Biobased Composites of Poly(Lactic Acid) Melt Compounded with Bacterial and Vegetal Nanocelluloses Incorporated through Different Strategies.

In the current contribution, bacterial nanocellulose obtained from a by-product of Kombucha tea production and vegetal nanocellulose isolated from milled rice husks were employed as fillers of PLA-based composites prepared by intensive mixing followed by compression molding. Given the challenges associated with the incorporation of nanocelluloses-initially obtained as aqueous suspensions-into melt compounding processes, and also with achieving a proper dispersion of the hydrophilic nanofillers within PLA, three different nanofibrils incorporation strategies were studied: i.e., direct mixing of dried milled nanocelluloses and PLA; masterbatching by solvent casting of native nanocelluloses followed by melt compounding; and masterbatching by solvent casting of acetylated nanocelluloses followed by melt compounding. Composites with varying filler content (from 0.5 wt.% to 7 wt.%) were characterized in terms of morphology, optical properties, and mechanical performance. Results revealed the relative suitability of each strategy employed to promote nanocelluloses dispersion within the PLA matrix. PLA/nanocellulose masterbatches prepared by solvent casting proved to be particularly useful for feeding the nanocelluloses into the processing equipment in a dry state with limited hornification. Acetylation also contributed to a better dispersion of both nanocelluloses within the PLA matrix, although no clear positive impact on the mechanical properties of the films was observed. Finally, filler loading played an important role in the films' properties by increasing their stiffness while reducing their translucency.

Does the Incorporation of Graphene Oxide into PMMA Influence its Antimicrobial Activity?

INTRODUCTION: The increase in infectious diseases mediated by oral bacteria has been one of the most potent threats to human health, specifically to the elderly. Researchers seek to incorporate antimicrobial nanomaterials into PMMA to control the colonization of microorganisms and reduce deadly diseases. OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review to answer the question: "Does graphene oxide incorporated into polymethylmethacrylate influence its antimicrobial activity?" METHODS: The electronic search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases, and articles published until October 2021 were selected. The search terms were: ("acrylic resin" OR PMMA) AND (graphene OR "oxide graphene") AND (antimicrobial OR antibacterial OR "anti-infective agent"). The risk of bias analysis of the articles was performed using the quasi-experimental study assessment tool adapted from the JBI. RESULTS: Two hundred and fifty-nine articles were found in the databases. After removing the duplicates, 245 were analyzed by title and abstract. Of these, 06 were selected for full reading, of which 03 met the eligibility criteria and were included in this systematic review. CONCLUSION: This systematic review's findings can infer that the incorporation of graphene in the form of graphene-based coatings to PMMA showed antimicrobial effectiveness.

Novel bioanalytical strategy using isotope pattern deconvolution and ICP-QMS for the study of iron incorporation in erythrocytes: An insight to better assessment.

Iron is an essential element for human life and its nutritional status in the human body is directly linked to human health. More than 1015 atoms of iron per second are necessary for the maintenance of haemoglobin formation. To predict iron bioavailability three approaches are normally employed: (a) faecal recovery; (b) plasma appearance; and (c) erythrocyte incorporation (the most used). Isotope Pattern Deconvolution (IPD) is a mathematical tool that allows the isolation of distinct isotope signatures from mixtures of natural abundance and enriched tracers. In this work we propose a novel strategy to assess erythrocyte iron incorporation, based on the use of an iron stable isotope (57Fe) and the IPD concept. This strategy allows direct calculation of the exogenous concentration of 57Fe incorporated into RBCs after supplementation. In this way, to determine the mass of iron incorporated into erythrocytes, the unique prediction that must be made is the blood volume, estimate to reproduce the natural dilution of the tracer (57Fe) in the blood. This novel bioanalytical approach was applied for the measurements of iron incorporation and further iron absorption studies in humans, using a group of twelve healthy participants, that should be further evaluated for the assessment of other chemical elements that could be of health concerns and directly impact society.

Increasing the aqueous solubility of the anesthetic propofol through wormlike micelle formation.

