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Background. Local or systemic issues might prevent installing a sufficient number of dental implants for fixed prosthetic rehabilitation. Splinting dental implants and natural teeth in fixed dentures could overcome such limitations. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the influence of the number of dental abutments in the biomechanics of tooth‒implant-supported fixed partial dentures (FPDs). The null hypothesis was that increasing the number of abutment teeth would not decrease the stress over the abutments and surrounding bone. Methods. Left mandibular lateral incisor, canine, premolars, and molars were reconstructed through computed tomography and edited using image processing software to represent a cemented fixed metal‒ceramic partial denture. Three models were set to reduce the number of abutment teeth: 1) lateral incisor, canine, and first premolar; 2) canine and first premolar; 3) the first premolar. The second premolar and first molar were set as pontics, and the second molar was set as an implant abutment in all the models. Finite element analyses were performed under physiologic masticatory forces with axial and oblique loading vectors. Results. After simulation of axial loads, the stress peaks on the bone around the implant, the bone around the first premolar, and prosthetic structures did not exhibit significant changes when the number of abutment teeth decreased. However, under oblique loads, decreasing the number of abutment teeth increased stress peaks on the surrounding bone and denture. Conclusion. Increasing the number of dental abutments in tooth‒implant-supported cemented FPD models decreased stresses on its constituents, favoring the prosthetic biomechanics.

New technologies such as the use of the internet and the cell phone are increasingly reaching the classroom. The objective of this article is to understand how the construction of a psychological and behavioral epistemology occurs in a school environment. The methodology used is based on the technique of participant observation and documentary research in the firewall of the internet network used in a school, investigating the school day in its 24 hours, in the three, of the five days of weekly classes. The results indicate that the class schedules are precisely those in which students access the network the most, even if there is a prohibition to the contrary. It is perceived that it is an educational task to mediate the formation of mental habits in relation to the time for access to technologies without removing their free will that is being exercised, by circumventing the imposed prohibition.

As cisternas construídas para o armazenamento de água de chuva podem ser abastecidas com águas oriundas de açudes ou de rios, por meio de carros pipa. Isso ocorre pois as águas de chuva muitas vezes não são suficientes para suprir as necessidades das famílias em períodos de seca no semiárido brasileiro. Assim, o objetivo desse trabalho foi comparar 15 parâmetros de qualidade da água desses dois tipos, armazenadas em cisternas. Também foram feitas análises da variabilidade dos parâmetros e verificações de conformidade com base na Portaria do Ministério da Saúde no 05/2017. Foram realizadas análises físicas, químicas e microbiológicas no ano de 2017 em amostras de água de 12 cisternas, sendo 6 com águas de chuva e 6 com águas oriundas de açudes. Dos 15 parâmetros de qualidade da água analisados, 5 deles não apresentaram diferenças significativas entre as suas médias nas águas dos dois grupos de cisternas. Ademais, a água de chuva apresentou melhor qualidade do que a oriunda dos açudes.

The objectives of this study were: i) to classify animals into groups of high and low feed efficiency (FE) using three FE indexes (Residual feed intake (RFI), Residual weight gain (RG) and Feed conversion efficiency (FCE)), and ii) to evaluate whether crossbreed Holstein x Gyr heifers divergent for FE indexes exhibit differences in nutrient intake and digestibility, energy partitioning, heat production, methane emissions, nitrogen partitioning and blood parameters. Thirty-five heifers were housed in a tie-stall, received ad libitum TMR (75:25, corn silage: concentrate) and were ranked and classified into high (HE) or low efficiency (LE) for RFI, RG and FCE. The number of animals for each HE group were 13 (< 0.5 standard deviation (SD) for RFI, 11 for RG and 11 for FCE (> 0.5 SD) and for the LE were 10 (> 0.5 SD) for RFI, 11 for RG and 12 for FCE (< 0.5 SD). Gas exchanges (O2 consumption, CO2 and CH4 production) in open-circuit respiratory chambers and whole tract digestibility trial was performed. A completely randomized experimental design was used and the data were analyzed by ANOVA and correlation study. High efficiency animals for RFI produced less CO2, consumed less O2 and had lower heat production (HP). Methane production was positively correlated with RFI. High efficiency RG had higher O2 consumption and CO2 production in relation to LE-RG. High efficiency FCE had greater NFC digestibility, higher positive energy balance (EB) and excreted (11.4 g/d) less nitrogen in urine. High efficiency RG and FCE groups emitted less CH4 per kg of weight gain than LE animals. Animals HE for RFI and FCE had lower β-hydroxybutyrate and higher glucose concentrations, respectively. The differences in intake, digestibility, energy and nitrogen partition, CH4 emission, blood metabolic variables and heat production between the HE and LE groups varied according to the efficiency indexes adopted. The HP (kcal/d/BW0.75) was lower for HE animals for RFI and FCE indexes. Made available in DSpace on 2021-08-13T18:00:36Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Grouping-crossbred.pdf: 1241911 bytes, checksum: 8ce28130c2e890f877189a28738bc335 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2020

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of Navicula sp. on the growth and fatty acids profile of Litopenaeus vannamei postlarvae in a biofloc system (BFT). Four treatments were used: BFT; BFT 2.5N (addition of 2.5 × 10⁴ cells/ml of Navicula sp.); BFT 5N (addition of 5 × 10⁴ cells/ml of Navicula sp.) and BFT 10N (addition of 10 × 10⁴ cells/ml of Navicula sp.), all in triplicate. The shrimp (1 ± 0.01 mg) were stocked at a density of 3,000 postlarvae/m³ and fed with commercial feed. The diatom was added every 10 days, and at the end of 42 days, shrimp performance, water quality and proximal composition were evaluated. The BFT 5N and BFT 10N treatments had higher performance values, highlighting the values of productivity (2.30 and 2.42 kg/m³) and specific growth rate (15.92 and 16.08%/day), which were higher than the other treatments. In addition, the highest levels of fatty acids were observed in treatments with diatom (BFT 5N and BFT 10N), indicating the benefits of Navicula sp. on growth enhancement and fatty acid content of L. vannamei postlarvae grown in biofloc systems.

Este trabalho tem por objetivo investigar os fatores maternos e perinatais associados aos extremos da idade reprodutiva da mulher em São Luís, Maranhão. Trata-se de um estudo transversal e analítico, realizado em São Luís/MA com população de 16.474 mães. Os dados foram coletados no SINASC disponibilizado pela Secretaria Municipal de Saúde de São Luís/MA. Na análise de dados utilizou-se o Teste Qui-quadrado de Pearson e calculou-se a Odds Ratio com nível de significância de α = 0.05. Verificou-se que as adolescentes apresentaram maior chance de nascimento prematuros (OR=1,37; p

A inclusão de alunos surdos no contexto da escola regular ainda se apresenta como um grande desafio. O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar como ocorre o processo de inclusão dos alunos surdos nos Cursos Técnicos do Instituto Federal do Amazonas - Campus Manaus Centro. Participaram da pesquisa 06 alunos surdos, 06 docentes, 04 pedagogas, 01 representante do NAPNE e 02 Intérpretes e Tradutores de Libras. Utilizou-se para a coletada de dados as entrevistas, observações (registro em diário de campo) e rodas de conversa. A análise dos dados foi feita através da Análise de conteúdo com a obtenção de 03 categorias finais. As categorias obtidas indicam que o processo de inclusão naquele Instituto foi iniciado e está em andamento (mesmo que de forma incipiente) mas ainda precisa de ajustes e reparos para o seu fortalecimento através da transformação de ações inclusivas parciais ou articuladas.

In in vitro culture systems, dexamethasone (DEX) has been applied with ascorbic acid (ASC) and β-glycerophosphate (βGLY) as culture media supplementation to induce osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. However, there are some inconsistencies regarding the role of DEX as osteogenic media supplementation. Therefore, this study verified the influence of DEX culture media supplementation on the osteogenic differentiation, especially the capacity to mineralize the extracellular matrix of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED). Five groups were established: G1—SHED + Dulbecco’s Modified Eagles’ Medium (DMEM) + fetal bovine serum (FBS); G2—SHED + DMEM + FBS + DEX; G3—SHED + DMEM + FBS + ASC + βGLY; G4—SHED + DMEM + FBS + ASC + βGLY + DEX; G5—MC3T3-E1 + α Minimal Essential Medium (MEM) + FBS + ASC + βGLY. DNA content, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, free calcium quantification in the extracellular medium, and extracellular matrix mineralization quantification through staining with von Kossa, alizarin red, and tetracycline were performed on days 7 and 21. Osteogenic media supplemented with ASC and β-GLY demonstrated similar effects on SHED in the presence or absence of DEX for DNA content (day 21) and capacity to mineralize the extracellular matrix according to alizarin red and tetracycline quantifications (day 21). In addition, the presence of DEX in the osteogenic medium promoted less ALP activity (day 7) and extracellular matrix mineralization according to the von Kossa assay (day 21), and more free calcium quantification at extracellular medium (day 21). In summary, the presence of DEX in the osteogenic media supplementation did not interfere with SHED commitment into mineral matrix depositor cells. We suggest that DEX may be omitted from culture media supplementation for SHED osteogenic differentiation in vitro studies.

