Cost-effective fibrinolytic enzyme production by microalga Dunaliella tertiolecta using medium supplemented with corn steep liquor.

A fibrinolytic enzyme from the microalga Dunaliella tertiolecta was produced under mixotrophic conditions using different corn steep liquor (CSL) concentrations ( 0 ≤ CLS ≤ 0.75%), purified using a combination of salting out and ion-exchange chromatography, and then biochemical characterized. Cultivation of this microalga using 0.5% CSL led to the highest maximum cell concentration (1.960±0.010 mg L-1) and cell productivity (0.140g L-1 day-1), besides a high fibrinolytic activity of the extract obtained by the homogenization method (102 ±1 U mL-1). The enzyme extracted from the microalgal biomass was 5-fold purified with a 20% yield and was found to have a specific activity of 670 U mg-1. The enzyme, whose molecular weight determined by fibrin zymography was 10 kDa, was shown to be stable at pH 3.0-9.0 and up to 70°C with optimal pH and temperature values of 8.0 and 50°C, respectively. When compared to other fibrinolytic enzymes, this protease stood out for its high fibrinolytic activity, which was enhanced by Fe2+, inhibited by Zn2+, Cu2+, Mg2+, and Ca2+, and strongly inhibited by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride, suggesting that it belongs to the serine metalloprotease family. Moreover, thanks to its thermal stability, the enzyme may be easily preserved and activated under high-temperature conditions.

Enhancing debris removal in curved canals: a comparative evaluation of XP-endo Finisher and Passive Ultrasonic Irrigation.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to compare the efficacy of XP-endo Finisher and Passive Ultrasonic Irrigation (PUI) in removing hard tissue debris from curved canals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-four mandibular molars with Vertucci's type II mesial canals were scanned in microcomputed tomography before and after preparation with HyFlex EDM, and accumulated hard tissue debris was quantified. Subsequently, the teeth were randomly divided into two groups according to the supplementary procedure: PUI with the Ultra-X insert or XP-endo Finisher. After the intervention, the specimens underwent another scanning. Two separate analyses were conducted, one for the total canal and another for the isthmus area. Unpaired and paired T-tests were used for inter- and intergroup comparisons, with a significance level set at 5%. RESULTS: Both supplementary methods reduced the amount of debris compared to the initial volume. Remarkably, the XP-endo Finisher achieved a significantly higher percentage of debris removal (71% for the total canal and 74% for the isthmus areas) compared to PUI (41% for the total canal and 52% for the isthmus area) (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Both supplementary approaches reduced the amount of hard tissue debris from canal preparation, still XP-endo Finisher showed a higher reduction compared to PUI (p < 0.05). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: None of the supplementary methods rendered canals completely free of hard tissue debris. However, the supplementary approach with XP-endo Finisher resulted in lower levels of hard tissue debris than PUI in curved canals with isthmuses.

Virtual Screening of Different Subclasses of Lignans with Anticancer Potential and Based on Genetic Profile.

Cancer is a multifactorial disease that continues to increase. Lignans are known to be important anticancer agents. However, due to the structural diversity of lignans, it is difficult to associate anticancer activity with a particular subclass. Therefore, the present study sought to evaluate the association of lignan subclasses with antitumor activity, considering the genetic profile of the variants of the selected targets. To do so, predictive models were built against the targets tyrosine-protein kinase ABL (ABL), epidermal growth factor receptor erbB1 (EGFR), histone deacetylase (HDAC), serine/threonine-protein kinase mTOR (mTOR) and poly [ADP-ribose] polymerase-1 (PARP1). Then, single nucleotide polymorphisms were mapped, target mutations were designed, and molecular docking was performed with the lignans with the best predicted biological activity. The results showed more anticancer activity in the dibenzocyclooctadiene, furofuran and aryltetralin subclasses. The lignans with the best predictive values of biological activity showed varying binding energy results in the presence of certain genetic variants.

Influence of conservative endodontic access cavities on instrumentation of oval-shaped straight root canals.

