Fear of the COVID-19 vaccine in a public healthcare system and university setting.

Despite the known benefits, some individuals remain apprehensive about receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, which hampers vaccination efforts and the achievement of herd immunity. Therefore, this cross-sectional study aimed to assess vaccination rates and identify factors influencing fear of the COVID-19 vaccine among individuals served by the public healthcare system (Family Health Strategy - FHS) and in a university community in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Surveys were conducted face-to-face with FHS participants and online with university members, employing a free sharing approach on social media. A total of 1896 and 312 responses were collected, respectively. The survey covered sociodemographic information, COVID-19 fear levels, and vaccination status for both individuals and their children Vaccination coverage was 83% among FHS participants and 99.1% in the university setting. Female respondents in both groups exhibited higher levels of COVID-19 fear (p<0.05), with FHS-assisted women reporting greater apprehension towards vaccination (p<0.05). Educated parents demonstrated better understanding of the importance of child vaccination, while younger parents expressed heightened concerns about vaccine side effects. Among FHS participants, women exhibited a 1.6 times higher fear of vaccination compared to men. Additionally, fear of vaccination increased by 1.10 times for each additional point on the COVID-19 Fear Scale (physiological domain). Effective communication strategies and dispelling misconceptions surrounding immunization could alleviate fear and promote vaccination acceptance.

Humic Acid Derived from Agricultural Biomass Mitigates Alveolar Bone Loss and Modulates Systemic Inflammatory Cytokines in Rats with Periodontitis.

BACKGROUND: Humic acid (HA) is a bioproduct that can be extracted from different sources and has anti-inflammatory properties that have been little explored in the treatment and prevention of Periodontal Disease (PD). Thus, we aimed to investigate the effects of oral administration of HA on the progression of PD in rats. METHODS: Twenty-four male Wistar rats were distributed into three experimental groups (Control/ Sham, PD, and PD + HA). HA was administered by gavage (80 mg/kg/day) for 28 days, and PD was induced 14 days after the beginning of treatment. Bone loss, bone topography, and surface elemental composition were analyzed. Circulating IL1-beta, TNF-alpha, and IL-10 levels were evaluated through Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). RESULTS: The animals treated with HA showed lower bone loss (p < 0.05). Calcium and phosphorus levels on the alveolar bone surface were lower in the PD group (p < 0.05) compared to the control group, whereas the animals treated with HA exhibited attenuation in this loss (p < 0.05). The animals treated with HA showed reduced TNF-alpha, IL1-beta, IL-10, and the TNF-alpha/IL-10 ratio compared to those with PD (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Treatment with HA attenuated the parameters of alveolar bone loss and modulated systemic inflammatory parameters in rats with ligature-induced PD.

High-intensity interval training mitigates the progression of periodontitis and improves behavioural aspects in rats.

AIM: To investigate the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on periodontitis (PD) progression and behavioural outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight Wistar rats were divided into four groups: non-trained (NT); non-trained with PD; HIIT with PD; and HIIT. The HIIT protocol, involving daily treadmill sessions, spanned 8 weeks, with PD induced by ligature after the 6th week. Behavioural tests were conducted to assess anxiety and memory. Post euthanasia, we evaluated the systemic inflammatory profile and oxidative stress markers in the hippocampus and amygdala. A morphological evaluation and elemental composition analysis of the mandibular alveolar bone were performed. RESULTS: PD exacerbated alveolar bone level, bone surface damage and alterations in calcium and phosphorus percentages on the bone surface (p < .05), while HIIT attenuated these changes (p < .05). HIIT improved systemic inflammatory markers altered by PD (tumour necrosis factor [TNF]-α, interleukin [IL]-10, TNF-α/IL-10 and IL-1ß/IL-10 ratios, p < .05). PD animals exhibited lower total antioxidant capacity and levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in the amygdala and hippocampus, respectively (p < .05). HIIT maintained these parameters at levels similar to those in NT animals. HIIT improved anxiety and memory outcomes altered by PD (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: HIIT attenuates systemic inflammation, anxiety and memory outcomes promoted by PD.

Game-based learning enhances students' understanding of endocrine physiology in veterinary medicine.

