Effect of calcium-enriched microalgae extract on mitigating saline stress in papaya seedlings.

The papaya (Carica papaya L.) is among the mainly fruit species produced in tropical and subtropical climate. The salinity of water in agricultural areas is considered a limiting factor for the expansion of papaya. This study aimed to evaluate calcium-enriched microalgae extract (EMa-Ca) as an attenuator of saline stress in irrigation water on the growth and physiology of Formosa papaya seedlings, hybrid Tainung. The experiment was conducted in a protected environment, with treatments distributed in a 5 × 2 factorial scheme, comprising five electrical conductivities of irrigation water (0.50; 1.10; 2.50; 3.90 and 4.50 dSm-1) with the presence and absence of EMa-Ca in the substrate. Evaluated characteristics were: plant height, number of leaves, stem diameter, leaf area, dry masses weight of roots, aboveground parts and total. Gas exchanges and chlorophyll indices (a, b and total) were also evaluated. The application of EMa-Ca resulted in an increase of 6.05% in height and 6.33% in trunk diameter. The number of leaves decreased with an increase in electrical conductivity, and the leaf area was reduced by 33%. All seedling dry masses showed greater declines in the absence of EM-Ca. The EMa-Ca increased net photosynthesis, CO2 concentration, transpiration and stomatal conductance by 39.13%, 30.43%, 38.88% and 42.85%, respectively. For chlorophyll without the use of EMa-Ca, a decrease rate of 1.21%, 0.41% and 1.62% was observed for Chla, Chlb and Chlt, respectively. Therefore, the EMa-Ca application (1.0 ml/L) significantly enhance the vegetative development, gas exchanges, and chlorophyll indices of papaya seedlings under saline stress conditions.

Tomografía computarizada en la identificación de la sinusitis odontogénica de origen endodóntico: reporte de un caso / Computerized tomography in the identification of odontogenic sinusitis of endodontic origin: report of a case

Objetivo: se presenta el caso clínico de sinusitis de origen endodóntico, conocida como síndrome en-doantral, haciendo énfasis en la dificultad de diag-nóstico con radiografía periapical y la importancia de la tomografía computarizada. Caso clínico: una mujer de 32 años, con antecedentes de apretamiento dental nocturno y sinusitis recurrente, fue remitida para evaluación endodóntica. El examen clínico reve-ló sensibilidad a la percusión y palpación en la unidad dental. La radiografía periapical no indicó lesión en el diente 16 y la prueba de sensibilidad pulpar fue ne-gativa, además, la tomografía computarizada reveló una extensa lesión periapical y comunicación entre la raíz del diente 16 y el seno maxilar, confirmada por la pérdida de la continuidad de la imagen hiperdensa en el suelo del seno, lo que llevó al tratamiento endo-dóntico. El control de la infección dental resolvió la sinusitis, resaltando la importancia del diagnóstico preciso y el tratamiento en casos de sinusitis odon-togénica. Conclusión: este caso destaca el valor de la tomografía computarizada como herramienta diag-nóstica crucial en contextos clínicos complejos (AU)

Objective: the clinical case of sinusitis of endodontic origin, known as endoantral syndrome, is presented, emphasizing the difficulty of diagnosis with periapical radiography and the importance of computed tomography. Clinical case: a 32-year-old woman, with a history of tooth clenching and recurrent sinusitis, was referred for endodontic evaluation. The clinical examination revealed sensitivity to percussion and palpation in the dental unit. The periapical radiograph did not indicate a lesion in tooth 16 and the pulp sensitivity test was negative, in addition, the computed tomography revealed an extensive periapical lesion and communication between the root of tooth 16 and the maxillary sinus, confirmed by the loss of continuity of the hyperdense image in the sine floor, which led to endodontic treatment. Dental infection control resolved sinusitis, highlighting the importance of accurate diagnosis and treatment in cases of odontogenic sinusitis. Conclusion: this case highlights the value of computerized tomography as a crucial diagnostic tool in complex clinical contexts (AU)

Molecular analysis of the full-length VP2 gene of Brazilian strains of canine parvovirus 2 shows genetic and structural variability between wild and vaccine strains.

