Oral conditions and salivary analysis in HIV-uninfected subjects using preexposure prophylaxis.

BACKGROUND: New prevention strategies have been advocated to control the progression of HIV/AIDS, such as preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP). The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential changes in the oral and salivary conditions of HIV-uninfected subjects using PrEP. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Subjects were evaluated before beginning the medication (T0), at the first follow-up (T1), and at the second follow-up (T2). Xerostomia, presence of untreated cavitated caries, oral hygiene habits, taste, gingival and plaque index, stimulated salivary flow rate (SSFR), and salivary concentrations of calcium, glucose, urea, and total proteins were evaluated. Data obtained were analyzed using statistical tests (p<0.05). RESULTS: Forty-seven participants (41 men; 6 women) were evaluated at T0. Thirty (28 men; 2 women) and 17 men were reassessed at T1 and T2, respectively. There was no difference between the SSFR and oral and salivary conditions between T0, T1, and T2 (p>0.05), except for the salivary calcium concentration, that increased at T2 compared to T1 (p=0.02). There was significant difference between taste and xerostomia at T1 (p=0.017), and the need to drink to swallow at T2 (p=0.015). There was significant correlation between the reported amount of saliva and taste (p=0.039, r=-0.378) at T1. CONCLUSIONS: The prolonged use of PrEP seems to be associated with reports of dry mouth and worsening of taste, possibly associated with increased salivary calcium concentration.

Evaluation of phytochemical composition, toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster and effects on antibiotics modulation of Plathymenia reticulata Benth extract.

Bacterial resistance is interfering with the action of antibiotics for clinical use in treating pathologies. The search for new substances capable of combating this resistance is necessary. An alternative to the search for these substances is in the extract of medicinal plants. Plathymenia reticulata, plant of the Fabaceae family, is a common tree species from the Brazilian cerrado, and is commonly used in areas of environmental degradation. This species is rich in phenolic compounds, such as flavonoids and tannins, compounds that are associated with various biological effects. A hydroethanolic extract from the bark of Plathymenia reticulata (HEPrB) was produced and then tests were carried out to verify the direct antibacterial activity, the modulatory effect of antibiotics for clinical use and their toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster flies. Through the analysis with UPLC, a wide variety of flavonoids contained in the HEPrB was observed. Direct antibacterial activity was observed for the standard strain of Staphylococcus aureus, however, the extract showed antagonistic activity or no significance in relation to the antibiotics tested in this study. As for toxicity, the HEPrB did not show significant damage in the proposed model. The results emphasize care when associating the consumption of teas with treatments with antibiotics for clinical use.

Peel flour of Passiflora edulis Var. Flavicarpa supplementation prevents the insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis induced by low-fructose-diet in young rats.

The increase in fructose consumption in the last decades has an important correlation with the growth of overweight population. Fructose is a monosaccharide found in fruits, vegetables and honey, however, it is widely used in processed food and beverages such as sweeteners. This monosaccharide is metabolized in the liver, so it can produce glucose, lactate, triglycerides, free fatty acids and uric acid, which are responsible for negative effects on the liver and extrahepatic tissues. One effect of the high consumption of fructose is the resistance to Insulin, which appears to be an important issue in the development of metabolic abnormalities observed in animals that were subjected to a high fructose diet. The population and, consequently, the market search for natural sources to manage metabolic abnormalities is increasing, but, adequate scientific proof still is necessary. The Passiflora edulis peel flour (PEPF) is a byproduct of the juice industry, and, represents an important source of fiber and bioactive compounds. The present study investigates the PEPF supplementation (30%) effects on insulin sensitivity, adiposity and metabolic parameters in young rats that were given beverages enriched with 10% of fructose for 8 weeks. Fructose intake induced insulin resistance, increased serum triglycerides levels, growth of fat deposits in the liver and widening of the diameter of adipocytes. In contrast, the group that received PEPF did not present such abnormalities, which could be related to the presence of fiber or bioactive compounds (phenolics compounds, e.g., caffeic acid and isoorientin) in its composition, as identified by analytical methods. Thus, for the first time, it has been demonstrated that PEPF supplementation prevents insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis induced by low-fructose-diet in young rats.

Inhibition of sea urchin fertilization by plant lectins.

