Tissue inflammatory response to implantation of calcium hydroxide and iodoform in the back of rats

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the inflammatory reaction caused by the implantation of iodoform and calcium hydroxide in the back of rats. These drugs may be used as intracanal dressings to eliminate residual bacteria of the root canal system. METHODS: Twenty albinic rats (Rattus norvegicus, var Wistar) were divided into four groups: control group 1 (CG1) had normal skin; control group 2 (CG2) had wounded tissue without drugs; in groups 3 and 4, iodoform (IG) and calcium hydroxide (CHG) were inserted into the wounds, respectively. After 3, 5 and 11 days, slices of the implanted areas were macroscopically and microscopically observed regarding to their qualitative and quantitative aspects. RESULTS: In the macroscopical analysis, the CHG showed a large area of necrosis and swelling, which progressively decreased; in the IG the presence of iodoform surrounded by normal tissue was observed. The qualitative and quantitative histological analysis showed that IG promoted a shorter delay in the inflammatory response than the CHG. CONCLUSION: The inflammatory reaction for iodoform had a peak period five days after the drug insertion. By comparison, calcium hydroxide showed a very large area of necrosis that could only be partially eliminated after eleven days.

Analysis of contamination of endodontic absorbent paper points

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the contamination status of endodontic absorbent paper points from sterilized or not sterilized commercial packs, as well as paper points exposed to the dental office environment. METHODS: Twenty absorbent paper points were evaluated for contamination status packed under different conditions: commercial/sterilized pack, commercial/non-sterilized pack, exposed to the clinical environment, and intentionally contaminated (positive control). Contamination was determined qualitatively and quantitatively by aerobiosis, capnophilic growth, and pour plate. The Petri dishes were analyzed with a colony counter, and the results were expressed as colony-forming units. The data were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis test (α=0.05). RESULTS: No difference in colony-forming units was found among the groups of endodontic absorbent paper points. All groups were contaminated by fungi and bacteria. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that the sterilization of absorbent endodontic paper points before clinical use should be recommended regardless of commercial presentation

Analysis of the periodontal status of patients with mandibular-bonded retainers

PURPOSE: This clinical study evaluated the periodontal status of patients with bonded retainers as compared to a non-treated control group. METHODS: Forty dental students were included in the sample and divided into the following two groups: 1) a test group of 20 subjects that, after orthodontic treatment, have been bonded retainer users for at least 2 years and 2) a control group of 20 patients that never experienced orthodontic treatment nor used any bonded retainer. The region associated with the retainer in the test group and the lower canine-to-canine region in the control group were examined according to the following clinical parameters: plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), gingival recession (GR), clinical attachment level (CAL) and probing depth (PD). RESULTS: No differences were observed for GR or BOP (P>0.05). In contrast, the test group showed higher values of CAL and PD at proximal sites when compared to controls (P<0.05). In addition, IP was significantly increased at buccal and lingual sites (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The placement of orthodontic bonded retainers negatively affected periodontal health, resulting in increased PI, PD and CAL.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis with involvement of the temporomandibular joint: the role of image examinations

PURPOSE: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) has unknown etiology, and the involvement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is rare in the early phase of the disease. The present article describes the use of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MRI) images for the diagnosis of affected TMJ in JIA. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 12-year-old, female, Caucasian patient, with systemic rheumathoid arthritis and involvement of multiple joints was referred to the Imaging Center for TMJ assessment. The patient reported TMJ pain and limited opening of the mouth. The helical CT examination of the TMJ region showed asymmetric mandibular condyles, erosion of the right condyle and osteophyte-like formation. The MRI examination showed erosion of the right mandibular condyle, osteophytes, displacement without reduction and disruption of the articular disc. CONCLUSION: The disorders of the TMJ as a consequence of JIA must be carefully assessed by modern imaging methods such as CT and MRI. CT is very useful for the evaluation of discrete bone changes, which are not identified by conventional radiographs in the early phase of JIA. MRI allows the evaluation of soft tissues, the identification of acute articular inflammation and the differentiation between pannus and synovial hypertrophy.

