Exploring fishery waste potential as antifouling component.

Marine biofouling is a global issue with economic and ecological implications. Existing solutions, such as biocide-based antifouling paints, are toxic for the environment. The search for better antifouling agents remains crucial. Recent research focuses on eco-friendly antifouling paints containing natural compounds like enzymes. This study evaluates enzymatic extracts from fishery residues for antifouling potential. Extracts from Pleoticus muelleri shrimp, Illex argentinus squid, and Lithodes santolla king crab were analyzed. Proteolytic activity and thermal stability were assessed, followed by bioassays on mussel byssus thread formation and barnacle cypris adhesive footprints. All three extracts demonstrated proteolytic activity and 24-h stability at temperate oceanic temperatures, except I. argentinus. P. muelleri extracts hindered cyprid footprint formation and mussel byssus thread generation. Further purification is required for L. santolla extract to assess its antifouling potential activity. This study introduces the use of fishery waste-derived enzyme extracts as a novel antifouling agent, providing a sustainable tool to fight against biofouling formation.

First report of Fusarium wilt of Cavendish bananas caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense Tropical Race 4 in Venezuela.

Fusarium wilt of banana (Musa spp.), caused by the soil-borne fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc), is a major constraint to banana production worldwide (Dita et al., 2018). A strain of Foc that affects Cavendish (AAA) bananas in the tropics, called Foc tropical race 4 (TR4; VCG 01213), is of particular concern. Foc TR4 was first detected in Malaysia and Indonesia around 1990 but was restricted to Southeast Asia and northern Australia until 2012. The fungus has since been reported from Africa, the Indian subcontinent, and the Middle East (Viljoen et al., 2020). Foc TR4 was detected in Colombia in 2019 and in Perú in 2021 (Reyes-Herrera et al., 2020). The incursions into Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) triggered global concerns, as 75% of international export bananas are produced in the region. Banana production in Venezuela, however, is primarily intended for domestic consumption (Aular and Casares, 2011). In 2021 the country produced 533,190 metric tons of banana on an area of 35,896 ha, with an approximate yield of 14,853 kg/ha (FAOSTAT, 2023). In July 2022, severe leaf-yellowing, and wilting, along with internal vascular discoloration of the pseudostem, were noted in Cavendish banana plants cultivar 'Valery' in the states of Aragua (10°11'8″N; 67°34'51″W), Carabobo (10º14'24″N; 67º48'51″W), and Cojedes (9°37'44″N; 68°55'4″W). Necrotic strands from the pseudostems of diseased plants were collected for identification of the causal agent using DNA-based techniques, vegetative compatibility group (VCG) analysis and pathogenicity testing. The samples were first surface disinfected and plated onto potato dextrose agar medium. Single-spored isolates were identified as F. oxysporum based on cultural and morphological characteristics, including white colonies with purple centres, infrequent macroconidia, abundant microconidia on short monophialides, and terminal or intercalary chlamydospores (Leslie and Summerell, 2006). Foc TR4 was identified from five isolates by endpoint and quantitative-PCR using four different primer sets (Li et al. 2013; Dita et al. 2010; Aguayo et al. 2017; Matthews et al. 2020). The same isolates were identified as VCG 01213 by successfully pairing nitrate non-utilizing (nit-1) mutants of the unknown strains with Nit-M testers of Foc TR4 available at Stellenbosch University (Leslie and Summerell, 2006). For pathogenicity testing, 3-month-old Cavendish banana plants cultivar 'Williams' were inoculated with isolates from Venezuela grown on sterile millet seed (Viljoen et al., 2017). Plants developed typical Fusarium wilt symptoms 60 days after inoculation, including yellowing of leaves that progressed from the older to the younger leaves, wilting, and internal discoloration of the pseudostem. Koch's postulates were fulfilled by reisolating and identifying Foc TR4 from the plants by qPCR (Matthews et al., 2020). These results provide scientific proof of the presence of Foc TR4 in Venezuela. The Venezuelan Plant Protection Organization (INSAI) has declared Foc TR4 as a newly introduced pest (January 19, 2023), and infested banana fields were placed under quarantine. Comprehensive surveys are now conducted in all production areas in Venezuela to assess the presence and impact of Foc TR4, and information campaigns were started to make farmers aware of biosecurity protocols. Collaborative initiatives and coordinated actions among all stakeholders are needed to prevent the spread of Foc TR4 to other countries in Latin America, and to develop Foc TR4-resistant bananas (Figueiredo et al. 2023).

