Differential dehydration effects on globular proteins and intrinsically disordered proteins during film formation

Globular proteins composed of different secondary structures and fold types were examined by synchrotron radiation circular dichroism spectroscopy to determine the effects of dehydration on their secondary structures. They exhibited only minor changes upon removal of bulk water during film formation, contrary to previously reported studies of proteins dehydrated by lyophilization (where substantial loss of helical structure and gain in sheet structure was detected). This near lack of conformational change observed for globular proteins contrasts with intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) dried in the same manner: the IDPs, which have almost completely unordered structures in solution, exhibited increased amounts of regular (mostly helical) secondary structures when dehydrated, suggesting formation of new intra-protein hydrogen bonds replacing solvent-protein hydrogen bonds, in a process which may mimic interactions that occur when IDPs bind to partner molecules. This study has thus shown that the secondary structures of globular and intrinsically disordered proteins behave very differently upon dehydration, and that films are a potentially useful format for examining dehydrated soluble proteins and assessing IDPs structures

Metabolic profile and histopathology of kidneys and liver of lambs fed silages of forages adapted to a semi-arid environment

Thirty-two mixed-breed ram lambs (average age, 5.6 ± 0.4 months, and average live weight, 17.61 ± 2.63 kg) were used to evaluate the effect of diets containing silages of forages adapted to a semi-arid environment on the metabolic profile in serum and the histopathological assessment of liver and kidney tissues of the lambs. Lambs were allocated, in a completely randomised design, to four treatments (silage of old man saltbush (Atriplex nummularia Lind), buffelgrass (Cenchrus ciliaris), gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium) and ‘pornunça’ (Manihot sp.). The feedlot period was 49 days, and animals were slaughtered at an average weight of 27 ± 4.6 kg. On the last day of the experiment, blood was collected from the jugular vein of all animals to measure the protein, metabolic and energy profiles of the lambs. At slaughter, kidney and liver samples were collected for histopathological examination. The consuming of the diet containing buffelgrass silage resulted in a significantly higher activity of alanine-aminotransferase (30.14 IU/L) and the concentrations of urea (44.25 mg/dL), creatinine (0.94 mg/dL) and albumin (4.48 g/dL) in serum. Diets containing gliricidia silage resulted in significantly higher gamma-glutamyl transferase activity (92.0 IU/L), while the diets with pornunça silage resulted in higher serum levels of triglycerides (37.85 mg/dL). The diets had no effect on aspartate-aminotransferase enzyme activity and total protein, cholesterol and globulin concentrations, or the albumin : globulin ratio in serum. Mild congestion, necrosis and foci of mineralisation were observed in the kidneys of animals fed diets containing old man saltbush (50%) and pornunça (25%) silages, and mild fatty degeneration and mild mononuclear inflammatory infiltrate in their livers. In conclusion, diets containing silages of forages that are adapted to semi-arid environments may be used for feeding lambs, given the absence of dysfunctioning plasmatic levels of liver enzymes and energy and protein profiles. Additionally, kidney failure was not observed in lambs fed these diets during the feedlot period.Keywords: blood parameters, buffelgrass, gliricidia, old man saltbush, pornunç

Update On Nonsurgical, Ultraconservative Approaches To Treat Effectively Non-cavitated Caries Lesions In Permanent Teeth

