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The western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, is an insect pest of corn and population suppression with chemical insecticides is an important management tool. Traits conferring organophosphate insecticide resistance have increased in frequency amongst D. v. virgifera populations, resulting in the reduced efficacy in many corn-growing regions of the USA. We used comparative functional genomic and quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping approaches to investigate the genetic basis of D. v. virgifera resistance to the organophosphate methyl-parathion. RNA from adult methyl-parathion resistant and susceptible adults was hybridized to 8331 microarray probes. The results predicted that 11 transcripts were significantly up-regulated in resistant phenotypes, with the most significant (fold increases ≥ 2.43) being an α-esterase-like transcript. Differential expression was validated only for the α-esterase (ST020027A20C03), with 11- to 13-fold greater expression in methyl-parathion resistant adults (P < 0.05). Progeny with a segregating methyl-parathion resistance trait were obtained from a reciprocal backcross design. QTL analyses of high-throughput single nucleotide polymorphism genotype data predicted involvement of a single genome interval. These data suggest that a specific carboyxesterase may function in field-evolved corn rootworm resistance to organophosphates, even though direct linkage between the QTL and this locus could not be established., (Published 2015. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.)

The aim of this study was to analyze, through Vickers hardness test and photoelasticity analysis, pre-bent areas, manually bent areas, and areas without bends of 10-mm advancement pre-bent titanium plates (Leibinger system). The work was divided into three groups: group I-region without bend, group II-region of 90° manual bend, and group III-region of 90° pre-fabricated bends. All the materials were evaluated through hardness analysis by the Vickers hardness test, stress analysis by residual images obtained in a polariscope, and photoelastic analysis by reflection during the manual bending. The data obtained from the hardness tests were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey's tests at a significance level of 5 %. The pre-bent plate (group III) showed hardness means statistically significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those of the other groups (I-region without bends, II-90° manually bent region). Through the study of photoelastic reflection, it was possible to identify that the stress gradually increased, reaching a pink color (1.81 δ / λ), as the bending was performed. A general analysis of the results showed that the bent plate region of pre-bent titanium presented the best results.

Kinases are downstream modulators and effectors of several cellular signaling cascades and play key roles in the development of neoplastic disease. In this study, we aimed to evaluate SRC, LYN and CKB protein and mRNA expression, as well as their promoter methylation, in gastric cancer. We found elevated expression of SRC and LYN kinase mRNA and protein but decreased levels of CKB kinase, alterations that may have a role in the invasiveness and metastasis of gastric tumors. Expression of the three studied kinases was also associated with MYC oncogene expression, a possible biomarker for gastric cancer. To understand the mechanisms that regulate the expression of these genes, we evaluated the DNA promoter methylation of the three kinases. We found that reduced SRC and LYN methylation and increased CKB methylation was associated with gastric cancer. The reduced SRC and LYN methylation was associated with increased levels of mRNA and protein expression, suggesting that DNA methylation is involved in regulating the expression of these kinases. Conversely, reduced CKB methylation was observed in samples with reduced mRNA and protein expression, suggesting CKB expression was found to be only partly regulated by DNA methylation. Additionally, we found that alterations in the DNA methylation pattern of the three studied kinases were also associated with the gastric cancer onset, advanced gastric cancer, deeper tumor invasion and the presence of metastasis. Therefore, SRC, LYN and CKB expression or DNA methylation could be useful markers for predicting tumor progression and targeting in anti-cancer strategies.

Objectives: To establish osteonecrosis of the jaws in rats treated with different doses of zoledronic acid (ZA)., Methods: Male Wistar rats (n=6-7) received three consecutive weekly intravenous ZA infusions at doses of 0.04, 0.20 or 1.00mg/kg ZA or saline (control). Four weeks after the last administration, the animals were submitted to simple extraction of the lower left first molar. An additional dose of ZA was administered seven days later, and the animals were sacrificed 28 days after exodontia. Weight was measured and blood was collected weekly for analysis. The jaw was radiographically and microscopically examined along with the liver, spleen, kidney and stomach., Results: All ZA doses showed a higher radiolucent area than the control (p<0.0001), but the dose of 0.04mg/kg did not show BRONJ. Doses of 0.20 and 1.00mg/kg ZA showed histological evidence of bone necrosis (p=0.0004). Anaemia (p<0.0001, r(2)=0.8073) and leucocytosis (p<0.0001, r(2)=0.9699) are seen with an increase of lymphocytes (p<0.0001, r(2)=0.6431) and neutrophils and monocytes (p=0.0218, r(2)=0.8724) in all the animals treated with an increasing dose of ZA. Haemorrhage and ectasia were observed in the spleen (p=0.0004) and stomach (p=0.0168) in a dose-dependent manner, and the animals treated with ZA showed a lower rate of weight gain (p<0.0001)., Conclusions: We designed a bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw model that reproduces radiographic and histological parameters and mimics clinical alterations such as leucocytosis, anaemia and idiosyncratic inflammatory post infusion reactions., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

In the processing for obtaining acerola juice, a large amount of residues, which is usually discharged, is generated (seeds and bagasse). Adding value to these by-products is of great interest, since their use can enrich human food as a good source of nutrients and dietary fiber. In this study, acerola seed flours (ASF) and acerola bagasse flours (ABF) were used to develop cereal bars (CB) in different combinations with brown oats: CB 1: control - with the addition of 25% brown oats, CB 2: with the addition of 12.5% ASF and 12.5% ABF, CB 3: with the addition of 6.25% ASF and 18.75% ABF, CB 4: with the addition of 12.5% ASF and 12.5% brown oats and CB 5: with the addition of 12.5% ABF and 12.5% brown oats. These bars were sensorially evaluated and CB 1, CB 4 and CB 5 received the highest scores. We conclude that CB 4 and CB 5 can be considered as products with enhanced nutritional value, containing iron with a low energetic value and high levels of dietary fibre, besides being enriched with antioxidants.

