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Background: Osteosarcoma (OS) is a primary bone malignancy that mostly affects young people, characterized by high metastatic potential, and a marked chemoresistance that is responsible for disease relapse in most patients. Therefore, it is necessary to identify novel molecules to setup targeted strategies to improve the clinical outcome. The enzyme nicotinamide N‐methyltransferase (NNMT) catalyses the N‐methylation of nicotinamide and other analogs, playing a crucial role in the biotransformation of drugs and xenobiotics. NNMT overexpression was reported in a wide variety of cancers, and several studies demonstrated that is able to promote cell proliferation, migration and resistance to chemotherapy. The aim of this study was to explore the potential involvement of NNMT in OS. Methods: Immunohistochemical analyses have been performed to evaluate NNMT expression in selected OS and healthy bone tissue samples. Subsequently, OS cell lines have been transfected with vectors targeting NNMT mRNA (shRNAs) and the impact of this downregulation on migration, cell proliferation, and response to chemotherapeutic treatment was also analysed by wound healing, MTT, SRB and Trypan blue assays, respectively. Results: Results showed that OS samples display a significantly higher NNMT expression compared with healthy tissue. Preliminary results suggest that NNMT silencing in OS cell lines is associated to a decrease of cell proliferation and migration, as well as to enhanced sensitivity to chemotherapy. Data obtained showed that NNMT may represent an interesting marker for OS detection and a promising target for effective anti‐cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, the authors designed a deposition process and prepared ternary Zn–Ni–Co alloy material over a mild steel substrate via direct current deposition using an acidic electrolyte for the development of good surface quality and corrosion resistance properties in metal finishing uses. The quality of coatings has been optimised, through implementation of different experimental conditions and parameters, respectively. The prepared specimens have been subjected to X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The XRD pattern revealed highly crystalline properties and FESEM revealed a bright and uniform deposit distribution with an aggregated spherical structure. Electrochemical studies through Tafel polarisation testing and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were carried out in 3.5% NaCl solution. The Tafel analysis revealed that Zn–Ni–Co alloy deposited with the highest corrosion resistance property was observed at a practical currect density of 1 A dm−2. Thus, it can be possible to produce coated material for good corrosion resistance for machinery parts in automobile industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammatory infiltrate may be important in the evolution of inflammatory processes involving peri-implant tissues. Angiogenesis is an important feature of inflammation and healing, but its role in the development and progression or in the healing of periodontal lesions has not been elucidated. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent inducer of endothelial cell proliferation. The aim of the present study was to conduct a comparative immunohistochemical evaluation of VEGF and microvessel density (MVD) in normal keratinized gingiva and in peri-implant soft tissues surrounding failing implants. Fifteen patients participated in this study. Ten biopsies were taken from healthy keratinized gingiva, and 10 were taken from peri-implant soft tissues surrounding failing non-submerged implants. In healthy sites, the endothelial lining cells of the vessels always tested positive for VEGF; also, VEGF intensity was high in most cases. Stromal cells were positive for VEGF in 70% to 90% of samples. The MVD was 60.250 +/- 5.123. In peri-implantitis samples, the cells of the inflammatory infiltrate were positive for VEGF in 80% to 100% of cases, and the VEGF intensity was low in all cases. The stromal cells were positive for VEGF in 90% to 100% of cases, and in most cases the intensity was low. The MVD was 101.800 +/- 11.256. The difference in MVD between healthy sites and peri-implantitis was statistically significant (P = .0158). Expression of VEGF was lower in peri-implantitis samples, and this difference was statistically significant (P = .0373). Because of its extensive presence, VEGF is probably a factor in both the maintenance of periodontal physiology and in the progression of peri-implant inflammatory disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Nowadays, we are witnessing a worldwide increasing incidence of non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs), whose major types are basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). GLO:3NZ/01mar20:jdv16048-fig-0002.jpg PHOTO (COLOR): NNMT immunohistochemical expression in KA, SCC of the trunk and extremities, and head and neck SCC. Nicotinamide N-Methyltransferase upregulation correlates with tumour differentiation in oral squamous cell carcinoma. [Extracted from the article]

Schneiderian papillomas are uncommon tumors which may develop within the nasal cavity and comprise three well-defined histological types: sinonasal inverted papilloma (SNIP), exophytic papilloma, and oncocytic papilloma. It is well known the rate of Schneiderian papilloma may also present a malignant degeneration and SNIP represents the most important subgroup in consideration of its frequency and malignant propensity. Although HPV infection is always considered the first event favoring the development of SNIP, however, it is not established as an eventual connection between viral actions and malignant transformation. In fact, different molecular mechanisms are suspected to play a crucial role in this process and, currently, many authors agree that only by improving our knowledge about these mechanisms it will be possible to achieve new and effective targeted therapies. So the aim of this study was firstly to systematically review the literature focusing on different biomarkers that could be implicated in the stages of SNIP malignant degeneration. Secondly, a systematic review with meta-analysis was performed to better define the incidence of sinonasal malignancies originating from Schneiderian papilloma (SNIP, exophytic papilloma, and oncocytic papilloma). Twenty-nine studies comprising a total of 3177 patients were statistically analyzed. Results showed a 9% (95% CI = 7-11) overall rate of malignant transformation from Schneiderian papilloma. In conclusion, this analysis confirmed that the potential malignancy of Schneiderian papilloma should not be underestimated. On the other hand, our review showed the paucity of studies