Effect of Green Tea Supplementation on Inflammatory Markers among Patients with Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have investigated the potential benefits of green tea on the inflammatory process in metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, the results are inconclusive and inconsistent. In the present study, we performed a literature review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of green tea supplementation on inflammatory markers [e.g., tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP), and interleukin-6 (IL-6)] among patients with MetS and related disorders. We systematically searched for relevant publications up to March 2022 in the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and SciELO databases. The review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022320345). Mean differences with 95% confidence intervals were pooled on the basis of the random effects model to compare the effects of green tea with placebo. We used meta-regression and subgroup analyses to determine the cause of heterogeneity and performed study quality assessment using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation method. We assessed publication bias using funnel plots and Egger's tests. Out of the total 15 RCTs that were included in this systematic review, 12 were chosen for the meta-analysis. The results revealed that green tea significantly decreased TNF-α levels but did not affect CRP and IL-6 levels. Subgroup analysis showed that green tea supplementation in studies lasting ≤8 weeks significantly increased CRP levels. Furthermore, meta-regression analysis demonstrated a significant association between increasing IL-6 concentration and treatment duration. According to our meta-analysis, green tea was shown to considerably lower circulating TNF-α levels. To confirm these findings, carefully planned trials are required.

Ozone therapy effect in medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw as prevention or treatment: microtomographic, confocal laser microscopy and histomorphometric analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of ozone therapy in the preoperative (prevention) and/or postoperative (treatment) of MRONJ. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty male Wistar rats were caudally treated with zoledronic acid (ZOL) and to ozone therapy before extraction (prevention, POG), after extraction (treatment, TOG), or both (prevention and treatment, TPOG), and treated with saline (SAL). The animals received intramuscular fluorochrome (calcein and alizarin), and 28 days postoperatively, they were euthanized, and the tissues were subjected to microtomographic computed tomography (microCT), LASER confocal, and histomorphometric analyses. RESULTS: Micro-CT showed a higher bone volume fraction average in all groups than that in the ZOL group (P < 0.001), the ZOL group showed high porosity (P = 0.03), and trabecular separation was greater in the TOG group than in the POG group (P < 0.05). The mineral apposition rate of the POG group was high (20.46 ± 6.31) (P < 0.001), followed by the TOG group (20.32 ± 7.4). The TOG group presented the highest mean newly formed bone area (68.322 ± 25.296) compared with the ZOL group (P < 0.05), followed by the SAL group (66.039 ± 28.379) and ZOL groups (60.856 ± 28.425). CONCLUSIONS: Ozone therapy modulated alveolar bone repair in animals treated with ZOL, mainly after surgery trauma, leading to bone formation as healing tissue. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Osteonecrosis has been a challenge in dentistry, and owing to the lack of a consensus regarding therapy, studies presenting new therapies are important, and ozone has been one of the therapies explored empirically.

Effect of Vitamin D supplementation on blood pressure in hypertensive individuals with hypovitaminosis D: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

In the present study, we aimed to conduct a literature review and meta-analysis to assess the effect of Vitamin D supplementation on SBP and DBP levels in individuals with hypertension and hypovitaminosis D. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and SciELO were systematically searched for relevant publications until January 2023. The review has been registered at PROSPERO (CRD42023400035). To compare the effects of vitamin D with placebo, the mean differences with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were pooled based on the random-effects model. Subgroup analyses were performed to identify the source of heterogeneity, and assessment of study quality was conducted using the GRADE approach. Publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots and Egger's tests. In total, 14 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in this systematic review, and 11 trials were selected for meta-analysis. The data showed that Vitamin D significantly decreased SBP levels; however, it did not affect DBP levels. In subgroup analysis, Vitamin D supplementation significantly decreased in SBP in studies involving individuals over 60 years of age, with a dose greater than 400 000 IU, duration greater than 8 weeks, frequency of weekly supplementation in studies conducted in Asia. In addition, subgroup analysis revealed a significant reduction in DBP in the weekly frequency subgroups and in the studies carried out in Asia. This meta-analysis indicated that Vitamin D significantly reduced the SBP in individuals with hypertension and hypovitaminosis D. Further, well designed trials are necessary to validate these results.