Propofol, a phenol derivative, is commonly employed as an intravenous anesthetic during clinical procedures, formulated as an oil/water emulsion due to its poor solubility in water. The stability limitations associated with emulsions have prompted research efforts towards developing aqueous formulations of propofol. In this work, we investigate the solubility enhancement of propofol in anionic and cationic surfactants. Our findings reveal that the solubility of propofol can increase significantly, up to 100-fold, depending on the nature of the micellar aggregate, as observed for alkylammonium halogenates CnTAB (for n = 12, 14 and 16), contrasting with the lower solubility with SDS. Interestingly, C14TAB and C16TAB demonstrate significantly higher solubility than C12TAB. This was attributed to the formation of wormlike micelles, in which the propofol molecules are positioned between the cationic heads of the surfactant molecules, changing the micellar curvature and the morphology of the aggregate. Therefore, the aromatic molecules in the micellar environment can be partitioned into the micellar cores and their palisades. Regarding C12TAB, the alkyl chain is too short to form wormlike micelles, thus, concentrating propofol molecules mainly into the micellar core, and consequently, leading to their aggregation. Solubility diagrams of propofol were constructed in conjunction with different surfactants. The systems exhibiting viscoelastic behavior, indicative of wormlike micelle formation, were further investigated using rheology. Additionally, the fluorescent properties of propofol enabled the examination of the anesthetic molecule within diverse micellar environments.

Novos desafios na avaliação de tecnologias em saúde (ATS): o caso Zolgensma / New challenges in health technology assessment (HTA): the case of Zolgensma

Resumo As doenças raras ou órfãs entraram de modo importante nos negócios da indústria farmacêutica. Por outro lado, o impacto das novas tecnologias derivadas da pesquisa genômica vêm tendo presença crescente nessa indústria, com novos medicamentos sendo lançados no mercado a preços não sustentáveis para sistemas de saúde e pacientes. Essa dupla tendência coloca desafios importantes e crescentes para as políticas públicas de avaliação e incorporação de tecnologias, cujo racional hegemônico está lastreado em análise de custo-benefício entre terapias. Os preços muito altos desses medicamentos exigem revisitar esse racional e a recente tratativa entre o Ministério da Saúde e a Novartis relativa a um possível acordo de compartilhamento de risco para a incorporação do medicamento Zolgensma é uma oportunidade para essa revisita.

Abstract Rare or orphan diseases have played an important role in the pharmaceutical industry. On the other hand, the impact of new technologies derived from genomic research has been growing in this industry, with new drugs being launched on the market at unsustainable prices for health systems and patients. This double tendency poses important and growing challenges to public policies on Health Technology Assessment, whose hegemonic rationale is based on cost-benefit analysis between therapies. The very high prices of these drugs require revisiting this rationale and the recent negotiations between the Brazilian Ministry of Health and Novartis regarding a possible risk-sharing agreement for the incorporation of the drug Zolgensma is an opportunity for this revisitation.

Exploring the COVID-19 Pandemic's Impact on the Health Technology Assessment Process of the National Commission for the Incorporation of Technologies Into the Brazilian Health System.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Brazilian health technology assessment processes based on public reports from the National Committee for Health Technology Incorporation (CONITEC). METHODS: This descriptive study analyzed CONITEC's official reports on Brazil available on its website between 2018 and 2021 that aimed to propose recommendations for technologies to be incorporated into its public healthcare system. We used descriptive statistics covering the number of technologies and number of reports about drugs per year, objective, type of technology, demanding sector, and outcome before 2018 to 2019 and during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2021). Furthermore, we used logistic regression to explore any association between the final decision labeled as "incorporated" and the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS: A total of 278 reports were analyzed. Approximately 85% (136 of 278), 79% (220 of 278), and 45% of the reports (125 of 278) were about drugs, for incorporation, and requested by the government, respectively. Moreover, 74 of 130 (57%) and 56 of 148 decisions (38%) were "incorporated" before and during the pandemic, respectively. No significant association was noted between incorporated decisions and the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic for all technologies (odds ratio 1.43; 95% CI 0.84-2.46; P = .192) and for drugs (odds ratio 1.43; 95% confidence interval 0.81-2.53; P = .223) while adjusting for the type of technology and demandant. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought many challenges, but it does not seem to have had a significant impact on the health technology assessment approval decisions of CONITEC in Brazil.

