Nest defense behavior against the attack of ants in colonies of pre-emergent Mischocyttarus cerberus (hymenoptera, vespidae)

The study was carried out at the UNESP Rio Claro campus (SP), where biotests consisting of simulated ant attacks were performed in colonies of Mischocyttarus cerberus. The behaviors of the wasps were recorded with a camcorder, for further analysis. This analysis was done using the Mann-Whitney U test and the Principal Component Analysis. In the pre-emergence development stage, colonies with a single foundress defend the nest only after the first larvae appear. When there are only eggs in the nest, the wasp abandons the nest. Before leaving, the wasp rubs its gaster against the nest, releasing the ant repellent secretion. When the nest contains larvae or larvae and pupae, the foundress defends the colony, vibrating its wings, pumping her abdomen and biting the ant.

Effect of different exposure times on microwave irradiation on the disinfection of a hard chairside reline resin

Purpose: This study evaluated the effectiveness of different exposure times of microwave irradiation on the disinfection of a hard chairside reline resin. Materials and Methods: Sterile specimens were individually inoculated with one of the tested microorganisms (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, and Bacillus subtilis) and incubated for 24 hours at 37°C. For each microorganism, 10 specimens were not microwaved (control), and 50 specimens were microwaved. Control specimens were individually immersed in sterile saline, and replicate aliquots of serial dilutions were plated on selective media appropriate for each organism. Irradiated specimens were immersed in water and microwaved at 650 W for 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 minutes before serial dilutions and platings. After 48 hours of incubation, colonies on plates were counted. Irradiated specimens were also incubated for 7 days. Some specimens were prepared for scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis. Results: Specimens irradiated for 3, 4, and 5 minutes showed sterilization. After 2 minutes of irradiation, specimens inoculated with C. albicans were sterilized, whereas those inoculated with bacteria were disinfected. One minute of irradiation resulted in growth of all microorganisms. SEM examination indicated alteration in cell morphology of sterilized specimens. The effectiveness of microwave irradiation was improved as the exposure time increased. Conclusion: This study suggests that 3 minutes of microwave irradiation can be used for acrylic resin sterilization, thus preventing cross-contamination. © 2008 by The American College of Prosthodontists.

Influence of pre-heat treatment and different light-curing units on Vickers hardness of a microhybrid composite resin

The aim of this study was to evaluate the hardness of a dental composite resin submitted to temperature changes before photo-activation with two light-curing unite (LCUs). Five samples (4 mm in diameter and 2 mm in thickness) for each group were made with pre-cure temperatures of 37, 54, and 60°C. The samples were photo-activated with a conventional quartz-tungsten-halogen (QTH) and blue LED LCUs during 40 s. The hardness Vickers test (VHN) was performed on the top and bottom surfaces of the samples. According to the interaction between light-curing unit and different pre-heating temperatures of composite resin, only the light-curing unit provided influences on the mean values of initial Vickers hardness. The light-curing unit based on blue LED showed hardness mean values more homogeneous between the top and bottom surfaces. The hardness mean values were not statistically significant difference for the pre-cure temperature used. According to these results, the pre-heating of the composite resin provide no influence on Vickers hardness mean values, however the blue LED showed a cure more homogeneous than QTH LCU. © 2009 Pleiades Publishing, Ltd.

Effect of pre-heating resin composite and light-curing units on monomer conversion

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of pre-heating resin composite photo-cured with light-curing units (LCU) by FT-IR. Twenty specimens were made in a metallic mold (4 mm diameter × 2 mm thick) from composite resin-Tetric Ceram® (Ivoclar/Vivadent) at room temperature (25°C) and pre-heated to 37, 54, and 60°C. The specimens were cured with halogen curing light (QTH) and light emitted by diodes (LED) during 40 s. Then, the specimens were pulverized, pressed with KBr and analyzed with FT-IR. The data were submitted to statistical analysis of variance and Kruskal-Wallis test. Study data showed no statistically significant difference to the degree of conversion for the different light curing units (QTH and LED) (p > 0.05). With the increase of temperature there was significant increase in the degree of conversion (p < 0.05). In this study were not found evidence that the light curing unit and temperature influenced the degree of conversion. © 2010 Pleiades Publishing, Ltd.

