Ductal carcinoma in situ in core needle biopsies and its association with extensive in situ component in the surgical specimen

Background: We evaluated the presence of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in core needle biopsies (CNB) from invasive ductal lesions. Methods: Retrospective study, which analyzed 90 cases of invasive ductal carcinoma lesions. The percentage of DCIS was quantified in each specimens obtained from CNB, which were compared to the surgical specimens. CNB and surgical specimens were evaluated by the same pathologist, and the percentage of DCIS in CNB was evaluated (percentage) and divided into categories. We considered the following parameters regarding the amount of DCIS: 1 = 0; 2 = 1 for 5%; 3 = 6 for 24%; 4 = 25 for 50%; 5 = 51 for 75% and 6 = 76 for 99%. The number of fragments and the histological pattern of DCIS was found. Results: We found the following results regarding the distribution of the percentage of DCIS in the CNB: 1 = 63.3%; 2 = 12.2%; 3 = 12.2%; 4 = 5.6%; 5 = 1.1% and 6 = 5.6%. The logistic regression analysis showed that CNB percentages above 45% reflected the presence of DCIS in the surgical specimen in 100% of the cases (p<0.001), with a specificity of 100%, accuracy of 83.3% and false positive rate of 0% (p <0.001). Conclusion: There is direct relationship between extensive intraductal component in the surgical specimen when the core biopsy shows 45% or more of the DCI or microinvasive in the material examined. © 2012 Barbalaco Neto et al.

Dentistry for babies: Caries experience vs. Assiduity in clinical care

Aim: This study analyzed and compared the experience of dental caries in 300 children aged 0 to 48 months, who were participants and non-participants of a preventive program 'Dentistry for babies', as well as the correlation between assiduity of dental visits and experience of dental caries. Methods: The subjects were randomly selected and divided into two groups: G1 'Non participant children of the Program' (n=100) and G2 'Participant Children of the Program' (n=200). Each group was subdivided in two subgroups: 0-24 months and 25-48 months. The collected data from G2 were analyzed, relating the variation of the dmft index (dmft refers to primary teeth: d = decayed, m = missing/extracted due to caries, f = filled, t = teeth) (C) and dental caries prevalence (P) with the influence of assiduity factor in each subgroup. To collect data, clinical examinations were performed using tactile and visual criteria by a single calibrated examiner. The data were statistically analyzed using the 'paired t-test', 'Mann-Whitney' and 'Chi-Squared' tests (p<0.05). Results: It was found that prevalence and dmft index were statistically significant (P=0.0001) with the greatest values observed in G1 (p=0.0001). The values were: PG1 (73%), PG2 (22%), CG1 (3.45±3.84), CG2 (0.66±1.57). Assiduity was significant in G2 (p=0.0001). The values observed were: P-Assiduous (2%), P-Non-assiduous (42%), C-Assiduous (0.04±0.31), and C-Non-assiduous (1.29±2.01). Conclusions: The participation in the program had a positive influence on the oral health of babies. Complete assiduity to the program resulted in the lowest rates and prevalence of dental caries.

Teaching and learning data structures supported by computers: An experiment using CADILAG tool

This paper aims to present the use of a learning object (CADILAG), developed to facilitate understanding data structure operations by using visual presentations and animations. The CADILAG allows visualizing the behavior of algorithms usually discussed during Computer Science and Information System courses. For each data structure it is possible visualizing its content and its operation dynamically. Its use was evaluated an the results are presented. © 2012 AISTI.

Multiple brain abscess from dental origin: Case report and literature review

Background: Brain abscess of dental origin is a rare situation and deserves attention due to its high mortality rate even when adequate treatment is done. Few reports are available when dental origin is the main cause of this infection. Case report: We present the case of a 70-year-old man diagnosed with cerebral abscess caused by apical lesions located at superior and inferior teeth. The three lesions containing pus were drained from anterior and posterior brain region and the laboratory evaluation revealed the presence of Streptococcus viridians and Bacteroides. Postoperative period was uneventful with excellent recovery after 1 year of surgery. Final diagnosis was able to be done due to excellent image exams availability like computer tomography and magnetic resonance using diffusion and perfusion techniques. Discussion: The early detection of this pathology with the correct diagnosis essential to give the patient the best treatment including antimicrobial drugs and drainage is of extreme importance. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.

Immobilization and stabilization of a bimolecular aggregate of the lipase from Pseudomonas fluorescens by multipoint covalent attachment

The soluble lipase from Pseudomonas fluorescens (PFL) forms bimolecular aggregates in which the hydrophobic active centers of the enzyme monomers are in close contact. This bimolecular aggregate could be immobilized by multipoint covalent linkages on glyoxyl supports at pH 8.5. The monomer of PFL obtained by incubation of the soluble enzyme in the presence of detergent (0.5% TRITON X-100) could not be immobilized under these conditions. The bimolecular aggregate has two amino terminal residues in the same plane. A further incubation of the immobilized derivative under more alkaline conditions (e.g., pH 10.5) allows a further multipoint attachment of lysine (Lys) residues located in the same plane as the amino terminal residues. Monomeric PFL was immobilized at pH 10.5 in the presence of 0.5% TRITON X-100. The properties of both PFL derivatives were compared. In general, the bimolecular derivatives were more active, more selective and more stable both in water and in organic solvents than the monomolecular ones. The bimolecular derivative showed twice the activity and a much higher selectivity (100 versus 20) for the hydrolysis of R,S-2-hydroxy-4-phenylbutyric acid ethyl ester (HPBEt) in aqueous media at pH 5.0 compared to the monomeric derivative. In experiments measuring thermal inactivation at 75 °C, the bimolecular derivative was 5-fold more stable than the monomeric derivative (and 50-fold more stable than a one-point covalently immobilized PFL derivative), and it had a half-life greater than 4 h. In organic solvents (cyclohexane and tert-amyl alcohol), the bimolecular derivative was much more stable and more active than the monomeric derivative in catalyzing the transesterification of olive oil with benzyl alcohol. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of mature cow weight: Genetic correlations with traits used in selection indices, correlated responses, and genetic trends in Nelore cattle

Genetic correlations of selection indices and the traits considered in these indices with mature weight (MW) of Nelore females and correlated responses were estimated to determine whether current selection practices will result in an undesired correlated response in MW. Genetic trends for weaning and yearling indices and MW were also estimated. Data from 612,244 Nelore animals born between 1984 and 2010, belonging to different beef cattle evaluation programs from Brazil and Paraguay, were used. The following traits were studied: weaning conformation (WC), weaning precocity (WP), weaning muscling (WM), yearling conformation (YC), yearling precocity (YP), yearling muscling (YM), weaning and yearling indices, BW gain from birth to weaning (BWG), postweaning BW gain (PWG), scrotal circumference (SC), and MW. The variance and covariance components were estimated by Bayesian inference in a multitrait analysis, including all traits in the same analysis, using a nonlinear (threshold) animal model for visual scores and a linear animal model for the other traits. The mean direct heritabilities were 0.21 ± 0.007 (WC), 0.22 ± 0.007 (WP), 0.20 ± 0.007 (WM), 0.43 ± 0.005 (YC), 0.40 ± 0.005 (YP), 0.40 ± 0.005 (YM), 0.17 ± 0.003 (BWG), 0.21 ± 0.004 (PWG), 0.32 ± 0.001 (SC), and 0.44 ± 0.018 (MW). The genetic correlations between MW and weaning and yearling indices were positive and of medium magnitude (0.30 ± 0.01 and 0.31 ± 0.01, respectively). The genetic changes in weaning index, yearling index, and MW, expressed as units of genetic SD per year, were 0.26, 0.27, and 0.01, respectively. The genetic trend for MW was nonsignificant, suggesting no negative correlated response. The selection practice based on the use of sires with high final index giving preference for those better ranked for yearling precocity and muscling than for conformation generates only a minimal correlated response in MW. © 2013 American Society of Animal Science. All rights reserved.

