Interaction between poly(A)-binding protein PABPC4 and nuclear receptor corepressor NCoR1 modulates a metabolic stress response.

Mitochondria are organelles known primarily for generating ATP via the oxidative phosphorylation process. Environmental signals are sensed by whole organisms or cells and markedly affect this process, leading to alterations in gene transcription and, consequently, changes in mitochondrial function and biogenesis. The expression of mitochondrial genes is finely regulated by nuclear transcription factors, including nuclear receptors and their coregulators. Among the best-known coregulators is the nuclear receptor corepressor 1 (NCoR1). Muscle-specific knockout of NCoR1 in mice induces an oxidative phenotype, improving glucose and fatty acid metabolism. However, the mechanism by which NCoR1 is regulated remains elusive. In this work, we identified the poly(A)-binding protein 4 (PABPC4) as a new NCoR1 interactor. Unexpectedly, we found that silencing of PABPC4 induced an oxidative phenotype in both C2C12 and MEF cells, as indicated by increased oxygen consumption, mitochondria content, and reduced lactate production. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that PABPC4 silencing increased the ubiquitination and consequent degradation of NCoR1, leading to the derepression of PPAR-regulated genes. As a consequence, cells with PABPC4 silencing had a greater capacity to metabolize lipids, reduced intracellular lipid droplets, and reduced cell death. Interestingly, in conditions known to induce mitochondrial function and biogenesis, both mRNA expression and PABPC4 protein content were markedly reduced. Our study, therefore, suggests that the lowering of PABPC4 expression may represent an adaptive event required to induce mitochondrial activity in response to metabolic stress in skeletal muscle cells. As such, the NCoR1-PABPC4 interface might be a new road to the treatment of metabolic diseases.

Causal validation of the risk for corneal injury in critically ill adults.

BACKGROUND: The validity of a nursing diagnosis depends on a continuous investigation process in different populations to provide clinical evidence. The risk for corneal injury nursing diagnosis was approved in 2013 and only reviewed in 2017, demonstrating the need to perform a clinical validation to improve it. AIM: To perform a causal validation of the risk for corneal injury nursing diagnosis in critically ill adults. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective cohort study was performed in two intensive critical care units in Northern Brazil with adults aged over 18 years without corneal injury at admission. The patients were evaluated for 10 days, using a data collection tool composed of risk factors for the risk for corneal injury nursing diagnosis. The independent variables were described through absolute and relative frequency. The accuracy measures and risk factors were identified through Cox regression, considering a 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: The nurses assessed 209 critically ill adults and identified that 76.0% of them presented the risk for corneal injury nursing diagnosis, with 16.3% developing a corneal injury, all having previously presented the risk for corneal injury nursing diagnosis. The risk factors identified were eyeball exposure (hazard ratio: 1.78; 95% CI: 1.27-2.51), Glasgow score < 6 (hazard ratio: 1.73; 95% CI: 1.15-2.60) and periorbital oedema (hazard ratio: 1.43; 95% CI: 1.03-1.99), with these factors showing high specificity, and the mechanical ventilation variable, showing high sensitivity, with ROC curve of .86. CONCLUSION: Eyeball exposure, Glasgow score < 6 and periorbital oedema are the risk factors of the risk for corneal injury nursing diagnosis, in critically ill adults. These risk factors guide nursing interventions. This causal validation can improve the risk for corneal injury nursing diagnosis levels of evidence in the NANDA International Taxonomy. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: It is necessary to guide nursing interventions for critically ill adults with lowered level of consciousness and corneal exposure for the prevention of corneal injury.

A laboratory study of the accuracy of three electronic apex locators: influence of embedding media and radiographic assessment of the electronic apical limit.

