Creating Antibacterial Properties in Flowable Dental Composites by Incorporation of 3, 4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the antibacterial, mechanical, physical properties and water sorption of flowable dental composites containing 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones. Material and Methods: 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones was synthesized and the antibacterial activity of flowable dental composites containing 0-5 wt% 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones and also of their mechanical and physical properties on flowable dental composites were investigated. Flexural strength was measured by a three-point bending test. Compressive strength (CS), Water sorption (WS) and depth of cure (DOC) were investigated. The data were analyzed by One-way ANOVA test. The level of significance was determined as p<0.01. Results: The direct contact test demonstrates that by increasing the 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones content, the bacterial growth is significantly diminished (p<0.001). The average flexural strength results show that with increasing 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones until 3% in the composite, no significant difference was observed in flexural strength (p>0.001) and the mean of compressive strength results show no significant difference between 0-4% groups (p>0.001). The mean of water sorption and depth of cure results shows no significant difference between groups (p>0.001). Conclusion: Incorporation of 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones into flowable resin composites in 3% wt can reduce the activity of Streptococcus mutans.

Potentiality of Epoxy-Montmorillonite Composite for Stir-Bar Sorptive Extraction for Determination of Atrazine

Abstract A new low-cost material is presented for the first time, aiming to study the sorption process for the stir-bar sorptive extraction (SBSE) technique. The bars were made using a composition of a commercial epoxy resin and montmorillonite, under different compositions and a final ratio of 70% (epoxy) and 30% (montmorillonite) was employed, providing the best mechanical and chemical resistance. A PTFE support was developed to hold the bars permitting the magnetic stirring, without turbulent behavior even under long times of stirring at 1000 rpm. The bars were employed to study the sorption of the herbicide atrazine (ATZ), and the best extraction conditions were: sample volume 20.0 mL, pH 6.0, extraction time of 15 min, room temperature, stirring speed of 100 rpm, and 10.0% (w v-1) NaCl. This preliminary evaluation suggests that the modified bars could be employed for ATZ sorption, affording close to 71% of ATZ removal, and presented robust characteristics to be used at least 80 times.

Current concepts in acute liver failure.

Acute liver failure (ALF) is a severe condition secondary to a myriad of causes associated with poor outcomes. The prompt diagnosis and identification of the aetiology allow the administration of specific treatments plus supportive strategies and to define the overall prognosis, the probability of developing complications and the need for liver transplantation. Pivotal issues are adequate monitoring and the institution of prophylactic strategies to reduce the risk of complications, such as progressive liver failure, cerebral oedema, renal failure, coagulopathies or infections. In this article, we review the main aspects of ALF, including the definition, diagnosis and complications. Also, we describe the standard-of-care strategies and recent advances in the treatment of ALF. Finally, we include our experience of care patients with ALF.

In vivo detoxification of ochratoxin A by highly porous magnetic nanocomposites prepared from coconut shell

The current study was conducted to elucidate the clinical effect of ochratoxin A in Gallus gallus domesticus and to ameliorate its toxic effects by the development and characterization of highly porous carbon-based adsorbent derived from coconut shell. A series of experiments were performed on one day-old chicks (Group A to F). Clinical signs of the positive control (group B fed on 400 ppb ochratoxin A contaminated feed) included depression, diarrhea, increased water intake, low body weight, high degree of genotoxicity, swollen and hemorrhagic kidneys and liver. Serum alanine amino transferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinine and urea concentration significantly increased while albumin, globulin and total proteins were found significantly low. All these lead to increased mortality. Among adsorbents treated groups, chickens in group C (0.3% of the prepared adsorbent mixed in OTA contaminated feed) and D (0.6% of the prepared adsorbent mixed in Ochratoxin A (OTA) contaminated feed) showed very low pathological effects while group E (0.9% of the prepared adsorbent mixed in OTA contaminated feed) and F (1.2% of the prepared adsorbent mixed in OTA contaminated feed) showed normal behavior, blood biochemistry and well maintained histological structure like that in group A. As a whole, the adsorbents treated groups fed with ochratoxin A contaminated feed, supplemented with different levels of the prepared adsorbent helped to ameliorate the toxic effects of OTA and nearly showed normal clinical signs.

