Unveiling the consequences of early human saliva contamination on membranes for guided bone regeneration.

AIMS: GBR membranes have various surface properties designed to elicit positive responses in regenerative clinical procedures; dental clinicians attempt to employ techniques to prevent the direct interaction of contaminated oral fluids with these biomaterials. However, saliva is uninterruptedly exhibited in oral surgical procedures applying GBR membranes, suggesting a persistent interaction with biomaterials and the surrounding oral tissues. This fundamental study aimed to investigate potential alterations in the physical, chemical, and key biological properties of membranes for guided bone regeneration (GBR) caused by isolated early interaction with human saliva. METHODS: A reproducible step-by-step protocol for collecting and interacting human saliva with membranes was developed. Subsequently, membranes were evaluated for their physicochemical properties, protein quantification, DNA, and 16S rRNA levels viability of two different cell lines at 1 and 7 days, and ALP activity. Non-interacted membranes and pure saliva of donors were applied as controls. RESULTS: Qualitative morphological alterations were noticed; DNA extraction and 16S quantification revealed significantly higher values. Furthermore, the viability of HGF-1 and MC3T3-E1 cells was significantly (p < .05) reduced following saliva interaction with biodegradable membranes. Saliva contamination did not prejudice PTFE membranes significantly in any biological assay. CONCLUSIONS: These outcomes demonstrated a susceptible response of biodegradable membranes to isolated early human saliva interaction, suggesting impairment of structural morphology, reduced viability to HGF-1 and MC3T3-E1, and higher absorption/adherence of DNA/16S rRNA. As a result, clinical oral procedures may need corresponding refinements.

Metal concentrations in transitional and coastal waters measured by passive (Diffusive Gradients in Thin-films) and spot sampling: MONITOOL Project Dataset.

The MONITOOL project (2017-2023) was carried out to describe the relationships between total dissolved and labile metal concentrations measured in spot water samples and in concurrently deployed Diffusive Gradients in Thin-films (DGTs) passive samplers, respectively. The ultimate aim was to adapt existing marine metal Environmental Quality Standards (EQS marine water) for DGTs, enabling their use in the context of the European Directives (the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD)). Time-integrated metal concentrations provided by DGTs, representing several days, are an advantage compared to conventional spot sampling, especially in highly dynamic systems, such as transitional waters. Hence, the MONITOOL project aimed to provide a robust database of dissolved and labile metal concentrations in transitional and coastal waters, based upon co-deployments of DGTs and collection of spot water samples at several sampling sites (England, France, Ireland, Italy, Northern Ireland, Portugal, Scotland and Spain), followed subsequently by DGT and water metal analysis. Samplings were carried out in 2018 and 2022, following agreed protocols developed in the framework of the project. The MONITOOL dataset includes metal concentrations from DGTs, measured with Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS: Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn) and in concurrently collected spot water samples by ICP-MS (Al, Cd, Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn) and Anodic/Cathodic Stripping Voltammetry (ASV/CSV: Cd, Pb, Ni). Moreover, data on seawater physical-chemical parameters (salinity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, turbidity, total suspended solids, dissolved organic carbon, and total organic carbon) is provided. This database presents the results obtained using, concurrently, different forms of sampling and analytical techniques, enabling the comparison of the results obtained by these strategies and allowing the adaptation of EQS in marine water (EQS marine water) to DGTs (EQS DGT), in the context of the WFD. Moreover, due to the large number of sampling sites, it could also be used for other types of research, such as those dealing with metal speciation or the determination of baseline levels.

Dentists' perceptions and usability testing of the implant disease risk assessment IDRA, a tool for preventing peri­implant disease: A qualitative study.

