Hypertension and Migraine: A Bibliometric Analysis / Hipertensão e enxaqueca: uma análise bibliométrica

INTRODUCTION: Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common and serious health issue. It has no specific symptoms, and for that, it is called the silent killer. Migraine attacks may be alarming for those with hypertension.OBJECTIVE: This review aims to analyze the trending publications concerning hypertension and migraine.METHODS: This bibliometric analysis analyzed the trending publications about hypertension and migraine. The Scopus database was used, and the bibliometric analysis was applied to show the most productive authors, the journals that most contributed in this field, countries, institutions, and keywords used. Hypertension and migraine showed elevated growth in the published articles throughout the years.RESULTS: For the last ten years, from 2013 to 2022, there has been a dramatic increase, especially in the last few years in publications related to hypertension and migraine. The highest number of publications were in the United States, the most productive authors being Dodick, D.W. and Pezzini, A., Harvard Medical School had the most published articles; and Headache journal was on the top 10 journals that had publications on this subject.CONCLUSION: Migraine is recently considered a sign of hypertension, and this bibliometric analysis focused on the remarkable interest that has appeared in the research community

INTRODUÇÃO: A hipertensão, ou pressão alta, é um problema de saúde comum e grave. Não apresenta sintomas específicos e por isso é chamado de assassino silencioso. As crises de enxaqueca podem ser alarmantes para quem tem hipertensão.OBJETIVO: Esta revisão tem como objetivo analisar as tendências de publicações sobre hipertensão e enxaqueca.MÉTODOS: Esta análise bibliométrica analisou as tendências de publicações sobre hipertensão e enxaqueca. Foi utilizada a base de dados Scopus e aplicada a análise bibliométrica para mostrar os autores mais produtivos, os periódicos que mais contribuíram nesta área, países, instituições e palavras-chave utilizadas. Hipertensão e enxaqueca apresentaram crescimento elevado nos artigos publicados ao longo dos anos.RESULTADOS: Nos últimos dez anos, de 2013 a 2022, houve um aumento dramático, especialmente nos últimos anos, nas publicações relacionadas à hipertensão e enxaqueca. O maior número de publicações ocorreu nos Estados Unidos, sendo os autores mais produtivos Dodick, D.W. e Pezzini, A., Harvard Medical School tiveram o maior número de artigos publicados; e Headache Journal esteve entre os 10 principais periódicos que tiveram publicações sobre o assunto.CONCLUSÃO: A enxaqueca é recentemente considerada um sinal de hipertensão, e esta análise bibliométrica focou no notável interesse que tem surgido na comunidade de pesquisa

Trends and age-period-cohort effect on dental caries prevalence from 2008 to 2019 among Brazilian preschoolers

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate trends in the prevalence of dental caries in preschool children and associated factors considering different time variations. This is a time series study performed using data from three cross-sectional studies with pre-school children from southern Brazil in 2008, 2013 and 2019. This children group was born between the years of 2003 to 2018. Dental caries was evaluated by decayed, missing and filled deciduous teeth (dmft index). Demographic, socioeconomic, behavioural and psychosocial variables were also collected. Chi-square test for trends and a hierarchical age-period-cohort (HAPC) analysis using multilevel Poisson regression model for testing the associations between predictor variables and dental caries experience were used. A total of 1,644 pre-school children participated in all surveys. There was a significant difference in caries experience considering all APC effects. The prevalence of dental caries was 25.0% in 2008, 16.3% in 2013, and 19.4% in 2019 (p < 0.01) and no statistical difference was observed. An age effect showed that older children were more likely to experience dental caries. Considering the cohort effect, there is a significant difference between the generations, mainly between 2003 and 2018. Household income, use of dental services, and parent's perception of child oral health were associated with dental caries experience no matter the time variation. Despite recent declines in dental caries prevalence among preschool children, caries levels increased with age and social inequalities persisted through the years, indicating a need of reviewing the policies to reduce the burden of this oral disease.

Assessment of YME1L and mitofusin2 as a possible diagnostic and/or therapeutic target in hepatocellular carcinoma

Mitochondrial dynamics are a contraversal issue in hepatocellular carcinoma. The present study tries to illustrate the role of mitochondrial dynamics proteins (mitofusin-2 (Mfn2) and YME1L) in hepatocarcinogenesis. Five groups were used: the control group and three HCC groups (after 8, 16, and 24 weeks from DENA induction). The last group was treated with Sorafenib (SP) (10 mg/kg), via oral gavage for 4 weeks after cancer induction. This study revealed that Mfn-2 was downregulated and YME1l was overexpressed in different HCC groups. This dysregulation of mitochondrial dynamics proteins was associated with high hepatic levels of cyclin D1, MMP-9, and MDA and overexpression of ki67 as well as decreasing the hepatic expression of tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (Timp-3) and Bax. To confirm the possible role of Mfn2 and YME1L in HCC, we assessed the effect of sorafenib on these parameters and its related HCC characteristics. Sorafenib corrected the level of Mfn2 and YME1L and decreased tumor cell proliferation as well. We also elucidated that mitochondrial dynamics proteins (Mfn2 and YME1L) could be a good therapeutic target for HCC.

