Effect of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) concentrations on polymerization shrinkage stress and other physicochemical properties of experimental resin composites.

The present study examined different concentrations of the butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) inhibitor on the kinetics of conversion, polymerization shrinkage stress, and other correlated physicochemical properties of experimental resin composites (ERC). A model composite was formulated with 75 wt% filler containing 0.5 wt% camphorquinone and 1 wt% amine with BHT concentrations of 0.01 wt% (BHT-0.01); 0.1 wt% (BHT-0.1); 0.25 wt% (BHT-0.25); 0.5 wt% (BHT-0.5); 1 wt% (BHT-1), and control (no BHT). They were tested on polymerization shrinkage stress (PSS; n = 5), degree of conversion (DC; n = 3), maximum polymerization rate (RpMAX; n = 5), water sorption (Wsp; n = 0), and solubility (Wsl; n = 10), flexural strength (FS; n = 10), flexural modulus (FM; n = 10), Knoop microhardness (KH; n = 10), and microhardness reduction (HR; n = 10). Data concerning these tests were submitted to one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 0.05; ß = 0.2). BHT-0.25, BHT-0.5, and BHT-1 showed a gradually significant decrease in PSS (p = 0.037); however, BHT-1 demonstrated a decrease in the physicochemical properties tested. Thus, within the limitations of this study, it was possible to conclude that BHT concentrations between 0.25 and 0.5 wt% are optimal for reducing shrinkage stress without affecting other physicochemical properties of ERCs.

Effect of radiation therapy on fracture resistance of simulated immature teeth submitted to root reinforcement.

BACKGROUND: The literature is scanty regarding the effect of radiation therapy (RT) on the mechanical properties of immature permanent teeth. AIM: To evaluate the effect of RT on the fracture resistance of simulated immature teeth submitted to different types of root reinforcement. DESIGN: Sixty-four human teeth simulating the Cvek stage 3 of root development were distributed into eight groups (n = 8), according to exposure or not to RT (70 Gy) and the root reinforcement method: Group NR (control)-no reinforcement/no RT; Group NR + RT (control)-no reinforcement/RT; Group PO-tricalcium silicate-based cement (TS) apical plug/canal obturation/no RT; Group PO + RT-TS apical plug/canal obturation/RT; Group TS-canal filling with TS/no RT; Group TS + RT-canal filling with TS/RT; Group FP-TS apical plug/fibreglass post/no RT; and Group FP + RT-TS apical plug/fibreglass post/RT. Fracture resistance was determined using a universal testing machine (0.5 mm/min). RESULTS: In the intergroup comparison, nonirradiated teeth had higher fracture resistance (p < .05). Groups FP and FP + RT had higher fracture resistance (p < .001). CONCLUSION: Radiotherapy affected the fracture resistance of simulated immature teeth. Reinforcement with fibreglass posts increased the fracture resistance, regardless of the radiation.

COVID-19 induces more pronounced extracellular matrix deposition than other causes of ARDS.

BACKGROUND: Lung fibrosis is a major concern in severe COVID-19 patients undergoing mechanical ventilation (MV). Lung fibrosis frequency in post-COVID syndrome is highly variable and even if the risk is proportionally small, many patients could be affected. However, there is still no data on lung extracellular matrix (ECM) composition in severe COVID-19 and whether it is different from other aetiologies of ARDS. METHODS: We have quantified different ECM elements and TGF-ß expression in lung tissue of 28 fatal COVID-19 cases and compared to 27 patients that died of other causes of ARDS, divided according to MV duration (up to six days or seven days or more). In COVID-19 cases, ECM elements were correlated with lung transcriptomics and cytokines profile. RESULTS: We observed that COVID-19 cases presented significant increased deposition of collagen, fibronectin, versican, and TGF-ß, and decreased decorin density when compared to non-COVID-19 cases of similar MV duration. TGF-ß was precociously increased in COVID-19 patients with MV duration up to six days. Lung collagen was higher in women with COVID-19, with a transition of upregulated genes related to fibrillogenesis to collagen production and ECM disassembly along the MV course. CONCLUSIONS: Fatal COVID-19 is associated with an early TGF-ß expression lung environment after the MV onset, followed by a disordered ECM assembly. This uncontrolled process resulted in a prominent collagen deposition when compared to other causes of ARDS. Our data provides pathological substrates to better understand the high prevalence of pulmonary abnormalities in patients surviving COVID-19.

Efficacy Evaluation of a Commercial Formulation With Duddingtonia Flagrans in Equine Gastrointestinal Nematodes.

The indiscriminate use of antiparasitics for the treatment of helminths in horses has caused the ineffectiveness of commonly used chemical active principles, therefore, new alternatives such as the use of helminthophagous fungi have been studied. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the in vitro efficacy of the commercial formulation Bioverm, composed of the fungus Duddingtonia flagrans strain AC001, in the reduction of gastrointestinal nematode larvae in equine feces. In coproculture, the genus Cyathostomum sp. was the most prevalent in the analyzed samples. The commercial formulation with D. flagrans demonstrated effectiveness in the predation of Cyathostomum sp. in tests. The recommended dose of 0.4 g, containing 105 chlamydospores per gram of product, reduced larvae by 44.23%, while the extrapolated dose of 1.0 g with the same concentrations of chlamydospores (105/g) resulted in a reduction of 57.20%, indicating the effectiveness of the product in controlling infective larvae.

