Feather's Composition of South Polar Skua (Stercorarius maccormicki) Using WDXRF.

This study investigated the feathers' composition of South polar skua (Stercorarius maccormicki) using WDXRF, evaluating the concentration of essential and non-essential elements in the feathers, and dividing it into rachis and barb parts. We collected South polar skuas feathers from Hennequin Point, King George Island, South Shetland, Antarctic Peninsula in January of 2013. Our results show that 18 elements were observed in the composition of the feathers, with a different concentration between the rachis and barbs, qualitatively and quantitatively. Only 3 elements observed were classified as non-essentials but still mostly elements do not have a function described in the literature to the feathers. According to our knowledge, this is the first study that uses this technique to evaluate the concentration of different elements in the feathers. The findings of this study highlight the use of alternative techniques to biomonitoring elements in the ecosystem and bring baseline information for future studies.

HBP/O-GlcNAcylation Metabolic Axis Regulates Bone Resorption Outcome.

Osteoclasts play a key role in the regulation of bone mass and are highly active metabolically. Here we show that a metabolic reprogramming toward the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway (HBP) is required not only for osteoclast differentiation but also to determine the bone resorption mode during physiological and pathological bone remodeling. We found that pharmacological inhibition of O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) significantly reduced protein O-GlcNAcylation and osteoclast differentiation. Accordingly, genetic deletion of OGT also inhibited osteoclast formation and downregulated critical markers related to osteoclasts differentiation and function (NFATc1, αvintegrin, cathepsin K). Indeed, cells treated with OSMI-1, an OGT inhibitor, also reduced nuclear translocation of NFATc1. Furthermore, the addition of exogenous N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) strongly increased osteoclast formation and demineralization ability. Strikingly, our data show for the first time that O-GlcNAcylation facilitates an aggressive trench resorption mode in human cells. The incubation of osteoclasts with exogenous GlcNAc increases the percentage of erosion by trench while having no effect on pit resorption mode. Through time-lapse recording, we documented that osteoclasts making trenches moving across the bone surface are sensitive to GlcNAcylation. Finally, osteoclast-specific Ogt-deficient mice show increased bone density and reduced inflammation-induced bone loss during apical periodontitis model. We show that osteoclast-specific Ogt-deficient mice are less susceptible to develop bacterial-induced periapical lesion. Consistent with this, Ogt-deleted mice showed a decreased number of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive cells lining the apical periodontitis site. In summary, here we describe a hitherto undiscovered role of the HBP/O-GlcNAcylation axis tuning resorption mode and dictating bone resorption outcome.

Is the injection of tramadol effective at control of pain after impacted mandibular third molar extractions? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Third molar extraction is among the most common surgical procedures performed by oral-maxillofacial surgeons. Postoperative pain, swelling and trismus are common, especially in wisdom teeth, due to trauma to local tissues and the duration of the surgical procedure, among other factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the 'Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses' in order to answer the focused question: 'Is the local submucosal injection of tramadol effective at the control of postoperative pain in patients submitted to impacted mandibular third molar extractions?'. We analyzed papers published until March 30, 2021 in the MEDLINE|PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases. Gray literature was also consulted. Standard pairwise meta-analyses of direct comparisons were performed using a fixed-effect model; I2 ≥ 50 % or ≥ 75 % indicated moderate or high heterogeneity, respectively. Risk of bias was assessed by Cochrane Collaboration's tool. RESULTS: In total, 172 participants (98 males and 74 females, aged 18 or over) from three randomized placebo-controlled trials were considered for analysis. The submucosal injection of 2 ml of tramadol adjacent to the impacted mandibular third molar was effective in controlling pain up to 6-hours after surgery, in increasing the onset of consumption of rescue analgesic and in reducing the total number of rescue analgesics used. CONCLUSIONS: The submucosal injection of tramadol can be considered a safe and effective procedure for pain control after impacted mandibular third molar extractions.

Reproductive alterations of Biomphalaria glabrata (Say, 1818) infected with Angiostrongylus cantonensis (Chen, 1935) and exposed to Euphorbia milii var. hislopii latex.

