Detection of Horizontal Root Fracture with Small-volume Cone-Beam Computed Tomography in the Presence and Absence of Intracanal Metallic Post

Introduction: The aim of the present study was to test the accuracy of small-volume cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanning in the detection of horizontal root fractures and to assess the influence of a metallic post. Methods: Forty teeth were divided into four groups based on the presence of metallic posts and horizontal root fracture. The teeth were examined by small-volume CBCT scanning at 0.2-mm voxel resolution. Three observers analyzed the samples for the presence of a horizontal root fracture. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated. Results: High values for accuracy (73%-88%) were obtained in the groups without a metallic post, and statistically significant differences were found when the group with a metallic post has been observed (55%-70%). Intraobserver agreement also showed statistically significant differences in the groups with a metallic post. Conclusions: Small-volume CBCT scanning showed high accuracy in detecting horizontal root fracture without a metallic post. However, the presence of a metallic post significantly reduced the specificity and sensitivity of this examination. (J Endod 2011;37:1456-1459)

Immunocytochemical detection of dentine matrix protein 1 in experimentally induced reactionary and reparative dentine in rat incisors

Objective: Although the general mechanisms of dentinogenesis are understood, several aspects regarding tertiary dentine formation still deserve investigation, especially regarding the presence and distribution of some noncollagenous matrix proteins. As dentine matrix protein 1 (DMP 1) is present in primary dentine, it is possible that this protein may also be present in the dentine matrix secreted after injury, but there are no immunocytochemical studies attempting its detection in tertiary dentine. The aim of this study was to examine the ultrastructural immunolocalization of DMP 1 in the tertiary dentine after extrusion of the rat incisor. Study design: Upper incisors were extruded 3 mm and then repositioned into their sockets. After several periods, the incisors were fixed and processed for transmission electron microscopy and for immunocytochemistry for DMP 1. Results: Extrusion yielded both types of tertiary dentine, which varied in aspect and related cells. DMP 1 was found in the mineralized matrix of all types of dentine, presenting high affinity for collagen, but rare colloidal gold particles over predentine. DMP 1 was evident in the supranuclear region and inside the nucleus of some odontoblast-like cells. Conclusion: The observed association between DMP 1 and collagen seem to be essential for reactionary and reparative dentine formation. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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.

Radiographic Signals Detection of Systemic Disease. Orthopantomographic Radiography

For the purposes of this report, ""systemic disease"" will be interpreted as conditions that are spread out within the body rather than localized strictly to the tissues of the oral cavity. Since it would take many volumes to review all such conditions, the intent of the authors is to review a few examples of conditions where initial panoramic radiographic findings suggested widespread disease of significance enough to affect the quality of life and longevity of the patient.

A single nucleotide polymorphism in the 5' untranslated region of RAD51 and risk of cancer among BRCA1/2 mutation carriers

RAD51 colocalizes with both BRCA1 and BRCA2, and genetic variants in RAD51 would be candidate BRCA1/2 modifiers. We searched for RAD51 polymorphisms by sequencing 20 individuals. We compared the polymorphism allele frequencies between female BRCA1/2 mutation carriers with and without breast or ovarian cancer and between population-based ovarian cancer cases with BRCA1/2 mutations to cases and controls without mutations. We discovered two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at positions 135 g-->c and 172 g-->t of the 5' untranslated region. In an initial group of BRCA1/2 mutation carriers, 14 (21%) of 67 breast cancer cases carried a c allele at RAD51:135 g-->c, whereas 8 (7%) of 119 women without breast cancer carried this allele. In a second set of 466 mutation carriers from three centers, the association of RAD51:135 g-->c with breast cancer risk was not confirmed. Analyses restricted to the 216 BRCA2 mutation carriers, however, showed a statistically significant association of the 135 c allele with the risk of breast cancer (adjusted odds ratio, 3.2; 95% confidence limit, 1.4-40). BRCA1/2 mutation carriers with ovarian cancer were only about one half as likely to carry the RAD51:135 g-->c SNP. Analysis of the RAD51:135 g-->c SNP in 738 subjects from an Israeli ovarian cancer case-control study was consistent with a lower risk of ovarian cancer among BRCA1/2 mutation carriers with the c allele. We have identified a RAD51 5' untranslated region SNP that may be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer and a lower risk of ovarian cancer among BRCA2 mutation carriers. The biochemical basis of this risk modifier is currently unknown.

