Scleroderma and dental implications: a case series

Systemic sclerosis (SSC) is a rare, systemic autoimmune disease of unknown etiology, which is characterized by fibrosis of visceral organs, skin and blood vessels. This disorder can be localized or systemic. It is more common in women with estimated prevalence is 250 cases in a million. Oral manifestations include xerostomia, periodontitis, decayed tooth etc. Radiographically generalized loss of bone with resorption of the mandibular angle and coronoid process can be evident in patients with scleroderma. Pressure of fibrous mucocutaneous tissues is thought to be the cause of the resorption. Decreased number of wrinkles due to sclerosis and distinct facial features because of the atrophy of ala nasi are among common clinical characteristics of this condition. The aim of this case series is to present two female patients with scleroderma who presented with signs of oral manifestations along with resorption at the angle of mandible, as well as widening of the periodontal space.

The Role of Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Pathway in Vascular Remodeling in Bleomycin-induced Systemic Sclerosis Mouse Model / 中国生物化学与分子生物学报

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune disease that can involve multiple organs throughout the body. It is characterized by extensive vascular disease and fibrosis of the skin and internal organs, but its mechanism is still unclear. Studies have confirmed that the Wnt pathway is involved in SSc fibrosis, but its pathological role in vascular lesions has not been reported. In this study, the bleomycin (BLM)-induced SSc mouse model was used to investigate the role of Wnt pathway in SSc cutaneous vascular lesions. Eighteen BALB/C mice were randomly divided into control, model and treatment groups. The control group of mice was injected with PBS 100 μL/d. The model group was injected with BLM 100 μL/d at a concentration of 1 mg/mL. The treatment group of mice received injection of BLM 100 μL as the model group of mice and retroperitoneal injection of iCRT3 (Wnt and beta-catenin inhibitors) 5 mg/kg/d. Mice were sacrificed on day 28. The thickness of dorsal dermis and epidermis in the model group induced by BLM was significantly higher than that in the control group (P <0. 05). The skin appendages such as sebaceous glands and hair follicles in the model group were significantly reduced. At the same time, the thickness of fat layer became thinner and surrounded by fibrous tissue, and the collagen deposition in the model group was higher than that in the control group. It was identified at the histological level by immunohistochemical staining that α-SMA expression in model group and treatment group α-SMA is highly expressed in skin tissues, and the positive expression of α-SMA around blood vessels was significantly higher than that in the control group. In addition, the expression of IL-6 and IL-17 in serum of model group was significantly higher than that in control group (P<0. 05), and the expression of IL-6 and IL-17 in serum of treatment group was significantly lower than that in model group (P<0. 05). Furthermore, q-PCR analysis showed that the mRNA levels of β-catenin in the skin microvessels of the mice were higher in the model and the treatment groups as compared with the control group. The protein levels of Wnt5A, β-catenin, α-SMA and col1A1 were analyzed by Western blotting and results showed that the levels of fibrosis-related proteins, α-SMA and col1A1, were increased in the model group injected with BLM as compared with the control group (P<0. 05), whereas iCRT3 treatment attenuated the upregulation of α-SMA and col1A1 induced by BLM in the treatment group (P<0. 05). The levels of Wnt pathway-related proteins β-catenin and Wnt5A were significantly increased in the model group as compared with the control (P<0. 05). This study suggests that BLM can successfully induce the skin phenotype of mice with systemic sclerosis. Abnormal activation of Wnt signaling pathway is involved in BLM-induced skin microangiopathy in mice with scleroderma, and the specific Wnt pathway inhibitor iCRT3 can reduce BLM-induced scleroderma. The expression of α-SMA and col1A1 proteins in mouse skin microvessels can improve the microvascular lesions of mouse skin. Inhibition of Wnt pathway may directly or indirectly down-regulate the abnormal expression of cytokines IL-6 and IL-17, and interfere with BLM-induced progression of vascular lesions in mice.

Nondestructive Analysis of Litchi Fruit Quality Using FT-NIR Spectroscopy

A non-destructive optical method based on near-infrared spectroscopy has been used for the evaluation of litchi fruit quality. Diffuse reflectance measurements (12500–3600 cm-1), physical, and biochemical measurements were performed individually on 100 litchi fruits of cv.Shahi cultivar harvested at different ripening stages. Relationships between spectral wavelengths and quality attributes were evaluated by application of chemometric techniques based on partial least squares (PLS) regression. The fruit set was divided into two groups: 60 fruits for calibration and 39 for validation. Good prediction performance was obtained for pH, soluble solids, and titratable acidity with correlation coefficients of 0.96, 0.91 and 0.94 respectively and root mean square errors of prediction of 0.009, 0.291ºBrix and 0.011% malic acid respectively. For the other quality traits such as vitamin C and color the prediction models were not satisfactorily accurate due to the higherror of calibration and prediction.

