Inorganic Phosphate Effect in a Hydrogen Peroxide-based Bleaching Agent: Physicochemical, Mechanical, and Morphological Properties of Dental Enamel.

OBJECTIVES: This in vitro study aimed to assess the impact of incorporating calcium glycerophosphate (CaGP) and sodium fluoride (NaF) in addition to 35% hydrogen peroxide concerning the enamel mechanical and morphological properties. METHODS: Specimens of bovine enamel were chosen based on their initial surface hardness (SHi) and subsequently divided into five gel groups (n=12): 1) 35% Hydrogen Peroxide (HP) Gel; 2) HP + 0.1% NaF Gel (HP/NaF); 3) HP + 0.25% CaGP Gel (HP/CaGP); 4) HP + 0.1% NaF + 0.25% CaGP Gel (HP/NaF/CaGP) and 5) HP Blue 35% Gel (HP Blue). The bleaching gels were applied thrice, for 40 min, at intervals of 7 days each. After 21 days, the final surface hardness (SHf), integrated hardness (IH), Polydispersity Index (PdI) and Zeta Potential (Zp), surface roughness (Ra, after and before), and surface/structural analysis by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were determined. The data were submitted to ANOVA (one-way and two-way) followed by the Student-Newman-Keuls test (α=0.05). RESULTS: The addition of NaF to HP reduced demineralization by 11.5% in relation to HP (p<0.05). The NaF/CaGP association reduction is 22.8 and 20% higher in comparison to HP/NaF/CaGP and HP Blue, respectively. The IH when the PH/NaF/CaGP bleaching gel was applied, was 14% higher compared to HP and HP Blue groups. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that the association of NaF and CaGP with the 35% hydrogen peroxide gel (HP/NaF/CaGP) significantly changed tooth enamel demineralization in terms of surface, depth, roughness, and enamel morphology.

The impact of sputum quality on Xpert positivity in active case-finding for TB.

BACKGROUND: Studies evaluating sputum quality and Xpert® MTB/RIF positivity in the context of active case finding are scarce. We aimed to determine whether sputum quality is associated with Xpert positivity and whether the association differed according to demographic and clinical characteristics.METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis using data from a mass screening programme in Brazilian prisons was conducted from 2017 to 2021. We administered a standardised questionnaire, obtained a chest X-ray and collected a spot sputum sample for Xpert testing. Sputum quality was classified as 'salivary', 'mucoid/mucopurulent' or 'blood-stained'. We used log binomial regressions to estimate the relationship between sputum quality and Xpert positivity, assessing interactions with participant characteristics.RESULTS: Among 4,368 participants for whom sputum quality was assessed, 957 (21.9%) produced salivary specimens, 3,379 (77.4%) had mucoid/mucopurulent sputum and 32 (0.7%) had blood-stained sputum. Xpert positivity was higher among those with mucoid/mucopurulent sputum than among those with salivary samples (12.0% vs. 3.7%). Mucopurulent sputum independently predicted Xpert positivity among individuals with and without symptoms, current smoking and abnormal chest radiographs on CAD4TB.CONCLUSIONS: In our study, sputum appearance independently predicted Xpert positivity, and could be used together with chest X-ray and symptom screening to inform use of Xpert in individual or pooled testing.

Unequal Impact of COL1A1 and COL1A2 Variants on Dentinogenesis Imperfecta.

Dentinogenesis imperfecta (DI) is the main orodental manifestation of osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) caused by COL1A1 or COL1A2 heterozygous pathogenic variants. Its prevalence varies according to the studied population. Here, we report the molecular analysis of 81 patients with OI followed at reference centers in Brazil and France presenting COL1A1 or COL1A2 variants. Patients were submitted to clinical and radiographic dental examinations to diagnose the presence of DI. In addition, a systematic literature search and a descriptive statistical analysis were performed to investigate OI/DI phenotype-genotype correlation in a worldwide sample. In our cohort, 50 patients had COL1A1 pathogenic variants, and 31 patients had COL1A2 variants. A total of 25 novel variants were identified. Overall, data from a total of 906 individuals with OI were assessed. Results show that DI was more frequent in severe and moderate OI cases. DI prevalence was also more often associated with COL1A2 (67.6%) than with COL1A1 variants (45.4%) because COL1A2 variants mainly lead to qualitative defects that predispose to DI more than quantitative defects. For the first time, 4 DI hotspots were identified. In addition, we showed that 1) glycine substitution by branched and charged amino acids in the α2(I) chain and 2) substitutions occurring in major ligand binding regions-MLRB2 in α1(I) and MLBR 3 in α2(I)-could significantly predict DI (P < 0.05). The accumulated variant data analysis in this study provides a further basis for increasing our comprehension to better predict the occurrence and severity of DI and appropriate OI patient management.

