8-year multicenter retrospective study on partial laminate veneers.

Purpose This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the survival and success rates of ceramic partial laminate veneers. Scanning electron microscopy was used to evaluate fractures and marginal defects.Methods In total, 31 patients received 79 partial laminate veneers on the maxillary anterior teeth. After adhesive luting, restorations were evaluated by calibrated clinicians for up to eight years using modified United States Public Health Service (USPHS) criteria. In addition, epoxy resin replicas were fabricated from silicone impressions and analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. Survival analyses were performed using the Kaplan-Meier and log-rank tests (α = 0.05). Success was analyzed in percentages by comparing the baseline and last follow-up.Results The cumulative survival rates were 100% after 1 year; 95.9% (SE 2.8%) after 5 years; and 61.4% (SE 25.3%) after 8 years. No significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed between functional and non-functional restorations. Changes in the USPHS criteria evaluation were only observed for adaptation: 12.5% (SE 4.7%), marginal discoloration: 4.2% (SE 3.0%), color match: 4.2% (SE 3.0%), and fractures: 16.7% (SE 5.3%). Scanning electron microscopy evaluations revealed undetected initial cracks and deficiencies in the restorations.Conclusions Partial laminate veneers displayed good survival rates during the long-term follow-up. The main problems observed were related to the quality of the margins, color mismatch, and restoration integrity. However, in most cases, restoration replacement was not required.

Homeostatic plasticity induced by increased acetylcholine release at the mouse neuromuscular junction.

At the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), changes to the size of the postsynaptic potential induce homeostatic compensation. At the Drosophila NMJ, increased glutamate release causes a compensatory decrease in quantal content, but it is unknown if this mechanism operates at the cholinergic mammalian NMJ. We addressed this question by recording endplate potentials (EPP) and muscle contraction in 3-month and 24-month ChAT-ChR2-EYFP mice that overexpress vesicular acetylcholine transporter and release more acetylcholine per vesicle. At 3 months, the quantal content of EPPs from ChAT-ChR2-EYFP mice were not different from WT controls, however tetanic depression was greater, and quantal size during high-frequency stimulation and the size of the readily releasable pool (RRP) were decreased. At 24 months of age, quantal content was reduced in ChAT-ChR2-EYFP mice, which normalized synaptic depression despite smaller RRP. The effect of pancuronium on indirect evoked muscle twitch was not different between groups. These results indicate that an increase in the amount of acetylcholine per vesicle induces two distinct age-dependent homeostatic mechanisms compensating excessive acetylcholine release.

Supplemental L-arginine improves feed conversion and modulates lipid metabolism in male and female broilers from 29 to 42 days of age.

The excessive accumulation of abdominal fat in broilers is an economic waste. Supplemental dietary L-arginine has been shown to reduce lipogenesis in broilers, but studies on this subject are still scarce. Two experiments were conducted in a 5×2 factorial design, with five L-arginine concentrations in diets (0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 g/kg) provided to male and female broilers, from 29 to 42 days of age, reared in boxes or cages, with six replicates of 23 broilers per box and six replicates of three broilers per cage, totalling 1560 broilers. Data on performance, carcass and cuts yield, abdominal fat deposition, chemical composition of the breast, lipid profile and liver enzyme activity were evaluated in experiment 1. In experiment 2, the balance and retention of nitrogen, metabolizability coefficients and metabolizable energy of feed were determined and the treatments were evaluated in six replicates of three broilers per cage, totalling 180 broilers. In both experiments, there was no interaction (P > 0.05) between L-arginine concentration in the diet and sex of the broilers for all parameters evaluated. Male broilers showed higher (P < 0.05) weight gain, noble cuts yield, levels of CP and mineral matter in the breast, better feed conversion (P < 0.05) and lower (P < 0.05) malic enzyme activity in the liver and abdominal fat deposition. On the other hand, regardless of sex, the increase in L-arginine concentration in the diet improved (P < 0.05) the feed conversion in addition to reducing (P < 0.05) serum levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, the malic enzyme activity in the liver and abdominal fat deposition. In conclusion, male broilers had better productive results than females. However, supplementing the diet of male or female broilers from 29 to 42 days of age with L-arginine at a concentration of 6.87 g/kg represents a nutritional strategy to improve feed conversion and reduce circulating triacylglycerol and cholesterol levels, NADPH synthesis by liver malic enzyme and abdominal fat deposition, without negatively affecting the carcass and noble cuts yield, the amount of nitrogen excreted by the broilers and the energy value of the feed.

