Minor psychiatric disorders among university students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the prevalence and factors associated with the manifestation of Minor Psychiatric Disorders (MPD) among university students in southern Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD: Cross-sectional study, conducted in August and September 2020, with 464 university students. The Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20) was used with a cut-off point ≥ 7, and associated factors were identified through crude and adjusted analyses using logistic regression. RESULTS: The prevalence of MPD was 76.5%. Factors positively associated with the outcome were female gender, job loss during the pandemic, use of psychoactive substances, and difficulties in following online classes. Being in social distancing for seven months or more was negatively associated with the outcome. CONCLUSION: High prevalence of MPD among the studied sample, as well as a relationship between this outcome and the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Proteoglycans orchestrate remodeling of prostatic cytoarchitecture after androgenic blockade in old gerbils.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate modifications in proteoglycan morphology and composition in the prostatic stroma of 18-month-old gerbils after surgical castration, in association or not with an androgenic blockade. METHODS: The animals (n = 5) were sorted into groups subjected or not to antiandrogen treatment (flutamide 10 mg/kg/day) administered for the total postsurgery period and euthanized at 7- or 30-day postcastration; the control group consisted of intact animals. Tissue analysis included immunohistochemical assessment (perlecan and chondroitin sulfate) and proteoglycan morphology was analyzed by transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: Chondroitin sulfate frequency was increased 7 days postcastration with an androgenic blockade. The presence of these carbohydrates was rare after 30 days of androgenic blockade treatment. There was a significant increase in the amount of perlecan in the prostate stroma from groups subjected to castration plus flutamide for 7 or 30 days. Ultrastructural analysis showed that the incidence of areas occupied by proteoglycans and basement membrane was altered by treatment. In addition, androgenic blockade results in changes in the amount, thickness, and morphology of these structures. At 30 days postcastration, with or without flutamide treatment, larger proteoglycans were common. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, in particular, the decrease in chondroitin sulfate after the longer period might be understood as a prostatic response to androgenic deprivation, while the high frequency and permanence of perlecan led to the assumption that its modulation could be androgen-independent. Length and form alterations in proteoglycans as well as associations among them and with the basement membrane were dynamic events in the prostate microenvironment.

Minor psychiatric disorders among university students during the COVID-19 pandemic / Transtornos psiquiátricos menores en estudiantes universitarios durante la pandemia del COVID-19 / Transtornos psiquiátricos menores em estudantes universitários durante a pandemia da COVID-19

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify the prevalence and factors associated with the manifestation of Minor Psychiatric Disorders (MPD) among university students in southern Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: Cross-sectional study, conducted in August and September 2020, with 464 university students. The Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20) was used with a cut-off point ≥ 7, and associated factors were identified through crude and adjusted analyses using logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of MPD was 76.5%. Factors positively associated with the outcome were female gender, job loss during the pandemic, use of psychoactive substances, and difficulties in following online classes. Being in social distancing for seven months or more was negatively associated with the outcome. Conclusion: High prevalence of MPD among the studied sample, as well as a relationship between this outcome and the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Identificar la prevalencia y los factores asociados a la manifestación de trastornos psiquiátricos menores en estudiantes universitarios del sur de Brasil durante la pandemia del COVID-19. Método: Estudio realizado en 2020, con 464 alumnos vinculados a una disciplina optativa de Salud Mental. Para el resultado se utilizó el Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20), con el punto de corte ≥ 7. La identificación de los factores asociados se realizó mediante regresión logística, precedida de selección de factores de confusión. Resultados: Prevalencia de trastornos psiquiátricos menores correspondiente al 76,5% entre los participantes. Factores asociados positivamente con este resultado: sexo femenino, la pérdida de empleo durante la pandemia, el consumo de sustancias psicoactivas y las dificultades para seguir las clases en línea. Estar socialmente distante durante siete meses o más se asoció negativamente con el resultado. Conclusión: Alta prevalencia de malestar emocional entre la muestra, así como una relación entre este resultado y la pandemia.

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar a prevalência e os fatores associados à manifestação de Transtornos Psiquiátricos Menores (TPM) em estudantes universitários do Sul do Brasil durante a pandemia da COVID-19. Método: Estudo transversal, realizado nos meses de agosto e setembro de 2020, com 464 estudantes universitários. Foi utilizado o Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20) com o ponto de corte ≥ 7, e identificados os fatores associados por meio de análises brutas e ajustadas com emprego de regressão logística. Resultados: A prevalência de TPM foi de 76,5%. Os fatores positivamente associados ao desfecho foram as pessoas do sexo feminino, perda de emprego durante a pandemia, uso de substâncias psicoativas e dificuldades para acompanhar as aulas on-line. Esteve negativamente associado ao desfecho, estar em distanciamento social por período igual ou superior a sete meses. Conclusão: O estudo sugere alta prevalência de TPM entre os universitários e a relação entre esse desfecho e os desdobramentos da pandemia da COVID-19.

