Search

There are presented results of the immunohistochemical study of neural tissue of outbred albino rats exposed for 9 days to the influence of the silver nanobiocomposite consisted of silver nanoparticles encapsulated into a matrix of a natural polymer - arabinogalactan. The research of albino rats was performed in 2 stages: half of the rats in each groups were decapitated immediately after the exposure (early period) and the rest animals - 6 months after the end of exposure (remote period). The impact of the studied substance was proved to cause functional changes in cells of the nervous tissue. After the subacute administration of the nanobiocomposite - argentum-arabinogalactan (nano-Ag-AG) in cells of the nervous tissue of the brain of albino rats the expression of apoptotic and anti-apoptotic protein (caspase-3 and bcl-2) was established to be changed. The number of normal neurons producing protein caspase-3 sharply increases. Herewith the number of immunonegative neurons fairly declines. Along with this there is noted the high level of bcl-2 content, one function ofwhich is the preclusion ofapoptosis. In preparations there is revealed a significant gain in the number of bcl-2 expressing neurons, however, the protective effect of the protein is not fully realized, that leads to the significantly increase in the content of damaged hyperchromatic cells. The evaluation of results of the immunohistochemical study of the nervous tissue of albino rats according to data concerning the proteins caspase-3 and bcl-2 expression permits to make a conclusion about the capability of nanoargentum encapsulated into polymer matrix by passing the blood-brain barrier to induce the triggering apoptosis cascade in neurons of the cerebral cortex.

The usefulness of an industrial product must be measured both in economic profitability and product safety terms, and the social benefit it represents. In the case of asbestos, due to its harmful effects on human health, its use, handling and production has been banned in high-income countries thanks to the efforts carried out by their oversight bodies. Worldwide, the industrial use of this mineral has been associated with high morbidity and mortality rates, hence the importance of denouncing the health effects of asbestos. Asbestos is a term used to refer to six naturally occurring silicate minerals that are used in the manufacture of building materials, such as asbestos-cement, and automotive components, including brake linings and brake pads; however, it has been proven that inhaling asbestos microscopic fibers can lead to the development of lung diseases (pneumoconiosis) and cancer. In many cases, these diseases are caused by a short occupational or environmental exposure to it, but their clinical manifestation occurs several years after the first time of exposure. The main objective of this paper is to reflect on the hazards related to the use of asbestos and to influence public health policies addressing this problem in Colombia, so that by means of the newly adopted law banning the use of this mineral in our country, significant progress is made in aspects such as the identification and the monitoring of people who were exposed to it, and the handling, removal and final disposal of materials containing asbestos. Resumen La utilidad de un producto industrial se debe medir tanto por su rentabilidad económica, como por su seguridad y beneficio social. En el caso del asbesto, debido a sus efectos adversos sobre la salud, su uso, manipulación y producción se ha prohibido en países de altos ingresos gracias a esfuerzos realizados por sus respectivos entes de control. A nivel mundial, el uso industrial de este mineral se ha asociado con altas tasas de morbimortalidad, de ahí la importancia de denunciar sus efectos para la salud. El asbesto comprende un grupo de seis minerales fibrosos de origen natural que la industria utiliza en la fabricación de materiales de construcción en fibro-cemento y frenos de automóviles; sin embargo, se ha demostrado que la inhalación de sus fibras microscópicas puede producir enfermedades pulmonares (neumoconiosis) y cáncer. En muchos casos, estas enfermedades son causadas por una corta exposición laboral o ambiental al material y se manifiestan años después. El principal objetivo de este documento es reflexionar sobre los peligros del uso del asbesto e influir en las políticas de salud pública al respecto, esto para que con la recién aprobada ley que prohíbe el asbesto en Colombia se logren avances significativos en temas como la identificación y el seguimiento de las personas que estuvieron expuestas, y el manejo, remoción y eliminación de los productos que contienen el mineral.

Type-E hepatitis is responsible for more than three million symptomatic cases and more than 40,000 deaths worldwide. The situation of this hepatitis is overall poorly known in sub-Saharan Africa. Notably, the baseline circulation of HEV outside sporadic outbreaks has been barely characterized in this large region. More specifically, the impact of superinfection by this virus on the health status of the large reservoir of patients chronically infected with other hepatitis viruses remains to be evaluated. We searched for anti-HEV immunoglobulins in a series of 200 pregnant women and 92 patients with persistent liver infections with hepatitis B or C viruses and subsequently tried to assess serological co-variations with demographical and clinical features. We observed that only 1.5 % of expectant mothers were seropositive of anti-HEV IgG while it was the case for 18.4 % of patients with chronic liver diseases (P=4.5E-07). The presence of anti-HEV was not linked to any of the collected demographical features (age, sex, education, pork meat consumption, water supply, …). By contrast, the presence of anti-HEV was significantly associated with increased levels (1.6-1.8-fold, P, EXCLI Journal; 18:Doc955; ISSN 1611-2156

Gene therapy became in last decade a new emerging therapeutic era showing promising results against different diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and neurological disorders. Recently, the genome editing technique for eukaryotic cells called CRISPR-Cas (Clustered Regulatory Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) has enriched the field of gene surgery with enhanced applications. In the present review, we summarized the different applications of gene surgery for treating human diseases such as cancer, diabetes, nervous, and cardiovascular diseases, besides the molecular mechanisms involved in these important effects. Several studies support the important therapeutic applications of gene surgery in a large number of health disorders and diseases including β-thalassemia, cancer, immunodeficiencies, diabetes, and neurological disorders. In diabetes, gene surgery was shown to be effective in type 1 diabetes by triggering different signaling pathways. Furthermore, gene surgery, especially that using CRISPR-Cas possessed important application on diagnosis, screening and treatment of several cancers such as lung, liver, pancreatic and colorectal cancer. Nevertheless, gene surgery still presents some limitations such as the design difficulties and costs regarding ZFNs (Zinc Finger Nucleases) and TALENs (Transcription Activator-Like Effector Nucleases) use, off-target effects, low transfection efficiency, in vivo delivery-safety and ethical issues., EXCLI Journal; 18:Doc908; ISSN 1611-2156

Ovarian carcinoma is considered as a major clinical challenge worldwide. Exosomes, nano-sized intraluminal vesicles of multivesicular bodies, are secreted by most types of cells and play an important role in intercellular communication. Cancer cell-derived exosomes can develop cancer progression and metastasis by manipulating the local and distant biological environments. Angiogenesis is an important contributor to tumor progression. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is the most potent pro-angiogenic protein and induces proliferation, sprouting, and vessel formation by endothelial cells. In this study, exosomes derived from ovarian epithelial cancer cells OVACAR-3 (exo-OVCAR-3) were successfully isolated and characterized by scanning electron microscopy in terms of size and morphology. Cellular internalization of exosomes labeled with PKH fluorescent dye was monitored by a fluorescence microscope. Our results elucidated that exosomes treatment (100 µg/ml) had a promoting effect on VEGF expression and secretion in endothelial cells. Furthermore, we demonstrated that exo-OVCAR-3 caused an increase in the proliferation and migration rate of endothelial cells. It seems that inducing VEGF by exo-OVCAR-3 can influence the vascular behavior of endothelial cells in vitro., EXCLI Journal;Vol. 18 2019

An increasing aged population is an important issue in contemporary societies. Decreased hearing, vision, strength and coordination can hamper balance and increase the risk of falling, the leading cause of death by injury and non-fatal injuries requiring hospitalization. Thus, we aimed to develop a wearable system for physical protection and fall detection focused on elderly at risk of falling. This system comprises four products: (i) microfiber platform/suit with embedded protection pads in key osteoarticular areas; (ii) non-invasive fall detection sensor; (iii) intuitive smartphone application that communicates with the sensor and alerts caregivers about falls; (iv) discrete non-intrusive unisex vest. The system provides physical protection and faster assistance to falls, increasing the elderly population autonomy and fostering an active lifestyle. Thus, several aspects of communication are paramount in this product.

Adequate safety precautions and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in hospitalized patients with health care-associated infections (HAIs) are the most effective preventions in their spread. Observational study was conducted in one inpatient facility in the Czech Republic before the COVID-19 pandemic (April 2019 to February 2020). Data were analyzed using Minitab at a significance level of .05. The execution of preventative measures in patients hospitalized with a HAI (n = 44) and the use of PPE by health care workers (n = 514) have been observed. The presence of defined PPE items usage differs on the basis of the department type (P = .0004). The correctness of PPE use differs on the basis of profession (P < .001), hand disinfection before PPE use (P < .001), use of all PPE (P < .001), and hand hygiene after PPE use (P < .001). General nurses had a higher observed frequency of hand hygiene (53.3%) than physicians (42.4%). The correct order of operations when using PPE differs on the basis of the department type (P < .001) and their architecture arrangement (open, semiopen, box) (P < .001). Critical preventative measures shortage was found at all units. Insufficient execution of the correct procedure of actions in the use of PPE was observed among health care workers. The best results have been observed among nurses.