(In)sustentabilidade financeira municipal: a frágil metodologia proposta pela PEC do Pacto Federativo / (In)sostenibilidad financiera municipal: la metodología frágil propuesta por la PEC del Pacto Federativo / Municipal financial (in)sustainability: the fragile methodology proposed by the Federative Pact PEC

Resumo A partir da Constituição da República Federativa do Brasil de 1988, os municípios foram promovidos à condição de entes federativos brasileiros. Atualmente, o Brasil conta com 1.307 pequenos municípios, com população de no máximo 5 mil habitantes. Em 2019, entrou no cenário político e legislativo a Proposta de Emenda à Constituição n° 188 (PEC 188), tendo como uma de suas proposições a extinção/incorporação de pequenos municípios considerados insustentáveis. O presente estudo tem por objetivo evidenciar fragilidades/vulnerabilidades na metodologia proposta pela PEC 188/2019 para a mensuração da sustentabilidade financeira dos pequenos municípios brasileiros. Para o alcance do objetivo, tal modelo foi analisado e aplicado a todos os 5.570 municípios brasileiros, utilizando como base os períodos de 2015 a 2020. O estudo se fundamenta em pesquisa bibliográfica e documental, com abordagens descritiva e quantitativa. Para o tratamento e a análise dos dados, foram empregadas técnicas de estatísticas descritivas e medidas de tendência central. Os resultados evidenciam que, aplicada a metodologia da PEC 188, a média nacional de sustentabilidade dos municípios brasileiros é de 5%, reduzindo-se para menos de 3% quando analisados apenas os pequenos, com até 5 mil habitantes. Tem-se ainda que mais de 85% dos municípios brasileiros, em média, são classificados como "insustentáveis" com base na metodologia da PEC, elevando para 98% essa condição se analisados apenas os pequenos. A metodologia proposta pela PEC 188 carrega fragilidades que, se não sanadas previamente a uma possível promulgação, poderão ocasionar a extinção de aproximadamente 1.224 pequenos municípios.

Resumen A partir de la Constitución de la República Federativa del Brasil de 1988, los municipios fueron promovidos a la condición de entidades federativas brasileñas. Actualmente, Brasil tiene 1.307 pequeños municipios con una población máxima de 5.000 habitantes. En 2019, entró en el escenario político y legislativo la Propuesta de Reforma a la Constitución nº 188 (PEC 188) que, entre otras, propone la extinción/incorporación de pequeños municipios considerados insostenibles. Por lo tanto, el presente estudio tiene como objetivo resaltar las debilidades/vulnerabilidades existentes en la metodología propuesta por la PEC 188/2019 para medir la sostenibilidad financiera de los pequeños municipios brasileños. Para alcanzar el objetivo, la metodología propuesta por la PEC fue analizada y aplicada en los 5.570 municipios brasileños, tomando como base los períodos de 2015 a 2020. El estudio se basa en una investigación bibliográfica y documental, con enfoques descriptivos y cuantitativos. Para el tratamiento y análisis de los datos se utilizaron técnicas de estadística descriptiva y medidas de tendencia central. Los resultados muestran que, cuando se aplica la metodología PEC-188, el promedio nacional de sostenibilidad de los municipios brasileños es del 5%, reduciéndose a menos del 3% cuando se analizan solo municipios pequeños con hasta 5.000 habitantes. Asimismo, más del 85% de los municipios brasileños, en promedio, están clasificados como insostenibles con base en la metodología PEC, y dicha condición asciende al 98% al analizar solamente los municipios pequeños. La metodología propuesta por la PEC 188 tiene debilidades que, de no ser resueltas antes de una posible promulgación, podrían llevar a la extinción de aproximadamente 1.224 pequeños municipios brasileños.

Abstract From the Constitution of the Federative Republic of Brazil of 1988, municipalities were promoted to the condition of Brazilian federative entities. Currently, Brazil has 1,307 small municipalities with a maximum population of 5,000 inhabitants. In 2019, the Proposal for Amendment to the Constitution nº 188 (PEC 188) entered the political and legislative scene, with one of its propositions being the extinction/incorporation of small municipalities considered unsustainable. Thus, this study aims to highlight existing weaknesses/vulnerabilities in the methodology proposed by PEC 188/2019 for measuring the Financial Sustainability of small Brazilian municipalities. The methodology proposed by the PEC was analyzed and applied to all 5,570 Brazilian municipalities, using the periods from 2015 to 2020 as a basis. The study is based on bibliographical and documentary research with descriptive and quantitative approaches. For data treatment and analysis, descriptive statistics and measures of central tendency techniques were used. The results show that, when the PEC-188 methodology is applied, Brazilian municipalities' national average of "sustainability" is 5%, reducing to less than 3% when only small municipalities with up to 5,000 inhabitants are analyzed. Furthermore, more than 85% of Brazilian municipalities, on average, are classified as "unsustainable" based on the PEC methodology, increasing this condition to 98% if only the stratum of small municipalities is analyzed. The methodology proposed by PEC 188 has weaknesses that, if not resolved prior to a possible enactment, could lead to the extinction of approximately 1,224 small Brazilian municipalities.

