Search

Florfenicol is a broad-spectrum antibiotic belonging to the amphenicols class that inhibits protein synthesis by binding to bacteria's ribosomal subunits. This drug is commonly used in veterinary medicine to treat bacterial infectious diseases in cattle, swine, poultry, and fish. The proposed method uses a quick protein precipitation with acetonitrile for the extraction of florfenicol and florfenicol amine in serum and seminal plasma, followed by analysis in UHPLC-MS/MS for their simultaneous quantification. A BEH C18 reversed-phase column was chosen for analyte separation, allowing to obtaining sharp and symmetrical peak shapes in a chromatographic run of just 3.5 min under programmed conditions. Two specific transitions were observed for each analyte, and florfenicol-d3 was used as the internal standard. The approach was fully validated in each matrix over ranges suitable for field concentrations of florfenicol and florfenicol amine, showing good linearity during each day of testing (R2 always >0.99). Excellent accuracy and precision were demonstrated, for both analytes, by calculated bias always within ±15% and CV% always below 15% at all QC levels tested. The satisfactory outcomes obtained during recovery, matrix effect, and process efficiency investigations in serum and seminal plasma confirmed the strength of the method for the quantification of target compounds. To our knowledge, this is the first LC-MS/MS-validated approach for the quantification of florfenicol and florfenicol amine in serum and seminal plasma and was successfully applied for the determination of their concentration-time profiles in bulls. This paves the way to understanding the pharmacokinetics of this antibiotic and its active metabolite in bull’s seminal plasma, which will enable the design of more appropriate treatment protocols.

A direct composite resin placed by using digitally planned prototyped 3D guides and retained with a digitally guided fiberglass micropin was used to restore an extensively damaged maxillary left central incisor.

Organometallic sandwich complexes are versatile molecular systems that have been recently employed for single-molecule manipulation and spin sensing experiments. Among related organometallic compounds, the mixed-sandwich

Rare Disease patients manifested high concern regarding the possible increased risk of severe outcomes and worsening of disease-specific clinical manifestation due to the impact of COVID-19. Our aim was to assess the prevalence, outcomes, and impact of COVID-19 in patients with a rare disease such as Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) in Italian population. A nationwide, multicentric, cross-sectional observational study was conducted on patients with HHT from five Italian HHT centers by online survey. The association between COVID-19-related signs and symptoms and nosebleeds worsening, the impact of personal protective equipment on nosebleeds pattern, and the relationship between the presence of visceral AVMs and severe outcomes were analyzed. Out of 605 total survey responses and eligible for analysis, 107 cases of COVID-19 were reported. A mild-course COVID-19 disease, not requiring hospitalization, was observed in 90.7% of patients, while the remaining eight cases needed hospitalization, two of them requiring intensive-care access. No fatal outcome was recorded and 79.3% of patients reported a complete recovery. No difference in infection risk and outcome between HHT patients and general population was evidenced. No significative interference of COVID-19 on HHT-related bleeding was found. The majority of patients received COVID-19 vaccination, with relevant impact on symptoms and need for hospitalization in case of infection. COVID-19 in HHT patients had an infection profile similar to the general population. COVID-19 course and outcome were independent from any specific HHT-related clinical features. Moreover, COVID-19 and anti-SARS-CoV-2 measures did not seem to affect significantly HHT-related bleeding profile.

ObjectivesSelective caries removal aims to remove carious tissue in deep dentin lesions. However, a discussion stands on the value of antiseptics and chemomechanical adjuvant methods to reduce the bacterial load on residual caries lesions. This systematic review has addressed two main clinical questions to compare the antimicrobial efficacy of available methods using (1) antiseptic or (2) chemomechanical agents before restoring dentin carious lesions.MethodsWe included randomized and non-randomized controlled trials (RCTs/ NRCTs). We searched eight databases from inception to October 2021. Paired reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias. The primary outcome was the reduction in the number of total bacterial in dentin, whereas secondary outcomes were reduction in the number of Lactobacillus and Streptococcus. We used the ratio of ratio of post-treatment to baseline means between two interventions in the logarithmic scale as a proper effect measure. Certainty of evidence was assessed with the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach.ResultsWe included 14 RCTs and 9 NRCTs, with nine interventions. Regardless the method, the number of bacteria at baseline was similar or exceeded that after the intervention, particularly in NRCTs. The evidence was inconclusive for most comparisons. Among antiseptic agents, chlorhexidine (CHX) resulted in an average of 1.14 times [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08–1.21] more total bacterial than photodynamic therapy in RCTs. Among NRCTS, the natural agents resulted in five times more total bacterial than CHX (95% CI: 2–11). For chemomechanical methods, the control resulted in eight times (95% CI: 4–17) more total bacterial than Carisolv (SHAA).ConclusionsThe certainty of the evidence was very low for all comparisons showing uncertainty whether one treatment could be more effective than another for dentin disinfection. So far, exclusively removing soft carious dentin would be enough to reduce the bacterial count.

