Disorder Analysis in Infrared Spectroscopy of Acetylene Ice.

A new method to investigate disorder in ice films is proposed and applied to acetylene ice. It is based on a quantitative analysis of the infrared spectrum data, which includes: the Brendel-Bormann model for the material's dielectric function; molecular vibration modes calculated by density functional theory (DFT); a monomer-dimer model for amorphous ice; and a peak-shape analysis through Levenberg-Marquardt nonlinear regression. Acetylene ice films with different degrees of disorder were investigated with the proposed method. The results provide an estimate of the degree of disorder in the films and indicate the possibility of existence of a second amorphous phase of acetylene ice grown at temperatures of about 15 K and then annealed. This phase would be similar to the high-density amorphous phase observed for water ice. The infrared data in this work is compared with those from the literature for acetylene gas, acetylene film, and acetylene aerosol. A qualitative analysis reveals differences in the degree of disorder in each system and points to a crystallinity limit for acetylene ice film; that is, the crystalline acetylene film has a higher degree of intrinsic disorder than the crystalline acetylene aerosol.

Quercetin and ibuprofen combination displayed anti-inflammatory effects and also extenuates the enteric neurons damage of arthritic rats.

This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of quercetin on the cellular components of the Enteric Nervous System in the ileum of rats with arthritis. Rats were distributed into five groups: control (C), arthritic (AIA), arthritic treated with ibuprofen (AI), arthritic treated with quercetin (AQ) and arthritic treated with both ibuprofen and quercetin (AIQ). The ileum was processed for immunohistochemical techniques for HuC/D, calcitonin gene-related peptide, and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide. Measurements in histological sections, chemiluminescence assays, and total antioxidant capacity were also performed. Rheumatoid arthritis resulted in a decrease in neuronal density, yet neuroplasticity mechanisms were evident through observed changes in varicosities size and neuronal area compared to the control group. Reduced paw edema and neuroprotective effects were predominantly noted in both plexuses, as evidenced by the increased density preservation of HuC/D-IR neurons in the AIQ group. The increase of lipoperoxidation levels and paw edema volume in the AQ group was observed compared to the arthritic, whereas the AIQ group mainly showed similar results to those observed in the control. The enteropathy associated with arthritis proved to be significant in the field of gastroenterology, and the combination of quercetin and ibuprofen demonstrated promising anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects.

Orbital invasion of a conjunctival atypical fibroxanthoma in a patient with systemic diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

An 88-year-old male patient presented with a large mass on the left lateral bulbar conjunctiva. The tumor appeared two months after the resection of a conjunctival atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) performed by a cornea specialist. Magnetic resonance imaging of the orbits showed deep orbital invasion along the lateral rectus muscle. The mass and the entire conjunctival sac were totally excised with lid-sparing orbital exenteration. Histopathological analysis confirmed that the mass was an extension of the AFX. Two weeks after surgery, large B-cell lymphoma was diagnosed in the oropharynx. Chemotherapy was initiated, and after seven months of follow-up, there was no recurrence of the AFX. The authors believe that this is the first report of orbital invasion by AFX.

Comparative analysis of diagnostic methods and risk factors for Aelurostrongylus abstrusus infection in brazilian cats.

This study aimed to prospectively evaluate the risk factors of infection by Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in Brazilian cats with cough and/or radiographic changes, using as diagnostic tools the Baermann method (BM), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of feces, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and cytology. Forty-three cats that were presented with cough or lung radiographic abnormalities compatible with bronchoalveolar disease were included in the study. After clinical evaluation, feces samples were collected to investigate lungworm parasitism through BM and PCR. BALF was performed to provide samples for cytology, bacteriology, and fungal culture. Stool PCR was considered the gold standard for diagnosis tests, and the other methods were evaluated by their agreement. PCR presented 74% (32/43) of positivity for A. abstrusus, while in the BM, 41% (18/43) were positive. BM showed sensitivity of 56.25% and specificity of 100% when compared with PCR. No larva was found in the cytological evaluation of 21 BALF samples. Lungworm is an important cause of bronchopulmonary disease in domestic cats in Brazil and should be included as a differential diagnosis when a cat is presented with cough or radiographic abnormalities. BM is a sensitive, non-invasive, and cheap technique to diagnose the disease, but it is not as sensitive as PCR.

