Cyclin D1-induced proliferation is independent of beta-catenin in head and neck cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) progression and metastasis have previously been associated with the activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-protein kinase B (PI3K-Akt) and Wnt signalling pathways, which lead to the activation of pro-proliferative genes, such as cyclin D1. The current study aims to investigate whether there is a crosstalk between these pathways in HNSCC and which pathway is more likely to regulate cyclin D1. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two HNSCC and a control keratinocyte cell lines were treated with EGF and wortmannin to respectively activate and block the PI3K-Akt and Wnt pathways. Partial and total levels of cyclin D1, beta-catenin and Akt were evaluated by Western blotting and immunofluorescence. Twenty-four paraffin-embedded samples of human HNSCC, as well as normal oral mucosa biopsies, were also immunohistochemically evaluated for beta-catenin and cyclin D1 expression. RESULTS: Following both treatments, change in cyclin D1 protein was correlated with Akt levels only. Cytoplasmic staining for beta-catenin and loss of its membranous expression in the HNSCC invasive areas were found in 92% of the HNSCC biopsies. CONCLUSION: Taken together, we show that the change in cyclin D1 levels is more likely to be due to the EGFR-Akt pathway activation than due to beta-catenin nuclear translocation.

Minimal iliac bone harvesting in sinus lift surgery.

For sinus grafting, the authors propose a minimal posterior iliac bone harvesting, with local anesthesia. Autogenous bone grafting continues to be considered the gold standard for sinus grafting. The classic harvesting sites are calvarial, anterior iliac, and tibial, and harvesting is usually practiced under general anesthesia. We performed this technique in 7 patients under local anesthesia. In the posterior iliac crest, with a specific trocar for bone puncture biopsy, bone was harvested. We performed 1 cm longer for 5-mm diameter of bone. Three bone biopsies were harvested on each side. The harvested cancellous bone (5 cm(3)) was mixed with triphosphocalcic (TCP) material (2 cm(3)), and blood (1 cm(3)). A classic sinus lift was realized. After 6 months, the success rate of bone grafting was 100%. Each of the 7 patients could be implanted by an average of 4 dental implants by superior maxillary. For sinus lift, this simple posterior iliac-bone biopsy harvesting under local anesthesia is very comfortable for the patient and also safe. It provides enough marrow bone to be mixed with TCP for a sinus lift.

A new species of Corinnella Thomas & Dominique, 2006 (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae).

The monotypic genus Corinnella Thomas & Dominique, 2006, was described based on nymphs from French Guyana, and since the original description nothing has been added to knowledge of its systematics. The aim of the present paper is to describe a new species of the genus from Northern Brazil, to improve its diagnoses, and to report the genus for the first time from Brazil. The new species can be recognized by: labrum with discernible anteromedial emargination and process; posterior margin of terga IV with rounded spines; and tarsal claw with seven to nine denticles, with the outer and inner denticles distinctly longer than the others.

The adults of Camelobaetidiusjanae Dominique & Thomas, 2001 and C. yacutinga Nieto, 2003, with a new synonym for C. leentvaari Demoulin, 1966 (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae).

The genus Camelobaetidius Demoulin, 1966 has 39 species distributed throughout the Nearctic and Neotropical Regions, being one of the most studied genera of the family Baetidae. Based on material from Brazil, the aim of the present paper is to describe adults of C. janae Dominique & Thomas, 2001 and C. yacutinga Nieto, 2003, and to recognize a new synonym for Camelobaetidius leentvaari Demoulin, 1966 (= C. mantis Traver & Edmunds, 1968 nov. syn.) based on the examination of type material.

Stoneflies left over from a mining disaster: new species and records of Perlidae (Plecoptera) from the Doce River basin, southeastern Brazil.

Seven years after a mudflow reached an important area of the Doce River basin, southeastern Brazil, and with the objective of reporting the current Plecoptera fauna, specimens of Anacroneuria Klaplek, 1909 (Plecoptera: Perlidae) were studied. Three new records from this basin are included: A. mineira Novaes & Bispo, 2014; A. atrifrons Klaplek, 1922; and Anacroneuria itatiaiensis Baldin, Bispo & Novaes, 2013. A new species is described: A. piranga sp. nov. Castillo-Velsquez, Gonalves & Salles. The new species is morphologically similar to A. annulicauda Stark & Kondratieff, 2004 and A. atrifrons, but can be distinguished by the keel of the penial armature, which is flat and pointed at the apex. In addition to its description, photographs of all species are included, as well as a detailed description of the habitat of the new species.