The probable radioprotective role of Acacia nilotica L. against biochemical and cytogenetic disorders induced in gamma irradiated male rats

Gum Arabic (Acacia nilotica L.) is a respected plant that has many nutrients and curative practices. It hinders, improves, or manages many disorders. The radio-protective activity of Acacia nilotica was investigated against γ-rays-induced testicle damage in rats. Twenty-four rats were correspondingly distributed into 4 groups; control, Acacia nilotica (15mg/kg, daily for 30 days), γ-irradiated (5Gy γ-rays, single dose) and Acacia nilotica plus γ-rays treated groups. The plasma testosterone and total antioxidant status (TAS) were estimated. Lipid peroxidation; malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), also glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) with interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), were determined in the testicle tissues. A testis weight, sperm count and motility, peripheral-blood and bone-marrow micronuclei (PMN and BMN), and frequency of chromosomal aberrations (CAs) were scored. A significant decline in the levels of plasma testosterone with TAS observed in the γ-irradiated rats. The results also showed significantly increased levels of testicle MDA, inflammatory markers, PMN, BMN and CAs frequencies and decrease in testes weight, sperm count and motility and levels of testicle antioxidants markers in gamma irradiated group. All these biochemical and fertility indices results were significantly enhanced in the Acacia nilotica plus γ-rays treated groups. However, the possible alleviate activity of Acacia nilotica on γ-rays-induced testicle injury in rats has not previously conversed, and this is the topic of this study.

Does bullying due to oral conditions influence cigarette smoking in adolescents? A structural equation modeling

Abstract This study aimed to explore the pathways that can influence cigarette smoking among adolescents. This population-based cohort followed a random sample of 12-year-old adolescents from southern Brazil for 6 years. Regular cigarette smoking was assessed through a self-reported question, previously used in the Brazilian National Survey of Scholar Health. We also gathered data on bullying, dental caries at baseline, incidence of caries, sex, friend network, and Sense of Coherence (SOC). Socioeconomic and demographic characteristics were also collected. Structural equation modeling was used to evaluate the pathways. Of the 1,134 adolescents examined at baseline, 768 were re-evaluated (67.7% retention rate). The prevalence of smoking was 37.6%. This prevalence was directly affected by low SOC (SC: -0.14, p < 0.01), low household income (SC: -0.12, p < 0.01), and male sex (SC: 0.15, p < 0.01). Presence of dental caries at baseline indirectly influenced the occurrence of dental bullying at follow-up via the incidence of dental caries (SC: 0.01, p < 0.05). Dental bullying indirectly influenced cigarettes consumption via SOC (SC: 0.62, p < 0.05). Friend network also indirectly influenced the consumption of cigarettes via SOC (SC: 0.32, p < 0.05). Psychosocial factors influence adolescent cigarette consumption through its higher direct and indirect effects (via bullying). In addition, behavioral, sociodemographic, and clinical factors also influence the occurrence of smoking.

Development and Validation of FFQ for Assessing SugarSweetened Beverages (SSB) and High-Energy Dense Foods Intake among Malaysian Adolescents

@#Introduction: Increased consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) is strongly associated with weight gain, dental cavities, and a higher risk of chronic diseases among adolescents. However, there is no available FFQ for the Malaysian population individually to evaluate and assess the consumption of SSBs and high-energy dense (HED) foods among adolescents. Method: A 24-hour diet recall with 30 adolescents were performed via Google Meet to identify the most common and frequent types of SSBs and HEDs foods consumed nowadays. The food checklist of SSBs and HED foods from literature review search was also provided to the participants. Experts critically reviewed each food item and provide a score for its relevancy and essentiality. Face validity were conducted among 10 adolescents to validate the developed FFQ. Results: The final FFQ consisted of 63 food items with ten categories. This FFQ showed high content validity for individual items with I-CVI ranging from 0.67 to 1.00 and overall questionnaires with S-CVI/Ave valued at 0.97. The calculation of Kappa statistic showed that this newly developed FFQ has excellent inter-rater reliability at the item level with K > 0.74 for 55 items and K = 0.57 only for 4 items. Most of the items were marked as relevant with a CVR score of 1.00. Conclusion: The findings of this study imply that the newly developed FFQ could be utilised to estimate the intake of SSB and HED foods of Malaysian adolescents.

Significance of cancer testis?associated antigens (SPAG9 and FBXO39) in colon cancer

Background: Cancer testis antigens (CTA) are normally expressed in immune privileged tissues such as the testis. They are considered tumor-associated antigens because they are specifically expressed in different cancers. Their distinct nature rendered them appealing targets for cancer diagnosis, prognosis. and immunotherapy. We aimed to identify the association of two CTA genes with colon cancer (CC) in a cohort of Egyptian patients. Methods: We measured the relative gene expression levels of two CTAs: SPAG9 and FBXO39 in colonic tumor tissue and adjacent normal-appearing mucosa in 50 newly diagnosed colon cancer patients by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Gene expression was also studied in relation to demographic and pathological criteria. Results: SPAG9 and FBXO39 were overexpressed in 22% and 40% of cases, respectively. Overexpression of both genes was evident in 14% of cases. We report the significant expression of FBXO39 (P < 0.01) in tumor tissue compared to normal tissue. SPAG9 was significantly increased in large sized tumors compared to smaller sized tumors. Otherwise, there was no significant association between gene expression and the evaluated clinicopathological features (P > 0.05). Conclusions: SPAG9 and FBXO39 are possible CC diagnostic biomarkers. Further studies are warranted to validate our findings.