Resumo Tendo por base a relevância das políticas indutoras da formação para, com e no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), este artigo apresenta a experiência da participação do Curso de Graduação em Terapia Ocupacional da Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro no Pró-Saúde e no PET-Saúde, bem como indica as perspectivas e desafios que ainda se configuram. Trata-se de um relato de experiência a respeito de como, juntamente com outros cursos da universidade, o curso de terapia ocupacional se lançou ao desafio de rever sua matriz curricular, criando metodologias de ensino e aprendizagem que favorecessem uma formação profissional eticamente compromissada com o SUS e que reconhecessem o papel estratégico da Atenção Básica à Saúde (ABS) nos modos de pensar e agir em saúde. Nesse contexto, foi eleita uma unidade básica de saúde no entorno da Universidade que passou a receber estudantes de seis disciplinas obrigatórias remodeladas para promover maior integração ensino-serviço. Também foram desenvolvidas ações de extensão e projetos de pesquisa abarcando populações historicamente atendidas pela terapia ocupacional, mas com acesso limitado à ABS. Por fim, foi criada uma disciplina obrigatória sobre o tema. As iniciativas do curso de terapia ocupacional se configuraram como resistência a processos de captura dos modos de produção do cuidado pela lógica produtivista, insistindo na sensibilização dos atores, na visibilidade a seus modos de saber-fazer alinhados à perspectiva da integralidade, e na articulação da construção de terrenos férteis para a produção de saúde e convivência com e nas diferenças.

Endoscopic ear surgery has gained popularity in recent years, becoming standard practice in otology centers around the world as an adjunct to conventional microscopic surgery and as a sole tool for limited disease. During the last years, technical improvements and growing expertise in the handling of the endoscope allowed introducing an exclusive endoscopic approach to the middle ear, lateral skull base, middle cranial fossa, and posterior fossa/cerebellopontine angle pathologies. Endoscopic instrumentation, techniques, and knowledge have improved during the last few years, and in the future, endoscopic surgical techniques will gain even more importance in otologic surgery.

Background Vanishing white matter disease (VWMD) is a rare disease caused by mutations of the guanine exchange factor eIF2B. VWMD typically presents with juvenile onset, and there are few treatments for the disease. Recent progress in the field has established mitochondrial dysfunction and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress to be strongly implicated in observed glial cell pathology. Drug repurposing offers a rapid approach toward translation of therapeutics using already-licensed drugs. Objective The aim of this study was to use fibroblasts and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived astrocytes from patients bearing the EIF2B5R113H/A403V or EIF2B2G200V/E213G VWMD mutations to identify potential repurposable FDA-approved drugs based on in vitro assays. Methods Cell viability in the presence or absence of stress was assessed by resazurin reduction activity and assays for mitochondrial membrane potential and oxidative stress by tetramethylrhodamine and dichlorofluorescein-based assays, respectively. Integrated stress response markers, including eIF2α phosphorylation, GADD34 and CHOP were quantified by fluorescent western blot. Results Dysregulated GADD34 and CHOP were identified in patient fibroblasts and iPSC-derived astrocytes under induced stress conditions. A drug screen from a 2400 FDA-approved drug library with EIF2B5R113H/A403V VWMD patient fibroblasts identified 113 anti-inflammatory drugs as a major class of hits with cytoprotective effects. A panel of candidate drugs, including berberine, deflazacort, ursodiol, zileuton, guanabenz and Anavex 2–73, and preclinical ISRIB, increased cell survival of EIF2B5R113H/A403V or EIF2B2G200V/E213G VWMD astrocytes, and were further investigated for their effect on the integrated stress response and mitochondrial stress. Ursodiol demonstrated capacity to ameliorate oxidative stress and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential in VWMD patient iPSC-derived astrocytes in the presence or absence of stress conditions. Conclusion Patient-derived cells can be used to identify cellular phenotypes and for large-scale drug screening. Anti-inflammatory compounds, such as berberine, deflazacort, ursodiol and zileuton are potentially repurposable drug candidates for VWMD that should be further investigated for translation in vivo.

O ensino de genética enfrenta constantes problemas quanto aos métodos empregados pelos professores de biologia na educação básica. Além disso, nota-se que esta é uma das disciplinas de difícil compreensão, faltando conectar os conceitos e assuntos para estudantes em diferentes níveis de ensino. Desta forma, objetivou-se construir e propor o uso de mapas conceituais aplicáveis ao ensino de genética. A partir dos estudos realizados em bibliografias especializadas, foram construídos dois mapas de conceitos relacionados à genética com o intuito de serem posteriormente testados como instrumentos facilitadores no processo de ensino-aprendizagem. O primeiro mapa conceitual foi construído com conceitos fundamentais sobre o material genético, DNA e RNA, com informação genômica associada a procariotos, eucariotos e vírus. Em relação ao segundo mapa, este foi construído com base em informações sobre as vias pelas quais moléculas de DNA expressam a informação que conduzem, dentro da célula, ou vão transmitir essa informação para outra célula ou outro organismo. Ambos os mapas foram elaborados com leitura fluida e compreensiva, os quais podem ser usados como instrumentos facilitadores do ensino-aprendizagem de conteúdos tradicionais e atuais em genética.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of Spirulina Platensis supplementation on selected blood markers of oxidative stress, muscle damage, inflammation, and performance in trained rats. Rats (250 g - 300 g) were submitted to a strength training program (eight weeks), divided into four groups: control (GT) (trained without supplementation), trained with daily-supplementation of 50 mg/kg (GT50), 150 mg/kg (GT150) and 500 mg/kg (GT500). Training consisted of a jump protocol in PVC-cylinder containing water, with increasing load over experimental weeks. We evaluated the markers of oxidative stress (malondialdehyde - MDA and antioxidant capacity) and inflammation (C-reactive protein) at the end of the training. Among groups submitted to strength training, concentration of C-reactive protein decreased after 8 weeks of intervention in the trained group and GT500. Strength training enhanced plasma MDA concentration of malondialdehyde with supplementation of S. platensis in GT150 and GT500. In plasma analysis, strength training enhanced the percentage of oxidation inhibition, with spirulina supplementation in rates of 150 and 500 mg/kg. Spirulina supplementation for 8 weeks (in a dose-effect manner) improved antioxidant capacity as well as attenuated exercise-induced increases in ROS and inflammation. As a practical application, the use as high doses did not cause a reduction in positive physiological adaptations to exercise training. Additional studies are necessary to test the application of Spirulina Platensis in other contexts, as collective sports (basketball, football, soccer).

Genomic and proteomic advances in extremophile microorganism studies are increasingly demonstrating their ability to produce a variety of enzymes capable of converting biomass into bioenergy. Such microorganisms are found in environments with nutritional restrictions, anaerobic environments, high salinity, varying pH conditions and extreme natural environments such as hydrothermal vents, soda lakes, and Antarctic sediments. As extremophile microorganisms and their enzymes are found in widely disparate locations, they generate new possibilities and opportunities to explore biotechnological prospecting, including biofuels (biogas, hydrogen and ethanol) with an aim toward using multi-omics tools that shed light on biotechnological breakthroughs.

The expression levels of some reference genes and proteins are used for data normalization and quantification. However, these levels can change in response to experimental conditions or treatments. Aim. The aim of this work was to evaluate reference gene and protein expression in models of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, using mice fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) and mice that are genetically obese (ob/ob). Main Methods. Histological staining techniques were used to verify the morphology and quantify the amount of lipid droplets present in the liver. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting were employed for monitoring protein expression and gene expression levels, respectively. Key Finding. The results showed that there was a substantial increase in the amount of lipid droplets in the livers of HFD and ob/ob animals when compared to the standard diet (SD) group. There was an observed reduction in the expression of β-actin (10%), α-tubulin (6%), GAPDH (19%), and RPL3 (15%) genes when comparing the ob/ob group to the HFD group. Additionally, the ob/ob mice displayed GAPDH protein levels that were substantially, but not significantly, reduced when compared to SD. Significance. It was concluded that there are slight differences in the expression levels of reference genes and proteins in these two NAFLD animal models, and researchers should consider these alterations when working with these models.

