Bond strength of prefabricated and CAD-CAM milled glass fiber post-and-cores luted with conventional, universal, and self-adhesive composite resin cement.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Little is known about the effect of different composite resin cements on the bond strength of prefabricated and milled glass fiber post-and-cores. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the push-out bond strengths of root dentin and standard, relined, or computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) glass fiber post-and-cores luted with conventional, universal, or self-adhesive composite resin cement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Post spaces were prepared in 90 premolars. Standard and relined prefabricated and CAD-CAM-milled glass fiber post-and-cores were luted with conventional (RelyX ARC; 3M ESPE), universal (RelyX Ultimate; 3M ESPE), and self-adhesive (RelyX U200; 3M ESPE) composite resin cement (n=10). All specimens were thermally aged (5000 cycles at 5°C and 55°C with a 20-second dwell time) and mechanical fatigue (1 000 000 cycles at 2 Hz, 50-N load). The specimens were sectioned perpendicularly to the root long axis into 1-mm-thick sections (apical, middle, and cervical root thirds), the push-out bond strength was determined, and the mode of failure recorded. Data were submitted to the Kruskal-Wallis test followed by the Bonferroni-Dunn multiple comparison test (α=.05). RESULTS: Push-out bond strength values did not differ (P>.05) among posts at the same root thirds. Standard posts showed higher bond strength than CAD-CAM at the apical third for data grouped by composite resin cements (P<.001). The cervical root thirds had higher bond strength than the apical thirds (P<.05). The cervical, middle, and apical root thirds showed decreasing bond strength values for each type of post for data grouped by composite resin cement (P<.001). Adhesive failures at the dentin-cement interface were predominant. CONCLUSIONS: The type of posts and cements did not affect the bond strength of glass fiber posts. The cervical root thirds had better bonding performance than the apical thirds.

Fracture strength, pull-out bond strength, and volume of luting agent of tooth-colored CAD-CAM post-and-cores.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Little is known about the fracture strength, retention, and adaptation of post-and-cores fabricated with novel tooth-colored materials by computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM). PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the fracture strength, pull-out bond strength (POBS), and volume of luting agent of endodontically treated premolars restored with post-and-cores milled from different CAD-CAM materials. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Post spaces were prepared in 80 human premolars in which post-and-cores fabricated with polyetheretherketone (PK; Ceramill PEEK), nanohybrid composite resin (BB; Brava Block), polymer-infiltrated ceramic (EN; VITA Enamic), and fiber-reinforced epoxy resin (GF; Fiber Cad Post & Core) CAD-CAM materials were luted (n=20). All specimens were subjected to thermal aging (3000 cycles at 5 °C and 55 °C with a 20-second dwell time). Half of the specimens were subjected to mechanical fatigue (250 000 cycles at 5 Hz) before fracture strength testing, while the other half was submitted to POBS testing and volume of luting agent measurement. Fracture strength data were analyzed by 1-way ANOVA, while POBS and volume of luting agent data were submitted to Kruskal-Wallis followed by the Bonferroni-Dunn multiple comparison tests. The correlation between POBS and the volume of luting agent was determined by the Spearman test (α=.05). RESULTS: POBS of GF was significantly higher than that for PK (P<.001); however, failure load (P=.160) and volume of luting agent (P=.390) values did not differ. EN showed the highest percentage of catastrophic failures (20%), while PK exhibited only core deformations. POBS and cement film volume were not significantly correlated (P>.05). CONCLUSIONS: Different CAD-CAM materials did not influence the fracture strength and volume of luting agent of post-and-cores. Post-and-cores made with PEEK blocks showed lower bond strength to intracanal dentin than those made with fiber-reinforced epoxy resin blocks. No significant correlation was found between bond strength and the volume of luting agent.

