Clast shape-fabric analysis: A comprehensive and efficient methodology to measure particle-orientation data in solid and loose volcaniclastic deposits.

Fabric analysis is essential for understanding the evolution of volcaniclastic deposits. Here we present a comprehensive and efficient methodology, called "Clast shape-fabric analysis," which is part of the Quantitative Textural Analysis (QTA). This methodology combines high-resolution image analysis techniques with geospatial data processing tools. The fabric of a deposit refers to the three-dimensional orientation of the particles with respect to space, where the degree of iso-orientation of the major axes of the particles is taken into account. The process begins with the collection of oriented samples in the field. Then, in the laboratory, the samples are processed to obtain high-resolution images. The final stage involves the analysis of these images using the FabricS program, which combines image processing techniques and circular statistics. An application of the method was made at the Joya Honda Maar in Mexico, where shape-fabric analysis was used to identify the emission centers of pyroclastic materials. In summary, the "Clast shape-fabric analysis" is a reliable, low-cost and high-potential methodology that can be applied in several geoscientific disciplines and other areas of scientific research.•New Methodology for shape-fabric analysis is presented.•The methodology involves field work, laboratory work and image analysis.•Identification of particle orientations in volcaniclastic deposits.

Tamaulipan thornscrub after fire: an analysis of the composition of species / Espinho de Tamaulipan após incêndio: uma análise da composição das espécies

Abstract Forest fires are a natural element in many terrestrial ecosystems, in Mexico one of the main causes of loss of vegetation coverage is related to them. Nevertheless, no research has been carried out in the Tamaulipan thornscrub communities regarding post-fire regenerative strategies of plant species, therefore, is important to generate knowledge about the ecological role of fire in them. The aim of this study is to characterize the arboreal and shrub vegetation of a Tamaulipan thornscrub community in the Northeast of Mexico after a fire. To determine the composition, diversity and structure of the floral community consisting of trees and shrubs, 6 square-shaped sampling sites of 1,600 m2 were established 3 years after the fire. Margalef (DMg), Shannon-Weiner (H') and Pretzsch (A) indices were calculated to determine the richness, diversity and vertical stratification of species, respectively.23 species, 21 genera and 14 families of vascular plants were registered. The most species were Fabaceae (6) and Rhamnaceae (3) and Cordia boissieri was the specie with greater ecological weight (IVI = 20.3%). The indexes of richness and true diversity (DMg = 3.16; D = 16.44) showed high values, which suggests that the post-fire area has a good regeneration and a high species diversity. With these results we can conclude that the fire is an important agent of change in successional stages of Tamaulipan thornscrub with high values of regeneration after a surface fire.

Resumo Os incêndios florestais são um elemento natural em muitos ecossistemas terrestres, no México uma das principais causas de perda de cobertura vegetal está relacionada a eles, no entanto, nenhuma pesquisa foi realizada nas comunidades de espinheiros de Tamaulipan sobre as estratégias regenerativas pós-fogo de espécies de plantas, portanto, é importante gerar conhecimento sobre o papel ecológico do fogo neles. O objetivo deste estudo é caracterizar a vegetação arbórea e arbustiva de uma comunidade de plantas espinhosas no Tamaulipas, nordeste do México após um incêndio. Para determinar a composição, diversidade e estrutura da comunidade vegetal constituída por árvores e arbustos, seis locais de amostragem em forma de quadrado de 1.600 m2 cada um, foram estabelecidos três anos após o incêndio. Índices de Margalef (DMg), Shannon-Weiner (H') e Pretzsch (A) foram calculados para determinar a riqueza, diversidade e estratificação vertical das espécies, respectivamente. Foram registradas 23 espécies, 21 gêneros e 14 famílias de plantas vasculares. As mais ricas foram Fabaceae (6) e Rhamnaceae (3), Cordia boissieri foi a espécie com maior peso ecológico (IVI = 20,3%). Os índices de riqueza e diversidade verdadeira (DMg = 3,16; D = 16,44) apresentaram valores elevados, o que sugere que a área pós-fogo apresenta boa regeneração e alta diversidade Vegetal. Com estes resultados podemos concluir que o fogo é um importante agente de mudança nos estágios sucessionais do espinho de Tamaulipan com altos valores de regeneração após um incêndio na superfície.

Tamaulipan thornscrub after fire: an analysis of the composition of species.

