Autobiographical Narrative as a Methodological Instrument of the Network of Meanings / A Narrativa Autobiográfica como Instrumento Metodológico da Rede de Significações / La Narrativa Autobiográfica como Instrumento Metodológico de la Red de Significados

Abstract This article briefly presents the theoretical-methodological perspective of the Network of Meanings and its methodological implications. The aim is to question the use of autobiographical narratives as a possible methodological tool to approach the study of development, with the specificity of understanding processes of constitutive transformations in human ontogenesis, from an interactional perspective, as is the case of the Network of Meanings. We revisit a study based on autobiographical narratives with five adult drag queens, aged between 20 and 39 years old, exploring personal and artistic experiences. Their narratives were analyzed microgenetically and some central concepts of the Network of Meanings were raised - dialogic interactive fields, socio-historical matrix, and temporalities. The autobiographical narrative of the participants constitutes a fruitful field of qualitative analysis, allowing us to approach the processes of change and transformation throughout life. As a result, a dialogue between Developmental Psychology and Social and Cultural Psychology is promoted.

Resumo O estudo apresenta brevemente a perspectiva teórico-metodológica da Rede de Significações (RedSig) e suas implicações metodológicas. O presente estudo teve como objetivo problematizar a narrativa autobiográfica como ferramenta metodológica possível para abordar o estudo do desenvolvimento com a especificidade de compreender processos de transformações constitutivos da ontogênese humana, em uma perspectiva interacional como é o caso da RedSig. Retoma-se um estudo realizado a partir de narrativas autobiográficas com cinco drag queens adultas, com idade entre 20 e 39 anos, explorando experiências pessoais e artísticas. Suas narrativas foram analisadas microgeneticamente e são alçados alguns conceitos centrais da Rede de Significações − campos interativos dialógicos, matriz sócio-histórica e temporalidades. A narrativa autobiográfica das participantes se constitui como um campo profícuo de análise qualitativa, permitindo abordar os processos de mudança e transformação ao longo da vida. Em decorrência, promove-se um diálogo entre a Psicologia do Desenvolvimento e a Psicologia Social e Cultural.

Resumen El artículo presenta brevemente la perspectiva teórico-metodológica de la Red de Sentidos y sus implicaciones metodológicas. El objetivo es problematizar el uso de la narrativa autobiográfica como posible herramienta metodológica para abordar el estudio del desarrollo, con la especificidad de comprender procesos de transformaciones constitutivas de la ontogénesis humana. Retomamos un estudio realizado con cinco drag queens adultas, con edades entre 20 y 39 años, a partir de narrativas autobiográficas, explorando experiencias personales y artísticas. Sus narrativas fueron analizadas microgenéticamente y se plantean algunos conceptos centrales de la Red de Sentidos: campos interactivos dialógicos, matriz sociohistórica y temporalidades. La narrativa autobiográfica de los participantes constituye un campo fecundo de análisis cualitativo, que permite abordar los procesos de cambio y transformación a lo largo de la vida. Como resultado, se promueve un diálogo entre la Psicología del Desarrollo y la Psicología Social y Cultural.

Paragangliomas da Cabeça e Pescoço: A Experiência de um Centro Oncológico do Sul da Europa.

