Stem cell-conditioned medium improves methylation patterns and quality of caprine preantral follicles.

This study investigated the methylation patterns of H3K4me3 and H3K9me3, as well as the mRNA expression of genes encoding the epigenetic regulators KDM1AX1, KDM1AX2, and KDM3A in goat preantral follicles developed in vivo (Uncultured control) or after in vitro culture for 7 days in either the absence (α-MEM+) or presence of conditioned medium (α-MEM+ + CM) from Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs). In the in vivo setting, all follicular categories exhibited similar H3K4me3 and H3K9me3 patterns, and transcripts of KDM1AX1, KDM1AX2, and KDM3A were detected in all samples. During in vitro culture, α-MEM+ + CM enhanced several important aspects. It increased the percentage of normal growing follicles, oocyte diameters across all categories, stromal cell density, and the H3K4me3 methylation pattern in preantral follicles. Simultaneously, it decreased the levels of reduced thiols and reactive oxygen species in the spent media, diminished the presence of lipofuscin aggresomes, lowered granulosa cell apoptotic rates, and reduced the H3K9me3 methylation pattern in preantral follicles. In conclusion, the findings from this study provide compelling evidence that supplementing the in vitro culture medium (α-MEM+) with CM from WJ-MSCs has a protective effect on goat preantral follicles. Notably, CM supplementation preserved follicular survival, as evidenced by enhanced follicular and oocyte growth and increased stromal cell density when compared to the standard culture conditions in the α-MEM+ medium. Furthermore, CM reduced oxidative stress and apoptosis and promoted alterations in H3K4me3 and H3K9me3 patterns.

Antimicrobial action, cytotoxicity and erosive potential of hypochlorous acid obtained from an electrolytic device compared with sodium hypochlorite.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the antimicrobial action, cytotoxicity, cleaning ability, and erosion of dentine of hypochlorous acid (HClO) obtained from an electrolytic device at two different concentrations (Dentaqua) and three concentrations of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). METHODS: Microbiological test-The root canals of sixty single-rooted extracted human teeth were inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis and divided into 6 groups (n = 10), according to decontamination protocol: DW (control); 1% NaOCl; 2.5% NaOCl; 5.25% NaOCl; 250 ppm HClO and 500 ppm HClO. The colony-forming units were counted to evaluate the decontamination potential of each group, calculating the reduction in bacterial percentage. Cytotoxicity test-Cytotoxicity was evaluated after inoculation of the same tested protocols in fibroblastic cells for 3 min, calculating the cell viability percentages. Specifical statistical analysis was performed (α = 5%). Cleaning ability and erosion-Fifty-six single-rooted bovine lower incisors were divided into seven groups of 8 roots each, being the test groups 1% NaOCl; 2.5% NaOCl; 5,25% NaOCl; 250 ppm HClO and 500 ppm HClO, and a negative and positive control. Negative control was not contaminated, and the other groups were inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis. SEM images were ranked as from the cleanest to the least clean. Erosion was also assessed, being ranked from the least to the most eroded dentine. RESULTS: The highest bacterial reduction was observed in experimental groups, with no statistical differences between them (p > 0.05). The highest number of viable cells was observed in control group, followed by 250 ppm HClO and 500 ppm HClO groups, with statistical differences between them (p < 0.05). 1% NaOCl; 2.5% NaOCl; 5.25% NaOCl and 500 ppm HClO displayed the cleanest areas. All sodium hypochlorite groups displayed erosion with higher ranks with greater concentration, while hypochlorous acid did not display any erosion regardless the concentration. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to conclude that HClO obtained from an electrolytic device presented high antimicrobial activity and low cytotoxicity in both tested concentrations. 500 ppm HClO did not display erosion and showed great cleaning ability. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The use of 500 ppm hypochlorous acid may reduce unfavorable behavior of sodium hypochlorite whilst maintaining its antimicrobial action.

Promoting Effect of Ball Milling on the Functionalization and Catalytic Performance of Carbon Nanotubes in Glycerol Etherification.

