Performance of polymyxin B agar-based tests among carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales.

Therapeutic options for infections caused by Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) are restricted and include polymyxins-centred schemes. Evaluation of in vitro susceptibility is difficult and time consuming. Agar-based methodologies are an alternative to broth microdilution (BMD) and we aimed to evaluate the accuracy of those methods among Enterobacterales. A total of 137 non-duplicated CRE were subjected to polymyxin B BMD, agar screening test (Mueller Hinton plates containing 3 µg ml-1 of polymyxin B) and agar dilution (antibiotic serially diluted 0·25-64 µg ml-1 ). CRE of 42·3% were resistant to polymyxin B (MICs range: 0·25->64 µg ml-1 ) and 16·8% presented borderline MICs. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV were 86·2, 98·7, 98 and 90·7% for screening test and 86·2, 97·5, 96·1 and 90·6% for agar dilution. ME was 0·73 and 1·5% for screening and agar dilution respectively; VME was 5·8% for both techniques. In general, agar-based methods had a good performance. As far as we know, this is the first study to propose an agar screening test using polymyxin B instead of colistin.

PRIASE 2021 guidelines for reporting animal studies in Endodontology: a consensus-based development.

Animal testing is crucial in situations when research on humans is not allowed because of unknown health risks and ethical concerns. The current project aims to develop reporting guidelines exclusively for animal studies in Endodontology, using an established consensus-based methodology. The guidelines have been named: Preferred Reporting Items for Animal Studies in Endodontology (PRIASE) 2021. Nine individuals (PD, VN, AK, PM, MN, JF, EP, JJ and SJ), including the project leaders (PD, VN) formed a steering committee. The steering committee developed a novel checklist by adapting and integrating their animal testing and peer review experience with the Animals in Research: Reporting In Vivo Experiments (ARRIVE) guidelines and also the Clinical and Laboratory Images in Publications (CLIP) principles. A PRIASE Delphi Group (PDG) and PRIASE Online Meeting Group (POMG) were also formed. Thirty-one PDG members participated in the online Delphi process and achieved consensus on the checklist items and flowchart that were used to formulate the PRIASE guidelines. The novel PRIASE 2021 guidelines were discussed with the POMG on 9 September 2020 via a Zoom online video call attended by 21 individuals from across the globe and seven steering committee members. Following the discussions, the guidelines were modified and then piloted by several authors whilst writing a manuscript involving research on animals. The PRIASE 2021 guidelines are a checklist consisting of 11 domains and 43 individual items together with a flowchart. The PRIASE 2021 guidelines are focused on improving the methodological principles, reproducibility and quality of animal studies in order to enhance their reliability as well as repeatability to estimate the effects of endodontic treatments and usefulness for guiding future clinical studies on humans.

Cryolipolysis with Plate for Treatment of Localized Adiposity.

BACKGROUND: Cryolipolysis is a non-invasive method capable of reducing the thickness of the fat layer. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of cryolipolysis with the use of plate applicators in the treatment of abdominal fat in women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample was composed of 15 participants, who were evaluated before and at the end of the intervention. Three applications of cryolipolysis were performed in the infraumbilical portion of the abdominal region. The volunteers were divided into three groups G-1 (temperature of -2°C), G-2 (temperature of -3°C) and G3 (temperature of -4°C). RESULTS: There was a reduction in plicometry measurements in groups G2 and G3, in the comparison between the initial and final moments (p <0.05), and a reduction in perimetry and ultrasound (p < 0.05) in all groups. It was found that the G3 group was subject to higher risk of first degree burns and redness when compared to the other groups. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that plate cryolipolysis is a possibly effective resource for reducing adiposity, as shown in the evaluation of perimetry, plicometry, and ultrasound results, and in the photographic analysis.

Effects of cryolipolysis with adiposity plates located with the Crioplace concept in women.

