COVID-19 vaccine confidence in the post-vaccination era: Perceptions among adults with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases.

Objective: Assess the perceived protection afforded by a range of COVID-19 vaccines in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases patients previously vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2. Study design: Survey. Methods: On-line cross-sectional survey aimed at evaluating the perceived protection (and its determinants) afforded by a range of COVID-19 vaccines among immune-mediated inflammatory diseases previously vaccinated for COVID-19. Results: Out of 493 eligible respondents who lived in Brazil, 397 (80.5%) were confident that their primary vaccination series would protect them against severe COVID-19. In multivariate analysis, only overlapping immune-mediated inflammatory diseases remained (negatively) associated with the perception of protection. Conclusions: No influence was found between COVID-19 vaccine types and the perception of protection after initial vaccinations.

HLA-G expression in Merkel cell carcinoma and the correlation with Merkel cell polyomavirus infection.

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare aggressive neuroendocrine cutaneous carcinoma with a high mortality rate. The MCC etiology is not fully understood. Merkel cell-associated polyomavirus (MCPyV) was found in MCC patients, indicating a risk factor for the tumor. Caucasian, elderly, and immunocompromised individuals are more likely to develop this tumor. HLA-G consists of a non-classical class I (Ib) HLA molecule with an immunoregulatory function and was associated with tumor escape in different types of tumors, nonetheless, never been studied in MCC. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the HLA-G expression and also to detect the MCPyV in MCC patients and correlate it with the clinical course of the disease. Forty-five MCC patients were included in a retrospective study. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded cutaneous skin biopsies were used by immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR to verify the HLA-G expression and MCPyV infection. HLA-G expression was found in 7 (15.6%), while the presence of MCPyV was detected in 28 (62.2%) of the studied patients. No significant association was found between HLA-G expression and MCPyV infection (p = 0.250). The presence of MCPyV was associated with areas of low sunlight exposure (p = 0.042) and the HLA-G expression with progression to death (p = 0.038). HLA-G expression was detected in MCC patients, as well as the MCPyV presence was confirmed. These markers could represent factors with a possible impact on patient survival; however, further studies with a greater number of patients are needed, to better elucidate the possible role in disease progression.

HLA-G expression in Merkel cell carcinoma and the correlation with Merkel cell polyomavirus infection

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare aggressive neuroendocrine cutaneous carcinoma with a high mortality rate. The MCC etiology is not fully understood. Merkel cell-associated polyomavirus (MCPyV) was found in MCC patients, indicating a risk factor for the tumor. Caucasian, elderly, and immunocompromised individuals are more likely to develop this tumor. HLA-G consists of a non-classical class I (Ib) HLA molecule with an immunoregulatory function and was associated with tumor escape in different types of tumors, nonetheless, never been studied in MCC. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the HLA-G expression and also to detect the MCPyV in MCC patients and correlate it with the clinical course of the disease. Forty-five MCC patients were included in a retrospective study. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded cutaneous skin biopsies were used by immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR to verify the HLA-G expression and MCPyV infection. HLA-G expression was found in 7 (15.6%), while the presence of MCPyV was detected in 28 (62.2%) of the studied patients. No significant association was found between HLA-G expression and MCPyV infection (p = 0.250). The presence of MCPyV was associated with areas of low sunlight exposure (p = 0.042) and the HLA-G expression with progression to death (p = 0.038). HLA-G expression was detected in MCC patients, as well as the MCPyV presence was confirmed. These markers could represent factors with a possible impact on patient survival; however, further studies with a greater number of patients are needed, to better elucidate the possible role in disease progression.

Age and growth of the endemic Xingu River stingray Potamotrygon leopoldi validated using fluorescent dyes.

