Immediate dentoskeletal and periodontal effects of miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion: Comparison between young vs middle-aged adults.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to compare the dentoskeletal and periodontal changes after miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) in patients aged 18-29 and 30-45 years. METHODS: The sample comprised 28 subjects with transverse maxillary discrepancy successfully treated with MARPE. The young adult (YA) group comprised 14 subjects (mean age, 22.8 years; 3 male, 11 female). The middle adult (MA) group comprised 14 subjects (mean age, 36.8 years; 6 male, 8 female). All patients were treated with a 4-miniscrew MARPE expander. The activation protocol was one quarter turn twice a day until the midline diastema opening, followed by one quarter turn a day until overcorrection. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans taken before and immediately after the expansion was analyzed using OnDemand3D Dental software. Using CBCT coronal images, transversal dentoskeletal and periodontal variables were measured in the preexpansion and postexpansion. Intergroup comparisons of expansion changes were performed using t and Mann-Whitney tests (P <0.05). RESULTS: Groups were compatible at preexpansion for most CBCT measurements. A success rate of midpalatal suture opening of 100% and 81% was observed for YA and MA groups, respectively. No intergroup differences were found for the maxillary and dental arch widths increases. The buccal tip of anchorage teeth was observed similarly in both groups. The buccal bone thickness of posterior teeth decreased, and the palatal bone thickness increased after expansion with no difference between groups. CONCLUSIONS: After MARPE, the MA group showed similar dentoskeletal and periodontal changes compared to the YA group.

Autogenous Mineralized Dentin versus Xenograft granules in Ridge Preservation for Delayed Implantation in Post-extraction Sites: A Randomized controlled clinical trial with an 18 months follow-up.

OBJECTIVES: To test primary stability of delayed implants placed in post-extraction ridges preserved with autogenous mineralized dentin matrix (MDM) versus xenograft granules. Clinical, histological and pain experience outcomes were further assessed. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From March 2018 to July 2020, patients requiring ridge preservation in preparation for delayed implant placement in post-extraction sites were included. Participants were randomly allocated to either the test (MDM) or control group (xenograft granules) prior to ridge preservation. Visual analogue scale and analgesic consumption were measured every day for a week. Six months after preservation, trephine cores were harvested for histomorphometry prior to implant placement. Implants were then placed, and implant stability was measured immediately as well as two months after placement. Marginal bone loss and presence of mucositis/peri-implantitis were registered up to 18 months after prosthetic loading. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients (66 implants) completed the study. MDM and xenograft groups presented similar primary (77.1 ± 6.9 versus. 77.0 versus. 5.9) and secondary (81.8 ± 5.1 versus. 80.1 ± 3.8) implant stabilities. The percentage of newly formed bone in MDM (47.3%) was significantly higher than xenograft (34.9%) (p < .001), and the proportion of residual graft was significantly lower (12.2% in MDM and 22.1% in xenograft) (p < .001). No significant differences were found as far as clinical, radiographic and patient-related outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Implants placed in sites preserved with MDM had similar primary stability in comparison to xenograft granules. MDM showed a significantly higher quantity of newly formed bone and lower amount of residual graft in histomorphometry results and equal clinical and patient-related outcomes.

