TREM1 regulates antifungal immune responses in invasive pulmonary aspergillosis.

Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) are responsible for Aspergillus fumigatus recognition by innate immunity and its subsequent immune signaling. The triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 (TREM1) is a recently characterized pro-inflammatory receptor constitutively expressed on the surface of neutrophils and macrophages. A soluble form (sTREM1) of this protein that can be detected in human body fluids has been identified. Here we investigated the role of TREM1 during invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA). IPA patients displayed significantly higher levels of sTREM1 in bronchoalveolar lavages when compared to control patients. Functional analysis in TREM1 showed that the levels of sTREM1 and TREM1 pathway-related cytokines were influenced by single nucleotide polymorphisms in TREM1. In addition, we confirmed a role of TREM1 on antifungal host defense against A. fumigatus in a murine model of IPA. TREM1 deficiency increased susceptibility to infection in the immunosuppressed murine host. Deletion of TREM1 showed delayed innate and adaptive immune responses and impaired pro-inflammatory cytokine responses. The absence of TREM1 in primary macrophages attenuated the TLR signaling by altering the expression of both receptor and effector proteins that are critical to the response against A. fumigatus. In this study, and for the first time, we demonstrate the key role for the TREM1 receptor pathway during IPA.

Evaluation of Clinical Trials in Onco-haematology: A New Method Based on Risk Analysis and Multidisciplinarity.

BACKGROUND: European member states are increasingly vying with one another to recruit patients for clinical trials (CTs). The French national agency for medicines (ANSM) now receives an ever-growing number of CTs, extending response times. The aim of the new methodology presented herein is to reduce assessment times below the national mandatory timeframe of 60 days and to improve patient safety. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Based on an analysis of the criteria defining CTs, 4 key points were identified (safety, fragile population, loss of opportunity, design complexity) to build a criticality score which would determine evaluation type. This score also determines the resources needed (complete evaluation, multidisciplinary advice, ad hoc evaluation) and the timeframe required for appropriate analysis. All post-phase I CTs were analysed from the implementation of the new assessment method, on 01/02/2018 through to 31/12/2019. RESULTS: 447 CTs were analysed (63% industry and 37% academic sponsors). Based on a criticality scale, 27% of the CTs received a type A evaluation (complete), 37% a type B (multidisciplinary evaluation), 23% a type C evaluation (ad hoc evaluation) and 13% a type D evaluation (fast evaluation). From 2014 to 2017, 37% of the CTs were analysed within the mandatory timeframe, with a mean of 68 days, reaching a maximum of 102 days in 2017. Using this new assessment method, 92% of CTs respected the mandatory timeframe in 2019; the mean time in 2018-2019 was 34 days; Grounds for Non-Acceptance (GNA) were raised for 66% of the CTs (69% from academic sponsors and 65% from industrial firms). 3 CTs were refused. CONCLUSION: Here, we demonstrate the feasibility of risk analysis and multidisciplinarity method, which resulted in a dramatic improvement of assessment times.

Impact of Ag2S NPs on soil bacterial community - A terrestrial mesocosm approach.

Soils might be a final sink for Ag2S nanoparticles (NPs). Still, there are limited data on their effects on soil bacterial communities (SBC). To bridge this gap, we investigated the effects of Ag2S NPs (10 mg kg-1 soil) on the structure and function of SBC in a terrestrial indoor mesocosm, using a multi-species design. During 28 days of exposure, the SBC function-related parameters were analysed in terms of enzymatic activity, community level physiological profile, culture of functional bacterial groups [phosphorous-solubilizing bacteria (P-SB) and heterotrophic bacteria (HB)], and SBC structure was analysed by 16S rRNA gene-targeted denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. The SBC exposed to Ag2S NPs showed a significative decrease of functional parameters, such as ß-glucosidase activity and L-arginine consumption, and increase of the acid phosphatase activity. At the structural level, significantly lower richness and diversity were detected, but at later exposure times compared to the AgNO3 treatment, likely because of a low dissolution rate of Ag2S NPs. In fact, stronger effects were observed in soils spiked with AgNO3, in both functional and structural parameters. Changes in SBC structure seem to negatively correlate with parameters related to phosphorous (acid phosphatase activity) and carbon cycling (abundance of HB, P-SB, and ß-glucosidase activity). Our results indicate a significant effect of Ag2S NPs on SBC, specifically on parameters related to carbon and phosphorous cycling, at doses as low as 10 mg kg-1 soil. These effects were only observed after 28 days, highlighting the importance of long-term exposure experiments for slowly dissolving NPs.