AIM: To evaluate the influence of the design of endodontic access cavities on the percentage of unprepared areas of canal walls and flexural fatigue of instruments activated by reciprocating movement in oval-shaped straight root canals of extracted teeth. METHODOLOGY: Forty-two mandibular incisors with oval canals were scanned by a microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) device for homogeneous selection and distribution of the samples. Then, the teeth were divided into two groups (n = 21) according to the design of access cavity being tested: ultraconservative endodontic access cavity (UltraAC) and traditional access cavity. The canals were accessed with the aid of a surgical microscope, instrumented with the WaveOne Gold Medium system and irrigated with 2.5% NaOCl and 17% EDTA. The unprepared areas of the canal wall were analysed by overlaying images before and after instrumentation and expressed as percentages. micro-CT data were analysed using t-test, Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon tests. The endodontic instruments used during instrumentation were subjected to static flexural fatigue testing using an artificial stainless steel canal with a 60° angle of curvature and a radius of 5 mm, located 5 mm from the tip of the instrument. The instruments were activated until fracture occurred, and the time in seconds for the fracture was recorded using a digital timer. The number of cycles to fracture was calculated and analysed statistically. For flexural fatigue data, an anova test complemented by a Tukey range test was used. The significance level of 5% was used for all analyses. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the groups related to unprepared areas by the instrument during canal preparation (p > .05). The difference in flexural fatigue resistance between the groups was not significant. CONCLUSION: The use of UltraAC did not interfere with the canal instrumentation of extracted mandibular incisors with straight and oval canals. There was no difference in the flexural fatigue resistance of the instruments in relation to access cavity design.

[Being Depressed or Having Depression. The biomedical model and the difference between mood and illness]. / ¿Estar depresivo o tener depresión? El modelo biomédico y la diferencia entre estado de ánimo y enfermedad.

Along with the increase in reported figures of depression in the world's population, organizations such as the WHO have begun to promote screening and pharmacological treatment of mild symptomatic cases. The problem in this context is that the manifestations of 'normal' and 'pathological' depressive mood do not differ much from each other, which creates difficulties at a diagnostic and scientific level. This article explores an approach that could facilitate the clinical and scientific task of differentiating between non-specific affective disturbances (depressive mood) and depression as an illness as such. It is proposed that various causal stressors interact with individual predispositions to trigger a transient change in mood as an adaptive response. In turn, the greater the intensity of the stressors (psychological, social, etc.), the greater the neuroinflammation, which would diminish neuronal plasticity and the possibilities of mood compensation and behavioral change of the subject. The existence of this neurobiological alteration (decreased neuronal plasticity), rather than depressive mood, would help us to categorize depression as a disease.

Tablet of Spondias mombin L. Developed from Nebulized Extract Prevents Gastric Ulcers in Mice via Cytoprotective and Antisecretory Effects.

Spondias mombin L. (Anacardiaceae) has a worldwide distribution and is present in all regions of Brazil. Its leaves, flowers and bark are used as teas in folk medicine to treat diseases of the digestive system. This study aimed to evaluate the acute non-clinical toxicity, gastroprotective activity, and the related mechanisms of action of nebulized extract and tablets based on dried Spondias mombin (SmNE). SmNE screening showed the presence of flavonoids (0.65%), polyphenols (25.50%), where the major compound is gallic acid. In the acute oral toxicity assay, a dose of 2000 mg/kg of SmNE administered orally in Swiss mice did not induce any behavioral changes. SmNE (250 or 500 mg/kg p.o) significantly reduced the ulcerative lesion area when compared to the control group in ethanol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) models. Results showed that treatment with SmNE (250 mg/kg) reduced acid secretion and gastric content, accompanied with an increase in pH. Previous administration of indomethacin and glibenclamide reversed the protection provided by SmNE, confirming the participation of prostaglandins (PGs) and ATP-sensitive potassium channels (KATP) in its gastroprotective effect. The SmNE tablets met the pharmacopeial quality requirements with gastroprotective activity and similar protection in comparison to the isolated extract administrated. In conclusion, SmNe has a gastroprotective activity related to cytoprotective mechanisms, such as the participation of endogenous prostaglandins and KATP channels, having an anti-secretory effect with systemic action. The formulation obtained presented gastroprotective effects similar to the administration of the extract, the tablets showed favorable compression characteristics by the direct route and met the pharmacopeial quality requirements.

