Is there any association between the presence of biomarkers and apical periodontitis? A systematic review.

This systematic review aimed to verify whether there is evidence of an association between apical periodontitis and the presence of systemic biomarkers. This study adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses - PRISMA. For this, the acronym PECO was used; population (P) of adult humans exposed (E) to the presence of apical periodontitis, compared (C) to adult humans without apical periodontitis, and the outcome (O) of the presence of biomarkers was observed. The articles were searched in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, Cochrane Library, OpenGray, and Google Scholar grey databases. Subsequently, studies were excluded based on title, abstract, and full article reading, following the eligibility criteria. The methodological quality of the selected studies was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa qualifier. After exclusion, 656 studies were identified, resulting in 17 final articles that were divided into case-control, cross-sectional, and cohort studies. Eight studies were considered to have a low risk of bias, one had a medium risk of bias, and eight had a high risk of bias. In addition, 12 articles evaluated biomarkers in blood plasma, four evaluated them in saliva, and only one evaluated them in gingival crevicular fluid. The results of these studies indicated an association between apical periodontitis and the systemic presence of biomarkers. These markers are mainly related to inflammation, such as interleukins IL-1, IL-2, and IL-6, oxidative markers, such as nitric oxide and superoxide anions, and immunoglobulins IgG and IgM. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier (CRD42023493959).

Green Propolis: A Review of Pharmaceutical Patents with Potential Therapeutic Applications.

Green propolis is a resin produced from Baccharis dracunculifolia, which has as its main compounds flavonoids, derivatives of cinnamic acids, such as artepillin C and baccarin. This resin has antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer activities. This review aimed to analyze pharmaceutical patents containing green propolis in various formulations. The search was conducted in the National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI), the Patent Search of Spain and Latin America (Latipat-Espacenet), the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and Google Patents, with a combination of the keywords green propolis, green propolis extract, pharmacology, and pharmaceutical product. Primary research identified 60 patents, from which 22 were selected after applying the inclusion criteria. The selected patents referred to products with pharmacological activities, from cancer treatment to food supplements and included innovations for improved controlled release of the green propolis compounds. Most of the documents concerned the preparation and/or formulation of the green propolis extract, followed by innovative extraction methods, treatment and systemic use, and finally by topical use and quality control techniques and procedures. Thus, the reviewed patents of green propolis provided valuable insights into the pharmaceutical applications of green propolis, showing its potential in diverse formulations and treatments.

Açai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) supplementation promotes histological and ultrastructural changes in rats' alveolar bone.

The açai juice contains high concentrations of phenolic compounds, including cyanidin-3-glucoside and others flavonoids. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of açai supplementation on healthy mandibular alveolar bone in male albino rats of the Wistar strain. 24 rats were divided into 3 groups, in which one group received a daily dose of saline solution and the other two groups were treated with daily doses of clarified açai juice for 14 or 28 days. After the experiment, hemimandibles were collected and analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), histological assessments, and micro-CT. Results showed changes in the integrity of the alveolar bone as seen in SEM, increased osteocyte density and higher collagen matrix area in the açai group compared to the control group as seen in histological analysis, and increased bone volume, trabecular thickness and number, and cortical bone as seen in micro-CT analysis. The space between bone trabeculae showed no difference among the groups. These results suggest that açai supplementation may have a structural change effect on alveolar bone, but further research is needed to confirm these findings in humans and to determine the exact mechanisms behind these effects.

Physical training attenuates systemic cytokine response and tissue damage triggered by apical periodontitis.

Apical periodontitis (AP) is a condition characterized by inflammatory and infectious components in the tooth canal. AP affects periradicular tissues and has systemic repercussions. Physical exercise is a structured activity that requires cardiorespiratory function, and can modulate the inflammatory profile in pathological conditions. As a result, this study aimed to determine the effects of aerobic physical training (PT) on the alveolar bone with and without AP, and its systemic inflammatory repercussions. AP was induced in the mandibular first molars, and PT was performed on a treadmill for five consecutive days over four weeks, with progressive increases in speed and activity time. Blood samples were collected to determine serum cytokine levels using immunoassays, and alveolar bone samples were collected for histopathological evaluation, lesion volume and microarchitecture assessment using computed microtomography. Animals with AP had increased pro-inflammatory cytokines levels compared to those without AP; however, these levels were attenuated or restored by PT. Compared to the AP group, the AP + PT group had a smaller lesion volume and greater preservation of the bone trabeculae in the remaining alveolar bone surrounding the lesion. In overall, PT minimized the severity of AP proving to be a valid strategy for individuals undergoing endodontic treatment.

