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Aim: This study aimed to assess the shaping ability of Reciproc Blue in the apical third and apical foramen of moderately curved canals at different working lengths (WLs), by micro-computed tomography. Methods: Thirty-six mesial roots (mesiobuccal and mesiolingual canals) were included, each with 2 separate root canals and independent apical foramina, according to type IV of Vertucci's classification of first and second mandibular molars. The canals were instrumented at three different WLs: G-1, 1mm short of the major apical foramen; G0, at the major apical foramen; G+1, 1mm beyond the major apical foramen. The groups were assessed for changes in root canal volume and untouched wall area in the apical third. Groups G0 and G+1 were also compared for percentage of untouched walls at the apical foramen. One-way ANOVA (post hoc Tukey test) and Student's t-test adopted a 5% level of significance. Results: Root canal volumes (mm³) in the apical third were 22.86±10.46, 44.48±24.91, and 55.71±21.32 in G-1, G0 and G+1, respectively. G-1 volume following instrumentation increased significantly less than that of G0 or G+1 (P>.05); G0 did not differ from G+1. The percentage of untouched wall area in the apical third did not differ among the three groups (P>.05). G0 and G+1 did not differ regarding untouched walls in the major apical foramem walls. Conclusion: Extending the WL from 1mm short of the apical foramen to a point at and beyond the WL increases the apical third volume without increasing the prepared area. Untouched surface areas of the apical foramen were not modified by instrumentation at or beyond the foramen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Impacts of freeze-dried P. gounellei cladodes (FDPg) on human intestinal microbiota. • FDPg had high nutritional value and bioactive compounds linked to antioxidant properties. • Colonic fermentation of FDPg induced favorable changes in intestinal microbiota. • FDPg directed the production of several metabolites during colonic fermentation. • FDPg enhanced the antioxidant activity in the colonic fermentation medium. Pilosocereus gounellei A. Weber ex K. Schum. Bly. Ex Rowl (xique-xique) is a cactus native to the Brazilian Caatinga biome and considered a non-conventional food plant. This study evaluated the physicochemical characteristics, antioxidant capacity, and impacts on the composition and metabolic activity of human intestinal microbiota of freeze-dried P. gounellei cladodes (FDPg) during 48 h of in vitro colonic fermentation. FDPg had a high nutritional value, the presence of bioactive compounds, and antioxidant capacity. The colonic fermentation of FDPg decreased the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and increased bacterial diversity. It also increased the relative abundance of bacterial groups considered beneficial, such as Mitsuokella , Bacteroides , Megasphaera , and Acidaminococcus , and decreased the relative abundance of bacterial groups considered non-beneficial, such as Succinivibrio , Citrobacter , Escherichia-Shigella , Faecalibacterium , and Blautia. The colonic fermentation of FDPg induced the production of various metabolites related to host health promotion. The results show the potential beneficial impacts of FDPg on human intestinal microbiota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Homeopathic products (HP) have been proposed for the prevention of disease and as a complementary dietary additive in pig farming, with resulting improved performance and quality of life of the animals and with benefits for food safety. The aim of this study was to assess the addition of HP to pig feed and its effects on growth performance, dietary protein utilization, nutrient digestibility, meat quality, and economic feasibility. Methods A total of 80 male pigs, body weight 32.8±2.3kg, were allocated in a randomized design, with two treatments of 10 replications and four animals per experimental unit. Treatments were composed of a control diet (CD) or CD+HP (Finalvitaplus+Figotonus, 1.1kg/ton feed of each product). The outcome measures used were growth performance (body weight gain) and feed efficiency (body weight gain per unit of feed consumed), efficiency of dietary protein utilization (blood urea nitrogen), nutrient digestibility (apparent digestibility coefficient and apparent nutrient digestibility), meat quality (including pH, temperature, color, liquid loss by cooking and thawing, intramuscular fat and meat tenderness), and economic feasibility (cost of the diets). Results There was no effect (p >0.05) of treatments on growth performance of the pigs, though the group that received HP showed an 8.93% greater feed efficiency than the control group (p =0.077). The animals in the control group had a 14.37% higher blood urea nitrogen concentration in the finishing I phase (70–100kg body weight) compared with those fed HP (p =0.028), indicating lower protein utilization in the controls. There was comparative improvement in digestibility coefficient and in nutrient digestibility in pigs fed HP in the growing–finishing phase (p <0.05). There was no differential effect of treatments on meat quality or economic feasibility (p >0.05). Conclusion The addition of HP to the diet of growing–finishing pigs produced some improvement in their dietary protein utilization, nutrient digestibility