On-line redox speciation analysis of antimony using L-proline immobilized on controlled pore glass and hydride generation inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry for detection

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Choledochal cyst: A case associated with traumatic hemobilia

A case of choledochal cyst associated with traumatic hemobilia is presented. The symptomatology appeared only because of bleeding into the biliary tract following an automobile accident. The cyst was resected and a choledochal cystoduodenum anastomosis performed. The early result (12 mth) was very good.

Apoptosis in the early developing periodontium of rat molars

Development of the periodontium involves a series of complex steps that result in the formation of root dentine, cementum, bone and fibres of the ligament. These precisely controlled and timed events require the participation of the enamel organ derived epithelial cells of Hertwig's (HRS) and ectomesenchymal cells of the dental follicle. These events involve rapid turnover of the tissues and cells, including disappearance of epithelial cells of HRS. Thus, it seemed likely to us that programmed cell death (apoptosis) may play a role in the development of the periodontium. Fragments of first molars, obtained from 14- and 29-day-old rats, were fixed in glutaraldehyde-formaldehyde and processed for light and electron microscopy. For the TUNEL method for detection of apoptosis, specimens were fixed in 4% formaldehyde and embedded in paraffin. Results confirmed that epithelial cells of HRS maintain a close relationship with the forming dentine root, and that they may become trapped in the dentino-cemental junction. Some of the epithelial cells exhibited ultrastructural features which are consistent with the interpretation that they were undergoing programmed cell death, i.e. apoptosis. Periodontal fibroblast-like cells showed typical images of apoptosis and engulfed apoptotic bodies. TUNEL positive structures were present in all corresponding regions. It seems therefore that apoptosis of epithelial cells of HRS and fibroblast-like cells of the periodontal ligament constitutes an integral part of the developmental process of the tissues of the periodontium. (C) 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

In-process thermal damage detection in grinding with monitoring via Internet

This work aims the development of a dedicated system for detection of burning in surface grinding process, where the process will constantly be monitored through the acoustic emission and electric power of the induction motor drive. Acquired by an analog-digital converter, algorithms process the signals and a control signal is generated to inform the operator or interrupt the process in case of burning occurrence. Moreover, the system makes possible the process monitoring via Internet. Additionally, a comparative study between parameters DPO and FKS is carried through. In the experimental work one type of. steel (ABNT-1020 annealed) and one type of grinding wheel referred to as TARGA, model ART 3TG80.3 NVHB, were employed.

Interleukin-2 and interleukin-6 gene promoter polymorphisms, and early failure of dental implants

Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the promoter region of the human interleukin (IL)-2 (T-330G) and IL-6 (G-174C) genes have modified the transcriptional activity of these cytokines and are associated with several diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible relationship between these single nucleotide polymorphisms and early implant failure. A sample of 74 nonsmokers was divided into 2 groups: test group comprising 34 patients (mean age 49.3 years) with ĝ‰¥1 implants that failed and control group consisting of 40 patients (mean age 43.8 years) with ĝ‰¥1 healthy implants. Genomic deoxyribonucleic acid from oral mucosa was amplified by polymerase chain reaction and analyzed by restriction fragment length polymorphism. Monte Carlo simulations (P < 0.05) were used to assess differences in allele and genotypes frequencies of the single nucleotide polymorphisms between the 2 groups. No significant differences were observed in the allele and genotypes distribution of both polymorphisms when the 2 groups were compared. The results indicate that polymorphisms in the IL-2 (T-330G) and IL-6 (G-174C) genes are not associated with early implant failure, suggesting that the presence of those single nucleotide polymorphisms does not constitute a genetic risk factor for implant loss in the studied population. Copyright © 2005 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Familial malignant osteopetrosis in children: A case report

The clinical, radiological, pathological and laboratory findings of two brothers with autosomal recessive malignant osteopetrosis are presented. Our findings are similar to characteristics previously reported in the literature about patients with osteopetrosis. The 6-year-old male patient was pale and had petechiae on his arms and legs. He also had macrocephalia, splenomegaly, severe pancytopenia, genu valgus, hypocalcemia, amaurosis, cessation of physical development, generalized bone sclerosis and recurrent infections with a history of multiple incidences of acute otitis media. Generalized bone sclerosis and irregular sclerosis of the maxilla and mandible were seen on radiographs. The oral mucosa was apparently normal but permanent tooth eruption was delayed although there was early loss of deciduous teeth. The recommended treatment was blood transfusion and therapy with antibiotics when necessary; a bone marrow transplant was not possible due to lack of a compatible donor.

