Microtensile Bond Strength of Self-Etch Adhesives on Dentin Treated with Chlorhexidine.

AIM: To evaluate the microtensile bond strength of self-etching adhesive systems in dentin treated with 2% chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The occlusal surfaces of 20 human molars were removed and divided into eight groups: 1A, Clearfil SE adhesive (SE) with self-etching technique (TS); 1B, SE with TS and previous application of CHX; 2A, Scotchbond Universal (SBU) adhesive with TS; 2B, SBU adhesive with TS and previous application of CHX; 1C, SE with total-etching technique (TT); 1D, SE with TT and previous application of CHX; 2C, SBU with TT; 2D SBU with TT and previous application of CHX. Composite resin (5mm) was applied on the hybridized surface. Samples were subjected to microtensile test and evaluated on Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and with energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX). RESULTS: Low values of bond strength were observed in groups 1A (39,77±11,56) and 2A (40,84±12,49) comparing with 1B (22,86±5,18) and 2B (27,02±5,58). TS group presented adhesive type remover fracture while TT groups presented cohesive at the top of hybrid layer. EDX revealed the presence of CHX crystals for TS, which was not found in the TT. CONCLUSION: The previous application of chlorhexidine on dentin decreased the bond strength of adhesive systems on self-etching technique.

Phosphorus cycling from a coastal upwelling zone in the Southeastern Arabian Sea.

The present study examined the seasonal cycling of phosphorous (P) along the southwest coast of India (SWCI) based on two cruises during the southwest monsoon (SWM) and northeast monsoon (NEM) of 2018. During SWM, the entire SWCI experienced intense upwelling manifested by the incursion of cold, nutrient-rich, and hypoxic waters. During NEM, the region was transformed into a warm, well-oxygenated and nutrient-deplete environment. Dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP) was significantly high in the subsurface during SWM due to its release from sediments. The sediment P was high and showed an increasing trend towards the south, principally dependent on the sediment texture, organic carbon, and Fe concentrations. Bioavailable P, the sum of exchangeable (PEx) and reducible (PFe) fractions, was almost consistent (5-20%) over seasons, though PFe showed a marked reduction during SWM. Authigenic fraction (PAut) was the most dominant (46%), followed by detrital (PDet 41%) and residual (PRes 8%) fractions. Principal component analysis (PCA) of geochemical parameters for SWM was indicative of the high dissolution of Fe (oxy)hydroxides under hypoxia releasing P and its complexation with organic matter and Fe. PCA results for the NEM were different, as it indicated increased preservation of P-associated organic matter and Fe, alternately favouring the formation of PAut in sediments. The study's significance is the observation that the bottom water oxygen concentration can significantly influence sedimentary P cycling in tropical coastal upwelling zones.

Efficacy of motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety and depression symptoms following traumatic brain injury.

BACKGROUND: Anxiety and depression are common following traumatic brain injury (TBI), often co-occurring. This study evaluated the efficacy of a 9-week cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program in reducing anxiety and depression and whether a three-session motivational interviewing (MI) preparatory intervention increased treatment response. METHOD: A randomized parallel three-group design was employed. Following diagnosis of anxiety and/or depression using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV, 75 participants with mild-severe TBI (mean age 42.2 years, mean post-traumatic amnesia 22 days) were randomly assigned to an Adapted CBT group: (1) MI + CBT (n = 26), or (2) non-directive counseling (NDC) + CBT (n = 26); or a (3) waitlist control (WC, n = 23) group. Groups did not differ in baseline demographics, injury severity, anxiety or depression. MI and CBT interventions were guided by manuals adapted for individuals with TBI. Three CBT booster sessions were provided at week 21 to intervention groups. RESULTS: Using intention-to-treat analyses, random-effects regressions controlling for baseline scores revealed that Adapted CBT groups (MI + CBT and NDC + CBT) showed significantly greater reduction in anxiety on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [95% confidence interval (CI) -2.07 to -0.06] and depression on the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (95% CI -5.61 to -0.12) (primary outcomes), and greater gains in psychosocial functioning on Sydney Psychosocial Reintegration Scale (95% CI 0.04-3.69) (secondary outcome) over 30 weeks post-baseline relative to WC. The group receiving MI + CBT did not show greater gains than the group receiving NDC + CBT. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that modified CBT with booster sessions over extended periods may alleviate anxiety and depression following TBI.

Detection of Dientamoeba fragilis in Portuguese children with acute gastroenteritis between 2011 and 2013.

