Interaction of MMP-9 in the active phase of Graves' disease with and without ophthalmopathy.

BACKGROUND: Thyroid eye disease (TED) is expressed as orbital inflammation, and serum levels of several proinflammatory cytokines have been studied among Graves' disease (GD) patients with and without TED; however, a more sensitive and specific marker for the different phases of GD and TED is still lacking. METHODS: 17 active TED, 16 inactive TED, 16 GD without TED, and 16 healthy controls were recruited. Serum IL-17A, MMP-2, MMP-3, and MMP-9 were measured by multiplex bead assay. TED hormone and eye parameters were evaluated, and their relationship with cytokine levels was analysed. RESULTS: Serum MMP-9 was higher in active TED than healthy controls, while IL-17A was lower among these patients than in GD without TED and healthy controls. No differences were found in MMP-3 and MMP-2 concentrations. MMP-9 levels were lower in inactive TED patients who underwent radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy and those on levothyroxine replacement, while MMP-9 levels were elevated in patients on methimazole. A negative correlation was found between age at assessment and time of follow-up with MMP-9 levels in inactive TED. Free T3 and ophthalmometry values were positively correlated with MMP-9 in the GD without TED and inactive TED groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Serum MMP-9 was increased in patients with active TED and was related to the RAI treatment, longer follow-up time, and higher ophthalmometry in patients with inactive TED, as well as thyroid function in GD without TED. MMP-9 may be involved in both the active phase of TED and the active phase of inflammation related to GD.

Identification of Proteomic Biomarkers in Proliferative Verrucous Leukoplakia through Liquid Chromatography With Tandem Mass Spectrometry.

Proliferative verrucous leukoplakia (PVL) is an oral potentially malignant disorder associated with high risk of malignant transformation. Currently, there is no treatment available, and restrictive follow-up of patients is crucial for a better prognosis. Oral leukoplakia (OL) shares some clinical and microscopic features with PVL but exhibits different clinical manifestations and a lower rate of malignant transformation. This study aimed to investigate the proteomic profile of PVL in tissue and saliva samples to identify potential diagnostic biomarkers with therapeutic implications. Tissue and saliva samples obtained from patients with PVL were compared with those from patients with oral OL and controls. Label-free liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry was employed, followed by qualitative and quantitative analyses, to identify differentially expressed proteins. Potential biomarkers were identified and further validated using immunohistochemistry. Staining intensity scan analyses were performed on tissue samples from patients with PVL, patients with OL, and controls from Brazil, Spain, and Finland. The study revealed differences in the immune system, cell cycle, DNA regulation, apoptosis pathways, and the whole proteome of PVL samples. In addition, liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry analyses showed that calreticulin (CALR), receptor of activated protein C kinase 1 (RACK1), and 14-3-3 Tau-protein (YWHAQ) were highly expressed in PVL samples. Immunohistochemistry validation confirmed increased CARL expression in PVL compared with OL. Conversely, RACK1 and YWHA were highly expressed in oral potentially malignant disorder compared to the control group. Furthermore, significant differences in CALR and RACK1 expression were observed in the OL group when comparing samples with and without oral epithelial dysplasia, unlike the PVL. This research provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying these conditions and highlights potential targets for future diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

Isotachophoresis for rapid transformation of Escherichia coli.

A frequent limitation of electroporation (EP) and chemical transformation (CT) are the need of tedious and time-consuming procedures for inducing transformation competence, the substantial number of cells required, and the low transformation yields typically achieved. Here, we show a new and rapid electrokinetic method for transformation of small number of noncompetent Escherichia coli TOP10 cells (2-3 × 105 ) at room temperature. Escherichia coli TOP10 cells and plasmid DNA are sequentially injected into a 50 µm ID capillary and focused into 11.5 nL by isotachophoresis (ITP) induced by application of high DC voltage (-16 kV). Through ITP, a large excess of plasmid DNA is brought in contact with the cell surface, with the contact time adjusted by application of a counter-pressure (1.3 psi) opposing the ITP movement. The transformation rate was more than 1000-fold higher compared to EP and CT at survival rates greater than 60%.

An overview of magnetic ionic liquids: From synthetic strategies to applications in microextraction techniques.