The article addresses the use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS), synthetic drugs whose abuse has been characterized as a public health problem, operated in the opposition between "medical" and "non-medical" uses. A qualitative approach was used to analyze the text in 76 biomedical articles published from 2002 to 2012. The discourse shows a persistent ban on non-medically regulated use of AAS by young people, while the limits on clinically qualified use appear to expand among older people, even given the contradictions straining the argument on the prevention of health risks. Moralizing biopolitical stances appear, based on gender distinctions or under the aegis of criminalizing drug use.

Cisplatin (CPL) is one of the most widely used and effective chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of several human malignancies. However, it causes serious side effects, especially on reproduction. In order to reduce the undesirable effects caused by many drugs, liposomes have been used as a good system for drug delivery. The aim of this study was to investigate, for the first time, the effects of CPL incorporated into the dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine liposome (DPPC) on the testicular tissue of adult Wistar rats. The animals (n = 20) were distributed into four experimental groups: (a) control (distillated water); (b) liposome (DPPC, 1 mL), (c) cisplatin incorporated into liposome (CPL/DPPC), and (d) CPL (8 mg/kg body weight). The animals received a single intraperitoneal injection and were killed 10 days after each treatment for histopathological analysis of testes. The results showed that the testicular histomorphometric parameters in rats of DPPC and CPL/DPPC groups were similar to those of the control group. Meanwhile, rats of the CPL-treated group showed a variety of morphological alterations, including atrophy of seminiferous tubules and presence of multinucleated cells in the germinal epithelium. The incorporation of CPL into the liposome had no influence on the testicular weight or any other stereological parameters, but it was beneficial in maintaining the body weight of the animals. In conclusion, the liposome suppressed the cytotoxic effects caused by cisplatin in the testes of rats, suggesting a possible use in chemotherapy against cancer to reduce the side effects seen on reproduction., (© 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Recently, the scientific community became aware of the potential ability of nanoparticles to cause toxicity in living organisms. Therefore, many of the implications for aquatic ecosystems and its effects on living organisms are still to be evaluated and fully understood. In this study, the toxicity of nanodiamonds (NDs) was assessed in the freshwater bivalve (Corbicula fluminea) following exposure to different nominal concentrations of NDs (0.01, 0.1, 1, and 10 mg l(-1)) throughout 14 days. The NDs were characterized (gravimetry, pH, zeta potential, electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy) confirming manufacturer information and showing NDs with a size of 4-6 nm. Oxidative stress enzymes activities (glutathione-S-transferase, catalase) and lipid peroxidation were determined. The results show a trend to increase in GST activities after seven days of exposure in bivalves exposed to NDs concentrations (>0.1 mg l(-1)), while for catalase a significant increase was found in bivalves exposed from 0.01 to 1.0 mg l(-1) following an exposure of 14 days. The histological analysis revealed alterations in digestive gland cells, such as vacuolization and thickening. The lipid peroxidation showed a trend to increase for the different tested NDs concentrations which is compatible with the observed cellular damage., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Epidermoid cysts are benign subcutaneous lesions, and the large majority of these cysts affect the floor of the mouth; however, the buccal mucosa is not a usual site of occurrence. To date, only 5 articles have been published with 6 cases of epidermoid cysts arising in the buccal mucosa. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe the clinical, histopathological and immunohistochemical features of a case of epidermoid cyst located in the buccal mucosa. To our knowledge, this is the first report of an oral epidermoid cyst describing an intense foreign body gigantocellular inflammatory reaction against epithelial keratin component. Although the usual diagnosis for epidermoid cysts is based on histopathological findings, this case report addresses novel information regarding to the immunohistochemical pattern that may be found in these lesions.

Lymphoepithelial cyst is a rare lesion of the oral cavity, with the mouth floor being the most common site of occurrence. The therapeutic approach of choice is the surgical treatment, which has rare cases of postoperative complications. The aim of this study is to report the case of a 53-year-old patient who came to Dental Service in the Federal University of Ceará complaining of a small nodular lesion (0.5 cm) located in the ventral tongue. Excisional biopsy was performed and the surgical specimen was submitted for anatomopathological analysis, which found that there was an oral lymphoepithelial cyst. The patient returned after seven days for suture removal and reported loss of sensitivity around the ventral tongue. We prescribed Citoneurin for ten days; however, there was not any significant improvement of the sensitivity. Low frequency laser therapy sessions were applied. The only postoperative symptom was dysesthesia, where there is only a sensitivity decrease. Currently, the patient has a postoperative period of 1 year without recurrence of the lesion. Although previous reports have no described tongue sensorineural disorders associated with this lesion, the occurrence of this event may be related to an unexpected anatomical variation of the lingual nerve.

Epidermoid cysts are benign subcutaneous lesions, and the large majority of these cysts affect the floor of the mouth; however, the buccal mucosa is not the usual site of occurrence. To date, only 5 articles have been published with 6 cases of epidermoid cysts arising in the buccal mucosa. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe the clinical, histopathological and immunohistochemical features of a case of an epidermoid cyst located in the buccal mucosa. To our knowledge, this is the first report of an oral epidermoid cyst describing an intense foreign body gigantocellular inflammatory reaction against epithelial keratin component. Although the usual diagnosis for epidermoid cysts is based on histopathological findings, this case report addresses novel information regarding the immunohistochemical pattern which may be found in these lesions.

