MRP1 expression in bronchoalveolar lavage cells in subjects with lung cancer who were chronically exposed to arsenic

Alteration of multidrug resistance‐associated protein‐1 (MRP1) expression has been associated with certain lung diseases, and this protein may be pivotal in protecting the lungs against endogenous or exogenous toxic compounds. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the expression of MRP1 in bronchoalveolar cells from subjects with and without lung cancer who had been chronically exposed to arsenic through drinking water. MRP1 expression was assessed in bronchoalveolar cells in a total of 102 participants. MRP1 expression was significantly decreased in those with arsenic urinary levels >50 μg/L when compared with the controls. In conclusion, chronic arsenic exposure negatively correlates with the expression of MRP1 in BAL cells in patients with lung cancer. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 56:759–766, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

The accuracy of matching three-dimensional photographs with skin surfaces derived from cone-beam computed tomography

The state-of-the-art diagnostic tools in oral and maxillofacial surgery and preoperative orthodontic treatment are mainly two-dimensional, and consequently reveal limitations in describing the three-dimensional (3D) structures of a patient's face. New 3D imaging techniques, such as 3D stereophotogrammetry (3D photograph) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), have been introduced. Image fusion, i.e. registration of a 3D photograph upon a CBCT, results in an accurate and photorealistic digital 3D data set of a patient's face. The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of three different matching procedures. For 15 individuals the textured skin surface (3D photograph) and untextured skin surface (CBCT) were matched by two observers using three different methods to determine the accuracy of registration. The registration error was computed as the difference (mm) between all points of both surfaces. The registration errors were relatively large at the lateral neck, mouth and around the eyes. After exclusion of artefact regions from the matching process, 90% of the error was within+/-1.5 mm. The remaining error was probably caused by differences in head positioning, different facial expressions and artefacts during image acquisition. In conclusion, the 3D data set provides an accurate and photorealistic digital 3D representation of a patient's face.     

Ozone exposure affects feeding and locomotor behavior of adult Bufo marinus

Ozone (O3), a reactive component of air pollution, depresses feeding and voluntary locomotor behavior in laboratory rodents, but the effects of O3 on amphibian behavior are not known. We evaluated the effects of 4 h of exposure to air or ozone (0.6 microl/L), on two ecologically relevant behaviors of the toad Bufo marinus. Toads were offered five mealworms at 1, 24, and 48 h after exposure. One hour after exposure, O3-exposed toads ate fewer mealworms than did air-exposed toads (Fisher exact test, p=0.005). Within 24 h after exposure, all toads ate four or five mealworms. Because movement is a key component of toad feeding behavior, we tested additional toads (n=25) for voluntary locomotor behavior during three 1-h trials in a 2.9-m2 open-field arena. Mean (+/-standard deviation) total distance moved was: pre-exposure, 29+/-19.5 m; 1-h postexposure, 13+/-15.6 m; and 24-h postexposure, 17+/-17.4 m. The means were not statistically different by repeated measures analysis of covariance. Therefore, our results suggest that a single 4-h exposure to O3 depresses toad feeding behavior after exposure but had little effect on voluntary locomotor behavior.     

Examination of six orthodontic adhesives with electron microscopy, hardness tester and energy dispersive X-ray microanalyzer

OBJECTIVE: To examine the ultrastructure of six light-cure orthodontic adhesives with scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM), microhardness tester, and energy dispersive X-ray microanalyzer (EDX). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The orthodontic adhesives evaluated were Transbond XT, Light Bond, BeautyOrtho Bond, Kurasper F, Heliosit Orthodontic, and Salivatect. Specimens of each adhesive were carefully prepared for observation under SEM and TEM. Furthermore, the Vickers hardness was tested, and the adhesives were evaluated with EDX. RESULTS: SEM and TEM images illustrated great diversity of the adhesives ultrastructure. The Vickers hardness test showed significant differences among all the adhesives (except Transbond XT and Salivatect). Although some similar elements were detected with EDX, the concentration was different in each adhesive. CONCLUSION: Orthodontic brackets can be bonded to the enamel surface with the adhesives available on the market. However, orthodontists might achieve better results identifying their properties and compositions.     

Homogenous amniotic membrane as a biological dressing for oral mucositis in rats: histomorphometric analysis

Objective

Oral mucositis is a frequent and significant side effect of chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of the homogenous amniotic membrane (HAM) as a biological dressing for oral mucositis induced by 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in the labial fornix region of inferior incisors in rats.

Methods

Sixty rats were divided into three groups: control (50% acetic acid), 5-FU (50% acetic acid and 5-fluorouracil-induced oral mucositis) and 5-FU + HAM (50% acetic acid and 5-fluorouracil-induced oral mucositis, and treated with HAM). Histological analyses were done 3, 7, 14 and 21 days after applying the acetic acid.

Results

HAM showed not only no signs of rejection as well as an excellent tissue adherence to the ulcerated surface. Histomorphometric analysis indicated a lower quantity of inflammatory cells in the 5-FU + HAM group in all periods when compared to the other groups and there was a statistically significant difference in the 3- and 7-day periods (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that HAM was biocompatible with great adhesive power to the ulcerated surface, accelerated the healing process and exhibited anti-inflammatory activity. Further studies should be done to investigate the potential benefits of this material in clinical trials. HAM could lead to improved results as a biological dressing in treatment and management of oral mucositis in patients submitted to chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy.