Hydrochemistry and weathering at Pardo River basin, São Paulo State, Brazil.

This work was conducted at the Pardo River hydrographic basin, which is a federal watershed belonging to the Paranapanema River hydrographic basin (PRHB) in Brazil (São Paulo State and Paraná State). The aim was to realize an integrated hydrochemical and radiometric (U-isotopes and 210Po) approach, highlighting the water/soil-rock and surface water/groundwater interactions, with implications to the weathering processes occurring there. The study area has been often considered one of the best preserved/unpolluted river in São Paulo State, contributing to the water supply of several cities distributed along its banks. However, the results reported here suggest possible lead diffuse pollution caused by the use of phosphate fertilizers in agricultural activities taking place in the basin. The analyzed groundwaters and surface waters tend to be neutral to slightly alkaline (pH of 6.8-7.7), possessing low mineral concentration (total dissolved solids up to 500 mg/L). SiO2 is the major dissolved constituent in the waters, while bicarbonate is the dominant anion, and calcium is the preponderant cation. The effects of the weathering of silicates to control the dissolution of constituents in the liquid phase have been identified from some diagrams often utilized in hydrogeochemical studies. Chemical weathering rates have been estimated from hydrochemical data associated to analytical results of the natural uranium isotopes 238U and 234U concerning to samples of rainwater and Pardo River waters. The fluxes in this watershed are permitted to obtain the following rates: 11.43 t/km2 year (sodium), 2.76 t/km2 year (calcium), 3.17 t/km2 year (magnesium), 0.77 t/km2 year (iron), and 8.64 t/km2 year (uranium). This new dataset constitutes valuable information for people engaged on the management of the Pardo River watershed, as well as to researchers interested on comparative studies considering the available data from other basins worldwide.

Probable awake bruxism - prevalence and associated factors: a cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Bruxism is defined as a repetitive activity of masticatory muscles, characterized by the clenching or grinding of the teeth, which can occur during wakefulness (awake bruxism) or during sleep (sleep bruxism). OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the present study were to determine the prevalence of awake bruxism and its associated factors. METHODS: Sample was composed by 50 participants of both genders, aged between 18 and 60 years, submitted to a clinical examination - to observe the presence of tooth wear, marks on the mucosa, or masseter muscles hypertrophy - and self-applied questionnaires, which evaluated the presence of TMD signs and symptoms, oral behaviors, lifestyles, anxiety level and sleep quality. RESULTS: The prevalence of awake bruxism was 48%. Its presence was statistically and significantly associated with the presence of signs and symptoms of TMD (p= 0.002), poor sleep quality (p = 0.032), buccal mucosa indentations (p < 0.001) and tongue (p = 0.011). Age, gender, social characteristics, habits (such as coffee ingestion, smoking, alcoholism and physical activity) and tooth wear were variables that had no significant association with awake bruxism. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that awake bruxism shows a high prevalence and a positive association with signs and symptoms of TMD and worst sleep quality. In addition, awake bruxism is more likely to occur in individuals who have buccal mucosa indentation and who present high rates of oral habits and oral behaviors.

Comparative analysis of gamma ray spectrometers applied to Irati Formation, Paraná basin, São Paulo State, Brazil.

This paper describes the use of gamma ray spectrometry in the study of rock samples from the Irati Formation, Paraná sedimentary basin, São Paulo State, Brazil. This technique allowed to measure the natural radiation emitted by 40K, as well the radionuclides belonging to the decay series of 238U (eU = 226Ra = 214Bi) and 232Th (eTh = 228Th = 208Tl) which occur in the analyzed samples. Four gamma ray spectrometers have been utilized for comparing the results obtained: a portable sodium iodide [NaI(Tl)] scintillation detector (Digidart), a handheld bismuth germanate oxide (BGO) detector and two bench NaI(Tl) crystals, differing in their geometry (Planar and Well types). This study involved the calibration of the spectrometers, except in the case of the BGO that is factory calibrated. Afterwards, gamma ray analysis was done for 122 rock samples colleted at Partecal Quarry located at Assistência District, Rio Claro city, which have been of interest for the oil and gas sector. For comparison purposes, the obtained datasets were subjected to different statistical tests, including the analysis of variance (ANOVA) that proved to be of great value for checking the differences of the mean concentration values of eU, eTh and K. The results pointed out several factors that affect the gamma ray analysis for the natural radioelements uranium, thorium, and potassium such as the samples size, shape and geometry, detector type, shielding and counting time. These factors are of difficult control in order to get reliable radiometric measurements by this technique.

