Mesoscale characterization of osseointegration around an additively manufactured genistein-coated implant.

Given the hierarchical nature of bone and bone interfaces, osseointegration, namely the formation of a direct bone-implant contact, is best evaluated using a multiscale approach. However, a trade-off exists between field of view and spatial resolution, making it challenging to image large volumes with high resolution. In this study, we combine established electron microscopy techniques to probe bone-implant interfaces at the microscale and nanoscale with plasma focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy (PFIB-SEM) tomography to evaluate osseointegration at the mesoscale. This characterization workflow is demonstrated for bone response to an additively manufactured Ti-6Al-4V implant which combines engineered porosity to facilitate bone ingrowth and surface functionalization via genistein, a phytoestrogen, to counteract bone loss in osteoporosis. SEM demonstrated new bone formation at the implant site, including in the internal implant pores. At the nanoscale, scanning transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy confirmed the gradual nature of the bone-implant interface. By leveraging mesoscale analysis with PFIB-SEM tomography that captures large volumes of bone-implant interface with nearly nanoscale resolution, the presence of mineral ellipsoids varying in size and orientation was revealed. In addition, a well-developed lacuno-canalicular network and mineralization fronts directed both towards the implant and away from it were highlighted.

Effects of high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation combined with inspiratory muscle training for treating respiratory sequelae of long COVID: A case series.

INTRODUCTION: Long COVID occurs when numerous symptoms begin 3 weeks after acute infection and last for 12 months or more. High-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) has been tested in patients with COVID-19; however, previous studies did not investigate the HD-tDCS use combined with inspiratory muscle training (IMT) for respiratory sequelae of long COVID. CASE PRESENTATION: Six individuals (four women and two men) aged between 29 and 71 years and presenting with respiratory sequelae of long COVID were included. They were submitted to an intervention that comprised HD-tDCS combined with IMT twice a week for 5 weeks. Lung function and respiratory muscle assessments were performed at baseline and after 5 weeks of intervention. IMPLICATIONS ON PHYSIOTHERAPY PRACTICE: HD-tDCS may enhance the IMT effects by increasing respiratory muscle strength, efficiency, and lung function of individuals with long COVID.

Integrated magneto-plasmonic nanostructures-based immunoassay for galectin-3 detection.

Cardiovascular diseases remain a leading cause of global mortality, highlighting the need for accurate diagnostic tools and the detection of specific cardiac biomarkers. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy has proved to be a promising alternative diagnostic tool to detect relevant biomarkers compared to traditional methods. To our knowledge, SERS methodology has never been used to detect galectin-3 (Gal-3), a crucial biomarker for cardiovascular conditions. Our study aimed to develop plasmonic and magneto-plasmonic nanoplatforms for the sensitive immunodetection of Gal-3 using SERS. Spherical gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were synthesized and functionalized with 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUDA) to enable antibody binding and 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (4MBA) that served as a Raman reporter due to its intense Raman signal. Following bioconjugation with Gal-3 antibody, the AuNPs were employed in the immunodetection of Gal-3 in phosphate-buffer saline (PBS) solution, offering a limit of detection (LOD) of 12.2 ng mL-1 and a working range up to 120 ng mL-1. Furthermore, our SERS-based immunosystem demonstrated selectivity for Gal-3 (40 ng mL-1) in the presence of other biomolecules such as α-amylase, bovine serum albumin and human C-reactive protein. As a proof of concept, we developed magneto-plasmonic nanoparticles composed of silica-coated magnetite decorated with the bioconjugated AuNPs aimed at enhancing the uptake and detection of Gal-3 via SERS coupled with Raman imaging. Our findings underscore the potential of SERS-based techniques for the sensitive and specific detection of biomarkers, holding significant implications for improved diagnosis and surveillance of cardiovascular diseases. Future research will focus on further optimizing these nanoplatforms and their translation into clinical settings.

Diversity and potential functional role of phyllosphere-associated actinomycetota isolated from cupuassu (Theobroma grandiflorum) leaves: implications for ecosystem dynamics and plant defense strategies.

Exploring the intricate relationships between plants and their resident microorganisms is crucial not only for developing new methods to improve disease resistance and crop yields but also for understanding their co-evolutionary dynamics. Our research delves into the role of the phyllosphere-associated microbiome, especially Actinomycetota species, in enhancing pathogen resistance in Theobroma grandiflorum, or cupuassu, an agriculturally valuable Amazonian fruit tree vulnerable to witches' broom disease caused by Moniliophthora perniciosa. While breeding resistant cupuassu genotypes is a possible solution, the capacity of the Actinomycetota phylum to produce beneficial metabolites offers an alternative approach yet to be explored in this context. Utilizing advanced long-read sequencing and metagenomic analysis, we examined Actinomycetota from the phyllosphere of a disease-resistant cupuassu genotype, identifying 11 Metagenome-Assembled Genomes across eight genera. Our comparative genomic analysis uncovered 54 Biosynthetic Gene Clusters related to antitumor, antimicrobial, and plant growth-promoting activities, alongside cutinases and type VII secretion system-associated genes. These results indicate the potential of phyllosphere-associated Actinomycetota in cupuassu for inducing resistance or antagonism against pathogens. By integrating our genomic discoveries with the existing knowledge of cupuassu's defense mechanisms, we developed a model hypothesizing the synergistic or antagonistic interactions between plant and identified Actinomycetota during plant-pathogen interactions. This model offers a framework for understanding the intricate dynamics of microbial influence on plant health. In conclusion, this study underscores the significance of the phyllosphere microbiome, particularly Actinomycetota, in the broader context of harnessing microbial interactions for plant health. These findings offer valuable insights for enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability.

A 2.5D Self-Training Strategy for Carotid Artery Segmentation in T1-Weighted Brain Magnetic Resonance Images.

Precise annotations for large medical image datasets can be time-consuming. Additionally, when dealing with volumetric regions of interest, it is typical to apply segmentation techniques on 2D slices, compromising important information for accurately segmenting 3D structures. This study presents a deep learning pipeline that simultaneously tackles both challenges. Firstly, to streamline the annotation process, we employ a semi-automatic segmentation approach using bounding boxes as masks, which is less time-consuming than pixel-level delineation. Subsequently, recursive self-training is utilized to enhance annotation quality. Finally, a 2.5D segmentation technique is adopted, wherein a slice of a volumetric image is segmented using a pseudo-RGB image. The pipeline was applied to segment the carotid artery tree in T1-weighted brain magnetic resonance images. Utilizing 42 volumetric non-contrast T1-weighted brain scans from four datasets, we delineated bounding boxes around the carotid arteries in the axial slices. Pseudo-RGB images were generated from these slices, and recursive segmentation was conducted using a Res-Unet-based neural network architecture. The model's performance was tested on a separate dataset, with ground truth annotations provided by a radiologist. After recursive training, we achieved an Intersection over Union (IoU) score of (0.68 ± 0.08) on the unseen dataset, demonstrating commendable qualitative results.

O armário: Fruiting phenology data for 4,462 plant taxa in Portugal (1926-2013).

Species phenology - the timing of key life events - is being altered by ongoing climate changes with yet underappreciated consequences for ecosystem stability. While flowering is generally occurring earlier, we know much less about other key processes such as the time of fruit ripening, largely due to the lack of comprehensive long-term datasets. Here we provide information on the exact date and site where seeds of 4,462 taxa were collected for the Index Seminum (seed exchange catalogue) of the Botanic Garden of the University of Coimbra, between 1926 and 2013. Seeds were collected from spontaneous and cultivated individuals across Portugal, including both native and introduced taxa. The database consists of 127,747 curated records with information on the species, or infraspecific taxa (including authority), and the day and site where seeds were collected. All records are georeferenced and provided with a confidence interval for the collection site. Taxonomy was first curated manually by in-house botanists and then harmonized according to the GBIF backbone taxonomy.

Do quality of life and work productivity change in early axial spondyloarthritis and non-axial spondyloarthritis patients after two years?

OBJECTIVE: To compare health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and work productivity in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and non-axSpA patients with chronic back pain of < 2 years (2 y). METHODS: Baseline and 2 y data of patients included in the SPondyloArthritis Caught Early cohort were analyzed. HRQoL was assessed by the physical (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) scores of the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey; and presenteeism, absenteeism, work productivity loss (WPL) and activity impairment (AI) by the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire. Linear or zero-inflated negative binomial regression was conducted to compare 2 y outcomes between groups (axSpA and non-axSpA), adjusting for the baseline value, sex, age and use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. RESULTS: There were 265 axSpA and 108 non-axSpA patients: males 52% vs 26%, mean age 29 vs 31 years, respectively. At baseline, non-axSpA patients showed worse PCS (mean 28.6 axSpA vs 26.6 non-axSpA), presenteeism (31.1% vs 37.3%), absenteeism (8.2% vs 10.3%), WPL (34.7% vs 44.1%) and AI (39.6% vs 48.5%). MCS was not impaired in either group. After 2 y, PCS, presenteeism, WPL and AI significantly improved in both groups; absenteeism only in axSpA. In multivariable analysis, axSpA (vs non-axSpA) was associated with 22% less WPL (incidence rate ratio [95% CI]: 0.78 [0.62; 0.98]) and 18% less AI (0.82 [0.69; 0.97]). CONCLUSION: HRQoL and work productivity are more impaired in non-axSpA (vs axSpA) at baseline and still after 2 y. Although most outcomes improve in both groups, axSpA is associated with larger improvements in work productivity and activity impairment.

Antimicrobial Composites Based on Methacrylic Acid-Methyl Methacrylate Electrospun Fibers Stabilized with Copper(II).

This study presents fibers based on methacrylic acid-methyl methacrylate (Eudragit L100) as Cu(II) adsorbents, resulting in antimicrobial complexes. Eudragit L100, an anionic copolymer synthesized by radical polymerization, was electrospun in dimethylformamide (DMF) and ethanol (EtOH). The electrospinning process was optimized through a 22-factorial design, with independent variables (copolymer concentration and EtOH/DMF volume ratio) and three repetitions at the central point. The smallest average fiber diameter (259 ± 53 nm) was obtained at 14% w/v Eudragit L100 and 80/20 EtOH/DMF volume ratio. The fibers were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), infrared spectroscopy in attenuated total reflectance mode (FTIR-ATR), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The pseudo-second-order mechanism explained the kinetic adsorption toward Cu(II). The fibers exhibited a maximum adsorption capacity (qe) of 43.70 mg/g. The DSC analysis confirmed the Cu(II) absorption, indicating complexation between metallic ions and copolymer networks. The complexed fibers showed a lower degree of swelling than the non-complexed fibers. The complexed fibers exhibited bacteriostatic activity against Gram-negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria. This study successfully optimized the electrospinning process to produce thin fibers based on Eudragit L100 for potential applications as adsorbents for Cu(II) ions in aqueous media and for controlling bacterial growth.

Particle swarm optimization solution for roll-off control in radiofrequency ablation of liver tumors: Optimal search for PID controller tuning.

The study investigates the efficacy of a bioinspired Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) approach for PID controller tuning in Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) for liver tumors. Ex-vivo experiments were conducted, yielding a 9th order continuous-time transfer function. PSO was applied to optimize PID parameters, achieving outstanding simulation results: 0.605% overshoot, 0.314 seconds rise time, and 2.87 seconds settling time for a unit step input. Statistical analysis of 19 simulations revealed PID gains: Kp (mean: 5.86, variance: 4.22, standard deviation: 2.05), Ki (mean: 9.89, variance: 0.048, standard deviation: 0.22), Kd (mean: 0.57, variance: 0.021, standard deviation: 0.14) and ANOVA analysis for the 19 experiments yielded a p-value ≪ 0.05. The bioinspired PSO-based PID controller demonstrated remarkable potential in mitigating roll-off effects during RFA, reducing the risk of incomplete tumor ablation. These findings have significant implications for improving clinical outcomes in hepatocellular carcinoma management, including reduced recurrence rates and minimized collateral damage. The PSO-based PID tuning strategy offers a practical solution to enhance RFA effectiveness, contributing to the advancement of radiofrequency ablation techniques.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RESIDUAL DIURESIS AND SARCOPENIA IN PATIENTS ON HEMODIALYSIS.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association of residual diuresis with sarcopenia in patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) on hemodialysis. METHODS: Through a cross-sectional study, patients on hemodialysis were subjected to a Dual Energy Radiologic Absorption (DEXA) exam to record muscle mass. Based on the volume of urine collected in 24 hours, patients were classified as anuric (diuresis ≤ 100 mL/day) or non-anuric (diuresis > 100 mL/day). Functional performance was evaluated by Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and muscle strength by handgrip strength and 5-repetition sit-to-stand test. The association between the absence of residual urine and the presence of sarcopenia, low SPPB, and low muscle strength was analyzed using a binary logistic regression model. RESULTS: Ninety-two patients, with a mean age of 54.4 years (95% CI 51.3 - 57.4) and with a mean diuresis volume of 476.3 mL/day (95% CI 320.4 - 632.2) were evaluated (48 anuric and 44 non-anuric). Anuric patients had a 2.77 (95% CI 1.14 - 6.73) times greater probability of sarcopenia and had a 3.55 (1.14 - 11.0) times greater probability of low SPPB, regardless of gender, age, and time on dialysis. Gender was the other associated variable for the presence of sarcopenia, with males having a 3.30 (95% CI 1.34 - 8.13) times higher risk. There were no associations with muscle strength. CONCLUSION: The absence of residual diuresis in patients on hemodialysis is associated with a higher risk of sarcopenia and low functional performance.

