Cobalt Chloride as a Hypoxia Mimicking Agent Induced HIF-1α and mTOR Expressions of Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the effects of cobalt chloride (CoCl2) as a hypoxia mimicking agent on human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) expression of HIF-1α and mTOR for use in regenerative dentistry. Material and Methods: Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells were isolated and then cultured. The characteristics of stemness were screened and confirmed by flow cytometry. The experiment was conducted on hypoxia (H) and normoxia (N) groups. Each group was divided and incubated into 24-, 48-, and 72-hours observations. Hypoxic treatment was performed using 100 µM CoCl2 on 5th passage cells in a conventional incubator (37°C; 5CO2). Then, immunofluorescence of HIF-1α and mTOR was done. Data was analyzed statistically using One-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD. Results: Significant differences were found between normoxic and hypoxic groups on HIF-1α (p=0.015) and mTOR (p=0.000) expressions. The highest HIF-1α expression was found at 48 hours in the hypoxia group, while for mTOR at 24 hours in the hypoxia group. Conclusion: Hypoxia using cobalt chloride was able to increase human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells expression of HIF-1α and mTOR.

Evaluation of wound healing effect of alginate film containing Aloe vera gel and cross-linked with zinc chloride

Abstract Purpose To develop a new wound dressing composed of alginate and Aloe vera gel and cross-linked with zinc ions. Methods The aloe-alginate film was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), swelling profile, mechanical properties, polysaccharide content and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Thirty Wistar rats were divided in two groups a) treated with aloe-alginate film and b) control (treated with sterile gauze). Wound contraction measurements and hystological analysis were performed on 7th, 14th and 21st days after wound surgery. Results The aloe-alginate film presented adequated mechanical resistance and malleability for application as wound dressing. There was no statistical difference in wound contraction between two groups. Histological assay demonstrated that aloe-alginate film presented anti-inflammatory activity, stimulated angiogenesis on proliferative phase and a more significant increased in collagen type I fibers and decreased type III fibers which promoted a mature scar formation when compared to control. Conclusions The aloe-alginate film showed adequate physicochemical characteristics for wound dressing applications. The in vivo assay demonstrated that aloe-alginate film enhanced the healing process of incisional skin wounds.

Improvement of ethanol production from birch and spruce pretreated with 1-H-3-methylmorpholinium chloride

Background: Pretreatment is the critically important step for the production of ethanol from lignocelluloses. In this study, hardwood birch (Betula pendula) and softwood spruce (Norway spruce) woods were pretreated with a newly synthesized morpholinium ionic liquid, 1-H-3-methylmorpholinium chloride ([HMMorph][Cl]), followed by enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation to ethanol. Results: [HMMorph][Cl] was synthesized using inexpensive raw materials, i.e., hydrochloric acid and N-methyl morpholine, following a simple process. The influence of pretreatment time (2, 3, 5, and 8 h) and temperature (120 and 140°C) in terms of hydrolysis efficiency was investigated. Glucose yields from enzymatic hydrolysis were improved from 13.7% to 45.7% and 12.9% to 51.8% after pretreatment of birch and spruce woods, respectively, under optimum pretreatment conditions (i.e., at 140°C for 3 h) as compared to those from pristine woods. Moreover, the yields of ethanol production from birch and spruce were increased to 34.8% and 44.2%, respectively, while the yields were negligible for untreated woods. Conclusions: This study demonstrated the ability of [HMMorph][Cl] as an inexpensive agent to pretreat both softwood and hardwood.

Increased whitening efficacy and reduced cytotoxicity are achieved by the chemical activation of a highly concentrated hydrogen peroxide bleaching gel

