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Cell surface proteins are excellent targets for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. By using bioinformatics tools, we generated a catalog of 3,702 transmembrane proteins located at the surface of human cells (human cell surfaceome). We explored the genetic diversity of the human cell surfaceome at different levels, including the distribution of polymorphisms, conservation among eukaryotic species, and patterns of gene expression. By integrating expression information from a variety of sources, we were able to identify surfaceome genes with a restricted expression in normal tissues and/or differential expression in tumors, important characteristics for putative tumor targets. A high-throughput and efficient quantitative real-time PCR approach was used to validate 593 surfaceome genes selected on the basis of their expression pattern in normal and tumor samples. A number of candidates were identified as potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets for colorectal tumors and glioblastoma. Several candidate genes were also identified as coding for cell surface cancer/testis antigens. The human cell surfaceome will serve as a reference for further studies aimed at characterizing tumor targets at the surface of human cells.

Treatment of complex craniofacial deformities is still a challenge for medicine and dentistry because few approach therapies are available on the market that allow rehabilitation using 3D-printed medical devices. Thus, this study aims to create a scaffold with a morphology that simulates bone tissue, able to create a favorable environment for the development and differentiation of osteogenic cells. Moreover, its association with Plenum Guide, through cell-based tissue engineering (ASCs) for guided bone regeneration in critical rat calvarial defects. The manufacturing and characterization of 3D-printed β-TCP scaffolds for experimental surgery was performed. Nine male rats were divided into three groups: β-TCP + PDO membrane (TCP/PG), β-TCP/ASCs + PDO membrane (TCPasc/PG), and β-TCP/ASCs + PDO membrane/ASCs (TCPasc/PGasc). A surgical defect with a 5-mm diameter was performed in the right parietal bone, and the defect was filled with the 3D-printed β-TCP scaffold and PDO membrane with or without ASCs. The animals were euthanized 7, 14, and 30 days after the surgical procedure for histomorphometric and immunolabeling analyses. 3D-printed β-TCP scaffolds were created with a 404 ± 0.0238 μm gyroid macro-pore and, the association to cell-based therapy promotes, especially in the TCPasc/PGasc group, a bone area formation at the defect border region and the center of the defect. The use of 3D-printed β-TCP scaffolds and PDO membranes associated with cell-based therapy could improve and accelerate guided bone regeneration, promoting an increase in osteogenic capacity and reducing the time involved in the bone formation process. Moreover, using ASCs optimized the bioceramics by increasing its osteoinductive and osteoprogenitor capacity and, even with the resorption of the printed scaffold, aided as a scaffold for mesenchymal cell differentiation, as well as in bone tissue formation.

SummaryThis study evaluated the peri-implant bone repair in orchiectomized rats receiving intermittently PTH 1-34. The treatment returned the bone quality and quantity of the animals to normal in the computerized microtomography, laser confocal microscopy, and histological analysis. The PTH 1-34 promoted marked bone formation with increased volume, improved quality, and greater bone turnover.IntroductionOsteoporosis can be a problem in implant osseointegration. So this study aimed to evaluate the quantity and quality of peri-implant bone repair in orchiectomized Wistar rats receiving intermittently administered PTH 1-34.MethodsAnimals (n = 24) were divided into 3 groups: healthy control (SHAM), orchiectomized (ORQ), and orchiectomized and treated with 0.5 μg/kg/day PTH 1-34 (TERI), and each received an implant in the right and left tibial metaphysis, which was allowed to repair for 60 days. The resultant bone formation was evaluated through computerized microtomography (micro-CT) to compare the percent bone volume (BV/TV), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), trabecular number and separation (Tb.N, Tb.Sp), and bone implant contact (BIC) through the intersection surface (i.S) between groups. Laser confocal microscopy was used to evaluate fluorochrome areas for mineral apposition rate (MAR) and neoformed bone area (NBA). In addition, histological evaluation of calcified tissues with Stevenel blue and alizarin red staining was performed.ResultsTreatment with PTH 1-34 returned the bone quality and quantity of the osteoporotic animal to normal, as the TERI group presented statistically significant higher values for BV/TV, Tb.Th, and BIC parameters compared with ORQ (p < 0.05), but when compared with SHAM (p > 0.05), no statistical difference was noted. In addition, in the bone turnover analysis (MAR, NBA) for TERI, the highest results are presented, followed by SHAM, and then ORQ (TERI × ORQ: p < 0.05).ConclusionsIntermittent treatment with PTH 1-34 on orchiectomized animals promoted marked bone formation with increased volume, improved quality, and greater bone turnover in the peri-implant space, returning the bone quality and quantity to the present standard in healthy animals.

Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) is a pathogen that causes diarrhea that can be subdivided into typical (tEPEC) and atypical (aEPEC), based on the production of an adhesin termed Bundle-Forming Pilus (BFP) in the former group. aEPEC is one of the main bacterial pathogens isolated from individuals with diarrhea, and some serotypes have been implicated in diarrheal outbreaks in Brazil, such as the O2:H16. A comparative genomic analysis of aEPEC of this serotype led to the identification of a gene encoding a previously uncharacterized autotransporter protein. In the present study, this novel autotransporter protein was characterized and named EPEC Autotransporter Adhesin (Eaa). The Eaa-encoding gene ( eaa ) is located in a chromosomal prophage region of 17,014 base pairs, organized in 20 open reading frames and inserted downstream to the threonine-tRNA. A recombinant plasmid termed pIC (pBAD/ Myc -His A harboring the eaa gene from aEPEC BA92) was transformed in the MS427 host bacteria, and the MS427(pIC) was used in phenotypic assays. Immunogold-labelling transmission electron microscopy, using anti-Eaa antibodies, showed the presence of Eaa in the cell surface of the wild-type BA92 and MS427(pIC) strains. Subsequently, we demonstrated that Eaa mediates bacterial autoaggregation, biofilm formation and binding to several components of the extracellular matrix, including fibrinogen, plasma and cellular fibronectin, type I, III as well as V collagen and laminin. In summary, we demonstrated that Eaa harbors several adherence properties and may contribute to the pathogenicity of some aEPEC isolates by mediating the interaction of this pathogen with biotic and abiotic surfaces.

In Brazil, several silicic rocks can be used as powder-based K sources, which can reduce production costs in agriculture. The optimized supply of K not only increases yield but also contributes to soil fertility preservation and long-term sustainability by curtailing nutrient losses and reducing the risk of nutrient imbalances. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of K application timing, source, and doses on nodulation, productive components, and productivity of soybeans in a not-tillage system in the Savannah. The experiment was carried out in the field, for two years, in an Oxisol, with a clayey texture. The experimental design was in random blocks, in a 2 × 4 × 3 factorial scheme, as follows: two application timings (early and sowing), four K2O rates (0, 40, 80, and 120 kg ha−1), and three sources (KCl, Potasil, and Ekosil), with four replicates. Potassium fertilizer was broadcasted on the soil without incorporation into the soil. Due to the interactions between doses and K2O sources, there was a linear adjustment for KCl sources, the higher the dose, the lower the nodule mass. Also, for nodule mass, the interaction between dose and application time was significant for the early application of the Ecosil and Potasil sources for 80 kg ha−1. The highest estimated soybean grain productivity was 3262 kg ha−1 with 78 kg ha−1 of K2O, being the most suitable for growing soybeans under a no-tillage system.

