Effect of different levels of whole corn germ on energy values and ileal digestibility in broilers.

This study evaluated the effects of broiler age (A) and levels of replacement (L) of control diet (CD) on the utilization of energy and nutrients of whole corn germ. 720 one-day-old broilers (b) were allocated at completely randomized design to six treatments and six replicates, in three assays: pre-starter (1-8 days, 10 b/cage), starter (15-22 days, 6 b/cage), and grower (28-35 days, 4 b/cage) phases. The treatments were: CD and four test diets (L): 100, 150, 200, 250, or 300 g kg-1 of the CD replaced by WCG levels. The data were adjusted to the response surface model. The stationary points for apparent energy metabolizable (AME) and AME corrected for nitrogen balance (AMEn) were: 4173 and 3591 kcal kg-1, respectively, and coefficients of gross energy (AMCGE), crude protein (AMCCP), dry matter (AMCDM), and ether extract (AMCEE) were: 49.3, 40.4, 72.6, and 61.3%, respectively; and Ileal digestibility coefficient of crude protein (IDCCP), dry matter (IDCDM), digestibility crude protein values (DCP), and digestibility dry matter value (DDM) were: 78.0, 57.96, 8.50, and 56.17%, respectively. The EP for AMEn was at 18 days of age, 28 g kg-1 WCG. There was a correlation between A and L on digestibility and metabolisability of nutrient's WCG.

Early detection of pancreatic cancer by liquid biopsy "PANLIPSY": a french nation-wide study project.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic cancer, predominantly characterized by ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) accounts for 90% of cases and is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. Its incidence is notably increasing. This poor prognosis is primarily due to late-stage diagnosis (approximately 70% to 80% of patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage), aggressive tumor biology, and low sensitivity to chemotherapy. Consequently, it is crucial to identify and develop a simple, feasible and reproducible blood-based signature (i.e., combination of biomarkers) for early detection of PDAC. METHODS: The PANLIPSY study is a multi-center, non-interventional prospective clinical trial designed to achieve early detection of PDAC with high specificity and sensitivity, using a combinatorial approach in blood samples. These samples are collected from patients with resectable, borderline or locally advanced, and metastatic stage PDAC within the framework of the French Biological and Clinical Database for PDAC cohort (BACAP 2). All partners of the BACAP consortium are eligible to participate. The study will include 215 PDAC patients, plus 25 patients with benign pancreatic conditions from the PAncreatic Disease Cohort of TOuLouse (PACTOL) cohort, and 115 healthy controls, totaling 355 individuals. Circulating biomarkers will be collected in a total volume of 50 mL of blood, divided into one CellSave tube (10 mL), two CELL-FREE DNA BCT® preservative tubes (18 mL), and five EDTA tubes (22 mL in total). Samples preparation will adhere to the guidelines of the European Liquid Biopsy Society (ELBS). A unique feature of the study is the AI-based comparison of these complementary liquid biopsy biomarkers. Main end-points: i) to define a liquid biopsy signature that includes the most relevant circulating biomarkers, ii) to validate the multi-marker panel in an independent cohort of healthy controls and patients, with resectable PDAC, and iii) to establish a unique liquid biopsy biobank for PDAC study. DISCUSSION: The PANLIPSY study is a unique prospective non-interventional clinical trial that brings together liquid biopsy experts. The aim is to develop a biological signature for the early detection of PDAC based on AI-assisted detection of circulating biomarkers in blood samples (CTCs, ctDNA, EVs, circulating immune system, circulating cell-free nucleosomes, proteins, and microbiota). TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06128343 / NCT05824403. Registration dates: June 8,2023 and April 21, 2023.

Evaluation of polypropylene microporous membranes as extraction devices for determination of carcinogenic aromatic amines in smoker urine by GC-MS/MS.