Influence of Different Dye Substances on the Effectiveness of Bleaching and H2O2 Diffusion.

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of different dye substances on the effectiveness of bleaching and hydrogen peroxide diffusion (HO). From 300 central bovine incisors, 160 enamel/dentin disks with similar E* values were selected. The specimens were distributed according to the pigment treatment. Aiming to standardize the chromatic change provided by the different pigments, the specimens from each group remained immersed in the pigment solutions for different times (32 specimens per group): DW - distilled water (Control group); BT - black tea; CO - coffee; SD - cola-based soft drink; and RW - red wine. After pigmentation and chromatic change value analysis, only 10 specimens from each group (n=10) were selected, so the chromatic alteration of all groups was similar (ΔE=8.36±0.5). The samples were subjected to bleaching treatment and diffused peroxide was quantified in a visible ultraviolet light spectrophotometer. Two more bleaching sessions were conducted to evaluate ΔE and the Whiteness Index for Dentistry (ΔWID). Concurrently, solutions were prepared with dye agents, and the same ΔE value was obtained in the teeth (ΔE=8.49±0.5). The solutions received a standardized amount of H2O2, being analyzed by a visible ultraviolet light spectrophotometer. Data analysis comprised variance and Tukey's tests (α=0.05). Higher H2O2 diffusion was observed in pigmented groups when compared with DW (p<0.05). The CO and RW groups had the highest ΔE values (p>0.05), meaning greater difficulty in responding to treatment. In relation to ΔWID, RW bleached less than the other groups after the third bleaching session (p<0.05), resembling only the SD group (p=0.467). However, 21 days after ending the bleaching treatment, only RW and CO had the lowest values (p=0.481). Analysis of the solutions revealed that only RW was altered by the peroxide (p<0.05). In conclusion, teeth pigmented with coffee and, mainly, red wine were more resistant to bleaching treatment, although all pigmentations favored increases in transenamel and transdentinal H2O2 penetration.

Impact of Microbiota Depletion by Antibiotics on SARS-CoV-2 Infection of K18-hACE2 Mice.

Clinical and experimental data indicate that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV)-2 infection is associated with significant changes in the composition and function of intestinal microbiota. However, the relevance of these effects for SARS-CoV-2 pathophysiology is unknown. In this study, we analyzed the impact of microbiota depletion after antibiotic treatment on the clinical and immunological responses of K18-hACE2 mice to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Mice were treated with a combination of antibiotics (kanamycin, gentamicin, metronidazole, vancomycin, and colistin, Abx) for 3 days, and 24 h later, they were infected with SARS-CoV-2 B lineage. Here, we show that more than 80% of mice succumbed to infection by day 11 post-infection. Treatment with Abx had no impact on mortality. However, Abx-treated mice presented better clinical symptoms, with similar weight loss between infected-treated and non-treated groups. We observed no differences in lung and colon histopathological scores or lung, colon, heart, brain and kidney viral load between groups on day 5 of infection. Despite some minor differences in the expression of antiviral and inflammatory markers in the lungs and colon, no robust change was observed in Abx-treated mice. Together, these findings indicate that microbiota depletion has no impact on SARS-CoV-2 infection in mice.

Cytotoxicity of root canal irrigating solutions and photodynamic therapy using curcumin photosensitizer.

