Identification of the novel HLA-DPB1*14:01:15 allele in a Brazilian bone marrow donor.

The novel HLA-DPB1*14:01:15 allele differs from DPB1*14:01:01:01 by change of C > T in exon 3.

Adhesion of Acanthamoeba on Scleral Contact Lenses According to Lens Shape.

Purpose: To investigate the adhesion of Acanthamoeba to scleral contact lens (ScCL) surface according to lens shape. Methods: Two strains of A. polyphaga (CDC:V062 and ATCC 30461) and one clinical Acanthamoeba isolate, were inoculated onto five contact lens (CL): one first-generation silicone hydrogel (SHCL; lotrafilcon B; adhesion control) containing plasma surface treatment; two ScCL (fluorosilicone acrylate) one containing surface treatment composed of plasma and the other containing plasma with Hydra-PEG, and two CL designed with a flat shape having the same material and surface treatments of the ScCL. Trophozoites that adhered to the lens's surfaces were counted by inverted optical light microscopy. Possible alterations of the lens surface that could predispose amoeba adhesion and Acanthamoeba attached to these lens surfaces were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results: All strains revealed greater adhesion to the ScCL when compared with the flat lenses (P < 0.001). The clinical isolate and the ATCC 30461 had a higher adhesion (P < 0.001) when compared with the CDC:V062. A rough texture was observed on the surface of the lenses that have been examined by SEM. Also, SEM revealed that the isolates had a rounded appearance on the surface of the ScCL in contrast with an elongated appearance on the surface of the silicone hydrogel. Conclusions: The findings revealed that the curved shape of the ScCL favors amoeba adhesion.

Identificação de Enterococcus SPP e Enterobacteriaceae em canais radiculares com infecção primária e secundária ou persistente / Identification of Enterococcus spp and Enterobacteriaceae in root canals with primary and secondary or persistent infection

O objetivo do presente estudo foi identificar microrganismos das espécies Enterococcus spp e Enterobacteriaceae em dentes com canais radiculares infectados portadores de infecção primária e/ou secundária/persistente. Métodos: A amostra do presente estudo foi de 23 pacientes que apresentaram necessidade de tratamento ou retratamento endodôntico. Foram coletadas amostras de 28 dentes infectados usando pontas de papel absorventes estéreis, transportadas em solução salina, diluídas, plaqueadas e incubadas em estufa de cultura bacteriológica. Para o crescimento de microrganismos foram utilizados jarros com gerador de atmosfera de anaerobiose. Colônias microbianas foram isoladas, caracterizadas e identificadas. Os dados coletados foram estatisticamente analisados com a utilização do software SPSS for Windows 10.0 (SPSS Inc., USA). Resultados: Foi isolada somente uma cepa do gênero Enterococcus spp, e nenhuma espécie do gênero Enterobacteriaceae. Das coletas microbiológicas realizadas em 28 canais radiculares, todas apresentaram crescimento microbiano em anaerobiose. Dezoito dentes apresentavam necrose pulpar e lesão periapical. Os outros 10 dentes já haviam recebido tratamento endodôntico prévio e em 6 destes houve constatação de lesão periapical, sendo que nos outros 4, não. Conclusão: Nas condições experimentais do presente estudo, pode-se concluir que não houve correlação da presença de espécies microbianas das famílias Enterococcus spp e/ou Enterobacteriaceae com infecção primária ou secundária do canal radicular.

