Endodontic treatment of dental formation anomalies

PURPOSE: Dental fusion is defined as the union of two dental germs at some stage of their development. The aim of this article is to report the endodontic treatment of two clinical cases of dental fusion. CASE DESCRIPTION: In the first case, the patient was referred by an orthodontist for endodontic treatment of tooth 12, which was fused to 13. Surgical separation and later replacement of the involved elements in the dental arch was indicated. In the second case, the patient sought dental attendance due to spontaneous pain. In the radiographic exam, gemination in tooth 11 and fusion of 21 with a supernumerary tooth was observed. The fused teeth were endodontically treated, and patients were referred to other dental specialties to reestablish esthetics and function. CONCLUSION: The dentist must be able to diagnose, differentiate and treat these dental anomalies adequately, with the goal of maintaining patients' oral health.

Impacto da desidratação na geração de força de atletas de arco e flecha durante competição Indoor e Outdoor

INTRODUÇÃO: O arco e flecha é um esporte estático que requer força e resistência da parte superior do corpo, sendo que a habilidade do arqueiro é definida pela capacidade de atirar a flecha no alvo em um intervalo de tempo com precisão. A contração muscular gerada durante a execução do gesto esportivo propicia o aumento da temperatura corporal, da oxidação de glicose e da sudorese, podendo esta ser potencializada pelas condições climáticas às quais o atleta é exposto. Todos estes fatores alteram a percepção de esforço e a própria geração de força, impondo um estresse negativo à performance. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar e relacionar o estado de hidratação de atletas de arco e flecha com alterações fisiológicas e de força intervenientes no rendimento competitivo. MÉTODOS: Participaram 11 arqueiros em duas competições distintas (indoor e outdoor). Foram mensurados parâmetros relacionados ao estado de hidratação, glicemia, percepção de esforço subjetivo e alteração na força de preensão palmar. RESULTADOS: Os atletas analisados apresentaram alterações significativas nos parâmetros relacionados ao estado hídrico em diferentes dias, provavelmente relacionadas às condições climáticas adversas na competição outdoor (34ºC e 60% URA) em relação à competição indoor (22ºC e 90% URA). O mesmo não foi observado para a glicemia. CONCLUSÃO: Este trabalho é o primeiro a comprovar a relação direta entre fatores climáticos e de rendimento em arqueiros de alto nível durante evento competitivo, assim como a evidenciar quais métodos não invasivos seriam os mais indicados para a avaliação do impacto destas alterações.

Estudo fotoelástico do controle vertical com o arco de dupla chave na técnica Straight wire

INTRODUÇÃO: em alguns casos, a extração de pré-molares torna-se necessária e nem sempre os espaços são completamente fechados após o alinhamento e nivelamento. O arco de dupla chave, ou Double Key Loop (DKL), é um arco retangular de aço para retração, com duas alças - uma mesial e outra distal ao canino. OBJETIVOS: este trabalho propôs-se a estudar o local onde a força é exercida, após a ativação desse arco, utilizando ativação na alça distal, ativação entre as alças e na alça distal, e ativação com Gurin®. MÉTODOS: foram montados nove modelos fotoelásticos de um arco dentário inferior, sem os primeiros pré-molares e os terceiros molares, com braquetes In-Ovation e arco DKL. O arco foi ativado e a região de incisivos, caninos e dentes posteriores foi fotografada, com interposição de filtros polarizadores de luz. RESULTADOS E CONCLUSÕES: após a análise do modelo fotoelástico, concluiu-se que a ativação com Gurin® pode produzir movimento de retração anterior com componente extrusivo; a ativação na alça distal pode produzir movimento de retração anterior sem componente extrusivo; e a ativação entre as alças e na alça distal pode produzir movimento de retração anterior com componente intrusivo.

Multifractality in plasma edge electrostatic turbulence

Plasma edge turbulence in Tokamak Chauffage Alfven Bresilien (TCABR) [R. M. O. Galvao et al., Plasma Phys. Contr. Fusion 43, 1181 (2001)] is investigated for multifractal properties of the fluctuating floating electrostatic potential measured by Langmuir probes. The multifractality in this signal is characterized by the full multifractal spectra determined by applying the wavelet transform modulus maxima. In this work, the dependence of the multifractal spectrum with the radial position is presented. The multifractality degree inside the plasma increases with the radial position reaching a maximum near the plasma edge and becoming almost constant in the scrape-off layer. Comparisons between these results with those obtained for random test time series with the same Hurst exponents and data length statistically confirm the reported multifractal behavior. Moreover, the persistence of these signals, characterized by their Hurst exponent, present radial profile similar to the deterministic component estimated from analysis based on dynamical recurrences. (C) 2008 American Institute of Physics.

