Does endodontics influence radiological detection of external root resorption? an in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: External root resorption (ERR) has a multifactorial etiology and is difficult to diagnose, which means that is continues to be of research interest. This work mainly aims to determine whether external root resorption can be differentially detected in root-filled versus non-endodontically treated teeth using digital periapical radiography (DPR) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). METHODS: The Checklist for Reporting In-vitro Studies (CRIS) guidelines were followed throughout this study. This experiment highlights the preparation and generation of standardized synthetic teeth measured on three-dimensional records converted into Digital Imaging and Communication on Medicine (DICOM) file format. Twelve replicate maxillary incisors were randomized into two groups: (G1) six non-endodontically treated, and (G2) six endodontically treated teeth. In both groups, actual tooth lengths of all specimens were measured and compared with measurements obtained using DPR and CBCT. Simulated ERR lesions [0.12, 0.18, 0.20 mm × 0.5 mm depth in the mesial, distal and palatal apical regions] were created progressively, radiographic images were recorded, and 24 DPRs and 96 CBCTs were obtained in total. Eight blinded, previously calibrated researchers made a total of 1920 measurements (using Horos Software). Data were analyzed using the Shapiro-Wilk, ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon rank post-hoc tests [Bonferroni correction in multiple comparison tests (p < 0.05)]. RESULTS: ICC values for intra- and inter-examiner agreement were appropriate. DPR overestimated ERR detection compared to the actual and CBCT measurements [Mean diff = 0.765 and 0.768, respectively]. CBCT diagnosis of ERR lesions in specimens without root canal treatment was significantly more accurate than DPR diagnoses on both non-endodontically and endodontically-treated specimens [p = 0.044; p = 0.037, respectively]. There was an 18.5% reduction in sensitivity in all DPR diagnoses made on endodontic teeth versus those made on non-endodontically treated teeth. For the smallest ERR lesions, this sensitivity was even more marked, with 27.8 and 25% less sensitivity, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study highlight that both CBCT and DPR are good diagnostic methods for ERR. Nevertheless, root canal filling material influences diagnostic capability in ERR. The clinical significance was that the presence of intracanal material reduces the detection and diagnosis of ERR by DPR in teeth with root canal treatment.

Reabsorción radicular apical externatras la ortodoncia: Factores clínicos ydiagnósticos y análisis de redes de genesrelacionados / External apical root resorption after orthodontic treatment: clinical and diagnostic factors and analysis of related gene networks

Introducción: La reabsorción radicular apical externa (EARR) provocada por las fuerzas ortodóncicas representa uno de los efectos iatrogénicos más indeseables del tratamiento. Se pretende establecer una relación entre las variables diagnósticas y clínicas del tratamiento con la aparición y severidad de la reabsorción radicular apical externa agresiva (aEARR). Adicionalmente, la red de interrelaciones genéticas sirve para la generación de hipótesis en la correlación de variaciones genéticas, previamente asociadas con aEARR, con otras enfermedades. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio de asociación mediante una selección de 240 pacientes clasificados en dos grupos, basándose en la presencia o ausencia de a EARR. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo y una regresión logística binaria condicional tipo backward entre las variables y el desarrollo de aEARR. Se seleccionaron 5 variantes (STAG2, RP1-30E17.2, P2RX7, SPP1 y TNFRSF11A) asociadas a una mayor predisposición al desarrollo de aEARR y se realizó un análisis de redes. Resultados: Exclusivamente la variable tiempo de tratamiento obtuvo resultados estadísticamente significativos (IC: 95%; p=0,007) en relación con la aEARR. En el análisis de redes se encontró relación de 4 variantes genéticas con diferentes etapas del proceso patológico de la EARR que se relacionaron con 6 patologías: artritis, osteoartrosis, enfermedad autoinmune, lupus eritematoso, hepatitis C y EARR. Conclusiones: El único factor que se asoció con una mayor prevalencia de aEARR es el tiempo de duración del tratamiento. Cualquier vía que pueda tener relación con el proceso inflamatorio y, por tanto, con el proceso reabsortivo, puede tener una implicación mayor/menor de manera directa o indirecta en el desarrollo de la EARR (AU)

