Association of IGF-1 and IGF-2 genotypes with respiratory muscle strength in individuals with COPD: A cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a systemic disease characterized not only by respiratory symptoms but also by physical deconditioning and muscle weakness. One prominent manifestation of this disease is the decline in respiratory muscle strength. Previous studies have linked the genotypes of insulin-like growth factor 1 and 2 (IGF-1 and IGF-2) to muscle weakness in other populations without this disease. However, there is a notable knowledge gap regarding the biological mechanisms underlying respiratory muscle weakness, particularly the role of IGF-1 and IGF-2 genotypes in this pulmonary disease. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate, for the first time, the association between IGF-1 and IGF-2 genotypes with respiratory muscle strength in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In addition, we analyzed the relationship between oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and vitamin D with respiratory muscle strength. Methods: A cross sectional study with 61 individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Polymerase chain reaction of gene polymorphisms IGF-1 (rs35767) and IGF-2 (rs3213221) was analyzed. Other variables, related to oxidative stress, inflammation and Vitamin D were dosed from peripheral blood. Maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressure were measured. Results: The genetic polymorphisms were associated with respiratory muscle strength ( 3.0 and 3.5; = 0.57). Specific genotypes of IGF-1 and IGF-2 presented lower maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressure (<0.05 for all). Oxidative stress, inflammatory biomarkers, and vitamin D were not associated with respiratory muscle strength. Conclusion: The polymorphisms of IGF-1 and IGF-2 displayed stronger correlations with respiratory muscle strength compared to blood biomarkers in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Specific genotypes of IGF-1 and IGF-2 were associated with reduced respiratory muscle strength in this population.

Introducción: La enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica es una enfermedad sistémica caracterizada no solo por síntomas respiratorios, sino también por el deterioro físico y la debilidad muscular. Una manifestación destacada de esta enfermedad es el declive en la fuerza de los músculos respiratorios. Estudios previos han vinculado los genotipos de factor de crecimiento insulínico 1 y 2 (IGF-1 e IGF-2) con la debilidad muscular en poblaciones sin esta enfermedad. Sin embargo, existe un vacío de conocimiento con respecto a los mecanismos biológicos subyacentes a la debilidad de los músculos respiratorios, en particular el papel de los genotipos IGF-1 e IGF-2 en esta enfermedad pulmonar. Por lo tanto, este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar, por primera vez, la asociación de los genotipos IGF-1 e IGF-2 con la fuerza de los músculos respiratorios en individuos con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica. Además, analizamos la relación entre el estrés oxidativo, la inflamación crónica y la vitamina D con la fuerza de los músculos respiratorios. Métodos: Un estudio transversal con 61 individuos con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica. Se analizó la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa de los polimorfismos genéticos IGF-1 (rs35767) e IGF-2 (rs3213221). Otras variables relacionadas con el estrés oxidativo, la inflamación y la vitamina D se dosificaron a partir de muestras de sangre periférica. Se midieron las presiones inspiratorias y espiratorias máximas. Resultados: Los polimorfismos genéticos están asociados con la fuerza de los músculos respiratorios (F: 3.0 y 3.5; R2= 0.57). Genotipos específicos de IGF-1 e IGF-2 presentaron bajos valores en las presiones inspiratorias y espiratorias (p<0.05 en todos los casos). El estrés oxidativo, los biomarcadores inflamatorios y la vitamina D no se asociaron con la fuerza de los músculos respiratorios. Conclusión: Los polimorfismos de IGF-1 e IGF-2 mostraron correlaciones más sólidas con la fuerza de los músculos respiratorios en pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica en comparación con los biomarcadores sanguíneos. Genotipos específicos de IGF-1 e IGF-2 se asociaron con una disminución de la fuerza de los músculos respiratorios en esta población.

Association of IGF-1 and IGF-2 genotypes with respiratory muscle strength in individuals with COPD: a cross-sectional study / Asociación de los genotipos de IGF-1 e IGF-2 con la fuerza muscular respiratoria en individuos con EPOC: estudio transversal

INTRODUCTION: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a systemic disease characterized not only by respiratory symptoms but also by physical deconditioning and muscle weakness. One prominent manifestation of this disease is the decline in respiratory muscle strength. Previous studies have linked the genotypes of insulin-like growth factor 1 and 2 (IGF-1 and IGF-2) to muscle weakness in other populations without this disease. However, there is a notable knowledge gap regarding the biological mechanisms underlying respiratory muscle weakness, particularly the role of IGF-1 and IGF-2 genotypes in this pulmonary disease. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate, for the first time, the association between IGF-1 and IGF-2 genotypes with respiratory muscle strength in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In addition, we analyzed the relationship between oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and vitamin D with respiratory muscle strength. METHODS: A cross sectional study with 61 individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Polymerase chain reaction of gene polymorphisms IGF-1 (rs35767) and IGF-2 (rs3213221) was analyzed. Other variables, related to oxidative stress, inflammation and Vitamin D were dosed from peripheral blood. Maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressure were measured. RESULTS: The genetic polymorphisms were associated with respiratory muscle strength ( 3.0 and 3.5; = 0.57). Specific genotypes of IGF-1 and IGF-2 presented lower maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressure (<0.05 for all). Oxidative stress, inflammatory biomarkers, and vitamin D were not associated with respiratory muscle strength. CONCLUSION: The polymorphisms of IGF-1 and IGF-2 displayed stronger correlations with respiratory muscle strength compared to blood biomarkers in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Specific genotypes of IGF-1 and IGF-2 were associated with reduced respiratory muscle strength in this population.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica es una enfermedad sistémica caracterizada no solo por síntomas respiratorios, sino también por el deterioro físico y la debilidad muscular. Una manifestación destacada de esta enfermedad es el declive en la fuerza de los músculos respiratorios. Estudios previos han vinculado los genotipos de factor de crecimiento insulínico 1 y 2 (IGF-1 e IGF-2) con la debilidad muscular en poblaciones sin esta enfermedad. Sin embargo, existe un vacío de conocimiento con respecto a los mecanismos biológicos subyacentes a la debilidad de los músculos respiratorios, en particular el papel de los genotipos IGF-1 e IGF-2 en esta enfermedad pulmonar. Por lo tanto, este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar, por primera vez, la asociación de los genotipos IGF-1 e IGF-2 con la fuerza de los músculos respiratorios en individuos con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica. Además, analizamos la relación entre el estrés oxidativo, la inflamación crónica y la vitamina D con la fuerza de los músculos respiratorios. MÉTODOS: Un estudio transversal con 61 individuos con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica. Se analizó la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa de los polimorfismos genéticos IGF-1 (rs35767) e IGF-2 (rs3213221). Otras variables relacionadas con el estrés oxidativo, la inflamación y la vitamina D se dosificaron a partir de muestras de sangre periférica. Se midieron las presiones inspiratorias y espiratorias máximas. RESULTADOS: Los polimorfismos genéticos están asociados con la fuerza de los músculos respiratorios (F: 3.0 y 3.5; R2= 0.57). Genotipos específicos de IGF-1 e IGF-2 presentaron bajos valores en las presiones inspiratorias y espiratorias (p<0.05 en todos los casos). El estrés oxidativo, los biomarcadores inflamatorios y la vitamina D no se asociaron con la fuerza de los músculos respiratorios. CONCLUSIÓN: Los polimorfismos de IGF-1 e IGF-2 mostraron correlaciones más sólidas con la fuerza de los músculos respiratorios en pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica en comparación con los biomarcadores sanguíneos. Genotipos específicos de IGF-1 e IGF-2 se asociaron con una disminución de la fuerza de los músculos respiratorios en esta población.

Craniofacial fibrous dysplasia with cystic degeneration - A diagnostic challenge.

Benign fibro-osseous lesions with cystic degenerations have been scarcely reported in craniofacial bones and its unusual characteristics pose a diagnostic challenge. Here, we report a case of craniofacial fibrous dysplasia presenting a large cystic degeneration. A 55-year-old woman had a history of pain, slight asymmetry on the zygomatic region and ocular pressure. Computed tomography revealed on the right side, multiple craniofacial bones showing a ground glass aspect, associated with an extensive hypodense, unilocular, well circumscribed lesion in the maxilla, and smaller lesions in the sphenoid bone. After a surgical procedure performed in another service, there was a complete improvement in symptoms, and after 1 year, the patient remains stable, with no changes. In the literature review, thirty-three reported cases of the same association in the craniofacial region were found. The main symptoms were sudden increase in the lesion and pain, and the indication of intervention in cystic lesions was only indicated in symptomatic cases or functional deficit. The knowledge of the possibility of the association of benign fibro-osseous lesions and cystic degenerations in craniofacial bones is essential to perform a correct diagnosis and treatment for these patients, consequently avoiding unnecessary procedures. Key words:Craniofacial fibrous dysplasia, Fibrous dysplasia, Benign fibro-osseous lesions, Cystic degeneration.

Osteoradionecrosis treatment in head and neck cancer patients: An overview of systematic reviews.

AIMS: Evaluate the existing evidence of osteoradionecrosis (ORN) treatment in adults with head and neck cancer, the methodological quality and the evidence grade within systematic reviews (SRs). METHODS: An extensive systematic literature search of SRs that addressed ORN in head and neck cancer patients was conducted with screening of eligible studies, data extraction, methodological (AMSTAR 2) and evidence quality assessment (GRADE) of the SRs by independent and calibrated authors. RESULTS: A total of six SRs were enrolled. Based primarily on studies from the 1990s, there is critically low- or moderate-quality evidence that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) improves ORN healing. From 2005 onward, evidence has been discovered in relation to treatment with pentoxifylline and tocopherol (PENTO). The SRs indicate that the management of ORN with PENTO appears to be promising. The greatest rates of healing are seen in mild and moderate stages of ORN. However, the quality of evidence regarding PENTO, surgery and other treatments remains critically low. CONCLUSION: There is no standardized protocol to treat ORN. PENTO appears to be the most promising conservative treatment; however, the current level of evidence regarding PENTO is still critically low. More robust clinical studies are needed to establish the best treatment for ORN.

Lung inflammation induced by silica particles triggers hippocampal inflammation, synapse damage and memory impairment in mice.

BACKGROUND: Considerable evidence indicates that a signaling crosstalk between the brain and periphery plays important roles in neurological disorders, and that both acute and chronic peripheral inflammation can produce brain changes leading to cognitive impairments. Recent clinical and epidemiological studies have revealed an increased risk of cognitive impairment and dementia in individuals with impaired pulmonary function. However, the mechanistic underpinnings of this association remain unknown. Exposure to SiO2 (silica) particles triggers lung inflammation, including infiltration by peripheral immune cells and upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. We here utilized a mouse model of lung silicosis to investigate the crosstalk between lung inflammation and memory. METHODS: Silicosis was induced by intratracheal administration of a single dose of 2.5 mg SiO2/kg in mice. Molecular and behavioral measurements were conducted 24 h and 15 days after silica administration. Lung and hippocampal inflammation were investigated by histological analysis and by determination of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Hippocampal synapse damage, amyloid-ß (Aß) peptide content and phosphorylation of Akt, a proxy of hippocampal insulin signaling, were investigated by Western blotting and ELISA. Memory was assessed using the open field and novel object recognition tests. RESULTS: Administration of silica induced alveolar collapse, lung infiltration by polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells, and increased lung pro-inflammatory cytokines. Lung inflammation was followed by upregulation of hippocampal pro-inflammatory cytokines, synapse damage, accumulation of the Aß peptide, and memory impairment in mice. CONCLUSION: The current study identified a crosstalk between lung and brain inflammatory responses leading to hippocampal synapse damage and memory impairment after exposure to a single low dose of silica in mice.

Secondary primary tumor mimicking osteoradionecrosis.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignant tumor rarely found in the head and neck, representing about 1% of all malignancies. The main treatment for NPC is radiation therapy, which is often given in combination with chemotherapy. However, such treatment may lead to long-term complications, including second primary tumors (SPTs) and osteoradionecrosis (ORN). Both complications have similar radiological characteristics, which can lead to erroneous diagnoses. This paper describes a case of a second primary tumor in a patient after 20 years of radiotherapy in the area where a previous extraction was performed, mimicking an osteoradionecrosis process.

Pro-angiogenic potential of a functionalized hydrogel scaffold as a secretome delivery platform: An innovative strategy for cell homing-based dental pulp tissue engineering.

