Processing of the capsid proteins of the Betachrysovirus Fusarium graminearum virus-China 9 (FgV-ch9).

While the capsid of viruses in the Alphachrysovirus genus is built of subunits of a single coat protein, the capsid of viruses grouped in the Betachrysovirus genus may consist of subunits of two different proteins. For four of these betachrysoviruses, the detected molecular weights of the putative coat proteins differ from the sizes deduced from the nucleic acid sequence. The origin of these modifications remained unclear and it was hypothesized that the coat proteins undergo unspecific degradation. In our study, we show that these modifications are based on processing steps performed by unknown factors present in extracts of several eukaryotic organisms. Furthermore, we show that the C-terminal domain of P3 is fully degraded after capsid processing and particle assembly.

Microimplant assisted rapid palatal expansion vs surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion for maxillary transverse discrepancy treatment.

INTRODUCTION: This study compared the skeletal and dental changes of microimplant assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) with those produced by surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion (SARPE) in postpeak adolescents and adults. METHODS: The sample comprised 17 patients (mean age, 26 ± 11 years) selected for the MARPE group and 15 (mean age, 28.5 ± 10.5 years) selected for the SARPE group. Cone-beam computed tomography scans taken just before and after the expansion were used to assess dental and skeletal changes and compare the changes between the groups. RESULTS: MARPE showed greater transversal skeletal changes in the midface and posterior and anterior maxillary base measurements. The transverse displacement of the alveolar process was greater but not significant for the SARPE group than the MARPE group. Regarding dental effects, the root distance measurements did not differ between the groups, but SARPE produced a significantly greater increase in intermolar and interpremolar distance and a greater buccal inclination of the alveolar process and supporting teeth than MARPE. CONCLUSIONS: The MARPE technique showed an increase in skeletal transverse maxillary expansion at the midface and basal bone compared with SARPE, especially at the posterior palatal region; however, no difference was found in the expansion of the alveolar process between the 2 methods. MARPE presented a more parallel expansion in both a coronal and axial view, whereas SARPE led to a V-shaped opening. The greater buccal inclination of the alveolar process and supporting teeth was observed in the SARPE group.

SURGICAL TREATMENT OF BREAST CANCER: DATA FROM A RENOWNED INSTITUTION IN THE BRAZILIAN NORTHEAST / Tratamento cirúrgico do câncer de mama: dados de uma instituição de referência do nordeste brasileiro

Introduction: Worldwide, breast cancer is the neoplasia that most affects women, after skin cancer, and accounts for 25% of new cases each year. Over the past 40 years, the survival rate has been increasing in developed countries ­ currently, it is 85% in 5 years ­, while in developing countries it remains between 50 and 60%. As such, routine use of mammography throughout the world is considerably important. Objectives: To describe demographic and pathological characteristics in addition to the surgical approach of patients with invasive breast carcinoma in a renowned institution. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study using secondary data obtained from medical records of breast cancer patients operated on at the Cancer Institute of Ceará (ICC), from 2002 to 2012. Data were analyzed using Epi Info 7.0 software. Results: The study population included 746 patients with primary breast tumors, of which 626 (84%) were invasive. Within the invasive breast tumors, the majority (554 ­ 88.49%) were of the invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) type. Concerning stages, 351 cases (56.07%) were stage II. The average age of patients was 41 to 50 years old, and T2 tumors measured approximately 2 to 5 cm. The most frequent surgery was a quadrantectomy. A sentinel lymph node biopsy (SNB) was performed in 368 patients (58.78%). Conclusion: O ur c asuistry p rovides i mportant i nformation w ith r egard t o t he p rofile o f p atients s urgically t reated a t a renowned public institution in the Brazilian Northeast. Diagnosing the disease at an advanced stage still occurs at this institution, which results in high rates of mastectomy. Thus, better results tend to be obtained as better screening proposals are provided.

Introdução: O câncer de mama é a neoplasia que mais acomete mulheres em todo o mundo após o câncer de pele, representando 25% dos casos novos a cada ano. Nos últimos 40 anos, a sobrevida vem aumentando nos países desenvolvidos ­ atualmente, é de 85% em 5 anos ­, enquanto nos países em desenvolvimento permanece entre 50 e 60%, tendo o uso rotineiro da mamografia considerável importância em todo o mundo. Objetivos: Descrever as características demográficas, patológicas e as abordagens cirúrgicas de pacientes com carcinoma invasivo da mama em uma instituição de referência. Métodos: Estudo transversal e descritivo, utilizando dados secundários obtidos nos prontuários médicos de pacientes com câncer de mama operadas no Instituto do Câncer do Ceará (ICC), entre os anos de 2002 e 2012. Os dados foram analisados por meio do software Epi Info 7.0. Resultados: A população de estudo correspondeu a 746 pacientes com tumores primários de mama, dos quais 626 (84%) apresentavam-se como invasivos, sendo a maioria (554 ­ 88,49%) do tipo carcinoma ductal invasivo (CDI). No que diz respeito ao estádio, 351 casos (56,07%) eram II. Prevaleceu a faixa etária de 41 a 50 anos, e os tumores T2 mediam aproximadamente 2 a 5 cm. A cirurgia mais frequente foi a quadrantectomia; e a biópsia do linfonodo sentinela (BLS) foi realizada em 368 pacientes (58,78%). Conclusão: Nossa casuística fornece informações importantes sobre o perfil de pacientes portadoras de tumor invasivo da mama tratadas cirurgicamente em uma instituição filantrópica do Nordeste brasileiro, referência no tratamento do câncer. O estadiamento avançado ao diagnóstico ainda é presente nessa instituição, o que determina elevadas taxas de mastectomia. Assim, melhores resultados tendem a ser obtidos à medida que são apresentadas melhores propostas de rastreio de massa.

