Growth Hormone Action in Somatostatin Neurons Regulates Anxiety and Fear Memory.

Dysfunctions in growth hormone (GH) secretion increase the prevalence of anxiety and other neuropsychiatric diseases. GH receptor (GHR) signaling in the amygdala has been associated with fear memory, a key feature of posttraumatic stress disorder. However, it is currently unknown which neuronal population is targeted by GH action to influence the development of neuropsychiatric diseases. Here, we showed that approximately 60% of somatostatin (SST)-expressing neurons in the extended amygdala are directly responsive to GH. GHR ablation in SST-expressing cells (SSTΔGHR mice) caused no alterations in energy or glucose metabolism. Notably, SSTΔGHR male mice exhibited increased anxiety-like behavior in the light-dark box and elevated plus maze tests, whereas SSTΔGHR females showed no changes in anxiety. Using auditory Pavlovian fear conditioning, both male and female SSTΔGHR mice exhibited a significant reduction in fear memory. Conversely, GHR ablation in SST neurons did not affect memory in the novel object recognition test. Gene expression was analyzed in a micro punch comprising the central nucleus of the amygdala (CEA) and basolateral (BLA) complex. GHR ablation in SST neurons caused sex-dependent changes in the expression of factors involved in synaptic plasticity and function. In conclusion, GHR expression in SST neurons is necessary to regulate anxiety in males, but not female mice. GHR ablation in SST neurons also decreases fear memory and affects gene expression in the amygdala, although marked sex differences were observed. Our findings identified for the first time a neurochemically-defined neuronal population responsible for mediating the effects of GH on behavioral aspects associated with neuropsychiatric diseases.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Hormone action in the brain regulates different neurological aspects, affecting the predisposition to neuropsychiatric disorders, like depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Growth hormone (GH) receptor is widely expressed in the brain, but the exact function of neuronal GH action is not fully understood. Here, we showed that mice lacking the GH receptor in a group of neurons that express the neuropeptide somatostatin exhibit increased anxiety. However, this effect is only observed in male mice. In contrast, the absence of the GH receptor in somatostatin-expressing neurons decreases fear memory, a key feature of posttraumatic stress disorder, in males and females. Thus, our study identified a specific group of neurons in which GH acts to affect the predisposition to neuropsychiatric diseases.

Neonatal metformin short exposure inhibits male reproductive dysfunction caused by a high-fat diet in adult rats.

Metformin (Met) is widely used to control blood glucose levels and acts on various organs, including reproductive tissues, to improve reproductive and lifespan. This study evaluated whether neonatal Met exposure prevented male reproductive dysfunction caused by being overweight during adulthood. Randomized Wistar rat pups received an intraperitoneal injection from postnatal days (PNDs) 1 to 12of saline (Sal; 0.9% NaCl/day in 2mL/kg) or Met (100 mg/kg/day in 2 mL/kg). From PNDs 60 to 90, the animals received a regular (R; 4.5% fat; Sal R and Met R groups) or a high-fat (HF; 35% fat; Sal HF and Met HF groups) diet. At PND 90, all animals were euthanized to evaluate their biometric and reproductive parameters. The Sal and Met groups with R showed similar body weights, however, the HF diet increased the body weight in both groups. The Sal HF group showed testicular damage regarding in antioxidant status and inflammatory profile in the epididymal cauda. The HF diet reduced Leydig and Sertoli cells numbers, with lower sperm quality. The Met R animals showed positive reproductive programming, due to improved antioxidant defense, inflammatory biomarkers, and sperm morphology. Met HF prevented HF diet damage to reproductive organs and sperm morphology, but not to sperm motility. Early Met exposure positively affected the male reproductive system of adult rats, preventing reproductive HF disorders. STATEMENT OF NOVELTY AND SIGNIFICANCE: Metformin is used to control type 2 diabetes mellitus and can act to improve metabolism and lifespan. Metformin avoidance is recommended during pregnancy, but there is no information regarding its use when breastfeeding. For the first time, we showed in this current study that metformin positively acts in the male reproductive tissues and helps involved in later life. These data showed a better antioxidant defense and anti-inflammatory profile of Metformin animals than Saline animals and might directly improve reproductive organs morphophysiology and sperm morphology. Also, the neonatal Met application programs the male reproduction to counterbalance damages from an obesogenic environment in later life.