Effect of half-digital workflows on the adaptation of custom CAD-CAM composite post-and-cores.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Even without the use of an intraoral scanner, post-and-cores can be obtained by using a part-digital fabrication workflow that requires pattern modeling (direct, indirect, or impression); however, studies on the adaptation of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) composite resin post-and-cores in comparison with metal cast post-and-cores are sparse. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to analyze the adaptation of CAD-CAM composite resin post-and-cores fabricated through a part-digital fabrication workflow and to compare it with that of metal cast post-and-cores fabricated through conventional methods. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Eight extracted human premolars were endodontically treated and prepared for custom post-and-cores. Metal cast post-and-cores were fabricated with Ni-Cr alloy (Fit Cast-Sb Plus; Talmax) and conventional resin pattern modeling methods directly in the root canal (conventional direct modeling) or indirectly in a stone cast (conventional indirect modeling). Composite resin post-and-cores were milled from nanohybrid glass-ceramic composite resin CAD-CAM blocks (Brava Block; FGM) by using the part-digital workflow. A laboratory scanner was used to digitalize polyvinyl siloxane impressions (part-digital scanned impression direct CAD-CAM [PSC]) of the root canals and resin patterns fabricated directly (part-digital direct CAD-CAM [PDC]) or indirectly (part-digital indirect CAD-CAM [PIC]). All post-and-cores were placed in the respectively prepared root canals, scanned with microcomputed tomography, and measured in terms of volume of the cementation space, the luting cement film thickness in each root third, and the apical gap between the apical end of the post-and-cores and remaining gutta percha (apical gap). The groups were compared for each adaptation parameter by using 2-way (volume of the cementation space and apical gap) and 3-way (film thickness) ANOVA, and the Games-Howell multicomparison post hoc test (α=.05). RESULTS: The conventional direct modeling group had lower mean volume of the cementation space than all CAD-CAM composite resin post-and-cores (P<.041). The conventional indirect modeling group had a lower volume of the cementation space mean than PDC (P<.024) but was not significantly different from PIC (P=.577) or PSC (P=.221). Regardless of the fabrication workflow, no differences were observed among the CAD-CAM composite resin post-and-cores (P>.05). At the apical root third, conventional direct modeling and conventional indirect modeling had lower film thickness means than PSC or PDC (P<.05). In the middle third, conventional direct modeling and conventional indirect modeling had lower film thickness means than PDC (P≤.001). At the cervical third, no differences in film thickness means were observed among the groups (P>.05). PDC had a lower apical gap mean than PSC (P=.013), while no significant differences were found for other pair comparisons (P>.05). CONCLUSIONS: Metal post-and-cores had slightly better adaptation than the CAD-CAM composite resin post-and-cores; however, the part-digital fabrication workflow of CAD-CAM composite resin post-and-cores provided adaptation parameters within a clinically acceptable range and is less time consuming.

Subclinical coronary artery disease in veteran athletes: is a new preparticipation methodology required?

OBJECTIVE: Preparticipation evaluation of veteran athletes should focus on accurate cardiovascular (CV) risk stratification and subclinical detection of coronary artery disease (CAD), which is the main cause of sudden cardiac death in this population. We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of current preparticipation methodology used to identify veteran athletes with high coronary atherosclerotic burden. METHODS: A total of 105 asymptomatic male athletes aged ≥40 years old, with low to moderate CV risk (Systematic Coronary Risk Estimation <5%) who trained ≥4 hours/week for at least 5 years, were studied. The screening protocol included clinical evaluation, ECG, transthoracic echocardiogram and exercise testing. Cardiac CT was performed to detect CAD, defined as a high atherosclerotic burden according to coronary artery calcium score and coronary CT angiography. RESULTS: The majority of the athletes (n=88) engaged in endurance sports, with a median volume of exercise of 66 (44; 103) metabolic equivalent task score/hour/week. Exercise testing was abnormal in 13 (12.4%) athletes, 6 (5.7%) with electrocardiographic criteria for myocardial ischaemia and 7 (6.7%) with exercise-induced ventricular arrhythmias. A high coronary atherosclerotic burden was present in 27 (25.7%) athletes, of whom 11 (40.7%) had CV risk factors and 6 had abnormal exercise tests, including 3 who were positive for myocardial ischaemia. CONCLUSIONS: Conventional methodology used in preparticipation evaluation of veteran athletes, based on clinical CV risk factors and exercise testing, was poor at identifying significant subclinical CAD. The inclusion of more objective markers, particularly data derived from cardiac CT, is promising for more accurate CV risk stratification of these athletes.

