Clinical and Molecular Disorders Caused by COVID-19 During Pregnancy as a Potential Risk for Enamel Defects

This paper discusses the potential risk that COVID-19 generates for the development of enamel defects. This hypothesis was built based on the etiopathogenesis of enamel defects and the relationship with the symptom’s characteristic of COVID-19. Pregnancy is a critical period for the child's development; exposure to pathological agents can cause systemic imbalances and risks of adverse perinatal and prenatal outcomes. The main clinical symptoms of this disease and its association with that dental outcome were considered. Fever, breathing, cardiovascular disorders, and diarrhea were related as potential etiological factors of ameloblast metabolism imbalance, which can interfere qualitatively and quantitatively in the development, maturation and mineralization of the tooth enamel. Molecular disorders derived from COVID-19, as well as their clinical symptoms, can be considered potential risk factors for the development of enamel defects. Individuals with enamel defects experienced high stress levels during pregnancy or early childhood. The approach adopted may help build new research to ensure understanding of the etiology of the development of dental enamel defects and its relationship with COVID-19. However, longitudinal studies need to be conducted to confirm the association between COVID-19 and adverse events during pregnancy

Clinical and Molecular Disorders Caused by COVID-19 During Pregnancy as a Potential Risk for Enamel Defects

This paper discusses the potential risk that COVID-19 generates for the development of enamel defects. This hypothesis was built based on the etiopathogenesis of enamel defects and the relationship with the symptom’s characteristic of COVID-19. Pregnancy is a critical period for the child's development; exposure to pathological agents can cause systemic imbalances and risks of adverse perinatal and prenatal outcomes. The main clinical symptoms of this disease and its association with that dental outcome were considered. Fever, breathing, cardiovascular disorders, and diarrhea were related as potential etiological factors of ameloblast metabolism imbalance, which can interfere qualitatively and quantitatively in the development, maturation and mineralization of the tooth enamel. Molecular disorders derived from COVID-19, as well as their clinical symptoms, can be considered potential risk factors for the development of enamel defects. Individuals with enamel defects experienced high stress levels during pregnancy or early childhood. The approach adopted may help build new research to ensure understanding of the etiology of the development of dental enamel defects and its relationship with COVID-19. However, longitudinal studies need to be conducted to confirm the association between COVID-19 and adverse events during pregnancy

Microtomographic, histomorphometric, and molecular features show a normal alveolar bone healing process in iNOS-deficient mice along a compensatory upregulation of eNOS and nNOS isoforms

Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is one of the enzymes responsible for the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO), which is an important signaling molecule with effects on blood vessels, leukocytes, and bone cells. However, the role of iNOS in alveolar bone healing remains unclear. This study investigated the role of iNOS in alveolar bone healing after tooth extraction in mice. Methodology: C57Bl/6 wild type (WT) and iNOS genetically deficient (iNOS-KO) mice were subjected to upper incision tooth extraction, and alveolar bone healing was evaluated by micro-computed tomography (μCT) and histological/histomorphometric, birefringence, and molecular methods. Results: The expression of iNOS had very low control conditions, whereas a significant increase is observed in healing sites of WT mice, where iNOS mRNA levels peak at 7d time point, followed by a relative decrease at 14d and 21d. Regarding bone healing, both WT and iNOS-KO groups showed the usual phases characterized by the presence of clots, granulation tissue development along the inflammatory cell infiltration, angiogenesis, proliferation of fibroblasts and extracellular matrix synthesis, bone neoformation, and remodeling. The overall micro-computed tomography and histomorphometric and birefringence analyses showed similar bone healing readouts when WT and iNOS-KO strains are compared. Likewise, Real-Time PCR array analysis shows an overall similar gene expression pattern (including bone formation, bone resorption, and inflammatory and immunological markers) in healing sites of WT and iNOS-KO mice. Moreover, molecular analysis shows that nNOS and eNOS were significantly upregulated in the iNOS-KO group, suggesting that other NOS isoforms could compensate the absence of iNOS. Conclusion: The absence of iNOS does not result in a significant modulation of bone healing readouts in iNOS-KO mice. The upregulation of nNOS and eNOS may compensate iNOS absence, explaining the similar bone healing outcome in WT and iNOS-KO strains

Óleos essenciais para o controle pós-colheita do mofo-azul e a qualidade de maçãs 'Fuji'

