The chronology of Gezer from the end of the late bronze age to iron age II: A meeting point for radiocarbon, archaeology egyptology and the Bible.

The ancient southern Levantine city of Gezer is well-known from Egyptian, Biblical and Assyrian sources, associated with power struggles, conquests, and intriguing tales involving figures such as Milkilu and Amenhotep III, Merneptah, the Philistines, Solomon and his unidentified pharaonic father-in-law, and Shishak / Sheshonq I. Since the identity of Gezer with "Tell Jezer" is quite literally 'set in stone' by some dozen boundary inscriptions, along with impressive Bronze and Iron Age remains, research at this site provides a unique opportunity to compare text and archaeology, as well as bring to light the undocumented everyday lives of the city's inhabitants. In this endeavour, independent scientific dating is crucial for anchoring the remains chronologically. This paper presents the first substantial radiocarbon dataset and Bayesian chronological analysis for Gezer spanning the last part of the Late Bronze Age (LBA; LB IIB) through Iron Age II. The dataset derives from an essentially continuous stratigraphic sequence exposed in recent years by the Tandy expedition along the central-southern edge of the site. The results allow us for the first time to independently determine the site chronology, test the viability (from a chronological perspective) of proposed historical correlations, and contribute to debates on Philistine and Iron Age chronology.

Pulp volume quantification methods in cone-beam computed tomography for age estimation: A critical review and meta-analysis.

The secondary dentin deposition that occurs after the tooth formation process results in a decrease in pulp cavity volume in adolescents and adults. The purpose of this critical review was to correlate pulpal and/or dental volume on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) with chronological age approximation. A subobjective was to investigate which methodology and CBCT technical parameters would be most appropriate to evaluate this correlation. This critical review followed the PRISMA guidelines, and it was conducted by a search through PubMed, Embase, SciELO, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library databases, as well as gray literature. Primary studies that used pulp volume, or pulp chamber to tooth volume ratio measured using CBCT were included. Seven hundred and eight indexed and 31 non-indexed records were identified. A qualitative analysis was performed including 25 selected studies with a total of 5100 individuals, age ranging from 8 to 87 years without sex predilection. The most used method was pulp volume/tooth volume. CBCT voxel size ranged between 0.09 and 0.5. Manual segmentation associated with threshold algorithms was used in most of the studies. Correlation between the pulp volume/tooth volume ratio was moderate: -0.66 for the upper central incisors, -0.59 for upper canines and -0.56 for lower canines. High heterogeneity was observed among the studies. It is concluded that pulp volume should be used with caution in age estimation. Evidence supports the preferable use of upper incisors with pulp volume/tooth volume ratio for age estimation. There is not enough evidence that voxel size interferes in age estimation by pulp volume.

Efficacy and tooth sensitivity of at-home bleaching in patients with esthetic restorations: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the color change and tooth sensitivity (TS) caused by at-home bleaching in patients with sound and with restored teeth. METHODS: Forty patients were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria and divided into two groups: So (patients with six caries-free maxillary anterior teeth) and Re (patients with at least one restoration in the six maxillary anterior teeth). Both groups were bleached with 10% carbamide peroxide (CP) at-home bleaching. The color change (CIELab [ΔE*ab], CIEDE00 [ΔE00], and whiteness index [∆WID]) were assessed using a spectrophotometer at baseline, 2 weeks, and 1 and 3 months after bleaching. Patients recorded their TS using a numeric rating scale (0-4). Data of color change were submitted to Student's T-test. The absolute risk and intensity of TS were compared using Fisher's and the Mann-Whitney tests, respectively (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Higher ΔE*ab, ΔE00, and ∆WID values were observed for So in relation to Re after all recall rate (p < 0.0001). No significant differences were observed regarding of bleaching-induced TS (p > 0.9). CONCLUSIONS: At-home dental bleaching with 10% CP generated the same pattern of TS in patients with or without restorations. However, in patients with restored teeth, it produced a lower color change after 2 weeks of bleaching. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: After 2 weeks of at-home bleaching, a lower whitening effect was observed in patients with anterior restorations when compared with patients with sound teeth. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier RBR-52j6gmg.

Dermatofibrossarcoma atrófico: a importância da suspeita clínica / Atrophic Dermatofibrosarcoma: the importance of clinical suspicion

Dermatofibrossarcoma protuberante é tumor fibro-histiocítico de malignidade intermediária, relativamente incomum e recidivante. Sua variante mais rara é conhecida como atrófica, tipo morfeia ou dermatofibrossarcoma não protuberante, sendo de difícil diagnóstico clínico. Não há critérios dermatoscópicos bem estabelecidos, portanto o diagnóstico é histopatológico. Existem avanços nas áreas da imuno-histoquímica e da genética que auxiliam no diagnóstico e excisão cirúrgica completa. Relatamos um caso de dermatofibrossarcoma atrófico em paciente de 27 anos, revisado na literatura quanto aos aspectos clínicos, dermatoscópicos, histopatológicos e genéticos.