Effect of experimental and commercial artificial saliva formulations on the activity and viability of microcosm biofilm and on enamel demineralization for irradiated patients with head and neck cancer (HNC).

The effect of different artificial saliva formulations on biofilm activity and viability, and on enamel demineralization for head and neck cancer (HNC) patients was evaluated. Irradiated enamel samples were treated (1 min) with BioXtra® or with experimental formulations containing carboxymethylcellulose plus inorganic constituents alone (AS) or containing 0.1 mg mL-1 CaneCPI-5 (AS + Cane), 1.0 mg mL-1 hemoglobin (AS + Hb) or combination of both (AS + Cane + Hb). Phosphate-buffered-saline and chlorhexidine (0.12%) were negative and positive control, respectively. Biofilm was produced from the saliva of five male HNC patients, under 0.2% sucrose exposure for 5 days, and daily treated with the formulations (1 min). No significant effects were observed for the different experimental treatments. BioXtra® significantly reduced lactobacilli, demonstrating antibacterial potential for this group. Chlorhexidine was an effective treatment to significantly reduce all parameters, being an important antimicrobial and anticaries agent. Future in vitro studies must be performed using a new approach for the design of the experimental formulations.

Factores relacionados con la duración de lactancia materna exclusiva en madres trabajadoras de una institución universitaria ecuatoriana

RESUMEN Introducción: Ecuador no cubre las recomendaciones de mantener la lactancia materna hasta los seis meses de edad del recién nacido. Objetivo: Analizar los factores relacionados con la duración de la lactancia materna exclusiva en madres trabajadoras de una institución universitaria ecuatoriana. La población de estudio. Métodos: Estudio cuantitativo, descriptivo, transversal, con carácter retrospectivo mediante un cuestionario diseñado ad hoc que se invitó a cumplimentar a todas las madres trabajadoras que lo habían sido en los últimos 10 años de la institución. El período de ejecución del estudio fue de septiembre 2018 a junio de 2019. Resultados: Participaron 316 madres, 62,8 % recibió información sobre lactancia materna y proveniente del médico 55,6 %. La primera hora de vida amamantaron 63,9 %. Más de la mitad de las participantes amamantaron durante un periodo de 6 meses (56,9 %), con lactancia materna exclusiva una media de 4,56 meses. El principal motivo para el abandono fue hipogalactia (26,9 %); incorporación al trabajo (19,2 %); enfermedad materna (5,1 %). La media de lactancia materna exclusiva fue mayor en las madres docentes e investigadoras 4,79 (DE ± 1,8) que en las administrativas y de servicios 4,2 (DE ± 2,05), p= 0,012. Conclusiones: Entre los factores que favorecen la lactancia materna están la información durante el embarazo, así como instaurarla en la primera hora de vida. La situación laboral de la mujer influye en el mantenimiento de dicha lactancia por más tiempo y es una causa de abandono, aunque la más frecuente son los problemas de salud de la madre o del recién nacido.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Ecuador does not cover the recommendations to maintain breastfeeding until six months of age of the newborn. Objective: Analyze the factors related to the duration of exclusive breastfeeding in working mothers of an Ecuadorian university institution. The study population. Methods: Quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study, with retrospective character using a questionnaire designed ad hoc; all working mothers who had been in the last 10 years in the institution were invited to fill it. The study was carried out from September 2018 to June 2019. Results: 316 mothers participated, 62.8% received information on breastfeeding and 55.6% from the doctor. The first hour of life, 63.9% mothers breastfed. More than half of the participants breastfed for a period of 6 months (56.9%), and with exclusive breastfeeding during an average of 4.56 months. The main reason for not breastfeeding was hypogalactia (26.9%); work placement (19.2%); maternal disease (5.1%). The mean of exclusive breastfeeding was higher in mother who are teachers and researchers (4.79) (SD ± 1.8) than in mothers with administrative and service positions 4.2 (SD ± 2.05), p = 0.012. Conclusions: Among the factors that favor breastfeeding are information during pregnancy, as well as establishing it in the first hour of life. The employment situation of women influences the maintenance of breastfeeding for longer and is a cause of dropout, although the most frequent are the health problems of the mother or the newborn.

