Evaluation of IFA, MAT, ELISAs and immunoblotting for the detection of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in paired serum and aqueous humour samples from experimentally infected pigs

The study evaluated the efficiency of diagnostic laboratory methods to detect anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in paired serum and aqueous humour samples from experimentally infected pigs. 18-mixed breed pigs were used during the experiment; these were divided into two groups, G I (infected group, n = 10) and G2 (uninfected group, n = 8). Infection was performed with 4 x 10(4) VEG strain oocysts at day 0 by the oral route in G1 animals. All pigs were euthanized at day 60, when retina, aqueous humour, and blood samples were collected. Anti-T gondii antibody levels were assessed in serum (s) and aqueous humour (ah) by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), modified agglutination test (MAT), m-ELISA (using crude membranes from T gondii tachyzoites as antigen) and r-ELISA (using rhoptries from T gondii tachyzoites as antigen). Polymerase chain reactions (PCR) of samples from the retina were performed by using Tox4 and Tox5 primers. Antibody titers of G1 animals ranged from 128 to 1024 and from 16 to 256 in serum and aqueous humour, respectively. There were differences in the correlation coefficients between IFA(s) x IFA (ah) (r = 0.62, P = 0.05), MAT(s) x MAT (ah) (r = 0.97, P < 0.0001); however, there was no significant difference between r-ELISA(s) x r-ELISA (ah) (r = 0. 14, P = 0.7). Antibodies present in serum and aqueous humour recognized similar antigens. Samples of retina were positive by PCR in 30% (3/10) of infected pigs. G2 animals remained without antibody levels and were PCR negative throughout the experiment. These results suggest that the use of a combination of tests and immunoblotting for paired aqueous humour and serum samples could improve the sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of ocular toxoplasmosis. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A new presynchronization system (Double-Ovsynch) increases fertility at first postpartum timed AI in lactating dairy cows

This study evaluated a novel presynchronization method, using Ovsynch prior to the Ovsynch-timed AI protocol (Double-Ovsynch) compared to Presynch-Ovsynch. Lactating Holstein (n = 337) cows, were assigned to two treatment groups: (1) Presynch (n = 180), two injections of PGF 14 d apart, followed by the Ovsynch-timed AI protocol 12 d later; (2) Double-Ovsynch (n = 157), received GnRH, PGF 7 d later, and GnRH 3 d later, followed by the Ovsynch-timed AI protocol 7 d later. All cows received the same Ovsynch-timed AI protocol: GnRH (G1) at 68 +/- 3 DIM (mean +/- SEM), PGF 7 d later, GnRH (G2) 56 h after PGF, and AI 16 to 20 h later. Pregnancy was diagnosed 39-45 d after timed AI. Double-Ovsynch increased the pregnancies per AI (P/AI) compared to Presynch-Ovsynch (49.7% vs 41.7%, P = 0.03). Surprisingly, Double-Ovsynch increased P/AI only in primiparous (65.2% vs 45.2%; P = 0.02) and not multiparous (37.5% vs 39.3%) cows. In a subset of 87 cows, ovarian ultrasonography and progesterone (P4) measurements were performed at G1 and 7 d later. Double-Ovsynch decreased the percentage of cows with low P4 (<1 ng/mL) at G1 (9.4% vs 33.3%) and increased the percentage of cows with high P4 (>= 3 ng/mL) at PGF (78.1% vs 52.3%). Thus, presynchronization of cows with Double-Ovsynch increased fertility in primiparous cows compared to a standard Presynch protocol, perhaps due to induction of ovulation in non-cycling cows and improved synchronization of cycling cows. Future studies are needed, with a larger number of cows, to further test the hypothesis of higher fertility with Double-Ovsynch, and to elucidate the physiological mechanisms that underlie apparent changes in fertility with this protocol. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Claudin expression is dysregulated in prostate adenocarcinomas but does not correlate with main clinicopathological parameters

