Superficial musculoaponeurotic system interpositional graft after temporomandibular joint discectomy.

Arthroplasty with discectomy is a proven treatment for internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), however there is no consensus on the type of interpositional graft that should be used after the disc is removed. While an ideal graft should be easy to obtain and provide an adequate buffer between the articular surfaces, the authors suggest that it should also minimize donor site morbidity. This Technical Note highlights the technique for harvesting and utilizing the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) as an interpositional graft. Three patients were treated with a SMAS graft after TMJ arthroplasty with discectomy. The average pain score decreased from 9/10 preoperatively to 2/10 at 6 weeks postoperatively, while the average maximum incisal opening increased from 31 mm to 36.7 mm. Since these patients were concurrently treated with a facelift, they were asked about their esthetic outcome on a scale of 1-10, with 1 representing extremely dissatisfied and 10 representing extremely satisfied. The average esthetic rating at 6 weeks postoperatively was 9.3/10. The SMAS interpositional graft technique eliminates a second surgical site, improves function, reduces pain, and provides the opportunity for concurrent esthetic facial rejuvenation if desired.

Parous women perform less moderate to vigorous physical activity than their nulliparous peers: a population-based study in Denmark.

OBJECTIVES: The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights parous women as a key population for monitoring trends of physical activity (PA). We aimed to estimate the proportion of Danish women non-adhering to WHO PA guidelines in parous women compared with nulliparous women and to describe leisure-time PA intensity in each of these groups. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: This population-based study builds on a sample of 27,668 women aged 16-40 years from the Danish National Health Survey 2021. These data were linked with childbirth data from the Danish National Birth Registry. The primary outcome was self-reported weekly hours of moderate to vigorous leisure-time PA (MVPA) dichotomized into: (i) adhering to WHO guidelines for MVPA or (ii) not adhering to WHO guidelines for MVPA. Binomial regression analysis was used to calculate prevalence proportions (PP) and prevalence proportion ratios (PPR). RESULTS: Of the 27,668 women, a total of 20,022 were included; 9338 (46.6%) parous women and 10,684 (53.4%) nulliparous women. The PP of women non-adhering to WHO PA guidelines was 63.8% (95% CI 62.9-64.8) for parous and 51.3% (95% CI 50.4-52.3) for nulliparous women, corresponding to a PPR of 1.24 (95% CI 1.21; 1.27). CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of parous women who did not adhere to WHO PA guidelines for MVPA was 24% higher than that of nulliparous women. This highlights parous women as a subgroup of the adult population at increased risk of non-adherence to WHO PA guidelines. These findings call for future research to inform new strategies aiming to promote PA in parous women.

Impact of diabetes, malnutrition and sarcopenia on the prognosis of patients admitted to internal medicine.

OBJECTIVE: To describe patients hospitalized in internal medicine in terms of malnutrition and sarcopenia, depending on the presence or absence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2), as well as to evaluate short- and long-term mortality related to both. METHODS: Cross-sectional, single-center study, which included consecutive patients admitted to internal medicine in May and October 2021. Malnutrition was determined using the Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF) and sarcopenia using SARC-F and handgrip strength. Patients hospitalized for more than 48 h are excluded. RESULTS: 511 patients were analyzed, 49.1% male, mean age 75.2 +/- 15 years, 210 (41.1%) DM2. 6 groups (2 × 3 design) are generated based on the presence of DM2 and the nutritional status according to the result of the MNA-SF: 12-14 points, without risk; MNA-SF 8-12 points, high risk; MNA-SF 0-7 points, malnourished. Malnourished patients with DM2 had significantly higher sarcopenia, comorbidity, inflammation, and pressure ulcers. The main determinants of in-hospital mortality were sarcopenia (OR 1.27, 95%CI 1.06-1.54, p = 0.01), comorbidity (OR 1.27, 95%CI 1,08-1,49, p = 0.003) and inflammation (OR 1.01, 95%CI 1.00-1.02, p = 0.02). The 120-day prognosis was worse among malnourished patients (p = 0.042). CONCLUSION: Patients admitted with DM2 have a similar degree of malnutrition than the rest, but with greater sarcopenia. This sarcopenia, together with inflammation and comorbidity determine a worse prognosis. The active and early identification of malnutrition and sarcopenia and their subsequent approach could improve the prognosis of patients.

Vaccine properties of Brucella melitensis 16MΔwzm and reactivation of placental infection in pregnant sheep.