Endocrine physiology is a complex subject for students. Game-based learning (GBL) and case-based learning (CBL) are active methodologies that are widely used because of their potential for motivation and greater proximity to the reality of modern students. We evaluated the effectiveness of GBL and CBL among veterinary medicine students compared with a control group using peer tutoring. Students (n = 106) from two institutions volunteered to participate in this study. The participants were submitted to a pretest questionnaire and subsequently were divided into three paired groups by their performance on the pretest exam: 1) traditional class + peer tutoring, 2) traditional class + GBL, and 3) traditional class + CBL. After the students completed the activities, their performance was once again evaluated by applying a new test with the same initial 10 questions and another set of 10 different questions. The students' perceptions and satisfaction with the methodologies and learning strategies were assessed. Anxiety was assessed with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory before and after the conventional class and after the active methodologies. The GBL group significantly improved their correct answers compared with the baseline (P < 0.05), with no significant difference from CBL and peer tutoring. Anxiety levels did not differ regardless of the time of evaluation or the teaching methodology applied. GBL promoted a greater perception of the stimulus for self-study and problem-solving ability and contributed to the development of group dynamics compared with the group who received CBL (P < 0.05). In conclusion, GBL showed better results than peer tutoring and CBL.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We compared the supplementary use of game-based learning, case-based learning, and peer tutoring in the study of endocrine physiology by veterinary students and observed a slight advantage for game-based learning over the other two methodologies. The game was developed by the authors and is an unprecedented tool that can prove useful to improve knowledge acquisition in students of veterinary medicine. Thus, game-based learning is an effective supplementary teaching strategy.

Food preferences and periodontal status of adults assisted by a public health care system.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between food choices and periodontal health status (PHS) in adults who receive care through a public health system. We evaluated food preferences and periodontal status in a sample of 442 individuals with at least eight natural teeth. We employed the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) to assess food choices and the Periodontal Screening and Recording (PSR) instrument to evaluate periodontal health status during clinical appointments. Fisher's discriminant analysis was used to differentiate the participants according to PHS severity within three age-ranges (18-39; 40-59 and > 60 years-old). The results showed that the prevalence of overweight/obesity was high in all age groups (above 65%), and BMI increased with age, accompanied by an increase in the prevalence of chronic diseases. A lower preference for natural foods and a higher intake of processed and ultra-processed foods, along with a high waist circumference and diabetes, were associated with a poorer periodontal health status. In the 18-39 age group, a lower waist circumference was associated with healthier periodontal status. In the 40-59 age group, a worse periodontal status resulted from a higher frequency of diabetes, lower intake of green leafy vegetables, olive oil, and fruit, and higher intake of industrialized juice. Conversely, a healthier periodontal status was associated with a lower frequency of diabetes and higher intake of fruit and vegetables. In the > 60age group, the worst periodontal status was associated with male sex. Overall, the study highlights the possible beneficial role of a healthy diet in maintaining periodontal health, particularly for those who receive care through a public health system.

Metabolic control of diabetic patients assisted by private and public health care systems during the COVID-19 pandemic: A retrospective cohort study.

AIMS: We sought to analyze the impacts of social restriction measures imposed by the pandemic COVID-19 on the control of metabolic parameters in diabetic patients. METHODS: We accessed the medical records of patients who underwent clinical follow-up in the public and private health systems between July 2019 and June 2021. The sample consisted of 288 patients (111 adults and 177 older individuals). A two-way ANOVA mixed model was used to test the effects of intra- (time: baseline and after 24 months) and inter-subject factors. Linear regression analysis was used to predict the difference in body weight considering age, sex, HbA1c, health care system and insulin use. RESULTS: Among adults, we observed an increase in body weight and LDL-c levels, especially for insulin users (p ≤ 0.05). Adults assisted by the public health care system showed higher HbA1c levels (p = 0.001). Among older individuals using insulin, blood glucose levels decreased (p = 0.019). Body weight decreased in those assisted by the private system (p = 0.005), while glycemia decreased for patients assisted by both health care systems (p = 0.043). The linear regression model confirmed that the increase in body weight was more pronounced in adults than in older individuals. CONCLUSION: The social restriction measures imposed by the pandemic affected the metabolic control of diabetic patients, especially adults assisted by the public health care system.

