Physicochemical properties and effect of bioceramic root canal filling for primary teeth on osteoblast biology

Bio-C Pulpecto (Bio-CP) was recently developed as the first bioceramic root filling material for primary teeth. Objective: To evaluate the physicochemical properties of radiopacity, setting time, pH, cytocompatibility and potential of Bio-CP to induce mineralisation, compared with (1) Calen thickened with zinc oxide (Calen-ZO), and (2) zinc oxide and eugenol (ZOE). Methodology: Physicochemical properties were evaluated according to ISO 6876. Saos-2 (human osteoblast-like cell line) exposed to extracts of the materials were subjected to assays of methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium, neutral red, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and mineralised nodule production. The results were analysed using one-way or two-way ANOVA and Tukey’s or Bonferroni’s post-tests (α=0.05). Results: All the materials showed radiopacity higher than 3 mm Al. Bio-CP had lower pH than Calen-ZO, but higher pH than ZOE. Calen-ZO and Bio-CP did not set. The setting time for ZOE was 110 min. The cytocompatibility order was Calen-ZO > Bio-CP > ZOE (1:2, 1:4 dilutions) and Calen-ZO > Bio-CP = ZOE (1:12, 1:24 dilutions) and Calen-ZO = Bio-CP > ZOE (1:32 dilution). Bio-CP induced greater ALP activity at 7 days, and greater mineralised nodule production, compared to Calen-ZO (p<0.05). Conclusions Bio-CP showed adequate physicochemical properties, cytocompatibility and potential to induce mineralisation

Biocompatibility and bioactivity of calcium silicate-based endodontic sealers in human dental pulp cells

Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) is a calcium silicate-based material. New sealers have been developed based on calcium silicate as MTA Fillapex and MTA Plus. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate biocompatibility and bioactivity of these two calcium silicate-based sealers in culture of human dental pulp cells (hDPCs). Material and Methods The cells were isolated from third molars extracted from a 16-year-old patient. Pulp tissue was sectioned into fragments with approximately 1 mm3 and kept in supplemented medium to obtain hDPCs adherent cultures. Cell characterization assays were performed to prove the osteogenic potential. The evaluated materials were: MTA Plus (MTAP); MTA Fillapex (MTAF) and FillCanal (FC). Biocompatibility was evaluated with MTT and Neutral Red (NR) assays, after hDPCs exposure for 24 h to different dilutions of each sealer extract (1:2, 1:3 and 1:4). Unexposed cells were the positive control (CT). Bioactivity was assessed by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) enzymatic assay in cells exposed for one and three days to sealer extracts (1:4 dilution). All data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey post-test (p≤0.05%). Results MTT and NR results showed suitable cell viability rates for MTAP at all dilutions (90-135%). Cells exposed to MTAF and FC (1:2 and 1:4 dilutions) showed significant low viability rate when compared to CT in MTT. The NR results demonstrated cell viability for all materials tested. In MTAP group, the cells ALP activity was similar to CT in one and three days of exposure to the material. MTAF and FC groups demonstrated a decrease in ALP activity when compared to CT at both periods of cell exposure. Conclusions The hDPCs were suitable for the evaluation of new endodontic materials in vitro. MTAP may be considered a promising material for endodontic treatments

Catálogo Taxonômico da Fauna do Brasil: setting the baseline knowledge on the animal diversity in Brazil

The limited temporal completeness and taxonomic accuracy of species lists, made available in a traditional manner in scientific publications, has always represented a problem. These lists are invariably limited to a few taxonomic groups and do not represent up-to-date knowledge of all species and classifications. In this context, the Brazilian megadiverse fauna is no exception, and the Catálogo Taxonômico da Fauna do Brasil (CTFB) (http://fauna.jbrj.gov.br/), made public in 2015, represents a database on biodiversity anchored on a list of valid and expertly recognized scientific names of animals in Brazil. The CTFB is updated in near real time by a team of more than 800 specialists. By January 1, 2024, the CTFB compiled 133,691 nominal species, with 125,138 that were considered valid. Most of the valid species were arthropods (82.3%, with more than 102,000 species) and chordates (7.69%, with over 11,000 species). These taxa were followed by a cluster composed of Mollusca (3,567 species), Platyhelminthes (2,292 species), Annelida (1,833 species), and Nematoda (1,447 species). All remaining groups had less than 1,000 species reported in Brazil, with Cnidaria (831 species), Porifera (628 species), Rotifera (606 species), and Bryozoa (520 species) representing those with more than 500 species. Analysis of the CTFB database can facilitate and direct efforts towards the discovery of new species in Brazil, but it is also fundamental in providing the best available list of valid nominal species to users, including those in science, health, conservation efforts, and any initiative involving animals. The importance of the CTFB is evidenced by the elevated number of citations in the scientific literature in diverse areas of biology, law, anthropology, education, forensic science, and veterinary science, among others

Molecular studies of the phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate synthetases

Fosforribosil pirofosfato (PRPP) sintetases são enzimas de central importância em diversas vias metabólicas em todas as células. A enzima PRPP sintetase humana é constituída por um complexo composto de três subunidades catalíticas (PRSI, PRSII e PRSIII) e por proteínas homólogas de 39 e 41 kDa denominadas PRS Associated Proteins (PAPs) cuja função é desconhecida. A importância da PRPP sintetase em humanos, tem sido documentada pela identificação de uma desordem associada ao cromossomo X, resultando em uma atividade aumentada da PRPP sintetase.Em conseqüência se percebem concentrações elevadas na dosagem de ácido úrico, purino nucleotídeos levando ao desenvolvimento de patogenias como a gota e problemas neurológicos. Nesse sentido, realizaram-se estudos moleculares com o complexo enzimático que compõem as PRPP sintetases. Foram obtidos clones do gene hprsI em vetor de expressão pET29a(+) e a enzima foi expressa em bactérias Escherichia coli cepa BL21 (DE3). A proteína recombinante hPRSI foi purificada depois de fracionamento com sulfato de estreptomicina, sulfato de amônio e em coluna cromatográfica de troca iônica. O raio hidrodinâmico e o pI da enzima foram determinados usando respectivamente a técnica de espalhamento dinâmico de luz e o sistema Fast de eletroforese. A enzima foi caracterizada quanto ao seu enovelamento através da técnica de Dicroísmo Circular, apresentando um espectro característico de estrutura enovelada, composta predominantemente por a-hélices. Os genes hprsII e hpap4l-1 que codificam respectivamente para as proteínas hPRSI1 e HPAP41-1 foram clonados no vetor de clonagem pCR4-TOPO. A proteína recombinante hPAP39 foi clonada em vetor pMAL-c2X em fusão com a proteína Maltose Binding Protein (MBP) e expressa em E. coli. A proteína hPAP39 está em fase de purificação e foi submetida ao experimento de Imunoblotting. Investigações estruturais destas enzimas poderão trazer informações fundamentais para o conhecimento da via biossintética, assim como para o desenvolvimento de inibidores específicos visando o tratamento das desordens a elas associadas.Phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate (PRPP) synthetases are enzymes of central importance in several metabolic pathways in all cells. The enzyme PRPP synthetase complex is composed of three catalytic subunitis (PRSI, PRSII and PRSIII) and homologous 39 and 41 kDa proteins termed PRPP synthetase-Associated Proteins (PAPs) which function is unknown. The importance of PRPP synthetase function in humans has been documented by the identification of an X chromosome-linked disorder associated with super activity of PRPP synthetase. As a consequence uric acid overproduction, purine nucleotide are observed resulting in the development of diseases such as gout and neurodevelopment impairment. In this line, molecular studies were done with the enzyme complex that constitutes the PRPP synthetases. Clones were obtained from the hprsI gene in the pET29a(+) expression vector and the enzyme was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) bacterial. The recombinant human PRSI enzyme was purified, after streptomicine and ammonium sulfate fractionation and by anion exchange chromatography. The hPRSI hydrodynamic radius and pI were determined using, respectively, measures of Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and isoeletrophocusing electrophoresis. In addition, according to circular dichroism spectroscopy, hPRSI prevalent secondary structure is a-helix. The hprsí and hpap41-1 genes that codify, respectively, to hPRSII and hPAP41-1 proteins were cloned in pCR4-TOPO cloning vector. The recombinant protein hPAP39 was cloned in the pMAl-c2X expression vector in fusion with the Maltose Binding Protein (MBP) and expressed in E.coli. A purification protocol is been establish for the hPAP39 protein and is submitted by imunoblotting technique. Structural investigation of these enzymes will provide information about the biosynthetic pathway de novo of purine nucleotides, as well as to development of specific inhibitors aiming at the treatment of the associated disorders