Influence of self-etching adhesive on the bond strength of irradiated teeth / Influência do adesivo autocondicionante na resistência de união em dentes submetidos à radiação

ABSTRACT This study aimed to conduct a literature review about the influence of self-etching adhesives on the bond strength of restorative procedures for irradiated teeth. The search for articles was carried out on six databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, LILACS, Cochrane). Gray literature (Google Scholar) and reference lists of included studies were evaluated. The keywords used were: "Radiotherapy" OR "Radiation Therapy" OR "Radiation Treatment" OR "Radiation Effects" OR "Radioterapia" OR "Terapia por radiação" OR "Tratamento por radiação" OR "Efeitos da Radiação" OR "Terapia por Radiación" OR "Tratamiento por Radiación" OR "Efectos de Radiación" AND "Dentin-Bonding agent" OR "Adesivos Dentinários" OR "Recubrimientos Dentinarios". The inclusion criteria were laboratory and clinical studies, dissertations, literary and systematic reviews, and no time and language restrictions. Three hundred and eighteen studies were identified in the databases, 30 in the gray literature, and 5 from the reference list of included articles. 40 were excluded for being duplicates. After reading the title and abstract, 28 articles remained for complete analysis. In the end, 21 articles were included in this study. Self-etching could be a good option for irradiated teeth restorations. However, further clinical studies are needed.

RESUMO O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar uma revisão integrativa da literatura sobre a influência de adesivos autocondicionantes na resistência de união de restaurações de dentes submetidos à radiação. A busca da literatura foi realizada em seis bases de dados (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, LILACS, Cochrane). A literatura cinza (Google Scholar) e as listas de referências dos estudos incluídos foram avaliadas. A pesquisa foi realizada com as palavras-chave: "Radiotherapy" OR "Radiation Therapy" OR "Radiation Treatment" OR "Radiation Effects" OR "Radioterapia" OR "Terapia por radiação" OR "Tratamento por radiação" OR "Efeitos da Radiação" OR "Terapia por Radiación" OR "Tratamiento por Radiación" OR "Efectos de Radiación" AND "Dentin-Bonding agent" OR "Adesivos Dentinários" OR "Recubrimientos Dentinarios". Os critérios de inclusão foram estudos in vitro e clínicos, dissertações, revisões sistemáticas e literárias, sem restrições de período e de idiomas. Foram identificados 318 estudos nas diferentes bases de dados, 30 na literatura cinzenta e 5 da lista de referências dos artigos incluídos, dos quais 40 foram excluídos por serem duplicatas. Após a leitura do título e do resumo, permaneceram 28 artigos para análise completa. Ao final, 21 artigos foram incluídos neste trabalho. Os adesivos autocondicionantes podem ser uma boa alternativa em restaurações de dentes submetidos à radiação. Todavia, ainda existem poucos trabalhos sobre o tema e ratifica-se a necessidade de mais estudos clínicos.

Diffuse alveolar damage patterns reflect the immunological and molecular heterogeneity in fatal COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Severe COVID-19 lung disease exhibits a high degree of spatial and temporal heterogeneity, with different histological features coexisting within a single individual. It is important to capture the disease complexity to support patient management and treatment strategies. We provide spatially decoded analyses on the immunopathology of diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) patterns and factors that modulate immune and structural changes in fatal COVID-19. METHODS: We spatially quantified the immune and structural cells in exudative, intermediate, and advanced DAD through multiplex immunohistochemistry in autopsy lung tissue of 18 COVID-19 patients. Cytokine profiling, viral, bacteria, and fungi detection, and transcriptome analyses were performed. FINDINGS: Spatial DAD progression was associated with expansion of immune cells, macrophages, CD8+ T cells, fibroblasts, and (lymph)angiogenesis. Viral load correlated positively with exudative DAD and negatively with disease/hospital length. In all cases, enteric bacteria were isolated, and Candida parapsilosis in eight cases. Cytokines correlated mainly with macrophages and CD8+T cells. Pro-coagulation and acute repair were enriched pathways in exudative DAD whereas intermediate/advanced DAD had a molecular profile of elevated humoral and innate immune responses and extracellular matrix production. INTERPRETATION: Unraveling the spatial and molecular immunopathology of COVID-19 cases exposes the responses to SARS-CoV-2-induced exudative DAD and subsequent immune-modulatory and remodeling changes in proliferative/advanced DAD that occur side-by-side together with secondary infections in the lungs. These complex features have important implications for disease management and the development of novel treatments. FUNDING: CNPq, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, HC-Convida, FAPESP, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, and the Swedish Heart & Lung Foundation.

