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The cotton boll weevil (CBW; Anthonomus grandis; Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is considered the major insect pest of cotton, causing considerable losses in yield and fiber quality. An increase in the boll weevil population due to increasingly inefficient chemical control measures is of great concernamong cotton producers. The absence of conventional or transgenic cultivars with minimal resistance to CBW has stimulated the search for new molecular and biological tools for efficient control of this insect pest. In this study, we used a metagenomic approach based on RNA deep sequencing to investigate the presence of viruses and coding viral RNA in apparently healthy native adult CBW insects collected from cotton crops in Mato Grosso state, Brazil. Using an Illumina HiSeq 2000 paired-end platform, 138,798 virus-related reads were obtained, and a consensus sequence of a putative new virus, 10,632 nucleotides in length, was assembled. The sequences of the 5' and 3' untranslated regions (UTRs) were determined by rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE), followed by Nanopore sequencing. The complete genome sequence included a 5'-UTR (1,158 nucleotides), a 3'-UTR (561 nucleotides), and a single ORF of 8,913 nucleotides encoding a large polyprotein. Sequence analysis of the putative polyprotein showed several regions with high sequence similarity to structural and non-structural proteins of viruses of the family Iflaviridae. Pairwise alignments of polyprotein amino acid sequences showed the highest sequence identity (32.13%) to a partial polyprotein sequence of a putative iflavirus (QKN89051.1) found in samples from wild zoo birds in China. Phylogenetic analysis based on full polyprotein sequences of different iflaviruses indicated that this new picorna-like virus is most closely related to iflaviruses found in lepidopteran insects, and it was therefore tentatively named "Anthonomus grandis iflavirus 1" (AgIV-1). This is, to our knowledge, the first complete viral genome sequence found in CBW, and it could provide a basis for further studies about the infectivity and transmission of this virus and its possible association with symptoms or acute disease. AgIV-1 could potentially be used to develop biological or molecular tools, such as a viral vector to carry interfering RNA molecules for CBW control., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Austria, part of Springer Nature.)

In the last years, RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) have been highlighted for their capacity to undergo liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). Aberrant phase transitions of RBPs from a liquid to a solid state are believed to underlie the formation of pathological RBP aggregates in several neurodegenerative diseases. Both in the physiological and the disease state, RBPs are often decorated with diverse posttranslational modifications (PTMs) that can influence the phase separation behavior, the physiological function, and the pathological behavior of the RBP. Here we describe two simple methods, sedimentation assays in vitro and in cells, that allow the analysis of RBP solubility as a measure of RBP phase separation in the absence or presence of a certain PTM., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Triatoma rubrovaria subcomplex consists of T. carcavalloi, T. circummaculata, T. klugi, T. limai, T. oliveirai, T. pintodiasi, T. rubrovaria, T. patagonica and T. guasayana, which can be vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiologic agent of Chagas disease. In this study, morphological, morphometric, and genetic characters of T. circummaculata, T. pintodiasi, T. carcavalloi, T. klugi, and T. rubrovaria were analyzed in view of the integrative taxonomy and phylogeny of the T. rubrovaria subcomplex. Molecular studies were carried out through the sequencing and analysis of the mitochondrial genes COI and CytB, nuclear genes ITS I, ITS 2, 16S, and 28S from rDNA and rescued a monophyletic group. Furthermore, differential morphological characters were found among the five species in the pronotum, scutellum, stridulatory sulcus, male genitalia, and external female genitalia. Finally, morphometric analyses made it possible to differentiate the five species. Phylogenetic analyzes rescued the relationship of T. pintodiasi with members of the T. rubrovaria subcomplex and demonstrated that this subcomplex is a monophyletic group composed of the species T. carcavalloi, T. circummaculata, T. klugi, T. guasayana, T. limai, T. oliveirai, T. patagonica, T. pintodiasi, and T. rubrovaria. Furthermore, through integrative taxonomy, it was possible to confirm the specific status of the species T. carcavalloi, T. circummaculata, T. pintodiasi, T. klugi, and T. rubrovaria, offering new useful morphological characters for the differentiation and characterization of these potential vectors and distributed in Southern Brazil., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Introduction: The association between triamcinolone hexacetonide (TH) and gold nanoparticles (GNPs) represents a promising treatment due to the potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of these compounds. In this study, we evaluated the effects of intra-articular treatment of TH associated with GNPs in a mechanical model of osteoarthritis (OA)., Methods: Fifty Wistar rats were divided into five groups: Sham; OA; OA+TH; OA+GNPs; OA+TH-GNPs. Both applications were performed 30 and 60 days after the model was induced. After 30 days of the last application, the animals were euthanized., Results: Only the combined treatment with TH and GNPs promoted a reduction in proinflammatory cytokines and an increase in anti-inflammatory cytokines. The OA+TH-GNPs group obtained a significant reduction in the production of oxidants and oxidative damage markers while an increase in antioxidants. Histologically, all treated groups showed results of a significant increase in cartilage thickness and chondrocyte count, the OA+TH-GNPs group had similar behavior to the group without osteoarthritis, with significantly smaller amounts of chondrocytes than the OA group., Conclusion: The intra-articular use of TH associated with GNPs may be able to prevent the progression of the pathology and minimize joint degradation., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Objective: Evaluate the scapular movement of Crossfit® practitioners and identify whether they present an increased incidence of scapular dyskinesis (SD) compared to non-practitioners., Method: A transversal study was evaluated quantitatively and dynamically, using retro-reflective spherical markers, the scapular movements of ten volunteers composing the control group, and 11 Crossfit® practitioners. The control group's results were used as a normality parameter and compared to those of the Crossfit® practitioner's group., Results: It was identified that the superior scapular rotation in the ascending phase is inferior in the group of Crossfit® practitioners (p = 0.02)., Conclusion: The regular practice of Crossfit® causes scapular dyskinesis (SD), with alteration in the scapular superior rotation movement. Level of Evidence III: Retrospective comparative ., Competing Interests: All authors declare no potential conflict of interest related to this article.

Penicillium species have been studied as producers of plant cell wall degrading enzymes to deconstruct agricultural residues and to be applied in industrial processes. Natural environments containing decaying plant matter are ideal places for isolating fungal strains with cellulolytic and xylanolytic activities. In the present study, Cerrado soil samples were used as source of filamentous fungi able to degrade xylan and cellulose. Penicillium was the most abundant genus among the obtained xylan and carboxymethylcellulose degraders. Penicillium polonicum was one of the best enzyme producers in agar-plate assays. In addition, it secretes CMCase, Avicelase, pectinase, mannanase, and xylanase during growth in liquid media containing sugarcane bagasse as carbon source. The highest value for endo- β -1,4-xylanase activity was obtained after 4 days of growth. Xyl PP , a 20 kDa endo- β -1,4-xylanase, was purified and partially characterized. The purified enzyme presented the remarkable feature of being resistant to the lignin-derived phenolic compounds, p -coumaric and trans-ferulic acids. This feature calls for its further use in bioprocesses that use lignocellulose as feedstock. Furthermore, future work should explore its structural features which may contribute to the understanding of the relationship between its structure and resistance to phenolic compounds., Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-022-03405-x., Competing Interests: Conflict of interestOn behalf of all authors, the corresponding author states that there is no conflict of interest., (© King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology 2022, Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.)

