Basin-wide variation in tree hydraulic safety margins predicts the carbon balance of Amazon forests.

Tropical forests face increasing climate risk1,2, yet our ability to predict their response to climate change is limited by poor understanding of their resistance to water stress. Although xylem embolism resistance thresholds (for example, [Formula: see text]50) and hydraulic safety margins (for example, HSM50) are important predictors of drought-induced mortality risk3-5, little is known about how these vary across Earth's largest tropical forest. Here, we present a pan-Amazon, fully standardized hydraulic traits dataset and use it to assess regional variation in drought sensitivity and hydraulic trait ability to predict species distributions and long-term forest biomass accumulation. Parameters [Formula: see text]50 and HSM50 vary markedly across the Amazon and are related to average long-term rainfall characteristics. Both [Formula: see text]50 and HSM50 influence the biogeographical distribution of Amazon tree species. However, HSM50 was the only significant predictor of observed decadal-scale changes in forest biomass. Old-growth forests with wide HSM50 are gaining more biomass than are low HSM50 forests. We propose that this may be associated with a growth-mortality trade-off whereby trees in forests consisting of fast-growing species take greater hydraulic risks and face greater mortality risk. Moreover, in regions of more pronounced climatic change, we find evidence that forests are losing biomass, suggesting that species in these regions may be operating beyond their hydraulic limits. Continued climate change is likely to further reduce HSM50 in the Amazon6,7, with strong implications for the Amazon carbon sink.

Analysis of the Genomic Features and Evolutionary History of Pithovirus-Like Isolates Reveals Two Major Divergent Groups of Viruses.

New representatives of the phylum Nucleocytoviricota have been rapidly described in the last decade. Despite this, not all viruses of this phylum are allocated to recognized taxonomic families, as is the case for orpheovirus, pithovirus, and cedratvirus, which form the proposed family Pithoviridae. In this study, we performed comprehensive comparative genomic analyses of 8 pithovirus-like isolates, aiming to understand their common traits and evolutionary history. Structural and functional genome annotation was performed de novo for all the viruses, which served as a reference for pangenome construction. The synteny analysis showed substantial differences in genome organization between these viruses, with very few and short syntenic blocks shared between orpheovirus and its relatives. It was possible to observe an open pangenome with a significant increase in the slope when orpheovirus was added, alongside a decrease in the core genome. Network analysis placed orpheovirus as a distant and major hub with a large fraction of unique clusters of orthologs, indicating a distant relationship between this virus and its relatives, with only a few shared genes. Additionally, phylogenetic analyses of strict core genes shared with other viruses of the phylum reinforced the divergence of orpheovirus from pithoviruses and cedratviruses. Altogether, our results indicate that although pithovirus-like isolates share common features, this group of ovoid-shaped giant viruses presents substantial differences in gene contents, genomic architectures, and the phylogenetic history of several core genes. Our data indicate that orpheovirus is an evolutionarily divergent viral entity, suggesting its allocation to a different viral family, Orpheoviridae. IMPORTANCE Giant viruses that infect amoebae form a monophyletic group named the phylum Nucleocytoviricota. Despite being genomically and morphologically very diverse, the taxonomic categories of some clades that form this phylum are not yet well established. With advances in isolation techniques, the speed at which new giant viruses are described has increased, escalating the need to establish criteria to define the emerging viral taxa. In this work, we performed a comparative genomic analysis of representatives of the putative family Pithoviridae. Based on the dissimilarity of orpheovirus from the other viruses of this putative family, we propose that orpheovirus be considered a member of an independent family, Orpheoviridae, and suggest criteria to demarcate families consisting of ovoid-shaped giant viruses.

Surgical Management of Wilms Tumors with Intravenous Extension: A Multicenter Analysis of Clinical Management with Technical Insights.

