Myeloperoxidase as Inflammatory Marker of Periodontal Disease: Experimental Study in Rats

Rationale: Previous studies have used myeloperoxidase (MPO) as an inflammatory marker to estimate the accumulation of neutrophils in inflamed regions. Objective: The aim of this experimental study was to quantify the levels of MPO related to experimental periodontal disease in rats. Methods: Periodontal disease was induced in a group of rats using placement of a ligature around molar teeth. A group of rats without ligature placement served as a control. Measurements were made on the 3rd, 7th, 15th and 30th day from baseline. Gingival tissues were taken for quantification of MPO levels by ELISA. Results: The rats with induced periodontal disease showed statistically higher MPO levels (p 0.05) when compared to control rats. A significant increase in the levels of MPO released on days 7 and 30 was observed, with higher levels in the group with induced periodontitis. Conclusion: The levels of MPO were found to be higher in rats with induced periodontal disease, confirming the hypothesis that MPO may serve as an inflammatory marker for periodontitis.

Expression and purification of a recombinant adenovirus fiber knob in a baculovirus system

Objectives: To construct a recombinant baculovirus expressing the fiber knob domain of human adenovirus type 2 modified by the insertion of a foreign peptide, purify this protein after its production in insect cells, and to test its properties. Methods: Recombinant baculoviruses expressing the fiber knob were produced in Sf9 cells. The recombinant fiber knob was recovered from culture supernatants of infected cells and purified by a combination of Ni-NTA and ion-exchange chromatography. Results: Fiber knob was recovered from the culture media as a soluble protein. In the system used, the fiber knob is expressed fused with the V5 epitope and a histidine tag, which allowed purification by Ni-NTA chromatography. The protein was further purified by ion-exchange chromatography. We show that the recombinant fiber knob produced, with 31 extra amino acids in the C-terminus, can oligomerize and bind to the adenovirus receptor CAR, as it can block the infection of a recombinant type 5 adenovirus. Conclusions: The modified form of the fiber knob, produced in insect cells and purified by Ni-NTA and ion-exchange chromatography, retains the properties of oligomerization and binding to the fiber natural receptor, CAR. This construct has the potential to be a new adjuvant. Copyright (C) 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Chemoselective screening for the reduction of a chiral functionalised (+/-)-2-(phenylthio)cyclohexanone by whole cells of Brazilian micro-organisms

The use of whole cells of micro-organisms to bring about the biotransformation of an organic compound offers a number of advantages, but problems caused by enzymatic Promiscuity may be encountered upon With Substrates hearing more than one functional group. A one-pot screening method, in which whole fungal cells were incubated with a Mixture of 4-rnethylcyclohexanone I and phenyl methyl Sulfide 2, has been employed to determine the chemoselectivity of various biocatalysts. The hyphomycetes, Aspergillus terreus CCT 3320 and A. terreus URM 3571, catalysed the oxidation of 2 accompanied by the reduction of I to 4-methylcyclohexanol 1a and, for strain A. terreus CCT 3320, the Baeyer-Villiger oxidation of 1. The Basidomycetes, Trametes versicolor CCB 202, Pycnoporus sanguineus CCB 501 and Trichaptum byssogenum CCB 203, catalysed the oxidation of 2 and the reduction 1, but no Baeyer-Villiger reaction products were detected. In contrast. Trametes rigida CCB 285 catalysed the biotransformation of 1 to 1a, exclusively, in the absence of any detectable Sulfide oxidation reactions. The chemoselective reduction Of (+/-)-2-(phenylthio)cyclohexanone 3 by T. rigida CCB 285 afforded exclusively the (+)-cis-(1R,2S) and (+)-trans-(1S,2S) diastereoisomers of 2-(phenylthio)cyclohexan-1-ol 3a in moderate yields (13% and 27%, respectively) and high enantiomeric excesses (>98%). Chemoselective screening for the reduction of a ketone and/or the oxidation Of a Sulfide group in one pot by whole cells of micro-organisms represents an attractive technique with applications in the development of synthesis of complex molecule hearing different functional groups. (C) 2008 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Low glyphosate rates do not affect Citrus limonia (L.) Osbeck seedlings

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Glyphosate has low toxicity to citrus plants growing in the field

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Avaliação do desempenho de bicos para aplicação de herbicidas

A avaliação do desempenho de barras de pulverização pode ser feita a partir do padrão de distribuição ou deposição do líquido de cada bico individual em mesa de prova. Neste trabalho comparam-se os padrões de deposição produzidos por diversos bicos em várias alturas. Os resultados mostraram melhores desempenho para os bicos TF e XR, seguidos pelos bicos TJ60-8010, TJ60-8006 e FL. Os bicos TJ60-11006 e os TQ mostraram problemas localizados e os bicos TK foram considerados os piores entre os testados. Relações entre o espaçamento entre bicos e altura do alvo para as quais os coeficientes de variação apresentam valores satisfatórios foram propostas.

Changes in the quality of jaboticaba fruit (Myriciaria jaboticaba (Vell) Berg. cv. Sabara) stored under different oxygen concentrations

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Características da pulverização em citros em função do volume de calda aplicado com turbopulverizador

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito do volume de calda aplicado por um turbopulverizador sobre a deposição e a cobertura em folhas, ramos e frutos de citros. A pulverização foi realizada com um pulverizador tratorizado Arbus 2000/Valência em pomar de laranja 'Natal', com porte médio de 4,0 m, sendo avaliados seis volumes de calda (50; 70; 85; 100; 150 e 200% do volume-padrão utilizado pelo produtor, de 28 L planta-1). Após a pulverização de plantas uniformes com calda contendo cobre e o traçador fluorescente Poliglow 830 YLSS, amostras foram coletadas em nove setores da planta, sendo a avaliação da deposição feita usando-se análise do íon cobre por espectrofotômetro de absorção atômica, e a da cobertura, por meio de imagens digitalizadas analisadas pelo programa para computador IDRISI. A análise estatística mostrou que, na avaliação da cobertura e deposição em citros, a utilização de frutos como estrutura de amostragem tendeu a evidenciar melhor o efeito dos tratamentos. Tanto a deposição quanto a cobertura tenderam a ser maiores nos setores frontal e saia da planta. Tanto a deposição quanto a cobertura não foram prejudicadas pela utilização do volume de 70% (19,6 L planta-1), indicando que tal volume pode substituir o volume de 100% (28 L planta-1) sem prejuízos ao controle de pragas.

DC and AC side harmonics in CCC converters

The capacitor-commutated converter (CCC) has frequently been used in the conception of HVDC systems connected to busbars with low short circuit level. This alternative arrangement, in substitution to the conventional ones, guarantees less sensitive operational conditions to problems related with the commutation failure in the inverters besides supplying part of the reactive energy to be compensated. Studies related with its performance in steady and transient states have been presented in several works, however its behavior as harmonic source is still little explored. This work presents preliminary studies focusing the generation of characteristic harmonics by this type of converter. Subjects related with the amplification of the harmonic magnitudes are investigated and compared considering similar arrangements of conventional static converters (LCC) and CCC schemes. It is also analyzed the harmonic generation on the dc side of the installation and its influence on the ac side harmonics. The results are obtained from simulations in the time domain in PSpice environment and they clearly illustrate the operational differences between the L CC and the CCC schemes with regard to characteristic harmonic generation.

Avaliação radiográfica e ultrassonográfica do aparato podotroclear de cavalos Quarto de Milha diagnosticados com síndrome do navicular

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as alterações do aparato podotroclear de 22 cavalos da raça Quarto de Milha acometidos pela síndrome do navicular utilizando o acesso transcuneal. Esses equinos foram submetidos ao exame radiográfico e ultrassonográfico. No exame radiográfico foi observado a presença de invaginação sinovial de diferentes tipos, além de calcificação da bursa podotroclear e tendão flexor digital profundo, entesiófitos, osteófitos e alteração do limite córtico-medular. No exame ultrassonográfico observou-se alterações da bursa podotroclear, aderência e irregularidades nos bordos do tendão flexor digital profundo, diminuição do coxim digital, calcificação do ligamento sesamóide distal ímpar e irregularidade da superfície flexora do osso sesamóide distal. Todos os equinos que apresentavam alterações radiográficas também apresentaram alterações no exame ultrassonográfico compatíveis com a síndrome do navicular. O exame ultrassonográfico utilizando o acesso transcuneal foi um método prático e eficiente para avaliação das lesões do aparato podotroclear dos eqüinos, sendo um método complementar ao exame radiográfico.

Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Peri-Implant Bone Repair: A Histologic Study in Dogs

The present study evaluated the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on pen-implant bone healing. A total of 9 mongrel dogs received 36 dental implants with sandblasted acid-etched surface in lower jaws in a split-mouth design: in the PRP group (n = 18 implants) the implants were placed in association with PRP, and in the control group (n = 18 implants) the implants were placed without PRP. Biopsies were obtained and prepared for histologic and histometric analysis after 15, 30, and 55 days of healing. The biopsies retrieved at 15 days showed delicate bone trabeculae formed by immature bone with presence of numerous osteoblasts for both groups. At 30 days the trabeculae presented reversal lines and evident lamellar disposition, where some thread spaces were filled by bone and dense connective tissue. At 55 days, bone healing was not altered in the control group, and histologic aspects were variable for the group treated with PRP. There was no significant difference between the groups for bone-to-implant contact (P > .05). PRP did not enhance bone formation around sandblasted acid-etched implants.