Between 2003 and 2005, vertebrae of 151 Xingu River Potamotrygon leopoldi (Potamotrygonidae) (75 males and 76 females) were analysed to derive a growth curve for this species. The disc width (WD ) was significantly different between sexes, with females measuring 149-700 mm WD and males 109-500 mm WD . The average percentage error for vertebrae readings of the whole sample was 2·7%. The marginal increment ratio (RMI ) showed an increasing trend with the highest value in November, decreasing from December on. The majority of vertebrae displaying RMI zero, occurred in September, but the annual periodicity of ring deposition throughout the year was not conclusive. Tetracycline (TCN) injected specimens were held in captivity for 13 months and displayed a fluorescent mark in vertebrae confirming a yearly periodicity of band pair formation with the translucent ring deposited in September-October. The Akaike information criterion (AIC) showed that, among the seven models considered, the best fit was obtained for the von Bertalanffy modified with W0 (where W0 = WD at birth) for both sexes. Growth parameters for females were: W0 = 149 mm; W∞ = 763·06 mm; k = 0·12 year- 1 , whereas for males: W0 = 109 mm; W∞ = 536·4 and k = 0·22 year-1 . Maximal ages were 7·2 years in males and 14·3 years in females. The species shows sexual dimorphism expressed in the growth pattern, size at maturity, longevity and asymptotic sizes. Concern for sustainability is raised due to the construction of the Belo Monte Hydroelectric Power Plant (2015 and 2016) in the State of Pará causing changes to the habitat of this species, which is endemic to the Xingu River and two of its tributaries.

Growth of the dolphinfish Coryphaena hippurus from north-eastern Brazil with an appraisal of the efficacy of scales and otoliths for ageing.

Age and growth of the dolphinfish Coryphaena hippurus caught off north-eastern Brazil were studied by counting growth increments on scales and otoliths. A sample (n = 2338) measuring 7·7-195 cm fork length (LF ) was collected from September 2001 to February 2003. The scales (n = 69) removed from six different regions of the body were examined and those from the caudal region exhibited greater morphological regularity, symmetry and a smaller rate of regeneration. The regression between caudal scale radius (RS ) and LF displayed was linear (LF = 28·334 RS + 9·186; r(2) = 0·754). Otolith micro-increments were counted assuming daily periodicity. Ages estimated from otoliths ranged from 64 to 659 days. The von Bertalanffy growth model was fitted based on the otolith readings generating L∞ = 194·1 cm LF , k = 0·912 year(-1) and t0 = 0·081 years. Species longevity was estimated to be c. 4 years. Ninety-eight per cent of the overall sample was adult specimens well above the age of first maturity in the study area. The large variability between scale length and LF and the failure to ascertain increment deposition periodicity suggest that scales are not appropriate for ageing C. hippurus and analysis of otolith micro-increments is deemed the best structure for ageing this species in the study area.

Age and growth of the midwater crocodile shark Pseudocarcharias kamoharai.

Age and growth were analysed on the basis of 372 vertebrae from specimens of the crocodile shark Pseudocarcharias kamoharai (66·0-122·0 cm, total length, LT ) collected in the south-western Atlantic Ocean. Centrum edge analysis suggested the first four months of the year as the period of band completion, leading to acceptance of free-living bands as annual. A pre-birth ring is formed in embryos >31·0 cm LT , whereas the birthmark is deposited in newborns of 46·1 ± 1·1 cm LT (mean ± s.d.). Growth was parameterized using seven models and the AIC was used for selection of the most plausible model. The von Bertalanffy growth model received the greatest support from the data, providing the following growth parameters for combined sexes: L∞ = 129·2 cm, k = 0·137 year(-1) and t0 = -3·9 years. No significant differences were detected in growth by sex, but significant differences in age composition by sex were found in the sample. Overall age ranged from 2 to >13 years in females and from 1 to 8 years in males. Males achieved first maturity at 3·1 years and females at 5·1 years, with pregnancy appearing at 4·8 years. Similar to other lamnoid species, P. kamoharai is relatively fast growing.

Body adiposity and bone parameters of male rats from mothers fed diet containing flaxseed flour during lactation.

