Kinin danger signals proteolytically released by gingipain induce Fimbriae-specific IFN-gamma- and IL-17-producing T cells in mice infected intramucosally with Porphyromonas gingivalis.

Porphyromonas gingivalis, a Gram-negative bacterium that causes periodontitis, activates the kinin system via the cysteine protease R-gingipain. Using a model of buccal infection based on P. gingivalis inoculation in the anterior mandibular vestibule, we studied whether kinins released by gingipain may link mucosal inflammation to T cell-dependent immunity through the activation of bradykinin B(2) receptors (B(2)R). Our data show that P. gingivalis W83 (wild type), but not gingipain-deficient mutant or wild-type bacteria pretreated with gingipain inhibitors, elicited buccal edema and gingivitis in BALB/c or C57BL/6 mice. Studies in TLR2(-/-), B(2)R(-/-), and neutrophil-depleted C57BL/6 mice revealed that P. gingivalis induced edema through the sequential activation of TLR2/neutrophils, with the initial plasma leakage being amplified by gingipain-dependent release of vasoactive kinins from plasma-borne kininogens. We then used fimbriae (Fim) Ag as a readout to verify whether activation of the TLR2-->PMN-->B(2)R axis (where PMN is polymorphonuclear neutrophil) at early stages of mucosal infection had impact on adaptive immunity. Analyzes of T cell recall responses indicated that gingipain drives B(2)R-dependent generation of IFN-gamma-producing Fim T cells in submandibular draining lymph nodes of BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice, whereas IL-17-producing Fim T cells were generated only in BALB/c mice. In summary, our studies suggest that two virulence factors, LPS (an atypical TLR2 ligand) and gingipain, forge a trans-cellular cross-talk between TLR2 and B(2)R, thus forming an innate axis that guides the development of Fim-specific T cells in mice challenged intrabuccally by P. gingivalis. Ongoing research may clarify whether kinin-driven modulation of T cell responses may also influence the severity of chronic periodontitis.

Relevance of genipin networking on rheological, physical, and mechanical properties of starch-based formulations.

The small amount of proteins in starch-rich food industry byproducts can be an advantage to crosslink with genipin and tailor the performance of biobased films. In this work, genipin was combined with non- purified starch recovered from industrial potato washing slurries and used for films production. Starch recovered from potato washing slurries contained 0.75% protein, 2 times higher than starch directly obtained from potato and 6 times higher than the commercial one. Starch protein-genipin networks were formed with 0.05% and 0.10% genipin, gelatinized at 75 °C and 95 °C in presence of 30% glycerol. Bluish colored films were obtained in all conditions, with the higher surface roughness (Ra, 1.22 µm), stretchability (elongation, 31%), and hydrophobicity (water contact angle, 127°) for 0.10% genipin and starch gelatinized at 75 °C. Therefore, starch-rich byproducts, when combined with genipin, are promising for surpassing the starch-based films hydrophilicity and mechanical fragilities while providing light barrier properties.

3ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type II deficiency on newborn screening test.

3ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase II (3ß-HSD) deficiency represents a rare CAH variant. Newborns affected with its classic form have salt wasting in early infancy and genital ambiguity in both sexes. High levels of 17-hydroxypregnenolone (Δ517OHP) are characteristic, but extra-adrenal conversion to 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP) may lead to positive results on newborn screening tests. Filter paper 17OHP on newborn screening test was performed by immunofluorometric assay, and serum determinations of 17OHP and Δ517OHP, by radioimmunoassay. A 46,XY infant with genital ambiguity and adrenal crisis at three months of age presented a positive result on newborn screening for CAH. Serum determinations of 17OHP and Δ517OHP were elevated, and a high Δ517OHP/cortisol relation was compatible with the diagnosis of 3ß-HSD deficiency. Molecular analysis of the HSD3B2 gene from the affected case revealed the presence of the homozygous p.P222Q mutation, whereas his parents were heterozygous for it. We present the first report of 3ß-HSD type II deficiency genotype-proven detected at the Newborn Screening Program in Brazil. The case described herein corroborates the strong genotype-phenotype correlation associated with the HSD3B2 p.P222Q mutation, which leads to a classic salt-wasting 3ß-HSD deficiency. Further evaluation of 17OHP assays used in newborn screening tests would aid in determining their reproducibility, as well as the potential significance of moderately elevated 17OHP levels as an early indicator to the diagnosis of other forms of classic CAH, beyond 21-hydroxylase deficiency.