In this study, we present a detailed flow analysis using an anatomically accurate rat nasal cavity model, in which the anatomy and physiology of the nasal airway was thoroughly examined. Special efforts were given to the swirling flow structures in the nasal vestibule (anterior section of the nose, lined by squamous epithelium), fractional flow patterns in the olfactory (posterior superior section of the rat nose, lined by olfactory epithelium), and a designated method to precisely quantify flow apportionment in the olfactory region was developed. Results revealed distinct inspiratory flow patterns in the anterior vestibule region, where the accelerated airflow undergoes two sharp turns as traveling through the tortuous airway, making a route in a shape of 8. Besides this, exceptionally large flow apportionment was observed at the interface of the olfactory recess, which can be as much as 15 times greater than that in the human nose. The thorough understanding of the airflow dynamics in the rat nasal cavity is necessary to avoid potential misinterpretation of rat-derived inhalation toxicity results. Research findings are expected to play a fundamental role in developing unbiased rat to human interspecies data extrapolation schemes.

Background: Today, air pollution is a major issue in the world, particularly in metropolitan areas. Objectives: Accordingly, this study aimed to investigate the relation between air pollution and mortality in the elderly in Kerman City. Methods: This ecological study was conducted using 2006 - 2013 mortality data inquired from the Deputy of Health of Kerman University of Medical Sciences. The data on cardiovascular and respiratory mortality, as well as death due to trauma, diabetes, and other diseases that happened in men and women aged 60 and higher were extracted. Air pollution data (CO, SO2, O3, NO, NO2, NOx, and PM10) for the same time frame were inquired from the Environmental Protection Agency of Kerman Province. Negative binomial regression was used to evaluate the relation between air pollutants and mortality using STATA13 software. Results: During the study period, a total of 14,793 deaths occurred in elderly men and women in Kerman City. Cardiovascular diseases were the leading cause of death. The results of multivariate analysis of air pollutants indicated that NO was directly and significantly related to the total number of deaths in the elderly, and increase in sulfur dioxide, ozone and NO was significantly related to increased mortality among elderly women. Carbon monoxide was significantly related to cardiovascular death of the elderly. But air pollutants did not show any significant effect on respiratory-, trauma-, and diabetes-related deaths. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that there is a significant relation between air pollution and mortality in the elderly. Accordingly, a warning system is suggested to reduce the elderly’s commuting on highly air polluted days.

Organ on chip (OoC) devices represent the cutting edge of biotechnologies, combining advanced cell and tissue culture with microengineering. OoC is accelerating innovation in the life sciences and has the potential to revolutionise many fields including biomedical research, drug development and chemical risk assessment. In order to gain acceptance by end-users of OoC based methods and the data derived from them, and to establish OoC approaches as credible alternatives to animal testing, OoC devices need to go through an extensive qualification process. In this context, standardisation can play a key role in ensuring proper characterisation of individual devices, benchmarking against appropriate reference elements and aiding efficient communication among stakeholders. The development of standards for OoC will address several important issues such as basic terminology, device classification, and technical and biological performance. An analysis of technical and biological aspects related to OoC is presented here to identify standardisation areas specific for OoC, focusing on needs and opportunities. About 90 standards are already available from related fields including microtechnologies, medical devices and in vitro cell culture, laying the basis for future work in the OoC domain. Finally, two priority areas for OoC are identified that could be addressed with standards, namely, characterisation of small molecule absorption and measurement of microfluidic parameters.

Despite the advances and advantages of breastfeeding, the non-nutritive sucking habit, especially that represented by the use of pacifiers, is still common in Brazilian children. It is estimated that two thirds of children will receive bottles and pacifiers at some point in the first year of life. The frequency of use and the possibility of contamination by harmful microorganisms may lead to the development of opportunistic infections affecting the children’s health. The objective of the study was to conduct a microbiological and structural analysis of pacifiers for children treated in public services and daycare centers. A cross-sectional study was carried out with pacifiers for children aged 6 to 36 months. The collected pacifier was placed in a sterile individualized container and transferred to the laboratory for analysis. The children’s pacifiers who are cared for in public health services and day care centers are contaminated not only the dirty ones but also the visually clean ones. The potentially pathogenic microorganisms found were mainly fungi and bacteria, Candida, Streptococcus and Pseudomonas, respectively. Keywords: Pacifiers. Microbiology. Child Health. ResumoApesar dos avanços e vantagens da amamentação, o hábito de sucção não nutritiva, principalmente o representado pelo uso de chupetas, ainda é comum nas crianças Brasileiras. Estima-se que dois terços das crianças receberão mamadeiras e chupetas em algum momento no primeiro ano de vida. À frequência de uso e a possibilidade de contaminação por microrganismos nocivos podem levar ao desenvolvimento de infecções oportunistas prejudicando a saúde das crianças. O Objetivo do estudo doi fazer análise microbiológica e estrutural das chupetas de crianças atendidas em serviços públicos e creches. Foi realizado um estudo transversal, com chupetas de crianças na faixa etária entre 6 a 36 meses de idade. A chupeta recolhida foi acondicionada em recipiente individualizado estéril e transferida ao laboratório para analises. As chupetas das crianças que são atendidas em serviços de saúde pública e creches estão contaminadas tanto as sujas quanto as visualmente limpas. Os microrganismos potencialmente patogênicos encontrados foram principalmente fungos e bactérias, respectivamente Candida, Streptocuccus e Pseudomonas. Palavras-chave: Chupetas. Microbiologia. Saúde da Criança.

The 3Rs concept, calling for replacement, reduction and refinement of animal experimentation, is receiving increasing attention around the world, and has found its way to legislation, in particular in the European Union. This is aligned by continuing high-level efforts of the European Commission to support development and implementation of 3Rs methods. In this respect, the European project called "ONTOX: ontology-driven and artificial intelligence-based repeated dose toxicity testing of chemicals for next generation risk assessment" was recently initiated with the goal to provide a functional and sustainable solution for advancing human risk assessment of chemicals without the use of animals in line with the principles of 21 st century toxicity testing and next generation risk assessment. ONTOX will deliver a generic strategy to create new approach methodologies (NAMs) in order to predict systemic repeated dose toxicity effects that, upon combination with tailored exposure assessment, will enable human risk assessment. For proof-of-concept purposes, focus is put on NAMs addressing adversities in the liver, kidneys and developing brain induced by a variety of chemicals. The NAMs each consist of a computational system based on artificial intelligence and are fed by biological, toxicological, chemical and kinetic data. Data are consecutively integrated in physiological maps, quantitative adverse outcome pathway networks and ontology frameworks. Supported by artificial intelligence, data gaps are identified and are filled by targeted in vitro and in silico testing. ONTOX is anticipated to have a deep and long-lasting impact at many levels, in particular by consolidating Europe's world-leading position regarding the development, exploitation, regulation and application of animal-free methods for human risk assessment of chemicals.

Background The United Nations Interagency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UNIGME) indicates that child mortality is the death rate of children between age zero to five. The importance of this area of research is high where worldwide a number of studies have been led on infant and child mortality, despite limited research discoveries with regards to Sri Lanka. The aim of this study is to investigate the socio-economic and demographic characteristics associated with child mortality in Sri Lanka. Methods Using the context of Sri Lanka as a case study, this study carried out based on data gathered from the micro level national survey. Using the logit regression model through the step-wise technique, the study investigate the socio-economic and demographic characteristics associated with child mortality in Sri Lanka. Results According to the generated results, place of residence province-wise, household head’s education level and source of drinking water have negative effect (lower risk) on child mortality in Sri Lanka. Exceptionally, the Western province has the highest negative effect on child mortality which demonstrates it as the least harmful region in Sri Lanka in child endurance. Household heads who owns private entities and Sri Lankan Moors has a positive effect on child mortality as well. Conclusion This study is helpful to address the population health of local arena and results can be supportive to the government and policymakers to gain an overview of physical health status of the country and able to uplift their policies based on the new findings.

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are toxic synthetic chemicals prevalent in the environment that have been linked to serious health effects including various cancers, hypertension, and diabetes. Owing to their unique physicochemical properties, POP accumulation in the environment poses a serious risk to public health. Over the last few decades global climate change (GCC) has exacerbated increasing temperature and extreme weather events, which reduce the storage capacity of POPs in the environment and precipitate their global remobilization. If we remain unprepared to block GCC-associated release of POPs globally, our adaptation and resilience to climate change will be jeopardized. The Stockholm Convention, an international treaty that aims to reduce and eliminate POPs, is not fully enforceable due to a lack of environmental funds for governments of developing countries. One way to circumnavigate these financial hurdles is to create new markets for POP removal through the private sector. We recommend the International Finance Corporation, the private sector arm of the World Bank, reform its institutional regulations to consistently guarantee funding for proactive measures against POPs. We additionally recommend investing in local POP removal infrastructure projects that encourage economic growth.