AIM: To evaluate several factors that might interfere with the use of electronic root canal length measurement devices (ERCLMDs) in a laboratory setting, including two different embedding media (alginate and electroconductive gel), three different types of devices and the radiographic view on the assessment of the electronic readings. METHODOLOGY: Thirty single-rooted extracted human mandibular premolars were selected. After access and canal pre-flaring, a size 10 K-file was inserted in the canal up to the major apical foramen under magnification (×10), and this length was recorded as the actual length (AL) of the canal. Teeth were mounted on a specific endodontic training kit platform (ProTrain). Two different embedding media (electroconductive gel and alginate) and three different ERCLMDs: Apex ID (SybronEndo, Glendora, CA, USA), CanalPro Apex Locator (Coltene-Endo, Cuyahoga Falls, OH, USA) and the Root ZX II (J. Morita, Tokyo, Japan), were tested. Following the measurement at the 0.5 mark of each ERCLMD using alginate, two periapical radiographs (bucco-lingual and proximal views) were taken. The difference between the electronic readings and the AL, as well as the distance from the file tip to the apex of the roots on the radiographs, was calculated. Data were analysed statistically (two-way anova, Tukey's and chi-squared tests) at 5% significance level. RESULTS: The incidence of over-extended readings was significantly greater (P < 0.05) when using the ProTrain electroconductive gel, except for Root ZX II at the 0.5 mark. Root ZX, CanalPro and Apex ID had similar accuracy when the 0.0/APEX mark was used to locate the foramen. For the radiographic method, no difference was found between the devices or radiographic views. CONCLUSION: Compared with alginate, the conductive gel of the ProTrain kit negatively affected most of the electronic readings. The three evaluated ERCLMDs had similar accuracy in locating the apical foramen when using the mark 0.0/APEX and alginate as the embedding media. Although the ProTrain platform allows radiographs to be exposed in both bucco-lingual and proximal views, no difference was found between the views when evaluating the apical limit provided by the 0.5 mark in mandibular premolars embedded in alginate.

Association of ionophores, yeast, and bacterial probiotics alters the abundance of ruminal microbial species of pasture intensively finished beef cattle.

The effect of the association of non-protein nitrogen, yeast, and bacterial probiotics on the ruminal microbiome of beef cattle intensively finished on pasture was evaluated. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design with five treatments and four replications. The treatments consisted of a group of animals kept on pasture that received low consumption supplementation (LS) and four groups that received for 98 days, 17.5 g concentrate kg-1 body weight. The supplements were composed of the association of additives: urea (U), slow-release non-protein nitrogen (U+SRN), yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae; U+SRN+Y), and bacterial probiotics (live strains of bacteria; U+SRN+Y+BP). All supplements also contained salinomycin and virginiamycin. After slaughtering the animals, samples of ruminal content were collected to quantify groups of fibrolytic bacteria (Ruminococcus albus and Fibrobacter succinogenes), non-fibrolytic (Prevotella ruminicola, Selenomonas ruminantium, and Streptococcus bovis), Archaea, and ciliate protozoa, using the qPCR technique. The abundance of F. succinogenes was the same for the LS animals and those that received the supplement U+SRN+Y (1.42×108 copies mL-1) but higher than the other treatments. Supplementation reduced by 90% the abundance of S. bovis compared to the LS. The inclusion of yeast increased the abundance of fibrolytic bacteria by 2.2-fold. For animals that received the supplement U+SRN+Y+BP and the LS, there was no difference for non-fibrolytic bacteria (3.07×109 copies mL-1). The use of yeasts and sources of non-protein nitrogen in high-concentrate diets for beef cattle stimulates the growth of fibrolytic bacteria, which can contribute to the reduction of digestive disorders and metabolic diseases in animals that receive diets with high concentrate in pasture intensive termination systems.

MRI findings of the cervical spine in patients with mucopolysaccharidosis type VI: relationship with neurological physical examination.

