Putative Mechanisms of Viral Transmission and Molecular Dysregulation of Mammary Epithelial Cells by Human Papillomavirus: Implications for Breast Cancer.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. Several studies have demonstrated the presence of Human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA in breast cancer samples. However, the role of HPV in breast carcinogenesis is not clear, and the interaction mechanisms between this infectious agent and the breast cancer cell need to be more fully clarified. In this article, we discuss the putative roles of HPV infection in breast carcinogenesis.

Effect of toothbrushing-mouthrinse-cycling on surface roughness and topography of nanofilled, microfilled, and microhybrid resin composites.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of toothbrushing-mouthrinse-cycling (TMC) on the surface roughness and topography of three resin composites with different filler particle systems (Z350, nanofilled [Nf]; Durafill, microfilled [Mf], and Empress Direct, microhybrid [Mh]). Twenty specimens of each resin composite (8.0 mm diameter and 2 mm height) were randomly divided into four groups (n=5) according to the mouthrinses: alcohol-free (Plax--P) and alcohol-containing (Listerine--L and Plax Fresh Mint--PM) and artificial saliva (control--AS). The specimens were submitted to TMC for nine weeks. A surface roughness tester and a three-dimensional profilometer were used to measure the roughness (Ra) and the topography (Sa) before and after TMC. The data were analyzed by multifactor analysis of variance and Tukey post hoc test (α=0.05). In all media, Mh presented greater roughness than Mf (p<0.05). The highest value of roughness was presented by Mh immersed in L (p<0.05). The lowest values of roughness were presented by Mf (p<0.05). The three resin composites presented the highest roughness after immersion in mouthrinses containing alcohol (PM and L) (p<0.05). For the three resin composites, the increase in roughness was noticeable after the fifth week. Topographic analysis showed that the smoothest surfaces were present after immersion in AS.

Assumed infectiousness, treatment adherence and sexual behaviours: applying the Swiss Statement on infectiousness to HIV-positive alcohol drinkers.

OBJECTIVES: The success of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for treating HIV infection is now being turned towards HIV prevention. The Swiss Federal Commission for HIV/AIDS has declared that HIV-positive persons who are treated with ART, have an undetectable viral load, and are free of co-occurring sexually transmitted infections (STIs) should be considered noninfectious for sexual transmission of HIV. This study examined the implications of these assumptions in a sample of HIV-positive individuals who drink alcohol. METHODS: People living with HIV/AIDS (n = 228) were recruited through community sampling. They completed confidential computerized interviews and underwent monthly unannounced pill counts for ART adherence. HIV viral loads were obtained from medical records. RESULTS: One hundred and eighty-five HIV-positive drinkers were currently receiving ART and 43 were untreated. Among those receiving ART, one in three were not virally suppressed and one in five had recently been diagnosed with an STI. Adherence was generally suboptimal, including among those assumed to be less infectious. As many as one in four participants reported engaging in unprotected intercourse with an HIV-uninfected partner in the past 4 months. There were few associations between assumed infectiousness and sexual practices. CONCLUSIONS: Less than half of people who drank alcohol and took ART met the Swiss criteria for noninfectiousness. Poor adherence and prevalent STI threaten the long-term potential of using ART for prevention. In the absence of behavioral interventions, the realities of substance use and other barriers call into question the use of ART as prevention among alcohol drinkers.

Frequency of human papillomavirus types 16, 18, 31, and 33 and sites of cervical lesions in gynecological patients from Recife, Brazil.

Human papilloma virus (HPV) is a well-established cause of cervical cancer. While many studies have been performed so far on HPV viral biology, mode of infection and prevention measures, scanty information is available on lesion sites of infected women and the incidence of viral types at specific locations. We looked for a possible relationship between the most common viral types (HPVs 16, 18, 31, 33) found in Recife, PE, Brazil, and lesion sites. We examined 396 HPV-positive women at the Gynecological Unit of the IMIP at Recife; 288 women were positive for HPV 16, 18, 31, or 33, present as a single-virus type or as co-infection. HPV 16 was the most frequent virus type found in the vulva, vagina, uterine cervix-vagina, and uterine cervix. HPV 31 was the second prevalent virus type in vulva, vagina, uterine cervix-vagina, uterine cervix, and mole. HPVs 18 and 33 were present with similar frequencies in the mole-vulva region. Among the co-infections, HPV 16/18 and HPV16/31 were the most frequent in our study group, followed by HPV 16/33.

