HIF-1α is Overexpressed in Odontogenic Keratocyst Suggesting Activation of HIF-1α and NOTCH1 Signaling Pathways

BACKGROUND: The odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) is an odontogenic cyst that shows aggressive and intriguing biological behavior. It is suggested that a hypoxic environment occurs in OKC, which led us to investigate the immunoexpression and location of hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) and other hypoxia-related proteins. METHODS: Twenty cases of OKC were evaluated for the expression of Notch homolog 1 (NOTCH1), HIF-1α, disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain-containing protein 12 (ADAM-12), and heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HBEGF) by immunohistochemistry and compared to eight control cases of calcifying odontogenic cystic (COC), orthokeratinized odontogenic cyst (OOC), and normal oral mucosa (OM) in basal and parabasal layers. RESULTS: In OKC, all the proteins tested were expressed significantly higher in both basal (except for NOTCH1 and HBEGF in OOC) and suprabasal epithelial layers compared to controls. Looking at the epithelial layers within OKC, we observed an increased NOTCH1 and HIF-1α expression in parabasal layers. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that hypoxia occurs more intensively in OKC compared to COC, OM, and OOC. Hypoxia appeared to be stronger in parabasal layers as observed by higher HIF-1α expression in upper cells. Overexpression of NOTCH1, ADAM-12, and HBEGF in OKC was observed, which suggests that microenvironmental hypoxia could potentially regulate the expression of hypoxia-related proteins, and consequently, its clinical and biological behavior

Efficacy of Endodontic Treatment on the Persistence of Selected Endodontic Pathogens and on Radiographical Periapical Healing

The objective of this clinical study was to evaluate by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) the antimicrobial efficacy and the outcome of an endodontic protocol treatment (EPT) performed by under-graduated dental students on infected root canals associated with periapical lesions. Fifty-six patients attending for treatment of pulp necrosis and apical periodontitis were included. A specific EPT approach was performed and DNA extracts were taken at the baseline (S1), after a disinfection-neutralization procedure (S2), post-chemomechanical preparation (S3) and after Intracanal medication (S4) for the presence of specific bacteria. The outcome of the EPT was assessed radiographically using the Periapical Index-system (PAI) after 18-month follow-up. An intergroup evaluation shows that when comparing S1 to S3, S1 to S4, S2 to S3, and S2 to S4, the presence of bacteria were significantly reduced (P 0.05). The most prevalent species in their respect order were Actinomyces Israelii > Enterococcus Faecalis > Fusobacterium Nucleatum/Prevotella Nigrescens > Phorphyromonas Endodontalis. After the 18-month follow-up, the overall success rate of root canal – treated teeth was of 88% (PAI 1 or 2). This In Vivo study demonstrated that EPT significantly reduced the number of cases with positive results for the studied bacteria, showing a profound positive impact in the outcome of endodontic treatment of teeth diagnosed with Pulp Necrosis and Apical Periodontitis. El objetivo de este estudio clínico fue evaluar la eficacia antimicrobiana y el reparo periapical de un protocolo de tratamiento endodóntico (EPT) por medio de la reacción en cadena de polimerasa (PCR), realizado por estudiantes de odontología de pregrado en conductos infectados asociados a lesión periapical .Se incluyeron cincuenta y seis pacientes que requerían tratamiento de una necrosis pulpar y periodontitis apical. Se realizó un EPT específico y se tomaron extractos de ADN al inicio (S1), tras la neutralización inmediata (S2), posterior a la preparación químico mecánica (S3) y posterior a la medicación intraconducto (S4) para identificar la presencia de bacterias específicas. El resultado del EPT se evaluó radiográficamente usando el sistema de índice periapical (PAI) por un período de 18 meses de seguimiento. La comparación entre grupos muestra que cuando se compara S1 con S3, S1 con S4, S2 con S3 y S2 con S4 la presencia de bacterias se redujo significativamente (P 0.05). Las especies más prevalentes en su respectivo orden fueron Actinomyces Israelii > Enterococcus Faecalis> Fusobacterium Nucleatum/ Prevotella Nigrescens> Phorphyromonas Endodontalis. Posterior a la evaluación de 18 meses, el porcentaje de éxito de los dientes tratados endodónticamente fue de un 88% (PAI 1 o 2). Este estudio In Vivo demostró que el EPT redujo significativamente el número de casos positivos para las bacterias estudiadas, demostrando un profundo y positivo impacto en el resultado del tratamiento endodóntico de los dientes diagnosticados con necrosis pulpar y periodontitis apic

Effects of topiramate on oral dyskinesia induced by reserpine

Recently, we have described the antidyskinetic property of the GABA mimetic drug valproic acid on reserpine-induced oral dyskinesia, an animal model that has been related to tardive as well as acute dyskinesias, which are associated with important neuropathologies. the present study investigates the effects of different doses of the GABA mimetic anticonvulsant topiramate on the manifestation of reserpine-induced orofacial dyskinesia. Female EPM-M1 mice received two injections of control solution or of 0.5 mg/kg reserpine separated by 48 h. Twenty-four hours after the second reserpine or control solution injection, animals were acutely treated with control solution or topiramate (1, 3, 10 or 30 mg/kg) and were observed for quantification of oral dyskinesia or general activity in an open-field. in order to verify the effects of topiramate per se on oral dyskinesia or general activity, female EPM-M1 mice were acutely treated with control solution or 1, 3, 10 or 30 mg/kg topiramate and observed for quantification of oral dyskinesia and general activity. the highest dose of topiramate completely abolished the manifestation of reserpine-induced oral dyskinesia whereas the doses of 3 and 10 mg/kg significantly attenuated it. None of the doses of the anticonvulsant modified spontaneous locomotion frequency or oral movements, whereas spontaneous rearing frequency was decreased by 3, 10 and 30 mg/kg topiramate. the highest dose of topiramate did not modify general activity in reserpine-treated mice. These results support the potential therapeutic use of topiramate in the treatment of oral dyskinesias. (C) 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista Med, Dept Pharmacol, BR-04023062 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista Med, Dept Pharmacol, BR-04023062 São Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc

Pesquisa de oocistos de Isospora spp. em passeriformes criados em cativeiro

This study aimed to research the long-term shedding of Isospora spp. oocysts in several species of passerines naturally infected and kept in captivity. Two hundred and eighty-nine fecal samples were collected from two flocks with previous diagnosis of isosporosis, in which several adult passerine species were raised. Samples were collected individually, monthly, for 13 months, purified in Sheather's sugar solution and examined using microscopy. Of the 289 samples, 159 (55.02%) were positive for Isospora spp. oocysts and 130 (44.98%) were negative. Most of the birds analyzed shed oocysts in small quantity (score 1), intermittently and for a long period. Despite the occurrence of Isospora infection, the birds that were analysed showed no clinical isosporosis. The results of this research provide data for the control of isosporosis in passerines raised in captivity. The decisions about performing prophylactic or curative treatment, as well as decisions related to hygiene and sanitary measures must take into account not only the presence of the parasite in feces, but also the intensity of oocysts shedding, as well as evaluation of sanitary and nutritional management and the presence of clinical signs and/or mortality.O presente estudo teve como objetivo pesquisar, em longo prazo, a presença de oocistos de Isospora spp. em várias espécies de passeriformes, naturalmente infectadas, criadas em cativeiro. Foram colhidas 289 amostras em dois criatórios de passeriformes, onde houve comprovação prévia de infecção por Isospora, nos quais havia alojamento de várias espécies de passeriformes adultos. As amostras foram colhidas de forma individual, com periodicidade mensal, por 13 meses, purificadas em solução de Sheather e examinadas por microscopia. Das 289 amostras, 159 (55,02%) apresentaram positividade para oocistos de Isospora e 130 (44,98%) foram negativas. Na maioria das aves analisadas foi observada eliminação de oocistos, em pequena quantidade, intermitente e por período prolongado. Apesar de todas as aves apresentarem oocistos de Isospora nas fezes pelo menos uma vez, em um período de 13 meses, as aves não apresentaram isosporose clínica. Os resultados observados neste experimento fornecem dados para o controle da isosporose em passeriformes criados em cativeiro. As decisões sobre a realização de tratamento profilático ou curativo, assim como sobre medidas higiênico-sanitárias a serem adotadas devem levar em consideração não somente a presença de parasito em fezes, mas também a intensidade de eliminação de oocistos, ssim como a avaliação do manejo higiênico sanitário e nutricional e a presença de sinais clínicos e/ou de mortalidade.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Universidade Estadual Paulista - Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Araçatuba, SP, BrasiUniversidade Estadual Paulista - Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Araçatuba, SP, BrasiFAPESP: 2007/54312-

Factors affecting the quality of cardiopulmonary resuscitation in inpatient units: perception of nurses

Abstract OBJECTIVE To identify, in the perception of nurses, the factors that affect the quality of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in adult inpatient units, and investigate the influence of both work shifts and professional experience length of time in the perception of these factors. METHOD A descriptive, exploratory study conducted at a hospital specialized in cardiology and pneumology with the application of a questionnaire to 49 nurses working in inpatient units. RESULTS The majority of nurses reported that the high number of professionals in the scenario (75.5%), the lack of harmony (77.6%) or stress of any member of staff (67.3%), lack of material and/or equipment failure (57.1%), lack of familiarity with the emergency trolleys (98.0%) and presence of family members at the beginning of the cardiopulmonary arrest assistance (57.1%) are factors that adversely affect the quality of care provided during CPR. Professional experience length of time and the shift of nurses did not influence the perception of these factors. CONCLUSION The identification of factors that affect the quality of CPR in the perception of nurses serves as parameter to implement improvements and training of the staff working in inpatient units