Systematic position of Xyris: Flower and seed anatomy

Flower anatomy, embryology, and seed anatomy are described for some Brazilian species of Xyris section Nematopus and reviewed with respect to the systematic position of Xyris and allied taxa in Commelinanae. Apart from tenuinucellate ovules (shared with Poales, Mayaca, and Eriocaulaceae), Xyris lacks some of the synapomorphies of other genera that are sometimes included in Xyridaceae (Aratitiyopea, Achlyphila, Abolboda, and Orectanthe), such as inaperturate spinulate pollen; Xyris has monosulcate reticulate pollen. There is an unusual degree of variation among different genera of Xyridaceae for characters such as tapetum type, indicating that the monophyly of the family requires testing. However, while several characters indicate two generic groups, there is much missing critical information for embryological and seed coat characters in other Xyridaceae.

The mandibular lingula's position in children as a reference to inferior alveolar nerve block

Purpose: The objective of this study was to evaluate the position of the mandibular lingula (ML) to provide data for inferior alveolar nerve block techniques in children. Methods: One hundred fifty-four panoramic radiographs of 7- to 10-year-old boys and girls were analyzed. Measurements were taken from the ML to the occlusal plane, and the percentile distances of the ML to ramal borders were determined. Results: The distance between the ML and the occlusal plane showed a gradual increase, but only in the male group was it statistically significant. MLs ratio position on the ramus remained constant in all analyzed groups. In the 7-year-old group, the ML was observed above the occlusal plane in 70% of girls and 55% of boys. That percentage reached 85% of all children by age 10. Conclusions: The mandibular lingula's ratio position remained constant. Inferior alveolar anesthesia should be administered at least 6 mm above the occlusal plane in 7- to 8-year-old children, while 10 mm could be indicated for 9- to 10-year-old children. The mandibular lingula should be considered a reliable reference for further studies of inferior alveolar nerve block techniques.

Electromyographic evaluation of masseter and anterior temporalis muscles in resting position and during maximum tooth clenching of edentulous patients before and after new complete dentures.

The aim of this study was to assess the electrical activity of the masseter and anterior temporal muscles in patients with severe bone resorption, with complete dentures worn for over ten years, and five months after having new dentures put in place. The RDC questionnaire was applied to twelve asymptomatic patients, before and five months after new dentures were put in place. The electrical activity recordings were made in the mandibular position at rest, and during maximum tooth clenching. The electrical activity of the masseter and anterior temporal muscles in the position at rest presented no statistically significant difference after five months of wearing the new complete dentures. Electrical activity during tooth clenching exhibited a statistically significant reduction only in the right temporal muscle. A period longer than five months of wearing the new complete dentures is required for adaptation and the acquisition of functional capacity.

Mandible protrusion and decrease of TMJ sounds: An electrovibratographic examination

This study quantified by, electrovibratography, the amount of mandible protrusion required to decrease significantly temporomandibular joint (TMJ) vibratory energy as an aid in the diagnosis of the recapture of anteriorly displaced disk. Eighteen patients diagnosed as having anterior disk displacement with reduction and TMJ clicking were submitted to electrovibratographic examination at the first appointment and treated with a stabilizing appliance and anterior positioning appliance with 1 to 5 mm protrusion. Vibratory energy was checked in each of these positions. Baseline data were used as control. At the first appointment, the patients had vibrations with more elevated intensities at the middle and late phases of the mouth opening cycle. At only one clinical step, mandible protrusion was obtained with the anterior repositioning appliance, ranging from 1 to 5 mm protusion. At each new position, a new electrovibratographic exam was made. After the 5-mm mandibular projection, only 2 patients presented vibration, with means between 0.6 and 2.8 Hz. Data were analyzed statistically by ANOVA and Tukey's test (α=0.05). The outcomes of this study indicate that 3 mm is the minimum amount of mandible protrusion to significantly decrease the TMJ vibratory energy and to recapture the displaced articular disk.

Analysis of mandibular position using different methods of location.

There has been much discussion regarding the ideal position of the condyle in the mandibular fossa. Although the centric relation position (CR) is used as a reference, some authors do not believe that it is physiologic. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate in a group of asymptomatic individuals the position of the condyle in the mandibular fossa at maximum intercuspation (MI), with a occlusal splint and with a Lucia jig between the teeth. It was analyzed by means of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), transcranial radiography imaging and analysis of horizontal axis of rotation from casts mounted on an articulator. The results showed that even if patients had mandibular displacement in positions of CR, habitual maximum intercuspation and with the occlusal splint, confirmed by means of the analysis of the horizontal axis of rotation, the images showed no statistically significant differences among condylar positions. It can therefore be concluded that the positions analyzed were similar and that transcranial radiography seems to be a reliable method for analyzing condylar position.

PLANINDEX: 82-001

Contiene resumenes bibliograficos de documentos sobre planificacion y desarrollo en America Latina, recogidos y procesados en el marco del Sistema de Informacion para la Planificacion en America Latina y el Caribe (INFOPLAN).

DOCPAL resúmenes sobre población en América Latina: 82-001

Contiene resúmenes bibliográficos de documentos sobre población y temas relacionados que se producen en América Latina y el Caribe, publicados entre 1980-1984.

Trade and investment promotion between Asia-Pacific and Latin America: present position and future prospects

Includes bibliography

Cephalometric evaluation of hyoid bone position in a patient with Down syndrome: Case report

The hyoid bone contributes to the maintenance of the airway, chewing and swallowing, given to its anatomical and functional relations to the craniocervical complex. Cephalometric analysis has great importance for orthopedics, orthodontics and oral maxillary surgery. For the treatment of patients with special care needs, the cephalometric evaluation of the position of the hyoid bone should also contribute as a complementary element for dental diagnosis and the selection of the adequate treatment. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the alteration of the hyoid position after carrying out the functional orthopedic maxillary treatment in a 9 year-old patient with Down Syndrome. Initial cephalometric analysis revealed inadequate position of hyoid bone. The association of speech therapy to dynamic functional rehabilitation of jaws showed a positive effect in occlusal relation and facial expression. After treatment, all dimensions obtained from the hyoid triangle were higher than initial ones, except the anterior-posterior value of C3-H, which suggested function improvement of stomatognathic system. Once considered its anatomical and physiological relationship with the others structures of the stomatognathic system, cephalometric analysis of hyoid bone position was helpful to the comprehension of the craniofacial abnormalities related to chromosomal anomaly, and thus is essential to the interdisciplinary dialogue.

Assessment of eyebrow position before and after upper eyelid blepharoplasty

Objective: Assess the occurrence of secondary brow ptosis after upper lid blepharoplasty. Methods: Forty-five individuals (n90 brows) submitted to upper lid blepharoplasty, were assessed by means of a comparative analysis using pre- and post-operatively digital photographs, in the primary position of the eye. The images were processed using ImageJ software, transferred to a computer, to an electronic Microsoft Excel 2002® worksheet. Angular measurements were used, taking the lateral canthal angle of the brow, the most medial point of the brow, the medial canthal angle and the lateral canthal angle of the lid as anatomical reference points. When the outer angles were reduced or the inner angles increased after surgery this was considered a brow ptosis. Individuals who had undergone lid surgery associated with the eyebrow, previous eyebrow surgery and those with eyelid ptosis were excluded. The difference between the pre-operative and post-operative measurements were analyzed statistically using the Student's t-test for paired samples and the angular variation was compared with their corresponding contralateral sample using Wilcoxon's non-parametric test. Results: The measurements obtained after the blepharoplasty show significant variations from those before the surgery, indicating that the correction of redundant tissues in the brow accentuates the tendency of the eyebrow to move down. The alterations are more important in the lateral portion of the eyebrow and they occur bilaterally. Conclusion: The assessment of angular measurements obtained pre- and post-operatively showed that there are secondary changes in the position of the eyebrow as a result of upper eyelid blepharoplasty. © 2012 Informa Healthcare USA, Inc.