The influence of environmental variables in the reproductive performance of Macrobrachium amazonicum (Heller, 1862) (Caridea: Palaemonidae) females in a continental population.

Macrobrachium amazonicum is a commercially important freshwater prawn with a high degree of reproductive plasticity. The species is classified into two groups: coastal populations, with larger individuals exhibiting high fecundity and needing brackish water for larval development; and continental populations, with smaller specimens exhibiting low fecundities and completing metamorphosis in freshwater. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of environmental factors in the fecundity, egg size and volume, and reproductive output in females of M. amazonicum from a continental population during a two-year period. We also compared our results with those obtained for other continental and coastal populations. Reproductive parameters differed markedly between continental and coastal populations in most cases. The continental population studied here, however, exhibited reproductive characteristics similar to those of coastal populations. The present study found a correlation between the reproductive parameters and the environmental variables analyzed. This result corroborates the hypothesis that wide variation in reproductive parameters in the geographical distribution of M. amazonicum is related to the environmental characteristics in which populations are inserted. We suggest that further studies could investigate the potential of continental populations for aquaculture, which could significantly reduce production costs.

Scanning of root canal impression for the fabrication of a resin CAD-CAM-customized post-and-core.

Customization of post-and-cores using computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) requires the scanning of a pattern and the subsequent digital design. This technique describes a method of fabricating a CAD-CAM-customized post-and-core designed from a scanned polyvinyl siloxane impression and milled from a nanoparticle/nanocluster-filled resin block. The polyvinyl siloxane impression allowed a faster and more efficient customization of the CAD-CAM post-and-core than a conventional acrylic resin pattern. The properties of the nanoparticle/nanocluster filled resin block make the material suitable for chairside CAD-CAM post-and-core fabrication.

Population dynamics of Rimapenaeus constrictus (Stimpson, 1874) (Penaeoidea) on the southeastern Brazilian coast: implications for shrimp fishing management from a 5-year study on a bycatch species.

This is the first study to evaluate in broad spatiotemporal scales the growth parameters and population structure of Rimapenaeus constrictus, a barely damaged species composing the bycatch from shrimp fishing in the Western Atlantic. The abundance and size-class frequency distribution, growth, longevity and sex ratio were evaluated from monthly samples obtained in the northern littoral of São Paulo state from Jan/1998 to Jun/2003. We measured 5,812 individuals in which the sex ratio was skewed toward females; this was more evident in size classes greater than 10 mm in CL (carapace length) (binomial test, p<0.05). We selected 16 growth cohorts of females, and 8 of males, the majority consisting of younger individual cohorts excluded from the fisheries closure period. Growth estimates resulted in a CL∞ of 17.42 mm, a growth coefficient of 0.008 and a longevity of 579 days (1.60 year) for females, as well as a CL∞ of 16.3 mm, a growth coefficient of 0.01 and a longevity of 425 days (1.17 year) for males. Our results provide information of incontestable relevance to our knowledge of fishing management. We therefore strongly recommend that the fisheries closure period be changed to protect this species' recruitment period and consequently its adult individuals.

