the need for mechanical ventilation (p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: ICU patients present poor oral health. Soft tissue biofilm and mucous ulcerations were associated with the length of stay in the ICU, but not with the mortality rate. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Mucous lesions are associated with an increased length of stay in the ICU, and critically ill patients should receive oral care to control oral foci of infection and mucous lesions.

Preconditioning Effects of Photobiomodulation on Repeated-Sprint Ability of Professional Basketball Players.

ABSTRACT: Giovanini, B, Altimari, LR, de Paula Ramos, S, Alves Okazaki, VH, Okuno, NM, and Junior, AF. Preconditioning effects of photobiomodulation on repeated-sprint ability of professional basketball players. J Strength Cond Res 37(1): 224-229, 2023-The purpose of this study was to investigate the preconditioning effects of photobiomodulation on repeated-sprint ability of professional basketball players. Ten professional basketball players took part in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. The subjects attended 2 repeated-sprint test sessions. In each session, the subjects performed a general warm-up, followed by a familiarization sprint. Afterward, the subjects received either the photobiomodulation (660 and 850 nm, 12 J·cm-2, 83.4 J per point, 10 points, light-emitting diode [LED] treatment) or placebo intervention and performed the repeated-sprint test. The repeated-sprint test consisted of ten 30-m sprints with 1 change of direction (15 + 15 m), interspersed by 30 seconds of passive recovery. Sprint times and heart rate responses were monitored during the test. To compare moments and conditions, linear mixed-effects models were applied with statistical significance set at p < 0.05, and Cohen's d was used as effect size (ES). The LED treatment could not improve total time (p = 0.662; ES = -0.06), best time (p = 0.869; ES = 0.02), fatigue index (p = 0.169; ES = 0.64), or sprint decrement (p = 0.124; ES = -0.75) when compared with the placebo condition. In addition, mean heart rate (p = 0.687; ES = 0.07) and maximal heart rate (p = 0.837; ES = -0.03) were similar between conditions. We concluded that the LED condition could not improve the repeated-sprint ability of professional basketball players.

Effects of Supplementary Strength Program on Generic and Specific Physical Fitness in Cadet Judo Athletes.

ABSTRACT: Branco, BHM, Marcondes, VA, de Paula Ramos, S, Badilla, PV, and Andreato, LV. Effects of supplementary strength program on generic and specific physical fitness in cadet judo athletes. J Strength Cond Res 36(10): 2816-2823, 2022-This study aimed to investigate the effects of a supplementary strength program on general and specific physical fitness in under-18 judo athletes. In total, 21 athletes were randomized into 2 groups: experimental group (EG: aged = 15.5 ± 1.2 years; body mass = 71.3 ± 10.6 kg; practice time = 5.1 ± 1.2 years) and control group (aged = 16.6 ± 0.5 years; body mass = 71.7 ± 11.0 kg; practice time = 5.6 ± 0.8 years). Athletes were submitted to anthropometry, generic physical fitness tests (countermovement jump, one-repetition maximum in bench-press, row, and half-squat machine), and specific field tests (isometric and dynamic judogi chin-up and Special Judo Fitness Test [SJFT]). All measurements were presented at baseline, and 8 athletes per group completed pre-training and post-training assessments. Both groups performed the same judo training routine, and the EG also performed 3/weekly/sessions of strength training for 8 weeks. All measurements were conducted during the competitive season. There were no differences in body mass, height, and body fat percentage after the training period (p > 0.05). Improvements were observed in maximal strength for bench press (26.6%), row (17.7%), half-squat machine (29%), dynamic judogi chin-up (33%), and the following SJFT responses: block A (16.7%), block B (11.3%), sum of 3 blocks (8.3%), heart rate after 1 minute (-7.0%), and index (-12.5%), representing performance improvement for the EG. It was concluded that 8 weeks of strength training was positive for general and specific performance. Finally, this strength program may help coaches to develop strength without changes in body mass.

Phototherapy Improves Muscle Recovery and Does Not Impair Repeated Bout Effect in Plyometric Exercise.

