Overcoming dormancy in seeds of Dietes bicolor (Steud.) Sweet ex Klatt

Seminiferous propagation of Dietes bicolor is hindered by the probable physical and/or morphophysiological dormancy. The objective was to analyze the efficacy of different methods of overcoming dormancy in D. bicolor seeds to determine a possible pre-germination treatment for the species. Two experiments were conducted: (I) Evaluation of the breaking of physical dormancy, in which the treatments of mechanical scarification were carried using sandpaper #100; chemical scarification with sulfuric acid (H2SO4) for 5 and 10 minutes and immersion in hot water (70 ºC), also, for 5 and 10 minutes, were evaluated. The intact seed was considered a control. (II) Evaluation of morphophysiological dormancy, in which the seeds were submitted to combined treatments of stratification of hot temperature (20-35 °C) and/or cold temperature (9 ºC), distributed in periods of 0, 1, and 2 weeks, totalizing 9 treatments. In both experiments, germination percentage (G), germination speed index (GSI), and first count (FC) were determined, using a randomized block design, and evaluated by the Scott-Knott test at 1% and Dunnett’s test at 5%. The use of H2SO4 10 minutes induced 42% germination, 0.52 GSI, and 18% FC, but only FC was significantly different from the control. In the second trial, the treatment that spent only two weeks in hot temperatures (20-35 ºC) showed the highest germination (30%), compared to the control (G = 22%). These results provide relevant information for understanding the physiology of D. bicolor germination, in addition to contributing to the optimization of pre-germination practices for this important ornamental species.

Towards the use of a smartphone imaging-based tool for point-of-care detection of asymptomatic low-density malaria parasitaemia

Background Globally, there are over 200 million cases of malaria annually and over 400,000 deaths. Early and accurate detection of low-density parasitaemia and asymptomatic individuals is key to achieving the World Health Organization (WHO) 2030 sustainable development goals of reducing malaria-related deaths by 90% and eradication in 35 countries. Current rapid diagnostic tests are neither sensitive nor specific enough to detect the low parasite concentrations in the blood of asymptomatic individuals. Methods Here, an imaging-based sensing technique, particle diffusometry (PD), is combined with loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) on a smartphone-enabled device to detect low levels of parasitaemia often associated with asymptomatic malaria. After amplification, PD quantifies the Brownian motion of fluorescent nanoparticles in the solution during a 30 s video taken on the phone. The resulting diffusion coefficient is used to detect the presence of Plasmodium DNA amplicons. The coefficients of known negative samples are compared to positive samples using a one-way ANOVA post-hoc Dunnett’s test for confirmation of amplification. Results As few as 3 parasite/µL of blood was detectable in 45 min without DNA extraction. Plasmodium falciparum parasites were detected from asymptomatic individuals’ whole blood samples with 89% sensitivity and 100% specificity when compared to quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Conclusions PD-LAMP is of value for the detection of low density parasitaemia especially in areas where trained personnel may be scarce. The demonstration of this smartphone biosensor paired with the sensitivity of LAMP provides a proof of concept to achieve widespread asymptomatic malaria testing at the point of care.

STUDY OF THE ANXIOLYTIC ACTIVITY OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF ROOT OF ACORUS CALAMUSIN ALBINO MICE USING MIRRORED CHAMBER

Objective: Anxiety is classified as a form of sub-acute or chronic fear. Root of Acorus calamus has been traditionally used as an anxiolytic. The aim of the study is to assess the anxiolytic activity of ethanolic extract of the root of Acorus calamus (EEAC) by Mirrored Chamber Test on Albino mice. Methods: Albino mice of either sex were taken and divided into five groups, each consisting of 5 mice. One group was used as control, one as standard (Diazepam) and three as test groups treated with 100, 200 & 400 mg/kg of EEAC. The drugs i.e., 10 ml/kg of Normal saline for control, Diazepam 2 mg/kg (standard) and 100, 200 & 400 mg/kg EEAC (test groups) were injected intraperitoneally (i.p.), 30 mins before placing them in the center of the mirrored chamber. Latency to enter the chamber, number of entries in five minutes and total time spent in the chamber during 5 minutes test period were compared in each group. Data were statistically analyzed by one-way analysis of variance followed by multiple Dunnett’s test. Results: EEAC showed significant increase in all the parameters for the doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg in a dose dependent manner. Conclusion: EEAC has anxiolytic activity.

