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Molybdate (Mo+) supplements can suppress or enhance nematode infections in ruminants, depending on exposure level, but there have been no investigations in non-ruminants. Three groups of 16 mature rats were each fed a commercial diet and given Mo+ (10 mg Mo/l), tungstate (a molybdenum [Mo] antagonist) (MoO4, 350 mg W/l) or no supplement (C) via drinking water for 40 days before acute infection with 3,600 Nippostrongylus brasiliensis larvae. Group Mo- also received allopurinol (1 g/l), a molybdenoenzyme inhibitor, from 4 days post infection (dpi). Subgroups of four rats from each group were killed at 7-14 dpi. A group of six rats was left untreated and uninfected and subgroups killed 10 or 12 dpi. Infection reduced intakes of food and water but impacts were greatest in group Mo-. Median worm counts in groups C, Mo- and Mo+ were 900, 941 and 510, respectively, at 7 dpi and 9, 40 and 0 (P = 0.05) at 10 dpi. Median faecal egg counts were consistently lowest in group Mo+. Worm weight was reduced (P <0.05), worm tissue protease increased and superoxide dismutase activities increased in worm (P < 0.01) and host duodenal homogenates (P < 0.01) from group Mo+. In group Mo-, liver Mo concentration decreased, duodenal xanthine oxidoreductase activity (DXOR) became totally inhibited and plasma uric acid was barely detectable at 10 dpi. Plasma mast cell protease activity and duodenal malonyldialdehyde concentrations, markers of inflammation, were increased by nematode infection (P <0.001) but unaffected by water treatments. Liver Mo, liver copper (Cu) and plasma Cu concentrations were increased in group Mo+ and plasma Cu concentration was increased in group Mo- suggesting systemic exposure to partially thiolated MoO4 and WO4. Supplementary MoO4 impaired larval establishment and changed parasite biochemistry without affecting the inflammatory response to infection but may have required partial thiolation to do so. Rats did not rely on DXOR activity to expel N. brasiliensis.

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Background: Pathogenic microorganisms are causing increasing cases of mortality and morbidity, along with alarming rates of ineffectiveness as a result of acquired antimicrobial resistance. Bi2WO6 showed good potential to be used as an antibacterial substance when exposed to visible light. This study demonstrates for the first time the dimension-dependent antibacterial activity of layered Bi2WO6 nanosheets. Materials and methods: The synthesized layered Bi2WO6 nanosheets were prepared by the hydrothermal method and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Antibacterial and antibiotic-modulation activities were performed in triplicate by the microdilution method associated with visible light irradiation (LEDs). Results: Bi2WO6 nanosheets were effective against all types of bacteria tested, with MIC values of 256 µg/mL against Escherichia coli standard and resistant strains, and 256 µg/mL and 32 µg/mL against Staphylococcus aureus standard and resistant strains, respectively. Two-dimensional (2D) Bi2WO6 nanosheets showed antibacterial efficiency against both strains studied without the presence of light. Conclusions: Layered Bi2WO6 nanosheets revealed dimension-dependent antibacterial activity of the Bi2WO6 system.

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A little-studied p-type ternary oxide semiconductor, copper(I) tungstate (Cu2WO4), was assessed by a combined theoretical/experimental approach. A detailed computational study was performed to solve the long-standing debate on the space group of Cu2WO4, which was determined to be triclinic P1. Cu2WO4 was synthesized by a time-efficient, arc-melting method, and the crystalline reddish particulate product showed broad-band absorption in the UV-visible spectral region, thermal stability up to ∼260 °C, and cathodic photoelectrochemical activity. Controlled thermal oxidation of copper from the Cu(I) to Cu(II) oxidation state showed that the crystal lattice could accommodate Cu2+ cations up to ∼260 °C, beyond which the compound was converted to CuO and CuWO4. This process was monitored by powder X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The electronic band structure of Cu2WO4 was contrasted with that of the Cu(II) counterpart, CuWO4 using spin-polarized density functional theory (DFT). Finally, the compound Cu2WO4 was determined to have a high-lying (negative potential) conduction band edge underlining its promise for driving energetic photoredox reactions.

