Phylogeography, genetic diversity, and intraspecific genetic structure of the black-horned capuchin (Sapajus nigritus).

Recent molecular studies have clarified the overarching taxonomy of capuchin monkeys, but intraspecific genetic diversity remains unexplored for most capuchin species. One example is Sapajus nigritus, the southernmost capuchin monkey, found in Brazil and Argentina; its phenotypic diversity has been recognized as two geographic subspecies, but the intraspecific genetic structure of this taxon is poorly known. Here, we sampled across most of this species' geographic distribution, producing a newly sequenced data set for genetic analyses that included 78 individuals from 14 populations. We investigated the intraspecific diversity, genetic structure, and evolutionary history using three mitochondrial markers. Our results indicated that S. nigritus populations exhibited high levels of genetic structure. We found strong support for two monophyletic clades within this species with a deep phylogenetic split, and clear separation from other related taxa. Vicariance events seem to have played a prevalent role in shaping S. nigritus genetic differentiation. The Paraíba do Sul River may have driven the deep divergence between southern and northern clades, whereas the Tietê River may have had a weaker, more recent effect on the divergence of populations within the southern clade.

Plant size, latitude, and phylogeny explain within-population variability in herbivory.

Interactions between plants and herbivores are central in most ecosystems, but their strength is highly variable. The amount of variability within a system is thought to influence most aspects of plant-herbivore biology, from ecological stability to plant defense evolution. Our understanding of what influences variability, however, is limited by sparse data. We collected standardized surveys of herbivory for 503 plant species at 790 sites across 116° of latitude. With these data, we show that within-population variability in herbivory increases with latitude, decreases with plant size, and is phylogenetically structured. Differences in the magnitude of variability are thus central to how plant-herbivore biology varies across macroscale gradients. We argue that increased focus on interaction variability will advance understanding of patterns of life on Earth.

Boosting Titanium Surfaces with Positive Charges: Newly Developed Cationic Coating Combines Anticorrosive and Bactericidal Properties for Implant Application.

Along with poor implant-bone integration, peri-implant diseases are the major causes of implant failure. Although such diseases are primarily triggered by biofilm accumulation, a complex inflammatory process in response to corrosive-related metallic ions/debris has also been recognized as a risk factor. In this regard, by boosting the titanium (Ti) surface with silane-based positive charges, cationic coatings have gained increasing attention due to their ability to kill pathogens and may be favorable for corrosion resistance. Nevertheless, the development of a cationic coating that combines such properties in addition to having a favorable topography for implant osseointegration is lacking. Because introducing hydroxyl (-OH) groups to Ti is essential to increase chemical bonds with silane, Ti pretreatment is of utmost importance to achieve such polarization. In this study, plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) was investigated as a new route to pretreat Ti with OH groups while providing favorable properties for implant application compared with traditional hydrothermal treatment (HT). To produce bactericidal and corrosion-resistant cationic coatings, after pretreatment with PEO or HT (Step 1), surface silanization was subsequently performed via immersion-based functionalization with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) (Step 2). In the end, five groups were assessed: untreated Ti (Ti), HT, PEO, HT+APTES, and PEO+APTES. PEO created a porous surface with increased roughness and better mechanical and tribological properties compared with HT and Ti. The introduction of -OH groups by HT and PEO was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and the increase in wettability producing superhydrophilic surfaces. After silanization, the surfaces were polarized to hydrophobic ones, and an increase in the amine functional group was observed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, demonstrating a considerable amount of positive ions. Such protonation may explain the enhanced corrosion resistance and dead bacteria (Streptococcus aureus and Escherichia coli) found for PEO+APTES. All groups presented noncytotoxic properties with similar blood plasma protein adsorption capacity vs the Ti control. Our findings provide new insights into developing next-generation cationic coatings by suggesting that a tailorable porous and oxide coating produced by PEO has promise in designing enhanced cationic surfaces targeting biomedical and dental implant applications.

Neurovascular and hemodynamic responses to mental stress and exercise in severe COVID-19 survivors.

