Are Serum Ferritin Levels a Reliable Cancer Biomarker? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Although serum ferritin (SF) has been shown in several studies to be a potential cancer biomarker, the results are inconsistent. Herein, a systematic review was performed to investigate the clinical SF levels in different types of tumors in order to verify the role of SF levels as a biomarker for cancer diagnosis. The search was performed using the PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases.

Effect of finishing/polishing techniques and aging on topography, C. albicans adherence, and flexural strength of ultra-translucent zirconia: an in situ study.

Objective: To investigate the influence of different finishing/polishing techniques and in situ aging on the flexural strength (σ), surface roughness, and Candida albicans adherence of 5 mol% yttria-stabilized zirconia (ultratranslucent zirconia).

Materials And Methods: A total of 120 zirconia bars (Prettau Anterior, Zirkonzahn) with dimensions of 8 × 2 × 0.5 mm were divided into 8 groups (n = 15) according to two factors: "in situ aging" (non-aged and aged (A)) and "finishing/polishing" (control (C), diamond rubber polishing (R), coarse grit diamond bur abrasion (B), and coarse grit diamond bur abrasion + diamond rubber polishing (BR)).

Spongiotic hyperplasia of the oral mucosa: case series and immunohistochemical analysis.

The localized juvenile spongiotic gingival hyperplasia (LJSGH) mainly affects the maxillary vestibular attached gingiva of juvenile patients, without sex predilection. Similar lesions involving extragingival sites have not been reported to date. Here, we report 2 cases of extragingival soft tissue lesions with similar clinicopathological features to those reported in LJSGH and 12 cases of intraoral reactive soft tissue lesions microscopically showing LJSGH-like focal areas.

5-HT receptor within the amygdaloid complex modulates pain hypersensitivity induced by empathy model of cohabitation with a partner in chronic pain condition in mice.

Cohabitation with a partner undergoing chronic pain induces pain hypersensitivity. Among a lot of other neurochemical pathways, the serotonin (5-HT) role, specifically the 5-HT receptor (5-HTR), in the amygdala has never been evaluated in this model. Here we studied the effects of the amygdala's chemical inhibition, its neuronal activation pattern, and 5-HT, 5-HIAA, and 5-HT turnover within the amygdala.

Effects of protein sources and inclusion levels on nitrogen metabolism and urea kinetics of Nellore feedlot steers fed concentrate-based diets.

Urea recycling occurs in all mammalian species and represents an important source of ruminal nitrogen (N) for ruminants fed protein-restricted diets. However, its importance for cattle fed adequate amounts of protein and energy remains unclear. Six Nellore feedlot steers fed concentrate-based diets were used in a 6 × 6 Latin square design with a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments to evaluate ruminal fermentation, urea kinetics, and N excretion.

Fibronectin-loaded Collagen/Gelatin Hydrogel Is a Potent Signaling Biomaterial for Dental Pulp Regeneration.

Introduction: Guided tissue regeneration has been considered a promising biological strategy to replace conventional endodontic therapies of teeth with incomplete root formation. Therefore, in the present study, a collagen/gelatin hydrogel either containing dosages of fibronectin (FN), or not, was developed and assessed concerning their bioactive and chemotactic potential on human apical papilla cells (hAPCs).

Methods: Hydrogels were prepared by varying the ratio of collagen and gelatin (Col/Gel; v/v), and used to establish the following groups: Collagen (positive control); Col/Gel 4:6; Col/Gel 6:4; Col/Gel 8:2.

Gene expression of Candida albicans strains isolates from patients with denture stomatitis submitted to treatments with photodynamic therapy and nystatin.

The study evaluated the effect of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) and nystatin (NYS) in the expression of genes (ACT1, ALS1, CAP1, CAT1, EFG1, HWP1, LIP3, PLB1, SAP1, and SOD1) involved in the virulence of Candida albicans strains recovered from patients with denture stomatitis (DS). These strains were isolated from the patients before (initial) and after treatment (final), and 45 days after the treatments (follow-up). For gene expression analyses, RNA was isolated from the clinical strains, followed by cDNA synthesis and qPCR using specific primers for each target gene.

Prediction of tribocorrosion processes in titanium-based dental implants using acoustic emission technique: Initial outcome.