Molecular studies of the enzymes involved in selenocysteine synthesis in Trypanosoma brucei and Leishmania major

Umas das principais formas biológicas de incorporação do selênio é na forma de um aminoácido denominado selenocisteína (Sec, U), que é incorporado co-traducionalmente ao polipeptídio nascente em posições específicas do códon UGA, que normalmente é reconhecido como códon de parada. A incorporação de selenocisteína em E. coli já está completamente esclarecida, com a participação dos genes que codifica para selenocisteína sintase (SELA), seril-tRNA sintetase (SerRS), um tRNASec específico (SELC), selenofosfato sintetase (SELD) e um fator de elongação próprio (SELB). Entretanto em eucariotos não há homólogos para SELA e existem evidências de haver a necessidade de dois passos enzimáticos que substituem a atividade desempenhada por SELA, com uma fosforilação da serina seguida de uma selenilação através das enzimas Fosfo-Seril-tRNASec Kinase (PSTK) e Sep-tRNA:Sec-tRNA sintase (SepSecS), respectivamente. A via de biossíntese e incorporação de selenocisteína é muito estudada em alguns organismos, mas ainda pouco explorada em Kinetoplastida. Nesse sentido, realizaram-se estudos moleculares das enzimas envolvidas nessa via, mais especificamente em Trypanosoma brucei e Leishmania major. Foram identificados o elemento SECIS na região 3´ do mRNA que atua no reconhecimento do códon UGA interno e, em fase de leitura na inserção de selenocisteína em Leishmania major e Leishmania infantum; a incorporação de Se75 em proteínas de Leishmania; a ocorrência do tRNASec em Trypanosoma e Leishmania e, adicionalmente todos os genes necessários para a síntese de selenocisteína: SELB, SELD, PSTK e SECp43. Foram obtidos clones dos genes selB e selD em vetor de expressão pET28a(+) e as proteínas foram expressas em bactérias Escherichia coli cepa BL21 (DE3). A proteína recombinante SELD foi purificada em cromatografia de afinidade e seu pI e massa molecular foram determinados usando as técnicas de sistema Phast de eletroforese e gel nativo. As proteínas SELB, SELD, SECp43 e Seril tRNA sintetase foram imunolocalizadas no citoplasma de células nativas de T. brucei. Uma nova metodologia \"PTP tagging\" foi utilizada para estudos de interação protéica com uso de proteínas alvos SECp43, SELB e PSTK na busca de novas proteínas ligantes na via de selenocisteínas em T. brucei. Futuras investigações moleculares e estruturais das enzimas envolvidas na via de selenocisteína em Kinetoplastida poderão trazer informações relevantes no entendimento da biossíntese desse aminoácido, assim como possibilitar o desenvolvimento de inibidores específicos visando o tratamento de doenças causadas pelos parasitas Trypanosoma brucei e Leishmania major.One of the main biological forms of the selenium incorporation is the amino acid form named selenocysteine (Sec, U), which is incorporated co-translationally at the emerging new polypeptide in the specific positions at the UGA codon, that is usually recognized as stop codon. The incorporation of the selenocysteine in E.coli is already solved with the involvement of the genes that codify to selenocysteine synthase (SELA), seryl tRNA synthetase (SerRS), a specific tRNASec (SELC), selenophosphate synthetase (SELD) and a selenocysteine-specific translation elongation factor (SELB). However, in eukarya there is no SELA homologue, but there are evidences about the requirement of the two enzymatic steps that replace the activity performed by SELA, the fosforilation of the serine followed by selenocysteylation through the phosphoseryl-tRNASec kinase (PSTK) and Sep-tRNA:Sec-tRNA synthase (SepSecS) enzymes, respectively. Currently, the selenocysteine synthesis and its incorporation is more studied in many organisms, but less explored in Kinetoplastid. Subsequently, the molecular studies were done with the enzymes involved in this pathway, especially in Trypanosoma brucei and Leishmania major. The SECIS element was identified in the region 3´ of the mRNA, that acts in the recognition of the UGA codon positioned within a gene\'s open reading frame on the insertion of the selenocysteine in Leishmania major and Leishmania infantum; the incorporation of 75Se into Leishmania proteins, the occurrence of selenocysteine-tRNASec in both Leishmania and Trypanosoma; in addition, the finding of all genes necessary for selenocysteine synthesis, such as: SELB, SELD, PSTK, and SECp43. Clones were obtained from the selB and selD genes in the pET28a(+) expression vector and the enzymes were expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). The recombinant SELD protein was purified by affinity chromatography and its pI and molecular mass were determined using: isoeletrophocusing electrophoresis and native gel. The proteins SELB, SELD, SECp43, and sery-tRNA synhetase were immune located in the cytoplasm in T. brucei native cells. A new methodology \"PTP tagging\" was utilized for protein interaction studies by using target proteins SECp43, SELB and PSTK to search new tagged proteins in selenocysteine T. brucei synthesis. Future molecular and structural investigation of the enzymes involved in Kinetoplastida selenocysteine biosynthesis will provide relevant information for understanding of the synthesis of this amino acid as well as the development of the specific inhibitors, focusing the treatment of the disease caused by Trypanosoma brucei e Leishmania major parasites

