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Introduction: University students experienced significant changes in their routines with the implementation of remote learning during Covid-19 pandemic, including increase in sedentary behavior (SB) time and ultra-processed foods (UPF's) consumption, which may have influenced changes in body mass index (BMI)., Objective: To evaluate the association between the variation in SB time and UPF's consumption with the variation in BMI, before and during the pandemic, in university students., Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, conducted between November 2020 and February 2021, with students from a public university of Southeast of Brazil, who answered an online questionnaire with questions regarding to the period before and during the pandemic. SB was assessed through questions about time spent on TV and electronic devices. A score of the frequency of UPF's consumption was estimated based on the Brazilian Food Guide. Self-reported information on height and body mass was used to calculate BMI., Results: The sample comprised 3390 university students, with an average age of 28.7 (± 10.0) years. Among them, 65.4% were undergraduates, and 66.9% were women. SB time, UPF score, and BMI increased significantly during the pandemic, compared to the previous period. In this population, there was a significant association between increased SB time (β = 0.06; SE = 0.01; p < 0.001) and UPF score (β = 0.08; SE = 0.01; p < 0.001) with an increase in BMI., Conclusion: Changes in SB time and UPF score were associated with an increase in BMI before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in students from a Brazilian University., (© 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Objective: This study was designed in two-legs. In the in vivo, we explored the potential of a rinse solution containing a combination (Comb) of 0.1 mg/mL CaneCPI-5 (sugarcane-derive cystatin), 1.88 × 10 - 5 M StN15 (statherin-derived peptide) and 1.0 mg/mL hemoglobin (Hb) to change the protein profile of the acquired enamel pellicle(AEP) and the microbiome of the enamel biofilm. The in vitro, was designed to reveal the effects of Comb on the viability and bacterial composition of the microcosm biofilm, as well as on enamel demineralization., Materials and Methods: In vivo study, 10 participants rinsed (10mL,1 min) with either deionized water (H 2 O-control) or Comb. AEP and biofilm were collected after 2 and 3 h, respectively, after rinsing. AEP samples underwent proteomics analysis, while biofilm microbiome was assessed via 16 S-rRNA Next Generation Sequencing(NGS). In vitro study, a microcosm biofilm protocol was employed. Ninety-six enamel specimens were treated with: 1)Phosphate-Buffered Solution-PBS(negative-control), 2)0.12%Chlorhexidine, 3)500ppmNaF and 4)Comb. Resazurin, colony-forming-units(CFU) and Transversal Microradiography(TMR) were performed., Results: The proteomic results revealed higher quantity of proteins in the Comb compared to control associated with immune system response and oral microbial adhesion. Microbiome showed a significant increase in bacteria linked to a healthy microbiota, in the Comb group. In the in vitro study, Comb group was only efficient in reducing mineral-loss and lesion-depth compared to the PBS., Conclusions: The AEP modification altered the subsequent layers, affecting the initial process of bacterial adhesion of pathogenic and commensal bacteria, as well as enamel demineralization., Clinical Relevance: Comb group shows promise in shaping oral health by potentially introducing innovative approaches to prevent enamel demineralization and deter tooth decay., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Mutations