Inclusão Digital de idosos: as (TICs) e o uso do celular / Digital inclusion of seniors: the (ICTs) and the use of the smartphone

O envelhecimento humano é um fenômeno que vem crescendo em escala global e se constitui como um acontecimento que chama a atenção de alguns anos para cá. Outro fator de muita relevância na contemporaneidade são as Tecnologias da Informação e Comunicação (TICs) que nos possibilitam questionar quais são os significados atribuídos pelos idosos a essas tecnologias, levando em consideração o uso do smartphone. O presente estudo tem como objetivo conhecer de que forma os idosos utilizam e como se relacionam com este aparelho. Trata-se de um estudo quantitativo, em que a coleta de dados foi realizada por meio da aplicação de questionários a 100 pessoas com mais de sessenta anos, participantes de grupos de convivência em uma cidade do interior do Rio Grande do Sul. Os dados foram analisados pelo programa Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) versão 25, possibilitando a análise por meio de uma estatística descritiva. A pesquisa possibilitou a compreensão de como os idosos se relacionam com esta tecnologia, as dificuldades de inserção em um mundo conectado e as limitações que estes apresentam ao manusear seu smartphone. Também foram listados os aplicativos mais utilizados pela categoria pesquisada, contemplando durante a discussão os benefícios de utilizarem as TICs e os sentimentos que acometem esses idosos.(AU)

Human aging is a phenomenon that has been growing on a global scale and constitutes an event that has drawn attention in recent years. Another very relevant factor in contemporaneity are the Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) that allow us to question what are the meanings attributed by the elderly to these technologies, considering the use of smartphones. The present study aims to understand how the elderly use and relate to this device. This is a quantitative study, in which data collection was carried out by applying questionnaires to 100 people over sixty years old, participants of socialization groups in a city in the countryside of Rio Grande do Sul. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25, enabling analysis by using descriptive statistics. The research made it possible to understand how the elderly relate to this technology, the difficulties of insertion in a connected world, and the limitations they present when handling their smartphone. The applications most used by this researched category were also listed, contemplating during the discussion the benefits of using ICTs and the feelings that affect these elderly people.(AU)

A invenção de um setting on-line para atendimento psicológico remoto / The invention of an online environment for remote psychological care / La invención de un entorno en línea para la atención psicológica remota

Com o advento da covid-19, foi declarado estado de emergência de saúde pública e decretadas medidas de isolamento e distanciamento social para conter a propagação da doença. O Conselho Federal de Psicologia, considerando a importância do acolhimento seguro durante a pandemia, publicou a Resolução CFP nº 4/2020, permitindo que serviços psicológicos aconteçam de maneira remota. O presente estudo visa, através do Método da Cartografia, apresentar a construção de um setting on-line para intervenções grupais e os desafios na oferta de acolhimento e atendimento remoto. Foram ofertados grupos terapêuticos, por meio da plataforma Google Meet, para estudantes da Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro. Um diário de bordo foi produzido para acompanhar as forças que atravessavam e constituíam o território e a experiência grupal remota. Compreendemos que o território-espaço-grupal-on-line era composto pelo espaço virtual em que nos reuníamos, pelos espaços individuais de cada integrante e pelas forças que os atravessavam. Observamos que nem sempre os participantes dispunham de um lugar privado, mas estiveram presentes no encontro com câmeras e áudios abertos e/ou fechados e/ou através do chat da videochamada. A participação no grupo funcionou como alternativa no momento de distanciamento social, sendo uma possibilidade para o atendimento psicológico em situações de dificuldade de encontros presenciais; entretanto, se mostrou dificultada em diversos momentos, pela falta de equipamentos adequados e instabilidade na internet, fatores que interferiram nas reuniões e impactaram na possibilidade de falar e escutar o que era desejado.(AU)