Randomized clinical trial on the survival of lithium disilicate posterior partial restorations bonded using immediate or delayed dentin sealing after 3 years of function.

OBJECTIVES: The survival and success rate and the quality of survival of partial ceramic restorations bonded employing Immediate (IDS) or Delayed Dentin Sealing (DDS) in vital molar teeth were evaluated in a randomized clinical trial with within-subject comparison study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 30 patients received two lithium disilicate ceramic (IPS-e.max press, Ivoclar Vivadent) partial restorations on vital first or second molar teeth (N = 60). The two teeth randomly received either IDS (test group, n = 30) or DDS (control group, n = 30). Partial ceramic restorations were luted (Variolink Ultra, Ivoclar Vivadent) two weeks after preparation. Evaluations were performed at 1 week, 12 months and 36 months post-operatively, using qualitative (FDI) criteria. Representative failures were evaluated microscopically (SEM) and by means of simplified qualitative fractography analysis. RESULTS: One absolute failure occurred in the DDS group due to (secondary) caries. The overall survival rate according to Kaplan-Meier after 3 years was 98.3% (FDI criteria score 1-4, n = 59) and the overall success rate was 85% (FDI criteria score 1-3, n = 51), with no significant difference between restorations in the IDS and DDS group (p = 0.32; Kaplan-Meier, Log Rank (Mantel-Cox), CI = 95%). For the quality of the survival, no statistically significant differences were found between IDS and DDS (p = 0.7; Kaplan-Meier, Log Rank (Mantel-Cox), CI = 95%) restorations on any follow-up timepoints for any of the FDI criteria (Wilcoxon, McNemar, p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Adhesively luted partial ceramic restorations in vital molar teeth have a good prognosis, however IDS did not show any differences in success and survival rates after 3 years of function.

Neuronal circuits involved in osmotic challenges.

The maintenance of plasma sodium concentration within a narrow limit is crucial to life. When it differs from normal physiological patterns, several mechanisms are activated in order to restore body fluid homeostasis. Such mechanisms may be vegetative and/or behavioral, and several regions of the central nervous system (CNS) are involved in their triggering. Some of these are responsible for sensory pathways that perceive a disturbance of the body fluid homeostasis and transmit information to other regions. These regions, in turn, initiate adequate adjustments in order to restore homeostasis. The main cardiovascular and autonomic responses to a change in plasma sodium concentration are: i) changes in arterial blood pressure and heart rate; ii) changes in sympathetic activity to the renal system in order to ensure adequate renal sodium excretion/absorption, and iii) the secretion of compounds involved in sodium ion homeostasis (ANP, Ang-II, and ADH, for example). Due to their cardiovascular effects, hypertonic saline solutions have been used to promote resuscitation in hemorrhagic patients, thereby increasing survival rates following trauma. In the present review, we expose and discuss the role of several CNS regions involved in body fluid homeostasis and the effects of acute and chronic hyperosmotic challenges.

Effects of in ovo feeding with glycerol for broilers.

The objective was to evaluate the effect of in ovo feeding with glycerol on post-hatch development in broiler chicks. A total of 408 fertile eggs were divided into six experimental groups consisting of five 0.9% saline solutions containing various concentrations of glycerol (12.5, 25.0, 37.5 and 50.0 nmol/ml), and a placebo group (inoculation with saline only) and a control group (without inoculation). Inoculations were performed at 17 days of incubation for the evaluation of hatchability, embryo mortality, body and viscera weights, intestinal epithelium morphometry, blood glucose and liver glycerol kinase activity of chicks at hatching. Inoculation of solutions containing glycerol did not influence body weight at hatching and relative weights of liver, pancreas, intestine and breast. There was a quadratic effect of glycerol levels on the weights of yolk residue and gizzard and on blood glucose, and an increasing linear effect on spleen and heart weights. Higher duodenum and ileum villous height and deeper jejunum and ileum crypts were obtained with 50.0 nmol/ml of glycerol. A linear increasing effect was also observed in liver glycerol kinase activity; however, lower blood glucose was observed with 37.5 and 50 nmol/ml of glycerol. It is therefore concluded that glycerol may be used at doses of 25 nmol/ml as a substrate in in ovo feeding of broiler chickens. However, further studies must be conducted not only to establish an optimal dose but also to evaluate the combination of this substrate with other nutrients used in the in ovo feeding.

