Interstitial expression of angiotensin II and AT1 receptor are increased in patients with progressive glomerulopathies

In animal models, interstitial angiotensin II (ang II) and AT1 receptor (AT1R) are key mediators of renal inflammation and fibrosis in progressive chronic nephropathies. We hypothesized that these molecules were overexpressed in patients with progressive glomerulopathies. In this observational retrospective study, we described the expression of ang II and AT1R by immunohistochemistry in kidney biopsies of 7 patients with minimal change disease (MCD) and in 25 patients with progressive glomerulopathies (PGPs). Proteinuria, serum albumin, and serum creatinine were not statistically different between MCD and PGP patients. Total expression of ang II and AT1R was not statistically different between MCD (108.7 +/- 11.5 and 73.2 +/- 13.6 cells/mm(2), respectively) and PGN patients (100.7 +/- 9.0 and 157.7 +/- 13.8 cells/mm(2), respectively; p>0.05). Yet, interstitial expression of ang II and AT1R (91.6 +/- 16.0 and 45.6 +/- 5.4 cells/mm(2), respectively) was higher in patients with PGN than in those with MCD (22.0 +/- 4.1 and 17.9 +/- 2.9 cells/mm(2), respectively, p<0.05), as was the proportion of interstitial fibrosis (11.0 +/- 0.7% versus 6.1 +/- 1.2%, p<005). In patients with MCD, ang II and AT1R expressions predominate in the tubular compartment (52% and 36% of the positive cells, respectively). In those with PGP, the interstitial expression of ang II and AT1R predominates (58% and 45%, respectively). In conclusion, interstitial expression of ang II and AT1R is increased in patients with progressive glomerulopathies. The relationship of these results and interstitial fibrosis and disease progression in humans warrants further investigations.

Bayesian coalescent analysis reveals a high rate of molecular evolution in GB virus C

GB virus C/hepatitis G (GBV-C) is an RNA virus of the family Flaviviridae. Despite replicating with an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, some previous estimates of rates of evolutionary change in GBV-C suggest that it fixes mutations at the anomalously low rate of similar to 100(-7) nucleotide substitution per site, per year. However, these estimates were largely based on the assumption that GBV-C and its close relative GBV-A (New World monkey GB viruses) codiverged with their primate hosts over millions of years. Herein, we estimated the substitution rate of GBV-C using the largest set of dated GBV-C isolates compiled to date and a Bayesian coalescent approach that utilizes the year of sampling and so is independent of the assumption of codivergence. This revealed a rate of evolutionary change approximately four orders of magnitude higher than that estimated previously, in the range of 10(-2) to 10(-3) sub/site/year, and hence in line with those previously determined for RNA viruses in general and the Flaviviridae in particular. In addition, we tested the assumption of host-virus codivergence in GBV-A by performing a reconciliation analysis of host and virus phylogenies. Strikingly, we found no statistical evidence for host-virus codivergence in GBV-A, indicating that substitution rates in the GB viruses should not be estimated from host divergence times.

