Testing maternal effects of vitamin-D and omega-3 levels on offspring neurodevelopmental traits in the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Maternal vitamin-D and omega-3 fatty acid (DHA) deficiencies during pregnancy have previously been associated with offspring neurodevelopmental traits. However, observational study designs cannot distinguish causal effects from confounding. METHODS: First, we conducted Mendelian randomisation (MR) using genetic instruments for vitamin-D and DHA identified in independent genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Outcomes were (1) GWAS for traits related to autism and ADHD, generated in the Norwegian mother, father, and child cohort study (MoBa) from 3 to 8 years, (2) autism and ADHD diagnoses. Second, we used mother-father-child trio-MR in MoBa (1) to test causal effects through maternal nutrient levels, (2) to test effects of child nutrient levels, and (3) as a paternal negative control. RESULTS: Associations between higher maternal vitamin-D levels on lower ADHD related traits at age 5 did not remain after controlling for familial genetic predisposition using trio-MR. Furthermore, we did not find evidence for causal maternal effects of vitamin-D/DHA levels on other offspring traits or diagnoses. In the reverse direction, there was evidence for a causal effect of autism genetic predisposition on lower vitamin-D levels and of ADHD genetic predisposition on lower DHA levels. CONCLUSIONS: Triangulating across study designs, we did not find evidence for maternal effects. We add to a growing body of evidence that suggests that previous observational associations are likely biased by genetic confounding. Consequently, maternal supplementation is unlikely to influence these offspring neurodevelopmental traits. Notably, genetic predisposition to ADHD and autism was associated with lower DHA and vitamin-D levels respectively, suggesting previous associations might have been due to reverse causation.

Computer vision system using deep learning to predict rib and loin yield in the fish Colossoma macropomum.

Computer vision system (CVSs) are effective tools that enable large-scale phenotyping with a low-cost and non-invasive method, which avoids animal stress. Economically important traits, such as rib and loin yield, are difficult to measure; therefore, the use of CVS is crucial to accurately predict several measures to allow their inclusion in breeding goals by indirect predictors. Therefore, this study aimed (1) to validate CVS by a deep learning approach and to automatically predict morphometric measurements in tambaqui and (2) to estimate genetic parameters for growth traits and body yield. Data from 365 individuals belonging to 11 full-sib families were evaluated. Seven growth traits were measured. After biometrics, each fish was processed in the following body regions: head, rib, loin, R + L (rib + loin). For deep learning image segmentation, we adopted a method based on the instance segmentation of the Mask R-CNN (Region-based Convolutional Neural Networks) model. Pearson's correlation values between measurements predicted manually and automatically by the CVS were high and positive. Regarding the classification performance, visible differences were detected in only about 3% of the images. Heritability estimates for growth and body yield traits ranged from low to high. The genetic correlations between the percentage of body parts and morphometric characteristics were favorable and highly correlated, except for percentage head, whose correlations were unfavorable. In conclusion, the CVS validated in this image dataset proved to be resilient and can be used for large-scale phenotyping in tambaqui. The weight of the rib and loin are traits under moderate genetic control and should respond to selection. In addition, standard length and pelvis length can be used as an efficient and indirect selection criterion for body yield in this tambaqui population.

Development of a SNP linkage map and genome-wide association study for resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila in pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus).