in the mitochondrial genome (mtDNA) are ubiquitous in humans and can lead to a broad spectrum of disorders. However, due to the presence of multiple mtDNA molecules in the cell, co-existence of mutant and wild-type mtDNAs (termed heteroplasmy) can mask disease phenotype unless a threshold of mutant molecules is reached. Importantly, the mutant mtDNA level can change across lifespan as mtDNA segregates in an allele- and cell-specific fashion, potentially leading to disease. Segregation of mtDNA is mainly evident in hepatic cells, resulting in an age-dependent increase of mtDNA variants, including non-synonymous potentially deleterious mutations. Here we modeled mtDNA segregation using a well-established heteroplasmic mouse line with mtDNA of NZB/BINJ and C57BL/6N origin on a C57BL/6N nuclear background. This mouse line showed a pronounced age-dependent NZB mtDNA accumulation in the liver, thus leading to enhanced respiration capacity per mtDNA molecule. Remarkably, liver-specific atg7 (autophagy related 7) knockout abolished NZB mtDNA accumulat ion, resulting in close-to-neutral mtDNA segregation through development into adulthood. prkn (parkin RBR E3 ubiquitin protein ligase) knockout also partially prevented NZB mtDNA accumulation in the liver, but to a lesser extent. Hence, we propose that age-related liver mtDNA segregation is a consequence of macroautophagic clearance of the less-fit mtDNA. Considering that NZB/BINJ and C57BL/6N mtDNAs have a level of divergence comparable to that between human Eurasian and African mtDNAs, these findings have potential implications for humans, including the safe use of mitochondrial replacement therapy. Abbreviations: Apob : apolipoprotein B; Atg1 : autophagy-related 1; Atg7 : autophagy related 7; Atp5a1 : ATP synthase, H+ transporting, mitochondrial F1 complex, alpha subunit 1; BL6: C57BL/6N mouse strain; BNIP3 : BCL2/adenovirus E1B interacting protein 3; FCCP: carbonyl cyanide 4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenylhydrazone; GAPDH: glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase; MAP1LC3A: microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 alpha; MAP1LC3B: microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta; mt-Atp8 : mitochondrially encoded ATP synthase 8; MT-CO1: mitochondrially encoded cytochrome c oxidase I; MT-CO2: mitochondrially encoded cytochrome c oxidase II; mt-Co3 : mitochondrially encoded cytochrome c oxidase III; mt-Cytb : mitochondrially encoded cytochrome b; mtDNA: mitochondrial DNA; MUL1: mitochondrial ubiquitin ligase activator of NFKB 1; nDNA: nuclear DNA; Ndufa9 : NADH:ubiquinone oxireductase subunit A9; NDUFB8: NADH:ubiquinone oxireductase subunit B8; Nnt : nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase; NZB: NZB/BINJ mouse strain; OXPHOS: oxidative phosphorylation; PINK1: PTEN induced putative kinase 1; Polg2 : polymerase (DNA directed), gamma 2, accessory subunit; Ppara : peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha; Ppia : peptidylprolyl isomerase A; Prkn : parkin RBR E3 ubiquitin protein ligase; P10: post-natal day 10; P21: post-natal day 21; P100: post-natal day 100; qPCR: quantitative polymerase chain reaction; Rpl19 : ribosomal protein L19; Rps18 : ribosomal protein S18; SD: standard deviation; SEM: standard error of the mean; SDHB: succinate dehydrogenase complex, subunit B, iron sulfur (Ip); SQSTM1: sequestosome 1; Ssbp1 : single-stranded DNA binding protein 1; TFAM: transcription factor A, mitochondrial; Tfb1m : transcription factor B1, mitochondrial; Tfb2m : transcription factor B2, mitochondrial; TOMM20: translocase of outer mitochondrial membrane 20; UQCRC2: ubiquinol cytochrome c reductase core protein 2; WT: wild-type.