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of rosemary, cinnamon, citronella grass, and clove essential oils on the in vitro growth of Penicillium expansum, on the diameter of blue mold lesions, and on the physical and chemical attributes of 'Fuji' apples stored under refrigeration for different periods of time. The compositions of the essential oils were determined, and their effects on the growth inhibition, number, and viability of fungal spores in vitro were evaluated at 0, 100, and 1,000 μL L-1 oil concentrations. At postharvest, evaluations were performed for fruit treated with 0, 50, 100, and 500 μL L-1 essential oil and kept under refrigeration for 30 days, and for fruit treated with 0, 100, and 500 μL L-1 oil and kept under refrigeration for two days. The essential oils – eucalyptol (rosemary), eugenol (cinnamon), citronellal (citronella), and eugenol (clove) – reduce the growth, number, and viability of P. expansum spores 24 hours after the induction to germination, as well as the diameter of blue mold lesions in apples, except for citronella oil at 500 μL L-1 after 30 days of cold storage. There are no changes in the physicochemical attributes of apples, treated with different concentrations of the oils after refrigeration for five months, followed by seven days at room temperature.O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de óleos essenciais de alecrim, canela, citronela e cravo-da-índia sobre o crescimento de Penicillium expansum in vitro, o diâmetro de lesões de mofo-azul e os atributos físico-químicos em maçã 'Fuji', armazenada sob refrigeração por diferentes períodos. As composições dos óleos essenciais foram determinadas, e seus efeitos sobre a inibição do crescimento, o número e a viabilidade de esporos do fungo in vitro foram avaliados quanto às concentrações de 0, 100 e 1.000 µL L-1. No período pós-colheita, avaliaram-se os frutos tratados com 0, 50, 100 e 500 µL L-1 de óleo essencial e armazenados sob refrigeração por 30 dias e os frutos tratados com 0, 100 e 500 µL L-1 de óleo essencial e mantidos sob refrigeração por dois dias. Os óleos essenciais – eucaliptol (alecrim), eugenol (canela), citronelal (citronela) e eugenol (cravo) – reduzem o crescimento, o número e a viabilidade de esporos de P. expansum 24 horas após o estímulo à germinação, bem como o diâmetro de lesões de mofo-azul em maçãs, à exceção do óleo de citronela a 500 µL L-1, após 30 dias de armazenamento refrigerado. Não há alteração dos atributos físico-químicos de maçãs tratadas com diferentes concentrações dos óleos, após a refrigeração por cinco meses, seguida de sete dias à temperatura ambiente

Morphometric and molecular characterization of the role of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in alveolar bone repair process under homeostatic and infectious conditions

O metabolismo ósseo é influenciado por fatores endócrinos, genéticos, de crescimento, sistema RANK/RANKL/OPG, além de uma variedade de moléculas regulatórias, como as citocinas. Citocinas têm sido implicadas na patogênese de doenças ósseas, no entanto, ainda pouco se sabe sobre os mecanismos envolvidos na interação entre o sistema ósseo e imunológico no processo de reparo ósseo. O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar o papel de TNF-α e IL-10 no reparo ósseo alveolar em condições homeostáticas (controle [C]) e infecciosas (alveolite experimental [A]) pós exodontia em camundongos C57Bl/6 (WT), TNFp55KO e IL-10KO. Após a cirurgia nos grupos infectados foi induzida a alveolite por meio de isquemia do alvéolo e uma suspensão de secreção purulenta. As maxilas foram coletadas em 0h, 7, 14 e 21 dias após a extração do incisivo superior para análises histológica, histomorfométrica e molecular (RealTimePCR). Na análise histomorfométrica foram quantificados os parâmetros coágulo, células inflamatórias, fibras, fibroblastos, vasos sanguíneos, matriz óssea, osteoblastos, osteoclastos, e outros espaço do líquido intersticial e medula óssea. Na análise molecular (RealTimePCR) foram quantificados a expressão de fatores de crescimento, marcadores ósseos e de matriz extracelular, citocinas e quimiocinas envolvidos no processo. Os dados obtidos foram submetidos ao teste OneWay ANOVA seguido do teste de comparação múltipla de Tukey. Os resultados demonstraram que nos camundongos WT-C houve a formação inicial de coágulo (0 hora) com início da expressão de BMP2, BMP4, BMP7, TGFb1 and VEGFa que tiveram aumento gradativo com pico em 7 dias. A expressão de TNF-α e IL10 também tiveram seus picos aos 7 dias em paralelo com contagem de leucócitos, associado com a expressão de CCL2, CCL5 e CXCL1. Nos períodos seguintes houve uma diminuição inflamatória e o aumento de marcadores osteoblásticos/osteogênicos. A indução da alveolite experimental em WT-A resultou no aumento marcante na expressão de TNF-α, acompanhada por uma maior expressão de CXCL1 e CCL5, contagem aumentada de leucócitos e diminuição na expressão de IL-10 que só atingiu seu pico aos 14 dias, além de proeminente infiltrado leucocitário e tecido de granulação, bem como evidências histológicas de atraso no reparo ósseo. O impacto negativo da alveolite foi atenuado nos camundongos TNFp55KO, caracterizado por um reparo adequado, diminuição no número de leucócitos e osteoclastos em relação aos WTA. Por outro lado, um atraso no reparo foi observado nos animais IL10KO, evidenciado por uma menor densidade de osteoblastos e de matriz óssea do que o respectivo controle. Em conclusão, os resultados mostraram que ambas citocinas interferem no reparo ósseo alveolar por meio de mecanismos que envolvem o controle da migração de células inflamatórias e modulação de quimiocinas e a expressão de marcadores osteogênicos, uma vez que a ausência de IL-10 está associada a uma maior atividade inflamatória e reabsorção óssea concomitante com menor formação ósseo, já a deficiência de TNF-α afeta o recrutamento de leucócitos e a cinética de reparo óssea alveolar em condições homeostáticas e infecciosas.Bone metabolism is influenced by endocrine, genetic and growth factors, RANK/RANKL/OPG system, besides a variety of regulatory molecules, such as cytokines. Cytokines have been implicated in pathogenesis of bone diseases, however, little is known about the mechanisms involved in the interaction between skeletal and immune system in the bone repair process. The objective of this study was characterized the role of TNF-α and IL-10 in alveolar bone repair under homeostatic (control [C]) and infectious (experimental alveolitis [A]) conditions in C57Bl/6 (WT), TNFp55KO and IL-10KO mice. After surgery, in infectious groups was induced by ischemia alveolitis the well and a suspension of pus. The maxillas were collected at 0h, 7, 14 and 21 days after extraction of the maxillary incisor for histologic, histomorphometric and molecular (RealTimePCR). In histomorphometric analysis parameters were measured clot, inflammatory cells, fibers, fibroblasts, blood vessels, bone matrix, osteoblast, osteoclast, and other space - the interstitial fluid and bone mar row. Molecular analysis (RealTimePCR) were quantified the expression of growth factors, bone markers and extracellular matrix, cytokines and chemokines involved in the process. The data were submitted to the OneWay ANOVA test followed by Tukey\'s multiple comparison test. The results showed that in WT-C initial clot formation (0 hours) with early expression of BMP2, BMP4, BMP7, and TGFb1 VEGFa who had gradual increase peaking in 7 days. The expression of TNF-α and IL10 also peaked at 7 days in parallel with leukocyte count, associated with CCL2, CCL5 and CXCL1. In late periods there were decrease of inflammation and markers osteoblastic / osteogenic increased. Induction of experimental alveolitis in WT resulted in a marked increase in expression of TNF-α accompanied by increased expression of CXCL1 and CCL5, increased leukocyte count and decreased of IL10 expression that peaked at 14d, besides prominent leukocyte infiltration and granulation tissue, as well as histological evidence of delayed bone repair. Negative impact of alveolitis was attenuated in TNFp55KO mice, characterized by appropriate repair rate, decreased of the number of leukocytes and osteoclasts that WT-A. On the other hand, a lessened repair was observed in IL10KO animals, evidenced by lower density of the density of osteoblasts and bone matrix than respective control. In conclusion, the results show that both cytokines interferes in alveolar bone repair through mechanisms that involve the control of inflammatory cell migration and modulation of chemokines and osteogenic markers expression, since that the absence of IL-10 is associated with higher inflammatory activity and bone resorption concomitant with lower bone formation, while the deficiency of TNF-αa affect the recruitment of leukocytes and the kinetics of alveolar bone healing both in homeostatic and infectious conditions