Canine parvovirus 2 (CPV-2), a highly contagious virus, affects dogs worldwide. Infected animals present severe and acute gastroenteritis which may culminate in death. CPV-2 VP2 protein is responsible for important biological functions related to virus-host interactions. Herein we obtained VP2 full-length gene sequences from Brazilian dogs with bloody diarrhea (n=15) and vaccine strains (n=7) produced by seven different laboratories and marketed in Brazil. All wild sequences and one vaccine strain were classified as CPV-2b and six vaccines were the classic CVP-2. Mutations in VP2 protein from vaccine and wild strains obtained in Brazil and worldwide were analyzed (n=906). Amino acid sequences from vaccine strains remarkably diverge from each other, even that classic CPV-2. Phylogenetic analysis based on VP2 gene and conducted with sequences displaying mutations in epitope regions previously described shows that vaccine strains are distantly related from the wide range of wild CPV-2. The impact of amino acid mutations over VP2 protein structure shows that vaccine and wild strains obtained in this study diverge in loop 3, an epitope region that plays a role in the CPV-2 host range. This is the first analysis of CPV-2 VP2 from commercial vaccine strains in Brazil and wild ones from Minas Gerais State, Brazil, and the first detailed attempt to vaccinal VP2 molecular and structural analyses.

Structural, thermal, electronic, vibrational, magnetic, and cytotoxic properties of chloro(glycinato-N,O)(1,10-phenanthroline-N,N')­copper(II) trihydrate coordination complex.

Chloro(glycinato-N,O)(1,10-phenanthroline-N,N')­copper(II) trihydrate complex was synthesized through the slow evaporation method. The crystal's structural, thermal, magnetic, and vibrational properties were obtained by X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), thermal analyses, magnetization, Raman, and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. XRPD results showed that the crystalline complex belongs to a monoclinic system (P21/n). Thermal analyses revealed that around 333 K, the material undergoes a thermodynamically irreversible process. Magnetic data showed a paramagnetic behavior with weak ferromagnetic interactions. Moreover, all the Raman- and infrared-active bands were assigned from computational calculations based on the density functional theory (DFT) to analyze intra-molecular vibrational modes. In addition, the cytotoxic assay on colorectal cancer cells was performed to evaluate the antitumor activity of this ternary compound. Therefore, the antineoplastic activity of [Cu(1,10-phenanthroline)(glycine)Cl]•3H2O complex in HCT-116 cells was confirmed, showing a potent cytotoxic effect.

A proline derivative-enriched methanol fraction from Sideroxylon obtusifolium leaves (MFSOL) stimulates human keratinocyte cells and exerts a healing effect in a burn wound model.

It was previously demonstrated that the methanol fraction of Sideroxylon obtusifolium (MFSOL) promoted anti-inflammatory and healing activity in excisional wounds. Thus, the present work investigated the healing effects of MFSOL on human keratinocyte cells (HaCaT) and experimental burn model injuries. HaCaT cells were used to study MFSOL's effect on cell migration and proliferation rates. Female Swiss mice were subjected to a second-degree superficial burn protocol and divided into four treatment groups: Vehicle, 1.0% silver sulfadiazine, and 0.5 or 1.0% MFSOL Cream (CrMFSOL). Samples were collected to quantify the inflammatory mediators, and histological analyses were performed after 3, 7, and 14 days. The results showed that MFSOL (50 µg/mL) stimulated HaCaT cells by increasing proliferation and migration rates. Moreover, 0.5% CrMFSOL attenuated myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and also stimulated the release of interleukin (IL)-1ß and IL-10 after 3 days of treatment. CrMFSOL (0.5%) also enhanced wound contraction, promoted improvement of tissue remodeling, and increased collagen production after 7 days and VEGF release after 14 days. Therefore, MFSOL stimulated human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells and improved wound healing via modulation of inflammatory mediators of burn injuries.