Antitumor effect of selenium-rich Brazil nuts and selenomethionine dietary supplementation on pre-existing 4T1 mammary tumor growth in mice.

Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient known to play an important role in the antioxidant system that can potentially influence tumor growth. We aimed to investigate the effects of dietary Se supplementation after detection of 4T1 mammary tumor growth in BALB/c mice. Thirty female mice received subcutaneous inoculation of 4T1 cells. After five days, all animals presenting palpable tumors were randomly assigned to three groups: a control group (Se-control) receiving a diet with adequate Se (0.15 mg/kg) and two other groups that received Se-supplemented diets (1.4 mg/kg of total Se) with either Brazilian nuts (Se-Nuts) or selenomethionine (SeMet). Data were assessed by either One or Two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's HSD or Bonferroni's post hoc tests, respectively. Both Se-supplemented diets reduced tumor volume from the thirteenth day of feeding compared with the Se-adequate (control) diet (p < 0.05). The SeMet group presented a higher Se blood concentration (p < 0.05) than the Se-control group, with the Se-Nuts group presenting intermediate values. Selenoprotein P gene expression in the liver was higher in the Se-Nuts group than in the Se-control group (p < 0.05), while the SeMet group presented intermediate expression. Dietary Se supplementation, starting after detection of 4T1 palpable lesions, reduced tumor volume in mice.

Fear of COVID-19 influences physical activity practice: a study in a Brazilian sample.

The suspension of social activities combined with health insecurity, uncertainty and fear of COVID-19 may influence physical activity practice. We aimed to investigate the relationship between the fear of COVID-19 and anxiety on physical activity patterns during the pandemic period. This cross-sectional study was performed in a sample of 520 Brazilian participants recruited by online sampling and snowball method. We assessed demographic variables, health perceptions, anxiety, fear of COVID-19 and physical activity characteristics. Both fear scores and anxiety were higher in woman (p < 0.0001). We observed a remarkable reduction in the frequency and intensity of physical activity and a modification in the exercise practice environment (from gym or sports centers to home-based physical activity) (p < 0.05). Sedentary (sitting) behavior increased during pandemic both in the weekdays and in the weekend (p < 0.0001). Participants who have never been infected were more prone of being classified in higher levels for physical activity (OR: 1.916, CI = 1.043-3.521) versus those who were previously infected (p = 0.05). Participants with a low or moderate level of physical activity before the pandemic presented lower chances of being classified as high physical activity level during the pandemic in comparison to those with high level before pandemic (p < 0.001). The Fear of Covid-19 score was negatively associated with the physical activity level (the higher the fear, the lower the level of physical activity); that is, for every increase in scale score, the odds of vigorous physical activity decreased 3%. In conclusion, fear of COVID-19 and previous contact with the virus negatively influenced physical activity practice.

Fatty acids composition and in vivo biochemical effects of Aleurites moluccana seed (Candlenut) in obese wistar rats.

BACKGROUND: Candlenut (CN) has been used indiscriminately for weight loss. In vivo effects of CN in different doses are scarce. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of CN ingestion in obese rats. DESIGN: Thirty animals (obese and non-obese) received one of three different types of treatments: placebo, CN ingestion in a popular therapeutic regimen (8 days with oral administration of 0.2 mg/kg followed by 20 days with doses of 0.4 mg/kg), and ingestion of a doubled popular dose-called 2CN. Treatment was maintained for 28 days. RESULTS: The fatty acid profile of CN indicated mainly linolelaidic and palmitoleic acids. Rats receiving CN and 2CN showed reduced plasmatic levels of glucose and lipoproteins (p < 0.05). A dose-dependent carcass fat reduction was observed (p < 0.05). Blood levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) reduced with CN and increased with 2CN doses (p < 0.05). Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and the atherogenic index remained similar among all treatments (p > 0.05). Hepatic vacuolation decreased with CN, but the 2CN dose produced mononuclear leucocyte infiltrate. CONCLUSIONS: Although CN presented beneficial effects on the metabolism of rats, it also caused increased risk of liver damage.

Irisin effects on bone: systematic review with meta-analysis of preclinical studies and prospects for oral health.

