Head-to-head comparison of relevant cell sources of small extracellular vesicles for cardiac repair: Superiority of embryonic stem cells

Small extracellular vesicles (sEV) derived from various cell sources have been demonstrated to enhance cardiac function in preclinical models of myocardial infarction (MI). The aim of this study was to compare different sources of sEV for cardiac repair and determine the most effective one, which nowadays remains limited. We comprehensively assessed the efficacy of sEV obtained from human primary bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSC), human immortalized MSC (hTERT-MSC), human embryonic stem cells (ESC), ESC-derived cardiac progenitor cells (CPC), human ESC-derived cardiomyocytes (CM), and human primary ventricular cardiac fibroblasts (VCF), in in vitro models of cardiac repair. ESC-derived sEV (ESC-sEV) exhibited the best pro-angiogenic and anti-fibrotic effects in vitro. Then, we evaluated the functionality of the sEV with the most promising performances in vitro, in a murine model of MI-reperfusion injury (IRI) and analysed their RNA and protein compositions. In vivo, ESC-sEV provided the most favourable outcome after MI by reducing adverse cardiac remodelling through down-regulating fibrosis and increasing angiogenesis. Furthermore, transcriptomic, and proteomic characterizations of sEV derived from hTERT-MSC, ESC, and CPC revealed factors in ESC-sEV that potentially drove the observed functions. In conclusion, ESC-sEV holds great promise as a cell-free treatment for promoting cardiac repair following MI.

Medical residency in Portugal: a cross-sectional study on the working conditions

Objectives

The current European crisis in human resources in health has opened the debate about working conditions and fair wages. This is the case with Resident doctors, which have faced challenges throughout Europe. In Portugal, they account for about a third of the doctors in the Portuguese National Health Service. No studies to date objectively demonstrate the working conditions and responsibilities undertaken. This study aims to quantify the residents' workload and working conditions.

Methods

Observational, retrospective cross-sectional study which involved a survey on the clinical and training activity of Portuguese residents, actively working in September 2020. The survey was distributed through e-mail to residents' representatives and directly to those affiliated with the Independent Union of Portuguese Doctors. The descriptive analysis assessed current workload, and logistic regression models analyzed associations with geographical location and residency seniority.

Results

There were a total of 2,012 participants (19.6% of invited residents). Of the residents giving consultations, 85.3% do so with full autonomy. In the emergency department, 32.1% of the residents work 24 h shifts and 25.1% work shifts without a specialist doctor present. Regarding medical training, 40.8% invest over EUR 1,500 annually. Autonomy in consultations was associated with being a Family Medicine resident (OR 4.219, p < 0.001), being a senior resident (OR 5.143, p < 0.001), and working in the Center (OR 1.685, p = 0.009) and South regions (OR 2.172, p < 0.001). Seniority was also associated with investing over EUR 1,500 in training annually (OR 1.235, p = 0.021).

Conclusion

Residents work far more than the contracted 40 h week, often on an unpaid basis. They present a high degree of autonomy in their practice, make a very significant personal and financial investment in medical training, with almost no time dedicated to studying during working hours. There is a need to provide better working conditions for health professionals, including residents, for the sake of the sustainability of health systems across Europe.

Effect of glycoelectrolytic supplement on post-weaning piglet performance and intestinal integrity

This study evaluated the effects of glycoelectrolytic supplements on the performance, blood parameters, and intestinal morphology of piglets during the post-weaning period. In the study, a total of 240 piglets weaned aged 17 22.60 + 1.10 days were used. The control group (n = 120) received only water, and the treatment group (n = 120) received an oral glycoelectrolytic supplement diluted in water (0.75%) during the first three days after weaning. Feed intake, daily weight gain, final weight, feed conversion ratio, and post-weaning mortality were evaluated. On the third day after weaning, the blood glucose levels of all piglets were analyzed. Blood was collected from 12 piglets from each treatment group on day 3 after weaning for blood count analysis, and intestinal fragments were collected for anatomopathological and morphometric evaluation. Better feed conversion ratio (1.29) and higher consumption of liquids (0.639 L/day) were observed in the piglet group supplemented with glycoelectrolytes on day 3 after weaning (P < 0.05). The supplemented group presented a higher glycemic index (80.78 mg/dL), average corpuscular volume (67.35 fL), and average corpuscular hemoglobin (20.46 pg) than the control group (P < 0.05). The evaluation of intestinal integrity and the probability of diarrhea occurrence were similar between the groups (P > 0.05). Oral glycoelectrolytic supplementation can be an option for piglets immediately after weaning as it improves feed conversion and consumption of liquids, in addition to increasing blood glucose without the occurrence of diarrhea, thus reducing dehydration and energy deficit.

Evaluation of a Functional Craft Wheat Beer Fermented with Saccharomyces cerevisiae UFMG A-905 to treat Salmonella Typhimurium infection in mice

Functional foods containing probiotics are generally administered as dairy products. Non-dairy beverages are another possibility, but probiotic functionality must be confirmed in such vehicles. In the present study, a craft wheat beer brewed with the probiotic yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae UFMG A-905 (905) was evaluated in a murine model of Salmonella Typhimurium infection. Unfiltered or filtered beer brewed with 905, a commercial wheat beer used as a negative control, or saline were administered orally to mice before and during oral S. Typhimurium challenge. High fecal levels of yeast were only counted in mice treated with the unfiltered 905 beer, which also had reduced mortality and body weight loss due to S. Typhimurium infection. Increased levels of intestinal IgA, translocation to liver and spleen, liver and intestinal lesions, pro-inflammatory cytokines in liver and ileum, and hepatic and intestinal myeloperoxidase and eosinophilic peroxidase activities were observed in animals infected with S. Typhimurium. All these parameters were reduced by the treatment with unfiltered 905 beer. In conclusion, the results show that a craft wheat beer brewed with S. cerevisiae UFMG A-905 maintained the probiotic properties of this yeast when administered orally to mice challenged with S. Typhimurium.

On the structural, electronic, and optical properties of L-histidine crystal: a DFT study

CONTEXT

The monoclinic L-histidine crystal is critical for protein structure and function and is also found in the myelin of brain nerve cells. This study numerically examines its structural, electronic, and optical properties. Our findings indicate that the L-histidine crystal has an insulating band gap of approximately 4.38 eV. Additionally, electron and hole effective masses range between 3.92[Formula: see text]-15.33[Formula: see text] and 4.16[Formula: see text]-7.53[Formula: see text], respectively. Furthermore, our investigation suggests that the L-histidine crystal is an excellent UV collector due to its strong optical absorption activity for photon energies exceeding 3.5 eV.

METHODS

To investigate the structural, electronic, and optical properties of L-histidine crystals, we used the Biovia Materials Studio software to conduct Density Functional Theory (DFT) simulations as implemented in the CASTEP code. Our DFT calculations were performed using the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) as parameterized by the Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof (PBE) exchange-correlation functional, with an additional dispersion energy correction (PBE [Formula: see text] TS) based on the model proposed by Tkatchenko and Scheffler to describe van der Waals interactions. Additionally, we employed the norm-conserving pseudopotential to treat core electrons.