A proline derivative-enriched methanol fraction from Sideroxylon obtusifolium leaves (MFSOL) stimulates human keratinocyte cells and exerts a healing effect in a burn wound model

It was previously demonstrated that the methanol fraction of Sideroxylon obtusifolium (MFSOL) promoted anti-inflammatory and healing activity in excisional wounds. Thus, the present work investigated the healing effects of MFSOL on human keratinocyte cells (HaCaT) and experimental burn model injuries. HaCaT cells were used to study MFSOL's effect on cell migration and proliferation rates. Female Swiss mice were subjected to a second-degree superficial burn protocol and divided into four treatment groups: Vehicle, 1.0% silver sulfadiazine, and 0.5 or 1.0% MFSOL Cream (CrMFSOL). Samples were collected to quantify the inflammatory mediators, and histological analyses were performed after 3, 7, and 14 days. The results showed that MFSOL (50 μg/mL) stimulated HaCaT cells by increasing proliferation and migration rates. Moreover, 0.5% CrMFSOL attenuated myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and also stimulated the release of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-10 after 3 days of treatment. CrMFSOL (0.5%) also enhanced wound contraction, promoted improvement of tissue remodeling, and increased collagen production after 7 days and VEGF release after 14 days. Therefore, MFSOL stimulated human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells and improved wound healing via modulation of inflammatory mediators of burn injuries.

Cinnamyl Schiff bases: synthesis, cytotoxic effects and antifungal activity of clinical interest.

The aim of this study was to synthesize and investigate the in vitro antifungal properties of 23 cinnamyl Schiff bases. In addition, cytotoxic effects of such cinnamyl Schiff bases against human lung, kidney or red blood cells were also checked. The compounds were synthesized in a single-step, 2 min of reaction under microwave irradiation produced up to 97% yield. Six of the 23 cinnamyl Schiff bases possessed antifungal activities against strains of Candida, Aspergillus, Fonsecaea and, particularly, Cryptococcus species. Indeed, cinnamyl Schiff bases 1 and 23 exhibited minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values more than twofold lower than fluconazole (FCZ) against all the Cryptococcus neoformans strains (MIC = 1·33, 1·4 and 5·2 µg ml-1 , respectively) and Cryptococcus gattii strains (MIC = 5·3, 2·8 and 9·2 µg ml-1 , respectively) (12 strains of each species) while cinnamyl Schiff base 11 was as potent as FCZ against all strains from both Cryptococcus species. No significant cytotoxic effects were observed for Schiff bases against human lung, kidney or red blood cells, all presenting selective indexes higher than 10. In conclusion, this study revealed cinnamyl Schiff bases, especially 1 and 23, as new lead anticryptococcal agents for the discovery of novel antifungal drugs. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The occurrence and severity of fungal infections have increased in recent decades due to resistance to available antifungal drugs and the appearance of new emerging pathogens. Thus, the search for new antifungal agents is mandatory. From a series of 23 cinnamyl Schiff bases, two compounds (1 and 23) were interrogated as new anticryptococcal agents without significant cytotoxicity against human lung, kidney or red blood cells. In turns, these new Schiff bases are lead compounds for the discovery of novel antifungal drugs.

Metabolic stress and reproductive features in post-partum goats supplemented for a long period with detoxified castor meal as the source of dietary nitrogen / Estresse metabólico e características reprodutivas em cabras pós-parto suplementadas por longo período com mamona desintoxicada como fonte de nitrogênio na dieta

This study evaluated the effect of detoxified castor meal on the reproductive performance, metabolic stress, milk production, and kid development in peripartum goats. The diet of the animals were with (DCM, n= 20) or without (WDCM, n= 21) detoxified castor meal during the entire gestation and until weaning, 60 days post-birth. No differences were observed in the gestation period, litter size, rate of multiple births, and mortality between the two groups. The postpartum plasma concentrations of progesterone remained below 1ng/mL in all animals, thus, confirming the absence of active corpora lutea. The thickness of sternum adipose tissue and loin area, levels of urea and cholesterol, milk production, and daily weight gain in the kids were low in the DCM group when compared to those in the WDCM group (P< 0.05). To conclude, the use of detoxified castor meal in peripartum goats resulted in lower level of performance in the kids because of reductions in the amount of milk received from their mothers during lactation. In addition, the diet containing detoxified castor meals was not efficient in recovering from the loss of stored body reserves able to initiate the recovery of the cyclic activity of the goats.(AU)