Repercussões da COVID-19 na saúde mental de trabalhadores nos centros de atenção psicossocial / COVID-19 mental health repercussions in the workforce at community mental health centres / Repercusiones de la COVID-19 en la salud mental de los trabajadores de centros de salud mental

Objetivo: identificar os diferentes perfis de trabalhadores de Centros de Atenção Psicossocial (CAPS) e investigar suas características sociodemográficas e de saúde mental no contexto da pandemia da COVID-19. Métodos: foram convidados os 127 trabalhadores de seis CAPS da cidade de Pelotas ­ RS, dos quais 82 participaram (taxa de resposta de 67%); os questionários PHQ-9 e GHQ-12 foram aplicados para rastreamento de sintomas depressivos e transtornos mentais comuns, sendo realizada uma análise de clusters. Resultados: os agrupamentos exibiram elevada homogeneidade interna e heterogeneidade externa, permitindo observar associações com as variáveis explicativas e diferenças entre os clusters, que revelam potenciais riscos para depressão e transtornos mentais comuns. Conclusão: os trabalhadores da saúde mental estão expostos a riscos para a saúde mental, sendo necessário compreender o impacto da pandemia da COVID-19 nestes trabalhadores e dar subsídios para atender às suas necessidades. (AU).

ABSTRACT Objective: to identify different profiles of workers of Community Mental Health Centres and their socio demographic and mental health characteristics in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: 127 workers from six Centres in the city of Pelotas, South Brazil, were invited to a survey and 82 applied (67% response rate); PHQ-9 and GHQ-12 questionnaires were used to the screening of depressive symptoms and common mental health problems and a cluster analysis was performed. Results: clusters showed high internal homogeneity and external heterogeneity, with associations between explanatory variables and differences among clusters, which reveal potential risks for depression and common mental disorders. Conclusion: mental health workers are exposed to risks, and it is necessary to understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of these workers to support your needs. (AU).

Objetivo: identificar los diferentes perfiles de trabajadores de los Centros de Atención Psicosocial y sus características sociodemográficas y de salud mental en relación con la pandemia de COVID-19. Métodos: de los 127 trabajadores invitados de los 6 Centros en de Pelotas, Sur de Brasil, 82 contestaron (tasa de respuesta de 67%); los cuestionarios PHQ-9 e GHQ-12 fueron utilizados para rastreo de síntomas depresivos y trastornos mentales comunes y se hizo una análisis de conglomerados. Resultados: los conglomerados exhibieron alta homogeneidad interna y heterogeneidad externa, permitiendo observar asociaciones con variables explicativas y diferencias entre conglomerados, que revelan riesgos de depresión y trastornos mentales comunes. Conclusión: los trabajadores de la salud mental tienen riesgos para la salud mental siendo necesario comprender el impacto de la pandemia de COVID-19 en estos trabajadores y proporcionar subsidios para el apoyo a sus necesidades. (AU).

Hábitos alimentares de crianças de 2 a 6 anos de uma escola comunitária em tempos de Covid-19: estudo descritivo / Food habits of children aged 2 to 6 years in a community school during Covid-19 times: descriptive study / Hábitos alimentarios de los niños de 2 a 6 años de una escuela comunitaria en tiempos de Covid-19: estudio descriptivo

Objetivo: identificar o consumo e hábitos alimentares de crianças de 2 a 6 anos de uma escola comunitária em um município no Nordeste do estado de Santa Catarina em tempos de COVID- 19, no ano de 2020. Material e método: estudo transversal, descritivo, quantitativo. Participaram 30 responsáveis legais de crianças de 2 a 6 anos de idade. A coleta de dados foi realizada entre os meses de julho e agosto de 2020. Foi utilizado um formulário eletrônico e os dados obtidos foram analisados, inicialmente, de forma descritiva. Para verificar associação entre IMC, sexo e escolaridade foi utilizado teste Qui-quadrado e Exato de Fischer. Principais resultados: a média de idade das crianças foi de 4,33 anos ±1,30 anos. A amostra consistiu predominantemente do sexo feminino (70,0%), estudantes do período matutino (53,3%) e realizavam as refeições a mesa com a família (56,6%), quanto ao estado nutricional 30,0% apresentavam risco de sobrepeso/obesidade. Ao investigar-se a ingestão de alimentos ultraprocessados, houve associação significativa entre o sexo da criança (p=0,030) e escolaridade dos pais/responsáveis (p=0,030). Conclusão: torna-se necessário o desenvolvimento de medidas para o monitoramento contínuo do perfil nutricional de crianças e o desenvolvimento de ações interdisciplinares educativas, voltadas à promoção de hábitos saudáveis e à prevenção do excesso de peso, em especial, em momentos de crise, isolamento social e pandemia.

Introduction: In times of the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing it is paramount to pay attention to infancy food habits in order to maintain good health, immunity, and to prevent immediate and future diseases. Objective: To identify the consumption and eating habits of children aged 2 to 6 years old at a community school in a municipality in the Northeast of the state of Santa Catarina in times of COVID-19, in 2020. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive and quantitative study. 30 legal guardians of children aged from 2 to 6 years old participated in this research. Data collection was performed between July and August of 2020. An electronic questionnaire was used and the data obtained was initially analyzed in a descriptive manner. The Chi- Square test and Fisher's exact test were applied to verify the association between BMI, sex, and education. Results: The children's mean age was 4.33 ±1,30 years. The sample was predominantly of female sex (70.0%), morning students (53.3%), and children who ate meals at the table with their families (56.6%). As for their nutritional status, 30.0% of the children presented risk for overweight/obesity. When the consumption of ultra-processed foods was investigated, a significant association between children's sex (p=0.030) and parents/legal guardians' education (p=0.030) was observed. Conclusion: It is necessary to develop strategies to continuously monitor the nutritional status of children and to create educational interdisciplinary actions towards the promotion of healthy habits and the prevention of excess body weight, especially during times of crisis, social distancing and pandemic.

Objetivo: identificar el consumo y los hábitos alimentarios de los niños de 2 a 6 años de una escuela comunitaria de un municipio del noreste del estado de Santa Catarina en tiempos de la COVID-19, en el año 2020. Material y método: estudio transversal, descriptivo y cuantitativo. Participaron 30 tutores legales de niños de 2 a 6 años. La recogida de datos se llevó a cabo entre los meses de julio y agosto de 2020. Se utilizó un formulario electrónico y los datos obtenidos se analizaron, inicialmente, de forma descriptiva. Para verificar la asociación entre el IMC, el género y la educación, se utilizaron las pruebas de Chi-cuadrado y exacta de Fischer. Resultados principales: la edad media de los niños era de 4,33 ± 1,30 años. En la muestra predominan las mujeres (70,0%), los estudiantes del período matutino (53,3%) y las comidas en la mesa con la familia (56,6%). Al investigar la ingesta de alimentos ultraprocesados, se observó una asociación significativa entre el sexo del niño (p=0,030) y la educación de los padres/tutores (p=0,030). Conclusión: se hace necesario el desarrollo de medidas de seguimiento continuo del perfil nutricional de los niños y el desarrollo de acciones educativas interdisciplinares, dirigidas a la promoción de hábitos saludables y a la prevención del sobrepeso, especialmente en épocas de crisis, aislamiento social y pandemia.

Effects of Triiodothyronine on Human Osteoblast-Like Cells: Novel Insights From a Global Transcriptome Analysis.

Background: Thyroid hormones play a significant role in bone development and maintenance, with triiodothyronine (T3) particularly being an important modulator of osteoblast differentiation, proliferation, and maintenance. However, details of the biological processes (BPs) and molecular pathways affected by T3 in osteoblasts remain unclear. Methods: To address this issue, primary cultures of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells were subjected to our previously established osteoinduction protocol, and the resultant osteoblast-like cells were treated with 1 nm or 10 nm T3 for 72 h. RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) was performed using the Illumina platform, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified from the raw data using Kallisto and DESeq2. Enrichment analysis of DEGs was performed against the Gene Ontology Consortium database for BP terms using the R package clusterProfiler and protein network analysis by STRING. Results: Approximately 16,300 genes were analyzed by RNA-Seq, with 343 DEGs regulated in the 1 nm T3 group and 467 upregulated in the 10 nm T3 group. Several independent BP terms related to bone metabolism were significantly enriched, with a number of genes shared among them (FGFR2, WNT5A, WNT3, ROR2, VEGFA, FBLN1, S1PR1, PRKCZ, TGFB3, and OSR1 for 1nM T3; and FZD1, SMAD6, NOG, NEO1, and ENG for 10 nm T3). An osteoblast-related search in the literature regarding this set of genes suggests that both T3 doses are unfavorable for osteoblast development, mainly hindering BMP and canonical and non-canonical WNT signaling. Conclusions: Therefore, this study provides new directions toward the elucidation of the mechanisms of T3 action on osteoblast metabolism, with potential future implications for the treatment of endocrine-related bone pathologies.