BACKGROUND: Pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) is one of the most important Neotropical aquaculture species from South America. Disease outbreaks caused by Aeromonas hydrophila infection have been considered significant contributors to the declining levels of pacu production. The current implementation of genomic selection for disease resistance has been adopted as a powerful strategy for improvement in fish species. This study aimed to investigate the genetic architecture of resistance to A. hydrophila in pacu via Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS), the identification of suggestive Quantitative Trait Loci (QTLs) and putative genes associated with this trait. The genetic data were obtained from 381 juvenile individuals belonging to 14 full-sibling families. An experimental challenge was performed to gain access to the levels of genetic variation for resistance against the bacteria using the following trait definitions: binary test survival (TS) and time of death (TD). RESULTS: The analyses of genetic parameters estimated moderate heritability (h2) for both resistance traits: 0.20 (± 0.09) for TS and 0.35 (± 0.15) for TD. A linkage map for pacu was developed to enable the GWAS, resulting in 27 linkage groups (LGs) with 17,453 mapped Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs). The length of the LGs varied from 79.95 (LG14) to 137.01 (LG1) cM, with a total map length of 2755.60 cM. GWAS identified 22 putative QTLs associated to A. hydrophila resistance. They were distributed into 17 LGs, and were considered suggestive genomic regions explaining > 1% of the additive genetic variance (AGV) for the trait. Several candidate genes related to immune response were located close to the suggestive QTLs, such as tbk1, trim16, Il12rb2 and lyz2. CONCLUSION: This study describes the development of the first medium density linkage map for pacu, which will be used as a framework to study relevant traits to the production of this species. In addition, the resistance to A. hydrophila was found to be moderately heritable but with a polygenic architecture suggesting that genomic selection, instead of marker assisted selection, might be useful for efficiently improving resistance to one of the most problematic diseases that affects the South American aquaculture.

Flexural strength and crystalline stability of a monolithic translucent zirconia subjected to grinding, polishing and thermal challenges.

The objective of this study is to investigate the magnitude of structural degradation of a monolithic translucent zirconia caused by clinically relevant grinding and polishing procedures, when associated or not with low temperature degradation (LTD), induced by accelerated hydrothermal aging using autoclave or thermocycling Ninety disks (Ø12 × 1 mm) were prepared from dental zirconia for monolithic restorations (Vipi Block Zirconn Translucent, Vipi). The specimens were divided into 3 groups (n = 30) according to surface treatment: As Sintered (untreated), Grind (diamond bur), Grind + Polish (diamond bur + polish); and then subdivided according to aging method (n = 10): Baseline (no aging), Autoclave (134°C, 2.2 kgf/cm2 pressure for 5 h), and Thermocycling (200,000 cycles, 5°C and 55°C, for 15 s each). Roughness, biaxial flexural strength and percentage of monoclinic phase were evaluated. Regarding surface treatment, the Grind group presented higher roughness and greater flexural strength compared to As Sintered group, while Grind + Polish showed intermediate roughness and flexural strength similar to Grind group. Aging had little effect on roughness, but yielded a significant reduction in flexural strength. Tetragonal to monoclinic phase transformation was observed in all groups, caused by both mechanical stresses (grinding and polishing) and LTD, which was similarly induced by the traditional autoclave method, as well as the thermocycling method The use of diamond burs to grind zirconia surface may result in deleterious effects on the surface quality of monolithic zirconia restorations, yet has a potential toughening effect by phase transformation. However, when zirconia is exposed to LTD, regardless of the surface treatment, degradation of the surface quality and strength are observed.

Adjusted protocol for dental extractions in oncology patients taking anti-resorptive drugs may reduce occurrence of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw.

DATA SOURCES: PubMed Medline, Embase, LILACS, and reference lists of potential eligible studies. STUDY SELECTION: Prospective control trials, cohort and case series analysing results on at least 20 patients treated with ARD therapy (IV or orally). Studies reporting a protocol used for dental extraction in patients on ARD; studies reporting data on medically related osteonecrosis of the jaw after dental extraction. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Two review authors independently assessed titles and abstracts for each article identified by the searches in order to decide whether the article was likely to be relevant. After the final selection and before the analyses, authors rated the quality of 13 studies according to a specific study-design-related checklist for each type of study. RESULTS: Data from 2,566 participants (2098 women and 468 men) were available from 13 selected studies [nine case series, two cohort studies, two randomised clinical trials]. Regarding the mode of administration of bisphosphonates, 21.2% and 79.9% were intravenous (IV) or oral (PO) respectively. The occurrence of MRONJ is statistically higher (P<0.0001) among oncologic patients treated with IV ADR (3.2%, CI=1,7-4,7%) than osteoporotic patients treated with PO ADR (0.15%, CI=0,0-0,36). Alveolectomy compared to non-alveolectomy procedure (P=0.028) and the use of biologic membranes (P=0.015) seems to attenuate the risk of MRONJ after dental extractions. Type of intention was not associated with MRONJ (P=0.32) in both adult IV and PO. CONCLUSIONS: The authors recommend considering an adjusted protocol for dental extractions in oncological patients taking ARDs to reduce the occurrence of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ).

