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Background: Xenogeneic matrices (XMs) have been increasingly used for root coverage procedures. This study compared the use of two types of XM (collagen matrix [CM] and xenogeneic acellular dermal matrix [XDM]) associated with the coronally advanced flap technique (CAF) to treat single gingival recessions., Methods: Seventy-five patients presenting single RT1 gingival recession were treated by CAF (control group, n = 25), CAF+CM (test group 1, n = 25), or CAF+XDM (test group 2, n = 25) and completed 6-month follow-up. Clinical, patient-centered, and esthetic assessments were performed and intra- and intergroup differences were analyzed., Results: At 6 months, the mean recession reduction for CAF, CAF+CM, and CAF+XDM was 2.4 ± 0.8 mm, 2.4 ± 0.9 mm and 2.1 ± 0.8 mm, respectively (P > 0.05). The corresponding mean percentage of root coverage was 78.9% ± 26.2% for CAF, 78.0% ± 28.5% for CAF+CM, and 65.6% ± 26.9% for CAF+XDM (P > 0.05). Dentin hypersensitivity and esthetic conditions showed significantly improvements in all groups. Test groups presented significant gains in gingival thickness (GT; CAF+CM: 0.4 ± 0.3 mm; CAF+XDM: 0.4 ± 0.2 mm) compared to the control group (CAF: 0.0 ± 0.1 mm; P < 0.05)., Conclusion: The CAF, CAF+CM, and CAF+XDM treatments each provided similar results in the treatment of single gingival recessions. The addition of either CM or XDM to CAF increases the GT., (© 2021 American Academy of Periodontology.)

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) comprise a group of diseases and disorders of the heart and blood vessels, which together are the number one cause of death worldwide, being associated with multiple genetic and modifiable risk factors, and that may directly arise from different etiologies. For a long time, the search for cardiovascular drugs was based on the old paradigm "one compound - one target", aiming to obtain a highly potent and selective molecule with only one desired molecular target. Although historically successful in the last decades, this approach ignores the multiple causes and the multifactorial nature of CVDs. Thus, over time, treatment strategies for cardiovascular diseases have changed, and, currently, pharmacological therapies for CVD are mainly based on the association of two or more drugs to control symptoms and reduce cardiovascular death. In this context, the development of multitarget drugs, i.e., compounds having the ability to act simultaneously at multiple sites, is an attractive and relevant strategy that can be even more advantageous to achieve predictable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics correlations as well as better patient compliance. In this review, we aim to highlight the efforts and rational pharmacological bases for the design of some promising multitargeted compounds to treat important cardiovascular diseases like heart failure, atherosclerosis, acute myocardial infarction, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and arrhythmia., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Androgen-dependent LNCaP and androgen-independent DU-145 cells, were treated with different concentrations of ergosterol (15 µM and 25 µM) and its respective cell viability was measured by MTT bioassay. While ergosterol showed an antiproliferative effect on LNCaP, on DU-145 promoted cell proliferation. This differential effect suggests that the effect of ergosterol might be related to its ability to act as an Androgen Receptor ligand. In silico Molecular Dynamics simulations were performed to analyze the interaction mechanism between androgen receptor and ergosterol, in comparison with natural ligands, 5α-dihydrotestosterone and testosterone. Our model suggests that the binding of androgen receptor with ergosterol is thermodinamically feasible, which is concordant with our experimental results.