Erupción dentaria y actividad de caries: ¿es un factor de riesgo en adolescentes?

Resumen Objetivo: describir el comportamiento, distribución y severidad de las lesiones de caries en las superficies oclusales de los segundos molares permanentes. Relacionarlo a su etapa de erupción y presencia de actividad en el resto de la cavidad bucal. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo en una muestra de conveniencia de 100 adolescentes, de ambos sexos, (edad promedio=13,39±0,94 años). Los padres respondieron un cuestionario sobre aspectos socioeconómicos y salud general y los adolescentes sobre dieta y hábitos de higiene. Dos examinadoras calibradas realizaron el examen clínico de acuerdo a los criterios de ICDAS II en todas las superficies erupcionadas, así como el mapeo de la cara oclusal y la etapa de erupción de los segundos molares permanentes. Resultados: la prevalencia de caries fue de un 97% y la extensión (CPOD modificado) de 8,45± 5,10. El 82% de los adolescentes con experiencia de caries presentaba lesiones activas y el 62% de los carioactivos presentaban lesiones únicamente en las caras oclusales de los segundos molares permanentes. Se observó mayor prevalencia de lesiones de caries activas en los estadíos I y II de erupción de los segundos molares permanentes, siendo los sitios más afectados la fosa central y mesial y la fosa central y distal, respectivamente. Conclusiones: La erupción activa de molares significa una etapa de riesgo para las personas que debe ser considerada al momento priorizar y establecer programas de salud bucal.

Resumo Objetivo: descrever o comportamento, distribuição e severiidade das lesões de cárie nas superfícies oclusais dos segundos molares permanentes. Relacionar com seu estágio de erupção e presença de atividade no resto da cavidade oral. Metodologia: Foi realizado um estudo descritivo em uma amostra de conveniência de 100 adolescentes, de ambos os sexos, (média de idade = 13,39 ± 0,94 anos). Os pais responderam a um questionário sobre aspectos socioeconômicos e de saúde geral e os adolescentes sobre alimentação e hábitos de higiene. Dois examinadores calibrados realizaram o exame clínico de acordo com os critérios do ICDAS II em todas as superfícies erupcionadas, além de mapear a superfície oclusal e o estágio de erupção dos segundos molares permanentes. Resultados: a prevalência de cárie foi de 97% e a extensão (CPOD modificado) de 8,45 ± 5,10. 82% dos adolescentes com experiência de cárie tinham lesões ativas e 62% dos carioativos tinham lesões apenas nas superfícies oclusais dos segundos molares permanentes. Maior prevalência de lesões de cárie ativas foi observada nos estágios I e II de erupção dos segundos molares permanentes, sendo os locais mais acometidos a fossa central e mesial e a fossa central e distal, respectivamente. Conclusões: A erupção ativa de molares representa uma etapa de risco para as pessoas que deve ser considerada na priorização e estabelecimento de programas de saúde bucal.

Abstract Objective: to describe the behavior, distribution, and severity of lesions on the occlusal surfaces of the second permanent molars. Relate it to its stage of eruption and presence of activity in the rest of oral cavity. Methodology: A descriptive study was conducted in a convenience sample of 100 adolescents of both sexes (mean age = 13.39 ± 0.94 years). The parents answered a questionnaire on socioeconomic characteristics and general health, and the adolescents, one on food and hygiene habits. Two calibrated examiners recorder caries according to ICDAS II on all the dental surfaces . They also mapped the occlusal surface and eruption stage of the second permanent molars. Results: the prevalence of caries was 97%, and the extension (modified DMFT) was 8.45 ± 5.10. Eighty-two percent of the adolescents with caries experience had active lesions, and 62% of those with caries had lesions only on the occlusal surfaces of the second permanent molars. A higher prevalence of active caries lesions was observed in eruption stages I and II of the second permanent molars. The most affected sites were the central and mesial fossa and the central and distal fossa. Conclusions: Active molar eruption entails a risk stage that should be considered when prioritizing and developing oral health programs.