The natural phytochemical latex of Euphorbia milii var. hislopii is one of the most promising natural molluscicides for the control of Biomphalaria glabrata, and has been widely studied under laboratory conditions for selective control of schistosomiasis transmission. However, the effect of this product on B. glabrata infected by other helminths had not yet been investigated. The present study reports evaluation of the effect of E. milii var. hislopii latex on the survival and reproductive activity of B. glabrata infected by Angiostrongylus cantonensis. For this purpose, the following groups were formed: control (C), exposed (E), infected (I) and infected and exposed for different time intervals (1 day - I+E-1D, 7 days - I+E-7D, 14 days - I+E-14D, 21 days - I+E-21D and 28 days - I+E-28D). The experimental infection was performed with L1 larvae of A. cantonensis and exposure to 0.08 mg/L (LC50) of E. milii latex for a period of 24 hours. We analyzed the effects of E. milii latex on the survival of snails during four weeks, reproductive parameters and possible histophysiopathological changes in the gonad and albumen gland of the snails. Regarding survival, there was reduction of more than 50% in the groups exposed to latex (E and I + E) compared to the control group. As for the number of ovigerous masses, eggs, and average number of hatched snails, significant increases were observed in the I+E-1D group at the 4th week compared to the control group and the other weeks in the same group. Angiostrongylus cantonensis larvae were observed in the gonad and albumen gland from day 21 and 28 of infection in groups I and I+E, respectively, with granuloma-like formation. At these observation periods and in these groups, an increase in galactogen was observed in the albumen gland, which influenced egg laying, suggesting the existence of a fecundity compensation mechanism phenomenon. It was possible to conclude that both stressors - A. cantonensis infection and exposure to E. milii latex - directly influenced the survival and reproductive parameters of B. glabrata.

Evaluation of maximal exercise capacity through the incremental shuttle walking test in lymphangioleiomyomatosis.

BACKGROUND: The cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) is the gold standard for assessing aerobic fitness; however, it is expensive, not widely available, and requires specialized equipment and staff. The incremental shuttle walking test (ISWT) is an exercise field test used to evaluate exercise capacity and may be an alternative to CPET in patients with lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM). OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether the ISWT can be used to assess maximal aerobic capacity in patients with LAM. METHODS: Forty-five women were evaluated on two days, and they randomly performed the CPET and ISWT. The maximum oxygen uptake (peak VO2) was evaluated using gas analyzers in both tests. The carbon dioxide production (VCO2), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), and heart rate (HR) were compared during peak exercise. Pearson's correlation and Bland-Altman assessed the association and agreement, respectively. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to assess the reliability of the data. RESULTS: All patients (46.1 ± 10.2 years) presented similar peak VO2, RER, and peak HR during the CPET and ISWT (15.6 ± 4.6 vs. 15.7 ± 4.4 ml·kg-1·min-1; 1.15±0.09 vs. 1.17±0.12; and 142.2 ± 18.6 vs. 141.5 ± 22.2 bpm, respectively; p>0.05). A good linear correlation (r = 0.79; p<0.001) and ICC (0.86; 95%CI 0.74-0.93) were observed between the peak VO2 in both tests. Predictive peak VO2 equations based on the ISWT performance are also presented. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the ISWT can be used to assess maximal exercise performance in patients with LAM, and it is a valuable option to be used as an alternative to the CPET and predict maximal exercise capacity.

Production of low-cholesterol butter with Lacticaseibacillus paracasei immobilized in calcium-alginate beads.

This study focused on the application of three strains of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei to assimilate cholesterol in cream and butter. The strains were enclosed in calcium-alginate beads and incubated in cream at 30 °C for 15 h. Immobilization of lactobacilli cultures in calcium-alginate beads resulted in a 23% reduction in cholesterol (p < 0.05) in cream, whereas a negligible reduction was observed in cream fermented with free cells. Butter with a 44% reduction in cholesterol was produced from fermented cream by L. paracasei L2A21K5 entrapped in alginate beads. No significant (p > 0.05) changes in the fatty acid profile were observed in the low-cholesterol butter, except for a slight but significant increase in n-3 fatty acids (p < 0.05). In addition, the indices of atherogenicity and thrombogenicity were significantly reduced in the low-cholesterol butter (p < 0.05). Panelists rated the low-cholesterol butter as good in appearance, consistency, and flavor.

