Association of Alcohol Consumption with Cognition and Functionality in Older Adults Aged 75+ Years: The Pietà Study.

The relationship between alcohol consumption and cognition is still controversial. This is a cross-sectional population-based study conducted in Caeté (MG), Brazil, where 602 individuals aged 75+ years, 63.6% female, and with a mean education of 2.68 years, were submitted to thorough clinical assessments and categorized according to the number of alcoholic beverages consumed weekly. The prevalence rates of previous and current alcohol consumption were 34.6% and 12.3%, respectively. No association emerged between cognitive diagnoses and current/previous alcohol consumption categories. Considering current alcohol intake as a dichotomous variable, the absence of alcohol consumption was associated with dementia (OR = 2.34; 95%CI: 1.39-3.90) and worse functionality (p = 0.001). Previous consumption of cachaça (sugar cane liquor) increased the risk of dementia by 2.52 (95%CI: 1.25-5.04). The association between the consumption of cachaça and dementia diagnosis has not been described before.

14-Week exercise training modifies the DNA methylation levels at gene sites in non-Alzheimer's disease women aged 50 to 70 years.

Exercise training emerges as a key strategy in lifestyle modification, capable of reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD) due to risk factors such as age, family history, genetics and low level of education associated with AD. We aim to analyze the effect of a 14-week combined exercise training (CT) on the methylation of genes associated with AD in non-alzheimer's disease women. CT sessions lasted 60 min, occurring three times a week for 14 weeks. Forty non-Alzheimer's disease women aged 50 to 70 years (60.7 ± 4.1 years) with a mean height of 1.6 ± 0.1 m, mean weight of 73.12 ± 9.0 kg and a mean body mass index of 29.69 ± 3.5 kg/m2, underwent two physical assessments: pre and post the 14 weeks. DNA methylation assays utilized the EPIC Infinium Methylation BeadChip from Illumina. We observed that 14 weeks of CT led to reductions in systolic (p = 0.001) and diastolic (p = 0.017) blood pressure and improved motor skills post-intervention. Among 25 genes linked to AD, CT induced differentially methylated sites in 12 genes, predominantly showing hypomethylated sites (negative ß values). Interestingly, despite hypomethylated sites, some genes exhibited hypermethylated sites (positive ß values), such as ABCA7, BDNF, and WWOX. A 14-week CT regimen was adequate to induce differential methylation in 12 CE-related genes in healthy older women, alongside improvements in motor skills and blood pressure. In conclusion, this study suggest that combined training can be a strategy to improve physical fitness in older individuals, especially able to induce methylation alterations in genes sites related to development of AD. It is important to highlight that training should act as protective factor in older adults.

Fourteen weeks of multicomponent training associated with flexibility training modifies postural alignment, joint range of motion and modulates blood pressure in physically inactive older women: a randomized clinical trial.