The stromal immunoexpression of CLIC4 may be related to the difference in the biological behavior between oral squamous cell carcinoma and oral verrucous carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has high morbidity and mortality rates while oral verrucous carcinoma (OVC), an uncommon variant of OSCC, exhibits a distinct biological behavior. CLIC4 protein plays a role in the cell cycle and apoptosis regulation and participates in the myofibroblasts transdifferentiation process, which are the main cells of the tumor stroma. This study analyzed the immunoexpression of CLIC4 and α-SMA in 20 OSCC cases and 15 OVC cases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A semiquantitative analysis of CLIC4 and α-SMA immunoexpression was performed in the parenchyma and stroma. Nuclear and cytoplasmic reactivity was analyzed separately for the CLIC4 immunostaining. The data were submitted to Pearson's chi-square and Spearman's correlation tests (p ≤ 0.05). RESULTS: In the CLIC4 analysis, there was a significant difference in the immunoexpression of this protein between OSCC and OVC stroma (p < 0.001). It was observed a higher expression of α-SMA in the OSCC stroma. There was a positive and significant correlation between CLIC4 and α-SMA immunoexpression in the OVC stroma (r = 0,612; p = 0,015). CONCLUSIONS: The decrease or absence of nuclear CLIC4 immunoexpression in the neoplastic epithelial cells and the increase of its expression in the stroma may influence the difference in biological behavior between OSCC and OVC.

The effect of the die material used in the indirect technique on the fracture resistance of a restored molar.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different die materials used in the indirect resin composite restorative technique on the fracture resistance and failure mode of restored molars and compare it with the direct resin composite restorative technique. Two flexible die silicone materials for dental models (Die Silicone - Voco and Scan die - Yller) and a type IV dental stone material (Fujirock EP - GC) were evaluated. Sixty third molars were selected and divided into four groups: indirect resin composite restoration - Die silicone (IRCR-DS); indirect resin composite restoration - Scan die (IRCR-SD); indirect resin composite restoration - Fujirock EP (IRCR-FR), and direct resin composite restoration (DRCR). Class II MOD cavities were prepared with 5 mm of buccolingual width and depth. The specimens were restored and subjected to an axial compression load until fracture, and the data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD test (α=.05). The fracture mode was classified into restorable and unrestorable fractures. Fracture resistance values were influenced by the die material used for the IRCR fabrication and by the restorative technique (p<.001). Fracture resistance mean values and standard deviation were: IRCR-DS: 1835.5 ± 324.0 A; IRCR-SD: 1732.5 ± 384.1 AB; IRCR-FR: 1419.3 ± 318.8 BC; and DRCR: 1100.6 ± 224.9 C. Restorable fracture was more prevalent. IRCR with flexible die casts promoted higher fracture resistance and lower prevalence of unrestorable fractures.

The effect of the die material used in the indirect technique on the fracture resistance of a restored molar

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different die materials used in the indirect resin composite restorative technique on the fracture resistance and failure mode of restored molars and compare it with the direct resin composite restorative technique. Two flexible die silicone materials for dental models (Die Silicone - Voco and Scan die - Yller) and a type IV dental stone material (Fujirock EP - GC) were evaluated. Sixty third molars were selected and divided into four groups: indirect resin composite restoration - Die silicone (IRCR-DS); indirect resin composite restoration - Scan die (IRCR-SD); indirect resin composite restoration - Fujirock EP (IRCR-FR), and direct resin composite restoration (DRCR). Class II MOD cavities were prepared with 5 mm of buccolingual width and depth. The specimens were restored and subjected to an axial compression load until fracture, and the data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD test (α=.05). The fracture mode was classified into restorable and unrestorable fractures. Fracture resistance values were influenced by the die material used for the IRCR fabrication and by the restorative technique (p<.001). Fracture resistance mean values and standard deviation were: IRCR-DS: 1835.5 ± 324.0 A; IRCR-SD: 1732.5 ± 384.1 AB; IRCR-FR: 1419.3 ± 318.8 BC; and DRCR: 1100.6 ± 224.9 C. Restorable fracture was more prevalent. IRCR with flexible die casts promoted higher fracture resistance and lower prevalence of unrestorable fractures.

In vitro cytotoxicity and ex-vivo genotoxicity in compounds from Waltheria viseosissima A. St. Hil. Brazilian species of the Malvaceae family sensu lato / Citotoxicidad in vitro y genotoxicidad ex-vivo en compuestos de Waltheria viseosissima A. St. Hil. Especies brasileñas de la familia Malvaceae sensu lato / Citotoxicidade in vitro e genotoxicidade ex-vivo em compostos da Waltheria viseosissima A. St. Hil. espécie brasileira da família Malvaceae sensu lato

SUMMARY Introduction: Alternative therapies using medicinal plants and herbal medicines have been growing worldwide, as natural treatments have low cost and less toxic effect compared to conventional drugs available. Aim: To evaluate in vitro cytotox icity and ex-vivo genotoxicity of Brazilian species of the Malvaceae family: Waltheria viseosissima A. St. Hil. In vitro methods were used to verify the cytotoxic poten tial through hemolytic and antihemolytic assays and the ex-vivo genotoxic analysis. Results: The Crude Etanolic Extract (CEE) and Cloroformic Fraction (CF) was obtained in vegetal sample used on this study; the CEE-Wv and CF-Wv prod ucts exhibited the lowest cytotoxic potential with hemolysis less than 40% in all concentrations evaluated. A moderate anti-hemolytic effect was described in all samples treated with 500 and 1000 μg/mL, with hemolysis <60 %. In addition, the compounds showed low ex-vivo genotoxic effect with a general index of normal cells greater than 84 % at all concentrations. Conclusion: The results suggest a low toxic profile of the compounds obtained from species of the Malvaceae family, indicating safe limits for the use of these natural products.

RESUMEN Introducción: las terapias alternativas que utilizan plantas medicinales y medicinas a base de hierbas han ido creciendo en todo el mundo, ya que los tratamientos natu rales tienen un bajo costo y un efecto menos tóxico en comparación con los medica mentos convencionales disponibles. Objetivo: evaluar la citotoxicidad in vitro y la genotoxicidad ex-vivo de especies brasileñas de la familia Malvaceae: Waltheria viseo-sissima A. St. Hil. Se utilizaron métodos in vitro para verificar el potencial citotóxico mediante ensayos hemolíticos y antihemolíticos y el análisis genotóxico ex-vivo. Resultados: el extracto de etanol crudo (EEC) y la fracción clorofórmica (FC) se obtuvieron en una muestra vegetal utilizada en este estudio; los productos EEC-Wv y FC-Wv exhibieron el potencial citotóxico más bajo con hemólisis menor al 40 % en todas las concentraciones evaluadas. Se describió un efecto antihemolítico mode rado en todas las muestras tratadas con 500 y 1000 μg/mL, con hemólisis <60 %. Además, los compuestos mostraron un bajo efecto genotóxico ex-vivo con un índice general de células normales superior al 84 % en todas las concentraciones. Conclu sión: los resultados sugieren un bajo perfil tóxico de los compuestos obtenidos de las especies de la familia Malvaceae, indicando límites de seguridad para el uso de estos productos naturales.

RESUMO Introdução: as terapias alternativas utilizando plantas medicinais e fitoterápicos vêm crescendo em todo o mundo, pois os tratamentos naturais apresentam baixo custo e menor efeito tóxico em relação aos medicamentos convencionais disponí veis. Objetivo: avaliar a citotoxicidade in vitro e a genotoxicidade ex-vivo de espécies brasileiras da família Malvaceae: Waltheria viseosissima A. St. Hil. Métodos in vitro foram utilizados para verificar o potencial citotóxico por meio de ensaios hemolíticos e anti-hemolíticos e da análise genotóxica ex-vivo. Resultados: o extrato etanólico bruto (EEB) e a fração clorofórmica (FC) foram obtidos na amostra vegetal utilizada neste estudo; os produtos EEB-Wv e FC-Wv exibiram o menor potencial citotóxico com hemólise inferior a 40 % em todas as concentrações avaliadas. Foi descrito efeito anti-hemolítico moderado em todas as amostras tratadas com 500 e 1000 μg/mL, com hemólise < 60 %. Além disso, os compostos mostraram baixo efeito genotóxico ex-vivo com um índice geral de células normais superior a 84 % em todas as concentrações. Conclusão: os resultados sugerem um baixo perfil tóxico dos compostos obtidos em espécies da família Malvaceae, indicando limites seguros para o uso desses produtos naturais.

N-Methyl-(2S, 4R)-trans-4-hydroxy-L-proline, the major bioactive compound from Sideroxylon obtusifolium, attenuates pilocarpine-induced injury in cultured astrocytes.