The objective of the present study was to identify microorganisms of the Enterococcus spp and Enterobacteriaceae species in teeth with infected root canals with primary and/or secondary/persistent infection. Methods: The sample of the present study consisted of 23 patients who required endodontic treatment or retreatment. Samples of 28 infected teeth were collected using sterile absorbent paper points, transported in saline solution, diluted, plated and incubated in a bacteriological culture oven. For the growth of microorganisms, jars with an anaerobic atmosphere generator were used. Microbial colonies were isolated, characterized and identified. The collected data were statistically analyzed using the SPSS for Windows 10.0 software (SPSS Inc., USA). Results: Only one strain of the genus Enterococcus spp was isolated, and no species of the genus Enterobacteriaceae. From the microbiological collections carried out in 28 root canals, all showed microbial growth in anaerobic conditions. Eighteen teeth had pulp necrosis and periapical lesion. The other 10 teeth had already received previous endodontic treatment and in 6 of them there was a periapical lesion, and in the other 4, no. Conclusion: Under the experimental conditions of the present study, it can be concluded that there was no correlation between the presence of microbial species of the Enterococcus spp and/or Enterobacteriaceae families with primary or secondary root canal infection.

Two novel HLA-DRB3 alleles identified in Brazilian bone marrow donors: HLA-DRB3*01:122 and -DRB3*01:123.

We identified two new HLA-DRB3 alleles in Brazilian individuals using next generation sequencing.

Description of four new HLA-B alleles in Brazilian bone marrow donors.

Four new HLA-B alleles were identified in Brazilian individuals using next generation sequencing.

Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia and Tolerance Are Driven by HCN Ion Channels.

Prolonged exposure to opioids causes an enhanced sensitivity to painful stimuli (opioid-induced hyperalgesia, OIH) and a need for increased opioid doses to maintain analgesia (opioid-induced tolerance, OIT), but the mechanisms underlying both processes remain obscure. We found that pharmacological block or genetic deletion of HCN2 ion channels in primary nociceptive neurons of male mice completely abolished OIH but had no effect on OIT. Conversely, pharmacological inhibition of central HCN channels alleviated OIT but had no effect on OIH. Expression of C-FOS, a marker of neuronal activity, was increased in second-order neurons of the dorsal spinal cord by induction of OIH, and the increase was prevented by peripheral block or genetic deletion of HCN2, but block of OIT by spinal block of HCN channels had no impact on C-FOS expression in dorsal horn neurons. Collectively, these observations show that OIH is driven by HCN2 ion channels in peripheral nociceptors, while OIT is driven by a member of the HCN family located in the CNS. Induction of OIH increased cAMP in nociceptive neurons, and a consequent shift in the activation curve of HCN2 caused an increase in nociceptor firing. The shift in HCN2 was caused by expression of a constitutively active µ-opioid receptor (MOR) and was reversed by MOR antagonists. We identified the opioid-induced MOR as a six-transmembrane splice variant, and we show that it increases cAMP by coupling constitutively to Gs HCN2 ion channels therefore drive OIH, and likely OIT, and may be a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of addiction.

Dentistry Students' Knowledge of Pediatric Patients Who Suffered Violence: A Systematic Review

ABSTRACT Objective: To review the literature unprecedentedly to identify the dentistry students' knowledge of pediatric patients who suffered violence. Material and Methods: A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, LILACS, SciELO, Google Scholar, and OpenGrey electronic databases up to November 2021. The "Grey Literature" was verified through Google Scholar and Open Grey searches to avoid any selection bias. There was no restriction on the date of publication or language. Results: The systematic search yielded 2.756 studies in the first selection phase, but only twenty-two articles were included. All selected articles were published between 1998 and 2021 and used a questionnaire to evaluate the dentistry students' knowledge regarding child maltreatment cases. Brazil was the country that had the most studies included (10 articles). Despite the majority of the students presenting insufficient knowledge about child maltreatment, evidence from this research showed that every form of approach by professionals toward child maltreatment should be considered important. Conclusion: Therefore, there are deficiencies regarding the teaching-learning methodology, reinforcing the need for improvements in Dentistry undergraduate curricula.