Computed tomography and scintigraphy exams for diagnosis and treatment planning of the condylar osteochondroma: a case report

PURPOSE: To report an uncommon case of osteochondroma affecting the mandibular condyle of a young patient and to illustrate the important contributions of different imaging resources to the diagnosis and treatment planning of this lesion. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 24-year-old female patient with the chief complaint of an increasing facial asymmetry and pain in the left pre-auricular region, revealing a reduced mouth opening, mandibular deviation and posterior cross-bite over a period of 18 months. Panoramic radiography revealed an enlargement of the left condyle, whereas computed tomography (CT) sections and three-dimensional CT showed a well-defined bone growth arising from condylar neck. The scintigraphy exam showed an abnormal osteogenic activity in the left temporomandibular joint. The condyle was surgically removed and after 18 months follow-up the panoramic radiography and CT scans showed no signs of recurrence. CONCLUSION: Although osteochondroma is a benign bone tumor that rarely arises in cranial and maxillofacial region, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of slow-growing masses of the temporomandibular area and the use of different imaging exams significantly contribute to the correct diagnosis and treatment planning of this pathological condition.

Apert syndrome: clinical and radiographic features and case report

PURPOSE: Apert syndrome is a rare type I acrocephalosyndactyly syndrome characterized by craniosynostosis, severe syndactyly of the hands and feet, and dysmorphic facial features. Presents autosomal dominant inheritance assigned to mutations in the fibroblast growth factor receptors gene. The oral cavity of Apert patients includes a reduction in the size of the maxilla, tooth crowding, anterior open-bite of the maxilla, impacted teeth, delayed eruption, ectopic eruption, supernumerary teeth, and thick gingiva. The mandible usually is within normal size and shape, and simulates a pseudoprognathism. CASE DESCRIPTION: A female patient, 13 years old, with diagnosis of Apert syndrome, attended a dental radiology clinic. The clinical signs were occular anomalies, dysmorphic facial features, syndactyly and oral features observed clinically and radiographically. The patient was referred to a specialized center of clinical care for patients with special needs. CONCLUSION: Because of the multiple alterations in patients with Apert syndrome, a multidisciplinary approach, including dentists and neurosurgeons, plastic surgeons, ophthalmologists and geneticists, is essential for a successful planning and treatment.

Effect of chlorhexidine concentration on the bond strength to dentin in primary teeth

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of the use of 0.5% and 2% chlorhexidine digluconate on the immediate bond strength of a conventional adhesive system to dentin in primary teeth. METHODS: Twenty-one healthy primary molars were divided into three groups (n=7), being one control (A) and two experimental groups (B and C). After dentin exposure, in Group (A) the adhesive procedure was performed using 37% phosphoric acid gel (15 s); dentin was washed (15 s), air dried (30 s) and rehydrated with water. Groups B and C followed similar procedures but for re-hydration with 0.5% and 2% chlorhexidine, respectively, for 30 s. A resin composite block was built simulating a restoration, and the teeth were stored in distilled water at 37°C for 24 h before the microtensile bond strength test. The bond strength data were analyzed by analysis of variance. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference in bond strength was found among the tested groups (P>0.05) CONCLUSION: The 0.5% and 2% concentrations of chlorhexidine presented similar behavior and caused no adverse effects on the bond strength to dentin in primary teeth.

Use of flowable composite as intermediary layer in non-carious cervical lesions restored with composite resin: 48-month follow-up

PURPOSE: In this case report, the clinical performance of a microhybrid resin composite placed with or without a flowable resin composite was compared, over a 48-month period. CASE DESCRIPTION: The patient of this case report presented 2 pairs of equivalent cervical abfraction lesions, under occlusion. Four restorations were placed in teeth 34, 35, 44 and 45. The restorations were divided into groups (Single Bond + Filtek-Flow + Filtek Z250 or Single Bond + Filtek Z250) and the materials were applied according to the manufactures instructions. Two previously calibrated operators placed the restorations and two other independent examiners evaluated the restorations at baseline and after 48 months, according to the USPHS criteria and modified criteria for color match. CONCLUSION: After 48 months of evaluation the lesions restored with Filtek-Flow as a liner under Filtek Z250 did not show better clinical performance than the restorations without Filtek-Flow. All restorations showed a trend toward dark yellowing after 48 months.