Dietary supplementation with canthaxanthin and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol on the incubation performance and fertility of European quail breeders.

This study assessed the effects of combined supplementation with canthaxanthin (Cx) and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OH-D3) on incubation performance, fertility, and chick quality in European quail breeders. A total of 240 birds were distributed in a completely randomized design with 5 diets and 8 replicates. The animals were fed a basal diet containing 50 µg of vitamin D3 or the basal diet supplemented with 3 ppm Cx and 34.5 µg 25-OH-D3, 6 ppm Cx, and 69 µg 25-OH-D3, 9 ppm Cx and 103.5 µg 25-OH-D3, or 12 ppm Cx and 138 µg 25-OH-D3. Incubation performance was analyzed in 2 periods (32 and 38 wk). Breeders aged 32 wk produced eggs with higher hatchability (P = 0.024), hatchability of fertile eggs (P = 0.026) and lower initial plus mid embryonic mortality (P = 0.021), whereas 38-week-old breeders generated chicks with a higher length at hatching (P < 0.001) and lower final plus pipped embryonic mortality (P = 0.021). In both age groups, Cx + 25-OH-D3 levels had a quadratic effect on egg fertility (P < 0.001), hatchability of total (P < 0.001), and fertile eggs (P < 0.001). The fertility and the number of sperm cells in the perivitelline membrane was analyzed in two periods (26 and 40 wk). A quadratic effect of diet and days after mating on both parameters (P < 0.05) was observed. Eggs from supplementing breeders showed a high fertility (P < 0.001) and sperm cell counts (P < 0.001) for up to 7 and 3 d after mating, respectively, then the control group. Moreover, the supplementation of quail breeder diets with 6 ppm Cx + 69 µg 25-OH-D3 enhances sperm cell longevity in sperm storage tubules, hatchability of total and fertile eggs, fertility, and chick quality, especially in older quail's breeders and reduces embryonic mortality.

Complications associated with submental liposuction: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Liposuction is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures worldwide. Complications associated with submental liposuction are rare. However, when they occur they are significant and can cause disfiguring consequences. The objective of this study was evaluated complications from submentual liposuction in literature and description of clinical experience of complication after submentual liposuction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: At first, a scoping review was carried out online search with no time restrictions for complications after submental liposuction was performed in the databases Medline / PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. The variables analyzed were: age, sex, type of esthetic procedure, anesthesia, complications, time after Procedure, treatment, follow-up care, and sequelae. Then, a case of a patient with submental hematoma after an aesthetic procedure for submental liposuction was described. RESULTS: Firstly, 539 articles were selected, after application of the inclusion criteria, 4 studies were included. Most cases were female (8:1), with a mean age of 55.77 years. Postoperative complications were found, such as submental depression, submental edema, hypertrophic scar formation, scar contracture, cervical necrotizing fasciitis, Cervico-facial dystonia and transient facial nerve paralysis. The follow-up period for cases ranged from 3 to 12 months. The clinical case presented there was no sequelae. CONCLUSIONS: Submental liposuction requires the surgeon's attention. Anatomical knowledge, correct clinical and surgical management, diagnosis, and immediate approach to adverse situations are points that must be respected in this type of esthetic procedure to avoid more serious complications.

Unpaved road conservation planning at the catchment scale.

In addition to soil losses on hillslopes, unpaved rural roads, especially when poorly designed and maintained, can be a significant contributor to the erosive processes seen at the catchment scale. In areas with deep soils, the solutions primarily focus on channeling excess surface runoff into settling ponds or terraces. However, few studies have addressed runoff control from roads on steep slopes in areas of shallow soil. Modeling hydrological processes at the catchment scale is a useful strategy for choosing the most effective and least costly conservation practices to control surface runoff. This study applies a mathematical model to a monitored catchment in southern Brazil to better understand the effects of conservation practices on unpaved roads and their impact on the hydrological and erosive dynamics of a small rural catchment. We calibrated the LISEM model using data from eight stormwater events and evaluated how three different road conservation scenarios-low (LI), medium (MI), and high intensity (HI)-contributed to sediment yield (SY), surface runoff volume (Qe), and peak flow (Qp) reduction. The LI and MI scenarios involved installation of hydraulic structures to control the road surface runoff (i.e. road ditch graveling, diversion weirs and grass waterways) while the HI scenario added surface runoff control practices (grass strips) to surrounding crop fields, in addition to the practices included in the MI scenario. Based on these scenarios, the results showed a Qe reduction at the catchment outlet from - 3.5% (LI) to - 22.5% (HI). The Qp and SY varied from + 6.0% (LI) to - 292.5% (HI) and from + 20.0% (LI) to - 963.9% (HI), respectively. These results show that the low- and medium-intensity practices were not effective in controlling surface runoff from roads, based on the Qe, Qb, and SY observed at the catchment's outlet. On the other hand, when MI scenarios were complemented with practices to control surface runoff in the cultivated areas, a significant reduction in surface runoff (Qe and Qp) and SY was verified.