Low and moderate, rather than high intensity strength exercise induces benefit regarding plasma lipid profile

Background: The effects of chronic aerobic exercise upon lipid profile has been previously demonstrated, but few studies showed this effect under resistance exercise conditions. Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of different resistance exercise loads on blood lipids. Methods: Thirty healthy, untrained male volunteers were allocated randomly into four groups based at different percentages of one repetition maximum (1 RM); 50%-1 RM, 75%-1 RM, 90%-1 RM, and 110%-1 RM. The total volume (sets x reps x load) of the exercise was equalized. The lipid profile (Triglycerides [TG], HDL-cholesterol [HDL-c], LDL-cholesterol, and Total cholesterol) was determined at rest and after 1, 24, 48 and 72 h of resistance exercise. Results: The 75%-1 RM group demonstrated greater TG reduction when compared to other groups (p < 0.05). Additionally, the 110%-1 RM group presented an increased TG concentration when compared to 50% and 75% groups (p = 0.01, p = 0.01, respectively). HDL-c concentration was significantly greater after resistance exercise in 50%-1 RM and 75%-1 RM when compared to 110%-1 RM group (p = 0.004 and p = 0.03, respectively). Accordingly, the 50%-1 RM group had greater HDL-c concentration than 110%-1 RM group after 48 h (p = 0.05) and 72 h (p = 0.004), respectively. Finally, The 50% group has showed lesser LDL-c concentration than 110% group after 24 h (p = 0.007). No significant difference was found in Total Cholesterol concentrations. Conclusion: These results indicate that the acute resistance exercise may induce changes in lipid profile in a specific-intensity manner. Overall, low and moderate exercise intensities appear to be promoting more benefits on lipid profile than high intensity. Long term studies should confirm these findings.

Galectin-1 Induces Reversible Phosphatidylserine Exposure at the Plasma Membrane

Cells normally undergo physiological turnover through the induction of apoptosis and phagocytic removal, partly through exposure of cell surface phosphatidylserine (PS). In contrast, neutrophils appear to possess apoptosis-independent mechanisms of removal. Here we show that Galectin-1 (Gal-1) induces PS exposure independent of alterations in mitochondrial potential, caspase activation, or cell death. Furthermore, Gal-1-induced PS exposure reverts after Gal-1 removal without altering cell viability. Gal-1-induced PS exposure is uniquely microdomain restricted, yet cells exposing PS do not display evident alterations in membrane morphology nor do they exhibit bleb formation, typically seen in apoptotic cells. Long-term exposure to Gal-1 prolongs PS exposure with no alteration in cell cycle progression or cell growth. These results demonstrate that Gal-1-induced PS exposure and subsequent phagocytic removal of living cells represents a new paradigm in cellular turnover.

Lipid Metabolism in Subclinical Hypothyroidism: Plasma Kinetics of Triglyceride-Rich Lipoproteins and Lipid Transfers to High-Density Lipoprotein Before and After Levothyroxine Treatment

Background: Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) has been associated with atherosclerosis, but the abnormalities in plasma lipids that can contribute to atherogenesis are not prominent. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that patients with normocholesterolemic, normotriglyceridemic SCH display abnormalities in plasma lipid metabolism not detected in routine laboratory tests including abnormalities in the intravascular metabolism of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, lipid transfers to high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and paraoxonase 1 activity. The impact of levothyroxine (LT4) treatment and euthyroidism in these parameters was also tested. Methods: The study included 12 SCH women and 10 matched controls. Plasma kinetics of an artificial triglyceride-rich emulsion labeled with radioactive triglycerides and cholesteryl esters as well as in vitro transfer of four lipids from an artificial donor nanoemulsion to HDL were determined at baseline in both groups and after 4 months of euthyroidism in the SCH group. Results: Fractional clearance rates of triglycerides (SCH 0.035 +/- 0.016 min(-1), controls 0.029 +/- 0.013 min(-1), p=0.336) and cholesteryl esters (SCH 0.009 +/- 0.007 min(-1), controls 0.009 +/- 0.009 min(-1), p=0.906) were equal in SCH and controls and were unchanged by LT4 treatment and euthyroidism in patients with SCH, suggesting that lipolysis and remnant removal of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins were normal. Transfer of triglycerides to HDL (SCH 3.6 +/- 0.48%, controls 4.7 +/- 0.63%, p=0.001) and phospholipids (SCH 16.2 +/- 3.58%, controls 21.2 +/- 3.32%, p=0.004) was reduced when compared with controls. After LT4 treatment, transfers increased and achieved normal values. Transfer of free and esterified cholesterol to HDL, HDL particle size, and paraoxonase 1 activity were similar to controls and were unchanged by treatment. Conclusions: Although intravascular metabolism of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins was normal, patients with SCH showed abnormalities in HDL metabolism that were reversed by LT4 treatment and achievement of euthyroidism.