Background: Body relaxation and pain reduction are some of the reported benefits of flexibility training (through active stretching exercises), however their effects on posture and blood circulation are uncertain. We aimed to investigate the effects of flexibility training (through active stretching exercises) in combination with multicomponent training (MT) on blood pressure (BP), and the correlation with changes in body alignment and flexibility in physically inactive women. Methods: Women aged 60-70 years were into three groups: multicomponent training group (MT), multicomponent training plus flexibility training group (FT), and control group (CG). After randomization, the resting blood pressure was measured and the participants were reallocated into subgroups according to pressure values >130/80 mmHg (This classification is according to the American Heart Association (AHA), resulting in the subgroups: flexibility training (FT); flexibility training for hypertensive patients (FTSAH); multicomponent training (MT); multicomponent training for hypertensive patients (MTSAH); control group (CG); control group of hypertensive patients (CGSAH). The interventions lasted 14 weeks. Systolic (sBP) and diastolic (dBP) BP, range of motion (flexion and extension), and postural analysis by asymmetry in the frontal plane and asymmetry in the sagittal plane, displacement and the flexibility test were collected before (Pre) and after training (Post). In total, 141 women participated in the study (without SAH: FT = 23, MT = 20, and CG = 21; with SAH: FTSAH = 28, MTSAH = 23, and CGSAH = 26). Results: Systolic blood pressure, in the pre and post moments were: FT (116 ± 6.7 vs. 114 ± 4.7); FTSAH (144 ± 16.5 vs. 121 ± 10.1); MT: (120 ± 6.8 vs. 121 ± 7.3); MTSAH: (137 ± 10.6 vs. 126 ± 13.0); CG: (122 ± 5.3 vs. 133 ± 19.2); and CGSAH: (140 ± 9.7 vs. 143 ± 26.2), presenting an F value (p-value - group x time) of 12.00 (<0.001), with improvement in the groups who trained. The diastolic blood pressure in the pre and post moments were: FT (71 ± 4.7 vs. 74 ± 6.8); FTSAH (88 ± 9.6 vs. 70 ± 12.0); MT: (74 ± 4.5 vs. 77 ± 11.7); MTSAH: (76 ± 10.4 vs. 76 ± 10.2); CG: (69 ± 7.11 vs. 82 ± 11.4); and CGSAH: (76 ± 13.4 vs. 86.6 ± 7.7), presenting an F value (p-value - group x time) of 8.00 (p < 0.001), with improvement in the groups who trained. In the Elastic Net Regression, sBP was influenced by height (ß: -0.044); hip flexion (ß: 0.071); Shoulder extension (ß: 0.104); low back flexion (ß: 0.119) and dBP (ß: 0.115). In the Elastic Net Regression, dBP was influenced by asymmetry in the sagittal plane variables (0.040); asymmetry in the frontal plane (ß: 0.007); knee flexion (ß: -0.398); BM (ß: 0.007); Shoulder flexion (ß: -0.142); Hip flexion (ß: -0.004); sBP (ß: 0.155) and Ankle Flexion (ß: -0.001). Conclusion: The displacement of the asymmetry in the frontal plane and asymmetry in the sagittal plane, and the increase in the flexion position in the hip, lumbar, head, and knee regions, influenced the highest-pressure levels. Multicomponent training associated with flexibility training promoted improvement in body alignment, COM, and joint angles, and decreased blood pressure.

Older postmenopausal women with lower lean mass have hypermethylated sites in the PI3K-Akt pathway.

Introduction: The decrease in lean mass is directly related to the loss of independence, muscle strength, and worse quality of life over the years. Although the genetic determinants of muscle mass were well recognized, recent literature has been uncovering new epigenetic factors affecting the state of muscular tissue. This study aimed to verify differences in the DNA methylation profile among Brazilian postmenopausal women aged 50-70 years according to the lean mass evaluation. Methods: A cross-sectional study comprised 40 women aged 50-70 years. After K-means cluster analysis the 40 participants were divided into two groups, the Lower Lean Mass group with 20 participants (61.1 ± 4.6 years) and the Higher Lean Mass group with 20 participants (60.7 ± 3.2 years). Lean mass was measured by dual-energy X-ray emission densitometry (DEXA). The participants' DNA was extracted using the Salting Out technique and subsequently, the Illumina 850k EPIC Infinium Methylation BeadChip was performed to obtain methylation data. Results: We obtained 1,913 differentially methylated sites (p ≤ 0.005 of ß > 5% and ß < -5%) in a total of 979 genes between groups (p ≤ 0.005; -5% > ß > 5%). In addition, the PI3K-Akt pathway had the greatest power of significance with an FDR of 4.6 × 10-3. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate a differentiation between specific sites of different genes, which have essential functions in body composition and energy metabolism, supporting future studies that aim to relate lean mass with epigenetics.

Effect of Gestational Fish Oil Supplementation on Liver Metabolism and Mitochondria of Male and Female Rat Offspring Programmed by Maternal High-Fat Diet.