Polymorphisms within the ARNT2 and CX3CR1 Genes Are Associated with the Risk of Developing Invasive Aspergillosis.

Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is a life-threatening infection that affects an increasing number of patients undergoing chemotherapy or allo-transplantation, and recent studies have shown that genetic factors contribute to disease susceptibility. In this two-stage, population-based, case-control study, we evaluated whether 7 potentially functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the ARNT2 and CX3CR1 genes influence the risk of IA in high-risk hematological patients. We genotyped selected SNPs in a cohort of 500 hematological patients (103 of those had been diagnosed with proven or probable IA), and we evaluated their association with the risk of developing IA. The association of the most interesting markers of IA risk was then validated in a replication population, including 474 subjects (94 IA and 380 non-IA patients). Functional experiments were also performed to confirm the biological relevance of the most interesting markers. The meta-analysis of both populations showed that carriers of the ARNT2rs1374213G, CX3CR1rs7631529A, and CX3CR1rs9823718G alleles (where the RefSeq identifier appears as a subscript) had a significantly increased risk of developing IA according to a log-additive model (P value from the meta-analysis [PMeta] = 9.8 · 10-5, PMeta = 1.5 · 10-4, and PMeta =7.9 · 10-5, respectively). Haplotype analysis also confirmed the association of the CX3CR1 haplotype with AG CGG with an increased risk of IA (P = 4.0 · 10-4). Mechanistically, we observed that monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) from subjects carrying the ARNTR2rs1374213G allele or the GG genotype showed a significantly impaired fungicidal activity but that MDM from carriers of the ARNT2rs1374213G and CX3CR1rs9823718G or CX3CR1rs7631529A alleles had deregulated immune responses to Aspergillus conidia. These results, together with those from expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) data browsers showing a strong correlation of the CX3CR1rs9823718G allele with lower levels of CX3CR1 mRNA in whole peripheral blood (P = 2.46 · 10-7) and primary monocytes (P = 4.31 · 10-7), highlight the role of the ARNT2 and CX3CR1 loci in modulating and predicting IA risk and provide new insights into the host immune mechanisms involved in IA development.

Highly Sensitive Piezoresistive Graphene-Based Stretchable Composites for Sensing Applications.

Nanocarbonaceous materials with specific geometries and physicochemical properties allow the development of high-performance polymer-based smart composite materials. Among them, chemical treatments of graphene allow tailoring its electrical conductivity and, therefore, tuning functional response of materials for sensing applications. Polymer-based nanocomposites have been developed from styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS), a high deformation thermoplastic elastomer, and different graphene-based fillers, including graphene oxide (GO), reduced graphene oxide (rGO), and graphene nanoplatelets (G-NPLs). It is shown that the electrical conductivity shows a percolation threshold around 2 wt % for GO and rGO, remaining nearly independent of the filler content for G-NPL filler contents up to 6 wt %. Furthermore, GO/SEBS and rGO/SEBS composites show high piezoresistive sensibility with gauge factors ranging from 15 up to 120 for strains up to 10%. Thus, GO/SEBS and rGO/SEBS composites can represent a new generation of materials for strain sensor applications, as demonstrated in their implementation in a hand glove prototype with finger movement monitoring.

