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Epigenetics and metabolism are closely associated, revealing their mutual influence on gene regulation and phenotype changes. Trypanosomes harbor many epigenetic marks that change on parasite life and/or cell cycle, indicating the close association between epigenetic modifications and both trypanosome phenotype changes and gene expression, even when gene-specific transcriptional control of encoded proteins is lacking. Trypanosomes must adapt to different environmental conditions, changing their metabolism. Peculiarities in their metabolism point to the possibility of unique crosstalk patterns between metabolic factors and epigenetics marks. Metabolic enzymes related to the production of substrates, cofactors, or inhibitors of epigenetic marks are found in the nuclear space, suggesting the formation of a localized nuclear pool of these factors available for epigenetic reactions. Epigenetic marks enable cells to acquire new biological features that favor their adaptation to environmental changes. These marks are chemical modifications on chromatin-associated proteins and nucleic acids that lead to changes in the chromatin landscape and may eventually affect gene expression. The chemical tags of these epigenetic marks are comprised of intermediate cellular metabolites. The number of discovered associations between metabolism and epigenetics has increased, revealing how environment influences gene regulation and phenotype diversity. This connection is relevant to all organisms but underappreciated in digenetic parasites, which must adapt to different environments as they progress through their life cycles. This review speculates and proposes associations between epigenetics and metabolism in trypanosomes, which are protozoan parasites that cause human and livestock diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report details a 78-year-old man with advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the lower lip who underwent surgery, reconstruction, and radiotherapy, with support from the dental team throughout all stages of treatment. The patient had residual root and caries, identified prior to oncological treatment. However, due to microstomia, a conservative approach was chosen to preserve the teeth. During radiotherapy, the patient received photobiomodulation for oral mucositis and analgesia. Following treatment, the patient maintained regular dental follow-ups for years and underwent various dental procedures. After four years, an alveolar ridge ulcer was identified, and a biopsy was performed, revealing no malignancy. This report underscores the significance of a comprehensive and expedient dental approach before cancer treatment to address any oral conditions that might disrupt its continuity. It also underscores the pivotal role of dental surgeons in multidisciplinary teams during and after cancer treatment to enhance the patient's quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Case Report: A 53-year-old male patient, diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the prostate with bone metastasis in 2020, underwent surgery, chemotherapy (Docetaxel), and initiated Zometa in 2021. He was referred for dental evaluation due to oral pain and paresthesia in the lower lip and chin on the right side. Physical examination revealed swelling in the vestibular region near teeth 45 and 46, with pain upon vertical percussion of tooth 46. Panoramic radiography displayed a mixed image between the roots of teeth 45 and 46 and an increased space corresponding to the periodontal ligament. Diagnostic hypotheses included metastasis, osteonecrosis, or periapical lesion. The patient was referred for endodontic treatment of tooth 46, and a fine needle aspiration biopsy was performed on the right mandible (tooth 46). Histopathological analysis was suggestive of metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma. The patient has been under dental follow-up for nine months and ongoing oncology treatment with Mitoxantrone and quarterly Zometa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alternative methods have been widely studied to mitigate problems arising from the use of pesticides in agriculture. Among them is the use of essential oils to control stored grain pests. In this context, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of fumigation of cowpeas with 12 essential oils having different chemical profiles, derived from the germplasm collection of Schinus terebinthifolius and Lippia alba at Rio de Janeiro Federal Rural University. These oils were applied at various concentrations (0.1–1.0 mg/mL of air) against cowpea weevils (Callosobruchus maculatus). The chemotypes evaluated included citral, citral/limonene, carvone/limonene, and linalool from the essential oils of L. alba , as well as α-pinene, sabinene, α-phellandrene/α-pinene, β-pinene/α-pinene, δ-carene/α-pinene, limonene, α-phellandrene/sabinene, and myrcene from the essential oils of S. terebinthifolius. Various aspects of the insects' reproductive cycle were evaluated, including mortality, egg laying, emergence of new adults, emergence rate, and larval hatching, along with grain mass loss. The results indicated life cycle inhibition of all evaluated oils, with the essential oil from the UFRRJ ECB028 (linalool CT) genotype having the lowest LC 50 (0.10 mg/mL of air), completely halting the insects' life cycle and totally preventing seed mass loss. Overall, the results pointed to certain genotypes as promising for the development of technologies aimed at seed protection. [Display omitted] • Various chemotypes of L. alba and S. terebinthifolius essential oils were evaluated. • Weevils' reproductive cycle and seed weight loss were assessed. • Essential oil from UFRRJ ECB028 genotype showed optimal results. • It completely halted the insects' life cycle and achieved 100% seed mass loss prevention. • The UFRRJ ECB028 genotype is indicated for developmental of seed protection technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Growth faltering has been associated with poor intellectual performance. The relative strengths of associations between growth in early and in later childhood remain underexplored.Objectives: We examined the association between growth in childhood and adult human capital in 5 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).Methods: We analyzed data from 9503 participants in 6 prospective birth cohorts from 5 LMICs (Brazil, Guatemala, India, the Philippines, and South Africa). We used linear and quasi-Poisson regression models to assess the associations between measures of height and relative weight at 4 age intervals [birth, age ∼2 y, midchildhood (MC), adulthood] and 2 dimensions of adult human capital [schooling attainment