Bone quality is an important issue in dentistry. Low bone density may be associated with more severe periodontitis, and may influence implant therapy success. Recent evidence suggests that physical activity can improve alveolar bone quality. Irisin is an exercise-mediated peptide that might be involved in this process. We assessed the effect of exercise and that of intra-peritoneal irisin administration on bone quality in healthy and osteoporosis-induced rodents. This study was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42020184140), and followed PRISMA guidelines. A search by two independent examiners was conducted in five databases and gray literature up to July 2021, without restrictions regarding language or date of publication. Initially, they analyzed retrieved titles and abstracts (n=3,844) based on eligibility criteria. Of this total, 19 studies remained for full-text reading, and 16 proceeded to the data extraction and quality assessment phases. Meta-analyses were conducted (n= 6 studies) to establish the effects of irisin administration on cancellous bone mineral density (BMD). Exercise or irisin administration enhanced bone quality, but the meta-analysis showed that BMD increased only slightly in osteoporotic rodents (BMD: mean difference 0.03 mg/cm3 - 95% CI 0.01-0.05). This indicates that they had no significant benefits on the bones of healthy animals. Implications of key findings evidence the potential of irisin as an agent able to mitigate bone loss caused by osteoporosis, an outcome that could favor dental rehabilitation. More studies investigating the effect of irisin on alveolar bone are needed to elucidate its therapeutic viability and implications.

Circadian preference and its relationship with possible sleep and awake bruxism in adults assisted by the public health system.

Modern lifestyle and social demands induce changes in sleep routines that may not meet individual circadian preferences (chronotype). Such changes may be associated with the development of unhealthy lifestyles and the emergence of diseases relevant to public health services, such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus, as well as sleep bruxism (SB) and awake bruxism (AB). The present study aimed to assess the relationship between the evening, morning or intermediate chronotypes with the report of possible SB and AB in adult individuals assisted by the Family Health Strategy (FHS). The selection of participants was performed through probabilistic cluster analysis. The sample size (n = 384) was calculated to include a representative sample of the 52,628 adults registered in the FHS of a countryside city located in the Southeast Region of Brazil. The Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ) was used to determine the chronotype, and Questionnaire-Based Self-Reported Bruxism was used for identifying possible SB and AB. The following clinical and social-behavioral variables were also evaluated: age, sex, BMI, income, physical activity, schooling, alcohol consumption and smoking, chronic diseases and depression. Two logistic regression models were used: one for SB and one for AB. Possible SB was associated with female sex, lack of physical activity and income above 2 minimum wages. Regarding chronotype, a 19% reduction in the chance of possible SB was observed in morning individuals compared to evening individuals (p = .017). Possible AB was associated with younger individuals, smoking and depression. In conclusion, compared with the evening circadian preference, the morning circadian preference was associated with greater protection against possible SB in an adult population assisted by the FHS.

Quality of life, physical activity and burnout syndrome during online learning period in Brazilian university students during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cluster analysis.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused several changes in the teaching-learning process, as it abruptly replaced the conventional classes into online classes despite social distancing requirements. Such changes may be associated with several mental health problems and negatively affect the quality of life and academic performance of university students. We performed a cluster analysis in a large sample of Brazilian undergraduate students, considering sociodemographic data, physical activity frequency, study areas, Burnout Syndrome (BS), Quality of Life (QoL) and perception of online learning (OL) during COVID-19 pandemic. Seven hundred and three students (between 17 and 62 years, from 67 higher education institutions) participated in the study. We identified three different profiles of students regarding psychological aspects and OL perception. The first profile, called as the 'Low QoL' group was composed of younger students, mainly females, with higher frequency of psychological disorders (as evidenced by the self-report of depression and/or anxiety), in addition to higher Burnout scores, lower QoL and worse OL perception. The second profile called 'Intermediate QoL' comprised participants with an average age of 45 years, with a greater number of men, married, with kids and working in addition to studying. They presented better OL scores than the 'Low QoL' group. The third profile called 'Better QoL' comprised students with higher scores in all domains of QoL and better OL perception, with greater frequency of physical activity and lower BS scores. Students from Health courses showed higher scores for general QoL, and also for the psychological and environmental domains in relation to the other areas. Besides, students of the Exact Sciences courses showed higher scores on all OL perception items in comparison to the other courses. Our results provide insights regarding the mental health profile of undergraduate students, allowing educational managers to outline specific coping strategies to assist students during the pandemic.

