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The dietary requirement for cysteine is not determined in poultry since it is not an essential amino acid. The cysteine need is expected to be met through the transsulfuration pathway where homocysteine, a precursor of methionine, is converted to cysteine. Cysteine is a major component of plumage, and the degree to which cysteine is involved in plumage and other keratized proteins are unknown. We randomly assigned chicks to control and treatment (deficient in cysteine) diets for 49 d. The thickness of the skin layers, feather follicle length, and thickness were measured at days 10, 24, 34, and 49. We also measured the hepatic mRNA expressions of cystathionine beta synthase (CBS), cystathionine γ-lyase (CTL), cysteine dioxygenase (CDO), and glutathione synthetase (GSS). Chickens fed the treatment diet had reduced epidermis thickness and shorter feather follicles compared with the controls. The chicken fed the treatment diet also had increased mRNA expression of CBS and CTL indicating a disruption of the transsulfuration pathway. The treatment chickens also had a decreased hepatic CDO and increased GSS mRNA expressions which are in concordance with the homeostatic regulation of cysteine. Compromised cysteine metabolism could affect thermoregulation and subsequently affect feed efficiency and welfare of the birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temperatures below the comfort zone (sub-optimal) decrease the metabolic activity of the organism, which can cause losses in fish growth and development. Improving the availability of nutrients can favor the productive indexes. The objective of this work was to evaluate the enzyme blend supplementation (200 ppm of phytase, 400 ppm of protease and 200 ppm of alpha-amylase) in diets with nutritional reduction on performance and physical and chemical composition of tilapia kept at sub-temperature (23.15 ± 0.2 ° C). The trial was conducted at the UFPB / CCHSA for a period of 60 days. A total of 260 male Nile tilapia fingerlings, sexually induced, were distributed in a completely randomized design with four treatments and five replicates. The control diet DCEE (control diet with enzyme blend), DV1EE (reduction of 1.32% of PB and ED + enzyme blend) and DV2EE (reduction of 2.64% of PB and ED + enzyme blend). The parameters of performance and physicochemical composition of the carcass were evaluated. The enzymatic supplementation was efficient in providing nutrients supplying a deficit of up to 2.64% of energy and protein in the diet of tilapia submitted to sub-optimal temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ornamental fish market requires an animal with adequate size in a short period of production, to meet the nutritional requirements strategies should be implemented, such as the use of exogenous enzymes in diets. The research was conducted in order to evaluate the influence of enzyme supplementation on performance ornamental guppy fish. Two diets were tested, one supplemented with exogenous enzymes protease, phytase and alpha amylase. Were evaluated: body weight, weight gain, feed conversion, length complete and standard, gain in total and standard length, height, width, specific growth rate; Specific development rate and Fulton condition factor. Enzyme supplementation influenced positively the growth and development of guppys ornamental fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was to determine growth curves and body nutrients deposition by using Gompertz equation, and to estimate protein requirement in light and semi heavy hen pullets. In total, 1,500 hen pullets were distributed at random into 30 repetitions of 25 birds each. Experimental period was divided into three steps (1st to 4th, 5th to 11th and 12th to 16th weeks of age). Rations were formulated based on corn and soybean meal and offered ad libitum. Birds were weighed weekly. Two birds per repetition were used to determine chemical body composition and data were used to obtain Gompertz model parameters. Allometric ratios were used to describe changes in the body composition in protein, lipid, mineral matter and water in the eviscerated and featherless body. Weight-age data of Dekalb White and Bovans Goldline pullets were well described by Gompertz function. Allometric coefficients of fat, water and mineral matter in function of the protein body weight were, respectively: 0.114, 0.811 and 0.930 for Dekalb line and 1.160, 0.429 and 0.189 for Bovans line. There are differences between lines for growth rates and body nutrients and feathers deposition, with Dekalb line being the most precocious. Total protein requirements (maintenance