BACKGROUND: Cryolipolysis with plates is a method of applying cooling without a vacuum system, which can be used in regions with less chance of forming a "crease." OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of cryolipolysis using a plate-shaped applicator (Crioplac) in the treatment of fat. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is an experimental study in which women aged 25 to 45 years with adiposity located in the abdomen participated. Two applications of 75 min were made, using 04 plates in the abdomen regions, with -4 degree C being programmed as a temperature parameter. Anthropometric and ultrasound assessments were performed, and a satisfaction questionnaire on the validated treatment was conducted. The reassessments were performed 30 and 60 days after the first intervention. RESULTS: A reduction in adiposity was observed in the measurements of perimetry, plicometry and abdominal ultrasound (p<0.05). It was found that about 62.5% of the volunteers reported an improvement in water retention, about 62.5% reported the presence of loose clothing, and 31.3% reported satisfaction with the results obtained. It was observed that 18.5% of the volunteers reported that the treatment was excellent. CONCLUSION: The Crioplace method proved to be effective in reducing adiposity, with a high clinical satisfaction with the reduction in body measurements.

Effects of Cryolipolysis with Plates in Localized Adiposity with the CrioPlace Concept.

BACKGROUND: Plate cryolipolysis is a method of applying cooling without a vacuum system, which can be used in regions with less possibility of skin suction or fibrosis. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of cryolipolysis with the use of plate-shaped applicators (CrioPlaceTM) for localized fat treatment. METHODS: The sample consisted of men aged 20 to 45 years with complaints of localized adiposity in the abdominal region and flanks. Two plates were positioned in the flank and abdomen regions, respectively. They received two 60-min applications in the temperature of -2°C. The anthropometric, thermographic and ultrasound assessments were performed, and a satisfaction questionnaire was applied after treatment. The re-evaluations occurred 30 and 60 days after the first intervention. RESULT: A reduction in adiposity was observed in flank region plicometry (p<0.05) and abdominal and flank ultrasound (p < 0.05). About 66.7% of the volunteers reported less water retention, about 41.7% reported that their clothes were looser, and 100% reported overall satisfaction. Fifty percent rated the treatment as excellent and 58.3% felt improvement in overall aesthetics. CONCLUSION: The CrioPlaceTM method was effective in reducing localized adiposity, with clinical satisfaction of measurement reduction, both in plicometry and ultrasound analyses, with highlights to the flank region results.

Successful Allogenic Stem Cell Transplantation in Patients with Inherited CARD9 Deficiency.

Autosomal recessive (AR) CARD9 (caspase recruitment domain-containing protein 9) deficiency underlies invasive infections by fungi of the ascomycete phylum in previously healthy individuals at almost any age. Although CARD9 is expressed mostly by myeloid cells, the cellular basis of fungal infections in patients with inherited CARD9 deficiency is unclear. Therapy for fungal infections is challenging, with at least 20% premature mortality. We report two unrelated patients from Brazil and Morocco with AR CARD9 deficiency, both successfully treated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). From childhood onward, the patients had invasive dermatophytic disease, which persisted or recurred despite multiple courses of antifungal treatment. Sanger sequencing identified homozygous missense CARD9 variants at the same residue, c.302G>T (p.R101L) in the Brazilian patient and c.301C>T (p.R101C) in the Moroccan patient. At the ages of 25 and 44 years, respectively, they received a HSCT. The first patient received a HLA-matched HSCT from his CARD9-mutated heterozygous sister. There was 100% donor chimerism at D + 100. The other patient received a T cell-depleted haploidentical HSCT from his CARD9-mutated heterozygous brother. A second HSCT from the same donor was performed due to severe amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia despite achieving full donor chimerism (100%). At last follow-up, more than 3 years after HSCT, both patients have achieved complete clinical remission and stopped antifungal therapy. HSCT might be a life-saving therapeutic option in patients with AR CARD9 deficiency. This observation strongly suggests that the pathogenesis of fungal infections in these patients is largely due to the disruption of leukocyte-mediated CARD9 immunity.

DNA methylation profiles of immune response-related genes in apical periodontitis.

AIM: To investigate the DNA methylation profiles of immune response-related genes in apical periodontitis (AP) lesions. METHODOLOGY: The methylation profiles on the cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) regions of 22 gene promoters involved in inflammation and autoimmunity were assessed in 60 human AP lesions and 24 healthy periodontal ligaments (controls) using a pathway-specific real-time polymerase chain reaction array (EpiTect® Methyl Signature PCR Array Human Inflammatory Response). Differentially methylated genes were subsequently assessed for their mRNA expression. Data analyses (One-way anova, Tukey's multiple comparisons tests and Mann-Whitney tests) were performed using GraphPad Prism 6 software. P values ≤ 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Significant DNA hypermethylation was observed for CXCL3 and FADD gene promoters in AP lesions when compared to control tissues (P < 0.001) and among other genes (P < 0.05). In contrast, IL12B and IL4R were associated with significant hypomethylation in comparison to other genes (P < 0.05). IL12B, IL4R, CXCL3 and FADD had differential mRNA expression in AP lesions and controls (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Differential methylation profiles of immune response-related genes, such as FADD, CXCL3, IL12B and IL4R, may have an influence on individual AP susceptibility and patient treatment outcomes, through their potential contributions to altered expression of disease-relevant genes. Methylation and/or genetic variations in additional genes may also contribute to the dynamics of AP development and should be considered in future studies.