Forest fires are a natural element in many terrestrial ecosystems, in Mexico one of the main causes of loss of vegetation coverage is related to them. Nevertheless, no research has been carried out in the Tamaulipan thornscrub communities regarding post-fire regenerative strategies of plant species, therefore, is important to generate knowledge about the ecological role of fire in them. The aim of this study is to characterize the arboreal and shrub vegetation of a Tamaulipan thornscrub community in the Northeast of Mexico after a fire. To determine the composition, diversity and structure of the floral community consisting of trees and shrubs, 6 square-shaped sampling sites of 1,600 m2 were established 3 years after the fire. Margalef (DMg), Shannon-Weiner (H') and Pretzsch (A) indices were calculated to determine the richness, diversity and vertical stratification of species, respectively.23 species, 21 genera and 14 families of vascular plants were registered. The most species were Fabaceae (6) and Rhamnaceae (3) and Cordia boissieri was the specie with greater ecological weight (IVI = 20.3%). The indexes of richness and true diversity (DMg = 3.16; D = 16.44) showed high values, which suggests that the post-fire area has a good regeneration and a high species diversity. With these results we can conclude that the fire is an important agent of change in successional stages of Tamaulipan thornscrub with high values of regeneration after a surface fire.

Assessment of the capacity of a pyrophosphate-based mouth rinse to inhibit the formation of supragingival dental calculus. A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to analyze the efficacy of an anti-calculus mouth rinse and its possible adverse effects on the mucosa and teeth. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial included 40 patients with treated and managed periodontal disease, all with a history of rapid calculus formation. Patients used a pyrophosphate-based test mouth rinse (B) or a placebo (A). A range of parameters were measured for: saliva (saliva flow, pH and chemical composition); calculus (Volpe-Manhold [V-M] index, weight, and volume); adverse effects on mucosa and teeth; and the patients' subjective perceptive of mouth rinse efficacy. RESULTS: the test mouth rinse B produced reductions in urea, uric acid, and phosphorous, calcium, saliva flow, and increases in pH. V-M index and calculus weight decreased after using the test mouth rinse. Calculus volume decreased with both mouth rinses. No changes to the mucosa or teeth were observed. Patients perceived that the test mouth rinse was more effective. CONCLUSIONS: The test/B and placebo mouth rinses both modified certain parameters in saliva composition, particularly reductions in urea, uric acid, and phosphorous. Calcium tended to increase after using the test-B mouth rinse. The results did not demonstrate the anticalculus efficacy of the pyrophosphate-based mouth rinse or positive effects on saliva flow or composition. This field requires further research, as no product has been developed that prevents calculus formation completely.

Comparative in vitro study of the accuracy of impression techniques for dental implants: Direct technique with an elastomeric impression material versus intraoral scanner.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare a conventional technique (elastomeric impression material - EIM) and a digital technique (scanner digital model - SDM) on a six-analog master model (MM) to determine which was the most exact. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty impressions were taken of a master model (EIM) and twenty scanned impressions (SDM) (True Definition). A coordinate measuring machine (CMM) was used to measure the distances between adjacent analogues (1-2, 2-3, 3-4, 4-5, 5-6), intermittently positioned analogues (1-4, 3-6) and the most distal (1-6). Reference values were established from the master model, which were compared with the two impression techniques. The significance level was established as 5% (p<0.05). RESULTS: The precision of each technique was compared with MM. For adjacent analogues (1-2), no significant differences were found between EIM-MM (p=0,146). For intermittently positioned analogues (1-4), SDM did not show significant differences with MM (p=0.255). For the distance between distal analogues (1-6), significant differences were found between both techniques and MM (p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In a clinical situation with < three implants, EIM is more exact than SDM, but in cases of four implants SDM is more exact. For rehabilitations (> four implants), neither technique can be considered accurate although error falls within the tolerance limits established in the literature (30-150µm).