Sharing individualized results with health study participants, a practice we and others refer to as “report-back,” ensures participant access to exposure and health information and may promote health equity. However, the practice of report-back and the content shared is often limited by the time-intensive process of personalizing reports. Software tools that automate creation of individualized reports have been built for specific studies, but are largely not open-source or broadly modifiable. We created an open-source and generalizable tool, called the Macro for the Compilation of Report-backs (MCR), to automate compilation of health study reports. We piloted MCR in two environmental exposure studies in Massachusetts, USA, and interviewed research team members (n = 7) about the impact of MCR on the report-back process. Researchers using MCR created more detailed reports than during manual report-back, including more individualized numerical, text, and graphical results. Using MCR, researchers saved time producing draft and final reports. Researchers also reported feeling more creative in the design process and more confident in report-back quality control. While MCR does not expedite the entire report-back process, we hope that this open-source tool reduces the barriers to personalizing health study reports, promotes more equitable access to individualized data, and advances self-determination among participants.

Food contact materials (FCM) are defined as the objects and materials intended to come into direct or indirect contact with foodstuff, while food contact articles are defined as objects, being equipment, containers, packaging and various utensils which are clearly intended to be used for the manufacture, preparation, conservation, flow, transport or handling of foodstuffs [...]

If the current policy explores the utilization of active ingredients in use quickly and to the maximum, the same does not occur with the ban on the registration of products highly dangerous to both health and the environment. The current policy does not aim at reducing pesticide toxicity and ecotoxicity, required to reduce environmental contamination and human exposure. To this end, it is essential to adjust scientific evaluation parameters concerning lower concentration tolerance limits to modernity standards, in addition to banning products for which there is scientific evidence of carcinogenic, teratogenic, and mutagenic actions. In ecotoxicology, reducing the applicable concentration limits is paramount for preserving bees, birds, and other forms of domestic and wildlife. When evaluating active ingredients, it is imperative to prioritize more biodegradable molecules with low potential for environmental mobilization through volatilization and leaching, preserving both air and water quality. Another goal, among others, is a program for the generalized reduction of successfully implemented in several countries. Brazil, a tropical agriculture leader, should stand out by incorporating sustainability while preserving both health and the environment.

Background: Malaria is a well-recognized parasitic disease and a serious public health problem worldwide, particularly in tropical and subtropical areas. Objectives: This study was conducted to investigate the antimalarial properties of extracts with different polarities from the various parts of Ecballium elaterium (L.) Rich. (or wild cucumber) as a perennial herbaceous plant growing in Gilan and Azerbaijan provinces of Iran. Methods: The air-dried and powdered fruits, seeds, and roots of E. elaterium were extracted using three solvents with different polarities, n-Hexane (n-Hex), dichloromethane (DCM), and methanol (MeOH). The MeOH extract of roots was subjected to fractionalizing by a C18 Sep-Pak cartridge. All extracts and fractions with different polarities were assessed for their antimalarial activity using the cell-free beta-hematin formation test, and the structural groups of the fractions were identified by Thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC). Results: According to our results, the MeOH extracts of the plant’s roots presented considerable antimalarial effects with an IC50 value of 0.124 ± 0.0002 mg/mL. Bioactivity-guided fractionation of root MeOH extract by solid phase extraction (SPE) afforded six fractions. The 20% fraction showed the most potent antimalarial effect with an IC50 value of 0.167 ± 0.002 mg/mL. Moreover, the three fractions of 80%, 60%, and 100% methanol/water demonstrated considerable antimalarial activities. Phytochemical analysis of potent fractions of E. elaterium suggested the presence of flavonoids in 20% and 60% fractions and flavonoids and triterpenoids in 80% and 100% fractions. Conclusions: According to our primary phytochemical investigation on the six SPE fractions, it is recommended to purify the active constituents of the most effective fractions and investigate their biological effects in animal models.

Drinking water concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exceed provisional guidelines for millions of Americans. Data on private well PFAS concentrations are limited in many regions and monitoring initiatives are costly and time-consuming. Here we examine modeling approaches for predicting private wells likely to have detectable PFAS concentrations that could be used to prioritize monitoring initiatives. We used nationally available data on PFAS sources, and geologic, hydrologic and soil properties that affect PFAS transport as predictors and trained and evaluated models using PFAS data (n~2300 wells) collected by the state of New Hampshire between 2014 and 2017. Models were developed for the five most frequently detected PFAS: perfluoropentanoate, perfluorohexanoate, perfluoroheptanoate, perfluorooctanoate, and perfluorooctane sulfonate. Classification random forest models that allow non-linearity in interactions among predictors performed the best (area under the receiver operating characteristics curve: 0.74 – 0.86). Point sources such as the plastics/rubber and textile industries accounted for the highest contribution to accuracy. Groundwater recharge, precipitation, soil sand content, and hydraulic conductivity were secondary predictors. Our study demonstrates the utility of machine learning models for predicting PFAS in private wells and the classification random forest model based on nationally available predictors is readily extendable to other regions.

BACKGROUND: High prevalence of breastfeeding (BF)-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in nursing mothers have been reported in previous studies. Studies are scarce on the biomechanical effects of the commonly utilized BF positions. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the electromyographic (EMG) activities of the trunk muscles in response to three BF positions commonly utilized by mothers globally. METHODS: 20 non-pregnant nulliparous females participated in this experimental study. EMG activities from erector spinae (ES) and external oblique (EO) muscles were recorded bilaterally in three BF conditions: cradle (C1); cross-cradle (C2); football (FB). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics of one-way analysis of variance with alpha level set at 0.05. RESULTS: The activity levels of right EO and ES muscles significantly increased during the C2 hold, while the left EO and ES muscles revealed significantly higher EMG levels in the C1 trial. Asymmetrical activity between the right and the left parts of the EO muscle was significantly higher during the C2 hold. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that compared to C2 and C1 holds, FB hold may be more biomechanically efficient relative to its decreased muscular demands. The physical stresses associated with BF may be higher with the adoption of C2 and C1 holds, especially for prolonged periods.

In September 2020, Choi et al. published their paper "Cellular Phone Use and Risk of Tumors: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis" in the

Background Respirable stone- and mineral particles may be a major constituent in occupational and ambient air pollution and represent a possible health hazard. However, with exception of quartz and asbestos, little is known about the toxic properties of mineral particles. In the present study, the pro-inflammatory and cytotoxic responses to six stone particle samples of different composition and with diameter below 10 μm were assessed in human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEC3-KT), THP-1 macrophages and a HBEC3-KT/THP-1 co-culture. Moreover, particle-induced lysis of human erythrocytes was assessed to determine the ability of the particles to lyse biological membranes. Finally, the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome was assessed using a NLRP3-specific inhibitor and detection of ASC oligomers and cleaved caspase-1 and IL-1β. A reference sample of pure α-quartz was included for comparison. Results Several stone particle samples induced a concentration-dependent increase in cytotoxicity and secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines CXCL8, IL-1α, IL-1β and TNFα. In HBEC3-KT, quartzite and anorthosite were the most cytotoxic stone particle samples and induced the highest levels of cytokines. Quartzite and anorthosite were also the most cytotoxic samples in THP-1 macrophages, while anorthosite and hornfels induced the highest cytokine responses. In comparison, few significant differences between particle samples were detected in the co-culture. Adjusting responses for differences in surface area concentrations did not fully account for the differences between particle samples. Moreover, the stone particles had low hemolytic potential, indicating that the effects were not driven by membrane lysis. Pre-incubation with a NLRP3-specific inhibitor reduced stone particle-induced cytokine responses in THP-1 macrophages, but not in HBEC3-KT cells, suggesting that the effects are mediated through different mechanisms in epithelial cells and macrophages. Particle exposure also induced an increase in ASC oligomers and cleaved caspase-1 and IL-1β in THP-1 macrophages, confirming the involvement of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Conclusions The present study indicates that stone particles induce cytotoxicity and pro-inflammatory responses in human bronchial epithelial cells and macrophages, acting through NLRP3-independent and -dependent mechanisms, respectively. Moreover, some particle samples induced cytotoxicity and cytokine release to a similar or greater extent than α-quartz. Thus, these minerals warrant further attention in future research.

Pre-competitive data sharing can offer the pharmaceutical industry significant benefits in terms of reducing the time and costs involved in getting a new drug to market through more informed testing strategies and knowledge gained by pooling data. If sufficient data is shared and can be co-analyzed, then it can also offer the potential for reduced animal usage and improvements in the in silico prediction of toxicological effects. Data sharing benefits can be further enhanced by applying the FAIR Guiding Principles, reducing time spent curating, transforming and aggregating datasets and allowing more time for data mining and analysis. We hope to facilitate data sharing by other organizations and initiatives by describing lessons learned as part of the Enhancing TRANslational SAFEty Assessment through Integrative Knowledge Management (eTRANSAFE) project, an Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI) partnership which aims to integrate publicly available data sources with proprietary preclinical and clinical data donated by pharmaceutical organizations. Methods to foster trust and overcome non-technical barriers to data sharing such as legal and IPR (intellectual property rights) are described, including the security requirements that pharmaceutical organizations generally expect to be met. We share the consensus achieved among pharmaceutical partners on decision criteria to be included in internal clearance procedures used to decide if data can be shared. We also report on the consensus achieved on specific data fields to be excluded from sharing for sensitive preclinical safety and pharmacology data that could otherwise not be shared. This project has received funding from the Innovative Medicines Initiative 2 Joint Undertaking under grant agreement No 777365 (“eTRANSAFE”). This Joint Undertaking receives support from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme and EFPIA.