Objetivo: Averiguar benefícios do neurofeedback para sinais e sintomas do transtorno Obsessivo Compulsivo (TOC). Métodos: Revisão de literatura utilizando a base de dados Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde e PubMed com descritores: “Transtorno Obsessivo Compulsivo” e “neuro feedback OR biofeedback”. Foram encontrados 2196 artigos, descartando os que fugiram do tema e selecionados artigos publicados nos últimos 5 anos com texto completo disponível. Desses, 6 foram selecionados para a realização do trabalho. Resultados: O mecanismo de neurofeedback (NF) pode ser utilizado direcionando sinais fisiológicos excessivos e/ou deficientes para ajudar os pacientes a identificar e autogerenciar os seus sintomas. Quando comparado a um grupo placebo, o grupo NF teve uma redução nas compulsões (p=0,015), além disso, outro estudo relatou que os sintomas de TOC dos pacientes que aderiram ao neurofeedback continuaram melhorando por semanas após o início da prática do método. Ao utilizar neurofeedback guiado por eletroencefalograma quantitativo (qEEG), 91%dos participantes de uma amostra de 36 mostraram uma melhora clínica, de acordo com o Y-BOCS e Escala de Impressão Clínica Global (CGI), além de 52% manterem as melhorias em seus sintomas de TOC nos meses seguintes. Conclusão: Destarte, são encontrados, na literatura, diversos efeitos benéficos do neurofeedback para sinais e sintomas do transtorno obsessivo compulsivo, que se mantém por um tempo prolongado após a terapêutica. O método ainda se mostrou capaz de melhorar a qualidade de vida desses pacientes em geral.

Lithium metal batteries (LMBs) will be a breakthrough in automotive applications, but they require the development of next-generation solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) to stabilize the anode interface. Polymer-in-ceramic PEO/TiO

Studies at 3T have shown that TTThe proposed method for morphometry delivered segmentation masks without statistically significant differences from those derived with the original pipeline at 3T and achieved accurate segmentation at 7T. The established normative atlas allowed characterizing tissue alterations in single-subject comparisons at 7T, and showed greater anatomical details compared with 3T results.A high-resolution quantitative atlas with an adapted pipeline was introduced and validated. Several case studies on different clinical conditions showed the feasibility, potential and limitations of high-resolution single-subject comparisons based on quantitative MRI atlases. This method in conjunction with 7T higher resolution broadens the range of potential applications of quantitative MRI in clinical practice.

Lithium metal batteries (LMBs) will be a breakthrough in automotive applications, but they require the development of next-generation solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) to stabilize the anode interface. Polymer-in-ceramic PEO/TiO2 nanocomposite SSEs show outstanding properties, allowing unprecedented LMBs durability and self-healing capabilities. However, the mechanism underlying the inhibition/delay of dendrite growth is not well understood. In fact, the inorganic phase could act as both a chemical and a mechanical barrier to dendrite propagation. Combining advanced in situ and ex situ experimental techniques, we demonstrate that oligo(ethylene oxide)-capped TiO2, although chemically inert toward lithium metal, imparts SSE with mechanical and dynamical properties particularly favorable for application. The self-healing characteristics are due to the interplay between mechanical robustness and high local polymer mobility which promotes the disruption of the electric continuity of the lithium dendrites (razor effect).

The development of new bleaching agents with minimum concentration of hydrogen peroxide (HP), without adverse effects, and with bleaching effectiveness, has great clinical relevance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the bleaching efficacy and cytotoxicity of a new niobium-based bleaching gel, compared to already available HP-based gels.For the bleaching efficacy analysis, 40 bovine incisors were randomly divided into 4 groups according to the established bleaching protocol: control, untreated; 35HP, 35% HP bleaching gel; 6HP, 6% HP bleaching gel; NbHP, niobium gel associated with 3% HP gel. The color variation was measured in a spectrophotometer and the values of ΔL, Δa, Δb, and ΔE obtained. For the cell viability assay by MTT, MC3T3 cells were exposed to bleaching gel extracts (1:500, 1:250, 1:125 dilutions; immediately and 24 h). Statistical tests were performed (P 0.05).The color alteration for all bleaching gels was significant compared to control (P 0.05), but the NbHP gel showed a significant ΔE than other gels, with expressive color alteration at 14 days (P 0.05). The 35HP showed high cytotoxicity regarding control and the most groups in all periods and extracts analyzed (P 0.05), while the NbHP showed greater cell viability than control in the immediate period, dilution of the 1:500 and superior to 6HP in the most extracts at 24 h.The new experimental niobium-based gel has bleaching efficacy similar to that of gels with a high concentration of HP, and it has high cytocompatibility.The use of this new generation of niobium-based whitening gel associated with a low concentration of hydrogen peroxide represents the possibility of a tooth whitening with lower dentin sensitivity.

Bovine mastitis is a major concern for the dairy cattle community worldwide. Mastitis, subclinical or clinical, can be caused by contagious or environmental pathogens. Costs related to mastitis include direct and indirect losses, leading to global annual losses of USD 35 billion. The primary treatment of mastitis is represented by antibiotics, even if that results in the presence of residues in milk. The overuse and misuse of antibiotics in livestock is contributing to the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), resulting in a limited resolution of mastitis treatments, as well as a serious threat for public health. Novel alternatives, like the use of plant essential oils (EOs), are needed to replace antibiotic therapy when facing multidrug-resistant bacteria. This review aims to provide an updated overview of the in vitro and in vivo studies available on EOs and their main components as an antibacterial treatment against a variety of mastitis causing pathogens. There are many in vitro studies, but only several in vivo. Given the promising results of treatments with EOs, further clinical trials are needed.

The objective of this case report is to describe a direct conservative technique for restoring the esthetics and function of a severely discolored endodontically treated tooth. A 25-year-old man presented with an esthetic complaint about severe darkening of his endodontically treated maxillary left central incisor. The tooth had adequate sound tooth structure, so the placement of a conservative direct composite resin veneer was proposed. The preparation included minimal removal of tooth structure, and a photoactivating opacifier was placed to mask the darkened substrate prior to restoration with composite resin. The restorative composite resin was placed with an incremental layering technique, restoring form, function, and esthetics. A routine follow-up examination 5 years after placement of the veneer revealed that it still provided satisfactory function and esthetics despite slight incisal wear and loss of brightness. The placement of direct composite resin veneers in association with opacifying pigments is a simple, low-cost alternative for providing immediate esthetic restoration of teeth with severe color change without extensive removal of tooth structure.

As warned by Sir Alexander Fleming in his Nobel Prize address: “the use of antimicrobials can, and will, lead to resistance”. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has recently increased due to the overuse and misuse of antibiotics, and their use in animals (food-producing and companion) has also resulted in the selection and transmission of resistant bacteria. The epidemiology of resistance is complex, and factors other than the overall quantity of antibiotics consumed may influence it. Nowadays, AMR has a serious impact on society, both economically and in terms of healthcare. This narrative review aimed to provide a scenario of the state of the AMR phenomenon in veterinary medicine related to the use of antibiotics in different animal species; the impact that it can have on animals, as well as humans and the environment, was considered. Providing some particular instances, the authors tried to explain the vastness of the phenomenon of AMR in veterinary medicine due to many and diverse aspects that cannot always be controlled. The veterinarian is the main reference point here and has a high responsibility towards the human–animal–environment triad. Sharing such a burden with human medicine and cooperating together for the same purpose (fighting and containing AMR) represents an effective example of the application of the One Health approach.

A series of isomorphous mononuclear complexes of Ln(III) ions comprising one stable tripoidal oxazolidine nitroxyl radical were obtained in acetonitrile media starting from nitrates. The compounds, [LnRad(NO3)3] (Ln = Gd, Tb, Dy, Tm, Y; Rad = 4,4-dimethyl-2,2-bis(pyridin-2-yl)-1,3-oxazolidine-3-oxyl), have molecular structure. Their coordination polyhedron, LnO7N2, can be described as a tricapped trigonal prism with symmetry close to D3h. The value of 23 cm-1 for the antiferromagnetic coupling Gd-Rad established from the DC magnetic and EPR data is a record strength for the complexes of 4f-elements with nitroxyl radicals. The terbium derivative displays frequency-dependent out-of-phase signals in zero field indicating single-molecule magnetic behavior with an effective barrier of 57 cm-1.

The role of thiourea as an organic additive in the nucleation and growth mechanism was studied for copper deposition and its application in the decorative electroplating and fashion accessory industries. The bath was designed to reduce the environmental and ecological impacts using methanesulfonic acid as electrolyte as an alternative to alkaline cyanide baths. We evaluated the nucleation and growth mechanism of copper exploiting voltametric and chronoamperometric measurements with a brightener concentration ranging from 0 to 90 ppm. We used the Scharifker–Hills model to estimate the type of nucleation mechanism after progressive addition of thiourea. Scanning electron microscope was employed for surface analysis and morphological characterisation of the nuclei. We verified that progressive nucleation is a key step in the obtainment of a shiny and homogeneous copper film, but an excess of thiourea could cause parasitic adsorption reactions on the surface of the substrate. X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy was used for the thickness determination of the copper deposits and the electrodeposition efficiency correlated to thiourea concentration. Finally, the optimal concentration of thiourea was assessed to be 60 ppm for the used formulation of copper plating.

Superconductors and magnetic materials, including molecules, are key ingredients for quantum and advanced spintronic applications. However, only a little is known about how these materials are mutually influenced at their interface in hybrid architectures. Here, we show that a single layer of magnetic molecules, the Terbium(III) bis-phthalocyaninato (TbPc2) complexes, deposited on a superconducting Pb(111) surface is sensitive to the topology of the intermediate state of the superconductor, namely to the presence and evolution of superconducting and normal domains due to the magnetic field screening and penetration. The evidence of this sensitivity is found in the magnetisation dynamics of the TbPc2 sub-monolayer in its paramagnetic regime showing the fingerprint of the topological hysteresis of the superconducting substrate. This study reveals the great potentialities hold by thin layers of magnetic molecules for sensing local magnetic field variation in hybrid molecular/superconductor architectures, including spin resonators or spin injection devices for spintronics applications.

In this study, we report the realization of drug-loaded smart magnetic nanocarriers constituted by superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles encapsulated in a dual pH- and temperature-responsive poly (N-vinylcaprolactam-co-acrylic acid) copolymer to achieve highly controlled drug release and localized magnetic hyperthermia. The magnetic core was constituted by flower-like magnetite nanoparticles with a size of 16.4 nm prepared by the polyol approach, with good saturation magnetization and a high specific absorption rate. The core was encapsulated in poly (N-vinylcaprolactam-co-acrylic acid) obtaining magnetic nanocarriers that revealed reversible hydration/dehydration transition at the acidic condition and/or at temperatures above physiological body temperature, which can be triggered by magnetic hyperthermia. The efficacy of the system was proved by loading doxorubicin with very high encapsulation efficiency (>96.0%) at neutral pH. The double pH- and temperature-responsive nature of the magnetic nanocarriers facilitated a burst, almost complete release of the drug at acidic pH under hyperthermia conditions, while a negligible amount of doxorubicin was released at physiological body temperature at neutral pH, confirming that in addition to pH variation, drug release can be improved by hyperthermia treatment. These results suggest this multi-stimuli-sensitive nanoplatform is a promising candidate for remote-controlled drug release in combination with magnetic hyperthermia for cancer treatment.

