A influência da idade nos níveis de ansiedade pré-competitiva de atletas de esportes coletivos / The influence of age on pre-competitive anxiety levels of team sports athletes / La influencia de la edad en los niveles de ansiedad precompetitiva en deportistas de deportes colectivos

Objetivo: Objetivou-se investigar a influência da idade no nível de ansiedade pré-competitiva de atletas de esportes coletivos. Metodologia: Participaram 27 atletas de ambos os sexos, divididos em dois grupos: atletas até 20 anos de idade (14 participantes) e atletas acima de 21 anos de idade (13 participantes). Utilizou-se o CSAI-2r e o questionário de caracterização da amostra. Resultados e discussão: Os resultados demonstraram que os dois grupos apresentaram níveis de ansiedade pré-competitiva similares, mas o grupo de atletas mais velhos apresentou escores superiores para autoconfiança. Conclusão:Pode-se concluir que a idade não influenciou os resultados de ansiedade pré-competitiva, mas os escores de autoconfiança do grupo de atletas mais velhos foram superiores, sugerindo que a idade pode ter influenciado os níveis de autoconfiança.

Objective:The objective was to investigate the influence of age on the pre-competitive anxiety level of team sports athletes.Methodology:27 athletes of both sexes participated, divided into two groups: athletes up to 20 years of age (14 participants) and athletes over 21 years of age (13 participants). The CSAI-2r and the sample characterization questionnaire were used.Results and discussion:The results showed that the two groups had similar levels of pre-competitive anxiety, but the group of older athletes had higher scores for self-confidence.conclusion: It can be concluded that age did not influence the pre-competitive anxiety results, but the self-confidence scores of the older athlete's group were higher, suggesting that age may have influenced the levels of self-confidence.

Objetivo: El objetivo fue investigar la influencia de la edad en el nivel de ansiedad precompetitiva de atletas de deportes colectivos.Metodología: Participaron 27 deportistas de ambos sexos, divididos en dos grupos: deportistas hasta 20 años (14 participantes) y deportistas mayores de 21 años (13 participantes). Se utilizó el CSAI-2r y el cuestionario de caracterización de la muestra.Resultados y discusión: Los resultados mostraron que los dos grupos tenían niveles similares de ansiedad precompetitiva, pero el grupo de atletas mayores tenía puntajes más altos en autoconfianza.Conclusión: Se puede concluir que la edad no influyó en los resultados de ansiedad precompetitiva, pero los puntajes de autoconfianza del grupo de atletas mayores fueron más altos, lo que sugiere que la edad puede haber influido en los niveles de autoconfianza.

A influência da prática de atividade física no estado de humor de mulheres adultas / The influence of physical activity on the mood of adult women

O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar os níveis de estado de humor de mulheres adultas praticantes de atividade física regular com os de mulheres adultas sedentárias. Participaram do estudo 57 mulheres (53,36 ± 10,68 anos de idade), divididas em dois grupos: ativas e sedentárias. Utilizou-se um questionário para caracterização da amostra e a Escala de Humor de Brunel (BRUMS). Os resultados do presente estudo demonstraram que as mulheres ativas apresentaram estado de humor positivo, além de apresentaram baixos escores para o estado de humor negativo, quando comparadas aos escores das mulheres sedentárias. Pode-se concluir que a atividade física pode influenciar positivamente o estado de humor.

The aim of this study was to compare mood levels of adult women engaged in regular physical activity with those of sedentary adult women. Fifty-seven women participated in the study (53.36 ± 10.68 years' old), divided into two groups: active and sedentary. A questionnaire was used to characterize the sample, and the Brunel Mood Scale (BRUMS) was also applied. The results demonstrated that active women had a positive mood state in addition to having low scores for negative mood state when compared to the scores of sedentary women. It can be concluded that physical activity can have a positive influence on mood state.