Risk factors for work disability in Brazilian patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

BACKGROUND: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) predominantly affects young females who are in their most productive years of life. SLE can cause organ damage and affects daily functioning and quality of life, causing work disability (WD). METHODS: We developed a longitudinal study with 110 SLE patients, whose data were collected through individual standardized interview and review of medical records. We aimed to determine the prevalence of WD and its possible associated risk factors (sociodemographic, lifestyle habits, quality of life, clinical characteristic, cumulative organ damage and disease activity). To identify variables associated with work disability, two different multivariate regression models using a stepwise backward method were performed. RESULTS: The percentage of WD due to SLE was 76.3%. An association was found between WD and lack of physical exercise (p=0.017) and high physical work demand (p=0.037). Clinical characteristics were not significant predictors of work dysfunction. CONCLUSION: 76.3% of our sample developed WD after SLE diagnosis. Participants who did not practice physical exercise and those who had a high-demand physical work were, respectively, 3.78 and 4.80 times more likely to have WD. Although we were not able to analyze the influence of COVID-19 in WD development, COVID-19 pandemic could have exacerbated the inequalities among people with chronic health conditions, especially in a low-income population, which could have influenced our results. Additional researches to evaluate risk factors for WD in low-income SLE patients and on strategies for reducing its impact are needed.

Angiotensin type 2 receptor antagonism as a new target to manage gout.

BACKGROUND: There is a growing search for therapeutic targets in the treatment of gout. The present study aimed to evaluate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory potential of angiotensin type 2 receptor (AT2R) antagonism in an acute gout attack mouse model. METHODS: Male wild-type (WT) C57BL/6 mice either with the AT2R antagonist, PD123319 (10 pmol/joint), or with vehicle injections, or AT2R KO mice, received intra-articular (IA) injection of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals (100 µg/joint), that induce the acute gout attack, and were tested for mechanical allodynia, thermal hyperalgesia, spontaneous nociception and ankle edema development at several times after the injections. To test an involvement of AT2R in joint pain, mice received an IA administration of angiotensin II (0.05-5 nmol/joint) with or without PD123319, and were also evaluated for pain and edema development. Ankle joint tissue samples from mice undergoing the above treatments were assessed for myeloperoxidase activity, IL-1ß release, mRNA expression analyses and nitrite/nitrate levels, 4 h after injections. RESULTS: AT2R antagonism has robust antinociceptive effects on mechanical allodynia (44% reduction) and spontaneous nociception (56%), as well as anti-inflammatory effects preventing edema formation (45%), reducing myeloperoxidase activity (54%) and IL-1ß levels (32%). Additionally, Agtr2tm1a mutant mice have largely reduced painful signs of gout. Angiotensin II administration causes pain and inflammation, which was prevented by AT2R antagonism, as observed in mechanical allodynia 4 h (100%), spontaneous nociception (46%), cold nociceptive response (54%), edema formation (83%), myeloperoxidase activity (48%), and IL-1ß levels (89%). PD123319 treatment also reduces NO concentrations (74%) and AT2R mRNA levels in comparison with MSU untreated mice. CONCLUSION: Our findings show that AT2R activation contributes to acute pain in experimental mouse models of gout. Therefore, the antagonism of AT2R may be a potential therapeutic option to manage gout arthritis.

Vaccine Protection Through Placenta and Breastfeeding: The Unmet Topic in COVID-19 Pandemic.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has turned pregnant women's healthcare into a worldwide public health challenge. Although initial data did not demonstrate pregnancy as a more susceptible period to severe outcomes of acute severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, there are an increasing number of reports showing that not only pregnant women might be at significantly higher risk than non-pregnant women by COVID-19 but also the fetus. These findings may be related to adaptive changes that occur during pregnancy, such as the reduction in the residual respiratory capacity, the decrease in viral immune responses, and the increased risk for thromboembolic events. Additionally, despite the SARS-CoV-2 vertical transmission evidence being uncommon, maternal illness severity might reflect serious perinatal and neonatal outcomes. Thus, protecting the maternal-fetal dyad against COVID-19 is critical. Even though pregnant women initially were excluded from vaccine trials, several studies have provided safety and efficacy of the overall vaccine COVID-19 platforms. Vaccination during pregnancy becomes a priority and can generate benefits for both the mother and newborn: maternal neutralizing antibodies are transmitted through the placenta and breastfeeding. Moreover, regarding passive immunization, human milk contains other bioactive molecules and cells able to modulate the newborn's immune response, which can be amplified after the vaccine. Nonetheless, many issues remain to be elucidated, considering the magnitude of the protective immunity transferred, the duration of the induced immunity, and the optimal interval for pregnant immunization. In this review, we assessed these unmet topics supported by literature evidence regarding the vaccine's immunogenicity, pregnancy immune heterogeneity, and the unique human milk antiviral features.

