Colonic perineurioma of the transverse colon: presentation of a rare neoplasm in an atypical location.

A 51-year-old male with previous medical history of dyslipidemia performed screening colonoscopy, which revealed a sessile polypoid lesion with a diameter of approximately 8 mm located at the proximal transverse colon, which was resected en bloc with a cold snare. Remarkably, histopathological examination revealed a proliferation of spindle cells in the lamina propria entrapping colonic crypts without evidence of nuclear pleomorphism, mitotic figures or necrosis. On immunohistochemistry, spindle cells were diffusely positive for glucose transporter-1 and negative for S100, DOG1, CD34 and smooth muscle actin. These features were consistent with a diagnosis of colonic perineurioma.

Phenotypic plasticity and behavioral responses of dairy cattle on rotational grazing.

Heat stress is one of the most important environmental challenges faced by dairy cattle, with a deleterious effect on animal production and welfare. This research was conducted to evaluate the effects of the thermal environment on the physiological and behavioral responses of dairy cattle in a rotational picket. The research was conducted on an experimental farm, located in the Agreste region of the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. The animals were managed in a rotational picket system of signal grass, with an occupation and a rest period of 7 and 28 days, respectively, for a stocking rate of 3.2 AU ha-1. The determination of the effect of stressors on the animals was performed by recording the dry bulb temperature (°C), and the relative humidity, which allowed the characterization of the thermal environment by the temperature and humidity index and by the specific enthalpy (kJ kg-1). The physiological variables monitored were respiratory rate (mov. min-1), rectal temperature (°C), and skin temperature (°C). The behavioral responses quantified were activities, walking, ruminating, idling and ingestive behaviors, eating, and drinking, with the percentage of time spent on each activity being recorded. According to the canonical multivariate analysis, the chi-square test, and the variation of physiological patterns, the animals, even in a situation of greater thermal challenge, presented physiological responses within conditions considered normal; however, they reduced grazing activity (eating) during the hottest hours and increased the activities of rumination and idling.

Assessment of neuromuscular fatigue through frequency analysis of the electromyographic signal of control participants and those with temporomandibular dysfunction treated with resilient or hard occlusal devices.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Muscle hyperactivity that leads to neuromuscular fatigue can be evaluated by electromyography. Whether treatment with occlusal devices can restore neuromuscular balance to patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) is unclear. PURPOSE: The purpose of this clinical study was to evaluate neuromuscular fatigue by analyzing the frequency of the electromyographic signal of the masseter and anterior temporalis muscles on both sides in healthy participants and those with TMD treated with a resilient or hard occlusal device. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred asymptomatic participants and 30 with TMD were divided into 2 groups: treated with a hard device or treated with a resilient device. All underwent electromyographic examination before and after treatment with the occlusal devices. RESULTS: In both groups, the results showed statistically significant differences (P<.01) when the fatigue rate before and after treatment with an occlusal device was compared. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with both types of occlusal device was efficient in reducing the rate of neuromuscular fatigue in patients with TMDs.

Using quizzes to provide an effective and more enjoyable dental education: A pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: Increasingly, dental education is using digital strategies to deliver teaching; however, not all of these learning materials are engaging and effective. AIM: To evaluate the perception and knowledge retention of undergraduate dental students after using two different digital learning tools: quizzes and PDF. METHODS: Thirty-three students from a Dental School in the United Kingdom took part in the research. They received learning material derived from the Prosthodontic (Kennedy classification) or Paediatric dentistry content (Tooth classification). The same content was delivered in two different formats: quiz game (n = 17) and PDF file (n = 16). The PDF file had ten images and their classifications, whilst the quiz had the same images with a question about the classification, along with alternatives (single best answer). RESULTS: All students gave similar performances on the knowledge assessment; however, their perception about the learning material differed. Students using quizzes (88%) agreed that they were fun and an interesting way of learning, while only 37.5% had this opinion about PDF material (p = .002). When using quizzes, learners were more motivated and confident. They would frequently recommend quizzes to other colleagues; however, the use of PDF was not suggested as frequently (p = .039). As a learning strategy, 100% of the students using quizzes wanted more of the same to study other dental subjects. This was not the case with the PDF format (p = .005). CONCLUSION: Despite quizzes and PDF files resulting in a similar understanding of dental subjects, learners prefer quizzes to supplement their studies. Educators should consider using this interactive digital tool to engage students, instead of PDF files.