Comparação do estado de humor entre atletas de esportes coletivos e individuais / Comparison of the mood states between collective and individual sport athletes

O presente estudo teve como objetivo comparar os níveis de estado de humor de atletas de esportes coletivos e individuais. Para isso, foram avaliados os níveis de estado de humor de 21 atletas, de ambos os sexos (10 homens e 11 mulheres), com idade média de 29,47 (DP= 9,44), que disputaram os Jogos Regionais. Os participantes foram divididos em 2 grupos: "Esportes Coletivos" e "Esportes Individuais". O instrumento utilizado foi a Escala de Humor de Brunel (BRUMS), além de um Questionário de Caracterização Sociodemográfica. Os resultados encontrados demonstraram que não houveram diferenças significantes entre os grupos investigados para nenhuma subescala. Além disso, os atletas possuem escores superiores para subescala vigor quando comparadas as outras subescalas, o que é considerado um estado de humor positivo. Pode-se concluir que a modalidade esportiva praticada não influenciou o estado de humor e que os atletas investigados apresentaram os maiores escores para subescala vigor, caracterizando a amostra como perfil iceberg, o que é considerado pela literatura como ideal para o rendimento esportivo.(AU)

The present study aimed to compare the mood state levels of collective and individual sports athletes. For this, were evaluated the mood levels of 21 athletes of both sexes (10 men and 11 women), with an average age of 29,47 (SD = 9,44), who played in the Regional Games. Participants were divided into 2 groups: "Collective Sports" and "Individual Sports". The instrument used was the Brun el Mood Scale (BRUMS), as well as a Sociodemographic Characterization Questionnaire. The results showed that there were no significant differences between the groups investigated for any subscale. In addition, athletes have higher subscale vigor scores when compared to other subscales, which is considered a positive mood state. It can be concluded that the sport practiced did not influence the mood state and that the investigated athletes presented the highest scores for subscale vigor, characterizing the sample as iceberg profile, which is considered by the literature as ideal for sports performance.(AU)

Pathways Related to the Anti-Cancer Effects of Metabolites Derived from Cerrado Biome Native Plants: An Update and Bioinformatics Analysis on Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Oral cancer is a significant health problem worldwide. Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a malignant neoplasm of epithelial cells that mostly affects different anatomical sites in the head and neck and derives from the squamous epithelium or displays similar morphological characteristics. Generally, OSCC is often the end stage of several changes in the stratified squamous epithelium, which begin as epithelial dysplasia and progress by breaking the basement membrane and invading adjacent tissues. Several plant-based drugs with potent anti-cancer effects are considered inexpensive treatments with limited side effects for cancer and other diseases. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this review is to explore whether some Brazilian plant extracts or constituents exhibit anti-tumorigenic activity or have a cytotoxic effect on human oral carcinoma cells. METHODS: Briefly, OSCC and several metabolites derived from Brazilian plants (i.e., flavonoids, vinblastine, irinotecan, etoposide and paclitaxel) were used as keywords to search the literature on PubMed, GenBank and GeneCards. RESULTS: The results showed that these five chemical compounds found in Cerrado Biome plants exhibit anti-neoplastic effects. Evaluating the compounds revealed that they play a main role in the regulation of cell proliferation. CONCLUSION: Preserving and utilising the biodiversity of our planet, especially in unique ecosystems, such as the Cerrado Biome, may prove essential to preserving and promoting human health in modern contexts.

Coesão de grupo no basquetebol: olhares nas categorias de base / Group cohesion in basketball: a look at the base categories

O presente estudo teve como objetivo investigar o nível de coesão de grupo em atletas de Basquetebol de categorias de base, comparando os níveis de coesão de grupo no início (abril de 2018) e no final (novembro de 2018) da temporada. Participaram do estudo 26 atletas com idade entre 13 e 15 anos. O instrumento utilizado foi o Questionário de Ambiente de Grupo ­ QEG. Os resultados demonstraram que os atletas de Basquetebol investigados apresentaram elevados escores nas dimensões relacionadas à tarefa, com maiores escores para dimensão AI-T (Atração Individual para o Grupo-Tarefa), independentemente de a análise ser no início ou no final da temporada. Assim, pode-se considerar que os atletas investigados neste estudo apresentaram coesão em prol da tarefa, o que é considerado adequado para o desempenho esportivo.

