Search

Aims: This study aimed to improve malnutrition in mice and elderlies with a new dairy/buriti oral dietary supplement. Background: Malnutrition is a prevalent problem in the elderly; therefore, oral dietary supplementation is an important strategy to reduce the incidence of this health problem. Objective: The present study evaluated the effects of a low-cost food supplement, made from by-products of the dairy and fruit industry in the Brazilian Cerrado (Buriti), on the nutritional status and the recovery of the metabolic profile of malnourished animals and elderly women. Methods: In the pre-clinical phase, Swiss mice were divided into six groups and subjected to malnutrition and renutrition. The clinical phase was carried out with 25 elderly women residing at a long-term institution, aged ≥ 65 years and with malnutrition or risk of malnutrition. Results: The analyzes showed improvements in anthropometric parameters and an increase in serum albumin levels, in addition to lipid profile improvement in the preclinical phase and an increase in the red blood cells and hemoglobin in the clinical phase. Conclusion: The supplement based on buriti was able to reverse malnutrition promoting improvements in anthropometric and biochemical parameters.

Objective: To analyze the association between physical fitness, cognitive function, and depressive symptoms among older adults in long-term care facilities (LTCFs). Methods: Seventy-six institutionalized male and female elderly individuals (65 years and older) living in LTCFs participated of this study. Physical fitness (aerobic capacity and strength), cognitive functions (global cognition, short-term and working and semantic memories, and executive function), and depressive symptoms were assessed. Linear regression and contingency analyses were performed. Significance was accepted at p-values ≤ 0.05. Results: Aerobic capacity predicted 32% of variance in global cognition (p < 0.01) and 25% of variance in semantic fluency/executive function (p < 0.01). Low levels of upper limb strength, lower limb strength, and aerobic capacity were associated with semantic fluency/executive function (OR = 1.38, p = 0.01, OR = 1.26, p = 0.03, and OR = 1.07, p = 0.01, respectively) and depressive symptoms (OR = 1.06, p < 0.01). Conclusion: Poor physical fitness is associated with cognition and depressive symptoms in institutionalized older adults. Low levels of strength and aerobic fitness increase the odds of presenting with impaired semantic fluency and executive function, possibly denoting an increased risk of developing dementia.

Virtual reality-based exercise (exergames) improves cognition of the elderly but the neurophysiological effects are poorly understood. The hypothesis herein established is that an ultrafast neurophysiological adaptation occurs in prefrontal cortex of elderly after completion of a single exergames session. To reinforce the aforementioned hypothesis, individuals living in a Long-Term Care Home (LTCH) participated in the study and were randomly allocated into two groups (Virtual Reality Group, VRG, n = 5; and Active Control Group, ACG n = 5). VRG performed six exercises with exergames and ACG performed exercises with the same VRG movements but with no virtual reality. Assessment of frontal cortical activity at rest and during cognitive testing via electroencephalographic activity (EEG) was performed before and immediately after the intervention. Significant decrease in relative power of EEG (RPEEG) Beta brainwave (−29 ± 18%) in the left prefrontal cortex of VRG compared to ACG (4 ± 9%) (p = 0.007). A slight improvement on semantic fluency in VRG (ES=0.21) was noted. An ultrafast prefrontal cortical adaptation may occur as an effect of a single exergames session, causing a small improvement on cognition of institutionalized elderly.

Background: Obesity is a serious health problem that dysregulate Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS) and intestinal microbiota. Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the Angiotensin-(1-7) [ANG-(1-7)] oral formulation effects on obese mice intestinal microbiota. Methods: Mice were divided into four groups: obese and non-obese treated with ANG-(1-7) and obese and non-obese without ANG-(1-7) during four weeks. Results: We observed a significant decrease in the fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and Low-density lipoprotein levels and increased High-density lipoprotein in animals treated with ANG-(1-7). The histological analysis showed intestinal villi height reduction in mice treated with ANG-(1-7). Additionally, increased Bacteroidetes and decreased Firmicutes (increased Bacteroidetes/ Firmicutes ratio) and Enterobacter cloacae populations were observed in the High-Fat Diet + ANG-(1-7) group. Receptor toll-like 4 (TLR4) intestinal mRNA expression was reduced in the HFD+ANG-(1-7) group. Finally, the intestinal expression of the neutral amino acid transporter (B0AT1) was increased in animals treated with ANG-(1-7), indicating a possible mechanism associated with tryptophan uptake. Conclusion: The results of the present study suggest for the first time an interaction between oral ANG-(1-7) and intestinal microbiota modulation.