Brucellosis, a worldwide zoonotic disease, is endemic in many developing countries. Besides causing significant economic losses for the livestock industry, it has severe consequences for human health. In endemic regions, small ruminants infected by Brucella melitensis are the main source of human brucellosis. Rev1, the only vaccine currently recommended to control the disease in sheep and goats, has several drawbacks. Rough lipopolysaccharide (R-LPS) mutants have been tested as alternatives, but most lack efficacy. Those in the Wzm/Wzt system responsible for O-polysaccharide export to the periplasm have been proposed as promising vaccine candidates, although to date they have been scarcely investigated in the natural host. In the present work, we studied the biological properties of a 16MΔwzm in-frame deletion mutant, including its safety in pregnant mice and sheep. In mice, 16MΔwzm prevented placental and fetal infections before parturition and protected against B. melitensis and Brucella ovis infections. In sheep, 16MΔwzm was equally safe in lambs, rams, and non-pregnant ewes, inducing some transient Rose Bengal reactions (<7 weeks). The serological reactions occurred earlier and more strongly in pregnant than in non-pregnant ewes and were significantly reduced when conjunctival rather than subcutaneous vaccination was used. In ewes vaccinated at mid-pregnancy, 16MΔwzm was not shed in vaginal discharges during the pregnancy and did not induce abortions/stillbirths. However, some ewes showed a transitory reactivation of infection in placentas and/or milk at parturition, accompanied by a seroconversion in smooth LPS (S-LPS) and/or R-LPS tests. Overall, 16MΔwzm can be considered as a safe vaccine for lambs, rams, and non-pregnant ewes, but its use at mid-pregnancy should be avoided to prevent vaccine dissemination at parturition. If the efficacy results against B. melitensis and B. ovis observed in mice are confirmed by further studies in the natural host, 16MΔwzm could constitute a useful vaccine.

From animal studies into clinical trials: the relevance of animal models to develop vaccines and therapies to reduce disease severity and prevent hRSV infection.

INTRODUCTION: Human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) is an important cause of lower respiratory tract infections in the pediatric and the geriatric population worldwide. There is a substantial economic burden resulting from hRSV disease during winter. Although no vaccines have been approved for human use, prophylactic therapies are available for high-risk populations. Choosing the proper animal models to evaluate different vaccine prototypes or pharmacological treatments is essential for developing efficient therapies against hRSV. AREAS COVERED: This article describes the relevance of using different animal models to evaluate the effect of antiviral drugs, pharmacological molecules, vaccine prototypes, and antibodies in the protection against hRSV. The animal models covered are rodents, mustelids, bovines, and nonhuman primates. Animals included were chosen based on the available literature and their role in the development of the drugs discussed in this manuscript. EXPERT OPINION: Choosing the correct animal model is critical for exploring and testing treatments that could decrease the impact of hRSV in high-risk populations. Mice will continue to be the most used preclinical model to evaluate this. However, researchers must also explore the use of other models such as nonhuman primates, as they are more similar to humans, prior to escalating into clinical trials.

Volumetric changes in alveolar ridge preservation with a compromised buccal wall: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Many studies have addressed socket preservation, though fewer publications considering buccal wall loss can be found, since the literature typically considers sockets with four walls. A systematic review was made on the influence of type II buccal bone defects, according to Elian's Classification, in socket grafting materials upon volumetric changes in width and height. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An electronic and manual literature search was conducted in accordance to PRISMA statement. The search strategy was restricted to randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials (CCTs) describing post-extraction sockets with loss of buccal wall in which alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) was carried out in the test group and spontaneous healing of the socket (SH) was considered in the control group. RESULTS: The search strategy yielded 7 studies. The meta-analysis showed an additional bone loss of 2.37 mm in width (p > 0.001) and of 1.10 mm in height (p > 0.001) in the absence of ARP. The reconstruction of the vestibular wall was not evaluated in any study. The results also showed moderate to great heterogeneity among the included studies in terms of the changes in width and height. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the heterogeneity of the included studies, the results indicate a benefit of ARP versus SH. Further studies are needed to determine the volumetric changes that occur when performing ARP in the presence of a buccal bone wall defect.

Nonlinear dynamic characterization of two-dimensional materials.