Glial cells have been implicated in temporal lobe epilepsy in humans and in its models. Astrocytes are lost in several brain regions after acute seizures induced by pilocarpine and may suffer hyperplasia at subsequent time points. This study investigated the effect of N-methyl-(2S,4R)-trans-4-hydroxy-L-proline (NMP) on astrocytes exposed to cytotoxic concentrations of pilocarpine. Astrocytes were incubated with pilocarpine (half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50)=31.86 mM) for 24 h. Afterwards, they were treated with NMP at concentrations ranging from 3.12 to 100 µg/mL for 24 h. Cell viability was assessed by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Cytoplasmic reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial transmembrane potential (ΔΨm) were analyzed by flow cytometry using 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) and rhodamine-123 (Rho123), respectively. Expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and voltage-dependent anion channel-1 (VDAC-1) were measured by western blot. Pilocarpine significantly decreased cell viability and mitochondrial potential and increased ROS concentration significantly by 6.7 times compared to the control. NMP concentrations ≥25 µg/mL protected astrocytes against pilocarpine-induced injury in a concentration-dependent manner. Concomitantly, NMP reduced cytoplasmic ROS accumulation to 27.3, 24.8, and 12.3% in the groups treated with 25, 50, and 100 µg/mL NMP, respectively. NMP also protected mitochondria from pilocarpine-induced depolarization. These effects were associated with improvement of pilocarpine-induced GFAP and VDAC-1 overexpression, which are important biomarkers of astrocyte dysfunction. In conclusion, the improvement of ROS accumulation, VDAC-1 overexpression, and mitochondrial depolarization are possible mechanisms of the NMP protective action on reactive astrocytes.

Multi-Epitope Protein as a Tool of Serological Diagnostic Development for HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 Infections.

A multi-epitope protein expressed in a prokaryotic system, including epitopes of Env, Gag, and Tax proteins of both HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 was characterized for HTLV-1/2 serological screening. This tool can contribute to support the implementation of public policies to reduce HTLV-1/2 transmission in Brazil, the country with the highest absolute numbers of HTLV-1/2 infected individuals. The chimeric protein was tested in EIA using serum/plasma of HTLV-infected individuals and non-infected ones from four Brazilian states, including the North and Northeast regions (that present high prevalence of HTLV-1/2) and Southeast region (that presents intermediate prevalence rates) depicting different epidemiological context of HTLV-1/2 infection in our country. We enrolled samples from Pará (n = 114), Maranhão (n = 153), Minas Gerais (n = 225) and São Paulo (n = 59) states; they are from blood donors' candidates (Pará and Minas Gerais), pregnant women (Maranhão) and HIV+/high risk for sexually transmitted infection (STI; São Paulo). Among the HTLV-1/2 positive sera, there were co-infections with viral (HTLV-1 + HTLV-2, HIV, HCV, and HBV), bacterial (Treponema pallidum) and parasitic (Trypanosoma cruzi, Schistosma mansoni, Strongyloides stercoralis, Entamoeba coli, E. histolytica, and Endolimax nana) pathogens related to HTLV-1/2 co-morbidities that can contribute to inconclusive diagnostic results. Sera positive for HIV were included among the HTLV-1/2 negative samples. Considering both HTLV-1 and HTLV-2-infected samples from all states and different groups (blood donor candidates, pregnant women, and individuals with high risk for STI), mono or co-infected and HTLV-/HIV+, the test specificity ranged from 90.09 to 95.19% and the sensitivity from 82.41 to 92.36% with high accuracy (ROC AUC = 0.9552). This multi-epitope protein showed great potential to be used in serological screening of HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 in different platforms, even taking into account the great regional variation and different profile of HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 mono or co-infected individuals.

Actinic cheilitis: Proposal of a clinical index.

BACKGROUND: Actinic cheilitis is a potentially malignant lesion most commonly found in the lower lip of individuals with chronic exposure to ultraviolet radiation. The aim of this study was to develop and to test a clinical index that can be used to assess the severity of actinic cheilitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The clinical index of actinic cheilitis was applied to 36 patients. An incisional biopsy was obtained to grade oral epithelial dysplasias following the World Health Organization (WHO) and binary systems, and to evaluate their association with clinical characteristics by Fisher's exact test (P<0.05). The accuracy of the index was evaluated based on sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and receiver operating curve. RESULTS: The blurring between the border of the lip and the skin was significantly associated with cases without dysplasia/mild epithelial dysplasia (P=0.041) and with low risk of malignancy (P=0.005). Ulcers and crusts were significantly associated with moderate/severe epithelial dysplasia (P=0.002 and P=0.012, respectively) and high risk of malignancy (P=0.005 and P=0.045, respectively). Erosion showed a significant association only with high-risk cases of malignancy (P=0.024). The cut-off values of the diagnostic test showing the best performance were 10 for the WHO grading system and 11 for the binary system. CONCLUSIONS: The index cut-offs with the highest accuracy were considered indicators for a biopsy. Erosion, ulceration and crusts were associated with more severe oral epithelial dysplasias.

