INCIDENCE OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS IN URUGUAY. A PROSPECTIVE POPULATION-BASED STUDY.

Background The worldwide incidence of multiple sclerosis (MS) is estimated at 0.5-10 cases per 100,000 person-years and is probably increasing. In 2014, a previous study estimated the incidence of multiple sclerosis in Uruguay at 1.2 cases per 100.000 person-years. Objectives We conducted an observational, prospective, population-based study to determine MS incidence from diagnosis in Uruguay. Methods The population studied included people older than 18 years of age, who were living in Uruguay between July 1, 2019, and June 30, 2021. The diagnosis was based on 2017 McDonald criteria. Multiple data sources were employed including neurologists, magnetic resonance imaging centers, laboratories performing oligoclonal band testing, neurophysiology laboratories, neurorehabilitation centers, the institution Fondo Nacional de Recursos, and the MS Patients' Association of Uruguay (EMUR). The capture-recapture method was used to estimate incidence. Results 155 new MS cases were confirmed after review. The median age was 35 (range 18-62). Thirteen patients (8.38%) were diagnosed with late onset MS. The crude incidence rate was 2.89 cases per 100,000 person-years, 3.95 among female and 1.72 among male patients. The incidence rate estimated using the capture-recapture method was 3.18 (95% CI 3.02-3.34). Conclusions According to the Atlas of MS, Uruguay has a low incidence rate (2.0-3.99), even though it is one of the highest in Latin America. Our country aligns with the global trend of increasing incidence. Age and sex distribution were similar to other studies, with a high incidence of patients with late onset multiple sclerosis. The capture-recapture method confirms the exhaustivity of our investigation.

Implications of dietary carbon incorporation in fish carbonates for the global carbon cycle.

Marine bony fish are important participants in Earth's carbon cycle through their contributions to the biological pump and the marine inorganic carbon cycle. However, uncertainties in the composition and magnitude of fish contributions preclude their integration into fully coupled carbon-climate models. Here, we consider recent upwards revisions to global fish biomass estimates (2.7-9.5×) and provide new stable carbon isotope measurements that show marine fish are prodigious producers of carbonate with unique composition. Assuming the median increase (4.17×) in fish biomass estimates is linearly reflected in fish carbonate (ichthyocarbonate) production rate, marine fish are estimated to produce between 1.43 and 3.99 Pg CaCO3 yr-1, but potentially as much as 9.03 Pg CaCO3 yr-1. Thus, marine fish carbonate production is equivalent to or potentially higher than contributions by coccolithophores or pelagic foraminifera. New stable carbon isotope analyses indicate that a significant proportion of ichthyocarbonate is derived from dietary carbon, rather than seawater dissolved inorganic carbon. Using a statistical mixing model to derive source contributions, we estimate ichthyocarbonate contains up to 81 % dietary carbon, with average compositions of 28-56 %, standing in contrast to contents <10 % in other biogenic carbonate minerals. Results also indicate ichthyocarbonate contains 5.5-40.4 % total organic carbon. When scaled to the median revised global production of ichthyocarbonate, an additional 0.08 to 1.61 Pg C yr-1 can potentially be added to estimates of fish contributions to the biological pump, significantly increasing marine fish contributions to total surface carbon export. Our integration of geochemical and physiological analyses identifies an overlooked link between carbonate production and the biological pump. Since ichthyocarbonate production is anticipated to increase with climate change scenarios, due to ocean warming and acidification, these results emphasize the importance of quantitative understanding of the multifaceted role of marine fish in the global carbon cycle.

Correction: Effect of non-covalent self-dimerization on the spectroscopic and electrochemical properties of mixed Cu(i) complexes.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1039/D2RA05341A.].

Effect of non-covalent self-dimerization on the spectroscopic and electrochemical properties of mixed Cu(i) complexes.

A series of six new Cu(i) complexes with ([Cu(N-{4-R}pyridine-2-yl-methanimine)(PPh3)Br]) formulation, where R corresponds to a donor or acceptor p-substituent, have been synthesized and were used to study self-association effects on their structural and electrochemical properties. X-ray diffraction results showed that in all complexes the packing is organized from a dimer generated by supramolecular π stacking and hydrogen bonding. 1H-NMR experiments at several concentrations showed that all complexes undergo a fast-self-association monomer-dimer equilibrium in solution, while changes in resonance frequency towards the high or low field in specific protons of the imine ligand allow establishing that dimers have similar structures to those found in the crystal. The thermodynamic parameters for this self-association process were calculated from dimerization constants determined by VT-1H-NMR experiments for several concentrations at different temperatures. The values for K D (4.0 to 70.0 M-1 range), ΔH (-1.4 to -2.6 kcal mol-1 range), ΔS (-0.2 to 2.1 cal mol-1 K-1 range), and ΔG 298 (-0.8 to -2.0 kcal mol-1 range) are of the same order and indicate that the self-dimerization process is enthalpically driven for all complexes. The electrochemical profile of the complexes shows two redox Cu(ii)/Cu(i) processes whose relative intensities are sensitive to concentration changes, indicating that both species are in chemical equilibrium, with the monomer and the dimer having different electrochemical characteristics. We associate this behaviour with the structural lability of the Cu(i) centre that allows the monomeric molecules to reorder conformationally to achieve a more adequate assembly in the non-covalent dimer. As expected, structural properties in the solid and in solution, as well as their electrochemical properties, are not correlated with the electronic parameters usually used to evaluate R substituent effects. This confirms that the properties of the Cu(i) complexes are usually more influenced by steric effects than by the inductive effects of substituents of the ligands. In fact, the results obtained showed the importance of non-covalent intermolecular interactions in the structuring of the coordination geometry around the Cu centre and in the coordinative stability to avoid dissociative equilibria.