[In defense of the biomedical model in psychiatry. the case of depression]. / La depresión como enfermedad: en defensa del modelo biomédico en psiquiatría.

Defining what is meant by "mental illness" has three dimensions: (i) the ontological dimension, which attempts to answer the question of what is a mental illness in itself, (ii) the scientific dimension, which attempts to identify its causes, and (iii) the practical dimension, which will seek a treatment. This article uses depression to examine how various conceptual alternatives in contemporary literature attempted to tackle the problem of what is a mental illness. After evaluating the scope of their proposals in the three dimensions mentioned above, it is concluded that the biomedical model could become a good candidate for developing a useful framework for understanding, having a scientific explanation and treating depression.

Frequency of Screening and Prevalence of Neurosyphilis in Stroke Population.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Syphilis and stroke are high prevalent diseases in south Brazil and estimates of concomitance and possible role of syphilis in acute stroke are lacking. Our aims are to estimate the prevalence of syphilis and neurosyphilis (NS) in a cohort of tertiary stroke center. METHODS: We reviewed all hospital records of stroke/transitory ischemic attack (TIA) using International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision, at discharge, frequency of syphilis screen, serology positivity, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, and prevalence of NS in this stroke population applying CDC criteria. RESULTS: Between 2015 and 2016, there were 1,436 discharges for cerebrovascular events and in 78% (1,119) of these cases, some syphilis screening was performed. We have found a frequency of positive serology for syphilis of 13% (143/1,119), and higher stroke severity was the main determinant for non-screening. Applying standard NS criteria, 4.7% (53/1,119) cases with CSF analysis had NS diagnosis: 8 based on CSF-Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) positive and 45 based on abnormal CSF white cells or protein, but CSF VDRL negative. NS VDRL positive cases were younger, had higher serum VDRL title, had more frequent HIV infection, and received NS treatment more often. Demographic and clinical characteristics were not different between NS VDRL negative and non-NS cases. CONCLUSION: Positive syphilis serology is frequent in patients with acute stroke/TIA in our region. Acute post-stroke CSF abnormalities make the diagnosis of NS difficult in the context of CSF VDRL negative.

(E)-2-Cyano-3-(1H-Indol-3-yl)-N-Phenylacrylamide, a Hybrid Compound Derived from Indomethacin and Paracetamol: Design, Synthesis and Evaluation of the Anti-Inflammatory Potential.

The compound (E)-2-cyano-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-N-phenylacrylamide (ICMD-01) was designed and developed based on the structures of clinically relevant drugs indomethacin and paracetamol through the molecular hybridization strategy. This derivative was obtained by an amidation reaction between substituted anilines and ethyl 2-cyanoacetate followed by a Knoevenagel-type condensation reaction with indole aldehyde that resulted in both a viable synthesis and satisfactory yield. In order to assess the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activity, in vitro assays were performed in J774 macrophages, and significant inhibitions (p < 0.05) of the production of nitrite and the production of cytokines (IL-1ß and TNFα) in noncytotoxic concentrations were observed. The anti-inflammatory effect was also studied via CFA-induced paw edema in vivo tests and zymosan-induced peritonitis. In the paw edema assay, ICMD01 (50 mg kg-1) showed satisfactory activity, as did the group treated with dexamethasone, reducing edema in 2-6 h. In addition, there was no significant inhibition of PGE2, IL-1ß or TNFα in vivo. Moreover, in the peritonitis assay that assesses leukocyte migration, ICMD-01 exhibited promising results. Therefore, these preliminary studies demonstrate this compound to be a strong candidate for an anti-inflammatory drug together with an improved gastrointestinal safety profile when compared to the conventional anti-inflammatory drugs.

Patients with acute cervical insufficiency without intra-amniotic infection/inflammation treated with cerclage have a good prognosis.