The use of dental implants is growing rapidly for the last few decades and Ti-based dental implants are a commonly used prosthetic structure in dentistry. Recently, the combined effect of corrosion and wear, called tribocorrosion, is considered as a major driving process in the early failure of dental implants. However, no previous study has reported the prediction of tribocorrosion processes in advance.

In vitro and in silico assessment of antitumor properties and biomolecular binding studies for two new complexes based on Ni bearing kN,S-donor ligands.

This work deals with two new molecule-based materials, namely Ni-complexes of general formulae [Ni(L1)] (Ni1) and [Ni(L2)] (Ni2), where L1 = trans-cinnamaldehyde-N(4)-methyl thiosemicarbazone and L2 = trans-cinnamaldehyde-N(4)-ethyl thiosemicarbazone, as potential antitumor agents. Both compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductivity and spectroscopic techniques (FTIR and NMR). Their molecular structures were obtained by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis.

Consecutive treatments with photodynamic therapy and nystatin altered the expression of virulence and ergosterol biosynthesis genes of a fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans in vivo.

This investigation assessed the effect of five consecutive daily topical treatments of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT), nystatin (NYS), and an association of treatments on a fluconazole-resistant strain of Candida albicans colonizing the tongues of mice. After the last treatments application, colonies of C. albicans were recovered from the tongues and used to determine their fluconazole susceptibility.

Plasma and Peritoneal Ceftriaxone Concentrations After Intraperitoneal Administration in Horses With Septic Peritonitis.

Intraperitoneal ceftriaxone administration in healthy horses results in high and prolonged peritoneal concentrations. Recent findings suggest that intraperitoneal ceftriaxone might increase survival rates in horses affected by peritonitis. The present study aimed to evaluate plasma and peritoneal concentrations of ceftriaxone after intraperitoneal administration in horses with septic peritonitis.

Occurrence of Cyanobacteria and microcystins in hydroelectric reservoirs used for fish farming.

Fish farming can have a negative impact on water quality and aquatic organisms due to emerging blooms of Cyanobacteria and the production of cyanotoxins. In this study, the effect of aquaculture in hydroelectric reservoirs in Brazil was evaluated in six fish farms and in upstream and downstream water through analysis of the microbiome, Cyanobacteria and microcystin concentrations. Synechococcus and Microcystis were observed at all six locations, while Limnothrix was also observed abundantly at two locations.

Biocompatible silver nanoparticles incorporated in acrylic resin for dental application inhibit Candida albicans biofilm.

Background: Although silver nanoparticles (SNP) have proven antimicrobial activity against different types of microorganisms, the effect of SNP incorporation into acrylic resin to control Candida albicans biofilm formation aiming at the prevention of Candida-associated denture stomatitis has not yet been fully elucidated.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of an acrylic resin containing SNP on C. albicans biofilm growth, the flexural strength of this material and tissue reaction in the subcutaneous connective tissue of rats to SNP.

Cephalothin: Review of Characteristics, Properties, and Status of Analytical Methods.

Background: Cephalothin (CET), a first generation cephalosporin, is the most efficient cephalosporin against resistant microorganisms. Many studies found in literature and pharmacopeias propose analytical methods which are most commonly HPLC and microbiological assays.

Objective: This paper shows a brief review of analytical methods to quantify CET with a green analytical chemistry approach.

Differential modulation of the anterior cingulate and insular cortices on anxiogenic-like responses induced by empathy for pain.

Mice cohabiting with a conspecific in chronic pain display anxiogenesis in the elevated plus-maze (EPM). Given that the anterior cingulate (ACC) and insular (InC) cortices play a role in the modulation of anxiety, pain, and emotional contagion, we investigated (a) the FosB activation in both brain areas and (b) the effects of intra-ACC or -InC injection of cobalt chloride (CoCl, a synaptic blocker), on the anxiety of mice cohabiting with a cagemate suffering pain. Twenty-one days after birth, male Swiss mice were housed in pairs for 14 days to establish familiarity.

Turbidimetric Method: A New, Ecological, and Fast Way to Evaluate of Vancomycin Potency.

Background: Vancomycin, an antimicrobial, has many microbiological methods in literature, but it was not found any that follows the green chemistry principles.

Objective: The aim of this work was to develop and validate a new microbiological analytical method with a green view to determine the vancomycin potency in lyophilized powder using less quantity of diluents and culture medium, minimizing the costs and reducing the time of analysis.