Effects of plant lectins on sea urchin (Lytechinus variegatus) fertilization and a partial characterization of lectin-binding involved in the process were evaluated. IC50 doses for inhibition of fertilization varied from 4.1 to 135.5 microg/ml when the lectins were pre-incubated with sperms and from 0.7 to 33.4 microg/ml when pre-incubated with eggs. Such effects were reversed when the lectins were heat inactivated. FITC-labeled lectins bound egg surfaces while their denatured forms did not. Glucose/mannose specific lectins bound weaker to eggs when pre-incubated with the glycoprotein bovine lactotransferrin. None of the glycoproteins assayed diminished FITC patterns of the Gal/GalNAc binding lectins. Pre-incubation of Glucose/mannose binding lectins with eggs did not alter binding of Gal/GalNAc lectins. Lectins with distinct competencies for binding monosaccharide and glycoconjugates were able to inhibit sea urchin fertilization.

Immunological and allergenic responses induced by latex fractions of Calotropis procera (Ait.) R.Br.

Immunological and allergenic responses against the latex of Calotropis procera were investigated in mice by oral and subcutaneous routes. The latex was fractionated according to water solubility and molecular size of its components. The fractions were named as non-dialyzable latex (NDL) corresponding to the major latex proteins, dialyzable latex (DL) corresponding to low molecular size substances and rubber latex (RL) which was highly insoluble in water. Anti-sera against these fractions were assayed for total IgG and IgA titration by ELISA and IgE and IgG(1) were quantified by passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) in rats and mice, respectively. None of the fractions induced antibodies level increases when mice received latex fractions by oral route and thus, did not develop allergy. Nonetheless, anti-sera of mice sensitized with NDL and RL by subcutaneous route displayed considerable immunological response while DL did not. IgG level augmented consistently against NDL and RL while IgA response was detected only to NDL. NDL and RL induced very strong PCA reactions suggesting that both fractions would contain latex substances involved in allergy. Furthermore, protein analysis of NDL and RL suggests that RL still retain residual proteins abundantly found in NDL that could explain its similar allergenic effect. No IgG(1) reaction was detected in any of the anti-sera tested. According to the results, the proteins of latex of Calotropis procera can provoke allergy by subcutaneous route. The NDL has previously shown to display anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities by intraperitoneal injection. It should be relevant to determine whether NDL could induce such activities when assayed by oral route since it was ineffective to induce allergy by this way.

[Inclusion dermoid cyst of the anterior fontanelle: report of a case]. / Cisto dermóide de inclusão da fontanela anterior: relato de um caso.

The authors report a case of a congenital dermoid inclusion cyst of the region of the anterior fontanel, in a white boy, 6 months of age. The child had a normal clinical examination as well as normal milestones development. The skull X-Rays showed a soft tissue mass at the region of the anterior fontanel. The underlying bone was not eroded. During the operation, one could observe a cystic mass, well encapsulated, with moderately thickened walls and a small amount of a clear, colorless fluid in it. There was no fistulous tract between the cyst and the skin or the intracranial cavity. The histopathologic examination of the specimen showed a cystic structure surrounded by a stratified squamous epithelium and a few adnexal structures in it. The authors make an extensive review of the literature on the subject. They have found 135 cases published until 1984.

[Topical Vitamin E and ultraviolet radiation on human skin]. / Vitamina E tópica y radiación ultravioleta en piel humana.

The point is the relation between the tissue damage caused by UV radiations, the production of free radicals (lipoperoxidation) and the particular action of vitamin E on human skin. Through histopathologic changes and malondialdehyde dosification results, are analyzed, therefore a close relation between UV radiation, free radicals, lipoperoxidation, and tissue damage, is proved on human skin. Furthermore the protective action of topic vitamin E antioxidant which diminishes the lipoperoxidation and the tissue damage is apparent.

[Pseudoxanthoma elasticum]. / Pseudoxantoma elástico.

Four young female patients with Pseudodixanthome elasticum are reported, corresponding to the Grönblad and Strandberg syndrome. The dysplastic derangement of the elastic fibers with a potentially systemic compromise is considered, which explains the multiorganic character of the disease. We conferred to the skin changes the means of a marker that obligates an exhaustive study and follow-up of the patients to make visceral affectations.

