Glial cells have been implicated in temporal lobe epilepsy in humans and in its models. Astrocytes are lost in several brain regions after acute seizures induced by pilocarpine and may suffer ...hyperplasia at subsequent time points. This study investigated the effect of N-methyl-(2S,4R)-trans-4-hydroxy-L-proline (NMP) on astrocytes exposed to cytotoxic concentrations of pilocarpine. Astrocytes were incubated with pilocarpine (half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC.sub.50)=31.86 mM) for 24 h. Afterwards, they were treated with NMP at concentrations ranging from 3.12 to 100 microg/mL for 24 h. Cell viability was assessed by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Cytoplasmic reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial transmembrane potential (DELTAPSIm) were analyzed by flow cytometry using 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) and rhodamine-123 (Rho123), respectively. Expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and voltage-dependent anion channel-1 (VDAC-1) were measured by western blot. Pilocarpine significantly decreased cell viability and mitochondrial potential and increased ROS concentration significantly by 6.7 times compared to the control. NMP concentrations greater than or equal to 25 mg/mL protected astrocytes against pilocarpine-induced injury in a concentration-dependent manner. Concomitantly, NMP reduced cytoplasmic ROS accumulation to 27.3, 24.8, and 12.3% in the groups treated with 25, 50, and 100 mg/mL NMP, respectively. NMP also protected mitochondria from pilocarpine- induced depolarization. These effects were associated with improvement of pilocarpine-induced GFAP and VDAC-1 overexpression, which are important biomarkers of astrocyte dysfunction. In conclusion, the improvement of ROS accumulation, VDAC- 1 overexpression, and mitochondrial depolarization are possible mechanisms of the NMP protective action on reactive astrocytes. Key words: Temporal lobe epilepsy; Voltage-dependent anion channel; Mitochondrial transmembrane potential; Oxidative stress
Lactobacillus species produce biosurfactants that can contribute to the bacteria's ability to prevent microbial infections associated with urogenital and gastrointestinal tracts and the skin. Here, ...we described the biological and physicochemical properties of biosurfactants produced by Lactobacillus jensenii P.sub.6A and Lactobacillus gasseri P.sub.65. The biosurfactants produced by L. jensenii P.sub.6A and L. gasseri P.sub.65 reduced the water surface tension from 72 to 43.2 mN m.sup.-1 and 42.5 mN m.sup.-1 as their concentration increased up to the critical micelle concentration (CMC) values of 7.1 and 8.58 mg mL.sup.-1, respectively. Maximum emulsifying activity was obtained at concentrations of 1 and 5 mg mL.sup.-1 for the P.sub.6A and P.sub.65 strains, respectively. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy data revealed that the biomolecules consist of a mixture of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. The gas chromatography-mass spectrum analysis of L. jensenii P.sub.6A biosurfactant showed a major peak for 14-methypentadecanoic acid, which was the main fatty acid present in the biomolecule; conversely, eicosanoic acid dominated the biosurfactant produced by L. gasseri P.sub.65. Although both biosurfactants contain different percentages of the sugars galactose, glucose and ribose; rhamnose was only detected in the biomolecule produced by L. jensenii P.sub.6A. Emulsifying activities were stable after a 60-min incubation at 100 degreesC, at pH 2-10, and after the addition of potassium chloride and sodium bicarbonate, but not in the presence of sodium chloride. The biomolecules showed antimicrobial activity against clinical isolates of Escherichia coli and Candida albicans, with MIC values of 16 microg mL.sup.-1, and against Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Enterobacter aerogenes and Klebsiella pneumoniae at 128 microg mL.sup.-1. The biosurfactants also disrupted preformed biofilms of microorganisms at varying concentrations, being more efficient against E. aerogenes (64%) (P.sub.6A biosurfactant), and E. coli (46.4%) and S. saprophyticus (39%) (P.sub.65 biosurfactant). Both strains of lactobacilli could also co-aggregate pathogens. This report presents the first characterization of biosurfactants produced by L. jensenii P.sub.6A and L. gasseri P.sub.65. The antimicrobial properties and stability of these biomolecules indicate their potential use as alternative antimicrobial agents in the medical field for applications against pathogens that are responsible for infections in the gastrointestinal and urogenital tracts and the skin.
