Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Human Immature Dental Pulp Cells on Papillary Thyroid Cancer.

Mesenchymal stem-cell-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) have been increasingly investigated for cancer therapy and drug delivery, and they offer an advanced cell-free therapeutic option. However, their overall effects and efficacy depend on various factors, including the MSC source and cargo content. In this study, we isolated EVs from the conditioned medium of human immature dental pulp stem cells (hIDPSC-EVs) and investigated their effects on two papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) cell lines (BCPAP and TPC1). We observed efficient uptake of hIDPSC-EVs by both PTC cell lines, with a notable impact on gene regulation, particularly in the Wnt signaling pathway in BCPAP cells. However, no significant effects on cell proliferation were observed. Conversely, hIDPSC-EVs significantly reduced the invasive capacity of both PTC cell lines after 120 h of treatment. These in vitro findings suggest the therapeutic potential of hIDPSC-EVs in cancer management and emphasize the need for further research to develop novel and effective treatment strategies. Furthermore, the successful internalization of hIDPSC-EVs by PTC cell lines underscores their potential use as nanocarriers for anti-cancer agents.

Reproductive Biology and Rearing Improvements of Apanteles opuntiarum, Potential Biocontrol Agent of the Argentine Cactus Moth, Cactoblastis cactorum.

The cactus moth, Cactoblastis cactorum (Berg) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is native to South America and has been used as a biocontrol agent of Opuntia (Cactaceae) in Australia and South Africa. Its invasion in North America has raised concerns for the native Opuntia in the USA and Mexico. We investigated the reproductive biology and rearing procedures of a host-specific potential biocontrol agent, Apanteles opuntiarum Martínez and Berta (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). Given the gregarious nature of the parasitoid larvae, we studied the morphology of the immature stages and evaluated evidence of polyembryony and superparasitism. We also investigated the effects of host exposure arena and host density on parasitism rates and wasp production. The morphological descriptions provide a basis for comparison with other species. Early larval instars of A. opuntiarum are similar to other microgastrine immature stages. However, the mature larva exhibits placoid sensilla in the epistomal region, a unique character not previously reported. We provide evidence that A. opuntiarum eggs are not polyembryonic; females frequently superparasitize and have an oviposition preference for larvae parasitized 1-2 d previously. Exposing larvae of C. cactorum to wasps while inside the cactus resulted in lower parasitism and fewer offspring from each host than exposing larvae in the arena without the cactus. Parasitism and mortality rates were higher at lower host densities, possibly due to reduced host group defensive behavior. These results suggest that preference for superparasitism, host defensive behavior, and interactions with the cactus may play an important role in per-host wasp production under laboratory conditions.

Direct Somatic Embryogenesis in Carica papaya L. Genotypes for Genetic Modification Purposes.

This chapter presents an efficient protocol for regenerating Carica papaya plants via somatic embryogenesis from immature zygotic embryos from economically important papaya genotypes. To achieve regenerated plants from somatic embryos, in the present protocol, four induction cycles are required, followed by one multiplication cycle and one regeneration cycle. With this optimized protocol, 80% of somatic embryos can be obtained in only 3.5 months. At this stage, calli containing more than 50% globular structures can be used for transformation (via agrobacterium, biobalistics, or any other transformation method). Once transformed, calli can be transferred to the following steps (multiplication, elongation, maturation, rooting, and ex vitro acclimatization) to regenerate a transformed somatic embryo-derived full plant.

Development and intrapuparial characterization of Peckia (Euboettcheria) collusor (Curran and Walley, 1934) (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) for application in forensic entomology.

The family Sarcophagidae is very diverse in Brazil. Due to their living habits, they are the subject of many medical, veterinary, sanitary, and entomological studies. However, Sarcophagidae species are still poorly studied in forensic entomology, although they are frequently reported in carcasses and even human corpses. Thus, this study aims to identify and compare the developmental stages and intrapuparial morphological characteristics of Peckia (Euboettcheria) collusor to serve as an auxiliary tool in forensic entomology. The pupae collected after zero hour at 27 °C and 32 °C were sacrificed every three hours until the first 24 h and then every six hours until the emergence of the first adults, using 30 pupae each time, totaling 1560 for 27 °C and 1290 for 32 °C. The intrapuparial development time of this fly species under laboratory-controlled conditions was 288 h at 27 °C and 228 h at 32 °C. The 2820 pupae were analyzed according to temperature and classified into eight possible stages. This contributed to the selection of 16 key morphological characteristics to identify the age of the pupae. The identified intrapupal morphological characteristics have great potential to help researchers, experts, technical assistants, and forensic entomologists estimate the minimum post-mortem interval (minPMI) of cadavers.

Congenital orbital teratoma: a rare case with intracranial extension.

INTRODUCTION: Teratoma is the most common congenital tumor, but the orbital location is rare. It is composed of tissues from ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: Congenital orbital teratoma commonly presents as unilateral proptosis, with rapid growth, leading to exposure keratopathy. DIAGNOSIS: Prenatal ultrasound may detect the orbital mass, computed tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging are better in demonstrating multilocular cystic and solid mass, without bone erosion. Laboratory tests should include alfa-fetoprotein (AFP) and B-human chorionic gonadotropin (B-HCG), and histopathologically, it contains all three germ cell layers components. The management is surgical removal of the lesion, the mature teratoma has a benign behavior, and the immature has a poor prognostic. We describe a rare case of congenital orbital teratoma with intracranial extension of the lesion, in which was treated with orbital exenteration. After surgery, AFP levels decreased, the middle face displacement has improved and development milestones were appropriate.

The value of immature granulocyte percentage united with D-Dimer in the evaluation of severe pancreatitis and its prognosis.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed at analyzing the serum expression of Immature Granulocyte percentage (IG %) and D-Dimer (D-D) in patients with severe pancreatitis and exploring their clinical diagnostic value. METHODS: Eighty-four cases with severe pancreatitis received in Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University from July 2020 to July 2023 were regarded as the study group and conducted for retrospective analysis. They were divided into a survival group (n = 62) and a death group (n = 22) based on the prognosis. Another 80 patients diagnosed with mild and moderate pancreatitis were selected as the control group. Serum IG % and D-D levels of all subjects were analyzed and the value of IG % and D-D in the evaluation of severe pancreatitis and its prognosis was conducted by Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve. RESULTS: The IG % and D-D levels in the study group were markedly higher than the control group (p < 0.05). The IG % and D-D level in the death group were observably higher than the survival group (p < 0.05). The Area Under the Curve (AUC) of IG % and D-D combined assessment for severe pancreatitis was 0.963, and the sensitivity and specificity were 98.75 %, 82.14 %, respectively. The AUC of IG % and D-D combined assessment for prognosis of severe pancreatitis was 0.814 with a sensitivity of 79.03 % and a specificity of 77.27 %. The efficiency of joint evaluation of the two indicators is superior to the individual evaluation. CONCLUSION: Serum IG % and D-D are highly expressed in patients with severe pancreatitis, which has important clinical value for the evaluation of severe pancreatitis and its prognosis.

Applicability of Traps for Collecting Mosquito Immatures (Diptera: Culicidae) for Entomological Surveillance of Arbovirus Vectors in a Remnant of the Atlantic Forest, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil.

Diverse larval habitats significantly influence female mosquito oviposition. Utilizing traps that simulate these habitats is helpful in the study of the bioecology and characteristics of pathogen-transmitting species during oviposition. This study evaluated the feasibility of different traps in natural environments by comparing sampling methods and detecting the oviposition of epidemiologically important mosquitoes, with emphasis on Haemagogus species, in a fragment of the Atlantic Forest in Silva Jardim, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. Monthly collections were conducted from March 2021 to October 2023 using four types of traps: plastic containers, tires, bamboo, and sapucaia. Immatures were collected from these traps using a pipette, placed in plastic bags, and transported to the laboratory. Tire was the most efficient trap, showing the highest mosquito abundance (n = 1239) and number of species (S = 11). Conversely, the plastic container trap exhibited the lowest diversity (H = 0.43), with only two species and a low mosquito abundance (n = 26). The bamboo trap captured six species and recorded the second-highest diversity index (H = 1.04), while the sapucaia trap captured five species and had the third-highest diversity index (H = 0.91). Of the total immatures collected, 1817 reached adulthood, comprising 13 species, two of which are vectors of the sylvatic yellow fever virus: Haemagogus leucocelaenus and Haemagogus janthinomys. In conclusion, detecting key vectors of the sylvatic yellow fever virus in Brazil highlights the need for ongoing entomological and epidemiological surveillance in the study area and its vicinity. These efforts are crucial for monitoring vector presence and activity, identifying potential transmission hotspots, and devising effective control and prevention strategies.

