Remote and Proximal Sensors Data Fusion: Digital Twins in Irrigation Management Zoning.

The scientific field of precision agriculture employs increasingly innovative techniques to optimize inputs, maximize profitability, and reduce environmental impact. However, obtaining a high number of soil samples is challenging in order to make precision agriculture viable. There is a trade-off between the amount of data needed and the time and resources spent to obtain these data compared to the accuracy of the maps produced with more or fewer points. In the present study, the research was based on an exhaustive dataset of apparent electrical conductivity (aEC) containing 3906 points distributed along 26 transects with spacing between each of up to 40 m, measured by the proximal soil sensor EM38-MK2, for a grain-producing area of 72 ha in São Paulo, Brazil. A second sparse dataset was simulated, showing only four transects with a 400 m distance and, in the end, only 162 aEC points. The aEC map via ordinary kriging (OK) from the grid with 26 transects was considered the reference, and two other mapping approaches were used to map aEC via sparse grid: kriging with external drift (KED) and geographically weighted regression (GWR). These last two methods allow the increment of auxiliary variables, such as those obtained by remote sensors that present spatial resolution compatible with the pivot scale, such as data from the Landsat-8, Aster, and Sentinel-2 satellites, as well as ten terrain covariates derived from the Alos Palsar digital elevation model. The KED method, when used with the sparse dataset, showed a relatively good fit to the aEC data (R2 = 0.78), with moderate prediction accuracy (MAE = 1.26, RMSE = 1.62) and reasonable predictability (RPD = 1.76), outperforming the GWR method, which had the weakest performance (R2 = 0.57, MAE = 1.78, RMSE = 2.30, RPD = 0.81). The reference aEC map using the exhaustive dataset and OK showed the highest accuracy with an R2 of 0.97, no systematic bias (ME = 0), and excellent precision (RMSE = 0.56, RPD = 5.86). Management zones (MZs) derived from these maps were validated using soil texture data from clay samples measured at 0-10 cm depth in a grid of 72 points. The KED method demonstrated the highest potential for accurately defining MZs for irrigation, producing a map that closely resembled the reference MZ map, thereby providing reliable guidance for irrigation management.

Can human sex be estimated based on the dimensions of the maxillary sinuses? A systematic review of the literature on cone-beam and multi-slice computed tomography.

PURPOSE: To critically appraise and summarize the potential of linear and/or volumetric dimensions of the maxillary sinuses obtained with cone-beam and multi-slice computed tomography. METHODS: A bibliographic search was conducted in seven databases in August 2023. Cross-sectional retrospective studies using linear and volumetric measurements of the maxillary sinuses obtained with cone-beam and multi-slice computed tomography for sex estimation and presenting numerical estimation data were included. Narrative or systematic reviews, letters to the editor, case reports, laboratory studies in animals, and experimental studies were excluded. The critical appraisal and certainty of evidence were assessed using the guidelines described by Fowkes and Fulton and GRADE, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 656 studies were found, 32 of which were included. A total of 3631 individuals were analyzed and the overall sex estimation rate ranged from 54.9 % to 95 %. When compared with isolated measurements, combined linear measurements of the right and left maxillary sinuses, such as width, length, and height, provided a higher rate of sex estimation (54.9-95 %). In most of the studies (62.5 %), all measurements were higher in men than in women. Multiple methodological problems were found in the studies, especially distorting influences in 84.4 % of the answers. The certainty of evidence varied from very low to low. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of height, width, and length measurements of the right and left maxillary sinuses from cone-beam and multi-slice computed tomography can be useful in the estimation of sex of humans. Further primary studies are needed to increase the certainty of evidence. PROSPERO REGISTER: CRD42020161922.

Impact of the spatial orientation of the patient's head, metal artifact reduction, and tube current on cone-beam computed tomography artifact expression adjacent to a dental implant: A laboratory study using a simulated surgical guide.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate image artifacts in the vicinity of dental implants in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans obtained with different spatial orientations, tube current levels, and metal artifact reduction algorithm (MAR) conditions. Materials and Methods: One dental implant and 2 tubes filled with a radiopaque solution were placed in the posterior region of a mandible using a surgical guide to ensure parallel alignment. CBCT scans were acquired with the mandible in 2 spatial orientations in relation to the X-ray projection plane (standard and modified) at 3 tube current levels: 5, 8, and 11 mA. CBCT scans were repeated without the implant and were reconstructed with and without MAR. The mean voxel and noise values of each tube were obtained and compared using multi-way analysis of variance and the Tukey test (α=0.05). Results: Mean voxel values were significantly higher and noise values were significantly lower in the modified orientation than in the standard orientation (P<0.05). MAR activation and tube current levels did not show significant differences in most cases of the modified spatial orientation and in the absence of the dental implant (P>0.05). Conclusion: Modifying the spatial orientation of the head increased brightness and reduced spatial orientation noise in adjacent regions of a dental implant, with no influence from the tube current level and MAR.

Oral Treatment with the Pectin Fibre Obtained from Yellow Passion Fruit Peels Worsens Sepsis Outcome in Mice by Affecting the Intestinal Barrier.

The biological activities of plant-derived soluble dietary fibres (SDFs) have been widely investigated. Pectin from yellow passion fruit (YPF-peSDF) peels was suggested as a protective macromolecule in ulcers and colitis due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Sepsis has high mortality and morbidity and is characterised by inflammatory and oxidative stress imbalances. Evidence suggests that pectins may aid sepsis treatment; however, the effects of YPF-peSDF on sepsis remain unclear. Herein, polymicrobial sepsis was induced by cecal-ligation and puncture in mice treated with YPF-peSDF (1 and 10 mg/kg; gavage). YPF-peSDF accelerated mortality, reaching 100% in 24 h. Inflammation was present in the colons and small intestines (SI) of both vehicle- and fibre-treated mice. Although crypt depth and width, and villus height were preserved in the SI of septic mice administered YPF-peSDF, they exhibited exacerbated muscle layer atrophy and mucosa and submucosa hypertrophy, along with shortened enterocytes. Larger crypts and shorter enterocytes were noted in their colons in comparison with vehicle-controls. YPF-peSDF also reduced inflammatory cell numbers and exacerbated IL-6 levels in peritoneal lavage fluid (PELF) samples. YPF-peSDF modulated SI but not colon cytokines. Lipoperoxidation and antioxidant capacity levels were attenuated in PELF samples. Overall, in contrast to previous evidence, YPF-peSDF worsened polymicrobial sepsis outcomes in mice.

Influence of tube current and metal artifact reduction on the diagnosis of external cervical resorption in teeth adjacent to a dental implant in CBCT: an ex-vivo study.

OBJECTIVES: This ex-vivo study aimed to assess the influence of tube current (mA) and metal artifact reduction (MAR) on the diagnosis of early external cervical resorption (EECR) in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in the presence of an adjacent dental implant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-three single-rooted teeth were sectioned longitudinally and EECR was induced using a spherical drill and 5% nitric acid in 10 teeth. Each tooth was positioned in the socket of the lower right canine of a dry human mandible and CBCT scans were acquired using 90 kVp, voxel of 0.085 mm, field of view of 5 x 5 cm, and varying tube current (4, 8 or 12 mA), MAR (enabled or disabled) and implant conditions (with a zirconia implant in the socket of the lower right first premolar or without). Five oral radiologists evaluated the presence of EECR in a 5-point scale and the diagnostic values (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve - AUC, sensitivity, and specificity) were compared using multi-way Analysis of Variance (α = 0.05). Kappa test assessed intra-/inter-evaluator agreement. RESULTS: The tube current only influenced the AUC values in the presence of the implant and when MAR disabled; in this case, 8 mA showed lower values (p<0.007). MAR did not influence the diagnostic values (p>0.05). In general, the presence of an implant reduced the AUC values (p<0.0001); sensitivity values with 8 mA and MAR disabled, and specificity values with 4 mA and MAR enabled and 8 mA regardless MAR were also decreased (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Variations in tube current and MAR were unable to improve EECR detection, which was impaired by the presence of an adjacent implant. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Increasing tube current or activating MAR tool does not improve EECR diagnosis, which is hampered by the artifacts generated by dental implants.

Maternal Vitamin D Deficiency Impairs the Development of ß Cells in Offspring Rats in a Sex-Dependent Manner.