Multifaceted Strategy Based on Automated Text Messaging After a Recent Heart Failure Admission: The MESSAGE-HF Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Readmissions after an index heart failure (HF) hospitalization are a major contemporary health care problem. Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of an intensive telemonitoring strategy in the vulnerable period after an HF hospitalization. Design, Setting, and Participants: This randomized clinical trial was conducted in 30 HF clinics in Brazil. Patients with left ventricular ejection fraction less than 40% and access to mobile phones were enrolled up to 30 days after an HF admission. Data were collected from July 2019 to July 2022. Intervention: Participants were randomly assigned to a telemonitoring strategy or standard care. The telemonitoring group received 4 daily short message service text messages to optimize self-care, active engagement, and early intervention. Red flags based on feedback messages triggered automatic diuretic adjustment and/or a telephone call from the health care team. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary end point was change in N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) from baseline to 180 days. A hierarchical win-ratio analysis incorporating blindly adjudicated clinical events (cardiovascular deaths and HF hospitalization) and variation in NT-proBNP was also performed. Results: Of 699 included patients, 460 (65.8%) were male, and the mean (SD) age was 61.2 (14.5) years. A total of 352 patients were randomly assigned to the telemonitoring strategy and 347 to standard care. Satisfaction with the telemonitoring strategy was excellent (net promoting score at 180 days, 78.5). HF self-care increased significantly in the telemonitoring group compared with the standard care group (score difference at 30 days, -2.21; 95% CI, -3.67 to -0.74; P = .001; score difference at 180 days, -2.08; 95% CI, -3.59 to -0.57; P = .004). Variation of NT-proBNP was similar in the telemonitoring group compared with the standard care group (telemonitoring: baseline, 2593 pg/mL; 95% CI, 2314-2923; 180 days, 1313 pg/mL; 95% CI, 1117-1543; standard care: baseline, 2396 pg/mL; 95% CI, 2122-2721; 180 days, 1319 pg/mL; 95% CI, 1114-1564; ratio of change, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.77-1.11; P = .39). Hierarchical analysis of the composite outcome demonstrated a similar number of wins in both groups (telemonitoring, 49 883 of 122 144 comparisons [40.8%]; standard care, 48 034 of 122 144 comparisons [39.3%]; win ratio, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.86-1.26). Conclusions and Relevance: An intensive telemonitoring strategy applied in the vulnerable period after an HF admission was feasible, well-accepted, and increased scores of HF self-care but did not translate to reductions in NT-proBNP levels nor improvement in a composite hierarchical clinical outcome. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04062461.

Meta-Worry, Anxiety, and Depression in the COVID-19 Pandemic (Brazil, March 2020) / Metapreocupação, Ansiedade e Depressão na Pandemia de COVID-19 (Brasil, Março de 2020)

Abstract This study evaluated the relationship between meta-worries and anxiety and depressive symptoms at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. In March 2020, 2,042 individuals, aged 18-78 years were recruited. A sociodemographic questionnaire, the 4-item Patient Health Questionnaire, and the Meta-Worry Questionnaire were administered online. Four logistic regression models were used to estimate the effects of the independent variables on anxiety and/or depressive symptoms with explained variances between 28% and 39%. Being younger, not having a steady income, perceiving oneself as sick, and having a high meta-concern level increased the chances of anxiety and/or depressive symptoms. Finally, we hope to contribute to the screening of factors associated with mental disorders in Brazil at the beginning of the pandemic.

Resumo Esta pesquisa avaliou relações entre metapreocupações e sintomas ansiosos e/ou depressivos no início da pandemia de COVID-19 no Brasil. Participaram 2042 indivíduos, entre 18 e 78 anos, na segunda quinzena de março de 2020. Um questionário sociodemográfico, o 4-item Patient Health Questionnnaire e o Meta-Worry Questionnnaire foram respondidos online. Quatro modelos de regressão logística foram utilizados para estimar o efeito das variáveis independentes nos sintomas ansiosos e/ou depressivos, com variâncias explicadas entre 28% e 39%. Ser mais jovem, não ter renda fixa, perceber-se doente e alto índice de metapreocupação aumentaram as chances de demonstrar sintomatologia ansiosa e/ou depressiva. Por fim, espera-se ter contribuído com o mapeamento de fatores associados à transtornos mentais no início da pandemia no Brasil.