INTRODUCTION: Paragangliomas are usually benign slow-growing tumors, but they are locally invasive and can cause significant morbidity. The aim of this study was to characterize the presenting symptoms, secretory status, genetics, imaging features, treatment modalities, post-treatment complications and survival of patients with head and neck paragangliomas treated at a single institution. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of patients managed at our center between 1997 and 2020. RESULTS: Seventy-three patients were included in the study, encompassing 89 head and neck paragangliomas. Forty-eight patients (65.8%) were female and 15 (20.5%) had multiple tumor sites (including 10 patients with multicentric benign paragangliomas and five with disseminated malignant disease). Regarding location, our series encompassed 40 temporal bone paragangliomas (44.9%), 24 carotid body paragangliomas (27%), 22 vagal paragangliomas (24.7%), two laryngeal paragangliomas (2.2%) and one sinonasal paraganglioma (1.1%). Excessive catecholamine secretion was detected in 11 patients (15.1%). Sixty-four patients (87.7%) underwent genetic testing. Of those, 24 (37.5%) exhibited pathogenic succinate dehydrogenase complex germline mutations. Regarding patients who presented with untreated disease, 45 patients (66.2%), encompassing 55 tumors, underwent surgery as primary treatment modality, 20 (29.4%; 23 tumors) were initially treated with radiotherapy and three patients (4.4%, encompassing three solitary tumors) were kept solely under watchful waiting. Five-year overall survival was 94.9% and disease-free survival was 31.9%. CONCLUSION: Head and neck paragangliomas are rare, slow-growing but locally aggressive tumors resulting in high morbidity but low mortality rates.

Introdução: Os paragangliomas apresentam frequentemente um comportamento benigno e um crescimento indolente. Apesar disso, são localmente invasivos, podendo causar morbilidade significativa. O objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever as manifestações clínicas, atividade secretora, estudos genéticos e imagiológicos, modalidades terapêuticas, complicações e sobrevivência dos doentes com paragangliomas da cabeça e pescoço. Material e Métodos: Estudo retrospetivo dos doentes com paragangliomas da cabeça e pescoço observados num centro hospitalar terciário entre 1997 e 2020. Resultados: Foram incluídos no estudo 73 doentes, englobando 89 paragangliomas. Quarenta e oito doentes (65,8%) eram do sexo feminino e 15 (20,5%) apresentavam múltiplos focos tumorais (10 por multicentricidade e cinco por doença maligna disseminada). Foram incluídos 40 paragangliomas do osso temporal (44,9%), 24 tumores do corpo carotídeo (27%), 22 vagais (24,7%), dois laríngeos (2,2%) e um nasossinusal (1,1%). A secreção excessiva de catecolaminas foi detetada em 11 doentes (15,1%). Sessenta e quatro doentes (87,7%) foram alvo de teste genético. Desses, 24 (37,5%) exibiram mutações patogénicas do complexo succinato desidrogenase. Dos doentes com doença primária, 45 (66,2%; 55 tumores) foram submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico, 20 (29,4%; 23 tumores) a radioterapia e três (4,4%) ficaram sob vigilância. Aos cinco anos, a sobrevida global foi de 94,9% e a sobrevida livre de doença foi de 31,9%. Conclusão: Os paragangliomas da cabeça e pescoço são tumores raros, de crescimento lento, mas localmente agressivos que resultam em elevadas taxas de morbilidade, mas baixas taxas de mortalidade.

Invasive aspergillosis of the skull base in an immunocompetent patient: a diagnostic challenge.

We describe the case of a 32-year-old man from Cape Verde having headache and increasing visual loss. Clinical and radiological investigations disclosed a massive destructive lesion involving the anterior and central skull base, orbit and nasoethmoid region initially interpreted as a malignant small round cell tumour. Surgical biopsies were negative for neoplasm, showing an intense inflammatory infiltrate together with fungus, later characterised as Aspergillus flavus spp. The patient was immunocompetent with no evidence of congenital or acquired immunodeficiencies. Invasive fungal infections in immunocompetent patients are rare and can be a diagnostic challenge. The best diagnostic clues include the patient's origin from tropical climates, imaging features and the identification of fungal hyphae on pathology specimens. Although a devastating disease in immunocompromised patients, craniocerebral aspergillosis in immunocompetent patients carries a better prognosis. Available literature supports the combined used of 'conservative' surgical resection and antifungal therapy as the best treatment option.

Influência da orientação das ranhuras superficiais na flexão rotativa de fios de níquel-titânio / Influence of surface grooves orientation on the cyclic fatigue resistance of NiTi wire

Objetivo: Testar a hipótese nula de que a orientação das ranhuras superficiais não influencia na vida em fadiga de fios de níquel-titânio (NiTi). Material e Métodos: Segmentos de fio de NiTi (Moreli, Sorocaba/SP, Brasil) medindo 30mm e com diâmetro de 0,40mm foram utilizados. As ranhuras foram criadas em relação à direção longitudinal, em 45 e 90 graus. O fio foi analisado sob microscopia eletrônica de varredura e a rugosidade, quantificada por interferometria. O número de ciclos para a fratura (NCF) foi determinado pelo teste de flexão rotativa. Resultados: A rugosidade entre os grupos de 45 e 90 graus apresentou diferenças estatisticamente significativas (p<0,05). O grupo sem ranhuras apresentou o maior NCF (p<0,05). O grupo com ranhuras em 45 graus apresentou maior NCF, em comparação ao grupo com 90 graus (p<0,05). Conclusões: A direção das ranhuras possui influência na vida em fadiga dos fios de NiTi. O NCF aumenta com a redução do ângulo das ranhuras em relação ao longo eixo do fio, independentemente da profundidade das ranhuras (AU).

Objective: this study tested the null hypothesis that the surface grooves orientation does not influence the NiTi wire cyclic fatigue. Material and methods: Segments of NiTi wire (Moreli, Sorocaba, Brazil) measuring 30mm and with a 0.40mm of diameter were used. Grooves were created in the longitudinal direction, at 45 degrees and 90 degrees. The wire was analyzed with SEM and the roughness was quantified by interferometry. The number of cycles until fracture (NCF) was determined by the cyclic fatigue test. Results: the roughness between 45 and 90 degrees groups presented differences (p<0.05). The group without grooves presented the highest NCF (p<0.05). The group with 45 degrees grooves presented better NCF in comparison to the group with 90 degrees (p<0.05). Conclusions: the direction of the grooves influences the fatigue life. The NCF increases with the reduction of the angle of the grooves in relation to the long axis, regardless of the depth of the grooves (AU).

Tongue Nodule as Primary Manifestation of American Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in an Immunocompetent Patient.

Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease considered an endemic public health problem in developing countries, where it is a reportable disease. Isolated oral manifestation is rare, and its clinical manifestations are variable. In this paper we describe an unusual case of an immunocompetent patient, 57-year-old man with a painless reddish submucosal nodule located on the tongue dorsum. Microscopical analysis showed chronic inflammatory infiltrate with macrophages containing leishmania in cytoplasmic vacuoles. PCR assays confirmed the diagnosis and patient was treated with meglumine antimoniate for 30 days. Absence of the parasite was confirmed by PCR. Thirteen years after treatment, a scar fibrosis persisted on the tongue dorsum. The case reported reveals that leishmaniasis should be considered in the diagnosis of tongue nodules in immunocompetent patients.

A Experiência Drag Queen como Transição na Vida Adulta / The Drag Queen Experience as a Transition in Adult Life / La Experiencia Drag Queen como Transición en la Vida Adulta

A partir de reflexões teóricas impulsionadas pela Rede de Significações (RedSig) e Teorias de Gênero, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo investigar sentidos e significados tecidos sobre a experiência como drag queen na vida adulta. A metodologia utilizada teve base em entrevistas biográficas, realizadas com cinco participantes, entre 20 e 39 anos, que têm ou já tiveram experiência como drag queens. Para a análise, foi realizada uma abordagem microgenética, correlacionando elementos da RedSig com as narrativas. Os resultados indicaram que a vida adulta não aparece como percurso linear, sendo permeada por rupturas, conflitos e negociações de sentidos e posições. A vida adulta se torna o palco no qual é possível ocupar determinados espaços de poder para colocar em prática desejos e curiosidades que, por vezes, remontam à infância. A drag queen emerge como um elemento relacionado a esse processo, atrelada a diversos sentidos e significados positivos (arte, realização, liberdade) e negativos (vergonha, preconceito, degradante). (AU)

