Assessment of the association of myofibroblasts and structural components of the extracellular matrix with histopathological parameters of actinic cheilitis and lower lip squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the presence of myofibroblasts (MFs) in the development of lip carcinogenesis, through the correlation of clinical, histomorphometric and immunohistochemical parameters, in actinic cheilitis (ACs) and lower lip squamous cell carcinomas (LLSCCs). METHODS: Samples of ACs, LLSCCs, and control group (CG) were prepared by tissue microarray (TMA) for immunohistochemical TGF-ß, α-SMA, and Ki-67 and histochemical hematoxylin and eosin, picrosirius red, and verhoeff van gieson reactions. Clinical and microscopic data were associated using the Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis/Dunn, and Spearman correlation tests (SPSS, p < 0.05). RESULTS: ACs showed higher number of α-SMA+ MFs when compared to CG (p = 0.034), and these cells were associated with the vertical expansion of solar elastosis (SE) itself (p = 0.027). Areas of SE had lower deposits of collagen (p < 0.001), immunostaining for TGF-ß (p < 0.001), and higher density of elastic fibers (p < 0.05) when compared to areas without SE. A positive correlation was observed between high-risk epithelial dysplasia (ED) and the proximity of SE to the dysplastic epithelium (p = 0.027). LLSCCs showed a higher number of α-SMA+ MFs about CG (p = 0.034), as well as a reduction in the deposition of total collagen (p = 0.009) in relation to ACs and CG. There was also a negative correlation between the amount of α-SMA+ cells and the accumulation of total collagen (p = 0.041). Collagen and elastic density loss was higher in larger tumors (p = 0.045) with nodal invasion (p = 0.047). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show the possible role of MFs, collagen fibers, and elastosis areas in the lip carcinogenesis process.

Role of induced nitric oxide synthases in orofacial nociception/discomfort after dental tooth bleaching with hydrogen peroxide.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of induced nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in nociception/orofacial discomfort in rats submitted to tooth whitening with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). DESIGN: Wistar rats were divided into three groups (n = 24/group): a sham group not submitted to whitening treatment, a saline group submitted to whitening treatment, and a test group submitted to whitening treatment and blockade of iNOS with aminoguanidine 50 mg/kg/day. After 24 and 48 h, and 7 days, the animals were euthanized to collect trigeminal ganglia and maxillae to histomorphometric analysis (size of neuronal bodies and percentage of pulp area filled by vessels) and behavior/nociception (Grimace scales, scratching and biting counting, weight loss and nociception assay). ANOVA-1- or - 2-way tests were used (p < 0.05, GraphPadPrism 5.0). RESULTS: The aminoguanidine-treated group showed a reduction in nociceptive threshold in the masseteric region (p < 0.001), Grimace scale scores (p < 0.001), number of scratching (p = 0.011) and body mass loss (p = 0.007). After 24 and 48 h of tooth bleaching, the saline group showed a significant increase in the mean area of the blood vessels (p = 0.020) and iNOS immunostaining in odontoblasts (p = 0.002) and non-odontoblasts cells (p = 0.025). Aminoguanidine reversed both increases. Tooth bleaching reduced the mean area of neuronal bodies, and aminoguanidine significantly reversed it (p = 0.019), but an increase in GFAP immunostaining in neuronal bodies did not reduce after seven-days or after aminoguanidine treatment (p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: iNOS blockage by aminoguanidine plays an important role in nociception and orofacial discomfort by control of inflammation in dental pulp after tooth bleaching with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) 35%.

Fermentation of coffee fruit with sequential inoculation of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Saccharomyces cerevisiae: effect on sensory attributes and chemical composition of the beans.

This study has innovative aspects related to the use of sequential inoculation technique in the coffee bean fermentation process: the inoculation of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum followed by Saccharomyces cerevisiae, in the fermentation of coffee fruit for the production of specialty natural coffees. The objective was to evaluate the effect of this technique and of the total fermentation time on the sensory attributes of the coffee beverage and on the organic acid profile, bioactive compounds, and fatty acid profile of the beans. The fermentation of coffee fruit with sequential inoculation resulted in greater acidity of the beverage and contributed to increases of up to 2 points in coffee fermented. The total fermentation time was directly related to the organic acid content, and the longer the total fermentation time was, the greater the organic acid content. The fatty acid content and bioactive compound content showed little variation among treatments.