and Intelligence Quotient (IQ)].Results: Meta-analysis of site- and sex-specific estimates showed statistically significant associations between size at birth and height at ∼2 y and the 2 outcomes (P < 0.001). Weight and length at birth and linear growth from birth to ∼2 y of age (1 z-score difference) were positively associated with schooling attainment (β: 0.13; 95% CI: 0.08, 0.19, β: 0.17; 95% CI: 0.07, 0.32, and β: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.10, 0.40, respectively) and adult IQ (β: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.35, 1.14, β: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.35, 1.10, and β: 1.52, 95% CI: 0.96, 2.08, respectively). Linear growth from age 2 y to MC and from MC to adulthood was not associated with higher school attainment or IQ. Change in relative weight in early childhood, MC, and adulthood was not associated with either outcome.Conclusions: Linear growth in the first 1000 d is a predictor of schooling attainment and IQ in adulthood in LMICs. Linear growth in later periods was not associated with either of these outcomes. Changes in relative weight across the life course were not associated with schooling and IQ in adulthood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ideal cardiovascular health (ICH) aims at primordial prevention of cardiovascular diseases in the population. However, there is a lack of research describing ICH in youth from middle-income countries. The aims of this study were to describe the prevalence of ICH at 18- and 22-year-old and to investigate the influence of socioeconomic status.Methods: The sample consisted of participants from the Pelotas 1993 birth-cohort followed-up at 18- (n = 4,106) and 22-year-old (n = 3,810). Ideal metrics were created for diet, smoking, body mass index, physical activity, blood pressure, total cholesterol, and blood glucose. The presence of 4 or more ideal metrics was defined as ICH. Socioeconomic status was obtained using wealth quintiles calculated with factor analysis based on analysis based on the ownership of household and education. The impact of socioeconomic status on ICH metrics was statistically measured using the slope index of inequality.Results: The prevalence of ICH was 84.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 82.7-86.2%) and 84.1% (82.3-85.8%) at 18-year-old and decreased to 61.1% (58.4-63.7%) and 68.7% (66.2-71.2%) at 22-years old, for male and female, respectively. Socioeconomic status influenced ICH and its components differently in males and females. Wealthiest females had ICH prevalence 19 percentage points (pp) (11-27 pp) higher compared to the poorest, whereas poorest males had ICH prevalence 12 pp (1-21 pp) higher compared to the wealthiest. Longitudinal decreases in ICH components were mostly present in the poorest females.Conclusions: In middle-income countries, the prevalence of ICH is high at 18-year-old and decreases in a 4-year follow-up. Socioeconomic status influences differently individuals' ICH between sexes. Efforts are needed to maintain ICH in youth and different strategies may be required between the social status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Uric acid, the end-product of human purine metabolism, is associated with hypertension, diabetes and obesity. It has also been independently associated with the onset of chronic kidney disease in several populations. In this study, the association between serum uric acid (SUA) level and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was investigated in healthy individuals belonging to two Brazilian birth cohorts.Methods and Results: Data from 3541 to 3482 individuals, aged 30 and 22-years old, respectively, was included. eGFR was calculated using Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation based on creatinine measurement. Regression analyses were sex-stratified due to interaction between SUA and sex (p < 0.001) and adjusted for perinatal, cardiometabolic and behavioral variables. We observed an inverse association between eGFR and SUA even after adjustment. In the highest tertile (3rd) of SUA, the eGFR coefficients at 30-years were-0.21 (95%CI -0.24;-0.18) for men and -0.20 (95%CI -0.23; -0.17) for women; at 22-years, were -0.09 (95%CI -0.12;-0.05) for men and -0.13 (95%CI -0.15; -0.10) for women. Higher differences among exponential means (95% CI) of eGFR between the 1st and the 3rd tertile of SUA were seen in older participants, being more pronounced in men. At 22-years, the highest difference was found in women.Conclusions: In young healthy individuals from a low-middle income country, SUA level was inversely associated with eGFR. Gender-related differences in eGFR according tertiles of SUA were higher in men at 30-years and in women at 22-years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Growth faltering in the first 1000 d is associated with lower human capital among adults. The existence of a second window of opportunity for nutritional interventions during adolescence has been postulated. Objectives We aimed to verify the associations between growth from birth to 18 y and intelligence and schooling in a cohort. Methods A total of 5249 hospital-born infants in Pelotas, Brazil, were enrolled during 1993. Follow-up visits to random subsamples took place at 6, 12, and 48 mo and to the full cohort at 11, 15, and 18 y. Weight and length/height were collected in all visits. The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale was applied at age 18 y, and primary school completion was recorded. Conditional length/height and conditional BMI were calculated and expressed as z scores according to the WHO Growth Standards. These express the difference between observed and expected size at a given age based on a regression that includes earlier anthropometric measures. Analyses were adjusted for income, parental education, maternal skin color and smoking, and breastfeeding duration. Results In the adjusted analyses, participants with conditional length ≥1 z score at 1 y had mean intelligence quotient (IQ) scores at 18 y 4.50 points (95% CI: 1.08, 7.92) higher than those with conditional length ≤−1 at 1 y. For height-for-age at 4 y, this difference was equal to 3.70 (95% CI: 0.49, 6.90) IQ points. There were no associations between conditional height at 11, 15, or 18 y and IQ. For the same previously mentioned comparison, the prevalence ratio for less than primary schooling was 1.42 (95% CI: 1.12, 1.80) for conditional height at 1 y. There were no consistent associations with conditional BMI. Conclusions Our findings show that adolescent growth is not associated with intelligence and schooling, and are consistent with the literature on the associations between intelligence and schooling and early linear growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Body