O brincar e as habilidades sociais na interação da criança com deficiência auditiva e mãe ouvinte

Este artigo é resultado de um estudo que analisou a interação e o brincar entre 20 mães e seus filhos com deficiência auditiva, de graus severo e/ou profundo, com idades entre três e seis anos, em rotina de atendimento no Centro de Distúrbio da Audição, Linguagem e Visão do Hospital de Reabilitação de Anomalias Craniofaciais da Universidade de São Paulo. As mães foram entrevistadas e as respostas, analisadas quantitativa e qualitativamente. Os resultados mostraram que a interação com a mãe durante o brincar favorece o desenvolvimento de habilidades sociais para a adequação da criança ao seu meio social, e que as mães carecem de orientações, a fim de que esse espaço seja utilizado mais eficientemente para o aprendizado.

Operant measurement of auditory threshold in prelingually deaf users of cochlear implants: II

Two experiments evaluated an operant procedure for establishing stimulus control using auditory and electrical stimuli as a baseline for measuring the electrical current threshold of electrodes implanted in the cochlea. Twenty-one prelingually deaf children, users of cochlear implants, learned a Go/No Go auditory discrimination task (i.e., pressing a button in the presence of the stimulus but not in its absence). When the simple discrimination baseline became stable, the electrical current was manipulated in descending and ascending series according to an adapted staircase method. Thresholds were determined for three electrodes, one in each location in the cochlea (basal, medial, and apical). Stimulus control was maintained within a certain range of decreasing electrical current but was eventually disrupted. Increasing the current recovered stimulus control, thus allowing the determination of a range of electrical currents that could be defined as the threshold. The present study demonstrated the feasibility of the operant procedure combined with a psychophysical method for threshold assessment, thus contributing to the routine fitting and maintenance of cochlear implants within the limitations of a hospital setting.

Consumo alimentar e ecologia de populações ribeirinhas em dois ecossistemas amazônicos: um estudo comparativo

OBJETIVO: Este artigo analisa e compara os dados de consumo alimentar de duas populações ribeirinhas da Amazônia vivendo em ecossistemas contrastantes de floresta tropical: a várzea estacional e a floresta de terra firme. MÉTODOS: Foi estudado o consumo alimentar de 11 unidades domésticas na várzea (Ilha de Ituqui, Município de Santarém) e 17 na terra firme (Floresta Nacional de Caxiuanã, Municípios de Melgaço e Portel). O método utilizado foi o recordatório de 24 horas. As análises estatísticas foram executadas com o auxílio do programa Statistical Package for Social Sciences 12.0. RESULTADOS: Em ambos os ecossistemas, os resultados confirmam a centralidade do pescado e da mandioca na dieta local. Porém, a contribuição de outros itens alimentares secundários, tais como o açaí (em Caxiuanã) e o leite in natura (em Ituqui), também foi significante. Além disso, o açúcar revelou ser uma fonte de energia confiável para enfrentar as flutuações sazonais dos recursos naturais. Parece haver ainda uma maior contribuição energética dos peixes para a dieta de Ituqui, provavelmente em função da maior produtividade dos rios e lagos da várzea em relação à terra firme. Por fim, Ituqui revelou uma maior dependência de itens alimentares comprados, enquanto Caxiuanã mostrou estar ainda bastante vinculada à agricultura e às redes locais de troca. CONCLUSÃO: Além dos resultados confirmarem a importância do pescado e da mandioca, também mostraram que produtos industrializados, como o açúcar, têm um papel importante nas dietas, podendo apontar para tendências no consumo alimentar relacionadas com a atual transição nutricional e com a erosão, em diferentes níveis, dos sistemas de subsistência locais.