Angiogenesis is a key process that provides a suitable environment for successful tissue engineering and is even more crucial in regenerative endodontic procedures, since the root canal anatomy limits the development of a vascular network supply. Thus, sustainable and accelerated vascularization of tissue-engineered dental pulp constructs remains a major challenge in cell homing approaches. This study aimed to functionalize a chitosan hydrogel scaffold (CS) as a platform loaded with secretomes of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs) and evaluate its bioactive function and pro-angiogenic properties. Initially, the CS was loaded with SHED secretomes (CS-S), and the release kinetics of several trophic factors were assessed. Proliferation and chemotaxis assays were performed to analyze the effect of functionalized scaffold on stem cells from apical papilla (SCAPs) and the angiogenic potential was analyzed through the Matrigel tube formation assay with co-cultured of human umbilical vein endothelial cells and SCAPs. SHEDs and SCAPs expressed typical levels of mesenchymal stem cell surface markers. CS-S was able to release the trophic factors in a sustained manner, but each factor has its own release kinetics. The CS-S group showed a significantly higher proliferation rate, accelerated the chemotaxis, and higher capacity to form vascular-like structures. CS-S provided a sustained and controlled release of trophic factors, which, in turn, improved proliferation, chemotaxis and all angiogenesis parameters in the co-culture. Thus, the functionalization of chitosan scaffolds loaded with secretomes is a promising platform for cell homing-based tissue engineering.

Epidemiological Profile of Patients with Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis in the Last 6 Years / Perfil Epidemiológico de Pacientes com Doença de Crohn e Colite Ulcerativa nos Últimos 6 Anos

Abstract Inflammatory bowel diseases, Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, are two relevant changes in the intestinal microbiota of individuals who are subject to environmental and genetic changes. With the social development and, mainly, the spread of industrialization, the increase in gastrointestinal diseases was observed on a large scale. Therefore, the study permeated to relate and obtain its results according to ethnicity, sex, phenotypic alterations of PID and gender, which are risk factors for these diseases. To characterize the epidemiological profile of patients with Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis in Brazil in the last 6 years. This is a time series epidemiological study with the objective of collecting data from patients who were diagnosed with Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, in all Brazilian regions from 2014 to 2019. Data will be collected in the System of SUS Hospital Information (SIH/SUS), within a period of 6 years and for the analysis of these data, sociodemographic variables will be used, namely: ethnicity, sex, region, age group and admissions number, being accessed on 09/22/2020. The panorama presented shows high rates of hospitalization in the Southeast and Northeast regions, the diagnosis for the two diseases predominate in the South region, females, ethnicity/white race and age group between 20 and 29 years highlighted. Thus, the intervention of public policies that improve the population's health condition is of paramount importance. (AU)

Resumo As doenças inflamatórias intestinais, Doença de Crohn e a Colite Ulcerativa, são duas alterações pertinentes na microbiota intestinal de indivíduos que estão sujeitos a mudanças do ambiente e genéticas. Com o desenvolvimento social e, principalmente, alastramento da industrialização o aumento das doenças gastrintestinais foi observado em larga escala. Sendo assim, o estudo permeou em relacionar e obter os seus resultados de acordo a etnia, sexo, alterações fenotípicas de IDP e gênero, que são fatores de riscos para essas doenças. O objetivo desse estudo foi caracterizar o perfil epidemiológico de pacientes com doença de Crohn e colite ulcerativa, no Brasil, nos últimos 6 anos. Trata-se de um estudo epidemiológico de serie temporal com o objetivo de coletar dados de pacientes que foram diagnosticados com doença de Crohn e colite ulcerativas, em todas as regiões brasileiras no período de 2014 até 2019. Os dados serão coletados no Sistema de Informações Hospitalares do SUS (SIH/SUS), dentro do período de 6 anos e para a análise desses dados, serão utilizadas as variáveis sociodemográficas, que são: etnia, sexo, região, faixa etária e números de internações, sendo acessado no dia 22/09/2020. O panorama apresentado demostra altas taxas de internação nas regiões sudeste e nordeste, o diagnóstico para as duas doenças predominam na região sul, o sexo feminino, etnia/raça branca e faixa etária entre 20 e 29 anos em destaque. Desta forma, é de suma importância a intervenção de políticas públicas que melhorem a condição de saúde da população. (AU)

Secondary primary tumor mimicking osteoradionecrosis

ABSTRACT Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignant tumor rarely found in the head and neck, representing about 1% of all malignancies. The main treatment for NPC is radiation therapy, which is often given in combination with chemotherapy. However, such treatment may lead to long‐term complications, including second primary tumors (SPTs) and osteoradionecrosis (ORN). Both complications have similar radiological characteristics, which can lead to erroneous diagnoses. This paper describes a case of a second primary tumor in a patient after 20 years of radiotherapy in the area where a previous extraction was performed, mimicking an osteoradionecrosis process.