Bendadaite, a new iron arsenate mineral of the arthurite group

Bendadaite, ideally Fe(2+)Fe(2)(3+)(AsO(4))(2)(OH)(2 center dot).4H(2)O, is a new member of the arthurite group It was found as a weathering product of arsenopyrite on a single hand specimen from the phosphate pegmatite Bendada. central Portugal (type locality) Co-type locality is the granite pegmatite of La via do Almerindo (Almerindo mine), Linopolis, Divmo das Laranjeiras county, Minas Gerais, Brazil Further localities are the Vein Negra mine, Copiapo province, Chile, mid-East, Bou Azzer district, Morocco, and Para Inferida yard, Fenugu Sibirt mine, Gonnosfanadiga, Medio Campidano Province, Sardinia. Italy Type bendadaite occurs as blackish green to dark brownish tufts (<0 1 mm long) and flattened radiating aggregates. in intimate association with an intermediate member of the scorodite-mansfieldite series It is monoclinic. space group P2(l/c). with a = 10 239(3) angstrom. b = 9 713(2) angstrom, c = 5 552(2) angstrom. beta = 94 11(2)degrees. = 550 7(2) angstrom(3). Z = 2 Electron-microprobe analysis yielded (wt %). CaO 0 04, MnO 0 03. CuO 006, ZnO 004. Fe(2)O(3) (total) 43 92, Al(2)O(3) 115. SnO(2) 0 10, As(2)O(5) 43 27. P(2)O(5) 1 86, SO(3) 0.03 The empirical formula is (Fe(0 52)(2+)Fe(0 32)(3+)rectangle(0 16))(Sigma 1 00)(Fe(1 89)(3+)Al(0 11))(Sigma 2 00)(As(1 87)P(0 13))(Sigma 2 00)O(8)(OH)(2 00) 4H(2)O based. CM 2(As,P) and assuming ideal 80, 2(OH), 4H2O and complete occupancy of the ferric on site by Fe(3+) and Al Optically, bendadaite is biaxial, positive, 2V(est) = 85+/-4 degrees, 2V(eale) = 88 degrees, with alpha 1 734(3). 13 1 759(3), 7 1 787(4) Pleochrosim is medium strong X pale reddish brown. Y yellowish brown, Z dark yellowish brown. absorption Z > V > X, optical dispersion weak, r > v. Optical axis plane Is parallel to (010), with X approximately parallel to a and Z nearly parallel to c Bendadaite has vitreous to sub-adamantine luster, is translucent and non-fluorescent It is brittle, shows irregular fracture and a good cleavage parallel to 1010} 3 15 0 10 g/cm(3), 3 193 g/cm3 (for the empirical formula) The five strongest powder diffraction lines [d in angstrom (I)(hkl] are 10 22 (10)(100), 7 036 (8)(110), 4 250 (5)(11 I), 2 865 (4)(311), 4 833 (3)(020,011) The d spacings are very similar to those of its Zn analogue, ojelaite The crystal structure of bendadaite was solved and refined using a crystal from the co-type locality with the composition (Fe(0 95)(2+)rectangle(0 05))(Sigma 1 00)(Fe(1 80)(3+)Al(0 20))Sigma(2 00)(As(1 48)P(0 52))(Sigma 2 00)O(8)) (OH)(2) 4H(2)O (R = 16%) and confirms an arthurite-type atomic arrangement

Efficacy of a 7-day course of furazolidone, levofloxacin, and lansoprazole after failed Helicobacter pylori eradication

Background: Increasing resistance to clarithromycin and nitroimidazole is the main cause of failure in the Helicobacter pylori eradication. The ideal retreatment regimen remains unclear, especially in developing countries, where the infection presents high prevalence and resistance to antibiotics. The study aimed at determining the efficacy, compliance and adverse effects of a regimen that included furazolidone, levofloxacin and lansoprazole in patients with persistent Helicobacter pylori infection, who had failed to respond to at least one prior eradication treatment regimen. Methods: This study included 48 patients with peptic ulcer disease. Helicobacter pylori infection was confirmed by a rapid urease test and histological examination of samples obtained from the antrum and corpus during endoscopy. The eradication therapy consisted of a 7-day twice daily oral administration of lansoprazole 30 mg, furazolidone 200 mg and levofloxacin 250 mg. Therapeutic success was confirmed by a negative rapid urease test, histological examination and 14C- urea breath test, performed 12 weeks after treatment completion. The Chi-square method was used for comparisons among eradication rates, previous treatments and previous furazolidone use. Results: Only one of the 48 patients failed to take all medications, which was due to adverse effects (vomiting). Per-protocol and intention-to-treat eradication rates were 89% (95% CI-89%-99%) and 88% (88-92%), respectively. Mild and moderate adverse effects were reported by 41 patients (85%). For patients with one previous treatment failure, the eradication rate was 100%. Compared to furazolidone-nave patients, eradication rates were lower in those who had failed prior furazolidone-containing regimen(s) (74% vs. 100%, p = 0.002). Conclusion: An empiric salvage-regimen including levofloxacin, furazolidone and lansoprazole is very effective in the eradication of Helicobacter pylori, particularly in patients that have failed one prior eradication therapy.

