Tolerance to mild shading levels in cattail as related to increased photosynthesis and changes in its leaf area and anatomy.

Shading is an environmental factor that has been little investigated regarding its effects on emergent aquatic plants. Typha domingensis Pers. is an emergent macrophyte that demonstrates some plasticity for self-shading, and as it can shade other species in the same area, the effect of shading on its traits deserves further investigation. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the gas exchange, leaf anatomy, and growth of T. domingensis cultivated under increasing shading intensities. The plants were collected and propagated in a greenhouse, and the clones were subjected to four shading intensities: 0% (unshaded), 35%, 73%, and 83% shading created by black nets. Growth traits, clonal production, photosynthesis, transpiration, and leaf anatomy were evaluated. The 73% and 83% shading promoted the death of all plants, but all plants survived in the 35% and unshaded treatments. Compared with the unshaded treatment, the 35% shading treatment promoted a higher photosynthetic rate and greater transpiration, supporting increased growth and production of clones. The increase in the photosynthetic rate in the 35% shading was related to the increase in leaf area which increased the photosynthesis of the whole plant. The 73% and 83% treatments inhibited the development of photosynthetic parenchyma and stomata in T. domingensis, leading to a drastic reduction in photosynthesis and energy depletion. Therefore, T. domingensis does not tolerate intense shading, but its photosynthetic characteristics and growth are favored by mild shading, a factor that may be of great importance for its competitiveness and invasive behavior.

Antiviral Activity of Flavonoids from Geopropolis of the Brazilian Jandaira Bee against Zika and Dengue Viruses.

Arthropod-borne viruses within the Flaviviridae family such as Zika (ZIKV) and dengue (DENV) are responsible for major outbreaks in tropical countries, and there are no specific treatments against them. Naringenin and 7-O-methyl naringenin are flavonoids that can be extracted from geopropolis, a natural material that the Brazilian Jandaira stingless bee (Melipona subnitida Ducke) produces to protect its nest. Here, these flavonoids were tested against ZIKV and DENV using Vero cells as a cellular model to perform a cytotoxicity assay and to define the effective concentrations of TCID50 as the readout method. The results demonstrated the antiviral activity of the compounds against both viruses upon the treatment of infected cells. The tested flavonoids had antiviral activity comparable with 6-methylmercaptopurine riboside (6-MMPr), used here as a positive control. In addition, to identify the possible action mechanism of the antiviral candidates, we carried out a docking analysis followed by a molecular dynamics simulation to elucidate naringenin and 7-O-methyl naringenin binding sites to each virus. Altogether, these results demonstrate that both flavonoids have potent antiviral effects against both viruses and warrant further in vivo trials.

Host defense peptides combined with MTA extract increase the repair in dental pulp cells: in vitro and ex vivo study.

Host Defense Peptides (HDPs) have, in previous studies, been demonstrating antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory capacity, important factors in the repair process. Knowing these characteristics, this article aims to evaluate the potential of HDPs IDR1018 and DJK-6 associated with MTA extract in the repair process of human pulp cells. Antibacterial activity of HDPs, MTA and HDPs combined with MTA in Streptococcus mutans planktonic bacteria and antibiofilm activity was evaluated. Cell toxicity was assayed with MTT and cell morphology was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Proliferation and migration of pulp cells were evaluated by trypan blue and wound healing assay. Inflammatory and mineralization related genes were evaluated by qPCR (IL-6, TNFRSF, DSPP, TGF-ß). Alkaline phosphatase, phosphate quantification and alizarin red staining were also verified. The assays were performed in technical and biological triplicate (n = 9). Results were submitted for the calculation of the mean and standard deviation. Then, normality verification by Kolmogorov Smirnov test, analyzing one-way ANOVA. Analyses were considered at a 95% significance level, with a p-value < 0.05. Our study demonstrated that HDPs combined with MTA were able to reduce biofilms performed in 24 h and biofilm performed over 7 days S. mutans biofilm (p < 0.05). IDR1018 and MTA, as well as their combination, down-regulated IL-6 expression (p < 0.05). Tested materials were not cytotoxic to pulp cells. IDR1018 induced high cell proliferation and combined with MTA induced high cellular migration rates in 48 h (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the combination of IDR1018 and MTA also induced high expression levels of DSPP, ALP activity, and the production of calcification nodules. So, IDR-1018 and its combination with MTA could assist in pulp-dentine complex repair process in vitro.

