Initial inflammatory response after the pulpotomy of rat molars with MTA or ferric sulfate

Abstract Purpose To compare, both qualitatively and quantitatively, the inflammatory cells, vascular density and IL-6 immunolabeled cells present in the pulp after pulpotomy with white MTA versus 15.5% ferric sulfate (FS). Methodology Forty-eight mandibular first molars from 24 Wistar rats were divided into MTA or FS groups and subdivided according to the period after pulpotomy procedure (24, 48 and 72 hours). Four teeth (sound and untreated) were used as controls. Histological sections were obtained and assessed through the descriptive analysis of morphological aspects of pulp tissue and the quantification of inflammatory cells, vascular density and interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression. Data were statistically analyzed (p<0.05). Results The number of inflammatory cells was similar in both groups, being predominantly localized at the cervical radicular third. In the MTA group, increased inflammation was observed at 48 hours. Vascular density was similar in both groups and over time, being predominant in the medium radicular third. No correlation was found between the number of inflammatory cells and the vascular density. Pulp tissue was more organized in MTA-treated teeth. In both groups, a weak to moderate IL-6 expression was detected in odontoblasts and inflammatory cells. Comparing both groups, there was a greater IL-6 expression in the cervical radicular third of teeth treated with MTA at 24 hours and in the medium and apical thirds at 72 hours, while in the FS group a greater IL-6 expression was found in the apical third at 24 hours. Conclusion The MTA group presented better histological features and greater IL-6 expression than the FS group. However, no difference was observed between the groups regarding the inflammatory status and vascularization, suggesting the usefulness of FS as a low-cost alternative to MTA.

Dealing with iron metabolism in rice: from breeding for stress tolerance to biofortification

Abstract Iron is a well-known metal. Used by humankind since ancient times in many different ways, this element is present in all living organisms, where, unfortunately, it represents a two-way problem. Being an essential block in the composition of different proteins and metabolic pathways, iron is a vital component for animals and plants. That is why iron deficiency has a severe impact on the lives of different organisms, including humans, becoming a major concern, especially in developing countries where access to adequate nutrition is still difficult. On the other hand, this metal is also capable of causing damage when present in excess, becoming toxic to cells and affecting the whole organism. Because of its importance, iron absorption, transport and storage mechanisms have been extensively investigated in order to design alternatives that may solve this problem. As the understanding of the strategies that plants use to control iron homeostasis is an important step in the generation of improved plants that meet both human agricultural and nutritional needs, here we discuss some of the most important points about this topic.

A experiência da maternidade na velhice: implicações do cuidado ao filho com deficiência intelectual / La experiencia de la maternidad en la vejez: implicaciones del cuidado de niños con discapacidad intelectual / The experience of motherhood in old age: implications of the child care with intellectual disabilities

O estudo teve como objetivo conhecer as implicações de cuidar de um filho adulto com deficiência intelectual no contexto em que a mãe já está vivenciando o envelhecimento. Participaram da pesquisa cinco mães com idades entre 69 e 85 anos, com pelo menos um filho com deficiência intelectual, que responderam a uma entrevista semiestruturada. A análise de conteúdo dos relatos, realizada conforme Bardin, revelou que essa vivência é uma experiência desafiadora. Essas mães abdicam do seu lazer, da vida social e do cuidado pessoal em virtude dos cuidados ao filho. Assim, encontram-se isoladas e com sentimentos de abandono e desamparo, bem como receios e dúvidas com relação ao futuro. Percebeu-se que essas mães necessitam de auxílio para ampliar a rede de apoio, o que poderá minimizar as dificuldades próprias da velhice. Por fim, ressalta-se a importância de se criar programas governamentais para atender às necessidades decorrentes do aumento da expectativa de vida da população. Há necessidade da criação de espaços de convivência, onde as pessoas com deficiência intelectual tenham oportunidade de frequentar em grupo sem a presença permanente da mãe.

This study aimed at understanding the implications of taking of an adult child with mental disabilities in the context where the mother is already experiencing aging. The participants were five mothers aged between 69 and 85 years old, with at least one child with intellectual disabilities, who answered a semistructured interview. A content analysis of the reports, accordingBardin, revealed that this is a challenging experience. These mothers abandon their leisure, social life and personal care due to child care. Thus, they are isolated and with feelings of abandonment and helplessness, as well as fear and doubts about the future. We conclude that these mothers need help to enlarge the network of support, which may minimize the difficulties of elderly age itself. Finally, we emphasize the importance of government programs to meet the needs coming from the increased life expectancy of the population, as well as the existence of living spaces where people with intellectual disabilities have the opportunity to attend in a group without the permanent presence of the mother.