Magnetostriction of melt-spun Fe(85)Ga(15), Fe(78)Ni(7)Ga(15) and Fe(78)Co(7)Ga(15) stacked ribbon samples

A set of stacked ribbon samples with the compositions Fe(85)Ga(15), Fe(78)Ni(7)Ga(15) and Fe(78)Co(7)Ga(15) were prepared. XRD on these ribbons show that the binary Fe(85)Ga(15) ribbon exhibits the disordered A2 structure where as the addition of Co and Ni leads to the appearance of an additional ordered DO(3) structure. A comparison of the ratio of the XRD-line intensities gave strong evidence of a (100) texture perpendicular to the ribbon surface. The optical studied microstructure supports these results because it shows a columnar grain growth parallel to the solidification direction-which is parallel to ribbon thickness. The highest magnetostriction was found for Fe(78)Ni(7)Ga(15) (370 ppm), while the Fe(78)Co(7)Ga(15) a smaller magnetostriction of 270 ppm was found. The enhancement of the magnetostriction is attributed to the (100) texture in these ribbons. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Antimicrobial activity of Rheedia brasiliensis and 7-epiclusianone against Streptococcus mutans

This in vitro study evaluated the antimicrobial activity of extracts obtained from Rheedia brasiliensis fruit (bacupari) and its bioactive compound against Streptococcus mutans. Hexane, ethyl-acetate and ethanolic extracts obtained (concentrations ranging from 6.25 to 800 mu g/ml) were tested against S. mutans UA159 through MIC/MBC assays. S. mutans 5-days-old biofilms were treated with the active extracts (100 x MIC) for 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 h (time-kill) and plated for colony counting (CFU/ml). Active extracts were submitted to exploratory chemical analyses so as to isolate and identify the bioactive compound using spectroscopic methods. The bioactive compound (concentrations ranging from 0.625 to 80 mu g/ml) was then tested through MIC/MBC assays. Peel and seed hexane extracts showed antimicrobial activity against planktonic cells at low concentrations and were thus selected for the time kill test. These hexane extracts reduced S. mutans biofilm viability after 4 h, certifying of the bioactive compound presence. The bioactive compound identified was the polyprenylated benzophenone 7-epiclusianone, which showed a good antimicrobial activity at low concentrations (MIC: 1.25-2.5 mu g/ml; MBC: 10-20 mu g/ml). The results indicated that 7-epiclusianone may be used as a new agent to control S. mutans biofilms; however, more studies are needed to further elucidate the mechanisms of action and the anticariogenic potential of such compound found in R. brasiliensis. (C) 2008 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Effects of 7-Epiclusianone on Streptococcus mutans and Caries Development in Rats

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of 7-epiclusianone (7-epi) on specific virulence attributes of Streptococcus mutans in vitro and on development of dental caries in vivo. 7-Epi was obtained and purified from fruits of Rheedia brasiliensis. We investigated its influence on surface-adsorbed glucosyltransferase (Gtf) B activity, acid production, and viability of S. mutans in biofilms, as well as on caries development using a rodent model. 7-Epi (100 mu g/mL) significantly reduced the activity of surface-adsorbed GtfB (up to 48.0 +/- 1.8 of inhibition at 100 mu g/mL) and glyco-lytic pH-drop by S. mutans in biofilms (125 and 250 mu g/mL) (vs. vehicle control, p < 0.05). In contrast, the test compound did not significantly affect the bacterial viability when compared to vehicle control (15% ethanol, p > 0.05). Wistar rats treated topically with 7-epi (twice daily, 60-s exposure) showed significantly smaller number of and less severe smooth-and sulcal-surface carious lesions (p < 0.05), without reducing the S. mutans viable population from the animals` dental biofilms. In conclusion, the natural compound 7-epiclusianone may be a potentially novel pharmacological agent to prevent and control dental caries disease.