High prevalence of oral potentially malignant disorders and risk factors in a semi-urban brazilian city: a population-based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders (OPMDs) are defined as lesions with a greater likelihood of progressing to cancer. Population-based studies that evaluate the prevalence of OPMDs are scarce in Brazil. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of OPMDs and associated risk factors in a semi-urban Brazilian population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study, whose universe included individuals aged 40 years or older residing in a medium-sized city of northeastern Brazil. Data collection was divided into two steps: interview and oral examination. The outcome variable was the presence of OPMDs. The predictor variables were sociodemographic characteristics and risk habits. The bivariate analysis was performed through chi-square test. The crude prevalence ratios (PR) and its respective 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Poisson regression analysis with robust variance was used to calculate adjusted PRs and 95% CI. RESULTS: Three hundred fourteen individuals were included in the study. When asked about risk habits, 58.9% reported being current smokers or ex-smokers and 62.2% reported being current drinkers or ex-drinkers. The prevalence of OPMDs was 7.6% and was significantly higher among individuals with black skin color (p < 0.001), alcohol users (p = 0.017), and individuals with both tobacco and alcohol habits (p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, the population in the present study had a high frequency of risk habits associated with PMDs of the oral cavity.

A rapid screening method to evaluate acidifying activity by lactic acid bacteria.

The determination of pH in fermented milk is an important parameter for monitoring the production of acid by lactic acid bacteria (LAB). In this work, a colorimetric method is proposed that allows a fast determination of LAB acidification ability by evaluation of pH drop in whey fermentation. The proposed method uses spectrophotometry to measure the pH change by bacteria and uses bromocresol purple as a pH indicator dye. The absorbance at 430 nm of a buffer solution with bromocresol purple was found to be correlated with pH values. This colorimetric assay was linear within the pH range of 4.6-7.0. Upon regression analysis, linear equation y = -0.1267× + 0.9196 was obtained having r2 value of 0.9927. The assay was validated by the use of LAB fermentation in sweet whey and comparison to the values obtained by glass electrode/pH meter. Estimation of acidification activity of LAB in whey was found to be similar in both methods (r = 0.801, p > 0.05). The proposed procedure presents a viable alternative to the measurement of pH by the standard method and allows the simultaneous and fast screening of LAB acidifying activity.

Effects of melatonin on insulin signaling and inflammatory pathways of rats with apical periodontitis.

AIM: To verify the effects of melatonin supplementation on insulin sensitivity, plasma concentrations of inflammatory cytokines, insulin signalling and inflammatory pathways in the soleus (SM) and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles of rats with apical periodontitis (AP). METHODOLOGY: Seventy-two Wistar rats were distributed into 4 groups: (a) control (C), (b) control supplemented with melatonin (M), (c) AP (AP), and (d) AP supplemented with melatonin (AP + M). AP was induced by pulp exposure of the maxillary and mandibular right first and second molars to the oral environment. After AP induction, oral supplementation with 5 mg kg-1 melatonin (diluted in drinking water) for 60 days was initiated. At the end of the treatment, the following were analysed: (1) plasma concentrations of insulin and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1ß and IL-10) using ELISA kits; (2) glycaemia using enzymatic assay; (3) insulin resistance using homoeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index; and (4) phosphorylation status of pp185 tyrosine, Akt serine, IKKα/ß, and JNK in SM and EDL using Western blot. Analysis of variance of two or three factors was performed, followed by the Bonferroni test. P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: AP promoted insulin resistance, significantly increased (P < 0.05) plasma concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1ß), significantly decreased (P < 0.05) the concentration of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, impaired insulin signalling in SM, and increased IKKα/ß phosphorylation status in SM and EDL. Melatonin supplementation in rats with AP improved insulin sensitivity, significantly decreased (P < 0.05) TNF-α and IL-1ß, significantly increased (P < 0.05) IL-10 plasma concentrations, and changed the insulin signalling in soleus muscle and IKKα/ß phosphorylation status in SM and EDL muscles. CONCLUSIONS: Melatonin is a potent adjuvant treatment for improving apical periodontitis-associated changes in insulin sensitivity, insulin signalling and inflammatory pathways. In addition, the negative impact of AP on general health was also demonstrated.