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the influence of periodontal status, clinical data, and serum markers on salivary leptin levels in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)., Methods: A case-control study was conducted with 38 patients with SLE and 29 healthy controls. Periodontal data included periodontal probing depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and gingival bleeding on probing (BOP). Stimulated saliva samples were collected to analyze salivary leptin levels. Clinical and serum data were collected from the SLE group. Statistical analysis included the t -test, Mann-Whitney test, Spearman correlation coefficient, and a structural equation model., Results: The SLE group had a lower salivary leptin level than the control group (P = 0.002). The model revealed that SLE had an inverse and independent effect on salivary leptin (standardized estimate =  - 0.289, P = 0.023). Moreover, salivary leptin level negatively correlated with the serum levels of triglyceride, creatinine, and leukocytes, positively correlated with the serum total cholesterol, but was not significantly correlated with the periodontal status., Conclusion: These findings suggest that patients with SLE have a lower salivary leptin level. In addition, the level of salivary leptin does not appear to be related to periodontal status in patients with SLE., (© 2022 The Authors.)

Background: Fluid regimens in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are conflicting. The amount of fluid and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) level may interact leading to ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI). We therefore evaluated restrictive and liberal fluid strategies associated with low and high PEEP levels with regard to lung and kidney damage, as well as cardiorespiratory function in endotoxin-induced ARDS. Methods: Thirty male Wistar rats received an intratracheal instillation of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide. After 24 h, the animals were anesthetized, protectively ventilated (V T = 6 ml/kg), and randomized to restrictive (5 ml/kg/h) or liberal (40 ml/kg/h) fluid strategies (Ringer lactate). Both groups were then ventilated with PEEP = 3 cmH 2 O (PEEP3) and PEEP = 9 cmH 2 O (PEEP9) for 1 h ( n = 6/group). Echocardiography, arterial blood gases, and lung mechanics were evaluated throughout the experiments. Histologic analyses were done on the lungs, and molecular biology was assessed in lungs and kidneys using six non-ventilated animals with no fluid therapy. Results: In lungs, the liberal group showed increased transpulmonary plateau pressure compared with the restrictive group (liberal, 23.5 ± 2.9 cmH 2 O; restrictive, 18.8 ± 2.3 cmH 2 O, p = 0.046) under PEEP = 9 cmH 2 O. Gene expression associated with inflammation (interleukin [IL]-6) was higher in the liberal-PEEP9 group than the liberal-PEEP3 group ( p = 0.006) and restrictive-PEEP9 ( p = 0.012), Regardless of the fluid strategy, lung mechanical power and the heterogeneity index were higher, whereas birefringence for claudin-4 and zonula-ocludens-1 gene expression were lower in the PEEP9 groups. Perivascular edema was higher in liberal groups, regardless of PEEP levels. Markers related to damage to epithelial cells [club cell secreted protein (CC16)] and the extracellular matrix (syndecan) were higher in the liberal-PEEP9 group than the liberal-PEEP3 group ( p = 0.010 and p = 0.024, respectively). In kidneys, the expression of IL-6 and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin was higher in PEEP9 groups, regardless of the fluid strategy. For the liberal strategy, PEEP = 9 cmH 2 O compared with PEEP = 3 cmH 2 O reduced the right ventricle systolic volume (37%) and inferior vena cava collapsibility index (45%). Conclusion: The combination of a liberal fluid strategy and high PEEP led to more lung damage. The application of high PEEP, regardless of the fluid strategy, may also be deleterious to kidneys., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Felix, Maia, Rocha, Rodrigues, Medeiros, da Silva, Baldavira, Fernezlian, Eher, Capelozzi, Malbrain, Pelosi, Rocco and Silva.)

Rationale: Re-exposing an animal to an environment previously paired with an aversive stimulus evokes large alterations in behavioral and cardiovascular parameters. Dorsal hippocampus (dHC) receives important cholinergic inputs from the basal forebrain, and respective acetylcholine (ACh) levels are described to influence defensive behavior. Activation of muscarinic M1 and M3 receptors facilitates autonomic and behavioral responses along threats. Evidence show activation of cholinergic receptors promoting formation of nitric oxide (NO) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in dHC. Altogether, the action of ACh and NO on conditioned responses appears to converge within dHC., Objectives: As answer about how ACh and NO interact to modulate defensive responses has so far been barely addressed, we aimed to shed additional light on this topic., Methods: Male Wistar rats had guide cannula implanted into the dHC before being submitted to the contextual fear conditioning (3footshocks/085 mA/2 s). A catheter was implanted in the femoral artery the next day for cardiovascular recordings. Drugs were delivered into dHC 10 min before contextual re-exposure, which occurred 48 h after the conditioning procedure., Results: Neostigmine (Neo) amplified the retrieval of conditioned responses. Neo effects (1 nmol) were prevented by the prior infusion of a M1-M3 antagonist (fumarate), a neuronal nitric oxide synthase inhibitor (NPLA), a NO scavenger (cPTIO), a guanylyl cyclase inhibitor (ODQ), and a NMDA antagonist (AP-7). Pretreatment with a selective M1 antagonist (pirenzepine) only prevented the increase in autonomic responses induced by Neo., Conclusion: The results show that modulation in the retrieval of contextual fear responses involves coordination of the dHC M1-M3/NO/cGMP/NMDA pathway., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Objective: To compare colorectal cancer (CRC) incidences in carriers of pathogenic variants of the MMR genes in the PLSD and IMRC cohorts, of which only the former included mandatory colonoscopy surveillance for all participants., Methods: CRC incidences were calculated in an intervention group comprising a cohort of confirmed carriers of pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in mismatch repair genes (path&#95;MMR) followed prospectively by the Prospective Lynch Syndrome Database (PLSD). All had colonoscopy surveillance, with polypectomy when polyps were identified. Comparison was made with a retrospective cohort reported by the International Mismatch Repair Consortium (IMRC). This comprised confirmed and inferred path&#95;MMR carriers who were first- or second-degree relatives of Lynch syndrome probands., Results: In the PLSD, 8,153 subjects had follow-up colonoscopy surveillance for a total of 67,604 years and 578 carriers had CRC diagnosed. Average cumulative incidences of CRC in path&#95;MLH1 carriers at 70 years of age were 52% in males and 41% in females; for path&#95;MSH2 50% and 39%; for path&#95;MSH6 13% and 17% and for path&#95;PMS2 11% and 8%. In contrast, in the IMRC cohort, corresponding cumulative incidences were 40% and 27%; 34% and 23%; 16% and 8% and 7% and 6%. Comparing just the European carriers in the two series gave similar findings. Numbers in the PLSD series did not allow comparisons of carriers from other continents separately. Cumulative incidences at 25 years were < 1% in all retrospective groups., Conclusions: Prospectively observed CRC incidences (PLSD) in path&#95;MLH1 and path&#95;MSH2 carriers undergoing colonoscopy surveillance and polypectomy were higher than in the retrospective (IMRC) series, and were not reduced in path&#95;MSH6 carriers. These findings were the opposite to those expected. CRC point incidence before 50 years of age was reduced in path&#95;PMS2 carriers subjected to colonoscopy, but not significantly so., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Background: The diagnosis of oral lichenoid lesions (OLL) remains a challenge for clinicians and pathologists. Although, in many cases, OLL cannot be clinically and histopathologically distinguishable from oral lichen planus (OLP), one important difference between these lesions is that OLL has an identifiable etiological factor, e.g. medication, restorative material, and food allergy. The list of drugs that can cause OLL is extensive and includes anti-inflammatory drugs, anticonvulsants, antihypertensives, antivirals, antibiotics, chemotherapeutics, among others. This work aimed to perform a literature review of OLL related to chemotherapy drugs and to report two cases of possible OLL in patients with B-cell and T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas in use of chemotherapy and adjuvant medications. We also discuss the challenge to clinically and histopathologically differentiate OLL and OLP., Case Presentation: In both cases, oral lesions presented reticular, atrophic, erosive/ulcerated, and plaque patterns. The diagnosis of OLL was initially established in both cases by the association of histopathology and history of onset of lesions after the use of medications. Although the patients have presented a significant improvement in the oral clinical picture for more than 2 years of follow-up, they still have some lesions., Conclusion: A well-detailed anamnesis associated with the drug history, temporal relationship of the appearance of the lesions, and follow-up of patients are fundamental for the diagnosis of OLL related to drugs. Nevertheless, its differentiation from OLP is still a challenge., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Background: Citrus fruits are a rich source of valuable molecules, and their industrial processing produces bagasses, little explored to generate important by-products. These Citrus residues, including seeds and peels, also contain numerous pharmacologically important substances. To reduce the impact of these Citrus by-products, young, harvested fruits could be used as a functional supplemental food while another part is grown until maturity for industrial production. This study therefore aims to valorize rangpur (Citrus limonia) in the first 3 months of its growth by investigating and comparing its monthly chemical profiles using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS) and its anti-inflammatory and antiplatelet activity., Results: Extracts obtained from the fruits harvested in November, December, and January, 2017 and 2018 (L221117, L161217, and L160118) showed different UPLC-ESI-MS profiles. Twenty-five of the 26 detected metabolites were identified as cyclitol, pyrrolidine betaine, aryl propanoyl esters, chlorogenic acids, flavonoids, coumarins, and limonoids. Quantification studies indicated an increased concentration of hesperidin from the younger fruits to the older fruits of the series. L160118 reduced nitrogen oxide (NOx), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels more than other extracts. Their activity followed the same trends as the hesperidin concentration in each fruit. In contrast, the most promising antiplatelet activity was observed with the extracts from the two youngest fruits. This suggests combined effects of the chemical components found in these fruits' extracts., Conclusion: The extracts obtained from these young fruits showed considerable anti-inflammatory and antiplatelet activity. Overall, young rangpur could be used as raw material to produce functional foods without producing any waste. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry., (© 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.)

