Innovative spectral characterisation of beached pelagic sargassum towards remote estimation of biochemical and phenotypic properties.

In recent years, pelagic sargassum (S. fluitans and S. natans - henceforth sargassum) macroalgal blooms have become more frequent and larger with higher biomass in the Tropical Atlantic region. They have environmental and socio-economic impacts, particularly on coastal ecosystems, tourism, fisheries and aquaculture industries, and on public health. Despite these challenges, sargassum biomass has the potential to offer commercial opportunities in the blue economy, although, it is reliant on key chemical and physical characteristics of the sargassum for specific use. In this study, we aim to utilise remotely sensed spectral profiles to determine species/morphotypes at different decomposition stages and their biochemical composition to support monitoring and valorisation of sargassum. For this, we undertook dedicated field campaigns in Barbados and Ghana to collect, for the first time, in situ spectral measurements between 350 and 2500 nm using a Spectra Vista Corp (SVC) HR-1024i field spectrometer of pelagic sargassum stranded biomass. The spectral measurements were complemented by uncrewed aerial system surveys using a DJI Phantom 4 drone and a DJI P4 multispectral instrument. Using the ground and airborne datasets this research developed an operational framework for remote detection of beached sargassum; and created spectral profiles of species/morphotypes and decomposition maps to infer biochemical composition. We were able to identify some key spectral regions, including a consistent absorption feature (920-1080 nm) found in all of the sargassum morphotype spectral profiles; we also observed distinction between fresh and recently beached sargassum particularly around 900-1000 nm. This work can support pelagic sargassum management and contribute to effective utilisation of the sargassum biomass to ultimately alleviate some of the socio-economic impacts associated with this emerging environmental challenge.

Venomous snakes of medical importance in the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro: habitat and taxonomy against ophidism.

Snakebite envenoming is a major global health problem that kills or disables half a million people in the world's poorest countries. Identifying the biting snake and its habitat use is key to understanding snakebite eco-epidemiology and optimizing its clinical management. To prevent and combat the neglected snakebite disease, we characterize the morphology, geographic distribution, habitat use, and snakebites of medically important venomous snakes in the state of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). Despite Philodryas spp. not being considered of medical importance by the Brazilian Ministry of Health, we also explore their data once the bites may require medical intervention, may cause death, and their consequences are underestimated. Methods: We assessed taxonomy and geographic data from specimens housed in scientific collections, the literature, and the Notifiable Diseases Information System. Our data revealed fragility in the morphological characters recommended to distinguish Bothrops jararaca from B. jararacussu, identify the subspecies of Crotalus durissus and distinguish the species of Philodryas. To help identify these species, we present an identification key to the venomous snake species from Rio de Janeiro based on the morphological data collected. We record the genera Bothrops and Micrurus in all mesoregions of the state. Here, we provide the first record of C. durissus in the Serrana region, supporting the hypothesis of geographic expansion of the species in the state. The crotalic antivenom must not be missing in Médio Paraíba, Centro-Sul Fluminense, and Serrana, where the rattlesnake C. durissus occurs. Bothrops bilineatus and Lachesis muta have historical records presented for the first time herein. However, these species are likely endangered or extinct in the state. There were 7,483 snakebites reported between 2001 and 2019, with an annual average of 393.8 cases. The Bothrops genus is responsible for the majority of accidents. The highest number of cases occurred in the Serrana region, the largest pole of family agriculture in Rio de Janeiro. We improve the identification of venomous snake species, better delimit their distribution, and update the number of cases of snakebites, thus providing greater precision in the attention to this problem in Rio de Janeiro. We emphasize the importance of clinical studies to test using bothropic-crotalic antivenom and heparin in all mesoregions to treat B. jararacussu envenomation; and mechanical ventilation, atropine, and anticholinesterases in the emergency health centers in the Metropolitana and Norte Fluminense regions due to the occurrence of the coral M. lemniscatus in these areas.

Commercial characteristics of coffee seedlings produced with different sources of phosphorus and plant growth-promoting bacteria.