Intermittent target inhibition with dasatinib 100 mg once daily preserves efficacy and improves tolerability in imatinib-resistant and -intolerant chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia

Purpose Dasatinib is a BCR-ABL inhibitor, 325-fold more potent than imatinib against unmutated BCR-ABL in vitro. Phase II studies have demonstrated efficacy and safety with dasatinib 70 mg twice daily in chronic-phase (CP) chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) after imatinib treatment failure. In phase I, responses occurred with once-daily administration despite only intermittent BCR-ABL inhibition. Once-daily treatment resulted in less toxicity, suggesting that toxicity results from continuous inhibition of unintended targets. Here, a dose-and schedule-optimization study is reported. Patients and Methods In this open-label phase III trial, 670 patients with imatinib-resistant or -intolerant CP-CML were randomly assigned 1: 1: 1: 1 between four dasatinib treatment groups: 100 mg once daily, 50 mg twice daily, 140 mg once daily, or 70 mg twice daily. Results With minimum follow-up of 6 months (median treatment duration, 8 months; range, = 1 to 15 months), marked and comparable hematologic (complete, 86% to 92%) and cytogenetic (major, 54% to 59%; complete, 41% to 45%) response rates were observed across the four groups. Time to and duration of cytogenetic response were similar, as was progression-free survival (8% to 11% of patients experienced disease progression or died). Compared with the approved 70-mg twice-daily regimen, dasatinib 100 mg once daily resulted in significantly lower rates of pleural effusion (all grades, 7% v 16%; P = .024) and grade 3 to 4 thrombocytopenia (22% v 37%; P = .004), and fewer patients required dose interruption (51% v 68%), reduction (30% v 55%), or discontinuation (16% v 23%). Conclusion Dasatinib 100 mg once daily retains the efficacy of 70 mg twice daily with less toxicity. Intermittent target inhibition with tyrosine kinase inhibitors may preserve efficacy and reduce adverse events.

A Clinical Study of 406 Sinus Augmentations With 100% Anorganic Bovine Bone

Background: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the use of anorganic bovine bone (ABB) associated with a collagen membrane (CM) for a sinus graft by means of clinical, histologic, and radiographic parameters in cases with bone availability <= 7 mm. A preliminary evaluation consisted of a clinical examination, computed tomography (CT), and a panoramic x-ray. Methods: Ninety-two patients requiring bilateral sinus grafts and 222 requiring unilateral procedures (total: 406 sinuses) participated in this study. A total of 1,025 implants were placed in the grafted sinuses. A total of 118 implants were placed simultaneously with the sinus graft (one stage), and 907 implants were placed in a subsequent surgery (two stages), 6 to 12 months after the graft was performed. In seven cases, a biopsy was harvested for histomorphometric analysis. Recall appointments were scheduled every 6 months, and panoramic and periapical x-rays were required every year for 3 years. Results: Among 1,025 implants, 19 were lost (survival rate: 98.1%). The difference in survival rates for implants placed in native bone: <= 3 mm (98.1%), >3 to <= 5 mm (98.6%), and >5 to <= 7 mm (97.0%) was not statistically significant (P = 0.3408). The survival rates for implants with rough and machined surfaces (98.6% and 97.0%, respectively) were not statistically significant (P = 0.0840). The histomorphometric analysis showed new bone formation (39.0% +/- 12%), marrow space (52.9% +/- 9.3%), and residual ABB (8% +/- 2.7%). Conclusion: Our results indicated that 1,025 implants placed in sinuses grafted exclusively with ABB combined with CM led to an excellent and predictable survival rate of 98.1%. J Periodontol 2009;80:1920-1927.