Abstract Objective This study was designed for the chemical activation of a 35% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) bleaching gel to increase its whitening effectiveness and reduce its toxicity. Methodology First, the bleaching gel - associated or not with ferrous sulfate (FS), manganese chloride (MC), peroxidase (PR), or catalase (CT) - was applied (3x 15 min) to enamel/dentin discs adapted to artificial pulp chambers. Then, odontoblast-like MDPC-23 cells were exposed for 1 h to the extracts (culture medium + components released from the product), for the assessment of viability (MTT assay) and oxidative stress (H2DCFDA). Residual H2O2 and bleaching effectiveness (DE) were also evaluated. Data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA complemented with Tukey's test (n=8. p<0.05). Results All chemically activated groups minimized MDPC-23 oxidative stress generation; however, significantly higher cell viability was detected for MC, PR, and CT than for plain 35% H2O2 gel. Nevertheless, FS, MC, PR, and CT reduced the amount of residual H2O2 and increased bleaching effectiveness. Conclusion Chemical activation of 35% H2O2 gel with MC, PR, and CT minimized residual H2O2 and pulp cell toxicity; but PR duplicated the whitening potential of the bleaching gel after a single 45-minute session.

Two mechanisms of oral malodor inhibition by zinc ions

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study was to reveal the mechanisms by which zinc ions inhibit oral malodor. Material and Methods The direct binding of zinc ions to gaseous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) was assessed in comparison with other metal ions. Nine metal chlorides and six metal acetates were examined. To understand the strength of H2S volatilization inhibition, the minimum concentration needed to inhibit H2S volatilization was determined using serial dilution methods. Subsequently, the inhibitory activities of zinc ions on the growth of six oral bacterial strains related to volatile sulfur compound (VSC) production and three strains not related to VSC production were evaluated. Results Aqueous solutions of ZnCl2, CdCl2, CuCl2, (CH3COO)2Zn, (CH3COO)2Cd, (CH3COO)2Cu, and CH3COOAg inhibited H2S volatilization almost entirely. The strengths of H2S volatilization inhibition were in the order Ag+ > Cd2+ > Cu2+ > Zn2+. The effect of zinc ions on the growth of oral bacteria was strain-dependent. Fusobacterium nucleatum ATCC 25586 was the most sensitive, as it was suppressed by medium containing 0.001% zinc ions. Conclusions Zinc ions have an inhibitory effect on oral malodor involving the two mechanisms of direct binding with gaseous H2S and suppressing the growth of VSC-producing oral bacteria.

Completeness of tuberculosis reporting forms for disease control in individuals with HIV/AIDS in priority cities of Bahia state / Completude das fichas de notificação de Tuberculose nos municípios prioritários da Bahia para controle da doença em indivíduos com HIV/AIDS

The control of HIV / Tuberculosis (TB) co -infection remains a challenge for public health. Notification is mandatory for both diseases and the National Case Registry Database (Sinan) is responsible for the collection and processing of individual forms of reporting and monitoring. The adequate fulfillment of these fields chips (completeness) is essential to follow the dynamics of the disease and set priorities for intervention. The aim of this study was to evaluate the completeness of the notification forms of tuberculosis in the priority municipalities of Bahia (Camaçari , Feira de Santana , Ilhéus , Itabuna, Jequié, Lauro de Freitas , Porto Seguro , Teixeira de Freitas , Paulo Afonso, Barreiras and Salvador) to control the disease in individuals with HIV/AIDS using tabulations obtained from the Sinan in the period from 2001 to 2010. The results showed that despite the completeness of the field HIV be above 50 %, more than half the cases were met as "undone" or "being processed" in all municipalities assessed in the period. The low completeness of reporting forms may compromise the quality of surveillance of TB cases. The results suggest the need for greater availability of HIV testing in these individuals.

O controle da coinfecção HIV/Tuberculose (TB) ainda representa um desafio para a saúde pública. Ambas as doenças são de notificação obrigatória e o Sistema Nacional de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN) é o órgão responsável pela coleta e processamento das fichas individuais de notificação e acompanhamento. O preenchimento adequado dos campos destas fichas (completude) é essencial para acompanhar a dinâmica da doença e definir prioridades de intervenção. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a completude das fichas de notificações de tuberculose nos municípios prioritários da Bahia (Camaçari, Feira de Santana, Ilhéus, Itabuna, Jequié, Lauro de Freitas, Porto Seguro, Teixeira de Freitas, Paulo Afonso, Barreiras e Salvador), para controle da doença em indivíduos com HIV/AIDS, através dos relatórios de tabulação do Sinan, no período de 2001 a 2010. Os resultados demonstraram que, apesar da completude do campo HIV estar acima de 50%, mais da metade das fichas estavam preenchidas como "não realizado" ou "em andamento", em todos os municípios avaliados no período. A baixa completude das fichas de notificação pode comprometer a qualidade de vigilância dos casos de TB. Os resultados sugerem a necessidade de maior disponibilidade de teste para HIV nesses indivíduos.

