MHC class I and II expression in juvenile dermatomyositis skeletal muscle

Objective To assess MHC I and II expressions in muscle fibres of juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) and compare with the expression in polymyositis (PM), dermatomyositis (DM) and dystrophy. Patients and methods Forty-eight JDM patients and 17 controls (8 PM, 5 DM and 4 dystrophy) were studied. The mean age at disease onset was 7.1 +/- 3.0 years and the mean duration of weakness before biopsy was 9.4 +/- 12.9 months. Routine histochemistry and immunohistochemistry (StreptABComplex/HRP) for MHC I and II (Dakopatts) were performed on serial frozen muscle sections in all patients. Mann-Whitney, Kruskal Wallis, chi-square and Fisher`s exact statistical methods were used. Results MHC I expression was positive in 47 (97.9%) JDM cases. This expression was observed independent of time of disease corticotherapy previous to muscle biopsy and to the grading of inflammation observed in clinical, laboratorial and histological parameters. The expression of MHC I was similar on JDM, PM and DM, and lower in dystrophy. On the other hand, MHC II expression was positive in just 28.2% of JDM cases was correlated to histological features as inflammatory infiltrate, increased connective tissue and VAS for global degree of abnormality (p < 0.05). MCH II expression was similar in DM/PM and lower in JDM and dystrophy, and it was based on the frequency of positive staining rather than to the degree of the MCH II expression. Conclusions MHC I expression in muscle fibres is a premature and late marker of JDM patient independent to corticotherapy, and MHC II expression was lower in JDM than in PM and DM.

Similar Intracellular Peptide Profile of TAP1/beta 2 Microglobulin Double-Knockout Mice and C57BL/6 Wild-Type Mice as Revealed by Peptidomic Analysis

Cells produce and use peptides in distinctive ways. In the present report, using isotope labeling plus semi-quantitative mass spectrometry, we evaluated the intracellular peptide profile of TAP1/beta 2m(-/-) (transporter associated with antigen-processing 1/beta 2 microglobulin) double-knockout mice and compared it with that of C57BL/6 wild-type animals. Overall, 92 distinctive peptides were identified, and most were shown to have a similar concentration in both mouse strains. However, some peptides showed a modest increase or decrease (similar to 2-fold), whereas a glycine-rich peptide derived from the C-terminal of neurogranin (KGPGPGGPGGAGGARGGAGGGPSGD) showed a substantial increase (6-fold) in TAP1/beta 2m(-/-) mice. Thus, TAP1 and beta 2microglobulin have a small influence on the peptide profile of neuronal tissue, suggesting that the presence of peptides derived from intracellular proteins in neuronal tissue is not associated with antigens of the class I major histocompatibility complex. Therefore, it is possible that these intracellular peptides play a physiological role.

Factors Related to the Selection of Surgical Versus Percutaneous Revascularization in Diabetic Patients With Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease in the BARI 2D (Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation in Type 2 Diabetes) Trial

Objectives We evaluated demographic, clinical, and angiographic factors influencing the selection of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery versus percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in diabetic patients with multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD) in the BARI 2D (Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation in Type 2 Diabetes) trial. Background Factors guiding selection of mode of revascularization for patients with diabetes mellitus and multivessel CAD are not clearly defined. Methods In the BARI 2D trial, the selected revascularization strategy, CABG or PCI, was based on physician discretion, declared independent of randomization to either immediate or deferred revascularization if clinically warranted. We analyzed factors favoring selection of CABG versus PCI in 1,593 diabetic patients with multivessel CAD enrolled between 2001 and 2005. Results Selection of CABG over PCI was declared in 44% of patients and was driven by angiographic factors including triple vessel disease (odds ratio [OR]: 4.43), left anterior descending stenosis >= 70% (OR: 2.86), proximal left anterior descending stenosis >= 50% (OR: 1.78), total occlusion (OR: 2.35), and multiple class C lesions (OR: 2.06) (all p < 0.005). Nonangiographic predictors of CABG included age >= 65 years (OR: 1.43, p = 0.011) and non-U.S. region (OR: 2.89, p = 0.017). Absence of prior PCI (OR: 0.45, p < 0.001) and the availability of drug-eluting stents conferred a lower probability of choosing CABG (OR: 0.60, p = 0.003). Conclusions The majority of diabetic patients with multivessel disease were selected for PCI rather than CABG. Preference for CABG over PCI was largely based on angiographic features related to the extent, location, and nature of CAD, as well as geographic, demographic, and clinical factors. (Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation in Type 2 Diabetes [BARI 2D]; NCT00006305) (J Am Coll Cardiol Intv 2009;2:384-92) (C) 2009 by the American College of Cardiology Foundation

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II but not MHC class I molecules are required for efficient control of Strongyloides venezuelensis infection in mice

P>Strongyloides stercoralis is an intestinal nematode capable of chronic, persistent infection and hyperinfection of the host; this can lead to dissemination, mainly in immunosuppressive states, in which the infection can become severe and result in the death of the host. In this study, we investigated the immune response against Strongyloides venezuelensis infection in major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I or class II deficient mice. We found that MHC II(-/-) animals were more susceptible to S. venezuelensis infection as a result of the presence of an elevated number of eggs in the faeces and a delay in the elimination of adult worms compared with wild-type (WT) and MHC I(-/-) mice. Histopathological analysis revealed that MHC II(-/-) mice had a mild inflammatory infiltration in the small intestine with a reduction in tissue eosinophilia. These mice also presented a significantly lower frequency of eosinophils and mononuclear cells in the blood, together with reduced T helper type 2 (Th2) cytokines in small intestine homogenates and sera compared with WT and MHC I(-/-) animals. Additionally, levels of parasite-specific immunoglobulin M (IgM), IgA, IgE, total IgG and IgG1 were also significantly reduced in the sera of MHC II(-/-) infected mice, while a non-significant increase in the level of IgG2a was found in comparison to WT or MHC I(-/-) infected mice. Together, these data demonstrate that expression of MHC class II but not class I molecules is required to induce a predominantly Th2 response and to achieve efficient control of S. venezuelensis infection in mice.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma ligand, 15-deoxy-Delta A(12,14)-prostaglandin J(2), reduces neutrophil migration via a nitric oxide pathway

Ligands for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-gamma), such as 15-deoxy-Delta(12,14)-prostaglandin J(2) (15d-PGJ(2)) have been implicated as a new class of anti-inflammatory compounds with possible clinical applications. Based on this concept, this investigation was designed to determine the effect of 15d-PGJ(2)-mediated activation of PPAR-gamma ligand on neutrophil migration after an inflammatory stimulus and clarify the underlying molecular mechanisms using a mouse model of peritonitis. Our results demonstrated that 15d-PGJ(2) administration decreases leukocyte rolling and adhesion to the inflammated mesenteric tissues by a mechanism dependent on NO. Specifically, pharmacological inhibitors of NO synthase remarkably abrogated the 15d-PGJ(2)-mediated suppression of neutrophil migration to the inflammatory site. Moreover, inducible NOS(-/-) mice were not susceptible to 15d-PGJ(2)-mediated suppression of neutrophil migration to the inflammatory sites when compared with their wild type. In addition, 15d-PGJ(2)-mediated suppression of neutrophil migration appeared to be independent of the production of cytokines and chemokines, since their production were not significantly affected in the carrageenan-injected peritoneal cavities. Finally, up-regulation of carrageenan-triggered ICAM-I expression in the mesenteric microcirculation vessels was abrogated by pretreatment of wild-type mice with 15d-PGJ(2), whereas 15d-PGJ(2) inhibited F-actin rearrangement process in neutrophils. Taken together these findings demonstrated that 15d-PGJ(2) suppresses inflammation-initiated neutrophil migration in a mechanism dependent on NO production in mesenteric tissues.