Introduction: primary liver sarcoma is a rare type of tumor, more common in children. Among adults, it represents a spectrum of neoplasms with reserved prognosis. There is no consensus on the treatment of choice of these lesions, justifying a systematic review of the literature on treatment options, prognostic factors, and survival. Material/Methods: a systematic review of articles published in Pubmed, Medline, LiLacs e SciElo, from 1966 to March/2019, presenting the keywords: primary-liver-sarcoma and primary-hepatic-sarcoma was undertaken. Studies including patients older than 18 years, and published in English, Portuguese and Spanish were included. Case reports, metastatic tumors and multiple oncologic diagnosis were excluded. The initial search listed 1,318 articles. 1,206 did not meet the inclusion criteria. After reviewing 112 eligible articles, 15 were selected (14 case series and 1 retrospective-cohort). Results: proposed treatment modalities for primary liver sarcoma included surgery and/or chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy or liver transplantation. The most common histological types were angiosarcoma (32%), leiomyosarcoma (29%), epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (15%) and embryonal sarcoma (7%). Histology, degree of differentiation and R0 resection were mentioned positive prognostic factors. Median survival ranged from two to 23 months. Five-year survival rate varied from 0% to 64%, on average 21%. Conclusion: surgical resection (R0 resection) is the main treatment for primary liver sarcomas. Development of effective systemic therapies are required to improve prognosis of patients harboring this type of tumor. RESUMO Introdução: o sarcoma primário do fígado é uma neoplasia rara, que acomete mais frequentemente crianças. Nos adultos, representa espectro de neoplasias de prognóstico reservado. Entretanto, em nenhuma faixa etária há consenso sobre a terapêutica de escolha dessas lesões, motivando revisão sistemática com objetivo de elencar opções de tratamento, fatores prognósticos e sobrevida. Material/Método: realizamos revisão sistemática dos artigos publicados nas bases de dados Pubmed, Medline, LiLacs e Scielo, de 1966 a março/2019, contendo as palavras-chaves: primary-liver-sarcoma e primary-hepatic-sarcoma. Foram incluídos estudos que incluíram pacientes com idade a partir de 18 anos e publicados em inglês, português e espanhol. Relatos de caso, tumores metastáticos e pacientes com múltiplos diagnósticos oncológicos foram excluídos. Foram encontrados inicialmente 1.318 artigos, desses, 1.206 foram excluídos por estarem fora dos critérios de inclusão. Dos 112 artigos analisados e discutidos, 15 foram incluídos nesse artigo (14 séries de casos e 1 estudo de coorte retrospectivo). Resultado: os tratamentos propostos para o sarcoma primário do fígado em adultos incluíram cirurgia e/ou quimioterapia e/ou radioterapia ou transplante hepático. Os tipos histológicos mais frequentemente relados foram angiossarcoma (32%), leiomiossarcoma (29%), hemangioendotelioma epitelioide (15%) e sarcoma embrionário (7%). Tipo histológico, grau de diferenciação e resseção R0 foram os principais fatores de bom prognóstico. A sobrevida média total variou de dois a 23 meses. A sobrevida em cinco anos variou entre 0 e 64%, em média 21%. Conclusão: ressecção cirúrgica R0 é a base do tratamento dos sarcomas primários do fígado. Esse grupo heterogêneo de tumores requer desenvolvimento de terapias sistêmicas efetivas para melhoria do prognóstico.

Objective: This study analyzes dental surgeons’ knowledge and clinical practice regarding sickle cell disease (SCD) at Family Health Units in Recife, northeastern Brazil. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a representative sample of dentists using a standardized questionnaire. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics. Results: Out of 132 eligible dental surgeons, 124 (93.9%) were interviewed. Most of them were women (81.5%), aged between 28 and 39 years (53.2%), with more than 15 years of experience (52.4%). A percentage of 89.5% knew the definition and oral manifestations (53.2%) of the disease, but only 17.7% knew the dental care protocol. It was verified that 13.6% of the dentists who knew how to conduct the treatment had acquired this knowledge during their undergraduate studies. Conclusion: Regarding clinical practice, 71.8% said they would treat patients with SCD; however, 67.7% had never done that. Most dentists felt confident of performing dental procedures (82%) and their major difficulty was their lack of knowledge about the disease (57.1%). The findings suggest the need for the implementation of public policies for improving the qualification of dental surgeons who work in primary healthcare, thus minimizing risks during the dental care of SCD patients.

Peripheral dermal fibroblasts (DF) from a healthy 56 year old female were obtained from the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA) Biobank, University of New South Wales, under the material transfer agreement with the University of Wollongong. DFs were reprogrammed via mRNA-delivered transcription factors into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). The generated iPSCs were confirmed to be pluripotent, capable of three germ layer differentiation and are thus a useful resource for creating iPSC-derived healthy human cells of any lineage. Resource table Unique stem cell line identifier UOWi001-A Alternative name(s) of stem cell line iPSC RB 9–8 Institution Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong Contact information of distributor Lezanne Ooi, lezanne@uow.edu.au Type of cell line iPSC Origin Human Additional origin info Age: 56 Sex: female Cell Source Dermal fibroblast Clonality Clonal Method of reprogramming Transgene-free Genetic Modification No Type of Modification N/A Associated disease N/A Gene/locus N/A Method of modification N/A Name of transgene or resistance N/A Inducible/constitutive system N/A Date archived/stock date 21/12/17 Cell line repository/bank N/A Ethical approval HE 13/299 University of Wollongong Human Ethics Committee

Some species of the genus Miconia are used in Brazilian folk medicine as analgesic and anti-inflammatory; however, several species of this genus are still poorly studied. Therefore, the aims of this study were to investigate the phytochemistry characterization by UPLC-DAD-QTOF-MS/MS, acute toxicity, anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive properties of Miconia minutiflora (Bonpl.) DC. The methanol extract of M. minutiflora (Mm-MeOH) was subjected to ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC-DAD-QTOF-MS/MS) for the identification of the main phytocompounds. The anti-inflammatory properties of the extracts were studied using several inflammation models induced by carrageenan and acetic acid-induced vascular permeability. Antinociceptive effects of Mm-MeOH were assessed in nociception induced by intraperitoneal acetic acid or subplantar formalin injection. The role of α-adrenergic, cholinergic, and opioid receptors in modulating the extract's antinociceptive activity was determined. Analyses by UPLC-DAD-QTOF-MS/MS revealed the presence of ellagic acid, gallotannin, and terpenes in the methanol extract. Mm-MeOH (100 mg/kg) reduced carrageenan-induced paw edema and vascular permeability and inhibited leukocyte migration toward the air pouch and pleural cavity. Furthermore, Mm-MeOH decreased tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) levels. Administration of Mm-MeOH reduced the number of writhes by 58.9% and increased the pain threshold in the formalin test. The anti-inflammatory action mechanism of Mm-MeOH is associated with inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β, whereas the antinociceptive actions involve peripheral and central mechanisms with participation of α2-adrenergic receptors. These effects may be attributed to the presence of polyphenolics in the extract.

Since the discovery of amylin its use has been discouraged by the inadequacy of the protocol involving multiple injections in addition to insulin. We aimed here to develop a combined fixed-dose formulation of pramlintide with fast-acting insulin. We have investigated the compatibility of regular and fast-acting insulin analogues (Aspart, AspB28, and LisPro, LysB28ProB29) with the amylin analogue pramlintide by using electrospray ionization - ion mobility spectrometry-mass spectrometry (ESI-IMS-MS), kinetic aggregation assays monitored by thioflavin T, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in the evaluation of the aggregation product. Insulin interacts with pramlintide, forming heterodimers as probed by ESI-IMS-MS. While their interaction is likely to delay the amyloid aggregation of pramlintide in phosphate-buffered solution pH 7.0, they do not prevent aggregation at this condition. At acidic sodium acetate solution pH 5.0, combination of pramlintide and the fast-acting insulin analogues become stable against amyloid aggregation. The co-formulated product at high concentration of both pramlintide (600 μg/mL,150 μM) and LisPro insulin (50 IU/mL, 300 μM) showed also stability against amyloid aggregation. These data indicate the physico-chemical short-term stability of the co-formulated preparation of LisPro insulin with pramlintide, which could bring benefits for the combined therapy.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of different frequencies of the addition of the rotifer Brachionus plicatilis on growth, water quality, plankton composition, Vibrio, Bacillus and fungi (filamentous and yeast) in a nursery biofloc system with rice bran (anaerobic and aerobic) as an organic carbon source for Litopenaeus vannamei. Four treatments were used: BFT (biofloc without addition B. plicatilis); BFT-1F (addition of 30 org mL−1 of B. plicatilis on the 1st day); BFT-2F (addition of 30 org mL−1 of B. plicatilis on the 1st and 10th days) and BFT-4F (addition of 30 org mL−1 of B. plicatilis on the 1st, 10th, 20th and 30th days). The shrimp (PL10 3.0 ± 0.02 mg) were stocked at a density of 3000 m−3 and fed a commercial feed (45% crude protein and 9.5% lipids). The biofloc system was fertilized every three days for 42 days with anaerobic and aerobic rice bran processes using a microbial mix (0.1 g m−3) with 6.5 × 107 CFUs g−1 of Bacillus subtilis, 2.1 × 107 CFUs g−1 of B. licheniformis and 3.7 × 107 CFUs g−1 of Bacillus strains. The BFT-4F treatment led to higher (p