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism and high plasma homocysteine in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) infected patients from the Northeast of Brazil

Background/Aim: Hyperhomocysteinemia due to Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) gene, in particular the C677T (Ala222Val) polymorphism were recently associated to steatosis and fibrosis. We analyzed the frequency of MTHFR gene in a cross-sectional study of patients affected by Chronic Hepatitis C (CHC) from Northeast of Brazil. Method: One hundred seven-four untreated patients with CHC were genotyped for the C677T MTHFR. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood cells and the C677T MTHFR polymorphism was identified by PCR-RFLP. The homocysteine (Hcy) levels were determined by chemiluminescence method. All patients were negative for markers of Wilson's disease, hemochromatosis and autoimmune diseases and have current and past daily alcohol intake less than 100 g/week. Results: Among subjects infected with CHC genotype non-1 the frequency of MTHFR genotypes TT was 9.8% versus 4.4% genotype 1 (p = 0.01). Nevertheless, association was found between the MTHFR genotype TT x CT/CC polymorphism and the degree of steatosis and fibrosis in both hepatitis C genotype (p < 0.05). A significant difference was found on plasma Hcy levels in patients with steatosis regardless of HCV genotype (p = 0.03). Conclusion: Our results indicate that plasma Hcy levels is highly prevalent in subjects with chronic hepatits C with steatosis regardless of HCV genotype and vitamin deficiency. The presence of genotype TT of MTHFR C677T polymorphism was more common in CHC genotype non-1 infected patient regardless of histopathological classification and genotype TT+CT frequencies were significant in the presence of fibrosis grade 1+2 and of steatosis in CHC infected patients from the northeast of Brazil regardless of HCV genotype. The genetic susceptibility of MTHFR C677T polymorphism should be confirmed in a large population.

Comparative Study of the Changes in Partial Pressure of Plasma Carbon Dioxide During Carbon Dioxide Insufflation into the Intraperitoneal and Preperitoneal Spaces

Background: We aimed to compare plasma concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO(2)) in dogs that underwent intra- and preperitoneal CO(2) insufflation. Materials and Methods: Thirty dogs were studied. Ten formed a control group, 10 underwent intraperitoneal CO(2) insufflation, and 10 underwent preperitoneal CO(2) insufflation. General anesthesia with controlled ventilation was standardized for all dogs. After stabilizing the anesthesia, blood samples were collected at predetermined times and were sent for immediate gasometric analysis. Analysis of variance was used for comparing variables. Results: The plasma CO(2) concentration in the intraperitoneal insufflation group increased significantly more than in the preperitoneal insufflation group and was significantly greater than in the control group (P < 0.05). The pH values in the intraperitoneal group were lower than in the preperitoneal group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The data from this study suggest that a greater plasma concentration of CO(2) is achieved by insufflation at constant pressure into the intraperitoneal space than into the preperitoneal space.

Antiretroviral resistance among HIV type 1-infected women first exposed to antiretrovirals during pregnancy: Plasma versus PBMCs

Resistance-associated mutations (RAMs) in plasma samples from HIV-1-infected women who received antiretroviral (ARV) prophylaxis during pregnancy was assessed and correlated with the detection of RAMs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PMBCs). The study population was composed of HIV-1-infected women enrolled in a prospective cohort study in Latin America and the Caribbean (NISDI Perinatal Study) as of March 1, 2005, who were diagnosed with HIV-1 infection during the current pregnancy, who received ARVs during pregnancy for prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV-1, and who were followed through at least the 6-12 week postpartum visit. Plasma samples collected at enrollment during pregnancy and at 6-12 weeks postpartum were assayed for RAMs. Plasma results were compared to previously described PBMC results from the same study population. Of 819 enrolled subjects, 197 met the eligibility criteria. Nucleic acid amplification was accomplished in 123 plasma samples at enrollment or 6-12 weeks postpartum, and RAMs were detected in 22 (17.9%; 95% CI: 11.7-25.9%). Previous analyses had demonstrated detection of RAMs in PBMCs in 19 (16.1%). There was high concordance between RAMs detected in plasma and PBMC samples, with only eight discordant pairs. The prevalence of RAMs among these pregnant, HIV-1-infected women is high (>15%). Rates of detection of RAMs in plasma and PBMC samples were similar.