[The tongue flap in palatal defect reconstruction]. / Le lambeau de langue dans la reconstruction des pertes de substances du palais.

INTRODUCTION: A palatal defect with bucconasal fistula often follows exeresis of palatal tumors. It cannot be directly sutured. Several techniques have been used to cure such defects: palatal obturator, free, or local flaps. TECHNICAL NOTE: The tongue pediculated flap is an easy, safe, and reliable surgical option to reconstruct palatal defects. The tongue flap is a double-layer muscular and mucosal flap that requires two surgeries. During the first, the flap is harvested on the tongue and partially sutured on the anterior portion of the palatal defect. During the second, the pedicle is freed from the tongue and sutured to the posterior portion of the palatal defect. Between these two surgeries the patient is fed through a nasogastric tube. DISCUSSION: The tongue flap is easy and reproducible. It can be recommended in mediopalatal defects after cancer palatal surgery. Its esthetical and functional results are excellent. It is an alternative to palatal obturator, which are not well tolerated in the long run. Similar but uneven results are obtained with free flaps. Free flaps do not require a second surgery but are more difficult to implement in developing countries.

[Cone beam 3D sialography: preliminary study]. / Sialographie 3D en cone beam: étude préliminaire.

INTRODUCTION: Stones, stenosis and inflammatory lesions are the main causes of mealtime syndrome. The aim of paraclinical exam is to find the cause of these obstructive symptoms. Ultrasound is often sufficient to confirm the lithiasic origin of salivary gland swelling. Non-lithiasic salivary obstructions are more difficult to diagnose. We studied the feasibility and quality of a new medical imaging device: three-dimensional (3D) sialography using the technique of cone beam with flat panel (CPCT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Five patients were included, referred for diagnostic management of non-lithiasic salivary gland parotid colic. It was performed for each patient in the angiography room, conventional sialography and 3D CPCT. Images were compared to conventional sialography. RESULTS: None of catheterization failure or side effects were observed in five patients. 3D CPCT sialography enabled to view gland ducts until their fifth or sixth division. Compared to conventional sialography, 3D CPCT improves signal and contrast to noise ratio. DISCUSSION: This technique allows an anatomic resolution and signal/noise ratio unmatched. It also allows to reduce metallics artefacts. Its main drawback is those associated with ductal catheterization, exposure to ionizing radiation and potential allergy to iodinated contrast agents.

On the cation dependence of interlamellar and interparticular water and swelling in smectite clays.

The osmotic character of long-range interlamellar swelling in smectite clays is widely accepted and has been evidenced in the interlayer space by X-ray diffraction. Such a behavior in mesopores was not experimentally confirmed until the determination of the mesopore size distribution in Na-montmorillonite prepared from MX80 bentonite using thermoporometry experiments. This is confirmed here for other montmorillonite samples where the interlayer cations are alkaline and Ca(2+) cations. The nature of the interlayer cation is found as strongly influencing the behavior of the size and the swelling of mesopores. These results are supported by the BJH (Barrett, Joyner and Halenda) pore radius values issued from the nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms at the dry state. Thermoporometry results as a function of relative humidity ranging from 11% to 97% have shown an evolution of the mesopore sizes for a purified Na-montmorillonite. New thermoporometry data are presented in this article and confirm that the interparticle spaces in K-, Cs-, or Ca-montmorillonites are not strongly modified for all the range of relative humidity: the swelling is not observed or is strongly limited. It appears in contrast that only Li- and Na-montmorillonites undergo a mesopore swelling, distinct from the interlayer swelling. More generally, our results confirm the possibility to use thermoporometry or differential scanning calorimetry to study the structure and the evolution of swelling materials in wetting conditions such as natural clays or biological cells. In this paper, we describe the different key steps of the hydration of swelling clays such as montmorillonites saturated with alkaline cations. Using thermoporometry results combined with X-ray diffraction data, we distinguish the evolution of the porosity at the two different scales and propose a sequence of hydration dependent on the interlayer cation. From this study, it is shown that the interlayer spaces are not completely filled when the mesopores start to fill up. This implies that the swelling observed in the mesopores for Li and Na samples is due to an osmotic swelling. For the other samples, it is difficult to conclude definitively. Furthermore, we determine the different proportion of water (interlayer water and mesopore water) present in our samples by the original combination of (1) X-ray diffraction data, (2) the pore size distribution obtained by thermoporometry, and (3) recent adsorption isotherm results. It is found that the interlayer space is never completely filled by water at the studied relative humidity values for all samples except for the Cs sample.

