Update on chelating agents in endodontic treatment: A systematic review.

Background: The aim of this review was to assess the evidence regarding the most commonly used chelating agents in terms of efficacy, erosive potential, cytotoxicity, interaction, antimicrobial effect, impact on sealers adhesion, and release of growth factors. Material and Methods: MEDLINE (PubMed) database, Cochrane Library and Scopus were searched up to January 14, 2023, including studies with one or more of the following chelating agents: 17% EDTA, 9% and 18% HEDP, 10% and 20% citric acid, 2%-2.25% peracetic acid and 7% maleic acid. In addition, the reference lists of all selected articles were also checked to identify additional relevant studies. Articles published in English and available in full-text were selected. The quality of studies was assessed using the modified CONSORT checklist guide and the Cochrane Collaboration tool. Results: The electronic search yielded 538 citations, 56 of which were included. The articles included had moderate and low evidence values. Among 56 articles included, 55 were in vitro studies and one was a randomized clinical trial. Among the in vitro studies, 15 evaluated efficacy and dentin erosion, 12 evaluated interaction with other endodontic irrigants, 9 tested antimicrobial effect, 4 evaluated cytotoxicity in hamster and rat lung cells, 9 evaluated intervention in adhesion of filling materials and 8 focused on release of growth factors and on behavior of stem cells in regenerative endodontic. The RCT tested antimicrobial effect. Conclusions: 17% EDTA is the most effective in smear layer removal and in releasing growth factors on regenerative endodontics. However, the current incorporation of 9% and 18% etidronic acid has shown optimal results due to its compatibility with sodium hypochlorite and its capability on avoiding smear layer formation through a continuous chelation action. Despite these preliminary findings, methodological standardization between studies is required and in vivo studies are necessary to confirm in vitro studies. Key words:Chelating Agents, Smear Layer, Systematic Review, Endodontics, Root Canal Irrigants.

Evaluation of dental trauma associated with cycling accidents in a city in the south of Brazil: an observational study / Avaliação de traumatismos dentários associados a acidentes com bicicletas em uma cidade do sul do Brasil: um estudo observacional

Aim: to evaluate the cyclists' profile and the frequency of dental trauma associated with cycling in a southern city in Brazil. Materials and Methods: a questionnaire was applied to 234 cyclists with at least 18 years old. The variables of interests were: sociodemographic data, data related to the profile of users, and data on the occurrence of all traumas and dental traumas. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were carried out (α=5%). Results: The mean age of participants was 31.38 ± 11.6 years, ranging from 14 to 67 years. The majority of the participants were male (62.8%), had attended higher education (45.7%), and had incomes equivalent to 1 to 3 times the minimum wage (39.3%). The main reason given for riding a bicycle was leisure (35.9%). Users of their own bicycles had fewer items of mandatory safety equipment fitted to their bicycles than users of rented bicycles (Student's t test, P<0.0001). However, study participants riding their own bicycles wore personal protective equipment more frequently than renters (Student's t test, P<0.0001). Moreover, 33.7% of the respondents reported having suffered an accident, and 25% had traumatized some part of the body. Among those who reported traumas, 20% (4/20) had suffered traumas to hard dental tissues and supporting structures. Discussion: Dental trauma was not frequent in a population predominantly from an urban area that uses bicycles, especially for leisure, despite the prevalence of accidents involving bicycle use. Conclusion: Health education campaigns should emphasize the importance of personal protective equipment for cyclists and of safety items fitted to bicycles, whether cyclists' own or rented.