Background and Objective: Systemic metabolic status and periodontitis can be related in patients with Down syndrome (DS). The objective of this study was to identify metabolic indicators (anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, and serum markers) related to severity and extent of periodontitis in DS patients., Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 49 patients with DS. Periodontal evaluation included the periodontal probing depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), gingival bleeding index (GBI), and visible plaque index (VPI). Periodontitis severity was classified by the stages system. The extent of periodontitis was assessed as the percentage of sites with CAL ≥3 mm, CAL ≥4 mm, PPD ≥4 mm, and PPD ≥5 mm. The metabolic condition of the participants was determined by analyzing anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, and serum markers. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test, Spearman's correlation coefficient, and multivariate regression analysis., Results: Periodontitis stage 3/4 was detected in 32.7% of patients, with high values of VPI (54.6 ± 35.8) and GBI (42.4 ± 33.3). The severity of periodontitis was related to higher mean corpuscular hemoglobin (β = .291, p = .028) and mean corpuscular volume values (β = .293, p = .046). Arm circumference measurements were inversely related to CAL ≥3 mm (β = -.408, p = .023), PPD ≥4 mm (β = -.475, p = .006), and PPD ≥5 mm (β = -.443, p = .010)., Conclusions: The findings suggest that the severity and extent of periodontitis may be related to some metabolic parameters in DS patients., (© 2022 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Re-exposure of rats to a previously fear-conditioned environment arouses great alterations in behavioral and cardiovascular parameters. Pieces of works provide putative evidence for the contribution of the dorsal hippocampus (dHC) to contextual conditioning. dHC gathers massive cholinergic inputs from the basal forebrain, and dHC acetylcholine (ACh) is often described as triggering the retrieval of defensive behavior. ACh acts partially through muscarinic receptors (mAChRs) M1R and M3R subtypes. Hence, activation of mAChRs facilitates autonomic and behavioral responses associated with threats and dangers. Therefore, this study explored the likely involvement of M1R and M3R in rat dHC to establish the behavioral and autonomic changes associated with contextual fear retrieval. Male Wistar rats had stainless steel guide cannula implanted into the dHC before being submitted to contextual fear conditioning (6 footshocks, 1.5 mA, 3 s). A catheter placed within the femoral artery allowed autonomic recordings. A variety of drugs were delivered into the dHC 10 min before contextual re-exposure. The choline reuptake inhibitor hemicholinium induced a decrease of the fear conditioned responses, while did not modify it in non-conditioned animals. The non-selective mAChR antagonist atropine also reduced the fear-conditioned responses, as did the selective M1/M3 mAChRs antagonist fumarate. On the other hand, the M1 selective mAChR antagonist pirenzepine inhibited all the autonomic fear responses without affecting animal freezing. These findings support that cholinergic neurotransmission present in the dHC acts through mAChRs to coordinate the expression of fear evoked by contextual conditioning., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Necrosis in ischemic cutaneous flaps (ISF) is a type of surgical failure more feared among surgical complications. Currently, synthetic drugs are applied during the treatment of necrosis in ISF and although several substances show improvement in viability, some require application at high systemic doses, which can produce important side effects. Therefore, the search for natural substances with fewer side effects is constant. The use of medicinal plants that stimulate angiogenesis is commonly mentioned in previous studies and in this case Rhizophora mangle L. (R. mangle) highlights that among its main compounds have tannins and flavonoids that are very chemically reactive in various biological activities. This study aimed to associate a natural hydrogel to the 5% extract of R. mangle and to evaluate its potential in the prevention of tissue necrosis in distal portions of ISF in rats, using the model proposed by Macfarlane, et al. (1965)., Methods: Ischemic skin flaps were made in the thin dorsal skin area of 28 Wistar rats and divided into 4 groups, group A: received only saline, group B where the aqueous extract of R. mangle was applied, group C received the 1.5% hydrogel of xanthan gum (XG) + placebo and group D was applied the hydrogel associated with 5% R. mangle extract. Morphometric analyses of the areas of tissue necrosis were performed from photographic records using the software Photoshop® and ImageJ®. In addition, 5 photomicrographs were taken from each histological sample of each animal for histomorphometric analysis that obtained the count of fibroblasts and blood vessels., Results: The mean percentage of necrotic areas was: group (A) - 50,66%, group (B) - 40,49%, group (C) - 37,44% and group (D) - 34,25%. The statistical analysis, using the Kruskal-Wallis test, showed a significant difference (p < 0.001)., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest We declare that we have no conflict of interest in connection with this paper. All authors confirm that they have no financial and personal relationships with other people, or organizations, that could inappropriately influence this work., (Copyright © 2022. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