Recent studies have shown that maternal vitamin D deficiency (VDD) causes long-term metabolic changes in offspring. However, little is known about the impact of maternal VDD on offspring endocrine pancreas development and insulin secretion in the adult life of male and female animals. Female rats (Wistar Hannover) were fed either control (1000 IU Vitamin D3/kg), VDD (0 IU Vitamin D3/kg), or a Ca2+-enriched VDD diet (0 IU Vitamin D3/kg + Ca2+ and P/kg) for 6 weeks and during gestation and lactation. At weaning, VDD status was confirmed based on low serum calcidiol levels in dams and pups. Next, male and female offspring were randomly separated and fed a standard diet for up to 90 days. At this age, serum calcidiol levels were restored to normal levels in all groups, but serum insulin levels were decreased in VDD males without affecting glucagon levels, glycemia, or glucose tolerance. Islets isolated from VDD males showed lower insulin secretion in response to different glucose concentrations, but this effect was not observed in VDD females. Furthermore, VDD males, but not females, showed a smaller total pancreatic islet area and lower ß cell mass, an effect that was accompanied by reduced gene expression of Ins1, Ins2, Pdx1, and SLC2A2. The decrease in Pdx1 expression was not related to the methylation profile of the promoter region of this gene. Most of these effects were observed in the male VDD+Ca2+ group, indicating that the effects were not due to alterations in Ca2+ metabolism. These data show that maternal VDD selectively impairs the morphology and function of ß cells in adult male offspring rats and that female offspring are fully protected from these deleterious effects.

Potential impact of metal crowns at varying distances from a carious lesion on its detection on cone-beam computed tomography scans with several protocols.

Purpose: This study evaluated the impact of artifacts generated by metal crowns on the detection of proximal caries lesions in teeth at various distances using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Additionally, the diagnostic impacts of tube current and metal artifact reduction (MAR) were investigated. Materials and Methods: Thirty teeth were arranged within 10 phantoms, each containing 1 first premolar, 1 second premolar, and 1 second molar. A sound first molar (for the control group) or a tooth with a metal crown was placed. Of the 60 proximal surfaces evaluated, 15 were sound and 45 exhibited enamel caries. CBCT scans were acquired using an OP300 Maxio unit (Instrumentarium, Tuusula, Finland), while varying the tube current (4, 8, or 12.5 mA) and enabling or disabling MAR. Five observers assessed mesial and distal surfaces using a 5-point scale. Multi-way analysis of variance was employed for data comparison, with P<0.05 indicating statistical significance. Results: The area under the curve (AUC) varied from 0.40 to 0.60 (sensitivity: 0.28-0.45, specificity: 0.44-0.80). The diagnostic accuracy was not significantly affected by the presence of a metal crown, milliamperage, or MAR (P>0.05). However, the overall AUC and specificity were significantly lower for surfaces near a crown (P<0.05). Conclusion: CBCT-based caries detection was not influenced by the presence of a metal crown, variations in milliamperage, or MAR activation. However, the diagnostic accuracy was low and was further diminished for surfaces near a crown. Consequently, CBCT is not recommended for the detection of incipient caries lesions.

Performance of a commercially available Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT) in describing radiolucent lesions in panoramic radiographs and establishing differential diagnoses.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the performance of a commercially available Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT) in describing and establishing differential diagnoses for radiolucent lesions in panoramic radiographs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight panoramic radiographs, each containing a single radiolucent lesion, were evaluated in consensus by three examiners and a commercially available ChatGPT-3.5 model. They provided descriptions regarding internal structure (radiodensity, loculation), periphery (margin type, cortication), shape, location (bone, side, region, teeth/structures), and effects on adjacent structures (effect, adjacent structure). Diagnostic impressions related to origin, behavior, and nature were also provided. The GPT program was additionally prompted to provide differential diagnoses. Keywords used by the GPT program were compared to those used by the examiners and scored as 0 (incorrect), 0.5 (partially correct), or 1 (correct). Mean score values and standard deviation were calculated for each description. Performance in establishing differential diagnoses was assessed using Rank-1, -2, and - 3. RESULTS: Descriptions of margination, affected bone, and origin received the highest scores: 0.93, 0.93, and 0.87, respectively. Shape, region, teeth/structures, effect, affected region, and nature received considerably lower scores ranging from 0.22 to 0.50. Rank-1, -2, and - 3 demonstrated accuracy in 25%, 57.14%, and 67.85% of cases, respectively. CONCLUSION: The performance of the GPT program in describing and providing differential diagnoses for radiolucent lesions in panoramic radiographs is variable and at this stage limited in its use for clinical application. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Understanding the potential role of GPT systems as an auxiliary tool in image interpretation is imperative to validate their clinical applicability.