The association of immobility and camouflage is widespread as a defensive mechanism in prey from varied taxa. However, many experiments assessing the reaction of prey to predator cues are conducted under artificial laboratory conditions. In a previous experiment we observed the tadpoles of Ololygon machadoi (Hylidae) to respond to predator visual and/or chemical cues by choosing backgrounds that improve their disruptive properties, but detected no associated reduction of movement. Here we experimentally demonstrate this response in the species' natural habitat, on backgrounds where the tadpoles are likely to achieve their best camouflage. We also tested whether previous experiences could influence both background choice and immobility in O. machadoi tadpoles. These novel experimental results suggest that a defensive behavior-i.e., reduction of movement-in these tadpoles is more strongly expressed under the natural conditions where they evolved, compared to laboratory conditions where prey and predator were brought into closer contact. Besides, previous experiences are likely to play an important role in expressed defensive responses.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine if there is an association between marital status (single, married, divorced/separated, and widowed) and inhospital mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) from Puerto Rico in 2007, 2009, and 2011., Methods: This study was a secondary data analysis of information retrieved from the Puerto Rican Cardiovascular Surveillance System obtained from the University of Puerto Rico for the residents of Puerto Rico during the study years. The sample included individuals aged 18 or older who presented with an incidental AMI. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess the association between marital status and in hospital mortality after an AMI. Covariates included age, sex, social history, and comorbidities., Results: Among the study participants, 414 were single, 1,811 were married, 153 were separated/divorced, and 472 were widowed. Widowed status was more common in the elderly population, age groups 75-84 and ≥85, than any other marital status representing 37.9% and 30.7% respectively (p-value < 0.001). The adjusted OR were 0.6 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.3-1.4), 0.6 (95% CI 0.2-2.0), and 0.9 (95% CI 0.5-1.7) for single, divorced/separated, and widowed patients respectively when compared with married patients., Conclusion: No noticeable association was found between marital status and inhospital mortality in patients with incidental AMI in Puerto Rico during the years of 2007, 2009, and 2011. Further research may be required to investigate mortality rates during the time period following hospital discharge.

Dimorphandra wilsonii, a Cerrado endemic Fabaceae tree, is threatened by land-use changes. The few remaining individuals occur in areas dominated by alien grasses like Urochloa decumbens. We tested the impact of nitrogen (N) availability and symbionts' presence on mitigating the effects of competition from U. decumbens. Dimorphandra wilsonii seedlings were 50-week pot-cultivated under limiting (3mM) or non-limiting (10mM) N, with or without U. decumbens, and inoculated or not with a N-fixer (Bradyrhizobium sp.) and an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF - Glomus etunicatum), both forming symbioses in the field. Since D. wilsonii seedlings grew more and 'lost' fewer nutrients under the symbionts' presence, symbionts mitigated plant-plant competition. Under limiting N, inoculated D. wilsonii seedlings grew more (despite no nodulation), but N fixation was only suggested when inoculated D. wilsonii seedlings competed with U. decumbens. D. wilsonii 13 C, and substrate's carbon and respiration suggest that only the microbes performing key functions received plant carbon. Under non-limiting N, inoculated D. wilsonii seedlings became enriched in 13 C, substrate accumulated carbon and microbial respiration increased, suggesting a more generalist microbial community. Data suggest inoculating D. wilsonii seeds/seedlings with AMF and N-fixers as a conservation measure. However, long-term field-studies need to confirm these conclusions., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The integrative effects of zinc (Zn; 0 mg L -1 , 75 mg L -1 , 150 mg L -1 , and 200 mg L -1 ) and temperature (25 °C, 30 °C, and 35 °C) on seed germination of the threatened Brazilian species Dimorphandra wilsonii were evaluated. Zinc effects on seed germination were only observed at 30 °C and 35 °C. By stimulating respiration rates, rising temperatures accentuate hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) formation in germinating seeds in the presence of Zn. Seed Zn tolerance was related to the activation of enzymatic antioxidants, and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity had a central role in H 2 O 2 scavenging under the highest temperatures tested. Increased APX activity allowed successful germination, whereas decreasing APX activity was accompanied by decreasing germination rates in Zn-treated seeds at 35 °C. Within a scenario of future climate change, it will be extremely important to avoid increasing Zn concentrations in natural habitats that would threaten conservation efforts directed toward this endangered plant species. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2036-2042. © 2017 SETAC., (© 2017 SETAC.)

