Effect of ultrasonic agitation on marginal adaptation, intratubular penetration and bonding strength of calcium-silicate-based endodontic sealers: A laboratory study.

The effect of ultrasonic activation (UA) on marginal adaptation, intratubular penetration and bond strength provided by three calcium silicate-based sealers was evaluated. Ninety-six distobuccal root canals of maxillary molars were randomly divided into 8 groups (n = 12) according to the sealer and UA application: EndoSequence BC sealer (ESBC), Sealer Plus BC (SPBC) and Bio-C Sealer (BCS), using AH Plus (AH) as a control group. The specimens were sectioned at 2, 4 and 6 mm from the apex. The data were statistically analysed using Kruskall-Wallis, Dunn, Mann-Whitney and chi-squared tests. UA improved the marginal adaptation of ESBC (6 mm), SPBC (all levels), BCS (2/4 mm) and AH (4 mm) (p < 0.05); the bond strength of SBPC (2 mm) and BCS (6 mm) were also improved (p < 0.05). The UA of endodontic silicate-based sealers improved the marginal adaptation in all levels and the bond strength of SBPC and BCS sealer.

Neuropsychological manifestations of long COVID in hospitalized and non-hospitalized Brazilian Patients.

BACKGROUND: There has been a significant increase in number of patients seeking neuropsychological rehabilitation months after the acute phase of COVID-19 infection. OBJECTIVE: Identify the cognitive and psychiatric disorders in patients with long COVID or Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID (PASC) and explore the association between disease severity during the acute phase and persistent neuropsychological manifestations. METHODS: 614 adults were assessed an average of eight months post-infection. Participants were, on average, 47.6 y.o., who sought rehabilitation for neuropsychological problems. Patients were evaluated using the Barrow Neurological Institute Screen for Higher Cerebral Functions (BNIS), Phonemic Verbal Fluency and Clock Drawing tests (NEUPSILIN) for executive functions, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). RESULTS: The BNIS score was significantly below reference values in all subscales, especially affect and memory. Verbal Fluency and Clock Drawing subtest results were also lower. Patients with PASC tested high for anxiety/depression, but there was no statistically significant relationship between HADS and BNIS scores. Neuropsychological evaluations showed no differences in cognitive or psychiatric profiles between hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients. CONCLUSIONS: Neuropsychological results suggest executive function problems and high incidence of anxiety/depression, irrespective of acute-phase severity, underscoring a need for neurorehabilitation programs while providing data for public policy initiatives.

Surgery in ovarian cancer - Brazilian Society of Surgical Oncology consensus.

Surgical management in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) has a significant impact in overall survival and progression-free survival. The Brazilian Society of Surgical Oncology (BSSO) supported a taskforce of experts to reach a consensus: experienced and specialised trained surgeons, in cancer centres, provide the best EOC surgery. Laparoscopic and/or radiological staging prognosticates the possibility of complete cytoreduction (CC0) and helps to reduce unnecessary laparotomies. Surgical techniques were reviewed. Multidisciplinary input is essential for treatment planning. Quality assurance criteria are proposed and require national consensus. Genetic testing is mandatory. This consensus states the final recommendations from BSSO for management of EOC. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Brazilian Society of Surgical Oncology consensus for surgery in epithelial ovarian cancer patients.

Virulence, resistance, and genetic relatedness of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella sp. isolated from mule foals / Virulência, resistência e relação genética de Escherichia coli e Klebsiella sp. isoladas de potros de muar