and growth) for pullets from 1st to 4th, 5th to 11th and 12th to 16th weeks of age were 4.41; 9.814 and 12.612 g·d-1 for Dekalb White and 4.82; 8.859 and 7.673 g·d-1 for Bovans Goldline, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The lymphatic system plays a relevant role in any type of peripheral edema. Lymphoscintigraphy is currently considered the primary test in the diagnosis of lymphatic disease of the lower limbs. Although there is an association between lymphatic edema and chronic venous ulcers, the physiopathology of such changes remains uncertain. Objective: To assess qualitative lymphoscintigraphic findings in patients with chronic venous ulcers of the lower limbs. Methods: Forty patients with unilateral chronic venous ulcer or scarwere submitted to bilateral lymphoscintigraphy of the lower limbs. The sample was comprised of 25 women and 15 men, with a mean age of 53.7 years (28 to 79) and mean ulcer duration of 71.5 months (3 to 240 months). Lymphoscintigraphic parameters were qualitatively compared among three groups of lower limbs previously classified according to the clinical, etiologic, anatomic and pathologic classification (CEAP): I, limbs without clinical signs of venous disease or with telangiectasias and/or reticular veins (classes 0 and 1); II, limbs with varicose veins, edema and/or skin and subcutaneous alterations (classes 2, 3 and 4); III, lower limbs with ulcer and/or ulcer scars (classes 5 and 6). Results: There was a significant difference (p < 0.001) in the comparison of lymphoscintigraphic findings of the lower limbs with (group III - classes 5 and 6) and without ulcers/scars (groups I and II - classes 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4). There was also a significant difference (p < 0.001) in the comparison of groups according to the clinical CEAP classification: lymphoscintigraphic abnormalitieswere present in 72.5% in group III (classes 5 and 6), in 30.8% in group II (classes 2, 3 and 4), and in 7.1% in group I (classes 0 and 1). There was a statistically significant difference between group III and the other groups with regard to radiotracer retention, inguinal adenomegaly and dermal reflux. There was no significance as to the parameters popliteal lymph node and collateral circulation. Conclusion: The more severe the venous chronic stasis, the more lymphoscintigraphic abnormalities were observed, corroborating the association between venous and lymphatic disease and between chronic venous stasis and secondary lymphedema. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective/Background: Bacillus is a cosmopolitan bacterial genus with a great genome diversity. Thus, by exploring its genome background, it is possible to understand more about the physiological and biochemical traits involved in its biological control against phytopathogens. The objective of this work was to correlate the phylogenomic relationships of the type species of the genus Bacillus with the presence of gene clusters associated with biological control of plant pathogens, through genome mining. Materials and Methods: Based on the literature, 336 species belonging to the genus Bacillus have been reported; however, after re-classification, a total of 123 type species have been recognized, and curated genomes were found in the EzBioCloud platform (http://www.ezbiocloud.net/). The overall genome relatedness indices (OGRIs) were used for this work, which indicate how similar two sequences of a genome are. Then, the Realphy platform was used to create the phylogenomic tree 1.13 (Action-based phylogeny constructor reference). Finally, the prediction of biosynthetic gene clusters (BGC) associated with the biological control of phytopathogens was carried out using antiSMASH v6.0 (https://antismash. secondarymetabolites.org/). Results: The present strategy allowed us to correlate and predict the biological control capacity of the Bacillus species under study based on their taxonomic affiliation since at a shorter evolutionary distance from Bacillus subtilis a high potential capacity to produce biological control compounds was observed. However, the possibility that they acquire the ability to produce new biocontrol compounds during their evolutionary separation is not ruled out. Conclusion: This work validates the correlation between the taxonomic affiliation of the studied Bacillus species and their biological control capacity, which is useful in the bioprospecting stage to design promising biopesticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the effect of dietary supplementation with glutamine and glutamic acid (Gln+Glu) on performance, intestinal morphometry, and carcass