Placental model as an important tool to study maternal-fetal interface.

The placenta is a temporary organ that plays critical roles at the maternal-fetal interface. Normal development and function of the placenta is dependent on hormonal signaling pathways that make the placenta a target of endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC) action. Studies showing association between prenatal exposure, hormone disruption, and reproductive damage indicate that EDCs are developmentally toxic and can impact future generations. In this context, new placental models (trophoblast-derived cell lines, organotypic or 3D cell models, and physiologically based kinetic models) have been developed in order to create new approach methodology (NAM) to assess and even prevent such disastrous toxic harm in future generations. With the widespread discouragement of conducting animal studies, it has become irrefutable to develop in vitro models that can serve as a substitute for in vivo models. The goal of this review is to discuss the newest in vitro models to understand the maternal-fetal interface and predict placental development, physiology, and dysfunction generated by failures in molecular hormone control mechanisms, which, consequently, may change epigenetic programming to increase susceptibility to metabolic and other disorders in the offspring. We summarize the latest placental models for developmental toxicology studies, focusing mainly on three-dimensional (3D) culture models.

Prevalence and factors associated with poor sleep quality among nursing professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: to identify the prevalence and factors associated with poor sleep quality among nursing professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD: a cross-sectional study, conducted in June and July 2020, with 890 nursing professionals. To screen the outcome, question 3 of the Self-Reporting Questionnaire was used, assessing poor sleep quality 30 days preceding the application of the questionnaire. Associations between variables of interest were tested using Poisson regression models. RESULTS: the prevalence of poor sleep quality was 68%. Associated factors were moderate or heavy workload, poor assessment of working conditions, suspected infection with COVID-19, more than two thirds of the workload for pandemic and the use of psychotropic drugs. CONCLUSION: the study pointed out a high prevalence of poor sleep quality among nursing workers with an important relationship with working conditions.

High and fluctuating levels of ovarian hormones induce an anxiogenic effect, which can be modulated under stress conditions: Evidence from an assisted reproductive rodent model.

Elevated levels of endogenous ovarian hormones are conditions commonly experienced by women undergoing assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Additionally, infertility-associated stress and treatment routines are factors that together may have a highly negative impact on female emotionality, which can be aggravated when several cycles of ART are needed to attempt pregnancy. This study aimed to investigate the effect of high and fluctuating levels of gonadal hormones induced by repeated ovarian stimulation on the stress response in rodents. To mimic the context of ART, female rats were exposed to an unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) paradigm for four weeks. During this time, three cycles of ovarian stimulation (superovulation) (150 IU/Kg of PMSG and 75 IU/Kg of hCG) were applied, with intervals of two estrous cycles between them. The rats were distributed into four groups: Repeated Superovulation/UCMS; Repeated Superovulation/No Stress; Saline/UCMS; and Saline/No Stress. Anxiety-like and depressive-like behaviors were evaluated in a light-dark transition box and by splash test, respectively. Corticosterone, estradiol, progesterone, and biometric parameters were assessed. Data were analyzed using a two-way Generalized Linear Model (GzLM). Our results showed that repeated ovarian stimulation exerts by itself an expressive anxiogenic effect. Surprisingly, when high and fluctuating levels of ovarian hormones were combined with chronic stress, anxiety-like behavior was no longer observed, and a depressive-like state was not detected. Our findings suggest that females subjected to emotional overload induced by repeated ovarian stimulation and chronic stress seem to trigger the elaboration of adaptive coping strategies.

Prevalence and factors associated with poor sleep quality among nursing professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic / Prevalência e fatores associados à má qualidade do sono entre profissionais de enfermagem durante a pandemia de COVID-19 / Prevalencia y factores asociados a la mala calidad del sueño entre profesionales de enfermería durante la pandemia de COVID-19

ABSTRACT Objective: to identify the prevalence and factors associated with poor sleep quality among nursing professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: a cross-sectional study, conducted in June and July 2020, with 890 nursing professionals. To screen the outcome, question 3 of the Self-Reporting Questionnaire was used, assessing poor sleep quality 30 days preceding the application of the questionnaire. Associations between variables of interest were tested using Poisson regression models. Results: the prevalence of poor sleep quality was 68%. Associated factors were moderate or heavy workload, poor assessment of working conditions, suspected infection with COVID-19, more than two thirds of the workload for pandemic and the use of psychotropic drugs. Conclusion: the study pointed out a high prevalence of poor sleep quality among nursing workers with an important relationship with working conditions.