Prospective Clinical Study of Zirconia Full-coverage Restorations on Teeth Prepared With Biologically Oriented Preparation Technique on Gingival Health: Results After Two-year Follow-up.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical behavior of one-piece complete-coverage crowns and fixed partial dentures (FPDs) on teeth with vertical preparation without finish line biologically oriented preparation technique (BOPT). METHODS AND MATERIALS: This prospective study included 52 patients requiring treatment with restorations in the esthetic region: 74 crowns and 27 FPDs. The sample included a total of 149 teeth that were prepared vertically without finish line. The sample was divided into two groups: one-piece crowns and FPDs, all with zirconia cores, feldspathic ceramic veneer, and a 0.5-mm prosthetic finish line of zirconia. All procedures were carried out at the University of Valencia from 2013 to 2014. The following parameters were evaluated over a two-year follow-up: oral hygiene, periodontal state, gingival thickening, gingival margin stability, the presence of complications, and restoration survival rate. Patient satisfaction with treatment was assessed by means of a visual analogue scale (VAS). RESULTS: Two years after treatment, 80.5% of treated teeth remained free of gingival inflammation and bleeding. Mean gingival thickening was 0.41 ± 0.28 mm for one-piece crowns and 0.38 ± 0.36 mm for FPDs. Gingival margin stability was 100%, but 2% of the sample presented biological complications. The VAS patient satisfaction scores were eight out of a maximum score of 10. CONCLUSIONS: Two years after treatment, vertical preparation without finish line produces gingival thickening, margin stability, and optimal esthetics. Neither crowns nor FPDs presented any mechanical complications.

Tamaulipan thornscrub after fire: an analysis of the composition of species

Abstract Forest fires are a natural element in many terrestrial ecosystems, in Mexico one of the main causes of loss of vegetation coverage is related to them. Nevertheless, no research has been carried out in the Tamaulipan thornscrub communities regarding post-fire regenerative strategies of plant species, therefore, is important to generate knowledge about the ecological role of fire in them. The aim of this study is to characterize the arboreal and shrub vegetation of a Tamaulipan thornscrub community in the Northeast of Mexico after a fire. To determine the composition, diversity and structure of the floral community consisting of trees and shrubs, 6 square-shaped sampling sites of 1,600 m2 were established 3 years after the fire. Margalef (DMg), Shannon-Weiner (H) and Pretzsch (A) indices were calculated to determine the richness, diversity and vertical stratification of species, respectively.23 species, 21 genera and 14 families of vascular plants were registered. The most species were Fabaceae (6) and Rhamnaceae (3) and Cordia boissieri was the specie with greater ecological weight (IVI = 20.3%). The indexes of richness and true diversity (DMg = 3.16; D = 16.44) showed high values, which suggests that the post-fire area has a good regeneration and a high species diversity. With these results we can conclude that the fire is an important agent of change in successional stages of Tamaulipan thornscrub with high values of regeneration after a surface fire.

Resumo Os incêndios florestais são um elemento natural em muitos ecossistemas terrestres, no México uma das principais causas de perda de cobertura vegetal está relacionada a eles, no entanto, nenhuma pesquisa foi realizada nas comunidades de espinheiros de Tamaulipan sobre as estratégias regenerativas pós-fogo de espécies de plantas, portanto, é importante gerar conhecimento sobre o papel ecológico do fogo neles. O objetivo deste estudo é caracterizar a vegetação arbórea e arbustiva de uma comunidade de plantas espinhosas no Tamaulipas, nordeste do México após um incêndio. Para determinar a composição, diversidade e estrutura da comunidade vegetal constituída por árvores e arbustos, seis locais de amostragem em forma de quadrado de 1.600 m2 cada um, foram estabelecidos três anos após o incêndio. Índices de Margalef (DMg), Shannon-Weiner (H) e Pretzsch (A) foram calculados para determinar a riqueza, diversidade e estratificação vertical das espécies, respectivamente. Foram registradas 23 espécies, 21 gêneros e 14 famílias de plantas vasculares. As mais ricas foram Fabaceae (6) e Rhamnaceae (3), Cordia boissieri foi a espécie com maior peso ecológico (IVI = 20,3%). Os índices de riqueza e diversidade verdadeira (DMg = 3,16; D = 16,44) apresentaram valores elevados, o que sugere que a área pós-fogo apresenta boa regeneração e alta diversidade Vegetal. Com estes resultados podemos concluir que o fogo é um importante agente de mudança nos estágios sucessionais do espinho de Tamaulipan com altos valores de regeneração após um incêndio na superfície.

[Intraoperative choledochoscopy usefulness in the treatment of difficult biliary stones]. / Utilidad de la coledocoscopia transquirúrgica en el tratamiento de litos biliares difíciles.

