Experimental Demonstration of a Structured Material with Extreme Effective Parameters at Microwaves

Following our recent theoretical studies [M. G. Silveirinha, C. A. Fernandes, Phys. Rev. B, 78, 033108, 2008], it is experimentally verified that an array of crossed metallic wires may behave as a nonresonant material with extremely large index of refraction at microwaves, and may enable the realization of ultra-subwavelength waveguides.Comment: accepted for publication in Applied Physics Letters (in press). Applied Physics Letters (in press) (2008

Estimation of incoming global solar radiation and its diffuse component at the surface in Paraiba state (NE Brazil)

Results of a study on the estimation of mean monthly values of incoming global solar radiation and its diffuse component at some stations in Paraiba state (NE Brazil) are presented in this paper. Radiation data at four stations is used. ˚Angstr¨om-type equations are derived for the estimation of global radiation and the diffuse fraction of global radiation is expressed in terms of the clearness index and the sunshine ratio. The applicability of previously reported equations for stations in this region is investigated

Bilateral Mandibular Supernumerary Teeth Associated with Gemination: a Case report

Višestruka hiperdoncija rijetka je i obično povezana s kompleksnim sindromima ili geminacijom. Najčešći tretman koji se u tom slučaju primjenjuje jest uklanjanje prekobrojnih zuba iz profilaktičkih razloga. Svrha je ovog prikaza opisati izoliranu pojavu prekobrojnih zuba na više lokacija u čeljusti, no nepovezanih s bilo kojim sindromom. Jedan od zuba bio je rijedak i kao fenomen jer je imao anatomiju korijenskih kanala specifičnu za geminaciju. Ektopični zubi izvađeni su jer su uzrokovali nelagodu, bol i otekline u ustima. Ekstrahirana su tri prekobrojna zuba bez postoperacijskih komplikacija. Kontrolni pregled bio je dogovoren za godinu dana i tada nije bilo recidiva.Multiple hyperodontia rarely occurs without being associated with complex syndromes or gemination. The prophylactic surgical removal of the supernumerary teeth is generally the treatment of choice. The aim of this case report was to present an isolated nonsyndromic occurrence of multiple supernumerary teeth, one of which had a root canal anatomy of gemination, representing a rare phenomenon. However, since the ectopic teeth were associated with discomfort, pain and swelling, surgical treatment was necessary. The chosen treatment was surgery, with the extraction of the three supernumerary teeth and no evidence of any postoperative complications. No recurrences occurred in one year of follow-up

Histoplasmose crônica disseminada com lesões exclusivas na boca: relato de caso

We report a rare case of chronic disseminated histoplasmosis with several ulcerated lesions in the oral cavity in an alcoholic patient without human immunodeficiency virus infection, with no detectable signs and symptoms of systemic disease or extraoral manifestations. Histopathological analysis revealed chronic inflammatory process with granulomas containing Histoplasma-like organisms. The isolation of Histoplasma capsulatum provided the definitive diagnosis. Treatment with itraconazole resulted in complete remission of oral lesions. As far we aware, this is the second case report of oral histoplasmosis in an HIV negative patient described in Brazil.Reportamos um caso raro de histoplasmose crônica disseminada com diversas lesões ulceradas na cavidade oral de um paciente alcoólatra, sem o vírus da imunodeficiência humana, com nenhum outro sinal detectável ou sintomas de doença sistêmica ou manifestações extra-orais. Análise histopatológica revelou processo inflamatório crônico com granulomas contendo organismos fúngicos. O isolamento do Histoplasma capsulatum forneceu o diagnóstico definitivo. Tratamento com itraconazol resultou numa remissão completa das lesões orais. De acordo com nosso conhecimento, este é o segundo caso reportado de histoplasmose oral em um paciente HIV negativo descrito no Brasil

Estudo de correlações entre ensaios de variedades de trigo realizados no Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, nos anos 1966, 1967 e 1968