In vivo detoxification of ochratoxin A by highly porous magnetic nanocomposites prepared from coconut shell

The current study was conducted to elucidate the clinical effect of ochratoxin A in Gallus gallus domesticus and to ameliorate its toxic effects by the development and characterization of highly porous carbon-based adsorbent derived from coconut shell. A series of experiments were performed on one day-old chicks (Group A to F). Clinical signs of the positive control (group B fed on 400 ppb ochratoxin A contaminated feed) included depression, diarrhea, increased water intake, low body weight, high degree of genotoxicity, swollen and hemorrhagic kidneys and liver. Serum alanine amino transferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinine and urea concentration significantly increased while albumin, globulin and total proteins were found significantly low. All these lead to increased mortality. Among adsorbents treated groups, chickens in group C (0.3% of the prepared adsorbent mixed in OTA contaminated feed) and D (0.6% of the prepared adsorbent mixed in Ochratoxin A (OTA) contaminated feed) showed very low pathological effects while group E (0.9% of the prepared adsorbent mixed in OTA contaminated feed) and F (1.2% of the prepared adsorbent mixed in OTA contaminated feed) showed normal behavior, blood biochemistry and well maintained histological structure like that in group A. As a whole, the adsorbents treated groups fed with ochratoxin A contaminated feed, supplemented with different levels of the prepared adsorbent helped to ameliorate the toxic effects of OTA and nearly showed normal clinical signs.(AU)

The protective effects of an adsorbent against oxidative stress in quails fed aflatoxin-contaminated diet

Background: Contamination of crops with aflatoxin is considered a serious global threat to food safety, since potent carcinogenic, teratogenic, mutagenic and immunosuppressive effects of aflatoxins are well recognized. Recently, the use of adsorbents has been linked with protective effects against oxidative stress in several diseases. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of oxidative stress in quails (Coturnix coturnix) fed with aflatoxin-contaminated diet, as well as the protective effect of an adsorbent.Materials, Methods & Results: Twenty-eight quails were divided into four groups (n = 7): diet without additives (control; the group A), diet and adsorbent containing aluminosilicates (the group B), aflatoxin-contaminated diet (200 ppb) (the group C), and aflatoxin-contaminated diet (200 ppb) and adsorbent containing aluminosilicates (the group D). The composition of the adsorbent containing aluminosilicates was 0.3% based on yeast cell wall, silymarin, and bentonite. The animals received feed and water ad libitum during 20 days. At the end of the experimental period, total blood was collected by cardiac puncture in tubes without anticoagulant to obtain serum (centrifuged at 3500 g during 10 min) for later determination of biochemical parameters. The liver was placed in a solution of Tris–HCl 10 mM, pH 7.4 for TBARS (Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances), ROS (Reactive oxygen species), SOD (Superoxide dismutase) and CAT (Catalase) analysis. The hepatic tissue was gently homogenized in a glass potter in specific buffer, homogenated, and centrifuged at 10.000 g at 4ºC for 10 min to yield a supernatant (S1) used for analyses. Homogenate aliquots were stored at -80°C until utilization. Fragments of liver and intestine (5 cm) were collected for histopathological analyses. Between days 15 to 20 of the experiment, group C quails showed clinical signs, such as apathy, creepy feathers and reduced feed intake.[...]

The protective effects of an adsorbent against oxidative stress in quails fed aflatoxin-contaminated diet