Owing to their atomic-scale thickness, the resonances of two-dimensional (2D) material membranes show signatures of nonlinearities at forces of only a few picoNewtons. Although the linear dynamics of membranes is well understood, the exact relation between the nonlinear response and the resonator's material properties has remained elusive. Here we show a method for determining the Young's modulus of suspended 2D material membranes from their nonlinear dynamic response. To demonstrate the method, we perform measurements on graphene and MoS2 nanodrums electrostatically driven into the nonlinear regime at multiple driving forces. We show that a set of frequency response curves can be fitted using only the cubic spring constant as a fit parameter, which we then relate to the Young's modulus of the material using membrane theory. The presented method is fast, contactless, and provides a platform for high-frequency characterization of the mechanical properties of 2D materials.

Transcriptomic investigation of meat tenderness in two Italian cattle breeds.

Our objectives for this study were to understand the biological basis of meat tenderness and to provide an overview of the gene expression profiles related to meat quality as a tool for selection. Through deep mRNA sequencing, we analyzed gene expression in muscle tissues of two Italian cattle breeds: Maremmana and Chianina. We uncovered several differentially expressed genes that encode for proteins belonging to a family of tripartite motif proteins, which are involved in growth, cell differentiation and apoptosis, such as TRIM45, or play an essential role in regulating skeletal muscle differentiation and the regeneration of adult skeletal muscle, such as TRIM32. Other differentially expressed genes (SCN2B, SLC9A7 and KCNK3) emphasize the involvement of potassium-sodium pumps in tender meat. By mapping splice junctions in RNA-Seq reads, we found significant differences in gene isoform expression levels. The PRKAG3 gene, which is involved in the regulation of energy metabolism, showed four isoforms that were differentially expressed. This distinct pattern of PRKAG3 gene expression could indicate impaired glycogen storage in skeletal muscle, and consequently, this gene very likely has a role in the tenderization process. Furthermore, with this deep RNA-sequencing, we captured a high number of expressed SNPs, for example, we found 1462 homozygous SNPs showing the alternative allele with a 100% frequency when comparing tender and tough meat. SNPs were then classified into categories by their position and also by their effect on gene coding (174 non-synonymous polymorphisms) based on the available UMD_3.1 annotations.

Skeletal muscle transcriptional profiles in two Italian beef breeds, Chianina and Maremmana, reveal breed specific variation.

Chianina and Maremmana breeds play an important role in the Italian cattle meat market. The Chianina breed is an ancient breed principally raised for draught. Now this breed is the worldwide recognized producer of top quality beef, tasteful and tender, specifically the famous "Florentine steak". The Maremmana characterized by a massive skeletal structure, is a rustic cattle breed selected for adaptability to the marshy land of the Maremma region. We used a high throughput mRNA sequencing to analyze gene expression in muscle tissues of two Italian cattle breeds, Maremmana (MM) and Chianina (CN) with different selection history. We aim to examine the specific genetic contribution of each breed to meat production and quality, comparing the skeletal muscle tissue from Maremmana and Chianina. Most of the differentially expressed genes were grouped in the Glycolysis/Gluconeogenesis pathways. The rate and the extent of post-mortem energy metabolism have a critical effect on the conversion of muscle to meat. Furthermore, we aim at discovering the differences in nucleotide variation between the two breeds which might be attributable to the different history of selection/divergence. In this work we could emphasize the involvement of pathways of post-mortem energy metabolism. Moreover, we detected a collection of coding SNPs which could offer new genomic resources to improve phenotypic selection in livestock breeding program.

Secretion of IL-16 through TNFR1 and calpain-caspase signaling contributes to MRSA pneumonia.

Staphylococcus aureus is a major cause of severe pneumonia. Multiple mechanisms of proinflammatory signaling are activated to recruit immune cells into the airway in response to S. aureus. We found that interleukin-16 (IL-16), a T cell cytokine that binds CD4, is potently activated by S. aureus, specifically by protein A (SpA), and to a much greater extent than by Gram-negative pathogens or lipopolysaccharide. IL-16 production involved multiple signals including ligation of tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) family members or epidermal growth factor receptor, both receptors for SpA and generation of Ca(2+) fluxes to activate calpains and caspase-3. Although human airway epithelial cells, vascular endothelial cells, THP-1 and Jurkat T cells released IL-16 in response to S. aureus in vitro, in a murine model of pneumonia, CD4(+) cells were the major source of IL-16 suggesting the involvement of an autocrine signaling pathway. The production of IL-16 contributed to lung damage as neutralization of IL-16 enhanced S. aureus clearance and resulted in diminished lung pathology in S. aureus pneumonia. Our results suggest that the ability of S. aureus to activate TNFR1 and Ca(2+)/calpain signaling contribute to T cell activation and excessive inflammation in the setting of acute pneumonia.

