Anti-Streptococcus mutans antibodies in saliva of children with different degrees of dental caries

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the secretory immune system and dental caries. Forty-nine 3–5-year-old children with primary dentition were classified into three groups according to their caries indices: no caries (group I), one or two surfaces with caries lesions (group II) and rampant caries (group III). Lower numbers of mutans streptococci were found in group I in relation to groups II and III. Secretory IgA and anti-S. mutans IgA, IgM and IgG antibody levels were not significantly different among the groups. Western blotting analysis showed that some S. mutans proteins, including the 39, 59, 97 and 150 kDa molecular mass bands, were recognized by almost all the saliva samples. Antibodies against the 185 kDa band, known as antigen I/II, were present in all adults’ saliva and in only one child in group III. The absence of antibodies to the 185 kDa band in children’s saliva suggest a specific immunologic immaturity. Further prospective studies will be necessary to establish the possible effect of reactivity to this antigen on the S. mutans colonization in this age group.     

Bi-layered self-emulsifying pellets prepared by co-extrusion and spheronization: Influence of formulation variables and preliminary study on the in vivo absorption

The aim of this work was to produce by co-extrusion-spheronization pellets with two cohesive layers, one of them containing a self-emulsifying system for vinpocetine, a poorly water soluble model drug. Two layers were prepared: an inert layer of microcrystalline cellulose, lactose and water and a second one wetted with the self-emulsifying system. Different formulations of both layers were tested, evaluating the effects of formulation variables with an experimental design. The screening amongst formulations was performed preparing rod extrudates and using the extrusion profiles to assess their suitability for extrusion and to anticipate quality of the spheronized extrudates. Tubular extrudates and co-extrudates/spheronized pellets were then produced. Two types of bi-layered pellets were prepared: type I with the self-emulsifying system internally and the inert matrix externally, whereas type II vice versa. The pellets were characterized for sizing and shape, density, hardness, in vitro dissolution and disintegration and released droplets size and in vivo tests. Although both types of pellets demonstrated adequate morphological and technological characteristics, pellets type II revealed an improved drug solubility and in vivo bioavailability. These preliminary technological and pharmacokinetic data demonstrated that co-extrusion/spheronization is a viable technology to produce bi-layered cohesive self-emulsifying pellets of good quality and improved in vivo bioavailability.     

Reducing preference reversals: The role of preference imprecision and nontransparent methods

Preferences elicited with matching and choice usually diverge (as characterised by preference reversals), violating a basic rationality requirement, namely, procedure invariance. We report the results of an experiment that shows that preference reversals between matching (Standard Gamble in our case) and choice are reduced when the matching task is conducted using nontransparent methods. Our results suggest that techniques based on nontransparent methods are less influenced by biases (i.e., compatibility effects) than transparent methods. We also observe that imprecision of preferences influences the degree of preference reversals. The preference reversal phenomenon is less strong in subjects with more precise preferences.     

A coordinated approach for the assessment of molecular subgroups in pediatric ependymomas using low-cost methods

Journal of Molecular Medicine - Although ependymoma (EPN) molecular subgroups have been well established by integrated high-throughput platforms, low- and middle-income countries still need...     

Identification of previously unrecognized FAP in children with Gardner fibroma

Fibromatous soft tissue lesions, namely desmoid-type fibromatosis and Gardner fibroma, may occur sporadically or as a result of inherited predisposition (as part of familial adenomatous polyposis, FAP). Whereas desmoid-type fibromatosis often present β-catenin overexpression (by activating CTNNB1 somatic variants or APC biallelic inactivation), the pathogenetic mechanisms in Gardner fibroma are unknown. We characterized in detail Gardner fibromas diagnosed in two infants to evaluate their role as sentinel lesions of previously unrecognized FAP. In the first infant we found a 5q deletion including APC in the tumor and the novel APC variant c.4687dup in constitutional DNA. In the second infant we found the c.5826_5829del and c.1678A>T APC variants in constitutional and tumor DNA, respectively. None of the constitutional APC variants occurred de novo and both tumors showed nuclear staining for β-catenin and no CTNNB1 variants. We present the first comprehensive characterization of the pathogenetic mechanisms of Gardner fibroma, which may be a sentinel lesion of previously unrecognized FAP families.     

The imbalance between oxygen demand and supply as a potential mechanism in the pathophysiology of heart failure: the role of microvascular growth and abnormalities

In heart failure, a deficient oxygen supply often is a primary cause for myocardial dysfunction. The reverse however, may also be true; the changes that occur in the failing heart may predispose for the existence of tissue hypoxia, which further affects the function of the heart. Specifically, myocardial hypertrophy and accelerated heart rhythm enhance oxygen demand, while supply is hampered short by endothelial dysfunction and diffusion barriers (such as fibrosis, arterial hyperplasia, and myocyte hypertrophy). Another contributory factor may be deficient growth of the microvasculature that does not keep pace with the rate of myocardial hypertrophy. Fewer microvessels have been observed in many forms of cardiomyopathies. On the other hand, some distinct forms of cardiomyopathies are characterized by the compensatory growth of microvessels, or even excess angiogenesis. This review summarizes the knowledge that has been gathered on this topic thus far and discusses factors that mediate myocardial microvessel growth. Furthermore, a paradigm is presented in which the rate of microvessel growth predicts, at least in part, the degree of myocardial dysfunction. Therapies aimed at the restoration of the microcirculation are proposed to preserve and improve myocardial function.     

Abscess formation after transobturator sling placement: a case report

New techniques of sling placement may be associated with infectious complications. Slings through the obturator foramen and thigh can lead to a significant abscess formation within the thigh adductor muscles. A large thigh abscess associated with a transobturator sling was diagnosed and treated. The authors report the evaluation and treatment of a unique infectious complication of transobturator slings.