Background The frequency of intra-amniotic infection/inflammation (IAI/I) in patients with midtrimester cervical insufficiency is up to 50%. Our purpose was to determine the perinatal outcomes of cervical cerclage in patients with acute cervical insufficiency with bulging membranes, and to compare the admission-to-delivery interval and pregnancy outcomes according to the results of amniotic fluid (AF) analysis and cerclage placement. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study including singleton pregnancies with cervical insufficiency between 15 and 26.9 weeks in two tertiary health centers. IAI/I was defined when at least one of the following criteria was present in AF: (a) a white blood cell (WBC) count >50 cells/mm3; (b) glucose concentration <14 mg/dL; and/or (c) a Gram stain positive for bacteria. Three different groups were compared: (1) absence of IAI/I with placement of a cerclage; (2) amniocentesis not performed with placement of a cerclage; and (3) IAI/I with or without a cerclage. Results Seventy patients underwent an amniocentesis to rule out IAI/I. The prevalence of IAI/I was 19%. Forty-seven patients underwent a cerclage. Patients with a cerclage had a longer median admission-to-delivery interval (33 vs. 2 days; P < 0.001) and delivered at a higher median gestational age (27.4 vs. 22.6 weeks; P = 0.001) than those without a cerclage. The neonatal survival rate in the cerclage group was 62% vs. 23% in those without a cerclage (P = 0.01). Patients without IAI/I who underwent a cerclage had a longer median admission-to-delivery interval (43 vs. 1 day; P < 0.001), delivered at a higher median gestational age (28 vs. 22.1 weeks; P = 0.001) and had a higher neonatal survival rate (67% vs. 8%; P < 0.001) than those with IAI/I. Conclusion The pregnancy outcomes of patients with midtrimester cervical insufficiency and bulging membranes are poor as they have a high prevalence of IAI/I. Therefore, a pre-operative amniocentesis is key to identify the best candidates for the subsequent placement of a cerclage.

Mapping the Psychotic Mind: a Review on the Subjective Structure of Thought Insertion.

Delusions of thought insertion involve subjects claiming that external agents of different nature had placed thoughts into their minds/heads. However, despite being regarded as one of the most severe and complex symptoms of psychotic disorders, a number of disagreements surround the description of its most fundamental phenomenology. This work has reviewed classic and current research on thought insertion in order to examine and clarify its main experiential features as reported by patients from a first-person perspective. The review shows that such features can be grouped into two categories: (i) experiential changes characterizing the period preceding the adoption of the delusion and, (ii) subjective features of full-blown delusional cases. While the discussion of the latter set of experiential features has received some attention within literature, the examination of the former set has been largely neglected. After this, the review offers a discussion of the most important conceptual disagreements surrounding the phenomenological descriptions of the symptom. Overcoming disagreements regarding the experiential structure of thought insertion is fundamental to elaborate phenomenologically and empirically coherent explanatory theories of the symptom and advance its clinical treatment.

[Effectiveness of a self-administered rehabilitation program for shoulder pain syndrome in primary health care]. / Efectividad de un programa de rehabilitación autoadministrado en el tratamiento del síndrome de hombro doloroso en atención primaria de salud: un estudio clínico aleatorizado, simple ciego.

BACKGROUND: Shoulder pain syndrome (SPS) is frequent and management in primary care is precarious, with a high rate of referral without adequate treatment, overloading rehabilitation and orthopedic services. AIM: To assess the effectiveness of a self-administered rehabilitation program in adults with shoulder pain syndrome in primary care. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A randomized, single-blind clinical trial (evaluators) with an experimental group (self-administered rehabilitation) and a control group (standard physical therapy) was carried out in 271 adult patients aged 18 or older with unilateral shoulder pain lasting more than six weeks and less than three months. The primary outcome was the recovery perceived by the patient. Constant score for function, quality of life using SF-36, simple shoulder test (SST) and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score were also calculated at six, 12 and 24 weeks of follow-up. RESULTS: The self-administered rehabilitation program showed an adjusted effectiveness of 51% at the end of treatment compared to 54% of the standard physical therapy (p > 0.05). No differences in the evolution of the other scores assessed were observed between groups. CONCLUSIONS: A self-administered rehabilitation program for painful shoulder was non-inferior than usual physical therapy.