Introduction: External apical root resorption (EARR) caused by orthodontic forces represents one of the most undesirable iatrogenic effects of treatment. The aim of this study is to establish a relation between the diagnostic and clinical variables of treatment with the appearance and severity of aggressive external apical root resorption (aEARR). Additionally, the network of genetic interrelationships offers the generation of hypotheses in the correlation of genetic variations, previously associated with aEARR, with other diseases. Methods: An association study was performed using a selection of 240 patients classified into two groups based on the presence or absence of aEARR. A descriptive analysis of the data along with a backward conditional binary logistic regression was performed between the variables and aEARR. Five variants (STAG2, RP1-30E17.2, P2RX7, SPP1 and TNFRSF11A) associated with an increased predisposition to aEARR were selected and network analysis was performed. Results: Only the treatment time variable obtained statistically significant results (CI: 95%; p=0.007) in relation to aEARR. In the network analysis, 4 genetic variants were found to be related to different stages of the pathological process of aEARR, which were associated with 6 pathologies: arthritis, osteoarthrosis, autoimmune disease, lupus erythematosus, hepatitis C and EARR. Conclusions: The only factor associated with a higher prevalence of aEARR is the treatment duration. Any pathway that may be related to the inflammatory process and therefore to the resorptive process may have a greater/lesser involvement directly or indirectly in the development of aEARR (AU)

Longitudinal study of the newborn small for gestational age. Growth recovery and conditioning factors / Estudio longitudinal del recién nacido pequeño para la edad gestacional. Crecimiento recuperador y factores condicionantes

Background: small-for-gestational-age (SGA) newborns present a higher morbidity and mortality rate when compared to infants born appropriate for gestational age (AGA), as well as insufficient growth, with height far from their target and in some cases a low final height (< -2 SDs). Objective: the aim of this study was to determine when catch-up growth (CUG) in height occurs in these children, and which factors are associated with lack of CUG. Material and methods: this is a retrospective study of SGAs born between 2011 and 2015 in a secondary hospital. Anthropometric measurements were taken consecutively until CUG was reached, and fetal, placental, parental, newborn, and postnatal variables were studied. Results: a total of 358 SGAs were included from a total of 5,585 live newborns. At 6 and 48 months of life, 93.6 % and 96.4 % of SGAs achieved CUG, respectively. By subgroups, symmetric SGAs performed worse than asymmetric SGAs with CUG in 84 % and 92 % at 6 and 48 months of life, respectively. The same occurred in the subgroup of preterm SGAs with respect to term SGAs, with worse CUGs of 88.2 % and 91.2 % at 6 and 48 months of life, respectively. Prematurity, symmetrical SGA, intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), preeclampsia, previous child SGA, perinatal morbidity, and comorbidity during follow-up were associated with absence of CUG. Conclusions: the majority of SGAs had CUG in the first months of life. The worst outcomes were for preterm and symmetric SGAs (AU)

Antecedentes: el recién nacido pequeño para la edad gestacional (PEG) presenta mayor morbimortalidad que el recién nacido con peso adecuado (PAEG), así como un crecimiento insuficiente con talla alejada de la talla diana y, en algunos casos, talla final baja (< -2 DE). Objetivo: el objetivo de este estudio fue determinar en qué momento se produce el crecimiento compensador (CUG) de la talla en estos niños y conocer qué factores se asocian a la falta de dicho crecimiento compensador. Material y métodos: estudio retrospectivo de los recién nacidos PEG entre los años 2011 y 2015 en un hospital secundario. Se tomaron medidas antropométricas de forma consecutiva hasta alcanzar el CUG y se estudiaron las variables fetales, placentarias, parentales, neonatales y posnatales. Resultados: se incluyeron 358 PEG de un total de 5585 recién nacidos vivos. A los 6 y 48 meses de vida alcanzaron el CUG el 93,6 % y 96,4 % de los PEG, respectivamente. Por subgrupos, los PEG simétricos obtuvieron peores resultados que los PEG asimétricos, con CUG del 84 % y 92 % a los 6 y 48 meses de vida, respectivamente. Lo mismo ocurrió en el subgrupo de PEG prematuros respecto de los PEG a término, con CUG peores del 88,2 % y 91,2 % a los 6 y 48 meses de vida, respectivamente. La prematuridad, el PEG simétrico, la restricción del crecimiento intrauterino, la preeclampsia, tener un hijo previo PEG, la morbilidad perinatal y la comorbilidad durante el seguimiento se asociaron a la ausencia de CUG. Conclusiones: la mayoría de los PEG alcanzaron el CUG en los primeros meses de vida. Los peores resultados fueron para los PEG prematuros y simétricos (AU)

Kinetics of moisture loss applied to the baking of snacks with pregelatinized cassava starch.