U-isotopes and weathering rates in watersheds of Araxá city, Minas Gerais State, Brazil.

This work was conducted at Araxá city, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The aim was to characterize by different approaches weathering rates at six watersheds occurring there. The study area is well-known in the country due to economic and touristic reasons. Beginning in the 1960's and 1970's, nowadays huge mining activities for niobium and phosphate fertilizer exploitation by different companies are taking place there along with the use of natural mineral waters for health treatment, following a tradition that started in the 19th century for tuberculosis treatment. The dataset utilized in this investigation comprised results obtained in the analysis of distinct geochemical compartments, i.e. rocks, soils, bottom sediments, rainwater and surface waters from small hydrographic basins. The waters of three catchments are extensively used by water-supply systems of Araxá city in order to meet the demand of this resource as a possible supply of drinking water for the local community. Hydrochemical (major and trace constituents) and radionuclides (238U, 234U, and 210Po) analyses of rainwater and water bodies samples allowed estimates of the fluxes in each drainage. These fluxes were subtracted from rainfall deposition, yielding positive net values only for bicarbonate and U-isotopes as natural tracers in all watersheds, which allowed to calculate chemical weathering rates of 2.6-38.9 ton/km2yr (bicarbonate) and 0.09-19.8 ton/km2yr (U-isotopes). Physical weathering rates were obtained from 210Pb data in bottom sediments and exceeded 200 to 1.3 × 105 times the chemical weathering rates evaluated by the U-isotopes approach, a finding compatible with others reported in literature but adopting a diverse conceptual framework. Thus, the development of all analytical protocols along this investigation permitted an integrated appraisal of distinct approaches applied to the same selected site, as well as a comparison of weathering rates with other values reported in the literature, improving the knowledge about this subject in Araxá city watersheds. The novel dataset reported in this paper constitutes an aid to the already existing number of weathering rates elsewhere, helping modellers engaged on predicting future landscape changes.

Hydrochemical and radiometric evaluation of fresh and thermal waters from Araxá city (Minas Gerais, Brazil).

This paper reports the hydrochemistry and activity concentration of the natural radionuclides 238U, 234U, and 210Po for three compartments of the hydrological/hydrogeological system in Araxá city, Minas Gerais State, Brazil: 1) mineral waters from the prominent springs Dona Beja (DBS) and Andrade Júnior (AJS), occurring at Barreiro area; 2) surface waters from Barreiro area and vicinity; and 3) rainwater. According to the Rule for Mineral Waters in Brazil (Register 7841) for temperature, the DBS water is cold (< 25 °C), while AJS is hypothermal (25-33 °C). The TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) concentration of DBS is low (70 mg/L), but high in AJS (2898 mg/L). The hydrogeochemical facies corresponded to sodium-(bi)carbonate for AJS and sodium/potassium-bicarbonate for DBS. The hydrochemical differences of DBS and AJS waters reflect the distinct characteristics of their respective aquifer systems. The DBS classification for TDS is the same of the Barreiro basin surface waters (mean TDS = 102 mg/L). Such value is somewhat higher than that of the rainwater and surface waters used for human consumption at Araxá city (TDS < 50 mg/L). The dataset reported in this paper indicated that fluoride and barium exceeded the WHO limits proposed in 2011 for drinking water. Among the natural radionuclides analyzed here that offer potential hazards for the human health is 210Po, whose WHO's limiting value of 100 mBq/L in drinking water was exceeded in rainwater, thus, restricting the use of this resource as a possible supply of drinking water for the local community.