International audience; Superconductors and magnetic materials, including molecules, are key ingredients for quantum and advanced spintronic applications. However, only a little is known about how these materials are mutually influenced at their interface in hybrid architectures. Here, we show that a single layer of magnetic molecules, the Terbium(III) bis-phthalocyaninato (TbPc 2) complexes, deposited on a superconducting Pb(111) surface is sensitive to the topology of the intermediate state of the superconductor, namely to the presence and evolution of superconducting and normal domains due to the magnetic field screening and penetration. The evidence of this sensitivity is found in the magnetisation dynamics of the TbPc 2 sub-monolayer in its paramagnetic regime showing the fingerprint of the topological hysteresis of the superconducting substrate. This study reveals the great potentialities hold by thin layers of magnetic molecules for sensing local magnetic field variation in hybrid molecular/superconductor architectures, including spin resonators or spin injection devices for spintronics applications.; Les supraconducteurs et les matériaux magnétiques, y compris les molécules, sont des ingrédients clés pour les applications spintroniques quantiques et avancées. Cependant, on sait peu de choses sur la façon dont ces matériaux s'influencent mutuellement à leur interface dans les architectures hybrides. Ici, nous montrons qu'une seule couche de molécules magnétiques, les complexes de Terbium(III) bis-phtalocyaninato (TbPc 2), déposée sur une surface supraconductrice de Pb(111) est sensible à la topologie de l'état intermédiaire du supraconducteur, à savoir à la présence et l'évolution des domaines supraconducteurs et normaux dus à l'écrantage et à la pénétration du champ magnétique. La preuve de cette sensibilité se trouve dans la dynamique d'aimantation de la sous-monocouche de TbPc 2 dans son régime paramagnétique montrant l'empreinte de l'hystérésis topologique du substrat supraconducteur. Cette étude révèle les grandes potentialités détenues par les couches minces de molécules magnétiques pour détecter la variation locale du champ magnétique dans les architectures hybrides moléculaires/supraconducteurs, y compris les résonateurs de spin ou les dispositifs d'injection de spin pour les applications de spintronique.

Dermatomycoses are infections caused by fungi and yeasts and the drug treatment is considered expensive and extensive. Researchers are synthesizing new organic compounds in order to obtain more effective molecules that provide reduced adverse effects. Our research group has synthesized and evaluated the biological activities of aminoalcohol and diamine derivatives, which were considered active against human pathogenic fungi. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the in vitro antifungal activity of aminoalcohols and diamine derivatives against fungi and yeasts that cause dermatomycoses. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and the minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of aminoalcohol (1–4) and diamine (5–13) derivatives was determined against Trichophyton mentagrophytes, T. rubrum, Epidermophyton floccosum, and Candida albicans according to protocols from the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. All molecules exhibited fungicidal activity against the evaluated fungal strains, with the MIC and MFC ranging between 0.12 and 1000 μg/mL for filamentous fungi and 0.6 and 1250 μg/mL for yeasts. The best activity was attributed to diamines compared to aminoalcohols, with an emphasis on molecules 6 and 7. These results demonstrate the antifungal potential of the evaluated aminoalcohols and diamines against the four primary fungal species that cause dermatomycoses.

In the field of the renewables, a large effort has been devoted in the last years to obtain conventional and new materials for solar energy conversion by using methods which couple a good efficiency and scalability with energetic and environmental concerns. This research has included the so-called kesterites, materials considered interesting for the thin-film solar cell technology, consisting of relatively abundant and harmless elements: Cu3-x-yFexZnySn(S,Se)(4). In this study, we undertook the synthesis of members of the kuramite-stannite (Cu3SnS4-Cu2FeSnS4) join by means of a two-step solvothermal approach, able to provide nanocrystalline products in an easy, low-temperature, and fast way. The sample with the highest Fe concentration was characterised by means of a multi-analytical approach, aimed to assess not only its final structural, chemical and micromorphological features, but also the redox speciation of the two transition metal cations, i.e. Cu and Fe, in relation to the overall charge balance. Namely, Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR), Mossbauer and X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS) and SQUID magnetometry were involved. The main results point out an excellent control of the structural features, and an intermediate Fe content in the sample, leading to the following formula unit: Cu2.2Fe0.48Sn1.2S4. The overall findings of the multi-analytical characterization imply a complex redox balance, where inferring the site occupancy is not trivial; the charge balance, in fact, can only be achieved taking into account the presence of both Fe(III) and vacancies. Moreover, Fe is distributed over two different crystallographic sites.

L’attenzione verso l’utilizzo dei prodotti di origine vegetale in campo veterinario è in costante crescita, in particolare gli oli essenziali, che possiedono una spiccata attività antibatterica, si rivelano particolarmente utili per contrastare il fenomeno della resistenza agli antibiotici di sintesi.