Objective: To assess the prevalence and describe the clinical, laboratory and radiological findings, treatment and outcome of children with cancer initially referred to a tertiary outpatient pediatric rheumatology clinic., Methods: Retrospective analysis of medical records from patients identified in a list of 250 new patients attending the tertiary Pediatric Rheumatology Clinic, Ribeirão Preto Medical School hospital, University of São Paulo, from July 2013 to July 2015, whose final diagnosis was cancer., Results: Of 250 patients seen during the study period, 5 (2%) had a cancer diagnosis. Among them, 80% had constitutional symptoms, especially weight loss and asthenia, and 60% had arthritis. Initially, all patients had at least one alteration in their blood count, lactate dehydrogenase was increased in 80% and a bone marrow smear was conclusive in 60% of patients. Bone and intestine biopsies were necessary for the diagnosis in 2 patients. JIA was the most common initial diagnosis. The definitive diagnosis was acute lymphoblastic leukemia (2 patients), M3 acute myeloid leukemia, lymphoma, and neuroblastoma (one case each). Of 5 patients studied, 3 (60%) are in remission and 2 (40%) died, one of them with prior use of steroids., Conclusion: The constitutional and musculoskeletal symptoms common to rheumatic and neoplastic diseases can delay the diagnosis and consequently worsen the prognosis of neoplasms. Initial blood count and bone marrow smear may be normal in the initial framework of neoplasms. Thus, the clinical follow-up of these cases becomes imperative and the treatment, mainly with corticosteroids, should be delayed until diagnostic definition., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.)

Glyphosate-formulations are widely used in the Brazilian Cerrado (neotropical savanna) with little or no control, threatening population of the endangered species Dimorphandra wilsonii. We investigated the toxicity of different concentrations (0, 5, 25 and 50 mg l -1 ) of glyphosate acid and one of its formulations (Roundup ® ) on seed germination in D. wilsonii. Glyphosate acid and Roundup drastically decreased seed germination by decreasing seed respiration rates. The activation of antioxidant enzymes, ascorbate peroxidase and catalase assure no hydrogen peroxide accumulation in exposed seeds. Glyphosate acid and the Roundup-formulation negatively affected the activities of enzymes associated with the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC), with Complex III as its precise target. The toxicity of Roundup-formulation was greater than that of glyphosate acid due to its greater effects on respiration. The herbicide glyphosate must impair D. wilsonii seed germination by disrupting the mitochondrial ETC, resulting in decreased energy (ATP) production. Our results therefore indicate the importance of avoiding (or closely regulating) the use of glyphosate-based herbicides in natural Cerrado habitats of D. wilsonni as they are toxic to seed germination and therefore threaten conservation efforts. It will likewise be important to investigate the effects of glyphosate on the seeds of other species and to investigate the impacts of these pesticides elsewhere in the world., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Microtubules play critical roles in vital cell processes, including cell growth, division, and migration. Microtubule-targeting small molecules are chemotherapeutic agents that are widely used in the treatment of cancer. Many of these compounds are structurally complex natural products (e.g., paclitaxel, vinblastine, and vincristine) with multiple stereogenic centers. Because of the scarcity of their natural sources and the difficulty of their partial or total synthesis, as well as problems related to their bioavailability, toxicity, and resistance, there is an urgent need for novel microtubule binding agents that are effective for treating cancer but do not have these disadvantages. In the present work, our lead discovery effort toward less structurally complex synthetic compounds led to the discovery of a series of acridinones inspired by the structure of podophyllotoxin, a natural product with important microtubule assembly inhibitory activity, as novel mechanism-based tubulin assembly inhibitors with potent anticancer properties and low toxicity. The compounds were evaluated in vitro by wound healing assays employing the metastatic and triple negative breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231. Four compounds with IC50 values between 0.294 and 1.7 μM were identified. These compounds showed selective cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-231 and DU-145 cancer cell lines and promoted cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase and apoptosis. Consistent with molecular modeling results, the acridinones inhibited tubulin assembly in in vitro polymerization assays with IC50 values between 0.9 and 13 μM. Their binding to the colchicine-binding site of tubulin was confirmed through competitive assays.

The objective of this study was to verify whether a commercial formulation of 2,4 dichlorophenoxyacetic acid [2,4-D dimethylamine salt (DMA)] affects the growth and biochemical parameters of silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen) after 90 days of exposure. The fish exposed to 0.5 or 2.0 mg/L of DMA presented exhibited decreased growth parameters. Glucose was reduced in the mucus layer at both concentrations, and the total protein level was increased at the highest concentration tested. Fish exposed to DMA showed reduced liver and kidney glycogen at both concentrations tested, while in the muscle, glycogen was reduced only at 2.0 mg/L. Glucose was increased in the liver and decreased in the muscle and kidney at both concentrations and was not altered in the plasma. Lactate was increased in all the tissues and decreased in the plasma. Protein levels were reduced in the liver and plasma at both concentrations, while in the muscle, it was decreased at a concentration of 2.0 mg/L. Levels of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances were reduced in the liver and increased in the muscle at both concentrations and did not change in the brain. DMA increased catalase activity in the liver at both concentrations tested. The present study demonstrates the effects of long-term exposure to DMA. Some parameters could be used as toxicity indicators to identify the presence of DMA in an aquatic environment.

