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Evidence of early oceanization during transition from large igneous provinces (LIPs) to new ocean crust is mostly missing in the geological record. Mafic dykes geochemically akin to mid‐ocean ridge basalts (MORBs) occur in late stages of LIPs, but their tectonic role during margin evolution remains poorly constrained. Here we use whole‐rock and high‐resolution clinopyroxene chemistry of two distinct types of mafic dykes from the southeastern Brazilian margin to show that a MORB‐like plumbing system became magmatically active in the central South Atlantic ∼2 Ma after the volcanic peak of the Paraná‐Etendeka Magmatic Province. The LIP basaltic dyke compositions resulted from the mixing between a highly metasomatized lithospheric mantle comprising enriched DMM and Archean contributions. The lack of elemental oscillatory zoning in clinopyroxene crystals suggests that they were produced by a single magma pulse, consistent with the strong magma fluxes in LIPs. In contrast, the MORB‐like dykes, which exhibit strong similarities with South Atlantic MORBs, are interpreted to represent early stages of oceanization deriving from the mixing of enriched asthenospheric melts either with ancient SCLM contributions or small crustal assimilation. The MORB‐like intrusions ascended and cooled rapidly along faults and were fed by numerous magma injections that suggest episodic decompression of the asthenospheric source ∼20 Ma before the birth of central South Atlantic. The combination of subduction‐influenced and MORB‐like dykes is recurrent in ancient and modern rifts globally, suggesting that thinned lithospheric blocks affected by ancient subduction events may become more susceptible to early oceanization in rifted margins. Plain Language Summary: The processes that promote initial formation of new ocean floor, whenever a continent breaks, are still poorly described. In the South Atlantic Ocean case, for example, magnetic registers of oceanic rocks indicate that seafloor boomed ∼20 Ma after the ancient Gondwana continent broke up, creating distinct South American and African plates. However, we know very little about the preliminary steps of "oceanization" of the continental margins during the transition period. In this research, we studied two groups of magmatic rocks located in the Brazilian southeast margin. One of them is geochemically similar to the abundant volcanism that affected Gondwana prior to breakup; the other is akin to South Atlantic seafloor. The later was formed only ∼2 Ma after initial stages of Gondwana breakup. Geochemical signatures and mineralogical textures allowed us to describe how the two types of magmas were formed and how they ascended through the crust. The results and comparisons suggest that ∼20 Ma before the South Atlantic seafloor developed there were localized areas of the continental margins affected by early "oceanization," where ocean floor‐like rocks started forming along weakened continental structures. Such areas were probably more susceptible to breakup because of their more complex previous geological histories. Key Points: Oceanization of the South Atlantic started as early as ∼132 Ma through lithospheric thinning and focused mid‐ocean ridge basalt (MORB)‐like intrusive magmatismMagma dynamics of Paraná‐Etendeka and MORB dykes in the Brazilian margin suggest an intermittent shift toward a passive regime at ∼132 MaThinned lithospheric blocks affected by ancient subduction potentially allow early asthenospheric magma ascent and crustal oceanization [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory and multifactorial disease that affects the periodontal structures and can cause alterations in the hepatic tissue. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether a diet with food restriction can decrease oral and liver alterations associated with ligature-induced periodontitis.Methods: Twenty-four female Wistar rats were used in this study, randomized into three groups (n = 8 for each group): control (regular food); periodontitis (regular food + periodontitis induced with ligatures); and food restriction (diet with food restriction and periodontitis induction). The following periodontium parameters were analyzed tooth mobility (TM), probing pocket depth (PPD), gingival bleeding index (GBI), and alveolar bone height (ABH). In the liver, the levels of oxidative stress markers-malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), total cholesterol, and levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were measured. Liver samples were analyzed for histopathological score. In the blood tissue, the levels of enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), glucose, total cholesterol, and the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were also evaluated.Results: The animals that received a diet with food restriction + periodontitis showed a decrease in hepatic histopathological score (P < 0.05) when compared with the periodontitis group, the same for glucose, total cholesterol, ALT, AST, and ABH data. The group with food restriction + periodontitis showed a decrease in the histopathological liver score (P < 0.05) compared with the group with periodontitis.Conclusion: This study revealed that food restriction reduced oral damages, as well as hepatic, blood and alveolar bone alterations associated with ligature-induced periodontitis in rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The monocot family Cyclanthaceae (Pandanales) comprises ca. 230 known species in 12 genera restricted to the Neotropics. The family has not been the subject of a species‐level molecular phylogenetic study to date, with multiple evolutionary and biogeographic questions about Cyclanthaceae still unanswered. In this study, we address genus‐ and species‐level relationships and the historical biogeography of Cyclanthaceae based on a broadly sampled molecular phylogeny. Two low‐copy nuclear genes (phyC, rpb2) and five plastid regions (atpB‐rbcL, psbA‐trnH, trnL‐trnF, trnQ‐rps16, matK) representing 99 species and all genera of Cyclanthaceae were sampled, spanning the taxonomic and biogeographic diversity of the family. Our results strongly support the monophyly of all Cyclanthaceae genera and confirm previously proposed hypotheses of intergeneric relationships. Infrageneric relationships are generally well supported, with some exceptions in the genus Asplundia that may require a broader sampling to clarify. The early diversification of Cyclanthaceae is estimated to date back to the Paleocene‐Eocene period in South America, where the family possibly arrived through a boreotropical route. The origin of most genera is inferred from the Paleocene of the Tumbes‐Chocó‐Magdalena region, possibly indicating an earlier origin for this biodiversity hotspot. The current distribution of Cyclanthaceae is likely to have been strongly influenced by major biogeographical events in the Neotropics, such as the uplift of the Andes and the opening of the South America dry diagonal. Further studies that include a broader sample of the large Asplundia‐Dicranopygium clade and Sphaeradenia group are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Education level is a well established modifiable risk factor for dementia prevention. Aiming to improve cognitive reserve and reduce dementia risk in vulnerable populations in Brazil, we created a literacy training program targeting low educated and illiterate adults. In this study, we intend to analyze how executive functioning and cognitive heterogeneity may interfere in the program's effectiveness. Method: 130 adults attending classes for adult education were screened and 108 met inclusion criteria. The group was divided into control (regular classes, n = 51) and intervention (regular classes + program targeting literacy training) (n = 57). In addition to answering clinical and education history questions, all the subjects underwent an extensive neuropsychological assessment at baseline and at follow up (after six months of intervention), measuring global cognition, executive functioning (EF), memory and language. Result: 77 subjects completed all the assessments at the end of the study. Mean age (years) was 59.0 (±9.17), mean education level (years) 2 (±2.18), 79.2% women and 89.6% Blacks. No significant differences were found between control and intervention groups improvement on reading abilities (reading accuracy of isolated words) at follow up. Considering abandonment reasons of formal education in childhood, subjects with childhood history of learning disability (CHLD) had less improvement on reading abilities at follow‐up. The CHLD group also showed poorer performance on a composite score of EF tasks at baseline (F = 3.814, p = 0.021). EF level at baseline correlated with reading abilities at baseline (Spearman's rho = 0.659, p<0.001) and follow‐up (Spearman's rho = 0.703, p<0.001). Conclusion: Both control and intervention groups showed improvement on reading abilities, regardless of specific literacy training. EF seems to have an impact on reading skills progress. Subjects with CHLD currently display poorer EF and show very little improvement of reading skills, which might indicate an undiagnosed neurodevelopmental disorder (e.g. ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia): an uncared condition still harming cognitive reserve improvement to this day. Thus, there is greater risk of developing dementia. Inclusive learning environments must also be considered for low educated populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The role of education is a well established protective factor regarding dementia but not much is known as to the effect of literacy acquisition in adults. Therefore, our study aims to determine whether adults enrolled in late‐life literacy programs will improve memory and cognitive reserve and the role of socioeconomic status in learning. Method: 108 illiterate adults were enrolled and 77 completed the assessments. For SES, only participants living in Belo Horizonte with a verifiable address were included (68). The intervention group had 34 participants that received intensive literacy training, while the 34 controls attended regular classes for six months. SES was based on the Quality of Urban Living Index (QULI) of 2016 created by the municipal council and the Municipal Human Development Index (MHDI) of 2010 made by Atlas Brasil. The instruments used were Rodrigues et al, 2015 list of words and pseudowords to assess reading and Beta III matrix reasoning for non‐verbal reasoning. Result: Participants lived in 14 different regions of Belo Horizonte, 32 in areas with a low QULI and 36 within a high QULI. When using the HDI classification, 29 had medium MHDI, 25 had high MHDI and 14 very‐high MHDI. In regards to reading, people from low QULI areas went from reading on average 20.86 to 22.26 words and 4.21 to 5.13 pseudowords. Participants from high QULI regions went from an average of 22.14 to 25.08 words and 5.56 pseudowords to 6.86. One‐way ANOVA showed a significant effect of MHDI on post‐test Beta III scores, F (2, 37.5) = 3.64, p = 0.03. Post Hoc comparisons using Games‐Howell test indicated that the average score in high MHDI (M = 6.24, SD = 2.26) were significantly better than those with medium MHDI (M = 4.63, SD = 2.14), but no significant difference was found between high and very high or very high to medium MHDI. Conclusion: Participants from all groups improved during the assessments. However, it was also possible to see that SES has a role to play in the extent of this improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Formal education acquired early in life protects against dementia, but whether acquiring education later in life can decrease dementia risk is less clear. Episodic memory impairment is one of the first symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease. Therefore, we aimed to identify whether a late life literacy training delivered to illiterate adults could improve episodic memory as a mechanism of cognitive reserve enhancement, eventually contributing to prevent dementia in this population. Methods: We ran a clinical trial with 108 illiterate adults cognitively healthy allocated into two groups at baseline: the intervention group (n = 57) that attended classes focused on learning how to read and write and the control group (n = 51), that attended regular classes (not focused on literacy training), for 6 months. We used the Free and Cued Selective Reminding (FCSRT) test to evaluate the episodic memory. Participants also underwent a thorough neuropsychological investigation and rsfMRI. The primary outcome measure was defined as the change in the free recall sum‐of attempts scores of the FCSRT. We used linear mixed effect models to calculate the change over time and between the intervention and control groups controlling for age and sex. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04473235 Results: Seventy seven participants completed the study. The control group had 38 participants aged 58.5 ±8.5 years, being 78.9 women and 92.1 Blacks. The intervention group had 39 participants aged 59.6 ±9.7 years, 79.5 women and 87.1 Blacks, with no significant differences in demographics between groups. Participants improved their episodic memory over time (FCSRT free recall sum of attempts: F = 21.5, p<0.001, FCSRT delayed recall: F = 27.1, p<0.001 and FCSRT efficacy: F = 26.2, p<0.001, but with no difference between the control and the intervention groups. The rsfMRI measurements are under analysis. Conclusion: Attending a late life literacy program in adulthood improved episodic memory, regardless of whether the intervention was focused on learning how to read and write or just attending regular classes. The results shed light into a possible low cost tool to increase cognitive reserve through improving episodic memory, eventually preventing dementia in vulnerable populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The COVID‐19 pandemic led to serious health implications for older adults who may have already significant comorbidities. In addition to the risk related to COVID‐19, self‐isolation and limited social contact may have led to psychosocial impacts, such as increased boredom, frustration, depression and anxiety. These stressors may have had increased effects on other key health outcomes, including worse general well‐being, and diminished quality of life. Therefore, finding techniques to boost older adults' ability to manage these stressors is vital for better planning of unsettled events of similar nature. Method: A feasibility study assessing a 6‐week online technology assisted compassion training (T‐ACTS) for older adults (Age 60+ without a diagnosis of dementia, access to internet) living in the UK during the COVID‐19 pandemic. T‐ACTS builds on the Raise Your Resilience intervention by Treichler et al., (2020) [1] with weekly one‐to‐one online sessions by research therapists on empathy, self‐compassion, social connections, acts of kindness, gratitude, self‐efficacy, and positive ageing. Key activities included relaxation, gratitude journaling, and positive social engagement. The data reported on feasibility, demographics and mental health using the Patient Health Questionnaire at pre‐ and post‐intervention. McNemar test reported the difference in depression pre‐and post‐intervention. Result: Forty‐seven participants gave consent, 35 participants entered the intervention, 25 participants (100% Caucasians, 64% females with age 76/5.74 mean/SD) completed the 6 week intervention; and 10 participants withdrew at different timepoints. Reasons for withdrawals included eligibility (1), IT difficulties (1), intervention content (1), engagement (5) and availability (2). There was a significant difference in levels of depression; pre and post intervention (p = 0.014). Around 70% of the participants found the programme enjoyful very‐much so; 30% some‐what enjoyful. Forty‐three percent found the intervention very‐much useful for setting personal goals, with 57% some‐what useful. Activities that were useful included relaxation exercises, gratitude journaling and acts of kindness. Conclusion: The T‐ACTS intervention demonstrates feasibility of pragmatic online interventions to improve mental health in older adults, suggesting high potential for further evaluation in a larger sample and implementation for older adults. Future studies are warranted for assessing benefits to other key health outcomes such anxiety and general wellbeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Data on preemptive analgesia in periodontal surgeries are scarce and still diverse. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the analgesic effects of the preemptive administration of ibuprofen and nimesulide in open flap periodontal surgeries.Methods: The present randomized controlled clinical trial comprised 40 individuals, divided into two groups (n = 20), according to the test drug (ibuprofen and nimesulide) to be administered 1 hour preoperatively. Participants underwent bilateral periodontal surgeries at two different times, and were randomly given the test drug or placebo in a split-mouth design. Postoperative pain and rescue medication were evaluated at different times. Comparisons between ibuprofen and nimesulide were performed through a Generalized Estimation Equation model, using test drug and evaluation times, along with an interaction between these two variables as predictors.Results: In intergroup comparisons regarding pain control, ibuprofen showed better effects than placebo only at the first postoperative hour, whereas nimesulide showed better effects than placebo at 1, 6, 24, and 48 postoperative hours. In intergroup comparisons, nimesulide showed better effects than ibuprofen at 24, 48, and 72 postoperative hours, demonstrating a higher overall preemptive effect. No differences were observed in relation to the number of rescue medication.Conclusion: Preemptive administration of nimesulide showed better overall preemptive effects on postoperative pain control when compared with ibuprofen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease that causes periodontium and hepatic alterations. Liver disease is related to the intake of foods rich in fat and sugars (high-fat). The objective of this study was to evaluate whether a high-fat diet can aggravate the liver disease caused by ligature-induced periodontitis in rats.Methods: Twenty-one female rats were divided into three groups (n = 7 in each group): control; periodontitis (periodontitis induced with ligature) and high-fat + periodontitis (received hypercaloric diet and induction of periodontitis). The rats were submitted to the analyses of the following periodontal parameters: gingival bleeding index (GBI), probing pocket depth (PPD), tooth mobility (TM), and alveolar bone height. In the hepatic tissue, the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), total cholesterol, and myeloperoxidase activity (MPO) were measured. Liver samples were also histopathologically evaluated. Finally, blood levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), glucose, total cholesterol, cholesterol high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and uric acid were measured.Results: The high-fat + periodontitis group presented an increase in the steatosis score (P < 0.05) for the histopathologic evaluation, when compared with the periodontitis group. MDA, uric acid and ALT levels also increased, whereas GSH and HDL levels showed lower values.Conclusion: A high-fat diet aggravates the liver disease caused by ligature-induced periodontitis in rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Periodontitis not only causes injury to the periodontium, but also damages other tissues such as: articulate, renal, cardiac, and hepatic. The objective of this study was to investigate periodontitis induced alterations in liver function and structure using an experimental model.Methods: Twenty female rats (Rattus norvegicus) were allocated into two groups: control and periodontitis. Gingival bleeding index and oxidative stress parameters and specific circulating biomarkers were measured. Immunohistochemistry was carried out using alkaline phosphatase (AlkP) staining of the liver. Hepatic tissues, cytokines, and lipid contents were measured. Histopathologic evaluation of the liver was carried out using light and electron microscopy.Results: Liver histopathologic and immunohistochemistry assessment showed increase in steatosis score, and presence of binucleate hepatocytes and positive cells for AlkP in periodontitis versus control group. Ultrastructural evaluation showed significant increase in size and number of lipid droplets (LD), distance between the cisterns of rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER), mitochondria size, foamy cytoplasm, and glycogen accumulation in the liver of the periodontitis group compared with the control group. In addition, plasma levels of AlkP, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides, and total cholesterol were also changed.Conclusion: Experimental periodontitis caused immunohistochemistry, histopathologic, ultrastructural, oxidative, and biochemical changes in the liver of rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Increased levels of periodontal pathogens disrupt the homeostasis between the host and its microbiota and increase susceptibility to periodontal diseases. Periodontitis increases the serum concentration of mannose-binding lectin (MBL), which exacerbates local inflammatory processes. In animal studies, sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) was associated with protection against inflammation. This study analyzed the influence of non-surgical periodontal treatment on serum levels of MBL and SIRT1.Methods: Forty patients with periodontitis and 38 periodontally healthy individuals (aged 45 to 79 years) were included. Periodontitis patients received scaling and root planing using machine driven and hand instruments. Clinical parameters, inflammatory biomarkers, MBL, and SIRT1 levels were measured at baseline and at post-treatment.Results: For all patients, an inverse correlation was observed between serum concentrations of MBL and SIRT1 (r = -0.30; P = 0.006). Periodontal treatment reduced serum concentrations of MBL (1,099.35 ± 916.59 to 861.42 ± 724.82 ng/mL; P < 0.001) and C-reactive protein (6.05 ± 8.99 to 2.49 ± 2.89 mg/L; P = 0.009). By contrast, SIRT1 serum levels increased (1.06 ± 1.03 to 1.66 ± 1.64 ng/mL; P < 0.001) following periodontal treatment.Conclusions: Periodontal treatment was associated with decreased serum concentrations of MBL and CRP and increased serum levels of SIRT1. Prospective studies are needed to assess the impact of these biomarkers on pathophysiology of periodontitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital accessible knowledge of biodiversity data is an increasingly important source of information in studies of biogeography and conservation. These databases can also reveal temporal, spatial and taxonomical gaps in biodiversity documentation, even in areas that have been intensively studied and from where accurate species lists are available. Therefore, revealing these gaps may help allocating collecting efforts, conservation priorities and strategies for improving database curation. Here, we evaluate potential shortfalls for flowering plants in a tropical hotspot, the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, by cross‐referencing two online repositories of biodiversity data (the Global Biodiversity Information Facility – GBIF – and the Brazilian Flora 2020 floristic database – BFG). We aimed to evaluate the congruence between those repositories, highlighting tendencies in current documentation for this area. We found that from the 7220 reported flowering plant species endemics to the Atlantic Forest, 1573 (22%) have no valid spatial data in GBIF, and 75% of all of the 605,951 records do not present valid spatial information. Most of the missing information is related to species known only from few and old collections with absent or inaccurately georeferenced data. This lack of information may cause a large impact in spatial studies, especially for rare