Oncostatin M-Enriched Small Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Mesenchymal Stem Cells Prevent Isoproterenol-Induced Fibrosis and Enhance Angiogenesis

Myocardial fibrosis is a pathological hallmark of cardiac dysfunction. Oncostatin M (OSM) is a pleiotropic cytokine that can promote fibrosis in different organs after sustained exposure. However, OSM released by macrophages during cardiac fibrosis suppresses cardiac fibroblast activation by modulating transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) expression and extracellular matrix deposition. Small extracellular vesicles (SEVs) from mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are being investigated to treat myocardial infarction, using different strategies to bolster their therapeutic ability. Here, we generated TERT-immortalized human MSC cell lines (MSC-T) engineered to overexpress two forms of cleavage-resistant OSM fused to CD81TM (OSM-SEVs), which allows the display of the cytokine at the surface of secreted SEVs. The therapeutic potential of OSM-SEVs was assessed in vitro using human cardiac ventricular fibroblasts (HCF-Vs) activated by TGF-β1. Compared with control SEVs, OSM-loaded SEVs reduced proliferation in HCF-V and blunted telo-collagen expression. When injected intraperitoneally into mice treated with isoproterenol, OSM-loaded SEVs reduced fibrosis, prevented cardiac hypertrophy, and increased angiogenesis. Overall, we demonstrate that the enrichment of functional OSM on the surface of MSC-T-SEVs increases their potency in terms of anti-fibrotic and pro-angiogenic properties, which opens new perspectives for this novel biological product in cell-free-based therapies.

Establishment of methods to analyze the structural and functional integrity of the quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) sperm plasma membrane

1. The objectives of this study were to establish the use of the fluorophores Hoechst 33342 and propidium iodide for the evaluation of sperm plasma membrane integrity and to identify an adequate hypoosmotic solution for the evaluation of sperm membrane functionality in quails.2. Sperm samples were collected from the vas deferens of nine quails. After initial evaluation, the samples were subjected to a flash-frozen assay. Three treatments with the following proportions of fresh sperm and sperm subjected to flash freezing were prepared as follows: 100:0 (T100), 50:50 (T50), and 0:100 (T0). The hypoosmotic swelling test used distilled water (0 mOsm/l) and fructose solutions (50, 100, and 200 mOsm/l).3. Immediately after recovery, the samples showed 75.6 ± 5.0% motility with vigour of 3.7 ± 0.3 and 96.1 ± 0.5% of the sperm appeared normal. The membrane integrity test showed 62.2 ± 5.2% intact sperm at T100, 29.0 ± 4.1% at T50 and 0.1 ± 0.1% at T0. Moreover, a greater number of reactive sperm (74.7 ± 6.7%) were observed when incubated in distilled water (0 mOsm/l) in comparison to other solutions (P < 0.05).4. The association of fluorescent probes composed of Hoechst 33342 and propidium iodide provided an efficient assessment of the integrity of the plasmatic membrane of quail spermatozoa. However, the study identified that the hypoosmotic swelling test has little predictive value regarding sperm membrane functionality in this species.

Quantification of protein cargo loading into engineered extracellular vesicles at single-vesicle and single-molecule resolution

Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) have been intensively explored for therapeutic delivery of proteins. However, methods to quantify cargo proteins loaded into engineered EVs are lacking. Here, we describe a workflow for EV analysis at the single-vesicle and single-molecule level to accurately quantify the efficiency of different EV-sorting proteins in promoting cargo loading into EVs. Expi293F cells were engineered to express EV-sorting proteins fused to green fluorescent protein (GFP). High levels of GFP loading into secreted EVs was confirmed by Western blotting for specific EV-sorting domains, but quantitative single-vesicle analysis by Nanoflow cytometry detected GFP in less than half of the particles analysed, reflecting EV heterogeneity. Anti-tetraspanin EV immunostaining in ExoView confirmed a heterogeneous GFP distribution in distinct subpopulations of CD63+, CD81+, or CD9+ EVs. Loading of GFP into individual vesicles was quantified by Single-Molecule Localization Microscopy. The combined results demonstrated TSPAN14, CD63 and CD63/CD81 fused to the PDGFRβ transmembrane domain as the most efficient EV-sorting proteins, accumulating on average 50-170 single GFP molecules per vesicle. In conclusion, we validated a set of complementary techniques suitable for high-resolution analysis of EV preparations that reliably capture their heterogeneity, and propose highly efficient EV-sorting proteins to be used in EV engineering applications.

Extracellular vesicles for tissue repair and regeneration: Evidence, challenges and opportunities

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are biological nanoparticles naturally secreted by cells, acting as delivery vehicles for molecular messages. During the last decade, EVs have been assigned multiple functions that have established their potential as therapeutic mediators for a variety of diseases and conditions. In this review paper, we report on the potential of EVs in tissue repair and regeneration. The regenerative properties that have been associated with EVs are explored, detailing the molecular cargo they carry that is capable of mediating such effects, the signaling cascades triggered in target cells and the functional outcome achieved. EV interactions and biodistribution in vivo that influence their regenerative effects are also described, particularly upon administration in combination with biomaterials. Finally, we review the progress that has been made for the successful implementation of EV regenerative therapies in a clinical setting.

Computational structural, electronic and optical properties of the palmitic acid in its C form

In this work, we report a theoretical study of the structural, electronic, and optical properties of palmitic acid crystal in its C form under DFT calculations level. Palmitic acid is a fatty acid that constitutes the large majority of vegetable oils with recognized potential applications in medicine, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics technology, foods, and fuel. As a main result, we have found that the electronic bandstructure reveals an indirect gap given by 3.713 eV (E→B andE→Γ), as a main bandgap, while the secondary bandgaps found were 4.175 eV (γ₁→Γ) and 4.172 eV (γ₂→B). It behaves like a wide bandgap semiconductor, which points to potential applications in optoelectronic devices.

IL-1β-pre-conditioned mesenchymal stem/stromal cells' secretome modulates the inflammatory response and aggrecan deposition in intervertebral disc

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) have been increasingly used in clinical trials for low-back pain (LBP) and intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration with promising results. Their action mechanisms are not fully understood, but they reduce IVD pro-inflammatory markers in a pro-inflammatory/degenerative IVD microenvironment. In this study the therapeutic potential of the MSC secretome, as an alternative cell-free approach for treating degenerated IVDs, was examined. Human bone marrow-derived MSC secretome (MSCsec) was collected after 48 h of preconditioning in IL-1β (10 ng/mL) and low oxygen (6 % O2), mimicking the degenerative IVD. IL-1β-pre-conditioning of MSCs increased secretion of pro-inflammatory markers hIL-6, hIL-8, hMCP-1, etc. The therapeutic effect of MSCsec was tested in a pro-inflammatory/degenerative IVD ex vivo model. MSCsec down-regulated IVD gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (bIL-6, bIL-8) and matrix degrading enzyme bMMP1, while bMMP3 and bTIMP2 were up-regulated, at 48 h. After 14 d, MSCsec-treated IVDs revealed increased aggrecan deposition, although no differences in other ECM components were observed. Protein analysis of the MSCsec-treated IVD supernatant revealed a significant increase of CXCL1, MCP-1, MIP-3α, IL-6, IL-8 and GRO α/β/γ (related to TNF, NOD-like receptor and neutrophil chemotaxis signalling), and a decrease of IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-4, IL-5 and TNF-α (associated with T-cell receptor signalling). MSCsec-treated IVD supernatants did not promote angiogenesis and neurogenesis in vitro. Overall, MSCsec can be a safe therapeutic approach, presenting a strong immunomodulatory role in degenerated IVD while potentiating aggrecan deposition, which can open new perspectives on the use of MSCsec as a cell-based/ cell-free therapeutic approach to LBP.

Selection of Fluorescent, Bioluminescent, and Radioactive Tracers to Accurately Reflect Extracellular Vesicle Biodistribution in Vivo

The ability to track extracellular vesicles (EVs) in vivo without influencing their biodistribution is a key requirement for their successful development as drug delivery vehicles and therapeutic agents. Here, we evaluated the effect of five different optical and nuclear tracers on the in vivo biodistribution of EVs. Expi293F EVs were labeled using either a noncovalent fluorescent dye DiR, or covalent modification with ¹¹¹indium-DTPA, or bioengineered with fluorescent (mCherry) or bioluminescent (Firefly and NanoLuc luciferase) proteins fused to the EV marker, CD63. To focus specifically on the effect of the tracer, we compared EVs derived from the same cell source and administered systemically by the same route and at equal dose into tumor-bearing BALB/c mice. ¹¹¹Indium and DiR were the most sensitive tracers for in vivo imaging of EVs, providing the most accurate quantification of vesicle biodistribution by ex vivo imaging of organs and analysis of tissue lysates. Specifically, NanoLuc fused to CD63 altered EV distribution, resulting in high accumulation in the lungs, demonstrating that genetic modification of EVs for tracking purposes may compromise their physiological biodistribution. Blood kinetic analysis revealed that EVs are rapidly cleared from the circulation with a half-life below 10 min. Our study demonstrates that radioactivity is the most accurate EV tracking approach for a complete quantitative biodistribution study including pharmacokinetic profiling. In conclusion, we provide a comprehensive comparison of fluorescent, bioluminescent, and radioactivity approaches, including dual labeling of EVs, to enable accurate spatiotemporal resolution of EV trafficking in mice, an essential step in developing EV therapeutics.

A high-throughput Galectin-9 imaging assay for quantifying nanoparticle uptake, endosomal escape and functional RNA delivery

RNA-based therapies have great potential to treat many undruggable human diseases. However, their efficacy, in particular for mRNA, remains hampered by poor cellular delivery and limited endosomal escape. Development and optimisation of delivery vectors, such as lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), are impeded by limited screening methods to probe the intracellular processing of LNPs in sufficient detail. We have developed a high-throughput imaging-based endosomal escape assay utilising a Galectin-9 reporter and fluorescently labelled mRNA to probe correlations between nanoparticle-mediated uptake, endosomal escape frequency, and mRNA translation. Furthermore, this assay has been integrated within a screening platform for optimisation of lipid nanoparticle formulations. We show that Galectin-9 recruitment is a robust, quantitative reporter of endosomal escape events induced by different mRNA delivery nanoparticles and small molecules. We identify nanoparticles with superior escape properties and demonstrate cell line variances in endosomal escape response, highlighting the need for fine-tuning of delivery formulations for specific applications.

Effect of growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF-9) on in vitro development of collared peccary preantral follicles in ovarian tissues

The aims were to identify the effects of growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF-9) on the in vitro development of ovarian preantral follicles (PAFs) of collared peccaries. Ovarian fragments were in vitro cultured for 1 or 7 days without or with inclusion of GDF-9 in the medium (0, 50, 100, or 200 ng/mL). The non-cultured (control) and cultured fragments were evaluated for PAF viability, activation, and cell proliferation. Although there were no differences in the percentage of morphologically normal follicles, the percentage of growing follicles was greater compared to the control in all treatment groups, especially those cultured with 200 ng/mL GDF-9 for 7 days (P < 0.05). The inclusion of GDF-9 in the medium did not interfere with PAF viability (P> 0.05); however, treatment with 200 ng/mL GDF-9 resulted in greater (P < 0.05) cell proliferation in PAFs cultured for 1 or 7 days (∼2.5 nucleolar organizing regions - NORs) compared to the follicles of the control group (2.0 NORs). In addition, peccary ovarian cortexes were subjected to PCR analysis and there was detection of the mRNA GDF-9 receptor transcripts of the BMPR2 (type I receptor) and ALK-5 (type II receptor) types. In conclusion, GDF-9, especially at a 200 ng/mL inclusion in the culture medium, was actively involved in the in vitro development of collared peccary PAFs.

Fibrinogen and magnesium combination biomaterials modulate macrophage phenotype, NF-kB signaling and crosstalk with mesenchymal stem/stromal cells

Macrophage behavior upon biomaterial implantation conditions the inflammatory response and subsequent tissue repair. The hypothesis behind this work was that fibrinogen (Fg) and magnesium (Mg) biomaterials, used in combination (FgMg) could act synergistically to modulate macrophage activation, promoting a pro-regenerative phenotype. Materials were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fg and Mg degradation products were quantified by atomic absorption spectroscopy and ELISA. Whole blood immune cells and primary human monocyte-derived macrophages were exposed to the biomaterials extracts in unstimulated (M0) or pro-inflammatory LPS or LPS-IFNγ (M1) conditions. Macrophage phenotype was evaluated by flow cytometry, cytokines secreted by whole blood cells and macrophages were measured by ELISA, and signaling pathways were probed by Western blotting. The secretomes of macrophages preconditioned with biomaterials extracts were incubated with human mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC) and their effect on osteogenic differentiation was evaluated via Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) activity and alizarin red staining. Scaffolds of Fg, alone or in the FgMg combination, presented similar 3D porous architectures. Extracts from FgMg materials reduced LPS-induced TNF-α secretion by innate immune cells, and macrophage M1 polarization upon LPS-IFNγ stimulation, resulting in lower cell surface CD86 expression, lower NFκB p65 phosphorylation and reduced TNF-α secretion. Moreover, while biomaterial extracts per se did not enhance MSC osteogenic differentiation, macrophage secretome, particularly from cells exposed to FgMg extracts, increased MSC ALP activity and alizarin red staining, compared with extracts alone. These findings suggest that the combination of Fg and Mg synergistically influences macrophage pro-inflammatory activation and crosstalk with MSC. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Modulating macrophage phenotype by degradable and bioactive biomaterials is an increasingly explored strategy to promote tissue repair/regeneration. Fibrinogen (Fg) and magnesium (Mg)-based materials have been explored in this context. Previous work from our group showed that monocytes interact with fibrinogen adsorbed onto chitosan surfaces through TLR4 and that fibrinogen scaffolds promote in vivo bone regeneration. Also, magnesium ions have been reported to modulate macrophage pro-inflammatory M1 stimulation and to promote bone repair. Here we report, for the first time, the combination of Fg and Mg materials, hypothesizing that it could act synergistically on macrophages, directing them towards a pro-regenerative phenotype. As a first step towards proving/disproving our hypothesis we used extracts obtained from Fg, Mg and FgMg multilayer constructs. We observed that FgMg extracts led to a reduction in the polarization of macrophages towards a pro-inflammatory phenotype. Also, the secretome of macrophages exposed to extracts of the combination material promoted the expression of osteogenic markers by MSCs.

Exploring the association of predisposing factors of Cerebral Palsy and developmental defects of enamel: a case-control study

AIM

To evaluate the occurrence of developmental defects of enamel (DDE) in children and adolescents with Cerebral Palsy (CP) and to analyze the effect of common factors in the etiology of CP on the occurrence of DDE.