Objetivo: avaliar o perfil dos ciclistas e a frequência de traumatismo dentário associado ao ciclismo em uma cidade do sul do Brasil. Materiais e Métodos: aplicou-se um questionário a 234 ciclistas com idade mínima de 18 anos. As variáveis ​​de interesse foram: dados sociodemográficos, dados relacionados ao perfil dos usuários e dados sobre a ocorrência de todos os traumatismos e traumas dentários. Foram realizadas análises estatísticas descritivas e inferenciais (α=5%). Resultados: A idade média dos participantes era de 31,38 ±11,6 anos, variando de 14 a 67 anos. A maioria dos participantes era do sexo masculino (62,8%), tinha curso superior (45,7%) e renda equivalente a 1 a 3 salários mínimos (39,3%). O principal motivo para andar de bicicleta foi lazer (35,9%). Usuários de suas próprias bicicletas tinham menos itens de equipamentos de segurança obrigatórios instalados do que os usuários de bicicletas alugadas (teste t de Student, P<0,0001). Porém, participantes do estudo que andavam em sua própria bicicleta usavam equipamentos de proteção individual mais frequentemente do que os locatários (teste t de Student, P<0,0001). Ainda, 33,7% dos entrevistados relataram ter sofrido algum acidente e 25% traumatizado alguma parte do corpo. Entre os que relataram traumatismos, 20% (4/20) sofreram traumas em tecidos duros dentais e estruturas de suporte. Discussão: O traumatismo dentário não foi frequente em uma população predominantemente de área urbana que utiliza bicicletas, principalmente para lazer, apesar da prevalência de acidentes envolvendo o uso de bicicletas. Conclusão: As campanhas de educação em saúde devem enfatizar a importância dos equipamentos de proteção individual dos ciclistas e dos itens de segurança instalados nas bicicletas, sejam elas próprias ou alugadas.

The Impact of Cone-beam Computed Tomography on Diagnostic Thinking, Treatment Option, and Confidence in Dental Trauma Cases: A Before and After Study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to identify whether cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) imaging affects endodontists' diagnostic thinking, treatment option, and confidence in dental trauma cases. METHODS: Twelve endodontists reviewed 15 dental trauma cases with clinical histories and periapical radiography (PR) and answered questions regarding their diagnostic thinking and treatment decisions and their confidence in both. One month later, the same participants reviewed the same cases and answered similar questionnaires with the aid of CBCT imaging. A statistical analysis of their responses was conducted. RESULTS: Differences were observed in diagnostic thinking when using PR or CBCT imaging (P < .05), and the use of PR was associated with a higher number of "unsure" answers to questions about diagnoses. After reviewing periapical radiographic images, the approach most frequently endorsed was "don't start conventional endodontic treatment and order CBCT," whereas the most common decision made after analyzing the CBCT images was "start conventional endodontic treatment." Clinical interventions were proposed more often when participants evaluated the clinical case using CBCT imaging than when using PR (P < .05). The participants' degree of confidence in their diagnostic thinking was not different after analysis using PR or CBCT imaging (P > .05). However, there was a difference between PR and CBCT imaging in participants' confidence in their treatment decisions (P < .05). Participants who initially indicated a lack of confidence in their diagnosis or treatment option gained confidence when CBCT images were available. However, the inverse behavior was also observed for participants who were initially confident on the basis of PR (P < .05). Participants who decided to start treatment after CBCT analysis were less confident than when using PR (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: In dental trauma cases, CBCT imaging influenced participants' diagnostic thinking and choice of treatment modality and affected their confidence in the decision-making process.

The Importance of Education for Middle- and Old-Age Mortality in Chile: Estimates From Panel Data Linked to Death Records.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the association between education and mortality by age and gender in Chile. METHODS: We drew data from 10,147 adults aged 40 years and over from the Chilean Social Protection Survey linked to the national death records. We specify five Cox regression models to estimate the main and interaction effects for education levels, age, sex, and mortality. RESULTS: The hazard ratios reduce with increasing education. Secondary and tertiary education levels are associated, respectively, with 34% and 41% lower hazard rates than 0-4 years of schooling. Also, the educational gradient in mortality is significantly weaker at older ages, and it does not differ by gender. DISCUSSION: Our findings endorse the negative association of formal education with adult mortality, uncovering Chile's structural problems despite the economic improvements underway. It also corroborates the importance of novel longitudinal data for mortality analyses in Latin America.

Apical extrusion of sodium hypochlorite in immature teeth: comparison of three different cleaning protocols.

This study compared standard needle irrigation, passive ultrasonic irrigation, XP-Endo Finisher and Easy Clean in the apical extrusion of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) in a model simulating immature teeth. Ten bovine teeth were maintained in suspension in a container with the apical portion in contact with 0.2% agarose gel containing 0.1% metacresol purple. The canals were irrigated with 2.5% NaOCl, according to each irrigation protocol. After 3 min, apical extrusion of NaOCl was observed by the colour gel change when in contact with NaOCl. The containers were photographed, and the NaOCl extrusion area was measured. All protocols showed NaOCl extrusion, providing similar area (P > 0.05). Considering the similarity among the studied protocols, all of them can be considered during the endodontic treatment of immature teeth. Further studies on the particularities of immature teeth should be performed to evaluate cell viability, cleaning efficiency, disinfection capacity and dentin removal promoted by the irrigation protocols.

Self-reported confidence and anxiety over endodontic procedures in undergraduate students-Quantitative and qualitative study.

PURPOSE: The current literature shows a growing interest to assess the feelings and perceptions of students associated with the performance of elective endodontic procedures. This study aimed to evaluate the students' anxiety and self-perceptions related to performing such treatments. METHODS: Forty-five students participated in the research (G1 = 22 beginners students; G2 = 23 senior students). Demographic data, STAI-State and Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) for pre-operative anxiety were completed before the appointment with patient. The STAI-Trait; NRS for post-operative anxiety; previous experiences in endodontics; and level of confidence in each stage of endodontic treatments were collected after appointment. Focal groups for qualitative data collection were performed on separate occasion. RESULTS: Both groups showed higher scores in STAI-State than for STAI-Trait scale. G1 showed higher levels of anxiety in the pre-operative, compared with post-operative moment in the NRS scale. G2 reported feeling more confidence to insert intracanal medication and to restore teeth between appointments than G1. In both focus groups, participants reported insecurity in performing endodontic procedures due to difficulty in visualisation and to anatomic complexities. G1 reported that all the confidence they had was based in pre-clinical experience, and G2 mentioned concern about the end of graduation. CONCLUSION: The participants' anxiety diminishes as they gain more experience in performing endodontic procedures. However, as they approach the end of the course anxiety levels increase. Greater availability of elective courses in endodontics could be a valuable alternative to provide students with more exposure to and experience with these procedures.

Antimicrobial action, pH, and tissue dissolution capacity of 2,5% sodium hypochlorite gel and solution / Ação antimicrobiana, pH, e capacidade de dissolução tecidual de gel e solução de hipoclorito de sódio 2,5%

Objective: to evaluate antimicrobial action, pH, and tissue dissolution capacity of 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) gel and solution. Methods: The 2.5% NaOCl gel was produced from a colloidal base. The test groups included 2.5% NaOCl gel and solution and the control groups included gel base and distilled water. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated by the broth dilution technique against Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212) at 15 and 30 seconds and at 1, 5, and 10 minutes. To evaluate tissue dissolution capacity, 30 pulp fragments of bovine incisors were weighed, 10 for each test group and 5 for each control group before and after exposure to the chemical auxiliaries. The final mass percentage of each fragment was calculated. The pH of the substances was measured in triplicate through a digital pH meter. Results: pH levels of 13.08 and 9.75 were observed for 2.5% NaOCl solution and gel, respectively. The antimicrobial action of 2.5% NaOCl was the same for both solution and gel, for all tested times. The 2.5% NaOCl solution group showed higher tissue dissolution capacity (Kruskal-Wallis and Student-Newman-Keuls tests P<0.0001). Conclusions: The type of medium, either solution or gel, containing 2.5% NaOCl did not influence the antimicrobial action at any of the tested times. However, 2.5% NaOCl gel did not present tissue dissolution capacity

Objetivo: avaliar a ação antimicrobiana, pH e capacidade de dissolução tecidual promovida por hipoclorito de sódio (NaOCl) 2,5%, nas formas líquida e gel. Métodos: O gel de NaOCl 2,5% foi produzido a partir de base coloidal. Os grupos testes foram NaOCl 2,5% gel e solução e os grupos controle incluíram a base gel e água destilada. A ação antimicrobiana foi avaliada por meio de método de diluição em caldo, frente a Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212) após 15 e 30 segundos, e também a 1, 5 e 10 minutos. Para o teste de diluição tecidual, 35 fragmentos de polpa bovina (sendo 10 para cada grupo teste e 5 para o grupo controle) foram pesadas antes e após a exposição aos auxiliares químicos. O percentual de massa final de cada fragmento foi calculada. O pH dos auxiliares químicos foi medido em pHmetro digital, em triplicata. Resultados: Valores de pH iguais a 13,08 e 9,75 foram observados para solução e para o gel de NaOCl, respectivamente. A ação antimicrobiana do NaOCl foi a mesma para o gel e a solução, em todos os períodos testados. Maior capacidade de dissolução tecidual foi obtida no grupo onde se utilizou a solução de NaOCl 2,5% (Testes de Kruskal-Wallis e Student-Newman-Keuls, P<0,0001). Conclusões: A apresentação na forma de gel ou de líquido do NaOCl 2,5% não modificou a ação antimicrobiana em qualquer um dos períodos testados. Porém, o gel de NaOCl 2,5% não demonstrou capacidade de dissolução tecidual.