Surgical roles in the management of metachronus para-aortic lymph node recurrence and synchronous para-aortic lymph node metastasis in colorectal cancer patients

Background: The relative rarity of synchronous para-aortic lymph node (PALN) metastasis (SPM) and metachronous PALN recurrence (MPR) in colorectal carcinoma (CRC) patients leads to a limited number of studies on patient management, and no treatment guidelines have been established to date. Objective: To assess the prognostic, predictive roles, and long-term outcomes of different management strategies for isolated MPR and SPM in CRC patients to establish the best one. Materials and Methods: We included 35 CRC patients with isolated MPR and 25 patients with isolated SPM who underwent curative R0 resection. We performed PALN dissection (PALND) in 15 cases in MPR group and in 10 cases in the SPM group; all remaining patients in both groups underwent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) without further surgical intervention. During the study period of about 5 years, we compared the patients who underwent PALND and those who underwent CRT. Results: The overall survival and recurrence-free survival rates were significantly longer in patients who underwent PALND (p = 0.049 and 0.036 respectively). (AU)

Terapia Ocupacional e telessaúde: relato de experiência de atendimento a criança com transtornos do desenvolvimento / Occupational therapy in telehealth: experience report of care for children with development disorders / Terapia ocupacional y telesalud: informe de experiencia de servicio a niños con transtornos del desarrollo

Contextualização: Relato de experiência do estágio obrigatório do Curso de Graduação em Terapia Ocupacional e da Especialização em Transtorno do Espectro do Autismo (TEA) da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Processo de Intervenção: Participaram 8 estagiários de graduação, 1 terapeuta ocupacional pós-graduanda em TEA e uma docente terapeuta ocupacional, prestando atendimentos remotos a 14 crianças de 1 a 9 anos de idade e suas famílias. As intervenções ocorreram de maneira síncrona, assíncrona ou ambas. Análise crítica da prática: foram observados resultados positivos no desenvolvimento de habilidades das crianças, bem como em seu desempenho e satisfação, avaliados pela Medida Canadense de Desempenho Ocupacional. Síntese de considerações: O estágio no formato telessaúde possibilitou a continuidade das intervenções das crianças previamente atendidas, capacitar pais e cuidadores, além de averiguar possibilidades de atuação em terapia ocupacional pediátrica nesta modalidade, no contexto da COVID-19.(AU) Palavras-chave: telessaúde; terapia ocupacional; transtornos do desenvolvimento

Contextualization: Experience report of the mandatory internship of the Undergraduate Course in Occupational Therapy and of the Specialization in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) of Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais Intervention Process: 8 undergraduate interns participated, 1 occupational therapist specializing in ASD and a teaching occupational therapist, providing remote assistance to 14 children aged 1 and 9 years and their families. The interventions took place in a synchronous, asynchronous or both ways. Critical analysis of the practice: positive results were observed in the development of children's skills, as well as in their performance and satisfaction, assessed by the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure. Summary of considerations: The internship in the telehealth format made it possible to continue the interventions of children previously attended, to train parents and caregivers, in addition to investigating possibilities of work in pediatric occupational therapy in this modality, in the context of COVID-19.(AU) Keywords: telehealth; occupational therapy; developmental disorder

Contextualización: Antecedentes: Informe de experiencia de la pasantía obligatoria del Curso de Grado en Terapia Ocupacional y de la Especialización en Trastorno del Espectro Autista (TEA) da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Proceso de intervención: participaron 8 pasantes de pregrado, 1 terapeuta ocupacional especialista en TEA y un terapeuta ocupacional docente, brindando asistencia remota a 14 niños de 1 y 9 años y sus familias. Las intervenciones se produjeron de forma sincrónica, asincrónica o en ambos sentidos. Análisis crítico de la práctica: se observaron resultados positivos en el desarrollo de las habilidades de los niños, así como en su desempeño y satisfacción, evaluados por la Canadian Occupational Performance Measure. Resumen de consideraciones: La pasantía en el formato de telesalud permitió continuar las intervenciones de los niños previamente atendidos, capacitar a los padres y cuidadores, además de investigar posibilidades de trabajo en terapia ocupacional pediátrica en esta modalidad, en el contexto de COVID- 19.(AU) Palabras clave: telesalud; terapia ocupacional; trastornos del desarrollo

A comparison between different management surgical approaches in the treatment of splenic flexure colon cancer

Background: There are many surgical approaches which described extent of resection of the colon for adequate surgicalmanagement of splenic flexure cancer, but up till now there is no established surgical procedure, this is because the presence of double lymphatic drainage of themesenteric vessels. Segmental resection of the colon for the management of splenic flexure cancer was a recently accepted surgical procedure. Objective: In the present study, we aimed to compare three surgical management techniques to clarify the best management approach of Egyptian patients with splenic flexure cancer regarding operative, clinical, and oncological outcomes: segmental resection, and extended left or right hemicolectomy,. Materials and Methods In the present study, we included 90 patients with splenic flexure cancer. Cases were divided into 3 groups. Each group included 30 patients in order to compare three surgical techniques: segmental resection, extended left hemicolectomy, and extended right hemicolectomy. Results: We have found no statistically significant differences between the three included groups regarding operative findings, postoperative complications, local recurrence, distant recurrence, disease progression, recurrence-free survival rate, progression-free survival rate, and overall survival rate. The operative time was longer, and the number of lymph nodes was higher in the extended right hemicolectomy group (p<0.001). Conclusion: We have shown that segmental resection of the splenic flexure is surgically and clinically suitable for the adequate management of operable cases of carcinoma of the splenic flexure. (AU)

Praziquantel-encapsulated niosomes against Schistosoma mansoni with reduced sensitivity to praziquantel / Niosomas encapsulados en prazicuantel contra Schistosoma mansoni con sensibilidad reducida al prazicuantel

Introduction: Praziquantel (PZQ) is the only commercially available drug for schistosomiasis. The current shortage of alternative effective drugs and the lack of successful preventive measures enhance its value. The increase in the prevalence of PZQ resistance under sustained drug pressure is, therefore, an upcoming issue. Objective: To overcome the tolerance to PZQ using nanotechnology after laboratory induction of a Schistosoma mansoni isolate with reduced sensitivity to the drug during the intramolluscan phase. Materials and methods: Shedding snails were treated with PZQ doses of 200 mg/kg twice/ week followed by an interval of one week and then repeated twice in the same manner. The success of inducing reduced sensitivity was confirmed in vitro via the reduction of cercarial response to PZQ regarding their swimming activity and death percentage at different examination times. Results: Oral treatment with a single PZQ dose of 500 mg/kg in mice infected with cercariae with reduced sensitivity to PZQ revealed a non-significant reduction (35.1%) of total worm burden compared to non-treated control mice. Orally inoculated PZQ- encapsulated niosomes against S. mansoni with reduced sensitivity to PZQ successfully regained the pathogen's sensitivity to PZQ as evidenced by measuring different parameters in comparison to the non-treated infected animals with parasites with reduced sensitivity to PZQ. The mean total worm load was 1.33 ± 0.52 with a statistically significant reduction of 94.09% and complete eradication of male worms. We obtained a remarkable increase in the percentage reduction of tissue egg counts in the liver and intestine (97.68% and 98.56%, respectively) associated with a massive increase in dead eggs and the complete absence of immature stages. Conclusion: PZQ-encapsulated niosomes restored the drug sensitivity against laboratory- induced S. mansoni adult worms with reduced sensitivity to PZQ.

Introducción. El prazicuantel es el único fármaco disponible comercialmente para la esquistosomiasis. La escasez actual de medicamentos alternativos y la falta de medidas preventivas eficaces aumentan su valor. La creciente prevalencia de la resistencia al prazicuantel bajo una presión prolongada del fármaco es, por tanto, un tema emergente. Objetivos. Superar la tolerancia al prazicuantel mediante nanotecnología después de la inducción en laboratorio de un aislamiento de Schistosoma mansoni con sensibilidad reducida al fármaco durante la fase intramolusco. Materiales y métodos. Los caracoles que liberaban cercarias se trataron con prazicuantel en dosis de 200 mg/kg dos veces por semana, seguidas de un intervalo de una semana, y luego se repitieron dos veces de la misma manera. La inducción exitosa de la sensibilidad reducida se confirmó in vitro mediante la reducción de la reacción de las cercarias al prazicuantel con respecto a su actividad de natación y el porcentaje de muerte en diferentes momentos de examen. El éxito en inducir una menor sensibilidad se confirmó in vitro mediante la reducción de la reacción de las cercarias al prazicuantel. Resultados. El tratamiento oral con una dosis única de prazicuantel de 500 mg/kg en ratones infectados con cercarias con sensibilidad reducida al prazicuantel, reveló una reducción no significativa (35,1 %) de la carga total de gusanos en comparación con los ratones de control no tratados. Los niosomas encapsulados en prazicuantel inoculados por vía oral contra S. mansoni con sensibilidad reducida al prazicuantel, permitieron reestablecer con éxito la sensibilidad del patógeno al medicamento, como lo demostró la medición de diferentes parámetros en comparación con los animales infectados no tratados con parásitos con sensibilidad reducida a prazicuantel. La carga media total de gusanos fue de 1,33 ± 0,52, con una reducción estadísticamente significativa del 94,09 %, y la erradicación completa de los gusanos machos adultos. Se obtuvo un aumento notable en el porcentaje de reducción del recuento de huevos en el tejido del hígado y el intestino (97,68 % y 98,56 %, respectivamente), asociado con un aumento masivo de huevos muertos y ausencia total de estadios inmaduros. Conclusión. Los niosomas encapsulados en prazicuantel restauraron la sensibilidad al fármaco contra gusanos adultos de S. mansoni con sensibilidad reducida al prazicuantel inducida en el laboratorio.

