Prediction and biological analysis of yeast VDAC1 phosphorylation.

The mitochondrial outer membrane protein porin 1 (Por1), the yeast orthologue of mammalian voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC), is the major permeability pathway for the flux of metabolites and ions between cytosol and mitochondria. In yeast, several Por1 phosphorylation sites have been identified. Protein phosphorylation is a major modification regulating a variety of biological activities, but the potential biological roles of Por1 phosphorylation remains unaddressed. In this work, we analysed 10 experimentally observed phosphorylation sites in yeast Por1 using bioinformatics tools. Two of the residues, T100 and S133, predicted to reduce and increase pore permeability, respectively, were validated using biological assays. In accordance, Por1T100D reduced mitochondrial respiration, while Por1S133E phosphomimetic mutant increased it. Por1T100A expression also improved respiratory growth, while Por1S133A caused defects in all growth conditions tested, notably in fermenting media. In conclusion, we found phosphorylation has the potential to modulate Por1, causing a marked effect on mitochondrial function. It can also impact on cell morphology and growth both in respiratory and, unpredictably, also in fermenting conditions, expanding our knowledge on the role of Por1 in cell physiology.

Dental and composite resin discoloration induced by different hydraulic calcium silicate-based cements: two-year in vitro assessment.

Few long-term studies assess the discoloration induced by hydraulic calcium silicate-based cement on dental structures. In addition, as far as we know, no long-term study has assessed the discoloration induced by these cement on composite resin. This in vitro study aimed to assess, during a period of two years, the discoloration potential of different hydraulic calcium silicate-based cements (hCSCs) on the enamel/dentin structure and composite resin restoration. A total of 40 enamel/dentin discs were obtained from bovine incisors, and 40 composite resin discs (10 mm in diameter × 2 mm thick) were fabricated. A 0.8 mm-deep cavity was made in the center of each disc and filled with the following hCSCs (n=10): Original MTA (Angelus); MTA Repair HP (Angelus); NeoMTA Plus (Avalon); and Biodentine (Septodont). An initial color measurement was performed (T0 - baseline). After 7, 15, 30, 45, 90, 300 days, and two years, new color measurements were performed to determine the color (ΔE00), lightness (ΔL'), chroma (ΔC'), hue differences (ΔH'), and whiteness index (WID). For enamel/dentin, the ΔE00 was significant among groups and periods (p<0.05). NeoMTA Plus had the greatest ΔE00. The NeoMTA Plus group had the greatest ΔE00 after two years for composite resin. Significant reduction in lightness was observed for all groups after two years (p<0.05). The most significant WID values were observed after 30 days for Biodentine (enamel/dentin) and MTA Repair HP groups (composite resin) (p<0.05). The hCSCs changed the colorimetric behavior of both substrates, leading to greater darkening over time. The Bi2O3 in the Original MTA seems relevant in the short periods of color change assessment.

Genomic profiling of HIV-1 integration in microglia cells links viral integration to the topologically associated domains.

HIV-1 encounters the hierarchically organized host chromatin to stably integrate and persist in anatomically distinct latent reservoirs. The contribution of genome organization in HIV-1 infection has been largely understudied across different HIV-1 targets. Here, we determine HIV-1 integration sites (ISs), associate them with chromatin and expression signatures at different genomic scales in a microglia cell model, and profile them together with the primary T cell reservoir. HIV-1 insertions into introns of actively transcribed genes with IS hotspots in genic and super-enhancers, characteristic of blood cells, are maintained in the microglia cell model. Genome organization analysis reveals dynamic CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) clusters in cells with active and repressed HIV-1 transcription, whereas CTCF removal impairs viral integration. We identify CTCF-enriched topologically associated domain (TAD) boundaries with signatures of transcriptionally active chromatin as HIV-1 integration determinants in microglia and CD4+ T cells, highlighting the importance of host genome organization in HIV-1 infection.

Systematic review of visual illusions in schizophrenia.