INTRODUCTION: we aimed to explore dentists' perceptions toward the implementation of a dental informatics risk assessment tool which estimates the risk for a patient to develop peri­implantitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: the Implant Disease Risk Assessment Tool (IDRA) was presented to a convenience sample of seven dentists working in a university clinic, whom were asked to use IDRA with the information of three clinical cases whilst thinking aloud and then fill the System Usability Scale (SUS). A semi-structured interview technique was used with audio record to allow free expression of participants' perceptions related to the IDRA. The interviews information was categorized and analyzed by the authors. RESULTS: to our knowledge, this is the first study conducted to develop a qualitative usability test of IDRA, evaluating the effectiveness, efficiency, and users' satisfaction. There were more variations in responses the greater the degree of complexity of the clinical case. Generally, the participants classified the tool as good, getting usability values of 77,2 (SD 19,8) and learnability 73,2 (SD 24,5). CONCLUSION: four additional factors should be considered to improve IDRA tool: 1) considering the relation between contour angle and peri-implant tissue height; 2) automatic periodontal classification in the IDRA tool after completing the periodontogram in the clinical software; 3) presentation of a flowchart to assist therapeutic decisions alongside the final score defined by the IDRA tool; 4) integrating of precision tests such as Implantsafe® DR… (dentognostics gmbh, Jena) and Oralyzer®(dentognostics gmbh, Jena). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: etiology and pathogenesis of peri­implant diseases is multifactorial. These tools must follow a natural integration to be easily applied in a clinical setting. It is important to study their usability from the clinicians' point of view, evaluating the effectiveness, efficiency, and users' satisfaction.

Peri-implant diseases diagnosis, prognosis and dental implant monitoring: a narrative review of novel strategies and clinical impact.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of peri-implantar and periodontal relies mainly on a set of clinical measures and the evaluation of radiographic images. However, these clinical settings alone are not sufficient to determine, much less predict, periimplant bone loss or future implant failure. Early diagnosis of periimplant diseases and its rate of progress may be possible through biomarkers assessment. Once identified, biomarkers of peri-implant and periodontal tissue destruction may alert the clinicians before clinical signs show up. Therefore, it is important to consider developing chair-side diagnostic tests with specificity for a particular biomarker, indicating the current activity of the disease. METHODS: A search strategy was created at Pubmed and Web of Science to answer the question: "How the molecular point-of-care tests currently available can help in the early detection of peri-implant diseases and throws light on improvements in point of care diagnostics devices?" RESULTS: The PerioSafe® PRO DRS (dentognostics GmbH, Jena) and ImplantSafe® DR (dentognostics GmbH, Jena ORALyzer® test kits, already used clinically, can be a helpful adjunct tool in enhancing the diagnosis and prognosis of periodontal/peri-implantar diseases. With the advances of sensor technology, the biosensors can perform daily monitoring of dental implants or periodontal diseases, making contributions to personal healthcare and improve the current status quo of health management and human health. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the findings, more emphasis is given to the role of biomarkers in diagnosing and monitoring periodontal and peri-implant diseases. By combining these strategies with traditional protocols, professionals could increase the accuracy of early detection of peri-implant and periodontal diseases, predicting disease progression, and monitoring of treatment outcomes.

Use of bioinformatic strategies as a predictive tool in implant-supported oral rehabilitation: A scoping review.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The use of bioinformatic strategies is growing in dental implant protocols. The current expansion of Omics sciences and artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms in implant dentistry applications have not been documented and analyzed as a predictive tool for the success of dental implants. PURPOSE: The purpose of this scoping review was to analyze how artificial intelligence algorithms and Omics technologies are being applied in the field of oral implantology as a predictive tool for dental implant success. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist was followed. A search strategy was created at PubMed and Web of Science to answer the question "How is bioinformatics being applied in the area of oral implantology as a predictive tool for implant success?" RESULTS: Thirteen articles were included in this review. Only 3 applied bioinformatic models combining AI algorithms and Omics technologies. These studies highlighted 2 key points for the creation of precision medicine: deep population phenotyping and the integration of Omics sciences in clinical protocols. Most of the studies identified applied AI only in the identification and classification of implant systems, quantification of peri-implant bone loss, and 3-dimensional bone analysis, planning implant placement. CONCLUSIONS: The conventional criteria currently used as a technique for the diagnosis and monitoring of dental implants are insufficient and have low accuracy. Models that apply AI algorithms combined with precision methodologies-biomarkers-are extremely useful in the creation of precision medicine, allowing medical dentists to forecast the success of the implant. Tools that integrate the different types of data, including imaging, molecular, risk factor, and implant characteristics, are needed to make a more accurate and personalized prediction of implant success.