Previous studies show that COVID-19 survivors have elevated muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA), endothelial dysfunction, and aortic stiffening. However, the neurovascular responses to mental stress and exercise are still unexplored. We hypothesized that COVID-19 survivors, compared with age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched control subjects, exhibit abnormal neurovascular responses to mental stress and physical exercise. Fifteen severe COVID-19 survivors (aged: 49 ± 2 yr, BMI: 30 ± 1 kg/m2) and 15 well-matched control subjects (aged: 46 ± 3 yr, BMI: 29 ± 1 kg/m2) were studied. MSNA (microneurography), forearm blood flow (FBF), and forearm vascular conductance (FVC, venous occlusion plethysmography), mean arterial pressure (MAP, Finometer), and heart rate (HR, ECG) were measured during a 3-min mental stress (Stroop Color-Word Test) and during a 3-min isometric handgrip exercise (30% of maximal voluntary contraction). During mental stress, MSNA (frequency and incidence) responses were higher in COVID-19 survivors than in controls (P < 0.001), and FBF and FVC responses were attenuated (P < 0.05). MAP was similar between the groups (P > 0.05). In contrast, the MSNA (frequency and incidence) and FBF and FVC responses to handgrip exercise were similar between the groups (P > 0.05). MAP was lower in COVID-19 survivors (P < 0.05). COVID-19 survivors exhibit an exaggerated MSNA and blunted vasodilatory response to mental challenge compared with healthy adults. However, the neurovascular response to handgrip exercise is preserved in COVID-19 survivors. Overall, the abnormal neurovascular control in response to mental stress suggests that COVID-19 survivors may have an increased risk to cardiovascular events during mental challenge.

Biomaterial engineering surface to control polymicrobial dental implant-related infections: focusing on disease modulating factors and coatings development.

INTRODUCTION: Peri-implantitis is the leading cause of dental implant loss and is initiated by a polymicrobial dysbiotic biofilm formation on the implant surface. The destruction of peri-implant tissue by the host immune response and the low effectiveness of surgical or non-surgical treatments highlight the need for new strategies to prevent, modulate and/or eliminate biofilm formation on the implant surface. Currently, several surface modifications have been proposed using biomolecules, ions, antimicrobial agents, and topography alterations. AREAS COVERED: Initially, this review provides an overview of the etiopathogenesis and host- and material-dependent modulating factors of peri-implant disease. In addition, a critical discussion about the antimicrobial surface modification mechanisms and techniques employed to modify the titanium implant material is provided. Finally, we also considered the future perspectives on the development of antimicrobial surfaces to narrow the bridge between idea and product and favor the clinical application possibility. EXPERT OPINION: Antimicrobial surface modifications have demonstrated effective results; however, there is no consensus about the best modification strategy and in-depth information on the safety and longevity of the antimicrobial effect. Modified surfaces display recurring challenges such as short-term effectiveness, the burst release of drugs, cytotoxicity, and lack of reusability. Stimulus-responsive surfaces seem to be a promising strategy for a controlled and precise antimicrobial effect, and future research should focus on this technology and study it from models that better mimic clinical conditions.

Recent advances of polypyrrole conducting polymer film for biomedical application: Toward a viable platform for cell-microbial interactions.

Polypyrrole (PPy) is one of the most studied conductive polymers due to its electrical conductivity and biological properties, which drive the possibility of numerous applications in the biomedical area. The physical-chemical features of PPy allow the manufacture of biocompatible devices, enhancing cell adhesion and proliferation. Furthermore, owing to the electrostatic interactions between the negatively charged bacterial cell wall and the positive charges in the polymer structure, PPy films can perform an effective antimicrobial activity. PPy is also frequently associated with biocompatible agents and antimicrobial compounds to improve the biological response. Thus, this comprehensive review appraised the available evidence regarding the PPy-based films deposited on metallic implanted devices for biomedical applications. We focus on understanding key concepts that could influence PPy attributes regarding antimicrobial effect and cell behavior under in vitro and in vivo settings. Furthermore, we unravel the several agents incorporated into the PPy film and strategies to improve its functionality. Our findings suggest that incorporating other elements into the PPy films, such as antimicrobial agents, biomolecules, and other biocompatible polymers, may improve the biological responses. Overall, the basic properties of PPy, when combined with other composites, electrostimulation techniques, or surface treatment methods, offer great potential in biocompatibility and/or antimicrobial activities. However, challenges in synthesis standardization and potential limitations such as low adhesion and mechanical strength of the film must be overcome to improve and broaden the application of PPy film in biomedical devices.

