Triterpenoid saponins, new metalloprotease snake venom inhibitors isolated from Pentaclethra macroloba.

We report here the antiproteolytic and antihemorrhagic properties of triterpenoid saponin inhibitors, named macrolobin-A and B, from Pentaclethra macroloba, against Bothrops snake venoms. The inhibitors were able to neutralize the hemorrhagic, fibrin(ogen)olytic, and proteolytic activities of class P-I and P-III metalloproteases isolated from B. neuwiedi and B. jararacussu venoms. Clotting and fibrinogenolytic activities induced by snake venoms and isolated thrombin-like enzymes were partially inhibited. Furthermore, the potential use of these inhibitors to complement antivenom therapy as an alternative treatment and/or used as molecular models for development of new therapeutical agents in the treatment of snake bite envenomations needs to be evaluated in future studies.     

Study of the localization of radiopacities similar to calcified carotid atheroma by means of panoramic radiography.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the location in soft tissues of the calcifications, similar to calcified carotid atheromas, that can be observed radiographically in the cervical region in panoramic radiographs. STUDY DESIGN: In each anatomic cadaver specimen preserved in formol, consisting of the head and neck, radiopaque spheres (made from gutta-percha) were positioned in anatomic structures of the cervical region that can be sites of calcification. For each anatomic structure marked in this way, panoramic radiography was performed, consisting of 17 radiographs. The images obtained were analyzed by 24 examiners who indicated which radiographs, in their opinion, presented the radiopaque reference projected in the region of bifurcation of the carotid artery. Analysis of 2 proportions from agreement and disagreement was used to determine radiopacities that could be confused in panoramic radiographs with calcified atheromas in the carotid artery. RESULTS: The results showed that 75% (18) of the examiners correctly indicated the reference in the bifurcation of the carotid artery and 79.2% (19) indicated a triticeous cartilage as calcified atheroma of the carotid artery. CONCLUSIONS: Calcified atheromas of the carotid artery are not the only features that can produce radiopaque images lateral to the panoramic radiograph; the presence of calcification in the triticeous cartilage also can induce an erroneous diagnosis of calcified carotid atheroma.     

Cementoblastoma related to a primary tooth: a case report

Cementoblastomas are benign lesions of the odontogenic ectomesenchyme that rarely occur related to the primary dentition, especially on the left side of the mandible. This study describes a case of a true cementoblastoma related to the left second primary mandibular molar in a 7-year-old child (the largest one seen in the left side of the mandible). Additionally, the radiographic and histologic findings of the lesion are described in details.