Background: Helicobacter pylori (HP) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) have been associated with cancer development. We evaluated the prevalence of HP, HP CagA+ and EBV infection in gastric cancer (GC) samples from adults and in gastric tissues from patients who underwent upper endoscopy (UE)., Methods: Samples from UE and GC were collected to investigate the presence of HP infection and the HP virulence factor CagA by a urease test and PCR. The presence of EBV was detected by Eber-1 in situ hybridization., Results: In UE, 85.5% of juvenile patients showed some degree of gastritis (45.3% of patients with mild gastritis and 54.7% with moderate/severe gastritis) and patients with mild gastritis were younger than patients with moderate/severe gastritis. Among adults, 48.7% presented mild gastritis and 51.3% moderate/severe gastritis. HP infection was detected in 0% of normal mucosa, 58.5% of juvenile gastritis patients, 69.2% of adult gastritis patients and 88% of GC patients. In these same groups, HP CagA+ was detected in 0%, 37.7%, 61.5% and 67.2% of tissue samples, respectively. In juvenile patients, HP infection was more common in those with gastritis than in normal samples (p = 0.004). The patients with either HP or HP CagA+ were older than patients without these pathogens (p < 0.05). In juvenile patients, HP infection was more frequent in cases of moderate/severe gastritis than in cases of mild gastritis (p = 0.026). Moreover, in patients with GC, HP infection was more frequent in males than in females (p = 0.023). GC patients with HP CagA+ were older than patients with HP CagA- (p = 0.027). HP CagA+ was more common in intestinal-type than diffuse-type GC (p = 0.012). HP CagA+ was also associated with lymph-node (p = 0.024) and distal (p = 0.005) metastasis. No association between EBV infection and HP infection or any clinicopathological variable was detected., Conclusions: Our results suggest that HP is involved in the pathophysiology of severe gastric lesions and in the development of GC, particularly when CagA+ is present. EBV was not the primary pathogenic factor in our samples.

Background: Oral bacteria have been detected in atherosclerotic plaques at a variable frequency; however, the connection between oral health and vascular and oral bacterial profiles of patients with vascular disease is not clearly established. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of oral bacterial DNA in the mouth and atherosclerotic plaques, in addition to assessing the patients' caries and periodontal disease history., Methods: Thirty samples of supragingival and subgingival plaque, saliva and atherosclerotic plaques of 13 patients with carotid stenosis or aortic aneurysm were evaluated, through real-time polymerase chain reaction, for the presence of Streptococcus mutans (SM), Prevotella intermedia (PI), Porphyromonas gingivalis (PG) and Treponema denticola (TD). All patients were submitted to oral examination using the DMFT (decayed, missing and filled teeth) and PSR (Periodontal Screening and Recording) indexes. Histopathological analysis of the atherosclerotic plaques was performed., Results: Most of the patients were edentulous (76.9%). SM, PI, PG and TD were detected in 100.0%, 92.0%, 15.3% and 30.7% of the oral samples, respectively. SM was the most prevalent targeted bacteria in atherosclerotic plaques, detected in 100% of the samples, followed by PI (7.1%). The vascular samples were negative for PG and TD. There was a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) between the presence of PG and TD in the oral cavity and vascular samples., Conclusion: SM was found at a high frequency in oral and vascular samples, even in edentulous patients, and its presence in atherosclerotic plaques suggests the possible involvement of this bacterium in the disease progression., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

In this study, in vitro cytocompatibility was investigated in the Ti-30Ta alloy after two kinds of surfaces treatments: alkaline and biomimetic treatment. Each condition was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Cellular adhesion, viability, protein expression, morphology, and differentiation were evaluated with Bone marrow stromal cells (MSCs) to investigate the short and long-term cellular response by fluorescence microscope imaging and colorimetric assays techniques. Two treatments exhibited similar results with respect to total protein content and enzyme activity as compared with alloy without treatment. However, it was observed improved of the biomineralization, bone matrix formation, enzyme activity, and MSCs functionality after biomimetic treatment. These results indicate that the biomimetic surface treatment has a high potential for enhanced osseointegration., (© 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Lip cancer is 65 times more likely to occur in kidney transplant patients than in members of the general population. Immunosuppression drugs taken by the transplant patients have been associated with this increased occurrence. This case report shows the progression from actinic cheilosis to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in the lower lip of a 58-year-old man receiving immunosuppressive therapy 9 years after undergoing a kidney transplant. Earlier incisional biopsies had resulted in a histological diagnosis of actinic cheilosis. However, the last incisional biopsy showed histological results compatible with SCC, and oncological surgery was performed. Eight months post-surgery, the patient was free of cancer and metastasis. Frequent dental follow-up visits allowed for the early diagnosis, proper treatment, and an improved prognosis for this patient.