Análise da carga microbiana de implantes mamários de silicone / Microbial load analysis in silicone gel breast implants

Silicone breast implants consist of biomaterials widely used in breast reconstitution surgeries or in mammary augmentation for esthetic reasons. A preliminary stage of the implant production process is vulcanization, which consists of heating the implant to 165±5ºC for approximately 9 hours. The aim of this work was to evaluate the bioburden of silicone breast implants prior to the vulcanization process and the decline in bioburden due to this process, and to confirm the sterility of the gel contained in the membrane. Breast implant production stages were evaluated by microbial counting in different steps, according to the USP 32 methodology. To evaluation of decrease in microbial load, spores strips were introduced inside the implant, and after vulcanization cycles the strips were removed from the implant. The strips were transferred to tubes containing TSB, followed by incubation for 7 days at 30-35ºC. The results obtained showed that the level of microbial contamination of gel implants is relatively low, and that vulcanization allowed for the inactivation of up to 108 spores. This study led us to the conclusion that vulcanization leaded to sterility of the gel inside the product. Thus, the final sterilizing process contributed to an increase in the Sterility Assurance Level.1.

Os implantes mamários de silicone constituem-se em biomateriais que têm sido amplamente utilizados em cirurgias para reconstituição da mama ou para o aumento do tamanho da mama por motivos estéticos. Uma etapa preliminar do processo produtivo do implante é a vulcanização, que consiste no aquecimento do implante a 165±5ºC por aproximadamente 9 horas. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a carga microbiana dos implantes mamários de silicone antes do processo de vulcanização, o decaimento da carga microbiana neste processo e confirmar a esterilidade do gel contidointernamente à membrana. Os estágios do processo produtivo dos implantes mamários foram avaliados pela contagem microbiana em diferentes etapas, de acordo com a metodologia da USP 32. Para avaliação do decaimento da carga microbiana, tiras de esporos foram introduzidas no interior do implante e após os ciclos de vulcanização foram retiradas do implante. As tiras foram transferidas para tubos contendo TSB, seguidos pela incubação por 7 dias a 30-35ºC. Os resultados obtidos mostraram que o nível de contaminação microbiana dos implantes gelatinosos é relativamente baixo e que a vulcanização possibilitou a inativação de até 108 esporos. Este estudo nos leva à conclusão que a vulcanização levou à esterilidade do gel interno ao produto. Desta forma, o processo esterilizante final contribuiu para um aumento no Nível de Garantia de Esterilidade.1.

Silicone versus nonsilicone gel dressings: a controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Silicone gel dressings decrease scar volume and soften hypertrophic tissue, allowing it to be more easily controlled by other methods. Although silicone does not appear to be an essential component of the treatment, nonsilicone dressings have been reported to cause no change in physical parameters during a 2-month treatment period. OBJECTIVE: To compare silicone and nonsilicone gel dressings in the treatment of keloids and hypertrophic scars, including a control group, and to evaluate the effectiveness of these treatments using two new assessment techniques. METHODS: Patients were randomly chosen to receive silicone or nonsilicone gel dressings in a 4.5-month controlled prospective study. Scar size, induration, and symptoms were evaluated before and after the treatment. Scar color was visually measured using a color palette catalog, and a new device was developed to measure intracicatricial pressure. RESULTS: All of the measured parameters were significantly reduced in both silicone- and nonsilicone-treated groups, as compared to the control, with no significant differences between them. CONCLUSION: Silicone and nonsilicone gel dressings are equally effective in the treatment of keloids and hypertrophic scars.

Autosomal dominant craniometaphyseal dysplasia is caused by mutations in the transmembrane protein ANK.

Craniometaphyseal dysplasia (CMD) is a rare skeletal disorder characterized by progressive thickening and increased mineral density of craniofacial bones and abnormally developed metaphyses in long bones. Linkage studies mapped the locus for the autosomal dominant form of CMD to an approximately 5-cM interval on chromosome 5p, which is defined by recombinations between loci D5S810 and D5S1954. Mutational analysis of positional candidate genes was performed, and we describe herein three different mutations, in five different families and in isolated cases, in ANK, a multipass transmembrane protein involved in the transport of intracellular pyrophosphate into extracellular matrix. The mutations are two in-frame deletions and one in-frame insertion caused by a splicing defect. All mutations cluster within seven amino acids in one of the six possible cytosolic domains of ANK. These results suggest that the mutated protein has a dominant negative effect on the function of ANK, since reduced levels of pyrophosphate in bone matrix are known to increase mineralization.

