First record of microplastic contamination in adult endemic amazonian anuran species.

The microplastics (MPs), due to their high dispersion and bioaccumulation rates, have been identified in various animal groups, such as anuran amphibians during both larval and adult stages. However, current studies on adult anuran amphibians focus on assessing only one exposure route, the digestive system, while other routes remain underestimated. Therefore, this present study aimed to evaluate the degree of contamination in the digestive, respiratory, and integumentary systems, in situ, of two endemic Amazonian adult anuran species (Physalaemus ephippifer and Boana multifasciata).

Physicochemical characterization of experimental resin-based materials containing calcium orthophosphates or calcium silicate.

Objective: To evaluate experimental dimethacrylate-based materials containing calcium orthophosphates or calcium silicate particles in terms of their optical, mechanical and Ca release behaviour.

Methods: Dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD), hydroxyapatite (HAp), beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) or calcium silicate (CaSi) particles were added to a photocurable BisGMA/TEGDMA resin (1:1 in mols) at a 30 vol% fraction. Materials containing silanized or non-silanized barium glass particles were used as controls.

Zinc-Modified Titanate Nanotubes as Radiosensitizers for Glioblastoma: Enhancing Radiotherapy Efficacy and Monte Carlo Simulations.

Radiotherapy (RT) is the established noninvasive treatment for glioblastoma (GBM), a highly aggressive malignancy. However, its effectiveness in improving patient survival remains limited due to the radioresistant nature of GBM. Metal-based nanostructures have emerged as promising strategies to enhance RT efficacy.

Effect of a calcium silicate cement and experimental glass ionomer cements containing calcium orthophosphate particles on demineralized dentin.

Objective: The study aims to evaluate the effect of a glass ionomer cement (GIC; Fuji 9 Gold Label, GC) with added calcium orthophosphate particles and a calcium silicate cement (CSC; Biodentine, Septodont) regarding ion release, degradation in water, mineral content, and mechanical properties of demineralized dentin samples.

Methods: GIC, GIC + 5% DCPD (dicalcium phosphate dihydrate), GIC + 15% DCPD, GIC + 5% β-TCP (tricalcium phosphate), GIC + 15% β-TCP (by mass), and CSC were evaluated for Ca/Sr/F release in water for 56 days. Cement mass loss was evaluated after 7-day immersion in water.

Recombinant human TIM-3 ectodomain expressed in bacteria and recovered from inclusion bodies as a stable and active molecule.

Microbial systems, such as , as host recombinant expression is the most versatile and the cheapest system for protein production, however, several obstacles still remain, such as recovery of soluble and functional proteins from inclusion bodies, elimination of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) contamination, incomplete synthesis, degradation by proteases, and the lack of post-translational modifications, which becomes even more complex when comes to membrane proteins, because they are difficult not only to produce but also to keep in solution in its active state. T-cell Immunoglobulin and Mucin domain 3 (TIM-3) is a type I transmembrane protein that is predominantly expressed on the surface of T lymphocytes, natural killer (NK) cells, dendritic cells, and macrophages, playing a role as a negative immune checkpoint receptor. TIM-3 comprises a single ectodomain for interaction with immune system soluble and cellular components, a transmembrane domain, and a cytoplasmic tail, responsible for the binding of signaling and scaffolding molecules.

Lycopene induces bone marrow lymphopoiesis and differentiation of peritoneal IgA-producing cells.

Lycopene is a hydrocarbon-carotenoid commonly found in red fruits intake with major function correlated to antioxidative capacity in several pathological conditions, including cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Recently, lycopene has been associated with hematopoiesis, although the effects on B lymphocyte differentiation and antibody production are poorly understood. In this work, the principal aim was to investigate whether lycopene affects B lymphopoiesis and terminal differentiation into plasma cells.

Influence of microstructure and physical characteristics in the performance of non-professional masks sold in São Paulo.

Objectives: This study evaluates the performance of eight non-professional face masks sold in São Paulo, Brazil, to prevent aerial transmission of the SARS-CoV-2.

Study Design: This was a case report with comparative testing.