Soy protein hydrolysis with microbial protease to improve antioxidant and functional properties.

Soybean proteins are widely used as nutritional and functional food ingredients. This investigation evaluated through a 2(3) central composite design the effect of three variables (pH, temperature and enzyme/substrate (E/S) ratio) on the production of soy protein isolate (SPI) hydrolysates with a microbial protease. Soluble peptides, antioxidant activity, and foaming and emulsifying capabilities of the hydrolysates were analyzed. All variables, as well as their interactions, were significant for the soluble peptides content of SPI hydrolysates. Optimal conditions for obtaining soluble peptides were around 30-35 °C, pH 6.5-9.5, and E/S ratios of 1,650-6,300 U g(-1). SPI hydrolysates produced at 30-45 °C, pH 8.0-9.5, and E/S ratios of 4,000-8,000 U g(-1) showed higher capacity to scavenge the 2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline)-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical. Models for soluble peptides and ABTS activity of hydrolysates were obtained. In the range studied, the variables had not significant influence on the ability of hydrolysates to scavenge the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical. SPI hydrolysates also presented reducing power and ability to chelate iron. Hydrolysis temperature was significant for the Fe(2+)-chelating ability of hydrolysates. Temperature of hydrolysis was significant for the foaming capacity of hydrolysates, with higher values observed at 45 °C and 8,000 U g(-1). For emulsifying capacity, only E/S ratio presented a significant effect. Temperature and E/S ratio appeared to be more significant variables influencing the properties of the SPI hydrolysates. The results of this study indicate that specific hydrolysis conditions should be selected to obtain SPI hydrolysates with preferred characteristics.

In vitro study of color stability of polycrystalline and monocrystalline ceramic brackets.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this in vitro study was to analyze color stability of monocrystalline and polycrystalline ceramic brackets after immersion in dye solutions. METHODS: Seven ceramic brackets of four commercial brands were tested: Two monocrystalline and two polycrystalline. The brackets were immersed in four dye solutions (coffee, red wine, Coke and black tea) and in artificial saliva for the following times: 24 hours, 7, 14 and 21 days, respectively. Color changes were measured by a spectrophotometer. Data were assessed by Multivariate Profile Analysis, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Multiple Comparison Tests of means. RESULTS: There was a perceptible change of color in all ceramic brackets immersed in coffee (ΔE* Allure = 7.61, Inspire Ice = 6.09, Radiance = 6.69, Transcend = 7.44), black tea (ΔE* Allure = 6.24, Inspire Ice = 5.21, Radiance = 6.51, Transcend = 6.14) and red wine (ΔE* Allure = 6.49, Inspire Ice = 4.76, Radiance = 5.19, Transcend = 5.64), but no change was noticed in Coke and artificial saliva (ΔE < 3.7). CONCLUSION: Ceramic brackets undergo color change when exposed to solutions of coffee, black tea and red wine. However, the same crystalline structure, either monocrystalline or polycrystalline, do not follow the same or a similar pattern in color change, varying according to the bracket fabrication, which shows a lack of standardization in the manufacturing process. Coffee dye produced the most marked color changes after 21 days of immersion for most ceramic brackets evaluated.

Long-term cardiac changes in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was evaluate the late-onset repercussions of heart alterations of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) after a 13-year follow up. METHODS: A historical prospective study was carried out involving the analysis of data from the charts of patients with a confirmed diagnosis of lupus in follow up since 1998. The 13-year evolution was systematically reviewed and tabulated to facilitate the interpretation of the data. RESULTS: Forty-eight patient charts were analyzed. Mean patient age was 34.5 ± 10.8 years at the time of diagnosis and 41.0 ± 10.3 years at the time of the study (45 women and 3 men). Eight deaths occurred in the follow-up period (two due to heart problems). Among the alterations found on the complementary exams, 46.2% of cases demonstrated worsening at reevaluation and four patients required a heart catheterization. In these cases, coronary angioplasty was performed due to the severity of the obstructions and one case required a further catheterization, culminating in the need for surgical myocardial revascularization. CONCLUSION: The analysis demonstrated progressive heart impairment, with high rates of alterations on conventional complementary exams, including the need for angioplasty or revascularization surgery in four patients. These findings indicate the need for rigorous cardiac follow up in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.