Comparative study of ultrasound application versus mechanical agitation on pork belly brining for bacon production.

Pork belly brining is a time-consuming step of bacon production that needs to be studied and enhanced through suitable technologies. In this sense, this study aimed at evaluating the impact of ultrasound (US), mechanical agitation (AG), and static brine (SB) on the kinetics of water loss (WL), solids gain (SG), and salt content (SC) of pork belly during brining under different temperatures. Mathematical models were used to estimate mass transfer rates, equilibrium parameters, and thermodynamic properties. Peleg model was chosen as the most suitable model to predict the kinetics experimental data (Radj2 ≥ 0.979 and RMSE ≤ 0.014). The increase in the brine temperature increased WL, SG, and SC for all treatments. Nonlinear effects of temperature were observed for WL, SG, and SC, following an Arrhenius-type behavior. The assistance of ultrasound significantly enhanced the velocity of WL, SG, and SC by 32-56%, while AG improved by 18-39% both compared to SB. Brining was considered an endothermic and non-spontaneous process through the thermodynamic assessment. The increase in temperature and the AG and US processes accelerated the formation of the activated complex. The application of ultrasound was considered the most suitable technology to reduce the brining time. However, significant improvements can be obtained by mechanical agitation. Therefore, both methods can be used to reduce the time processing of pork belly aiming at accelerating the bacon production process.

Evaluation of Root Perforation Treatments with Mineral Trioxide Aggregate: A Retrospective Case Series Study.

This study aimed to evaluate the long-term clinical success of the use of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) as a sealant material in root perforation treatments. Therefore, the dental records of 53 patients were analyzed, and treatment data was collected (age, gender, tooth location, jaw, presence or absence of radiolucent lesion, fallow up time and final radiographic/clinical assessment). All procedures were performed by a single specialist. Two examiners analyzed three radiographs from the records of each patient and classified the treatments as successful or unsuccessful. Data was analyzed statistically using parametric chi-square (P≤0.05). The examiners classified 69.8% of the cases as successful, with a follow-up time of 1-16.25 years (average: 6 years). The presence of initial radiolucent lesion was observed in 79.2% of the teeth, with a higher index of treatment in maxillary teeth (62.3%). However, the majority of successful cases were located in the maxilla (73.0%), while most unsuccessful ones were located in the mandible (62.5%) (P=0.014). There was no statistically significant difference regarding presence of previous lesions in successful (75.7%) and unsuccessful cases (87.5%) (P=0.330). In the present study, root perforations sealed with MTA had a success rate of 69.8% within 1-16.25 years. The presence of initial injury did not influence the prognosis, and maxillary teeth presented a higher success rate.

Surface Changes Of WaveOne™ and Reciproc® Instruments after Using Three Times for Preparation of Simulated Curved Canals with and without Glide Path.

Introduction: This study evaluated the occurrence of morphological changes on the surface of the instruments WaveOne™ and Reciproc® when used in the preparation of simulated curved canals with and without glide path (generated with the Pathfile™ system), after the first, second, and third uses. Materials and methods: Sixty-four resin blocks, which simulated curved root canals, were used and instrumented with a variety of instruments, grouped according to manufacturer and conditions of simulated canal preparation. Simulated canals were instrumented with WaveOne™ (GW1 group) and Reciproc® (GR1 group) according to manufacturers' recommendations, respectively. In contrast, GW2 and GR2 groups' simulated canals were submitted for construction of glide path with the PathFile™ system before the use of WaveOne™ and Reciproc® instruments, respectively. Each instrument was used three times; after each use, each instrument was analyzed by using scanning electron microscopy (cervical, middle, and apical thirds of the instrument) in order to characterize the occurrence of changes (fracture, twist, and crack). Data were described using means and standard deviations. We used generalized linear models to compare differences between factors (region, manufacturer, glide path, and number of uses). SPSS-15 software was used, with a significance level of 5%. Results: Without glide path, WaveOne™ instruments tended to fracture more frequently (P=0.003), twist more frequently (P=0.05), and crack more frequently (P=0.022), with increasing use, with statistically significant differences. With glide path, both WaveOne™ and Reciproc® instruments cracked less frequently (P=0.001); Reciproc® instruments did not exhibit superficial changes, such as fractures and/or twists. Conclusion: In this in vitro study Reciproc® instruments exhibited superior performance, compared with WaveOne™ instruments, particularly when glide path with the PathFile™ system was used; both instruments may be used, safely, three times to prepare curved canals.

Frequency of the mdr1 gene polymorphism rs1045642 (c3435t) in hcv-hiv co-infected patients / Frequência do polimorfismo rs1045642 (C3435T) do gene MDR1 em pacientes coinfectados HCV-HIV

ABSTRACT Background Due to the high prevalence of co-infection by hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the severity of these infections, the understanding of the biological mechanisms involved in these processes, including viral behavior and host genetic profile, is of great importance for patient treatment and for public health policies.Some single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the human genome, such as the SNP rs1045642 (C3435T) in the MDR1 gene, have been reported to be associated to the sustained virological response (SVR) to HCV treatment in HCV-HIV co-infected patients. Objective The present study analyzes the MDR1 gene C3435T polymorphism in HCV-HIV co-infected patients. Methods A total of 99 HCV-HIV patients were included in the study. The DNA was extracted from blood samples, and the SNP rs1045642 was assessed by Real Time PCR (qPCR). Risk factors for acquiring the virus and the SVR after HCV treatment with pegylated interferon-alpha and ribavirin were also analyzed. Results Among the patients, 54 (54.5%) were male and 45 (45.5%) were female. The average age was 46.1±9.8 years. The SVR after HCV treatment was 40%. The frequencies of MDR1 genotypes CC, CT and TT were 28.3%, 47.5% and 24.2%, respectively. Allele frequencies were 52% for the C allele and 48% for the T allele. No association was found for SNP rs1045642 (C3435T) regarding response to treatment (P=0.308). Conclusion - In this study, the C3435T polymorphism in the MDR1 gene appears not to be associated with SVR in HCV-HIV co-infected individuals.

RESUMO Contexto Em virtude da elevada prevalência da coinfecção pelos vírus da hepatite C (HCV) e da imunodeficiência humana (HIV) e às inúmeras complicações que esses vírus acarretam, é fundamental o maior entendimento do comportamento biológico dos mesmos. O polimorfismo de nucleotídeo único rs1045642 C3435T do gene de resistência a múltiplas drogas MDR1, no qual ocorre modificação do códon ATC para ATT, parece estar relacionado à resposta virológica sustentada ao tratamento do HCV em coinfectados HCV-HIV. Objetivo Mapear o polimorfismo C3435T do gene MDR1 em pacientes coinfectados HCV-HIV e correlacionar com dados clínicos e laboratoriais. Métodos Foram analisados 99 pacientes coinfectados HCV-HIV. A identificação molecular do polimorfismo de nucleotídeo único rs1045642 do gene MDR1 foi realizada pela técnica de PCR em tempo real (qPCR) alelo-específico com primers e sondas específicos para a identificação desse polimorfismo. Fatores de risco para a aquisição do HCV e a resposta virológica sustentada ao tratamento do HCV com interferon-alfa peguilado e ribavirina foram analisados. Resultados Dentre os pacientes avaliados, 54 (54,5%) eram do gênero masculino e 45 (45,5%) do gênero feminino. A média de idade foi de 46,1 anos (±9,8). As frequências dos genótipos CC, CT e TT foram 28,3%, 47,5% e 24,2% respectivamente, e as frequências alélicas foram 52% para alelo C e 48% para alelo T. Não houve associação entre o gene MDR1 e a resposta virológica sustentada (P=0,308). Conclusão Neste estudo, o polimorfismo C3435T no gene MDR1 não apresentou associação com a resposta virológica sustentada ao tratamento em indivíduos coinfectados HCV-HIV.

FREQUENCY OF THE MDR1 GENE POLYMORPHISM RS1045642 (C3435T) IN HCV-HIV CO-INFECTED PATIENTS.