Unraveling Biotic and Abiotic Factors Shaping Sugarcane Straw Polyphenolic Richness: A Gateway to Artificial Intelligence-Driven Crop Management.

Sugarcane straw (Saccharum officinarum) is a valuable coproduct renowned for its abundant polyphenolic content. However, extracting these polyphenols for natural ingredients faces challenges due to their inherent variability, influenced by biotic stress factors and plant characteristics. We explored the impact of five crucial factors on sugarcane straw polyphenolic diversity: (i) production area (Guariba, Valparaíso), (ii) borer insect (Diatraea saccharalis) infestation, (iii) plant age (first to seventh harvest), (iv) harvest season, and (v) plant variety. Response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural networks (ANN) were used to optimize polyphenol extraction conditions. A second-order polynomial model guided us to predict ideal sugarcane straw harvesting conditions for polyphenol-rich extracts. The analysis identified CU0618-variety straw, harvested in Guariba during the dry season (October 2020), at the seventh harvest stage, with 13.81% borer insect infection, as the prime source for high hydroxybenzoic acid (1010 µg/g), hydroxycinnamic acid (3119 µg/g), and flavone (573 µg/g) content and consequently high antioxidant capacity. The ANN model surpasses the RSM model, demonstrating superior predictive capabilities with higher coefficients of determination and reduced mean absolute deviations for each polyphenol class. This underscores the potential of artificial neural networks in forecasting and enhancing polyphenol extraction conditions, setting the stage for AI-driven advancements in crop management.

Educação permanente em Saúde: Design Thinking para planejamento e construção de diretrizes / Educación permanente en salud: Design Thinking para planificar y construir lineamientos / Permanent education in health: Design Thinking for planning and constructing guidelines

Resumo Objetivo analisar o percurso do planejamento e construção de diretrizes de Educação Permanente em Saúde em uma regional de saúde. Método pesquisa participativa, desenvolvida pelo Design Thinking como estratégia colaborativa para o planejamento e construção de diretrizes de Educação Permanente em Saúde em uma Regional de Saúde do estado do Paraná-Brasil. Participaram gestores municipais, profissionais de saúde e representantes da Regional de Saúde, totalizando 32 participantes. Realizaram-se análise documental, grupos focais e formulários online para coleta de dados, que foram analisados segundo a Política Nacional de Educação Permanente em Saúde e a concepção dialógica problematizadora do percurso colaborativo. Resultados apontaram que o planejamento regional descreve ações de educação em saúde majoritariamente generalistas e quantificáveis, e que suscitaram inquietudes quando refletidas coletivamente. A atividade colaborativa oportunizou espaços de problematização do planejamento de Educação Permanente em Saúde, relações dialógicas, construção de conhecimento ancorado na ressignificação das práticas e elaboração coparticipativa de diretrizes qualitativas de educação permanente pautadas na reflexão da realidade vivenciada. Considerações finais implicações para prática o Design Thinking promoveu protagonismo e transformação de saberes e gestão por meio do diálogo emancipatório. O estudo corrobora de forma significativa a adoção do planejamento coparticipativo e regional de Educação Permanente em Saúde pela ressignificação das práticas.

Resumen Objetivo analizar el curso de planificación y construcción de directrices para la Educación Permanente en Salud en una regional de salud. Método investigación participativa, desarrollada por Design Thinking como estrategia colaborativa para la planificación y construcción de directrices para la Educación Permanente en Salud en una Regional de Salud del estado de Paraná, Brasil. Participaron gestores municipales, profesionales de la salud y representantes de la Región Sanitaria, totalizando 32 participantes. Se realizaron análisis documentales, grupos focales y formularios en línea para la recolección de datos, los cuales fueron analizados de acuerdo con la Política Nacional de Educación Permanente en Salud y la concepción dialógica problematizadora del camino colaborativo. Resultados señalaron que la planificación regional describe mayoritariamente acciones de educación en salud generalistas y cuantificables, y que suscitó preocupación cuando se reflexiona colectivamente. La actividad colaborativa brindó espacios para cuestionar la planificación de la Educación Permanente en Salud, las relaciones dialógicas, la construcción de saberes anclados en la redefinición de prácticas y la elaboración coparticipativa de lineamientos cualitativos para la educación permanente a partir del reflejo de la realidad vivida. Consideraciones finales e implicaciones para la práctica el Design Thinking promovió el protagonismo y la transformación del conocimiento y la gestión a través del diálogo emancipador. El estudio corrobora significativamente la adopción de la planificación coparticipativa y regional para la Educación Permanente en Salud por medio de la redefinición de prácticas.