BACKGROUND: About 5% of Wilms tumors present with vascular extension, which sometimes extends to the right atrium. Vascular extension does not affect the prognosis, but impacts the surgical strategy, which is complex and not fully standardized. Our goal is to identify elements of successful surgical management of Wilms tumors with vascular extensions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of pediatric Wilms tumors treated at three sites (January 1999-June 2019) was conducted. The inclusion criterion was the presence of a renal vein and vena cava thrombus at diagnosis. Tumor stage, pre and postoperative treatment, preoperative imaging, operative report, pathology, operative complications, and follow-up data were reviewed. RESULTS: Of the 696 pediatric patients with Wilms tumors, 69 (9.9%) met the inclusion criterion. In total, 24 patients (37.5%) had a right atrial extension and two presented with Budd-Chiari syndrome at diagnosis. Two died at diagnosis owing to pulmonary embolism. All patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and thrombus regressed in 35.6% of cases. Overall, 14 patients had persistent intra-atrial thrombus extension (58%) and underwent cardiopulmonary bypass. Most thrombi (72%) were removed intact with nephrectomy. Massive intraoperative bleeding occurred during three procedures. Postoperative renal insufficiency was identified as a risk factor for patient survival (p = 0.01). With a median follow-up of 9 years (range: 0.5-20 years), overall survival was 89% and event-free survival was 78%. CONCLUSIONS: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy with proper surgical strategy resulted in a survival rate comparable to that of children with Wilms tumors without intravascular extension. Clinicians should be aware that postoperative renal insufficiency is associated with worse survival outcomes.

Cell death induced by NLRP3-palmitate axis impairs pulmonary damage tolerance and aggravates immunopathology during obesity-tuberculosis comorbidity.

A low-grade and persistent inflammation, which is the hallmark of obesity, requires the participation of NLRP3 and cell death. During Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, NLRP3 signaling is important for bacterial killing by macrophages in vitro but was shown to be dispensable for host protection in vivo. We hypothesized that during obesity-tuberculosis (TB) comorbidity, NLRP3 signaling might play a detrimental role by inducing excessive inflammation. We employed a model of high-fat-diet-induced obesity, followed by M. tuberculosis infection in C57BL/6 mice. Obese mice presented increased susceptibility to infection and pulmonary immunopathology compared to lean mice. Using treatment with NLRP3 antagonist and Nlrp3-/- mice, we showed that NLRP3 signaling promoted cell death, with no effect in bacterial loads. The levels of palmitate were higher in the lungs of obese infected mice compared to lean counterparts, and we observed that this lipid increased M. tuberculosis-induced macrophage death in vitro, which was dependent on NLRP3 and caspase-1. At the chronic phase, although lungs of obese Nlrp3-/- mice showed an indication of granuloma formation compared to obese wild-type mice, there was no difference in the bacterial load. Our findings indicate that NLRP3 may be a potential target for host-directed therapy to reduce initial and severe inflammation-mediated disease and to treat comorbidity-associated TB. © 2022 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

Mitochondrial genome of Hancornia speciosa gomes: intergenic regions containing retrotransposons and predicted genes.

BACKGROUND: Plant mitochondrial genomes are characterized by high homologous recombination, extensive intergenic spacers, conservation in DNA sequences, and gene content. The Hancornia genus belongs to the Apocynaceae family, with H. speciosa Gomes being the sole species in the genus. It is an siganificant commercial fruit crop; however, only a number of studies have been conducted. In this study, we present the mitochondrial genome of H. speciosa and compare it with other mitochondrial genomes within the Apocynaceae family. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 2.8 Gb of Illumina paired-end reads were used to obtain the mitogenome, resulting in 22 contigs that were merged using 6.1 Gb of Illumina mate-pair reads to obtain a circular chromosome. The mitochondrial genome of H. speciosa is circular, containing 63 predicted functional genes, spanning a length of 741,811 bp, with a CG content of 44%. Within the mitogenome, 50 chloroplast DNA sequences, equivalent to 1.72% of the genome, were detected. However, intergenic spaces accounted for 703,139 bp (94.79% of the genome), and 287 genes were predicted, totaling 173,721 bp. CONCLUSION: This suggests the incorporation of nuclear DNA into the mitogenome of H. speciosa and self duplication. Comparative analysis among the mitogenomes in the Apocynaceae family revealed a diversity in the structure mediated by recombination, with similar gene content and large intergenic spaces.