Artemisinin inhibits neutrophil and macrophage chemotaxis, cytokine production and NET release.

Immune cell chemotaxis to the sites of pathogen invasion is critical for fighting infection, but in life-threatening conditions such as sepsis and Covid-19, excess activation of the innate immune system is thought to cause a damaging invasion of immune cells into tissues and a consequent excessive release of cytokines, chemokines and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). In these circumstances, tempering excessive activation of the innate immune system may, paradoxically, promote recovery. Here we identify the antimalarial compound artemisinin as a potent and selective inhibitor of neutrophil and macrophage chemotaxis induced by a range of chemotactic agents. Artemisinin released calcium from intracellular stores in a similar way to thapsigargin, a known inhibitor of the Sarco/Endoplasmic Reticulum Calcium ATPase pump (SERCA), but unlike thapsigargin, artemisinin blocks only the SERCA3 isoform. Inhibition of SERCA3 by artemisinin was irreversible and was inhibited by iron chelation, suggesting iron-catalysed alkylation of a specific cysteine residue in SERCA3 as the mechanism by which artemisinin inhibits neutrophil motility. In murine infection models, artemisinin potently suppressed neutrophil invasion into both peritoneum and lung in vivo and inhibited the release of cytokines/chemokines and NETs. This work suggests that artemisinin may have value as a therapy in conditions such as sepsis and Covid-19 in which over-activation of the innate immune system causes tissue injury that can lead to death.

Medication adherence in systemic lupus erythematosus during Brazilian COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic diseases are potential candidates for inadequate follow-up of drug therapy, tending to incur damage to the intended results. This deserves greater attention in the pandemic period, as they are in the considered risk group. METHODS: We aim to assess Treatment Adherence Measure and analyze associations with characteristics related to the patient, treatment, disease, health professionals and service, and sociodemographic issues in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). W conducted a cross-sectional study with a sample of 116 participants, whose data were collected through individual interviews and review of medical records, during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. Adherence was measured using the Treatment Adherence Measure, and associations were evidenced through described and inferential statistics. RESULTS: The percentage of adherent patients was 55.2%. An association was found between MTA (Medication Treatment Adherence) and physical exercise practice (p = 0.032), and difficulties with treatment (p = 0.002). Conclusion: Participants who did not practice physical exercise were 3.71 times more likely to not adhere to the treatment. Individuals who identified difficulties in the treatment were 3.43 times more likely to not adhere to the treatment; we believe that the pandemic may have influenced this result. More targeted studies are needed to measure the impact on MTA in these patients.

Endodontic reintervention of a mandibular second premolar with four root canals: a case report / Reintervención endodóntica de un segundo premolar mandibular con cuatro conductos radiculares: reporte de caso / Reintervenção endodôntica de um segundo pré-molar mandibular com quatro condutos radiculares: relato de caso

Abstract Complex anatomical variations on root canals morphology are one of the most arduous challenges in the endodontic practice. The objective of this case report is to discuss the clinical management of a mandibular left second premolar with four root canals and four distinct apical foramina. This case report has been written according to Preferred Reporting Items for Case reports in Endodontics (PRICE) 2020 guidelines. A 74-year-old patient was referred to retreat a left mandibular second premolar. The patient complained of discomfort when chewing hard food. After obtaining consent from the patient to investigate the symptoms, a thorough clinical and radiographic examination was performed. The main clinical findings observed were a moderate sensitivity to vertical percussion and mild discomfort at palpation. The periapical radiograph showed a fusion-like root with multiple canals and unsatisfactory root canal fillings associated with apical radiolucency. Based on this investigation, a diagnostic of persistent apical periodontitis was made to the tooth, and nonsurgical root canal re-treatment was proposed to the patient. After written informed consent was obtained, the procedure was performed under magnification provided by a dental operating microscope with the aid of ultrasonic tips. During the access opening and fillings removal, four root canal orifices were observed. Therefore, state-of-the-art technology such as the dental operating microscope, ultrasonics, and cone-bean computed tomography image are strong allies to manage anatomical variations.

Resumen Las complejas variaciones anatómicas en la morfología de los conductos radiculares son uno de los desafíos más arduos en la práctica de la endodoncia. El objetivo de este reporte de caso es discutir el manejo clínico de un segundo premolar mandibular izquierdo con cuatro conductos radiculares y cuatro agujeros apicales distintos. Este informe de caso se ha escrito de acuerdo con Preferred Reporting Items for Case reports in Endodontics (PRICE) 2020. Paciente de 74 años que fue remitido para retirada de un segundo premolar mandibular izquierdo. El paciente se quejaba de malestar al masticar alimentos duros. Después de obtener el consentimiento del paciente para investigar los síntomas, se realizó un examen clínico y radiográfico completo. Los principales hallazgos clínicos observados fueron una sensibilidad moderada a la percusión vertical y una leve molestia a la palpación. La radiografía periapical mostró una raíz similar a una fusión con múltiples conductos y empastes de conductos radiculares insatisfactorios asociados con radiolucidez apical. Con base en esta investigación, se realizó un diagnóstico de periodontitis apical persistente en el diente y se propuso al paciente un nuevo tratamiento del conducto radicular no quirúrgico. Una vez obtenido el consentimiento informado por escrito, el procedimiento se realizó con un aumento proporcionado por un microscopio quirúrgico dental con la ayuda de puntas ultrasónicas. Durante la apertura del acceso y la remoción de los empastes, se observaron cuatro orificios del conducto radicular. Por lo tanto, la tecnología de punta, como el microscopio de operación dental, los ultrasonidos y la imagen de tomografía computarizada de haz cónico, son fuertes aliados para manejar las variaciones anatómicas.

Resumo Variações anatômicas complexas na morfologia dos canais radiculares são um dos desafios mais árduos na prática endodôntica. O objetivo deste relato de caso é discutir o manejo clínico de um segundo pré-molar inferior esquerdo com quatro canais radiculares e quatro forames apicais distintos. Este relato de caso foi escrito de acordo com as diretrizes do Preferred Reporting Items for Case reports in Endodontics (PRICE) 2020. Um paciente de 74 anos foi encaminhado para retirada de um segundo pré-molar inferior esquerdo. O paciente queixou-se de desconforto ao mastigar alimentos duros. Após obter o consentimento do paciente para investigar os sintomas, foi realizado um exame clínico e radiográfico completo. Os principais achados clínicos observados foram sensibilidade moderada à percussão vertical e leve desconforto à palpação. A radiografia periapical mostrou uma raiz fusionada com múltiplos canais e obturações de canais radiculares insatisfatórias associadas à radioluscência apical. Com base nesta investigação, um diagnóstico de periodontite apical persistente foi feito ao dente, e um retratamento não cirúrgico do canal radicular foi proposto ao paciente. Após a obtenção do termo de consentimento livre e esclarecido, o procedimento foi realizado sob magnificação fornecida por microscópio cirúrgico odontológico com auxílio de pontas de ultrassom. Durante a abertura do acesso e retirada das obturações, foram observados quatro orifícios do canal radicular. Portanto, tecnologia de ponta, como microscópio cirúrgico odontológico, ultrassom e imagem de tomografia computadorizada de feixes cônico, são fortes aliados para o gerenciamento de variações anatômicas.