Visual illusions have long been used as tools to investigate sensory-perceptual deficits in schizophrenia. Recent conflicting accounts have called into question the assumption of abnormal illusion perception in patients and, therefore, the validity of this approach. Here, we present a systematic review of the current evidence regarding visual illusion perception abnormalities in patients with schizophrenia. Relevant publications were identified by a systematic search of PubMed, Literatura LILACS, PsycINFO, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), IBECS, BIOSIS, and Web of Science. Forty-five studies were selected which included illusions classified as 'Motion illusions', 'Geometric-optical illusions', 'Illusory contours', 'Depth inversion illusion', and 'Non-specific'. There is concordant evidence of abnormal processing of illusions in patients for most categories, especially in facial Depth Inversion and Müller-Lyer illusions. There were significant methodological disparities and shortcomings, but risk of bias was overall low for individual studies. The usefulness of visual illusions as tools in clinical settings as well as in basic research may be contingent on significant methodological refinements.

Dental and composite resin discoloration induced by different hydraulic calcium silicate-based cements: two-year in vitro assessment

Abstract Few long-term studies assess the discoloration induced by hydraulic calcium silicate-based cement on dental structures. In addition, as far as we know, no long-term study has assessed the discoloration induced by these cement on composite resin. Objective This in vitro study aimed to assess, during a period of two years, the discoloration potential of different hydraulic calcium silicate-based cements (hCSCs) on the enamel/dentin structure and composite resin restoration. Methodology A total of 40 enamel/dentin discs were obtained from bovine incisors, and 40 composite resin discs (10 mm in diameter × 2 mm thick) were fabricated. A 0.8 mm-deep cavity was made in the center of each disc and filled with the following hCSCs (n=10): Original MTA (Angelus); MTA Repair HP (Angelus); NeoMTA Plus (Avalon); and Biodentine (Septodont). An initial color measurement was performed (T0 - baseline). After 7, 15, 30, 45, 90, 300 days, and two years, new color measurements were performed to determine the color (ΔE00), lightness (ΔL'), chroma (ΔC'), hue differences (ΔH'), and whiteness index (WID). Results For enamel/dentin, the ΔE00 was significant among groups and periods (p<0.05). NeoMTA Plus had the greatest ΔE00. The NeoMTA Plus group had the greatest ΔE00 after two years for composite resin. Significant reduction in lightness was observed for all groups after two years (p<0.05). The most significant WID values were observed after 30 days for Biodentine (enamel/dentin) and MTA Repair HP groups (composite resin) (p<0.05). Conclusions The hCSCs changed the colorimetric behavior of both substrates, leading to greater darkening over time. The Bi2O3 in the Original MTA seems relevant in the short periods of color change assessment.

Pelvic inflammatory disease hospitalizations in Brazil: time trend from 2000 to 2019 / Internações por doença inflamatória pélvica no Brasil: tendência temporal de 2000 a 2019

Abstract Objectives: to evaluate the temporal trend of hospitalizations for pelvic infammatory disease in Brazil and its regions between 2000 and 2019. Methods: longitudinal ecological study with data from the Hospital Information System. The analysis of temporal trends in hospitalization rates by age group was performed using segmented linear regression (joinpoint regression). Both annual percent change total and by age groups were estimated for Brazil and each region. Results: Brazil had an average reduction of 5.2% per year in the period and the age groups most affected were 20 to 29 and 30 to 39 years. North region had the highest rates and South and Southeast regions, the lowest. Midwest region had the largest annual average reduction (8.1%), followed by the Northeast (5.7%), Southeast (5.0%), North (4.6%) and South (4.3 %). The only age group that showed a significant increase was that of 10 to 19 years in the Southeast in the period from 2008 to 2019 (0.9%) and in the Northeast in the period from 2014 to 2019 (3.3%). Conclusions: hospitalization due to pelvic infammatory disease has significantly decreased in Brazil. The increase observed for adolescents in the Southeast and Northeast in the most recent period points to problems in the prevention and control of sexually transmitted infections in this age group.