From theoretical reflections driven by the Network of Meanings and Gender Theories, this work aims to investigate senses and meanings constructed on experience as a drag queen in adult life. The methodology used was based in biographical interviews, carried out with five participants, between 20 and 39 years of age, who have or already had experience as drag queens. For the analysis, a microgenetic approach was performed, correlating elements of the Net of Meanings with the narratives. Adulthood does not appear as a linear course, being permeated by ruptures, conflicts and negotiations of meanings and positions. Adulthood becomes the stage on which it is possible to occupy certain spaces of power to put into practice desires and curiosities that sometimes go back to childhood. The drag queen emerges as an element related to this process, tied to several positive (art, accomplishment, freedom) and negative (shame, prejudice, degrading) senses and meanings. (AU)

A partir de reflexiones teóricas estimuladas por la Red de Significaciones (RedSig) y Teorías de Género, el presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo investigar sentidos y significados construidos sobre la experiencia como drag queen en la vida adulta. La metodología utilizada tuvo como base entrevistas biográficas, realizadas con cinco personas, entre 20 y 39 años, que tienen o ya han tenido experiencia como drag queens. Para el análisis, se realizó un enfoque microgenético, correlacionando elementos de la RedSig con las narrativas. La vida adulta se convierte en el escenario en el que es posible ocupar ciertos espacios de poder para poner en práctica los deseos y curiosidades que a veces se remontan a la infancia. La drag queen surge como un elemento relacionado con este proceso, vinculado a varios sentidos y significados, positivos (arte, logro, libertad) y negativos (vergüenza, prejuicio, degradante). (AU)

Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) inhibition prevents fibrosis in adipose tissue of obese mice.

BACKGROUND: During the development of obesity the expansion of white adipose tissue (WAT) leads to a dysregulation and an excessive remodeling of extracellular matrix (ECM), leading to fibrosis formation. These ECM changes have high impact on WAT physiology and may change obesity progression. Blocking WAT fibrosis may have beneficial effects on the efficacy of diet regimen or therapeutical approaches in obesity. Since dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) inhibitors prevent fibrosis in tissues, such as heart, liver and kidney, the objective of this study was to assess whether vildagliptin, a DPP-IV inhibitor, prevents fibrosis in WAT in a mouse model of obesity, and to investigate the mechanisms underlying this effect. METHODS: We evaluated the inhibitory effect of vildagliptin on fibrosis markers on WAT of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice and on 3T3-L1 cell line of mouse adipocytes treated with a fibrosis inducer, transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFß1). RESULTS: Vildagliptin prevents the increase of fibrosis markers in WAT of HFD-fed mice and reduces blood glucose, serum triglycerides, total cholesterol and leptin levels. In the in vitro study, the inhibition of DPP-IV with vildagliptin, neuropeptide Y (NPY) treatment and NPY Y1 receptor activation prevents ECM deposition and fibrosis markers increase induced by TGFß1 treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Vildagliptin prevents fibrosis formation in adipose tissue in obese mice, at least partially through NPY and NPY Y1 receptor activation. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study highlights the importance of vildagliptin in the treatment of fibrosis that occur in obesity.

