Squamous odontogenic tumor. Report of three cases including the first extraosseous case

Squamous odontogenic tumor is a distinct entity-separate from the more aggressive ameloblastoma. Only 33 squamous odontogenic tumors have been reported since the first description in 1975. We report three additional cases including the first completely extraosseous case.

Clear cell odontogenic carcinoma with lymph node metastasis

Clear cell odontogenic tumors are rare. Review of the literature showed 9 cases with a prominent clear cell component. These lesions have exhibited an aggressive behavior characterized by an infiltrative local growth pattern, recurrence, or metastases. We report a case of an odontogenic tumor that exhibited a biphasic pattern and was characterized by lymph node involvement identical histologically to the primary tumor. We conclude that the presence of a clear cell component in an ameloblastomatous tumor should be viewed as a sign of de-differentiation, and that a malignancy with or without metastases should be considered and ruled out in such cases.

Steroid markers to assess sewage and other sources of organic contaminants in surface sediments of Cienfuegos Bay, Cuba

Analyses of faecal steroids in coastal sediments from Cienfuegos Bay Cuba indicate chronic sewage contamination at the main outfalls from the city, where concentrations of coprostanol up to 5400ngg(-)(1) (dry wt) were measured. In contrast, steroid concentrations and compositions from sites from the south part of the Bay are characteristic of uncontaminated sewage environments. The levels of coprostanol in the Cienfuegos sediments compares to the lower to mid-range of concentrations reported for coastal sediments on a world-wide basis, with sedimentary levels markedly below those previously reported for heavily impacted sites. This study delivers baseline data for further investigation of the effectiveness of the proposed sewerage plan promoted by the GEF project in Cienfuegos. Investigations on the correlations between faecal steroids and other organic contaminants confirmed that the major source of petroleum hydrocarbons within the bay was associated with the sewage effluents from the Cienfuegos city.

Characterisation of the carbohydrate components of Taenia solium metacestode glycoprotein antigens

Human neurocysticercosis is caused by Taenia solium metacestodes. It usually affects the central nervous system of humans and can be confused with other brain pathologies. The Lens culinaris-binding glycoproteins from this parasite have been shown to be ideal targets for the development of a highly specific immunoassay for the diagnosis of neurocysticercosis. In the present study we characterised the carbohydrates associated with five antigenic glycoproteins of T. solium metacestodes in the range of 12-28 kilodaltons. Lectin-affinities and enzymatic deglycosylations suggested that each of the five antigens contain various glycoforms of asparagine-linked carbohydrates of the hybrid, complex and probably high mannose type. These carbohydrates accounted for at least 30-66% of the apparent molecular mass of the glycoconjugates. In contrast, there was no evidence for the presence of O-linked carbohydrates. Lectin affinity patterns suggested that the sugars are short and truncated in their biosynthetic route, and that some contain terminal galactose moieties. Elucidating the precise structure of the carbohydrates and establishing their role in antigenicity will be essential to design strategies to produce them in large and reproducible amounts for the development of improved immunoassays.

The relationship between pes cavus and idiopathic scoliosis

STUDY DESIGN

The incidence of pes cavus and scoliosis was studied in three groups of patients. Group A contained 130 patients with idiopathic scoliosis, Group C contained 210 patients with idiopathic pes cavus, and Group B (control) contained 200 patients of similar age.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the joint presentation of pes cavus and idiopathic scoliosis, because both deformities may share a common etiology linked to muscle imbalance.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Sixty five percent of Group A patients (85 of 130) had an abnormally high plantar arch, compared to only 9.5% (19 of 200) of Group B control subjects. Nine percent (20 of 210) of the patients in Group C had scoliosis curves, compared to only four patients in Group B.

METHODS

Radiographs were taken to determine the type of scoliosis curve, its location, and its magnitude, and to identify the incidence of spina bifida occulta in the three groups. The incidence and degree of pes cavus were established by means of foot prints. Statistical analyses were performed on all results.

RESULTS

A statistically significant relationship (P < 0.01) was found for the incidence of pes cavus between Group A (scoliosis) and Group B (control), and for the incidence of scoliosis between Group C (pes cavus) and Group B (control). No statistical significance was observed for the other relationships investigated (sex, curve location, magnitude, spina bifida).

CONCLUSIONS

There was a significant correlation between scoliosis and pes cavus--spina bifida was not an etiologic factor. Therefore, in certain patients where scoliosis and pes cavus present jointly, deformity may be secondary to altered balance or to disorders of the central nervous system.