Data from grain yields grown in the experimental network of wheat variety trials in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil in 1966, 1967, and 1968, were used to calculate correlation coefficients between the yields of varieties from the different testing sites: Thirty varieties were seeded at each of 7 locations in 1966, 20 varieties at each of 8 locations in 1967 and 25 varieties at each of 8 locations in 1968. Detailed information concerning varieties, testing procedures and general observations for the year 1966 and general observations for the year 1966 and 1967 are presented in the earlier work (Schlehuber et al. 1970) and will not be repeated here. The average grain yield (kg/ha) of each variety at each location was correlated with the average grain yield of the same variety at all other locations. Only the data from the early date of seeding (usually in June) were used, inasmuch in the majority of cases they were superior. Grain yields averaged considerably higher in 1966 and 1968 than in 1987. The highest average yield was produced at Herval in 1968 (2611 kg/ha). The highest positive correlation (0.731) was between São Luiz Gonzaga and Cruz Alta in 1967. Only two highly significant negative correlations were obtained - 0.724 between Piratini and Sananduva in 1967 and - 0.546 between S.L. Gonzaga and Erexim in 1968. São Luiz Gonzaga showed the highest number of significant correlations. At Cruz Alta the varieties generally performed differently than at the other locations. The most consistent relationship was between Pelotas and Piratini. Of the possible 70 correlation coefficients, only 24 were statistically significant and of these only three were negative. Notwithstanding the low number of significant correlations between locations, certain varieties (illustrated by graphical examples in the earlier work of 1966 and 1967 results), performed in a superior manner at many locations regardless of the value of the correlation coefficients between the locations. These 3-year observations are in agreement with those from International Wheat Trials reported by the CIMMYT from Mexico (Krull et al. 1966, 1987).Para calcular os coeficientes de correlação entre a produção de variedades, de diferentes locais, foram usados dados das produções de grão dos ensaios de variedades de trigo da rede experimental do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, em 1966, 1967 e 1968. Em 1966, 30 variedades foram semeadas em 7 locais diferentes; em 1967, 20 variedades em 8 locais; e em 1968, 25 variedades em 8 locais. As informações detalhadas, no que se refere às variedades, método de experimentação e observações gerais, nos anos de 1966 e 1967 estão incluídas em trabalho anterior (Schlehuber et al 1970), e não são repetidas aqui. A média da produção de grãos (em kg/ha) de cada variedade, por local, foi correlacionada com a média da produção de todos os outros locais. Foram usados somente dados da primeira época de plantio (geralmente em junho) visto que, na maioria dos casos, eles foram superiores. Os rendimentos obtidos em 1966 e 1968 foram, consideravelmente, maiores do que os de 1967. A média de produção de grãos mais alta foi obtida em Herval em 1968 (2.611 kg/ha). O coeficiente de correlação positivo mais alto (0,731) ocorreu entre São Luiz Gonzaga e Cruz Alta, em 1967. Foram obtidos apenas dois coeficientes de correlação negativos e altamente significativos, um em 1967 entre Piratini e Sananduva (-0,724) e outro em 1968 entre São Luiz Gonzaga e Erexim (-0,546). Os dados de São Luiz Gonzaga apresentaram o maior número de correlações significativas com os demais locais. O desempenho das variedades em Cruz Alta foi, de um modo geral, diferente do que de outros locais. A relação mais consistente foi entre os dados de Pelotas e Piratini. De 70 coeficientes de correlação possíveis, apenas 25 foram estatisticamente significativos e destes, apenas três foram negativos. Apesar do pequeno número de correlações significativas, entre locais, certas variedades apresentaram-se de forma superior em muitos locais, indiferentemente ao valor dos coeficientes de correlação entre eles. Os gráficos dos resultados de 1966 e 1967 apresentam dos em Krull et al. 1966, 1967 ilustram o exposto. Estas observações de três anos concordam com aquelas dos Ensaios Internacionais de trigo, relatadas pelo CIMMYT, do México (Krull et. al. 1966, 1067)

MicroRNA-21 expression and susceptibility to HPV-induced carcinogenesis - role of microenvironment in K14-HPV16 mice model

Aims: Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are responsible for several types of cancer. K14-HPV16 transgenic mice express the HPV16 early genes, developing multi-step carcinogenesis associated with marked inflammation, as observed in human patients. MicroRNAs (MiRNA) constitute a class of non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression. In particular, miR-21 has been associated with carcinogenesis. However, little is known about this microRNA in the normal tissue microenvironment and its possible relationship with cancer predisposition. We hypothesized that miR-21 expression influences each tissue's susceptibility to HPV-induced carcinogenesis. Main methods: In order to test this hypothesis, we evaluated miR-21 expression by RT-qPCR in ear and chest skin samples from 24-28 weeks old, female K14-HPV16 transgenic and wild-type mice. Key findings: In wild-type mice (HPV-/-) miR-21 expression was lower in ear skin compared with that of chest skin (p = 0.036). Under the influence of HPV16 oncogenes, transgenic animals (HPV16+/-), developed in situ carcinoma in all ear samples and epidermal hyperplasia in chest samples. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that microRNA expression in the microenvironment of normal tissues may influence HPV-associated carcinogenesis. Furthermore, among transgenic animals, miR-21 expression was lower in in situ carcinoma samples compared with hyperplasia (p = 0043). Significance: This suggests that, despite the well-known role of miR-21 as an oncogene, its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties may modulate HPV-induced carcinogenesis in a tissue-dependent manner. Further studies are warranted in order to explore the role of microRNAs in tissue susceptibility to carcinogenesis