Interexaminer reliability for tomographic findings in temporomandibular joint degenerative disease and its agreement with clinical diagnosis: a blinded controlled cross sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the interexaminer reliability for tomographic findings in degenerative temporomandibular joint disease and its agreement with clinical diagnosis. METHODS: Women aged 18 and 60 years were invited to participate in this research. All participants were evaluated by a single experienced examiner according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD). Group 1 was comprised of TMJs with Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD). Group 2 was comprised of healthy TMJs, without any signs and/or symptoms of TMD. All CBCT images were evaluated by 2 calibrated examiners for the image evaluation criteria but blinded for the clinical diagnosis. RESULTS: From the 194 women evaluated, 41 were included, with a mean age of 35.23 (± 14.06) years. Group 1 was comprised of 26 TMJs with DJD and group 2 of 36 asymptomatic TMJs. The interexaminer reliability was κ = 0.706 (p < 0.000), while agreement between clinical and tomographic findings were κ = 0.301 (p = 0.01) and κ = 0.273 (p = 0.02) for each examiner. The use of CBCT as a diagnostic test had shown sensitivity and specificity values of 61.5% and 75%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The interexaminer reliability for tomographic findings was strong. However, the agreement between clinical and tomographic findings was reasonable, for both examiners.

Probable awake bruxism - prevalence and associated factors: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Introduction: Bruxism is defined as a repetitive activity of masticatory muscles, characterized by the clenching or grinding of the teeth, which can occur during wakefulness (awake bruxism) or during sleep (sleep bruxism). Objectives: The objectives of the present study were to determine the prevalence of awake bruxism and its associated factors. Methods: Sample was composed by 50 participants of both genders, aged between 18 and 60 years, submitted to a clinical examination - to observe the presence of tooth wear, marks on the mucosa, or masseter muscles hypertrophy - and self-applied questionnaires, which evaluated the presence of TMD signs and symptoms, oral behaviors, lifestyles, anxiety level and sleep quality. Results: The prevalence of awake bruxism was 48%. Its presence was statistically and significantly associated with the presence of signs and symptoms of TMD (p=0.002), poor sleep quality (p=0.032), buccal mucosa indentations (p<0.001) and tongue (p=0.011). Age, gender, social characteristics, habits (such as coffee ingestion, smoking, alcoholism and physical activity) and tooth wear were variables that had no significant association with awake bruxism. Conclusions: It was concluded that awake bruxism shows a high prevalence and a positive association with signs and symptoms of TMD and worst sleep quality. In addition, awake bruxism is more likely to occur in individuals who have buccal mucosa indentation and who present high rates of oral habits and oral behaviors.

RESUMO Introdução: O bruxismo é definido como a atividade repetitiva dos músculos mastigatórios, e pode ocorrer durante o período acordado (bruxismo em vigília) ou durante o sono (bruxismo do sono). Objetivo: O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a prevalência de bruxismo em vigília e seus fatores associados. Métodos: A amostra foi composta por 50 participantes, de ambos os sexos, com idades de 18 a 60 anos, avaliados por meio de minucioso exame clínico - para observar se havia presença de sinais como desgaste dentário, indentações na mucosa, hipertrofia do músculo masseter - e de questionários autoaplicáveis que visaram avaliar a presença de sinais e sintomas de disfunção temporomandibular (DTM), os comportamentos orais e hábitos de vida, o nível de ansiedade e a qualidade de sono dos participantes. Resultados: A prevalência de bruxismo em vigília foi de 48%. Sua presença foi associada, estatística e significativamente, com a presença de sinais e sintomas de DTM (p=0,002), má qualidade do sono (p=0,032), e indentações na mucosa jugal (p<0,001) e língua (p=0,011). Por outro lado, a idade, sexo, características sociais, hábitos (como ingestão de café, fumo, álcool e prática de atividade física), e o desgaste dentário foram variáveis que não tiveram associação com o bruxismo em vigília. Conclusão: Diante disso, conclui-se que o bruxismo em vigília possui uma prevalência significativa e uma associação positiva com DTM e qualidade do sono. Além disso, o bruxismo em vigília apresenta maior probabilidade de acontecer em indivíduos com indentação de mucosa jugal e com alta prevalência de hábitos e comportamentos orais.

Sedimentation rates by the 210Pb chronological method in Itanhaém river watershed, southeast Brazil.