This study evaluated the effects of a post-weaning high-fat (HF) diet on somatic growth, food consumption, metabolic parameters, phagocytic rate and nitric oxide (NO) production of peritoneal macrophages in young rats submitted to a maternal low-protein (LP) diet. Male Wistar rats (aged 60 d) were divided in two groups (n22/each) according to their maternal diet during gestation and lactation: control (C, dams fed 17 % casein) and LP (dams fed 8 % casein). At weaning, half of the groups were fed HF diet and two more groups were formed (HF and low protein–high fat (LP-HF)). Somatic growth, food and energy intake, fat depots, serum glucose, cholesterol and leptin concentrations were evaluated. Phagocytic rate and NO production were analysed in peritoneal macrophages under stimulation of zymosan and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)+interferonγ(IFN-γ), respectively. The maternal LP diet altered the somatic parameters of growth and development of pups. LP and LP-HF pups showed a higher body weight gain and food intake than C pups. HF and LP-HF pups showed increased retroperitoneal and epididymal fat depots, serum level of TAG and total cholesterol compared with C and LP pups. After LPS+IFN-γstimulation, LP and LP-HF pups showed reduced NO production when compared with their pairs. Increased phagocytic activity and NO production were seen in LP but not LP-HF peritoneal macrophages. However, peritoneal macrophages of LP pups were hyporesponsive to LPS+IFN-γinduced NO release, even after a post-weaning HF diet. Our data demonstrated that there was an immunomodulation related to dietary fatty acids after the maternal LP diet-induced metabolic programming.

Background: Surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion (SARME) generates an uncomfortable postoperative period accompanied by pain, edema, and paresthesia. There are few studies on the effect of photobiomodulation (PBM) after SARME and it was not possible to find studies on the efficacy of light emitted by diode (LED) after this type of intervention. The main objective of the study will be to evaluate the efficacy of PBM with LED in the control of pain, facial edema, paresthesia, and bone repair after SARME. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial involving 72 participants aged from 18 to 45 years, who search the Department of Buccomaxillofacial Surgery and Traumatology of Mandaqui Hospital Complex, will be conducted. Immediately after surgeries, the participant will be inserted into the placebo or LED group. In the LED group, the participants will receive PBM with an extraoral device (660 and 850 nm with 6 J per point) and an intraoral device (660 nm with 2 J per point) and in the control group the person in charge of the application will simulate the irradiation with the devices kept off. The applications will be in the immediate postoperative period, 1, 2, 7, 14, 30, 60, 90, and 120 days after the end of the surgeries, when the evaluations will also be performed. Facial measurements, extra and intraoral sensitivity, pain and bone repair will be evaluated. Secondarily, data regarding the occurrence of headache; otalgia; nausea; bruising; nasolacrimation; epistaxis; dysphagia; systemic and superficial temperature in the operated region; use of analgesics and anti-inflammatories; anxiety and impact of oral health on the participants’ quality of life will be computed. Discussion: Since PBM has shown positive effects on postoperative complications of other types of oral surgery and also has a positive effect on bone repair after maxillary disjunction, surgically assisted or not, it seems clear the need to evaluate its performance regarding pain, edema, and paresthesia after these surgeries. Trial registration: This protocol was registered in Clinical Trials platform (https://clinicaltrials.gov/) with the number NCT03814525, first published and last updated on January 24, 2019.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementation with Chlorella vulgaris and molasses application rates on water quality, zootechnical performance, proximate composition and health status of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings cultivated in low-salinity (10 g L-1) biofloc systems. Four treatments were tested in a factorial design (supplemented with microalgae and molasses application rates): BFT-C30 (Biofloc supplemented with C. vulgaris and molasses application rates of 30% of the total daily feed); BFT-30 (Biofloc with molasses application rates of 30% of the total daily feed); BFT-C50 (Biofloc supplemented with C. vulgaris and molasses application rates of 50% of the total daily feed) and BFT-50 (Biofloc with molasses application rates of 50% of the total daily feed), for 70 days. Fingerlings of O. niloticus (initial mean weight of 3.15 ± 0.5 g) were stocked at a density of 680 fish m-3 in experimental units (50L), where 50% of this volume was biofloc previously matured. Throughout the experiment, they were supplemented with C. vulgaris every five days at the concentration of 5x104 cells mL-1. A significant interaction between supplementation with C. vulgaris and molasses application rates for final weight and length, survival, feed conversion ratio, specific growth rate, water consumption, protein efficiency ratio, sedimentation time, planktonic community and hematological indices were observed. The results indicated that the high molasses application rates (50%) in the biofloc system affects the zootechnical performance, water consumption, sedimentation time and the hematological indices of the Nile Tilapia fingerlings, hampering their development. Therefore, molasses application rates of 30% of the total daily feed for the tilapia fingerlings culture in low-salinity biofloc system is recommended.

The use of platelet concentrate in alveolar ridge preservation has been broadly studied. However, no randomized clinical trials with histomorphometric analysis and low risk of bias are available in the literature. We conducted a prospective, single-blind, parallel, randomized, controlled clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) in socket preservation after tooth extraction. Additionally, the effect of L-PRF on bone formation was analyzed histologically using bone biopsy specimens obtained during implant placement. A total of 48 subjects who underwent a non-molar tooth extraction were randomly assigned to the L-PRF group (n = 24) or the control group (n = 24). Cone-beam computed tomographies were performed immediately after tooth extraction and at 3 months after tooth extraction, prior to implant surgery. A significant difference in bone resorption was registered 1 mm below the crest: 0.93 ± 0.9 mm for the L-PRF group and 2.27 ± 1.2 mm for the control group (p = 0.0001). Histomorphometric analysis showed a higher percentage of new bone formation in the L-PRF group compared with the control group. The values were 55.96 ± 11.97% and 39.69 ± 11.13%, respectively (p = 0.00001). These findings indicate that the administration of L-PRF should always be considered when socket preservation is planned (Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03408418).

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o desempenho de alevinos de tilapia do Nilo, cultivados em tecnologia de bioflocos, utilizando diferentes densidades de inoculacao de Chlorella vulgaris. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, envolvendo o cultivo em sistema de bioflocos e quatro densidades de Chlorella vulgaris (0; 2,5; 5 e 10x104 cel mL-1), com quatro repeticoes cada. O trabalho teve duracao de 63 dias, sendo realizado em caixas com 40L de volume util, densidade de estocagem de 10 peixes por unidade experimental e peso medio inicial de aproximadamente 1,86 g. As variaveis de qualidade de agua nao apresentaram diferenca significativa entre os tratamentos, principalmente o nitrogenio da amonia total e do nitrito, que estiveram dentro do nivel aceitavel para o cultivo da especie. As variaveis de desempenho zootecnico nao foram afetadas pelas diferentes densidades de inoculacao da microalga, obtendo peso medio final de aproximadamente 21 g para os tratamentos e taxas de sobrevivencia superiores a 80%. Portanto para estas densidades de inoculacao da microalga Chlorella vulgaris, com frequencia semanal, nao apresentaram influencia no crescimento de alevinos de tilapia cultivada com bioflocos.