Considered the economic engine of many countries, the coffee culture represents an important component of the agricultural chain in Brazil. The growing values of commercialization, planting areas, and crop productivity require the acquisition of quality seedlings, which must receive adequate nutritional support through efficient fertilizers. Slow and controlled-release fertilizers, such as organominerals, gain prominence when it comes to increasing efficiency in the use of phosphorus, as well as plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) with phosphate solubilizing characteristics. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different sources of mineral and organomineral fertilizers, inoculated and non-inoculated with PGPB on the quality parameters of coffee seedlings. In general, the P sources used in the experiment positively interfered with the development of coffee seedlings. This proves that there is a need for nutritional supplementation for the good development of the seedlings. Among the sources used, the organomineral in granulated form showed better performance in coffee seedlings' growth and physiological parameters, proving to be a viable alternative to commonly used fertilizers. The addition of PGPB showed a significant advantage for seedling quality variables.

Bioinformatics and expression analysis of the Xeroderma Pigmentosum complementation group C (XPC) of Trypanosoma evansi in Trypanosoma cruzi cells / Análises de bioinformática e da expressão do gene Xeroderma Pigmentosum complementation group C (XPC) de Trypanosoma evansi em células de Trypanosoma cruzi

Nucleotide excision repair (NER) acts repairing damages in DNA, such as lesions caused by cisplatin. Xeroderma Pigmentosum complementation group C (XPC) protein is involved in recognition of global genome DNA damages during NER (GG-NER) and it has been studied in different organisms due to its importance in other cellular processes. In this work, we studied NER proteins in Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma evansi, parasites of humans and animals respectively. We performed three-dimensional models of XPC proteins from T. cruzi and T. evansi and observed few structural differences between these proteins. In our tests, insertion of XPC gene from T. evansi (TevXPC) in T. cruzi resulted in slower cell growth under normal conditions. After cisplatin treatment, T. cruzi overexpressing its own XPC gene (TcXPC) was able to recover cell division rates faster than T. cruzi expressing TevXPC gene. Based on these tests, it is suggested that TevXPC (being an exogenous protein in T. cruzi) interferes negatively in cellular processes where TcXPC (the endogenous protein) is involved. This probably occurred due interaction of TevXPC with some endogenous molecules or proteins from T. cruzi but incapacity of interaction with others. This reinforces the importance of correctly XPC functioning within the cell.(AU)

O reparo por excisão de nucleotídeos (NER) atua reparando danos no DNA, como lesões causadas por cisplatina. A proteína Xeroderma Pigmentosum complementation group C (XPC) está envolvida no reconhecimento de danos pela via de reparação global do genoma pelo NER (GG-NER) e tem sido estudada em diferentes organismos devido à sua importância em outros processos celulares. Neste trabalho, estudamos proteínas do NER em Trypanosoma cruzi e Trypanosoma evansi, parasitos de humanos e animais, respectivamente. Modelos tridimensionais das proteínas XPC de T. cruzi e T. evansi foram feitos e observou-se poucas diferenças estruturais entre estas proteínas. Durante testes, a inserção do gene XPC de T. evansi (TevXPC) em T. cruzi resultou em crescimento celular mais lento em condições normais. Após o tratamento com cisplatina, T. cruzi superexpressando seu próprio gene XPC (TcXPC) foi capaz de recuperar as taxas de divisão celular mais rapidamente do que T. cruzi expressando o gene TevXPC. Com base nesses testes, sugere-se que TevXPC (sendo uma proteína exógena em T. cruzi) interfere negativamente nos processos celulares em que TcXPC (a proteína endógena) está envolvida. Isso provavelmente ocorreu pois TevXPC é capaz de interagir com algumas moléculas ou proteínas endógenas de T. cruzi, mas é incapaz de interagir com outras. Isso reforça a importância do correto funcionamento de XPC dentro da célula.(AU)

Bioinformatics and expression analysis of the Xeroderma Pigmentosum complementation group C (XPC) of Trypanosoma evansi in Trypanosoma cruzi cells / Análises de bioinformática e da expressão do gene Xeroderma Pigmentosum complementation group C (XPC) de Trypanosoma evansi em células de Trypanosoma cruzi