Reproducible, skilfully conducted and unbiased laboratory studies provide new knowledge, which can inform clinical research and eventually translate into better patient care. To help researchers ...improve the quality and reproducibility of their research prior to a publication peer‐review, this paper describes the process that was followed during the development of the Preferred Reporting Items for Laboratory studies in Endodontology (PRILE) 2021 guidelines and which used a well‐documented consensus‐based methodology. A steering committee was created with eight individuals (PM, RO, OP, IR, JS, EP, JJ and SP), plus the project leaders (PD, VN). The steering committee prepared an initial checklist by combining and adapting items from the modified Consolidated Statement of Reporting Trials checklist for reporting in vitro studies of dental materials and the Clinical and Laboratory Images in Publications principles as well as adding several new items. The steering committee then formed a PRILE Delphi Group (PDG) and PRILE Online Meeting Group (POMG) to provide expert advice and feedback on the initial draft checklist and flowchart. The members of the PDG participated in an online Delphi process to achieve consensus on the items within the PRILE 2021 checklist and the accompanying flowchart for clarity and suitability. The PRILE checklist and flowchart developed by the online Delphi process were discussed further by the POMG. This online meeting was conducted on 12 February 2021 via the Zoom platform. Following this meeting, the steering committee developed a final version of the PRILE 2021 guidelines and flowchart, which was piloted by several authors when writing up a laboratory study for publication. Authors are encouraged to use the PRILE 2021 guidelines and flowchart to improve the clarity, completeness and quality of reports describing laboratory studies in Endodontology. The PRILE 2021 checklist and flowchart are freely available and downloadable from the Preferred Reporting Items for study Designs in Endodontology website (http://pride‐endodonticguidelines.org/prile/).
The electrodeposition of copper–zinc on 1010 steel from a non-cyanide alkaline electrolyte based on EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, disodium salt) — alkaline with various proportions of copper ...and zinc ions, was investigated. The complexation of copper and zinc by EDTA stabilized the solution. The deposition potential and the composition of the Cu–Zn bath were shown to influence the composition, morphology and phase composition of the Cu–Zn deposits. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed that the best conditions to obtain smooth Cu–Zn deposits were at −1.45V, with Cu70–Zn30 and Cu50–Zn50 baths, and at −1.60V, with Cu30–Zn70. Besides being smoother than others, these deposits were golden in colour. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis showed that a Zn content above 60wt.% in the Cu–Zn deposits was achieved from the last bath, at −1.45V. X-ray diffractograms of the Cu-Zn deposits produced at -1.45V, from Cu70-Zn30, Cu50-Zn50 and Cu30-Zn70 baths, indicated the occurrence of phases Cu0.61Zn0.39 and Cu, CuZn, Cu5Zn8 and Cu, CuZn, Cu5Zn8, CuO, Cu0.61Zn0.39, respectively. For the Cu30–Zn70 bath at −1.60V, Cu, CuZn, Cu5Zn8, and CuO phases were observed.
► Complexation of Cu and Zn by EDTA stabilizes the solution. ► SEM analysis shows that Cu–Zn deposits are not dendritics. ► EDS analysis shows that Cu–Zn codeposition type can be anomalous. ► X-ray diffractograms of Cu–Zn deposits indicate occurrence of different phases.
Lactobacillus species produce biosurfactants that can contribute to the bacteria's ability to prevent microbial infections associated with urogenital and gastrointestinal tracts and the skin. Here, ...we described the biological and physicochemical properties of biosurfactants produced by Lactobacillus jensenii P
and Lactobacillus gasseri P
.
The biosurfactants produced by L. jensenii P
and L. gasseri P
reduced the water surface tension from 72 to 43.2 mN m
and 42.5 mN m
as their concentration increased up to the critical micelle concentration (CMC) values of 7.1 and 8.58 mg mL
, respectively. Maximum emulsifying activity was obtained at concentrations of 1 and 5 mg mL
for the P
and P
strains, respectively. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy data revealed that the biomolecules consist of a mixture of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. The gas chromatography-mass spectrum analysis of L. jensenii P
biosurfactant showed a major peak for 14-methypentadecanoic acid, which was the main fatty acid present in the biomolecule; conversely, eicosanoic acid dominated the biosurfactant produced by L. gasseri P
. Although both biosurfactants contain different percentages of the sugars galactose, glucose and ribose; rhamnose was only detected in the biomolecule produced by L. jensenii P
. Emulsifying activities were stable after a 60-min incubation at 100 °C, at pH 2-10, and after the addition of potassium chloride and sodium bicarbonate, but not in the presence of sodium chloride. The biomolecules showed antimicrobial activity against clinical isolates of Escherichia coli and Candida albicans, with MIC values of 16 µg mL
, and against Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Enterobacter aerogenes and Klebsiella pneumoniae at 128 µg mL
. The biosurfactants also disrupted preformed biofilms of microorganisms at varying concentrations, being more efficient against E. aerogenes (64%) (P
biosurfactant), and E. coli (46.4%) and S. saprophyticus (39%) (P
biosurfactant). Both strains of lactobacilli could also co-aggregate pathogens.
This report presents the first characterization of biosurfactants produced by L. jensenii P
and L. gasseri P
. The antimicrobial properties and stability of these biomolecules indicate their potential use as alternative antimicrobial agents in the medical field for applications against pathogens that are responsible for infections in the gastrointestinal and urogenital tracts and the skin.
This study comprehensively analyzed the temporal and spatial dynamics of COVID-19 cases and deaths within the obstetric population in Brazil, comparing the periods before and during mass COVID-19 ...vaccination. We explored the trends and geographical patterns of COVID-19 cases and maternal deaths over time. We also examined their correlation with the SARS-CoV-2 variant circulating and the social determinants of health.