Diametral tensile strength of conventional glass ionomer cements with modified powder ratio for uses in atraumatic restorative treatment / Resistência à tração diametral de cimentos de ionômero de vidro convencionais modificados na razão de pó para uso em tratamento restaurador atraumático

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify the diametral tensile strength of Brazilian brands of conventional glass ionomer cements (GIC) when modified powder ratio in their composition compared to each other, and with high viscosity glass ionomer cement for Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART). Methods: Experimental study with five groups (n=10 each) and specimens (2.5 mm in height and 5.0 mm in diameter), considering G1 (Maxxion R-MR), G2 (Vidrion R-VR) and G3 Vitro molar (VM-control) according to manufacturer recommending powder/liquid (1:1), G4 (MR) and G5 (VR) plus powder (2:1). The specimens were stored in an oven at 37 ± 1 ° C for 1 day. Diametral Tensile Test was performed by the Instron model 4444. Means differences were tested by Student´s T-Test (α = 5%). Results: There significant differences were in the means (standard deviation) of diametral tensile strength of MR (1:1) 4.24 (±1.47) and MR (2:1), 5.74 (±1.51) (p=0.039) and VR (1:1) 4.50 (±1.27) and VR (2:1) 6.20 (±1.89) (p=0.029). When comparing MR and VR (2:1) with MV (1:1) 4.82 (±1.17), VR 2: 1, 6.20 (±1.89) showed significant differences (p=0.0336). Conclusion: There was a significant increase in the means of diametral tensile strength of Brazilian brands conventional GICs when powder increment, approaching the performance observed by the high viscosity GIC.

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar a resistência à tração diametral de marcas nacionais de cimentos de ionômero de vidro (CIV) convencionais quando acrescidos de pó em sua composição comparados entre si e com cimento de ionômero de vidro de alta viscosidade para Tratamento Restaurador Atraumático (TRA). Métodos: Pesquisa experimental com cinco grupos (n=10 cada) e confeccionados corpos de prova (2,5 mm de altura e 5,0 mm de diâmetro), considerando G1 (Maxxion R/FGM-MR), G2 (Vidrion R/SS White-VR) e G3 Vitro molar (DFL-VM-controle) manipulados segundo fabricante pó/líquido (1:1), G4 (MR) e G5 (VR) acrescidos de pó (2:1). Os espécimes foram armazenados em estufa a 37 ± 1° C por 1 dia. Teste de Tração Diametral foi realizado pelo equipamento Instron modelo 4444. As diferenças das médias foram testadas pelo Test T de Student (α=5%). Resultados: Foram encontradas diferenças significativas das médias (desvio-padrão) de resistência à tração diametral de MR (1:1) 4,24 (±1,47) e MR (2:1), 5,74(±1,51) (p=0,039) e VR (1:1) 4,50 (±1,27) e VR (2:1) 6,20(± 1,89) (p=0,029). Quando da comparação entre MR e VR (2:1) com VM (1:1) 4,82(±1,17), VR 2:1, 6,20 (±1,89) apresentou média superior e significante (p=0,0336). Conclusão: Observou-se aumento significativo nas médias de resistência mecânica à tração diametral dos CIVs convencionais nacionais a partir do incremento de pó, aproximando-se do desempenho observado pelo CIV de alta viscosidade.

Genome-resolved metagenome and metatranscriptome analyses of thermophilic composting reveal key bacterial players and their metabolic interactions.

BACKGROUND: Composting is an important technique for environment-friendly degradation of organic material, and is a microbe-driven process. Previous metagenomic studies of composting have presented a general description of the taxonomic and functional diversity of its microbial populations, but they have lacked more specific information on the key organisms that are active during the process. RESULTS: Here we present and analyze 60 mostly high-quality metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) recovered from time-series samples of two thermophilic composting cells, of which 47 are potentially new bacterial species; 24 of those did not have any hits in two public MAG datasets at the 95% average nucleotide identity level. Analyses of gene content and expressed functions based on metatranscriptome data for one of the cells grouped the MAGs in three clusters along the 99-day composting process. By applying metabolic modeling methods, we were able to predict metabolic dependencies between MAGs. These models indicate the importance of coadjuvant bacteria that do not carry out lignocellulose degradation but may contribute to the management of reactive oxygen species and with enzymes that increase bioenergetic efficiency in composting, such as hydrogenases and N2O reductase. Strong metabolic dependencies predicted between MAGs revealed key interactions relying on exchange of H+, NH3, O2 and CO2, as well as glucose, glutamate, succinate, fumarate and others, highlighting the importance of functional stratification and syntrophic interactions during biomass conversion. Our model includes 22 out of 49 MAGs recovered from one composting cell data. Based on this model we highlight that Rhodothermus marinus, Thermobispora bispora and a novel Gammaproteobacterium are dominant players in chemolithotrophic metabolism and cross-feeding interactions. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained expand our knowledge of the taxonomic and functional diversity of composting bacteria and provide a model of their dynamic metabolic interactions.

Differential expression profiles of miRNAs and their putative targets in Schistosoma mansoni during its life cycle.