Multifaceted strategy based on automated text messaging after a recent heart failure admission: the MESSAGE-HF Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE: Readmissions after an index heart failure (HF) hospitalization are a major contemporary health care problem. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of an intensive telemonitoring strategy in the vulnerable period after an HF hospitalization. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This randomized clinical trial was conducted in 30 HF clinics in Brazil. Patients with left ventricular ejection fraction less than 40% and access to mobile phones were enrolled up to 30 days after an HF admission. Data were collected from July 2019 to July 2022. INTERVENTION: Participants were randomly assigned to a telemonitoring strategy or standard care. The telemonitoring group received 4 daily short message service text messages to optimize self-care, active engagement, and early intervention. Red flags based on feedback messages triggered automatic diuretic adjustment and/or a telephone call from the health care team. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary end point was change in N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) from baseline to 180 days. A hierarchical win-ratio analysis incorporating blindly adjudicated clinical events (cardiovascular deaths and HF hospitalization) and variation in NT-proBNP was also performed. RESULTS: Of 699 included patients, 460 (65.8%) were male, and the mean (SD) age was 61.2 (14.5) years. A total of 352 patients were randomly assigned to the telemonitoring strategy and 347 to standard care. Satisfaction with the telemonitoring strategy was excellent (net promoting score at 180 days, 78.5). HF self-care increased significantly in the telemonitoring group compared with the standard care group (score difference at 30 days, -2.21; 95% CI, -3.67 to -0.74; P = .001; score difference at 180 days, -2.08; 95% CI, -3.59 to -0.57; P = .004). Variation of NT-proBNP was similar in the telemonitoring group compared with the standard care group (telemonitoring: baseline, 2593 pg/mL; 95% CI, 2314-2923; 180 days, 1313 pg/mL; 95% CI, 1117-1543; standard care: baseline, 2396 pg/mL; 95% CI, 2122-2721; 180 days, 1319 pg/mL; 95% CI, 1114-1564; ratio of change, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.77-1.11; P = .39). Hierarchical analysis of the composite outcome demonstrated a similar number of wins in both groups (telemonitoring, 49 883 of 122 144 comparisons [40.8%]; standard care, 48 034 of 122 144 comparisons [39.3%]; win ratio, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.86-1.26). CONCLUSIONS and relevance: An intensive telemonitoring strategy applied in the vulnerable period after an HF admission was feasible, well-accepted, and increased scores of HF self-care but did not translate to reductions in NT-proBNP levels nor improvement in a composite hierarchical clinical outcome.

Forecasting of secondary lead recovery from motorcycle batteries in Brazil: a contribution to waste management.

This study aims to predict the potential for secondary lead recovery from motorcycle batteries in Brazil, since this is considered the second largest category of automobiles in the country. To achieve this objective, a forecasting model based on the ARIMA methodology was applied, with input data taken from Brazilian sectorial platforms. Furthermore, an analysis of the data, of the residuals, autocorrelation tests, as well as Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Dickey-Fuller tests, were performed. The SARIMA model (3,1,0) (2,0,0)12 presented a better adaptation to the behavior of the series. The results showed that the amount of secondary lead obtained based on the forecast model will be 89,972,842.08 million tons between 2021 and 2030 (14 million tons of lead originated only from motorcycle LABs in 2021). These results show a possible insufficiency of the installed capacity to supply the amount of lead to be processed in the country, not to mention the LABs from other vehicles (light and heavy) and other emerging battery technologies from electric vehicles. In addition, an analysis was conducted on the importance of secondary lead for the economy and the dangers of illegal recycling in Brazil. In general, this study contributes to the understanding of the importance of secondary production of lead in Brazil, an important asset for a country that does not have sufficient primary production for its domestic demand. The findings may assist in several alternatives for the proper planning and management of the collection, disposal and recycling of lead, providing the Brazilian government with directions for the development of new policies related to lead recycling.

Estimation of lithium-ion battery scrap generation from electric vehicles in Brazil.

Among the diversity of electronic waste, lithium-ion batteries (LIB), specifically those used in the propulsion of electric vehicles (EV), are considered pollutants of significant impact. When not used and disposed of correctly, LIBs can cause damage of various types to health and the environment. The electrochemical instability inherent in these batteries releases toxic gases, risks explosion, and is always associated with a series of electronic circuits composed of various metals, including heavy metals. As a result of public policies to encourage vehicle electrification, the Brazilian EVs sector has shown high growth, even within an economic crisis scenario. In this sense, this study presents a model for estimating the production of electric vehicles and the generation of scrap LIBs, based on time series, combining battery life, car sales data, and the mileage profile covered by a car in Brazil. Around 700 thousand EVs are expected to be circulating in Brazil by 2030, with approximately 500 thousand LIBs to be converted into scrap by 2040. Finally, the delaying effect of the scrap generated from LIBs is highlighted, in line with the battery life, which, in the future, may have a very negative impact on waste management.