[Elastic nevi of a familial nature. Buschke-Ollendorf syndrome. Forme frustre?]. / Nevos elásticos de carácter familiar. Síndrome de Buschke-Ollendorf. Forma frustra?

Four cases of "connective naevus" have been revised in a family, mother and her two daughters and son. The histology shows as principal characteristic hyperplasia, thickness and crossing disposition of elastic fibers, forming an image similar to the one of an "elastic naevus". Because of its familiar features and the absence of osteopoikilosis, we postulate a frustrate form of the Buschke-Ollendorf syndrome.

[Sporotrichosis. Unusual localization]. / Esporotricosis. Localización inusual.

A case of sporotrichosis that is inscribed in the localizated cutaneous form of lower incidence in our country, is presented. We destacated its unusual localization and atypical aspect that planteated differential diagnosis of arduous elucidation.

[Multiple neurofibromas with zoniform distribution]. / Neurofibromas múltiples con distribución zoniforme.

A patient with a zoniform neurofibromas of the left arm and forearm is studied. The disease is associated to an epithelial pathology of trichylemi cysts of the scalp. The differential diagnosis can be that of Von Recklinhausen's disease. By the lack of positive elements for these disease, the authors consider it is a nevi malformation with nervous cells, that it presents clinically by multiples neurofibromas with a characteristic distribution.

[The irritable skin syndrome ("Angry Back syndrome")]. / Síndrome de piel irritable ("Angry Back syndrome").

Twenty eight patients with allergic contact dermatitis were studied by epicutaneous tests, which showed 88 positive reactions. Re-tested 2-3 months later with the same allergen of the positive reactions, 14 were negative (15.9%). This decrease can be due to the Excited Skin Syndrome. The causes which can provoke false positive cutaneous reactions are considered and the inherent to this syndrome, also called "Angry Back Syndrome" are analyzed.

[Intravascular coagulation associated with aortic aneurysm]. / Coagulación intravascular asociada a aneurisma aórtico.

A consumption coagulopathy is presented, featuring a chronic and localized intravascular coagulation syndrome, with cutaneous manifestations exclusively, associated to an aortic aneurysm. The infrequency of this association is remarkable, being assumed as capital factors from the physiopathogenic side the parietal alteration and the blood stasis. They both determine the consumption of platelets adding further thromboplastic material that maintains the process.

[Dysplasic nevus syndrome]. / Síndrome nevos displásicos.

We present a case of malignant melanoma arising in a pacient we postulate as a "nevus dysplasia" syndrome carrier. A revision is realized about the subject emphasithing the importance in the recognition and correct valuation of the entity, that is essential for the malignant melanoma prophylaxis.

[Cutaneo-visceral disseminated flat angioma, glaucoma, hypospadias and testicular ectopy]. / Angioma plano diseminado cutáneo visceral, glaucoma, hipospadias y ectopia testicular.

A case of associated disease in a child is described. It consisted of a disseminated capillary naevus with a vascular malformation in the gastrointestinal tract, bilateral congenital glaucoma, hypospadias, and bilateral ectopic testicles.

Depletion of the novel p53-target gene carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1C delays tumor growth in the neurofibromatosis type I tumor model.

Despite the prominent pro-apoptotic role of p53, this protein has also been shown to promote cell survival in response to metabolic stress. However, the specific mechanism by which p53 protects cells from metabolic stress-induced death is unknown. Earlier we reported that carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1C (CPT1C), a brain-specific member of a family of mitochondria-associated enzymes that have a central role in fatty acid metabolism promotes cell survival and tumor growth. Unlike other members of the CPT family, the subcellular localization of CPT1C and its cellular function remains elusive. Here, we report that CPT1C is a novel p53-target gene with a bona fide p53-responsive element within the first intron. CPT1C is upregulated in vitro and in vivo in a p53-dependent manner. Interestingly, expression of CPT1C is induced by metabolic stress factors such as hypoxia and glucose deprivation in a p53 and AMP activated kinase-dependent manner. Furthermore, in a murine tumor model, depletion of Cpt1c leads to delayed tumor development and a striking increase in survival. Taken together, our results indicate that p53 protects cells from metabolic stress via induction of CPT1C and that CPT1C may have a crucial role in carcinogenesis. CPT1C may therefore represent an exciting new therapeutic target for the treatment of hypoxic and otherwise treatment-resistant tumors.

