Catalytic conversion of residual raw material into biodiesel using a superior magnetic solid acid catalyst based on Zn-Fe ferrite: thermodynamic and kinetic studies.

This study investigates the potential and applicability of a novel solid magnetic catalyst constructed by incorporating molybdenum oxide (MoO3) into zinc ferrite (ZnFe2O4) to biodiesel production using Waste Frying Oil (WFO) as the residual raw material. The molybdenum amounts (5, 15, 25, 35 and 45%) present in the catalyst were studied and the catalyst demonstrated great characteristics and high acid properties, as well as superior magnetic and catalytic attributes. The one variable at time (OVAT) optimization method revealed that the application of the MoO3/ZnFe2O4 catalyst resulted in obtaining a biodiesel with 97.6% ± 0.727 conversion to fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) under the following optimized reaction conditions: temperature of 165 °C, methanol : WFO molar ratio of 40 : 1, catalyst amount of 6 wt% and reaction time of 3 h. In addition, the catalyst showed high reusability after six reaction cycles, with conversion to esters above 90%. Besides, the activation energy (E a) calculated in the kinetic study was 25.3 kJ mol-1. Moreover, the properties of the synthesized biodiesel met the standards set by the ASTM D6751 and EN 14214, which indicates the high MoO3/ZnFe2O4 potential for industrial application with low energy consumption as well as minimal negative environmental impact.

Exploring the potential of omics technologies in medicinal plant research: a review in Colombia / Explorando el potencial de las tecnologías ómicas en la investigación de plantas medicinales: una revisión en Colombia

This review presents advances in the implementation of high - throughput se quencing and its application to the knowledge of medicinal plants. We conducted a bibliographic search of papers published in PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science databases and analyzed the obtained data using VOSviewer (versi on 1.6.19). Given that medicinal plants are a source of specialized metabolites with immense therapeutic values and important pharmacological properties, plant researchers around the world have turned their attention toward them and have begun to examine t hem widely. Recent advances in sequencing technologies have reduced cost and time demands and accelerated medicinal plant research. Such research leverages full genome sequencing, as well as RNA (ribonucleic acid) sequencing and the analysis of the transcr iptome, to identify molecular markers of species and functional genes that control key biological traits, as well as to understand the biosynthetic pathways of bioactive metabolites and regulatory mechanisms of environmental responses. As such, the omics ( e.g., transcriptomics, metabolomics, proteomics, and genomics, among others) have been widely applied within the study of medicinal plants, although their usage in Colombia is still few and, in some areas, scarce. (185)

El extracto de cloroformo (CE) y las fracciones obtenidas de las raíces de Aldama arenaria se evaluaron para determinar su actividad antiproliferativa in vitro contra 10 líneas ce lulares tumorales humanas [leucemia (K - 562), mama (MCF - 7), ovario que expresa un fenotipo resistente a múltiples fármacos (NCI/ADR - RES), melanoma (UACC - 62), pulmón (NCI - H460), próstata (PC - 3), colon (HT29), ovario (OVCAR - 3), glioma (U251) y riñón (786 - 0)]. CE presentó actividad antiproliferativa débil a moderada (log GI 50 medio 1.07), mientras que las fracciones 3 y 4, enriquecidas con diterpenos de tipo pimarane [ent - pimara - 8 (14), ácido 15 - dien - 19 - oico y ent - 8(14),15 - pimaradien - 3 ß - ol], presentaron activid ad moderada a potente para la mayoría de las líneas celulares, con un log GI 50 medio de 0.62 y 0.59, respectivamente. Los resultados mostraron una acción antiproliferativa in vitro prometedora de las muestras obtenidas de A. arenaria , con los mejores resul tados para NCI/ADR - RES, HT29 y OVCAR - 3, y valores de TGI que van desde 5.95 a 28.71 µg.mL - 1, demostrando que los compuestos de esta clase pueden ser prototipos potenciales para el descubrimiento de nuevos agentes terapéuticos

The Amount and Pattern of Reciprocal Compensations Predict Performance Stability in a Visually Guided Finger Force Production Task.