Highly selective alkylcoumarates and diterpenoids isolated from leaves of Baccharis quitensis: a search for new hit compounds against Trypanosoma cruzi.

In the present work, the hexane extract of aerial parts of Baccharis quitensis Kunth. was subjected to chromatographic fractionation to afford two alkyl phenylpropanoids: n-docosyl (E)-p-coumarate (1) and n-tetracosyl (E)-p-coumarate (2) as well as five diterpenes: ent-kaurenoic acid (3), grandifloric acid (4), 15ß-senecioyl-oxy-ent-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid (5), and 15-oxo-ent-kaurenoic acid (6). Using an ex-vivo assay with macrophages infected with Trypanosoma cruzi, compounds 1 and 2 demonstrated high potency against intracellular amastigotes, with EC50 values of 7.5 and 6.9 µM, respectively. Compound 6 revealed a moderate potency against T. cruzi, with an EC50 of 25.6 µM, and compounds 3-5 showed no effectiveness. Additionally, compounds 1-6 compounds presented no toxicity for mammalian cells to the highest tested concentration of 200 µM. Based on potency and the selectivity indexes of 1, 2 and 6, these compounds could be future candidates for optimisation studies for the design of prototypes against Chagas disease.

A method for isolating contractile smooth muscle cells from cryopreserved tissue.

Multiple techniques have been developed to isolate contractile smooth muscle cells (SMCs) from tissues with varying degrees of success. However, most of these approaches rely on obtaining fresh tissue, which poses logistical challenges. In the present study, we introduce a novel protocol for isolating contractile SMCs from cryopreserved smooth muscle (SM) tissue, thereby enhancing experimental efficiency. This protocol yields abundant viable, spindle-shaped, contractile SMCs that closely resemble those obtained from fresh samples. By analyzing the expression of contractile proteins, we demonstrate that both the isolated SMCs from cryopreserved tissue represent more accurately fresh SM tissue compared with cultured SMCs. Moreover, we demonstrate the importance of a brief incubation step of the tissue in culture medium before cell dissociation to achieve contractile SMCs. Finally, we provide a concise overview of our protocol optimization efforts, along with a summary of previously published methods, which could be valuable for the development of similar protocols for other species.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We report a successful protocol development for isolating contractile smooth muscle cells (SMCs) from cryopreserved tissue reducing the reliance on fresh tissues and providing a readily available source of contractile SMCs. Our findings suggest that SMCs isolated using our protocol maintain their phenotype better compared with cultured SMCs. This preservation of the cellular characteristics, including the expression of key contractile proteins, makes these cells more representative of fresh SM tissue.

Can Digital Enhancement Restore the Image Quality of Phosphor Plate-Based Radiographs Partially Damaged by Ambient Light?

To assess the effect of digital enhancement on the image quality of radiographs obtained with photostimulable phosphor (PSP) plates partially damaged by ambient light. Radiographs of an aluminum step wedge were obtained using the VistaScan and Express systems. Half of the PSP plates was exposed to ambient light for 0, 10, 30, 60, or 90 s before being scanned. The resulting radiographs were exported with and without digital enhancement. Metrics for brightness, contrast, and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were derived, and the ratio of each metric between the exposed-to-light and non-exposed-to-light halves of the radiographs was calculated. The resulting ratios of the radiographs with digital enhancement were subtracted from those without digital enhancement and compared among each other. For the VistaScan system, digital enhancement partially restored brightness, contrast, and CNR. For the Express system, digital enhancement only restored CNR and not the impact of ambient light on brightness and contrast. Specifically, digital enhancement restored 23.48% of brightness for the VistaScan, while percentages below 1% were observed for the Express. Digital enhancement restored 53.25% of image contrast for the VistaScan and 5.79% for the Express; 40.71% of CNR was restored for the VistaScan, and 35% for the Express. Digital enhancement can partially restore the damage caused by ambient light on the brightness and contrast of PSP-based radiographs obtained with the VistaScan, as well as on CNR for the VistaScan and Express systems. The exposure of PSP plates to light can lead to unnecessary retakes and increased patient exposure to X-rays.