RESUMO Objetivo: identificar a prevalência e os fatores associados à má qualidade do sono entre profissionais de enfermagem durante a pandemia de COVID-19. Método: estudo transversal, realizado nos meses de junho e julho de 2020, com 890 profissionais de enfermagem. Para triagem do desfecho, foi utilizada a questão 3 do Self-Reporting Questionnaire, avaliando a má qualidade do sono 30 dias anteriores à aplicação do questionário. As associações entre as variáveis de interesse foram testadas por meio de modelos de regressão de Poisson. Resultados: a prevalência de má qualidade do sono foi de 68%. Os fatores associados foram carga horária moderada ou pesada, má avaliação das condições de trabalho, suspeita de infecção por COVID-19, mais de dois terços da carga horária por pandemia e uso de psicofármacos. Conclusão: o estudo apontou alta prevalência de má qualidade do sono entre trabalhadores de enfermagem com importante relação com as condições de trabalho.

RESUMEN Objetivo: identificar la prevalencia y los factores asociados a la mala calidad del sueño entre los profesionales de enfermería durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Método: estudio transversal, realizado en junio y julio de 2020, con 890 profesionales de enfermería. Para cribar el desenlace se utilizó la pregunta 3 del Cuestionario de Autoinforme, que evalúa la mala calidad del sueño en los 30 días anteriores a la aplicación del cuestionario. Las asociaciones entre variables de interés se probaron utilizando modelos de regresión de Poisson. Resultados: la prevalencia de mala calidad del sueño fue del 68%. Los factores asociados fueron carga de trabajo moderada o alta, mala evaluación de las condiciones de trabajo, sospecha de infección por COVID-19, más de dos tercios de la carga de trabajo por pandemia y uso de psicofármacos. Conclusión: el estudio señaló una alta prevalencia de mala calidad del sueño entre los trabajadores de enfermería con una importante relación con las condiciones de trabajo.

Palatable high-fat diet intake influences mnemonic and emotional aspects in female rats in an estrous cycle-dependent manner.

Worldwide, the excessive consumption of fat and/or sugar has increased considerably. Palatable high-fat diets (HFDs) lead to metabolic disturbances and obesity, and impact emotional and cognitive processes. Previous studies in rodent models suggested that HFDs often cause multiple behavioral alterations, such as learning and memory deficits, and anxiety-like behaviors. Different sexes imply different behavioral and cognitive abilities; yet, most of these studies dealt with male or ovariectomized rats. We evaluated HFD effects in female rats submitted to different behavioral tasks, considering the effects of endogenous hormonal variations throughout estrous cycle. Female Wistar rats in each phase of the estrous cycle using commercial chow (CC) or HFD for 32 days. During treatment, behavioral assessments using sucrose preference (SP), elevated plus-maze (EPM), open field (OF) and novel-object recognition (NOR). At the end of the behavioral tests, animals were euthanized, and performed an immunohistochemical analysis of the brains by brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). The main results demonstrated that (1) HFD-fed rats had higher body mass gain and food intake, without altering caloric intake, (2) rats in diestrus had lower sucrose intake, (3) females in metestrus and diestrus showed deficits in the novel-object recognition memory. Furthermore, TH-immunoreactivity decreased in the dorsal striatum and BDNF in the hippocampus in HFD-fed females. These results suggest that HFD alters neurochemical and metabolic aspects that may induce phase-dependent behavioral changes in female rats.

Analysis of geometrical tomographic parameters of furcation lesions in periodontitis patients.

OBJECTIVES: This study was aimed to investigate the relationship between geometric parameters of furcation lesions - maximum area of lesion opening (MALO), angle formed between the roots (ABR), lesion volume (LV) and presence and height of infra-osseous defects (IOD) - and the success of therapy with enamel matrix derivative proteins (EMD) in patients with grade C periodontitis, using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). METHODS: The study consisted of two groups of patients with grade C periodontitis: control (surgery) (n = 17) and test (surgery + EMD) (n = 17). Images parameters on CBCT were recorded using OnDemand3D and ITK-SNAP software. RESULTS: Pearson's correlation coefficient demonstrated that only IOD was statistically significant in the probing depth PD (P = 0.01), with a moderate positive correlation (R = 0.59). MALO was found to be statistically significant (P = 0.03) in the test group (surgery + EMD), with moderate negative correlation (R = -0.5). CONCLUSION: The presence of infra-osseous defects and height were relevant in relation to the success of the type of treatment addressed in this study.