CAD/CAM post-and-core using different esthetic materials: Fracture resistance and bond strengths.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the fracture resistance (FR), and push-out bond strengths (BS) of custom-made CAD/CAM post-and-cores manufactured with different esthetic materials. METHODS: 90 single-rooted extracted teeth were selected, endodontically treated and prepared to receive the posts. The specimens were randomly divided into three equal groups according to the material: hybrid ceramic Vita Enamic (HC); nano-ceramic resin composite Lava Ultimate (RC); and experimental epoxy-resin reinforced by glass-fiber (FG). The post-and-cores were manufactured using CAD/CAM and cemented using a self-adhesive resin cement (Rely X Unicem2). A subgroup of 30 specimens (n=10) was subjected to fatigue (1,000,000 cycles at 5 Hz) and then to the FR test. Another subgroup with 60 specimens was submitted to the BS test, with and without fatigue. Data were submitted to analysis of variance (FR - one-way ANOVA; BS - two-way ANOVA) and Tukey's test (α= 0.05). RESULTS: The FR values (mean±SD, in Newtons) were 414.5±83.9 (HC), 621.3±100.3 (RC), and 407.6±109.0 (FG), with RC showing significantly higher FR values (P< 0.05). For BS, there was no statistically significant difference among the materials, with and without fatigue (P> 0.05). The type of material used to obtain the CAD/CAM-customized post-and-cores had a significant effect on the FR, but not on the BS of the specimens. Fatigue did not influence the BS for the tested materials. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: CAD/CAM custom-made esthetic post-and-cores showed good performance relative to fracture resistance and bond strength to root canal dentin walls. The CAD/CAM materials tested could be used as an alternative to restore wide flared root canals in esthetically compromised teeth.

Effect of CAD/CAM glass fiber post-core on cement micromorphology and fracture resistance of endodontically treated roots.

PURPOSE: To investigate the fracture resistance of weakened roots restored with prefabricated or CAD/CAM-customized posts and cores as well as the thickness of the cement film and the presence of voids in the cement. METHODS: The roots of 40 human premolars were weakened by removing internal dentin with a diamond bur (2.5 mm in the coronal third and 1.5 mm in the apical third) and restored with prefabricated posts (PPs) or customized posts (CPs) with or without a zirconia crown (n= 10). Posts and crowns were cemented with resin cement. Microtomography was used to determine the thickness of the cement film and whether voids were present. After fatigue testing (1 million cycles, 50 N, 5 Hz, 36.5°C), the specimens underwent compression testing with an oblique load (30°, 1 mm/minute) and fracture strengths were recorded (N). Fracture strength and film thickness were analyzed with ANOVA and the Games-Howell test; the variable presence of voids was analyzed with the Mann-Whitney test (α= 5%). RESULTS: Mean fracture strengths varied between 640.4 and 792.9 N and did not differ significantly between groups. The CP group had a thinner cement film and fewer voids than the PP group. There was a positive, statistically significant correlation (Spearman, R=0.488, P= 0.029) between these variables. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: CAD/CAM-manufactured glass-fiber posts and cores do not affect the fracture strength of flared root canals or cause catastrophic failure of the root when used with zirconia crowns.

Assessment of the alpha angle and mobility of the hip in patients with noncontact anterior cruciate ligament injury.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the alpha angle of the hip in patients with noncontact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and compare it with patients without injury. In addition, external and internal rotation of the hip was assessed and correlated with the alpha angle. METHODS: The alpha angle of the ipsilateral hip was assessed in 41 subjects with non-contact ACL tear and compared with 39 subjects with no tear. The external and internal rotation of the ipsilateral hip was also evaluated. RESULTS: The alpha angle was larger in subjects with noncontact ACL injury. The mean was 70.31° (±13.92°) compared with 58.55° (±13.95°) in the control group (p < 0.001). The groups were similar when considering the external, internal, and sum of rotation of the ipsilateral hip. There was no correlation between the alpha angle and decreased rotational range of motion of the hip in either group (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Patients with noncontact ACL injury presented a greater alpha angle when compared with the group without tear. There was no difference in the rotational mobility of the hip between groups, nor was there a correlation between the increase in the alpha angle and the decrease in the rotational mobility of the hip.

Reduction of phosphorus concentration in mineral supplement on fertility rate, maternal ability and costs of beef cows reared in pastures of Urochloa decumbens.

