Antimicrobial, Antibiofilm, and Antioxidant Properties of Boletus edulis and Neoboletus luridiformis Against Multidrug-Resistant ESKAPE Pathogens

Multidrug-resistant ESKAPE pathogens (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species) has become the most recurrent global cause of skin and soft-tissue infections, belonging to the WHO priority pathogens list. Successful therapy remains challenging and entails the assessment of novel and successful antibiotics. In this study, mushrooms are considered a valuable and unique source of natural antimicrobial compounds. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties of Boletus edulis (B. edulis) and Neoboletus luridiformis (N. luridiformis) aqueous and methanolic extracts against ESKAPE isolates from clinical wound infections. Disk diffusion and microdilution methods were used to assess the antimicrobial activity. Phytochemical characterization was achieved by analysis of total phenols, orthodiphenols content, and antioxidant activity as well as by high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). Human foreskin fibroblasts-1 (HFF-1) cell viability was performed by the MTT assay. Aqueous and methanolic extracts of B. edulis and N. luridiformis showed antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties against multidrug-resistant bacteria, although with different efficacy rates. The results showed that there is a convincing relation between the content of phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, and antimicrobial activity suggesting that the presence of phenolic compounds may explain the biological effects. HPLC analysis revealed high levels of protocatechuic acid, homogentisic acid, pyrogallol, gallic acid, p-catechin, and dihydroxybenzoic acid in the aqueous extract of B. edulis, explaining the highest antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties. Importantly, the mushrooms extracts were non-cytotoxic at all the tested concentrations. Overall, the tested mushrooms extracts are good candidates to further explore its use in the prevention of wound infection, particularly by multidrug-resistant pathogensThis study was funded by the project I&T Companies in Co-promotion FungiTech, Norte-01-0247-FEDER-033788; National Funds by FCT—Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology, under the project UIDB/04033/2020 (CITAB-Center for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences). JG wish to acknowledge the project AquaValor—Centro de Valorização e Transferência de Tecnologia da Água (NORTE-01-0246-FEDER-000053), supported by Norte Portugal Regional Operational Programme (NORTE, 2020). FR was thankful for her contract (CEECIND/01886/2020) financed by FCT/MCTES—CEEC Individual 2020 Program Contractinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Dental discoloration caused by Grey-MTAFlow cement: analysis of its physicochemical, biological and antimicrobial properties

Tricalcium silicate-based cement are materials used in reparative and regenerative procedures in endodontics. A recently proposed formulation aimed to enhance handling during clinical use with a versatile material applicable by syringe. Although, the use of bismuth oxide as radiopacifier and grey raw powder are drawbacks considering aesthetics. Objectives: Evaluate physicochemical, biological, and antimicrobial properties of Grey-MTAFlow (Ultradent) and assess whether the addition of zinc oxide (ZnO) prevents dentinal discoloration caused by bismuth oxide. Methodology: Grey-MTAFlow was manipulated in 'thin' consistency for all tests. Luminosity, color change, ion migration to dentine, radiopacity, setting time, ISO 6876:2012 linear flow, volumetric lateral flow and central filling of simulated grooves scanned using micro-computed tomography (μCT), pH, calcium release, volumetric change using μCT, chemical characterisation, cytotoxicity, and antimicrobial activity were assessed. Addition of 5% ZnO to Grey-MTAFlow and a bismuth-containing experimental composition were comparatively tested. Statistical analyses used Shapiro-Wilk, T-test, ANOVA, and Kolmogorov-Smirnov (p<0.05). Results: The addition of ZnO to Grey-MTAFlow prevented dentine darkening after 90 days due to bismuth migration reduction, although no statistical difference was found (p=0.863). ZnO addition significantly enhanced Grey-MTAFlow radiopacity without differences in initial setting time. Grey-MTAFlow presented an ISO linear flow of 10.9 mm and a balanced volumetric lateral flow with central filling in μCT evaluation. All compositions presented an alkaline pH after immersion. Grey-MTAFlow had a significantly higher calcium ion release after 28 days in comparison to 24 hours (p=0.011) and volumetric expansion of 0.4±1.8% after immersion. ZnO addition altered the hydrated cement matrix once calcium hydroxide (portlandite) could not be detected in characterisation. Neither of the materials produced inhibition halos nor reduced bacterial turbidity, but all presented cytocompatibility above 100%