Influence of dental exposure to oral environment on smear layer removal and collagen exhibition after using different conditioning agents

Although in vitro studies have shown encouraging results for root surface conditioning with demineralizing agents, in vivo studies have failed to show its benefits in periodontal healing. This can be attributed to several factors, among which, the hypermineralization of dental surface. Therefore, this in vitro study compared, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the effect of root surface conditioning with different conditioners (1% and 25% citric acid, 24% EDTA and 50 mg/mL tetracycline hydrochloride) in impacted teeth and in teeth that had their roots exposed to the oral environment. One trained examiner assessed the SEM micrographs using a root surface modification index. There was a tendency of more root surface modification in the group of impacted teeth, suggesting that the degree of root mineralization influences its chemical demineralization.

Efficacy and safety of travoprost 0.004%/timolol 0.5% fixed combination as transition therapy in patients previously on prostaglandin analog monotherapy

Purpose: To assess the safety and efficacy of transitioning patients whose intraocular pressure (IOP) had been insufficiently controlled on prostaglandin analog (PGA) monotherapy to treatment with travoprost 0.004%/timolol 0.5% fixed combination with benzalkonium chloride (TTFC). Methods: This prospective, multicenter, open-label, historical controlled, single-arm study transitioned patients who had primary open-angle glaucoma, pigment dispersion glaucoma, or ocular hypertension and who required further IOP reduction from PGA monotherapy to oncedaily treatment with TTFC for 12 weeks. IOP and safety (adverse events, corrected distance visual acuity, and slit-lamp biomicroscopy) were assessed at baseline, week 4, and week 12. A solicited ocular symptom survey was administered at baseline and at week 12. Patients and investigators reported their medication preference at week 12. Results: Of 65 patients enrolled, 43 had received prior travoprost therapy and 22 had received prior nontravoprost therapy (n = 18, bimatoprost; n = 4, latanoprost). In the total population, mean IOP was significantly reduced from baseline (P = 0.000009), showing a 16.8% reduction after 12 weeks of TTFC therapy. In the study subgroups, mean IOP was significantly reduced from baseline to week 12 (P = 0.0001) in the prior travoprost cohort (19.0% reduction) and in the prior nontravoprost cohort (13.1% reduction). Seven mild, ocular, treatment-related adverse events were reported. Of the ten ocular symptom questions, eight had numerically lower percentages with TTFC compared with prior PGA monotherapy and two had numerically higher percentages with TTFC (dry eye symptoms and ocular stinging/burning). At week 12, TTFC was preferred over prior therapy for 84.2% of patients (48 of 57) by the patients themselves, and for 94.7% of patients (54 of 57) by their physicians. Conclusion: When TTFC replaced PGA monotherapy in patients whose IOP had been uncontrolled, the outcome was a significant reduction in IOP and an acceptable safety and tolerability profile. Most patients and investigators preferred TTFC to prior PGA monotherapy. © 2012 Costa et al, publisher and licensee Dove Medical Press Ltd.

Analysis of the influence of pre-loading in the rating life calculation of tapered roller bearings applied to lightweight front-axle differentials

For intricate automotive systems that enclose several components, such as gearboxes, an important aspect of the design is defining the correct assembly parameters. A proper assembly can ensure optimized operating conditions and therefore the components can achieve a longer life. In the case of the support bearings applied to front-axle lightweight differentials, the assembly preload is a major aspect for an adequate performance of the system. During the design phase it is imperative to define reference values to this preload, so the application would endure its requirements. However, with the assistance of computer simulations, it is possible to determine an optimum condition of operation, i.e. optimum pre-load, which would increase the system reliability. This paper presents a study on the influence of preload on the rating life of tapered roller bearings applied to light-weight front axle differentials, evaluating how preload affects several key parameters such as rating life and displacement of components, taking into account the flexibility of the surrounding differential housing. Copyright © 2012 SAE International.