Effects of Fatigue Intervention on Biomechanics of Lower Extremity during a Stretch-Shortening Cycle Movement / 中国运动医学杂志

Objectives To explore the effect of fatigue intervention on biomechanics of lower extremity and performance during the stretch-shortening cycle(SSC) movement-drop jumps(DJ).Methods The Vicon motion capture system and 3D Kistler force plates were used to collect sagittal plane kinematics and ground reaction force data synchronously of a total of fifteen trained male athletes under pre-and post-fatigue conditions with shuttle running + vertical jumping fatigue protocol.The joint angle,joint moment,power,work,and leg/joint stiffness were compared before and after fatigue.Results After fatigue,the maximum height of DJ decreased(P＜0.05),while the touchdown angle and the range of motion(△θ) of knee and ankle joints,as well as the occurrence time for the eccentric,concentric and total phase increased(P＜0.05).However,the maximum push-off moment and power of knee reduced(P＜ 0.05).The stiffness of knee and ankle joints during the eccentric phase reduced,resulting in the reduction of the leg stiffness(P＜0.05).Moreover,the energy absorption and net energy of the ankle joint decreased;meanwhile,the energy contribution of the knee joint decreased during the eccentric phase of a DJ task.Conclusion Fatigue changes the movement pattern,decreasing the control ability of the lower extremity especially in the knee and ankle joint,and results in decreased performance.Moreover,the decrease of leg,ankle and knee stiffness and the corresponding energy can be used as sensitive indexes to evaluate the performance of drop jumps in a fatigued condition.

Scleroderma: a case report.

Scleroderma is systemic multi organ autoimmune disorder characterized by hardening of skin. Also known as systemic sclerosis. Estimated annual incidences of approximately 19 cases per million persons. The limited skin disease has a 10-year survival rate of 71%, whereas those with diffuse skin disease have a 10-year survival rate of just 21%. Risk is higher in women than men and peak in individuals aged 30-50 years. It has no definitive treatment. It may be limited or diffuse depending upon manifestations of symptoms or signs affecting internal organs especially lungs, heart, or kidney. We report a case of scleroderma with pulmonary hypertension and interstitial lung disease in our hospital who presented with tightening of skin, joint pain, dysphagia, and breathlessness. On examination skin appeared dark, shiny, and tight, with loss of hair, paraesthesia and digital ulceration. Patient also has history of Raynaud's phenomenon. On investigation, Scl-70 and ANA (antinuclear antibodies) by enzyme immunoassay came positive. HRCT thorax was suggestive of interstitial fibrosis and PFT revealed moderate restriction. On 2D echocardiography, mild pulmonary hypertension was present while barium swallow showed motility disorder involving oesophagus. On view of extensive systemic involvement like skin, respiratory system, gastrointestinal system and heart, we would like to present this rare disorder.

Perfil bioquímico, inclusive proteinograma, do soro lácteo de búfalas primíparas e pluríparas sadias ao longo da lactação / Biochemical profile, including protein concentration, of whey from healthy primiparous and pluriparous buffaloes during lactation