Detection of lateral gene transfer among microbial genomes

An increasingly comprehensive assessment is being developed of the extent and potential significance of lateral gene transfer among microbial genomes. Genomic sequences can be identified as being of putatively lateral origin by their unexpected phyletic distribution, atypical sequence composition, differential presence or absence in closely related genomes, or incongruent phylogenetic trees. These complementary approaches sometimes yield inconsistent results. Not only more data but also quantitative models and simulations are needed urgently.

The future of cognitive and behavioral therapies in the prevention and early management of psychosis: Opportunities and risks

Behavioral and cognitive interventions for people with psychosis have a long and distinguished history, although the evidence for their application to young people remains limited. We anticipate that the next decades will show substantial research into psychological intervention for this population. Important targets will include the management of environmental stressors, reduction of substance misuse, and promotion of early treatment. Psychological management of positive symptoms, depression, and suicidal behavior will continue to be critical objectives. Important secondary prevention goals will be the retention of cognitive functioning, vocational options, social skills, and social network support, including appropriate family support. We expect primary prevention to include both universal programs and interventions for adolescents at particularly high risk. Technical innovations will include increasing use of Internet-based intervention and behavior cueing devices. Pressures for intervention brevity will continue, as will problems with the systematic delivery of effective procedures.

Detection of dengue viral RNA in Aedes aegypti (Diptera : Culicidae) exposed to sticky lures using reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction

Active surveillance for dengue (DEN) virus infected mosquitoes can be an effective way to predict the risk of dengue infection in a given area. However, doing so may pose logistical problems if mosquitoes must be kept alive or frozen fresh to detect DEN virus. In an attempt to simplify mosquito processing, we evaluated the usefulness of a sticky lure and a seminested reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assay (RT-PCR) for detecting DEN virus RNA under laboratory conditions using experimentally infected Aedes aegypti (L.) mosquitoes. In the first experiment, 40 male mosquitoes were inoculated with 0.13 mul of a 10(4) pfu/ml DEN-2 stock solution. After a 7-d incubation period, the mosquitoes were applied to the sticky lure and kept at room temperatures of 23-30 degreesC. Following 7,10,14, and 28 d application, 10 mosquitoes each were removed from the lure pooled and assayed for virus. DEN virus nucleic acid was clearly detectable in all pools up to 28 d after death. A second study evaluated sensitivity and specificity using one, two, and five DEN-infected mosquitoes removed after 7, 10, 14, 21 and 30 d application and tested by RT-PCR. All four DEN serotypes were individually inoculated in mosquitoes and evaluated using the same procedures as experiment 1. The four serotypes were detectable in as few as one mosquito 30 d after application to the lure with no evidence of cross-reactivity. The combination of sticky lures and RT-PCR show promise for mosquito and dengue virus surveillance and warrant further evaluation.

Detection of human respiratory syncytial virus in respiratory samples by LightCycler reverse transcriptase PCR

Laboratory diagnosis of human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) infections has traditionally been performed by virus isolation in cell culture and the direct fluorescent-antibody assay (DFA). Reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) is now recognized as a sensitive and specific alternative for detection of hRSV in respiratory samples. Using the LightCycler instrument, we developed a rapid RT-PCR assay for the detection of hRSV (the LC-RT-PCR) with a pair of hybridization probes that target the hRSV L gene. In the present study, 190 nasopharyngeal aspirate samples from patients with clinically recognized respiratory tract infections were examined for hRSV. The results were then compared to the results obtained with a testing algorithm that combined DFA and a culture-augmented DFA (CA-DFA) assay developed in our laboratory. hRSV was detected in 77 (41%) specimens by LC-RT-PCR and in 75 (39%) specimens by the combination of DFA and CA-DFA. All specimens that were positive by the DFA and CA-DFA testing algorithm were positive by the LC-RT-PCR. The presence of hRSV RNA in the two additional LC-RT-PCR-positive specimens was confirmed by a conventional RT-PCR method that targets the hRSV N gene. The sensitivity of LC-RT-PCR was 50 PFU/ml; and this, together with its high specificity and rapid turnaround time, makes the LC-RT-PCR suitable for the detection of hRSV in clinical specimens.