Genome-wide DNA methylation profile of leukocytes from melanoma patients with and without CDKN2A mutations.

Melanoma is a highly aggressive cancer, accounting for up to 75% of skin cancer deaths. A small proportion of melanoma cases can be ascribed to the presence of highly penetrant germline mutations, and approximately 40% of hereditary melanoma cases are caused by CDKN2A mutations. The current study sought to investigate whether the presence of germline CDKN2A mutations or the occurrence of cutaneous melanoma would result in constitutive genome-wide DNA methylation changes. The leukocyte methylomes of two groups of melanoma patients (those with germline CDKN2A mutations and those without CDKN2A mutations) were analyzed together with the profile of a control group of individuals. A pattern of DNA hypomethylation was detected in the CDKN2A-negative patients relative to both CDKN2A-mutated patients and controls. Additionally, we delineated a panel of 90 CpG sites that were differentially methylated in CDKN2A-mutated patients relative to controls. Although we identified a possible constitutive epigenetic signature in CDKN2A-mutated patients, the occurrence of reported SNPs at the detected CpG sites complicated the data interpretation. Thus, further studies are required to elucidate the impact of these findings on melanoma predisposition and their possible effect on the penetrance of CDKN2A mutations.

Hypothalamic Kisspeptin Neurons as a Target for Whole-Cell Patch-Clamp Recordings.

Kisspeptins are essential for the maturation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis and fertility. Hypothalamic kisspeptin neurons located in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus and rostral periventricular nucleus, as well as the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus, project to gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons, among other cells. Previous studies have demonstrated that kisspeptin signaling occurs through the Kiss1 receptor (Kiss1r), ultimately exciting GnRH neuron activity. In humans and experimental animal models, kisspeptins are sufficient for inducing GnRH secretion and, consequently, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulant hormone (FSH) release. Since kisspeptins play an essential role in reproductive functions, researchers are working to assess how the intrinsic activity of hypothalamic kisspeptin neurons contributes to reproduction-related actions and identify the primary neurotransmitters/neuromodulators capable of changing these properties. The whole-cell patch-clamp technique has become a valuable tool for investigating kisspeptin neuron activity in rodent cells. This experimental technique allows researchers to record and measure spontaneous excitatory and inhibitory ionic currents, resting membrane potential, action potential firing, and other electrophysiological properties of cell membranes. In the present study, crucial aspects of the whole-cell patch-clamp technique, known as electrophysiological measurements that define hypothalamic kisspeptin neurons, and a discussion of relevant issues about the technique, are reviewed.

Fasting Modulates GABAergic Synaptic Transmission to Arcuate Kisspeptin Neurons in Female Mice.

It is well-established that the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis is suppressed due to negative energy balance. However, less information is available on whether kisspeptin neuronal activity contributes to fasting-induced responses. In the present study, female and male mice were fasted for 24 hours or provided food ad libitum (fed group) to determine whether acute fasting is sufficient to modulate kisspeptin neuronal activity. In female mice, fasting attenuated luteinizing hormone (LH) and prolactin (PRL) serum levels and increased follicle-stimulating hormone levels compared with the fed group. In contrast, fasting did not affect gonadotropin or PRL secretion in male mice. By measuring genes related to LH pulse generation in micropunches obtained from the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARH), we observed that fasting reduced Kiss1 mRNA levels in female and male mice. In contrast, Pdyn expression was upregulated only in fasted female mice, whereas no changes in the Tac2 mRNA levels were observed in both sexes. Interestingly, the frequency and amplitude of the GABAergic postsynaptic currents recorded from ARH kisspeptin neurons (ARHKisspeptin) were reduced in 24-hour fasted female mice but not in males. Additionally, neuropeptide Y induced a hyperpolarization in the resting membrane potential of ARHKisspeptin neurons of fed female mice but not in males. Thus, the response of ARHKisspeptin neurons to fasting is sexually dependent with a female bias, associated with changes in gonadotropins and PRL secretion. Our findings suggest that GABAergic transmission to ARHKisspeptin neurons modulates the activity of the HPG axis during situations of negative energy balance.