Cone Beam Computed Tomography Based Sex Estimation by Volume of Odontoid Process of The Second Cervical Vertebra / Estimativa sexual baseada em tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico pelo volume do processo odontóide da segunda vértebra cervical

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the volume of odontoid process of the second cervical vertebra on CBCT images can be used for sex estimation. Material and Methods: The volume of odontoid process on CBCT images of 138 subjects was measured. In addition, the patients were classified into five age groups. The comparisons between the groups in relation to sex and age were performed by using Mann-Whitney's test and Kruskal-Wallis' test, respectively. The ROC curve was used to assess the sensitivity and specificity of the volume to determine the sex. Results: No statistically significant difference was observed between age and volume. Males had significantly larger volumes than females. Values of volume equal to or greater than 1.254 mm3 have sensitivity of 68.2% and specificity of 68.1% to determine male sex. Conclusion: The volume of the odontoid process tends to be larger in males than in females and can be used as sex estimation (AU)

Introdução: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar se o volume do processo odontóide da segunda vértebra cervical em imagens de TCFC pode ser usado para estimativa do sexo. Material e Métodos: O volume do processo odontóide em imagens CBCT de 138 indivíduos foi medido. Além disso, os pacientes foram classificados em cinco faixas etárias. As comparações entre os grupos em relação ao sexo e idade foram realizadas por meio dos testes de Mann-Whitney e Kruskal-Wallis, respectivamente. A curva ROC foi utilizada para avaliar a sensibilidade e especificidade do volume para determinar o sexo. Resultados: Não foi observada diferença estatisticamente significativa entre idade e volume. Os machos tiveram volumes significativamente maiores do que as fêmeas. Valores de volume igual ou superior a 1,254 mm3 apresentam sensibilidade de 68,2% e especificidade de 68,1% para determinação do sexo masculino. Conclusão: O volume do processo odontóide tende a ser maior no sexo masculino do que no feminino e pode ser usado como estimativa do sexo. (AU)

Legislação trabalhista internacional e sua interface com a saúde materno-infantil / International labor law and its interface with maternal and child health

Objetivo: Descrever a legislação trabalhista internacional vigente relacionada à saúde materna, bem como comparar seus efeitos sobre o binômio mãe e filho. Método: Estudo descritivo no qual foi utilizado método documental. Foram analisadas e categorizadas as legislações trabalhistas do Brasil, Canadá, França, Moçambique e Portugal. A pesquisa foi realizada mediante busca por documentos legais de domínio público, utilizando as legislações trabalhistas relacionadas à saúde reprodutiva, promoção da saúde e licença-maternidade, de âmbito nacional e internacional. Resultados: Percebeu-se que todos os países estudados oferecem licença maternidade, porém variam-se o período de tempo, a remuneração da mulher e os pré-requisitos que garantem o auxílio. O Canadá assiste melhor a mulher em seus direitos trabalhistas e Moçambique apresenta a menor cobertura de direitos trabalhistas. Conclusões: Concluiu-se que a licença maternidade que cada país oferece à mulher influencia diretamente no seu ciclo gravídico-puerperal e ao retorno da sua vida profissional. (AU)

Objective: To describe the current international labor legislation related to maternal health, as well as to compare its effects on the mother and child binomial. Method: Descriptive study in which documentary method was used. Five labor laws, available in Portuguese, English and French from the following countries were analyzed: Brazil, Canada, France, Mozambique and Portugal. The research was conducted by searching for public domain legal documents, using labor laws related to reproductive health, health promotion and maternity leave, nationally and internationally. Results: Two categories emerged: Comparison of maternity leave and Legal Rights in the construction of maternal and child health. It was noticed that all the countries studied offer maternity leave, but the time period, the woman's remuneration and the prerequisites that guarantee the aid vary. Canada best assists women in their labor rights and Mozambique has the lowest labor rights coverage. Conclusions: It was concluded that the maternity leave that each country offers women directly influences their pregnancy-puerperal cycle and the return of their professional life. (AU)

Objetivo: Describir la legislación laboral internacional actual relacionada con la salud materna, así como comparar sus efectos en el binomio madre e hijo. Método: estudio descriptivo en el que se utilizó el método documental. Se analizaron cinco leyes laborales, disponibles en portugués, inglés y francés de los siguientes países: Brasil, Canadá, Francia, Mozambique y Portugal. La investigación se realizó mediante la búsqueda de documentos legales de dominio público, utilizando leyes laborales relacionadas con la salud reproductiva, la promoción de la salud y la licencia de maternidad, a nivel nacional e internacional. Resultados: Surgieron dos categorías: Comparación de la licencia de maternidad y Los derechos legales en la construcción de la salud materna e infantil. Se observó que todos los países estudiados ofrecen licencia de maternidad, pero el período de tiempo, la remuneración de la mujer y los requisitos previos que garantizan la ayuda varían. Canadá ayuda mejor a las mujeres en sus derechos laborales y Mozambique tiene la cobertura de derechos laborales más baja. Conclusiones: se concluyó que el permiso de maternidad que cada país ofrece a las mujeres influye directamente en su ciclo embarazo-puerperal y en el retorno de su vida profesional. (AU)

A single ovarian stimulation, as performed in assisted reproductive technologies, can modulate the anxiety-like behavior and neuronal activation in stress-related brain areas in rats.