COVID-19 Salivary Protein Profile: Unravelling Molecular Aspects of SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

COVID-19 is the most impacting global pandemic of all time, with over 600 million infected and 6.5 million deaths worldwide, in addition to an unprecedented economic impact. Despite the many advances in scientific knowledge about the disease, much remains to be clarified about the molecular alterations induced by SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this work, we present a hybrid proteomics and in silico interactomics strategy to establish a COVID-19 salivary protein profile. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD036571. The differential proteome was narrowed down by the Partial Least-Squares Discriminant Analysis and enrichment analysis was performed with FunRich. In parallel, OralInt was used to determine interspecies Protein-Protein Interactions between humans and SARS-CoV-2. Five dysregulated biological processes were identified in the COVID-19 proteome profile: Apoptosis, Energy Pathways, Immune Response, Protein Metabolism and Transport. We identified 10 proteins (KLK 11, IMPA2, ANXA7, PLP2, IGLV2-11, IGHV3-43D, IGKV2-24, TMEM165, VSIG10 and PHB2) that had never been associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, representing new evidence of the impact of COVID-19. Interactomics analysis showed viral influence on the host immune response, mainly through interaction with the degranulation of neutrophils. The virus alters the host's energy metabolism and interferes with apoptosis mechanisms.

Unveiling the Secretome of the Fungal Plant Pathogen Neofusicoccum parvum Induced by In Vitro Host Mimicry.

Neofusicoccum parvum is a fungal plant pathogen of a wide range of hosts but knowledge about the virulence factors of N. parvum and host-pathogen interactions is rather limited. The molecules involved in the interaction between N. parvum and Eucalyptus are mostly unknown, so we used a multi-omics approach to understand pathogen-host interactions. We present the first comprehensive characterization of the in vitro secretome of N. parvum and a prediction of protein-protein interactions using a dry-lab non-targeted interactomics strategy. We used LC-MS to identify N. parvum protein profiles, resulting in the identification of over 400 proteins, from which 117 had a different abundance in the presence of the Eucalyptus stem. Most of the more abundant proteins under host mimicry are involved in plant cell wall degradation (targeting pectin and hemicellulose) consistent with pathogen growth on a plant host. Other proteins identified are involved in adhesion to host tissues, penetration, pathogenesis, or reactive oxygen species generation, involving ribonuclease/ribotoxin domains, putative ricin B lectins, and necrosis elicitors. The overexpression of chitosan synthesis proteins during interaction with the Eucalyptus stem reinforces the hypothesis of an infection strategy involving pathogen masking to avoid host defenses. Neofusicoccum parvum has the molecular apparatus to colonize the host but also actively feed on its living cells and induce necrosis suggesting that this species has a hemibiotrophic lifestyle.

Experimental and numerical evaluation of a new visor concept with aerodynamic sealing to protect medical professionals from contaminated droplets and aerosols.

The fast spreading of the SARS-CoV-2 virus led to a significant increase in the demand for personal protective equipment (PPE). Healthcare professionals, mainly dentists, work near the patients, increasing their risk of infection. This paper investigates the effectiveness of an air-curtain sealing effect in a newly designed visor developed to reduce the risk of contracting a respiratory infection. This PPE was developed by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling. CFD results show that the aerodynamic sealing in this PPE device effectively protects the user's face by 43% from a contaminated environment. The experiments considered two different tests: one using a tracer gas (CO2 ) to simulate a gaseous contaminant inside and outside the PPE face shield and a second test using smoke to simulate aerosol transport and evaluate the PPE efficiency. The particle concentration within the aerodynamically sealed PPE was evaluated and compared with the protection efficiency of other PPE. Results show similar protection levels for particles in the 1-5 µm range between the prototype and a KN95 respirator. The combined use of this novel PPE with aerodynamic sealing and a physical mask (KN95 or surgical) produced protection efficiency values within the range of 57%-70% for particles greater than 0.5 µm. This study reveals the potential of using an air curtain combined with a face shield to reduce the risks from contaminated environments.

Metals concentrations in transitional and coastal waters by ICPMS and voltammetry analysis of spot samples and passive samplers (DGT).