Scoliosis induced by asymmetric lordosis and rotation: an experimental study

STUDY DESIGN

An experimental study of the influence of intrinsic muscle imbalance on the spinal column of a growing rabbit.

OBJECTIVES

To create an in vivo experimental model of scoliosis for comparison with human scoliosis.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

There is evidence that asymmetric lordosis may produce scoliosis and that there is muscle imbalance in scoliotic patients.

METHODS

Surgical tethering of the spinous apophysis and transverse apophysis of rabbits was performed at three upper levels on the same side of the spine to simulate dominance of one side of the paravertebral musculature over the other.

RESULTS

All animals exhibited scoliosis that was convex toward the side opposite that receiving surgery. Radiography showed the curve to increase with time. Postmortem examination of vertebrae revealed structural alterations similar to those produced in human scoliosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Intrinsic muscle imbalance in the spinal column of the experimental growing animal may produce scoliosis with characteristics similar to those of human idiopathic scoliosis.

Allergen-specific immunotherapy: update on immunological mechanisms

Immunotherapy selectively modulates the allergen-specific immune response. It involves the gradual administration of increasing amounts of allergen for the purpose of inducing protective immunological changes and it is the only curative approach for specific type I allergy.

AIM

Description of the allergic inflammation.- Comprehension of the early cellular changes after specific immunotherapy has been initiated. Exposure of the mechanisms involved in tolerance induction by regulatory T cells (Treg) with the inhibition of the Th2 responses. Comprehension of IL-10 and transforming growth factor (TGF- ) roles. Explanation of specific IgE, IgG and IgA changes. Description of the suppression of inflammatory responses during immunotherapy.

Effects of Addition of Policosanol to??Omega-3 Fatty Acid Therapy on the??Lipid Profile of Patients with Type??II Hypercholesterolaemia

BACKGROUND

Policosanol is a mixture of higher aliphatic primary alcohols purified from sugar-cane wax. The mixture has cholesterol-lowering efficacy, its specific effects being to reduce serum total (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and to increase high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). The effects of policosanol on triglycerides (TG) are modest and inconsistent. Omega-3 fatty acids (FA) from fish oil protect against coronary disease, mainly through antiarrhythmic and antiplatelet effects. Omega-3 FA also have lipid-modifying effects, mostly relating to TG reduction. Thus, potential benefits could be expected from combined therapy with omega-3 FA and policosanol.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether combined therapy with omega-3 FA + policosanol offers benefits compared with omega-3 FA + placebo with respect to the lipid profile of patients with type II hypercholesterolaemia.

METHODS

This randomised, double-blind study was conducted in 90 patients with type II hypercholesterolaemia. After 5 weeks on a cholesterol-lowering diet, patients were randomised to omega-3 FA + placebo, omega-3 FA + policosanol 5 mg/day or omega-3 FA + policosanol 10 mg/day for 8 weeks. Omega-3 FA was supplied as 1g capsules (two per day); placebo and policosanol were provided in tablet form. Physical signs and laboratory markers were assessed at baseline and after 4 and 8 weeks on therapy. Drug compliance and adverse experiences (AEs) were assessed at weeks 4 and 8. The primary efficacy variable was LDL-C reduction; other lipid profile markers were secondary variables.

RESULTS

After 8 weeks, omega-3 FA + policosanol 5 and 10 mg/day, but not omega-3 FA + placebo, significantly reduced LDL-C by 21.1% and 24.4%, respectively (both p < 0.0001). Omega-3 FA + policosanol 5 mg/day also significantly lowered TC (12.7%; p < 0.01) and TG (13.6%; p < 0.05), and significantly increased HDL-C (+14.4%; p < 0.001). Omega-3 FA + policosanol 10 mg/day significantly decreased TC (15.3%; p < 0.001) and TG (14.7%; p < 0.01), and significantly increased HDL-C (+15.5%; p < 0.0001). Omega-3 FA + placebo significantly reduced TG (14.2%; p < 0.05) but had no significant effect on other lipid profile variables. The proportion of randomised patients in the omega-3 FA + policosanol 5 or 10 mg/day groups that achieved LDL-C targets or reductions 15% was significantly greater than in the omega-3 FA + placebo group (p < 0.001). Combined therapy with omega-3 FA + policosanol 5 or 10 mg/day resulted in significantly greater changes in LDL-C, TC and HDL-C than treatment with omega-3 FA + placebo, but did not modify the TG response compared with the omega-3 FA + placebo group. Four patients (two in the omega-3 FA + placebo group and two in the omega-3 FA + policosanol 10 mg/day group) withdrew from the study; none of these withdrawals was due to AEs. Two patients reported mild AEs, namely nausea/headache (one in the omega-3 FA + placebo group) and heartburn (one in the omega-3 FA + policosanol 5 mg/day group).

