Risk factors for the population's mental health amidst the COVID-19 pandemic / Factores de riesgo para la salud mental de la población en medio de la pandemia de COVID-19 / Fatores de risco para a saúde mental da população em meio a pandemia de COVID-19

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify risk factors for mental health in the population in times of COVID-19 through the analysis of levels of socio-cognitive mindfulness and perception of stress in individuals. Method: This is a cross-sectional observational study with a quantitative approach, carried out through online data collection using the Perceived Stress Scale and the Langer Mindfulness Scale in a sample of 955 individuals from different regions of Brazil. Results: Women, younger people and individuals with low socioeconomic conditions had higher levels of perceived stress; on the other hand, older men and individuals with high socioeconomic status had higher levels of mindfulness. Conclusion: Socio-cognitive mindfulness was not a protective factor for perceived stress in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Identificar factores de riesgo para la salud mental en la población en tiempos de COVID-19 a través del análisis de los niveles de mindfulness sociocognitivo y percepción de estrés en los individuos. Método: Se trata de un estudio observacional transversal con enfoque cuantitativo, realizado a través de la recolección de datos en línea utilizando la Escala de Estrés Percibido y la Escala de Mindfulness de Langer en una muestra de 955 individuos de diferentes regiones de Brasil. Resultados: Las mujeres, los jóvenes y las personas con condiciones socioeconómicas bajas presentaron mayores niveles de estrés percibido. Por el contrario, los hombres mayores y las personas con un nivel socioeconómico alto tenían niveles más altos de atención plena. Conclusión: El mindfulness sociocognitivo no fue un factor protector para el estrés percibido en el contexto de la pandemia de COVID-19.

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar fatores de risco para a saúde mental na população em tempos de COVID-19 por meio da análise dos níveis atenção plena sociocognitiva e de percepção ao estresse nos indivíduos. Método: Trata-se de um estudo observacional do tipo transversal com abordagem quantitativa, realizado por meio de coleta de dados online utilizando a Escala de Estresse Percebido e a Escala de Atenção Plena de Langer em uma amostra de 955 indivíduos de diversas regiões do Brasil. Resultados: Mulheres, pessoas mais jovens e indivíduos com baixas condições socioeconômicas apresentaram maiores níveis de estresse percebido. Em contrapartida, os homens mais velhos e indivíduos com altas condições socioeconômicas apresentaram maiores níveis de atenção plena. Conclusão: A atenção plena sociocognitiva não se constituiu fator de proteção ao estresse percebido no contexto pandêmico da COVID-19.

Pam2CSK4 (TLR2 agonist) induces periodontal destruction in mice

Abstract Lipoproteins are important bacterial immunostimulating molecules capable of inducing receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB (RANKL) and osteoclast formation in vitro and in vivo . Although these molecules are present in periodontopathogenic bacteria, their role in periodontitis is not known. In this study, we used Pam2CSK4 (PAM2), a synthetic molecule that mimics bacterial lipoprotein, to investigate the effects of lipoproteins on periodontitis in mice. C57BL/6 male mice were randomly divided into three experimental groups: 1) Negative control group: animals received vehicle injection; 2) Positive control group: animals received injection of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS); 3) PAM2 group: animals received PAM2 injection. All the injections were performed bilaterally every other day into the palatal mucosa between first and second molars. After twenty-four days, the animals were euthanized to assess alveolar bone volume (micro-CT), cellular and extracellular composition in the gingiva (stereometric analysis), and osteoclast numbers (TRAP staining). Treatment with either PAM2 or LPS induced gingival inflammation, as demonstrated by increased infiltration of inflammatory cells and enhanced angiogenesis, associated with a smaller number of fibroblasts and decreased extracellular matrix. Importantly, treatment not only with LPS but also with PAM2 resulted in a larger number of TRAP+ multinucleated osteoclasts and significant loss of alveolar bone. Collectively, our data demonstrate that PAM2 can induce gingival inflammation and bone loss in mice, broadening the avenues of investigation into the role of lipoproteins in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease.

Pam2CSK4 (TLR2 agonist) induces periodontal destruction in mice

Abstract Lipoproteins are important bacterial immunostimulating molecules capable of inducing receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB (RANKL) and osteoclast formation in vitro and in vivo . Although these molecules are present in periodontopathogenic bacteria, their role in periodontitis is not known. In this study, we used Pam2CSK4 (PAM2), a synthetic molecule that mimics bacterial lipoprotein, to investigate the effects of lipoproteins on periodontitis in mice. C57BL/6 male mice were randomly divided into three experimental groups: 1) Negative control group: animals received vehicle injection; 2) Positive control group: animals received injection of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS); 3) PAM2 group: animals received PAM2 injection. All the injections were performed bilaterally every other day into the palatal mucosa between first and second molars. After twenty-four days, the animals were euthanized to assess alveolar bone volume (micro-CT), cellular and extracellular composition in the gingiva (stereometric analysis), and osteoclast numbers (TRAP staining). Treatment with either PAM2 or LPS induced gingival inflammation, as demonstrated by increased infiltration of inflammatory cells and enhanced angiogenesis, associated with a smaller number of fibroblasts and decreased extracellular matrix. Importantly, treatment not only with LPS but also with PAM2 resulted in a larger number of TRAP+ multinucleated osteoclasts and significant loss of alveolar bone. Collectively, our data demonstrate that PAM2 can induce gingival inflammation and bone loss in mice, broadening the avenues of investigation into the role of lipoproteins in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease.

Systemic effect of mineral aggregate-based cements: histopathological analysis in rats

Abstract Objective: Several studies reported the local tissue reaction caused by mineral aggregate-based cements. However, few studies have investigated the systemic effects promoted by these cements on liver and kidney when directly applied to connective tissue. The purpose of this in vivo study was to investigate the systemic effect of mineral aggregate-based cements on the livers and kidneys of rats. Material and Methods: Samples of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) and a calcium aluminate-based cement (EndoBinder) containing different radiopacifiers were implanted into the dorsum of 40 rats. After 7 and 30 d, samples of subcutaneous, liver and kidney tissues were submitted to histopathological analysis. A score (0-3) was used to grade the inflammatory reaction. Blood samples were collected to evaluate changes in hepatic and renal functions of animals. Results: The moderate inflammatory reaction (2) observed for 7 d in the subcutaneous tissue decreased with time for all cements. The thickness of inflammatory capsules also presented a significant decrease with time (P<.05). Systemically, all cements caused adverse inflammatory reactions in the liver and kidney, being more evident for MTA, persisting until the end of the analysis. Liver functions increased significantly for MTA during 30 d (P<.05). Conclusion: The different cements induced to a locally limited inflammatory reaction. However, from the systemic point of view, the cements promoted significant inflammatory reactions in the liver and kidney. For MTA, the reactions were more accentuated.