Dermatomiositis y su repercusión en la cavidad bucal / Dermatomyositis and its repercussion in the oral cavity

Introducción: La dermatomiositis es una enfermedad multisistémica de probable etiología autoinmune. Esta enfermedad se caracteriza por la aparición de manifestaciones bucomaxilofaciales como afectación de la articulación temporomandibular, secundario con sus respectivas manifestaciones y periodontitis entre otras. Objetivo: Identificar las principales manifestaciones bucomaxilofaciales que se pueden presentar en los pacientes diagnosticados con dermatomiositis. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, de serie de casos, en 20 pacientes diagnosticados con dermatomiositis y manifestaciones bucomaxilofaciales. Se utilizó la observación dirigida y la revisión documental como técnicas de investigación para identificar la presencia de manifestaciones. Resultados: La mayor cantidad de manifestaciones fueron intrabucales y las más frecuentes afectaron el periodonto de protección (41,8 por ciento), le siguieron las extrabucales en la región labial (28 por ciento). Un total de 16 pacientes tuvieron alteraciones en la articulación temporomandibular, lo que representó un 80 por ciento, y todos los pacientes presentaron periodontopatías (100 por ciento). Conclusiones: En los pacientes con dermatomiositis, predominaron las lesiones en el periodonto de protección, y no hubo gran afectación extrabucal; 16 pacientes presentaron alteración en la articulación temporomandibular, y la lesión intrabucal que más se evidenció fue la periodontopatía(AU)

Introduction: Dermatomyositis is a multisystemic disease of probable autoimmune etiology. This disease is characterized by the appearance of bucomaxillofacial manifestations such as involvement of the temporomandibular joint, secondary with its respective manifestations and periodontitis, among others. Objective: To identify the main oral and maxillofacial manifestations that can occur in patients diagnosed with dermatomyositis. Methods: An observational, descriptive, case series study was carried out in patients diagnosed with dermatomyositis. 20 patients with oral and maxillofacial manifestations, diagnosed with dermatomyositis. Guided observation and documentary review were used as investigative techniques to identify the presence of manifestations. Results: The intraoral location where the most manifestations occurred was in the protective periodontium for 41.8 percent, in the extraoral the labial region, with 28 percent, 16 patients presented alterations in the temporomandibular joint, which represented 80 percent, patients with periodontal disease predominated with 100 percent. Conclusions: Lesions in the protective periodontium predominated, there was no great extraoral involvement, 16 patients presented alteration in the temporomandibular joint, the intra-oral injury that was most evident was periodontopathy(AU)

Evolución del estudio de las manifestaciones bucomaxilofaciales del lupus eritematoso sistémico / Evolution of the study of bucomaxilofacial manifestations of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

El lupus eritematoso sistémico provoca manifestaciones bucomaxilofaciales. Debido a su variabilidad, se torna complejo para el odontólogo evaluar a los pacientes que lo padecen, además de la escasa evidencia científica en cuanto al manejo en la cavidad bucal, que hacen difícil su identificación y diagnóstico. El propósito de la presente investigación es caracterizar la evolución histórica del estudio de las lesiones bucomaxilofaciales del lupus eritematoso sistémico, mediante una exhaustiva revisión bibliográfica y el empleo de descriptores en inglés y español. Esta enfermedad tiene consecuencias en la cavidad bucal, pero las lesiones pueden presentarse asintomáticas, por lo que el diagnóstico depende de identificar las lesiones. El estudio de las manifestaciones bucomaxilofaciales en esta enfermedad ha venido evolucionando lentamente con el transcurso del tiempo, pero aún no es suficiente, a pesar de los adelantos de la ciencia y la técnica(AU)