Haemonchus contortus: A multiple-resistant Brazilian isolate and the costs for its characterization and maintenance for research use

The aim of this work was to determine the resistance level of Haemonchus contortus isolated from the Santa Inês flock of the Embrapa (Brazilian government's Agricultural Research Company), Southeast Livestock Unit (CPPSE), as well as to determine costs of characterizing and maintaining this isolate in host donors. Forty-two male Santa Inês lambs were experimentally infected with 4000 H. contortus infective larvae of the field isolate of CPPSE, called Embrapa2010, and divided into six treatment groups, which received triclorfon, albendazol plus cobalt sulfate, ivermectin, moxidectin, closantel and levamisole phosphate, as well as a negative control group (water). Egg per gram (EPG) counts were performed at 0, 3, 7, 10 and 14. days post treatment when the animals were slaughtered for parasite count. The data were analyzed using the RESO statistical program, considering anthelmintic resistance under 95% of efficacy. EPG and worm count presented a linear and significant relation with 94% determination coefficient. The susceptibility results obtained by RESO through both criteria (EPG and worm count) were equal, except for closantel, showing that the isolate Embrapa2010 is resistant to benzimidazoles, macrocyclic lactones and imidazothiazoles. The need of a control group did not appear to be essential since the result for susceptibility in the analyses with or without this group was the same. Suppression in egg production after treatment did not occur in the ivermectin and moxidectin groups. In the control group, the establishment percentage was just 12.5 because of the low number of third-stage larvae, resistance (innate and infection immunity) of the animals studied plus good nutrition. Drug classes presented similar efficacy between adults and immature stages. The costs for isolate characterization were calculated for 42 animals during 60. days. The total cost based on local market rates was approximately US$ 8000. The precise identification of Brazilian isolates and their establishment in host donors would be useful for laboratorial anthelmintic resistance diagnoses through in vitro tests, which has an annual cost of approximately US$ 2500 for maintenance in host donors. © 2012 Elsevier B.V.

Effect of different disinfectants on the microhardness and roughness of acrylic resins for ocular prosthesis

Background: Ocular prosthesis materials should have specific properties for their indication and durability; therefore, it is important to investigate their physical behaviour when affected by several disinfectants. Objectives: This study evaluated the influence of different disinfecting solutions on the microhardness and surface roughness of acrylic resins for ocular prosthesis. Materials and Methods: Fifty samples simulating ocular prostheses were fabricated with N1 resin and colourless resin and divided (n = 10) according to the disinfectant used: neutral soap, Opti-free, Efferdent, 1% hypochlorite (HYC) and 4% chlorhexidine (CHX). Samples were stored in saline solution at 37°C and disinfected during 120 days. Both microhardness and roughness were investigated before, after 60 days and 120 days of disinfection and storage. Microhardness was measured using a microhardner and the roughness with a roughness device. Results: N1 resin showed lower microhardness when compared with colourless resin (p < 0.05). HYC and CHX groups exhibited the highest change of microhardness and roughness values (p < 0.05). An increase in roughness and reduction in microhardness of ocular acrylic resins were observed after both periods of disinfection and storage (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Both disinfection/storage periods affected the microhardness and roughness values of the samples. © 2012 The Gerodontology Society and John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Stress distribution in implant-supported prosthesis with external and internal implant-abutment connections

Objective. This study aimed to investigate the stress distribution in screwed implant-supported prostheses with different implant-abutment connections by using a photoelastic analysis. Materials and methods. Four photoelastic models were fabricated in PL-2 resin and divided according to the implant-abutment connection (external hexagon (EH) and Morse taper (MT) implants (3.75 × 11.5 mm)) and the number crowns (single and 3-unit piece). Models were positioned in a circular polariscope and 100-N axial and oblique (45) loading were applied in the occlusal surface of the crowns by using a universal testing machine. The stresses were photographically recorded and qualitatively analyzed using software (Adobe Photoshop). Results. Under axial loading, the MT implants exhibited a lower number of fringes for single-unit crowns than EH implants, whereas for a 3-unit piece the MT implants showed a higher number of fringes vs EH implants. The oblique loading increased the number of fringes for all groups. Conclusion. In conclusion, the MT implant-abutment connection reduced the amount of stress in single-unit crowns, for 3-unit piece crowns the amount of stress was lower using an external hexagon connection. The stress pattern was similar for all groups. Oblique loading promoted a higher stress concentration than axial loading. © Informa Healthcare.

