Wafer-Scale Graphene Field-Effect Transistor Biosensor Arrays with Monolithic CMOS Readout.

The reliability of analysis is becoming increasingly important as point-of-care diagnostics are transitioning from single-analyte detection toward multiplexed multianalyte detection. Multianalyte detection benefits greatly from complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) integrated sensing solutions, offering miniaturized multiplexed sensing arrays with integrated readout electronics and extremely large sensor counts. The development of CMOS back end of line integration compatible graphene field-effect transistor (GFET)-based biosensing has been rapid during the past few years, in terms of both the fabrication scale-up and functionalization toward biorecognition from real sample matrices. The next steps in industrialization relate to improving reliability and require increased statistics. Regarding functionalization toward truly quantitative sensors, on-chip bioassays with improved statistics require sensor arrays with reduced variability in functionalization. Such multiplexed bioassays, whether based on graphene or on other sensitive nanomaterials, are among the most promising technologies for label-free electrical biosensing. As an important step toward that, we report wafer-scale fabrication of CMOS-integrated GFET arrays with high yield and uniformity, designed especially for biosensing applications. We demonstrate the operation of the sensing platform array with 512 GFETs in simultaneous detection for the sodium chloride concentration series. This platform offers a truly statistical approach on GFET-based biosensing and further to quantitative and multianalyte sensing. The reported techniques can also be applied to other fields relying on functionalized GFETs, such as gas or chemical sensing or infrared imaging.

Examining O[Formula: see text] adsorption on pristine and defective popgraphene sheets: A DFT study.

CONTEXT: Popgraphene (PopG) is a two-dimensional carbon-based material with fused pentagonal and octagonal rings. Like graphene, it exhibits a metallic band gap and exceptional thermal, dynamic, and mechanical stability. Here, we theoretically study the electronic and structural properties of PopG monolayers, including their doped and vacancy-endowed versions, as O[Formula: see text] adsorbers. Our findings show that pristine and vacancy-endowed PopG sheets have a comparable ability to adsorb O[Formula: see text] molecules, with adsorption energies ranging from [Formula: see text]0.57 to [Formula: see text]0.59 eV (physisorption). In these cases, octagonal rings play a dominant role in the adsorption mechanism. Platinum and Silicon doping enhance the O[Formula: see text] adsorption in areas close to the octagonal rings, resulting in adsorption energies ranging from [Formula: see text]1.13 to [Formula: see text]2.56 eV (chemisorption). Furthermore, we computed the recovery time for the adsorbed O[Formula: see text] molecules. The results suggest that PopG/O[Formula: see text] interaction in pristine and vacancy-endowed cases can change the PopG electronic properties before O[Formula: see text] diffusion. METHODS: Density Functional Theory (DFT) simulations, with Van der Waals corrections (DFT-D, within the Grimme scheme), were performed to study the structural and electronic properties of PopG/O[Formula: see text] systems using the DMol3 code within the Biovia Materials Studio software. The exchange and correlation functions are treated within the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) as parameterized by Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof (PBE) functional. We used the double-zeta plus polarization (DZP) for the basis set in these cases. We also considered the BSSE correction through the counterpoise method and the nuclei-valence electron interactions by including semi-core DFT pseudopotentials.

Network Analysis of Biomarkers Associated with Occupational Exposure to Benzene and Malathion.

Complex diseases are associated with the effects of multiple genes, proteins, and biological pathways. In this context, the tools of Network Medicine are compatible as a platform to systematically explore not only the molecular complexity of a specific disease but may also lead to the identification of disease modules and pathways. Such an approach enables us to gain a better understanding of how environmental chemical exposures affect the function of human cells, providing better perceptions about the mechanisms involved and helping to monitor/prevent exposure and disease to chemicals such as benzene and malathion. We selected differentially expressed genes for exposure to benzene and malathion. The construction of interaction networks was carried out using GeneMANIA and STRING. Topological properties were calculated using MCODE, BiNGO, and CentiScaPe, and a Benzene network composed of 114 genes and 2415 interactions was obtained. After topological analysis, five networks were identified. In these subnets, the most interconnected nodes were identified as: IL-8, KLF6, KLF4, JUN, SERTAD1, and MT1H. In the Malathion network, composed of 67 proteins and 134 interactions, HRAS and STAT3 were the most interconnected nodes. Path analysis, combined with various types of high-throughput data, reflects biological processes more clearly and comprehensively than analyses involving the evaluation of individual genes. We emphasize the central roles played by several important hub genes obtained by exposure to benzene and malathion.