Manufacturing and marketing of mineral mixtures with less than 40 g kg(-1) phosphorus (P) is prohibited under Brazilian regulations, although scientific evidence rejects this recommendation. Considering the hypothesis that P levels in commercial mineral supplements can be reduced without affecting animal performance and health, the objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of reducing the concentration of P in the mineral supplement (from 40 to 18 g kg(-1)) of a herd of beef cows grazing tropical pastures of signal grass (Urochloa decumbens). The experiment was carried out in the savanna region of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, during the years 2011 to 2013. Variables analyzed included pregnancy rate, calving interval, weight of calves at weaning, and cost of mineral supplementation. There were no changes in the reproductive parameters of the herd and the weight at weaning of the calves. However, the cost of mineral supplementation was significantly lower when the herd was supplemented with the mineral mix containing only 18 g kg(-1) P. Phosphorus concentration of the forage was analyzed monthly during 1 year and averaged 1.9 ± 0.45 g kg(-1) DM. Thus, it appears possible to reduce P content and cost of mineral supplementation without any adverse effects on the health and productivity of beef cattle herds in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul. However, the final decision should be made based on the clinical-nutritional examination and by constant technical assistance to the farm.

High rate of clinical recurrence in patients with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease treated with early high-dose corticosteroids.

PURPOSE: To analyse the rate of clinical recurrences in Brazilian patients with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease after early high-dose corticosteroid treatment. METHODS: Retrospective study including patients treated with early high-dose corticosteroids (prednisone, 1-1.5 mg/kg/day, or 3-day 1 g methylprednisolone pulsetherapy) within 1 month from disease onset followed by slow taper (at least 6 months). Patients with a minimum 12-month follow-up were subdivided based on the presence of disease recurrence or persistence after 6 months from initial presentation into: acute-resolved (AR, no recurrences), chronic-recurrent (CR), and chronic-recurrent with subretinal fibrosis (SRF). Recurrences were defined as the presence of clinical and/or fluorescein angiography findings. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients (58 eyes) with a median follow-up of 65 months were included. Six (21 %), 11 (38 %) and 12 (41 %) patients were allocated to AR, CR, and SRF groups respectively. Though having received treatment within 1 month of onset, median time to initial treatment differed among groups (11, 15, and 25 days, in AR, CR, and SRF groups respectively). Intensity of immunosuppression, cataract development, and longer time to achieve logMAR visual acuity ≤0.8 differed significantly among the groups, being more severe in SRF group. HLA-DRB1*0405 allele followed the same trend, though not reaching significance (0.5 in AR group, 0.6 in CR, and 0.8 in SRF). CONCLUSION: VKH disease in Brazilian patients evolved to chronic-recurrent disease in 79 % of cases; 38 % developed subretinal fibrosis, in spite of similar initial treatment regimens. Time to initiate treatment influenced outcomes.

Lifespan and population dynamics of the endemic South American shrimp Artemesia longinaris (Crustacea: Penaeidae) in southeastern Brazil.

The present study investigated the growth, longevity and reproductive dynamics of Artemesia longinaris in the southeastern coast of Brazil over a two-year period. Monthly collections were conducted in Ubatuba and Caraguatatuba using a shrimp fishing boat equipped with "double-rig" nets. Each region was divided into 7 sampling stations up to 35 m deep. Size frequency distributions, growth, longevity, sex ratio, and abundance of individuals in each demographic class, were compared. The relationship between abiotic factors and abundance of each demographic class was assessed using a Canonical Correlation Analysis. A total of 64,641 individuals were collected (6,928 measured) with an estimated longevity of 1.30 (Ubatuba) and 1.14 (Caraguatatuba) years for females and 1.03 years for males in both regions. There was a statistically significant bias in sex ratio toward females (Chi-squared test, p < 0.05) in both regions. The Canonical Correlation Analysis resulted in a canonical correlation coefficient of 0.31 (p = 0.00002). Salinity and temperature showed high correlation mainly with the presence of reproductive females. In general, this demographic class was most common in conditions of low temperature and high salinity. These findings, as well as other studies carried out in colder regions with the same species, are consistent with classical latitudinal paradigm.