Background: Contamination of crops with aflatoxin is considered a serious global threat to food safety, since potent carcinogenic, teratogenic, mutagenic and immunosuppressive effects of aflatoxins are well recognized. Recently, the use of adsorbents has been linked with protective effects against oxidative stress in several diseases. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of oxidative stress in quails (Coturnix coturnix) fed with aflatoxin-contaminated diet, as well as the protective effect of an adsorbent.Materials, Methods & Results: Twenty-eight quails were divided into four groups (n = 7): diet without additives (control; the group A), diet and adsorbent containing aluminosilicates (the group B), aflatoxin-contaminated diet (200 ppb) (the group C), and aflatoxin-contaminated diet (200 ppb) and adsorbent containing aluminosilicates (the group D). The composition of the adsorbent containing aluminosilicates was 0.3% based on yeast cell wall, silymarin, and bentonite. The animals received feed and water ad libitum during 20 days. At the end of the experimental period, total blood was collected by cardiac puncture in tubes without anticoagulant to obtain serum (centrifuged at 3500 g during 10 min) for later determination of biochemical parameters. The liver was placed in a solution of Tris–HCl 10 mM, pH 7.4 for TBARS (Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances), ROS (Reactive oxygen species), SOD (Superoxide dismutase) and CAT (Catalase) analysis. The hepatic tissue was gently homogenized in a glass potter in specific buffer, homogenated, and centrifuged at 10.000 g at 4ºC for 10 min to yield a supernatant (S1) used for analyses. Homogenate aliquots were stored at -80°C until utilization. Fragments of liver and intestine (5 cm) were collected for histopathological analyses. Between days 15 to 20 of the experiment, group C quails showed clinical signs, such as apathy, creepy feathers and reduced feed intake.[...](AU)

Astrocyte Dysfunction in Developmental Neurometabolic Diseases.

Astrocytes play crucial roles in maintaining brain homeostasis and in orchestrating neural development, all through tightly coordinated steps that cooperate to maintain the balance needed for normal development. Here, we review the alterations in astrocyte functions that contribute to a variety of developmental neurometabolic disorders and provide additional data on the predominant role of astrocyte dysfunction in the neurometabolic neurodegenerative disease glutaric acidemia type I. Finally, we describe some of the therapeutical approaches directed to neurometabolic diseases and discuss if astrocytes can be possible therapeutic targets for treating these disorders.

Albumin dialysis with MARS for the treatment of anabolic steroid-induced cholestasis.

 Background and aims. Steroid-related hepatotoxicity has become one of the most relevant causes of drug induced liver cholestasis. Some patients do not improve after standard medical treatment (SMT) and may therefore require other approaches, like extracorporeal liver support. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We report four cases of patients with pruritus, abnormal liver function tests and biopsy-proven anabolic steroid-induced cholestasis who were unresponsive to SMT. They underwent treatment with albumin dialysis (Molecular Adsorbent Recirculating System -MARS®-). A minimum of two MARS sessions were performed. RESULTS: After MARS® procedure, patients' symptoms improved, as well as liver function tests, thus avoiding liver transplantation. CONCLUSION: Albumin dialysis appears as a valuable therapeutic option for the management of anabolic steroid-induced cholestasis in patients that are unresponsive to SMT.

Early initiation of MARS® dialysis in Amanita phalloides-induced acute liver injury prevents liver transplantation.

 Amanita phalloides is the most relevant mushroom intoxication leading to acute liver failure. The two principal groups of toxins, the amatoxins and the phallotoxins, are small oligopeptides highly resistant to chemical and physical influences. The amatoxins inhibit eukaryotic RNA polymerase II causing transcription arrest affecting mainly metabolically highly active cells like hepatocytes and renal cells. The clinically most characteristic symptom is a 6-40 h lag phase before onset of gastrointestinal symptoms and the rapid progression of acute liver failure leading to multi-organ failure and death within a week if left untreated. Extracorporeal albumin dialysis (ECAD) was reported to improve patient's outcome or facilitate bridging to transplantation. In our tertiary center, out of nine intoxicated individuals from five non-related families six patients presented with acute liver injury; all of them were treated with ECAD using the MARS® system. Four of them were listed on admission for high urgency liver transplantation. In addition to standard medical treatment for Amanita intoxication we initiated ECAD once patients were admitted to our center. Overall 16 dialysis sessions were performed. All patients survived with full native liver recovery without the need for transplantation. ECAD was well tolerated; no severe adverse events were reported during treatment. Coagulopathy resolved within days in all patients, and acute kidney injury in all but one individual. In conclusion, ECAD is highly effective in treating intoxication with Amanita phalloides. Based on these experiences we suggest early initiation and repeated sessions depending on response to ECAD with the chance of avoiding liver transplantation.