Space Weathering: Processing Velocities in Organic Materials as a Function of Electron Beam Energies-Solar Electron Erosion Rate Application.

Samples of α-glycine (α-GLY; 230-350 nm) were irradiated in laboratory as a function of electron beam energies (0.25, 0.50, and 1.00 keV) at room temperature (293-295 K). The evolution of α-glycine irradiation process was monitored in real time by infrared spectroscopy (Fourier transform infrared - FTIR), through specific spectral bands: 2610, 2124, 1410, and 1333 cm-1. A phenomenological model is proposed to describe the column density decay when thick organic samples are processed by ionizing beams. The α-glycine radiolysis has exhibited transient and stationary modes in such thickness films. The first stage is mainly described by one exponential decay, whereas the latter foremost decays linearly; compaction processes have been neglected; glycine dissociation and sputtering processes are assumed to be responsible for the damage caused by the electron beam impact through the solid film. The second (stationary) stage is due to equilibrium between a partially shielded bulk radiolysis and sputtering of protective layers. The decay rates are measured for the transient and stationary modes and allow determining the processing velocity of the samples as a function of the electron beam energy. Finally, the model is applied to space weathering to find out the typical sputtering rate of organic compounds on the surface of astrophysical analogs with no protection layers attacked by solar wind (SW) electrons at ≈1 AU. Although the velocity of processing materials in SW has natural competing effects, such as regolith overturn by impacts of micro- and macrometeorites and downslope motion of material that is unstable due to changes in the geopotential of the airless bodies (e.g., asteroid 101955 Bennu), these competing processes are not included in the simulations presented here.

Multi-Epitope Protein as a Tool of Serological Diagnostic Development for HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 Infections

A multi-epitope protein expressed in a prokaryotic system, including epitopes of Env, Gag, and Tax proteins of both HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 was characterized for HTLV-1/2 serological screening. This tool can contribute to support the implementation of public policies to reduce HTLV-1/2 transmission in Brazil, the country with the highest absolute numbers of HTLV-1/2 infected individuals. The chimeric protein was tested in EIA using serum/plasma of HTLV-infected individuals and non-infected ones from four Brazilian states, including the North and Northeast regions (that present high prevalence of HTLV-1/2) and Southeast region (that presents intermediate prevalence rates) depicting different epidemiological context of HTLV-1/2 infection in our country. We enrolled samples from Pará (n = 114), Maranhão (n = 153), Minas Gerais (n = 225) and São Paulo (n = 59) states; they are from blood donors' candidates (Pará and Minas Gerais), pregnant women (Maranhão) and HIV+/high risk for sexually transmitted infection (STI; São Paulo). Among the HTLV-1/2 positive sera, there were co-infections with viral (HTLV-1 + HTLV-2, HIV, HCV, and HBV), bacterial (Treponema pallidum) and parasitic (Trypanosoma cruzi, Schistosma mansoni, Strongyloides stercoralis, Entamoeba coli, E. histolytica, and Endolimax nana) pathogens related to HTLV-1/2 co-morbidities that can contribute to inconclusive diagnostic results. Sera positive for HIV were included among the HTLV-1/2 negative samples. Considering both HTLV-1 and HTLV-2-infected samples from all states and different groups (blood donor candidates, pregnant women, and individuals with high risk for STI), mono or co-infected and HTLV-/HIV+, the test specificity ranged from 90.09 to 95.19% and the sensitivity from 82.41 to 92.36% with high accuracy (ROC AUC = 0.9552). Thismulti-epitope protein showed great potential to be used in serological screening of HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 in different platforms, even taking into account the great regional variation and different profile of HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 mono or co-infected individuals. (AU)