Validation of Prediction Equations of Energy Values of a Single Ingredient or Their Combinations in Male Broilers.

A set of prediction equations to estimate the nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn) of individual ingredients and diets used in the poultry feed industry was evaluated. The AMEn values of three energy ingredients (maize, sorghum and defatted maize germ meal), four protein ingredients (soybean meal, maize gluten meal 60% crude protein, integral micronized soy and roasted whole soybean) and four diets (three containing four feedstuffs, complex diets, and one containing only corn-soybean meal, basal diet) were determined using a metabolism assay with male broilers from 1 to 7, 8 to 21, 22 to 35, and 36 to 42 days old. These values were compared to the AMEn values presented in the tables of energy composition or estimated by equation predictions based on chemical composition data of feedstuffs. In general, the equation predictions more precisely estimated the AMEn of feedstuffs when compared to the tables of energy composition. The equation AMEn (dry matter [DM] basis) = 4,164.187+51.006 ether extract (% in DM basis)-197.663 ash-35.689 crude fiber (% in DM basis)-20.593 neutral detergent fiber (% in DM basis) (R(2) = 0.75) was the most applicable for the prediction of the energy values of feedstuffs and diets used in the poultry feed industry.

Integration of genetically modified virus-like-particles with an optical resonator for selective bio-detection.

A novel virus-like particle (TMV-VLP) receptor layer has been integrated with an optical microdisk resonator transducer for biosensing applications. This bioreceptor layer is functionalized with selective peptides that encode unique recognition affinities. Integration of bioreceptors with sensor platforms is very challenging due their very different compatibility regimes. The TMV-VLP nanoreceptor exhibits integration robustness, including the ability for self-assembly along with traditional top-down microfabrication processes. An optical microdisk resonator has been functionalized for antibody binding with this receptor, demonstrating resonant wavelength shifts of (Δλo) of 0.79 nm and 5.95 nm after primary antibody binding and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively, illustrating label-free sensing of this bonding event. This demonstration of label-free sensing with genetically engineered TMV-VLP shows the flexibility and utility of this receptor coating when considering integration with other existing transducer platforms.

The Effect of Hydrofluoric Acid Concentration on the Bond Strength and Morphology of the Surface and Interface of Glass Ceramics to a Resin Cement.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of various concentrations of hydrofluoric acid (HF) on the surface/interface morphology and µ-shear bond strength (µSBS) between IPS Empress Esthetic (EST) (Ivoclar Vivadent) and IPS e.max Press (EMX) (Ivoclar Vivadent) ceramics and resin cement. Ceramic blocks were divided into 12 groups for each kind of ceramic. Six different HF concentrations were evaluated: 1%, 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, 10%, and 15%. All groups were silanated after etching, and half of the specimens within each group received a thin layer of unfilled resin (UR). Three resin cement cylinders were prepared on each ceramic block for µSBS testing. The specimens were stored in distilled water at 37°C for 24 hours. The µSBS test was carried out in a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min until fracture. The data were submitted to three-way analysis of variance and multiple comparisons were performed using the Tukey post hoc test (p<0.05). The etched surfaces and bonded interfaces were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy. µSBS means (MPa) for 1%, 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, 10%, and 15% HF concentrations were, respectively, 25.2, 27.2, 30.1, 31.4, 33.3, and 31.8. µSBS means with or without UR application measured 32.24 and 27.4, respectively; EST and EMX measured 29.8 and 29.9, respectively. For the HF concentrations, 10% and 15% showed higher µSBS means than did 1% and 2.5% (p<0.05); 7.5% was higher than 1% (p<0.05); and no statistical differences were found among the other concentrations (p>0.05). When evaluating UR, µSBS mean was significantly higher and better infiltration was observed on the etched surfaces. No statistical difference was found between the ceramics. The HF concentration and UR influenced the bond strength and surface/interface morphology.