Detoxified Castor Seed Cake for Broilers

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the dietary detoxified castor seed cake (DCC) inclusion on broiler performance and carcass traits. Two hundred and fifty Cobb-500(r) broilers were distributed according to a completely randomized experimental design consisting of five treatments (dietary inclusion of 0.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0% DCC) with five replicates of 10 birds each (five males and five females). Feed intake (FI), body weight gain (WG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were evaluated from one to 40 days of age. Carcass yield and the yields of the breast, leg (drumstick+thighs), and wings were determined when broilers were 40 days old. Live performance parameters were influenced by DCC dietary inclusion, and levels 2.00, 1.38, and 1.25% DCC impaired FI, WG, and FCR, respectively. Carcass and parts yields were not affected by dietary DCC inclusion. It was concluded that the addition of DCC levels up to 1.25% to broiler diets does not impair live performance or carcass traits.

Detoxified Castor Seed Cake for Broilers

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the dietary detoxified castor seed cake (DCC) inclusion on broiler performance and carcass traits. Two hundred and fifty Cobb-500(r) broilers were distributed according to a completely randomized experimental design consisting of five treatments (dietary inclusion of 0.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0% DCC) with five replicates of 10 birds each (five males and five females). Feed intake (FI), body weight gain (WG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were evaluated from one to 40 days of age. Carcass yield and the yields of the breast, leg (drumstick+thighs), and wings were determined when broilers were 40 days old. Live performance parameters were influenced by DCC dietary inclusion, and levels 2.00, 1.38, and 1.25% DCC impaired FI, WG, and FCR, respectively. Carcass and parts yields were not affected by dietary DCC inclusion. It was concluded that the addition of DCC levels up to 1.25% to broiler diets does not impair live performance or carcass traits.(AU)

Impact of monomer functional groups of resin-based materials on the interaction with water / Impacto de grupos funcionais de monômeros resinosos na interação com a água

Objetivo: O objetivo desse estudo in vitro foi comparar a sorção (SO) e a solubilidade (SB) em água de sistemas adesivos e resinas compostas baseados em seus grupos funcionais dos monômeros. Material e Métodos: Três sistemas adesivos (Adper Single Bond 2 – 3M ESPE, Clearfil SE Bond – Kuraray, sistema adesivo da P90 – 3M ESPE) e três resinas compostas (Filtek Z350 – 3M ESPE, Filtek Z250 – 3M ESPE, Filtek P90 – 3M ESPE) foram testados. Oito espécimes de cada material foram preparados para avaliar a SO e SB. Inicialmente, os discos foram individualmente armazenados em um dessecador até a obtenção de uma massa constante e, em seguida, armazenados individualmente em água destilada até a massa se estabilizar novamente. Finalmente, os espécimes foram secos novamente no dessecador até uma massa constante ser obtida. SO e SB foram calculadas a partir dessas mensurações. Resultados: Os dados foram analisados pelo teste de ANOVA a 1 critério e teste de Tukey (p < 0,05). O adesivo do sistema P-90 apresentou os menores valores de SO e o Clearfil SE Bond apresentou os menores valores de SB. A resina composta Filtek P-90 apresentou os menores valores de SO e SB. Conclusão: Baseado nos resultados, pode-se concluir que a sorção e a solubilidade foram influenciadas pela composição dos materiais. O principal grupo funcional dos materiais determina a suscetibilidade à água e influencia o seu desempenho.

Objective: The objective of this in vitro study was to compare dentin bonding systems and composite resins based on their functional groups in terms of water sorption (WS) and water solubility (WSB). Material and Methods: Three dentin bonding systems (Adper Single Bond 2 – 3M ESPE, Clearfil SE Bond – Kuraray, P90 Adhesive System – 3M ESPE) and three commercial composite resins (Filtek Z350 – 3M ESPE, Filtek Z250 – 3M ESPE, Filtek P90 – 3M ESPE) were tested. Eight specimens of each material were prepared to evaluate the WS and WSB. The discs were individually stored in a desiccator until constant mass was achieved. Specimens were then individually stored in distilled water until the mass was stabilized again. Finally, the specimens were dried again in the desiccator until constant mass was obtained. WS and WSB were calculated from these measurements. Results: Data were analyzed by oneway ANOVA and Tukey post hoc test (p < 0.05). Filtek Silorane-Bond presented the lowest values of WS, and Clearfil SE Bond presented the lowest WSB. Filtek Silorane resin showed the lowest WS and WSB results. Conclusion: Based on the results, it can be concluded that the WS and WSB were influenced by the composition of the materials. The main functional group of the materials determines their susceptibility to water and influences their performance.