[Perinatal Outcome in Relation to Chorionicity in Twin Pregnancy]. / Impacto da Corionicidade nas Complicações Perinatais da Gestação Gemelar.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of multiple gestations is increasing worldwide and many studies have shown higher perinatal morbidity and mortality rates in monochorionic twins compared to dichorionic. The aim of this study was to assess the twin population born at a tertiary center and to evaluate the impact of chorionicity on perinatal outcomes of twin pregnancies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of all twins born in a tertiary center from January 2004 to December 2013. RESULTS: In this period, 1051 twins were born, related to 540 gestations (26.7% monochorionic; 73.3% dichorionic). There was no statistical significant difference between the groups concerning obstetric complications. The monochorionic group had a higher incidence of intrauterine growth restriction (20.5 vs 11.3%, p < 0.001), lower mean maternal age (29.9 vs 31.9 years, p < 0.001), lower mean gestational age (33.4 vs 34.3 weeks, p < 0.05) and lower mean birth weight (1943 vs 2147 g, p < 0.001). Monochorionic twins had a higher incidence of hyaline membrane disease (7 vs 4%, p < 0.05), sepsis (10.3 vs 5.8%, p < 0.05) and anemia (9.5 vs 5.4%, p < 0.05). There were no statistical significant differences concerning necrotizing enterocolitis, intraperiventricular hemorrhage or retinopathy of prematurity. Perinatal mortality was higher in the monochorionic group (5.2 vs 2.9%, p < 0.05). DISCUSSION: Monochorionic twins represent considerable challenges to both obstetricians and neonatologists and should be monitored and delivered at tertiary centers. CONCLUSION: Currently gemelarity has a major impact on total births. It would be interesting to develop protocols to standardize clinical approach to twins.

Introdução: A incidência da gestação múltipla tem vindo a aumentar em todo o mundo e vários estudos têm demonstrado taxas de morbilidade e mortalidade mais elevadas nos gémeos monocoriónicos comparativamente com os bicoriónicos. Os objetivos deste trabalho foram: caracterizar a população de gémeos fruto de gravidez bifetal nascidos num hospital nível três e avaliar o impacto da corionicidade na morbimortalidade perinatal.Material e Métodos: Estudo retrospetivo de todos os gémeos fruto de gravidez bifetal nascidos num hospital nível três entre janeiro de 2004 e dezembro de 2013.Resultados: Neste período nasceram 1051 gémeos, fruto de 540 gestações (26,7% monocoriónicos; 73,3% bicoriónicos). Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os dois grupos no respeitante às complicações obstétricas. No grupo monocoriónico verificou-se uma incidência mais elevada de restrição do crescimento intra-uterino (20,5 vs 11,3%, p < 0,001), idade materna mais baixa (29,9 vs 31,9 anos, p < 0,001), idade gestacional mais baixa (33,4 vs 34,3 semanas, p < 0,05) e peso de nascimento mais baixo (1943 vs 2147 g, p < 0,001). Os gémeos monocoriónicos tiveram uma incidência mais elevada de doença de membrana hialina (7 vs 4%, p < 0,05), sépsis (10,3 vs 5,8%, p < 0,05) e anemia (9,5 vs 5,4%, p < 0,05). Não se encontrou diferença estatisticamente significativa relativamente à ocorrência de enterocolite necrotizante, hemorragia intraperiventricular ou retinopatia da prematuridade. A mortalidade perinatal foi mais elevada no grupo monocoriónico (5,2 vs 2,9%, p < 0,05).Discussão: Os gémeos monocoriónicos representam um desafio para obstetras e neonatologistas, devendo a vigilância pré-natal e o parto ser realizados em centros de referência.Conclusão: A gemelaridade tem atualmente um importante impacto nos nascimentos, pelo que seria interessante desenvolver protocolos que uniformizassem a prática clínica na abordagem a estes recém-nascidos.

Plasma HPV DNA is detectable in oral leukoplakia patients.

BACKGROUND: Oral leukoplakia is considered a potentially malignant lesion for the development of squamous cell carcinoma, and various risk factors may be related to its development and malignant transformation, including the human papillomavirus (HPV). The aim of this case-control study was to detect the presence of HPV in fresh tissue, plasma and saliva samples obtained from patients with and without oral leukoplakia, and verify the correlation of the presence of DNA of HPV between different sources of materials. METHODS: In this study, 32 patients with oral leukoplakia and 24 patients selected in a case-control manner were included. DNA extraction from the samples was performed, and afterwards it was amplified by nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) for the detection of HPV (nPCR: MY09-MY11/GP05+-GP06+). RESULTS: The DNA of HPV was found in 68.75% of the fresh tissue samples; in 50% of plasma, and in 62.5% of saliva samples in the group of patients with leukoplakia; in comparison with 45.8%, 54%, and 45.8%, in the fresh tissue, plasma and saliva samples, respectively, in the control group. CONCLUSION: Based on the present study, there was no difference in the rate of HPV detection in patients with or without oral leukoplakia. However all sources tested in this study were considered suitable for HPV detection, especially plasma samples, which showed be an important non-invasive source of HPV detection in leukoplakia patients.