Anti-inflammatory and healing effect of the polysaccharidic extract of Opuntia ficus-indica cladodes in cutaneous excisional wounds in rats.

This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory and wound healing effects of the polysaccharide extract from Opuntia ficus-indica cladodes (TPL-Ofi) using a rat cutaneous wound model. After anaesthesia, four 7-mm-diameter dorsal wounds per animal (n = 6/group for each experimental day of evaluation) were created in female Wistar rats using a surgical punch. The animals were treated topically twice daily with TPL-Ofi (0.01-1%; treated group) or sterile saline (control group) for a period of 21 days. Ulcerated tissue was collected for analysis of histological parameters (inflammation score, number of polymorphonuclear, mononuclear, fibroblast/myofibroblasts and blood vessels), immunohistochemical (fibroblast growth factor 2 [FGF-2]) and oxidative stress markers (myeloperoxidase [MPO] and glutathione [GSH]). After 21 days of treatment, body weight, net organ weight and plasma biochemical levels were measured. TPL-Ofi, containing a total carbohydrate content of 65.5% and uronic acid at 2.8%, reduced oedema on the second day and increased the nociceptive threshold on the second and third days. TPL-Ofi reduced mononuclear infiltrate on the second and MPO activity on the fifth day. TPL-Ofi increased GSH levels on the second day, as well as fibroblast/myofibroblasts counts, neoangiogenesis and FGF-2 levels on the fifth and seventh days. No changes were observed in body weight, net organ weight or toxicology assessment. Topical application of TPL-Ofi exhibited anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects, ultimately improving wound healing in cutaneous wounds.

Antiangiogenic activity of photobiomodulation in experimental model using chorioallantoic embryonic membrane of chicken eggs / Atividade antiangiogênica da fotobiomodulação em modelo experimental usando membrana embrionária corioalantóide de ovos de galinhas

ABSTRACT Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the vascular effects of photobiomodulation using a light-emitting diode on the chorioallantoic embryonic membrane of chicken eggs grouped into different times of exposure and to detect the morphological changes induced by the light on the vascular network architecture using quantitative metrics. Methods: We used a phototherapy device with light-emitting diode (670 nm wavelength) as the source of photobiomodulation. We applied the red light at a distance of 2.5 cm to the surface of the chorioallantoic embryonic membrane of chicken eggs in 2, 4, or 8 sessions for 90 s and analyzed the vascular network architecture using AngioTool software (National Cancer Institute, USA). We treated the negative control group with 50 μl phosphate-buffered-saline (pH 7.4) and the positive control group (Beva) with 50 μl bevacizumab solution (Avastin, Produtos Roche Químicos e Farmacêuticos, S.A., Brazil). Results: We found a decrease in total vessel length in the Beva group (24.96% ± 12.85%) and in all the groups that received 670 nm red light therapy (2× group, 34.66% ± 8.66%; 4× group, 42.42% ± 5.26%; 8× group, 38.48% ± 6.96%), compared with the negative control group. The fluence of 5.4 J/cm2 in 4 sessions (4×) showed more regular vessels. The number of junctions in the groups that received a higher incidence of 670 nm red light (4× and 8×) significantly decreased (p<0.0001). Conclusion: Photo-biomodulation helps reduce vascularization in chorioallantoic embryonic membrane of chicken eggs and changes in the network architecture. Our results open the possibility of future clinical studies on using this therapy in patients with retinal diseases with neovascular components, especially age-related macular degeneration.