Abstract Nucleotide excision repair (NER) acts repairing damages in DNA, such as lesions caused by cisplatin. Xeroderma Pigmentosum complementation group C (XPC) protein is involved in recognition of global genome DNA damages during NER (GG-NER) and it has been studied in different organisms due to its importance in other cellular processes. In this work, we studied NER proteins in Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma evansi, parasites of humans and animals respectively. We performed three-dimensional models of XPC proteins from T. cruzi and T. evansi and observed few structural differences between these proteins. In our tests, insertion of XPC gene from T. evansi (TevXPC) in T. cruzi resulted in slower cell growth under normal conditions. After cisplatin treatment, T. cruzi overexpressing its own XPC gene (TcXPC) was able to recover cell division rates faster than T. cruzi expressing TevXPC gene. Based on these tests, it is suggested that TevXPC (being an exogenous protein in T. cruzi) interferes negatively in cellular processes where TcXPC (the endogenous protein) is involved. This probably occurred due interaction of TevXPC with some endogenous molecules or proteins from T.cruzi but incapacity of interaction with others. This reinforces the importance of correctly XPC functioning within the cell.

Resumo O reparo por excisão de nucleotídeos (NER) atua reparando danos no DNA, como lesões causadas por cisplatina. A proteína Xeroderma Pigmentosum complementation group C (XPC) está envolvida no reconhecimento de danos pela via de reparação global do genoma pelo NER (GG-NER) e tem sido estudada em diferentes organismos devido à sua importância em outros processos celulares. Neste trabalho, estudamos proteínas do NER em Trypanosoma cruzi e Trypanosoma evansi, parasitos de humanos e animais, respectivamente. Modelos tridimensionais das proteínas XPC de T. cruzi e T. evansi foram feitos e observou-se poucas diferenças estruturais entre estas proteínas. Durante testes, a inserção do gene XPC de T. evansi (TevXPC) em T. cruzi resultou em crescimento celular mais lento em condições normais. Após o tratamento com cisplatina, T. cruzi superexpressando seu próprio gene XPC (TcXPC) foi capaz de recuperar as taxas de divisão celular mais rapidamente do que T. cruzi expressando o gene TevXPC. Com base nesses testes, sugere-se que TevXPC (sendo uma proteína exógena em T. cruzi) interfere negativamente nos processos celulares em que TcXPC (a proteína endógena) está envolvida. Isso provavelmente ocorreu pois TevXPC é capaz de interagir com algumas moléculas ou proteínas endógenas de T.cruzi, mas é incapaz de interagir com outras. Isso reforça a importância do correto funcionamento de XPC dentro da célula.

Bioinformatics and expression analysis of the Xeroderma Pigmentosum complementation group C (XPC) of Trypanosoma evansi in Trypanosoma cruzi cells / Análises de bioinformática e da expressão do gene Xeroderma Pigmentosum complementation group C (XPC) de Trypanosoma evansi em células de Trypanosoma cruzi

Nucleotide excision repair (NER) acts repairing damages in DNA, such as lesions caused by cisplatin. Xeroderma Pigmentosum complementation group C (XPC) protein is involved in recognition of global genome DNA damages during NER (GG-NER) and it has been studied in different organisms due to its importance in other cellular processes. In this work, we studied NER proteins in Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma evansi, parasites of humans and animals respectively. We performed three-dimensional models of XPC proteins from T. cruzi and T. evansi and observed few structural differences between these proteins. In our tests, insertion of XPC gene from T. evansi (TevXPC) in T. cruzi resulted in slower cell growth under normal conditions. After cisplatin treatment, T. cruzi overexpressing its own XPC gene (TcXPC) was able to recover cell division rates faster than T. cruzi expressing TevXPC gene. Based on these tests, it is suggested that TevXPC (being an exogenous protein in T. cruzi) interferes negatively in cellular processes where TcXPC (the endogenous protein) is involved. This probably occurred due interaction of TevXPC with some endogenous molecules or proteins from T. cruzi but incapacity of interaction with others. This reinforces the importance of correctly XPC functioning within the cell.