Aims: Claudins, a large family of essential tight junction (TJ) proteins, are abnormally regulated in human carcinomas. The aim of this study was to determine the expression of claudins 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, and 11 in prostate samples from Brazilian patients and correlate it with the clinicopathological features of prostate cancer. Methods: Using a tissue microarray (TMA) of specimens of prostate adenocarcinoma and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) we analysed the expression of claudins 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, and 11 by immunohistochemistry. Results: Claudin 4 was down-regulated and claudins 2, 3, and 5 were overexpressed in prostate adenocarcinomas compared with BPH samples. Expression of claudins 1 and 7 was similar in tumours and BPH samples. Claudin 11 was absent from all prostate samples. Overexpression of claudin 3 was associated with perineural invasion (p = 0.014) and tended to occur in advanced stages of the disease (p = 0.064). Increased expression of claudin 5 was marginally associated with perineural invasion (p = 0.060). Conclusions: Our results suggest that alterations in claudin expression occur in prostate cancer cells, although we have not found an association with the main clinicopathological parameters.

Assessment of the Availability of Bone Volume for Grafting in the Donor Retromolar Region Using Computed Tomography: A Pilot Study

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the area and volume of bone available for grafting in a donor retromolar region using computed tomography (CT). Materials and Methods: Ten patients previously scanned by multislice CT were selected for evaluation. Images from partially and completely dentate patients at least 18 years of age were included in the study; those from patients with impacted or erupted third molars or intrabony lesions in the study area were not included. Computer software with appropriate tools was used to handle the images. Two calibrated observers made measurements separately. Safety margins in relation to the lingual cortex, the base of mandible, and the alveolar canal were established in each cross-section of the CTs. Measurements were done by using cross-sectional views, and the results were calculated after three-dimensional reconstruction, providing area and volume data. Results: The mean area of bone available for grafting was 8.12 cm(2) ( range, 0.00 to 13.60 cm(2)) and 8.32 cm(2) ( range, 0.00 to 14.30 cm(2)) for observers 1 and 2, respectively. Mean available bone volume for grafting was 0.79 cm(3) ( range, 0.00 to 1.50 cm(3)) for observer 1 and 0.85 cm(3) ( range, 0.00 to 1.60 cm(3)) for observer 2. Interobserver analysis showed substantial agreement. Conclusion: The retromolar region showed a wide variety of anatomic differences among patients. Three-dimensional multislice CT allows reproducible measurements of the area and volume of the retromolar region. Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants 2010; 25: 374-378

Influence of matrix composition on polymerization stress development of experimental composites

Objective. Stress development at the tooth/restoration interface is one of the most important reasons for failure of adhesive restorations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of BisGMA/TEGDMA (B/T) and UDMA/TEGDMA (U/T) ratios on polymerization stress (PS) and on the variables related to its development: degree of conversion (DC), polymerization maximum rate (Rp(max)), volumetric shrinkage (VS), elastic modulus (E), stress relaxation (SR) and viscosity of experimental composites. Method. Composites were formulated containing B/T or U/T in mol% ratios of 2: 8, 3: 7, 4: 6, 5: 5, 6: 4, 7: 3 and 8: 2, and 15 wt% of fumed silica. PS was determined with a universal testing machine. VS was measured with a linometer. E and SR were obtained in three-point bending. DC and Rp(max) were determined by real time NIR spectroscopy and viscosity was measured in viscometer. Data were submitted to one-way ANOVA, Tukey test (alpha = 0.05%) and regression analyses. Results. PS, VS, E and DC decreased and viscosity and Rp(max) increased with base monomer content in both series. PS showed strong correlation with VS, DC and viscosity. PS, VS and DC were higher and viscosity was lower for UDMA-based materials. Significance. Reduced viscosity, kinetics parameters and molecular characteristics led UDMA-based composites to elevated conversion and relatively lower PS at lower TEGDMA contents, compared to B/T composites. (C) 2010 Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Heat-killed Enterococcus faecalis Alters Nitric Oxide and CXCL12 Production but not CXCL8 and CCL3 Production by Cultured Human Dental Pulp Fibroblasts