With the advent of COVID-19, a state of public health was declared, and measures of isolation and social distance to contain the spread of the disease was decreed. The Federal Council of Psychology, considering the importance of safe reception during the pandemic, published CFP Resolution No. 4/2020, allowing psychological services to happen remotely. This study narrates, via the Cartography Method, the experience of inventing an Online Setting for group reception. Therapeutic groups were offered, via Google Meet Platform, to students at the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro. A logbook was produced to accompany the forces that crossed and constituted the territory and the remote group experience. We understand that the territoryspace-group-online was composed by the virtual-space that we gathered, by the individualspaces of each member and by the forces that crossed them. We observed that the participants did not always have a private place, but they were present at the meeting with open and/or closed cameras and audio and/or through the video call chat. Participation in the group worked as an alternative at the time of social distancing, being a possibility for psychological care in situations of difficulty in face-to-face meetings, however, it proved to be difficult at various times, due to the lack of adequate equipment and instability on the internet, factors that interfered in meetings and impacted the possibility of speaking and listening to what was desired.(AU)

La llegada de la COVID-19 produjo un estado de emergencia de salud pública, en el que se decretaron medidas de confinamiento y distanciamiento físico para contener la propagación de la enfermedad. El Consejo Federal de Psicología, considerando la importancia de la acogida segura durante la pandemia, publicó la Resolución CFP nº 4/2020, por la que se permite la atención psicológica remota. Este estudio tiene por objetivo presentar, mediante el método de la Cartografía, la elaboración de un escenario en línea para la intervención grupal y los desafíos en la oferta de acogida y atención remota. Grupos terapéuticos se ofrecieron, en la plataforma Google Meet, a estudiantes de la Universidad Federal Rural de Río de Janeiro. Se elaboró un diario para acompañar a las fuerzas que atravesaron y constituyeron el territorio y la experiencia remota del grupo. Entendemos que el territorio-espacio-grupo-en línea estaba compuesto por el espacio-virtual que reunimos, por los espacios individuales de cada integrante y por las fuerzas que los atravesaban. Observamos que los participantes no siempre tenían un lugar privado y que estaban presentes en la reunión con cámaras y audio abiertos y/o cerrados y/o por el chat de la videollamada. La participación en el grupo funcionó como una alternativa en el momento del distanciamiento físico y revela ser una posibilidad de atención psicológica en situaciones de dificultad en los encuentros presenciales, sin embargo, se mostró difícil en varios momentos, ya sea por la falta de medios adecuados o por inestabilidad en Internet, factores que interferían en las reuniones e impactaban en la posibilidad de hablar y escuchar lo que se deseaba.(AU)

Comparative Assessment of E-cadherin's Expression between the Metastatic and Non-metastatic Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: An Immunohistochemical Study

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify the clinicopathological correlation of E-cadherin expression in metastatic and non-metastatic oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Material and Methods: A total of 90 paraffin-embedded tissue sections of OSCC were retrieved from the registry. The total selected samples were 45 cases each from the primary lesions of metastatic and non-metastatic OSCC. One section was subjected to routine Hematoxylin and eosin stain and another to immunohistochemical analysis for E-cadherin expression. Results: A non-significant (p˃0.05) increased expression is seen in the non-metastatic group compared to the metastatic group, with predominantly membrane as the staining site in either group. However, the expression of E-cadherin did not reveal any statistically significant association with independent variables such as age, gender, and adverse habits of the patients (p>0.05). On the other hand, with respect to the histological differentiation of OSCC, a significant association (p<0.001) was observed with the well-differentiated type of metastatic OSCC. Conclusion: E-cadherin was useful to some extent in predicting regional metastasis. However, further studies using a panel of biomarkers with increased sample size may help us understand the process involved in metastasis.