Resumo Objetivos: avaliar a tendência temporal de internações por doença infamatória pélvica no Brasil e regiões entre 2000 e 2019. Métodos: estudo ecológico longitudinal com dados do Sistema de Informações Hospitalares. A análise das tendências temporais das taxas de internação hospitalar por faixas etárias foi feita por regressão linear segmentada (joinpoint regression). Foram estimadas variações percentuais anuais gerais e por faixas etárias para o Brasil e cada região. Resultados: o Brasil teve uma redução média de 5,2% ao ano no período e as faixas etárias mais afetadas foram 20 a 29 e 30 a 39 anos. A região Norte apresentou as maiores taxas e as regiões Sul e Sudeste as menores. A região Centro-Oeste teve a maior redução média anual (8,1%), seguida das regiões Nordeste (5,7%), Sudeste (5,0%), Norte (4,6%) e Sul (4,3%). A única faixa etária que apresentou um aumento significativo foi a de 10 a 19 anos nas regiões Sudeste no período de 2008 a 2019 (0,9%) e no Nordeste no período de 2014 a 2019 (3,3%). Conclusões: a internação hospitalar por doença infamatória pélvica reduziu no Brasil de forma importante. O aumento verificado para adolescentes no Sudeste e Nordeste no período mais recente aponta para problemas na prevenção e controle das infecções sexualmente transmissíveis nesta faixa etária.

O papel da ultrassonografia na doença trofoblástica gestacional / The role of ultrasonography in gestational trophoblastic disease

A doença trofoblástica gestacional (DTG) agrupa um conjunto de anomalias do desenvolvimento trofoblástico, que incluem formas clínicas benignas como a mola hidatiforme completa e parcial, o nódulo do sítio placentário atípico e o sítio trofoblástico exagerado, e malignas, caracterizando a neoplasia trofoblástica gestacional (NTG). De modo geral, seu diagnóstico precoce antecipa complicações clínicas que podem estar associadas a near miss obstétrico. Diante da suspeição clínica, é a ultrassonografia (US) precoce o exame de escolha pa ra o diagnóstico, associado à dosagem sérica de gonadotrofina coriônica humana, capaz de minimizar a ocorrência de complicações clínicas associadas à gravidez molar. Nos casos de NTG, é a US também de grande valia para estadiamento, avaliação de prognóstico e acompanhamento da mulher tratada para DTG. Este estudo faz uma revisão sobre o papel da US na DTG, sendo importante para familiarizar os tocoginecologistas com essa doença e salientar o papel da US consoante as melhores práticas clínicas.(AU)

Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) includes a set of trophoblastic developmental anomalies, which include benign forms such as complete and partial hydatidiform mole, atypical placental site nodule and exaggerated trophoblastic site, and malignant forms, characterizing gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN). In general, its early diagnosis anticipates clinical complications that could be associated with obstetric near miss. In view of clinical suspicion, early ultrasonography (US) and serum levels of human chorionic gonadotropin are the best diagnostic screening techniques, able to minimizing the occurrence of medical complications associated with molar pregnancy. In cases of GTN, US is also of great value for staging, assessment of prognosis and follow-up of women treated for GTN. This study reviews the role of US in GTD, being important to familiarize tocogynecologists with this disease and highlight the role of US according to best clinical practices to minimize the morbidity of these patients and maximize the remission rates of this disease.(AU)

Associação entre segregação residencial racial e mortalidade por homicídio nos municípios de Minas Gerais, Brasil / Association between racial residential segregation and homicide mortality in municipalities in Minas Gerais, Brazil

Resumo O objetivo desse artigo é avaliar a associação entre segregação residencial racial e mortalidade por homicídios em Minas Gerais (MG). Trata-se de estudo ecológico, com os municípios de MG como unidades de análise. O desfecho foi óbitos por homicídio ocorridos de 2008 a 2012 e a exposição a medida de segregação residencial índice de interação racial, estimada para 2010 a partir dos dados do censo demográfico; outras covariáveis foram renda média per capita e índice de Gini. As variáveis foram apresentadas em mapas temáticos e a associação entre elas foi investigada por modelos hierárquicos bayesianos. Houve associação negativa entre o índice de interação racial e a mortalidade por homicídios (coeficiente=-1,787; IC95%=-2,459; -1,119), em modelo ajustado pela renda per capita. Os municípios de MG com maior interação racial tiveram em média uma menor mortalidade por homicídios.

Abstract This article aims to evaluate the association between racial residential segregation and homicide mortality in the state of Minas Gerais (MG), Brazil. We conducted an ecological study in which the units of analysis were municipalities in MG. The outcome was homicide deaths between 2008 and 2012 and the exposure variable was residential segregation measured using the racial interaction index, calculated using data from the 2010 Demographic Census. The covariables were per capita family income and the Gini index. The variables were presented in tables and thematic maps and associations were measured using Bayesian hierarchical models. The results of the model adjusted for per capita family income showed a negative association between the racial interaction index and homicide mortality (coefficient=-1.787; 95%CI=-2.459; -1.119). Homicide mortality was lower in municipalities with higher levels of racial interaction.