Accumulation of Nutrients and the Relation between Fruit, Grain, and Husk of Coffee Robusta Cultivated in Brazilian Amazon.

Coffee genotypes cultivated in the Amazonian region have been gaining increasing prominence in Brazilian plantations. This study aimed to quantify nutrient accumulation in the fruits, grains, and husks of Robusta coffee genotypes cultivated in the Brazilian Amazon and estimate genetic diversity. The experiment was conducted in Alta Floresta D'Oeste-Rondônia, Brazil. To assess nutrient accumulation, fresh fruits were collected. These were dried, processed, separated into grains and husks, and subjected to chemical analysis. Nutrient accumulation in fruits, grains, and husks, as well as the grain/husk ratio, underwent analysis of variance through the F-test (p < 0.01. For each evaluated trait, the experimental coefficient of 337 variation (CVe), genetic coefficient of variation (CVg), and genotypic determination coefficient (H2) were also estimated. Variability was observed among Robusta coffee genotypes, with VP06, AS4, and AS10 being the most dissimilar. LB080 had the lowest dry fruit weight and the lowest percentage of grains in relation to husks. ZD156 accumulated more K in the grains, while VP06 and AS10 were the genotypes that accumulated more nutrients in the husks. Nutrients N, K, Ca, and P are accumulated in larger quantities, necessitating the calibration of mineral fertilization dosages and distribution.

Gestational exposure to continuous light impairs the development of the female reproductive system in adult Wistar rat offspring.

INTRODUCTION: It has been suggested that maternal exposure to constant light during the gestational period could be considered as a chronic stressor, impairing offspring development by interfering in neuroendocrine and behavior responses. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate whether maternal exposure to continuous light during pregnancy affects the adult reproductive system in the female offspring. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pregnant Wistar rats were allocated into light-dark (LD) group, exposed to light and dark photoperiod during gestation, and the light-light (LL) group, exposed to a photoperiod of constant light during gestation. After birth, pups were maintained under normal light-dark photoperiod until adulthood. At postnatal day 90, blood was collected from the female offspring, to analyze plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) and progesterone levels, and the uterus and ovaries were harvested for morphometric, histological, and oxidative stress evaluations. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Female exposure to continuous light during the intrauterine period resulted in the adult reduction of LH and increased progesterone plasma levels, and uterine injuries a higher number of endometrial glands and reduced levels of antioxidant enzymes, such as glutathione reductase and glutathione S-transferase. In these experimental conditions, gestational continuous light exposure disturbs sex hormone balance and reduces the antioxidant enzymatic activity in the uterus of female offspring in adult life.

Early selection for drought tolerance in popcorn based on gene effects estimated in seedlings.

Low rainfall rates are becoming increasingly frequent because of climate change, causing droughts and threatening world food security. For popcorn, drought is the most limiting abiotic factor for plant's growth and development. Thus, the water deficit directly impacts for crop productivity. Based on knowledge of the genetic basis of traits involved in stages of popcorn germination and seedling development under water stress, genotypes with potential for adaptation to adverse growing conditions can be selected early. Therefore, data on genetic effects and combining ability of 10 popcorn parents were compiled to propose breeding strategies for the development of cultivars with greater adaptation to water stress in the early stages. Forty-five diallel hybrids were evaluated under two different water regimes, that is, water stress and full irrigation. This corresponded to a water retention capacity of 25% and 70% of the germination paper. The plants were watered daily as needed for seven days. A range of factors were evaluated, that is, germination traits including the germination speed index and germination on the seventh day; shoot traits including length and dry weight; and root system including length, dry weight, root-to-shoot ratio, maximum root number, root network area, specific and root network length, and root volume. Breeding for drought adaption in the early stages of popcorn development can be successful when hybrids are used, because of the genetic effects of dominance (ϕs). These control the traits evaluated at the seedling stage. The combinations L61 x P2 and L71 x P3 were recommended, in view of the more successful performance estimated for traits related to the shoot and root system.