Dentoskeletal comparison of miniscrew-anchored maxillary protraction with hybrid and conventional hyrax expanders: A randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: This randomized clinical trial aimed to compare the skeletal and dental effects of miniscrew-anchored maxillary protraction (MAMP) using hybrid hyrax (HH) and conventional hyrax (CH) expanders in growing patients with Class III malocclusion. METHODS: This was a randomized, parallel, controlled trial. Forty growing patients with Class III malocclusion and maxillary deficiency (Wits appraisal of less than -1 mm) were randomized into 2 groups. Patients were recruited at the Orthodontic Clinic of Bauru Dental School, University of São Paulo, Brazil. The HH group was composed of patients with Class III malocclusions in the late mixed or early permanent dentition treated with a HH expander with 2 miniscrews in the maxilla and 2 miniscrews in the anterior region of the mandible. Class III elastics were used from the maxillary first molars to the mandibular miniscrews placed between permanent canines and first premolars. The CH group was composed of patients treated with a similar protocol except for the use of a CH expander in the maxilla. The primary outcomes included the frequency of overjet correction and sagittal skeletal effects produced with treatment. Allocation was performed with a simple randomization process. Blinding was performed only during assessments. Data were analyzed blindly on an intention-to-treat basis. Intergroup comparison was performed using analysis of covariance. Mean differences (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were obtained for all variables. RESULTS: The final sample for the HH group was 20 subjects (8 female, 12 male; initial age of 10.7 years), whereas the final sample for the CH group was 15 subjects (6 female, 9 male; initial age of 11.5 years). The frequency of overjet correction observed in the HH and CH groups was 94.4% and 71.4% (risk ratio, 1.32; 95% CI, 0.93-1.88), respectively. Both groups presented similar skeletal sagittal and vertical outcomes after maxillary protraction. The maxillary length (CoA) showed a similar increase in both groups (MD, 1.12 mm; 95% CI, -0.03 to 2.27). The CH group demonstrated a greater mesial displacement of maxillary first molars after treatment than the HH group (MD, 1.22 mm; 95% CI, 0.33-2.11). HH and CH groups produced 2.88 and 1.97 overjet corrections (MD, 0.53 mm; 95% CI, -0.52 to 1.59), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: MAMP using HH and CH expanders produced a frequency of overjet correction of 94.4% and 71.4%, respectively. Similar skeletal effects were observed between MAMP using HH and CH expanders. Greater control of the mesial displacement of maxillary first molar during maxillary protraction using hybrid expanders was observed. REGISTRATION: The trial was registered at http://ClinicalTrials.gov, under the identifier NCT03712007. PROTOCOL: This trial protocol was not published. FUNDING: This study was financed in part by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior, Brasil (CAPES) - Finance Code 001, and by the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) - Grants nos. 2017/04141-9, 2017/24115-2, and 2019/03175-2.

Ethanol Production and Other Bioproducts by Galactomyces geotrichum from Sugarcane Bagasse Hydrolysate.

This study investigated the enzymatic saccharification of alkaline-pretreated sugarcane bagasse (PSB) and the bioconversion of simple sugars from hydrolysates to ethanol and other bioproducts by the yeast Galactomyces geotrichum. The effects of percentage of dry substrate (3 and 10% w/v) and time of hydrolysis (24 and 72 h) in the content of released sugars were evaluated. The concentrations of monosaccharides and total reducing sugars (TRS) were calculated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and by 3.5-dinitrosalicylic acid (DNS) method, respectively. The highest concentrations of TRS, glucose and xylose (73.96, 31.78 and 10.85 g/L, respectively) were obtained after the saccharification of 10% of PSB with Cellic CTec3 multi-enzyme cocktail (10 FPU/g cellulose) during 72 h (hydrolysate IV). G. geotrichum UFVJM-R150 fermented both glucose and xylose from the hydrolysates. The most efficient ethanol production was obtained after the fermentation of hydrolysate IV (9.99 g/L of ethanol, volumetric productivity-QP of 0.42 g/L.h and yield of ethanol as a function of the substrate-YP/S of 0.27 gethanol/gsugar). Besides ethanol, G. geotrichum was also able to produce other high-value chemicals such as isoamyl alcohol and galacturonic acid. This is the first report of the potential of the yeast G. geotrichum to fermentate sugarcane bagasse hydrolysates with the production of important bioproducts to further use by biorefineries.

Miniscrew-anchored maxillary protraction in growing Class III patients.

The aim of this article is to report a case series of a miniscrew-anchored maxillary protraction therapy (MAMP). Two male patients presenting with Class III malocclusion were included in this report. The treatment consisted of a hybrid expander and two miniscrews at the anterior region of the mandible anchoring Class III elastics for maxillary protraction. Effective maxillary length, ANB angle and Wits appraisal increased after treatment. Slight dental effects were observed. MAMP therapy produced substantial skeletal effects and might be a good treatment option for Class III growing patients.

The use of polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel implants in the lesser metatarsal heads. Is it safely doable? A cadaveric study.