Transcription of the Neurospora crassa 70-kDa class heat shock protein genes is modulated in response to extracellular pH changes

Heat shock proteins belong to a conserved superfamily of molecular chaperones found in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. These proteins are linked to a myriad of physiological functions. In this study, we show that the N. crassa hsp70-1 (NCU09602.3) and hsp70-2 (NCU08693.3) genes are preferentially expressed in an acidic milieu after 15 h of cell growth in sufficient phosphate at 30A degrees C. No significant accumulation of these transcripts was detected at alkaline pH values. Both genes accumulated to a high level in mycelia that were incubated for 1 h at 45A degrees C, regardless of the phosphate concentration and extracellular pH changes. Transcription of the hsp70-1 and hsp70-2 genes was dependent on the pacC (+) background in mycelia cultured under optimal growth conditions or at 45A degrees C. The pacC gene encodes a Zn-finger transcription factor that is involved in the regulation of gene expression by pH. Heat shock induction of these two hsp genes in mycelia incubated in low-phosphate medium was almost not altered in the nuc-1 (-) background under both acidic and alkaline pH conditions. The NUC-1 transcriptional regulator is involved in the derepression of nucleases, phosphatases, and transporters that are necessary for fulfilling the cell`s phosphate requirements. Transcription of the hsp70-3 (NCU01499.3) gene followed a different pattern of induction-the gene was depressed under insufficient phosphate conditions but was apparently unaffected by alkalinization of the culture medium. Moreover, this gene was not induced by heat shock. These results reveal novel aspects of the heat-sensing network of N. crassa.

Influence of etching with erbium, chromium:yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet laser on microleakage of class V restoration

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate some parameters of dental etching when irradiated with an erbium, chromium:yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser. One-hundred sound human third molars were selected and randomly distributed into ten groups (n = 10). The class V cavities of group 1 (control) were prepared with a bur and etched with 37% phosphoric acid, while groups G2 to G10, were prepared with laser (5 W, 88.46 J/cm(2), 90/70% air/water) and etched with the following powers: G3 and G4, 0.25 W; G5 and G6, 0.5 W; G7 and G8, 0.75 W; G9 and G10, 1 W. Group G2 received no laser etching. Prior to restoration, G2, G4, G6, G8 and G10 received acid etching. After restoration, all samples were submitted to a microleakage test. According to statistical analysis (Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn`s tests), G10 presented the lowest microleakage values (P < 0.05). The other groups showed no differences between them. Etching with Er,Cr:YSGG laser (1 W) followed by phosphoric acid was effective in reducing the microleakage of class V restorations.

Influence of the Additional Er:YAG Laser Conditioning Step on the Microleakage of Class V Restorations

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of an additional Er:YAG laser conditioning step after laser cavity preparations, on the microleakage of class V composite restorations. Forty-eight bovine incisors were randomly divided into four groups: G1(control) cavities prepared with bur, G2- cavities prepared with laser (400 mJ/2 Hz), G3-cavities prepared and subsequently conditioned with Er:YAG laser (60 mJ/2 Hz); G4-idem for G3, but the laser conditioning was carried out without water-spray. All the cavities were restored using Clearfill SE Bond (R) and Z-250 (R) composite resin. The samples were thermal cycled for 700 cycles and then immersed in 50% silver nitrate solution. The sectioned restorations were exposed to a photoflood lamp to reveal silver nitrate penetration. The Kruskal-Walis one-way analyses of variance test and post hoc Wilcoxon pair-wise comparison were used to compare microleakage degrees. At the gingival margin G2 showed a lower microleakage mean than the control bur-prepared cavities (p = 0.0003). At occlusal margins there were no statistically significant differences between the groups (p = 0.28). It may be concluded that Er:YAG laser class V cavity preparations do not need to be followed by an additional laser conditioning step to result in levels of microleakage similar to or lower than those obtained after bur preparations. (C) 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 87B: 538-543, 2008

Effect of Conventional and Resin-modified Glass-Ionomer Liner on Dentin Adhesive Interface of Class I Cavity Walls After Thermocycling