Obesity and osteoporosis may have their origins in early postnatal life. This study was designed to evaluate whether flaxseed flour use during lactation period bears effect on body adiposity and skeletal structure of male rat pups at weaning. At birth, male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to control and experimental (FF) groups, whose dams were treated with control or flaxseed flour diet, respectively, during lactation. At 21 days of age, pups were weaned to assess body mass, length and composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The animals were then sacrificed to carry out analysis of serum profile, intra-abdominal adipocyte morphology and femur characteristics. Differences were considered significant when P<0.05. The FF group displayed the following characteristics (P<0.05): higher body mass, length, bone mineral content, bone area and concentrations of osteoprotegerin, osteocalcin and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol; higher levels of stearic, α-linolenic, eicosapentaenoic and docosapentaenoic acids and lower levels of arachidonic acid and cholesterol; smaller adipocyte area; and higher mass, epiphysis distance, diaphysis width, maximal load, break load, resilience and stiffness of femur. Flaxseed flour intake during lactation period promoted adipocyte hypertrophy down-regulation and contributed to pup bone quality at weaning.

Genetic parameters and prediction of genotypic values for root quality traits in cassava using REML/BLUP.

The aim of this study was to estimate the genetic parameters and predict the genotypic values of root quality traits in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) using restricted maximum likelihood (REML) and best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP). A total of 471 cassava accessions were evaluated over two years of cultivation. The evaluated traits included amylose content (AML), root dry matter (DMC), cyanogenic compounds (CyC), and starch yield (StYi). Estimates of the individual broad-sense heritability of AML were low (hg(2) = 0.07 ± 0.02), medium for StYi and DMC, and high for CyC. The heritability of AML was substantially improved based on mean of accessions (hm(2) = 0.28), indicating that some strategies such as increasing the number of repetitions can be used to increase the selective efficiency. In general, the observed genotypic values were very close to the predicted average of the improved population, most likely due to the high accuracy (>0.90), especially for DMC, CyC, and StYi. Gains via selection of the 30 best genotypes for each trait were 4.8 and 3.2% for an increase and decrease for AML, respectively, an increase of 10.75 and 74.62% for DMC for StYi, respectively, and a decrease of 89.60% for CyC in relation to the overall mean of the genotypic values. Genotypic correlations between the quality traits of the cassava roots collected were generally favorable, although they were low in magnitude. The REML/BLUP method was adequate for estimating genetic parameters and predicting the genotypic values, making it useful for cassava breeding.

Conjunctival flora, Schirmer's tear test, intraocular pressure, and conjunctival cytology in neotropical primates from Salvador, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to establish reference values for selected ophthalmic diagnostic tests in healthy neotropical primates from Salvador, Brazil. METHODS: A total of 73 intact adults, including Callithrix jacchus (n = 31), Callithrix penicillata (n = 8), Cebus sp. (n = 22), and Cebus xanthosternos (n = 9) were used to evaluate the normal conjunctival bacterial flora. Cebus xanthosternos (n = 12) were used to evaluate tear production with Schirmer's tear test (STT), intraocular pressure (IOP), and conjunctival cytology. RESULTS: For all animals evaluated, Gram-positive bacteria were predominant. Results of the diagnostic tests in Cebus xanthosternos were as follows: STT: 14.92 ± 5.46 mm/minutes, IOP: 19.62 ± 4.57 mmHg, and conjunctival cytology revealed intermediate squamous epithelial cells in great quantities. CONCLUSIONS: These ophthalmic reference values will be particularly useful to diagnose discrete or unusual pathological changes in the neotropical primates eye.

Reactivation enables memory updating, precision-keeping and strengthening: exploring the possible biological roles of reconsolidation.

Although much has been learned regarding the molecular and cellular mechanisms of memory reconsolidation, its actual biological function remains unclear. In this work we investigate the possibility that three different mnemonic processes - updating, precision-keeping and trace strengthening - are mediated by reconsolidation in contextual fear conditioning. Reconsolidation involves the activation of calcium channels for the destabilization during the reactivation. Our results show that when memory is reactivated in a situation that does not match the original information, content is modified, i.e., "updated". However, when the contextual condition matches the original one, memory reactivation contributes either to its strengthening or to the maintenance of its precision content over time. Since the L-type voltage-gated calcium channel antagonist nimodipine blocked these effects, we suggest that reconsolidation is the mechanism supporting these processes.