characteristics of broiler quails. Eight hundred birds were used, distributed in an entirely randomized design with 20 birds per experimental unit, and given five treatments (0.0; 0.2; 0.4; 0.6; and 0.8% Gln+Glu supplementation) with eight replicates. At 1-21 days of age, lower (P < 0.05) feed intake at 0.6 and 0.8% Gln+Glu supplementation and lower weight gain at 0.8% Gln+Glu supplementation compared to the control treatment were observed. By regression analysis, excluding the control treatment, there was an increasing linear effect (P < 0.05) for feed intake at 22 to 42 days of age. For intestinal morphometry, Gln+Glu supplementation only favored the villus development of the ileum (P < 0.05), giving it greater height at 0.2, 0.6, and 0.8% supplementation. Carcass characteristics, cuts, and edible viscera of the birds at 42 days were not affected (P > 0.05) by Gln+Glu supplementation levels. Thus, the glutamine and glutamic acid supplementation affected the performance and intestinal morphology of 21-d-old quails, decreasing feed intake and weight gain associated with the improvement of ileum morphology; conversely, performance and carcass characteristics at 42 days were not affected by amino acid supplementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structure and vibrational characteristics of cobalt monoxide and tetraoxide films, prepared by direct-current DC reactive sputtering, were investigated by different characterization techniques. According to X-ray diffraction analyses, the development of the Co 3 O 4 phase takes place under low discharge power and high substrate temperature (80 W-623 K) conditions, whereas the CoO phase predominates when adopting high discharge power and low substrate temperature (240 W-473 K). Results of infrared absorption and Raman scattering spectroscopies indicate the presence of Co 3 O 4 in all films, that are compatible with the optical transmittance spectra in the UV-Vis-NIR range − showing electronic transitions due to Co2+/3+ cations (related to the Co 3 O 4 spinel structure) in the films deposited at 80 W-623 K and, to a lesser extent, at 240 W-473 K conditions. The investigations include Raman scattering measurements in the 83–623 K range. The results evidence a mixture of phases in the 240 W-473 K film, whose main Raman scattering peaks evolve irreversibly towards Co 3 O 4 upon increasing measurement temperatures. Altogether, the present report provides deeper information about the cobalt oxide phases that shall be useful to improve the control of properties and production of cobalt oxide films by DC reactive sputtering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motivation is a relevant fact because they come from intimate human, what motivates you, in case the company should offer tools to facilitate the work of its employees, continuous improvement employee requires changes in organizational environment by requiring mainly that is proposed, means for the employee can show that he can be considered excellent, leading him to stimuli increasing its capacity, dedication, persistence, responsibility and commitment, this paper aims to conduct a study on the level of motivation employees of a confection, as a theoretical foundation was based on: motivation, motivation at work and in some theories on the subject, so much has been used as a method applying a questionnaire with sample equivalent to 50% of the company's employees through the data analysis it is perceived that they are not motivated, the befitting for her not using motivational policies, and that the relationship with the boss imposes a psychological pressure to the desktop repressing contributor to efficiently perform its function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to determine the nutritional requirement of digestible Trp for white egg layers in the period from 60 to 76 wk of age. A total of 180 Dekalb White layers with an average weight of 1,345 kg were distributed in a completely randomized design with 5 increasing levels of digestible Trp (0.167, 0.175, 0.183, 0.191, and 0.199%), 6 replicates, and 6 birds per experimental unit. The diets of the treatments contained 0.759% of digestible Lys, which was obtained using the prediction equation of the Brazilian Tables for Poultry and Swine, and each treatment consisted of a digestible Trp-to-Lys ratio of 22, 23, 24, 25, or 26%. The digestible Trp levels in the diet had a quadratic effect on egg production, egg mass, and conversion per mass and per dozen eggs, and a linear effect on egg weight. In conclusion, a diet with 0.192% digestible Trp, in a 25.33% ratio with digestible Lys or 212 mg/bird per day, can be recommended for white egg