Infrared Thermography in the Evaluation of Dental Socket Healing After Photobiomodulation Therapy: A Case Report.

Introduction: The aim of this article was to evaluate the efficacy of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) in the alveolar tissue healing process post-extraction using infrared thermography (IT). Case Presentation: A 36-year-old male patient had teeth extractions (18 and 28). Four PBMT sessions (660 nm; 2 J per tooth) were performed in the region of tooth 28 and recorded with thermographic images to compare the healing process, bilaterally. In the first two postoperative sessions, the temperature was higher (hyperradiant) on the left side (treated). After the third laser application, the left side was hyporradiant. In later session, the treated side became hyperradiant compared to the control side. The alveolus of tooth 28 showed more rapid healing than tooth 18 over a period of 60 days. Conclusion: IT can be used to detect the favorable effect of PBMT on accelerating the healing process in the alveolus within 60 days after the tooth extraction.

Dental tissue-derived stem cell sheet biotechnology for periodontal tissue regeneration: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to conduct a systematic review of the use of a cell sheet formed by mesenchymal stem cells derived from dental tissues (ddMSCs) for periodontal tissue regeneration in animal models in comparison with any other type of regenerative treatment. DESIGN: PubMed and Scopus databases were searched for relevant studies up to December 2020. The review was conducted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines. RESULTS: Of the 1542 potentially relevant articles initially identified, 33 fulfilled the eligibility criteria and were considered for this review. Even with a wide variety of selected study methods, the periodontal tissue was always regenerated; this indicates the potential for the use of these cell sheets in the future of periodontics. However, this regeneration process is not always complete. CONCLUSION: Despite the implantation, ddMSCs sheets have a great potential to be used in the regeneration of periodontal tissue. More in vivo studies should be conducted using standardized techniques for cell sheet implantation to obtain more robust evidence of the relevance of using this modality of cell therapy for periodontal tissue regeneration.

Physical and Biological Properties of a Chitosan Hydrogel Scaffold Associated to Photobiomodulation Therapy for Dental Pulp Regeneration: An In Vitro and In Vivo Study.

BACKGROUND: The regeneration of dental pulp, especially in cases of pulp death of immature teeth, is the goal of the regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs) that are based on tissue engineering principles, consisting of stem cells, growth factors, and scaffolds. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) showed to improve dental pulp regeneration through cell homing approaches in preclinical studies and has been proposed as the fourth element of tissue engineering. However, when a blood clot was used as a scaffold in one of these previous studies, only 30% of success was achieved. The authors pointed out the instability of the blood clot as the regeneration shortcoming. Then, to circumvent this problem, a new scaffold was developed to be applied with the blood clot. The hypothesis of the present study was that an experimental injectable chitosan hydrogel would facilitate the three-dimensional spatial organization of endogenous stem cells in dental pulp regeneration with no interference on the positive influence of PBMT. METHODS: For the in vitro analysis, stem cells from the apical papilla (SCAPs) were characterized by flow cytometry and applied in the chitosan scaffold for evaluating adhesion, migration, and proliferation. For the in vivo analysis, the chitosan scaffold was applied in a rodent orthotopic dental pulp regeneration model under the influence of PBMT (660 nm; power output of 20 mW, beam area of 0.028 cm2, and energy density of 5 J/cm2). RESULTS: The scaffold tested in this study allowed significantly higher viability, proliferation, and migration of SCAPs in vitro when PBMT was applied, especially with the energy density of 5 J/cm2. These results were in consonance to those of the in vivo data, where pulp-like tissue formation was observed inside the root canal. CONCLUSION: Chitosan hydrogel when applied with a blood clot and PBMT could in the future improve previous results of dental pulp regeneration through cell homing approaches.