Effect of calcium hydroxide and endodontic irrigants on fibre post bond strength to root canal dentine.

AIM: To analyse the effect of calcium hydroxide paste, endodontic irrigants and time of application on the bond strength of fibre posts to root canal dentine. METHODOLOGY: Seventy bovine incisors were divided into 7 groups according to removal of calcium hydroxide and distilled water (CHW) (immediate - I; 21 days - 21 days; 6 months - 6 months) and endodontic irrigant (1% sodium hypochlorite - SH; 1% sodium hypochlorite + 17% EDTA - SHE). Fibre posts were cemented (RelyX U100), after which the roots were serially sectioned and submitted to a micro-push-out test. Data were analysed using two-way anova followed by the Tukey's and the Dunnett's tests (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The CHW groups were not significantly different from the control group in 13 of the 18 associated factors (P > 0.05). There were significant reductions in bond strength in the cervical (P = 0.0216) and middle (P = 0.0017) thirds of the root at 6 months in groups irrigated with SH. Irrigation with SHE reduced the bond strength significantly in the middle (P = 0.0488) and apical (P = 0.0252) thirds of the roots in the immediate groups and in the middle third (P = 0.0287) in the 21-day group. Bond strength was greater in the cervical than in the apical thirds of all immediate and 21-day groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Bond strength of groups that received CH paste was similar to that found in the control group in 13 of the 18 associated factors. EDTA and SH reduced bond strength in specimens in the immediate (middle and apical thirds) and 21-day (middle third) groups. There was a significant reduction in bond strength in the groups irrigated with SH and tested at 6 months (cervical and middle thirds). There was a predominance of adhesive failures between resin cement and dentine in all groups.

HLA alleles in Brazilian patients with fissured tongue.

BACKGROUND: Fissured tongue (FT) is a clinical condition manifested by numerous little furrows on the tongue's surface. Previously, the authors observed an association with HLA-C×06 in psoriasis (PS) and benign migratory glossitis (BMG); however, HLA-C was not surveyed in FT. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the association between HLA alleles and FT. METHODS: Thirty-three FT bearers were studied, after evaluation of criteria for inclusion. These patients did not present PS, BMG or any other conditions associated with FT. The control group (CG) was composed of 561 individuals with HLA-A, 560 individuals with HLA-B, 168 individuals with HLA-C, 564 individuals with HLA-DRB1 and 390 individuals with HLA-DQB1. Samples from these individuals were processed to extract DNA. The HLA classes I and II were determined using the reverse line blot technique. The frequencies of HLA antigens found in patients were compared with the CG using Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: The comparison of the frequencies of HLA antigens found in the patient groups and in CG revealed no association with any of the alleles studied, except for HLA-A*01, which exhibited a decreased frequency in patient groups. HLA-C*06 was detected in 7.57% of FT patients and 10.42% of the CG (not significant). CONCLUSION: The lack of association of FT with HLA-C*06 reinforces the proposal that this disease does not have a common genetic factor in the triad of BMG, FT and PS.

Alelos HLA na contratura de Dupuytren

A Contratura de Dupuytren (DC) é uma doença fibroproliferativa caracterizada pela formação de nódulos e cordões fibrosos que se retraem longitudinalmente em direção aos dedos causando à contratura digital que determina o aspecto de mão em garra, sendo por isso citada como diagnóstico diferencial da hanseníase. Sua incidência é maior na raça branca de origem européia, principalmente em adultos do sexo masculino com idade superior a 50 anos. Embora existam evidências do envolvimento genético no aparecimento da DC, até o momento nenhum gene foi associado como fator de risco para a doença.