ABSTRACT: Padoin, S, Zeffa, AC, Molina Corrêa, JC, de Angelis, TR, Moreira, TB, Barazetti, LK, and de Paula Ramos, S. Phototherapy improves muscle recovery and does not impair repeated bout effect in plyometric exercise. J Strength Cond Res 36(12): 3301-3310, 2022-The effects of photobiomodulation with red (630 nm) and near-infrared (940 nm) light wavelengths were investigated on the inhibition of exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) and adaptation to the repeated bout effect (RBE). Twenty-eight healthy men were randomized to receive light-emitting diode therapy (LEDT) at 630 nm (4.6 J·cm -2 , 97 J energy), LEDT at 940 nm (4.6 J·cm -2 , 114 J), or placebo. After LEDT or placebo treatment, subjects performed 100 drop-jumps (5 sets of 20 repetitions). Creatine kinase, delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), countermovement jump (CMJ), and squat jump (SJ) were assessed before, immediately after, and 24, 48, and 72 hours after the bout. After 14 days, the subjects were submitted to the same plyometric exercise, without LEDT, and were evaluated again. Creatine kinase levels increased significantly 72 hours after the first bout in the placebo group in relation to the LEDT 940-nm group ( P < 0.01). The LEDT 630-nm group showed a significant increase in SJ at 24 hours ( P < 0.05), whereas, at 48 hours, the LEDT 940 nm showed a significant increase compared with the placebo group ( P < 0.05). The 2-way analysis of variance revealed an effect for treatment in the SJ ( F = 7.12; P = 0.001). No differences were found between groups for DOMS and CMJ after the first bout. After the second bout of exercise, there was no effect of treatment. The results suggest that treatment with LEDT 630 nm and LEDT 940 nm before eccentric exercise attenuates EIMD without impairing RBE.

Ergogenic Effects of Photobiomodulation on Performance in the 30-Second Wingate Test: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study.

ABSTRACT: Molina Correa, JC, Padoin, S, Varoni, PR, Demarchi, MC, Flores, LJ, Nampo, FK, and de Paula Ramos, S. Ergogenic effects of photobiomodulation on performance in the 30-second Wingate test: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. J Strength Cond Res 36(7): 1901-1908, 2022-The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ergogenic effects of red light (630 nm) photobiomodulation on anaerobic capacity in the Wingate test. Sixteen healthy and physically active male volunteers (21.71 ± 2.49 years of age, body mass index between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m2) participated in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. The subjects performed 3 Wingate test sessions, with a 48-hour interval between tests. In the first session (baseline session, BS), a Wingate test was performed to evaluate the initial performance. Subjects were paired by performance in the BS and allocated through a draw to receive either the phototherapy (630 nm, 4.6 J/cm2, 6 J per point, 16 points, light-emitting diode [LED] session) or placebo intervention (PLA session) in the second test session. In the third test session, a crossover intervention was performed. The repeated-measures analysis of variance test, followed by Bonferroni post hoc test or Friedman test with Dunn's post hoc test (p < 0.05) and Cohen's d statistic were used for comparisons. The LED session with phototherapy promoted an increase in performance in peak power (p < 0.05), relative power (p < 0.05), RPMpeak (p < 0.05), and peak velocity (p < 0.05), as well as total displacement (p < 0.01) compared with PLA. The mean power (p < 0.05), relative power (p < 0.05), RPMmean (p < 0.01), and mean velocity (p < 0.01) were higher in the LED session than those of BS. We concluded that phototherapy improves performance in Wingate anaerobic exercise, possibly due to large effects on the anaerobic alactic metabolism.

Monitoring Internal Training Load, Stress-Recovery Responses, and Immune-Endocrine Parameters in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Training.