In this work, we report the construction of a novel electrochemical device for molecular diagnosis of hepatitis B virus in the blood plasma of infected patients, using graphite electrodes functionalized with poly(4-aminophenol) and sensitized with a specific DNA probe. The recognition of genomic DNA was evaluated by electrochemical techniques (DPV and EIS) and scanning electron microscopy. The genosensor was efficient in detecting genomic DNA with a linear range from 1.176 to 4.825 μg mL -1 and detection limit of 35.69 ng mL -1 (4.63 IU ml -1 or 25.93 copies.ml -1 ), which is better than the 10.00 IU ml -1 limit of reference method, real-time PCR, used in point of care. EIS analysis shows that the genosensor resistance increased exponentially with the concentration of the genomic DNA target. This novel platform has advantages to its applicability in real samples, such as good sensitivity, selectivity, low sample volume, and fast assay time (36 min), thus interesting for application in the diagnosis of hepatitis B virus in blood plasma. Also, the ease of synthesis of the low-cost polymer by electrosynthesis directly on the electrode surface allows the translation of the platform to portable devices., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Objective: To quantitatively assess the scapular movement of patients who underwent Latarjet surgery and to identify if they present scapular dyskinesia (SD), as well as correlate with the clinic state and the elevation degree of the shoulder., Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out at the Movement Analysis Laboratory (LAM), at the Institute of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, that quantitatively evaluated, using spherical retroreflective markers, the scapular movements of the control group (10 volunteers) and 22 patients (23 operated shoulders) that had been submitted to Latarjet surgery, between 2011 and 2016, with at least one year postoperative. The results of the control group were used as a parameter of normality and compared to those of the operated group. Posterior inclination, superior rotation, and medial rotation of the scapula were evaluated at angles of 60°, 90°, and 120° of elevation, both in ascending and descending phases. The statistical analysis used was the multivariate variance (MANOVA), comparing the right and left sides of the control group and, subsequently, the control group with the postoperative group (p = 0.05 in all tests)., Results: When comparing the mean of the results of the quantitative evaluation of the control group with the operated group, no statistically significant differences were found between the two groups and between the dominant and non-dominant sides of the control group., Conclusion: Latarjet surgery does not cause SD, although there are alterations in some plane of the scapular movements in the ascending and/or descending phase. Level of Evidence III, Retrospective Comparative Study. , Competing Interests: All authors declare no potential conflict of interest related to this article.

Purpose: This study evaluated the effects of 12 weeks of karate training on cardiometabolic parameters, oxidative stress, and inflammation in adolescents with overweight and obesity., Method: Seventy adolescents were randomized into 2 groups: control received nutritional and psychological interventions once a week for 12 weeks, and treatment received nutritional and psychological interventions once a week, plus 3 karate sessions per week, for 12 weeks. The main outcome measure was improvement in cardiometabolic parameters, oxidative stress, and inflammation., Results: After the intervention period, the treatment group showed a reduction in resting heart rate (77.86 [10.89]), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (40.86 [8.31]), and triglycerides (75.18 [32.29]) and an increase in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (95.64 [42.53]) in relation to pretraining. Regarding oxidative stress markers, there was a reduction in protein carbonylation (0.07 [0.06]) and nitric oxide (1.39 [1.11]) and an increase in superoxide dismutase (0.68 [0.31]) and glutathione (0.11 [0.08]) compared with pretraining. With respect to inflammation, adiponectin increased (14.54 [5.36]) after the intervention when compared with preintervention., Conclusion: The study concluded that the intervention may improve cardiometabolic parameters, oxidative stress, and inflammation in adolescents with overweight and obesity. Long-term effects need to be evaluated.

Post-translational modifications (PTMs) have emerged as key modulators of protein phase separation and have been linked to protein aggregation in neurodegenerative disorders. The major aggregating protein in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia, the RNA-binding protein TAR DNA-binding protein (TDP-43), is hyperphosphorylated in disease on several C-terminal serine residues, a process generally believed to promote TDP-43 aggregation. Here, we however find that Casein kinase 1δ-mediated TDP-43 hyperphosphorylation or C-terminal phosphomimetic mutations reduce TDP-43 phase separation and aggregation, and instead render TDP-43 condensates more liquid-like and dynamic. Multi-scale molecular dynamics simulations reveal reduced homotypic interactions of TDP-43 low-complexity domains through enhanced solvation of phosphomimetic residues. Cellular experiments show that phosphomimetic substitutions do not affect nuclear import or RNA regulatory functions of TDP-43, but suppress accumulation of TDP-43 in membrane-less organelles and promote its solubility in neurons. We speculate that TDP-43 hyperphosphorylation may be a protective cellular response to counteract TDP-43 aggregation., (© 2022 The Authors. Published under the terms of the CC BY 4.0 license.)

Purpose: To analyze the short-term survival of the nursing diagnosis of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in hospitalized neonates within the first 24 h of life and over a maximum of 7 days., Methods: A prospective open cohort study with a longitudinal design was developed with 120 newborns during the first 24 h of life. The survival rate after a nursing diagnosis of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia was analyzed for 7 days., Findings: The number of new cases of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia during the follow-up was 82 (RR: 90.1%, daily incidence rate: 34.17%). The greatest manifestation of the diagnosis occurred in the first three days (n = 97). The median diagnostic survival time was 2 days (95% CI: 2-2). Yellow-orange skin color (RR = 8.08), yellow mucous membranes (RR = 2.05), yellow sclera (RR = 1.99), and female gender (RR = 1.36) had the highest risk ratios., Conclusions: A rapid impairment of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in hospitalized neonates was observed. Some clinical indicators were associated with an increased risk for this diagnosis., Implications for Nursing Practice: Studies on the prognostic capacity of the clinical indicators of nursing diagnoses like neonatal hyperbilirubinemia strengthen the clinical reasoning of nurses and subsidize diagnostic inferences and accurate clinical decisions., (© 2021 NANDA International, Inc.)

Background: Hippocampus can be divided along its longitudinal axis into dorsal and ventral parts, which play different roles in modulating the behavioral responses to stress. However, it is not clear whether the hippocampal subregions could also differently modulate the effect of antidepressant drugs. Since fluoxetine (FLX) effect on extinction of aversive memory is well known to depend on hippocampal BDNF levels, we hypothesized that the hippocampal subregions might play different roles in fluoxetine efficacy in decreasing fear response., Method: Wistar rats were fear-cued conditioned and treated chronically with FLX to subsequently investigate their extinction memory. BDNF levels were assessed separately in the dorsal (dHC) and ventral (vHC) hippocampus in animals chronically treated with FLX. An independent group received K252a (a functional Trk blocker) infusion into the dHC or vHC to assay its interaction with FLX treatment along the fear response. Next, BDNF was directly infused into either the dHC or vHC to the behavior be compared with those induced by chronic FLX treatment. Finally, FLX effect on c-Fos expression was evaluated also considering the dHC and vHC apart, along with subareas of amygdala and medial prefrontal cortex., Results: BDNF levels were increased in the vHC after acute FLX, and in the dHC after chronic FLX treatment. FLX effect on fear response was blocked by K252a administration into either dHC or vHC, after the extinction protocol. BDNF administration into the dHC increased fear response, however its administration into the vHC induced an opposite effect. Besides, a negative correlation between the fear response and c-Fos expression in the dHC CA3/CA1 and vHC CA1/DG was observed after chronic FLX treatment., Conclusion: Both dHC and vHC are essential for the Trk-dependent effect of FLX on extinction memory, although a discrepancy in the fear response was observed with the infusion of BDNF into the dHC or vHC., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Targeting the inherent vulnerability of cancer cells with an impaired DNA Damage Repair (DDR) machinery, Poly-ADP-Ribose-Polymerase (PARP) inhibitors have yielded significant results in several tumor types, eventually entering clinical practice for the treatment of ovarian, breast, pancreatic and prostate cancer. More recently, inhibitors of other key components of DNA repair, such as ATR, CHK1 and WEE1, have been developed and are currently under investigation in clinical trials. The inhibition of DDR inevitably induces on-target and off-target adverse events. Hematological and gastrointestinal toxicities as well as fatigue are common with all DDR-targeting agents, while other adverse events are drug specific, such as hypertension with niraparib and transaminase elevation with rucaparib. Cases of pneumonitis and secondary hematological malignancies have been reported with PARP inhibitors and, despite being overly rare, they deserve particular attention due to their severity. Safety also represents a crucial issue for the development of combination regimens incorporating DDR-targeting agents with other treatments, such as chemotherapy, anti-angiogenics or immunotherapy. As such, overlapping and cumulative toxicities should be considered, especially when more than two classes of drugs are combined. Here, we review the safety profile of DDR-targeting agents when used as single agents or in combination and we provide principles of toxicity management.