Estudo in vivo do efeito da ozonioterapia como prevenção e/ou tratamento da osteonecrose dos maxilares induzida por medicamentos / In vivo study of the effect of ozone therapy as a prevention and/or treatment of druginduced osteonecrosis of the jaws

O ozônio tem sido utilizado no processo de reparo ósseo em condições desfavoráveis, como na osteonecrose dos maxilares induzida por medicamentos (OMIM). O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a aplicação de ozonioterapia como prevenção e/ou o tratamento da OMIM. Cento e vinte ratos wistar foram distribuídos entre os grupos tratamentos: eles foram induzidos com Zoledronato e receberam ozonioterapia antes da exodontia (prevenção ­ GOP), após exodontia (tratamento ­ GOT), em ambos momentos (prevenção e tratamento ­ GOPT), um grupo não recebeu ozônio (ZOL), e outro recebeu soro fisiológico ao invés da indução (SAL). Após 14 e 28 dias pós-operatórios foram eutanasiados e as peças submetidas as análises histológicas com eosina e hematoxilina, imunoistoquímica, microtomográfica computadorizada (microCT), confocal a LASER e histomorfométrica. Em 14 dias observamos o início do reparo em GOT, assim como um epitélio presente em SAL e GOT, o mesmo ocorre em 28 dias, e uma intensa imunomarcação de osteocalcina (OC) em GOPT em 14 dias. A microCT demostrou maiores médias de BV/TV em todos grupos quando comparados a ZOL (p< 0,001), ZOL apresentou maior porosidade (p=0,03) e o espaçamento trabecular foi maior no grupo GOT quando comparado ao GOP (p< 0,05). A taxa de aposição mineral (MAR) dos grupos GOP foram maiores (21,46±14,12), seguida do grupo GOT (19,66± 13,23). GOT apresentou a maior média de %NBA (68,322±25,296), quando comparado ao grupo ZOL (p < 0,05), seguido pelo grupo SAL (66,039±28,379) e ZOL (60,856±28,425). Diante dos resultados pode-se observar que a ozonioterapia pode modular o reparo alveolar em animais induzidos com ácido zoledrônico(AU)

Ozone has been used in the bone repair process under unfavorable conditions, such as in druginduced osteonecrosis of the jaws (OMIM). The objective of this work was to evaluate the application of ozone therapy as prevention and/or treatment of OMIM. One hundred and twenty wistar rats were distributed among treatment groups: they were induced with Zoledronate and received ozone therapy before tooth extraction (prevention - GOP), after tooth extraction (treatment - GOT), at both times (prevention and treatment - GOPT), one group I did not receive ozone (ZOL), and another received saline instead of induction (SAL). After 14 and 28 days postoperatively, they were euthanized and the pieces submitted to histological analysis with eosin and hematoxylin, immunohistochemistry, computed microtomography (microCT), confocal LASER and histomorphometric analysis. In 14 days we observed the beginning of repair in GOT, as well as an epithelium present in SAL and GOT, the same occurs in 28 days, with intense immunostaining of osteocalcin (OC) in GOPT in 14 days. The microCT showed higher BV/TV means in all groups when compared to the ZOL (p< 0.001), ZOL showed greater porosity (p=0.03) and the trabecular spacing was greater in the GOT group when compared to the GOP (p< 0 .05). The mineral apposition rate (MAR) of the GOP groups were higher (21,46±14,12), followed by the GOT group (19,66± 13,23). GOT had the highest average of %NBA (68.322±25.296), when compared to the ZOL group (p < 0.05), followed by the SAL group (66.039±28.379) and ZOL (60.856±28.425). In view of the results, it can be observed that ozone therapy can modulate alveolar repair in animals induced with zoledronic acid(AU)

Estudo in vivo do efeito da ozonioterapia como prevenção e/ou tratamento da osteonecrose dos maxilares induzida por medicamentos / In vivo study of the effect of ozone therapy as a prevention and/or treatment of druginduced osteonecrosis of the jaws

O ozônio tem sido utilizado no processo de reparo ósseo em condições desfavoráveis, como na osteonecrose dos maxilares induzida por medicamentos (OMIM). O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a aplicação de ozonioterapia como prevenção e/ou o tratamento da OMIM. Cento e vinte ratos wistar foram distribuídos entre os grupos tratamentos: eles foram induzidos com Zoledronato e receberam ozonioterapia antes da exodontia (prevenção ­ GOP), após exodontia (tratamento ­ GOT), em ambos momentos (prevenção e tratamento ­ GOPT), um grupo não recebeu ozônio (ZOL), e outro recebeu soro fisiológico ao invés da indução (SAL). Após 14 e 28 dias pós-operatórios foram eutanasiados e as peças submetidas as análises histológicas com eosina e hematoxilina, imunoistoquímica, microtomográfica computadorizada (microCT), confocal a LASER e histomorfométrica. Em 14 dias observamos o início do reparo em GOT, assim como um epitélio presente em SAL e GOT, o mesmo ocorre em 28 dias, e uma intensa imunomarcação de osteocalcina (OC) em GOPT em 14 dias. A microCT demostrou maiores médias de BV/TV em todos grupos quando comparados a ZOL (p< 0,05), seguido pelo grupo SAL (66,039±28,379) e ZOL (60,856±28,425). Diante dos resultados pode-se observar que a ozonioterapia pode modular o reparo alveolar em animais induzidos com ácido zoledrônico(AU)