Severe fracture of the maxillary alveolar process associated with extrusive luxation and tooth avulsion: A case report

Aim: The aim of this report is to present a case of severe fracture of the maxillary anterior alveolar process with substantial bone dislodgement associated with extrusive tooth luxation and avulsion. Background: Dentoalveolar trauma is a challenge to dentistry, especially in young patients, for it can lead to early tooth loss which compromises oral function, esthetics, self-esteem, and alter the long-term plan of care for the victim. Case Report: A 12-year-old girl with severe dentoalveolar trauma to the maxillary anterior region presented for emergency care for her injury. Treatment consisted of fracture reduction of the alveolar process, repositioning of the teeth that had suffered extrusive luxation, placement of a semi-rigid splint, and suturing of soft tissue lacerations. The traumatized teeth presented with pulpal necrosis and were treated endodontically. After 24 months of follow up, the fracture of the alveolar process was completely healed and the displaced teeth presented no signs of ankylosis or root resorption. Summary: First-aid care contributed remarkably to this case allowing the re-establishment of esthetics, function, and patient's self-esteem. In spite of trauma extension the treatment outcomes were favorable. Clinical Significance: Cases of dentoalveolar trauma should be evaluated on an individual basis. However, early emergency management and adequate follow-up can prevent further complications and contribute to treatment success.

Regional odontodysplasia in early childhood: A clinical and histological study

Regional odontodysplasia (RO) is a rare disorder of dental development. The affected teeth are clinically hypoplastic and hypocalcified, presenting a ghost-like appearance radiographically. The aim of this work was to report a clinical case of a child with both primary and permanent dentition affected by RO. The conducted therapy was based on a conservative approach, which consisted of follow-up clinical evaluations of the anomalous teeth. However, the endodontic treatment of the primary incisors failed. Then, the chosen option for patient rehabilitation became extraction followed by removable of prosthesis confection. The extracted teeth were processed for histological analysis. In spite of the uncertain prognosis, but taking into account the psychological aspects of the patient, a conservative approach in an attempt to maintain those viable teeth in the oral cavity should be established.

Piezoelectric composite film for acoustic emission detection

The continuous technological advances require materials with properties that conventional material cannot display. Material property combinations are being the focus to the development of composite materials, which are considered a multiphase material that exhibits properties of the constituent phases. One interesting material to be studied as sensing material is the composite made of ferroelectric ceramic and polymeric matrix as a two-phases composite material. In that case, the combinations properties intended are the high piezo and pyroelectric activities of the dense ceramic with the impact resistance, flexibility, formability and low densities of the polymer. Using the piezoelectric property of the composite film, it can be used to detect acoustic emission (AE), which is a transient elastic wave generated by sudden deformation in materials under stress. AE can be applied for evaluating the health of structures in a nondestructive way and without any lapse of time. The preliminary result indicates that the composite Pz34/PEEK can be used as sensing material for nondestructive evaluation. ©2009 IEEE.

Imprint cytology of osteosarcoma of the jaw: A case report

Introduction. Osteosarcomas are highly malignant bone-forming neoplasms that account for about 20% of all sarcomas. In light of their aggressive behavior, early diagnosis is crucial for determining adequate treatment. Dental professionals may be the first to detect jaw osteosarcomas in their initial stages. The aim of this case report is to draw attention to the possibility of diagnosing this tumor based on clinical, radiographical and cytological characteristics before confirmation by histology. Case presentation. A 24-year-old Afro-Brazilian man presented with swelling and pain on the left side of the mandible in the region of the third molar (tooth 38). Radiography showed a poorly delimited intraosseous lesion with radiolucent and radiopaque areas. The cytological aspects were consistent with the diagnosis of osteosarcoma, which was confirmed by biopsy. Conclusion. Imprint cytology was found to be a reliable, rapid and easy complementary examination. An early diagnosis of osteosarcoma of the jaw is fundamental to the early determination of an adequate treatment. © 2009 Cabral et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Easiness of use and validity testing of VS-SENSE device for detection of abnormal vaginal flora and bacterial vaginosis