Bromatological composition and ruminal degradability of Xaraés palisade grass under grazing in integrated systems

To evaluate the bromatological composition and ruminal degradability of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) of Xaraés palisade grass (Urochloa brizantha ‘Xaraes’ syn Brachiaria brizantha) under grazing in integrated crop, livestock (ICL), and forest (ICLF) systems, we conducted an in situ degradability trial in randomized blocks with three non-lactating 3/4 Gyr × 1/4 Holstein cows, provided with ruminal cannula. The management of Xaraés palisade grass was similar in both systems, differing only regarding shading in the ICLF system provided by eucalyptus trees (average 65% crown cover). Grass samples were incubated for 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, and 96 hours. Considering the passage rate 2% h-1, the Xaraés palisade grass of ICL system had greater NDF effective degradability in relation to ICLF (46.38% vs 44.98%). However, the palisade grass CP potential degradability was greater in the ICLF than in the ICL system (68.92% vs. 65.40%). The presence of trees in the pasture has effect on nutritional traits of the Xaraés palisade grass, increasing its protein content and degradability and reducing its fiber degradability.

Bromatological composition and ruminal degradability of Xaraés palisade grass under grazing in integrated systems

To evaluate the bromatological composition and ruminal degradability of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) of Xaraés palisade grass (Urochloa brizantha ‘Xaraes syn Brachiaria brizantha) under grazing in integrated crop, livestock (ICL), and forest (ICLF) systems, we conducted an in situ degradability trial in randomized blocks with three non-lactating 3/4 Gyr × 1/4 Holstein cows, provided with ruminal cannula. The management of Xaraés palisade grass was similar in both systems, differing only regarding shading in the ICLF system provided by eucalyptus trees (average 65% crown cover). Grass samples were incubated for 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, and 96 hours. Considering the passage rate 2% h-1, the Xaraés palisade grass of ICL system had greater NDF effective degradability in relation to ICLF (46.38% vs 44.98%). However, the palisade grass CP potential degradability was greater in the ICLF than in the ICL system (68.92% vs. 65.40%). The presence of trees in the pasture has effect on nutritional traits of the Xaraés palisade grass, increasing its protein content and degradability and reducing its fiber degradability.(AU)

The Impact of COVID-19 Partial Lockdown on Primary Pollutant Concentrations in the Atmosphere of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo Megacities (Brazil).

As COVID-19 spread all over the world, most of the countries adopted some kind of restrictions to avoid the collapse of health systems. In Brazil, São Paulo and Rio the Janeiro, the two most populated cities in the country, were the first to determine social distancing. In this study, the impact of the social distancing measures on the concentrations of the three main primary air pollutants (PM10, NO2 and CO) was analyzed. CO levels showed the most significant reductions (up to 100%) since it is related to light-duty vehicular emissions. NO2 also showed reductions (9.1%-41.8%) while PM10 levels were only reduced in the 1st lockdown week. The decrease of pollutants was not directly proportional to the vehicular flux reduction, because it depends on other factors such as the transport of air masses from industrial and rural areas. The differences observed can be explained considering the fleet characteristics in the two cities and the response of the population to the social distancing recommendations.

Correlación entre actividad física en la vida diaria y biomarcadores de estrés oxidativo y metabólicos en adultos mayores / Correlation between physical activity in daily life and oxidative biomarkers and metabolic biomarkers in older adults

