The bleaching effect of office bleaching agents containing S-PRG filler evaluated by pH value and electron spin resonance.

OBJECTIVES: Surface reaction-type pre-reacted glass-ionomer (S-PRG) filler releases six types of ions with a neutralizing ability. This study evaluated the effect of S-PRG filler incorporation in an H2O2-based bleaching material on the bleaching efficacy, pH, and reaction state. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The experimental bleaching material was formulated by the addition of 5% or 10% S-PRG fillers to the powder part. The stained bovine teeth were treated with the prepared bleaching paste. Commission internationale de l'éclairage (CIE) L*a*b* color space values were recorded before and after bleaching, and the color difference (ΔE) and whiteness index (WID) were calculated. Moreover, the used bleaching formulations were assessed for their pH values and reaction state by evaluating the oxidation state of manganese (Mn+2) using electron spin resonance (ESR). RESULTS: The results of ΔE and WID showed that the addition of S-PRG filler increased the bleaching effect, but there was no significant difference between the groups with 5% and 10% S-PRG filler. A significant increase in pH in S-PRG filler groups (5% pH 6.7, 10% pH 6.8) was found compared to the 0% group (pH 4.8). ESR measurements showed that the signal emitted from Mn+2 decreased over time. The S-PRG filler groups showed a significantly higher reduction in Mn+2 compared to the 0% group, with no significant difference between the 5% and 10% S-PRG groups. CONCLUSIONS: S-PRG filler addition resulted in improved bleaching efficacy, higher reaction rate, and pH values that are close to neutral. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: S-PRG filler addition may be effective on the bleaching outcome of H2O2-based materials.

Toehold-mediated biosensors: Types, mechanisms and biosensing strategies.

Toehold-mediated strand displacement (TMSD) reactions between double-stranded DNA and single-stranded oligonucleotides, which use a toehold structure as a switch, enable DNA rehybridization in a fast, base-to-base, programmable and controlled manner. TMSD offers numerous advantages, as reactions are enzyme-free, highly efficient, isothermal and cost-effective. Consequently, TMSD-based reaction systems have attracted great interest from researchers in the last two decades as they become increasingly diverse, versatile and robust, and have been widely used in biochemical sensing and medical diagnosis. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of TMSD reactions and their applications in biosensors. The six current TMSD reaction types are generalized according to their various modes of action and nucleic acid conformations. Reaction mechanisms via three major thermodynamic driving forces are explained, along with their dynamic affecting factors, and seven toehold-mediated biosensing strategies are summarized. Furthermore, TMSD-reaction biodetection and bioimaging applications are discussed and, finally, several current challenges and perspectives in the field are considered.

Fall Armyworm Infestation and Development: Screening Tropical Maize Genotypes for Resistance in Zambia.

Knowledge of fall armyworm (FAW) (Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith) rearing, infestation and development and precision screening protocols are preconditions for the successful introgression of resistance genes into farmer-preferred varieties. We aimed to determine FAW developmental stages, screen tropical maize and select resistant lines under controlled conditions in Zambia. Field-collected FAW samples constituting 30 egg masses and 60 larvae were reared using maize leaf- and stalk-based and soy- and wheat flour-based diets at 27 ± 1 °C, 60 ± 5% relative humidity and 12 h day length. The resulting neonates were separated into sets A and B. The life cycles of set A and field-collected larvae were monitored to document the FAW developmental features. Set B neonates were used to infest the seedlings of 63 diverse tropical maize genotypes. Egg, larva, pupa and adult stages had mean durations of 2, 24, 20 and 12 days, respectively. Test maize genotypes revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) based on FAW reaction types, with lines TL13159, TL02562, TL142151, VL050120 and CML548-B exhibiting resistance reactions, while CML545-B, CZL1310c, CZL16095, EBL169550, ZM4236 and Pool 16 displayed moderate resistance. These genotypes are candidate sources of FAW resistance for further breeding. This study will facilitate controlled FAW rearing for host screening in the integration of FAW resistance into market-preferred maize lines.

Fenómeno de Lucio como forma de presentación de enfermedad de Hansen / Lucio's phenomenon as a presentation of Hansen disease / Fenômeno de Lucio como forma de apresentação da hanseníase

Resumen: Introducción: la enfermedad de Hansen es una enfermedad infecciosa crónica, causada por Mycobacterium leprae, que afecta principalmente piel y nervios periféricos. Las reacciones leprosas son eventos agudos que se asocian a un aumento de la morbimortalidad de la enfermedad. Objetivo: presentar el caso clínico de un paciente con fenómeno de Lucio, a través del cual se llegó al diagnóstico de enfermedad de Hansen, y remarcar la importancia de tener presente esta enfermedad, poco frecuente en nuestro país, para su correcto diagnóstico. Discusión: el fenómeno de Lucio es un tipo de reacción leprosa mediada por inmunocomplejos. Se caracteriza clínicamente por máculas o placas eritematovioláceas, de aparición súbita, que evolucionan a úlceras necróticas y curan dejando cicatrices estrelladas atróficas. De no mediar tratamiento, puede ser fatal, debido a sobreinfección y sepsis. Este se basa en el tratamiento específico de la infección, asociado a prednisona y un correcto manejo de las heridas.

Summary: Introduction: Hansen disease is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, which mainly affects the skin and peripheral nerves. Leprosy reactions are acute events associated to an increase in the morbimortality of the disease. Objective: the study aims to present the clinical case of patient with Lucio´s phenomenon, which allowed the diagnosis of Hansen disease, and to emphasize on the importance of having this disease in mind for an appropriate diagnosis, despite it being rather unusual in our country. Discussion: Lucio´s phenomenon is a kind of leprosy reaction mediated by immune complexes. Clinically, it is characterized by the sudden onset of macules or blue hemorrhagic plaques, with a rapid evolution to necrotic ulcers, and it heals leaving star-shaped atrophic scars. If it is not treated, it may be fatal due to superinfection and sepsis. Treatment is based on specific medication for the infection, associated to prednisone and the correct handling of injuries.

Resumo: Introdução: a hanseníase é uma doença infecciosa crônica causada pelo Mycobacterium leprae, que acomete principalmente pele e nervos periféricos. As reações hansênicas são eventos agudos que estão associados ao aumento da morbimortalidade da doença. Objetivo: apresentar o caso de um paciente com fenômeno de Lúcio, por meio do qual se chegou ao diagnóstico de hanseníase, e ressaltar a importância de se ter em mente esta doença, rara em nosso meio, para seu correto diagnóstico. Discussão: o fenômeno de Lúcio é um tipo de reação hansênica mediada por imunocomplexos. Caracteriza-se clinicamente por máculas ou placas eritêmato-violáceas de início súbito que evoluem para úlceras necróticas e cicatrizam, deixando cicatrizes estreladas atróficas. Sem tratamento pode ser fatal, devido a superinfecção e sepse; a terapia está baseada no tratamento específico da infecção, associado à prednisona e no manejo correto da ferida.

Time course and reaction types of serum IGF-1 and its relationship to BMI and leptin regarding inpatients with anorexia nervosa.

OBJECTIVE: Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe mental disorder that is characterized by restriction of energy intake, low weight, and endocrine abnormalities. One of the known endocrine changes in relation to underweight is in the GH/IGF-I axis. The aim of the study was (a) to investigate longitudinal characteristics of the IGF-I-change during therapy and weight gain in adult AN, (b) to determine relationships between IGF-I and leptin, (c) to characterize patients with weak and pronounced hormonal reactions to underweight. DESIGN: Data was assessed from 19 AN patients. Over the first two months, serum IGF-I concentrations were assessed on a weekly basis; thereafter on a monthly basis. The trend of IGF-I values over time was analyzed using individual growth models. RESULTS: In total, n = 177 IGF-I measurements were analyzed. IGF-I increased significantly dependent on BMI (slope = 20.81, p < 0.001), not modulated by duration of disease. The increase in IGF-I was significantly related to the increase in leptin concentrations over time (slope = 15.57, p < 0.001). Patients with a weaker hormonal reaction to underweight were significantly older compared to patients with a pronounced hormonal reaction (t(17) = 3.07, p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: During treatment, IGF-I change is clearly related to BMI as well as to leptin. Age appears to be associated with the IGF-I response to underweight.

Lepra reactions in new leprosy cases at diagnosis: A study of 50 Pakistani patients.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the occurrence and characteristics of the two types of lepra reactions in new leprosy cases at initial diagnosis. METHODS: The retrospective descriptive study was conducted at the Marie Adelaide Leprosy Centre, Karachi, and comprised all new leprosy cases registered from January 1, 2016, to June 30, 2018. Data was collected from the medical record database using a predesigned proforma. RESULTS: Of the 50 cases, 2(4%) were children and 48 (96%) were adults, with overall age ranging from 12 to 85 years. There were 41(82%) males and 9(18%) females.. Of the total, 30(60%) cases presented with type 1 reaction and 20(40%) with type 2. Further, 30(60%) cases were classified as borderline lepromatous. Among them, 17(57%) had type 2 reaction. Inflamed plaques were the main feature in 27(90%) cases of type 1. Crops of painful, erythematous nodules were seen in 19(95%) cases of type 2. CONCLUSION: Lepra reactions were found to be a presenting feature in a significant number of new leprosy cases at initial diagnosis.