Association between antibiotic prophylaxis and adverse perinatal outcomes in premature rupture of membranes.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between antibiotic prophylaxis and adverse perinatal outcomes in premature rupture of membranes. METHODS: This retrospective cohort included pregnant women with premature rupture of membranes (between 24 and 33+6 weeks) who used or did not use prophylactic antibiotics. Pearson's chi-square (χ²) test, Student's t-test, and binary logistic regression were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: A significant effect was observed in patients with premature rupture of membranes using prophylactic antibiotics regarding amniotic fluid index (p=0.007), deepest vertical pocket (p=0.049), duration of antibiotic therapy (p≤0.001), C-reactive protein level upon admission (p≤0.001), leukocyte count upon admission (p=0.007), and length of stay in neonatal intensive care (p=0.047). A significant association was observed between the abovementioned patients and surfactant use during the neonatal period (p=0.04). A higher prevalence of surfactant use was noted in these patients (20.0 vs. 8.7%; p=0.04). CONCLUSION: No association was found between antibiotic prophylaxis and the presence of adverse perinatal outcomes in pregnant women with premature rupture of membranes between 24 and 33+6 weeks of gestation.

Identifying metabolic features of colorectal cancer liability using Mendelian randomization.

Background: Recognizing the early signs of cancer risk is vital for informing prevention, early detection, and survival. Methods: To investigate whether changes in circulating metabolites characterize the early stages of colorectal cancer (CRC) development, we examined the associations between a genetic risk score (GRS) associated with CRC liability (72 single-nucleotide polymorphisms) and 231 circulating metabolites measured by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (N = 6221). Linear regression models were applied to examine the associations between genetic liability to CRC and circulating metabolites measured in the same individuals at age 8 y, 16 y, 18 y, and 25 y. Results: The GRS for CRC was associated with up to 28% of the circulating metabolites at FDR-P < 0.05 across all time points, particularly with higher fatty acids and very-low- and low-density lipoprotein subclass lipids. Two-sample reverse Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses investigating CRC liability (52,775 cases, 45,940 controls) and metabolites measured in a random subset of UK Biobank participants (N = 118,466, median age 58 y) revealed broadly consistent effect estimates with the GRS analysis. In conventional (forward) MR analyses, genetically predicted polyunsaturated fatty acid concentrations were most strongly associated with higher CRC risk. Conclusions: These analyses suggest that higher genetic liability to CRC can cause early alterations in systemic metabolism and suggest that fatty acids may play an important role in CRC development. Funding: This work was supported by the Elizabeth Blackwell Institute for Health Research, University of Bristol, the Wellcome Trust, the Medical Research Council, Diabetes UK, the University of Bristol NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, and Cancer Research UK. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. This work used the computational facilities of the Advanced Computing Research Centre, University of Bristol - http://www.bristol.ac.uk/acrc/.

Colorectal cancer, or bowel cancer, is the fourth most common cause of death from cancer worldwide. Understanding how the cancer develops and recognizing early signs is essential, as people who receive treatment early on have higher survival rates. One way to boost early detection and disease survival rates is through identifying early colorectal cancer biomarkers. For example, metabolites produced when cells process nutrients have been shown to play a role in the development of colon cancer. Certain metabolites could therefore serve as biomarkers, which can be detected in routine blood tests. But first, scientists need to identify the exact metabolic processes involved in cancer development. Bull, Hazelwood et al. show that fat metabolites during early adulthood may help predict colorectal cancer risk. In the experiments, the team assessed the link between an individual's genetic risk for developing colorectal cancer and metabolites in their blood. By looking at data from over 6,000 individuals living in the UK, followed from early life into adulthood, they found higher fatty acid and low-density lipoprotein levels in young adults at risk of colorectal cancer. However, the results could not be replicated in a separate cohort study of middle-aged adults. Bull, Hazelwood et al. noted that many individuals in this older age group use fat-targeting drugs called statins, which may have obscured this connection. The study of Bull, Hazelwood et al. shows that colorectal cancer risk indicators may be present from adolescence to around 40 years, before most individuals are diagnosed. The results suggest this may be a window for early detection and preventive interventions. It also highlights that differences in fat metabolism, possibly linked to genetic differences, may underlie colorectal cancer risk. More studies are needed to better understand how and whether interventions targeting fat levels may help prevent colorectal cancer development.