Exposure to tobacco smoke is highly correlated to the incidence of different types of cancer due to various carcinogenic compounds present in such smoke. Aromatic amines, such as 1-naphthylamine (1-NA) and 2-naphthylamine (2-NA), are produced in tobacco burning and are linked to bladder cancer. Miniaturized solid phase extraction techniques, such as microporous membrane solid phase extraction (MMSPE), have shown potential for the extraction of aromatic compounds. In this study, a bioanalytical method for the determination of 1-NA and 2-NA in human urine was developed using polypropylene microporous membranes as a sorptive phase for MMSPE. Urine samples were hydrolyzed with HCl for 1 h at 80 °C, after which pH was adjusted to 10. Ultrasound-assisted MMSPE procedure was optimized by factorial design as follows. To each sample, 750 µL of methanol was added, and ultrasound-assisted MMSPE was conducted for 1 h with four devices containing seven 2 mm polypropylene membrane segments. After extraction, the segments were transferred to 400 µL of hexane, and desorption was conducted for 30 min. Extracts were submitted to a simple and fast microwave-assisted derivatization procedure, by the addition of 10 µL of PFPA and heating at 480 W for 3 min, followed by clean-up with phosphate buffer pH 8.0 and GC-MS/MS analysis. Adequate linearity was obtained for both analytes in a range from 25 to 500 µg L-1, while the multiple reaction monitoring approach provided satisfactory selectivity and specificity. Intra-day (n = 6) and inter-day (n = 5) precision and accuracy were satisfactory, below 15 % and between 85 and 115 %, respectively. Recovery rates found were 91.9 and 58.4 % for 1-NA and 2-NA, respectively, with adequate precision. 1-NA was found in first-hand smokers' urine samples in a concentration range from 20.98 to 89.09 µg in 24 h, while it could be detected in second-hand smoker's urine samples, and 2-NA detected in all first and second-hand smokers' urine samples. The proposed method expands the applicability of low cost MMSPE devices to aromatic amines and biological fluids.

Steam distillation, supercritical fluid extraction, and anti-Trypanosoma cruzi activity of compounds from pink pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi).

Anti-Trypanosoma cruzi activity of compounds from fruits of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi (pink pepper) were evaluated, using sustainable techniques such as steam distillation (SD) and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE). SD was optimised using a design of experiment and SFE was carried out using supercritical CO2 solvent (300 bar and 60 °C). Results of the anti-T. cruzi activity showed that the essential oil presented high activity (IC50 = 4.5 ± 0.3 µg/mL), whereas the supercritical extract had a moderate effect (IC50 = 19.7 ± 2.9 µg/mL). The differences in the anti-T. cruzi activity can be attributed to the extraction of non-volatile compounds in the SFE, such as moronic and (Z)-masticadienoic acids. In contrast, SD extracted only volatile compounds such as monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. Therefore, these results suggest that the volatile compounds from pink pepper are involved with the anti-T. cruzi activity.

Multi-parametric atlas of the pre-metastatic liver for prediction of metastatic outcome in early-stage pancreatic cancer.

Metastasis occurs frequently after resection of pancreatic cancer (PaC). In this study, we hypothesized that multi-parametric analysis of pre-metastatic liver biopsies would classify patients according to their metastatic risk, timing and organ site. Liver biopsies obtained during pancreatectomy from 49 patients with localized PaC and 19 control patients with non-cancerous pancreatic lesions were analyzed, combining metabolomic, tissue and single-cell transcriptomics and multiplex imaging approaches. Patients were followed prospectively (median 3 years) and classified into four recurrence groups; early (<6 months after resection) or late (>6 months after resection) liver metastasis (LiM); extrahepatic metastasis (EHM); and disease-free survivors (no evidence of disease (NED)). Overall, PaC livers exhibited signs of augmented inflammation compared to controls. Enrichment of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), Ki-67 upregulation and decreased liver creatine significantly distinguished those with future metastasis from NED. Patients with future LiM were characterized by scant T cell lobular infiltration, less steatosis and higher levels of citrullinated H3 compared to patients who developed EHM, who had overexpression of interferon target genes (MX1 and NR1D1) and an increase of CD11B+ natural killer (NK) cells. Upregulation of sortilin-1 and prominent NETs, together with the lack of T cells and a reduction in CD11B+ NK cells, differentiated patients with early-onset LiM from those with late-onset LiM. Liver profiles of NED closely resembled those of controls. Using the above parameters, a machine-learning-based model was developed that successfully predicted the metastatic outcome at the time of surgery with 78% accuracy. Therefore, multi-parametric profiling of liver biopsies at the time of PaC diagnosis may determine metastatic risk and organotropism and guide clinical stratification for optimal treatment selection.

Nanocomposite Films of Babassu Coconut Mesocarp and Green ZnO Nanoparticles for Application in Antimicrobial Food Packaging.