Decline in Public Spending on Biopharmaceutics in Brazil

Abstract Biopharmaceuticals, mainly monoclonal antibodies, and fusion proteins are drugs that have gained notoriety in the treatment of various chronic and inflammatory diseases and have high prices. The study aimed to verify which monoclonal antibodies and fusion proteins were most incorporated into the Unified Health System (SUS), which therapeutic indication most benefited from them and to analyze public spending on these biopharmaceuticals from January 2012 to September 2019. This study performed a qualitative and quantitative analysis of biopharmaceuticals incorporated by SUS. The data were collected on the websites of CONITEC and the Health Price Bank. The results demonstrated that subcutaneous adalimumab was most frequently incorporated, and the most requested therapeutic indication was rheumatoid arthritis. Public spending on biopharmaceuticals exceeded R$ 28 billion (more than US$ 140 billion). However, a downward trend was confirmed (-266.7%) in the period evaluated. Despite the increase in demand and public spending on biologics in general, in Brazil and worldwide, the results of this research show that there was a drop in public spending on the biopharmaceuticals studied in the last seven years.

Incorporación laboral de migrantes sur-sur y sus hijos e hijas en Argentina: intersecciones de género, generaciones y trabajo / Incorporação laboral de migrantes sul-sul e seus filhos na Argentina: interseções de gênero, gerações e trabalho / Labor incorporation of south-south migrants and their sons and daughters in Argentina: intersections of gender, generations and work

El objetivo de este artículo es analizar los patrones generales de incorporación laboral de migrantes sur-sur y sus hijos e hijas en Argentina. En primer lugar, detallamos las características de la incorporación laboral de los migrantes y sus hijos en comparación con la población nativa y sus hijos. En segundo lugar, analizamos las formas de la incorporación en los diferentes segmentos laborales de la sociedad argentina. Los resultados obtenidos sugieren una incorporación estructurada por los vectores de género y generaciones. Las generaciones más jóvenes dentro del hogar (hijas e hijos tanto de población nativa como migrante) se incorporan en los segmentos más precarios y esta incorporación interactúa, de manera complementaria, con el género. Las mujeres hijas de hogares migrantes se insertan mayoritariamente en los segmentos más bajos de la estructura laboral mientras que, en el otro extremo, los hombres nativos se incorporan en mayor proporción en los segmentos más altos de la estructura laboral.

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar os padrões gerais de incorporação laboral dos migrantes sul-sul e seus filhos e filhas na Argentina. Primeiro, detalhamos as características de incorporação laboral dos migrantes e seus filhos em comparação com a população nativa e seus filhos. Em segundo lugar, analisamos as formas de incorporação nos diferentes segmentos laborais da sociedade argentina. Os resultados obtidos sugerem uma incorporação estruturada pelos vetores de gênero e de gerações. As gerações mais jovens dentro do lar (filhas e filhos tanto da população nativa como da migrante) são incorporadas nos segmentos mais precários e, de forma complementar, esta incorporação interage com o gênero. As mulheres filhas de lares migrantes inserem-se, maiormente, nos segmentos mais baixos da estrutura laboral, enquanto, no outro extremo, os homens nativos incorporam-se nos segmentos mais altos da estrutura laboral.

The objective of this article is to analyze the general patterns of labor incorporation of migrants and children of south-south migrants in Argentina. Firstly, we detailed the characteristics of the labor incorporation of migrants and their children in comparison with the native population and their children. Secondly, we analyzed the forms of incorporation into the different labor segments of Argentine society. The results obtained suggest an incorporation structured by the vectors of gender and generations. The younger generations within the household (daughters and sons of both native and migrant populations) are incorporated into the most precarious segments and in a complementary way, this incorporation interacts with gender. Women who are daughters of migrant households are mostly inserted in the lower segments of the labor structure, while at the other extreme, native men are incorporated in a greater proportion in the higher segments of the labor structure.

