Anti-migratory and cytotoxic effect of indole derivative in C6 glioma cells

Gliomas are among the most common primary malignant brain tumors. Despite advances in cancer treatment, survival is very low, so the discovery of new therapeutic agents is essential. In this context, indole is an important source for the development of new bioactive molecules. A pharmacological screening of ten indole derivatives was carried out to evaluate the cytotoxic capacity against three tumor cell lines. After pharmacological screening, three compounds were selected, based on their high capacity to reduce cell proliferation, and their IC50 values were determined. Compound 9 exhibited the highest cytotoxic activity (IC50 = 0.4 μg/mL) in gliomas (C6 cell line), and were selected for further experiments. C6 cells were treated with compound 9 to evaluate cellular mechanisms such as colony formation and cell migration capacity and morphological alterations. Compound 9 decreased clone formation (0.4 and 0.8 μg/mL), and inhibited migration (0.2-0.8 μg/mL) in C6 cells. Morphological changes in cells treated with the compound 9 were also observed, such as chromatin condensation, and disorganization in cellular stress beams. Indole derivatives had a cytotoxic effect on tumor cells, and compound 9 showed the best anti-proliferative and anti-migratory activity in glioma cells.

Inhibitory effect of O-propargyllawsone in A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer is the deadliest type of cancer in the world and the search for compounds that can treat this disease is highly important. Lawsone (2-hydroxy-1,4-naphtoquinone) is a naphthoquinone found in plants from the Lawsone genus that show a high cytotoxic effect in cancer cell lines and its derivatives show an even higher cytotoxic effect.

METHODS

Sulforhodamine B was used to evaluate the cytotoxic activity of compounds on tumor cells. Clonogenic assay was used to analyze the reduction of colonies and wound healing assay to the migratory capacity of A549 cells. Apoptosis and necrosis were analyzed by flow cytometer and Giemsa staining. Hemolysis assay to determine toxicity in human erythrocytes.

RESULTS

Lawsone derivatives were evaluated and compound 1 (O-propargyllawsone) was the one with the highest cytotoxic effect, with IC50 below 2.5 µM in A549 cells. The compound was able to reduce colony formation and inhibit cell migration. Morphological changes and cytometry analysis show that the compound induces apoptosis and necrosis in A549 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

These results show that O-propargyllawsone show a cytotoxic effect and may induce apoptosis in A549 cells.

Cytotoxic activity of essential oil from Leaves of Myrcia splendens against A549 Lung Cancer cells

BACKGROUND

Plants of the Myrcia genus have been widely used in folk medicine to treat various diseases, including cancer. Myrcia splendens species has a diverse chemical constitution, but the biological activities of its essential oil have not been well investigated. In this study to out the chemistry characterization of essential oil (EO) from the leaves of the species M. splendens from Brazil and evaluate cytotoxic effect in A549 lung cancer cells.

METHODS

M. splendens EO was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). EO was isolated and evaluated for cellular viability in tumor cell lines by MTT assay. The evaluation of the formation of clones and the migratory capacity of the A549 cells treated with EO was done by the clonogenic assay and the wound healing assay. Morphological changes were observed in A549 cells by fluorescence using Phalloidin/FITC and DAPI.

RESULTS

22 compounds were identified in the chemical analysis of EO, corresponding to 88% of the sample. Major compounds were the sesquiterpenic hydrocarbons bicyclogermacrene (15.4%), germacrene D (8.9%) and E-caryophyllene (10.1%). The biological analysis of the EO showed high cytotoxic activity with an IC₅₀ below 20 µg/ml in the THP-1, A549 and B16-F10 tumor cells. The treatment with EO reduced colony formation and inhibited the migratory capacity of A549 cells. Furthermore, apoptotic morphological changes in the nucleus and cytoplasm of A549 cells was observed after of treatment with EO.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study suggest that the M. splendens EO has cytotoxic compounds for the A549 lung cancer cells. Treatment with the EO decreased the colony formation and reduced the ability of lung cancer cells to migrate. Future studies may be used to isolate compounds from the EO for the study of lung cancer.

Anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic activity of glycosidic derivatives of lawsone in melanoma cancer cell

Background

Melanoma is a malignant cancer that affects melanocytes and is considered the most aggressive skin-type cancer. The prevalence for melanoma cancer for the last five year is about one million cases. The impact caused of this and other types of cancer, revel the importance of research into potential active compounds. The natural products are an important source of compounds with biological activity and research with natural products may enable the discovery of compounds with potential activity in tumor cells.

Methods

The Sulforhodamine B was used to determine cell density after treatment with lawsone derivatives. Apoptosis and necrosis were analyzed by flow cytometer. Morphological changes were observed by fluorescence using the Phalloidin/FITC and DAPI stains. The clonogenic and wound healing assays were used to analyze reduction of colonies formation and migratory capacity of melanoma cells, respectability.

Results

In pharmacological screening, seven compounds derived from lawsone were considered to have high cytotoxic activity (GI > 75%). Three compounds were selected to assess the inhibitory concentration for 50% of cells (IC₅₀), and the compound 9, that has IC₅₀ 5.3 μM in melanoma cells, was selected for further analyses in this cell line. The clonogenic assay showed that the compound is capable of reducing the formation of melanoma colonies at 10.6 μM concentration. The compound induced apoptotic morphological changes in melanoma cells and increased by 50% the cells dying from apoptosis. Also, this compound reduced the migratory capacity of melanoma cells.

Conclusions

The results of this study showed that the evaluated lawsone derivatives have potential activity on tumor cells. The compound 9 is capable of inducing cell death by apoptosis in melanoma cells (B16F10).

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-021-08404-4.

Short Communication A small B chromosome in the grasshopper Ommexecha virens (Ommexechidae)

B chromosomes, also called supernumerary or accessory chromosomes, have been characterized as extra elements found in the karyotypes of different eukaryotic species. B chromosomes are nonvital and only occur in some individuals within a species. Moreover, the chromosomes contain silenced genes, and they exhibit heterochromatinization and the accumulation of repetitive DNA and transposons. In the present study, we describe an extra chromosome in the grasshopper Ommexecha virens for the first time, using conventional staining and fluorescent in situ hybridization techniques, and we discuss the possible origin of the B chromosome.

Physical mapping of the Period gene on meiotic chromosomes of South American grasshoppers (Acridomorpha, Orthoptera)

The single-copy gene Period was located in five grasshopper species belonging to the Acridomorpha group through permanent in situ hybridization (PISH). The mapping revealed one copy of this gene in the L1 chromosome pair in Ommexecha virens, Xyleus discoideus angulatus, Tropidacris collaris, Schistocerca pallens, and Stiphra robusta. A possible second copy was mapped on the L2 chromosome pair in S. robusta, which should be confirmed by further studies. Except for the latter case, the chromosomal position of the Period gene was highly conserved among the four families studied. The S. robusta karyotype also differs from the others both in chromosome number and morphology. The position conservation of the single-copy gene Period contrasts with the location diversification of multigene families in these species. The localization of single-copy genes by PISH can provide new insights about the genomic content and chromosomal evolution of grasshoppers and others insects.

Genetic characterization of Brazilian strains of Aspergillus flavus using DNA markers

The Aspergillus genus belongs to a filamentous fungal group characterized by wide dispersion in the environment. Some species are associated with diseases, especially in immunocompromised patients, while others are of economical importance due to aflatoxin production or biotechnological applications. Its species identification is nowadays performed by traditional techniques combined with molecular markers, resulting in a higher efficiency of isolate characterization. In the present study, internal transcribed spacer, inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR), and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) molecular markers were used, with the aim of genetically characterizing strains of Aspergillus flavus and strains of other species of the A. flavus group. High genetic diversity was revealed by RAPD and by ISSR, in which the use of the (GACA)4 primer yielded a higher diversity than with the (GTG)5 primer, although the latter showed a characteristic banding profile for each species. These data were used to create a similarity matrix for the construction of dendrograms by means of the UPGMA method. The ISSR and RAPD profiles showed that among the strains previously identificated as A. flavus, one should be A. oryzae, one A. parasiticus and two A. tamarii. On the other hand, a strain previously identified as A. parasiticus should be A. flavus. All these strains were retested by traditional methods and their new species identification was confirmed. These results strongly support the need for using molecular markers as an auxiliary tool in differentiating fungal species and strains.