Integrins in human hepatocellular carcinoma tumorigenesis and therapy / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

Integrins are a family of transmembrane receptors that connect the extracellular matrix and actin skeleton, which mediate cell adhesion, migration, signal transduction, and gene transcription. As a bi-directional signaling molecule, integrins can modulate many aspects of tumorigenesis, including tumor growth, invasion, angiogenesis, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. Therefore, integrins have a great potential as antitumor therapeutic targets. In this review, we summarize the recent reports of integrins in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), focusing on the abnormal expression, activation, and signaling of integrins in cancer cells as well as their roles in other cells in the tumor microenvironment. We also discuss the regulation and functions of integrins in hepatitis B virus-related HCC. Finally, we update the clinical and preclinical studies of integrin-related drugs in the treatment of HCC.

Resinas acrílicas utilizadas em placas estabilizadoras: resistência a fraturas e ensaio microbiológico / Acrylic resins used in stabilizer plates: resistance to fractures and microbiological testing

O aprimoramento da tecnologia CAD/CAM permitiu a confecção de placas estabilizadoras digitais, no entanto, há lacunas acerca do comportamento desses dispositivos frente a variáveis mecânicas e biológicas ainda desconhecidas. Dessa forma, o objetivo desse trabalho foi verificar se as resinas utilizadas na tecnologia digital das placas fresadas e impressas são capazes de influenciar na resistência à fratura e na adesão de micro-organismos em detrimento das resinas empregadas na confecção das placas termopolimerizáveis convencionais e se as propriedades testadas se relacionam com a variação da espessura desses dispositivos. Para tanto, foi realizado um estudo in vitro que contou com as fases mecânica e microbiológica, sendo cada uma composta pelos grupos Convencional (GC) (n=30), Fresado (GF) (n=30) e Impresso (GI) (n=30), de acordo com o método de confecção, possuindo cada um três subgrupos (n=10) que variaram a espessura dos espécimes de 1 a 3 mm. Na fase mecânica, as amostras, com formato de barras de 65 mm, foram testadas quanto à resistência à fratura na máquina de ensaios universal, com célula de carga de 500 kgf e velocidade de 1 mm/min; na microbiológica, a forma foi de discos com 15 mm de diâmetro, submetidos à adesão de micro-organismos à superfície com a exposição a Streptococcus mutans e mantidos por 24h a 35 °C em estufa para sucessiva contagem de UFC, com controle positivo. Os testes foram feitos em triplicata e os dados foram armazenados no SPSS 22.0 e a análise estatística contou com a ANOVA e o pósteste de Tukey. Nos resultados da fase mecânica, o ANOVA identificou diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os grupos (p≤0,005), mostrando que GC e GF apresentaram melhores resultados. O pós-teste de Tukey considerou diferença estatisticamente significativa entre GF e GI (p=0,031), elencando GF como superior. Para a fase microbiológica, não foram verificadas diferenças estatísticas entre os grupos (p>0,005) em nenhuma das análises. Observou-se que para a resistência a fraturas, as resinas do modo fresado descreveram resultados superiores e/ou próximos aos da técnica convencional; e que as resinas da técnica digital e convencional, quanto à adesão superficial de micro-organismos, não diferiram entre si (AU).

CAD/CAM technology allowed the stabilizing splints manufacture, however there are gaps about these devices' behavior in face of mechanical and biological variables that are still unknown. Thus, the objective of this project was to verify if the resins used in digital technology of milled and printed stabilizer splints can influence fracture resistance and microorganism adhesion, in detriment of the resin applied in manufacture of conventional thermopolymerizable splints and if the tested properties are related to thickness variation of these devices. The method included mechanical and microbiological steps, each one composed by Conventional (CG) (n=30), Milled (MG) (n=30) and Printed (PG) (n=30) groups, according to the method of preparation, each one having three subgroups (n=10) that varied the specimen thickness from 1 to 3 mm. In the mechanical step, the samples, in the form of 65 mm bars, were tested for fracture resistance in a universal testing machine, with load cell of 500 kgf and speed of 1 mm/min; in the microbiological step, the shape was in form of 15 mm diameter discs, subjected to microorganism adhesion to the surface with exposure to Streptococcus mutans and kept for 24 hours at 35 °C in oven for successive CFU counting, with positive control. The tests were performed in triplicate and data were stored in SPSS 22.0 and statistical analysis used ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc. In the results of mechanical step ANOVA had identified statistically significant differences between the groups (p≤0,005), showing CG and MG had presented better results. Tukey´s post hoc had considered statistically significant difference between MG and PG (p=0,031), listing MG as superior. For the microbiological step, they did not show statistical differences between the groups (p>0.005) in any analysis. It was observed milled resins described superior results and/or close to the conventional technique one, for fracture resistance; and resins of digital and conventional technique, regarding the microorganism adhesion to the surface, did not differ from each other (AU).