SCOPE: Perinatal maternal moderately high-fat diet (mHFD) is associated with obesity and fatty liver disease in offspring, and maternal fish oil (FO: n-3 PUFA source) supplementation may attenuate these disorders. This study evaluates the effects of FO given to pregnant rats fed a mHFD on the offspring's liver at weaning. METHODS AND RESULTS: Female Wistar rats receive an isoenergetic, control (CT: 10.9% from fat) or high-fat (HF: 28.7% from fat) diet before mating, and throughout pregnancy and lactation. FO supplementation (HFFO: 2.9% of FO in the HF diet) is given to one subgroup of HF dams during pregnancy. At weaning, male and female mHFD offspring display higher body mass, adiposity, and hepatic cellular damage, steatosis, and inflammation, accompanied by increased damaged mitochondria. FO does not protect pups from systemic metabolic alterations and partially mitigates hepatic histological damage induced by mHFD only in females. However, FO reduces mRNA expression of lipogenic genes, and mitochondrial damage, and modified mitochondrial morphology suggestive of early adaptations via mitochondrial dynamics. CONCLUSIONS: Gestational FO supplementation has limited beneficial effects on the damage caused by perinatal mHFD consumption in offspring's liver at weaning. However, FO imprinting effect on lipid metabolism and mitochondria may have beneficial long-term outcomes.

Comparing Fourteen Weeks of Multicomponent Training Versus Combined Training in Physically Inactive Older Women: A Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: Combined (CT) and multicomponent training (MT) presents several benefits for aging individuals. However, the literature does not provide evidence on which of the two physical training models can better enhance improvements in physical capacity and health parameters in middle-aged and older women. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of MT and CT on physical capacity, cognitive, behavioral, and psychosocial assessment, and biochemical profile of physically inactive women aged between 50 and 70 years. METHODS: Participants were randomized into two groups: MT (32 women, 64.2 ± 6.4 years) and CT (39 women, 61.4 ± 4.3 years). Both training sessions had a weekly volume of 180 min, for 14 weeks, with assessments at baseline and after the training period. RESULTS: CT showed better results when compared to MT. In the four evaluation blocks, we noticed differences in the effect size (L = large, M = moderate, S = small, and T = trivial) between the groups in 26 variables in total, highlighting the CT group (L = 11, M = 5, S = 2, and T = 8) compared to the MT group (L = 8, M = 7, S = 7, and T = 4). Our findings showed group-time differences for strength variables using the maximum dynamic repetition test in upper and lower limbs and for agility. The multicomponent training showed improvement in the functional strength of the upper limbs evaluated through the elbow flexion and extension test (p = 0.037), and HDL (p = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS: Fourteen weeks of CT showed better benefits when compared to MT.

14-weeks combined exercise epigenetically modulated 118 genes of menopausal women with prediabetes.

Background: Pre-diabetes precedes Diabetes Mellitus (DM) disease and is a critical period for hyperglycemia treatment, especially for menopausal women, considering all metabolic alterations due to hormonal changes. Recently, the literature has demonstrated the role of physical exercise in epigenetic reprogramming to modulate the gene expression patterns of metabolic conditions, such as hyperglycemia, and prevent DM development. In the present study, we hypothesized that physical exercise training could modify the epigenetic patterns of women with poor glycemic control. Methods: 48 post-menopause women aged 60.3 ± 4.5 years were divided according to their fasting blood glucose levels into two groups: Prediabetes Group, PG (n=24), and Normal Glucose Group, NGG (n=24). All participants performed 14 weeks of physical exercise three times a week. The Infinium Methylation EPIC BeadChip measured the participants' Different Methylated Regions (DMRs). Results: Before the intervention, the PG group had 12 DMRs compared to NGG. After the intervention, five DMRs remained different. Interestingly, when comparing the PG group before and after training, 118 DMRs were found. The enrichment analysis revealed that the genes were related to different biological functions such as energy metabolism, cell differentiation, and tumor suppression. Conclusion: Physical exercise is a relevant alternative in treating hyperglycemia and preventing DM in post-menopause women with poor glycemic control.