BACKGROUND: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has shown satisfactory antibacterial effects. However, little information regarding the cytotoxicity potential of PDT using curcumin as a photosensitizer (PS) on fibroblasts are found. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity of root canal irrigating solutions and photodynamic therapy with curcumin PS on the L-929 cell line. METHODS: Healthy mouse skin fibroblast cells were distributed into the following 7 experimental groups: G1 - culture medium DMEM (control group); G2 - 0.9% sodium chloride; G3 - 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl); G4 - 5% NaOCl; G5 - PDT with curcumin PS at 500 mg/L + blue LED; G6 - PDT with curcumin PS at 750 mg/L + blue LED; and G7 - PDT with curcumin PS at 1000 mg/L + blue LED. All experimental groups which underwent PDT action were submitted to blue LED for 4 min, with a wavelength of 480 nm and energy fluency of 75 J/cm². The cultures were maintained under standard cell culture conditions (37°C, 100% humidity, 5% CO2). Cell viability analysis was performed using the colorimetric method to evaluate the periods of 6, 24, and 48 h. Data were subjected to the Kruskal-Wallis test, followed by the Dunn test to compare groups and Friedman test to compare periods (α = 0.05). RESULTS: When comparing the periods, no significant differences were observed for any of the experimental groups analyzed (p > 0.05), except for the NaOCl2.5 group that exhibited higher cell viability at 6 h compared to the period of 48 h (p = 0.0489). In the comparisons of the experimental groups, there were no statistically significant differences between the control group compared to all disinfection protocols, regardless of the period evaluated (p > 0.05), except for the PDT + C1000 group that showed lower cell viability (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: PDT with curcumin at 1000 mg/L was cytotoxic on L-929 fibroblast cell culture. However, laser-activated curcumin at a concentration of 500 mg/L presented no influence on L-929 fibroblast cell viability in in vitro conditions.

Does the Bleaching Gel Application Site Interfere With the Whitening Result? A Randomized Clinical Trial.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the bleaching gel application site on chromatic changes and postoperative sensitivity in teeth. Thirty patients were selected and allocated to three groups (n=10 per group), according to the location of the gel: GI, cervical application; GII, incisal application; and GIII, total facial. The amount and time of application of the 35% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) gel were standardized. Color changes were analyzed by ΔE and Wid (bleaching index), using the values obtained in the readings conducted on a digital spectrophotometer in the cervical (CRs) and incisal regions (IRs) of the teeth. Spontaneous sensitivity was assessed using the questionnaire, and the stimulated sensitivity caused by the thermosensory analysis (TSA). The analysis occurred in five stages: baseline, after the first, second, and third whitening sessions (S), and 14 days after the end of the whitening, using the linear regression statistical model with mixed effects and post-test by orthogonal contrasts (p<0.05). Although the IR was momentarily favored, at the end of the treatment, the restriction of the application site provided results similar to those obtained when the gel was applied over the entire facial surface. Regarding sensitivity, only the GI showed spontaneous sensitivity. In the TSA, GIII had less influence on the threshold of the thermal sensation. It was concluded that the chromatic alteration does not depend on the gel application site. Spontaneous sensitivity is greater when the gel is concentrated in the cervical region (CR), and the teeth remain sensitized by thermal stimuli even after 14 days.

Effects of a Cereal Bar with a Combination of Phytoestrogens on the Climacteric Symptoms: A Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated whether the consumption of a cereal bar combining different phytoestrogens could contribute to the reduction of climacteric symptoms in women. METHODS: This is a clinical, prospective, randomized, simple-blind trial. Forty-eight women, aged 40-65 years, with climacteric symptoms, from a city in southwestern Paraná, Brazil. Participants were randomly assigned into two groups; Phytoestrogens group (PHY = 24), which received for 90-day period a cereal bar containing 80.73 milligrams of soybean and flaxseed phytoestrogens, and the placebo group (PLA = 24), which consumed rice flakes biscuit. Clinical, sociodemographic and anthropometric data were collected and climacteric symptoms were assessed using the Kupperman Index (KI). RESULTS: Forty-three women were analyzed (PHY = 21 and PLA = 22). There were significant reductions in the overall KI score in both groups at the end of the intervention period (p < 0.05). However, the comparison between the groups using linear regression models presented expressively better symptom improvement in the PHY group -6.43 over time (95% CI: -11.6; -1.26; p < 0.05) KI points, with perimenopausal -15.15 (95% CI: -28.95; -1.35) and postmenopausal women -19.34 (95% CI: -33.68; -4.99) showed considerably greater reductions in symptoms at the end of the intervention period compared to premenopausal women. There was also significant reduction in symptoms of hot flushes, paresthesia, sexual complaints, insomnia and melancholy. CONCLUSION: The consumption of a cereal bar containing phytoestrogens was able to improve the symptoms of climacteric syndrome.

Occlusal Trauma Induces Neuroimmune Crosstalk for a Pain State.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder caused by occlusal trauma is one of the most controversial topics in dentistry. Experimental traumatic occlusion (ETO) induced by metal crowns cemented to mandibular first molars in rats causes a long-lasting nociceptive response. This study aimed to elucidate whether ETO generates an increase in inflammatory mediators in the TMJ. In addition, the impact of ETO on trigeminal ganglia, neurotransmitter release, and satellite glial cell (SGC) activation was investigated. ELISA revealed enhanced inflammatory mediators, including TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, CX3CL1, and ADAM-17 by Western blotting, in periarticular TMJ tissue after 28 d of ETO. In the trigeminal ganglia, ETO groups increased the release of the neurotransmitters substance P and glutamate. Overexpression of the AMPA receptor and upregulation of NMDA were observed in the 0.4- and 0.7-mm ETO groups, respectively, highlighting enhanced neuronal excitation. Increased IL-1ß and COX-2 mRNA levels in the 0.7-mm ETO group confirmed trigeminal ganglia SGC activation. Immunofluorescence and electrophoresis of SGC revealed increased pERK expression in the 0.7-mm ETO group. ERK phosphorylation was shown to be nociceptive specific, with its upregulation occurring in cases of chronic inflammatory pain. Increased PKA mRNA levels were observed in the 0.4-mm ETO group, while CREB mRNA levels were upregulated for both ETO groups. Electrophoresis showed overexpression of sodium channel Nav 1.7 in the 0.7-mm ETO group, while immunofluorescence revealed that Nav 1.7 is expressed in sensory trigeminal ganglia cells. The results of this study suggest that occlusal trauma induces neuroimmune crosstalk, with synthesis of proinflammatory/pronociceptive mediators, which increases neuronal activity in trigeminal ganglia via the activation of an inflammatory response cascade to develop a persistent neuroinflammatory state that leads to central sensitization.

Progesterone dose during synchronization treatment alters luteinizing hormone receptor and steroidogenic enzyme mRNA abundances in granulosa cells of Nellore heifers.

The objective was to investigate effects of progesterone (P4) dose on abundance of luteinizing hormone receptor (LHCGR), aromatase (CYP19A1), 3ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD3B1), and other steroidogenic mRNA transcripts in granulosa cells from dominant follicles. Nellore heifers were assigned to one of six groups: new, first-use controlled internal drug release device (CIDR1) inserted for 5 days (Large-P4-dose-D5; n = 7) or 6 days (Large-P4-dose-D6; n = 8), prostaglandin (PG)F2α administered on D0 and 1 previously-used CIDR (CIDR3) inserted for 5 days (Small- P4-dose-D5; n = 8) or 6 days (Small-P4-dose-D6; n = 8), CIDR1 inserted on D0 and removed plus PGF2α on D5 (Large-P4-dose-proestrus (PE); n = 7), and CIDR3 and PGF2α on D0 and 1, CIDR3 removed plus PGF2α on D5 (Small-P4-dose-PE; n = 7). Duration of P4 treatment (D5 compared to D6) affected abundances of CYP19A1 mRNA transcripts, with there being greater abundances on D6 than D5 (P ≤ 0.05). Heifers treated with the large dose of P4 had a smaller dominant follicle, less serum and intra-follicular estradiol (E2) concentrations (P ≤ 0.05) and lesser LHCGR, CYP19A1, and HSD3B1 transcript abundances (P ≤ 0.05). Heifers treated to induce PE had a larger follicle diameter (P = 0.09), greater intra-follicular E2 concentrations and larger abundances of CYP19A1 mRNA transcript (P ≤ 0.05) than heifers of the D6 group. Overall, treatment with larger doses of P4 resulted in lesser abundances of LHCGR, HSD3B1, and CYP19A1 mRNA transcripts; thus, potentially leading to development of smaller dominant follicles and lesser E2 concentrations.