Facile and sensitive measurement of GSH/GSSG in cells by surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy.

Reduced glutathione (GSH) and the oxidized glutathione (GSSG) are well-known biomolecules in the main constituents of intracellular redox homeostasis system. A rapid, accurate measurement of cellular GSH and GSSG is quite needed in investigating important biochemical events. In this work, we present a novel and sensitive method to monitor intracellular GSH and GSSG concentrations by a portable surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) technique. We introduced a reduction-sensitive reaction-type Raman probe, 5,5'-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB) to initiate GSH reduction, itself concomitantly converts to 2-nitro-5-thiobenzoic acid (TNB) to release a strong SERS signal. In a convenient way of inorganic salt MgSO4 induced aggregation of silver nanoparticles substrate, we easily implemented a good discrimination between DTNB and TNB, and a quantitative measurement of GSH and GSSG with a high sensitivity of 10 nM. This SERS method proved its feasible applicability in rapidly and sensitively monitoring GSH depletion behaviors of some notorious alkylating agents, i.e., sulfur mustard and nitrogen mustards in ex vitro or in vitro (cellular response). This SERS method may be very worthwhile in cellular detoxication event via the GSH approach and other GSH involved biomedical researches.

Type 1 reaction (T1R)

A type 1 reaction (T1R) is also known as a reversal reaction. This phenomenon involves exarcebation of the immune system or delayed-type hypersensitivity in response to the antigens of Mycobacterium leprae present in parasitized tissues. It occurs in mnost patients of the tuberculoid and borderline forms of the Ridley & Jopling classification for leprosy. It is an important phenomenon that can occur before, during, or after leprosy treatment and can be destructive, causing tissue damage mainly in the nerves, as well as irreversible sequelae. The recognition of T1R in histological sections may be notified prior to clinical presentation. Histopathological recognition is vital in defining or confirming the presence of T1R, guiding the treatment of the reaction process, avoiding or reducing the possibiliy of serious sequelae, correcting possible mistakes in the classification of patients within the spectrum of leprosy, and ruling out other diseases that can clinically simulate a T1R. In this chapter, the histopathological characteristics that allow the recognition of T1R, various histopathological aspects of the common forms of leprosy, and histopathological differential diagnoses are discussed.

Potential of AKR1B10 as a Biomarker and Therapeutic Target in Type 2 Leprosy Reaction.

The AKR1B10 (aldo-keto reductase family 1 member B10) gene has important functions in carcinogen-induced neoplasia. AKR1B10 is also expressed in type 2 reaction leprosy patients (R2). We measured the expression of AKR1B10 in the skin lesions of patients with leprosy by immunohistochemistry from biopsies that encompassed the spectrum of types of leprosy, based on the Ridley and Jopling classification [10 samples each of tuberculoid (TT), borderline tuberculoid (BT), mid-borderline (BB), and borderline lepromatous (BL) lesions; four samples of lepromatous lesions (LL)], reactional leprosy [14 samples of type 1 Reaction (R1) and 10 samples of type 2 Reaction (R2)], and biopsies from 9 healthy control (HC) subjects. In addition, 46 lepromatous lesions (BL and LL), 45 lepromatous lesions in regression, and 115 R2 lesions were included. Eight of 10 R2 samples (80%), 3 of 46 active BL and LL samples (6%), 23 of 45 BL and LL samples in regression (51%), and 107 of 115 R2 samples (93%) were positive for AKR1B10, differing significantly between all groups (p < 0.05). AKR1B10 expression was highest in the cytoplasm of macrophages. Thus, AKR1B10 is overexpressed on the lepromatous side (BL and LL) in samples that are in regression, especially type 2 reaction-associated lesions, rendering it a potential marker of type 2 reactional episodes of leprosy and a target of drugs against reactional episodes.