Microenvironmental stiffness mediates cytoskeleton re-organization in chondrocytes through laminin-FAK mechanotransduction / 国际口腔科学杂志·英文版

Microenvironmental biophysical factors play a fundamental role in controlling cell behaviors including cell morphology, proliferation, adhesion and differentiation, and even determining the cell fate. Cells are able to actively sense the surrounding mechanical microenvironment and change their cellular morphology to adapt to it. Although cell morphological changes have been considered to be the first and most important step in the interaction between cells and their mechanical microenvironment, their regulatory network is not completely clear. In the current study, we generated silicon-based elastomer polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrates with stiff (15:1, PDMS elastomer vs. curing agent) and soft (45:1) stiffnesses, which showed the Young's moduli of ~450 kPa and 46 kPa, respectively, and elucidated a new path in cytoskeleton re-organization in chondrocytes in response to changed substrate stiffnesses by characterizing the axis shift from the secreted extracellular protein laminin β1, focal adhesion complex protein FAK to microfilament bundling. We first showed the cellular cytoskeleton changes in chondrocytes by characterizing the cell spreading area and cellular synapses. We then found the changes of secreted extracellular linkage protein, laminin β1, and focal adhesion complex protein, FAK, in chondrocytes in response to different substrate stiffnesses. These two proteins were shown to be directly interacted by Co-IP and colocalization. We next showed that impact of FAK on the cytoskeleton organization by showing the changes of microfilament bundles and found the potential intermediate regulators. Taking together, this modulation axis of laminin β1-FAK-microfilament could enlarge our understanding about the interdependence among mechanosensing, mechanotransduction, and cytoskeleton re-organization.

Biocompatibility evaluation of electrospun PLCL/fibrinogen nanofibers in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction / 生物医学工程学杂志

The study aimed to evaluate the safety and function of poly(lactic-acid-co-ε-caprolactone) (PLCL)/fibrinogen nanofibers (P/F-Ns), and provide theoretical basis for the clinical application. The surface morphology, mechanical properties, the hydrophilicity and the fibrinogen content of P/F-Ns were tested by scanning electron microscope, the material testing machine, the contact angle meter and the microplate reader, respectively. The cell adhesion, proliferation and ligament remodeling genes expression of Hig-82 cells on P/F-Ns were conducted through cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and real-time quantitative PCR analyses, respectively. The results showed that with the increase of the fibrinogen content, the pore sizes and hydrophilicity of three P/F-Ns increased, but the mechanical properties decreased. Cell adhesion and proliferation tests showed that P/F-N-2 held the best ability to promote cell adhesion and proliferation. The ligament remodeling genes expressions of Hig-82 cells on P/F-N-1, P/F-N-2 and P/F-N-3 were all up-regulated compared to P/F-N-0 on days 3 and 7. All the three P/F-Ns containing fibrinogen (P/F-N-1, P/F-N-2 and P/F-N-3) had better biocompatibility compared to P/F-N-0, and could be efficiently applied to the reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament.