Abstract Objective to analyze the course of planning and construction of guidelines for Permanent Education in Health in a health regional. Method participatory research, developed by Design Thinking as a collaborative strategy for the planning and construction of guidelines for Permanent Education in Health in a Health Region in the state of Paraná, Brazil. Municipal managers, health professionals, and representatives of the Health Region participated, totaling 32 participants. Documentary analysis, focus groups and online forms for data collection were carried out, which were analyzed according to the Brazilian National Policy on Permanent Education in Health and the problematizing dialogic conception of collaborative path. Results they pointed out that regional planning describes mostly generalist and quantifiable health education actions, and that raised concerns when collectively reflected. The collaborative activity provided spaces for questioning the planning of Permanent Health Education, dialogical relationships, construction of knowledge anchored in the re-signification of practices and co-participatory elaboration of qualitative Permanent Health Education guidelines based on the reflection of experienced reality. Final considerations and implications for practice Design Thinking promoted leading role and transformation of knowledge and management through emancipatory dialogue. The study significantly corroborates the adoption of co-participatory and regional planning for Permanent Education in Health by redefining practices.

Carcass traits and meat characteristics of grazing Nellore cattle submitted to different supplementation strategies in the tropics.

This study explored the effects of different supplementation strategies during the dry and rainy seasons in the tropics on the carcass traits and meat quality of Nellore cattle produced under grazing conditions. Additionally, a cost assessment of the supplementation strategies was conducted to define the most suitable ones from an economic standpoint. Twenty-eight non-castrated male animals (18 months) with an initial body weight of 327.9 ± 4.2 kg were used. The animals were equitably distributed in a randomized complete design thorough four supplementation strategies as follows: (i) mineral supplementation (MS) in both dry and rainy seasons (MS/MS), (ii) MS during the dry season and concentrate supplementation (CS) during the rainy season (MS/CS), (iii) CS during the dry season and MS during the rainy season (CS/MS), and (iv) CS in both dry and rainy seasons (CS/CS). Thereafter, carcass traits, primary carcass cut yields, meat quality traits, and chemical composition of the meat of cattle produced across different supplementation strategies were determined. Data revealed that animals under CS/CS showed the greatest (P < 0.01) hot carcass weights among the other supplementation strategies evaluated. Conversely, supplementation strategy did not affect (P > 0.10) the carcass traits (the ribeye area, final pH, and forequarter), meat quality traits (shear force, myofibrillar fragment index, sarcomere length, and color), and meat chemical composition (crude protein, fat, and moisture) of the animals. A cost assessment of the supplementation strategies revealed that CS/CS had the highest production costs. Nevertheless, CS/CS had the greatest income and profit, while MS/MS had the lowest ones. In conclusion, data suggest that cattle grazing on tropical forage under CS during at least one season (i.e., dry or rainy) produce similar meat quality traits and chemical composition of meat to those observed for animals under CS in both seasons. Additionally, the last supplementation strategy revealed the greatest profit indicators among the other explored.

Skipping breakfast associated with socioeconomic and lifestyle factors in Brazilian adolescents / Omitir o café da manhã está associado a fatores socioeconômicos e de estilo de vida entre adolescentes brasileiros

Abstract The aim is to estimate the prevalence and evaluate the association of socioeconomic and lifestyle factors with skipping breakfast among Brazilian adolescent students. A cross-sectional study carried out with adolescent ninth-graders from Brazilian public and private schools participating in the 2015 National School Health Survey. The prevalence of skipping breakfast (less than five days/week) and its respective 95% confidence intervals were estimated and stratified by gender according to demographic, socioeconomic, and lifestyle factors, self-perceived body image, and attitudes towards weight. A three-block hierarchical Poisson regression, considering the complex sample design. The prevalence of skipping breakfast was 35.6%, higher among girls than boys. In both genders, skipping breakfast was positively associated with the highest socioeconomic level, morning school shift, paid work, regular consumption of alcoholic beverages, living only with the mother, the father or neither, the irregular consumption of school food and meals with parents, considering oneself too fat/fat and trying to lose weight. In general, skipping breakfast was associated with socioeconomic factors and lifestyle behaviors harmful to health among adolescent students.

