Pervasive gaps in Amazonian ecological research

Biodiversity loss is one of the main challenges of our time,1,2 and attempts to address it require a clear un derstanding of how ecological communities respond to environmental change across time and space.3,4 While the increasing availability of global databases on ecological communities has advanced our knowledge of biodiversity sensitivity to environmental changes,5–7 vast areas of the tropics remain understudied.8–11 In the American tropics, Amazonia stands out as the world’s most diverse rainforest and the primary source of Neotropical biodiversity,12 but it remains among the least known forests in America and is often underrepre sented in biodiversity databases.13–15 To worsen this situation, human-induced modifications16,17 may elim inate pieces of the Amazon’s biodiversity puzzle before we can use them to understand how ecological com munities are responding. To increase generalization and applicability of biodiversity knowledge,18,19 it is thus crucial to reduce biases in ecological research, particularly in regions projected to face the most pronounced environmental changes. We integrate ecological community metadata of 7,694 sampling sites for multiple or ganism groups in a machine learning model framework to map the research probability across the Brazilian Amazonia, while identifying the region’s vulnerability to environmental change. 15%–18% of the most ne glected areas in ecological research are expected to experience severe climate or land use changes by 2050. This means that unless we take immediate action, we will not be able to establish their current status, much less monitor how it is changing and what is being lostinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Canagliflozin and renal outcomes in type 2 diabetes and nephropathy

BACKGROUND Type 2 diabetes mellitus is the leading cause of kidney failure worldwide, but few effective long-term treatments are available. In cardiovascular trials of inhibitors of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2), exploratory results have suggested that such drugs may improve renal outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS In this double-blind, randomized trial, we assigned patients with type 2 diabetes and albuminuric chronic kidney disease to receive canagliflozin, an oral SGLT2 inhibitor, at a dose of 100 mg daily or placebo. All the patients had an estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 30 to <90 ml per minute per 1.73 m2 of body-surface area and albuminuria (ratio of albumin [mg] to creatinine [g], >300 to 5000) and were treated with renin–angiotensin system blockade. The primary outcome was a composite of end-stage kidney disease (dialysis, transplantation, or a sustained estimated GFR of <15 ml per minute per 1.73 m2), a doubling of the serum creatinine level, or death from renal or cardiovascular causes. Prespecified secondary outcomes were tested hierarchically. RESULTS The trial was stopped early after a planned interim analysis on the recommendation of the data and safety monitoring committee. At that time, 4401 patients had undergone randomization, with a median follow-up of 2.62 years. The relative risk of the primary outcome was 30% lower in the canagliflozin group than in the placebo group, with event rates of 43.2 and 61.2 per 1000 patient-years, respectively (hazard ratio, 0.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.59 to 0.82; P=0.00001). The relative risk of the renal-specific composite of end-stage kidney disease, a doubling of the creatinine level, or death from renal causes was lower by 34% (hazard ratio, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.53 to 0.81; P<0.001), and the relative risk of end-stage kidney disease was lower by 32% (hazard ratio, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.54 to 0.86; P=0.002). The canagliflozin group also had a lower risk of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke (hazard ratio, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.67 to 0.95; P=0.01) and hospitalization for heart failure (hazard ratio, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.47 to 0.80; P<0.001). There were no significant differences in rates of amputation or fracture. CONCLUSIONS In patients with type 2 diabetes and kidney disease, the risk of kidney failure and cardiovascular events was lower in the canagliflozin group than in the placebo group at a median follow-up of 2.62 years

Pervasive gaps in Amazonian ecological research

Biodiversity loss is one of the main challenges of our time,1,2 and attempts to address it require a clear understanding of how ecological communities respond to environmental change across time and space.3,4 While the increasing availability of global databases on ecological communities has advanced our knowledge of biodiversity sensitivity to environmental changes,5,6,7 vast areas of the tropics remain understudied.8,9,10,11 In the American tropics, Amazonia stands out as the world's most diverse rainforest and the primary source of Neotropical biodiversity,12 but it remains among the least known forests in America and is often underrepresented in biodiversity databases.13,14,15 To worsen this situation, human-induced modifications16,17 may eliminate pieces of the Amazon's biodiversity puzzle before we can use them to understand how ecological communities are responding. To increase generalization and applicability of biodiversity knowledge,18,19 it is thus crucial to reduce biases in ecological research, particularly in regions projected to face the most pronounced environmental changes. We integrate ecological community metadata of 7,694 sampling sites for multiple organism groups in a machine learning model framework to map the research probability across the Brazilian Amazonia, while identifying the region's vulnerability to environmental change. 15%–18% of the most neglected areas in ecological research are expected to experience severe climate or land use changes by 2050. This means that unless we take immediate action, we will not be able to establish their current status, much less monitor how it is changing and what is being lost

Condicionamento com ácido cítrico e os efeitos biológicos na aplicação tópica de bFGF e BMP-7 em células relevantes para a regeneração periodontal

A regeneração periodontal ainda representa um importante desafio, devido a limitações na efetividade e imprevisibilidade das abordagens clínicas. O condicionamento radicular e a utilização de mediadores biológicos, como os fatores de crescimento, são duas das técnicas que tem sido estudadas para esta finalidade; também tem sido proposta a combinação de ambas. Foi avaliado in vitro o efeito do condicionamento ácido da dentina na liberação de bFGF e BMP-7 aplicados topicamente de forma isolada ou associados, além da influência de tais tratamentos na expressão de genesalvo relacionados ao metabolismo de tecido conjuntivo mineralizado e não mineralizado em três tipos celulares relevantes para o processo regenerativo no microambiente periodontal. Espécimes de dentina bovina foram subdivididos em dois grupos: não condicionados e condicionados com ácido cítrico 25% durante 3 minutos. bFGF recombinante humano (10 e 50 ng), BMP-7 (100 e 300 ng) e associação bFGF/BMP-7 (50 ng e 100 ng, respectivamente) foram suspendidos em 50 μL de meio de cultura e aplicados topicamente sobre a dentina. A liberação de fatores de crescimento aplicados topicamente sobre a dentina condicionada e não condicionada foi determinada por meio de ELISA. Linhagens celulares de camundongos – fibroblastos do ligamento periodontal, cementoblastos e células do estroma ósseo – foram plaqueadas sobre os espécimes de dentina com e sem condicionamento ácido prévio, tratados ou não com os fatores de crescimento. Após 24 horas, as células aderidas sobre as amostras de dentina foram coletadas, o RNA total extraído e a expressão gênica de colágeno 1-alfa1, fibronectina e Runx2 foi avaliada por RTqPCR. Os resultados encontrados neste estudo indicam que os fatores de crescimento são retidos pela dentina após aplicação tópica...Periodontal regeneration still poses a challenge both in terms of predictability and magnitude of effect. Chemical root conditioning and the use of biological mediators are two strategies studied to improve the results of regenerative therapies. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of acid conditioning of dentin on the release of topically applied bFGF and BMP-7, isolated or associated. We also evaluated the impact of such treatment in the expression of target genes related to the metabolism of mineralized connective tissue and non-mineralized in three cell types relevant for the regenerative process in the periodontal microenvironment. Dentin specimens, which were obtained from bovine teeth, were divided into two groups: non-conditioned and conditioned with 25% citric acid for 3 minutes. Human growth factors produced by recombinant DNA technology were diluted in 50 mL of culture medium and topically applied on the dentin in the following amounts: recombinant human bFGF (10 and 50 ng), BMP-7 (100 and 300 ng) and associated bFGF/BMP-7 (50 ng and 100 ng, respectively). The released of growth factor topically applied on the conditioned and non-conditioning dentin samples was determined by ELISA. Murine cell lines - periodontal ligament fibroblasts, cementoblasts and bone marrow stromal cells - were grown on dentin specimens with and without prior acid conditioning and application of growth factors. After 24 hours, the cells adhered on the samples of dentin were collected, total RNA extracted and gene expression of collagen 1-alpha 1, fibronectin and Runx2 was determined by RT-qPCR. The results of this study indicate that: growth factors are retained by dentin after topical application and that the peak release occurs in two hours; the conditioning of dentin with citric acid favored the retention of topically applied growth... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES

Inflamassomos NLRC4 E NLRP3 na Doença Periodontal Experimental Induzida por Aggregatibacter Actinomycetemcomitans

Inflammasomes are multi-protein complexes that can amplify the inflammatory signal in situations involving host-microbial interactions and host tissue destruction, such as chronic periodontal disease. There is a relative scarcity of information on the role of NLRC4 and NLRP3 inflammasomes in periodontal disease. In this study, we used a model of bacteria-initiated periodontal disease in WT, Ipaf-knockout (Ipaf-KO), Caspase 1-knockout (Casp1-KO) and NLRP3-knockout (NLRP3-KO) mice to describe the effect of those inflammasomes on inflammation and alveolar bone resorption. Heat-killed Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) were injected in the gingival tissues on the palatal aspect adjacent to first molars of wild-type (WT), Ipaf-KO, Casp1-KO and NLRP3-KO mice, and control animals received the suspension vehicle (PBS). Severity of bone resorption was quantitated by μCT analysis. Inflammation was assessed by immunofluorescence, verifying the presence and intensity of a pan-leukocyte (CD45) and a neutrophil (Ly6G) markers. Osteoclast number was determined by TRAP and gene expression of RANKL, MMP-13, TNF-a, IL-6 and IL-10 in the gingival tissues was evaluated by RT-qPCR. In the first publication, μCT analysis showed a significantly greater inflammatory bone resorption in Ipaf-KO mice; however there was no difference between WT and Ipaf-KO on osteoclast numbers of inflammatory infiltrate. Expression of candidate genes was also similarly increased by the induction of experimental periodontal disease, except for the expression of TNF-alpha and IL-10, which was already significantly higher in the gingival tissues of Ipaf-KO mice in the absence of experimental periodontal disease. We conclude that NLRC4 inflammasome has a protective role on inflammatory bone resorption in this experimental model. In the second publication we observed that severity of bone resorption was not affected by the lack of NLRP3 inflammasome, but it was reduced in Casp1-KO mice. Interestingly, the attenuation of alveolar bone resorption in Casp1-KO mice was accompanied by increase on the number of osteoclasts, whereas there were no significant changes on the inflammatory infiltrate or expression of candidate genes. The conclusion was that NLPR3 inflammasome does not play a significant role in induced inflammation and bone resorption and caspase-1 has a pro-resorptive role in these conditions.Inflamassomos são complexos multi protéicos capazes de amplificar o sinal inflamatório em condições de interações microbiota-hospedeiro e destruição tecidual, como a doença periodontal crônica. Devido à escassez de informações sobre o papel dos inflamassomos NLRC4 e NLRP3 na doença periodontal, utilizamos neste estudo um modelo de doença periodontal induzida por bactérias em camundongos WT, Ipafknockout (Ipaf-KO), Caspase 1-knockout (Casp1-KO) e NLRP3-knockout (NLRP3-KO) para descrever o efeito destes na inflamação e reabsorção óssea alveolar. Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) inativadas pelo calor foram injetadas nos tecidos gengivais palatais adjacentes aos primeiros molares dos camundongos normais e knockout, e os grupos controle receberam o mesmo volume do veículo de suspensão (PBS). A severidade da reabsorção óssea foi quantificada por análise de μCT. A inflamação foi avaliada por imunofluorescência, verificando-se presença e intensidade da coloração por marcadores de leucócitos (CD45) e neutrófilos (Ly6G). O número de osteoclastos foi determinado por TRAP e a expressão gênica de RANKL, MMP-13, TNF-a, IL-6 e IL-10 nos tecidos gengivais avaliada por RT-qPCR. A publicação 1 mostra uma reabsorção óssea inflamatória significativamente maior nos camundongos Ipaf-KO, sem diferenças, porém, no número de osteoclastos entre WT e Ipaf-KO. A expressão dos genes-alvo aumentou com a indução da doença periodontal, exceto de TNFa e IL-10, que foram altas nos animais Ipaf-KO mesmo em ausência da doença periodontal, podendo-se concluir que o inflamassomo NLRC4 teve um papel protetor na reabsorção óssea inflamatória neste modelo experimental. Na publicação 2 observamos que a severidade da reabsorção óssea não foi afetada pela ausência do inflamassomo NLRP3, mas foi significantemente reduzida nos camundongos Casp1-KO, sendo acompanhada nestes por um aumento significante no número de osteoclastos. Não houve, no entanto, diferenças no infiltrado inflamatório ou na expressão dos genes-alvo, concluindo-se que NLRP3 não teve papel significante na inflamação e reabsorção óssea, e caspase-1 contribuiu para a reabsorção óssea nas condições deste estudo.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP

The smear layer created by scaling and root planing is physiologically eliminated in a biphasic process

Mechanical instrumentation of the root surface causes the formation of a smear layer, which is a physical barrier that can affect periodontal regeneration. Although different procedures have been proposed to remove the smear layer, there is no information concerning how long the smear layer persists on root surfaces after instrumentation in vivo. This study assessed the presence of the smear layer on root surfaces over a 28-day period after subgingival instrumentation with hand instruments. Fifty human teeth that were referred for extraction because of advanced periodontal disease were scaled and root planed (SRP) by a single experienced operator. Ten teeth were randomly assigned to be extracted 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after SRP. Another 10 teeth were extracted immediately after instrumentation (Day 0, control group). The subgingival area of the instrumented roots was evaluated with scanning electron microscopy. Representative photomicrographs were assessed by a blinded and calibrated examiner according to a scoring system. A rapid and significant (p < 0.05, Z test) initial reduction in the amount of smear layer was observed at 7 days, and a further significant (p < 0.05) decrease was observed 28 days after SRP. Interestingly, even 28 days after SRP, the smear layer was still present on root surfaces. This study showed that the physiological elimination of the smear layer occurred in a biphasic manner: a rapid initial reduction was observed 7 days after instrumentation, which was followed by a slow process leading to a significant decrease 28 days after instrumentation.Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq

Structural and functional changes in the alveolar bone osteoclasts of estrogen-treated rats

This study investigated structural and functional features of apoptotic alveolar bone osteoclasts in estrogen-treated rats. For this purpose, 15 female rats 22 days old were divided into three groups: Estrogen (EG), Sham (SG) and Control (CG). The rats of EG received daily intramuscular injection of estrogen for 7 days. The SG received only the oil vehicle. Maxillary fragments containing alveolar bone were removed and processed for light and transmission electron microscopy. Area (OcA) and number of nuclei (OcN) and bone resorption surface per TRAP-positive osteoclasts (BS/OC) were obtained. Vimentin, caspase-3 and MMP-9 immunoreactions, TUNEL/TRAP and MMP-9/TUNEL combined reactions were performed. In EG, the OcA, OcN and BS/Oc were reduced. Moreover, osteoclasts showed cytoplasm immunolabelled by caspase-3 and a different pattern of vimentin expression in comparison with CG and SG. MMP-9 expression was not affected by estrogen and the TUNEL-positive osteoclasts were MMP-9-immunolabelled. In EG, ultrastructural images showed that apoptotic osteoclasts did not exhibit ruffled borders or clear zones and were shedding mononucleated portions. TRAP-positive structures containing irregular and dense chromatin were partially surrounded by fibroblast-like cells. In conclusion, the reduction in the BS/Oc may be due to reduction in OcA and OcN; these effects seem to be related to vimentin disarrangement rather than to an interference of estrogen with osteoclast MMP-9 expression. Osteoclast apoptosis involves caspase-3 activity and vimentin degradation; these cells release portions containing one apoptotic nucleus and, subsequently, undergo fragmentation, giving rise to apoptotic bodies.Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP