Increased Levels of NOTCH1, NF-kappa B, and Other Interconnected Transcription Factors Characterize Primitive Sets of Hematopoietic Stem Cells

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

Short communication longitudinal variation in the concentrations of C, N and P in the stem of Echinochloa polystachya (H.B.K.) Hitchcock

The Concentrations of C, N and P were determined in the internodes of the stem of Echinochloa polystachya (H.B.K.) Hitchcock with the aim of showing their longitudinal distributions. The concentrations ranged from 421.93 to 466.03 mgCgDW-1; from 2.78 to 13.61 mg N gDW-1 and from 0.151 to 1.074 mg P gDW-1. N and P concentrations increased towards the apical direction of the stem. C concentrations showed an inverse trend. These distributions suggest that N and P are transported to the apical region of the stem, while the majority of the C compounds observed in the distal region must be retained in the supporting structure of the plant.

The influence of ultrasound on the retention of cast posts cemented with different agents

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of ultrasound during the removal of posts cemented with either zinc phosphate cement, glass ionomer cement or resin cement. Methodology: Eighty-four single-rooted teeth were prepared and after cementation of cast posts, they were randomly divided into six groups of 14. Groups 1, 2 and 3 did not receive ultrasonic vibration, whilst groups 4, 5 and 6 received ultrasonic vibration for 10 min. The force necessary for post removal was determined using a universal testing machine. Results were statistically analysed using ANOVA and Tukey tests (5%). Results: The application of ultrasonic vibration reduced the retention provided by zinc phosphate and glass ionomer cements by 39% and 33%, respectively. Conclusions: A statistically significant reduction in the force necessary to remove posts cemented with zinc phosphate and glass ionomer cements occurred following application of ultrasound. The application of ultrasonic vibration did not influence the retention of cast posts cemented with resin cement.

Leaf and stem anatomy of Vochysiaceae in relation to subfamilial and suprafamilial systematics

Several leaf anatomical features are potentially systematically informative within both the family Vochysiaceae and the order Myrtales, notably tracheoidal idioblasts, mucilage cells and secretory canals. Tracheoids with spiral wall thickenings are present in the mesophyll of most species of Vochysia, and also occur in several other families of Myrtales. Mucilage cells are common in the leaf epidermis in some Vochysiaceae. Secretory ducts are present in the midrib in Salvertia and Vochysia, which are apparently closely related, although Salvertia also shares some leaf anatomical characters with Qualea and Callisthene. Anatomical data do not support the segregation of Ruizterania from Qualea; leaves of R. albiflora leaves are very similar to those of Q. paraensis in venation pattern, and leaf and stem anatomy. Different venation patterns are characteristic of sections within the genus Qualea, but within the large genus Vochysia, leaf anatomy is variable even within a subsection. Amongst other Myrtales, leaf anatomy of Vochysiaceae most closely resembles that of Combretaceae and Onagraceae. © 2002 The Linnean Society of London.

Effect of substrata on the development of stem cuttings of Lippia alba (Mill.) N. E. BR. - Limonene-carvone chemotype

Studies were conducted to show the effect of different substrata on the development of stem cuttings of Lippia alba made of limonene-carvone chemotype. The experiment was done in the College of Agronomical Sciences, UNESP, Botucatu, SP, Brazil in 2000. The cuttings were planted in polystyrene trays consisting of 72 cells. The cuttings had about 0.20 m of length and were put in the following substrata: Fine sand (T1), commercial substratum (T2), carbonised rice peel and local soil (T3), local soil, cow manure and carbonised rice peel (T4), vermiculite (T5), and carbonised rice peel (T6). After 40 days the development of stem cuttings were evaluated. High rate of rooting of stem cuttings was verified, with average of 95% and no significant difference between the treatments. In relation to dry mass of aerial parts and dry mass of roots, significant differences were found. For dry mass production of aerial parts the commercial substratum (T2) and the local soil, cow manure, carbonised rice peel (T4) were optimal. For mass of roots the local soil, cow manure, carbonised rice peel (T4) proved to be the best.

Influence of IBA and boric acid on rooting of stem-cuttings of Aloysia triphylla (L'Hérit) Britton

Aloysia triphylla (L'Hérit) Britton is a perennial and bushy plant, with simple, entire, lanceolate and whorl shaped leaves and originally from South America. It is used as medicinal plant in Brazil with stomatic and sedative properties. The employment of stem cuttings for propagation of pre-selected plants, acquired great importance, because it eliminates the juvenile phase of seedlings, which can be produced in a shorter period of time. The rooting of stem cuttings is stimulated by auxin and, boric acid supply is essential for growth and development of initial rootlets. This micronutrient is required 48 hours after plant segments have been placed into auxin solution and it can be supplied any time, including the seedling growth period. The experiment was carried out in the Department of Plant Production, UNESP-Botucatu-SP-Brazil, with stem-cuttings of Aloysia triphylla (L'Hérit) Britton, Verbenaceae obtained from the Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Garden. The aim of the work was to verify the influence of growth regulators and boric acid on stem cutting rooting of this species. The 15 cm-stem cuttings, without leaves, were submerged during 24 hs in the following solutions: water; 150 mg.L-1 of IBA; 150 mg.L-1 of IBA+ Boric acid; 250 mg.L-1 of IBA; 250 mg.L-1 of IBA + Boric acid. The statistical design was entirely randomized with 5 treatments and 3 replications, totalizing 15 plots with 10 stem cuttings each. They were planted on propylene trays with vermiculite and kept under spraying condition during twenty five days. The best results were observed in treatment 250 mg.L -1 of IBA+ Boric acid on number of roots, length of roots, rooting percentage, fresh and dry weight of leaves when compared with all other treatments. We can conclude that this treatment is the most suitable for stem cutting rooting of this species.

Effect of resin luting film thickness on fracture resistance of a ceramic cemented to dentin

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the fracture resistance of ceramic plates cemented to dentin as a function of the resin cement film thickness. Materials and Methods: Ceramic plates (1 and 2 mm thicknesses) were cemented to bovine dentin using resin composite cement. The film thicknesses used were approximately 100, 200, and 300 μm. Noncemented ceramic plates were used as control. Fracture loads (N) were obtained by compressing a steel indenter in the center of the ceramic plates. ANOVA and Tukey tests (α = 0.05) were used for each ceramic thickness to compare fracture loads among resin cement films used. Results: Mean fracture load (N) for 1-mm ceramic plates were: control - 26 (7); 100 μm - 743 (150); 200 μm - 865 (105); 300 μm - 982 (226). Test groups were significantly different from the control group; there was a statistical difference in fracture load between groups with 100 and 300 μm film thicknesses (p < 0.01). Mean fracture load for 2-mm ceramic plates were: control - 214 (111); 100 μm - 1096 (341); 200 μm - 1067 (226); 300 μm - 1351 (269). Tested groups were also significantly different from the control group (p < 0.01). No statistical difference was shown among different film thicknesses. Conclusions: Unluted specimens presented significantly lower fracture resistance than luted specimens. Higher cement film thickness resulted in increased fracture resistance for the 1-mm ceramic plates. Film thickness did not influence the fracture resistance of 2-mm porcelain plates. Copyright © 2007 by The American College of Prosthodontists.

Development of SCAR marker linked to stem canker resistance gene in soybean

Stem canker caused by the fungus Diaporthe phaseolorum f. sp. meridionalis is a disease that limits soybean cultivation. Phenotypic evaluations aiming at disease resistance require labor-intensive processes, as for instance handling and transport of phytopathogens. The use of DNA markers in the selective procedures eases certain phases, besides being practical, safe and reliable. A RAPD fragment of 588pb was identified among bulks of resistant and susceptible plants in the cross BR92-15454 (R) x IAC-11 (S). Through co-segregation, the distance between the resistance locus and the fragment was estimated at 7.4 ± 2.1 cM, with a Lodmax. of 23.072 (first year) and at 6.0 ± 3.4 cM with a Lodmax. of 7.806 (second year). The fragment was converted into a SCAR marker and digested with enzyme Hinc II, which made the classification in homozygous resistant, heterozygous resistant and susceptible plants possible. This SCAR marker is suitable for use in the improvement program conducted in Jaboticabal.

Clinical outcome in chronic myeloid leukemia after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: The experience of the Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit of FUNFARME/BRAZIL using FISH

Investigation of the efficacy of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) in chronic myeloid leukemia patients is essential to predict prognosis and survival. In 20 patients treated at the Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit of São José do Rio Preto (São Paulo, Brazil), we used fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to investigate the frequency of cells with BCR/ABL rearrangement at diagnosis and at distinct intervals after allo-HSCT until complete cytogenetic remission (CCR). We investigated the disease-free survival, overall survival in 3 years and transplant-related mortality rates, too. Bone marrow samples were collected at 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12, and 24 months after transplantation and additional intervals as necessary. Success rate of the FISH analyses was 100%. CCR was achieved in 75% of the patients, within on average of 3.9 months; 45% patients showed CCR within 60 days after HSCT. After 3 years of the allo-HSCT, overall survival rate was 60%, disease-free survival was 50% and the transplant-related mortality rate was 40%. The study demonstrated that the BCR-ABL FISH assay is useful for follow-up of chronic myeloid leukemia patients after HSCT and that the clinical outcome parameters in our patient cohort were similar to those described for other bone marrow transplantation units. ©FUNPEC-RP.

Effect of ultrasonic instrumentation on the bond strength of crowns cemented with zinc phosphate cement to natural teeth. An in vitro study

Several studies have reported the benefits of sonic and/or ultrasonic instrumentation for root debridement, with most of them focusing on changes in periodontal clinical parameters. The present study investigated possible alterations in the tensile bond strength of crowns cemented with zinc phosphate cement to natural teeth after ultrasonic instrumentation. Forty recently extracted intact human third molars were selected, cleaned and stored in physiologic serum at 4°C. They received standard preparations, at a 16° convergence angle, and AgPd alloy crowns. The crowns were cemented with zinc phosphate cement and then divided into four groups of 10 teeth each. Each group was then subdivided into two subgroups, with one of the subgroups being submitted to 5,000 thermal cycles ranging from 55 ± 2 to 5 ± 2°C, while the other was not. Each group was submitted to ultrasonic instrumentation for different periods of time: group 1 - 0 min (control), group 2 - 5 min, group 3 - 10 min, and group 4 - 15 min. Tensile bond strength tests were performed with an Instron testing machine (model 4310). Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and Tukey's test at the 5% level of significance. A significant reduction in the tensile bond strength of crowns cemented with zinc phosphate and submitted to thermal cycles was observed at 15 min (196.75 N versus 0 min = 452.01 N, 5 min = 444.23 N and 10 min = 470.85 N). Thermal cycling and ultrasonic instrumentation for 15 min caused a significant reduction in tensile bond strength (p < .05).

Response of rootstocks to stem canker and the production and quality of melon under protected cultivation

Two tests were performed. In the first, resistance to Didymella bryoniae was determined for the following genotypes: the pumpkins 'Ikky', 'Agroceres', 'Kirameki' and 'Shelper', watermelon progenies 1a, 2a, 3a, 5a, 1b, 2b, 3b and 5b, and 'Gherkin' (C. anguria). The plants were inoculated with the fungus during transplanting. The evaluations of the test were performed every 15 d according to a scoring scale adopted by Dusi et al. (1994). The second test examined compatibility among the rootstocks x grafts, and their effects on production. The rootstocks, 5 pumpkins including 'Ikky', 'Agroceres', 'Kirameki', 'Shelper', six watermelon progenies 1a, 2a, 5a, 1b, 2b and 5b, and one 'Gherkin', were planted one week before planting of the grafted 'Bônus No. 2' melon. The experiments were carried out with 12 treatments, including the control ('Bônus No. 2') with 3 replications with 14 grafted plants per each replication. For the first test, the first three evaluations (at 15, 30 and 45 d after inoculation) did not show characteristic lesions of stem canker, but progeny 3b was found to be susceptible in evaluations performed at 60 and 75 d after inoculation. Progeny 3a demonstrated intermediate susceptibility, while progenies 1a, 2a, 5a, 1b, 2b and 5b, the pumpkins 'Kirameki', 'Shelper', 'Ikky' and 'Agroceres', and 'Gherkin', showed resistance to Didymella bryoniae. In the second test, watermelon progenies 1a, 5a, 1b and 2b, and the pumpkins 'Kirameki', 'Shelper', 'Ikky' and 'Agroceres' showed a level of grafting success of 100%, while results with progenies 2a and 5b, and 'Gherkin' were different in grafting success, respectively 91.67, 98.33 and 43.33%. For other fruit parameters, weight, longitudinal and transverse diameters, pulp thickness and level of total soluble solids, there were no differences among the treatments.

In vitro analysis with human bone marrow stem cells on Ti-15Mo alloy for dental and orthopedic implants application

Aim: Nowadays, research on orthopedic and dental implants is focused on titanium alloys for their mechanical properties and corrosion resistance in the human body environment. Another important aspect to be investigated is their surface topography, which is very important to osseointegration. With laser beam irradiation for roughening the implants surface an easier control of the microtopography is achieved, and surface contamination is avoided. The aim of this study was to assess human bone marrow stem cells response to a newly developed titanium alloy, Ti-15Mo, with surface topography modified by laser beam irradiation. Materials and methods: A total of 10 Ti machined disks (control), 10 Ti-15Mo machined disks and 10 Ti-15Mo disks treated by laser beam-irradiation were prepared. To study how Ti-15Mo surface topografy can induce osteoblast differentiation in mesenchymal stem cells, the expression levels of bone related genes and mesenchymal stem cells marker were analyzed, using real time Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction. Results: In Test 1 (comparison between Ti-15Mo machined disks and Ti-machined disks) quantitative real-time RT-PCR showed a significant induction of ALPL, FOSL1 and SPP1, which increase 20% or more. In Test 2 (comparison between Ti-15Mo laser treated disks and Ti-machined disks) all investigated genes were up-regulated. By comparing Test 1 and Test 2 it was detected that COL1A1, COL3A1, FOSL1 and ENG sensibly increased their expression whereas RUNX2, ALPL and SPP1 expression remained substantially unchanged. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that laser treated Ti-15Mo alloys are promising materials for implants application.

First report of Lasiodiplodia theobromae causing stem rot disease of begonia (Begonia x elatior hort.) in Brazil

Lasiodiplodia theobromae was found causing stem rot on commercial production of Begonia x elatior in São Paulo, Brazil. Illustrations, morphological and molecular description are provided. Based on the morphology, this fungus was recognized as L. theobromae. However, L. theobromae has high similarity with other Lasiodiplodia species, some of which are not possible to be separated by morphological characters. Molecular identification of the fungus isolated from the infected tissues was conducted. The strain from begonia clustered with other isolates of L. theobromae. This is the first report of the occurrence of L. theobromae on B. elatior. © 2012 Australasian Plant Pathology Society Inc.