Dental caries on tooth surfaces is still a problem in many industrialized countries. For many years, dentistry was influenced by a mechanical approach characterized by the use of high-speed rotary cutting instruments, and dentists predominantly used surgical methods to address caries. This included radical removal of diseased portions of the tooth, along with material-driven geometric extensions to areas that were assumed to be caries-resistant. This concept of extension for prevention was introduced by G. V. Black and influenced dentists for more than 120 years. Recently, a new paradigm of operative conservatism, sometimes referred to as "minimally invasive dentistry," has gained popularity. This paradigm is designed to promote maximum preservation of healthy dental structures over a lifetime. The aim of this review is to discuss the efficacy of current nonsurgical treatments for non-cavitated caries lesions in permanent teeth. Based on results obtained from clinical trials, this review evaluates treatments such as consumption of CPP-ACP added gums, resin infiltration and fissure sealing. Although in a few cases an invasive approach is needed to arrest caries progression, the non-surgical approach generally provides potential benefits that include conserving structure by delaying intervention or minimizing the operative procedure. All current non-invasive methods are effective in treating non-cavitated caries lesions. The adoption of non-invasive approaches in the management of these lesions can preserve dental tissues, thus increasing tooth longevity.52229236Bader, J.D., Shugars, D.A., The evidence supporting alternative management strategies for early occlusal caries and suspected occlusal dentinal caries (2006) J Evid Base Dent Pract, 6, pp. 91-100Beauchamp, J., Caufield, P.W., Crall, J.J., Evidence-based clinical recommendations for the use of pit-and-fissure sealants: a report of the America Dental Association council on scientific affairs (2009) Dent Clin N Am, 53, pp. 131-147Paris, S., Meyer-Lueckel, H., Kielbassa, A.M., Resin infiltration of natural caries lesions (2007) J Dent Res, 86, pp. 662-666Morgan, M.V., Adams, G.G., Bailey, D.L., The anticariogenic effect of sugar-free gum containing CPP-ACP nanocomplexes on approximal caries determined using digital bitewing radiography (2008) Caries Res, 42, pp. 171-184Kuisch, V.K., Dental caries: a new look at an old disease (2009) Inside Dent, 5, pp. 60-65Feacherstone, J.D., Dental caries: a dynamic disease process (2008) Aust Dent J, 53, pp. 286-291Diefenderfer, K.E., Stahl, J., Caries remineralization therapy: implications for dental readiness (2008) Mil Med, 173, pp. 48-50Maltz, M., Jardim, J.J., Alves, L.R., Health promotion and dental caries (2010) Braz Oral Res, 24 (SPEC ISSUE 1), pp. 18-25Sharma, S., Kugel, G., Amorphous calcium phosphate sealants - the potential to remineralize (2009) Inside Dent, 5Bartlett, D.W., Bureau, G.P., Anggiansah, A., Evaluation of the pH of a new carbonated soft drink beverage: an in vivo investigation (2003) J Prosthodont, 12, pp. 21-25Khan, A.A., Jain, S.K., Shrivastav, A., Prevalence of dental caries among the population of Gwalior (India) in relation of different associated factors (2008) Eur J Dent, 2, pp. 81-85Kugel, G., Arsenault, P., Papas, A., Treatment modalities for caries management, including a new resin infiltration system (2009) Compend Contin Educ Dent, 30 (SPEC ISSUE 3), pp. 1-10Kidd, E.A., Fejerskov, O., What Constitutes Dental Caries? 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Brisbane: Knowledge Books and SoftwareNgo, H.C., Mount, G.J., McIntyre, J., Chemical exchange between glass-ionomer restorations and residual carious dentine in permanent molar: an in vivo study (2006) J Dent, 34, pp. 608-613Pitts, N.B., Modern concepts of caries measurement (2004) J Dent Res, 83 (SPEC ISSUE C), pp. 43-47McComb, D., Systematic review of conservative operative caries management strategies (2001) J Dent Educ, 65, pp. 1154-1161Zero, D.T., Dentifrices, mouthwashes, and remineralization/ caries arrestment strategies (2006) BMC Oral Health, 6, pp. S9Mjör, I.A., Holst, D., Eriksen, H.M., Caries and restoration prevention (2008) J Am Dent Assoc, 139, pp. 565-570Reynolds, E.C., Cain, C.J., Shen, P., Retention in plaque and remineralization of enamel lesions by various forms of calcium in a mouthrinse or sugar-free chewing gum (2003) J Dent Res, 82, pp. 206-211Manton, D.J., Walker, G.D., Cai, F., Cochrane, N.J., Shen, P., Reynolds, E.C., Remineralization of enamel subsurface lesions in situ by the use of three commercially available sugar-free gums (2008) Int J Paediatr Dent, 18, pp. 284-290Walker, G.D., Cai, F., Shen, P., Casein phosphopeptideamorphous calcium phosphate incorporated into sugar confections inhibit the progression of enamel subsurface lesions in situ (2010) Caries Res, 44, pp. 33-40Paris, S., Meyer-Lueckel, H., Inhibition of caries progression by resin infiltration in situ (2010) Caries Res, 44, pp. 47-54Paris, S., Meyer-Lueckel, H., Colfen, H., Resin infiltration of artificial enamel caries lesions with experimental light curing resins (2007) Dent Mater J, 26, pp. 582-588Paris, S., Hopfenmuller, W., Meyer-Lueckel, H., Resin infiltration of caries lesion: an efficacy randomized trial (2010) J Dent Res, , doi: 10. 1177/0022034510369289Martignon, S., Ekstrand, K.R., Ellwood, R., Efficacy of sealing proximal early active lesions: an 18-month clinical study evaluated by conventional and subtraction radiography (2006) Caries Res, 40, pp. 382-388Phark, J.H., Duarte Jr., S., Meyer-Lueckel, H., Caries infiltration with resins: a novel treatment option for interproximal caries (2009) Compend Contin Educ Dent, 30 (SPES ISSUE 3), pp. 13-17ten Cate, J.M., Remineralization of deep enamel dentin caries lesions (2008) Aust Dent J, 53, pp. 281-285Doméjean-Orliaguet, S., Tubert-Jeannin, S., Riordan, P.J., French dentists' restorative treatment decisions (2004) Oral Health Prev Dent, 2, pp. 125-131Traebert, J., Wesoloski, C.I., Lacerda, J.T., Threshold of restorative decision in dental caries treatment among dentists from small Brazilian cities (2007) Oral Health Prev Dent, 5, pp. 131-135Mertz-Fairhurst, E.J., Curtis-Jr., J.W., Ergle, J.W., Ultraconservative and cariostatic sealed restorations: results at year 10 (1998) J Am Dent Assoc, 129, pp. 55-66Alves, L.S., Fontanella, V., Damo, A.C., Qualitative and quantitative radiographic assessment of sealed carious dentin: a 10-year prospective study (2010) Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod, 109, pp. 135-141Maltz, M., Oliveira, E.F., Fontanella, V., A clinical, microbiologic, and radiographic study of deep lesions, after incomplete caries removal (2002) Quintessence Int, 33, pp. 151-159Weerheijm, K.L., van Amerongen, W.E., Eggink, C.O., The clinical diagnosis of occlusal caries: a problem (1989) ASDC J Dent Child, 56, pp. 196-200Murdoch-Kinck, C., McLean, M., Minimally invasive dentistry (2003) J Am Dent Assoc, 134, pp. 87-95Brostck, A., Early diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment of occlusal caries - a clinical approach (2004) Oral Health Prev Dent, 2 (SUPPL. 1), pp. 313-319Borges, B.C., Campos, G.B., da Silveira, A.D., de Lima, K.C., Pinheiro, I.V., Efficacy of a pit and fissure sealant in arresting dentin non-cavitated caries: a 1-year follow-up, randomized, single-blind, controlled clinical trial (2010) Am J Dent, 23, pp. 311-316Silveira, A.D., Borges, B.C., Varela, H.A., Progression of non-cavitated lesions in dentin through a nonsurgical approach: a preliminary 12-month clinical observation (2010) Eur J Dent, , in pressUysal, T., Amasyali, M., Koyuturk, A.E., Efficiency of amorphous calcium phosphate-containing orthodontic composite and resin modified glass ionomer cement on demineralization evaluated by a new laser fluorescence device (2009) Eur J Dent, 3, pp. 127-13