Robust data from longitudinal birth cohort studies and experimental studies of perinatally exposed animals indicate that exposure to ortho-phthalates can impair brain development and increase risks for learning, attention, and behavioral disorders in childhood. This growing body of evidence, along with known adverse effects on male reproductive tract development, calls for immediate action. Exposures are ubiquitous; the majority of people are exposed to multiple ortho-phthalates simultaneously. We thus recommend that a class approach be used in assessing health impacts as has been done with other chemical classes. We propose critically needed policy reforms to eliminate ortho-phthalates from products that lead to exposure of pregnant women, women of reproductive age, infants, and children. Specific attention should be focused on reducing exposures among socially vulnerable populations such as communities of color, who frequently experience higher exposures. Ortho-phthalates are used in a vast array of products and elimination will thus necessitate a multipronged regulatory approach at federal and state levels. The fact that manufacturers and retailers have already voluntarily removed ortho-phthalates from a wide range of products indicates that this goal is feasible.

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC) is a syndrome characterized by acute and transient regional systolic myocardial dysfunction. TC often mimics myocardial infarction without obstructive coronary disease. We present a case of a 48-year-old woman who developed TC following the onset of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia in the setting of methadone intoxication.

Olanzapine is a second-generation antipsychotic drug which is generally considered safe with well therapeutic antipsychotic effects. We describe a patient suffering from bilateral intracerebral hemorrhage after severe olanzapine intoxication without underlying thrombocytopenia, arterial hypertension, or vascular malformation as cause of intracerebral hemorrhage. This raises the possibility of a direct side effect of high-dose olanzapine intake. So far, intracranial hemorrhage after olanzapine intoxication in such constellation has not been reported before. Given the high number of its prescription rates, our finding of intracranial hemorrhage after olanzapine intoxication is of high clinical relevance.

In response to the Letter to the Editor by Kevin Driscoll et al., we certainly agree that particle clearance halftimes are increased with increasing lung burden in rats, hamsters and mice, whereas complete inhibition of particle clearance has only been observed in rats, and only at high particle concentrations (50 mg/m3). Where we disagree with Kevin Driscoll and colleagues, is on the implications of the increased clearance halftimes observed at higher lung burden. We argue that it does not hamper the extrapolations from relatively high dose levels to lower dose levels.Furthermore, we highlight, again, the challenges of detecting particle-induced lung cancer in epidemiological studies where occupational, particle-induced lung cancer has to be detected on top of the background lung cancer incidence. Almost all available epidemiological studies on carbon black and titanium dioxide suffer from a number of limitations, including lack of control for smoking, the use of background population cancer rates as reference in the US studies, lack of information regarding particle size of the exposure, and incomplete follow-up for cause of death of the study population.

Objectives: About four million people are affected by rare diseases in Germany and 30 million in the EU. In 2013, a national action plan for people with rare diseases was adopted in Germany which is also aimed at improving the information situation and better gathering of information for affected patients and their families. Since then, various sources of information and medical care structures have been made available. The aim of this study was to evaluate the state of knowledge about information sources and health care centres for rare diseases among those affected. Methods: The study was carried out as anonymous survey among the member associations of the German Alliance for Chronic Rare Diseases (German acronym ACHSE e. V.). For this, a questionnaire was developed which in addition to questions on gender, age and disease comprised free text input referring to knowledge of health care centres or expert centres and source of information on rare diseases in Germany. Results: A total of 484 individuals suffering from 96 different rare diseases participated in the survey. Of these, 74.47% are aware of medical or dental care centres for treatment of their types of rare disease; 69.31% use self-help groups as a source of information, only a few respondents know government-sponsored "se-atlas" and "Orphanet". Conclusion: The majority of the respondents know medical care centres, most participants use self-help groups as information source, however, government-supported portals are largely unknown so that there is a need for further information in this regard.

While safety professionals are always mindful of heat stress when working in hot environments or while wearing chemical protective clothing, predicting working limits in those environments can be elusive. The authors have developed an Excel tool to help safety professionals stay within the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Value (TLV) or Action Level for heat stress. The tool is most helpful in daily work planning where heat stress may be an issue.

Trends in dietary nutrition and their personalization are progress in medical science and point out the necessity of adaptation and development of innovations in health system. The main objective of this article is to review the role of dietary fibre as prebiotics in nutrition with different functionality, its influence on modulation of intestinal microbiota, which has an essential role in maintenance of healthy organisms in people of all ages.

Objectives: This study was aimed to assess the concentration of microbial aerosol and species composition of airborne staphylococci in 10 healthcare facilities in southern Poland including primary healthcare units and hospital wards; and to assess whether the selected components of microbial aerosol pose a threat of severe infections to either patients or the personnel. Methods: The study was conducted at monthly intervals over a period of one year. Air samples were collected by MAS-100 sampler. The number of mesophilic bacteria, mould fungi, actinomycetes and staphylococci was determined on general and selective media. The species identification of staphylococci was conducted using API tests for strains that were pre-selected based on macroscopic and microscopic observations. Results: A total number of 1,584 samples were collected during the sampling period. The numbers of airborne microorganisms varied between the examined premises and between the seasons of the year. The observed differences were statistically significant with one exception for actinomycetes and their differences between the examined premises. The concentrations of mesophilic bacteria varied from 5 to 297 CFU/m3 of air, for Staphylococcus the values ranged from 1 to 96 CFU/m3, for fungi - from 1 to 100 CFU/m3, and the number of actinomycetes ranged from 7 to 321 CFU/m3. Ten species of coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) were identified among 55 isolates with S. saprophyticus and S. warneri being the most frequently detected (n = 14 and 13, respectively). S. haemolyticus, which is one of the most common causal agents of nosocomial infections was observed in four facilities (n = 5). Conclusions: The microbial concentrations varied both between the seasons of the year and between the examined facilities. The highest bioaerosol concentrations were observed in most crowded premises. The identified species of staphylococci, although not typically associated with human infections, are common causal agents of nosocomial infections and infections in immunocompromised people.

Gunal, Ozgur/0000-0002-7744-4123; KARABAY, OGUZ/0000-0003-1514-1685 WOS: 000490537600009 PubMed: 31580558 Objective: Treponema pallidum and HIV are transmitted frequently through sexual contact, these agents with epidemiological similarities co-infect the same host. The current number of HIV-infected cases in Turkey is increasing. For this reason, we aimed to reveal the characteristics of syphilis in HIV/AIDS cases. Methods: A retrospective longitudinal cohort study was performed, patients were followed up at 24 clinics in 16 cities from all seven regions of Turkey between January 2010 to April 2018. We examined the socio-demographic characteristics, laboratory parameters and neurosyphilis association in HIV/AIDS-syphilis co-infected cases. Results: Among 3,641 patients with HIV-1 infection, 291 (8%) patients were diagnosed with syphilis co-infection. Most patients were older than 25 years (92%), 96% were males, 74% were working, 23% unemployed, and 3% were students. The three highest prevalence of syphilis were in Black Sea (10.3%), Mediterranean (8.4%) and Marmara Regions (7.4%). As for sexual orientation, 46% were heterosexuals, 42% men who have sex with men (MSM), and no data available for 12%. Patients with the number of CD4+

Objectives: Lyme disease (Lyme borreliosis) is a transmissible infection, common in the temperate climate zones. It is caused by a group of spirochetal bacteria known as Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex. The aim of the present work was to investigate the incidence rate of borreliosis in different regions of Bulgaria and to identify possible risk factors for its occurrence. Methods: National and regional borreliosis incidence rates for 2009-2018 were obtained from the public database of the National Centre of Public Health and Analyses. Their association with some socio-demographic variables and the geographic location (south or north) of the regions was tested with Spearman's correlation analysis and simple linear regression. Results: The mean annual incidence for the last 10 years (2009-2018) in Bulgaria was 6.9 (range 4.1-11.6) cases per 100,000 inhabitants. We found that the Lyme disease was highly fluctuating at regional level with incidence rates varied from 0.3 to 30.9 per 100,000 inhabitants. Several regions showed significantly higher endemicity for the disease. Socio-demographic factors were not found to be important for Lyme disease frequency while the geographic location in the north part of the country was a significant risk factor for it. Conclusions: Lyme disease is a serious health risk in Bulgaria especially in its northern part - regions on the north are the most vulnerable to a higher incidence of the disease.