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in its development causes bucomaxilofacial manifestations. Given its variability, it becomes complex for the dentist when evaluating patients who suffer from it, due to the poor synthesis of evidence, based on its management in the oral cavity, from its identification and diagnosis. This led to the realization of this research, with the purpose of characterizing the historical evolution of the study process on bucomaxilofacial lesions, through an exhaustive literature review using different descriptors in English and Spanish. As a result, it was observed that this disease has consequences in the oral cavity, the lesions may appear asymptomatic and their presence is decisive for the diagnosis. Concluding that the study of bucomaxilofacial manifestations in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus has been evolving over time, but it is still not enough, and even more so with the advances in science and technology(AU)

Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor-1 (p55) Deficiency Attenuates Tumor Growth and Intratumoral Angiogenesis and Stimulates CD8+ T Cell Function in Melanoma.

The role of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in shaping the tumor microenvironment is ambiguous. Consistent with its uncertain role in melanoma, TNF-α plays a dual role, either acting as a cytotoxic cytokine or favoring a tumorigenic inflammatory microenvironment. TNF-α signals via two cognate receptors, namely TNFR1 (p55) and TNFR2 (p75), which mediate divergent biological activities. Here, we analyzed the impact of TNFR1 deficiency in tumor progression in the B16.F1 melanoma model. Tumors developed in mice lacking TNFR1 (TNFR1 knock-out; KO) were smaller and displayed lower proliferation compared to their wild type (WT) counterpart. Moreover, TNFR1 KO mice showed reduced tumor angiogenesis. Although no evidence of spontaneous metastases was observed, conditioned media obtained from TNFR1 KO tumors increased tumor cell migration. Whereas the analysis of tumor-associated immune cell infiltrates showed similar frequency of total and M2-polarized tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), the percentage of CD8+ T cells was augmented in TNFR1 KO tumors. Indeed, functional ex vivo assays demonstrated that CD8+ T cells obtained from TNFR1KO mice displayed an increased cytotoxic function. Thus, lack of TNFR1 attenuates melanoma growth by modulating tumor cell proliferation, migration, angiogenesis and CD8+ T cell accumulation and activation, suggesting that interruption of TNF-TNFR1 signaling may contribute to control tumor burden.

Manifestaciones maxilofaciales en pacientes con artritis reumatoide / Maxillofacial manifestations in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Introducción: La artritis reumatoide es una enfermedad sistémica crónica inflamatoria que se caracteriza por una reacción autoinmune y puede producir manifestaciones bucofaciales. Objetivo: Describir las manifestaciones maxilofaciales de la artritis reumatoide. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, de serie de casos, de 25 pacientes con artritis reumatoide, seleccionados por el método aleatorio simple, ingresados en el Servicio de Reumatología del Hospital Provincial Clinicoquirúrgico Docente Saturnino Lora Torres de Santiago de Cuba, de septiembre de 2016 a febrero de 2017, a los cuales se les efectuó un examen físico detallado intra- y extrabucal. Resultados: La localización intrabucal donde existieron más manifestaciones fue el periodonto de protección (84,0 %), seguido del periodonto de inserción (40,0 %). En cuanto a las manifestaciones extrabucales, fueron escasas, con un leve predominio de afectación en la región parotídea (32,0 %). La mayoría de la serie presentó alteraciones de la articulación temporomandibular (80,0 %) y periodontopatías (84,0 %); en tanto, una minoría padeció ulceraciones y manchas negras (con 12,0 %, respectivamente). Conclusiones: En esta investigación se identificaron grandes afectaciones del complejo bucal, como periodontopatías, alteraciones de la articulación temporomandibular, entre otras, que pueden influir negativamente en la calidad de vida de estos pacientes.

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic inflammatory chronic disease characterized by an autoimmune reaction and it can produce oral and facial manifestations. Objective: To describe the maxillofacial manifestations of the rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: An observational, descriptive series of cases study, of 25 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, randomly selected, who were admitted in the Rheumatology Service of Saturnino Lora Torres Teaching Clinical-Surgical Provincial Hospital in Santiago de Cuba was carried out, from September, 2016 to February, 2017, to whom an intraoral and extraoral detailed physical examination was made. Results: The intraoral localization where more manifestations existed was the protection periodonto (84.0 %), followed by the insertion periodonto (40.0 %). As for the extraoral manifestations, they were scarce, with a mild prevalence of damage in the parotid region (32.0 %). Most of the series presented temporomandibular joint changes (80.0 %) and periodontopathies (84.0 %); while a small minority suffered ulcerations and black stains (with 12.0 % each). Conclusions: In this investigation considerable changes of the oral complex were identified, such as periodontopathies, changes of the temporomandibular joint, among other that can influence negatively in the life quality of these patients.