Histopathological and immunohistochemical study of antiosteoporotic efficacy of the earthworm Allolobophora caliginosa extract in orchiectomized rats / Estudio histopatológico e inmunohistoquímico de la eficacia antiosteoporótica del extracto de lombriz de tierra Allolobophora caliginosa en ratas orquiectomizadas

SUMMARY: Osteoporosis is a bone condition marked by a loss of bone mass and a disruption of bone microarchitecture. Men lose bone density as they age, resulting in brittle bones. The loss of free testosterone is one of the key factors. The objective of present study was to evaluate Allolobophora caliginosa extract (AcE) for its anti-osteoporotic and antiapoptotic activity in orchiotomized rat model at two different dose levels. Twenty eight male rats were divided into two groups. The first group represented sham operated rats while the second group underwent bilateral orchidectomy (OCX). After one week of recovery from orchidectomy surgery, the second group was randomly subdivided into 3 subgroups. The first OCX subgroup was administered orally distilled water daily for 10 weeks. The other two OCX subgroups were administered AcE (100 or200 mg/kg body weight/day) orally for 10 weeks. Orchiectomy induces remarkable loss of the cortical as well as trabecular bone loss; which, could be counterbalanced by Allolobophora caliginosa extract (AcE) that prevented cortical as well as trabecular bone loss. Allolobophora caliginosa extract (AcE) at Dose 200 mg/kg/day was found to be effective at a highly significant level in osteoporotic bone, as determined by histological images and immunohistochemical study, where Dose (100 mg/kg/day) was found to be moderately significant.In the present study, it is suggested that AcE may inhibit steroid-induced osteoblasts apoptosis, potentially via upregulation of Bcl-2 and downregulation of caspase-3. Allolobophora caliginosa extract demonstrates anti-apoptotic and anti-oxidant properties. Therefore, AcE may be used for the prevention of steroid-induced bone damage.

RESUMEN: La osteoporosis es una afección ósea caracterizada por una pérdida de masa ósea y una alteración de la microarquitectura ósea. Los hombres pierden densidad ósea a medida que envejecen, lo que resulta en huesos quebradizos. La pérdida de testosterona libre es factor clave en este proceso. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar el extracto de Allolobophora caliginosa (AcE) debido a su actividad antiosteoporótica y antiapoptótica en un modelo de rata orquiectomizadas con dos niveles de dosis diferentes. Se dividieron veintiocho ratas macho en dos grupos. El primer grupo incluyó ratas con operación simulada, mientras que el segundo grupo se sometió a orquidectomía bilateral (OCX). Después de una semana de recuperación de la orquidectomía, el segundo grupo fue subdividido en 3 subgrupos. Al primer subgrupo de OCX se administró diariamente agua destilada por vía oral durante 10 semanas. Los otros dos subgrupos de OCX se administraron por vía oral AcE (100 o 200 mg / kg de peso corporal / día) durante 10 semanas. La orquidectomía induce una pérdida notable del hueso cortical y trabecular; el cual podría ser contrarrestado por el extracto de Allolobophora caliginosa (AcE) que previno la pérdida de hueso tanto cortical como trabecular visualizado en imágenes histológicas y estudio inmuno- histoquímico, donde se encontró que la dosis (100 mg / kg / día) era moderadamente significativa. En el presente estudio, se sugiere que la AcE puede inhibir la apoptosis de los osteoblastos inducida por esteroides, potencialmente a través de la regulación al alza de Bcl 2 y la regulación a la baja de caspasa 3. El extracto de Allolobophora caliginosa demuestra propiedades anti apoptóticas y antioxidantes. Por lo tanto, AcE puede usarse para la prevención del daño óseo inducido por esteroides.

The protective effect of melatonin supplementation against taxol-induced testicular cytotoxicity in adult rats

The aim of the present investigation was to study the toxic influences of taxol (TXL) on the testes of rats and the protective impact of melatonin (MLT) against such effects. Rats were classified into control, sham, TXL, MLT, and MLT+TXL-treated groups. Histological and ultrastructural changes were observed in testicular tissues of TXL-intoxicated rats including thickening of tunica albuginea and degenerative alterations in spermatogenic, Sertoli, and Leydig cells. A significant increase (P≤0.05) was found in the thickness of tunica albuginea and numbers of tubules without sperm, apoptotic germinal epithelia, and apoptotic Leydig cells, whereas the diameter of tubules and height of germinal epithelia displayed a significant decrease (P≤0.05) compared with the control, sham, and MLT-treated groups. Immunohistochemically, a marked decrease (P≤0.05) in Bcl-2 immunoreactivity and significant elevation (P≤0.05) in P53 and caspase-3 immunoreactivities were recorded. Co-treatment of MLT and TXL modulated such histological, histomorphometrical, and ultrastructural changes induced by TXL. Also, MLT had a protective effect against testicular apoptosis induced by TXL, as shown by the elevated expression of Bcl-2 and decreased expression of P53 and caspase-3. In conclusion, the current investigation proved that MLT had a protective role against TXL-induced testicular cytotoxicity, which may be a result of inhibition of testicular apoptosis.