Primary identification of an abused child in dental office: a case report

Although the injuries of child abuse are many and varied, several types of injuries are common to abuse. Many of these injuries are within the scope of dentistry or easily observed by the dental professional in the course of routine dental treatment. The authors present a case of child abuse with multiple bruises. The child had been spanked in the previous night and the morning of the attendance by his mother. This case emphasized that all practitioners should be vigilant when patients present with abnormal injuries which may be the result of abuse and further investigation should be instigated.

Localization of HSP single-copy genes by inexpensive, permanent non-fluorescent in situ hybridization on meiotic chromosomes of the grasshopper Schistocerca pallens (Acrididae)

There have been many studies on Schistocerca gregaria and Locusta migratoria, which are important grasshopper pests in many parts of the world. However, the main pest grasshopper species in Brazil, S. pallens, Rhammatocerus schistocercoides and Stiphra robusta, are very poorly characterized genetically. We adapted a permanent in situ hybridization method to extend the genetic characterization of S. pallens by mapping the single-copy genes Hsp70, Hsp83, Hsp27, and Ubi on meiotic chromosomes. Hsp70 was mapped on the L2 chromosome, in which 82% of the signals were observed. Hsp83 was mapped on a medium-sized chromosome, on which 81% of the signals were observed, tentatively identified as M7. The hybridization signals for the Hsp27 gene were detected on the L1 chromosome at a frequency of 58%. The main hybridization site of the Ubi probe was on the L2 chromosome, with 73% of the signals. All mapped genes also presented secondary hybridization signals, always at frequencies below 30%. These are the first single-copy genes mapped for S. pallens and also for the Acrididae family. Since the Acrididae generally present very similar karyotypes, these data are useful as new landmarks for chromosome identification and as a tool for phylogenetic studies on the genus Schistocerca and for comparison with other insects.

Homology of polytene elements between Drosophila and Zaprionus determined by in situ hybridization in Zaprionus indianus

The drosophilid Zaprionus indianus due to its economical importance as an insect pest in Brazil deserves more investigation into its genetics. Its mitotic karyotype and a line-drawing map of its polytene chromosomes are already available. This paper presents a photomap of Z. indianus polytene chromosomes, which was used as the reference map for identification of sections marked by in situ hybridization with gene probes. Hybridization signals for Hsp70 and Hsr-omega were detected, respectively, in sections 34B and 32C of chromosome V of Z. indianus, which indicates its homology to the chromosomal arm 3R of Drosophila melanogaster and, therefore, to Muller's element E. The main signal for Hsp83 gene probe hybridization was in section 17C of Z. indianus chromosome III, suggesting its homology to arm 3L of D. melanogaster and to element D of Muller. The Ubi probe hybridized in sections 10C of chromosome II and 17A of chromosome III. Probably the 17A is the polyubiquitin locus, with homology to arm 3L of D. melanogaster and to the mullerian D element, as suggested also by Hsp83 gene location. The Br-C gene was mapped in section 1D, near the tip of the X chromosome, indicating its homology to the X chromosome of D. melanogaster and to mullerian element A. The Dpp gene probe hybridized mainly in the section 32A of chromosome V and, at lower frequencies to other sections, although no signal was observed as expected in the correspondent mullerian B element. This result led to the suggestion of a rearrangement including the Dpp locus in Z. indianus, the secondary signals possibly pointing to related genes of the TGF-beta family. In conclusion, the results indicate that chromosomes X, III, V of Z. indianus are respectively correspondents to elements A, D, and E of Muller. At least chromosome V of Z. indianus seems to share synteny with the 3R arm of D. melanogaster, as indicated by the relative positions of Hsp70 and Hsr-omega, although the Dpp gene indicates a disruption of synteny in its distal region.

