Aim
To evaluate the inflammatory process induced by Biodentine and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) in rat subcutaneous tissues.
Methodology
A polyethylene tube filled with Biodentine (n = 20) or MTA ...(n = 20) was placed into the dorsal subcutaneous of forty male rats; in the control group (CG; n = 20), empty tubes were implanted. After 7, 15, 30 and 60 days, the polyethylene tubes surrounded by connective tissue were fixed and embedded in paraffin. The number of inflammatory cells was estimated in HE‐stained sections; numerical density of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6)‐immunolabelled cells was also performed. The differences amongst the groups were analysed statistically by Tukey's test (P ≤ 0.05).
Results
A high number of inflammatory cells and IL‐6‐positive cells were observed at 7 days, in all groups; however, in the Biodentine group, the number of inflammatory cells and IL‐6‐immunolabelled cells was significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) in comparison with the other groups at 7 and 15 days. In the capsules of animals from all groups, a gradual and significant reduction (P ≤ 0.05) of these parameters was seen over time. At 60 days, the capsules exhibited numerous fibroblasts and bundles of collagen fibres; in addition, the number of IL‐6‐positive cells was not significantly different amongst Biodentine, MTA and control groups.
Conclusions
There was a significant regression in the inflammatory reaction in the capsules indicating, therefore, that Biodentine is a biocompatible material.
Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1) is associated with the development of several pathologies and chronic infection in humans. The inefficiency of the available treatments and the challenge in ...developing a protective vaccine highlight the need to produce effective immunotherapeutic tools. The HTLV-1 basic leucine zipper (bZIP) factor (HBZ) plays an important role in the HTLV-1 persistence, conferring a survival advantage to infected cells by reducing the HTLV-1 proteins expression, allowing infected cells to evade immune surveillance, and enhancing cell proliferation leading to increased proviral load.
We have generated a recombinant Modified Virus Vaccinia Ankara (MVA-HBZ) and a plasmid DNA (pcDNA3.1(+)-HBZ) expressing a multiepitope protein based on peptides of HBZ to study the immunogenic potential of this viral-derived protein in BALB/c mice model. Mice were immunized in a prime-boost heterologous protocol and their splenocytes (T CD4
and T CD8
) were immunophenotyped by flow cytometry and the humoral response was evaluated by ELISA using HBZ protein produced in prokaryotic vector as antigen.
T CD4
and T CD8
lymphocytes cells stimulated by HBZ-peptides (HBZ
and HBZ
) showed polyfunctional double positive responses for TNF-α/IFN-γ, and TNF-α/IL-2. Moreover, T CD8
cells presented a tendency in the activation of effector memory cells producing granzyme B (CD44
/CD62L
), and the activation of Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes (CTLs) and cytotoxic responses in immunized mice were inferred through the production of granzyme B by effector memory T cells and the expression of CD107a by CD8
T cells. The overall data is consistent with a directive and effector recall response, which may be able to operate actively in the elimination of HTLV-1-infected cells and, consequently, in the reduction of the proviral load. Sera from immunized mice, differently from those of control animals, showed IgG-anti-HBZ production by ELISA.
Our results highlight the potential of the HBZ multiepitope protein expressed from plasmid DNA and a poxviral vector as candidates for therapeutic vaccine.
Electronic devices based on organic thin-film transistors (OTFT) have the potential to supply the demand for portable and low-cost gadgets, mainly as sensors for in situ disease diagnosis and ...environment monitoring. For that reason, poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) as the active layer in the widely-used bottom-gate/bottom-contact OTFT structure was deposited over highly-doped silicon substrates covered with thermally-grown oxide to detect vapor-phase compounds. A ten-fold organochloride and ammonia sensitivity compared to bare sensors corroborated the application of this semiconducting polymer in sensors. Furthermore, P3HT TFTs presented approximately three-order higher normalized sensitivity than any chemical sensor addressed herein. The results demonstrate that while TFTs respond linearly at the lowest concentration values herein, chemical sensors present such an operating regime mostly above 2000 ppm. Simultaneous alteration of charge carrier mobility and threshold voltage is responsible for pushing the detection limit down to units of ppm of ammonia, as well as tens of ppm of alcohol or ketones. Nevertheless, P3HT transistors and chemical sensors could compose an electronic nose operated at room temperature for a wide range concentration evaluation (1-10,000 ppm) of gaseous analytes. Targeted analytes include not only biomarkers for diseases, such as uremia, cirrhosis, lung cancer and diabetes, but also gases for environment monitoring in food, cosmetic and microelectronics industries.