Profile of metacaspase gene expression in Plasmodium vivax field isolates from the Brazilian Amazon.

BACKGROUND: Metacaspases comprise a family of cysteine proteases implicated in both cell death and cell differentiation of protists that has been considered a potential drug target for protozoan parasites. However, the biology of metacaspases in Plasmodium vivax - the second most prevalent and most widespread human malaria parasite worldwide, whose occurrence of chemoresistance has been reported in many endemic countries, remains largely unexplored. Therefore, the present study aimed to address, for the first time, the expression pattern of metacaspases in P. vivax parasites. METHODS AND RESULTS: P. vivax blood-stage parasites were obtained from malaria patients in the Brazilian Amazon and the expression of the three putative P. vivax metacaspases (PvMCA1-3) was detected in all isolates by quantitative PCR assay. Of note, the expression levels of each PvMCA varied noticeably across isolates, which presented different frequencies of parasite forms, supporting that PvMCAs may be expressed in a stage-specific manner as previously shown in P. falciparum. CONCLUSION: The detection of metacaspases in P. vivax blood-stage parasites reported herein, allows the inclusion of these proteases as a potential candidate drug target for vivax malaria, while further investigations are still required to evaluate the activity, role and essentiality of metacaspases in P. vivax biology.

Crack cocaine inhalation increases seizure susceptibility by reducing acetylcholinesterase activity.

Crack cocaine is a highly addictive and potent stimulant drug. Animal studies have shown that the cholinergic system plays a role in neurotoxicity induced by cocaine or its active metabolites inhalation. Behavioral alterations associated with crack cocaine use include hyperactivity, depressed mood, and decreased seizure threshold. Here we evaluate the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) activity, behavioral profile, and the threshold for epileptic seizures in rats that received intrahippocampal pilocarpine (H-PILO) followed by exposure to crack cocaine (H-PILO + CRACK). Animals exposed to H-PILO + CRACK demonstrated increased severity and frequency of limbic seizures. The AChE activity was reduced in the groups exposed to crack cocaine alone (CRACK) and H-PILO + CRACK, whereas levels of ROS remained unchanged. In addition, crack cocaine exposure increased vertical locomotor activity, without changing water and sucrose intake. Short-term memory consolidation remained unchanged after H-PILO, H-PILO + CRACK, and CRACK administration. Overall, our data suggest that crack cocaine inhalation reduced the threshold for epileptic seizures in rats submitted to low doses of pilocarpine through the inhibition of AChE. Taken together, our findings can be useful in the development of effective strategies for preventing and treating the harmful effects of cocaine and crack cocaine on the central nervous system.

High SARS-CoV-2 tropism and activation of immune cells in the testes of non-vaccinated deceased COVID-19 patients.

BACKGROUND: Cellular entry of SARS-CoV-2 has been shown to rely on angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors, whose expression in the testis is among the highest in the body. Additionally, the risk of mortality seems higher among male COVID-19 patients, and though much has been published since the first cases of COVID-19, there remain unanswered questions regarding SARS-CoV-2 impact on testes and potential consequences for reproductive health. We investigated testicular alterations in non-vaccinated deceased COVID-19-patients, the precise location of the virus, its replicative activity, and the immune, vascular, and molecular fluctuations involved in the pathogenesis. RESULTS: We found that SARS-CoV-2 testicular tropism is higher than previously thought and that reliable viral detection in the testis requires sensitive nanosensors or RT-qPCR using a specific methodology. Through an in vitro experiment exposing VERO cells to testicular macerates, we observed viral content in all samples, and the subgenomic RNA's presence reinforced the replicative activity of SARS-CoV-2 in testes of the severe COVID-19 patients. The cellular structures and viral particles, observed by transmission electron microscopy, indicated that macrophages and spermatogonial cells are the main SARS-CoV-2 lodging sites, where new virions form inside the endoplasmic reticulum Golgi intermediate complex. Moreover, we showed infiltrative infected monocytes migrating into the testicular parenchyma. SARS-CoV-2 maintains its replicative and infective abilities long after the patient's infection. Further, we demonstrated high levels of angiotensin II and activated immune cells in the testes of deceased patients. The infected testes show thickening of the tunica propria, germ cell apoptosis, Sertoli cell barrier loss, evident hemorrhage, angiogenesis, Leydig cell inhibition, inflammation, and fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that high angiotensin II levels and activation of mast cells and macrophages may be critical for testicular pathogenesis. Importantly, our findings suggest that patients who become critically ill may exhibit severe alterations and harbor the active virus in the testes.