Condições de higiene na etapa do transporte de refeições prontas para consumo / Hygiene conditions in the transportation stage of consumption-supplied meals

Este estudo procurou caracterizar e verificar o nível de adequação das condições de higiene envolvidos no processo de transporte de refeições prontas para consumo em refeitório de uma Instituição Federal de Ensino Superior (IFES), para tanto foi aplicada uma lista de verificação estruturada pelo grupo de pesquisa baseado na RDC n°216 e n°275 composto por seis módulos. Os dados foram pontuados e classificados em cinco grupos, que variou de crítico a excelente. De forma geral, a classificação obtida foi regular e 50% dos blocos avaliados foram classificados como insatisfatório ou regular, indicando inconformidades, sobretudo relativas a graves situações que potencializam a contaminação e proliferação microbiana, como ausência de rotina no monitoramento da temperatura e de uso de substâncias para sanitização do veículo de transporte, como também o controle de saúde e procedimentos do condutor do veículo de transporte.

3?-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type II deficiency on newborn screening test / Deficiência de 3?-hidroxiesteroide desidrogenase tipo 2 em teste de triagem neonatal

3b-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase II (3β-HSD) deficiency represents a rare CAH variant. Newborns affected with its classic form have salt wasting in early infancy and genital ambiguity in both sexes. High levels of 17-hydroxypregnenolone (Δ517OHP) are characteristic, but extra-adrenal conversion to 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP) may lead to positive results on newborn screening tests. Filter paper 17OHP on newborn screening test was performed by immunofluorometric assay, and serum determinations of 17OHP and Δ517OHP, by radioimmunoassay. A 46,XY infant with genital ambiguity and adrenal crisis at three months of age presented a positive result on newborn screening for CAH. Serum determinations of 17OHP and Δ517OHP were elevated, and a high Δ517OHP/cortisol relation was compatible with the diagnosis of 3β-HSD deficiency. Molecular analysis of the HSD3B2 gene from the affected case revealed the presence of the homozygous p.P222Q mutation, whereas his parents were heterozygous for it. We present the first report of 3β-HSD type II deficiency genotype-proven detected at the Newborn Screening Program in Brazil. The case described herein corroborates the strong genotype-phenotype correlation associated with the HSD3B2 p.P222Q mutation, which leads to a classic salt-wasting 3β-HSD deficiency. Further evaluation of 17OHP assays used in newborn screening tests would aid in determining their reproducibility, as well as the potential significance of moderately elevated 17OHP levels as an early indicator to the diagnosis of other forms of classic CAH, beyond 21-hydroxylase deficiency.

A deficiência da enzima 3β-hidroxiesteroide desidrogenase tipo 2 (3β-HSD) representa variante rara de hiperplasia adrenal congenital (HAC). Recém-nascidos afetados com a forma clássica apresentam perda de sal nas primeiras semanas de vida e ambiguidade genital em ambos os sexos. Concentrações elevadas de 17-hidroxipregnenolona (Δ517OHP) são características, porém sua conversão extra-adrenal a 17-hidroxiprogesterona (17OHP) pode resultar em resultados positivos no teste de triagem neonatal. A determinação da concentração de 17OHP obtida em amostra de sangue colhida em papel-filtro para triagem neonatal foi realizada por ensaio imunofluorimétrico, e as concentrações séricas de 17OHP and Δ517OHP, por radioimunoensaio. Um menino, 46,XY, com ambiguidade genital e crise adrenal aos 3 meses de vida, apresentou teste positivo na triagem neonatal para HAC. As concentrações séricas de 17OHP e Δ517OHP estavam aumentadas, bem como a relação Δ517OHP/cortisol, o que foi compatível com o diagnóstico de deficiência de 3β-HSD. A análise molecular do gene HSD3B2 revelou a mutação p.P222Q em homozigose na criança afetada e em heterozigose em seus pais, o que confirmou a deficiência de 3β-HSD com resultado moderadamente elevado na dosagem de 17OHP no “Teste do Pezinho” (Programa de Triagem Neonatal do Distrito Federal, Brasil). Esse caso corrobora a forte correlação genótipo-fenótipo associada à mutação p.P222Q no gene HSD3B2. Estudos futuros para avaliação dos ensaios utilizados na triagem neonatal para determinação de 17OHP poderão auxiliar na determinação do significado potencial de concentrações moderadamente elevadas de 17OHP como um indicador precoce para o diagnóstico de outras formas de HAC clássicas, além da deficiência de 21-hidroxilase.