Cm38: a new antimicrobial peptide active against Klebsiella pneumoniae is homologous to Cn11.

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) represent a large and ubiquitous group of peptides. The current crisis in antibiotic therapy has led to an intensified search for new antimicrobial agents. In this regard, scorpion venom constitutes a rich source of biologically active peptides including AMPs. In the present study, the purification of a novel peptide with antimicrobial activity against the Gram-negative bacteria Klebsiella pneumoniae is described. This antimicrobial peptide, named Cm38, was purified from Centruroides margaritatus scorpion venom using a two-step chromatographic strategy using C8 and C18 columns. This toxin inhibits the proliferation of the Gram-negative bacteria Klebsiella pneumoniae with a Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of 64 µM. An analysis of the N-terminal sequence of Cm38 revealed a close structural relationship to Cn11, a Na+-channel modulator toxin previously isolated from Centruroides noxius scorpion venom. Therefore, to test Cm38 for effects on ion channels, we measured its effects on action potential firing in cultured dorsal root ganglion neurons. Cm38 depolarized and increased action potential firing in a subset of neurons tested. The present work reports a new peptide related to Cn11 with antimicrobial properties that is also active in neurons.

Efficiency of microbial phytase supplementation in diets formulated with different calcium:phosphorus ratios, supplied to broilers from 22 to 33 days old.

An experiment was conducted with broilers from 22 to 33 days of age to evaluate the efficiency of six microbial phytases supplemented in diets (1500 FTU/kg) that were formulated with three different calcium:available phosphorus (Ca:P(avail)) ratios (4.5:1.0, 6.0:1.0 and 7.5:1.0). A positive control diet without phytase was formulated with a Ca:P(avail) ratio of 7.5:3.4 to meet the nutritional requirements of the broilers. The P and ash contents of the tibia, magnesium in the plasma, performance, balance and retention of phytate phosphorus (P(phyt)), intake of total P and nitrogen (N), nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy and apparent digestibility of dry matter of the diets were not influenced (p > 0.05) by the type of phytase or the dietary Ca:P(avail) ratio. However, there was an interaction (p < 0.05) between the phytase type and the Ca:P(avail) ratio for the retention coefficients of total P, Ca and N. Phytase B resulted in the highest Ca deposition in the tibia (p < 0.01). Phytases D, E and F reduced the Ca concentrations in the tibia (p < 0.01) and plasma (p < 0.05). Phytase D increased the P level in the plasma and decreased the total P excretion (p < 0.01). Phytases E and F increased Ca excretion, while phytase A reduced it (p < 0.01). Regardless of the phytase type, increasing the dietary Ca:P(avail) ratio reduced (p < 0.05) the plasma P concentration and the excretion of total P and N and, conversely, increased (p < 0.05) the plasma concentration, intake and excretion of Ca. For the rearing period evaluated, it is possible to reduce the P(avail) of the diet to 1.0 g/kg when Ca is maintained at 7.5 g/kg, and the diet is supplemented with 1500 FTU of phytase A, C, D or E/kg. This diet allows the maintenance of performance and adequate bone mineralization, and it improves the Ca, total P and P(phyt) utilization in addition to reducing the excretion of N and P into the environment.

Desenvolvimento de método analítico de cromatografia líquida de alta eficiencia (CLAE) para quantificação de lupeol em nanocápsulas poliméricas / Development of analytical method for measurement of lupeol in polymeric nanocapsules by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)

A simple, precise and accurate high-performance liquid chromatographic method has been developed for the determination of lupeol in polymeric nanocapsules. Chromatographic separation was performed on a Varian C8 column (250 mm x 4.6 mm x 5 mm) maintained at 35°C, with a mobile phase composed of acetonitrile and methanol (95:5 v/v) acidified with 0.1% acetic acid, flowing at 1.2 mL/min, with an injected sample volume of 20 µL, UV detection at 210 nm and a run time of 6.2 min. The proposed method was linear over the concentration range 10-250 µg/mL, with R2= 0.9996. Analyses of accuracy and precision showedlow values of relative standard deviation (<4.2%). The methodology was specific, linear, accurate, precise and robust and proved to be adequate for the quantitative analysis of lupeol in polymeric nanocapsules...