O reparo por excisão de nucleotídeos (NER) atua reparando danos no DNA, como lesões causadas por cisplatina. A proteína Xeroderma Pigmentosum complementation group C (XPC) está envolvida no reconhecimento de danos pela via de reparação global do genoma pelo NER (GG-NER) e tem sido estudada em diferentes organismos devido à sua importância em outros processos celulares. Neste trabalho, estudamos proteínas do NER em Trypanosoma cruzi e Trypanosoma evansi, parasitos de humanos e animais, respectivamente. Modelos tridimensionais das proteínas XPC de T. cruzi e T. evansi foram feitos e observou-se poucas diferenças estruturais entre estas proteínas. Durante testes, a inserção do gene XPC de T. evansi (TevXPC) em T. cruzi resultou em crescimento celular mais lento em condições normais. Após o tratamento com cisplatina, T. cruzi superexpressando seu próprio gene XPC (TcXPC) foi capaz de recuperar as taxas de divisão celular mais rapidamente do que T. cruzi expressando o gene TevXPC. Com base nesses testes, sugere-se que TevXPC (sendo uma proteína exógena em T. cruzi) interfere negativamente nos processos celulares em que TcXPC (a proteína endógena) está envolvida. Isso provavelmente ocorreu pois TevXPC é capaz de interagir com algumas moléculas ou proteínas endógenas de T. cruzi, mas é incapaz de interagir com outras. Isso reforça a importância do correto funcionamento de XPC dentro da célula.

Bioinformatics and expression analysis of the Xeroderma Pigmentosum complementation group C (XPC) of Trypanosoma evansi in Trypanosoma cruzi cells

Abstract Nucleotide excision repair (NER) acts repairing damages in DNA, such as lesions caused by cisplatin. Xeroderma Pigmentosum complementation group C (XPC) protein is involved in recognition of global genome DNA damages during NER (GG-NER) and it has been studied in different organisms due to its importance in other cellular processes. In this work, we studied NER proteins in Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma evansi, parasites of humans and animals respectively. We performed three-dimensional models of XPC proteins from T. cruzi and T. evansi and observed few structural differences between these proteins. In our tests, insertion of XPC gene from T. evansi (TevXPC) in T. cruzi resulted in slower cell growth under normal conditions. After cisplatin treatment, T. cruzi overexpressing its own XPC gene (TcXPC) was able to recover cell division rates faster than T. cruzi expressing TevXPC gene. Based on these tests, it is suggested that TevXPC (being an exogenous protein in T. cruzi) interferes negatively in cellular processes where TcXPC (the endogenous protein) is involved. This probably occurred due interaction of TevXPC with some endogenous molecules or proteins from T.cruzi but incapacity of interaction with others. This reinforces the importance of correctly XPC functioning within the cell.

Resumo O reparo por excisão de nucleotídeos (NER) atua reparando danos no DNA, como lesões causadas por cisplatina. A proteína Xeroderma Pigmentosum complementation group C (XPC) está envolvida no reconhecimento de danos pela via de reparação global do genoma pelo NER (GG-NER) e tem sido estudada em diferentes organismos devido à sua importância em outros processos celulares. Neste trabalho, estudamos proteínas do NER em Trypanosoma cruzi e Trypanosoma evansi, parasitos de humanos e animais, respectivamente. Modelos tridimensionais das proteínas XPC de T. cruzi e T. evansi foram feitos e observou-se poucas diferenças estruturais entre estas proteínas. Durante testes, a inserção do gene XPC de T. evansi (TevXPC) em T. cruzi resultou em crescimento celular mais lento em condições normais. Após o tratamento com cisplatina, T. cruzi superexpressando seu próprio gene XPC (TcXPC) foi capaz de recuperar as taxas de divisão celular mais rapidamente do que T. cruzi expressando o gene TevXPC. Com base nesses testes, sugere-se que TevXPC (sendo uma proteína exógena em T. cruzi) interfere negativamente nos processos celulares em que TcXPC (a proteína endógena) está envolvida. Isso provavelmente ocorreu pois TevXPC é capaz de interagir com algumas moléculas ou proteínas endógenas de T.cruzi, mas é incapaz de interagir com outras. Isso reforça a importância do correto funcionamento de XPC dentro da célula.