Background:: The microbiome is now known for its important role in whole-body homeostasis. A dysbiosis of the normal microbiota is correlated with metabolic disorders. In this sense, the search for compounds able to modulate the microbiome is needed. Resveratrol, a natural compound found in grapes seems to be a promising candidate. Objective:: In this study, our motivation was to evaluate the effects of the association between Resveratrol and Lactococcus lactis, a probiotic, on the composition of the gastrointestinal microbiota and body weight of mice. Methods:: Twenty female mice were divided into 4 groups: (1) standard diet, (2) standard diet plus Lactococcus lactis, (3) standard diet plus resveratrol, and (4) standard diet plus Lactococcus lactis and resveratrol. At the end of the treatment period, samples of blood, mucus, stomach, and small and large intestines were collected for analysis. Total levels of Immunoglobulin A and Immunoglobulin E, Lac+ and Lac- bacteria and Lactobacillus were measured. Results:: The main results indicate that the association between resveratrol and probiotics was able to decrease mice body weight, as compared to the other groups, in addition to decrease the number of Lac- bacteria and increasing the number of Lac+ bacteria. The levels of secretory IgA were also decreased, compared to the animals treated with only probiotics or resveratrol. Conclusion:: We observed potential synergism between Resveratrol and Lactococcus lactis mainly in modulating the stomach and intestinal microbiota.

Acosmium dasycarpum (Vog.) Yakovlev, is a Brazilian medicinal plant, belonging to the Fabaceae family known as "Unha D'anta", exclusively found in the Cerrado (Brazilian Savanna) region, and has already shown tranquilizing, hypotensive, antineoplastic and antiseptic activities reported by traditional medicine and scientific evidences. Considering that overweight and obesity are an increasing worldwide health problem, the present study aimed to investigate the anti-obesity effect of bark powder and the dichloromethane extract of A. dasycarpum compared to the most abundant bioactive component (lupeol) using an obese mice model induced by a high-fat diet (HFD). The extracts derived from root bark of A. dasycarpum were characterized (phytochemical screening and GC–MS analysis) and their biological effects tested. After obesity inducement, Swiss male mice were treated with bark root powder or dichloromethane extract or lupeol (all treatments with 10 mg/1000 g/body weight dose) during 14 days. Oral glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, lipid profile, histology, ultrasound imaging and adipogenic genes expression were evaluated. The main results showed that A. dasycarpum root bark powder and dichloromethane extract reduced body weight and adiposity as evidenced by histology and ultrasound imaging. We also verified an improved glycemic and lipid profiles by reducing triglycerides, LDL and increasing HDL. The A. dasycarpum treatment suppressed the expression of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBPα), fatty acid translocase (FAT), and stearoyl coenzyme A desaturase-1 (SCD-1) adipogenic genes when compared to the obese control group. In conclusion, A. dasycarpum root bark showed a potential to be an accessible adjuvant treatment for obesity.

This study investigated the antineoplastic effects of crotoxin isolated from snake venom of the South American Crotalus durissus terrificus in oral cancer cell lines and in an animal model of chemically induced oral cancer. We analyzed cell viability and death, clonogenic formation, DNA fragmentation, migration assay, and gene expression of MMP2, MMP9, COL1A1, and CASP3. In the animal model, after induction of oral cancer by 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide carcinogen, mice were treated with crotoxin to investigate its effects on tumor development in tongue and oral mucosa. Crotoxin inhibited cell proliferation, viability, colony formation, and migration, favoring cell death. Furthermore, crotoxin increased caspase-3 expression, decreased Ki-67 protein and mRNA expression of MMP2, MMP9, and COL1A1. Mice treated with crotoxin at 10 μg/kg did not alter biochemical parameters total cholesterol, very-low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, liver transaminases, glycemia, creatinine, and urea. Crotoxin treatment significantly reduced the frequency of oral squamous cell carcinoma lesions by 50%. Thus, this study highlights crotoxin as a promising chemotherapeutic substance, considering its effects on controlling the neoplastic cell population, reducing cell migration, and inhibiting tumor development. Clinical studies are necessary to understand better the impact of crotoxin as a potential adjuvant therapeutic agent for oral cancer patients.