Serratia liquefaciens strain FG3 (SlFG3), isolated from the flower of Stachytarpheta glabra in the Brazilian ferruginous fields, has distinctive genomic, adaptive, and biotechnological potential. Herein, using a combination of genomics and molecular approaches, we unlocked the evolution of the adaptive traits acquired by S1FG3, which exhibits the second largest chromosome containing the largest conjugative plasmids described for Serratia. Comparative analysis revealed the presence of 18 genomic islands and 311 unique protein families involved in distinct adaptive features. S1FG3 has a diversified repertoire of genes associated with Nonribosomal peptides (NRPs/PKS), a complete and functional cluster related to cellulose synthesis, and an extensive and functional repertoire of oxidative metabolism genes. In addition, S1FG3 possesses a complete pathway related to protocatecuate and chloroaromatic degradation, and a complete repertoire of genes related to DNA repair and protection that includes mechanisms related to UV light tolerance, redox process resistance, and a laterally acquired capacity to protect DNA using phosphorothioation. These findings summarize that SlFG3 is well-adapted to different biotic and abiotic stress situations imposed by extreme conditions associated with ferruginous fields, unlocking the impact of the lateral gene transfer to adjust the genome for extreme environments, and providing insight into the evolution of prokaryotes. Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior -Brazil (CAPES)CAPES [001, CFP 51/2013, 3385/2013]; National Council of Technological and Scientific Development (CNPq)National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) [481226/2013-3]; Foundation of Protection to Research of the State of Minas Gerais - FAPEMIG [APQ-02387-14, APQ-02357-17]; CNPqNational Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq); Fundect-MS [TO 141/2016, TO 007/2015, 007/2015 SIAFEM 025139]; UFOP grants; Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the Faculty of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences UNESP, Jaboticabal campus Thanks to all members of the Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (LBBM, Federal University of Ouro Preto, UFOP) and to the Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the Faculty of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences UNESP, Jaboticabal campus, for their support. This study was financed in part by the Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior -Brazil (CAPES) - Finance Code 001 - (the BIGA Project, CFP 51/2013, process 3385/2013), National Council of Technological and Scientific Development (CNPq Process 481226/2013-3), and Foundation of Protection to Research of the State of Minas Gerais - FAPEMIG (process APQ-02387-14 and process APQ-02357-17). LMM, JCS, AMV, NFA and JAF have a research fellowship from CNPq. NFA has grants from Fundect-MS (TO 141/2016 and TO 007/2015) and Fundect-MS (007/2015 SIAFEM 025139). LAGM and LMM have UFOP grants. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.

Three transition metal heptanuclear clusters, [Co7L6(μ3-OCH3)6](ClO4)2·H2O (1), [Ni7L6(μ3-OH)6](ClO4)2·4DMF (2), [Zn7L6(μ3-OCH3)6](ClO4)2 (3), have been obtained using a new Schiff base ligand (HL) derived from o-vanillin and 2-methoxybenzylamine. The structures of 1–3 have been determined based on single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. They have similar wheel structures in which six metal ions locate on the rim with the seventh metal ion in the center. Complex 3 exhibits luminescence in the solid state at room temperature. Variable-temperature DC and AC magnetic studies were carried out on polycrystalline samples of 1 and 2. Compound 1 shows an overall ferromagnetic coupling and absence of SMM behavior despite the observation of out-of-phase susceptibility in external applied field. The analysis of the magnetic data for compound 2 emphasizes the interplay of ferromagnetic interactions between central and peripheral nickel(II) ions (J1 = −11.2 cm−1), and antiferromagnetic interactions between the peripheral nickel(II) ions (J2 = 9.6 cm−1); H = ΣJijSiSj.

International audience; Thin inorganic films ( i.e. , metal oxides) are often used as decoupling layers to optimize the interactions between the molecular magnetic layers and metallic surfaces.

The Iron Quadrangle (IQ) is one of the main iron ore producing regions of the world. The exploitation of its reserves jeopardizes the high biological endemism associated with this region. This work aimed to understand the diversity and bacterial potential associated with IQ caves. Floor and ceiling samples of seven ferruginous caves and one quartzite cave were collected, and their microbial relative abundance and diversity were established by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing data. The results showed that ferruginous caves present higher microbial abundance and greater microbial diversity compared to the quartzite cave. Many species belonging to genera found in these caves, such as Pseudonocardia and Streptacidiphilus, are known to produce biomolecules of biotechnological interest as macrolides and polyketides. Moreover, comparative analysis of microbial diversity and metabolic potential in a biofilm in pendant microfeature revealed that the microbiota associated with this structure is more similar to the floor rather than ceiling samples, with the presence of genera that may participate in the genesis of these cavities, for instance, Ferrovum, Geobacter, and Sideroxydans. These results provide the first glimpse of the microbial life in these environments and emphasize the need of conservation programs for these areas, which are under intense anthropogenic exploration.