This study investigates the relationships among Ni, Cd and Pb's different chemical forms determined by different methodologies in coastal and transitional waters across a broad geographical scale. Concentrations were measured in spot samples and through passive sampling (DGT). High variability of metal concentrations was found among sampling sites and methodologies due to natural water fluctuations rather than to a given metal or method. Total dissolved metal concentrations in spot samples were lower than the EQS-WFD values. The labile fractions of Cd and Pb, measured in spot samples by Anodic Stripping Voltammetry and by DGT-ICPMS, were highly correlated. Similar labilities were found for Cd, while for Pb, the ASV labile fraction was ≈50% lower. These results reflect the pool of mobile and labile species available towards each technique kinetic window, and they seem not to be affected by discrete sampling flaws.

Population wide testing pooling strategy for SARS-CoV-2 detection using saliva.

SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has forced frequent testing of populations. It is necessary to identify the most cost-effective strategies for the detection of COVID-19 outbreaks. Nasopharyngeal samples have been used for SARS-CoV-2 detection but require a healthcare professional to collect the sample and cause discomfort and pain to the individual. Saliva has been suggested as an appropriate fluid for the diagnosis of COVID-19. We have investigated the possibility of using pools of saliva samples to detect SARS-CoV-2 in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Two hundred and seventy-nine saliva samples were analyzed through RT-PCR of Envelope, Nucleocapsid and Open Reading Frame 1ab genes. Reproducibility assays showed an almost perfect agreement as well as high sensitivity (96.6%), specificity (96.8%), positive predicted value (96.6%), and negative predicted value (96.8%). The average Cycle Threshold of the genes detected was 29.7. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were detected when comparing the cycle threshold average of two consecutive reactions on the same positive saliva samples. Saliva samples have a higher median viral load (32.6) than in nasopharyngeal samples (28.9), although no significant differences were detected (p > 0.05). Saliva-pool samples allowed effective SARS-CoV-2 screening, with a higher sensibility (96.9%) on 10-sample pools than in 20-sample pools (87.5%). Regardless of pools size specificity was high (99.9%) and an almost perfect agreement was observed. Our strategy was successfully applied in population wide testing of more than 2000 individuals, showing that it is possible to use pooled saliva as diagnostic fluid for SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Concurrent sampling of transitional and coastal waters by Diffusive Gradient in Thin-films (DGT) and spot sampling for trace metals analysis.

This protocol was developed based on the knowledge acquired in the framework of the Interreg MONITOOL project (EAPA_565/2016) where extensive sampling campaigns were performed in transitional and coastal waters covering eight European countries. It provides detailed procedures and guidelines for the sampling of these waterbodies by concurrent collection of discrete water samples and the deployment of Diffusive Gradient in Thin-films (DGT) passive samplers for the measurement of trace metal concentrations. In order to facilitate the application of this protocol by end-users, it presents steps to follow in the laboratory prior to sampling campaigns, explains the procedures for field campaigns (including in situ measurement of supporting parameters) and subsequent sample processing in the laboratory in preparation for trace metal analyze by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and voltammetry. The protocol provides a systematic, coherent field sampling and sample preparation strategy that was developed in order to ensure comparability and reproducibility of the data obtained from each project Partner in different regions. • Standardization of the concurrent sampling of transitional and coastal waters by DGT passive samplers and spot sampling. • Robust procedures and tips based on existing international standards and comprehensive practical experience. • Links to demonstration videos produced within the MONITOOL project.

Assessing variability in the ratio of metal concentrations measured by DGT-type passive samplers and spot sampling in European seawaters.

The current study evaluates the effect of seawater physico-chemical characteristics on the relationship between the concentration of metals measured by Diffusive Gradients in Thin films (DGT) passive samplers (i.e., DGT-labile concentration) and the concentrations measured in discrete water samples. Accordingly, Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to measure the total dissolved metal concentrations in the discrete water samples and the labile metal concentrations obtained by DGT samplers; additionally, lead and cadmium conditional labile fractions were determined by Anodic Stripping Voltammetry (ASV) and total dissolved nickel was measured by Cathodic Stripping Voltammetry (CSV). It can be concluded that, in general, the median ratios of DGT/ICP and DGT/ASV(CSV) were lower than 1, except for Ni (median ratio close to 1) and Zn (higher than 1). This indicates the importance of speciation and time-integrated concentrations measured using passive sampling techniques, which is in line with the WFD suggestions for improving the chemical assessment of waterbodies. It is the variability in metal content in waters rather than environmental conditions to which the variability of the ratios can be attributed. The ratios were not significantly affected by the temperature, salinity, pH, oxygen, DOC or SPM, giving a great confidence for all the techniques used. Within a regulatory context such as the EU Water Framework Directive this is a great advantage, since the simplicity of not needing to use corrections to minimize the effects of environmental variables could help in implementing DGTs within monitoring networks.