Undergraduate dental sudents' perspectives about experiences in primary care for their education in the field of health / Perspectivas de graduandos em odontologia acerca das experiências na atenção básica para sua formação em saúde

Supervised training periods in primary care have been used as spaces for teaching and extension in the area of health, making it feasible to include undergraduates in concrete teaching-learning scenarios. The aim of this study was to analyze the perceptions of dental students about the importance of supervised training periods in Family Health Units to their professional education. The sample consisted of 185 students who answered the question: What is your opinion about the importance of this training period in SUS to your professional education? Comment on this experience and its positive and negative aspects The responses were analyzed by the quali-quantitative Collective Subject Discourse (CSD) technique. The students appreciated learning through practice in the service; contact with professionals from other areas; opportunity for technical-operative improvement and demonstrated sensitivity in the face of social reality, although they appeared to be concerned about being absent from the faculty, arguing that they were being prejudiced as regards their intramural clinical productivity, exhaustively demanded of them. It was concluded that students placed value on the extramural experience, however, it was perceived that there was still a predominant influence of focus on intramural clinical training.

Os estágios supervisionados na atenção básica vêm sendo utilizados como espaços de ensino e extensão nas áreas da saúde, viabilizando a inserção dos graduandos em cenários concretos de ensino-aprendizagem. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar as percepções de acadêmicos de odontologia sobre a importância do estágio supervisionado em Unidades de Saúde da Família, para sua formação profissional. A amostra foi constituída por 184 acadêmicos que responderam à questão: Qual a sua opinião em relação à importância deste estágio no SUS para a sua formação profissional? Comente esta experiência e seus aspectos positivos e negativos. As respostas foram analisadas através da técnica qualiquantitativa do discurso do sujeito coletivo. Os alunos valorizaram o aprendizado através da prática no serviço, do contato com profissionais de outras áreas, da oportunidade de aperfeiçoamento técnico-operatório e demonstraram sensibilização frente à realidade social, embora tenham aparentado incômodo por se ausentarem da faculdade, sob o argumento de serem prejudicados quanto à produtividade da clínica intramuros, exaustivamente cobrada. Concluiu-se que os alunos valorizaram a experiência extramural, entretanto, percebeu-se que ainda há uma hegemonia do foco no treinamento clínico intramuros.

Más que curar, prevenir: surgimiento y primera etapa de los Centros de Higiene Infantil en la Ciudad de México, 1922-1932 / Prevention rather than cure: the emergence and first stage of the Centros de Higiene Infantil in Mexico City, 1922-1932

Este trabajo aborda las principales características del surgimiento y primeros diez años de funcionamiento de los Centros de Higiene Infantil, establecimientos dependientes del Departamento de Salubridad Pública desde 1922 en la Ciudad de México y que tuvieron como objetivo atender a las madres, desde el periodo de gestación, y a los niños, desde el nacimiento hasta los dos años de edad. Revisa las acciones que dieron origen a este proyecto y su consolidación. Analiza la estructura de estos Centros, las características de las madres y los niños que atendieron, así como las funciones que realizaron médicos y enfermeras enfatizando la noción de prevención de las enfermedades infantiles, para finalmente mostrar un primer balance acerca de los alcances y limitaciones que tuvieron.

This article deals with the main features of the emergence and first ten years of the Centros de Higiene Infantil, facilities run by the Departamento de Salubridad Pública from 1922 on in Mexico City with the goal of providing care for mothers from pregnancy onwards and children from birth to two years of age. It reviews the actions that gave rise to this project and how it became established. It analyzes the structure of these centers, the characteristics of the mothers and children seen there and the functions performed by doctors and nurses, stressing the notion of preventing childhood illnesses, and ends with a first assessment of the effects and limitations of these centers.

Biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles by actinomycete Streptomyces viridogens strain HM10.

Biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles by Streptomycetes from Himalayan Mountain was undertaken for the first time. Out of 10 actinomycete strains tested, four strains (D10, HM10, ANS2 and MSU) showed evidence for the intracellular biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles, among which the strain HM10 showed high potency. Presence of spherical and rod shaped gold nanoparticles in mycelium of the strain HM10 was determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction analysis. The average particle size ranged from 18-20 nm. UV spectral analysis indicated that the reduction of chloroauric acid (HAuCl4) occurred within 24 h of reaction period. Further, the strain HM10 showed enhanced growth at 1 and 10 mM concentration of HAuCl4. The gold nanoparticles synthesized by the strain HM10 showed good antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli in well-diffusion method. The potential actinomycete HM10 strain was phenotypically characterized and identified as Streptomyces viridogens (HM10). Thus, actinomycete strain HM10 reported in this study is a newly added source for the biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles.

Micropropagation of Elaeis guineensis Jacq. 'Dura': Comparison of three basal media for efficient regeneration.

Three basal plant tissue culture media, namely, N6, MS, and modified Y3, were compared to optimize micropropagation protocol for E. guineensis. Full strength media were used separately to regenerate plantlets directly using immature zygotic embryos (IZEs), and through somatic embryogenesis of calli obtained from IZEs. The plantlets regenerated by direct regeneration on three media were examined for shoot length and rooting percentage. For the induction of callus, somatic embryogenesis, and rooting modified Y3 medium was the most effective. In conclusion, the results indicate that modified Y3 medium is the most suitable for direct regeneration, callus induction and somatic embryogenesis in E. guineensis.

Coliform MPN counts of municipal raw sewage and sewage treatment plant in relation to the water of Buckingham Canal at Kalpakkam (Tamil Nadu, India).

Most Probable Number (MPN) of Total Coliforms (TC) and Faecal Coliforms (FC), and the physicochemical variables - temperature, Dissolved Oxygen (D.O.), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (B.O.D.), Chemical Oxygen Demand (C.O.D.), nitrates, phosphates and chlorides of municipal raw sewage and that of aeration tank and secondary clarifier of the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), in relation to water at the treated sewage out-fall point, down-stream and up-stream of the Buckingham Canal at Kalpakkam were analyzed. Total Coliform and Faecal Coliform MPN counts were higher, 170 and 70/100 mL respectively in the raw sewage. However, the counts of the former in the aeration tank though remained similar, that of FC decreased to 50/100 mL; both of the counts further decreased to 30 and 44/100 mL respectively, in the secondary clarifier and were 110 and 23/100 mL, respectively at the treated sewage out-fall point in the canal. Total coliforms MPN was more than 18 times less in the water at the up-stream than that of the treated sewage out-fall point in the canal. Interestingly MPN of the FC in the up-stream water was nil while it was 8/100 mL in the canal's down-stream point. It is concluded that the FC, B.O.D., C.O.D., nitrates, phosphates and chlorides decreased and the D.O. increased in the treated-sewage due to the treatment of raw sewage through the STP.

Bacterial survival and regrowth in drinking water systems.

Weekly variations in free and total chlorine residuals, and their impact on microbial concentrations were monitored for the IIT Kharagpur (IITKgp) water supply to determine possible correlations between heterotrophic bacterial density, total and faecal coliform density, and total and free chlorine residuals. All correlations between HPC, coliforms and free and total chlorine residuals were found to be insignificant, suggesting that coliform survival and growth are not inhibited by low levels of residual chlorine ranging from 0.01 to 0.41 mg Cl2/L and total chlorine ranging from 0.02 to 1.23 mg Cl2/L. Growth studies were carried out to measure bacterial growth rates in chlorinated drinking water using turbidity. An effort was also made to establish correlations between Cell Density (cfu/L) and Turbidity (NTU), which would allow turbidity to be used as a tool for measurement of bacterial growth in real time. Bacteria were grown in nutrient broth solutions diluted 10-fold with chlorinated tap water to simulate low substrate chlorinated drinking water environments and the average growth rate was 0.196 +/- 0.049 1/h (n = 5, CoV = 25%). No bacterial inocula were added to these samples and chlorine residuals in these samples were 0.14 +/- 0.06 mg Cl2/L and 0.06 +/- 0.05 mg Cl2/L for total chlorine and free chlorine, respectively.

