Radiographic estimation of the growth rate of initially underdiagnosed ameloblastomas.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the specific growth rate (SGR) of ameloblastoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: cases of ameloblastoma initially underdiagnosed (e.g. cases overlooked or diagnosed as reactive lesions) which had adequate radiographic documentation to evaluate their progression were retrospectively selected. Two panoramic radiographs were analyzed to determine the specific growth rate (SGR) of each tumor, defined as the logarithm of the ratio of final tumor area (when the diagnosis of ameloblastoma was made) to the initial tumor area (when the lesion was underdiagnosed), divided by the time interval between the radiographic images. The tumor area was measured using the software ImageJ. RESULTS: Twelve patients with mandibular ameloblastomas were selected, including 5 males and 7 females, with a mean age of 24.9 years (range: 14-61 years). In four cases, the lesion was associated with the crown of an impacted third molar. In three cases, it was initially diagnosed as a periapical lesion. Three cases were extrafollicular and were not noticed in the initial radiographs. Two cases were initially diagnosed as ameloblastoma, but the surgery was delayed for personal reasons. The mean interval of time between the two radiographic images was 4.3 years (range: 0.4-9 years). Based on our analysis, ameloblastoma grows in average 40.4% per year (range: 14.9-88.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Ameloblastoma is a progressively growing tumor, but its growth rate seems to be smaller than initially reported in the literature. Better understanding the radiographic progression of ameloblastoma might improve its early diagnosis, management, and prognosis.

A Randomized Double-blind Clinical Trial of Dentin Surface Treatments for Composite Restorations in Noncarious Cervical Lesions: A 36-month Evaluation.

OBJECTIVE:: This randomized, double-blind clinical trial aimed to evaluate the influence of different dentin surface treatments in noncarious cervical lesions (NCCLs). METHODS AND MATERIALS:: Twenty-nine patients participated in this study. One hundred sixty-five NCCLs were selected and randomly assigned to three groups: G0 (control group) with phosphoric acid etching for 15 seconds; G1: phosphoric acid etching for 30 seconds; and G2: ultrasound probe applied for 30 seconds on the dentin surface. Class V composite resin restorations were performed (Z350, 3M ESPE, St Paul, MN, USA). The restorations were evaluated at baseline and at six, 12, 24, and 36 months according to the World Dental Federation criteria. Survival curves were obtained using the Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test. Comparisons between groups and times were performed using the McNemar and Chi-square tests (α =0.05). RESULTS:: The presence of failures due to retention was statistically different among the groups ( p=0.012), and G0 and G2 showed better clinical performance than did G1. Sensitivity decreased over time in all groups. Marginal discoloration, postoperative sensitivity, and marginal adaptation were not different among the groups ( p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS:: The studied dentin surface treatments showed similar clinical performance to the conventional technique at 36 months in terms of marginal discoloration, marginal adaptation, and postoperative sensitivity. In contrast, increased acid-etching time resulted in a higher risk of failure due to retention over time in composite Class V restorations.

Source identification of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soil sediments: Application of different methods.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are organic compounds that tend to rapidly associate to particulate organic matter in sediments due to their hydrophobic characteristics, inducing toxic, carcinogens and mutagens effects to many living organisms. The monitoring and identification of the sources of PAHs in sediments is relevant especially because they are the main reservoir and secondary source of contamination of aquatic systems. To identify the sources there are different methods for data treatment that complement each other: evaluation of profiles distribution, source-specific diagnostic ratios of PAHs and principal component analysis (PCA). To demonstrate the applicability of these different methods, concentrations of PAHs from sediments of four Portuguese estuarine systems were used: Ria de Aveiro, Tagus River, Sado River and Ria Formosa, in order to identify the sources.

Familial history of hypertension-induced impairment on heart rate variability was not observed in strength-trained subjects.