Dientamoeba fragilis is an inhabitant of human gastrointestinal tract with a worldwide distribution. The first description considered this protozoan a rare and harmless commensal, since then it has struggled to gain recognition as a pathogen. Commercial multiplex real-time PCR was used to detect D. fragilis in fecal samples from hospitalized children (⩽18 years) with acute gastrointestinal disease, admitted to two hospitals of Lisbon area, with different demographic characteristics. A total of 176 children were studied, 103 (58·5%) male, 144 (81·8%) children between 0 and 5 years and 32 (18·2%) above 6 years old. The overall protozoa frequency considering the four tested microorganisms were 8·5% (15/176), and the most frequently found protozoan was D. fragilis, 6·3% (11/176). Dientamoeba fragilis frequency was higher among older children (21·9%), than younger children (2·8%), and greater in boys (6·8%) than in girls (5·5%). All positive children presented with diarrhoea associated with vomiting, fever and abdominal pain. Infection was associated with the age of children (P < 0·001), school attendance (P = 0·002) and consumption of certain foods (P = 0·014), e.g. cakes with crème and ham. The frequency of diantamoebiasis found in a cohort of hospitalized Portuguese children, with acute gastrointestinal disease, could be considered a very high value when compared with the protozoan frequency normally associated with this pathology.

Sexing single bovine blastomeres using TSPY gene amplification.

The testis-specific protein Y-encoded gene (TSPY) is a Y-specific gene present in variable copy number in many mammalian species, including cattle. We tested the applicability of the TSPY gene as a Y-specific marker to predict preimplantation embryo sex in Nelore (Bos indicus) cattle. Two blastomeres were removed from each embryo. A total of 36 single blastomeres and the remaining cells of their 18 matched in vitro conceived embryos were screened for TSPY amplification by nested-PCR. The results obtained from a single blastomere and the remaining cells of the same embryo were concordant in all cases. All blastomeres (16/16) from eight embryos produced with sexed sperm (specific for production of male embryos) were TSPY-positive. We conclude that TSPY is a good male-specific marker, the usefulness of which is probably enhanced by the high copy number. Other methods that are less time-consuming, such as real-time PCR, could be improved with the use of the TSPY gene sequences to generate primers and/or probes. This is the first report to demonstrate the applicability of the TSPY gene for sexing single cells in cattle.

Distribution, contamination status and bioavailability of trace metals in surface sediments along the southwest coast of India.

This study investigates the influence of upwelling induced seasonal hypoxia in the sediment-water interface on the distribution, bioavailability and geochemical partitioning of selected trace metals in surficial sediments along the southwest coast of India based on two successive cruises. The first cruise was during the southwest monsoon (SWM) season when coastal waters exhibited intermittent bottom hypoxia due to upwelling. The second cruise during the northeast monsoon (NEM) season was characterised by a uniformly warm and well-oxygenated water column in the study region. The results showed that grain size, organic carbon and Fe are the major factors influencing the distribution of trace metals in the surface sediments. Based on the geochemical indices (contamination factor, enrichment factor and geo-accumulation factor), the study region appears to be moderately contaminated by Ni, Cr, and Pb. Based on the ecological risk assessment criteria, the enrichment of Pb, Cr and Ni may cause adverse effects on the benthic organisms. The fractionation studies demonstrated that the major pathway of metal deposition in the sediment is lithogenic. The data also showed that labile and organic fractions are the second dominant forms, while other fractions (exchangeable and carbonate) are insignificant. The consistency in the reactive Fe concentrations during SWM and NEM could be due to the absence of Fe dissolution in sediments under mild reducing condition (intermittent hypoxia). In addition to the above, an enrichment of organic matter also leads to increased deposition of trace metals in sediments. Conversely, the secondary phase enrichment factor and risk assessment code calculated based on the metal fractionation data indicated low risk and contamination along the southwest coast of India except for Zn that showed moderate contamination in some transects. The study provides the need for regular geochemical assessment to control metal pollution in the coastal environment, which is a major resource of the fishery.

Morphology of the corpus callosum in treatment-resistant schizophrenia and major depression.