Mechanical behavior of zirconia and titanium abutments before and after cyclic load application.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Esthetic factors influence the decision to use titanium or zirconia abutments in anterior regions. Clinicians may have concerns about the durability and behavior of these zirconia abutments. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the longitudinal and transverse long axes of the implant-abutment interface before and after the cyclic loading of titanium and zirconia abutments with an external hexagon. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty dental implants with an external hexagon and 40 corresponding abutments made of titanium (Ti) and zirconia (Zr) were subjected to cyclic load (c1) versus no load (c2). The longitudinal and transverse axes of 4 experimental groups (Tic1, Tic2, Zrc1, and Zrc2) were analyzed (vertical/horizontal adjustment) using a scanning electron microscope at ×1000 magnification. The differences among the groups were determined by 1-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc Tukey tests (α=.05). T tests were used to identify the statistically significant differences between each group and each condition (α=.05). RESULTS: Significant differences were found among the groups with respect to the misfits analyzed in the 2 sections (longitudinal and transverse) before and after load application (P<.05). The behaviors of the groups differed particularly with regard to the accommodation of sets (abutment/implant) after the application of cyclic loads (P<.05). CONCLUSION: The use of zirconia abutments in titanium implants can cause changes to and/or permanent deformation of the implant hexagon.

Antibacterial and dissolution ability of sodium hypochlorite in different pHs on multi-species biofilms.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate whether variation in pH of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) increased its antibacterial and dissolution ability on polymicrobial biofilms formed in situ. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-six dentin blocks (eight/group) were intraorally infected for 48 h and incubated in BHI for 48 h to standardize the biofilm growth. The specimens were irrigated with 1 and 2.5% NaOCl with pH levels of 5, 7, and 12 for 20 min. The control group was irrigated with distilled water. The cell viability and the bacterial volume were measured at the pre- and post-irrigation procedures. Five random areas of each sample were chosen and analyzed with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Statistical analysis was performed using the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's tests (p < 0.05). RESULTS: All the experimental solutions were able to decrease the biomass (p < 0.05) except for the 1% NaOCl-pH 5 group. The antibacterial ability of the NaOCl was dependent on the concentration and acidification of the solution. CONCLUSIONS: The acidification of NaOCl improves its antibacterial ability, but the dissolution effect of the irrigant is decreased. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Bacteria and their products are the main factors in development of apical periodontitis. The pH reduction in the NaOCl could enhance the reduction or elimination of the root canal bacterial colonies in comparison with the unaltered solution.

Hydrolysis of Agave fourcroydes Lemaire (henequen) leaf juice and fermentation with Kluyveromyces marxianus for ethanol production.

BACKGROUND: Carbon sources for biofuel production are wide-ranging and their availability depends on the climate and soil conditions of the land where the production chain is located. Henequen (Agave fourcroydes Lem.) is cultivated in Yucatán, Mexico to produce natural fibers from the leaves, and a juice containing fructans is produced during this process. Fructans can be hydrolyzed to fructose and glucose and metabolized into ethanol by appropriate yeasts. In Mexico, different Agave species provide the carbon source for (distilled and non-distilled) alcoholic beverage production using the stem of the plant, whilst the leaves are discarded. In this work, we investigated the effect of thermal acid and enzymatic hydrolysis of the juice on the amount of reducing sugars released. Growth curves were generated with the yeasts Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Kluyveromyces marxianus and fermentations were then carried out with Kluyveromyces marxianus to determine alcohol yields. RESULTS: With thermal acid hydrolysis, the greatest increase in reducing sugars (82.6%) was obtained using 5% H2SO4 at 100°C with a 30 min reaction time. Statistically similar results can be obtained using the same acid concentration at a lower temperature and with a shorter reaction time (60°C, 15 min), or by using 1% H2SO4 at 100°C with a 30 min reaction time. In the case of enzymatic hydrolysis, the use of 5.75, 11.47 and 22.82 U of enzyme did not produce significant differences in the increase in reducing sugars. Although both hydrolysis processes obtained similar results, the difference was observed after fermentation. Ethanol yields were 50.3 ± 4 and 80.04 ± 5.29% of the theoretical yield respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Final reducing sugars concentrations obtained with both thermal acid and enzymatic hydrolysis were similar. Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a good ethanol producer, did not grow in the hydrolysates. Only Kluyveromyces marxianus was able to grow in them, giving a higher ethanol yield with the enzymatic hydrolysate. The leaves account for a non-negligible weight of the total agave plant biomass, so this work complements the knowledge already developed on agave fermentations by making it possible to produce ethanol from almost the entire plant (stem and leaves).