BACKGROUND: Choledocholithiasis presents in 5-10% of the patients with biliary lithiasis. Numerous treatment algorithms have been considered for this disease, however, up to 10% of these therapeutic procedures may fail. Intraoperative choledochoscopy has become a useful tool in the treatment of patients with difficult-to-manage choledocholithiasis. OBJECTIVES: To determine the usefulness of intraoperative choledochoscopy in the laparoendoscopic treatment of difficult stones that was carried out in our service. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted. The case records were reviewed of the patients that underwent intraoperative choledochoscopy during biliary tree exploration plus laparoscopic choledochoduodenal anastomosis within the time frame of March 1, 2011 and May 31, 2012, at the Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea González. Transabdominal choledochoscopies were performed with active stone extraction when necessary, followed by peroral choledochoscopies through the recently formed bilioenteric anastomosis. The data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and measures of central tendency. RESULTS: The mean age was 71 years, 57% of the patients were women, and the ASA III score predominated. Active extraction of stones with 7 to 35mm diameters was carried out in 4 of the cases and the absence of stones in the biliary tract was corroborated in all the patients. The mean surgery duration was 18 minutes (range: 4 to 45min). CONCLUSIONS: Choledochoscopy is a safe and effective minimally invasive procedure for the definitive treatment of difficult stones.

[Peroral endoscopic full and partial-thickness myotomy. A viability study in an animal model]. / Miotomía endoscópica por vía oral de espesor total y parcial. Estudio de factibilidad en un modelo animal.

BACKGROUND: Peroral endoscopic myotomy has recently been developed and performed on patients with good results. AIMS: To evaluate the technical feasibility of peroral endoscopic full-thickness and partial thickness myotomy in a porcine model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighteen criollo pigs were randomly assigned to 2 groups: group A (partial-thickness myotomy) and group B (full-thickness myotomy). The mucosal defect proximal to the myotomy site was left open. On the seventh postoperative day the pig was euthanized and follow-up surgical exploration was performed. The duration of each procedure, postoperative progression of the animal, complications, and anatomopathologic findings were registered. RESULTS: The procedure was viable in all the pigs. The mean surgery duration was 81±35.3min (group A 51.11±11.12, group B 111±22.61; P<.05). The main complication during myotomy was subcutaneous emphysema (16%). The histopathologic study of the group A surgical specimens reported complete circular myotomy in all cases, and complete circular and longitudinal myotomy was reported in 100% of the group B sample. CONCLUSIONS: The endoscopic myotomy technique is feasible. Endoscopic partial-thickness myotomy was associated with shorter surgery duration and better results during the intraoperative period and the 7-day follow-up.

Cytological characterization of sex chromosomes and ribosomal DNA location in Anastrepha species (Diptera, Tephritidae).

This paper reports a comparative analysis of heterochromatin organization in the sex chromosomes of the fruit fly Anastrepha. Mitotic chromosomes of eight Anastrepha species from different taxonomic groups were stained with DAPI and chromomycin A3 fluorochromes followed by C-banding. A specific sex-chromosome banding pattern was obtained for each of the analyzed species. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was performed to investigate the chromosomal location of rDNA loci. In all cases the rDNA sequences were found to localize exclusively to the sex chromosomes. The results further extend the chromosomal knowledge of Anastrepha and allow a precise species identification.

Molecular analysis and developmental expression of the Sex-lethal gene of Sciara ocellaris (Diptera order, Nematocera suborder).

This paper reports the cloning and characterization in Sciara ocellaris of the gene homologous to Sex-lethal (Sxl) of Drosophila melanogaster. This gene plays the key role controlling sex determination and dosage compensation in the latter species. The Sciara Sxl gene produces a single transcript encoding a single protein in both males and females. This protein, found inside the nucleus, is expressed in all tissues. Both Sciara and Drosophila Sxl proteins are highly conserved at their two RNA-binding domains. In both Sciara sexes, the Sxl protein co-localizes with transcription-active regions dependent on RNA polymerase II but not on RNA polymerase I. It would appear that in Sciara, Sxl does not appear to play the key discriminative role in controlling sex determination and dosage compensation that it plays in Drosophila.

The Drosophila melanogaster X-linked mfs(1)6E locus is required for production of normal seminal fluid by the male accessory glands.

The Drosophila male accessory glands (paragonias) are two male-specific organs that produce seminal fluid, a secretion involved in sperm storage and subsequent sperm utilization by the female. This paper reports the first X-linked locus, male-female-sterile in region 6E [mfs(1)6E], required for the production of normal seminal fluid. Mutant males produce motile spermatozoa, which are transferred to females during mating, but which are not stored. Sterility of these males is mainly due to severe affected transfer of seminal fluid to females during mating. In addition, the mutant seminal fluid seems defective in triggering the behavioral (reduced receptivity to further mating) and physiological (increased egg-laying) changes normally observed in mated females. Mutant male accessory glands show notable abnormalities, connected with glandular secretion as well as qualitative and quantitative differences in their protein content.