Tambaqui Colossoma macropomum is the most cultivated native fish in South America and Aeromonas hydrophila is one of the main bacteria infecting tropical fish. Despite the economic importance of this round fish, to date, there has been a paucity of investigations into haematological changes in tambaqui. In this study, detailed blood analyses (0 h, 6 h, 24 h, 7 d and 14 d) following intraperitoneal challenge with A. hydrophila were performed. After analysing the results, there was a suspicion of a novel cell death mechanism via extracellular traps (ETosis) in tambaqui. The search for ETosis was based on differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) assays through application of an adapted protocol applying co-incubation of leukocytes with A. hydrophila. The cells were investigated at: 0 h (control), 4 h and 7 h after incubation. The complete haemogram profile showed an uncommon severe leukopenia in early phases of infection (6 h, p < 0.001 and ≤ 0.05), due to significant decreases in the three main leukocytes: lymphocytes (6 h, p ≤ 0.001), monocytes (6 h, p ≤ 0.05) and neutrophils (6 h and 24 h, p ≤ 0.01 and p ≤ 0.05). Leucocytosis and lymphocytosis (p ≤ 0.01) were ascertained only 7 days post-infection. Through DIC and SEM, we discovered that leukocyte suicide exposed the nuclear contents between 4 and 7 h after stimuli with bacteria. The leukogram profile associated with DIC and SEM analyses suggested that tambaqui leukocytes underwent a programmed death (ETosis) in order to expose chromatin and granule proteins as a trap to bind and then kill bacteria; thus, preventing A. hydrophila from spreading and resulting in leukopenia during the early phase of bacterial infection. In this paper, we presume that ETosis is one of the last resources for tambaqui to contain the infection, and after this leukocyte strategy, a high number of phagocytic cells are produced and released into the peripheral circulation., (Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

The production of tambaqui Colossoma macropomum has recently reached a milestone, being considered the main native species produced in South American continental waters. Despite the importance of this fish, its immunity is not well understood. In this study we established some patterns of innate immunity for the species via two experiments. Both studies evaluated the fish in the absence (intraperitoneal saline) or presence (intraperitoneal, 3 x 10 7  CFU/mL of Aeromonas hydrophila at 0.1 mL/10 g of living weight) of infection at 5 points over time-course of 14 days (0 h, 6 h, 24 h, 7 d, 14 d). In the first experiment, the partial gene sequences and gene expression of IL-1β, IRAK-1, C3, C4, lysozyme, IL-10, HSP70 and β-actin were determined in the main secondary lymphoid organs of fish: the spleen and head kidney. The second study was performed to analyse the alternative complement pathway ACH 50 in serum to support the elucidation of C3 gene expression. Results of the gene expression assays showed a tendency towards up-regulation of immune genes in infected fish in early phases of infection (mostly around 6 h and 24 h) and in the chronic phase (7 d and 14 d), with the exception of HSP70 which showed a down-regulation in infected fish. Our results also suggested that lysozyme was evolved in both pro- and anti-inflammatory activities. For genes of the complement system, it was demonstrated that C4 regulation followed the tendency of pro-inflammatory genes. However, the C3 gene was, surprisingly, not expressed in most fish and this corroborated with the results of the complement system activity in serum that also did not show activity in most fish. The possible reasons for the regulation of gene expression and association with fish disease are addressed in this paper., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Tambaqui Colossoma macropomum is the most produced native fish in South America. Besides the lack of knowledge regarding bacteria-stricken diseases, the unappropriated using of off-label therapies are common. In this study, Aeromonas hydrophila pathogenicity for tambaqui was first established by Koch's Postulate. Lethal doses (LD) were settled for investigation of clinical signs and mortality. The antimicrobial activities were investigated by disk-diffusion test against 11 antibiotics and by broth microdilution methods against 3 antibiotics, 7 disinfectants and 11 herbal medicines. LD experiment showed up to 80% of fish mortality, skin darkness, ulcers, hemorrhage, lethargy and hypo/anorexia in all groups, with exception of control. The LD 10 , 50 , 90 and 99 were established in 4.1 × 10 7 , 8.8 × 10 7 , 1.9 × 10 8 e 3.6 × 10 8  CFU/mL, respectively. Ceftriaxone, florfenicol, oxytetracycline and thiamphenicol were considered promising against A. hydrophila. All herbal medicines were classified as bactericides, but clove Eugenia caryophyllata and cinnamon Cinnamomum zeylanicum displayed strongest activities. Among disinfectants, malachite green was the only that did not present acceptable values, discouraging its use. In conclusion, Koch's postulate was fulfilled and tambaqui entered to the vast list of A. hydrophila hosts and promising results of chemical substances were provided, contributing to motile Aeromonas septicemia (MAS) control., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Recently, the South American lungfish Lepidosiren paradoxa is being found inside aquaculture ponds, and even though there are a few studies on their parasite fauna, there is still much to be reported. Thus, the objective of this study is to report parasitism by trichodinids in L. paradoxa, as these ciliate protozoa are related to injuries and mortality in fish farming. The lungfish were collected from experimental tanks, had their tegument scraped and the resultant mucus was analyzed under an optical microscope for morphological and morphometrical analyses in Giemsa and silver nitrate stained slides. The species found was identified as Trichodina quelleni. This is the first report of this parasite in L. paradoxa, and the second report in cultivated fish in Brazil.