Moisture loss kinetics is a complex process defined as the liquid removal from a solid by thermal application. The purposes of the study were to obtain kinetic curves of moisture loss during the baking of cassava snacks and establish which processes govern the moisture loss, recognize which mathematical models describe the moisture loss curves more precisely, and determine activation energy (Ea) and effective diffusivity (Deff ). Experimental data were obtained through baking at four temperatures formulations for snacks with different dehydrated cassava puree (DCP) proportions. Page's and Chávez Méndez's models showed the best fits. We calculated Deff and Ea employing the analytical solution of Fick's Second Law for the geometry of plane plates. Deff values increase with DCP but did not show a trend. The range found was from 5.22E-06 to 2.93E-05 m2 /s. The results of Ea showed that the mixture of flours produced an increase in the energy necessary to initiate the effective diffusion (24.84 kJ/mol) compared to the samples without mixing (15.54 kJ/mol). Moisture loss curves show that the diffusion process governs a large part of the process. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Given the need to increase research for the development of the cassava industry, which currently has low competitiveness compared to less expensive products such as corn, various efforts are being made to generate new products that can replace wheat flour, at least in part. However, it is necessary to research how this substitution affects the various steps of the production system, including baking. During baking, one of the most significant processes is moisture loss. In this sense, the kinetic modeling of the moisture loss process parameters is mainly helpful in the food industry. The mathematical models of moisture loss processes are used to design new or improved baking systems or even control the process.

Capability of Far-Infrared for the selective identification of red and black pigments in paint layers.

Artworks are complex objects that merit study and preservation. Far-infrared spectroscopy in ATR mode appears to be a suitable technique for this purpose because it enables information to be obtained regarding the material's composition in a non-destructive way. The use of Far-infrared is especially interesting because most organic compounds do not absorb in this energy range, suggesting the possibility of identifying inorganic pigments. Based on works performed by two research groups from the University of Bologna and the University of Tartu, this study attempts to obtain additional information regarding the capabilities and limitations of Far-infrared spectroscopy when it is applied to objects as complex as artworks. This article first studies the capability of the technique for identifying pigments by following the stability of the position of their absorption bands when mixed with linseed oil, the minimum amount of pigment necessary to be detected and how this amount changes when it is part of a paint layer. The consequences of the pigment: linseed oil interaction and the ageing process are also studied through changes in the linseed oil signal absorptions related to the acid carboxylic and carboxylate bands. The entire study leads to the conclusion that Far-Infrared in ATR mode is an interesting option for the selective identification of some inorganic pigments, but their potential application depends on each case considered.

Adapting evaluation method of skills acquisition in basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation among year 5 and year 6 primary school pupils during the COVID-19 lockdown: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: This longitudinal descriptive study aimed to evaluate cognitive skills acquisition in basic Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (bCPR) among a group of Year 5 and Year 6 primary school pupils. The study made use of online tools due to the impossibility of conventional methods during the COVID-19 lockdown. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pupils received formal training in bCPR. Training was imparted uniformly by a teacher at the school (qualified in Basic Life Support -BLS- and Advanced Life Support -ALS- training by the CPR National Plan). The skills acquired (those proposed as essential for bCPR training by the European Resuscitation Council) were evaluated fifteen weeks later. Skills acquisition was evaluated by means of an online questionnaire developed specifically for the study. RESULTS: In all the cognitive skills included in bCPR training, the acquisition level achieved was over 65%. Acquisition of knowledge of the anatomical areas at which cardiac massage must be applied and the means of emergency systems activation was high, while 25.5% of pupils knew the order in which maneuvers should be performed. Pupils' self-confidence and self-perception of their capacity to act when faced with a real CPR situation increased significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Primary school pupils learned all the cognitive skills involved in bCPR, showing high levels of skills acquisition and positive self-perception of their capacity to apply them.

A genome-wide association study identifies novel gene associations with facial skin wrinkling and mole count in Latin Americans.