Previous work suggests that synergistic activity among motor elements implicated in force production tasks underlies enhanced performance stability associated with visual feedback. A hallmark of synergistic activity is reciprocal compensation, that is, covariation in the states of motor elements that stabilizes critical performance variables. The present study examined if characteristics of reciprocal compensation are indicators of individuals' capacity to respond adaptively to variations in the resolution of visual feedback about criterion performance. Twenty healthy adults (19.25 ± 1.25 years; 15 females and five males) pressed two sensors with their index fingers to produce a total target force equivalent to 20% of their maximal voluntary contraction under nine conditions that differed in the spatial resolution of real-time feedback about their performance. By combining within-trial uncontrolled manifold and sample entropy analyses, we quantified the amount and degree of irregularity (i.e., non-repetitiveness) of reciprocal compensations over time. We found a U-shaped relationship between performance stability and gain. Importantly, this relationship was moderated by the degree of irregularity of reciprocal compensation. Lower irregularity in reciprocal compensation patterns was related to individuals' capacity to maintain (or minimize losses in) performance under changes in feedback resolution. Results invite future investigation into how interindividual variations in reciprocal compensation patterns relate to differences in control strategies supporting adaptive responses in complex, visually guided motor tasks.

In silico prediction of ADMET parameters and in vitro evaluation of antioxidant and cytotoxic activities promoted by indole-thiosemicarbazone compounds.

Cancer is a complex and multifactorial disease characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and is one of the main causes of death in the world. This work aimed to evaluate a small series of 10 different indole-thiosemicarbazone compounds as potential antitumor agents. This is a pioneering study. For this, the antioxidant and cytotoxic capacity against normal and tumor cells was evaluated. The results showed that the compounds were able to promote moderate to low antioxidant activity for the ABTS radical scavenging assay. ADMET in silico assays showed that the compounds exhibited good oral bioavailability. As for toxicity, they were able to promote low cytotoxicity against normal cells, in addition to not being hemolytic. The compounds showed promising in vitro antitumor activity against the T47D, MCF-7, Jurkat and DU-145 strains, not being able to inhibit the growth of the Hepg2 strain. Through this in vitro study, it can be concluded that the compounds are potential candidates for antitumor agents.

Calibre e formato de agulhas e sua relação com a incidência de cefaleia pós-punção dural: uma revisão sistemática / Needles gauge and shape and its relation to post-dural puncture headache incidence: a systematic review

Introdução: A cefaleia pós punção dural (CPPD) é uma complicação da punção lombar, um procedimento que, apesar de bem tolerado, está sujeito a adversidades, ocorrendo devido a um vazamento persistente do líquido cefalorraquidiano (LCR) do local da punção dural. A incidência de CPPD pode estar relacionada às características dos pacientes e dos procedimentos. Notou-se que em mulheres jovens até 30 anos, o risco de CPPD é maior quando comparado aos homens, não apresentando diferença a partir da quinta década de vida. Objetivo: investigar os diferentes sintomas e efeitos gerados pelos diferentes tipos de agulha, como calibre e modo de inserção, que visem reduzir a CPPD. Métodos: Trata-se de uma revisão sistemática de literatura realizada no período de 2 de agosto a 20 de novembro de 2023 por meio de pesquisas no PubMed. Foram utilizados os descritores: "Post-Dural Puncture Headache" e suas variações do MeSH, sendo submetidos aos critérios de inclusão: estudos em humanos, nos últimos 10 anos, ensaios clínicos e ensaios clínicos controlados e randomizados. Para garantir a qualidade da revisão sistemática foi aplicada a lista de verificação PRISMA de 2020. Resultados: Após investigação estatística, observou-se que as agulhas 25W e 25S demandaram maior tempo médio para a coleta de LCR (15 e 7 min, respectivamente). Ao se comparar 25W com 20Q (3 min), 22S (5 min) e 25S quanto à esta variável, observouse diferença significativa em todas as comparações. Conclusão: As agulhas do tipo atraumática foram associadas com redução do risco de desenvolvimento de CPPD quando comparadas às convencionais. Foi constatado que, dentre as agulhas convencionais, a traumática de 25G é melhor para a prevenção de CPPD que a de 22G.