Paracoccidioidomycosis of the Central Nervous System: CT and MR Imaging Findings.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Paracoccidioidomycosis is a fungal infection mainly caused by the thermodimorphic fungus Paracoccidioides. The purpose of our study was to demonstrate the neuroimaging findings from 24 patients with CNS paracoccidioidomycosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis focusing on the radiologic characteristics of CNS paracoccidioidomycosis. The 24 selected patients underwent MR imaging and/or CT, and the diagnosis was made by the presence of typical neuroimaging features, combined with fungus isolation, a serologic test, or the presence of disseminated disease. RESULTS: Headache was the most common neurologic symptom, while the pseudotumoral form was the most common pattern. The number of lesions ranged from 1 to 11, with most localized on the frontal lobe with >2-cm lesions. CT showed mainly hypoattenuating lesions, whereas MR imaging demonstrated mainly hyposignal lesions on T1WI and T2WI. Furthermore, ring enhancement was present in most patients. The "dual rim sign" on SWI occurred in 100% of our patients with lesions of >2 cm. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of CNS paracoccidioidomycosis is difficult. Nevertheless, imaging examinations can play an important role in the diagnosis and evaluation of the disease.

Dietary Glycotoxins Impair Hepatic Lipidemic Profile in Diet-Induced Obese Rats Causing Hepatic Oxidative Stress and Insulin Resistance.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is caused by excessive liver lipid accumulation, but insulin resistance is specifically associated with impaired lipid saturation, oxidation, and storage (esterification), besides increased de novo lipogenesis. We hypothesized that dietary glycotoxins could impair hepatic lipid metabolism in obesity contributing to lipotoxicity-driven insulin resistance and thus to the onset of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). In diet-induced obese rats with methylglyoxal-induced glycation, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and gas chromatography were used to assess liver composition in fatty acyl chains and phospholipids. High-fat diet-induced obesity increased liver lipid fraction and suppressed de novo lipogenesis but did not change fatty acid esterification and saturation or insulin sensitivity. Despite a similar increase in total lipid fraction when supplementing the high-fat diet with dietary glycotoxins, impairment in the suppression of de novo lipogenesis and decreased fatty acid unsaturation and esterification were observed. Moreover, glycotoxins also decreased polyunsaturated cardiolipins and caused oxidative stress, portal inflammation, and insulin resistance in high-fat diet-induced obese rats. Dietary glycated products do not change total lipid levels in the liver of obese rats but dramatically modify the lipidemic profile, leading to oxidative stress, hepatic lipotoxicity, and insulin resistance in obesity and thus contribute to the onset of NASH.

Numerical and experimental evaluation of TPMS Gyroid scaffolds for bone tissue engineering.

The combination of computational methods with 3D printing allows for the control of scaffolds microstructure. Lately, triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMS) have been used to design porosity-controlled scaffolds for bone tissue engineering (TE). The goal of this work was to assess the mechanical properties of TPMS Gyroid structures with two porosity levels (50 and 70%). The scaffold stiffness function of porosity was determined by the asymptotic homogenisation method and confirmed by mechanical testing. Additionally, microCT analysis confirmed the quality of the printed parts. Thus, the potential of both design and manufacturing processes for bone TE applications is here demonstrated.

LED Optrode with Integrated Temperature Sensing for Optogenetics.

In optogenetic studies, the brain is exposed to high-power light sources and inadequate power density or exposure time can cause cell damage from overheating (typically temperature increasing of 2 ∘ C). In order to overcome overheating issues in optogenetics, this paper presents a neural tool capable of assessing tissue temperature over time, combined with the capability of electrical recording and optical stimulation. A silicon-based 8 mm long probe was manufactured to reach deep neural structures. The final proof-of-concept device comprises a double-sided function: on one side, an optrode with LED-based stimulation and platinum (Pt) recording points; and, on the opposite side, a Pt-based thin-film thermoresistance (RTD) for temperature assessing in the photostimulation site surroundings. Pt thin-films for tissue interface were chosen due to its biocompatibility and thermal linearity. A single-shaft probe is demonstrated for integration in a 3D probe array. A 3D probe array will reduce the distance between the thermal sensor and the heating source. Results show good recording and optical features, with average impedance magnitude of 371 k Ω , at 1 kHz, and optical power of 1.2 mW·mm - 2 (at 470 nm), respectively. The manufactured RTD showed resolution of 0.2 ∘ C at 37 ∘ C (normal body temperature). Overall, the results show a device capable of meeting the requirements of a neural interface for recording/stimulating of neural activity and monitoring temperature profile of the photostimulation site surroundings, which suggests a promising tool for neuroscience research filed.