New species of Rivudiva Lugo-Ortiz amp; McCafferty (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae) with comments on R. minantenna Lugo-Ortiz amp; McCafferty and R. trichobasis Lugo-Ortiz amp; McCafferty.

Based on nymphs collected in Espírito Santo and Amazonas, Southeastern and Northern Brazil, two new species of the genus Rivudiva Lugo-Ortiz McCafferty, 1998 (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae) are described. Rivudiva inma sp. nov. shares several characteristics with R. minantenna Lugo-Ortiz McCafferty, 1998, but can be distinguished by details of leg setation, such as length and shape of robust setae and presence of setae on trochanter. Rivudiva oonirikoperi sp. nov. is more similar to R. trichobasis Lugo-Ortiz McCafferty, 1998, but can be separated by the absence of setae on scape and pedicel, shape of distal margin of labrum, and length of maxillary palp. New diagnoses and illustrations are provided for R. minantenna and R. trichobasis, as well as a key to the known nymphs of Rivudiva species.

Coordinate initiation of Drosophila development by regulated polyadenylation of maternal messenger RNAs.

Pattern formation in Drosophila depends initially on the translational activation of maternal messenger RNAs (mRNAs) whose protein products determine cell fate. Three mRNAs that dictate anterior, dorsoventral, and terminal specification--bicoid, Toll, and torso, respectively--showed increases in polyadenylate [poly(A)] tail length concomitant with translation. In contrast, posteriorly localized nanos mRNA, although also translationally activated, was not regulated by poly(A) status. These results implicate at least two mechanisms of mRNA activation in flies. Studies with bicoid mRNA showed that cytoplasmic polyadenylation is necessary for translation, establishing this pathway as essential for embryogenesis. Combined, these experiments identify a regulatory pathway that can coordinate initiation of maternal pattern formation systems in Drosophila.

[Keloids: pathogenic and therapeutic advances]. / Problématique pathogénique et thérapeutique des chéloïdes.

Keloids are benign fibroproliferative tumors but often cause serious cosmetic problems. Considered as scars results from abnormal wound healing, keloids appear at preferential sometimes highly unsightly locations (e.g. the ear) and often involve predisposed individuals with genetically pigmented skin. The underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are unclear and no consensus on treatment.

Antidepressant effect and changes of GABAA receptor gamma2 subunit mRNA after hippocampal administration of allopregnanolone in rats.

The present study aimed to verify the effect of bilateral intra-hippocampus administration of the neurosteroid allopregnanolone (3alpha-hydroxy-5alpha-pregnan-20-one; 3alpha, 5alpha-THP) in the forced swimming test (FST) and in the alpha4 and gamma2 GABA(A) receptor subunits gene expression. Results showed that bilateral intra-hippocampal allopregnanolone administration of 2.5 microg/rat ( P<0.05) reduced immobile behavior and increased climbing behavior in the FST. Overall, for all doses of allopregnanolone tested (1.25, 2.5, 5.0 microg/rat), an increase of gamma2 (P<0.05) GABA(A) subunit mRNA was observed. There was a higher increase in the gamma2 gene expression in the right hemisphere than in the left hemisphere (P<0.01) after allopregnanolone treatment. Intra-hippocampal allopregnanolone did not change the expression of the alpha4 subunits. In conclusion, intra-hippocampal administration of allopregnanolone produces an antidepressant-like effect in the FST at an intermediate dose, confirming the potential of neurosteroids as a new class of antidepressant drugs. Our findings suggest that the gamma2, but not the alpha4 GABA(A) subunit, needs further evaluation to be involved in the antidepressant effect of allopregnanolone in the hippocampus and that there is a hemispheric diversity in the biochemical effect of the drug.