Association between racial residential segregation and homicide mortality in municipalities in Minas Gerais, Brazil. / Associação entre segregação residencial racial e mortalidade por homicídio nos municípios de Minas Gerais, Brasil.

This article aims to evaluate the association between racial residential segregation and homicide mortality in the state of Minas Gerais (MG), Brazil. We conducted an ecological study in which the units of analysis were municipalities in MG. The outcome was homicide deaths between 2008 and 2012 and the exposure variable was residential segregation measured using the racial interaction index, calculated using data from the 2010 Demographic Census. The covariables were per capita family income and the Gini index. The variables were presented in tables and thematic maps and associations were measured using Bayesian hierarchical models. The results of the model adjusted for per capita family income showed a negative association between the racial interaction index and homicide mortality (coefficient=-1.787; 95%CI=-2.459; -1.119). Homicide mortality was lower in municipalities with higher levels of racial interaction.

O objetivo desse artigo é avaliar a associação entre segregação residencial racial e mortalidade por homicídios em Minas Gerais (MG). Trata-se de estudo ecológico, com os municípios de MG como unidades de análise. O desfecho foi óbitos por homicídio ocorridos de 2008 a 2012 e a exposição a medida de segregação residencial índice de interação racial, estimada para 2010 a partir dos dados do censo demográfico; outras covariáveis foram renda média per capita e índice de Gini. As variáveis foram apresentadas em mapas temáticos e a associação entre elas foi investigada por modelos hierárquicos bayesianos. Houve associação negativa entre o índice de interação racial e a mortalidade por homicídios (coeficiente=-1,787; IC95%=-2,459; -1,119), em modelo ajustado pela renda per capita. Os municípios de MG com maior interação racial tiveram em média uma menor mortalidade por homicídios.

Collagen Type III as a Possible Blood Biomarker of Fibrosis in Equine Endometrium.

Collagen pathological deposition in equine endometrium (endometrosis) is responsible for infertility. Kenney and Doig's endometrial biopsy histopathological classification is the gold standard method for endometrosis evaluation, whereby blood biomarkers identification would be less invasive and could provide additional information regarding endometrosis diagnosis and fertility prognosis. This study aimed to identify blood biomarkers for endometrosis diagnosis (42 mares were used in experiment 1), and fertility assessment (50 mares were used in experiment 2). Reproductive examination, endometrial biopsy histopathological classification (Kenney and Doig) and blood collection were performed. Endometrium and serum collagen type I (COL1) and type III (COL3), and hydroxyproline concentrations were measured (ELISA). Serum COL3 cut-off value of 60.9 ng/mL allowed healthy endometria (category I) differentiation from endometria with degenerative/fibrotic lesions (categories IIA, IIB or III) with 100% specificity and 75.9% sensitivity. This cut-off value enabled category I + IIA differentiation from IIB + III (76% specificity, 81% sensitivity), and category III differentiation from others (65% specificity, 92.3% sensitivity). COL1 and hydroxyproline were not valid as blood biomarkers. Serum COL3 cut-off value of 146 ng/mL differentiated fertile from infertile mares (82.4% specificity, 55.6% sensitivity), and was not correlated with mares' age. Only COL3 may prove useful as a diagnostic aid in mares with endometrial fibrosis and as a fertility indicator.

Characteristics of Streptococcus agalactiae Colonizing Nonpregnant Adults Support the Opportunistic Nature of Invasive Infections.