Online videos: The hidden curriculum.

INTRODUCTION: Dental undergraduates will access the Internet searching for learning materials to complement their training; however, open access content is not generally recommended by dental schools. This study aimed to evaluate how dental students are using online video content. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Students from eight Universities (Athens, Birmingham, Brescia, Cardiff, Melbourne, Paris, Sao Paulo and Valdivia) representing three continents were invited to complete a survey on their access and learning from online videos. RESULTS: International students behave similarly when studying dental content online. Of 515 respondents, 94.6% use the Internet as a learning tool. It was observed that videos are not frequently recommended during didactic lectures (9.6%). But many students (79.9%) will use YouTube for their learning which includes clinical procedures. Students will check online content before performing procedures for the first time (74.8%), to understand what was explained in class (65.9%) or read in books (59.5%), to relearn clinical techniques (64.7%) and to visualise rare procedures (49.8%). More than half of the students do not fully trust the accuracy or the reliability of online content. This does not prevent students from watching and sharing dental videos with classmates (64.4%). The content watched is not shared with teachers (23.3%) even when it contradicts what was learnt in the school (38.2%). CONCLUSION: This study concludes that students regularly integrate open access digital resources into learning portfolios but are hesitant to inform their teachers about their viewing habits. Students wish to receive critical skills on how to evaluate the material they encounter outside their traditional learning space.

Correlations and repeatability between Babesia spp. infection levels using two dairy cattle breeding systems.

Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina are tick-transmitted piroplasms that cause severe damage to the livestock industry in tropical regions of the world. Recent studies demonstrated differences in infection levels of these haemoparasites among bovine breeds and variation between individual cows regarding resistance to these diseases. This study aimed to estimate the repeatability and correlations between B. bovis and B. bigemina using two cattle breeding systems, an individual system (IS) and a collective paddock system (CPS). All animals were Holstein breed, and the levels of B. bovis and B. bigemina in blood samples were estimated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The estimated correlations for the B. bigemina and B. bovis DNA copy number for IS and CPS were moderate and high, respectively, whereas repeatability estimates for both systems and both Babesia species were moderate. Although we cannot infer that the type of rearing system directly influenced the correlation and repeatability coefficients, it appears that the bovine parasitemia burden may be dependent on (or determine) the parasitemia burden on ticks because the bovines remained in the same place for a longer time in both systems. Thus, the babesiosis infection levels of the ticks may have been uniform, a phenomenon that also ensures greater uniformity in cattle infection. This factor may have favored the occurrence of infected ticks leading to higher repeatability estimates and correlations. Our study confirms high variability in resistance/susceptibility between breeds, and the high correlations found may be linked to this characteristic and the most intensive breeding type of dairy cattle. Besides, under the present study conditions, the estimated correlations suggest that measuring an infection level of one Babesia species can predict the level of infection of the other.

Lewis score: a useful tool for diagnosis and prognosis in Crohn's disease.