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OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to produce sol-gel derived calcium silicate particles (CS) and evaluate the influence of different concentration of calcium tungstate in the physical, chemical, mechanical and biological properties of developed cements. METHODS: Sol-gel route were used to synthesize calcium silicate particles that were characterized with x-ray difraction, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, laser diffraction and nitrogen absorption. Cements were formulated with the addition of different concentrations of calcium tungstate (CaWO4), resulting in four experimental groups according to the CS:CaWO4 ratio: CS100 (100:0), CS90 (90:10), CS80 (80:20), CS70 (70:30). The setting time, radiopacity, compressive strength, pH, calcium release, cell proliferation and cell differentiation were used to characterize the cements. RESULTS: CS particles were succesfully sinthesized. The addition of CaWO4 increased the radiopacity and did not influenced the setting time and the mechanical properties of cements. The pH of distilled water was increased for all groups and the CS100 and CS90 groups presented incresed calcium release. Reduced cell viability was found for CS70 while CS100 and CS90 presented higher ALP activity and % of mineralized nodules after 21 days. SIGNIFICANCE: Sol-gel derived CS particles were sucssfully developed with potential to applied for the production of bioactive ceramic cements. The addition of 10% of CaWO4 resulted in cements with adequate properties and bioactivity being an alternative for regenerative endodontic treatments.

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Diabetes is a complex metabolic disorder triggered by the deficient secretion of insulin by pancreatic ß cells, the resistance of peripheral tissues to the action of the hormone, or both, and is characterized by chronic hyperglycemia leading to organ damage and failure. Tight glycemic control represents the best therapy to delay or stop progression of diabetes, with many antidiabetic drugs being commercially available nowadays. However, no ideal normoglycemic agent has been developed as yet, and those already available still induce hypoglycemia and/or weight gain as major side effects, worsening glycemic control. In this respect, the inorganic salt sodium tungstate (Na2 WO4 ) has been proven to offer a good antidiabetic alternative in different animal models of diabetes, reducing body weight and normalizing glycemia without causing hypoglycemic episodes. The mechanisms of action mediating the potent antidiabetic actions but also the spectrum of undesirable effects of Na2 WO4 are still poorly understood. In fact, along with its beneficial effects, Na2 WO4 has been consistently reported to be toxic and even carcinogenic. Given that Na2 WO4 is accumulated in the kidneys for elimination, here, we discuss a possible association between long-term Na2 WO4 treatment and a higher risk of renal carcinogenesis in diabetic individuals.

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The loss of the modulator role of the endothelium could be involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic vascular complications. Transition metal compounds, such as tungsten and vanadium, have been proposed as possible agents in the treatment of diabetes by simulating the effects of insulin. The mesenteric vascular bed intervenes in vascular resistance and is a source of vasoactive compounds, such as prostanoids. The aim of this work was to study the effects of sodium tungstate and vanadyl sulphate treatments on the metabolic parameters and the release of prostanoids of the mesenteric vascular bed in an experimental model of Streptozotocin-induced diabetes. In diabetic rats, a significant increase was observed in plasma levels of glucose, triglycerides and total cholesterol. On the other hand, there was a significant reduction in the release of vasodilator prostanoids, such as prostacyclin and prostaglandin E2 and vasoconstrictor thromboxane A2 through the mesenteric vascular bed. Both sodium tungstate and vanadyl sulphate normalised glycaemia, triglyceridaemia and cholesterolaemia in rats diabetics. On the other hand, only treatment with sodium tungstate reversed the reduction in the release of vasodilator prostanoids, improving in diabetic animals the prostacyclin/thromboxane ratio, an indicator of vascular dysfunction. In conclusion, unlike vanadyl sulphate, sodium tungstate is shown to be more effective in controlling metabolic changes and the production of vasodilator prostanoids observed in experimental diabetes induced by streptozotocin.