Polymicrobial biofilms related to dental implant diseases: unravelling the critical role of extracellular biofilm matrix.

Biofilms are complex tri-dimensional structures that encase microbial cells in an extracellular matrix comprising self-produced polymeric substances. The matrix rich in extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) contributes to the unique features of biofilm lifestyle and structure, enhancing microbial accretion, biofilm virulence, and antimicrobial resistance. The role of the EPS matrix of biofilms growing on biotic surfaces, especially dental surfaces, is largely unravelled. To date, there is a lack of a broad overview of existing literature concerning the relationship between the EPS matrix and the dental implant environment and its role in implant-related infections. Here, we discuss recent advances in the critical role of the EPS matrix on biofilm growth and virulence on the dental implant surface and its effect on the etiopathogenesis and progression of implant-related infections. Similar to other biofilms associated with human diseases/conditions, EPS-enriched biofilms on implant surfaces promote microbial accumulation, microbiological shift, cross-kingdom interaction, antimicrobial resistance, biofilm virulence, and, consequently, peri-implant tissue damage. But intriguingly, the protagonism of EPS role on implant-related infections and the development of matrix-target therapeutic strategies has been neglected. Finally, we highlight the need for more in-depth analyses of polymicrobial interactions within EPS matrix and EPS-targeting technologies' rationale for disrupting the complex biofilm microenvironment with more outstanding translation to implant applications in the near future.

The race for the optimal antimicrobial surface: perspectives and challenges related to plasma electrolytic oxidation coating for titanium-based implants.

Plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) is a low-cost, structurally reliable, and environmentally friendly surface modification method for orthopedic and dental implants. This technique is successful for the formation of porous, corrosion-resistant, and bioactive coatings, besides introducing antimicrobial compounds easily. Given the increase in implant-related infections, antimicrobial PEO-treated surfaces have been widely proposed to surmount this public health concern. This review comprehensively discusses antimicrobial implant surfaces currently produced by PEO in terms of their in vitro and in vivo microbiological and biological properties. We present a critical [part I] and evidence-based [part II] review about the plethora of antimicrobial PEO-treated surfaces. The mechanism of microbial accumulation on implanted devices and the principles of PEO technology to ensure antimicrobial functionalization by one- or multi-step processes are outlined. Our systematic literature search showed that particular focus has been placed on the metallic and semi-metallic elements incorporated into PEO surfaces to facilitate antimicrobial properties, which are often dose-dependent, without leading to cytotoxicity in vitro. Meanwhile, there are concerns over the biocompatibility of PEO and its long-term antimicrobial effects in animal models. We clearly highlight the importance of using clinically relevant infection models and in vivo long-term assessments to guarantee the rational design of antimicrobial PEO-treated surfaces to identify the 'finish line' in the race for antimicrobial implant surfaces.

Sympathetic Neural Overdrive, Aortic Stiffening, Endothelial Dysfunction, and Impaired Exercise Capacity in Severe COVID-19 Survivors: A Mid-Term Study of Cardiovascular Sequelae.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 has become a dramatic health problem during this century. In addition to high mortality rate, COVID-19 survivors are at increased risk for cardiovascular diseases 1-year after infection. Explanations for these manifestations are still unclear but can involve a constellation of biological alterations. We hypothesized that COVID-19 survivors compared with controls exhibit sympathetic overdrive, vascular dysfunction, cardiac morpho-functional changes, impaired exercise capacity, and increased oxidative stress. METHODS: Nineteen severe COVID-19 survivors and 19 well-matched controls completed the study. Muscle sympathetic nerve activity (microneurography), brachial artery flow-mediated dilation and blood flow (Doppler-Ultrasound), carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (Complior), cardiac morpho-functional parameters (echocardiography), peak oxygen uptake (cardiopulmonary exercise testing), and oxidative stress were measured ~3 months after hospital discharge. Complementary experiments were conducted on human umbilical vein endothelial cells cultured with plasma samples from subjects. RESULTS: Muscle sympathetic nerve activity and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity were greater and brachial artery flow-mediated dilation, brachial artery blood flow, E/e' ratio, and peak oxygen uptake were lower in COVID-19 survivors than in controls. COVID-19 survivors had lower circulating antioxidant markers compared with controls, but there were no differences in plasma-treated human umbilical vein endothelial cells nitric oxide production and reactive oxygen species bioactivity. Diminished peak oxygen uptake was associated with sympathetic overdrive, vascular dysfunction, and reduced diastolic function in COVID-19 survivors. CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed that COVID-19 survivors have sympathetic overactivation, vascular dysfunction, cardiac morpho-functional changes, and reduced exercise capacity. These findings indicate the need for further investigation to determine whether these manifestations are persistent longer-term and their impact on the cardiovascular health of COVID-19 survivors.