Avaliação da citotoxicidade in vitro e genotoxicidade ex-vivo em compostos da Pavonia glazioviana Gürke (Malvaceae / Evaluation of in vitro cytotoxicity and ex-vivo genotoxicity in compounds from Pavonia glazioviana Gürke(Malvaceae)

Introdução: as terapias alternativas que utilizam plantas medicinais e fitoterápicos são bastante comuns no Brasil. Dentre várias espécies vegetais brasileiras utilizadas em terapias destacam-se as espécies da família Malvaceae. Objetivos: o presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a citotoxicidade in vitro e a genotoxicidade ex-vivo em compostos da Pavonia glazioviana Gürke espécie brasileira pertencente à família Malvaceae. Metodologia: métodos in vitro foram utilizados para verificar o potencial citotóxico por meio de ensaios hemolíticos e anti-hemolíticos e da análise genotóxica ex-vivo. O Extrato Etanólico Bruto (EEB) e Fração Clorofórmico (FC) foram obtidos na amostra vegetal utilizada neste estudo. Resultados: os produtos EEB-Pg e FC-Pg apresentaram baixo efeito citotóxico apenas nas concentrações de 50 e 100 µg / mL. As amostras expostas às concentrações de 500 e 1000 µg / mL apresentaram índice hemolítico alto a moderado com lise superior a 60%. Foi descrito efeito anti-hemolítico moderado em todas as amostras tratadas com 500 e 1000 µg / mL, com hemólise < 60%. Além disso, os compostos mostraram baixo efeito genotóxico ex-vivo, com um índice geral de células normais superior a 84% em todas as concentrações. Conclusões: os resultados sugerem um baixo perfil tóxico dos compostos obtidos da espécie Pavonia glazioviana, indicando limites seguros para o uso desses produtos naturais.

Introduction: alternative therapies using medicinal plants and herbal medicines are quite common in Brazil. Among several Brazilian plant species used in therapies, the species of the Malvaceae family stand out. Objetctives: the present study aimed to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxicity and ex-vivo genotoxicity in compounds of the Brazilian Pavonia glazioviana Gürke belonging to the Malvaceae family. Methodology: in vitro methods were used to verify the cytotoxic potential through hemolytic and antihemolytic assays and the ex-vivo genotoxic analysis. The Crude Etanolic Extract (CEE) and Cloroformic Fraction (CF) was obtained in vegetal sample used on this study. Results: the CEE-Pg and CF-Pg products only showed a low cytotoxic effect at the concentrations of 50 and 100 µg/mL. The exposure to the concentrations of 500 and 1000 µg/mL showed a high to moderate hemolytic index with lysis higher than 60%. A moderate anti-hemolytic effect was described in all samples treated with 500 and 1000 µg/mL, with hemolysis <60%. In addition, the compounds showed low ex-vivo genotoxic effect with a general index of normal cells greater than 84% at all concentrations. Conclusion: the results suggest a low toxic profile of the compounds obtained from the Pavonia glazioviana Gürke species belonging to the Malvaceae family, indicating safe limits for the use of these natural products.

Using a professional DSLR camera to measure total shrinkage of resin composites.

This study evaluated the optical method for measuring free total shrinkage using a Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) camera. Eight composites were evaluated, conventional, bulk fill and low-shrinkage: Z100 (3M Oral Care), Gradia Direct Anterior (GC corporation), Spectra Smart (Dentsply), Filtek Z350 XT (3M Oral Care), Aura Bulk Fill (SDI), Vittra APS (FGM), Opus Bulk Fill APS (FGM), and Beautifil II LS (Shofu Inc.). The samples (6 mm diameter and 1.5 mm thick, n = 10) were placed on a polyvinylsiloxane impression material. An image of the uncured sample was captured using a DSLR camera with 105 mm macro lens and a ring flash. Samples were light cured with a 700 mW/cm2 LED light-cure unit for 40s. Post-polymerization images were captured at 2, 10 and 60 min. Projected circumferential areas of the specimens were drawn using the ImageJ software. Volumetric total shrinkage was calculated from the ratio of the areas obtained from pre- and post-curing. Results were analyzed using One-way ANOVA (α = 0.05) and Tukey test. Volumetric total shrinkage values were significantly different among the composite materials (p < .001). The volumetric shrinkage (%) mean and results of Tukey test at 60 min were: Z100: 3.45±0.30 (A); Gradia Direct Anterior: 3.00 ± 0.23 (B); Spectra Smart 2.89 ± 0.35 (B); Filtek Z350 XT: 2.65 ± 0.37 (BC); Aura Bulk Fill: 2.42 ± 0.25 (CD); Vittra APS: 2.14 ± 0.35 (DE); Opus Bulk Fill APS: 1.91 ± 0.24 (E); Beautifil II LS: 1.18 ± 0.16 (F). The optical method using a DSLR camera, was suitable for total shrinkage evaluation and will allow assessment of total shrinkage without the need for specialized equipment.