Objective: The aim of this in vitro study was to analyze the effect of glass-ionomer cement as a liner on the dentin/resin adhesive interface of lateral walls of occlusal restorations after thermocycling. Materials and Methods: Occlusal cavities were prepared in 60 human molars, divided into six groups: no liner (1 and 4); glass-ionomer cement (GIC, Ketac Molar Easymix, 3M ESPE) (2 and 5); and resin-modified glass-ionomer cement (RMGIC, Vitrebond, 3M ESPE) (3 and 6). Resin composite (Filtek Z250, 3M ESPE) was placed after application of an adhesive system (Adper Single Bond 2, 3M ESPE) that was mixed with a fluorescent reagent (Rhodamine B) to allow confocal microscopy analysis. Specimens of groups 4, 5 and 6 were thermocycled (5 degrees C-55 degrees C) with a dwell time of 30 seconds for 5000 cycles. After this period, teeth were sectioned in approximately 0.8-mm slices. One slice of each tooth was randomly selected for confocal microscopy analysis. The other slices were sectioned into 0.8 nun x 0.8 mm beams, which were submitted to microtensile testing (MPa). Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey test (p < 0.05). Results: There was no detectedstatistical difference on bond strength among groups (alpha < 0.05). Confocal microscopy analysis showed a higher mean gap size in group 4(12.5 mu m) and a higher percentage of marginal gaps in the thermocycled groups. The RNIGIC liner groups showed the lowest percentage of marginal gaps. Conclusions: Lining with RMGIC resulted in less gap formation at the dentin/resin adhesive interface after artificial aging. RMGIC or GIC liners did not alter the microtensile bond strength of adhesive system/resin composite to dentin on the lateral walls of Class I restorations.

Fracture resistance of Class II glass-ionomer cement restorations

Purpose: To investigate in vitro the effect of retentive grooves, GIC type and insertion method on the fracture resistance of Class II glass-ionomer cement (GIC) restorations. Methods: Premolars were divided into 12 groups (n=10) according to three variables: retentive grooves [presence (PR) or absence AR)], GICs type [Ketac-Molar (KM), Fuji VIII (F8) and RelyX Luting (RX)], and insertion method [syringe injector (SI) or spoon excavator (SE)]. The specimens were subjected to fracture resistance test. Data were submitted to three-way ANOVA and multiple comparisons were performed using a Tukey test (P < 0.05). Results: Mean fracture resistance values (Kgf) +/- standard deviations (SD) were: KM (PR+SI) 65.66 +/- 2.5; KM (PR+SE) = 62.58 +/- 2.1; KM (AR+SI) = 57.11 +/- 1.9; KM (AR+SE) = 51.94 +/- 2.3; F8 (PR+SI) = 63.05 +/- 2.1; F8 (PR+SE) = 60.12 +/- 2.3; F8 (AR+SI) = 55.11 +/- 1.9; F8(AR+SE)=49.20 +/- 1.6; RX (PR+SI)=50.99 +/- 2.4; RX (PR+SE)=48.81 +/- 2.5; RX (AR+SI)=45.53 +/- 2.6; RX (AR+SE)=41.88 +/- 3.0. Statistically significant differences were observed among all the groups tested (P=0.001). There was significant difference when pooled means for GIC type were compared with retentive grooves (P=0.01) and when pooled means for retentive grooves were compared with insertion method (P=0.01).

Class I malocclusion treatment: Influence of a missing mandibular incisor on anterior guidance

This case report describes the orthodontic treatment of a patient with a deep-overbite Angle Class I malocclusion, agenesis of a mandibular central incisor, and 2 supernumerary teeth, which caused impaction of the mandibular first premolars. The 15-year-old patient also had a convex profile, maxillary dentoalveolar protrusion, and deficiency of space for the correct alignment of teeth. Therefore, treatment consisted of fixed appliance therapy, cervical headgear, extraction of the supernumeraries and the mandibular and maxillary first premolars, and mesiodistal reduction of the maxillary incisors to solve the arch perimeter discrepancy as much as possible with interproximal stripping. This method of treatment significantly improved the patient`s facial and dental esthetics and provided a good functional occlusion, despite the absence of a mandibular incisor, which generally impairs achieving adequate incisal guidance. (Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2010;138:109-17)