[Short form 36 health questionnaire in hemiplegic patients 2 years after stroke]

INTRODUCTION

Many studies show that subjects with sequelae after stroke have a worse health perception in western societies. Due to the shortage of papers on the Spanish population in this regard, a study was carried out to assess health perception in hemiplegic patients 2 years after stroke in comparison with that of the general population and correlate health perception with demographic, clinical and functional variables.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study of 212 community stroke survivors. The main variables collected were: health perception assessed with the Short Form 36 (SF-36), disability assessed with the motor Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Statistical tests used: chi2, Student t test and Spearman correlation coefficient.

RESULTS

In comparison with the Spanish general population, health perception in hemiplegic male stroke patients is diminished in all areas. In hemiplegic female patients, physical function is the only subscale significantly affected in all age groups. Variables related to worse health perception are: presence of depression, dependence and the belief of the need for kind of social support, A significant correlation was observed between SF-36 values and the motor FIM (r = 0.737 with physical function) and the GDS (r = -0.821 with mental health).

CONCLUSIONS

Health perception in hemiplegic patients 2 years after stroke is diminished in comparison with that 348 of the general population. Factors which determine worst health perception are depression, motor dependence, need of caregiver assistance and need of social support.

Efficacy, safety and predictive factors of therapeutic success with sildenafil for erectile dysfunction in patients with different spinal cord injuries

STUDY DESIGN

Multicenter, open, prospective, before-after study.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy and safety of sildenafil therapy for erectile dysfunction in patients with spinal cord injury, and the association between the response to sildenafil and factors such as causes and levels of spinal cord injury, grade of ASIA deficit, time since injury, orgasmic perception, and degree of baseline erection.

SETTING

Homes of outpatients of 16 spinal cord injury units in Spain.

METHOD

One hundred and seventy patients with erectile dysfunction secondary to spinal cord injury, from whom baseline data were collected on their sexual function, and who started treatment with sildenafil 50 mg. An efficacy assessment was made by the patient and his partner, and the score of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) was recorded.

RESULTS

It was reported by 88.2% of the patients and 85.3% of their partners that treatment with sildenafil had improved their erections, regardless of the baseline characteristics of the spinal cord injury and erectile function. In responders, this improvement was confirmed by an increase from 12.5 to 24.8 points (P<0.001) of the Erectile Function Domain of IIEF. A significant improvement was also seen in patients' satisfaction with sexual activity and general satisfaction derived from sexual life. Preservation of orgasmic perception and a baseline degree of erection of 3 or 4 (P=0.006) were predictors of therapeutic success. No serious adverse events occurred.

CONCLUSION

Sildenafil is an effective, well-tolerated treatment for erectile dysfunction caused by spinal cord injury, regardless of the cause, neurological level, ASIA grade, and time since injury.

SPONSORSHIP

Spanish Society of Paraplegia.

Atrial flutter ablation with a new radiofrequency catheter

OBJECTIVE

To assess the performance of a new radiofrequency catheter, specially designed for inferior vena cava-tricuspid annulus (IVC-TA) isthmus ablation, in the treatment of atrial flutter.

PATIENTS

IVC-TA isthmus ablation was performed in thirteen patients, eleven men and two women, aged 60 +/- 12, with a diagnosis of typical atrial flutter, symptomatic despite anti-arrhythmic therapy. The flutter was present for more than one year in seven patients and was paroxysmal in the remainder. The echocardiogram showed atrial enlargement in six patients. Atrial flutter was an isolated phenomenon in seven patients and in the remainder was associated with arterial hypertension (two patients), ischemic heart disease (two patients) and dilated cardiomyopathy (two patients).