The prevalence and lineages of Streptococcus agalactiae (group B streptococci [GBS]) colonizing pregnant women are well studied, but less is known about colonization of nonpregnant adults. We characterized GBS colonization in adults as a potential reservoir for infections and tested for the presence of clones with a potentially higher invasive disease potential. We evaluated GBS gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and oral colonization among 336 nonpregnant adults in the community. We characterized the isolates by serotyping, multilocus sequence typing, profiling of surface protein genes and pili, and antimicrobial susceptibility and compared them with contemporary invasive isolates. The colonization rate (n = 107, 32%) among nonpregnant adults was like that of pregnant women. Colonization increased with age (~25% in the 18 to 29 and 30 to 44 years old groups and >42% in the ≥60 years old group), potentially explaining the higher incidence of disease with older age. Participants who were colonized at multiple sites (73%) were frequently carrying indistinguishable strains (93%), consistent with the existence of a single reservoir of colonization and transfer of GBS between sites within the same individual. The most frequent lineages found were serotype Ib/CC1 (n = 27), serotype V/CC1 (n = 19), serotype Ia/CC23 (n = 13), serotype III/ST17 (n = 13), and serotype Ib/CC10 (n = 11). Comparison with contemporary isolates causing invasive infections in Portugal did not reveal any lineage associated with either asymptomatic carriage or invasive disease. Asymptomatic colonization of nonpregnant adults is significant and could act as a reservoir for invasive disease, but in contrast to infant disease, we found no GBS lineages with an enhanced potential for causing invasive disease in adults. IMPORTANCE The increasing incidence of Streptococcus agalactiae (group B streptococci [GBS]) infections in adults and the inability of antimicrobial prophylaxis peripartum to control late-onset infections in infants motivate the study of the asymptomatic carrier state in nonpregnant adults. We found an overall carriage rate like that of pregnant women, increasing with age, potentially contributing to the higher incidence of GBS infections with age. Colonization of diabetic participants was not higher despite the higher number of infections in this group. Comparison between contemporary genetic lineages causing infections and found in asymptomatic carriers did not identify particularly virulent lineages. This means that any prophylactic approaches targeting colonization by particular lineages are expected to have a limited impact on GBS disease in adults.

Immunogenicity, safety, and antiphospholipid antibodies after SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in patients with primary antiphospholipid syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) has an increased risk of coagulopathy with high frequency of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). Recent reports of thrombosis associated with adenovirus-based vaccines raised concern that SARS-CoV-2 immunization in primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS) patients may trigger clotting complications. Our objectives were to assess immunogenicity, safety, and aPL production in PAPS patients, after vaccinating with Sinovac-CoronaVac, an inactivated virus vaccine against COVID-19. METHODS: This prospective controlled phase-4 study of PAPS patients and a control group (CG) consisted of a two-dose Sinovac-CoronaVac (D0/D28) and blood collection before vaccination (D0), at D28 and 6 weeks after second dose (D69) for immunogenicity/aPL levels. Outcomes were seroconversion (SC) rates of anti-SARS-CoV-2 S1/S2 IgG and/or neutralizing antibodies (NAb) at D28/D69 in naïve participants. Safety and aPL production were also assessed. RESULTS: We included 44 PAPS patients (31 naïve) and 132 CG (108 naïve) with comparable age (p=0.982) and sex (p>0.999). At D69, both groups had high and comparable SC (83.9% vs. 93.5%, p=0.092), as well as NAb positivity (77.4% vs. 78.7%, p=0.440), and NAb-activity (64.3% vs. 60.9%, p=0.689). Thrombotic events up to 6 months or other moderate/severe side effects were not observed. PAPS patients remained with stable aPL levels throughout the study at D0 vs. D28 vs. D69: anticardiolipin (aCL) IgG (p=0.058) and IgM (p=0.091); anti-beta-2 glycoprotein I (aß2GPI) IgG (p=0.513) and IgM (p=0.468). CONCLUSION: We provided novel evidence that Sinovac-CoronaVac has high immunogenicity and safety profile in PAPS. Furthermore, Sinovac-CoronaVac did not trigger thrombosis nor induced changes in aPL production.

Segregação Residencial Racial e Mortalidade por Câncer do Colo do Útero nas Regiões de Saúde do Brasil / Segregación Residencial Racial y Mortalidad por Cáncer del Cuello Uterino en las Regiones de Salud de Brasil / Racial Residential Segregation and Cervical Cancer Mortality in Health Regions of Brazil

Introdução: O câncer do colo do útero (CCU) é um dos mais frequentes em mulheres e tem sido relacionado a baixos níveis de desenvolvimento. Objetivo: Investigar a associação entre a taxa de mortalidade padronizada por CCU e a segregação residencial racial. Método: Estudo ecológico que teve como unidade de análise as 438 Regiões de Saúde do Brasil em 2010. O desfecho foi a taxa de mortalidade por CCU em mulheres, padronizada por idade, por 100 mil mulheres. A exposição de interesse foi o Índice de Interação Racial (IIR), uma medida de segregação residencial da dimensão uniformidade, estimada a partir de dados do Censo Demográfico 2010 agregados por setores censitários. O Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano (IDH) foi covariável de controle. A associação entre as variáveis foi analisada por modelo de regressão linear. Resultados: A taxa de mortalidade por CCU teve os maiores valores nas Regiões de Saúde do Norte e do Centro-Oeste, e os menores no Sul e no Sudeste, padrão diferente do IDH e do IIR, com valores menores no Norte e no Nordeste e maiores no Sul e no Sudeste. O IIR teve associação negativa com a taxa de mortalidade; no modelo ajustado pelo IDH, cada aumento de 0,1 no IIR esteve associado à diminuição de 0,6 óbitos por 100 mil mulheres. Conclusão: A segregação residencial racial está associada à mortalidade por CCU. Os indicadores de segregação residencial deveriam ser considerados para inclusão em futuros estudos epidemiológicos como importantes determinantes contextuais do processo saúde-doença

Introduction: Cervical cancer (CC) is one of the most common cancers in women and has been associated with low levels of development. Objective: To investigate the association between standardized CC mortality rate and racial residential segregation. Method: An ecological study that had as unit of analysis the 438 Health Regions in Brazil in 2010. The outcome was the mortality rate by CC in women, standardized by age, per 100,000 women. The exposure of interest was the Racial Interaction Index (RII), a measure of residential segregation in the uniformity dimension, estimated from 2010 Census data aggregated by census tracts. The Human Development Index (HDI) was a control covariate. The association between variables was analyzed using a linear regression model. Results: The mortality rate due to CC had the highest values in the health regions of the North and Midwest and the lowest in the South and Southeast, a pattern different from the HDI and RII, with lower numbers in the North and Northeast and higher in the South and Southeast. The RII had a negative association with the mortality rate; in the model adjusted by the HDI, each increase of 0.1 in the RII was associated with a decrease of 0.6 deaths per 100,000 women. Conclusion: Residential racial segregation is associated with mortality by CC. Residential segregation indicators should be considered for inclusion in future epidemiological studies outcomes as important contextual determinants of the health-disease process

Introducción: El cáncer de cuello uterino (CCU) es uno de los más frecuentes en las mujeres y se ha relacionado con bajos niveles de desarrollo. Objetivo: Investigar la asociación entre la tasa de mortalidad estandarizada de CCU y la segregación racial residencial. Método: Estudio ecológico que tuvo como unidad de análisis las 438 Regiones de Salud de Brasil en 2010. El resultado fue la tasa de mortalidad por CCU en mujeres, estandarizada por edad, por 100.000 mujeres. La exposición de interés fue el Índice de Interacción Racial (IIR), una medida de segregación residencial en la dimensión de uniformidad, estimada a partir de los datos del censo de 2010 agregados por secciones censales. El Índice de Desarrollo Humano (IDH) fue una covariable de control. La asociación entre variables se analizó mediante un modelo de regresión lineal. Resultados: La tasa de mortalidad por CCU tuvo los valores más altos en las Regiones de Salud del Norte y el Medio Oeste y los más bajos en el Sur y el Sudeste, un patrón diferente al del IDH y el IIR, con valores más bajos en el Norte y el Noreste y más altos en el Sur y el Sudeste. El IIR se asoció negativamente con la tasa de mortalidad; en el modelo ajustado por el IDH, cada aumento de 0,1 en el IIR se asoció con una disminución de 0,6 muertes por cada 100.000 mujeres. Conclusión: La segregación racial residencial está asociada con la mortalidad por CCU. Los indicadores de segregación residencial deberían considerarse para su inclusión en futuros estudios epidemiológicos como importantes determinantes contextuales del proceso salud-enfermedad

Spanish and Portuguese Parental Acceptance of Behavior Management Techniques in Pediatric Dentistry.