Evaluation of dentin microroughness and composite bond strength after multiple uses of diamond burs / Evaluación de la micro rugosidad dentinaria y la resistencia adhesiva de composites tras múltiples usos de fresas de diamante

Abstract Using a bur multiple times to prepare dental structure may produce a smoother final surface on dentin than a new one. This superficial roughness may affect adhesion with resin-based materials by modifying the substrates' characteristics. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of multiple uses of diamond burs on dentin's superficial microroughness and bond strength with resin composite when using a self-etch adhesive. Diamond dental burs were used to simulate a preparation (dentin flat surface) on extracted third molars. Samples were distributed into groups according to burs' number of previous uses as follows: 0, 1, 5 and 10. Scanning electron microscopy images at 70x, 350x, and 1000x were used to illustrate burs' deformation. Each specimen's dentin microroughness was measured three times to compare between experimental groups and the micro-shear bond strength test (n=15) was performed for the 0 and 10 uses groups using a universal adhesive in a self- etching mode. Diamond crystals wear and dislodgements were evident among groups where the burs were used more times. As the number of uses increased the mean microroughness of the dentin surface decreased with significant differences between the 0 and 10 uses groups. No statistical differences between experimental groups resulted from bond strength tests. When using a universal adhesive in a self-etching mode, the number of previous uses of a diamond bur seems to have no significant effect on dentin/resin composite bond strength.

Resumen El uso de una fresa múltiples veces para preparar la estructura dental puede producir una superficie final más lisa en la dentina que una fresa nueva. Esta rugosidad superficial modifica las características del sustrato y puede afectar la adhesión con materiales resinosos. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el efecto de los múltiples usos de las fresas de diamante sobre la micro rugosidad superficial de la dentina y la resistencia adhesiva con la resina compuesta cuando se utiliza un adhesivo de autograbado. Se utilizaron fresas dentales de diamante para simular una preparación (superficie plana de la dentina) en terceros molares extraídos. Las muestras se distribuyeron en grupos según el número de usos previos de las fresas de la siguiente manera: 0, 1, 5 y 10. Se utilizaron imágenes de microscopía electrónica de barrido a ×70, ×350 y ×1000 para ilustrar la deformación de las fresas. Se midió la micro rugosidad de la dentina de cada espécimen tres veces para comparar entre los grupos experimentales y se realizó la prueba de resistencia a la adhesión por micro cizallamiento (n=15) para los grupos de 0 y 10 usos utilizando un adhesivo universal en modo de autograbado. El desgaste de los cristales de diamante y los desprendimientos fueron evidentes entre los grupos en los que las fresas se utilizaron más veces. A medida que aumentaba el número de usos, la micro rugosidad media de la superficie de la dentina disminuyó, con diferencias significativas entre los grupos de 0 y 10 usos. En las pruebas de resistencia adhesiva no se observaron diferencias estadísticas entre los grupos experimentales. Cuando se utiliza un adhesivo universal en modo de autograbado, el número de usos previos de una fresa de diamante no parece tener un efecto significativo en la resistencia de la unión dentina/resina del composite.

Final irrigation protocols affect radicular dentin DMP1-CT expression, microhardness, and biochemical composition.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of several final irrigation protocols on radicular dentin microhardness, biochemical composition, and DMP1-CT expression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 140 single-rooted human teeth were prepared with WaveOne Gold files and randomly distributed into 7 groups (n = 20) according to the final irrigation protocol: distilled water (DW); sodium hypochlorite-EDTA (NaOCl-EDTA); EDTA (EDTA); EDTA-NaOCl (EDTA-NaOCl); EDTA-chlorhexidine (EDTA-CHX); passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI:NaOCl-EDTA); and PUI:NaOCl-EDTA-NaOCl. Dentin microhardness (n = 10) was evaluated in the root canal lumen using Vickers hardness tester. Immunohistochemical analysis (n = 5) was used to evaluate DMP1-CT expression. Dentin ultrastructure and biochemical composition were evaluated by using Raman and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) (n = 5) with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey test were performed (p˂0.05). RESULTS: Raman spectra of the organic content and DMP1-CT expression were lower at the lumen canal in EDTA-NaOCl, PUI:NaOCl-EDTA, and PUI:NaOCl-EDTA-NaOCl when compared to control (p < 0.05). EDAX showed reduced values for calcium and phosphorus in EDTA-NaOCl, PUI:NaOCl-EDTA, and PUI:NaOCl-EDTA-NaOCl. SEM microphotography's showed completely cleaned dentin, permeable tubules, and dentin erosion, mainly when PUI was used. NaOCl-EDTA presented significantly higher microhardness values than PUI:NaOCl-EDTA-NaOCl (p < 0.05). PUI:NaOCl-EDTA-NaOCl exhibited the lowest Vickers hardness values of all groups. CONCLUSION: The final irrigation protocols that used a final rinse with NaOCl and PUI showed a detrimental effect on radicular dentin DMP1-CT expression, biochemical composition, and microhardness. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The adequate irrigation protocol could be advantageous to preserve the radicular dentin ultrastructure, promote adequate adhesion, and sustain favorable conditions for biomineralization and regeneration.