METHODS

A case-control study was carried out using the modified DDE index to classify enamel defects. The study group (SG) consisted of 45 participants with CP aged between three and 14 years. The control group (CG) consisted of 88 normotypical schoolchildren, paired by gender and age group. Caregivers answered a questionnaire on their socioeconomic status and medical history. The Chi-square tests, bivariate and multivariate analysis were performed (level significance < 0.05).

RESULTS

The occurrence of DDE in SG and CG was 60% and 64.8%, respectively (p value = 0.726). The most frequent defect observed in SG was diffuse opacity (44.4%), followed by demarcated opacity (26.7%) and enamel hypoplasia (2.2%). No difference was observed in the defect's distribution among both groups (p value = 0.083). For SG, the bivariate analysis revealed a statically significant association between the presence of DDE and age group 7-14 years old and maternal schooling below 11 years. After adjusting for confounding variables, age, family income and maternal schooling were not associated with DDE.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the occurrence of DDE was high and similar in both groups. The pre, peri or post-natal factors associated with CP were not significant for the presence of DDE.

Evaluation of MMP-10 and TIMP-1 levels associated with Resveratrol supplementation

Introduction Resveratrol (RSV) is a natural phytoalexin present in abundance in grapes, berries, peanuts and red wine. The main benefits of resveratrol ingestion are due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This compound also induces therapeutic benefits in the remodelling of extracellular matrix (ECM), which plays an important role in the regulation of the activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and its tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). The MMPs are a family of zinc dependent endopeptidases, with an important role in the physiological and pathological remodelling of ECM, once the activity of MMPs can be regulated by TIMPs. This regulation is essential, since if there is an imbalance between the MMPs and TIMPs there’s destruction of the ECM, leading to the development of several pathologies.

Objectives Evaluate RSV potential by determining serum and salivary levels of MMP-10 and TIMP-1.

Methodology The study population included 27 undergraduates between the ages of 18 and 30, divided into a control group (placebo) and an intervention group, supplemented with 100 mg RSV/day, during 30 days. MMP-10 and TIMP-1 levels were determined by slot blot. The results were analysed using a GraphPad Prism version 5 software for Windows (GraphPad Software, San Diego, California, USA).

Results It was verified the existence of a linear correlation between the serum and salivary levels of TIMP-1, as well as a tendency of increase of this biomarker after RSV supplementation. In all indicators studied, supplementation with this compound wasn’t harmful.

Conclusion The rising trend verified at TIMP-1 in both fluids may reflect benefits in the individuals under study, demonstrating that saliva has potential as a study biofluid for this type of biochemical markers. It was also verified that supplementation with this compound did not damage the evaluated parameters and, therefore, the RSV potential shouldn’t be rejected.

Formulating octyl methoxycinnamate in hybrid lipid-silica nanoparticles: An innovative approach for UV skin protection

Sunscreens have been employed on daily skin care for centuries. Their role in protecting the skin from sun damage, avoiding accelerated photoaging and even limiting the risk of development of skin cancer is unquestionable. Although several chemical and physical filters are approved as sunscreens for human use, their safety profile is dependent on their concentration in the formulation which governs their acceptance by the regulatory agencies. A strategic delivery of such molecules should provide a UV protection and limit the skin penetration. Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) may offer an alternative approach to achieve a synergistic effect on the UV protection when loaded with sunscreens as particles themselves also have a UV light scattering effect. Besides, the lipid character of SLN and NLC improves the encapsulation of lipophilic compounds, with enhanced loading capacity. Silica nanoparticles have also been employed in sunscreen formulations. Due to the formed sol-gel complexes, which covalently entrap sunscreen molecules, a controlled release is also achieved. In the present work, we have developed a new sunscreen formulation composed of hybrid SLN-Silica particles loaded with octyl methoxycinnamate (Parsol®MCX), and their further incorporation into a hydrogel for skin administration. Hybrid SLN-silica particles of 210.0 ± 3.341 nm of mean size, polydispersity below 0.3, zeta potential of ca. |7| mV, loading capacity of 19.9% and encapsulation efficiency of 98.3% have been produced. Despite the slight negative surface charge, the developed hybrid nanoparticles remained physicochemically stable over the study period. Turbiscan transmission profiles confirmed the colloidal stability of the formulations under stress conditions. The texture profile analysis of Parsol-SLN and Parsol-SLN-Si revealed semi-solid properties (e.g. adhesiveness, hardness, cohesiveness, springiness, gumminess, chewiness, resilience) suitable for topical application, together with the bioadhesiveness in the skin of pig ears. The non-irritation profile of the hybrid nanoparticles before and after dispersion into Carbopol hydrogels was confirmed by HET-CAM test.

Composition of semen and foreskin mucosa aerobic microbiota and its impact on sperm parameters of captive collared peccaries (Pecari tajacu)

AIM

To evaluate the bacterial composition of collared peccary semen and foreskin mucosa, and to verify the sensitivity of isolates to antimicrobials used in semen conservation and to Aloe vera gel, which is an alternative external cryoprotectant.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Nine foreskin mucosa and ejaculate samples from adult animals were used. Sperm characteristics and bacterial load were evaluated in fresh semen. The preputial mucosa and semen bacterial isolates were identified and tested against five concentrations of each antimicrobial (streptomycin-penicillin and gentamicin) and A. vera gel. Corynebacterium sp. and Staphylococcus sp. were isolated in greater numbers than others in both semen (64·10 and 20·51%, respectively) and the foreskin mucosa (60·60 and 24·25%, respectively), and ranged from 0·4 to 21 × 10⁵ colony-forming units (CFU) per ml. The average load of Corynebacterium sp. was negatively correlated (P < 0·05) with the sperm membrane integrity (r = -0·73055) and curvilinear velocity (r = -0·69048). Streptomycin-penicillin and gentamicin inhibited most micro-organisms, and A. vera showed lower antimicrobial activity.

CONCLUSION

Several Gram-positive bacteria are present in semen and foreskin mucosa of collared peccary, and the benefits of using primarily penicillin-streptomycin and gentamicin antimicrobials in the bacterial control of diluted semen of these animals are strongly indicated.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study provides insight into the reproductive microbiota of captive male-collared peccary. This work provides a theoretical basis to assist reproductive biotechnologies for ex situ conservation of the species.

miR-543 regulates the epigenetic landscape of myelofibrosis by targeting TET1 and TET2

Myelofibrosis (MF) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by cytopenia and extramedullary hematopoiesis, resulting in splenomegaly. Multiple pathological mechanisms (e.g., circulating cytokines and genetic alterations, such as JAKV617F mutation) have been implicated in the etiology of MF, but the molecular mechanism causing resistance to JAK2V617F inhibitor therapy remains unknown. Among MF patients who were treated with the JAK inhibitor ruxolitinib, we compared noncoding RNA profiles of ruxolitinib therapy responders versus nonresponders and found miR-543 was significantly upregulated in nonresponders. We validated these findings by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. in this same cohort, in 2 additional independent MF patient cohorts from the United States and Romania, and in a JAK2V617F mouse model of MF. Both in vitro and in vivo models were used to determine the underlying molecular mechanism of miR-543 in MF. Here, we demonstrate that miR-543 targets the dioxygenases ten-eleven translocation 1 (TET1) and 2 (TET2) in patients and in vitro, causing increased levels of global 5-methylcytosine, while decreasing the acetylation of histone 3, STAT3, and tumor protein p53. Mechanistically, we found that activation of STAT3 by JAKs epigenetically controls miR-543 expression via binding the promoter region of miR-543. Furthermore, miR-543 upregulation promotes the expression of genes related to drug metabolism, including CYP3A4, which is involved in ruxolitinib metabolism. Our findings suggest miR-543 as a potentially novel biomarker for the prognosis of MF patients with a high risk of treatment resistance and as a potentially new target for the development of new treatment options.