BACKGROUND: Schistosomiasis is a disease caused by Schistosoma. Due to its complex life cycle, evolutionary position and sexual dimorphism, schistosomes have several mechanisms of gene regulation. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short endogenous RNAs that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level by targeting mRNA transcripts. OBJECTIVES: Here, we tested 12 miRNAs and identified their putative targets using a computational approach. METHODS: We performed the expression profiles of a set of miRNAs and their putative targets during the parasite's life cycle by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). FINDINGS: Our results showed differential expression patterns of the mature miRNAs sma-miR-250; sma-miR-92a; sma-miR-new_4-3p; sma-miR-new_4-5p; sma-miR-new_5-5p; sma-miR-new_12-5p; sma-miR-new_13-3p and sma-miR-new_13-5p. Interestingly, many of the putative target genes are linked to oxidative phosphorylation and are up-regulated in adult-worms, which led us to suggest that miRNAs might play important roles in the post-transcriptional regulation of genes related to energetic metabolism inversion during parasite development. It is noteworthy that the expression of sma-miR-new_13-3p exhibited a negative correlation on SmNADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase complex I. MAIN CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis revealed putative miRNA genes related to important biological processes, such as transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß) signaling, proteasome regulation, glucose and lipid metabolism, immune system evasion and transcriptional regulation.

COVID-19 e Injúria Miocárdica em UTI Brasileira: Alta Incidência e Maior Risco de Mortalidade Intra-Hospitalar / COVID-19 and Myocardial Injury in a Brazilian ICU: High Incidence and Higher Risk of In-Hospital Mortality

Resumo Fundamentos A incidência de injúria miocárdica (IM) em pacientes com COVID-19 no Brasil é pouco conhecida e o impacto prognóstico da IM, mal elucidado. Objetivos Descrever a incidência de IM em pacientes com COVID-19 em unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI) e identificar variáveis associadas à sua ocorrência. O objetivo secundário foi avaliar a troponina I ultrassensível (US) como preditor de mortalidade intra-hospitalar. Métodos Estudo observacional, retrospectivo, entre março e abril de 2020, com casos confirmados de COVID-19 internados em UTI. Variáveis numéricas foram comparadas com teste t de Student ou U de Mann-Whitney, sendo o teste X2 empregado para as categóricas. Realizou-se análise multivariada com as variáveis associadas à IM e p<0,2 objetivando determinar preditores de IM. Curva ROC foi empregada para determinar o valor da troponina capaz de predizer maior mortalidade intra-hospitalar. Funções de sobrevida foram estimadas pelo método de Kaplan-Meier a partir do ponto de corte apontado pela curva ROC. Resultados Este estudo avaliou 61 pacientes (63,9% do sexo masculino, média de idade de 66,1±15,5 anos). A IM esteve presente em 36% dos casos. Hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS) [RC 1,198; IC95%: 2,246-37,665] e índice de massa corporal (IMC) [RC 1,143; IC95%: 1,013-1,289] foram preditores independentes de risco. Troponina I US >48,3 ng/ml, valor determinado pela curva ROC, prediz maior mortalidade intra-hospitalar [AUC 0,786; p<0,05]. A sobrevida no grupo com troponina I US >48,3 ng/ml foi inferior à do grupo com valores ≤48,3 ng/dl [20,3 x 43,5 dias, respectivamente; p<0,05]. Conclusão Observou-se alta incidência de IM na COVID-19 grave com impacto em maior mortalidade intra-hospitalar. HAS e IMC foram preditores independentes de risco de sua ocorrência. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0)

Abstract Background The incidence of myocardial injury (MI) in patients with COVID-19 in Brazil and the prognostic impact of MI have not been elucidated. Objectives To describe the incidence of MI in patients with COVID-19 in the intensive care unit (ICU) and to identify variables associated with its occurrence. The secondary objective was to assess high-sensitivity troponin I as a predictor of in-hospital mortality. Methods Retrospective, observational study conducted between March and April 2020 with cases of confirmed COVID-19 admitted to the ICU. Numerical variables were compared by using Student t test or Mann-Whitney U test. The chi-square test was used for categorical variables. Multivariate analysis was performed with variables associated with MI and p<0.2 to determine predictors of MI. The ROC curve was used to determine the troponin value capable of predicting higher in-hospital mortality. Survival functions were estimated by use of the Kaplan-Meier method from the cut-off point indicated in the ROC curve. Results This study assessed 61 patients (63.9% of the male sex, mean age of 66.1±15.5 years). Myocardial injury was present in 36% of the patients. Systemic arterial hypertension (HAS) [OR 1.198; 95%CI: 2.246-37.665] and body mass index (BMI) [OR 1.143; 95%CI: 1.013-1.289] were independent risk predictors. High-sensitivity troponin I >48.3 ng/mL, which was determined in the ROC curve, predicts higher in-hospital mortality [AUC 0.786; p<0.05]. Survival in the group with high-sensitivity troponin I >48.3 ng/mL was lower than that in the group with values ≤48.3 ng/dL [20.3 x 43.5 days, respectively; p<0.05]. Conclusion There was a high incidence of MI in severe COVID-19 with impact on higher in-hospital mortality. The independent risk predictors of MI were SAH and BMI. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0)