Intrauterine myelomeningocele repair postnatal results and follow-up at 3.5 years of age--initial experience from a single reference service in Brazil.

PURPOSE: Present the outcomes of six cases submitted to intrauterine myelomeningocele (MMC) repair. METHODS: Descriptive observational study of six children submitted to antenatal surgical repair of MMC between 26 and 27 weeks gestation. All deliveries were through cesarean section. The following neonatal variables were assessed: gestational age at delivery, birth weight, Apgar scores, need for intubation, duration of hospital stay and need for postnatal shunt procedures. After 3.5 years, the children were evaluated using the Columbia Mental Maturity Scale or Denver II tests and the Hoffer Ambulation Scale. RESULTS: All deliveries were preterm at a mean gestational age of 32 + 4 weeks and mean birth weight was 1,942 g. Two infants had Apgar scores <7 at 1 min and 1 at 5 min. Ventricular-peritoneal shunts were placed in two cases. All six children are alive: five have normal cognitive development and one has a neuropsychomotor developmental delay. Two children had normal leg movements, a sacral functional level and are community ambulators. Three children had upper lumbar anatomical level lesions and one had a lower thoracic level lesion at the time of fetal surgery. One child, with an L1-L2 anatomical level lesion, in noambulatory and fully dependent on a wheelchair for mobility. CONCLUSION: Antenatal surgical repair of MMC reduced the need for postnatal shunt placements. Despite preterm delivery, the cognitive development of most children at 3.5 years was normal. Antenatal surgery seemed to improve lower limb motor function in these cases.

Are We Getting Any Better? A Critical Analysis of Selected Healthy People 2020 Oral Health Indicators in 1999-2004 and 2013-2016, USA.

Oral health disparities are prevalent in the American population and are influenced by various social determinants. This study aimed to analyze oral health disparities in the US between 1999-2004 and 2013-2016 according to sociodemographic characteristics. This analytic cross-sectional study analyzed five oral health indicators from Healthy People 2020. A binomial test was used to compare proportions between baseline and follow-up. Only the indicator for non-treated cavities among children reached its goal. White children had the greatest decrease (-15.4%; p = 0.0428) in dental caries. Higher income determined better outcomes for adolescents (-27.54%; p = 0.00032 dental caries) and adults (-15.96%; p = 0.0143 tooth extractions). However, adults 35-44 years with the highest income had a significant increase (40.74%, p = 0.0258) in decayed teeth. This study provides evidence to suggest that some progress has been made towards reducing oral health disparities in the US, primarily among children. However, trends for certain indicators remain disparate between different racial/ethnic and income groups. Applications for the findings of this study should address the intersectional nature of social determinants of health and should center on improving the equity of services offered by public oral healthcare.

Association between social capital indicators and depressive symptoms among Brazilian university students.

The study aimed to investigate the association between social capital indicators and depressive symptoms among university students from Brazil. The study drew on a sample of 579 randomly selected university students, from a greater crossnational study conducted in 2018. Students completed a self-administered questionnaire assessing depressive symptoms, indicators of social capital and lifestyle behaviors. Data were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression models. Indicators of social capital included trust, group membership and frequency of meeting friends. Four social capital indicators were significantly associated with clinically relevant depressive symptoms. Students who agreed that people are likely to take advantage of one another were more likely to report depressive clinically relevant symptoms (OR: 1.80, 95%CI: 1.00 - 3.23) as well as students who agreed that people are not willing to help in case needed (OR: 2.11, 95%CI: 1.02 - 4.36). Perceived stress, smoking and hazardous alcohol consumption were not associated with clinically relevant depressive symptoms. Social capital plays an important role in explaining depressive symptoms among Brazilian university students. The study suggests that creating trust and enhancing participation in social networks can be an important strategy for promoting mental health among university students investigated in this study.

Combined Heart and Kidney Transplantation: Initial Clinical Experience.

