Microarray expression in peri-implant tissue next to different titanium implant surfaces predicts clinical outcomes: a split-mouth study.

OBJECTIVES: This split-mouth study evaluated miRNA expression of tissues around implants with different surface treatments. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Each patient of the sample (five men and five women) received two implants (one control and one test) into an edentulous quadrant to support fixed partial dentures. The control implants (Osseotite) had a dual acid-etched (DAE) surface in the apical portion and a machined coronal part, test implants (Full Osseotite, FOSS) were completely DAE. Machined healing abutments were placed on control implants and DAE abutments on test ones. All implants were assigned codes for blinding. Standardized periapical radiographs were taken at baseline, 2 and 6 months, and 1 year after surgery. Plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), and probing depth (PD) were recorded at 3 and 6 weeks, and 2, 3, 6, and 12 months post-implant placement. After 3 months, a mini-invasive sample of soft tissue was collected from seven patients (four women and three men) for miRNA microarray analysis. RESULTS: Control implants showed greater bone resorption (BR) and lower PI: this was not statistically significant. No statistically significant differences in BOP and PD appeared. miRNA modulated by implant surfaces as well as by other clinical conditions has been identified. miRNA microarray analysis revealed that: (i) implant sites with low PI and absence of BOP had a miRNA expression profile similar to those with plaque and absence of BOP; sites with high PI and high BOP had a different profile. (ii) Implant sites with BOP presented similar profiles independently from implant surface. (iii) Implant sites with high PI and normal BR differed from others for miRNA expression profile. (iv) Implant sites with normal BR despite high BOP differed from others. This profile resembled that of FOSS implants. (v) Implant surface affected BR; groups having similar BR clusterized differently according to the implant type. CONCLUSIONS: DAE surfaces induced lower BR and more plaque accumulation: This did not affect the health of soft tissues. miRNA analysis indicated that soft tissue inflammation is more related to gene expression profile than to plaque or to implant surface. Specific miRNA profile can protect implant sites from bleeding and BR irrespective of plaque accumulation.

Structure of Self-Assembled Mn Atom Chains on Si(001).

Mn has been found to self-assemble into atomic chains running perpendicular to the surface dimer reconstruction on Si(001). They differ from other atomic chains by a striking asymmetric appearance in filled state scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) images. This has prompted complicated structural models involving up to three Mn atoms per chain unit. Combining STM, atomic force microscopy, and density functional theory we find that a simple necklacelike chain of single Mn atoms reproduces all their prominent features, including their asymmetry not captured by current models. The upshot is a remarkably simpler structure for modeling the electronic and magnetic properties of Mn atom chains on Si(001).

Inhibition of the de-myelinating properties of Aicardi-Goutières syndrome lymphocytes by cathepsin D silencing.

Molecular mechanisms relating interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) to brain damage have recently been identified in a microarray analysis of cerebrospinal fluid lymphocytes from patients with Aicardi-Goutières Syndrome (AGS). These findings demonstrate that the inhibition of angiogenesis and the activation of neurotoxic lymphocytes are the major pathogenic mechanisms involved in the brain damage consequent to elevated interferon-alpha levels. Our previous study demonstrated that cathepsin D, a lysosomal aspartyl endopeptidase, is the primary mediator of the neurotoxicity exerted by AGS lymphocytes. Cathepsin D is a potent pro-apoptotic, neurotoxic, and demyelinating protease if it is not properly inhibited by the activities of leukocystatins. In central nervous system white matter, demyelination results from cathepsin over-expression when not balanced by the expression of its inhibitors. In the present study, we used RNA interference to inhibit cathepsin D expression in AGS lymphocytes with the aim of decreasing the neurotoxicity of these cells. Peripheral blood lymphocytes collected from an AGS patient were immortalized and co-cultured with astrocytes in the presence of interferon alpha with or without cathepsin D RNA interference probes. Cathepsin D expression was measured by qPCR, and neurotoxicity was evaluated by microscopy. RNA interference inhibited cathepsin D over-production by 2.6-fold (P<0.01) in AGS lymphocytes cultured in the presence of interferon alpha. AGS lymphocytes treated using RNA interference exhibited a decreased ability to induce neurotoxicity in astrocytes. Such neurotoxicity results in the inhibition of astrocyte growth and the inhibition of the ability of astrocytes to construct web-like aggregates. These results suggest a new strategy for repairing AGS lymphocytes in vitro by inhibiting their ability to induce astrocyte damage and leukodystrophy.