COVID-19 and Myocardial Injury in a Brazilian ICU: High Incidence and Higher Risk of In-Hospital Mortality. / COVID-19 e Injúria Miocárdica em UTI Brasileira: Alta Incidência e Maior Risco de Mortalidade Intra-Hospitalar.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of myocardial injury (MI) in patients with COVID-19 in Brazil and the prognostic impact of MI have not been elucidated. OBJECTIVES: To describe the incidence of MI in patients with COVID-19 in the intensive care unit (ICU) and to identify variables associated with its occurrence. The secondary objective was to assess high-sensitivity troponin I as a predictor of in-hospital mortality. METHODS: Retrospective, observational study conducted between March and April 2020 with cases of confirmed COVID-19 admitted to the ICU. Numerical variables were compared by using Student t test or Mann-Whitney U test. The chi-square test was used for categorical variables. Multivariate analysis was performed with variables associated with MI and p<0.2 to determine predictors of MI. The ROC curve was used to determine the troponin value capable of predicting higher in-hospital mortality. Survival functions were estimated by use of the Kaplan-Meier method from the cut-off point indicated in the ROC curve. RESULTS: This study assessed 61 patients (63.9% of the male sex, mean age of 66.1±15.5 years). Myocardial injury was present in 36% of the patients. Systemic arterial hypertension (HAS) [OR 1.198; 95%CI: 2.246-37.665] and body mass index (BMI) [OR 1.143; 95%CI: 1.013-1.289] were independent risk predictors. High-sensitivity troponin I >48.3 ng/mL, which was determined in the ROC curve, predicts higher in-hospital mortality [AUC 0.786; p<0.05]. Survival in the group with high-sensitivity troponin I >48.3 ng/mL was lower than that in the group with values ≤48.3 ng/dL [20.3 x 43.5 days, respectively; p<0.05]. CONCLUSION: There was a high incidence of MI in severe COVID-19 with impact on higher in-hospital mortality. The independent risk predictors of MI were SAH and BMI. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0).

FUNDAMENTOS: A incidência de injúria miocárdica (IM) em pacientes com COVID-19 no Brasil é pouco conhecida e o impacto prognóstico da IM, mal elucidado. OBJETIVOS: Descrever a incidência de IM em pacientes com COVID-19 em unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI) e identificar variáveis associadas à sua ocorrência. O objetivo secundário foi avaliar a troponina I ultrassensível (US) como preditor de mortalidade intra-hospitalar. MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional, retrospectivo, entre março e abril de 2020, com casos confirmados de COVID-19 internados em UTI. Variáveis numéricas foram comparadas com teste t de Student ou U de Mann-Whitney, sendo o teste X2 empregado para as categóricas. Realizou-se análise multivariada com as variáveis associadas à IM e p<0,2 objetivando determinar preditores de IM. Curva ROC foi empregada para determinar o valor da troponina capaz de predizer maior mortalidade intra-hospitalar. Funções de sobrevida foram estimadas pelo método de Kaplan-Meier a partir do ponto de corte apontado pela curva ROC. RESULTADOS: Este estudo avaliou 61 pacientes (63,9% do sexo masculino, média de idade de 66,1±15,5 anos). A IM esteve presente em 36% dos casos. Hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS) [RC 1,198; IC95%: 2,246-37,665] e índice de massa corporal (IMC) [RC 1,143; IC95%: 1,013-1,289] foram preditores independentes de risco. Troponina I US >48,3 ng/ml, valor determinado pela curva ROC, prediz maior mortalidade intra-hospitalar [AUC 0,786; p<0,05]. A sobrevida no grupo com troponina I US >48,3 ng/ml foi inferior à do grupo com valores ≤48,3 ng/dl [20,3 x 43,5 dias, respectivamente; p<0,05]. CONCLUSÃO: Observou-se alta incidência de IM na COVID-19 grave com impacto em maior mortalidade intra-hospitalar. HAS e IMC foram preditores independentes de risco de sua ocorrência. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0).

Inhibitory Control of Adjacent Finger Movements while Performing a Modified Version of the Halstead Finger Tapping Test: Effects of Age, Education and Sex.

OBJECTIVE: Selective motor inhibition is known to decline with age. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of failures at inhibitory control of adjacent finger movements while performing a repetitive finger tapping task in young, middle-aged and older adults. Potential education and sex effects were also evaluated. METHODS: Kinematic recordings of adjacent finger movements were obtained on 107 healthy adults (ages 20-80) while they performed a modified version of the Halstead Finger Tapping Test (HTFF). Study participants were instructed to inhibit all finger movements while tapping with the index finger. RESULTS: Inability to inhibit adjacent finger movements while performing the task was infrequent in young adults (2.9% of individuals between 20 and 39 years of age) but increased with age (23.3% between the ages of 40 and 59; 31.0% between ages 60 and 80). Females and males did not differ in their inability to inhibit adjacent finger movements, but individuals with a college education showed a lower frequency of failure to inhibit adjacent finger movements (10.3%) compared to those with a high school education (28.6%). These findings were statistically significant only for the dominant hand. CONCLUSION: Selective motor inhibition failures are most common in the dominant hand and occur primarily in older healthy adults while performing the modified version of the HFTT. Monitoring selective motor inhibition failures may have diagnostic significance.