The historical variation of sedimentation rate was investigated in five cores collected from the Itanhaém watershed main rivers, the second largest coastal watershed of the São Paulo state, Brazil, using the lead-210 radioisotope as a geochronometer. The main characteristics of the rivers' waters and sediments were determined in order to support the geochronological analysis results and associate sediments with possible source areas. In this context, the fluvial waters' general classification indicated the facies sulfated or chlorinated sodium in the winter and summer seasons, except for the Branco river waters in summer, which were classified as calcium or magnesium bicarbonate. A longitudinal salinity gradient was found in the downstream river courses, under greater marine influence, with the ions Cl-, Na+, SO42+, Mg2+, Ca2+, and K+ being most common in the waters. Silica is the predominant constituent in the sediment cores and is inversely related to the organic matter (OM) presence. Inverse correlations were also found between silica and other constituents. The watershed sedimentation rates were determined in the range of 0.31 up to 3.97 g/cm2/year and 0.30 up to 3.40 cm/year, highlighting the core extracted from Branco river, which showed the highest sedimentation rate. The profiles corresponding to Preto and Aguapeú rivers presented discontinuities in the sedimentation rates. The discontinuities were dated and would probably be related to the anthropic activities, which intensified in the municipality of Itanhaém around the middle of the twentieth century.

Prevalence of temporomandibular joint disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the prevalence of temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJD) among the general population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five main electronic databases and three grey literature were searched to identify observational studies in which TMJD was diagnosed using the research diagnostic criteria (RDC/TMD) or diagnostic criteria (DC/TMD). The studies were blindly selected by two reviewers based on eligibility criteria. Risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist, and the "R" Statistics software was used to perform meta-analyses. RESULTS: From 2741 articles, 21 were included. Ten studies were judged at low RoB, seven at moderate, and four at high. The TMJD investigated were as follows: arthralgia, disk displacement (DDs) with reduction (DDwR), DDwR with intermittent locking, DDs without reduction (DDwoR) with limited opening, DDwoR without limited opening, degenerative joint disease (DJD), osteoarthritis, osteoarthrosis, and subluxation. The main results from prevalence overall meta-analyses for adults/elderly are as follows: TMJD (31.1%), DDs (19.1%), and DJD (9.8%). Furthermore, for children/adolescents are as follows: TMJD (11.3%), DDs (8.3%), and DJD (0.4%). Considering the individual diagnosis meta-analyses, the most prevalent TMJD is DDwR for adults/elderly (25.9%) and children/adolescents (7.4%). CONCLUSIONS: The overall prevalence of TMJD was approximately 31% for adults/elderly and 11% for children/adolescents, and the most prevalent TMJD was DDwR. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Knowledge about the frequency of TMJD can encourage dentists to consider appropriate strategies for early and correct diagnosis and, if need be, correct management.

Effect of different factors on patient perception of surgical discomfort in third molar surgery

Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate patient perception of surgical discomfort in third molar surgery and the association with clinical variables and polymorphisms associated with the FKBP5, SLC6A4, and COMT genes. This cross-sectional observational study was carried out on 196 participants aged between 18 and 64 years at the Federal University of Paraná in 11 months. The intensity of surgical discomfort was assessed using the QCirDental questionnaire. Data on surgical and individual procedures were also cataloged. The oral health related quality of life was assessed by the Oral Health Impact Profile questionnaire (OHIP-14). The DNA sample was obtained from cells of the oral mucosa. Five markers of the FKBP5, SLC6A4, and COMT genes were genotyped. The data were submitted to statistical analysis with a significance level of 5%. Women reported greater intensity of discomfort associated with third molar surgery compared to men (p = 0.001). In the recessive model, the AA genotype of the rs3800373 marker was associated with greater surgical discomfort (p = 0.026). Therefore, women and individuals of the AA genotype for the rs3800373 marker in the FKBP5 gene reported greater surgical discomfort associated with third molar surgery.

Effect of different factors on patient perception of surgical discomfort in third molar surgery.