Fabry Disease p.M290I Mutation is Related to Organ Involvement: A Case Report.

Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked hereditary disease. It results from mutations in the GLA gene, leading to deficient activity of the enzyme alpha-galactosidase A (α-Gal A) and progressive accumulation of undegraded glycosphingolipids in cell lysosomes. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) can improve the natural course of this disease, but an early diagnosis is crucial for a successful treatment. We describe the case of a female diagnosed with chronic proteinuric kidney disease in the postpartum period. Despite receiving optimal medical treatment, the disease progressed and she started renal replacement therapy (RRT) with peritoneal dialysis (PD). Five years later, she was enrolled in a pilot screening study for FD, and the heterozygous mutation c.870G>C (p.Met290Ile; M290I) in exon six of the GLA gene was found. The family screening revealed the presence of this mutation in the patient's father and daughter. The proband did not meet the criteria for a definitive FD diagnosis, but she remained under follow-up at our nephrology metabolic diseases consultation, as the mutation was described as pathogenic and associated with a classic FD phenotype. Later that same year, reassessment exams revealed a worsening left ventricle mass index (LVMi), a new ischemic cerebral lesion, and a substantial increase in serum globotriaosylsphingosine (LysoGb3) levels. These clinical changes led to a decision to initiate ERT. p.M290I is a previously known but poorly described GLA mutation. To our knowledge, this is the first report of p.M290I mutation-associated disease activity that offers strong evidence of its pathogenicity.

Warming enhances lanthanum accumulation and toxicity promoting cellular damage in glass eels (Anguilla anguilla).

Cumulative and continuing human emissions of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere are causing ocean warming. Rising temperature is a major threat to aquatic organisms and may affect physiological responses, such as acid-base balance, often compromising species fitness and survival. It is also expected that warming may influence the availability and toxicological effects of pollutants, including Rare Earth Elements. These are contaminants of environmental emerging concern with great economic interest. This group comprises yttrium, scandium and lanthanides, being Lanthanum (La) one of the most common. The European eel (Anguilla anguilla) is critically endangered and constitutes a delicacy in South East Asia and Europe, being subject to an increasing demand on a global scale. Considering the vulnerability of early life stages to contaminants, we exposed glass eels to 1.5 µg L-1 of La for five days, plus five days of depuration, under a present-day temperature and warming scenarios (△T = +4 °C). The aim of this study was to assess the bioaccumulation, elimination and specific biochemical enzymatic endpoints in glass eels (Anguilla anguilla) tissues, under warming and La. Overall, our results showed that the accumulation and toxicity of La were enhanced with increasing temperature. The accumulation was higher in the viscera, followed by the head, and ultimately the body. Elimination was less effective under warming. Exposure to La did not impact acetylcholinesterase activity. Moreover, lipid peroxidation peaked after five days under the combined exposure of La and warming. The expression of heat shock proteins was majorly suppressed in glass eels exposed to La, at both tested temperatures. This result suggests that, when exposed to La, glass eels were unable to efficiently prevent cellular damage, with a particularly dramatic setup in a near-future scenario. Further studies are needed towards a better understanding of the effects of lanthanum in a changing world.

Tracking the functional meaning of the human oral-microbiome protein-protein interactions.

The interactome - the network of protein-protein interactions (PPIs) within a cell or organism - is technically difficult to assess. Bioinformatic tools can, not only, identify potential PPIs that can be later experimentally validated, but also be used to assign functional meaning to PPIs. Saliva's potential as a non-invasive diagnostic fluid is currently being explored by several research groups. But, in order to fully attain its potential, it is necessary to achieve the full characterization of the mechanisms that take place within this ecosystem. The onset of omics technologies, and specifically of proteomics, delivered a huge set of data that is largely underexplored. Quantitative information relative to proteins within a given context (for example a given disease) can be used by computational algorithms to generate information regarding PPIs. These PPIs can be further analyzed concerning their functional meaning and used to identify potential biomarkers, therapeutic targets, defense and pathogenicity mechanisms. We describe a computational pipeline that can be used to identify and analyze PPIs between human and microbial proteins. The pipeline was tested within the scenario of human PPIs of systemic (Zika Virus infection) and of oral conditions (Periodontal disease) and also in the context of microbial interactions (Candida-Streptococcus) and showed to successfully predict functionally relevant PPIs. The pipeline can be applied to different scientific areas, such as pharmacological research, since a functional meaningful PPI network can provide insights on potential drug targets, and even new uses for existing drugs on the market.