Proteome alterations in primary open angle glaucoma aqueous humor.

As the only nourishment and scavenging source for most of the anterior and posterior chamber tissues in the eye, the aqueous humor represents one of the target for glaucoma. The aim of this study is to investigate the yet unexplored relationship between aqueous humor protein content and open-angle glaucoma (POAG) pathogenesis. Aqueous humor was collected from 10 POAG patients (cases) and 14 senile cataract patients (controls), matched for age and gender, undergoing surgery for trabeculectomy and cataract, respectively. Protein samples were cyanine-labeled and hybridized with antibody microarrays. Microarray signals were revealed by laser scanner, quantified, and compared by statistical analyses. Total protein amounts were not significantly different in patients versus controls. Conversely, a proteome cluster significantly modified in patients as compared to controls was identified as highly predictive for disease status. Selected proteins underwent dramatic variation, which was correlated to pathogenetic events characterizing POAG, including oxidative damage, mitochondrial damage, neural degeneration, and apoptosis. The results obtained indicate that proteomic analysis of aqueous humor is a new tool for POAG diagnosis in the case of otherwise uncertain disease recognition. Furthermore, this study allows a better understanding of mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of POAG, the main cause of irreversible blindness worldwide.

HIVgp120 activates autoreactive CD4-specific T cell responses by unveiling of hidden CD4 peptides during processing.

T cells are made tolerant only to those self-peptides that are presented in sufficient amounts by antigen-presenting cells. They ignore cryptic self-determinants, such as either those not generated by processing machinery or generated in insufficient amounts. It is anticipated that mechanisms that either change antigen processing or increase the yield of previously "invisible" peptides may be capable of inducing T cell priming and, if they are self-maintained, may sustain autoimmune diseases. Herein, we demonstrate for the first time a mechanism by which the gp120 human immunodeficiency virus-I, by downregulating plasma membrane CD4 and increasing its processing, unveils hidden CD4 epitopes, inducing an autoimmune-specific T cell response.

Structural, electrical and magnetic characterization of artificial ferromagnetic/superconducting (La(0.7)Ca(0.3)MnO(3)/YBa(2)Cu(3)O(7-x)) heterostructures.

The fabrication and characterization of superconducting and ferromagnetic heterostructures is an open field due to the fundamental interest in the physics of the coexistence of these two competing orders and their possible applications in the spintronics industry. In this paper we present structural, electrical and magnetic characterization for the single La(0.7)Ca(0.3)MnO(3) (LCMO) thin layer, La(0.7)Ca(0.3)MnO(3)/YBa(2)Cu(3)O(7-x) (LCMO/YBCO) bilayers and the LCMO/YBCO/LCMO trilayers. In particular, we show a detailed magnetic characterization of the LCMO thin films by means of low temperature magnetic force microscopy. We discuss the different dynamics of the magnetic domains observed, depending on the substrate induced strain and on the film thickness.

Immunostimulation by a partially modified retro-inverso-tuftsin analogue containing Thr1 psi[NHCO](R,S)Lys2 modification.

The tuftsin retro-inverso analogue H-Thr psi[NHCO](R,S)Lys-Pro-Arg-OH was synthesized through a novel procedure for the high-yield incorporation of isolated retro-inverso bonds into peptide chains and the use of the new Meldrum's acid derivative (CH3)2C(OCO)2CH(CH2)4NHCOCF3 followed by its efficient coupling in solution to trimethylsilylated H-D-Thr(t-Bu)NH2. Closely related peptide impurities were eliminated both from the crude final peptide and the fully protected tetrapeptide amide precursor via ion-exchange and reversed-phase displacement chromatography, respectively. The tuftsin retro-inverso analogue proved to be completely resistant to enzymatic degradation in vitro, either against isolated aminopeptidases or human plasma proteolytic enzymes. When administered either orally or intravenously, it was significantly more active than normal tuftsin in increasing the number of specific antibody secreting cells in spleen of mice immunized with sheep erythrocytes. Furthermore, the analogue exerted an enhanced stimulatory effect on the cytotoxic activity of splenocytes against YAC-1 tumor cells. Finally, retro-inverso-tuftsin was about 10-fold more potent than the native peptide in reducing rat adjuvant arthritis. The resistance of the retro-inverso analogue to peptidases might explain the increased in vivo activities and allows its further immunopharmacological characterization.

Cerebral blood flow in spinocerebellar degenerations: a single photon emission tomography study in 28 patients.