Introduction: Fibroblasts are the most abundant cells in dental pulp. To investigate their capacity to produce the chemokines CCL3, CXCL8, and CXCL12 as well as nitric oxide (NO), we evaluated the production of these mediators in supernatants of cultured human dental pulp fibroblasts (HDPF) stimulated by heat-killed Enterococcus faecalis (HKEF). Methods: Primary cultures of HDPF were stimulated with medium alone or HKEF (1:1, 10:1, or 100:1 bacteria:fibroblast) for 1, 6, and 24 hours. Chemokines and NO were assessed through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Griess reaction, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed by using analysis of variance and Tukey post test. Results: CCL3 was not detected, whereas constitutive CXCL8 was not affected. Production of CXCL12 was increased at 1 and 6 hours, and NO was increased at the concentration of 1:1 bacteria:fibroblast at 24 hours. Viability and proliferation assays did not reveal cell number differences. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that heat-killed E. faecalis is able to increase production of CXCL12 and NO by HDPF. (J Endod 2010;36:91-94)

Expression of vascular endothelian growth factor-C does not predict occult lymphnode metastasis in early oral squamous cell carcinoma

Strong vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) expression has been correlated to occurrence of lymph-node metastases in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The incidence of occult lymph-node metastasis remains a decisive factor in the prognosis of patients with early OSCC. The aim of this study was to evaluate VEGF-C expression as a predictor of occult lymph-node metastasis in OSCC. Eighty-seven patients with primary OSCC arising in the tongue or floor of mouth, clinically T1N0M0 or T2N0M0, with (pN+) and without (pN0) occult lymph-node metastases were analyzed for VEGF-C expression by malignant cells. Occult lymph-node metastases (pN+) were detected in 22% of the 64 patients who were submitted to elective neck dissection. No statistically significant difference was found between OSCC with and without occult lymph-node metastasis in regard to VEGF-C immunoexpression by malignant cells and clinicopathologic features. Independently of VEGF-C expression, lymph-node metastasis (PN+) was the most significant prognostic factor for overall survival of patients with OSCC (p = 0.030). These findings indicate that isolated VEGF-C expression by malignant cells is not of predictive value for occult lymph-node metastasis in the early stages of OSCC.

Preventive effect of an iron varnish on bovine enamel erosion in vitro

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate, in vitro, the effect of an experimental varnish containing iron on the dissolution of bovine enamel by carbonated beverage. Methods: Eighty specimens were randomly allocated to four groups (n = 20 per group), according to the following treatments: Fe varnish (FeV, 10 mmoL/L Fe), F varnish (FV, 2.71% F), placebo varnish (PV) and control (not treated, NT). The varnishes were applied in a thin layer and removed after 6 h. Then, the samples were submitted to six cycles, alternating re- and demineralisation (only 1 day). Demineralisation was performed with the beverage Coca-Cola (R) (10 min, 30 mL/block) and remineralisation with artificial saliva for I h. In order to determine the amount of enamel dissolved, the wear was analysed by profilometry. Data were analysed by ANOVA and Tukey`s test (p < 0.05). Results: The mean wear (+/- S.E.) was significantly lesser for the FeV (0.451 +/- 0.018 mu m) when compared to the other treatments. The FV caused significantly less wear (0.554 +/- 0.022 mu m) when compared to PV (0.991 +/- 0.039 mu m) and NT (1.014 +/- 0.033), which did not significantly differ from each other. Conclusions: The results suggest that the iron varnish can interfere with the dissolution of dental enamel in the presence of acidic beverages. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Surgical planning for resection of an ameloblastoma and reconstruction of the mandible using a selective laser sintering 3D biomodel

Ameloblastoma is a benign locally aggressive infiltrative odontogenic lesion. It is characterized by slow growth and painless swelling. The treatment for ameloblastoma varies from curettage to en bloc resection, and the reported recurrence rates after treatment are high; the safety margin of resection is important to avoid recurrence. Advances in technology brought about great benefits in dentistry; a new generation of computed tomography scanners and 3-dimensional images enhance the surgical planning and management of maxillofacial tumors. The development of new prototyping systems provides accurate 3D biomodels on which surgery can be simulated, especially in cases of ameloblastoma, in which the safety margin is important for treatment success. A case of mandibular follicular ameloblastoma is reported where a 3D biomodel was used before and during surgery.