Polyhydroxyalkanoates and exopolysaccharides: An alternative for valuation of the co-production of microbial biopolymers.

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) and exopolysaccharides (EPSs) belong to a class of abundant biopolymers produced by various fermenting microorganisms. These biocompounds have high value-added potential and can be produced concurrently. Co-production of PHAs and EPSs is a strategy employed by researchers to reduce costs associated with large-scale production. EPSs and PHAs are non-toxic, biocompatible, and biodegradable, making them suitable for various industrial sectors, including packaging and the medical and pharmaceutical industries. These biopolymers can be derived from agro-industrial residues, thus contributing to the bioeconomy by producing high-value-added products. This review investigates approaches for simultaneously synthesizing PHAs and EPSs using different carbon sources and microorganisms.

What are delusions? Examining the typology problem.

Delusions are a heterogenous transdiagnostic phenomenon with a higher prevalence in schizophrenia. One of the most fundamental debates surrounding the philosophical understanding of delusions concerns the question about the type of mental state in which reports that we label as delusional are grounded, namely, the typology problem. The formulation of potential answers for this problem seems to have important repercussions for experimental research in clinical psychiatry and the development of psychotherapeutic tools for the treatment of delusions in clinical psychology. Problematically, such alternatives are scattered in the literature, making it difficult to follow the current development and state of the target discussion. This paper offers an updated critical examination of the alternatives to the typology problem currently available in the literature. After clarifying the two main philosophical views underlying the dominant formulation of the debate (interpretivism and functionalism), we follow the usual distinction between doxastic (the idea that delusions are a type of belief) and anti-doxastic views. We then introduce two new sub-distinctions; on the doxastic camp, we distinguish between revisionist and non-revisionist proposals; on the anti-doxastic camp, we distinguish between commonsensical and non-commonsensical anti-doxasticisms. After analyzing the main claims of each view, we conclude with some of the most fundamental challenges that remain open within the discussion. This article is categorized under: Philosophy > Foundations of Cognitive Science Philosophy > Consciousness Philosophy > Psychological Capacities Neuroscience > Cognition.

Spanish version of Multidimensional Mentalizing Questionnaire (MMQ): Translation, adaptation and psychometric properties in a Chilean population.

This paper presents the first translation and adaptation of the Multidimensional Mentalizing Questionnaire (MMQ) into Spanish for a native Spanish-speaking sample in Chile. The study examines the psychometric properties and internal consistency of the translated MMQ. The instrument undergoes modifications based on a confirmatory factor analysis of the original structure, resulting in the elimination of items with cross-loadings and improvement in model fit. The modified scale is then analyzed, demonstrating strong psychometric properties. Convergent evidence is assessed by correlating MMQ subscales with the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) and Empathy Quotient (EQ), while divergent evidence is assessed by correlating aggressive traits using the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ). The study also explores gender differences and age. Results reveal positive correlations between good mentalizing and empathy, particularly cognitive empathy, supporting the significance of positive mentalization in empathy. Negative mentalization is associated with difficulties in perspective-taking and social skills, as well as aggressive traits. Gender differences in mentalizing capacities are observed, and negative aspects of mentalization decrease with age. The availability of the Spanish translation of the MMQ, the first self-reporting scale measuring mentalization adapted to Chilean population, contributes to research aiming to understand its relationship with other psychological phenomena in different cultural context and facilitating clinical interventions with different population groups. We therefore encourage further investigation into cultural, gender and age differences in mentalization.

Micro-CT Assessment of Filling Removal Effectiveness in the Apical Third of Curved Canals with Different Types of Anatomy.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of filling removal material from the apical third of curved mesial root canals of mandibular molars. Reciprocating instrumentation followed by additional rotary instrumentation with instruments made of alloys with different heat treatments was evaluated. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six mesial roots of mandibular molars were divided into two groups: Group Class IV consisted of 16 roots with two independent canals, and Group Class II consisted of 20 roots with two canals that merged into one at their apical level. Each of these two groups were further divided into two subgroups, according to the additional rotary instrument used after the reciprocating instrumentation: Group RH and Group RM for Hyflex and Mtwo, respectively. After each procedural step, the roots were scanned by micro-tomography. After each step of filling removal, the Wilcoxon matched pair test and the Mann-Whitney test were used for the evaluation between groups. The significance level adopted was 5%. Results: Significant differences were observed between groups with different Class II and Class IV anatomies, regarding filling removal after Reciproc (P<0.05). After the use of an additional rotary instrumentation, no differences were observed between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusions: In the apical third of mesial roots of mandibular molars with Class II anatomy, an additional rotary instrumentation was shown to be necessary for improving the removal of filling material after using the single-file reciprocating instrumentation technique.