investigating the molecular alterations which may be related with the malignant transformation of SNIP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Fourier Transform Infrared microspectroscopy let characterize the macromolecular composition and distribution of tissues and cells, by studying the interaction between infrared radiation and matter. Therefore, we hypothesize to exploit this analytical tool in the analysis of inflamed pulps, to detect the different biochemical features related to various degrees of inflammation. Materials and Methods IR maps of 13 irreversible and 12 hyperplastic pulpitis, together with 10 normal pulps, were acquired, compared with histological findings and submitted to multivariate ( HCA, PCA, SIMCA) and statistical (one-way ANOVA) analysis. The fit of convoluted bands let calculate meaningful band area ratios (means ± s.d., P < 0.05). Results The infrared imaging analysis pin-pointed higher amounts of water and lower quantities of type I collagen in all inflamed pulps. Specific vibrational markers were defined for irreversible pulpitis (Lipids/Total Biomass, Ph II/Total Biomass, CH2/ CH3, and Ty/ AII) and hyperplastic ones ( OH/Total Biomass, Collagen/Total Biomass, and CH3 Collagen/Total Biomass). Conclusion The study confirmed that FTIR microspectroscopy let discriminate tissues' biological features. The infrared imaging analysis evidenced, in inflamed pulps, alterations in tissues' structure and composition. Changes in lipid metabolism, increasing amounts of tyrosine, and the occurrence of phosphorylative processes were highlighted in irreversible pulpitis, while high amounts of water and low quantities of type I collagen were detected in hyperplastic samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of an inflammatory infiltrate in the peri-implant soft tissue of single-implant crowns supported by either zirconia or titanium abutments in healthy subjects. Serial sections from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded blocks from peri-implant mucosa of 25 patients were immunohistochemically analyzed for CD3 and CD20 lymphocyte marker expression. The results showed that levels of T cells (CD3) were higher around zirconia than titanium abutments (p<0.05). On the contrary, the levels of B cells (CD20) were found higher around titanium abutment in comparison with the zirconia abutment. These differences were statistically significant (p<0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Despite their histological resemblance to colorectal adenocarcinoma, there is some information about the molecular events involved in the pathogenesis of intestinal-type sinonasal adenocarcinomas (ITACs). To evaluate the possible role of TNFrelated apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) gene defects in ITAC, by investigating the immunohistochemical expression of TRAIL gene product in a group of ethmoidal ITACs associated with occupational exposure. Material andMethods. Retrospective study on 23 patients with pathological diagnosis of primary ethmoidal ITAC. Representative formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded block from each case was selected for immunohistochemical studies using the antibody against TRAIL. Clinicopathological data were also correlated with the staining results. Results.The immunohistochemical examination demonstrated that poorly differentiated cases showed a higher percentage of TRAIL expressing cells compared to well-differentiated cases. No correlation was found with other clinicopathological parameters, including T, stage and relapses. Conclusion.The relationship between upregulation of TRAIL and poorly differentiated ethmoidal adenocarcinomas suggests that the mutation of this gene, in combination with additional genetic events, could play a role in the pathogenesis of ITAC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Delay in diagnosing oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) can be still identified as a major cause of its high morbidity and mortality. To date, the early diagnosis for OSCC is mainly based on clinical oral examination and there is an urgent need for reliable markers; thus, advancements in molecular technologies has set the stage for investigating new markers, as well as new diagnostic matrices. The aim of the present study is to investigate the presence of proteomic signatures of OSCC in saliva and their use as potential biomarkers for early and non-invasive diagnosis. Saliva from 45 OSCC patients and 30 healthy controls was analysed by SELDI-TOF mass spectrometry and ProteinChip® technology. A supervised multivariate statistical analysis (Classification and Regression Tree - CART) was used to build models for discriminating between OSCC and controls, and between early (ES-OSCC) and late stage (LS-OSCC) cancers. The peptide with 8041 Da mass was 22-fold more expressed in OSCC, thus being a suitable potential biomarker. Classification and regression analysis allowed to build a model that was capable of correctly classifying all cancers and controls in an independent testing set, using the 8041 m/z peak as splitter. Eleven peaks were also differently expressed between ES-OSCCand LS-OSCC, but, basing on these differences, it was not possible to build an algorithm to predict tumour staging. These findings confirm that saliva proteome in OSCC patients is different from healthy controls and these variations might reflect different stages of disease progression and are worthy of further validation as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been stated that cyclosporin and nifedipine produce gingival overgrowth. However, the specific pathogenic mechanism remains uncertain. We used an experimental rat model to test the hypothesis that changes in collagen metabolism and numbers of gingival blood vessels are not mediated by intracellular calcium concentration (ratiometric Fura-2 AM measurement) in gingival fibroblasts. In the cyclosporin group, both width (364.2 ± 67.5 μm) and microvessel density (number of vessels/mm2, stained with anti-CD34 antibody) (41.6 ± 5.1) of gingiva were statistically different when compared with those in the control group (width = 184.3 ± 35.2 μm, microvessel density = 19.6 ± 2.4). The nifedipine group showed the highest content of collagen (proportion of total stroma occupied by collagen, stained with Picro-Mallory) (nifedipine group = 66.3 ± 9.4, cyclosporin group = 55.2 ± 7.9, control group = 30.1 ± 10.2). Freshly cultured fibroblasts from the cyclosporin group exhibited higher ratiometric values of luorescence than did both the control and nifedipine groups (p = 0.03). Our results support the hypothesis that changes in gingival collagen metabolism are not mediated by calcium intracellular oscillations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]