BACKGROUND: videocapsule endoscopy (VCE) is currently the most sensitive diagnostic tool to detect early small bowel inflammation. A Lewis score (LS) of ≥ 135 as the cutoff value for the presence of significant inflammatory activity in patients undergoing VCE for suspected Crohn's disease (CD) has been suggested as a useful tool for the diagnosis of CD. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic accuracy of the LS in patients with suspected CD undergoing VCE. METHODS: a retrospective single-center study was performed that included patients who underwent VCE for suspected CD between January 2010 and December 2015. Inflammatory activity was assessed with the LS. Patients were grouped according to the criteria of the International Conference on Capsule Endoscopy (ICCE) for the definition of suspected CD; group 1: patients not fulfilling ICCE and group 2: patients with ≥ 2 ICCE criteria. RESULTS: one hundred and ninety-one patients were included, 61% were female and the mean age was 39 ± 14 years. VCE detected significant inflammatory activity (LS ≥ 135) in 81 patients (42%); 24 patients from group 1 (32%) and 57 patients from group 2 (50%) (p = 0.014). During a mean follow-up period of 41 ± 21 months (12-79), a CD diagnosis was determined in 60 patients (31%); 55 patients with LS ≥ 135 (92%) and five patients with LS < 135 (5%) (p < 0.001). The LS showed a good diagnostic accuracy with an AUROC of 0.93 (p < 0.001). During the first year after diagnosis, there was a significant association between a higher LS and the need for immunomodulatory therapy, biological therapy, bowel resection surgery or hospital admission due to a CD flare-up. CONCLUSIONS: the LS (cutoff ≥ 135) is very useful in the diagnosis of CD in patients undergoing VCE. Moreover, higher values of this score was associated with prognostic variables.

Three-Dimensional Nasal Alterations in Le Fort I Advancement: Linear Measurements, Angles, Nasal Indices, and Volume Differences.

The maxillary advancement obtained by the Le Fort I osteotomy can also generate significant changes in the soft tissue of the nose and lips. The aim of this study was to compare the alterations in the soft tissue of the nose following the Le Fort I osteotomy maxillary advancement technique in a population of young adults submitted to orthognathic surgery. Seven men and 8 women aged between 23 and 45 underwent orthognathic surgery using the Le Fort I osteotomy and bilateral mandibular sagittal osteotomy. Sixty 3-dimensional images were analyzed (Vectra M3, Canfield, NJ) after labeling landmarks on the face and determining linear and angular measurements, proportion, and volume difference indices at the following intervals: preoperatively (baseline), then 2 months, 6 months, and 1 year after surgery. Following Le Fort I, there was an increase in the alar base, and reduction of nasal tip protrusion, nasal angles, and the nasal tip protrusion index (P < 0.05). There were no differences in the facial thirds, the nasal index, and angles of nasal and mentolabial convexity (P > 0.05). There was a difference in the volume of the nose only 2 months after surgery. The Le Fort I osteotomy caused significant alterations in linear, angular, and nasal proportion measurements. The volume differences were reversible in the early postoperative period and probably associated with edema. The possibility of variations in the size and shape of the nose should be presented to prospective patients preoperatively.

The availability of open-access videos offered by dental schools.

BACKGROUND: The Internet has become an established learning tool in dental education where students can access online videos on a range of dental subjects. However, finding reliable peer-reviewed content is not straightforward. AIM: To evaluate the video content offered by UK and Republic of Ireland (RoI) Dental Schools on their YouTube channels and public websites. METHODS: Free videos offered on UK and RoI Dental schools websites and YouTube channels were watched and set according to its purpose, as educational or non-educational. The number of views, length, category and date of publication were analysed. RESULTS: A total of 627 videos offered by dental courses were evaluated. Videos were available on 83% of the websites, but only 9% was educational content. Dental courses YouTube channels received more than 2.3 million views, but less than 5% of the material offered is educational. Instructional videos found on the websites (3.2 min) were shorter than those found on YouTube (8.5 min) (P = .03). The majority of the videos, provided by Universities, were not educational and focused on promoting the dental courses. Most websites have demonstrated a password-protected area where quality content may be offered. CONCLUSION: Students wishing to watch instructional videos will find limited educational content provided by UK and RoI dental courses. Therefore, they are likely to access course-related material elsewhere on the Internet that may not be necessarily peer-reviewed.