Comparative Evaluation Of Pushout Bond Strength Of A Mtabased Root Canal Sealer

Aim: To evaluate the bond strength to root dentin of three root canal sealers: a mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA)-based sealer (MTA Fillapex®), an epoxy resin-based sealer (AH Plus®), and a zinc oxide eugenol-based sealer (EndoFill®). Methods: Thirty extracted single-root human teeth of similar sizes and circular canals were prepared using #3 and #2 Gates Glidden drills in the cervical portion of the canal and K3® rotary instruments to a size #25/0.06 to working length. Irrigation with 0.5 mL 2% chlorhexidine gel was used before and 1 mL saline after each instrument. The smear layer was removed with 3 mL 17% EDTA for 3 min. The samples were sectioned horizontally into eight 1±0.1 mm-thick serial slices and then the push-out test was carried out. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the post-hoc Tukey test were used for the analysis of the data with a significance level of 5%. Results: AH Plus presented significantly higher bond strengths (p<0.05) than the other sealers, while MTA Fillapex showed the lowest bond strengths (p<0.05). Conclusions: The present study concluded that EndoFill® sealer and MTA FillApex® core combination were not superior to AH Plus® sealer and gutta-percha core combination.132114-11

Versão portuguesa da Escala de Estado de Ansiedade em Educação Física: Propriedades psicométricas e sua associação com o sexo, idade e atividade física extracurricular

El objetivo de este estudio fue la traducción y adaptación cultural de la escala PESAS en portugués, evaluar sus propiedades psicométricas, e investigar los efectos del género, la edad y la actividad física extracurricular, en las diferentes dimensiones de PESAS (ansiedad somática, procesos cognitivos y preocupación). La muestra fue de 496 estudiantes (221 varones, 275 mujeres) con edades comprendidas entre 13 y 21 años (M = 15,71, SD = 1,34). El análisis factorial confirmatorio confirmó una adecuada validez factorial de la estructura multidimensional original de tres factores (procesos cognitivos, ansiedad somática y preocupaciones/miedos). Las estudiantes reportaron niveles más altos en las dimensiones de la ansiedad, en comparación con los varones. Los practicantes de actividad física extracurricular revelaron niveles más bajos de los procesos cognitivos y preocupaciones/ miedos. La edad correlacionó negativamente con los procesos cognitivos y la ansiedad somática. Estos resultados apoyan el uso de la versión portuguesa de la escala PESAS y proporcionan información adicional sobre el estado de ansiedad en la educación física escolar.ABSTRACT: This study aims to provide the translation and the cultural adaptation of the Physical Education State Anxiety Scale (PESAS) in Portuguese, assess its psychometric properties, and investigate the effects of gender, age and extracurricular physical activity, on the different dimensions of PESAS (somatic anxiety, cognitive processes and worry). The sample comprised 496 students (221 male, 275 female) aged between 13 and 21 years (M =15.71, SD = 1.34). Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the original factor structure of the scale. There was appropriate factorial validity of the 3-factor structure (somatic anxiety, cognitive processes and worry). Female students reported higher levels in the dimensions of anxiety, in comparison to boys. Students who practiced extracurricular physical activity revealed lower levels of cognitive processes and worries/fears. Age negatively correlated with cognitive processes and somatic anxiety. These findings support the use of the Portuguese version of PESAS and provide additional information about state anxiety in school physical education.RESUMO: O presente estudo tem como objetivos a tradução e adaptação transcultural do PESAS para Português, assim como, verificar as suas propriedades psicométricas e investigar o efeito do sexo, idade e atividade física extraescolar nas dimensões do PESAS (ansiedade somática, processos cognitivos e preocupações/receios). A amostra foi constituída por 496 alunos (221 rapazes e 275 raparigas) com idades compreendidas entre os 13 e os 21 anos (M =15,71, DP = 1,34). A análise fatorial confirmatória confirmou uma apropriada validade fatorial para a estrutura multidimensional original de 3 fatores (processos cognitivos, ansiedade somática e preocupações/ receios). As alunas reportaram níveis significativamente superiores nas dimensões de ansiedade em comparação aos rapazes. Os alunos praticantes de atividade física extraescolar revelaram menores níveis de processos cognitivos e preocupações/receios. A idade associou-se negativamente com os processos cognitivos e a ansiedade somática. Estes resultados suportam a utilização da versão portuguesa do PESAS e revelam novas evidências sobre a ansiedade-estado no contexto da educação física escolar