Objectives: Survey was conducted to assess state of viral hepatitis care in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). Methods: Representatives of 16 CEE countries completed on-line survey in April-May 2017 that collected information on basic epidemiology and availability of key services for HCV and HBV infections. Sources of information provided ranged from national surveillance data to expert opinion. Results: The burden of viral hepatitis varied between countries, ranging from 6,500 to 2 million for HCV and from 10,000 to 3 million for HBV. Access to routine HCV RNA testing and genotyping was reported by 11 and 9 countries, respectively. HCV resistance testing was available in 7 countries. Direct acting antivirals (DAAs) were available in 13 countries, most frequently Sofosbuvir and Ledipasvir/Sofosbuvir (12 countries apiece) and Ombitasvir/Paritaprevir/Dasabuvir (9 countries). HBV DNA testing and HBV genotyping were routinely available in 10 and 7 countries, respectively. Eleven countries reported available treatment with Tenofovir. Conclusions: There are gaps in viral hepatitis care in CEE. Despite the availability of registered modern drugs for HCV and HBV, the access to treatment is limited. Ensuring quality health care is essential to reduce the epidemic and achieve the WHO's goal of eliminating viral hepatitis as a major public health challenge.

The aim of the work was to determine Knoop microhardness (KH), color stability (ΔE00) and microstructure of prefabricated composite resin veneers (PCRVs). Two PCRVs systems (Componeer Brilliant New Generation, Coltene, Altstätten, Switzerland; and Direct Veneer, Edelweiss, Wolfurt, Austria) were tested. KH was measured at the buccal surface of the PCRVs. Color analyze was evaluated by a spectrophotometer and ΔE00 calculated using CIEDE2000 formula. Microstructure of the PCRVs was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Data of KH and ΔE00 were subjected to One-way ANOVA followed by Tukey post hoc test (α=0.05). Componeer (KH = 46) and Edelweiss (KH = 43) presented statistical similar hardness results (p>0.05). Componeer (ΔE00water= 0.1 and ΔE00coffee= 13.4) showed lower ΔE00 than Edelweiss (ΔE00water= 0.5 and ΔE00coffee= 18.7). SEM-images indicated similar microstructures of the PCRVs tested. Although PCRVs present similar microhardness and microstructure, Componeer showed higher color stability and lower extrinsic pigmentation to coffee in comparison to Edelweiss. Direct composite resin veneer treatment might be simplified with PCRVs. However, the high pigmentation observed in the PCRVs could generate aesthetic failures over the time.Keywords: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning. Color. Dental Veneers.ResumoO objetivo do trabalho foi determinar a microdureza Knoop (KH), estabilidade de cor (ΔE00) e a microestrutura de facetas de resina composta pré-fabricadas. Os sistemas de facetas Componeer e Edelweiss foram testados. Para cada sistema, a microdureza foi avaliada na superfície vestibular das facetas. A análise da estabilidade de cor foi feita mediante o emprego de um espectrofotômetro e a alteração de cor foi calculada seguindo a fórmula determinada pelo CIEDE2000. A microestrutura dos sistemas foi observada e caracterizada a partir de um microscópio eletrônico de varredura. Os resultados de microdureza e alteração de cor foram submetidos a análise de variância de um fator complementados pelo teste de Tukey (α=0,05). Os sistemas de facetas pré-fabricadas de resina composta apresentaram valores estatisticamente similares de microdureza (p>0,05). O grupo Componeer apresentou uma alteração de cor inferior em relação ao grupo Edelweiss. Os dois sistemas apresentaram uma elevada pigmentação após imersão em solução com café. A microestrutura dos sistemas se mostrou similar em função da avaliação das imagens em microscopia. Apesar dos sistemas apresentarem microdureza e microestrutura similares, o sistema Componeer gerou menor alteração de cor com menor pigmentação a bebida corante empregada em comparação ao sistema Edelweiss. A técnica de facetas dentárias pode ser simplificada utilizando um sistema de facetas pré-fabricadas de resina composta. Todavia, a elevada pigmentação observada no presente estudo deve ser levada em consideração já que o tratamento com esse tipo faceta tende a ser um procedimento estético com durabilidade elevada.Palavras-chaves: Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura. Cor. Facetas Dentárias.

Congenital heart disease is considered the most common malformation found in neonatology. The aim of this study was to characterize the congenital heart diseases of premature newborns in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of a high-risk maternity unit. This was an observational retrospective, descriptive character study carried out in a maternity school, reference in high-risk gestation in the state of Rio Grande do Norte. The study was carried out with premature infants admitted to NICU, who presented some cardiological findings when performing the echocardiogram examination. Data collection was performed through the records of infants hospitalized from December 2016 to December 2017. A total of 371 records were evaluated. Fifty eight infants were diagnosed with congenital heart disease, and 38 of them had Persistence of the ductus arteriosus. The main diagnosed cardiopathies caused low pulmonary flow. About half of the pregnant women with cardiac infants presented some complications during pregnancy, and the most frequent was Urinary Tract Infection; 55 infants needed some ventilatory support, 14 had at least one extubation failure during the hospitalization period, and 8 presented atelectasis. Persistence of the ductus arteriosus was the most common cardiologic finding, and the most frequent congenital heart diseases were those that decreased pulmonary flow, diagnosed mostly in premature infants who needed some ventilation support, but who were discharged from hospital.Keywords: Infant, Premature. Intensive Care Units, Neonatal. Neonatology.ResumoCardiopatias congênitas (CC) são consideradas as malformações mais comuns encontradas na neonatologia. O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar as CC de recém-nascidos prematuros em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal (UTIN) de uma maternidade de alto risco. Tratase de um estudo observacional retrospectivo, de caráter descritivo, realizado em uma maternidade escola, referência em gestação de alto risco do estado do Rio Grande do Norte. O estudo foi realizado com os bebês prematuros admitidos na UTIN, que apresentaram algum achado cardiológico ao realizar o exame de ecocardiograma. A coleta de dados foi realizada através dos prontuários dos bebês internados no período de dezembro de 2016 a dezembro de 2017. Foram avaliados 371 prontuários, sendo elencados para o estudo 58 bebês, 38 apresentaram persistência do canal arterial (PCA) e foram alocados no grupo PCA e 20 apresentaram outro tipo de CC e foram alocados no grupo CC. 55 bebês necessitaram do uso de algum suporte ventilatório, 14 apresentaram pelo menos uma falha de extubação durante o período de internação e 8 apresentaram atelectasia. Cerca de metade das gestantes com bebês cardiopatas apresentaram alguma intercorrência durante a gestação. A mais frequente foi à infecção do trato urinário. A PCA foi o achado cardiológico mais comum da amostra (65%) e dentre os 20 RN com diferentes CC, as que causam o baixo fluxo pulmonar foram as mais frequentes (70%), sendo encontradas em sua maioria em prematuros que necessitaram de algum suporte ventilatório, mas que receberam alta hospitalar.Palavras-chave: Recém-Nascido Prematuro. Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal. Neonatologia.

Individuals with chronic renal failure (CRD) undergo hemodialysis to compensate for systemic-based disease and often develop systemic arterial hypertension (SAH). Such individuals, when needing dental treatment, carry with them the consideration of which type of anesthetic to be used in clinical and surgical interventions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the action of anesthetics with vasoconstrictor (AwV) and without vasoconstrictor (AoV) in individuals with chronic renal failure. Research subjects needed dental treatment, with dental restorations, on the right and left lower dental arch in premolars and / or molars, thus receiving the model of a split-mouth clinical study. In a randomized study, each side of the mandible was subjected to an anesthetic infiltration with only one 1.8 mL tube in two different moments with a minimum interval of 7 days (for one moment with AwV and another AoV moment). The parameters of oxygen saturation (SaO2), heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured 5 minutes before anesthesia, 5, 15 and 30 minutes after anesthesia. The results found in this study showed statistical difference only in SaO2 in the time of 5 minutes after the anesthesia in comparison of the AwV and AoV group, this same result was obtained when only those individuals who, besides nephropathies, had a diagnosis of SAH, were evaluated. The findings of this study highlight the safety of the use of anesthetics, with or without vasoconstrictors since in small amounts, in individuals with CRF with or without associated SAH.Keywords: Renal Insufficiency. Hypertension. Anesthetics, Local.ResumoIndivíduos com insuficiência renal crônica (IRC) em geral são submetidos à hemodiálise para compensação da doença de base sistêmica e frequentemente desenvolvem a hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS). Tais indivíduos, ao necessitarem de tratamento odontológico, levam consigo a ponderação de qual tipo de anestésico a ser utilizado em intervenções clínicas e cirúrgicas. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a ação de anestésicos com vasoconstritor (ACV) e sem vasoconstritor (ASV) em indivíduos com insuficiência renal crônica. Os indivíduos da pesquisa tinham necessidade de tratamento odontológico, com restaurações dentárias, no arco dentário inferior direito e esquerdo em pré-molares e/ou molares, recebendo assim o modelo de estudo clínico de boca dividida. De forma aleatória, os hemiarcos inferiores foram submetidos, em dois diferentes momentos com intervalo mínimo de 7 dias, a infiltração anestésica com apenas um tubete de 1,8 mL (para um momento com ACV e outro momento ASV). Foi feita aferição dos parâmetros de saturação de oxigênio (SaO2), frequência cardíaca (FC), pressão arterial sistólica (PAS) e diastólicas (PAD), 5 minutos antes da anestesia, 5, 15 e 30 minutos após a anestesia. Os resultados encontrados neste estudo demonstraram diferença estatística apenas na SaO2 no tempo de 5 minutos após a anestesia em comparação do grupo ACV e ASV, esse mesmo resultado foi obtido quando avaliados apenas os indivíduos que, além de nefropatas, apresentavam diagnóstico de HAS. Os achados deste estudo ressaltam a segurança do uso de anestésicos, com ou sem vasoconstritores desde que em pequenas quantidades, em indivíduos com IRC com ou sem HAS associada.Palavras-chave: Insuficiência Renal. Hipertensão. Anestésicos Locais.

Men and women seem to have different susceptibilities to disease and dissimilar responses to pain. These differences are not well understood. Understanding those variations between men and women from the perspective of gender identity can contribute to disparities observed in the health field. Since 1980, efforts have been made to develop instruments that can help to categorize individuals according to their own gender perception. One of these, recently developed, is the Traditional Masculinity and Femininity Scale (TMFs). The advantage of this scale is to allow the gender self-identification without the need for attributes. The aim of this study is to present the process of cross cultural adaptation of the TMFs for applicability in studies in the Brazilian population. The cross-cultural adaptation followed the steps: 1) authorization by the authors; 2) initial translation into Portuguese; 3) cultural, conceptual, experimental and idiomatic adaptation to the target population; 4) retroversion; 5) assessment by a revision committee; and 6) pretest. The equivalence of measurement, corresponding to the psychometric properties to a gold standard, is in progress. In conclusion, the original version of the TMF scale, having been translated, culturally adapted, and validated into Brazilian Portuguese has proven to be a reliable instrument that is easy to use, and can be used in both clinical practice and clinical trials in the evaluation of gender identity.Keywords: Gender Identity. Transcultural Adaptation. Surveys and Questionnaires.ResumoHomens e mulheres parecem ter diferentes suscetibilidades às doenças e respostas diferentes à dor. Essas disparidades não são bem compreendidas. A compreensão dessas variações entre homens e mulheres na perspectiva da identidade de gênero pode contribuir para as disparidades observadas no campo da saúde. Desde a década de 1980, esforços têm sido feitos para desenvolver instrumentos que possam ajudar a categorizar os indivíduos de acordo com sua própria percepção de gênero. Uma delas, recentemente desenvolvida, é a Escala de Masculinidade e Feminilidade Tradicionais (TMFs). A vantagem desta escala é permitir a auto identificação do gênero sem a necessidade de atributos. O objetivo deste estudo é apresentar o processo de adaptação transcultural dos TMFs para aplicabilidade em estudos na população brasileira. A adaptação transcultural seguiu os passos: 1) autorização dos autores; 2) tradução inicial para o português; 3) adaptação cultural, conceitual, experimental e idiomática à população-alvo; 4) retroversão; 5) avaliação por um comitê de revisão; e 6) pré-teste. A equivalência de medida, correspondente às propriedades psicométricas de um padrão ouro, está em andamento. Em conclusão, a versão original da escala TMF, traduzida, adaptada culturalmente e validada para o português brasileiro, mostrou-se um instrumento confiável e de fácil utilização, podendo ser utilizada tanto na prática clínica quanto nas pesquisas para a avaliação da identidade de gênero.Palavras-chave: Identidade de Gênero. Adaptação Transcultural. Inquéritos e Questionários.

Radiotherapy is an important treatment of oral and maxillofacial malignancies. Among the various effects of this locoregional therapy, osteoradionecrosis (ORN) plays a prominent role due to its physical and psychological impact on cancer patients. In the literature, the therapeutic approach of ORN varies from a conservative to invasive surgery treatment. Objective: collect in the scientific literature, concise and current information about the benefits of using these therapies in the ORN. The present literature review selected articles based on the titles that addressed osteoradionecrosis treatment, as well as the evaluation systems adopted. After previous analysis, 22 relevant articles were included on the proposed theme. According to the literature, several hypotheses have been established to explain the etiopathogenesis of ORN, as numerous evaluation systems have been developed in the last years. Regarding the main therapeutic modalities used, new less invasive therapies have acquired space, such as ozone therapy, laser therapy associated with photodynamic therapy and drugs, such as vitamin, antifibrotic and anti-resorptive. However, in spite of the promising results, new randomized clinical trials have to be performed in an attempt to discover the real effectiveness of these therapies in the ORN. Therefore, it becomes a challenging issue for dental surgeons, since it requires the constant monitoring and long term of these patients, due to the risk of progression or recurrence of this condition.Keywords: Radiotherapy. Osteoradionecrosis. Conservative Treatment. Ozone. Photochemotherapy.ResumoA radioterapia compreende um tratamento importante no tratamento de tumores malignos orais e maxilofaciais. Dentre os diversos efeitos oriundos desta terapia locoregional, a osteorradionecrose (ORN) apresenta um papel de destaque devido ao seu impacto físico e psicológico ao paciente oncológico. A abordagem terapêutica da ORN pode variar do tratamento conservador ao tratamento invasivo através da cirurgia. Objetivo coletar na literatura científica informações concisas e atuais acerca dos benefícos do uso dessas terapias na ORN. A presente revisão narrativa de literatura teve a seleção de artigos com base nos títulos que abordaram as terapias empregadas na osteorradionecrose, bem como os sistemas de avaliação adotados. Após análise prévia, foram incluídos 39 artigos relevantes sobre a temática proposta. De acordo com a literatura, várias hipóteses foram estabelecidas para explicar a etiopatogenia da ORN, assim como inúmeros sistemas de avaliação foram desenvolvidos nos últimos anos. Com relação as principais modalidades terapêuticas empregadas, novas terapias menos invasivas têm adquirido espaço, a exemplo da ozonioterapia, laserterapia associada à terapia fotodinâmica e medicamentos antioxidantes, antifibróticos e antireabsortivos. Todavia, apesar dos resultados promissores, novos ensaios clínicos precisam ser realizados, para se descobrir a real eficácia dessas terapias na ORN. Portanto, torna-se uma questão desafiadora para os Cirurgiões dentistas, uma vez que requer o monitoramento constante e a longo prazo desses pacientes, devido ao risco de progressão ou recidiva desta afecção.Palavras-chave: Radioterapia. Osteoradionecrosis. Tratamento Conservador. Ozônio. Fotoquimioterapia.

Patients who require invasive ventilatory support are subject to the deleterious effects of this, mainly ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). The physiotherapist, a member of the multiprofessional team, assists the patient with the purpose of promoting the recovery and preservation of the functionality, being able to minimize / avoid secondary complications. This study aims to identify the repercussions of mechanical ventilation hyperinflation (MVH) in the flow bias concept in respiratory mechanics. This study is a narrative review. MVH is an important resource commonly used in clinical practice that involves the manipulation of mechanical ventilator configurations to provide larger pulmonary volumes, and the generated airflow gradient may play a relevant role in mucus transport, with the concept of flow bias the main factor responsible for its direction. For the mobilization of the mucus towards the cephalic direction to occur, there must be a predominant expiratory flow, guaranteeing the peak ratio of expiratory flow / inspiratory flow peak (EFP / IFP) greater than 1.11. Maintenance of mechanical ventilation assures the patient to maintain the positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) and the oxygen inspired fraction, avoiding the deleterious effects of the mechanical ventilator disconnection. MVH is able to improve lung compliance without, however, increasing airway resistance. MVH in the cephalic flow bias concept is effective for the mucus mobilization in the central direction, being able to improve pulmonary compliance and peripheral oxygen saturation.Keywords: Respiration, Artificial. Intensive Care Units. Physical Therapy Department, Hospital.ResumoOs pacientes internados que necessitam de suporte ventilatório invasivo estão sujeitos aos efeitos deletérios deste, principalmente a pneumonia associada à ventilação mecânica (PAV). O fisioterapeuta, integrante da equipe multiprofissional, assiste o paciente com a finalidade de promover a recuperação e preservação da funcionalidade, podendo minimizar/evitar complicações secundárias. Este estudo consiste em identificar as repercussões da hiperinsuflação com ventilador mecânico (HVM) no conceito flow bias na mecânica respiratória. O presente estudo trata-se de uma revisão narrativa. A HVM é um importante recurso comumente utilizado na prática clínica que envolve a manipulação das configurações do ventilador mecânico para fornecer maiores volumes pulmonares, e o gradiente de fluxo de ar gerado pode desempenhar um papel relevante no transporte do muco, sendo o conceito de flow bias cefálico o principal fator responsável pelo direcionamento deste. Para que a mobilização do muco em direção cefálica ocorra, deve existir um fluxo expiratório predominante, garantindo a razão pico de fluxo expiratório/pico de fluxo inspiratório (PFE/PFI) maior do que 1,11. A manutenção da assistência ventilatória mecânica assegura ao paciente a manutenção da pressão positiva ao final da expiração (PEEP) e a fração inspirada de oxigênio (FiO2), evitando os efeitos deletérios da desconexão do ventilador mecânico. A HVM é capaz de melhorar a complacência pulmonar sem, no entanto, aumentar a resistência das vias aéreas. A HVM no conceito flow bias cefálico é eficaz para a mobilização do muco em direção central, sendo capaz de melhorar a complacência pulmonar e saturação periférica de oxigênio (SpO2).Palavras-chave: Respiração Artificial. Unidades de Terapia Intensiva. Serviço Hospitalar de Fisioterapia.