Para avaliar o perfil bioquímico, inclusive proteínas, do soro lácteo de búfalas Murrah primíparas e pluríparas sadias foram analisadas amostras de leite de 30 fêmeas bubalinas durante uma lactação completa. Os animais foram distribuídos em três grupos: G1 - 10 búfalas primíparas, G2 - 10 búfalas pluríparas com duas a três lactações e G3 - 10 búfalas pluríparas com mais de três lactações. O período de lactação foi dividido em: fase inicial (I: primeiro ao terceiro mês de lactação), fase intermediária (T: quarto ao sexto mês de lactação) e fase final (F: sétimo ao nono mês de lactação). Antes da colheita das amostras de leite foram realizados o exame físico da glândula mamária, o teste da caneca de fundo escuro e o California Mastitis Test (CMT). Após a assepsia dos quartos mamários, foram colhidas mensalmente, durante uma lactação completa, amostras de 20mL de leite de cada quarto mamário, em frascos plásticos esterilizados e sem conservante, para a realização do isolamento microbiológico, determinação do perfil bioquímico e fracionamento proteico por meio de eletroforese em gel de poliacrilamida contendo dodecil sulfato de sódio (SDS-PAGE), e amostras de 30mL de leite de cada quarto mamário, em frascos plásticos esterilizados contendo conservante bronopol, para contagem de células somáticas (CCS). Das 1.042 amostras de leite colhidas dos três grupos experimentais durante a lactação, 923 amostras de leite apresentaram reação negativa ao CMT e isolamento microbiológico negativo e foram selecionadas para as análises do perfil bioquímico e fracionamento proteico em SDS-PAGE. Notou-se influência da ordem de parto e da fase da lactação no perfil bioquímico e no proteinograma do soro lácteo de búfalas da raça Murrah sadias. As búfalas primíparas (G1) apresentaram maior atividade das enzimas gamaglutamiltransferase (GGT: 2.346U/L) e fosfatase alcalina (ALP: 181U/L) e maiores concentrações de fósforo (P: 56,6mg/dL), potássio (K: 32,0mg/dL) e α-lactoalbumina (458mg/dL). As fêmeas com duas a três lactações (G2) apresentaram maior CCS (70.700 células/mL) e maiores concentrações de proteína total (1,55g/dL), albumina (100mg/dL), magnésio (Mg: 8,80mg/dL), cloretos (Cl: 176mg/dL), ferro (Fe: 10,7µg/dL), sódio (Na: 178mMol/L) e lactoferrina (59,5mg/dL). As fêmeas com mais de três lactações (G3) apresentaram maiores concentrações de cálcio total (Ca: 41,8mg/dL), cálcio ionizado (Cai: 2,92mMol/L), imunoglobulina A (IgA: 1,32mg/dL), albumina sérica (99,1mg/dL), imunoglobulina G (IgG: 49,7mg/dL) e b-lactoglobulina (1.068mg/dL). Durante a lactação foi observado aumento da CCS, aumento das atividades das enzimas GGT e ALP, aumento das concentrações de proteína total, albumina, P, Mg, Cl, Na, lactoferrina, albumina sérica, IgG, α-lactoalbumina e redução das concentrações de Ca, Fe, Cai, K, IgA e b-lactoglobulina no soro lácteo das búfalas. Os resultados obtidos podem ser utilizados como referências para a espécie bubalina e auxiliar no diagnóstico e no prognóstico de doenças de ocorrência comum na fase de lactação.(AU)

To evaluate the biochemical profile and protein concentration of whey from milk samples of healthy Murrah primiparous and pluriparous buffaloes, 30 female buffaloes were analyzed during a complete lactation. The animals were divided into three groups: G1 = 10 primiparous buffaloes, G2 = 10 pluriparous buffaloes with 2-3 lactations and G3 = 10 pluriparous buffaloes with >3 lactations. The lactation period was divided into: early stage (I: 1-3 months of lactation), intermediate stage (T: 4-6 months of lactation) and final stage (F: 7-9 months of lactation). Before milk sampling, physical examination of the mammary gland, strip cup test and California Mastitis Test (CMT) were performed. After mammary quarters asepsis, 20mL of milk were collected monthly from each mammary quarter, during a complete lactation, in sterilized plastic bottles without preservative, in order to perform microbiological isolation, biochemical profile and protein electrophoresis in sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), and 30mL of milk from each mammary quarter were collect, in sterilized plastic bottles containing preservative bronopol to perform the somatic cell count (SCC). A total of 1,042 milk samples were collected from the experimental groups during lactation, of which 923 samples showed negative reaction to CMT and negative microbiological isolation and were selected to biochemical profile analysis and protein electrophoresis in SDS-PAGE. There were influence of parity order and stage of lactation in biochemical profile and protein concentration of healthy Murrah buffaloes' whey. Primiparous buffaloes (G1) showed higher gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT: 2,346 U/L), alkaline phosphatase (ALP: 181 U/L), phosphorus (P; 56.6mg/dL), potassium (K; 32.0mg/dL) and α-lactalbumin (458mg/dL). Buffaloes with 2-3 lactations (G2) showed higher SCC (70,700 cells/mL) and higher concentrations of total protein (1.55g/dL), albumin (100mg/dL), magnesium (Mg; 8.80mg/dL), chlorides (Cl; 176mg/dL), iron (Fe; 10.7µg/dL), sodium (Na; 178mMol/L) and lactoferrin (59.5mg/dL). Bufalloes with >3 lactations (G3) showed higher concentrations of total calcium (Ca; 41.8mg/dL), ionized calcium (iCa; 2.92mMol/L), immunoglobulin A (IgA; 1.32mg/dL), serum albumin (99.1mg/dL), immunoglobulin G (IgG; 49.7mg/dL) and ß-lactoglobulin (1,068mg/dL). During lactation it was observed increase in SCC, GGT, ALP, total protein, albumin, P, Mg, Cl, Na, lactoferrin, serum albumin, IgG and α-lactalbumin, as well as decrease in concentrations of Ca, Fe, iCa, K, IgA and ß-lactoglobulin in buffaloes' whey. The results may be used as reference for buffaloes and to support diagnosis and prognosis of diseases common to lactation periods.(AU)

