Evaluation of the masticatory biomechanical function in Down syndrome and its Influence on sleep disorders, body adiposity and salivary parameters.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the phenotypic features of the masticatory biomechanics in atypical subjects with Down syndrome (DS). Its influence was analysed on sleep disorders, body adiposity and its risks, and some physicochemical properties of saliva. METHODS: Seventy subjects were enrolled to assess masticatory biomechanical function and divided into two groups: DS and control groups. Electrical activities of the masseter and temporal muscles (at rest and in maximum voluntary clench-MVC), maximum bite force-MBF and maximum mouth opening-MMO were investigated. Among the atypical subjects, just 24 participants underwent the anthropometry, the polysomnography II and the saliva testing (salivary flow rate-SFR, buffer capacity-BC and salivary cortisol levels, morning/SC-AM and night/SC-PM). RESULTS: MVC and MBF values showed high statistical significance in the control group (P < .001) than in the DS group of 35. MMO values were slightly increased in the DS group in relation to the control group. Overweight and obesity were found in both genders. Atypical women showed higher risk to develop cardiovascular-metabolic diseases than in atypical men. OSA severe was 20% for atypical women and 42.8% for atypical men, whereas snoring index was present in all genders. SFR was reduced in 100% of atypical subjects (hyposalivation in 10% women and 28.5% men). Furthermore, 100% BC, 66.6% SC-AM and 91.6% SC-PM showed normal patterns. CONCLUSION: Masseter and temporal muscle hypotonia was found in all atypical subjects with DS. This muscle dysfunction strongly was related to overweight/obesity, risks for development of cardiovascular/metabolic diseases, OSA severity, successive snoring episodes and salivary flow reduction in DS.

Control of bacterial biofilms formed on pacifiers by antimicrobial solutions in spray.

BACKGROUND: The aim was to evaluate the use of vinegar, hydrogen peroxide and sodium bicarbonate solutions for the disinfection of pacifiers. DESIGN: Different types and concentrations of the substances were screened in planktonic and biofilm for antimicrobial activity on Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Also, the effect of the most effective substance was tested against polymicrobial biofilms aiming to mimic the multispecies colonization found in a pacifier. RESULTS: Based on the agar diffusion test, minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal microbicide concentration assays, 70% apple vinegar (70%AV) and 70% hydrogen peroxide (70%HP) were selected (P < 0.05). All tested solutions were able to significantly reduce viable cells of S. pyogenes, S. mutans and E. coli from the biofilms A statistically significant reduction of viable cells in S. aureus biofilms were observed after treatment with 70%AV in comparison to the other treatments. When compared to other microbial species, it was found that 70%HP was particularly effective against E. coli. The solution of 70%HP was able to reduce the viable cells of Enterobacteriaceae/pseudomonas of a polymicrobial biofilm formed from a pacifier. The other solutions were not effective in relation to control group. CONCLUSION: Solutions of 70% HP showed to be a good alternative for chlorhexidine digluconate for the disinfection of pacifiers.

Impact of combined at-home bleaching and whitening toothpaste use on the surface and color of a composite resin.

Objective: This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the effects of different whitening toothpastes on a composite resin during at-home bleaching with 10% carbamide peroxide. Materials and Methods: Sixty samples (7 mm × 2 mm) were used for color and roughness analyses, while another 60 samples (3 mm × 2 mm) were utilized to assess microhardness. The factors analyzed included toothpaste, for which 5 options with varying active agents were tested (distilled water; conventional toothpaste; whitening toothpaste with abrasive agents; whitening toothpaste with abrasive and chemical agents; and whitening toothpaste with abrasive, chemical, and bleaching agents). Brushing and application of whitening gel were performed for 14 days. Surface microhardness (SMH), surface roughness (Ra), and color (∆L*, ∆a*, ∆b, ∆E*ab, and ∆E00) were analyzed. The Ra and SMH data were analyzed using mixed generalized linear models for repeated measures, while the color results were assessed using the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests. Results: Between the initial and final time points, all groups demonstrated significant increases in Ra and reductions in SMH. No significant differences were found between groups for SMH at the final time point, at which all groups differed from the distilled water group. Conventional toothpaste exhibited the lowest Ra, while whitening toothpaste with abrasive agent had the highest value. No significant differences were observed in ∆L*, ∆a*, and ∆b. Conclusions: While toothpaste composition did not affect the color stability and microhardness of resin composite, combining toothbrushing with whitening toothpaste and at-home bleaching enhanced the change in Ra.