Avaliação da formação de smear layer no preparo químico mecânico realizado com solução ou gel de hipoclorito de sódio a 2, 5% / Evaluation of smear layer formation in mechanical chemical preparation performed with 2. 5% sodium hypochloride solution or gel

Introdução: a formação de smear layer durante o preparo dos canais radiculares com o uso de hipoclorito de sódio solução já foi amplamente estudada; entretanto, na apresentação em gel não existem relatos na literatura. Objetivo: avaliar, em MEV, a formação de smear layer durante o preparo endodôntico, utilizando o NaOCl nas formas líquida e gel, associado ou não ao EDTA. Métodos: sessenta raízes palatinas de molares superiores ou distais de inferiores, com comprimento radicular padronizado em 15 mm, foram utilizadas. As amostras foram divididas em quatro grupos controle com n = 5 cada (soro fisiológico ou base gel, associados ou não ao EDTA) e quatro grupos testes com n = 10 cada, de acordo com a substância irrigadora empregada durante o preparo (solução ou gel de NaOCl a 2,5%, associados ou não ao EDTA). Os canais foram modelados e posteriormente clivados para análise em MEV (ampliação de 2000x). Imagens de eletromicrografias foram obtidas nos terços cervical, médio e apical. A presença e as características da smear layer formadas foram categorizadas. As imagens foram analisadas por dois avaliadores, previamente, calibrados. Após a análise de concordância (Kappa = 0,806) dos escores, os dados foram tratados com o uso do teste Kruskall-Wallis, complementado pelo teste de Comparações Múltiplas SNK. O nível de significância foi de 5%. Resultados: a utilização do soro fisiológico e do NaOCl líquido, associados à irrigação final com EDTA, apresentou os melhores resultados de limpeza. Com o uso do NaOCl gel e da base gel, sem associação ao EDTA, houve uma maior quantidade de resíduos sobre as paredes dentinárias. Além disso, independentemente da substância irrigadora testada, pode-se observar que houve uma melhor capacidade de remoção da smear layer no terço cervical em relação ao apical. Conclusões: observou-se formação de smear layer após o preparo do canal radicular associado ao NaOCl líquido ou gel. A aplicação de EDTA promoveu a remoção da smear layer produzida durante o preparo do canal.

Introduction: the formation of smear layer during the preparation of root canals with the use of sodium hypochlorite solution has been widely studied; however, in the gel presentation there aren't reports in the literature. Objective: to evaluate, in SEM, the formation of smear layer during endodontic preparation, using NaOCl in liquid and gel forms, associated or not with EDTA. Methods: sixty palatal roots of maxillary molars or distal roots of lower molars, with a root length of 15 mm, were used. The samples were divided into four control groups with n = 5 each (saline or gel base, associated or not with EDTA) and four test groups (n = 10 each) according to the irrigation substance used during the preparation (2.5% NaOCl solution or gel, associated or not with EDTA). The root canals were instrumented and later split for SEM analysis (2000x magnification). Electromicrographic images were obtained from the cervical, middle and apical thirds. The presence and characteristics of the smear layer formed were categorized. The images were analyzed by two previously calibrated evaluators. After the Kappa analysis (0.806), the data were treated using the Kruskall-Wallis test, complemented by the SNK Multiple Comparison Test. The level of significance was 5%. Results: the use of saline and liquid NaOCl, associated with final rinsing with EDTA, showed the best cleaning results. With the use of NaOCl gel and gel base, with no EDTA association, there was a greater amount of residues on the dentin surfaces. In addition, despite the irrigation substance tested, it can be observed that there was a better capacity of removal of the smear layer in the cervical third in relation to the apical. Conclusion: root canal instrumentation associated with NaOCl solution or gel EDTA produced smear layer. Smear layer was removed with the use of EDTA as a final flushing.

Experiences during the execution of emergency endodontic treatment and levels of anxiety in dental students.

PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate the experience of dental students and assess their anxiety levels when performing emergency endodontic treatments. METHODS: Undergraduate students completed the STAI-Trait/State and a questionnaire to assess their confidence level to perform each step of an emergency endodontic procedure. They also answered a numerical scale (NRS) for anxiety before and after emergency care. Ten randomly selected students from the same sample further participated in a focus group aimed at obtaining qualitative data on their perception of endodontic treatments' conduction and the learning process necessary to perform them. RESULTS: A total of 23 students joined the study. The majority of the participants reported feeling "confident" when performing local anaesthesia (57.6%), rubber dam placement (57.6%) and coronal sealing (72.7%). However, a small number reported feeling "little confident" to perform access cavity (15.2%) or pulpotomy/pulpectomy (24.2%). Students who scored above the 3rd quartile of STAI-Trait/State were classified as "highly anxious," and comprised 26.1% of the sample. The values of NRS scale were higher in the preoperative when compared with the post-operative assessment. All students classified as "highly anxious" reported low confidence in performing "access cavity" and "pulpotomy/pulpectomy." CONCLUSION: Both quantitative and qualitative analysis showed different anxiety levels in dental students. It can possibly contribute to a reduction in confidence prior to emergency endodontic procedures. The current findings suggest it might be important to rearrange activities in order to allow for more practical classes in Endodontics.

Feline immudeficiency virus subtypes B and A in cats from São Luis, Maranhão, Brazil.

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a retrovirus of the genus Lentivirus that is distributed worldwide, with prevalence rates varying between 2.5% and 44%. FIV causes immunosuppression, with depletion of TCD4+ lymphocytes, with the majority of clinical signs caused by secondary and opportunistic infections. Blood samples were collected from nine domestic cats (Felis catus domesticus) from the city of São Luís, Maranhão State, Brazil. All samples were positive in a rapid immunochromatographic test (SNAP® Combo FeLV Ag/FIV Antibody Test) and in a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Phylogenetic analysis showed that six samples clustered within subtype B, one within subtype A, and two did not cluster with any known subtype. Five unique haplotypes (Hap-1, Hap-2, Hap-3, Hap-5 and Hap-6) and a shared haplotype (Hap-4) were found, this last one being the most frequent. This is the first report on the genetic diversity of FIV in the city of São Luís and the first report of subtype A in Brazil. New variations of the virus are also reported.

Cytotoxicity of the coagulant Moringa oleifera lectin (cMoL) to B16-F10 melanoma cells.

Moringa oleifera seeds are used in alternative medicine to treat inflammation, tumors and bacterial and protozoan infections, for example. The seeds contain lectins, which are carbohydrate-binding proteins with several biological properties including cytotoxicity to cancer cells. In this work, we examined the cytotoxicity of the coagulant M. oleifera lectin (cMoL) on B16-F10 murine melanoma cells. cMoL cytotoxic effects were evaluated through trypan blue assay and flow cytometry analysis. Mitochondrial superoxide levels and activation of caspases 3, 8 and 9 were measured. cMoL (1.5-16µM) reduced viability and caused cell death of B16-F10 cells with an IC50 of 9.72µM. Flow cytometry analysis indicated induction of necrosis and suggested the presence of cells in late apoptosis. Specificity for tumor cells was observed since death of normal human fibroblasts (GN) was not higher than 20% in treatments with cMoL from 1.5 to 16µM. Microscopy images revealed rounded shape and reduction of volume in B16-F10 cells treated with cMoL. cMoL increased mitochondrial ROS production and promoted caspases 3, 8 and 9 activation in B16-F10 cells, indicating the activation of apoptosis-related pathway. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that cMoL is cytotoxic to B16-F10 cells, which stimulates more investigation on the anticancer potential of this lectin.

Women's decision-making autonomy and children's schooling in rural Mozambique.

BACKGROUND: Women's decision-making autonomy in developing settings has been shown to improve child survival and health outcomes. However, little research has addressed possible connections between women's autonomy and children's schooling. OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between rural women's decision-making autonomy and enrollment status of primary school-age children living in their households and how this relationship differs by child's gender. METHODS: The analysis uses data from a 2009 survey of rural households in four districts of Gaza province in southern Mozambique. Multilevel logistic models predict the probability of being in school for children between 6 and 14 years old. RESULTS: The results show a positive association of women's decision-making autonomy with the probability of being enrolled in primary school for daughters, but not for sons. The effect of women's autonomy is net of other women's characteristics typically associated with enrollment and does not mediate the effects of those characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results, we argue that women with higher levels of decision-making autonomy may have a stronger preference for daughters' schooling and may have a greater say in making and implementing decisions regarding daughters' education, compared to women with lower autonomy levels. Results also illustrate a need for considering a broader set of autonomy-related characteristics when examining the effects of women's status on children's educational outcomes.