Ozone has been used in the bone repair process under unfavorable conditions, such as in druginduced osteonecrosis of the jaws (OMIM). The objective of this work was to evaluate the application of ozone therapy as prevention and/or treatment of OMIM. One hundred and twenty wistar rats were distributed among treatment groups: they were induced with Zoledronate and received ozone therapy before tooth extraction (prevention - GOP), after tooth extraction (treatment - GOT), at both times (prevention and treatment - GOPT), one group I did not receive ozone (ZOL), and another received saline instead of induction (SAL). After 14 and 28 days postoperatively, they were euthanized and the pieces submitted to histological analysis with eosin and hematoxylin, immunohistochemistry, computed microtomography (microCT), confocal LASER and histomorphometric analysis. In 14 days we observed the beginning of repair in GOT, as well as an epithelium present in SAL and GOT, the same occurs in 28 days, with intense immunostaining of osteocalcin (OC) in GOPT in 14 days. The microCT showed higher BV/TV means in all groups when compared to the ZOL (p< 0.05), followed by the SAL group (66.039±28.379) and ZOL (60.856±28.425). In view of the results, it can be observed that ozone therapy can modulate alveolar repair in animals induced with zoledronic acid(AU)

Bone, fat, and muscle interactions in health and disease.

Energy metabolism is a point of integration among the various organs and tissues of the human body, not only in terms of consumption of energy substrates but also because it concentrates a wide interconnected network controlled by endocrine factors. Thus, not only do tissues consume substrates, but they also participate in modulating energy metabolism. Soft mesenchymal tissues, in particular, play a key role in this process. The recognition that high energy consumption is involved in bone remodeling has been accompanied by evidence showing that osteoblasts and osteocytes produce factors that influence, for example, insulin sensitivity and appetite. Additionally, there are significant interactions between muscle, adipose, and bone tissues to control mutual tissue trophism. Not by chance, trophic and functional changes in these tissues go hand in hand from the beginning of an individual's development until aging. Likewise, metabolic and nutritional diseases deeply affect the musculoskeletal system and adipose tissue. The present narrative review highlights the importance of the interaction of the mesenchymal tissues for bone development and maintenance and the impact on bone from diseases marked by functional and trophic disorders of adipose and muscle tissues.

Bone, fat, and muscle interactions in health and disease

Abstract Energy metabolism is a point of integration among the various organs and tissues of the human body, not only in terms of consumption of energy substrates but also because it concentrates a wide interconnected network controlled by endocrine factors. Thus, not only do tissues consume substrates, but they also participate in modulating energy metabolism. Soft mesenchymal tissues, in particular, play a key role in this process. The recognition that high energy consumption is involved in bone remodeling has been accompanied by evidence showing that osteoblasts and osteocytes produce factors that influence, for example, insulin sensitivity and appetite. Additionally, there are significant interactions between muscle, adipose, and bone tissues to control mutual tissue trophism. Not by chance, trophic and functional changes in these tissues go hand in hand from the beginning of an individual's development until aging. Likewise, metabolic and nutritional diseases deeply affect the musculoskeletal system and adipose tissue. The present narrative review highlights the importance of the interaction of the mesenchymal tissues for bone development and maintenance and the impact on bone from diseases marked by functional and trophic disorders of adipose and muscle tissues. Arch Endocrinol Metab. 2022;66(5):611-20

A forecasting model based on ARIMA and artificial neural networks for end-OF-life vehicles.

The accelerated growth of the automotive supply network has had an immeasurable impact on the environment, especially relating to reusing and disposal of materials. The appropriate management of End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV) has become an imperative item for achieving sustainable development in the field of interest and it is, therefore, a target of special attention from global economies in recent years. Therefore, the present study aims to estimate the future generation of ELVs to assist decision making and mitigate the global impact of this type of waste on the environment. For this, a hybrid forecasting model was used, based on Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) methodology and on Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), with a set of temporal data extracted from Brazilian sectoral platforms. The results achieved point to a good convergence of the model, indicating better performance than a naive or trivial prediction. The efficiency obtained by the Nash-Sutcliffe coefficient was 98% and the expectation is that for the year 2030, approximately 5.2 million ELVs will be produced in Brazil, of which only 78 thousand units would be effectively recycled, considering the current vehicle recycling rate in the country. Considering the scarcity of information that supports decision-making in waste management in Brazil, this study may also contribute to the proposition of alternatives that favor the proper management of automotive waste, providing a reference for the formulation and implementation of policies related to ELVs in the country.

Meta-worry, anxiety, and depression in the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic: Brazil, June 2020 / Metapreocupación, ansiedad y depresión en la pandemia de coronavirus (COVID-19): Brasil, junio de 2020

Abstract Introduction Threats to mental health and psychological well-being have been considered among the most challenging dimensions to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective To track the occurrence of significant anxiety and depression symptoms and the level of worry among residents in Brazil in June 2020. Method The final sample totaled 4,805 participants from all Brazilian states. A sociodemographic and health questionnaire (with questions related to COVID-19), the translated versions of the Meta-Worry Questionnaire, and the 4-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-4) were used. Inferential analyses were computed using the Multinomial Logistic Regression (backward stepwise) in which the PHQ-4 findings were stratified into four categories: no symptoms, only anxiety symptoms, only depression symptoms, and both symptoms. Results Research findings have shown that there are characteristics that predict greater exposure to significant symptoms of anxiety and depression (gender, age, and level of worry), with level of worry being the variable with the greatest impact on the model. Discussion and conclusion These data found during the COVID-19 pandemic intra-crisis period allow for early prediction of the negative outcomes associated with the pandemic, such as common mental disorders, and allocating interventions to help people to rationally deal with the stress related to this moment, regulating their emotions, and improving their overall mental health.

Resumen Introducción Las amenazas a la salud mental y el bienestar psicológico se han considerado entre las dimensiones más desafiantes de abordar en la pandemia de COVID-19. Objetivo Rastrear la ocurrencia de síntomas significativos de ansiedad y depresión y el nivel de preocupación entre los residentes en Brasil en junio de 2020. Método La muestra final totalizó 4,805 participantes de todos los estados brasileños. Se utilizó un cuestionario sociodemográfico y de salud (con preguntas relacionadas con el COVID-19), las versiones traducidas del Cuestionario Meta-Preocupación y el Cuestionario de Salud del Paciente de 4 ítems (PHQ-4). Los análisis inferenciales se calcularon utilizando la regresión logística multinomial (backward stepwise) en la que los hallazgos de PHQ-4 se estratificaron en cuatro categorías: sin síntomas, solo síntomas de ansiedad, solo síntomas de depresión y ambos síntomas. Resultados Los hallazgos de la investigación han demostrado que existían características que predecían una mayor exposición a síntomas significativos de ansiedad y depresión (género, edad y nivel de preocupación), siendo el nivel de preocupación la variable de mayor impacto en el modelo. Discusión y conclusión Los datos finales permiten la predicción temprana de los resultados negativos asociados con la pandemia, como los trastornos mentales comunes, y la asignación de intervenciones para ayudar a las personas a enfrentar racionalmente el estrés relacionado con este momento mediante una regulación de sus emociones y un mejoramiento de su salud mental.

An Evaluation of the Effects of Photobiomodulation Therapy on the Peri-Implant Bone Healing of Implants with Different Surfaces: An In Vivo Study.

(1) Background: This study evaluates the effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy on the peri-implant bone healing of implants with a machined surface (MS) and treated surface (TS). (2) Methods: Topographic characterization of the surfaces (scanning electron microscopy [SEM]- energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy [EDX]) was performed before and after implant removal. Twenty rabbits were randomly divided into four groups: MS and TS groups (without PBM therapy) and LMS and LTS groups (with PBM therapy). After implant placement, the stability coefficient (ISQ) was measured. In the periods of 21 and 42 days, the ISQ was measured again, followed by biomechanical analysis. (3) Results: The surfaces of the TS implants showed topographic differences compared with MS implants. The ISQ values of the LMS were statistically significant when compared with those of the MS at 42 days (p < 0.001). The removal torque values of the LMS were statistically significant when compared with those of the MS at 21 days (p = 0.023) and 42 days (p = 0.023). For SEM, in general, the LMS, TS and LTS presented high bone tissue coverage when compared to MS. (4) Conclusions: The PBM therapy modulated the osseointegration process and was evidenced mainly on the machined surface.

Bioactive Natural Products against Systemic Arterial Hypertension: A Past 20-Year Systematic and Prospective Review.