Sensitive vs. tolerant Nitzschia palea (Kützing) W. Smith strains to atrazine: a biochemical perspective.

Organic contaminants, and herbicides in particular, represent a risk for aquatic ecosystems. The primary target of herbicides are producers, the base of food webs, but frequently they end up far from the application point affecting non-target species. Its presence can work as sub-lethal stimulus, which sort the genetic and phenotypic differences within a species. Intraspecific variation allows adaptation to changes in the environment but also to new niches due to variations in species' sensitivity and biochemical response to a certain chemical. A better understanding of these variations can lead to the development of improved strategies for ecosystem protection. This research aimed to compare a sensitive and a tolerant strain of the freshwater diatom Nitzschia palea to atrazine. Strains were exposed to three concentrations within their tolerance range, during 96 h. The activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione-S-transferases and glutathione peroxidases was determined. In addition, chlorophylls a and c, carotenoids, reduced glutathione, proteins and lipid peroxidation were quantified. Both strains displayed different strategies to deal with atrazine toxicity: while the sensitive strain decreased the oxidative stress, increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, the tolerant strain invested in conjugation pathways and carotenoids' maintenance.

Eritrocitose primária em cão: relato de caso / Primary erythrocytosis in dog: case report

A eritrocitose absoluta primária, também denominada de policitemia vera, é um distúrbio mieloproliferativo crônico de causa desconhecida, caracterizado pela proliferação clonal de células-tronco eritróides neoplásicas. Acomete cães de meia-idade entre seis e sete anos. As manifestações clínicas mais comuns são letargia, fraqueza, poliúria, polidipsia, sangramentos como epistaxe, hematúria, hematoemese, hematoquezia, até mesmo convulsões e ataxia. O diagnóstico é baseado em valores altos de hematócrito, geralmente acima de 70%, excluindo-se as causas de eritrocitose secundária. As concentrações séricas de eritropoietina estão normais ou diminuídas. O tratamento consiste em flebotomia e administração de hidroxiuréia. Relata-se o caso de uma cadela, raça Bichon Frise, 11 anos, que, no início do quadro, apresentou hematócrito de 84%, letargia, ataxia, mucosas congestas, cianose de língua, poliúria e polidipsia. Realizou-se o tratamento com hidroxiuréia durante oito anos, na dose de 15 a 30 mg/kg, a cada 24 horas, sem ocorrência de efeitos colaterais ou recidiva das manifestações clínicas.(AU)

Primary absolute erythrocytosis, also termed polycythemia vera, is a chronic myeloproliferative disorder of unknown cause. It is characterized by clonal proliferation of neoplastic erythroid stem cells. It affects middle-aged dogs between 6-7 years. The most common clinical manifestations are lethargy, weakness, polyuria, polydipsia, and bleeding such as epistaxis, hematuria, hematoemese, and hematochezia. Seizures and ataxia are also common. Diagnosis is based on high hematocrit values, generally above 70% excluding the causes of secondary erythrocytosis. Serum concentrations of erythropoietin are at a normal level or decreased level. Treatments consists of hydroxyurea and phlebotomy management. It is reported that case of female Bichon Frise, 11 years old who onset of the disease had a hematocrit of 84%, lethargy, ataxia, congested mucous membranes, tongue cyanosis, polyuria and polydipsia. The treatment with hydroxyurea was performed for 8 years, at a dose of 15 to 20mg/kg, every 24 hours, without occurrence of side effects or recurrence of clinical manifestations.(AU)

Evidence and molecular characterization of Bartonella spp. and hemoplasmas in neotropical bats in Brazil.