Objective The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of acupuncture on xerostomia in irradiated patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Study Design A preventive, 2-arm, parallel, single-blind trial was performed. Patients with HNSCC (N = 296) were checked for eligibility, and 107 patients were enrolled in the study. The study comprised 1 group that did not receive the intervention (n = 55) and the interventional group that received traditional and auricular acupuncture (n = 52). The primary outcome was the reduction of the patients’ xerostomia after treatment. In addition, the secondary outcome was the reduction of anxiety. Results The current acupuncture protocol reduced the xerostomia score and increased saliva volume and density without changing salivary pH. Additionally, acupuncture decreased the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) score after radiation therapy. Conclusion Combining traditional and auricular acupuncture reduced xerostomia and increased saliva volume without changing the saliva's pH in irradiated patients with HNSCC. Additionally, the combination of traditional and auricular acupuncture reduced BAI scores.

Background Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC) etiopathogenesis remains unclear, and the biological changes with the activation of heat shock proteins (HSPs) and prion protein (PRNP) promoted by hypoxia in HNSC are undetermined. Objective This study investigates hypoxia's effect in lymph node metastasis by PRNP expression changes and its main partners. Methods The study combined a theoretical/cell culture study with a case-control study. First, bioinformatics and cell culture were performed. A case-control study was performed in a second step by comparing HNSC patients with and without lymph node metastasis. Analyses The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data source validate the theory in the global population study. Results Bioinformatics analysis suggests that hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF1A) is associated with HSPA4, HSP90AA1, and PRNP expression. TCGA data validate the hypothesis that higher HSP90AA1, HSPA4, and PRNP are related to metastases and low survival. Herein, the cell study demonstrated that muted PRNP did not respond to hypoxia. Conclusions Our results collectively provide the first evidence that PRNP promotes HNSC lymph node metastasis progression through the upregulation of HSPA4, HSP90AA1, and HIF1A. Our findings may provide a molecular basis for the promoting Role of PRNP in HNSC progression.

Background: Malnutrition induced by dietary restriction produces several metabolic changes that affect body weight, the digestive system, and annex organs, including the liver. Malnutrition generates an inflammatory state and increases oxidative stress. The liver is one of the body vital organs, becoming necessary to analyze the impact of food supplementation on the repair of possible changes that may occur in this organ due to malnutrition. Aims: To evaluate the effects of a low-cost supplementation derived from Buriti and dairy byproducts on liver recovery in malnourished mice, focusing on the expression of oxidative stressrelated genes, as well as biochemical and histological parameters. Methods: Swiss mice were divided into six groups and submitted to two treatment phases: food restriction, for malnutrition onset; and renutrition, with mice being fed with different diets. Results: Our results indicate that dietary supplementation was successful in recovering liver damage caused by malnutrition in animal models. The new supplement has been shown to recover liver damage with similar or superior results compared to the commercial reference supplement on the market. Conclusion: Our work presents a new composition of low cost food supplement based on buriti and dairy by-products, proven to be effective in the malnutrition treatment of malnutrition. The improvements were proven through the recovery of body weight, reduction of inflammation and oxidative stress.

Exercise appears to be a viable intervention for maintaining cognitive function and regaining functional autonomy, and perhaps even contributing to a slower progression of Alzheimer's Disease (AD).To explore different neuroplasticity pathways modulated by aerobic and strength training, determine whether signaling pathways overlapped for each specific training method (aerobic and strength training), and evaluate whether there is a functional relationship between APOE and APP gene expression with aerobic training modulated by BDNF; and strength training modulated by IGF-1.An in silico analysis was performed to analyze the connection between exercise types and neuroplasticity as a protective factor in AD. The platform provides a protein-protein interaction network translated into known and predicted interactions. A score 0.70 was determined as high confidence and the network was considered significant when the Protein-Protein Interaction Enrichment was0.01.Multiple functional associations considered significant between the analyzed proteins. The results of our gene network model support that exercise, both aerobic and strength, can modulate genes that affect hippocampal neuroplasticity and neurogenesis, which may delay cognitive decline and Alzheimer's related symptoms.The investigation about the functional association of aerobic training via BDNF in the modulation of APP, APOE, and MAPT genes in the hippocampus seems to be established, while strength training seems to induce the production of IGF-1 and IGF-1R, modulating AKT1.