Methods: The masks manufactured with different materials and designs were quantified according to their performance to prevent COVID-19 using two indicators: filtration efficiency (FE) and differential pressure.

Sterilized human skin graft with a dose of 25 kGy provides a privileged immune and collagen microenvironment in the adhesion of Nude mice wounds.

This study aimed to report the effects of different doses of ionizing radiation on inflammatory and repair stage of human skin graft adherence in Nude mice wounds. Animals were divided into transplanted with irradiated human skin grafts (IHSG) at 25 and 50 kGy (IHSG 25 kGy; IHSG 50 kGy) and non-IHSG and euthanized on the 3rd, 7th and 21st days after the surgery, by gross and microscopic changes, immunostaining for human type I collagen (Col I) and mouse Col I and Col III and inflammatory cells. We found an effectiveness of human split-thickness graft adherence in mice transplanted with IHSG 25 kGy, as well decrease in dermo-epidermal necrosis and neutrophils, lower loss of skin thickness, epithelization and neo-vascularization.

Bioresilience to Mercury Chloride of the Brine Shrimp Artemia Salina after Treatment with Homeopathic Mercurius Corrosivus.

Introduction: Finding solutions to mitigate the impact of pollution on living systems is a matter of great interest. Homeopathic preparations of toxic substances have been described in the literature as attenuation factors for intoxication. Herein, an experimental study using and mercury chloride was developed as a model to identify aspects related to bioresilience.

Influence of a Biomass-Burning Event in PM Concentration and Air Quality: A Case Study in the Metropolitan Area of São Paulo.

Severe biomass burning (BB) events have become increasingly common in South America in the last few years, mainly due to the high number of wildfires observed recently. Such incidents can negatively influence the air quality index associated with PM (particulate matter, which is harmful to human health). A study performed in the Metropolitan Area of São Paulo (MASP) took place on selected days of July 2019, evaluated the influence of a BB event on air quality.

Assessing the presence of endocrine disruptors and markers of anthropogenic activity in a water supply system in northeastern Brazil.

Several chemical substances known as micropollutants are used in daily activities, and they pose risks to both human health and the environment. Some of these substances disrupt the endocrine system in addition to being responsible for major public health issues and for endangering some aquatic species. The aim of this research is to investigate the frequency of endocrine disruptors and anthropogenic activity markers in a Water Supply System (SAA) in Sergipe State, Brazil.

Pre-feasibility Study for Establishing Radioisotope and Radiopharmaceutical Production Facilities in Developing Countries.

Background: A significant number of developing countries have no facilities to produce medical radioisotopes and radiopharmaceuticals.

Objective: In this paper we show that access to life-saving radioisotopes and radiopharmaceuticals and the geographical distribution of corresponding infrastructure is highly unbalanced worldwide.

Methods: We discuss the main issues which need to be addressed in order to establish the production of radioisotopes and radiopharmaceuticals, which are especially important for developing countries as newcomers in the field.

Synthesis and in Vivo Behavior of PVP/CMC/Agar Hydrogel Membranes Impregnated with Silver Nanoparticles for Wound Healing Applications.

The field of wound healing has seen an increase in research activity in wound care and hydrogel-based dressings have been targeted as a solution for these applications. Hydrogels with silver nanoparticles can present many advantages for this field. However, if the aggregation and sterilization of this product have not been carefully considered, the effectiveness or use could be limited.

Correction to: Bioaccumulation of Total Mercury (THg) in Catfish (Siluriformes, Ariidae) with Different Sexual Maturity from Cananéia-Iguape Estuary, SP, Brazil.

The original version of the article contained a mistake in the unit values. In the fourth paragraph of "Materials and Methods" section, the fourth sentence should read as: The obtained detection and quantification limits were 0.408 ng g and 3.

Bioaccumulation of Total Mercury (THg) in Catfish (Siluriformes, Ariidae) with Different Sexual Maturity from Cananéia-Iguape Estuary, SP, Brazil.

