Cytokine expression of soft tissue cells cultured with titanium discs and their respective supernatants in vitro.

Objective: Titanium surface modifications improve osseointegration in dental and orthopedic implants. However, soft tissue cells can also reach the implant surface in immediate loading protocols. While previous research focused on osteogenic cells, the early response of soft tissue cells still needs to be better understood.

Antimicrobial membranes based on polycaprolactone:pectin blends reinforced with zeolite faujasite for cloxacillin-controlled release.

Multifunctional membranes applied to biomedical materials become attractive to support the biological agents and increase their properties. In this study, biopolymeric fibers based on polycaprolactone (PCL) and pectin (PEC) were reinforced with faujasite zeolite (FAU) for cloxacillin antibiotic (CLX) loading. FAU with a high specific surface area (347 ± 8 m g), high crystallinity and particles with a diameter of up to 100 nm were produced under optimized synthesis conditions (100 °C/4 h).

Designing sustainable soil conditioners: Nanocomposite-based thermoplastic starch for enhanced soil health and crop performance.

The growing demand for sustainable solutions in agriculture, driven by global population growth and increasing soil degradation, has intensified the search for sustainable soil conditioners. This study investigated the impact of adding nanoclay (NC) and nano lignin (NL) to thermoplastic starch (TPS) on its physical, chemical, and thermal properties, its effectiveness as a soil conditioner, and its resistance to UV-C degradation. TPS nanocomposites were prepared with varying NC (3 %, 5 %, 7 %) and NL (0.

McGrath MAC Versus Three-Dimensional Printed Video Laryngoscopes: A Randomized, Manikin-Simulated Noninferiority Controlled Study with Medical Students.

Background: Proficiency in endotracheal intubation (ETI) is essential for medical professionals and its training should start at medical schools; however, large caseload may be required before achieving an acceptable success rate with direct laryngoscopy. Video laryngoscopy has proven to be an easier alternative for intubation with a faster learning curve, but its availability in medical training may be an issue due to its high market prices. We devised a low-cost 3-dimensionally printed video laryngoscope (3DVL) and performed a randomized trial to evaluate if the intubation success rate on the first attempt with this device is noninferior to a standard commercially available video laryngoscope (STVL).

Microbiome and Inflammatory Biomarkers Associated With Palatal Wound Healing.

Aim: The clinical outcomes of a variety of surgical procedures highly depend on tissue repair and show high variability among patients. There is a gap in the literature on how the host inflammatory response, the microbiome, and the interplay between them can influence oral mucosa healing. In this pilot study, we aimed to evaluate the microbiome and biomarkers profiles in patients who had desired versus undesired wound healing in the palatal mucosa.

Cost-utility analysis of MR imaging-guided transurethral ultrasound ablation for the treatment of low- to intermediate-risk localised prostate cancer.

Background: Magnetic resonance-guided transurethral ultrasound ablation (MR-TULSA) is a new focal therapy for treating localised prostate cancer that is associated with fewer adverse effects (AEs) compared with established treatments. To support large-scale clinical implementation, information about cost-effectiveness is required.

Objective: To evaluate the cost-utility of MR-TULSA compared with robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP), external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and active surveillance (AS) for patients with low- to favourable intermediate-risk localised prostate cancer.

Effects of periodontal disease on the proteomic profile of the periodontal ligament.

Periodontal disease affects over 1 billion people globally. This study investigated how periodontitis affects the protein profile of the periodontal ligament (PDL) in rats. Eight Holtzman rats were divided into the control and experimental periodontitis groups.

Novel Tryptophyllin Peptides from Physalaemus centralis Inhibit Oxidative Stress-Induced Endothelial Dysfunction in Rat Aorta Preparation.

Amphibian skin is a rich source of molecules with biotechnological potential, including the tryptophyllin family of peptides. Here, we report the identification and characterization of two tryptophyllin peptides, FPPEWISR and FPWLLS-NH, from the skin of the Central Dwarf Frog, Physalaemus centralis. These peptides were identified through cDNA cloning and sequence comparison.

Prospects of cowpea protein as an alternative and natural emulsifier for food applications: Effect of pH and oil concentration.