Introduction: Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy (aPDT) is a promising approach with several clinical applications, including the treatment of periodontal diseases, by acting as an adjuvant to the conventional treatment of periodontal disease by allowing reduction of periodontopathogens, with no systemic side effects and minimal possibilities of bacterial resistance. Objective: To verify, through the scientific literature, the effectiveness of Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy associated with conventional periodontal treatment. Methodology: The literature review was conducted in the MEDLINE databases - PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science. The articles were selected through the analysis of titles and abstracts published in the period from 2007 to 2018. Selected articles were published in their entirety and with free or controlled access, of the type clinical trial on the subject, without restriction of languages. The terms used were: “Periodontal diseases”; “Chronic Periodontitis” and “Photochemotherapy.” Results: 84 articles were found, and 20 clinical trials that met the inclusion criteria were analyzed. There were different clinical protocols for the association of aPDT with the conventional treatment of periodontal disease. a number of different clinical outcomes were found for each of the proposed clinical protocols. Conclusion: Considering the clinical trials investigated, conflicting results regarding the efficacy of aPTD as an adjuvant treatment of the conventional treatment of periodontal disease are observed. and lack of standardization of clinical parameters and protocols.Keywords: Chronic Periodontitis. Periodontal Diseases. Photochemotherapy.ResumoA terapia fotodinâmica antimicrobiana (aPDT) é uma abordagem promissora com várias aplicações clínicas, incluindo o tratamento das doenças periodontais, ao atuar como um adjuvante ao tratamento convencional da doença periodontal por permitir redução de periodontopatógenos, com ausência de efeitos sistêmicos colaterais e mínimas possibilidades de resistência bacteriana. O objetivo deste estudo é verificar, por meio da literatura científica, a eficácia da terapia fotodinâmica antimicrobiana associada ao tratamento periodontal convencional. A revisão de literatura foi conduzida nas bases de dados MEDLINE – PubMed, Scopus e Web of Science. Os artigos foram selecionados através da análise de títulos e de resumos publicados no período de 2007 a 2018. Foram selecionados artigos publicados na íntegra e com acesso livre e gratuito, ou controlado, do tipo ensaio clínico sobre o tema, sem restrição de idiomas. Os termos utilizados foram: Periodontal diseases; Chronic Periodontitis e Photochemotherapy. Foram encontrados 84 artigos, e 20 ensaios clínicos que atenderam os critérios de inclusão, foram analisados. Observou-se diferentes protocolos clínicos para a associação da aPDT com o tratamento convencional da doença periodontal. Também foram encontrados diferentes desfechos clínicos para cada um dos protocolos clínicos propostos. Conclusão: Considerando os ensaios clínicos pesquisados, observa-se resultados conflitantes frente à eficácia da aPDT como tratamento adjuvante do tratamento convencional da doença periodontal. Observa-se, ainda, uma produção literária escassa e a falta de uma padronização dos parâmetros e dos protocolos clínicos.Palavras-chaves: Periodontite Crônica. Doença Periodontal. Fotoquimioterapia.

The goal of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the active video-class methodology in the teaching-learning process, ascertaining the understanding, clarity and absorption through a pre structured questionnaire. The sample consisted of 35 students, who were enrolled in the fixed prosthesis discipline, between the age of 19 and 31 years old. A videotape with provisional crown content was applied to the sample and, after a pre-structured questionnaire with 5 questions with objective and subjective questions related to the class. In the results obtained two people did not miss any of the questions, corresponding to 5.7% of the total number of students. Meanwhile, 57.1% of the students erred only one question in that they are equivalent to 20 students of the sample, 34.3% did not answer right two questions of the questionnaire, in the total of twelve people and finally 2,9% missed 3 questions, represented by only 1 person. It was evidenced that most of the questions students achieved success above 80%. The use of videoconference as an active teaching methodology in the academic environment has shown satisfactory results when applied in the classroom as an aid material, since most of the students have had success in most of the questions with the use this tool. The active methodologies can be a satisfactory alternative in the teaching-learning process to assist the teacher in the classroom, and its use can yield good results in the training of health professionals.Keywords: Audiovisual Aids. Educational Technology. Learning.ResumoO objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a eficácia da metodologia ativa vídeo-aula aplicada aos alunos de odontologia de uma instituição de ensino superior no processo de ensino aprendizagem, averiguando o entendimento, clareza e absorção, através de um questionário préestruturado. A amostra constou de 35 alunos devidamente matriculados na disciplina de prótese fixa, com idades que variavam entre 19 a 31 anos. Foi administrado uma vídeo-aula com conteúdo de coroas provisória e logo após responderam um questionário pré estruturado com 5 perguntas com questões objetivas e subjetivas relacionadas a aula. Nos resultados obtidos duas pessoas não erraram nenhuma das questões, correspondendo 5,7% do total de alunos. Já 57,1% dos alunos erraram apenas uma questão no que equivalem 20 alunos da amostra, 34,3% não acertaram duas questões do questionário, no total de 12 pessoas e por fim 2,9% erraram 3 questões, representado por apenas 1 pessoa. Ficou evidenciado que a maioria das questões os alunos obtiveram êxitos acima de 80%. O emprego da vídeo-aula como uma metodologia ativa de ensino, no ambiente acadêmico, mostrou resultados satisfatórios ao ser aplicada em sala de aula como material de auxílio, visto que a maioria dos alunos tiveram êxitos na maior parte das questões com a utilização desta ferramenta. As metodologias ativas podem ser uma alternativa satisfatória no processo de ensino- aprendizagem para auxiliar o professor em sala de aula, e sua utilização pode render bons resultados na formação de profissionais da saúde.Palavras-chave: Recursos Audiovisuais. Tecnologia Educacional. Aprendizagem.

Dysmenorrhea is described as pain or weight in the hypogastrium and can radiate to the lumbar region or to the thighs. The use of the vector interferential current (CIV) is based on two sinusoidal currents of medium frequency, modulated at low frequency, and can reach deep tissues in a pleasant way. Despite widespread use of this current under various conditions, there are few studies on its use in primary dysmenorrhea associated with low back pain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the analgesic effect of the Tetrapolar Interferential Current on primary dysmenorrhea associated with low back pain. The study consisted of 20 volunteers, divided into 2 groups: Placebo Group (GP) and Group Treatment (GT), with treatment for 3 days in two menstrual cycles. The variables analyzed were the McGill Pain Questionnaire at the beginning of the first intervention and on the last day after the procedure, and the Visual Analog Pain Scale, applied before and after each therapy. It was observed that for the McGill questionnaire there was reduction only for the treated group, for the Pain scale there were differences again between groups and between evaluations, and the size of the effect showed favorable results in the treated group. The interferential current in the quadrilateral form was shown to be effective in reducing pain in young patients with primary dysmenorrhea.Keywords: Visual Analog Scale. Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation. Medição da Dor. Pain Measurement.ResumoA dismenorreia é descrita como dor ou peso no hipogástrio, podendo irradiar-se para a região lombar ou até as coxas. O uso da corrente interferencial vetorial (CIV) baseia-se em duas correntes sinusoidais de média frequência, moduladas em baixa frequência, podendo atingir tecidos profundos de forma agradável. Apesar de amplo uso desta corrente em várias condições, há poucos estudos sobre seu uso na dismenorreia primária associada à dor lombar. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o efeito analgésico da Corrente Interferencial tetrapolar na dismenorreia primária associada à dor lombar. Este estudo foi composto por 20 voluntárias, divididas em 2 grupos: Grupo Placebo (GP) e Grupo Tratamento (GT), com tratamento por 3 dias em dois ciclos menstruais. As variáveis analisadas foram o Questionário de Dor de McGill no início da primeira intervenção e no último dia após o procedimento, e a Escala Analógica Visual de Dor, aplicada antes e após cada terapia. Observou-se que para a o questionário de McGill houve reduç o apenas para o grupo tratado, para a escala de Dor houve diferenças novamente entre grupos e entre avaliações, sendo que o tamanho do efeito mostrou resultados favoráveis ao grupo tratado. A corrente interferencial na forma tetrapolar mostrou-se efetiva na redução do quadro de dor em jovens com dismenorreia primária.Palavras-chave: Escala Visual Analógica. Estimulação Elétrica Nervosa Transcutânea. Medição da Dor.