Coffea canephora: Heterotic Crosses Indicated by Molecular Approach.

The genus Coffea comprises more than 100 species, of which the most commercially important are Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora. The latter is a self-incompatible plant with high natural genetic variability. The detection of polymorphism at the DNA level by molecular markers allowed significant progress with the selection of superior plants. The objective of this study was the molecular characterization of C. canephora using microsatellite markers. To this end, a population of forty-four C. canephora genotypes and one C. arabica genotype, was evaluated with 21 primers. These primers identified 61 alleles in the population and between 2 and 5 alleles per locus. The information index indicated a high level of polymorphism of the analyzed markers. According to the observed and expected heterozygosity, the genetic diversity in the population is high. The overall inbreeding coefficient of the population detected high heterozygosity and zero inbreeding within this population. Genetic diversity among the accessions was also evaluated by the unweighted pair-group method based on arithmetic averages (UPGMA). Six groups were formed based on Mojena's cutting rule and three using the Bayesian approach. These results confirmed the existence of genetic diversity, genetic variability and a potential for selection in future breeding efforts involving the 45 genotypes studied.

Can CBCT change the level of confidence of oral maxillofacial surgeons in mandibular third molar management?

This study analyzed the impact of CBCT on the level of confidence in diagnostic and treatment thinking in mandibular lower molar (M3M) clinical management. Thirty cases for which panoramic radiographs and CBTC images were available were selected and classified according to radiologic signs indicating the proximity of the M3M to the mandibular canal (interruption of the radiopaque borders of the canal of the mandibular canal wall, darkening of the roots, and diversion or narrowing of the canal, n = 10 for each classification). Twelve oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMS) contributed to this study by answering two questionnaires. The first questionnaire contained a clinical description of the case and a panoramic radiograph. After 30 days, a second questionnaire with the same clinical illustrations and tomographic multiplanar reconstruction images was administered. Both questionnaires asked specialists to rate diagnostic confidence, the surgical complexity, chosen treatment, and surgical confidence. In approximately 40% of answers, CBCT images had a positive impact on ratings of diagnostic confidence and treatment thinking confidence, and in 24.4%, they increased the surgical complexity score. There was no change in the treatment plan following the use of CBCT, but the CBCT examination was a determining factor for diagnosis and treatment planning in 72.8% of the answers CBCT improved the confidence level in diagnostic and treatment thinking of the M3M management while also increasing the perceived level of surgical complexity. The findings of this study support the need to consider using CBCT in diagnosis and treatment planning for M3Ms with radiographic signs such as darkening of the roots, interruption of the radiopaque borders of the mandibular canal, or deviation of the mandibular canal and narrowing of the roots.

Pattern of gonadotropin secretion along the estrous cycle of C57BL/6 female mice.

The pattern of gonadotropin secretion along the estrous cycle was elegantly described in rats. Less information exists about the pattern of gonadotropin secretion in gonad-intact mice, particularly regarding the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Using serial blood collections from the tail-tip of gonad-intact C57BL/6 mice on the first day of cornification (transition from diestrus to estrus; hereafter called proestrus), we observed that the luteinizing hormone (LH) and FSH surge cannot be consistently detected since only one out of eight females (12%) showed increased LH levels. In contrast, a high percentage of mice (15 out of 21 animals; 71%) exhibited LH and FSH surges on the proestrus when a single serum sample was collected. Mice that exhibited LH and FSH surges on the proestrus showed c-Fos expression in gonadotropin-releasing hormone- (GnRH; 83.4% of co-localization) and kisspeptin-expressing neurons (42.3% of co-localization) of the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV). Noteworthy, mice perfused on proestrus, but that failed to exhibit LH surge, showed a smaller, but significant expression of c-Fos in GnRH (32.7%) and AVPVKisspeptin (14.0%) neurons. Finally, 96 serial blood samples were collected hourly in eight regular cycling C57BL/6 females to describe the pattern of LH and FSH secretion along the estrous cycle. Small elevations in LH and FSH levels were detected at the time expected for the LH surge. In summary, the present study improves our understanding of the pattern of gonadotropin secretion and the activation of central components of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis along the estrous cycle of C57BL/6 female mice.