In response to the growing need to expand the knowledge base on novel, more sustainable protein sources, this study investigated the effectiveness of cowpea protein concentrate (CPC) as a natural emulsifying agent, examining the relationships between pH (3-11), oil concentration (2-10 %), and emulsion stability. pH and oil concentration significantly impacted droplet size distribution, with uniformity decreasing in the order of pH 9 > pH 11 > pH 7, which was attributed to droplet coalescence and flocculation. As evidenced by circular dichroism, alkalinity induced a slight increase in the beta-sheet content of CPC, while simultaneously reducing the alpha-helix content.

Cobalt tungstate nanoparticles (CoWO NPs) affect the photosynthetic performance of the green microalga Raphidocelis subcapitata.

Innovative applications of cobalt tungstate nanoparticles (CoWO NPs) are directly linked to their increased production and consumption, which can consequently increase their release into aquatic ecosystems and the exposure of organisms. Microalgae are autotrophic organisms that contribute directly to global primary productivity and provide oxygen for maintaining many organisms on Earth. In this paper, we assessed the toxicity of CoWO NPs when in contact with the freshwater microalga Raphidocelis subcapitata (Chlorophyceae).

NMR Studies on the Structure of Yeast Sis1 and the Dynamics of Its Interaction with Ssa1-EEVD.

HSP70 chaperones play pivotal roles in facilitating protein folding, refolding, and disaggregation through their binding and releasing activities. This intricate process is further supported by J-domain proteins (JDPs), also known as DNAJs or HSP40s, which can be categorized into classes A and B. In yeast, these classes are represented by Ydj1 and Sis1, respectively.

Coconut oil reduces steroidogenic enzymes and imbalances estrogen receptors in the adrenal cortex of Mongolian gerbils.

This study aims to verify the effects of prolonged ingestion of coconut oil on the adrenal glands of Mongolian gerbils. Mongolian gerbils were used as an experimental model due to the morphological similarity of the adrenal glands to those of primates. Male Mongolian gerbils, 3 months of age, were divided into three experimental groups (n = 12): an intact control group, which received no treatment, a gavage control group, which received 0.

Prognostic implications of regional lung impairment evaluation in quantitative computed tomography imaging of COVID-19.

Aim: To enhance the understanding of COVID-19 regional lung damage pattern by analyzing the organ in subregions, beyond the typical lobe segmentation.

Materials And Methods: This study used semiautomatic computed tomography (CT) imaging segmentation and quantification to investigate regional lung impairments in patients with COVID-19. Each lung was divided into 12 regions, and the anatomical impairments obtained from the CT image (emphysema, ground glass opacity, and collapsed tissue) were quantified.

Dynamical properties of the composed Logistic-Gauss map.

This study focuses on the analysis of a unique composition between two well-established models, known as the Logistic-Gauss map. The investigation cohesively transitions to an exploration of parameter space, essential for unraveling the complexity of dissipative mappings and understanding the intricate relationships between periodic structures and chaotic regions. By manipulating control parameters, our approach reveals intriguing patterns, with findings enriched by extreme orbits, trajectories that connect local maximum and minimum values of one-dimensional maps.

Acoustic Characteristics of Voice and Speech in Post-COVID-19.

Background/objectives: The aim of this paper was to compare voice and speech characteristics between post-COVID-19 and control subjects. The hypothesis was that acoustic parameters of voice and speech may differentiate subjects infected by COVID-19 from control subjects. Additionally, we expected to observe the persistence of symptoms in women.

Country-specific key lifestyle factors and health outcomes for resource allocation in the general population: a network analysis across 29 countries.

Background: We aimed to identify the central lifestyle, the most impactful among lifestyle factor clusters; the central health outcome, the most impactful among health outcome clusters; and the bridge lifestyle, the most strongly connected to health outcome clusters, across 29 countries to optimise resource allocation for local holistic health improvements.

Methods: From July 2020 to August 2021, we surveyed 16 461 adults across 29 countries who self-reported changes in 18 lifestyle factors and 13 health outcomes due to the pandemic. Three networks were generated by network analysis for each country: lifestyle, health outcome, and bridge networks.

3D-Printed PCL-Based Scaffolds with High Nanosized Synthetic Smectic Clay Content: Fabrication, Mechanical Properties, and Biological Evaluation for Bone Tissue Engineering.

Background: The 3D printing of macro- and mesoporous biomimetic grafts composed of polycaprolactone (PCL) infused with nanosized synthetic smectic clay is a promising innovation in biomaterials for bone tissue engineering (BTE). The main challenge lies in achieving a uniform distribution of nanoceramics across low to high concentrations within the polymer matrix while preserving mechanical properties and biological performance essential for successful osseointegration.