Potential role of TP63 in apical periodontitis development.

AIM: To investigate the expression of TP63 in apical periodontitis (AP) tissues and the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the TP63 gene with AP using a case-control dataset. METHODOLOGY: Expression of TP63 in human AP lesions (apical abscess, radicular cyst, periapical granuloma) was evaluated using immunohistochemistry. A case-control association study was performed to assess the association of TP63 polymorphisms in individuals having AP with or without associated pain. Cases were defined as subjects with deep caries and AP (n = 151) and subjects with symptomatic apical periodontitis or acute apical abscess (n = 124). Subjects without AP (n = 169) and asymptomatic (n = 196) were used as controls, respectively. Saliva samples were collected as source of genomic DNA. Twelve SNPs in the TP63 gene were selected for genotyping using Taqman chemistry in real-time PCR. Data analysis was performed using PLINK software. The Bonferroni method was applied to correct for multiple testing; α ≤ 0.004 indicates significant differences between groups. RESULTS: TP63 expression was evident in apical abscesses and radicular cysts, while weaker expression was observed in periapical granulomas. Positive expression was observed in mononuclear cells in the granulation tissues of all AP lesions. Regarding the presence of AP, a trend for allelic association was observed for rs16864812 and rs9810322 (P = 0.04) and rs9810322 genotypes were also nominally associated with AP under a dominant model (P = 0.04). When considering the presence of periapical pain, a trend for allelic and genotypic association was observed for rs10155037 (P = 0.03). Haplotypes were also associated with AP and periapical pain (P ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Apical periodontitis is a complex multifactorial condition and it is likely that multiple genes and environmental effects may influence its susceptibility, progression or both. TP63 variants may play a role in AP pathogenesis and susceptibility, individually or interactively with other genes. Additional studies in other populations and functional studies are needed to improve understanding of the role of TP63 in AP.

Effect of the combination of several irrigants on dentine surface properties, adsorption of chlorhexidine and adhesion of microorganisms to dentine.

AIM: To investigate the effects of combinations of several irrigants on the roughness and wettability of dentine, adhesion of Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans and adsorption of chlorhexidine (CHX) to the dentine. METHODOLOGY: Bovine dentine samples were prepared and their surface roughness standardized. The samples were distributed in groups (n = 10) and subjected to one of the following irrigation protocols: G1 - saline solution; G2 - sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl); G3 - NaOCl + ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA); G4 - NaOCl + peracetic acid (PAA); G5 - NaOCl + 1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid (HEDP); G6 - NaOCl + EDTA + CHX; G7 - NaOCl + PAA + CHX; G8 - NaOCl + HEDP + CHX; and G9 - mixture of NaOCl + HEDP. After treatments, roughness and wettability were measured. In order to evaluate the adhesion of microorganisms to dentine, new dentine samples were prepared and after 2 h of contact with the microorganisms, were analysed using a confocal laser scanning microscope and the number of microorganisms adhering to the surfaces were determined. Absorption spectra were collected by attenuated total reflectance of Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy before and after immersion of other dentine samples in each solution of G6, G7 and G8 and in a solution of 2% CHX at various time intervals. The areas of the band associated with CHX with the peak at 1492 cm-1 were calculated between 1479 and 1500 cm-1 of the spectral range. The data obtained in all experiments were subjected to one-way ANOVA (α < 0.05). The values of the CHX band were also subjected to one-way repeated measures ANOVA (α < 0.05). RESULTS: Saline solution, NaOCl, HEDP and CHX did not alter the roughness of the dentine (P > 0.05), whilst EDTA and PAA did (P < 0.05). Dentine surface wettability increased after the use of all irrigants compared to saline solution (P < 0.05), with HEDP causing the greatest increases (P < 0.05). The adhesion of E. faecalis was favoured on surfaces treated with only saline solution and NaOCl, and on samples that had decalcifying agents as the final irrigant (P < 0.05). The adhesion of C. albicans was highest on surfaces treated with only saline solution and on surfaces that had NaOCl used as the last irrigant (P < 0.05). The use of CHX as a final irrigant reduced the adhesion of both microorganisms. The roughness and wettability did not influence the adhesion of the microorganisms tested. The adsorption of CHX to the dentine was significant after 1 min of immersion of the mineralized samples in the irrigant (P < 0.05), and the use of chelating agents prior to CHX potentiated this adsorption. CONCLUSIONS: The irrigation solutions had a variable effect on the properties of dentine, on the adhesion of E. faecalis and C. albicans and the adsorption of CHX to the dentine surface.