Resumen Introducción: el envejecimiento se caracteriza por cambios fisiológicos, entre ellos un aumento del estrés oxidativo (EO), que es un factor de riesgo para el desarrollo de múltiples patologías. La actividad física en la vida diaria (AFVD) es un factor protector para la salud y podría estar asociado con una disminución del EO. Objetivo: analizar la correlación entre AFVD y los biomarcadores de EO en adultos mayores. Materiales y Métodos: se incluyeron 35 adultos mayores (edad: 69 ± 7 años, hombres: 57%). La actividad física fue evaluada utilizando el acelerómetro triaxial DynaPort, que midió el tiempo en 6 actividades: Caminata rápida, acostado, sentado, de pie, en movimiento y caminata lenta, respectivamente. Fueron evaluados los siguientes biomarcadores de sangre periférica: Productos avanzados de oxidación de proteínas (AOPP), óxido nítrico (NOx), capacidad antioxidante total (TRAP), grupo de sulfhidrilo (SH) y enzima superóxido dismutasa (SOD). Además, el nivel glicémico, IMC y circunferencia abdominal. Los coeficientes de correlación de Pearson o Spearman fueron utilizados respectivamente, con p < 0.05 e IC: 95%. Resultados: SOD tuvo una correlación con tiempos de caminata rápida (r = 0.6) y de movimiento (r = 0.6). AOPP tuvo una correlación con los tiempos de caminata rápida (r = -0.4), caminata lenta (r = -0.5), de pie (r = -0.4), en movimiento (r = -0.4) y acostado (r = 0.5). El IMC tuvo una correlación con el tiempo en movimiento (r = -0.4). La glucosa fue correlacionada con el tiempo de caminata rápida (-r = 0.63), de pie (r = -0.5), en movimiento (r = -0.6), caminata lenta (r = -0.61) y acostado (r = 0.54). Conclusiones: niveles aumentados de actividad física de la vida diaria están asociados con mayor capacidad antioxidante, menor estrés oxidativo, nivel glicémico e IMC. MÉD.UIS.2020;33(1): 13-9.

Abstract Introduction: aging is characterized by physiological changes, including increased oxidative stress (OS), which is a risk factor for the development of multiple pathologies. Physical activity in daily life (PADL) is a protective factor for health and could be associated with a decrease in oxidative stress. Objective: to analyze the correlation of PADL and blood biomarkers of OS in older adults. Materials and Method: 35 older adults were included (age: 69 ± 7 years, men: 57%). PADL was objectively evaluated using the DynaPort triaxial accelerometer, which measured the time in 6 different activities: Fast walking, lying, sitting, standing, moving and slow walking, respectively. The following biomarkers from peripheral blood were measured: advanced protein oxidation products (AOPP), nitric oxide (NOx), total antioxidant potential (TRAP), sulfhydryl group (SH) and superoxide enzyme dismutase (SOD). Blood glucose level, BMI and abdominal girth also were considered. The Pearson or Spearman correlation coefficients were used respectively, with p < 0.05 and 95% CI. Results: SOD had a correlation with fast walking (r = 0.6) and moving time (r = 0.6). AOPP had a correlation with fast walking (r = -0.4), slow walking (r = -0.5), standing (r = -0.4), moving (r = -0.4) and the lying time (r = 0.5). BMI had a correlation with moving time (r = -0.4). Glucose had a correlation with fast walking (-r = 0.63), standing (r = -0.5), moving (r = -0.6), slow walking (r = -0.61) and lying time (r = 0.54). Conclusions: increased levels of physical activity in daily life are significantly associated with greater antioxidant capacity, lower oxidative stress, glucose and BMI. MÉD.UIS.2020;33(1): 13-9.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of undergraduate students concerning Regenerative Endodontics.

BACKGROUND: Knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of the students are important for the Tissue Engineering in Endodontic practice. The opinion of these future dentists would ultimately will decide the endurance of REPs as routine procedures in endodontic practice. The aim of this study was to perform a survey to identify the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of undergraduate students about regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs). METHODS: The questionnaire was obtained after cross-cultural adaptation of a questionnaire previously applied in USA and was applied to two hundred forty-eight undergraduates. Data were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Most of the students (82.9%) agreed that regenerative therapy should be incorporated to dentistry and 87.5% of them believed that stem cells banks would be useful for the tissue regeneration. Most participants (58.1%) would like to obtain an internship/tutoring that addresses REPs and 80.8% of participants think that the major obstacle to a patient accepting a REP was the expected high cost of the treatment. The freshmen students were more optimistic about offering stem cell treatments to their patients (P≤0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The undergraduates were very optimistic about the future of REPs, stem cell banking, and tissue engineering. Although seniors demonstrated less enthusiasm towards REPs than the freshman, most students are willing to recommend these treatments to their patients.