Two new species of Atopophlebia Flowers, 1980 (Ephemeroptera, Leptophlebiidae) from Colombia.

Atopophlebia pacis sp. nov. and Atopophlebia caldasi sp. nov. are newly described based on material from Colombia, Putumayo and Caldas, respectively. Both species are known from nymphs and alate stages, male imago for A. pacis, male subimago, female imago and eggs for A. caldasi. This is the first description of eggs of the genus. The following characteristics are useful for distinguishing the males of the new species: A. pacis sp. nov., 1) eyes meeting on meson of head; 2) fore wings hyaline, veins yellow (Fig. 2); 3) fore tibia completely tinged with black; 4) abdominal segments yellowish, terga VIII with conspicuous triangular anterolateral black mark (Fig. 1); 5) apical projection of penis lobe short; A. caldasi sp. nov., 1) eyes meeting on meson of head; 2) fore tibia completely tinged with black; 3) abdominal segments orange, posterior margin of all terga tinged with black, black bands broader on terga V to VIII. Egg of A. caldasi is characterized by presenting a prismatic shape with longitudinal chorionic depressions at the sides and concave polar regions. An updated key for male adults of Atopophlebia is presented.

Biocompatible porous metal-organic framework nanoparticles based on Fe or Zr for gentamicin vectorization.

Due to their high porosity and versatile composition and structure, nanoscaled Metal-Organic Frameworks (nanoMOFs) have been recently proposed as novel drug delivery systems, and have been demonstrated to have important capacities and potential for controlled release of different active ingredients. Gentamicin (GM; a broad spectrum aminoglycoside antibiotic indicated in bacterial septicemia therapy) has great therapeutic interest, but the associated bioavailability and toxicity drawbacks accompanying high doses and repeated administration of this free drug make its encapsulation inside new nanocarriers necessary. GM encapsulation within two different porous biofriendly Fe and Zr-carboxylates nanoMOFs was performed by a simple impregnation method, with full characterization of the resulting GM-containing solid using a large panel of techniques (X ray powder diffraction-XRPD, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy-FTIR, thermogravimetric analysis-TGA, N2 sorption, scanning electron microscopy-SEM, dynamic light scattering-DLS, ζ-potential, fluorescence spectroscopy and molecular simulations). High reproducible encapsulation rates, reaching 600 µg of GM per·mg of formulation, were obtained using the biocompatible mesoporous iron(III) trimesate nanoparticles (NPs) MIL-100(Fe) (MIL: Materials from Institut Lavoisier). In vitro GM delivery studies were also carried out using different oral and intravenous simulated physiological conditions, with complete antibiotic release within 8 h when using protein free media, but lower release rates in the presence of proteins. Furthermore, in vitro toxicity of GM-containing MIL-100(Fe) NPs was investigated on two different cell lines: a monocyte from leukemia (THP-1) and adherent fibroblastoid cells (NIH/3T3). These nanoMOFs had a low cytotoxic profile with IC50 values up to 1 mg·mL-1, ensuring adequate cell proliferation after 24 h. Finally, antibacterial activity studies were carried out on two Gram-positive bacteria and one Gram-negative bacterium: S. aureus, S. epidermidis and P. aeruginosa, respectively. GM-loaded MIL-100(Fe) NPs exhibited the same activity as free GM, confirming that the antibiotic activity of the released GM was conserved.

Thermodynamic analysis of the immersion of a smectite substituted with Na or Ca: heat effect due to the cation.

The enthalpy produced during immersion in water of a smectite, identified as a montmorillonite, substituted by Ca or Na is analyzed using three different approaches. The heat of immersion is measured using the classical calorimetric method. It is compared to an estimate using adsorption techniques. And it is calculated from a theoretical estimate of the surface energy of a crystal model of montmorillonite. The comparison of the different values allows the enthalpy linked to the swelling phenomenon to be estimated. The Ca form appears in every case to interact more strongly with water molecules than the Na form.