In this work, the variation in the structural and electrical properties of lithium-doped sodium titanate, obtained from an ultrafast (15 min) microwave-assisted synthesis has been reported. X-ray diffraction and Rietveld analysis have been done to identify the present phases, their composition, and lattice parameters. Na 2 Ti 3 O 7 was identified as the major phase, while Na 2 Ti 6 O 13 was obtained as a secondary phase in all samples. The phase composition usually varies depending on the content of the doping element. In the sample with 0.5% lithium ions, an additional phase corresponding to NaLiTi 3 O 7 appeared. The microstructure of the ceramic samples showed an increase in the grains size and the appearance of small particles on the surface of the grains. This effect becomes more evident for the samples with 0.5% Li. Finally, the electrical properties of the ceramic samples studied were favored with an increase in doping and σ dc values of 1.94 × 10 − 5  S cm − 1 , 2.51 × 10 − 5  S cm − 1 , and 4.00 × 10 − 5  S cm − 1 were determined for Na 2 − x Li x Ti 3 O 7 with x  = 0.0%, 0.1%, 0.5% of Li + .

This study investigates the influence of sintering temperature on the structural and magnetic properties of Y 3 Fe 4,97 La 0,03 O 12 , elucidating the nucleation and growth mechanisms related to temperature. Through meticulous X-ray diffraction analysis, we confirmed the formation of a single YIG phase at 900 °C. Conversely, samples sintered at 1000 °C and 1100 °C reveal the presence of a second phase, attributed to YFeO 3 , highlighting the complex interaction between sintering temperature and material morphology. Moreover, magnetic characterization details how sintering temperatures directly influence the magnetic moment and saturation magnetization of the nanoparticles, presenting significant fluctuations in magnetic properties due to the presence of the secondary phase. This work not only sheds light on the subtle relationship between lanthanum doping, sintering temperature, and the resulting magnetic properties but also paves the way for fine-tuning these properties in advanced materials for specific technological applications.

Pt/C, Rh/C and PtRh/C electrocatalysts with different Pt:Rh atomic ratios supported on Vulcan XC 72 carbon were prepared using borohydride as reducing agent and tested for ethanol electro-oxidation in alkaline medium. X-ray diffraction patterns showed the formation of PtRh alloy. Transmission electron micrographs showed the nanoparticles with particle sizes between 3 and 6 nm for all materials. Electrochemical experiments showed PtRh/C (50:50) the most promising material for ethanol electro-oxidation; however, in situ ATR-FTIR experiments was observed that the ethanol oxidation is incomplete due to the formation of acetate and carbonate.

The Amazon Basin plays key roles in the carbon and water cycles, climate change, atmospheric chemistry, and biodiversity. It has already been changed significantly by human activities, and more pervasive change is expected to occur in the coming decades. It is therefore essential to establish long-term measurement sites that provide a baseline record of present-day climatic, biogeochemical, and atmospheric conditions and that will be operated over coming decades to monitor change in the Amazon region, as human perturbations increase in the future. The Amazon Tall Tower Observatory (ATTO) has been set up in a pristine rain forest region in the central Amazon Basin, about 150 km northeast of the city of Manaus. Two 80 m towers have been operated at the site since 2012, and a 325 m tower is nearing completion in mid-2015. An ecological survey including a biodiversity assessment has been conducted in the forest region surrounding the site. Measurements of micrometeorological and atmospheric chemical variables were initiated in 2012, and their range has continued to broaden over the last few years. The meteorological and micrometeorological measurements include temperature and wind profiles, precipitation, water and energy fluxes, turbulence components, soil temperature profiles and soil heat fluxes, radiation fluxes, and visibility. A tree has been instrumented to measure stem profiles of temperature, light intensity, and water content in cryptogamic covers. The trace gas measurements comprise continuous monitoring of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, methane, and ozone at five to eight different heights, complemented by a variety of additional species measured during intensive campaigns (e.g., VOC, NO, NO2, and OH reactivity). Aerosol optical, microphysical, and chemical measurements are being made above the canopy as well as in the canopy space. They include aerosol light scattering and absorption, fluorescence, number and volume size distributions, chemical composition, cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) concentrations, and hygroscopicity. In this paper, we discuss the scientific context of the ATTO observatory and present an overview of results from ecological, meteorological, and chemical pilot studies at the ATTO site.