METHODS

In the electrophysiologic study four diagnostic catheters were used, including one duodecapolar for mapping the tricuspid annulus. In the patients who presented with sinus rhythm, atrial flutter was induced with programmed atrial stimulation, and then the atrial activation circuit was mapped. To demonstrate the entrainment phenomenon the IVC-TA isthmus was over-stimulated, to prove that this was the slow zone of the circuit. The radiofrequency energy was applied in the IVC-TA isthmus with the Medtronic Cosio-Fluttr ablation catheter, for 60 sec per application, with temperature control and with a maximum energy output of 50 W. Criteria for success were not only the disappearance of the atrial flutter during the application of radiofrequency energy, but also the demonstration of bi-directional IVC-TA isthmus block.

RESULTS

The primary success rate was 100%. The mean procedure time was 110 +/- 22 min, mean fluoroscopy time was 23 +/- 4 min and the number of radiofrequency energy pulses was 9 +/- 3. There were no complications. The patients were followed for a mean time of 8 +/- 4 months and atrial flutter recurred in only one patient (8%).

CONCLUSIONS

Atrial flutter ablation with the new Medtronic Cosio-Fluttr catheter, specially designed for the application of radiofrequency at the IVC-TA isthmus, is a safe procedure and has a high success rate. It simplifies ablation, decreasing the number of radiofrequency energy pulses, without using long sheaths and keeping short procedure and fluoroscopy times.

Microleakage of a universal adhesive used as a fissure sealant

PURPOSE

To evaluate the microleakage of a universal hydrophilic adhesive (OptiBond dual-cure) by itself as a pit and fissure sealant compared to that of an ionomeric product (VariGlass) and two hydrophobic sealants (Delton and Fluroshield).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty-four extracted human third molars were sealed with one of these four materials under either a conventional procedure (free of humidity) or after contamination of the etched surfaces with 3 microliters of human plasma. The sealed teeth were subjected to 1,500 thermocycles (1 min/5-55 degrees C) and to 450,000 mechanical cycles under an 8.5 kgf average load at 37 degrees C. The tooth crowns were partially coated with nail varnish, immersed in a 50% aqueous solution of AgNO3 for 2 h in darkness, washed and then developed for 8 h under fluorescent light. The teeth were sectioned and dye penetration was scored according to a 4-point scale by four trained professionals.

RESULTS

An ANOVA suggested that under no humidity conditions, the average score for VariGlass (1.92 +/- 0.36) was significantly higher (P = 0.0006) than that corresponding to the three remaining materials (1.28 +/- 0.20) which were considered equivalent. Under humid (plasma contaminated) conditions, there was complete loss of Delton and Fluroshield in all cases, whereas the average score for VariGlass (1.98 +/- 0.36) was slightly higher (P = 0.0444) than that for OptiBond (1.62 +/- 0.36). These results suggest that OptiBond may be used by itself as a pit and fissure sealant instead of the combination of adhesive plus sealant.

The influence of a mineralizing mouthrinse on the mineral contents and on the pH of dental plaque

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a single use of a mineralizing mouthrinse on dental plaque pH and on its mineral contents: an additional objective was to examine the effects of an oral prophylaxis and scaling on the same response variables. A total of 22 volunteer dental students (14 female and 8 male) participated in the study. The mineralizing mouthrinse contained calcium, phosphate, strontium and fluoride ions. Following a 48-hour period without oral hygiene and 2 hours after breakfast, dental plaque was collected twice from each participant for the evaluation of the effects of the oral prophylaxis and scaling, and twice more for the evaluation of the effects of the mineralizing mouthrinse. The pH was measured in vitro with a microelectrode and the mineral contents were determined by atomic emission spectrometry. The results demonstrate that the average post-prophylaxis pH was higher than the average pre-prophylaxis pH, and that a variation of the average contents of some minerals in the dental plaque was also observed after prophylaxis compared to the contents prior to prophylaxis. Although there was a significant reduction in the Fe content after the rinse with the mineralizing solution, no significant variation on the average pH was detected.

