Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis evolution was not modified by multiple infections with Strongyloides venezuelensis

P>According to the hygiene hypothesis, the increased incidence of allergic and autoimmune diseases in developed countries is mainly explained by the decreased contact between the human population and certain environmental agents as lactobacillus, mycobacteria and helminths. In this study, we evaluated the effect of multiple infections with Strongyloides venezuelensis on the development of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in Lewis rats. Multiple infections before EAE induction were not able to change the evolution of the disease. No alterations were observed in weight loss, clinical score and inflammation intensity at the central nervous system. The presence of significant levels of parasite-specific IgG1 but not IgG2b suggested a Th2 polarization. However, the percentage and absolute number of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T cells were not changed, being their levels in the spleen and lymph nodes of infected rats comparable to the ones found in normal animals. These results suggest that a Th2-polarized response without concomitant expansion of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells was not able to modify EAE progression. Even though these results do not threaten the hygiene hypothesis, they suggest that this paradigm might be an oversimplification. They also emphasize the need of a study to compare the immunoregulatory ability associated with different helminth spp.

Number of expressed cancer/testis antigens identifies focal adhesion pathway genes as possible targets for multiple myeloma therapy

Considering that the importance of cancer/testis (CT) antigens in multiple myeloma (MM) biology is still under investigation, the present study aimed to: (1) identify genes differentially expressed in MM using microarray analysis of plasma cell samples, separated according to the number of expressed CTs; (2) examine possible pathways related to MM pathogenesis; (3) validate the expression of candidate genes by quantitative real-time PCR (RQ-PCR). Three samples predominantly positive (>6 expressed), including the U266 cell line, and three samples predominantly negative (0 or 1 expressed CT for the 13 analyzed CT antigens), were submitted for microarray analysis. Validation by RQ-PCR from 24 MM samples showed that the ITGAS gene was downregulated in predominantly positive (>6 expressed CTs, p = 0.0030) and in tumor versus normal plasma cells (p = 0.0182). The RhoD gene was overexpressed in tumor plasma cells when compared to normal plasma cells (p = 0.0339). Results of the microarray analysis corroborate the hypothesis that MM could be separated into predominantly positive and predominantly negative expression. The differential expression of ITGA5 and RhoD suggests disruption of the focal adhesion pathway in MM and offers a new target field to be explored in this disease.

Multiple imaging radiography at LNLS

An analyzer-based X-ray phase-contrast imaging (ABI) setup has been mounted at the Brazilian Synchrotron Light Laboratory (LNLS) for multiple imaging radiography (MIR) purposes. The algorithm employed for treating the MIR data collected at LNLS is described, and its reliability in extracting the distinct types of contrast that can be obtained with MIR is demonstrated by analyzing a test sample (thin polyamide wire). As a practical application, the possibility of studying ophthalmic tissues, corneal sequestra in this case, via MIR is investigated. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effects of individual housing on behavior and resistance to Ehrlich tumor growth in mice

This study analyzed in Balb/C mice the effects of individual housing on behavior, serum corticosterone and resistance to Ehrlich tumor growth. Mice (60 days old) were individually (IH) or grouped housed (G) (10-12 animals/cage) for 14-21 days. The 1st day of the housing condition was considered experimental day 1 (ED1). Results showed that on ED21, IH mice, when compared to G mice, presented no differences on corticosterone serum levels when kept undisturbed; however, an increased level of this hormone was observed in IH mice after an immobilization stress challenge. An increased time spent in the plus-maze closed arms and a decreased time in the open arms were also observed in IH mice. When compared to G animals, after inoculation with 105 Ehrlich tumor cells on ED1, IH mice presented an increase in volume of ascitic fluid and number of tumor cells. The survival time of IH mice was also shorter than that measured in G animals. Furthermore, IH mice injected with a different number of tumor cells on ED1 always presented increased Ehrlich tumor cells than G group. Interestingly. these effects were not observed when the tumor cells injection was done on ED4. These results suggest that individual-housing conditions induce an altered immune-endocrine response and, at the same time, decrease animals` resistance to Ehrlich tumor growth. It is proposed that the neural link between the behavioral and immunological changes observed after the stress of individual housing might involve the activation of the HPA axis. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Cyclic Fatigue Resistance of Rotary Nickel-Titanium Instruments Submitted to Nitrogen Ion Implantation

Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess cyclic fatigue resistance in rotary nickel-titanium instruments submitted to nitrogen ion implantation by using a custom-made cyclic fatigue testing apparatus. Methods: Thirty K3 files, size #25, taper 0.04, were divided into 3 experimental groups as follows: group A, 12 files exposed to nitrogen ion implantation at a dose of 2.5 x 10(17) ions/cm(2), accelerating voltage of 200 kV, currents of 1 mu A/cm(2), 130 degrees C temperature, and vacuum conditions of 10 x 10(-6) torr for 6 hours; group B, 12 nonimplanted files; and group C, 6 files submitted to thermal annealing for 6 hours at 130 degrees C. One extra file was used for process control. All files were submitted to a cyclic fatigue test that was performed with an apparatus that allowed the instruments to rotate freely, simulating rotary instrumentation of a curved canal (40-degree, 5-mm radius curve). An electric motor handpiece was used with a contra-angle of 16:1 at an operating speed of 300 rpm and a torque of 2 N-cm. Time to failure was recorded with a stopwatch in seconds and subsequently converted to number of cycles to fracture. Data were analyzed with the Student t test (P < .05). Results: Ion-implanted instruments reached significantly higher cycle numbers before fracture (mean, 510 cycles) when compared with annealed (mean, 428 cycles) and nonimplanted files (mean, 381 cycles). Conclusions: Our results showed that nitrogen ion implantation improves cyclic fatigue resistance in rotary nickel-titanium instruments. Industrial implementation. of this surface modification technique would produce rotary nickel-titanium instruments with a longer working life. (J Endod 2010;36:1183-1186)

Caries Resistance of Lased Human Root Surface with 10.6 mu m CO(2) Laser-Thermal, Morphological, and Microhardness Analysis

Although the cariostatic effects of CO(2) laser on enamel have been shown, its effects on root surface demineralization remains uncertain. The objectives of this in vitro research was to establish safe parameters for a pulsed 10.6 mu m CO(2) laser and to evaluate its effect on morphological features of the root surface, as well as on the reduction of root demineralization. Ninety-five human root surfaces were randomly divided into five groups: G1-No treatment (control); G2-2.5 J/cm(2); G3-4.0 J/cm(2); G4-5.0 J/cm(2); and G5-6.0 J/cm(2). Intrapulpal temperature was evaluated during root surface irradiation by a thermocouple and morphological changes were evaluated by SEM. After the surface treatment, the specimens were submitted to a 7-day pH-cycling model. Subsequently, the cross-sectional Knoop microhardness values were measured. For all irradiated groups, intrapulpal temperature changes were less than 1.5 degrees C. Scanning electron microscopy images indicated that fluences as low as 4.0 J/cm(2) were sufficient to induce morphological changes in the root surface. Additionally, for fluences reaching or exceeding 4.0 J/cm(2), laser-induced inhibitory effects on root surface demineralization were observed. It was concluded that laser energy density in the range of 4.0 to 6.0 J/cm(2) could be applied to a dental root to reduce demineralization of this surface without compromising pulp vitality.