Commercial characteristics of coffee seedlings produced with different sources of phosphorus and plant growth-promoting bacteria / Características comerciais de mudas de café produzidas com diferentes fontes de fósforo e bactérias promotoras de crescimento de plantas

Considered the economic engine of many countries, the coffee culture represents an important component of the agricultural chain in Brazil. The growing values of commercialization, planting areas, and crop productivity require the acquisition of quality seedlings, which must receive adequate nutritional support through efficient fertilizers. Slow and controlled-release fertilizers, such as organominerals, gain prominence when it comes to increasing efficiency in the use of phosphorus, as well as plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) with phosphate solubilizing characteristics. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different sources of mineral and organomineral fertilizers, inoculated and non-inoculated with PGPB on the quality parameters of coffee seedlings. In general, the P sources used in the experiment positively interfered with the development of coffee seedlings. This proves that there is a need for nutritional supplementation for the good development of the seedlings. Among the sources used, the organomineral in granulated form showed better performance in coffee seedlings' growth and physiological parameters, proving to be a viable alternative to commonly used fertilizers. The addition of PGPB showed a significant advantage for seedling quality variables.

Considerado o motor econômico de muitos países, a cultura do café representa um importante componente da cadeia agrícola no Brasil. Os crescentes valores de comercialização, das áreas de plantio e da produtividade da cultura requerem aquisição de mudas de qualidade, que devem receber adequado aporte nutricional através do uso eficiente de fertilizantes. Fertilizantes de liberação lenta e controlada, a exemplo dos organominerais, ganham destaque quando se trata de aumento da eficiência no uso do fósforo, assim como as bactérias promotoras de crescimento de plantas (BPCP) com características solubilizadoras de fosfato. Esse estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito de diferentes fontes de fertilizantes mineral e organomineral, inoculados e não inoculados com BPCP, sobre parâmetros de qualidade de mudas de café. De forma geral, as fontes de P utilizadas no experimento interferiram positivamente no desenvolvimento das mudas de café. Isso comprova que existe a necessidade de complementação nutricional para um bom desenvolvimento das mudas. Dentre as fontes utilizadas, o organomineral na forma granulada apresentou melhor desempenho nos parâmetros de crescimento e fisiológicos das mudas de café, mostrando ser uma alternativa viável aos fertilizantes comumente utilizados. A adição de BPCP apresentou vantagem significativa para as variáveis de qualidade das mudas.

Mastitis in cattle due to Mycobacteroides abscessus - case report / [Mastite bovina por Mycobacteroides abscessus - relato de caso]

Mastitis is considered the main disease that affects dairy cattle worldwide, and it is caused mainly by Staphylococcus aureus and environmental Streptococcus spp. Eventually, nonconventional pathogens, as rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM), may also cause chronic mastitis, which will not be responsive to antibiotic treatments. Diagnosis of mastitis caused by RGM is a difficult task, and most of time this agent may be misdiagnosed. Here we describe a case of clinical mastitis caused by the RGM Mycobacteroides abscessus in a cow from Southern Brazil, confirmed by microbiological and molecular characterization. Our results reinforce the necessity of a detailed laboratorial identification of the agent and to include this agent in differential diagnosis of chronical clinical mastitis nonresponsive to treatment.

A mastite é considerada uma das principais doenças que afetam rebanhos leiteiros ao redor do mundo e é causada principalmente por Staphylococcus aureus e Streptococcus spp. ambientais. Eventualmente, patógenos não convencionais, como Mycobacterium de crescimento rápido (RGM), podem também causar mastite crônica, a qual não respondera ao tratamento com antimicrobianos. O diagnóstico de mastite causada por RGM é uma tarefa difícil, e a maioria das vezes esse agente pode ser subdiagnosticado. Neste relato, descreveu-se um caso de mastite clínica em uma vaca, no sul do Brasil, causada por RGM Mycobacteroides abscessus, confirmado por caracterização microbiológica e molecular. Os resultados reforçam a necessidade de um diagnóstico laboratorial detalhado para a identificação do agente e a inclusão deste como diagnóstico diferencial no reconhecimento de mastite crônica não responsiva ao tratamento.