Exploring the Mycovirus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum Hypovirulence-Associated DNA Virus 1 as a Biocontrol Agent of White Mold Caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum.

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a necrotrophic fungal pathogen causing white mold on many important economic crops. Recently, some mycoviruses such as S. sclerotiorum hypovirulence-associated DNA virus 1 (SsHADV-1) converted S. sclerotiorum into a beneficial symbiont that helps plants manage pathogens and other stresses. To explore the potential use of SsHADV-1 as a biocontrol agent in the United States and to test the efficacy of SsHADV-1-infected United States isolates in managing white mold and other crop diseases, SsHADV-1 was transferred from the Chinese strain DT-8 to United States isolates of S. sclerotiorum. SsHADV-1 is readily transmitted horizontally among United States isolates of S. sclerotiorum and consistently conferred hypovirulence to its host strains. Biopriming of dry bean seeds with hypovirulent S. sclerotiorum strains enhanced resistance to white mold, gray mold, and Rhizoctonia root rot. To investigate the underlying mechanisms, endophytic growth of hypovirulent S. sclerotiorum in dry beans was confirmed using PCR, and the expression of 12 plant defense-related genes were monitored before and after infection. The results indicated that the endophytic growth of SsHADV-1-infected strains in plants stimulated the expression of plant immunity pathway genes that assisted a rapid response from the plant to fungal infection. Finally, application of the seed biopriming technology with SsHADV-1-infected hypervirulent strain has promise for the biological control of several diseases of wheat, pea, and sunflower.

Effect of the use of bromelain associated with bioactive glass-ceramic on dentin/adhesive interface.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of bromelain associated with Biosilicate on the bond strength (BS) of a universal adhesive system to sound (SD) and caries-affected dentin (CAD), and on the proteolytic activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cavities were prepared in 360 molars, half submitted to cariogenic challenge. Teeth were separated into groups (n=20): Control-No treatment; CHX-0.12% chlorhexidine; NaOCl-5% sodium hypochlorite; Br5%-5% bromelain; Br10%-10% bromelain; Bio-10% Biosilicate; NaOClBio-NaOCl+Bio; Br5%Bio-Br5%+Bio; Br10%Bio-Br10%+Bio. Following treatments, the adhesive system was applied, and cavities were restored. Samples were sectioned into sticks and stored at 37 °C for 24 h, 6 months, and 1 year. Microtensile BS (2-way ANOVA, Bonferroni's test, α=0.05), fracture patterns (SEM), and adhesive interfaces (TEM) were evaluated. Bacterial collagenase assay and in situ zymography were performed. RESULTS: In CAD, Br10% presented higher BS (p=0.0208) than Br5%Bio. Br5% presented higher BS (p=0.0033) after 6 months than after 24 h; and association of treatments, higher BS (p<0.05) after aging than after 24 h. Mixed fractures were the most prevalent. Association of treatments promoted a more uniform hybrid layer with embedded Bio particles. Experimental groups presented lower (p<0.0001) relative fluorescence units than Control. Bromelain, associated or not with Bio, showed collagenolytic degradation. CONCLUSIONS: Bromelain associated with Biosilicate did not affect the BS to SD. In CAD, Br5%Bio decreased immediate BS but had no long-term influence. This association decreased the proteolytic activity. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Bromelain and Biosilicate may enhance the longevity of adhesive restorations by inhibiting endogenous proteases.