The order Chiroptera is considered the second largest group of mammals in the world, hosting important zoonotic virus and bacteria. Bartonella and hemotropic mycoplasmas are bacteria that parasite different mammals' species, including humans, causing different clinical manifestations. The present work aimed investigating the occurrence and assessing the phylogenetic positioning of Bartonella spp. and Mycoplasma spp. in neotropical bats sampled from Brazil. Between December 2015 and April 2016, 325 blood and/or tissues samples were collected from 162 bats comprising 19 different species sampled in five states of Brazil. Out of 322 bat samples collected, while 17 (5·28%) were positive to quantitative PCR for Bartonella spp. based on nuoG gene, 45 samples (13·97%) were positive to cPCR assays for hemoplasmas based on 16S rRNA gene. While seven sequences were obtained for Bartonella (nuoG) (n = 3), gltA (n = 2), rpoB (n = 1), ftsZ (n = 1), five 16S rRNA sequences were obtained for hemoplasmas. In the phylogenetic analysis, the Bartonella sequences clustered with Bartonella genotypes detected in bats sampled in Latin America countries. All five hemoplasmas sequences clustered together as a monophyletic group by Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian Inference analyses. The present work showed the first evidence of circulation of Bartonella spp. and hemoplasmas among bats in Brazil.

Design and manufacturing challenges of optogenetic neural interfaces: a review.

Optogenetics is a relatively new technology to achieve cell-type specific neuromodulation with millisecond-scale temporal precision. Optogenetic tools are being developed to address neuroscience challenges, and to improve the knowledge about brain networks, with the ultimate aim of catalyzing new treatments for brain disorders and diseases. To reach this ambitious goal the implementation of mature and reliable engineered tools is required. The success of optogenetics relies on optical tools that can deliver light into the neural tissue. Objective/Approach: Here, the design and manufacturing approaches available to the scientific community are reviewed, and current challenges to accomplish appropriate scalable, multimodal and wireless optical devices are discussed. SIGNIFICANCE: Overall, this review aims at presenting a helpful guidance to the engineering and design of optical microsystems for optogenetic applications.

Melanized fungal infections in kidney transplant recipients: contributions to optimize clinical management.

OBJECTIVES: This is a retrospective and observational study addressing clinical and therapeutic aspects of melanized fungal infections in kidney transplant recipients. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of all patients admitted between January 1996 and December 2013 in a single institution who developed infections by melanized fungi. RESULTS: We reported on 56 patients aged between 30 and 74 years with phaeohyphomycosis or chromoblastomycosis (0.54 cases per 100 kidney transplants). The median time to diagnosis post-transplant was 31.2 months. Thirty-four (60.8%) infections were reported in deceased donor recipients. Fifty-one cases of phaeohyphomycosis were restricted to subcutaneous tissues, followed by two cases with pneumonia and one with brain involvement. Most dermatological lesions were represented by cysts (23/51; 45.1%) or nodules (9/51; 17.9%). Exophiala spp. (34.2%) followed by Alternaria spp. (7.9%) were the most frequent pathogens. Graft loss and death occurred in two patients and one patient, respectively. Regarding episodes of subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis, a complete surgical excision without antifungal therapy was possible in 21 of 51 (41.2%) patients. Long periods of itraconazole were required to treat the other 30 (58.8%) episodes of subcutaneous disease. All four cases of chromoblastomycosis were treated only with antifungal therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Melanized fungal infections should be considered in the differential diagnosis of all chronic skin lesions in transplant recipients. It is suggested that the impact of these infections on graft function and mortality is low. The reduction in immunosuppression should be limited to severely ill patients.

