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Biomedical subjects

M A Vargas

Publications and source records attributed to M A Vargas.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1999

[Health, healthy family and healthy child: views and relationships of community agents].

This article reports the experience lived by the authors during their training time in one of the practical activities of the Nursing Teaching Course. In the context of a Continued Education Project developed with community agents of the Family Health Program, the research approaches a discussion that was triggered off on a meeting about the subject: "Health, Healthy Family and Healthy Child", when some manifestations of persons involved in the project were argued. The authors concluded that, as a pedogogic strategy, the use of group dynamics enlarges the possibilities of using the experience and knowledge that determines the person's action, as a teaching-learning process base.

Child↗
PubMed1998

Multifactorial modulation of TRH metabolism.

1. Thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH), synthesized in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN), is released in response to physiological stimuli through median eminence nerve terminals to control thyrotropin or prolactin secretion from the pituitary. 2. Several events participate in the metabolism of this neuropeptide: regulation of TRH biosynthesis and release as well as modulation of its inactivation by the target cell. 3. Upon a physiological stimulus such as cold stress or suckling, TRH is released and levels of TRH mRNA increase in a fast and transient manner in the PVN; a concomitant increase in cfos is observed only with cold exposure. 4. Hypothalamic cell cultures incubated with cAMP or phorbol esters show a rise in TRH mRNA levels; dexamethasone produces a further increase at short incubation times. TRH mRNA are thus controlled by transsynaptic and hormonal influences. 5. Once TRH is released, it is inactivated by a narrow specificity ectoenzyme, pyroglutamyl peptidase II (PPII). 6. In adenohypophysis, PPII is subject to stringent control: positive by thyroid hormones and negative by TRH; other hypothalamic factors such as dopamine and somatostatin also influence its activity. 7. These combined approaches suggest that TRH action is modulated in a coordinate fashion.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Multiple hypothalamic factors regulate pyroglutamyl peptidase II in cultures of adenohypophyseal cells: role of the cAMP pathway.

In the adenohypophysis, thyrotrophin-releasing hormone (TRH) is inactivated by pyroglutamyl peptidase II (PPII), a TRH-specific ectoenzyme localized in lactotrophs. TRH slowly downregulates surface PPII activity in adenohypophyseal cell cultures. Protein kinase C (PKC) activation mimics this effect. We tested the hypothesis that other hypothalamic factors controlling prolactin secretion could also regulate PPII activity in adenohypophyseal cell cultures. Incubation for 16 h with pituitary adenylate cyclase activator peptide 38 (PACAP; 10(-6) M) decreased PPII activity. Bromocryptine (10(-8) M), a D2 dopamine receptor agonist, or somatostatin (10(-6) M) stimulated enzyme activity and blocked the inhibitory effect of [3-Me-His2]-TRH, a TRH receptor agonist. Bromocryptine and somatostatin actions were suppressed by preincubation with pertussis toxin (400 ng ml(-1)). Because these hypophysiotropic factors transduce some of their effects using the cAMP pathway, we analysed its role on PPII regulation. Cholera toxin (400 ng ml(-1)) inhibited PPII activity. Forskolin (10(-6) M) caused a time-dependent decrease in PPII activity, with maximal inhibition at 12-16 h treatment; ED50 was 10(-7) M. 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine or dibutiryl cAMP, caused a dose-dependent inhibition of PPII activity. These data suggest that increased cAMP down-regulates PPII activity. The effect of PACAP was blocked by preincubation with H89 (10(-6) M), a protein kinase A inhibitor, suggesting that the cAMP pathway mediates some of the effects of PACAP. Maximal effects of forskolin and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate were additive. PPII activity, therefore, is independently regulated by the cAMP and PKC pathways. Because most treatments inhibited PPII mRNA levels similarly to PPII activity, an important level of control of PPII activity by these factors may be at the mRNA level. We suggest that PPII is subject to 'homologous' and 'heterologous' regulation by elements of the multifactorial system that controls prolactin secretion.

Aminopeptidases↗
PubMed1998

Adhesive composite inlays for the restoration of cracked posterior teeth associated with a tongue bar.

While body piercing has become fashionable in contemporary society, numerous health risks are directly related to this trend. Tongue piercing in particular presents several concomitant complications for the attending clinician, including the possibility of soft tissue infection or damage to the natural dentition or existing restorations. Clinicians must be proficient in the selection of the proper materials and techniques utilized to treat affected patients. This article details a comprehensive clinical protocol for the use of adhesive composite inlay restorations for cracked posterior teeth.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

TRH inactivation in the extracellular compartment: role of pyroglutamyl peptidase II.

TRH (pGlu-His-ProNH2) inactivation in the brain and pituitary extracellular fluid is reviewed. While TRH could be eliminated by alternative mechanisms, i.e. uptake or internalization, modification, hydrolysis by broad specificity peptidases such as pyroglutamyl peptidase I and prolyl endopeptidase, evidence accumulates to support a specific neuroectopeptidase as the main mechanism responsible for its extracellular inactivation. Pyroglutamyl peptidase II (PPII; E.C. 3.4.19.6) is a narrow specificity zinc metallopeptidase hydrolyzing the pyroglutamyl-histidyl peptide bond of TRH. PPII is an integral membrane protein with a small intracellular domain, a transmembrane segment and a large extracellular domain that contains the catalytic site. It is therefore idealy situated to degrade TRH present in the extracellular space. PPII is highly enriched in brain, specifically present in neuronal cells. PPII inhibition enhances recovery of TRH released in vitro. In situ hybridization studies demonstrate that PPII mRNA colocalizes with TRH-receptor mRNA in various brain regions. However, the existence of exceptions suggest that alternative inactivation mechanisms for TRH may operate. PPII activity is regulated in various pharmacological or pathophysiological conditions which alter TRH transmission. It is also present in adenohypophysis, preferentially on lactotrophs, where its activity is stringently regulated by hormones and hypothalamic factors. PPII activity regulation may contribute to adjust TRH neural and hormonal transmissions.

Aminopeptidases↗
PubMed1998

Interfacial ultrastructure of the resin-enamel region of three adhesive systems.

PURPOSE: To observe the resin/enamel interface produced by different adhesive systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A conventional three-step smear layer removing adhesive system (Scotchbond Multi-Purpose), a two-step smear layer removing adhesive system (Prime & Bond), and a two-step smear layer dissolving adhesive system containing a self-etching primer (Panavia 21) were evaluated. Flat enamel surfaces were obtained from approximal surfaces of 18 extracted human molars. A total of 36 surfaces were collected and divided into three groups of 12 samples. One-half of each specimen in each group was etched with 35% phosphoric acid prior to the application of each adhesive system, with the second half being kept unetched. Subsequently, resin composite was placed and polymerized for 40 seconds. The samples were fractured and immersed into HCl and NaOCl solutions, followed by critical point drying and sputter coating for examination with a field emission scanning electron microscope. RESULTS: In the etched samples, Panavia 21 and Scotchbond Multi-Purpose showed more consistent resin tag penetration than did Prime & Bond. Unetched Prime & Bond and Scotchbond Multi-Purpose samples showed minimal or no adhesive penetration in enamel surfaces.

Acid Etching, Dental↗
PubMed1997

Effect of in vitro maedi-visna virus infection on adherence and phagocytosis of staphylococci by ovine cells.

This work was aimed at studying the effect of maedi-visna virus (MVV) infection in vitro on the ability of sheep cells to adhere to staphylococci (Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis), and phagocytose these bacteria. Adherence was studied in sheep choroid plexus cells (SCPC) using an ELISA test and phagocytosis was studied in pulmonary alveolar macrophages (PAM) by chemiluminescence. A 5- and 7-day of in vitro MVV infection resulted in syncytium formation and a significant increased adherence (P < 0.01) of SCPC to bacteria. SCPC endogenous fibronectin was significantly higher (P < 0.01) on days 5 and 7 than on day 0 of MVV infection. A significantly decreased phagocytosis (P < 0.05) was also observed on days 5 and 7 of MVV infection in PAM when compared to MVV-free controls. Comparatively, phagocytosis was highest for S. aureus non-slime producing strains, followed by S. epidermidis, and S. aureus slime producing strains, in that order. Finally, increased expression of both, class I and class II major histocompatibility antigens was also observed in MVV-infected PAM on days 5 and 7, whereas SCPC only demonstrated upregulation of MHC class I. These results, indicative of an alteration of some cell functions in MVV-infected cells, may help to understand interactions between MVV-infected cells and bacteria in simultaneous infections and may provide clues to the possible in vivo interactions of both pathogens.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

A novel cytoplasmic structure containing DNA networks in Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites.