Níveis de nitrito na saliva e no fluido peri-implantar em humanos

Nitric oxide has an important effect on host response. However its potential as a possible diagnostic tool in peri-implant disease has been little studied. In this study the nitrite levels in saliva and peri-implant sulcular fluid (PISF) of partially edentulous patients and the possible correlation between these levels and clinical parameters were determined. Twenty four patients were examined to determine the peri-implant status (healthy or diseased) based on probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP) and presence of visible plaque (VP). Saliva and sulcular fluid (SF) around teeth (internal control) and dental implants were collected and the nitrite levels were evaluated by the Griess method. Nitrite levels in saliva and SF of these patients were compared and their correlations with clinical parameters were evaluated. Clinical data (BOP and VP) were higher in implants than in matching control teeth, but did not show significance (p>0.05) with the exception of PD. Differences in total nitrite levels in saliva and SF of healthy and diseased groups were not observed (p>0.05). Teeth and implants of healthy or diseased groups did not demonstrate statistical difference regarding nitrite levels (p>0.05). Correlation between clinical parameters and nitrite levels in saliva or SF was not observed in healthy or diseased groups except for VP in implants of the healthy group (p=0.031, r=- 0.72). These results demonstrated similarity between dental sites and implants. The present findings do not allow the use of nitrite as a diagnostic tool for periimplant disease, in patients with slight inflammation.Mestre em OdontologiaO óxido nítrico tem papel importante na resposta inflamatória do hospedeiro. Entretanto, seu potencial como possível ferramenta no diagnóstico de doenças peri-implantares tem sido pouco investigado. O presente estudo teve como objetivo determinar os níveis de nitrito na saliva e no fluido sulcular peri-implantar (FSPI), de pacientes parcialmente desdentados, portadores de implantes dentais, e verificar as correlações entre esses níveis e parâmetros clínicos. Participaram do estudo vinte e quatro indivíduos separados em dois grupos de acordo com a condição clínica da mucosa periimplantar. No grupo saudável a mucosa periimplantar não apresentava nenhuma alteração clínica, enquanto no grupo doente havia mucosite. Esta avaliação foi realizada de acordo com parâmetros clínicos: profundidade de sondagem (PS), sangramento durante a sondagem (SS) e presença de placa visível (PV). No mesmo indivíduo, para cada implante (mucosa periimplantar) havia um dente, com gengiva marginal saudável, como controle. Foram coletados saliva e fluido sulcular (FS) em torno dos dentes (controle intrínseco) e dos implantes dentários, e os níveis de nitrito foram avaliados pelo método de Griess. Os níveis de nitrito na saliva e no FS dos indivíduos foram comparados e avaliadas suas correlações com os parâmetros clínicos. Os dados clínicos SS e PV foram mais elevados nos implantes quando comparados com os dentes controles, mas não mostraram significância (p>0,05), com exceção da PS. Não foram observadas diferenças no nível total de nitrito na saliva e no FS dos grupos saudável e doente (p>0,05). Os dentes e os implantes dos grupos saudável e doente não mostraram diferença estatística em relação aos níveis de nitrito (p>0,05). A correlação entre os parâmetros clínicos e os níveis de nitrito na saliva ou FS não foi observada nos grupos saudável e doente, exceto para PV nos implantes do grupo saudável (p=0,031; r=-0,72). Estes resultados confirmaram a similaridade entre os sítios periodontais e peri-implantares. De acordo com a metodologia aplicada e os resultados obtidos, é possível concluir que o nível de nitrito presente no fluido peri-implantar e na saliva não apresenta correlação com os parâmetros clínicos de avaliação da mucosa peri-implantar

Análise radiográfica da espessura dental do 1° molar superior após preparo anticurvatura.