ABSTRACT: Campos, F, Molina Correa, JC, Canevari, VCM, Branco, BHM, Andreato, LV, and de Paula Ramos, S. Monitoring internal training load, stress-recovery responses, and immune-endocrine parameters in Brazilian jiu-jitsu training. J Strength Cond Res 36(3): 723-731, 2022-This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between training loads, stress, and immune-endocrine markers during a precompetitive period in Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) athletes. For this, 12 athletes were submitted to 1 physical and 1 technical-tactical training session per day, 5 days a week, for 7 weeks. The saliva sampling and physical tests (countermovement jump [CMJ] and squat jump [SJ]) were performed before starting the training period (pre) and at the fourth week (4-week) and eighth week (post). Session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) and the Recovery-Stress Questionnaire-Sport (RESTQ) were applied, and the training load was calculated weekly. Repeated-measures analysis of variance and the Friedman test were used, with significance levels set at p < 0.05. Increased training loads were recorded by the sRPE method in technical-tactical training sessions (p < 0.05). Higher physical loads were reported by athletes during weeks 1-4, contributing to overall higher training load, monotony, and strain during this period (p < 0.05). Increased perception of stress, by the RESTQ, and cortisol were detected, whereas decreased salivary testosterone and salivary immunoglobulin A were observed at 4 weeks (p < 0.05). No significant differences were detected in CMJ and SJ tests, suggesting that training neither elicited significant fatigue and underperformance nor improved strength performance. However, decreasing physical training loads appeared to reduce symptoms of stress and improved recovery, favoring immune recovery and anabolic balance. Thus, the sRPE seems to be a reliable and simple method to monitor training loads in BJJ athletes because variation in values was related to the RESTQ and physiological responses to training loads.

The use of BCAA to decrease delayed-onset muscle soreness after a single bout of exercise: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) are used as a recovery method after exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD). Although data suggest that BCAA may alleviate the delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) evoked by EIMD, there is no consensus about the most effective supplementation protocol. To investigate the effects of BCAA on DOMS after a single exercise session that caused EIMD, a systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted on the effectiveness of BCAA supplementation to reduce DOMS symptoms in healthy subjects after a single session of EIMD. Randomized clinical trials (RCT) were searched in Medline, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, SciELO, LILACS, SciVerse Scopus, Springer Link journals, Wiley Online Library, and Scholar Google, until May 2021. Ten RCTs were included in the systematic review and nine in the meta-analysis. Seven studies demonstrated that BCAA reduced DOMS after 24 to 72 h. BCAA doses of up to 255 mg/kg/day, or in trained subjects, for mild to moderate EIMD, could blunt DOMS symptoms. However, high variability between studies due to training status, different doses, time of treatment, and severity of EIMD do not allow us to conclude whether BCAA supplementation is efficient in untrained subjects, applied acutely or during a period of pre to post days of EIMD, and at higher doses (> 255 mg/kg/day). The overall effects of BCAA on DOMS after a single session of exercise were considered useful for improving muscle recovery by reducing DOMS in trained subjects, at low doses, in mild to moderate EIMD, and should not be administered only after the EIMD protocol.

Methylphenidate effects on mice odontogenesis and connections with human odontogenesis.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of Methylphenidate exposure on mice odontogenesis and connect them by bioinformatics with human odontogenesis. Thirty-two pregnant Swiss mice were divided into treated group and control group, which received, respectively, 5 mg/kg of Methylphenidate and saline solution from the 5th to the 17th day of pregnancy. The mouse embryos tooth germs were analyzed through optical microscopy, and the data collected were analyzed statistically by Fisher's exact test. The presence and similarity of Methylphenidate-associated genes (Pharmgkb database) in both organisms and their interaction with dental development genes (AmiGO2 database) were verified on STRING database. Rates of tooth germ malformations were higher in treated than in control group (Control: 18; Treated: 27; p = 0.035). Mouse embryo malformations were connected with 238 interactions between 69 dental development genes with 35 Methylphenidate genes. Fourteen interactions for four Methylphenidate genes with four dental development genes, with human experimental data, were connected with mouse phenotype data. By homology, the interactions and conservation of proteins/genes may indicate similar outcomes for both organisms. The exposure to Methylphenidate during pregnancy affected odontogenesis in mouse embryos and may affect human odontogenesis. The study of malformations in mice, with a bioinformatics approach, could contribute to understanding of the Methylphenidate effect on embryo development. These results may provide novel hypotheses for further testing and reinforce the FDA protocol: as Methylphenidate is included in category C, its use during pregnancy should be considered if the benefits outweigh the risks.