Objectives: To assess the feasibility, safety and outcomes of playing Microsoft Kinect Adventures™ for people with Parkinson's disease in order to guide the design of a randomised clinical trial., Design: Single-group, blinded trial., Setting: Rehabilitation Center of São Camilo University, Brazil., Participants: Seven patients (six males, one female) with Parkinson's disease (Hoehn and Yahr Stages 2 and 3)., Interventions: Fourteen 60-minute sessions, three times per week, playing four games of Kinect Adventures!, Main Outcome Measures: The feasibility and safety outcomes were patients' game performance and adverse events, respectively. The clinical outcomes were the 6-minute walk test, Balance Evaluation System Test, Dynamic Gait Index and Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39)., Results: Patients' scores for the four games showed improvement. The mean [standard deviation (SD)] scores in the first and last sessions of the Space Pop game were 151 (36) and 198 (29), respectively [mean (SD) difference 47 (7), 95% confidence interval 15 to 79]. There were no adverse events. Improvements were also seen in the 6-minute walk test, Balance Evaluation System Test, Dynamic Gait Index and PDQ-39 following training., Conclusion: Kinect-based training was safe and feasible for people with Parkinson's disease (Hoehn and Yahr Stages 2 and 3). Patients improved their scores for all four games. No serious adverse events occurred during training with Kinect Adventures!, which promoted improvement in activities (balance and gait), body functions (cardiopulmonary aptitude) and participation (quality of life)., (Copyright © 2013 Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Heat-induced tissue fusion is an important procedure in modern surgery and can greatly reduce trauma, complications, and mortality during minimally invasive surgical blood vessel anastomosis, but it may also have further benefits if applied to other tissue types such as small and large intestine anastomoses. We present a tissue-fusion characterization technology using laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy, which provides further insight into tissue constituent variations at the molecular level. In particular, an increase of fluorescence intensity in 450- to 550-nm range for 375- and 405-nm excitation suggests that the collagen cross-linking in fused tissues increased. Our experimental and statistical analyses showed that, by using fluorescence spectral data, good fusion could be differentiated from other cases with an accuracy of more than 95%. This suggests that the fluorescence spectroscopy could be potentially used as a feedback control method in online tissue-fusion monitoring.

Although regarded as neurotoxic, amyloid β (Aβ) peptides may also mediate a wide range of nonpathogenic processes. Autophagy has been implicated in Aβ-mediated effects, although its precise function in neural differentiation remains unknown. Here, we addressed the role of different Aβ fragments in neural stem cell (NSC) proliferation and differentiation, and investigated whether autophagy is involved in Aβ-induced alterations of neural fate. Our results demonstrate that neuronal and glial-specific protein markers are significantly induced by both Aβ1-40 and Aβ1-42. However, Aβ1-40 preferentially enhances neurogenesis of NSCs, as determined by βIII-tubulin, NeuN, and MAP2 neuronal marker immunoreactivity, while Aβ1-42 appears to favor gliogenesis. In contrast, Aβ25-35 does not influence NSC fate. The effect of Aβ1-40 on neurogenesis is partially dependent on its role in NSC self-renewal as both S-phase of the cell cycle and BrdU labeling were markedly increased. Nevertheless, Aβ1-40 resulted also in increased Tuj1 promoter activity. Autophagy, assessed by conversion of endogenous LC3-I/II, fluorescence of pGFP-LC3-transfected cells, and Atg9 protein levels, was evident in both Aβ1-40- and Aβ1-42-treated NSCs, independently of reactive oxygen species production and apoptosis. Finally, inhibition of autophagy by pharmacologic means abrogated Aβ-induced lineage-specific protein markers. These results support distinct roles for different Aβ peptides in NSC fate decision and underline the importance of autophagy control of this process.