BACKGROUND: Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified genes influencing skin ageing and mole count in Europeans, but little is known about the relevance of these (or other genes) in non-Europeans. OBJECTIVES: To conduct a GWAS for facial skin ageing and mole count in adults < 40 years old, of mixed European, Native American and African ancestry, recruited in Latin America. METHODS: Skin ageing and mole count scores were obtained from facial photographs of over 6000 individuals. After quality control checks, three wrinkling traits and mole count were retained for genetic analyses. DNA samples were genotyped with Illumina's HumanOmniExpress chip. Association testing was performed on around 8 703 729 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across the autosomal genome. RESULTS: Genome-wide significant association was observed at four genome regions: two were associated with wrinkling (in 1p13·3 and 21q21·2), one with mole count (in 1q32·3) and one with both wrinkling and mole count (in 5p13·2). Associated SNPs in 5p13·2 and in 1p13·3 are intronic within SLC45A2 and VAV3, respectively, while SNPs in 1q32·3 are near the SLC30A1 gene, and those in 21q21·2 occur in a gene desert. Analyses of SNPs in IRF4 and MC1R are consistent with a role of these genes in skin ageing. CONCLUSIONS: We replicate the association of wrinkling with variants in SLC45A2, IRF4 and MC1R reported in Europeans. We identify VAV3 and SLC30A1 as two novel candidate genes impacting on wrinkling and mole count, respectively. We provide the first evidence that SLC45A2 influences mole count, in addition to variants in this gene affecting melanoma risk in Europeans.

Efectividad y seguridad de la cirugía para la epilepsia en niños. Experiencia de un hospital terciario en Ecuador / Safety and effectiveness of surgery for epilepsy in children. Experience of a tertiary hospital in Ecuador

Introducción: Existe suficiente evidencia sobre la utilidad de la cirugía como alternativa terapéutica para pacientes con epilepsia farmacorresistente, sin embargo este tratamiento es subutilizado especialmente en países en desarrollo. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la efectividad y seguridad de la cirugía de epilepsia en un hospital terciario de Ecuador.MétodosSe describe el resultado de la cirugía de epilepsia en 27 niños y adolescentes en el Hospital Baca Ortiz, de Quito, Ecuador, teniendo en cuenta las siguientes variables antes y después de la cirugía: reducción de la frecuencia de crisis, Engel posquirúrgico, mejoría en la calidad de vida y presencia de complicaciones graves por la cirugía.ResultadosSe realizaron 21 callosotomías y seis cirugías resectivas. La frecuencia de crisis media se redujo de 465 mensual antes de la cirugía a 37,2 mensual después de la misma (p<0,001), mientras que la puntuación en la escala de calidad de vida aumentó de 12,6 a 37,2 puntos (p<0,001), el 72,7% de los pacientes mejoró la calidad de vida. Entre las cirugía resectivas, en dos epilepsias del lóbulo temporal y una del cuadrante posterior se logró Engel Ia, una hemisferotomía por encefalitis de Rasmusen quedó en Engel IIa y dos hamartomas hipotalámicos, uno logró Engel III y otro Engel Ia pero falleció a mediano plazo por complicación posquirúrgica. La otra complicación grave fue un hidrocéfalo que llevó a la muerte a un lactante con espasmos infantiles refractarios sometido a callosotomía.ConclusiónEl resultado favorable se observó en el 92,5% de los pacientes. (AU)

Introduction: There is sufficient evidence on the usefulness of surgery as a therapeutic alternative for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy; however this treatment is underutilized, especially in developing countries.MethodsWe describe the outcomes of epilepsy surgery in 27 paediatric patients at Hospital Baca Ortiz in Quito, Ecuador. Our analysis considered the following variables: reduction in seizure frequency, surgery outcome according to the Engel classification, improvement in quality of life, and serious complications due to surgery.Results21 corpus callosotomies and 6 resective surgeries were performed. The mean seizure frequency decreased from 465 per month before surgery to 37.2 per month thereafter (p<.001); quality of life scale scores increased from 12.6 to 37.2 (p<.001), and quality of life improved in 72.7% of patients. Regarding resective surgery, 2 patients with temporal lobe epilepsy and one with posterior quadrant epilepsy achieved Engel class IA, and one patient undergoing hemispherotomy due to Rasmussen encephalitis achieved Engel class IIA. Two patients underwent surgery for hypothalamic hamartoma: one achieved Engel III and the other, Engel IA; however, the latter patient died in the medium term due to a postoperative complication. The other major complication was a case of hydrocephalus, which led to the death of a patient with refractory infantile spasms who underwent corpus callosotomy.ConclusionsFavourable outcomes were observed in 92.5% of patients. (AU)

Safety and effectiveness of surgery for epilepsy in children. Experience of a tertiary hospital in Ecuador. / Efectividad y seguridad de la cirugía para la epilepsia en niños. Experiencia de un hospital terciario en Ecuador.