Asthma is a heterogeneous disease of the airways characterized by chronic inflammation associated with bronchial and smooth muscle hyperresponsiveness. Currently, different murine models for the study of asthma show poor bronchial hyperresponsiveness due to a scarcity of smooth muscle and large airways, resulting in a failure to reproduce smooth muscle hyperreactivity. Thus, we aimed to standardize a guinea pig model of chronic allergic lung inflammation mimicking airway smooth muscle hyperreactivity observed in asthmatics (Asth). Animals were randomly divided into a control group (Ctrl), which received saline (0.9% NaCl), and the Asth group, subjected to in vivo sensitization with ovalbumin (OVA) nebulization. Morphological analysis was performed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Bronchial hyperresponsiveness was evaluated by nebulization time in the fifth, sixth, and seventh inhalations (NT5-7) and tracheal isometric contractions were assessed by force transducer. Total antioxidant capacity was measured by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method and protein expression by Western blot. Histologically, the Asth group developed peribronchial cellular infiltrate, epithelial hyperplasia and smooth muscle thickening. After the fourth nebulization, the Asth group developed bronchial hyperreactivity. The trachea from the Asth group contracted after in vitro stimulation with OVA, differing from the Ctrl group, which showed no response. Additionally, airway smooth muscle hyperreactivity to carbachol and histamine was observed in the Asth group only in intact epithelium preparations, but not to KCl, and this effect was associated with an augmented production of reactive oxygen species. Moreover, lung inflammation impaired the relaxant potency of isoproterenol only in intact epithelium preparations, without interfering with nifedipine, and it was found to be produced by transforming growth factor-β negative modulation of β adrenergic receptors and, furthermore, big-conductance Ca2+-sensitive K+ channels. These effects were also associated with increased levels of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases but not extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 or phosphorylation, and augmented α-actin content as well, explaining the increased smooth muscle mass. Furthermore, pulmonary antioxidant capacity was impaired in the Asth group. Therefore, we developed a standardized and easy-to-use, reproducible guinea pig model of lung inflammation that mimics airway smooth muscle hypercontractility, facilitating the investigation of the mechanisms of bronchial hyperresponsiveness in asthma and new therapeutic alternatives.

The possible mechanism is involved in the effects ofSpirulina platensison vascular reactivity. Animals were divided into sedentary group (SG) and sedentary groups supplemented withS. platensisat doses of 50 (SG50), 150 (SG150), and 500 mg/kg (SG500). To evaluate reactivity, cumulative concentration-response curves were constructed for phenylephrine and acetylcholine. To evaluate the involvement of the nitric oxide (NO) pathway, aorta tissue was preincubated with L-NAME and a new curve was then obtained for phenylephrine. Biochemical analyses were performed to evaluate nitrite levels, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant activity. To contractile reactivity, only SG500 (pD2=5.6±0.04vs.6.1±0.06,6.2±0.02, and6.2±0.04) showed reduction in phenylephrine contractile potency. L-NAME caused a higher contractile response to phenylephrine in SG150 and SG500. To relaxation, curves for SG150 (pD2=7.0±0.08vs.6.4±0.06) and SG500 (pD2=7.3±0.02vs.6.4±0.06) were shifted to the left, more so in SG500. Nitrite was increased in SG150 and SG500. Lipid peroxidation was reduced, and oxidation inhibition was increased in all supplemented groups, indicating enhanced antioxidant activity. Chronic supplementation withS. platensis(150/500 mg/kg) caused a decrease in contractile response and increase in relaxation and nitrite levels, indicating greater NO production, due to decreased oxidative stress and increased antioxidant activity.

Bone morphogenetic protein type 2 (BMP-2) and retinoic acid (RA) are osteoinductive factors that stimulate endogenous mechanisms of bone repair which can be applied on management of osseous defects in oral and maxillofacial fields. Objective Considering the different results of RA on osteogenesis and its possible use to substitute/potency BMP-2 effects, this study evaluated the outcomes of BMP-2, RA, and BMP-2+RA treatments on in vitro osteogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) and the signaling pathway(s) involved. Material and Methods ASCs were treated every other day with basic osteogenic medium (OM) alone or supplemented with BMP-2, RA, or BMP-2+RA. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was determined using the r-nitrophenol method. Extracellular matrix mineralization was evaluated using von Kossa staining and calcium quantification. Expression of osteonectin and osteocalcin mRNA were determined using qPCR. Smad1, Smad4, phosphorylated Smad1/5/8, BMP-4, and BMP-7 proteins expressions were analyzed using western blotting. Signaling pathway was evaluated using the IPA® software. Results RA promoted the highest ALP activity at days 7, 14, 21, and 28, in comparison to BMP-2 and BMP-2+RA. BMP-2+RA best stimulated phosphorylated Smad1/5/8 protein expression at day 7 and Smad4 expression at days 7, 14, 21, and 28. Osteocalcin and osteonectin mRNA expressions were best stimulated by BMP-2+RA at day 7. Matrix mineralization was most improved by BMP-2+RA at days 12 and 32. Additionally, BMP-2+RA promoted the highest BMP signaling pathway activation at days 7 and 14, and demonstrated more activation of differentiation of bone-forming cells than OM alone. Conclusions In summary, RA increased the effect of BMP-2 on osteogenic differentiation of human ASCs.

Introdução: A pandemia de Covid-19 tem transformado o trabalho na saúde e exigido novas formas de organização e de gestão do cuidado. Na Atenção Primária em Saúde muitos processos foram interrompidos visando dar conta das demandas que emergiram com a doença, afetando a produção do cuidado. Objetivo: Elucidar o processo de trabalho antes e durante a pandemia por Covid-19 em uma unidade de APS da Baixada Fluminense do Rio de Janeiro. Metodologia: Trata-se de um relato de experiência sobre as experiências e vivências de uma enfermeira de uma unidade de Atenção Primária em Saúde do Município do Rio de Janeiro. Resultados: Foram identificadas formas distintas de configuração no campo a depender do momento vivenciado pelos profissionais, das demandas que eram absorvidas, da capacidade logística e das rotinas e fluxos estabelecidos pela gestão. Conclusão: Observou-se através do relato de experiência o quanto a pandemia tem fragilizado o acompanhamento positivo dos usuários da APS vinculados as diferentes linhas de cuidado, o que pode favorecer a curto, médio e longo prazo o recrudescimento de doenças outrora controladas e contribuir para aumento de quadros agudos.

Preventive and regenerative techniques have been suggested to minimize the aesthetic and functional effects caused by intraoral bone defects, enabling the installation of dental implants. Among them, porous three-dimensional structures (scaffolds) composed mainly of bioabsorbable ceramics, such as hydroxyapatite (HAp) and β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) stand out for reducing the use of autogenous, homogeneous, and xenogenous bone grafts and their unwanted effects. In order to stimulate bone formation, biodegradable polymers such as cellulose, collagen, glycosaminoglycans, polylactic acid (PLA), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL), polyglycolic acid (PGA), polyhydroxylbutyrate (PHB), polypropylenofumarate (PPF), polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA), and poly L-co-D, L lactic acid (PLDLA) have also been studied. More recently, hybrid scaffolds can combine the tunable macro/microporosity and osteoinductive properties of ceramic materials with the chemical/physical properties of biodegradable polymers. Various methods are suggested for the manufacture of scaffolds with adequate porosity, such as conventional and additive manufacturing techniques and, more recently, 3D and 4D printing. The purpose of this manuscript is to review features concerning biomaterials, scaffolds macro and microstructure, fabrication techniques, as well as the potential interaction of the scaffolds with the human body.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Brachionus plicatilis and Navicula sp. addition on growth performance, Vibrio count, immunological responses and resistance to white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) of Litopenaeus vannamei in nursery biofloc system. The study was divided into two phases and four treatments were examined in the first phase: BFT (biofloc); BFT-N (addition of 10×104 cells mL−1 of Navicula sp.); BFT-B (addition of 30 org mL−1 of B. plicatilis) and; BFT-BN (addition of 10×104 cells mL−1 of Navicula sp. and 30 org mL−1 of B. plicatilis), all in triplicate and; the second phase included a viral challenge, also in triplicate. Shrimp (PL10, 2 ± 0,01 mg) were reared in biofloc system (fertilized with inorganic and anaerobic and aerobic carbon process with a microbial mix), for 45 days at a density of 3000 shrimp m-3, with controlled temperature, without water exchange and fed with commercial feed. The diatoms and rotifers were added every 10 days, and at the end, shrimp performance, water quality, Vibrio count and total hemocyte count were evaluated. After 45 days, 300 shrimp m−3 were challenged with WSSV (2.2 × 107 copies of WSSV μL−1 of DNA) for 9 days. The BFT-N, BFT-B and BFT-BN treatments had higher values of final weight (1.02 to 1.16 g) and yield (2.85 to 3.30 kg m−3) which were higher than the BFT (0.86 g and 2.46 kg m−3). There were no differences in water quality among treatments. Vibrio count from water samples was significantly lower at the end of experiment with significant decrease of non-sucrose-fermenting gram-negative bacteria. However, for hepatopancreas, the Vibrio count was significant higher at the end, however with significantly increase of sucrose-fermenting gram-negative bacteria (98 to 100%). There was no significant difference between the THC and hyalyne count for all treatments. Massive mortality rate was firstly achieved in BFT and BFT-B treatments in the second phase. However, all treatments reported complete mortality and WSSV infection was confirmed by nested-PCR and histopathologically, with lesions suggestive of WSD (presence of nodules and tissue deformations). The Navicula sp. and B. plicatilis addition contributed to better performance parameters of shrimp in the nursery biofloc system, although there was no significant effect on the WSSV resistance of shrimp. Absence of tissue degeneration in WSSV infected shrimp from BFT-N treatment indicated benefit of using diatoms under standardized conditions.