Radiation therapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is associated with several complications. Although photobiomodulation (PBM) has radioprotective effects in normal tissue, it could also enhance the growth of neoplastic cells. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the cellular response of oral squamous cell carcinoma with pre-exposure to low-level phototherapy before radiotherapy. SCC9, Cal-27, A431, and HaCaT cell lines were subjected to low-level light therapy and radiotherapy. The cells were treated with a single energy density (300 J/cm

INTRODUÇÃO: A caquexia associada ao câncer (CAC) é uma síndrome paraneoplásica que ocorre com indivíduos com câncer que é caracterizada pela diminuição gradual de tecidos muscular esquelética e de tecido adiposo, promovendo um quadro de consumação física do indivíduo. A ocorrência de CAC determina de forma significativa a uma pior qualidade de vida e de sobrevida de indivíduos com câncer. A CAC não pode ser revertida pelo amparo nutricional convencional. Tratamentos não-farmacológicos empregados para a CAC tem reportado a realização de atividade física para possibilitar adaptações neurais e de hipertrofia muscular em indivíduos com a síndrome. OBJETIVO: Verificar os efeitos da atividade física em ambiente enriquecido na histomorfometria da musculatura esquelética de camundongos C57BL/6 submetidos ao modelo tumoral murino de caquexia associada ao câncer (CAC) MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados 38 camundongos C57BL/6 fêmeas, distribuídos aleatoriamente nos grupos de estudo. Todos os animais foram submetidos ao modelo tumoral murino singênico de Melanoma Cutâneo (MTMSMC) com a inoculação subcutânea de células B16F10. Os grupos de estudo são animais do experimento diagnostico CRC (n = 12), animais sedentários (n = 11) e animais submetidos à prática de atividade física em ambiente enriquecido (n = 15). O seguimento do estudo ocorreu por um período de dez dias. Após esse momento, todos os animais foram sacrificados e amostras de tecido muscular esquelético do gastrocnêmio foram submetidas às análises histomorfométricas. RESULTADOS: Os resultados da análise inferencial do peso absoluto e relativo muscular esquelético não diferiram entre os grupos do estudo. Todas as comparações das variáveis apresentaram tamanho do efeito pequeno. A análise histomorfométrica muscular revelou que a área da fibra muscular não diferiu entre os grupos do estudo. Contudo, essa área muscular, apresentou tamanho do efeito pequeno. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados apresentados mostraram que a realização de atividade física no ambiente enriquecido não influenciou na área da fibra do músculo do gastrocnêmio de camundongos C57BL/6 submetidos ao MTMSMC, associada à CAC.

A pandemia causada pela doença do coronavírus 2019 (COVID-19) e as medidas de distanciamento social provocaram reduções nos níveis de atividade física das pessoas. A atividade física está associada a uma melhor saúde física e mental, e manter a população ativa durante a pandemia é essencial. No entanto, ainda não se sabe se exercícios podem, em pessoas infectadas, causar uma potencial exacerbação de sintomas da COVID-19. O presente estudo objetivou traduzir o Pre-exercise screening questionnaire (PESQ) para o Português Brasileiro e de Portugal, para facilitar a sua utilização por profissionais ligados ao exercício físico não fluentes na língua inglesa. O PESQ contém sete perguntas diretas sobre os sintomas mais comuns de COVID-19 mais comumente encontrado em adultos e idosos, para orientação segura para prática de exercício físico. A tradução foi feita em 5 etapas: Tradução inicial, tradução cega, revisão da tradução, adequação da língua Portuguesa e ajustes e finalização. As etapas foram realizadas por pesquisadores experientes, com fluência em língua inglesa e nativos em português Brasileiro e de Portugal. No processo de tradução não houve divergências importantes entre os tradutores. A adaptação transcultural foi importante, pois, o português de Portugal difere-se do brasileiro. O instrumento foi devidamente traduzido e pode ser utilizado como ferramenta de screening para os sintomas da COVID-19 por profissionais do exercício durante a pandemia. No momento, o PESQ é a principal ferramenta disponível para prevenir danos relacionados à COVID-19 e a prática de exercícios.

