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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‐1β/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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Streptococcus mutans is commonly associated with dental caries and the ability to form biofilms is essential for its pathogenicity. We recently identified the Pgf glycosylation machinery of S. mutans, responsible for the post‐translational modification of the surface‐associated adhesins Cnm and WapA. Since the four‐gene pgf operon (pgfS‐pgfM1‐pgfE‐pgfM2) is part of the S. mutans core genome, we hypothesized that the scope of the Pgf system goes beyond Cnm and WapA glycosylation. In silico analyses and tunicamycin sensitivity assays suggested a functional overlap between the Pgf machinery and the rhamnose‐glucose polysaccharide synthesis pathway. Phenotypic characterization of pgf mutants (ΔpgfS, ΔpgfE, ΔpgfM1, ΔpgfM2, and Δpgf) revealed that the Pgf system is important for biofilm formation, surface charge, membrane stability, and survival in human saliva. Moreover, deletion of the entire pgf operon (Δpgf strain) resulted in significantly impaired colonization in a rat oral colonization model. Using Cnm as a model, we showed that Cnm is heavily modified with N‐acetyl hexosamines but it becomes heavily phosphorylated with the inactivation of the PgfS glycosyltransferase, suggesting a crosstalk between these two post‐translational modification mechanisms. Our results revealed that the Pgf machinery contributes to multiple aspects of S. mutans pathobiology that may go beyond Cnm and WapA glycosylation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the undeniable effect of vaccination against COVID-19 in reducing disease severity, there is still a need to monitor and limit SARS-CoV-2 circulation and transmission. Thus, this study evaluated the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 genome on the surfaces of highly touched objects manipulated in the biological sample collection point and at the reception unit of the diagnostic laboratory. Surfaces were sampled once a week, for 6 weeks, between September 18th and October 23rd, 2020. RT-qPCR was used for SARS-CoV-2 detection. The coolers for biological sample transportation and the envelope containing the patient form were the objects with the highest occurrence of viral genome detection, although it was detected in each object in only two of the 6 evaluations. And the SARS-CoV-2 genome was detected just once on the vehicle steering wheel, computer keyboard, bathroom door handle and disinfection bench. The virus genome was not detected in any object on three of the six evaluations. And eight was the largest number of surfaces contaminated by the virus genome on one occasion. The reduced incidence of object contamination by the SARS-CoV-2 genome can be explained by the exposure of the objects to environmental conditions and the adoption of virus-spread containment measures. It can also reflect the low incidence of SARS-CoV-2 during the study's development period. Despite the low frequency of SARS-CoV-2 genome detection, our findings show that the virus was present in the environment at some point. This highlights the importance of adopting personal preventive measures to reduce respiratory virus spread, especially during epidemics and outbreaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a disease in which insulin action is impaired, and an acute bout of strength exercise can improve insulin sensitivity. Current guidelines for strength exercise prescription suggest that 8 to 30 sets could be performed, although it is not known how variations in exercise volume impact insulin sensitivity. Additionally, this means an almost 4-fold difference in time commitment, which might directly impact an individual's motivation and perceived capacity to exercise. This study will assess the acute effects of high- and low-volume strength exercise sessions on insulin sensitivity. After being thoroughly familiarized, 14 obese individuals of both sexes (>40 year old) will undergo 3 random experimental sessions, with a minimum 4-day washout period between them: a high-volume session (7 exercises, 3 sets per exercise, 21 total sets); a low-volume session (7 exercises, 1 set per exercise, 7 total sets); and a control session, where no exercise will be performed. Psychological assessments (feeling, enjoyment, and self-efficacy) will be performed after the sessions. All sessions will be held at night, and the next morning, an oral glucose tolerance test will be performed in a local laboratory, from which indexes of insulin sensitivity will be derived. We believe this study will aid in strength exercise prescription for individuals who claim not to have time to exercise or who perceive high-volume strength exercise intimidating to adhere to. This trial was prospectively registered (ReBEC #RBR-3vj5dc5 https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-3vj5dc5). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on the characterization of low-velocity (lower than 100 km/h) rockfall impact loads transferring to a thick steel-reinforced concrete (SRC) slab through a protective sand layer. A full-scale experimental test campaign was performed, where each test consisted of releasing a concrete block which, after a vertical free fall, impacts a sand protective layer placed over a SRC slab, in order to represent an isolated rockfall impact to which an actual SRC structure could be exposed. During the impact, the vertical pressure distribution was observed using several pressure cells installed at the sand–slab interface. A total of 35 tests were carried out, systematically combining sand layer thickness (D), block's equivalent diameter (B), and free-fall drop height (H), related to impact velocity. The masses of the released blocks were in the range of 117 to 7,399 kg, corresponding to diameters in the range of 0.42 to 1.79 m. Five free-fall drop heights up to 33 m were considered to reach impact velocities up to 90 km/h , covering the range of most velocities observed in actual rockfall studies. Three thicknesses of the sand layer protecting the thick SRC slab were considered: 1, 1.5, or 2 m. Data reduction from this full-scale impact tests program makes it possible to characterize, for a given thickness of protective sand layer, the time-space pressure pulse distribution applied to the protected structure during the impact for a large range of rock boulder masses and speeds actually observed in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) are essential for maintaining intestinal mucosal integrity. However, only a few studies have explored the role of BCAA in the modulation of intestinal inflammation. In this study, we investigated in vitro effects of BCAA on the inflammatory response induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (1 µg/mL) in Caco-2 cells. Caco-2 cells were assigned to six groups: control without BCAA (CTL0), normal BCAA (CTL; 0.8 mM leucine, 0.8 mM isoleucine, and 0.8 mM valine); leucine (LEU; 2 mM leucine), isoleucine (ISO; 2 mM isoleucine), valine (VAL; 2 mM valine), and high BCAA (LIV; 2 mM leucine, 2 mM isoleucine, and 2 mM valine). BCAA was added to the culture medium 24 h before LPS stimulation. Our results indicated that BCAA supplementation did not impair cell viability. The amino acids leucine and isoleucine attenuated the synthesis of IL-8 and JNK and NF-kB phosphorylation induced by LPS. Furthermore, neither BCAA supplementation nor LPS treatment modulated the activity of glutathione peroxidase or the intracellular reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione ratio. Therefore, leucine and isoleucine exert anti-inflammatory effects in Caco-2 cells exposed to LPS by modulating JNK and NF-kB phosphorylation and IL-8 production. Further in vivo studies are required to validate these findings and gather valuable information for potential therapeutic or dietary interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aims to investigate the ability of the six-minute walk distance (6MWD) as a prognostic marker for midterm clinical outcomes three months after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), to identify possible predictors of fall in 6MWD in the early postoperative period, and to establish the percentage fall in early postoperative 6MWD, considering the preoperative baseline as 100%. Methods: A prospective cohort of patients undergoing elective CABG were included. The percentage fall in 6MWD was assessed by the difference between preoperative and postoperative day (POD) five. Clinical outcomes were evaluated three months after hospital discharge. Results: There was a significant decrease in 6MWD on POD5 compared with preoperative baseline values (percentage fall of 32.5±16.5%, P<0.0001). Linear regression analysis showed an independent association of the percentage fall of 6MWD with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and preoperative inspiratory muscle strength. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that the best cutoff value of percentage fall in 6MWD to predict poorer clinical outcomes at three months was 34.6% (area under the curve = 0.82, sensitivity = 78.95%, specificity = 76.19%, P=0.0001). Conclusion: This study indicates that a cutoff value of 34.6% in percentage fall of 6MWD on POD5 was able to predict poorer clinical outcomes at three months of follow-up after CABG. Use of CPB and preoperative inspiratory muscle strength were independent predictors of percentage fall of 6MWD in the postoperative period. These findings further support the clinical application of 6MWD and propose an inpatient preventive strategy to guide clinical management over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dengue and obesity are currently highly prevalent conditions worldwide and the association between these two conditions may result in greater risk for DENV infection and disease severity. In this study the association between obesity and recent, inapparent dengue was investigated. Serum DENV IgM and NS1 were evaluated in 49 adult volunteers (15 lean and 34 individuals with obesity, according to body mass index), between September 2017 and June 2018. Adiposity, endocrine, metabolic, and immune data of the participants were also obtained. None of the study participants tested positive for the DENV NS1 antigen. DENV IgM was detected in 33.3% of the lean individuals, and in 44.1% of those with obesity; the presence of DENV IgM was not associated with body mass index (OR = 1.32, 95% CI = 0.59–2.98, p = 0.48). However, body fat index was higher in obese individuals who had recent inapparent dengue (14.7 ± 3.1 versus 12.7 ± 2.1 kg/m2, p = 0.04), as was the expression of CD11b by classical (CD14++CD16−) monocytes (1103.0 ± 311.3 versus 720.3 ± 281.1 mean fluoresce intensity). Our findings suggest an association between adiposity and recent inapparent dengue and the involvement of classical monocytes in this association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Dentures, occlusal splints, surgical guides and orthodontic appliances are examples of acrylic resin devices made in dental laboratories, which must be disinfected and even sterilized before insertion into the oral cavity. This study evaluated the antimicrobial effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) applied to acrylic resin specimens received from different laboratories. Methods: Three hundred standardized specimens were ordered from six randomly selected laboratories registered in the Council of Dentistry of Ceará (n = 50). The PDT consisted in the association of 22 µM erythrosine, as a photosensitizer (P), and a 520-nm LED at 38 J/cm2 (L). The specimens of each laboratory were randomly distributed into five groups: positive control, sterilized with ethylene oxide; negative control, untreated (P-L-); erythrosine control, only stained (P + L-); LED control, only irradiated (P-L + ); PDT (P + L + ). Then, the specimens were individually sonicated in saline solution; the suspension was diluted, plated on culture mediums (blood agar, sabouraud dextrose agar and a non-selective chromogenic agar), and incubated for 48 hours at 37°C. Colonyforming- unit (CFU) counts were done and statistical tests of Kruskal-Wallis/Dunn were carried out. Results: The specimens from all laboratories were contaminated with bacteria and yeasts. Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus spp., Klebsiella and Pseudomonas spp. were identified. The PDT significantly reduced CFU counts (P < 0.0001), compared to P-L-. Conclusion: PDT was able to effectively decontaminate the acrylic resin specimens provided from dental laboratories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experiments and numerical analysis were both carried out to evaluate the amount of energy dissipated during the rebound between single boulder (concrete made blocks with many varied shapes) and a soft or stiff substratum. A high speed camera made it possible to analyze the collision kinematics and to determine the role played by different features such as the incident axial/angular velocities, the boulder shapes, the impact configuration and the substratum type, on the amount of dissipated energy. A three-dimensional discrete element code was used to simulate the experiments by accounting for the actual shape of the boulder and some dissipation mechanisms. The comparison between the experimental and numerical trajectories allowed for an physical interpretation of the dissipation mechanisms and an identification of a set of parameters to be introduced in the simulations. That way, the predictive ability of the discrete model of rock avalanche can be improved by including in-situ measurements.

Purpose: To investigate the effect of different water immersion temperatures on the kinetics of blood markers of skeletal muscle damage and the main leukocyte subpopulations. Methods: Eleven recreationally trained young men participated in four experimental sessions consisting of unilateral eccentric knee flexion and 90 min of treadmill running at 70% of peak oxygen uptake, followed by 15 min of water immersion recovery at 15, 28 or 38°C. In the control condition participants remained seated at room temperature. Four hours after exercise recovery, participants completed a performance test. Blood samples were obtained before and immediately after exercise, after immersion, immediately before and after the performance test and 24 h after exercise. The number of leukocyte populations and the percentage of lymphocyte and monocytes subsets, as well as the serum activity of creatine kinase and aspartate aminotransferase were determined. Results: Leukocytosis and increase in blood markers of skeletal muscle damage were observed after the exercise. Magnitude effect analysis indicated that post-exercise hotwater immersion likely reduced the exercise-induced lymphocytosis and monocytosis. Despite reduced monocyte count, recovery by 38°C immersion, as well as 28°C, likely increased the percentage of non-classical monocytes in the blood. The percentage of CD25+ cells in the CD4 T cell subpopulation was possibly lower after immersion in water at 28 and 15°C. No effect of recovery by water immersion was observed for serum levels of creatine kinase and aspartate aminotransferase. Conclusions: Recovery by hot-water immersion likely attenuated the leukocytosis and increased the mobilization of non-classical monocytes induced by a single session of exercise combining resistance and endurance exercises, despite no effect of water immersion on markers of skeletal muscle damage. The monocyte response mediated by hot water immersion may lead to the improvement of the inflammatory response evoked by exercise in the skeletal muscle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this study was to quantify the area covered by biofilm and identify bacteria and yeasts present in mandibular acrylic resin full‐arch implant‐supported fixed prostheses. Background: Biofilm control of implant‐supported fixed prosthesis is hampered by their design, and it can cause oral and systemic problems, mainly in immunocompromised patients like the elder. Knowledge about microbiota reinforces the awareness about the need for periodic professional cleaning maintenance. Materials and methods: Twenty prostheses were unscrewed, washed in 0.89% sodium chloride, stained with eosin 1% and photographed. The area covered by biofilm was digitally delimited and quantified. Biofilm samples were collected, diluted up to 1:107, seeded in chromogenic agar media and incubated for 48 hours, at 37°C, for counting of colony‐forming units (CFU/mL). DNA hybridization was performed to complement the identification and quantification of microorganisms. Data were analyzed using Mann‐Whitney test, Spearman correlation and Fisher's exact test (α =.05). Results: An average of 62% of the gingival surface of the prostheses was covered by biofilm. Enterococcus