Is there an association between the use of antidepressants and complications involving dental implants? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate published evidence on the association between the use of antidepressants and complications involving dental implants. Two reviewers independently performed electronic searches of the MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases for relevant articles published up to May 30, 2019. This review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used for the appraisal of the methodological quality of the studies included. A meta-analysis was performed to determine the risk of dental implant failure in individuals taking antidepressants. Five comparative observational studies were selected for this review; these included a total of 2056 participants with 5302 implants. The results suggest a risk ratio of 3.73 (95% confidence interval 1.85-7.52, P=0.0002) for implant failure in antidepressant users submitted to oral rehabilitation when compared to non-users. However, these studies did not present methodological rigour or standardize the drugs used. Thus, there is insufficient evidence for an association between antidepressant use and dental implant complications.

Secondary origin, hybridization and sexual reproduction in a diploid-tetraploid contact zone of the facultatively apomictic orchid Zygopetalum mackayi.

The production of triploids and apomictic reproduction are important processes for polyploid establishment and cytotype coexistence, but we know little about the interaction between triploids and facultatively apomictic plants. To bridge this gap, we studied the pollen-dependent, facultatively apomictic orchid Zygopetalum mackayi from high-elevation outcrops of southeast Brazil. We described the nature of the contact between Z. mackayi cytotypes and patterns of genetic diversity and structure based on eight microsatellite markers and 155 individuals of pure tetraploid, pure diploid and mixed cytotype populations. Our results revealed high values of genetic and genotypic diversity within all populations of Z. mackayi. Each cytotype emerged as a genetic distinct cluster, combining individuals from different populations. Triploids clustered in an intermediate position between diploids and tetraploids. Most genetic variance is associated with individuals within populations and genetic differentiation is high among populations. Mixed cytotype populations of Z. mackayi originate from secondary contact. Triploids are hybrids between diploids and tetraploids and likely act as a bridge. Our results point to the predominance of sexual reproduction in all populations but do not corroborate previous basic chromosome number for this species. Polyploidy rather than facultative apomixis may explain the larger geographic distribution of tetraploids of Z. mackayi.

Histamine and cholesterol lowering abilities of lactic acid bacteria isolated from artisanal Pico cheese.

AIMS: This study was designed to select lactic acid bacteria with histamine- and cholesterol-reducing abilities to be used as potential probiotics. METHODS AND RESULTS: Thirty strains of lactic acid bacteria isolated from an artisanal raw milk cheese were screened for their abilities to degrade histamine, reduce cholesterol and hydrolyse bile salts. Strains were also screened for safety and probiotic traits, such as resistance to gastrointestinal conditions, adhesion to Caco-2 cells, resistance to antibiotics and presence of virulence genes. Two Lactobacillus paracasei strains presented high cholesterol- and histamine-lowering abilities, tested negative for the presence of virulence genes and showed susceptibility to most important antibiotics. These strains were also shown to possess desirable in vitro probiotic properties, revealed by tolerance to gastrointestinal conditions and high adhesion to intestinal cells. CONCLUSIONS: Among the screened strains, Lb. paracasei L3C21M6 revealed the best cholesterol and histamine reducing abilities together with desirable probiotic and safety features to be used in food applications. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The strain L3C21M6 is a good candidate for use as a probiotic with histamine-degrading activity and cholesterol lowering effect. In addition, this strain could be use in dairy foods to prevent histamine food poisoning.

Self-regulation model applied to menopause: a mixed-methods study.