Resumo O objetivo é estimar a prevalência e avaliar a associação dos fatores socioeconômicos e de estilo de vida com a omissão do café da manhã entre adolescentes escolares brasileiros. Um estudo transversal realizado com adolescentes do 9º ano de escolas públicas e privadas brasileiras participantes da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde do Escolar de 2015. A prevalência de omissão do café da manhã (menos de cinco dias/semana) e seus respectivos intervalos de confiança de 95% foram estimados e estratificados por sexo de acordo com fatores demográficos, socioeconômicos, estilo de vida, autopercepção da imagem corporal e atitudes em relação ao peso. Uma regressão de Poisson hierárquica de três blocos, considerando o desenho amostral complexo. A prevalência de pular o café da manhã foi de 35,6%, maior entre as meninas do que entre os meninos. Em ambos os sexos, omitir o café da manhã associou-se positivamente com maior nível socioeconômico, turno escolar matutino, trabalho remunerado, consumo regular de bebidas alcoólicas, morar apenas com a mãe, pai ou nenhum dos dois, consumo irregular de alimentação escolar e refeições com os pais, considerar-se muito gordo/gordo e tentar perder peso. Em geral, a omissão do café da manhã foi associada a fatores socioeconômicos e comportamentos de estilo de vida prejudiciais à saúde entre estudantes adolescentes.

Skipping breakfast associated with socioeconomic and lifestyle factors in Brazilian adolescents.

The aim is to estimate the prevalence and evaluate the association of socioeconomic and lifestyle factors with skipping breakfast among Brazilian adolescent students. A cross-sectional study carried out with adolescent ninth-graders from Brazilian public and private schools participating in the 2015 National School Health Survey. The prevalence of skipping breakfast (less than five days/week) and its respective 95% confidence intervals were estimated and stratified by gender according to demographic, socioeconomic, and lifestyle factors, self-perceived body image, and attitudes towards weight. A three-block hierarchical Poisson regression, considering the complex sample design. The prevalence of skipping breakfast was 35.6%, higher among girls than boys. In both genders, skipping breakfast was positively associated with the highest socioeconomic level, morning school shift, paid work, regular consumption of alcoholic beverages, living only with the mother, the father or neither, the irregular consumption of school food and meals with parents, considering oneself too fat/fat and trying to lose weight. In general, skipping breakfast was associated with socioeconomic factors and lifestyle behaviors harmful to health among adolescent students.

Two Years into the COVID-19 Pandemic: Lessons Learned.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a highly transmissible and virulent human-infecting coronavirus that emerged in late December 2019 in Wuhan, China, causing a respiratory disease called coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which has massively impacted global public health and caused widespread disruption to daily life. The crisis caused by COVID-19 has mobilized scientists and public health authorities across the world to rapidly improve our knowledge about this devastating disease, shedding light on its management and control, and spawned the development of new countermeasures. Here we provide an overview of the state of the art of knowledge gained in the last 2 years about the virus and COVID-19, including its origin and natural reservoir hosts, viral etiology, epidemiology, modes of transmission, clinical manifestations, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, emerging variants, and vaccines, highlighting important differences from previously known highly pathogenic coronaviruses. We also discuss selected key discoveries from each topic and underline the gaps of knowledge for future investigations.

Antiviral activity of ouabain against a Brazilian Zika virus strain.

Zika virus (ZIKV) is an emerging arbovirus associated with neurological disorders. Currently, no specific vaccines or antivirals are available to treat the ZIKV infection. Ouabain, a cardiotonic steroid known as Na+/K+-ATPase inhibitor, has been previously described as an immunomodulatory substance by our group. Here, we evaluated for the first time the antiviral activity of this promising substance against a Brazilian ZIKV strain. Vero cells were treated with different concentrations of ouabain before and after the infection with ZIKV. The antiviral effect was evaluated by the TCID50 method and RT-qPCR. Ouabain presented a dose-dependent inhibitory effect against ZIKV, mainly when added post infection. The reduction of infectious virus was accompanied by a decrease in ZIKV RNA levels, suggesting that the mechanism of ZIKV inhibition by ouabain occurred at the replication step. In addition, our in silico data demonstrated a conformational stability and favorable binding free energy of ouabain in the biding sites of the NS5-RdRp and NS3-helicase proteins, which could be related to its mechanism of action. Taken together, these data demonstrate the antiviral activity of ouabain against a Brazilian ZIKV strain and evidence the potential of cardiotonic steroids as promising antiviral agents.