Pentoxifylline (PTX), a methyl xanthine derivative, is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor with anti-inflammatory and renoprotective effects in diabetic patients, among other properties. We studied PTX actions and mechanisms in reducing blood biochemical parameters, in diabetic rats. For diabetes induction, alloxan was intravenously administered to male Wistar rats. One group was left untreated and the other ones treated with PTX (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg), glibenclamide or metformin, as references. Forty-eight hours later and after 1-week to 3-month treatments, blood was collected for determination of glycemia, triglycerides, cholesterol, transaminases, fructosamine and glycated hemoglobin. Afterwards, the animals were euthanized and pancreas, liver and kidney processed for histological analyses and immunohistochemistry assays for TNF-alpha, iNOS and COX-2. The results showed that PTX decreased glycemia and also triglyceride levels, starting 1 week after treatments, as compared to the same group before treatments. Glycemia values were brought towards normality, after 1-month treatment. PTX hypoglycemic effects were potentiated by glibenclamide but not by metformin. It also decreased fructosamine and glycated hemoglobin. Some histological and immunohistochemical alterations for TNF-alpha, iNOS and COX-2 in the diabetic pancreas were also reversed by PTX. We conclude that PTX acts similarly to glibenclamide, and its hypoglycemic actions are, partly, a consequence of ATP-sensitive K(+) channels inhibition. In addition, by its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, PTX may be a therapeutic alternative for the treatment of diabetes and its complications.

Background: Chagas disease is a serious public health issue in South and Central America due to its high prevalence, morbidity, and mortality. The esophageal form of the disease leads to achalasia and consequent megaesophagus. In advanced or recurrent cases of megaesophagus, there is no consensus for which of three established techniques-the Serra-Dória procedure, subtotal esophagectomy, or Modified Thal cardioplasty-is best. Very few studies have investigated the average efficacy and long-term outcomes of the Thal procedure. The present study sought to bridge this gap., Methods: The Modified Thal procedure was performed in 29 patients at Hospital Universitário de Brasília between 1998 and 2008. All underwent clinical and nutritional evaluation, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UDE) with chromoscopy, esophageal manometry, and 24-h pH monitoring., Results: Overall, 86 % experienced resolution of all symptoms after surgery. Most patients were classified as Visick grade I, II, or III. The average body mass index was 22.7 kg/m(2). UDE showed normal mucosa in 76 % of patients, and 11 % had unstained areas on chromoscopy. Esophageal manometry demonstrated incomplete lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxation in 50 % of patients, complete LES relaxation in 21 %, and no LES relaxation in 29 %. All showed complete relaxation of the upper esophageal sphincter. On 24-h pH monitoring, reflux was pathological in 50 % of patients., Conclusions: Overall, the modified Thal procedure improved symptoms-namely, dysphagia to liquids with resulting weight loss and malnutrition-in patients with megaesophagus. No correlations were found between clinical complaints, endoscopic findings, and degree of manometric abnormality in these patients.

We compared the levels of AURKA and AURKB in 24 (mantle cell lymphoma) MCL patients harboring 8q abnormalities and its relationship with MYCC gene status. Two distinct subgroups were observed, in terms of MYCC expression. Except for the patients with Burkitt's-like translocation, none of the patients harboring 8q abnormalities, including balanced translocations or duplications of MYCC band, identified both by G-banding and SKY, showed differential expression levels of MYCC. These previous findings also reflected in the differential expression of AURKA and AURKB genes. We found that AURKA and AURKB mRNA were expressed at significantly higher levels in MCL patients harboring Burkitt's-like translocation, when compared to patients with 8q rearrangements. The high expression of aurora kinase genes is reported to be associated with some parameters of clinical oncologic aggressiveness, such as high histological grade, invasion and increased rates of metastasis in several types of cancers. It is possible that in MCL patients expressing abnormal levels of MYCC together with a high expression of AURKA might offer some resistant to the conventional therapy purposes. Thus, aurora kinase inhibitors may also be considered for this specific subgroup on MCL, whose aggressive clinical course resembles high-grade lymphoma.

Networks can greatly advance data sharing attitudes by providing organized and useful data sets on marine biodiversity in a friendly and shared scientific environment. NONATObase, the interactive database on polychaetes presented herein, will provide new macroecological and taxonomic insights of the Southwestern Atlantic region. The database was developed by the NONATO network, a team of South American researchers, who integrated available information on polychaetes from between 5°N and 80°S in the Atlantic Ocean and near the Antarctic. The guiding principle of the database is to keep free and open access to data based on partnerships. Its architecture consists of a relational database integrated in the MySQL and PHP framework. Its web application allows access to the data from three different directions: species (qualitative data), abundance (quantitative data) and data set (reference data). The database has built-in functionality, such as the filter of data on user-defined taxonomic levels, characteristics of site, sample, sampler, and mesh size used. Considering that there are still many taxonomic issues related to poorly known regional fauna, a scientific committee was created to work out consistent solutions to current misidentifications and equivocal taxonomy status of some species. Expertise from this committee will be incorporated by NONATObase continually. The use of quantitative data was possible by standardization of a sample unit. All data, maps of distribution and references from a data set or a specified query can be visualized and exported to a commonly used data format in statistical analysis or reference manager software. The NONATO network has initialized with NONATObase, a valuable resource for marine ecologists and taxonomists. The database is expected to grow in functionality as it comes in useful, particularly regarding the challenges of dealing with molecular genetic data and tools to assess the effects of global environment change. Database URL: http://nonatobase.ufsc.br/.