Influence of dentin thickness on intrapulpal temperature under simulated pulpal pressure during Nd:YAG laser irradiation.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of dentin thickness and pulpal pressure simulation (PPS) on the variation of intrapulpal temperature (∆T) when submitted to an adhesive technique using laser irradiation. Sixty sound human molars were sectioned and randomly divided into two groups (n = 30): group 1-1 mm of dentin thickness; group 2-2 mm of dentin thickness. Each group was divided into two subgroups (n = 15): subgroup A-absence of PPS; subgroup P-presence of PPS (15 cm H2O), sequentially treated with the following: 37 % phosphoric acid, adhesive system (Adper Single Bond), irradiation with Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm, 10 Hz, 60 s) using 60, 80, and 100 mJ/pulse energy parameters and light-curing (10 s). The ∆T was evaluated during the laser irradiation with a digital thermometer. Data were analyzed by three-way ANOVA and Tukey tests (p < 0.05). Three-way ANOVA revealed no significant differences for dentin thickness (p = 0.6512) on ∆T. PPS significantly reduced ∆T (p = 0.0001). The laser energy parameters (p = 0.0027) indicated that 100 mJ presented with significantly greater ∆T when compared to the groups irradiated with 80 and 60 mJ. Dentin thickness did not affect ∆T. The presence of PPS reduced the mean temperature values. The Nd:YAG laser energy parameters had a negative influence on the variation of temperature in the absence of PPS. In the presence of PPS, there was no risk to the pulp, since this study obtained temperature increases below 5.5 °C for all energy parameters, showing the technical viability for in vivo conditions.

Choosing sheep (Ovis aries) as animal model for temporomandibular joint research: Morphological, histological and biomechanical characterization of the joint disc.

Preclinical trials are essential to the development of scientific technologies. Remarkable molecular and cellular research has been done using small animal models. However, significant differences exist regarding the articular behavior between these models and humans. Thus, large animal models may be more appropriate to perform trials involving the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The aim of this work was to make a morphological (anatomic dissection and white light 3D scanning system), histological (TMJ in bloc was removed for histologic analysis) and biomechanical characterization (tension and compression tests) of sheep TMJ comparing the obtained results with human data. Results showed that sheep processus condylaris and fossa mandibularis are anatomically similar to the same human structures. TMJ disc has an elliptical perimeter, thinner in the center than in periphery. Peripheral area acts as a ring structure supporting the central zone. The disc cells display both fibroblast and chondrocyte-like morphology. Marginal area is formed by loose connective tissue, with some chondrocyte-like cells and collagen fibers in diverse orientations. Discs obtained a tensile modulus of 3.97±0.73MPa and 9.39±1.67MPa, for anteroposterior and mediolateral assessment. The TMJ discs presented a compressive modulus (E) of 446.41±5.16MPa and their maximum stress value (σmax) was 18.87±1.33MPa. Obtained results suggest that these animals should be considered as a prime model for TMJ research and procedural training. Further investigations in the field of oromaxillofacial surgery involving TMJ should consider sheep as a good animal model due to its resemblance of the same joint in humans.

Brain and behaviour phenotyping of a mouse model of neurofibromatosis type-1: an MRI/DTI study on social cognition.

Neurofibromatosis type-1 (NF1) is a common neurogenetic disorder and an important cause of intellectual disability. Brain-behaviour associations can be examined in vivo using morphometric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to study brain structure. Here, we studied structural and behavioural phenotypes in heterozygous Nf1 mice (Nf1(+/-) ) using T2-weighted imaging MRI and DTI, with a focus on social recognition deficits. We found that Nf1(+/-) mice have larger volumes than wild-type (WT) mice in regions of interest involved in social cognition, the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and the caudate-putamen (CPu). Higher diffusivity was found across a distributed network of cortical and subcortical brain regions, within and beyond these regions. Significant differences were observed for the social recognition test. Most importantly, significant structure-function correlations were identified concerning social recognition performance and PFC volumes in Nf1(+/-) mice. Analyses of spatial learning corroborated the previously known deficits in the mutant mice, as corroborated by platform crossings, training quadrant time and average proximity measures. Moreover, linear discriminant analysis of spatial performance identified 2 separate sub-groups in Nf1(+/-) mice. A significant correlation between quadrant time and CPu volumes was found specifically for the sub-group of Nf1(+/-) mice with lower spatial learning performance, suggesting additional evidence for reorganization of this region. We found strong evidence that social and spatial cognition deficits can be associated with PFC/CPu structural changes and reorganization in NF1.