HEPATOPROTECTIVE EFFECT OF MELATONIN ON PARACETAMOL INDUCED HEPATOTOXICITY IN ALBINO RATS

Objective: Liver is the most important organ involved in the biotransformation of drugs and hence also a prime site for drug-induced liver injury (DILI). Among the hepatotoxic drugs, paracetamol which is commonly used is a major offender, leading to about 40% of DILI. N-acetyl cysteine is commonly used to manage paracetamol poisoning. However, it has its own disadvantages. This study has been designed to probe into the possibility of an alternative drug for paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity. The objective is to study the hepatoprotective effect of melatonin on paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats. Materials and Methods: After prior approval from the IAEC, 36 albino rats were divided into six groups of six each. Each group received distilled water, paracetamol, paracetamol+N-acetyl cysteine, paracetamol+melatonin, and paracetamol+melatonin+N-acetyl cysteine, respectively. The liver function tests and histopathology of the liver of all the groups were compared. One-way ANOVA and post hoc Dunnett’s test were used. Results: Melatonin alone and in combination with N-acetyl cysteine is found to have significant hepatoprotective effect in paracetamol-induced acute liver injury. Conclusion: The main reason for hepatotoxicity is depletion of glutathione which is essential for conjugating the toxic metabolite N acetyl-p- benzoquinonimine (NAPQI) and CYP2E1 is playing the vital role of being the rate limiting enzyme initiating the cascade of events leading to acetaminophen hepatotoxicity. This is postulated to be reversed by melatonin.

Pulpal Response to the Combined Use of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate and Iloprost for Direct Pulp Capping

Purpose: The present study aims to assess the combined effects of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and iloprost when used as a pulp capping material on pulpal inflammation and tertiary dentin formation compared with MTA and iloprost alone in rat molar teeth. Methods: Eighty maxillary first molar rat teeth were exposed and capped with iloprost solution, MTA, or MTA mixed with iloprost (MTA-iloprost). The cavities were then filled with resin-modified glass ionomer. The cavity was restored with glass ionomer without the use of pulp capping agent in the control group. The rats were sacrificed after one and four weeks. Block sections of the molar specimens were prepared and subjected to hematoxylin and eosin staining for evaluation. Statistical analysis was done using the Kruskal–Wallis test, followed by Dunnett’s test. Results: At week one, the control group showed significantly more severe pulpal inflammatory reactions than the iloprost (p = 0.00), MTA (p = 0.04), and MTA-iloprost (p = 0.00) groups. Hard tissue formation was commonly found in the iloprost, MTA, and MTA-iloprost groups. After four weeks, pulpal tissue degeneration was observed in the control group. Complete hard tissue barriers were found in 50%, 72.7%, and 77.8% of the specimens in iloprost, MTA, and MTA-iloprost groups, respectively, with no significant differences among the experimental groups. The dentinal tubule patterns were mostly regular in the MTA-iloprost group and irregular in the iloprost and MTA groups. Conclusions: The application of iloprost, MTA, and MTA-iloprost as a pulp capping material resulted in similar pulpal responses in the mechanically exposed pulp of rat molars. Therefore, mixing MTA with iloprost might not be clinically significant.

Organic fertilization to increase the productivity of the lima beans (Phaseolus lunatus L.)

The present work had as objective to evaluate the yield of two varieties of fava in function of application of organic compost and dairy waste. The experiment was carried out at the Experimental Farm belonging to the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UFRPE). The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design in a factorial scheme [(2x3) + 4], with two varieties of Lima bean, three forms of organic fertilization plus four additional controls, in three repetitions. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and treatment means, compared by the Tukey test (P <0.05). Dunnett's test was also used for comparisons involving additional witnesses and other treatments. The software used for statistical analysis was SAEG 9.1 and SAS 9.0. Dairy waste was the fertilizer that most contributed to the increase in productivity, making it suitable for use as fertilizer. The Branquinha variety is indicated for production, because it responded better to the types of fertilizers used.

Morphometric evaluation of multirooted artificial teeth used for endodontic training

Introduction Dental practice professionals encounter several urgency cases, mainly related to endodontic problems. To attend to these, professionals need extensive prior preclinical training, being one of the main difficulties the search for models that simulate dental morphology. Aim To compare the external morphometry of multirooted artificial teeth to literature. Material and method The artificial teeth (Upper First Premolar, Upper First Molar and Lower First Molar) were donated by the manufacturers: Fábrica de Sorrisos (FS) and IM do Brasil LTDA (IM), totaling 30 teeth. The total length of the tooth and root, height and buccal-palatal and mesial-distal dimensions of the crown were measured with a digital pachymeter. The data were placed in a spreadsheet and the statistical analysis was performed [ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis and then, Dunnett's test (α=5%)]. Result The Upper Molar samples of the company Fábrica de Sorrisos presented all variables within the morphometric patterns described in the literature. The other dental groups presented statistically significant differences, maintaining or not a certain proportionality. Conclusion Of all the dental groups analyzed, the upper molar from the company Fábrica de Sorrisos was the only one that presented all the external morphometric aspects according to literature.

STUDY OF THE ANXIOLYTIC ACTIVITY OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF ROOT OF ACORUS CALAMUS IN ALBINO MICE

Objective: Anxiety is classified as a form of sub-acute or chronic fear. Root of Acorus calamus has been traditionally used as an anxiolytic. The aim of the study is to assess the anxiolytic activity of ethanolic extract of A. calamus (EEAC) by elevated plus-maze test on Albino mice. Methods: Albino mice of either sex were taken and divided into five groups, each consisting of 5 mice. One group was used as control, one as standard (diazepam), and three as test groups treated with 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg of EEAC. The drugs, that is, 10 ml/kg of normal saline for control, diazepam 2 mg/kg (standard), and 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg EEAC (test groups) were injected intraperitoneally (i.p.), 30 min before placing them in the center of the maze. The preferences of the animal to open/enclosed arm, average time spent in open arm, and numbers of entries in open arm were compared in each group. Data were statistically analyzed by one-way analysis of variance followed by multiple Dunnett’s test. Results: The number of entries in open arm and the average time spent in the open arm by the mice is increased by EEAC in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion: EEAC has anxiolytic activity.

Heparan sulfate functions are altered in the osteoarthritic cartilage

Background Heparan sulfate (HS) proteoglycans (PG) may be found at the chondrocyte surface and in the pericellular cartilage matrix, and are involved in cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. An important function of HS chains is to regulate cell fate through specific interactions with heparin-binding proteins (HBP) modulated by their complex sulfation pattern. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a joint disorder characterized by the degradation of articular cartilaginous extracellular matrix. The aim of this study was to investigate HS structure and functions in osteoarthritic cartilages compared to normal cartilages (controls). Methods Glycosaminoglycans (GAG) were extracted from human macroscopically normal cartilages (controls, n = 7) and (OA cartilages n = 11). HS were isolated and quantified using the DMMB quantification method. Their structure and functions were then compared using respectively a HPLC analysis and HBP binding tests and their phenotypic effects on murine chondrocytes were studied by RQ-PCR. Statistical analyzes were performed using a one-way ANOVA followed by a Dunnett’s test or a t test for pairwise comparisons. Results In OA, HS were characterized by increased sulfation levels compared to controls. Moreover, the capacity of these HS to bind HBP involved in the OA pathophysiological process such as FGF2 and VEGF was reduced. Chondroitin sulfates and keratan sulfates regulated these binding properties. Finally, HS from OA cartilages induced the mRNA levels of catabolic markers such as MMP3, MMP13, and TS4 and inhibited the mRNA levels of anabolic markers such as COL2, ACAN, SOX9, and VEGF in murine articular chondrocytes. Conclusion The sulfation of HS chains was increased in OA cartilages with changes in HBP binding properties and biological effects on chondrocyte phenotypes. Thus, modified HS present in altered cartilages could be a novel therapeutic target in OA.

Marginal and internal fit of provisional crowns fabricated using 3D printing technology

BACKGROUND: Clinicians routinely provide provisional crowns following teeth preparation. Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology could be used over conventional methods for better fit as lack of adequate fit would result in plaque accumulation, micro-leakage, teeth sensitivity, caries and periodontal diseases. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the marginal and internal fit of provisional crowns fabricated using 3D printing technology and to compare it with that of compression molding and milling methods. METHODS: Ninety study models were fabricated by duplicating metal master models of the maxillary first premolar molar with three different finish line chamfer, rounded shoulder and rounded shoulder with bevel. On each study model, provisional crowns were fabricated using compression molding (Mo. group, n= 30 – by over impression technique), milling (Mi. group, n= 30 – by 5-axis dental milling machine), and 3D printing method (3D-P. group, n= 30 – by 3D printer). Marginal and internal fit of the samples were evaluated by measuring gap using a scanning electron microscope with a magnification of 27 ×, at 7 zones A–G on different finish line models. The data were statistically analysed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) at the 0.05 significance level. The p-values were calculated using Dunnett’s test. RESULTS: The marginal gap was minimal for the 3D-P. group for each finish line with lowest for rounded shoulder with bevel at zone A 30.6 ± 5.3 and at zone G 32.8 ± 5.4. In axial area, i.e. zones B and F, the minimum gap was noticed for the Mo. group and in Occlusal area (cusp and fossa), for zones C–E maximum gap was determined in Mi. group followed by Mo. and 3D-P. groups. CONCLUSIONS: 3D printed provisional crowns have better marginal and internal fit compared to milled and molded provisional crowns.