High-fructose diet during puberty alters the sperm parameters, testosterone concentration, and histopathology of testes and epididymis in adult Wistar rats.

The consumption of fructose has increased in children and adolescents and is partially responsible for the high incidence of metabolic diseases. The lifestyle during postnatal development can result in altered metabolic programming, thereby impairing the reproductive system and fertility during adulthood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a high-fructose diet in the male reproductive system of pubertal and adult rats. Male Wistar rats (30 d old) were assigned to four different groups: Fr30, which received fructose (20%) in water for 30 d and were euthanized at postnatal day (PND) 60; Re-Fr30, which received fructose (20%) for 30 d and were euthanized at PND 120; and two control groups C30 and Re-C30, which received water ad libitum and were euthanized at PND 60 and 120, respectively. Fructose induced an increase in abnormal seminiferous tubules with epithelial vacuoles, degeneration, and immature cells in the lumen. Moreover, Fr30 rats showed altered spermatogenesis and daily sperm production (DSP), as well as increased serum testosterone concentrations. After discontinuing high-fructose consumption, DSP and sperm number decreased significantly. We observed tissue remodeling in the epididymis, with a reduction in stromal and epithelial compartments that might have influenced sperm motility. Therefore, we concluded that fructose intake in peripubertal rats led to changes in the reproductive system observed both during puberty and adulthood.

All Are in a Drought, but Some Stand Out: Multivariate Analysis in the Selection of Agronomic Efficient Popcorn Genotypes.

The search for productive germplasm adapted to adverse conditions is an important action to mitigate the harmful effects of climate change. The aim was to identify the yield potential of 50 popcorn inbred lines grown in field conditions, in two crop seasons (CS), and under contrasting water conditions (WC). Morphoagronomic, physiological, and root system traits were evaluated. Joint and individual analyses of variance were performed, in addition to the multivariate GT bip-lot analysis. Expressive reductions between WC were observed in 100-grain weight (100 GW), popping expansion (PE), grain yield (GY), expanded popcorn volume per ha (EPV), row number per ear (RNE), plant height (PH), relative chlorophyll content (SPAD), and nitrogen balance index (NBI). It was found that the SPAD, 100 GW, GY, PE, and grain number per ear (GNE) traits had the most significant impact on the selection of genotypes. Regardless of WC and CS, the ideal lines were L294 and L688 for PE; L691 and L480 for GY; and L291 and L292 for both traits. SPAD, 100 GW, and GNE can contribute to the indirect selection. Our work contributes to understanding the damage caused by drought and the integration of traits for the indirect selection of drought-tolerant popcorn genotypes.

Ischemic versus non-ischemic cardiomyopathy--are there differences in prognosis? Experience of an advanced heart failure center.

INTRODUCTION: Previous studies have associated heart failure (HF) of ischemic etiology with worse prognosis compared to HF from non-ischemic cardiomyopathy. HF treatment has evolved significantly in recent years. Has this evolution had an impact on this prognostic gap? OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to compare patients with advanced HF--nonischemic versus ischemic etiology--in terms of baseline characteristics, treatment, and in-hospital and long-term prognosis (including death, heart transplantation and hospital readmission). METHODS: We performed a retrospective study including 286 consecutive patients with systolic HF admitted to an HF unit between January 2003 and June 2006. We compared two groups according to HF etiology: Group A--ischemic cardiomyopathy (n = 109); Group B--non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (n = 177). Mean follow-up was 41 months. RESULTS: Group A were older (62.2 +/- 10.4 vs. 55.9 +/- 15.2 years, p < 0.001), with a higher proportion of males (80.7 vs. 67.8%, p = 0.017), diabetes, anemia, dyslipidemia and smokers; they required more prolonged treatment with inotropic drugs and more frequent treatment with statins, antiplatelet agents and nitrates. On admission, Group B patients presented with lower serum sodium and higher aminotransferase levels. There were no differences in the occurrence of cardiogenic shock or dysrhythmias, baseline ECG rhythm, frequency of left bundle branch block, renal function, BNP, left ventricular ejection fraction, heart rate or implantation of intracardiac devices. Group A had higher in-hospital mortality (11.0 vs. 4.0%, p = 0.020). Multivariate analysis showed that the only predictor of in-hospital mortality was serum sodium < 133 mmol/l and also showed that HF etiology was not a predictor of this endpoint; previous medication with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors was a protective factor. On Kaplan-Meier analysis, it was observed that, in the long-term, there were no significant differences in either survival rates (70.0 vs. 76.8%, p = 0.258), or the combined endpoints of survival free of death or heart transplantation (55.7 vs. 54.5%, p = 0.899) and survival free of death, heart transplantation or hospital readmission (38.0 vs. 32.8%, p = 0.386). CONCLUSIONS: Although in-hospital mortality was higher in ischemic cardiomyopathy, this variable was not an independent predictor of mortality and the difference appears to fade in the long-term, in contrast to what had been reported in older studies, but in agreement with more recent data.