Antimicrobial efficacy of in vitro and ex vivo photodynamic therapy using porphyrins against Moraxella spp. isolated from bovine keratoconjunctivitis.

Infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) is an ocular disease affecting bovine herds worldwide, and it causes significant economic loss. The etiologic agent of IBK is considered to be Moraxella bovis, but M. ovis and M. bovoculi are frequently recovered of animals presenting clinical signs of IBK. The therapeutic measures available for its control have limited efficacy. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) using porphyrins as photosensitizing molecules is an alternative method that can be used to reduce microbial growth. We evaluated the antibacterial activity of aPDT using two water-soluble tetra-cationic porphyrins (H2TMeP and ZnTMeP) against 22 clinical isolates and standard strains of Moraxella spp. in vitro and in an ex vivo model. For the in vitro assay, 4.0 µM of porphyrin was incubated with approximately 1.0 × 104 CFU/mL of each Moraxella sp. isolate and exposed to artificial light for 0, 2.5, 5, and 7.5 min. Next, 50 µL of this solution was plated and incubated for 24 h until CFU measurement. For the ex vivo assay, corneas excised from the eyeballs of slaughtered cattle were irrigated with Moraxella spp. culture, followed by the addition of zinc(II) porphyrin ZnTMeP (4.0 µM). The corneal samples were irradiated for 0, 7.5, and 30 min, followed by swab collection, plating, and CFU count. The results demonstrated the in vitro inactivation of the strains and clinical isolates of Moraxella spp. after 2.5 min of irradiation using ZnTMeP, reaching complete inactivation until 7.5 min. In the ex vivo experiment, the use of ZnTMeP resulted in the most significant reduction in bacterial concentration after 30 min of irradiation. These results encourage future in vivo experiments to investigate the role of metalloporphyrin ZnTMeP in the inactivation of Moraxella spp. isolates causing IBK.

Bioinformatics and expression analysis of the Xeroderma Pigmentosum complementation group C (XPC) of Trypanosoma evansi in Trypanosoma cruzi cells.

Nucleotide excision repair (NER) acts repairing damages in DNA, such as lesions caused by cisplatin. Xeroderma Pigmentosum complementation group C (XPC) protein is involved in recognition of global genome DNA damages during NER (GG-NER) and it has been studied in different organisms due to its importance in other cellular processes. In this work, we studied NER proteins in Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma evansi, parasites of humans and animals respectively. We performed three-dimensional models of XPC proteins from T. cruzi and T. evansi and observed few structural differences between these proteins. In our tests, insertion of XPC gene from T. evansi (TevXPC) in T. cruzi resulted in slower cell growth under normal conditions. After cisplatin treatment, T. cruzi overexpressing its own XPC gene (TcXPC) was able to recover cell division rates faster than T. cruzi expressing TevXPC gene. Based on these tests, it is suggested that TevXPC (being an exogenous protein in T. cruzi) interferes negatively in cellular processes where TcXPC (the endogenous protein) is involved. This probably occurred due interaction of TevXPC with some endogenous molecules or proteins from T.cruzi but incapacity of interaction with others. This reinforces the importance of correctly XPC functioning within the cell.