Oral health-related quality of life as a predictor of alcohol and cigarette consumption in adolescents

Abstract: This study evaluated the influence of Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) on the consumption of alcohol and cigarette use in adolescents. This prospective cohort began in 2012 (T1) with an initial random sample of 1134 12-year-old adolescents followed for 6 years in Santa Maria, southern Brazil. The present study comprised data from the two cohort reassessments that took place in 2014 (T2) and 2018 (T3). OHRQoL was measured with the Brazilian short version of the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ11-14) at T2. Socioeconomic, demographic, and oral health measures were also collected during this period. Alcohol and cigarette consumption (regular use) in the past 30 days was evaluated at T3 through questions in the of the National School Health Survey (PeNSE) questionnaire. A multilevel Poisson regression model was used to evaluate the influence of predictor variables on substance use. Of the 770 adolescents at T2, 575 and 576 adolescents were reassessed at T3 for alcohol and cigarette consumption, respectively. Adolescents with higher overall CPQ11-14 scores were at higher risk for regular consumption of alcohol (IRR 1.01; 95% CI 1.01-1.02) and cigarette (IRR 1.04; 95% CI 1.03-1.05). Non-white adolescents with low socioeconomic status, untreated dental caries, and who had not been to the dentist (last 6 months) were also associated with increased regular consumption of licit substances. Adolescents with worse OHRQoL presented a higher consumption of alcohol and cigarette. These findings are useful for planning public health strategies to improve adolescent OHRQoL and reduce the harmful substance use.

Influence of diode laser and warm air drying on the shear bond strength of Lithium di-silicate to Dentin. An in-vitro study / Influência do laser de diodo e da secagem com ar quente na resistência ao cisalhamento do Di-silicato de Lítio a dentina. Um estudo in-vitro

Objective: The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of diode laser irradiation (980 nm) and warm air drying (50°C) on shear bond strength between Lithium di-silicate (IPS e.max; Ivoclar) and human dentin using both (Etch & Rinse) adhesive, Adper™ Single Bond 2 (3M ESPE) and (Self-etch) adhesive, Single Bond UniversalTM(3M ESPE) before adhesive polymerization. Material and Methods: 54 sound lower molars were sectioned to obtain flat dentinal surfaces. Specimens were divided into 2 equal groups (n=27): Group 1 (ER) and Group 2 (SE) according to bonding approach. Each subgroup was subdivided according to dentin surface treatment into 3 equal subgroups (n=9): Control (Co), Diode laser irradiation (L) and Warm air drying (W). All specimens were adhesively cemented to IPS e.max® CAD discs using RelyX™ Ultimate Clicker™(3M ESPE) resin cement. Samples were then subjected to pre-loading in a thermodynamic manner. All samples were tested for shear bond strength using computer-controlled material testing machine. Data analysis was performed using two-way (ANOVA) (p< 0.05) followed by pair-wise Tukey's post-hoc tests. Results: In (SE) group, the subgroup (W) had the highest shear bond strength values followed by (Co) subgroup and the least was (L) subgroup with statistically significant difference. As for (ER) group, the subgroup (W) had the highest shear bond strength values followed by (Co) subgroup and the least was (L) subgroup with no statistically significant difference. Conclusion: Warm air drying for (SE) bonding approach increased shear bond strength of Lithium di-silicate to human dentin and can be introduced as a new effective protocol.(AU)

Objetivo: o objetivo do estudo atual é avaliar o efeito da radiação do laser de diodo (980nm) e secagem de ar quente (50°C) na resistência ao cisalhamento entre dissilicati de Lítio (IPS e.max; Ivoclar) e a dentina humana usando ambos modelos de adesivos (condicionamento total) Adper™ Single Bond e (auto-condicionante) Single Bond Universal™ (3M ESPE), Single Bond UniversalTM (3M ESPE) antes da fotopolimerização. Material e Métodos: 54 segundos molares inferiores foram selecionados para obter superfícies dentinárias planas. Os espécimes foram divididos em 2 grupos iguais (n=27): grupo 1 (ER) e grupo 2 (SE) de acordo com protocolo de adesividade. Cada grupo foi subdividido de acordo com o tratamento de superfície dentro de 3 subgrupos iguais (n=9): Controle (co), irradiação com laser de diodo (L) e secagem com ar quente (W). Todos os espécimes foram adesivamente cimentados a discos de IPS emax CAD usando RelyX Ultimate Clicker (3M ESPE) cimento resinoso. As amostras foram então submetidas a pré-carregamento de forma termodinâmica. Todas as amostras foram testadas para resistência a cisalhamento usando máquina de teste de materiais controlados por computador. A análise de dados foi realizada usando ANOVA dois fatores (p<0.05) seguindo por testes de Tukey pareado como test post-hoc. Resultados: No grupo (SE), o subgrupo (W) apresentou maiores valores de resistência ao cisalhamento seguindo o subgrupo (Co) é o menor foi o subgrupo (L) com diferença estatisticamente significativa. Já para o grupo (Er), o subgrupo (W) apresentou os maiores valores de resistência ao cisalhamento seguido do grupo (Co) e o menor foi o subgrupo (L) sem diferença estatisticamente significante. Conclusão: a secagem com ar quente para a abordagem de adesividade (Se) aumentou a resistência ao cisalhamento do dissilicato de lítio à dentina humana e poderia ser introduzido como um novo e eficaz protocolo(AU)

Midwifery Students’ Acquisition and Retention of Essential Newborn Care Competencies: An Experimental Study

@#Introduction: Annually, over two million newborns die worldwide immediately after birth, mostly because of failure to initiate and sustain breathing. A significant decline in newborn deaths can be achieved by using proper essential newborn care (ENC) techniques. Competency-based education (CBE) could successfully build ENC skills. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of applying CBE on Midwifery students’ knowledge and skills acquisition and retention of ENC. Methods: This quasi-experimental study recruited third-year under-graduate midwifery students (n=54). They were equally assigned to the interventional and control group. The interventional group was taught ENC by using CBE, whereas the control group was taught by using traditional methods. Students’ ENC knowledge was assessed three times using a multiple-choice question exam. The ENC skills were measured twice by using the Essential Neonatal Care Performance Checklist. Results: The intervention group exhibited significant ENC knowledge and skills, performance acquisition, and retention (p<0.001). Conclusion: CBE is a useful educational model for the acquisition and retention of ENC.