Evaluation of the efficacy of the use of violet LED light in the bleaching of damaged primary incisors darkened by trauma.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate efficacy of violet LED light for the bleaching treatment of primary incisors darkened by trauma. METHODS: Twenty deciduous incisors with color change were selected, divided into two groups: control - no bleaching protocol was applied, and VL- treated with violet LED. The change color analysis was taken in each tooth, by spectrophotometer. In three different time: baseline - before treatment, after 4 treatment sessions and after 8 treatment sessions. RESULTS: The color change data were analyzed using ANOVA and a post- hoc Tukey tests (α=0.05). After 4 and 8 sessions no differences were observed between the groups (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Thus, it can be concluded that violet LED light was not effective in bleaching primary incisors darkened by trauma after 8 sessions.

Expression of interferon-γ, interferon-α and related genes in individuals with Down syndrome and periodontitis.

BACKGROUND: Recently, attenuation of anti-inflammatory and increase of pro-inflammatory mediators was demonstrated in individuals with Down syndrome (DS) in comparison with euploid patients during periodontal disease (PD), suggesting a shift to a more aggressive inflammation in DS. AIM: To determine the influence of DS in the modulation of interferons (IFNs) signaling pathway in PD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical periodontal assessment was performed and gingival tissue samples obtained from a total of 51 subjects, including 19 DS individuals with PD, 20 euploid individuals with PD and 12 euploid individuals without PD. Expression levels of interferon-gamma (IFNG) and interferon-alpha (IFNA), and their receptors IFNGR1, IFNGR2, IFNAR1 and IFNAR2, the signaling intermediates Janus kinase 1 (JAK1), signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) and interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1) were determined using real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). RESULTS: Clinical signs of periodontal disease were markedly more severe in DS and euploid patients with PD in comparison to euploid and periodontally healthy patients. There was no difference on mRNA levels of IFNA, IFNG, INFGR2, IFNAR1 and IFNAR2 between DS and euploid individuals, even though some of these genes are located on chromosome 21. STAT1 and IRF1 mRNA levels were significantly lower in DS patients in comparison with euploid individuals with PD. In euploid individuals, PD was associated with an increased expression of IFNGR1, IFNGR2, IFNAR1, STAT1 and IRF1. CONCLUSIONS: Reduced expression of STAT1 and IRF1 genes indicate an impaired activation of IFNs signaling in individuals with DS and PD. Expression of IFNA, IFNG and IFN receptors was not altered in DS patients, indicating that indirect mechanisms are involved in the reduced activation of IFN signaling.

Color stability of dental enamel bleached with violet LED associated with or without Low concentration peroxide gels.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro color of dental enamel bleached with the violet LED, associated with or without low-concentration of peroxide; analyzed in two time intervals: 24 h later and 6 months after the treatment. METHODS: Ninety fragments of bovine teeth (6 × 6 mm and 3 mm thick) were randomly divided into 6 groups according to bleaching treatment: NB - no bleaching, VL - Violet LED, HP- 7.5 % hydrogen peroxide, HP + VL - 7.5 % hydrogen peroxide + violet LED, CP - 22 % carbamide peroxide, CP + VL - 22 % carbamide peroxide + violet LED. The color change was analyzed by using a spectrophotometer, at time intervals of 24 h and 6 months after performing the bleaching techniques (n = 12). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed to verify the enamel surface morphology after treatment (n = 3). RESULTS: The color change data were analyzed using ANOVA and a post-hoc Tukey tests (α = 0.05). The VL group showed chromatic changes after 24 h of treatment, however the groups submitted to bleaching gel treatments associated with or without violet LED (CP + VL, CP, HP, HP + VL) showed the highest color change values at all time intervals analyzed, with color stability after 6 months of treatment for the CP + VL group. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed the greatest change in enamel surface for Groups CP and HP. CONCLUSIONS: It could be concluded that violet LED had immediate bleaching effect without promoting significant changes in enamel morphology, however the association with carbamide peroxide 22 % showed color stability and greater bleaching efficacy than the use of violet LED alone, after 6 months.