OBJECTIVE: To identify possible differences in the mean midsagittal corpus callosum (CC) total and subdivision areas in treatment-resistant schizophrenia and depression (TRS and TRD) patients. METHOD: Areas of the total CC and its five equidistant subregions (from CC1 to CC5) obtained by parallel grid partitioning schemes were manually segmented from brain MRI of 42 TRS, 45 TRD patients and 30 healthy controls. The intracranial volume (ICV) normalized areas were calculated and compared between groups. RESULTS: When compared with controls, patients with TRS had reduced ICV and a larger CC5, and TRD patients had a smaller CC4 while no significant difference in CC total area in patients with TRS or TRD was found. Multiple individual segments and total CC areas were significantly larger in TRS than TRD patients after normalization. CONCLUSION: Patients with TRS and TRD have different CC morphological characteristics, and therefore there may be aberrant interhemispheric connectivity in schizophrenia and major depressive disorder patients.

Portuguese recommendations for the prevention, diagnosis and management of primary osteoporosis - 2018 update.

BACKGROUND: Advances in osteoporosis (OP)case definition, treatment options, optimal therapy duration and pharmacoeconomic evidence in the national context motivated the Portuguese Society of Rheumatology (SPR) to update the Portuguese recommendations for the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis published in 2007. METHODS: SPR bone diseases' working group organized meetings involving 55 participants (rheumatologists, rheumatology fellows and one OP specialist nurse) to debate and develop the document. First, the working group selected 11 pertinent clinical questions for the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis in standard clinical practice. Then, each question was investigated through literature review and draft recommendations were built through consensus. When insufficient evidence was available, recommendations were based on experts' opinion and on good clinical practice. At two national meetings, the recommendations were discussed and updated. A draft of the recommendations full text was submitted to critical review among the working group and suggestions were incorporated. A final version was circulated among all Portuguese rheumatologists before publication and the level of agreement was anonymously assessed using an online survey. RESULTS: The 2018 SPR recommendations provide comprehensive guidance on osteoporosis prevention, diagnosis, fracture risk assessment, pharmacological treatment initiation, therapy options and duration of treatment, based on the best available evidence. They attained desirable agreement among Portuguese rheumatologists. As more evidence becomes available, periodic revisions will be performed. Target audience and patient population: The target audience for these guidelines includes all clinicians. The target patient population includes adult Portuguese people. Intended use: These recommendations provide general guidance for typical cases. They may not be appropriate in all situations - clinicians are encouraged to consider this information together with updated evidence and their best clinical judgment in individual cases.

Decarboxylation of oxidized single-wall carbon nanotubes.

A classical protocol widely used in organic chemistry of aromatic and polyaromatic molecules has been successfully applied in this work for the decarboxylation of oxidized single-wall carbon nanotube (SWNT) to rend C-H SWNT derivatives. SWNT produced by arc discharge method have been oxidized during a purification process using strongly oxidant agents, such as hydrogen peroxide and nitric acid. The decarboxylation of oxidized SWNT has been conduced with copper(I) oxide in a 50:50 solution of N-methylpyrrolidone and quinoline. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and acid-base potentiometric titration analyses were carried out to characterize quali and quantitatively the changes in the chemical environment on the SWNT surface in each step of the purification and the decarboxylation process. Those techniques showed the appearance of mainly carboxylic and phenolic groups after the purification process and the disappearance of the carboxylic groups after the decarboxylation reaction. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis indicated also the formation of aliphatic and aromatic C-H groups. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and potentiometric titration results determined an efficiency higher than 90% for our decarboxylation procedure. The purity and structural quality of the SWNT sample used in the decarboxylation process were evaluated by thermogravimetry and Raman spectroscopy. Thermogravimetric analysis identified a purified sample with approximately 80 wt% of SWNT, in fractions distributed in highly structured SWNTs (25 wt%), with distribution in composition, length and structural quality (35 wt%) and with very defective and short tubes (25 wt%). The damages on the purified SWNT walls were characterized by the Raman scattering analysis.

A diagnosis of disseminated tuberculosis based on knee arthroscopic guided synovial biopsy in the context of monoarthritis.

Accounting for 2.2-4.7% of all tuberculosis cases in Europe and USA and around 10-15% of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis cases, osteoarticular tuberculosis tends to be chronic, slowly progressive and destructive. We report the case of an 81-year-old male with 3 weeks of progressively worsening pain, swelling and limited range of motion of the left knee. A knee arthroscopy was performed for synovial biopsy at our department revealing diffuse synovitis with scarce villi formation. The positive polymerase chain reaction assay for Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the synovial tissue allowed the establishment of the diagnosis and synovium histology showed caseating granulomas. A lengthy delay between first symptoms of osteoarticular tuberculosis and the beginning of treatment has been reported. A high index of suspicion, synovial membrane biopsy and appropriate microbiologic testing are fundamental to avoid a delay in diagnosis.