CONCLUSIONS

Policosanol 5 or 10 mg/day administered concomitantly with omega-3 FA 1 g/day improved LDL-C, TC and HDL-C, maintained the reduction in TG attributable to omega-3 FA monotherapy, and was well tolerated. Treatment with omega-3 FA + policosanol could be useful for regulating lipid profile in patients with type II hypercholesterolaemia, but further studies involving larger sample sizes are needed before definitive conclusions can be drawn.

Plant cell membranes as biochemical targets of the phytotoxin helminthosporol

Helminthosporol is one of the natural sesquiterpenoid toxins isolated and identified in the culture medium of the phytopathogenic ascomycete fungus Cochliobolus sativus. The effect of this phytotoxin was investigated on enzymatic activities, electron and ion transport in mitochondria, chloroplasts, and microsomes of plant. The results indicate that helminthosporol drastically affects the membrane permeability of these organelles to protons and substrate anions, inhibiting the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, the photophosphorylation in chloroplasts, and the proton pumping across the cell plasma membrane. The 1,3-beta-glucan synthase activity, involved in defense mechanisms of plant cells against stress and damage, e.g., during pathogen attack, was also strongly inhibited by the toxin.

[Recurrent Bell's facial palsy: our experience]

Recurrent facial palsy is noted infrequently in the literature. We present a comparative study of recurrent Bell's palsy (RBP) with regard to non-recurrent Bell's palsy (NRBP). Afterwards we compare among RBP cases those of ipsilateral recurrence (RRBP) to those of contralateral one (ARBP). We constate that non-recurrent Bell'palsy formes behave similarly to the contralateral recurrent forms.

The Keyes technique and self-inflicted injuries. Three case reports

Three cases of self-inflicted gingival injuries resulting from the improper use of the Keyes technique are presented. The profession must assume responsibility for studies to determine the safety of the methods of application of the hydrogen peroxide, salt and baking soda mixtures and disseminate this information for the public interest.

Neuroepithelial hamartoma of the oral cavity

We report a previously undescribed gingival lesion composed of squamous epithelial islands in close association with bundles of nonmyelinated nerves. A review of the pertinent literature is presented and the histologic differential diagnosis is discussed. We suggest the term neuroepithelial hamartoma for this lesion.

Wrist involvement in Hansen's disease

We performed a neurological and radiological study of the wrists of 58 patients with Hansen's disease and 60 age-matched healthy control subjects. Significant differences (p < 0.01) were found between the groups in the carpal glenoid sector, the radial physeal widening index, the carpal ulnar distance, the carpal index and in distal radio-ulnar discrepancy. Comparison of the results in three subgroups of leprous patients with sensory impairment (group A-1), motor deficit (A-2) and no neurological impairment (A-3), showed significant differences (p < 0.01) between group A-1 and the other two. This suggests that in these patients the changes in the carpus and radiocarpal joint may be caused by neuropathic arthropathy of the wrist. Our findings are of particular interest since there are few reports of neuropathic arthropathy in non-weight-bearing joints.

Oral discoid lupus erythematosus. A case report and review of the literature

Literature on systemic and chronic discoid lupus erythematosus has been reviewed. The clinical and histopathologic changes in the oral cavity produced by these disorders are emphasized. A case of chronic lupus erythematosus with oral lesions is reported.

Activity/inactivity circadian rhythm shows high similarities between young obesity-induced rats and old rats

The objective of the present study was to compare differences between elderly rats and young obesity-induced rats in their activity/inactivity circadian rhythm. The investigation was motivated by the differences reported previously for the circadian rhythms of both obese and elderly humans (and other animals), and those of healthy, young or mature individuals. Three groups of rats were formed: a young control group which was fed a standard chow for rodents; a young obesity-induced group which was fed a high-fat diet for four months; and an elderly control group with rats aged 2.5 years that was fed a standard chow for rodents. Activity/inactivity data were registered through actimetry using infrared actimeter systems in each cage to detect activity. Data were logged on a computer and chronobiological analysis were performed. The results showed diurnal activity (sleep time), nocturnal activity (awake time), amplitude, acrophase, and interdaily stability to be similar between the young obesity-induced group and the elderly control group, but different in the young control group. We have concluded that obesity leads to a chronodisruption status in the body similar to the circadian rhythm degradation observed in the elderly.