BACKGROUND: The use of synthetic polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel (PVAH) implants for treatment of lesser toe metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) arthritis is promising and currently limited by the size of implants available. The primary objective of this cadaveric study was to investigate the maximum drilling size and largest PVAH implant dimension that could be safely introduced while still preserving an intact bone rim of the lesser metatarsal heads. METHODS: Height and width of all lesser metatarsals were measured on CT and during anatomic dissection. Sequential reaming of the second to fourth metatarsals was performed. Maximum reaming size, largest implant inserted, and failure of the metatarsal head were recorded. Metatarsal head sizes were compared and a multiple regression analysis evaluated measurements that influenced maximum drilling and implant size. RESULTS: CT and anatomical measurements demonstrated significant correlation (ICC range, 0.-0.85). Mean values for height and width of the metatarsal heads were respectively: second (14.9 mm and 9.9 mm), third (14.8 mm and 8.8 mm), fourth (14.0 mm and 8.7 mm) and fifth (12.3 mm and 9.3 mm). All the second, third and fourth metatarsal heads could be safely drilled up to 7.5 mm, preserving an intact bone rim. At 80% of the time, the heads could be safely drilled up to 8.0 mm. Height of the metatarsal heads was the only factor to significantly influence the size of maximum reaming and implant introduced. In respectively 20%, 40% and 50% of the second, third, and fourth metatarsal heads, neither 8 mm nor 10 mm PVAH implants could be used. CONCLUSIONS: Our cadaveric study found that the even though the majority of the lesser metatarsal heads could be safely drilled up to 8 mm, the smallest PVAH implant size currently available in most countries (8 mm) could be inserted in most of the second, but only in about half of the third and fourth metatarsal heads. The remaining bone rim around inserted implants was considerably thin, usually measuring less than 1 mm. In order to optimize the use PVAH in lesser metatarsal heads, smaller implant options are needed.

The use of bioactive glass S53P4 in the treatment of an infected Charcot foot: a case report.

OBJECTIVE:: To report a case of successful limb-salvage staged treatment in the treatment of an infected diabetic Charcot foot. CASE SUMMARY:: A 45-year-old male with long-term, uncontrolled type 2 diabetes, six months' history of progressive deformity on the right foot and 45 days of purulent drainage in the lateral aspect of the foot. Patient was diagnosed with an infected Charcot foot with extensive midfoot bone involvement as shown by radiographic and MRI images. We used a multidisciplinary approach to treatment with early antibiotic therapy, tight glycaemic control and staged surgical treatment. Initial treatment was adequate irrigation and debridement, bone-void filling with bioactive glass, external fixation and provisional negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). Later progressed to total contact casting and progressive protect weight bearing. At final follow-up, patient was full weight-bearing in stiff soled footwear, with no clinical signs of infection, no gross alteration of gait pattern and demonstrating complete bone healing and integration of the bioactive glass. CONCLUSION:: The bioactive glass S53P4 was successfully used in the limb-salvage staged treatment of a patient with an infected Charcot foot. Here, full integration with the surrounding bone and its supportive action in the combat of bone infection was demonstrated.

Phylogeny of the subfamily Stelliferinae suggests speciation in Ophioscion Gill, 1863 (Sciaenidae: Perciformes) in the western South Atlantic.

Phylogenies based on morphological and molecular data confirm the monophyly of the subfamily Stelliferinae; however, there is no consensus on the intergeneric and interspecific relationships in the group. Previous studies suggested the non-monophyly of Ophioscion and Stellifer, and possible cryptic species in Ophioscion punctatissimus. Therefore, we used mitochondrial (16S rDNA and COI) and nuclear (Rhodopsin, EGR1, and RAG1) regions to examine phylogenetic relationships among species of this subfamily. Our results confirmed the monophyly of Stelliferinae and supports the close relationship among Bardiella, Corvula and Odontoscion, which form a sister group to Stellifer and Ophioscion. Notwithstanding, all the results support the non-monophyly of Stellifer and Ophioscion and we suggest that a taxonomic revision should consider Ophioscion as a junior synonym of Stellifer. Moreover, O. punctatissimus was grouped into two clades, with the O. punctatissimus lineage I (LI) being closer to O. scierus from the eastern Pacific than to the O. punctatissimus lineage II (LII). The most recent common ancestor (TMRCA) for the O. scierus and O. punctatissimus LI and O. punctatissimus LII clade dates from 7.2 (HPD: 4.3-10.5) Ma, whereas TMRCA for the O. scierus and O. punctatissimus LI clade dates from 5.3 (HPD: 2.4-8.6) Ma, indicating that speciation processes may be related to the rise of the Isthmus of Panama. Phylogeographic analyses corroborate the hypothesis of speciation in O. punctatissimus. These results suggest that lineages of O. punctatissimus originated from distinct ancestors and, by morphological similarity, were considered the same taxon. A taxonomic revision should be performed to validate the species status of such lineages.

