Is the main goal of mastication achieved after orthodontic treatment? : A prospective longitudinal study

Objective: To investigate the masticatory and swallowing performances in patients with malocclusions before and after orthodontic treatment, comparing them to an age- and gender-matched control group with normal occlusion. Methods: Twentythree patients with malocclusions requiring orthodontic treatment were included in this prospective study. One month after appliance removal, seventeen patients completed a follow-up examination and the data were compared with those of a control group with thirty subjects with normal occlusion. Masticatory performance was determined by the median particle size for the Optocal Plus® test food after 15 chewing strokes, and three variables related to swallowing were assessed: a) time and b) number of strokes needed to prepare the test-food for swallowing, and c) median particle size of the crushed particles at the moment of swallowing. Results: At the baseline examination, the malocclusion group had a significantly lower masticatory performance and did not reach the particle size reduction at the moment of swallowing, when compared with the control group. After treatment, the masticatory performance significantly improved in the malocclusion group and the particle size reduction at swallowing reached the same level as in the control group. Conclusions: The present results showed that the correction of malocclusions with fixed appliances can objectively provide positive effects in both mastication and deglutition processes, reinforcing that besides aesthetic reasons, there are also functional indications for orthodontic treatment

As alterações celulares e imunológicas e suas implicações no Transtorno de Déficit de Atenção e Hiperatividade (TDAH)

O Transtorno do Déficit de Atenção e Hiperatividade (TDAH) é uma condição neuropsiquiátrica prevalente em crianças, adolescentes e adultos, com impactos significativos em diversos aspectos da vida. Estudos recentes exploram possíveis vínculos entre o sistema imunológico e o TDAH, concentrando-se nas citocinas pró-inflamatórias. O artigo irá abordar as alterações celulares e imunológicas com o TDAH de forma concisa baseada nas interleucinas, no Eixo hipotalâmico-pituitário-adrenal (HPA) e o cortisol, no Eixo intestino-cérebro e a obesidade, finalizando com Neurotrofinas, Estresse oxidativo e Micróglia. Em julho de 2023 foi realizada uma busca na base de dados via PubMed, Lilacs e Scielo, com o uso dos descritores ‘’ADHD’’ and ‘’Inflammatory’’ and “Imunne” e aplicado o filtro dos últimos 8 anos. Foram encontrados 216 artigos e após aplicar os critérios de inclusão e exclusão, 10 foram selecionados para o estudo. Embora as evidências sugiram uma associação potencial entre as interleucinas especialmente a interleucina-6, alguns eixos como o eixo HPA e o eixo intestino-cérebro, além de associar o cortisol, neurotrofinas, estresse oxidativo e células da micróglia com o transtorno abordado, é importante destacar que a problemática em destaque é multifatorial e envolve uma complexa interação de fatores genéticos, ambientais e neurobiológicos

ASPECTOS GENÉTICOS DA DISTROFIA ENDOTELIAL DE FUCHS

Fuchs Endothelial Dystrophy (FED) is an inherited corneal disease characterized by progressive degeneration of the corneal endothelium, leading to edema and loss of visual function. Although the exact pathogenesis is not yet fully elucidated, increasing evidence suggests a significant genetic component in susceptibility to DEF. Previous studies have identified several genetic variants associated with the disease, highlighting the complexity of genetic inheritance and the possible interaction between different genetic and environmental factors. Objectives: Investigate the association between specific genetic variations and the predisposition to Fuchs Endothelial Dystrophy (FED), aiming to identify genetic markers that can contribute to early diagnosis and the development of new therapeutic strategies. Methodology: The research was carried out through online access to the National Library of Medicine (MEDLINE), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SCIELO), Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS) databases in June 2024. Results and Discussions:  Significant associations between specific genetic variants and predisposition to Fuchs Endothelial Dystrophy (FED). In particular, we identified that variants in genes related to the structure and function of the corneal endothelium, such as TCF4 and COL8A2, are strongly associated with the disease. These findings corroborate previous studies and suggest that the integrity of the corneal endothelium may be influenced by specific genetic alterations. Furthermore, analysis of genetic interactions revealed possible networks of genes that can modulate the FED phenotype, highlighting the genetic complexity underlying the disease. These interactions may provide important insights into the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of DEF and guide the development of targeted therapies. Conclusion: In summary, this study highlights the importance of genetic variants, especially in genes such as TCF4 and COL8A2, in the predisposition to Fuchs Endothelial Dystrophy (FED). The identification of these genetic markers offers perspectives for the development of more accurate diagnostic strategies and potential targeted therapeutic targets.A Distrofia Endotelial de Fuchs (DEF) é uma doença corneana hereditária caracterizada pela degeneração progressiva do endotélio corneano, levando a edema e perda da função visual. Embora a patogênese exata ainda não esteja completamente elucidada, evidências crescentes sugerem um componente genético significativo na suscetibilidade à DEF. Estudos anteriores identificaram várias variantes genéticas associadas à doença, destacando a complexidade da herança genética e a possível interação entre diferentes fatores genéticos e ambientais. Objetivos: Investigar a associação entre variações genéticas específicas e a predisposição à Distrofia Endotelial de Fuchs (DEF), visando identificar marcadores genéticos que possam contribuir para o diagnóstico precoce e o desenvolvimento de novas estratégias terapêuticas. Metodologia: A pesquisa foi realizada através do acesso online nas bases de dados National Library of Medicine (MEDLINE), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SCIELO), Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS) no mês de junho de 2024. Resultados e Discussões: Associações significativas entre variantes genéticas específicas e a predisposição à Distrofia Endotelial de Fuchs (DEF). Em particular, identificamos que variantes em genes relacionados à estrutura e função do endotélio corneano, como TCF4 e COL8A2, estão fortemente associadas com a doença. Essas descobertas corroboram estudos anteriores e sugerem que a integridade do endotélio corneano pode ser influenciada por alterações genéticas específicas. Além disso, a análise de interações genéticas revelou possíveis redes de genes que podem modular o fenótipo da DEF, destacando a complexidade genética subjacente à doença. Essas interações podem oferecer insights importantes sobre os mecanismos moleculares envolvidos na patogênese da DEF e orientar o desenvolvimento de terapias direcionadas. Conclusão: Em síntese, este estudo destaca a importância das variantes genéticas, especialmente em genes como TCF4 e COL8A2, na predisposição à Distrofia Endotelial de Fuchs (DEF). A identificação desses marcadores genéticos oferece perspectivas para o desenvolvimento de estratégias diagnósticas mais precisas e potenciais alvos terapêuticos direcionados

