Invasive head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: clinical and histopathological characteristics, frequency of local recurrence and metastasis.

Background: squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin malignancy and may evolve to regional lymph node and distant metastases.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate patients with head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma to identify its clinical and histopathological characteristics, as well as the frequency of local recurrence and metastasis.

Methods: A retrospective cohort of patients with head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

Acaricide activity in vitro of Acmella oleracea against Rhipicephalus microplus.

Cattle tick control has been limited by the resistance of these parasites to synthetic acaricides. Natural products are a possible alternative as they have different mechanisms of action. Acmella oleracea is a native plant with a large cultivated area in the Amazon region and could be easily used for large-scale preparation of a commercial product.

Low IL10 serum levels as key factor for predicting the sustained virological response to IFNα/ribavirin in Brazilian patients with HCV carrying IL28B CT/TT genotype.

Propose: IL28B polymorphisms rs12979860 CC genotype was associated to protection of HCV infection and sustained virological response (SVR) in HCV infected patients treated with pegIFNα/ribavirin (IFNα/RIB), however, this polymorphism frequency varies depending on genetic components. Studies with larger number of Brazilian individuals, determining IL28B polymorphisms is lacking. Regarding to treatment response, the levels of IL10 seem to influence response to IFNα/RIB therapy.

Myeloperoxidase gene polymorphism predicts fibrosis severity in women with hepatitis C.

Oxidative stress plays an important role on liver fibrosis progression in the course of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is an enzyme released by neutrophils and macrophages, responsible for generating hypochlorous acid and reactive oxygen species (ROS) that may lead to liver injury in HCV infection. On the other hand, antioxidant enzymes such as manganese superoxide dismutase (SOD) controls ROS-mediated damage.

Von hippel-lindau disease associated pulmonary carcinoid with cranial metastasis.

Context: Carcinoids have rarely been described in von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease.

Objective: We describe the first reported case of a patient with VHL who developed a pulmonary carcinoid that subsequently metastasized to a pre-existent cranial hemangioblastoma.

Results: Histological and immunohistochemical features of the metastatic lesion were similar to the primary carcinoid.

Mannose-binding lectin 2 (MBL2) gene polymorphisms do not influence frequency of infections in chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients.

Background: Infectious complications represent the main cause of morbidity and mortality in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. It has been reported that polymorphisms of the mannosebinding lectin 2 (MBL2) genes are correlated with MBL protein serum levels and, consequently, are associated with the development of infectious diseases.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible association between MBL2 gene polymorphisms and risk of infection in chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients.

The thickness of posterior cortical areas is related to executive dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease.

Objective: To establish whether alterations of brain structures in Alzheimer's disease are associated with executive dysfunction.

Methods: Nineteen patients with Alzheimer's disease and 22 older control subjects underwent a comprehensive evaluation. The clock drawing test, digit span test, executive motor function test, Behavioral Assessment of the Dysexecutive Syndrome battery (Rule Shift Cards test), and Stroop test were used to evaluate executive dysfunction.

Chronic graft-versus-host disease: clinical presentation of multiple lesions of lichenoid and atrophic pattern.

Graft-versus-host disease is observed mainly in recipients of hematopoietic cell transplantation and is expressed by cutaneous or systemic signals and symptoms. Graft-versus-host disease is clinically classified as acute or chronic. Chronic Graft-versus-host disease occurs in up to 70% of hematopoietic cell transplanted patients and its clinical manifestations have important impact on morbidity and quality of life.

Differential endosomal pathways for radically modified peptide vectors.

In the current work we characterize the uptake mechanism of two NickFect family members, NF51 and NF1, related to the biological activity of transfected plasmid DNA (pDNA). Both vectors condense pDNA into small negatively charged nanoparticles that transfect HeLa cells with equally high efficacy and the delivery is mediated by SCARA3 and SCARA5 receptors. NF1 condenses DNA into less homogeneous and less stable nanoparticles than NF51.

Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory activity of riparin II (O-methil-N-2-hidroxi-benzoyl tyramine) in animal models.

Riparin II (RipII), an alkamide isolated from the green fruit of Aniba riparia, was tested in the various animal models of inflammation to investigate its anti-inflammatory activity. Male Wistar rats (180-240g) were treated with RipII by gavage at doses 25 or 50mg/kg, before initiating the inflammatory responses. The tests used were paw edema induced by carrageenan, dextran, histamine or serotonin; peritonitis induced by carrageenan and fMLP, as well as the measurement of MPO activity, TNF-α and Il-1β amount in the peritoneal fluid.

Industrial Scale Isolation, Structural and Spectroscopic Characterization of Epiisopiloturine from Pilocarpus microphyllus Stapf Leaves: A Promising Alkaloid against Schistosomiasis.

This paper presents an industrial scale process for extraction, purification, and isolation of epiisopiloturine (EPI) (2(3H)-Furanone,dihydro-3-(hydroxyphenylmethyl)-4-[(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)methyl]-, [3S-[3a(R*),4b]]), which is an alkaloid from jaborandi leaves (Pilocarpus microphyllus Stapf). Additionally for the first time a set of structural and spectroscopic techniques were used to characterize this alkaloid. EPI has shown schistomicidal activity against adults and young forms, as well as the reduction of the egg laying adult worms and low toxicity to mammalian cells (in vitro).