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans is an uncommon and relapsing fibrohistiocytic tumor of intermediate malignancy. Its rarest variant is known as atrophic, morphea type or dermatofibrosarcoma non protuberans and its clinical diagnose is difficult. There are not well established dermatoscopic criteria, so the diagnosis is histopathologic. There are advances in immunohistochemical and genetic that help the diagnosis and complete surgical excision. It is reported a case of atrophic dermatofibrosarcoma in a 27 years patient ant it is reviewed the clinical, dermoscopic, histological and genetic aspects.

Bier's spots with onset in childhood

Abstract Bier spots are small, irregular, hypopigmented macules that are usually found on the arms and legs. The macules disappear when the limb is raised. Bier spots have been reported in association with a number of conditions but there is no consistent association to specific desease. Although they usually affect young adults, we report a case of Bier spots that began in childhood. As an asymptomatic and possibly transitional condition, the disease does not require treatment.

Bier's spots with onset in childhood.

Bier spots are small, irregular, hypopigmented macules that are usually found on the arms and legs. The macules disappear when the limb is raised. Bier spots have been reported in association with a number of conditions but there is no consistent association to specific desease. Although they usually affect young adults, we report a case of Bier spots that began in childhood. As an asymptomatic and possibly transitional condition, the disease does not require treatment.

[Knowledge of physicians and obstetric nurses about the prevention of neural tube defects]. / Conhecimento de médicos e enfermeiros obstetras sobre a prevenção dos defeitos no tubo neural.

The scope of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of obstetricians and obstetric nurses about folic acid in the prevention of neural tube defects (NTD). A cross-sectional study was conducted in which 118 volunteers (95 physicians and 23 nurses) answered a questionnaire with 21 questions about prevention of NTD. The data were analyzed according to the reported knowledge, the recommendations made by the Brazilian Ministry of Health (MOH) and the scientific evidence (SE) available in the literature on the topic. The knowledge based on the SE and recommendations of MOH was different (4.64 ± 0.20 vs. 5.55 ± 0.15, p <0.001, Mean ± SEM). There was no difference between the knowledge of respondents compared to their training, the time spent in prenatal care and between the two classes of professionals evaluated. There were differences between the reported knowledge and that based on SE (6.76 ± 0.18 vs. 4.64 ± 0.15, p <0.001) and based on the MOH recommendations (6.76 ± 0.18 vs. 5.55 ± 0.20, p <0.001). Thus, the conclusion reached was that 94.1% of those evaluated reported knowing the importance of folic acid in preventing NTD, though 64.2% reported that they did not know when to begin administration of the supplement.

Conhecimento de médicos e enfermeiros obstetras sobre a prevenção dos defeitos no tubo neural / Knowledge of physicians and obstetric nurses about the prevention of neural tube defects

Foi avaliado o nível de conhecimento de médicos e enfermeiros obstetras sobre a utilização de ácido fólico (AF) para a prevenção dos defeitos do fechamento do tubo neural (DFTN). Estudo descritivo transversal no qual 118 voluntários (95 médicos e 23 enfermeiros), responderam um questionário com 21 perguntas sobre a prevenção dos DFTN. Os dados foram analisados em função do conhecimento relatado, das recomendações preconizadas pelo Ministério da Saúde (MS) e das evidências científicas (EC) disponíveis sobre o assunto investigado. O nível de conhecimento baseado nas EC e nas recomendações do MS foi diferente (4,64 ± 0,20 vs 5,55 ± 0,15; p < 0,001; Média ± EPM). Não houve diferença entre o nível de conhecimento quando comparado à formação dos mesmos, ao tempo que realizam atendimento pré-natal e entre as duas classes de profissionais avalia­dos. Houve diferença entre o nível de conhecimento relatado e o baseado nas EC (6,76 ± 0,18 vs 4,64 ± 0,15; p < 0,001) e o baseado nas recomendações do MS (6,76 ± 0,18 vs 5,55 ± 0,20; p < 0,001), 94,1% dos profissionais conhecem o papel do ácido fólico, contudo, 64,2% relataram não saber quando iniciar a suplementação no pré-natal. Frente ao exposto foi verificado que a grande maioria dos avaliados relatou conhecer a importância do AF na prevenção do DFTN, porém, existe ainda desconhecimento sobre o assunto investigado.