Is the main goal of mastication achieved after orthodontic treatment? : A prospective longitudinal study

Objective: To investigate the masticatory and swallowing performances in patients with malocclusions before and after orthodontic treatment, comparing them to an age- and gender-matched control group with normal occlusion. Methods: Twentythree patients with malocclusions requiring orthodontic treatment were included in this prospective study. One month after appliance removal, seventeen patients completed a follow-up examination and the data were compared with those of a control group with thirty subjects with normal occlusion. Masticatory performance was determined by the median particle size for the Optocal Plus® test food after 15 chewing strokes, and three variables related to swallowing were assessed: a) time and b) number of strokes needed to prepare the test-food for swallowing, and c) median particle size of the crushed particles at the moment of swallowing. Results: At the baseline examination, the malocclusion group had a significantly lower masticatory performance and did not reach the particle size reduction at the moment of swallowing, when compared with the control group. After treatment, the masticatory performance significantly improved in the malocclusion group and the particle size reduction at swallowing reached the same level as in the control group. Conclusions: The present results showed that the correction of malocclusions with fixed appliances can objectively provide positive effects in both mastication and deglutition processes, reinforcing that besides aesthetic reasons, there are also functional indications for orthodontic treatment

Is the main goal of mastication achieved after orthodontic treatment? A prospective longitudinal study

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the masticatory and swallowing performances in patients with malocclusions before and after orthodontic treatment, comparing them to an age- and gender-matched control group with normal occlusion. Methods: Twenty-three patients with malocclusions requiring orthodontic treatment were included in this prospective study. One month after appliance removal, seventeen patients completed a follow-up examination and the data were compared with those of a control group with thirty subjects with normal occlusion. Masticatory performance was determined by the median particle size for the Optocal Plus® test food after 15 chewing strokes, and three variables related to swallowing were assessed: a) time and b) number of strokes needed to prepare the test-food for swallowing, and c) median particle size of the crushed particles at the moment of swallowing. Results: At the baseline examination, the malocclusion group had a significantly lower masticatory performance and did not reach the particle size reduction at the moment of swallowing, when compared with the control group. After treatment, the masticatory performance significantly improved in the malocclusion group and the particle size reduction at swallowing reached the same level as in the control group. Conclusions: The present results showed that the correction of malocclusions with fixed appliances can objectively provide positive effects in both mastication and deglutition processes, reinforcing that besides aesthetic reasons, there are also functional indications for orthodontic treatment

Inclusion of Soybean Hulls (<i>Glycine max</i>) and Pupunha Peach Palm (<i>Bactris gasipaes</i>) Nanofibers in the Diet of Growing Rabbits: Effects on Zootechnical Performance and Intestinal Health

This study evaluated the inclusion of nanofibers from soybean hulls and pupunha peach palm heart sheaths in the diet of growing rabbits. Twenty-four New Zealand White rabbits (male and female) were allocated in three experimental groups: control, fed a basal diet; Nanosoy, fed a diet containing 7% soybean-hull nanofibers; and Nanopupunha, fed a diet containing 7% pupunha palm heart-sheath nanofibers. The Nanosoy-group rabbits showed poorer final weight, daily feed intake, and daily weight gain than those in other groups. In the duodenum, villus height, total mucosal thickness, and villus width were higher in rabbits that received nanofiber-supplemented diets than in the controls. Higher villus density and wall thickness were observed in Nanopupunha-fed rabbits than in the controls. In the jejunum, although the crypt depth was higher in Nanosoy-fed rabbits, the villus height:crypt depth ratio was higher in the Nanopupunha-fed group. Nanosoy-fed animals exhibited increased count Enterobacteriaceae populations. Rabbits in both nanofiber-fed groups exhibited higher lactic-acid bacterial counts than those in the control-diet group. Therefore, although the inclusion of 7% Nanopupunha in the diet of rabbits did not alter the performance, it improved intestinal health and increased the lactic-acid bacterial count in the cecum of growing rabbits