Long-term anabolic steroids in male bodybuilders induce cardiovascular structural and autonomic abnormalities.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to examine the hypothesis that users of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) would have cardiac autonomic disorders and that there is a correlation between sympathetic modulation, high blood pressure (BP) and alterations to cardiac dimensions. METHODS: Forty-five male subjects were enrolled in the study. They were categorized into three groups comprising bodybuilders actively using AAS (AAS users; n = 15), bodybuilders who had never used AAS (nonusers; n = 15) and age-paired healthy sedentary controls (n = 15). Hemodynamic parameters, linear and nonlinear analyses of heart rate variability and electrocardiography and echocardiography analyses were performed at rest. RESULTS: Bodybuilders in the AAS group had a higher mean BP than those in the ASS nonuser group (p < 0.05) and the sedentary controls (p < 0.001). Cardiac sympathetic modulation was higher in AAS users than in AAS nonusers (p < 0.05) and the sedentary controls (p < 0.001), and parasympathetic modulation was lower in AAS users than in nonusers and the sedentary controls (p < 0.05). Shannon entropy was lower in AAS users than in the sedentary (p < 0.05) controls, and the corrected QT interval and QT dispersion were higher in AAS users than in the sedentary controls (p < 0.05). The interventricular septal thickness, left ventricle posterior wall thickness and relative diastolic wall thickness were higher in AAS users than in AAS nonusers and the sedentary controls (p < 0.001). AAS users showed a positive correlation between increased sympathetic modulation and high BP (r = 0.48, p < 0.005), as well as sympathetic modulation and cardiac hypertrophy (r = 0.66, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: There was a marked cardiac autonomic alteration in AAS users, with a shift toward sympathetic modulation predominance and vagal attenuation. The high BP observed in our group of bodybuilders using AAS was associated with increased sympathetic modulation, and this increased sympathetic modulation was associated with structural alterations in the heart. This association may constitute an important mechanism linking AAS abuse to increased cardiovascular risk.

Robot-assisted single port radical nephrectomy and cholecystectomy: description and technical aspects.

INTRODUCTION: Robot-Assisted Single Site Radical Nephrectomy (RASS-RN) has been reported by surgeons in Europe and United States (1-3). To our best knowledge this video presents the first RASS-RN with concomitant cholecystectomy performed in Latin America. CASE: A 66 year-old renal transplant male due to chronic renal failure presented with an incidental 1.3cm nodule in the upper pole of the right kidney. In addition, symptomatic gallbladder stones were detected. RESULTS: Patient was placed in modified flank position. Multichannel single port device was placed using Hassan's technique through a 3cm supra-umbilical incision. Standard radical nephrectomy and cholecystectomy were made using na 8.5mm camera, two 5mm robotic arms and an assistant 5mm access. Surgery time and estimated blood loss were 208 minutes and 100mL, respectively. Patient did well and was discharged within less than 48 hours, without complications. Pathology report showed benign renomedullary tumor of interstitial cells and chronic cholecystitis. DISCUSSION: Robotic technology improves ergonomics, gives better precision and enhances ability to approach complex surgeries. Robot-assisted Single Port aims to reduce the morbidity of multiple trocar placements while maintaining the advantages of robotic surgery (2). Limitations include the use of semi-rigid instruments providing less degree of motion and limited space leading to crash between instruments. On the other hand, it is possible to perform complex and concomitant surgeries with just one incision. CONCLUSION: RASS-RN seems to be safe and feasible option for selected cases. Studies should be performed to better understand the results using single port technique in Urology.

Dietary practices of children and adolescents with Down syndrome.

The aim of this study was to assess dietary intake, breastfeeding history, weight at birth and current weight in children and adolescents with Down syndrome (DS). Therefore, a cross-sectional, controlled study with 19 DS participants and 19 controls without DS matched by gender and age was performed. Except for vitamin D, a lower or the same frequency of insufficient intake in other micronutrients was noted in participants compared with controls. The DS group had a reduced exclusive breastfeeding duration and increased carbohydrate and caloric intake. The consumption of micronutrients in both groups reinforced the current trend of excessive sodium consumption and insufficient intake of calcium, some B complex vitamins and water by children and adolescents.

Factors Associated With Functional Capacity in Hemodialysis Patients.