Low values of the ratio of plasmatic soluble blocking factor FMS-like tyrosine Kinase 1 and placental growth factor (sFlt-1/PlGF) are required for an adequate placental angiogenesis and function. It has been shown that patients affected by gestational diabetes (GD) and patients with pneumonia from SARS-CoV-2 are characterized by an increased sFlt-1/PlGF ratio. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the sFlt-1-PlGF ratio in pregnancies complicated by COVID-19 and GD. We compared the plasmatic sFlt-1/PlGF ratio among the following groups of pregnant women: COVID-19, GD patients; COVID-19, non-GD patients; non-COVID-19, GD patients; and non-COVID-19, non-GD controls. We enrolled 62 women in the present study, who were divided as follows: 14 COVID-19, GD patients; 12 COVID-19, non-GD patients; 11 non-COVID-19, GD patients; and 25 non-COVID-19, non-GD controls. The COVID-19, GD patients presented a higher pre-pregnancy BMI, a higher prevalence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy as a co-morbidity, and an increased need for medication for their diabetes. Neonatal data were similar between the groups. The controls showed a significantly lower sFlt-1/PlGF ratio compared to pregnancies complicated by GD and SARS-CoV-2 infection. The sFlt-1/PlGF ratio was higher in patients affected by both GD and SARS-CoV-2 infection; these subjects were characterized by a greater incidence of obesity and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Although technological and processing advancements occurred in the past forty years, industrial firms are still struggling to provide solutions to corrosion protection as well as reduction of toxic wastes. Specifically, large-scale industrialization of electroplating techniques will continue to be limited by strict environmental regulations. Moreover, price volatility of the highly demanding electroplated materials like gold, palladium, copper and nickel will heavily impact the market in the next years. In that respect, alloy plating offers better answers in terms of economic growth and environmental sustainability due to fine tuning composition, morphology and crystallinity [1]. The main categories of alloy compounds are presented and the most important properties for the manufacturing process discussed. Particular attention is devoted to advances in industrial quality control and viable solutions for the reduction of precious metal content in electroplated accessories as well as replacement of cyanide and nickel baths with non-toxic compounds, also considering the commercial needs of wear resistance and aesthetic characteristics of gloss. The electrodeposition of Cu-Sn alloys (bronze) has earned considerable interest thanks to the chemical-physical properties of this alloy, which make it a valid substitute for nickel in fashion industry. Generally, most of the bronze coatings are electroplated starting from baths containing cyanides, and the metal precursors are selected as cyanide compounds. Free cyanide is a well-known problem in the galvanic production cycle both in terms of toxicity for the workers as well as for the environment, and in terms of costs associated with its disposal. The aim of this study is to develop an electroplating bath totally cyanide-free, therefore formulated in an innovative way and which, in addition to being free from this dangerous species, has an eco-friendly support electrolyte. To achieve this goal, methanesulfonic acid (MSA) was chosen as electrolyte, which is biodegradable as part of the natural sulfur cycle. We've studied different formulations in terms of metal precursors, organic additives and their concentrations [2-3]. The same cyanide issue is present also in for the electrodeposition of silver, for this reason the influence of polyethyleneimine (PEI) as additive for cyanide-free silver bath, in combination with 5,5-dimethylhydantoin (DMH) as complexing agent, was studied [4]. Chronoamperometry was used to investigate the electrodeposition mechanism, which is found to be a three-dimensional diffusion-controlled nucleation and growth mechanism, according to the Scharifker–Mostany’s model. Smoother, brighter and blue colored silver deposits are obtained in the presence of PEI in a Hull’s cell test, at low density current. Eventually, the influence of nitrate anion is also investigated. The presence of nitrate increases the range of current density allowing for an effective Ag deposition. We also investigated the use of modulated currents to increase the throwing power of electroplating, obtaining a more uniform deposition and reducing the amount of metals but maintaining the required characteristics. Pulsed current justifies its practical application mainly through its ability to influence the mechanisms of electrocrystallisation, which in turn control the mechanical and physical properties of the deposited metal. By simply adjusting the amplitude and length of the pulses, it is possible to control not only the composition and thickness, in atomic order, of the deposits, but to improve their characteristics such as grain size, porosity and homogeneity [5]. The authors acknowledge Regione Toscana POR CreO FESR 2014-2020 – azione 1.1.5 sub-azione a1 – Bando 1 “Progetti Strategici di ricerca e sviluppo” which made possible the projects “A.C.A.L. 4.0” (CUP 3553.04032020.158000165_1385), “A.M.P.E.R.E.” (CUP 3553.04032020.158000223_1538) and “GoodGalv” (3647.04032020.157000060). References [1] Giurlani, W.; Zangari, G.; Gambinossi, F.; Passaponti, M.; Salvietti, E.; Di Benedetto, F.; Caporali, S.; Innocenti, M. Electroplating for Decorative Applications: Recent Trends in Research and Development. Coatings 2018, 8, 260, doi:10.3390/coatings8080260. [2] Fabbri, L.; Sun, Y.; Piciollo, E.; Salvietti, E.; Zangari, G.; Passaponti, M.; Innocenti, M. Electrodeposition of White Bronzes on the Way to CZTS Absorber Films. J. Electrochem. Soc. 2020 , 167, 022513, doi: 10.1149/1945-7111/ab6c59. [3] Fabbri, L.; Giurlani, W.; Mencherini, G.; De Luca, A.; Passaponti, M.; Piciollo, E.; Fontanesi, C.; Caneschi, A.; Innocenti, M. Optimisation of Thiourea Concentration in a Decorative Copper Plating Acid Bath Based on Methanesulfonic Electrolyte. Coatings 2022, 12, 376, doi:10.3390/coatings12030376. [4] Pizzetti, F.; Salvietti, E.; Giurlani, W.; Emanuele, R.; Fontanesi, C.; Innocenti, M. Cyanide-free silver electrodeposition with polyethyleneimine and 5,5-dimethylhydantoin as organic additives for an environmentally friendly formulation. J. Electroanal. Chem. 2022, 911, 116196, doi:10.1016/j.jelechem.2022.116196. [5] Popov, K.I.; Nikolić, N.D. General Theory of Disperse Metal Electrodeposits Formation. In; Djokić, S.S., Ed.; Modern Aspects of Electrochemistry; Springer US: Boston, MA, 2012; Vol. 54, pp. 1–62 ISBN 978-1-4614-2379-9.