INTRODUCTION: Combined solid organ transplantation is infrequently performed in Brazil. The objective of this article is to present our initial experience with combined heart and kidney transplantation. METHODS: From January 2007 to December 2019, four patients were submitted to combined heart and kidney transplantation. Their mean age was 55.7±4.4 years, and three (75%) patients were males. All patients had Chagas cardiomyopathy, two were hospitalized and inotrope dependent, and all patients were on preoperative dialysis (median of 12 months prior to transplant). RESULTS: All patients survived and were in New York Heart Association functional class I at the latest follow-up (mean 34.7±17.5 months). Mean retarded kidney graft function was 22.9±9.7 days. One patient lost the kidney graft two years after the transplant due to Polyomavirus infection. CONCLUSION: Our initial experience of combined heart and kidney transplantation was favorable in selected patients with advanced heart failure and end-stage kidney disease. It requires involvement of a dedicated multispecialty team throughout all the diagnostics and treatment steps.

Genomic selection signatures in farmed Colossoma macropomum from tropical and subtropical regions in South America.

Tambaqui or cachama (Colossoma macropomum) is one of the most important neotropical freshwater fish used for aquaculture in South America, and its production is concentrated at low latitudes (close to the Equator, 0°), where the water temperature is warm. Therefore, understanding how selection shapes genetic variations and structure in farmed populations is of paramount importance in evolutionary biology. High-throughput sequencing to generate genome-wide data for fish species allows for elucidating the genomic basis of adaptation to local or farmed conditions and uncovering genes that control the phenotypes of interest. The present study aimed to detect genomic selection signatures and analyze the genetic variability in farmed populations of tambaqui in South America using single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers obtained with double-digest restriction site-associated DNA sequencing. Initially, 199 samples of tambaqui farmed populations from different locations (located in Brazil, Colombia, and Peru), a wild population (Amazon River, Brazil), and the base population of a breeding program (Aquaculture Center, CAUNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil) were genotyped. Observed and expected heterozygosity was 0.231-0.350 and 0.288-0.360, respectively. Significant genetic differentiation was observed using global FST analyses of SNP loci (FST = 0.064, p < 0.050). Farmed populations from Colombia and Peru that differentiated from the Brazilian populations formed distinct groups. Several regions, particularly those harboring the genes of significance to aquaculture, were identified to be under positive selection, suggesting local adaptation to stress under different farming conditions and management practices. Studies aimed at improving the knowledge of genomics of tambaqui farmed populations are essential for aquaculture to gain deeper insights into the evolutionary history of these fish and provide resources for the establishment of breeding programs.

Galectin-3 expression: a useful tool in the differential diagnosis of posterior fossa tumors in children.

OBJECTIVE: Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is a glycan-binding protein highly expressed in several tumors, including brain neoplasms. This protein has been demonstrated to be correlated with adverse prognosis in some tumor types. However, the role of Gal-3 in pediatric posterior fossa tumors (PPFTs) has not yet been fully addressed. The goals of this study were to evaluate Gal-3 expression in a series of PPFTs and verify whether this expression is related to patient outcome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Gal-3 expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry in 42 cases of surgically resected primary PPFTs. Surgeries were performed in our institution from January 2003 to December 2006. Tumor samples consisted of 21 pilocytic astrocytomas (PAs), 13 medulloblastomas, 4 ependymomas, 2 diffuse cerebellar astrocytomas, and 2 atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors (AT/RTs). RESULTS: All PAs and ependymomas strongly showed Gal-3 expression, whereas no immunostaining was observed in medulloblastomas and diffuse astrocytomas. In AT/RTs, Gal-3 expression was conspicuous but heterogeneous, being mainly observed in rhabdoid cells. Concerning the Gal-3 expressing tumors, no relationship was observed between the degree of expression and patient survival. Gal-3 was strongly expressed in reactive astrocytes, normal endothelial cells, and macrophages in the adjacent non-neoplastic brain parenchyma. Interestingly, the endothelial cells in the tumor bulk of PAs lacked Gal-3 expression. CONCLUSIONS: Gal-3 is differentially expressed in PPFTs, but its expression shows no correlation with patient outcome. However, the evaluation of Gal-3 is helpful in establishing a differential diagnosis among PPFTs, especially between PAs and diffuse astrocytomas, and in some circumstances between medulloblastomas and AT/RTs.