Introduction: Post-Dural Puncture Headache (PDPH) is a complication of lumbar puncture, a procedure that, despite being well-tolerated, is subject to adversities, occurring due to a persistent leakage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the site of dural puncture. The incidence of PDPH may be related to patient and procedural characteristics. It has been noted that in young women up to 30 years old, the risk of CPPD is higher compared to men, with no difference between sexes from the fifth decade of life onward. Objective: To investigate the different symptoms and effects generated by different types of needles, such as gauge and insertion method, aiming to reduce CPPD. Methods: Is a systematic literature review conducted from August to October 2023 through searches on PubMed. The descriptors "Post-Dural Puncture Headache" and its MeSH variations were used. A total of 1,839 articles were found, which were then subjected to inclusion criteria: studies conducted in the last 10 years, controlled trials, and randomized clinical trials. Results: After statistical investigation, it was observed that the 25W and 25S needles required a longer average time for cerebrospinal fluid collection (15 and 7 minutes, respectively). When comparing 25W with 20Q (3 minutes), 22S (5 minutes), and 25S regarding this variable, a significant difference was observed in all comparisons. Conclusion: Atraumatic needles were associated with a reduction in the risk of developing CPPD compared to conventional needles. It was found that among conventional needles, the traumatic 25G needle is better for preventing CPPD than the 22G needle.

Effects of deficiency or supplementation of riboflavin on energy metabolism: a systematic review with preclinical studies.

CONTEXT: Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is a water-soluble micronutrient considered to be a precursor of the nucleotides flavin adenine dinucleotide and flavin mononucleotide. This vitamin makes up mitochondrial complexes and participates as an enzymatic cofactor in several mechanisms associated with energy metabolism. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review collected and discussed the most relevant results on the role of riboflavin in the energy metabolism of lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates. DATA SOURCES: A systematic search was carried out in the PubMed-Medline, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases using the PICOS (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, Study design) strategy. DATA EXTRACTION: The screening of studies went through 2 stages following predefined eligibility criteria. The information extracted covered reference details, study design, population characteristics, experimental model, treatment parameters and dosage, route of administration, duration of treatment, and results found. DATA ANALYSIS: The risk of bias was assessed using the SYRCLE Risk of Bias (RoB) tool for in vivo studies and the QUIN tool adapted for in vitro studies, utilizing 10 domains, including selection bias, performance bias, detection bias, attrition bias, reporting bias, and other biases, to evaluate the methodological quality of the included studies. CONCLUSION: This review concludes that riboflavin regulates energy metabolism by activating primary metabolic pathways and is involved in energy balance homeostasis.

Effect of an exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation program on quality of life of patients with chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy: results from the PEACH randomized clinical trial.

To investigate the effect of an exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation program on the quality of life (QoL) of patients with chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy (CCC). PEACH study was a single-center, superiority randomized clinical trial of exercise training versus no exercise (control). The sample comprised Chagas disease patients with CCC, left ventricular ejection fraction < 45%, without or with HF symptoms (CCC stages B2 or C, respectively). QoL was assessed at baseline, after three months, and at the end of six months of follow-up using the SF-36 questionnaire. Patients randomized for the exercise group (n = 15) performed exercise training (aerobic, strength and stretching exercises) for 60 min, three times a week, during six months. Patients in the control group (n = 15) were not provided with a formal exercise prescription. Both groups received identical nutritional and pharmaceutical counseling during the study. Longitudinal analysis of the effects of exercise training on QoL, considering the interaction term (group × time) to estimate the rate of changes between groups in the outcomes (represented as beta coefficient), was performed using linear mixed models. Models were fitted adjusting for each respective baseline QoL value. There were significant improvements in physical functioning (ß = + 10.7; p = 0.02), role limitations due to physical problems (ß = + 25.0; p = 0.01), and social functioning (ß = + 19.2; p < 0.01) scales during the first three months in the exercise compared to the control group. No significant differences were observed between groups after six months. Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation provided short-term improvements in the physical and mental aspects of QoL of patients with CCC.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02517632; August 7, 2015.

Computational methods in the analysis of SARS-CoV-2 in mammals: A systematic review of the literature.

SARS-CoV-2 is an enveloped RNA virus that causes severe respiratory illness in humans and animals. It infects cells by binding the Spike protein to the host's angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). The bat is considered the natural host of the virus, and zoonotic transmission is a significant risk and can happen when humans come into close contact with infected animals. Therefore, understanding the interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health is important to prevent and control future coronavirus outbreaks. This work aimed to systematically review the literature to identify characteristics that make mammals suitable virus transmitters and raise the main computational methods used to evaluate SARS-CoV-2 in mammals. Based on this review, it was possible to identify the main factors related to transmissions mentioned in the literature, such as the expression of ACE2 and proximity to humans, in addition to identifying the computational methods used for its study, such as Machine Learning, Molecular Modeling, Computational Simulation, between others. The findings of the work contribute to the prevention and control of future outbreaks, provide information on transmission factors, and highlight the importance of advanced computational methods in the study of infectious diseases that allow a deeper understanding of transmission patterns and can help in the development of more effective control and intervention strategies.