INTRODUCTION: There is sufficient evidence on the usefulness of surgery as a therapeutic alternative for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy; however this treatment is underutilized, especially in developing countries. METHODS: We describe the outcomes of epilepsy surgery in 27 paediatric patients at Hospital Baca Ortiz in Quito, Ecuador. Our analysis considered the following variables: reduction in seizure frequency, surgery outcome according to the Engel classification, improvement in quality of life, and serious complications due to surgery. RESULTS: 21 corpus callosotomies and 6 resective surgeries were performed. The mean seizure frequency decreased from 465 per month before surgery to 37.2 per month thereafter (p<.001); quality of life scale scores increased from 12.6 to 37.2 (p<.001), and quality of life improved in 72.7% of patients. Regarding resective surgery, 2 patients with temporal lobe epilepsy and one with posterior quadrant epilepsy achieved Engel class IA, and one patient undergoing hemispherotomy due to Rasmussen encephalitis achieved Engel class IIA. Two patients underwent surgery for hypothalamic hamartoma: one achieved Engel III and the other, Engel IA; however, the latter patient died in the medium term due to a postoperative complication. The other major complication was a case of hydrocephalus, which led to the death of a patient with refractory infantile spasms who underwent corpus callosotomy. CONCLUSIONS: Favourable outcomes were observed in 92.5% of patients.

FCSlib: an open-source tool for fluorescence fluctuation spectroscopy analysis for mobility, number and molecular brightness in R.

SUMMARY: FCSlib is an open-source R tool for fluorescence fluctuation spectroscopy data analysis. It encompasses techniques such as Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy, Number and Brightness, Pair Correlation Function and Pair Correlation of Molecular Brightness. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION: Source code available at https://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/FCSlib/ for Linux, Windows and macOS platforms. Sample data as well as a user's guide are available at https://github.com/FCSlib/FCSlib. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

Sub-clustering in skeletal class III malocclusion phenotypes via principal component analysis in a southern European population.

The main aim of this study was to generate an adequate sub-phenotypic clustering model of class III skeletal malocclusion in an adult population of southern European origin. The study design was conducted in two phases, a preliminary cross-sectional study and a subsequent discriminatory evaluation by main component and cluster analysis to identify differentiated skeletal sub-groups with differentiated phenotypic characteristics. Radiometric data from 699 adult patients of southern European origin were analyzed in 212 selected subjects affected by class III skeletal malocclusion. The varimax rotation was used with Kaiser normalization, to prevent variables with more explanatory capacity from affecting the rotation. A total of 21,624 radiographic measurements were obtained as part of the cluster model generation, using a total set of 55 skeletal variables for the subsequent analysis of the major component and cluster analyses. Ten main axes were generated representing 92.7% of the total variation. Three main components represented 58.5%, with particular sagittal and vertical variables acting as major descriptors. Post hoc phenotypic clustering retrieved six clusters: C1:9.9%, C2:18.9%, C3:33%, C4:3.77%, C5:16%, and C6:16%. In conclusion, phenotypic variation was found in the southern European skeletal class III population, demonstrating the existence of phenotypic variations between identified clusters in different ethnic groups.

Tumor neuroendocrino apendicular pediátrico: análisis de una serie / Pediatric neuroendocrine appendicular tumor: a case-series analysis

INTRODUCCIÓN: El tumor neuroendocrino es la neoplasia apendicular más frecuente en la edad pediátrica. Existen guías sobre su manejo en adultos pero no se han elaborado guías para pacientes pediátricos, lo que conlleva un manejo muy heterogéneo en este grupo de edad. Se presenta una serie de casos con el objetivo de mejorar el conocimiento de estos tumores. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de los casos de tumor neuroendocrino apendicular hallados en piezas de apendicectomía entre enero de 2004 y diciembre de 2017 en dos hospitales terciarios, en menores de 18 años. RESULTADOS: se incluyeron 6 pacientes, 4 varones y 2 mujeres. En todos el síntoma principal fue el dolor abdominal, ninguno presentó síndrome carcinoide. En uno de ellos el tumor se localizó en base y tuvo dudosa afectación de márgenes, por lo que se realizó una segunda cirugía. En el resto, la apendicectomía fue curativa. Sólo en 3 se hizo seguimiento. CONCLUSIONES: según la mayoría de autores no es necesaria una segunda cirugía tras el diagnóstico, ni tampoco el seguimiento pues se han encontrado supervivencias similares cuando se comparan grupos. Esta afirmación parece aún más clara en tumores <1 cm y sin factores de riesgo asociados, sobre todo la invasión del mesoapéndice. En cualquier caso, hacen falta estudios para la elaboración de guías que permitan homogeneizar su manejo en la edad pediátrica