The aim of this study was to evaluate patient perception of surgical discomfort in third molar surgery and the association with clinical variables and polymorphisms associated with the FKBP5, SLC6A4, and COMT genes. This cross-sectional observational study was carried out on 196 participants aged between 18 and 64 years at the Federal University of Paraná in 11 months. The intensity of surgical discomfort was assessed using the QCirDental questionnaire. Data on surgical and individual procedures were also cataloged. The oral health related quality of life was assessed by the Oral Health Impact Profile questionnaire (OHIP-14). The DNA sample was obtained from cells of the oral mucosa. Five markers of the FKBP5, SLC6A4, and COMT genes were genotyped. The data were submitted to statistical analysis with a significance level of 5%. Women reported greater intensity of discomfort associated with third molar surgery compared to men (p = 0.001). In the recessive model, the AA genotype of the rs3800373 marker was associated with greater surgical discomfort (p = 0.026). Therefore, women and individuals of the AA genotype for the rs3800373 marker in the FKBP5 gene reported greater surgical discomfort associated with third molar surgery.

Prevalence of Temporomandibular Disorders and Anxiety State Levels in Ballet Dancers A Cross-Sectional Study.

This study evaluated the prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) in ballet dancers and explored their association with levels of anxiety. Participants were 51 male and female ballet dancers with a mean age of 31.5 ± 12.6 years. The diagnosis of TMDs was made in accordance with Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (RDC/TMD). All subjects completed the state part of an anxiety questionnaire (STAI). Data were gathered and analyzed using the R statistical software (version: 3.4.0.) with level of significance set at 5%. The prevalence of all TMDs in the sample was 78%; that is, of the 51 participants, 39 had at least one positive diagnosis. The two most prevalence diagnoses were disk displacement with reduction and arthralgia. Individuals with TMD had a mean anxiety score of 42.55 ± 9.92 on the STAI, whereas for those without TMD it was 44.27 ± 11.89, with no statistically significant difference (p = 0.53). It is concluded that the general prevalence of TMDs in ballet dancer is higher than in the population at large. Disk displacement with reduction and arthralgia are the most common TMDs, and the presence of TMDs does not seem to affect anxiety state levels in this population.

Prevalence of orofacial pain in wind instrument players / Prevalência de dor orofacial em músicos de instrumento de sopro

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted due to the uncertainties that still exist about the role of playing wind instruments in musculoskeletal complaints. Therefore, the objective was to assess the prevalence of temporomandibular dysfunction and associated factors in wind instrument players. METHODS: Wind instrument players from the School of Music of Fine Arts of Paraná were evaluated for nine-months. Axes I and II of the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders was used to obtain the variables of interest. The statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS 2.0 software, using the Fishers Exact test, with a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: Thirty-five musicians were examined, 85.7% were male, and 14.3% were female. The temporomandibular dysfunction prevalence was 51.4% being more commonly found in the group II (disc displacements) 34.2%. This result was statistically meaningful when associated with females (p=0,052). Group I disorders (muscle disorders) were diagnosed in 5 patients (14.2%) and group III disorders (joint disorders) were diagnosed in 3 patients (8.5%). Gender also influenced the presence of chronic pain, being more frequent in females (p=0.019). CONCLUSION: In this research, we found a high prevalence of individuals affected by temporomandibular dysfunction. Therefore, studies with expanded samples are necessary, as well as educational and preventive measures. Temporomandibular dysfunction specialists should devote more attention to this group of people.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Estudo observacional transversal foi conduzido devido às incertezas que ainda existem sobre o papel de tocar instrumentos musicais de sopro nas queixas musculoesqueléticas. Portanto, o objetivo foi avaliar a prevalência de disfunção temporomandibular e fatores associados em músicos de instrumento de sopro. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados músicos de instrumento de sopro da Escola de Música Belas Artes do Paraná, durante o período de nove meses. Para obtenção das variáveis de interesse, os eixos I e II do instrumento Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders foi utilizado. As análises estatísticas foram realizadas com o software SPSS 2.0, utilizando-se o teste Exato de Fisher, com nível de significância 5%. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 35 músicos, 85,7% do sexo masculino e 14,3% do sexo feminino. A prevalência de disfunção temporomandibular foi de 51,4%, sendo mais comumente encontrado no grupo II (deslocamentos do disco) 34,2%. Esse resultado apresentou-se estatisticamente significante quando associado ao sexo feminino (p=0,052). Distúrbios do grupo I (distúrbios musculares) foram diagnosticados em 5 pacientes (14,2%) e distúrbios do grupo III (distúrbios articulares) foram diagnosticados em 3 pacientes (8,5%). O sexo também influenciou na presença de dor crônica, sendo mais frequente no sexo feminino (p=0,019). CONCLUSÃO: Nesta pesquisa encontrou-se grande prevalência de indivíduos acometidos por disfunção temporomandibular. Portanto, é necessário o desenvolvimento de estudos com amostras ampliadas, bem como propagar medidas educativas e preventivas, sendo esse um público para o qual o especialista em dor e disfunção temporomandibular deve dedicar maiores cuidados.