Vitamin D3 Repletion Improves Vascular Function, as Measured by Cardiorenal Biomarkers in a High-Risk African American Cohort.

Background: 25-hydroxy vitamin D (Vit D)-deficiency is common among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and contributes to cardiovascular disease (CVD). African Americans (AAs) suffer disproportionately from CKD and CVD, and 80% of AAs are Vit D-deficient. The impact of Vit D repletion on cardio-renal biomarkers in AAs is unknown. We examined Vit D repletion on full-length osteopontin (flOPN), c-terminal fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23), and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), which are implicated in vascular and kidney pathology. Methods: We performed a randomized, placebo-controlled study of high-risk AAs with Vit D deficiency, treated with 100,000 IU Vit D3 (cholecalciferol; n = 65) or placebo (n = 65) every 4 weeks for 12 weeks. We measured kidney function (CKD-EPI eGFR), protein-to-creatinine ratio, vascular function (pulse wave velocity; PWV), augmentation index, waist circumference, sitting, and 24-h-ambulatory blood pressure (BP), intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) and serum calcium at baseline and study end, and compared Vit D levels with laboratory variables. We quantified plasma FGF-23, PAI-1, and flOPN by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Multiple regression analyzed the relationship between log flOPN, FGF-23, and PAI-1 with vascular and renal risk factors. Results: Compared to placebo, Vit D3 repletion increased Vit D3 2-fold (p < 0.0001), decreased iPTH by 12% (p < 0.01) and was significantly correlated with PWV (p < 0.009). Log flOPN decreased (p = 0.03), log FGF-23 increased (p = 0.04), but log PAI-1 did not change. Multiple regression indicated association between log flOPN and PWV (p = 0.04) and diastolic BP (p = 0.02), while log FGF-23 was associated with diastolic BP (p = 0.05), and a trend with eGFR (p = 0.06). Conclusion: Vit D3 repletion may reduce flOPN and improve vascular function in high risk AAs with Vit D deficiency.

Green walls with recycled filling media to treat greywater.

The continuous growth of urban areas in the last decades has resulted in an increase in water consumption, contributing to larger volumes of urban and domestic wastewater. Thus, stakeholders have been seeking for efficient alternatives for wastewater management, namely looking for new forms of treatment and reuse. The present work provides new insights on the application of a green wall for greywater treatment, aiming at water reuse and also at contributing to Circular Economy. Two types of recycled materials, crushed tiles and textile fibers, were tested as filling media combined with two plant species. Crushed tiles were mixed with coconut fibers in a 70 %-30 % ratio and textile fibers were used as single media. The tiles+coconut mix with plants performed the best, exhibiting on average removal efficiencies >70 % for Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and between 59 %-70 % for Total Suspended Solids (TSS). Fibers systems had on average removal efficiencies around 60 % for COD and 50 % for TSS and clogged at the end of the study. Overall the study demonstrated that green walls for greywater treatment can contribute to circular economy through the use of recycled material as filling media.

Effects of Reticulated Hyaluronic Acid Alone or Associated With Whole-Body Vibration in Dogs With Osteoarthritis Due to Hip Dysplasia.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of reticulated hyaluronic acid (HA) alone or associated with whole-body vibration (WBV) in dogs with osteoarthritis due to hip dysplasia. Fourteen dogs were randomized assigned into 2 groups of 7 animals: Group 1 (G1) - single intra-articular injection of hyaluronic acid; Group 2 (G2) - single intra-articular injection of hyaluronic acid associated with WBV sessions. The affected hip joint received 0.70 mL of reticulated HA guided by ultrasound. Dogs were submitted to a single session of WBV (30 and 50 Hz, for 15 min) every 48 hours for 12 weeks. Dogs were evaluated for morphometric measurements; orthopedic, radiographic and lameness scores of the hip joints; kinetic analysis; and ultrassonographic measurement of the following muscles: middle gluteal, vastus lateralis and biceps femoris. The morphometric measurements, lameness scores, and muscle measurements were conducted at 10 minutes before treatments (TP0), and at days 30 (TP30), 60 (TP60) and 90 (TP90) after treatments. The orthopedic and radiographic scores and kinetic analysis were performed at TP0 and TP90. The scores of lameness showed a statistical decrease in G1 and G2 between time-points. Significant decreases (P = .01) were observed in orthopedic scores in both groups between time-points. The Peak Vertical Force between TP0 and TP90 was significantly higher in G2 (P = .01). Vertical Impulse was null in G1 and positive in G2. Dogs treated with single intra-articular injection of hyaluronic acid alone and associated with WBV had beneficial effects in dogs with osteoarthritis due to hip dysplasia, however the association of viscosupplementation with hyaluronic acid and WBV had an earlier improvement clinical outcome and allowed better kinetic results.