layers of 60 to 76 wk of age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of in ovo threonine (Thr) supplementation on the ileal expression of glucose, peptide and amino acid transporters was assessed in Salmonella Enteritidis‐challenged broiler chicks. At 17.5 days of incubation, fertile eggs were supplemented in the amniotic fluid with sterile saline or 3.5% threonine. Hatchlings were individually weighed, and Salmonella Enteritidis negative status was confirmed. At 2 days of age, half of the birds of each group were inoculated with sterile nutrient broth or Salmonella Enteritidis inoculum. Relative expression of sodium‐dependent glucose transporter 1 (SGLT1), glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2), di‐ and tri‐peptide transporter 1 (PepT1) and alanine, serine, cysteine, threonine transporter (ASCT1) was assessed at hatch, 2 and 9 days of age, i.e., before inoculation and 7 days post‐inoculation (dpi). At 9 days of age (7dpi), threonine increased SGLT1 and GLUT2 expression, whereas GLUT2 expression decreased in Salmonella‐challenged birds. There was a significant interaction between threonine and Salmonella for PepT1 and ASCT1. Threonine increased PepT1 expression only in non‐challenged birds. In addition, in ovo supplementation increased expression of ASCT1 regardless of post‐hatch inoculation; Salmonella inoculation resulted in decreased expression of ASCT1 only in supplemented birds. The results suggest that while intra‐amniotic threonine administration in broiler embryos increases the expression of genes related to the absorption of monosaccharides and amino acids, Salmonella challenge may negatively affect the expression of protein related transporters in the ileum of broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of including L-glutamine along with glutamic acid as a supplement in weaned piglets' diets with and without whey powder. Methods: Two assays were carried out. A total of 40 piglets ([Landrace×Large White]× Pietrain) weaned at 24 days of age with an initial body weight of 6.6±0.6 kg were used in the first assay, and the following parameters were evaluated: growth performance, the incidence of diarrhea, morphometry, intestinal integrity, and hepatic glycogen index. The animals were then blocked into four groups according to different diets: diet all-grain feeding (G); diet all-grain feeding with whey powder (GW); and with vs without 1% supplementation of the commercial product containing L-glutamine and glutamic acid (A or NA). Whey powder was added according to the stage of life, corresponding to 17%, 10%, and 5%, respectively, in order to meet the need for lactose. The animals were evaluated at 24 to 42 days and at 24 to 55 days of age. The nutrient digestibility for the second assay was carried out by using 24 animals with an average weight of 11.49±1.6 kg, and the same diets were tested. Results: The supplementation of L-glutamine + glutamic acid or the addition of whey powder in diets for weaned piglets provided (p<0.05) greater feed intake, greater weight gain and improved feed conversion in the initial period (24 to 42 days age). However, in the whole period (24 to 55 days age) only amino acid supplementation affected (p<0.05) growth performance. There was a positive interaction (p<0.05) between the type of diet and L-glutamine + glutamic acid supplementation on villus height, crypt depth and the villus:crypt ratio in the duodenum. In addition, L-glutamine + glutamic acid supplementation reduced (p<0.05) the crypt depth and improved the villus:crypt ratio in the jejunum. The inclusion of whey powder affected (p<0.05) positively the digestibility coefficients analyzed except mineral matter digestibility coeficients. The supplementation of 1% the commercial product composed of L-glutamine and glutamic acid improved (p<0.05) only the digestibility coefficient of crude protein. Conclusion: These results indicate that supplementation of 1% commercial product containing L-glutamine + glutamic acid in diets for piglets from 24 to 55 days of age, dispenses with the use of whey powder when evaluating growth performance. Amino acid supplementation alone or associated with whey powder affects (p<0.05) positively the indicators of the intestinal integrity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amorphous hydrogenated oxygenated chlorinated carbon materials with and without silicon were produced by PECVD at deposition rates of up to 150 nm min −1 . Surface roughness, morphology and contact angle were almost independent of the main system parameter, namely the partial pressure of CHCl 3 in the plasma feed, C Cl . Infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRRAS) of the films revealed the presence of C=O and C=C bonding in all the chlorinated films. IRRAS spectra also showed the presence of C-Cl bonds in the most chlorinated a-C:H:O:Cl films. Hydration of Si-Cl to Si-OH occurs in the a-C:H:Si:O:Cl films. As revealed by Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) the Cl content increases and the O content decreases as C Cl increases. Under the range of conditions used, [Cl] reached maxima of ∼32 at.