Hyperexpansion of genetic diversity and metabolic capacity of extremophilic bacteria and archaea in ancient Andean lake sediments.

Background: The Andean Altiplano hosts a repertoire of high-altitude lakes with harsh conditions for life. These lakes are undergoing a process of desiccation caused by the current climate, leaving terraces exposed to extreme atmospheric conditions and serving as analogs to Martian paleolake basins. Microbiomes in Altiplano lake terraces have been poorly studied, enclosing uncultured lineages and a great opportunity to understand environmental adaptation and the limits of life on Earth.

Comprehensive Development of a Cellulose Acetate and Soy Protein-Based Scaffold for Nerve Regeneration.

Background: The elaboration of biocompatible nerve guide conduits (NGCs) has been studied in recent years as a treatment for total nerve rupture lesions (axonotmesis). Different natural polymers have been used in these studies, including cellulose associated with soy protein. The purpose of this report was to describe manufacturing NGCs suitable for nerve regeneration using the method of dip coating and evaporation of solvent with cellulose acetate (CA) functionalized with soy protein acid hydrolysate (SPAH).

Exploring Schwann Cell Behavior on Electrospun Polyhydroxybutyrate Scaffolds with Varied Pore Sizes and Fiber Thicknesses: Implications for Neural Tissue Engineering.

The placement of a polymeric electrospun scaffold is among the most promising strategies to improve nerve regeneration after critical neurotmesis. It is of great interest to investigate the effect of these structures on Schwann cells (SCs), as these cells lead nerve regeneration and functional recovery. The aim of this study was to assess SC viability and morphology when cultured on polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) electrospun scaffolds with varied microfiber thicknesses and pore sizes.

Effects of Low-Level Laser Therapy and Purified Natural Latex () Protein on Injured Sciatic Nerve in Rodents: Morpho-Functional Analysis.

The present study analyzed the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and the purified natural latex protein (, F1 protein) on the morpho-function of sciatic nerve crush injuries in rats. One-hundred and eight male Wistar rats were randomly allocated to six groups ( = 18): 1. Control; 2.

Determination of Mandibular Position and Mouth Opening in Healthy Patients and Patients with Articular and/or Muscular Pathology: A Pilot Study with 3D Electromagnetic Articulography and Surface Electromyography.

Unlabelled: Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are a group of pathologies that affect the temporomandibular joint and its related structures, producing intracapsular and muscular pathologies. The aim of this study is to describe, by electromagnetic articulography (EMA) and simultaneous electromyography (sEMG), the mandibular postural position and mouth opening in healthy patients and with articular and/or muscular pathology.

Materials And Methods: A pilot study was conducted with a sample of sixteen participants aged 18 years or older who attended the TMDs and Orofacial Pain Polyclinic of the University of La Frontera due to TMDs.

Characterization of Mandibular Border Movements and Mastication in Each Skeletal Class Using 3D Electromagnetic Articulography: A Preliminary Study.

Mandibular movement recording is relevant for the planning and evaluation of mandibular function. These movements can include mandibular border movements (MBM) or mastication. Our objective was to characterize the kinematics of MBM and mastication among skeletal classes I, II, and III in the three spatial planes.

Assessing siliceous sinter matrices for long-term preservation of lipid biomarkers in opaline sinter deposits analogous to Mars in El Tatio (Chile).

Subaerial hydrothermal systems are of great interest for paleobiology and astrobiology as plausible candidate environments to support the origin of life on Earth that offer a unique and interrelated atmosphere-hydrosphere-lithosphere interface. They harbor extensive sinter deposits of high preservation potential that are promising targets in the search for traces of possible extraterrestrial life on Hesperian Mars. However, long-term quality preservation is paramount for recognizing biosignatures in old samples and there are still significant gaps in our understanding of the impact and extent of taphonomy processes on life fingerprints.

A Novel Technique to Accurately Measure Mouth Opening Using 3D Electromagnetic Articulography.