Tracking pollutants in selected Brazilian drainages from araxá city.

Sediments geochemical data from Araxá city, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, have provided new insights on the pollutants inputs in different drainage systems of Araxá city, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The sediments profiles (6) provided from a lake (Grand Hotel) and streams (Sal, Areia, Fundo, and Feio). The local municipality uses some waters (Areia, Fundo, and Feio streams) in water-supply systems. Because of the Brazilian environmental agency does not establish concentration guidelines for several heavy metals occurring in freshwater sediments, the values reported in this paper were compared with limits proposed elsewhere. Enrichment Factor (EF) values of 20-40 (very high enrichment) and EF > 40 (extremely high enrichment) were found for Ba (in two sediment core), Nb (in three sediment core) and Se (in four sediment core). The 210Pb chronological method was useful for tracking some major events that occurred in the history of Araxá city, showing concentration peaks around 1962 and 1993 for BaO, Nb2O5, Fe2O3, P2O5, SO3, SrO and CeO2 and around 1972 and 1999 for SeO2.

Nitrate-dependent Uranium mobilisation in groundwater.

Nitrate is a critical substance that determines the prevailing redox conditions in groundwater, and in turn the behaviour of Uranium (U). Therefore, the excessive use of nitrate-fertiliser in agricultural catchments could exert a significant influence on U mobilisation. This is a significant issue in catchments, where groundwater resources are increasingly being exploited for drinking water production. Past studies on U mobility in groundwater have considered individual hydro-geochemical factors influencing U concentrations, rather than as a single system with multiple factors. This research study investigated nitrate-dependent U mobility within a catchment in Brazil, where a range of intensive agricultural activities are undertaken and the giant Guarani aquifer is located. The study used direct measurements of groundwater redox conditions and other hydro-geochemical parameters. The research outcomes indicated that U could have two hydro-geochemical systems based on positive and negative redox potential of groundwater. The pH, HCO3- and temperature pose the largest influence, respectively, on U mobilisation, and these impacts are greater in agricultural lands than urban areas. Acidic and less reducing (positive redox) groundwater across the aquifer and basic and highly reducing (negative redox) groundwater in agricultural areas make U more mobile. The alkalinity increases U mobility in less reducing groundwater across the aquifer and in highly reducing groundwater in agricultural areas. Further, U can be mobile in hot and less reducing groundwater across the aquifer, but hot and highly reducing groundwater in agricultural areas can limit U mobility. More importantly, the study revealed that U can be mobile under high NO3- concentrations in reducing groundwater in non-agricultural areas. However, anthropogenic inputs of NO3- are expected to be lower than natural NO3- inputs in areas where the groundwater is highly reducing. Hence, fertiliser use in agricultural lands is less likely to increase U mobility in highly reducing groundwater.

Prevalence of temporomandibular disorders in rugby players.

Rugby is played by more than 3 million people in over 100 countries on 5 continents. Playing rugby can result in 2-3 times more dental and facial trauma than American football or other contact sports. Facial trauma in sports has been associated with the development of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). This study aimed to determine the prevalence of TMDs in rugby players. The Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders were used to assess 30 rugby players (group 1) and 28 nonathletes (group 2) for TMDs. The chi-square test was used to compare the groups, and a significance level of 5% (P < 0.05) was used for all statistical analyses. The prevalence of TMDs in groups 1 and 2 was 53.3% and 14.3%, respectively (P = 0.002). Myofascial pain was observed in 12 individuals (40%) in group 1 and in 2 individuals (7.1%) in group 2. Seven participants in group 1 (23.3%) received a diagnosis of disc displacement, and 2 participants (7.1%) in group 2 received this diagnosis. Participants in group 1 also reported significantly more tooth clenching than those in group 2 (P = 0.003).

Gross alpha/beta radioactivity and radiation dose in thermal and non-thermal spas groundwaters.