RESUMO Objetivo: investigar os efeitos vasculares da foto-biomodulação com diodo emissor de luz utilizando membrana embrionária corioalantóide de ovos de galinhas em grupos com diferentes tempos de exposição e detectar as alterações morfológicas por meio de métricas quantitativas promovidas pela luz na arquitetura da rede vascular. Métodos: Um aparelho de fototerapia com diodo emissor de luz no comprimento de onda de 670 nm foi usado como fonte de fotobiomodulação. A luz vermelha foi aplicada a uma distância de 2,5 cm da superfície da membrana embrionária corioalantóide em 2, 4 ou 8 sessões de 90 s a arquitetura da rede vascular foi analisada por meio do software AngioTool (National Cancer Institute, USA). Usamos um grupo controle negativo tratado com 50 µL de solução salina tamponada com fosfato (PBS) pH 7,4 e um grupo controle positivo (Beva) tratado com 50 µL de solução de bevacizumabe (Avastin, Produtos Roche Químicos e Farmacêuticos S.A., Brasil). Resultados: Uma diminuição no comprimento total do vaso foi detectada para o grupo Beva (24,96 ± 12,85%), e para todos os grupos que receberam terapia de luz vermelha de 670 nm, 34,66 ± 8,66% (2x), 42,42 ± 5,26% (4x) e 38,48 ± 6,96% (8x) em comparação ao grupo controle. A incidência de 5,4 J/cm2 em 4 sessões (4x) mostrou vasos mais regulares. A redução foi mais intensa nos grupos que receberam maior incidência de luz vermelha de 670 nm (4x e 8x). Conclusão: A fotobiomodulação contribui para a redução da vascularização nos vasos da membrana embrionária corioalantóide de ovos de galinhas e mudanças na arquitetura da rede. Os achados deste experimento abrem a possibilidade de considerar um estudo clínico usando esta terapia em pacientes com doenças retinais com componentes neovasculares, especialmente degeneração macular relacionada à idade.

N-Methyl-(2S,4R)-trans-4-hydroxy-L-proline isolated Sideroxylon obtusifolium attenuates TPA-induced irritant contact dermatitis in mice.

Dermatitis is defined as a set of inflammatory diseases that affect the skin, with varied causes. Among the different types of dermatitis, contact dermatitis is the most prevalent. Although the current therapy is often effective, it is associated with adverse effects and the possibility of drug tolerance. N-Methyl-(2S, 4R)-trans-4-hydroxy-L-proline is a L-proline amino acid derivative found in the leaves of Sideroxylon obtusifolium, a species traditionally used to treat inflammatory diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the topical anti-inflammatory effect of N-methyl-(2S, 4R)-trans-4-hydroxy-L-proline (NMP) in 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced irritant contact dermatitis in mice. Topically administered NMP, at doses of 0.03 - 0.50 mg/ear, reduced TPA-induced ear edema and neutrophil migration, as evidenced by low tissue myeloperoxidase activity and verified by histological examination. In addition, NMP (0.06 mg/ear) reduced tissue levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1ß, INF-γ and MCP-1) and of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, and reduced gene expression of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1ß increased by TPA. The data suggest that N-methyl-(2S, 4R)-trans-4-hydroxy-L-proline acts as a topical anti-inflammatory agent that decreases the expression of inflammatory cytokines, making it useful for the treatment of skin inflammation. Further investigations are necessary for its development as a therapeutic agent.

Natural fermentation with delayed inoculation of the yeast Torulaspora delbrueckii: Impact on the chemical composition and sensory profile of natural coffee.

All coffee production stages occur in a microbiome, which is generally composed of bacteria, yeasts, and filamentous fungi. The use of starter cultures in post-harvest processing stages is an interesting alternative, since they promote faster removal of mucilage and incorporation of compounds that improve sensory quality, which can result in diverse sensory attributes for the beverage. This study was therefore developed with the objective of evaluating the effect of the following processing procedures on the chemical and sensory characteristics of the coffee beverage: first, fermentation of coffee fruit of the yellow Catucaí variety of Coffea arabica with indigenous microorganisms, followed by inoculation of the starter culture Torulaspora delbrueckii CCMA 0684 during the drying stage. The fruit was divided into two lots, which were differentiated by a natural fermentation process before drying began. The starter culture was inoculated on the coffee at different times during the drying process: at 0 h, 24 h, 48 h, or 72 h after drying began. The sensory attributes, the volatile compound composition of the roasted beans, the organic acid profile, the bioactive compounds, and the fatty acid profile of the green coffee beans were analyzed. The fatty acid and bioactive compound content showed little variation among treatments. Analysis of volatile compounds and organic acids and evaluation of sensory attributes made it possible to distinguish the two treatments. We conclude that natural fermentation of coffee fruit improve the chemical and sensory quality of the coffee beverage. The effect of natural fermentation may be before inoculation of the starter cultures or even during drying.