Stem cell therapy targets the neointimal smooth muscle cells in experimentally induced atherosclerosis: involvement of intracellular adhesion molecule (ICAM) and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)

Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are currently considered a central pivotal player in pathogenesis and development of atherosclerotic lesions. As consequence of vascular injury, SMCs migrate from the tunica media into the tunica intima layers where they contribute to neointimal formation by converting into foam cells and producing pro-inflammatory and oxidative stress markers. We targeted the replacement of neointimal SMCs by using the mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) therapy in experimentally induced atherosclerosis in an attempt to improve the atherosclerotic lesion and its concomitant complications. Rats were divided into 4 groups (n=20). Control group: rats kept on a standard chow diet; atherosclerotic group: rats received the atherogenic diet; stem cells-treated group: rats were injected with CD34+ stem cells (6×106 cells in 0.5 mL PBS in rat tail vein) and maintained on the atherogenic diet; and resveratrol-treated group: rats were supplemented orally with resveratrol at a dose level 3 mg/kg per day and the atherogenic diet. After 12 weeks, rats were euthanized, blood samples were collected for separation of serum, and abdominal aortas were excised for further biochemical, molecular, and histopathological investigations. We used resveratrol, the well-established anti-atherosclerotic drug, as a benchmark to assess the efficacy of stem cell therapy. MSCs treatment revealed significant amelioration in both histopathological and biochemical patterns as evidenced by decreased foam cells formation, ICAM-1, VCAM, M-CSF, iNOS, COX-2, and TNF-α. We concluded that MSCs therapy significantly replaced the neointimal SMCs and decreased adhesion molecules as well as the oxidative and inflammatory markers in atherosclerosis.

Integrin activation, focal adhesion maturation and tumor metastasis / 生理学报

Integrins are a large family of heterodimeric cell adhesion molecules composed of α and β subunits. Through interaction with their specific ligands, integrins mediate cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions. Via outside-in signaling, integrins can recruit cytoplasmic proteins to their intracellular domains and then cluster into supramolecular structures and trigger downstream signaling. Integrin activation is associated with a global conformation rearrangement from bent to extended in ectodomains and the separation of α and β subunit cytoplasmic domains. During cell migration, integrins regulate the focal adhesion dynamics and transmit forces between the extracellular matrix and the cell cytoskeleton. In tumor microenvironment, integrins on multiple kinds of cells could be activated, which modulates cell migration into tumor and contributes to angiogenesis and tumor metastasis. Here, we review the mechanism of integrin activation, dynamics of focal adhesions during cell migration and tumor metastasis.

Research Progress of Discoidin Domain Receptor 1 in Breast Cancer and Other Malignant Tumors / 中国医学科学院学报

Discoidin domain receptor 1(DDR1)is a critical member of the receptor tyrosine kinase family.It may be related to tumor invasion and metastasis,and the abnormal activation of DDR1 can lead to the occurrence and development of malignant tumors,inflammation,and fibrosis.DDR1 are involved in cell adhesion,migration,proliferation,secretion of cytokines,and remodeling of extracellular matrix,thus playing a critical role in various pathophysiological processes of the human body.In this review,we demonstrate the research progress of DDR1 in breast cancer and other malignant tumors,in order to provide a new theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of breast cancer and other tumors.

Interactions between cells and biomaterials in tissue engineering: a review / 生物工程学报

Seed cells, biomaterials and growth factors are three important aspects in tissue engineering. Biomaterials mimic extra cellular matrix in vivo, providing a sound environment for cells to grow and attach, so as to maintain cell viability and function. The physicochemical properties and modification molecules of material surface mediate cell behaviors like cell adhesion, proliferation, migration and differentiation, which in turn affect cellular function and tissue regeneration efficacy. Furthermore, the modification molecules of material surface are the direct contact point for cell adhesion and growth. Therefore, the interactions between cells and surface modification molecules are the key to tissue engineering. This review summarizes the effects of surface modification molecules on cell phenotypes and functions.