Functional polymorphisms in the promoter of the matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) gene are not linked with significant plasma MMP-9 variations in healthy subjects

Background: Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is involved in the degradation of the extracellular matrix during physiological and pathological processes. Two functional polymorphisms [C(-1562)T and microsatellite (CA)(13-25)] in the promoter region of the MMP-9 gene have been associated with several diseases. The aim of this study was to examine whether these MMP-9 polymorphisms and haplotypes are linked with plasma MMP-9 variations in healthy subjects. Methods: We studied 177 healthy male white volunteers (age range 20-55 years) who were non-smokers and not taking any medication. Genomic DNA was extracted from whole blood and genotypes for the C(-1562)T and the microsatellite (CA)(n) polymorphisms were determined. MMP-9 levels were measured in plasma samples by gelatin zymography. Results: The frequency of the alleles C and T for the C(-1562)T polymorphism were 90% and 10%, respectively. The frequency of the alleles with less than 21 CA repeats Q and with 21 repeats or higher (H) were 47% and 53%, respectively. We found no differences in plasma MMP-9 levels among the genotype groups or among different haplotypes (all p > 0.05). Conclusions: These findings suggest that functional polymorphisms in the promoter of the MMP-9 gene are not linked with significant plasma MMP-9 variations in healthy subjects.

Effects of short-term acetaminophen and celecoxib treatment on orthodontic tooth movement and neuronal activation in rat

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been used for pain relief in orthodontics, but clinical studies reported that they may reduce tooth movement (TM). By other side, TM seems to activate brain structures related to nociception, but the effects of NSAIDs in this activation have not been studied yet. We analyzed the effect of short-term treatment with acetaminophen or celecoxib in the separation of rat upper incisors, as well as in neuronal activation of the spinal trigeminal nucleus, following tooth movement. Thirty rats (400-420 g) were pretreated through oral gavage (1 ml/dose)with acetaminophen (200 mg/kg), celecoxib (50 mg/kg) or vehicle (carboxymethylcellulose 0.4%). After 30 min, they received an activated (30 g) orthodontic appliance for TM. In controls, this appliance was immediately removed after its introduction. Rats received ground food, and every 12 h, one of the drugs or vehicle. After 48 h, they were anesthetized, maxilla was radiographed, and were perfused with 4% paraformaldehyde. Brains were further processed for Fos immunohistochemistry. TM induced incisor distalization (p < 0.05) and neuronal activation of the spinal trigeminal nucleus. Treatment with both drugs did not affect tooth movement, but reduced c-fos expression in the caudalis subnucleus. No changes in c-fos expression were seen in the oralis and interpolaris subnuclei. We conclude that neither celecoxib nor acetaminophen seems to affect tooth movement, when used for 2 days, but both drugs are able to reduce the activation of brain structures related to nociception. Short-term treatment with celecoxib, thus, may be a therapeutic alternative to acetaminophen when the latter is contra indicated. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Influence of interimplant distances and placement depth on peri-implant bone remodeling of adjacent and immediately loaded Morse cone connection implants: a histomorphometric study in dogs

Objectives The aim of this study was to histomorphometrically evaluate the influence of interimplant distances (ID) and implant placement depth on bone remodeling around contiguous Morse cone connection implants with `platform-shifting` in a dog model. Material and methods Bilateral mandibular premolars of six dogs were extracted, and after 12 weeks, each dog received 8 implants, four placed 1.5 mm subcrestally (SCL) on one side of the mandible and four placed equicrestally (ECL) on the other side, alternating the ID of 2 and 3 mm. The experimental groups were SCL with IDs of 2 mm (2 SCL) and 3 mm (3 SCL) and ECL with IDs of 2 mm (2 ECL) and 3 mm (3 ECL). Metallic crowns were immediately installed. After 8 weeks, the animals were euthanized and histomorphometric analyses were performed to compare bone remodeling in the groups. Results The SCL groups` indices of crestal bone resorption were significantly lower than those of ECL groups. In addition, the vertical bone resorption around the implants was also numerically inferior in the SCL groups, but without statistical significance. No differences were obtained between the different IDs. All the groups presented similar good levels of bone-to-implant contact and histological bone density. Conclusion The subcrestal placement of contiguous Morse cone connection implants with `platform shifting` was more efficient in preserving the interimplant crestal bone. The IDs of 2 and 3 mm did not affect the bone remodeling significantly under the present conditions. To cite this article:Barros RRM, Novaes AB Jr., Muglia VA, Iezzi G, Piattelli A. Influence of interimplant distances and placement depth on peri-implant bone remodeling of adjacent and immediately loaded Morse cone connection implants: a histomorphometric study in dogs.Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21, 2010; 371-378.doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0501.2009.01860.x.