Nonpharmacological Interventions for Treating Breastfeeding Nipple Pain: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of nonpharmacological topical interventions for treating breastfeeding nipple pain. Methods: Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) assessing lactating women suffering from breastfeeding painful nipples were included. Primary outcomes were pain, healing process, and adverse events. A comprehensive search was conducted on June 02, 2023, without date or language restrictions. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool and the certainty of the evidence, the GRADE approach. Results: Nineteen RCTs with unclear to high risk of bias were included. There was uncertain evidence regarding the effects of photobiomodulation versus placebo on pain reduction (mean difference [MD] -0.15; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] -1 0.49 to 1.19; 139 participants, 2 RCTs). There are uncertainties concerning the effects of lanolin versus breast milk on pain (MD -1.80; 95% CI -2.43 to -1.17; 1 RCT; 180 participants), wound healing (MD 0.10; 95% CI -0.26 to -0.46; 1 RCT; 180 participants), and any adverse events (zero events in both groups). Similar effects were observed by the other interventions assessed. Conclusion: The evidence of nonpharmacological topical interventions for painful nipples is imprecise, and future RCTs with higher methodological quality are needed to support recommendations. Considering the accessibility and low cost of these alternative treatments, the findings of this evidence synthesis could support clinical decision-making and guide future research. PROSPERO CRD42020170320.

Relationship between vitamin B12 levels and motor development: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Nutrition plays a crucial role in the development and health of the human brain, from early stages to adulthood. The complex process of neurodevelopment necessitates interaction among various factors, with balance in the concentration of vital macronutrients and micronutrients being essential. Regarding micronutrients, vitamin B12 stands out, playing a vital role in the development and functioning of the motor nervous system. The objective was to investigate the influence of reduced levels of vitamin B12 on infant motor development and analyze the effects of supplementation on this aspect of development. METHODS: For this purpose, the criteria of the PRISMA method and registration in the PROSPERO database were used. The search was conducted in the following databases: PubMed (Medline), Scopus, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect. A total of 684 records were initially identified. RESULTS: Of the eight included articles, there was diversity regarding geographical contexts and study designs. The final sample comprised a total of 1,559 participants of both sexes. Studies aimed at correcting low levels of vitamin B12 opted for supplementation, following various protocols that varied in dose, administration method, and duration. At the end of the studies, the serum level of this vitamin ranged from 131 pmol/L to 1141 pmol/L. CONCLUSION: There is a complex array of factors contributing to reduced levels of vitamin B12, especially in the early stages of life, which significantly impacts infant motor development. Despite methodological variations among studies, evidence suggests that low levels of vitamin B12 may affect motor development and that supplementation could be an effective means of enhancing motor aspects in healthy children. However, due to the diversity of outcomes, it is important to promote comprehensive public policies to encourage appropriate interventions in this area.

Vanilla from Brazilian Atlantic Forest: In vitro and in silico toxicity assessment and high-resolution metabolomic analysis of Vanilla spp. ethanolic extracts.