Antiproliferative Activity and VEGF Expression Reduction in MCF7 and PC-3 Cancer Cells by Paclitaxel and Imatinib Co-encapsulation in Folate-Targeted Liposomes.

Co-encapsulation of anticancer drugs paclitaxel and imatinib in nanocarriers is a promising strategy to optimize cancer treatment. Aiming to combine the cytotoxic and antiangiogenic properties of the drugs, a liposome formulation targeted to folate receptor co-encapsulating paclitaxel and imatinib was designed in this work. An efficient method was optimized for the synthesis of the lipid anchor DSPE-PEG(2000)-folic acid (FA). The structure of the obtained product was confirmed by RMN, FT-IR, and ESI-MS techniques. A new analytical method was developed and validated for simultaneous quantification of the drugs by liquid chromatography. Liposomes, composed of phosphatidylcholine, cholesterol, and DSPE-mPEG(2000), were prepared by extrusion. Their surface was modified by post-insertion of DSPE-PEG(2000)-FA. Reaction yield for DSPE-PEG(2000)-FA synthesis was 87%. Liposomes had a mean diameter of 122.85 ± 1.48 nm and polydispersity index of 0.19 ± 0.01. Lyophilized formulations remained stable for 60 days in terms of size and drug loading. FA-targeted liposomes had a higher effect on MCF7 cell viability reduction (p < 0.05) when compared with non-targeted liposomes and free paclitaxel. On PC-3 cells, viability reduction was greater (p < 0.01) when cells were exposed to targeted vesicles co-encapsulating both drugs, compared with the non-targeted formulation. VEGF gene expression was reduced in MCF7 and PC-3 cells (p < 0.0001), with targeted vesicles exhibiting better performance than non-targeted liposomes. Our results demonstrate that multifunctional liposomes associating molecular targeting and multidrug co-encapsulation are an interesting strategy to achieve enhanced internalization and accumulation of drugs in targeted cells, combining multiple antitumor strategies.

Risk estimation of second primary cancers after breast radiotherapy.

AIMS: There is evidence towards the induction of second primary cancers (SPCs) after breast radiotherapy (RT). Organs, such as the lungs and the esophagus, have been identified as common sites for SPC formation. As a result, the current study investigated the risk of secondary carcinogenesis associated with particular RT techniques for breast cancer; including whole breast, segmented breast, partial breast and mammosite brachytherapy. METHODS: In this study, seven breast cancer patients had all major organs contoured on their planning computed tomography (CT) images. Whole breast, segmented breast, accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) and mammosite boost treatment plans were generated for each patient using Pinnacle3 treatment planning system. Differential dose-volume histograms were generated for a number of critical structures: bladder, brain and central nervous system (CNS), breast, colon, liver, lung, mouth and pharynx, esophagus, ovary, salivary gland, small intestine, stomach, and uterus. The lifetime attributed risk (LAR) of cancer induction was estimated using the Schneider et al. excess absolute risk models and dose-volume histograms for the above organs. RESULTS: The sites with the highest LAR estimates were the ipsilateral and contralateral lungs, and contralateral breast for all treatment techniques. For all sites, the LAR estimates for the segmented breast and mammosite treatments were lower than those for the whole breast and APBI treatments. For right-sided target volumes the liver also resulted in high LAR estimates, with all techniques having a LAR greater than 20 per 10 000 person-years (PY), except for mammosite with a mean LAR estimate of 13.2 per 10 000 PY. For left-sided target volumes the stomach also resulted in high LAR estimates, with both whole breast and APBI having a LAR greater than 20 per 10 000 PY, and mammosite the lowest with a LAR of 8.3 per 10 000 PY. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that the lungs and contralateral breast showed high LAR estimates.

Dental Implant Surface Decontamination and Surface Change of an Electrolytic Method versus Mechanical Approaches: A Pilot In Vitro Study.