Tooth-wear patterns in subjects with Class II Division 1 malocclusion and normal occlusion

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of tooth wear in adolescents with Class II malocclusion, compared with those with normal occlusion. Methods: The sample consisted of dental casts obtained from 310 subjects, divided into 3 groups: group 1, 110 subjects with normal occlusion (mean age, 13.51 years); group 2, 100 complete Class II Division 1 patients (mean age, 13.44 years); and group 3, 100 half-cusp Class II Division 1 patients (mean age, 13.17 years). Dental wear was assessed by using a modified version of the tooth-wear index. The 3 groups were compared by means of the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests, considering the frequency and the severity of wear on each surface of each group of teeth. The level of statistical significance was set at 5%. Results: The normal occlusion group had statistically greater tooth wear on the palatal surfaces of the maxillary central incisors and the incisal surfaces of the maxillary canines than the corresponding surfaces in both Class II malocclusion groups. The complete and half-cusp Class II Division 1 malocclusion groups had statistically greater tooth wear on the occlusal surfaces of the maxillary second premolar and first molar, the occlusal surfaces of the mandibular premolars, and the buccal surfaces of the mandibular posterior teeth compared with the normal occlusion group. The half-cusp Class II Division 1 malocclusion group had significantly greater tooth wear on the incisal surfaces of the mandibular incisors compared with the complete Class II Division 1 malocclusion group. Conclusions: Subjects with normal occlusion and complete or half-cusp Class II Division 1 malocclusions have different tooth-wear patterns. Tooth wear on the malocclusion subjects should not be considered pathologic but rather consequent to the different interocclusal tooth arrangement. (Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2010; 137: 14. e1-14.e7)

Comparative efficiency of Class II malocclusion treatment with the pendulum appliance or two maxillary premolar extractions and edgewire appliances

The objective of this study was to compare, on study models and initial cephalograms, the efficiency of Class II malocclusion treatment with the pendulum appliance, and with two maxillary premolar extraction protocol. The sample consisted of 48 treated Class II malocclusion patients: group 1 comprised 22 patients (7 males, 15 females) treated with the pendulum appliance, with an initial mean age of 14.44 years and group 2, 26 patients (14 males, 12 females) treated with two maxillary premolar extractions at an initial mean age of 13.66 years. To compare the efficiency of each treatment protocol, the occlusal outcomes were evaluated on dental casts using the Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) Index and the treatment time (TT) of each group was calculated on clinical charts. The degree of treatment efficiency was calculated as the ratio between the percentage of occlusal improvement, evaluated through the PAR index, and TT. Statistical analysis was undertaken by means of t-tests. The findings demonstrated that the two maxillary premolar extraction protocol provided the occlusal outcomes in a shorter time (group 1: 45.7 months, group 2: 23.01 months) and, therefore, demonstrated greater treatment efficiency than the pendulum appliance.

Relationship between malocclusion severity and treatment success rate in Class II nonextraction therapy

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the treatment success rate of Class II malocclusion without extractions, according to initial severity. Methods: Class II subjects (n = 276) were divided into 2 groups according to the severity of the malocclusion. Group 1 comprised 144 patients with bilateral half Class II malocclusion at the initial mean age of 12.27 years. Group 2 comprised 132 patients who initially had bilateral complete Class II malocclusion at the initial mean age of 12.32 years. The patients` initial and final study models were evaluated with Grainger`s treatment priority index. Chi-square tests were used to test for differences between the 2 groups for categorical variables. Variables regarding occlusal results were compared with independent t tests. Results: Group 1 had a significantly better final occlusal result, a shorter treatment time, and a higher treatment efficiency index. Conclusions: Based on these results, it was concluded that bilateral half Class II malocclusion has a better treatment success rate than bilateral complete Class II malocclusion when treatment is conducted without extractions. (Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2009; 135: 274.e1-274.e8)