Functional characteristics and molecular identification of swelling-activated chloride conductance in adult rabbit heart ventricles / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

Outwardly rectifying swelling-activated chloride conductance (ICl,Swell) in rabbit heart plays a critical role in cardioprotection following ischemic preconditioning (IP). But the functional characterization and molecular basis of this chloride conductance in rabbit heart ventricular myocytes is not clear. Candidate chloride channel clones (e.g. ClC-2, ClC-3, ClC-4 and ClC-5) were determined using RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. Whole cell ICl,Swell was recorded from isolated rabbit ventricular myocytes using patch clamp techniques during hypo-osmotic stress. The inhibitory effects of 4,4' isothiocyanato-2,2-disulfonic acid (DIDS), 5-nitro-2(3-phenylroylamino) benzoic acid (NPPB) and indanyloxyacetic acid 94 (IAA-94) on ICl,Swell were examined. The expected size of PCR products for ClC-2, ClC-3 and ClC-4 but not for ClC-5 was obtained. ClC-2 and ClC-3 expression was confirmed by automated fluorescent DNA sequencing. RT-PCR and Western blot showed that ClC-4 was expressed in abundance and ClC-2 was expressed at somewhat lower levels. The biological and pharmacological properties of I(Cl,Swell), including outward rectification, activation due to cell volume change, sensitivity to DIDS, IAA-94 and NPPB were identical to those known properties of ICl,Swell in exogenously expressed systems and other mammals hearts. It was concluded that ClC-3 or ClC-4 might be responsible for the outwardly rectifying part of ICl,Swell and may be the molecular targets of cardioprotection associated with ischemic preconditioning or hypo-osmotic shock.

Physico-chemical and biological study of the river Chittar at Courtallam, Tamil Nadu (India).

Courtallam Falls of the river Chittar in Tamil Nadu (India) is a place of tourist attraction during the southwest monsoon season. Particularly, in this season high input of detergents and other anthropogenic activities tend to bring in undesirable materials into the water body, whereby the pristine quality is altered. Therefore, a study was undertaken in the peak southwest tourist season to assess physico-chemical and biological quality of the river Chittar. After carrying out analytical study of various water samples, it was found that although the river was not found highly polluted, biological quality was found significantly poor. Excluding sulphate, all the other physico-chemical parameters analyzed were found within the permissible limits. However, the total and faecal coliforms exceeded the permissible limits, indicating a poor status of the river.

Removal of fluoride from water with powdered corn cobs.

The adsorption of fluoride on corn cobs powder was investigated in the present study. Neat powdered corn cobs did not show remarkable adsorption but aluminium treated corn cobs had good adsorption capacity. The parameters studied include the contact time, concentration, temperature and pH. Near neutral pH was identified as the optimum condition of the medium, and 90 to 120 minutes was the best contact time for maximum fluoride adsorption. The adsorption process was found to follow Freundlich isotherm. The adsorption process was found to be exothermic as adsorption decreased with increasing temperature.

Leaching of As(III) and As(V) from exhausted calsico--a case study.

Batch leaching experiments were conducted to estimate the leaching of As(III) and As(V) from exhausted CalSiCo.The leaching of As(III) and As(V) was found to be function of time and concentrations of anions such as Cl-, NO3-, SO4(2-) in extraction fluid. Extraction tests were carried out to determine the maximum leachable concentration under the chosen conditions of leaching medium and leaching time. It has been observed that the leaching of As(III) is more than As(v) in all the cases. Leaching of As(III) and As(v) from exhausted CalSiCo is also carried out in rainwater and in tap water. It is observed that leaching of As is more in rainwater than tap water. Further higher leaching is observed in case of fluids containing chloride compared to those containing nitrate and sulphate.