Caffeine intake and its influences on heart rate variability recovery in healthy active adults after exercise: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIMS: Results regarding the effects of caffeine (CAF) intake on the autonomic control of heart rate recovery exercise remain inconclusive. Thus far, no study has used effect measures to pool the results of different experiments. We aim to assess the acute effect of CAF intake before exercise on the recovery of heart rate variability (HRV) after exercise through a systematic review and meta-analysis. DATA SYNTHESIS: Randomized controlled clinical trials were included; sample composed of physically active or trained adults; CAF should be offered/ingested before exercise, with dosage between 100 and 400 mg or between 2 and 6 mg/kg and administration/ingestion route analogous in the protocols; studies required to present results of HRV indices before and after exercise. Bias risk analysis and meta-analysis were performed. Twelve studies were included in the qualitative synthesis and five studies were encompassed in the quantitative synthesis (meta-analysis). For the Root-mean-square standard deviation (RMSSD) index we revealed p = 0.67, Total 95% confidence interval (95% CI) ranged from -0.45 to 0.29, and 66.7% for heterogeneity between groups were reported. Concerning the High Frequency (HF) index, we observed p = 0.22, Total 95% CI that ranged from -0.34 to 0.30, and 44% for heterogeneity between groups. CONCLUSIONS: CAF intake did not affect heart rate variability recovery after exercise.

Superior Conjugative Plasmids Delivered by Bacteria to Diverse Fungi.

Fungi are nature's recyclers, allowing for ecological nutrient cycling and, in turn, the continuation of life on Earth. Some fungi inhabit the human microbiome where they can provide health benefits, while others are opportunistic pathogens that can cause disease. Yeasts, members of the fungal kingdom, have been domesticated by humans for the production of beer, bread, and, recently, medicine and chemicals. Still, the great untapped potential exists within the diverse fungal kingdom. However, many yeasts are intractable, preventing their use in biotechnology or in the development of novel treatments for pathogenic fungi. Therefore, as a first step for the domestication of new fungi, an efficient DNA delivery method needs to be developed. Here, we report the creation of superior conjugative plasmids and demonstrate their transfer via conjugation from bacteria to 7 diverse yeast species including the emerging pathogen Candida auris. To create our superior plasmids, derivatives of the 57 kb conjugative plasmid pTA-Mob 2.0 were built using designed gene deletions and insertions, as well as some unintentional mutations. Specifically, a cluster mutation in the promoter of the conjugative gene traJ had the most significant effect on improving conjugation to yeasts. In addition, we created Golden Gate assembly-compatible plasmid derivatives that allow for the generation of custom plasmids to enable the rapid insertion of designer genetic cassettes. Finally, we demonstrated that designer conjugative plasmids harboring engineered restriction endonucleases can be used as a novel antifungal agent, with important applications for the development of next-generation antifungal therapeutics.

Effects of Combined Versus Multicomponent Training in Physically Active Women Aged 50-75 Years.

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the effects of combined training (CT) and multicomponent training (MT) on different health parameters in physically active women aged between 50 and 75 years. Method: The participants were randomly divided into two training groups (CT and MT), lasting 180 min per week, for 14 consecutive weeks of training with the level of physical activity, anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, strength, cardiorespiratory skills, coordination, flexibility, agility, and quality of life. Results: Participants who underwent CT and MT training showed positive responses regarding the assessment of body mass, waist circumference, lower limb resistance and strength, upper limb strength, and mental domain related to the quality of life. However, only participants undergoing CT were able to increase agility and cardiorespiratory capacities. Conclusion: 14 weeks of CT were more efficient to improve physical capacities in physically active women aged between 50 and 75 years when compared to MT.

Quality of Life and a Surveillant Endocannabinoid System.