Respiratory diseases are common in young horses but little is known about such infections in mule foals. This study aimed to characterize Escherichia coli and Klebsiella sp. isolated from tracheal wash (TW) and fecal samples (FS) of mule foals, with or without cytological evidence of respiratory disease. Strains were analyzed against 13 antimicrobials, for presence of Extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL), and virulence genes. Phylogrouping and Randomic (RAPD)-PCR profiles were used to evaluate their genetic relatedness. E. coli strains from TW and FS showed greatest resistance to tetracycline, while Klebsiella strains were mainly resistant to ampicillin; multidrug resistance and ESBL production were also detected. The blaCTX gene prevailed among the E. coli isolates, while the blaSHV gene was more frequently found in K. pneumoniae. The fimH gene was detected in most of the isolates and multiple virulence factors were identified in three E. coli isolates. Most of the E. coli isolates belonged to the B1 phylogroup, but B2 strains displayed more virulence genes. The RAPD assay revealed genetic diversity among strains and was able to distinguish FS isolates from TW isolates. Knowledge of the bacteria associated with the respiratory tract of mule foals is important in the treatment of sick animals.(AU)

Doenças respiratórias são comuns em potros de equinos, porém pouco se sabe sobre tais infecções em potros de muar. Este estudo buscou caracterizar Escherichia coli e Klebsiella sp. isolados de lavados traqueais (TW) e amostras fecais (FS) de potros de muar com e sem evidências citológicas de doença respiratória. As amostras bacterianas foram testadas contra 13 antimicrobianos, para a presença de genes de resistência estendida às betalactamases (ESBL) e de virulência. Filogrupagem e perfis de PCR randômicos (RAPD) foram usados para avaliar sua relação genética. As amostras de E. coli de TW e FS mostraram maior resistência à tetraciclina, enquanto as amostras de Klebsiella foram mais resistentes à ampicilina; multirresistência e produção de ESBL também foram detectadas. O gene blaCTX foi mais frequente entre E. coli, enquanto o gene blaSHV foi mais encontrado entre K. pneumoniae. O gene fimH foi detectado na maioria dos isolados de E. coli, enquanto múltiplos genes de virulência foram identificados em três isolados de E. coli. A maioria dos isolados de E. coli pertenceu ao filogrupo B1, porém somente isolados do filogrupo B2 apresentaram mais genes de virulência. Os ensaios de RAPD demonstraram a diversidade genética entre as amostras e distinguiram amostras TW e FS. O conhecimento de bactérias associadas a infecções de trato respiratório de potros de muar é importante no tratamento de animais doentes.(AU)

Virulence, resistance, and genetic relatedness of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella sp. isolated from mule foals / Virulência, resistência e relação genética de Escherichia coli e Klebsiella sp. isoladas de potros de muar

Respiratory diseases are common in young horses but little is known about such infections in mule foals. This study aimed to characterize Escherichia coli and Klebsiella sp. isolated from tracheal wash (TW) and fecal samples (FS) of mule foals, with or without cytological evidence of respiratory disease. Strains were analyzed against 13 antimicrobials, for presence of Extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL), and virulence genes. Phylogrouping and Randomic (RAPD)-PCR profiles were used to evaluate their genetic relatedness. E. coli strains from TW and FS showed greatest resistance to tetracycline, while Klebsiella strains were mainly resistant to ampicillin; multidrug resistance and ESBL production were also detected. The blaCTX gene prevailed among the E. coli isolates, while the blaSHV gene was more frequently found in K. pneumoniae. The fimH gene was detected in most of the isolates and multiple virulence factors were identified in three E. coli isolates. Most of the E. coli isolates belonged to the B1 phylogroup, but B2 strains displayed more virulence genes. The RAPD assay revealed genetic diversity among strains and was able to distinguish FS isolates from TW isolates. Knowledge of the bacteria associated with the respiratory tract of mule foals is important in the treatment of sick animals.(AU)