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are critical players in RNA expression and metabolism, thus, the proper regulation of this class of proteins is critical for cellular health. Regulation of RBPs often occurs through post-translational modifications (PTMs), which allow the cell to quickly and efficiently respond to cellular and environmental stimuli. PTMs have recently emerged as important regulators of RBPs implicated in neurodegenerative disorders, in particular amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Here, we summarize how disease-associated PTMs influence the biophysical properties, molecular interactions, subcellular localization, and function of ALS/FTD-linked RBPs, such as FUS and TDP-43. We will discuss how PTMs are believed to play pathological, protective, or ambiguous roles in these neurodegenerative disorders., Competing Interests: Declaration of interests No interests are declared., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

A 9-year-old intact male Brazilian Mastiff dog with a 1-year history of progressive severe swelling in all four limbs and significant locomotory difficulty was euthanized due to unresponsiveness to medical management. Macroscopically, the distal phalanx of the 5 th digit of the left hindlimb was replaced by a cutaneous, non-ulcerated, 3.0 cm diameter, multilobulated, black, firm nodule. The cortical bones of the appendicular skeleton were thickened and partially effaced by infiltrative coalescing nodules (0.1-1.0 cm diameter). The lungs, heart, pleura, mesentery, adrenal glands and kidneys were infiltrated by similar nodules (0.5-3.5 cm diameter). Histological evaluation of the masses revealed a non-encapsulated malignant neoplasm composed of spindloid to polygonal cells that contained variable amounts of intracytoplasmic melanin and were arranged in haphazardly interlacing streams and bundles supported by scant fibrovascular stroma with myxoid and chondroid matrix formation. Neoplastic cells had intense cytoplasmic labeling for S100 and 10% had moderate cytoplasmic immunoreactivity for Melan-A. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first description of a canine metastatic digital chondrogenic melanocytic tumour with strongly suggestive chondroid differentiation of neoplastic melanocytes., (Copyright © 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

The COVID-19 pandemic has demanded a range of biotechnological products for detection of SARS-CoV-2 variants and evaluation of human seroconversion after infection or vaccination. In this work, we describe an easy pipeline for expression of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein in insect cells followed by its purification via affinity chromatography. The N gene was cloned into the genome of Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) via transposition and the resulting recombinant baculovirus was used for infection of lepidopteran Sf9 cells adapted to high-density suspension. Using Tris-HCl pH 8.0 buffer as mobile phase and eluting bound proteins with 175 mM imidazole as part of a three-step gradient, an average of 1 mg N protein could be purified from each 50 mg of total protein from clarified supernatant. Such protein amount allows the manufacturing of serological tests and the development of basic studies on cellular responses to SARS-CoV-2., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Studies carried out during previous pandemics revealed an increase in the prevalence of Burnout Syndrome and other psychiatric disorders among health professionals. A high prevalence of psychiatric disorders is also observed in some health categories, during the COVID-19 pandemic., Objective: This systematic review/meta-analysis study aims to assess the prevalence of Burnout Syndrome and other psychiatric disorders (depression, anxiety, stress, and insomnia) among health care professionals and other support professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic., Inclusion Criteria: Observational studies published from December 2019, without language restrictions in which the prevalence of Burnout Syndrome and other psychiatric disorders among health professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic will be assessed., Methods: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHAL, PsycINFO, LILACS, SCOPUS, and The Cochrane Library will be searched for eligible studies. Two reviewers will independently screen and select studies, assess methodological quality, and extract data. A meta-analysis will be performed, if possible, and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation (GRADE)., Ethics and Disclosure: This study will use secondary data. Thus, there is no need for submission to the ethics committee. The results of this systematic review will be published in a journal after a peer-review process., Trial Registration: Systematic review registration number: CRD42020212036., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Although RNA viruses have high mutation rates, host cells and organisms work as selective environments, maintaining the viability of virus populations by eliminating deleterious genotypes. In serial passages of RNA viruses in a single cell line, most of these selective bottlenecks are absent, with no virus circulation and replication in different tissues or host alternation. In this work, Aedes aegypti Aag-2 cells were accidentally infected with Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and Mayaro virus (MAYV). After numerous passages to achieve infection persistency, the infectivity of these viruses was evaluated in Ae. albopictus C6/36 cells, African green monkey Vero cells and primary-cultured human fibroblasts. While these CHIKV and MAYV isolates were still infectious to mosquito cells, they lost their ability to infect mammalian cells. After genome sequencing, it was observed that CHIKV accumulated many nonsynonymous mutations and a significant deletion in the coding sequence of the hypervariable domain in the nsP3 gene. Since MAYV showed very low titres, it was not sequenced successfully. Persistently infected Aag-2 cells also accumulated high loads of short and recombinant CHIKV RNAs, which seemed to have been originated from virus-derived DNAs. In conclusion, the genome of this CHIKV isolate could guide mutagenesis strategies for the production of attenuated or non-infectious (to mammals) CHIKV vaccine candidates. Our results also reinforce that a paradox is expected during passages of cells persistently infected by RNA viruses: more loosening for the development of more diverse virus genotypes and more pressure for virus specialization to this constant cellular environment.

Mangrove soils with high organic carbon (C org ) content are likely to contain C org that is vulnerable to remineralization during land use changes. Mangrove conversion to different land uses might deplete soil C org stocks causing variable carbon dioxide emissions, but the extent of these emissions and the fraction of soil C org (i.e., labile or stable/recalcitrant) that is mostly lost is poorly understood. Here, we study mangrove soil C org degradability and its susceptibility to mineralization after mangrove disturbance. We measured changes in soil properties, organic matter (OM) stability and C org pools and sources across a mangrove disturbance gradient (i.e., pristine forests, degraded mangroves receiving domestic sewage and shrimp farm effluents, and shrimp ponds). Results showed that the conversion of mangroves to shrimp ponds caused the most severe changes in soil properties, OM and C org characteristics. Shrimp pond soils contained the lowest OM-C org pools, consisted mostly of stable OM (i.e., recalcitrant and refractory; 36.0 ± 5.7% of the total OM) and enriched δ 13 C org (-22.6 ± 2.7‰). Conversely, control mangrove soils had the largest OM-C org pools consisting of a large unstable OM fraction (i.e., labile; 46.4 ± 4.2%) and lighter δ 13 C org (-26.8 ± 0.4‰) being characteristic of C org from a mangrove origin. Conversion of mangroves to shrimp ponds and its degradation by shrimp farm and domestic sewage effluents caused a loss of 97%, 61%, and 35% of soil C org stocks in the upper meter, representing potential emissions of ~1200, 800, and 400 Mg CO 2 ha -1 , respectively. These losses were explained by enhanced OM mineralization of unstable fractions driven by the loss of the physico-chemical protection provided by fine-grained soils and vegetation cover. The differences in C org stability among sites can be used to predict potential carbon dioxide produced during mineralization, hence aid at prioritizing areas for conservation, restoration or management., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Based on concordant differences in morphology, male advertisement call, and 16S mtDNA barcode distance, we describe a new species of Proceratophrys from southern Amazonia, in the states of Mato Grosso and Pará, Brazil. The new species is most similar to P. concavitympanum and P. ararype but differs from these species by its proportionally larger eyes and features of the advertisement call. Additionally, genetic distance between the new species and its congeners is 3.0-10.4% based on a fragment of the 16S rRNA gene, which is greater than the threshold typically characterizing distinct species of anurans. Using an integrative approach (molecular, bioacoustics, and adult morphology), we were able to distinguish the new species from other congeneric species. The new species is known only from the type locality where it is threatened by illegal logging and gold mining as well as hydroelectric dams., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (© 2021 Santana et al.)