We used single photon emission tomography to study regional cerebral perfusion in patients with different forms of spinocerebellar degeneration: 6 patients with Friedreich's ataxia (FA), 6 with early-onset cerebellar ataxia with retained tendon reflexes (EOCA), 5 with autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia type 1 (ADCA I) and 11 with idiopathic late-onset cerebellar ataxia (ILOCA). The results were related to clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. Cerebellar hypoperfusion was constant in ADCA I and frequent in patients with other spinocerebellar degenerations. Brain stem hypoperfusion was constant in ADCA I, frequent in ILOCA patients with pontocerebellar atrophy and absent in FA and EOCA. FA and EOCA often showed a reduction in the parietotemporal cortex blood flow, which was not related to cortical atrophy. ILOCA patients had an asymmetric pattern in the temporal areas with decreased blood flow in the right side only. Caudate hypoperfusion was found in ADCA I patients. Cerebral atrophy did not account for changes in regional blood flow, which probably indicate early involvement of cerebral structures.

Gas chromatographic determination of chlorinated pesticides and PCBs in complex cosmetic matrices.

An investigation was performed in order to evaluate the presence as polluting agents of chlorinated hydrocarbons in complex cosmetic matrices. Chlorinated pesticides, such as Dieldrin, alpha-Endosulfan, Heptachlor, alpha-Hexachlorocyclohexane (alpha-HCH), Lindane and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) such as Aroclor 1254, were studied in two ingredients and in three finished commercial products. The analytical procedure consists of extraction, extract clean-up, separation of pesticides from PCBs, identification and measurement. Analysis was performed by gas chromatography with electron-capture detector, identity of pesticides and PCBs was assumed from retention times and quantification was based on peak-height measurements.

omega-Dialkylaminoalkyl ethers of 5-(arylmethylene)-1,3,3-trimethyl-2- oxabicyclo[2.2.2]octan-6-hydroxyimines with platelet antiaggregating and other activities.

The synthesis of omega-dialkylaminoalkyl ethers 3 by the reaction of some 5-(arylmethylene)-1,3,3-trimethyl-2-oxabicyclo[2.2.2]octan-6- hydroxyimines as sodium salts with the appropriate omega-chloroalkyldialkylamine in DMF solution is described. Some aminoethers 3 showed strong platelet antiaggregating activity in vitro superior to that of acetylsalicylic acid, as well as weak antiarrhythmic activity in rats and moderate infiltration anesthesia in mice.

Cyclohepta[b]pyran derivatives with platelet antiaggregating and other activities.

The synthesis of some N,N-disubstituted 4-amino-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-3-phenylcyclohepta[b]pyran-2(5H)-ones by reaction of phenylchloroketene with a series of N,N-disubstituted 2-aminomethylenecycloheptanones, followed by dehydrochlorination of the primary adducts with DBN, is described. Some compounds showed a platelet antiaggregating activity in vitro superior or comparable to that of acetylsalicylic acid, as well as weak local anesthetic, antiinflammatory and analgesic activities in mice and rats.

Synthesis and pharmacological activity of some N,N-disubstituted 1-amino-2-phenyl-3H,12H-naphtho[1,2-b]pyrano[2,3-d]pyran-3-ones.

The synthesis of some N,N-disubstituted 1-amino-2-phenyl-3H,12H-naphtho[1,2-b]pyrano[2,3-d]pyran-3-ones 4, by reaction of phenylchloroketene with a series of N,N-disubstituted 3-aminomethylene-2,3-dihydro-4H-naphtho[1,2-b]pyran-4-ones, followed by dehydrochlorination in situ of the primary adducts with DBN, is described. Some compounds 4 showed antiarrhythmic and analgesic activities.

2H,5H-[1]benzothiopyrano [4,3-b]pyran derivatives with platelet antiaggregating activity.

The synthesis of some N,N-disubstituted 4-amino-3-phenyl-2H,5H-[1]benzothiopyrano [4,3-b]pyran-2-ones by reaction of phenylchloroketene with a series of N,N-disubstituted 3-aminomethylene-2,3-dihydro-4H-1-benzothiopyran-4-ones, followed by dehydrochlorination of the primary adducts with DBN, is described. Some of these compounds showed a strong platelet antiaggregating activity in vitro, superior to that of acetylsalicylic acid.

Synthesis of new N,N-disubstituted 4-amino-5,6-dihydro-3-phenyl-2H-thieno[2,3-h]-1-benzopyran-2-ones.