Spectrophotometric Analysis of Apical Extrusion of Sodium Hypochlorite using Different Irrigation Protocols in an Ex Vivo Model of Immature Teeth.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of different agitation methods on apical extrusion of 1.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) in an ex vivo model of immature teeth. METHODS: Sixty extracted human inferior incisors were prepared to simulate immature teeth and embedded in an artificial root socket made of silicone impression material. The teeth were then divided into four groups: Conventional needle irrigation (CNI) alone, CNI supplemented with Ultrasonic Irrigant Activation (UIA), EasyClean (EC), or XP-endo Finisher (XPF). Extruded NaOCl was collected, reacted with m-cresol purple, and its absorbance values were measured. The data were statistically analyzed using One-way analysis of variance with a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: All groups showed apically extruded irrigating solution, and the mean volumes of extruded NaOCl did not differ significantly between any of the test groups (p⟩0.05). CONCLUSION: The activation of 1.5% NaOCL by UIA, EC, or XPF as supplementary to CNI does not promote greater apical extrusion when compared to CNI alone in simulated immature teeth.

New morphological and biological contributions to adults and immature forms of Pissonotusparaguayensis (Fulgoromorpha, Delphacidae) in wetlands of Argentina.

In the search for insects as biological control agents for the water primrose, the delphacid Pissonotusparaguayensis (Delphacidae) was found on Ludwigiagrandiflorasubsp.hexapetala (Onagraceae) in a wetland of Central East Argentina. The morphology of the unknown females (brachypterous and macropterous) and immature stages are described and illustrated. Adults and nymphs were collected in wetlands of Del Plata River Basin, from Buenos Aires to the northeastern part of Argentina. A rearing methodology was developed to perform biological studies. Both winged forms and structural features of the female genitalia are described for the first time at the genus level. Eggs and immature stages are described and keyed; fifth nymphal instars may be easily recognised by the yellowish colouration, blackish on dorsal of head, thorax and abdomen with conspicuous yellowish pits, ventrally only darkened on base of frons extended to lower level of eyes and dorsal surface of antennomeres I and II, and legs with distinctive black marks at femoro-tibial joint and apex. The geographical distribution is updated, expanding its range into Argentina, making Buenos Aires the southernmost limit of the genus in America. Biological information of the species is also reported here: life cycle, fecundity, oviposition behaviour, and host plant. Field observations showed that P.paraguayensis breeds, feeds, and causes damage to L.g.subsp.hexapetala. This delphacid presents a certain degree of specificity to the Ludwigia species in the Jussiaea section in host specificity tests. More studies are required to test this species as a potential biological control agent.

New occurrences of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in the Atlantic Forest biome of the Brazilian Northeast

ABSTRACT Background: Information regarding the distribution of Culicidae species in the northeastern region of Brazil is scarce. Methods: Immatures were collected from approximately four fragments of the Atlantic Forest. Results: This study presents new occurrences of 18 Culicidae species in Pernambuco state: Anopheles kompi, Georgecraigius fluviatilis, Culex bidens, Culex chidesteri, Culex bastagarius, Culex imitator, Mansonia humeralis, Wyeomyia incaudata, Uranotaenia apicalis, Culex mollis, Culex usquatus, Culex dunni, Culex serratimarge, Culex ybarmis, Culex microphyllus, Sabethes purpureus, Wyeomyia pilicauda, and Wyeomyia airosai. The last nine species were also new records for the northeast region. Conclusions: With the inclusion of these newly recorded species, the total number of mosquitoes documented in Pernambuco state now rises to 94.

The value of immature granulocyte percentage united with D-Dimer in the evaluation of severe pancreatitis and its prognosis

ABSTRACT Objective: The study aimed at analyzing the serum expression of Immature Granulocyte percentage (IG %) and D-Dimer (D-D) in patients with severe pancreatitis and exploring their clinical diagnostic value. Methods: Eighty-four cases with severe pancreatitis received in Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University from July 2020 to July 2023 were regarded as the study group and conducted for retrospective analysis. They were divided into a survival group (n = 62) and a death group (n = 22) based on the prognosis. Another 80 patients diagnosed with mild and moderate pancreatitis were selected as the control group. Serum IG % and D-D levels of all subjects were analyzed and the value of IG % and D-D in the evaluation of severe pancreatitis and its prognosis was conducted by Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve. Results: The IG % and D-D levels in the study group were markedly higher than the control group (p < 0.05). The IG % and D-D level in the death group were observably higher than the survival group (p < 0.05). The Area Under the Curve (AUC) of IG % and D-D combined assessment for severe pancreatitis was 0.963, and the sensitivity and specificity were 98.75 %, 82.14 %, respectively. The AUC of IG % and D-D combined assessment for prognosis of severe pancreatitis was 0.814 with a sensitivity of 79.03 % and a specificity of 77.27 %. The efficiency of joint evaluation of the two indicators is superior to the individual evaluation. Conclusion: Serum IG % and D-D are highly expressed in patients with severe pancreatitis, which has important clinical value for the evaluation of severe pancreatitis and its prognosis.