Strength-training with whole-body vibration in long-distance runners: a randomized trial.

A parallel group randomized trial was designed to analyze the impact of 6 weeks of strength training programs performed with or without whole-body vibration on muscular and endurance performance parameters in long-distance runners. 22 endurance runners were allocated into strength with whole-body vibration (n=8), without (n=8), and control (n=6) groups. Before and after the experimental period the subjects performed the following tests: a) maximum dynamic strength test, b) maximal incremental treadmill test, and c) time to exhaustion at velocity corresponding to maximal oxygen uptake. The fractions of the aerobic and anaerobic contribution in time to exhaustion test were also calculated. Both strength trained groups showed a similar increase in maximum dynamic strength (~18%). The aerobic contribution was enhanced for strength training group without whole-body vibration (~25%) after experimental period. No statistical differences were observed in any other variable. These results suggest that 6 weeks of strength training performed with or without whole-body vibration improve similarly the maximum dynamic strength in long-distance runners. In addition, both training modes studied had no deleterious effects on the traditional parameters of endurance performance, traditional strength training program results in increased aerobic contribution during high-intensity aerobic exercise.

Understanding respiratory syncytial virus infection to improve treatment and immunity.

Despite significant research since it was discovered more than 50 years ago, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) continues to be the leading agent causing infant hospitalization and respiratory distress worldwide. Although RSV normally does not cause mortality, this virus is recognized as a major public health and economic burden around the globe. RSV can modulate host immunity leading to an inflammatory response that produces lung damage and virus dissemination in the host airways. Remarkably, infection with the virus elicits poor immunity that in most cases fails to protect against subsequent exposures. Here, we review advances made on the understanding of the lifecycle of the virus, some of the molecular mechanisms it has evolved to cause pathology and ineffective immunity during infection. Hopefully, ongoing research will contribute to developing new drugs and candidate vaccines that will decrease the health burden caused by this virus.

[Outbreak of measles in the population of Spanish origin in North Madrid]. / Brote de 22 casos de sarampión autóctono en la zona norte de Madrid.

After being virtually eradicated in Europe, thousands of cases of measles in the population of Spanish origin have appeared in the last 3 years. We describe the cases diagnosed in the north of Madrid between January and June 2011. A total of 22 cases are reported, 18 of them grouped in 2 outbreaks (2 nurseries). The primary attack rate was 29% in the main outbreak. All cases were in unvaccinated patients (median = 14 months). Genotype D4 was predominant (95%). There was a 45% complication rate and 45% were admitted to hospitals. The Public Health Service recommended isolating cases and vaccinating susceptible contacts in advance. Health Centres established a specific protocol to respond to suspected cases. The Measles vaccination has been brought forward from 15 to 12 months in Madrid. Measles is a re-emerging disease in Europe. The coordinated management between public health and health facilities is essential to limiting outbreaks.

Immediate implants following tooth extraction. A systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this article is to review the current state of immediate implants, with their pros and contras, and the clinical indications and contraindications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An exhaustive literature search has been carried out in the COCHRANE library and MEDLINE electronic databases from 2004 to November 2009. Randomized clinical trials and clinical trials focused on single implants placed in fresh extraction sockets were included and compared. A meta-analysis could not be performed due to heterogeneity of the data. RESULTS: Twenty studies out of 135 articles from the initial search were finally included, which summed up a total of 1139 immediate implants with at least a 12-month follow-up. Our results have been compared with other current available papers in the literature reviewed that obtained similar outcomes. DISCUSSION: Immediate implants have predictable results with several advantages over delayed implant placement. However, technical complications have been described regarding this technique. Also, biomaterials may be needed when the jumping distance is greater than 1mm or any bone defect is present. CONCLUSIONS: Few studies report on success rates rather than survival rates in the literature reviewed. Short-term clinical results were described and results were comparable to those obtained with delayed implant placement. Further long-term, randomized clinical trials are needed to give scientific evidence on the benefits of immediate implants over delayed implant placement.

Evasion of host immunity by virulent Salmonella: implications for vaccine design.