In this work, novel nanocomposite films based on babassu coconut mesocarp and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), synthesized by a green route, were produced for application as food packaging films. The films were prepared using the casting method containing different contents of ZnO NPs (0 wt%, 0.1 wt%, 0.5 wt%, and 1.0 wt%). The films were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), instrumental color analysis, and optical properties. The water vapor permeability (WVP) and tensile strength of films were also determined. The antimicrobial activity of the films against cooked turkey ham samples contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus was investigated. The results showed that incorporating ZnO NPs into babassu mesocarp matrices influenced the structure of the biopolymer chains and the color of the films. The BM/ZnO-0.5 film (0.5 wt% ZnO NPs) showed better thermal, mechanical, and WVP properties. Furthermore, the synergistic effect of babassu mesocarp and ZnO NPs in the BM/ZnO-0.5 film improved the antimicrobial properties of the material, reducing the microbial count of S. aureus in cooked turkey ham samples stored under refrigeration for 7 days. Thus, the films produced in this study showed promising antimicrobial packaging materials for processed foods.

Combination of Neovestitol and Vestitol Modifies the Profile of Periodontitis-Related Subgingival Multispecies Biofilm.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the combination of neovestitol-vestitol (CNV) compounds obtained from Brazilian red propolis on the microbiological profile of a mature multispecies subgingival biofilm. The biofilm with 32 bacterial species associated with periodontitis was formed for seven days using a Calgary device. Treatment with CNV (1600, 800, 400, and 200 µg/mL), amoxicillin (54 µg/mL), and vehicle control was performed for 24 h on the last day of biofilm formation. Biofilm metabolic activity and DNA-DNA hybridization (checkerboard) assays were performed. The groups treated with CNV 1600 and amoxicillin reduced 25 and 13 species, respectively, compared to the control vehicle treatment (p ≤ 0.05); both reduced P. gingivalis, while only CNV reduced T. forsythia. When the data from the two treatments (CNV and AMOXI) were compared, a statistically significant difference was observed in 13 species, particularly members of Socransky's orange complex. Our results showed that CNV at 1600 µg/mL showed the best results regarding the metabolic activity of mature biofilms and obtained a reduction in species associated with the disease, such as T. forsythia, showing a better reduction than amoxicillin. Therefore, CNV seems to be a promising alternative to eradicate biofilms and reduce their pathogenicity.

Cocaine/crack and cannabis use among transgender women in Goiás, Central Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Illicit drug use is a significant public health problem. Studies have shown a high prevalence of cocaine and cannabis use in transgender women (TGW). OBJECTIVE: To describe the consumption patterns of cannabis and cocaine/crack use and variables associated with their use in TGW in Central Brazil. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on TGW in Goiás, Brazil. Participants were recruited using a respondent-driven sampling method and were interviewed face-to-face about cannabis and crack-cocaine and the variables associated with them. The Alcohol Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test was used to assess substance use. Unweighted logistic regression was used to identify variables associated with cannabis and crack cocaine use. P-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 440 transgender women participated in the study. Their median age was 25 years (interquartile range: 20.5-29.5 years). Most participants were single (85.5%) and had engaged in sex work in their lifetime (58.6%). Cannabis was reported by 68.9% and 53.4% of participants in their lifetime and in the past three months, respectively, and cocaine/crack use was reported by 59.8% and 44.1% of participants in their lifetime and the past three months, respectively. Of the participants, 10.2% reported high-risk cannabis use, and 9.1% reported high-risk cocaine/crack use. Furthermore, 35% of participants reported using both drugs. Previous physical violence (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR): 2.37), inconsistent condom uses during anal sex (AOR: 2.17), and moderate-/high-risk cocaine/crack use (AOR: 3.14) were associated with high-risk cannabis use. Previous sexual violence (AOR: 2.84), previous STI (AOR: 2.90), moderate-/high-risk cannabis (AOR: 3.82), and binge drinking (AOR; 3.28) were associated with high-risk cocaine/crack use. CONCLUSION: Our study found a high frequency, significant overlap in the use of cannabis and cocaine/crack use and violence associated with these drugs consumption among TGW, highlighting the urgent need for health policies for drug disorders among this socially marginalized group.

Skin assessment in congenital untreated isolated GH deficiency.