The synthesis of some N,N-disubstituted 4-amino-5,6-dihydro-3-phenyl-2H-thieno[2,3-h]-1-benzopyran-2-ones (4a-f), by reaction of phenylchloroketene with a series of N,N-disubstituted (E)-5-aminomethylene-6,7-dihydrobenzo[b]thiophen-4(5)-ones, followed by dehydrochlorination in situ of the primary adducts with DBN, is described. A moderate local anaesthetic activity was observed in the title compounds, particularly in 4e.

O-(2-dialkylaminoethyl)oximes of 5-(arylmethylene)-1,3,3-trimethyl-2-oxabicyclo [2.2.2]octan-6-ones with hypotensive, antiarrhythmic and other activities.

The synthesis of some O-(2-dialkylaminoethyl)oximes of 5-[(4-methoxy- or 4-methylthiophenyl)methylene]-1,3,3-trimethyl-2-oxabicyclo[2.2.2] octan-6-ones 5 by reaction of the corresponding oximes as sodium salts with the appropriate 2-chloroethyldialkylamine in dry ethanol solution is described. Some aminoethers 5 showed appreciable hypotensive and antiarrhythmic activities in rats, as well as a weak platelet antiaggregating activity in vitro and a moderate infiltration anesthesia in mice.

2H-1-benzopyran derivatives with platelet antiaggregating and other activities.

The synthesis of some N,N-disubstituted 4-amino-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-3,6- diphenyl-2H-1-benzopyran-2-ones by reaction of phenylchloroketene with a series of N,N-disubstituted 2-aminomethylene-4-phenylcyclohexanones, followed by dehydrochlorination in situ of the primary adducts with DBN, is described. Some compounds showed a platelet antiaggregating activity in vitro superior or comparable to that of acetylsalicylic acid and an appreciable antiarrhythmic activity, as well as weak anti-inflammatory and local anesthetic activities in rats and mice.

Esters of 7-(diphenylmethylene)bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-endo-ol with antiarrhythmic and other activities.

The synthesis of esters derived from 7-(diphenylmethylene)bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-endo-ol, obtained by LiAlH4 reduction of 7-(diphenylmethylene)bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one, is described. Some of these esters showed an appreciable antiarrhythmic activity in rats, as well as moderate hypotensive and local anesthetic activities in rats and mice, respectively.

5-[4-(omega-dialkylaminoalkoxy)phenylmethylene] -1,3,3-trimethyl-2-oxabicyclo[2.2.2]octan-6-ones with platelet antiaggregating and other activities.

The synthesis of 5-[4-(omega-dialkylaminoalkoxy)phenylmethylene]- 1,3,3-trimethyl-2-oxabicyclo[2.2.2]octan-6-ones 3 by reaction of some 4-(omega-dialkylaminoalkoxy)benzaldehydes with (+)-1,3,3-trimethyl-2-oxabicyclo [2.2.2]octan-6-one in the presence of sodium methoxide is described. Some aminoethers 3 showed platelet antiaggregating activity in vitro superior or comparable to that of acetylsalicylic acid, as well as weak antiarrhythmic activity in rats and moderate infiltration anesthesia in mice.

2H-pyrano[3,2-d]-1-benzoxepin derivatives with platelet antiaggregating and other activities.

The synthesis of some N,N-disubstituted 4-amino-5,6-dihydro-3-phenyl-2H-pyrano[3,2-d]-1-benzoxepin-2 -ones by reaction of phenylchloroketene with a series of N,N-disubstituted (E)-4-aminomethylene-3,4-dihydro-1-benzoxepin-5(2H)-ones, followed by dehydrochlorination of the primary adducts with DBN, is described. Some of these compounds showed a platelet antiaggregating activity in vitro slightly superior to that of acetylsalicylic acid, as well as weak local anesthetic and antiinflammatory activities in mice and rats, respectively.

Benzo[6,7]cyclohepta[1,2-b]pyran derivatives with platelet antiaggregating and other activities.

The synthesis of some N,N-disubstituted 4-amino-6,7-dihydro-3-phenylbenzo[6,7]cyclohepta[1,2-b]pyran-2(5H) -ones by reaction of phenylchloroketene with a series of N,N-disubstituted 6-aminomethylene-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-5H-benzocyclohepten-5-ones, followed by dehydrochlorination of the primary adducts with DBN, is described. Some compounds showed a platelet antiaggregating activity in vitro superior or comparable to that of acetylsalicylic acid, as well as a weak local anesthetic activity in mice and antiinflammatory activity in rats.