Allogeneic hematopietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT) is widely used for the treatment of hematologic malignancies. Although aHSCT provides a good response against the malignant cells (graft-versus-leukemia [GVL]), it also leads to the development of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), a severe disease with high mortality and morbidity rates. Therapy for GVHD is commonly based on nonspecific immunosupression of the transplanted recipient, resulting in the concomitant inhibition of the GVL effect. In this study, we propose an alternative approach to specifically suppress GVHD while sparing the GVL, based on oral treatment of transplant donors with recipient Ags, associated with the intake of probiotic Lactococcus lactis as tolerogenic adjuvant (combined therapy). We show that treatment of C57BL/6 donor mice with combined therapy before the transplant protects the recipients F1 (C57BL/6 × BAL/c) mice from clinical and pathological manifestations of disease, resulting in 100% survival rate. Importantly, the animals keep the immunological competence maintaining the GVL response as well as the response to third-party Ags. The protection is specific, long lasting and dependent on donor IL-10-sufficient B cells activity, which induces regulatory T cells in the host. These data suggest that combined therapy is a promising strategy for prevention of GVHD with preservation of GVL, opening new possibilities to treat human patients subjected to transplantation.

Aim: T o present the clinical findings of a patient with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP), highlighting peculiarities of dental treatment in patients with this condition., Background: FOP is a rare genetic disease characterized by skeletal malformations and ectopic ossifications in skeletal muscles, tendons, ligaments and aponeurosis. Exacerbation of these ossifications can be caused by dental treatment, resulting in disease progression., Case Description: A 26-year-old male patient with a diagnosis of FOP was referred to our service for dental treatment. The patient presented decreased mobility in peripheral joints (knees and elbows), postural disability (ankylosis of the vertebral column), lateral deviation and shortness of the hallux, as well as heterotopic ossifications on the hands and back. The implementation of conservative dental procedures, such as oral hygiene instructions and recurrent topical fluoride applications, were performed in addition to endodontic and restorative treatments. Brief dental appointments were conducted without using regional anesthesia or dental dam clamps. The dental chair was positioned at 45° to provide more comfort and to avoid exacerbating the disease. The patient has now completed 6 months of follow-up and is free of heterotopic ossifications resulting from dental treatment., Conclusion: The dental treatment modifications implemented for the present case were sufficient to establish good oral health and to prevent the formation of heterotopic ossifications in the maxillofacial region., Clinical Significance: FOP is a rare disease dentists must familiarize themselves with to provide adequate, personalized treatment, which minimizes traumas that may exacerbate the disease.

The aim of this study is to share the experience of implementing a network for the diagnosis of oral cancer by integrating primary, secondary, and tertiary oral health care centers and identifying the possible weaknesses of the process. The study also investigated the risks of exposure to the main risk factors for oral and lip cancer and their most common potentially malignant lesions (PML). A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted in two different regions, with patients seen at a primary health care facility from August 2010 to July 2011. Patients with oral lesions were referred to dental specialty centers for biopsy. Patients with PML were treated in dental specialty centers, and patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) were referred to tertiary health care facilities. The dentists' knowledge of PML and SCC was assessed by an objective questionnaire. A total of 3,965 individuals were examined, 296 lesions were found, and 73 biopsies were performed, of which 13.7% were diagnosed as PML and 9.6% as SCC. Tobacco use and sunlight exposure were associated with SCC (85.7%) and PML (80%), respectively. In total, 55 dentists were assessed. The lesions most commonly recognized as PML were leukoplakia (74%), erythroplakia (57%), and actinic cheilosis (56%). Most dentists (74%) felt incapable of performing biopsies, most likely because of an anxiety towards oral cancer, and 57% had never performed one. The integration of primary and secondary health care enables the diagnosis of PML and SCC and establishes a diagnosis network. However, the inability of most primary care dentists to identify PML and perform biopsies is a weakness of the diagnostic process.

In a previous study we had shown that membrane cholesterol removal induced unregulated lysosomal exocytosis events leading to the depletion of lysosomes located at cell periphery. However, the mechanism by which cholesterol triggered these exocytic events had not been uncovered. In this study we investigated the importance of cholesterol in controlling mechanical properties of cells and its connection with lysosomal exocytosis. Tether extraction with optical tweezers and defocusing microscopy were used to assess cell dynamics in mouse fibroblasts. These assays showed that bending modulus and surface tension increased when cholesterol was extracted from fibroblasts plasma membrane upon incubation with MβCD, and that the membrane-cytoskeleton relaxation time increased at the beginning of MβCD treatment and decreased at the end. We also showed for the first time that the amplitude of membrane-cytoskeleton fluctuation decreased during cholesterol sequestration, showing that these cells become stiffer. These changes in membrane dynamics involved not only rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton, but also de novo actin polymerization and stress fiber formation through Rho activation. We found that these mechanical changes observed after cholesterol sequestration were involved in triggering lysosomal exocytosis. Exocytosis occurred even in the absence of the lysosomal calcium sensor synaptotagmin VII, and was associated with actin polymerization induced by MβCD. Notably, exocytosis triggered by cholesterol removal led to the secretion of a unique population of lysosomes, different from the pool mobilized by actin depolymerizing drugs such as Latrunculin-A. These data support the existence of at least two different pools of lysosomes with different exocytosis dynamics, one of which is directly mobilized for plasma membrane fusion after cholesterol removal.