Infertility affects about 8 to 12% of couples of childbearing age around the world, and is recognized as a global public health issue by the WHO. From a psychosocial perspective, infertile individuals experience intense psychological distress, related to emotional disorders, which have repercussions on marital and social relationships. The symptoms persist even after seeking specialized treatment, such as assisted reproductive technologies (ART). While the stress impact of ART outcome has been comprehensively studied, the role of supraphysiological concentrations of gonadal hormones on stress response, remains to be elucidated. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a single ovarian stimulation on the stress response in rats. To mimic the context of ART in rodents, female rats were submitted to the superovulation (150 UI/kg of PMSG and 75 UI/kg of hCG) and then to psychogenic stress (restraint stress for 30 min/day, repeated for three days). Anxiety-like behavior was evaluated in the elevated plus-maze, and neuronal activation in the stress-related brain areas assessed by Fos protein immunoreactivity. Corticosterone, estradiol, progesterone and corpora lutea were quantified. Data were analyzed using Generalized Linear Model (GzLM). Our findings indicate anxiolytic-like and protective effects of supraphysiological concentrations of gonadal hormones induced by a single ovarian stimulation on stress response. An activation of hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal response inhibitory pathways, with participation of the prefrontal cortex, basomedial amygdala, lateral septum, medial preoptic area, dorsomedial and paraventricular hypothalamus, was detected.

Texture analysis of cone-beam computed tomography images assists the detection of furcal lesion.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to apply texture analysis (TA) to cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of patients with grade C periodontitis for detection of non-visible changes in the image. METHODS: TA was performed on CBCT scans of 34 patients with grade C periodontitis. Axial sections of CBCT were divided into three groups as follows: Group L (lesion) in which there is a furcal lesion with periodontal bone loss; Group I (intermediate) in which the border of the furcal lesion has normal characteristics; and Group C (control) in which the area is healthy. Eleven texture parameters were extracted from the region of interest. Mann-Whitney U test was used to assess the differences in the texture between the three groups as follows: L versus I; L versus C, and I versus C. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences (P <0.05) were observed in almost all parameters in the intergroup analyses (i.e., L versus I and L versus C). However, statistical differences were smaller in groups I versus C in which only entropy of sum, entropy of difference, mean of sum, and variance of difference were statistically different (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: TA can potentially provide prognostic information to improve the diagnostic accuracy in the grading of the tissue around the furcal lesion, thus potentially accelerating the treatment decision-making process.

Triiodothyronine activated extranuclear pathways upregulate adiponectin and leptin in murine adipocytes.

Adiponectin and leptin, important for metabolic regulation, are synthesized and secreted by adipose tissue and are influenced by triiodothyronine (T3) that activates the MAPK/ERK and integrin αVß3 pathways, modulating gene expression. Adipocytes were treated with T3 (10 nM), for 1 h, in the absence or presence of PD98059 (PD) and tetraiodothyroacetic acid (Tetrac), which are pathways inhibitors. The cells were incubated with Adipo Red/Oil Red O reagents, and intracellular lipid accumulation [glycerol and triacylglycerol (TAG)], MTT, 8-hydroxideoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG), and mRNA and protein expression were assessed. T3 increased leptin mRNA and protein expression, and, in contrast, there was a decrease in the Tetrac + T3 group. Adiponectin mRNA expression was not altered by T3, though it had increased its protein expression, which was terminated by inhibitors PD + T3 and Tetrac + T3. However, T3 did not alter PPARγ protein expression, lipid accumulation, TAG, glycerol, and DNA damage, but PD + T3 and Tetrac + T3 reduced these parameters. T3 activated the MAPK/ERK pathway on adipocytes to modulate the adiponectin protein expression and integrin αvß3 to alter the leptin gene expression.