Effect of radiation therapy on fracture resistance of simulated immature teeth submitted to root reinforcement.

BACKGROUND: The literature is scanty regarding the effect of radiation therapy (RT) on the mechanical properties of immature permanent teeth. AIM: To evaluate the effect of RT on the fracture resistance of simulated immature teeth submitted to different types of root reinforcement. DESIGN: Sixty-four human teeth simulating the Cvek stage 3 of root development were distributed into eight groups (n = 8), according to exposure or not to RT (70 Gy) and the root reinforcement method: Group NR (control)-no reinforcement/no RT; Group NR + RT (control)-no reinforcement/RT; Group PO-tricalcium silicate-based cement (TS) apical plug/canal obturation/no RT; Group PO + RT-TS apical plug/canal obturation/RT; Group TS-canal filling with TS/no RT; Group TS + RT-canal filling with TS/RT; Group FP-TS apical plug/fibreglass post/no RT; and Group FP + RT-TS apical plug/fibreglass post/RT. Fracture resistance was determined using a universal testing machine (0.5 mm/min). RESULTS: In the intergroup comparison, nonirradiated teeth had higher fracture resistance (p < .05). Groups FP and FP + RT had higher fracture resistance (p < .001). CONCLUSION: Radiotherapy affected the fracture resistance of simulated immature teeth. Reinforcement with fibreglass posts increased the fracture resistance, regardless of the radiation.

Exploring the therapeutic potential of extracellular vesicles derived from human immature dental pulp cells on papillary thyroid cancer

Mesenchymal stem-cell-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) have been increasingly investigated for cancer therapy and drug delivery, and they offer an advanced cell-free therapeutic option. However, their overall effects and efficacy depend on various factors, including the MSC source and cargo content. In this study, we isolated EVs from the conditioned medium of human immature dental pulp stem cells (hIDPSC-EVs) and investigated their effects on two papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) cell lines (BCPAP and TPC1). We observed efficient uptake of hIDPSC-EVs by both PTC cell lines, with a notable impact on gene regulation, particularly in the Wnt signaling pathway in BCPAP cells. However, no significant effects on cell proliferation were observed. Conversely, hIDPSC-EVs significantly reduced the invasive capacity of both PTC cell lines after 120 h of treatment. These in vitro findings suggest the therapeutic potential of hIDPSC-EVs in cancer management and emphasize the need for further research to develop novel and effective treatment strategies. Furthermore, the successful internalization of hIDPSC-EVs by PTC cell lines underscores their potential use as nanocarriers for anti-cancer agents.

Immature granulocytes and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio as markers of treatment response in subacute thyroiditis

ABSTRACT Objective Subacute thyroiditis is also known as subacute granulomatous thyroiditis, giant cell thyroiditis, painful thyroiditis, and De Quervain's thyroiditis. Immature granulocytes (IG) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) are new inflammatory markers that are easily detected in routine complete blood count (CBC) tests. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of IG and NLR as markers of treatment response in patients with subacute thyroiditis. Subjects and methods The study included 41 patients with subacute thyroiditis treated and monitored in our outpatient clinic between April 2020 and April 2022. From a retrospective review of medical records, we recorded results of IG, NLR, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (fT4), free triiodothyronine (fT3), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP) from blood tests obtained routinely before and after treatment. Results Overall, 31 (75.6%) patients were women and 10 (21.4%) were men. The median age was 41 years (range 22-68 years). The laboratory tests showed the following median (range) results: IG, 0.03 (0.01-0.08); NLR, 3.6 (1.2-5.2); TSH, 0.02 mIU/L (0.01-3.35 mIU/L); fT4, 2.3 ng/dL (1.0-7.0 ng/dL); fT3, 5.6 pmol/L (2.6-15.2 pmol/L); ESR, 49 mm/h (17.0-87 mm/h); and CRP, 73 mg/dL (3.0-188 mg/dL). Conclusion Early diagnosis and treatment of subacute thyroiditis is fundamental. In the present study, the new inflammatory markers IG and NLR, measured routinely on CBC tests, decreased significantly after subacute thyroiditis treatment relative to pretreatment values. After treatment, the NLR change correlated with ESR and CRP changes, while the IG change correlated only with CRP change. These findings suggest that the markers IG and NLR may be used to evaluate treatment response in patients with subacute thyroiditis.