Este estudo avaliou o efeito da torta de mamona desintoxicada na reprodução, no estresse metabólico, na produção de leite e no desenvolvimento de cabritos no periparto de cabras. Um grupo foi alimentado com torta de mamona (DCM, n=20), e o outro (WDCM, n=21) não recebeu tal suplemento , durante a gestação até o desmame, 60 dias pós-parto. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas no período de gestação, no número de cabritos, na taxa de partos múltiplos e na mortalidade entre os dois grupos. Em todos os animais, a concentração plasmática de progesterona ficou abaixo de 1ng/mL, confirmando a ausência de atividade lútea. A espessura da gordura subcutânea do esterno e da área de olho-de-lombo, a concentração de ureia e colesterol, a produção de leite e o ganho de peso dos cabritos foram menores no grupo DCM (P<0,05). Conclui-se que o uso de torta de mamona desintoxicada no periparto de cabra resultou em cabritos mais leves devido à redução na produção de leite das matrizes e as cabras não retornaram ao cio, pois não recuperaram a massa corporal.(AU)

Metabolic stress and reproductive features in post-partum goats supplemented for a long period with detoxified castor meal as the source of dietary nitrogen / Estresse metabólico e características reprodutivas em cabras pós-parto suplementadas por longo período com mamona desintoxicada como fonte de nitrogênio na dieta

This study evaluated the effect of detoxified castor meal on the reproductive performance, metabolic stress, milk production, and kid development in peripartum goats. The diet of the animals were with (DCM, n= 20) or without (WDCM, n= 21) detoxified castor meal during the entire gestation and until weaning, 60 days post-birth. No differences were observed in the gestation period, litter size, rate of multiple births, and mortality between the two groups. The postpartum plasma concentrations of progesterone remained below 1ng/mL in all animals, thus, confirming the absence of active corpora lutea. The thickness of sternum adipose tissue and loin area, levels of urea and cholesterol, milk production, and daily weight gain in the kids were low in the DCM group when compared to those in the WDCM group (P< 0.05). To conclude, the use of detoxified castor meal in peripartum goats resulted in lower level of performance in the kids because of reductions in the amount of milk received from their mothers during lactation. In addition, the diet containing detoxified castor meals was not efficient in recovering from the loss of stored body reserves able to initiate the recovery of the cyclic activity of the goats.(AU)

Este estudo avaliou o efeito da torta de mamona desintoxicada na reprodução, no estresse metabólico, na produção de leite e no desenvolvimento de cabritos no periparto de cabras. Um grupo foi alimentado com torta de mamona (DCM, n=20), e o outro (WDCM, n=21) não recebeu tal suplemento , durante a gestação até o desmame, 60 dias pós-parto. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas no período de gestação, no número de cabritos, na taxa de partos múltiplos e na mortalidade entre os dois grupos. Em todos os animais, a concentração plasmática de progesterona ficou abaixo de 1ng/mL, confirmando a ausência de atividade lútea. A espessura da gordura subcutânea do esterno e da área de olho-de-lombo, a concentração de ureia e colesterol, a produção de leite e o ganho de peso dos cabritos foram menores no grupo DCM (P<0,05). Conclui-se que o uso de torta de mamona desintoxicada no periparto de cabra resultou em cabritos mais leves devido à redução na produção de leite das matrizes e as cabras não retornaram ao cio, pois não recuperaram a massa corporal.(AU)

Implementation of a Brazilian Cardioprotective Nutritional (BALANCE) Program for improvement on quality of diet and secondary prevention of cardiovascular events: A randomized, multicenter trial