INTRODUCTION: The neuroendocrine tumor is the most frequent appendix neoplasia in the pediatric age. Although multiple guides about the management of this tumor in adults exist, no guides with focus on children have been created. That makes the management of the tumor for this population very heterogeneous. Several cases are presented below with the objective to improve the knowledge on this area. MATERIAL AND METHODS: a retrospective study of the appendix neuroendocrine tumor found in appendectomy pieces on patients under eighteen was carried out in two tertiary hospitals - Nuestra Señora del Prado in Talavera de la Reina and Virgen de la Salud in Toledo- between January 2004 and December 2017. RESULTS: six patients were under study, 4 men and 2 women. In all of them, the main symptom was abdominal pain, any of them showed carcinoid syndrome. One had a tumor located in the base. In this case a second surgery was necessary due to the suspicion of affected margins. Regarding the rest of the patients, the appendectomy was curative. Only in three of them a follow up was done. CONCLUSIONS: According to the majority of the authors, neither a second surgery nor a follow up is necessary after the diagnosis, having similar results when comparing groups. This statement becomes more significant in tumors <1 cm and without associated risk factors, specially the deep masoappendiceal infiltration. In any case, it is clear that further studies must be conducted in order to elaborate guides that allow making the management of the tumor more homogeneous

Dielectric spectroscopy of novel bio-based aliphatic-aromatic block copolymers: Poly(butylene terephthalate)-b-poly(lactic acid).

Broadband dielectric spectroscopy has been used to characterize in deep the relaxation behavior of novel bio-based aliphatic-aromatic block copolymers based on poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA). The results indicate that the copolymerization decreases the ability to crystallize of the resulting block copolymer. The [Formula: see text] relaxation of the block copolymers is consistent with this fact exhibiting initially the characteristics features of an amorphous polymeric material cold crystallizing upon heating. The cold crystallization can be easily visualized by dielectric spectroscopy by a discontinuous and abrupt change of the shape parameters of the [Formula: see text] relaxation. The sub-glass dynamics of the block copolymers is complex and be ascribed to a [Formula: see text] relaxation composed of two local modes, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], which can be assigned to the relaxation in PBT of the bond between the ester oxygen and the aliphatic carbon and to the bond between the aromatic ring carbon to the ester carbon, respectively. With increasing amount of the PLA block the crystallinity decreases as well as the activation energy of the [Formula: see text] mode approaching the expected value for amorphous PBT. On the contrary, the activation energy for the [Formula: see text] exhibits an unexpected increase as the amount of PLA increases. This effect has been explained by considering that at lower temperatures the [Formula: see text] mode of PBT is the more significant while at higher temperatures the [Formula: see text] relaxation of the PLA block becomes the dominant one.

Utilidad del Video EEG en un hospital pediátrico de nivel terciario durante el año 2015 / Utility Of Video EEG In A Pediatric Tertiary Hospital During 2015

Resumen Objetivo: Evaluar la utilidad del V-EEG en el diagnóstico diferencial de la epilepsia en un hospital pediátrico de nivel terciario durante el año 2015 Materiales y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo sobre 90 pacientes evaluados en esta unidad durante el año 2015. Se recogieron datos de variables relacionadas con la indicación y los resultados del V-EEG, los cuales fueron analizados usando medidas de estadística descriptiva. Resultados: El 53,3% de los pacientes fueron masculinos. El promedio de edad es de 7,7 años con una desviación estándar de 4,7 años. El tiempo que transcurre desde la primera crisis hasta que el paciente acude a realizarse el V-EEG presenta una media de 4,3 años. 72 pacientes (80%) presentaron crisis epilépticas, 12 pacientes (13,3%) presentaron trastornos paroxísticos no epilépticos, mientras 6 niños (6,7%) no presentaron crisis durante el monitoreo. En el 93,3% de los casos el estudio fue exitoso. Conclusiones: Se demuestra la utilidad del monitoreo V-EEG para el diagnóstico diferencial de epilepsia.