Study of the surface energy of montmorillonite using PACHA formalism.

The surface energy of exchanged forms of montmorillonite has been computed using a partial charge model introduced in the calculation of the lattice energy. The results are in correct agreement with data on heats of adsorption. However, the difference between theoretical and experimental data increases from light cations to heavy cations associated with the clay network. This indicates that the heat of adsorption depends highly on the step hydration of the cations. This type of behavior was expected and thus the quantification seems realistic.

Corinnella lourii, a rare new species of Baetidae (Ephemeroptera) from central Brazil.

A new species of the rare genus Corinnella is described based on nymphs from the Rio Pindaíba, a river located close to the Cerrado - Amazonian border. The new species is more related to C. eximia than to C. thomasi, but can be distinguished from them by the following combination of characters: 1) distomedial emargination of labrum broad and with very small process; 2) maxillary palp 2.0× length of galea-lacinia; 3) posterior margin of terga I-IX with pointed spaced spines; 4) claws with four denticles.

Chitosan-coated mesoporous MIL-100(Fe) nanoparticles as improved bio-compatible oral nanocarriers.

Nanometric biocompatible Metal-Organic Frameworks (nanoMOFs) are promising candidates for drug delivery. Up to now, most studies have targeted the intravenous route, related to pain and severe complications; whereas nanoMOFs for oral administration, a commonly used non-invasive and simpler route, remains however unexplored. We propose here the biofriendly preparation of a suitable oral nanocarrier based on the benchmarked biocompatible mesoporous iron(III) trimesate nanoparticles coated with the bioadhesive polysaccharide chitosan (CS). This method does not hamper the textural/structural properties and the sorption/release abilities of the nanoMOFs upon surface engineering. The interaction between the CS and the nanoparticles has been characterized through a combination of high resolution soft X-ray absorption and computing simulation, while the positive impact of the coating on the colloidal and chemical stability under oral simulated conditions is here demonstrated. Finally, the intestinal barrier bypass capability and biocompatibility of CS-coated nanoMOF have been assessed in vitro, leading to an increased intestinal permeability with respect to the non-coated material, maintaining an optimal biocompatibility. In conclusion, the preservation of the interesting physicochemical features of the CS-coated nanoMOF and their adapted colloidal stability and progressive biodegradation, together with their improved intestinal barrier bypass, make these nanoparticles a promising oral nanocarrier.

Skull reconstruction after resection of bone tumors in a single surgical time by the association of the techniques of rapid prototyping and surgical navigation.

PURPOSE: Presentation of a new cranioplasty technique employing a combination of two technologies: rapid prototyping and surgical navigation. This technique allows the reconstruction of the skull cap after the resection of a bone tumor in a single surgical time. METHODS: The neurosurgeon plans the craniotomy previously on the EximiusMed software, compatible with the Eximius Surgical Navigator, both from the company Artis Tecnologia (Brazil). The navigator imports the planning and guides the surgeon during the craniotomy. The simulation of the bone fault allows the virtual reconstruction of the skull cap and the production of a personalized modelling mold using the Magics-Materialise (Belgium)-software. The mold and a replica of the bone fault are made by rapid prototyping by the company Artis Tecnologia (Brazil) and shipped under sterile conditions to the surgical center. The PMMA prosthesis is produced during the surgical act with the help of a hand press. RESULTS: The total time necessary for the planning and production of the modelling mold is four days. The precision of the mold is submillimetric and accurately reproduces the virtual reconstruction of the prosthesis. The production of the prosthesis during surgery takes until twenty minutes depending on the type of PMMA used. The modelling mold avoids contraction and dissipates the heat generated by the material's exothermic reaction in the polymerization phase. The craniectomy is performed with precision over the drawing made with the help of the Eximius Surgical Navigator, according to the planned measurements. The replica of the bone fault serves to evaluate the adaptation of the prosthesis as a support for the perforations and the placement of screws and fixation plates, as per the surgeon's discretion. CONCLUSIONS: This technique allows the adequate oncologic treatment associated with a satisfactory aesthetic result, with precision, in a single surgical time, reducing time and costs.