% and 25 at.%, respectively, for the series of a-C:H:O:Cl and the a-C:H:Si:O:Cl films. For the a-C:H:Si:O:Cl films the Si content decreases with increasing C Cl . Optical properties were calculated from Ultraviolet-visible near infrared spectral data. Refractive indices varied between ∼1.52 and 1.78, depending on C Cl . The Tauc gaps can be selected by a suitable choice of C Cl in the range of roughly 1.3–2.6 eV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidative stress significantly compromises the production efficiency of laying hens. It has been reported in literature that selenium (Se) in poultry diets has a positive effect on mitigating these effects. This study has been carried out to evaluate the effects of Se supplementation in feeds, from either an inorganic or a hydroxy-selenomethionine (OH-SeMet) source, on the performance and physiological traits of 50- to 70-wk-old Dekalb Brown laying hens under heat stress, and on their egg quality after different storage durations. The treatments consisted in supplementing 0.3 ppm of Se as sodium selenite (SS ; 45%–0.7g/ton) or OH-SeMet (2%–15g/ton) in twelve 16-bird replicates. Supplementation with OH-SeMet resulted in a better performance of the laying hens than with SS: −5% feed conversion ratio and +3.6% of egg mass. A reduction in egg quality was observed with prolonged egg storage, which was mitigated with the use of OH-SeMet in laying hen diets. The use of OH-SeMet increased the antioxidant capacity of the birds, which showed higher glutathione peroxidase levels in the blood, kidneys, liver, and intestinal mucosa, in addition to a higher Se content in the eggs and a greater bone resistance. Thus, supplementing feeds with 0.3 ppm of OH-SeMet to 50- to 70-wk-old semi-heavy laying hens enhances their antioxidant capacity and leads to a higher egg quality and productivity than SS supplementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a conceptually novel approach to achieve selective area epitaxy of GaN nanowires. The approach is based on the fact that these nanostructures do not form in plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy on structurally and chemically uniform cation-polar substrates. By in situ depositing and nitridating Si on a Ga-polar GaN film, we locally reverse the polarity to induce the selective area epitaxy of N-polar GaN nanowires. We show that the nanowire number density can be controlled over several orders of magnitude by varying the amount of predeposited Si. Using this growth approach, we demonstrate the synthesis of single-crystalline and uncoalesced nanowires with diameters as small as 20 nm. The achievement of nanowire number densities low enough to prevent the shadowing of the nanowire sidewalls from the impinging fluxes paves the way for the realization of homogeneous core-shell heterostructures without the need of using ex situ prepatterned substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Formulation techniques of diets influenced the estimation of lysine requirement. • The estimated requirement for the dilution technique was 5.3% higher. • Diets formulated by the dilution technique required more amino acid supplementation. • The supplementation technique influences better performance in Japanese quail. This work aimed to investigate the influence of two diet formulation techniques: supplementation and dilution, on estimates of digestible lysine requirements in growing Japanese quail. For this, 492 Japanese quails (10 to 36 days old) with initial weight of 33.7 ± 0.42 g were used, housed in overlapping cages, and distributed in a completely randomized design in a 2 × 5 factorial arrangement. Two formulation techniques (supplementation technique and dilution technique) and five levels of lysine (0.80; 0.90; 1.00; 1.10 and 1.20%) were used, thus composing 10 treatments and 6 repetitions with 8 birds each. Performance parameters, nutrient gain, and carcass components were evaluated. There was interaction (p <0.05) between the formulation techniques and the levels of digestible lysine tested for feed intake, weight gain, protein gain, fat gain, chilled carcass weight, breast weight and thigh percentage, in addition to the isolated effect of the