Prevalence of soft tissue calcifications in cone beam computed tomography images in the region of head and neck / Prevalência de calcificações de tecidos moles em exames de tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico

Objective: to evaluate the prevalence of calcifications in the soft tissues of the cervical-facial region using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. Material and Methods: two hundred and ten CBCT exames was analyzed by 01 examiner previously trained, with fild of view (FOV) of 16 x 13 cm and voxel of 0.25 mm, in ICAT Vision software (Imaging Science International, Hatfield, PA, USA) in coronal, axial and sagittal sections. The following calcifications were evaluated: tonsiloliths, sialolites, calcification of the styloid complex, calcified carotid atheromas, calcifications in laryngeal cartilages, calcified lymph nodes and osteoma cutis. The findings were tabulated according to the total of the sample, related to the gender, age group of the individuals. Results: Calcification of the styloid complex was the most frequent in the sample studied in both genres (39.04%), followed by the presence of tonsiloliths (19.52%), and calcified lymph nodes (6,67%). Conclusion: calcifications are frequent radiographic findings in CBCT and important for the diagnosis of some possible pathologies that do not present clinical symptoms (AU)

Objetivo: avaliar por meio de imagens de tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico (TCFC) a prevalência de calcificações em tecidos moles da região cérvicofacial. Material e Métodos: os exames foram avaliados por um examinador, previamente treinado que avaliou 210 exames de TCFC, com campo de visão (FOV) de 16 x 13 cm e voxel de 0,25 mm. Os exames foram avaliados no software ICAT Vision (Imaging Science International, Hatfield, PA, Estados Unidos da América) em cortes coronais, axiais e sagitais. As seguintes calcificações foram avaliadas: tonsilolitos, sialolitos, calcificação do complexo estiloide, ateromas da carótida calcificados, calcificações na cartilagens laríngeas, nódulos linfáticos calcificados e osteoma cútis. Os achados foram tabulados de acordo com o total da amostra, relativos ao gênero e faixa etária dos indivíduos. Resultados: a calcificação do processo estiloide foi a mais frequente na amostra estudada em ambos os sexos, seguido da presença dos tonsilolitos e linfonodos calcificados. Conclusão: as calcificações de tecidos moles são achados radiográficos frequentes na TCFC e importantes para diagnósticos de algumas possíveis patologias que não apresentam sintomatologia clínica.(AU)

Factors predicting the severity of dengue in patients with warning signs in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (1986-2012).

BACKGROUND: Since 1981, >12 million cases of dengue have been reported in Brazil. Early prediction of severe dengue with no warning signs is crucial to avoid progression to severe dengue. Here we aimed to identify early markers of dengue severity and characterize dengue infection in patients in Rio de Janeiro. METHODS: We evaluated early severity markers, serotypes, infection status, number of days of illness and viral loads associated with dengue fever in patients from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil through an observational retrospective study (1986-2012). We compared dengue without warning signs and dengue with warning signs/severe dengue (DWWS/SD). Infection status was classified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and viraemia was quantified by quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The presence of DWWS/ SD was significantly associated with younger age; patients 13-19 y of age had a significantly greater chance of presenting warning signs. Dengue virus type 3 (DENV3) was more likely to induce DWWS/SD, which was more frequent on days 4-5 of illness. CONCLUSIONS: DENV3, 4-5 d of illness and 13-19 y of age were early biomarkers of dengue severity. To our knowledge, this was the first study to analyse the characteristics of dengue severity in the state of Rio de Janeiro over 27 y of epidemics since the introduction of DENV.

The importance of estrogen for bone protection in experimental hyperthyroidism in human osteoblasts.

Triiodothyronine (T3) and estrogen (E2) play important roles in the bone remodeling process and signaling of receptor activator of the nuclear factor-kappa ß (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) expressed by osteoblasts. However, little is known of the molecular action of these hormones in conditions of hyperthyroidism and associated E2 in human cells. AIMS: This study evaluated the effects of the physiological concentration of E2 (10 nM), alone or in association with physiological (1 nM) and supraphysiological (10 nM) concentrations of T3, on RANKL and OPG gene expression in human osteoblasts. MAIN METHODS: Alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin assays were performed to verify the presence of mature osteoblasts. After mimicking the experimental hyperthyroidism in osteoblasts untreated or treated with E2, RANKL and OPG gene expression was analyzed by real-time PCR and protein expression by western Blot and ELISA. Alizarin Red staining analyzed the amount of bone matrix after hormonal treatments. KEY FINDINGS: E2 enhanced the gene expression of OPG when associated with 1 nM and 10 nM T3. E2 was able to restore the bone matrix after an initial decrease using 1 nM and 10 nM T3. The protective effect of E2 on the RANKL and OPG signaling pathway was demonstrated. E2 restored the bone matrix induced by experimental hyperthyroidism. SIGNIFICANCE: The data highlight the importance of E2 to maintain OPG expression and osteoblast activity against possible loss of bone mass, especially in conditions where T3 is in excess.