Quercetin Supplementation Reduces Oxidative Stress in the Testes of Wistar Rats Fed a High-Fat Diet.

Problem: A high-fat diet (HFD) predisposes animals to glucose intolerance, dyslipidemia and testicular oxidative stress, and impairs sperm production in rats. Quercetin is a flavonoid with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lipolytic actions and is a potential supplement to combat the oxidative stress caused by HFD and its harmful effects on reproduction. This study evaluated the effects of quercetin supplementation at doses of 10 and 20 mg/day on reproductive parameters and testicular oxidative stress in Wistar rats fed a diet rich in pork fat and fructose.

Comparison Between Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test and Modified Agglutination Test for Detecting Anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG Antibodies in Neotropical Primates.

Background: Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic parasite with a great impact on the health of Neotropical primates (NP). The aim of this study was to compare the agreement between the immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and the modified agglutination test (MAT) to detect IgG anti-T. gondii antibodies in NP.

Influence of core material and occlusal contact pattern on fatigue behavior of different monolithic ceramic crowns.

This study evaluated the effect of substrate core materials and occlusal contact patterns on the fatigue mechanical behavior and stress distribution of single-unit ceramic crowns. One hundred and twenty monolithic crowns were fabricated from zirconia (YZ - IPS e.max ZirCAD, Ivoclar), lithium disilicate (LD - IPS e.

Antimicrobial efficacy of alternative root canal disinfection strategies: An evaluation on multiple working models.

Researching disinfection strategies is pivotal because effectively eliminating bacteria and their byproducts during root canal treatment (RCT) remains a challenge. This study investigated the antimicrobial efficacy of natural antimicrobial compounds, propolis (PRO) and copaiba oil-resin (COR), compared to conventional agents in Endodontics. Antimicrobials were tested against endodontic pathogens via macrodilution with standardized inoculums to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC).

Bone regeneration: The influence of composite HA/TCP scaffolds and electrical stimulation on TGF/BMP and RANK/RANKL/OPG pathways.

The repair of critical-sized bone defects represents significant clinical challenge. An alternative approach is the use of 3D composite scaffolds to support bone regeneration. Hydroxyapatite (HA) and tri-calcium phosphate (β-TCP), combined with polycaprolactone (PCL), offer promising mechanical resistance and biocompatibility.

Effect of In Situ Acid Erosion on Structural and Optical Properties of Nanoparticulated Bisacrylic Resin With Different Surface Treatments.

Objective: To evaluate the influence of in situ acid erosion on the structural and optical properties of nanoparticulate bisacrylic resin with different surface treatments, evaluating surface roughness (Ra), knoop microhardness (KHN), color change (ΔE, ΔL, ΔC, ΔH), contrast (CR) and translucency (TP).

Methods: Eighty specimens were made (n = 10 per group) and the following surface treatments were applied: U-unpolished; A-polishing with Astropol rubber tips (Ivoclar); S-Biscover LV surface sealant (Bisco) and S-Palaseal surface sealant (kulzer). For the in situ experiment, 10 volunteers wore an intraoral appliance containing eight specimens (two specimens per experimental group), with only one specimen from each experimental group being subjected to the acid process.

Maternal exposure to nicotine causes oxidative stress and inflammatory changes in the ovaries of rats' adult offspring.

Nicotine is one of the most toxic substances found in cigarettes, but also found in chewing tobacco gum, patches and vaping products (electronic cigarettes). In addition to being a highly addictive chemical, it is capable of reducing fertility in men and women. In the ovaries, it can induce morphological changes and impair the formation of follicles, being a possible cause of changes in the reproductive cycle and anticipation of menopause in women whose mothers smoked during pregnancy.

Forest restoration improves habitat and water quality in tropical streams: A multiscale landscape assessment.

Forest restoration has been a common practice to safeguard water quality and stream health but it is unclear to which extent and pace forest restoration recovers stream ecosystem structure and functions. Also, stream health might be affected by the forest restoration type and the quality of the interventions. Here, we sought to evaluate the recovery of stream habitat and water quality through forest restoration in catchments dominated by pasturelands, and explored the relationship between landscape structure and stream ecosystem recovery.

Bioactive silicon-based dental gel associated with a calcium booster for dentin hypersensitivity treatment: A randomized clinical study.

Background: Dentin hypersensitivity affects a significant portion of the world's population, causing pain and negatively impacting oral health and quality of life This clinical study investigated the effectiveness of a desensitizing fluoride silicon-rich dental gel associated with a calcium booster.

Material And Methods: In this single-blind, randomized, parallel-group clinical trial, forty-eight volunteers diagnosed with dentin hypersensitivity and qualified to participate were randomized into 2 groups: (1) fluoride silicon-rich dental gel (REFX Technology)/calcium booster (Si/Ca protocol); (2) Pumice stone diluted in saline. A draw was carried out between the right and left sides of the patients so that either a prophylaxis with the dental gel associated with calcium or with fine pumice stone diluted in saline was carried out.

Comparative Analysis Between Strip and Gels Indicated for at Home Bleaching: Analysis of Color Alteration, Roughness and Microhardness of Dental Enamel.

Purpose: To compare the color alteration, surface roughness and microhardness and cross-sectional microhardness of bovine enamel treated with at-home whitening strips and gels.

Materials And Methods: Sixty-six pigmented specimens (n = 11) were allocated to six groups: C-cotton wool moistened with distilled water for 1 h; SDS-sodium dithionite strip, for 1 h; HPS-6.5% hydrogen peroxide strip, for 1 h; CPS-20% carbamide peroxide strip, for 1 h; HPG-7.