In Latin America, Chagas disease has been mostly transmitted to humans by contact with the feces or urine of triatomine species infected with the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. There are currently 156 species in the subfamily Triatominae, distributed in 18 genera and five tribes. The prolixus group of the genus Rhodnius is composed of 11 species. Rhodnius marabaensis was the last species described and considered in this grouping of vectors. Knowledge about the biology, ecology, and behavior of these vectors is of great epidemiological importance, and in order to expand the knowledge of the biology of R. marabaensis, this paper describes the biological cycle and emergence rates of the species under laboratory conditions. The experiment was carried out at temperatures ranging from 15.5 to 29 °C (average of 24 °C) and humidity ranging from 51.4 to 72.2 (average of 63). For each of the fifteen couples, the egg emergence rate was calculated throughout the oviposition period. The oviposition period lasted from February to September, and the emergence rate varied between 13.9 and 53.3%. R. marabaensis presented an emergence rate of 46.7% and a total biological cycle of 193 days (the mean time required for emergence (25.1 days), 1st nymphal instar (19.4 days), 2nd nymphal instar (22.1 days), 3rd nymphal instar (26.2 days), 4th nymphal instar (29.3 days), and 5th nymphal instar (70.9 days)). Based on the biological cycle of R. marabaensis and 14 other Rhodnius species already described in the literature, it was also possible to calculate the averages for the groups prolixus, pictipes, and pallescens and, mainly, for the genus Rhodnius, contributing to the knowledge of this important group of Chagas disease vectors., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is an important food crop for humanity, being cultivated in tropical and temperate regions of the world. This study reports the nearly complete genome sequences of four Brazilian rice stripe necrosis virus (RSNV) isolates. The nucleotide sequences of the RNA1 and RNA2 genome segments of these Brazilian isolates were 96.5 to 99.9% identical, indicating their close phylogenetic relationship to each other. Phylogeny and recombination analysis indicated that the genome of one of the isolates consisted of RNA segments of different origins, suggesting that a reassortment event had occurred.

The interaction between two nitrosyl ruthenium complexes [Ru (NH.NHq-COOH)(tpy)NO](PF 6 ) 3 (RuBDQ) and [Ru (NH.NHq-H)(tpy)NO](PF 6 ) 3 (RuBD) and human serum albumin (HSA) was investigated using spectroscopic and computational methods. From fluorescence experiments, a dynamic quenching mechanism and binding constants at a single site demonstrated the higher stability of the RuBDQ-HSA system at 308 K compared with RuBD-HSA. Thermodynamic parameters indicated that binding of RuBDQ and RuBD to HSA was mainly driven by hydrophobic interaction and hydrogen bonding, respectively. Synchronous fluorescence and FT-IR results suggested that interactions between both nitrosyl ruthenium complexes and HSA affected protein conformation. Competition experiments revealed that RuBDQ and RuBD bound to Sudlow sites I and II, respectively. Molecular docking results showed that RuBDQ interacted with Ser-192 and Ala-291 residues via hydrogen bonding and polar contact, respectively, whereas RuBD associated with Asn-391 via a polar interaction. Noncovalent interaction results suggested that van der Waals interactions were the main binding forces for both systems, i.e. RuBDQ associated with Trp-214 via van der Waals interaction and with Ty-150 via dipole-dipole bonding, whereas RuBD associated with Tyr-452 via van der Waals forces. The Asp-391 residue interacted with the nitrosyl ligand via polar contact and the terpyridine ligand via van der Waals interaction., (© 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

Objective  To analyze long-term functional and radiographic results of partial shoulder replacement for humeral head osteonecrosis. Methods  Retrospective review of thirteen cases, with a mean postoperative follow-up of 17 years (range 10 to 26 years). The findings from the last follow-up were compared to those in which the patients had one year of postoperative follow-up. Functional assessment consisted of shoulder movement measurements and application of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder score. All patients underwent radiographic examination to measure glenoid erosion, proximal humeral migration and lateral glenohumeral dislocation. Results  Glenoid erosion increased over time significantly ( p  < 0.05). Paradoxically, all active shoulder movements also improved ( p  < 0.05), while UCLA scores remained the same. Radiographic deterioration was not correlated with clinical function. We had an 84.7% survival rate for arthroplasties after a mean time of 16 years. Conclusions  Early functional outcomes were maintained in the long run and do not correlate with radiographic deterioration (increased erosion of the glenoid)., Competing Interests: Conflito de Interesses Os autores declaram não haver conflito de interesses., (Sociedade Brasileira de Ortopedia e Traumatologia. This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonDerivative-NonCommercial License, permitting copying and reproduction so long as the original work is given appropriate credit. Contents may not be used for commercial purposes, or adapted, remixed, transformed or built upon. ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ ).)

Sex differences in the brain of mammals range from neuroarchitecture through cognition to cellular metabolism. The hippocampus, a structure mostly associated with learning and memory, presents high vulnerability to neurodegeneration and aging. Therefore, we explored basal sex-related differences in the proteome of organotypic hippocampal slice culture, a major in vitro model for studying the cellular and molecular mechanisms related to neurodegenerative disorders. Results suggest a greater prevalence of astrocytic metabolism in females and significant neuronal metabolism in males. The preference for glucose use in glycolysis, pentose phosphate pathway and glycogen metabolism in females and high abundance of mitochondrial respiration subunits in males support this idea. An overall upregulation of lipid metabolism was observed in females. Upregulation of proteins responsible for neuronal glutamate and GABA synthesis, along with synaptic associated proteins, were observed in males. In general, the significant spectrum of pathways known to predominate in neurons or astrocytes, together with the well-known neuronal and glial markers observed, revealed sex-specific metabolic differences in the hippocampus. TEM qualitative analysis might indicate a greater presence of mitochondria at CA1 synapses in females. These findings are crucial to a better understanding of how sex chromosomes can influence the physiology of cultured hippocampal slices and allow us to gain insights into distinct responses of males and females on neurological diseases that present a sex-biased incidence.

Background: Foot-drop is a common impairment after stroke, which reduces walking ability., Objective: To examine the efficacy of interventions aimed at reducing foot-drop, i.e., ankle-foot orthoses and functional electrical stimulation, on walking speed and balance after stroke., Data Sources: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, PsycINFO, and PEDro databases., Eligibility Criteria: The review included only parallel, randomized trials. Participants were ambulatory adults after stroke. The experimental interventions were the use of an ankle-foot orthosis or functional electrical stimulation., Data Synthesis: Outcome data related to walking speed and balance were extracted from the eligible trials and combined in random-effects meta-analyses. The quality of trials was assessed by the PEDro scores and the quality of evidence was determined according the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system., Results: Eleven trials involving 1135 participants were included. The mean PEDro score of the trials was 5.8 (ranging from 4 to 7). Ankle-foot orthoses (MD 0.24m/s; 95% CI 0.06 to 0.41) and functional electrical stimulation (MD 0.09m/s; 95% CI 0.03 to 0.14) significantly increased walking speed, compared with no intervention/placebo. Results regarding balance were inconclusive. Ankle-foot orthoses were not superior to functional electrical stimulation for improving walking speed (MD 0.00m/s; 95% CI -0.06 to 0.05) or balance (MD 0.27 points on the Berg Balance Scale; 95% CI -0.85 to 1.39) after stroke., Conclusions: This systematic review provided moderate-quality evidence that both ankle-foot orthoses and functional electrical stimulation improve walking speed after stroke, but the effects on balance remain unclear., Systematic Review Registration Number: PROSPERO CRD42019130988., (Copyright © 2020 Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest None.