Obstructive Acute Kidney Injury with Maintenance of Diuresis: A Case of Ureter Bifidity / Lesión Renal Aguda Obstructiva con Mantenimiento de la Diuresis: Un Caso de BifidezUreteral

Abstract Percutaneous kidney biopsyin transplanted kidneys remains an essential and commonly performed procedure required for diagnostic and prognostic information. Hemorrhage is the main complication of renal graft biopsy. We report a case of a 47-year-old caucasian womanadmitted to perform an ultrasound(US)-guided biopsy of the renal graft. Six hours later, she presented with macroscopic hematuriawhichimproved after urethral catheterization and intravenous hydration. However the hematuria reappeared associated with anemia and worsening of the serum creatinine value. The US study, revealed hydronephrosis with high Doppler derived renal resistive index compatible with clot obstruction.Despite the vesical lavage with drainage of several clots, the patient rapidly progressed to hemorrhagic shock with worsening of renal function. Pelvic computed tomography (CT) revealed calyx and pelvis duplicity and ureter bifidity which merged into a single ureter and inserted into the right anterolateral wall of the bladder. The inferior ureter was enlarged due to an obstructive clot. Most acute obstructive uropathies are associated with significant pain or the abrupt diminution of urine flow. The presence of ureter bifidity in the CT study explained the maintenance of significantdiuresis despite obstruction, located only to the lower ureter but with sufficient functional impact to condition acute kidney injury (AKI).

Resumen La biopsia renal percutánea en riñones trasplantados sigue siendo un procedimiento esencial y común, necesario para obtener información diagnóstica y pronóstica. La hemorragia es la principal complicación de la biopsia de injerto renal. Presentamos un caso de una mujer caucásica de 47 años, quien fue hospitalizada para la realización de una biopsia de injerto renal guiada por ultrasonido (US). Seis horas después, presentó hematuria macroscópica que mejoró después de la cateterización uretral e hidratación intravenosa. Sin embargo, la hematuria reapareció asociada con anemia y empeoramiento del valor sérico de creatinina. El estudio de US reveló, mediante Doppler, una hidronefrosis con alto índice de resistencia renal, compatible con obstrucción por un coágulo. A pesar del lavado vesical con drenaje de varios coágulos, la paciente progresó rápidamente a choque hemorrágico con empeoramiento de la función renal. La tomografía computarizada (TC) pélvica reveló la duplicidad del cáliz y la pelvis y la bifidez ureteral, que se fusionó en un solo uréter y se insertó en la pared anterolateral derecha de la vejiga. El uréter inferior se agrandó debido a un coágulo obstructivo. La mayoría de las uropatías obstructivas agudas están asociadas con dolor significativo o la disminución abrupta del flujo de orina. La presencia de la bifidez del uréter en el estudio de TC explicó el mantenimiento de una diuresis significativa a pesar de la obstrucción, localizada solo en el uréter inferior, pero con suficiente impacto funcional como para provocar insuficiencia renal aguda (IRA).

Selected Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus L.) Genotypes Suitable for PDO Cheeses in Mediterranean Regions.

Cardoon flower extract is a traditional and exclusive rennet used for some PDO cheeses in several Mediterranean regions, due to its extremely high concentration in cardosins. In this preliminary study, six individual cardoon genotypes (1M - 6M) were selected because they revealed a wide and consistent diversity of total and specific cardosin concentrations in flowers. During three growing seasons, the stability of 12 biochemical characteristics of flower extracts and 26 plant morphological descriptors was confirmed. Surprisingly, the cardosin profiles of each genotype, based on four main groups A0, A1, A and B, were stable during the annual flower harvesting period and over all three years using ion-exchange chromatography and native-PAGE electrophoresis. This knowledge will allow an improvement in the quality and standardization of cardosin profiles from cardoon flowers used for cheese production and other innovative applications. The results obtained are promising for the development of a plant breeding program based on biochemical and morphological characteristics in order to obtain the most adapted plant architecture for combined purposes related to specific cardosins composition, flower and plant biomass production, and ease of harvesting.