Summary Objective: The aim was to evaluate the V-EEG usefulness in the differential diagnosis of epilepsy in a Third Level Children's Hospital during 2015. Materials and Methods: A descriptive study was performed over 90 patients in this unit during 2015. The data was obtained from variables related to indications and results of V-EEG, which were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Fifty three percent of the patients were male. The mean age was 7.7 years (SD ± 4.7 years). The time measured between the first seizure and the V-EEG recording was 4,3 years. Seventy two patients (80%) had epileptic seizures, 12 patients (13,3%) had nonepileptic seizures, while six children (6.7%) had no seizures during the V-EEG monitoring. Ninety three percent of all recordings were successful. Conclusions: It was demonstrated the usefulness of V-EEG monitoring for the differential diagnosis of epilepsy.

Effect of chemical structure on the subglass relaxation dynamics of biobased polyesters as revealed by dielectric spectroscopy: 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid vs. trans-1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid.

The chemical structure-dynamics relationship for poly(trimethylene 2,5-furanoate) and poly(trimethylene 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylate) was investigated via dielectric spectroscopy and compared with that of poly(trimethylene terephthalate) in order to evaluate the impact on the subglass dynamics of the chemical nature of the ring. Further comparison was accomplished with the neopentyl glycol containing counterparts: poly(neopentyl 2,5-furanoate) and poly(neopentyl 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylate). Our study reveals a multimodal nature of the subglass ß process. For the more flexible polymers (containing cyclohexane rings) three modes for the ß process were detected. The faster mode was assigned to the relaxation of the oxygen linked to the aliphatic carbon, the slower one to the link between the aliphatic ring and the ester group, and the third mode to the aliphatic ring. For stiffer polymers (containing aromatic rings), the local modes appear more coupled. This effect is more evident in the polymers with the furan ring where essentially a single ß mode can be resolved.

RNASEH1 gene variants are associated with autoimmune type 1 diabetes in Colombia.

BACKGROUND: In a previous work, we found linkage and association of type 1 diabetes (T1D) to a 12 known gene region at chromosome 2p25 in Colombian families. Here, we present further work on this candidate region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventeen SNPs located on the 12 candidate genes, in 100 familial trios set, were tested by ARMS-tetraprimer-PCR or PCR-RFLP. Five extra SNPs in the vicinity of rs10186193 were typed. A replica phase included 97 novel familial trios, in whom diabetes-related auto-antibodies (AABs) were tested in sera of the patients. In addition to transmission disequilibrium tests, haplotype analyses were carried out using the unphased software. RESULTS: SNP rs10186193 (at RNASEH1 gene) showed association with T1D (P = 0.005). The additional five SNPs revealed that rs7607888 (P = 2.03 × 10-7), rs55981318 (P = 0.018), and rs1136545 (P = 1.93 × 10-9) were also associated with T1D. Haplotype analysis showed association for rs55981318-rs10186193 (P = 0.0005), rs7563960-rs7607888 (P = 0.0007), rs7607888-rs1136545 (P = 9.21 × 10-10), and rs1136545-rs11538545 (P = 6.67 × 10-8). In contrast, the new set of 97 familial trios tested for SNPs rs55981318, rs10186193, and rs7607888 did not support the previous finding; however, by combining the sample (197 trios), evidence of association of T1D with rs55981318 and rs7607888 was conclusive. In addition, a two-loci haplotype analysis of the combined sample showed significant association of RNASEH1 with T1D (P = 3.1 × 10-5). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, our analyses suggest that RNASEH1 gene variants associate with susceptibility/protection to T1D in Colombia.