Bridging user and provider perspectives: family planning access and utilization in rural Mozambique.

OBJECTIVES: To examine how the contraceptive behavior of women in rural southern Mozambique is shaped by their individual and household characteristics; community characteristics; access to family planning services; and characteristics of health facilities. METHODS: Quantitative and qualitative data were collected mostly between January 20 and December 15, 2011, in rural areas of four districts in Gaza Province, Mozambique. The data included: a retrospective household-based survey of women of reproductive age (the analytical sample consisted of 1554 non-pregnant women in marital union); qualitative interviews with a subsample of surveyed women; a survey of communities where the women resided (n=56); and a survey of all health facilities in the study area (n=56). Binomial and multinomial logistic models were fitted to predict current use of modern contraceptive methods. Statistical analyses were complemented by insights from qualitative data. RESULTS: Positive associations were detected between contraceptive use and education, household wealth, and perceived HIV infection status. Distance to the clinic was negatively associated with contraceptive use. These effects were additive, with some varying by type of contraceptive method. Examination of qualitative data highlighted frequent cognitive dissonance between service providers and users. CONCLUSION: A simultaneous consideration of user-level and provider-level perspectives on contraceptive use improves our understanding of contraceptive dynamics and can usefully inform policy.

Effect of Moringa oleifera lectins on survival and enzyme activities of Aedes aegypti larvae susceptible and resistant to organophosphate.

The indiscriminate use of synthetic insecticides to control Aedes aegypti has led to emergence of resistant populations. Moringa oleifera seeds contain the lectins WSMoL and cMoL. WSMoL has larvicidal activity on fourth-stage of A. aegypti organophosphate-susceptible larvae (Rockefeller L4). This study reports on the effects of cMoL on the survival of Rockefeller L4 as well as of WSMoL and cMoL on L4 from an organophosphate-resistant population (Rec-R). The effects of lectins on digestive (amylase, trypsin, and protease) and detoxifying (superoxide dismutase (SOD), α- and ß-esterases) enzymes from larvae were also determined. cMoL (0.1-0.8 mg/ml) did not kill Rockefeller L4 as well as WSMoL and cMoL (0.1-0.8 mg/ml) were not larvicidal for Rec-R L4. WSMoL stimulated protease, trypsin-like, and α-amylase from Rockefeller L4 while cMoL inhibited these enzymes. WSMoL had no effect on trypsin-like activity from Rec-R L4 but inhibited protease and α-amylase. Among digestive enzymes of Rec-R L4, cMoL inhibited only trypsin-like activity. cMoL inhibited SOD activities from Rockefeller and Rec-R L4 in a higher level than WSMoL while ß-esterase from Rockefeller L4 was more inhibited by WSMoL. The lectins promoted low stimulation or inhibition of α-esterase activities from both populations. In conclusion, Rockefeller and Rec-R larvae were distinctly affected by M. oleifera lectins, and larvicidal mechanism of WSMoL on Rockefeller L4 may involve deregulation of digestive enzymes. cMoL interfered mainly on SOD activity and thus it can be investigated as a synergistic agent for controlling populations whose resistance is linked to an increased detoxifying process mediated by this enzyme.

Structural characterization of coagulant Moringa oleifera Lectin and its effect on hemostatic parameters.

Lectins are carbohydrate recognition proteins. cMoL, a coagulant Moringa oleifera Lectin, was isolated from seeds of the plant. Structural studies revealed a heat-stable and pH resistant protein with 101 amino acids, 11.67 theoretical pI and 81% similarity with a M. oleifera flocculent protein. Secondary structure content was estimated as 46% α-helix, 12% ß-sheets, 17% ß-turns and 25% unordered structures belonging to the α/ß tertiary structure class. cMoL significantly prolonged the time required for blood coagulation, activated partial thromboplastin (aPTT) and prothrombin times (PT), but was not so effective in prolonging aPTT in asialofetuin presence. cMoL acted as an anticoagulant protein on in vitro blood coagulation parameters and at least on aPTT, the lectin interacted through the carbohydrate recognition domain.