Hydrogen peroxide electrogeneration from O2 electroreduction: A review focusing on carbon electrocatalysts and environmental applications.

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) stands as one of the foremost utilized oxidizing agents in modern times. The established method for its production involves the intricate and costly anthraquinone process. However, a promising alternative pathway is the electrochemical hydrogen peroxide production, accomplished through the oxygen reduction reaction via a 2-electron pathway. This method not only simplifies the production process but also upholds environmental sustainability, especially when compared to the conventional anthraquinone method. In this review paper, recent works from the literature focusing on the 2-electron oxygen reduction reaction promoted by carbon electrocatalysts are summarized. The practical applications of these materials in the treatment of effluents contaminated with different pollutants (drugs, dyes, pesticides, and herbicides) are presented. Water treatment aiming to address these issues can be achieved through advanced oxidation electrochemical processes such as electro-Fenton, solar-electro-Fenton, and photo-electro-Fenton. These processes are discussed in detail in this work and the possible radicals that degrade the pollutants in each case are highlighted. The review broadens its scope to encompass contemporary computational simulations focused on the 2-electron oxygen reduction reaction, employing different models to describe carbon-based electrocatalysts. Finally, perspectives and future challenges in the area of carbon-based electrocatalysts for H2O2 electrogeneration are discussed. This review paper presents a forward-oriented viewpoint of present innovations and pragmatic implementations, delineating forthcoming challenges and prospects of this ever-evolving field.

Evaluation of the apical sealing of an eggshell hydroxyapatite-based sealer.

Background: The success of endodontic treatment can be influenced by the type of endodontic sealer used, as certain sealers may be prone to apical microleakage, leading to treatment failure. The limitations of currently available sealers necessitate the development of new materials to improve the success rate of endodontic treatment. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the apical microleakage of newly developed hydroxyapatite-based endodontic sealers, including one derived from eggshells, and compare them with other commercially available sealers. Material and Methods: Eighty-five extracted human upper anterior teeth were selected for this study. The teeth were divided into 5 experimental groups and 2 control groups. The experimental groups were designated as follows: (1) HPSINT - obturated with gutta-percha cone and synthetic hydroxyapatite-based sealer, (2) BIOC - obturated with gutta-percha cone and Bio C-Sealer sealer, (3) AHPLUS-BC - obturated with gutta-percha cone and AHPLUS Bioceramic sealer, (4) AHP - obturated with gutta-percha cone and AHPLUS sealer, and (5) HPO - obturated with gutta-percha cone and sealer based on hydroxyapatite extracted from eggshells. Additionally, there were positive and negative control groups consisting of instrumented teeth filled with gutta-percha cones without any sealer and instrumented teeth without any filling, respectively. Methylene blue dye penetration was used to assess apical microleakage. Descriptive statistical analysis and Shapiro-Wilk normality test were applied to the observed results. As the samples followed a normal distribution, the ANOVA test was applied. Results: The control groups confirmed the validity of the experimental method, while the experimental groups showed varying degrees of dye penetration. The group obturated with Bio C-Sealer exhibited the highest mean apical microleakage, while AHPLUS Bioceramic sealer demonstrated lower mean than AHPLUS sealer and sealer based on hydroxyapatite extracted from eggshells (p<0.05). Finally, there was no difference between the synthetic hydroxyapatite-based sealer and AHPLUS Bioceramic sealer, AHPLUS sealer and sealer based on hydroxyapatite extracted from eggshells (p>0.05). No significant difference was observed between the hydroxyapatite-based sealers and the AHPLUS-BC sealer. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that the newly developed hydroxyapatite-based endodontic sealers, including the one derived from eggshells, may have a lower risk of apical microleakage compared to other commercially available sealers. These findings highlight the potential of hydroxyapatite-based sealers to improve the success rate of endodontic treatment. Further research and clinical studies are warranted to validate these results and explore the long-term effects of these novel sealers. Key words:Endodontic treatment, apical microleakage, endodontic sealer, hydroxyapatite, eggshell-derived sealer.

Modulation of blood redox status by the progression of induced apical periodontitis in rats.

This study aimed to investigate if apical periodontitis in different periods changes systemic levels of the antioxidant and pro-oxidant parameters in Wistar rats. Twenty-four rats were randomly allocated into healthy animals, apical periodontitis at 14 days (AP14) and apical periodontitis at 28 days (AP28). The first mandibular molars were accessed in the AP groups, and the pulp chamber was exposed to the oral environment, inducing the apical lesion. After 14 and 28 days, the animals were anesthetized, euthanized, and hemimandibles were collected for micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) analysis to measure lesion volume, bone volume (BV), percent of bone to total tissue volume (BV/TV), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), trabecular number (Tb.N), and trabecular space (Tb.Sp). A histological examination of the remaining bone was also performed. Finally, blood samples were collected for oxidative biochemistry analysis, investigating glutathione (GSH), Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), and lipid peroxidation (TBARS). The lesion volume was greater at 28 than at 14 days, as shown by micro-CT. AP14 and AP28 had decreased BV and Tb.Th, but only AP28 showed a reduction in BV/TV. Tb.N and Tb. Sp were increased in apical periodontitis at 28 days. In the histopathological analysis, AP14 had focal regions of moderate mononuclear inflammatory infiltrate, and AP28 had an intense inflammatory infiltrate with bacterial colonies. In the biochemical evaluation, GSH, TEAC, and TBARS were increased after 14 days. However, GSH returned to control levels, TEAC was similar to AP14, and TBARS increased significantly after 28 days. Therefore, the oxidative biochemistry response was modulated according to the progression of periapical damage. After 14 days, the organism could still react to the injury. However, at 28 days, the antioxidant response decreased, associated with an increase in TBARS.

Biological Activity of Copaiba in Damage to the Alveolar Bone in a Model of Periodontitis Induced in Rats.

Several studies have investigated the effects of natural products in the treatment of diseases. Traditional Amazonian populations commonly use copaiba due to its well-known anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and healing properties. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of systemic administration of copaiba oleoresin (Copaifera reticulata Ducke) on ligature-induced periodontitis in rats. To do so, 21 adult rats were divided into three groups (n = 7 each): a control group, ligature-induced periodontitis group, and ligature-induced periodontitis group treated with copaiba oleoresin (200 mg/kg/day). The ligature remained from day 0 to 14, and the copaiba oleoresin was administered via oral gavage during the last seven days. On day 14, the animals were euthanized, and mandibles were collected for histopathological evaluation and microcomputed tomography analysis. Our data showed that the administration of copaiba considerably reduced the inflammatory profile. Moreover, copaiba oleoresin limited alveolar bone loss, increased trabecular thickness and bone-to-tissue volume ratio, and decreased the number of trabeculae compared with those of the untreated experimental periodontitis group. Our findings provide pioneering evidence that supports the potential of copaiba oleoresin in reducing periodontitis-induced alveolar bone damage in rats.

Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) Attenuates Oxidative Stress and Alveolar Bone Damage in Experimental Periodontitis in Rats.

Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) juice is rich in phenolic compounds with high antioxidant capacity. It has been observed that the use of antioxidants may be an additional strategy to nonsurgical periodontal therapy as well as to prevent alveolar bone loss. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of açaí supplementation on experimental periodontitis in rats. Twenty male Rattus norvegicus (Wistar) rats were assigned into control, açaí, experimental periodontitis, and experimental periodontitis with açaí supplementation groups. Periodontitis was induced by placing ligatures around the lower first molars. Animals in the açaí groups received 0.01 mL/g of clarified açaí juice for 14 days by intragastric gavage. At the end of the experimental period, blood was collected to assess the reduced glutathione (GSH), Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), and lipid peroxidation (TBARS) levels. Moreover, hemimandibles were analyzed by micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) for alveolar bone loss and bone quality. Açaí supplementation increased blood total antioxidant capacity and decreased lipid peroxidation. It also reduced alveolar bone loss when compared to the experimental periodontitis group. Moreover, clarified açaí per se modulated the oxidative biochemistry and bone microstructure. Thus, açaí may be considered a viable alternative for managing periodontal oxidative stress and preventing alveolar bone loss.

Silver Trimolybdate (Ag2Mo3O10.2H2O) Nanorods: Synthesis, Characterization, and Photo-Induced Antibacterial Activity under Visible-Light Irradiation.

The present study reports the synthesis, characterization, and antibacterial properties of silver trimolybdate (Ag2Mo3O10.2H2O) nanorods. The synthesis was performed using a conventional hydrothermal method. The sample was characterised by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, UV-Vis-NIR diffuse reflectance, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The direct antibacterial activity was evaluated using the microdilution method to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). To assess the ability of Ag2Mo3O10.2H2O nanorods to modulate antibacterial resistance, the MIC of aminoglycosides was established in the presence of a subinhibitory concentration of this substance alone and associated with LED light exposure. The characterization of the sample indicated that the synthesis of silver trimolybdate generated nanometric crystals with rod-like morphology, without secondary phases. The treatment with Ag2Mo3O10.2H2O nanorods alone or combined with visible LED lights exhibited clinically relevant antibacterial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. This nanostructure presented a variable antibiotic-modulating action, which was not improved by visible LED light exposure. Nevertheless, LED lights showed promising antibiotic-enhancing activities in the absence of Ag2Mo3O10.2H2O nanorods. In conclusion, silver trimolybdate dihydrate nanorods have antibacterial properties that can be photocatalysed by visible-light exposure. While showing the potential use to combat antibacterial resistance, the simultaneous combination of silver trimolybdate, visible LED lights, and antibacterial drugs should be carefully analysed to avoid antagonist effects that could impair the effectiveness of antibiotic therapy.

Influence of conservative endodontic access cavities on instrumentation of oval-shaped straight root canals.

AIM: To evaluate the influence of the design of endodontic access cavities on the percentage of unprepared areas of canal walls and flexural fatigue of instruments activated by reciprocating movement in oval-shaped straight root canals of extracted teeth. METHODOLOGY: Forty-two mandibular incisors with oval canals were scanned by a microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) device for homogeneous selection and distribution of the samples. Then, the teeth were divided into two groups (n = 21) according to the design of access cavity being tested: ultraconservative endodontic access cavity (UltraAC) and traditional access cavity. The canals were accessed with the aid of a surgical microscope, instrumented with the WaveOne Gold Medium system and irrigated with 2.5% NaOCl and 17% EDTA. The unprepared areas of the canal wall were analysed by overlaying images before and after instrumentation and expressed as percentages. micro-CT data were analysed using t-test, Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon tests. The endodontic instruments used during instrumentation were subjected to static flexural fatigue testing using an artificial stainless steel canal with a 60° angle of curvature and a radius of 5 mm, located 5 mm from the tip of the instrument. The instruments were activated until fracture occurred, and the time in seconds for the fracture was recorded using a digital timer. The number of cycles to fracture was calculated and analysed statistically. For flexural fatigue data, an anova test complemented by a Tukey range test was used. The significance level of 5% was used for all analyses. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the groups related to unprepared areas by the instrument during canal preparation (p > .05). The difference in flexural fatigue resistance between the groups was not significant. CONCLUSION: The use of UltraAC did not interfere with the canal instrumentation of extracted mandibular incisors with straight and oval canals. There was no difference in the flexural fatigue resistance of the instruments in relation to access cavity design.