Effects of cryolipolysis on abdominal adiposity of women.

　　BACKGROUND: The cryolipolysis is on the spotlight as a non-invasive method which reduces fat layer thickness with no damage to surrounding tissues. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to verify the effectiveness of cryolipolysis in the reduction of localized adiposity in women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is an experimental study, without a control group, with pre- and post- treatment evaluation through a single application on the lower abdominal area. SETTING: Research conducted in the period from July to December 2015 at the University Potiguar. PARTICIPANTS: A group of 15 women, age between 25-50 years. The cryolipolysis was used in the following parameters: temperature (-7 degree C); suction power (30 kPa), and application time (60 min). MEASUREMENTS: After the cryolipolysis was performed, a follow-up of 2 months was conducted to verify the changes related to weight, body circumference, fat layer thickness, which were evaluated by ultrasonography and photogrammetry. RESULTS: From data analysis, the reductions observed on perimeter (p=0.03) and ultrasonography (p=0.03) showed significant results, considering p <0.05. As of body weight results (p=0.57), the average value varied during the study; however, at the end of the research, no significant weight increase or decrease was reported, as it is known that this method does not interfere with this variable. Additionally, quantitative data were satisfactory. The photogrammetry analysis showed that cryolipolysis positively affected subjects' results. CONCLUSION: A change in body contouring, especially in individuals with lower body mass, reinforces the idea that the parameters must be suitable for individual needs.

The Contribution of Diabetes Education in the Treatment of People with Type 2 Diabetes and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease.

Diabetes has caused 5.1 million deaths, primarily from cardiovascular disease. Large clinical studies have proven the importance of intensive control of diabetes from diagnosis to prevent microvascular and macrovascular complications of the disease in the long term. Diabetes education conducted by an interdisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, nutritionists, psychologists, and others is a necessary tool to ensure effective behavioral change and help overcome the obstacles that may hinder self care. Several studies have been analyzed in this review, in which we find a variety of results. Diabetes education has proven to be essential to patient compliance with their T2DM treatment; the main objective is to prevent acute and chronic complications, especially cardiovascular ones, which are the main causes of mortality.

Nucleation, Growth Mechanism, and Controlled Coating of ZnO ALD onto Vertically Aligned N-Doped CNTs.

Zinc oxide thin films were deposited on vertically aligned nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes (N-CNTs) by atomic layer deposition (ALD) from diethylzinc and water. The study demonstrates that doping CNTs with nitrogen is an effective approach for the "activation" of the CNTs surface for the ALD of metal oxides. Conformal ZnO coatings are already obtained after 50 ALD cycles, whereas at lower ALD cycles an island growth mode is observed. Moreover, the process allows for a uniform growth from the top to the bottom of the vertically aligned N-CNT arrays. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy demonstrates that ZnO nucleation takes place at the N-containing species on the surface of the CNTs by the formation of the Zn-N bonds at the interface between the CNTs and the ZnO film.