Therapeutic potential of cell-penetrating peptides.

The ability of cell-penetrating peptides to cross plasma membranes has been used for various applications, including the delivery of bioactive molecules to inhibit disease-producing cellular mechanisms. Selective drug delivery into target cells improves drug distribution and decreases dosing and toxicity. In this review, the authors outline the main challenges in the field, namely clarification of mechanisms of entry into cells, as well as current and future perspectives regarding cell-penetrating peptides application for human therapeutics.

High tumor necrosis factor-α/interleukin-10 ratio is associated with hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the main cause of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide. The risk for the development of HCC increases with the severity of liver inflammation and fibrosis. The hepatic inflammation caused by HCV involves host regulatory immune response, which is mediated by cytokines with anti-viral role upon the interaction of viral polypeptides with innate and adaptive immunity.

TRP and ASIC channels mediate the antinociceptive effect of citronellyl acetate.

Background: Citronellyl acetate (CAT), a monoterpene product of the secondary metabolism of plants, has been shown in the literature to possess several different biological activities. However, no antinociceptive abilities have yet been discussed. Here, we used acute pain animal models to describe the antinociceptive action of CAT.

Effect of chemical and microwave disinfection on the surface microhardness of acrylic resin denture teeth.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of simulated disinfections (2% glutaraldehyde, 1% sodium hypochlorite, and microwave energy) on the surface hardness of Trilux, Biocler, Biotone, New Ace, and Magister commercial artificial teeth.

Materials And Methods: Specimens (n = 10) were made with the teeth included individually in circular blocks of acrylic resin, leaving the labial surface exposed. Cycles of simulated chemical disinfection were accomplished with the specimens immersed in the solutions at room temperature for 10 minutes, followed by tap water washing for 30 seconds and storage in distilled water at room temperature for 7 days until the next disinfection.

Complement and mannose-binding lectin 2 polymorphism in meningococcal disease.

Background: Meningococcal disease is a leading cause of death due to infection in children. Differences in susceptibility and disease progression between children are unknown. The complement system plays a key role in the innate immunity against N.

Plasma myeloperoxidase levels correlate with hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic hepatitis C.

Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is an enzyme responsible for generating hypochlorous acid and reactive oxidants that may lead to liver injury and cancer in hepatitis C (HCV) infection. MPO expression level is regulated by a polymorphism in the promoter region -463 of MPO gene. In the current study, MPO plasma levels and the G-463A MPO polymorphism were determined in 158 chronically HCV infected patients with and without hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

[Self-perceived oral health among elderly individuals in a medium-sized city in Northeast Brazil].

This study focused on self-perceived oral health of the elderly and associated variables. The sample consisted of 321 functionally independent individuals 60 years or older living in Parnaíba, Piauí State, Brazil. Oral examinations were performed and questionnaires were applied during home visits.

Activity of epiisopiloturine against Schistosoma mansoni.

Schistosomiasis, caused by blood flukes of the genus Schistosoma, still imposes a considerable public health burden on large parts of the world. The control of this disease depends almost exclusively on the drug praziquantel, and there are no alternative drugs in sight. Natural compounds have recently attracted significant attention due to their relevance to parasitic infection and potential development into new therapeutic agents.

Differential reactivity of serum immunoglobulins from Brazilian wild mammals to staphylococcal A and streptococcal G proteins.

Human pathogens have evolved to infect vertebrate hosts other than human beings without causing symptoms of the disease, thus permitting them to complete their life cycle and to develop into infectious forms. The identification and management of infected animals are alternatives to control dissemination of the disease and to prevent human illness. In the current study, the potential use of staphylococcal A or streptococcal G proteins was evaluated with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for seroepidemiological studies.

Prevalence and burden of headaches as assessed by the health family program.

Background: Unified health systems often have Family Health Programs (FHPs) as a core component of their preventive and early curative strategies. In Brazil, the FHP is established to proactively identify diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.

Objective: To use the FHP in order to assess the prevalence of primary headaches, as per the Second Edition of the International Classification of Headache Disorders in a Brazilian city covered by the program, and to document the burden of migraine and tension-type headache (TTH) in this population.

Influence of female hormonal fluctuation on maximum occlusal force.

Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle may influence on muscular tensions and probably alter occlusal force. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether hormonal levels affect maximum occlusal force (MOF) of healthy women throughout the different phases of the menstrual cycle. Sixty complete dentate subjects who were not under use of oral contraceptives were selected to participate in this study.

Spasmolytic effect of galetin 3,6-dimethyl ether, a flavonoid obtained from Piptadenia stipulacea (Benth) Ducke.

Piptadenia stipulacea (Benth) Ducke is a tree of the Caatinga, in Northeast Brazil, popularly known as "Jurema-branca", "Jurema malícia-da-serra", "Carcará" and "Calumbi". In folk medicine, a decoction or tincture of its bark and leaves are used to treat wounds and as healing agents. Galetin 3,6-dimethyl ether (FGAL) is a flavonoid isolated from the aerial components of Piptadenia stipulacea (Benth) Ducke.