Angina bullosa haemorrhagica: A 14-year multi-institutional retrospective study from Brazil and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Angina bullosa haemorrhagica (ABH) is characterized by the recurrent appearance of blood blisters on the oral mucosa, mainly in adults' soft palate. In general, the blisters rupture spontaneously, lacking the necessity for biopsy. We report the clinical features of 23 ABH cases, emphasizing the clinical behavior and the management of these conditions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study was performed. A total of 12,727 clinical records of oral and maxillofacial lesions from four dental services in Brazil were analyzed. Clinical data were collected from the clinical records and evaluated. RESULTS: The series comprised 12 males (52.2%) and 11 females (47.8%), with a mean age of 56.8 ± 14.6 years (ranging: 24-82 years) and a 1.1:1 male-to-female ratio. Most of the lesions affected the soft palate (n = 15, 65.2%). Clinically, the lesions presented mainly as an asymptomatic (n = 17, 73.9%) blood-filled blister that ruptured after a few minutes or hours, leaving an erosion. The masticatory trauma was the most frequent triggering event. No patient had coagulation disorders. A biopsy was performed in only four cases (17.4%). Treatment was symptomatic with a favorable outcome. CONCLUSIONS: ABH is still poorly documented in the literature, and its etiology remains uncertain. ABH mainly affects the soft palate of elderly adults and has a favorable evolution in a few days. The therapeutic approach is often focused only on the relief of symptoms. However, it can share some clinical features with more serious diseases. Therefore, clinicians must recognize these lesions to avoid misdiagnosis.

N-Methyl-(2S, 4R)-trans-4-hydroxy-L-proline, the major bioactive compound from Sideroxylon obtusifolium, attenuates pilocarpine-induced injury in cultured astrocytes

Glial cells have been implicated in temporal lobe epilepsy in humans and in its models. Astrocytes are lost in several brain regions after acute seizures induced by pilocarpine and may suffer hyperplasia at subsequent time points. This study investigated the effect of N-methyl-(2S,4R)-trans-4-hydroxy-L-proline (NMP) on astrocytes exposed to cytotoxic concentrations of pilocarpine. Astrocytes were incubated with pilocarpine (half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50)=31.86 mM) for 24 h. Afterwards, they were treated with NMP at concentrations ranging from 3.12 to 100 μg/mL for 24 h. Cell viability was assessed by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Cytoplasmic reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial transmembrane potential (ΔΨm) were analyzed by flow cytometry using 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) and rhodamine-123 (Rho123), respectively. Expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and voltage-dependent anion channel-1 (VDAC-1) were measured by western blot. Pilocarpine significantly decreased cell viability and mitochondrial potential and increased ROS concentration significantly by 6.7 times compared to the control. NMP concentrations ≥25 µg/mL protected astrocytes against pilocarpine-induced injury in a concentration-dependent manner. Concomitantly, NMP reduced cytoplasmic ROS accumulation to 27.3, 24.8, and 12.3% in the groups treated with 25, 50, and 100 µg/mL NMP, respectively. NMP also protected mitochondria from pilocarpine-induced depolarization. These effects were associated with improvement of pilocarpine-induced GFAP and VDAC-1 overexpression, which are important biomarkers of astrocyte dysfunction. In conclusion, the improvement of ROS accumulation, VDAC-1 overexpression, and mitochondrial depolarization are possible mechanisms of the NMP protective action on reactive astrocytes.