Latin America's position in relation to world changes in trade policy

Includes bibliography

A New Miniature Characid (Ostariophysi: Characiformes: Characidae), with Phylogenetic Position Inferred from Morphological and Molecular Data

Erythrocharax altipinnis is described from the Serra do Cachimbo, Pará, Brazil. The new taxon is distinguished from all of the Characidae genera by having the pelvic bones firmly attached through the isquiatic processes; a nearly triangular hiatus in the musculature covering the anterior chamber of the swim bladder between the first and second pleural ribs (pseudotympanum); the pedunculate, notably expanded and distally compressed teeth in both jaws; circumorbital series represented by antorbital and four infraorbital bones with laterosensory canals not enclosed; a single tooth row in the premaxillary with the teeth perfectly aligned and similar in shape and cusp number; the first three branched dorsal-fin rays distinctly elongate in males; a bright red adipose and caudal fins in life; a conspicuous dark midlateral stripe extending from the opercle to the tip of the median caudal-fin rays; and by the absence of a humeral spot. The phylogenetic position of the new taxon is discussed using morphological and molecular datasets, with conflicting results of both approaches discussed. Additionally, a summarized discussion on the current problems in the Characidae taxonomy is presented and the principal biases in the morphological dataset are also discussed. © 2013 Netto-Ferreira et al.

Pension system reforms in Latin America: the position of the international organizations

Includes bibliography

Sports injuries among adolescent basketball players according to position on the court

Background: The participation of children and adolescents in sports, including basketball, is becoming increasingly common, and this increased involvement raises concerns about the potential risk of sports injuries. Objective. To analyze the occurrence of sports injuries among young basketball players according to their position on the court and to associate these injuries with risk factors. Method. A retrospective, epidemiological study. A sample consisting of 204 basketball players with a mean age of 14.33 ± 1.19 years participated in the study. The players were interviewed using a reported condition questionnaire containing anthropometric and training data as well as information on injuries during the previous 12 months. Results: The frequency of injury was highest among the shooting guards (47.8%), followed by the centers (34.8%) and point guards (17.4%). Among the 204 participants, 40 players reported a total of 46 injuries, representing 0.22 injuries per participant and 1.15 injuries per injured participant. For the shooting guards and centers, statistically significant differences between injured and non-injured players were found related to age, weight, height, length of time in training and number of weekly practice hours (p < 0.05). For point guards, a statistically significant difference between injured and non-injured players was found based on weight alone (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The occurrence of injuries among basketball players was low. Injuries were associated with both intrinsic and extrinsic factors among shooting guards and centers, whereas injuries were only associated with weight among point guards. © 2013 Vanderlei et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Morphological adaptations to arboreal habitats and heart position in species of the neotropical whipsnakes genus Chironius

The evolution of arboreality in snakes is accompanied by modifications that are remarkably similar across species. Gravity is one of the most important selective agents, and arboreal snakes present adaptations to circumvent the gradient of pressure, including modifications on heart position (HP) and body slenderness (BS). However, the degree to which different life-history traits influence the cardiovascular system of snakes remains unclear. Here, we used an ecological and a phylogenetic approach to explore the relationship between habitat, HP, BS, and heart size (HS) in five species of the neotropical whipsnakes genus Chironius that occupy terrestrial, semiarboreal, and arboreal habits. Our ecological comparison indicated that the arboreal species have the most posterior-positioned heart, the most slender body, and the smallest HS, whereas the terrestrial representative of the group exhibited the most anterior heart, the less flattened body, and the largest HS. After removing the phylogenetic effect, we found no difference in HP and BS between terrestrial and arboreal species. Habitat only differed when contrasting with HS. Body slenderness and HS were correlated with HP. Our results suggest that different restrictions, such as anatomical constraints, behavior, and phylogenetic inertia, may be important for the studied species. © 2013 The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.