Transgenic maize, Zea maize L., expressing the Cry1F protein from Bacillus thuringiensis has been registered for Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) control since 2003. Unexpected damage to Cry1F maize was reported in 2006 in Puerto Rico and Cry1F resistance in S. frugiperda was documented. The inheritance of Cry1F resistance was characterized in a S. frugiperda resistant strain originating from Puerto Rico, which displayed >289-fold resistance to purified Cry1F. Concentration-response bioassays of reciprocal crosses of resistant and susceptible parental populations indicated that resistance is recessive and autosomal. Bioassays of the backcross of the F1 generation crossed with the resistant parental strain suggest that a single locus is responsible for resistance. In addition, cross-resistance to Cry1Aa, Cry1Ab, Cry1Ac, Cry1Ba, Cry2Aa and Vip3Aa was assessed in the Cry1F-resistant strain. There was no significant cross-resistance to Cry1Aa, Cry1Ba and Cry2Aa, although only limited effects were observed in the susceptible strain. Vip3Aa was highly effective against susceptible and resistant insects indicating no cross-resistance with Cry1F. In contrast, low levels of cross-resistance were observed for both Cry1Ab and Cry1Ac. Because the resistance is recessive and conferred by a single locus, an F1 screening assay was used to measure the frequency of Cry1F-resistant alleles from populations of Florida and Texas in 2010 and 2011. A total frequency of resistant alleles of 0.13 and 0.02 was found for Florida and Texas populations, respectively, indicating resistant alleles could be found in US populations, although there have been no reports of reduced efficacy of Cry1F-expressing plants.

Chitosan-montmorillonite (KSF-CTS) beads were prepared by crosslinking with pentasodium tripolyphosphate (TPP). Montmorillonite (KSF-Na), CTS and KSF-CTS biocomposite were used to remove Cu(II) from aqueous solutions. These materials were characterized before and after copper adsorption by XRD, FTIR and thermogravimetry (TG). The data indicated that the adsorption process proceeds kinetically according to a pseudo-second-order model. The adsorption processes were adjusted to the Langmuir model for KSF-Na and CTS and to the Temkin model for KSF-CTS. The maximum adsorption capacity followed the order CTS>KSF-CTS>KSF-Na. Percentages desorption of copper ions from the KSF-CTS composite after three desorption cycles were 86%, 85% and 84%, respectively, using EDTA as regeneration agents., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The refuge strategy can delay resistance of insect pests to transgenic maize producing toxins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). This is important for the western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), because of its history of adaptation to several management practices. A 2-yr study across four locations was conducted to measure the effects of integrated refuge (i.e., blended refuge) on western corn rootworm survival to adulthood, fitness characteristics, and susceptibility to Bt maize in the subsequent generation. The treatments tested in this study were as follows: a pure stand of Bt maize (event DAS-59122-7, which produces Bt toxins Cry34Ab1/Cry35Ab1), a pure stand of refuge (non-Bt maize), and two variations on an integrated refuge consisting of 94.4% Bt maize and 5.6% non-Bt maize. Within the two integrated refuge treatments, refuge seeds received a neonicotinoid insecticidal seed treatment of either 1.25 mg clothianidin per kernel or 0.25 mg thiamethoxam per kernel. Insects in the pure stand refuge treatment had greater survival to adulthood and earlier emergence than in all other treatments. Although fecundity, longevity, and head capsule width were reduced in treatments containing Bt maize for some site by year combinations, Bt maize did not have a significant effect on these factors when testing data across all sites and years. We found no differences in susceptibility of larval progeny to Bt maize in bioassays using progeny of adults collected from the four treatments.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major health problem. The emergence of multidrug resistant (MDR) Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) isolates confounds treatment strategies. In Portugal, cases of MDR-TB are reported annually with an increased incidence noted in Lisbon. The majority of these MDR-TB cases are due to closely related mycobacteria known collectively as the Lisboa family and Q1 cluster. Genetic determinants linked to drug resistance have been exhaustively studied resulting in the identification of family and cluster specific mutations. Nevertheless, little is known about other factors involved in development of mycobacteria drug resistance. Here, we complement genetic analysis with the study of morphological and structural features of the Lisboa family and Q1 cluster isolates by using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. This analysis allowed the identification of structural differences, such as cell envelope thickness, between Mtb clinical isolates that are correlated with antibiotic resistance. The infection of human monocyte derived macrophages allowed us to document the relative selective advantage of the Lisboa family isolates over other circulating Mtb isolates.

Icosahedral nucleo-cytoplasmic large DNA viruses (NCLDV)-like viruses, which forminclusions in the erythrocyte cytoplasm of reptiles, were previously presented as candidates for a new genus of the Iridoviridae family. The present work describes the distribution of infected lizard hosts and ultrastructural characteristics of the viral inclusions of NCLDV-like viruses from Portugal and adjacent locations in Spain. Giemsa-stained blood smears of 235 Lacerta schreiberi from Portugal and Spain, 571 Lacerta monticola from the mountain Serra da Estrela (Portugal), 794 Podarcis hispanica from several localities in Portugal and Spain, and 25 Lacerta dugesii from Madeira Island, were studied. Infection in L. schreiberi was only found in mountain populations, up to 30% in Serra da Estrela and 9-11% elsewhere. It was absent in lizards from lowlands. Prevalence of infection among L. monticola in Serra da Estrela was 10%; infected lizards were found during March to July and October but not in August and September. Infection in P. hispanica was below 3.3%. Only one infected specimen of L. dugesii was identified by light microscopy. Ultrastructural examination of infected samples revealed that the inclusions are virus assembly sites of icosahedral cytoplasmic iridovirus-like virions. Virions from different host species have different ultrastructural features and probably represent different related viruses.

Theories have been put forward on the etiology of sialoliths; however, a comprehensive understanding of their growth mechanisms is lacking. In an attempt to fill this gap, the current study has evaluated the internal architecture and growth patterns of a set of 30 independent specimens of sialoliths characterized at different scales by computed microtomography and electron microscopy. Tomography reconstructions showed cores in most of the sialoliths. The cores were surrounded by concentric or irregular patterns with variable degrees of mineralization. Regardless of the patterns, at finer scales the sialoliths consisted of banded and globular structures. The distribution of precipitates in the banded structures is compatible with a Liesegang-Ostwald phenomenon. On the other hand, the globular structures appear to arise from surface tension effects and to develop self-similar features as a result of a viscous fingering process. Electron diffraction patterns demonstrated that Ca- and P-based electrolytes crystallize in a structure close to that of hydroxyapatite. The organic matter contained sulfur with apparent origin from sulfated components of secretory material. These results cast new light on the mechanisms involved in the formation of sialoliths.

The toxicity of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TIO₂ NPs) and oxidative stress effects were studied in two freshwater fish species (Carassius auratus and Danio rerio) exposed for 21 days to different concentrations (0.01, 0.1, 1, 10, 100/mgL) of TiO₂ NPs and to a control (tap water). Additional fish were transferred to clean water for 14 days to assess the ability to recover from exposure to TiO₂ NPs. Activities of the enzyme glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) (malondialdheyde) were measured as indicators of oxidative stress. Histological and ultra-structural changes in livers from both species of fish were evaluated by light and electron microscopy. Results show a general GST activity increase according to TiO₂ NPs concentrations, which is in agreement with data from LPO. After 21 days, GST activities decreased possibly caused by suppression of GST synthesis as a result of severe stress. Histological and ultra-structural analysis of livers from exposed fish show degeneration of the hepatic tissue and alterations in hepatocytes such as glycogen depletion and an increase in lipofucsin lysosome-like granules. After a depuration period a partial recovery for biochemical markers and cells was observed. The results suggest that TiO₂ promotes alterations in hepatic tissues compatible with oxidative stress.

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the antimetastatic potential of biflorin using in vivo and in vitro approaches., Main Methods: Biflorin was isolated from Capraria biflora collected in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. Adhesion, migration and invasion assays were performed to avail of the antimetastatic potential of this quinone. Experimental metastasis was performed to avail of the antimetastatic potential of bilflorin using in vivo assay., Key Findings: Treatment with biflorin (25 and 50mg/kg/day) was shown to be effective in reducing B16-F10 melanoma metastasis in C57BL/6 mice. The administration of biflorin at 25mg/kg/day intraperitoneally inhibited the formation of metastases by about 57% compared to untreated control animals. When the animals were treated with 50mg/kg/day intraperitoneally, there was a 71% decrease in the number of lung metastases. Morphological assays showed the presence of hemosiderin and erythrocytes in the lung parenchyma, indicating the occurrence of hemorrhage, probably a side effect of biflorin. Biflorin at non-toxic concentrations (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5g/mL) was tested directly on B16-F10 cells in vitro, and it inhibited cell adhesion to type I collagen and cell motility using the wound-healing assay., Significance: These data suggest that biflorin has a promising antimetastatic potential, as shown by its anti-adhesion, anti-migration and anti-invasion properties against a metastatic melanoma cell line. However, further studies are essential to elucidate its mechanism of action., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Oral cancer is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, and has a poor prognosis. This has encouraged additional studies into factors that may affect the development of this disease. The biological behavior of malignant neoplasms is complex. Studies have investigated the energy metabolism of tumor cells, in an endeavor to elucidate the tumor biology. The identification of molecular signatures and mechanisms, in order to understand tumor progression, may facilitate the identification of novel predictive and prognostic markers. Pathways that influence tumor progression, such as those involving hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) and glucose transporter (GLUT) proteins, have been the targets of recent studies.

Primary cardiac angiosarcoma is an extremely rare malignant tumor. Distant metastases are common at the time of diagnosis but have never been reported in the jaw. A 45-year-old female patient with primary cardiac angiosarcoma was referred for dental care due to pain in the mandibular alveolar ridge. Oral examination revealed a red-violet lesion that was soft on palpation and had been present for 3 months. Histological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of metastatic cardiac angiosarcoma. The patient died of multiple metastases., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

This paper describes a fully automatic approach to locate icosahedral virus particles in transmission electron microscopy images. The initial detection of the particles takes place through automatic segmentation of the entropy-proportion image; this image is computed in particular regions of interest defined by two concentric structuring elements contained in a small overlapping window running over all the image. Morphological features help to select the candidates, as the threshold is kept low enough to avoid false negatives. The candidate points are subject to a credibility test based on features extracted from eight radial intensity profiles in each point from a texture image. A candidate is accepted if these features meet the set of acceptance conditions describing the typical intensity profiles of these kinds of particles. The set of points accepted is subjected to a last validation in a three-parameter space using a discrimination plan that is a function of the input image to separate possible outliers.