Genome-resolved metagenome and metatranscriptome analyses of thermophilic composting reveal key bacterial players and their metabolic interactions

Background Composting is an important technique for environment-friendly degradation of organic material, and is a microbe-driven process. Previous metagenomic studies of composting have presented a general description of the taxonomic and functional diversity of its microbial populations, but they have lacked more specific information on the key organisms that are active during the process. Results Here we present and analyze 60 mostly high-quality metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) recovered from time-series samples of two thermophilic composting cells, of which 47 are potentially new bacterial species; 24 of those did not have any hits in two public MAG datasets at the 95% average nucleotide identity level. Analyses of gene content and expressed functions based on metatranscriptome data for one of the cells grouped the MAGs in three clusters along the 99-day composting process. By applying metabolic modeling methods, we were able to predict metabolic dependencies between MAGs. These models indicate the importance of coadjuvant bacteria that do not carry out lignocellulose degradation but may contribute to the management of reactive oxygen species and with enzymes that increase bioenergetic efficiency in composting, such as hydrogenases and N2O reductase. Strong metabolic dependencies predicted between MAGs revealed key interactions relying on exchange of H+, NH3, O2 and CO2, as well as glucose, glutamate, succinate, fumarate and others, highlighting the importance of functional stratification and syntrophic interactions during biomass conversion. Our model includes 22 out of 49 MAGs recovered from one composting cell data. Based on this model we highlight that Rhodothermus marinus, Thermobispora bispora and a novel Gammaproteobacterium are dominant players in chemolithotrophic metabolism and cross-feeding interactions. Conclusions The results obtained expand our knowledge of the taxonomic and functional diversity of composting bacteria and provide a model of their dynamic metabolic interactions.

Differential expression profiles of miRNAs and their putative targets in Schistosoma mansoni during its life cycle

BACKGROUND Schistosomiasis is a disease caused by Schistosoma. Due to its complex life cycle, evolutionary position and sexual dimorphism, schistosomes have several mechanisms of gene regulation. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short endogenous RNAs that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level by targeting mRNA transcripts. OBJECTIVES Here, we tested 12 miRNAs and identified their putative targets using a computational approach. METHODS We performed the expression profiles of a set of miRNAs and their putative targets during the parasite's life cycle by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). FINDINGS Our results showed differential expression patterns of the mature miRNAs sma-miR-250; sma-miR-92a; sma-miR-new_4-3p; sma-miR-new_4-5p; sma-miR-new_5-5p; sma-miR-new_12-5p; sma-miR-new_13-3p and sma-miR-new_13-5p. Interestingly, many of the putative target genes are linked to oxidative phosphorylation and are up-regulated in adult-worms, which led us to suggest that miRNAs might play important roles in the post-transcriptional regulation of genes related to energetic metabolism inversion during parasite development. It is noteworthy that the expression of sma-miR-new_13-3p exhibited a negative correlation on SmNADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase complex I. MAIN CONCLUSIONS Our analysis revealed putative miRNA genes related to important biological processes, such as transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling, proteasome regulation, glucose and lipid metabolism, immune system evasion and transcriptional regulation.

Can prior exposure to stress enhance resilience to ocean warming in two oyster species?

Securing economically and ecologically significant molluscs, as our oceans warm due to climate change, is a global priority. South eastern Australia receives warm water in a strengthening East Australia Current and so resident species are vulnerable to elevated temperature and marine heat waves. This study tested whether prior exposure to elevated temperature can enhance resilience of oysters to ocean warming. Two Australian species, the flat oyster, Ostrea angasi, and the Sydney rock oyster, Saccostrea glomerata, were obtained as adults and "heat shocked" by exposure to a dose of warm water in the laboratory. Oysters were then transferred to elevated seawater temperature conditions where the thermal outfall from power generation was used as a proxy to investigate the impacts of ocean warming. Shell growth, condition index, lipid content and survival of flat oysters and condition of Sydney rock oysters were all significantly reduced by elevated seawater temperature in the field. Flat oysters grew faster than Sydney rock oysters at ambient temperature, but their growth and survival was more sensitive to elevated temperature. "Stress inoculation" by heat shock did little to ameliorate the negative effects of increased temperature, although the survival of heat-shocked flat oysters was greater than non-heat shocked oysters. Further investigations are required to determine if early exposure to heat stress can enhance resilience of oysters to ocean warming.

Kinematic recordings while performing a modified version of the Halstead Finger Tapping Test: Age, sex, and education effects.

Introduction: This study attempts to demonstrate that kinematic recordings of finger movements help explain the well-known effects of age, education, and sex on the Halstead Finger Tapping Test (HFTT). Method: High-speed kinematic recordings were obtained on 107 healthy adults (ages 21 to 80 years) while they performed a modified version of the Halstead Finger Tapping Test (HFTT). The number of "valid" taps and "invalid" taps (i.e., lever movements that did not produce an increase in the mechanical number count), tapping speed variability, "learning" and "fatigue" effects was obtained. Results: Previous age, education, and sex effects were replicated. Males had faster start and stop times when finger tapping and these measures correlated with the number of valid taps per 10 s. Educational level correlated with start times, not stop times. Age correlated only with the number of valid taps. Variability of tapping movements correlated with the number of invalid taps, but not valid taps. Females had more invalid taps than males. Fatigue and learning effects were independent of the person's age, education, and sex. Conclusion: Kinematic recordings of finger tapping help explain the well-known age, education, and sex effects on finger tapping speeds. A modified method of administrating the HFTT is also introduced to assess fatigue and learning effects while performing this task.