Comparison of immune parameters of sheep with naturally high or low plasma concentrations of melatonin.

Studies in rodents and humans have suggested that the pineal gland and its secretory product melatonin play an important role in the modulation of the immune system. In this study, we tested the hypothesis of a difference in immune parameters between ewes with naturally high vs. low circulating melatonin. Thus, two comparable groups of 10 Ile-de-France sheep were selected from a large flock, for their naturally high and low plasma concentrations of melatonin. The mean plasma melatonin concentrations during daytime (09:00 hr) and nighttime (24:00 hr) were, respectively, 9 and 664 pg/mL (high group) and 5 and 169 pg/mL (low group; P<0.01). Animals from both groups were subjected to various in vitro and in vivo measurements of the characteristics of their immune system. The total number of white blood cells (lymphocytes, polymorphonuclears, and monocytes) and the assessment of the sub-populations of blood lymphocytes (T4, T8, T19, B, and monocytes) did not show any significant differences between the two groups, sampled during day or night. The level of blood leukocytes proliferation after in vitro culture with ConA, LPS, or CWF stimulation, before or after experimental immunization, did not reveal any differences. No significant differences were registered in the production of antibodies between the two groups of animals. The results of the present experiment suggest that in natural conditions a high level of circulating melatonin does not modify the activity of the immune system in sheep.

[Mycotic allergic sinusitis. Monographic review of the literature]. / Sinusitis alérgica micótica. Revisión monográfica de la literatura.

Mycotic allergic sinusitis is a unique form of chronic sinusitis characterized by the presence of nasal polyposis and non-invasive mycosis. The incidence is still unknown but it is suggested it may have a geographical variation. Characteristically it is found in young patients with a history of atopy. Based on clinical data and paraclinical studies, diagnosis suspicion criteria have been proposed though the definitive diagnosis is made by identifying mycotic hyphae in the nasal secretion culture or the pathology specimen. There is still no consensus in treatment though the medical-surgical combination has been proposed. The prognosis varies according to the response to treatment.

Infecção por leptospira em bovinos e sua associação com transtornos reprodutivos e condições climáticas / Leptospiral infection in bovine and its association with reproductive failure and climatic conditions

Realizou-se estudo sorológico, por meio do teste de soroaglutinação microscópica, utilizando antígenos vivos, para pesquisa de aglutininas anti-leptospiras em bovinos de leite na Microrregião de Parnaíba, PI, em dois períodos do ano: estações seca e chuvosa. Das 1975 amostras analisadas, pertinentes a 16 rebanhos, 1044 (52,9 por cento) mostraram-se positivas a pelo menos um sorovar e todos os rebanhos apresentaram animais reagentes. A prevalência variou entre 25 por cento e 81 por cento. O sorovar de maior prevalência foi Hardjo reagindo em 39,5 por cento, seguido de Wolffi com 26,7 por cento e Hebdomadis com 12,2 por cento. Os sorovares mais freqüentes foram Hardjo e Wolffi presentes em 100 por cento dos rebanhos. Foram ainda encontrados animais reagentes aos sorovares Australis, Bratislava, Autumnalis, Butembo, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Shermani e Patoc. Houve correlação positiva entre a proporção de animais sororreagentes para leptospirose e pluviometria, mas não para temperatura. Foi constatada associação entre infecção e ocorrência de transtornos reprodutivos, e o sorovar que apresentou maior associação foi o Hardjo

This study was carried out by serologic sampling (microscopic agglutination test, living antigens) for anti-leptospiral antibodies in dairy farms of Parnaíba microrregion, state of Piauí, Brazil, during dry and rainny seasons. All 16 flocks were infected and 1044 out of 1975 sera samples (52.9 percent) were positive for at least one serovar. Higher prevalence was serovar Hardjo (39.5 percent) folowed by Wolffi (26.7 percent) and Hebdomadis (12.2 percent). Hardjo and Wolffi were found in all flocks. Serovars Australis, Bratislava, Autumnalis, Butembo, Hebdomadis, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Hardjo, Wolffi, Shermani and Patoc, were also present. A positive correlation between prevalence of infection and pluviometric was detected, but temperature ratios. Association between infection and reproductive failures was evidenced mainly regarding Hardjo serovar