Perceived fear of COVID-19 infection according to sex, age and occupational risk using the Brazilian version of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale.

We investigated the fear of COVID-19 infection after proper translation and cultural adaptation of the "Fear of COVID-19 Scale" to the Brazilian Portuguese language. A sample of 1,743 Brazilian participants were included. The scale showed excellent psychometric characteristics. Women showed higher anxiety levels. Fear of COVID-19 scores were lower in males with occupational risk of contamination. On the other hand, women and younger individuals showed higher fear of COVID-19 infection scores. The Brazilian Fear of COVID-19 Scale proved to be a reliable tool with excellent psychometric properties for identifying fear of COVID-19 infection in the Brazilian population.

Validation of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the Obsession with COVID-19 Scale (BP-OCS) using a large University Sample in Brazil.

We aimed to validate a Brazilian Portuguese version of the Obsession with COVID-19 Scale (BP-OCS) using a large sample of university students in Brazil (N = 1454). The scale showed solid psychometric characteristics in terms of internal consistency (α = .78), test-retest reliability (ICC = .86), factorial validity (PAF and CFA support), and construct validity. Additionally, BP-OCS scores were found to be higher among females, participants with diagnosed depression, anxiety, and self-reported anxiety. These findings suggest that the BP-OCS is a reliable and valid measure of persistent and disturbed thinking about COVID-19 for Brazilian university students.

Children who have more toothache-related behaviors have worse masticatory performance.

Inadequate masticatory function can be linked to oral problems and result in functional limitation. In children, this function is extremely important for their development, and therefore efforts are made to keep it adequate. To evaluate whether dental pain-related behaviors are associated with masticatory performance (MP). A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 123 children from 3 to 5 years old. Toothache was evaluated using the Dental Discomfort Questionnaire. Anthropometric data, predominant type of breathing, presence of malocclusion, number of posterior teeth cavitated by dental caries, and masticatory units were collected. MP was measured by the median size of the crushed particles (X50 ) after 20 cycles of chewing the Optocal test material and was calculated with the Rosin-Rammler equation. Data analysis involved a description of variable frequencies, as well as simple and multiple linear regression, and a confidence level set at 95%. The mean scores of dental pain-related behaviors were 1.14 (±1.90) points, and the mean X50 value was 3.96 mm (±1.34). In the multiple linear regression, a larger median size of the particles remained associated with a higher score of dental pain-related behaviors (ß = +.81, p = .01); mouth breathing (ß = +.22, p = .01); and a smaller number of masticatory units (ß = -.22, p = .02). Greater dental pain-related behavior scores are associated with worse MP, regardless of the presence of associations with predominantly oral breathing and fewer chewing units.

Activation and installation of orthodontic appliances temporarily impairs mastication.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the masticatory (masticatory performance, bite force, swallowing threshold, muscle activity, and questionnaires) and nutritional (nutrient intake) impacts of the activation and/or installation of different orthodontic appliances (fixed labial, lingual appliances, and clear aligners). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six electronic databases and gray literature were searched (up to May 2021) for relevant studies evaluating mastication and nutrition after activation/installation of orthodontic appliances. This review followed PRISMA guidelines and was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42020199510). The risk of bias (RoB 2 and ROBINS-I) and evidence quality Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation were analyzed. RESULTS: Of 4226 recorded and screened, 15 studies were finally included. Masticatory performance (standardized mean difference [SMD]: 1.069; 95% coefficient interval [CI]: 0.619 to 1.518) and bite force (SMD: -2.542; 95% CI: -4.867 to -0.217) reduced in the first 24 to 48 hours of fixed labial appliance installation/activation, but they were both normalized after 30 days (P > .05). The swallowing threshold remained constant (P > .05). Nutritional intake was rarely reported but showed copper (P = .002) and manganese (P = .016) reductions, with higher calorie and fat intake (P < .05). Lingual appliances impacted chewing more than labial, and clear aligner wearers reported fewer chewing problems (P < .001). Low to very low levels of evidence were found. CONCLUSIONS: Based on low to very low levels of evidence, mastication was reduced during the first 24 to 48 hours of fixed labial appliance activation/installation, but it was transitory (up to 30 days). Due to insufficient data, the nutritional impact of orthodontic appliances was not conclusive.