This study aimed at investigating the level of group cohesion in basketball athletes in base categories, comparing group cohesion levels at the beginning (April 2018) and at the end (November 2018) of the season. A total of 26 athletes aged 13 to 15 years old participated in the study. The instrument used was the Group Environment Questionnaire - QEG. The results showed that the investigated basketball athletes presented high scores on the task-related dimensions, with higher scores for the IA-T dimension (Individual Attraction for the Task Group) regardless of whether the analysis was at the beginning or at the end of the season. Thus, it can be considered that the athletes investigated in this study presented cohesion in favor of the task, which is considered adequate for the sport performance.

Coesão de grupo em categorias de base do futebol / Group cohesion in Football based categories

O presente estudo tem como objetivo investigar a coesão de grupo em atletas de Futebol, de categorias de base, e comparar os níveis de coesão de grupo entre as equipes investigadas. Para isso, participaram do estudo, de forma voluntária, 84 jogadores de Futebol com idade entre 13 e 19 anos (16,04 ± 1,73), todos do sexo masculino e jogadores de 3 clubes do Estado de São Paulo. Cabe ressaltar que todos participantes preencheram o Termo de consentimento livre e esclarecido (TCLE) e o termo de assentimento, no caso dos menores de idade. Todos participantes responderam ao Questionário de Ambiente de Grupo ­ QEG, adaptado e validado para a língua portuguesa, além de um questionário sociodemográfico. Para as análises, recorreu-se a análises descritivas e inferenciais. Os resultados apontam, para análise intragrupo, independentemente do clube, que os grupos apresentam maiores escores para dimensão atração individual no grupo-tarefa, seguida da atração individual no grupo-social e menor escore para dimensão integração no grupo-tarefa. Em relação às análises entre clubes, pode-se observar que o clube 3 apresentou maiores escores que o clube 2, apenas, para as dimensões atração individual no grupo-tarefa e integração no grupo-tarefa. Diante do exposto, conclui-se que atletas de categorias de base parecem priorizar as dimensões de atração individual, que pode estar envolvido com a vontade de se profissionalizar e a incerteza de se esse objetivo será alcançado. Além disso, os atletas do clube 3 apresentaram maior coesão que os atletas do clube 2, indicando que nesse clube, possivelmente, tenha uma preocupação maior com a preparação psicológica, aliado a um estilo de liderança preferencial por parte dos atletas....(AU)

The present study aims to investigate group cohesion in soccer athletes, from youth categories, and compare the levels of team-cohesion among the teams investigated. For this, 84 soccer players aged 13 to 19 (16.04 ± 1.73), all males and players from 3 clubs of the State of São Paulo, participated voluntarily. It's important to highlight that all participants completed the Term of Free and Informed Consent (TCLE) and the consent term, in the case of minors. All participants answered the Group Environment Questionnaire - QEG, adapted and validated to Portuguese language, in addition they fulfill a sociodemographic questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential analyzes were used. The results show that, for intragroup analysis, independently of the club, there are higher scores for individual attraction dimension in the task group, followed by individual attraction in the social group and lower scores for integration dimension in the task group. Regarding the analysis between clubs, it can be observed that club 3 presented higher scores than club 2, only, for the individual attraction dimensions in the task group and integration in the task group. We concluded that grassroots athletes seem to prioritize the dimensions of individual attraction, which may be involved with the desire to become professional and the uncertainty of whether this goal will be achieved. In addition, club 3 athletes were more cohesive than club 2 athletes, indicating that they may have a greater concern with psychological preparation, coupled with a preferred leadership style by athletes....(AU)

Device-Independent Certification of a Nonprojective Qubit Measurement.

