Questões de Inglês

How Poor Oral Health Fosters Systemic Disease

Researchers have long assumed a connection
between oral and general health, but they only
began to explore it broadly in the 1990s. They found
that periodontal disease results from a complex
interplay between oral bacteria and the innate and
adaptive immune responses. Moreover, they found
the relationship could extend beyond the mouth,
potentially contributing to certain systemic diseases.
In 2012, more than 70 leading researchers
who focused primarily on the connection between
periodontitis and cardiovascular disease (CVD),
diabetes and adverse pregnancy outcomes, found out
that associations indeed exist.
In a healthy mouth, bacterial species live in
homeostasis, and they gather in dental biofilms,
known as plaque, that accumulate throughout the
mouth. Trouble arises when homeostasis is lost. As
plaque builds up, it can migrate below the gum line into
an anaerobic environment, where certain pathogenic
bacteria thrive. The infected tissue releases some
chemical signals along with an immune response,
attracting immune cells to the infection, while also
secreting chemical signals that recruit other types of
immune cells. Immune responses typically resolve
quickly if they manage to remove the plaque. However,
in those susceptible to periodontitis — due to
genetics, behaviors like smoking and poor nutrition or
a systemic vulnerability — the inflammation becomes
chronic. When that occurs, tissues tend to create
ulcerations under the gum line and pockets that allow
anaerobic pathogens to flourish. The damage can
spread to ligaments and bone supporting the teeth,
causing deterioration and tooth loss.
Of the 57 possible systemic conditions in
connection with periodontal disease, diabetes has
yielded the clearest evidence. Clinical studies show
that among patients with poorly controlled diabetes,
elevated levels of pro-inflammatory mediators and
other factors within the gingival tissues contribute
to increased periodontal destruction. According to
Professor Iain Chapple, in Birmingham, England, the
bidirectional relationship between periodontitis and
diabetes is largely accepted. However, Chapple says,
diabetes is far from the only disease that shows a
connection to periodontal disease.
The situation is similar with adverse pregnancy
outcomes. Studies involving women with periodontal
disease have found periodontal pathogens
translocated to the placenta, but how this could lead to
an adverse outcome is still not clear. Maria Geisinger,
the director of advanced education in periodontology
at Birmingham School of Dentistry, points out that
pregnant women tend to be younger and many will 

have pregnancy-related gingival inflammation.
In one recent study, though, Geisinger treated
women for gum disease in conjunction with their
regular maternity visit. She reported a 50% reduction
in preterm births and low birth-weight when compared
with historical clinical trials.
When it comes to an association between heart
disease and periodontal disease, evidence exists, but
it has not reached the level of a causal relationship.
A consensus report from the European Federation
of Periodontology and the World Heart Federation,
published last year, confirms a positive association
between periodontitis and CVD caused by bacteria
moving into the circulatory system, promoting
inflammation and hardening of the arteries.
Rich Lamont, a professor at the University of
Louisville, Kentucky, has been probing the bacterial
community itself for clues to treatments. By learning
how microorganisms communicate within the biofilm,
Lamont says, “We are starting to understand the
physical and chemical messages which can either
attract or repel. We want to be in a situation where we
can recruit the organisms we want and get rid of the
pathogens we don’t want and prevent the transition
from healthy plaque to a disease-provoking plaque.”
Indeed, most new therapies will have to take into
account that the mouth is a dynamic system and that
the science will continue to evolve. “When we look
at our entire understanding of the microbiome and
how that shapes overall wellness, it’s been such a
paradigm shift in my practice lifetime,” Geisinger
says. “Instead of looking at discrete bacteria we are
looking at commensal or dysbiotic biofilm. We should
see our oral microbiome as a partner in our immune
system and in our well-being.”

Available at: https://www.scientifi camerican.com/custom-media/ healthy-mouth-healthy-body/how-poor-oral-health-fosters-systemic- -disease/?mvt=i&mvn=678a35e4bc844151b32c9bea2fb15845&mvp =NA-SCIEAMERLIVE-11237933&mvl=TopicAgenda. Retrieved on: 17, Jul. 2021. Adapted.

The Psychological Comforts of Storytelling

Why, throughout human history, have people been so drawn to fiction?

By Cody C. Delistraty

    The oldest story in the world is “The Epic of Gilgamesh”, and it has all the trappings of a modern story: a protagonist who goes on an arduous journey, a romance with a seductive woman, a redemptive arc, and a full cast of supporting characters. Humans have been telling stories for thousands of years, sharing them orally even before the invention of writing. In one way or another, much of people’s lives are spent telling stories, which can be a way for humans to feel that we have control over the world. They allow people to see patterns where there is chaos, meaning where there is randomness. Humans are inclined to see narratives where there are none because it can afford meaning to our lives—a form of existential problem-solving.