Bioactivity effects of extracellular matrix proteins on apical papilla cells

Abstract Potent signaling agents stimulate and guide pulp tissue regeneration, especially in endodontic treatment of teeth with incomplete root formation. Objective This study evaluated the bioactive properties of low concentrations of extracellular matrix proteins on human apical papilla cells (hAPCs). Methodology Different concentrations (1, 5, and 10 µg/mL) of fibronectin (FN), laminin (LM), and type I collagen (COL) were applied to the bottom of non-treated wells of sterilized 96-well plates. Non-treated and pre-treated wells were used as negative (NC) and positive (PC) controls. After seeding the hAPCs (5×103 cells/well) on the different substrates, we assessed the following parameters: adhesion, proliferation, spreading, total collagen/type I collagen synthesis and gene expression (ITGA5, ITGAV, COL1A1, COL3A1) (ANOVA/Tukey; α=0.05). Results We observed greater attachment potential for cells on the FN substrate, with the effect depending on concentration. Concentrations of 5 and 10 µg/mL of FN yielded the highest cell proliferation, spreading and collagen synthesis values with 10 µg/mL concentration increasing the ITGA5, ITGAV, and COL1A1 expression compared with PC. LM (5 and 10 µg/mL) showed higher bioactivity values than NC, but those were lower than PC, and COL showed no bioactivity at all. Conclusion We conclude that FN at 10 µg/mL concentration exerted the most intense bioactive effects on hAPCs.

Factores de crecimiento en el plasma: herramienta terapéutica en dermatología / Growth factors in plasma: therapeutic tool in dermatology

Las plaquetas contienen una gran cantidad de factores de crecimiento que participan en los procesos de cicatrización tisular. Entre ellos, el factor de crecimiento derivado de las plaquetas (PDGF), el factor de crecimiento transformante (TGF), el factor plaquetario 4 (PF4), la interleucina (IL)-1, el factor angiogénico derivado de las plaquetas (PDAF), el factor de crecimiento endotelial (VEGF), el factor de crecimiento epidérmico (EGF), el factor de crecimiento endotelial derivado de las plaquetas (PDEGF), el factor de crecimiento de células epiteliales (ECGF) y el factor de crecimiento similar a la insulina (IGF). El plasma rico en plaquetas (PRP) es un derivado sanguíneo concentrado de la sangre total con una alta concentración de plaquetas. Otro componente esencial del PRP son las proteínas que actúan a nivel de la adhesión celular (fibrina, fibronectina y vitronectina), que proporcionan el soporte estructural necesario para la migración celular y para la proliferación y crecimiento tridimensional de los tejidos sobre los que actúa. La fibrina es la forma activada del fibrinógeno, sustrato final de todas las reacciones de coagulación, se transforma en fibrina insoluble por acción de la trombina. El gel de fibrina polimerizado constituye la primera matriz cicatricial de las heridas. Tanto el plasma rico en plaquetas como las mallas de fibrina varían en la composición y concentración de factores de crecimiento, proteínas y citocinas. En este trabajo se revisan las características de estos productos biológicos, su aplicación en dermatología así como los principales requisitos para su preparación(AU)

Platelets contain a large amount of growth factors involved in the processes of tissue healing. Among them, plateletderived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor (TGF), platelet factor 4 (PF4), interleukin (IL) -1, angiogenic factor derived from platelets (PDAF) , the endothelial growth factor (VEGF), the epidermal growth factor (EGF), the plateletderived endothelial growth factor (PDEGF), the epithelial cell growth factor (ECGF) and the Insulin like growth factor (IGF). Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a concentrated whole blood derivate with a high concentration of platelets. Another essential component of PRP are proteins acting on cell adhesion (fibrin, fibronectin and vitronectin), which provide the structural support necessary for cell migration and proliferation as well as three-dimensional growth of the tissues on which they act. Fibrin is the activated form of fibrinogen, the final substrate of all coagulation reactions. It is transformed into insoluble fibrin by the action of thrombin. The polymerized fibrin gel constitutes the first cicatricial matrix of wounds. Both plateletrich plasma and fibrin meshes vary in the composition and concentration of growth factors, proteins and cytokines. In this work we review the characteristics of these biological products, their application in dermatology as well as main requirements for their preparation(AU)