Interleukin-17 plays a role in dental pulp inflammation mediated by zoledronic acid: a mechanism unrelated to the Th17 immune response?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of RORγT inhibition by digoxin on inflammatory changes related to interleukin-17 (IL-17) in the pulp of rats treated with zoledronate (ZOL). METHODOLOGY: Forty male Wistar rats were divided into a negative control group (NCG) treated with saline solution, a positive control group (PCG) treated with ZOL (0.20 mg/kg), and three groups treated with ZOL and co-treated with digoxin 1, 2, or 4 mg/kg (DG1, 2, and 4). After four intravenous administrations of ZOL or saline solution in a 70-day protocol, the right molars were evaluated by histomorphometry (number of blood vessels, blood vessels/µm2, cells/µm2, total blood vessel area, and average blood vessel area) and immunohistochemistry (IL-17, TNF-α, IL-6, and TGF-ß). The Kruskal-Wallis/Dunn test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: PCG showed an increase in total blood vessel area (p=0.008) and average blood vessel area (p=0.014), and digoxin treatment reversed these changes. DG4 showed a reduction in blood vessels/µm2 (p<0.001). In PCG odontoblasts, there was an increase in IL-17 (p=0.002) and TNF-α (p=0.002) immunostaining, and in DG4, these changes were reversed. Odontoblasts in the digoxin-treated groups also showed an increase in IL-6 immunostaining (p<0.001) and a reduction in TGF-ß immunostaining (p=0.002), and all ZOL-treated groups showed an increase in IL-17 (p=0.011) and TNF-α (p=0.017) in non-odontoblasts cells. CONCLUSION: ZOL induces TNF-α- and IL-17-dependent vasodilation and ectasia, and the classical Th17 response activation pathway does not seem to participate in this process.

Zoledronate treatment exerts sex-independent effects on bone and dental physicochemical properties in mice jaw necrosis.

INTRODUCTION: Bisphosphonate (BF) therapy is strongly related to the occurrence of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). However, no previous study has evaluated if there are sex-related differences on the ONJ establishment together with bone biomechanical alterations, and if they could have a synergy with the ZA treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study aimed to analyze the physicochemical properties of mineralized tissues in a zoledronate (ZA)-related osteonecrosis mouse model, by a 2 × 2-factorial design, considering sex (female/male) and treatment (ZA/Saline) factors (n = 8/group). After three ZA (1.0 mg/kg) or saline administrations (days 0, 7, 14), the lower left second molar was extracted (day 42). Further ZA administration (day 49) and euthanasia (day 70) were conducted. After confirmation of ZA-induced jaw necrosis (histologic and microtomographic analysis), spectroscopic and mechanical parameters were assessed. RESULTS: ZA-treated groups presented lower bone density due to impaired healing of tooth extraction socket. Sex-related alterations were also observed, with lower bone density in females. Regarding biomechanical parameters, sex and treatment exerted independent influences. ZA, although decreasing flexural modulus and yield stress, increases stiffness mainly due to a higher bone volume. Females show less resistance to higher loads compared to males (considering dimension-independent parameters). Additionally, ZA increases crystallinity in bone and dental structure (p < 0.05). In summary, although strongly related to osteonecrosis occurrence, ZA modifies bone and dental mineral matrix, improving bone mechanical properties. CONCLUSION: Despite sex-dependent differences in bone biomechanics and density, osteonecrosis was established with no sex influence. No synergistic association between sex and treatment factors was observed in this study.

