Macrophage and TGF-beta immunohistochemical expression in Jorge Lobo`s disease

Jorge Lobo`s disease, or lacaziosis, is a chronic deep mycosis that clinically manifests as solid, variable-sized nodular parakeloidal lesions. Few studies have characterized the in situ cellular and humoral immune response, especially the involvement of cytokines with immunosuppressive effects such as TGF-beta. The objective this paper was to analyze the expression of TGF-beta in cutaneous lesions in lacaziosis and investigate its importance in the etiopathogy of the disease. The results indicate that the abundance of collagen bands, together with weak immunolabeling for CD68 seen in macrophages, indicates a concomitant effect of TGF-beta inhibiting macrophages and inducing fibrosis, which is responsible for the keloid aspect frequently acquired by these lesions. Finally, the evolution of the infection supports the hypothesis that TGF-beta plays a fundamental role in the etiopathology of Lacazia loboi infection, either by inhibiting the cellular immune response mainly mediated by macrophages or by inducing fibrosis. Further studies are necessary to better characterize the phenotype of the inflammatory infiltrate as well as the participation of other cytokines and growth factors in the tissue response of the host in Jorge Lobo`s disease. (C) 2008 Published by Elsevier Inc.

Immunohistochemical study of Langerhans cells in cutaneous lesions of the Jorge Lobo`s disease

Jorge Lobo`s disease is a chronic infection caused by the fungus Lacazia loboi endemic in South America. The infection is characterized by the appearance of parakeloidal, ulcerated or verrucous nodular or plaque-like cutaneous lesions. The histopathological aspect is characterized by poorly organized granulomas with histiocytes and multinucleated giant cells. Little is known about local immune response in lobomycosis skin lesions. Thirty-three skin biopsies from patients with Jorge Lobo`s disease were selected from Ambulatory of Dermatology, UFPA. The control group was constituted by ten biopsies from normal skin. Langerhans cells were identified by immunohistochemistry using anti-CD1a antibody (Serotec). The number of positive cells was statistically analyzed. Langerhans cells were visualized along the epidermis in biopsies from Jorge Lobo`s disease and the morphology and the number of Langerhans cells did not differ from normal skin (p > 0.05). In Jorge Lobo`s disease, this cell population probably presents some escape mechanism of the local immune system to evade the antigen presentation by those cells. (C) 2010 Published by Elsevier B.V.

Detection of cytokines and nitric oxide synthase in skin lesions of Jorge Lobo`s disease patients

Studies investigating the immunopathological aspects of Jorge Lobo`s disease have shown that the inflammatory infiltrate consists mainly of histiocytes and multinucleated giant cells involving numerous yeast-like cells of Lacazia loboi, with the T lymphocytes more common than B lymphocytes and plasma cells. The quantification of cytokines in peripheral blood mononuclear cells culture supernatant has revealed alterations in the cytokines profile, characterized by predominance of a Th2 profile. In view of these findings and of the role of cytokines in cell interactions, the objective of the present study was to investigate the presence of the cytokines IL-10, TGF-ss 1 and TNF-alpha, as well as iNOS enzyme in granulomas induced by L. loboi. Histological sections obtained from skin lesions of 16 patients were analyzed by immunohistochemistry for the presence of these cytokines and iNOS. The results showed that TGF-ss 1 was the cytokine most frequently expressed by cells present in the inflammatory infiltrate, followed by IL-10. There was a minimum to discrete positivity of cells expressing TNF-alpha and iNOS. The results suggest that the presence of immunosuppressive cytokines in skin lesions of patients with the mycosis might be responsible for the lack of containment of the pathogen as demonstrated by the presence of numerous fungi in the granuloma.