NeuroEPO Preserves Neurons from Glutamate-Induced Excitotoxicity.

Many experimental studies show that erythropoietin (EPO) has a neuroprotective action in the brain. EPO in acute and chronic neurological disorders, particularly in stroke, traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, has neuroprotective effects. We previously reported the neuroprotective effect of NeuroEPO, a low sialic form of EPO, against oxidative stress induced by glutamate excitotoxicity. In this paper, we analyze the effect of NeuroEPO against apoptosis induced by glutamate excitotoxicity in primary neuronal cultures obtained from the forebrains of Wistar rat embryos after 17 days of gestation. Excitotoxicity was induced after nine days of in vitro culture by treatment with a culture medium containing 100µM glutamate for 15 min. To withdraw glutamate, a new medium containing 100 ng NeuroEPO/mL was added. Apoptosis was analyzed after 24 h. Images obtained by phase contrast microscopy show that neurons treated with glutamate exhibit cell body shrinkage, loss of dendrites that do not make contact with neighboring cells, and that NeuroEPO was able to preserve the morphological characteristics of the control. Immunocytochemistry images show that the culture is essentially pure in neurons; that glutamate causes cell mortality, and that this is partially avoided when the culture medium is supplemented with NeuroEPO. Activation of intrinsic apoptotic pathways was analyzed. The decreases in Bcl-2/Bax ratio, increase in the release of cytochrome c, and in the expression and activity of caspase-3 observed in cells treated with glutamate, were restored by NeuroEPO. The results from this study show that NeuroEPO protects cortical neurons from glutamate-induced apoptosis via upregulation of Bcl-2 and inhibit glutamate-induced activation of caspase-3.

In Vitro Methods to Study the Modulation of Migration and Invasion by Sphingosine-1-Phosphate.

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a bioactive lipid that modulates migratory behavior of cells during embryonic development. In addition, S1P might promote tumor progression by enhancing migratory ability and invasiveness of tumor cells. Migration is a complex process that implies cytoskeletal reorganization and formation of structures that enable cell movement. Besides having similar requirements than migration, invasion also involves proteolytic degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM). Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) have been identified to break down components of the ECM, allowing cancer cells to spread out of the primary tumor. In this chapter, we will describe different techniques to study migration and invasion induced by S1P. To this end, we include detailed protocols of end-point assays to study migration/invasion, and zymography assay to analyze MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity that were standardized in our laboratory in human melanoma cell lines.

Energy reserves mobilization: Strategies of three decapod species.

In food deprivation assays, several different responses have been observed in crustaceans. However, studying energy reserves utilization among more than one species during the same starvation period has not yet been performed, particularly to discern whether the responses are due to intrinsic and/or environmental factors. We hypothesize that decapod species with similar feeding habits have the same strategies in the use of energetic reserves during starvation, even though they inhabit different environments. The aim of this study was to compare the energy reserves mobilization of three decapods species (Cherax quadricarinatus, Palaemon argentinus and Munida gregaria) with similar feeding habits, exposed to similar food deprivation conditions. The crayfish, shrimp and squat-lobster were experimentally kept at continuous feeding or continuous starvation throughout 15 days. Every 3rd day, the midgut gland index (MGI), and the glycogen, lipid and protein contents were measured in the midgut gland (MG) and pleon muscle. Palaemon argentinus mobilized more reserves during starvation, followed by C. quadricarinatus, and the last M. gregaria. The starved shrimps presented low MGI, whereas MG showed a reduction in glycogen (from day 6 to 15), lipid (from day 3 to 15), and protein levels (at day 9 and 15) while in their muscle, lipid reserves decreased at days 3 and 6. In C. quadricarinatus, the most affected parameters in the MG were MGI, glycogen (from day 6 to 15), and lipids (at day 12 and 15). In the MG of M. gregaria only the glycogen was reduced during fasting from 3 to 15 days. Even though the three studied species have similar feeding habitats, we found that their energetic profile utilization is different and it could be explained by the habitat, life span, temperature, organ/tissue, and metabolism of the species. Our results may be useful to understand the several different responses of crustaceans during starvation.