Aim
To evaluate the influence of the addition of microparticulate (micro) and nanoparticulate (nano) zirconium oxide (ZrO2) and niobium pentoxide (Nb2O5) to a calcium silicate‐based cement (CS) on ...the subcutaneous healing process in rats compared with MTA Angelus™.
Methodology
In each rat, two polyethylene tubes filled with the following materials: (i) MTA; (ii) CS + ZrO2micro; (iii) CS + ZrO2nano; (iv) CS + Nb2O5micro or (v) CS + Nb2O5nano were implanted subcutaneously; empty polyethylene tubes were used in the Control group. After 7, 15, 30 and 60 days, the specimens (n = 5 per group in each period) were fixed and embedded in paraffin. Masson's trichrome sections were used to obtain the volume density of the inflammatory cells (VvIC) and fibroblasts (VvFb). The sections were also stained with Picrosirius‐red to calculate the birefringent collagen content. Fibroblast growth factor‐1 (FGF‐1) was detected by immunohistochemistry, and the number of immunolabelled cells was obtained. The data were subjected to two‐way anova followed by Tukey's test (P ≤ 0.05).
Results
At all periods, the VvIC was significantly lower (P < 0.001) in all the CS and Control groups than in the MTA group. At all periods, the VvFb was reduced significantly (P = 0.023) in the MTA group in comparison with the other groups. In addition, the number of immunolabelled cells in the capsules of the CS groups was significantly higher (P < 0.001) than in the MTA group at all time‐points.
Conclusions
The experimental materials (CS + ZrO2 and CS + Nb2O5) induced fibroblast proliferation and accelerated the regression of the inflammatory reaction. However, the addition of nanoparticulate radiopacifiers did not improve the biological properties of a calcium silicate‐based cement when compared to microparticulate agents.
Aim
To compare the formation of fibrous capsules around Biodentine and MTA Angelus implants as well as the participation of fibroblast growth factor‐1 (FGF‐1) and mast cells in the tissue response to ...these endodontic materials.
Methodology
Sixty polyethylene tubes filled with Biodentine or MTA, and empty tubes (control group) were implanted into the dorsal subcutaneous tissues of male rats. After 7, 15, 30 and 60 days, the specimens were embedded in paraffin and the number of fibroblasts and mast cells was quantified in the sections stained with Masson's trichrome or Alcian Blue, respectively. FGF‐1 and Ki‐67 were detected by immunohistochemistry, and the number of immunolabelled cells was computed. The collagen content was estimated in the picrosirius red‐stained sections. The data were subjected to two‐way ANOVA followed by Tukey's test (P ≤ 0.05).
Results
The capsules were associated with a significant increase (P < 0.0001) in the number of fibroblasts and mast cells, and in the collagen content over time. A significant decrease (P < 0.0001) in the immunoexpression of FGF‐1 and Ki‐67 was observed in all groups from the 7th–60th day. At 60 days, the number of fibroblasts (P = 0.0226) and the collagen content (P < 0.0001) were significantly greater in MTA than Biodentine specimens, while the greatest number of mast cells and FGF‐1‐immunolabelled cells was observed in Biodentine specimens (P < 0.0001). A significant difference in Ki‐67 immunoexpression was not detected between specimens of Biodentine and MTA.
Conclusions
The collagen‐rich capsule formed slowly around Biodentine in comparison with MTA. FGF‐1 and mast cells participated in capsule remodelling, stimulating fibroblast proliferation and subsequent collagen production, in response to subcutaneous implants.