image–related norms can be imposed by parents and can shape adolescents' body satisfaction in consequential ways, yet evidence on long-term effects is scarce. Longitudinal data from a country with strong body image focus provided a unique opportunity to investigate long-term influences of normative parent-related perceptions. Multinomial logistic regression was used on data from a 1993 birth cohort in Brazil to investigate the association of normal–body mass index (BMI) adolescents' perception of their parent's opinion of their weight at age 11 years with their weight control attempts at 18 years, testing a mediating role for body dissatisfaction at age 15 years. All models controlled for body dissatisfaction at age 11 years and BMI change between ages 11 and 15 years. A total of 1150 boys and 1336 girls were included. Girls were more likely than boys to diet without nutritionist advice to lose weight (51.5% vs. 34.3% among boys) and use medication to gain weight (12.7% vs. 4.2%). Normal-BMI adolescents who reported at age 11 years that their parents thought they were thin had higher odds of feeling thinner than ideal at age 15 years (odds ratio 2.8, 95% confidence interval 1.8–3.2; and odds ratio 2.0, 95% confidence interval 1.5–2.7) among boys and girls, respectively). Feeling thinner than ideal at age 15 years was associated among girls with higher odds of weight gain attempts at age 18 years. Similar patterns appeared among girls reporting that their parents thought they were fat at age 11 years, feeling fatter than ideal at age 15 years and having higher odds of weight loss attempts at age 18 years. Body dissatisfaction was a statistically significant mediator among girls but not boys. A long-term influence of parent-related perceptions via a likely trajectory of body dissatisfaction is evident among girls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brazilian society is characterized by deep socioeconomic inequalities. Using data from a population-based birth cohort, we explored how the intersectionality of family income and gender may affect adolescent health and behavioral outcomes. Children born in 1993 in the Brazilian city of Pelotas have been followed up prospectively at the age of 15 years when the follow-up rate was 85.7% of the original cohort. Participants answered standardized questionnaires, and anthropometric measures were obtained. Outcomes in five domains were studied: overweight (body mass index above +1 SD of the World Health Organization standard for age and sex), cigarette smoking (in the previous month), violence (fight in which someone was injured, in the past year), self-reported unhappiness (based on a face scale), and psychological symptoms (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire). Monthly family income was recoded in quintiles. Results were available for more than 4,101–4,334 adolescents, depending on the outcome. Overweight was more common among boys than girls (29.7% and 25.6%; p =.004) and was directly related to family income among boys (p <.001), but not among girls (p =.681). Smoking was less common among boys than girls (12.3% and 21.0%, p <.001) and showed strong inverse association with income among girls (p <.001), but not among boys (p =.099). Reported violence was twice as common among boys than girls (16.4% vs. 8.0%; p <.001); an inverse association with income was present among girls (p <.001), but not for boys (p =.925). Boys and girls were similarly likely to report being unhappy (18.4% and 20.1%; p =.176), with an inverse association with family income in girls. Psychological symptoms were slightly less common among boys than girls (25.3% and 28.3%; p =.014), with strong inverse associations with income in both sexes (p <.001). Adolescent girls from poor families were the group with the highest prevalence for three of the five outcomes: smoking, unhappiness, and psychological problems. Gender norms influence adolescent health and behavioral outcomes, but the direction and strength of the associations are modified by socioeconomic position. Preventive strategies must take into account the intersectionality of gender and wealth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract It is still unclear whether the progression of acute to chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy is predominantly associated with the limited efficacy of aetiological chemotherapy, or with the pharmacological resistance profiles and pathogenicity of specific Trypanosoma cruzi strains. Thus, we tested the hypothesis that parasitic load could be a limited target of aetiological chemotherapy to prevent chronic cardiomyopathy in dogs infected by different T. cruzi strains. Animals were infected with benznidazole-susceptible (Berenice-78) and -resistant (VL-10 and AAS) strains of T. cruzi. A quantitative real-time PCR strategy was developed to comparatively quantify the parasite load of the three different strains using a single standard curve. For dogs infected with the VL-10 strain, benznidazole treatment reduced cardiac parasitism during the acute phase of infection. However, similar parasite load and collagen deposition were detected in the myocardium of treated and untreated animals in the chronic phase of the infection. In animals infected with the AAS strain, benznidazole reduced parasite load, myocarditis and type III collagen deposition in the acute phase. However, increased type III collagen deposition was verified in the chronic phase. Dogs infected with the Berenice-78 strain showed a parasitological cure and no evidence of myocardial fibrosis. Parasitic load and cardiac fibrosis presented no correlation in acute or chronic phases of T. cruzi infection. Our findings in a canine model of Chagas disease suggest that parasite burden is a limited predictor for disease progression after treatment and show that benznidazole, although not inducing parasitological cure, is able to prevent total fibrosis in the early stages of infection, as well as complete prevention of cardiac damage when it eliminates parasites at the onset of infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1-(1-Naphthyl)piperazine (1-NPZ) is a serotonergic derivative of quipazine acting both as antagonist and agonist of different serotonin receptors, with promising results for the management of skin cancer. In this work, we studied the effect of 1-NPZ on human MNT-1 melanoma cells by evaluating its effects on cell viability, ability to form colonies, cell cycle dynamics, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and apoptosis. Treatment of MNT-1 cells with 1-NPZ for 24 h decreased cell viability and induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Activity against melanoma was confirmed with a different melanoma cell line, SK-MEL-28. Simultaneously, 1-NPZ affected cell cycle progression by mediating a S-phase delay. Higher levels of ROS were also detected in MNT-1 cells after treatment with 1-NPZ. Furthermore, 1-NPZ significantly increased the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 in MNT-1 cells. These findings suggest that 1-NPZ pretreatment is able to induce oxidative stress, and consequently apoptotic cell death in melanoma cells. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of 1-NPZ against melanoma cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to conduct a narrative review about the importance of oral health care in intensive care units (ICU). For the articles search, the following databases were consulted: PubMed and Scielo, using the descriptors "Pneumonia, Ventilator-Associated"; "Dentistry." The Boolean operator used was "and" through the combination: pneumonia, ventilator-associated and dentistry. The search was restricted to publications from the last 5 years. After the search, 88 articles were found. Oral hygiene with chlorhexidine reduces the risk of developing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Some studies also suggest that the oral hygiene protocol performance reduces the length of stay in the ICU and, consequently, reduces the costs of hospitalization. In addition, the greatest risk factor for the VAP development was the high ventilation time. VAP is one of the most common infections and one of the biggest causes of death in the ICU. The hospital dentistry team's presence leads to a significant improvement in oral health. Thus, the implementation of oral hygiene care reduces VAP frequency; it has a positive impact on the systemic health, and it reduces hospitalization costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An 18-year-old male patient reporting swelling in the mouth was referred to the oral and maxillofacial surgery service. On intraoral examination, the presence of a bulge along the bottom of the posterior right mandibular vestibule was noted, with normal color and a smooth surface. Panoramic radiographic examination revealed a multilocular radiolucent intraosseous lesion, with well-defined limits and radiopaque structure inside. Cone beam computed tomography showed root apices resorption of teeth 45, 46, and 47; expansion of the buccal and lingual cortical bone; and close contact of the lesion with the inferior alveolar vasculature-nervous bundle. Incisional biopsy revealed a calcifying odontogenic cyst. Surgical treatment was performed through enucleation, followed by curettage of the intraosseous lesion, under general anesthesia. The 1-year postoperative follow-up showed complete bone regeneration and there were no signs of recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 79-year-old female patient was monitored under hospital care by the multidisciplinary team because of severe oropharyngeal dysphagia with a 3-year evolution. Clinical examination revealed a medical history of systemic arterial hypertension, left ventricle diastolic dysfunction, hypothyroidism, and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. In view of the clinical picture presented, amyloidosis was the main diagnostic hypothesis. During intraoral examination the hospital dental team's evaluation revealed macroglossia, crenated tongue and lingual varicosities, saliva accumulation in the oral cavity, and vestibularized anteroinferior teeth. Therefore, an incisional biopsy was performed in the tongue dorsum region and in the intraoral lower lip mucosa (minor salivary gland). After the anatomopathologic examination with a special Congo red stain, amyloidosis was diagnosed. With the diagnostic definition, the patient proceeded with specific medical treatment and speech therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to report a case of juvenile nasoangiofibroma with oral repercussions highlighting dental management. The patient is a 12-year-old boy who had a 10-day epistaxis episode. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance angiography suggested nasoangiofibroma. Embolization and surgical excision with frozen section biopsy were performed, which confirmed the diagnosis. After surgery, he developed necrosis of the palate mucosa and maxillary buccal marginal gingival and dental mobility grade III (teeth 13-23). The dentistry team instructed oral care, proceeding vestibular splinting with orthodontic wire, and made a provisional palatal prosthesis. After 2 years of constant follow-up, teeth are still splinting with mobility grade I, some of them with a positive response to pulp sensitivity test, despite the computed tomography showing areas of vertical bone loss. Dental management was essential to the maintenance of the involved teeth, improving the patient's phonation, deglutition, quality of life, and social reintegration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To validate the (Brazilian) Portuguese-translated version of the SARC-F questionnaire and to verify its performance in the separate sarcopenia screening and muscle function evaluation contexts. In addition, by associating SARC-F to an anthropometric measurement (as an estimate of muscle mass), to test for improvements in its sarcopenia screening efficacy. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Urban population of Pelotas, a middle-sized city in Southern Brazil. Participants Subsample of 179 community-dwelling elderly aged 60 years or older derived from a population-based study ( COMO VAI? ). Measurements Sarcopenia was evaluated using the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People's diagnostic criteria: dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, handgrip strength, and walking speed test. Participants also completed SARC-F and their calf circumference (CC) was measured. SARC-F and CC were combined into an original score. The questionnaires' performances were evaluated through receiver operating characteristic curves, sensitivity/specificity analyses, and Pearson χ 2 . Results Sarcopenia was identified in 15 (8.4%) participants by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People's criteria. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves of SARC-F were 0.592 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.445, 0.739) screening for sarcopenia and 0.779 (95% CI 0.710, 0.846) evaluating muscle function ( P < .001). The SARC-F+CC association significantly improved SARC-F's sarcopenia screening performance [area under the curve: 0.736 (95% CI 0.575, 0.897); comparing with SARC-F alone: P = .027]. A substantial improvement in sensitivity was achieved without compromising the remaining parameters. Conclusions Despite the satisfactory performance evaluating muscle function, SARC-F alone has not achieved adequate results as a sarcopenia screening tool. However, the SARC-F+CC association significantly improved SARC-F's sarcopenia screening performance, enabling its use in the clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1-(1-Naphthyl)piperazine (1-NPZ) has shown promising effects by inhibiting UV radiation-induced immunosuppression. Ultradeformable vesicles are recent advantageous systems capable of improving the (trans)dermal drug delivery. The aim of this study was to investigate 1-NPZ-loaded transethosomes (NPZ-TE) and 1-NPZ-loaded vesicles containing dimethyl sulfoxide (NPZ-DM) as novel delivery nanosystems, and to uncover their chemopreventive effect against UV-induced acute inflammation. Their physicochemical properties were evaluated as follows: vesicles size and zeta potential by dynamic and electrophoretic light scattering, respectively; vesicle deformability by pressure driven transport; rheological behavior by measuring viscosity and I-NPZ entrapment yield by HPLC. In vitro topical delivery studies were performed in order to evaluate the permeation profile of both formulations, whereas in vivo studies sought to assess the photoprotective effect of the selected formulation on irradiated hairless mice by measuring myeloperoxidase activity and the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines. Either NPZ-TE or NPZ-DM exhibited positive results in terms of physicochemical properties. In vitro data revealed an improved permeation of 1-NPZ across pig ear skin, especially by NPZ-DM. In vivo studies demonstrated that NPZ-DM exposure was capable of preventing UVB-induced inflammation and blocking mediators of inflammation in mouse skin. The successful results here obtained encourage us to continue these studies for the management of inflammatory skin conditions that may lead to the development of skin cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The entire process of power generation, extraction, processing and use of coal strongly impact water resources, soil, air quality and biota leads to changes in the fauna and flora. Pollutants generated by coal burning have been contaminating plants that grow in area impacted by airborne pollution with high metal contents. Baccharis trimera is popularly consumed as tea, and is widely developed in Candiota (Brazil), one of the most important coal burning regions of the Brazil. This study aims to investigate the phytochemical profile, in vivo genotoxic and mutagenic potential of extracts of B. trimera collected from an exposed region to pollutants generated by coal burning (Candiota City) and other unexposed region (Bagé City), using the Comet assay and micronucleus test in mice and the Salmonella /microsome short-term assay. The HPLC analyses indicated higher levels of flavonoids and phenolic acids for B. trimera aqueous extract from Bagé and absence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons for both extracts. The presence of toxic elements such as cobalt, nickel and manganese was statistically superior in the extract from Candiota. For the Comet assay and micronucleus test, the mice were treated with Candiota and Bagé B. trimera aqueous extracts (500–2000 mg/kg). Significant genotoxicity was observed at higher doses treated with B. trimera aqueous extract from Candiota in liver and peripheral blood cells. Micronuclei were not observed but the results of the Salmonella /microsome short-term assay showed a significant increase in TA98 revertants for B. trimera aqueous extract from Candiota. The extract of B. trimera from Candiota bioacumulated higher levels of trace elements which were associated with the genotoxic effects detected in liver and peripheral blood cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information on pneumococcal carriage in the pre-vaccine period is essential to predict and assess the impact of PCV in settings where disease surveillance is particularly difficult. Therefore, we present data on pneumococcal carriage before the introduction of the 10-valent-pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV10) in Brazil. We conducted a prospective study on a cohort of 203 children aged <5 years old, randomly selected in an urban community located in the periphery of the city of Salvador, Brazil and followed them from January/2008 to January/2009. Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from each child at four times. In total, 721 swabs were collected, yielding a pneumococcal carriage prevalence of 55% ( n = 398). In multivariate analyses, the variables associated with carriage were having contact with three or more children <2 years old (OR, 2.00; 95% CI 1.33–2.89) and living in a house with an average of 3 residents per room (OR, 1.77; 95% CI 1.05–3.10). Also, white participants were more likely to be protected from colonization (OR, 0.52; 95% CI 0.29–0.93), and prevalence of carriage varied over time, with lower prevalence occurring from February to June (OR, 0.53; 95% CI 0.37–0.78) compared to July to January. Contact with children under 2 years of age and living in crowded housing also were associated with colonization by highly invasive serotypes, although this relationship was not significant. The most prevalent vaccine serotypes were 6A/B (25.4%), 19F (10.1%) and 14 (9.0%), while the most prevalent non-vaccine serotypes were 16F (4.8%), 15B/C (4.5%) and 6C/D (3.5%). Overall, 38.4% (153/398) of the isolates were non-susceptible to penicillin, and of those, 73.8% (113/153) were non-susceptible to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Colonization rate by PCV10 serotypes was 52.2%. Routine PCV10 vaccination can lead to significant changes in pneumococcal serotypes found in NP colonization, indicating a need for continued monitoring, especially in crowded settings, as occurs in Brazil's slums. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conduct an epidemiologic cases survey of salivary gland lesions seen in the pathology sector in a university hospital in the period from 2013 to 2019 and carry out an integrative review. This is a cross-sectional study, with a duration of 7 years. Through the analysis of clinical records of patients diagnosed with salivary gland lesions in the pathology sector, the following information was collected: sex, age, lesion site, and histopathologic diagnosis. One hundred forty-three salivary gland lesions were diagnosed; 60.1% were nonneoplastic salivary gland lesions (NNSGLs), and mucous extravasation phenomena represented 81.4% of NNSGLs. The neoplastic salivary gland lesions (NSGLs) represented 39.9% of all cases. Most of these injuries were benign neoplasms (88%), with an emphasis on pleomorphic adenoma (PA; 68%). Only 7 malignant salivary gland neoplasms were found. NNSGL was more prevalent than NSGL, with an emphasis on the mucus leakage phenomenon, which most affected the lower lip salivary glands. Among NSGLs, benign neoplasms were the most common and PA was the most diagnosed, with the parotid gland being the most affected site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 74-year-old male patient was referred to the oral and maxillofacial surgery service with a diagnosis of pleomorphic adenoma after a previous incisional biopsy under local anesthesia. The patient had complained of a painless nodular lesion on the hard palate, with slow and progressive growth for 1 year. Upon clinical examination, we observed a nodular lesion, sessile, with a firm consistency, 5.0 cm in its largest diameter and localized on the right side of posterolateral region on the hard palate, extending to the soft palate. Cone beam computed tomography showed no evidence of bone involvement or even communication with the maxillary sinus. After routine preoperative examinations, the patient underwent total excision of the lesion under general anesthesia. Histopathologic analysis of the specimen confirmed the preoperative diagnosis. After 8 months of postoperative follow-up, the surgical site was completely repaired with no signs of recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation are susceptible to several infections. The diagnosis and management of these, however, can be hindered by a clinical pattern different from that clinically described. This is the case of a 48-year-old man diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia, submitted to allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, that presented an atypical case of actinomycosis. During hospitalization, he complained of pain in the oral cavity and ulcers with a pseudomembrane that evolved into a necrotic and ischemic aspect. After a viral panel and cytology, an infection with Actinomyces ssp. was diagnosed. He was treated with laser therapy, mouthwash with 0.12% chlorhexidine, acyclovir, fluconazole, and clarithromycin. After 11 days, the lesions showed complete remission; the patient had no more complaints related to the oral cavity or clinical signs indicating recurrence of the infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Estimating orthodontic treatment need in the permanent dentition using information from the deciduous-dentition malocclusion may assist in defining the time for appropriate orthodontic intervention. Our objective was to investigate whether malocclusion in the deciduous teeth predicts orthodontic treatment need in the permanent dentition. Methods Two oral health studies nested in a birth cohort were carried out at ages 6 (n = 359) and 12 (n = 339) years. Open bite, crossbite, and canine malocclusion were assessed in the deciduous teeth. Orthodontic treatment need was determined in the permanent dentition using the dental esthetic index. Prevalence ratios were estimated using 2 dental esthetic index cutoff points: highly desirable/mandatory orthodontic treatment and only mandatory orthodontic treatment. We tested all combinations of the deciduous malocclusion and the outcomes, controlling for confounders. Results Children with only open bite and those with concurrent open bite and canine malocclusion were more likely to have either highly desirable/mandatory orthodontic treatment or only mandatory orthodontic treatment needs by age 12. The combination of crossbite and open bite in the deciduous teeth was associated with the highest risk of need for mandatory orthodontic treatment. Conclusions Malocclusion in the deciduous teeth is a risk factor for orthodontic treatment need in the permanent dentition. Children with malocclusion at a young age should be monitored regularly, and caregivers may be able to better prepare for possible orthodontic treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Maternal smoking during pregnancy is associated with short-term and also long-term harmful effects on offspring.Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the associations of maternal smoking during pregnancy with offspring bone health at 18years old, and the role of birth weight and contemporaneous height, weight and body mass index (BMI) in this association. Data from the 1993 Pelotas Birth Cohort were analyzed using path analysis stratified by sex. Adolescents at 18 years old (N=1512 males, 1563 females). DXA-determined total body bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) were assessed at 18 years old.Results: Each additional cigarette smoked during pregnancy was associated with a lower BMC by -4.20 g in males (95% CI -8.37; -0.05), but not in females [-2.22 g (95% CI -5.49; 1.04)]; weaker inverse associations were observed for BMD. This inverse association was explained by the influence of maternal smoking on birth weight and contemporaneous anthropometry, particularly height. A 1 kg higher birth weight was associated with a higher BMC by around 144 g in males and by around 186 g in females, and also with a higher BMD by around 0.019 g/cm(2) in males and by around 0.018 g/cm(2) in females, respectively.Conclusions: Lifecourse analysis using path models has enabled to evaluate the role of mediators in the associations of maternal smoking during pregnancy and birth weight with bone mass in the offspring, thus generating improved understanding of the etiology of bone health and the importance of early life experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose To estimate the point prevalence of self-medication among adolescents aged 18 years and to evaluate the type of drugs used (either over-the-counter or prescription drugs) and socioeconomic, health-related, and behavioral correlates of self-medication.Methods This cross-sectional study used data from the 1993 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort Study. Data were obtained through the administration of a questionnaire to adolescents aged 18 years. The outcome variables were point prevalence of medicine use and self-medication collected by self-report. The independent variables studied were gender, continuous medicine use, socioeconomic status, schooling, self-rated health, body mass index, and physical activity levels. Medicines were classified into therapeutic groups according to the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classification system.Results A total of 4,106 adolescents were interviewed. The point prevalence of medicine use was 41.