The mouth opening is an important indication of the functionality of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Mouth opening is usually evaluated by asking the patient to open their mouth as wide as possible and measuring the distance between the edges of the frontal incisors with a ruler or caliper. With the advancement of technology, new techniques have been proposed to record mandibular movement.

Comprehensive Metabolic and Taxonomic Reconstruction of an Ancient Microbial Mat From the McMurdo Ice Shelf (Antarctica) by Integrating Genetic, Metaproteomic and Lipid Biomarker Analyses.

Paleobiological reconstructions based on molecular fossils may be limited by degradation processes causing differential preservation of biomolecules, the distinct taxonomic specificity of each biomolecule type, and analytical biases. Here, we combined the analysis of DNA, proteins and lipid biomarkers using 16S and 18S rRNA gene metabarcoding, metaproteomics and lipid analysis to reconstruct the taxonomic composition and metabolisms of a desiccated microbial mat from the McMurdo Ice Shelf (MIS) (Antarctica) dated ~1,000 years BP. The different lability, taxonomic resolution and analytical bias of each biomolecule type led to a distinct microbial community profile.

Lipid Profiles From Fresh Biofilms Along a Temperature Gradient on a Hydrothermal Stream at El Tatio (Chilean Andes), as a Proxy for the Interpretation of Past and Present Biomarkers Beyond Earth.

Hydrothermal systems and their deposits are primary targets in the search for fossil evidence of life beyond Earth. However, to learn how to decode fossil biomarker records in ancient hydrothermal deposits, we must first be able to interpret unambiguously modern biosignatures, their distribution patterns, and their association with physicochemical factors. Here, we investigated the molecular and isotopic profile of microbial biomarkers along a thermal gradient (from 29 to 72°C) in a hot spring (labeled Cacao) from El Tatio, a geyser field in the Chilean Andes with abundant opaline silica deposits resembling the nodular and digitate structures discovered on Mars.

Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) Scaffolds for Peripheral Nerve Regeneration: A Systematic Review of Animal Models.

In the last two decades, artificial scaffolds for nerve regeneration have been produced using a variety of polymers. Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) is a natural polyester that can be easily processed and offer several advantages; hence, the purpose of this review is to provide a better understanding of the efficacy of therapeutic approaches involving PHB scaffolds in promoting peripheral nerve regeneration following nerve dissection in animal models. A systematic literature review was performed following the "Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses" (PRISMA) criteria.

Methods to Characterize Electrospun Scaffold Morphology: A Critical Review.

Electrospun scaffolds can imitate the hierarchical structures present in the extracellular matrix, representing one of the main concerns of modern tissue engineering. They are characterized in order to evaluate their capability to support cells or to provide guidelines for reproducibility. The issues with widely used methods for morphological characterization are discussed in order to provide insight into a desirable methodology for electrospun scaffold characterization.

Optimal Morphometric Characteristics of a Tubular Polymeric Scaffold to Promote Peripheral Nerve Regeneration: A Scoping Review.

Cellular behavior in nerve regeneration is affected by the architecture of the polymeric nerve guide conduits (NGCs); therefore, design features of polymeric NGCs are critical for neural tissue engineering. Hence, the purpose of this scoping review is to summarize the adequate quantitative/morphometric parameters of the characteristics of NGC that provide a supportive environment for nerve regeneration, enhancing the understanding of a previous study. 394 studies were found, of which 29 studies were selected.

How Fiber Surface Topography Affects Interactions between Cells and Electrospun Scaffolds: A Systematic Review.

Electrospun scaffolds have a 3D fibrous structure that attempts to imitate the extracellular matrix in order to be able to host cells. It has been reported in the literature that controlling fiber surface topography produces varying results regarding cell-scaffold interactions. This review analyzes the relevant literature concerning in vitro studies to provide a better understanding of the effect that controlling fiber surface topography has on cell-scaffold interactions.

Main Morphological Characteristics of Tubular Polymeric Scaffolds to Promote Peripheral Nerve Regeneration-A Scoping Review.

Unlabelled: The "nerve guide conduits" (NGC) used in nerve regeneration must mimic the natural environment for proper cell behavior.