Molecular studies of the phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate synthetases

Fosforribosil pirofosfato (PRPP) sintetases são enzimas de central importância em diversas vias metabólicas em todas as células. A enzima PRPP sintetase humana é constituída por um complexo composto de três subunidades catalíticas (PRSI, PRSII e PRSIII) e por proteínas homólogas de 39 e 41 kDa denominadas PRS Associated Proteins (PAPs) cuja função é desconhecida. A importância da PRPP sintetase em humanos, tem sido documentada pela identificação de uma desordem associada ao cromossomo X, resultando em uma atividade aumentada da PRPP sintetase.Em conseqüência se percebem concentrações elevadas na dosagem de ácido úrico, purino nucleotídeos levando ao desenvolvimento de patogenias como a gota e problemas neurológicos. Nesse sentido, realizaram-se estudos moleculares com o complexo enzimático que compõem as PRPP sintetases. Foram obtidos clones do gene hprsI em vetor de expressão pET29a(+) e a enzima foi expressa em bactérias Escherichia coli cepa BL21 (DE3). A proteína recombinante hPRSI foi purificada depois de fracionamento com sulfato de estreptomicina, sulfato de amônio e em coluna cromatográfica de troca iônica. O raio hidrodinâmico e o pI da enzima foram determinados usando respectivamente a técnica de espalhamento dinâmico de luz e o sistema Fast de eletroforese. A enzima foi caracterizada quanto ao seu enovelamento através da técnica de Dicroísmo Circular, apresentando um espectro característico de estrutura enovelada, composta predominantemente por a-hélices. Os genes hprsII e hpap4l-1 que codificam respectivamente para as proteínas hPRSI1 e HPAP41-1 foram clonados no vetor de clonagem pCR4-TOPO. A proteína recombinante hPAP39 foi clonada em vetor pMAL-c2X em fusão com a proteína Maltose Binding Protein (MBP) e expressa em E. coli. A proteína hPAP39 está em fase de purificação e foi submetida ao experimento de Imunoblotting. Investigações estruturais destas enzimas poderão trazer informações fundamentais para o conhecimento da via biossintética, assim como para o desenvolvimento de inibidores específicos visando o tratamento das desordens a elas associadas.Phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate (PRPP) synthetases are enzymes of central importance in several metabolic pathways in all cells. The enzyme PRPP synthetase complex is composed of three catalytic subunitis (PRSI, PRSII and PRSIII) and homologous 39 and 41 kDa proteins termed PRPP synthetase-Associated Proteins (PAPs) which function is unknown. The importance of PRPP synthetase function in humans has been documented by the identification of an X chromosome-linked disorder associated with super activity of PRPP synthetase. As a consequence uric acid overproduction, purine nucleotide are observed resulting in the development of diseases such as gout and neurodevelopment impairment. In this line, molecular studies were done with the enzyme complex that constitutes the PRPP synthetases. Clones were obtained from the hprsI gene in the pET29a(+) expression vector and the enzyme