A call-to-action to assist in efforts to protect owl monkeys (Aotus spp.).

The majority of the 11 species of owl monkeys (Aotus spp.) have declining populations or are listed as data deficient. Deforestation due to agriculture, development, or logging poses threats to owl monkeys throughout their range. In some areas, Aotus are hunted for bushmeat or trapped for the wildlife trade. In Colombia, the country with the greatest number of Aotus species, owl monkeys are also threatened by civil unrest. To help combat these challenges, nonprofit organizations and field researchers in habitat countries have successfully implemented a variety of conservation projects such as censusing and monitoring owl monkey populations, establishing protected areas, reforesting degraded areas, filing lawsuits to protect wild populations, helping law enforcement with environmental regulation, and promoting environmental education. We highlight some of the conservation successes and suggest actions people around the world can take to contribute to these important efforts.

Effect of airborne-particle abrasion and polishing on novel translucent zirconias: Surface morphology, phase transformation and insights into bonding.

PURPOSE: The purpose this study was to investigate the effect of Kern´s air-borne particle abrasion protocol (KAPA) and polishing on two translucent zirconias (4Y, 5Y-zirconias) compared to a traditional zirconia (3Y-zirconia). METHODS: Two different surface treatments were analysed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and interferometry 1) KAPA (0.1 MPa, 50 µm alumina, 10-12 mm distance, 15 sec and 30 sec and cleaning in ultrasound using isopropyl alcohol 99%) and 2) Clinical-delivery polishing paste (Zircon Brite, Dental Ventures, USA). Shear-bond strength tests (SBS's) were performed with a highly polished and virtually flat surface in combination with a 10-MDP based cement and a surface modified by KAPA in combination with zinc phosphate cement. The SBS was expressed in terms of MPa. RESULTS: The mean values for monoclinic content were 13 wt%, 7 wt% and 2 wt% for 3Y-, 4Y- and 5Y-zirconias respectively, no differences were found between 15 and 30 seconds. Polishing did not result in phase transformation to monoclinic phase in any of the zirconias. The rhombohedral phase was identified in all types of zirconias regardless of surface treatment. Shear-bond strength tests showed 5 MPa for polished/10-MDP based cement and 3 MPa for KAPA/ Zinc phosphate. Statistically significant differences were found between the two different surface treatments but not between the types of zirconias. CONCLUSIONS: KAPA for 15 sec seems to be equal to 30 sec regarding morphology and phase transformation. Sole micro-retention appears not to be fully responsible for the bonding phenomena of 10-MDP and zirconia that underwent KAPA.

Chemical Bonding to Novel Translucent Zirconias: A Mechanical and Molecular Investigation.

PURPOSE: To investigate direct bonding of a 10-MDP-based cement to two novel translucent yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal ceramics (4Y-TZP, 5Y-TZP) and observe the influence of thermocycling on this bonding. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Powders of presintered and isostatically pressed 5Y-TZP, 4Y-TZP and 3Y-TZP were mixed with a 10-MDP-based cement (Panavia F 2.0), then stored in deionized water for 48 h at 37°C or thermocycled 10,000 times. Raman spectroscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy were used to assess the presence of a functional group (PO32-) that could indicate bonding before and after thermocycling. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to identify the presence of the suspected Zr-O-P bond in the same specimens. A shear-bond strength (SBS) test was conducted based on ISO 29022:2013. RESULTS: Marked peaks assigned to the asymmetric vibrations of the PO32- functional group were observed in both zirconias before and after thermocycling. The binding energy corresponding to Zr-O-P interactions (531.5 eV) was masked by the aluminosilicate in the filler of the cement. Shear bond strengths were approximately 20 MPa after water storage and approximately 6 MPa after thermocycling. No differences were found between the control group and the translucent zirconias. CONCLUSION: Direct bonding of the 10-MDP-based cement to both 4Y-TZP and 5Y-TZP was highly plausible. Both 4Y-TZP and 5Y-TZP may be promising alternatives to glass-ceramic restorations.

Biofilm formation on polyetheretherketone and titanium surfaces.