Fluoride uptake and acid resistance of enamel irradiated with Er : YAG laser

This study evaluated the resistance to demineralization and fluoride incorporation of enamel irradiated with Er:YAG. A total of 110 bovine teeth were selected and divided into eight groups: unlased, 37% phosphoric acid, and samples irradiated with the Er:YAG laser at several fluences (31.84 J/cm(2), 25.47 J/cm(2), 19.10 J/cm(2), 2.08 J/cm(2), 1.8 J/cm(2), and 0.9 J/cm(2)). The application of acidulated phosphate fluoride was performed after treatments. All samples were immersed in 2 ml of 2.0 M acetic-acetate acid solution at pH 4.5 for 8 h, and fluoride, calcium, and phosphorus ions dissolved were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry and spectrophotometry. The phosphoric acid and 31.84 J/cm(2) groups presented the lowest dissolution of calcium and phosphorus ions. Higher fluoride incorporation was observed on 1.8 J/cm(2) and 0.9 J/cm(2) groups. Based on these results, Er:YAG laser was able to decrease acid dissolution and increase fluoride uptake and can be a promissory alternative for preventive dentistry.

Peroxiredoxin I is differentially expressed in multiple myelomas and in plasmablastic lymphomas

BACKGROUND: Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) and multiple myeloma (MM) are B cell-derived malignancies that share many morphologic and immunophenotypic traits, making the differential diagnosis particularly complicated. We have recently demonstrated that peroxiredoxin I (PrdxI) is expressed in plasma cells but not in B lymphocytes, suggesting that its expression is development-associated. AIM: To analyze PrdxI expression in PBL and in MM in order to study its utilization as an additional diagnostic molecular tool. METHODS AND RESULTS: Eight cases of PBL and nine of MM were studied by immunohistochemistry. We have demonstrated that PrdxI expression is closely connected with the immunoglobulin production capacity of the cells, which means high in MM, but absent in PBL cases, except one, wherein few cells were stained. CONCLUSIONS: We hypothesize PrdxI as a component of the unfolded protein response (UPR), an adaptive pathway essential for plasma cell differentiation. As we have not detected immunoglobulin in our PBL cases, we suggest that UPR was not activated in the cells, accounting for the impediment of the developmental process, and for the inhibition of PrdxI expression observed. PrdxI could be considered an additional plasma cell functional marker and could also be speculated as a therapeutic target in the treatment of MM. Oral Diseases (2008) 14, 741-746

Esthetic and functional restoration for an anterior open occlusal relationship with multiple diastemata: A multidisciplinary approach

An anterior open occlusal relationship and diastemata may negatively interfere with the harmony of the smile, often requiring a multidisciplinary intervention. This clinical report presents an integrated orthodontic, periodontal, and restorative solution for an anterior open occlusal relationship associated with multiple diastemata and discusses the most relevant aspects related to Its etiology and treatment planning.

Odontogenic keratocyst and multiple supernumerary teeth in a patient with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome - A case report and review of the literature

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a hereditary disorder of the connective tissue related to collagen metabolism. Deficiency or alteration of the collagen present in the tissues results in some classic signs such as skin hyperelasticity, articular hypermobility, and vascular fragility, among others. In addition, EDS oral manifestations are rarely cited in the literature. The aim of this article is to report a rare case of a young female patient with EDS who presented supernumerary teeth and an odontogenic keratocyst. There is no report in the literature of the simultaneous occurrence of these alterations. The article further highlights the importance of EDS diagnosis in patients who need dental treatment and the due care for their assistance.

Treatment of a Class II subdivision malocclusion with multiple congenitally missing teeth

This case report describes the treatment of a patient with a Class II Division 1 subdivision right malocclusion with 8 congenitally missing teeth, incompetent lips, and incisor protrusion. The treatment plan included extractions and space closure with retraction of the anterior teeth; symmetric mechanics were used in the mandibular arch and asymmetric mechanics in the maxillary arch. Because of the mechanics used, some midline deviations were expected. Knowledge of diagnosis and treatment planning of asymmetric malocclusions and dental esthetics are essential for success when correcting asymmetic problems, but, even so, small clinical compromises should be expected. (Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2009; 135: 663-70)

Management of a multiple dentoalveolar trauma in permanent dentition with avulsion of a canine: A 4-year follow-up

Traumatic dental injuries are relatively frequent accidents that typically involve teeth in the maxillary anterior segment. The emergency treatment and the clinical decisions must be efficiently made at the time of injury, and there is a need for long-term follow-up because of the high incidence of complications. The aim of this article was to present the emergency and rehabilitation treatments of a multiple dentoalveolar trauma in the permanent dentition involving different extensions of enamel-dentin crown fracture, pulp exposure, and the avulsion of a canine. The treatment outcomes are reported up to the 4-year follow-up, and the clinical approaches and their rationale are discussed.