Apical periodontitis in endodontically-treated teeth: association between missed canals and quality of endodontic treatment in a Colombian sub-population. A cross-sectional study.

A high prevalence of post-treatment apical periodontitis associated to variables such as endodontic treatment quality and missed canals has been reported. AIM: The aim of this study was to evalúate the quality of endodontic treatment and the frequency of missed canals associated with teeth with apicalperiodontitis (AP) through CBCTin a Colombian sub-population. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This was a cross-sectional study assessing 318 cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of endodontically treated teeth from Colombian individuals. The scans were taken using J Morita X550 (J Morita Corporation, Osaka, Japan), with voxel size 0.125 to 0.20 mm. All endodontically treated teeth were assessed for quality of treatment, presence of missed canals and AP. Allsamples were analyzed bytwo endodontics specialists and an radiology specialist. Chi-square or Fisher 's test and odds ratio were calculated to identify the association and risk relationship between the presence of AP and the study variables. RESULTS: Missed canals were found in 18.61% (86/462), and 95.3% were associated with AP. The frequency of AP was 62.34% (288/462) for all the evaluated teeth. AP was found in 27.43 % (79/288) of the teeth with adequate endodontic treatment, in contrast to 72.57% (209/288) of the teeth with inadequate treatment (P<0.01). The frequency of missed canals was highest in maxillary molars, with 55.23% (58/105), with 96.55% presenting AP. The second mesiobuccal canal wasthe most frequently missed canal, 88.52%o(54/61), with AP in 90.74% (49/54) of the cases. CONCLUSIÓN: There was a high frequency of teeth with missed canals and PA. More than half of the teeth with missed canals were maxillary molars, with MB2 being the most common canal, commonly presenting apical periodontitis.

Uma alta prevalência de periodontite apical pós-tratamento associada a variáveis como qualidade do tratamento endodôntico e fracasso do tratamento é relatada na literatura. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a qualidade do tratamento endodôntico e a frequência e fracasso do tratamento associados a dentes com periodontite apical (PA) por meio de tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico (TCFC) em uma subpopulação colombiana. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Este foi um estudo transversal que avaliou 318 tomografias computadorizadas de dentes tratados endodonticamente de indivíduos colombianos. Os exames foram realizados utilizando o tomógrafo J Morita X550, com tamanho de voxel de 0,125 a 0,20 mm. Todos os dentes tratados endodonticamente foram avaliados quanto à qualidade do tratamento, presença de canais não localizados e AP. Todas as amostras foram avaliadas por dois especialistas em endodontia e um especialista em radiologia. Foram calculados o teste qui-quadrado ou de Fisher e a razão de chances para identificar associação e relação de risco entre a presença de PA e as variáveis do estudo. RESULTADOS: Foram encontrados canais não localizados em 18,61% (86/462) e 95,3% estavam associados à PA. A frequência de AP foi de 62,34% (288/462) para todos os dentes avaliados. AP foi encontrada em 27,43% (79/288) dos dentes com tratamento endodôntico adequado, em contraste com 72,57% (209/288) dos dentes com tratamento inadequado (P<0,01). A frequência de canais não localizados foi maior nos molares superiores, com 55,23% (58/105), sendo que 96,55% apresentavam PA. O canal mésio-palatino (MB2) apresentou maior frequência de canal não localizado (88,52% - 54/61), com PA em 90,74% (49/54) dos casos. CONCLUSÃO: Houve alta frequência de dentes com canais não localizados e com PA. Mais da metade dos dentes com canais não localizados eram molares superiores, sendo o MB2 é o canal com a maior frequência, comumente apresentando periodontite apical.