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is an important brain modulatory network. ECS regulates brain homeostasis throughout development, from progenitor fate decision to neuro- and gliogenesis, synaptogenesis, brain plasticity and circuit repair, up to learning, memory, fear, protection, and death. It is a major player in the hypothalamic-peripheral system-adipose tissue in the regulation of food intake, energy storage, nutritional status, and adipose tissue mass, consequently affecting obesity. Loss of ECS control might affect mood disorders (anxiety, hyperactivity, psychosis, and depression), lead to drug abuse, and impact neurodegenerative (Alzheimer's, Parkinson, Huntington, Multiple, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) and neurodevelopmental (autism spectrum) disorders. Practice of regular physical and/or mind-body mindfulness and meditative activities have been shown to modulate endocannabinoid (eCB) levels, in addition to other players as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). ECS is involved in pain, inflammation, metabolic and cardiovascular dysfunctions, general immune responses (asthma, allergy, and arthritis) and tumor expansion, both/either in the brain and/or in the periphery. The reason for such a vast impact is the fact that arachidonic acid, a precursor of eCBs, is present in every membrane cell of the body and on demand eCBs synthesis is regulated by electrical activity and calcium shifts. Novel lipid (lipoxins and resolvins) or peptide (hemopressin) players of the ECS also operate as regulators of physiological allostasis. Indeed, the presence of cannabinoid receptors in intracellular organelles as mitochondria or lysosomes, or in nuclear targets as PPARγ might impact energy consumption, metabolism and cell death. To live a better life implies in a vigilant ECS, through healthy diet selection (based on a balanced omega-3 and -6 polyunsaturated fatty acids), weekly exercises and meditation therapy, all of which regulating eCBs levels, surrounded by a constructive social network. Cannabidiol, a diet supplement has been a major player with anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, antidepressant, and antioxidant activities. Cognitive challenges and emotional intelligence might strengthen the ECS, which is built on a variety of synapses that modify human behavior. As therapeutically concerned, the ECS is essential for maintaining homeostasis and cannabinoids are promising tools to control innumerous targets.

Physical exercise increases global and gene-specific (interleukin-17 and interferon-γ) DNA methylation in lymphocytes from aged women.

NEW FINDINGS: What is the central question of this study? Is lymphocyte DNA methylation differentially modulated by resistance training and aerobic exercise in older women? What is the main finding and its importance? The practice of resistance training led to an increased global DNA methylation in lymphocytes. The exercise-induced increase of inflammatory genes methylation may be associated with immune function impairment during ageing. ABSTRACT: Ageing-induced increase in inflammatory gene expression through a reduction in DNA methylation might contribute to chronic diseases. Regular physical exercise practices, in turn, are associated with a decrease in the incidence of inflammatory diseases. We herein evaluated the effects of three exercise modalities on lymphocyte global and gene-specific (interferon γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin 17A (IL-17A) DNA methylation in aged women (68 ± 7.5 years). This cross-sectional study included 86 women, divided into four groups according to the physical exercise practice: 20 were practicing resistance training (RT); 24 were practicing water aerobics exercise (W); 22 were practicing water aerobics and resistance exercise (RWT), and 20 did not practice any physical exercise (CON). We evaluated volunteer functional capability using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, global lymphocyte DNA methylation by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, IFN-γ and IL-17A methylation by qPCR and CD4+ IFN-γ+ and CD4+ IL-17+ cell percentage by flow cytometry. The three physically exercised groups performed functional capability tests in a shorter period and showed a higher global lymphocyte DNA methylation and methylated CpGs of IL-17A and IFN-γ promoter regions than the control group. The practice of resistance training (RT and RWT groups) lead to high global DNA methylation. The combination of resistance training and aerobic exercise led to the increase of lymphocyte IL-17A and IFN-γ gene methylation induced by each separately. However, the percentage of IFN-γ+ and IL-17+ cells was lower only in the RT group. The exercise-induced increase of inflammatory-gene methylation may be associated with gene expression changes and immune function impairment during ageing.

Features of Neutrophils From Atopic and Non-Atopic Elite Endurance Runners.