Skeletal alterations associated with the use of bonded rapid maxillary expansion appliance

Bonded maxillary expansion appliances have been suggested to control increases in the vertical dimension of the face after rapid maxillary expansion (RME). However, there is still no consensus in the literature about its real skeletal effects. The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate, longitudinally, the vertical and sagittal cephalometric alterations after RME performed with bonded maxillary expansion appliance. The sample consisted of 26 children, with a mean age of 8.7 years (range: 6.9-10.9 years), with posterior skeletal crossbite and indication for RME. After maxillary expansion, the bonded appliance was used as a fixed retention for 3.4 months, being replaced by a removable retention subsequently. The cephalometric study was performed onto lateral radiographs, taken before treatment was started, and again 6.3 months after removing the bonded appliance. Intra-group comparison was made using paired t test. The results showed that there were no significant sagittal skeletal changes at the end of treatment. There was a small vertical skeletal increase in five of the eleven evaluated cephalometric measures. The maxilla displaced downward, but it did not modify the facial growth patterns or the direction of the mandible growth. Under the specific conditions of this research, it may be concluded that RME with acrylic bonded maxillary expansion appliance did promote signifciant vertical or sagittal cephalometric alterations. The vertical changes found with the use of the bonded appliance were small and probably transitory, similar to those occurred with the use of banded expansion appliances.

Synthesis and biocompatibility of an experimental glass ionomer cement prepared by a non-hydrolytic sol-gel method

The aims of this study were to demonstrate the synthesis of an experimental glass ionomer cement (GIC) by the non-hydrolytic sol-gel method and to evaluate its biocompatibility in comparison to a conventional glass ionomer cement (Vidrion R). Four polyethylene tubes containing the tested cements were implanted in the dorsal region of 15 rats, as follows: GI - experimental GIC and GII - conventional GIC. The external tube walls was considered the control group (CG). The rats were sacrificed 7, 21 and 42 days after implant placement for histopathological analysis. A four-point (I-IV) scoring system was used to graduate the inflammatory reaction. Regarding the experimental GIC sintherization, thermogravimetric and x-ray diffraction analysis demonstrated vitreous material formation at 110oC by the sol-gel method. For biocompatibility test, results showed a moderate chronic inflammatory reaction for GI (III), severe for GII (IV) and mild for CG (II) at 7 days. After 21 days, GI presented a mild reaction (II); GII, moderate (III) and CG, mild (II). At 42 days, GI showed a mild/absent inflammatory reaction (II to I), similar to GII (II to I). CG presented absence of chronic inflammatory reaction (I). It was concluded that the experimental GIC presented mild/absent tissue reaction after 42 days, being biocompatible when tested in the connective tissue of rats.

Evaluation of physico-chemical properties of Portland cements and MTA

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the hydrogenionic potential and electrical conductivity of Portland cements and MTA, as well as the amount of arsenic and calcium released from these materials. In Teflon molds, samples of each material were agitated and added to plastic flasks containing distilled water for 3, 24, 72 and 168 h. The results were analyzed with a Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric test for global comparisons and a Dunn-Tukey test for pairwise comparisons. The results revealed no significant differences in the pH of the materials (p > 0.05). The electrical conductivity of the cements were not statistically different (p > 0.05). White non-structural cement and MTA BIO released the largest amount of calcium ions into solution (p < 0.05), while arsenic release was insignificant in all of the materials (p > 0.05). The results indicated that the physico-chemical properties of Portland cements and MTA were similar. Furthermore, all materials produced an alkaline environment and can be considered safe for clinical use because arsenic was not released. The electrical conductivity and the amount of calcium ions released into solution increased over time.

Surface and subsurface erosion of primary enamel by acid beverages over time

This study evaluated the influence of a cola-type soft drink and a soy-based orange juice on the surface and subsurface erosion of primary enamel, as a function of the exposure time. Seventy-five primary incisors were divided for microhardness test (n=45) or scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis (n=30). The specimens were randomly assigned to 3 groups: 1 - artificial saliva (control); 2 - cola-type soft drink; and 3 - soy-based orange juice. Immersion cycles in the beverages were undertaken under agitation for 5 min, 3 times a day, during 60 days. Surface microhardness was measured at 7, 15, 30, 45 and 60 days. After 60 days, specimens were bisected and subsurface microhardness was measured at 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 200 µm from the surface exposed. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey’s test (a=0.05). Groups 2 and 3 presented similar decrease of surface microhardness. Regarding subsurface microhardness, group 2 presented the lowest values. SEM images revealed that after 60 days the surfaces clearly exhibited structural loss, unlike those immersed in artificial saliva. It may be concluded that erosion of the surfaces exposed to the cola-type soft drink was more accentuated and directly proportional to the exposure time.

