Influence of local tetracycline on the microbiota of alveolar osteitis in rats

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of local tetracycline on the occurrence of alveolar osteitis in rats, and on the microbiota associated to this infection. Forty Wistar rats were randomly assigned to 4 groups (n=10): I - the rats had the maxillary right incisor extracted and the alveolar wound did not receive any treatment; II - adrenaline and Ringer-PRAS were introduced into the alveolar wound; III - the alveolar wound was irrigated with sterile saline; and IV - the alveolar wound was irrigated with an aqueous solution of tetracycline. Microbial samples from the alveolar wounds were collected 2 days after surgery and inoculated on blood agar (with and without 8 microg/mL of tetracycline) and other selective media, and were incubated in either aerobiosis or anaerobiosis at 37 masculineC, for 2 to 14 days. It was verified that tetracycline reduced the occurrence of alveolar osteitis in the rats and caused significant changes in the microbiota of the surgical sites, decreasing the number of anaerobes and increasing the participation of tetracycline-resistant and multi-resistant microorganisms.     

Color stability evaluation of aesthetic restorative materials

Color match is one of the most important characteristics of aesthetic restorative materials. Maintenance of color throughout the functional lifetime of restorations is important for the durability of treatment. This characteristic is not constant among dental materials. The purpose of this research was to assess the color stability of five aesthetic restorative materials when immersed in a coffee solution. Seventy-one 17 mm x 1 mm specimens, divided into five groups, were made using one direct composite resin (Tetric Ceram, Ivoclar/Vivadent - G1), three indirect composite resins (Targis, Ivoclar/Vivadent - G2; Resilab Master, Wilcos - G3; belleGlass HP, Kerr - G4) and one porcelain (IPS Empress 2, Ivoclar/Vivadent - G5). The specimens were immersed in a coffee staining media for 15 days and stored under a controlled temperature of 37 degrees C +/- 1 degrees C in the dark. The evaluations were made after 1, 7 and 15 days by means of reflectance spectrophotometry. The data was submitted to two-way ANOVA (p < 0.005) and post hoc tests. Statistical difference was observed between G1 / G3 and the other groups; G2 / G4 and the other groups; and G5 and all the other groups. It was concluded that G1 and G3 showed significantly higher discoloration than the other groups. G2 and G4 showed intermediary pigmentation, while G5 showed the smallest changes.     

Retinoblastoma and deletion of the long arm of chromosome 13: An underestimated diagnosis?

We report an infant with normal neurological development and phenotype who developed bilateral retinoblastoma (RB). This patient, despite lack of dysmorphic features, demonstrated constitutional abnormality of the long arm of chromosome 13 on standard karyotype. We recommend systematic cytogenetic examinations complemented by fluorescent in situ hybridization as second-line screening in all patients suspected for hereditary RB despite negative RB1 molecular screening and normal phenotype.     

MicroRNAs: Promising chemoresistance biomarkers in gastric cancer with diagnostic and therapeutic potential

Gastric cancer (GC) is the fourth most common cancer worldwide and ranks second in global cancer mortality statistics. Perioperative chemotherapy plays an important role in the management and treatment of advanced stage disease. However, response to chemotherapy varies widely, with some patients presenting no or only minor response to treatment. Hence, chemotherapy resistance is a major clinical problem that impacts on outcome. Unfortunately, to date there are no reliable biomarkers available that predict response to chemotherapy before the start of the treatment, or that allow modification of chemotherapy resistance. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) could provide an answer to this problem. miRNAs are involved in the initiation and progression of a variety of cancer types, and there is evidence that miRNAs impact on resistance towards chemotherapeutic drugs as well. This current review aims to provide an overview about the potential clinical applicability of miRNAs as biomarkers for chemoresistance in GC. The authors focus in this context on the potential of miRNAs to predict sensitivity towards different chemotherapeutics, and on the potential of miRNAs to modulate sensitivity and resistance towards chemotherapy in GC.     

Blue light-filter intraocular lenses in vitrectomy combined with cataract surgery: results of a randomized controlled clinical trial

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of the blue light-filter intraocular lenses (IOLs) in vitrectomy combined with cataract surgery, focusing on the surgeon's ability to perform specific vitreoretinal procedures and on the patients' outcome. DESIGN: Randomized clinical trial. METHODS: Sixty patients, recruited from our outpatient department, were assigned randomly to receive an ultraviolet-filter IOL (clear IOL group) or a blue light-filter IOL (yellow IOL group) combined with a vitreoretinal procedure. Main outcome measures were intraoperative conditions for the surgeon and the functional outcome. Second outcome measures were complication rates and vitreoretinal diagnoses. RESULTS: The questionnaire responses showed that the blue light-filter IOLs did not represent an impediment to vitreoretinal surgery (P>.05). No intraoperative complications were encountered in either group. Patients in both IOL groups showed comparable functional results with respect to visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, color vision, and glare effect (P>.05). The functional outcome was influenced significantly by the vitreoretinal diagnosis (P<.01). CONCLUSIONS: With the possible advantage of macular protection and no intraoperative or functional disadvantage, the routine use of the blue light-filter IOL in combined surgery can be recommended.     

CFC1 gene involvement in biliary atresia with polysplenia syndrome

The present report describes CFC1 gene analysis in 10 patients with polysplenia syndrome. The heterozygous transition c.433G>A (Ala145Thr) located in exon 5 was identified in 5 patients, with a twice-higher frequency than in control patients. These results suggest that heterozygous CFC1 mutation may represent a genetic predisposition to biliary atresia splenic malformation syndrome.