A facile and eco-friendly approach using in situ-generated 4-benzenediazonium sulfonate (BDS) was applied to prepare highly functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The effectiveness of this functionalization was additionally enhanced by a green and short-time ball milling process applied beforehand. The obtained BDS-modified CNTs presented significant activity in glycerol etherification, producing tert-butyl glycerol ethers, which are considered promising fuel additives. Excellent results of ~56% glycerol conversion and ~10% yield of higher-substituted tert-butyl glycerol ethers were obtained within just 1 h of reaction at 120 °C using a low catalyst loading of only 2.5 wt.%. Furthermore, the sulfonated CNTs were reusable over several reaction cycles, with only a minor decrease in activity. Additionally, the sample activity could be restored by a simple regeneration approach. Finally, a clear correlation was found between the content of -SO3H groups on the surface of CNTs and the catalytic performances of these materials in glycerol etherification. Improved interaction between functionalized ball-milled CNTs and the reactants was also suggested to positively affect the activity of these catalysts in the tested process.

Speed limitations of resonant tunneling diode-based photodetectors.

In this work, we study multiple epitaxial layer structures incorporating a resonant tunneling diode photodetector utilizing the In0.53Ga0.47As/InP material system for operation at the near-infrared region of 1.55 and 1.31 micrometers. We study the photodetection speed of response for these devices and the physical limitations affecting their bandwidth. We show that resonant tunneling diode-based photodetectors have bandwidth limitations due to the charge accumulation near the barriers and report on an operating bandwidth reaching up to 1.75 GHz in particular structures, which is the highest number reported for such detectors to the authors' best knowledge.

Trimethylation profile of histones H3 lysine 4 and 9 in late preantral and early antral caprine follicles grown in vivo versus in vitro in the presence of anethole.

This study assessed the histones methylation profile (H3K4me3 and H3K9me3) in late preantral (PA) and early antral (EA) caprine follicles grown in vivo and in vitro, and the anethole effect during in vitro culture of PA follicles. Uncultured in vivo-grown follicles (PA, n = 64; EA, n = 73) were used as controls to assess the methylation profile and genes' expression related to apoptosis cascade (BAX, proapoptotic; BCL2, antiapoptotic), steroidogenesis (CYP17, CYP19A1), and demethylation (KDM1AX1, KDM1AX2, KDM3A). The isolated PA follicles (n = 174) were cultured in vitro for 6 days in α-MEM+ in either absence (control) or presence of anethole. After culture, EA follicles were evaluated for methylation, mRNA abundance, and morphometry. Follicle diameter increased after culture, regardless of treatment. The methylation profile and the mRNA abundance were similar between in vivo-grown PA and EA follicles. Anethole treatment led to higher H3K4me3 fluorescence intensity in EA follicles. The mRNA abundances of BAX, CYP17, and CYP19A1 were higher, and BCL2 and KDM3A were lower in in vitro-grown EA follicles than in vivo-grown follicles. In conclusion, in vitro follicle culture affected H3K4me3 fluorescence intensity, mRNA abundance of apoptotic genes, and steroidogenic and demethylase enzymes compared with in vivo-grown follicles.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles functionalized with curcumin supplementation during in vitro embryo culture impaired in a concentration-dependent-manner blastocyst production in cattle.

This work investigated the effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles functionalized with curcumin (ZnO(np) + CUR) supplementation during the in vitro embryo culture (IVC) on the bovine in vitro embryo production, and the cellular antioxidant response. The cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were matured, fertilized and then the presumptive zygotes were cultured in the medium in the absence (0 µM-control) or presence of different concentrations of ZnO(np) + CUR (3, 6 or 12 µM). After IVC, the embryos were destined either to assay intracellular ROS levels and mitochondrial membrane potential. The results demonstrated that only the addition of 12 µM ZnO(np) + CUR during IVC decreased intracellular ROS production and the rate of blastocyst production when compared to the control (p < .05). In conclusion, ZnO(np) + CUR addition during the IVC impaired in concentration-dependent-manner bovine in vitro embryo production.

How Do Phages Disrupt the Structure of Enterococcus faecalis Biofilm?