Política de Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação em Saúde (CT& I/S): uma atualização para debate / Health Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (ST& I/H): an update for debate

Resumo O texto contém uma proposta atualizada de política de Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação em Saúde no Brasil e a pertinência da atualização decorre do desastre nas atividades nesse terreno verificadas no país desde o início do atual governo federal em 2019, bem como dos desafios colocados pela emergência da pandemia COVID-19 desde 2020. Ele está organizado em cinco seções, a saber: Pesquisa em Saúde; Inovação Produtiva; Avaliação e Incorporação de Tecnologias em Saúde; Propriedade Intelectual em Saúde; Novos desafios colocados pela Pandemia. Os autores fazem parte do Comitê de Assessoramento em Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação da Abrasco.

Abstract The text presents an updated proposal for a Health Science, Technology and Innovation Policy in Brazil, following the huge political turmoil in the country since 2019 and the COVID-19 pandemic since 2020. The proposal is presented in five sections: Scientific Research; Productive Innovation; Health Technology Assessment and Incorporation; Intellectual Property in Health; New challenges posed by the Pandemic. The authors take part in the Advisory Committee in Science, Technology and Innovation of the Brazilian Association of Collective Health.

Effect of Modified Lemaire Anterolateral Extra-articular Tenodesis on the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Maturity Signal of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Hamstring Graft.

BACKGROUND: Lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) is one of the most widely used procedures to restore anterolateral stability. Clinical outcomes after the addition of LET to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) have been widely investigated; however, the potential influence of LET on the ACL ligamentization process has not been examined. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: The purpose was to use 10-month postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to determine whether the maturity of grafts after hamstring autograft ACLR was affected by concomitant LET. The hypothesis was that when modified Lemaire lateral extra-articular tenodesis (MLLET) was performed, the MRI parameters of ACL graft maturity would be modified. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: The study included patients treated between December 2017 and December 2018 who had undergone anatomic 3-strand hamstring tendon autograft ACLR, with or without concomitant MLLET, and had undergone MRI 10 months postoperatively. Thus, the study included 30 patients who had isolated ACLR and 22 patients who had ACLR plus MLLET. The 2 groups were comparable based on all criteria analyzed. To evaluate graft maturity, the signal-to-noise quotient (SNQ) was measured in 3 regions of interest of the proximal, midsubstance, and distal ACL graft. Lower SNQ ratios indicate less water content and, theoretically, better maturity and healing of the graft. RESULTS: The mean ± SD for SNQ was 4.62 ± 4.29 (range, 3.12-6.19) in the isolated ACLR group and 7.59 ± 4.68 (range, 4.38-8.04) in the ACLR plus MLLET group (P = .012). Upon comparing the mean values of the 3 portions between the 2 groups, we found a significant difference between the 2 groups for the proximal and middle portions (P = .007 and P = .049, respectively) but no difference in the distal portion (P = .369). CONCLUSION: At the 10-month follow-up, hamstring tendon autografts for anatomic ACLR with MLLET did not show the same MRI signal intensity compared with isolated hamstring anatomic ACLR.

A sugarcane cystatin (CaneCPI-5) alters microcosm biofilm formation and reduces dental caries.

The antimicrobial and anticaries effects of CaneCPI-5 were evaluated. Ninety bovine enamel samples were treated for 60 s with either phosphate-buffered-saline (PBS), 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX), 0.05 mg ml-1 CaneCPI-5, 0.1 mg ml-1 CaneCPI-5 or 0.5 mg ml-1 CaneCPI-5. They were incubated with inoculum (human saliva + McBain's saliva) for the first 8 h. From then until the end of the experiment, the enamel was exposed to McBain saliva with sucrose and, once a day, for 5 days, they were treated with the solutions. At the end of the experimental period, resazurin and viable plate count assays were performed. Enamel demineralization was also measured. All concentrations of CaneCPI-5 and CHX significantly reduced the activity of biofilms compared with PBS. For viable plate counts, all treatments similarly reduced the lactobacilli and total streptococci; for the mutans streptococci, 0.05 mg ml-1 CaneCPI-5 performed better than CHX. All CaneCPI-5 concentrations significantly reduced the integrated mineral loss. This study represents the first step regarding the use of CaneCPI-5 within the concept of acquired enamel pellicle and biofilm engineering to prevent dental caries.

Synthesis of mussel-inspired polydopamine-gallium nanoparticles for biomedical applications.