and threatened species. Nevertheless, our analysis also shows that spatial information for the filtered data is highly congruent between GBIF and BFG data, indicating relatively high availability of quality data in large repositories after standard and automatized cleaning procedures. Still, good practices to decrease the impact of losing data are recommended, including more investment in field collections, targeting poorly known species and returning cleaned spatial datasets to online repositories after taxonomic revisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Atorvastatin (ATV) has shown pleiotropic effects on bone tissue, and osteoporosis can aggravate periodontitis. Thus, the effects of ATV on experimental periodontitis (EP) in rats subjected to glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) was assessed.Methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into the following groups: 1) naive; 2) EP; 3) GIOP + EP; and 4) ATV. Groups GIOP + EP and ATV received 7 mg/kg dexamethasone intramuscularly once per week for 5 weeks, and the others received saline (SAL). Groups EP, GIOP + EP, and ATV were submitted to EP by ligature around the maxillary left second molars for 11 days. Group ATV received 27 mg/kg ATV orally, and the others received SAL 30 minutes before EP. Periodontium was analyzed by macroscopy, microtomography, and histopathology; by immunohistochemical examination of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG), wingless (WNT) 10b, dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK-1), and β-catenin; and by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analysis of myeloperoxidase (MPO), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL10, reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT). Leukogram, liver and kidney enzymes, and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP) serum levels were evaluated.Results: ATV decreased bone loss, reduced MPO, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8, and increased IL-10, GSH, SOD, and CAT levels. ATV reduced RANKL and DKK-1 and increased OPG, WNT10b, and β-catenin expressions and BALP activity.Conclusion: ATV reduced inflammation, oxidative stress, and bone loss in rats with EP and GIOP, with participation of the WNT signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eugenia, comprising ca. 1100 species, is the largest genus of Neotropical Myrtaceae. Eugenia sect. Umbellatae (formerly referred to as "clade 9") is the most speciose lineage of Eugenia. This study aims to better delimit E. sect. Umbellatae, to identify and understand relationships between manageable subgroups of this large clade for future discrete systematic studies and to explain biogeographical patterns in the genus. In total, 103 samples were used in this study. These include representatives of the nine clades of the "Eugenia group" with a particular focus on Eugenia clade 9, representing the morphological and geographical diversity found in the genus. Phylogenetic reconstructions were performed using maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) for the combined dataset, using the markers ITS, rpl16, psbA-trnH, rpl32-trnL, trnQ-rps16. The resultant tree was fossil calibrated and used for historical biogeographical analysis using DEC implemented in RASP. The mid Oligocene is the most likely period in which the crown node of Eugenia s.l. diversified. The earliest Eugenia appear to be associated with dry biomes and to have arisen from non-tropical southern South America, as did ancestors of the earliest American Myrteae. Eugenia subg. Pseudeugenia also most likely diversified in dry biomes, while E. subg. Hexachlamys and E. subg. Eugenia are likely to have diverged in the Atlantic Forests biome. Eugenia sect. Umbellatae is morphologically very variable,some clades can be circumscribed based on morphology while some remain morphologically undiagnosable. The study presented here provides discussion of the earliest origins of Eugenia and its response to climate-driven changes in the Neotropics as humid, forest biomes became more widespread in the Miocene. In addition, important practical conclusions are drawn regarding relationships within Eugenia. Three clades are newly classified as subgenera: E. subg. Pseudeugenia (including species of E. sect. Pseudeugenia),E. subg. Hexachlamys (including E. sect. Hexachlamys) and E. subg. Eugenia (including E. sect. Umbellatae, E. sect. Jossinia, E. sect. Phyllocalyx, E. sect. Pilothecium, E. sect. Racemosae, E. sect. Schizocalomyrtus, E. sect. Speciosae and Eugenia sect. Excelsae). Two previously unidentified clades are published as E. sect. Excelsae and recognized as E. sect. Jossinia, the latter consisting entirely of Old World species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: People living with dementia (PlwD) in nursing homes (NH) have complex needs with impairments in cognition, communication, and daily function. Complex needs may arise with impairments in communication and difficulty in expressing needs. PlwD often experience neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) with poor quality of life (QoL), which can be impacted by impairments in non‐verbal communication (NVC). NVC plays a key role in improving communication and engagement with PlwD. This study examines current NVC practices in NH between PlwD and care staff. Methods: 225 NH from the Care Home Research Network, King's College London were invited to take part on an online anonymous questionnaire. The questionnaire included 13 questions on NVC and NH demographics. Care staff provided information on communication cues used between residents and staff during instrumental care and social activities. The use of NVC was rated on a Likert scale. Results: Thirty‐two NH completed the questionnaire, with 56% having 40‐90 beds. 9% of staff reported the use of verbal communication, 25% reported using combined verbal and NVC, whilst majority reported using NVC to communicate with residents (66%). The most observed NVC in residents was facial expressions (71.9%), followed by eye expression (53.1%) and touch (50%). Other NVC included the use of pitch, hand gestures and head nods (37%). Staff NVC cues included facial expressions (81.3%), eye contact (81.3%), hand gestures (75%), pitch of voice and head nods, (both, 66%). Furthermore, 34% of the staff used body language to assist residents with NPS, whilst 28% used touch. During social activities, facial expressions were used very often (78.1%) by residents, followed by head nods, touch and hand gestures (46%). Whilst receiving care, facial expressions were reported very often (68.8%). Other common cues involved touch (50%) and eye contact (41%). Conclusion: NH residents and staff use a broad range of NVC channels to interact with one another and was the most reportedly used strategy. Developing interventions to improve communication between staff and PlwD should prioritize NVC, given its extensive use. Improving NVC would facilitate care staff to address needs better, reduce NPS and improve QoL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Matricaria recutita L. (chamomile) has demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity. Accordingly, the ability of the Matricaria recutita extract (MRE) to inhibit proinflammatory cytokines and its influence on alveolar bone resorption (ABR) in rats.Methods: Wistar rats were subjected to ABR by ligature with nylon thread in the second upper-left molar, with contralateral hemiarcade as control. Rats received polysorbate TW80 (vehicle) or MRE (10, 30, and 90 mg/kg) 1 hour before ligature and daily until day 11. The periodontium was analyzed by macroscopy, histometry, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry for the receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG), and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP). The gingival tissue was used to quantify the myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1β levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Blood samples were collected to evaluate bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP), leukogram, and dosages of aspartate and alanine transaminases, urea, and creatinine. Aspects of liver, kidneys, spleen, and body mass variations were also evaluated.Results: The 11 days of ligature induced bone resorption, low levels of BALP, leukocyte infiltration; increase of MPO, TNF-α, and IL-1β; immunostaining increase for RANKL and TRAP; reduction of OPG and leukocytosis, which were significantly prevented by MRE, except for the low levels of BALP and the leukocytosis. Additionally, MRE did not alter organs or body weights of rats.Conclusion: MRE prevented the inflammation and ABR by reducing TNF-α and IL-1β, preventing the osteoclast activation via the RANKL-OPG axis, without interfering with bone anabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Viral hepatitis is globally leading causes of death, and 96% of these are due to hepatitis B and C (HBV/HCV) late outcomes. The first Global Health Sector Strategy (GHSS) aims to reduce by 65% the mortality associated with HBV/HCV, and an indicator (C10) is proposed to monitor progress. Data on viral hepatitis and liver‐related mortality are required, and different methods of estimation can be used, depending on availability and quality of sources. We aimed to understand the current situation and practicality of calculating C10, accessing available sources to estimate initial figure for Europe. We listed and compiled regional and national data sources reporting deaths from HCC, cirrhosis and chronic liver disease (CLD) and available estimates of attributable fraction. We critically appraised quality of data, highlighting gaps in current data and estimated mortality attributable to HBV and HCV, for 31 EU/EEA countries from 2010 to 2015. Mortality data are available for 30/31 countries. Quality varies but 60% of national sources report with specificity as required by WHO indicator. Attributable fraction is only available through the literature search. We estimated C10 for 87.6% country‐years. Deaths attributable to HBV/HCV for this period and region were 292 600, while HCV deaths were three times higher. Incomplete data for 2015 prevented calculation of time trends. Regional sources are outdated for monitoring C10, but national sources are capable of reporting mortality data. Sources for attributable fraction are sparse, outdated and much needed. We recommend improvement of death registration allowing measuring this indicator. Studies measuring attributable fraction on national and subnational levels are crucial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: (U‐Th)/He geochronology and cosmogenic 3He in iron oxides reveal mineral precipitation ages as old as 55 Ma and exposure ages greater than 5 Ma for canga‐cemented plateaus in the Quadrilátero Ferrífero, Brazil, showing that lateritic profiles overlying banded iron‐formation (BIF) landscapes in tropical regions have a long history of surface exposure. The long‐term erosion history obtained from cosmogenic 3He on BIF plateaus confirms that relic surfaces persist in the landscape for millions of years. Combined 3He and (U‐Th)/He dating shows that cangas are preferentially goethite cemented by biogeochemical reactions in the subsurface. Importantly, pebbles of hematite‐magnetite in colluvia or shallow creeks draining the canga‐cemented plateaus record a much longer exposure history than in situ canga blocks, showing that even older duricrusts, now eroded, once blanketed these plateaus. Physically stable but biogeochemically dynamic, cangas armor the landscape by pervasive and recurrent iron cycling and cementation, slowing down the delivery of weathered BIF or friable hematite–magnetite ore to erosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Following K‐Ar dating of a mudstone and a sandstone, a third sample has been dated by the Curiosity rover exploring Gale Crater. The Mojave 2 mudstone, which contains relatively abundant jarosite, yielded a young K‐Ar bulk age of 2.57 ± 0.39 Ga (1σ precision). A two‐step heating experiment was implemented in an effort to resolve the K‐Ar ages of primary and secondary mineralogical components within the sample. This technique involves measurement of 40Ar released in low‐temperature (500°C) and high‐temperature (930°C) steps, and a model of the potassium distribution within the mineralogical components of the sample. Using this method, the high‐temperature step yields a K‐Ar model age of 4.07 ± 0.63 Ga associated with detrital plagioclase, compatible with the age obtained on the Cumberland mudstone by Curiosity. The low‐temperature step, associated with jarosite mixed with K‐bearing evaporites and/or phyllosilicates, gave a youthful K‐Ar model age of 2.12 ± 0.36 Ga. The interpretation of this result is complicated by the potential for argon loss after mineral formation. Comparison with the results on Cumberland and previously published constraints on argon retentivity of the individual phases likely to be present suggests that the formation age of the secondary materials, correcting for plausible extents of argon loss, is still less than 3 Ga, suggesting post‐3 Ga aqueous processes occurred in the sediments in Gale Crater. Such a result is inconsistent with K‐bearing mineral formation in Gale Lake and instead suggests postdepositional fluid flow at a time after surface fluvial activity on Mars is thought to have largely ceased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Damage caused by periodontitis not only affects periodontal tissues, but also increases the severity of various illnesses such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and liver diseases. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between induced periodontitis and damage caused through its systemic effects on the liver.Methods: Twenty rats were divided into two groups: control and periodontitis. The following parameters were evaluated: gingival bleeding index (GBI), probing depth (PD), myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, alveolar bone loss (ABL) for periodontal tissues; histopathologic examination of gingival and liver tissues; immunohistochemistry to cells positive for neural/glial antigen 2 (NG2) expressed in hepatic pericytes, glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations in liver; and serum levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase.Results: GBI, PD, MPO, ABL, and histopathologic examinations demonstrated the development of periodontitis. There was a significant increase in microvesicular steatosis accompanied by a marked reduction in NG2+ pericytes in the periodontitis group compared with the control group. The periodontitis group had significantly lower GSH and higher MDA concentration in the liver compared with the control group.Conclusions: The present study results link the systemic effects of induced periodontitis with changes in hepatic tissues such as microvesicular steatosis, likely caused by an increase in oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. The findings from the present study implicate an association between a decrease of pericytes and liver disease caused by ligature-induced periodontitis in rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jatropha curcas is an oilseed crop renowned for its tolerance to a diverse range of environmental stresses. In Brazil, this species is grown in semiarid regions where crop establishment requires a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying appropriate seed, seedling and plant behaviour under water restriction conditions. In this context, the objective of this study was to investigate the physiological and cytological profiles of J. curcas seeds in response to imbibition in water (control) and in polyethylene glycol solution (osmoticum)., Seed germinability and reactivation of cell cycle events were assessed by means of different germination parameters and immunohistochemical detection of tubulin and microtubules, i.e. tubulin accumulation and microtubular cytoskeleton configurations in water imbibed seeds (control) and in seeds imbibed in the osmoticum., Immunohistochemical