BACKGROUND: Due to the high prevalence of co-infection by hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the severity of these infections, the understanding of the biological mechanisms involved in these processes, including viral behavior and host genetic profile, is of great importance for patient treatment and for public health policies.Some single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the human genome, such as the SNP rs1045642 (C3435T) in the MDR1 gene, have been reported to be associated to the sustained virological response (SVR) to HCV treatment in HCV-HIV co-infected patients. OBJECTIVE: The present study analyzes the MDR1 gene C3435T polymorphism in HCV-HIV co-infected patients. METHODS: A total of 99 HCV-HIV patients were included in the study. The DNA was extracted from blood samples, and the SNP rs1045642 was assessed by Real Time PCR (qPCR). Risk factors for acquiring the virus and the SVR after HCV treatment with pegylated interferon-alpha and ribavirin were also analyzed. RESULTS: Among the patients, 54 (54.5%) were male and 45 (45.5%) were female. The average age was 46.1±9.8 years. The SVR after HCV treatment was 40%. The frequencies of MDR1 genotypes CC, CT and TT were 28.3%, 47.5% and 24.2%, respectively. Allele frequencies were 52% for the C allele and 48% for the T allele. No association was found for SNP rs1045642 (C3435T) regarding response to treatment (P=0.308). CONCLUSION: - In this study, the C3435T polymorphism in the MDR1 gene appears not to be associated with SVR in HCV-HIV co-infected individuals.

Genetic Barrier to Direct Acting Antivirals in HCV Sequences Deposited in the European Databank.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Development of resistance results from mutations in the viral genome, and the presence of selective drug pressure leads to the emergence of a resistant virus population. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of genetic variability on the genetic barrier to drug resistance to DAAs. METHODS: The genetic barrier was quantified based on the number and type of nucleotide mutations required to impart resistance, considering full-length HCV NS3, NS5A and NS5B regions segregated by genotype into subtypes 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b and 3a. This study analyzeds 789 NS3 sequences, 708 sequences and 536 NS5B sequences deposited in the European Hepatitis C Virus Database, in the following resistance-associated positions: NS3: F43/I/L/S/V, Q80K/R, R155K/G, A156G/S/T and D168A/C/E/G/H/N/T/V/Y; NS5A: L/M28A/T/V, Q30E/H/R, L31F/I/M/V, H58D or P58S and Y93C/F/H/N/S; NS5B: S282P/R/T, C316H/N/Y, S368T, Y448C/H, S556G/R, D559R. RESULTS: Variants that require only one transversion in NS3 were found in 4 positions and include F43S, R80K, R155K/G and A156T. The genetic barrier to resistance shows subtypic differences at position 155 of the NS3 gene where a single transition is necessary in subtype 1a. In the NS5A gene, 5 positions where only one nucleotide change can confer resistance were found, such as L31M which requires one transversion in all subtypes, except in 0.28% of 1b sequences; and R30H, generated by a single transition, which was found in 10.25% of the sequences of genotype 1b. Other subtypic differences were observed at position 58, where resistance is less likely in genotype 1a because a transversion is required to create the variant 58S. For the NS5B inhibitors, the genetic barrier at positions conferring resistance was nearly identical in subtypes 1a and 1b, and single transitions or transversions were necessary in 5 positions to generate a drug-resistant variant of HCV. The positions C316Y and S556D required only one transition in all genotypes, Y448H and S556 G/N/R positions required only one transition for up to 98.8% of the sequences analyzed. A single variant in position 448 in genotype 1a is less likely to become the resistance variant 448H because it requires two transversions. Also, in the position 559D a transversion and a transition were necessary to generate the resistance mutant D559H. CONCLUSION: Results revealed that in 14 out of 16 positions, conversion to a drug-resistant variant of HCV required only one single nucleotide substitutions threatening direct acting antivirals from all three classes.

A Vigilância Epidemiológica da Hanseníase

Vídeo-aula que aborda a questão da Vigilância em Saúde

Acute intraperitoneal mercury chloride contamination and distribution in liver, muscle and gill of a neotropical fish Hoplias malabaricus (BLOCK, 1794)

The present study investigated with the distribution of mercury chloride in muscle, liver and gills of Hoplias malabaricus contaminated through intraperitoneal injection (6 µg in 0.1mL of PBS) for a period of 24, 48, 72 and 96h. The liver, gill and muscle were analyzed for mercury content in an ICP/AES (Varian Liberty II) with vapor generating accessory (VGA 77). The muscle and liver tissues presented the same contamination pattern increasing concentrations in 24 h of exposure with a decrease in Hg concentration with 72 h and a new increase in Hg concentrations with 96 h of exposure. The Hg concentrations in contaminated organisms were always higher than the control although only for liver samples the difference was statistically significant. Liver samples always presented higher Hg contents when compared with gill and muscle samples.