Social capital or vulnerability: Which has the stronger connection with selected U.S. health outcomes?

We tested associations between social capital or vulnerability and health outcome measures of adult obesity, adult diabetes, and life expectancy at the county level in the United States with data from 2015 to 2018. This ecological cross-sectional study utilized secondary data from four open access databases: The Geography of Social Capital (U.S. Congress, 2018), County Health Rankings (2018), CDC's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS, 2018) and the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF, 2015). Our dependent variables were adult obesity, adult diabetes, and life expectancy. We identified the highest and lowest states' prevalence for each of three health outcomes in each of the four U.S. regions-Northeast, South, Midwest, and West. Each dependent variable was assessed using a sample of 32 counties (N = 32). Data analysis consisted of bivariate and regression analysis. Our results showed that the most consistent measure of "vulnerability" linked significantly to all three health conditions studied was percent births to unmarried women (Obesity p < .001; Diabetes p = .049; Life Expectancy p = .019). The most consistent measure of "social capital" linked to all three health conditions was recreation establishments per 1,000 inhabitants (Obesity p = .006; Diabetes p = .005; Life Expectancy p = .018). We concluded that measures of vulnerability were strongly associated with obesity, diabetes, and life expectancy when compared with social capital indicators. However, measures of social capital consistently accounted for the second-greatest proportion of the variance. Social and community contexts should be constantly addressed by both public health governmental- and scholarly-research agendas in the United States.

Development of a multi-species SNP array for serrasalmid fish Colossoma macropomum and Piaractus mesopotamicus.

Scarce genomic resources have limited the development of breeding programs for serrasalmid fish Colossoma macropomum (tambaqui) and Piaractus mesopotamicus (pacu), the key native freshwater fish species produced in South America. The main objectives of this study were to design a dense SNP array for this fish group and to validate its performance on farmed populations from several locations in South America. Using multiple approaches based on different populations of tambaqui and pacu, a final list of 29,575 and 29,612 putative SNPs was selected, respectively, to print an Axiom AFFYMETRIX (THERMOFISHER) SerraSNP array. After validation, 74.17% (n = 21,963) and 71.25% (n = 21,072) of SNPs were classified as polymorphic variants in pacu and tambaqui, respectively. Most of the SNPs segregated within each population ranging from 14,199 to 19,856 in pacu; and from 15,075 to 20,380 in tambaqui. Our results indicate high levels of genetic diversity and clustered samples according to their hatchery origin. The developed SerraSNP array represents a valuable genomic tool approaching in-depth genetic studies for these species.

24.0 kyr cal BP stone artefact from Vale da Pedra Furada, Piauí, Brazil: Techno-functional analysis.

Current archaeological paradigm proposes that the first peopling of the Americas does not exceed the Last Glacial Maximum period. In this context, the acceptance of the anthropogenic character of the earliest stone artefacts generally rests on the presence of projectile points considered no more as typocentric but as typognomonic, since it allows, by itself, to certify the human character of the other associated artefacts. In other words, without this presence, nothing is certain. Archaeological research at Piauí (Brazil) attests to a Pleistocene human presence between 41 and 14 cal kyr BP, without any record of lithic projectile points. Here, we report the discovery and interpretation of an unusual stone artefact in the Vale da Pedra Furada site, in a context dating back to 24 cal kyr BP. The knapping stigmata and macroscopic use-wear traces reveal a conception centred on the configuration of double bevels and the production in the same specimen of at least two successive artefacts with probably different functions. This piece unambiguously presents an anthropic character and reveals a technical novelty during the Pleistocene occupation of South America.