Background: Systemic arterial hypertension is one of the most common cardiovascular risks, corresponding to 45% of deaths involving CVDs. The use of natural products, such as medicinal plants, belongs to a millennial part of human therapeutics history and has been employed as an alternative anti-hypertensive treatment. Objective: The present review aims to prospect some natural products already experimentally assayed against arterial hypertension through scientific virtual libraries and patent documents over the past 20 years. Search strategy. This is a systematic review of the adoption of the PRISMA protocol and a survey of the scientific literature that synthesizes the results from published articles between 2001 and 2020 concerning the use of medicinal plants in the management of hypertension, including which parts of the plant or organism are used, as well as the mechanisms of action underlying the anti-hypertensive effect. Furthermore, a technological prospection was also carried out in patent offices from different countries in order to check technologies based on natural products claimed for the treatment or prevention of hypertension. Inclusion criteria. Scientific articles where a natural product had been experimentally assayed for anti-hypertensive activity (part of plants, plant extracts, and products derived from other organisms) were included. Data extraction and analysis. The selected abstracts of the articles and patent documents were submitted to a rigorous reading process. Those articles and patents that were not related to anti-hypertensive effects and claimed potential applications were excluded from the search. Results: Eighty specimens of biological species that showed anti-hypertensive activity were recovered, with 01 representative from the kingdom Fungi and 02 from the kingdom Protista, with emphasis on the families Asteraceae and Lamiaceae, with 6 representatives each. Leaves and aerial parts were the most used parts of the plants for the extraction of anti-hypertensive products, with maceration being the most used extraction method. Regarding phytochemical analyses, the most described classes of biomolecules in the reviewed works were alkaloids, terpenes, coumarins, flavonoids, and peptides, with the reduction of oxidative stress and the release of NO among the mechanisms of action most involved in this process. Regarding the number of patent filings, China was the country that stood out as the main one, with 813 registrations. Conclusion: The anti-hypertensive activity of natural products is still little explored in Western countries. Besides, China and India have shown more results in this area than other countries, confirming the strong influence of traditional medicine in these countries.

Effects of "Bacuri" Seed Butter (Platonia insignis Mart.), a Brazilian Amazon Fruit, on Oxidative Stress and Diabetes Mellitus-Related Parameters in STZ-Diabetic Rats.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of oral administration of Platonia insignis Mart. ("bacuri") seed butter (BSB) on oxidative stress and diabetes mellitus-related parameters in streptozotocin-induced (STZ) diabetic rats. Diabetes mellitus was induced in female Wistar rats (180-250 g) by the intraperitoneal administration of STZ (45 mg/kg, b.w). BSB (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) was administered to animals for four weeks. The effect on weight gain, food intake, blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, hepatic transaminases, plasma and liver TBARS and MPO activity, erythrocyte SOD activity, non-protein sulfhydryl groups (SH-NP), and histopathology of the liver tissue was investigated. BSB at the dose of 100 mg/kg had a positive effect on the reduction in glycated hemoglobin percentage and increased albumin concentration, as well as decreased ALT and AST levels and increased SH-NP liver levels in treated animals compared to normal control rats. Moreover, BSB had no effects on weight gain, food intake, and fasting glucose. Thus, the BSB presented marked properties in improvement of hepatic antioxidant defenses, which demonstrates BSB as a potential hepatoprotective agent in metabolic disorders.

"A lack of information keeps us from medicine, well-being, harmony ": a mixed method study with plaintiffs requesting medicines in administrative cases. / "A falta de informação nos afasta do remédio, do bem-estar, da harmonia...": estudo de método misto com demandantes de medicamentos pela via administrativa.

The need to request public health managers to ensure the right of access to medicines characterizes an administrative case and the method to do so is called the administrative route. This mixed method study aimed to analyze the perceptions of plaintiffs requesting medications by the administrative route about barriers to access medicines in the Brazilian public health sector. Data were gathered through focus groups and questionnaires. The results point to the interdependence of pharmaceutical services with the interfacing areas to ensure access. The barriers related to individuals reflect the commitment to develop citizenship, justifying the cost of the medicine to motivate the demand. Barriers to service provision include irregular availability of medicines, insufficient resources, and unsatisfactory quality of services. The difficulty in obtaining medical consultations and prescriptions originating in the public sector are barriers to the health sector. The barriers above the health sector are compliance with administrative procedures, corruption, and clientelism. The administrative route intensifies inequities in access to healthcare in Brazil.

A necessidade de recorrer ao gestor público de saúde para efetivar o direito ao acesso a medicamentos caracteriza a via administrativa. O estudo analisou as percepções dos usuários que acionaram a via administrativa sobre as barreiras para o acesso a medicamentos no setor público de saúde de uma capital brasileira. Foi realizado estudo de método misto com grupo focal, questionário com demandantes e descrição dos medicamentos demandados pela via administrativa. Os resultados apontam a interdependência da assistência farmacêutica com as áreas de interfaceamento para a garantia do acesso. As barreiras relativas aos indivíduos refletem o comprometimento do desenvolvimento da cidadania, justificando o custo do medicamento motivar a demanda. As barreiras à prestação dos serviços contemplam disponibilidade irregular dos medicamentos, insuficiência de recursos e qualidade insatisfatória dos serviços. A dificuldade para conseguir consultas médicas e a exigência da prescrição originada no setor público são barreiras ao setor saúde. As barreiras acima do setor saúde são cumprimento dos procedimentos administrativos, corrupção e clientelismo. A via administrativa intensifica as iniquidades no acesso à saúde no Brasil.