Análise dos efeitos da cinesioterapia e da hidrocinesioterapia sobre a qualidade de vida de pacientes com fibromialgia: um ensaio clínico randomizado

OBJETIVO: Verificar e comparar os efeitos da hidrocinesioterapia e da cinesioterapia na qualidade de vida de pacientes portadoras de fibromialgia. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um ensaio clínico randomizado, cego, para os avaliadores. Para avaliar a qualidade de vida, utilizou-se o questionário genérico SF-36 a fim de analisar os aspectos físicos e psicológicos em 24 pacientes do sexo feminino, portadoras de fibromialgia, com idade de 30 a 55 anos, alocadas aleatoriamente em dois grupos: hidrocinesioterapia e cinesioterapia. Durante um período de 23 semanas, as pacientes foram submetidas a alongamentos e exercícios aeróbios de baixa intensidade com duração de uma hora cada sessão (em ambos os grupos). RESULTADOS: Observou-se melhora estatisticamente significante (p < 0,05) na maior parte dos aspectos abordados pelo SF-36 em ambos os grupos. CONCLUSÃO: A hidrocinesioterapia promoveu um relaxamento muscular favorável para a melhora da qualidade de vida, porém, não foi o fator principal para amenizar os efeitos da patologia, uma vez que a cinesioterapia também proporcionou efeitos benéficos para a promoção do bem-estar dessas pacientes. Portanto, os alongamentos e os exercícios aeróbios de baixa intensidade empregados em ambos os protocolos são os prováveis responsáveis pelos efeitos benéficos observados nas duas modalidades terapêuticas analisadas.

Pode a atividade física materna modular a programação fetal induzida pela nutrição?

Existe considerável evidência para a indução de diferentes fenótipos em reposta às variações no ambiente fetal e neonatal. O aporte inadequado de nutrientes no período crítico do desenvolvimento está associado ao risco alto de doenças metabólicas na vida adulta, este fenômeno biológico é chamado de programação. A atividade física durante a gestação resulta em adaptações fisiológicas da mãe e no aumento da disponibilidade de nutrientes e oxigênio no espaço feto-placentário. Este trabalho tem como objetivo discutir os mecanismos da indução de programação fetal pela nutrição e o provável efeito modulador da atividade física durante a gestação. Foram utilizadas as bases de dados do Medline Pubmed, Lilacs e Bireme, com publicações entre 1990 até 2008. Os termos de indexação utilizados foram: nutrition, fetal programming, gestation, physical activity, physical exercise, metabolism. Em conclusão, o aporte inadequado de nutrientes programa o aparecimento de doenças metabólicas na vida adulta, enquanto que a atividade física durante a gestação aumenta a disponibilidade de nutrientes e oxigênio, repercutindo positivamente no crescimento fetal e no peso ao nascer.

Dieta rica em proteína na redução do peso corporal

A proporção ideal dos macronutrientes em dietas de emagrecimento é atualmente bastante discutida. Existem evidências de que dietas com maior proporção de proteína aumentam a perda de peso e de gordura corporal e diminuem a perda de massa corporal magra durante o emagrecimento. Todavia, os mecanismos responsáveis por estes efeitos não estão totalmente esclarecidos. Além disso, existem poucas conclusões a respeito dos possíveis efeitos colaterais dessas dietas na função renal e no estado nutricional relativo ao cálcio. Assim, este artigo objetiva trazer informações atuais sobre os efeitos de dietas ricas em proteína na perda de peso e na composição corporal e dos mecanismos envolvidos, bem como seus efeitos na função renal e no estado nutricional relativo ao cálcio.

Influence of separate and mixed experimental designs on reaction times to two simple visual stimuli

Testing contexts have been shown to critically influence experimental results in psychophysical studies. One of these contexts that show important modulation of the behavioral effects of different stimulatory conditions is the separate (blocked) or mixed presentation of these stimulatory conditions. The study presents evidence that the apparent discriminabilities of two target stimuli can change according to which of these two testing contexts is used. A cross inside a ring and a vertical line inside a ring were presented as go stimuli in a go/no-go reaction time task. In one experiment, each of these stimuli was presented to a different group of volunteers and in another experiment they were presented to the same group of volunteers, randomly mixed in the blocks of trials. Similar reaction times were obtained for the two stimuli in the first experiment, and different reaction times (faster for the cross) in the second experiment. The latter result indicates that the two stimuli have different discriminabilities from the no-go stimulus; the cross having greater discriminability. This difference is however masked, presumably by the adoption of specific compensatory attentional sets, in a separate testing context.