Effect of universal adhesives and self-etch ceramic primers on bond strength to glass ceramics: A systematic review and meta-analysis of in vitro studies.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: To simplify dental procedures, multicomponent products such as universal adhesives and self-etch ceramic primers have been recommended for glass-ceramic bonding; however, studies have shown a wide range of results. PURPOSE: The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to analyze the in vitro bond strength promoted by hydrofluoric acid+silane-containing universal adhesives and a self-etch ceramic primer to glass-ceramics and compare it with that of conventional treatments. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in the PubMed/Medline, Scopus, LILACS, and ISI Web of Science databases up to April 2021. In vitro studies assessing the resin-mediated bond to glass-ceramics by using a self-etch ceramic primer and hydrofluoric acid+silane-containing universal adhesives and/or compared with traditional hydrofluoric acid+glass-ceramic primers were included. Selection of studies, data extraction, and risk-of-bias analysis were performed. Statistical analysis was performed by using a review management software program using a random effects model (α=.05). RESULTS: A total of 33 studies were included in the qualitative analysis and 26 studies in the quantitative analysis. Bond strength to lithium disilicate ceramic was higher when a hydrofluoric acid+glass-ceramic primer was used than when using a hydrofluoric acid+silane-containing universal adhesive (P<.05), except when 9% to 10% acid concentration was used in combination with static aging (P=.100). A self-etch ceramic primer promoted bond strength values to lithium disilicate that were similar to those of the hydrofluoric acid+glass-ceramic primer (P>.100). CONCLUSIONS: Hydrofluoric acid+silane-containing universal adhesive was not as effective as the hydrofluoric acid+glass-ceramic primer in promoting bond strength to glass-ceramic. Bond strength values generated by a self-etch ceramic primer to glass-ceramic were similar to those generated by the conventional treatment.

Microscopic analysis of the myocardial bridges and their relationship with atheromatous plaque / Análisis microscópico de los puentes miocárdicos y su relación con la placa ateromatosa

SUMMARY: Most histopathological studies have reported that the segment of the coronary artery below the myocardial bridge does not present atheromatous plaque, while the segment proximal to the myocardial bridge may have it. The aim of this study was to evaluate the microscopic environment of myocardial bridges. This descriptive study was carried out with 60 hearts of individuals who underwent autopsy at the National Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences in Bucaramanga-Colombia. For each specimen, the coronary arteries and their branches were dissected, removing the subepicardial adipose tissue to identify the myocardial bridges and obtain histological sections of the compromised arterial branches. The presence of myocardial bridges was observed in 22 hearts (36.7%) with a length of 17.31 + 4.41 mm and a thickness of 904.57 + 312.27 mm. The coronary vessel caliber at the prepontine level was 246.57 + 49.33 mm and was significantly higher than in the pontine (188.92 + 60.55 mm) and postpontin (190.40 + 47 mm) segments (p=0.001 for both values). Atheromatous plaque was observed in the prepontine segment in 12 cases (46.15 %) and in 8 samples (30.76%) at the pontine level, but in this segment, there was slight damage to the vascular endothelium, or phase I level. The thickness of the tunica intima in the cases with atheromatous plaque was 15.68 + 13.39 mm and that of the plaque-free segments was 5.10 + 4.40 mm (p=0.005), and in the pontine segment the overlying periarterial adipose tissue had a thickness of 72.01 + 69.44 mm, which was higher than the other three locations (p=0.005). The morphometry of the perivascular fat pad and the presence of phase I atheromatous plaque are the main contributions of this study to the histology of myocardial bridges.

RESUMEN: La mayoría de los estudios histopatológicos han reportado que el segmento de la arteria coronaria debajo del puente miocárdico no presenta placa ateromatosa, mientras que el segmento proximal al puente miocárdico puede tenerla. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el entorno microscópico de los puentes miocárdico. Este estudio descriptivo se realizó con 60 corazones de individuos a quienes se les práctico autopsia en el Instituto Nacional de Medicina Legal y Ciencias Forenses de Bucaramanga-Colombia. Para cada espécimen se realizó disección de las arterias coronarias y sus ramas, eliminando el tejido adiposo subepicárdico para identificar los puentes miocárdicos y obtener secciones histológicas de las ramas arteriales comprometidas. Se observó presencia de puentes miocárdicos en 22 corazones (36,7 %) con una longitud de 17.31 + 4.41 mm y un espesor de 904.57 + 312.27 mm. El calibre del vaso coronario a nivel prepontino fue 246.57 + 49.33 mm y fue significativamente mayor que en el segmento pontino (188.92 + 60.55 mm) y pospontino (190.40 + 47 mm) (p=0.001 para ambos valores). Se observó placa ateromatosa en el segmento prepontino en 12 casos (46.15 %) y en 8 muestras (30.76%) al nivel pontino, pero en este segmento, correspondieron a fase I, con ligero daño en el endotelio vascular. El espesor de la túnica íntima en los casos con placa ateromatosa fue de 15.68 + 13.39 mm y de los segmentos libres de placa fue 5.10 + 4.40 mm (p=0.005) y en el segmento pontino el tejido adiposo periarterial suprayacente presento un espesor de 72.01 + 69.44 mm, el cual fue mayor a las otras tres ubicaciones (p=0.005). La morfometría de la almohadilla adiposa perivascular y la presencia de placa ateromatosa en fase I son los principales aportes de este estudio a la histología de los puentes miocárdicos.

Synthesis of Butyl-ß-D-Galactoside in the Ternary System: Acetone/1-Butanol/Aqueous Solution.