PURPOSE: The separation between the inside and outside through the skin was fundamental for the evolution of prevertebrates, which grow through extrapituitary circuits, to vertebrates, which grow through the somatotrophic axis, namely pituitary growth hormone (GH). and circulating IGF1.Individuals with untreated isolated growth hormone (GH) deficiency (IGHD) due to a mutation in the GH-releasing hormone receptor (GHRH) gene, residing in Itabaianinha, Brazil, are vulnerable to skin cancer and have reduced sweating. However other aspects of their skin physiology are still unknown. Our objectives were to evaluate the number of skin cancers, skin aging, and functional aspects of the skin in this IGHD cohort. METHODS: Twenty-six IGHD individuals and 26 controls matched by age, sex, ethnicity, and occupation were submitted to a biochemical, dermatological and a functional skin assessment by the Multi Probe Adapter Cutometer® MPA 580. RESULTS: There was no difference in the number of skin cancers and in the degrees of photodamage between the groups. The melanin content in the forearm was similar between the groups but was lower in the buttocks (p = 0.005), as well as skin resistance (p < 0.0001) and elasticity (p = 0.003), lower in the IGHD. There was no difference in hydration and sebum content between the two groups. CONCLUSION: IGHD is apparently associated with a neutral profile in terms of skin cancer and photodamage, with similar melanin on the forearm and lower buttocks, lower skin resistance and elasticity, with hydration and sebum similar to controls.

Incidental diagnosis of cardiac fibroma in an infant with acute viral bronchiolitis.

OBJECTIVE: Pediatric cardiac tumors are rare and, among them, 90% are benign. Cardiac fibroma is the second most frequent tumor, after rhabdomyoma. The objective of this study is to report a case of cardiac fibroma diagnosed incidentally in a patient admitted with acute viral bronchiolitis. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 5-month-old male infant was admitted to the pediatric emergency department with acute viral bronchiolitis requiring hospitalization. He presented a detectable respiratory syncytial virus in oropharyngeal swab, blood test with lymphocytosis and a chest radiography revealed cardiomegaly. Further cardiologic testing was performed detecting elevation of cardiac biomarkers, an electrocardiogram with alteration of left ventricular repolarization and echocardiogram with a heterogeneous mass in the left ventricular, with areas of calcification. A chest angiotomography suggested rhabdomyosarcoma or cardiac fibroma and a magnetic resonance showed a mass, with characteristics suggesting fibroma. The final diagnosis was made after two cardiac catheterizations for biopsy of the lesion, confirming cardiac fibroma by anatomopathological examination. Because the patient had moderate to severe systolic dysfunction, he was submitted to heart transplant. COMMENTS: One third of cardiac fibromas are asymptomatic, generally diagnosed late through tests ordered for other reasons. The gold-standard test for definitive diagnosis is biopsy. Cardiac fibroma usually does not present spontaneous regression and, in most cases, partial or total surgical resection is necessary. When tumors are unresectable, heart transplantation should be indicated. It is essential to have detailed characterization of the cardiac mass to establish the most appropriate therapeutic approach for each patient.

Ultrasound-Assisted Nanoemulsion Loaded with Optimized Antibacterial Essential Oil Blend: A New Approach against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella Enteritidis in Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Fillets.

This study aimed to obtain and characterize an oil-in-water nanoemulsion (NE) loaded with an in vitro optimized bactericidal essential oil blend of 50% oregano, 40% thyme, and 10% lemongrass and to evaluate its potential at three different concentrations (0.5%, 1%, and 2%) in the inactivation of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis inoculated in rainbow trout fillets stored at 4 °C for 9 days. Regarding the NE, the nanometric size (<100 nm) with low polydispersion (0.17 ± 0.02) was successfully obtained through ultrasound at 2.09 W/cm2. Considering the three concentrations used, S. Enteritidis was the most susceptible. On the other hand, comparing the concentrations used, the NE at 2% showed better activity, reducing S. Enteritidis, E. coli, and S. aureus by 0.33, 0.20, and 0.73 log CFU/g, respectively, in the trout fillets. Thus, this data indicates that this is a promising eco-friendly alternative to produce safe fish for consumption and reduce public health risks.