Microleakage of hydrophilic adhesive systems in Class V composite restorations.

PURPOSE: To investigate the microleakage of four hydrophilic adhesive systems: one "multiple-bottles" (Scotchbond Multi-Purpose Plus); two "one-bottle" (Single Bond, Stae); and one self-etching (Etch & Prime 3.0). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 120 bovine incisor teeth were divided into four groups (n = 30) and Class V cavities were prepared at the cemento-enamel junction. The cavities were restored with the adhesive systems and with Z100 composite. The teeth were thermocycled 1,000 times between 5+/-2 degrees C and 55+/-2 degrees C with a dwell time of 1 min, and then placed in a 2% methylene blue dye (pH 7.0) for 4 hrs, washed and sectioned vertically through the center of the restorations. The qualitative evaluation was made by three examiners who distributed pre-established scores (0-4) for each tooth using a stereomicroscope at x30 magnification. RESULTS: In enamel margins little microleakage was observed and the Kruskal-Wallis analysis did not show differences. In dentin margins the Kruskal-Wallis and multiple comparison analyses were applied: microleakage was significantly greater with Stae (median 3) and Scotchbond MP Plus (median 4). Single Bond (median 1) and Etch & Prime 3.0 (median 2) showed the best results in dentin margins, and the statistical analysis did not demonstrate differences in microleakage among these groups.

The gene for cherubism maps to chromosome 4p16.

Cherubism is an autosomal dominant disorder that may be related to tooth development and eruption. It is a disorder of age-related bone remodeling, mostly limited to the maxilla and the mandible, with loss of bone in the jaws and its replacement with large amounts of fibrous tissue. We have used a genomewide search with a three-generation family and have established linkage to chromosome 4p16. Three other families affected with cherubism were also genotyped and were mapped to the same locus. The combined LOD score is 4.21 at a recombination fraction of 0, and the locus spans an interval of approximately 22 cM.

Shear bond strength of hydrophilic adhesive systems to enamel.

PURPOSE: To compare the enamel shear bond strength of four hydrophilic adhesive systems: one multiple-bottle (Scotchbond Multi-Purpose Plus), two one-bottle (Stae, Single Bond) and one self-etching (Etch & Prime). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 120 bovine incisor teeth were obtained, embedded in polyester resin, polished to 600 grit to form standardized enamel surfaces, and randomly assigned to four groups (n = 30). Each adhesive system was used on enamel according to the manufacturer's instructions, and resin-based composite (Z100) cylinders with 3 mm diameter and 5 mm height were bonded. Specimens were stored in humid environment for 1 week, and bond strength was determined using a universal testing machine, at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/minute. RESULTS: The mean shear bond strength values (MPa +/- SD) were: Single Bond: 24.28 +/- 5.27 (a); Scotchbond Multi-Purpose Plus: 21.18 +/- 4.35 (ab); Stae: 19.56 +/- 4.71 (b); Etch & Prime 3.0: 15.13 +/- 4.92 (c). ANOVA revealed significant difference in means (P < 0.01) and Tukey's test showed the statistical differences that are expressed by different letters for each group. It could be concluded that the self-etching adhesive system did not provide as good a bond to enamel surface, as did the one- and multiple-bottle systems.

Gradual bone distraction in craniosynostosis. Preliminary results in seven cases.

Seven patients with craniosynostosis (mean age 8 years, Apert syndrome, n = 4, Crouzon's disease, n = 3) underwent lengthening of the skull by gradual bone distraction. Three patients (group A) were treated by coronal craniectomy reaching the orbital fissure and gradual bone distraction. The other four (group B) underwent monobloc craniofacial disjunction and gradual bone distraction. The patients' progress was monitored clinically as well as by radiographs and photographs. The results showed that craniofacial disjunction followed by gradual bone distraction produced complete correction of exophthalmus and an improvement in the functional and aesthetic aspects of the middle third of the face without the need for bone grafts.