Outcomes of elective cryopreserved single or double embryo transfers following failure to conceive after fresh single embryo transfer.

The main adverse effect of IVF is the high multiple pregnancy rate resulting from the transfer of two or more embryos. The objective was to evaluate pregnancy rates in infertile women with a good prognosis who failed to conceive in a fresh elective single embryo transfer (eSET) and had a second cycle with elective double vitrified-warmed embryo transfer (eDFET) compared with elective single vitrified-warmed embryo transfer (eSFET). A total of 142 intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles using a conventional protocol were evaluated. Good-prognosis patients underwent eSET in a fresh cycle, and those who failed to conceive underwent a second vitrified-warmed embryo transfer: eDFET (n = 102) or eSFET (n = 40). Embryos were transferred and vitrified on day 5 of development. Patients who received eDFET had fewer implantations (30.9%) than eSFET (52.5%; P = 0.004); pregnancy rates were similar (eDFET: 35.3%, eSFET: 42.5%). Patients with the eSFET had one monozygotic twin (5.9%), and 22.2% of eDFET patients had multiple pregnancies. Patients with a good prognosis who failed to conceive in the first fresh eSET did not have an advantage when receiving eDFET in the second cycle, as pregnancy rates were similar; 22.2% of patients in the eDFET group had multiple pregnancies.

Using the mini-VIDAS(®) Easy Salmonella protocol to assess contamination in transitional and coastal waters.

Classical methodologies for Salmonella detection may be too long in time to assure public safety. Presently, one of the fastest assays for Salmonella detection using the mini-VIDAS(®) system is the Easy Salmonella protocol. This assay, developed for food matrixes analysis, was here assessed for the applicability on the detection of these bacteria in transitional and saltwaters. The presence of Salmonella was detected in 4.2 % of the samples studied. In these transitional waters, the proposed protocol presented an efficiency of 79.1 %, due to a high false positive rate (20.8 %), and a false negative rate of 0 %-implying reducing analysis time, the use of enrichment broths, and making it more cost effective. Despite the multitude of samples nature, the method here described revealed to be an efficient and promising tool for transitional waters analysis.

Influence of Nd:YAG laser on intrapulpal temperature and bond strength of human dentin under simulated pulpal pressure.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of simulated pulpal pressure (SPP) on the variation of intrapulpal temperature (ΔT) and microtensile bond strength (µTBS) to dentin submitted to an adhesive technique using laser irradiation. One hundred sound human molars were randomly divided into two groups (n = 50), according to the presence or absence of SPP (15 cm H2O). Each group was divided into five subgroups (n = 10) according to Nd:YAG laser energy (60, 80, 100, 120, 140 mJ/pulse). The samples were sequentially treated with the following: 37 % phosphoric acid, adhesive (Scotchbond Universal), irradiation with Nd:YAG laser (60 s), and light curing (10 s). ΔT was evaluated during laser irradiation using a type K thermocouple. Next, a composite resin block was build up onto the irradiated area. After 48 h, samples were submitted to microtensile test (10 kgf load cell, 0.5 mm/min). Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey tests (p = 0.05). ANOVA revealed significant differences for ΔT and TBS in the presence of SPP. For ΔT, the highest mean (14.3 ± 3.23 °C)(A) was observed in 140 mJ and without SPP. For µTBS, the highest mean (33.4 ± 4.15 MPa)(A) was observed in 140 mJ and without SPP. SPP significantly reduced both ΔT and µTBS during adhesive procedures, lower laser energy parameters resulted in smaller ΔT, and the laser parameters did not influence the µTBS values.