Conocimiento y aplicación de los principios bioéticos en alumnos de posgrado de Odontología / Knowledge and application of bioethical principles in postgraduate Dental Students

Resumen La bioética ha sido agregada formalmente, desde 2008, a la malla curricular de la carrera de Odontología en el Ecuador. También se han creado documentos que rigen el accionar ético del odontólogo frente a distintos dilemas que se pueden presentar durante su actividad clínica. Esta investigación busca describir el nivel del conocimiento y la aplicación de los principios bioéticos en los profesionales de salud oral. Se utilizó un método de investigación cuantitativo, descriptivo y transversal, mediante una encuesta estructurada, aplicada a estudiantes de posgrado en el área odontológica. Los datos fueron procesados y analizados de forma descriptiva y correlacional. Los resultados obtenidos, resaltaron la presencia de cinco niveles de conocimiento sobre principios bioéticos. Entre estos, en los grupos de mayor porcentaje de conocimiento sobre los principios bioéticos se destacó la aplicación del principio de no maleficencia en su práctica clínica. Se reveló desconocimiento sobre la teoría: muchos desconocen los principios bioéticos básicos del correcto accionar del profesional de salud oral. Sin embargo, se ha demostrado un creciente cambio con respecto a la aplicación de estos principios.

Abstract Bioethics has been formally added, since 2008, to the curricula of dentistry courses in Ecuador. Documents have also been created that govern the ethical actions of the dentist in the face of different dilemmas that may arise during their clinical activity. This research seeks to describe the level of knowledge and application of bioethical principles in oral health professionals. A quantitative, descriptive and cross-sectional research method was used, by means of a structured survey, applied to postgraduate students in the dental area. The data were processed and analyzed in a descriptive and correlational manner. The results obtained highlighted the presence of five levels of knowledge of bioethical principles. Among these, in the groups with the highest percentage of knowledge about bioethical principles, the application of the principle of non-maleficence in their clinical practice was highlighted. Lack of knowledge about the theory was revealed: many are unaware of the basic bioethical principles of the correct action of the oral health professional. However, a growing change has been demonstrated with regard to the application of these principles.

Resumo A bioética tem sido formalmente acrescentada ao currículo dos cursos de odontologia no Equador desde 2008. Também foram criados documentos para reger as ações éticas dos dentistas quando confrontados com diferentes dilemas que podem surgir durante sua atividade clínica. Esta pesquisa procura descrever o nível de conhecimento e aplicação dos princípios bioéticos nos profissionais de saúde bucal. Foi utilizado um método de pesquisa quantitativa, descritiva e transversal, por meio de uma pesquisa estruturada aplicada a estudantes pós-graduados na área odontológica. Os dados foram processados e analisados de forma descritiva e correlacional. Os resultados obtidos destacaram a presença de cinco níveis de conhecimento dos princípios bioéticos. Entre estes, nos grupos com maior porcentagem de conhecimento de princípios bioéticos, foi destacada a aplicação do princípio de não maleficência na prática clínica. A ignorância da teoria foi revelada: muitos desconhecem os princípios básicos de bioética da ação correta do profissional de saúde oral. No entanto, uma mudança crescente tem sido demonstrada com relação à aplicação destes princípios.

Polimorfismos de la metilenotetrahidrofolato reductasa C677T como factor de riesgo para el síndrome de ovario poliquístico en una muestra de mujeres jordanas / Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase C677T Polymorphisms as a Risk Factor for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in a Sample of Jordanian Women

Antecedentes: el síndrome de ovario poliquístico (SOP) es un trastorno endocrino reproductivo común, se puede identificar por hiperandrogenismo, oligomenorrea o anovulación y ovarios poliquísticos en la ecografía. Los polimorfismos de la metilentetrahidrofolato reductasa (MTHFR) C677T asociados con la hiperhomocisteinemia se encuentran entre los factores de riesgo del síndrome de ovario poliquístico. Objetivo: El presente estudio de casos y controles tiene como objetivo explorar la relación entre los polimorfismos C677T de la metilenotetrahidrofolato reductasa (MTHFR) como factor de riesgo y el síndrome de ovario poliquístico entre los pacientes jordanos que padecen esta enfermedad. Métodos: Se inscribieron en el estudio 306 sujetos (146 pacientes con SOP y 160 sujetos sanos como grupo de control). Se extrajo ADN de una muestra de sangre venosa extraída de cada participante para analizar los polimorfismos de MTHFR C677T utilizando la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR) en combinación con digestión con enzima de restricción (PCRRFLP). Posteriormente, los productos de PCR-RFLP se digirieron con la enzima HinfI, luego se sometieron a electroforesis en un gel de agarosa al 2%, se tiñeron y se examinaron bajo luz ultravioleta. Los niveles de homocisteína en plasma se analizaron utilizando el método ELISA. Resultados: Se observó una diferencia significativa en los niveles plasmáticos de homocisteína entre los pacientes con SOP frente a los sujetos de control y entre los diferentes polimorfismos de los pacientes con SOP. No se detectaron diferencias significativas en la distribución y frecuencia alélica de los polimorfismos MTHFR C677T en pacientes con SOP en comparación con los controles. El genotipo 677 / TT y el alelo T se asociaron con un aumento de 1,54 y 1,46 veces en la susceptibilidad al síndrome de ovario poliquístico. Conclusión: El estudio ha demostrado que el polimorfismo MTHFR T677T y el alelo T son posibles factores de riesgo de SOP entre las mujeres jordanas y pueden desempeñar un papel en la patogenia de la enfermedad