Formation and stability of aerobic granular sludge in a sequential batch reactor for the simultaneous removal of organic matter and nutrients from low-strength domestic wastewater.

Simultaneous removal of organic matter, nitrogen, and phosphorus, via simultaneous nitrification and denitrification (SND) and enhanced biological phosphorus removal processes, was evaluated in a pilot-scale sequential batch reactor. The focus was on granule's morphology, stability, microbiological composition, and reactor performance while treating diluted domestic wastewater with total chemical oxygen demand (CODt) of ≈ 200 mg.L-1. The applied organic loading rate was 0.9 ± 0.3 kg CODt.m-3.d-1 in the experiment. Aerobic granular sludge developed gradually. After 87-day operation, granules (diameter ≥ 0.2 mm) were ≥ 50 % of the biomass, and after 168 days, complete granulation was obtained (≥ 80 % of biomass). In the third period (days 168-247, complete granulation), mixed liquor biomass reached a volatile suspended solids (VSS) concentration of 1.2 ± 0.3 g VSS.L-1, with the granules remaining stable until the experimental end. In this period, low effluent concentrations of COD, nitrogen (NH4+-N, NO2--N and NO3--N) and phosphate (PO43-P) were obtained (mg.L-1): 36 ± 11; 4 ± 5; 3 ± 3, 4 ± 5; and 0.9 ± 0.4, respectively. COD, NH4+-N, and PO43--P removal efficiencies (%) were 80 ± 11; 83 ± 20; and 55 ± 24, respectively. Heterotrophic nitrification and SND were observed, resulting in a process efficiency of 31 % even with dissolved oxygen applied to saturation. The phosphate removal was mainly attributed to denitrifying phosphorus accumulating organisms. Pseudomonas, the dominant genus found, acted in nitrogen and phosphorus removal. Pseudoxanthomonas also assisted in phosphorus removal. Bacterial communities in the flocs (≈ 20 % of biomass) during the last period were similar to those in the granules; therefore, they constituted the basis for granule formation, directly contributed to the simultaneous good removal of organic matter and nutrients.

Implementação do atributo orientação comunitária na perspectiva de idosos e profissionais de saúde / Implementación del atributo orientación comunitaria desde la perspectiva de las personas mayores y de los profesionales de la salud / Implementation of the attribute community orientation in the perspective of the elderly and health professionals

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar a implementação do atributo Orientação Comunitária no atendimento prestado aos idosos na Atenção Primária à Saúde na perspectiva dos mesmos e de profissionais de saúde. Método: pesquisa qualitativa e avaliativa, desenvolvida com oito idosos e sete profissionais de uma Unidade Básica de Saúde de um município no estado do Paraná, Brasil. Os dados foram coletados entre fevereiro e março de 2020 por meio de entrevistas individuais com roteiro construído e orientado pelo Instrumento de Avaliação da Atenção Primária validado no Brasil. Os dados foram organizados e analisados através da construção de Matrizes Avaliativas. Resultados: identificaram-se as demandas e práticas relacionadas ao atributo Orientação Comunitária. Essas corresponderam a ações coletivas, visitas domiciliares, grupos operativos, conselho local de saúde, além do vínculo entre idosos e profissionais de saúde. Considerações finais: avaliou-se que idosos e profissionais têm diferentes perspectivas sobre o atributo Orientação Comunitária, sendo que essas complementam um processo dinâmico do trabalho da atenção primária à saúde com potencialidades e fragilidades.