A novel insect β-1,4-endoglucanase (DvvENGaseI) gene belonging to the glycoside hydrolase family (GHF) 45 was identified from the western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera. The cDNA of the DvvENGaseI consisted of a 720 bp open reading frame encoding a 239 amino-acid protein. Analysis of the amino acid sequence revealed that DvvENGaseI exhibits 60% protein sequence identity when compared with an endoglucanase belonging to GHF45 from another beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata. Western blot analyses using a polyclonal antiserum developed from a partial peptide sequence revealed that DvvENGaseI expression coincided with body regions corresponding to the fore-, mid- and hindgut, although regions corresponding to the midgut and hindgut were the primary sites for DvvENGaseI expression. Functional analysis of the DvvENGaseI by RNA interference (RNAi) indicated that nearly complete knock-down of gene expression could be obtained by injection of dsRNA based on qRT-PCR and western blot analysis. However, suppression only resulted in slight developmental delays suggesting that this gene may be part of a larger system of cellulose degrading enzymes., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Familial hypophosphatemic rickets is a hereditary disease characterized by the involvement of several family members, transmitted in most cases as an X-linked dominant trait. Oral manifestations can be the first evidences for an adequate and early diagnosis of X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets (XLHR). The present report describes the main systemic manifestations, oral findings and dental management in three generations of an affected family. Oral exams, laboratorial and histologic evaluations, cone-beam computed tomographies, panoramic and periapical radiographs were performed to properly institute the most adequate treatment strategy. The knowledge of clinical signs and symptoms of XLHR is essential for the correct diagnosis of this disease, and for the establishment of preventive and comprehensive dental care., (©2012 Special Care Dentistry Association and Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Context: Cucurbitacins are a group of triterpenoids that have a cucurbitane skeleton with a wide range of biological activities., Objectives: This study evaluated the anticancer properties of one cucurbitacin isolated from Cayaponia racemosa Cong. (Cucurbitaceae), 2β,3β,16α,20(R),25-pentahydroxy-22-oxocucurbita-5-en (1), with in vitro and in vivo models., Materials and Methods: In vitro cytotoxic activity was determined with human leukemia (HL60) and normal blood cells (PBMC). Sarcoma 180 was used as in vivo model., Results: The cucurbitacin (1) reduced the number of viable cells; however, there was no changed in the number of non-viable cells at 5 µg/mL. Selectivity towards cancer cells was suggested by the absence of activity on normal proliferating lymphocytes at the concentrations tested (IC₅₀ >25 µg/ml). Morphological analysis of compound 1-treated cells showed typical apoptotic features, such as intense deposition of granules in the cytoplasm (eosinophilia), DNA fragmentation and irregularities in the plasma membrane. In addition, the cells treated with compound 1 presented intense vacuolization and disruption of the plasma membrane. Acridine orange/Ethidium bromide staining confirmed these findings, revealing an increased number of apoptotic cells. In the Sarcoma 180 tumor model, compound 1 showed 52 and 62% of antitumor activity, either alone (25 mg/kg/day) or in association with the chemotherapeutic agent 5-FU (10 + 10 mg/kg/day), respectively. Moreover, either alone or associated with 5-FU, treatment with compound 1 caused an increase in spleen weight and morphological alterations related to immunostimulatory properties., Conclusion: These data indicate that these naturally occurring compounds have anticancer potential.

Background: Some authors have shown that tongue lesions represent an important segment of oral mucosal lesions group, with prevalence varying among epidemiologic studies from different countries., Objectives: The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of tongue lesions in a Brazilian population., Methods: A collaborative study was conducted using data from 5 anatomic pathology services in Brazil. After data collection, these tongue lesions were separated in 4 groups: G1/malignant tumors, G2/benign tumors, G3/reactive lesions, and G4/other lesions., Results: Analysis of 6231 specimens for which oral biopsy was performed showed 760 cases (12.2%) diagnosed in the tongue. From this total, 306 cases (40.3%) occurred in females, and 454 (59.7%) occurred in males. Ages ranged from 3 to 93 years, with a global average of 45.3 years. The largest numbers of cases were represented by reactive lesions (44.6%), followed by benign tumors (27.9%), malignant tumors (18.6%), and other lesions (8.9%)., Conclusions: Tongue diseases were more common in male patients, and most of them were reactive lesions or benign neoplasms, but 18.6% were malignant neoplasms. The occurrence of malignant neoplasm increased notably with age.

The participation of regulatory T (Treg) cells in B cell-induced T cell tolerance has been claimed in different models. In skin grafts, naive B cells were shown to induce graft tolerance. However, neither the contribution of Treg cells to B cell-induced skin tolerance nor their contribution to the histopathological diagnosis of graft acceptance has been addressed. Here, using male C57BL/6 naive B cells to tolerize female animals, we show that skin graft tolerance is dependent on CD25+ Treg cell activity and independent of B cell-derived IL-10. In fact, B cells from IL-10-deficient mice were able to induce skin graft tolerance while Treg depletion of the host inhibited 100% graft survival. We questioned how Treg cell-mediated tolerance would impact on histopathology. B cell-tolerized skin grafts showed pathological scores as high as a rejected skin from naive, non-tolerized mice due to loss of skin appendages, reduced keratinization and mononuclear cell infiltrate. However, in tolerized mice, 40% of graft infiltrating CD4+ cells were FoxP3+ Treg cells with a high Treg:Teff (effector T cell) ratio (6:1) as compared to non-tolerized mice where Tregs comprise less than 8% of total infiltrating CD4 cells with a Treg:Teff ratio below 1:1. These results render Treg cells an obligatory target for histopathological studies on tissue rejection that may help to diagnose and predict the outcome of a transplanted organ.

Langerhans'cell histiocytosis (LCH) comprises a rare group of reticuloendothelial system disorders that can produce focal or systemic manifestations. Diabetes insipidus is considered to be an important indicator of serious underlying diseases in children, including LCH. We report the case of a young patient with monostotic LCH confined to the mandibular ramus, who was diagnosed with the disease after presenting symptoms of central diabetes insipidus and was satisfactorily treated with multi-agent chemotherapy. Additionally, we discuss the clinical, radiographic, histological and immunohistochemical findings, as well as the multidisciplinary approach of this important disease, which should receive attention by dental practitioners, especially when it occurs in children.