Dental implants are the preferred fixed oral rehabilitation for replacing lost teeth. When peri-implant tissues become inflamed, the removal of plaque accumulating around the implant becomes imperative. Recently, several new strategies have been developed for this purpose, with electrolytic decontamination showing increased potential compared to traditional mechanical strategies. In this in vitro pilot study, we compare the efficacy of an electrolytic decontaminant (Galvosurge®) with an erythritol jet system (PerioFlow®) and two titanium brushes (R-Brush™ and i-Brush™) in removing Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 biofilms from implants. Changes in the implant surface after each approach were also evaluated. Twenty titanium SLA implants were inoculated with P. aeruginosa and then randomly assigned to each treatment group. After treatment, decontamination efficacy was assessed by quantifying colony-forming units (log10 CFU/cm2) from each implant surface. Scanning electron microscopy was used to analyse changes in the implant surface. With the exception of R-Brush, all treatment strategies were similarly effective in removing P. aeruginosa from implants. Major surface changes were observed only in implants treated with titanium brushes. In conclusion, this pilot study suggests that electrolytic decontamination, erythritol-chlorhexidine particle jet system and i-Brush™ brushing have similar performance in removing P. aeruginosa biofilm from dental implants. Further studies are needed to evaluate the removal of more complex biofilms. Titanium brushes caused significant changes to the implant surface, the effects of which need to be evaluated.

Pain and discomfort perception during miniscrew-anchored maxillary protraction: secondary data analysis of a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the perception of pain and discomfort of patients and guardians during treatment between miniscrew-anchored maxillary protraction (MAMP) therapy using Hybrid (HH) and Conventional Hyrax (CH) expanders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Group HH was composed of 18 subjects (8 female, 10 male; initial age: 10.80 years) with Class III malocclusion treated with a hybrid expander in the maxilla and two miniscrews in the anterior region of the mandible. Class III elastics were used from maxillary first molar to mandibular miniscrews. Group CH was composed of 14 subjects (6 female, 8 male; initial age: 11.44 years) treated with a similar protocol except for conventional Hyrax expander. Pain and discomfort of patients and guardians were assessed using a visual analog scale immediately after placement (T1), after 24 hours (T2), and 1 month after appliance installation (T3). Mean differences (MD) were obtained. Intergroup and intragroup timepoint comparisons were performed using independent t-tests, analysis of variance for repeated measures and Friedman test (P < 5%). RESULTS: Both groups demonstrated similar levels of pain and discomfort with a significant decrease after 1 month of appliance placement (MD: 4.21; P = .608). Compared to patient perceptions, guardians reported a higher level of pain and discomfort at all timepoints (MD, T1: 13.91, P < .001; T2: 23.15, P < .001; T3: 9.35, P = .008). CONCLUSIONS: MAMP therapy with HH and CH produced similar levels of pain and discomfort after appliance installation until 1 month after treatment. Pain and discomfort may not influence the choice between HH and CH expanders.

A Capsid Protein Fragment of a Fusagra-like Virus Found in Carica papaya Latex Interacts with the 50S Ribosomal Protein L17.

Papaya sticky disease is caused by the association of a fusagra-like and an umbra-like virus, named papaya meleira virus (PMeV) and papaya meleira virus 2 (PMeV2), respectively. Both viral genomes are encapsidated in particles formed by the PMeV ORF1 product, which has the potential to encode a protein with 1563 amino acids (aa). However, the structural components of the viral capsid are unknown. To characterize the structural proteins of PMeV and PMeV2, virions were purified from Carica papaya latex. SDS-PAGE analysis of purified virus revealed two major proteins of ~40 kDa and ~55 kDa. Amino-terminal sequencing of the ~55 kDa protein and LC-MS/MS of purified virions indicated that this protein starts at aa 263 of the deduced ORF1 product as a result of either degradation or proteolytic processing. A yeast two-hybrid assay was used to identify Arabidopsis proteins interacting with two PMeV ORF1 product fragments (aa 321-670 and 961-1200). The 50S ribosomal protein L17 (AtRPL17) was identified as potentially associated with modulated translation-related proteins. In plant cells, AtRPL17 co-localized and interacted with the PMeV ORF1 fragments. These findings support the hypothesis that the interaction between PMeV/PMeV2 structural proteins and RPL17 is important for virus-host interactions.