Evolution of dosage compensation in Diptera: the gene maleless implements dosage compensation in Drosophila (Brachycera suborder) but its homolog in Sciara (Nematocera suborder) appears to play no role in dosage compensation.

In Drosophila melanogaster and in Sciara ocellaris dosage compensation occurs by hypertranscription of the single male X chromosome. This article reports the cloning and characterization in S. ocellaris of the gene homologous to maleless (mle) of D. melanogaster, which implements dosage compensation. The Sciara mle gene produces a single transcript, encoding a helicase, which is present in both male and female larvae and adults and in testes and ovaries. Both Sciara and Drosophila MLE proteins are highly conserved. The affinity-purified antibody to D. melanogaster MLE recognizes the S. ocellaris MLE protein. In contrast to Drosophila polytene chromosomes, where MLE is preferentially associated with the male X chromosome, in Sciara MLE is found associated with all chromosomes. Anti-MLE staining of Drosophila postblastoderm male embryos revealed a single nuclear dot, whereas Sciara male and female embryos present multiple intranuclear staining spots. This expression pattern in Sciara is also observed before blastoderm stage, when dosage compensation is not yet set up. The affinity-purified antibodies against D. melanogaster MSL1, MSL3, and MOF proteins involved in dosage compensation also revealed no differences in the staining pattern between the X chromosome and the autosomes in both Sciara males and females. These results lead us to propose that different proteins in Drosophila and Sciara would implement dosage compensation.

Botulinum treatment of infantile esotropia with abduction nystagmus.

PURPOSE: To examine the effect of botulinum toxin type A (BTA) on the final correction of esotropia, A and V patterns, overaction of the oblique muscles, and dissociated vertical deviation (DVD) in infantile esotropia with nystagmus in abduction. METHODS: This retrospective study examined 54 patients treated with simultaneous bilateral medial injection of BTA. Subjects were divided into two groups: group 1 (first injection <18 months of age) and group 2 (first injection >18 months of age). RESULTS: Pre-BTA, group 1 patients had an angle of esotropia noticeably higher and fewer A patterns than group 2 patients. Post-BTA, group 2 received significantly fewer injections of BTA than group 1. The magnitude of the A patterns improved. Prior frequency of DVD increased significantly in group 1 (100%): 79% of DVD was decompensated compared with 47% in group 2. Overall success was obtained in 14% and 58% of groups 1 and 2, respectively. CONCLUSION: We do not support BTA treatment in infantile esotropia with nystagmus in abduction prior to age 18 months. After 18 months, the horizontal results are excellent and neither the incidence nor the degree of previous DVD are decompensated, resulting in high success rates for overall deviation and improving anisotropy in A.

The Drosophila fl(2)d gene, required for female-specific splicing of Sxl and tra pre-mRNAs, encodes a novel nuclear protein with a HQ-rich domain.

The Drosophila gene female-lethal(2)d [fl(2)d] interacts genetically with the master regulatory gene for sex determination, Sex-lethal. Both genes are required for the activation of female-specific patterns of alternative splicing on transformer and Sex-lethal pre-mRNAs. We have used P-element-mediated mutagenesis to identify the fl(2)d gene. The fl(2)d transcription unit generates two alternatively spliced mRNAs that can encode two protein isoforms differing at their amino terminus. The larger isoform contains a domain rich in histidine and glutamine but has no significant homology to proteins in databases. Several lines of evidence indicate that this protein is responsible for fl(2)d function. First, the P-element insertion that inactivates fl(2)d interrupts this ORF. Second, amino acid changes within this ORF have been identified in fl(2)d mutants, and the nature of the changes correlates with the severity of the mutations. Third, all of the phenotypes associated with fl(2)d mutations can be rescued by expression of this cDNA in transgenic flies. Fl(2)d protein can be detected in extracts from Drosophila cell lines, embryos, larvae, and adult animals, without apparent differences between sexes, as well as in adult ovaries. Consistent with a possible function in posttranscriptional regulation, Fl(2)d protein has nuclear localization and is enriched in nuclear extracts.

[Cystic hamartoma: prenatal diagnosis and follow-up of newborn infants]. / Hamartoma quístico: Diagnóstico prenatal y seguimiento del recién nacido.

A case of fetal hamartoma cyst diagnosed prenatally was successfully removed surgically after birth.