Long-Lasting Priming of Endothelial Cells by Plasma Melatonin Levels

Background: Endothelial cells are of great interest for cell therapy and tissue engineering. Understanding the heterogeneity among cell lines originating from different sources and culture protocols may allow more standardized material to be obtained. In a recent paper, we showed that adrenalectomy interferes with the expression of membrane adhesion molecules on endothelial cells maintained in culture for 16 to 18 days. In addition, the pineal hormone, melatonin, reduces the adhesion of neutrophils to post-capillary veins in rats. Here, we evaluated whether the reactivity of cultured endothelial cells maintained for more than two weeks in culture is inversely correlated to plasma melatonin concentration. Methodology/Principal Findings: The nocturnal levels of melatonin were manipulated by treating rats with LPS. Nocturnal plasma melatonin, significantly reduced two hours after LPS treatment, returned to control levels after six hours. Endothelial cells obtained from animals that had lower nocturnal melatonin levels significantly express enhanced adhesion molecules and iNOS, and have more leukocytes adhered than cells from animals that had normal nocturnal levels of melatonin (naive or injected with vehicle). Endothelial cells from animals sacrificed two hours after a simultaneous injection of LPS and melatonin present similar phenotype and function than those obtained fromcontrol animals. Analyzing together all the data, taking into account the plasma melatonin concentration versus the expression of adhesion molecules or iNOS we detected a significant inverse correlation. Conclusions/Significance: Our data strongly suggest that the plasma melatonin level primes endothelial cells ""in vivo,"" indicating that the state of the donor animal is translated to cells in culture and therefore, should be considered for establishing cell banks in ideal conditions.

Plasma Superoxide Dismutase-1 as a Surrogate Marker of Vivax Malaria Severity

Background: Severe outcomes have been described for both Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax infections. The identification of sensitive and reliable markers of disease severity is fundamental to improving patient care. An intense pro-inflammatory response with oxidative stress and production of reactive oxygen species is present in malaria. Inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and antioxidant agents such as superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD-1) are likely candidate biomarkers for disease severity. Here we tested whether plasma levels of SOD-1 could serve as a biomarker of severe vivax malaria. Methodology/Principal Findings: Plasma samples were obtained from residents of the Brazilian Amazon with a high risk for P. vivax transmission. Malaria diagnosis was made by both microscopy and nested PCR. A total of 219 individuals were enrolled: non-infected volunteers (n = 90) and individuals with vivax malaria: asymptomatic (n = 60), mild (n = 50) and severe infection (n = 19). SOD-1 was directly associated with parasitaemia, plasma creatinine and alanine amino-transaminase levels, while TNF-alpha correlated only with the later enzyme. The predictive power of SOD-1 and TNF-alpha levels was compared. SOD-1 protein levels were more effective at predicting vivax malaria severity than TNF-alpha. For discrimination of mild infection, elevated SOD-1 levels showed greater sensitivity than TNF-alpha (76% vs. 30% respectively; p < 0.0001), with higher specificity (100% vs. 97%; p < 0.0001). In predicting severe vivax malaria, SOD-1 levels exhibited higher sensitivity than TNF-alpha (80% vs. 56%, respectively; p < 0.0001; likelihood ratio: 7.45 vs. 3.14; p, 0.0001). Neither SOD-1 nor TNF-alpha could discriminate P. vivax infections from those caused by P. falciparum. Conclusion: SOD-1 is a powerful predictor of disease severity in individuals with different clinical presentations of vivax malaria.

A high voltage pulse power supply for metal plasma immersion ion implantation and deposition

We describe the design and implementation of a high voltage pulse power supply (pulser) that supports the operation of a repetitively pulsed filtered vacuum arc plasma deposition facility in plasma immersion ion implantation and deposition (Mepiiid) mode. Negative pulses (micropulses) of up to 20 kV in magnitude and 20 A peak current are provided in gated pulse packets (macropulses) over a broad range of possible pulse width and duty cycle. Application of the system consisting of filtered vacuum arc and high voltage pulser is demonstrated by forming diamond-like carbon (DLC) thin films with and without substrate bias provided by the pulser. Significantly enhanced film/substrate adhesion is observed when the pulser is used to induce interface mixing between the DLC film and the underlying Si substrate. (C) 2010 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3518969]

Recurrence quantification analysis of turbulent fluctuations in the plasma edge of Tokamak Chauffage Alfveacuten Breacutesilien tokamak

Recurrences are close returns of a given state in a time series, and can be used to identify different dynamical regimes and other related phenomena, being particularly suited for analyzing experimental data. In this work, we use recurrence quantification analysis to investigate dynamical patterns in scalar data series obtained from measurements of floating potential and ion saturation current at the plasma edge of the Tokamak Chauffage Alfveacuten Breacutesilien [R. M. O. Galva approximate to o , Plasma Phys. Controlled Fusion 43, 1181 (2001)]. We consider plasma discharges with and without the application of radial electric bias, and also with two different regimes of current ramp. Our results indicate that biasing improves confinement through destroying highly recurrent regions within the plasma column that enhance particle and heat transport.