Spinal Myoclonus: Is It An Anesthetic Mystery?

The goal is to present a descriptive study related an unprecedent case of spinal myoclonus (SM) following subarachnoid anesthesia (SA). SM are sudden, brief, involuntary non-generalized spasms that can be an adverse effect of drug administration via neuraxial routes. Female, 67y, ASA II, proposed for hip replacement surgery, with normal preoperative exams. 7min after SA with 10mg of bupivacaine 0,5%, no motor blockade observed, and patient complained of unbearable pain in legs and perineum and bilateral, asymmetrical and arrhythmic myoclonic movements in the lower limbs. The latter solved after 48h of general anesthesia and rocuronium perfusion, amongst other therapeutics. Accordingly, intrathecal bupivacaine appears to be the SM most likely cause, regarding the absence of neurologic and electrolyte disorders, spinal cord direct trauma, drug exchange and normal perioperative examination, imaging and laboratory testing.It is mandatory to always take the patients' anaesthetic histories and recognize, treat and report rare anaesthetic complications.

The Systemic Immune Response to Collagen-Induced Arthritis and the Impact of Bone Injury in Inflammatory Conditions

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic disease that affects the osteoarticular system, associated with bone fragility and increased risk of fractures. Herein, we aimed to characterize the systemic impact of the rat collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model and explore its combination with femoral bone defect (FD). The impact of CIA on endogenous mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC) was also investigated. CIA induction led to enlarged, more proliferative, spleen and draining lymph nodes, with altered proportion of lymphoid populations. Upon FD, CIA animals increased the systemic myeloid cell proportions, and their expression of co-stimulatory molecules CD40 and CD86. Screening plasma cytokine/chemokine levels showed increased tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), Interleukin (IL)-17, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-12 in CIA, and IL-2 and IL-6 increased in CIA and CIA+FD, while Fractalkine and Leptin were decreased in both groups. CIA-derived MSC showed lower metabolic activity and proliferation, and significantly increased osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation markers. Exposure of control-MSC to TNF-α partially mimicked the CIA-MSC phenotype in vitro. In conclusion, inflammatory conditions of CIA led to alterations in systemic immune cell proportions, circulating mediators, and in endogenous MSC. CIA animals respond to FD, and the combined model can be used to study the mechanisms of bone repair in inflammatory conditions.

Oral health-related quality of life in caregivers of individuals with Cerebral Palsy: a case-control study

AIM

The object of this study is to evaluate the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of caregivers of individuals with Cerebral Palsy (CP).

METHODS

Ninety-eight caregivers of individuals with CP (SG) and 196 caregivers of individuals without special needs (CG) completed the reduced version of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14). In addition, a questionnaire with demographic and socioeconomic questions was used. Groups were matched according to gender, schooling and family income. Fisher's exact tests, Chi square and Mann-Whitney, and bi/multivariate logistic regression were used (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

The impact on OHRQoL was similar for SG and CG (OHIP-14 total score). For SG, the high negative impact was in the following OHIP domains: "Functional limitation", "Physical disability", "Psychological incapacity" and "Disadvantages". For SG, a higher number of caregivers was single, unemployed, received government financial aid. There was a statistically significant association between the number of children a caregiver has and a negative impact on OHRQoL.

CONCLUSIONS

Being a caregiver of children with or without CP had a negative impact of similar magnitude on ORHQoL. The negative impact on OHRQoL of caregivers of children with CP was associated with having a high number of children; the higher the number of children, the greater the negative impact on their OHRQoL.

Chitosan/poly(γ-glutamic acid) nanoparticles incorporating IFN-γ for immune response modulation in the context of colorectal cancer

IFN-γ therapy has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of chronic granulomatous disease and severe malignant osteopetrosis. Despite the promising IFN-γ-based therapeutic applications, its limited success in clinical trials is related with limitations inherent to its molecular properties and with the difficulties to deliver it locally or with adequate periodicity to achieve a therapeutic effect. We have previously shown that chitosan (Ch)/poly(γ-glutamic acid) (γ-PGA) nanoparticles (NPs) are immunostimulatory, impairing colorectal cancer cell invasion. Ch is a biocompatible cationic polysaccharide extensively studied and already approved for biomedical applications while γ-PGA is a poly(amino acid), biodegradable and negatively charged. Here, we evaluated the potential of Ch/γ-PGA NPs as vehicles for IFN-γ and their ability to modulate immune cells' phenotype. In this study, Ch/IFN-γ/γ-PGA nanoparticles (IFN-γ-NPs) prepared by a co-acervation method, presenting a size of approximately 180 nm and a low polydispersity index, were tested for their immunomodulatory activity. These IFN-γ-NPs induced an immunostimulatory profile on dendritic cells (DCs) with increased cell surface costimulatory molecules and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, IL-12p40 and TNF-α. IFN-γ-NPs also modulated the IL-10-stimulated macrophage profile, increasing their ability to secrete the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-12p40 and TNF-α. Concomitantly, these phenotypic alterations enhanced T cell proliferation. In addition, the ability of DCs and macrophages to induce colorectal cancer cell invasion was hampered in the presence of IFN-γ-NPs. Although the major observations were mediated by Ch/γ-PGA NPs, the incorporation of IFN-γ into NPs potentiated the expression of CD40 and CD86, and the impairment of colorectal cancer cell invasion. This work bridges the previously reported immunostimulatory capacity of Ch/γ-PGA NPs with their potential as carriers for immunomodulatory molecules, like IFN-γ, opening new avenues for their use in clinical settings.

Short communication: In vitro and in vivo probiotic potential of Lactobacillus plantarum B7 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus D1 isolated from Minas artisanal cheese

Some Lactobacillus strains may contribute to the health of the host when administered in adequate concentrations, demonstrating their probiotic potential. In contrast, Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen that can cause enteropathy, meningoencephalitis, abortion, and septicemia. The aim of this survey was to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo probiotic potential of Lactobacillus plantarum B7 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus D1, isolated from Minas artisanal cheese of the Serra da Canastra (Minas Gerais, Brazil), against Lis. monocytogenes. We submitted B7 and D1 to in vitro testing (antibiogram, tolerance to bile salts and artificial gastric fluid, and spot-on-lawn) and in vivo testing (relative weight gain in mice). Both Lactobacillus strains demonstrated in vitro inhibitory activity against Lis. monocytogenes, as well as sensitivity to antimicrobials and resistance to gastric acids and bile salts. In the in vivo assays, mice treated with D1 gained more weight than mice in the other groups. These results indicate that D1 could have higher probiotic potential than B7 because improvements in feed conversion may help animals fight infection.