Context: Hydroxyapatite has shown to regenerate the mineralized layer of dentin, whereas the combination of the enzymes lysozyme, lactoferrin, and lactoperoxidase may exhibit antimicrobial properties against oral pathogens., Aims: To evaluate a combination of hydroxyapatite and lysozyme, lactoferrin, and lactoperoxidase for the treatment of dentinal caries by measuring viable Streptococcus mutans., Settings and Design: Laboratory study with experimental groups., Methods and Material: Carious lesions in 20 permanent third molars were treated with a combination of hydroxyapatite and the enzymes lysozyme, lactoferrin, and lactoperoxidase. Carious dentin was collected and homogenized in a vortex shaker. After homogenization, five decimal dilutions were performed. Three aliquots of 25 μL of each dilution were seeded onto the surface of mitis salivarius bacitracin (MSB) medium. All plates were incubated in anaerobic jars. After incubation, the viable bacterial count was determined. S. mutans counts were obtained before and 24 h, 1 month, and 6 months after treatment., Statistical Analysis Used: Descriptive statistical analysis and the Kruskal-Wallis test, supplemented by the Student-Newman-Keuls test., Results: A significant reduction in S. mutans counts was observed 24 h after sealing with a combination of hydroxyapatite, lysozyme, lactoferrin, and lactoperoxidase as compared to counts after 1 month and after 6 months (P < 0.05)., Conclusions: The combination of hydroxyapatite with lysozyme, lactoferrin, and lactoperoxidase may be an alternative for S. mutans control in dentinal caries., Competing Interests: None

Dengue virus and Zika virus are arthropod-borne flaviviruses that cause millions of infections worldwide. The co-circulation of both viruses makes serological diagnosis difficult as they share high amino acid similarities in viral proteins. Antigens are one of the key reagents in the differential diagnosis of these viruses through the detection of IgG antibodies in serological assays during the convalescent-phase of infections. Here, we report the expression of Dengue virus (DENV) and Zika virus (ZIKV) antigens containing non-conserved and immunodominant amino acid sequences using the baculovirus expression vector system in insect cells. We designed DENV and ZIKV antigens based on the domain III of the E protein (EDIII) after analyzing previously reported epitopes and by multiple alignment of the most important flaviviruses. The ZIKV and DENV multi-epitope genes were designed as tandem repeats or impaired repeats separated by tetra- or hexa-glycine linkers. The biochemical analyses revealed adequate expression of the antigens. Then, the obtained multi-epitope antigens were semi-purified in a sucrose gradient and tested using patients' sera collected during the convalescent-phase that were previously diagnosed positive for anti-DENV and -ZIKV IgG antibodies. The optimal serum dilution was 1:200, and the mean absorbance values in the preliminary tests show that multi-epitope antigens have been recognized by human sera. The production of both antigens using the multi-epitope strategy in the eukaryotic system and based on the EDIII regions provide a proof of concept for the use of antigens in the differentiation between DENV and ZIKV.

Insecticides are the main method of controlling lepidopteran pests of eucalyptus plantations and those selective to natural enemies, such as the endoparasitoid Palmistichus elaeisis Delvare et LaSalle (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), are preferable. The objective of this study was to evaluate the selectivity and effects on biological parameters of the insecticide deltamethrin, registered for the control of defoliator caterpillars of eucalyptus, to the parasitoid P. elaeisis aiming the rational use of this insecticide and its compatibility with parasitoids. The experiment was in a completely randomized design. The treatments were the doses of 0.64, 1.40, 3.10, 6.83, 15.03, 33.05, 72.7 and 160 mg a.i./L of deltamethrin and the control (distilled water) with 10 replications, each with a pupae of the alternative host Tenebrio molitor Linnaeus (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) exposed by the immersion method. The parasitism, biological cycle, emergence, longevity, head width and metatibia length of the natural enemy were evaluated. Deltamethrin reduced parasitism and the emergence rates of P. elaeisis. The duration of the biological cycle of this parasitoid, emerged from T. molitor pupae exposed to 15.03 mg a.i./L of deltamethrin, was higher. The morphometric parameters of P. elaeisis exposed to the doses of 0.64 and 1.40 mg a.i./L of the insecticide were lower. However, the morphometric parameter values were higher with the doses above 3.10 mg a.i./L than in the control. The parasitism and emergence of P. elaeisis were also reduced by the deltamethrin doses lower than the commercially recommended one and therefore, this insecticide is not selective for this natural enemy.

Introduction: Periapical radiography (PR) is a diagnostic tool to be used by professionals in clinical practice. The method presents limitations, and doubts still exist about its value to evaluate furcation perforation and the reparative process of hard or soft tissues after treatment. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of PR as a diagnostic method to detect both resorption of the furcation area after induced experimental perforation and repair after perforation treatment using histopathological findings as a gold standard., Methods: Thirty teeth of beagle dogs with furcation perforation were filled with Biodentine (Septodont, Saint-Maur-des-Fossés, France), ProRoot White mineral trioxide aggregate (Dentsply Tulsa Dental Specialties, Tulsa, OK), or gutta-percha and examined using PR and histology. Sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and accuracy were calculated., Results: PR detected repair and reabsorption of furcation perforation in 55% and 48% of the teeth, respectively. Histologic analysis showed furcation perforation in 66% and 21% of the teeth, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of PR for the detection of repair were 0.84 and 1, respectively, whereas for resorption detection, the values were 0.43 and 0.65, respectively. Diagnostic accuracy for PR was 0.89 and 0.72 for repair and resorption of furcation perforation, respectively. PR showed more accurate diagnostic (true positives + true negatives/total) in repair detection compared with resorption of furcation perforation., Conclusions: We conclude that PR is not adequate in detecting resorption progress after the treatment of furcation perforation, and we encourage the use of digital imaging when suspicious of a possible unsuccessful result after furcation perforation treatment., (Copyright © 2020 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Members of the Leptodactylus mystaceus species complex are widely distributed in forests and open formations of South America east of the Andes. Species of the complex are morphologically similar or indistinguishable among each other, but acoustic data have been the cornerstone for species discrimination across their geographic ranges. In this paper, we re-examine the monophyly, species diversity, and relationships in the L. mystaceus complex on the basis of morphology, coloration, acoustics, and DNA sequences. Morphological and color patterns originally used to the allocation of species to the L. mystaceus complex are also reassessed. Our results revealed three new species from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest and Cerrado, which are named and described herein, based mainly on acoustic and molecular data. Populations assigned to the lineage widely distributed across the South American Dry Diagonal (DD), reported in this study as L. cf. mystaceus, is likely paraphyletic with respect to the nominal species (Amazonian lineage), but additional data are still needed to address the taxonomic status of the DD lineage.