Objective: Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a polymer used in devices in orthopedic and dental rehabilitation. The aim of this in vitro study was to compare biofilm formation by a range of important oral bacterial species on PEEK, blasted PEEK, commercially pure titanium (cp-Ti), and titanium-6 aluminium-4 vanadium (Ti6Al4V). Material and methods: Coin-shaped samples were manufactured, and the surfaces were characterized using optical interferometry, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and contact angle measurements. Bacterial species of Streptococcus sanguinis, Streptococcus oralis, Enterococcus faecalis, and Streptococcus gordonii were cultured on the four material surfaces for varying amounts of time. Biofilms were quantified following staining with crystal violet. Results: Roughness and contact angle results showed blasted PEEK > PEEK > cp-Ti = Ti6Al4V. There was increased biofilm formation on blasted PEEK by S. sanguinis, S. oralis, and S. gordonii, whereas the bacterial adhesion was similar on PEEK, cp-Ti, and Ti6Al4V. The bacterial growth of E. faecalis was significantly higher on cp-Ti compared with the other three groups. Conclusion: The results, taking into consideration the biofilm formation, suggest that PEEK should perform as well as cp-Ti or TiAl6V4 when used as a dental restorative material.

Limited Effect of Cement Material on Stress Distribution of a Monolithic Translucent Zirconia Crown: A Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis.

PURPOSE: The literature shows that the performance of densely sintered zirconia single crowns seems to be unaffected by the cement material. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of various cement materials on the stress distribution in a monolithic translucent zirconia crown. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A crown-cement-dentin complex was modeled. Six cements were evaluated: zinc phosphate, glass-ionomer, resin-modified glass-ionomer, dual-cure resin, calcium aluminate-based, and a theoretical or conceptual cement with mechanical properties close to those of dentin (ie, monoblock cement). RESULTS: While varying stress concentrations were found within the cements, the stress concentrations in the crown and dentin were consistent irrespective of cement material. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that cement material had a negligible effect on stress distribution in the monolithic zirconia crown.

Inflammatory cytokine release from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells exposed to polyetheretherketone and titanium-6 aluminum-4 vanadium in vitro.

Objective To investigate the cytokine expression profiles of blood cells exposed to polyetheretherketone and titanium-6 aluminum-4 vanadium materials in vitro. Materials and methods Coin-shaped samples composed of titanium-6 aluminum-4 vanadium, polyetheretherketone, and blasted polyetheretherketone were manufactured. The surfaces of the coins were characterized using optical interferometry, scanning electron microscopy, and contact angle measurements. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells collected from 10 blood donors were cultured for one, three, and six days in the presence or absence of the coins, and then assayed for cytokine production. Quantification of the peripheral blood mononuclear cells attached to the coins was performed using confocal microscopy after immunofluorescence staining. Results The machined titanium-6 aluminum-4 vanadium coins had a smoother surface topography compared to the machined polyetheretherketone and blasted polyetheretherketone. The highest mean contact angle was noted for the blasted polyetheretherketone, followed by the machined polyetheretherketone and titanium-6 aluminum-4 vanadium. The peripheral blood mononuclear cells produced significantly more proinflammatory cytokines when exposed to the polyetheretherketone surface compared to the titanium-6 aluminum-4 vanadium surface, while the blasted polyetheretherketone induced the highest level of proinflammatory cytokine release from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Significantly more cells attached to both polyetheretherketone surfaces, as compared to the titanium-6 aluminum-4 vanadium surface. Conclusion Polyetheretherketone induces a stronger inflammatory response from peripheral blood mononuclear cells than does titanium-6 aluminum-4 vanadium. Surface topography has an impact on cytokine release from peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Identification of clinically relevant phenotypes in patients with Ebstein anomaly.