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine reproductive disorder, it can be identified by hyperandrogenism, oligomenorrhea or anovulation and polycystic ovaries on ultrasound. Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphisms associated with hyperhomocysteinemia are among the risk factors for PCOS. Objective: The present case control study aims to explore the relationship between Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphisms as a risk factor and PCOS among Jordanian patients suffering from this disease. Methods: 306 subjects (146 PCOS patients and 160 healthy subjects as a control group) were enrolled in the study. DNA was extracted from venous blood sample withdrawn from each participant for analyzing MTHFR C677T polymorphisms using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) in combination with restriction enzyme fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Later, PCR-RFLP products were digested with hinfI enzyme, then, electrophoresed on a 2% agarose gel, stained and examined under UV light. Plasma homocysteine levels were assayed using ELISA method. Results: A significant difference was observed in plasma homocysteine levels among PCOS patients versus the control subjects and in between the different polymorphisms of PCOS patients. No significant difference was detected in the distribution and allelic frequency of MTHFR C677T polymorphisms in PCOS patients compared to the controls. 677/TT genotype and T allele were associated with 1.54 and 1.46 folds increase in the susceptibility for PCOS. Conclusion: The study has shown that MTHFR T677T polymorphism and T allele are possible risk factors for PCOS among Jordanian women and may play a role in the pathogenesis of the disease.

Retardo na transferência do pronto-socorro para a unidade de terapia intensiva: impacto nos desfechos do paciente. Um estudo retrospectivo / Delayed intensive care unit admission from the emergency department: impact on patient outcomes. A retrospective study

RESUMO Objetivo: Estudar o impacto do retardo na admissão à unidade de terapia intensiva em mais do que 4 horas nos desfechos de pacientes críticos. Métodos: Este foi um estudo observacional retrospectivo, no qual pacientes adultos admitidos diretamente do pronto-socorro para a unidade de terapia intensiva foram divididos em dois grupos: Tempo Adequado, se admitidos dentro de 4 horas, e Admissão Retardada, nos casos em que a admissão demorou mais do que 4 horas para ocorrer. Compararam-se, entre os grupos, o tempo de permanência na unidade de terapia intensiva e a taxa de mortalidade na unidade de terapia intensiva e no hospital. Foi realizado pareamento por escore de propensão para correção de desequilíbrios. Utilizou-se uma análise de regressão logística para explorar retardo da admissão como fator independente de risco para mortalidade na unidade de terapia intensiva. Resultados: Durante o período do estudo, 1.887 pacientes foram admitidos diretamente do pronto-socorro para a unidade de terapia intensiva, sendo que 42% dessas admissões foram retardadas. Os pacientes com retardo tiveram permanências na unidade de terapia intensiva significantemente mais longas e maior mortalidade na unidade de terapia intensiva e no hospital. Esses resultados persistiram após pareamento dos grupos por escore de propensão. O retardo da admissão foi fator independente de risco para mortalidade na unidade de terapia intensiva (RC = 2,6; IC95% 1,9 - 3,5; p < 0,001). A associação de retardo e mortalidade na unidade de terapia intensiva surgiu após período de retardo de 2 horas e foi mais alta após período de retardo de 4 horas. Conclusão: O retardo da admissão do pronto-socorro para a unidade de terapia intensiva é fator de risco independente para mortalidade na unidade de terapia intensiva, sendo a associação mais forte após retardo de 4 horas.

Abstract Objective: To study the impact of delayed admission by more than 4 hours on the outcomes of critically ill patients. Methods: This was a retrospective observational study in which adult patients admitted directly from the emergency department to the intensive care unit were divided into two groups: Timely Admission if they were admitted within 4 hours and Delayed Admission if admission was delayed for more than 4 hours. Intensive care unit length of stay and hospital/intensive care unit mortality were compared between the groups. Propensity score matching was performed to correct for imbalances. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore delayed admission as an independent risk factor for intensive care unit mortality. Results: During the study period, 1,887 patients were admitted directly from the emergency department to the intensive care unit, with 42% being delayed admissions. Delayed patients had significantly longer intensive care unit lengths of stay and higher intensive care unit and hospital mortality. These results were persistent after propensity score matching of the groups. Delayed admission was an independent risk factor for intensive care unit mortality (OR = 2.6; 95%CI 1.9 - 3.5; p < 0.001). The association of delay and intensive care unit mortality emerged after a delay of 2 hours and was highest after a delay of 4 hours. Conclusion: Delayed admission to the intensive care unit from the emergency department is an independent risk factor for intensive care unit mortality, with the strongest association being after a delay of 4 hours.