The natural vanilla market, which generates millions annually, is predominantly dependent on Vanilla planifolia, a species characterized by low genetic variability and susceptibility to pathogens. There is an increasing demand for natural vanilla, prized for its complex, authentic, and superior quality compared to artificial counterparts. Therefore, there is a necessity for innovative production alternatives to ensure a consistent and stable supply of vanilla flavors. In this context, vanilla crop wild relatives (WRs) emerge as promising natural sources of the spice. However, these novel species must undergo toxicity assessments to evaluate potential risks and ensure safety for consumption. This study aimed to assess the non-mutagenic and non-carcinogenic properties of ethanolic extracts from V. bahiana, V. chamissonis, V. cribbiana, and V. planifolia through integrated metabolomic profiling, in vitro toxicity assays, and in silico analyses. The integrated approach of metabolomics, in vitro assays, and in silico analyses has highlighted the need for further safety assessments of Vanilla cribbiana ethanolic extract. While the extracts of V. bahiana, V. chamissonis, and V. planifolia generally demonstrated non-mutagenic properties in the Ames assay, V. cribbiana exhibited mutagenicity at high concentrations (5000 µg/plate) in the TA98 strain without metabolic activation. This finding, coupled with the dose-dependent cytotoxicity observed in WST-1 (Water Soluble Tetrazolium) assays, a colorimetric method that assesses the viability of cells exposed to a test substance, underscores the importance of concentration in the safety evaluation of these extracts. Kaempferol and pyrogallol, identified with higher intensity in V. cribbiana, are potential candidates for in vitro mutagenicity. Although the results are not conclusive, they suggest the safety of these extracts at low concentrations. This study emphasizes the value of an integrated approach in providing a nuanced understanding of the safety profiles of natural products, advocating for cautious use and further research into V. cribbiana mutagenicity.

Phylodynamics of avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses from outbreaks in Brazil.

Our study identified strains of the A/H5N1 virus in analyzed samples of subsistence poultry, wild birds, and mammals, belonging to clade 2.3.4.4b, genotype B3.2, with very high genetic similarity to strains from Chile, Uruguay, and Argentina. This suggests a migratory route for wild birds across the Pacific, explaining the phylogenetic relatedness. The Brazilian samples displayed similarity to strains that had already been previously detected in South America. Phylogeographic analysis suggests transmission of US viruses from Europe and Asia, co-circulating with other lineages in the American continent. As mutations can influence virulence and host specificity, genomic surveillance is essential to detect those changes, especially in critical regions, such as hot spots in the HA, NA, and PB2 sequences. Mutations in the PB2 gene (D701N and Q591K) associated with adaptation and transmission in mammals were detected suggesting a potential zoonotic risk. Nonetheless, resistance to neuraminidase inhibitors (NAIs) was not identified, however, continued surveillance is crucial to detect potential resistance. Our study also mapped the spread of the virus in the Southern hemisphere, identifying possible entry routes and highlighting the importance of surveillance to prevent outbreaks and protect both human and animal populations.

Tropane Alkaloid Isolated from Erythroxylum bezerrae Exhibits Neuropharmacological Potential in an Adult Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Model.

This study carried out to investigate the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effect of tropane alkaloid (EB7) isolated from E. bezerrae. It evaluated the toxicity and possible involvement of ion channels in the antinociceptive effect of EB7, as well as its anti-inflammatory effect in adult zebrafish (Zfa). Docking studies with EB7 and COX-1 and 2 were also performed. The tested doses of EB7 (4, 20 and 40 mg/kg) did not show any toxic effect on Zfa during the 96h of analysis (LD50>40 mg/kg). They did not produce any alteration in the locomotor behavior of the animals. Furthermore, EB7 showed promising pharmacological effects as it prevented the nociceptive behavior induced by hypertonic saline, capsaicin, formalin and acid saline. EB7 had its analgesic effect blocked by amiloride involving the neuromodulation of ASICs in Zfa. In evaluating the anti-inflammatory activity, the edema induced by κ-carrageenan 3.5 % was reduced by the dose of 40 mg/kg of EB7 observed after the fourth hour of analysis, indicating an effect similar to that of ibuprofen. Molecular docking results indicated that EB7 exhibited better affinity energy when compared to ibuprofen control against the two evaluated targets binding at different sites in the cocrystallized COX-1 and 2 inhibitors.

Differential regulation of lung homeostasis and silicosis by the TAM receptors MerTk and Axl.