Doenças respiratórias são comuns em potros de equinos, porém pouco se sabe sobre tais infecções em potros de muar. Este estudo buscou caracterizar Escherichia coli e Klebsiella sp. isolados de lavados traqueais (TW) e amostras fecais (FS) de potros de muar com e sem evidências citológicas de doença respiratória. As amostras bacterianas foram testadas contra 13 antimicrobianos, para a presença de genes de resistência estendida às betalactamases (ESBL) e de virulência. Filogrupagem e perfis de PCR randômicos (RAPD) foram usados para avaliar sua relação genética. As amostras de E. coli de TW e FS mostraram maior resistência à tetraciclina, enquanto as amostras de Klebsiella foram mais resistentes à ampicilina; multirresistência e produção de ESBL também foram detectadas. O gene blaCTX foi mais frequente entre E. coli, enquanto o gene blaSHV foi mais encontrado entre K. pneumoniae. O gene fimH foi detectado na maioria dos isolados de E. coli, enquanto múltiplos genes de virulência foram identificados em três isolados de E. coli. A maioria dos isolados de E. coli pertenceu ao filogrupo B1, porém somente isolados do filogrupo B2 apresentaram mais genes de virulência. Os ensaios de RAPD demonstraram a diversidade genética entre as amostras e distinguiram amostras TW e FS. O conhecimento de bactérias associadas a infecções de trato respiratório de potros de muar é importante no tratamento de animais doentes.(AU)

Artificial neural networks as auxiliary tools for the improvement of bean plant architecture.

Classification using a scale of visual notes is a strategy used to select erect bean plants in order to improve bean plant architectures. Use of morphological traits associated with the phenotypic expression of bean architecture in classification procedures may enhance selection. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of artificial neural networks (ANNs) as auxiliary tools in the improvement of bean plant architecture. Data from 19 lines were evaluated for 22 traits, in 2007 and 2009 winter crops. Hypocotyl diameter and plant height were selected for analysis through ANNs. For classification purposes, these lines were separated into two groups, determined by the plant architecture notes. The predictive ability of ANNs was evaluated according to two scenarios to predict the plant architecture - training with 2007 data and validating in 2009 data (scenario 1), and vice versa (scenario 2). For this, ANNs were trained and validated using data from replicates of the evaluated lines for hypocotyl diameter individually, or together with the mean height of plants in the plot. In each scenario, the use of data from replicates or line means was evaluated for prediction through previously trained and validated ANNs. In both scenarios, ANNs based on hypocotyl diameter and mean height of plants were superior, since the error rates obtained were lower than those obtained using hypocotyl diameter only. Lower apparent error rates were verified in both scenarios for prediction when data on the means of the evaluated traits were submitted to better trained and validated ANNs.

IL33 and IL1RL1 variants are associated with asthma and atopy in a Brazilian population.

Atopic asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease in airways resulting from genetic and environmental factors, characterized by production of the Th2 cytokines interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-5 (IL-5) and interleukin-13 (IL-13). Interleukin-33 (IL-33) appears to be a potent inducer of Th2 immune response. This occurs when IL-33 binds and activates its receptor, the membrane ST2 (ST2L) in mast cells, dendritic cells, basophils, eosinophils, innate lymphoids and Th2 cells, leading to the release of these cytokines and intensifying allergic inflammation. Polymorphisms in the IL33 and IL1RL1 can act as protective or risk factors for asthma and/or allergy in humans. No study was conducted to replicate such findings in a European and African descendent mixed population. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood from 1223 subjects, and the samples were genotyped using Illumina 2.5 Human Omni Beadchip. We tested for possible associations between SNPs in the IL33 and ST2 with asthma and allergy markers such as specific IgE (sIgE), IL-5 and IL-13 production and skin prick test (SPT). Logistics regressions were performed using PLINK software 1.07. The analyses were adjusted for sex, age, helminth infection and ancestry markers. The G allele of IL33 SNP rs12551256 was negatively associated with asthma (OR 0.71, 95% CI: 0.53-0.94, P = 0.017). In contrast, the A allele of IL1RL1 rs1041973 was positively associated with IL-5 production (OR 1.36, 95% CI: 1.09-1.84, P = 0.044), sIgE levels (OR 1.40, 95% CI: 1.07-1.84, P = 0.013) and positive SPT (OR 1.48, 95% CI: 1.08-2.03, P = 0.014), for Blomia tropicalis mite. The same allele, in atopic subjects, was associated with decreased production of soluble ST2 (sST2) (P < 0.05). Moreover, expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analysis suggests that rs1041973 and rs873022 regulate the expression of IL1RL1 gene. This latest SNP, rs873022, the T allele, was also associated with a lower production of sST2 in plasma of Brazilians. The genetic risk score for rs1041973 and rs16924161 demonstrated a higher risk for SPT positivity against B. tropicalis, the greater the number of risk alleles for both SNPs. Our findings demonstrate a robust association of genetic variants in IL1RL1 and IL33 SNPs with allergy markers and asthma.