Hemodialysis patients have a marked decrease in functional capacity when compared to healthy individuals. We evaluated the factors associated with functional capacity in hemodialysis patients. A total of 102 hemodialysis patients were evaluated. The patients were submitted to a 6-min walk test, peripheral muscle strength tests, and an evaluation of quality of life, anxiety, and depression. The laboratory data were measured. The 6-min walk test distance correlated significantly with age, educational level, hemoglobin, creatinine, number of comorbidities, peripheral muscle strength, and some domains of SF-36 quality of life questionnaire and depression (P < 0.05). Multiple linear regression showed that educational level, hemoglobin, peripheral muscle strength, and depression significantly affected the 6-min walk test distance (P < 0.05). The multiple correlation coefficient was 0.74, and the squared multiple correlation coefficient adjusted was 0.52. In conclusion, functional capacity was significantly associated with educational level, hemoglobin, peripheral muscle strength, and depression in hemodialysis patients.

Repeatability Study of Angular and Linear Measurements on Facial Morphology Analysis by Means of Stereophotogrammetry.

The aim of this study was to analyze the repeatability in a stereophotogrammetry digital system used for the evaluation of facial morphology. Thirty healthy Brazilian, 18 to 45 years old (26.71 ±â€Š6.53), had 11 reference landmarks marked on their faces by the same examiner and were photographed with an interval of 1 week by the VECTRA M3. Nine angular measurements (nasolabial, mentolabial, nasofrontal, maxillofacial, nasal, maxillary, mandibular, facial convexity, full facial convexity) and 2 linear measurements (middle facial height and lower facial height) were taken. Repeatability was analyzed by the mean absolute differences, relative error of magnitude, technical error of measurement, intraclass correlation coefficient, and Bland-Altman analysis. Paired t test sought any systematic errors between the acquisitions. Associations among body mass index, age, and the error in the measurements were made using the Pearson correlation coefficient. For the technical error of measurement, the nasolabial and mentolabial angles showed values >2° (clinical limit set for this study). For the relative error of measurement, most of the measures were rated between good and excellent. The maxillofacial angle was only moderate. There was a systematic error for middle facial height. The nasolabial, mentolabial, facial convexity, full facial convexity, maxillofacial, and nasofrontal angles presented intraclass correlation coefficient values rated as excellent. The relationship between age/body mass index and the error found between measurements was not confirmed. The nasolabial and mentolabial angles should be interpreted with caution due to the variability showed. The results found stereophotogrammetry to be repeatable, giving accurate measures within the references established for this study.

Effects of oral motor exercises and laser therapy on chronic temporomandibular disorders: a randomized study with follow-up.

This study investigated the efficacy of combining low-level laser therapy (LLLT) with oral motor exercises (OM-exercises) for rehabilitation of patients with chronic temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). Eighty-two patients with chronic TMD and 20 healthy subjects (control group) participated in the study. Patients were randomly assigned to treatment groups: GI (LLLT + OM exercises), GII (orofacial myofunctional therapy-OMT-which contains pain relief strategies and OM-exercises), and GIII (LLLT placebo + OM-exercises) and GIV (LLLT). LLLT (AsGaAl; 780-nm wavelength; average power of 60 mW, 40 s, and 60 ± 1.0 J/cm²) was used to promote analgesia, while OM-exercises were used to reestablish the orofacial functions. Evaluations at baseline (T1), after treatment immediate (T2), and at follow-up (T3) were muscle and joint tenderness to palpation, TMD severity, and orofacial myofunctional status. There was a significant improvement in outcome measures in all treated groups with stability at follow-up (Friedman test, P < 0.05), but GIV did not show difference in orofacial functions after LLLT (P > 0.05). Intergroup comparisons showed that all treated groups had no difference in tenderness to palpation of temporal muscle compared to GC at follow-up (Kruskal-Wallis test, P < 0.01). Moreover, GI, GII, and GIII showed no difference from GC in orofacial functional condition (T2 and T3) while they differed significantly from GIV (P < 0.01). In conclusion, LLLT combined with OM-exercises was more effective in promoting TMD rehabilitation than LLLT alone was. Similar treatment results were verified with the OMT protocol.