Diversity, distribution and host plants of armored scale insects (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) in Espírito Santo, Brazil / Diversidade, distribuição e plantas hospedeiras de cochonilhas escama (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) no Espírito Santo, Brasil

Abstract: Armored scale insects (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), are phytophagous species that occur in major biogeographic regions of the world. Because of the importance of diaspidids as pests, there is widespread interest in countries that export and import unprocessed agricultural products in increased knowledge of this group which includes invasive and quarantine pests of great economic concern. The diversity, geographic distribution, and host of diaspidids were studied from November 2002 to December 2018 in 34 municipalities in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. Forty species of Diaspididae from 27 genera were collected and identified. The species Acutaspis perseae (Comstock), A. umbonifera (Newstead), Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell), Comstockaspis perniciosa (Comstock), Lepidosaphes beckii (Newman), Lepidosaphes gloverii (Packard), Morganella longispina (Morgan), Mycetaspis apicata (Newstead), and Thysanofiorinia nephelii (Maskel) were found for the first time in Espírito Santo. The plant families Myrtaceae, Moraceae, Arecaceae, Asparagaceae, and Rutaceae had the greatest number of host plant species of armored scale. Fifty-seven new host associations were observed for 25 species of diaspidids and 11 diaspidid species were recorded for the first time from nine families of plants. Selenaspidus articulatus (Morgan) was the most polyphagous species observed with 17 host plant species from 12 families, followed by Pseudaonidia trilobitiformis (Green), and Parlatoria proteus (Curtis). With these new records, 41 species and 28 genera of Diaspididae have been recorded in Espírito Santo.

Resumo: As cochonilhas escama (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), são espécies fitófagas que ocorrem nas principais regiões biogeográficas do mundo. Devido à importância dos diaspidídeos como pragas, existe um amplo interesse nos países que exportam e importam produtos agrícolas não processados no aumento do conhecimento desse grupo, o que inclui pragas invasoras e quarentenárias de grande importância econômica. A diversidade, distribuição geográfica e hospedeiros de diaspidídeos foram estudadas de novembro de 2002 a dezembro de 2018 em 34 municípios do estado do Espírito Santo, Brasil. Quarenta espécies de Diaspididae de 27 gêneros foram coletadas e identificadas. As espécies Acutaspis perseae (Comstock), A. umbonifera (Newstead), Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell), Comstockaspis perniciosa (Comstock), Lepidosaphes beckii (Newman), Lepidosaphes gloverii (Packard), Morganella longispina (Morgan), Mycetaspis apicata (Newstead) e Thysanofiorinia nephelii (Maskel) foram encontradas pela primeira vez no Espírito Santo. Cinquenta e sete novas associações de hospedeiros foram observadas, em um total de 25 espécies de diaspidídeos; estes incluem 13 novos registros de famílias em um total de 11 espécies de diaspidídeos e nove famílias de plantas. Myrtaceae, Moraceae e Arecaceae foram as famílias botânicas com o maior número de espécies de diaspidídeos observadas. Selenaspidus articulatus (Morgan) foi a espécie mais polífaga, com 17 espécies de plantas hospedeiras de 12 famílias observadas, seguida por Pseudaonidia trilobitiformis (Green) e Parlatoria proteus (Curtis). Com esses novos registros, 41 espécies e 28 gêneros de Diaspididae foram registrados no Espírito Santo.