Prevalence of food allergy in infants and pre-schoolers in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Food allergy is an increasing problem in public health, especially in childhood. Its incidence has increased in the last decade. Despite this, estimates of the actual incidence and prevalence are uncertain. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of food allergy in infants and pre-schoolers. METHODS: The parents of 3897 children completed questionnaires on the occurrence of any reaction to food. Children with parentally reported reactions were selected for further examination including a clinical interview, physical examination, allergic tests, and if necessary, oral food challenge to conclude the diagnosis of FA. RESULTS: The estimated prevalence of allergy in children aged 4-59 months was 0.61%, being, 1.9% in infants and 0.4% in pre-schoolers. Among the 604 patients physicians evaluated with parent-reported FA, 24 (4%) had a confirmed diagnosis of food allergy, and 580 (96%) were excluded in the remaining. Of these, approximately half (51/52.6%) of 97 infants and (128/48%) of 487 pre-schoolers already performed the diet exclusion suspected food for a period of time. CONCLUSION: This study shows that high overall prevalence of parental belief of current food allergy however the same was not observed in the in physician-diagnosed food allergy. The prevalence of food allergy was lower than that observed in the literature. This study alerts health professionals to the risk entailed by overestimation of cases of food allergy and unnecessary dietary exclusion, which may result in impairment in growth and development of children, especially in their first years of life.

Estimates of genetic parameters for stayability and their associations with traits of economic interest in Gir dairy cows.

The objective of the present study was to estimate genetic parameters for stayability at 60 months of age (STAY60) and its association with first lactation cumulative milk yield (P305), age at first calving (AFC), and first calving interval (FCI), in order to adopt these traits as selection criteria for longevity in Gir dairy cattle. Records for 2770 cows born between 1982 and 2008 from six herds in the Brazilian states of Minas Gerais, São Paulo, and Paraíba were analyzed. The (co)variance components were estimated by a Bayesian approach using bivariate animal models. The heritability estimates were 0.37 ± 0.09, 0.23 ± 0.04, 0.26 ± 0.06, and 0.07 ± 0.03 for STAY60, P305, AFC, and FCI, respectively. The genetic correlations of STAY60 with P305, AFC, and FCI were moderate to high, with values of 0.61 (0.17), -0.44 (0.23), and 0.88 (0.13), respectively. STAY60, P305, and AFC exhibited additive genetic variability, and these traits should be considered in selection indices. The indirect selection for longevity through the correlated responses of early-expression traits, such as milk production at first lactation, could be used to improve the ability of animals to remain in the herd.

Evaluation of three-dimensional root surface changes and resorption following rapid maxillary expansion: a cone beam computed tomography investigation.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate root surface changes and resorption following toothborne rapid maxillary expansion (RME) using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). SETTING AND SAMPLE POPULATION: The Department of Orthodontics at The University of Texas Health Science Center. Twenty-four consecutively treated patients (mean age: 12.8 years) requiring maxillary expansion. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An observational cohort included 48 CBCT images collected prior to (T1) and 4.8 months after (T2) RME from the study sample. Maxillary (study group) and mandibular (control group) first molars (n=48) and first premolars (n=48) were segmented and digitally registered using a 'best-fit' algorithm. Linear surface and volumetric changes between the study and control groups were compared using independent sample t-tests. Additionally, individual root length measurements were compared between the T1 and T2 images in each group using paired t-tests. RESULTS: All study teeth had significant changes for the evaluation of maximum linear surface area and volumetric changes as compared to control teeth (p<0.05). On average, premolars and molars in the study group experienced a root shortening of 0.36-0.52 mm (p<0.05). Color-coded diagrams demonstrated thinning and resorption occurring primarily at the apex and buccal aspects of the roots. Severity of these changes was individual-specific, as root resorption patterns were non-uniform. CONCLUSION: Significant volume loss, linear surface area changes, and thinning/shortening of maxillary first molar and premolar roots were common findings with the use of toothborne RME therapy.

Deleterious effect of triple antibiotic paste on human periodontal ligament fibroblasts.

AIM: To evaluate the cytotoxic effects of triple antibiotic paste (TAP), double antibiotic paste (DAP), minocycline and calcium hydroxide and their influence on cytokine mRNA expression levels on human periodontal ligament (HPDL) fibroblasts. METHODOLOGY: Triple antibiotic paste, DAP and Ca(OH)2 test samples were immersed in culture medium and incubated at 37 °C for 24 and 48 h. HPDL cells were seeded at a density of 2 × 10(4) cells and exposed to either culture media (negative control), 0.1% SDS (positive control), 24- or 48-h elutes of each test material and incubated for 24 h. A multiparametric cytotoxicity assay kit (XTT, NR and CVDE) was used to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of each test material. Results were analysed using an ELISA plate reader and light absorbances of 450 and 530 nm as references. Cytokine mRNA expression levels in HPDL cells treated with the materials were also investigated using real-time PCR. Expression levels were calculated using the comparative 2(-ΔΔCt) method. Statistical analyses included anova followed by Bonferroni correction. RESULTS: Triple antibiotic paste and minocycline were the most cytotoxic materials when compared with DAP and Ca(OH)2 in all three (XTT, NR and CVDE) assays (P < 0.0001). No significant differences (P > 0.05) were found for cytokine gene expression levels after exposure to 24- or 48-h elutes of any of the materials except for IL6, which had significantly higher mRNA levels with the 24-h TAP elute (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Ca(OH)2 had a minimal effect on cell viability and cytokine production. The TAP showed deleterious effects on HPDL viability and increased expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL6.

