Novel Real-Time PCR Assays Using TaqMan Minor Groove Binder Probes for Identification of Fecal Carriage of Streptococcus bovis/Streptococcus equinus Complex from Rectal Swab Specimens

Real-time PCR based on the recN and gyrB genes was developed to detect four Streptococcus bovis/Streptococcus equinus complex (SBEC) subspecies from rectal swab specimens. The overall prevalence was 35.2%: Streptococcus gallolyticus subsp. gallolyticus (11.1%), S. gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus (13%), Streptococcus infantarius subsp. coli (20.4%), and S. infantarius subsp. infantarius (11.1%). To conclude, these real-time PCR assays provide a reliable molecular method to detect SBEC pathogenic subspecies from rectal swab specimens.     

Use of cyanoacrylate in the coaptation of edges of surgical wounds

Cyanoacrylate has been used in several fields of different surgical specialties as an adhesive for closure of gingival flaps and in mucous and cutaneous lacerations. One of its advantages is that it has an excellent immunological response. In view of aesthetic needs, cyanoacrylate has been applied with satisfactory results, when compared with sutures. It presents better coaptation of edges of cutaneous and mucosal lesions, smaller residual scars, and biocompatibility. However, it is limited to areas of little tissue tension. This work attempts to provide a literature review with the aim of revealing the advantages of using tissue adhesives, especially cyanoacrylates, in wound coaptation in comparison with conventional methods.     

Is it possible to stabilize the trunk using rhythmic stabilization in the upper limb? A cross-sectional study of asymptomatic individuals

Objective: The study aim was to evaluate the immediate effect of rhythmic stabilization on local and distant muscles involved in a functional reach. Method: Prospective, observational cross-sectional study. Eight right-handed and non-impaired individuals (4 females and 4 males) aged 18–24 years (21.5 ± 1.58 years) were evaluated. Bilateral electromyographic recording of the biceps brachii, triceps brachii, multifidus lumbar, and rectus abdominis muscles was performed during three different tasks. Task 1 involved functional reach, while Task 2 involved rhythmic stabilization followed by a functional reach. Task 3 was similar to Task 2, but with 3 repetitions before a functional reach. Results: The results showed no difference between the tasks or sides. However, an interaction was observed between each side and muscles, with greater activation of the right multifidus lumbar muscle. Conclusion: Rhythmic stabilization during the task of reaching promotes an increase of multifidus activity ipsilateral to its application. Thus, this particular technique of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation can be useful for improving stability of the trunk and can be used in clinical practice for this purpose. Level of Evidence: 5.     

Immunohistochemical assessment of CD1a‐positive Langerhans cells and their relationship with E‐cadherin in minor salivary gland tumors

J Oral Pathol Med (2012) 41 : 47–53 Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of CD1a‐positive Langerhans cells and their relationship with E‐cadherin in minor salivary gland tumors. Methods: Twenty‐seven minor salivary gland tumors were investigated using immunohistochemistry for CD1a and E‐cadherin. Results: A significant difference regarding the mean density of CD1a‐positive Langerhans cells was observed between pleomorphic adenomas and malignant tumors studied (P = 0.001). No CD1a‐positive cells were detected in most cases (n = 5) of cystic adenoid carcinomas. CD1a‐positive cells were detected in one mucoepidermoid carcinoma case, and six low‐grade polymorphous adenocarcinomas cases. Comparison of the mean density of CD1a‐positive cells between the three malignant tumors showed no significant difference (P = 0.127). No significant difference was observed in the presence of E‐cadherin between tumors (P = 0.73), but it was detected in 24 cases. Conclusions: The lack of CD1a‐positive in malignant salivary gland tumors facilitates the neoplastic development and suggests that these cells might be useful as auxiliary diagnostic and prognostic tool in minor salivary gland tumors. Furthermore, it is suggested that E‐cadherin mediates cell adhesion in these tumors although we did not demonstrate significance.     