Effectiveness of Biology-Based Methods for Inhibiting Orthodontic Tooth Movement. A Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION: Several experimental studies in the literature have tested different biology-based methods for inhibiting or decreasing orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) in humans. This systematic review investigated the effects of these interventions on the rate of tooth movement. STUDY DESIGN: Electronic [MedLine; SCOPUS; Cochrane Library; OpenGrey;Web of Science] and manual searches were conducted up to January 26th, 2016 in order to identify publications of clinical trials that compared the decreasing or inhibiting effects of different biology-based methods over OTM in humans. A primary outcome (rate of OTM deceleration/inhibition) and a number of secondary outcomes were examined (clinical applicability, orthodontic force used, possible side effects). Two reviewers selected the studies complying with the eligibility criteria (PICO format) and assessed risk of bias [Cochrane Collaboration's tool]. Data collection and analysis were performed following the Cochrane recommendations. RESULTS: From the initial electronic search, 3726 articles were retrieved and 5 studies were finally included. Two types of biology-based techniques used to reduce the rate of OTM in humans were described: pharmacological and low-level laser therapy. In the first group, human Relaxin was compared to a placebo and administered orally. It was described as having no effect on the inhibition of OTM in humans after 32 days, while the drug tenoxicam, injected locally, inhibited the rate of OTM by up to 10% in humans after 42 days. In the second group, no statistically significant differences were reported, compared to placebo, for the rate of inhibition of OTM in humans after 90 days of observation when a 860 nm continuous wave GaAlA slow-level laser was used. CONCLUSIONS: The currently available data do not allow us to draw definitive conclusions about the use of various pharmacological substances and biology-based therapies in humans able to inhibit or decrease the OTM rate. There is an urgent need for more sound well-designed randomized clinical trials in the field.

Are there any differences between first and second primary molar pulpectomy prognoses? A retrospective clinical study.

AIM: To determine if there are any significant differences between the prognoses of pulpectomies done on first and second primary molars of the upper and lower dental arch. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study Design: The clinical study included 55 children who had undergone 86 pulpectomy treatments, 41 on the first molars and 45 on the second molars. The root canal filling material consisted of a paste based on Walkhoff formula, containing Kri-1, calcium hydroxide and meta-cresol formaldehyde. The same clinician carried out all pulpectomies. RESULTS: After the analysis there were a total of 7 treatment failures (3 in the upper arch and 4 in the lower). Four of the 7 failures were first primary molars and three were second primary molars. STATISTICS: There were no significant differences in the prognoses of the different kinds of primary molars. CONCLUSION: The anatomy of the primary molars changes considerably. Significant differences were not observed in the prognosis of different types of primary molars after pulpectomy.

Long-distance dispersal suppresses introgression of local alleles during range expansions.

During range expansions, even low levels of interbreeding can lead to massive introgression of local alleles into an invader's genome. Nonetheless, this pattern is not always observed in human populations. For instance, European Americans in North America are barely introgressed by Amerindian genes in spite of known contact and admixture. With coalescent spatially explicit simulations, we examined the impact of long-distance dispersal (LDD) events on introgression of local alleles into the invading population using a set of different demographic scenarios applicable to a diverse range of natural populations and species. More specifically, we consider two distinct LDD models: one where LDD events originate in the range core and targets only the expansion front and a second one where LDD events can occur from any area to any other. We find that LDD generally prevents introgression, but that LDD events specifically targeting the expansion front are most efficient in suppressing introgression. This is likely due to the fact that LDD allows for the presence of a larger number of invader alleles at the wave front, where effective population size is thus increased and local introgressed alleles are rapidly outnumbered. We postulate that the documented settlement of pioneers directly on the wave front in North America has contributed to low levels of Amerindian admixture observed in European Americans and that this phenomenon may well explain the lack of introgression after a range expansion in natural populations without the need to evoke other mechanisms such as natural selection.

Cellular and Molecular Pathways Leading to External Root Resorption.

External apical root resorption during orthodontic treatment implicates specific molecular pathways that orchestrate nonphysiologic cellular activation. To date, a substantial number of in vitro and in vivo molecular, genomic, and proteomic studies have supplied data that provide new insights into root resorption. Recent mechanisms and developments reviewed here include the role of the cellular component-specifically, the balance of CD68+, iNOS+ M1- and CD68+, CD163+ M2-like macrophages associated with root resorption and root surface repair processes linked to the expression of the M1-associated proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor, inducible nitric oxide synthase, the M1 activator interferon γ, the M2 activator interleukin 4, and M2-associated anti-inflammatory interleukin 10 and arginase I. Insights into the role of mesenchymal dental pulp cells in attenuating dentin resorption in homeostasis are also reviewed. Data on recently deciphered molecular pathways are reviewed at the level of (1) clastic cell adhesion in the external apical root resorption process and the specific role of α/ß integrins, osteopontin, and related extracellular matrix proteins; (2) clastic cell fusion and activation by the RANKL/RANK/OPG and ATP-P2RX7-IL1 pathways; and (3) regulatory mechanisms of root resorption repair by cementum at the proteomic and transcriptomic levels.