Methods: This study utilized 3D printing to fabricate PCL scaffolds enriched with nanosized synthetic smectic clay (LAP) to evaluate its effects on structural, chemical, thermal, mechanical, and degradative properties, with a focus on in vitro biological performance and non-toxicity.

Assessment of the chemical solubility of experimental and commercial lithium silicate glass-ceramics.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the chemical solubility (CS) and conduct a comprehensive physicochemical characterization of several experimental and commercial lithium silicate-based glass-ceramics towards an understanding of the chemical processes governing dissolution in these glass-ceramics.

Methodology: Glass-ceramic (GC) samples were categorized into two groups: experimental materials featuring lithium metasilicate crystals (GCE1 and GCE2); and five commercial brands relying mostly on lithium disilicate (Celtra®Duo, IPS e.max®CAD, Straumann®n!ce®, CEREC Tessera™, and VITA Suprinity®).

Exploring the structure and nucleic acid interactions of the Leishmania sp. telomerase reverse transcriptase N-terminal region.

Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by protozoans of the Leishmania genus, against which no effective treatment or control is available. Like other eukaryotes, parasite telomeres are maintained by telomerase, a ribonucleoprotein complex vital for genome stability. Its protein component, TERT (telomerase reverse transcriptase), presents four structural and functional domains, with the TEN (Telomerase N-terminal) and TRBD (Telomerase RNA-binding) located at its N-terminal.

Combination of anaerobic digestion and sludge biochar for bioenergy conversion: Estimation and evaluation of energy production, CO emission, and cost analysis.

Waste-to-energy technologies involve the conversion of several wastes to useful energy forms like biogas and biochar, which include biological and thermochemical processes, as well as the combination of both systems. Assessing the economic and environmental impacts is an important step to integrate sustainability and economic viability at anaerobic digestion systems and its waste management. Energy production, CO emissions, cost analysis, and an overall process evaluation were conducted, relying on findings from both laboratory and pilot-scale experiments.

Zein Nanoparticles-Loaded Flavonoids-Rich Fraction from : Potential Antileishmanial Applications.

Leishmaniasis, caused by protozoa of the genus , is a major global health issue due to the limitations of current treatments, which include low efficacy, high costs, and severe side effects. This study aimed to develop a more effective and less toxic therapy by utilizing zein nanoparticles (ZNPs) in combination with a nonpolar fraction (DCMF) from (Syn. ), a plant rich in dimeric flavonoids called brachydins.

Development of Multiplex Assays for the Identification of Zoonotic Species.

More than one-hundred species that affect animals and humans have been described, eight of which have been associated with emerging and underdiagnosed zoonoses. Most diagnostic studies in humans have used serology or molecular assays based on the 18S rRNA gene. Because the 18S rRNA gene is highly conserved, obtaining an accurate diagnosis at the species level is difficult, particularly when the amplified DNA fragment is small.

Coumarins and Hesperetin Inhibit Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the most prevalent viruses that causes severe acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRTIs) in the elderly and young children. There is no specific drug to treat RSV, only a broad-spectrum antiviral, ribavirin, which is only used in critical cases. Our research group is investigating antiviral agents of natural origin, such as coumarins and flavonoids, that may help reduce or prevent RSV infection.

A Brief History of Cell Culture: From Harrison to Organs-on-a-Chip.

This comprehensive overview of the historical milestones in cell culture underscores key breakthroughs that have shaped the field over time. It begins with Wilhelm Roux's seminal experiments in the 1880s, followed by the pioneering efforts of Ross Granville Harrison, who initiated groundbreaking experiments that fundamentally shaped the landscape of cell culture in the early 20th century. Carrel's influential contributions, notably the immortalization of chicken heart cells, have marked a significant advancement in cell culture techniques.

Alternative Non-Destructive Approach for Estimating Morphometric Measurements of Chicken Eggs from Tomographic Images with Computer Vision.

The egg has natural barriers that prevent microbiological contamination and promote food safety. The use of non-destructive methods to obtain morphometric measurements of chicken eggs has the potential to replace traditional invasive techniques, offering greater efficiency and accuracy. This paper aims to demonstrate that estimates derived from non-invasive approaches, such as 3D computed tomography (CT) image analysis, can be comparable to conventional destructive methods.