Feasibility of frozen soft tissues to simulate fresh soft tissue conditions in cone beam CT scans.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the feasibility of frozen soft tissues in simulating fresh soft tissues of pig mandibles using cone beam CT (CBCT). METHODS: Two fresh pig mandibles with soft tissues containing 2 tubes filled with a radiopaque homogeneous solution were scanned using 4 CBCT units and 2 field-of-view (FOV) sizes each. The pig mandibles were deep-frozen and scanned again. Three cross-sections were exported from each CBCT volume and grouped into pairs, with one cross-section representing a fresh and one a frozen mandible. Three radiologists compared the pairs and attributed a score to assess the relative image quality using a 5-point scale. Mean grey values and standard deviation were obtained from homogeneous areas in the tubes, compared using the Wilcoxon matched-pair signed-rank test and subjected to Pearson correlation analysis between fresh and frozen physical states (α = .05). RESULTS: Subjective evaluation revealed similarity of the CBCT image quality between fresh and frozen states. The distribution of mean grey values was similar between fresh and frozen states. Mean grey values of the frozen state in the small FOV were significantly greater than those of the fresh state (P = .037), and noise values of the frozen state in the large FOV were significantly greater than those of the fresh state (P = 0.007). Both mean grey values and noise exhibited significant and positive correlations between fresh and frozen states (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The freezing of pig mandibles with soft tissues may serve as a method to prolong their usability and working time when CBCT imaging is planned.

High-density objects in exomass affect the volume of high-density objects inside the field of view.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of the presence and the number of high-density objects in the exomass on the volume of a high-density object in cone-beam CT (CBCT). METHODS: Cylinders of cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr), titanium (Ti), and zirconium (Zi) were inserted into a polymethylmethacrylate phantom in five different combinations of number and position: 1-no cylinder; 2-one cylinder in a posterior region; 3-one cylinder in an anterior region; 4-two cylinders in posterior regions; and 5-three cylinders in anterior and posterior regions. The phantom underwent CBCT scanning using OP300 and X800 systems, with the afore mentioned cylinders of the same composition placed in the exomass and an additional high-density cylinder placed in the centre of the field of view (FOV), corresponding to the left-anterior region. The tomographic volume of the cylinder inside the FOV was measured using semi-automatic segmentation. The volumetric alteration (VA) between the segmented and physical volumes, in percentage, was compared among the experimental groups using repeated measures ANOVA and Tukey post-hoc (α = 5%). RESULTS: The factors material, combination, and their interaction affected the volume or both CBCT systems. In OP300, more cylinders in the exomass reduced the VA, mainly for Co-Cr. In X800, more cylinders in the exomass tended to increase the VA inside the FOV, except for Zi. CONCLUSIONS: In general, the presence of high-density objects in the exomass influences the VA of the object inside the FOV, although this oscillates according to object composition, number and position in the exomass, and CBCT system.

Accuracy of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Clinical Endodontic Applications: A Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION: The development of dedicated coils and new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences has led to an increase in image resolution and a reduction in artifacts. Consequently, numerous studies have demonstrated the utility of MRI as a nonionizing alternative to cone-beam computed tomographic imaging. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the accuracy of MRI in clinical applications in endodontics. METHODS: A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science. The inclusion criteria encompassed studies evaluating MRI applications in endodontics, covering tooth and root canal anatomy, root canal working length, pulp vitality and regeneration, the effect of caries on dental pulp, guided endodontics, periapical lesions, and root cracks/fractures. The selected studies examined both ex vivo and in vivo human teeth using clinical MRI units. Two researchers independently screened the studies, applied the eligibility criteria, and assessed the potential risk of bias using the revised QUADAS-2 tool (Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, UK). RESULTS: A total of 18 studies were included in this systematic review, demonstrating that the use of MRI has a high diagnostic value in endodontics. In the evaluation of tooth and root canal anatomy, pulp vitality and regeneration, the effect of caries on dental pulp, periapical lesions, and root cracks/fractures, MRI's accuracy is comparable to or even higher than reference standards such as cone-beam computed tomographic imaging, micro-computed tomographic imaging, and histology. CONCLUSIONS: MRI has high potential accuracy for diagnosing various clinical endodontic tasks, except for root canal length, size of caries, and periapical lesion dimensions, which are overestimated in MRI.