Parasitic diseases have caused significant problems to global aquaculture production. These studies will further our knowledge of this complex problem and help implement adequate prevention measures and control strategies. The present study aimed to investigate the presence of parasites in Megaleporinus obtusidens and to describe the epidemiology and pathology of parasitic infections in these fish. Five moribund fish were sent for parasitological examination. The integument and gills were scrapped off with a glass slide, and samples were examined under a light microscope. Parasitic crustaceans found in these specimens were submitted for scanning electron microscopy and histological analyses. The crustaceans Dolops carvalhoi and Lernaea cyprinacea and the Epistylis spp. were present in all fish examined. Epistylis spp. were also seen on the entire surface of the crustacean integument. Microscopic lesions observed in the parasitized gills included hyperplasia and hypertrophy of the lamellar epithelium, an inflammatory infiltrate, telangiectasia, foci of hemorrhage and necrosis, fusion of the secondary lamellae, and detachment of the lamellar epithelium. Crustacean parasites are important mechanical vectors of Epistylis infection and disseminate the disease in fish farming operations. Epistylis spp. infection affects the health of fish and has significant ecological and economical impact on aquaculture.

The aim of this paper is to report a brief history of control actions for Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) from 2006 to 2010 in the Sanitary District (DS) of Venda Nova, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, focusing on the use of information systems and Geographic Information System (GIS) tools. The analyses showed that the use of an automated database allied with geoprocessing tools may favor control measures of VL, especially with regard to the evaluation of control actions carried out. Descriptive analyses of control measures allowed to evaluating that the information system and GIS tools promoted greater efficiency in making decisions and planning activities. These analyses also pointed to the necessity of new approaches to the control of VL in large urban centers.

Purpose: This clinical study aimed to assess the dimensional stability of peri-implant soft tissues around immediately placed and restored implants in the maxillary esthetic zone., Materials and Methods: Twelve systemically healthy patients presenting with a hopeless maxillary central incisor were selected. Provisional restorations were delivered immediately after tooth extraction and implant placement. Periimplant soft tissue dimensions were measured either by direct clinical examination or evaluation of study casts. Measurements were performed before extraction; immediately after implant and restoration placement; and 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months postoperatively. The distances assessed were: tip of the mesial papilla to the mesioincisal edge of the adjacent central incisor, tip of the distal papilla to the mesioincisal edge of the adjacent lateral incisor, and the length of the clinical crown of the definitive restoration., Results: All patients completed the study, and no implants failed within the 18-month follow-up period (100% survival rate). No statistical differences were observed in the distances between the incisal edge of the adjacent teeth and the mesial and distal papilla tips (P = .303 and .099, respectively) at any follow-up appointment. Likewise, there were no alterations in the definitive clinical crown dimensions during the follow-up period (P = .406)., Conclusion: The findings of this 18-month prospective study indicate that, within the selection criteria and technique presented in this study, immediate implants with immediate restorations can be a predictable option for the replacement of teeth in the esthetic zone, providing stability to the peri-implant soft tissue.

Twenty implants with sand-blasted, large-grit, acid-etched (SLA) surfaces (ITI Dental System) were followed up for a period of 12 months, during which the following clinical criteria were evaluated: (a) absence of persistent clinical symptoms (pain, strange sensations, or paresthesia) after the placement of implants; (b) absence of recurring peri-implant inflammation or suppuration; (c) absence of increasing mobility, tested with Periotest; and (d) absence of bone loss or radiolucency around the implants. After 12 months of follow-up, all the loaded implants, after 6 weeks of placement, were approved under all the aforementioned criteria. During the analysis of the increasing mobility, tested with Periotest, and grouping these implants according to the site of implantation (mandible or maxilla), it was possible to observe that the implants presented the same increasing mobility.