Angiogenic properties of dental pulp stem cells conditioned medium on endothelial cells in vitro and in rodent orthotopic dental pulp regeneration.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of SHED-CM on the proliferation, differentiation, migration ability, cell death, gene expression and production of VEGF of HUVEC in vitro and in a rodent orthotopic dental pulp regeneration. METHODS: Three culture media [M199, DMEM/Ham's F12 and DMEM/Ham's F12 conditioned by SHEDs] were used as experimental groups. SHED-CM was prepared maintaining confluent cells in culture without serum for 3 days. The proliferation and cell death marker of HUVECs were assessed using flow cytometry. The capacity of formation of vascular-like structures was analyzed in cells grown over Matrigel® in hypoxic condition. HUVECs migration was followed using the scratch test. VEGF-A expression in HUVECs was assessed using real time RT-qPCR; and VEGF synthesis with ELISA test. SHED-CM was also applied in rodent ortotopic model of dental pulp regeneration in rats. The formed tissue was submitted to histological and immunohistochemical analyses. RESULTS: SHED-CM promoted significantly lower expression of 7AAD in HUVECs; whereas the expression of the Ki67 was similar in all groups. The vascular-like structures were observed in all groups. Migration of SHED-CM group was faster than DMEM/Ham's F12. SHED-CM induced similar expression of VEGF-A than M199, and higher than DMEM/Ham's F12. SHED-CM induced significantly higher VEGF synthesis than other media. SHED-CM induced formation of a vascularized connective tissue inside the root canal. CONCLUSION: The study showed that SHEDs release angiogenic and cytoprotective factors, which are of great importance for tissue engineering. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: SHED-CM could be an option to the use of stem cells in tissue engineering.

Acute Exposure to Diesel-Biodiesel Particulate Matter Promotes Murine Lung Oxidative Stress by Nrf2/HO-1 and Inflammation Through the NF-kB/TNF-α Pathways.

Air pollution caused by fuel burning contributes to respiratory impairments that may lead to death. We aimed to investigate the effects of biodiesel (DB) burning in mouse lungs. DB particulate matter was collected from the exhaust pipes of a bus engine. Mice were treated with 250 µg or 1000 µg of DB particulate matter by intranasal instillation over 5 consecutive days. We demonstrated that DB particulate matter penetrated the lung in the 250-µg and 1000-µg groups. In addition, the DB particulate matter number in pulmonary parenchyma was 175-fold higher in the 250-µg group and 300-fold higher in the 1000-µg group compared to control mice. The instillation of DB particulate matter increased the macrophage number and protein levels of TNF-alpha in murine lungs. DB particulate matter enhanced ROS production in both exposed groups and the malondialdehyde levels compared to the control group. The protein expression levels of Nrf2, p-NF-kB, and HO-1 were higher in the 250-µg group and lower in the 1000-µg group than in control mice and the 250-µg group. In conclusion, DB particulate matter instillation promotes oxidative stress by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 and inflammation by p-NF-kB/TNF-alpha pathways.

Thermal comfort and grazing behavior of Girolando heifers in integrated crop-livestock (ICL) and crop-livestock-forest (ICLF) systems

To compare the integrated crop-livestock-forest (ICLF) and crop-livestock (ICL) systems in relation to thermal comfort and grazing behavior of Girolando heifers, a 2 × 2 crossover trial (two system and two periods) was carried out with eight – Holstein × » Gyr heifers in Xaraés-palisade grass pasture under intermittent stocking with 10 days of occupation period and 20 days of resting. In ICLF, crown cover of eucalyptus planted in rows was 65% at the beginning of the experiment. Animal behavior was assessed through bioacoustics by recording heifers’ sounds for 48 hours. Concomitantly, heifers’ internal temperature (IT, °C) was recorded every 10 min using data logger thermometers adapted to hormone-free intravaginal devices. Air temperature and humidity data were collected by thermohygrometers located in the center of ICLF and ICL for calculating Temperature-Humidity Index (THI). According to THI values, ICLF and ICL did not vary in terms of thermal comfort. However, THI indicated moderate stress (82.26±4.40) during day (06:00 to 17:59h) and mild stress (75.76±4.38) at night (18:00 to 05:59h) in both systems. During day, heifers from ICL had significantly (p < 0.05) higher IT (39.51±0.56oC) than those from ICLF (39.41±0.56oC); the former spent more time grazing and less time drinking water in ICLF (581.35±30.1 and 4.87±1.09 min, respectively) when compared with those from ICL (436.88±28.1 and 10.25±1.09 min, respectively). Therefore, although thermal comfort index did not vary between the systems, under moderate stress, crossbred heifers have lower internal temperatures, resulting in longer diurnal grazing and shorter water drinking time in Eucalyptus-shaded pastures.