Ghost Fat: Altered Female Body Perception After Bariatric Surgery.

Body perception is an individual's ability to recognize their body in attitudinal and/or dimensional aspects. We investigated women's body perceptions before and after bariatric surgery. Participants were 31 women (M age = 36.23, SD = 7.95 years old) with an average pre-operative body mass index of 44.58 (SD = 4.65) kg/m2. We collected anthropometric and body perception measures (attitudinal body image [ABI] and dimensional body image [DBI]) before bariatric surgery and 30, 60, 90, and 120 days after it. There was an average decrease of 21.09% in participants' body weight over the 120 days. Regarding ABI, 51.61% of participants had high body dissatisfaction before surgery, and this proportion of dissatisfied participants decreased to 3.23% 120 days after surgery. We observed no statistically significant differences in DBI perceptions. Fast weight loss caused by bariatric surgery appeared to generate a perception of ghost fat. Somatosensory interventions and/or a longer follow-up are needed to alter this persistent distortion of body dimensions.

Pulmonary Granuloma Is Not Always the Tuberculosis Hallmark: Pathology of Tuberculosis Stages in New World and Old World Monkeys Naturally Infected with the Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex.

We present the pathology of monkeys naturally infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex from five different colonies in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. On the basis of gross and histopathological findings, the lesions were classified into chronic-active, extrapulmonary, early-activation or latent-reactivation stages. Typical granulomatous pneumonia was seen in 46.6% of cases (six rhesus monkeys [Macaca mulatta] and one Uta Hick's bearded saki [Chiropotes utahickae]). The absence of pulmonary granulomas did not preclude a diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB): classical granulomatous pneumonia was observed in the chronic-active and latent-reactivation stages but not in the extrapulmonary and early-activation stages. The early-activation stage was characterized by interstitial pneumonia with a predominance of foamy macrophages and molecular and immunohistochemical evidence of M. tuberculosis complex infection. TB should be considered as a cause of interstitial pneumonia in New World Monkeys. We recommend the use of immunohistochemistry and molecular analysis for diagnosis of TB, even when typical macroscopic or histological changes are not observed.

Benchmarks in colorectal surgery: multinational study to define quality thresholds in high and low anterior resection.

BACKGROUND: Benchmark comparisons in surgery allow identification of gaps in the quality of care provided. The aim of this study was to determine quality thresholds for high (HAR) and low (LAR) anterior resections in colorectal cancer surgery by applying the concept of benchmarking. METHODS: This 5-year multinational retrospective study included patients who underwent anterior resection for cancer in 19 high-volume centres on five continents. Benchmarks were defined for 11 relevant postoperative variables at discharge, 3 months, and 6 months (for LAR). Benchmarks were calculated for two separate cohorts: patients without (ideal) and those with (non-ideal) outcome-relevant co-morbidities. Benchmark cut-offs were defined as the 75th percentile of each centre's median value. RESULTS: A total of 3903 patients who underwent HAR and 3726 who had LAR for cancer were analysed. After 3 months' follow-up, the mortality benchmark in HAR for ideal and non-ideal patients was 0.0 versus 3.0 per cent, and in LAR it was 0.0 versus 2.2 per cent. Benchmark results for anastomotic leakage were 5.0 versus 6.9 per cent for HAR, and 13.6 versus 11.8 per cent for LAR. The overall morbidity benchmark in HAR was a Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI®) score of 8.6 versus 14.7, and that for LAR was CCI® score 11.9 versus 18.3. CONCLUSION: Regular comparison of individual-surgeon or -unit outcome data against benchmark thresholds may identify gaps in care quality that can improve patient outcome.