Almond fixed oil from Syagrus coronata (Mart.) Becc. has antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory potential, without showing oral toxicity in mice.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Syagrus coronata, a palm tree found in northeastern Brazil, popularly known as licuri, has socioeconomic importance for the production of vegetable oil rich in fatty acids with nutritional and pharmacological effects. Licuri oil is used in traditional medicine to treat inflammation, wound healing, mycosis, back discomfort, eye irritation, and other conditions. AIM OF THE STUDY: The study aimed to evaluate the antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic effects of treatment with Syagrus coronata fixed oil (ScFO), as well as to determine the safety of use in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Initially, the chemical characterization was performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Acute single-dose oral toxicity was evaluated in mice at a dose of 2000 mg/kg. Antinociceptive activity was evaluated through abdominal writhing, formalin, and tail dipping tests, and the anti-inflammatory potential was evaluated through the model of acute inflammation of ear edema, peritonitis, and fever at concentrations of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg from ScFO. RESULTS: In the chemical analysis of ScFO, lauric (43.64%), caprylic (11.7%), and capric (7.2%) acids were detected as major. No mortality or behavioral abnormalities in the mice were evidenced over the 14 days of observation in the acute toxicity test. ScFO treatment decreased abdominal writhing by 27.07, 28.23, and 51.78% at 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg. ScFO demonstrated central and peripheral action in the formalin test, possibly via opioidergic and muscarinic systems. In the tail dipping test, ScFO showed action from the first hour after treatment at all concentrations. ScFO (100 mg/kg) reduced ear edema by 63.76% and leukocyte and neutrophil migration and IL-1ß and TNF-α production in the peritonitis test. CONCLUSION: Mice treated with ScFO had a reduction in fever after 60 min at all concentrations regardless of dose. Therefore, the fixed oil of S. coronata has the potential for the development of new pharmaceutical formulations for the treatment of pain, inflammation, and fever.

Antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of Brazilian organic honey against oral microorganisms.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the antimicrobial activity of Brazilian honeys against oral microorganisms. DESIGN: Organic honeys (OH-1 to OH-8) were diluted (%-w/v) and sterilized by filtration. Antimicrobial activity was defined by determining MIC and CBM against oral Streptococcus. The component responsible for the antimicrobial action was defined by a catalase assay. Antibiofilm activity was evaluated against the monospecies biofilm of Streptococcus mutans  (ATCC 700610). RESULTS: OHs showed antimicrobial activity principally OH-1, OH-2, OH-3, and OH-7 with MIC values ​​ranging between 10 and 25%. The mechanism of action occurs mainly by hydrogen peroxide produced by honey enzymes. OH-1, OH-2, and OH-7 showed total biofilm destruction at low concentrations. CONCLUSION: Brazilian honeys have promising antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity with the potential to control oral microbiota.

Evaluating Vascular Depth-Dependent Changes in Multi-Wavelength PPG Signals Due to Contact Force.

Photoplethysmography (PPG) is a non-invasive method used for cardiovascular monitoring, with multi-wavelength PPG (MW-PPG) enhancing its efficacy by using multiple wavelengths for improved assessment. This study explores how contact force (CF) variations impact MW-PPG signals. Data from 11 healthy subjects are analyzed to investigate the still understudied specific effects of CF on PPG signals. The obtained dataset includes simultaneous recording of five PPG wavelengths (470, 525, 590, 631, and 940 nm), CF, skin temperature, and the tonometric measurement derived from CF. The evolution of raw signals and the PPG DC and AC components are analyzed in relation to the increasing and decreasing faces of the CF. Findings reveal individual variability in signal responses related to skin and vasculature properties and demonstrate hysteresis and wavelength-dependent responses to CF changes. Notably, all wavelengths except 631 nm showed that the DC component of PPG signals correlates with CF trends, suggesting the potential use of this component as an indirect CF indicator. However, further validation is needed for practical application. The study underscores the importance of biomechanical properties at the measurement site and inter-individual variability and proposes the arterial pressure wave as a key factor in PPG signal formation.

Correction: The effectiveness and efficiency of using normative messages to reduce waste: A real world experiment.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0261734.].

Antimicrobial Activity of Methylene Blue Associated with Photodynamic Therapy: In Vitro Study in Multi-Species Oral Biofilm.

The control of infectious diseases caused by biofilms is a continuing challenge for researchers due to the complexity of their microbial structures and therapeutic implications. Photodynamic therapy as an adjunctive anti-infective treatment has been described as a possible valid approach but has not been tested in polymicrobial biofilm models. This study evaluated the effect of photodynamic therapy in vitro with methylene blue (MB) 0.01% and red LEDs (λ = 660 nm, power density ≈ 330 mW/cm2, 2 mm distance from culture) on the metabolic activity and composition of a multispecies subgingival biofilm. Test Groups LED and MB + LED showed a more significant reduction in metabolic activity than the non-LED application group (~50 and 55%, respectively). Groups LED and MB equally affected (more than 80%) the total bacterial count in biofilms. No differences were noted in the bacterial biofilm composition between the groups. In vitro LED alone or the MB + LED combination reduced the metabolic activity of bacteria in polymicrobial biofilms and the total subgingival biofilm count.