Wear, roughness and microhardness analyses of single increment restorative materials submitted to different challenges in vitro.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the microhardness, roughness, profilometry and cross-sectional hardness of single increment materials submitted to different challenges. METHODS: Thirty-six disks of each material, Filtek Supreme XTE (FT), Filtek One Bulk Fill (BK), Ketac Molar Easy Mix (KT) and Equia Forte + Coat (EQ) were immersed in saliva, pH cycling and Coke for 15 days. Half of each surface was used as its own control. Superficial microhardness, roughness, perfilometry analysis were performed. All samples were sectioned, embedded in acrylic resins, polished and cross-sectional hardness were made. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey's test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: The KT presented superficial microhardness superior than EQ. However, in depth, EQ showed superior values. FT, KT suffered the effects of challenges on microhardness values. The highest roughness and wear values were found for KT. RC do not suffer wear. All materials suffered the effects of Coke and pH challenges in depths 10 µm and 60 µm. CONCLUSION: The single increment restorative material that suffered less action on its surface was the bulk-fill resin. The coat present in the hybrid ionomer was able to resist to the immersion actions. In addition, Coke was the most aggressive challenge.

Influence of the Application and Light-Curing of Bonding Adhesives Inside Lithium Disilicate Ceramic Crowns.

This in vitro study evaluated the effect of the application and previous photoactivation of bonding adhesives in lithium disilicate ceramics. This was achieved by analyzing the bond strength of the cement-ceramic interface, nanohardness and elastic modulus of bonding adhesives and resin cements. The bonding adhesives used were Scotchbond Multi-Purpose (SBMP); Scotchbond Multi-Purpose light-cured (SBMP+LC); Single Bond 2 (SB2); Single Bond 2 light-cured (SB2+LC); Single Bond Universal (SBU) and Single Bond Universal light-cured (SBU+LC). After luting the ceramic in composite resin blocks, all specimens were subjected to 10,000 thermocycles. Sticks were obtained for the microtensile bonding strength test and the nanohardness and elastic modulus of the bonding adhesive and resin cements. Data were submitted to one-way ANOVA and Fishers tests (α =0.05). The results indicated that the bonding strength and mechanical properties were influenced by the interaction of the bonding adhesive and resin cement. For the mechanical properties analyzed, no statistically significant differences were observed between the groups. Single Bond Universal was the only system that was effective with or without previous light activation. For the other adhesive systems, Scotchbond Multi- Purpose and Single Bond 2, the previous light activation was necessary to optimize the bonding strength of the adhesive interface.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae (YT001) supplementation for the control of Haemonchus contortus and modulation of the immune response of sheep.

Studies aiming at the development and evaluation of alternative methods to minimise losses caused by the gastrointestinal nematode Haemonchus contortus are extremely important. Such research is essential, given the high morbidity rates among sheep and the significant mortality rates of lambs, allied to the low efficacy of commercial products for the control of this parasite. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae (YT001 - YEASTECH) on the control of H. contortus and its modulation of the immune response in experimentally infected sheep. Eighteen sheep were divided into two groups. Group 1, the control group, comprised animals infected with H. contortus and supplemented with distilled water, while Group 2, the treated group, consisted of animals infected and supplemented with S. cerevisiae (400 million cfu/day of suspension for 49 days). The following parasitological parameters were evaluated: number of eggs per gram of faeces, number of infective larvae (L3) recovered per faecal culture, and parasitic load of the abomasum. The following immunological parameters were quantified: immunoglobulin (Ig)A in the mucous secretions and serum IgG; cytokines interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5 and IL-10; number of eosinophils in the abomasal mucosa and groups of cells positive for the markers: MHCII, CD4+CD25+, CD5+CD8+, WC4, CD5+CD4+, CD8+CD11b+ and CD5+WC1 by whole blood flow cytometry. The results revealed a significant decrease (P<0.05) in the number of larvae and significantly higher serum IgG levels (P<0.05) in the group supplemented with S. cerevisiae. The supplemented animals showed significantly larger numbers of eosinophils (P<0.05), as well as more cells positive for MHCII, CD4+CD25+, CD5+CD8+ than the control animals. This study confirmed the beneficial action of S. cerevisiae on the host immune response to H. contortus, as evidenced mainly by the smaller number of L3 recovered from the faeces of sheep supplemented with S. cerevisiae.

Effect of photopolymerized glaze application on bacterial adhesion on ocular acrylic resin surfaces submitted to accelerated ageing.

Conditions of the acrylic resin (AR) surface, such as roughness, can promote a favourable environment for the adhesion of micro-organisms, even on the surface of ocular prostheses. This study evaluated the influence of photopolymerized glaze application on the roughness of ARs and adhesion of Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis on ocular AR surfaces submitted to accelerated ageing. Two hundred and eighty-eight samples of white colour (N1) and colourless ARs were distributed in eight groups (n = 9), based on surface treatments (glaze or ARs submitted to only a final polishing), accelerated ageing (before and after) and periods of microbial growth (24- and 48-h). The roughness average (Ra) and total height of roughness profile (Rt) values were greater for the groups with glaze and increased for all groups after ageing. The microbial adhesion among the groups with and without glaze did not present a statistically significant difference. The ageing did not statistically affect the adhesion of Staph. epidermidis, but affected the adhesion of Staph. aureus, which presented an increase after 24 h of growth on only N1 AR with glaze. These results demonstrate that the glaze did not contribute to adhesion of Staph. aureus and Staph. epidermidis, which are responsible for most ocular prosthetic infections. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Some recent evidence suggested that the surface finish of ocular prostheses influences the accumulation of deposits that can affect the interaction with pathogenic bacteria, increasing the probability of infections. In addition, surface deterioration over time can increase the roughness and, consequently, biofilm formation. Thus, a better understanding of the influence of surface finish on bacterial adhesion becomes extremely important. In this study, we tested a glaze for surface polishing compared to mechanical polishing, before and after ageing. The results suggest that the glaze did not contribute to microbial adhesion and might be useful in preventing possible prosthetic infections.

Relationship between Hammett's parameters and in silico density functional with tandem mass ESI-CID fragmentation: Dihydropyridines as prototypes.

Over the years, with the instrumental analysis evolution, the relationships between the carried-out results with the data of theoretical analysis in silico and the Hammett's parameters have been reported. They have been very useful for chemical characterization of small organic molecules. Thus, this work aims at showing the feasibility and limitations for Hammett's and density functional theory applications in electrospray ionization-collision-induced dissociation (ESI-CID) fragmentation provision. For this, 13 dihydropyrimidinones para, meta, and orto monosubstituted were studied using ESI and CID in positive mode. As a result, it was observed that the main fragmentation includes the isocyanate and ethanol loses at low energy. Nevertheless, at higher energies, radical ions formed by McLafferty rearrangement were observed. The Hammett plots were correlated fragmentation profiles, showing good linearity for the [M + H]+ , which does not occur to radical ions and carbocation's. These tendencies had demonstrated that the stability of protonate and activation energy of secondary ions changes with the pKa. The density functional theory studies indicated that, both nitrogen atoms in the dihydropyrimidinone's prototypes are capable of being protonated. However, the activation energy of fragmentation products is not changed. Therefore, this work has shown information, which can be useful to understand tandem mass spectrometry in ESI-CID conditions for small organic molecules series. This is the first step for normalization of fragmentation pathway.

Distinct Roles of Th17 and Th1 Cells in Inflammatory Responses Associated with the Presentation of Paucibacillary Leprosy and Leprosy Reactions.

It is well established that helper T cell responses influence resistance or susceptibility to Mycobacterium leprae infection, but the role of more recently described helper T cell subsets in determining severity is less clear. To investigate the involvement of Th17 cells in the pathogenesis of leprosy, we determined the immune profile with variant presentations of leprosy. Firstly, IL-17A, IFN-γ and IL-10 were evaluated in conjunction with CD4+ T cell staining by confocal microscopy of lesion biopsies from tuberculoid (TT) and lepromatous leprosy (LL) patients. Secondly, inflammatory cytokines were measured by multiplex assay of serum samples from Multibacillary (MB, n = 28) and Paucibacillary (PB, n = 23) patients and household contacts (HHC, n = 23). Patients with leprosy were also evaluated for leprosy reaction occurrence: LR+ (n = 8) and LR- (n = 20). Finally, peripheral blood mononuclear cells were analysed by flow cytometry used to determine the phenotype of cytokine-producing cells. Lesions from TT patients were found to have more CD4+ IL-17A+ cells than those from LL patients. Higher concentrations of IL-17A and IL-1ß were observed in serum from PB than MB patients. The highest serum IFN-γ concentrations were, however, detected in sera from MB patients that developed leprosy reactions (MB LR+ ). Together, these results indicate that Th1 cells were associated with both the PB presentation and also with leprosy reactions. In contrast, Th17 cells were associated with an effective inflammatory response that is present in the PB forms but were not predictive of leprosy reactions in MB patients.