was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) bacterial. The recombinant human PRSI enzyme was purified, after streptomicine and ammonium sulfate fractionation and by anion exchange chromatography. The hPRSI hydrodynamic radius and pI were determined using, respectively, measures of Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and isoeletrophocusing electrophoresis. In addition, according to circular dichroism spectroscopy, hPRSI prevalent secondary structure is a-helix. The hprsí and hpap41-1 genes that codify, respectively, to hPRSII and hPAP41-1 proteins were cloned in pCR4-TOPO cloning vector. The recombinant protein hPAP39 was cloned in the pMAl-c2X expression vector in fusion with the Maltose Binding Protein (MBP) and expressed in E.coli. A purification protocol is been establish for the hPAP39 protein and is submitted by imunoblotting technique. Structural investigation of these enzymes will provide information about the biosynthetic pathway de novo of purine nucleotides, as well as to development of specific inhibitors aiming at the treatment of the associated disorders

Biocompatibility and bioactivity of calcium silicate-based endodontic sealers in human dental pulp cells

Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) is a calcium silicate-based material. New sealers have been developed based on calcium silicate as MTA Fillapex and MTA Plus.Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate biocompatibility and bioactivity of these two calcium silicate-based sealers in culture of human dental pulp cells (hDPCs).Material and Methods The cells were isolated from third molars extracted from a 16-year-old patient. Pulp tissue was sectioned into fragments with approximately 1 mm3 and kept in supplemented medium to obtain hDPCs adherent cultures. Cell characterization assays were performed to prove the osteogenic potential. The evaluated materials were: MTA Plus (MTAP); MTA Fillapex (MTAF) and FillCanal (FC). Biocompatibility was evaluated with MTT and Neutral Red (NR) assays, after hDPCs exposure for 24 h to different dilutions of each sealer extract (1:2, 1:3 and 1:4). Unexposed cells were the positive control (CT). Bioactivity was assessed by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) enzymatic assay in cells exposed for one and three days to sealer extracts (1:4 dilution). All data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey post-test (p≤0.05%).Results MTT and NR results showed suitable cell viability rates for MTAP at all dilutions (90-135%). Cells exposed to MTAF and FC (1:2 and 1:4 dilutions) showed significant low viability rate when compared to CT in MTT. The NR results demonstrated cell viability for all materials tested. In MTAP group, the cells ALP activity was similar to CT in one and three days of exposure to the material. MTAF and FC groups demonstrated a decrease in ALP activity when compared to CT at both periods of cell exposure.Conclusions The hDPCs were suitable for the evaluation of new endodontic materialsin vitro. MTAP may be considered a promising material for endodontic treatments