Evaluation of the healing potential of Nile tilapia skin collagen in traumatic oral ulcers in male rats.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the healing potential of Nile tilapia skin collagen using a rat model with experimentally induced traumatic oral ulcers. DESIGN: Male Wistar rats were segregated into three experimental groups (n = 8/group/euthanasia day). Ulcers were induced using a dermatological punch on the left buccal mucosa. The rats were then euthanized on days 1, 5, 10, 15, and 20 (ntotal=120 rats). Each group received topical treatment, 2x/day, with 1 % Nile tilapia skin collagen orabase (experimental group), only orabase (negative control), or Oncilom-A® orabase (positive control). Ulcer area, closure percentage, and body mass variation were measured. Slides were prepared for histological analysis, which included Picrosirius red staining (collagen analysis), and immunohistochemistry (platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule, alpha-smooth muscle actin, and transforming growth factor-beta). RESULTS: On day 15, the experimental and positive control groups displayed smaller ulcer areas, a higher percentage of closure, complete re-epithelialization, superior histological repair scores, and a reduced count of polymorphonuclear cells in comparison to the negative control group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the experimental group exhibited an increased number of blood vessels, total collagen (types I and III) and expression of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule, alpha-smooth muscle actin, and transforming growth factor-beta relative to the negative and positive control groups (p < 0.05). By day 20, the experimental group showed a more significant weight gain compared to the other groups (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Nile tilapia skin collagen orabase optimizes the healing of traumatic ulcers by stimulating re-epithelialization, angiogenesis, and collagenesis. Transforming growth factor-beta plays a significant role in this process.

Outcomes of Apert Syndrome Hand Reconstruction With Tilapia Skin: A Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Tilapia skin has already been used in various medical scenarios, but there are no studies showing the use of tilapia skin for hand reconstruction in Apert syndrome. The objective of this study is to determine whether the use of tilapia skin during graft bed preparation for children with Apert syndrome can shorten wound reepithelialization intervals, reduce the number of dressing changes, and decrease patient discomfort. METHODS: This is a prospective study on consecutive patients with Apert syndrome who underwent hand reconstruction at our Hospital. Patients were divided into 2 groups: (1) a control group consisting of patients who underwent conventional digit separation hand reconstruction surgery (2) an experimental group consisting of patients who underwent similar digit separation hand reconstruction surgery that commenced with the placement of a thin layer of tilapia skin at the raw commissures during a first operation, which was subsequently replaced by an autologous skin graft during a second operation staged 10 days postoperatively. Pain assessment was performed using the Visual Analog Scale. The number of dressing changes was also assessed. A T test compared the total number of dressings changes and pain data. RESULTS: Experimental group patients (n = 8) required an average of 9.4 days of daily dressing changes, and control group patients (n = 5) required an average of 20.8 days of daily dressing changes ( P < 0.05) and tended to experience significantly less pain when compared with patients in the control group ( P = 0.079). CONCLUSION: Tilapia skin can shorten wound reepithelialization intervals by reducing the total number of dressing changes.

Consumption of cashew nut induced anxiolytic-like behavior in dyslipidemic rats consuming a high fat diet.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of cashew nut consumption on anxiety-like behavior in dyslipidemic rats. The groups formed were: Control (CONT), Dyslipidemic (DL) and Dyslipidemic cashew nuts (DLCN). Tests to assess anxiety parameters were performed after the treatment period. Brain fatty acid profiles were analyzed. The animals in the DLCN group showed more rearing than DL, without differing from the CONT and less grooming than either the DL and CONT in the Open Field. In the Elevated Plus Maze, DLCN spent more time on the open arms and in the central area compared to the other groups. As for brain fatty acids, there was a reduction in polyunsaturated fatty acids for the DLCN compared to the other groups. The cashew nut, rich in fatty acids, phenolic and flavonoid compounds, reduced the anxiogenic-like behavior caused by dyslipidemia in rats without altering brain fatty acids.

XPS Characterization of TiO2 Nanotubes Growth on the Surface of the Ti15Zr15Mo Alloy for Biomedical Applications.

Ti15Zr15Mo (TMZ alloy) has been studied in recent years for biomedical applications, mainly due to phase beta formation. From the surface modification, it is possible to associate the volume and surface properties with a better biomedical response. This study aimed to evaluate the possibility of using anodization to obtain TiO2 nanotubes due to the presence of valve-type metal (Zr) in their composition. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was performed to determine the surface chemical composition in both after-processing conditions (passive layer) and after-processing plus anodization (TiO2 nanotube growth). The anodization resulted in nanotubes with diameters and thicknesses of 126 ± 35 and 1294 ± 193 nm, respectively, and predominated anatase phase. Compared to the passive layer of titanium, which is less than ~10 nm, the oxide layer formed was continuous and thicker. High-resolution spectra revealed that the oxide layer of the element alloys contained different oxidation states. The major phase in all depths for the nanotube samples was TiO2. While the stable form of each oxide was found to predominate on the surface, the inner part of the oxide layer consisted of suboxides and metallic forms. This composition included different oxidation states of the substrate elements Ti, Zr, and Mo.