Family history of hypertension is an important predictive factor for hypertension and is associated with hemodynamic and autonomic abnormalities. Previous studies reported that strength training might reduce arterial blood pressure (AP), as well as improve heart rate variability (HRV). However, the benefits of strength training in the offspring of hypertensive parents have not been fully evaluated. Here, we analyzed the impact of strength training on hemodynamics and autonomic parameters in offspring of hypertensive subjects. We performed a cross-sectional study with sedentary or physically active offspring of normotensives (S-ON and A-ON) or hypertensives (S-OH and A-OH). We recorded RR interval for analysis of HRV. AP was similar between groups. Sedentary offspring of hypertensives presented impairment of total variance of RR interval, as well as an increase in cardiac sympathovagal balance (S-OH: 4.2±0.7 vs S-ON: 2.8±0.4 and A-ON: 2.4±0.1). In contrast, the strength-trained group with a family history of hypertension did not show such dysfunctions. In conclusion, sedentary offspring of hypertensives, despite displaying no changes in AP, showed reduced HRV, reinforcing the hypothesis that autonomic dysfunctions have been associated with higher risk of hypertension onset. Our findings demonstrated that strength-trained offspring of hypertensives did not present impaired HRV, thus reinforcing the benefits of an active lifestyle in the prevention of early dysfunctions associated with the onset of hypertension in predisposed populations.

Spectral refractive index technique for monitoring the beer mashing process.

During beer production, the mashing process is fundamental for extraction of the main sugars from the starch. The quantification of these fermentable sugars during the process provides a measure of the alcoholic content of the final beer. Therefore, monitoring of the sugar composition during beer production is very important for obtaining a quality product. This paper demonstrates the potential of white light interferometry (WLI) for monitoring the extraction of sugars in different mashing processes, by observing the refractive index of the mixture. All the mashings presented linear increases of the refractive index during the temperature steps, which were influenced by the concentrations of sugars produced in each step. Cauchy parameters obtained by refractive index interpretation showed the influence of carbohydrates on absorption in the infrared region, and amino acids on absorption in the ultraviolet region. Strong correlation was obtained between the refractive index and °Bx values, indicating that the WLI technique is a potential analytical method for monitoring the mashing process during beer production.

Influence of Surface Treatment on Composite Adhesion in Noncarious Cervical Lesions: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of dentin surface treatments on the retention rate of resin composite restorations in non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs). Seven randomized clinical trials were included in this review. Data regarding retention rate, type of surface treatment, and the main characteristics of studies were analyzed. Two reviewers performed a literature search up to December 2016 in eight databases: PubMed (Medline), Lilacs, Ibecs, Web of Science, BBO, Scopus, Scielo and The Cochrane Library. Only clinical trials evaluating dentin surface treatments in resin composite restoration in NCCLs were included. Noncontrolled clinical trials, reviews, editorial letters, case reports, case series and studies published in a language other than English, Portuguese, or Spanish were not included. The included studies evaluated different surface treatments, such as using an adhesive system with a frictional technique, drying the dentin, and removing sclerotic dentin by using a bur and applying EDTA before primer use. The analysis considering the mechanical removal of dentin surface with a bur and the application of an adhesive system in a frictional mode showed these treatments improved retention rates of the resin composite restorations in NCCLs ( p<0.05). There is evidence in the literature suggesting that the mechanical removal of dentin surface with a bur and the application of an adhesive system in a frictional mode could improve the retention rates of resin composite restorations in NCCLs. However, the studies showed high heterogeneity, and additional clinical trials are needed to determine the best dentin treatment option in NCCLs.

Familial history of hypertension-induced impairment on heart rate variability was not observed in strength-trained subjects

Family history of hypertension is an important predictive factor for hypertension and is associated with hemodynamic and autonomic abnormalities. Previous studies reported that strength training might reduce arterial blood pressure (AP), as well as improve heart rate variability (HRV). However, the benefits of strength training in the offspring of hypertensive parents have not been fully evaluated. Here, we analyzed the impact of strength training on hemodynamics and autonomic parameters in offspring of hypertensive subjects. We performed a cross-sectional study with sedentary or physically active offspring of normotensives (S-ON and A-ON) or hypertensives (S-OH and A-OH). We recorded RR interval for analysis of HRV. AP was similar between groups. Sedentary offspring of hypertensives presented impairment of total variance of RR interval, as well as an increase in cardiac sympathovagal balance (S-OH: 4.2±0.7 vs S-ON: 2.8±0.4 and A-ON: 2.4±0.1). In contrast, the strength-trained group with a family history of hypertension did not show such dysfunctions. In conclusion, sedentary offspring of hypertensives, despite displaying no changes in AP, showed reduced HRV, reinforcing the hypothesis that autonomic dysfunctions have been associated with higher risk of hypertension onset. Our findings demonstrated that strength-trained offspring of hypertensives did not present impaired HRV, thus reinforcing the benefits of an active lifestyle in the prevention of early dysfunctions associated with the onset of hypertension in predisposed populations.