AIM: To describe the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of the cervical spine of patients with mucopolysaccharidosis type VI (MPS VI) and correlate them with clinical manifestations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study involving 12 patients with MPS VI. A limited neurological examination was undertaken in each patient including Tinel's test, assessment of muscle tone, and the evaluation of deep tendon reflexes. Additionally, each patient underwent cervical spine MRI to evaluate platybasia, odontoid dysplasia, periodontoid soft-tissue thickening, spinal canal stenosis, myelopathy, basilar invagination, platyspondyly, and reduction of nasopharyngeal airway. RESULTS: Nine patients were male (75%). The average age was 12.5 (±3.5 years). Tinel's test was negative in all patients. No muscle tone abnormalities were observed. Approximately 48% of the tested reflexes were considered abnormal, 10 of which (8.3%) were pathological occurring in five different patients (41.6%). At MRI, all patients showed periodontoid soft-tissue thickening and cervical spinal stenosis; six showed spinal cord compression and two showed myelopathy. Odontoid hypoplasia and basilar invagination were observed in nine patients. All patients with cervical stenosis on MRI had abnormal reflexes; however, only two of the six patients with evidence of cord compression on MRI had abnormal reflexes on clinical examination. CONCLUSIONS: The present study of 12 patients with MPS VI demonstrated that a normal neurological examination cannot confidently exclude potential cord compression in patients with this condition. MRI may aid in the timely identification of cervical spine abnormalities, and potentially play a role in lessening morbidity and mortality in patients with MPS.

Evaluation of fluoride and sodium hypochlorite solutions during the electrochemical dissolution of conventional NiTi instruments and Gold thermomechanically treated NiTi instruments.

AIM: To compare the dissolution time of two solutions, a fluoride solution and a sodium hypochlorite solution, both saturated with sodium chloride, during the electrochemical dissolution of instruments consisting of conventional nickel-titanium alloy and Gold thermomechanically treated nickel-titanium alloy. METHODOLOGY: Two solutions, an NaF solution consisting of 12 g L-1 NaF with 180 g L-1 NaCl and an NaOCl solution consisting of 2.5% NaOCl with 180 g L-1 NaCl, were evaluated in a polarization test of a sample of 48 ProTaper Universal F1 (PTU F1) and WaveOne Gold Small (WOGS) instruments. The electric potentials were 0.5 V and 5 V for the NaF and NaOCl solutions, respectively. The electrochemical cell consisted of three electrodes for the polarization test of the PTU F1 and WOGS instruments, which had 6 mm of the tip immersed in the test solutions. The electric current was recorded for 540 s. If complete dissolution of the immersed tip occurred in less than the expected time, the experiment was considered complete. The time variations (in seconds) of the instruments in the solutions were measured. Data were subjected to statistical analysis using the Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests. The corrosion patterns of the instruments were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). RESULTS: The NaF and NaOCl solutions were associated with significantly different (P = 0.000) dissolution times of the instrument, with mean values of 12.96 s and 83.63 s, respectively. There was no significant difference (P = 0.649) in dissolution time between the PTU F1 and WOGS instruments. CONCLUSIONS: NaF and NaOCl solutions were able to electrochemically dissolve PTU F1 and WOGS instruments. However, the NaF solution achieved dissolution in significantly less time.

Where and when? How phenological patterns of armyworm moths (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) change along a latitudinal gradient in Brazil.

The phenological patterns exhibited by different organisms are known as adaptive responses to the cyclical environmental conditions. However, only a limited number of researches explore which factors are responsible for these phenological patterns in pest species. In the current study, abundance patterns were studied in the phenology of three Spodoptera Guenée, 1852 species, along the 29° latitudinal gradient in South America. The goal was to test whether widely distributed and abundant crop pest species would exhibit different phenological responses to seasonal meteorological variables and host plant availability. To test this, 13 light traps were set up in Brazil to collect adult Spodoptera samples at the time of the new moon, every month, from June 2015 to May 2016. The time of occurrence and intensity of the phenology were determined for each species, employing circular statistics. Both metrics revealed significant variations among the different species, as well as the factors associated with them. Latitude was found to affect the period of occurrence in Spodoptera cosmioides (Walker, 1858) and Spodoptera albula (Walker, 1857), whereas in Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith, 1797) its effect was evident only in the intensity of its phenology. Further, both meteorological variables and host plant availability in the sampling sites produced predictive models to account for the phenological patterns expressed. These findings suggest that different species of Spodoptera exhibit different adaptive strategies in their life cycles in response to environmental conditions, thus necessitating specific management practices regarding their seasonal population fluctuation.

DNA methylation profiles of immune response-related genes in apical periodontitis.