Comparison of dynamic electromyographic analysis of masticatory capsules with materials of different textures.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the mastication electromyographic indexes of capsules used for the masticatory efficiency evaluation "ME-mastig" and of materials of different textures (gum, raisins, and peanuts). METHODS: Thirty young, healthy, adult subjects, with an average age of 23.46 years old, with no symptoms of temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD), confirmed by the clinical exam, RDC/TMD, and the static test of electromyography (EMG) were chosen. Afterward, dynamic tests were performed (bilateral mastication of the compounds) to determine number of chewing cycles (CYCLES); masticatory frequency (FREQ); SMI (symmetrical masticatory index - corresponding to the value of neuromuscular coordination during mastication); and IMPACT (corresponding to impact - total electromyographic activity performed by the system during chewing). RESULTS: Cycle and frequency were similar. Regarding SMI and IMPACT, the raisin, the capsule, and the peanut were similar between each other, and different from the gum. CONCLUSIONS: Masticatory capsules and the natural foods with different textures had similar results regarding EMG indexes.

Intermittent administration of parathyroid hormone improves the repairing process of rat calvaria defects: A histomorphometric and radiodensitometric study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of intermittent treatment of parathyroid hormone (PTH (1-34)) on the bone regeneration of critically-sized rat calvarial bone defects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-two male rats were trephined (4mm full-thickness diameter), in the central part of the parietal bones and divided into 2 groups of 16. The PTH group received subcutaneous injections of PTH (1-34) at 40µg/kg, 3 times a week and the control (CTL) group received the vehicle in the same regimen. The rats were sacrificed at 4 weeks post-treatment regimen, the parietal bones were extracted and samples were evaluated through histomorphometry and radiodensitometry. RESULTS: The histological observations showed that the PTH group presented more "island-like" new bone between the defect margins with fibrous tissues than did the CTL group. The PTH group significantly exhibited greater histologic bone formation than did the CTL group (1.5mm ±0.7; 1.9 mm ± 0.6, p<0.05/ for residual bone defect). The radiodensitometry analysis revealed significant differences among the PTH and CTL groups (2.1 Al eq. ±0.04; 1.8Al eq. ±0.06, p<0.05), demonstrating an increase in bone mineral density. The PTH treatment contributed to the bone formation with a higher amount of mineral and/or fibrous tissue when compared with the CTL group. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that it was possible to increase the process of bone regeneration by accelerating the healing process in rat calvarial defects through intermittent administration of the PTH treatment.

Evaluation of ChatGPT's Real-Life Implementation in Undergraduate Dental Education: Mixed Methods Study.

BACKGROUND: The recent artificial intelligence tool ChatGPT seems to offer a range of benefits in academic education while also raising concerns. Relevant literature encompasses issues of plagiarism and academic dishonesty, as well as pedagogy and educational affordances; yet, no real-life implementation of ChatGPT in the educational process has been reported to our knowledge so far. OBJECTIVE: This mixed methods study aimed to evaluate the implementation of ChatGPT in the educational process, both quantitatively and qualitatively. METHODS: In March 2023, a total of 77 second-year dental students of the European University Cyprus were divided into 2 groups and asked to compose a learning assignment on "Radiation Biology and Radiation Protection in the Dental Office," working collaboratively in small subgroups, as part of the educational semester program of the Dentomaxillofacial Radiology module. Careful planning ensured a seamless integration of ChatGPT, addressing potential challenges. One group searched the internet for scientific resources to perform the task and the other group used ChatGPT for this purpose. Both groups developed a PowerPoint (Microsoft Corp) presentation based on their research and presented it in class. The ChatGPT group students additionally registered all interactions with the language model during the prompting process and evaluated the final outcome; they also answered an open-ended evaluation questionnaire, including questions on their learning experience. Finally, all students undertook a knowledge examination on the topic, and the grades between the 2 groups were compared statistically, whereas the free-text comments of the questionnaires were thematically analyzed. RESULTS: Out of the 77 students, 39 were assigned to the ChatGPT group and 38 to the literature research group. Seventy students undertook the multiple choice question knowledge examination, and examination grades ranged from 5 to 10 on the 0-10 grading scale. The Mann-Whitney U test showed that students of the ChatGPT group performed significantly better (P=.045) than students of the literature research group. The evaluation questionnaires revealed the benefits (human-like interface, immediate response, and wide knowledge base), the limitations (need for rephrasing the prompts to get a relevant answer, general content, false citations, and incapability to provide images or videos), and the prospects (in education, clinical practice, continuing education, and research) of ChatGPT. CONCLUSIONS: Students using ChatGPT for their learning assignments performed significantly better in the knowledge examination than their fellow students who used the literature research methodology. Students adapted quickly to the technological environment of the language model, recognized its opportunities and limitations, and used it creatively and efficiently. Implications for practice: the study underscores the adaptability of students to technological innovations including ChatGPT and its potential to enhance educational outcomes. Educators should consider integrating ChatGPT into curriculum design; awareness programs are warranted to educate both students and educators about the limitations of ChatGPT, encouraging critical engagement and responsible use.