We collected peripheral blood from thirty-nine elite male endurance runners at rest (24 hours after the last exercise session) and used the Allergy Questionnaire for Athletes score and plasma specific IgE level to separate them into atopic and non-atopic athletes. Neutrophils obtained from atopic and non-atopic athletes were subsequently stimulated in vitro with fMLP (N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine), LPS (lipopolysaccharide), or PMA (phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate). Neutrophils from non-atopic runners responded appropriately to LPS, as evidenced by the production of pro (IL-8, TNF-α, and IL-6) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines. Neutrophils from atopic elite runners exhibited lower responses to LPS stimulus as indicated by no increase in IL-1ß, TNF-α, and IL-6 production. Neutrophils from non-atopic and atopic runners responded similarly to fMLP stimulation, indicating that migration function remained unaltered. Both groups were unresponsive to PMA induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Training hours and training volume were not associated with neutrophil IgE receptor gene expression or any evaluated neutrophil function. Since non-atopic runners normally responded to LPS stimulation, the reduced neutrophil response to the stimuli was most likely due to the atopic state and not exercise training. The findings reported are of clinical relevance because atopic runners exhibit a constant decline in competition performance and are more susceptible to invading microorganisms.

Quality of Movement Is Associated With Cognitive Function in Physically Inactive Older Women.

The relationship between the quality of movement, considering different global and universal basic patterns of movement and cognition domains in older adults remain unclear. The current study explored this association in physically inactive older women. In total, 187 participants, aged 60-70 years (mean = 64.9, SD = 6.9 years), were recruited from a physical education program in a public university. The older adults performed the following tests: Functional Movement Screen, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and Modified Baecke Questionnaire for the Older Adults. The regression analysis showed an association between age (ß = -0.11, 95% confidence interval, CI, [-0.10, 0.30], p = .03); visuospatial abilities (ß = 0.36, 95% CI [0.24, 1.23], p < .001); language (ß = 0.23, 95% CI [0.20, 1.08], p < .001); and orientation domains (ß = 0.13, 95% CI [0.11, 1.22], p = .016) of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment and the Functional Movement Screen. The quality of movement was related to both age and cognitive performance, such as the visuospatial abilities, language, and orientation domains, in physically inactive older women.

COVID Health Structure Index: The Vulnerability of Brazilian Microregions.

Many developing countries have highly unequal health systems across their regions. The pandemic of COVID-19 brought an additional challenge, as hospital structures equipped with doctors, intensive care units and respirators are not available to a sufficient extent in all regions. Using Data Envelopment Analysis, we create a COVID Index to verify whether the hospital structures in 543 Brazilian microregions are adequate to deal with COVID-19 and to verify whether public policies were implemented in the right direction. The results indicate that hospital structures in the poorest microregions were the most vulnerable, although the peak of COVID-19 occurred in the richest microregions (Sao Paulo). The Southeast states could relocate hospital resources or even patients between their regions. The relocation was not possible in many states in the Northeast, as the health system poorly assisted the interior of these states. These findings reveal that the heterogeneity of microregions' hospital structures follows the patterns of socioeconomic inequalities. We conclude that it is easier for the wealthier regions to reallocate hospital resources internally than for the poorest regions. By using the COVID Index, policymakers and hospital managers have straightforward information to decide which regions must receive new investments and reallocate underutilized resources.

Diabetes and impaired fasting glucose in a population-based sample of individuals aged 75 + years: associations with cognition, major depressive disorder, functionality and quality of life-the Pietà study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the rates of diabetes mellitus (DM) and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) in a population-based sample of individuals aged 75 + years old and their associations with cognitive performance, depression, functionality, and quality of life (QoL). STUDY DESIGN: Overall, 350 people participated in the study. Assessments of cognition, mood, functionality and QoL were performed using the mini-mental state examination (MMSE), clock-drawing, category fluency tests, the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview, Pfeffer's Functional Activities Questionnaire, and the WHO Quality of Life-Old (WHOQOL-OLD). RESULTS: IFG (ADA criteria) was identified in 42.1% of the sample, while the DM rate was 24.1%. Lack of knowledge of the DM diagnosis and lack of treatment occurred in 27% and 39% of the sample, respectively. Rates of dementia and depression, MMSE, category fluency scores, and previous cardiovascular events did not differ between the glycaemic groups. Individuals with DM performed worse on the clock-drawing test, functionality, and WHOQOL-OLD than the other participants. Individuals with IFG presented similar QoL and functionality when compared with the group without DM. CONCLUSIONS: IFG and DM were common in this population-based sample aged 75 + years old, as were inadequate diagnoses and treatments of DM. DM individuals presented poor performance in the executive function test, functionality, and QoL. Further studies are recommended to investigate the value of an IFG diagnosis among the most elderly population.

Antibacterial efficacy and discolouration potential of antibiotic pastes with macrogol for regenerative endodontic therapy.

This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy and discolouration potential of antibiotic pastes containing macrogol. Seventy single-rooted teeth were contaminated with a culture of Enterococcus faecalis for 30 days. Double (DAP) and triple antibiotic pastes (TAP) containing propylene glycol or macrogol as vehicles were applied. After 15 days, bacterial viability was compared. Change in teeth coronal colour was measured by a spectrophotometer. Statistical analysis was performed using anova and Tukey's test (P < 0.05). TAP containing clindamycin and propylene glycol was the only medicament that led to the presence of contamination, while the same combination of antibiotics containing macrogol did not result in bacterial growth (P < 0.05). Only the pastes containing minocycline in formulation resulted in coronal discolouration (P < 0.05). Both DAPs evaluated and the TAP containing clindamycin and macrogol showed to be the preferable options for regenerative endodontic therapy, as they were effective against E. faecalis biofilm and did not promote tooth discolouration.

Maternal high-fat diet up-regulates type-1 cannabinoid receptor with estrogen signaling changes in a sex- and depot- specific manner in white adipose tissue of adult rat offspring.

PURPOSE: Obesity and high-fat (HF) diet are associated with over activation of the endocannabinoid system (ECS). We have demonstrated that maternal HF diet induces early obesity and modulates cannabinoid signaling in visceral (VIS) and subcutaneous (SUB) white adipose tissue (WAT) in weanling rat offspring. We hypothesized that perinatal maternal HF diet would program the expression of ECS in adipose tissue in a long-term way in parallel to alterations in epigenetic markers and sex hormone signaling. METHODS: Progenitor female rats received control diet (C, 9% fat) or isocaloric high-fat diet (HF, 28% fat) for 8 weeks before mating, gestation, and lactation. All pups were weaned to C diet and they were euthanized at 180 days old. RESULTS: Maternal HF diet induced overweight and increased SUB WAT mass of male and female adult offspring. Maternal HF diet induced hypertrophy of VIS and SUB adipocytes only in female offspring associated with increased type 1 cannabinoid receptor protein (CB1) and mRNA (Cnr1) levels. These changes were associated with increased estrogen receptor α binding to Cnr1 promoter in SUB WAT of adult female offspring, which may contribute to higher expression of Cnr1. CONCLUSION: Increased CB1 signaling in adipose tissue might contribute to higher adiposity programmed by maternal HF diet because endocannabinoids stimulate the accumulation of fat in the adipose tissue. Our findings provide molecular insights into sex-specific targets for anti-obesity therapies based on the endocannabinoid system.

Public Involvement & Engagement in health inequalities research on COVID-19 pandemic: a case study of CIDACS/FIOCRUZ BAHIA.