Salivary Microbial Dysbiosis Is Associated With Peri-Implantitis: A Case-Control Study in a Brazilian Population.

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the salivary microbiome in healthy peri-implant sites and those with peri-implantitis. Methods: Saliva samples were collected from 21 participants with healthy peri-implant sites and 21 participants with peri-implantitis. The V4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene was sequenced using the Ion Torrent PGM System (Ion 318™ Chip v2 400). The NGS analysis and composition of the salivary microbiome were determined by taxonomy assignment. Downstream bioinformatic analyses were performed in QIIME (v 1.9.1). Results: Clinical differences according to peri-implant condition status were found. Alpha diversity metrics revealed that the bacterial communities of participants with healthy peri-implant sites tended to have a richer microbial composition than individuals with peri-implantitis. In terms of beta diversity, bleeding on probing (BoP) may influence the microbial diversity. However, no clear partitioning was noted between the salivary microbiome of volunteers with healthy peri-implant sites or volunteers with peri-implantitis. The highest relative abundance of Stenotrophomonas, Enterococcus and Leuconostoc genus, and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Prevotella copri, Bacteroides vulgatus, and Bacteroides stercoris bacterial species was found in participants with peri-implantitis when compared with those with healthy peri-implant sites. Conclusion: Differences in salivary microbiome composition were observed between patients with healthy peri-implant sites and those with peri-implantitis. BoP could affect the diversity (beta diversity) of the salivary microbiome.

Oral prevalence and antifungal susceptibility of Candida species in cystic fibrosis patients.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at assessing the oral prevalence ofCandida species in cystic fibrosis patients and the antifungal susceptibility of the isolates. DESIGN: One hundred patients aged 3-20 years old were included in the study and were divided into three groups: G1 (low severity disease): 25 cystic fibrosis patients with Shwachman-Kulczycki score (SK) between 100 and 71; G2 (high severity disease): 25 cystic fibrosis patients with SK score under 40; and G3 (control): 50 healthy patients age- and gender-matched to cystic fibrosis patients. Stimulated saliva samples were collected and the oral fungal concentrations were assessed. Isolates were identified by phenotypic and genotypic tests. Antifungal susceptibilities to amphotericin B, flucytosine and fluconazole were determined by CLSI methodology. Fungal counts were compared by Kruskal Wallis and Dunn's test (5%). RESULTS: A total of 68 % of Group 1, 80 % of Group 2, and 44 % of controls yielded positive Candida cultures. Oral concentrations of fungi were significantly higher in cystic fibrosis patients in relation to the control group (p < 0.0005). No significant difference was observed between low and high severity cystic fibrosis groups (p > 0.05). C. albicans was most frequently isolated species in all groups. Higher variability of Candida species was observed in the control group. C. dubliniensis and C. tropicalis were only detected among cystic fibrosis groups. All the isolates were susceptible to flucytosine and fluconazole. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with cystic fibrosis were more frequently colonized by Candida species and showed higher oral fungal burden. No antifungal resistant isolates were detected.

Knowledge of Physical Education Students about Tooth Avulsion Before and After Receiving an Informative Leaflet

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the knowledge of Physical Education students about tooth avulsion (TA) in both dentitions before and after receiving an informative leaflet (IL). Material and Methods: The questionnaire contained information about TA in dentition and its management and was applied to the Physical Education students before and after reading an IL. Results: A total of 118 students, 96.61%, attended a first aid course, and 17.80% received information about TA. Most students (88.98%) never had an experience with TA, and 90.68% considered its management important. The other questions, before and after reading the IL, respectively, were: would not perform deciduous tooth replantation (42%; 88%); knew how to handle the avulsed permanent tooth (APT) (38%; 92%); knew how to clean the APT (50%; 99%); knew that permanent tooth replantation (PTR) must be immediate (15%; 95%); knew the ideal time to seek for the dentist right after TA without performing PTR (6%; 83%); knew how to store APT (31%; 97%). Conclusion: The knowledge of Physical Education students in this research revealed a limited understanding of dental tooth avulsion. After receiving an informative leaflet, the students showed a significant improvement in knowledge about traumatic avulsion management, including tooth replantation and proper actions.

Brazilian Nutritional Consensus in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: Elderly.