spp. (5.82 ± 1.38 log10CFU/mL) and Staphylococcus aureus (5.75 ± 2.02 log10CFU/mL) showed higher prevalence in cultures. Patients with five implants had less biofilm compared to those with four implants (P =.031) but had higher Escherichia coli counts (P =.039). In DNA hybridization, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Veillonella parvula and Fusobacterium nucleatum presented higher quantification and were present in all the samples; patients over 65 years old contained more Candida tropicalis (P =.049); prostheses on five implants presented lower quantification for several species. Conclusion: Biofilm was present on all prostheses, containing potentially pathogenic microorganisms. The number of implants may play a role in quantification of biofilm and in microorganism counts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of whole-body vibration training (WBVT) on blood brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels and determine the clinical and functional outcomes in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). Thirty-two women with FMS were randomized into an intervention group (IG), receiving 6 weeks of WBVT, or a control group (CG) with no intervention. The outcomes at the baseline and follow-up in both groups included blood BDNF levels, sit-to-stand test (STS), 6-minute walk test (6MWT), Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and visual analogue scale (VAS). WBVT resulted in a group-by-time interaction effect. Thus, after the intervention time, the IG had increased blood BDNF levels (p = 0.045), a higher number of repetitions on the STS test (p = 0.011), and increased walking distance on the 6MWT (p = 0.010), compared to CG. Moreover, there was a reduction in the scores of the FIQ (p = 0.001), the PSQI (p = 0.001), the BDI (p = 0.017), and pain assessed using VAS (p = 0.008) in IG. The results demonstrate that WBVT promotes an increase in blood BDNF levels, with concomitant improvement in lower limb muscle strength, aerobic capacity, clinical symptoms, and quality of life in women with FMS. This trial is registered with Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (REBEC; RBR-38nbbx) (https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-38nbbx). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some organizations in the Brazilian forestry sector, especially in the activities carried out in forest stands, do not follow the development pace of other industries and the adoption rate of management and quality methodologies and tools. This study aimed to evaluate the predictability of timber harvesting process based on critical points identified in the selective thinning and clear cut operations. Interviews and Pareto chart were used, for the identification and evaluation of the critical points, respectively, and for the evaluation of the process, it was used the Statistical Process Control (SPC) by attributes and variables in the main failures. In the interviews conducted with workers, seven critical points were identified. The evaluation with Pareto chart showed that 80% of the failures identified during harvest are attributed to the damage to the remaining trees, sorting (measures of length and diameter of the product) and stump height. Among the possible causes of the critical points are problems with employees' training, regular maintenance of machinery and operations planning. In the evaluation with the CEP, the control charts indicated that the sorting and stump height, although within the limits specified by the company, was considered unstable and unpredictable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Brazilian forestry sector, some organizations do not keep pace with the development of other sectors and the adoption of quality management tools and methodologies. Due to the delay, the low quality and the high instability of the processes, great waste and economic losses occur. Thus, this work had the objective summarizing information regarding quality management with emphasis in the agricultural-forestry sector. The method to be used for the proposed research is the methodology based on the bibliography, in which will be approached subjects related to the topic to be explored and diverse aspects that must be considered in the quality management system. In an increasingly competitive market, companies around the world are looking for a quality differential for products and processes, as well as a continued search to attract more customers, without raising production costs. Quality tools and methodologies can be used together and their applications vary according to the needs of each case. Serving as support in the management of activities, aiming in general at reducing the risks of failures in the production line, helping organizations to make decisions in a timely manner to achieve their goals. For this, it is fundamental to observe that actions aimed at improving quality are an investment, in which each strategy for its control should generate a gain for the organization, be it financial, organizational or competitive. In this way, it was concluded that quality tools and methodologies can be used together to corroborate the management of activities, reducing the risks of production line failures and helping organizations to make decisions in a timely manner to achieve their objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We aimed to investigate the ability of oxygen uptake kinetics to predict short-term outcomes after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. Methods: Fifty-two patients aged 60.9 ± 7.8 years waiting for off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery were evaluated. The 6-min walk test distance was performed pre-operatively, while simultaneously using a portable cardiopulmonary testing device. The transition of oxygen uptake kinetics from rest to exercise was recorded to calculate oxygen uptake kinetics fitting a monoexponential regression model. Oxygen uptake at steady state, constant time, and mean response time corrected by work rate were analysed. Short-term clinical outcomes were evaluated during the early post-operative of off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery. Results: Multivariate analysis showed body mass index, surgery time, and mean response time corrected by work rate as independent predictors for short-term outcomes. The optimal mean response time corrected by work rate cut-off to estimate short-term clinical outcomes was 1.51 × 10−3 min2/ml. Patients with slower mean response time corrected by work rate demonstrated higher rates of hypertension, diabetes, EuroSCOREII, left ventricular dysfunction, and impaired 6-min walk test parameters. The per cent-predicted distance threshold of 66% in the pre-operative was associated with delayed oxygen uptake kinetics. Conclusions: Pre-operative oxygen uptake kinetics during 6-min walk test predicts short-term clinical outcomes after off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery. From a clinically applicable perspective, a threshold of 66% of pre-operative predicted 6-min walk test distance indicated slower kinetics, which leads to longer intensive care unit and post-surgery hospital length of stay. Implications for rehabilitation: Coronary artery bypass grafting is a treatment aimed to improve expectancy of life and prevent disability due to the disease progression; The use of pre-operative submaximal functional capacity test enabled the identification of patients with high risk of complications, where patients with delayed oxygen uptake kinetics exhibited worse short-term outcomes; Our findings suggest the importance of the rehabilitation in the pre-operative in order to "pre-habilitate" the patients to the surgical procedure; Faster oxygen uptake on-kinetics could be achieved by improving the oxidative capacity of muscles and cardiovascular conditioning through rehabilitation, adding better results following cardiac surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mitochondria play a fundamental role during development of the female germline. They are fragmented, round, and small. Despite these characteristics suggesting that they are inactive, there is accumulating evidence that mitochondrial dysfunctions are a major cause of infertility and generation of aneuploidies in humans. In addition, mitochondria and their own genomes (mitochondrial DNA-mtDNA) may become damaged with time, which might be one reason why aging leads to infertility. As a result, mitochondria have been proposed as an important target for evaluating oocyte and embryo quality, and developing treatments for female infertility. On the other hand, mutations in mtDNA may cause mitochondrial dysfunctions, leading to severe diseases that affect 1 in 4,300 people. Moreover, very low levels of mutated mtDNA seem to be present in every person worldwide. These may increase with time and associate with late-onset degenerative diseases such as Parkinson disease, Alzheimer disease, and common cancers. Mutations in mtDNA are transmitted down the maternal lineage, following a poorly understood pattern of inheritance. Recent findings have indicated existence in the female germline of a purifying filter against deleterious mtDNA variants. Although the underlying mechanism of this filter is largely unknown, it has been suggested to rely on autophagic degradation of dysfunctional mitochondria or selective replication/transmission of non-deleterious variants. Thus, understanding the mechanisms regulating mitochondrial inheritance is important both to improve diagnosis and develop therapeutic tools for preventing transmission of mtDNA-encoded diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Steroids are important membrane components and signaling metabolites and thus are required for cellular homeostasis. All mammalian cells retain the ability to uptake and synthesize steroids. Dysregulation of steroid levels leads to profound effects on cellular function and organismal health. Hence it comes as no surprise that steroid synthesis is tightly regulated. It is well established that the main site for steroid synthesis and regulation is the endoplasmic reticulum. However, mitochondria are essential for: (1) cholesterol production (the precursor of all steroids) by exporting citrate and; (2) the products of steroidogenesis (such as mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids). In this review, we describe the midfield player role of mitochondria in steroid synthesis and bring the idea of mitochondria actively participating in steroid synthesis regulation. A better understanding of the mitochondrial regulatory roles in steroid synthesis would open new avenues to targeted approaches aiming to control steroid levels. • ER is considered the main site for steroid synthesis regulation. • Mitochondria dysfunction results in decreased steroid synthesis by an unknown mechanism. • Mitochondria produce and export citrate which is the main cholesterol precursor. • Cholesterol is the building block metabolite of all steroids. • The machinery responsible for cholesterol uptake by mitochondria is not fully described. • Steroid hormone synthesis requires mitochondria-ER communication. • The transporters of steroids between mitochondria and ER are not known. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]