Clinical behavior of repaired amalgam restorations: a two-year study

Replacement of amalgam restorations may lead to more destruction of sound dental tissue, is often a time-consuming chair procedure, and it does not always provide a favorable risk/benefit balance for the patient. This article reviews the clinical alternative of repairing instead of completely replacing old amalgam restorations. During a 2-year period, 45 repaired restorations were monitored every 6 months by direct (clinical) and indirect (color slides and stone casts) methods. Findings of this study reveal broad clinical success when based on proper indications.

Imaging methods in the study of urinary tract infections in children

When studying a child with urinary tract infection it is important to detect and localize any renal (scar) or urologic anomaly. Here we study the information obtained using: renal and vesical ultrasound (US), DMSA scan and radiologic or isotopic cystogram.

METHODS

We studied 148 children with more than one urinary infection and/or pyelonephritis; their mean age was 35.9 months (1-148 months); 55% were girls. The three diagnostic examinations--US, DMSA scan and cystogram were made in this order; the DMSA scan or cystogram was never made sooner than one month after the UTI.

RESULTS

In 42% of the children the three exams were normal; 4 of these children had another UTI and the urodynamic study revealed vesical disfunction. 11% had renal scars (DMSA scan) with normal US and cystogram; 30% had VUR, 50% of which had an altered US and 57% had renal scars on the DMSA scan. 12% of the children had an altered US with a cystogram showing no VUR; 66% of these had renal scars. 4% had vesical anomalies in the US and cystogram.

CONCLUSION

The three exams chosen were able to direct the diagnostic approach of UTI, being sufficient in most of the cases. We would like to emphasize the importance of the DMSA scan in diagnosing unsuspected renal scars.

[Computerized tomography of the child's thorax. Clinical use]

The authors describe the use of Computed Tomography for the evaluation of pediatric patients, with a variety of chest diseases. Indications and technical factors are described according to the experience of the examinations done in the first 100 children studied in the Radiology Department of the Santa Maria Hospital.

Heat shock changes the response of the pso3 mutant of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to 8-methoxypsoralen photoaddition

A putative tolerance, induced by heat shock (HS), to the lethal and mutagenic effects of 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) photoaddition and hyperthermia was analyzed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae using the wild-type strain N123 and the isogenic DNA repair-deficient mutant pso3-1. In wild-type cells, the HS (38 degrees C for 1 h) did not modify either the survival or the mutation frequency observed after 8-MOP photoaddition, even though it conferred protection against the lethal effect of hyperthermia (50 degrees C). In the pso3-1 mutant, HS induced an increase of the survival, and a decrease of the mutation frequency, after 8-MOP photoaddition and it also protected against the lethal effect of hyperthermia. The responses induced by HS were specific for 8-MOP photoaddition, since they were not observed after 254 nm ultraviolet-light damage. These results indicate that the protection conferred by HS depends of the type of lesion, and operates through the induction of different repair processes. In the pso3-1 mutant, HS could channel the repair intermediates to and error-free repair pathway.

[Imaging methods in the study of urinary tract infections in children]

When studying a child with urinary tract infection it is important to detect and localize any renal (scar) or urologic anomaly. Here we study the information obtained using: renal and vesical ultrasound (US), DMSA scan and radiologic or isotopic cystogram.

METHODS

We studied 148 children with more than one urinary tract infection and/or pyelonephritis; their mean age was 35.9 months (1-148 months); 55% were girls. The three diagnostic examinations--US, DMSA scan and cystogram were made in the order; the DMSA scan or cystogram was never made sooner than one month after the UTI.

RESULTS

In 42% of the children the three exams were normal; 4 of these children had another UTI and the urodynamic study revealed vesical disfunction. 11% had renal scars (DMSA scan) with normal US and cystogram; 30% had VUR, 50% of which had an altered US and 57% had renal scars on the DMSA scan. 12% of the children had an altered US with a cystogram showing no VUR; 66% of these had renal scars. 4% had vesical anomalies on the US and cystogram.