RESUMEN Objetivo: evaluar la implementación del atributo Orientación Comunitaria en la atención prestada a los ancianos en la Atención Primaria de Salud desde su perspectiva y de los profesionales de salud. Método: investigación cualitativa y evaluativa, desarrollada con ocho ancianos y siete profesionales de una Unidad Básica de Salud de un municipio en el estado de Paraná-Brasil. Los datos fueron recolectados entre febrero y marzo de 2020 por medio de entrevistas individuales con guion construido y orientado por el Instrumento de Evaluación de la Atención Primaria validado en Brasil. Los datos fueron organizados y analizados a través de la construcción de Matrices Evaluativas. Resultados: se identificaron las demandas y prácticas relacionadas al atributo Orientación Comunitaria. Estas respondieron a acciones colectivas, visitas domiciliarias, grupos operativos, consejo local de salud, además del vínculo entre personas mayores y profesionales de salud. Consideraciones finales: se evaluó que los ancianos y profesionales tienen diferentes perspectivas sobre el atributo Orientación Comunitaria, siendo que estas complementan un proceso dinámico del trabajo de la atención primaria de salud con potencialidades y fragilidades.

ABSTRACT Objective: to evaluate the implementation of the attribute Community Orientation in the care provided to the elderly in Primary Health Care from the perspective of them and health professionals. Method: qualitative and evaluative research, developed with eight elderly and seven professionals from a Basic Health Unit of a municipality in the state of Paraná, Brazil. Data were collected between February and March 2020 through individual interviews with a constructed script guided by the Primary Care Assessment Instrument validated in Brazil. The data were organized and analyzed through the construction of Evaluative Matrices. Results: the demands and practices related to the attribute Community Orientation were identified. These corresponded to collective actions, home visits, operative groups, local health council, and the link between the elderly and health professionals. Final thoughts: the elderly and professionals have different perspectives on the attribute Community Orientation, and these complement a dynamic process of primary health care work with potential and weaknesses.

Widespread contamination of SARS-CoV-2 on highly touched surfaces in Brazil during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Although SARS-CoV-2 surface contamination has been investigated in health care settings, little is known about the SARS-CoV-2 surface contamination in public urban areas, particularly in tropical countries. Here, we investigated the presence of SARS-CoV-2 on high-touch surfaces in a large city in Brazil, one of the most affected countries by the COVID-19 pandemic in the world. A total of 400 surface samples were collected in February 2021 in the City of Recife, Northeastern Brazil. A total of 97 samples (24.2%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-qPCR using the CDC-USA protocol. All the collection sites, except one (18/19, 94.7%) had at least one environmental surface sample contaminated. SARS-CoV-2 positivity was higher in public transport terminals (47/84, 55.9%), followed by health care units (26/84, 30.9%), beach areas (4/21, 19.0%), public parks (14/105, 13.3%), supply centre (2/21, 9.5%), and public markets (4/85, 4.7%). Toilets, ATMs, handrails, playgrounds and outdoor gyms were identified as fomites with the highest rates of SARS-CoV-2 detection. Taken together, our data provide a real-world picture of SARS-CoV-2 dispersion in highly populated tropical areas and identify critical control points that need to be targeted to break SARS-CoV-2 transmission chains.

Bisbenzylisoquinoline Alkaloids of Cissampelos Sympodialis With in Vitro Antiviral Activity Against Zika Virus.

In search of new antiviral compounds against Zika virus we conducted a bioassay-guided fractionation of bisbenzyilisoquinoline alkaloids isolated from Cissampelos sympodialis (Menispermaceae), a medicinal plant species endemic to Brazil. Six subfractions were obtained from a tertiary alkaloidal fraction of the rhizomes (TAFrz) using preparative high-performance liquid chromatography. All the subfractions were tested against Zika virus-infected Vero cells as the cellular model to evaluate cytotoxicity and antiviral effective concentrations. The results showed that three of the six TAFrz subfractions tested were active. The most active ones were the subfraction 6 (that consisted of the alkaloids methylwarifteine and warifteine present as a mixture at a ratio of 8.8:1.2 respectively) and the subfraction 5, that was later identified as warifteine, the major tertiary alkaloid of this species. Warifteine was able to significantly reduce virus titer in Zika virus-infected Vero cells with an IC50 of 2.2 µg/ml and this effect was selective (selectivity index, SI = 68.3). Subfraction 6 had an IC50 = 3.5 µg/ml and was more cytotoxic than pure warifteine, with SI = 6.14. Fraction 5 and fraction 6 were more potent in decreasing the viral titer of Zika virus-infected Vero cells than 6-methylmercaptopurine riboside (IC50 = 24.5 µg/ml and SI = 11.9), a mercaptopurine riboside with ZIKV antiviral activity used as a positive control. Our data demonstrate that alkaloids of the bisbenzylisoquinoline type may be explored as new antiviral agents or as an useful pharmacophore for investigating ZIKV antiviral activity.

Concentrated MTA Repair HP reduced biofilm and can cause reparative action at a distance.

AIM: To evaluate in vitro whether MTA Repair HP can induce repair processes at a distance, including its effects on biofilm, cell viability, migration, production of TGF-ß, phosphate and ALP, evaluated through MTA diluted extracts. METHODOLOGY: Initially, antibacterial tests were performed with the bacterium Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 25175) in the presence of MTA extracts (dilutions of 1:1, 1:2 and 1:4). Growth inhibition assay by microdilution in broth, antibiofilm plate assay of young biofilm and antibiofilm assay in confocal microscopy of mature biofilm were carried out. Then, pulp cells were stimulated in the presence of several MTA dilutions, and cell viability (MTT assay), proliferation and migration capacity (scratch assay) were evaluated. To evaluate the capacity of 1:1, 1:2 and 1:4 dilutions of MTA Repair HP to promote the production of important agents of odontogenic differentiation and mineralization, ALP activity, TGF-ß secretion and phosphate quantification were measured. Statistical differences were verified using one-way and two-way anova and Tukey's post-tests. RESULTS: The test dilutions of MTA Repair HP did not inhibit planktonic S. mutans growth but were able to reduce young and mature S. mutans biofilm (p < 0.001). In addition, none of the MTA Repair HP dilutions was cytotoxic for pulp cells. The 1:2 and 1:4 dilutions of MTA Repair HP induced migration and proliferation of pulp cells (p < 0.05). ALP activity and TGF-ß secretion were independent of the tested dilution (p < 0.001). Diluted 1:4 MTA Repair HP produced less phosphate than the more concentrated 1:1 and 1:2 MTA dilutions (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Undiluted MTA Repair HP reduced S. mutans biofilm, when compared to 1:2 and 1:4 MTA dilutions. Furthermore, none of the tested dilutions was cytotoxic to pulp cells. MTA Repair HP promoted cell migration and proliferation at a distance, assessed through the dilution of the MTA. Even from a distance, MTA Repair HP has the ability to participate in some events related to repair, such as migration, proliferation and TGF production.

Scenario of elective colorectal oncology surgeries during the COVID-19 pandemic / Cenário das cirurgias colorretais oncológicas eletivas em meio à pandemia de COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world health scenario, causing numerous problems related to the overload of services. In this scenario, the approach to oncological diseases becomes a challenge, considering the risk of progression of cancer disease and death due to delay in diagnosis and treatment. Faced with this exceptional situation, coloproctology services have been forced to change their routine to adapt to the new reality, considering risks and benefits in the conduct of these patients. Thus, the experience of the coloproctology service at the Santa Casa de São Paulo, São Paulo, state of São Paulo, Brazil, during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic is described, evaluating the possibility of maintaining elective oncological surgeries through selection by directed anamnesis. Method: Retrospective cohort study with prospective collection comparing colorectal surgery for cancer before and during the pandemic from December 2019 to July 2020. Results: In total, 81 patients were included. During the pandemic, 41 patients were operated on with 2 perioperative contaminations by COVID-19. Both length of stay and complications were not different between groups. Conclusion: Since there was no increase in COVID-19 morbidity and mortality in elective oncology surgeries with patients screened for guided anamnesis, it is worth considering this method for maintaining surgical procedures even in the event of apandemic. (AU)

A pandemia do COVID-19 modificou o cenário mundial da saúde, ocasionando inúmeros problemas relacionados à sobrecarga dos serviços. Neste contexto, a abordagem das doenças oncológicas se tornou um desafio, tendo em vista que o atraso no diagnóstico e no tratamento oncológico resulta emmaior risco de progressão de doença e óbito. Frente a esta situação excepcional, os serviços de coloproctologia foram obrigados a mudar a rotina, considerando riscos e benefícios na condução dos pacientes. Assim, descreve-se a experiência do serviço de coloproctologia da Santa Casa de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil, durante o início da pandemia de COVID-19, avaliando a possibilidade de manutenção das cirurgias eletivas oncológicas através da seleção por anamnese dirigida. Método: Coorte retrospectiva com coleta prospectiva comparando cirurgias colorretais oncológicas realizadas de dezembro de 2019 a julho de 20202, comparando casos operados antes e durante a pandemia. Resultados: No total, 81 pacientes foram incluídos. Durante a pandemia, 41 pacientes foram operados, com duas contaminações perioperatórias por COVID-19. Nem o tempo de internação nem as complicações foram diferentes entre os grupos. Conclusão: Uma vez que não houve aumento da morbimortalidade por COVID-19 nas cirurgias oncológicas eletivas com pacientes triados por anamnese dirigida, vale considerar este método para a manutenção dos procedimentos cirúrgicos mesmo em vigência da pandemia. (AU)

Quality of Root Canal Filling Using a Bioceramic Sealer in Oval Canals: A Three-Dimensional Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The oval canals may be associated with inadequate debridement, which can affect the quality of the root canal filling, thus the treatment outcome. The aim of the present work was to compare the quality of oval canals fillings using EndoSequence BC sealer with the single-cone technique or cold lateral compaction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-eight human single-rooted premolars with oval canals were instrumented to 1 mm from the apical foramen with hand nickel-titanium files, followed by circumferential filing with Hedstrom files. Teeth were paired into two groups based on their micro-computed tomography (CT) morphological parameters. Both groups were filled using EndoSequence BC sealer. The first used a single cone and the other with the cold lateral compaction technique. The voids volume was evaluated by micro-CT and the percentage was calculated for the total length and for the apical 5 mm of each canal. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to assess whether the surface area and obturation length differed significantly between the groups and to compare the percentage of voids for each technique. RESULTS: Both techniques resulted in less than 16% voids, with no statistically significant difference between them for the total canal length and for the apical 5 mm (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The quality of the obturation performed with the single-cone technique was similar to that achieved with lateral compaction using EndoSequence BC sealer in oval canals.

Bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids of Cissampelos sympodialis with antiviral activity against dengue virus.

A number of bisbenzyilisoquinoline alkaloids have been previously isolated from Cissampelos sympodialis (Menispermaceae). The tertiary alkaloid fraction of the rhizomes (TAFrz) was prepared and the major alkaloid warifteine was isolated. Five TAFrz subfractions in addition to warifteine were tested against Dengue virus (DENV). We then used an epithelial (Vero) cell line to evaluate the cytotoxicity and effective concentrations of the samples against DENV. All TAFrz subfractions were active, but subfraction 6 (a mixture of the alkaloids methylwarifteine and warifteine) in particular showed a promising antiviral effect against DENV-2 with an IC50 of 2.00 µg/mL and a selectivity index (SI) of 10.74. Warifteine was the second most active sample and had an IC50 of 8.13 µg/mL and SI = 10.94. The antiviral activity of the samples compared favorably with that of 6-methylmercaptopurine riboside (IC50 = 7.31 µg/mL and SI = 11.8). These results suggest that bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids may prove interesting leading antiviral compounds.

Proteomic analysis of human dental pulp in different clinical diagnosis.

OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to identify proteins obtained from pulp tissue and correlate with each clinical diagnosis (healthy pulp, inflamed pulp, and necrotic pulp). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of forty-five molars were used. Three biological replicas were evaluated. Lysis and sonication were used for protein extraction. Protein quantification was assessed by using the Bradford technique, and shotgun proteome analysis was performed by nanoUPLC-MSE using a Synapt G2 mass spectrometer. Mass spectra data were processed using the Waters PLGS software, and protein identification was done using the human Uniprot database appended to the PLGS search engine. RESULTS: A total of 123 different proteins were identified in all evaluated pulp conditions. Among these, 66 proteins were observed for healthy pulp, 66 for inflamed pulp, and 91 for necrotic pulp. Most protein identification was related to immune response, multi-organism process, platelet activation, and stress in inflamed pulp samples compared to healthy pulp. Proteins related to cellular component organization or biogenesis, developmental process, growth, immune response, multi-organism process, response to stimulus, signaling, stress, and transport were identified in cases of apical periodontitis compared to inflamed pulp. CONCLUSIONS: The progression of the disease to inflamed pulp promoted a high abundance of proteins related to the immune system and stress. Comparing the necrotic pulp with inflamed pulp conditions, a high abundance of proteins was noticed related to metabolism, transport, and response between organisms. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This finding may assist in future studies of new markers, understanding of tissue engineering, and development of future products.