Urinary bladder dysfunction affects several people worldwide and shows higher prevalence in women. Micturition is dependent on the Barrington's nucleus, pontine urine storage center and periaqueductal gray matter, but other brain stem areas are involved in the bladder regulation. Neurons in the medulla oblongata send projections to hypothalamic nuclei as the supraoptic nucleus, which synthetizes oxytocin and in its turn, this peptide is released in the circulation. We investigated the effects of intravenous injection of oxytocin (OT) on the urinary bladder in sham and ovariectomized rats. We also evaluated the topical ( in situ) action of OT on intravesical pressure (IP) as well as the existence of oxytocin receptors in the urinary bladder. In sham female Wistar rats, anesthetized with isoflurane, intravenous infusion of OT (10 ng/kg) significantly decreased the IP (-47.5 ± 1.2%) compared to saline (3.4 ± 0.7%). Similar effect in IP was observed in ovariectomized rats after i.v. OT (-41.9 ± 2.9%) compared to saline (0.5 ± 0.6%). Topical administration ( in situ ) of 0.1 mL of OT (1.0 ng/mL) significantly reduced the IP (22.3.0 ± 0.6%) compared to saline (0.9 ± 0.7%). We also found by qPCR that the gene expression of oxytocin receptor is present in this tissue. Blockade of oxytocin receptors significantly attenuated the reduction in IP evoked by oxytocin i.v. or in situ . Therefore, the findings suggest that (1) intravenous oxytocin decreases IP due to bladder relaxation and (2) OT has local bladder effect, binding directly in receptors located in the bladder., (Copyright © 2020 Cafarchio, da Silva, Auresco, Rodart, de Souza, Antonio, Venancio, Maifrino, Maciel, Giannocco, Aronsson and Sato.)

4,5-Bis(phtalimidomethyl)acridine (L) was studied as a chemosensor for metal ions in alcoholic matrices and showed to be selective for Al 3+ , through a linear fluorescence enhancement of 230% in the concentration range of 10-70 μmol L -1 . Benesi-Hildebrand and Job's formalisms indicated the formation of a 1:1 (Al 3+ :L) complex with a binding constant of 6.30 × 10 3 L mol -1 . DFT/TDDFT calculations allowed access to the energies of frontier orbitals and could explain the fluorescence augmentation upon complex formation, due to the restraining of PET process. Limit of detection and limit of quantification (R 2  = 0.998, least squares method) are 1.130 and 3.768 μmol L -1 , respectively, and validation was verified based on the variation of several analytical conditions. Practical application in spiked Brazilian sugarcane spirit showed recovery of (84 ± 0.42)% with no effect of interfering ions., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest We declare that there is no conflict of interest regarding this manuscript., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The Pristimantis genus (Anura: Craugastoridae) is the most diverse among all vertebrates with 531 described species. The highest diversity occurs in Ecuador (215 species), followed by Colombia (202), Peru (139), Venezuela (60), Brazil (30), Bolivia (17), Guyana (6) Suriname and French Guiana (5). The genus is divided into 11 species groups. Of these, the P. conspicillatus group (containing 34 species), distributed in extreme southeastern Costa Rica, Isla Taboga (Panama), northern South America (from Colombia to eastern Guyana), south Bolivia, and is the best represented in Brazil (16 species). The main characteristics of this group are the tympanic membrane and tympanic annulus distinct (except in P. johannesdei); dorsum smooth or shagreen; dorsal lateral fold present or absent; usually smooth belly, but may be weakly granular in some species; toe V slightly larger than the toe III. Most of the taxonomic inconsistencies in species of Pristimantis could be due to its much conserved morphology and the lack of comprehensive taxonomic evaluations. Thus, an ongoing challenge for taxonomists dealing with the Pristimantis genus is the ubiquitous abundance of cryptic species. In this context, accurate species delimitation should integrate evidences of morphological, molecular, bioacoustics and ecological data, among others. Based on an integrative taxonomy perspective, we utilize morphological, molecular (mtDNA) and bioacoustic evidence to describe four new species of the Pristimantis conspicillatus group from the eastern Amazon basin. Pristimantis giorgii sp. nov. is known from the Xingu/Tocantins interfluve and can be distinguished from the other Pristimantis species of the region by presenting discoidal fold, dorsolateral fold absent, vocalization composed of three to four notes and genetic distance of 7.7% (16S) and 14.8% (COI) from P. latro, the sister and sympatric species with respect P. giorgii sp. nov.. Pristimantis pictus sp. nov. is known to the northern Mato Grosso state, Brazil, and can be distinguished from the other species of Pristimantis by presenting the posterior surface of the thigh with light yellow patches on a brown background, also extending to the inguinal region, vocalization consisting of four to five notes and a genetic distance of 11.6% (16S) and 19.7% (COI) from P. pluvian sp. nov., which occurs in sympatry. Pristimantis pluvian sp. nov. is known to the northern Mato Grosso state, Brazil, and may be distinguished from the other Pristimantis species by having a posterior surface of the thigh reddish and vocalization composed of two notes. Pristimantis moa sp. nov. is known to the northern Tocantins state and southwestern Maranhão state. This species can be distinguished from the other Pristimantis species by possessing slightly perceptible canthal stripe, external thigh surface with dark yellow spots on brown background, vocalization consisting of three to five notes and genetic distance of 2.3-11.7 (16S) and 10.5-23.1 (COI) for the new Pristimantis species of this study., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

A new acridine-based chemosensor was prepared, characterized and investigated for quantitative detection of Hg 2+ ions in aqueous solutions. DFT and TD-DFT calculations showed that formation of a coordination bond between Hg 2+ and the thiolate-sensor accounts for the fluorescence quenching, forming [HgL S Cl 2 ] 2- as the most stable species. Limit of detection and limit of quantification were as low as 4.40 and 14.7 μmol L -1 , respectively (R 2  = 0.9892, least squares method), and a linear concentration range of 14.7-100 μmol L -1 . Benesi-Hildebrand and Job formalisms are in accordance with the formation of a stable complex with a 1:1 (metal ion/sensor) ratio, and a determined binding constant of 5.14 × 10 3 L mol -1 . Robustness was verified based on the variation of several analytical conditions. In addition, the method presented maximum relative standard deviation of 4.6%, and recovery results was (90.3 ± 4,6)% from distilled water, with no effect of interfering ions. Analytical figures of merit showed that the sensor can be an attractive low cost alternative for detection of Hg 2+ .

The emergence of fungal resistance to commercial drugs has been a major problem for the WHO. In this context, research with natural products is promising in the discovery of new active substances. Thus, this work evaluated the antifungal effect of a medicinal plant (i.e., Mesosphaerum suaveolens ) against strains of the genus Candida , tested the combined effect with the drug fluconazole, and, finally, determined the phenolic constituents present in the species. Initially, aqueous extracts of leaves (AELMs) and aerial parts (AEAPMs) of the species were prepared. For microbiological assays, the minimum fungicidal concentration was determined by broth microdilution, and the combined effect of fluconazole extracts were verified by sub-inhibitory microdilution concentrations (CFM/8) followed by spectrophotometric readings which were used to determine the IC 50 . HPLC detected the presence of flavonoids and phenolic acids, detecting eight compounds present in the samples of which caffeic acid and quercetin were major components. The AELMs modulated fluconazole activity since it decreased fluconazole's IC 50 from 7.8 µg/mL to an IC 50 of 4.7 µg/mL (CA LM 77) and from 28.8 µg/mL to 18.26 µg/mL (CA INCQS 40006) for the C. albicans strains. The AEAPMs were able to potentiate the effect of fluconazole more effectively than the AELMs. Such an effect was significant for the 16 µg/mL concentration for CA LM 77 and 32 µg/mL for CA INCQS 40006. The AEAPMs as well as the AELMs presented clinically relevant activities for C. tropicalis strains. For the C. tropicalis LM 23 strain, the AEPMs obtained an IC 50 of 25 µg/mL and the AELMs an IC 50 of 359.9 µg/mL., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.