analysis revealed increasing accumulation of tubulin and appearance of microtubular cytoskeleton in seed embryo radicles imbibed in water from 48 h onwards. Mitotic microtubules were only visible in seeds imbibed in water, after radicle protrusion, as an indication of cell cycle reactivation and cell proliferation, with subsequent root development. Imbibition in osmoticum prevented accumulation of microtubules, i.e. activation of cell cycle, therefore germination could not be resumed., Osmoconditioned seeds were able to survive re-drying and could resume germination after re-imbibition in water, however, with lower germination performance, possibly due to acquisition of secondary dormancy. This study provides important insights into understanding of the physiological aspects of J. curcas seed germination in response to water restriction conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The role of hippocampal connectivity for good memory performance is well known in persons with high educational level. However, it is understudied the role of hippocampal connectivity in illiterate populations. Methods: Thirty‐nine illiterate adults from Brazil underwent a literacy assessment, structural and resting state functional MRI and an episodic memory test (Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test). We correlated the hippocampal connectivity at rest with the free recall scores and the literacy scores. Analyzes were done in SPM 12, corrected for head motion and physiological BOLD signal. Results: Participants were most female (66%) and black (79%) and the mean age was 49 years‐old (±13.9). The mean score on free recall was 27.2 (±10.7) out of 48 points and the mean literacy score was 34.9 (±21.1) out of 100 points. The median hippocampal gray matter volume was 2.4 [0.9, 2.3]cm3 in the left and 2.1 [2.1, 2.4] cm3 in the right side. There was a significant connectivity between both hippocampi and the precuneus and the ventral medial prefrontal cortex. However, this connectivity did not correlate with episodic memory scores, but the right hippocampal connectivity correlated with the literacy scores (R2 = 0.13, p = 0.014, CI 1.0‐1.0). Furthermore, the hippocampal gray matter volume did not correlate with memory scores. Conclusions: Although we did not find a significant correlation between memory and the connectivity between both hippocampi and the precuneus and ventral medial prefrontal cortex, we found that this connectivity correlated with literacy scores on the right side. The lack of association with memory scores might be associated with low brain reserve in illiterate adults. The association between hippocampal connectivity and low literacy scores suggest a room for improvement if those adults learn how to read later in life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Post Covid‐19 syndrome is recognized as the maintenance of disease symptoms for weeks to months after the disease has healed. It is suspected that the involvement of the ACE enzyme and IL‐6 may trigger an increased risk of dementia. Method: This is a cohort study that is evaluating over 12 months the functional status and cognition of elderly people after hospital discharge. One group is composed of elderly people admitted to the hospital for Covid‐19 and the other group is composed of elderly people hospitalized for other clinical reasons. The groups are evaluated with The Mattis (DRS), AD8, IQCODE, ADCS‐ADL, PCL‐C, GDS‐15, FIM, COPM, CFS, FSS, mMRC and SARC‐calf. We will describe the preliminary results of the first 15 patients included in the COVID‐19 group on functional status, cognition, mood and quality of life. Results: Fifteen patients with COVID‐19 were evaluated three months after hospital discharge. One was excluded due to previous mental disorder and another due to a request to be excluded from the study. We found a mean age of 67.7 ± 7.15 years, schooling 8.7 ± 4.7 years, 61.5% female, Charlson Comorbidity Index 1.9 ± 1.4, 69.2% with smoking history had incomplete vaccine protection for COVID‐19. Considering cognition, 15.4% of the sample had no impairment, 53.9% had mild cognitive impairment (MCI) (30.8% amnestic MCI and 23.1% non‐amnesic MCI) and 30.8% had dementia. 23.1% declared their health status and quality of life as fair or poor. Median CFS was 5 (3‐5), mean GDS‐15 was 4.7 ± 2.9, FSS 32.9 ± 18.9, PCL‐c 32.6 ± 12.5, SARC‐calf 3.2 ± 4.2. All had mMRC dyspnea classified between 2 and 4. Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of mild cognitive impairment and dementia among patients after three months of discharge, with a predominance of mild frailty due to CFS and the presence of fatigue. It is noteworthy that a quarter of the sample reported low quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Approximately 410 000 people live in care homes (CH) or residential settings in the UK, with the majority of this population being above the age of 85, making this group fall in the category of higher risk of more severe COVID‐19 symptoms and death. CH have been disproportionately affected by COVID‐19, people living and working in these settings have a higher risk of exposure to infection and higher risk of severe disease and mortality. CH residents and staff were prioritised for the vaccination programme in the UK due to increased risk of outbreaks, morbidity and mortality. Method: One Residential home reported a COVID‐19 outbreak following the vaccination programme. Most staff vaccinated between 16‐18 December 2020, and most residents vaccinated on 30/12/2020. Residents were on isolation from 22/12/2020 prior to vaccination. The first positive COVID‐19 case was on 27th December. Staff and residents were scored according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) Ordinal Scale for Clinical Improvement (OSCI), table 1. Result: Of staff vaccinated, 20,83% (n=5) tested positive for COVID‐19. Nine staff members (27.28%) didn't have the vaccine, with 7 of these (77.78%) developing more limiting symptoms (OSCI score 2), compared to 8.33% (n=2) of those who had the vaccine. With 100% of residents vaccinated, 21 residents (65,63%) developed COVID‐19 symptoms, and 31.25% (n=10) developing more limiting COVID‐19 symptoms or death. Nineteen residents have a diagnosis of dementia and 63.16% (n=12) developed COVID‐19 symptoms and 50% (n=6) of those with dementia died, whilst those without dementia did not have any deaths reported. Conclusion: Although this reflects the experience of a single CH, it is of relevance in suggesting substantial protection for staff who have been vaccinated, even though there was only 11 days between vaccination and the start of the outbreak. The experience in this CH starkly emphasizes the poor outcomes of COVID‐19 for residents, especially those with dementia, and unfortunately suggests that there are no benefits from vaccination as a secondary prevention approach once an outbreak has started. Ongoing evaluation will be important to optimize the delivery of the vaccination programme in CH settings, and to optimize staff take up of the vaccine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the lack of biochemical information, all available in silico metabolic models of Pseudomonas putida KT2440 consider NADP as the only cofactor accepted by the glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenases. Because the Entner–Doudoroff pathway is the main glycolytic route in this bacterium, determining how much NADH and NADPH are produced in the reaction catalyzed by these enzymes is very important for the correct interpretation of metabolic flux distributions. To determine the actual cofactor preference of the glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase encoded by the zwf-1 gene (PputG6PDH-1), the major isoform during growth on glucose, we purified this protein and studied its kinetic properties. Based on simple kinetic principles, we estimated the in vivo relative production of NADH and NADPH during the oxidation of glucose-6-phosphate (G6P). Contrary to the general assumption, our calculations showed that the reaction catalyzed by PputG6PDH-1 yields around 1/3 mol of NADPH and 2/3 mol of NADH per mol of oxidized G6P. Additionally, we obtained data suggesting that the reaction catalyzed by the 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase is active during growth on glucose, and it also produces NADH. These results indicate that the stoichiometric matrix of in silico models of P. putida KT2440 must be corrected and highlight the importance of considering the physiological concentrations of the involved metabolites to estimate the actual proportion of NADH and NADPH produced by a dehydrogenase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Intermittent administration of parathyroid hormone (PTH) promotes new bone formation in patients with osteoporosis and bone fractures. It was shown previously that PTH also reduces periodontitis-related bone loss. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of treatment with PTH on periodontal healing in rats. Methods: Fenestration defects were created at the buccal surface of the distal root of the mandibular first molars, and both periodontal ligament (PDL) and cementum were removed. Animals were then assigned to two groups (eight animals per group): group 1: control, placebo administration; and group 2: test, human PTH (hPTH) 1-34 administration at a concentration of 40 µg/kg. For both groups, the animals were injected every 2 days, and the animals were sacrificed at 14 and 21 days after surgery. Specimens were harvested and processed for routine decalcified histologic sections. The following parameters were assessed: 1) remaining bone defect extension (RBDE); 2) newly formed bone density (NFBD); 3) total callus area (TCA); 4) osteoclast number (ON) in the callus region; and 5) newly formed dental cementum-like tissue (NFC). Birefringence of root PDL reattachment was also evaluated. Results: Birefringence analysis showed root PDL reattachment for both groups 21 days after treatment. Intermittent hPTH 1-34 administration decreased RBDE (P <0.01) and increased NFBD (P <0.01), TCA (P <0.01), area of NFC (P<0.01), and ON in the callus region (P<0.01). Conclusion: Within the limits of the present study, intermittent administration of hPTH 1-34 led to an enhanced periodontal healing process compared with non-treated animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Care Homes (CH) are a vital resource in the health and social care system to support elderly people who may be unable to live at home independently. Older adults and carers have been disproportionately affected by coronavirus (COVID‐19). With 410 00 people living in CH, we lack data of how these major changes have impacted CH, and how CH are managing during the pandemic outbreak. We require knowledge, including what policies and procedures CH currently have; how they are mitigating risks; and how current experiences and guidance can improve care of CH residents during the current pandemic and future crises. Method: CH members of the Care Home Research Network (CHRN) were invited to take part on an online anonymous survey. An email invitation was sent to 225 CH, with surveys completed between August to October 2020. The questionnaire comprised of 49 questions, focusing on CH details, their views of the impact on the CH, staff and residents, and questions exploring strategies, ideas, and guidelines that the CH followed. Result: Fifty care homes completed the survey. With 60% of the CH having between 10‐40 beds, and 40% between 50 to more than 100 beds. 76% of the respondents felt that their institution had been affected by the pandemic, with 52% having residents dying due to COVID‐19 and 68% had staff absent due to COVID‐19. 94% of respondents felt an increased level of stress in their role due to COVID‐19, with 22% saying that they could not cope with the increase in the workload and 52% hiring staff to cope with the workload. 70% of respondents felt that residents were feeling lonelier and 56% that residents were more depressed. Conclusion: CH have been greatly impacted by the Pandemic, with increased anxieties and stress in staff, they lacked the support and resources needed to better overcome the challenges caused by this Pandemic. Moreover, residents were lonelier and more depressed, and their family members were more anxious/worried, requiring more resources from CH to support residents and family members. CH had to adapt, be innovative, find new working ways and using technology to meet residents and family needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The role of hippocampal connectivity for good memory performance is well known in persons with high educational level. However, it is understudied the role of hippocampal connectivity in illiterate populations. Methods: Thirty‐nine illiterate adults underwent resting state functional MRI and an episodic memory test (Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test). We correlated the hippocampal connectivity at rest with the free recall scores. Analyzes were corrected for head motion and physiological BOLD signal. Results: Participants were most female (66%) and black (79%) and the mean age was 49 years‐old (±13.9). The mean score on free recall was 27.2 (±10.7) out of 48 points. We found a significant correlation between the hippocampus and the right parahippocampal gyrus, right insula and right basal ganglia. However, we did not find an association between the hippocampal connectivity and the memory scores. Conclusions: Illiterate adults have a significant correlation between the hippocampus and the right insula and basal ganglia. The lack of association with memory scores might be associated with low brain reserve in this group of individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Apathy is one of the most common Neuropsychiatric Symptom (NPS) and is associated with poor clinical outcomes. Apathy remains under‐researched and its medical classification remains unclear, potentially associated with the fact that apathy is commonly a comorbidity with depression. Research that helps define the apathy phenotype is urgently needed, particularly for clinical and biomarker studies. Method: Using latent class analysis (LCA) we analysed data from the KCL Care Home Research Network study with 349 participants (an observational study of people living with dementia in care homes). The aim was to understand how apathy and depression phenotypes cluster together. Apathy and depression were defined on the basis of item G (Apathy) and D (Depression) of the NPI‐NH scale, combining the 7 apathy subquestions with the 8 depression subquestions, rated as yes or no. Predictors of class membership were then analysed, including other NPS, demographics, medication and Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR). Result: The LCA analysis showed a 4‐cluster group which was considered the best model: No symptoms, predominantly depression, apathy/depression, and a predominantly apathy group. Those in the apathy/depression class were more likely to experience psychosis symptoms compared to the no symptoms class, whilst those in the predominantly apathy class were more likely to have a higher CDR score compared to the no symptoms class. Conclusion: Using a data driven method, we show distinct clustering of apathy and depression symptoms in this cohort. There was evidence that these clusters have different clinical associations which may help inform diagnostic categories for research studies and clinical practice. Potentially, the four subtypes may be used in future studies to further evaluate their utility in biomarker studies in dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which determines statistical models and variable combinations for optimal classification of fish origin by using otolith microchemistry. The study uses otolith fingerprint data sets of various fish species from three coastal areas such as French lagoons, Portuguese estuaries and U.S. coastal nurseries to assess fish habitat discrimination. Result shows that accuracy has varied according to the model used and the number of elements considered.