Health survey and assessment of the polymorphisms BRCA1/P871L,BRCA1/Q356R,and BRCA2/N372H in female gas station workers in Rio de Janeiro

Gas station workers are exposed to chemicals known to be carcinogenic, especially benzene. The objective was to analyze the health problems of female gas station workers by means of sociodemographic and clinical questionnaires, and laboratorial exams. We performed the genotyping of the polymorphisms BRCA1/P871L and BRCA1/Q356R by Polymerase Chain Reaction‐Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism, and of variant allele BRCA2/N372H through direct sequencing. The female workers showed a higher concentration of monocytes (P = 0.039); a greater number of spontaneous abortions (P = 0.025, OR = 4.977, 95% CI = 1.135–30.669); higher tobacco consumption (P = 0.013); and higher alcohol consumption (P = 0.05). The statistical analysis of the polymorphisms associated with the variables monocyte concentration and miscarriage number did not reveal a significant relationship, and smoking and spontaneous abortion were not statistically associated either. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 58:730–734, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

TMJ Vibrations in Asymptomatic Patients Using Old and New Complete Dentures

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the presence of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) noises in subjects with severe bone resorption, who have worn the same complete dentures for over 10 years, and 5 months after treatment with increments of acrylic resin on the occlusal surface after having new dentures in place. Methods: After applying the research diagnostic criteria (RDC)/temporomandibular disorder (TMD) questionnaire, 20 asymptomatic subjects were assessed before and 5 months after the new dentures were put in place. Joint vibrations were assessed by the Sono Pak program by selecting the vibrations that occurred during the opening and closing cycle. Results: The means of the results revealed a nonnormal distribution and were submitted to Kruskal‐Wallis statistical analysis (p < 0.05). The vibration means were of low intensity (≤9.96 Hz). After rehabilitation, there was a reduction in the vibrations (≤5.2 Hz) statistically significant only at the end of mouth opening with the old dentures when compared with the other cycles. Conclusion: The intensity and number of occurrences of joint vibrations were reduced after 5 months of wearing new dentures.     

Yo jyo hen shi ko, a novel Chinese herbal, prevents nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in ob/ob mice fed a high fat or methionine-choline-deficient diet.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress plays a role in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Yo jyo hen shi ko (YHK) is a complex compound purported to reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) by blocking the propagation of radical-induced reactions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of the effect of YHK in experimental NASH. METHODS: NASH was induced in male ob/ob mice by a high-fat (HF) diet or methionine/choline-deficient (MCD) diet for 4 weeks. YHK-treated animals received YHK solution orally (20 mg/kg/day) in both experimental diets (n=6; each group) while control animals received only vehicle. RESULTS: The MCD and HF groups developed moderate diffuse macrosteatosis, hepatocellular ballooning, and a diffuse inflammatory infiltrate. With the addition of YHK, there was a marked reduction in macrosteatosis in both groups. This was associated with decreased lipoperoxide and reduced glutathione-GSH concentrations as well as reduced serum aminotransferases and improved histological markers of inflammation. These changes were also associated with weight loss in the MCD+YHK group and diminished weight gain in the HF+YHK group. CONCLUSION: YHK therapy blunts the development of macrosteatosis in these models of NASH and significantly reduces markers of oxidative stress. YHK also diminishes weight gain in this obesity prone model. Our findings warrant further study on the mechanisms involved with these effects.     

Suppressor of cytokine signaling-3 Provides a novel interface in the cross-talk between angiotensin II and insulin signaling systems

Angiotensin II inhibits insulin-induced activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase through a mechanism, at least in part, dependent on serine phosphorylation of the insulin receptor and insulin receptor substrates (IRS)-1/2. Recent evidence shows that suppressor of cytokine signaling-3 (SOCS-3) is induced by insulin and angiotensin II and participates in the negative control of further stimulation of each of these signaling systems independently. In the present study, we evaluated the interaction of angiotensin II-induced SOCS-3 with the insulin signaling pathway in the heart of living rats. A single iv dose of angiotensin II promotes a significant increase of SOCS-3 in heart, an effect that lasts up to 180 min. Once induced, SOCS-3 interacts with the insulin receptor, JAK-2, IRS-1, and IRS-2. The inhibition of SOCS-3 expression by a phosphorthioate-modified antisense oligonucleotide partially restores angiotensin II-induced inhibition of insulin-induced insulin receptor, IRS-1 and IRS-2 tyrosine phosphorylation, and IRS-1 and IRS-2 association with p85-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and [Ser473] phosphorylation of Akt. Moreover, the inhibition of SOCS-3 expression partially reverses angiotensin II-induced inhibition of insulin-stimulated glucose transporter-4 translocation to the cell membrane. These results are reproduced in isolated cardiomyocytes. Thus, SOCS-3 participates, as a late event, in the negative cross-talk between angiotensin II and insulin, producing an inhibitory effect on insulin-induced glucose transporter-4 translocation.