iTRAQ-based proteomic analysis after mesenchymal stem cell line transplantation for ischemic stroke.

Transplantation with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has been reported to promote functional recovery in animal models of ischemic stroke. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of MSC transplantation have been only partially elucidated. The purpose of this study was to comprehensively identify changes in brain proteins in rats treated with MSCs for ischemic stroke, and to explore the multi-target mechanisms of MSCs using a proteomics-based strategy. Twenty-eight proteins were found to be differentially expressed following B10 MSC transplantation in adult male Wistar rats, as assessed using isobaric tagging for relative and absolute protein quantification (iTRAQ). Subsequent bioinformatic analysis revealed that these proteins were mainly associated with energy metabolism, glutamate excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, and brain structural and functional plasticity. Immunohistochemical staining revealed decreased expression of EAAT1 in the phosphate-buffered saline group as opposed to normal levels in the B10 transplantation group. Furthermore, ATP levels were also significantly higher in the B10 transplantation group, thus supporting the iTRAQ results. Our results suggest that the therapeutic effects of B10 transplantation might arise from the modulation of the acute ischemic cascade via multiple molecular pathways. Thus, our findings provide valuable clues to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of MSC transplantation in ischemic stroke.

Low-density lipoprotein as a biomarker for the mobilization of hematopoietic stem cells in peripheral blood.

The predictor of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) mobilized in peripheral blood (PB) remains unknown. We retrospectively examined the relationship between serum cholesterol level and CD34-positive cells mobilized with granulocyte stimulating factor in PB. PB- mobilized CD34-positive cells were significantly higher in patients with high titers of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) than in patients with normal levels (average total cholesterol, 122.94 vs. 51.03/µL, p<0.05; average LDL-C 130.07 vs. 53.77, p<0.05). Multivariable analysis showed that LDL-C significantly influenced PB-mobilized CD34-positive cells, suggesting that LDL-C may be an effective biomarker for mobilization of HSCs in PB.

Clinical evaluation of an all-ceramic restorative system: a 36-month clinical evaluation.

PURPOSE: To clinically evaluate an all-ceramic restorative system (Finesse All-Ceramic) when used in conjunction with an ultra-low fusing porcelain (Finesse) using bonded esthetic resin cements (Enforce & Calibra). METHODS: This report describes the 3-year results of a prospective, consecutive case clinical evaluation for Finesse All-Ceramic. Forty posterior and anterior crowns, 20 all ceramic inlays and onlays, and 26 veneers were placed in 43 patients at the initiation of this study. Standard ceramic preparations were performed followed by conventional polyvinylsiloxane (Aquasil) impression techniques using cord retraction. The bonded resin cement was used to place the restorations following manufacturer's instructions. RESULTS: A majority of restorations (95-100%) were evaluated to be optimal at baseline (B), 1 month, 12, 24 and 36 months using a modified Ryge criteria for the following categories: color match, marginal adaptation, porcelain staining, secondary caries, postoperative sensitivity, and retention. Assessment of color match at 36 months resulted in 97% of all crowns and 100% of all veneers and onlays being rated alfa for shade match to Vita Lumin shade guide. The overall 3-year success rate at the 3-year recall (inlay/onlays, crowns, and veneers) was 98.57%, with the success rate for crowns and veneers at this time period being 100%.

Epstein-Barr virus-associated primary central nervous system lymphoma in the Japanese population.

The incidence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma in Japan was assessed using in situ hybridization of EBV-encoded small ribonucleic acid-1 (EBER-1) to identify the presence of EBV in 22 cases of formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded primary CNS lymphoma. All cases were B-cell lymphoma. EBER-1 expression was observed in the nuclei of 3 of 22 primary CNS lymphoma cases (13.6%). The incidence of EBV-positive lymphoma in Japanese cases is higher than previously reported from Western countries. Patients with EBV-positive primary CNS lymphoma showed shorter survival than those with negative tumors (median 4 months vs. 26 months). EBER-1 in situ hybridization for the detection of EBV infection is rapid and reliable. Infrequent association suggests a different pathogenetic mechanism in the evolution of these tumors. Geographical differences in the incidence of EBV-associated primary CNS lymphoma may reflect epidemiological factors.

Clinical evaluation of an all-ceramic restorative system: 24-month report.