Influence of bisphosphonates on the behavior of osteoblasts seeded onto titanium discs

Abstract Among other factors, types of bisphosphonates and treatment regimens seem to be strongly associated with the success or failure of installation of osseointegrated implants. This study investigated the influence of two bisphosphonates, sodium alendronate (SA) and zoledronic acid (ZA), on the metabolism of osteoblasts. Human osteoblasts (Saos-2) were seeded onto machined or acid-treated titanium discs previously placed on 24-well plates in complete culture medium. After 24 h, cells were exposed to bisphosphonates at 0.5, 1 or 5 µM for 24 h, 48 h or 7 days. The effects of SA and ZA on osteoblasts were assessed based on the adhesion of these cells to the titanium surfaces by direct fluorescence, cell viability, total protein and collagen synthesis. Alkaline phosphatase activity and mineral nodule deposition by these cells were also evaluated. Data were evaluated by ANOVA and Tukey tests (α=0.05). Decreased adhesion of cells to the titanium discs was observed when exposed to both bisphosphonates; however, this lack of cell adhesion was more evident for ZA-treated cells. In addition, the exposure of osteoblasts to ZA decreased the viability, ALP activity and mineral nodule deposition, which may be related to poor osseointegration after implant installation.

Resumo Entre outros fatores, os tipos de bisfosfonatos bem como os regimes de tratamento parecem estar diretamente associados com o sucesso ou falhas na instalação de implantes osseointegrados. Este estudo avaliou a influência de dois bisfosfonatos, o alendronato de sódio (AS) e o ácido zoledrônico (AZ), no metabolismo de osteoblastos. Osteoblastos humanos (Saos-2) foram cultivados sobre discos de titânio polidos ou submetidos a tratamento ácido superficial, previamente alocados em placas de 24 compartimentos, utilizando meio de cultura completo. Após 24 horas, as células foram expostas aos bisfosfonatos, nas concentrações de 0,5, 1 ou 5 µM, por 24 h, 48 h, ou 7 dias. Os efeitos do AZ e AZ sobre os osteoblastos foram determinados considerando a adesão destas células às superfícies de titânio, por meio de fluorescência direta, a viabilidade celular, produção de proteína total e síntese de colágeno. A atividade de fosfatase alcalina e a deposição de nódulos mineralizados também foram avaliadas. Os dados foram analisados por meio do teste ANOVA complementado por Tukey (α = 0.05). Menor adesão dos osteoblastos foi observada quando estas células foram expostas a ambos os bisfosfonatos, porém, esta falha na adesão foi mais evidente para as células tratadas com AZ. Além disso, a exposição dos osteoblastos ao AZ também resultou em diminuição da viabilidade, atividade de ALP e deposição de nódulos mineralizados, o que pode estar relacionado a uma pobre osseointegração após a instalação do implante.

In vitro characterization of virulence factors among species of the Candida parapsilosis complex

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Candida parapsilosis complex species differ from each other with regard to their prevalence and virulence. METHODS: The hydrolytic enzyme activity, biofilm production, and adhesion to epithelial cells were analyzed in 87 C. parapsilosis complex strains. RESULTS: Among the studied isolates, 97.7%, 63.2%, and 82.8% exhibited very strong proteinase, esterase, and hemolysin activity, respectively. All the C. parapsilosis complex isolates produced biofilms and presented an average adherence of 96.0 yeasts/100 epithelial cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that Candida parapsilosis complex isolates showed different levels of enzyme activity, biofilm production, and adhesion to epithelial cells.