AIM: To investigate the DNA methylation profiles of immune response-related genes in apical periodontitis (AP) lesions. METHODOLOGY: The methylation profiles on the cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) regions of 22 gene promoters involved in inflammation and autoimmunity were assessed in 60 human AP lesions and 24 healthy periodontal ligaments (controls) using a pathway-specific real-time polymerase chain reaction array (EpiTect® Methyl Signature PCR Array Human Inflammatory Response). Differentially methylated genes were subsequently assessed for their mRNA expression. Data analyses (One-way anova, Tukey's multiple comparisons tests and Mann-Whitney tests) were performed using GraphPad Prism 6 software. P values ≤ 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Significant DNA hypermethylation was observed for CXCL3 and FADD gene promoters in AP lesions when compared to control tissues (P < 0.001) and among other genes (P < 0.05). In contrast, IL12B and IL4R were associated with significant hypomethylation in comparison to other genes (P < 0.05). IL12B, IL4R, CXCL3 and FADD had differential mRNA expression in AP lesions and controls (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Differential methylation profiles of immune response-related genes, such as FADD, CXCL3, IL12B and IL4R, may have an influence on individual AP susceptibility and patient treatment outcomes, through their potential contributions to altered expression of disease-relevant genes. Methylation and/or genetic variations in additional genes may also contribute to the dynamics of AP development and should be considered in future studies.

Retraction Note to: L-glutamine supplementation induces insulin resistance in adipose tissue and improves insulin signalling in liver and muscle of rats with diet-induced obesity.

In light of forensic evidence indicating duplication and/or manipulation of western blot images the Editor-in-Chief is retracting the article cited above.

A preliminary assessment of a new dedicated endodontic software for use with CBCT images to evaluate the canal complexity of mandibular molars.

AIM: To investigate in vivo the complexity of canals within mesial roots of mandibular molars using 3D Endo™ software linked to CBCT images. METHODOLOGY: The CBCT images of 100 mandibular first molars were analysed using the 3D Endo™ software. The number of canals in the mesial roots, the presence of apical confluences, the canal lengths and the canal configurations using Vertucci's classification were evaluated in buccolingual (BL) and mesiodistal (MD) views. The software allowed the visualization of canal trajectories in three dimensions using a coloured outline, which was used to develop a new objective scoring system to provide an overall assessment of canal complexity. Data were analysed statistically using anova and t-tests with the significance set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: Vertucci type IV canals were found in 44% of the cases, whilst 54% were type II. The mean distance from the apical foramen to the orifice was 13.15 mm (±1.21) and that between a confluence and the foramen, 2.81 mm (±1.13). The number of curvatures and the canal complexity scores in the MD view were significantly higher than in the BL view (P < 0.05). The scores were not directly correlated to the canal (MB versus ML), to the canal length or to the presence of confluences. CONCLUSIONS: 3D Endo software features the automatic detection and measurement of several anatomical canal parameters, and is a promising tool for the study of canal complexity in vivo. The unpredictable anatomy of the mesial roots of mandibular molars highlights the value of a three-dimensional preoperative evaluation of each case. The proposed scoring system aims to provide the clinician with an overall assessment of canal complexity.

Analysis of the association of clinical factors and IL4 gene polymorphisms with root resorption in avulsed teeth after 1 year of replantation.

AIM: To investigate the association of clinical variables and polymorphisms (tag SNPs) in the interleukin 4 (IL4) gene, with the prognosis of avulsed and replanted teeth. METHODOLOGY: Ninety-four patients who suffered avulsion and had their teeth replanted and endodontically treated were included. Periapical radiographs were obtained soon after tooth replantation and after 1 year. For genotypic IL4 gene analysis, the DNA from oral mucosa cells was collected, and polymorphisms were investigated by real-time PCR. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to verify the association of clinical and genetic variables and the outcome of the replanted teeth (P < 0.05). RESULTS: After multivariate analysis, extra-alveolar time longer than 1 h was significantly associated with external root resorption. No significant association was observed between IL4 gene polymorphisms and root resorption. CONCLUSION: No association between root resorption and IL4 gene polymorphisms was observed. An extra-alveolar time of more than 1 h was associated with a susceptibility for external root resorption. Replanting the tooth in its socket immediately is the most important factor to maintain a healthy root surface.