Gross alpha and gross beta activities have been determined in thermal and non-thermal spas groundwaters (75) occurring at São Paulo and Minas Gerais states in Brazil as they are ingested in public places, bottled and used for bathing purposes, among other. The samples provided from springs and pumped tubular wells drilled at different aquifer systems inserted in Paraná and Southeastern Shield hydrogeological provinces. The WHO guideline reference value proposed in 2011 for the drinking water quality was never reached for the gross alpha activity (0.5 Bq/L) but it was exceeded in 13 groundwater samples for the gross beta activity (1 Bq/L). Available activity concentration data of the natural radionuclides 40K, 228Ra (232Th-daughter), 238U and descendants (234U, 226Ra, 222Rn, 210Pb, 210Po) allowed calculate the total Committed Effective Dose (CED) based on a drinking water ingestion rate of 2 L/day. The WHO reference level of 0.1 mSv per year for the CED was surpassed in a high number of water sources (62 (83%) or 41 (55%), disregarding radon), denoting the relevance of the radiological surveys detailing as much as possible the dissolved radionuclides present in potable waters, despite the analytical difficulties and costs involved.

Assessing mercury pollution in Amazon River tributaries using a Bayesian Network approach.

Mercury pollution of water bodies exerts significant human and ecosystem health impacts due to high toxicity. Relatively high levels of mercury have been detected in the Amazon River and its tributaries and associated lakes. The study employed a Bayesian Network approach to investigate the contribution from geogenic sources to mercury pollution of lakes in the Madeira River basin, which is the largest tributary of the Amazon River. It was found that the source indicators of naturally occurring mercury have both, positive and negative relationships with mercury in lake sediments. Although the positive relationships indicated the influence of geological and soil formations, the negative relationships implied that the use of mercury amalgam for gold extraction in artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM), which is the primary anthropogenic source of mercury, also contribute to mercury in Amazon tributaries. This was further evident as mercury concentrations in lake sediments were found to be significantly higher than those in the surrounding rocks. However, potential anthropogenic mercury was attributed to historical inputs from gold mining due to the recent decline of ASM mining practice in the region.

Does orthognathic surgery improve myofacial pain in individuals with skeletal class III? One-year follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of orthognathic surgery on temporomandibular disorder (TMD) in patients with skeletal class III malocclusion. STUDY DESIGN: Forty-seven patients undergoing surgery were evaluated by a trained examiner using Axis I of the Research Diagnostic Criteria/TMD index, consecutively, at 3 different periods: 1 week before operation (T0), 6 months after operation (T1), and 1 year after operation (T2). Bivariate analyses were performed to compare the evaluation periods (P < .05). RESULTS: The prevalence of TMD in the sampled patients from T0 to T1 decreased from 30 (63.8%) to 22 (46.8%) (P = .021). Even in T2, the prevalence of TMD remained lower than that in T0, at 21 (44.7%) diagnosed patients (P = .049). The reported frequencies of myofascial pain and headache were lower in T1 and T2 than in T0 (P < .001). Decrease in the frequency of joint pain and joint sounds was observed only from T0 to T1 (P = .039 and P = .021, respectively). The mean maximum of mouth opening decreased from T0 to T1 (P < .001) and increased again at T2 (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Orthognathic surgery promoted reduction in the frequencies of myofascial pain and headache reported by patients with skeletal class III malocclusion.

The application of U-isotopes to assess weathering in contrasted soil-water regime in Brazil.

This paper presents the use of U-series radionuclides 238U and 234U to evaluate the biogeochemical disequilibrium in soil cover under a contrasted soil-water regime. The approach was applied in three profiles located in distinct topographical positions, from upslope ferralitic to downslope hydromorphic domain. The U fractionation data was obtained in the samples representing the saprolite and the superficial and subsuperficial soil horizons. The results showed a significant and positive correlation between U and the Total Organic Carbon (TOC). Soil organic matter has accumulated in soil due to hydromorphy. There is no evidence of positive correlation between U and Fe, as expected in lateritic soils. The advance of the hydromorphy on Ferralsol changes the weathering rates, and the ages of weathering are discussed as a function of the advance of waterlogged soil conditions from downslope. Also, the bioturbation could represent the other factor responsible to construct a more recent soil horizon.