HCN2 Ion Channels Drive Pain in Rodent Models of Migraine.

Migraine is believed to be initiated by neuronal activity in the CNS, that triggers excitation of nociceptive trigeminal ganglion (TG) nerve fibers innervating the meninges and thus causes a unilateral throbbing headache. Drugs that precipitate or potentiate migraine are known to elevate intracellular levels of the cyclic nucleotides cAMP or cGMP, while anti-migraine treatments couple to signaling pathways that reduce cAMP or cGMP, suggesting an involvement of these cyclic nucleotides in migraine. Members of the HCN ion channel family are activated by direct binding of cAMP or cGMP, suggesting in turn that a member of this family may be a critical trigger of migraine. Here, we show that pharmacological block or targeted genetic deletion of HCN2 abolishes migraine-like pain in three rodent migraine models (in both sexes). Induction of migraine-like pain in these models triggered expression of the protein C-FOS, a marker of neuronal activity, in neurons of the trigeminocervical complex (TCC), where TG neurons terminate, and C-FOS expression was reversed by peripheral HCN2 inhibition. HCN2 block in vivo inhibited both evoked and spontaneous neuronal activity in nociceptive TG neurons. The NO donor glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) caused an increase in cGMP in the TG in vivo Exposing isolated TG neurons to GTN caused a rightward shift in the voltage dependence of HCN currents and thus increased neuronal excitability. This work identifies HCN2 as a novel target for the development of migraine treatments.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Migraine is believed to be initiated by localized excitability of neurons within the CNS, but the most disturbing symptom, the characteristic throbbing migraine headache pain, is widely agreed to be caused by activity in afferent pain-sensitive (nociceptive) nerve fibers of the trigeminal nerve. Using a variety of preclinical models of migraine, we identify the HCN2 ion channel as the molecular source of trigeminal hyperexcitability in migraine and we show that pharmacological or genetic inhibition of HCN2 can relieve migraine-like pain symptoms. The work highlights the HCN2 ion channel as a potential pharmacological target for the development of novel analgesics effective in migraine.

Intentional foraminal enlargement: a systematic review with bibliometric analysis / Ampliação foraminal intencional: uma revisão sistemática com análise bibliométrica

Objective: The purpose of this systematic review with bibliometric analysis was to map the available scientific evidence on intentional foraminal enlargement (IFE) and explore publication trends. Methods: This review is in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 Statement and is registered on the Open Science Framework. Two independent reviewers carried out a comprehensive search of seven databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, LILACS, and BBO) up to January 31 st, 2022. Studies that investigated IFE were considered eligible, and the data were analyzed using the VOSViewer software. Results:The search identified a total of 55 IFE-related articles from 10 countries and 25 journals, with an increasing trend for publications over the last decade. The majority of evidence was based on laboratory assays (65.4%), followed by randomized clinical trials (18.1%) with follow-up periods of up to 2 months. The main clinical outcome evaluated was post-operative pain. The highest number of studies were carried out by the State University of Campinas, and published in the Journal of Endodontics. Also, studies with the highest level of evidence found that IFE resulted in greater post-operative pain in the initial days post-treatment. Conclusion:This systematic review with bibliometric analysis mapped the scientific progress and publication trends in the field of IFE, thus shedding light on gaps in the literature with the aim of guiding researchers to conduct more high-impact investigations by performing clinical studies evaluating rates of periapical repair and IFE treatment success using long-term observation periods (AU)