Chemical cleaning methods for prostheses colonized by Candida spp.: A systematic review.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Different chemical agents have been used to clean and decontaminate dentures. However, consensus on their effectiveness and protocol for use is lacking. PURPOSE: The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate chemical cleaning methods used to promote a reduction in or elimination of Candida spp. from dental prostheses. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Searches were performed in the electronic databases MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Elsevier, Embase, SciELO, Scopus, Web of Science, Bvsalud, and Google Scholar. Manual searches were also performed. There were no restrictions on date of publication or language. Randomized clinical trials on the reduction of prosthesis surface colonization by Candida spp. by using chemical agents compared with distilled water were included. RESULTS: After the first screening, 52 studies were included, of which 5 were included for quality assessment. The studies evaluated the efficacy of alkaline peroxides, chlorhexidine, and chlorine dioxide. Among the studied solutions, alkaline peroxides demonstrated no effect on the decrease of Candida spp. on prostheses. Chlorhexidine and chlorine dioxide significantly reduced colony-forming unit (CFU) rates of these microorganisms. CONCLUSIONS: The evaluated studies presented a high risk of bias and weak evidence of the effects of chemical agents to reduce CFU counts of Candida spp. Only chlorhexidine and chlorine dioxide demonstrated some evidence of a reduction in Candida spp. colonization. Clinical trials with better methodological designs should be performed to clarify the effectiveness of these solutions in prosthesis decontamination.

Cold water immersion or LED therapy after training sessions: effects on exercise-induced muscle damage and performance in rats.

Cryotherapy and phototherapy have been suggested as recovery methods due to their anti-inflammatory effects. They may also induce mitochondrial biogenesis, thus favoring endurance training adaptation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and ergogenic effects of phototherapy or cold water immersion (CWI) applied daily after exercise in rats. Thirty-five rats were divided into five groups: control (CO), non-exercised (CE), passive recovery (PR), cold water immersion (CWI), and LED therapy (LED). The CO and CE groups were not submitted to training; however, the CE were submitted to an exhaustion test after the training period. Low-intensity swimming training (21 sessions, 45 min) was performed followed by passive recovery (PR), CWI (10 °C, 5 min), or infrared irradiation (940 nm, 4 J/cm2). Forty-eight hours after the final training session, the CE, PR, CWI, and LED animals were submitted to an exhaustion test. The animals were euthanized 24 h later and submitted to hematological, creatine kinase (CK), and C-reactive protein (PCR) analysis. Gastrocnemius and soleus muscles were submitted to histological analysis. No differences in blood cell counts, CK, and PCR were detected between groups. The CE group presented an increased number of areas with necrosis in the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. The PR group presented the highest frequency of areas with edema and inflammation followed by CWI and LED groups. None of the recovery methods improved the performance in the exhaustion test. Successive applications of recovery methods do not improve exercise performance, but downmodulate the inflammation and prevent muscle necrosis.

Three consecutive days of application of LED therapy is necessary to inhibit experimentally induced root resorption in rats: a microtomographic study.

Previous studies have suggested that phototherapy may modulate orthodontic tooth movement and the incidence of root resorption. We aimed to identify a minimal dose-response relationship to LED therapy with regard to orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) and root resorption in rats. Forty-eight male Wistar rats were divided into six groups with equal and random distribution: control (C) no intervention; three daily LED irradiation (CLED); submitted only to OTM (RR); OTM and LED irradiation on the first day (LED1); OTM and two LED irradiation on the first and second days (LED2); and OTM and three LED irradiation on the first, second, and third days (LED3). Orthodontic appliance was installed in groups RR, LED1, LED2, and LED3 to promote OTM. Animals from groups CLED, LED1, LED2, and LED3 received LED therapy (940 nm, 4 J, 4 J/cm2) according to each group of treatment. After 7 days, all the animals were sacrificed. The jaws were fixed and scanned with microtomography (micro-CT). The micro-CT images were reconstructed on 2D and 3D models. These models were used to identify and measure root resorption number and dimensions (diameter, depth, and volume). The distance between the first and second molars was used to verify tooth displacement. The results showed that LED3 group had significantly lower number of root resorption. The root resorption dimensions (diameter and depth) had no significant differences among the experimental groups. LED3 group had significant tooth displacement in relation to C and CLED groups. In conclusion, three daily LED therapy doses are required to inhibit root resorption after appliance of orthodontic forces.