Um método de cromatografia líquida de alta performance simples, exato e preciso foi desenvolvido para a determinação do lupeol em nanocápsulas poliméricas. A separação cromatográfica foi realizada numa coluna Varian C8 (250 mm x 4,6 mm x 5 mm), mantida a 35°C, fase móvel constituída por acetonitrila e metanol acidificado com ácido acético a 0,1% (95:5 v/v), e taxa de fluxo de 1,2 mL/min, com um volume injeção de amostra de 20 µl e detecção UV a 210 nm, com o tempo de eluição de 6,2 min. O método proposto é linear para a faixa de concentração de 10 a 250 µg/mL com coeficiente de correlação de 0,9996. As análises de exatidão e precisão demonstraram baixos valores de desvio padrão relativo (< 4,2%). A metodologia foi específica, linear, precisa, exata e robusta, se mostrando capaz de ser aplicada para quantificação de lupeol em nanocápsulas poliméricas...

Comparison of methodologies to quantify phytate phosphorus in diets containing phytase and excreta from broilers.

The use of a suitable methodology to quantify the phytate phosphorus (Pphy) content in both the feed and the excreta from broilers is required to enable accurate calculation of the catalytic efficiency of the phytase supplemented in the feed. This study was conducted to compare 2 analytical methodologies (colorimetry and also high-performance liquid chromatography with a refractive index detector) in order to calculate the phytase efficiency by utilizing the results from the methodology that was shown to be the most appropriate. One hundred and twenty broilers were distributed in a (4+1)×2 factorial arrangement, corresponding to 4 diets that were equally deficient in P supplemented with increasing levels of phytase (0, 750, 1,500, and 2,250 units of phytase activity - FTU - per kg of feed) plus 1 positive control diet without phytase, supplied to male and female birds. The result indicated that the colorimetric methodology with an extraction ratio of 1:20 (mass of sample in g:volume of the solvent extractor in mL) was shown to be the most adequate. There was no interaction between the phytase level and the sex of the broilers (p>0.05). Males consumed 12% more Pphy than did females (p<0.01), but the sex of the broilers did not affect (p>0.05) the excretion and retention coefficient of Pphy. The increase in the phytase level of the diet reduced (linear, p<0.01) the Pphy excretion. The greatest Pphy retention was estimated at 87.85% when the diet contained 1,950 FTU/kg (p<0.01), indicating that it is possible to reduce the inorganic P in the formulation at an amount equivalent to 87.85% of the Pphy content present in the feed, which, in this research, corresponds to a decrease in 2.86 g of P/kg of the feed.

Content of plasmatic glycerol and activity of hepatic glycerol kinase in broiler chickens fed diets containing different sources and concentrations of glycerine.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of three sources of glycerine (crude glycerine from soya bean oil - CGSO, mixed crude glycerine from frying oil and lard--MCG, and a semipurified glycerine from soya bean oil--SPGSO) in four concentrations in the diet (17.5, 35.0, 52.5 and 70.0 g of each type of glycerine per kg of feed) on the levels of plasmatic glycerol and the activity of the hepatic enzyme glycerol kinase in broilers of 22-35 days old (experiment I) and 33-42 days old (experiment II). The highest (p < 0.05) plasmatic glycerol level was detected in broilers fed diet containing CGSO. Independent of the source, increasing the concentration of glycerine led to a linear increase (p < 0.05) in the plasmatic glycerol concentration. In experiment I, all the diets containing glycerine resulted in increased concentrations of plasmatic glycerol, in relation to the control diet without glycerine. However, in experiment II, only the diet containing 17.5 g of CGSO per kg of feed and the diets formulated with any of the three types of glycerine in the inclusion concentrations of 35, 52.5 and 70 g/kg of feed resulted in higher plasmatic glycerol levels than those observed in the control broilers. The source of glycerine influenced the glycerol kinase activity only in experiment II, where the use of CGSO in the diet increased the enzyme activity. For both experiments, the glycerol kinase activity increased with the inclusion of glycerine in the diet. In conclusion, based on the absence of saturation of the glycerol kinase activity for the three glycerine sources and for both rearing periods evaluated, the broilers can metabolize the glycerol (at the level of the phosphorylation of the glycerol to glycerol-3-phosphate in the liver) present in the glycerine when the diet is supplemented with up to 70 g of glycerine per kg of feed.