An alternative method for purifying and detoxifying diphtheria toxin.

Infections caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae frequently induce situations in which very small doses of antigens injected intradermally can cause strong inflammatory reactions. This bacterium secretes the diphtheria toxin (DT), a virulence factor that can be lethal to the human organism at doses below 0.1 µg/kg of body weight. The present work proposes alternative methods of DT purification using affinity chromatography and of DT detoxification through conjugating with the polymer methoxypolyethylene glycol activated (mPEG). Tests were performed to evaluate: the formation of edemas and the presence of dermonecrotic activity, in vitro cytotoxicity to Vero cells, the neutralizing activity of serum from guinea pigs immunized with the diphtheria toxoid inactivated with mPEG, and the immunogenic activity of the purified and modified toxin. The results indicated that purification with Blue Sepharose was an efficient method, yielding antigen purity equivalent to 2600 Lf/mg of protein nitrogen. The modification of the Purified Toxin with mPEG did not result in the formation of edema or necrosis although it was immunogenic and stimulated the formation of antibodies that could neutralize the Purified Toxin. The toxoid obtained from the purified toxin maintained its immunogenic characteristics, inducing antibodies with neutralizing activity; edema and necrosis were still observed, however.

Albumin dialysis with molecular adsorbent recirculating system (MARS) for the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy in liver failure.

Acute, acute-on-chronic and chronic liver diseases are major health issues worldwide, and most cases end with the need for liver transplantation. Up to 90% of the patients die waiting for an organ to be transplanted. Hepatic encephalopathy is a common neuropsychiatric syndrome that usually accompanies liver failure and impacts greatly on the quality of life. The molecular adsorbent recirculating system (MARS) is a recently developed form of artificial liver support that functions on a base of albumin dialysis. It facilitates the dialysis of albumin-bound and water-soluble toxins, allowing the patient to survive and even improving some clinical features of liver failure. The following manuscript reviews the technical features of MARS operation and some of the clinical trials that analyze the efficacy of the system in the therapy of liver diseases.

Characterisation of uranium(VI) sorption by two environmental fungal species using gamma spectrometry.

Uranium(VI) sorption by two highly uranium-resistant air-borne fungi in a low-pH medium was measured by means of gamma spectrometry. Growth kinetics and stoichiometry of the two fungal species were also studied. Results show acceptable growth rates in synthetic medium with glucose and ammonia as carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively. Typical oxidative metabolism of carbohydrates was found. In vivo uptake of the radionuclide was negligible, but biosorption dry biomass presented a remarkable performance. The fungal strains showed potential for use in bioremediation.

Uso del sistema de soporte hepático extracorpóreo MARS en la falla hepática aguda sobre crónica: caso clínico / Extracorporeal liver support with mars in acute on chronic liver failure: a clinical report

El sistema MARS (“molecular adsorbent recirculating system”) es un sistema de soporte hepático extracorpóreo, con capacidad de eliminar substancias liposolubles ligadas a la albúmina y compuestos hidrosolubles involucrados en la patogenia de la encefalopatía, alteraciones hemodinámicas y metabólicas de la falla hepática aguda. Se presenta un paciente de 53 años con una cirrosis hepática secundaria a infección por virus C de la hepatitis, que desarrolló un carcinoma hepatocelular y un deterioro importante de las funciones hepática y renal, después de dos procedimientos de quimioembolización arterial del tumor. El paciente fue considerado para un trasplante hepático urgente y fue sometido a MARS en espera de la cirugía. Se realizaron 4 sesiones de 24, 12, 8 y 12 horas, respectivamente. Inmediatamente después del primer tratamiento se produjo un descenso significativo de los niveles séricos de bilirrubina, remisión de la encefalopatía hepática, mejoría de la función renal y parámetros hemodinámicos. Cuatro días después de la última sesión se realizó el trasplante hepático sin complicaciones y 20 meses después el paciente está en buenas condiciones. MARS representa una nueva técnica de soporte hepático que puede ser de utilidad en pacientes con cirrosis descompensada en espera de un trasplante de hígado.