Ability of Gutta-Percha and Resilon to Fill Simulated Lateral Canals by Using the Obtura II System

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of Resilon (Resilon Research, LLC, North Branford, CT) and 2 types of gutta-percha to fill simulated lateral canals when using the Obtura II system (Model 823-700; Obtura Spartan, Fenton, MO). Methods: Forty-five human single-rooted teeth were selected and subjected to root canal preparation. After that, simulated lateral canals were made at 2, 5, and 8 mm from the working length (WL). The specimens were divided into 3 groups (n = 15) according to the filling material used: Obtura Flow 150 gutta-percha (Obtura flow), Odous Endo Flow gutta-percha (Odous; Odous de Deus Ind e Corn. Ltda Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil), and Resilon pellets (Resilon). Root canals were filled using the Obtura II system with the tip inserted to 3 mm from the WL. No sealer was used for root canal obturation. Specimens were subjected to a tooth decalcification and clearing method, and filling of the lateral canals was analyzed by digital radiography and photographs. The measurement of lateral canal filling was done using Image Tool software (UTHSCSA Image Tool for Windows version 3.0, San Antonio, TX). Data were statistically analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis test at 5% significance. Results: All materials showed an ability to penetrate into the simulated lateral canals, with a minimum percentage of 73% in all thirds of the root canal. Conclusions: It was concluded that gutta-percha and Resilon are solid core materials with a lateral canal filling ability when used with the Obtura II system. (J Endod 2012;38:676-679)

Structural and functional characterization of BnSP-7, a Lys49 myotoxic phospholipase A(2) homologue from Bothrops neuwiedi pauloensis Venom

BnSP-7, a Lys49 myotoxic phospholipase A, homologue from Bothrops neuwiedi pauloensis venom, was structurally and functionally characterized. Several biological activities were assayed and compared with those of the chemically modified toxin involving specific amino acid residues, the cDNA produced from the total RNA by RT-PCR contained approximately 400 bp which codified its 121 amino acid residues with a calculated pi and molecular weight of 8.9 and 13,727, respectively. Its amino acid sequence showed strong similarities with several Lys49 phospholipase A, homologues from other Bothrops sp, venoms. By affinity chromatography and gel diffusion, it was demonstrated that heparin formed a complex with BnSP-7, held at least in part by electrostatic interactions. BnSP-7 displayed bactericidal activity and promoted the blockage of the neuromuscular contraction of the chick, biventer cervicis muscle. In addition to its in vivo myotoxic and edema-inducing activity, it disrupted artificial membranes, Both BnSP-7 and the crude venom released creatine kinase from the mouse gastrocnemius muscle and induced the development of a dose-dependent edema. His, Tyr, and Lys residues of the toxin were chemically modified by 4-bromophhenacyl bromide (BPB), 2-nitrobenzenesulfonyl fluoride (NBSF), and acetic anhydride (AA), respectively. Cleavage of its N-terminal octapeptide was achieved with cyanogen bromide (CNBr), the bactericidal action of BnSP-7 on Escherichia coli was almost completely abolished by acetylation or cleavage of the N-terminal octapeptide, the neuromuscular effect induced by BnSP-7 was completely inhibited by heparin, BPB, acetylation, and CNBr treatment. The creatine kinase releasing and edema-inducing effects were partially inhibited by heparin or modification by BPB and almost completely abolished by acetylation or cleavage of the N-terminal octapeptide, the rupture of liposomes by BnSP-7 and crude venom was dose and temperature dependent. Incubation of BnSP-7 with EDTA did not change this effect, suggesting a Ca2+-independent membrane lytic activity. BnSP-7 cross-reacted with antibodies raised against B. moojeni (MjTX-II), B. jararacussu (BthTX-I), and B. asper (Basp-II) myotoxins as well as against the C-terminal peptide (residues 115-129) from Basp-II. (C) 2000 Academic Press.

Absorption cross section of electromagnetic waves for Schwarzschild black holes

The absorption cross section of black holes has been investigated for various fields. Nevertheless, the absorption cross section of Schwarzschild black holes for the electromagnetic field has been only calculated in the low- and high-frequency approximations until now. Here we compute it numerically for arbitrary frequencies.

Absorption cross section of canonical acoustic holes

We compute numerically the absorption cross section of a canonical acoustic hole for sound waves with arbitrary frequencies. Our outputs are in full agreement with the expected low- and high-frequency limits.