The enzymatic synthesis of short-tailed alkyl glucosides is generally carried out in an aqueous-organic biphasic reaction medium with a rather low fatty alcohol concentration in the aqueous phase (where the synthesis occurs). Thus, hydrolytic reactions have a significant impact on the synthesis performance. Given this background, the use of acetone as cosolvent was studied for the synthesis of butyl-ß-galactoside with Aspergillus oryzae ß-galactosidase. The liquid-liquid equilibrium of the reaction mixture components (acetone/1-butanol/aqueous solution) was determined and the single- and two-phase regions were defined at 30, 40, and 50°C. It was observed that the liquid-liquid equilibrium of the ternary system acetone/1-butanol/water differs significantly from the one obtained using an aqueous solution (50 mM McIlvaine buffer pH 4.5; 5 g L-1) instead of water. This is mainly because of the salting-out effect of the buffer; nevertheless, the presence of lactose also altered the equilibrium. Having this in mind, the effects of temperature (30 and 50°C) and reaction mixture composition were assessed. Three general conditions were evaluated: single-phase ternary system (30% acetone), two-phase ternary system (10% acetone) and two-phase binary system (0% acetone). Acetone had a deleterious effect on enzyme stability at 50°C, leading to low reaction yields. However, no enzyme deactivation was detected at 30°C. Moreover, a reaction yield of 0.98 mol mol-1 was attained in the 30/50/20% (w/w) mixture of acetone/1-butanol/aqueous solution. This very high yield can be explained by the huge increase in the concentration of 1-butanol and the reduction of water activity. The synthesis was carried out using also the ß-galactosidase immobilized in glyoxal-agarose and amino-glyoxal-agarose, and by aggregation and crosslinking. In the case of agarose-derived catalysts, two average particle diameters were assessed to evaluate the presence of internal mass transfer limitations. Best yield (0.88 mol mol-1) was obtained with glyoxal-agarose derivatives and the particle size had non-effect on yield. The chemical structure of butyl-ß-galactoside was determined by NMR and FT-IR.

Cáncer de mama en la población mapuche. Hospital de Área El Bolsón (HAEB) / Breast cancer in Mapuche population. El Bolsón Area Hospital (HAEB)

Introducción En los departamentos de Bariloche y Cushamen se encuentra una importante concentración de pueblos originarios de Sudamérica. Algunos de estos grupos poblacionales siguen con sus costumbres y, ante cualquier problema de salud, consultan con el curandero (figura médica mapuche) quien, con diferentes hierbas y métodos, trata dichos problemas en su comunidad. Por otro lado, muchos de esos pobladores se han integrado a nuestro sistema y son tratados en nuestros hospitales; pero, dada la falta de conocimiento de esta etnia y la carencia de estadísticas, estos tratamientos se basan en lo que conocemos de la raza caucásica. Ahora bien, cuando uno les pregunta acerca del cáncer de mama a las mujeres mapuches, la mayoría niega conocer esta patología, o dice que es una enfermedad de la mujer blanca. Pero, ¿es esto realmente así? Objetivos Identificar las causas a las que la mujer mapuche atribuye el cáncer de mama y qué métodos de prevención utiliza. Identificar factores de riesgo para el cáncer de mama en la población mapuche. Describir métodos de diagnóstico y tratamiento de cáncer de mama en la población mapuche. Describir las características epidemiológicas y tumorales y compararlas con la población no mapuche. Material y método Se analizaron en forma retrospectiva las historias clínicas de las pacientes que fueron internadas en el Hospital de Área El Bolsón (haeb) por patología oncológica en los últimos 4 años y las historias clínicas de las pacientes atendidas en consultorios externos por los Servicios de Oncología, Patología Mamaria y Ginecología. Se recurrió también a los registros de la Asociación Lucha Contra el Cáncer Comarca Andina Paralelo 42 (alceccap 42°). Se tomaron datos de las pacientes atendidas en Bariloche de las bases del sitam. Se confeccionó una encuesta de 25 preguntas que se llevó a cabo con un cuestionario estructurado el cual se realizó con la modalidad de entrevista personal. Resultados El diagnóstico de cáncer de mama en El Bolsón se realiza en estadios avanzados, en especial en la población mapuche, en la cual el 50% debuta en los Estadios IIIA en adelante. La edad promedio de diagnóstico de cáncer de mama en la población mapuche es de 59 años, 5 años más tarde que en la población no indígena de la misma localidad. Solo el 32% de las encuestadas había realizado una mamografía a los 40 años. Los tipos histológicos encontrados fueron: 60% ductal invasivo, 16% lobular, 8% medular, 8% indiferenciado, 4% cdis y 4% mucinoso. Las mujeres refieren desconocimiento de la necesidad de realizar los controles, falta de interés y dificultad en el acceso al sistema de salud. Gran parte de estas mujeres atribuyen el cáncer de mama a los traumatismos mamarios y reconoce como factor protector a la lactancia materna. Conclusiones Las mujeres mapuches identifican a los traumatismos mamarios y a la falta de lactancia como principales factores de riesgo para el cáncer de mama

Introduction In the departments of Bariloche and Cushamen there is a significant concentration of the Mapuche race and some continue with their customs: at any health problem, they consult with the Medicine Man (Mapuche medical figure) who, with different herbs and methods, treats the health problems of their community. However, many have integrated with the community and are treated in our hospitals, but, due to the lack of knowledge of this race and the lack of statistics, they are treated based on the knowledge we have on the Caucasian race. But, when one asks to Mapuche women about breast cancer, most deny knowing this pathology or say it is a disease of the white woman. Objectives To identify the causes at which Mapuche women attribute breast cancer and what methods of prevention they use. Identify risk factors for breast cancer in the Mapuche population. Describe methods of diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer in the Mapuche population. Describe the epidemiological and tumoral characteristics and to compare with Caucasian race. Materials and method To obtain the different data, the clinical histories of the patients who were admitted to the El Bolsón Area Hospital (haeb) for oncological pathology in the last 4 years were retrospectively analyzed. The clinical histories of the patients attended by the Service of Oncology, Mammary Pathology, Gynecology, and the alceccap 42 records were also used. Data was also taken from the sitam bases of patients treated in Bariloche. A survey was made of 25 questions that according to the result some were broken down. The survey was carried out with a structured questionnaire with the personal interview modality. Results The diagnosis of breast cancer in El Bolsón is made in advanced stages especially in the Mapuche population where 50% debuted in Stages IIIA and later. The average age of diagnosis of breast cancer in the Mapuche population is 59 years, 5 years later than in the non-indigenous population. Only 32% of the respondents had a mammogram at age 40. The histological types found were: 60% ductal invasive, 16% lobular, 8% medullar, 8% indifferent, 4% cdis and 4% mucinous. The women report ignorance of the need to perform the controls, lack of interest to perform them and difficulty in accessing the health system. Many of these women attribute breast cancer to breast traumas and recognize breastfeeding as a protective factor. Conclusions The Mapuche women recognize breast traumas and the lack of breastfeeding as principal risk factor for breast cancer. Inside the risk factors in this population, we found the alcohol ingest and body mass index as predominating. The diagnosis is made in advanced stages when the illness generates symptoms, and this brings women to the consultation; rarely they come for a physical exam or mammographic control. They are, and they should continue being treated as we treat any women with breast cancer as long as we do not dispose more information

Bond Strength of CAD/CAM Restorative Materials Treated with Different Surface Etching Protocols.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of different surface treatments on the surface morphology of CAD/CAM ceramics and on their bond strength to cement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty cubic sections were cut from each of three materials (lithium disilicate glass-ceramic [DL], leucite-based glass-ceramic [LC], resin-matrix ceramic composite [RMCC]) and were treated as follows (n = 10): 1. no treatment (C); 2. 5% hydrofluoric acid applied for 20 s plus silane (HF5% 20 s); 3. 5% hydrofluoric acid applied for 60 s plus silane (HF5% 60 s); 4. 10% hydrofluoric acid applied for 20 s plus silane (HF10% 20 s); 5. 10% hydrofluoric acid applied for 60 s plus silane (HF10% 60 s); 6. Self-etching ceramic primer (MBEP). Ceramic cubes were bonded to pre-polymerized composite resin cubes with a composite cement. Each set was cut into stick-shaped specimens (1 ± 0.3 mm2). After 24-h water storage, microtensile bond strength (µTBS) was measured. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 0.05). Failure pattern and surface morphology were assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). RESULTS: Both factors significantly influenced µTBS, while no interaction between factors was found. RMCC presented statistically higher µTBS values than LC and DL, while the surface treatments HF5% 20 s, HF5% 60 s, HF10% 20 s, HF10% 60 s and MBEP, did not show statistical differences between them, although they resulted in statistically significantly higher bond strengths than did C groups. A high number of pre-test failures were detected in the control groups for all materials. MBEP produced less extensive surface alterations than did all HF treatments. CONCLUSION: All of the hydrofluoric acid treatments tested showed similar cement-ceramic bonding efficacy. The self-etching ceramic primer produced less surface alterations and comparable bonding efficacy compared to separate hydrofluoric acid/silane primer application.

Physicochemical and morphological characterization of a glass ceramic treated with different ceramic primers and post-silanization protocols.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the effect of different ceramic primers and post-silanization protocols on physicochemical and morphological characteristics of a lithium disilicate glass ceramic. METHODS: Lithium disilicate ceramic (IPS e-max CAD) plaques (6 × 10 × 2 mm) were divided into 3 groups according to the ceramic primer used: (1) Silane (RelyX Ceramic Primer-RL); (2) Silane + MDP (Clearfil Ceramic Primer Plus-CP); (3) Self-etching ceramic primer (Monobond Etch and Prime-MB). Specimens from each group were distributed into 5 sub-groups according to post-silanization protocols: (a) Treated as recommended by the manufacturer (MR), (b) MR + Additional drying with air at room temperature for 30 s (RTA), (c) MR + additional drying with hot air for 30 s (HT), (d) MR + Surface rinsing with water at room temperature for 10 s and drying with air at room temperature for 30 s (WT), and (e) Specimens were not silanized (NS). Surface free energy (SFE) was determined using static contact angles measurements with water and diiodomethane. SFE data were submitted to Friedman followed by Wilcoxon post-hoc test (α = 0.05). Morphology was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. Elemental composition and chemical interactions were determined with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. RESULTS: RL presented the highest SFE (62.4 mN/m) followed by CP (59.7 mN/m). Post-silanization protocols resulted in similar SFE, but WT and HT induced the highest water contact angles when using CP and RL. CP modified ceramics' surface morphology compared to the etched and RL treated groups. The presence of water was identified on CP treated specimen. All analyzed primers formed siloxane bonds with ceramic surface. SIGNIFICANCE: Ceramic primers resulted in different surface free energy and morphology, but siloxane bonds were identified for all tested solutions. HT and WT protocols should be used with RL and CP primers. MB was not influenced by the different silanization protocols.

Bonding effectiveness of tooth-colored materials to resin cement provided by self-etching silane primer after short- and long-term storage.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Glass-ceramic materials are typically treated with hydrofluoric acid (HF) and silane to improve their bond to composite resin; however, HF may be harmful to human tissues and the integrity of the material, and its application is a technique-sensitive procedure. A novel self-etching ceramic primer has been introduced with the claim that it can solve those problems. However, independent scientific evidence regarding its performance is scarce. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of self-etching silane primer on glass-ceramic surface roughness and on long-term bonding between glass-ceramic and composite resin cement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Plates of 3 materials (n=10), lithium disilicate glass-ceramic (LDC) (IPS e.max CAD), leucite-based glass-ceramic (LEU) (IPS Empress CAD), and resin-modified ceramic (PIC) (VITA ENAMIC), were treated in the following ways: no treatment (C), HF (5%) applied during the recommended time for each material (HF), and self-etching ceramic primer (Monobond Etch & Prime [MBEP]). Surface roughness (Sa) was analyzed with a laser 3D profiler. Ceramic sticks were subjected to (n=20) no treatment (C); treatment with hydrofluoric acid plus silane (HF+S); and treatment with self-etching ceramic primer (MBEP) bonded to prepolymerized composite resin sticks with composite resin cement (Variolink II) and stored for 24 hours and 1 year (n=10). The assemblies were submitted to microtensile bond strength testing (µTBS). Data were analyzed using ANOVA and the Tukey pairwise, post hoc test (α=.05). Failure pattern and surface and interface morphology were assessed using scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: Only individual factors resulted in statistically significant differences for both variables (material: P<.001; surface treatment: P=.020), interaction (P=.570). HF group (0.49 ±0.11 µm) showed statistically higher roughness values (P≤.05) than control groups (0.44 ±0.97 µm), while MBEP (0.48 ±0.11 µm) was comparable with both. HF produced greater surface alterations than MBEP and C. PIC (0.60 ±0.051 µm) exhibited significantly higher roughness values (P≤.05) than LDC (0.37 ±0.07 µm) and LEU (0.45 ±0.04). Regarding µTBS, the general mean of PIC (24.6 ±10.1 MPa) was higher (P≤.05) than LEUs (14.7 ±6.7 MPa) and LDCs (13.1 ±4.8 MPa), while treatment groups HF+S (17.9 ±10.0 MPa) and MBEP (20.5 ±9.7 MPa) produced higher µTBS values than control groups (14.2 ±5.5 MPa). Adhesive failure was associated with low µTBS values and aged specimens, while cohesive failure within the composite resin-cement layer and mixed failures were associated with higher µTBS values. Interface debonding was detected in C groups for LDC and LEU. PIC exhibited better interface stability. CONCLUSIONS: MBEP produced smoother surfaces than HF. HF+S and MBEP significantly improved ceramic and composite resin cement bonding.

ENSO-induced co-variability of Salinity, Plankton Biomass and Coastal Currents in the Northern Gulf of Mexico.

The northern Gulf of Mexico (GoM) is a region strongly influenced by river discharges of freshwater and nutrients, which promote a highly productive coastal ecosystem that host commercially valuable marine species. A variety of climate and weather processes could potentially influence the river discharges into the northern GoM. However, their impacts on the coastal ecosystem remain poorly described. By using a regional ocean-biogeochemical model, complemented with satellite and in situ observations, here we show that El Niño - Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is a main driver of the interannual variability in salinity and plankton biomass during winter and spring. Composite analysis of salinity and plankton biomass anomalies shows a strong asymmetry between El Niño and La Niña impacts, with much larger amplitude and broader areas affected during El Niño conditions. Further analysis of the model simulation reveals significant coastal circulation anomalies driven by changes in salinity and winds. The coastal circulation anomalies in turn largely determine the spatial extent and distribution of the ENSO-induced plankton biomass variability. These findings highlight that ENSO-induced changes in salinity, plankton biomass, and coastal circulation across the northern GoM are closely interlinked and may significantly impact the abundance and distribution of fish and invertebrates.

Effect of light absence or attenuation on biaxial flexural strength of dual-polymerized resin cements after short- and long-term storage.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether biaxial flexural strength (BFS) of dual resin cements is affected by light absence or attenuation, storage time, or cements' chemical nature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty disk-shaped specimens were made from each cement (non-self-adhesive cement and self-adhesive cement) using Teflon molds on a controlled temperature surface (35°C). Specimens were polymerized as follows (N = 30): self-cured, directly light-cured, light-cured at a distance of 6 mm between the light tip and the specimen, and through a 6-mm thick composite resin barrier (indirectly light-cured). Each group was divided (N = 10) for storage purposes (15 minutes, 24 hours, and 6 months). Specimens were placed into a biaxial-flexure jig and a vertical load was applied until failure. The BFS values were subjected to generalized linear models statistical analysis and Weibull distributions (α = 0.05). RESULTS: After 15 minutes aging, neither material achieved enough polymerization to perform the BFS test when polymerized using the self-curing mode. The self-adhesive product demonstrated much lower variation in strength with storage time than did the non-self-curing cement. CONCLUSIONS: Attenuated/light-curing reduced BFS values only for 15-minutes storage period for both materials. Flexural strength of the self-adhesive cement was less affected by light absence/attenuation and storage time. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Biaxial flexural strength of a self-adhesive resin cement is less sensitive to variation in light application and storage time than is a non-self-adhesive cement.