CNPq - Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico FAPEMIG - Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior Background: Older adults require special attention during cognitive-motor tasks since automatic postural control is reduced. AIM: To analyze the effect of physical exercise on dual-task processing of healthy older women performing standing balance. Method: Sixteen healthy older women were assessed in a quiet standing position with eyes open/closed (single-task, EO, and EC) and with a cognitive task (dual-task, DT) using a Wii Balance Board. All individuals performed training (aerobic, strength, and virtual reality exercises) at moderate effort. Center of pressure (CoP) anteroposterior and mediolateral displacement were analyzed over time pre- and post-training. The Wilcoxon test was used to compare pre- and post-training. Results: Greater variability in CoP was observed pre- compared to post-training. In the DT, there was a significance decrease in post-training variability compared to pre-training (p

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common neoplasms worldwide. The current study aimed to identify potential biomarkers associated with OSCC survival.Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in atypical OSCC cases were identified using two public datasets: The Cancer Genome Atlas and the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to identify the cutoff, and the candidate DEGs related to survival. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analysis using the categorized genes were employed to identify genes that impact the overall survival in OSCC.A total of 263 OSCC samples and 105 healthy tissues were used to identify 295 upregulated and 131 downregulated genes expressed only in non-smokers. ROC analyses identified 25 candidate genes associated with death. Survival analyses demonstrated that the following DEGs, namely CSTA, FGFR2, MMP19, OLR1, PCSK1, RAMP2, and CGB5, are potential OSCC prognostic factors.We found that CSTA, FGFR2, MMP19, OLR1, PCSK1, RAMP2, and CGB5 are associated with a low survival rate in OSCC. However, further studies are needed to validate our findings and facilitate the development of these factors as potential biomarkers for OSCC survival.

Background Lychnophora ericoides Mart. (Asteraceae) is a Brazilian plant commonly used in folk medicine to treat pain and inflammation by topical administration. In recent years, this medicine has begun to be used orally. However, no study concerning its toxicity profile has been reported. Objective The study evaluates the potential toxicity of the ethanolic extract from leaves of the Lychnophora ericoides, through the methods of acute and sub-acute oral administration in mice. Method An acute toxicity study was performed according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development protocol (OECD 423). A single extract dose of 50, 300, and 2000 mg/kg (n=3/group) was administered orally to female Swiss mice. For subacute toxicity, the protocol OECD 407 was followed. Doses of 50, 300, and 500 mg/kg (n=10/group) of the extract were administered daily to Swiss mice of both sexes for 28 days. Abnormal behavior, muscle strength, toxic symptoms, weight, and death were observed when assessing toxicity. Biochemical analysis, hematological analysis, macroscopic examination, and histopathological examination of several organs were conducted at the end of the treatment period. Results In acute and subacute toxicity, the extract did not produce mortality. The acute toxicity study revealed alterations in the behavioral test and histopathological changes in the liver, kidney, lung, and spleen. The subacute oral toxicity test showed changes in hematologic and biochemical parameters. Histopathological examination of liver, kidney, spleen, lung, and heart indicated degenerative characteristics with inflammatory infiltrates focus. Conclusion The study results suggest that oral use of Lychnophora ericoides leaves extract should be performed with caution in low doses in both single and repeated administrations.

Differences in the features of aggressiveness of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) subtypes, between basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are relevant characteristics. Comparing the characteristics between NMSC subtypes might help identify molecules associated with cancer metastasis and invasion. Considering these facts, the current study aimed to identify a molecular target for inhibiting skin cancer metastasis and invasion. Proteomic analysis suggested that heat shock protein 90 kDa, alpha, class B member 1 (HSP90AB1), pentaxin (PTX3), caspase-14 (CASP14), S100, actin-1, and profilin were the primary targets related to metastasis and invasion. However, after a differential expression comparison between BCC and SCC, HSP90AB1 was identified as the best target to repress metastasis and invasion. Based on molecular docking results, gallic acid (GA) was selected to inhibit HSP90AB1. A specific Hsp90ab1 siRNA targeting was designed and compared to GA. Interestingly, GA was more efficient in silencing HSP90AB1 than siRNAhsp90ab1. Hence, our data suggest that HSP90AB1 is a crucial biomarker for identifying invasion and metastasis and that its inhibition may be a viable strategy for treating skin cancer.