Effect of natural agents on the bond strength to eroded dentin.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the effect of bromelain and propolis extract on the bond strength (BS) of a universal adhesive system to eroded dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty human molars with exposed dentin were halved, with one half protected by composite resin and the other subjected to erosive treatment followed by remineralization. After the erosive treatment, the composite resin was removed, and the teeth were randomly assigned to three groups (n = 20): Adhesive-Control System; Br-10%; Pr-16%. Following the treatments, composite resin blocks were built on the dentin surfaces and sticks of 0.9 mm2 were obtained and stored in distilled water at 37°C for 24 h and 6 months. After these periods, the sticks underwent bond strength testing and the data were analyzed using 2-way ANOVA, Bonferroni test, p < 0.05. Fracture patterns were observed using light microscope and scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: Irrespective of the substrate and aging duration, propolis demonstrated higher BS (p < 0.05) compared to the other treatments. Eroded dentin exhibited greater removal of the smear layer and dentinal tubules with a larger diameter than sound dentin, especially when treated with bromelain, resulting in the formation of resin tags. CONCLUSIONS: Propolis consistently promoted the highest bond strength, irrespective of aging or substrate. Eroded dentin treated with propolis, or bromelain exhibited a higher prevalence of non-adhesive fractures and resin tag formation. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Propolis shows promise for enhancing the longevity of adhesive restorations in eroded dentin due to its ability to promote high bond strength.

Different surface treatments on recently introduced CAD-CAM resin-modified ceramics: Implications on bond strength.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The diverse chemical composition of recently introduced resin-modified ceramics complicates the establishment of a universally accepted clinical bonding protocol. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the influence of different surface treatments of resin-modified ceramics on the bond strength to a resin cement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixteen 10×12×3-mm resin-modified ceramic slices were obtained from each material (Cerasmart; GC, Shofu Block HC; Shofu, Vita Enamic; Vita, Evolux hybrid; BlueDent, Alium; Alium). Slices were assigned to 4 groups based on surface treatments: Control (no treatment), airborne-particle abrasion with Al2O3 (Al2O3), conditioning with 9% HF (HF), and Al2O3+HF. After treatments and silane coupling agent (Monobond N; Ivoclar) application, 7 resin cement cylinders (Choice 2 veneer; Bisco) were built on each slice and light polymerized for 20 seconds. Half of the specimens (n=14 cylinders) were stored for 24 hours, and the other half were thermocycled (20 000 cycles, 5 °C to 55 °C, 30-second dwell time). Microshear bond strength was tested and analyzed with 3-way ANOVA and the Tukey HSD test (α=.05), and failure patterns were classified. Surface morphology after treatments was observed with scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. RESULTS: After 24 hours, all treatments induced higher bond strength (P<.05) than in the control in Evolux. Al2O3+HF caused higher bond strength (P<.05) than in the control in Cerasmart and Shofu, and higher bond strength than Al2O3 in Cerasmart. However, it resulted in lower bond strength (P<.05) than Al2O3 in Alium. After thermocycling, irrespective of the resin-modified ceramic, all treatments induced higher bond strength (P<.05) than in the control. HF induced lower bond strength (P<.05) than Al2O3 in Alium. Al2O3+HF caused the highest bond strength (P<.05) in Evolux and higher bond strength (P<.05) than HF in Vita Enamic. Adhesive failures were prevalent under control conditions, and mixed failures were common after treatments. Al2O3 induced surface alterations in all resin-modified ceramics. HF notably altered Vita Enamic, while it had no noticeable impact on the other resin-modified ceramics. Al2O3+HF caused a considerable alteration in Vita Enamic and modified the other resin-modified ceramics. Vita Enamic had the characteristic vibrational bands of inorganic compounds, while the other resin-modified ceramics exhibited distinct bands associated with organic compounds. CONCLUSIONS: Airborne-particle abrasion with Al2O3 followed by HF yielded the highest bond strength, regardless of the resin-modified ceramic, except for Alium, which demonstrated better bond strength after airborne-particle abrasion with Al2O3. 9% HF for 30 seconds caused notable surface alterations in Vita Enamic, negatively impacting its bond strength. Vita Enamic was the only resin-modified ceramic displaying both organic and inorganic composition, while the other resin-modified ceramics showed predominantly organic composition.

