Does the Use of Surface Electromyography Could Improve Quality of Life among Patients Rehabilitated by Mandibular Overdentures on Different Attachments?

Abstract Objective: To analyze and compare changes of quality of life parameter among dental patients rehabilitated by the implant-supported overdentures with different attachment systems. Material and Methods: Forty-eight patients were recruited as a study cohort. The implant placement procedure was based on the results obtained by CBCT scanning and individualized surgical templates manufactured for correct implant placement. Each individual received two k3Pro Implants (Sure Type with 4.0 or 4.5 mm in diameter) at the intraforaminal area due to standard protocol of implantation provided by the manufacturer under local anesthesia. All patients were distributed between two groups based on the fact of using either Locator- or ball-attachments. Rank correlation was measured using Spearman correlation coefficient, while linear correlation was evaluated by Pearson correlation coefficient. Results: No statistically meaningful differences were noted regarding patients' distribution among groups considering age (p>0.05) and gender (p>0.05). Provided patient-level analysis demonstrated that increase of conventional full denture service time was positively correlated with escalation of OHIP-EDENT scores. The most prominent inter-correspondences were noted specifically between longevity of denture service and elevation of scores within "Functional limitation" (r=0.61; p<0.05), "Physical pain" (r=0.51; p<0.05) and "Physical disability" (r=0.57; p<0.05) subdomains. No statistically argumented regressions were noted between increase tendency of OHIP-EDENT scores and gender (p>0.05) or age (p>0.05) parameters. Conclusion: Significant improvements of quality of life measured with OHIP-EDENT were noted for both types of attachments compared to the pre-treatment situation independently of additionally provided surface electromyography-based alignment.

Potential Effectiveness of Poly-Vitamins and Probiotics among Preschool Children Living within Iodine Deficiency Territory to Caries Prevention

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the potential effect of poly-vitamins and probiotics use among preschool children permanently living within iodine deficiency territory on caries prevention. Material and Methods: 80 children aged 2-3 years old were randomly distributed among the study group (21 male and 19 females) and control group (20 males and 20 females). Oral fluid samples were formed from each study subject during primary examination and after 1 year of monitoring, which further were analyzed by parameters associated with mineralization potential of oral fluid. Both groups were provided with oral hygiene educational training, while the study group was also prescribed with poly-vitamin-mineral drug complex and probiotics. Results: After 1 year of monitoring, no significant changes considering caries prevalence (p>0.05) or intensity (p>0.05) values were registered among study and control groups. Difference of free calcium level, phosphate ion level and alkaline phosphatase activity was statistically approved (p<0.05) while comparing between study and control group after 12 months of monitoring. Conclusion: Caries preventive approach consisted of oral hygiene educational training and course of properly prescribed poly-vitamins and probiotics intake demonstrates positive results related to the changes within mineralization potential of oral fluid among preschool children with long-term residence over geographically associated iodine-deficient territory.

Analysis of Tongue Color-Associated Features among Patients with PCR-Confirmed COVID-19 Infection in Ukraine

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate and systematize tongue color-related manifestations among patients with PCR-confirmed COVID-19 infection. Material and Methods: This retrospective study included analysis of tongue images obtained from patients with PCR-confirmed COVID-19 infection. Evaluation of coronavirus disease severity (mild, moderate, severe, critical) was provided, considering clinical symptomatology and results of laboratorial and instrumental diagnostic methods. Each picture was analyzed considering the parameters of color of the tongue and color of the tongue plaque by two dental specialists. Cochran-Armitage test for trend was used to evaluate associations between the tongue color and tongue plaque color, and coronavirus disease severity. Results: The most prevalent tongue colors were pale pink, red and dark red (burgundy color). A total of 64.29% of patients with mild disease demonstrated pale pink color of the tongue. Patients with moderate coronavirus disease were characterized with the adverse trend: 62.35% of them presented with red-colored tongue, while in 37.64% of cases, the tongue was pale pink. Severe COVID-19 patients, almost in 90% of the cases, had either red or burgundy color of the tongue. Conclusion: SARS-COV-2 infection is not manifested by tongue-targeted or tongue-specific signs and features; however, coronavirus disease itself provokes changes within the tongue color and tongue plaque color similar to those registered during other internal pathologies.

Presence of Type 1 Collagen Alpha-2 (COL1A2) (rs42524) Gene Polymorphism and Scar Tissue Formation in Different Areas of Head and Neck

Abstract Objective: To determine the effect type I collagen gene polymorphism alpha-2 (COL1A2) (rs42524) on the formation of scar tissue that is localized in the head and neck areas. Material and Methods: Sixty patients with scars in different areas of the head and neck were examined. The patients were divided into four subgroups, according to the types of scarring: G I: 15 patients with normotrophic scars; G ІІ: 15 patients with atrophic scars; G ІІІ: 15 patients with hypertrophic scars; and G IV: 15 patients with keloid scars. The age of patients ranged from 17 to 54 years. The single-nucleotide polymorphic site of the COL1A2 (rs42524) gene was detected by a polymerase chain reaction and subsequent analysis of restriction fragment lengths. Pearson's chi-squared test with Yates's correction and Fischer's exact test were used. Results: There were no significant changes between the control and basic groups (p=0.83) at analyzing the frequencies of G and C alleles. For the G allele, the calculation of odds ratio between the basic and control groups was 0.93 at 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.50-1.75), for the C allele - OR was 1.07 at 95% CI (0.57-2.01). Conclusion: Our studies may indirectly indicate the activation of the skin's protective reaction to physiological scarring and dosed scar formation in different areas of the head and neck.