Introduction: TAM receptor-mediated efferocytosis plays an important function in immune regulation and may contribute to antigen tolerance in the lungs, a site with continuous cellular turnover and generation of apoptotic cells. Some studies have identified failures in efferocytosis as a common driver of inflammation and tissue destruction in lung diseases. Our study is the first to characterize the in vivo function of the TAM receptors, Axl and MerTk, in the innate immune cell compartment, cytokine and chemokine production, as well as the alveolar macrophage (AM) phenotype in different settings in the airways and lung parenchyma. Methods: We employed MerTk and Axl defective mice to induce acute silicosis by a single exposure to crystalline silica particles (20 mg/50 µL). Although both mRNA levels of Axl and MerTk receptors were constitutively expressed by lung cells and isolated AMs, we found that MerTk was critical for maintaining lung homeostasis, whereas Axl played a role in the regulation of silica-induced inflammation. Our findings imply that MerTk and Axl differently modulated inflammatory tone via AM and neutrophil recruitment, phenotype and function by flow cytometry, and TGF-ß and CXCL1 protein levels, respectively. Finally, Axl expression was upregulated in both MerTk-/- and WT AMs, confirming its importance during inflammation. Conclusion: This study provides strong evidence that MerTk and Axl are specialized to orchestrate apoptotic cell clearance across different circumstances and may have important implications for the understanding of pulmonary inflammatory disorders as well as for the development of new approaches to therapy.

Magnetic carbon nanotubes modified with proteins and hydrophilic monomers: Cytocompatibility, in-vitro toxicity assays and permeation across biological interfaces.

Carbon nanotubes are promising materials for biomedical applications like delivery systems and tissue scaffolds. In this paper, magnetic carbon nanotubes (M-CNTs) covered with bovine serum albumin (M-CNTs-BSA) or functionalized with hydrophilic monomers (M-CNTs-HL) were synthesized, characterized, and evaluated concerning their interaction with Caco-2 cells. There is no comparison between these two types of functionalization, and this study aimed to verify their influence on the material's interaction with the cells. Different concentrations of the nanotubes were applied to investigate cytotoxicity, cell metabolism, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and capability to cross biomimetic barriers. The materials showed cytocompatibility up to 100 µg mL-1 and a hemolysis rate below 2 %. Nanotubes' suspensions were allowed to permeate Caco-2 monolayers for up to 8 h under the effect of the magnetic field. Magnetic nanoparticles associated with the nanotubes allowed estimation of permeation through the monolayers, with values ranging from 0.50 to 7.19 and 0.27 to 9.30 × 10-3 µg (equivalent to 0.43 to 6.22 and 0.23 to 9.54 × 10-2 % of the initially estimated mass of magnetic nanoparticles) for cells exposed and non-exposed to the magnets, respectively. Together, these results support that the developed materials are promising for applications in biomedical and biotechnological fields.

Pronociceptive role of spinal Cav2.3 (R-type) calcium channels in a mouse model of postoperative pain.

BACKGROUND: More than 80% of patients may experience acute pain after a surgical procedure, and this is often refractory to pharmacological intervention. The identification of new targets to treat postoperative pain is necessary. There is an association of polymorphisms in the Cav2.3 gene with postoperative pain and opioid consumption. Our study aimed to identify Cav2.3 as a potential target to treat postoperative pain and to reduce opioid-related side effects. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: A plantar incision model was established in adult male and female C57BL/6 mice. Cav2.3 expression was detected by qPCR and suppressed by siRNA treatment. The antinociceptive efficacy and safety of a Cav2.3 blocker-alone or together with morphine-was also assessed after surgery. KEY RESULTS: Paw incision in female and male mice caused acute nociception and increased Cav2.3 mRNA expression in the spinal cord but not in the incised tissue. Intrathecal treatment with siRNA against Cav2.3, but not with a scrambled siRNA, prevented the development of surgery-induced nociception in both male and female mice, with female mice experiencing long-lasting effects. High doses of i.t. SNX-482, a Cav2.3 channel blocker, or morphine injected alone, reversed postoperative nociception but also induced side effects. A combination of lower doses of morphine and SNX-482 mediated a long-lasting reversal of postsurgical pain in female and male mice. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that Cav2.3 has a pronociceptive role in the induction of postoperative pain, indicating that it is a potential target for the development of therapeutic approaches for the treatment of postoperative pain.