Cognitive Training with Older Adults Using Smartphone and Web-Based Applications: A Scoping Review.

INTRODUCTION: The present scoping review focused on: i) which apps were previously studied; ii) what is the most common frequency for implementing cognitive training; and iii) what cognitive functions the interventions most focus on. METHODS: PRISMA guidelines were followed, and the search was conducted on Web of Science, PsycInfo, Cochrane, and Pubmed. From 1733 studies found, 34 were included. RESULTS: it was highlighted the necessity for forthcoming investigations to tackle the methodical restrictions and disparities in the domain. DISCUSSION: great diversity in intervention protocols was found. Incorporating evaluations of physical fitness in conjunction with cognitive evaluations can offer a more all-encompassing comprehension of the impacts of combined interventions. Furthermore, exploring the efficacy of cognitive training applications requires additional scrutiny, considering individual variances and practical outcomes in real-life settings.

Increases in functional connectivity between the default mode network and sensorimotor network correlate with symptomatic improvement after transcranial direct current stimulation for obsessive-compulsive disorder.

BACKGROUND: Non-invasive neuromodulation is a promising intervention for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), although its neurobiological mechanisms of action are still poorly understood. Recent evidence suggests that abnormalities in the connectivity of the default mode network (DMN) and the supplementary motor area (SMA) with other brain regions and networks are involved in OCD pathophysiology. We examined if transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) alters these connectivity patterns and if they correlate with symptom improvement in treatment-resistant OCD. METHODS: In 23 patients from a larger clinical trial (comparing active tDCS to sham) who underwent pre- and post-treatment MRI scans, we assessed resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) data. The treatment involved 30-minute daily tDCS sessions for four weeks (weekdays only), with the cathode over the SMA and the anode over the left deltoid. We conducted whole-brain connectivity analysis comparing active tDCS-treated to sham-treated patients. RESULTS: We found that active tDCS, but not sham, led to connectivity increasing between the DMN and the bilateral pre/postcentral gyri (p = 0.004, FDR corrected) and temporal-auditory areas plus the SMA (p = 0.028, FDR corrected). Also, symptom improvement was directly associated with connectivity increasing between the left lateral sensorimotor network and the left precuneus (r = 0.589, p = 0.034). LIMITATIONS: Limited sample size (23 participants with resting-state neuroimaging), inability to analyze specific OCD symptom dimensions (e.g., harm, sexual/religious, symmetry/checking, cleaning/contamination). CONCLUSIONS: These data offer novel information concerning functional connectivity changes associated with non-invasive neuromodulation interventions in OCD and can guide new brain stimulation interventions in the framework of personalized interventions.

Conjunctival flora, Schirmer's tear test, intraocular pressure, and conjunctival cytology in neotropical primates from Salvador, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to establish reference values for selected ophthalmic diagnostic tests in healthy neotropical primates from Salvador, Brazil. METHODS: A total of 73 intact adults, including Callithrix jacchus (n = 31), Callithrix penicillata (n = 8), Cebus sp. (n = 22), and Cebus xanthosternos (n = 9) were used to evaluate the normal conjunctival bacterial flora. Cebus xanthosternos (n = 12) were used to evaluate tear production with Schirmer's tear test (STT), intraocular pressure (IOP), and conjunctival cytology. RESULTS: For all animals evaluated, Gram-positive bacteria were predominant. Results of the diagnostic tests in Cebus xanthosternos were as follows: STT: 14.92 ± 5.46 mm/minutes, IOP: 19.62 ± 4.57 mmHg, and conjunctival cytology revealed intermediate squamous epithelial cells in great quantities. CONCLUSIONS: These ophthalmic reference values will be particularly useful to diagnose discrete or unusual pathological changes in the neotropical primates eye.