Root perforations may lead to a loss of integrity in the root and periodontium, violations of the biologic periodontal distance, and injuries to periodontal tissue. This study sought to analyze the effect of root canal biomechanical preparation on the microhardness and the marginal sealing ability of different materials used to treat root perforations. Standard root perforations were performed in 96 bovine incisors. The teeth were divided into four groups (n = 24), based on the material used to treat those teeth: Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) (Group 1), MTA protected with cyanoacrylate (Group 2), MTA protected with glass ionomer (GI) cement (Group 3), and castor oil bean (COB) cement (Group 4). After root perforations were closed, the root canals were prepared biomechanically and teeth were sectioned longitudinally. Microleakage and microhardness of sealed perforations were assessed; microleakage data were submitted to analysis of variance (ANOVA) testing, while microhardness data were submitted to Dunnet and Tukey tests (p < 0.05). Group 4 reported the lowest amount of microleakage (0.65 mm), followed by Group 3 (1.02 mm), Group 1 (1.14 mm), and Group 2 (1.30 mm); however, no difference was detected among the groups. Groups 1-3 demonstrated significantly higher microhardness values compared to COB. It was concluded that the chemical and mechanical agents used during root canal preparation did not affect the sealing procedures. Administering surface protection to MTA did not improve microhardness or sealing.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide in the hippocampus and frontal cortex of the brain, leading to progressive cognitive decline. The endogenous bile acid tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) is a strong neuroprotective agent in several experimental models of disease, including neuronal exposure to Aβ. Nevertheless, the therapeutic role of TUDCA in AD pathology has not yet been ascertained. Here we report that feeding APP/PS1 double-transgenic mice with diet containing 0.4 % TUDCA for 6 months reduced accumulation of Aβ deposits in the brain, markedly ameliorating memory deficits. This was accompanied by reduced glial activation and neuronal integrity loss in TUDCA-fed APP/PS1 mice compared to untreated APP/PS1 mice. Furthermore, TUDCA regulated lipid-metabolism mediators involved in Aβ production and accumulation in the brains of transgenic mice. Overall amyloidogenic APP processing was reduced with TUDCA treatment, in association with, but not limited to, modulation of γ-secretase activity. Consequently, a significant decrease in Aβ(1-40) and Aβ(1-42) levels was observed in both hippocampus and frontal cortex of TUDCA-treated APP/PS1 mice, suggesting that chronic feeding of TUDCA interferes with Aβ production, possibly through the regulation of lipid-metabolism mediators associated with APP processing. These results highlight TUDCA as a potential therapeutic strategy for the prevention and treatment of AD.

p63 is a close relative of the p53 tumor suppressor and transcription factor that modulates cell fate. The full-length isoform of p63, containing a transactivation (TA) domain (TAp63) is an essential proapoptotic protein in neural development. The role of p63 in epithelial development is also well established; however, its precise function during neural differentiation remains largely controversial. Recently, it has been demonstrated that several conserved elements of apoptosis are also integral components of cellular differentiation; p53 directly interacts with key regulators of neurogenesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of p63 during mouse neural stem cell (NSC) differentiation and test whether the histone H3 lysine 27-specific demethylase JMJD3 interacts with p63 to redirect NSCs to neurogenesis. Our results showed that JMJD3 and TAp63γ are coordinately regulated to establish neural-specific gene expression programs in NSCs undergoing differentiation. JMJD3 overexpression increased TAp63γ levels in a demethylase activity-dependent manner. Importantly, overexpression of TAp63γ increased β-III tubulin whereas downregulation of TAp63γ by specific p63 siRNA decreased β-III tubulin. Immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated direct interaction between TAp63γ and JMJD3, and modulation of TAp63γ methylation status by JMJD3-demethylase activity. Importantly, the demethylase activity of JMJD3 influenced TAp63γ protein stabilization and cellular distribution, as well as TAp63γ-regulated neurogenesis. These findings clarify the role of p63 in adult neural progenitor cells and reveal TAp63γ as a direct target for JMJD3-mediated neuronal commitment.