Race for Applicable Antimicrobial Dental Implant Surfaces to Fight Biofilm-Related Disease: Advancing in Laboratorial Studies vs Stagnation in Clinical Application.

Across years, potential strategies to fight peri-implantitis have been notoriously explored through the antimicrobial coating implant surfaces capable of interfering with the bacterial adhesion process. However, although experimental studies have significantly advanced, no product has been marketed so far. For science to reach the society, the commercialization of research outcomes is necessary to provide real advancement in the biomedical field. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the challenges involved in the development of antimicrobial dental implant surfaces to fight peri-implantitis, through a systematic search. Research articles reporting antimicrobial dental implant surfaces were identified by searching PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, Embase, and System of Information on Grey Literature in Europe, between 2008 and 2020. A total of 1778 studies were included for quality assessment and the review. An impressive number of 1655 articles (93,1%) comprised in vitro studies, whereas 123 articles refer to in vivo investigations. From those 123, 102 refer to animal studies and only 21 articles were published on the clinical performance of antibacterial dental implant surfaces. The purpose of animal studies is to test how safe and effective new treatments are before they are tested in people. Therefore, the discrepancy between the number of published studies clearly reveals that preclinical investigations still come up against several challenges to overcome before moving forward to a clinical setting. Additionally, researchers need to recognize that the complex journey from lab to market requires more than a great idea and resources to develop a commercial invention; research teams must possess the skills necessary to commercialize an invention.

Ultra-Processed Foods Elicit Higher Approach Motivation Than Unprocessed and Minimally Processed Foods.

Background: Ultra-processed foods (UPF) are becoming extensively available in the food environments. UPF are industrial formulations that are designed to maximize palatability and consumption through a combination of calorie-dense ingredients and chemical additives. UPFs are also aggressively marketed, which may make them more attractive than unprocessed/minimally processed foods (UMPF). Since consumers' purchase decisions are guided by food-evoked emotions, we aimed to provide evidence that UPF visual cues trigger higher emotional responses and approach motivation than UMPF visual cues, with potential impacts on individuals' intention to consume the UPF over the UMPF. Methods: Participants (n = 174; 144 women; mean age = 20.7 years; standard deviation = 4.35) performed two tasks. In the first task, 16 pictures of foods (8 UPF and 8 UMPF), and 74 pictures from other affective categories, were presented. After viewing each picture, the participants rated it along two basic dimensions of emotion through the Self-Assessment Manikin scale: pleasantness and arousal. In the second task, the participants viewed the same food pictures, and they rated their intention to consume the foods depicted in the pictures. Each picture was plotted in terms of its mean pleasantness and arousal ratings in a Cartesian plane, which resulted in an affective space. Results: Pictures of UPF and UMPF were positioned in the upper arm of the boomerang-shaped affective space that represents approach motivation. Pictures containing UPF triggered higher approach motivation and intention to consume than pictures containing UMPF. We also found a stronger association between emotional responses and intention to consume UPF relative to UMPF. Conclusion: These results shed new light on the role of ultra-processed foods evoked emotions that contribute to less healthy and sustainable food environments.

Copper source determines chemistry and topography of implant coatings to optimally couple cellular responses and antibacterial activity.