    In a 1944 study conducted at Smith College, 34 students were shown a short film in which two triangles and a circle moved across the screen and a rectangle remained stationary on one side of the screen. When asked what they saw, 33 of the 34 students anthropomorphized the shapes and created a narrative: The circle was “worried,” the “little triangle” was an “innocent young thing,” the big triangle was “blinded by rage and frustration.” Only one student recorded that all he saw were geometric shapes on a screen.

    But why start telling stories in the first place? One theory is that storytelling could be an evolutionary mechanism that helped keep our ancestors alive. The theory is that if I tell you a story about how to survive, you’ll be more likely to actually survive than if I just give you facts. For instance, if I were to say, “There’s an animal near that tree, so don’t go over there,” it would not be as effective as if I were to tell you, “My cousin was eaten by a malicious, scary creature that lurks around that tree, so don’t go over there.” A narrative works off of both data and emotions, which is significantly more effective in engaging a listener than data alone.

    The value humans place on narrative is made clear in the high esteem given to storytellers. Authors, actors, directors—people who spin narratives for a living are some of the most famous people in the world. Stories are a form of escapism, but there seems to be something more at play. Perhaps the real reason that we tell stories again and again—and endlessly praise our greatest storytellers—is because humans want to be a part of a shared history.

Adapted from: https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2014/11/thepsychological-comforts-of-storytelling/381964/. Access in: 17 June 2022.

The Psychological Comforts of Storytelling

Why, throughout human history, have people been so drawn to fiction?

By Cody C. Delistraty

    The oldest story in the world is “The Epic of Gilgamesh”, and it has all the trappings of a modern story: a protagonist who goes on an arduous journey, a romance with a seductive woman, a redemptive arc, and a full cast of supporting characters. Humans have been telling stories for thousands of years, sharing them orally even before the invention of writing. In one way or another, much of people’s lives are spent telling stories, which can be a way for humans to feel that we have control over the world. They allow people to see patterns where there is chaos, meaning where there is randomness. Humans are inclined to see narratives where there are none because it can afford meaning to our lives—a form of existential problem-solving.

    In a 1944 study conducted at Smith College, 34 students were shown a short film in which two triangles and a circle moved across the screen and a rectangle remained stationary on one side of the screen. When asked what they saw, 33 of the 34 students anthropomorphized the shapes and created a narrative: The circle was “worried,” the “little triangle” was an “innocent young thing,” the big triangle was “blinded by rage and frustration.” Only one student recorded that all he saw were geometric shapes on a screen.

    But why start telling stories in the first place? One theory is that storytelling could be an evolutionary mechanism that helped keep our ancestors alive. The theory is that if I tell you a story about how to survive, you’ll be more likely to actually survive than if I just give you facts. For instance, if I were to say, “There’s an animal near that tree, so don’t go over there,” it would not be as effective as if I were to tell you, “My cousin was eaten by a malicious, scary creature that lurks around that tree, so don’t go over there.” A narrative works off of both data and emotions, which is significantly more effective in engaging a listener than data alone.

    The value humans place on narrative is made clear in the high esteem given to storytellers. Authors, actors, directors—people who spin narratives for a living are some of the most famous people in the world. Stories are a form of escapism, but there seems to be something more at play. Perhaps the real reason that we tell stories again and again—and endlessly praise our greatest storytellers—is because humans want to be a part of a shared history.

Adapted from: https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2014/11/thepsychological-comforts-of-storytelling/381964/. Access in: 17 June 2022.

The Psychological Comforts of Storytelling

Why, throughout human history, have people been so drawn to fiction?

By Cody C. Delistraty

    The oldest story in the world is “The Epic of Gilgamesh”, and it has all the trappings of a modern story: a protagonist who goes on an arduous journey, a romance with a seductive woman, a redemptive arc, and a full cast of supporting characters. Humans have been telling stories for thousands of years, sharing them orally even before the invention of writing. In one way or another, much of people’s lives are spent telling stories, which can be a way for humans to feel that we have control over the world. They allow people to see patterns where there is chaos, meaning where there is randomness. Humans are inclined to see narratives where there are none because it can afford meaning to our lives—a form of existential problem-solving.

    In a 1944 study conducted at Smith College, 34 students were shown a short film in which two triangles and a circle moved across the screen and a rectangle remained stationary on one side of the screen. When asked what they saw, 33 of the 34 students anthropomorphized the shapes and created a narrative: The circle was “worried,” the “little triangle” was an “innocent young thing,” the big triangle was “blinded by rage and frustration.” Only one student recorded that all he saw were geometric shapes on a screen.

    But why start telling stories in the first place? One theory is that storytelling could be an evolutionary mechanism that helped keep our ancestors alive. The theory is that if I tell you a story about how to survive, you’ll be more likely to actually survive than if I just give you facts. For instance, if I were to say, “There’s an animal near that tree, so don’t go over there,” it would not be as effective as if I were to tell you, “My cousin was eaten by a malicious, scary creature that lurks around that tree, so don’t go over there.” A narrative works off of both data and emotions, which is significantly more effective in engaging a listener than data alone.