The Brazilian Nutritional Consensus in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: Elderly was elaborated by nutritionists, nutrologists and hematologists physicians from 15 Brazilians reference centers in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, in order to emphasize the importancy of nutritional status and the body composition during the treatment, as well as the main characteristics related to patient's nutritional assessment. Establishing the consensus, we intended to improve and standardize the nutritional therapy during the hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The Consensus was approved by the Brazilian Society of Bone Marrow Transplantation.

Effects of Acetone Fraction From Buchenavia tomentosa Aqueous Extract and Gallic Acid on Candida albicans Biofilms and Virulence Factors.

A promising anti-Candida activity of Buchenavia tomentosa extracts was recently described. In the present work, experiments were carried out to determine the fraction with higher antifungal activity from a B. tomentosa extract. Acetone fraction (AF) was obtained from the aqueous extract from dried leaves (5 min/100°C) and it was the most effective one. Gallic acid (GA) was identified by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and also chosen to perform antifungal tests due to its promising activity on Candida albicans. Minimal inhibitory and fungicidal concentrations (MIC and MFC) were determined by broth microdilution technique. The effect on virulence factors of C. albicans was evaluated, and the cytotoxicity was determined. MIC50 and MIC90 values were both equal to 0.625 mg ml-1 for AF and 2.5 and 5 mg ml-1, respectively, for GA. AF and GA showed ability to inhibit C. albicans adherence and to disrupt 48 h-biofilm. AF and GA were effective in reducing the formation of hyphae of C. albicans SC5314. AF and GA decreased adherence of C. albicans to oral epithelial cells. AF and GA showed slight to moderate toxicity to Vero cells. This result suggests further studies for topic use of these compounds. AF, which contains a combination of several molecules, presented greater potential of antimicrobial activity than GA, with lower values of MIC and lower cytoxicity.

Gallic acid/hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin complex: Improving solubility for application on in vitro/ in vivo Candida albicans biofilms.

The aim of this study was to increase the solubility of gallic acid (GA) for the treatment of Candida albicans biofilm, which is very difficult to treat and requires high drug concentrations. Cyclodextrins (CDs) were used for this purpose. Complexes were evaluated by phase-solubility studies, prepared by spray drying and characterized by drug loading, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The complexes were tested on C. albicans biofilm using in vitro and in vivo models. HPßCD formed soluble inclusion complexes with GA. The percentage of GA in GA/HPßCD was 10.8 ± 0.01%. The SEM and DSC analyses confirmed the formation of inclusion complexes. GA/HPßCD maintained the antimicrobial activity of the pure GA. GA/HPßCD was effective on C. albicans biofilms of 24 and 48h. The in vivo results showed an anti-inflammatory activity of GA/HPßCD with no difference in invading hypha counting among the groups. This study encourages the development of new antifungal agents.

Reduced salivary flow rate and high levels of oxidative stress in whole saliva of children with Down syndrome.

AIM: To investigate salivary parameters between children with Down Syndrome (DS) and without DS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Stimulated whole saliva was collected from 18 children with DS and 23 without DS. Salivary flow rate, pH, and salivary buffering capacity were determined. Cariogenic microorganisms were quantified by culture, and periodontopathogens by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The antioxidant profile was quantified spectrophotometrically, while malondialdehyde (MDA) was quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography. Data were analyzed by Mann-Whitney test and Spearman correlation (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Salivary flow rate was significantly lower in DS than in controls (p < 0.0001). Significant higher difference was observed for total protein dosage (p < 0.0001), superoxide dismutase activity (SOD) (p = 0.0002), and MDA (p < 0.001) in DS group. CONCLUSIONS: Reduced salivary flow rate might be an important factor in oral diseases development. High salivary levels of SOD and MDA show the significant influence of the oxidative stress and the early-onset periodontal disease in DS people.