Introduction: Health inequalities in Brazil have deepened on Covid-19 pandemic, and the most vulnerable people were the more affected. A multidisciplinary team from Cidacs/Fiocruz Bahia developed a Social Disparities Index for Covid-19 (IDS-COVID-19) to support the evaluation of effects of health inequalities on the pandemic in Brazil. Public Involvement and Engagement were the pillars of this research because they allowed us to access first hand experiences about the social context in our country. Objectives: This paper aims to describe our Public Involvement and Engagement experience by analysing our challenges, strategies, activities, results, and lessons learned during the construction of IDS-COVID-19. Methods: The basis of the IDS-Covid-19 public engagement model was the participation of different social groups through methods and techniques that allow dialogue. Several activities and communication products supported the continuous interactions. Another guideline was the inclusion and the welcoming of participants from the beginning of the project to ensure that the participant's contributions could drive decision-making about the research. Results: Participants made several contributions to the research as a new layer of information to the Index, and improvements were made to the interactive panel. They also compromised to support the dissemination and use of the product. Eight representatives of community groups and 29 policymakers participated in our engagement activities during the project. More than 500 people were in our open webinars. In addition, more than 140 news items about IDS-Covid-19 were published in national and international media. Conclusions: We highlight as lessons learned the adaptation of some dissemination formats to the public, and the necessity of being flexible and accessible to participants. We strengthened the relationship with relevant stakeholders by exploring individual conversations by phone, WhatsApp, email, and interviews to produce a documentary that registered this whole experience. Cidacs/Fiocruz Bahia has also embedded public engagement and involvement in the study agenda.

Subjective cognitive impairment, cognitive disorders and self-perceived health: The importance of the informant.

There is great divergence of results in the literature regarding the clinical relevance and etiology of subjective cognitive impairment (SCI). Currently, SCI is studied as a pre-clinical symptom of Alzheimer's disease, before establishing a possible diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The hypothesis was that SCI is associated with low cognitive performance and poor self-perceived health. OBJECTIVE: to investigate the relationship of SCI with objective cognitive impairment and self-perceived health in older individuals and to compare SCI reported by the elderly subjects and by their respective informants. METHODS: 83 subjects participated in the study, divided between the forms of the Memory Complaint Scale (MCS). Cognition was evaluated by the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination - Revised and self-perceived health by the Short Form Health Survey-8. RESULTS: there was no association between SCI and self-perceived health. SCI reported by the older adults was associated with executive functions. SCI reported by the informant was associated with overall cognitive performance, memory, verbal fluency and visuospatial functions. CONCLUSION: we found more robust results between SCI reported by the informant and cognitive impairment in the elderly assessed. There is a need to include and value the perception of someone who knows the older individual well enough to evaluate SCI globally.

Há grande divergência de resultados na literatura em relação à relevância clínica e à etiologia do comprometimento cognitivo subjetivo (CCS). Atualmente, o CCS é estudado como um sintoma pré-clínico da doença de Alzheimer, antes de se estabelecer um possível diagnóstico de CCL. A hipótese é que o CCS pode estar associado a um desempenho inferior em testes cognitivos ou a uma autopercepção de saúde ruim. OBJETIVO: O objetivo do estudo foi investigar a relação do CCS com o comprometimento cognitivo objetivo e a autopercepção de saúde em idosos e comparar o CCS relatado pelos idosos e o CCS relatado pelo informante. MÉTODOS: 83 sujeitos participaram do estudo, divididos entre as formas da Escala de Queixa de Memória para as análises. A cognição foi avaliada pelo Exame Cognitivo de Addenbrooke - Revisado e autopercepção da saúde pelo Short Form Health Survey-8. RESULTADOS: não houve associação entre CCS e autopercepção de saúde. O CCS relatado pelos idosos foi associado com funções executivas. O CCS reportado pelo informante esteve associado ao desempenho cognitivo global, memória, fluência verbal e função visual espacial. CONCLUSÃO: neste estudo encontramos resultados mais robustos entre CCS relatado pelo informante e o comprometimento cognitivo objetivo dos idosos, evidenciando a necessidade de incluir e valorizar a percepção de um indivíduo que conheça o idoso bem o suficiente para avaliar o CCS de maneira integrada.