The global prevalence of apical periodontitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Apical periodontitis (AP) frequently presents as a chronic asymptomatic disease. To arrive at a true diagnosis, in addition to the clinical examination, it is mandatory to undertake radiographic examinations such as periapical or panoramic radiographs, or cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Thus, the worldwide burden of AP is probably underestimated or unknown. Previous systematic reviews attempted to estimate the prevalence of AP, but none have investigated which factors may influence its prevalence worldwide. OBJECTIVES: To assess: (i) the prevalence of AP in the population worldwide, as well as the frequency of AP in all teeth, nontreated teeth and root filled teeth; (ii) which factors can modify the prevalence of AP. METHODS: A search was conducted in the PubMed-MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane-CENTRAL, LILACS, Google scholar and OpenGrey databases, followed by hand searches, until September 2019. Cross-sectional, case-control and cohort studies reporting the prevalence of AP in humans, using panoramic or periapical radiograph or CBCT as image methods were included. No language restriction was applied. An adaptation of the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to evaluate the quality of the studies. A meta-analysis was performed to determine the pooled prevalence of AP at the individual level. Secondary outcomes were the frequency of AP in all teeth, nontreated teeth and rootfilled teeth. Subgroup analyses using random-effect models were carried out to analyse the influence of explanatory covariables on the outcome. RESULTS: The search strategy identified 6670 articles, and 114 studies were included in the meta-analysis, providing data from 34 668 individuals and 639 357 teeth. The prevalence of AP was 52% at the individual level (95% CI 42%-56%, I2  = 97.8%) and 5% at the tooth level (95% CI 4%-6%; I2  = 99.5%). The frequency of AP in root-filled teeth and nontreated teeth was 39% (95% CI 36%-43%; I2  = 98.5%) and 3% (95% CI 2%-3%; I2  = 99.3%), respectively. The prevalence of AP was greater in samples from dental care services (DCS; 57%; 95% CI 52%-62%; I2  = 97.8%) and hospitals (51%; 95% CI 40%-63%; I2  = 95.9%) than in those from the general population (GP; 40%; 95% CI 33%-46%; I2  = 96.5%); it was also greater in people with a systemic condition (63%; 95% CI 56%-69%, I2  = 89.7%) compared to healthy individuals (48%; 95% CI 43%-53%; I2  = 98.3%). DISCUSSION: The subgroup analyses identified explanatory factors related to the variability in the prevalence of AP. However, the high clinical heterogeneity and high risk of bias across the primary studies indicate that the findings must be interpreted with caution. CONCLUSIONS: Half of the adult population worldwide have at least one tooth with apical periodontitis. The prevalence of AP is greater in samples from the dental care services, but it is also high amongst community representative samples from the general population. The present findings should bring the attention of health policymakers, medical and dental communities to the hidden burden of endodontic disease in the population worldwide.

In vitro evaluation of anti-fungal activity of tropicamide against strains of Candida spp. resistant to fluconazole in planktonic and biofilm form.

Candida spp. is considered to be the third or fourth most common cause of bloodstream infections associated with healthcare services in the world. Currently, several strains exhibit resistance to the traditional treatments, making the development of new therapeutic molecules necessary. Drug repositioning is an alternative that can be used to work around problems such as toxicity, cost and time in the development of new drugs. This study aims to evaluate the in vitro antifungal effect of tropicamide, molecule of anticholinergic action, against planktonic cells of Candida spp. and biofilm of C. albicans. Six strains of different Candida species were used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of tropicamide and fluconazole according to CLSI document M27-A3 and one strain of C. albicans was used to evaluate the activity of tropicamide against biofilms. In concentrations of 64µg/mL, the tropicamide exhibited 50% of inhibitory activity in planktonic cell and in concentrations of 128µg/mL is able to inhibit the formation of C. albicans biofilm. Despite the inhibitory activity shown at the present study, the use of a larger number of strains, as well as in vivo cytotoxicity assays, is necessary to confirm the hypothesis that tropicamide can be used as an adjuvant agent in the treatment of infections by the Candida genus.

Azithromycin for chronic eosinophilic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyp: a placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Chronic eosinophilic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP eosinophilic) is characterised by the formation of benign and bilateral nasal polyps. We aimed to compare the effectiveness of azithromycin as an immunomodulator with the use of a placebo in patients presenting with CRSwNP concomitant with asthma and aspirin intolerance after 3 months of treatment and at a 1-year follow-up. METHODOLOGY: We performed a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Patients received 500 mg azithromycin orally three times/week for 12 weeks. Improvement was evaluated by staging, the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22), and nasal polyp biopsy. Data collected at pretreatment and 3 months posttreatment were compared. Quality of life was evaluated at the 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: Twenty-seven and 21 patients were treated with azithromycin and a placebo, respectively. The medication was well tolerated overall. Twenty patients (74%) in the azithromycin group and three patients (14%) in the placebo group were not refer- red for surgery at the end of the 3-month treatment. Regarding subjective improvement, there was a median decrease only in the azithromycin group, and the between-group difference was significant. SNOT-22 improvement was maintained in the azithromy- cin group at the 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Azithromycin could be considered a therapeutic option for patients presenting with CRSwNP concomitant with asthma and aspirin intolerance.