Feeding characteristics and growth among children with prenatal exposure to Zika virus with and without microcephaly in the microcephaly epidemic research group pediatric cohort.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the feeding characteristics and growth of children with prenatal exposure to Zika virus (ZIKV) from birth to 48 months. DESIGN: Using data from the prospective Microcephaly Epidemic Research Group Pediatric Cohort (MERG-PC), children without microcephaly born to mothers with evidence of ZIKV infection during pregnancy (ZIKV-exposed children without microcephaly) and children with Zika-related microcephaly were compared using repeated cross-sectional analyses within the following age strata: birth; 1 to 12; 13 to 24; 25 to 36; and 37 to 48 months. The groups were compared in relation to prematurity, birth weight, breastfeeding, alternative feeding routes, dysphagia and anthropometric profiles based on the World Health Organization Anthro z-scores (weight-length/height, weight-age, length/height-age and BMI-age). RESULTS: The first assessment included 248 children, 77 (31.05%) with microcephaly and 171 (68.95%) without microcephaly. The final assessment was performed on 86 children. Prematurity was 2.35 times higher and low birth weight was 3.49 times higher in children with microcephaly. The frequency of breastfeeding was high (> 80%) in both groups. On discharge from the maternity hospital, the frequency of children requiring alternative feeding route in both groups was less than 5%. After 12 months of age, children with microcephaly required alternative feeding route more often than children without microcephaly. In children with microcephaly, the z-score of all growth indicators was lower than in children without microcephaly. CONCLUSIONS: Children with Zika-related microcephaly were more frequently premature and low birth weight and remained with nutritional parameters, i.e., weight-for-age, weight-for-length/height and length/height-for-age below those of the children without microcephaly.

Virus adsorbent systems based on Amazon holocellulose and nanomaterials.

The environment preservation has been an important motivation to find alternative, functional, and biodegradable materials to replace polluting petrochemicals. The production of nonbiodegradable face masks increased the concentration of microplastics in the environment, highlighting the need for sustainable alternatives, such as the use of local by-products to create efficient and eco-friendly filtering materials. Furthermore, the use of smart materials can reduce the risk of contagion and virus transmission, especially in the face of possible mutations. The development of novel materials is necessary to ensure less risk of contagion and virus transmission, as well as to preserve the environment. Taking these factors into account, 16 systems were developed with different combinations of precursor materials (holocellulose, polyaniline [ES-PANI], graphene oxide [GO], silver nanoparticles [AgNPs], and activated carbon [AC]). Adsorption tests of the spike protein showed that the systems containing GO and AC were the most efficient in the adsorption process. Similarly, plate tests conducted using the VSV-IN strain cultured in HepG2 cells showed that the system containing all phases showed the greatest reduction in viral titer method. In agreement, the biocompatibility tests showed that the compounds extracted from the systems showed low cytotoxicity or no significant cytotoxic effect in human fibroblasts. As a result, the adsorption tests of the spike protein, viral titration, and biocompatibility tests showed that systems labeled as I and J were the most efficient. In this context, the present research has significantly contributed to the technological development of antiviral systems, with improved properties and increased adsorption efficiency, reducing the viral titer and contributing efficiently to public health. In this way, these alternative materials could be employed in sensors and devices for filtering and sanitization, thus assisting in mitigating the transmission of viruses and bacteria. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Sixteen virus adsorbent systems were developed with different combinations of precursor materials (holocellulose, polyaniline (ES-PANI), graphene oxide (GO), silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), and activated carbon (AC)). The system that included all of the nanocomposites holocellulose, PANI, GO, AgNPs, and AC showed the greatest reduction in viral titration. The biocompatibility tests revealed that all systems caused only mild or moderate cytotoxicity toward human fibroblasts.