Adverse birth outcomes are determined by a complex combination of genetic, social, and environmental factors. Numerous studies have concluded an association exists between air pollution and low birth weight (LBW). This case-controlled study aimed to analyze the association by using 38 cases (mothers of LBW infants) and 40 controls (mothers of normal birth weight infants) in Seberang Ulu 1, Palembang City. Primary data related to indoor air pollution exposure during pregnancy was collected via structured interviews. The data was analyzed by performing chi-square and multiple logistic regressions within a risk factor model. Exposure to indoor air pollution during pregnancy was associated with the occurrence of LBW (chi-square test, p-value: 0.012, OR 3611 [95% CI 1.415 to 9.215]). No variables were found to have an interaction with the effects of indoor air pollution exposure during pregnancy and the occurrence of LBW. Exposure to indoor air pollution during pregnancy had the most significant impact on LBW occurrences after controlling for maternal age during pregnancy (multiple logistic regression, p-value: 0.019, OR 3.19 [95% CI 1, 21-8.406]). Keywords: Indoor air pollution, low birth weight, pregnancy

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative pathology that affects elderly people all over the world. Several studies have demonstrated that oxidative stress is an aggravating factor for AD development and progression. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the activity of two oxidative stress markers, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase (δ-ALA-D), as well as correlate them with blood metal levels and AD progression. For this purpose, 88 elderly individuals were divided in two groups: AD group (34 patients diagnosed with AD) and control group (34 subjects paired by age with the AD group). The Mini-Mental State Examination and the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) were used as tools to classify the AD progression. GPx and δ-ALA-D activities were measured in all subjects through blood tests. Both enzymes’ activities were decreased in AD patients when compared to the age-matched control group, regardless of the CDR. Moreover, GPx activity was positively correlated with selenium levels in the blood; and the δ-ALA-D activity was negatively correlated with blood copper levels. Taken together, our results indicated that, for the first time, blood δ-ALA-D activity was significantly inhibited in AD patients. While literature reports conflicting data regarding GPx activity in AD patients, the δ-ALA-D activity seems to be a more consistent tool to be applied as an earlier AD marker., EXCLI Journal; 18:Doc866; ISSN 1611-2156

Objectives: Evidence that health interventions work is not enough to ensure implementation into policy and practice. The complexity of public health systems requires more diverse actions. This paper proposes a conceptual model to enhance understanding of interlinking factors that influence the evidence implementation process. Methods: A literature review was conducted to explore factors that influence the process of evidence implementation in complex public health systems, including research findings and observations from 32 case studies of injury prevention interventions underway in 24 countries and results from evidence research networks. Concepts and themes identified through a critical review were organised, ordered and interlinked to build the model. Results: An Evidence Implementation Model for Public Health Systems and four concepts or themes: Evidence implementation target; Actors involved in implementation; Knowledge transfer; and Barriers and facilitators to evidence implementation were developed to provide a simplified, yet broad framework that highlights multiple factors and back and forth inter-linkages within and between the concepts that influence the uptake of evidence into public health systems policy and practice. Conclusions: Understanding the factors discussed within and amongst the four concepts of this model should ultimately help to positively influence the uptake of evidence into real world public health systems. This model has relevance for decision makers, researchers, knowledge brokers, and implementers.

Background Coke oven workers are exposed to both free and particle bound PAH. Through this exposure, the workers may be at increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Systemic levels of acute phase response proteins have been linked to cardiovascular disease in epidemiological studies, suggesting it as a marker of these conditions. The aim of this study was to assess whether there was association between PAH exposure and the blood level of the acute phase inflammatory response marker serum amyloid A (SAA) in coke oven workers. Methods A total of 87 male Polish coke oven workers from two different plants comprised the study population. Exposure was assessed by means of the individual post-shift urinary excretion of 1-hydroxypyrene, as internal dose of short-term PAH exposure, and by anti-benzo[a]pyrene diolepoxide (anti-B[a]PDE)-DNA), as a biomarker of long-term PAH exposure. Blood levels of acute phase proteins SAA and CRP were measured by immunoassay. C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were included to adjust for baseline levels of SAA. Results Multiple linear regression showed that the major determinants of increased SAA levels were urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (beta = 0.56, p = 0.030) and serum CRP levels (beta = 7.08; p

Background Li-ion batteries (LIB) are increasingly used worldwide. They are made of low solubility micrometric particles, implying a potential for inhalation toxicity in occupational settings and possibly for consumers. LiCoO2 (LCO), one of the most used cathode material, induces inflammatory and fibrotic lung responses in mice. LCO also stabilizes hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) -1α, a factor implicated in inflammation, fibrosis and carcinogenicity. Here, we investigated the role of cobalt, nickel and HIF-1α as determinants of toxicity, and evaluated their predictive value for the lung toxicity of LIB particles in in vitro assays. Results By testing a set of 5 selected LIB particles (LCO, LiNiMnCoO2, LiNiCoAlO2) with different cobalt and nickel contents, we found a positive correlation between their in vivo lung inflammatory activity, and (i) Co and Ni particle content and their bioaccessibility and (ii) the stabilization of HIF-1α in the lung. Inhibition of HIF-1α with chetomin or PX-478 blunted the lung inflammatory response to LCO in mice. In IL-1β deficient mice, HIF-1α was the upstream signal of the inflammatory lung response to LCO. In vitro, the level of HIF-1α stabilization induced by LIB particles in BEAS-2B cells correlated with the intensity of lung inflammation induced by the same particles in vivo. Conclusions We conclude that HIF-1α, stabilized in lung cells by released Co and Ni ions, is a mechanism-based biomarker of lung inflammatory responses induced by LIB particles containing Co/Ni. Documenting the Co/Ni content of LIB particles, their bioaccessibility and their capacity to stabilize HIF-1α in vitro can be used to predict the lung inflammatory potential of LIB particles.

Luteolin is known to have anticancer activity in various ca ncers. Recent studies have shown that luteolin glyco- sides, such as luteolin-8- C - β -fucopyranoside, 7-methoxy-luteolin-8-C- β -(6- deoxyxylopyranos-3-uloside) and lu- teolin-8-C- β - D -glucopyranoside, flavonoid s that are present in Arthraxon hispidus , exert antimigratory and anti- invasive effects, but no cytotoxic effect in estrogen receptor-positive MCF7 breast cancer cells. In the present study, we further investigated and compared differential effects of luteolin and its glycosides in MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer cells. Lute olin suppressed the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and inhibited migration and invasion in MDA-MB-231 cells treated with the tumor promotor 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13- acetate at non-cytotoxic concentrations (0, 5, and 10 μ M). Furthermore, at cytotoxic concentrations (20 and 40 μ M), luteolin induced apoptosis via extrinsic and intrinsic pathways in MDA-MB-231 cells. However, luteolin glycosides did not exert any cytotoxic, antimigratory, or anti-invasive effect in MDA-MB-231 cells . In brief, l u- teolin had both antimetastatic and cytotoxic effects on MDA-MB-231 cells, whereas luteolin glycosides had no effect on this cell line. Taking together the present results and our previous findings on the differential effects of luteolin and its glycosides on MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 br east cancer cells, luteolin and its glycosides can be suggested as a potential candida te for breast cancer therapy., EXCLI Journal;Vol. 18 2019

The brain is vulnerable to oxidative damage due to its high oxygen consumption. This Study investigate the effects of cadmium on the lateral geniculate body of developing male wistar rats and ameliorative potential of Moringa oleifera seed oil and walnut oil extracts. Seven groups of five animals each were used in this experiment. Group A received 3ml of 0.9% normal saline; group B received 2.5mg/kg bw of 3CdSO4.8H2O, group C received 5mg/kg bw vitamin C & 6mg/kg bw vitamin E, group D received 5mg/kg bw vitamin C & 6mg/kg bw vitamin E + 2.5mg/kg bw Cd, group E received 2.5mg/kg bw Cd + 4mg/kg bw Moringa oleifera oil, group F received 2.5mg/kg bw Cd + 4mg/kg bw walnut oil, while group G received 2.5mg/kg bw Cd + 2mg/kg bw walnut + 2mg/kg bw Moringa oleifera oil concomitantly for 3weeks. Parameter tested includes LDH, G6PD in brain tissues, SOD and GPx enzymes in brain homogenates and serum and cresyl fast violet stain in the brain tissues. Cd administration significantly increased SOD, GPx, LDH and decreased G6PD level in brain tissue and decreased their activity in serum when compared with Group A control rats. There was marked reduction and lost in the distribution of nissl substances of the studied tissues of Cd administered animals. However, administration of vitamin C & E, walnut and Moringa oleifera oil restored damaged tissues. Walnut and Moringa oleifera seed oil therefore attenuated the oxidative damage and morphological changes induced by cadmium in the lateral geniculate body of the brain of the young male wistar rats.Key Words: Lateral geniculate body, Antioxidant, Histochemical, Cadmium, Oxidative Damage