SalivaPRINT Toolkit - Protein profile evaluation and phenotype stratification.

The value of the molecular information obtained from saliva is dependent on the use of in vitro and in silico techniques. The main proteins of saliva when separated by capillary electrophoresis enable the establishment of individual profiles with characteristic patterns reflecting each individual phenotype. Different physiological or pathological conditions may be identified by specific protein profiles. The association of each profile to the particular protein composition provides clues as to which biological processes are compromised in each situation. Patient stratification according to different phenotypes often within a particular disease spectrum is especially important for the management of individuals carrying multiple diseases and requiring personalized interventions. In this work we present the SalivaPRINT Toolkit, which enables the analysis of protein profile patterns and patient phenotyping. Additionally, the SalivaPRINT Toolkit allows the identification of molecular weight ranges altered in a particular condition and therefore potentially involved in the underlying dysregulated mechanisms. This tutorial introduces the use of the SalivaPRINT Toolkit command line interface (https://github.com/salivatec/SalivaPRINT) as an independent tool for electrophoretic protein profile evaluation. It provides a detailed overview of its functionalities, illustrated by the application to the analysis of profiles obtained from a healthy population versus a population affected with inflammatory conditions. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE: We present SalivaPRINT, which serves as a patient characterization tool to identify molecular weights related with particular conditions and, from there, find proteins, which may be involved in the underlying dysregulated cellular mechanisms. The proposed analysis strategy has the potential to boost personalized diagnosis. To our knowledge this is the first independent tool for electrophoretic protein profile evaluation and is crucial when a large number of complex electrophoretic profiles needs to be compared and classified.

New Targets for Zika Virus Determined by Human-Viral Interactomic: A Bioinformatics Approach.

Identifying ZIKV factors interfering with human host pathways represents a major challenge in understanding ZIKV tropism and pathogenesis. The integration of proteomic, gene expression and Protein-Protein Interactions (PPIs) established between ZIKV and human host proteins predicted by the OralInt algorithm identified 1898 interactions with medium or high score (≥0.7). Targets implicated in vesicular traffic and docking were identified. New receptors involved in endocytosis pathways as ZIKV entry targets, using both clathrin-dependent (17 receptors) and independent (10 receptors) pathways, are described. New targets used by the ZIKV to undermine the host's antiviral immune response are proposed based on predicted interactions established between the virus and host cell receptors and/or proteins with an effector or signaling role in the immune response such as IFN receptors and TLR. Complement and cytokines are proposed as extracellular potential interacting partners of the secreted form of NS1 ZIKV protein. Altogether, in this article, 18 new human targets for structural and nonstructural ZIKV proteins are proposed. These results are of great relevance for the understanding of viral pathogenesis and consequently the development of preventive (vaccines) and therapeutic targets for ZIKV infection management.

Protein Quality Assessment on Saliva Samples for Biobanking Purposes.

Biobank saliva sample quality depends on specific criteria applied to collection, processing, and storage. In spite of the growing interest in saliva as a diagnostic fluid, few biobanks currently store large collections of such samples. The development of a standard operating procedure (SOP) for saliva collection and quality control is fundamental for the establishment of a new saliva biobank, which stores samples to be made available to the saliva research community. Different collection methods were tested regarding total volume of protein obtained, protein content, and protein profiles, and the results were used to choose the best method for protein studies. Furthermore, the impact of the circadian variability and inter- and intraindividual differences, as well as the saliva sample stability at room temperature, were also evaluated. Considering our results, a sublingual cotton roll method for saliva collection proved to produce saliva with the best characteristics and should be applied in the morning, whenever possible. In addition, there is more variability in salivary proteins between individuals than in the same individual for a 5-month period. According to the electrophoretic protein profile, protein stability is guaranteed for 24 hours at room temperature and the protein degradation profile and protein identification were characterized. All this information was used to establish an SOP for saliva collection, processing, and storage in a biobank. We conclude that it is possible to collect saliva using an easy and inexpensive protocol, resulting in saliva samples for protein analysis with sufficient quality for biobanking purposes.