Perfil epidemiológico de doença meningocócica nas capitais da região Centro-Oeste do Brasil / Epidemiological profile of meningococcal disease in capitals of the Midwest region of Brazil

Introdução: A doença meningocócica é enfermidade infecciosa bacteriana causada pela Neisseria meningitidis, com três apresentações clínicas: meningite meningocócica (MM), meningococcemia (MCC) e MM+MCC. O prognóstico sem o devido diagnóstico e tratamento pode ser grave ou até fatal. Objetivos: Avaliar o perfil epidemiológico dessa doença nas cidades do Centro-Oeste brasileiro. Casuística e métodos: Trata-se de estudo epidemiológico descritivo transversal sobre os casos notificados em Brasília, Campo Grande, Cuiabá e Goiânia, entre 2016 e 2020, obtidos no Datasus. As variáveis estudadas foram: prevalência, apresentação clínica, sexo, faixa etária e desfecho. Resultados: No período analisados foram registrados 164 casos registrados nas quatro capitais, com média anual de 32,8. A forma clínica mais comum foi a meningite meningocócica, com aumento no número de notificações entre os anos 2016 e 2017, seguido de uma leve queda até 2019. No ano de 2020 houve queda abrupta nos casos notificados, possivelmente como uma repercussão da pandemia de covi-19. Conclusão: Percebe-se uma distribuição característica da doença em cada uma das cidades; medidas sanitárias, educativas e cuidados médicos adequados são instrumentos para a diminuir a morbimortalidade da DM.

Characterization and Evaluation of Layered Bi2WO6 Nanosheets as a New Antibacterial Agent.

Background: Pathogenic microorganisms are causing increasing cases of mortality and morbidity, along with alarming rates of ineffectiveness as a result of acquired antimicrobial resistance. Bi2WO6 showed good potential to be used as an antibacterial substance when exposed to visible light. This study demonstrates for the first time the dimension-dependent antibacterial activity of layered Bi2WO6 nanosheets. Materials and methods: The synthesized layered Bi2WO6 nanosheets were prepared by the hydrothermal method and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Antibacterial and antibiotic-modulation activities were performed in triplicate by the microdilution method associated with visible light irradiation (LEDs). Results: Bi2WO6 nanosheets were effective against all types of bacteria tested, with MIC values of 256 µg/mL against Escherichia coli standard and resistant strains, and 256 µg/mL and 32 µg/mL against Staphylococcus aureus standard and resistant strains, respectively. Two-dimensional (2D) Bi2WO6 nanosheets showed antibacterial efficiency against both strains studied without the presence of light. Conclusions: Layered Bi2WO6 nanosheets revealed dimension-dependent antibacterial activity of the Bi2WO6 system.

Subacute Cognitive Impairment in Individuals With Mild and Moderate COVID-19: A Case Series.

Background: Previous reported neurologic sequelae associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection have mainly been confined to hospital-based patients in which viral detection was restricted to nasal/throat swabs or to IgM/IgG peripheral blood serology. Here we describe seven cases from Brazil of outpatients with previous mild or moderate COVID-19 who developed subacute cognitive disturbances. Methods: From June 1 to August 15, 2020, seven individuals 18 to 60 years old, with confirmed mild/moderate COVID-19 and findings consistent with encephalopathy who were observed >7 days after respiratory symptom initiation, were screened for cognitive dysfunction. Paired sera and CSF were tested for SARS-CoV-2 (IgA, IgG ELISA, and RT-PCR). Serum and intrathecal antibody dynamics were evaluated with oligoclonal bands and IgG index. Cognitive dysfunction was assessed by the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and the Clock Drawing Test (CDT). Results: All but one of our patients were female, and the mean age was 42.6 years. Neurologic symptoms were first reported a median of 16 days (IQR 15-33) after initial COVID-19 symptoms. All patients had headache and altered behavior. Cognitive dysfunction was observed mainly in phonemic verbal fluency (MoCA) with a median of six words/min (IQR 5.25-10.75) and altered visuospatial construction with a median of four points (IQR 4-9) (CDT). CSF pleocytosis was not detected, and only one patient was positive for SARS-Co Conclusions: A subacute cognitive syndrome suggestive of SARS-CoV-2-initiated damage to cortico-subcortical associative pathways that could not be attributed solely to inflammation and hypoxia was present in seven individuals with mild/moderate COVID-19.