Peritumoral stroma and systemic inflammatory response in cervical cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To compare cervical stroma in advanced cervical cancer with the control group; to compare, in the pre-treatment period, hemogram parameters in patients with advanced cervical cancer with the same parameters as the control group; and to verify if there is an association of stromal markers with prognostic factors in cervical cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively evaluated 16 patients diagnosed with advanced invasive cervical cancer. A control group of 22 patients was used (uterine leiomyoma). Immunohistochemistry was performed to verify the stromal immunostaining of alpha-smooth muscle actin (SMA) and fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAP). Immunostainings and hemogram parameters were compared using Fisher's exact and Mann-Whitney Test, respectively. RESULTS: Strong FAP immunostaining was more frequent in patients with cervical cancer when compared with patients with leiomyoma (P = 0.0002). Regarding SMA, strong immunostaining was also found more in the group of cancer patients compared to the control group (P < 0.00001). The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) values were higher in the cancer patient group compared to the control group (P = 0.0019). There was no association of the parameters studied with prognostic factors. CONCLUSIONS: Strong FAP and SMA immunostaining was found more in patients with cervical cancer when compared to the control group. NLR values were also higher in cervical cancer.

Previous BCG vaccination is associated with less severe clinical progression of COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: BCG vaccination, originally used to prevent tuberculosis, is known to "train" the immune system to improve defence against viral respiratory infections. We investigated whether a previous BCG vaccination is associated with less severe clinical progression of COVID-19 METHODS: A case-control study comparing the proportion with a BCG vaccine scar (indicating previous vaccination) in cases and controls presenting with COVID-19 to health units in Brazil. Cases were subjects with severe COVID-19 (O2 saturation < 90%, severe respiratory effort, severe pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, sepsis, and septic shock). Controls had COVID-19 not meeting the definition of "severe" above. Unconditional regression was used to estimate vaccine protection against clinical progression to severe disease, with strict control for age, comorbidity, sex, educational level, race/colour, and municipality. Internal matching and conditional regression were used for sensitivity analysis. RESULTS: BCG was associated with high protection against COVID-19 clinical progression, over 87% (95% CI 74-93%) in subjects aged 60 or less and 35% (95% CI - 44-71%) in older subjects. CONCLUSIONS: This protection may be relevant for public health in settings where COVID-19 vaccine coverage is still low and may have implications for research to identify vaccine candidates for COVID-19 that are broadly protective against mortality from future variants. Further research into the immunomodulatory effects of BCG may inform COVID-19 therapeutic research.

Ultrastructural analysis of monkeypox virus replication in Vero cells.

In early May 2022, the first worldwide monkeypox virus (MPXV) outbreak was reported, with different clinical aspects from previously studied human monkeypox infections. Despite monkeypox medical importance, much of its biological aspects remain to be further investigated. In the present work, we evaluated ultrastructural aspects of MPXV asynchronous infections in Vero cells by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The viral strain was isolated from a male patient infected during the 2022 outbreak. TEM analysis showed: (i) adhered intracellular mature virus particles before entry of the host cell; (ii) a reorganization of the rough endoplasmic reticulum cisternae into the so-called "mini-nuclei" structure associated with genome replication; and (iii) noticeably different sites within the viral factory presenting granular or fibrillar aspects. We also observed viral crescents, different MPXV particle morphotypes, and cellular alterations induced by infection, such as changes in the cytoskeleton structure and multimembrane vesicles abundance. Taken together, to the best of our knowledge, these results revealed for the first-time ultrastructural aspects of different steps of the MPXV cycle.

N-Formyl-Methionyl-Leucyl-Phenylalanine Plays a Neuroprotective and Anticonvulsant Role in Status Epilepticus Model.