Multilayered pigment epithelial detachment in neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

PURPOSE: To describe the spectral domain optical coherence tomography findings in eyes with chronic fibrovascular pigment epithelial detachment (PED) receiving intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy. METHODS: Retrospective observational case series of patients with chronic fibrovascular PEDs receiving serial intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy. Corresponding spectral domain optical coherence tomography scans of chronic PEDs were studied in detail over multiple visits. The internal structure within the sub-PED compartment was analyzed, characteristic features were identified, and then correlated with visual outcome. RESULTS: Thirty-eight eyes of 34 patients with fibrovascular PEDs were included. Mean and median Snellen visual acuity was 20/50 (range, 20/20-20/400). Eyes received a mean of 28.2 intravitreal anti-VEGF injections (median, 23.0; range, 3-70) administered over a mean of 36.9 months (median, 37.5; range, 6-84). A fusiform, or spindle-shaped, complex of highly organized layered hyperreflective bands was noted within each PED. Nineteen eyes demonstrated heterogenous, dilated, irregular neovascular tissue adherent to the undersurface of the retinal pigment epithelium. Additionally, 25 eyes demonstrated a hyporeflective cavity separating the choroidal neovascularization complex from the underlying choroid. CONCLUSION: Chronic fibrovascular PEDs receiving serial anti-VEGF therapy demonstrate a characteristic fusiform complex of highly organized, layered, hyperreflective bands, termed a "multilayered PED," which is often seen in conjunction with neovascular tissue adherent to the undersurface of the retinal pigment epithelium monolayer. On the basis of previous histopathologic correlations, these bands may represent a fibrous tissue complex with contractile properties. An associated hyporeflective space, termed a "pre-choroidal cleft," separates the fusiform complex from the underlying choroid and may be due to contraction, the exudation of fluid, or both. Many of these eyes maintain good visual acuity, presumably because the neovascular and cicatricial process is suppressed within the sub-retinal pigment epithelium space by chronic anti-VEGF therapy, thus permitting the viability of the photoreceptor population through preservation of the retinal pigment epithelium.

Annual, seasonal and spatial abundance of the seabob shrimp Xiphopenaeus kroyeri (Decapoda, Penaeidae) off the Southeastern coast of Brazil.

We investigated the influence of environmental factors in spatial and temporal distribution of the seabob shrimp Xiphopenaeus kroyeri in Santos Bay and São Vicente Estuary, state of São Paulo, Brazil. Monthly samples were obtained, from May 2008 through April 2010, from four locations in the estuary and four in the bay. No individual was collected in the estuary and this was attributed to the low salinity means recorded in this environment. We collected 109,153 individuals in the bay and there was no difference in abundance between the two years comprised by the study period. The similarity in spatial distribution can be related to sediment grain size that in all sampling locations showed great amount of very fine sand. The largest amount of reproductive females was obtained in early 2010, when temperature was high, and this could have increased the juvenile recruitment in April 2010. According to our results, the distribution of X. kroyeri in the study area is influenced by temperature, which is related to reproduction, and salinity, limiting the entrance of individuals in the estuarine region.

A new southern Atlantic cryptic marine shrimp species of Acetes (Decapoda, Sergestidae).

A recently published molecular phylogenetic analysis, focusing on selected Western Atlantic subspecies of Acetesamericanus Ortmann, 1893 and allies, was inconclusive about relationships among these members. This previous study found three groups that split into two distinct lineages: Acetesamericanus (Brazil 1) (= A.americanus sensu stricto) and Acetesamericanus (Brazil 2) + A.americanus (USA). Combined morphometry and molecular analyses applied to members of the group Acetesamericanus (Brazil 2) revealed a new unidentified species genetically related to the A.americanus representatives. However, at that time, no conclusive morphological characters were found to identify it. In the present study, following an in-depth morphological analysis of specimens from the three groups, including data on the type series and consideration of the subtle distinctions of members of each lineage, morphological features of the reproductive structures (petasma and genital sternite) were found to characterize the new species, which is formally described and named herein.

Intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin) for persistent new vessels in diabetic retinopathy (IBEPE study): 1-year results.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of intravitreal bevacizumab on area of fluorescein leakage from active new vessels (NVs) and on best-corrected visual acuity in patients with actively leaking NV associated with diabetic retinopathy unresponsive to panretinal photocoagulation. METHODS: A prospective open-label study of diabetic patients with actively leaking NV refractory to panretinal photocoagulation and best-corrected visual acuity worse than 20/40. Ophthalmic evaluation, including fluorescein angiography, was performed at baseline and at Weeks 1, 6, 12, 24, and 48 after intravitreal bevacizumab (1.5 mg/0.06 mL) injection. After Week 12, patients could receive additional intravitreal bevacizumab injections pro re nata, per the discretion of the treating ophthalmologist. Main outcome measures include change from baseline (at each study visit) in total area of fluorescein leakage from active NV and change from baseline in best-corrected visual acuity. RESULTS: Fifteen consecutive patients were included, and 12 completed the study. Mean ± SEM fluorescein leakage was 27.7 ± 6.2 mm at baseline and was significantly lower at all visits post injection; at Week 6, no leakage was observed (P = 0.0001). The mean ± SEM logarithm of minimum angle of resolution best-corrected visual acuity improved from 0.90 ± 0.11 at baseline to 0.70 ± 0.12 at Week 48 (P = 0.0449). Throughout the 48-week study period, patients received a mean of 2.16 injections. CONCLUSION: With 1-year follow-up, treatment with intravitreal bevacizumab was associated with reduced fluorescein leakage from persistent NV and improved visual acuity in patients with diabetic retinopathy unresponsive to panretinal photocoagulation.

Effect of environmental factors on the abundance of decapod crustaceans from soft bottoms off southeastern Brazil.

This study investigated the importance of variations in environmental factors affecting the abundance patterns of decapods on the southeastern Brazilian coast. Sampling was carried out monthly from January 1998 through December 1999 in Ubatumirim and Mar Virado, Ubatuba region, using a commercial shrimp fishing boat equipped with double-rig nets. Six areas adjacent to rocky shores were chosen. Bottom-water samples were collected using a Nansen bottle, to measure the temperature and salinity. Sediment samples were also obtained by means of a Van Veen grab, for determination of texture and organic-matter content. The association of environmental factors with species abundance was evaluated by Canonical Correspondence Analysis (α = 0.05). Forty-one species of Decapoda were used in the multivariate analysis. The analysis indicated that sediment texture (phi) and bottom temperature were the main factors correlated (p < 0.05) with the spatial and temporal abundance of the species. Considering the study region as faunal transition zone, including a mixture of species of both tropical and subantarctic origin, the species responded differently to environmental factors, mainly temperature. It is conceivable that the decapods adjust their distribution according to their intrinsic physiological limitations, possibly as a result of the available resources.

Prosthetic rehabilitation and management of an MTA-treated maxillary central incisor with root perforation and severe internal resorption.

Root canal perforation and root resorption are challenging clinical conditions to correctly diagnose and treat, especially when they occur in anterior teeth. This clinical report describes the computed tomography findings, endodontic treatment, prosthetic rehabilitation, and clinical outcome of an iatrogenic root perforation and internal resorption in a maxillary central incisor. The case management consisted of endodontic retreatment, periodontal surgery, and prosthetic rehabilitation. Gray mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) was used to fill the resorption space and seal the perforation. The prosthetic treatment was performed with glass fiber-reinforced dowels and all-ceramic crowns. No signs or symptoms, including discomfort, pain, or esthetic defects were observed in 30 months of follow-up.

First zoeal stage of the partner shrimp Periclimenes paivai Chace, with remarks on the genus Periclimenes O.G. Costa (Caridea, Palaemonidae.

The morphology of the first zoeal stage of Periclimenes paivai Chace is described and illustrated for the first time. Larvae were obtained from three females with embryos, caught in the type locality (Cananéia, São Paulo state, Brazil). The morphological characters are detailed and compared with all previous descriptions of larvae in the genus (P. amethysteus, P. brevicarpalis, P. diversipes, P. pandionis, P. sagittifer and P. soror). The zoeae I of Periclimenes species are very similar, but P. paivai can be separated from the other six species by means of five characteristics: 8 plumose setae on the inner margin of the antennal scale, one spine on the endopod of the maxillule, one cuspidate seta on the basal endite of the maxilulle, one plumose seta on the single coxal endite of the maxilla, and one plumose seta on the endopod of the maxilla. Remarks from a comparative analysis of available descriptions of the genus are furnished.