PURPOSE: To clinically evaluate an all-ceramic restorative system (Finesse All-Ceramic) when used in conjunction with an ultra-low fusing porcelain (Finesse) using bonded esthetic resin cements (Enforce & Calibra). METHODS: 40 posterior and anterior crowns, 20 all-ceramic inlays and onlays, and 26 veneers were placed in 43 patients. Standard ceramic preparations were performed followed by conventional polyvinylsiloxane (Aquasil) impression techniques using cord retraction. The bonded resin cement was used to place the restorations following manufacturer's instructions. A majority of restorations (95-100%) were evaluated to be optimal at baseline (B), 6, 12, and 24 months using a modified Ryge criteria for the following categories: color match, marginal adaptation, porcelain staining, secondary caries, postoperative sensitivity, and retention. RESULTS: There were sufficient shades available to obtain desired esthetic result with 98% of all restorations being rated Alfa for shade match to Vita Lumin shade guide. The overall 2-year success rate (inlay/onlays, crowns, and veneers) was 98.75%.

Clinical and histological evaluation of white ProRoot MTA in direct pulp capping.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical, radiographical and histological findings in human third molars in which mechanical pulp exposures were capped with white ProRoot mineral trioxide aggregate (WMTA). METHODS: Forty-eight human third molars, caries-free or with incipient caries, scheduled to be extracted, were used and randomly divided into two groups: Group A: (n= 24) received WMTA and control Group B: (n= 24) received chemical set calcium hydroxide (Dycal). The teeth were isolated with rubber dam and Class I cavities prepared. Pulp exposure was performed using a sterile diamond bur and confirmed by frank bleeding. A sterile cotton pellet dipped in saline solution was placed over the exposure for 60 seconds. The preparation was then lightly rinsed with water and gently air-dried. WMTA or CH was placed over the exposure site followed by a small amount of a light-cured compomer. After etching with 35% phosphoric acid gel for 15 seconds, rinsing and blot drying, Prime and Bond NT adhesive was applied and light-cured. The cavity was then restored with a resin composite and light-cured. Evaluations were performed by phone after 7 days and clinically at 30 +/- 5 and 136 +/- 24 days, using standardized tests and radiographs. The teeth were extracted after 136 +/- 24 days; the roots were cut +/- 4-5 mm from the apex to allow for rapid fixation in 10% neutral buffered formalin. They were then processed for routine histological evaluation, embedded in paraffin, sectioned and stained with hematoxylin and eosin and Brown and Brenn for recognition of bacteria. Statistical analyses were performed using a Mann-Whitney U-test, a Chi-square test, a Fisher's exact test and an ANOVA. RESULTS: No significant differences in post-operative sensitivity were reported after 7 days between the two materials (P> 0.05). Clinical examination demonstrated no significant differences at 30 +/- 5 days (P> 0.05) and at 136 +/- 24 days (P> 0.05). Histological findings: 45 of 48 teeth were suitable for microscopic evaluation (22 with WMTA and 23 with CH). Twenty from the WMTA and 18 from the CH group had developed a bridge. No statistically significant differences were found for superficial and deep inflammatory cell response (P> 0.05), presence of a dentin bridge (P> 0.01), and pulp vitality (P> 0.01), between WMTA and calcium hydroxide. A statistically significant difference was found for the diameter of exposure (P< or = 0.05) between WMTA (x= 0.35 +/- 0.19 mm) and CH (x= 0.25 +/- 0.09 mm). Only a minimal association between clinical and histological findings could be established for either material.

Clinical evaluation of a 15% in-office hydrogen peroxide tooth-whitening touch-up agent.

The success of tooth whitening has increased public demand for quicker results of the tooth-whitening process. More and more patients are opting for in-office treatments, if available, to expedite the process, and they are looking for ways to re-whiten quickly when they feel their teeth have reverted from their after-treatment results. This article will discuss the use of a commercially available product as a touch-up procedure for patients who had been previously treated with a 2-week carbamide peroxide whitening regimen.

Estudo comparativo e ergonômico da postura em cortadores de madeira pertencentes à indústria de papel e celulose / Comparative study and ergonomic of posture in cutters of wood pertainings with the paper and cellulose industry

Nosso estudo teve como objetivo a observaçäo da postura dos cortadores de madeira durante a jornada de trabalho, tendo como principal meta a verificaçäo da relaçäo entre as diversas atividades que compöem o trabalho de exploraçäo florestal e a possível ocorrência de dores. Após uma pesquisa detalhada em 3 áreas de exploraçäo florestal, contabilizamos a grande presença de lombalgias e cansaço em braços. Após uma análise minuciosa da inter-relaçäo entre os diversos componentes predisponentes à dor, elaboramos consideraçöes ergonômicas gerais e específicas, visando sobremaneira diminuí-la ou erradicá-la, aumentando assim o rendimento.