Small cells lung epidermoid carcinoma in a HTLV1-infected patient: case report and literature review.

The human T cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is the first human retrovirus discovered. Since then, it has spread worldwide and is mainly associated with adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) and HTLV1-associated myelopathy (HAM). Its relationship, however, with other types of cancer is controversial. We describe the case of a patient presenting with small cells lung epidermoid carcinoma who had recently developed HAM, and a review of the literature related to these conditions. This is the first case of this type of lung cancer, the same of the first description in the literature, associated with HAM outside Japan.

Ansa pancreática: desafio no diagnóstico etiológico em paciente jovem com pancreatite grave / Ansa pancreatica: etiological diagnosis challenge in a young patient with severe pancreatitis

A ansa pancreática é uma variação anatômica rara dos ductos pancreáticos. Consiste numa comunicação entre o ducto pancreático principal (Wirsung) e o ducto pancreático acessório (Santorini). Recentemente, estudos têm demonstrado estar essa variação anatômica implicada como fator predisponente e significativamente associada a episódios recorrentes de pancreatite aguda. A pancreatite é uma entidade clínica pouco frequente na infância. Diferente dos adultos, as causas mais comuns incluem infecções virais, por ascaris, medicamentosas, traumas e anomalias estruturais. O objetivo deste estudo foi relatar um caso de pancreatite aguda grave não alcoólica e não biliar, em um paciente jovem de 15 anos, em cuja propedêutica imagenológica evidenciou-se alça, comunicando com os ductos pancreáticos ventral e dorsal, compatível com ansa pancreática.

Ansa pancreatica is a rare anatomical variation of the pancreatic ducts. It consists of communication between the main pancreatic duct (Wirsung) and the accessory pancreatic duct (Santorini). Recently, studies have shown that this anatomical variation is implicated as a predisposing factor and significantly associated with recurrent episodes of acute pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is a rare clinical entity in childhood. Different from that in the adults, the most common causes include viral and ascaris infections, drugs, traumas, and structural abnormalities. The objective of this study was to report a case of a severe non-alcoholic and non-biliary acute pancreatitis in a 15-year-old patient, whose propedeutic imaging showed a loop communicating with the ventral and dorsal pancreatic ducts, consistent with ansa pancreatica.

First report of equine leishmaniosis in the state of Sergipe, Brazil

Background: Leishmaniasis is caused by an obligate intracellular protozoan of the genus Leishmania. In Brazil, the species Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum is reported as an etiological agent of leishmaniasis. Transmission of the disease occurs through bite of the sand fly mosquitoes Lutzomyia longipalpis and Lutzomyia cruzi, present in several regions of Brazil, including the state of Sergipe, where they are considered endemic. Although few cases have been reported in other states of Brazil, no case of cutaneous leishmaniasis in horses has been reported in Sergipe. The objective of this study was to report a case of cutaneous leishmaniasis in a horse in the municipality of Itaporanga dAjuda, Sergipe, Brazil. Case: A 2-year-old female quarter-horse was examined by a private veterinarian due to the presence of a nodular lesion on the mucocutaneous region of the lips. Macroscopically, the nodule was alopecic with depigmented areas, measuring approximately 1.0 cm in diameter, and there was a focal ulcer in the region of the labial commissure. Excisional biopsy was performed as follows; the material obtained was fixed in 10% buffered formalin and sent for histopathological examination. Further, it was subjected to routine histological processing by embedment in paraffin and hematoxylin-eosin staining. Microscopically, there were intense multifocal to coalescent lymphohistioplasmocytic infiltrates with epithelioid macrophages and multinucleated giant cells, both containing amastigote forms comparable with Leishmania spp. Morphological diagnosis was defined as extensive multifocal to coalescent chronic granulomatous dermatitis with intracytoplasmic amastigote forms. Furthermore, for positive controls, immunohistochemical examination was performed using serum from dogs naturally infected with L. (L.) infantum, which resulted in a strongly positive immunostaining of innumerable intracytoplasmic amastigote structures...(AU)