Distinct effects of growth hormone deficiency and disruption of hypothalamic kisspeptin system on reproduction of male mice.

Growth hormone (GH) deficiency is a common cause of late sexual maturation and fertility issues. To determine whether GH-induced effects on reproduction are associated with alterations in hypothalamic kisspeptin system, we studied the male reproduction in two distinct GH deficiency mouse models. In the first model, mice present GH deficiency secondary to arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARH) lesions induced by posnatal monosodium glutamate (MSG) injections. MSG-induced ARH lesions led to significant reductions in hypothalamic Ghrh mRNA expression and consequently growth. Hypothalamic Kiss1 mRNA expression and Kiss1-expressing cells in the ARH were disrupted in the MSG-treated mice. In contrast, kisspeptin immunoreactivity remained preserved in the anteroventral periventricular and rostral periventricular nuclei (AVPV/PeN) of MSG-treated mice. Importantly, ARH lesions caused late sexual maturation and infertility in male mice. In our second mouse model, we studied animals profound GH deficiency due to a loss-of-function mutation in the Ghrhr gene (Ghrhrlit/lit mice). Interestingly, although Ghrhrlit/lit mice exhibited late puberty onset, hypothalamic Kiss1 mRNA expression and hypothalamic kisspeptin fiber density were normal in Ghrhrlit/lit mice. Despite presenting dwarfism, the majority of Ghrhrlit/lit male mice were fertile. These findings suggest that spontaneous GH deficiency during development does not compromise the kisspeptin system. Furthermore, ARH Kiss1-expressing neurons are required for fertility, while AVPV/PeN kisspeptin expression is sufficient to allow maturation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in male mice.

Can Cone-beam Computed Tomography Change Endodontists' Level of Confidence in Diagnosis and Treatment Planning? A Before and After Study.

INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated the influence of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) on endodondists' level of confidence in their diagnosis of endodontic cases and their treatment plans. METHODS: Twenty clinical cases with periapical radiographs and small-volume CBCT scans were classified according to the American Association of Endodontists guidelines. Information was provided on patient clinical history, and both extraoral and intraoral examinations were simulated. Fifteen endodontists filled out 2 questionnaires. In the first (Q1), the clinical description and a periapical radiograph were presented, followed by the questions. Thirty days later, they answered a second questionnaire (Q2) containing the same clinical description and CBCT. Their confidence in diagnosis and treatment planning was analyzed before and after receiving the tomographic images. Responses were recorded on a 5-point Likert scale, and the Wilcoxon test was used to investigate before and after levels of confidence in diagnosis and treatment planning. RESULTS: The CBCT images influenced confidence in diagnosis and treatment planning of endodontic cases classified as complex (Wilcoxon test; P ≤ .05). There was a substantial change in the treatment planned in both moderate and complex cases after CBCT. Case complexity did not affect the participants' decision to request complementary information through CBCT. CONCLUSIONS: In complex cases, CBCT increased endodontists' confidence to diagnose and plan treatment, when compared with periapical radiographs. Endodontists tended to recommend intervention when periapical images were supplemented with CBCT. CBCT proved to be an imaging method that influences endodontists' preoperative evaluation and treatment choice.