Alelos HLA na contratura de Dupuytren

A Contratura de Dupuytren (DC) é uma doença fibroproliferativa caracterizada pela formação de nódulos e cordões fibrosos que se retraem longitudinalmente em direção aos dedos causando à contratura digital que determina o aspecto de mão em garra, sendo por isso citada como diagnóstico diferencial da hanseníase. Sua incidência é maior na raça branca de origem européia, principalmente em adultos do sexo masculino com idade superior a 50 anos. Embora existam evidências do envolvimento genético no aparecimento da DC, até o momento nenhum gene foi associado como fator de risco para a doença.

Extraordinary growth in tiger sharks Galeocerdo cuvier from the South Atlantic Ocean.

Two tagged-and-recaptured tiger sharks Galeocerdo cuvier, measuring 172 and 304 cm total length (L(T) ) and at age 0.75 and 3.50 years, exhibited unmatched growth rates of 118.4 and 55.5 cm year(-1), respectively. The larger fish was nearly mature, indicating that G. cuvier off Brazil could mature considerably earlier than conspecifics from other regions.

Fracture resistance and mode of failure of various types of root filled teeth.

AIM: To investigate ex vivo the influence of the post system on fracture resistance and failure mode of root filled incisor, canine, premolar and molar teeth. METHODOLOGY: Eighty human teeth were divided into eight groups (n = 10) resulting from the interaction between the two study factors: post system (glass fibre post; cast Ni-Cr alloy post and core) and type of tooth (maxillary incisors, maxillary canines, maxillary premolars and mandibular molars). All roots were prepared with a 2-mm ferrule and restored with metal crown. Fracture resistance (N) was assessed in a mechanical testing device, and the data were analysed by two-way anova (4 × 2) followed by Tukey's test (α = 0.05). The failure mode was evaluated using an optical stereomicroscope and classified according to the location of the failure. Failure mode data were analysed by two-factor anova and Student-Newman-Keuls (SNK) tests (α = 0.05). Correlation between fracture resistance and failure mode was analysed by linear regression. RESULTS: Glass fibre and cast posts and cores had similar fracture resistance, regardless of the type of tooth. Canines and molars had significantly higher fracture resistance (P < 0.001) than premolars. Incisors teeth had significantly lower fracture resistance (P < 0.001) than premolars. The fracture mode for incisors, premolars and molars was more amenable to restoration when the teeth were restored with glass fibre posts. Fracture resistance had no correlation with fracture mode, regardless of the post system and type of tooth analysed. CONCLUSIONS: Post system had no significant effect on fracture resistance, regardless of the type of tooth. The mode of fracture was more restorable with glass fibre posts.

Effect of gamma irradiation and restorative material on the biomechanical behaviour of root filled premolars.

AIM: To investigate ex vivo the influence of gamma irradiation therapy and restorative material on fracture resistance, fracture mode and strain of root filled human premolars. METHODOLOGY: Sixty extracted human maxillary premolar teeth were randomly divided into six groups (n = 10) determined by two study factors: (i) restorative materials: sound teeth, root filled teeth restored with composite resin, root filled teeth restored with amalgam; (ii) gamma irradiation: irradiated (subjected to 60 Gy of gamma irradiation in daily increments of 2 Gy) and nonirradiated. For the strain gauge test, two strain gauges per sample were attached on the buccal and palatal cusp surfaces (n = 5). Strain values were recorded during loading of 0-150 N. Fracture resistance (N) was assessed in a mechanical testing machine (n = 10). Strain gauge for each cusp and fracture resistance data were analysed by two-way anova (3 × 2) followed by the Tukey's honestly significant difference test (α = 0.05). The failure mode was evaluated using an optical stereomicroscope and classified according to the location of the failure. RESULTS: Gamma radiation therapy significantly reduced the fracture resistance of intact teeth. The strain was higher for teeth restored with amalgam than for those restored with composite resin. The teeth restored with composite resin had similar strain values to sound teeth. Nonirradiated teeth had more restorable failures than irradiated teeth. CONCLUSIONS: Gamma irradiation significantly reduced fracture resistance and increased cusp strain. The use of composite resin resulted in better biomechanical behaviour than amalgam for restoring root filled teeth whether or not they were submitted to radiotherapy.