Dendritic cells (DCs) are professional antigen presenting cells (APCs) capable of linking innate and adaptive immunity during infection. After recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), DCs can engulf, process and present bacteria-derived antigens on MHC molecules to T cells. Because of the key role that DCs play on the initiation of innate and adaptive immunity, alterations in their function could render the host susceptible to bacterial dissemination. Consistent with this notion, is the observation that several pathogenic bacteria have evolved mechanisms to impair the DC capacity to prime naïve T cells. One of such bacteria is Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, which causes a typhoid-like disease in mice and gastroenteritis in humans. Recent studies have shown that virulent Salmonella can use intestinal DCs to spread inside the host, evading T cell priming. The avoidance of T cell recognition by Salmonella is in large part achieved by the activity of gene products encoded on Salmonella Pathogenicity Islands -1 and - 2. The understanding of some of the remarkable molecular virulence mechanisms displayed by Salmonella has contributed to the design of new vaccines capable of inducing protective immunity against this pathogen in mouse models. Here we describe recent data underscoring the virulence mechanisms used by Salmonella to exploit DC function and discuss strategies based on this new knowledge aimed at the design of new efficient and safe vaccines against this pathogen.

Semiaphis dauci (Fabricius) (Insecta, Hemiptera, Aphididae) ­ formal record of occurrence on arracacha (Arracacia xanthorrhiza Bancr) (Apiaceae) in Brazil, morphological characterization, description of damages and arthropods associated to the culture / Semiaphis dauci (Fabricius) (Insecta, Hemiptera, Aphididae) ­ registro formal de ocorrência em mandioquinha­salsa (Arracacia xanthorrhiza Bancr) (Apiaceae) no Brasil, caracterização morfológica, descrição dos danos e artrópodes relacionados à cultura

This paper reports formally the occurrence and describes the damages by Semiaphis dauci (Fabricius, 1775) (Insecta, Hemiptera, Aphididae, Aphidinae, Macrosiphini) on arracacha (Arracaciaxanthorrhiza Bancr.) (Apiaceae) in Brazil. The infestation was initially noted on April/2002 at Núcleo de Produção de Mudas, Departamento de Sementes Mudas e Matrizes, Coordenadoria de Assistência Técnica Integral, Secretaria de Agricultura e Abastecimento, São Bento do Sapucaí, State of São Paulo. Posteriorly the occurrence was detected in other parts of the municipality of São Bento do Sapucaí such as Serrano, Paiol Grande and Cantagalo, being the incidence higher in localities at lower altitudes. The colonies, with large number of individuals, were settled on both sides of the leaves and also hidden under petiole, but with lower number of specimens. The adult plants were underdeveloped and the growing of aphid colonies induced the blossoming. In the seedlings the symptoms were severer with reduction in the development and death of plants. When the colonies were placed in the dorsal side of the leaves, there was a tendency to wrinkling and rolling to upper side that was used as shelter by the aphids. Morphological characterization, illustrations and notes on biology of S. dauci and a survey of the Arthropoda related with A. xanthorrhiza are also presented.

Este trabalho efetua o registro formal de ocorrência e descreve os danos de Semiaphis dauci (Fabricius, 1775) (Insecta, Hemiptera, Aphididae, Aphidinae, Macrosiphini) em cultura de mandioquinha-salsa (Arracacia xanthorrhiza Bancr.) (Apiaceae) no Brasil. A infestação foi observada, inicialmente, em abril/2002, no Núcleo de Produção de Mudas, Departamento de Sementes Mudas e Matrizes, Coordenadoria de Assistência Técnica Integral, Secretaria de Agricultura e Abastecimento, São Bento do Sapucaí, SP. Posteriormente, a ocorrência foi detectada em outras localidades do município como Serrano, Paiol Grande e Cantagalo sendo que a incidência foi maior nas áreas de menor altitude. As colônias estavam localizadas em ambas as faces das folhas, e em menor número no pecíolo escondidas na bainha da folha. As plantas adultas apresentavam subdesenvolvimento e o aumento das colônias induzia o florescimento. Nas mudas os sintomas foram mais severos com redução no desenvolvimento e posterior morte das plantas. Quando havia formação de colônias na superfície superior das folhas, havia tendência de encarquilhamento e enrolamento para cima, servindo de abrigo para os pulgões. Caracterização morfológica, ilustrações, notas sobre a biologia de S. dauci e levantamento dos Arthropoda relacionados com A. xanthorrhiza também são apresentados.