Establishment of a pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) spermatogonial stem cell line for the production of interspecies germ line chimeras

Background Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are important for the production of interspecies germ line chimeras. The interspecies germ cell transfer technique has been suggested as a way to conserve endangered birds. Our objective was to develop a technique for restoring endangered birds by developing interspecies germ line chimeras between pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) and chicken (Gallus gallus) with SSCs. Results SSCs were isolated from the surgically removed testis of a pheasant. Growth conditions for pheasant SSCs were established by co-culturing STO (SIM mouse embryo-derived thioguanine and ouabain resistant) cells and pheasant SSCs. The colony-forming cells divided and proliferated stably to yield an established SSC line. Pheasant SSCs showed strong reactivity for GDNF family receptor alpha1 (GFRa1) marker. Finally, production of germ line chimeras was attempted by transferring pheasant SSCs into recipient embryos. Although final embryo survival was 5.6% (20/354), the initial survival rate was 88% (312/354). To measure the percent transfer of donor SSC to gonads, the pheasant SSCs were labeled with PKH 26 fluorescent dye. We observed 30% donor cells and 9.48% c-kit/CD117-positive cells in the gonads of recipient chickens. Donor SSCs were thus stably engrafted in the recipient gonads. Conclusions This study showed that SSCs can be used as a tool for the conservation of endangered birds and the production of germ line chimeras. Our findings yield insights into how we may use the pheasant spermatogonial stem cell line for efficient production of interspecies germ line chimeras and ultimately, to the restoration of endangered birds.

Caracterización del gen mecA de Staphylococcus aureus resistentes a meticilina aislados de tres grupos poblacionales de la ciudad de Medellín / Characterization of mecA gene of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from three population groups in Medellín

Introducción: Staphylococcus aureus resistente a la meticilina (SARM) es responsable de infecciones intrahospitalarias, las que constituyen una importante causa de morbilidad y mortalidad en nuestro medio, por lo cual la rápida identificación y tipificación molecular de la resistencia como el complejo SSCmec es esencial para entender la epidemiología de la infección. Objetivo: Caracterizar fenotípicamente la resistencia a meticilina y genotípicamente el casete cromosomal SSCmec en cepas de S. aureus aislados de individuos de la ciudad de Medellín mediante PCR múltiple. Materiales y métodos: A 41 aislamientos (hospitalarios y de la comunidad) de S. aureus se les estableció la resistencia a cefoxitin mediante la técnica de Kirby-Bauer y la concentración inhibitoria mínima para oxacilina. Mediante PCR convencional se les confirmó la presencia del gen mecA. Para la tipificación del complejo SSCmec se utilizó PCR múltiple para amplificar 6 loci diferentes de este gen. Resultados: A todos los aislamientos se les confirmó resistencia a meticilina y la presencia del gen mecA, de los cuales 17 fueron clasificados como SSC mec I, 1 como SSC mec II, 21 como SSC mecIV; dos aislamientos no fue posible clasificarlos. Conclusiones: Con el uso de esta técnica clasificamos el 95% de los aislamientos del estudio, encontrando una mayor prevalencia de los SSCmec I y IV. La implementación de esta técnica permite una fácil caracterización de los aislamientos SARM y un apropiado manejo de la información de los integrantes de los comités de infecciones hospitalarios, lo cual podría impactar positivamente en el tratamiento a los pacientes y el control de enfermedades infecciosas intrahospitalarias.