Evaluation of the efficiency of artificial neural networks for genetic value prediction.

Artificial neural networks have shown great potential when applied to breeding programs. In this study, we propose the use of artificial neural networks as a viable alternative to conventional prediction methods. We conduct a thorough evaluation of the efficiency of these networks with respect to the prediction of breeding values. Therefore, we considered eight simulated scenarios, and for the purpose of genetic value prediction, seven statistical parameters in addition to the phenotypic mean in a network designed as a multilayer perceptron. After an evaluation of different network configurations, the results demonstrated the superiority of neural networks compared to estimation procedures based on linear models, and indicated high predictive accuracy and network efficiency.

Resistance patterns, ESBL genes, and genetic relatedness of Escherichia coli from dogs and owners

Abstract Antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli isolated from pet dogs can be considered a potential threat of infection for the human population. Our objective was to characterize the resistance pattern, extended spectrum beta-lactamase production and genetic relatedness of multiresistant E. coli strains isolated from dogs (n = 134), their owners (n = 134), and humans who claim to have no contact with dogs (n = 44, control), searching for sharing of strains. The strains were assessed for their genetic relatedness by phylogenetic grouping and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Multiresistant E. coli strains were isolated from 42 (31.3%) fecal samples from pairs of dogs and owners, totaling 84 isolates, and from 19 (43.1%) control group subjects. The strains showed high levels of resistance to ampicillin, streptomycin, tetracycline, trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole regardless of host species or group of origin. The blaTEM, blaCTX-M, and blaSHV genes were detected in similar proportions in all groups. All isolates positive for bla genes were ESBL producers. The phylogenetic group A was the most prevalent, irrespective of the host species. None of the strains belonging to the B2 group contained bla genes. Similar resistance patterns were found for strains from dogs, owners and controls; furthermore, identical PFGE profiles were detected in four (9.5%) isolate pairs from dogs and owners, denoting the sharing of strains. Pet dogs were shown to be a potential household source of multiresistant E. coli strains.

Resistance patterns, ESBL genes, and genetic relatedness of Escherichia coli from dogs and owners.

Antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli isolated from pet dogs can be considered a potential threat of infection for the human population. Our objective was to characterize the resistance pattern, extended spectrum beta-lactamase production and genetic relatedness of multiresistant E. coli strains isolated from dogs (n=134), their owners (n=134), and humans who claim to have no contact with dogs (n=44, control), searching for sharing of strains. The strains were assessed for their genetic relatedness by phylogenetic grouping and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Multiresistant E. coli strains were isolated from 42 (31.3%) fecal samples from pairs of dogs and owners, totaling 84 isolates, and from 19 (43.1%) control group subjects. The strains showed high levels of resistance to ampicillin, streptomycin, tetracycline, trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole regardless of host species or group of origin. The blaTEM, blaCTX-M, and blaSHV genes were detected in similar proportions in all groups. All isolates positive for bla genes were ESBL producers. The phylogenetic group A was the most prevalent, irrespective of the host species. None of the strains belonging to the B2 group contained bla genes. Similar resistance patterns were found for strains from dogs, owners and controls; furthermore, identical PFGE profiles were detected in four (9.5%) isolate pairs from dogs and owners, denoting the sharing of strains. Pet dogs were shown to be a potential household source of multiresistant E. coli strains.