Influência do selamento dentinário imediato com sistema adesivo universal na resistência de união / Influence of immediate dentin sealing on dentin bond strength with universal adhesive system

Resumo Introdução O selamento dentinário imediato consiste na aplicação imediata de um sistema adesivo sobre exposições dentinárias após o preparo dental e previamente aos procedimentos de moldagem. Objetivo O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a influência do selamento dentinário imediato (SDI) na resistência adesiva do sistema adesivo universal (Single Bond Universal, 3M ESPE) em dentina, na forma de aplicação autocondicionante. Material e método 30 incisivos bovinos foram divididos em 3 grupos (n = 10): grupo S (Sem Selamento Dentinário Imediato), grupo SDI (Selamento Dentinário Imediato) e grupo SDIF (Selamento Dentinário Imediato + Resina Flow). A superfície vestibular foi desgastada com pontas diamantadas até a exposição superficial de dentina. A simulação da lama dentinária foi realizada com lixa d'água por 30s e a dentina tratada de acordo com o respectivo grupo. Para simulação da restauração provisória, foram cimentados blocos de resina bisacrílica com cimento de óxido de zinco. Após 7 dias, foi realizada a cimentação definitiva de blocos de resina com cimento resinoso dual (RelyX ARC, 3M ESPE). Os espécimes foram seccionados para obtenção de filetes de 1mm2 e submetidos ao teste de microtração, em uma máquina universal de ensaios (Instron). Os resultados foram tabulados e submetidos a Análise de Variância (ANOVA) e teste de Tukey a 5% de significância. Resultado Observaram-se maiores valores de resistência de união para o grupo SDIF (23,53 MPa), diferindo estatisticamente do Grupo S (17,65 MPa) (p=0,008). O grupo SDI apresentou valor médio de resistência de união (19,25 MPa), não diferindo estatisticamente dos grupos S (p=0,68) e SDIF (p=0,07). Conclusão Recomenda-se a técnica de selamento dentinário imediato seguido da uma camada de resina flow, em exposições dentinárias ocasionadas pelo preparo dental para restaurações indiretas.

Abstract Introduction Imediate dentin sealing (IDS) is a procedure where a dentin adhesive is applied on the exposed dentin surfaces after its preparation to indirect restorations and before impression procedures. Objective The objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the immediate dentin sealing technique (SDI) in adhesive resistance, using the Universal adhesive system (Single Bond Universal, 3M ESPE). Material and method 30 bovine incisors were selected and divided into 3 groups (n = 10): Groups S (Without Immediate Dentin Seal), SDI (Immediate Dentin Seal with Adhesive) and SDIF (Immediate Dentin Seal with Adhesive + Flow Resin). The vestibular surface was worn with diamond-tipped conical tips until superficial dentin exposure. The smear layer simulation was carried out with # 600 granulation sandpaper for 30s and the dentin was treated according to the respective group. To simulate the temporary restoration, blocks of bisacrylic resin were cemented with zinc oxide cement. After 7 days, the final cementation of resin blocks with dual resin cement (RelyX ARC, 3M ESPE) was carried out. The specimens were sectioned to obtain 1mm2 fillets and subjected to the microtensile test. Result The ANOVA test showed a statistical difference between the groups evaluated. Higher values of bond strength were observed for the SDIF group (23.53 MPa), differing statistically from Group S (17,65 MPa) (p = 0.008). The SDI group showed an average bond strength (19.25 MPa), which did not differ statistically from groups S (p = 0.68) and SDIF (p = 0.07). Conclusion Based on the results, it is recommended the immediate dental sealing technique with adhesive + flow resin in dental exposures caused in the dental preparation for indirect restorations.

Evaluation of Three Methods of Platelet-Rich Plasma for Treatment of Equine Distal Limb Skin Wounds.

Wounds localized on the distal limbs in horses are difficulty healing. No studies have been conducted to evaluate homologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in horses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect upon applying autologous PRP, homologous PRP, and autologous PRP gel on the wound healing process of wounds on the distal limb of horses. To study a possible correlation between the platelet count and wound healing time, four skin wounds of 4 cm2 were surgically created on the dorsolateral aspect of the third metacarpus in eight healthy adult horses. Each skin wound was randomly treated according to the established treatment groups (G): GI, treated with autologous PRP injection on the wound edges; GII treated topically with autologous PRP gel; and GIII homologous PRP injection on the wound edges and control group treated with saline solution injected on the wound edges. The animals were monitored every fifteen days throughout the wound healing process. The wound size was determined using a tape measure. Skin biopsies were obtained on the 15th and 30th day after the first PRP treatment. Autologous PRP gel treatment reduced the healing time in 15 days compared to the wounds of the control group. Histologically, GII presented a higher frequency of mild inflammation and mild to moderate neovascularization of biopsies 1 and 2. Platelet-rich plasma in gel form showed the best result on wound healing of the distal limb of horses in both clinical and histopathological evaluations. The homologous PRP is recommended for the recovery of animals with compromised hemodynamic conditions.