Avaliação dos fatores determinantes da estética do perfil facial

OBJETIVO: avaliar a influência da idade, do sexo, da relação oclusal sagital, do Padrão Facial e de 8 medidas do perfil facial sobre a estética do perfil. MÉTODOS: foram utilizadas tabelas de contingência, o Teste Qui-quadrado e o coeficiente de Cramér para avaliar a possível associação entre a nota dada por 32 avaliadores (14 ortodontistas, 12 leigos e 6 artistas) para a estética do perfil de 100 brasileiros - adultos, leucodermas, portadores de selamento labial passivo - e a idade, o sexo, a relação oclusal sagital, o Padrão Facial e as variáveis da análise facial numérica do perfil. RESULTADOS: não foi observada associação entre a idade, o sexo e a relação oclusal sagital e a estética do perfil facial. A associação foi observada entre a nota recebida para a estética do perfil e o Padrão Facial, o ângulo de convexidade facial e o ângulo do terço inferior da face. CONCLUSÃO: o Padrão Facial, definido na avaliação do perfil pela convexidade do perfil facial, e a projeção anterior do mento foram, entre os fatores avaliados, os determinantes para a estética do perfil facial.

Association between overbite and craniofacial growth pattern

The purpose of the present study was to assess the association between overbite and craniofacial growth pattern. The sample comprised eighty-six cephalograms obtained during the orthodontic pretreatment phase and analyzed using the Radiocef program to identify the craniofacial landmarks and perform orthodontic measurements. The variables utilized were overbite, the Jarabak percentage and the Vert index, as well as classifications resulting from the interpretation of these measurements. In all the statistical tests, a significance level of 5% was considered. Measurement reliability was checked by calculating method error. Weighted Kappa analysis showed that agreement between the facial types defined by the Vert index and the direction of growth trend established by the Jarabak percentage was not satisfactory. Owing to this lack of equivalency, a potential association between overbite and craniofacial growth pattern was evaluated using the chi-square test, considering the two methods separately. No relationship of dependence between overbite and craniofacial growth pattern was revealed by the results obtained. Therefore, it can be concluded that the classification of facial growth pattern will not be the same when considering the Jarabak and the Ricketts anayses, and that increased overbite cannot be associated with a braquifacial growth pattern, nor can openbite be associated with a dolichofacial growth pattern.

Variabilidade amostral das séries mensais de precipitação pluvial em duas regiões do Brasil: Pelotas-RS e Campinas-SP

O presente trabalho avaliou a variabilidade amostral dos parâmetros da distribuição gama, relativos a séries mensais de precipitação pluvial, nas regiões de Campinas-SP e Pelotas-RS, que têm dados para os períodos de 1890-2006 e 1890-2005, respectivamente. Assim, os espaços amostrais considerados foram de 58, 39 e 29 anos para Campinas e 58 e 29 anos para Pelotas. As análises foram feitas usando o teste da razão da máxima verossimilhança. Os resultados apontaram significativas alterações amostrais. Não houve indicações de tendências contínuas (redução ou aumento) no regime mensal de precipitação pluvial na região de Campinas-SP. Em contrapartida, esse teste indicou, para a localidade de Pelotas-RS, tendência de elevação no regime desse elemento meteorológico ocorrida entre as amostras relativas aos anos de 1948 a 1976 e 1977 a 2005.

O uso de sondagens dipolo-dipolo em estudos hidrogeológicos e de depósitos de resíduos