Effects of pre- or post-exercise whey protein supplementation on body fat and metabolic and inflammatory profile in pre-conditioned older women: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Protein supplementation and resistance training (RT) are interventions that may counteract decline in muscle mass and increase in fat mass, thus reducing the risk of developing chronic diseases during the aging process. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of whey protein (WP) pre- or post-RT on metabolic and inflammatory profile in pre-conditioned older women.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Seventy older women participated in this investigation and were randomly assigned to one of three groups: WP pre-RT and placebo post-RT (WP-PLA, n = 24), placebo pre-RT and WP post-RT (PLA-WP, n = 23) and placebo pre and post-RT (PLA-PLA, n = 23). Each group ingested 35 g of PLA or WP pre- and post-RT. RT was carried out over 12 weeks (three times/week; 3 x 8-12 repetition maximum). Body composition, blood pressure, blood samples and dietary intake were assessed pre- and post-intervention. After the intervention, WP groups showed greater improvements in appendicular lean soft tissue (ALST: WP-PLA, 3.1%; PLA-WP, 3.9%; PLA-PLA, 1.8%) and total cholesterol/high density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (TC/HDL-C: WP-PLA, -12.11%; PLA-WP, -13.2%; PLA-PLA, -0.7) when compared with PLA-PLA. WP post-RT also showed improvements (P < 0.05) in ALST/appendicular fat mass ratio (PLA-WP, 5.8%; PLA-PLA, 1.3%), total body fat (PLA-WP, -3.8%; PLA-PLA: -0.1) and trunk fat mass (PLA-WP, -3.1%; PLA-PLA, -0.3%) when compared with PLA-PLA.

CONCLUSION

WP pre- or post- RT promotes improvements in ALST and TC/HDL-C ratio in pre-conditioned older women. WP administered after RT was more effective in improving metabolic health Z-score and in reducing body fat compared to placebo group.

Environmental effects on collared peccaries (Pecari tajacu) serum testosterone, testicular morphology, and semen quality in the Caatinga biome

The objective of the study was to understand the influence of climatic variations in a semiarid environment on serum testosterone, testicular morphology and semen quality in collared peccaries (Pecari tajacu). Reproductive metrics (semen quality, testicular morphometry and testosterone serum profiles) of 10 mature males were measured monthly for 18 months. Meteorological data (rainfall, air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and radiant heat load) also were recorded during the same period. Rainfall regimes were classified in different classes (Class 1: months with no rain; Class 2: months with up to 50 mm of rain; and Class 3: months with >50 mm of rain). Among rainfall classes, average air temperature (°C) and relative humidity (%) were different. Climatic changes between rainfall classes did not lead to overall variations of testicular size, testosterone production, and semen metrics. However, relative humidity recorded before semen collection (one day, one week, or over 51-55 days) was positively correlated (P < 0.05) with semen motility metrics (total motility, beat cross frequency and straightness) and sperm subpopulations (medium and static sperm), as well as with volume. Negative correlations (P < 0.05) were revealed between air temperature and the same semen motility patterns and volume. Additionally, radiant head load measured on the day of semen collection negatively influenced (P < 0.05) sperm straightness. This study demonstrates for the first time that no seasonal changes could be detected overt the 18-month period on the serum testosterone, testicular morphology and semen quality of collared peccaries raised in the Caatinga biome; however, it is expected that long term environmental changes will influence the reproductive physiology of species leaving in that habitat.

Minimal information for studies of extracellular vesicles 2018 (MISEV2018): a position statement of the International Society for Extracellular Vesicles and update of the MISEV2014 guidelines

The last decade has seen a sharp increase in the number of scientific publications describing physiological and pathological functions of extracellular vesicles (EVs), a collective term covering various subtypes of cell-released, membranous structures, called exosomes, microvesicles, microparticles, ectosomes, oncosomes, apoptotic bodies, and many other names. However, specific issues arise when working with these entities, whose size and amount often make them difficult to obtain as relatively pure preparations, and to characterize properly. The International Society for Extracellular Vesicles (ISEV) proposed Minimal Information for Studies of Extracellular Vesicles ("MISEV") guidelines for the field in 2014. We now update these "MISEV2014" guidelines based on evolution of the collective knowledge in the last four years. An important point to consider is that ascribing a specific function to EVs in general, or to subtypes of EVs, requires reporting of specific information beyond mere description of function in a crude, potentially contaminated, and heterogeneous preparation. For example, claims that exosomes are endowed with exquisite and specific activities remain difficult to support experimentally, given our still limited knowledge of their specific molecular machineries of biogenesis and release, as compared with other biophysically similar EVs. The MISEV2018 guidelines include tables and outlines of suggested protocols and steps to follow to document specific EV-associated functional activities. Finally, a checklist is provided with summaries of key points.

Nuclear organization and morphology of cholinergic neurons in the brain of the rock cavy (Kerodon rupestris) (Wied, 1820)

The aim of this study was to conduct cytoarchitectonic studies and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) immunohistochemical analysis to delimit the cholinergic groups in the encephalon of the rock cavy (Kerodon rupestris), a crepuscular Caviidae rodent native to the Brazilian Northeast. Three young adult animals were anesthetized and transcardially perfused. The encephala were cut in the coronal plane using a cryostat. We obtained 6 series of 30-μm-thick sections. The sections from one series were subjected to Nissl staining. Those from another series were subjected to immunohistochemistry for the enzyme ChAT, which is used in acetylcholine synthesis, to visualize the different cholinergic neural centers of the rock cavy. The slides were analyzed using a light microscope and the results were documented by description and digital photomicrographs. ChAT-immunoreactive neurons were identified in the telencephalon (nucleus accumbens, caudate-putamen, globus pallidus, entopeduncular nucleus and ventral globus pallidus, olfactory tubercle and islands of Calleja, diagonal band of Broca nucleus, nucleus basalis, and medial septal nucleus), diencephalon (ventrolateral preoptic, hypothalamic ventrolateral, and medial habenular nuclei), and brainstem (parabigeminal, laterodorsal tegmental, and pedunculopontine tegmental nuclei). These findings are discussed through both a functional and phylogenetic perspective.

OPNa Overexpression Is Associated with Matrix Calcification in Thyroid Cancer Cell Lines

Osteopontin (OPN) spliced variants (OPN-SV: OPNa, OPNb, and OPNc) are aberrantly expressed in tumors and frequently associated with cancer progression. This holds true for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), which is the most common type of thyroid cancer (TC). PTC often presents with desmoplasia and dystrophic calcification, including psammoma bodies (PB). This work aimed to investigate total OPN (tOPN) and OPN-SV expression and their association with the presence of PB in the PTC classical variants (cPTC), as well as the involvement of OPN-SV in matrix calcification of TC cell lines. We found that cPTC samples presenting PB showed higher OPN expression levels. In TC cell lines, OPNa overexpression promotes higher matrix calcification and collagen synthesis when compared to that of clones overexpressing OPNb or OPNc. In response to OPN knockdown, calcification was inhibited, paralleled with the downregulation of calcification markers. In conclusion, our data evidenced that OPN expression is associated with the presence of PB in cPTC samples. Among the OPN-SV, OPNa is the main contributor to matrix calcification in tested TC cells, providing clues to a better understanding on the biology and ethiopathogenesis of the calcification process in TC cells.