Incidentes relacionados ao uso de sondas nasogástricas e nasoentéricas: Um estudo de coorte com idosos hospitalizados / Incidents related to the use of nasogastric and nasoenteral tubes: A cohort study in hospitalized elderly

Introdução: No Brasil e no mundo, a literatura científica sobre estudos que avaliam a terapia de nutrição enteral (TNE) com foco em idosos ainda é escassa. Contudo, as pesquisas realizadas nesse campo demonstram alta prevalência de pacientes com idade superior a 60 anos em TNE e consequentemente, supõe-se que o número de incidentes relacionados ao uso de sondas nasogátricas (SNG) e nasoentéricas (SNE) em pacientes idosos também seja alto. Objetivos: Identificar e analisar os incidentes relacionados ao uso de SNG e SNE, suas consequências e os respectivos fatores associados e óbito em idosos durante o período de hospitalização. Material e método: Trata-se de um estudo de coorte prospectivo, descritivo e analítico realizado nas unidades de internação de clínica médica de um hospital público no interior paulista. Os participantes foram idosos que atenderam aos critérios de seleção e concordaram com a participação na pesquisa. Os instrumentos utilizados na coleta de dados foram: formulários de dados gerais, sobre incidentes e de acompanhamento; Classificação de pacientes (Fugulin); Índice de Comorbidades de Charlson (ICC) e Nível de Consciência Simplificado (MEWS). Foram atendidas às recomendações éticas para pesquisa com seres humanos conforme Res. 466/2012 e o projeto foi aprovado por um Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa. Os dados coletados foram importados para o programa estatístico R, no qual foram geradas as análises estatísticas descritivas. Para a análise de associação entre as variáveis categóricas foram utilizados testes de Qui-quadrado ou testes exatos de Fisher. Para análise de comparação entre os incidentes e variáveis independentes foi realizado o teste de KruskalWallis e modelos de regressão logística com desfecho incidentes e óbito. O nível de significância adotado foi de 5%. Resultados: A coorte acompanhou a internação hospitalar de 86 idosos, dos quais 83,72% tinham entre 60 e 79 anos. As neoplasias representaram 31,39% dos motivos da internação, 39,53% tinham alta dependência dos cuidados da enfermagem, 73,05% estavam alerta no momento da admissão e 59,30% apresentavam alto risco de óbito calculado. Foram registrados 101 incidentes para 37 idosos, dos quais o saque não planejado da sonda enteral e a diarreia foram mais frequentes. Dentre as consequências dos incidentes para os pacientes, 81,2% dos incidentes causaram danos leves ou moderados. Houve apenas um caso registrado para a maioria (59,98%) dos pacientes que sofreu incidentes. Pacientes classificados com cuidados mínimos não apresentaram incidente mecânico. Conclusões: A idade se apresentou como um fator que aumenta as chances de ocorrência de incidentes gastrointestinais e mecânicos, e desta forma o aumento da idade torna os idosos mais vulneráveis a estes incidentes relacionados ao uso de SNG/SNE. A ocorrência de incidentes não teve relação com o óbito, contudo a mortalidade dos idosos seguidos na coorte foi alta (30,23%)

Introduction: Scientific literature on studies that evaluate the enteral nutrition therapy (ENT) with focus on the elderly is still scarce in Brazil and in the world. However, the researches carried out in that field demonstrate high prevalence of ENT patients over 60 years old, which is justifiable, due to changes related to senescence and senility. Consequently, it is assumed that the number of incidents related to the use of enteral tubes in elderly patients is equally high. Objectives: Identify and analyse the incidents related to the use of Nasogastric tube (NGT) and Nasoenteric tube (NET), its consequences, the respective factors associated to it, and death in elderly patients during hospitalization. Material and method: This is a prospective, descriptive and analitical cohort study carried out in general practice hospitalization units of a public hospital in São Paulo State inland. The participants were elderly patients which met the research selection criteria and agreed to participate. The instruments used in the data collection were the following: General data forms, about incidents and accompaniment; Classification of patients (Fugulin); Charlson Índex of Comorbity (CCI) and a simplified level of consciousness (MEWS). Ethical recommendations for research with human beings have been observed, according to Res. 466/2012 and the Project was approved by a Research Ethics Committee. Data gathered were imported to the Statistics program R, where the descriptive statistical analysis have been generated. Q Square test or Exact Fisher tests have been used for the association analysis among the categorical variables. For the analysis of comparison amongst the incidents and independent variables, the test of Kruskal-Wallis and models of logistic regression with outcome of incidents and death. The level of significance adopted for the statistical analysis was 5% (? = 0,05). Results: The cohort accompanied the hospital admission of 86 elderly patients - 83,72 of them were aged between 60 and 79 years. The neoplasms represented 31,39% of the reasons for hospitalization, 39,53% had high dependance on the nursing care; 73,05% were responsive at the moment of admission and e 59,30% presented high calculated risk of death. The non planned withdrawal of the enteral tube and diahrrea were the most frequent among the 101 incidents registered for 37 elderly patients. Amongst the consequences of the incidents, regarding the patients, 81,2% caused light or moderate damage. For the majority of the patients (59,98%) who suffered incidentes, there was only one case registered. Pacients classified with minimal care did not present any mechanical incidents. Conclusions: Age has appeared as a factor that increases the chances of gastrointestinal and mechanical incidents, Therefore, the increase in age that makes the elderly more vulnerable to these incidents related to the use of NGT and NET. The occurance of incidentes was not related to the death, however, the mortality of elderly patients followed by the cohort was high (30,23%)