Effect of virgin coconut oil on body weight, white fat depots, and biochemical and morphological parameters in mice fed standard or high-fat diets.

This study investigated the effects of virgin coconut oil (VCO) on body weight, white fat depots, and biochemical and morphological parameters in male Swiss mice fed standard (SD) or high-fat (HFD) diets. Thirty-three adult animals were assigned to one of four groups, as follows: SD, SD plus VCO (SDCO), HFD, and HFD plus VCO (HFDCO). VCO had no effects on the Lee index, subcutaneous fat, periepididymal fat, retroperitoneal fat, area under the curve for glucose, or pancreas weight, all of which were increased by HFD. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased in the SDCO group compared with the SD group and decreased in the HFDCO group compared with the HFD group. VCO increased total cholesterol only in the SDCO group compared with the SD group, with no differences between the HFD and HFDCO groups. In conclusion, low-dose VCO supplementation did not improve obesity, had no effects on hepatic or renal function, and had beneficial effects on the lipid profile only in animals fed HFD.

Mu and Kappa opioid receptor immunolabeling indicates the prognosis of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: A cross-sectional observational study.

BACKGROUND: Opioids are the most effective drugs currently available for cancer pain management. The administration of morphine, in addition to its analgesic effect, can alter tumor development. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the immunoexpression of opioid receptors µ and κ in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, and correlate it with prognostic factors, proliferation markers, and cell death. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective, cross-sectional observational study was carried out with 50 patients diagnosed at Haroldo Juaçaba Hospital. Sociodemographic, clinicopathological, and overall survival data were collected, and excisional biopsies were taken for immunohistochemistry using tissue microarrays for opioid receptors µ and κ, Ki-67, and caspase-3. Immunolabeling was evaluated and correlated with other variables using Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, Spearman correlation, log-rank (Mantel-Cox), and Cox regression tests. RESULTS: Immunoexpression of opioid receptors µ and κ, Ki-67, and caspase-3 was significantly higher in p16+ and p16- primary tumors and lymph node metastases than in surgical resection margins. The overall survival of patients with p16- tumors was 57.53 ± 8.43 months and that of patients with p16+ tumors was slightly higher at 75.92 ± 11.14 months. Multivariate analysis showed that the expression of opioid receptors µ and κ in the nucleus was directly associated with a lower and higher risk of death, respectively. CONCLUSION: We found increased expression of opioid receptors µ and κ in tumor tissues. The nuclear expression of opioid receptors µ and κ influences overall survival and may be a prognostic factor of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Condutas cinesioterapêuticas no tratamento das tendinopatias do manguito rotador em atletas de voleibol de quadra / Kinesiotherapeutic conducts in the treatment of rotator cuff tendinopathies in indoor volleyball athletes

Introdução: o ombro do jogador de voleibol é suscetível a lesões resultantes de sobrecargas biomecânicas e movimentos repetitivos. As frequentes queixas de dor nessa articulação evidenciam o elevado volume de ações motoras unilaterais em alta velocidade acima da cabeça, atingindo o manguito rotador (MR) e gerando limitação funcional na prática desportiva. As tendinopatias do MR, formado pelos músculos subescapular, redondo menor, infraespinhal e supraespinhal, atingem comumente os tendões do supraespinhal e do infraespinhal. Objetivo: descrever as condutas cinesioterapêuticas utilizadas no tratamento das tendinopatias do MR em atletas de voleibol de quadra. Metodologia: pesquisaram-se as bases de dados MEDLINE, SciELO e BVS. Descritores: lesões do ombro, manguito rotador, atletas, voleibol e Terapia por Exercício (pesquisados em inglês), associados dois a dois ou três a três, dentre os quais o termo atletas ou voleibol sempre foi mantido. Foram incluídos artigos de revisão, artigos originais, ensaios clínicos e estudos de coorte publicados em português e inglês, entre os anos de 2009 e 2019. Resultados: inicialmente a busca resultou em 480 artigos. Após o processo de seleção, seis estudos foram revisados na íntegra e incluídos na síntese qualitativa. Conclusão: as principais condutas cinesioterapêuticas descritas foram: fortalecimento dos rotadores externos, dos músculos do tronco, da coluna e periescapulares, alongamento da região posterior do ombro e mobilizações articulares.