Irisin effects on bone: systematic review with meta-analysis of preclinical studies and prospects for oral health

Abstract: Bone quality is an important issue in dentistry. Low bone density may be associated with more severe periodontitis, and may influence implant therapy success. Recent evidence suggests that physical activity can improve alveolar bone quality. Irisin is an exercise-mediated peptide that might be involved in this process. We assessed the effect of exercise and that of intra-peritoneal irisin administration on bone quality in healthy and osteoporosis-induced rodents. This study was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42020184140), and followed PRISMA guidelines. A search by two independent examiners was conducted in five databases and gray literature up to July 2021, without restrictions regarding language or date of publication. Initially, they analyzed retrieved titles and abstracts (n=3,844) based on eligibility criteria. Of this total, 19 studies remained for full-text reading, and 16 proceeded to the data extraction and quality assessment phases. Meta-analyses were conducted (n= 6 studies) to establish the effects of irisin administration on cancellous bone mineral density (BMD). Exercise or irisin administration enhanced bone quality, but the meta-analysis showed that BMD increased only slightly in osteoporotic rodents (BMD: mean difference 0.03 mg/cm3 - 95% CI 0.01-0.05). This indicates that they had no significant benefits on the bones of healthy animals. Implications of key findings evidence the potential of irisin as an agent able to mitigate bone loss caused by osteoporosis, an outcome that could favor dental rehabilitation. More studies investigating the effect of irisin on alveolar bone are needed to elucidate its therapeutic viability and implications.

Dose-response effect of prebiotic ingestion (ß-glucans isolated from Saccharomyces cerevisiae) in diabetic rats with periodontal disease.

BACKGROUND: Periodontal disease is one of the most frequent comorbidities in diabetic patients and can contribute to poor blood glucose control. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of ingesting different doses of beta-glucans (BG) isolated from Saccharomyces cerevisiae on alveolar bone loss (ABL) and inflammatory/metabolic parameters in normal and diabetic rats with ligature-induced periodontal disease (PD). DESIGN: Sixty male rats were assigned into two groups: non-diabetic or diabetic (i.p. 70 mg/kg streptozotocin) with PD. Then, groups were subdivided into five subgroups according BG doses: 0 mg/Kg; 10 mg/Kg; 20 mg/Kg; 40 mg/Kg or 80 mg/Kg. Animals received BG for 28 days and ligatures were placed on lower first molars during the last 14 days. RESULTS: ABL of diabetic and non-diabetic animals receiving BG 40 mg/kg (1.33 ± 0.03 mm and 0.77 ± 0.07 mm, respectively) and 80 mg/kg (1.26 ± 0.07 mm and 0.78 ± 0.05 mm, respectively) doses was lower (p < 0.05) in comparison to respective controls (1.59 ± 0.11 mm and 0.90 mm ±0.08). COX-2 (Control: 1.66 ± 0.12; 40 mg/kg: 1.13 ± 0.07; 80 mg/kg: 0.92 ± 0.18) and RANKL expressions (Control: 1.74 ± 0.34; 40 mg/kg: 1.03 ± 0.29 ;80 mg/kg: 0.75 ± 0.21), together with the RANKL/OPG ratio (Control: 1.17 ± 0.08; 40 mg/kg: 0.67 ± 0.09; 80 mg/kg: 0.63 ± 0.28) were attenuated above the same dose (p < 0.05). BG did not influence (p > 0.05) metabolic parameters in non-diabetic rats. In diabetic animals, doses above 40 mg/kg reduced IL-1ß (Control: 387 ± 66; 40 mg/kg: 309 ± 27; 80 mg/kg: 300 ± 14) and TNF-α (Control: 229 ± 19; 40 mg/kg: 128 ± 53; 80 mg/kg: 71 ± 25), blood glucose levels (Control: 402 ± 49; 40 mg/kg: 334 ± 32; 80 mg/kg: 287 ± 56), total cholesterol (Control: 124 ± 8; 40 mg/kg: 120 ± 10; 80 mg/kg: 108 ± 9), LDL-c + VLDL-c (Control: 106 ± 8; 40 mg/kg: 103 ± 10; 80 mg/kg: 87 ± 10) and triacylglycerols (Control: 508 ± 90; 40 mg/kg: 301 ± 40; 80 mg/kg: 208 ± 61), whereas increased HDL-c (Control: 18 ± 0.5; 40 mg/kg: 19 ± 1; 80 mg/kg: 21 ± 1) (p < 0.05). Optimal dose needed to reduce ABL was higher in diabetic animals with PD. CONCLUSIONS: BG ingestion reduced ABL and improved inflammatory profile in a dose-dependent manner. Best effects were achieved with doses above 40 mg/kg.