Vasculitis por reacción de hipersensibilidad tipo III / Vasculitis for type III hypersensitivity reaction

Los procesos inmunitarios son utilizados por el organismo para defenderse de la agresión de agentes infecciosos; no obstante, en ciertos casos, el organismo reacciona de forma inapropiada o excesiva ocasionando diversos tipos de daño tisular. Estas situaciones, que conocemos como hipersensibilidad, pueden tener aspectos positivos o negativos al poder causar ellos mismos la enfermedad. Se presenta el caso de una niña de 14 años de edad, que acude al Hospital Pediátrico Docente William Soler después de varios ingresos en otros centros de salud, donde se planteó el diagnóstico de un pie de madura. Después de varias investigaciones y con el antecedente de alergia a diferentes medicamentos, los cuadros de amigdalitis a repetición, los datos del laboratorio y la clínica que presentaba la paciente, se estableció el diagnóstico de una vasculitis por reacción de hipersensibilidad tipo III. Por las características tan atípicas del cuadro clínico de esta paciente y la dificultad para llegar a un diagnóstico es importante la presentación de este caso(AU)

The immune processes are used by the body to defend against the aggression of infectious agents; however, in certain cases, the body reacts inappropriately or excessively causing various types of tissue damage. These situations, which we know as hypersensitivity, can have positive or negative aspects by being able to cause the disease themselves. We present the case of a 14-year-old girl who attended the William Soler Pediatric Teaching Hospital after several admissions to other health centers, where the diagnosis of a mature foot was raised. After several investigations and with the history of allergy to different drugs, the recurrent tonsillitis symptoms, the laboratory data and the clinic presented by the patient, the diagnosis of a vasculitis due to type III hypersensitivity reaction was established. Because of the atypical characteristics of this patient's clinical picture and the difficulty in reaching a diagnosis, the presentation of this case is important(AU)

Vasculitis por reacción de hipersensibilidad tipo III / Vasculitis for type III hypersensitivity reaction

Los procesos inmunitarios son utilizados por el organismo para defenderse de la agresión de agentes infecciosos; no obstante, en ciertos casos, el organismo reacciona de forma inapropiada o excesiva ocasionando diversos tipos de daño tisular. Estas situaciones, que conocemos como hipersensibilidad, pueden tener aspectos positivos o negativos al poder causar ellos mismos la enfermedad. Se presenta el caso de una niña de 14 años de edad, que acude al Hospital Pediátrico Docente William Soler después de varios ingresos en otros centros de salud, donde se planteó el diagnóstico de un pie de madura. Después de varias investigaciones y con el antecedente de alergia a diferentes medicamentos, los cuadros de amigdalitis a repetición, los datos del laboratorio y la clínica que presentaba la paciente, se estableció el diagnóstico de una vasculitis por reacción de hipersensibilidad tipo III. Por las características tan atípicas del cuadro clínico de esta paciente y la dificultad para llegar a un diagnóstico es importante la presentación de este caso(AU)

The immune processes are used by the body to defend against the aggression of infectious agents; however, in certain cases, the body reacts inappropriately or excessively causing various types of tissue damage. These situations, which we know as hypersensitivity, can have positive or negative aspects by being able to cause the disease themselves. We present the case of a 14-year-old girl who attended the William Soler Pediatric Teaching Hospital after several admissions to other health centers, where the diagnosis of a mature foot was raised. After several investigations and with the history of allergy to different drugs, the recurrent tonsillitis symptoms, the laboratory data and the clinic presented by the patient, the diagnosis of a vasculitis due to type III hypersensitivity reaction was established. Because of the atypical characteristics of this patient's clinical picture and the difficulty in reaching a diagnosis, the presentation of this case is important(AU)

Potential of AKR1B10 as a biomarker and therapeutic target in type 2 leprosy reaction

The AKR1B10 (aldo-keto reductase family 1 member B10) gene has important functions in carcinogen-induced neoplasia. AKR1B10 is also expressed in type 2 reaction leprosy patients (R2). We measured the expression of AKR1B10 in the skin lesions of patients with leprosy by immunohistochemistry from biopsies that encompassed the spectrum of types of leprosy, based on the Ridley and Jopling classification [10 samples each of tuberculoid (TT), borderline tuberculoid (BT), mid-borderline (BB), and borderline lepromatous (BL) lesions; four samples of lepromatous lesions (LL)], reactional leprosy [14 samples of type 1 Reaction (R1) and 10 samples of type 2 Reaction (R2)], and biopsies from 9 healthy control (HC) subjects. In addition, 46 lepromatous lesions (BL and LL), 45 lepromatous lesions in regression, and 115 R2 lesions were included. Eight of 10 R2 samples (80%), 3 of 46 active BL and LL samples (6%), 23 of 45 BL and LL samples in regression (51%), and 107 of 115 R2 samples (93%) were positive for AKR1B10, differing significantly between all groups (p < 0.05). AKR1B10 expression was highest in the cytoplasm of macrophages. Thus, AKR1B10 is overexpressed on the lepromatous side (BL and LL) in samples that are in regression, especially type 2 reaction-associated lesions, rendering it a potential marker of type 2 reactional episodes of leprosy and a target of drugs against reactional episodes.