Antimicrobial effects of a new brushing solution concept on a multispecies in vitro biofilm model growing on titanium surfaces.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the antibiofilm and antibacterial effects of a new brushing solution concept, in a validated peri-implant biofilm model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multispecies in vitro biofilm model, including Streptococcus oralis, Actinomyces naeslundii, Veillonella parvula, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum, was used. To evaluate the antibiofilm capacity, titanium discs (Ti-SLA) were immersed in 1 ml of the tested solution (one tablet dissolved in warm water) for 2 min, prior and every 24 h during a 3-day biofilm development. Negative (water) and positive (0.12% chlorhexidine/0.05% cetylpyridinium chloride mouth rinse) controls treated discs were run in parallel. To evaluate the antibacterial effects, planktonic cells and 72-h biofilms on sterile Ti-SLA discs were exposed (2 min) to the mentioned treatments. Biofilm structure was analysed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Bacterial load was measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and by culture in planktonic cells. RESULTS: The tested product showed antibiofilm effects, impacting on the 48-h and 72-h biofilm thickness and significantly reducing viability of all bacterial species, except A. actinomycetemcomitans. Antibacterial effects were observed against the six bacterial species in planktonic state and in 72-h biofilms, especially for F. nucleatum and A. actinomycetemcomitans. CONCLUSION: The tested brushing solution demonstrated antibacterial and antibiofilm properties, mainly against the peri-implant pathogens included in the validated in vitro biofilm model used.

A new species of Chryxus Champion, with taxonomic notes on other species of the genus (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Reduviidae, Chryxinae).

Chryxusgarcetebarretti sp. nov. from Paraguay is described, taxonomical notes on C.bahianus Gil-Santana, Costa & Marques, 2007 and C.tomentosus Champion, 1899 are provided; the latter species is recorded from French Guiana for the first time; a redescription of the genus Chryxus Champion, 1899 and an updated key for the genera and species of Chryxinae are presented.

Dexamethasone intravitreal implant (Ozurdex) in diabetic macular edema: real-world data versus clinical trials outcomes.

AIM: To investigate the safety and efficacy of intravitreal dexamethasone implants (Ozurdex®/DEX) in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) either naïve or non-naïve to anti-VEGF therapies who switched to DEX implant independent of response to anti-vascular endothelial growth factors (anti-VEGFs). METHODS: This was an audit retrospective review of medical records of patients with DME who switched to the DEX intravitreal implant. Patients were divided into 2 groups: patients naïve to antiangiogenic therapy and patients who were previously treated with anti-VEGFs. Data regarding demographics, changes in mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), and intraocular pressure (IOP) was collected over 6mo. The demographic data mean changes in BCVA, CMT, and IOP were compared. Six-month follow-up data of 47 patients (57 eyes), who either switched to DEX implant irrespective of response to previous treatments or were treatment naïve before receiving DEX implant, was collected. RESULTS: Improvement in mean BCVA was observed from 1-4mo after injection with a decreased effect at month 6 as expected, with better outcomes in naïve compared to non-naïve patients. A statistically relevant decrease in mean CMT was observed during the follow-up period. An increase in mean IOP was observed in the first 2mo after DEX therapy. The mean number of injections of the overall population during the 6mo was 1.3. A subgroup analysis showed no relevant difference between phakic versus pseudophakic patients relative to measured outcomes. There was no cataract progression during the follow-up period and no adverse events reported. CONCLUSION: This real-life setting study shows that intravitreal DEX implant is effective and safe. The timings of greater therapeutic impact are concordant with previous studies and suggest that earlier treatment with corticosteroids may have an additional benefit in naïve patients.

First report of Microtriatoma borbai Lent & Wygodzinsky, 1979 (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil: would M. borbai be living in eucalyptus crops?

INTRODUCTION: The occurrence of Microtriatoma borbai in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil is reported by the first time. METHODS: A triatomine specimen collected in a hybrid eucalyptus crop in the municipality of Aracruz, Espírito Santo state was found to be a male M. borbai. RESULTS: This finding expands the geographical distribution of M. borbai from four to five Brazilian states. It is the first report of M. borbai occurrence inside a eucalyptus crop. CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of M. borbai in the state of Espírito Santo broadens the geographical distribution of this species in southeastern Brazil.

NLRP6-associated host microbiota composition impacts in the intestinal barrier to systemic dissemination of Brucella abortus.