Soil bacteria and fungi communities are shaped by elevation influences in Colombian forest and páramo natural ecosystems

The influence of elevation on natural terrestrial ecosystems determines the arrangements of microbial communities in soils to be associated with biotic and abiotic factors. To evaluate changes of fungi and bacteria at the community level along an elevational gradient (between 1000 and 3800 m.a.s.l.), physicochemical measurements of soils, taxonomic identifications of plants, and metabarcoding sequences of the 16S rRNA gene for bacteria and the ITS1 region for fungi were obtained. The bacterial taxonomic composition showed that Acidobacteriota increased in abundance with elevation, while Actinobacteriota and Verrucomicrobiota decreased. Furthermore, Firmicutes and Proteobacteria maintained maximum levels of abundance at intermediate elevations (1200 and 2400 m.a.s.l.). In fungi, Ascomycota was more abundant at higher elevations, Basidiomycota tended to dominate at lower elevations, and Mortierellomycota had a greater presence at intermediate sites. These results correlated with the edaphic parameters of decreasing pH and increasing organic carbon and available nitrogen with elevation. In addition, the Shannon index found a greater diversity in bacteria than fungi, but both showed a unimodal pattern with maximum values in the Andean Forest at 2400 m.a.s.l. Through the microbial characterization of the ecosystems, the elevational gradient, soil properties, and vegetation were found to exert significant effects on microbial communities and alpha diversity indices. We conclude that the most abundant soil microorganisms at the sampling points differed in abundance and diversity according to the variations in factors influencing ecological communities. (AU)

Práticas de enfermeiros na prevenção e rastreio do câncer de mama e de colo uterino / Practices performed by nurses in the prevention and screening of breast and cervical cancer / Prácticas de enfermería en la prevención y detección del cáncer de mama y cervicouterino

Objetivo: Identificar como ocorrem as práticas de prevenção e de rastreio do câncer de mama e de colo uterino realizadas por enfermeiros que atuam na Atenção Primária à Saúde do Rio Grande do Sul. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo de abordagem qualitativa e de natureza analítica e compreensiva. Realizou-se entrevistas semiestruturadas. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de conteúdo do tipo temática proposta por Minayo. Os colaboradores foram 58 enfermeiros atuantes na Atenção Primária à Saúde. Resultados: Os resultados apontam que as práticas se desenvolvem em um contexto de crescente autonomia profissional e de protagonismo da Enfermagem. Aspectos como proximidade e vínculo com a comunidade, outros procedimentos e ações ofertadas nos atendimentos, incluindo a condução clínica/terapêutica, na vigência de sinais e sintomas de infecção, condizem com uma atenção mais ampla às necessidades de saúde e de cuidado às mulheres. Conclusão: O estudo evidencia a importância do respaldo de protocolos para a atuação segura das práticas dos enfermeiros da Atenção Básica, visando a prevenção e rastreio do câncer de mama e de colo uterino. Esses instrumentos devem ser de fácil acesso e constantemente atualizados a fim de garantir a padronização preconizada pelo Ministério da Saúde. (AU)

Objective: To identify how the breast and cervical cancer prevention and screening practices performed by nurses working in Primary Health Care in the state of Rio Grande do Sul occurs. Methods: This is a qualitative study with an analytical and comprehensive nature. The collaborators were 58 nurses working in Primary Health Care. Results: The results indicate that the practices are developed in a context of increasing professional autonomy and the role of Nursing. Aspects such as proximity and bonding with the community, other procedures and actions offered in the consultations, including clinical/therapeutic management in cases of signs and symptoms of infection, are consistent with a broader attention to women's health and care needs. Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of supporting protocols for the safe performance of Primary Care nurses' practices, aiming at the prevention and screening of breast and cervical cancer. These documents must be easily accessible and constantly updated in order to guarantee the standardization recommended by the Ministry of Health. (AU)

Objetivo: Identificar cómo las prácticas de prevención y detección del cáncer de mama y cervicouterino son realizadas por enfermeros que actúan en la Atención Primaria de Salud en Rio Grande do Sul. Métodos: Se trata de un estudio cualitativo de carácter analítico y comprensivo. Los colaboradores fueron 58 enfermeros que actuaban en la Atención Primaria de Salud. Resultados: Los resultados indican que las prácticas se desarrollan en un contexto de aumento de la autonomía profesional y del papel de la Enfermería. Aspectos como la proximidad y el vínculo con la comunidad, otros procedimientos y acciones que se ofrecen en las consultas, incluido el manejo clínico/terapéutico en casos de signos y síntomas de infección, son consistentes con una atención más amplia a las necesidades de salud y cuidado de las mujeres. Conclusión: El estudio destaca la importancia de protocolos para la actuación segura de las prácticas de los enfermeros de Atención Primaria, con el objetivo de la prevención y el tamizaje del cáncer de mama y de cuello uterino. Estos instrumentos deben ser de fácil acceso y constantemente actualizados para garantizar la estandarización recomendada por el Ministerio de Salud. (AU)

Olive Oil Components as Novel Antioxidants in Neuroblastoma Treatment: Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Oleuropein and Hydroxytyrosol.

In this review, we explored the therapeutic potential of oleuropein (OLE) and hydroxytyrosol (HT) in the treatment of neuroblastoma (NB). NB is an extracranial tumour that predominantly affects children aged between 17 and 18 months. Recurrence and drug resistance have emerged as the biggest challenges when treating NB, leading to a crucial need for new therapeutic approaches. Food of the Mediterranean Diet (MD) presents several health benefits, including that of cancer treatment. In this review, we emphasised olive oil since it is one of the main liquid ingredients of the MD. OLE is the principal phenolic compound that constitutes olive oil and is hydrolysed to produce HT. Considering that tumour cells produce increased amounts of reactive oxygen species, this review highlights the antioxidant properties of OLE and HT and how they could result in increased cellular antioxidant defences and reduced oxidative damage in NB cells. Moreover, we highlight that these phenolic compounds lead to apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, reduce the side effects caused by conventional treatments, and activate tumours that become dormant as a resistance mechanism. Future research should explore the effects of these compounds and other antioxidants on the treatment of NB in vivo.

Color matching and color recovery in large composite restorations using single-shade or universal composites.

This study assessed the color-matching ability and color recovery of unprepared teeth when using single-shade composites and a universal composite in large restorations. Buccal and palatine surface colors of molars were measured with a spectrophotometer (CIELAB) before preparing round cavities (6 mm in diameter, 2 mm in depth). The cavities were randomly filled with a single-shade composite (Omnichroma, Diamond One, or Vittra APS Unique) or a universal composite (Filtek Universal). Color measurements of the restored cavities were taken, and overall color differences (ΔEab and ΔE00) and differences in the whitening index for dentistry (ΔWID) from baseline were calculated. Additionally, visual assessments of a color match to the surrounding enamel were performed by forty evaluators (laypersons and undergraduate students of dentistry) in a viewing booth under illuminant D65, with rating scores from 0 (no color mismatch) to 4 (not acceptable). Data were analyzed using RM or one-way ANOVA (α = 0.05). Results showed that the restorations generally exhibited whiter colors (WID ranged from 27.9 to 41.3) than the unprepared teeth (WID ranged from 15.9 to 19.3). The composite Filtek Universal demonstrated the lowest color discrepancy (ΔWID = 8.6; ΔE00 = 10.8; and ΔE00 = 6.2), and no significant differences were observed among the evaluated single-shade composites. Furthermore, all composites showed similar and adequate color matches to the surrounding enamel. However, it is important to note that despite their ability to match the surrounding enamel reasonably, none of the composites evaluated in large restorations fully recovered the color observed in unprepared teeth.

Influence of repositioning guides' color and usage on precision in tooth color measurement with a clinical spectrophotometer.

BACKGROUND: Repositioning guides are commonly employed in clinical studies to ensure consistent tooth color measurements. Yet, their influence on measured color remains uncertain. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the impact of repositioning guides' color and usage on tooth color measurement using a clinical spectrophotometer. METHODOLOGY: In total, 18 volunteers participated in this study, in which the color of their upper left central incisor and upper left canine was measured with or without repositioning guides (control). The guides were made from pink, blue, or translucent silicone, as well as an acetate-based bleaching tray. Tooth color was measured in triplicates using a clinical spectrophotometer based on the CIELAB system. The standard deviations of these readings were used to estimate reproducibility, and color differences (ΔE00) between the measurements with guides and the control were calculated. RESULTS: Repositioning guides had a minimal effect on L* values and no effect on b* values. The use of pink silicone increased a* values, whereas blue or translucent silicone reduced them. Irrespective of the evaluated tooth, the lowest ΔE00 values were observed for the translucent silicone and bleaching tray. The usage of guides only affected data variability for the L* color coordinate. CONCLUSION: Using repositioning guides can significantly impact the precision of tooth color measurement with a clinical spectrophotometer.