Do voxel size and filter application on CBCT images improve the diagnosis of condylar morphological alterations? An ex vivo study.

BACKGROUND: There is no established protocol for the low doses of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) acquisition and filter application on the diagnosis of condylar morphological alterations. OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to evaluate the influence of voxel size and filter application on the diagnosis of condylar morphological alterations in CBCT using an ex vivo model. METHODS: CBCT scans of 36 temporomandibular joints were acquired using OP300 Maxio with voxel sizes of 0.085, 0.125 and 0.280 mm. Three radiologists evaluated the condyles in the CBCT volumes under three filter modes: no filter, '1x' sharpen filter and '2x' sharpen filter. The area under the ROC curve, sensitivity and specificity were calculated by comparing the evaluators' responses with the reference standard and compared among experimental groups using analysis of variance (ANOVA) (α = 5%). RESULTS: The area under the ROC curve, sensitivity and specificity were not affected by voxel size and filter application (p > .05). For osteophyte and flattening, there were more true-positive responses in smaller voxel size. For erosion, the increase of true- and false-positive responses occurred with a larger voxel size. Overall, there was a tendency to decrease true positives for osteophyte and erosion and increase false positives for flattening with the '2x' sharpen filter. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of condylar morphological alterations assessed in this ex vivo analysis is not influenced by the voxel size and the application of the filters. However, attention is needed with the occurrence of false-positive diagnosis with a larger voxel size for erosion and '2x' sharpen filter for flattening.

Impact of the spatial orientation of the patient’s head, metal artifact reduction, and tube current on cone-beam computed tomography artifact expression adjacent to a dental implant: A laboratory study using a simulated surgical guide

Purpose@#The aim of this study was to evaluate image artifacts in the vicinity of dental implants in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans obtained with different spatial orientations, tube current levels, and metal artifact reduction algorithm (MAR) conditions. @*Materials and Methods@#One dental implant and 2 tubes filled with a radiopaque solution were placed in the posterior region of a mandible using a surgical guide to ensure parallel alignment. CBCT scans were acquired with the mandible in 2 spatial orientations in relation to the X-ray projection plane (standard and modified) at 3 tube current levels: 5, 8, and 11 mA. CBCT scans were repeated without the implant and were reconstructed with and without MAR. The mean voxel and noise values of each tube were obtained and compared using multi-way analysis of variance and the Tukey test (α = 0.05). @*Results@#Mean voxel values were significantly higher and noise values were significantly lower in the modified orientation than in the standard orientation (P0.05). @*Conclusion@#Modifying the spatial orientation of the head increased brightness and reduced spatial orientation noise in adjacent regions of a dental implant, with no influence from the tube current level and MAR.

Potential impact of metal crowns at varying distances from a carious lesion on its detection on cone-beam computed tomography scans with several protocols

Purpose@#This study evaluated the impact of artifacts generated by metal crowns on the detection of proximal caries lesions in teeth at various distances using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Additionally, the diagnostic impacts of tube current and metal artifact reduction (MAR) were investigated. @*Materials and Methods@#Thirty teeth were arranged within 10 phantoms, each containing 1 first premolar, 1 second premolar, and 1 second molar. A sound first molar (for the control group) or a tooth with a metal crown was placed. Of the 60 proximal surfaces evaluated, 15 were sound and 45 exhibited enamel caries. CBCT scans were acquired using an OP300 Maxio unit (Instrumentarium, Tuusula, Finland), while varying the tube current (4, 8, or 12.5 mA) and enabling or disabling MAR. Five observers assessed mesial and distal surfaces using a 5-point scale. Multi-way analysis of variance was employed for data comparison, with P0.05). However, the overall AUC and specificity were significantly lower for surfaces near a crown (P<0.05). @*Conclusion@#CBCT-based caries detection was not influenced by the presence of a metal crown, variations in milliamperage, or MAR activation. However, the diagnostic accuracy was low and was further diminished for surfaces near a crown. Consequently, CBCT is not recommended for the detection of incipient caries lesions.

Synthesis, characterization, and cytotoxic effects of new copper complexes using Schiff-base derivatives from natural sources.