Introduction: the volleyball player's shoulder is susceptible to injuries resulting from biomechanical overloads and repetitive movements. The frequent complaints of pain in this joint highlight the high volume of unilateral motor actions at high speed above the head, reaching the rotator cuff (RC) and generating functional limitation in sports. RC tendinopathies, formed by the subscapularis, teres minor, infraspinatus and supraspinatus muscles, commonly affect the supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons. Objective: to describe the kinesiotherapeutic conducts used in the treatment of RC tendinopathies in indoor volleyball athletes. Methodology: MEDLINE, SciELO and VHL databases were searched. Descriptors: shoulder injuries, rotator cuff, athletes, volleyball and Exercise Therapy (searched in English), associated two by two or three by three, among which the term athletes or volleyball was always maintained. Review articles, original articles, clinical trials and cohort studies published in Portuguese and English between 2009 and 2019 were included. Results: initially the search resulted in 480 articles. After the selection process, six studies were fully reviewed and included in the qualitative synthesis. Conclusion: the main kinesiotherapeutic procedures described were strengthening of the external rotators, trunk, spine and periscapular muscles, stretching of the posterior region of the shoulder and joint mobilizations.

Can SARS-CoV-2 screening in oral biopsies aid epidemiological surveillance?

BACKGROUND: Three years after the first confirmed COVID-19 case in Brazil, the outcomes of Federal government omissions in managing the crisis and anti-science stance heading into the pandemic have become even more evident. With over 36 million confirmed cases and nearly 700 000 deaths up to January 2023, the country is one of the hardest-hit places in the world. The lack of mass-testing programs was a critical broken pillar responsible for the quick and uncontrolled SARS-CoV-2 spread throughout the Brazilian population. Faced with this situation, we aimed to perform the routine SARS-CoV-2 screening through RT-qPCR of oral biopsies samples to aid in the asymptomatic epidemiological surveillance during the principal outbreak periods. METHODS: We analyzed 649 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded oral tissue samples from five important oral and maxillofacial pathology laboratories from the north, northeast, and southeast geographic regions of Brazil. We also sequenced the whole viral genome of positive cases to investigate SARS-CoV-2 variants. RESULTS: The virus was detected in 9/649 analyzed samples, of which three harbored the Variant of Concern Alpha (B.1.1.7). CONCLUSION: Although our approach did not value aiding asymptomatic epidemiological surveillance, we could successfully identify a using FFPE tissue samples. Therefore, we suggest using FFPE tissue samples from patients who have confirmed diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection for phylogenetic reconstruction and contraindicate the routine laboratory screening of these samples as a tool for asymptomatic epidemiological surveillance.

UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS-based metabolomic approach and gastroprotective effect of two chemotypes of Egletes viscosa (L.) less. against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in mice.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Egletes viscosa (L.) (macela) is a native wild herb that can be found in different states of northeastern Brazil. The infusions of its flower buds are traditionally used for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. E. viscosa possesses two chemotypes (named A and B), distinguishable by the composition of the essential oil from the flower buds. Although there are previous studies of the gastroprotective effect of the isolated constituents of E. viscosa, its infusions have not been investigated yet. AIM OF THE STUDY: The present study aimed to evaluate and compare the chemical composition and the gastroprotective effect of flower bud infusions of E. viscosa from chemotype A (EVCA) and chemotype B (EVCB). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen infusions were brewed with flower buds according to the traditional preparation mode and were analyzed through a UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS based metabolomic approach for determination of their metabolic fingerprints and quantification of bioactive compounds. Afterward, these data were analyzed by chemometric methods (OPLS-DA) for discrimination of the two chemotypes. Additionally, infusions of EVCA and EVCB (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) were evaluated on gastric ulcers induced by absolute ethanol (96%, 0.2 mL, p.o.) in mice. To elucidate the gastroprotective mechanisms, the effect of EVCA and EVCB on gastric acid secretion and gastric wall mucus was determined and the role of TRPV1 channels, prostaglandins, nitric oxide and KATP channels were assessed. Moreover, the oxidative stress-related parameters and the histological aspects of the stomach tissue were analyzed. RESULTS: The chemotypes can be discriminated from each other using UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS chemical fingerprints. Both chemotypes presented similar chemical compositions, consisting basically of caffeic acid derivatives, flavonoids and diterpenes. The quantification of bioactive compounds demonstrated that chemotype A possesses more ternatin, tanabalin and centipedic than chemotype B. EVCA and EVCB (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly decreased the severity of ethanol-induced gastric lesions, as shown by a reduction in histological alterations and leucocyte infiltration in gastric tissue. The gastroprotective mechanism of both infusions involves an antioxidant effect, maintenance of gastric mucus and reduction gastric secretion. Stimulation of endogenous prostaglandins and nitric oxide release, activation of TRPV1 channels, and KATP channels are also involved in the gastroprotection of the infusions. CONCLUSION: The gastroprotective effect of EVCA and EVCB was equivalent and mediated through antioxidant and antisecretory actions, including the activation of TRPV1 receptors, stimulation of endogenous prostaglandins and nitric oxide, and opening of KATP channels. The presence of caffeic acid derivatives, flavonoids and diterpenes in both infusions is involved in mediating this protective effect. Our findings support the traditional use of infusions of E. viscosa for gastric disorders regardless of the chemotype.

1H NMR spectroscopy applied to identify chemical aging markers in green coffee (Coffea arabica L.).

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) was used to identify metabolic changes in green coffee beans stored in 3 different packages. Sensory and NMR analyses were performed at 0, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 18 months of storage. The decrease in the sensory quality of beverages by aging was more pronounced in the paper bags after 6 months of storage. High barrier bags and vacuum packs were able to maintain quality for 18 months of storage, regardless of the coffee processing method. The NMR technique allowed the differentiation of coffee packed in paper bags from the 3rd month of storage. These results indicate that it is possible to anticipate by up to 3 months the identification of changes that would otherwise only be noticed through sensory analysis after six months of storage. Choline and glycerophosphocholine are the main chemical compounds associated with the changes observed in the storage of green coffee in paper bags.

3D-printed ß-TCP/S53P4 bioactive glass scaffolds coated with tea tree oil: Coating optimization, in vitro bioactivity and antibacterial properties.

Bone infection treatment is a significant challenge for the orthopedic field. 3D printing is a promising technology to produce scaffolds with customized architecture, able to stimulate and support bone growth. ß-TCP and S53P4 bioactive glass (BG) are well-known biomaterials for scaffold manufacturing. However, a multifunctional scaffold, able to inhibit microbial proliferation at the defect site, is of increasing interest to avoid infection recurrence. Tea tree oil (TTO) has aroused interest as an antimicrobial agent to minimize the use of antibiotics. Therefore, combining the regenerative potential of a bioceramic with TTO's antimicrobial properties could result in a scaffold capable of stimulating tissue growth and treating infections. In this context, this study aimed to produce and characterize 3D-printed ß-TCP/S53P4 BG scaffolds coated with TTO. Scaffolds morphological and chemical characterizations were carried out through XDR, SEM, and FTIR analysis. ß-TCP/S53P4 BG scaffolds showed a compressive strength of ~2 MPa and 53 ± 2% of porosity. The scaffolds were coated by two different procedures, using an ethanol/TTO (EtOH/TTO) and a gelatin/TTO (Gel/TTO) solution with 5, 10, and 15% (v/v) TTO. The addition of TTO decreased MG-63 cell viability for both coating groups, but the Gel/TTO group showed higher cell viability. The antibacterial activity of the coated scaffolds was evaluated against S. aureus and higher inhibition of colony formation was found for Gel/TTO group. Therefore, the coating with Gel/TTO was effective in terms of antibacterial activity and cell viability. Such Gel/TTO coated ß-TCP/S53P4 BG scaffolds are proposed for antibacterial bone tissue engineering.