CONCLUSION

The three exams chosen were able to direct the diagnostic approach of UTI, being sufficient in most of the cases. We would like to emphasize the importance of the DMSA scan in diagnosing unsuspected renal scars.

Biologic esthetic restorations

Cases of serious coronal destruction were treated by bonding parts of extracted teeth to the coronal remnants by means of adhesives and photo-activated composite resins. The long-term clinical results have revealed very satisfactory clinical performance of the compounded restorations. No detrimental effects have been identified.

Effectiveness of three mouthrinses to inhibit acid formation by dental plaque under home-use conditions

A study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of three mouthrinses (Plax, Cepacol and Fluordent) to inhibit acid formation from plaque collected from 21 volunteer dental students. Plaque was collected on each side of the mouth, two hours after breakfast, once-a-week, after a period of 48 hours without any oral hygiene other than the use of the mouthrinses. Initial pH and the change in pH of plaque incubated with sucrose were recorded up to 120 min. Excepting Cepacol for the first week only, no inhibitory effect on acid formation was observed.

[Influence of escape channels (vents) in reproduction of occlusal contacts and external surface of complete cast metal crowns]

The purpose of this investigation was to verify the influence of ventings on the reproduction of interocclusal contacts from the wax pattern to the cast crown and also to note the influence on surface quality. Comparatively were performed tests with no venting, with one joined on the outside of the full crown wax pattern and two ventings joined on the sprues (Fig. 2). The castings were obtained with a nickel-chrome alloy and investing was performed with phosphate bonded investment. From the results it was possible to conclude: casting without venting presented higher frequency of no reproduction of interocclusal contact points; when using one venting, joined on the outside of the crown wax pattern, the reproduction of the interocclusal contacts was 100%, the venting did not lead to high improvement on the surface quality.

[Porcelain veneers]

Through a clinical situation is shown the technique for the placement of a porcelain bonded veneer. Its significance with in the Esthetic Restorative Dentistry, advantages and disadvantages are emphasised. Together with the clinical procethe laboratorial steps are also shown. It was concluded that the bonded porcelain veneers are new options for a Restorative Dentistry more conservative with excellent esthetic results.

[Consistency of zinc oxide-eugenol impression materials]

The purpose of this work was investigate the consistency of three zinc oxide-eugenol impression pastes, considering its flow. Flow tests were performed based on the AMERICAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION-Specification no 16. Setting time was based at that one when should be applied the load to get considered disc diameter; the values were obtained graphically. Considering the results it was possible to conclude: a) the first two materials (Equalizing and Horus) present high initial flow, which however drops down earlier on the second one; b) both materials may be used with non compressive impression technic but the second one has shorter working time; c) the third material (Lysanda) as it presents lower flow and faster setting time, may be used with compressive impression technic.

Posterior composite resin restorations with enamel inserts

A new technique was developed for reconstruction of severely decayed posterior teeth, using photo-cured composite resins with human enamel insert(s) in centric holding contract points, by means of adhesive dentistry. It seems nowadays possible different and better restorative procedures than ever before, limited only by the professional ingenuity.

Methods of suicide by age: sex and race differences among the young and old

The elderly have the highest suicide rate in the United States. In partial explanation of this finding, a common statement in the suicide literature is that older persons tend to use more drastic and effective methods of suicide. However, little, if any, data have been presented in defense of this explanation. In order to investigate the validity of this contention, annual official statistics for specific methods of suicide (firearms, hanging, poisons) by age for different sex and racial groups (whites, blacks, nonwhites excluding black) were examined from 1960 to 1978. Comparisons among the age-sex-race groups, along with trends over time and differences in the methods employed, were noted. For white males, blacks of both sexes, and nonwhites excluding black females, the findings confirmed the use of more violent methods by the elderly than by the young in terms of the proportion of suicides by firearms and/or hanging. Less support and, in fact, opposite results for method-related age differences were obtained for white females and nonwhites excluding black males. Another general finding was an increase in the use of firearms for most of the groups studied. The need for data for specific groups within the nonwhite category excluding blacks is apparent both from the available literature and from the present findings. Possible explanations and implications of the observed results are discussed.