The threatened caesalpinioid legume Dimorphandra wilsonii, which is native to the Cerrado biome in Brazil, was examined for its nodulation and N(2)-fixing ability, and was compared with another, less-threatened species, D. jorgei. Nodulation and potential N(2) fixation was shown on seedlings that had been inoculated singly with five bradyrhizobial isolates from mature D. wilsonii nodules. The infection of D. wilsonii by two of these strains (Dw10.1, Dw12.5) was followed in detail using light and transmission electron microscopy, and was compared with that of D. jorgei by Bradyrhizobium strain SEMIA6099. The roots of D. wilsonii were infected via small transient root hairs at 42 d after inoculation (dai), and nodules were sufficiently mature at 63 dai to express nitrogenase protein. Similar infection and nodule developmental processes were observed in D. jorgei. The bacteroids in mature Dimorphandra nodules were enclosed in plant cell wall material containing a homogalacturonan (pectic) epitope that was recognized by the monoclonal antibody JIM5. Analysis of sequences of their rrs (16S rRNA) genes and their ITS regions showed that the five D. wilsonii strains, although related to SEMIA6099, may constitute five undescribed species of genus Bradyrhizobium, whilst their nodD and nifH gene sequences showed that they formed clearly separated branches from other rhizobial strains. This is the first study to describe in full the N(2)-fixing symbiotic interaction between defined rhizobial strains and legumes in the sub-family Caesalpinioideae. This information will hopefully assist in the conservation of the threatened species D. wilsonii.

In recent years, commercial glyphosate herbicide formulations have been widely used in agriculture to control aquatic weeds. These pesticides may result in disruption of ecological balance, causing damage to nontarget organisms including fish. Teleostean fish (Leporinus obtusidens) were exposed to commercial glyphosate herbicide formulation at 0 (control), 3, 6, 10 or 20 mg L(-1) for 96 h. The effects of herbicide on plasmatic metabolic parameters, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), catalase activity, protein carbonyl, and mucus layer parameters were studied. Plasmatic glucose and lactate levels increased but protein levels showed reduction after herbicide exposure. TBARS levels in brain showed a reduction at all tested concentrations. However, liver demonstrated increased TBARS levels at all tested concentrations, whereas in white muscle TBARS production did not change after exposure to herbicide. Fish exposed to all concentrations of glyphosate showed increase in liver catalase activity and protein carbonyl. Herbicide exposure increased protein and carbohydrate levels of the mucus layer at all tested concentrations. The present results showed that, in 96 h, glyphosate changed toxicological parameters analyzed in piava. Parameters measured in this study may be useful in environmental biomonitoring.

Antioxidant enzymes and oxidative stress indicators were evaluated in fish exposed to different concentrations of the herbicide Roundup 48% (Monsanto, St. Louis, MO): control (none), 0.45, or 0.95 mg/l. After exposure for 8 days to herbicide, fish were transferred to clean water for a recovery response period (also 8 days). Herbicide increased thiobarbituric acid reactive species in liver and muscle at the higher concentration and in the brain at both concentrations. Protein carbonyl in liver increased after exposure. Catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and ascorbic acid levels in liver did not change in fish exposed to both concentrations. Glutathione S-transferase (GST) levels decreased at both concentrations. The nonprotein thiol levels decreased at the 0.95 mg/l concentration. During the recovery period, some of the parameters that had altered, such as protein carbonyl content, later recovered. However, some enzymes reacted during this period, e.g., GST increased its activity, possibly indicating a compensatory response against the toxic conditions. In contrast, CAT and SOD activities decreased during the recovery period, indicating herbicide toxicity. Oxidative stress that occurred during the exposure period was likely due to the increased lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyl content. The results concerning oxidative and antioxidant profiles indicate that short-term exposure to herbicide is capable of causing oxidative stress in fish tissues.