Extracellular vesicles: intelligent delivery strategies for therapeutic applications

Extracellular vesicles (EV), in particular exosomes, have been the object of intense research, due to their potential to mediate intercellular communication, modulating the phenotype of target cells. The natural properties and functions of EV are being exploited as biomarkers for disease diagnosis and prognosis, and as nano-bio-carriers for the development of new therapeutic strategies. EV have been particularly examined in the field of cancer, but are also increasingly investigated in other areas, like immune-related diseases and regenerative medicine. In this review, the therapeutic use of EV as drug delivery systems is described, balancing the advantages and drawbacks of different routes for their in vivo administration. Systemic and local delivery of EV are discussed, tackling the persisting difficulties in the assessment of their pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and biodistribution in vivo. Finally, we discuss the future perspectives for incorporating EV into delivery systems and their use for an improved and controlled release of EV in vivo.

Unilateral absence of mandibular condyle in a Bronze Age male skeleton from Portugal

In 2009, a pit burial dated to the Bronze Age was excavated in Monte do Gato de Cima 3 (Portugal). The purpose of this paper is to describe the pathological absence of the left mandibular condyle noted in an adult male skeleton and to discuss possible diagnoses, including subcondylar fracture, cystic defect, congenital absence, condylar aplasia and mandibular condylysis. The most likely explanation for the pathological alteration is subcondylar fracture with non-union. Although the occurrence of non-union and slight osteoarthritic alterations in the left glenoid fossa were evident, this mandible was likely functional, as can be inferred from dental wear and muscle attachment sites. This trauma probably occurred before adult age when remodelling capacity is still high. Thus, bones and muscles adequately compensated for the trauma and only minor asymmetry developed. Consequently, this injury seems not to have greatly influenced masticatory functions. This is in accordance with clinical data, which demonstrate that, in growing patients, conservative treatment (non-surgical) results in good remodelling and patient recovery. In addition, in the few paleopathological cases published, the healing capacity of these types of mandibular fractures seems to be good, as can be inferred by evidence from the bone.

Profiling the circulating miRnome reveals a temporal regulation of the bone injury response

Bone injury healing is an orchestrated process that starts with an inflammatory phase followed by repair and remodelling of the bone defect. The initial inflammation is characterized by local changes in immune cell populations and molecular mediators, including microRNAs (miRNAs). However, the systemic response to bone injury remains largely uncharacterized. Thus, this study aimed to profile the changes in the plasma miRnome after bone injury and determine its biological implications. Methods: A rat model of femoral bone defect was used, and animals were evaluated at days 3 and 14 after injury. Non-operated (NO) and sham operated animals were used as controls. Blood and spleen were collected and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and plasma were separated. Plasma miRnome was determined by RT-qPCR array and bioinformatics Ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) was performed. Proliferation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC) was evaluated by Ki67 staining and high-throughput cell imaging. Candidate miRNAs were evaluated in splenocytes by RT-qPCR, and proteins found in the IPA analysis were analysed in splenocytes and PBMC by Western blot. Results: Bone injury resulted in timely controlled changes to the miRNA expression profile in plasma. At day 3 there was a major down-regulation of miRNA levels, which was partially recovered by day 14 post-injury. Interestingly, bone injury led to a significant up-regulation of let-7a, let-7d and miR-21 in plasma and splenocytes at day 14 relative to day 3 after bone injury, but not in sham operated animals. IPA predicted that most miRNAs temporally affected were involved in cellular development, proliferation and movement. MSC proliferation was analysed and found significantly increased in response to plasma of animals days 3 and 14 post-injury, but not from NO animals. Moreover, IPA predicted that miRNA processing proteins Ago2 and Dicer were specifically inhibited at day 3 post-injury, with Ago2 becoming activated at day 14. Protein levels of Ago2 and Dicer in splenocytes were increased at day 14 relative to day 3 post-bone injury and NO animals, while in PBMC, levels were reduced at day 3 (albeit Dicer was not significant) and remained low at day 14. Ephrin receptor B6 followed the same tendency as Ago2 and Dicer, while Smad2/3 was significantly decreased in splenocytes from day 14 relative to NO and day 3 post-bone injury animals. Conclusion: Results show a systemic miRNA response to bone injury that is regulated in time and is related to inflammation resolution and the start of bone repair/regeneration, unravelling candidate miRNAs to be used as biomarkers in the monitoring of healthy bone healing and as therapeutic targets for the development of improved bone regeneration therapies.

Repurposing itraconazole to the benefit of skin cancer treatment: A combined azole-DDAB nanoencapsulation strategy

In this work, we aimed at developing an improved topical SLN formulation combining itraconazole delivery with a coating layer of didodecyldimethylammonium bromide, thus repurposing the drug effectiveness by synergistic skin anticancer effectiveness. In order to obtain a stable SLN formulation with small homogeneously dispersed particles, a deep formulative study was developed screening three different solid lipids (Suppocire NB, Cetyl Palmitate and Dynasan 114) for the SLN preparation by the phase inversion temperature. A bluishcolored shade formulation, with homogeneous small particles size (<50 nm) was obtained only using Suppocire NB. The cytotoxicity of all SLN was tested after 24 h exposure against three adherent skin cell lines (A431, HaCaT and SK-MEL-5). Results demonstrate that both unloaded and drugloaded SLN did not significantly affect the cell viability of the non-tumoral HaCaT cell line, thus confirming the safe potential topical application of these formulations. A dose-dependent decrease in cell viability was observed for the tumoral cell lines, A431 and SK-MEL-5, with a significant reduction of the A431 cancer cell line viability. The drug molecule addition to the uncoated nanoparticles was able to increase of almost 20% the reduction of the viability of the cancer cells treated. Ours results demonstrate the potentiality of repurposing itraconazole activity by using the combined nanoencapsulation strategy with the positively charged coating layer on SLN, which can be further investigated as a promising stable and safe approach to significantly reduce the viability of skin cancer cells.

Efeito de Líquidos Alimentares e Escovação na Estabilidade de Cor de uma Cerâmica Vítrea de Dissilicato de Lítio

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a estabilidade de cor de uma cerâmica vítrea de dissilicato de lítio submetida a imersão em líquidos alimentares e teste de escovação. Espécimes (n160) em cerâmica vítrea de dissilicato de lítio IPS E.max CAD HT Blocks, cor A2 foram divididos em dois grupos de acordo com o preparo de superfície – glazeamento (GG n80), polimento mecânico    (GP n80). Estes foram redistribuídos de acordo com os diferentes líquidos de imersão (n8) – água destilada (AD), café (CF), chá preto (CH), vinho tinto (VT), refrigerante de cola (CC) e associação com escovação (n8) - AD+Esc, CF+Esc, CH+Esc, VT+Esc, CC+Esc. A estabilidade de cor foi avaliada antes (T0) e após (T1) as imersões e escovação, simulando-se um período de 5 anos. Um espectrofotômetro portátil foi empregado para quantificar a diferença colorimétrica (OE) de cada amostra. Todas as soluções causaram alterações na cor das cerâmicas, e de forma semelhante independente do tratamento de superfície (p0,729). O maior manchamento foi provocado pelo vinho tinto (GG: p<0,001 GP: p0,004), com variações de cor (OE) de 2,61±0,52 e 2,22±0,43, respectivamente. A escovação simulada não influenciou nas alterações de estabilidade de cor observadas após as imersões (p>0,05). Conclui-se que, embora as mudanças de cor tenham ocorrido dentro de um nível clinicamente aceitável, a cerâmica de dissilicato de lítio está sujeita aos efeitos deletérios dos líquidos alimentares testados sofrendo alteração de cor, sendo que esse efeito não foi amenizado pela escovação.Palavras-chave: Dissilicato de Lítio. Glazeamento. Escovação Dentária.