Community mental health and the elderly: service and training approaches

There is a growing gap between needed and available mental health services for older adults. This article discusses the training needs, personnel shortages, and lack of effective service programs and proposes some strategies for dealing with the problems. There is a lack of adequate methods for identifying and referring frail elderly persons in need of mental health services. Services that are currently available to the elderly are identified along with factors that may influence their use by older adults and other service personnel. There are shortages of mental health professionals with special training and experience in gerontology and geriatrics, and clinical geropsychologists. An innovative and practical service model that was developed to coordinate and integrate the identification and treatment of frail, community-dwelling elderly is presented. Various aspects of the program that include outreach and case management approaches, the integration of student volunteer activities with those of special volunteer corps within public housing and specially trained paraprofessionals, telephone reassurance programs, and a system of layered supervision are described. Comparisons are made between this Coordinated Agency Resources for Elderly Services (CARES) model and existing service delivery programs. A three-tiered approach to training and coordinating the activities of trained mental health personnel: (a) paraprofessionals and volunteers, (b) middle-level professionals and (c) supervisory professionals within an integrated system is proposed. Specific roles and functions of personnel at each level are described. The summary discusses the potential of the proposed strategies for dealing with the problems created by the shortage of personnel and services. It suggests some time frames within which the strategies could be operationalized.

Changing patterns in methods of suicide by race and sex

Suicide rates vary greatly by sex and race but the methods employed by these groups and changes in those methods have been studied neither closely nor systematically across time. In the present study annual official national statistics for specific methods of suicide by sex and racial group from 1923 to 1978 were examined. During this time period shifts were found among groups in the proportions of various suicide methods employed, most notably for women and Asian-Americans. Generally, firearm use increased among nearly all ethnic/racial-sex groups while the use of poisons declined. Although women continue to be more likely than men to kill themselves with solid and liquid poisons, in very recent years firearms have become a more common method. Among Japanese- and Chinese-Americans of both sexes the most frequently employed method has been hanging. Although this is still the case, the proportions have declined over time while the use of firearms has increased. Explanations are offered for the noted changes in method choice with particular attention being given to acculturation and changing societal roles.

Suicide among minority elderly: a preliminary investigation

In the United States, suicide has traditionally been considered a White elderly phenomenon. Suicide rates have been increasing for Nonwhites in recent years, but it is not clear how this may have affected the age distribution, particularly for specific Nonwhite groups. An investigation of official 1976 suicide statistics among minority elderly revealed that suicide rates are also highest among the old for Chinese-, Japanese- and Filipino-Americans. Among Blacks and Native Americans, however, suicide rates are extremely low for the aged. Explanations for these findings are suggested and the need for a long-term study is indicated.

Punch shear strength of polycarboxylate cements

Two general conclusions are drawn which apply to all the four commercial polycarboxylate cements: First, the effect of storage condition upon shear strength was much more pronounced after 24 hours than after 1 hour of storage time; second, the effect of storage condition was most extreme when the specimens were tested free of their matrices. Additionally some specific comparisons between the four products tested can be made based on differences of shear strength within the same experimental condition. The effect of confinement decreased in the following order: Boston greater than Bondal greater than PCA greater than Durelon. Sensitivity to storage conditions decreased in this order: Durelon greater than Bondal greater than PCA greater than Boston. Finally sensitivity to storage times decreased in the order Bondal greater than Durelon greater than Boston greater than PCA.

Influence of recall on reliability of perception of the autokinetic illusion

An autokinetic test was given to 76 females subjects who were then randomly assigned to 1 of 4 groups of 19 subjects each. Two groups were retested after 1 and 6 wk., respectively. The other two groups were asked to recall their initial experience after 1 and 6 wk., respectively. Intertrial correlations of the measures were generally higher for the recall conditions than for the retest conditions. The results were discussed in terms of the potential influence that recall may have on the test-retest reliability of autokinesis.