Electrochemical dissolution of fractured nickel-titanium instruments in human extracted teeth.

AIM: To assess the effect of sodium chloride concentration in fluoridated solutions during the electrochemical dissolution of fractured rotary endodontic instruments. METHODOLOGY: Two solutions were assessed (solution 1: NaF 12 g L-1  + NaCl 1 g L-1 , pH = 5.0; and solution 2: NaF 12 g L-1  + NaCl 180 g L-1 , pH = 5.0) using two tests: the ProTaper Universal F1 (PTU F1) instrument polarization test and the polarization test for intracanal PTU F1 fragments fractured in mandibular incisors. In the first test, two sets of five instruments were separately and partially immersed in each solution, and the electrical current was evaluated over 30 min. In the second test, 45 PTU F1 instruments were fractured within the root canals of mandibular incisors and subjected to potentiodynamic polarization for 30 min. The electrical current and the variations in the length of PTU F1 fragments were measured. The data were analysed statistically (anova and Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney tests, respectively). RESULTS: Solution 2 was associated with more corrosive effects in both tests. In the first test, the PTU F1 instruments immersed in solution 2 had a higher electrical current (P < 0.001) and had a total dissolution time of approximately 540 s. In the second test, a larger difference between the baseline and final lengths of the fragments was noted in solution 2 (P = 0.011). CONCLUSION: Saturation of fluoridated solution with sodium chloride led to an increase in electrical current and microscopic reductions in the length of fractured instrument fragments subjected to electrochemical dissolution.

Cholesterol reduction ameliorates glucose-induced calcium handling and insulin secretion in islets from low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout mice.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Changes in cellular cholesterol level may contribute to beta cell dysfunction. Islets from low density lipoprotein receptor knockout (LDLR(-/-)) mice have higher cholesterol content and secrete less insulin than wild-type (WT) mice. Here, we investigated the association between cholesterol content, insulin secretion and Ca(2+) handling in these islets. METHODS: Isolated islets from both LDLR(-/-) and WT mice were used for measurements of insulin secretion (radioimmunoassay), cholesterol content (fluorimetric assay), cytosolic Ca(2+) level (fura-2AM) and SNARE protein expression (VAMP-2, SNAP-25 and syntaxin-1A). Cholesterol was depleted by incubating the islets with increasing concentrations (0-10mmol/l) of methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (MßCD). RESULTS: The first and second phases of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) were lower in LDLR(-/-) than in WT islets, paralleled by an impairment of Ca(2+) handling in the former. SNAP-25 and VAMP-2, but not syntaxin-1A, were reduced in LDLR(-/-) compared with WT islets. Removal of excess cholesterol from LDLR(-/-) islets normalized glucose- and tolbutamide-induced insulin release. Glucose-stimulated Ca(2+) handling was also normalized in cholesterol-depleted LDLR(-/-) islets. Cholesterol removal from WT islets by 0.1 and 1.0mmol/l MßCD impaired both GSIS and Ca(2+) handling. In addition, at 10mmol/l MßCD WT islet showed a loss of membrane integrity and higher DNA fragmentation. CONCLUSION: Abnormally high (LDLR(-/-) islets) or low cholesterol content (WT islets treated with MßCD) alters both GSIS and Ca(2+) handling. Normalization of cholesterol improves Ca(2+) handling and insulin secretion in LDLR(-/-) islets.

Maternal hyperglycemia affects cell proliferation signalling and stromal organization in the prostate of neonatal and juvenile rat offspring.