This is a nationwide population-based ecological study.
We obtained data on COVID-19 cases, deaths, socioeconomic status, and vulnerability information for Brazil's 5570 municipalities for both the pre-COVID-19 vaccination and COVID-19 vaccination periods. A Bayesian model was used to mitigate indicator fluctuations. The spatial correlation of maternal cases and fatalities with socioeconomic and vulnerability indicators was assessed using bivariate Moran.
From March 2020 to June 2023, a total of 23,823 cases and 1991 maternal fatalities were recorded among pregnant and postpartum women. The temporal trends in maternal incidence and mortality rates fluctuated over the study period, largely influenced by widespread COVID-19 vaccination and the dominant SARS-CoV-2 variant. There was a significant reduction in maternal mortality due to COVID-19 following the introduction of vaccination. The geographical distribution of COVID-19 cases and maternal deaths exhibited marked heterogeneity in both periods, with distinct spatial clusters predominantly observed in the North, Northeast, and Central West regions. Municipalities with the highest Human Development Index reported the highest incidence rates, while those with the highest levels of social vulnerability exhibited elevated mortality and fatality rates.
Despite the circulation of highly transmissible variants of concern, maternal mortality due to COVID-19 was significantly reduced following the mass vaccination. There was a heterogeneous distribution of cases and fatalities in both periods (before and during mass vaccination). Smaller municipalities and those grappling with social vulnerability issues experienced the highest rates of maternal mortality and fatalities.
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In this study, we designed and synthesized a series of thiophen-2-iminothiazolidine derivatives from thiophen-2-thioureic with good anti-Trypanosoma cruzi activity. Several of the ...final compounds displayed remarkable trypanocidal activity. The ability of the new compounds to inhibit the activity of the enzyme cruzain, the major cysteine protease of T. cruzi, was also explored. The compounds 3b, 4b, 8b and 8c were the most active derivatives against amastigote form, with significant IC50 values between 9.7 and 6.03μM. The 8c derivative showed the highest potency against cruzain (IC50=2.4μM). Molecular docking study showed that this compound can interact with subsites S1 and S2 simultaneously, and the negative values for the theoretical energy binding (Eb=−7.39kcal·mol−1) indicates interaction (via dipole–dipole) between the hybridized sulfur sp3 atom at the thiazolidine ring and Gly66. Finally, the results suggest that the thiophen-2-iminothiazolidines synthesized are important lead compounds for the continuing battle against Chagas disease.
Laboratory‐based research studies are the most common form of research endeavour and make up the majority of manuscripts that are submitted for publication in the field of Endodontology. The ...scientific information derived from laboratory studies can be used to design a wide range of subsequent studies and clinical trials and may have translational potential to benefit clinical practice. Unfortunately, the majority of laboratory‐based articles submitted for publication fail the peer‐review step, because unacceptable flaws or substantial limitations are identified. Even when apparently well‐conducted laboratory‐based articles are peer‐reviewed, they can often require substantial corrections prior to the publication. It is apparent that some authors and reviewers may lack the training and experience to have developed a systematic approach to evaluate the quality of laboratory studies. Occasionally, even accepted manuscripts contain limitations that may compromise interpretation of data. To help authors avoid manuscript rejection and correction pitfalls, and to aid editors/reviewers to evaluate manuscripts systematically, the purpose of this project is to establish and publish quality guidelines for authors to report laboratory studies in the field of Endodontology so that the highest standards are achieved. The new guidelines will be named–‘Preferred Reporting Items for Laboratory studies in Endodontology’ (PRILE). A steering committee was assembled by the project leads to develop the guidelines through a five‐phase consensus process. The committee will identify new items as well as review and adapt items from existing guidelines. The items forming the draft guidelines will be reviewed and refined by a PRILE Delphi Group (PDG). The items will be evaluated by the PDG on a nine‐point Likert scale for relevance and inclusion. The agreed items will then be discussed by a PRILE face‐to‐face consensus meeting group (PFCMG) formed by 20 individuals to further refine the guidelines. This will be subject to final approval by the steering committee. The approved PRILE guidelines will be disseminated through publication in relevant journals, presented at congresses/meetings, and be freely available on a dedicated website. Feedback and comments will be solicited from researchers, editors and peer reviewers, who are invited to contact the steering committee with comments to help them update the guidelines periodically.
We investigate the electronic and structural properties of two activated carbon models interacting with a Ni2+ ion via theoretical calculations. Interaction distances, charge transfer, adsorption ...energy, electrostatic potential maps, and density of states are applied in this work to support which activated carbon model is more favorable for nickel removal from the environment. We show that the existence of a defect in the activated carbon molecular structure causes a considerable change in the properties of the system, including its nickel ion removal feature via the adsorption process.
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•The adsorption mechanism between Ni2+ and activated carbon is investigated by the DFT method.•Calculations show Ni2+ adsorption is a spontaneous, endothermic reaction.•Defect taking an essential point regarding the reactivity of the activated carbon system.
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