and feed efficiency, though it did not affect their growth performance, meat quality or economic feasibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The effects of freeze-dried O. dillenii cladodes (FDOd) on gut microbiota were reported. • FDOd has bioactive compounds with prebiotic and antioxidant properties. • FDOd induced positive changes in intestinal microbiota composition. • FDOd induced the production of several metabolites during colonic fermentation. • FDOd kept antioxidant capacity during colonic fermentation. This study evaluated the physicochemical properties, antioxidant capacity, and potential prebiotic effects on the human intestinal microbiota of freeze-dried Opuntia dillenii (Ker Gawl). Haw] (Cactaceae) cladodes (FDOd). FDOd had high levels of total fiber (52.36 g/100 g), especially soluble fiber (33.36 g/100 g), as well as minerals, such as potassium (4415.49 mg/100 g), calcium (1593.25 mg/100 g), magnesium (853.55 mg/100 g), and phosphorus (209.04 mg/100 g), high total chlorophyll content (912.00 mg/100 g), presence of various phenolic compounds, such as catechin (41.00 mg/100 g), myricetin (785.00 mg/100 g), isorhamnetin (5.00 mg/100 g), rutin (42 mg/100 g), and antioxidant activity (ABTS•+: 0.51 µmol TEAC/g; DPPH•: 0.32 µmol TEAC/g; FRAP: 2.75 µmol FeSO4/g). Fermentation of FDOd using human fecal inoculum changed the composition and metabolic activity of intestinal microbiota, increasing the relative abundance of Ligilactobacillus (0.03 %–16.44 %), Lactiplantibacillus (0.00 %–1.11 %), and Agathobacter (1.80 %–4.23 %), and decreasing the relative abundance of Prevotella_9 (25.08 %–0.15 %) and Succinivibrio (24.77 %–1.54 %). FDOd influenced the metabolic profile of the intestinal microbiota with the production of various metabolites, including short- and medium-chain fatty acids, organic acids, essential amino acids, and other compound classes with health-promoting properties. The results indicate FDOd as a new ingredient with prebiotic properties in the human intestinal microbiota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Guiana dolphin (Sotalia guianensis) is categorized as vulnerable in the Brazilian list of endangered animals, and its populations suffer from several anthropological threats. In this study, we analyzed the presence of macro, meso , and microplastics (MPs) in Guiana dolphins (n = 12) in Brazil Southeastern coast by analysing their gastrointestinal tract. The MP extractions were carried out with H 2 O 2 (35 %) to remove organic matter. Four specimens ingested meso and macroplastics, including an item of polypropylene of 19.22 cm that was produced about 943 km from the place in which the animal was found stranded. All the specimens analyzed had fragment-type microplastics in their intestines. Blue was the prevailing color, followed by black, green, and red. We highlight the contamination by microplastics in the species, still little investigated, especially the need to understand the contamination by microplastics along trophic levels. • Sotalia guianensis are contaminated by plastic pollution at different size scales (macro, meso , and microplastics). • Items composed of Polypropylene (PP) and Polyethylene (PE) were found. • A multicolored polypropylene item was produced over 900 km away from the stranding location of the animal that ingested it. • All analyzed animals ingested microplastics. • Blue, black, green, and red were the most abundant colors of microplastics, which shapes included fragments, films, and spheres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Callosobruchus maculatus is the main pest of Vigna unguiculata seeds. • Proteins of Capsicum annuum leaf interfered with the C. maculatus post-hatching development. • Capsicum annuum proteins decreased insect oviposition and larval mass. • C. annuum protease inhibitor was toxic to C. maculatus larvae. • Larvae fed Capsicum annuum proteins showed changes in energy reserves and digestive enzymes activities. Several antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) from plants of the genus Capsicum have been isolated and characterized, showing biocidal activity. Some of these compounds exhibit insecticidal activity. In this study, we obtained a fraction containing a Pin-II protease inhibitor from the supernatant of the leaf extract of C. annuum and compared the toxicity of this extract supernatant (ExS) with that of the total extract, named Ex, against Callosobruchus maculatus development. Ex and ExS were incorporated into artificial seeds containing cotyledon flour from Vigna unguiculata , which reduced oviposition and interfered with the post-hatching larval development of C. maculatus , causing a reduction in larval mass. A decrease in oviposition of up to 72.6% was observed in artificial seeds containing 15% (m/m) Ex and 2% (m/m) ExS. Decreases up to 60% and 55% were observed in the larval mass at 20 days after oviposition (DAO) for larvae raised on diets containing Ex and ExS, respectively. Alterations in glucose, protein, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels and the activities of α-amylases, cysteine proteases, and lipases were also detected in these larvae. Our data show that Ex and ExS have deleterious effects on C. maculatus, with the potential for developing methods to control this insect, such as products for fumigating grain during postharvest