The Iron Quadrangle (IQ) is one of the main iron ore producing regions of the world. The exploitation of its reserves jeopardizes the high biological endemism associated with this region. This work aimed to understand the diversity and bacterial potential associated with IQ caves. Floor and ceiling samples of seven ferruginous caves and one quartzite cave were collected and their microbial relative abundance and diversity were established by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing data. The results showed that ferruginous caves present higher microbial abundance and greater microbial diversity compared to the quartzite cave. Many species belonging to genera found in these caves, such as Pseudonocardia and Streptacidiphilus, are known to produce biomolecules of biotechnological interest as macrolides and polyketides. Moreover, comparative analysis of microbial diversity and metabolic potential in a biofilm in pendant microfeature revealed that the microbiota associated with this structure is more similar to the floor rather than ceiling samples, with the presence of genera that may participate in the genesis of these cavities, for instance, Ferrovum, Geobacter, Sideroxydans. These results provide the first glimpse of the microbial life in these environments and emphasize the need of conservation programs for these areas, which are under intense anthropogenic exploration.

Introduction: The aim of the present study was to evaluate fetal umbilical artery (UA) and middle cerebral artery (MCA) blood flow in patients with gestational diabetes (GD), in order to determine whether minimal anomalies of glucose metabolism may influence fetal placental function. Methods: UA and MCA flows were prospectively measured by transabdominal ultrasound in singleton pregnancies between 34 and 37 weeks of gestation. Results: The study included 35 women with GD and 217 nondiabetic patients. Middle cerebral pulsatility index (PI) was significantly higher in the GD group (mean MCA-PI = 1.82 ± 0.27 vs. 1.71 ± 0.26; p < 0.02). Likewise, MCA peak systolic velocity (MCA-PSV) was higher in the GD group compared to the non-GD group, though the difference was not significant (mean of MCA-PSV = 47.14 ± 8.45 vs. 47.09 ± 11.21; p = 0.98). UA-PI resulted higher in the non-GD group without significant differences (mean of UA-PI = 0.88 ± 0.14 vs. 0.86 ± 0.15; p = 0.32). Conclusions: Our study shows that even in cases of minimal metabolic derangements, GD is characterized by a significant variation in fetal Doppler velocimetry, particularly in the brain.

Introdução: Entende-se como morfologia a área da ciência que busca explorar a estrutura e forma dos organismos, atuando inclusive em complemento a fisiologia. A morfologia comparativa analisa padrões dentre as estruturas. Objetivo: A pesquisa busca analisar macroscopicamente os ovários de cadelas e gatas domésticas com relação ao tamanho, peso, formato e levando em consideração o peso e idade dos animais. Material e Métodos: Foi realizada no Laboratório da UNIFEOB, cidade de São João da Boa Vista/SP. Os ovários foram retirados por meio da técnica de ovariohisterectomia eletiva. Foram analisados, 09 ovários de caninos e 10 ovários de felinos, todos de animais sem raça definida. Foi utilizado um paquímetro para a mensuração dos ovários, com isso, foram extraídos dados com relação a comprimento, largura, além de peso e posição. Os animais foram identificados por idade, peso, tamanho e posição dos ovários. Resultados: Foi notado um padrão dentre as cadelas entre 15 a 23kg, onde todas tiveram ovários com peso entre 0,8 e 1,1g, além disso, todas as cadelas com menos de 15kg apresentaram ovários com peso entre 0,3 e 0,7g. Com relação às gatas, nenhuma diferença relevante no peso dos ovários foi demonstrada, porém, as gatas que possuem menos de 11 meses de idade tiveram o comprimento de seus ovários menor do que todas as mais velhas. Os estudos ainda demonstraram que 77,77% das cadelas possuíam ovários com coloração rósea e 22,23% coloração acinzentada; com relação às gatas 80% dos ovários das gatas apresentaram coloração amarelada e 20% coloração acinzentada. Por fim, levando em consideração o formato, 33,34% das cadelas apresentaram ovários com formato redondo e 66,66% formato oval; enquanto que as gatas, 10% evidenciaram ovários redondos e 90% ovais. Conclusão: Ambas as espécies apresentaram maior incidência de ovários ovais. Notou-se que o peso das cadelas influenciou diretamente no peso de seus ovários, porém, o mesmo não foi evidenciado com as gatas, que apenas demonstraram padrão com relação à idade e comprimento dos ovários. Por fim, a maioria dos ovários das cadelas apresentaram coloração rósea, demonstrando ser a coloração mais comum, o mesmo ocorreu com a coloração amarelada para as gatas.

Conducting nanofibers of polyaniline (PANI) doped with camphor-10-sulfonic acid (HCSA) and blended with different polymers, such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and polyvinyl acetate (PVAc), have been fabricated using the electrospinning technique. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) were utilized to characterize the morphology and the thermal stability of PANI-blended fibers. An extensive study was performed to understand the copolymer influence on both the structural and surface properties of the realized conductive thin films. Samples main electrical characteristics, as conductivity, specific capacitance and electrochemical performances were tested. The better mats were obtained with the use of PVAc copolymer, which showed a conductivity value two orders of magnitude higher than the PMMA system. Aiming at further improving the electrochemical features of these blended mats, hybrid fibers based on PANI/PVAc/graphene oxide and PANI/PVAc/iron oxide were also produced and characterized. The obtained mats were potentially addressed to numerous practical fields, including sensors, health applications, smart devices and multifunctional textile materials.