Aerobic exercise attenuates dysautonomia, cardiac diastolic dysfunctions, and hemodynamic overload in female mice with atherosclerosis.

Cardiovascular risk increases during the aging process in women with atherosclerosis and exercise training is a strategy for management of cardiac risks in at-risk populations. Therefore, the aims of this study were to evaluate: (1) the influence of the aging process on cardiac function, hemodynamics, cardiovascular autonomic modulation, and baroreflex sensitivity in females with atherosclerosis at the onset of reproductive senescence; and (2) the impact of exercise training on age-related dysfunctions in this model. Eighteen Apolipoprotein-E knockout female mice were divided equally into young (Y), middle-aged (MA), and trained middle-aged (MAT). Echocardiographic exams were performed to verify cardiac morphology and function. Cannulation for direct recording of blood pressure and heart rate, and analysis of cardiovascular autonomic modulation, baroreflex sensitivity were performed. The MA had lower cardiac diastolic function (E'/A' ratio), and higher aortic thickness, heart rate and mean arterial pressure, lower heart rate variability and baroreflex sensitivity compared with Y. There were no differences between Y and MAT in these parameters. Positive correlation coefficients were found between aortic wall thickness with hemodynamics data. The aging process causes a series of deleterious effects such as hemodynamic overload and dysautonomia in female with atherosclerosis. Exercise training was effective in mitigating aged-related dysfunctions.

Mapping the Landscape: Simulation Centers in Portugal.

INTRODUCTION: Simulation-based training has emerged as a vital component of healthcare education. This study aims to characterize Portuguese simulation centers concerning their geographic distribution and key features, providing stakeholders with valuable insights to inform strategic decisions. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted over two years (2021-2023) to investigate the geographical dispersion and characteristics of simulation centers in Portugal. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to analyze data. RESULTS: Twenty-three Portuguese simulation centers were included. Major urban areas and coastal regions bring together 20 simulation centers (86.96%). A large percentage (71.93%) of centers were affiliated with academic institutions, while five centers (21.74%) were clinically affiliated. Emergency care, Anesthesiology and Intensive Medicine, Pediatrics, and Gynecology and Obstetrics were identified as the national key areas of intervention. DISCUSSION: Significant geographical disparity raises concerns about unequal access to professional training opportunities using simulation. Centers should be encouraged to incorporate developing technologies and innovative pedagogical methodologies and to expand their training repertoire into relatively uncharted territories. CONCLUSION: Several issues have been identified within the national simulation network. Stakeholders and policymakers should prioritize equitable access, bolster the prevalence of clinical affiliated centers, foster innovation, and facilitate strategic coordination.

Antibiofilm and Immune-Modulatory Activity of Cannabidiol and Cannabigerol in Oral Environments-In Vitro Study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties and the immune modulatory activity of cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG) on oral bacteria and periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PLF). METHODS: Cytotoxicity was assessed by propidium iodide flow cytometry on fibroblasts derived from the periodontal ligament. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of CBD and CBG for S. mutans and C. albicans and the metabolic activity of a subgingival 33-species biofilm under CBD and CBG treatments were determined. The Quantification of cytokines was performed using the LEGENDplex kit (BioLegend, Ref 740930, San Diego, CA, USA). RESULTS: CBD-treated cell viability was greater than 95%, and for CBG, it was higher than 88%. MIC for S. mutans with CBD was 20 µM, and 10 µM for CBG. For C. albicans, no inhibitory effect was observed. Multispecies biofilm metabolic activity was reduced by 50.38% with CBD at 125 µg/mL (p = 0.03) and 39.9% with CBG at 62 µg/mL (p = 0.023). CBD exposure at 500 µg/mL reduced the metabolic activity of the formed biofilm by 15.41%, but CBG did not have an effect. CBG at 10 µM caused considerable production of anti-inflammatory mediators such as TGF-ß and IL-4 at 12 h. CBD at 10 µM to 20 µM produced the highest amount of IFN-γ. CONCLUSION: Both CBG and CBD inhibit S. mutans; they also moderately lower the metabolic activity of multispecies biofilms that form; however, CBD had an effect on biofilms that had already developed. This, together with the production of anti-inflammatory mediators and the maintenance of the viability of mammalian cells from the oral cavity, make these substances promising for clinical use and should be taken into account for future studies.