Aim: To established a simple, controlled and reproducible method to synthesize gallium (Ga)-coated polydopamine (PDA) nanoparticles (NPs). Materials & methods: PDA NPs were synthesized in alkali medium with posterior Ga shell formation due to ion chelation on the NP surface. Results: The obtained results with energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy confirmed the incorporation of Ga on the PDA NP surface. The cytotoxicity of Ga-coated PDA NPs was evaluated in vitro at different concentrations in contact with human adipose-derived stem cells. Further cell analysis also demonstrated the benefit of Ga-coated PDA NPs, which increased the cell proliferation rate compared with noncoated PDA NPs. Conclusion: This study indicated that Ga could work as an appropriate shell for PDA NPs, inducing cell proliferation at the analyzed concentrations.

Irreversible incorporation of L-dopa into the C-terminus of α-tubulin inhibits binding of molecular motor KIF5B to microtubules and alters mitochondrial traffic along the axon.

L-dopa is the most effective drug used to date for management of Parkinson's disease symptoms. Unfortunately, long-term administration of L-dopa often results in development of motor disorders, including dyskinesias. Despite extensive research on L-dopa-induced dyskinesia, its pathogenesis remains poorly understood. We demonstrated previously that L-dopa can be post-translationally incorporated into the C-terminus of α-tubulin in living cells. In the present study, we investigated the effect of the presence of L-dopa-tubulin-enriched microtubules on mitochondrial traffic mediated by molecular motor KIF5B. Using biochemical approaches in combination with experiments on neuronal cell lines and mouse hippocampal primary cultures, we demonstrated that L-dopa incorporation into tubulin is irreversible. Transport of mitochondria along the axon was altered after L-dopa treatment of cells. In L-dopa-treated cells, mitochondria had reduced ability to reach the distal segment of the axon, spent more time in pause, and showed reduced velocity of anterograde movement. KIF5B motor, a member of the kinesin family involved in mitochondrial transport in neurons, showed reduced affinity for Dopa-tubulin-containing microtubules. Our findings, taken together, suggest that tyrosination state of tubulin (and microtubules) is altered by L-dopa incorporation into tubulin; the gradual increase in amount of altered microtubules affects microtubule functioning, impairs mitochondrial traffic and distribution, and this could be relevant in Parkinson's disease patients chronically treated with L-dopa.

The Uphill Climb: A Transnational Perspective on Wealth Accumulation among Latino Immigrants in Durham, NC.

Wealth accumulation is a key dimension of ethno-racial stratification, and, among immigrants, an important indicator of incorporation. Dramatically low assets among immigrant Latinos is thus a pressing concern, necessitating a better understanding of the social forces that shape wealth assimilation. Drawing on a survey of Latino immigrants in Durham, NC, I argue for the importance of a transnational perspective on wealth for immigrant populations. Nationally representative surveys designed to assess inequality among the general population generally lack information on wealth held abroad, which accounts for the lion's share of assets held by immigrants in our sample. Likewise, these data sources rarely have information on factors salient to immigrants, particularly legal status and informal employment. Finally, I show that the socio-demographic characteristics central to life-cycle wealth models operate in different ways for U.S. and foreign assets, and for men and women. For instance, while household earnings and duration of Durham residence are associated with greater U.S. assets among Durham's Latino migrants, they fail to predict wealth held abroad. Likewise, low educational attainment and informal employment are associated with lower U.S., but not foreign, wealth. Instead, the key predictors of wealth abroad relate to family structure. I further document structural barriers to immigrant Latino wealth accumulation, such as employment marginality and lack of access to mainstream financial institutions.

Safety and bioactive potential of nanoparticles containing Cantaloupe melon (Cucumis melo L.) carotenoids in an experimental model of chronic inflammation.

The safety and bioactive potential of crude carotenoid extract from Cantaloupe melon nanoencapsulated in porcine gelatin (EPG) were evaluated in a chronic inflammatory experimental model. Animals were fed a high glycemic index and high glycemic load (HGLI) diet for 17 weeks and treated for ten days with 1) HGLI diet, 2) standard diet, 3) HGLI diet + crude carotenoid extract (CE) (12.5 mg/kg), and 4) HGLI diet + EPG (50 mg/kg). General toxicity signals were investigated, considering body weight, food intake, hematological, biochemical parameters, relative weight, morphology, and histopathology of organs. The biochemical parameters indicated the low toxicity of EPG. Acute hepatitis was observed in animals' livers, but CE and EPG groups presented improved tissue appearance. Chronic enteritis was observed in animals, with villi and intestinal glands preservation in the EPG group. The results suggest the safety and the bioactive effect of EPG, possibly related to its anti-inflammatory potential.