Reduction of Candida biofilm adhesion by incorporation of prereacted glass ionomer filler in denture base resin.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the influence of surface reaction-type prereacted glass ionomer (S-PRG) fillers on Candida albicans adhesion on denture base resin. METHODS: Discs were prepared by incorporating the S-PRG filler into the polymer powder of a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)-based, heat-polymerizing resin at 0 (control), 5%, 10%, and 20% (w/w). The surface roughness of all disc surfaces was measured. Elemental analysis of released Na(+), Sr(2+), SiO3(2-), Al(3-), BO3(3-), and F(-) was performed after water immersion. Each disc was placed in a well with artificial saliva to form acquired pellicle, incubated, washed with phosphate-buffered saline, and immersed in a C. albicans (JCM2085) cell suspension standardized at 10(4) cells/ml. After aerobic incubation at 37 °C for 24 h, the metabolic mitochondrial activity, total biofilm biomass, and biofilm thickness were evaluated. The morphogenetic transition of C. albicans in the early culture stage (1 and 3 h) was observed. RESULTS: There was a slight but significant increase in the surface roughness with an increase in the filler content. The metabolic activity and total biomass volume were significantly lower in all filler groups than in the control group, although there were no significant differences among the filler groups. Groups with at least 5% filler content exhibited a thinner biofilm compared with the control group. All filler groups showed hyphal forms at 3 h, with the length of the hyphae being lesser than those in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Although the incorporation of S-PRG filler slightly increases the surface roughness of denture base resin, it reduces the adhesion of C. albicans. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The S-PRG filler has the potential to reduce Candida albicans adhesion on denture base resin and may lower the risk of denture stomatitis. However, filler incorporation can increase the surface roughness of heat-polymerizing denture base resin.

Influence of Severe Chyle Blood Serum to the Three Types of Common Biochemical Detection Method / 现代检验医学杂志

Objective Aim to explore how severe chyle blood serum effects on the End-point method of colorimetry,velocity method,immunological transmission turbidimetry(TIA)three types of common biochemical tests and their different influ-ences.Methods Collected 20 normal appearance serums,divided each pooled serum into A,B,C,D,E,F and G 7 experimen-tal groups and one control group.Each group contented for 1ml serum.Added intralipid 10,20,40,80,160μl and 320μl to the experimental groups from A to G in turn to prepare into different concentrations of simulate chylous samples.Tested each group by the End-point method of colorimetry,velocity method and TIA which represented by Glucose (Glu),uric acid (UA),Total bilirubin (TBil),aspartate aminotransferase (AST),gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT),lactate dehydro-genase (LDH),hypersensitive C reactive protein (hs-CRP),Apolipoprotein A1 (apoA1 )andβ2-microglobulin (β2-MG). Used pair T test for both experimental group and their control group.Results In terms of TIA,there were statistical differ-ences between all the experimental groups and their control groups in the three projects (t=-2.842~29.465,P0.05).In terms of velocity method,there were no statistical differences between all the experimental groups and their control groups (t=-1.532~1.619,P>0.05)except for the B and C groups in GGT experiment (t=2.234&5.006,P<0.05).Conclusion Severe chyle blood serum had significant influence on the End-point method of colorimetry and TIA,as well as less influ-ence on velocity method.

Lepra lepromatosa / Lepromatosis leprosy

La lepra es una enfermedad infecciosa crónica causada por el Mycobacterium leprae. Afecta la piel, mucosa de las vías respiratorias altas, ojos y nervios periféricos. El período de incubación de la enfermedad es, en promedio, de cinco años. Los síntomas pueden tardar hasta veinte años en aparecer. Es una enfermedad muy antigua; las antiguas civilizaciones de China, Egipto e India, muestran evidencia de casos de lepra, aproximadamente hacia el año 600 a. C. Actualmente existen zonas con alta incidencia en África, Asia y América Latina. En el presente artículo se describe un caso de Lepra lepromatosa, proveniente del suroriente de Venezuela y sus características inmunológicas, clínicas y diagnósticas con el fin de generar interés por la sospecha diagnóstica en pacientes con manifestaciones como las vistas en este paciente.

Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. It affects the skin, upper respiratory mucosae, eyes and peripheral nerves. The incubation period of the disease is, on average, five years. Symptoms can take up to twenty years to appear. It is a very ancient disease, the eartly civilizations of China, Egypt and India, show evidence of leprosy cases, around the year 600 B. C. referido a nuestro hospital, donde se ingresa. Currently there are areas with high incidence in Africa, Asia and Latin America. In this article a case of lepromatous leprosy, from the southeastern Venezuela and its immunological characteristics are described in order to generate interest and social conscience in this epidemiological problem.