Objetivo: O objetivo desta revisão sistemática com análise bibliométrica foi mapear as evidências científicas disponíveis sobre ampliação foraminal intencional (IFE) e explorar as tendências de publicação. Métodos: Esta revisão está de acordo com a declaração PRISMA 2020 e está registrada no Open Science Framework. Dois revisores independentes realizaram uma busca abrangente em sete bases de dados (PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, LILACS e BBO) até 31 de janeiro de 2022. Os estudos que investigaram IFE foram considerados elegíveis e os dados foram analisados usando o software VOSViewer. Resultados: A busca identificou um total de 55 artigos relacionados ao IFE provenientes de 10 países e 25 periódicos, com tendência crescente de publicações na última década. A maioria das evidências foi baseada em ensaios laboratoriais (65,4%), seguido de ensaios clínicos randomizados (18,1%) com períodos de follow-up de até 2 meses. O principal desfecho clínico avaliado foi a dor pós-operatória. O maior número de estudos foi realizado pela Universidade Estadual de Campinas e publicado no Journal of Endodontics. Estudos com os maiores níveis de evidência constataram que IFE resultou em maior dor pós-operatória nos primeiros dias pós- tratamento. Conclusão: Esta revisão sistemática com análise bibliométrica mapeou o progresso científico e as tendências de publicação na área de IFE, lançando luz sobre lacunas na literatura com o objetivo de orientar pesquisadores a realizar investigações de maior impacto, realizando estudos clínicos avaliando taxas de reparo periapical e sucesso do tratamento usando essa técnica e com acompanhamento à longo prazo. (AU)

Vibrational frequencies and intramolecular force constants for cisplatin: assessing the role of the platinum basis set and relativistic effects.

The role of platinum basis set (PTBS) and relativistic effects for predicting the vibrational frequencies and intramolecular force constants for cisplatin are discussed. Nonrelativistic and relativistic computational protocols were built at B3LYP/PTBS/jorge-DZP/C-PCM and B3LYP-DKH2/PTBS/jorge-DZP-DKH/C-PCM levels, respectively, where 19 distinct PTBS were tested. As expected, the structural parameters were not very sensitive to the PTBS, however, the inclusion of relativistic effects improves the description of the cisplatin structure. When it comes to the vibrational frequencies, the results show that the PTBS, and mainly the relativistic effects, are both important. Moreover, the PBE0 functional led to better results than B3LYP in the protocols PBE0/LANL2TZ(f)/jorge-DZP/C-PCM (P20) and PBE0-DKH2/Sapporo-DKH3-DZP-2012/jorge-DZP-DKH/C-PCM (P22), which provided a mean absolute deviation (MAD) of only 10.8 cm-1 and 9.5 cm-1, respectively, for vibrational frequencies, which are excellent choices to study Pt complexes. Finally, a discussion of the intramolecular force constants for cisplatin is carried out, with the calculated bond and angles force constants with P20 and P22 protocols being recommended for the parameterization of the force field of cisplatin.

Mini Hyrax vs Hyrax expanders in the rapid palatal expansion in adolescents with posterior crossbite: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the dental effects, impact on quality of life, and pain perception of adolescents wearing Mini Hyrax and Hyrax expanders in rapid palatal expansion. METHODS: Thirty-four adolescents aged 11 to 16 years, with maxillary transverse deficiency (unilateral or bilateral posterior crossbite), were randomly allocated into two groups, Mini Hyrax group and Hyrax group (1:1 ratio). Dental effects were evaluated by digitally superimposed pretreatment and postretention three-dimensional intraoral scans on the palatal rugaes using the software 3DSlicer. Impact on quality of life was assessed with the OHIP-14 questionnaire applied in the pretreatment, posttreatment and postretention. Visual analog scale was applied 24, 48, and 72 h and 7 days after the first activation of the expander. RESULTS: Thirty of the 34 adolescents recruited completed the study. There were no statistically significant differences in dentoalveolar effects between groups. OHIP-14 scores across time among Mini Hyrax wearers were similar to those of the Hyrax wearers. The inter-group comparisons showed no difference between groups with respect to the OHIP-14 scores in posttreatment and postretention (p > 0.05). There were no differences in pain perception between groups. Considering intra-group comparison, the reduction in pain perception among adolescents in the Mini Hyrax group was gradual. Among adolescents in the Hyrax group, a statistically significant reduction between 48 and 72 h was observed. CONCLUSION: There were no significant differences in dental effects, impact on quality of life and pain perception between adolescents wearing Mini Hyrax and Hyrax expanders in rapid palatal expansion.