Objectives: Considering that bio-psycho-sociocultural variables influence menopause, this research aimed to assess the suitability of the self-regulation model in explaining the menopausal experience, and to explore differences among participants with different characteristics (e.g. health, sexual related) regarding menopause representations.Methods: Overall, 27 Portuguese women aged 40-65 years were assessed for sociodemographics, health, and sexual activity, as well as menopausal status and symptoms. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted. A directed content analysis was performed, and the qualitative data presented. Afterward, the frequencies of the categories were analyzed through quantitative methods (Mann-Whitney U tests).Results: Aging was the most frequently mentioned feature regarding menopause Identity, whereas vasomotor symptoms were the most mentioned regarding Negative Consequences and menses cessation regarding Positive Consequences. Features related to Cause (hormonal changes) and Control (need for acceptance) of menopause were also identified. No differences were found in the frequency of menopause representations between women with different characteristics (e.g. with higher vs. lower vasomotor symptom severity).Conclusion: The suitability of the self-regulation model to explain these women's menopause experience was confirmed and the representations did not vary among participants with different characteristics. This research might help professionals and researchers in developing comprehensive interventions, based on this theoretical model.

Palatogingival groove and root canal instrumentation.

AIM: To evaluate the morphology and impact of root canal preparation in maxillary incisors with palatogingival grooves (PGG). METHODOLOGY: Twenty extracted human maxillary incisors with PGG were subjected to macroscopic analysis and scanning electron microscopy analysis (SEM). The following characteristics of the PGG were evaluated: depth, point of origin in the cingulum, extension and position on the lingual surface. Furthermore, the presence of calculus, communications between the root canal system and the PGG, and root resorptions were investigated. The root canals were subsequently instrumented with K-files of three consecutive sizes. The teeth were sectioned, and the axial plane of each tooth section was imaged using SEM before and after instrumentation. The distance between the root canal walls and the PGG was calculated according to the location. Additionally, the distance between canal walls and cementum was measured at three different sites, to verify if instrumentation influenced dentine removal on a specific wall in teeth with PGG. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney or Student's t-test (P < 0.05). RESULTS: Macroscopic analysis revealed that a deep groove was most frequently observed (75%), followed by a depression/shallow groove (25%) (P < 0.05). PGG typically originated in the distal margin ridge of the cingulum (65%) (P < 0.05), extending only to the middle (45%) or up to the apical (50%) third of the root (P < 0.05). Additionally, PGGs were typically located on the distal aspect of the lingual surface (70%) (P < 0.05). Calculus was concentrated on the surface of the crown and cementum-enamel junction (P < 0.05). Communication between the root canal and PGG was present in 35% of teeth, and root resorptions were noted in 50% of teeth. The distance between the external root surface and the pulp cavity was significantly narrower after instrumentation (P < 0.05); however, root canal preparation did not influence dentine removal on the specific wall associated with the groove (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Palatogingival grooves were characteristically deep and originated from the distal margin of the cingulum. Although it has been associated with a thinner root wall, root canal preparation did not influence the thickness of the specific wall in the maxillary incisors with PGG.

Male-Produced Sex Pheromone of Tibraca limbativentris Revisited: Absolute Configurations of Zingiberenol Stereoisomers and their Influence on Chemotaxis Behavior of Conspecific Females.

The rice stalk stink bug, Tibraca limbativentris, is an important rice pest in Brazil with a high invasive potential for Mexico and the USA. The sex pheromone of this species was previously identified as a combination of two stereoisomers of 1,10-bisaboladien-3-ol (zingiberenol), but the absolute configurations of these sesquiterpenes were not determined, neither were their effect(s) on T. limbativentris behavior evaluated. In this study, using two chiral columns, we compared retention times of the two natural 1,10-bisaboladien-3-ol stereoisomers from air-entrainment samples of male T. limbativentris with those of synthetic stereoisomers of 1,10-bisaboladien-3-ol. The results showed that T. limbativentris males produce (3S,6S,7R)-1,10-bisaboladien-3-ol (1) and (3R,6S,7R)-1,10-bisaboladien-3-ol (5) as their sex pheromone. Two new minor, male-specific components were also identified as cis and trans isomers of 2,10-bisaboladien-1-ol (sesquipiperitol). Y-tube olfactometer bioassays showed that the major (3S,6S,7R) isomer 1 was essential for attraction of T. limbativentris females, but the minor (3R,6S,7R) isomer 2 was not, nor did it show synergistic/antagonistic effects when added to the major isomer. The (1S,6S,7R) and (1R,6S,7R) stereoisomers of sesquipepiritol also attracted T. limbativentris females.