Complementary experimental/docking approach for determining chitosan and carboxymethylchitosan ability for the formation of active polymer-β-galactosidase adducts

The spontaneous aggregation of chitosan and carboxymethylchitosan polymers can be advantageous for the enzyme confinement on these colloidal systems during immobilization processes. The initial crucial step involves the polymer-enzyme adduct formation. The objective here is to determine the interactions that drive the adduct formation between these polymers and β-galactosidase from Bacillus circulans. The chemical characterization of chitosan and its carboxymethyl-derivate allowed to explain their colloidal behavior and design the four-unit fragments ligands used for the docking study. The deacetylation degree (0.6 times lower), isoelectric point (5.2 instead 6.4) and substitution degree (DS_O = 1.779 and DS_2N = 0.441) of carboxymenthylchitosan are due to the hydroxide concentration (>25%) and 30 °C modification conditions. Favorable Van der Waals and H-bond interactions between chitosan-β-galactosidase and contribution of electrostatic attraction mediated by calcium ions for carboxymethylchitosan-β-galactosidase explained the zeta potential and dynamic light scattering results at pH 7.0. These interactions occur onto the external surface of this galactosidase, without affecting the catalytic activity. A cross-linked enzyme aggregates-type model was proposed for the formation of the adducts, based on the complementary experimental-docking results. They contribute understanding the behavior of polyelectrolyte chitosan-derived matrices for enzyme immobilization.

Two familial cases of infantile epileptic spasms syndrome associated with UDP-glucose-6-dehydrogenase deficiency

Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) are severe forms of epilepsy characterized by seizure onset in infancy or childhood. The seizures are typically drug-resistant and often accompanied by significant alterations in the electroencephalogram (EEG). DEEs are associated with neurodevelopmental impairment, which can arise from both the epileptic activity itself and the underlying etiology, which is most often genetic in origin. We present the clinical and molecular features of two patients with DEE associated with a pathogenic variant in the UGDH gene. This gene encodes a protein that converts uridine diphosphate (UDP)-glucose into UDP-glucuronate, which plays a crucial role in the biosynthesis of glycosaminoglycans, essential components of the connective tissue and extracellular matrix. Both patients started with epileptic spasms associated with a pattern of hypsarrhythmia in the EEG at 4 months of age. Both developed global developmental delay and the physical examination revealed hypotonia and mildly dysmorphic features. In both families, there was another affected sibling with a similar clinical presentation, although genetic studies were not performed in one of these children. A homozygous pathogenic variant in the UGDH gene, NM_003359.4:c.131C>T - p.(Ala44Val), previously reported to be associated with the described phenotype, was identified.

Correlations between in vitro gastrointestinal digestion of β-galactosidase/carboxymethylchitosan-silica dosage powder and its physicochemical properties

Oral administration of β-galactosidase, which alleviate lactose intolerance symptoms, is challenging due to its instability throughout the gastrointestinal tract. The objective of this work was to make correlations between the in-vitro digestion and chemical characteristics of a β-galactosidase/carboxymethylchitosan-silica biocatalyst powder. This was obtained by a one-pot silica gel route assisted by carboxymethyl chitosan, using maltose as lyoprotectant. The chemical characterization allowed to understand as was modulated the calcium incorporation, through electrostatic interactions and as maltose protects the enzyme from agglomeration, by vitrification and formation of hydrogen bonds. The formulated biocatalyst could be a complement of silicon and calcium, in turn, it preserves 96 % and 63 % of the enzymatic activity compared with the biocatalyst control (without simulated digestion), in the gastric and intestinal phases, respectively. This activity was even greater than that observed in the commercial products evaluated in these phases. Likewise, the biocatalyst obtained retained its activity after 12 months of storage at 25 °C and it did not present cytotoxicity in cells derived from human colon epithelial mucosa (NCM460) under the conditions and concentrations evaluated. These results make this biocatalyst in an excellent candidate for release of this enzyme. Therefore, it could be useful for lactose-intolerant people.