Depth of cure of bulk fill resin composites: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate scientific evidence regarding depth of cure of bulk-fill resin composites (BFRCs) and related factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: PubMed/Medline, Embase, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science databases were accessed from October 2016 to May 2017. Investigations published in English language, assessing depth of cure of BFRCs by microhardness test and/or degree of conversion (DC) were included. Studies using exclusively ISO 4049, employing specimens deepness less than 4 mm, as well as those not reporting exposure time and/or irradiance from light curing units (LCUs) were excluded. RESULTS: In total, 742 studies were found from which 33 were included. From 21 studies evaluating BFRCs microhardness, 10 showed acceptable bottom/top ratios (≥0.8) for all tested materials. However, material-dependent results and non-satisfactory bottom/top microhardness ratios (<0.8) were reported in 9 and 2 investigations, respectively. From 19 studies that assessed DC, 11 showed acceptable results (≥50%) for all tested BFRCs, while 8 studies reported material-dependent outcomes. Overall, irradiance from LCUs ranged from 650 to 1330 mW/cm2 and exposure time from 5 to 60 seconds. Favorable depth of cure results were observed with the use of LCUs emitting irradiance ≥1000 mW/cm2 and exposure times ≥20 seconds. CONCLUSIONS: High depth of cure rates by BFRCs, depends on some factors as material, irradiance and exposure time. Polywave LCUs were useful but not essential on polymerizing alternative photoinitiator-containing BFRC. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: LED curing devices (polywave or monowave) displaying an irradiance ≥1000 mW/cm2 and 20 seconds of exposure time are imperative to accomplish successful polymerization of most BFRCs.

Effect of acid etching on tridimensional microstructure of etchable CAD/CAM materials.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate if etching protocols affect superficial/internal microstructural integrity of CAD/CAM ceramic materials. METHODS: Sixty blocks (3×3×3mm) of IPS/Empress-LEU, IPS/e.max-LDC (Ivoclar-Vivadent) and Enamic-PIC (VITA) were used. Lateral surfaces from each block were isolated with Teflon strip and petroleum jelly to keep them untouched. Specimens were distributed into 6 groups (n=10): 1. no treatment (C); 2. hydrofluoric acid (HF) 5%, 20s (HF5%20s); 3. HF5%60s; 4. HF10%20s; 5. HF10%60s; 6. Monobond Etch&Prime (MBEP). Surface roughness (Sa) and 3D profile were obtained using a confocal-laser-optical-microscope (LEXT OLS 4000, Olympus), while element ratios (Si/K for LEU and LDC; Si/C for PIC) were recorded using energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Superior (treated) and lateral (non-treated) surfaces were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) (JSM 5600 LV, JEOL). Etching depth was measured on lateral surfaces. Data were submitted to ANOVA-One-Way and Tukey test (α=0.05). RESULTS: For LEU, only HF10% treatments produced statistically different roughness values and Si/K ratios compared to C group. Regarding LDC and PIC, groups HF5%60s and HF10% showed higher roughness values than C group. In the case of PIC, all treatments (except MBEP) produced lower Si/C ratios than C group. All treatments (except MBEP) produced higher etching depth values than C group for all materials, being HF10%60s the highest (LEU:403.2±11.4µm; LDC:617.4±75.7; PIC:291.6±6.5µm). HF10% produced more aggressive etching morphology patterns on superior and lateral surfaces (SEM). Treatments MBEP and HF5%20s, produced the least aggressive structural alterations. Acid etching produces superficial and internal alterations on ceramics' structural configuration. SIGNIFICANCE: Aggressive etching protocols of glass-ceramics may cause internal material loss, consequently, milder etching is recommended to treat those materials before adhesion procedures.

Characterization of poly-d-mannuronate and poly-l-guluronate block fractions from sodium alginate and preparation of hydrogels with poly(vinylalcohol).

Sodium salts of homopoly-d-mannuronic acid (MM) and of homopoly-l-guluronic acid (GG) from sodium alginates were characterized by NMR relaxometry. Determination of NMR spin-lattice and spin-spin relaxation times of water proton in homopolymeric block solutions and hydrogels indicated differences in homopolymeric blocks tertiary structure. Hydrogels of MM or GG blocks and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) were prepared by freeze-thawing cycles method; their swelling properties and sensitivity to pH stimuli were assayed in control delivery of a model drug. MM/PVA hydrogels show better metformin release characteristics than GG/PVA hydrogels. It was found that release of the drug at pH 1.2 from hydrogels was minor to 5%. At the release equilibrium, 60 and 55% of the drug encapsulated were release from MM/PVA and GG/PVA hydrogels, respectively. Also, the release of metformin from hydrogels was studied by 1H NMR spectroscopy showing that 40 and 36% of drug were released after 4 h from MM/PVA and GG/PVA hydrogels, respectively.