Genotype-by-management interactions for grain yield and grain protein concentration of wheat

The magnitude of genotype-by-management (G x M) interactions for grain yield and grain protein concentration was examined in a multi-environment trial (MET) involving a diverse set of 272 advanced breeding lines from the Queensland wheat breeding program. The MET was structured as a series of management-regimes imposed at 3 sites for 2 years. The management-regimes were generated at each site-year as separate trials in which planting time, N fertiliser application rate, cropping history, and irrigation were manipulated. irrigation was used to simulate different rainfall regimes. From the combined analysis of variance, the G x M interaction variance components were found to be the largest source of G x E interaction variation for both grain yield (0.117 +/- 0.005 t(2) ha(-2); 49% of total G x E 0.238 +/- 0.028 t(2) ha(-2)) and grain protein concentration (0.445 +/- 0.020%(2); 82% of total G x E 0.546 +/- 0.057%(2)), and in both cases this source of variation was larger than the genotypic variance component (grain yield 0.068 +/- 0.014 t(2) ha(-2) and grain protein 0.203 +/- 0.026%(2)). The genotypic correlation between the traits varied considerably with management-regime, ranging from -0.98 to -0.31, with an estimate of 0.0 for one trial. Pattern analysis identified advanced breeding lines with improved grain yield and grain protein concentration relative to the cultivars Hartog, Sunco and Meteor. It is likely that a large component of the previously documented G x E interactions for grain yield of wheat in the northern grains region are in part a result of G x M interactions. The implications of the strong influence of G x M interactions for the conduct of wheat breeding METs in the northern region are discussed. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

The Cys282Tyr polymorphism in the HFE gene in Australian Parkinson's disease patients

Iron homeostasis is altered in Parkinson's disease (PD). The HFE protein is an important regulator of cellular iron homeostasis and variations within this gene can result in iron overload and the disorder known as hereditary haemochromatosis. We studied the Cys282Tyr single nucleotide polymorphism as a genetic risk factor for PD in two distinct and separately collected cohorts of Australian PD patients and controls. In the combined cohort comprising 438 PD patients and 485 control subjects, we revealed an odds ratio for possession of the 282Tyr allele of 0.61 (95% confidence interval, Cl = 0.42-0.90, P = 0.011) from univariate chi-squared and 0.59 (95% Cl = 0.39-0.90, P = 0.014) after logistic regression analyses (correcting for potential confounding factors). These results suggest that possession of the 282Tyr allele may offer some protection against the development of PD. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

A pilot study of the manual force levels required to produce manipulation induced hypoalgesia

Objective. A pilot investigation of the influence of different force levels on a treatment technique's hypoalgesic effect. Design. Randomised single blind repeated measures. Background. Optimisation of such biomechanical treatment variables as the point of force application, direction of force application and the level of applied manual force is classically regarded as the basis of best practice manipulative therapy. Manipulative therapy is frequently used to alleviate pain, a treatment effect that is often studied directly in the neurophysiological, paradigm and seldom in biomechanical research. The relationship between the level of force applied by a technique (e.g. biomechanics) and its hypoalgesic effect was the focus of this study. Method. The experiment involved the application of a lateral glide mobilisation with movement treatment technique to the symptomatic elbow of six subjects with lateral epicondylalgia. Four different levels of force, which were measured with a flexible pressure-sensing mat, were randomly applied while the subject performed a pain free grip strength test. Results. Standardised manual force data varied from 0.76 to 4.54 N/cm, lower-upper limits 95 Cl, respectively. Pain free grip strength expressed as a percentage change from pre-treatment values was significantly greater with manual forces beyond 1.9 N/cm (P = 0.014). Conclusions. This study, albeit a pilot, provides preliminary evidence that in terms of the hypoalgesic effect of a mobilisation with movement treatment technique, there may be an optimal level of applied manual force.