Background Complex percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is associated with higher ischemic risk, which can be mitigated by long-term dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). However, concomitant high bleeding risk (HBR) may be present, making it unclear whether short- or long-term DAPT should be prioritized. Objectives This study investigated the effects of ischemic (by PCI complexity) and bleeding (by PRECISE-DAPT [PRE dicting bleeding Complications in patients undergoing stent Implantation and Sub sequent Dual Anti Platelet Therapy] score) risks on clinical outcomes and on the impact of DAPT duration after coronary stenting. Methods Complex PCI was defined as ≥3 stents implanted and/or ≥3 lesions treated, bifurcation stenting and/or stent length >60 mm, and/or chronic total occlusion revascularization. Ischemic and bleeding outcomes in high (≥25) or non-high (<25) PRECISE-DAPT strata were evaluated based on randomly allocated duration of DAPT. Results Among 14,963 patients from 8 randomized trials, 3,118 underwent complex PCI and experienced a higher rate of ischemic, but not bleeding, events. Long-term DAPT in non-HBR patients reduced ischemic events in both complex (absolute risk difference: −3.86%; 95% confidence interval: −7.71 to +0.06) and noncomplex PCI strata (absolute risk difference: −1.14%; 95% confidence interval: −2.26 to −0.02), but not among HBR patients, regardless of complex PCI features. The bleeding risk according to the Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction scale was increased by long-term DAPT only in HBR patients, regardless of PCI complexity. Conclusions Patients who underwent complex PCI had a higher risk of ischemic events, but benefitted from long-term DAPT only if HBR features were not present. These data suggested that when concordant, bleeding, more than ischemic risk, should inform decision-making on the duration of DAPT. (AU)

Ketoprofen-loaded rose hip oil nanocapsules attenuate chronic inflammatory response in a pre-clinical trial in mice.

This study aimed to develop nanocapsules containing ketoprofen using rose hip oil (Keto-NC) as oil core, and to evaluate their anti-inflammatory activity in acute and chronic ear edema models in mice. Physicochemical characterization, drug release, photostability and cytotoxicity assays were performed for the developed Keto-NC formulations and compared to ketoprofen-loaded nanocapsules using medium chain triglycerides as oil core (Keto-MCT-NC). Anti-inflammatory activity of orally delivered KP (Ketoprofen-free; 10 mg.kg-1) or Keto-NC (2.5; 5; 10 mg.kg-1) was assessed in mouse acute and chronic ear edema induced by croton oil (CO). Edema histological characteristics were determined by H&E stain, and redox parameters were analyzed in blood plasma and erythrocytes. Keto-MCT-NC and Keto-NC did not exhibit differences regarding physicochemical parameters, including size diameters, polydispersity index, pH, Ketoprofen content, and encapsulation efficiency. However, Keto-NC, which contains rose hip oil as lipid core, decreased drug photodegradation under UVC radiation when compared to Keto-MCT-NC. KP or Keto-NC were not cytotoxic to keratinocyte cultures and produced equal edema inhibition in the acute protocol. Conversely, in the chronic protocol, Keto-NC was more effective in reducing edema (~60-70% on 7-9th days of treatment) when compared to KP (~40% on 8-9th days of treatment). This result was confirmed by histological analysis, which indicated reduction of edema and inflammatory infiltrate. A sub-therapeutic dose of Keto-NC (5 mg.kg-1) significantly reduced edema when compared to control. Finally, KP and Keto-NC exhibited similar effects on redox parameters, suggesting that the advantages associated with Ketoprofen nanoencapsulation did not involve oxidative stress pathways. The results showed that Keto-NC was more efficient than KP in reducing chronic inflammation. These data may be important for the development of strategies aiming treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases with fewer adverse effects.

Antimicrobial alumina nanobiostructures of disulfide- and triazole-linked peptides: Synthesis, characterization, membrane interactions and biological activity.