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] 39.6-42.6), and the proportion of self-medication among medicine users was 65.1% (95% CI 62.8-67.4). The point prevalence of self-medication was 26.7% (95% CI 25.4-28.1), and it was higher among female adolescents, those more educated, and those who rated their health as poor. Out of the drugs used for self-medication (58% of all drugs used), 1,003 (78.7%) were nonprescription drugs and 271 (21.3%) were prescription drugs. The most frequently used drugs for self-medication were analgesics (56.1%), systemic antihistamines (7.4%), and anti-inflammatory and antirheumatic products (7.1%).Conclusions A high point prevalence of self-medication was found among adolescents, which is particularly concerning due to high use of prescription drugs for self-medication. Interventions are needed to promote rational use of medicines in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Parkinson's disease (PD) involves an initial loss of striatal dopaminergic terminals evolving into a degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN), which can be modeled by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) administration. Since ATP is a danger signal acting through its P2X7 receptors (P2X7R), we now tested if a blood-brain barrier-permeable P2X7R antagonist, Brilliant Blue G (BBG), controlled the 6-OHDA-induced PD-like features in rats. BBG (45 mg/kg) attenuated the 6-OHDA-induced: 1) increase of contralateral rotations in the apomorphine test, an effect mimicked by another P2X7R antagonist A438079 applied intra-cerebroventricularly; 2) short-term memory impairment in the passive avoidance and cued version of the Morris Water maze; 3) reduction of dopamine content in the striatum and SN; 4) microgliosis and astrogliosis in the striatum. To grasp the mechanism of action of BBG, we used in vitro models exploring synaptotoxicity (striatal synaptosomes) and neurotoxicity (dopamine-differentiated neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells). P2X7R were present in striatal dopaminergic terminals, and BBG (100 nM) prevented the 6-OHDA-induced synaptosomal dysfunction. P2X7R were also co-localized with tyrosine hydroxylase in SH-SY5Y cells, where BBG (100 nM) attenuated the 6-OHDA-induced neurotoxicity. This suggests that P2X7R contribute to PD pathogenesis through a triple impact on synaptotoxicity, gliosis and neurotoxicity, highlighting the therapeutic potential of P2X7R antagonists in PD. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: The number of cesarean sections (CSs) is increasing in many countries, and there are concerns about their short- and long-term effects. A recent Brazilian study showed a 58% higher prevalence of obesity in young adults born by CS than in young adults born vaginally. Because CS-born individuals do not make contact at birth with maternal vaginal and intestinal bacteria, the authors proposed that this could lead to long-term changes in the gut microbiota that could contribute to obesity. Objective: We assessed whether CS births lead to increased obesity during childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood in 3 birth cohorts. Design: We analyzed data from 3 birth-cohort studies started in 1982, 1993, and 2004 in Southern Brazil. Subjects were assessed at different ages until 23 y of age. Poisson regression was used to estimate prevalence ratios with adjustment for =15 socioeconomic, demographic, maternal, anthropometric, and behavioral covariates. Results: In the crude analyses, subjects born by CS had ~50% higher prevalence of obesity at 4, 11, and 15 y of age but not at 23 y of age. After adjustment for covariates, prevalence ratios were markedly reduced and no longer significant for men or women. The only exception was an association for 4-y-old boys in the 1993 cohort, which was not observed in the other 2 cohorts or for girls. Conclusion: In these 3 birth cohorts, CSs do not seem to lead to an important increased risk of obesity during childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study describes the serotype distribution and antibiotic resistance patterns among 397 S. pneumoniae meningitis case isolates recovered in Salvador, Brazil, during the period of 2000–2007, before introduction of the 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. The active hospital-based surveillance showed a decline in the annual incidence rates of pneumococcal meningitis during the period of study, from 1.12 cases to 0.83 cases/100,000 persons for all age groups (P <0.001), with an overall case-fatality rate of 28.6% (113 of 395) for all patients and 41.9% (57 of 136) for those <5 years of age. Serotypes 14 (n =55; 13.9%), 3 (n =32; 8.1%), 23F (n =32; 8.1%), 19F (n =31; 7.8%), 6B (n =30; 7.6%), 18C (n =28; 7.1%), and 6A (n =20; 5%) were the most prevalent serotypes. In patients <5 years the estimated projected coverage of 7-, 10- and 13-valent conjugate vaccines was 74.3%, 75.7% and 83.1%, respectively. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed that 22.1% (n =88) of isolates were non-susceptible to penicillin, 56% were non-susceptible to trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole, and 29.6% were non-susceptible to tetracycline. Nonsusceptibility to penicillin and cefotaxime was detected solely among serotype 14 isolates (n =4; 1%). This study provides an important baseline to assess the impact of conjugate vaccine implantation on the epidemiology of meningitis due to Streptococcus pneumoniae in Salvador, Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: COPD is a highly prevalent disease but underdiagnosed, undertreated and possibly under-recognized by patients. Limited information exists regarding patients'' perception of COPD severity. We compared patients'' general health status perception, degree of breathlessness and physical activity limitation with the severity of their respiratory condition measured by airway obstruction, in a population-based sample. Methods: We used postbronchodilator FEV1/FVC<0.70 to define COPD. Patients'' perception of their general health status was derived from the question “in general you would say that your health is: excellent, very good, good, fair or poor?” Results: Spirometry was performed in 5314 subjects: an FEV1/FVC ratio below 0.70 was found in 759 subjects. In persons with COPD, general health status decreased with increasing GOLD stages. Over one-half of subjects with stage 2 and one third of those with stages 3 and 4 reported their health status as good to excellent. There was also a disparity between airway obstruction severity and breathlessness intensity. Although the more severe COPD stages were frequently associated with significant compromise of work and everyday activities, patients often tended to provide an optimistic self evaluation of their health status. Conclusions: The discrepancy observed between general health status, dyspnea severity, physical activity limitation and airway obstruction most likely reflect patients'' underperception of disease severity, emphasizing the need for improving case-finding measures and multi-component evaluation of COPD subjects. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Purpose: To validate self-reported data on smoking in adolescents in comparison with cotinine concentration. Methods: Two thousand two hundred nine seventh- and eighth-grade students from 32 public schools in Pelotas, Brazil. Adolescents were contacted twice—before and after an educational intervention—and samples of urine for cotinine analyses were taken. In this paper, only data from the baseline phase are presented. High-performance liquid chromatography was used for cotinine analysis. Two cutoff points for cotinine were used: 10 ng/mL and 30 ng/mL. Two self-reported smoking variables were used: at least one cigarette smoked in the previous 30 days; and daily smoking. Results: The self-reported prevalence of smoking in the previous 30 days was 7.4%, and 0.9% of the adolescents reported to be daily smokers. Those who reported smoking in the previous 30 days presented mean cotinine values 10 times greater than those who reported to be nonsmokers. Using a cutoff of 10 ng/mL for cotinine, sensitivity of self-reported smoking was 16.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 11.7; 20.9) and specificity was 93.6% (95% CI 92.8; 95.0). Using a cutoff of 30 ng/mL, sensitivity was 22.6% (95% CI 15.6; 29.6) and specificity was 93.7% (95% CI 92.6; 94.8). Conclusions: Self-reported smoking presents low agreement with cotinine concentration, suggesting that adolescents underestimate tobacco consumption. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Background: The body mass index (BMI) is a prognostic factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Despite its importance, little information is available regarding BMI alteration in COPD from a population-based study. We examined characteristics by BMI categories in the total and COPD populations in five Latin-American cities, and explored the factors influencing BMI in COPD. Methods: COPD was defined as a postbronchodilator forced expiratory volume in the first second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) <0.70. BMI was categorized as underweight (<20kg/m2), normal weight (20–24.9kg/m2), overweight (25.0–29.9kg/m2), and obese (⩾30.0kg/m2). Results: Interviews were completed in 5571 subjects from 6711 eligible individuals, and spirometry was performed in 5314 subjects. There were 759 subjects with COPD and 4555 without COPD. Compared with the non-COPD group, there was a higher proportion of COPD subjects in the underweight and normal weight categories, and a lower proportion in the obese category. Over one-half COPD subjects had BMI over 25kg/m2. No differences in BMI strata among countries were found in COPD subjects. Factors associated with lower BMI in males with COPD were aging, current smoking, and global initiative for chronic obstructive lung disease (GOLD) stages III–IV, whereas wheeze and residing in Santiago and Montevideo were associated with higher BMI. In females with COPD, current smoking, lower education, and GOLD stages II–IV were associated with lower BMI, while dyspnea and wheeze were associated with higher BMI. Conclusions: BMI alterations are common in COPD with no significant differences among countries. Current smoking, age, GOLD stages, education level, residing in Santiago and Montevideo, dyspnea and wheeze were independently associated with BMI in COPD. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Sunscreen use is important for the prevention of skin cancer, but population-based information about its prevalence and associated factors are scarce in Brazil. Objective: We sought to evaluate the prevalence and associated factors with sunscreen use among Brazilian adults. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional population-based study with a representative sample of adults aged 20 years or older living in the urban area of the city of Pelotas, Southern Brazil. We evaluated sunscreen use at the beach, at work, and during outdoor sports, for at least 20 minutes between 10 am and 4 Pm, from December 2004 to March 2005. The outcome measure was dichotomized in individuals who never used sunscreen, and those who used sunscreen, regardless of frequency. Results: Prevalence of sunscreen use at the beach, work, and outdoor sports was 60.8% (95% confidence interval 55.6-66.0), 13.7% (95% confidence interval 10.7-16.6%), and 30.2% (95% confidence interval 24.1-36.3), respectively. At work, the median number of days of exposure was 70 days, whereas at the beach it was 10, and for sports it was 16. Women, whites, those with higher educational achievement, and those with higher income were more likely to use sunscreen. Limitations: No data on adequacy of sunscreen use were gathered. Conclusion: Our data show that the individuals most exposed to sunlight are those who use sunscreen the least. Interventions targeting this group are required, because this is also the population with the lowest socioeconomic level. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Purpose: To evaluate the prevalence of tobacco use, and factors associated with it, in early adolescent (aged 10–12 years) participants of the 1993 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort Study. Methods: Children born in 1993 in Pelotas, Brazil were included in a prospective health study. In 2004–2005, all cohort members were sought. Adolescents and mothers were interviewed. A confidential questionnaire was applied to adolescents, including a section on smoking. Smoking experience was defined as having tried at least one cigarette in life. Results: Follow-up rate was 87.5%; 4452 adolescents were interviewed. Mean age was 11.3 years. Only 58 adolescents did not answer the question on smoking experience. Out of the 4394 respondents, 162 (3.7%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.1–4.2) had tried smoking. Of these, approximately half smoked the first cigarette before 10 years of age. Seventy-three cohort members reported smoking daily. In multivariable analysis, variables positively associated with smoking experience were: male gender, maternal smoking during pregnancy, living without the biological father, poor relationship with the mother, being beaten by the parents, family conflict, maternal smoking in 2004–2005, bad influences on the adolescent, participation in fights, history of attempting to run away from home, and experience with alcoholic beverages. The association was negative for socioeconomic level. Conclusion: Family-related variables and habits of the adolescent were strongly associated with smoking in early adolescence. Because experimentation with tobacco in adolescence is related to a marked increase in the risk of tobacco addiction in adulthood, early interventions are warranted. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]