In recent years, the coculture of organisms from different trophic levels has been practiced to improve water quality and nutrient consumption. In this context, this study evaluated the effect of Crassostrea stocking density on zootechnical performance and water quality of Litopenaeus vannamei reared in a multitrophic biofloc system during the nursery phase. The experimental design was completely randomized with four treatments: control (shrimp monoculture) and three treatments with oysters (3.21 ± 1.26 cm) at densities of 100, 200 and 300 oyster m−2, for 45 days. Water quality, zootechnical performance parameters of shrimp and oysters, proximate composition of microbial flocs, Vibrio count from water, shrimp and oysters samples and total hemocyte counts from shrimp and oyster samples were evaluated. For water quality, multitrophic biofloc system treatments had the lowest amounts of settleable solids, resulting in lower settling chamber use than the control. However, a high density of oysters (300 oysters m−2) increased total ammonia nitrogen and nitrite-N levels, which had maximum values of 4.01 and 4.63 mg L−1, respectively. The final average weight and cumulative growth of oysters were 16.23 ± 3.45 g and 18.91 ± 5.24%, respectively, corresponding to an average growth of 4.07 ± 0.34 mm month−1. In shrimp performance, the higher density treatment (300 oysters m−2) had the lowest values of final weight and yield (0.94 ± 0.03 g and 2.26 ± 0.05 Kg m−3) and the lowest nutritional quality of the microbial floc (14.96% protein and 3.71% lipid). The Vibrio count was significantly lower in all the multitrophic biofloc system treatments compared to the control, with an average reduction of 37.32% in water and 75.69% in shrimp hepatopancreas. Stocking densities of up to 200 oysters m−2 did not affect shrimp growth in the multitrophic biofloc systems evaluated. The multitrophic biofloc system used in this research is a viable option for controlling nitrogen compounds and solids and reducing Vibrio in a shrimp biofloc system during the nursery phase.

Aureocin A70 is the only four-component bacteriocin described to date. As it inhibits the growth of a wide range of Gram-positive bacteria, including Listeria monocytogenes strains isolated from food, its potential for improving food safety was investigated in this study. Aureocin A70 (10,240 AU/mL) proved to be bactericidal, but not extensively lytic, against listerial strains. The antibacterial activity of aureocin A70 (16 AU/mL) was then tested in UHT-treated skimmed milk inoculated with the food-associated L. monocytogenes L12 strain (4-log CFU/mL) during storage at 4 °C for one week. Aureocin A70 caused a time-dependent reduction in the listerial viable cell counts (5.51-log units) up to 7 days of incubation. Aureocin A70 was neither toxic to the Vero and the L-929 cell lines nor exhibited a hemolytic activity against sheep red blood cells. Aureocin A70 proved to be completely stable for one month at 25 °C, 16 weeks at 4 °C and 20 weeks at − 20 °C. Aureocin A70 exhibited a time-dependent susceptibility to simulated gastric juice and bile salts mimicking gastrointestinal conditions. The entrapment of aureocin A70 in an alginate/gelatin matrix revealed that this bacteriocin can be released from this matrix. Moreover, it remained adsorbed to and active on a low-density polyethylene plastic surface suggesting that aureocin A70 may be employed in bioactive packaging to control the growth of undesirable bacteria. Taken together these results suggest that aureocin A70 is a promising alternative to be used in food applications.

Aims The potential of aureocin A53, a staphylococcal antimicrobial peptide, for improving food safety was investigated in this study. Methods and Results The antimicrobial activity of aureocin A53 against strains of Listeria monocytogenes isolated from food was tested and the bacteriocin proved to be bactericidal and bacteriolytic against the listerial strains. Aureocin A53 was neither toxic to eukaryotic cell lines nor hemolytic against sheep erythrocytes. It also exhibited a remarkable stability during storage at different temperatures and sensitivity to both simulated gastric juice and bile salts. When the antibacterial activity of aureocin A53 (256 AU ml−1) was tested in skimmed milk artificially inoculated with a L. monocytogenes strain (1.0 x 104 CFU ml−1) isolated from food, during storage at 4 °C, the bacteriocin reduced the viable counts by 7.7-log10 units up to 7 days of incubation, when compared with the controls not treated with the bacteriocin. Conclusions Aureocin A53 exhibited several features considered important for biopreservation and remained fully active in a food matrix. Significance and Impact of the Study Taken together the results confirmed that aureocin A53 has potential to be used as a food preservative, representing an alternative to the use of nisin in biopreservation of dairy products. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

In the farmed whiteleg shrimp ( Litopenaeus vannamei ), Infectious myonecrosis virus (IMNV) accounts for 70% of the cumulative mortality during the growout cycle. Although the horizontal transmission of IMNV has been demonstrated, vertical transmission remains unknown, which may be a crucial factor to the prevention of IMNV from one generation to the next. Thus, the aim of the present study was to determine the possibility of the vertical transmission of IMNV by experimental infection in SPF and non-SPF L. vannamei broodstocks using an intramuscular procedure. Evaluations involved the use of molecular methods (Real-time PCR and conventional PCR) for spermatophores, ovaries and eggs tissues. The effect of IMNV infection on sperm viability was also evaluated. Conventional PCR detected IMNV in spermatophores, mature ovaries and muscle tissue from experimentally infected specific pathogen-free (SPF) broodstock. Real-time PCR confirmed IMNV replication in all samples (spermatophores, mature ovaries, muscle tissue and eggs — fertilized or not) from naturally and experimentally infected non-SPF broodstock. No significant difference in viral load of the reproductive organs/tissues was found between naturally or experimentally infected shrimp (both sexes) (p ≥ 0.05). However, a significant difference was found regarding mean viral load in the muscle tissue of all shrimps (males and females) in comparison to other tissues, with dissimilar viral load values for naturally and experimentally infected muscle tissue for both sexes (p ≤ 0.05). With regard to spawning, all infected females spawned and no significant difference was found in the viral load of eggs produced by naturally and experimentally infected females. The eggs were classified as two morphological types (type B and A 2 ) based on morphology and post-spawning development. Sperm viability of experimentally infected males was not determined due to the low cell density, whereas mean viability among naturally infected males was 82%. In the control group, mean sperm viability was 91%. The results suggest that IMNV can be transmitted vertically in L. vannamei . However, nauplii did not hatch out, which prevented a better understanding of the mechanisms by which eggs become infected following spawning (egg surface or by transovarial transmission). Nonetheless, the 100% positive samples from ovaries and eggs and the low percentage of viable cells from naturally infected males suggest that females are the primary source of the vertical transmission of IMNV to eggs. Statement of relevance This study reports the first scientific evidence of IMNV vertical transmission in L. vannamei . The study suggests the use of IMNV-free broodstock as an effective prevention measure in order to minimize propagation in L. vannamei farming operations.

This study investigated the osteoblastic behavior to yttrium-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP) surface after different intensities of erbium, chromium-doped:yttrium, scandium, gallium, and garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser irradiation treatment.Y-TZP blocks were randomized divided into 4 groups to Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation: group G1 = control (no laser irradiation); group G2 = 1.5 W; group G3 = 3.0 W; group G4 = 5.0 W, with air-water irrigation. The irradiated surface roughness (Sa and Ra) topography was evaluated. MC3T3-E1 osteoblast cells were cultured and seeded onto the treated surfaces at a plate density of 1 × 10 cells/mL. At the third and seventh days cell proliferation was measured by the colorimetric assay methods. The specimens were prepared to scanning electron microscope to observe adhesion and morphology of cells.MTT assay showed adhesion and proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells in all groups. Compared with group G1 (control), the group G2 had a proliferation 1.4% higher (P 0.05), the group G3 had a proliferation 3.1% higher (P 0.05) and group G4 had a proliferation 4.5% higher (P 0.01). After 7 days there was no difference among the groups (ANOVA, Newman-Keuls).Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation may have contributed to the greater and earlier cell spreading that was observed with the Y-TZP without alterations on surface topography.