Multiple nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome associated with congenital orbital teratoma, caused by a PTCH1 frameshift mutation.

Gorlin-Goltz syndrome, or nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS), is a rare autosomal dominant disorder caused by mutations in the PTCH1 gene and shows a high level of penetrance and variable expressivity. The syndrome is characterized by developmental abnormalities or neoplasms and is diagnosed with 2 major criteria, or with 1 major and 2 minor criteria. Here, we report a new clinical manifestation associated with this syndrome in a boy affected by NBCCS who had congenital orbital teratoma at birth. Later, at the age of 15 years, he presented with 4 major and 4 minor criteria of NBCCS, including multiple basal cell carcinoma and 2 odontogenic keratocysts of the jaw, both confirmed by histology, more than 5 palmar pits, calcification of the cerebral falx, extensive meningeal calcifications, macrocephaly, hypertelorism, frontal bosses, and kyphoscoliosis. PTCH1 mutation analysis revealed the heterozygous germline mutation c.290dupA. This mutation generated a frameshift within exon 2 and an early premature stop codon (p.Asn97LysfsX43), predicting a truncated protein with complete loss of function. Identification of this mutation is useful for genetic counseling. Although the clinical symptoms are well-known, our case contributes to the understanding of phenotypic variability in NBCCS, highlighting that PTCH1 mutations cannot be used for predicting disease burden and reinforces the need of a multidisciplinary team in the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of NBCCS patients.

Inhibition of initial adhesion of oral bacteria through a lectin from Bauhinia variegata L. var. variegata expressed in Escherichia coli.

AIMS: The aim of the present work was to study the in vitro effect of native and recombinant Bauhinia variegata var. variegata lectins in inhibiting early adhesion of Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguis and Streptococcus sobrinus to experimentally acquired pellicle. METHODS AND RESULTS: Native lectin from B. variegata (BVL) was purified by affinity chromatography of extract of seeds. The recombinant lectin (rBVL-I) was expressed in E. coli strain BL21 (DE3) from a genomic clone encoding the mature B. variegata lectin gene using the vector pAE-bvlI. Recombinant protein deposited in inclusion bodies was solubilized and subsequently purified by affinity chromatography. The rBVL-I was compared to BVL for agglutination of erythrocytes and initial adherence of oral bacteria on a saliva-coated surface. The results revealed that rBVL-I acts similarly to BVL for agglutination of erythrocytes. Both lectins showed adhesion inhibition effect on Step. sanguis, Step. mutans and Step. sobrinus. CONCLUSION: We report, for the first time, the inhibition of early adhesion of oral bacteria by a recombinant lectin. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Our results support the proposed biotechnological application of lectins in a strategy to reduce development of dental caries by inhibiting the initial adhesion and biofilm formation.

In vitro inhibition of oral streptococci binding to the acquired pellicle by algal lectins.

AIMS: The initial colonization of the tooth by streptococci involves their attachment to adsorbed components of the acquired pellicle. Avoiding this adhesion may be successful in preventing caries at early stages. Salivary mucins are glycoproteins that when absorbed onto hydroxyapatite may provide binding sites for certain bacteria. Algal lectins may be especially interesting for oral antiadhesion trials because of their great stability and high specificity for mucins. This work aimed to evaluate the potential of two algal lectins to inhibit the adherence of five streptococci species to the acquired pellicle in vitro. METHODS AND RESULTS: The lectins used were extracted from Bryothamnion triquetrum (BTL) and Bryothamnion seaforthii (BSL). Fluorescence microscopy was applied to visualize the ability of fluorescein isothiocyanate-labelled lectins to attach to the pellicle and revealed a similar capability for both lectins. Streptococcal adherence assays were performed using saliva-coated microtitre plates. BSL inhibited more than 75% of Streptococcus sanguis, Streptococcus mitis, Streptococcus sobrinus and Streptococcus mutans adherence, achieving 92% to the latter. BTL only obtained statistically significant results on S. mitis and S. sobrinus, whose adherence was decreased by 32.5% and 54.4%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Algal lectins are able to inhibit streptococcal adherence. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Our results support the proposed application of lectins in antiadhesion therapeutics.