Electroacupuncture promotes neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus and improves pattern separation in an early Alzheimer's disease mouse model.

BACKGROUND: Impaired pattern separation occurs in the early stage of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) neurogenesis participates in pattern separation. Here, we investigated whether spatial memory discrimination impairment can be improved by promoting the hippocampal DG granule cell neogenesis-mediated pattern separation in the early stage of AD by electroacupuncture (EA). METHODS: Five familial AD mutations (5 × FAD) mice received EA treatment at Baihui and Shenting points for 4 weeks. During EA, mice were intraperitoneally injected with BrdU (50 mg/kg) twice a day. rAAV containing Wnt5a shRNA was injected into the bilateral DG region, and the viral efficiency was evaluated by detecting Wnt5a mRNA levels. Cognitive behavior tests were conducted to assess the impact of EA treatment on cognitive function. The hippocampal DG area Aß deposition level was detected by immunohistochemistry after the intervention; The number of BrdU+/CaR+ cells and the gene expression level of calretinin (CaR) and prospero homeobox 1(Prox1) in the DG area of the hippocampus was detected to assess neurogenesis by immunofluorescence and western blotting after the intervention; The gene expression levels of FZD2, Wnt5a, DVL2, p-DVL2, CaMKII, and p-CaMKII in the Wnt signaling pathway were detected by Western blotting after the intervention. RESULTS: Cognitive behavioral tests showed that 5 × FAD mice had impaired pattern separation (P < 0.001), which could be improved by EA (P < 0.01). Immunofluorescence and Western blot showed that the expression of Wnt5a in the hippocampus was decreased (P < 0.001), and the neurogenesis in the DG was impaired (P < 0.001) in 5 × FAD mice. EA could increase the expression level of Wnt5a (P < 0.05) and promote the neurogenesis of immature granule cells (P < 0.05) and the development of neuronal dendritic spines (P < 0.05). Interference of Wnt5a expression aggravated the damage of neurogenesis (P < 0.05), weakened the memory discrimination ability (P < 0.05), and inhibited the beneficial effect of EA (P < 0.05) in AD mice. The expression level of Wnt pathway related proteins such as FZD2, DVL2, p-DVL2, CAMKII, p-CAMKII increased after EA, but the effect of EA was inhibited after Wnt5a was knocked down. In addition, EA could reduce the deposition of Aß plaques in the DG without any impact on Wnt5a. CONCLUSION: EA can promote hippocampal DG immature granule cell neogenesis-mediated pattern separation to improve spatial memory discrimination impairment by regulating Wnt5a in 5 × FAD mice.

Adjuvant chemotherapy does not improve outcome in children with ovarian immature teratoma: A comparative analysis of clinical trial data from the Malignant Germ Cell International Consortium.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Surgery is the mainstay of therapy for children with ovarian immature teratoma (IT), whereas adults receive adjuvant chemotherapy, except those with stage-I, grade-1 disease. In Brazil, children with metastatic ovarian IT received postoperative chemotherapy. This practice variation allowed evaluation of the value of chemotherapy, by comparison of Brazilian patients with those in the United States and United Kingdom. DESIGN/METHODS: From the Malignant Germ Cell International Consortium data commons, data on ovarian IT patients from two recently added Brazilian trials (TCG-99/TCG-2008) were compared with data from US/UK (INT-0106/GC-2) trials. Primary outcome measure was event-free (EFS) and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: Forty-two Brazilian patients were included (stage I: 27, stage II: 4, stage III: 8, stage IV: 3). Twenty-nine patients had surgery alone, whereas 13 patients received postoperative chemotherapy. The EFS and OS for entire cohort was 0.80 (95% CI: 0.64-0.89) and 0.97 (0.84-0.99). There was no difference in relapse risk based on stage, grade, or receipt of chemotherapy. Comparing the Brazilian cohort with 98 patients in US/UK cohort (stage I: 59, stage II: 12, stage III: 27), there was no difference in EFS and OS across all stages, despite 87% of stage II-IV Brazilian patients receiving postoperative chemotherapy compared with only 13% of US/UK patients. The EFS and OS for Brazilian compared with US/UK cohort was stage I: 88% versus 98% (p = .05), stage II-IV EFS: 67% versus 79% (p = .32), stage II-IV OS: 93% versus 97% (p = .44); amongst grade-3 patients, there was no difference in EFS or OS. CONCLUSION: Addition of postoperative chemotherapy did not improve outcome in children with ovarian IT, even at higher grade or stage, compared with surgery alone.