Midpalatal suture bone repair after miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion in adults.

BACKGROUND: Midpalatal suture (MPS) repair in growing patients after RPE has been previously reported. However, differences between young and adult patients for timing and pattern of MPS repair after rapid maxillary expansion are expected. The aim of this study was to evaluate the midpalatal suture repair pattern after miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) in adult patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 21 patients (six males, 15 females) successfully treated with MARPE with a mean initial age of 29.1 years of age (SD = 8.0; range = 20.1-45.1). MPS repair was evaluated using maxillary axial and coronal sections derived from CBCT exams taken 16 months after the expansion (SD = 5.9). Objective and subjective assessments of MPS repair were performed. Objective assessments were performed measuring MPS bone density at anterior, median and posterior region of hard palate. Pre-expansion and post-retention bone density changes were evaluated using paired t tests (p < 0.05). Midpalatal suture bone repair was scored 0 to 3 considering, respectively, the complete absence of bone repair in the MPS, the repair of less than 50% of the MPS, the repair of more than 50% of the MPS and the complete repair of the MPS. Intra- and interexaminer reliability evaluation were assessed using Kappa coefficient. RESULTS: The objective evaluation showed a significant higher bone density at the pre-expansion stage in all palatal regions. The reliability of the subjective method was adequate with intra- and interexaminer agreements varying from 0.807 to 0.904. Scores 1, 2 and 3 were found in 19.05%, 38.09% and 42.86% of the sample, respectively. The most common region demonstrating absence of bone repair was the middle third. The anterior third of the midpalatal suture was repaired in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: A decreased bone density was observed after the retention period when compared to pre-expansion stage. Most adult patients demonstrated incomplete repair of the midpalatal suture 16 months after MARPE. However, adequate bone repair covering more than half of the hard palate extension was observed in 80.95% of the patients.

Orthopedic outcomes of hybrid and conventional Hyrax expanders.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of a hybrid miniscrew-supported expander versus a conventional Hyrax (CH) expander in growing patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty patients were randomized into two groups: a hybrid Hyrax (HH) expander group using a Hyrax expander with two miniscrews and a CH expander group. The final sample had 18 subjects (8 female, 10 male; initial age of 10.8 years) in the HH group and 14 subjects (6 female, 8 male; initial age of 11.4 years) in the CH group. Cone-beam computed tomography examinations and digital dental models were obtained before expansion and 11 months postexpansion. The primary outcomes included the orthopedic transverse effects of expansion. Intergroup comparison was performed using analysis of covariance (P < .05). RESULTS: Significantly greater increases in the nasal cavity width, maxillary width, and buccal alveolar crest width were found for the HH group. No intergroup differences were observed for dental arch width or shape changes. CONCLUSIONS: The HH group showed greater increases in the nasal cavity width, maxillary width, and buccal alveolar crest width. No differences were observed for intermolar, interpremolar, or intercanine widths; arch length; or arch perimeter. Arch size and shape showed similar changes in both groups.

Weight-bearing cone-beam computed tomography in the foot and ankle specialty: where we are and where we are going - an update.

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) has been applied in dentistry and medicine for nearly two decades. Its application in the foot and ankle specialty has grown exponentially in recent years. Weight-bearing CBCT allows clinicians to obtain weight-bearing images that can be viewed in all three planes and to construct three-dimensional models, similar to those constructed from traditional CT scans, as well as exposing patients to less radiation than do traditional CT scans. This technology has revolutionized diagnoses, improving the understanding of various lesions and surgical planning in the foot and ankle specialty. Ongoing studies of the use of weight-bearing CBCT in foot and ankle surgery are focused on fully automated and semi-automated three-dimensional measurements, as well as bone segmentation, mapping of the distances/orientation of the joints, and the production of customized implants. The aims of this review article are to show the evolution of this emerging tool in the foot and ankle specialty, to update those in related specialties on its use in current clinical practice, and to indicate where the research community is heading.