The study of neurodegenerative diseases using pluripotent stem cells requires new methods to assess neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration of specific neuronal subtypes. The cholinergic system, characterized by its use of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, is one of the first to degenerate in Alzheimer&rsquo, s disease and is also affected in frontotemporal dementia. We developed a differentiation protocol to generate basal forebrain-like cholinergic neurons (BFCNs) from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) aided by the use of small molecule inhibitors and growth factors. Ten iPSC lines were successfully differentiated into BFCNs using this protocol. The neuronal cultures were characterised through RNA and protein expression, and functional analysis of neurons was confirmed by whole-cell patch clamp. We have developed a reliable protocol using only small molecule inhibitors and growth factors, while avoiding transfection or cell sorting methods, to achieve a BFCN culture that expresses the characteristic markers of cholinergic neurons.

Zinc is a key component of several proteins, interacting with the pancreatic hormones insulin and amylin. The role of zinc in insulin oligomerization and crystallinity is well established, although the effects of dietary zinc restriction on both energetic metabolism and β-pancreatic hormonemia and morphology remain unexplored. Here we report the effects of dietary zinc restriction on the endocrine pancreas and metabolic phenotype of mice. Nontransgenic male Swiss mice were fed a low-zinc or control diet for 4 weeks after weanling. Growth, glycemia, insulinemia and amylinemia were lower and pancreatic islets were smaller in the intervention group despite the preserved insulin crystallinity in secretory granules. We found strong immunostaining for insulin, amylin and oligomers in apoptotic pancreatic islet. High production of β-pancreatic hormones in zinc-restricted animals counteracted the reduced islet size caused by apoptosis. These data suggest that zinc deficiency is sufficient to promote islet β-cell hormonal disruption and degeneration.

We conducted a continuous trial with 32 steers (Bos indicus × Bos taurus crosses) weighing from 100 to 450 kg to measure the aNDFom pool size in the ruminoreticulum Q N D F at slaughter, and two simultaneous 4 × 4 Latin Squares designs with some of the same animals of the continuous trial to measure the total digestibility of aNDFom T D N D F in the gastrointestinal tract. The diets were based on corn silage (CS) and soybean meal (SBM), and on CS and concentrate mixtures of SBM and ground yellow corn (GC). In the Latin square trial, the dry matter intake rates were set for an average daily gain equal to 0.6 kg/d. The treatments were dietary aNDFom intakes scaled to body weight B W at 3, 6, 9, and 12 g / kg · d combined with markers chromium (Cr) and europium (Eu) that labelled CS fibrous particles, and yttrium (Y) that labelled fibrous particles of the concentrate mixtures. The variables Q N D F and T D N D F were predicted by novel derivations of the models most often used to describe fecal excretion profiles of the markers Cr, Eu, and Y. We investigated the following compartmental models: the multicompartmental (MC), the single compartment (GN), and the two-compartment (GNG1) models. We used nonlinear mixed effects and generalized linear mixed-effects models to fit the compartmental models to and make inferences from the fecal marker profiles. In vitro digestion kinetics yielded the parameters that represent the potentially digestible, indigestible and digestion rates of feed aNDFom. All solutions of the GNG1 model violated a critical assumption for some treatment combinations and were deemed unacceptable and removed from the comparative analyses. The best-suited model to interpret fecal marker profiles, according to the information-theoretic (I-T) approach, was the MC model. The solutions for the GN model had less support for describing the fecal marker profiles than the MC model. In addition, several measures of model adequacy were used to empirically evaluate the model predictions against observed variables and revealed that, despite the choice based on I-T, both models MC and GN were equally capable of predicting the Q N D F and T D N D F variables with both accuracy and precision.

The blue alga Spirulina platensis has presented several pharmacological activities, highlighting its actions as an antiinflammatory and antioxidant. In addition, there are few studies with the influence of strength training on physiological parameters, as intestinal contractility and oxidative cell damage. We evaluated the influence of S. platensis supplementation, strength training, and its association on contractile reactivity of rat ileum, as well as the balance of oxidative stress/antioxidant defenses. Methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into, sedentary (S), S + supplemented with algae at 50 (S50), 150 (S150), and 500 mg/kg (S500), trained (T), and T + supplemented (T50, T150, and T500). Contractile reactivity was analyzed by kymographs, oxidative stress on ileum by the malondialdehyde (MDA) formation, and the antioxidant capacity by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. S. platensis supplementation reduced the reactivity of rat ileum to carbachol (CCh) and KCl, while training reduced only the CCh efficacy. In addition, association potentiated the reduction on contractile reactivity. Supplementation reduced the oxidative stress and increased oxidation inhibition, training alone did not alter this parameter, however association potentiated this beneficial effect. Therefore, this study demonstrated that both supplementation and its association with strength training promote beneficial effects regarding intestinal contractile reactivity and oxidative stress, providing new insights for intestinal disorders management.

Reducing salt content in foods such as cheeses, while limiting the growth of spoilage microorganisms and foodborne pathogens, is a difficult challenge. One method that may prove useful is use of staphylococcins, which are bacteriocins produced by staphylococci. Therefore, staphylococcin antimicrobial activity against six strains of S. aureus isolated from cheese was tested aiming at their industrial application in biopreservation of Minas fresh (Frescal) cheese with reduced sodium content. Three staphylococcins were selected for these tests: Pep 5, aureocin A53 and lysostaphin. All three staphylococcins proved to be bacteriolytic against all six strains of S. aureus. The antimicrobial activity of the partially purified staphylococcins was subsequently investigated against strains S. aureus Q1 and QJ3 in cheese matrices (6.0 log CFU/g) with different NaCl contents (control, a 25% reduction, and a 50% reduction), kept under refrigeration at 4 °C, for 21 days. Both strains were shown to be of concern for food industry as they carry the SEA, SEB and SEH enterotoxin genes, and are resistant to β-lactam drugs and moderate biofilm formers when grown in TSB. When used singly, Pep5, aureocin A53 and lysostaphin reduced approximately 95%, 99% and 99.99% of the viable cell counts, respectively, irrespective of the sodium content of the cheese matrix. The combined action of aureocin A53 and Pep5 resulted in an additional and significant reduction (p 0.05) of ~1.0 log CFU/g when compared with the reduction caused by the use of either one singly. The combined action of lysostaphin and aureocin A53 or lysostaphin and Pep5 resulted in a reduction similar to or slightly smaller (p 0.05) than that observed when lysostaphin was employed singly. Lysostaphin also proved to reduce the number of the staphylococcal viable cells to a level (~ 2.0 log CFU/g) at which enterotoxin production should not reach a sufficient quantity to cause food poisoning. Therefore, lysostaphin may have a practical application in the food industry to control staphylococcal contamination of Minas fresh cheese with a sodium content reduced up to 50%, providing consumers with more safe options to reduce their intake of sodium.

OBJECTIVE To propose a biofunctionalized prosthetic abutment by analyzing physico-chemical and morphological properties, simvastatin (SIM) release, and biocompatibility of titanium (Ti) disks coated with poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) incorporating SIM. METHODS Titanium disks (8 × 3 mm) were distributed into four groups: Ti: pure Ti; Ti + PLGA: Ti coated with PLGA; Ti + PLGA + SIM6%: Ti + PLGA with 6% SIM; and Ti + PLGA + SIM0.6%: Ti + PLGA incorporating 0.6% SIM. PLGA was prepared through chloroform evaporation technique. After complete dissolution of PLGA, SIM was diluted in the solution. Ti + PLGA, Ti + PLGA + SIM6%, and Ti + PLGA + SIM0.6% were dip coated with PLGA and PLGA + SIM, respectively. Samples were sterilized by ethylene oxide. For SIM release assay, disks were submerged in PBS, pH 7.4, 37°C, 30 rpm up to 600 hours. At different time intervals, SIM was quantified by spectrophotometry (238 nm). For characterization of the biomaterial components, it was performed Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), optical profilometry, and atomic force microscopy. Biocompatibility analyses were performed by MTS colorimetric assay on murine fibroblasts L929, human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs), and stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs). Absorbance was measured at 490 nm, and percentages of viable cells were calculated in relation to positive control (Ti). SEM images were obtained to verify cell adhesion and morphology. One-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test was applied (P

B. subtilis and S. algae effects in growth, survival and innate immunity were assessed on L. vannamei juveniles. During 60 days, shrimp were reared in three treatments: Bs, fed with 106 CFU of B. subtilis per gram of commercial feed, Sa, fed with 106 CFU of S. algae per gram of commercial feed and Control (without bacterial addition). Then, the animals were subjected to a V. parahaemolyticus challenge. For this purpose, four treatments were established: Control (shrimp not submitted to probiotic treatments), Vibrio (Vibrio challenged shrimp), Vibrio + Bs (Bs challenged shrimp) and Vibrio + Sa (Sa challenged shrimp). Shrimp hemolymph was sampled 45-days after rearing and 24 h post-challenge for quantification of prophenoloxidase (proPO), lipopolysaccharide and β-1,3-glucan-binding protein (LGBP) and hemocyanin (HEM) transcripts by qPCR. Moreover, shrimp final weight and survival were also verified. B. subtilis administration enhanced shrimp growth and improved proPO, LGBP and HEM expression levels before and after challenge. After 60-days of feeding, Sa final weight was higher than the Control, whereas Vibrio + Sa cumulative mortality after 48 h of Vibrio challenge was lower than Vibrio group. These results could be correlated with the proPO and LGBP up regulation in Vibrio + Sa compared to Vibrio group, protecting L. vannamei from the bacterial infection. Together, these results suggest the probiotic potential of B. subtilis e S. algae in the modulation of immune-related genes as a tool to control V. parahaemolyticus infection inside shrimp.