Efeito da Gliricidia sepium sobre nutrientes do solo, microclima e produtividade do milho em sistema agroflorestal no Agreste Paraibano.

Gliricidia sepium é uma leguminosa arbórea que tem sido utilizada em sistemas em aléias no semi-árido nordestino por apresentar bom desenvolvimento em condições de estresse hídrico. Entretanto, há pouca informação disponível sobre o efeito da introdução dessa espécie nos agroecossistemas da região. No presente estudo, objetivou-se avaliar a influência da distância de plantas de Gliricidia sepium sobre características da cultura do milho e do solo e microclima no Agreste Paraibano. O estudo foi realizado no município de Esperança (PB), em área de 0,5 ha, onde, em 1996, foram plantadas fileiras de G. sepium espaçadas 6 m entre si e com 1 m entre as árvores. Nesta área, em 2002, foram delimitadas quatro parcelas de 6 x 8 m e, em cada parcela, foi estabelecido um transeto perpendicular às fileiras de árvores com três posições de amostragem: (1) nas fileiras de árvores (0 m); (2) a 1 m das fileiras de árvores, e (3) a 3 m de distância das fileiras de árvores. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi em blocos casualizados com quatro repetições. A massa seca de folhedo caído embaixo da fileira de árvores foi de 1.390 kg ha-1 e diminuiu, gradativamente, para 270 kg ha-1 a 3 m de distância das árvores. As concentrações de P, K e matéria orgânica leve (MOL) embaixo das árvores foram maiores do que a 1 e 3 m de distância das fileiras. As médias mensais das temperaturas mínimas do ar e do solo embaixo e a 3 m das árvores foram similares. Entretanto, as médias mensais das temperaturas máximas do solo e do ar foram de 6 e 2 °C mais altas a 3 m das árvores, respectivamente, ao longo do período de estudo. A umidade do solo foi significativamente menor embaixo das árvores do que a 1 e 3 m de distância. O milho produziu mais grãos e palha e acumulou mais nutrientes nas posições mais próximas das fileiras de G. sepium

Histological observations on Montenegro's reaction in man

The Montenegro skin test is widely used as a diagnostic method for American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) but little is known about the histological changes that occur in the skin after administration of the antigen. This report is based on histological studies of biopsied material obtained, from inoculation sites, 48 hours after individuals had been given intradermal injections with a standardized Montenegro antigen. The material examined was obtained from four distinctly different test groups: naturally infected patients with parasitologically proved ACL and with positive Montenegro's reaction; individuals without previous history of ACL and not previously tested with Montenegro antigen; participants in anti-ACL vaccine trials who developed positive reactions to Montenegro antigen after vaccination; other participants in vaccine trials who had negative Montenegro responses after vaccination or had served as controls in the trials. The histological pictures of each group are described and discussed. Histologically, the reactions of vaccinated individuals were indistinguishable from those with naturally acquired infections

Spatial and temporal variation of fish assemblage associated with aquatic macrophyte patches in the littoral zone of the Ayapel Swamp Complex, Colombia

ABSTRACT: Aim: The purpose of the present study was to examine spatial and temporal variation in fish assemblage structure associated with aquatic macrophytes in the littoral zone of the ASC. Methods: Specimens were caught between January 2008 and February 2009, over four limnimetric moments, using both cast net and seine net. Data on the temperature, electrical conductivity, pH and dissolved oxygen was recorded for the characterization of the water mass in the sites. Results: A total of 34,151 specimens from 44 species were collected. The most abundant species were Eigenmannia virescens, Astyanax caucanus, Astyanax fasciatus, Roeboides dayi and Cyphocharax magdalenae, which together accounted for more than 75% of the sample. Temporal and spatial comparisons showed variation in the environmental conditions and highlighted the existence of heterogeneous abiotic conditions (p0.05) regarding the fish assemblage structure. The multivariate analysis showed no significant relationship between existing environmental conditions and the fish assemblage (p=0.04). The analysis also showed the absence of a relationship between the fish assemblage and environmental variables with respect to the flood pulse and sampling sites (p>0.05). Conclusion: The uniformity of the fish communities that inhabit aquatic macrophyte patches in the littoral region of the ASC may be related to the availability of suitable habitat in structural terms, that probably supports a more abundant and varied wildlife

TNF signalling drives expansion of bone marrow CD4+ T cells responsible for HSC exhaustion in experimental visceral leishmaniasis

Visceral leishmaniasis is associated with significant changes in hematological function but the mechanisms underlying these changes are largely unknown. In contrast to naïve mice, where most long-term hematopoietic stem cells (LT-HSCs; LSK CD150+ CD34- CD48- cells) in bone marrow (BM) are quiescent, we found that during Leishmania donovani infection most LT-HSCs had entered cell cycle. Loss of quiescence correlated with a reduced self-renewal capacity and functional exhaustion, as measured by serial transfer. Quiescent LT-HSCs were maintained in infected RAG2 KO mice, but lost following adoptive transfer of IFNγ-sufficient but not IFNγ-deficient CD4+ T cells. Using mixed BM chimeras, we established that IFNγ and TNF signalling pathways converge at the level of CD4+ T cells. Critically, intrinsic TNF signalling is required for the expansion and/or differentiation of pathogenic IFNγ+CD4+ T cells that promote the irreversible loss of BM function. These finding provide new insights into the pathogenic potential of CD4+ T cells that target hematopoietic function in leishmaniasis and perhaps other infectious diseases where TNF expression and BM dysfunction also occur simultaneously