Quantum measurements on a two-level system can have more than two independent outcomes, and in this case, the measurement cannot be projective. Measurements of this general type are essential to an operational approach to quantum theory, but so far, the nonprojective character of a measurement can only be verified experimentally by already assuming a specific quantum model of parts of the experimental setup. Here, we overcome this restriction by using a device-independent approach. In an experiment on pairs of polarization-entangled photonic qubits we violate by more than 8 standard deviations a Bell-like correlation inequality that is valid for all sets of two-outcome measurements in any dimension. We combine this with a device-independent verification that the system is best described by two qubits, which therefore constitutes the first device-independent certification of a nonprojective quantum measurement.

Postselection-Loophole-Free Bell Test Over an Installed Optical Fiber Network.

Device-independent quantum communication will require a loophole-free violation of Bell inequalities. In typical scenarios where line of sight between the communicating parties is not available, it is convenient to use energy-time entangled photons due to intrinsic robustness while propagating over optical fibers. Here we show an energy-time Clauser-Horne-Shimony-Holt Bell inequality violation with two parties separated by 3.7 km over the deployed optical fiber network belonging to the University of Concepción in Chile. Remarkably, this is the first Bell violation with spatially separated parties that is free of the postselection loophole, which affected all previous in-field long-distance energy-time experiments. Our work takes a further step towards a fiber-based loophole-free Bell test, which is highly desired for secure quantum communication due to the widespread existing telecommunication infrastructure.

Applying the simplest Kochen-Specker set for quantum information processing.

Kochen-Specker (KS) sets are key tools for proving some fundamental results in quantum theory and also have potential applications in quantum information processing. However, so far, their intrinsic complexity has prevented experimentalists from using them for any application. The KS set requiring the smallest number of contexts has been recently found. Relying on this simple KS set, here we report an input state-independent experimental technique to certify whether a set of measurements is actually accessing a preestablished quantum six-dimensional space encoded in the transverse momentum of single photons.

Real-time monitoring of single-photon detectors against eavesdropping in quantum key distribution systems.

By employing real-time monitoring of single-photon avalanche photodiodes we demonstrate how two types of practical eavesdropping strategies, the after-gate and time-shift attacks, may be detected. Both attacks are identified with the detectors operating without any special modifications, making this proposal well suited for real-world applications. The monitoring system is based on accumulating statistics of the times between consecutive detection events, and extracting the afterpulse and overall efficiency of the detectors in real-time using mathematical models fit to the measured data. We are able to directly observe changes in the afterpulse probabilities generated from the after-gate and faint after-gate attacks, as well as different timing signatures in the time-shift attack. We also discuss the applicability of our scheme to other general blinding attacks.

Mannose-binding lectin gene (MBL-2) polymorphism in oral lichen planus.

TNF-α may be associated with the etiopathogenesis of oral lichen planus (OLP), and it has been suggested that polymorphism of mannose-binding lectin (MBL) increases the in vitro production of TNF- α. The aim of the present study was to assess the relevance of genetic diversity of MBL in OLP. The study sample comprised 90 individuals, 45 OLP patients and 45 healthy volunteers. MBL-2 gene was amplified using real-time PCR. Frequency of A/A genotype was 55.6% in OLP and 53.3% in healthy volunteers. Likewise, A/0 heterozygote genotype was found in 42.2% and 35.6%; 2.2% and 11.1%, had the recessive 0/0 genotype respectively. Frequencies of the "A" and "0" alleles were 77% and 23% in the OLP group and 71.2% in control group. There were no statistically significant differences regarding genotype frequency (p = 0.546) or allele frequency (p = 0.497). In conclusion, no significant association was found between polymorphism of MBL-2 gene and OLP.