We investigated the effect of the crude herbal extract from Uncaria tomentosa (UT) on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in two models of obesity: high fat diet (HFD) and genetically obese (ob/ob) mice. Both obese mouse models were insulin resistant and exhibited an abundance of lipid droplets in the hepatocytes and inflammatory cell infiltration in the liver, while only the HFD group had collagen deposition in the perivascular space of the liver. UT treatment significantly reduced liver steatosis and inflammation in both obese mouse models. Furthermore, serine phosphorylation of IRS-1 was reduced by 25% in the HFD mice treated with UT. Overall, UT treated animals exhibited higher insulin sensitivity as compared to vehicle administration. In conclusion, Uncaria tomentosa extract improved glucose homeostasis and reverted NAFLD to a benign hepatic steatosis condition and these effects were associated with the attenuation of liver inflammation in obese mice.

Objective: to describe the nursing care performed by the nursing team to the person with mental disorder submitted to ECT and to analyze the implications of the Psychiatric Reform in this care. Method: socio-historical study, which uses the Thematic Oral History method. Results: the nursing team is present in a continuous way in the monitoring of people submitted to ECT, performing care before, during and after the same, as well as visualizing the evolution of the technique and also of nursing care itself, however, does not recognize the Psychiatric Reform as agent for this change. Final considerations: the Brazilian Psychiatric Reform triggered a process of humanization of nursing knowledge, influencing the care of the person with mental disorder submitted to ECT, with this, care practices also changed, a law was approved, regulating its practice, and its application was decreasing.

The induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines UOWi002-A and UOWi003-A were reprogrammed from dermal fibroblasts via mRNA transfection. Dermal fibroblasts from a 56 year old female caucasian familial Alzheimer's disease patient carrying A246E mutation in the PSEN1 gene (familial AD3, autopsy confirmed Alzheimer's disease) and a 75 year old female non-demented control from the same family bearing the wild-type PSEN1 A246 genotype were obtained from the Coriell Institute (AG06848 and AG06846, respectively). The generated iPSCs were characterized and pluripotency was confirmed. The PSEN1 genotype was maintained in both iPSC lines. Resource table. Unique stem cell lines identifier UOWi002-A UOWi003-A Alternative names of stem cell lines iPSC 6846.2 (UOWi002-A) iPSC 6848.2 (UOWi003-A) Institution Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong Contact information of distributor Lezanne Ooi, lezanne@uow.edu.au Type of cell lines iPSC Origin Human Cell source Dermal fibroblast Clonal Single clone Method of reprogramming Transgene free Multiline rationale Family members, one demented patient with a familial Alzheimer's disease mutation and one non-demented control Gene modification No Type of modification N/A Associated disease Non-demented control (UOWi002-A) Familial Alzheimer's disease (UOWi003-A) Gene/locus N/A (UOWi002-A) PSEN1 A246E (UOWi003-A) Method of modification N/A Name of transgene or resistance N/A Inducible/constitutive system N/A Date archived/stock date 24/04/2018 Cell line repository/bank N/A Ethical approval HE13/299 University of Wollongong Human Research Ethics Committee

Aims Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is an adrenal steroid hormone that is a precursor of sexual hormones. It is reduced during aging and is strongly associated with insulin resistance and obesity. There is evidence for beneficial effects of this steroid, in both human and animal models, during perimenopause. However, the impact of DHEA treatment during late postmenopause on glucose metabolism is not clearly documented. We tested the hypothesis that DHEA supplementation could improve insulin sensitivity in an ovariectomized obese rat model (OVX) that was fed a high-fat diet for 11 weeks. Main methods Female Wistar rats at 8 weeks of age were OVX or SHAM-operated. Eight weeks after the surgery, the animals were randomly treated with vehicle or DHEA for 3 weeks. Food intake, metabolic parameters and insulin sensitivity were evaluated. Key findings Following the ovariectomy, increased body weight gain, adiposity index, and feeding efficiency were observed, despite there being no change in food and energy intake. The OVX rats also displayed glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, decreased insulin-induced IRS1/2 tyrosine phosphorylation in the skeletal muscle, and reduced serum VLDL-c and TAG levels. OVX rats treated with 10 mg/kg DHEA (OVX + DHEA) exhibited estradiol (E2) serum levels similar to SHAM animals, with no change in uterus mass. DHEA treatment also resulted in an increase in energy intake. Significance Despite the positive effects of DHEA supplementation observed in menopausal women and ovariectomized rats, a potential negative effect on glucose metabolism and insulin action in the late postmenopausal condition in diet-induced obese OVX rats are reported.

Summary Objective: To analyze factors associated with chronic joint symptoms (CJS) in adults. Method: A population-based, cross-sectional study was performed with a sample of 1,217 adults aged between 20 and 59 years, in the city of Viçosa, in 2014. The sampling process was performed by conglomerates and sample was selected using a two-stage cluster-sampling scheme. First, 30 of the 99 census tracts of Viçosa were randomly selected using a random sampling scheme, without replacement. Household questionnaires were applied to obtain CJS data, sociodemographic conditions, behavioral factors and health status. Multivariable analysis was conducted using Poisson regression, adjusted for the sampling design effect, using the svy commands in Stata software. Results: Prevalence of CJS totaled 31.27%, significantly higher in women (18.45). Age ranges 40-49 (PR 1.50; 95CI 1.16-1.92) and 50-59 years (PR 1.55; 95CI 1.07-2.25); overweight (PR 1.60; 95CI 1.28-2.00); obesity (PR 1.60; 95CI 1.11-2.29); and those who self-reported performing heavy work (PR 1.27; 95CI 1.09-1.48) showed higher prevalences of CJS. Conclusion: Women and individuals who were older, overweight and performing heavy work had a higher risk of CJS in this adult population residing in Viçosa, MG, Brazil. Resumo Objetivo: Analisar os fatores associados aos sintomas articulares crônicos (SAC) em adultos. Método: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, de base populacional, com 1.217 adultos, na faixa etária de 20 a 59 anos, na cidade de Viçosa, MG, 2014. A amostragem foi realizada por conglomerados em duplo estágio, sendo as unidades de primeiro estágio os setores censitários, e, em seguida, os domicílios. Foram sorteados 30 setores dentre os 99 de Viçosa, por meio de amostragem casual simples, sem reposição. A coleta de dados foi composta por aplicação de questionário contendo questões relativas a variáveis de SAC, sociodemográficas, comportamentais e de saúde. Para verificar as associações, apresentaram-se proporções, razões de prevalência e seus respectivos intervalos de confiança de 95%. A análise múltipla foi realizada por meio da regressão de Poisson, utilizando o conjunto de comandos svy do software Stata, o qual considera o efeito da expansão da amostra na análise dos dados. Resultados: A prevalência estimada de SAC foi de 31,27%, maior nas mulheres (18,45%). Estiveram associadas ao SAC as mulheres (RP 1,49; IC95% 1,23-1,81); as idades de 40 e 49 (RP 1,50; IC95% 1,16-1,92) e 50 e 59 anos (RP 1,55; IC95% 1,07-2,25); o sobrepeso (RP 1,60; IC95% 1,28-2,00); a obesidade (RP 1,60; IC95% 1,11-2,29); e aqueles que autorreferiram realização de trabalho pesado (RP 1,27; IC95% 1,09-1,48). Conclusão: O sexo feminino, a faixa etária de 40 a 59 anos, o sobrepeso, a obesidade e a realização de trabalho pesado foram fatores de risco para SAC em adultos de Viçosa, MG.