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are a recently discovered neutrophil defense mechanism which modulates several inflammatory conditions contributing to metabolic profile alterations. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the production of NETs in obese patients and mice, verifying the possible mechanisms associated with the release of NETs by the adipose tissue.The present study investigated NETs production in human adipose tissue and also showing the neutrophils using intravital microscopy in mouse epididymal adipose tissue. Blood and white adipose tissues were obtained from eutrophic and obese individuals and from mice. Lipid, glycemic and leukocyte profiles were evaluated, as well as the levels of NETs and its markers. Bioinformatics and proteomics analyses were performed and the identified key proteins were measured. The main findings showed that the inflammatory markers interleukin-8 (IL-8), heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) and the E1 heat shock protein family (HSPE1) can be modulated by the NETs levels in obesity. Obesity has also been associated with increased cholesterol, glucose intolerance, ionic calcium and NETs. We also observed an increase in catalase and a decreased superoxide dismutase activity. Bioinformatics and proteomics analyses revealed that IL-8, HSP90 and HSPE1 were associated with obesity, inflammation and NETs release.In conclusion, the present study shows an increase in NETs production during obesity associated with important inflammatory markers in adipose.

Background Davilla elliptica A. St.-Hil, also known as “lixeirinha or sambaibinha” is a shrub belonging to the Dilleniaceae family that occurs naturally in the Brazilian savannah (Cerrado). Research studies have shown evidence of its gastroprotective effect, as well as its benefits as an anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant. However, there are no studies testing the potential effects of D. elliptica on treating metabolic parameters and obesity. Purpose The aim of the present study was to investigate D. elliptica effects on hepatic steatosis induced by a high-fat/high-sugar diet. Methods Animal experimentation was performed using male Swiss mice divided into four groups: ST (standard control), HLHS (obese control), HLHS+EAF (ethyl-acetate fraction), and HLHS+PL (leaf powder). The groups were treated for four weeks with 0.26 mg/kg/body weight. Results The main findings of the present study showed that D. elliptica reduced hepatic lipid deposition, body weight, triglycerides, and total cholesterol levels. Gene expression analysis showed that GPX4 and PPARγ mRNA were significantly suppressed in HLHS + EAF mice livers. Conclusion The present study contributes to elucidating the D. elliptica metabolic role in decreasing GPX4 and PPARγ expression in the HLHS group.

The aim of this study is to investigate the antineoplastic potential of photodynamic therapy (PDT) mediated by an aluminum-phthalocyanine chloride nanoemulsion (AlPc-NE), against an oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cell line in vitro. Both OSCC (SCC9) and A431 cell lines were studied in vitro. Four study groups were used: Group 1 (phosphate-buffered saline [PBS]), Group 2 (PBS + 28.3 J/cm

Este estudo, realizado com uma amostra Hanseniana com algum tipo de relação afetiva-conjugal, tem por objetivo avaliar a influência da doença quanto a auto-percepção da aparência do individuo afetado e sobre seu relacionamento conjugal e atividade sexual. Material e Métodos: A coleta de dados foi realizada através de entrevistas semi-estruturadas, gravadas face-a-face, transcritas e analisados pela técnica de Análise de Conteúdo, modalidade de Enunciação. Resultados: Os dados revelaram que os portadores da hanseníase têm uma auto-percepção depreciativa da sua aparência, manifestada na auto-análise da sua estética corporal, influenciando a sua estrutura física e emocional. Nas relações afetivo-conjugais os efeitos da doença manifestaram-se através de relatos de indisponibilidade sexual, desinteresse e abandono, culminado em situações de divórcio. Além disso, demonstraram influência negativa no desempenho da atividade sexual, atribuída pelos portadores aos efeitos dos remédios e à fraqueza física imposta pela doença. Conclusão: A Hanseníase pode exercer efeito negativo sobre a auto-percepção da aparência e sobre as relações afetivo-conjugal e sexual dos indivíduos portadores. Os resultados desse estudo sugerem a necessidade de políticas públicas que visem assegurar o atendimento integral ao portador da Hanseníase durante o tratamento e após a alta por cura bacilar.