Diagnostic efficacy of different cone beam computed tomography scanning protocols in the detection of chemically simulated external root resorption.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of different high-resolution cone beam computed tomography protocols in the diagnosis of chemically simulated external root resorption (ERR). STUDY DESIGN: ERR was simulated in 3 sizes by using an acid decalcification protocol in the cervical, middle, and apical thirds of 30 single-rooted premolars. Four scans of each tooth were acquired with different voxel sizes: 0.080, 0.085, 0.120, and 0.133 mm. The images were analyzed by 2 blinded evaluators for the presence of ERR. The evaluation of diagnostic performance was based on receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found in the detection of ERR with regard to lesion sizes or the different root thirds. Areas under the ROC curve were 0.901, 0.892, 0.887, and 0.767 for voxel sizes of 0.080, 0.085, 0.120, and 0.133 mm, respectively. Voxel sizes of 0.080 and 0.085 mm presented significantly larger areas under the ROC curve compared with the voxel size of 0.133 mm. There were no statistically significant differences among the protocols with the use of voxel sizes of 0.080, 0.085, and 0.120 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Cone beam computed tomography examinations with higher-resolution protocols demonstrated better performance in the diagnosis of ERR. Further investigations using simulations that more closely resemble the actual ERR process are warranted.

Pulmonary Emphysema Impairs Male Reproductive Physiology Due To Testosterone and Oxidative Stress Imbalance in Mesocricetus auratus.

This study evaluated whether pulmonary emphysema affects sperm quality, male reproductive organs, and testosterone levels in adult male hamsters. Mesocricetus auratus males (130-150 g) were subdivided into a control group (C group) and an emphysema group (E group). The C group received an intratracheal instillation of saline solution (0.3 mL/100 g of body weight), and the E group received papain (40 mg/100 g of body weight). After 60 days, the biometric, pulmonary, and reproductive parameters of each group were evaluated. The E group developed pulmonary emphysema, which decreased body weight and sperm quality compared to the C group. In oxidative stress-related assays, lipid peroxidation was increased in the testis and epididymis (caput and cauda) in the E group compared with the C group. However, only the caput epididymis showed a reduction in glutathione levels. Pulmonary emphysema also affected the testicle by inducing an increase in abnormal seminiferous tubules, accompanied by a decrease in seminiferous epithelium height. Spermatogenesis kinetics were also modified by pulmonary emphysema. The number of Leydig and Sertoli cells decreased in the E group, accompanied by an increase in the nuclear volume of Leydig cells. Testosterone concentration was increased in the E group. Similarly, pulmonary emphysema altered epididymal components in all regions. In conclusion, pulmonary emphysema affected the reproductive system in this experimental model, as shown by testicular and epididymal morphophysiology changes, hormonal alteration, and oxidative stress imbalance, inducing the loss of correct function in the male reproductive system.

Carney complex: a case report.

Cardiac myxoma is the most common benign cardiac tumor, and 10% of cases are familial forms. The authors present a review of the literature on the Carney complex, and a case report of a 68-year-old man with a cardiac mass, associated with a significant family history and a diagnosis of coronary embolism.

Genome-wide DNA methylation profile in the peripheral blood of cocaine and crack dependents.

OBJECTIVE: Cocaine use disorders (CUDs) represent a major public health problem in many countries. To better understand the interaction between the environmental modulations and phenotype, the aim of the present study was to investigate the DNA methylation pattern of CUD patients, who had concomitant cocaine and crack dependence, and healthy controls. METHODS: We studied DNA methylation profiles in the peripheral blood of 23 CUD patients and 24 healthy control subjects using the Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip arrays. RESULTS: Comparison between CUD patients and controls revealed 186 differentially methylated positions (DMPs; adjusted p-value [adjP] < 10-5) related to 152 genes, with a subset of CpGs confirmed by pyrosequencing. DNA methylation patterns discriminated CUD patients and control groups. A gene network approach showed that the EHMT1, EHMT2, MAPK1, MAPK3, MAP2K1, and HDAC5 genes, which are involved in transcription and chromatin regulation cellular signaling pathways, were also associated with cocaine dependence. CONCLUSION: The investigation of DNA methylation patterns may contribute to a better understanding of the biological mechanisms involved in CUD.