Copper(II) complexes are interesting for cancer treatment due to their unique properties, including their redox potential, possible coordination structures with different ligands, the most diverse geometries, and different biomolecule reactivity. The present work synthesized new copper(II) complexes with Schiff-base (imine) type ligands using natural aldehydes such as cinnamaldehyde, vanillin, or ethyl vanillin. The ligands were obtained through the reaction of these aldehydes with the amines 1,3-diaminopropane, 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediamine, or 1,3-diamino-2-propanol and characterized by 1H and 13C NMR, FTIR and ESI-HRMS. The complexation reaction used copper(II) as perchlorate salt, obtaining six new copper(II) complexes. The complexes were characterized using FTIR, UV-vis, elemental analysis, ESI-HRMS, and EPR. In addition, the interaction with the copper(II) complexes and serum albumin was investigated by electronic absorption, showing complex incorporation in the albumin structure. The cytotoxicity of the complexes was evaluated using MTT assay in neuroblastoma cell lines SH-SY5Y, CHP 212, and glioblastoma LN-18, and presented EC50 values between 90 and 300 µM. Based on our results, a square-planar copper(II) complex derived from Schiff-base cinnamaldehyde was found here to possess significant potential as an anti-cancer treatment. Further investigation is required to explore this compound's benefits in cancer co-treatment approaches fully.

Highly selective alkylcoumarates and diterpenoids isolated from leaves of Baccharis quitensis: a search for new hit compounds against Trypanosoma cruzi

In the present work, the hexane extract of aerial parts of Baccharis quitensis Kunth. was subjected to chromatographic fractionation to afford two alkyl phenylpropanoids: n-docosyl (E)-p-coumarate (1) and n-tetracosyl (E)-p-coumarate (2) as well as five diterpenes: ent-kaurenoic acid (3), grandifloric acid (4), 15β-senecioyl-oxy-ent-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid (5), and 15-oxo-ent-kaurenoic acid (6). Using an ex-vivo assay with macrophages infected with Trypanosoma cruzi, compounds 1 and 2 demonstrated high potency against intracellular amastigotes, with EC50 values of 7.5 and 6.9 µM, respectively. Compound 6 revealed a moderate potency against T. cruzi, with an EC50 of 25.6 µM, and compounds 3–5 showed no effectiveness. Additionally, compounds 1–6 compounds presented no toxicity for mammalian cells to the highest tested concentration of 200 µM. Based on potency and the selectivity indexes of 1, 2 and 6, these compounds could be future candidates for optimisation studies for the design of prototypes against Chagas disease.

TRPA1 channel mediates methylglyoxal-induced mouse bladder dysfunction.

Introduction: The transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 channel (TRPA1) is expressed in urothelial cells and bladder nerve endings. Hyperglycemia in diabetic individuals induces accumulation of the highly reactive dicarbonyl compound methylglyoxal (MGO), which modulates TRPA1 activity. Long-term oral intake of MGO causes mouse bladder dysfunction. We hypothesized that TRPA1 takes part in the machinery that leads to MGO-induced bladder dysfunction. Therefore, we evaluated TRPA1 expression in the bladder and the effects of 1 h-intravesical infusion of the selective TRPA1 blocker HC-030031 (1 nmol/min) on MGO-induced cystometric alterations. Methods: Five-week-old female C57BL/6 mice received 0.5% MGO in their drinking water for 12 weeks, whereas control mice received tap water alone. Results: Compared to the control group, the protein levels and immunostaining for the MGO-derived hydroimidazolone isomer MG-H1 was increased in bladders of the MGO group, as observed in urothelium and detrusor smooth muscle. TRPA1 protein expression was significantly higher in bladder tissues of MGO compared to control group with TRPA1 immunostaining both lamina propria and urothelium, but not the detrusor smooth muscle. Void spot assays in conscious mice revealed an overactive bladder phenotype in MGO-treated mice characterized by increased number of voids and reduced volume per void. Filling cystometry in anaesthetized animals revealed an increased voiding frequency, reduced bladder capacity, and reduced voided volume in MGO compared to vehicle group, which were all reversed by HC-030031 infusion. Conclusion: TRPA1 activation is implicated in MGO-induced mouse overactive bladder. TRPA1 blockers may be useful to treat diabetic bladder dysfunction in individuals with high MGO levels.