Uso de Plasma Frio no Controle de Biofilme de Candida albicans em Próteses Dentárias de Resina Acrílica: Revisão de Literatura

O trabalho objetivou avaliar o uso do plasma frio no controle de biofilmes de Candida em próteses de resina acrílica. Realizou-se uma busca na base de dados Pubmed, utilizando as seguintes palavras-chave combinadas entre si: “cold plasma”, “Candida albicans” e “acrylic resins”, no período de 2010 a 2017. Foram encontrados 478 resultados na busca e selecionados 7 artigos científicos, utilizando como critério de inclusão: estudos in vitro e/ou clínico experimentais controlados, envolvendo a utilização de plasma frio em superfícies de resina acrílica e/ou que avaliaram crescimento de Candida albicans nestas. A literatura relata que o plasma frio, disponível em diferentes composições de gases, apresenta como mecanismo principal de ação aumentar a hidrofilia das superfícies em resina, fortificando ligações químicas e, assim, desfavorecendo a aderência inicial de Candida albicans, o que daria início ao processo de colonização – e futuro surgimento de infecção oral – por este fungo oportunista. Também aumenta a microdureza das próteses e, assim, a sua resistência à corrosão porém não exibe efeitos significantes sobre propriedades como rugosidade superficial, módulo de elasticidade e resistência flexural. Conclui-se que o uso do plasma pode ser promissora na prevenção da adesão fúngica às bases protéticas, sem alterar negativamente as propriedades físicas e mecânicas dos materiais envolvidos porém, há escassez na literatura de trabalhos que o compare com outros mecanismos anti-fúngicos e estudos clínicos a longo prazo.Palavras-chave: Cold Plasma. Candida albicans. Acrylic Resins.

Caracterização e Avaliação Histológica de Amostras Recobertas com Filmes de Carbono para Uso em Próteses Totais de ATM

Próteses articulares são fabricadas com ligas de Ti-6Al-4V ou Co-Cr-Mo, porém, a liberação de íons nestas ligas pode causar efeitos tóxicos. O revestimento de superfícies articulares com um “filme protetor“ visa aumentar a longevidade das próteses e evitar a liberação de íons causadores de hipersensibilidade, além de diminuir a dor, ocasionalmente provocada pela alteração da temperatura do metal. O filme de Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) vem sendo pesquisado, devido sua biocompatibilidade, alta resistência ao desgaste e à corrosão, baixo coeficiente de atrito, inércia química e efeito bactericida. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a neoformação óssea em amostras de liga Ti-6Al-4V recobertas com filme de DLC associados ou não a nanopartículas de prata (nAg). Após caracterização estrutural as amostras foram fixadas bilateralmente no ângulo da mandíbula de 30 coelhos. Quinze e 90 dias após a cirurgia, as amostras foram removidas junto ao osso, e novamente caracterizadas. Os filmes de DLC e DLC-Ag mostraram alta resistência elétrica e não sofreram alterações significativas no espectro Raman após exposição in vivo. No teste de Micro scratch test observou- se que os filmes aumentaram sua resistência mecânica após o teste in vivo. Em todos os animais, foi ocorreu neoformação óssea  na interface osso-amostra, caracterizando a osseointegração da mesma e não observou-se diferença estatística entre os grupos no mesmo período (p>0,05). Concluiu-se que os filmes de DLC e DLC-Ag reagem in vivo de forma semelhante à liga Ti-6Al-4V, que é considerada o padrão ouro para uso biomédico.Palavras-chave: Osseointegração. Carbono. Articulação Temporomandibular.

Pro-inflammatory chitosan/poly(γ-glutamic acid) nanoparticles modulate human antigen-presenting cells phenotype and revert their pro-invasive capacity

Anticancer immune responses depend on efficient presentation of tumor antigens and co-stimulatory signals provided by antigen-presenting cells (APCs). However, it is described that immature dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages at the tumor site may have an immunosuppressive profile, which limits the activity of effector T cells and supports tumor progression. Therapeutic targeting of these innate immune cells, either aiming at their elimination or re-polarization towards an immunostimulatory profile, has been pointed as an attractive approach to control tumor progression. In the present work, we assessed the potential of Chitosan (Ch)/Poly(γ-glutamic acid) (γ-PGA) nanoparticles (NPs) to modulate macrophages and DCs inflammatory profile and to impair their ability to promote cancer cell invasion. Interestingly, Ch/γ-PGA NPs, prepared by co-acervation method, induced an immunostimulatory DCs phenotype, enhancing the expression of the co-stimulatory molecules CD86, CD40 and HLA-DR, and the secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-12p40 and IL-6. Furthermore, Ch/γ-PGA NPs re-educated IL-10-stimulated macrophages towards a pro-inflammatory profile, decreasing the expression of CD163 and promoting the secretion of IL-12p40 and TNF-α. These alterations in the immune cells phenotype promoted CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cell activation/proliferation and partially inhibited APCs' ability to induce colorectal cancer cell invasion. Overall, our findings open new perspectives on the use of Ch/γ-PGA NPs as an immunomodulatory therapy for antigen-presenting cells reprogramming, providing a new tool for anticancer therapies.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

The immune system is responsible to detect and destroy abnormal cells preventing the development of cancer. However, the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment can compromise the immune response favoring tumor progression. Thus, immune system modulation towards an immunostimulatory profile can improve anticancer therapies. This research focus on the development of chitosan/poly(γ-glutamic acid) nanoparticles (NPs) to modulate human antigen-presenting cells (APCs) phenotype and to counteract their pro-invasive capacity. Interestingly, Ch/γ-PGA NPs had a prominent effect in inducing macrophages and dendritic cells immunostimulatory phenotype, thus favoring T cell proliferation and inhibiting colorectal cancer cell invasion. We propose that their combination with other immunomodulatory drugs or conventional anticancer therapies can improve patients' outcome.

Nutritional impact on gene expression and competence of oocytes used to support embryo development and livebirth by cloning procedures in goats

Changes in the nutritional plan have been shown to affect oocyte quality, crucial to oocyte donors animals used in cloning. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of diets with increasing nutritional levels (maintenance diet=M; 1.3M; 1.6M; 1.9M) fed to goats for four weeks on follicular fluid composition, gene expression and oocyte competence used to cloning in goats. Donor females were superovulated for the retrieval of matured oocytes and physical measurements reported. After four weeks, groups receiving diets above maintenance increased thickness of subcutaneous adipose tissue and body weight, with higher values in 1.9M Group (P<0.05). Treatments did not affect follicular density, number of aspirated follicles, retrieved and matured oocytes. Animals from 1.3M group had lower (P<0.05) maturation rate (44.0%) and number of viable oocytes (65.3%) than M (68.8%) and 1.9M (76.0%). Follicular fluid glucose concentrations increased with nutritional levels (P=0.010), with a difference (P<0.05) between groups 1.9M (11.4±2.6mg/dL) and M (2.6±0.5mg/dL). The diet did not affect the expression of GDF9, BMP15, and BAX genes in oocytes, but BCL2 and apoptotic index were significantly higher (P<0.05) in the 1.3M and 1.6M groups than the other groups. Following the transfer of cloned embryos, one fetus was born live of a twin pregnancy in the 1.9M Group. The association between energy intake and oocyte quality suggests better nutritional use by oocytes when the maximum flow was used (1.9M), but the optimal feeding level in cloning still needs refinement.