Status epilepticus (SE) is described as continuous and self-sustaining seizures, which triggers hippocampal neurodegeneration, inflammation, and gliosis. N-formyl peptide receptor (FPR) has been associated with inflammatory process. N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) peptide plays an anti-inflammatory role, mediated by the activation of G-protein-coupled FPR. Here, we evaluated the influence of fMLP peptides on the behavior of limbic seizures, memory consolidation, and hippocampal neurodegeneration process. Male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) received microinjections of pilocarpine in hippocampus (H-PILO, 1.2 mg/µL, 1 µL) followed by fMLP (1 mg/mL, 1 µL) or vehicle (VEH, saline 0.9%, 1 µL). During the 90 min of SE, epileptic seizures were analyzed according to the Racine's Scale. After 24 h of SE, memory impairment was assessed by the inhibitory avoidance test and the neurodegeneration process was evaluated in hippocampal areas. There was no change in latency and number of wet dog shake (WDS) after administration of fMLP. However, our results showed that the intrahippocampal infusion of fMLP reduced the severity of seizures, as well as the number of limbic seizures. In addition, fMLP infusion protected memory dysfunction followed by SE. Finally, the intrahippocampal administration of fMLP attenuated the process of neurodegeneration in both hippocampi. Taken together, our data suggest a new insight into the functional role of fMLP peptides, with important implications for their potential use as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of brain disorders, such as epilepsy. Schematic drawing on the neuroprotective and anticonvulsant role of fMLP during status epilepticus. Initially, a cannula was implanted in hippocampus and pilocarpine/saline was administered into the hippocampus followed by fMLP/saline (A-C). fMLP reduced seizure severity and neuronal death in the hippocampus, as well as protecting against memory deficit (D).

Machine learning predicted emission of water-stable CdTe quantum dots.

Quantum dots (QDs) have attracted much attention and exhibit many attractive properties, including high absorption coefficient, adjustable bandgap, high brightness, long-term stability, and size-dependent emission. It is known that to obtain high-quality luminescent properties (i.e. emission color, color purity, quantum yield, and stability), the synthesis parameters must be precisely controlled. In this work, we have constructed a database with CdTe aqueous synthesis parameters and spectroscopic results and applied machine learning algorithms to better understand the influence of the main synthesis parameters of CdTe QDs on their final emission properties. A strong dependence of the final emission wavelength with the reaction time and surface ligands and precursors concentrations was demonstrated. These parameters adjusted synchronously were shown to be very useful for provide ideal synthesis conditions for the preparation of CdTe QDs with desirable emission wavelengths. Moreover, applying the algorithms correctly allows for obtaining information and insights into the growth kinetics of QDs under different synthetic conditions.

Effect of limonene associated with bioactive glass-ceramic on dentin/adhesive interface.

This study evaluated the effect of pretreatment with limonene and/or biosilicate on the bond strength of a universal adhesive system in self-etch mode to dentin. Occlusal cavities were prepared in 80 human molars and the teeth were randomly allocated to one of four groups (n = 20), according to the pretreatment regimens applied before the adhesive. The pretreatments were (i) Control, no pretreatment, (ii) LIM, 0.5% limonene; (iii) Bio, 10% biosilicate; and (iv) LIMBio, LIM + Bio. After adhesive application and restoration, the specimens were sectioned into sticks, separated, and stored in distilled water at 37°C for 24 h or 6 months. Microtensile bond strength test was carried out and measurements were compared across pretreatment groups and storage times. Fracture patterns and adhesive interfaces were observed. Loss of dry mass was calculated (n = 10). There was no statistically significant difference in the bond strength between the groups and the most prevalent fracture pattern was the non-adhesive. LIM and LIMBio resulted in more open dentinal tubules. LIM and Bio, whether separate or combined, showed particles of those substances, which decreased in size and number after 6 months. All groups lost mass weight after treatment, with no statistically significant differences between them. Limonene and biosilicate pretreatment did not affect the bond strength to dentin of the universal adhesive system, but resulted in more non-adhesive fractures, even after 6 months.