Background: This study evaluated whether alendronate (ALD) influences bone healing around titanium implants inserted in ovariectomized rats and whether it provides a residual effect after its withdrawal. Methods: Bilateral ovariectomies were performed in 87 Wistar rats and one screw-shaped titanium implant was placed in the tibiae. The animals were divided into the following groups: group SHAM (N = 15): sham surgeries; group OVX (N = 15); ovariectomy; group AT (N = 15): OVX plus alendronate administration for 80 days; group AW (N = 14): OVX plus alendronate administration for 40 days; group ET (N = 14); OVX plus 17β estradiol administration for 80 days; or group EW (N = 14): OVX plus 17β estradiol administration for 40 days. Bone-to-implant contact (BIC), bone area (BA) within the limits of implant threads, and bone density in a 500 µm-wide zone lateral to the implant (BD) were obtained and measured for the cortical (zone A) and cancellous (zone B) regions. Results: In zone A, data analysis showed no significant differences among the groups regarding BIC and BD (P>0.05), and a slight beneficial effect of estradiol on BA when compared with the OVX, EW, and AW groups (P <0.05). In zone B, OVX negatively impacted bone healing around the implants, resulting in reduced BA and BD (P<0.05). ALD (continuous/interrupted) and estradiol (only continuous) positively affected BIC, BA, and BD, resulting in values at the same level as the control group (SHAM). Conclusions: ALD may prevent the negative influence of estrogen deficiency on bone healing around titanium implants inserted in OVX rats. This positive effect, in contrast to estradiol, is sustained following its withdrawal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anti-inflammatory agents have been reported as a bone loss mediator in periodontitis. This study aimed to investigate in rats the impact of a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor (meloxicam) on bone loss in ligature-induced periodontitis and its post-treatment effect after administration withdrawal.Methods: Seventy-five adult male Wistar rats were included. After anesthesia, a mandibular first molar was randomly assigned to receive the cotton ligature in the sulcular position, while the contralateral tooth was left unligated. The animals were randomly assigned to one of the following five treatment groups (15 animals each), including daily subcutaneous injections: 1) saline solution for 15 days; 2) saline solution for 45 days; 3) 3 mg/kg of meloxicam for 15 days; 4) 3 mg/kg of meloxicam for 45 days; or 5) 3 mg/kg of meloxicam for 15 days followed by saline solution for 30 days. The animals were sacrificed and the specimens routinely processed. The volume of bone loss was histometrically measured and statistical analysis performed.Results: Intergroup comparisons demonstrated that the drug may significantly reduce periodontitis-related bone loss (group 3: 5.83 +/- 2.04); however, this effect is less evident when the drug is administered in a short period (group 4: 3.59 +/- 1.57). Moreover, after drug withdrawal, no residual effect was observed (6.86 +/- 3.59, 6.09 +/- 2.66, groups 2 and 5, respectively) (P > 0.05).Conclusions: Within the limits of the present study, it can be concluded that selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors may reduce bone loss associated with experimental periodontitis and that no remaining effect can be expected after its withdrawal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anti-inflammatory agents have been reported as a bone loss mediator in periodontitis. This study aimed to investigate in rats the impact of a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor (meloxicam) on bone loss in ligature-induced periodontitis and its post-treatment effect after administration withdrawal. Methods: Seventy-five adult male Wistar rats were included. After anesthesia, a mandibular first molar was randomly assigned to receive the cotton ligature in the sulcular position, while the contralateral tooth was left unligated. The animals were randomly assigned to one of the following five treatment groups (15 animals each), including daily subcutaneous injections: 1) saline solution for 15 days; 2) saline solution for 45 days; 3) 3 mg/kg of meloxicam for 15 days; 4) 3 mg/kg of meloxicam for 45 days; or 5) 3 mg/kg of meloxicam for 15 days followed by saline solution for 30 days. The animals were sacrificed and the specimens routinely processed. The volume of bone loss was histometrically measured and statistical analysis performed. Results: Intergroup comparisons demonstrated that the drug may significantly reduce periodontitis-related bone loss (group 3: 5.83 ± 2.04); however, this effect is less evident when the drug is administered in a short period (group 4: 3.59 ± 1.57). Moreover, after drug withdrawal, no residual effect was observed (6.86 ± 3.59, 6.09 ± 2.66, groups 2 and 5, respectively) (P >0.05). Conclusions: Within the limits of the present study, it can be concluded that selective cydooxygenase-2 inhibitors may reduce bone loss associated with experimental periodontitis and that no remaining effect can be expected after its withdrawal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which examines the effects of distance to forest edge and soil texture on fine-litter production and on nutrient concentrations in the leaf fall in a fragmented landscape in Brazilian Amazonia. A significant effect of distance to forest edge on litter production was observed, but no significant effect on soil texture. It notes the possible cascading effects of increased rates of litterfall on the ecology of fragmented forests.

Morphometric and meristic characteristics of a specimen of Grammicolepis brachiusculus Poey caught off the Algarve coast, southern Portugal, are reported. This is the first record of this benthopelagic species in Portuguese waters (including Madeira and Azores Archipelagos) and its fifth finding in the north-eastern Atlantic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Higher education acquired through the lifespan is believed to buffer the cognitive decline associated with neurodegenerative diseases. However, whether acquiring education later in life can improve memory is unknown. Methods: We recruited illiterate adults that enroll in a late‐life literacy program to determine the impact of literacy training in adulthood on memory. Participants underwent baseline literacy tests and episodic memory was assessed with the Free and Cued Selective Reminding test (with pictures). Results: At baseline, 43 illiterate adults that did not know how to read and write participated in the study. They had a mean age of 50.3 (SD 14.3) year‐old, 19 (44%) were males, 37 (90%) were non‐Caucasians and 24 (57%) were from low‐socioeconomic background. The main reason they did not attended school when they were young was that they had to work (n=21, 49%). Baseline clinical characteristics of participants were smoking in 26%, depression in 25% and anxiety in 16%. The mean free delayed‐recall was 10.6 (SD 3.1), out of 16 figures. Conclusion: Here we present the baseline characteristics of this group of illiterate adults that engage in a late‐life literacy program. The results show that the participants recruitment is feasible and representative of such illiterate adult populations. Although episodic memory is normal, there is room for memory improvement to be studied in the follow up visit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To use a fine-grained global model of ant diversity to identify the limits of our knowledge of diversity in the context of climate change. Location: Global. Methods: We applied generalized linear modelling to a global database of local ant assemblages to predict the species density of ants globally. Predictors evaluated include simple climate variables, combined temperature × precipitation variables, biogeographic region, elevation, and interactions between select variables. Areas of the planet identified as beyond the reliable prediction ability of the model were those having climatic conditions more extreme than what was represented in the ant database. Results: Temperature was the most important single predictor of ant species density, and a mix of climatic variables, biogeographic region, and interactions between climate and region yielded the best overall model. Broadly, geographic patterns of ant diversity match those of other taxa, with high species density in the wet tropics and in some, but not all, parts of the dry tropics. Uncertainty in model predictions appears to derive from the low amount of standardized sampling of ants in Asia, Africa, and in the most extreme (e.g. hottest) climates. Model residuals increase as a function of temperature. This suggests that our understanding of the drivers of ant diversity at high temperatures is incomplete, especially in hot and arid climates. In other words, our ignorance of how ant diversity relates to environment is greatest in those regions where most species occur—hot climates, both wet and dry. Main conclusions: Our results have two important implications. First, temperature is necessary, but not sufficient, to explain fully the patterns of ant diversity. Second, our ability to predict ant diversity is weakest exactly where we need to know the most, the warmest regions of a warming world. This includes significant parts of the tropics and some of the most biologically diverse areas in the world., Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Other Research Unit

The article discusses the case of a patient with subungual ectopic hair growth. Topics discussed include the patient's presentation of a longitudinal ridge of the nail with green discoloration studied by scanning electron microscopy, the removal of the subungual filamentous hair, and the treatment of the patient with topical gentamicin. Also mentioned are the growth of another subungual hair shaft on the same location several months later and partial matricectomy performed on the patient.

A letter to the editor is presented related to biodiversity crisis.