Brucella abortus is a Gram-negative bacterium responsible for a worldwide zoonotic infection-Brucellosis, which has been associated with high morbidity rate in humans and severe economic losses in infected livestock. The natural route of infection is through oral and nasal mucosa but the invasion process through host gut mucosa is yet to be understood. Studies have examined the role of NLRP6 (NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing-6 protein) in gut homeostasis and defense against pathogens. Here, we investigated the impact of gut microbiota and NLRP6 in a murine model of Ba oral infection. Nlrp6-/- and wild-type (WT) mice were infected by oral gavage with Ba and tissues samples were collected at different time points. Our results suggest that Ba oral infection leads to significant alterations in gut microbiota. Moreover, Nlrp6-/- mice were more resistant to infection, with decreased CFU in the liver and reduction in gut permeability when compared to the control group. Fecal microbiota transplantation from WT and Nlrp6-/- into germ-free mice reflected the gut permeability phenotype from the donors. Additionally, depletion of gut microbiota by broad-spectrum-antibiotic treatment prevented Ba replication in WT while favoring bacterial growth in Nlrp6-/-. Finally, we observed higher eosinophils in the gut and leukocytes in the blood of infected Nlrp6-/- compared to WT-infected mice, which might be associated to the Nlrp6-/- resistance phenotype. Altogether, these results indicated that gut microbiota composition is the major factor involved in the initial stages of pathogen host replication and partially also by the resistance phenotype observed in Nlrp6 -/- mice regulating host inflammation against Ba infection.

First report of Microtriatoma borbai Lent & Wygodzinsky, 1979 (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil: would M. borbai be living in eucalyptus crops?

Abstract INTRODUCTION: The occurrence of Microtriatoma borbai in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil is reported by the first time. METHODS: A triatomine specimen collected in a hybrid eucalyptus crop in the municipality of Aracruz, Espírito Santo state was found to be a male M. borbai. RESULTS: This finding expands the geographical distribution of M. borbai from four to five Brazilian states. It is the first report of M. borbai occurrence inside a eucalyptus crop. CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of M. borbai in the state of Espírito Santo broadens the geographical distribution of this species in southeastern Brazil.

First report of Microtriatoma borbai Lent & Wygodzinsky, 1979 (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil: would M. borbai be living in eucalyptus crops?

Abstract INTRODUCTION: The occurrence of Microtriatoma borbai in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil is reported by the first time. METHODS: A triatomine specimen collected in a hybrid eucalyptus crop in the municipality of Aracruz, Espírito Santo state was found to be a male M. borbai. RESULTS: This finding expands the geographical distribution of M. borbai from four to five Brazilian states. It is the first report of M. borbai occurrence inside a eucalyptus crop. CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of M. borbai in the state of Espírito Santo broadens the geographical distribution of this species in southeastern Brazil.

ACE2 Interaction Networks in COVID-19: A Physiological Framework for Prediction of Outcome in Patients with Cardiovascular Risk Factors.

BACKGROUND: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection (coronavirus disease 2019; COVID-19) is associated with adverse outcomes in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of the study was to characterize the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) functional networks with a focus on CVD. METHODS: Using the network medicine approach and publicly available datasets, we investigated ACE2 tissue expression and described ACE2 interaction networks that could be affected by SARS-CoV-2 infection in the heart, lungs and nervous system. We compared them with changes in ACE-2 networks following SARS-CoV-2 infection by analyzing public data of human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs). This analysis was performed using the Network by Relative Importance (NERI) algorithm, which integrates protein-protein interaction with co-expression networks. We also performed miRNA-target predictions to identify which miRNAs regulate ACE2-related networks and could play a role in the COVID19 outcome. Finally, we performed enrichment analysis for identifying the main COVID-19 risk groups. RESULTS: We found similar ACE2 expression confidence levels in respiratory and cardiovascular systems, supporting that heart tissue is a potential target of SARS-CoV-2. Analysis of ACE2 interaction networks in infected hiPSC-CMs identified multiple hub genes with corrupted signaling which can be responsible for cardiovascular symptoms. The most affected genes were EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor), FN1 (Fibronectin 1), TP53, HSP90AA1, and APP (Amyloid Beta Precursor Protein), while the most affected interactions were associated with MAST2 and CALM1 (Calmodulin 1). Enrichment analysis revealed multiple diseases associated with the interaction networks of ACE2, especially cancerous diseases, obesity, hypertensive disease, Alzheimer's disease, non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, and congestive heart failure. Among affected ACE2-network components connected with the SARS-Cov-2 interactome, we identified AGT (Angiotensinogen), CAT (Catalase), DPP4 (Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4), CCL2 (C-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 2), TFRC (Transferrin Receptor) and CAV1 (Caveolin-1), associated with cardiovascular risk factors. We described for the first time miRNAs which were common regulators of ACE2 networks and virus-related proteins in all analyzed datasets. The top miRNAs regulating ACE2 networks were miR-27a-3p, miR-26b-5p, miR-10b-5p, miR-302c-5p, hsa-miR-587, hsa-miR-1305, hsa-miR-200b-3p, hsa-miR-124-3p, and hsa-miR-16-5p. CONCLUSION: Our study provides a complete mechanistic framework for investigating the ACE2 network which was validated by expression data. This framework predicted risk groups, including the established ones, thus providing reliable novel information regarding the complexity of signaling pathways affected by SARS-CoV-2. It also identified miRNAs that could be used in personalized diagnosis in COVID-19.