The effect of phytosphingosine associated with tooth brushing on color change, surface roughness, and microhardness of dental enamel - an in vitro and in situ study.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the in vitro and in situ effects of phytosphingosine (PHS) associated with tooth brushing on color stability, surface roughness, and microhardness of dental enamel. METHODS: Sixty-four specimens of bovine teeth (6 × 6 × 2 mm) were separated into 8 groups (n = 8): S + TB: PHS (spray) + tooth brushing; TB + S: tooth brushing + PHS (spray); I + TB: PHS (immersion) + tooth brushing; TB + I: tooth brushing + PHS (immersion); TB: tooth brushing; S: PHS spray; I: immersion in PHS solution, and Saliva: immersion in saliva. Tooth brushing simulation (Mavtec, Brazil) was performed (356 rpm on 3.8 cm area by the toothbrush - Soft Tek) for 1, 7, 15, and 30 days. PHS remained in contact with specimens for 15 min. The specimens were evaluated before and after tooth brushing for color alteration (Easy Shade, VITA), and surface roughness (Model SJ-201P Mitutoyo), and Knoop microhardness (HMV-2, Shimadzu Corporation). For the in situ analyses, 8 participants were recruited and received an intraoral device with 6 fragments of bovine enamel (6 × 6 × 2 mm). The properties evaluated were the same as those of the in vitro study. Participants were randomized following best results of in vitro tested protocols, for 15 days: TB, TB + S, I + TB. Data obtained by in vitro (two-way ANOVA, Tukey, p < .05) and in situ (one-way ANOVA, Tukey, p < .05) studies were analyzed. RESULTS: The in vitro study showed that greater color change was found after 30 days. The greatest differences in surface roughness occurred between the initial value and after 1 day. Regarding microhardness, the highest values occurred after 15 and 30 days, which showed similar results. The in situ study showed greater color changes for the TB and I + TB, and greater surface roughness changes for TB as well as a similar increase in microhardness for the PHS protocols, which were higher than TB. CONCLUSIONS: Phytosphingosine leads to an increase in performance regarding color stability, surface roughness, and microhardness when applied. In general, the application of PHS after brushing showed a positive impact on its performance. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Phytosphingosine proved to be interesting for compound prevention formulations in the dentistry field.

Remineralization, color stability and surface roughness of tooth enamel brushed with activated charcoal-based products.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of activated charcoal-based (AC) products on color alteration, remineralizing potential and surface roughness of dental enamel. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bovine incisors were cut into 6 × 6 × 2 mm fragments. Initial color (EasyShade, Vita) and surface roughness (Surfcorder SE1700, Kosakalab) readings were performed. Fragments were separated into five groups (n = 17) according to the treatment: Control: Fluoride toothpaste (Colgate Total 12, Colgate); Charcoal + NaF: AC toothpaste (ACT) with sodium fluoride (Colgate Natural Extracts, Colgate); Charcoal + MFP + n-HA: ACT with sodium monofluorophosphate and nanohydroxyapatite (Black is White, Curaprox); Charcoal: Fluoride-free ACT (ProActive, Hinode); and Charcoal powder: AC powder. Simulated toothbrushing was performed and final color and surface roughness readings were obtained. Fragments were then polished, and initial microhardness (HMV-2, Shimatzu) readings were done. Samples were artificially demineralized and brushed again. Final microhardness readings were taken. Data were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Fluoride-free charcoal presented the lowest surface roughness alteration (p < 0.05). Charcoal powder had the lowest color change (p < 0.05) and negative values for whiteness index for dentistry alteration. All the groups presented values below whiteness acceptability threshold and negative relative microhardness values. Control showed the highest remineralizing potential (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: ACPs did not produce color alteration different from the fluoride toothpaste, except for Charcoal powder that caused less color change. ACPs caused surface roughness alteration similar to the fluoride toothpaste. ACT with fluoride and AC powder did not have remineralizing potential. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Activated charcoal-based products (ACP) promise effective tooth whitening and quick results, without teeth damage. In addition, some ACPs contain fluoride in toothpaste composition and promise rehardening potential. However, ACPs are not as effective as other whitening agents and can alter the surface roughness of the enamel. Even if the ACPs contain fluoride or other remineralizing agents, they might be ineffective.