Activity of glutamate dehydrogenase and protein content in the breast of broilers fed diets containing different sources and levels of glycerine.

According to scientific literature, glycerol in the diet can spare glucogenic amino acids by inhibiting the activity of enzymes, such as glutamate dehydrogenase, thereby promoting protein deposition in muscle tissues. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of three sources of glycerine (crude glycerine from soybean oil--CGSO, mixed crude glycerine from frying oil and lard--MCG and a semipurified glycerine from soybean oil--SPGSO) in four concentrations in the diet (17.5, 35.0, 52.5 and 70.0 g of each type of glycerine/kg of feed) on the activity of hepatic glutamate dehydrogenase, performance and protein content in the breast of broilers, during 22-35 days of age (experiment I) and 33-43 days of age (experiment II). In both experiments, an increase in MCG induced a linear decline in glutamate dehydrogenase activity (p < 0.05). In contrast, increasing the concentration of SPGSO in the diet caused a linear increase in enzyme activity (p < 0.05). There was no (p > 0.05) isolated effect of glycerine on the enzyme activity in either evaluated phase; however, during 33-42 days of age, MCG inhibited (p < 0.05) the glutamate dehydrogenase activity by up to 34.43%. During 22-35 days of age, the diet containing SPGSO induced a higher protein content (p < 0.05) in the breast, and regardless of the source utilized, the maximum protein deposition was estimated (p < 0.05) when broilers were fed with 55.08 g glycerine/kg of diet. There was no (p > 0.05) interaction or isolated effects of the sources and levels of glycerine on the protein content in the breast of broilers at 33-42 days of age, and moreover, all diets containing glycerine promoted a similar protein deposition in the breast compared with birds that received the diet without glycerine. The bird age also showed to influence the feed intake and weight gain of broilers fed diet containing glycerine. It is concluded that for both rearing phases, an increase in glycerine in the diet did not necessarily reduce the glutamate dehydrogenase activity, and the protein deposition in the breast of broilers may not be strictly correlated with the activity of this enzyme.

Effects of chlorhexidine and fluoride on irradiated enamel and dentin.

The effectiveness of mouthwash protocols in preventing gamma irradiation therapy damage to the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of enamel and dentin is unknown. It was hypothesized that the use of chlorhexidine and fluoride mouthwash would maintain the UTS of dental structures. One hundred and twenty teeth were divided into 2 groups: irradiated (subjected to 60 Gy of gamma irradiation in daily increments of 2 Gy) and non-irradiated. They were then subdivided into 2 mouthwash protocols used 3 times per day: 0.12% chlorhexidine, 0.05% sodium fluoride, and control group (n = 10). The specimens were evaluated by microtensile testing. The results of the Tukey test (p < 0.05) indicated that the gamma irradiation therapy significantly reduced the UTS of the enamel, crown, and root dentin. Macromolecular alterations were suggested by optical retardation data in dentin. Structural alterations, in both substrates, were detected by scanning electron microscopy analysis. Mouthwash with 0.12% chlorhexidine partially prevented the damage to the mechanical properties of the irradiated crown dentin, whereas the 0.05% sodium-fluoride-irradiated enamel showed UTS similar to that of non-irradiated enamel.

Familial pituitary adenomas.