Análise radiográfica da espessura dental do 1° molar superior após preparo anticurvatura

Evidence supporting a protective role for Th9 and Th22 cytokines in human and experimental periapical lesions

Introduction: The development of periapical granulomas is dependent on the host response and involves Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg-related cytokines. The discovery of new Th9 and Th22 subsets, with important immunomodulatory roles mediated by interleukin (IL)-9 and IL-22, respectively, emphasizes the need for reevaluation of current cytokine paradigms in context of periapical lesions. We investigated the expression of IL-9 and IL-22 in active and stable human granulomas and throughout experimental lesion development in mice. Methods: Periapical granulomas (N = 83) and control specimens (N = 24) were evaluated regarding the expression of IL-9 and IL-22 via realtime polymerase chain reaction. Experimental periapical lesions were induced in mice (pulp exposure and bacterial inoculation) and the lesions evolution correlation with IL-9 and IL-22 expression kinetics was evaluated. Results: IL-9 and IL-22 mRNA expression was higher in periapical lesions than in control samples; higher levels of IL-9 and IL-22 were observed in inactive than in active lesions. In the experimental lesions model, increasing levels of IL-9 and IL-22 mRNA were detected in the lesions, and inverse correlations were found between IL-9 and IL-22 and the increase of lesion area in the different time point intervals. Conclusions: Our results suggest that Th9 and Th22 pathways may contribute to human and experimental periapical lesion stabilit

Evidence supporting a protective role for Th9 and Th22 cytokines in human and experimental periapical lesions

Introduction: The development of periapical granulomas is dependent on the host response and involves Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg-related cytokines. The discovery of new Th9 and Th22 subsets, with important immunomodulatory roles mediated by interleukin (IL)-9 and IL-22, respectively, emphasizes the need for reevaluation of current cytokine paradigms in context of periapical lesions. We investigated the expression of IL-9 and IL-22 in active and stable human granulomas and throughout experimental lesion development in mice. Methods: Periapical granulomas (N = 83) and control specimens (N = 24) were evaluated regarding the expression of IL-9 and IL-22 via realtime polymerase chain reaction. Experimental periapical lesions were induced in mice (pulp exposure and bacterial inoculation) and the lesions evolution correlation with IL-9 and IL-22 expression kinetics was evaluated. Results: IL-9 and IL-22 mRNA expression was higher in periapical lesions than in control samples; higher levels of IL-9 and IL-22 were observed in inactive than in active lesions. In the experimental lesions model, increasing levels of IL-9 and IL-22 mRNA were detected in the lesions, and inverse correlations were found between IL-9 and IL-22 and the increase of lesion area in the different time point intervals. Conclusions: Our results suggest that Th9 and Th22 pathways may contribute to human and experimental periapical lesion stabilit

NEOTROPICAL XENARTHRANS: a data set of occurrence of xenarthran species in the Neotropics

Xenarthrans—anteaters, sloths, and armadillos—have essential functions for ecosystem maintenance, such as insect control and nutrient cycling, playing key roles as ecosystem engineers. Because of habitat loss and fragmentation, hunting pressure, and conflicts with domestic dogs, these species have been threatened locally, regionally, or even across their full distribution ranges. The Neotropics harbor 21 species of armadillos, 10 anteaters, and 6 sloths. Our data set includes the families Chlamyphoridae (13), Dasypodidae (7), Myrmecophagidae (3), Bradypodidae (4), and Megalonychidae (2). We have no occurrence data on Dasypus pilosus (Dasypodidae). Regarding Cyclopedidae, until recently, only one species was recognized, but new genetic studies have revealed that the group is represented by seven species. In this data paper, we compiled a total of 42,528 records of 31 species, represented by occurrence and quantitative data, totaling 24,847 unique georeferenced records. The geographic range is from the southern United States, Mexico, and Caribbean countries at the northern portion of the Neotropics, to the austral distribution in Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, and Uruguay. Regarding anteaters, Myrmecophaga tridactyla has the most records (n = 5,941), and Cyclopes sp. have the fewest (n = 240). The armadillo species with the most data is Dasypus novemcinctus (n = 11,588), and the fewest data are recorded for Calyptophractus retusus (n = 33). With regard to sloth species, Bradypus variegatus has the most records (n = 962), and Bradypus pygmaeus has the fewest (n = 12). Our main objective with Neotropical Xenarthrans is to make occurrence and quantitative data available to facilitate more ecological research, particularly if we integrate the xenarthran data with other data sets of Neotropical Series that will become available very soon (i.e., Neotropical Carnivores, Neotropical Invasive Mammals, and Neotropical Hunters and Dogs). Therefore, studies on trophic cascades, hunting pressure, habitat loss, fragmentation effects, species invasion, and climate change effects will be possible with the Neotropical Xenarthrans data set. Please cite this data paper when using its data in publications. We also request that researchers and teachers inform us of how they are using these data