Ensaios de sondagem e caminhamento elétrico têm sido realizados globalmente na avaliação de uma grande variedade de problemas em exploração mineral e hidrogeologia, bem como na caracterização de locais com risco de contaminação. A despeito da utilidade de ensaios geoelétricos em estudos hidrogeológicos e na caracterização de depósitos de resíduos desativados, um problema na utilização de sondagens elétricas ocorre em conseqüência da falta de espaço para aquisição de dados nessas áreas. Em áreas urbanas, isto constitui uma limitação importante devido à existência de construções, o que muitas vezes interrompe o desenvolvimento de ensaios de campo com arranjos de comprimentos adequados. Embora investigações rasas tendam a ser eficazes em caracterização geoambiental, a estimativa de parâmetros-chave pode depender da investigação de porções mais profundas. Entretanto, uma profundidade de investigação ligeiramente maior é obtida pelo arranjo dipolo-dipolo em comparação aos arranjos Schlumberger e Wenner de mesmo comprimento. Essa característica do arranjo dipolo-dipolo pode ser observada em vários estudos, mas provavelmente devido à tradição e à relação sinal-ruído, a grande maioria das sondagens elétricas é feita com os arranjos Schlumberger e Wenner.O arranjo dipolo-dipolo é mais utilizado em ensaios 2D. Até onde se sabe, essa maior capacidade de investigação em profundidade do arranjo dipolo-dipolo 1D não foi explorada em estudos geoambientais e nem em estudos hidrogeológicos em áreas urbanas. Este trabalho apresenta resultados de ensaios de campo que ressaltam a utilidade de sondagens dipolo-dipolo na investigação de tais áreas.

Litter size, effects of maternal body size, and date of birth in South American scorpions (Arachnida: Scorpiones)

We present new data on litter size and date of birth (month) for 21 South American scorpions species. We provide data for one katoikogenic species, the liochelid Opisthacanthus cayaporum Vellard, 1932 (offspring = 3; birth month: Jan); and for several apoikogenic species, such as the bothriurids Bothriurus araguayae Vellard, 1934 (53; Sep), B. rochensis San Martín, 1965 (22-28; Jan, Aug); the buthids Ananteris balzanii Thorell, 1891 (10-34; Jan-Mar), Physoctonus debilis (Koch, 1840) (2; Sep), Rhopalurus amazonicus Lourenço, 1986 (19; Nov), R. lacrau Lourenço & Pinto-da-Rocha, 1997 (30; Dec), R. laticauda Thorell, 1876 (41; Nov), R. rochai Borelli, 1910 (11-47; Dec-Jan, Mar-Apr), Tityus bahiensis (Perty, 1833) (4-23; Oct-Mar), T. clathratus Koch, 1844 (8-18; Nov-Jan), T. costatus (Karsch, 1879) (21-25; Jan, Apr), T. kuryi Lourenço, 1997 (4-16; Mar), T. mattogrossensis Borelli, 1901(8-9; May), T. obscurus (Gervais, 1843) (16-31; Jan-Feb, May, Jul), T. serrulatus Lutz & Mello, 1922 (8-36; Dec, Feb-Apr), T. silvestris Pocock, 1897 (5-14; Dec-Jan, Apr), T. stigmurus (Thorell, 1876) (10-18; Nov, Jan, Mar), Tityus sp. 1 (T. clathratus group - 7-12; Feb-Apr), Tityus sp. 2 (T. bahiensis group - 2; Mar); and the chactid Brotheas sp. (8-21; Jan, Apr). We observed multiple broods: R. lacrau (offspring in the 2nd brood = 27), T. kuryi (6-16), T. obscurus (2-32), T. silvestris (8), T. stigmurus (4-9), T. bahiensis (offspring in the 2nd brood = 2-18; 3rd = 1), and T. costatus (2nd brood = 18; 3rd = 4). We found statistically significant positive correlation between female size and litter size for T. bahiensis and T. silvestris, and nonsignificant correlation for T. serrulatus.

Monitorização materno-fetal durante procedimento odontológico em portadora de cardiopatia valvar