Músicas, músicos e crítica musical francesa em Mário de Andrade / Songs, musicians and French music criticism in Mário de Andrade

RESUMO Este trabalho apresenta a forte relação de Mário de Andrade com dois campos intrínsecos em sua produção: a musicologia e as referências à cultura francesa que desde cedo permearam sua trajetória intelectual. Analisamos aqui algumas crônicas reunidas em Música, doce música nas quais se evidenciam a visão e a postura singular do escritor brasileiro ante a música, músicos e críticos musicais franceses com os quais trava um diálogo de igual para igual.

ABSTRACT This work presents Mário de Andrade's strong relationship with two fields intrinsic in his production: musicology and the French culture that permeated his intellectual trajectory from the very beginning. We analyze here some chronicles included in Música, doce música (Music, sweet music), which reveal the Brazilian writer's vision and particular position towards French music, musicians and musical critics with whom he establishes a dialogue on equal terms.

Conhecimentos de manipuladores de alimentos sobre segurança dos alimentos e alergias / Knowledge of food handlers about food safety and allergies

As doenças de origem alimentar são uma causa importante de morbilidade e mortalidade e não se limitam apenas aos países em desenvolvimento. A manipulação incorreta de alimentos em unidades de alimentação é um dos principais fatores responsáveis pela transmissão de doenças de origem alimentar e envolve tradicionalmente contaminação cruzada entre alimentos crus e cozidos, confeção inadequada e armazenamento a temperaturas incorretas. Os restaurantes e unidades de alimentação representam ainda um potencial perigo para os consumidores com alergia alimentar. Diversos estudos identificaram falhas importantes nos conhecimentos dos manipuladores de alimentos sobre alergia alimentar. Neste estudo pretendeu-se avaliar os conhecimentos dos manipuladores de alimentos sobre segurança e alergia alimentar, em restaurantes e unidades de alimentação. O estudo envolveu 28 unidades de alimentação de diferentes setores de alimentação coletiva na cidade do Porto, Portugal. Em cada unidade, foram selecionados aleatoriamente 3 manipuladores de alimentos e foram realizadas entrevistas presenciais, recorrendo a um questionário estruturado e organizado em quatro secções: (i) características sociodemográficas, experiência profissional e formação em segurança alimentar; (ii) características da unidade de alimentação; (iii) conhecimentos em higiene e segurança alimentar; (iv) conhecimentos sobre alergias alimentares. A classificação global média obtida no questionário de avaliação de conhecimentos foi 74,7 ± 5,7. Fatores como o sexo, a idade, o nível de escolaridade e a existência de formação prévia não tiveram influência no nível de conhecimento dos participantes, ao contrário da experiência profissional, que teve um impacto significativo (p=0,011). Os manipuladores de estabelecimentos que disponibilizam refeições para consumidores com alergias alimentares (77,3 ± 11,5) apresentaram maior pontuação no grupo de questões sobre alergia alimentar do que aqueles que referiram não disponibilizar (69,3 ± 16,2) (p=0,028). Os manipuladores de alimentos apresentaram um nível razoável de conhecimento sobre manipulação segura de alimentos e alergia alimentar. No entanto, são necessários mais estudos para avaliar se os conhecimentos são efetivamente traduzidos em alteração positiva dos comportamentos.

N-glycosylation influences the catalytic activity of mosquito α-glucosidases associated with susceptibility or refractoriness to Lysinibacillus sphaericus.