Bacteria promote environmental iron uptake by the production and secretion of siderophores, which sequester iron and are subsequently internalized to provide this essential metal for cellular metabolism. In this study, we describe a didactic sequence that will enable undergraduate students to isolate, partially purify, and classify siderophores produced by bacteria from different environments. This proposal was evaluated with students of professional master’s in science teaching approaching methodological parameters and conceptual learning associated with the methodology. Results shows that this didactic sequence can work biochemical contents in tandem with a multidisciplinary and low-cost approach, allowing for the discussion of key issues in different areas of biological knowledge, which is often neglected in university studies. As bactérias promovem a captação ambiental de ferro pela produção e secreção de sideróforos, que quelam o ferro e são posteriormente internalizadas para fornecer esse essencial metal ao metabolismo celular. Neste estudo, descrevemos uma sequência didática que permitirá aos estudantes de graduação isolar, purificar parcialmente e classificar os sideróforos produzidos por bactérias de diferentes ambientes. Essa proposta foi avaliada com alunos do mestrado profissional em ensino de ciências abordando parâmetros metodológicos e aprendizagem conceitual associados à metodologia. Os resultados mostraram que essa sequência didática pode trabalhar temáticas bioquímicas em conjunto com uma abordagem multidisciplinar e de baixo custo, permitindo a discussão de questões-chave em diferentes áreas do conhecimento biológico que é frequentemente negligenciada em estudos universitários.

Infections caused by microorganisms of the Candida genus represent a major cause of morbidity and mortality among the population. Therefore, this study aimed at evaluating the antifungal activity and toxicity of resveratrol-analog Schiff bases. Faced with Candida albicans ATCC 10,231, the broth microdilution method was used, along with amphotericin B as the reference drug. The toxicity was evaluated in human keratinocyte cells and against Artemia salina. All analogs were active against the microorganism and caused structural changes in the yeast. The minimum inhibitory concentration was lower for analog A (156.3 µg mL−1), followed by B (312.5 µg mL−1), C (312.5 µg mL−1) and D (625 µg mL−1); while the minimum fungicidal concentration was lower for A (1,250 µg mL−1), B (1,250 µg mL−1) and D (1,250 µg mL−1), followed by C (2,500 µg mL−1). In keratinocytes, the compounds presented cell viability between 50.9 and 93%. Against A. salina, the compounds presented moderate cytotoxic activity. The compound with the nitro group, an electron withdrawing group, in the para position presented better antifungal activity. Resveratrol analogs can be promising in the development of new antifungal agents. Keywords: Resveratrol analogs, Schiff bases, Candida albicans, Antifungal activity, Toxicity

A series of1,2,4- and 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their anticancer activity. Halogenated 1,2,4-oxadiazoles were obtained from benzonitrile and coupled either lipophilic amines or with aminoalcohols. Lipophilic 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives were obtained through the Mannich reactions between 5-(aryl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-thiol and alkylated or acylated amines. The in vitro cytotoxic effects were evaluated against 4T1– mammary carcinoma and CT26 – colon cancer cells. The best results were obtained for the 1,3,4-oxadiazole coupled to alkylated piperazine with 10–14 carbon chain moiety, with IC50 values ranging from 1.6 to 3.55μΜ for the 4T1 cell line, and from 1.6 to 3.9 μM for the CT26.WT cell line, and selectivity index up to 19. The most potent compounds were investigated with AnnexinV and PI staining as indicative of apoptosis induction.

The possibility to operate on magnetic materials through the application of electric rather than magnetic fields—promising faster, more compact and energy efficient circuits—continues to spur the investigation of magnetoelectric effects. Symmetry considerations, in particular the lack of an inversion centre, characterize the magnetoelectric effect. In addition, spin–orbit coupling is generally considered necessary to make a spin system sensitive to a charge distribution. However, a magnetoelectric effect not relying on spin–orbit coupling is appealing for spin-based quantum technologies. Here, we report the detection of a magnetoelectric effect that we attribute to an electric field modulation of the magnetic exchange interaction without atomic displacement. The effect is visible in electron paramagnetic resonance absorption of molecular helices under electric field modulation and confirmed by specific symmetry properties and spectral simulation. A modulation of the magnetic exchange interaction using an electric field, in the absence of atomic displacement and not relying on spin–orbit coupling, is reported.

Quaternary semiconducting sulphides are promising and sustainable candidates to replace the silicon-based semiconducting materials currently leading the market of the photovoltaic energy production. Recent efforts were paid to CZTS (Copper Zinc Tin Sulphides) semiconductors, due to their suitable electronic properties, the abundance in nature of their constituents, and the low toxicity. In this study, we synthetized Cu3-xZnxSnS4 samples by two different solvothermal approaches, with the aim of developing a sustainable synthetic route in the cradle-to-grave full life cycle assessment. These two routes are characterized by either a single step, or a two-steps procedure and allow operating in mild conditions limiting the use of additional chemicals. A multi-technique characterization protocol has been adopted to evaluate chemical, structural and functional properties of the final products. The selected analyses demonstrated that, in both cases, members of the kesterite-kuramite solid solution series were obtained. Still, only in the case of the two steps approach pure Cu2ZnSnS4 samples can be synthesized, whereas the single step synthesis yields Zn-poor samples. The optical characterization of the optimized CZTS material obtained with the two-steps approach revealed a band gap value (1.6 eV), in line with literature's values, confirming the suitability of this synthesis for the development of materials for photovoltaic applications.