formulation technique on feed conversion, and isolated effect of the levels of digestible lysine on feed conversion and thigh weight. The digestible lysine requirement values estimated for better performance and efficiency in nutrient deposition were 1.028% or 133 mg/day by the supplementation technique, and 1.063% or 140 mg/day by the dilution technique. It can be concluded that the requirement for digestible lysine in Japanese quail is influenced by the formulation technique, and the supplementation technique had better results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the geometrical, electronic, and optical properties of a Ga24N24H46 nanoparticle using Density Functional Theory (DFT). The results show that this nanoparticle maintains geometrical parameters very similar to those of the GaN crystal, although it was noticed that the bond length along the direction [0001] of the Ga24N24H46 nanoparticle is smaller than those of the base of the tetrahedron, which is the opposite of what occurs in the crystal. The bandgap of the passivated nanoparticle calculated with DFT is greater than that of the crystal, while an estimate for the hydrogen-free Ga24N24 structure shows a much lower bandgap, in accordance with the literature. The simulation of the optical absorption spectra via Time-Dependent DFT allowed the association of the spatial shape of electronic orbitals with particular transition energies. The highest occupied (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied (LUMO) electronic levels are located on the (0001) and (000-1) surfaces of the particle, respectively, showing that the passivation of GaN nanoparticles should maintain its known photocatalytic activity, and that transition probability between those surface states is relatively low as compared to the HOMO-4 and LUMO transitions at 4.16 eV. Results are compared with the available experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Phytase supplementation can be possible reduce by up 10% of top three limiting amino acids. • Superdosing on phytase improves duodenal morphology in broilers. • Superdosing of phytase promote a greater availability of phosphorus and increase absorption area in the gut of broilers. The aim was evaluating the effect of phytase superdosing in diets with reduced amino acid levels (methionine, lysine, threonine) for broiler chickens from 1 to 45 days. Parameters related to performance, carcass characteristics, intestinal morphometry, and ileal digestibility was evaluated. Were used 1848 male Cobb 500 broilers with 46 g ± 0.02 g of starter weight, divided into 12 treatments, in a completely randomized design in a 3 × 4 factorial arrangement (3 nutrient matrices: 0 (control), 5 (-5%), and 10% (-10%) of reduction in the levels of the digestible amino acids and 4 levels of phytase (0, 500, 1500, and 3000 FTU/kg), 7 replicates of 22 birds per experimental unit. For ileal digestibility another trial was carried out following the same experimental design; with 252 animals 12 treatments, 3 replicates of 7 birds each. Analysis of variance of the data was performed, and regression analysis was used for the FTU levels. For the nutrient matrices, Tukey's test was used at the 5% probability level. The results show that, after phytase supplementation at 1500 FTU/kg, is possible a reduction by up to 10% of the levels of the top three limiting amino acids in relation to control level for broilers from 1 to 45 days of age without affecting the productive performance of the animals. The superdosing of phytase promoted a greater availability of phosphorus, increasing the villus: crypt ratio, villus area. A reduction in dietary Ca and P levels is recommended, increasing the availability of these minerals through the enzyme matrix and supplementation with 1500 FTU/kg of bacterial phytase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Amorphous hydrogenated chlorinated carbon (a-C:H:Cl) films were produced by the plasma polymerization of chloroform–acetylene–argon mixtures in a radiofrequency plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition system. The main parameter of interest was the proportion of chloroform in the feed, RC, which was varied from 0 to 80%. Deposition rates of 80nmmin−1 were typical for the chlorinated films. Infrared reflection–absorption spectroscopy revealed the presence of C–Cl groups in all the films produced with chloroform in the feed. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed this finding, and revealed a saturation of the chlorine content at ~47at.