Uso de la crema Vimang® en la cicatrización alveolar después de la extracción dentaria en un paciente con diabetes mellitus / Use of the Vimang® cream in the alveolar healing after dental extraction in a patient with diabetes mellitus

Se presenta el caso clínico de un anciano de 75 años de edad, con antecedentes de hipertensión arterial y diabetes mellitus, quien acudió a consulta estomatológica para que le extrajeran el segundo molar inferior izquierdo por presentar gran destrucción debido a caries dental. Después de concluir el proceder se le aplicó la crema Vimang® directamente en el alveolo para acelerar los procesos de cicatrización y evitar cualquier complicación inmediata o mediata; luego se indicó 4 veces al día después de cepillarse. El paciente logró la curación a los 15 días y no se detectó ninguna reacción adversa

The case report of a 75 years old man with history of hypertension and diabetes mellitus is presented. He went to the stomatological service to have the second left lower molar extracted, because it had a great destruction due to dental decay. After concluding the procedure the Vimang® cream was directly applied in the alveolus to accelerate the healing processes and avoid any immediate or mediate complication; then it was indicated 4 times a day after brushing his teeth. The patient achieved healing after 15 days and no adverse reaction was detected

Sphingosine-1 Phosphate: A New Modulator of Immune Plasticity in the Tumor Microenvironment.

In the last 15 years, increasing evidences demonstrate a strong link between sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and both normal physiology and progression of different diseases, including cancer and inflammation. Indeed, numerous studies show that tissue levels of this sphingolipid metabolite are augmented in many cancers, affecting survival, proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastatic spread. Recent insights into the possible role of S1P as a therapeutic target has attracted enormous attention and opened new opportunities in this evolving field. In this review, we will focus on the role of S1P in cancer, with particular emphasis in new developments that highlight the many functions of this sphingolipid in the tumor microenvironment. We will discuss how S1P modulates phenotypic plasticity of macrophages and mast cells, tumor-induced immune evasion, differentiation and survival of immune cells in the tumor milieu, interaction between cancer and stromal cells, and hypoxic response.

Filamin A Expression Negatively Regulates Sphingosine-1-Phosphate-Induced NF-κB Activation in Melanoma Cells by Inhibition of Akt Signaling.

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a bioactive lipid mediator that regulates many processes in inflammation and cancer. S1P is a ligand for five G-protein-coupled receptors, S1PR1 to -5, and also has important intracellular actions. Previously, we showed that intracellular S1P is involved in tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF)-induced NF-κB activation in melanoma cell lines that express filamin A (FLNA). Here, we show that extracellular S1P activates NF-κB only in melanoma cells that lack FLNA. In these cells, S1P, but not TNF, promotes IκB kinase (IKK) and p65 phosphorylation, IκBα degradation, p65 nuclear translocation, and NF-κB reporter activity. NF-κB activation induced by S1P was mediated via S1PR1 and S1PR2. Exogenous S1P enhanced the phosphorylation of protein kinase Cδ (PKCδ), and its downregulation reduced S1P-induced the phosphorylation of IKK and p65. In addition, silencing of Bcl10 also inhibited S1P-induced IKK phosphorylation. Surprisingly, S1P reduced Akt activation in melanoma cells that express FLNA, whereas in the absence of FLNA, high phosphorylation levels of Akt were maintained, enabling S1P-mediated NF-κB signaling. In accord, inhibition of Akt suppressed S1P-mediated IKK and p65 phosphorylation and degradation of IκBα. Hence, these results support a negative role of FLNA in S1P-mediated NF-κB activation in melanoma cells through modulation of Akt.