Linguistic isolation in the home and community: Protection or risk for young children?

Studies of immigrant adaptation in the United States emphasize the importance of duration of residence, language use, location of schooling and other factors related to the migration process in determining outcomes for immigrants. Research also points to the variability of socioeconomic mobility among immigrants and their descendants across receiving contexts encountered in the United States. This paper extends this model to young children and examines how the linguistic environment of the family and the community interact to produce differential developmental outcomes. The analyses rely on data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Birth Cohort (ECLS-B) and 2000 US Census. Children's cognitive scores vary considerably by mothers' nativity and household linguistic isolation; a result that is largely influenced by the greater likelihood of living in poverty for children in linguistically isolated homes. The level of linguistic isolation in the community is also associated with cognitive scores but the greatest variation in scores across communities occurs among children of US born mothers.

Now or never: perceived HIV status and fertility intentions in rural Mozambique.

As the HIV epidemic evolves, researchers are devoting increased attention to the infection's effect on various life-course activities, including marriage and reproduction. The impact of HIV on decisions about childbearing is particularly important, given the role that vertical transmission plays in the persistence of the epidemic. Previous studies on HIV and fertility intentions have yielded inconsistent results. This article expands on prior research by taking into account preferred timing of childbearing. Using data from a population-based survey in rural Mozambique, we show that higher perceived risk of HIV is associated with greater likelihood of both wanting to speed up childbearing and wanting to stop having children. The "now or never" approach to childbearing is shown to be consistent with the widely held belief that HIV infection is incompatible with childbearing in the long term.

Al2O3/GdAlO3 fiber for dental porcelain reinforcement.

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that the addition of continuous or milled GdAlO3/Al2O3 fibers to a dental porcelain increases its mechanical properties. Porcelain bars without reinforcement (control) were compared to those reinforced with long fibers (30 vol%). Also, disk specimens reinforced with milled fibers were produced by adding 0 (control), 5 or 10 vol% of particles. The reinforcement with continuous fibers resulted in significant increase in the uniaxial flexural strength from 91.5 to 217.4 MPa. The addition of varied amounts of milled fibers to the porcelain did not significantly affect its biaxial flexural strength compared to the control group. SEM analysis showed that the interface between the continuous fiber and the porcelain was free of defects. On the other hand, it was possible to note the presence of cracks surrounding the milled fiber/porcelain interface. In conclusion, the reinforcement of the porcelain with continuous fibers resulted in an efficient mechanism to increase its mechanical properties; however the addition of milled fibers had no significant effect on the material because the porcelain was not able to wet the ceramic particles during the firing cycle.

Identificação de anemia ferropriva e parasitose intestinais em um povoado de Feira de Santana - Bahia (Matinha dos Pretos), maio 1999 - outubro 2000 / Identification of iron deficiency anemia and intestinal parasitosis in a town of Feira de Santana - Bahia (Matinha dos Pretos), May 1999 - October 2000

No presente trabalho foi avaliada a ocorrência de anemia ferropriva e parasitoses intestinais em 987 indivíduos do povoado de Matinha dos Pretos - Feira de Santana - Bahia no período de maio/99 a outubro/00 com o objetivo de tratar pesssoas infestadas e/ou anêmicas e introduzir na população medidas profiláticas no combate às infestações parasitárias. Foram examinadas 987 amostras de sangue e 937 amostras de fezes pelos Laboratórios de Análises Clínicas e Parasitologia Humana da UEFS, respectivamente. A análise dos dados obtidos foi feita usando-se como parâmetros idade, sexo e percentual de positividade parasitária e sua relação com a presença de anemia. Foram identificados 129 indivíduos com níveis de hemoglobina abaixo do normal e 642 indivíduos infestados por parasitas intestinais. Os parasitos mais frequentemente observados foram Ancylostomatidae (39,3%). Entamoeba histolytica (17%) e Ascaris lumbricoides (16,2%). As mulheres com mais de 12 anos apresentaram índices de anemia mais elevados do que os homens. O trabalho desenvolvido possibilitou a detecção e o tratamento de diversas parasitoses associadas, ou não, à anemia e a orientação profilática oferecida para a melhoria da qualidade de vida do povoado estudado.