Biofilms are composed of multicellular communities of microbial cells and their self-secreted extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). The viruses named bacteriophages can infect and lyze bacterial cells, leading to efficient biofilm eradication. The aim of this study was to analyze how bacteriophages disrupt the biofilm structure by killing bacterial cells and/or by damaging extracellular polysaccharides, proteins, and DNA. The use of colorimetric and spectrofluorimetric methods and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) enabled a comprehensive assessment of phage activity against E. faecalis biofilms. The impact of the phages vB_Efa29212_2e and vB_Efa29212_3e was investigated. They were applied separately or in combination on 1-day and 7-day-old biofilms. Phages 2e effectively inhibited the growth of planktonic cells with a limited effect on the biofilm. They did not notably affect extracellular polysaccharides and proteins; however, they increased DNA levels. Phages 3e demonstrated a potent and dispersing impact on E. faecalis biofilms, despite being slightly less effective than bacteriophages 2e against planktonic cells. Phages 3e reduced the amount of extracellular polysaccharides and increased eDNA levels in both 1-day-old and 7-day-old biofilm cultures. Phage cocktails had a strong antimicrobial effect on both planktonic and biofilm-associated bacteria. A significant reduction in the levels of polysaccharides, proteins, and eDNA in 1-day-old biofilm samples was noted, which confirms that phages interfere with the structure of E. faecalis biofilm by killing bacterial cells and affecting extracellular polymer levels.

Temporomandibular trauma and reflections on personal evaluation.

The International Consortium Network/Orofacial Pain Special Interest Group focuses on temporomandibular disease diagnosis procedure guidelines as a reference iQAn this scope. Concerning this reference, the aim of this study was to comprehensively analyze injury and sequela frames within European and American approaches to personal damage. A quasiexperimental pilot study of Portuguese orofacial trauma cases in a medico-legal evaluation database was performed with an interrupted time series design. The clinical data were recorded following five criteria of TMJ diagnosis (jaw opening, pain, anatomical deficit, functional deficit, clinical sounds, and occlusal deficit) under three degrees of severity. The injury frame evaluation was recorded in the first-degree stage in all criteria. Pain, as a sequela, was the criterion present in 45% of the sample as spontaneous (20%) or stimulated (25%). Temporomandibular trauma damage evaluation emphasizes the accurate injury diagnosis and sequela framework. Orofacial trauma analysis should focus on the inclusion or exclusion of a TMD diagnosis. This study suggests revising the reference tables on personal damage, considering the inclusion of TMD and its categorization and impact.

How in vitro maturation changes the proteome of ovine cumulus-oocyte complexes?

The present study evaluated the effects of in vitro maturation (IVM) on the proteome of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) from ewes. Extracted COC proteins were analyzed by LC-MS/MS. Differences in protein abundances (p < 0.05) and functional enrichments in immature versus in vitro-matured COCs were evaluated using bioinformatics tools. There were 2550 proteins identified in the COCs, with 89 and 87 proteins exclusive to immature and mature COCs, respectively. IVM caused downregulation of 84 and upregulation of 34 proteins. Major upregulated proteins in mature COCs were dopey_N domain-containing protein, structural maintenance of chromosomes protein, ubiquitin-like modifier-activating enzyme 2. Main downregulated proteins in mature COCs were immunoglobulin heavy constant mu, inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain 2, alpha-2-macroglobulin. Proteins exclusive to mature COCs and upregulated after IVM related to immune response, complement cascade, vesicle-mediated transport, cell cycle, and extracellular matrix organization. Proteins of immature COCs and downregulated after IVM were linked to metabolic processes, immune response, and complement cascade. KEGG pathways and miRNA-regulated genes attributed to downregulated and mature COC proteins related to complement and coagulation cascades, metabolism, humoral response, and B cell-mediated immunity. Thus, IVM influenced the ovine COC proteome. This knowledge supports the future development of efficient IVM protocols for Ovis aries.

Angiotensin II drives the production of tumor-promoting macrophages.