El estudio tuvo como objetivo comprender las implicaciones del cuidado de un hijo adulto con discapacidad intelectual en el contexto en el que la madre ya está experimentando el envejecimiento. Los participantes fueron cinco madres de edades comprendidas entre 69 y 85 años, con al menos un hijo con discapacidad intelectual, que respondieron a una entrevista semiestructurada. Un análisis de contenido de los informes, segundo Bardin, reveló que esta experiencia es una experiencia desafiante. Estas madres renuncian a su tiempo libre, la vida social y el cuidado personal debido a la guardería. Por lo tanto, están aislados y con sentimientos de abandono y desamparo, así como los temores y las dudas sobre el futuro. Se observó que las madres necesitan ayuda para ampliar la red de apoyo, que puede reducir al mínimo las dificultades de la vejez en sí. Por último, hacemos hincapié en la importancia de crear programas de gobierno para atender las necesidades derivadas del aumento de la esperanza de vida de la población. Existe la necesidad de crear espacios donde las personas con discapacidad intelectual tienen la oportunidad de participar a un grupo sin la presencia permanente de la madre.

Boron and calcium sprayed on 'Fuyu' persimmon tree prevent skin cracks, groove and browning of fruit during cold storage / Boro e cálcio pulverizado em árvores de caqui "Fuyu" previnem fissuras, estrias e escurecimento do fruto durante o armazenamento refrigerado

Flesh softening, skin browning and rotting are chief problems during cold storage (CS) of 'Fuyu' Persimmon. We studied the effects of boron (B) and calcium (Ca) sprayed on the trees during three consecutive years, on the development of skin cracks, grooves and browning in persimmon fruit under CS in Farroupilha, RS, Brazil (29º31' south, 51º21' west, about 750 m altitude). A homogeneous orchard area of 0.5 ha was delimitated and three sets of five plants for each treatment were randomly selected. The persimmon trees were sprayed at a 20 day interval, from 15th January until harvest, for three consecutive years, with: T1) water; T2) calcium nitrate at 0.5 percent (m/v); T3) calcium chloride at 0.5 percent (m/v); and T4) boron at 0.3 percent (m/v). The fruit were harvest with orange-reddish colour; 18-20ºBrix, pulp firmness of 45 to 60N, and kept under CS at 0±1ºC for 45 days. The fruits were evaluated immediately before CS, after six hours at 23±2ºC after removal from CS, and after four days at 23±2ºC after removal from CS. Equally boron and calcium sprayed on the trees prevented skin cracks, skin grooves and skin browning. Besides, when boron was sprayed on the trees, the mentioned effects were additive in the following year.

As principais alterações indesejáveis observadas no período pós-colheita de caquis em armazenamento refrigerado (AR) são a perda de firmeza de polpa, e a ocorrência de escurecimento epidérmico e de podridões. Este trabalho teve por objetivo principal estudar as respostas da aplicação de boro (B) e cálcio (Ca), em três safras sucessivas, na prevenção da ocorrência de fissuras, estrias e escurecimento epidérmico de caquis "Fuyu". No pomar (Farroupilha-RS-Brasil, 29º31' Sul, 51º21' Oeste, aproximadamente 750m altitude) delimitou-se uma área homogênea de 0,5ha., marcando-se, ao acaso, três repetições de cinco plantas para cada tratamento: T1 - controle, caquizeiros não-pulverizados com B e Ca; T2 - pulverizações com Nitrato de Ca 0,5 por cento (m/v); T3 - pulverizações com Cloreto de Ca 0,5 por cento (m/v); e T4 - pulverizações com B 0,3 por cento (m/v). As aplicações foram realizadas em três anos sucessivos a partir de 15 de janeiro a intervalos de 20 dias. Foram colhidos os caquis na coloração alaranjado-avermelhada, com 18-20ºBrix e 45 a 60N, que posteriormente foram armazenados em AR a 0±1ºC por 45 dias. As avaliações foram realizadas no dia do armazenamento, após seis horas a 23±2ºC a partir da retirada AR, e após quatro dias a 23±2ºC a partir da retirada do AR. Foi avaliada a ocorrência de frutas com fissuras, estrias e escurecimento epidérmico. Comprovou-se o efeito benéfico da aplicação de B ou Ca na prevenção de fissuras, estrias e escurecimento epidérmico. Adicionalmente, foi detectado o incremento da resposta à aplicação de B, que, além de prevenir (à semelhança das aplicações com Ca), apresentou efeito aditivo no segundo ano. O resultado sugere que as respostas às aplicações com B são progressivas.