% for RC ≥40%. The refractive index and optical gap, E04, of the films were roughly in the 1.6 to 1.7, and the 2.8 to 3.7eV range. These values were calculated from transmission ultraviolet–visible-near infrared spectra. Chlorination leads to an increase in the water surface contact angle from ~40° to ~77°. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Photofunctionalization mediated by ultraviolet (UV) light seems to be a promising approach to improve the physico-chemical characteristics and the biological response of titanium (Ti) dental implants. Seeing that photofunctionalization is able to remove carbon from the surface, besides to promote reactions on the titanium dioxide (TiO 2) layer, coating the Ti with a stable TiO 2 film could potentialize the UV effect. Thus, here we determined the impact of UV-photofunctionalized mixed-phase (anatase and rutile) TiO 2 films on the physico-chemical properties of Ti substrate and cell biology. Mixed-phase TiO 2 films were grown by radiofrequency magnetron sputtering on commercially pure titanium (cpTi) discs, and samples were divided as follow: cpTi (negative control), TiO 2 (positive control), cpTi UV, TiO 2 UV (experimental). Photofunctionalization was performed using UVA (360 nm - 40 W) and UVC (250 nm - 40 W) lamps for 48 h. Surfaces were analyzed in terms of morphology, topography, chemical composition, crystalline phase, wettability and surface free energy. Pre-osteoblastic cells (MC3T3E1) were used to assess cell morphology and adhesion, metabolism, mineralization potential and cytokine secretion (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-4, IL-6 and IL-17). TiO 2 -coated surfaces exhibited granular surface morphology and greater roughness. Photofunctionalization increased wettability (p < 0.05) and surface free energy (p < 0.001) on both surface conditions. TiO 2 -treated groups featured normal cell morphology and spreading, and greater cellular metabolic activity at 2 and 4 days (p < 0.05), whereas UV-photofunctionalized surfaces enhanced cell metabolism, cell adhered area, and calcium deposition (day 14) (p < 0.05). In general, assessed proteins were found slightly affected by either UV or TiO 2 treatments. Altogether, our findings suggest that UV-photofunctionalized TiO 2 surface has the potential to improve pre-osteoblastic cell differentiation and the ability of cells to form mineral nodules by modifying Ti physico-chemical properties towards a more stable context. UV-modified surfaces modulate the secretion of key inflammatory markers. Unlabelled Image • Mixed TiO 2 + UV-photofunctionalization enhanced cell metabolism and adhesion. • Surface's UV-photofunctionalization increased mineral nodule formation in vitro. • Some inflammatory markers were slightly affected by either UV or TiO 2 treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) incorporation in biomaterials is a promising technology due to its photocatalytic and antibacterial activities. However, the antibacterial potential of different TiO 2 crystalline structures on a multispecies oral biofilm remains unknown. We hypothesized that the different crystalline TiO 2 phases present different photocatalytic and antibacterial activities. Methods Three crystalline TiO 2 films were deposited by magnetron sputtering on commercially pure titanium (cpTi), in order to obtain four groups: (1) machined cpTi (control); (2) A-TiO 2 (anatase); (3) M-TiO 2 (mixture of anatase and rutile); (4) R-TiO 2 (rutile). The morphology, crystalline phase, chemical composition, hardness, elastic modulus and surface free energy of the surfaces were evaluated. The photocatalytic potential was assessed by methylene blue degradation assay. The antibacterial activity was evaluated on relevant oral bacteria, by using a multispecies biofilm ( Streptococcus sanguinis , Actinomyces naeslundii and Fusobacterium nucleatum ) formed on the treated titanium surfaces (16.5 h) followed by UV-A light exposure (1 h) to generate reactive oxygen species production. Results All TiO 2 films presented around 300 nm thickness and improved the hardness and elastic modulus of cpTi surfaces (p < 0.05). A-TiO 2 and M-TiO 2 films presented superior photocatalytic activity than R-TiO 2 (p < 0.05). M-TiO 2 revealed the greatest antibacterial activity followed by A-TiO 2 (≈99.9% and 99% of bacterial reduction, respectively) (p < 0.001 vs. control). R-TiO 2 had no antibacterial activity (p > 0.05 vs. control). Significance This study brings new insights on the development of extra oral protocols for the photocatalytic activity of TiO 2 in oral biofilm-associated disease. Anatase and mixture-TiO 2 showed antibacterial activity on this oral bacterial biofilm, being promising surface coatings for dental implant components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]