Depression and anxiety disorders in patients with multiple sclerosis: association with neurodegeneration and neurofilaments

There is increasing evidence that neurofilament light chain (NF-L) can be considered as a biomarker for neuro-axonal damage. This polypeptide can be released into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and the blood, where it can be quantified. The concentration of NF-L is elevated in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and psychiatric disorders. We aimed to investigate the NF-L levels in the CSF from treated MS patients and the relationship with depression or anxiety. The study involved three groups: control group (individuals without inflammation), the relapse-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS)-untreated group, and the RRMS-Fingo group (RRMS patients who were treated with fingolimod). MS disability was assessed by the Expanded Disability Status Scale, and depression and anxiety were evaluated by a neuropsychologist, using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Beck Depression Inventory-II, and the Beck Anxiety Inventory. Individual CSF samples were collected to measure NF-L levels. The results of the statistical analysis on levels of NF-L in the CSF of control subjects, RRMS-untreated patients, and RRMS-Fingo patients were significant. The relationship between depression and anxiety in RRMS-Fingo patients and NF-L levels was not statistically significant. In conclusion, MS events such as anxiety and depression appear to contribute to the onset of clinical relapses, subclinical cases, and neurodegeneration.     

Development of a model of soft tissue simulation using ballistic gelatin for CBCT acquisitions related to dentomaxillofacial radiology research

Objectives:To present the ballistic gelatin as a new material capable of simulating the soft tissues in cone-beam CT (CBCT) images.Methods:CBCT images of three piglet heads were acquired with their soft tissues intact (standard group). Subsequently, the piglet heads were fixed in a container using metallic pins and moulded with acrylic resin; the soft tissues were then removed and replaced by ballistic gelatin, with the same thickness of the original soft tissues. The images were evaluated by two oral radiologists, to check the adaptation on bone surfaces, thickness and density, penetration into large bone cavities and cancellous bone, and the presence of air bubbles using a 5-score scale. Additionally, an objective analysis was carried out by one oral radiologist. For each CBCT scan, three axial reconstructions were selected to represent the mandibular, occlusal, and maxillary levels. The mean and standard deviation (SD) of the grey values were calculated in four regions of interest determined on soft tissue areas and compared by two-way ANOVA.Results:The ballistic gelatin showed subjective scores ranging from good to excellent for all parameters evaluated. There was no significant difference in the mean and SD values of the grey values between ballistic gelatin and the gold standard groups for all levels (p > 0.05). Higher SD values were observed in the occlusal level for both groups (p < 0.05).Conclusions:Ballistic gelatin has visual and objective similarity with the gold standard. Thus, the ballistic gelatin is a promising material capable of simulating soft tissues in CBCT images.     

Development and characterization of a new chitosan-based scaffold associated with gelatin,microparticulate dentin and genipin for endodontic regeneration

ObjectiveAn ideal scaffold for endodontic regeneration should allow the predictableness of the new tissue organization and limit the negative impact of residual bacteria. Therefore, composition and functionalization of the scaffold play an important role in tissue bioengineering. The objective of this study was to assess the morphological, physicochemical, biological and antimicrobial properties of a new solid chitosan-based scaffold associated with gelatin, microparticulate dentin and genipin.MethodsScaffolds based on chitosan (Ch); chitosan associated with gelatin and genipin (ChGG); and chitosan associated with gelatin, microparticulate dentin and genipin (ChGDG) were prepared by using the freeze-drying method. The morphology of the scaffolds was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The physicochemical properties were assessed for biodegradation, swelling and total released proteins. The biological aspects of the scaffolds were assessed using human cells from the apical papilla (hCAPs). Cell morphology and adhesion to the scaffolds were evaluated by SEM, cytotoxicity and cell proliferation by MTT reduction-assay. Cell differentiation in scaffolds was assessed by using alizarin red assay. The antimicrobial effect of the scaffolds was evaluated by using the bacterial culture method, and bacterial adhesion to the scaffolds was observed by SEM.ResultsAll the scaffolds presented porous structures. The ChCDG had more protein release, adhesion, proliferation and differentiation of hCAPs, and bacteriostatic effect on Enterococcus faecalis than Ch and ChGG (p < 0.05).SignificanceThe chitosan associated with gelatin, microparticulate dentin and genipin has morphological, physicochemical, biological and antibacterial characteristics suitable for their potential use as scaffold in regenerative endodontics.     

Access to original canal trajectory after deviation and perforation with guided endodontic assistance

Procedural accidents are eventualities that may occur during endodontic treatment because of lack of attention to detail or even unforeseeable situations. Knowledge of the root canal anatomy and its variations is a prerequisite for successful endodontic treatment. This case report describes an endodontic treatment where there was an intercurrence, generating deviation and perforation, which was solved with the aid of guided endodontics. A 37 years old, ASA1, was referred to the clinic for localisation and treatment of a calcified canal of the second right upper premolar. The tomographic images revealed the presence of only one canal and deviation with apical perforation. With the help of CBCT and CAD/CAM, it was possible to perform the guided access technique even after deviation and root perforation. Once again, this technique proved to be safe and predictable, allowing for a favourable prognosis in the long term.     

Primary versus post-treatment apical periodontitis: microbial composition,lipopolysaccharides and lipoteichoic acid levels,signs and symptoms

Clinical Oral Investigations - To compare the microbial load and composition and to determine the lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and lipoteichoic acid (LTA) concentrations found in primary apical...     

Mitigation of Cd toxicity by Mn in young plants of cacao,evaluated by the proteomic profiles of leaves and roots

Cd is a non-essential metal and highly toxic to plants, animals and humans, even at very low concentrations. Cd has been found in cocoa beans and in their products, as in the case of chocolate. Mn plays an important role in photosynthetic and can interact with Cd and attenuate its toxic effects on plants. The objective of this work was to evaluate the mechanisms of Mn response in the mitigation of Cd toxicity in young plants of the CCN 51 cacao genotype submitted to 0.8?mmol?Cd kg^?1, 1.6?mmol Mn kg^?1 or the combination of 0.4?mmol?Cd kg^?1?+?0.8?mmol Mn kg^?1 soil, together with the control treatment (without addition of Cd and Mn in soil), by means of analysis of changes in the profile of exclusive proteins (EP) and differentially accumulated proteins (DAP). Leaf and root proteins were extracted and quantified from the different treatments, followed by proteomic analysis. About eight DAP and 38 EP were identified in leaves, whereas in roots 43 DAP and 21 EP were identified. Some important proteins induced in the presence of Cd and repressed in the presence of Cd?+?Mn or vice versa, were ATPases, isoflavone reductase, proteasome and chaperonin. It was concluded that proteins involved in oxidoreduction and defense and stress response processes, in addition to other processes, were induced in the presence of Cd and repressed in the presence of Cd?+?Mn. This demonstrated that Mn was able to mitigate the toxic effects of Cd on young plants of the CCN 51 cocoa genotype.