Neurodegenerative diseases trigger neuronal cell death by a variety of endogenous suicide pathways. Although cell death may occur through highly heterogeneous processes, specific cell organelles and stress sensors have shown promise as potential therapeutic targets. The plasma membrane senses stress through residing receptors, which can directly or indirectly activate apoptosis. Importantly, several events involved in neuronal death also affect mitochondria homeostasis, leading to calcium uptake, opening of the permeability transition pore, and release of apoptogenic factors. In addition, nuclear DNA damage triggers cell death, where p53 is activated to modulate the expression of selected apoptosis target genes. Signaling proteins implicated in apoptosis pathways are enriched at the Golgi complex, including death receptors and the phosphoinositide 3-kinase. Finally, neurodegenerative diseases progress with accumulation of misfolded proteins, deficiently removed by intracellular proteases or chaperones, and transport abnormalities due to disturbance of cytoskeletal organization in degenerating neurons. The challenge is to decode the complex signaling network of inter-organellar crosstalk leading to cell death and identify therapeutic approaches for delaying or preventing neurodegenerative diseases.

The dispersal and survival of the phlebotomines Nyssomyia intermedia and Nyssomyia neivai (both implicated as vectors of the cutaneous leishmaniasis agent) in an endemic area was investigated using a capture-mark-release technique in five experiments from August-December 2003 in municipality of Iporanga, state of São Paulo, Brazil. A total of 1,749 males and 1,262 females of Ny. intermedia and 915 males and 411 females of Ny. neivai were marked and released during the five experiments. Recapture attempts were made using automatic light traps, aspiration in natural resting places and domestic animal shelters and Shannon traps. A total of 153 specimens (3.48%) were recaptured: 2.59% (78/3,011) for Ny. intermedia and 5.35% (71/1,326) for Ny. neivai. Both species were recaptured up to 144 h post-release, with the larger part of them recaptured within 48 h. The median dispersion distances for Ny. intermedia and Ny. neivai, respectively, were 109 m and 100 m. The greatest dispersal range of Ny. intermedia was 180 m, while for Ny. neivai one female was recaptured in a pasture at 250 m and another in a pigsty at 520 m, showing a tendency to disperse to more open areas. The daily survival rates calculated based on regressions of the numbers of marked insects recaptured on the six successive days after release were 0.746 for males and 0.575 for females of Ny. intermedia and 0.649 for both sexes of Ny. neivai. The size of the populations in the five months ranged from 8,332-725,085 for Ny. intermedia males, 2,193-104,490 for Ny. intermedia females, 1,687-350,122 for Ny. neivai males and 254-49,705 for Ny. neivai females.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of photodynamic therapy (PDT) on endodontic pathogens by evaluating the decrease in numbers of Enterococcus faecalis colonies in the canals of extracted human teeth., Background Data: Failure in endodontics is usually related to inadequate cleaning and disinfection of the root canal system. This is due to the establishment of microorganisms in areas where the instruments and chemical agents used during root canal preparation cannot eliminate them. PDT is a complementary therapeutic method that could be used to eliminate these remaining bacteria. PDT is a process in which radiation acts on a dye that is applied to the target organism, resulting in bacterial death., Materials and Methods: Forty-six uniradicular teeth had their canals contaminated with bacteria and were incubated for 48 h at 35 degrees C. After that, the teeth were divided into a control group (CG) and a test group (TG). The 23 CG teeth did not undergo any intervention, whereas in the TG the teeth received a solution of 0.0125% toluidine blue for 5 min followed by irradiation using a 50-mW diode laser (Ga-Al-As) at a wavelength of 660 nm. Bacterial samples were taken before and after irradiation. In each of the samples, the number of colony-forming units (CFU) was counted., Results: The mean decrease in CFU was 99.9% in the TG, whereas in the CG an increase of 2.6% was observed., Conclusion: PDT was effective as a bactericidal agent in Enterococcus faecalis-contaminated root canals.

The effects of 2,4-D (1 or 10 mg/L) on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and metabolic parameters were evaluated in piava (Leporinus obtusidens) after 96 h. AChE activity was significantly reduced in the brain at a concentration of 10 mg/L and in the muscle at both concentrations tested. Muscle glycogen and lactate were significantly reduced for both 2,4-D concentrations but no significant change was observed in liver glycogen. Muscle protein levels were enhanced after exposure at 10 mg/L, but no significant changes were observed in muscle and liver glucose. Liver lactate and protein were significantly reduced after exposure to this herbicide. 2,4-D exposure produced a decrease in blood glucose at both concentrations and enhanced lactate levels at 10mg/L. Plasma protein increased at both concentrations tested. In conclusion, the results obtained indicate that 2,4-D affects brain and muscle AChE activity and some blood and tissue metabolic parameters of L. obtusidens. The stress generated by 2,4-D is the probable cause of alterations observed and measured parameters can be used to monitor 2,4-D fish toxicity.