"A falta de informação nos afasta do remédio, do bem-estar, da harmonia... ": estudo de método misto com demandantes de medicamentos pela via administrativa / "A lack of information keeps us from medicine, well-being, harmony... ": a mixed method study with plaintiffs requesting medicines in administrative cases

Resumo A necessidade de recorrer ao gestor público de saúde para efetivar o direito ao acesso a medicamentos caracteriza a via administrativa. O estudo analisou as percepções dos usuários que acionaram a via administrativa sobre as barreiras para o acesso a medicamentos no setor público de saúde de uma capital brasileira. Foi realizado estudo de método misto com grupo focal, questionário com demandantes e descrição dos medicamentos demandados pela via administrativa. Os resultados apontam a interdependência da assistência farmacêutica com as áreas de interfaceamento para a garantia do acesso. As barreiras relativas aos indivíduos refletem o comprometimento do desenvolvimento da cidadania, justificando o custo do medicamento motivar a demanda. As barreiras à prestação dos serviços contemplam disponibilidade irregular dos medicamentos, insuficiência de recursos e qualidade insatisfatória dos serviços. A dificuldade para conseguir consultas médicas e a exigência da prescrição originada no setor público são barreiras ao setor saúde. As barreiras acima do setor saúde são cumprimento dos procedimentos administrativos, corrupção e clientelismo. A via administrativa intensifica as iniquidades no acesso à saúde no Brasil.

Abstract The need to request public health managers to ensure the right of access to medicines characterizes an administrative case and the method to do so is called the administrative route. This mixed method study aimed to analyze the perceptions of plaintiffs requesting medications by the administrative route about barriers to access medicines in the Brazilian public health sector. Data were gathered through focus groups and questionnaires. The results point to the interdependence of pharmaceutical services with the interfacing areas to ensure access. The barriers related to individuals reflect the commitment to develop citizenship, justifying the cost of the medicine to motivate the demand. Barriers to service provision include irregular availability of medicines, insufficient resources, and unsatisfactory quality of services. The difficulty in obtaining medical consultations and prescriptions originating in the public sector are barriers to the health sector. The barriers above the health sector are compliance with administrative procedures, corruption, and clientelism. The administrative route intensifies inequities in access to healthcare in Brazil.

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Brazilian adults in the last 10 years: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: A cluster of interconnected cardiometabolic risk factors characterizes metabolic Syndrome (MS). The prevalence of MS is increasing worldwide, but there is not a meta-analysis of this prevalence in the Brazilian population. We aimed to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among adult general population in Brazil through a meta­analysis study. METHODS: Original research studies were searched at PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and SciELO databases, from 2011 to 2021. We used the Joanna Briggs Institute tool to assess the quality of included studies. The random effect model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of MS. Subgroup and meta-regression analysis were conducted for explored heterogeneity and used the Funnel Plot and Egger's test to assess publication bias. The study was performed based on the criteria of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA). RESULTS: The search in electronic databases identified 1598 records. From this total, 26 studies were eligible to be included in the final analysis. The overall pooled prevalence among the general population of Brazil was 33% with high heterogeneity observed. By gender, the prevalences were 26% in males and 38% in females. By criteria that was used to define MS, the prevalence were 31% in NCEP ATP III, 25% in JIS, 37% in IDF/NHLBI/AHA/WHF/IAS/IASO and 33% in IDF criteria. The prevalence in different habitat was 34% in urban, 15% in rural, 28% in quilombola and 37% in indigenous. In different regions was 37% in the South, 30% in Southeast, 38% in North, 31% in Northeast and 39% in Midwest. The pooled prevalence of MS with age was < 45 years: 43% and ≥ 45 years: 42% and the prevalence based on year of study implementation was 31% in 2015-2019, 35% in 2010-2014 and 28% in 2005-2009. There were no statistically significant differences between subgroups. Most of the studies showed high quality assessment criteria's except adequate sample size criteria and many studies participants were not sampled in an appropriate way. CONCLUSIONS: Our review indicates a high prevalence of MS in the healthy Brazilian adult population, when compared to others countries and with a world estimate.