In vitro inhibition of Streptococci binding to enamel acquired pellicle by plant lectins.

AIM: Initial colonization of the tooth surface by streptococci involves the attachment of these bacteria to adsorbed salivary components of the acquired pellicle. In dental biofilm this adhesion may also involve lectin-like components, present on the surface of the organisms, which bind to complementary carbohydrates on the surface of the tooth. Therefore, this work aimed to evaluate the potential of six lectins, extracted from seeds of Leguminosae family members, to inhibit the adherence of five streptococci species to acquired pellicle in vitro. METHODS AND RESULTS: The lectins used in this work were extracted from Canavalia ensiformis, Canavalia brasiliensis, Dioclea violacea, Dioclea grandiflora, Cratylia floribunda and Vatairea macrocarpa. Fluorescence micrography was employed to visualize the ability of FITC-labeled lectins to attach to acquire pellicle. Adherence inhibition was performed on saliva-coated microtiter plates at which lectins solutions were previously incubated followed by incubation with the oral streptococci. Glucose-mannose specific lectins attached to acquired pellicle with high intensity, while galactose specific lectins, from V. macrocarpa, exhibits low intensity attachment. CONCLUSIONS: All lectins were able to inhibit the adherence of the microorganisms tested (p < 0.01). SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Our results suggest that lectins may be useful in anti adhesion therapeutics.

Direct evidence of pseudogamy in apomictic Brachiaria brizantha (Poaceae).

Brachiaria brizantha is a forage grass that has several apomictic accessions. B. brizantha cv. Marandu is a natural tetraploid aposporous apomict widely cultivated in Brazil. Pseudogamy was detected in this species by observation that seed set is suppressed in plants that have had the stigmas excised from the flowers. The egg cell develops parthenogenetically in the apomictic plants, meaning that fertilisation is necessary for the formation of the endosperm. A thorough knowledge of all the events of seed formation in natural apomictic plants is essential for a complete understanding of this mode of reproduction. In this paper, we show direct evidence of pseudogamy in B. brizantha through the cytological analysis of polar nucleus fertilisation and the determination of triploid level of the endosperm tissue. The development of the male gametophyte gives rise to a reduced tri-celled pollen, the viability of which varies throughout the year, reaching 88% in the peak of the flowering period. Discharge of the male gamete takes place around 10 h after pollination and monospermy is the predominant system observed. Precocious embryony was also observed in these plants; embryos arise from egg cells. Endosperm development followed the free nucleus model and was associated with the presence of an embryo. Cellularisation and reserve uptake occurred 2 days after pollination (DAP) and mature endosperm was observed 8 DAP. The triploid level of the endosperm in the apomictic accession confirmed the 2:1 maternal:paternal ratio of genome contribution in the tissue.

Duplication of the chromosome number of diploid Brachiaria brizantha plants using colchicine.

Some species of Brachiaria, generally tetraploid apomictic varieties, have become important forage grasses in the tropics. Breeding of Brachiaria depends on compatibility with the available apomitic tretraploid cultivars. This paper describes a procedure for chromosome duplication of two Bracharia brizantha diploid sexual accessions, using colchicine treatment of basal segments of in-vitro-grown plants. Explants were cultured on a medium containing 1 mg/l naphthaleneacetic acid, 3 mg/l kinetin and 0.01% colchicine for 48 h and transferred to the same medium without colchicine until shoot regeneration occurred. Regenerated plants were screened by flow cytometry, and chromosome number duplication was confirmed by cytological analysis of root tips.