Geochemical and ecotoxicological assessment for estuarine surface sediments from Southern Brazil

Sediments from Guaratuba Bay (PR, Brazil), a marine protected area, were collected and evaluated for geochemistry and toxicity. High levels of P and acute toxicity were observed in some samples. Concentrations of Cu, Cd, Pb and Zn were relatively low; however, Cd levels eventually exceeded Threshold Effect Level. Toxicities were associated to nutrients and metals enrichment. Results suggest that impacts are incipient and occur only at specific sites, associated to multiple contamination sources. Despite sediments quality seems to range between good and fair, attention is required to land-use planning around Guaratuba Bay and controlling local pollution sources. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of immersion cleansers on the bond strength between a denture base resin and acrylic resin teeth

The aim of the present study was to assess the shear bond strength between a heat-polymerized denture base resin and acrylic resin teeth after immersion in different denture cleansers by simulating a 180-day use. Two acrylic teeth (Biotone, Biotone IPN, Dentsply Ind. e Com., Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil) were chosen for bonding to a heat-polymerized denture base resin (Lucitone 550- Dentsply Ind. e Com., Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil). Eighty specimens were produced and divided into eight groups (n=10) according to their experimental condition (distilled water, 2% chlorhexidine digluconate, 1% sodium hypochlorite and Corega Tabs). Shear bond strength tests (MPa) were performed with a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. Data were analyzed by two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Student-Newman-Keuls' multiple comparisons post hoc analysis (α=.05). The shear bond strength results revealed statistically significant differences between the groups. For the Biotone IPN tooth, significantly lower shear bond strength values were found for the group immersed in sodium-perborate solution (4.48±2.18 MPa) than for the group immersed in distilled water (control group) (10.83±1.84 MPa). For Biotone, significantly higher bond strength values (10.04±3.28 MPa) were found for the group immersed in Corega Tabs than for the control group (5.45±2.93 MPa). The immersion in denture cleanser solutions was more detrimental to the conventional acrylic denture tooth (Biotone) than to the highly cross-linked denture tooth (Biotone IPN). However, this effect was not observed for the groups immersed in Corega Tabs solution, regardless of the type of denture tooth. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.

In vitro comparisons of casting retention on implant abutments among commercially available and experimental castor oil-containing dental luting agents

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

Effect finishing and polishing procedures on the surface roughness of IPS Empress 2 ceramic

Objective. To evaluate the surface roughness of IPS Empress 2 ceramic when treated with different finishing/polishing protocols. Materials and methods. Sixteen specimens of IPS Empress 2 ceramic were made from wax patterns obtained using a stainless steel split mold. The specimens were glazed (Stage 0-S0, control) and divided into two groups. The specimens in Group 1 (G1) were finished/polished with a KG Sorensen diamond point (S1), followed by KG Sorensen siliconized points (S2) and final polishing with diamond polish paste (S3). In Group 2 (G2), the specimens were finished/polished using a Shofu diamond point (S1), as well as Shofu siliconized points (S2) and final polishing was performed using Porcelize paste (S3). After glazing (S0) and following each polishing procedure (S1, S2 or S3), the surface roughness was measured using TALYSURF Series 2. The average surface roughness results were analyzed using ANOVA followed by Tukey post-hoc tests (α = 0.01) Results. All of the polishing procedures yielded higher surface roughness values when compared to the control group (S0). S3 yielded lower surface roughness values when compared to S1 and S2. Conclusions. The proposed treatments negatively affected the surface roughness of the glazed IPS Empress 2 ceramic. © 2013 Informa Healthcare.

Effect of thermal cycling on denture base and autopolymerizing reline resins

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Determination of Total Nitrosamines in Vegetables Cultivated Organic and Conventional Using Diamond Electrode

Vegetables were analyzed for total N-nitrosamines (NAs) and the influence of disinfection processes was assessed. Differences in NAs found in cabbage, spinach, and broccoli were determined by square wave voltammetry using a boron-doped diamond electrode. Analysis of samples showed that all samples contained detectable levels of NAs but the results indicated that organic contained less than conventionally grown products. The sum of the total NAs was higher in the cabbage samples, ranging between 2.8-3.1 ppb and lower in broccoli samples at 0.2-1.1 ppb. The method described is simple, rapid, selective, and sensitive. The results suggested that the disinfection process affects the level of NAs, in this manner affecting the level of human exposure to NAs. © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media New York.