Methods: The objective will be achieved using the microbiological method by turbidimetry.

Short-Stability Study of Rifaximin-Based Samples.

Background: Rifaximin is an oral antimicrobial with a daily dose ranging from 600 to 800 mg. It is classified as Class IV in the Biopharmaceutic Classification System. Thus, rifaximin-based samples were developed by complexation to β-cyclodextrin using a phase solubility diagram, and malaxation and decreasing particle size using wet milling.

Maternal-fetal outcomes of exercise applied in rats with mild hyperglycemia after embryonic implantation.

Background: Exercise is commonly recommended to control hyperglycemia, including during pregnancy. We conducted this study to understand the potential benefits and risks of exercise during pregnancy of women with diabetes. Specifically, we evaluated the effects of swimming on a diabetic rat during pregnancy and assayed maternal-fetal parameters.

Bone marrow coagulated and low-level laser therapy accelerate bone healing by enhancing angiogenesis, cell proliferation, osteoblast differentiation, and mineralization.

The present study evaluated bone marrow aspirate (BMA) and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on bone healing. It was created critical-size defects (CSD) of 5 mm diameter in rat calvaria of 64 rats. Animals were randomly divided into four groups: Control (blood clot), BMA (coagulated BMA), LLLT (laser irradiation and blood clot), and BMA/LLLT (laser irradiation and coagulated BMA).

Nonintrusive investigation of large Al-kaolin fractal aggregates with slow settling velocities.

Although a combination of aggregate characteristics dictate particle settling, it is commonly assumed that large particles have higher terminal velocities. This simplifying assumption often leads to overprediction of large aggregate settling velocities which in turn negatively impacts on estimates of sedimentation clarification efficiency. Despite its importance, little attention has been given to large aggregates with slow-settling velocities.

Sectorial Analysis of the Fibrous Matrix of Vocal Folds in the Elderly.

Objective: to determine the sectorial concentration of fibrous matrix along the vocal folds of the elderly.

Methods: Thirteen fresh vocal folds were removed from 13 cadavers. The subjects were divided into two groups: control group (CG) - age range 25-40 years (n = 5), and elderly group (EG), aged ≥70 years (n-8).

Deleterious effects of gestational diabetes mellitus on the characteristics of the rectus abdominis muscle associated with pregnancy-specific urinary incontinence.

Aims: To evaluate the effects of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) on the structural characteristics of the rectus abdominis muscle (RAM) and its indirect effects on pregnancy-specific urinary incontinence (PSUI).

Methods: A total of 92 pregnant women were divided into four groups, according to their clinical conditions: non-GDM continent, non-GDM associated PSUI, GDM continent and GDM associated PSUI. The muscle morphometry (histochemistry and immunohistochemistry) for the fiber types and collagen fiber distribution, the ultrastructural analysis (transmission electron microscopy), the protein expression of fiber types and calcium signaling (Western blotting), and the content of types I and III collagen fiber (ELISA) in RAM collected at delivery were assessed.

Pregnancy-specific urinary incontinence in women with gestational hyperglycaemia worsens the occurrence and severity of urinary incontinence and quality of life over the first year post partum.

Objective: To determine the occurrence and severity of pregnancy-specific urinary incontinence (PSUI) in women with gestational hyperglycaemia, and its impact on quality of life (QoL) over the first year post partum.

Study Design: Three hundred and eighty-eight pregnant women with PSUI were distributed into two groups (normoglycaemic and hyperglycaemic) and analysed at five timepoints during pregnancy and the first year post partum. Gestational hyperglycaemia was defined according to the criteria of the American Diabetes Association and the glucose profile test.

Clinical Evidence for Treatment of Class II Periodontal Furcation Defects. Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background: This systematic review evaluated the most effective therapeutic approach to treat periodontal furcation defects with a minimum follow-up of 12 months. The primary outcome was clinical attachment level (CAL). Secondary outcomes were probing pocket depth, gingival margin level, gingival index and plaque index.

Accuracy of differences in blood and peritoneal glucose to differentiate between septic and non-septic peritonitis in horses.

Difference in blood and peritoneal glucose (DBPG) is used in clinical practice to support a diagnosis of septic peritonitis in horses. It is inexpensive, easy and rapid to perform. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of the DBPG to differentiate between septic and non-septic peritonitis in horses.