Gestational diabetes mellitus is a common medical complication during pregnancy. It creates a hyperglycemic environment and impacts offspring development, increasing the risk of long-term complications, including obesity, impaired glucose metabolism and cardiovascular disease. The impact of gestational diabetes on the prostates of adult offspring has already been described; however, it is not known whether these effects are due only to the maternal condition or whether the offspring develop them throughout life. This investigation evaluated the prostates of neonatal and juvenile offspring of hyperglycemic rats due to diabetes. Diabetes was induced with streptozotocin (50 mg/kg, ip) in pregnant Wistar rats and the prostates of 7- or 30-day-old pups from healthy (PC7, PC30) or diabetic (PD7, PD30) mothers were evaluated. We found reduced body weight in pups of PD7 and PD30 and prostate weight in PD30. Prostate branching was not affected, but a reduction in apoptotic levels was associated with impaired acinar bud canalization in neonates. Additionally, PD7 presented reduced ERK1/2 phosphorylation, cell proliferation and collagen, but fibroblasts were increased. In PD30, there was a reduction in the area of the secretory epithelium and stroma, but the luminal area was increased. Moreover, fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, collagen and metalloproteinase 2 were decreased in these juvenile pups. These data indicate that maternal hyperglycemia inactivates an important cell proliferation signaling pathway in the prostate in the first postnatal days (which is restored in the juvenile period), but it was not sufficient to avoid epithelial and stromal atrophy. This effect on postnatal gland development may impact the reproductive capacity of the prostate in adult life.

Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) protects non-obese Swiss mice against type 2 diabetes by increasing beta cell mass and reducing insulin clearance.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) improves metabolic variables of obese animals with characteristics of type 2 diabetes, mainly by reducing insulin resistance. We evaluated whether CNTF was able to improve other metabolic variables in mouse models of type 2 diabetes, such as beta cell mass and insulin clearance, and whether CNTF has any effect on non-obese mice with characteristics of type 2 diabetes. METHODS: Neonatal mice were treated with 0.1 mg/kg CNTF or citrate buffer via intraperitoneal injections, before injection of 250 mg/kg alloxan. HEPG2 cells were cultured for 3 days in the presence of citrate buffer, 1 nmol/l CNTF or 50 mmol/l alloxan or a combination of CNTF and alloxan. Twenty-one days after treatment, we determined body weight, epididymal fat weight, blood glucose, plasma insulin, NEFA, glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, insulin clearance and beta cell mass. Finally, we assessed insulin receptor and protein kinase B phosphorylation in peripheral organs, as well as insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) protein production and alternative splicing in the liver and HEPG2 cells. RESULTS: CNTF improved insulin sensitivity and beta cell mass, while reducing glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and insulin clearance in Swiss mice, improving glucose handling in a non-obese type 2 diabetes model. This effect was associated with lower IDE production and activity in liver cells. All these effects were observed even at 21 days after CNTF treatment. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: CNTF protection against type 2 diabetes is partially independent of the anti-obesity actions of CNTF, requiring a reduction in insulin clearance and increased beta cell mass, besides increased insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, knowledge of the long-term effects of CNTF expands its pharmacological relevance.

An in vivo evaluation of the auto apical reverse function of the Root ZX II.

AIM: To evaluate in vivo the accuracy of the Root ZX II (J. Morita) apex locator in controlling the apical extent of rotary instrumentation when using the Auto Apical Reverse (AAR) set at the levels 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5. METHODOLOGY: Thirty single-rooted premolar teeth scheduled for extraction were divided into three groups (n = 10), according to the AAR setting 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5. The root canals were prepared using ProTaper (Dentsply Maillefer). After rotary instrumentation, the last file used (F3) was manually introduced into the extent of the root canal preparation and fixed before tooth extraction. The apical third of the root was dissected until exposure of the file. The distance from the file tip to the major apical foramen was obtained. RESULTS: Measurements within the range -1.0 to 0.0 mm were obtained in 30% of the teeth with AAR 0.5, 50% with AAR 1.0 and in 0% with AAR 1.5. The proportions test revealed a significant difference between the AAR settings 1.0 and 1.5 (P = 0.0188). Overinstrumentation occurred in 70% of the teeth with AAR 0.5 and in 40% with AAR 1.0. The measurements short of the acceptable range occurred in 10% of the teeth with setting AAR 1.0 and in 100% of the cases with AAR 1.5. A significant difference was found when comparing the percentage of teeth in which the file tip was short and beyond the established range between groups, except when comparing AAR 0.5 and AAR 1.0. CONCLUSION: The AAR function of the Root ZX II was not an accurate method for controlling the apical extent of rotary instrumentation in vivo. The setting 0.5 presented overinstrumentation in most of the canals, the setting 1.5 was short in all cases, and the setting 1.0 provided an adequate working length in only 50% of the teeth.