Demographic profile of odontogenic and selected nonodontogenic cysts in a Brazilian population.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the demographic profile of all histologically diagnosed odontogenic cysts (OC) and nonodontogenic cysts (nOC) over a 51-year period in the Brazilian population. STUDY DESIGN: Case records of patients with OC and nOC from the files of the Oral Pathology Service, School of Dentistry, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil, during the period of 1953-2003 were evaluated. RESULTS: Among 19,064 oral biopsies, 2,905 (15.2%) presented criteria of OC and nOC. Of these, 2,812 specimens (14.7%) were diagnosed as OC and 93 (0.5%) represented nOC. The 3 most frequent OC diagnosed were radicular cyst (61.0%), dentigerous cyst (25.3%), and odontogenic keratocyst (7.2%). The most frequent nOC was the nasopalatine duct cyst (2.2%). CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that there is a wide range of OC and nOC, with some cysts having a predilection for age, gender, and localization. We also showed demographic aspects and clinical characteristics of these cysts. These could be used as baseline data to obtain more epidemiologic information about the OC and the nOC especially in the Brazilian population.

Investigation of functional gene polymorphisms: IL-1B, IL-6 and TNFA in benign migratory glossitis in Brazilian individuals.

BACKGROUND: Benign migratory glossitis (BMG) is a very common immunological oral disease of unknown aetiology. METHODS AND SUBJECTS: Fifty-three consecutive subjects affected by BMG and 53 age- and sex-matched control subjects were genotyped for IL-1B, IL-6 and TNFA polymorphisms. Binary logistic regression models were fitted and values of P < 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: A significant difference in the distribution of IL-1B genotypes was observed in the group with BMG in univariate analyses (P = 0.01). The multivariate analyses showed that the CT genotype of the IL1-B gene was significantly associated with a high risk to develop BMG (P = 0.02, OR 2.76). The combined presence of IL-1beta high and intermediate producers genotypes was also associated with BMG in multivariate analyses (P = 0.01, OR 3.05). IL-6 and TNFA polymorphisms were not associated with BMG in the univariate and multivariate analyses. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate that the polymorphism +3954 IL-1B is associated with an increased risk of BMG development and suggest a genetic basis for disease development.

Investigation of functional gene polymorphisms interleukin-1beta, interleukin-6, interleukin-10 and tumor necrosis factor in individuals with oral lichen planus.

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory oral mucosal disease. There are some studies in the literature demonstrating association between cytokines genes polymorphisms and susceptibility to develop some immune-mediate conditions. The purpose of this study was to investigate cytokine gene polymorphisms in a sample of Brazilian patients with OLP. Fifty-three patients with OLP (mean age = 43.1 years; range 20-68 years) and 53 healthy volunteers (mean age = 42.9 years; range 21-67) were genotyped for IL-1beta +3954 (C/T), IL-6-174 (G/C), IL-10-1082 (G/A) and TNFA-308 (G/A) gene polymorphisms. Statistical analysis was based on the use of logistic regression (P-values below 0.05 were considered as significant). IL-6 and TNFA homozygous genotypes were significantly more often detected in OLP patients. These genotypes were associated with an increased risk of OLP development (OR 6.89 and 13.04, respectively). IL-1beta and IL-10 gene polymorphisms were not related to OLP development. Our findings clearly demonstrate an association between inheritance of IL-6 and TNFA gene polymorphisms and OLP occurrence, thus giving additional support for genetic basis of this disease.

Evaluation of the signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders in children with headaches.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the presence of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in children with headaches in a neuropediatric ambulatory. METHOD: Fifty patients between 4 and 18 years of age were examined: 31 had headaches (24 migraine, 4 tension type and 3 unspecific headache) and 19 formed the control group. The data collection was comprised of a structured questionnaire answered by the children's parents, and a subjective evaluation about the childrens emotional state. A specific questionnaire for TMD was applied, followed by a clinical dental examination of the children. As signs of TMD, mouth opening limitation, mandibular trajectory deviation in opening mouth, and joint noise were considered. As symptoms, pain on palpation of masseter and temporal muscles and on the poromandibular joint. RESULTS: A significant increase in signs and symptoms of TMD was found in patients with headaches when compared to the control group. There was also a significant difference in signs and symptoms of TMD according to age (increased with age) and emotional state (tense>calm). CONCLUSION: There is a higher frequency of TMD in pediatric patients with headaches; thus, it is important to look for TMD signs and symptoms in this population.