Use of Reticulated Hyaluronic Acid Alone or Associated With Ozone Gas in the Treatment of Osteoarthritis Due to Hip Dysplasia in Dogs.

This study aimed to evaluate reticulated hyaluronic acid alone or associated with ozone gas in the treatment of osteoarthritis due to hip dysplasia in dogs. Fourteen client-owned dogs were randomly assigned into two groups: Group 1-single intra-articular injection of hyaluronic acid; Group 2-single intra-articular infiltration injection of hyaluronic acid associated with ozone gas. Each hip joint received an average of 0.75 mL of reticulated hyaluronic acid ultrasound-guided. Ozone gas at a dose of 45 µg/mL was incorporated into hyaluronic acid by insufflation. Dogs were evaluated for body condition scoring, orthopedic examination and radiographic scores of the hip joints, goniometric measurements of the hip joints, visual gait score, and kinetic analysis. The evaluations were conducted immediately before treatments (M0), and at days 30 (M1), 60 (M2), and 90 (M3) after treatments. There were no significant differences in body mass and body condition scoring (5-point scale) in each group in all evaluation moments. The scores of orthopedic examination of the hip joints showed statistical differences in each group between moments (M0 > M3), but differences were not observed between groups. No statistical differences were found for radiographic scores in each group between moments, but differences were observed between groups immediately prior to treatments (G1 > G2) and 90 (G1 > G2) after treatments. Goniometric measurements of hip flexion and extension showed no significant differences in each group between moments or between groups. No statistical differences between groups were found concerning the lameness score. There were significant differences for lameness score among moments in Group 1, being M0 > M2 and M0 > M3, and Group 2 in which M0 > M1, M0 > M2, and M0 > M3. The mean percentage of change of PVF and VI between M3 and M0 in Group 1 was almost null and in Group 2 was positive, being 31.1 ± 29.4 and 10.6 ± 25.4, respectively. In conclusion, the intra-articular viscosupplementation alone or associated with ozone gas allowed improvement of lameness scores and orthopedic examination score. In Group 2 the association of ozone gas had better results on kinetic analysis.

Correlation between alveolar bone morphology and volumetric dimensional changes in immediate maxillary implant placement: A 1-year prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: After a single tooth extraction, remodelling processes are initiated and morphological changes occur in the alveolar bone. It has been suggested that implant placement in a fresh extraction socket may partly reduce the alveolar ridge contraction and that several factors like the thickness of the buccal bone wall and the size of the gap between the implant and the facial bone wall may play a role on peri-implant tissues dimensional alterations. METHODS: Twenty-six patients treated with single-tooth maxillary implants were included in this study. A CBCT exam allowed to access the initial buccal bone thickness (BT). Digital impressions were taken prior to extractions (T0), 1 month (T1), 4 months (T2), and 12 months (T3) after implant insertion and superimposed with a computer software allowing to quantitatively analyse the three-dimensional changes occurred in the adjacent tissues. Variables related to thickness and volume were computed. RESULTS: Participants with BT ≤ 1 mm exhibited a significantly increased buccal peri-implant tissue thickness change than patients with BT > 1 mm (P = 0.049). At T3 patients representing BT ≤ 1 mm exhibited a total volume change of -8.53% ± 5.47% compared with patients presenting BT > 1 mm, -4.37% ± 2.08%. No statistical significance was found on the distance between implant shoulder and the buccal bone plate (BID) effect. CONCLUSION: After the first year of treatment peri-implant tissues showed continuous changes resulting in a higher thickness and volume reduction at thin buccal bone plates.