Cqm1 and Aam1 are α-glucosidases (EC 3.2.1.20) expressed in Culex quinquefasciatus and Aedes aegypti larvae midgut, respectively. These orthologs share high sequence similarity but while Cqm1 acts as a receptor for the Binary (Bin) insecticidal toxin from Lysinibacillus sphaericus, Aam1 does not bind the toxin, rendering Ae. aegypti refractory to this bacterium. Aam1 is heavily glycosylated, contrasting to Cqm1, but little is known regarding how glycosylation impacts on its function. This study aimed to compare the N-glycosylation patterns and the catalytic activities of Aam1 and Cqm1. Mutant proteins were generated where predicted Aam1 N-glycosylation sites (N-PGS) were either inserted into Cqm1 or abrogated in Aam1. The mutants validated four N-PGS which were found to localize externally on the Aam1 structure. These Aam1 and Cqm1 mutants maintained their Bin binding properties, confirming that glycosylation has no role in this interaction. The α-glucosidase activity of both proteins was next investigated, with Aam1 having a remarkably higher catalytic efficiency, influenced by changes in glycosylation. Molecular dynamics showed that glycosylated and nonglycosylated Aam1 models displayed distinct patterns that could influence their catalytic activity. Differential N-glycosylation may then be associated with higher catalytic efficiency in Aam1, enhancing the functional diversity of related orthologs.

Comparação da prevalência do HPV-16 em pacientes com carcinoma espinocelular de boca e lesões potencialmente malignas bucais / Comparison of the HPV-16 prevalence in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma and oral potentially malignant disorders

O papilomavírus humano (HPV) subtipo 16 é um fator de risco para o desenvolvimento do carcinoma espinocelular (CEC) de orofaringe. No entanto, o papel do mesmo na carcinogênese oral, bem como a associação com as lesões potencialmente malignas, permanece controverso. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a prevalência do HPV-16, em amostras de tecido fresco, obtidas de 27 pacientes com CEC oral, 37 pacientes com leucoplasia bucal, 24 pacientes com líquen plano bucal (LPB) e 32 pacientes controle, correlacionando a presença do HPV com as variáveis clínico-patológicas em uma população da região noroeste do estado de São Paulo - Brasil. Realizouse a extração do DNA das amostras e a verificação da presença do HPV-16 por meio da Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction. Todas as amostras foram negativas para o HPV-16 nos quatro grupos estudados. Conclui-se que a ausência do HPV-16 nas amostras de CEC bucal, leucoplasia e LPB indica que a infecção pelo mesmo não é comum e não representa um fator de risco importante na carcinogênese oral na população da região noroeste do estado de São Paulo ­ Brasil(AU)

Human Papillomavirus (HPV), specially subtype 16, is a known risk factor for the oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) development. However, HPV role in oral carcinogenesis, as well as in potentially malignant oral lesions remains controversial. The goal of the present study was to compare the HPV16 prevalence, in fresh tissue samples obtained from 27 oral SCC patients, 34 oral leukoplakia (OL) patients, 24 oral lichen planus (OLP) patients and 32 control patients, correlating HPV presence with the clinicopathological variables in a population from northwest region of the Sao Paulo state - Brazil. DNA extraction was carried out and all samples were submitted to Real-Time PCR for HPV-16 DNA detection. We found that all fresh tissue samples of oral SCC, OL, OLP and oral normal mucosa were negative for HPV-16. We conclude that HPV-16 absence in oral SCC, OL and OLP samples indicates that its infection is uncommon and does not represent an important risk factor in oral carcinogenesis in the population from northwest region of the Sao Paulo state ­ Brazil(AU)

Detection of Epstein-Barr virus in different sources of materials from patients with oral lichen planus: a case-control study.