'Haptoglobin concentrations in preterm and term newborns'.

OBJECTIVE: To measure systemic haptoglobin (HPT) concentrations from birth in preterm (PT) and T newborns. To compare HPT in newborns without hemolysis or infection with values in bacteremic newborns. STUDY DESIGN: HPT was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 30 PT and 28 T newborns without hemolysis or infection at birth (cord blood), on days of life 2 to 4, and at 1 to 2 weeks of life. Concentrations were measured in eight additional newborns with bacteremia. Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test was used for comparisons. RESULT: HPT concentrations were consistently measurable from birth in PT and T neonates. Values were significantly greater in 2- to 4-day-old PT and T newborns than in newborns at birth (P<0.01). Bacteremic newborns had higher HPT concentrations than newborns without infection (P=0.033). CONCLUSION: HPT is detectable from birth in PT and T newborns. HPT concentrations increase in bacteremic newborns. HPT levels may have clinical utility in the evaluation of neonatal sepsis.

SOS1 over-expression in genital skin fibroblasts from hirsute women: a putative role of the SOS1/RAS pathway in the pathogenesis of hirsutism.

Hirsutism is the development of androgen-dependent terminal body hair in women in places in which terminal hair are normally not found. It is often associated with hyperandrogenemia and/or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but the existence of uncommom hirsutism forms that are not related to altered androgen plasma levels lead also to the definition of - idiopathic hirsutism. Although the pathophysiology of hirsutism has been linked to increasing 5-alpha reductase (SRD5A) activity and to an alteration of the androgen receptor (AR) transcriptional machinery, many aspects remain unclear. In particular, the relationships between androgens and local factors are poorly understood. In the present paper, we selected for a genital skin biopsy, 8 women affected with severe hirsutism (Ferriman-Gallway score greater than 25) but with normal plasma androgen levels, with the exception of slightly higher serum 3alpha-diol-glucuronide levels, and 6 healthy controls and analyzed their androgen- and insulin-specific transcriptional profile using a specific custom low density microarray (AndroChip 2, GPL9164). We identified the over-expression of the Son of Sevenless-1 (SOS1) gene in all of the hirsute skin fibroblast primary cell cultures compared to control healthy women. Since SOS1 is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor that couples receptor tyrosine kinases to the RAS signaling pathway that controls cell proliferation and differentiation, we further analyzed SOS1 expression, protein level and RAS signaling activation pathway in an in vitro model (NHDF, normal human dermal fibroblast cell line). NHDF treated for 24 h with different concentrations of DHT and T showed an increase in SOS1 levels (both mRNA and protein) and also an activation of the RAS pathway. Our in vivo and in vitro data represent a novel preliminary observation that factors activating SOS1 could act as local proliferative modulators linked to the androgen pathway in the pilosebaceous unit. SOS1 over-expression may play a role in the regulation of the RAS/mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway in the skin, in the hair follicle proliferation and cell cycle, suggesting new perspectives in understanding the pathogenesis of idiopathic hirsutism.

Virulence mechanisms displayed by Salmonella to impair dendritic cell function.

Dendritic cells (DCs) link innate and adaptive immunity by directly recognizing pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) on bacteria. DCs can capture and degrade bacteria and present their antigens on MHC molecules to T cells. PAMP recognition promotes DC maturation, a phenotypic change that empowers them to prime naïve T cells. As a result, an adaptive immune response that specifically targets bacteria-derived antigens is initiated. Consequently, any impairment of DC function might contribute to bacterial survival and dissemination in the host. Therefore, the characterization of DC-bacteria interactions is required to understand the mechanisms used by virulent bacteria to avoid adaptive immunity. An example of a bacterial pathogen capable of interfering with DC function is Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium), which causes a typhoid-like disease in mice. Virulent strains of S. Typhimurium are able to differentially modulate the entrance to DCs and avoid lysosomal degradation, to prevent antigen presentation on MHC molecules. These features of virulent S. Typhimurium are controlled by virulence factors encoded by Salmonella Pathogenicity Islands 1 and 2. Modulation of DC functions by the activity of these gene products is supported by several recent studies, which have shown that pathogenesis might depend on this attribute of virulent S. Typhimurium. Here we discuss recent data showing that several virulence factors from Salmonella are required to differentially modulate DC function and adaptive immunity in the host.