Effects of near-infrared LED therapy on experimental tooth replantation in rats.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Dental avulsion damages periodontal tissues and may induce dentoalveolar ankylosis and root resorption after replantation. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of light-emitting diode (LED) therapy after tooth replantation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The upper right incisors of 36 male Wistar rats were extracted and replanted after 15 min. The control group (Co, n = 18) was submitted to replantation and the LED group (n = 18) was submitted to replantation and LED therapy (940 nm, 4 J cm-2 ) for three consecutive days (0, 24, and 48 h). Six animals from each group were euthanized at 7, 14, and 21 days for histological analysis. The upper left incisors were used as a negative control. Data were compared using the Fisher exact test, considering P < 0.05. RESULTS: After 7 days, the Co (73.3%) and LED (72.2%) groups presented areas of periodontal ligament necrosis. However, periodontal ligament necrosis was more frequent in the LED group at 14 (70%, P < 0.05) and 21 days (43.2%, P < 0.05) in relation to the Co group (33 and 21.6%). Inflammatory cell infiltration was more frequent in the Co group at 7 days (100%) than the LED group (24.4%, P < 0.05), but increased in the LED group after 21 days (83.3%, P < 0.05). Bone necrosis was more frequent in the LED group after 14 (79%, P < 0.05) and 21 days (60%, P < 0.005) than in the Co group (45% and 20%). Bone repair was evident in the Co group at 14 days. All of the replanted teeth had pulp necrosis. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the application of LED therapy up to 48 h after tooth replantation may delay periodontal ligament repair.

Low-level phototherapy to improve exercise capacity and muscle performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of pre-exercise low-level phototherapy (Light-Emitting Diode therapy [LEDtherapy] or Light Amplification by Stimulate Emission of Radiation therapy [LASERtherapy]) in increasing exercise capacity and muscle performance of people undergoing exercise when compared to placebo treatment. Randomized controlled trials and crossover studies were sought on CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, SciELO, PEDro and LILACS from its inception up to February 2015. References lists of included studies were sought for additional relevant research. Two authors independently extracted data on study design, treatment parameters, exercise capacity (number of repetitions, time to exhaustion, blood lactate concentration and lactate dehydrogenase activity) and muscle performance (torque, power and strength) using an structured table. Agreement should be reached by consensus or by a third reviewer. Sixteen studies involving 297 participants were included. Improvement of number of repetitions (mean difference [MD] [95 % confidence interval] = 3.51 repetitions [0.65-6.37]; P = 0.02), delay in time to exhaustion (MD = 4.01 s [2.10-5.91]; P < 0.0001), reduction in lactate levels (MD = 0.34 mmol/L [0.19-0.48]; P < 0.00001) and increased peak torque (MD = 21.51 Nm [10.01-33.01]; P < 0.00001) were observed when LASERtherapy was applied. LEDtherapy meta-analyses were performed with two studies and retrieved no between-group statistically significant difference in power, lactate levels or time to exhaustion. Although our results suggest that LASERtherapy is effective in improving skeletal muscle exercise capacity, the quality of the current evidence is limited.

Effects of low-level laser therapy on performance, inflammatory markers, and muscle damage in young water polo athletes: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of 5 days of 810-nm low-level laser therapy (LLLT) intervention on inflammatory and muscle damage markers and performance in young water polo players. Twenty young male water polo players participated in the study, which was designed as a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. Active LLLT or an identical placebo LLLT were delivered to eight points on the adductor muscle region immediately after each training day. Performance was measured by a 200-m maximal swimming (P200) and a 30-s crossbar jump test (30CJ) which was performed every day before training, and blood samples were drawn pre and post the final LLLT intervention to measure interleukins (IL) and muscle damage markers. There was no significant change in the P200 exercise in the LLLT group compared with the placebo group but there was a moderate improvement in the 30CJ (8.7 ± 2.6 %). IL-1ß and tumor necrosis factor-alpha presented increased (P < 0.016) concentration within group 48 h after the last LLLT intervention compared to pre, 0, and 24 h, but did not differ between groups. IL-10 increased over time in the placebo group and reached a moderate effect compared to the LLLT group. The creatine kinase decreased significantly (P = 0.049) over the time within the LLLT treatment group, but there was no significant change in lactate dehydrogenase (P = 0.150). In conclusion, LLLT resulted in a non-significant, but small to moderate effect on inflammatory and muscle damage markers and a moderate effect on performance in water polo players. In addition, the lack of positive results could be due to the small area covered by irradiation and this should be considered in future studies.

Expression of Secreted Aspartyl Proteinases in an Experimental Model of Candida albicans-Associated Denture Stomatitis.

PURPOSE: Candida albicans is known to produce secreted aspartyl proteinases (SAPs) to aid adhesion, invasion, and host tissue destruction. SAPs may contribute to denture stomatitis (DS) pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to develop an in vivo experimental model for Candida-associated DS that allows the analysis of SAP2, SAP5, and SAP9 expression by C. albicans from biofilm induced on the denture surface. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-five male Wistar rats were divided into three groups: control, denture, and denture/Candida group. The last two groups remained with dentures for 2, 4, and 6 days, with or without induced biofilm. SAP expression was concomitant with leukocyte counts as well as clinical and histological changes shown by animal palate. RESULTS: The signs observed at 4 days in the denture/Candida group were clinically closer to the Candida-associated DS, showing a significant increase of neutrophils and decrease of lymphocytes in peripheral blood, presence of inflammation signs on the palate similar to DS Newton type I, and fungal invasion in the epithelial layer. Accordingly, the denture/Candida group at 4 days presented the highest relative expression of all SAPs studied. CONCLUSION: The results showed a coincidence between SAP expression and clinical, microscopic, and blood data. Finally, the molecular findings were consistent with the virulence capacities of C. albicans from biofilm formed on the denture resin, which possibly allowed epithelial invasion by the fungus.

Effects of weekly LED therapy at 625 nm on the treatment of chronic lower ulcers.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of LED therapy associated with compression therapy on chronic venous leg ulcers (CVUs). The study included CVU patients (n = 17, eight men) who were eligible for Unna's boot treatment. Ulcers were treated on a weekly basis with either LED therapy (625 nm, 4 J/cm(2)) and an Unna's boot (LED ulcers, n = 14) or a placebo treatment and an Unna's boot (control ulcers, n = 14). The total surface area of the ulcers, the relative ulcer area, and the healing rate were recorded over a period of 30 weeks. Ulcer exudates were collected for determination of local tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels. The total area was not significantly different between the LED and control ulcers (P > 0.05, Mann-Whitney U test) throughout the study. However, the relative area indicated that non-healing treatment resistant ulcers (n = 6) persisted in the control group after 19 weeks (P < 0.05, Mann-Whitney U Test). No differences in median healing rate were observed (hazard ratio 0.89, CI 95%: 0.40-1.98) between LED (15 weeks) and control ulcers (19.5 weeks). No differences in TNF-α levels were detected (P > 0.05, Mann-Whitney U test). The results suggest that LED therapy improved the effectiveness of the Unna's boot since no refractory ulcer was observed in the LED group after 19 weeks. However, LED therapy did not alter the local secretion of TNF-α nor accelerate wound healing.

LED therapy or cryotherapy between exercise intervals in Wistar rats: anti-inflammatory and ergogenic effects.

The aim of this study was to test, between two bouts of exercise, the effects of light-emitting diode (LED) therapy and cryotherapy regarding muscle damage, inflammation, and performance. Male Wistar rats were allocated in four groups: control, passive recovery (PR), cryotherapy (Cryo), and LED therapy. The animals were submitted to 45 min of swimming exercise followed by 25 min of recovery and then a second bout of either 45 min of exercise (muscle damage analysis) or time to exhaustion (performance). During the rest intervals, the rats were kept in passive rest (PR), submitted to cold water immersion (10 min, 10 °C) or LED therapy (940 nm, 4 J/cm(2)) of the gastrocnemius muscle. Blood samples were collected to analyze creatine kinase activity (CK), C-reactive protein (CRP), and leukocyte counts. The soleus muscles were evaluated histologically. Time to exhaustion was recorded during the second bout of exercise. After a second bout of 45 min, the results demonstrated leukocytosis in the PR and Cryo groups. Neutrophil counts were increased in all test groups. CK levels were increased in the Cryo group. CRP was increased in PR animals. The PR group presented a high frequency of necrosis, but the LED group had fewer necrotic areas. Edema formation was prevented, and fewer areas of inflammatory cells were observed in the LED group. The time to exhaustion was greater in both the LED and Cryo groups, without differences in CK levels. CRP was decreased in LED animals. We conclude that LED therapy and cryotherapy can improve performance, although LED therapy is more efficient in preventing muscle damage and local and systemic inflammation.