Caracterização de agravos causados por cães e gatos a seres humanos no município de jaboticabal, são paulo, durante o período de 2000 A 2009

The lack of proper control of dogs and cats population and irresponsible pet ownership are factors that favor animal attack and pose serious public health concern. The aim of the present study was to characterize the injuries caused by dogs and cats to humans in the municipality of Jaboticabal, between the years 2000 and 2009, with a view to demonstrate the importance of aggression control in reducing both the risk for rabies transmission and the number of post exposure prophylaxis administration. A retrospective and descriptive study was conducted. 3,972 out of 4,149 records of patients who sought the public health service after being attacked by an animal were analyzed. Dogs were the species that most caused injuries. In the moment of the attack, the doǵs clinical status was declared as healthy in 81.8% of records; and in 81.1% of cases this status were maintained throughout the entire observation period of the aggressor. Most of injuries were characterized by bites in hands or feet, with multiple and superficial wounds. The number of injuries was high, therefore it is crucial to implement strategies to reduce injuries caused by animal attack through health promotion, educational activities and strengthening of integration of public health and veterinary services so that the decision to institute post-exposure prophylaxis is taken with criteria and safety.

Review of the efficacy and safety of cryoablation for the treatment of small renal masses

Purpose: Small renal masses are increasingly being discovered incidentally on imaging for another reason. The standard of care of these masses involves excision by open or laparoscopic techniques. Recently, ablative techniques, such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and cryoablation, have taken a more prominent role in the treatment algorithm of these masses. We evaluate the effectiveness and safety of cryoablation to treat renal tumours. Methods: A review of the literature was conducted. There was no language restriction. Studies were obtained from the following sources: the Cochrane Library, PUBMED, EMBASE and LILACS. Results: There was no clinical trial identified in the literature. Thus, we described the results from 23 case series and retrospective studies with a reasonable sample size (number of reported patients in each study ≥30), with a total of 2104 analyzed tumours from 2038 patients. There was wide variability in the outcomes reported, but success rates were generally good. Follow-up was generally short, but some series reported outcomes at 5 years. The most common complications reported were hemorrhage (some of the patients requiring transfusion), perinephric hematoma and urine leaks. Conclusion: Cryoablation presents a feasible treatment for patients with small renal masses. Only short-term data are available and, as such, meaningful conclusions regarding long-term cancer control cannot be made. More rigorous studies are needed. © 2013 Canadian Urological Association.

Effects of pre-slaughter fasting on broiler welfare, meat quality, and intestinal integrity

The Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture (MAPA) regulations establish 12 hours as the maximum pre-slaughter fasting period for broilers; however, many processing plants have considered this time is not sufficient, and consequently return the birds to the farms, with consequent economic losses and welfare problems. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the possible effects of longer pre-slaughter fasting times. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of pre-slaughter fasting times longer than those established by MAPA on broiler welfare, breast meat quality, and intestinal integrity. Forty 42-d-old broilers were submitted to different pre-slaughter fasting times: group I: 6 hours, group II 9h, group III 12h, and group IV 15h. Bird welfare was assessed before slaughter. After sacrifice, intestinal samples were collected to assess their morphology and morphometrics, and the Pectoralis major muscle was analyzed for pH and color. There was no influence (p>0.05) of treatments on breast muscle pH or color.There were no significant changes in intestinal morphometrics (p<0.05). Bird behavior was affected (p<0.05), suggesting that welfare was impaired as fasting time increased, but no differences in the analyzed parameters were detected between broilers fasted for 12 or 15 hours. It was concluded that the behavioral differences between birds fasted for 12 and 15 hours are not sufficient to assert that those fasted for 15 hours were in worse welfare conditions.