The capture of a new species of the subgenus Migonemyia Galati, 1995 (Diptera, Psychodidae, Phlebotominae), Migonemyia vaniae sp. nov. in the Ribeira Valley, state of São Paulo, Brazil, together with the other two species: Mg. migonei (França, 1920) and Mg. rabelloi (Galati & Gomes, 1992) lead us to review this subgenus. The new species was described and illustrated. The genitalia of the two other species were also illustrated and some genital characteristics (number of setae on the gonocoxite tuft, ejaculatory ducts and pump and ducts/pump ratio; and number of setae on the tergite VIII of the females) considered important to differentiate the three species, including five populations of Mg. migonei (from Northeastern, Southeastern, and Southern Brazilian regions and of Peru) were submitted to variance analyses. The Mg. migonei population of Northeastern Brazilian region showed distinct smaller values (P < 0.05) than the other Brazilian populations studied as regarding these characteristics. The capture of both sexes of these three species in sympatry confirms the association between the sexes of Mg. rabelloi, recognised as doubtful when this species was originally described. Identification keys for male and female of the three species are presented.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate, by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the effects of Nd:YAG laser irradiation applied perpendicular or parallel to the root canal dentin wall., Methods: Thirty human teeth were divided into two groups: Group A (20 roots), laser application with circular movements, parallel to the dentin root surface; and Group B (10 roots), roots cut longitudinally and laser applied perpendicular to the root surface. Group A was subdivided into A1 (10 roots), laser application with 100 mJ, 15 Hz and 1.5 W; and A2 (10 roots) with 160 mJ, 15 Hz, and 2.4 W. Group B was subdivided into B1 (10 hemisections) and B2 (10 hemi-sections) with parameters similar to A1 and A2. Four applications of 7-sec duration were performed, with a total exposure of 28 sec. SEM evaluations were made in the cervical, middle, and apical thirds, with 500x and 2000x magnifications. Morphological changes scores were attributed, and the results were submitted to Kruskal Wallis statistical test (5%)., Results: Significant statistical differences were found between groups Aand B (p = 0.001). In groups A1 and A2, few areas of dentin melting were observed. In groups B1 and B2, areas of melting dentin covering dentin surface were observed., Conclusions: It was concluded that intracanal laser application with circular movements (parallel to the surface) produces limited morphological changes in root canal dentin wall.

Bilateral endogenous endophthalmitis is a rare condition initiated by infection by microbes in the bloodstream, such as those arising from a foci of infective endocarditis. We report a case and discuss the diagnostic aspects and the clinical outcome of a patient with characteristic findings of the disease. The patient was a 49 year old white male who had a metallic aortic valve implanted 7 months previously, and who presented to the hospital with 10 days of fever, cough and dyspnea, then diarrhea and mental confusion. On the second day of hospitalization, he experienced sudden loss of vision in both eyes. A Gram-positive coccobacillus was isolated from the bloodstream, he was treated with fluoroquinolone with disappearance of fever, decreased ocular inflammation, and improvement in his vision to light perception. He later underwent valve replacement surgery but died during the procedure. We review the occurrence of ocular signs and symptoms and their importance in patients with endocarditis.

Spontaneous mitotic recombination was examined in the haploid pso4-1 mutant of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and in the corresponding wild-type strain. Using a genetic system involving a duplication of the his4 gene it was shown that the pso4-1 mutation decreases at least fourfold the spontaneous rate of mitotic recombination. The frequency of spontaneous recombination was reduced tenfold in pso4-1 strains, as previously observed in the rad52-1 mutant. However, whereas the rad52-1 mutation specifically reduces gene conversion, the pso4-1 mutation reduces both gene conversion and reciprocal recombination. Induced mitotic recombination was also studied in pso4-1 mutant and wild-type strains after treatment with 8-methoxypsoralen plus UVA and 254 nm UV irradiation. Consistent with previous results, the pso4-1 mutation was found strongly to affect recombination induction.