Remarkable progress has been achieved in the application of magnetic ionic liquids in microextraction-based procedures. These materials exhibit unique physicochemical properties of ionic liquids featuring additional responses to magnetic fields by incorporating a paramagnetic component within the chemical structure. This intriguing property can open new horizons in analytical extractions because the solvent manipulation is facilitated. Moreover, the tunable chemical structures of magnetic ionic liquids also allow for task-specific extractions that can significantly increase the method selectivity. This review aimed at providing an up-to-date overview of articles involving synthesis, physicochemical properties, and applications of magnetic ionic liquids highlighting recent developments and configurations. Moreover, a section containing critical evaluation and future trends in magnetic ionic liquid-based extractions is included.

Visual impairment and blindness in the Xingu Indigenous Park - Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Most estimates of visual impairment and blindness worldwide do not include data from specific minority groups as indigenous populations. We aimed to evaluate frequencies and causes of visual impairment and blindness in a large population sample from the Xingu Indigenous Park. METHODS: Cross-sectional study performed at Xingu Indigenous Park, Brazil, from 2016 to 2017. Residents from 16 selected villages were invited to participate and underwent a detailed ocular examination, including uncorrected (UVA) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). The main cause of UVA < 20/32 per eye was determined. RESULTS: A total of 2,099 individuals were evaluated. Overall, the frequency of visual impairment and blindness was 10.00% (95% CI: 8.72-11.29%) when considering UVA, decreasing to 7.15% (95% CI: 6.04-8.25%) when considering BCVA. For each increasing year on age, the risk  of being in the visually impaired or blind category increased by 9% (p < 0.001). Cataracts (39.1%) and uncorrected refractive errors (29.1%) were the most frequent causes of visual impairment and blindness in this population. The main causes among those aged 45 years and more were cataracts (54.5%) while refractive errors were the main cause in adults aged 18 to 45 years (50.0%) and children up to 18 years old (37.1%). CONCLUSIONS: A higher frequency of visual impairment and blindness was observed in the indigenous population when compared to worldwide estimates with most of the causes being preventable and/or treatable. Blindness prevention programs should focus on accessibility to eye exam, cataract surgeries and eyeglass distribution.

Role of nicergoline in corneal wound healing in diabetic rats.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the effect of nicergoline on the rate of complete corneal ulcer reepithelialization (CCUR) in diabetic rats with diabetic keratopathy. METHODS: Forty-eight streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were randomly divided into two groups. The experimental group (n = 24) received nicergoline (10 mg.kg- 1.day- 1), while the control group (n = 24) received a placebo. A corneal epithelial defect was induced using a corneal diamond burr, and defect area was compared at time points of 0, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h after the injury using image analysis software. The probability of CCUR within 72 h was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis log-rank test. RESULTS: When compared, 4 of the 24 rats (17%) in the placebo group and 12 of the 24 rats (50%) in the nicergoline group were found to have CCUR within 72 h (log-rank = 0.027). Cox regression analysis found no effect of the covariates blood glucose (P = 0.601) or weight (P = 0.322) on the corneal reepithelialization (survival) curve. CONCLUSIONS: Nicergoline increased wound healing rates relative to placebo and may therefore be investigated as a treatment option in diabetic keratopathy.

Intraosseous neurilemoma of the mandible with unusual multilocular presentation: a case report.

This case report describes an intraosseous neurilemoma, observed radiographically as a multilocular lesion, in a 12-year-old patient. Physical examination revealed facial asymmetry, swelling on the right side of the mandibular body, and bone expansion in the region of the base of the buccal sulcus. Panoramic radiography revealed a multilocular radiolucency on the right side of the mandibular body in the periapical region extending from the distal region of the first premolar root to the second molar and adjacent to the third molar. Evaluation of a radiograph obtained 3 years earlier for an orthodontic assessment revealed that the lesion was present, appearing as a unilocular radiolucency near the root of the mandibular right first molar. An incisional biopsy of the multilocular lesion was performed, and Antoni A and Antoni B histologic patterns were identified by microscopic analysis. Immunohistochemical analysis was conducted, and neoplastic cells stained positive for the S-100 protein. The patient underwent conservative surgical excision of the lesion, and no recurrence was observed during 7 years of clinical follow-up. Based on analysis of the present case and previous cases reported in the literature, intraosseous neurilemoma, especially its multilocular variant, is an uncommon neoplasm. In the present case, evaluation of the lesion when it was first radiographically detectable, prior to orthodontic treatment, would have permitted a more limited surgical approach for the excision of a small intraosseous lesion.