Comparative study of human exposure to mercury in riverside communities in the Amazon region

Four populations in the Amazon area were selected for a comparative study of mercury-exposed and non-exposed populations: São Luiz do Tapajós, Barreiras, Panacauera, and Pindobal Grande. The highest mercury levels in human hair samples were found in São Luiz do Tapajós and Barreiras, greatly exceeding the limits established by the World Health Organization. Panacauera showed an intermediate level below 9 µg/g. This was the first comparative and simultaneous evaluation of mercury exposure in the Amazon area. Also, thanks to this type of monitoring, we were able to eliminate the uncertainties about the reference dose. On the basis of these data, we can conclude that the mercury levels detected in exposed populations of the Tapajós River basin may be dangerous not only because they are above the World Health Organization limits, but also because the simultaneous mercury detection in non-exposed populations with similar characteristics provided a valid control and revealed lower mercury levels. Our results support the importance of continuous monitoring in both exposed and non-exposed populations.

The ability of orthodontists and laypeople in the perception of gradual reduction of dentogingival exposure while smiling

OBJETIVO: avaliar a diferença na percepção de ortodontistas e leigos quanto à redução da exposição dentogengival no sorriso. MÉTODOS: no total, 60 avaliadores de ambos os sexos (30 leigos e 30 ortodontistas) avaliaram fotografias do sorriso espontâneo de dois indivíduos, um do sexo masculino e um do feminino. A partir das imagens originais, a altura do sorriso foi modificada usando-se um programa de manipulação de imagens. Os examinadores emitiram notas de 0 a 10, conforme o nível de agradabilidade. A reprodutibilidade do método foi examinada através do teste de Wilcoxon, enquanto os testes de Friedman e Wilcoxon (P<0,05) foram utilizados para observar as diferenças intra e interexaminadores, respectivamente. RESULTADOS: os resultados demonstraram não haver diferença entre os grupos de avaliadores com relação à estética quando a altura de ambos os sorrisos foi modificada. Entretanto, o sorriso do indivíduo do sexo masculino teve menor aceitabilidade do que o sorriso feminino. Uma suave redução na exposição dentogengival no sorriso (2mm) não foi percebida por leigos ou ortodontistas (p>0,05). CONCLUSÃO: o sorriso do indivíduo do sexo feminino recebeu notas mais altas do que o do masculino; entretanto, amostras envolvendo um maior número de indivíduos em cada grupo são necessárias para confirmar se a observação estaria relacionada ao sexo do indivíduo examinado.

Oncological Safety of Autologous Fat Grafting after Breast Conservative Treatment: A Prospective Evaluation

Autologous fat graft to the breast is a useful tool to correct defects after breast conservative treatment (BCT). Although this procedure gains popularity, little is known about the interaction between the fat graft and the prior oncological environment. Evidences of safety of this procedure in healthy breast and after post-mastectomy reconstruction exist. However, there is paucity of data among patients who underwent BCT which are hypothetically under a higher risk of local recurrence (LR). Fifty-nine patients, with prior BCT, underwent 75 autologous fat graft procedures using the Coleman's technique, between October 2005 and July 2008. Follow-up was made by clinical and radiologic examination at least once, after 6 months of the procedure. Mean age was 50 +/- 8.5 years, and mean follow-up was 34.4 +/- 15.3months. Mean time from oncological surgery to the first fat grafting procedure was 76.6 +/- 30.9months. Most of patients were at initial stage 0 (11.8%), I (33.8%), or IIA (23.7%). Immediate complication was observed in three cases (4%). Only three cases of true LR (4%) associated with the procedure were observed during the follow-up. Abnormal breast images were present in 20% of the postoperative mammograms, and in 8% of the cases, biopsy was warranted. Autologous fat graft is a safe procedure to correct breast defects after BCT, with low postoperative complications. Although it was not associated with increased risk of LR in the group of patients studied, prospective trials are needed to certify that it does not interfere in patient's oncological prognosis.

Streptococcus Mutans Photoinactivation by Combination of Short Exposure of a Broad-Spectrum Visible Light and Low Concentrations of Photosensitizers

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)