In silico and in vitro assays suggests Congo red dye degradation by a Lentinus sp. laccase enzyme.

Laccase is a superfamily of ligninolytic enzymes known to degrade a wide variety of xenobiotics, including synthetic dyes. Congo Red (CR) has a diazo dye function, carcinogenic and mutagenic potential, and is currently applied in clinical analysis. The objective of this work was to produce and characterize the crude extract of Lentinus sp. in semi-solid fermentation (FSS) and perform in vitro and in silico studies to assess the potential of the crude extract to discolor the CR dye. Laccase activity was determined using ABTS as substrate and characterized. The in vitro discoloration was carried out using experimental design 22 at room temperature and monitored at 340 nm for 24h. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were performed between laccase and CR. The maximum laccase activity production was 29.63 U L-1 with six days of FSS. The optimal temperature and pH were 50 °C and 3.0, respectively. Discoloration of the CR dye was obtained only in tests containing CuSO4. Laccase formed stable complexes with the dye, presenting negative binding energy values ranging from -70.94 to -63.16 kcal mol-1 and the occurrence of seven hydrogen bonds. Molecular dynamics results showed the stability of the system (RMSD ranging from 1.0 to 2.5 Ä) and protein-ligand interaction along simulation. RMSF values pointed residues at the end of chains A (residues 300 to 305, 480 to 500) and B (residues 650 to 655 and 950 to 1000) as the most flexible regions of the laccase. This study highlighted the enzymatic action in the bioremediation of CR in vitro in agreement with the in silico simulations that demonstrate the enzyme potential.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Inactivation of Salmonella Typhimurium, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus in Tilapia Fillets (Oreochromis niloticus) with Lactic and Peracetic Acid through Fogging and Immersion.

This study investigated the antimicrobial effects of lactic acid (LA) (3%) and peracetic acid (PA) (300 ppm) on tilapia fillets (Oreochromis niloticus) by fogging (15 min) or by immersion (2 s) in a pool of Escherichia coli (NEWP 0022, ATCC 25922, and a field-isolated strain), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923 and a field-isolated strain), and Salmonella Typhimurium (ATCC 13311 and ATCC 14028), as well as the effects on the physicochemical characteristics of the fillets. Fogging was effective and the best application method to control S. Typhimurium regardless of the acid used, promoting reductions of 1.66 and 1.23 log CFU/g with PA and LA, respectively. Regarding E. coli, there were significant reductions higher than 1 log CFU/g, regardless of the treatment or acid used. For S. aureus, only immersion in PA showed no significant difference (p < 0.05). For other treatments, significant reductions of 0.98, 1.51, and 1.17 log CFU/g were observed for nebulized PA, immersion, and LA fogging, respectively. Concerning the pH of the samples, neither of the acids used differed from the control. However, treatments with LA, and fogging with PA, reduced the pH compared to immersion in PA. As for color parameters, L* and a* values showed changes regardless of the acid or method used, resulting in an improved perception of fillet quality. These results indicate that fogging and immersion are alternatives for reducing S. Typhimurium, E. coli, and S. aureus in tilapia fillets.