Utilização da lipoproteína de baixa densidade, em diferentes concentrações, em meio diluidor para criopreservação do sêmen ovino / Use of low density lipoprotein in different concentrations in diluent medium for cryopreservation of ovine semen

A utilização da gema de ovo dificulta a padronização de meios diluidores e apresenta riscos biológicos. Assim, este estudo avaliou diferentes concentrações da lipoproteína de baixa densidade (LDL), em substituição à gema de ovo, para a confecção de diluentes para criopreservação espermática em ovinos. Foram utilizados um diluidor controle (CTR= 20% de gema de ovo) e cinco tratamentos, substituindo-se a gema pelas diferentes proporções de LDL (T1=6%; T2=8%; T3=12%; T4=16%; T5=20%), todos à base de TRIS-glicerol. Para o estudo, utilizaram-se dois ejaculados, de seis reprodutores da raça Santa Inês. Sessenta dias após a criopreservação, as amostras foram descongeladas e avaliadas subjetivamente quanto à motilidade total (MT, %) e progressiva (MP, %), ao vigor (1-5) e à integridade funcional (choque hisposmótico com água destilada, %) e estrutural (corante supravital eosina, %) das membranas espermáticas. As avaliações de vigor e funcionalidade de membrana não diferiram (P>0,05) entre os grupos. Entretanto, os grupos T4 (P<0,01) e T5 (P<0,05) foram superiores ao CTR para os parâmetros MT, MP e integridade estrutural de membrana, o que confirma que as LDLs podem ser alternativas eficientes para substituição da gema de ovo em diluidores para criopreservação de sêmen ovino.(AU)

The use of egg yolk makes it difficult to standardize extenders and presents biological hazards. Thus, this study evaluated different concentrations of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) to replace yolk extenders for production of sperm for cryopreservation in ovine. A control extender was used (CTR= 20% yolk) and five treatments, replacing the yolk by different ratios of LDL (T1= 6%; T2= 8%, T3= 12%; T4= 16%; T5= 20%) all based on TRIS-glycerol. For the study, two ejaculates from six Santa Ines breeding were used. Sixty days after cryopreservation, the samples were thawed and evaluated for total motility (MT, %) and progressive motility (MP, %), vigor (1-5) and the functional integrity (hyposmotic shock with distilled water, %) and structural (supravital dye eosin, %) of the sperm membranes. The evaluations of strength and membrane functionality didn't differ (P> 0.05) between groups. However, T4 (P< 0.01) and T5 (P< 0.05) groups were superior to the CTR for the MT, MP, and membrane structural integrity parameters, which confirms that LDLs can be efficient alternatives for yolk replacement in extenders for cryopreservation of ovine semen.(AU)

Multispecies biofilm formation by the contaminating microbiota in raw milk.

Biofilms can be formed on the surfaces of dairy processing equipment and are a potential source of product contamination. This study evaluated the diversity of multispecies biofilms formed on stainless steel (SS) due to the contaminating microbiota in raw milk. Samples of raw milk were used: one was fresh milk and the other maintained in refrigerated bulk tanks for up to 48 h. The mesophilic aerobic contamination was ∼104 CFU ml-1 in fresh milk and 106 CFU ml-1 in bulk milk. SS coupons were kept immersed in the milk at 7 ±2 °C for 10 days, and every two days, the raw milk was changed for samples of the same origin collected on the current day. After incubation for 10 days, sessile cells in the biofilm reached 105 CFU cm-2 in the presence of fresh milk, and 106 CFU cm-2 in the presence of bulk milk. The genetic diversity analysis showed that Gammaproteobacteria and Bacilli predominated in the biofilms throughout the incubation of both milk samples and these biofilms showed a reduction in diversity over time. The main classes of bacteria found in these biofilms have representatives of great importance since many of them have spoilage potential.