Effect of Different Silane Treatments on Long-Term Bonding Between Non-Etched Glass-Ceramic and Resin Cement

he present study evaluated the bond strength between glass-ceramic and resin cement, using different silane treatments, performing no previous hydrofluoric acid (HF) etching on ceramic surface, after short- and long- term storage. One hundred and eighty glass-ceramic plaques (IPS e.max CAD®) were polished and divided into six groups (n=30) to receive different silane treatments: (1) RCP-RelyX Ceramic Primer® (one-bottle silane), (2) RCP+SB-RelyX Ceramic Primer and Adper Singlebond2® (silane plus separated adhesive), (3) SBU-Scotchbond Universal® (silane-containing universal adhesive), (4) CP-Clearfil Ceramic Primer® (silane/MDP primer), (5) NC-no-silane (negative control) and (6) PC-Previous HF etching (5%, 20s) plus RelyX Ceramic Primer® (positive control). Two resin cement cylinders (Rely X Ultimate®) were built on each plaque. Each group was divided into two sub-groups to be stored for 24 hours (24h) or 6 months (6mo) in distilled water at 37°C (n=15). Then microshear (µSBS) testing was performed. Failure mode was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Data were statistically analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey´s test (α=0.05). Both factors and their interaction resulted statistically significant (p≤0.05). PC obtained the highest µSBS values (in MPa) at both storage times (24h: 28.11±2.44; 6mo: 19.10±3.85). After 24h storage, groups RCP+SB (10.86±3.62), SBU (8.37±4.33) and CP (8.05±3.62) were not statistically different from NC (8.00±2.51); only RCP (19.73±4.63) and PC obtained higher values. After 6 months, only PC showed higher values than NC (0.04±0.01). Cohesive failure in resin cement was more prevalent for RCP-24h and PC, while adhesive failure was more frequent among all other groups. Clinical relevance: None of the commercially available silane primers tested, improve long- term ceramic/cement bonding without performing HF etching on ceramic surface. Combination of HF acid and silane, remain as a gold standard treatment for glass-ceramic materials.

ste estudio evaluó la resistencia de unión entre cerámica vítrea y cemento resinoso, utilizando diferentes tratamientos de silano, sin realizar condicionamiento previo de la cerámica con ácido fluorhídrico (HF), después de almacenamiento en corto y largo plazo. Ciento ochenta placas de cerámica (IPS e.max CAD®) fueron pulidas y divididas en 6 grupos (n=30) para ser tratadas como sigue: (1) RCPRelyX Ceramic Primer® (silano de 1 frasco), (2) RCP+SB-RelyX Ceramic Primer y Adper Singlebond2® (silano más adhesivo separado), (3) SBU-Scotchbond Universal® (adhesivo universal conteniendo silano), (4) CP-Clearfil Ceramic Primer® (primer cerámico conteniendo silano y MDP), (5) NC-ningún silano (control negativo) y (6) PC-Condicionamiento con HF previo (5%, 20s) y silano (RelyX Ceramic Primer®) (control positivo). Dos cilindros de cemento resinoso (Rely X Ultimate®) fueron construidos en cada placa. Cada grupo fue dividido en 2 sub-grupos para ser almacenados por 24 horas (24h) y 6 meses (6mo) en agua destilada a 37°C (n=15). Luego fue realizada la prueba de microcizallamiento (µSBS). El tipo de fractura fue analizado con microscopio electrónico de barrido (SEM) y los datos analizados con las pruebas estadísticas ANOVA de dos factores y Tukey (α=0.05). Ambos factores y su interacción resultaron estadísticamente significativos (p≤0.05). PC presentó los valores más altos de µSBS (MPa) para ambos tiempos de almacenamiento (24h: 28.11±2.44; 6mo: 19.10±3.85). Luego de 24h, los grupos RCP+SB (10.86±3.62), SBU (8.37±4.33) y CP (8.05±3.62) no fueron estadísticamente diferentes del grupo control negativo (NC: 8.00±2.51); sólo RCP (19.73±4.63) y PC obtuvieron resultados mayores. Después de 6 meses de almacenaje, sólo el grupo PC obtuvo valores estadísticamente mayores que NC (0.04±0.01). Fractura cohesiva en el cemento fue más prevalente para RCP-24h y PC, mientras que el tipo adhesivo fue el más frecuente para todos los demás grupos. Relevancia Clínica: Ninguno de los tratamientos de silano evaluados, mejoró significativamente la adhesión a largo plazo entre cerámica vítrea no condicionada y cemento resinoso. La combinación de HF y silano, continúa siendo el tratamiento de preferencia para cerámica vítrea durante el proceso de cementación.

Morphological characterization of the renal vein in pigs (Sus domesticus). Differential analysis with the human renal veins

Despite its importance as an experimental model, information about the morphology of the renal vein (RV) is scarce and limited to qualitative descriptions. The objective of this investigation was to determine the morphological characteristics of the RV and its tributaries in pigs (Sus domesticus). We studied 93 pairs of kidneys of pigs destined to slaughter. This descriptive study evaluated the RV and its tributaries, which were perfused with polyester resin (85% Palatal and 15% styrene). Subsequently for full corrosion pieces were subjected to infusion of KOH (potassium hydroxide) for 10 days. The RV and their tributaries were assessed for shape, trajectory and morphometry. The level of significance was set at p< 0.05. A single RV was found in 93% of the specimens. The caliber of the RV was 12.8±3.05 mm. It was significantly higher on the left side (p=0.043). Length was 26.54±12.81 mm for the right RV and 37.64±13.62 mm for the left RV. The position of the RV in relation with the renal artery was cranial-ventral in 46.2% of the specimens, whereas its origin was hilar in 61.9% of the cases. The emergence of the RV from two tributary veins (pattern Ia) was the most common (76.9%). The morphological characteristics of the VR observed in this study are similar to those reported in humans, so the usefulness of this animal model in procedural applications and hemodynamics is evident

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