Despite the intramuscular route being the most used vaccination strategy against SARS-CoV-2, the intradermal route has been studied around the globe as a strong candidate for immunization against ...SARS-CoV-2. Adjuvants have shown to be essential vaccine components that are capable of driving robust immune responses and increasing the vaccination efficacy. In this work, our group aimed to develop a vaccination strategy for SARS-CoV-2 using a trimeric spike protein, by testing the best route with formulations containing the adjuvants AddaS03, CpG, MPL, Alum, or a combination of two of them. Our results showed that formulations that were made with AddaS03 or CpG alone or AddaS03 combined with CpG were able to induce high levels of IgG, IgG1, and IgG2a; high titers of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 original strain; and also induced high hypersensitivity during the challenge with Spike protein and a high level of IFN-γ producing CD4+ T-cells in mice. Altogether, those data indicate that AddaS03, CpG, or both combined may be used as adjuvants in vaccines for COVID-19.
Abstract
A increasingly common way for the diagnostics of viral agents is to carry out PCR from biological samples, which can detect their nucleic acid during the acute phase of the disease. Taking ...into account the need for quality control of PCR tests in laboratories accredited by ISO/IEC 17025:2017, we intend to carry out feasibility studies for the production of Reference Materials (MR) for these molecular tests, using BVDV in the matrix serum as a model. The first step for this goal was the validation of an analytical method for quantification of viral RNA to characterize the material under study. Primers and probe from a commercial qualitative assay kit designed for Real Time RT-PCR (VetMax Gold BVDV - Thermo Fisher) were used for quantification of BVDV by ddPCR. The technique was optimized and a Detection Limit of 13 copies/μL was determined, allowing a Quantification Limit of 38 copies/μL. The method showed to be linear over two orders of magnitude. The method will be used in the homogeneity study and long-term stability tests for the pilot batch of BVDV in Fetal Bovine Serum MR, a model for the production of MR intended for PCR of BVDV and other
Flaviviridae
.
Species occurrence records provide the basis for many biodiversity studies. They derive from georeferenced specimens deposited in natural history collections and visual observations, such as those ...obtained through various mobile applications. Given the rapid increase in availability of such data, the control of quality and accuracy constitutes a particular concern. Automatic filtering is a scalable and reproducible means to identify potentially problematic records and tailor datasets from public databases such as the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF;
http://www.gbif.org
), for biodiversity analyses. However, it is unclear how much data may be lost by filtering, whether the same filters should be applied across all taxonomic groups, and what the effect of filtering is on common downstream analyses. Here, we evaluate the effect of 13 recently proposed filters on the inference of species richness patterns and automated conservation assessments for 18 Neotropical taxa, including terrestrial and marine animals, fungi, and plants downloaded from GBIF. We find that a total of 44.3% of the records are potentially problematic, with large variation across taxonomic groups (25–90%). A small fraction of records was identified as erroneous in the strict sense (4.2%), and a much larger proportion as unfit for most downstream analyses (41.7%). Filters of duplicated information, collection year, and basis of record, as well as coordinates in urban areas, or for terrestrial taxa in the sea or marine taxa on land, have the greatest effect. Automated filtering can help in identifying problematic records, but requires customization of which tests and thresholds should be applied to the taxonomic group and geographic area under focus. Our results stress the importance of thorough recording and exploration of the meta-data associated with species records for biodiversity research.
The magnetic properties and hardness of a Ni-Co-Mo-Ti maraging steel 300 grade were measured as function of aging temperature. The austenite and martensite phase quantifications in the different heat ...treatment conditions were carried out by X-ray diffraction using direct comparison method. The behavior of the hardening, magnetization saturation and coercive force against aging temperature and time were explained taking into account the variation of austenite volume fraction with aging time and temperature.
Smart grids are expected to provide various benefits to society by integrating advances in power engineering with recent developments in the field of information and communications technology. One of ...the advantages is the support to efficient demand‐side management (DSM), for example, changes in consumer demands for energy based on using incentives. Indeed, DSM is expected to help grid operators balance time‐varying generation by wind and solar units, and the optimization of their usage. This paper focuses on DSM considering renewable energy generation and proposes an auction, in which consumers submit bids to renewable energy usage plans. An additional model is introduced to allow consumers to compute their bid for a given usage plan. Both models have been extended to include energy storage devices. The proposed model is compared to a system with time‐varying pricing for energy, where it is shown to allow consumers to use more appliances, to lead to a larger profit, and to reduce the peak‐to‐average ratio of energy consumption. Finally, the impact of the use of energy storage in households and in the energy provider is also considered.
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