We report here the presence of cytoplasmic DNA arranged in networks in the trophozoites of the human parasite Entamoeba histolytica. Cytoplasmic DNA was detected in live trophozoites in a structure that we called EhkO, using the fluorescent dye acridine orange, and by in situ hybridization to trophozoites with a rDNA probe. The EhkO was found in the axenically grown clones A, L6 (strain HMI:IMSS) and MAVax (strain MAV) and in the polyxenically grown clone MAVpx (strain MAV). Bacteria present in MAVpx did not cross hybridize with the DNA probe neither in in situ hybridization or in Southern blot experiments. Autoradiography of metabolically [3H]thymidine-labeled trophozoites showed the presence of EhkO, and an EhkO-enriched fraction, purified from a nuclei-free extract and examined by light microscopy, exhibited [3H]thymidine incorporation into this structure. DNA was purified from the EhkO and enriched nuclear fractions and analyzed by transmission electron microscopy. The EhkO fraction contained DNA networks resembling those of trypanosome kDNA, whereas nuclear DNA was present mainly as linear molecules and some circles. Our findings imply that E. histolytica may be taxonomically more closely related to the Trypanosomatidae than previously suspected.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Interfacial micromorphology and shear bond strength of single-bottle primer/adhesives.

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted 1) to characterize through SEM analysis the resin-dentin interface produced by single-bottle primer/adhesives and a three-component system [Scotchbond Multi-Purpose (3M Dental)] and 2) to evaluate the shear bond strength to dentin of these adhesive systems. METHODS: Single-bottle primer/adhesives [Bond 1 (Jeneric/Pentron), Single Bond, (3M Dental Products); One Step (Bisco Inc.), OptiBond Solo (Kerr Corp.), Prime & Bond 2.1 (L.D. Caulk-Dentsply), Syntac Single-Component (Ivoclar-Vivadent), Tenure Quilk with Fluoride (Den-Mat)] were used according to manufacturers' instructions to bond resin composite to flat dentinal surfaces of extracted human third molars (n = 15). All samples were thermocycled 300x. Twelve specimens per group were used to measure shear bond strength and three specimens were used to evaluate the interfacial morphology under SEM. A one-way ANOVA and Turkey's test were used to assess the results. RESULTS: Mean shear bond strengths in MPa +/- SD for the groups ranged from 22.27 +/- 4.5 MPa for Single Bond to 7.6 +/- 3.9 MPa for Syntac Single-Component. The statistical analysis indicated that Single Bond produced significantly higher (p < 0.001) bond strengths than Syntac Single-Component, Prime & Bond 2.1, Bond 1 and Tenure Quik With Fluoride. Bond strengths for Syntac Single-Component were significantly lower than One-Step, OptiBond Solo, Scotchbond Multi-Purpose Plus and Single Bond. SEM examination clearly revealed the formation of a distinct hybrid layer for all adhesive systems; however, minor variations in ultrastructure existed among products. SIGNIFICANCE: Some single-bottle primer/adhesive present in vitro bond strengths and hybrid layer formation similar to those found for the conventional three-component adhesive system tested.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1997

Evaluation of adhesive systems using acidic primers.

PURPOSE: To evaluate in vitro the dentin and enamel shear bond strength of two adhesive systems that contain acidic primers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clearfil Liner Bond 2 (CLB2) and Denthesive II (DTII), containing acid primers were used with (ETCH) and without (NOET) etching. Scotchbond Multi-Purpose (SBMP) was utilized as a control. Sixty flat enamel and dentin bonding sites were prepared to 600 grit on extracted human molars. Both acidic primer systems were used with (ETCH) and without etching (NOET) for both enamel and dentin surfaces. The control group used etching only. After applying primer and adhesive, a microfill composite (Silux Plus) was placed in a 2.5 mm diameter matrix on the tooth surface, and polymerized for 40 seconds. All specimens were thermocycled 500 times. Shear bond strengths were determined using a Zwick testing machine. RESULTS: One-way ANOVA revealed significant differences among groups for enamel (P = 0.0001) and dentin (P = 0.0002). Duncan's multiple range test (alpha = 0.05) revealed that enamel shear bond strength of DTII-ETCH was equal to that of CLB2-NOET and these were significantly greater than CLB2-ETCH, SBMP and DTII-NOET. For dentin, bond strengths for CLB2-ETCH and CLB2-NOET were significantly greater than DTII-NOET.

Acid Etching, Dental↗
PubMed1997

Effect of HEMA-containing dentin desensitizers on shear bond strength of a resin cement.

PURPOSE: To determine whether the use of two HEMA-containing dentin desensitizing agents [Health-Dent Desensitizer with fluoride (H) or Gluma Desensitizer (G)], when applied at simulated "cavity preparation" and "cementation" appointments, affects the bond strength of lab processed resin composite restorations cemented to dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The occlusal surfaces of 70 teeth were ground flat to expose dentin and polished to 600 grit. Teeth were randomly assigned to seven groups (n = 10). The treatments were applied in two sessions in order to simulate cavity preparation and cementation appointments. Water (W) was applied as a control instead of a desensitizing agent. H or G were applied for 30 seconds with a rubbing motion (1) at preparation appointment (HW and GW), or (2) at cementation appointment, after etching (WH and WG), or (3) at both sessions (HH and GG). In the control group, water was applied at both sessions (WW). All-Bond 2 and Dual Cement were used according to manufacturers' instructions to cement pre-polymerized resin composite cylinders (4 mm diameter) to the dentin surfaces using a force of 1.0 MPa. Specimens were thermocycled 300x and tested in shear until failure. Data was analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD test at alpha = 0.05. RESULTS: Mean bond strength and standard deviations are reported in MPa: GW = 7.4 +/- 6.0; WW = 7.7 +/- 5.8; HW = 8.2 +/- 4.3; WH = 10.8 +/- 6.2; GG = 13.5 +/- 6.0; HH = 13.8 +/- 7.1; WG = 19.9 +/- 8.8. There were no significant differences in bond strengths for GW, WW, HW, WH and GG. Shear bond strength for WG and HH was significantly higher than all groups except for GG. Results of this in vitro study indicate that the use of desensitizers at the preparation and/or cementation appointment does not interfere with bond strengths of resin cement to dentin.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1997

Effect of composite type, light intensity, configuration factor and laser polymerization on polymerization contraction forces.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of composite type, light intensity, configuration factor and laser polymerization on polymerization contraction force. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Glass rods (10 pairs/group) were etched with HF acid, silanated, unfilled resin applied and light cured for 20 s. Rods were held vertically in chucks on a Zwick machine. A cylindrical matrix was filled with Silar chemical cure, Silux Plus microfill or Z-100 hybrid composite and the crosshead of the UTM positioned at an inter-rod distance corresponding to a specific ratio of bound to unbound composite surface area (configuration factor or C). Exposure time with the Demetron 401 conventional visible light curing unit (D401) was 40 s/side (80 s total). Exposure times for the ILT Model D5500 air cooled laser (LAC) and Model 5500ABL water cooled laser (LWC) was 20 s/side (40 s total). Experimental groups, n = 10 with constant factors in parentheses, included: (1) Silar chemical-cured (C = 3); (2) Z-100 hybrid (C = 3, D401, 100% intensity); (3) Silux Plus microfill (C = 3, D401, 100% intensity); (4) D401 100% light intensity = 476 mW (Z-100, C = 3, D401); (5) D401 50% intensity = 238 mW (Z-100, C = 3, D401); (6) D401 25% intensity = 119 mW (Z-100, C = 3, D401); (7-9) C = 5, 3 & 1 respectively (Z-100, D401, 100% intensity); (10) D401 with 13 mm tip = 391 mW/cm2 (Z-100, C = 3; D401); (11) D401 with Turbo Tip = 811 mW/cm2 (Z-100, C = 3; D401); (12) LAC = 265 mW, 689 mW/cm2 (Z-100, C = 3); (13) LWC = 365 mW, 1100 mW/cm2 (Z-100, C = 3). One Way ANOVA and Duncan's Multiple Range Test (alpha = 0.05) were performed separately for each variable. RESULTS: Homogeneous subsets by variable were: composite type Group 1 (25N) < Group 3 (65.8N) < Group 2 (90.4N); intensity Group 6 (73.9N) = Group 5 (77.7N) < Group 4 (90.4N); C-Factor Group 7 (81.8N) < Group 8 (90.4N) < Group 9 (103.4N); light source Group 12 (77.4N) = Group 13 (79.1N) < Group 10 (90.4N) = Group 11.(89.4N). The chemical-cured composite had the lowest maximum polymerization contraction force, the microfill was intermediate and the hybrid composite had the highest recorded force. Increases in light intensity increased the maximum force on the force/time curve. Maximum forces were inversely related to C-factor (C5 < C3 < C1) and directly related to composite volume in a non-rigid system which allowed compliance. Maximum force was not significantly different with the two tips tested on the conventional curing light. Forces obtained with laser polymerization were similar for the two laser groups, which were both statistically lower than the conventional light tested.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1997