Objective To provide a systematic review on the demographic and socioeconomic factors associated with edentulism among older persons. Background Edentulism (complete loss of the natural teeth) is one of the main problems affecting the oral health of the elderly individuals. Many unfavourable socioeconomic factors are considered important predictors of edentulism. Materials and methods This review was performed according to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA). The search for published studies was conducted on PubMed, Web of Science, SciELO, Google and Google Scholar. Only observational epidemiological studies published in either English or Portuguese prior to June 2018 were included in our study. The bibliographic and methodological characteristics of the selected studies were evaluated. The Review Manager 5.3 software was used in the meta-analysis. Results We identified 343 articles, 24 of which met all the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. Unfavourable demographic and socioeconomic conditions were associated with the highest proportion of edentulous individuals. Age, level of education, and socioeconomic status were the main factors that were found to influence edentulism among elderly individuals. The meta-analysis results showed a lower risk of edentulism in men (OR = 0.93; 95% CI = 0.90-0.96) and no significant differences in the risk of developing edentulism among different races/ethnicities or skin colours (OR = 0.68; 95% CI = 0.45-1.01). Conclusion Better socioeconomic conditions and male sex were identified as protective factors against edentulism among older individuals. Thus, public policies aimed at helping the most vulnerable populations must be implemented.

Purpose This study aimed to compare the efficacy of Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy (aPDT) with 300 µmol/L of methylene blue and 8 µmol/L of curcumin on oral candidiasis patients with HNSCC undergoing treatment. Methods A two-arm, single-blind clinical trial was performed. Following verification for eligibility (n = 447), 108 patients were included in the study. The study consisted of a group that received aPDT with methylene blue (n = 57) and another that received aPDT with curcumin (n = 51). The patients rinsed their mouths with an aqueous solution of 300 µmol/L of methylene blue and 8 µmol/L of curcumin in four sessions, and then the lesion was scraped for the subsequent RT-qPCR. The primary outcome was that no cure was presented for oral candidiasis after treatment. The secondary result was reducing the number of sites affected by oral candidiasis. Results There was no difference in treatment failure evaluated by the necessity of drug prescription or Candida sp DNA quantification. However, clinically the methylene blue protocol reduced the number of infected anatomical sites compared to the curcumin protocol. Conclusion Methylene blue aPDT reduced the number of infected anatomical sites compared to curcumin.

CNPq - Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico FAPEMIG - Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior Scope: this study has a novel approach to investigate the effects of oral supplementation of kefir grains on metabolic improvement and the expression of the antioxidant enzymes Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx) and Catalase (CAT) of the liver in malnourished mice. Method and results: swiss mice were divided into four groups and subjected to two treatment phases: the food restriction phase of 20% in relation to the control group was maintained until animals reached a weight deficit of about 20% in relation to their original weight and the renutrition phase, the animals received diets every day for 30 days. Diets (chow powder plus kefir grains) were administered orally. Thereafter, during throughout the experiment measurements of body weight and energy consumption were obtained. After the end of treatment, fasting glucose tolerance tests were performed at night and insulin sensitivity with fed mice. Soon in then, the mice were euthanized by beheading in guillotine and the blood and liver were collected for evaluation of biochemical parameters, Histopathological assessments and Reverse transcriptase (RT-PCR). Conclusion: the present study demonstrated the kefir grains ability to modulate inflammation and hepatic oxidative-stress under malnourished-state.

Diet macronutrient heterogeneity hinders animal studies' data extrapolation from metabolic disorders to human diseases.The present study aimed to evaluate different fat-diet compositions' effect on inducing lipid/glucose metabolism alterations in mice.Swiss male mice were fed for 12 weeks with five different diets: Standard Diet (ST), American Institute of Nutrition 93 for growth (AIN93G) high-butter/high-sugar (HBHS), high-lard/high-sugar (HLHS), and high-oil/high-sugar diet (soybean oil) (HOHS). Several parameters, such as serum biochemistry, histology, and liver mRNA expression, were accessed.The main findings revealed that the HLHS diet dramatically altered liver metabolism inducing hepatic steatosis and increased total cholesterol, triglycerides, VLDL, increasing liver CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (CEBP-α), Acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) and Catalase (CAT) mRNA expression. Moreover, the HLHS diet increased glucose intolerance and reduced insulin sensitivity.High-fat/high-sugar diets are efficient to induce obesity and metabolic syndrome-associated alterations, and diets enriched with lard and sugar showed more effective results.