The bleaching efficacy of carbamide peroxide gels containing potassium nitrate desensitizer.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the bleaching efficacy of at-home carbamide peroxide (CP) gels in two concentrations, containing or not a desensitizing agent. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty incisors were divided into four groups (n=10), according to gel concentrations (10% or 22%), and presence or not of 3% potassium nitrate in the gel. A thin layer of gel was applied to the buccal surface of each tooth for 2h/day for 4 weeks. Bleaching efficacy was measured using a spectrophotometer, and ∆E*ab, ∆E00 and ∆WID were calculated. Measurements were performed at baseline, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 days following the first gel application. Data were analyzed by two-way RM-ANOVA and Tukey's test (α=0.05). RESULTS: Regarding gel concentration or potassium nitrate inclusion, both gels resulted in color change above the perceptibility thresholds, which were similar between gels. Regarding time, significant differences were observed between color change values at 7 days and other time periods. ∆WID ranged from 3.8 to 9.6. Significant moderate to strong positive correlation was observed among the parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Nor the CP concentration, neither the inclusion of potassium nitrate in the gel, had influence on bleaching efficacy. All gels were effective and showed good results from the first weeks' application. Key words:Tooth bleaching, carbamide peroxide, desensitizer, potassium nitrate, color.

Hepatic SOCS3 expression is strongly associated with non-response to therapy and race in HCV and HCV/HIV infection.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The response rates of HCV infection to interferon therapy vary depending on viral and host factors. We hypothesized that key regulators of the IFN signaling pathway are predictive of treatment outcome. METHODS: We measured the expression of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) and suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) in pretreatment liver biopsies. Staining quantitation was compared to treatment outcomes. RESULTS: Forty-nine patients with HCV and 25 patients with HCV/HIV infection treated with peginterferon/ribavirin were analyzed. Pretreatment hepatic SOCS3 expression was higher in non-responders than responders. Genotype 1 responders had similar levels of SOCS3 as genotype 2/3 responders. African Americans (AA) had higher hepatic SOCS3 than non-AA. Pretreatment hepatic SOCS3 was the most powerful independent predictor of sustained virologic response (SVR), even more so than genotype by logistic regression analysis. Failure to achieve SVR and AA race were independently associated with high hepatic SOCS3 levels. The hepatic expression of STAT-1 did not differ between responders and non-responders. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that hepatic SOCS3 is a stronger baseline predictor of antiviral response than viral genotype. Poor response to antiviral therapy in AA may be associated with higher hepatic SOCS3 expression.

HIV increases HCV replication in a TGF-beta1-dependent manner.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection increases hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related progression of hepatic fibrosis, increases HCV persistence, and decreases response rates to interferon-based anti-HCV therapy. It has remained unclear how HIV, a nonhepatotropic virus, accelerates the progression of liver disease by HCV. METHODS: We explored the possibility that circulating HIV and/or its proteins contribute to the pathogenesis of HCV through engagement of extracellular coreceptors on hepatocytes. RESULTS: In this study, we found that inactivated HIV or gp120 increases HCV replication and enhances HCV-regulated transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 expression in both a replicon and an infectious model of HCV. This proviral effect of HIV and gp120 on HCV replication is neutralized by antibodies to CCR5 or CXCR4. However, HIV and gp120 did not alter type I interferon-mediated signaling in these HCV models, indicating that HIV regulates HCV replication through an alternative mechanism. Interestingly, we found that human TGF-beta1 also enhanced HCV replication. The effect of HIV on HCV replication was blocked by a neutralizing antibody to TGF-beta1, indicating that its effects on HCV replication are TGF-beta1 dependent. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest a novel mechanism by which HIV not only enhances HCV replication but also contributes to progression of hepatic fibrosis.

[Prematurity and associated factors in Santa Catarina State, Brazil, in 2005: an analysis based on data from the Information System on Live Births]. / Prematuridade e fatores associados no Estado de Santa Catarina, Brasil, no ano de 2005: análise dos dados do Sistema de Informações sobre Nascidos Vivos.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of preterm birth in the State of Santa Catarina, Brazil, and identify associated factors. Data were obtained from the SINASC database (Information System on Live Births). The chi-squared test and Wald linear trend test between the dependent variable (prematurity) and the covariates were applied. Logistic regression was performed to evaluate the association between factors. In 2005, the preterm birth rate was 6.1% (95% CI: 5.9-6.2). Odds of prematurity were higher among mothers under 20 and over 40 years old, those with fewer prenatal consultations, and those undergoing cesarean sections. Prevalence of prematurity in Santa Catarina appears to be increasing. This scenario suggests the need to encourage prenatal care and discourage cesarean deliveries in order to decrease the prematurity rate. More studies using the existing databases could help identify their shortcomings and improve the quality of the data.