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Angiogenesis, the complex process of formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing blood vessels, which involves the participation of several pro- and anti-angiogenic factors, is implicated in many physiological and pathological conditions. Nanoparticle-based anti-angiogenic activity at the tumour tissue, harnessed by the Enhanced Permeability and Retention Effect (EPR effect), could potentially become a breakthrough therapy to halt tumour progression. Herein, we evaluate the anti-angiogenic effect of ZnWO4 nanoparticles (NPs). The nanoparticles were obtained by microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis (MAHS) at 120 °C for 60 min and were structurally characterised by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and micro-Raman (MR) spectroscopy. The mean size and polydispersity index were estimated by Zeta potential analysis. The XRD analysis revealed structural organisation at a long-range order, with an average crystallite size of around 3.67 nm, while MR revealed short-range order for ZnWO4. The anti-angiogenic potential of zinc tungstate nanoparticles was investigated through the chorioallantoic membrane assay (CAM) using fertilised chicken eggs. We demonstrate, in an unprecedented way, that nanocrystalline ZnWO4 NPs obtained by MAHS, at low reaction temperatures, showed excellent anti-angiogenic properties even at low concentrations. The ZnWO4 NPs were further evaluated for its cytotoxicity in vitro.

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Objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar algumas propriedades físicas, químicas, comportamento biológico em tecido subcutâneo de ratos e caracterísitcas superficiais do cimento Portland (CP) associado a diferentes radiopacificadores (óxido de bismuto (OB), tungstato de cálcio (TC) e óxido de zircônio (OZ). As propriedades físicas analisadas foram radiopacidade, tempo de presa, solubilidade e características superficiais, enquanto que às químicas foram pH e liberação de ions cálcio, e a biocompatibilidade foi analisada in vivo em tecido subcutâneo de rato. A metodologia para a realização das propriedades físicas, foram as recomendadas pela ISO 6876/2001 e n.57 ADA/2000, com pequena modificação para o tempo de presa que além da agulha com peso de l00g foi utilizado também agulha com peso de 453,6 para determinação do tempo de presa final conforme norma da ASTM. As características superficiais foram realizadas em microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Para o pH e liberação de íons cálcio, os materiais foram acondicionados em dente de acrílico com cavidades retrógradas e imersos em 15 mL de água MilliQ. Nos períodos de 3, 24, 72 e 168 horas os dentes eram trocados de frasco e mensurou-se seu pH por meio de pHmetro e cálcio com uso de espectrofotômetro de absorção atômica da água que o material estava imerso. Para a biocompatibilidade os materiais foram colocados em tubos de polietileno e implantados no dorso de 15 ratos, que foram mortos após 7, 15 e 30 dias da implantação. Os dados foram comparados estatisitcamente pelo teste de Kruskal-Wallis e Miller ou ANOVA e tukey, dependendo da normalidade ou não dos dados, sendo empregado nível de significância foi de 5%. Os resultados mostraram diferença significante (P<0,05) para o tempo de presa inicial entre todos os materiais, enquanto que no tempo de presa final só não ocorreu diferença (P>0,05) entre o óxido de bismuto e tungstato de cálcio...

The aims of this study were to evaluate some physicochemical properties, subcutaneous tissue response and scanning electron microscope surface characteristics related to Portland cementassociated with the following radiopacifiersagents: bismuth oxide (BO), calcium tungstate (CT) and zirconium oxide (ZO). The physical properties evaluated were: radiopacity, setting time, solubility and scanning electron microscope study of the cements surface. The chemical properties evaluated were: pH and calcium íon release. The biocompatibility test was performed in subcutaneous tissue of rats. For the study of the physical properties, the methodologies ISO 6876/2001 e n.57 ADA/2000SO with slight variations for the setting time test were used. For the setting time test the 100g needle was used. Determination of the final setting time was performed also using the 453,6g needle according to the ASTM criteria. The surface characteristics were studied using scanning electron microscopy. For the pH and calcium ion release tests, the samples were inserted into root-end cavities prepared in acrylic teeth. Immediately, after being filled, all specimens were immersed in 15 mL of Milli-Q water. Evaluations were performed at periods of 3 hours, 24 hours, 72 hours, and 168 hours for assessment of the pH and calcium ion release. After each measurement, the specimens were moved to new tubes containing fresh MiIIi-Q water. The measurements were carried out using a pH meter. The calcium ions release was measured using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer equipped with a calcium-specific hollow cathode lamp. To evaluate the biocompatibility polyethylene tubes were filled with the samples and implanted into the subcutaneous tissue of 15 rats. The biological response was evaluated at 7, 15 and 30 days. The data was statistically compared using the kruskal-wlilis and Miller test or by using the ANOVA-Tukey test, according to the presence or absence of normal distribution...

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