Macrophages frequently infiltrate tumors and can enhance cancer growth, yet the origins of the macrophage response are not well understood. Here we address molecular mechanisms of macrophage production in a conditional mouse model of lung adenocarcinoma. We report that overproduction of the peptide hormone Angiotensin II (AngII) in tumor-bearing mice amplifies self-renewing hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and macrophage progenitors. The process occurred in the spleen but not the bone marrow, and was independent of hemodynamic changes. The effects of AngII required direct hormone ligation on HSCs, depended on S1P(1) signaling, and allowed the extramedullary tissue to supply new tumor-associated macrophages throughout cancer progression. Conversely, blocking AngII production prevented cancer-induced HSC and macrophage progenitor amplification and thus restrained the macrophage response at its source. These findings indicate that AngII acts upstream of a potent macrophage amplification program and that tumors can remotely exploit the hormone's pathway to stimulate cancer-promoting immunity.

Head and neck radiotherapy effects on the dental pulp vitality and response to sensitivity tests: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Experimental studies are controversial regarding the effects of radiotherapy for head and neck cancer (HNC) on the dental pulp. Therefore, a systematic review of clinical studies is necessary to investigate whether alterations in pulp status occur. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the evidence on radiotherapy for HNC and pulp status. METHODS: A systematic search of articles published until November 2021 was performed in the MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science (All Databases), Scopus, EMBASE, and Open Grey databases. The eligibility criteria were based on the PICOS strategy, as follows: (P) vital teeth of adult patients with intraoral and/or oropharyngeal cancer; (I) radiotherapy; (C) control group or values of the same tooth before radiotherapy (basal values); (O) pulpal status after radiotherapy; and (S) clinical studies. The Cochrane Risk of Bias in Nonrandomized Studies of Interventions tool was used to assess the quality of the included studies. Meta-analyses were performed using fixed and random effects. The overall quality of evidence was assessed through the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) tool. RESULTS: Six studies were included for qualitative analysis. Five were classified as serious risk of bias and one as moderate risk of bias. Four studies reported altered pulp responses to cold thermal tests after radiotherapy initiation. Meta-analyses were performed using three included studies. From these, all were included in the meta-analysis for pulp response values to cold sensitivity test immediately after radiotherapy initiation (risk ratio: 0.00 [CI: 0.00, 0.02], p < .00001; I2  = 0%); and two in the meta-analysis for pulp response values to cold sensitivity test after 4-5 months of radiotherapy (risk ratio: 0.01 [CI: 0.00. 0.06], p < .00001; I2  = 0%). Two reported progressively higher readings to pulp response in the electrical test after radiotherapy initiation (mean difference: -11.46 [-13.09, -9.84], p < .00001; I2  = 68%). Two studies demonstrated a pulp oxygen saturation (SpO2 ) decrease at the end of radiotherapy; and an increase after 4-6 months of radiotherapy beginning. And other demonstrated normal dental pulp SpO2 4-6 years after treatment. GRADE analysis presented a moderate certainty of evidence. DISCUSSION: This review verified that radiotherapy for HNC causes significant alterations on the dental pulp responses, but does not seem to induce pulp necrosis. Significant limitations regarding controlling for confounding factors, classification of interventions, and measurement of outcomes were verified, evidencing the need for well-designed studies. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review demonstrated that radiotherapy for HNC induced significant changes in the pulp response with moderate quality of evidence. Such altered responses cannot determine pulp status accurately.

Global proteomic analysis of preimplantational ovine embryos produced in vitro.