Pituitary adenomas are benign intracranial neoplasms that present a major clinical concern because of hormonal overproduction or compression symptoms of adjacent structures. Most arise in a sporadic setting with a small percentage developing as a part of familial syndromes such as multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1), Carney complex (CNC), and the recently described familial isolated pituitary adenomas (FIPA) and MEN-4. While the genetic alterations responsible for the formation of sporadic adenomas remain largely unknown, considerable advances have been made in defining culprit genes in these familial syndromes. Mutations in MEN1 and PRKAR1A genes are found in the majority of MEN1 and CNC patients, respectively. About 15% of FIPA kindreds present with mutations of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor-interacting protein (AIP) gene. Mutations in the CDKN1B gene, encoding p27(Kip)¹ were identified in MEN4 cases. Familial tumours appear to differ from their sporadic counterparts not only in genetic basis but also in clinical characteristics. Evidence suggests that, especially in MEN1 and FIPA, they are more aggressive and affect patients at younger age, therefore justifying the importance of early diagnosis. In this review, we summarize the genetic and clinical characteristics of these familial pituitary adenomas.

Frontoxins, three-finger toxins from Micrurus frontalis venom, decrease miniature endplate potential amplitude at frog neuromuscular junction.

Neurotoxicity is a major symptom of envenomation caused by Brazilian coral snake Micrurus frontalis. Due to the small amount of material that can be collected, no neurotoxin has been fully sequenced from this venom. In this work we report six new three-finger like toxins isolated from the venom of the coral snake M. frontalis which we named Frontoxin (FTx) I-VI. Toxins were purified using multiple steps of RP-HPLC. Molecular masses were determined by MALDI-TOF and ESI ion-trap mass spectrometry. The complete amino acid sequence of FTx II, III, IV and V were determined by sequencing of overlapping proteolytic fragments by Edman degradation and by de novo sequencing. The amino acid sequences of FTx I, II, III and VI predict 4 conserved disulphide bonds and structural similarity to previously reported short-chain alpha-neurotoxins. FTx IV and V each contained 10 conserved cysteines and share high similarity with long-chain alpha-neurotoxins. At the frog neuromuscular junction FTx II, III and IV reduced miniature endplate potential amplitudes in a time-and concentration-dependent manner suggesting Frontoxins block nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.

Effect of gamma irradiation on ultimate tensile strength of enamel and dentin.

The effect of gamma irradiation therapy on the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of enamel and dentin in relation to prism orientation, dentin tubule orientation, and location is unknown. It was hypothesized that tubule and prism orientation, location, and irradiation have an effect on the UTS of dental structures. Forty human third molars were used, half of which were subjected to 60 Gy of gamma irradiation, in daily increments of 2 Gy. The specimens were evaluated by microtensile testing. Results showed that irradiation treatment significantly decreased the UTS of coronal and radicular dentin and of enamel, regardless of tubule or prism orientation. With or without irradiation, enamel was significantly stronger when tested parallel to its prismatic orientation. Coronal and radicular dentin of non-irradiated specimens presented significantly higher UTS when tested perpendicularly to tubule orientation. However, when the teeth were irradiated, the influence of tubule orientation disappeared, demonstrating that irradiation is more harmful to organic components.

Assessment of the polymerization contraction stress of composites photoactivated by halogen light and light-emitting diode.

AIM: The aim of this study was to compare the polymerization contraction stress of composites photoactivated by two light sources: quartz tungsten halogen light (QTH) and light emitting diode (LED). METHODS: Glass rods were fabricated (5.0 mm X 5.0 cm) and one of the surfaces was air abraded with aluminum oxide. An adhesive was applied to this surface and photoactivated by LED. The glass rods were assembled to a Universal Testing machine (Instron - 5565) and the composite were applied to the lower rod using a manual instrument. The upper rod was placed closer, at 2 mm, and an extensometer was attached to the rods. The twenty composites were polymerized by either by QTH (N.=10) or LED (N.=10). Polymerization was carried out using two apparatuses positioned in opposite sides, which were simultaneously activated for 30 seconds. Contraction stress was analyzed twice: shortly after polymerization (t30s) and 30 minutes later (t30min). RESULTS: The contraction stress for all composites was higher at t30min than at t30s, regardless of the activation source. Z100 showed lower contraction stress values (P<0.05) compared to the other composites. Regarding to Charisma and TPH, the photoactivation source had no influence on contraction stress, except for Z100 at t30min. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that composite composition is the factor that most influence the polymerization contraction stress.