IL-22 increases the production of sFRP3 by FLS in inflammatory joint diseases.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) are inflammatory diseases with different bone remodeling patterns. Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) are cells involved in the transition from an acute and reparable phase to a chronic and persistent stage in these diseases. The distinction of joint phenotypes involves inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-17, and IL-22 directly or through key signaling pathways such as Wnt. To evaluate the role of FLS as the source of Wnt antagonists (sFRP3/FRZB and Dkk1) in the synovia, levels of TNF- α, IL-17, IL-22, Dkk1, and sFRP3 were measured by ELISA directly in the synovial fluid of patients with RA, PsA, or AS. Dkk1 and sFRP3 were also measured in the FLS culture supernatants after different inflammatory stimulus. sFRP3 and Dkk1 are constitutively expressed by FLS. IL-22 and sFRP3 were positively correlated (r=0.76; P<0.01) in synovial fluid. The stimulation of FLS with IL-22, but not TNF-alpha and IL-17, increased the production of sFRP3. No stimulus altered the basal expression of Dkk1. These results showed, for the first time, the ability of IL-22 to increase the expression of sFRP3/FRZB by human FLS in both in vitro and ex vivo models. This finding linked IL-22 to local inhibition of Wnt signaling and possibly to blockade of osteogenesis. Furthermore, FLS presented as a source of this inhibitor in synovial fluid, assigning to this cell a bone injury mechanism.

Aging and low-intensity exercise change oxidative biomarkers in brain regions and radiographic measures of femur of Wistar rats.

We investigated changes in oxidative biomarkers in brain regions such as brainstem, cerebellum, and cerebral cortex of 3-, 6-, 18-, 24-, and 30-month-old rats. We also assessed the effects of low-intensity exercise on these biomarkers in these regions of 6-, 18-, and 24-month-old rats that started exercise on a treadmill at 3, 15, and 21 months of age, respectively. Radiographic images of the femur were taken for all rats. A total of 25 rats (age: twelve 6-, ten 18-, ten 24-, and three 30-month-old rats) were used. Lipid hydroperoxide levels increased in cerebellum at 18 months. Total antioxidant activity exhibited lowest values in brainstem at 3 months. Superoxide dismutase activity did not exhibit significant changes during aging. Total thiol content exhibited lowest values in brain regions of 24- and 30-month-old rats. Exercise reduced total thiol content in brainstem at 6 months, but no change occurred in other regions and other ages. Femur increased its length and width and cortical thickness with advancing age. No change occurred in medullary width. Radiolucency increased and sclerosis was found in cortical and medullary bone with advancing age. Exercise reduced radiolucency and medullary sclerosis. Therefore, aging differentially changed oxidative biomarkers in different brain regions and radiographic measures of the femur. Low-intensity exercise only ameliorated some radiographic measurements of femur. Since the present study possessed limitations (small number of rats per group), a beneficial effect of regular low-intensity exercise on oxidative markers in brain cannot be ruled out.

A metal-free blue chromophore derived from plant pigments.

Blue natural pigments are rare, especially among plants. However, flowering species that evolved to attract Hymenoptera pollinators are colored by blue anthocyanin-metal complexes. Plants lacking anthocyanins are pigmented by betalains but are unable to produce blue hues. By extending the π-system of betalains, we designed a photostable and metal-free blue dye named BeetBlue that did not show toxicity to human hepatic and retinal pigment epithelial cells and does not affect zebrafish embryonal development. This chiral dye can be conveniently synthesized from betalamic acid obtained from hydrolyzed red beetroot juice or by enzymatic oxidation of l-dopa. BeetBlue is blue in the solid form and in solution of acidified polar molecular solvents, including water. Its capacity to dye natural matrices makes BeetBlue the prototype of a new class of low-cost bioinspired chromophores suitable for a myriad of applications requiring a blue hue.