The present study was conducted to characterize the major proteome of preimplantation (D6) ovine embryos produced in vitro. COCs were aspirated from antral follicles (2-6 mm), matured and fertilized in vitro and cultured until day six. Proteins were extracted separately from three pools of 45 embryos and separately run in SDS-PAGE. Proteins from each pool were individually subjected to in-gel digestion followed by LC-MS/MS. Three 'raw files' and protein lists were produced by Pattern Lab software, but only proteins present in all three lists were used for the bioinformatics analyses. There were 2,262 proteins identified in the 6-day-old ovine embryos, including albumin, zona pellucida glycoprotein 2, 3 and 4, peptidyl arginine deiminase 6, actin cytoplasmic 1, gamma-actin 1, pyruvate kinase, heat shock protein 90 and protein disulfide isomerase, among others. Major biological processes linked to the sheep embryo proteome were translation, protein transport and protein stabilization, and molecular functions, defined as ATP binding, oxygen carrier activity and oxygen binding. There were 42 enriched functional clusters according to the 2,147 genes (UniProt database). Ten selected clusters with potential association with embryo development included translation, structural constituent of ribosomes, ribosomes, nucleosomes, structural constituent of the cytoskeleton, microtubule-based process, translation initiation factor activity, regulation of translational initiation, cell body and nucleotide biosynthetic process. The most representative KEEG pathways were ribosome, oxidative phosphorylation, glutathione metabolism, gap junction, mineral absorption, DNA replication and cGMP-PKG signalling pathway. Analyses of functional clusters clearly showed differences associated with the proteome of preimplantation (D6) sheep embryos generated after in vitro fertilization in comparison with in vivo counterparts (Sanchez et al., 2021; https://doi.org/10.1111/rda.13897), confirming that the quality of in vitro derived blastocysts are unlike those produced in vivo. The present study portrays the first comprehensive overview of the proteome of preimplantational ovine embryos grown in vitro.

Oral bacterial decontamination using an innovative prototype for photocatalytic disinfection.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a prototype photocatalytic device for bacterial decontaminations of the oral cavity. METHODS: Sixty-four subjects (18-65) were selected and randomly assigned to eight groups (n = 8), according to oral disinfection protocol: (G1): distilled water (control); (G2): 1.5% hydrogen peroxide (HP); (G3): 3.0% HP; (G4): 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX); (G5): Germinator; (G6): 1.5% HP + Germinator; (G7): 3.0%HP + Germinator; (G8): 0.12% CHX + Germinator. Stimulated saliva was collected before and after a 3-min mouthwash and/or Germinator application. The patients were kept relaxed and retained saliva 5-10 min, spitting out into the tube for 3 min. The percentage bacterial reduction was checked by counting the colony-forming units (CFUs) after culturing on blood agar plates. Data were subjected to one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test (α = 5%) for statistical significance. RESULTS: The highest bacterial reduction was observed in groups 3 (3.0% HP), 6 (1.5% HP + Germinator), and 7 (3.0% + Germinator), with no statistically significant difference between them (p > 0.05). Groups 6 (1.5% HP + Germinator) and 8 (0.12% CHX + Germinator) showed higher bacterial reduction than groups 2 (1.5% HP) and 4 (0.12% CHX) (p < 0.05). Finally, group 5 (Germinator) showed higher bacterial reduction than control group (DW) and group 4 (0.12% CHX) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The photocatalytic disinfection was effective against oral bacteria and improved the antimicrobial action of 1.5% HP and 0.12%. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The photocatalytic disinfection can be an alternative protocol to provide the oral decontamination.

Development of sheep secondary follicles and preservation of aromatase and metalloproteinases 2 and 9 after vitrification and in vitro culture.

The cryopreservation of secondary follicles (SF) is a promising alternative to preserve the reproductive potential both in humans and animals in situations in which the transplantation of ovarian tissue is not possible. The objective of the present study was cryopreserved SF isolated sheep. Beyond follicular morphology, viability and development, we investigated proteins related to steroidogenic function and basement membrane remodeling [metalloproteinases 2 (MMP-2) and 9 (MMP-9)] in fresh SF (FSF) and vitrified SF (VSF) followed by in vitro culture for 6 (D6) or 12 days (D12). The percentage of intact follicles, follicular and oocyte diameter of the VSF were lower than FSF on both days of culture (P < 0.05). The VSF viability was statistically reduced from D6 (95.5%) to D12 (77.3%) but did not differ from the FSF on both days (D6:96.2% to D12:86.5%). Antrum formation in the VSF (D6: 59.13%; D12: 79.56%) was significantly lower than the FSF (D6: 79.61%; D12: 92.23%). However, an increase in this percentage was observed from D6 to D12 in both groups. Aromatase showed stronger labeling on FSF D6 and VSF D12 compared to other treatments (P < 0.05). MMP-2 showed a similar pattern of labeling in FSF D6 and VSF D12, similarly to that observed in FSF D12 and VSF D6. MMP-9 was similar in FSF and VSF cultivated for 6 and 12 days. In conclusion, VSF are able to grow and develop during 12 days of in vitro culture and showed evidence of preservation of steroidogenic function and remodeling of the basement membrane.