Growth of Desmodesmus subspicatus green microalgae and nutrient removal from sugarcane vinasse clarified by electrocoagulation using aluminum or iron electrodes

Sugarcane ethanol production generates considerable quantities of vinasse, its main wastewater. Microalgae cultivation is a promising option for effluent remediation, since the generated biomass can be feedstock for biofuel and bio-based chemical production. Due to vinasse high turbidity, pretreatment is necessary to clarify this effluent, adapting it as a mixotrophic culture medium. In this context, the present research evaluated the integrated process of electrocoagulation (EC) of sugarcane vinasse with aluminum or iron electrodes and subsequent cultivation of green microalgae Desmodesmus subspicatus. Results indicate pH neutralization and high turbidity removal efficiency by EC with both electrode materials. Aluminum EC and subsequent microalgae cultivation removed 66 and 75% of initial total organic carbon and total nitrogen, respectively, with biomass productivity of 1.45 g L-1 day-1 and maximum specific growth rate of 0.095 h-1 . Microalgae productivity was inferior in vinasse pretreated by iron EC, suggesting possible interference of ferric compounds in the microalgal developmentLa producción de etanol a partir de caña de azúcar genera cantidades considerables de vinaza, su principal agua residual. El cultivo de microalgas es una opción prometedora para su tratamiento, sin embargo es necesaria una clarificación previa. En este contexto, la presente investigación evaluó el proceso de electrocoagulación (EC) de vinaza de caña de azúcar con electrodos de aluminio o hierro y el posterior cultivo de la microalga Desmodesmus subspicatus. Los resultados de la EC indican neutralización de pH y alta remoción de turbidez con ambos electrodos. Se removió el 66 y 75% del carbono orgánico y nitrógeno total, respectivamente, con EC usando electrodos de aluminio y posterior cultivo, con productividad de biomasa de 1,45 g L-1 día-1 y velocidad específica de crecimiento máxima de 0,095 h-1. El cultivo en vinaza pre-tratada por EC con electrodos de hierro fue afectado negativamente, posiblemente por interferencia de compuestos del metal con la microalg

Comparative evaluation of push-out bond strength of a MTA-based root canal sealer

evaluate the bond strength to root dentin of three root canal sealers: a mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA)-based sealer (MTA Fillapex®), an epoxy resin-based sealer (AH Plus®), and a zinc oxide eugenol-based sealer (EndoFill®). Methods: Thirty extracted single-root human teeth of similar sizes and circular canals were prepared using #3 and #2 Gates Glidden drills in the cervical portion of the canal and K3® rotary instruments to a size #25/0.06 to working length. Irrigation with 0.5 mL 2% chlorhexidine gel was used before and 1 mL saline after each instrument. The smear layer was removed with 3 mL 17% EDTA for 3 min. The samples were sectioned horizontally into eight 1±0.1 mm-thick serial slices and then the push-out test was carried out. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the post-hoc Tukey test were used for the analysis of the data with a significance level of 5%. Results: AH Plus presented significantly higher bond strengths (p<0.05) than the other sealers, while MTA Fillapex showed the lowest bond strengths (p<0.05). Conclusions: The present study concluded that EndoFill® sealer and MTA FillApex® core combination were not superior to AH Plus® sealer and gutta-percha core combination