In order to improve the knowledge of total mercury (THg) bioaccumulation in bioindicator species of sea catfish (Siluriformes, Ariidae) and taking into account the relatively recent approach with respect to estuarine fish on the Brazilian coast, 65 individuals were caught in the northern and southern regions of the Cananeia estuary to determine the concentration of the THg in muscles, gills, gonads and kidney of the Cathorops spixii and Genidens genidens specimens. The difference in the THg accumulation associated to the maturity of the catfish reflects a differential metabolism regarding THg bioaccumulation in adults (males and females) and juveniles. These observations reinforce the importance of considering the maturity of the individual in order to understand the bioaccumulation and metabolism of fish under different environmental stress and conditions.

A comparative study of bulk-fill composites: degree of conversion, post-gel shrinkage and cytotoxicity.

Bulk-fill composites are claimed to be restorative materials used in deep preparations and effectively photoactivated in layers up to 4 mm. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the degree of conversion, post-gel volumetric shrinkage, and cytotoxicity of six bulk-fill and two conventional composites. Degree of conversion was determined by FTIR spectroscopy; post-gel volumetric shrinkage was determined using the strain gauge method; and cytotoxicity in human fibroblasts was evaluated indirectly by the MTT assay.

Radiolabeled GX1 Peptide for Tumor Angiogenesis Imaging.

Early and accurate detection of primary or metastatic tumors is of great value in staging, treatment management, and prognosis. Tumor angiogenesis plays an essential role in the growth, invasion, and metastatic spread of solid cancers, and so, is a promising approach for tumor imaging. The GX1 (CGNSNPKSC) peptide was identified by phage display library and has been investigated as a marker for human cancers.

TiF gel effects on tubular occlusion of eroded/abraded human dentin.

This in situ study evaluated the tubular occlusion caused by 4% TiF gel on the surface of eroded/abraded dentin. Sixty human dentin samples were eroded in vitro and assigned into six groups (n = 10) according to the in situ surface treatment and number of cycling days: 4% TiF gel applied once (TiF 1), twice (TiF 2), or three times (TiF 3) followed by 2, 4, and 6 days of erosive/abrasive in situ cycling, respectively. Control groups (no treatment) were subjected to 2 (C1), 4 (C2), and 6 (C3) days of erosive/abrasive in situ cycling only.

Pancreas and liver uptake of new radiolabeled incretins (GLP-1 and Exendin-4) in models of diet-induced and diet-restricted obesity.

Introduction: Radiolabeled GLP-1 and its analog Exendin-4, have been employed in diabetes and insulinoma. No protocol in conventional Diet-Induced Obesity (DIO), and Diet-Restricted Obesity (DRO), has been identified. Aiming to assess pancreatic beta cell uptake in DIO and DRO, a protocol was designed.

Evaluation of Magnetonanoparticles Conjugated with New Angiogenesis Peptides in Intracranial Glioma Tumors by MRI.

Angiogenesis plays a critical role in progression of malignant gliomas. The development of glioma-specific labeling molecules that can aid detection and visualization of angiogenesis can help surgical planning and improve treatment outcome. The aim of this study was to evaluate if two peptides (GX1 and RGD-GX1) linked to angiogenesis can be used as an MR-imaging markers of angiogenesis.

Fabrication of electrospun HPGL scaffolds via glycidyl methacrylate cross-linker: Morphology, mechanical and biological properties.

Electrospinning is a suitable method to produce scaffolds composed of nanoscale to microscale fibers, which are comparable to the extracellular matrix (ECM). Hyperbranched polyglycerol (HPGL) is a highly biocompatible polyether polyol potentially useful for the design of fibrous scaffolds mimicking the ECM architecture. However, scaffolds developed from HPGL have poor mechanical properties and morphological stability in the aqueous environments required for tissue engineering applications.

Evaluation of the Influence of the Conjugation Site of the Chelator Agent HYNIC to GLP1 Antagonist Radiotracer for Insulinoma Diagnosis.

Background And Objective: Radiotracer diagnosis of insulinoma, can be done using somatostatin or glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). Performance of GLP-1 antagonists tends to be better than of agonists.

Methods: We investigated the uptake of the antagonist exendin (9-39), radiolabeled with technetium- 99m.