management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/objectives: This study investigates the metabolic profile of a single dose of etodolac in healthy volunteers, focusing on pharmacokinetics, clinical parameters, and metabolomic variations to identify biomarkers and pathways linked to drug response, efficacy, and safety., Methods: Thirty-seven healthy volunteers, enrolled after rigorous health assessments, received a single dose of etodolac (Flancox ® 500 mg). Pharmacokinetic profiles were determined using tandem mass spectrometry analysis, and the metabolomic profiling was conducted using baseline samples (pre-dose) and samples at maximum drug concentration (post-dose) via liquid chromatography coupled with a quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer. Network analysis was employed to interpret the data., Results: Correlations were observed between metabolomic profiles and pharmacokinetic parameters as well as clinical characteristics. Notably, metabolites derived from arachidonic acid, such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes, were linked to etodolac's pharmacokinetics. Other metabolites involved in pathways like cholesterol biosynthesis, bile salts, riboflavin, and retinoic acid signaling were correlated with hematological and liver function parameters. These findings are consistent with the infrequent adverse events reported by participants, including hematological and biochemical changes in liver function., Conclusions: A set of metabolites was identified in possible associations between specific pathways and unusual side effects, comparing the metabolic profiles before and after doses of etodolac. Our results highlight the importance of optimizing drug therapy and minimizing adverse events by taking into account individual metabolic profile information.

This study explores the potential of propolis, a resinous substance produced by bees, from Melipona rufiventris species. With its composition encompassing resin, wax, pollen, and soil, propolis holds historical significance in traditional medicine within tropical regions. This research is driven by the scarcity of information surrounding M. rufiventris propolis, prompting an investigation into its chemical constituents, in vivo toxicity, and antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. This exploration could potentially uncover novel applications for this natural product, bolstering both meliponiculture practices and the preservation of native bee populations. The propolis was sampled in Cabo Verde-MG and underwent ethanolic extraction to yield an extract (EEP) for analysis. Chemical assessments (Folin-Ciocalteau, and UHPLC-HRMS) revealed the presence of polyphenols, including flavonoids. The EEP demonstrated higher antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria and exhibited efficacy against multiresistant strains isolated from complex wounds. Synergistic interactions with commercial antibiotics were also observed. Furthermore, anti-inflammatory evaluations showcased the EEP's potential in reducing NF-kB activation and TNF-α release at non-toxic concentrations. Despite these promising biological activities, the EEP exhibited no antiproliferative effects and demonstrated safety in both the MTS assay and the G. mellonella model. Collectively, these findings highlight the M. rufiventris propolis extract as a valuable reservoir of bioactive compounds with multifaceted potential., (© 2024 Wiley-VHCA AG, Zurich, Switzerland.)

Excessive intake of pro-inflammatory fatty acids is related to the development of insulin resistance, impaired oxidative stress enzymes, and lipid disorders, leading to inflammation and development of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Diet and physical exercise are considered to prevent and treat metabolic disorders caused by chronic inflammatory states (responsible for insulin resistance and diabetes type 2) in individuals with obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD). Our investigation tested the hypothesis that Hass avocado oil, a monounsaturated fatty acid and a source of phytosterol, may improve liver and metabolic parameters without adverse effects when combined with physical exercise. Rats ingested a high-fat diet for seven weeks and were then subjected to more six weeks with a standard diet, Hass avocado-oil ingestion, and swimming. The intervention showed significantly improvements by synergistic effect between Hass avocado-oil and swimming exercise (P < 0.05), including improving adiponectin, leptin, and fasting blood glucose levels, alleviating insulin resistance, reducing serum TNF-α, improving glutathione enzyme levels, and decreasing lipotoxicity in the liver and blood and serum triacylglycerides in blood (P < 0.05). Liver tissue markers of apoptosis and necrosis such as CK-18 filaments and dimethylamine (DMA) were significantly higher in the intervention group (P < 0.05). We were unable to fully confirm our hypothesis. Although the synergistic effects between Hass avocado-oil and the swimming regimen offer a promising chance of recovering liver health by improving 10 health biological markers, we must not ignore the cellular damage due to apoptosis and necrosis in liver cells and DMA. The data on metabolomic profile and avocado-oil-treated livers highlight the need for further investigation., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)