FUNDAMENTO: Os efeitos da anestesia local em odontologia com lidocaína e epinefrina, sobre parâmetros cardiovasculares de gestantes portadoras de valvopatias e seus conceptos, não estão esclarecidos. OBJETIVO: Avaliar e analisar parâmetros da cardiotocografia, de pressão arterial e eletrocardiográficos da gestante portadora de doença valvar reumática, quando submetida à anestesia local com 1,8 ml de lidocaína 2% sem vasoconstritor e com epinefrina 1:100.000, durante procedimento odontológico restaurador. MÉTODOS: Realizamos monitorização ambulatorial da pressão arterial, eletrocardiografia ambulatorial materna e cardiotocografia de 31 portadoras de cardiopatia reumática, entre a 28ª e 37ª semana de gestação, divididas em dois grupos conforme presença ou não do vasoconstritor RESULTADOS: Demonstrou-se redução significativa dos valores de frequência cardíaca materna nos dois grupos, durante o procedimento, quando comparado aos demais períodos (p < 0,001). Houve ocorrência de arritmia cardíaca em 9 (29,0%) pacientes, das quais 7 (41,8%) pertencentes ao grupo de 17 gestantes que recebeu anestesia com adrenalina. A pressão arterial materna não apresentou diferença quando comparamos períodos ou grupos (p > 0,05). O mesmo ocorreu (p > 0,05) com número de contrações uterinas, nível e variabilidade da linha de base e número de acelerações da frequência cardíaca fetal. CONCLUSÃO: O uso de 1,8 ml de lidocaína 2% associado à adrenalina mostrou-se seguro e eficaz em procedimento odontológico restaurador durante a gestação de mulheres com cardiopatia valvar reumática.

Cognitive control associated with irritability induction: an autobiographical recall fMRI study

OBJECTIVE: Despite the relevance of irritability emotions to the treatment, prognosis and classification of psychiatric disorders, the neurobiological basis of this emotional state has been rarely investigated to date. We assessed the brain circuitry underlying personal script-driven irritability in healthy subjects (n = 11) using functional magnetic resonance imaging. METHOD: Blood oxygen level-dependent signal changes were recorded during auditory presentation of personal scripts of irritability in contrast to scripts of happiness or neutral emotional content. Self-rated emotional measurements and skin conductance recordings were also obtained. Images were acquired using a 1,5T magnetic resonance scanner. Brain activation maps were constructed from individual images, and between-condition differences in the mean power of experimental response were identified by using cluster-wise nonparametric tests. RESULTS: Compared to neutral scripts, increased blood oxygen level-dependent signal during irritability scripts was detected in the left subgenual anterior cingulate cortex, and in the left medial, anterolateral and posterolateral dorsal prefrontal cortex (cluster-wise p-value < 0.05). While the involvement of the subgenual cingulate and dorsal anterolateral prefrontal cortices was unique to the irritability state, increased blood oxygen level-dependent signal in dorsomedial and dorsal posterolateral prefrontal regions were also present during happiness induction. CONCLUSION: Irritability induction is associated with functional changes in a limited set of brain regions previously implicated in the mediation of emotional states. Changes in prefrontal and cingulate areas may be related to effortful cognitive control aspects that gain salience during the emergence of irritability.

Avaliação manométrica anal de crianças com encoprese

INTRODUÇÃO: A constipação crônica é doença comum na infância, ocorrendo em 5 a 10% dos pacientes pediátricos, considerada a segunda maior causa de procura nos consultórios de pediatria, sendo a encoprese decorrente de constipação grave associada à impactação fecal no reto. Dentre os exames diagnósticos, a manometria anal é utilizada para a avaliação de pacientes com distúrbios funcionais, como a constipação intestinal e a incontinência fecal, em alguns serviços para a avaliação de pacientes com encoprese, pois pode trazer informações sobre o mecanismo evacuatório e possíveis lesões esfincterianas anais. OBJETIVO: Verificar alterações manométricas em pacientes com encoprese. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado estudo de 40 manometrias anais de crianças constipadas com encoprese (G1) e 12 crianças constipados sem encoprese (G2). Foram obtidos os seguintes dados: pressões de repouso, contração e evacuação do canal anal e ampola retal, ponto de maior pressão, reflexo inibitório anal e sensibilidade retal. As manometrias foram realizadas com o aparelho Alacer de perfusão com 8 canais. RESULTADOS: Não foram encontradas diferenças nas pressões de repouso, contração e evacuação do canal anal entre os grupos. Chamou-nos a atenção a ausência de necessidade de maior volume retal para desencadear o reflexo inibitório anal. Não houve diferença da incidência de anismus entre os dois grupos, demonstrando que não se trata de fator importante na manutenção da encoprese, mas sim da constipação. CONCLUSÃO: Não houve necessidade de maior volume para desencadear o reflexo inibitório anal. O anismus não foi diferente entre os dois grupos, não sendo importante na manutenção da encoprese.