Implant-related infections at the early healing period are considered one of the main risk factors in implant failure. Designing coatings that control bacterial adhesion and have cell stimulatory behavior remains a challenging strategy for dental implants. Here, we used plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) to produce antimicrobial coatings on commercially pure titanium (cpTi) using bioactive elements (calcium and phosphorus) and different copper (Cu) sources: copper acetate (CuAc), copper sulfate (CuS), and copper oxide (CuO); coatings containing only Ca and P (CaP) served as controls. Cu sources drove differential physical and chemical surface features of PEO coatings, resulting in tailorable release kinetics with a sustained Cu ion release over 10 weeks. The antibacterial effects of Cu-containing coatings were roughness-dependent. CuAc coating exhibited optimal properties in terms of its hydrophilicity, pores density, and limited surface roughness, which provided the most robust antibacterial activity combined with appropriate responses of human primary stem cells and angiogenic cells. Our data indicate that Cu source selection largely determines the functionality of Cu-containing PEO coatings regarding their antibacterial efficacy and cytocompatibility.

Exome and Tissue-Associated Microbiota as Predictive Markers of Response to Neoadjuvant Treatment in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer.

The clinical and pathological responses to multimodal neoadjuvant therapy in locally advanced rectal cancers (LARCs) remain unpredictable, and robust biomarkers are still lacking. Recent studies have shown that tumors present somatic molecular alterations related to better treatment response, and it is also clear that tumor-associated bacteria are modulators of chemotherapy and immunotherapy efficacy, therefore having implications for long-term survivorship and a good potential as the biomarkers of outcome. Here, we performed whole exome sequencing and 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) amplicon sequencing from 44 pre-treatment LARC biopsies from Argentinian and Brazilian patients, treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy or total neoadjuvant treatment, searching for predictive biomarkers of response (responders, n = 17; non-responders, n = 27). In general, the somatic landscape of LARC was not capable to predict a response; however, a significant enrichment in mutational signature SBS5 was observed in non-responders (p = 0.0021), as well as the co-occurrence of APC and FAT4 mutations (p < 0.05). Microbiota studies revealed a similar alpha and beta diversity of bacteria between response groups. Yet, the linear discriminant analysis (LDA) of effect size indicated an enrichment of Hungatella, Flavonifractor, and Methanosphaera (LDA score ≥3) in the pre-treatment biopsies of responders, while non-responders had a higher abundance of Enhydrobacter, Paraprevotella (LDA score ≥3) and Finegoldia (LDA score ≥4). Altogether, the evaluation of these biomarkers in pre-treatment biopsies could eventually predict a neoadjuvant treatment response, while in post-treatment samples, it could help in guiding non-operative treatment strategies.

Surface Engineering for Dental Implantology: Favoring Tissue Responses Along the Implant.

Dental implants represent an illustrative example of successful medical devices used in increasing numbers to aid (partly) edentulous patients. Particularly in spite of the percutaneous nature of dental implant systems, their clinical success is remarkable. This clinical success is at least partly related to the effective surface treatment of the artificial dental root, providing appropriate physicochemical properties to achieve osseointegration. The demographic changes in the world, however, with a rapidly increasing life expectancy and an increase in patients suffering from comorbidities that affect wound healing and bone metabolism, make that the performance of dental implants requires continuous improvement. An additional factor endangering the clinical success of dental implants is peri-implantitis, which affects both the soft and hard tissue interactions with dental implants. In this study, we shed light on the optimization of dental implant surfaces through surface engineering. Depending on the region along the artificial dental root, different properties of the surface are required to optimize prevailing tissue response to facilitate osseointegration, improve soft tissue attachment, and exert antibacterial efficacy. As such, surface engineering represents an important tool for assuring the continued future success of dental implants. Impact Statement Dental implants represent a common treatment modality nowadays for the replacement of lost teeth or fixation of prosthetic devices. This review provides a detailed overview of the role of surface engineering for dental implants and their components to optimize tissue responses at the different regions along the artificial dental root. The surface properties steering immunomodulatory processes, facilitating osseointegration, and rendering antibacterial efficacy (at both artificial root and abutment region) are described. The review finally concludes that surface engineering provides a tool to warrant that dental implants will remain future proof in more challenging applications, including an aging patient population and comorbidities that affect bone metabolism and wound healing.

Cross-kingdom microbial interactions in dental implant-related infections: is Candida albicans a new villain?