Resposta clínica de crianças e adolescentes com osteogênese imperfeita à terapia com infusão cíclica intravenosa de pamidronato dissódico / Clinical outcomes of cyclical intravenous infusion therapy with disodium pamidronate for children and adolescents with osteogenesis imperfecta

Introdução. A osteogênese imperfeita é doença congênita rara, de origem genética, decorrente de distúrbios na síntese do colágeno tipo 1, caracterizada por graus variados de fragilidade e deformidade óssea. Objetivo. Avaliar o impacto da terapia com pamidronato sobre o número de fraturas, a dor óssea, a motricidade funcional e a prática de atividades físicas em pacientes pediátricos com osteogênese imperfeita. Método. Estudo retrospectivo dos prontuários de sessenta pacientes com osteogênese imperfeita, acompanhados no Hospital Universitário de Brasília. Foram tabelados e analisados os dados referentes ao número de pacientes com fraturas, dores ósseas, prática regular de atividades físicas e à motricidade funcional antes e depois do início da terapia com pamidronato. Resultados. Das 60 crianças avaliadas (30 do sexo feminino) com osteogênese imperfeita, 14 foram do tipo I,33 do tipo III e 13 do tipo IV. A média de idade foi 8,8 ± 4,5 anos e média de idade ao diagnóstico, 3,1 ± 4,1 anos.Desses, 55 ingressaram no protocolo para recebimento do pamidronato. Depois do início da terapia, o número de doentes que tiveram fraturas reduziu-se de 55 para 17; o número de casos com dores ósseas constantes decresceu de 39 para 8; o de pacientes com prática regular de atividade física subiu de 12 para 38 e todos tiveram melhora damotricidade funcional. Todas essas diferenças foram estatisticamente ignificativas. Conclusão. O uso de pamidronato está relacionado à diminuição estatisticamente significativa de fraturas e de dores ósseas, à melhora da motricidade funcional e à regularidade de bons desempenhos físicos em indivíduos com osteogênese imperfeita, com repercussão positiva em sua integração social.

Introduction. Osteogenesis imperfecta is a rare congenital disease, of genetic inheritance, secondary to disturbanceson type 1 collagen synthesis, and characterized by a wide spectrum of bone fragilities and deformities. Objective. To evaluate the impact of pamidronate therapy on the number of fractures, bone pain complaints, functional motor mobility and on the practice of physical activities among pediatric patients with osteogenesis imperfecta. Method. Retrospective study of the records from the sixty patients with osteogenesis imperfecta followed at Hospital Universitário de Brasília. The data relating to the number of patients presenting fractures, bone pain andwith customary physical activities and to their functional mobility before and after pamidronate therapy were set and analyzed. Results. From the 60 children (30 females) with osteogenesis imperfecta, 14 were type I, 33 type III and 13 type IV. Mean age was 8.8 ± 4.5 years and mean age at diagnosis was 3.1 ± 4.1 years. Fifty-five patients were admitted to the pamidronate protocol. After the therapy has started, the number of patients presenting fractures decreased from55 to 17, presenting constant bone pain went from 39 to 8, with customary physical activities increased from 12 to 38 and all of them presented optimized functional motor mobility. All these differences were statistically significant. Conclusion. The use of pamidronate is related to a statistically significant decrease in fractures and bone pains and improvement on functional mobility and on regular practice of physical activity among patients with osteogenesis imperfecta, leading to a positive repercussion on their social integration.