Influence of IL10 (rs1800896) Polymorphism and TNF-α, IL-10, IL-17A, and IL-17F Serum Levels in Ankylosing Spondylitis.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease that mainly affects the axial and sacroiliac joints. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes encoding cytokines have been associated with AS, which can interfere with the production of these cytokines and contribute to the development of AS. In order to contribute to a better understanding of the pathology of AS, our objective was to investigate a possible association of the IL10 -1082 A>G SNP (rs1800896) with AS and to evaluate the serum levels of TNF-α, IL-10, IL-17A, and IL-17F in AS patients and controls comparing them with their respective genotypes (TNF rs1800629, IL10 rs1800896, IL17A rs2275913, and IL17F rs763780). Patients and controls were selected from the Maringá University Hospital and the Maringá Rheumatism Clinic, in Paraná State, Southern Brazil, and they were diagnosed by the ASAS Criteria. In total, 149 patients and 169 controls were genotyped for the IL10 -1082 A>G polymorphism using a polymerase chain reaction with sequence specific primers (PCR-SSP); the measurement of TNF-α serum levels was performed through the immunofluorimetric test and IL-10, IL-17A, and IL-17F using an ELISA test. There was a high frequency of the IL10 -1082 G allele in AS patients compared with controls with an odds ratio of 1.83 and 95% confidence interval of 1.32 to 2.54, and a significant difference in the genotype frequencies of the IL10 -1082 A/G+G/G between patients and healthy controls, with an odds ratio of 3.01 and 95% confidence interval of 1.75 to 5.17. In addition, increased serum levels of IL-10 were observed in AS patients: 2.38 (IQR, 0.91) pg/ml compared with controls 1.72 (IQR 0.93) pg/ml (P = 0.01). Our results also showed an association between IL17F rs763780 C/T+T/T genotypes and increased serum levels of IL-17F in patients with AS and also in controls. We can conclude that patients with the A/G and G/G genotypes for -1082 A>G (rs1800896) in the IL10 gene are three times more likely to develop AS, that the serum level of IL-10 was higher in AS patients and that the IL17F rs763780 polymorphism can affect the levels of IL-17F in the serum of patients and controls in the same way.

The role of Acanthamoeba spp. in biofilm communities: a systematic review.

Acanthamoeba spp. have always caused disease in immunosuppressed patients, but since 1986, they have become a worldwide public health issue by causing infection in healthy contact lens wearers. Amoebae of the Acanthamoeba genus are broadly distributed in nature, living either freely or as parasites, and are frequently associated with biofilms throughout the environment. These biofilms provide the parasite with protection against external aggression, thus favoring its increased pathogeny. This review aims to assess observational studies on the association between Acanthamoeba spp. and biofilms, opening potential lines of research on this severe ocular infection. A systematic literature search was conducted in May 2020 in the following databases: PubMed Central®/Medline, LILACS, The Cochrane Library, and EMBASE®. The studies were selected following the inclusion and exclusion criteria specifically defined for this review. Electronic research recovered 353 publications in the literature. However, none of the studies met the inclusion criterion of biofilm-producing Acanthamoeba spp., inferring that the parasite does not produce biofilms. Nonetheless, 78 studies were classified as potentially included regarding any association of Acanthamoeba spp. and biofilms. These studies were allocated across six different locations (hospital, aquatic, ophthalmic and dental environments, biofilms produced by bacteria, and other places). Acanthamoeba species use biofilms produced by other microorganisms for their benefit, in addition to them providing protection to and facilitating the dissemination of pathogens residing in them.