Lack of lymph node reaction to subcutaneously injected silicone gel: histological and computer aided morphometric study in rats.

The gel of silicone implants may bleed through the elastomeric envelope or may come into contact with the body because of rupture of the implant. We have studied the effects of free silicone gel injected into the subcutaneous space in rats and analysed the morphological features of the axillary and inguinal lymph nodes. Ninety six Wistar rats had 3 cm3 of silicone gel injected into their subcutaneous space and 96 Wistar rats (the control group) had distilled water injected into their subcutaneous space. The animals were killed on days 1,3,7,9,15, 30,60,90,120,180,270, and 365 after the injection. There was no detectable silicone and no damage to the lymph nodes on routine histopathological analysis. Small amounts of silicone that could migrate to lymph nodes could result in hyperplasia. To evaluate this possibility, a morphometric study based on a computer aided system compared the area of lymph node sections between treated and control animals, and showed no difference between treated and control groups. If silicone did migrate, it did not provoke morphological signs or hyperplasia in the lymph nodes.

Median mandibular cleft.

We report on a patient with median cleft of mandible and lower lip and its associated corrective treatment, and we review the literature.

Craniofacial treatment of giant-cell tumors of the sphenoid bone.

We report a craniofacial approach for resection of a giant-cell tumor of the sphenoid bone. Complementary radiotherapy was performed because of the incomplete tumor remotion. Four-year follow-up is presented.

Local reaction and migration of injected silicone gel: experimental study.

A study of the local and migratory effects of free silicone gel taken from a mammary prosthesis is reported. Thirty eight Wistar rats were injected in their subcutaneous space with 1 cm3 of silicone gel. The animals were sacrificed on day: 3, 7, 15, 30, 60, 180, 240, 360, 420, 450. The visceral organs (heart, kidneys, lungs, stomach, gonads, liver, pancreas, spleen, intestine), as well as the tissue adjacent to the region of injection, were histologically analyzed. There was no detectable silicone and no damage to the visceral organs based on routine histopathological analysis. The greatest fibrosis was observed at the extremities of the disk formed by the silicone in the subcutaneous space.

Capsular contracture and silicone gel: experimental study.

Wistar rats were used to study the effects, if any, of membrane thickness and implant volume of a silicone gel prosthesis on the development of fibrous capsule contraction. A total of 30 miniprosthesis with three different membrane thicknesses and two different volumes were implanted in the subcutaneous space of five animals. One hundred eighty days later the fibrous capsule was resected and histologically analyzed. Different grades of thickness were observed. The statistical analysis of the data indicates that the thickness of the prosthesis' membrane and the implant's volume did not impact significantly on the grade of fibrosis.

Heterotypic protection induced by synthetic peptides corresponding to three serotypes of foot-and-mouth disease virus.

Synthetic peptide vaccines of the general sequence Cys-Cys(200-213)-Pro-Pro-Ser-(141-158)-Pro-Cys-Gly, where the numbered residues refer to VP1 sequences of three different strains of foot-and-mouth disease virus, have been evaluated in cattle and guinea pigs. High levels of serotype-specific (homotypic) antiviral and antipeptide antibody were produced with each peptide. The A- and O-serotype peptides provided complete protection of guinea pigs against their respective virus challenges. The C-serotype peptide appeared to be less effective than the other peptides. In cross-protection studies (heterotypic) in guinea pigs, it was possible to protect A-serotype peptide-vaccinated animals against O-virus challenge and vice versa. Some heterotypic protection was also achieved with the C-serotype peptide. The heterotypic protection observed related more to the presence of cross-reactive antipeptide antibody than to neutralizing antibody.

Heritability of quantitative orbital traits.

We conducted a study of 63 couples and their 242 normal children from northeastern Brazil (no facial malformations or deformities) to evaluate the heritability of 4 quantitative traits of the orbital region adjusted by covariance for sex, age, (age)2, sex x age, and sex x (age)2. The heritability is estimated as 0.514 for the mean horizontal diameter of the palpebral fissures, 0.454 for the interpupillary distance, 0.390 for the internal intercanthal distance, and 0.337 for the external intercanthal distance. The heritability of the first principal component of the orbital region is estimated as 0.418.