Measurements of refractive indices and thermo-optical coefficients using a white-light Michelson interferometer.

A dispersive white-light Michelson interferometer was used to determine the wavelength dependence of the refractive index (n) in the visible range from 425 to 775 nm and the thermo-optical coefficient (dn/dT) of fused silica (FS) and borosilicate glass (BK7). For FS, the values obtained for n and dn/dT at 546 nm were 1.46079 and 11.3×10-6 K-1, respectively, while the values for BK7 glass were 1.51825 and 2.2×10-6 K-1, respectively, which is in good agreement with the literature. The accuracy of the methodology used for n was almost 10-6, enabling precise spectroscopic characterization of materials across a wide spectral range.

Determination of 3-mercaptopropionic acid by HPLC: A sensitive method for environmental applications.

The organic sulfur compound 3-mercaptopropionic acid (3-MPA) is an important thiol intermediate in organic sulfur metabolism in natural environments. It is generated during degradation of sulfur-containing amino acids (e.g. methionine) and from demethylation of dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP). This pathway is an alternative enzymatic process in the DMSP catabolism that routes sulfur away from the climatically-active dimethyl sulfide (DMS). 3-MPA detection and subsequent quantification in different matrices is difficult due to its extreme reactivity. We therefore developed a sensitive method for determination of 3-MPA based on pre-column derivatization with monobromobimane and analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection. This methodology was first tested with 3-MPA standards under low (0.005-0.2µmolL(-1)) and high (1-25µmolL(-1)) concentrations. For the optimization of the reaction, CHES and, alternatively, Tris-HCl buffers were evaluated in the derivatization step, with Tris-HCl showing more effective separation of thiol derivatives and a better 3-MPA peak shape. The detection limit was 4.3nmolL(-1) with a 10µL sample injection, and mean recoveries of 3-MPA ranged from 97 to 105% in estuarine waters with different salinities (0.17 and 35.9ppt). The linearity (r>0.99) and repeatability of detector response, with intra- and inter-day precision (% CV) of 2.68-7.01% and 4.86-12.5%, respectively, confirmed the reliability of the method. Previous 3-MPA analytical methods required immediate analysis due to unstable derivatives, but in this method we achieved high stability of the derivatized samples when stored at 4°C, with only a 3-5% loss after more than one year of storage. This method was successfully applied to measure 3-MPA concentrations and rates of 3-MPA production in a variety of intertidal estuarine sediment slurries. Dissolved 3-MPA concentrations in these sediment slurries varied between 2 and 237µmolL(-1) and, 3-MPA net fluxes ranged in wet sediments between -3.6±1.7 and 30±5µmolL(-1)g(-1)h(-1). Thus, the application of this optimized methodology showed an efficient performance for measuring 3-MPA in environmental samples, with a straightforward sample derivatization and a simple analysis of stable 3-MPA derivatives.