Accessing vaginal pH is fundamental during gynaecological visit for the detection of abnormal vaginal flora (AVF), but use of pH strips may be time-consuming and difficult to interpret. The aim of this study was to evaluate the VS-SENSE test (Common Sense Ltd, Caesarea, Israel) as a tool for the diagnosis of AVF and its correlation with abnormal pH and bacterial vaginosis (BV). The study population consisted of 45 women with vaginal pH ≥ 4.5 and 45 women with normal pH. Vaginal samples were evaluated by VS-SENSE test, microscopy and microbiologic cultures. Comparing with pH strips results, VS-SENSE test specificity was 97.8% and sensitivity of 91%. All severe cases of BV and aerobic vaginitis (AV) were detected by the test. Only one case with normal pH had an unclear result. Concluding, VS-SENSE test is easy to perform, and it correlates with increased pH, AVF, and the severe cases of BV and AV. Copyright © 2010 Gilbert G. G. Donders et al.

Tracheostomy-dependent child with temporomandibular ankylosis and severe micrognathia treated by piezosurgery and distraction osteogenesis: Case report

Ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint in children is one the most difficult and complex conditions managed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and often leads to some facial deformity. Distraction osteogenesis of the mandible provides an excellent treatment for mandibular airway obstruction in children who do not respond to conservative measures, and allows for early removal of the tracheostomy. We report the case of a 1-year-old boy with severe micrognathia and temporomandibular ankylosis who was dependent on a tracheostomy; he was treated with piezosurgery and mandibular advancement by distraction osteogenesis. © 2010 The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Gastrointestinal cytomegalovirus disease in renal transplant recipients: A case series

The purpose of this article was to report a series of 23 renal transplant recipients with histologically proven and immunohistochemically confirmed cytomegalovirus (CMV) lesions in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and to assess the risk factors associated with severe disease/mortality. CMV patients (n=23) were allocated into two groups: those who died (n=6) and those considered cured (n=17). Overall mortality rate was 26% (6/23). Initial symptoms suggestive of lower GIT involvement were observed in all death cases and in 35.3% of those cured (p=0.01). Enterorrhagia was seen in 83.3% of the patients who died. Death risk increased twofold (RR 2 [1.13-3.52], p=0.01) when symptoms of lower GIT involvement were initially observed and sixfold when enterrohagia was present (RR 6 [1.1-35.9], p=0.001). Among death cases, mean time at diagnosis was significantly more distant (2002±2.9×2008±1.6, p=0.04). The difference in mortality rates seen as service practices changed along the years demonstrates the importance of early diagnosis. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Preeclampsia: Early and late neonatal outcomes

Newborn infants exposed to preeclampsia (PE) present increased short-term morbidity, mainly respiratory diseases such as respiratory distress syndrome and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Gastrointestinal problems are also frequent, although a higher risk of necrotizing enterocolitis has not been confirmed. These problems could be related not just to PE itself but also to prematurity or intrauterine growth restriction, which frequently occur in this maternal disease. Other findings, however, seem to be due to the direct effect of the maternal disease; these findings include an increased frequency of neutropenia and thrombocytopenia and a lower incidence of cerebral disorders, such as periventricularintraventricular hemorrhage and cerebral palsy. The evaluation of long-term outcome shows increasing evidence that PE has important implications for the future health of the mother and her child, suggesting that PE is not a simple gestational disorder but a clinical syndrome with an unclear etiology, a genetic component, and a complex pathophysiology. This syndrome involves important maternal and fetal vascular alterations that can persist and cause diseases in later life. The divergence in results on outcomes for children exposed to PE could, in part, be due to methodological differences in the studies, most of which are retrospective case-control studies. Better evidence on prognosis is obtained from cohort studies. Even in the cohort studies, differences in patient characteristics and severity of maternal disease, as well as sample size, follow-up time, and main outcome measures certainly contribute to the variability in results reported in the literature. © 2012 by the American Academy of Pediatrics. All rights reserved.

New label free CA125 detection based on gold nanostructured screen-printed electrode

This paper describes the optimisation and the analytical performances of a label-free impedimetric immunosensor for the detection of tumour marker CA125 based on gold nanoparticles modified screen-printed graphite electrode. Experimental conditions of each step for the developed immunosensor were studied and optimised. The immunosensor response varied linearly (r2 = 0.996) with antigen concentration between 0 and 100 U/mL. The estimated detection limit was 6.7 U/mL. The electrochemical immunosensor allowed unambiguous identification of CA125, while no significant non-specific signal was detected in the case of all negative controls. The analytical usefulness of the impedimetric immunosensor was finally demonstrated analysing serum samples. © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.