A tomografia computadorizada (TC) de feixe cônico é aplicada na área da odontologia e medicina há cerca de duas décadas, e seu uso na especialidade do tornozelo e pé cresceu de forma exponencial nos últimos anos. A literatura demonstra como a TC de feixe cônico permite obter imagens com apoio do peso corporal total - weight-bearing cone-beam computed tomography - com cortes nos três planos e modelos tridimensionais semelhantes às TCs, associada a menor exposição à radiação, técnica que revolucionou o diagnóstico, o entendimento de diferentes lesões e o planejamento cirúrgico nessa área do conhecimento. As mensurações tridimensionais automáticas e semiautomáticas, a segmentação óssea, o mapeamento das distâncias e orientações articulares e a possibilidade de produção de implantes customizados são o interesse dos estudos em andamento na cirurgia do tornozelo e pé relacionados a essa ferramenta emergente. O objetivo deste artigo é mostrar a evolução do método, atualizar as especialidades de interface sobre uso na prática clínica atual e indicar para onde a comunidade científica está caminhando.

Evaluation of silica and PMMA optical fibre response when irradiated with 16.5 MeV protons.

An investigation into the response of optical fibres to 16.5 MeV protons is presented here. A silica and a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) optical fibre was exposed to 16.5 MeV protons from a GE PETtrace cyclotron. The optical fibres were exposed to beam currents of 30nA - 270nA and the emission spectrum analysed. The silica fibre was the most sensitive and had two main peaks at 460 nm and 650 nm. The ratio between the peaks was observed to increase as irradiation of the fibres continued, where the 460 nm peak increased at a rate >4 times the 650 nm peak. The rate of increase of the ratio between the peaks was observed to be constant at a constant target current and linear with target current. In the case of the PMMA fibre, significant spectral changes were observed during the exposure to 16.5 MeV protons. A simple method for estimating the effect of photodarkening and activation is presented here and indicated that the changes in the spectrum for the PMMA fibres may be due to photodarkening and activation.

Investigating the temporal and spatial distribution of foot-and-mouth disease virus serotype C in the Region of South America, 1968-2016.

This study investigates the historical temporal trend and geographical distribution of the foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDv) serotype C in South America; discussing the findings within the context of the actions and strategies carried out for the elimination of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). This is the first time that such a comprehensive historical compilation has been carried out in the Region; hence, the study is intended as a reference and source of evidence about the presence/absence of FMDv serotype C in South America. Data on the occurrence of FMD were sourced from the Weekly Epidemiological Reports submitted by the countries to Pan American Foot-and-Mouth Disease Center (PANAFTOSA-PAHO/WHO) since 1972, and complemented with other sources of information from the 1968-1971 period. The temporal distribution was examined with local weighted regression (LOESS) to identify two temporal trends, that is, "smoothed" and "over-adjusted", utilising the time-series with the total number of cases per year, at Regional level. Thereafter the outbreaks were aggregated by decades and mapped by the first subnational administrative level. As a result, two major peaks of occurrence were identified, one in the 70s, with up to 1,193 outbreaks, and another in the 80s, with 380. Overall, the investigations show a clear regressive trend in the occurrence of serotype C, with a reduction in the number of outbreaks over-time, and with the subsequent reduction of affected locations. This study illustrates the contrast between the very limited presence over the last 20 years - with only one event in 2004 - and the epidemic situation in the 1970s and 1980s, and suggests that serotype C of FMDv is no longer present in the Region.

First report of cis-1,4-polyisoprene degradation by Gordonia paraffinivorans.

The use of rubber has increased over the years, leading to a series of environmental problems due to its indefinite decomposition time. Bioremediation employing microorganisms have drawn an increasing interest and originated several studies of microbial rubber degradation. Genome sequencing and in silico analysis demonstrated that G. paraffinivorans MTZ041 isolate encodes the lcp gene (Latex Clearing Protein), responsible for expressing an enzyme that performs the first step in the assimilation of synthetic and natural rubber. Growth curves and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were conducted for MTZ041 in natural (NR) and synthetic rubber (IR) as sole carbon source during 11 weeks. After 80 days, robust growth was observed and SEM analysis revealed the presence of bacilli and the formation of biofilm-like structures on natural and synthetic rubber. This is the first report of a G. paraffinivorans rubber degrader. Given the complexity of this substrate and the relative small number of microorganisms with this ability, the description and characterization of MTZ041 is of great importance on bioremediation processes of rubber products.