The Effect of Framework Design on Fracture Resistance of Metal-Ceramic Implant-Supported Single Crowns

This study evaluated the effect of framework design on the fracture resistance of metal-ceramic implant-supported crowns. Screw-retained molar crowns with a screw access hole composed of metal or porcelain were compared to a cement-retained crown (control). For each group (n = 10), five crowns were subjected to dynamic loading (1,200,000 x 100 N x 2 Hz at 37 degrees C). Afterward, all specimens were loaded to failure using a universal testing machine. Significant differences could be established between the cement-and screw-retained groups (P <= .05), but no difference was found between the screw-retained groups and the specimens subjected to dynamic loading. Occlusal discontinuity of screw-retained crowns affects their resistance, and the metallic support on the screw access hole did not reinforce the crowns. Int J Prosthodont 2010;23:350-352.

Fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth with different heights of crown ferrule restored with prefabricated carbon fiber post and composite resin core by intermittent loading

This study evaluated the fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth restored with prefabricated carbon fiber posts and varying quantities of coronal dentin. Sixty freshly extracted upper canines were randomly divided into groups of 10 teeth each. The specimens were exposed to 250,000 cycles in a controlled chewing simulator. All intact specimens were subjected to a static load (N) in a universal testing machine at 45 degrees to the long axis. Data were analyzed by 1-way analysis of variance and Tukey test (alpha = .05). Significant differences (P < .001) were found among the mean fracture forces of the test groups (positive control, 0 mm, 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, and negative control groups: 1022.82 N, 1008.22 N, 1292.52 N, 1289.19 N, 1255.38 N, and 1582.11, respectively). These results suggested that the amount of coronal dentin did not significantly increase the fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth restored with prefabricated carbon fiber post and composite resin core. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2008;106:e52-e57)

Mechanical Testing of Indirect Composite Materials Directly Applied on Implant Abutments

Purpose: To test the strength to failure and fracture mode of three indirect composite materials directly applied onto Ti-6Al-4V implant abutments vs cemented standard porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns. Materials and Methods: Sixty-four locking taper abutments were randomly allocated to four groups and were cleaned in ethanol in an ultrasonic bath for 5 min. After drying under ambient conditions, the abutments were grit blasted and a custom 4-cusp molar crown mold was utilized to produce identical crowns (n = 16 per group) of Tescera (Bisco), Ceramage (Shofu), and Diamond Crown (DRM) according to the manufacturer`s instructions. The porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns were fabricated by conventional means involving the construction and a wax pattern and casting of a metallic coping followed by sintering of increasing layers of porcelain. All crowns were loaded to failure by an indenter placed at one of the cusp tips at a 1 mm/min rate. Subsequently, fracture analysis was performed by means of stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. One-way ANOVA at 95% level of significance was utilized for statistical analysis. Results: The single load to failure (+/- SD) results were: Tescera (1130 +/- 239 N), Ceramage (1099 +/- 257 N), Diamond Crown (1155 +/- 284 N), and PFM (1081 +/- 243 N). Stereomicroscopy analysis showed two distinct failure modes, where the loaded cusp failed either with or without abutment/metallic coping exposure. SEM analysis of the fractures showed multiple crack propagation towards the cervical region of the crown below a region of plastic deformation at the indenter contact region. Conclusion: The three indirect composites and PFM systems fractured at loads higher than those typically associated with normal occlusal function. Although each material had a different composition and handling technique, no significant differences were found concerning their single load to fracture resistance among composite systems and PFM.