Effect of violet led associated with low-concentration hydrogen peroxide on enamel surface roughness

Aim: The present study aimed to assess in vitro the effect ofviolet LED in tooth bleaching techniques associated or not withlow-concentration hydrogen peroxide gel on enamel surfaceroughness. Methods: Fifty-two enamel fragments of bovineteeth were flattened and polished (4x4x3 mm) and dividedinto four groups according to bleaching treatment: VL- VioletLED; HP- 7.5% hydrogen peroxide; HP+VL- 7.5% hydrogenperoxide + violet LED; C- No bleaching (control). Before thetreatments, all specimens were immersed in 20 mL of blacktea for six days, changing solutions every 24 h to simulatethe staining of specimens. Forty fragments were used toanalyze surface roughness (n=10) and 12 fragments wereused for the morphological analysis (SEM) (n=3). Results:The data were submitted to one-way ANOVA and a post-hocTukey test. The lower roughness values was observed for thegroup that did not receive bleaching treatment (C), differingsignificantly only from the group bleached with 7.5% hydrogenperoxide + violet LED (HP+VL) (p=0.0077). The remaininggroups did not show significant differences in roughnessvalues (p>0.05). The scanning electron microscopy analysisshowed irregularities on the enamel surface regardless ofthe treatment received. Conclusion: The results showedthat bleaching treatments with violet LED associated withlow-concentration hydrogen peroxide gels (7.5%) increasethe surface roughness of tooth enamel

Brazilian Nutritional Consensus in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: Elderly / Consenso Brasileiro de Nutrição em Transplante de Células-Tronco Hematopoiéticas: Idosos

ABSTRACT The Brazilian Nutritional Consensus in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: Elderly was elaborated by nutritionists, nutrologists and hematologists physicians from 15 Brazilians reference centers in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, in order to emphasize the importancy of nutritional status and the body composition during the treatment, as well as the main characteristics related to patient's nutritional assessment. Establishing the consensus, we intended to improve and standardize the nutritional therapy during the hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The Consensus was approved by the Brazilian Society of Bone Marrow Transplantation.

RESUMO O Consenso Brasileiro de Nutrição em Transplante de Células-Tronco Hematopoiéticas: Idoso foi elaborado com a participação de nutricionistas, médicos nutrólogos e médicos hematologistas de 15 centros brasileiros referência em transplante de células-tronco hematopoiéticas, com o objetivo de salientar a importância do estado nutricional e da composição corporal durante o tratamento, bem como as principais características relacionadas à avaliação nutricional do paciente. As intenções, ao se estabelecer o consenso, foram aprimorar e padronizar a terapia nutricional durante o transplante de células-tronco hematopoiéticas. O consenso foi aprovado pela Sociedade Brasileira de Transplante de Médula Óssea.

Quantitative proteomic analysis of gingival crevicular fluid in different periodontal conditions.

AIM: To quantify the proteome composition of the GCF in periodontal health (HH) and in sites with different clinical conditions in chronic periodontitis (CP) subjects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 5 subjects with HH and 5 with CP were submitted to full-mouth periodontal examination, and GCF sampling. Sites in the CP group were classified and sampled as periodontitis (P, probing depth, PD>4 mm), gingivitis (G, PD≤3 mm with bleeding on probing, BOP), and healthy sites (H, PD≤3 mm without BOP). GCF proteins were subjected to liquid chromatography electrospray ionization mass spectrometry for identification, characterization and quantification. RESULTS: 230 proteins were identified; 145 proteins were detected in HH, 214 in P, 154 in G, and 133 in H. Four proteins were exclusively detected at HH, 43 proteins at P, 7 proteins at G, and 1 protein at H. Compared to HH group, 35 and 6 proteins were more abundant in P and G (p<0.001), respectively; and 4, 15 and 37 proteins were less abundant in P, G and H (p≤0.01), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: There are marked differences in the GCF proteome according to disease profile. Comprehension of the role of the identified proteins in the etiopathogenesis of periodontal disease may lead to biomarkers definition.

Pathogen levels and clinical response to periodontal treatment in patients with Interleukin 8 haplotypes.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of non-surgical treatment of periodontitis on the levels of periodontopathogens and clinical parameters in patients with different genetic backgrounds produced by polymorphisms in the Interleukin ( IL8) gene. Thirty patients grouped according to IL8 ATC/TTC or AGT/TTC haplotypes were submitted to non-surgical periodontal treatment. Levels of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, and Treponema denticola were determined in 240 subgingival plaque samples by qPCR. The association between IL8 haplotypes and the levels of periodontopathogens and clinical parameters was investigated by multilevel analysis accounting for the clustering of diseased sites analyzed within patients. It was observed that neither levels of periodontopathogens nor non-surgical treatment was associated with the IL8 haplotype. The clinical parameters after periodontal treatment were similar in diseased and healthy sites, independently of the IL8 haplotype. Nonetheless, in the same period, diseased sites of AGT/TTC patients harbored higher levels of P. gingivalis, T. denticola, T. forsythia, and red complex than those of ATC/TTC patients. However, the non-surgical periodontal therapy decreased the levels of these periodontopathogens and of the tested clinical parameters of diseased sites in both groups. Non-surgical therapy is equally effective in improving clinical parameters and decreasing the levels of periodontopathogens, independent of the genotype groups produced by the IL8 haplotype.

Expression of the interleukin-10 signaling pathway genes in individuals with Down syndrome and periodontitis.

BACKGROUND: Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) have a higher prevalence and severity of periodontal disease, which cannot be explained by poor oral hygiene alone and is related to changes in the immune response. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether DS was associated with differential modulation of expression of genes associated with proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses in periodontal disease. METHODS: A total of 51 individuals were evaluated: 19 individuals with DS and periodontal disease (group 1), 20 euploid individuals with periodontal disease (group 2; positive control), and 12 euploid individuals without periodontal disease (group 3; negative control). Clinical periodontal evaluation and gingival biopsies were performed. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to determine expression levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10), the receptors IL-10RA and IL-10RB, intracellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), interferon-γ-inducible protein 10 (IP-10), and the signaling intermediates Janus kinase 1, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT-3), and suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS-3). RESULTS: Expression of IL10, SOCS3, IP10, and ICAM1 mRNA in DS patients was significantly lower compared to euploid individuals with periodontal disease, whereas IL-10RB and STAT-3 mRNA levels were higher in individuals with DS. CONCLUSION: Reduced expression of IL-10 coupled with a possible increase of STAT3 activation (increase of STAT3 and reduction of SOCS3 mRNA) indicates an important modulation of the immune response, with attenuation of anti-inflammatory and increase of proinflammatory mediators. This modulation may be related to the increased prevalence and severity of periodontitis in individuals with DS.

Adaptação de Alunos de Medicina em Anos Iniciais da Formação / Medical Students’ Adaptation in the Early Years of College

RESUMO No início e no decorrer da graduação, problemas de adaptação, competitividade, decepção, solidão e dificuldade nos relacionamentos constituem importantes fontes de sofrimento para os graduandos de Medicina. Este estudo tem como objetivo descrever o perfil sociodemográfico e percepções de acadêmicos do segundo ano de Medicina de uma faculdade do interior do Estado de São Paulo quanto a motivações na escolha do curso e instituição, dificuldades de adaptação à vida universitária e saída de casa. Foram incluídos 38 alunos, que responderam a um questionário semiestruturado, elaborado pelos pesquisadores, que continha dados de identificação, levantamento socioeconômico e perguntas sobre o curso, disciplinas, faculdade e vida fora de casa. Nos resultados, quanto à motivação para escolha do curso, destaca-se a afinidade pela área da saúde (n = 27). As principais dificuldades de adaptação à graduação citadas foram excessivo número de atividades (n = 24) e falta de organização pessoal (n = 17). Em relação à saída de casa, relataram saudade do convívio familiar (n = 35), associada a maior liberdade (n = 19). Com relação à faculdade, destaca-se a falta de assistência/organização para receber os alunos (n = 11), sugerindo que se dê maior atenção ao acolhimento e apoio no período de adaptação.

ABSTRACT Significant sources of suffering for medical students at the beginning and during the degree course include adaptation problems, competitiveness, disappointment, loneliness, and difficulties in relationship. This study aims to describe the socio-demographic profiles and perceptions of second-year students at a medical school in the state of São Paulo in terms of their reasons for selecting the course and institution and difficulties in adapting to university life and leaving home. We interviewed 38 students who answered a semi-structured questionnaire developed by the researchers containing identification data, a socio-economic survey, as well as questions on the course, subjects, college, and their lives away from home. The results reveal that the main motivation for choosing the course was an affinity for the field of healthcare (n = 27). The main difficulties in adapting to the course were due to the excessive number of activities (n = 24) and lack of personal organization (n = 17). Regarding leaving home, (n = 35) reported that they miss their families, associated with greater freedom (n = 19). With regard to college, (n = 11) stated that there is a lack of support/organization for students, suggesting greater attention and support are needed in the adaptation period.