Effects of early mobilisation in patients after cardiac surgery: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Early mobilisation is prescribed after cardiac surgery to prevent postoperative complications, decrease length of hospital stay, and augment return to daily activities. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the evidence for the effects of early mobilisation in patients after cardiac surgery on length of hospital stay, functional capacity and postoperative complications. DATA SOURCES: The data sources used were Medline, Embase, CINAHL, PEDro, Web of Science and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. STUDY SELECTION: Randomised controlled trials of early mobilisation after cardiac surgery. Study selection was not restricted by language or publication time. STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS: The methodological quality of each article was appraised with the PEDro scale. All review phases (selection, data extraction and appraisal) were conducted by two investigators, and a third investigator provided consensus. RESULTS: Nine trials were selected. The PEDro scale showed that the studies had a low risk of bias (range 5 to 9 points). The trials revealed diversity in techniques used for mobilisation, as well as periods considered early for the start of the intervention. Early mobilisation groups had improved outcomes compared with control groups without treatment. Generally, these advantages did not differ when groups of interventions were compared. LIMITATIONS: It was not possible to perform a meta-analysis due to the variability of the interventions proposed as early mobilisation. CONCLUSIONS: Regardless of the techniques used as mobilisation, the essential point is to avoid bed rest. Early mobilisation seems to be important to prevent postoperative complications, improve functional capacity and reduce length of hospital stay in patients after cardiac surgery.

Characterization and Digestibility of Detoxified Castor Oil Meal for Japanese Quails

These experiments were performed to determine the chemical composition, coefficients of nutrient and energy metabolizability, amino acid composition, and cytotoxicity of different castor oil meals subjected to different detoxification processes and added to the diet of Japanese quails. In the trial, 180 46-d-old female Japanese quails were distributed according to a completely randomized design into five treatments and with replicates of six bird each. The treatments consisted of following detoxification methods of castor oil meal: Castor oil meal A (CMA) - recovery in alcohol at 80 °C for 20 minutes and drying at 80 °C; castor oil meal B (CMB) and C (CMC) - recovery in alcohol at 80 °C for 6 minutes, neutralization with 5% NaOH, and drying under direct sunlight sun for two days (CMB) or pelleted (CMC); castor oil meal D (CMD) - recovery in alcohol at 110 °C for 15 minutes and drying at 110 °C. Castor oil meal was added replacing 20% of the reference diet. There was slight chemical composition variation (1.21% in crude protein, 6% in dry matter, 2.2% in ether extract and 64 kcal/kg in gross energy) among the castor oil meals submitted to the different treatments. The castor oil meal submitted to treatment C showed the highest amino acid values. In the cytotoxicity test, treatment D presented lower ricin activity. Castor oil meals A, C, and D may be included in Japanese quail diets; however, castor oil meal D is recommended due to the simplicity its industrial process, its low toxicity, and metabolizability coefficients obtained.

Characterization and Digestibility of Detoxified Castor Oil Meal for Japanese Quails

These experiments were performed to determine the chemical composition, coefficients of nutrient and energy metabolizability, amino acid composition, and cytotoxicity of different castor oil meals subjected to different detoxification processes and added to the diet of Japanese quails. In the trial, 180 46-d-old female Japanese quails were distributed according to a completely randomized design into five treatments and with replicates of six bird each. The treatments consisted of following detoxification methods of castor oil meal: Castor oil meal A (CMA) - recovery in alcohol at 80 °C for 20 minutes and drying at 80 °C; castor oil meal B (CMB) and C (CMC) - recovery in alcohol at 80 °C for 6 minutes, neutralization with 5% NaOH, and drying under direct sunlight sun for two days (CMB) or pelleted (CMC); castor oil meal D (CMD) - recovery in alcohol at 110 °C for 15 minutes and drying at 110 °C. Castor oil meal was added replacing 20% of the reference diet. There was slight chemical composition variation (1.21% in crude protein, 6% in dry matter, 2.2% in ether extract and 64 kcal/kg in gross energy) among the castor oil meals submitted to the different treatments. The castor oil meal submitted to treatment C showed the highest amino acid values. In the cytotoxicity test, treatment D presented lower ricin activity. Castor oil meals A, C, and D may be included in Japanese quail diets; however, castor oil meal D is recommended due to the simplicity its industrial process, its low toxicity, and metabolizability coefficients obtained.(AU)