A new designed π conjugated molecule for stable single walled carbon nanotube dispersion in aqueous medium.

A molecule with a π conjugated backbone built from aromatic thiophene and dialkoxyphenylene units and substituted imidazolium groups (TPO) is designed to obtain ultra-stable single walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) dispersion in aqueous medium. The proposed mechanism of non-covalent interaction is accompanied by individualization of SWCNT and comprises of dominant nondisruptive π-π and cation-π interaction between them and the TPO conjugated oligomer. The individualization of SWCNT and dispersibility and stability of the ultra-stable suspensions were estimated using high resolution transmission electron microscopy, UV-Visible-NIR absorption spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, photoluminescence and zeta potential measurement. Nuclear magnetic resonance data provides direct evidence toward possible cation-π interaction.

Endocrine disruptors in water filters used in the Rio dos Sinos Basin region, Southern Brazil.

The activated carbon filter is used in residences as another step in the treatment of drinking water, based on a physical-chemical process to absorb pollutants that are not removed in conventional treatment. Endocrine disruptors (EDCs) are exogenous substances or mixtures of substances that acts on the endocrine system similarly to the endogenously produced hormones, triggering malfunctions and harmful changes to human and animal health. The objective of the present work was to study EDCs through semi-quantitative analysis of residential water filters collected in the region of Rio dos Sinos basin, focusing on two specific classes: hormones and phenols. The solid phase extraction principle was used for the extraction of compounds and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry for the separation and characterization of EDCs. Four samples of residential filters collected from public water distribution and artesian wells, from the cities of Novo Hamburgo and São Leopoldo were analysed. Using the developed methodology, it was possible to detect and comparatively quantify selected EDCs in all studied samples, which indicates the presence of these contaminants in drinking water from different sources.

Outbreak of Salmonella enteritidis phage type 1 infection in British tourists visiting Mallorca, June 1996.

Three British tourists became ill while on holiday in the same hotel in Alcudia, Mallorca from 11 to 25 June 1996; Salmonella enteritidisinfections were diagnosed upon their return to England. An environmental health officer informed the Gastrointestinal

Biochemical correlate of depression in children.

The degree of depression in 88 abandoned children was analysed through a depression rating scale adapted to prepubertal children. The items were grouped into three dimensions: sociological-relational, psychological and biological. In 46 children from this sample it was dosed plasmatic cortisol and the urinary excretion of catecholamine, VMA, HVA and 5-HIAA. When analysing the principal components, the sociological and psychological dimensions were the most important ones in the sample, followed by age and catecholamine variables. The group of male depressed children presented a higher level of catecholamine urinary excretion and a lower peak of plasmatic cortisol than the non-depressed group. The variable age, in both sexes, was correlated with the biochemical variable catecholamine. Biochemical alterations are present in depressed children but it is difficult to show a correlation of dependence between them and the phenomenological aspects of depression.

[Micronuclei research the esophageal mucosa and its relationship with risk factors with cancer of the esophagus]. / Pesquisa de micronúcleos na mucosa esofágica e sua relação com fatores de risco ao câncer de esôfago.

PURPOSE: To demonstrate the frequency of micronucleus in esophageal mucous cells of smokers, consumers of alcoholic beverages and "maté" drinkers. METHODS: Material collected from the midlle esophagus in 250 consecutive patients submitted to upper digestive endoscopy was stained with acridine orange and the cytologist determined the number of micronuclei vizualized per each 500 cells examined. RESULTS: The frequency of micronucleated cells did not vary significantly (p > 0.05) when the following variables were considered: sex, place of residence (rural or urban), type of care (outpatient or inpatient), ingestion of alcohol. For two variables, smoking and "maté" consumption, there were significant differences in the frequency of micronuclei in the categories exposed and formerly exposed in relation to never exposed. CONCLUSION: A higher frequency of micronucleus in the esophageal mucous in smoking and "maté" drinkers was evidenced by this study.

[Risk factors related to esophageal cancer in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil]. / Fatores de risco relacionados ao câncer de esôfago no Rio Grande do Sul.