Tear proteomic profile in three distinct ocular surface diseases: keratoconus, pterygium, and dry eye related to graft-versus-host disease.

BACKGROUND: Diseases of the anterior segment of the eye may present different mechanisms, intensity of symptoms, and impact on the patients' quality of life and vision. The tear film is in direct contact with the ocular surface and cornea and can be easily accessed for sample collection, figuring as a promising source of potential biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment control. This study aimed to evaluate tear proteomic profile in 3 distinct ocular diseases: keratoconus (corneal ectasia), severe dry eye related to graft-versus-host-disease (tear film dysfunction and ocular inflammatory condition) and pterygium (conjunctival fibrovascular degenerative disease). METHODS: Tear samples were collected from patients of each condition and a control group. By using mass spectrometric analysis combined with statistics and bioinformatics tools, a detailed comparison of protein profile was performed. RESULTS: After Student's t-test analyses comparing each condition to the control group, we found the following number of differentially expressed proteins: 7 in keratoconus group, 29 in pterygium group, and 79 in GVHD group. Following multivariate analyses, we also report potential candidates as biomarkers for each disease. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated herein that mass spectrometry-based proteomics was able to indicate proteins that differentiate three distinct ocular conditions, which is a promising tool for the diagnosis of ocular diseases.

Oral granular cell tumour: A multicentric study of 56 cases and a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Granular cell tumour (GCT) is a benign neoplasm that originates from Schwann cells. Within the oral cavity, it usually appears as a lingual nodule and especially amongst female adults. Histologically, GCT shows a proliferation of polygonal cells with eosinophilic granular cytoplasm, which can be associated with a pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia (PEH). In this study, we analyse the main clinicopathological data of intraoral GCT and we compare our results with previous studies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We have studied a series of 56 cases of oral GCT in Spain and Brazil, and we have conducted a systematic review in PubMed, Web of Knowledge and Scopus databases, using the keywords: "granular cell tumour" and oral. RESULTS: In our series, GCT appeared as an asymptomatic benign tumour that is more frequent in women and in the tongue. PEH was observed in 32% of the lesions. In the review, we collected 282 cases of oral GCT with a similar clinical profile; seven patients had multiple lesions, and 33% of the cases presented PEH. No cases of malignant oral GCT have been described to date. GCT is an uncommon oral benign neoplasm, mainly unique and asymptomatic, derived from Schwann cells. CONCLUSIONS: Although the etiopathogenesis of this oral tumour is unknown, its characteristics suggest that it could have a reactive nature. Conducting a complete clinicopathological study in all intraoral GCT is fundamental in order to dismiss other entities, including oral carcinoma.

Xylella fastidiosa subsp. pauca Strains Fb7 and 9a5c from Citrus Display Differential Behavior, Secretome, and Plant Virulence.

Xylella fastidiosa colonizes the xylem of various cultivated and native plants worldwide. Citrus production in Brazil has been seriously affected, and major commercial varieties remain susceptible to Citrus Variegated Chlorosis (CVC). Collective cellular behaviors such as biofilm formation influence virulence and insect transmission of X. fastidiosa. The reference strain 9a5c produces a robust biofilm compared to Fb7 that remains mostly planktonic, and both were isolated from symptomatic citrus trees. This work deepens our understanding of these distinct behaviors at the molecular level, by comparing the cellular and secreted proteomes of these two CVC strains. Out of 1017 identified proteins, 128 showed differential abundance between the two strains. Different protein families were represented such as proteases, hemolysin-like proteins, and lipase/esterases, among others. Here we show that the lipase/esterase LesA is among the most abundant secreted proteins of CVC strains as well, and demonstrate its functionality by complementary activity assays. More severe symptoms were observed in Nicotiana tabacum inoculated with strain Fb7 compared to 9a5c. Our results support that systemic symptom development can be accelerated by strains that invest less in biofilm formation and more in plant colonization. This has potential application in modulating the bacterial-plant interaction and reducing disease severity.