Orofacial trauma injuries and disability assessment in adolescents: A Portuguese study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Orofacial injuries are a significant public health issue. The evidence-based knowledge associated with adolescent violence and trauma is highlighted by the World Health Organization with regard to its specific needs related to disability, violence, and unintentional injuries. The main aim of this study was to present evidence-based information about orofacial traumatic injuries of an adolescent population using Portuguese epidemiological data. The second aim was to report follow-up data of injuries for disability assessment in a trauma prevention approach. METHODS: An observational cohort study was performed using the clinical database of the national-specialist-healthcare-centre-of-trauma (2014-2018). Information was collected regarding gender, school age range, etiology, injury type, injury time, and severity. Mann-Whitney (p < .05), Kruskal-Wallis (p < .001), and Cox regression (p < .001) analyses were performed. RESULTS: Orofacial trauma injuries were present in 23.3% of Portuguese adolescents (age range 10-18 years). The majority were male (72.6%), and no age range stood out in frequency. School accidents (90.6%) were the major etiology for all groups of injuries. The diagnosis of superficial intraoral injuries was the most frequent (50.8%), followed by similar injuries to the face (22.5%). A Cox regression model with an adequate fit was yielded (χ2 [6] = 54.893, p < .001), suggesting that variable injury type was a predictor of disability, considering injury time. Tooth and alveolar loss, complicated tooth fracture, complicated face injury, and temporomandibular injuries were more predictive (1

Baking Process Effects and Combined Cowpea Flour and Sorghum Bran on Functional Properties of Gluten-Free Cookies.

Gluten-related disorders, including celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity, are growing worldwide. The only treatment for both disorders is a lifelong gluten-free diet. However, gluten-free foods are generally poorer in nutrients, less healthy, and have a high cost. Sorghum and cowpea are gluten-free grains with high levels of phenolic compounds (PC) and a low cost. Their phenolic profile is structurally different; thus, the blend of both can provide synergistic/complementary health benefits to the final product. This study analyzed the effect of baking process and the blend of cowpea flour (CP) and sorghum bran (SB) on the levels of PC, resistant starch (RS), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and antioxidant capacity (AC) of gluten-free cookies. Eleven rice or cowpea cookie formulations were made with or without white sorghum bran (WSB) or black sorghum bran (BSB). Baking increased the extractability of PC, AC, and the NDF of almost all formulations. The PC and AC were, respectively, about twice and 3-5 times higher in cookies containing BSB compared to the others. There was a minor effect of WSB on the PC and AC. Although there were losses, the retention of RS of cookies after the baking process was between 49.8 and 92.7%. Sorghum bran has excellent potential for use as a functional ingredient in healthy food production. The combined CP and SB have great potential to improve the nutritional and functional properties of gluten-free products, especially the PC, RS, and NDF contents.

Design science research applied to difficulties of teaching and learning initial programming.

Learning and teaching to program is an arduous task. It requires a lot of commitment, dedication, and passion from everyone involved. Programming courses have high dropout and failure rates. Throughout time, several educational research works have been carried out to study the different learning processes and characteristics of students. With this work, we present and describe our vision and model of teaching and learning of initial programming to minimize the problems. We present a technological tool, called HTProgramming (Help To Programming), which complements the teaching and learning process. This allows students to practice a wide variety of activities with immediate feedback, directly related to content and themes for learning programming. It allows the teacher to follow the whole process and students' results. Using a machine-learning (neural network) predictive model of student failure, it will allow the teacher to anticipate possible student failure and act quickly. In this paper, we apply the Design Scientific Research Methodology to tackle teaching and learning difficulties to initial programming. We also include the results and evaluation of the application. Students consider the application an important tool for their learning process. The student failure prediction model presents very realistic values.

Antifungal activity of bacterial strains from maize silks against Fusarium verticillioides.