AIM: To compare acceptance of behavior management techniques used in pediatric dentistry by Spanish and Portuguese parents. STUDY DESIGN: cross-sectional study. A survey of 8 behavior management techniques used in pediatric dentistry was administered to parents whose children were being treated at the Universitat Internacional de Cataluña (Barcelona, Spain) or at the Universidade de Coimbra (Portugal). The techniques evaluated were: tell-show-do (TSD), nitrous oxide sedation, passive restraint using a papoose board, voice control, hand-over-mouth, oral premedication, active restraint and general anaesthesia. The questionnaire also included information on parents' sex, number and sex of children receiving treatment, parents' previous dental experience (positive or negative), children's previous dental experience (positive or negative), and the socioeconomic status of the families. RESULTS: TSD and voice control were rated the most acceptable techniques in both Spain and Portugal, whereas the least accepted techniques in both countries were active and passive restraint. There were no significant differences in the acceptance of each of the techniques, in relation to parents' sex or their previous dental experience, children's sex or age, children's previous dental experience, or families' socioeconomic status. CONCLUSION: TSD was the most widely accepted behavior-management technique by Spanish and Portuguese parents, even with the passage of time. Both groups of parents had a low opinion of active and passive restraint techniques.

Evaluation of the Interfaces between Restorative and Regenerative Biomaterials Used in Vital Pulp Therapy.

BACKGROUND: Calcium-silicate-based cements (CSC) have gained an increasing scientific and clinical relevance, enabling more conservative approaches, namely pulp preservation and regeneration therapies. This research aims to study the influence of four clinical variables on the interfaces between CSC and composite adhesive restoration, concerning shear bond strength (SBS) and ultra-morphological patterns. METHODS: SBS tests were performed in 320 specimens divided in 16 groups (n = 20) according to: two CSC (NuSmile® NeoMTA, BiodentineTM); two adhesive systems (ClearfilTM SE Bond 2 (CSEB2), ClearfilTM Universal Bond Quick (CUBQ)); optional application of an additional hydrophobic bonding layer (HBL); two restoration times (immediate, seven days). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed to conduct the ultra-morphology interface analysis in 32 deciduous molars prepared and randomly allocated into the 16 groups. RESULTS: Globally, SBS tests showed higher bond strength of CUBQ compared to CSEB2 (p < 0.001), as with an additional HBL application (p = 0.014) and delayed restoration (p < 0.001). SEM showed the interpenetration between adhesive systems and CSC forming a hybrid layer, whose depth and thickness depended on the restoration time and adhesive strategy. CONCLUSIONS: The independent clinical variables adhesive system, application of an additional HBL and restoration time affected the bond performance and ultra-morphological interface between composite adhesive restoration and CSC.

The Perception of the Müller-Lyer Visual Illusion in Schizophrenics and Non-human Primates: A Translational Approach.

The Müller-Lyer Illusion (MLI) has been suggested as a potential marker for the perceptual impairments observed in schizophrenia patients. Along with some positive symptoms, these deficits are not easily modeled in rodent experiments, and novel animal models are warranted. Previously, MK-801 was shown to reduce susceptibility to MLI in monkeys, raising the prospects of an effective perception-based model. Here, we evaluate the translational feasibility of the MLI task under NMDA receptor blockage as a primate model for schizophrenia. In Experiment 1, eight capuchin monkeys (Sapajus spp.) were trained on a touchscreen MLI task. Upon reaching the learning criteria, the monkeys were given ketamine (0.3 mg/kg; i.m.) or saline on four consecutive days and then retested on the MLI task. In Experiment 2, eight chronic schizophrenia patients (and eight matching controls) were tested on the Brentano version of the MLI. Under saline treatment, monkeys were susceptible to MLI, similarly to healthy human participants. Repeated ketamine administrations, however, failed to improve their performance as previous results with MK-801 had shown. Schizophrenic patients, on the other hand, showed a higher susceptibility to MLI when compared to healthy controls. In light of the present and previous studies, the MLI task shows consistent results across monkeys and humans. In spite of potentially being an interesting translational model of schizophrenia, the MLI task warrants further refinement in non-human primates and a broader sample of schizophrenia subtypes.

Association of individual aortic leaflet calcification on paravalvular regurgitation and conduction abnormalities with self-expanding trans-catheter aortic valve insertion.