Candida albicans, an oral fungal opportunistic pathogen, has shown the ability to colonize implant surfaces and has been frequently isolated from biofilms associated with dental implant-related infections, possibly due to its synergistic interactions with certain oral bacteria. Moreover, evidence suggests that this cross-kingdom interaction on implant can encourage bacterial growth, leading to increased fungal virulence and mucosal damage. However, the role of Candida in implant-related infections has been overlooked and not widely explored or even considered by most microbiological analyses and therapeutic approaches. Thus, we summarized the scientific evidence regarding the ability of C. albicans to colonize implant surfaces, interact in implant-related polymicrobial biofilms, and its possible role in peri-implant infections as far as biologic plausibility. Next, a systematic review of preclinical and clinical studies was conducted to identify the relevance and the gap in the existing literature regarding the role of C. albicans in the pathogenesis of peri-implant infections.

Insight Into Corrosion of Dental Implants: From Biochemical Mechanisms to Designing Corrosion-Resistant Materials.

Purpose of Review: Despite advanced technologies to avoid corrosion of dental implants, the mechanisms toward the release of metals and their role in the onset of peri-implant diseases are still under-investigated. Effective knowledge on the etiopathogenesis of corrosive products and preventive strategies mitigating the risks for surface degradation are thus in dire need. This review aimed to summarize evidence toward biocorrosion in the oral environment and discuss the current strategies targeting the improvement of dental implants and focusing on the methodological and electrochemical aspects of surface treatments and titanium-based alloys. Recent Findings: Recent studies suggest the existence of wear/corrosion products may correlate with peri-implantitis progress by triggering microbial dysbiosis, the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and animal bone resorption. Furthermore, current clinical evidence demonstrating the presence of metal-like particles in diseased tissues supports their possible role as a risk factor for peri-implantitis. For instance, to overcome the drawback of titanium corrosion, researchers are primarily focusing on developing corrosion-resistant alloys and coatings for dental implants by changing their physicochemical features. Summary: The current state-of-art discussed in this review found corrosion products effective in affecting biofilm virulence and inflammatory factors in vitro. Controversial and unstandardized data are limitations, making the premise of corrosion products being essential for peri-implantitis onset. On the other hand, when it comes to the strategies toward reducing implant corrosion rate, it is evident that the chemical and physical properties are crucial for the in vitro electrochemical behavior of the implant material. For instance, it is foreseeable that the formation of films/coatings and the incorporation of some functional compounds into the substrate may enhance the material's corrosion resistance and biological response. Nevertheless, the utmost challenge of research in this field is to achieve adequate stimulation of the biological tissues without weakening its protective behavior against corrosion. In addition, the translatability from in vitro findings to clinical studies is still in its infancy. Therefore, further accumulation of high-level evidence on the role of corrosion products on peri-implant tissues is expected to confirm the findings of the present review besides the development of better methods to improve the corrosion resistance of dental implants. Furthermore, such knowledge could further develop safe and long-term implant rehabilitation therapy.

Fat replacement by green banana biomass: Impact on the technological, nutritional and dynamic sensory profiling of chicken mortadella.

Reducing the fat content of processed meat products has become necessary due to consumer-driven demand for healthier foods. In this sense, this study aimed to characterize chicken mortadella with total and partial replacement of chicken skin by green banana biomass (GBB). Five treatments (with two repetitions each and weighing 400 g) were prepared: F0 (control treatment formulated with 100% chicken skin), F1, F2, F3, and F4 (25, 50, 75, and 100% of chicken skin replacement by GBB, respectively). Samples were characterized according to physicochemical composition - approximate composition, energy value, pH, water activity (Aw), emulsion stability (ES), water-holding capacity (WHC), instrumental color (L*, a* and b*), instrumental texture, fatty acid profile, and microstructure) - nutritional quality and sensory properties (dynamic profiling by Temporal Check-all-that-apply and acceptance). The replacement of 100% chicken skin by GBB increased the WHC of mortadella and did not affect the ES in all formulations. The addition of GBB did not affect the typical mortadella flavor of the samples, and the dominance of the flavor was directed towards the fibrous and fat flavor attributes. In addition, all formulations had acceptance scores above 6.5. Based on the results, replacement up to 100% of chicken skin with GBB is possible and obtains a healthier emulsified meat product with good sensory acceptance.