The scope of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of obstetricians and obstetric nurses about folic acid in the prevention of neural tube defects (NTD). A cross-sectional study was conducted in which 118 volunteers (95 physicians and 23 nurses) answered a questionnaire with 21 questions about prevention of NTD. The data were analyzed according to the reported knowledge, the recommendations made by the Brazilian Ministry of Health (MOH) and the scientific evidence (SE) available in the literature on the topic. The knowledge based on the SE and recommendations of MOH was different (4.64 ± 0.20 vs. 5.55 ± 0.15, p <0.001, Mean ± SEM). There was no difference between the knowledge of respondents compared to their training, the time spent in prenatal care and between the two classes of professionals evaluated. There were differences between the reported knowledge and that based on SE (6.76 ± 0.18 vs. 4.64 ± 0.15, p <0.001) and based on the MOH recommendations (6.76 ± 0.18 vs. 5.55 ± 0.20, p <0.001). Thus, the conclusion reached was that 94.1% of those evaluated reported knowing the importance of folic acid in preventing NTD, though 64.2% reported that they did not know when to begin administration of the supplement.

Verificação das respostas do Mismatch Negativity (MMN) em sujeitos idosos / Mismatch Negativity (MMN) response studies in elderly subjects

Mismatch Negativity é potencial endógeno que reflete o processamento de diferenças ocorridas no estímulo acústico. Objetivo: Caracterizar as respostas do MMN em sujeitos idosos, comparar com sujeitos adultos. Material e método: Estudo prospectivo, com 30 sujeitos, 15 do gênero masculino e 15 do gênero masculino, com idade entre 60 e 80 anos e 11 meses. Teste estatístico Mann-Whitney. Os sujeitos passaram por avaliação médica e pelos exames de Audiometria Tonal Liminar, Imitanciometria, Emissões Otoacústicas e Potenciais Auditivos de Curta e Longa Latência (MMN). Resultados: A latência média foi de 161,33ms (CZA2) e 148,67ms (CZA1), gênero feminino; de 171ms (CZA2) e 159,07ms (CZA1), gênero masculino. A amplitude média foi de -2,753µV (CZA2) e -2,177µV (CZA1), gênero feminino; de -1,847µV (CZA2) e -1,953µV (CZA1), gênero masculino. Quanto aos hemisférios direito e esquerdo, variável latência, média de 166ms (CZA2) e 153,87ms (CZA1); para a variável amplitude, média de -2,316µV (CZA2) e -2,065µV (CZA1). Conclusão: Não há diferença estatística significante entre as variáveis latência e amplitude, ao se comparar os gêneros masculino e feminino, os lados direito e esquerdo nos sujeitos idosos e entre as idades cronológicas adultos e idosos.

Mismatch Negativity is an endogenous potential which reflects the processing of differences incurred in the acoustic stimulus. AIM: to characterize MMN responses in elderly subjects and compare with adult subjects. Materials and methods: prospective study involving 30 subjects, 15 men and 15 women, aged between 60 and 80 years and 11 months. Statistical test: Mann-Whitney. The subjects went through medical evaluation, threshold tonal audiometry, immittance tests, otoacoustic emissions and short and long latency auditory potentials (MMN). Results: mean latency was 161.33 ms (CZA2) and 148.67 ms (CZA1), in women; of 171 ms (CZA2) and 159.07 ms (CZA1), men. Mean amplitude was -2.753 µV (CZA2) and -2.177 µV (CZA1), women; -1.847 µV (CZA2) and -1.953 µV (CZA1), men. As to the right and left hemispheres, mean latency variable of 166 ms (CZA2) and 153.87 ms (CZA1); for the amplitude variable, mean value of -2.316 µV (CZA2) and -2.065 µV (CZA1). Conclusion: there is no statistically significant difference between the latency and amplitude when we compared males and females, right and left sides in the elderly and between chronologic ages between adults and elderly subjects.

Mismatch Negativity (MMN) response studies in elderly subjects.

UNLABELLED: Mismatch Negativity is an endogenous potential which reflects the processing of differences incurred in the acoustic stimulus. AIM: to characterize MMN responses in elderly subjects and compare with adult subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: prospective study involving 30 subjects, 15 men and 15 women, aged between 60 and 80 years and 11 months. Statistical test: Mann-Whitney. The subjects went through medical evaluation, threshold tonal audiometry, immittance tests, otoacoustic emissions and short and long latency auditory potentials (MMN). RESULTS: mean latency was 161.33 ms (CZA2) and 148.67 ms (CZA1), in women; of 171 ms (CZA2) and 159.07 ms (CZA1), men. Mean amplitude was -2.753 microV (CZA2) and -2.177 microV (CZA1), women; -1.847 microV (CZA2) and -1.953 microV (CZA1), men. As to the right and left hemispheres, mean latency variable of 166 ms (CZA2) and 153.87 ms (CZA1); for the amplitude variable, mean value of -2.316 microV (CZA2) and -2.065 microV (CZA1). CONCLUSION: there is no statistically significant difference between the latency and amplitude when we compared males and females, right and left sides in the elderly and between chronologic ages between adults and elderly subjects.