The Outcomes of Switching from Short- to Long-Term Intravitreal Corticosteroid Implant Therapy in Patients with Diabetic Macular Edema.

BACKGROUND: First-line treatment for diabetic macular edema (DME) is usually with antivascular endothelial growth factor agents, followed by intravitreal corticosteroids as a second-line treatment option. Long-term corticosteroids may offer quality of life and effectiveness benefits over short-term implants. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate outcomes of patients with persistent or recurrent DME who switched from a short-term (dexamethasone) to a long-term (fluocinolone acetonide, FAc) corticosteroid intravitreal implant in a real-world setting. METHODS: This is a retrospective study in 9 Portuguese centers. An FAc intravitreal implant was administered according to product labeling. Effectiveness outcomes were mean change in visual acuity (VA; ETDRS letters), central retinal thickness (CRT; µm), and macular volume (MV; mm3). The safety outcome was mean change in intraocular pressure (IOP; mm Hg). All were analyzed at months 1 and 3, and then quarterly until month 24 after implantation. RESULTS: Forty-four eyes from 36 patients were analyzed. Mean duration of DME was 3.3 ± 1.9 years, and mean follow-up was 8 months. From baseline following FAc implantation, VA increased significantly at months 1 and 6 (mean +6.82 and +13.02 letters, respectively; p = 0.005), and last observation carried forward (LOCF; mean +8.3 letters; p = 0.002). CRT improved significantly at months 1 and 6 (mean -71.81 and -170.77 µm, respectively; p = 0.001), and LOCF (mean -121.46 µm; p = 0.001). MV was consistently, but not significantly, decreased from baseline to LOCF (mean -0.69 mm3; p = 0.062). The mean change in IOP was -0.25 and +0.88 mm Hg at months 1 and 6, respectively (p = 0.268), and +1.86 mm Hg at LOCF (p = 0.036). Increases were controlled with topical medication in most cases. CONCLUSIONS: The FAc intravitreal implant is effective in patients previously treated with short-term corticosteroid implants. Thus, after a suboptimal response to antiangiogenics or a short-term corticosteroid, a single FAc implant may be considered an effective and tolerable treatment that can improve long-term outcomes for patients with sight-threatening DME.

New occurrences of Anastrepha Schiner (Diptera: Tephritidae) in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil / Novas ocorrências de Anastrepha Schiner (Diptera: Tephritidae) no estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil

Occurrences of Anastrepha barbiellinii Lima, Anastrepha connexa Lima, Anastrepha consobrina (Loew), Anastrepha kuhlmanni Lima, Anastrepha leptozona Hendel, and Anastrepha xanthochaeta Hendel are recorded for the first time in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The species were captured in McPhail traps baited with hydrolyzed protein (5%) in orchards of cultivated species and in a remnant of the Atlantic Forest in the municipality of Viçosa, Minas Gerais, or obtained from the collection of species deposited in the Regional Museum of Entomology (UFVB) of the Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Campus Viçosa, in the state of Minas Gerais.(AU)

Ocorrências de Anastrepha barbiellinii Lima, Anastrepha connexa Lima, Anastrepha consobrina (Loew), Anastrepha kuhlmanni Lima, Anastrepha leptozona Hendel e Anastrepha xanthochaeta Hendel são registradas pela primeira vez no estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil. As espécies foram capturadas em armadilhas do tipo McPhail com um atrativo alimentar de proteína hidrolisada (5%) em três pomares de espécies cultivadas e um remanescente de Mata Atlântica no município de Viçosa, Minas Gerais, ou obtidas por meio de levantamento de espécies de Tephritidae depositadas no Museu Regional de Entomologia (UFVB) da Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Campus Viçosa, estado de Minas Gerais.(AU)

Plant Bugs Predators (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Miridae) with References to Arthropods and Fungi in Brazil.

The present study demonstrates 30 plant bugs species associated with 50 records of prey and six records of mycophagy for Brazil. The data were compiled from Schuh's Catalog, the literature, specimens deposited in entomology museums and exemplars from different regions of Brazil sent for identification. Some of the data from the literature used did not presented complete information. This study aims to increase the knowledge of the relationships among plant bugs, prey and fungi and emphasize those species with potential for biological control strategies and pest integrated management.