Objective: To describe the main morphological characteristics of polymeric NGC to promote nerve regeneration.

Methods: A scoping review was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) criteria in the PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) databases.

Fingerprinting molecular and isotopic biosignatures on different hydrothermal scenarios of Iceland, an acidic and sulfur-rich Mars analog.

Detecting signs of potential extant/extinct life on Mars is challenging because the presence of organics on that planet is expected to be very low and most likely linked to radiation-protected refugia and/or preservative strategies (e.g., organo-mineral complexes).

Accuracy and Reliability of AG501 Articulograph for Mandibular Movement Analysis: A Quantitative Descriptive Study.

Electromagnetic articulography (EMA) have been mostly employed to study articulatory movements of speech. This technology appears to be very promising for studying mandibular movements within the field of dentistry. However, there are no studies reporting the validity of EMA for such purpose.

Mandibular border movements: The two envelopes of motion.

Background: The envelope of motion is a diagrammatic representation of the mandibular border movements. Classically, those movements are carried out eccentrically; starting from the position of maximal intercuspation, the mandible describes an excursion movement until reaching maximal mouth opening. Reverse movements would describe a different path, but up to now concentric development of mandibular border movements has not been considered.

Exploring microcystin-degrading bacteria thriving on recycled membranes during a cyanobacterial bloom.

Microcystins (MC) are highly toxic secondary metabolites produced by cyanobacterial blooms in many freshwater ecosystems used for recreational and drinking water purposes. So far, biological processes remain to be optimized for an efficient cyanotoxin removal, and new approaches are necessary to compete with physical-chemical treatments. In previous studies we provided a new concept of membrane biofilm reactor made of recycled material, in which a single MC-degrading bacterial strain was inoculated.

Symmetry of mandibular movements: A 3D electromagnetic articulography technique applied on asymptomatic participants.

Statement Of Problem: Asymmetries in mandibular movements (MMs) can be found in patients with some temporomandibular joint disorders, condylar fracture, or after orthognathic or orthodontic surgery. Quality and symmetry of the MMs should be recorded and analyzed. However, methods for this purpose are limited.

Biomarker Profiling of Microbial Mats in the Geothermal Band of Cerro Caliente, Deception Island (Antarctica): Life at the Edge of Heat and Cold.

Substrate-atmosphere interfaces in Antarctic geothermal environments are hot-cold regions that constitute thin habitable niches for microorganisms with possible counterparts in ancient Mars. Cerro Caliente hill in Deception Island (active volcano in the South Shetland Islands) is affected by ascending hydrothermal fluids that form a band of warm substrates buffered by low air temperatures. We investigated the influence of temperature on the community structure and metabolism of three microbial mats collected along the geothermal band of Cerro Caliente registering 88°C, 8°C, and 2°C at the time of collection.

Mastication as a protective factor of the cognitive decline in adults: A qualitative systematic review.

Introduction: A relationship between masticatory function and cognition has been reported. It is proposed that mastication changes the blood flow stimulating the perfusion/oxygenation of the brain. This literature review analysed the relation between mastication as a protective factor of the cognitive decline and the changes produced at brain level in adults associated with the brain blood flow.

A Novel Three-Dimensional Analysis of Tongue Movement During Water and Saliva Deglutition: A Preliminary Study on Swallowing Patterns.

Deglutition is a complex oral function, and the study of the whole process requires a precise analysis of the elements involved, especially of the tongue biomechanics. We described a three-dimensional analysis of tongue movements during both saliva and water deglutition in participants with normal occlusion. Fourteen participants (25.

A New Tridimensional Insight into Geometric and Kinematic Characteristics of Masticatory Cycles in Participants with Normal Occlusion.

The aim of this study was to analyze the general, geometric, and kinematic characteristics of the masticatory cycle's movements in a tridimensional way, using a method developed by our study group to provide a new insight into the analysis of mandibular movements due to advancement in the potential of computational analysis. Ten individuals (20.1 ± 2.