Introduction: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is involved in nosocomial infections, representing an important cause of morbidity and mortality. The rapid identification and molecular classification of resistance, such as the SSCmec complex, is essential to understanding the epidemiology of infection. Objective: To phenotypically characterize methicillin resistance and to genotype the SSCmec complex in S. aureus isolates collected from a cohort of patients from Medellín, Colombia. Materials and Methods: Cefoxtin resistance was evaluated in 41 S. aureus isolates, using the Kirby-Bauer method and determining the minimal bactericidal concentration of oxacillin. To confirm the presence of the mecA gene, conventional PCR was performed. The classification of the SSCmec complex was carried out by multiple PCR, amplifying 6 different loci in this gene. Results: Methicillin resistance and the presence of the mecA gene were confirmed in all isolates. A total of 17 were classified as SSCmec I, one as SSCmec II, and 21 SSCmec IV (only two isolates were not classified). Conclusions: Using this method, it was possible to classify 95% of the studied isolates, with a higher prevalence of SSCmec I and IV. The implementation of this technique allows the characterization of MRSA isolates and an appropriate management of the information by the members of the Hospital Infection Committee. Altogether, this method may have a positive impact on the treatment of patients with MRSA infections.

Kappa casein genotypes and curd yield in Holstein cows / Relación entre los genotipos de la kappa caseína de vacas holstein y el rendimiento en cuajada / Relações entre os genótipos da kappa caseína em vacas holstein a rendimento de requeijão

The objective of this study was to relate kappa casein (CSN3) genotypes with curd yield (RC) and total milk protein (PTP) in Holstein cows located in the high tropics in Narino, Colombia. Twenty seven animals were used to establish the mentioned relationships. The genotype of each animal was determined by PCR - SSCP. Variables were analyzed using a linear model which included the fix effects of genotype, lactation stage, and their interaction. Age of the cow and fat percentage in milk were used as covariates. The results for RC indicate no interaction between genotype and lactation stage. Age was not statistically significant (p>0.05), while fat percent and genotype were significant (p<0.05). The Tukey - Kramer test indicated differences between the BB genotype, compared to homozygous AA and heterozygous AB. The BB genotype resulted in the best performance, requiring the least amount of milk to produce one kg of curd. As for protein content, differences were significant (p<0.05) for the effect of genotype and lactation stage: the homozygous BB had the highest percentage of milk protein during the final (third) stage of lactation.

El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo determinar las relaciones entre los genotipos para Kappa Caseína (CSN3), el rendimiento industrial en cuajada (RC) y el porcentaje total de proteína (PTP) en vacas Holstein del Trópico Alto de Nariño-Colombia. El genotipo de cada animal fue determinado molecularmente con la técnica PCR - SSCP. Para establecer las relaciones antes indicadas se utilizaron 27 unidades experimentales. Las variables fueron analizadas mediante un modelo lineal en el que se incluyeron los efectos fijos del genotipo, el tercio de lactancia, la interacción entre estos dos factores y como covariables, la edad del animal y el porcentaje de grasa en la leche. Los resultados para RC indicaron que no existe interacción entre los genotipos y el tercio de lactancia. La edad del animal no fue estadísticamente significativa (p>0.05), mientras que la covariable porcentaje de grasa y el genotipo resultaron significativos (p<0.05). La prueba estadística de Tukey - Kramer indicó diferencias entre el genotipo BB, respecto al homocigoto AA y al heterocigoto AB, siendo el primero el de mejor rendimiento, al requerir la menor cantidad de leche para producir un kilogramo de cuajada. En cuanto al porcentaje de proteína, se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p<0.05) únicamente por efecto del genotipo y del tercio de lactancia, siendo el homocigoto BB el que presentó mayor porcentaje de proteína en el tercer tercio de lactancia.

Este estudo teve como objetivo determinar as relações entre os genótipos para Kappa Caseína (CSN3), a rendimento industrial em requeijão (RC) e a percentagem de proteína total (PTP) em vacas Holstein do trópico alto do Nariño Colômbia. O genótipo de cada animal foi determinado molecularmente mediante a técnica PCR-SSCP. Para estabelecer as relações descritas acima, foram utilizadas 27 unidades experimentais e um modelo linear que incluiu os efeitos fixos do genótipo, o terço da lactação, a interação entre estes dois fatores, a idade do animal e o percentual de gordura no leite como covariáveis. Os resultados para (RC) indicaram ñao existe interação entre os genótipos e o terço da lactação, a idade do animal não foi estatisticamente significativa (p>0.05), mas a covariável percentagem de gordura, e o genótipo foram estatisticamente significativos (p<0.05). O teste estatístico de Tukey - Kramer indicou as diferenças entre o genótipo BB em relação a o homozigoto AA, heterozigoto AB, apresentando o primeiro o melhor desempenho porque precisou a menor quantidade de leite para produzir um quilo de requeijão. Em relação ã percentagens de proteína foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significativas (p<0.05) pelo efeito do genótipo e do terço de lactação, sendo o homozigoto BB o que a presenteou maior percentagem de proteína, no terceiro terço da lactação.