Ontogeny of adenohypophyseal cells, pituitary gland development, and structure in adults of Astyanax lacustris (Teleostei, Characiformes): an emerging Neotropical model fish species.

Pituitary gland morphogenesis and the ontogeny of the adenohypophyseal (AH) cells of Astyanax lacustris are presented herein. This Characiformes species shows great ecological and commercial importance, and it has been increasingly used as animal model. For this study, A.

Can the Urban Lifestyle Impact on Children BMI and Healthy Sleep?

Objectives: This study aimed to (i) compare children's lifestyle by urbanization level and (ii) examine the association between children's body mass index (BMI) and the risk of having unhealthy sleep (American Academy of Pediatrics).

Methods: Eight thousand one hundred fifty-nine children (4124 females) aged 6-9 years were observed and classified as urban or nonurban. Height and weight were measured, and the BMI was calculated.

Resin composite aggregated S-PRG particles are not superior to non-S-PRG under microcosm biofilm.

This study assessed the effect of composite resins, aggregated or not with S-PRG particles, and the use of toothpaste in controlling demineralization and bacterial growth. Human molars were distributed into 3 groups: control (CT) - sound teeth, Beautifil Bulk Restorative System (aggregated with S-PRG) (BB), Filtek One Bulk Fill (without S-PRG) (FB). Teeth destined for groups BB and FB previously received Class I preparations (4 × 4 × 4 mm), followed by single-increment restorations.

Biochemical study and digestion profile of olive oil by LipBK: Revealing the potential applications of a new acid/broad thermal range true lipase.

This study characterized a novel bacterial lipase with high biotechnological potential, focusing on industrial and environmental applications. Bacterial isolates were screened using olive oil as a substrate, and the strain with the highest hydrolytic halo was identified as Burkholderia sp. via 16S rRNA analysis.

Harmful effects of the semiconductor copper tungstate (CuWO) on multiple photosynthetic parameters of the green microalga Raphidocelis subcapitata.

The semiconductor copper tungstate (CuWO) may end up in aquatic ecosystems since it has the potential for water decontamination. The toxic effects of CuWO are totally unknown for eukaryotic organisms. In view of this, we aimed to evaluate the toxicity of CuWO particles (size of 161.

Mineral and trace element analysis of non-conventional food plants using ICP OES and chemometric techniques.

Non-conventional food plants (or non-conventional edible plants) have the potential to serve as an excellent nutritional alternative while promoting the circular economy. Given the nutritional potential of non-conventional food plants, this study aimed to investigate and determine the composition of these plants using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP OES) combined with chemometric techniques. In this context, the following non-conventional food plant species were evaluated: serralha (Sonchus oleraceus), two species of ora-pro-nóbis, Pereskia grandifolia and Pereskia aculeata, peixinho (Nematanthus gregarius), alfavaca (Ocimum basilicum), taioba (Xanthosoma sagittifolium), capeba (Pothomorphe umbellata), tranchagem (Plantago major), and bardana (Arctium lappa).

Chemical and in vivo analyses of calcium silicate-based materials in bone and connective tissues.

Aim: Calcium silicate-based cements have been widely used in dentistry mainly due to their physicochemical and biological properties. Commercially available materials use radiopacifiers containing metals (bismuth, tantalum, tungsten and/or zirconium). To investigate volumetric changes, in vivo biocompatibility and systemic migration from eight commercially available materials, including powder/liquid and 'ready-to-use' presentations.

Exploring the immediate effects of aerobic exercise on nocturnal blood pressure dip in medication-controlled hypertensive individuals: a randomised controlled trial.

Background: Nocturnal blood pressure dipping is crucial for cardiovascular health, but the effect of exercise on this phenomenon is not well understood. This study aims to investigate how a single session of aerobic exercise impacts nocturnal blood pressure dipping in individuals with hypertension who are on medication.

Methods: Twenty hypertensive adults (67 ± 16 years) participated in a randomised, parallel-group clinical trial.

O-substituted Tertiary Amine-chitosans as Promising Nanocarriers for siRNA Delivery.

Introduction: The clinical translation of chitosan-based formulations for siRNA delivery has been partially limited by their poor stability/solubility at physiological conditions, although they have good biocompatibility and cost-effectiveness.

Method: In this study, the chitosan was O-substituted with diisopropylethylamine (DIPEA) groups, which improved its solubility at pH 7.4 by increasing the degree of ionization and enhanced the ability of chitosan to load siRNA at very low amine/phosphate (N/P) ratios.

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).

Physiological responses of pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) to intermittent cold exposure: A comprehensive analysis of stress, immunity, antioxidant, and metabolic adaptations.

This study examined the energy-dependent physiological responses, including stress, innate immune, and antioxidant systems, as well as indicators of energy mobilization, in pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) exposed to intermittent cold, aiming to assess the correlations between these responses. The fish were acclimated to 28 °C, divided into two groups, a control group maintained at 28 °C, and another exposed to 16 °C for two 24 h periods with a 5-day interval between them. The fish were sampled at six time points: baseline (after acclimatization to 28 °C), 24 h after the 1st exposure to 16 °C, after 5 days of recovery at 28 °C, 24 h after the 2nd exposure to 16 °C, and after 24 and 48 h of recovery at 28 °C.

Isoindoline-1,3-dione Derivatives as Prototypes for Anticonvulsant Drug Discovery.

Introduction: Epilepsy encompasses numerous syndromes characterized by spontaneous, intermittent, and abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Affecting about 1-2% of the population, it is estimated that approximately 30-40% of patients experience refractory epilepsy, which does not respond to traditional anticonvulsant drugs.

Aims: Therefore, developing novel, safe, and effective antiepileptic drugs remains a medical need.

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).