Using a professional DSLR camera to measure total shrinkage of resin composites

Abstract This study evaluated the optical method for measuring free total shrinkage using a Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) camera. Eight composites were evaluated, conventional, bulk fill and low-shrinkage: Z100 (3M Oral Care), Gradia Direct Anterior (GC corporation), Spectra Smart (Dentsply), Filtek Z350 XT (3M Oral Care), Aura Bulk Fill (SDI), Vittra APS (FGM), Opus Bulk Fill APS (FGM), and Beautifil II LS (Shofu Inc.). The samples (6 mm diameter and 1.5 mm thick, n = 10) were placed on a polyvinylsiloxane impression material. An image of the uncured sample was captured using a DSLR camera with 105 mm macro lens and a ring flash. Samples were light cured with a 700 mW/cm2 LED light-cure unit for 40s. Post-polymerization images were captured at 2, 10 and 60 min. Projected circumferential areas of the specimens were drawn using the ImageJ software. Volumetric total shrinkage was calculated from the ratio of the areas obtained from pre- and post-curing. Results were analyzed using One-way ANOVA (α = 0.05) and Tukey test. Volumetric total shrinkage values were significantly different among the composite materials (p < .001). The volumetric shrinkage (%) mean and results of Tukey test at 60 min were: Z100: 3.45±0.30 (A); Gradia Direct Anterior: 3.00 ± 0.23 (B); Spectra Smart 2.89 ± 0.35 (B); Filtek Z350 XT: 2.65 ± 0.37 (BC); Aura Bulk Fill: 2.42 ± 0.25 (CD); Vittra APS: 2.14 ± 0.35 (DE); Opus Bulk Fill APS: 1.91 ± 0.24 (E); Beautifil II LS: 1.18 ± 0.16 (F). The optical method using a DSLR camera, was suitable for total shrinkage evaluation and will allow assessment of total shrinkage without the need for specialized equipment.

Network analysis as an alternative way to interpret constitutions.

This article aims to identify networks of constitutional text structured in an imperceptible way. Constitutions has the power to reveal how its devices "dialogue" with each other, forming their own communicative communities. With the help from the network analysis methodology, an interpretative model of textual mapping is proposed based on internal references between the provisions of one Constitution. We use the Brazilian Constitution, whose text is very detailed, analytical and deals with various issues. As a result, a network was identified that included 174 connections between 95 articles of the Constitution and the existence of normative communities that share codes or communicative standards. The study demonstrates the strong possibility to found structuring axis of this communities and relates to the other issues that have reached constitutional stature, showing that the complexity of some Constitutions can be observed beyond its logical sequential structure.

Efeitos adversos do bicarbonato de sódio em praticantes de musculação de moderada a alta intensidade / Adverse effects of sodium bicarbonate on musculation practicers from moderate to high intensity

Objetivo ­ Avaliar melhora de fadiga e identificar sintomas gastrointestinais relacionados ao uso do bicarbonato de sódio em praticantes de musculação. Métodos ­ Foi realizada uma pesquisa de campo experimental de abordagem quantitativa de caráter transversal.Os participantes tinham idade entre 22 e 56 anos, de ambos os sexos, praticantes de musculação de moderada a alta intensidade, há pelo menos um ano, sem distúrbios no trato gastrointestinal. Foi aplicado o recordatório de 24 horas, para investigação da alimentação do dia anterior e a relação com sintomas gastrointestinais. Em seguida fizeram ingestão de uma dose única de 0,3g de NaHCO3 por kg de peso corporal dissolvido em 500ml de água natural, aproximadamente 90 minutos anteriormente ao treino de musculação. Após a ingesta e treino, foram aplicadas a Escala GSRS adaptada, para identificar sintomas e sua intensidade e a Escala de Bristol na identificação de alterações no hábito intestinal do participante. Resultados e Conclusão ­ O sintoma mais recorrente foi diarreia, segundo Escala GSRS, e um predomínio de fezes totalmente líquidas (tipo 7) em todas as evacuações, conforme Escala de Bristol

Objective ­ To assess improvement of fatigue and identify gastrointestinal symptoms related to the use of sodium bicarbonate in weight training practitioners. Methods ­ An experimental field research of a cross-sectional quantitative approach was carried out. The participants were aged between 22 and 56 years old, of both sexes, who practiced moderate to high intensity weight training for at least one year, without disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract. The 24 ­ hour recall was applied to investigate the previous day's diet and the relationship with gastrointestinal symptoms. Then they ingested a single dose of 0,3g of NaHCO3 per kg of body weight dissolved in 500 ml of natural water, approximately 90 minutes before weight training. After ingestion and training, the adapted GSRS Scale was applied to identify symptoms and their intensity and the Bristol Scale to identify changes in the participant's bowel habits. Results and Conclusion ­ The most recurrent symptom was diarrhea, according to the GSRS Scale, and a predominance of totally liquid stools (type 7) in all bowel movements, according to the Bristol Scale