Assessing Predictive Factors of COVID-19 Outcomes: A Retrospective Cohort Study in the Metropolitan Region of São Paulo (Brazil).

Background and Objectives: The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to search individual, sociodemographic and environmental predictors of COVID-19 outcomes. Materials and Methods: A convenience sample of 1036 COVID-19 confirmed patients (3-99 years, mean 59 years; 482 females) who sought treatment at the emergency units of the public health system of Diadema (Brazil; March-October 2020) was included. Primary data were collected from medical records: sex, age, occupation/education, onset of symptoms, presence of chronic diseases/treatment and outcome (death and non-death). Secondary socioeconomic and environmental data were provided by the Department of Health. Results: The mean time spent between COVID-19 symptom onset and admission to the health system was 7.4 days. Principal component analysis summarized secondary sociodemographic data, and a Poisson regression model showed that the time between symptom onset and health system admission was higher for younger people and those from the least advantaged regions (availability of electricity, a sewage network, a water supply and garbage collection). A multiple logistic regression model showed an association of age (OR = 1.08; 1.05-1.1), diabetes (OR = 1.9; 1.1-3.4) and obesity (OR = 2.9; 1.1-7.6) with death outcome, while hypertension and sex showed no significant association. Conclusion: The identification of vulnerable groups may help the development of health strategies for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.

Reproductive aspects of Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) hatched from eggs incubated under different light colors.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of exposure to different colors of light during egg incubation on the reproductive parameters of male and female Japanese quails. A total of 1776 eggs were incubated under four lighting conditions for 24 h a day during the entire incubation period: white LEDs, green LEDs, red LEDs and darkness (control). The experimental design was a randomized block (incubation time) with four treatments of six replicates of two cages each. After hatching, the birds were housed in brood cages with 18 birds each to 35 days of age, when they were sexed and transferred to production cages for evaluation of reproductive parameters. After the onset of laying, the number of eggs in each cage was recorded daily, and the values were used to obtain the age of the females at first egg and at 80% laying. At 35 and 60 days of age, several birds from each cage were euthanized for anatomical and histological evaluation of the gonads. Two females from each cage were weighed every three days until 60 days of age to determine the growth curve. After 60 days, eggs from each cage were collected and assessed for external and internal quality. At 70, 74 and 78 days of age, semen collection was performed and seminal quality was evaluated. Then, the males were transferred to cages containing 9 females for the fertility test. Hatchability was higher (P < 0.05) in eggs incubated in the dark and under the red LED. The age of maximum growth was higher (P < 0.05) in birds from eggs incubated in the dark and under the white LED. There was no difference (P > 0.05) in the anatomical and histological characteristics of the testicles between the groups incubated under different light colors, except for the diameter of the seminiferous tubules, which was greater (P = 0.05) in the dark and in the white LED groups. There was no effect (P > 0.05) of light color during incubation on the productive index or egg quality of adult birds. There was also no effect (P > 0.05) on sperm quality, except for sperm motility, the values of which were higher (P < 0.05) in birds from eggs incubated in different colors of light. However, this difference was not sufficient to significantly (P > 0.05) influence bird fertility. It is concluded that under the studied conditions, the incubation of quail eggs under white, red, and green LED lamps does not influence the reproductive characteristics of the quails.