Cardiac autonomic recovery after a single session of resistance exercise with and without vascular occlusion.

The aim of this study was to investigate the heart rate variability (HRV) after resistance training with and without vascular occlusion. It was hypothesized that low intensity (LI) with vascular occlusion (LIO) would elicit comparable postexercise HRV responses with that of high intensity (HI) without vascular occlusion. Nine subjects undertook 4 experimental sessions of leg press exercise on different days: (a) 1 repetition maximum (1RM) test, (b) 4 sets of 8 repetitions + 1 set until exhaustion at 80% of 1RM without vascular occlusion (HI), (c) 4 sets of 16 repetitions + 1 set until exhaustion at 40% of 1RM with vascular occlusion (LIO), and (d) 4 sets of 16 repetitions + 1 set with the number of repetitions equal to the last set of LIO but at 40% of 1RM without vascular occlusion (LI). Heart rate variability was analyzed 10 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, 5 hours, and 24 hours after the HI, LIO, and LI sessions. The HI session increased the heart rate (HR) and reduced the root mean square of the successive difference of R-R intervals (RMSSD) and log-transformed high-frequency (lnHF) power during prolonged recovery (HR = 5 hours; RMSSD = 30 minutes; lnHF = 1 hour) at a greater magnitude when compared with LIO and LI. Despite the same intensity of exercise for LIO and LI, the occlusion delayed the recovery of HR and HRV variables. Postexercise blood lactate concentration was moderate to strongly correlated with peak HR (r = 0.87), RMSSD (r = -0.64), and lnHF (r = -0.68). This study has demonstrated that LIO was able to reduce cardiac autonomic stress when compared with HI.

Body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness of overweight COVID-19 survivors in different severity degrees: a cohort study.

COVID-19 sequelae are varied, and whether they are temporary or permanent is still unknown. Identifying these sequelae may guide therapeutic strategies to improve these individuals' recovery. This prospective cohort aimed to assess body composition, cardiopulmonary fitness, and long-term symptoms of overweight individuals affected by COVID-19. Participants (n = 90) were divided into three groups according to the severity of acute COVID-19: mild (no hospitalization), moderate (hospitalization, without oxygen support), and severe/critical cases (hospitalized in Intensive Care Unit). We assessed body composition with a tetrapolar multifrequency bioimpedance, hemodynamic variables (heart rate, blood pressure, and peripheral oxygen saturation-SpO2) at rest, and the Bruce test with direct gas exchange. Two assessments with a one-year interval were performed. The most prevalent long-term symptoms were memory deficit (66.7%), lack of concentration (51.7%), fatigue (65.6%), and dyspnea (40%). Bruce test presented a time effect with an increase in the distance walked after 1 year just for severe/critical group (p < 0.05). SpO2 was significantly lower in the severe/critical group up to 5 min after the Bruce test when compared to the mild group, and diastolic blood pressure at the end of the Bruce test was significantly higher in the severe/critical group when compared to mild group (p < 0.05; for all comparisons). A time effect was observed for body composition, with increased lean mass, skeletal muscle mass, fat-free mass, and lean mass just for the severe/critical group after 1 year (p < 0.05). Cardiopulmonary fitness parameters did not differ among the groups, except for respiratory quotient with higher values for the severe/critical group when compared to itself after 1 year. All COVID-19 patients might present long-term sequelae, regardless of the acute disease severity. Reassessing and identifying the most prevalent long-term sequelae are essential to perform more precise health promotion interventions.