Due to the its physical-chemical properties, alumina nanoparticles have potential applications in several areas, such as nanobiomaterials for medicinal or orthodontic implants, although the introduction of these devices poses a serious risk of microbial infection. One convenient strategy to circumvent this problem is to associate the nanomaterials to antimicrobial peptides with broad-spectrum of activities. In this study we present two novel synthesis approaches to obtain fibrous type alumina nanoparticles covalently bound to antimicrobial peptides. In the first strategy, thiol functionalized alumina nanoparticles were linked via disulfide bond formation to a cysteine residue of an analog of the peptide BP100 containing a four amino acid spacer (Cys-Ala-Ala-Ala). In the second strategy, alumina nanoparticles were functionalized with azide groups and then bound to alkyne-decorated analogs of the peptides BP100 and DD K through a triazole linkage obtained via a copper(I)-catalyzed cycloaddition reaction. The complete physical-chemical characterization of the intermediates and final materials is presented along with in vitro biological assays and membrane interaction studies, which confirmed the activity of the obtained nanobiostructures against both bacteria and fungi. To our knowledge, this is the first report of aluminum nanoparticles covalently bound to triazole-peptides and to a disulfide bound antimicrobial peptide with high potential for biotechnological applications.

Effectiveness of In-office Hydrogen Peroxide With Two Different Protocols: A Two-center Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the bleaching efficacy and tooth sensitivity (TS) of a 38% hydrogen peroxide bleaching agent used for in-office bleaching, applied under different time protocols: a 40-minute application or two 20-minute applications. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Forty-four patients from Brazil and Colombia, with right superior canines darker than C2, were selected for this multicenter, single-blind, randomized trial. The teeth were bleached in two sessions, with a one-week interval between them, in a split-mouth design. The bleaching agent was applied in two 20-minute (2×20) applications or one 40-minute (1×40) application in each session according to the manufacturer's instructions. The color changes were evaluated by using subjective (Vita Classical and Vita Bleachedguide) and objective (Easyshade Spectrophotometer) methods at baseline and 30 days after the second session. Tooth sensitivity was recorded up to 48 hours with a 0-10 visual analog scale. Also, the pH values during the application of bleaching were recorded. Color change in shade guide units and ΔE were analyzed by using the Student t-test (α=0.05). The absolute risk and intensity of TS were evaluated with the McNemar test, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and the Friedman test, respectively (α= 0.05). RESULTS: Significant whitening was observed in both groups after 30 days of clinical evaluation. The use of a 40-minute application did not significantly influence the absolute risk of TS (68%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 53-80) as well as the intensity of TS compared with the acid bleaching gel (absolute risk of 82%, 95% CI = 68-91). The pH values did not differ significantly between groups and at the different assessment periods ( p=0.42). CONCLUSION: The use of a 40-minute in-office bleaching agent gel application produced the same whitening degree and TS that the two 20-minute bleaching agent applications did. The former preferably should be applied because one 40-minute application does not require gel refreshing.

Nanobiostructure of fibrous-like alumina functionalized with an analog of the BP100 peptide: Synthesis, characterization and biological applications.

The functionalization of alumina nanoparticles of specific morphology with antimicrobial peptides (AMP) can be a promising strategy for modeling medical devices and packaging materials for cosmetics, medicines or food, since the contamination by pathogens could be reduced. In this paper, we show the synthesis of a fibrous-like alumina nanobiostructure, as well as its functionalization with the peptide EAAA-BP100, an analog of the antimicrobial peptide BP100. The antibacterial activity of the obtained material against some bacterial strains is also investigated. The covalent binding of the peptide to the nanoparticles was promoted by a reaction between the carboxyl group of the glutamate side chain (E1) of the peptide and the amino groups of the alumina nanoparticles, previously modified by reaction with 3-aminopropyltrietoxysilane (APTES). The functionalized nanoparticles were characterized by zeta potential measurements, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and other physicochemical techniques. Although the obtained alumina nanobiostructure shows a relatively low degree of substitution with EAAA-BP100, antibacterial activities against Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium strains are appreciably higher than the activities of the free peptide. The obtained results can affect the design of new hybrid nanobiomaterials based on nanoparticles functionalized with AMP.