Solvatochromic Shift of the pi -> pi* Transition in All-Trans, Cis-13, Cis-11, Cis-9, and Cis-7 Retinal Isomers Induced by Water and Methanol

The solvatochromic shift of the lowest singlet it pi -> pi* electronic transition in the all-trans, cis-13, cis-11, cis-9, and cis-7 retinal isomers were computed under the influence of water, methanol, and benzene solvents. Excitation energies were calculated in gas phase and in solution. The calculations in solution were performed considering the sequential Monte Carlo (MC) /Quantum Mechanical approach. The MC simulations were performed considering the full retinal isomer molecules and 900 water molecules, 900 methanol, or 400 benzene ones. The OPLS/AA parametrization was chosen for retinal, methanol, and benzene molecules and the SPC model was used for water one. From the MC calculations 100 independent configurations were selected, with 100 solvent molecules in thermodynamical equilibrium at T = 298.15 K. Average point-charges were obtained from those independent configurations for water, methanol, and benzene solvent. TDDFT and CASSCF//CASPT2 methodologies were used to compute the vertical excitation energy of the retinal isomers in different environment. (C) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem 110: 2076-2087, 2010

An insight into the beginning stage of the aqueous ring opening metathesis polymerization of exo,exo-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-ene-2,3-dicarboxylic acid with Ru(III) compounds: the consumption of Ru(III) species in the presence of carboxylic acids monitored by ESR spectroscopy

The presence of paramagnetic species in the aqueous ring opening metathesis polymerizations of the exo,exo-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-ene-2,3-dicarboxylic acid monomer with RuCl(3) and K(2)[RuCl(5)H(2)O] compounds was studied using ESR techniques. It was observed that the intensities of the Ru(III) signals in the ESR spectra decrease on the time scale of the induction period so that the ROMP can take place. The intensity of the Ru(III) signal almost disappeared 50 min after reacting with K(2)[RuCl(5)H(2)O] and after 100 mm in the case of RuCl(3). Reactions of the cis-[Ru(NH(3))(4)(H(2)O)(2)](tfms)(3) and [Ru(NH(3))(5)H(2)O](tfms)(3) complexes with the monomer and different organic compounds representing the organic functions in the monomer (furan, norbornene, but-2-ene-1,4-diol and formic, acetic, oxalic and maleic acids) were also monitored by ESR and UV/vis spectra. It was deduced that the organic acids provide the disappearance of the Ru(III) signal. The proton NMR relaxation times of the residual water in D(2)O for reactions with oxalic acid suggested that the presence of paramagnetic ions in the solution decreases along with

Quality evaluation of DNA obtained from stored human saliva and its applicability to identification in Forensic Dentistry

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the quality of DNA obtained from stored human saliva and its applicability to human identification. METHODS: The saliva samples of 20 subjects, collected in the form of saliva in natura and from mouth swabs and stored at -20ºC, were analyzed. After 7 days, the DNA was extracted from the 40 saliva samples and subjected to PCR and electrophoresis. After 180 days, the technique was repeated with the 20 swab samples. RESULTS: The first-stage results indicated that DNA was successfully extracted in 97.5% of reactions, 95% of saliva in natura and 100% of swab saliva samples, with no statistically significant difference between the forms of saliva. In the second phase, the result was positive for all 20 analyzed samples (100%). Subsequently, in order to analyze the quality of the DNA obtained from human saliva, the SIX3-2 gene was tested on the 20 mouth swab samples, and the PCR products were digested using the MbO1 restriction enzyme to evaluate polymorphisms in the ADRA-2 gene, with positive results for most samples. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that the quantity and quality of DNA from saliva and the techniques employed are adequate for forensic analysis of DNA.

Comparison among four commonly used demineralizing agents for root conditioning: a scanning electron microscopy

Dental roots that have been exposed to the oral cavity and periodontal pocket environment present superficial changes, which can prevent connective tissue reattachment. Demineralizing agents have been used as an adjunct to the periodontal treatment aiming at restoring the biocompatibility of roots. OBJECTIVE: This study compared four commonly used demineralizing agents for their capacity of removing smear layer and opening dentin tubules. METHODS: Fifty fragments of human dental roots previously exposed to periodontal disease were scaled and randomly divided into the following groups of treatment: 1) CA: demineralization with citric acid for 3 min; 2) TC-HCl: demineralization with tetracycline-HCl for 3 min; 3) EDTA: demineralization with EDTA for 3 min; 4) PA: demineralization with 37% phosphoric acid for 3 min; 5) Control: rubbing of saline solution for 3 min. Scanning electron microscopy was used to check for the presence of residual smear layer and for measuring the number and area of exposed dentin tubules. RESULTS: Smear layer was present in 100% of the specimens from the groups PA and control; in 80% from EDTA group; in 33.3% from TC-HCl group and 0% from CA group. The mean numbers of exposed dentin tubules in a standardized area were: TC-HCl=43.8±25.2; CA=39.3±37; PA=12.1±16.3; EDTA=4.4±7.5 and Control=2.3±5.7. The comparison showed significant differences between the following pairs of groups: TC-HCl and Control; TC-HCl and EDTA; CA and Control; and CA and EDTA. The mean percentages of area occupied by exposed dentin tubules were: CA=0.12±0.17%; TC-HCl=0.08±0.06%; PA=0.03±0.05%; EDTA=0.01±0.01% and Control=0±0%. The CA group differed significantly from the others except for the TC-HCl group. CONCLUSION: There was a decreasing ability for smear layer removal and dentin tubule widening as follows: AC>TC-HCl>PA>EDTA. This information can be of value as an extra parameter for choosing one of them for root conditioning.

Influence of the length of remaining root canal filling and post space preparation on the coronal leakage of Enterococcus faecalis

This study evaluated the sealing ability of different lengths of remaining root canal filling and post space preparation against coronal leakage of Enterococcus faecalis. Forty-one roots of maxillary incisors were biomechanically prepared, maintaining standardized canal diameter at the middle and coronal thirds. The roots were autoclaved and all subsequent steps were undertaken in a laminar flow chamber. The canals of 33 roots were obturated with AH Plus sealer and gutta-percha. The root canal fillings were reduced to 3 predetermined lengths (n=11): G1=6 mm, G2=4 mm and G3=2 mm. The remaining roots served as positive and negative controls. Bacterial leakage test apparatuses were fabricated with the roots attached to Eppendorf tubes keeping 2 mm of apex submerged in BHI in glass flasks. The specimens received an E. faecalis inoculum of 1 x 107 cfu/mL every 3 days and were observed for bacterial leakage daily during 60 days. Data were submitted to ANOVA, Tukey's test and Fisher's test. At 60 days, G1 (6 mm) and G2 (4 mm) presented statistically similar results (p>0.05) (54.4% of specimens with bacterial leakage) and both groups differed significantly (p<0.01) from G3 (2 mm), which presented 100% of specimens with E. faecalis leakage. It may be concluded that the shortest endodontic obturation remnant leaked considerably more than the other lengths, although none of the tested conditions avoids coronal leakage of E. faecalis.

Nd:YAG laser irradiation effect on apical intracanal dentin - a microleakage and SEM evaluation

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser irradiation on intracanal dentin surface by SEM analysis and its interference in the apical seal of filled canals. After endodontic treatment procedures, 34 maxillary human incisors were randomly assigned to 2 groups. In the negative control group (n=17), no additional treatment was performed and teeth were filled with vertically condensed gutta-percha; in the laser-treated group (n=17), the root canals were irradiated with Nd:YAG laser (1.5 W, 100 mJ, 15 Hz) before filling as described for the control group. Two specimens of each group were prepared for SEM analysis to evaluate the presence and extent of morphological changes and removal of debris; the other specimens were immersed in 0.5% methylene blue dye (pH 7.2) for 24 h for evaluation of the linear dye leakage at the apical third. SEM analysis of the laser-treated group showed dentin fusion and resolidification without smear layer or debris. The Student’s t-test showed that the laser-treated group had significantly less leakage in apical third than the control group. Within the limitations of this study, it may be concluded that the morphological changes on the apical intraradicular dentin surface caused by Nd:YAG laser resulted in less linear dye apical leakage.