Biological efficacy of perpendicular type-I collagen protruded from TiO / 国际口腔科学杂志·英文版

The aim of this study was to evaluate the biological efficacy of a unique perpendicular protrusion of type-I collagen (Col-I) from TiO

Progress of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in respiratory system and the modulatory mechanism of cell adhesion / 生理学报

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays an important role in the development and pathogenesis of respiratory system. Epithelial cells are characterized by well-developed, intercellular contacts, whereas EMT triggers the sequential destabilization of cell-cell adhesive junctions. The dynamic remodeling of the epithelial cell adhesion molecules is important for maintaining the integrity and normal function of epithelium. This paper reviews the research progress of EMT in lung development, lung injury repair and chronic lung diseases, and summarizes the effect of cell junctions and cell adhesion molecules on EMT molecular events.

Progress on the role of synaptic cell adhesion molecules in stress / 生理学报

Synaptic cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) are a type of membrane surface glycoproteins that mediate the structural and functional interactions between pre- and post-synaptic sites. Synaptic CAMs dynamically regulate synaptic activity and plasticity, and their expression and function are modulated by environmental factors. Synaptic CAMs are also important effector molecules of stress response, and mediate the adverse impact of stress on cognition and emotion. In this review, we will summarize the recent progress on the role of synaptic CAMs in stress, and aim to provide insight into the molecular mechanisms and drug development of stress-related disorders.

Comparing the effects of vitamin E tocotrienol-rich fraction supplementation and α-tocopherol supplementation on gene expression in healthy older adults

OBJECTIVES This study aims to compare the differential gene expression resulting from tocotrienol-rich fraction and α-tocopherol supplementation in healthy older adults. METHODS A total of 71 eligible subjects aged 50 to 55 years from Gombak and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, were divided into three groups and supplemented with placebo (n=23), α-tocopherol (n=24) or tocotrienol-rich fraction (n=24). Blood samples were collected at baseline and at 3 and 6 months of supplementation for microarray analysis. RESULTS The number of genes altered by α-tocopherol was higher after 6 months (1,410) than after 3 months (273) of supplementation. α-Tocopherol altered the expression of more genes in males (952) than in females (731). Similarly, tocotrienol-rich fraction modulated the expression of more genes after 6 months (1,084) than after 3 months (596) and affected more genes in males (899) than in females (781). α-Tocopherol supplementation modulated pathways involving the response to stress and stimuli, the immune response, the response to hypoxia and bacteria, the metabolism of toxins and xenobiotics, mitosis, and synaptic transmission as well as activated the mitogen-activated protein kinase and complement pathways after 6 months. However, tocotrienol-rich fraction supplementation affected pathways such as the signal transduction, apoptosis, nuclear factor kappa B kinase, cascade extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase-2, immune response, response to drug, cell adhesion, multicellular organismal development and G protein signaling pathways. CONCLUSION Supplementation with either α-tocopherol or tocotrienol-rich fraction affected the immune and drug response and the cell adhesion and signal transduction pathways but modulated other pathways differently after 6 months of supplementation, with sex-specific responses.

Surface characteristics of pure titanium loaded graphene oxide: effect on bacteria adhesion and osteoblast structure / 华西口腔医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the process characterization of graphene oxide loaded on pure titanium surface and effect on the biological properties of Staphylococcus aureus and osteoblasts.@*METHODS@#Graphene oxide at four concentrations (20, 50, 80, and 100 µg·mL⁻¹) was loaded on the pure titanium surface via electroplating, and the morphology, properties, and hydrophilic properties were measured with a field emission scanning electron microscope, micro Raman spectrometer, and contact angle tester, respectively. In addition, Staphylococcus aureus and osteoblasts were used as models and cultured with pure titanium-graphene oxide. Then, field-emission scanning electron microscopy and laser confocal microscopy were utilized to observe the changes in the amount of bacteria and osteoblast morphology and structure, respectively.@*RESULTS@#Graphene oxide at the four concentrations was successfully loaded on pure titanium surface via electroplating. It improved the hydrophilic properties of pure titanium surface, which benefitted the adhesion and growth of Staphylococcus aureus and changed the morphology and structure of the osteoblasts.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The pure titanium-graphene oxide composite has no antibacterial properties and has good biocompatibility.