Distribution and spatial density of viral hepatitis cases in Brazil due to occupational accidents.

Introduction: Viral hepatitis, an infectious disease endemic to Brazil, can be transmitted by occupational accident. Objectives: To analyze the distribution and spatial density of viral hepatitis due to occupational accidents in Brazil from 2007 to 2014. Methods: This ecological study of multiple groups used data from the Brazilian Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (Disease Information Notification System). Spatial analysis of cluster detection and point density was performed using kernel techniques and estimates. Results: The recorded cases were concentrated in the southeastern (40.6%) and southern regions (28.1%), and a small increase occurred between 2011 and 2014 (53.9%). The etiological classification was predominantly hepatitis C virus (45.3%) and B virus (45.1%). Conclusions: Reports of viral hepatitis due to occupational accidents have increased in Brazil in recent years, with a higher density in the southeastern and southern regions, especially viruses B and C. Thus, occupational health surveillance must be intensified, including vaccination cards for worker admission to the public or private companies.

Macroscopic, morphometric, and tomographic features of the mandible of the collared peccary (Pecari tajacu) applied to clinical morpho-physiology and imaging.

Veterinary dentistry is one of the specialties with the greatest potential to contribute to animal welfare; however, it requires a deep anatomical knowledge of the region to be treated. Therefore, the aim was to describe the macroscopic, morphometric, and tomographic anatomy of the mandible of the collared peccary in order to provide support for a better understanding of local morpho-physiology and to improve clinical procedures and interpretation of imaging exams in live adult specimens. Four mandibles from wild adult Pecari tajacu were used. The mandibles were submitted to CT scanning, and comparative analyses were performed using multiplanar views. Afterward, mandibular morphometry was conducted following the literature. Each hemimandible is composed of body, angle, and ramus. The main bony landmarks are the mandibular foramen, three main lateral mental foramina, two medial mental foramina, condylar and coronoid processes, and mandibular and angular notches. The teeth are bunodont, and the dental formula is I3/C1/PM3/M3. All bony structures were observed both in the prepared mandible and in the tomographic images and their 3D reconstruction. No obvious differences were observed in the morphometric data between males and females, or between right and left hemimandibles. It can be concluded that the mandible of the collared peccary may be anatomically structured to favor its omnivorous feeding habit. CT scan proved to be an excellent tool for evaluating the teeth and mandible, and it also provides reliable 3D bone reconstructions that can be helpful in the structural identification and the planning of oral care in live adult animals.

Comparative study of the digastric and the stylohyoid muscles between wild boars (Sus scrofa scrofa) and domestic swine (Sus scrofa domesticus): revisiting the gross anatomy.

Considering Suidae Familie as a perfect and viable experimental biomedical model for research applied to human medicine, it has been sought to describe the comparative anatomy of the digastric and the stylohyoid muscles between boars and domestic swine. Heads of Sus scrofa scrofa and Sus scrofa domesticus were dissected. The digastric muscle presented only one muscle belly as anatomical component of a tendinous origin in the jugular process of the occipital bone, and muscle insertion in the midventral edge of the caudal two thirds of the body of the mandible. Thus, its function is fundamentally associated with the lowering and the retracting of the mandible which, by the way, can deliver greater muscle power at lesser energy expense. For the stylohyoid muscle, the tendinous origin was in the laterocaudal edge of the dorsal third of the stylohyoid bone. The muscle insertion - primarily, was in the lateral and caudal edges from the mid third portion up to the ventral extremity of the thyrohyoid bone, and secondarily as a laterolateral aponeurotic blade which would unite, in a bilateral manner, an insertion that was common to the sternohyoid, the geniohyoid, and the mylohyoid muscles in a median ventral region. This morphology were similar to the two specimens studied expanding the information available, which were completely unknown for the suidae until the moment.