New races with wider virulence indicate rapid evolution of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici in the Southern Cone of America.

Wheat yellow (stripe) rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), is one of the most devastating diseases of wheat worldwide. Pst populations are composed of multiple genetic groups, each carrying one or more races characterized by different avirulence/virulence combinations. Since the severe epidemics in 2017, yellow rust has become the most economically important wheat foliar disease in Uruguay. A set of 124 Pst isolates collected from wheat fields in Uruguay between 2017 and 2021 were characterized phenotypically and 27 of those isolates were subsequently investigated in-depth by additional molecular genotyping and race phenotyping analyses. Three genetic groups were identified, i.e., PstS7, PstS10 and PstS13, the latter being the most prevalent. Two races previously reported in Europe, Warrior (PstS7) and Benchmark (PstS10), were detected in four and two isolates, respectively. A third race known as Triticale2015 (PstS13), first detected in Europe in 2015 and in Argentina in 2017, was detected at several locations. Additional virulence to Yr3, Yr17, Yr25, Yr27 or Yr32 was detected in three new race variants within PstS13. The identification of these new races, which have not been reported outside South America, provides strong evidence of the local evolution of virulence in Pst during the recent epidemic years.

Biomarker RIPK3 Is Silenced by Hypermethylation in Melanoma and Epigenetic Editing Reestablishes Its Tumor Suppressor Function.

For several decades, cancers have demonstrably been one of the most frequent causes of death worldwide. In addition to genetic causes, cancer can also be caused by epigenetic gene modifications. Frequently, tumor suppressor genes are epigenetically inactivated due to hypermethylation of their CpG islands, actively contributing to tumorigenesis. Since CpG islands are usually localized near promoters, hypermethylation of the promoter can have a major impact on gene expression. In this study, the potential tumor suppressor gene Receptor Interacting Serine/Threonine Protein Kinase 3 (RIPK3) was examined for an epigenetic regulation and its gene inactivation in melanomas. A hypermethylation of the RIPK3 CpG island was detected by bisulfite pyrosequencing and was accompanied by a correlated loss of its expression. In addition, an increasing RIPK3 methylation rate was observed with increasing tumor stage of melanomas. For further epigenetic characterization of RIPK3, epigenetic modulation was performed using a modified CRISPR/dCas9 (CRISPRa activation) system targeting its DNA hypermethylation. We observed a reduced fitness of melanoma cells by (re-)expression and demethylation of the RIPK3 gene using the epigenetic editing-based method. The tumor suppressive function of RIPK3 was evident by phenotypic determination using fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry and wound healing assay. Our data highlight the function of RIPK3 as an epigenetically regulated tumor suppressor in melanoma, allowing it to be classified as a biomarker.

Deletion of the lipid droplet protein kinase gene affects lipid droplets biogenesis, parasite infectivity, and resistance to trivalent antimony in Leishmania infantum.

The Lipid Droplet Protein Kinase (LDK) facilitates lipid droplet (LD) biogenesis, organelles involved in various metabolic and signaling functions in trypanosomatids. As LDK's function has not been previously explored in Leishmania spp., we utilized CRISPR/Cas9 technology to generate LDK-knockout lines of Leishmania infantum to investigate its role in this parasite. Our findings demonstrate that LDK is not an essential gene for L. infantum, as its deletion did not impede parasite survival. Furthermore, removing LDK did not impact the growth of promastigote forms of L. infantum lacking LDK. However, a noticeable reduction in LDs occurred during the stationary phase of parasite growth following LDK deletion. In the presence of myriocin, a LD inducer, LDK-knockout parasites displayed reduced LD abundance during both logarithmic and stationary growth phases compared to control parasites. Moreover, an infection analysis involving THP-1 cells revealed that 72 h post-infection, LDK-knockout L. infantum lines exhibited fewer infected macrophages and intracellular amastigotes than control parasites. LDK-knockout L. infantum lines also displayed 1.7 to 1.8 -fold greater resistance to trivalent antimony than control parasites. There were no observed alterations in susceptibility to amphotericin B, miltefosine, or menadione in LDK-knockout L. infantum lines. Our results suggest that LDK plays a crucial role in the biogenesis and/or maintenance of LDs in L. infantum, as well as in parasite infectivity and resistance to trivalent antimony.