A Review of Historical Phlebotominae Taxonomy (Diptera: Psychodidae).

Psychodidae is a group constituted by ca. 3400 species distributed in six existing and one extinct subfamily. Among them, Phlebotominae is of relevant medical and veterinary interest as vectors of pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria, and trypanosomatides, to vertebrates. The taxonomy of Phlebotominae, begun in 1786, received a great boost at the beginning of the twentieth century, when some of its species began to be implicated as vectors of leishmaniasis agents. Currently, the group consists of 1060 species/subspecies described for both hemispheres. Its taxonomy and systematics have been largely based on the morphological characters of adults in view of the limited number of species known in their immature forms, as well as by molecular approaches. This review focuses on the evolution of the phlebotomine systematics, with information regarding when the descriptions of the sand fly species/subspecies occurred, where their type localities are, the number of authors involved in their descriptions, and the researchers who have most contributed to the description of these taxa and their respective institutions. The morphological characters of adult forms used in the taxonomy of groups, in an evolutionary approach, and the current state of knowledge based on immature forms is also presented.

Regenerative endodontic procedure combined with non-surgical root canal treatment in an immature permanent maxillary molar: A 7-year follow-up case report.

The aim of this report is to present the results of a personalised endodontic treatment for an immature molar, using regenerative endodontic procedure (REP) combined with non-surgical root canal treatment (NSRCT), with 7 years of follow-up. The tooth#3 presented combined endodontic pathologies in each root, with different pulpal and periapical status. A REP in the palatal (P) canal and a NSCRT in the mesio-buccal (MB) and disto-buccal (DB) canals were performed. Absence of clinical signs/symptoms and continuous palatal root development with apical closure were observed over 4-years. After 5-years an apical lesion in the MB root was observed. Both MB canals were selectively retreated by completely filling them with TotalFill BC RRM Fast Set putty. After 7-years, the tooth remained functional and the apical lesion was resolving. The palatal root was completely mature. This case report reveals the potential for use of combined treatment approaches for immature multirooted teeth.

Interactive Key for Third Instar Larvae of Neotropical Blow Flies (Insecta, Diptera, Calliphoridae): the Contribution of Computational Tools to Assist in Species Identification.

Calliphoridae (Insecta, Diptera), popularly known as blow flies or carrion flies, as most are necrophagous comprises one of the most relevant families of insects on forensics. Currently, more than 1500 blow fly species are known, the majority of which can be found in the Old World. In the Neotropics, it is estimated that there are approximately 20 species of forensic importance. In view of the taxonomic impediment associated with the identification of immatures, in this study, we present an interactive identification key for third instar larvae of necrophagous Calliphoridae species. This key includes 12 Neotropical blow fly species of forensic importance, more than 70 pictures, schemes, and definitions glossary and is free to access.

Hemivertebra Resection in Small Children. A Literature Review.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the lowest possible age to resect an HV in very young patients with a congenital deformity. METHODS: We sought to retrieve all studies reporting age at HV excision in patients with congenital scoliosis. Studies written in English were included. No publication date restrictions were imposed. A search of the PubMed and LiLacs databases was conducted. Additionally, a hand search was performed to supplement the database search. RESULTS: We found 140 articles. Twenty two studies were included into the final assessment. There was considerable heterogeneity in the included studies, both regarding age and the surgical techniques used. There was also a broad spectrum of recommendations regarding suggested age for treatment. The youngest patient undergoing resection and fusion was 3 months of life at the time of surgery. CONCLUSION: How young a patient could and should be submitted to HV resection surgery is still a matter of debate in the literature. Prophylactic surgery might be a proper treatment for young children with congenital scoliosis before malformation becomes a deformity, adding no additional neurological, vascular, or anesthesia-related complications. The defect can be treated early while the deformity is treated late.