BACKGROUND: Complication rates of paravalvular aortic regurgitation (PVR) and permanent pacemaker insertion remain high in patients undergoing trans-catheter aortic valve insertion for severe aortic stenosis. The spatial distribution of calcium between individual aortic valve leaflets, and its potential role in these complications is gaining interest. We aimed to assess the accuracy of individual aortic valve leaflet calcium quantification, and to determine its effect on the frequency of these complications. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 251 patients who underwent trans-catheter aortic valve insertion using the Evolut RTM valve. The off-line Terarecon software platform was used for Agatston scoring the short axis views. RESULTS: There was a correlation between the sum of the individual leaflet and the total aortic valve calcium score. There was a univariate association between an increase [per 100 Agatston unit (AU)] in both right coronary leaflet (RCL) and left coronary leaflet (LCL) calcium with the risk of PVR. There was an association between an increase in LCL calcium score (per 100 AU) and need for post-implantation balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV). There was no association between individual leaflet calcification on the risk of permanent pacemaker insertion. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the idea that a quantifiable and reproducible method of individual valve leaflet calcification score may serve as an independent risk factor for paravalvular regurgitation, beyond visual assessment of asymmetry. However, the same may not be true of spatial calcium distribution and permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI).

AORTIC ARCH VARIANT AND COMMON CAROTID ARTERY AGENESIS.

An 83-year-old woman with a history of ileocecal appendix cancer underwent a staging thoracic-abdominal-pelvic computed tomography. Two extremely rare anatomic variants were identified: the right vertebral artery presented an anomalous origin from the aortic arch distal to the left subclavian artery and a retro-esophageal course; right common carotid artery agenesis.

Collagen and Microvascularization in Placentas From Young and Older Mares.

In older mares, increasing collagen fibers (fibrosis) in the endometrium and oviduct predisposes to sub-fertility and infertility. In this study, (i) gene transcription of collagen (qPCR: COL1A1, COL1A2, COL3A1, COL5A1); (ii) total collagen protein (hydroxyproline); (iii) collagen distribution (Picrosirius red staining; polarized light microscopy); and (iv) microvascular density (Periodic acid-Schiff staining), were evaluated in mares' placenta, and related to mares age, and placenta and neonate weights. Samples were collected from the gravid horn, non-gravid horn, and body of the placenta from younger (n = 7), and older mares (n = 9) of different breeds. Transcripts of COL1A1, COL3A1 and COL5A1, total collagen protein, chorionic plate connective tissue thickness, and microvascularization increased in the gravid horn of older mares' placentas, compared to the youngest (P < 0.05). Although in other species placenta fibrosis may indicate placental insufficiency and reduced neonate weight, this was not observed here. It appears that older fertile mares, with more parities, may develop a heavier, more vascularized functional placenta with more collagen, throughout a longer gestation, which enables the delivery of heavier foals. Thus, these features might represent morphological and physiological adaptations of older fertile mares' placentas to provide the appropriate nutrition to the equine fetus.

Evaluation of Saliva Stability for NMR Metabolomics: Collection and Handling Protocols.

Maintaining a salivary metabolic profile upon sample collection and preparation is determinant in metabolomics. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was used to identify metabolite changes during short-term storage, at room temperature (RT)/4 °C/-20 °C, and after sample preparation, at RT/4 °C (mimicking typical clinical/laboratory settings). Interestingly, significant metabolic inter-individual and inter-day variability were noted, probably determining sample stability to some extent. After collection, no changes were noted at -20 °C (at least for 4 weeks). RT storage induced decreases in methylated macromolecules (6 h); lactate (8 h); alanine (12 h); galactose, hypoxanthine, pyruvate (24 h); sarcosine, betaine, choline, N-acetyl-glycoproteins (48 h), while acetate increased (48 h). Less, but different, changes were observed at 4 °C, suggesting different oral and microbial status at different temperatures (with a possible contribution from inter-individual and inter-day variability), and identifying galactose, hypoxanthine, and possibly, choline esters, as potential general stability indicators. After preparation, addition of NaN3 did not impact significantly on saliva stabilization, neither at RT nor at 4 °C, although its absence was accompanied by slight increases in fucose (6.5 h) and proline (8 h) at RT, and in xylose (24 h) at 4 °C. The putative metabolic origins of the above variations are discussed, with basis on the salivary microbiome. In summary, after collection, saliva can be stored at RT/4 °C for up to 6 h and at -20 °C for at least 4 weeks. Upon preparation for NMR analysis, samples are highly stable at 25 °C up to 8 h and at 4 °C up to 48 h, with NaN3 addition preventing possible early changes in fucose, proline (6-8 h), and xylose (24 h) levels.