Evaluation of the signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders in children with headaches

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the presence of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in children with headaches in a neuropediatric ambulatory. METHOD: Fifty patients between 4 and 18 years of age were examined: 31 had headaches (24 migraine, 4 tension type and 3 unspecific headache) and 19 formed the control group. The data collection was comprised of a structured questionnaire answered by the children's parents, and a subjective evaluation about the childrenÆs emotional state. A specific questionnaire for TMD was applied, followed by a clinical dental examination of the children. As signs of TMD, mouth opening limitation, mandibular trajectory deviation in opening mouth, and joint noise were considered. As symptoms, pain on palpation of masseter and temporal muscles and on the poromandibular joint. RESULTS: A significant increase in signs and symptoms of TMD was found in patients with headaches when compared to the control group. There was also a significant difference in signs and symptoms of TMD according to age (increased with age) and emotional state (tense> calm). CONCLUSION: There is a higher frequency of TMD in pediatric patients with headaches; thus, it is important to look for TMD signs and symptoms in this population.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a presença de sinais e sintomas de disfunção temporomandibular (DTM) em crianças com cefaléias em um ambulatório de neuropediatria. MÉTODO: Foram examinados 50 pacientes com idade entre 4 e 18 anos, 31 com cefaléias (24 com enxaqueca, 4 com cefaléia tensional e 3 com cefaléia inespecífica) e 19 do grupo controle. Os dados compreenderam um questionário estruturado respondido pelos pais e uma avaliação subjetiva sobre o estado emocional das crianças. Foi aplicado um questionário específico para DTM e realizado um exame clínico dental. Foram considerados como sinais de DTM: limitação da abertura bucal, desvio da trajetória ao abrir a boca e ruído articular. Quanto aos sintomas, foram considerados: dor à palpação dos músculos masseter e temporal e na articulação temporomandibular. RESULTADOS: Foi encontrado um aumento significante de sinais e sintomas de DTM em pacientes com cefaléias quando comparados com o grupo controle. Houve, também, uma diferença significante de sinais e sintomas de DTM de acordo com a idade (aumento com a idade) e estado emocional (tenso>calmo). CONCLUSÃO: Há maior freqüência de sinais e sintomas de DTM no grupo de pacientes pediátricos com cefaléias, sendo importante avaliar essa patologia nessa população.

Serotonin transporter gene polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) in patients with oral lichen planus.

BACKGROUND: Considerable evidence indicates that serotonergic mechanisms, particularly the serotonin transporter (5-HTT) may be involved in psychiatric alterations. Recent findings have demonstrated that depression and stress are influenced by polymorphism of the promoter region of 5-HTT (5-HTTLPR) and that the short allele (S) is associated with reduced transcriptional efficiency resulting in reduced serotonin expression and uptake. As psychiatric and genetic factors have been implicated in the pathogenesis of oral lichen planus (OLP), the purpose of the present study was to investigate 5-HTTLPR polymorphism in patients with OLP compared to control subjects. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Fifty-four subjects affected by OLP and 54 healthy volunteers were genotyped at 5-HTTLPR. The chi-squared test was used for statistical analysis. To investigate the association between the single nucleotide polymorphisms and risk of OLP, binary logistic regression models were fitted. RESULTS: No statistical difference was observed between the genotype and allele frequency in the group of OLP and controls (p=0.51). Moreover no association between 5HTTLPR alleles and OLP was found in the multivariate analyses. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that polymorphism on the 5-HTTLPR is not associated with OLP pathogenesis.