The functional architecture of the stomatognathic system and orofacial aesthetic repositioning during the aging process

Introduction: Facial aging implies special care and personalized treatment. Thus,the new strand of Neomodern Dentistry seeks, through Orofacial Harmonization,the functional and aesthetic balance between the stomatognathic system and thefacial aspect. Objective: This article seeks to disclose, through a literature review, the aesthetical consequences of the stomatognatic system repositioning andorofacial aging. Data source: The present literature review consisted in researchesup to May 2019 using PubMed and Google Academic electronic databases. A 10-year publication limit was applied in the research. No language restriction wasapplied. Inclusion criteria were clinical investigations, books, dissertations, thesisor literature reviews that addressed the topics of interest. Data synthesis: A totalof 231 articles were retrieved from databases. After applying a 10-year publicationlimit, 111 remained and, based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 20 articleswere selected and included in this review. Conclusion: Considering the limitationsof the present study, it can be concluded that the aging process is natural andpredictable and can be changeable and malleable through procedures that restorethe support nutrients that were lost. The aesthetics can be achieved as a functionalconsequence of the stomatognathic system repositioning due to orofacial aging.

Introdução: O envelhecimento facial implica em cuidados especiais e um tratamento diferenciado. Desse modo, a nova vertente da Odontologia Neomoderna busca, por meio da Harmonização Orofacial, o equilíbrio funcional e estético entre o aparelho estomatognático e a face. Objetivo: Esse artigo busca compreender, por meio de uma revisão de literatura, as consequências estéticas do reposicionamento do aparelho estomatognático e envelhecimento orofacial. Fonte dos dados: A presente revisão de literatura consistiu em um viés qualitativo nas plataformas PubMed e Google Acadêmico, nos últimos 10 anos, sem restrição de idiomas. Os critérios de inclusão consistiram em estudos clínicos, livros, dissertações, teses ou revisões de literatura que abordavam os tópicos de interesse. Síntese dos dados: Foram recuperados nas bases de dados 231 artigos. Após a aplicação de um limite de publicação de 10 anos, 111 permaneceram e, com base nos critérios de inclusão e exclusão, 20 artigos foram selecionados e incluídos nesta revisão. Conclusão: Com as limitações do presente estudo, pode-se concluir que o processo de envelhecimento é natural e previsível e pode ser mutável e maleável por meio de procedimentos que restauram os nutrientes de suporte perdidos. A estética pode ser alcançada como uma consequência funcional do reposicionamento do sistema estomatognático e do envelhecimento orofacial.

Copernicia Prunifera Leaf Fiber: A Promising New Reinforcement for Epoxy Composites.

A basic characterization of novel epoxy matrix composites incorporated with up to 40 vol% of processed leaf fibers from the Copernicia prunifera palm tree, known as carnauba fibers, was performed. The tensile properties for the composite reinforced with 40 vol% of carnauba fibers showed an increase (40%) in the tensile strength and (69%) for the elastic modulus. All composites presented superior elongation values in comparison to neat epoxy. Izod impact tests complemented by fibers/matrix interfacial strength evaluation by pullout test and Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) analysis revealed for the first time a significant reinforcement effect (> 9 times) caused by the carnauba fiber to polymer matrix. Additional thermogravimetric analysis (TG/DTG) showed the onset of thermal degradation for the composites (326 ~ 306 °C), which represents a better thermal stability than the plain carnauba fiber (267 °C) but slightly lower than that of the neat epoxy (342 °C). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) disclosed an endothermic peak at 63 °C for the neat epoxy associated with the glass transition temperature (Tg). DSC endothermic peaks for the composites, between 73 to 103 °C, and for the plain carnauba fibers, 107 °C, are attributed to moisture release. Dynamic mechanical analysis confirms Tg of 64 °C for the neat epoxy and slightly higher composite values (82-84 °C) due to the carnauba fiber interference with the epoxy macromolecular chain mobility. Both by its higher impact resistance and thermal behavior, the novel carnauba fibers epoxy composites might be considered a viable substitute for commonly used glass fiber composites.