Ballistic Performance of Ramie Fabric Reinforcing Graphene Oxide-Incorporated Epoxy Matrix Composite.

Graphene oxide (GO) incorporation in natural fiber composites has recently defined a novel class of materials with enhanced properties for applications, including ballistic armors. In the present work, the performance of a 0.5 vol % GO-incorporated epoxy matrix composite reinforced with 30 vol % fabric made of ramie fibers was investigated by stand-alone ballistic tests against the threat of a 0.22 lead projectile. Composite characterization was also performed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, thermal analysis and X-ray diffraction. Ballistic tests disclosed an absorbed energy of 130 J, which is higher than those reported for other natural fabrics epoxy composite, 74-97 J, as well as plain Kevlar (synthetic aramid fabric), 100 J, with the same thickness. This is attributed to the improved adhesion between the ramie fabric and the composite matrix due to the GO-incorporated epoxy. The onset of thermal degradation above 300 °C indicates a relatively higher working temperature as compared to common natural fiber polymer composites. DSC peaks show a low amount of heat absorbed or release due to glass transition endothermic (113-121 °C) and volatile release exothermic (~132 °C) events. The 1030 cm-1 prominent FTIR band, associated with GO bands between epoxy chains and graphene oxide groups, suggested an effective distribution of GO throughout the composite matrix. As expected, XRD of the 30 vol % ramie fabric-reinforced GO-incorporated epoxy matrix composite confirmed the displacement of the (0 0 1) peak of GO by 8° due to intercalation of epoxy chains into the spacing between GO layers. By improving the adhesion to the ramie fabric and enhancing the thermal stability of the epoxy matrix, as well as by superior absorption energy from projectile penetration, the GO may contribute to the composite effective ballistic performance.

Sources and management of nitrogen before or after irrigation on the winter wheat and bean production / Fontes de nitrogênio e manejo antes ou após a irrigação nas culturas do trigo e feijoeiro "de inverno"

Studies that demonstrate the effects of sources of nitrogen (N) applied before or after irrigation on the yield of winter crops are limited in literature. In this sense, the objective of this study was to compare the effect of sources of N applied immediately before or after 13 mm irrigation of wheat and bean winter crops. It was used a randomized complete block design, with 4 replicates, in a 5 × 2 + 1 factorial scheme, and 11 treatments consisted of five N sources: urea, polymer-coated urea, urea + ammonium sulfate, ammonium sulfate, and ammonium nitrate and a control treatment (without N fertilization). For wheat, although ammonium nitrate provided great N content in the leaves, the grain yield was lower due to the lodging of the plants; since the application of N either before or after irrigation did not influence the grain yield. Regarding the bean, N fertilization increased productivity, but there were no differences among N sources and, despite the greater N content in the leaves observed with the N supply before irrigation the greatest grain yield was observed when N was applied after the irrigation.

Estudos que demonstram os efeitos de fontes de nitrogênio (N) aplicadas antes ou após a irrigação na produtividade das culturas de inverno são limitados na literatura. Neste sentido, o objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar o efeito de fontes de N aplicadas imediatamente antes ou após a irrigação de 13 mm nas culturas do trigo e feijão de inverno. Utilizou-se o delineamento de blocos casualizados, com 4 repetições, em esquema fatorial incompleto 5 × 2 + 1, sendo 11 tratamentos com cinco fontes de N: ureia, ureia revestida com polímero, ureia + sulfato de amônio, sulfato de amônio e nitrato de amônio e um tratamento controle (sem adubação nitrogenada). Para o trigo, embora o nitrato de amônio tenha proporcionado maior teor de N nas folhas, a produtividade de grãos foi menor devido ao acamamento das plantas; já a aplicação de N antes ou após a irrigação não influenciou a produtividade de grãos. Com relação ao feijão, a adubação nitrogenada aumentou a produtividade, mas não houve diferenças entre as fontes de N e, apesar do maior teor de N nas folhas observadas com o suprimento de N antes da irrigação, a maior produtividade de grãos foi observada com a adubação após a irrigação.