Persistencia del collar venoso renal / Persistence of renal venous collar

El desarrollo del sistema venoso cava es bastante complejo, pudiendo producirse innumerables variaciones de los padrones anatómicos ya conocidos, siendo algunos más frecuentes y otros de rara incidencia. De estas variaciones, puede ocurrir una en que se forma un anillo vascular en torno de la aorta, constituído por una vena renal pre-aórtica y otra retro-aórtica, desembocando a un nivel más bajo en la vena cava inferior (VCI), una disposición llamada "collar venoso renal", que consiste en la persistencia de las anastomosis intersupracardinales e intersubcardinales embrionarias. En la variación presentada en este artículo, la disposición de los vasos corresponde a un tipo de la clasificación mencionada en la literatura, con excepción de la emergencia independiente de los componentes pre y retroaórtico del collar referido, a partir del hilio renal y del calibre distal de la vena renal retroaórtica. La vena renal preaórtica tenía 90 mm de longitud y 20 mm de calibre en su parte terminal, desembocando en la VCI a nivel del tercio inferior de la vértebra L1. La vena renal retroaórtica tenía 125 mm de longitud, cruzando las vértebras L1 y L2 para desembocar en la VCI a nivel del tercio superior de L3, donde se registró un diámetro terminal de 14 mm. La disposición presentada, es una variación potencialmente peligrosa de la vena renal izquierda, importante de recalcar su presencia, ya que ha sido relatado que en cirugías retroperitoneales no se ha identificado el componente dorsal, produciendo hemorragia profusa, nefrectomía innecesaria y hasta la muerte.

The development of the cava venous system is very complex, taking place to the raising of innumerous variations of the anatomical patterns already known, which could be more or less common and others, still, of rare incidence. One of these anomalies may occur in a low frequency on the left side, forming a vascular ring around the aorta constituted by a preaortic renal vein and other retro-aortic renal vein, entering in a lower level of the VCI, in a condition called as " Renal Collar" consisted of persistence of the Intersupracardial embrionary anastomoses. In this case report, the vascular disposition corresponds to a type of the classification as related in literature, with exception of the independent emergency of the preaortic and retro-aortic components of the circum-aortic collar from the renal hilum and the distal diameter of the retroaortic renal vein. The preaortic vein had 90 mm of length, diameter of 20 mm in its end and led into the VCI on the lower level of L1. The retroaortic vein measured 125 mm of length, crossing L1 and L2 to discharge in the VCI, to the upper level of L3, where it had diameter of 14 mm. The importance of the study and description of the circumaortic renal collar is due to it representing a potentially hazardous anomaly of the left renal vein, occurring case reports where failure to recognize the dorsal component during retroperitoneal surgery may lead to abundant hemorrhage after inadvertent injury, unnecessary nephrectomy or, even death.

Importancia de la relación anatómica entre el nervio isquiático y el margen posterior del acetábulo en la luxación posterior de la cadera / Anatomic value of the sciatic nerve with the posterior margin of the acetabulum in posterior dislocation of the hip

La luxación posterior de la articulación de la cadera es un trauma que puede sufrir una buena parte de la población, donde se puede comprometer el nervio isquiático, produciendo serios problemas en la vida del individuo afectado. El conocimiento de la relación anatómica entre el nervio isquiático y el margen posterior del acetábulo propiciará um diagnóstico preciso y precoz de esta lesión. Con el objetivo de estudiar la relación topográfica del nervio isquiático con el margen posterior del acetábulo y entregar antecedentes anatómicos para las cirugías ortopédicas en caso de luxaciones posteriores de la cadera, se estudiaron 40 miembros inferiores formolizados, de cadáveres humanos, adultos y de ambos sexos, localizados en los laboratorios de anatomía topográfica de la Universidad Estadual de Ciencias de la Salud de Alagoas, Brasil. En 19 miembros inferiores (47,7 por ciento) el nervio isquiático pasó directamente sobre el margen posterior del acetábulo y en los 21 restantes (53,3 por ciento), el nervio estuvo distante del margen mencionado, distancia que varió de 6 a 49 mm. Los resultados obtenidos muestran la estrecha relación entre el nervio isquiático y el margen acetabular, lo que acrecienta la posibilidad de lesión del nervio em los casos de luxación posterior de la cadera...

The posterior dislocation of the hip joint is a trauma that can undergo a large part of the population, which may compromise the sciatic nerve, causing serious problems in the life of the affected individual. Knowledge of the anatomical relationship between the sciatic nerve and the posterior margin of the acetabulum will facilitate accurate diagnosis and early um this injury. In order to study the topographical relationship of the sciatic nerve with the posterior margin of the acetabulum and provide background for orthopedic anatomical in posterior dislocations of the hip were studied 40 lower limbs formolized human cadavers, adults of both sexes , located in the topographical anatomy laboratories of the Universidade Estadual de Ciencias da Saude, Alagoas, Brasil. In 19 limbs (47.7 percent) sciatic nerve passed directly over the posterior margin of the acetabulum and the remaining 21 (53.3 percent), the nerve passed distal to the acetabular margin, distance ranging from 6-49 mm. The results show the close relationship between the sciatic nerve and the acetabular margin, which increases the possibility of nerve injury in posterior dislocation of the hip...