Dentin desensitizing agents: SEM and X-ray microanalysis assessment.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of four proprietary dentin desensitizing agents on dentin tubular occlusion, chemical composition changes on the dentin surface, and the effect of saliva and toothbrushing on these agents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty dentin discs, obtained from 50 freshly extracted human premolar and molar teeth were used in this study. These were divided into five groups of 10 discs each. Five discs from each group were treated with the desensitizing agents, viewed under the SEM and subjected to energy dispersive X-ray analysis. The other five discs were treated with the desensitizing agents, immersed in artificial saliva, subjected to simulated toothbrushing equivalent to 3 weeks of normal brushing and viewed under the SEM. The agents studied were Sensodyne Dentin Desensitizer, Therma-Trol Desensitizer Gel, Gluma Desensitizer and All-Bond DS. RESULTS: The Kruskal-Wallis test followed by the Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed that Sensodyne Dentin Desensitizer exhibited the greatest amount of tubular occlusion among the unbrushed samples, followed by Therma-Trol Desensitizer Gel, Gluma Desensitizer and All-Bond DS (P < 0.05) in that order. Toothbrushing increased tubular occlusion in all cases except the Sensodyne Dentin Desensitizer treated samples.

Chi-Square Distribution↗
PubMed1997

Surface treatment techniques for resin composite repair.

PURPOSE: To compare bond strengths of fresh resin composites to previously polymerized ("aged") composites following various surface treatments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty Pertac Hybrid (PH) and an equal number of Silux Plux (SLX) specimens were fabricated and stored for 1 week prior to surface treatment. The specimens were then polished and stored for an additional 24 hours prior to final surface treatment. The surface treatments included use of one of the following: (1) diamond bur (DB), (2) microetcher with 50 microns Al2O3@80 psi pressure (ME), (3) high-pressure air abrasion with 27 microns Al2O3@psi, (KCP), or (4) low-pressure silicate ceramic deposition using 30 microns particles@34 psi (CJ-S) with a microetcher. Half of the samples were treated with a silanating agent. Fresh resin composite (same type as used for the aged specimen) was bonded to the treated surfaces, and specimens were then stored 24 h and thermocycled 300 x at 5 degrees and 55 degrees C prior to testing for shear bond strength. Two-way ANOVA was used to determine significant differences between mean shear bond strengths for both composite materials. RESULTS: Significant differences were found between the groups for both surface treatment and silane use (P < 0.05). The interaction between the two main effects was also significant (P < 0.05). Overall, the highest bond strengths were found when the low-pressure silicate ceramic deposition system (CJ-S) was used, with or without silane.

Air Pressure↗
PubMed1997

Effect of bacterial association on the phenotype and genotype of an Entamoeba histolytica clonal population.

A several-times-cloned population of Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites (clone MAVIII) was cultured under axenic (MAVIIIax), monoxenic (MAVIIImx) and polyxenic (MAVIIIpx) conditions. Clones MAVIIIax and MAVIIImx presented similar virulence in vitro, but differed in their virulence in vivo, whereas MAVIIIpx trophozoites were neither virulent in vitro or in vivo. The MAVIII clones maintained their zymodeme and exhibited three unusual glucose phosphate isomerase bands, absent in other E. histolytica strains studied. Similar patterns were shown by the three MAVIII clones in the signature of a 482-bp DNA fragment from the M17 gene (which encodes for a variable immunodominant antigen), obtained by low stringency single specific primer PCR technique. However, MAVIII clones displayed genotypic variability in the patterns obtained by the random amplified polymorphic DNA technique using total DNA as template. Results suggest that monomorphism is kept in certain regions of the genome, mainly in those carrying protein encoding genes, but a high polymorphism is present in total DNA of cloned trophozoites cultured under different conditions, confirming the plasticity of the E. histolytica genome.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Mutation analysis reveals an insertional hotspot in exon 4 of the LDL receptor gene.

Mutation analysis of the low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) gene revealed a novel 8-bp duplication after nucleotide 681 in a Costa Rican patient with familial hypercholesterolaemia. The frameshift caused by this mutation results in a premature termination codon in the EGF precursor homology domain of the mature LDLR, whereby a truncated protein of the first 206 residues with an additional 39 abnormal residues would be created. The insertion overlaps with previously described duplications of 18 bp and 21 bp, thus revealing an insertional hotspot in exon 4 of the LDLR gene. We propose that the structural features of this region of the LDLR gene contribute significantly to genetic instability and the subsequent DNA duplication via an endogenous sequence-directed mechanism of mutagenesis.

Amino Acid Sequence↗