BACKGROUND: Ebstein anomaly (EA) is a heterogeneous congenital heart defect (CHD), frequently accompanied by diverse cardiac and extracardiac comorbidities, resulting in a wide range of clinical outcomes. HYPOTHESIS: Phenotypic characterization of EA patients has the potential to identify variables that influence prognosis and subgroups with distinct contributing factors. METHODS: A comprehensive cross-sectional phenotypic characterization of 147 EA patients from one of the main referral institutions for CHD in Colombia was carried out. The most prevalent comorbidities and distinct subgroups within the patient cohort were identified through cluster analysis. RESULTS: The most prevalent cardiac comorbidities identified were atrial septal defect (61%), Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (WPW; 27%), and right ventricular outflow tract obstruction (25%). Cluster analysis showed that patients can be classified into 2 distinct subgroups with defined phenotypes that determine disease severity and survival. Patients in cluster 1 represented a particularly homogeneous subgroup with a milder spectrum of disease, including only patients with WPW and/or supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). Cluster 2 included patients with more diverse cardiovascular comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS: This study represents one of the largest phenotypic characterizations of EA patients reported. The data show that EA is a heterogeneous disease, very frequently associated with cardiovascular and noncardiovascular comorbidities. Patients with WPW and SVT represent a homogeneous subgroup that presents with a less severe spectrum of disease and better survival when adequately managed. This should be considered when searching for genetic causes of EA and in the clinical setting.

Endometriosis de la pared abdominal: estudio descriptivo de una serie de 21 casos / Abdominal wall endometriosis: A descriptive study of a series of 21 cases

Introducción. La endometriosis de la pared abdominal se define como la presencia de tejido endometrial en cualquiera de las capas que componen la pared abdominal. Su incidencia es baja y se caracteriza por un diagnóstico tardío. Materiales y métodos. Se trata de un estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo entre 2010 y 2014 en pacientes con endometriosis de la pared abdominal, cuyo análisis patológico fue realizado en un centro de ayudas diagnósticas de Medellín. Se identificaron las variables histopatológicas del reporte, y la información clínica mediante una entrevista telefónica suministrada por la paciente. Se analizaron los datos con medidas descriptivas de resumen. Resultados. Participaron 21 de 65 pacientes con diagnóstico de endometriosis de la pared abdominal. La media de edad al momento del diagnóstico fue de 35,3 años (desviación estándar, DE=8), el 71,4 % tenía el antecedente de cesárea y, el 38,1 %, el de endometriosis pélvica. El 95,2 % de las pacientes manifestaron dolor, de las cuales el 50 % lo percibió como constante con agudización cíclica y, el 40 %, como cíclico; además, el 90,5 % manifestó sensación de masa. La mediana del tiempo desde la aparición de la lesión hasta el diagnóstico, fue de 24 meses (RIQ=6-60). Solo en cuatro pacientes se hizo el diagnóstico prequirúrgico. El tratamiento fue quirúrgico en todas las pacientes y ocho (38,1 %) presentaron recidiva.Conclusiones. La endometriosis de la pared abdominal usualmente se manifiesta como masas dolorosas aso-ciadas con cicatrices quirúrgicas previas, generalmente de origen ginecológico y los síntomas empeoran con la menstruación. Es usual que su diagnóstico sea tardío y pocas veces se hace antes del estudio histopatológico. El tratamiento de elección es la resección quirúrgica, aunque no es despreciable el porcentaje de recidivas (AU)

Introduction: Abdominal wall endometriosis is defined by the presence of endometrial tissue in any of the layers that compose the abdominal wall. It has a low incidence and is characterized by a late diagnosis. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, ambispective study that included patients with abdominal wall endometriosis whose pathological analysis was performed in a diagnostic center in Medellín between 2010 and 2014. Histopathological variables of the report were identified, and clinical information was provided by the patient by a phone interview. They were analyzed with descriptive summary measures.Results: 21 patients with abdominal wall endometriosis of 65 identified participated. The mean age at diagnosis was 35.3 years ± 8, 71.4% had a prior caesarean section and 38.1% had pelvic endometriosis. 95.2% manifested pain, among them, 50% was perceived as constant with cyclical exacerbation, 40% cyclical; 90.5% manifested mass sensation. The median from the onset of the lesion to the diagnosis was 24 months (IQR 6-60). Only four patients had pre-surgical. The treatment was surgical in all patients and eight (38.1%) had recurrence.Conclusions: Abdominal wall endometriosis usually manifests through painful masses associated with previous surgical scars usually of gynecological origin and whose symptoms worsen with menstruation. Its diagnosis is usually late and it is rarely reached before the histopathological study. Management of choice is surgical resection, however, its percentage of recurrence is not negligible (AU)