    The value humans place on narrative is made clear in the high esteem given to storytellers. Authors, actors, directors—people who spin narratives for a living are some of the most famous people in the world. Stories are a form of escapism, but there seems to be something more at play. Perhaps the real reason that we tell stories again and again—and endlessly praise our greatest storytellers—is because humans want to be a part of a shared history.

Adapted from: https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2014/11/thepsychological-comforts-of-storytelling/381964/. Access in: 17 June 2022.

The Psychological Comforts of Storytelling

Why, throughout human history, have people been so drawn to fiction?

By Cody C. Delistraty

    The oldest story in the world is “The Epic of Gilgamesh”, and it has all the trappings of a modern story: a protagonist who goes on an arduous journey, a romance with a seductive woman, a redemptive arc, and a full cast of supporting characters. Humans have been telling stories for thousands of years, sharing them orally even before the invention of writing. In one way or another, much of people’s lives are spent telling stories, which can be a way for humans to feel that we have control over the world. They allow people to see patterns where there is chaos, meaning where there is randomness. Humans are inclined to see narratives where there are none because it can afford meaning to our lives—a form of existential problem-solving.

    In a 1944 study conducted at Smith College, 34 students were shown a short film in which two triangles and a circle moved across the screen and a rectangle remained stationary on one side of the screen. When asked what they saw, 33 of the 34 students anthropomorphized the shapes and created a narrative: The circle was “worried,” the “little triangle” was an “innocent young thing,” the big triangle was “blinded by rage and frustration.” Only one student recorded that all he saw were geometric shapes on a screen.

    But why start telling stories in the first place? One theory is that storytelling could be an evolutionary mechanism that helped keep our ancestors alive. The theory is that if I tell you a story about how to survive, you’ll be more likely to actually survive than if I just give you facts. For instance, if I were to say, “There’s an animal near that tree, so don’t go over there,” it would not be as effective as if I were to tell you, “My cousin was eaten by a malicious, scary creature that lurks around that tree, so don’t go over there.” A narrative works off of both data and emotions, which is significantly more effective in engaging a listener than data alone.

    The value humans place on narrative is made clear in the high esteem given to storytellers. Authors, actors, directors—people who spin narratives for a living are some of the most famous people in the world. Stories are a form of escapism, but there seems to be something more at play. Perhaps the real reason that we tell stories again and again—and endlessly praise our greatest storytellers—is because humans want to be a part of a shared history.

Adapted from: https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2014/11/thepsychological-comforts-of-storytelling/381964/. Access in: 17 June 2022.

The Psychological Comforts of Storytelling

Why, throughout human history, have people been so drawn to fiction?

By Cody C. Delistraty

    The oldest story in the world is “The Epic of Gilgamesh”, and it has all the trappings of a modern story: a protagonist who goes on an arduous journey, a romance with a seductive woman, a redemptive arc, and a full cast of supporting characters. Humans have been telling stories for thousands of years, sharing them orally even before the invention of writing. In one way or another, much of people’s lives are spent telling stories, which can be a way for humans to feel that we have control over the world. They allow people to see patterns where there is chaos, meaning where there is randomness. Humans are inclined to see narratives where there are none because it can afford meaning to our lives—a form of existential problem-solving.

    In a 1944 study conducted at Smith College, 34 students were shown a short film in which two triangles and a circle moved across the screen and a rectangle remained stationary on one side of the screen. When asked what they saw, 33 of the 34 students anthropomorphized the shapes and created a narrative: The circle was “worried,” the “little triangle” was an “innocent young thing,” the big triangle was “blinded by rage and frustration.” Only one student recorded that all he saw were geometric shapes on a screen.

    But why start telling stories in the first place? One theory is that storytelling could be an evolutionary mechanism that helped keep our ancestors alive. The theory is that if I tell you a story about how to survive, you’ll be more likely to actually survive than if I just give you facts. For instance, if I were to say, “There’s an animal near that tree, so don’t go over there,” it would not be as effective as if I were to tell you, “My cousin was eaten by a malicious, scary creature that lurks around that tree, so don’t go over there.” A narrative works off of both data and emotions, which is significantly more effective in engaging a listener than data alone.

    The value humans place on narrative is made clear in the high esteem given to storytellers. Authors, actors, directors—people who spin narratives for a living are some of the most famous people in the world. Stories are a form of escapism, but there seems to be something more at play. Perhaps the real reason that we tell stories again and again—and endlessly praise our greatest storytellers—is because humans want to be a part of a shared history.

Adapted from: https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2014/11/thepsychological-comforts-of-storytelling/381964/. Access in: 17 June 2022.