Tunable color temperature of Ce3+/Eu2+, 3+ co-doped low silica aluminosilicate glasses for white lighting.

In this paper we report results of tunable lighting in Ce(3+)/Eu(2+,3+) doped low silica calcium aluminosilicate glass. Optical spectroscopy experiments indicate that there is a red color compensation from Eu(2+) and Eu(3+) to the green emission from Ce(3+), resulting in a broad and tunable emission spectra depending on the excitation wavelength. This result analysed in the CIE 1976 color diagram shows a close distance from the Plank emission and a correlated color temperature, varying from 5200 to 3500K. This indicates that our system can be easily excited by GaN based blue LEDs, being an interesting phosphor for white lighting devices.

Characterisation of foxing stains in eighteenth to nineteenth century drawings using non-destructive techniques.

The reddish-brown, brown or yellowish stains of circular or irregular shape known as foxing spots have been fully described in conservation literature but still, this phenomenon does not find any scientific agreement since many hypotheses have been raised concerning their origin. In this work a contribution to foxing definition not only focussed on its appearance but also reported on its chemical information. For this purpose foxing stains present in drawings from two Portuguese artists dated from the eighteenth to nineteenth centuries were observed under ultra-violet light and optical microscope and analysed by three non-invasive spectroscopy techniques. The observations carried out on the stains provided information on their surface morphology. The use of energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence revealed a variation on the elemental content between foxing and paper region. Although the results from X-ray diffraction analysis showed no signs of cellulose degradation in foxing stains, Fourier-transformed infrared analysis revealed the presence of oxide groups. Both the information on the chemical nature and surface morphology of the stains achieved in this study will contribute to increase foxing formation information and develop future protocols for conservation purposes.

Radioguided occult lesion localization (ROLL) and excision of breast lesions using technetium-99m-macroaggregate albumin and air injection control.

The aim of this study was to assess the efficiency of the radioguided localization and excision technique using radiopharmaceuticals injected directly or close to occult breast lesions. We studied thirty-two consecutive patients with thirty-six occult breast lesions detected mammographically or ultrasonically categorized as BI-RADS 3, 4 or 5. Macroaggregate Albumin (MAA) labeled with (99m)Tc was administered directly or close to the lesion, guided by mammography or ultrasound, followed by an air injection for radiological control. The excision biopsy was carried out with the aid of a hand-held gamma detecting probe and the entire removal of the lesion was verified by X-ray of the surgical specimens or by intraoperatory frozen section examination. Breast cancer was found in 8.3% of BI-RADS 3 lesions, in 33.3% of the BI-RADS 4 lesions and in 66.6% of the BI-RADS 5 lesions. The radiotracer was correctly positioned in 97.2% of the specimens (35/36) allowing the removal of 97.2%. Xray confirmed the entire removal in 27 lesions (75%), intraoperatory frozen section study in 19.4% (7/36) and by both methods in 5.5% (2/36). Radioguided surgery turned out to be an important tool in the removal of non-palpable breast lesions, as a simple, fast and feasible method that can be implemented in the clinical routine of patients with non-palpable breast lesions.

Características anatómicas del tendón extensor accesorio del dedo anular, procedente del músculo extensor del dedo mínimo / Anatomical characteristics of the accessory extensor tendon of the ring finger, originating from the extensor digiti minimi muscle

El músculo extensor del dedo mínimo es una larga y estrecha lámina muscular que se origina en el epicóndilo lateral del húmero, en el tendón extensor común, insertándose, generalmente, a través de dos cintillas tendinosas, en la expansión extensora del dedo mínimo. A veces, emite un tendón accesorio para el dedo anular.El objetivo del presente estudio fue conocer la incidencia, disposición y trayecto de este tendón accesorio. Se estudiaron 60 piezas de miembros superiores, fijadas en formaldehído al 10 por ciento, correspondientes a cadáveres de individuos brasileños, adultos, de ambos sexos. El tendón accesorio fue encontrado en 7 manos (11,7 por ciento de los casos). La presencia de ese tendón tiene importancia funcional y clínico-quirúrgica, pues en casos de lesiones en el dorso de la mano que afecten a los tendones del músculo extensor de los dedos, este tendón accesorio podría establecerse como una forma alternativa en la recuperación del movimiento de la extensión del dedo anular. Los resultados complementarán el conocimiento anatómico del conjunto de tendones que constituyen el dorso de la mano.

The extensor digiti minimi muscle originates from the posterior aspect of the lateral epicondyle of the humerus from a common tendon for the epicondilar muscles. The muscular belly is long and narrow and runs distally until it joins the ulnar side of a tendon over the radiocarpal articulation. Over the dorsum of the hand, this muscle is represented by a double tendon that insert in the extensor apparatus. Sometimes, these tendons give off an accessory tendon for the ring finger. The objective of this present study was to know the incidence, disposition and course of this accessory tendon. We are study 60 upper limbs from Brazilian adult cadavers of both sexs, fixed in formaldehyde 10%. The accessory tendon of the ring finger was found in 7 hands (11,7% of the cases). The presence of this tendon have functional and surgical importance; in extensor digitorum tendons injuries, this accessory tendon could be an alternative for recuperate the extension movement of the ring finger. Our results will complete the anatomic knowledge over the dorsal tendons of the hand.

Aspectos anatómicos y biométricos de los puentes de miocardio y sus Relaciones con la arteria interventricular anterior y venas adyacentes / Anatomical and biometrica aspects of the myocardial bridges and its Relationships with the anterior interventricular artery and adjacent veins

RESUMEN: Los vasos cardíacos pueden estar parcialmente cubiertos por puentes de miocardio, disposición que ha sido objeto de numerosos estudios. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue determinar la incidencia de estos puentes, su extensión y sobre que vasos se disponen, considerando principalmente las relaciones con los vasos interventriculares anteriores. El material estudiado fueron 30 corazones de individuos adultos, brasileños, fijados en formaldehído al 10 %. Se encontraron puentes de miocardio en 14 muestras (47 %) y de éstos, en 9 se localizaron por sobre la arteria interventricular anterior; en 3 casos se ubicaron simultáneamente sobre la arteria mencionada y sobre afluentes de la vena homónima; en 1 corazón puentes de miocardio se presentaron por sobre ramas ventriculares izquierdas de la arteria y vena interventricular posterior, como también en 1 muestra estuvo por sobre una rama ventricular anterior de la arteria coronaria derecha. Los puentes se localizaron principalmente en la parte proximal y media del surco interventricular anterior. La extensión de los puentes encontrados varió entre 9 y 55 mm, con un promedio de 24,5. De acuerdo a los resultados obtenidos la incidencia de estas formaciones musculares es alta, localizándose generalmente sobre la arteria interventricular anterior y en porcentajes menores sobre venas adyacentes.

Word-finding difficulties, verbal paraphasias, and verbal dyspraxia in ten individuals with fragile X syndrome.

Speech/language disorders are common in the fragile X syndrome. [Howard-Peebles, 1979: Am J Hom Genet 31:214-222; Renier et al., 1983: J Ment Defic Res 27:51-59; Sparks, 1984: Birth Defects and Speech-Language Disorders, pp. 39-43; Hanson et al., 1986: Am J Med Genet 23:195-206]. Verbal paraphasias have been considered a rare feature and word-finding difficulties have seldom been reported. Here we report on ten Brazilian patients who were evaluated for speech/language disturbances and found that word-finding difficulties were present in 50% of the cases, which is a slightly higher frequency than that of clear dyspraxia. We suggest, therefore, that word-finding difficulties and verbal dyspraxia can be a common feature within the spectrum of this syndrome. Additional speech findings are discussed.