Estudo retrospectivo do carcinoma epidermóide de boca em dois serviços bucal de Belo Horizonte/MG / Retrospective study of the oral squamous cell carcinoma in two oral pathology services from Belo Horizonte/MG

O carcinoma epidermóide de boca (CEB) é a neoplasia maligna mais frequente nessa região anatômica. Verificamos neste trabalho o número de casos de CEB no período de 1953 a 2003; a concordância entre o diagnóstico clínico e o histólogico; os dados epidemiológicos quanto a cor de pele, sexo, faixa etária, localização anatômica e profissão, tendo por base o arquivo dos Serviços de Patologia Bucal da Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerias (FO-UFMG) e Faculdade de Odontologia da Pontifícia Universidade Católoca de Minas Gerais (FO-PUC Minas) . Foram avaliados 340 casos. O índice de discrepância entre o diagnóstico clínico e o histológico foi de 39,7%. Houve aumento no número de relatos de CEB no período de 1953 a 2003, sendo mais frequente na faixa etária entre 50 e 69 anos, com perdomínio entre brancos do sexo masculino, envolvendo sítios múltiplos (23,0%) e em indivíduos de profissões variadas. O diagnóstico histológico do CEB tem disparidade com o diagnóstico clínico, e os dados epidemiológicos são semelhantes aos de outras populações.

A functional interleukin-1 beta gene polymorphism is associated with chronic periodontitis in a sample of Brazilian individuals.

BACKGROUND: Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) is a potent inflammatory mediator and an important polymorphism in the locus +3954 (C/T) of the human IL1 B gene has been shown to affect the levels of this cytokine. This functional polymorphism has been associated with the establishment of inflammatory diseases, including periodontal disease, in European, Asian and North American populations. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the IL1 B (+3954) gene polymorphism and the occurrence of different clinical forms of periodontitis in a sample of Brazilian individuals. METHODS: This study employed a cross-sectional design involving individuals from the State of Minas Gerais in the south-eastern region of Brazil. Genomic DNA was obtained from oral swabs of 129 individuals and amplified using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with specific primers flanking the locus +3954 of IL1 B. PCR products were submitted to restriction endonuclease digestion and analyzed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, to distinguish alleles T and C of the IL1 B gene, allowing for the determination of the genotypes and detection of the polymorphism. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The chronic periodontitis group displayed a higher percentage of the T allele (28%) when compared to the aggressive periodontitis group (10.7%, chi(2)=5.24, p=0.02, OR=0.31, CI=0.11--0.88) and to control group (8.7%, chi(2)=7.11, p=0.007, OR=0.24, CI=0.08--0.73). Our data suggested that the polymorphism in the locus +3954 of IL1 B gene could be a risk factor for chronic periodontitis in a sample of Brazilian individuals.

Systemic leukocyte activation in patients with central giant cell lesions.

BACKGROUND: Central giant cell lesion (CGCL) is a reactive lesion of the jaws with an associated inflammatory infiltrate. Since cell circulation allows for intense communication between different compartments in the body, we investigated whether the CGCL would lead to phenotypic and/or functional changes in circulating leukocytes. METHODS: We obtained lymphocytes and monocytes from CGCL patients and control subjects, to evaluate cytokine and adhesion molecule expression using flow cytometry. RESULTS: Our results revealed that CD4(+) T cells and CD14(+) monocytes from CGCL express elevated levels of CD11a and CD11b, respectively, when compared with controls. The frequencies of CD4(+) T cells expressing interferon (IFN)-gamma and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and the frequencies of CD4(+) and CD14(+) cells expressing interleukin (IL)-10 were increased in CGCL group, when compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that, although CGCL is a localized lesion, the patients show systemic functional alterations in circulating leukocytes, suggesting their role in the inflammatory pathogenesis of CGCL.