AIMS: To detect the presence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA in different sources of materials from a matched group of patients with oral lichen planus (OLP) and a group of people without OLP lesions, and to correlate the presence of virus with epidemiological variables of the groups studied. METHODS: Fresh tissue samples, saliva, exfoliated cells and plasma of 24 patients with OLP lesions (cases) and 17 patients without OLP lesions (controls) were collected. EBV was detected by nested PCR. RESULTS: Viral positivity was obtained in 62.5% of tissue samples; in 70.8% of exfoliated cell samples; in 33.3% of blood plasma samples and in 75% of saliva samples in the cases; and in 35.3% of tissue samples; 82.4% of exfoliated cell samples; in 47.1% of blood plasma samples and in 64.7% of saliva samples in the controls. There was a predominance of women in both groups. Variables not atrophic-erosive were most affected by EBV. CONCLUSIONS: No relationship between EBV and OLP was found. However, all sources tested in this study were considered suitable for the detection of viruses.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma misdiagnosed as a denture-related traumatic ulcer: A clinical report.

A 65-year-old woman presented with an ulcerated lesion in the alveolar ridge mucosa, which appeared after new dentures had been inserted. Despite many treatment attempts, the lesion did not recede, even with the interruption of denture wearing. A biopsy was performed, and histopathologic examination revealed an ulcerated, invasive, poorly differentiated oral squamous cell carcinoma. The time from the patient's first contact with the prosthodontist because of the lesion until the appropriate diagnosis was established was approximately 6 months. This clinical report documents a significant delay in the oral squamous cell carcinoma diagnosis and treatment because of a clinical misdiagnosis of a traumatic ulcer resulting from complete dentures. Prosthodontists should be aware of the importance of early diagnosis of oral cancer among elderly prosthesis wearers.

Neuropeptide Y stimulates autophagy in hypothalamic neurons.

Aging is characterized by autophagy impairment that contributes to age-related disease aggravation. Moreover, it was described that the hypothalamus is a critical brain area for whole-body aging development and has impact on lifespan. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is one of the major neuropeptides present in the hypothalamus, and it has been shown that, in aged animals, the hypothalamic NPY levels decrease. Because caloric restriction (CR) delays aging, at least in part, by stimulating autophagy, and also increases hypothalamic NPY levels, we hypothesized that NPY could have a relevant role on autophagy modulation in the hypothalamus. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the role of NPY on autophagy in the hypothalamus. Using both hypothalamic neuronal in vitro models and mice overexpressing NPY in the hypothalamus, we observed that NPY stimulates autophagy in the hypothalamus. Mechanistically, in rodent hypothalamic neurons, NPY increases autophagy through the activation of NPY Y1 and Y5 receptors, and this effect is tightly associated with the concerted activation of PI3K, MEK/ERK, and PKA signaling pathways. Modulation of hypothalamic NPY levels may be considered a potential strategy to produce protective effects against hypothalamic impairments associated with age and to delay aging.

Non conserved residues between Cqm1 and Aam1 mosquito α-glucosidases are critical for the capacity of Cqm1 to bind the Binary toxin from Lysinibacillus sphaericus.

The Binary (Bin) toxin from the entomopathogenic bacterium Lysinibacillus sphaericus acts on larvae of the culicid Culex quinquefasciatus through its binding to Cqm1, a midgut-bound α-glucosidase. Specific binding by the BinB subunit to the Cqm1 receptor is essential for toxicity however the toxin is unable to bind to the Cqm1 ortholog from the refractory species Aedes aegypti (Aam1). Here, to investigate the molecular basis for the interaction between Cqm1 and BinB, recombinant Cqm1 and Aam1 were first expressed as soluble forms in Sf9 cells. The two proteins were found to display the same glycosilation patterns and BinB binding properties as the native α-glucosidases. Chimeric constructs were then generated through the exchange of reciprocal fragments between the corresponding cqm1 and aam1 cDNAs. Subsequent expression and binding experiments defined a Cqm1 segment encompassing residues S129 and A312 as critical for the interaction with BinB. Through site directed mutagenesis experiments, replacing specific sets of residues from Cqm1 with those of Aam1, the 159GG160 doublet was required for this interaction. Molecular modeling mapped these residues to an exposed loop within the Cqm1's structure, compatible with a target site for BinB and providing a possible explanation for its lack of binding to Aam1.