BACKGROUND: Rio Grande do Sul, a State in southern Brazil, shows high mortality rates for esophageal cancer. Important geographical variations suggest external factors in the etiology. OBJECTIVE: The relationship between smoking, alcohol and "mate" to esophageal cancer. METHOD: 55 patients with esophageal cancer were interviewed, soon after the endoscopy, about risk factors; 110 patients who did not showed esophageal tumor in the endoscopy were the controls. RESULTS: Among the patients with esophageal cancer there were more farmer-workers (OD 3.3; 95% CI 0.9-11.2), father with antecedent cancer (OD 6.9; 95% CI 1.9-25.6), smoking and ex-smoking (OD 2.5; 95% CI 1.1-5.9), drinkers and ex- of alcohol (OD 5.3; 95% CI 2.6-11.0), drinkers and ex- of "mate" (OD 3.6; 95% CI 1.3-9.8). Others variables more frequent in the cases were: smoking for > 20 years; kind of alcohol (spirits), drinking alcohol every day, drinking "mate" every day and adding salt to food. CONCLUSIONS: Smoking, alcohol, "mate", farmer-workers and antecedent of father with cancer were significantly more frequent in the cases of esophageal cancer than in the controls.

Kohlschütter-Tönz syndrome in siblings without ROGDI mutation.

BACKGROUND: Kohlschütter-Tönz syndrome is a rare neurodegenerative disorder presenting with intractable seizures, developmental regression, and characteristic hypoplastic dental enamel indicative of amelogenesis imperfecta. Recently, mutations in ROGDI were identified in part of Kohlschütter-Tönz syndrome cases, but the siblings reported here do not have a mutation in the ROGDI gene, showing that there is genetic heterogeneity in Kohlschütter-Tönz syndrome. AIM: Report two siblings that have Kohlschütter-Tönz syndrome. CONCLUSION: Early onset of seizures and lack of the ability to walk without support may be signs of non-ROGDI mutations in Kohlschütter-Tönz syndrome patients.

B4GALT1, LHR, FSHR and IGF2 polymorphisms and scrotal circumference in Nellore bulls / Polimorfismos dos genes B4GALT1, LHR, FSHR e IGF2 e perímetro escrotal em touros da raça Nelore

We assessed whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the genes beta 1,4- galactosyltransferase (B4GALT1), luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR), follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) and insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) could be molecular markers for scrotal circumference (SC) in Nellore bulls. Animals with positive (+, n = 104) and negative (-, n = 74) expected progeny difference for scrotal circumference at 365 days (EPD SC 365) were selected and their SNPs were analyzed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). The correlation between EPD SC 365 and expected progeny difference for age at first birth (EPD AFB) was also investigated. The SNPs in B4GALT1 and FSHR was not different between two groups analyzed. The CC genotype for LHR gene was most frequent in animals with EPD SC 365(+), whereas the TT was most frequent in the EPD SC 365(-). For IGF2 the CT and CC were the most frequent genotypes observed in animals with positive and negative EPD SC 365, respectively. The EPD SC 365 was negatively correlated with the EPD AFB (r = 0.23). We suggest that CC and TT genotypes for LHR and IGF2, respectively, could be possible molecular markers for SC selection in Nellore bulls, that can also predict for AFB.

Foram avaliados se polimorfismos de base única (SNPs) presentes nos genes beta-1,4- galactosiltransferase (B4GALT1), receptor de hormônio luteinizante (LHR), receptor de hormônio folículo estimulante (FSHR) e fator de crescimento semelhante à insulina 2 (IGF2) poderiam ser marcadores moleculares para o perímetro escrotal (PE) em touros da raça Nelore. Animais com diferença esperada de progênie positiva (+, n = 104) e negativa (-, n = 74) para PE aos 365 dias (DEP PE 365) foram selecionados e seus SNPs foram analisados utilizando a técnica de polimorfismo de comprimento de fragmentos de restrição (RFLP). A correlação entre DEP PE 365 e idade ao primeiro parto (DEP IPP) também foi investigada. Os SNPs dos genes B4GALT1 e FSHR não apresentaram diferença entre os dois grupos analisados. O genótipo CC para o gene LHR foi mais freqüente em animais com DEP PE 365 (+), enquanto o TT foi mais frequente no grupo com DEP PE 365 (-). Para o gene IGF2, os genótipos CT e CC foram mais freqüentes em animais com DEP PE 365 positiva e negativa, respectivamente. A DEP PE 365 foi negativamente correlacionada com a DEP IPP (r = -0,23). O genótipo CC para o gene LHR e genótipo TT para o gene IGF2 podem ser possíveis marcadores de PE para a seleção assistida em touros da raça Nelore, podendo ser ainda preditores para IPP.