Fusarium verticillioides is pathogenic to maize and mycotoxin-producer, causing yield losses, feed and food contamination, and risks to human and animal health. Endophytic (ISD04 and IPR45) and epiphytic (CT02 and IM14) bacteria from maize silks were tested in vitro and greenhouse against F. verticillioides and for hydrolytic enzyme production (cellulase, pectinase, protease, lipase, and chitinase). The strains preliminarily identified as Achromobacter xylosoxidans (ISD04), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (IPR45), and Bacillus velezensis (CT02 and IM14) by 16S gene sequencing. All strains showed antifungal activity in vitro with inhibition values from 58.5 to 100%; they changed hyphae morphology and inhibited the conidial germination by up to 100% (IPR45). The four strains produced at least one enzyme with antifungal activity. The microbiolized seeds reduced the fungal development in stored grains and stalk rot severity in the greenhouse by 72.6% (ISD04). These results highlight the potential of these strains as biocontrol agents against F. verticillioides.

A retrospective and tridimensional study of the maxillary sinus in patients with cleft lip and palate.

INTRODUCTION: Structural or anatomic differences may arise during the development of the maxillary sinus and the process of fusion of the palate in the presence of cleft lip and palate. The present study aimed to compare the maxillary sinus volume of patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate and a control group (noncleft patients). METHODS: In this retrospective case-control study, 160 cone-beam computed tomography images of 80 unilateral cleft lip and palate patients (41 males and 39 females; mean age, 12.7 ± 6.03 years) and 80 control patients (43 males and 37 females; mean age, 13.1 ± 6.27 years) were evaluated through the ITK-SNAP software (Cognitica, Philadelphia, Pa) to access the maxillary sinus volume. Analysis of covariance and regression analysis were used to assess the differences between the groups while considering the relationship between maxillary sinus volume, age, and sex. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found in the maxillary sinus volume analyzing a unilateral cleft lip and palate and a control group (P = 0.677). Considering the cleft group, there is a tendency for the maxillary sinus volume of the cleft side to be smaller than its contralateral (P < 0.001). Statistically significant differences were found in the maxillary sinus volume, regarding the age and sex of cleft and noncleft patients (P < 0.001 for age; P = 0.001 for sex). CONCLUSIONS: According to these results, the presence of unilateral cleft lip and palate did not affect the maxillary sinus volume, comparing cleft and noncleft patients. A biphasic growth pattern of the maxillary sinus and a presence of sexual dimorphism were found.

The Pulp Stones: Morphological Analysis in Scanning Electron Microscopy and Spectroscopic Chemical Quantification.

Background and objectives: Pulp stones are hard tissue structures formed in the pulp of permanent and deciduous teeth. Few studies have evaluated their morphology and chemical composition. However, their formation, composition, configuration and role played in overall health status are still unclear. Clinically, they may be symptomatic; technically, they impede access during endodontic therapy, increasing the risk of treatment errors. Thus, this study aimed to morphologically analyze pulp stones and present their chemical quantification, identifying their main chemical elements. It also correlates the results with their possible induction mechanisms. Materials and Methods: Seven pulp nodules were collected from molar teeth needing endodontic treatment. The morphology of the stones was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and their chemical composition was determined by X-ray dispersive energy spectroscopy (EDX). Results: These structures varied considerably in shape, size and topography. The site of the stones in the pulp cavity was the factor that most affected the morphology. The majority of the stones found in the pulp chambers presented nodular morphology, while those in the root canals presented a diffuse shape, resembling root canal anatomy. The topography of the nodules showed heterogeneous relief, revealing smooth and compact areas contrasting with the rugged and porous ones. The chemical composition varied depending on the location of the nodule in the pulp cavity and the relief of the analyzed area. Radicular stones presented considerably lower calcium and phosphorus content than coronary nodules. Conclusions: The high cellularity rate of the coronal pulp predisposes this region to nodular mineralizations around injured cells. The presence of larger caliber vascular bundles and higher collagen fiber content in radicular pulp determines a diffuse morphological pattern in this region. Understanding the morphology and chemical composition of the pulp stones allows future translational pathways towards the prevention or treatment of such conditions.