Use of Mini-Implant Anchorage For Second Molar Mesialization: Comprehensive Approach For Treatment Efficiency Analysis

Abstract Objective: To approbate the complex approach for assessment of second molar mesialization outcomes with the use of orthodontic mini-implants. Material and Methods: The sample consisted of 62 patients, divided into study (n=32) and control group (n=30). Mesialization procedure in the study group was conducted with the use of braces system and orthodontic mini-implants as additional anchorage devices, while in control group mesialization was provided only with the use of the brace system. Dynamic registration of bone level changes and the entire range of tooth movement were carried out on digital orthopantomograms obtained with the use of Planmeca ProMax 2D. Results: Findings of orthopantomographic (OPG) analysis have shown that cases of second molar mesialization with the use of mini-implants as temporary anchorage characterized with more stable conditions of bone levels around displaced teeth compare to cases, where mesialization was provided only with the use of braces systems without any additional anchorage. The terms of treatment in the study group with the use of dental mini-implants as the anchorage was reduced by 8.8 ± 0.12 months compared to the control group (p<0.05). Conclusion: The use of orthodontic mini-implants as anchorage constructions during the mesialization of the mandibular second molars contributes to the reduction of treatment duration and support the more prognostic movement of teeth, that does not provoke significant pathological changes in the levels of the surrounded alveolar ridge and minimize the risk of associated periodontal complication occurrence.

Peculiarities of Morphology of Large Salivary Glands in Experimental Animals Under Different Conditions of Motor Activity of Their Mothers During Pregnancy

Objective: To evaluate of the microstructure of the salivary glands of experimental animals born from of females rats, who were subjected to different modes of motor activity during the pregnancy: limited and compensated by regular moderate training. Material and Methods: The sample was composed 84 three-month-old descendants of Wistar rats which were divided into three groups: G1 (n = 27): posterity of female rats, who during gestation were in standard conditions; G2 (n = 25): posterity of female rats, who during pregnancy were in hypokinesia conditions; G3 (n = 32): which stayed in conditions of hypokinesia, but had running load in running wheel regularly 5 times a week. Results: In adult descendants of G2, morphological structure of the submandibular salivary glands was characterized by decrease size and number of glandular cells; reduction of their cytoplasm; increase in heterochromatin amount and decrease in the intensity of fuchsinophilia. Microstructure of the submandibular salivary glands of the offspring of G3 indicates positive effect of regular short-term physical activity on the morphofunctional state of the specified glands. An increased number of tissue basophils in their stroma is also in favor of greater functional activity of salivary glands. Conclusion: This study indicates deceleration of the metabolic processes in salivary glands of animals under the influence of hypokinesia of their mothers during pregnancy. It was also confirmed that regular physical activity completely eliminates the negative effect of mothers' hypokinesia on morphology the salivary glands of the descendant.

Association Between Saliva Quantity and Content Parameters with Caries Intensity Levels: A Cross-Sectional Study Among Subcarpathian Children

Abstract Objective: To evaluate saliva quantity and content parameters among children of 7 and 12 years old, who permanently living on the territory of Subcarpathia with the registered territory-associated fluoride deficiency in the water, and their association with the caries status of pediatric patients. Material and Methods: The study sample was formed of 48 children (22 of 7 years old and 26 of 12 years old). The content of calcium in the oral liquid was determined by the o-cresolphthalein complexone method. Estimation of concentration rate and fluoride activity in the oral liquid was carried out by using the ion-selective electrode ELIS-131 F and ionometer EV-74. The content of inorganic phosphorus in saliva was determined using the phosphorus reaction with molybdic acid Results: Among all study samples, 18.8% were registered with low caries intensity level (DMF = 1.55 ± 0.16), 33.3% with moderate caries intensity level (DMF = 3.94 ± 0.29), and 47.9% with high caries intensity level (DMF = 9.05 ± 1.11). During the comparison of calcium content and mineralization coefficient values between children with low and high caries intensity levels registered difference was statistically significant (p<0.05), while for salivary flow rate parameter such difference was no significant (p>0.05). Between children with normal salivary flow rate, and children with a lowered salivary flow rate there was no statistical difference in such parameters as fluoride concentration, calcium content, phosphorus content and calcium-phosphorus balance (p>0.05) Conclusion: Caries intensity levels were more statistically associated with parameters of calcium content in saliva and related mineralization coefficient, rather than with the average salivary flow rate.

Negovsky y Safar unidos por la ciencia de la reanimación / Negovsky and Safar together for science of resuscitation

OBJECTIVE: This article characterize the contributions of Peter Safar and Vladimir Negovsky to the field of resuscitation and critical medicine during the 20th century and the dawn of the 21st century with the purpouse to correlate the discoveries and developments of each one, with their life stories and with the historical moments throughout the 20th century. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A review of literature on the subject was conducted, in which primary and secondary sources on the life and scientific and academic production of Vladimir Negovsky and Peter Safar were searched in online databases, in English as well as Spanish. RESULTS: Peter Safar and Vladimir Negovsky, although they had two very different life histories and developed their academic contributions in opposite political contexts, this did not prevent each of them from laying the foundations of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, both in the concepts and the physiopathological understanding of the damage processes, as well as the procedures to act in a timely manner, minimizing them. They also contributed to critical medicine, and to the formation of intensive care units. This work aims to show how a field of knowledge is based on collective work, as the discovery does not depend on a single character, but on a social, historical process, which is also based on the knowledge and elements developed by others.

OBJETIVO: Con este artículo se caracterizan los aportes de Peter Safar y Vladimir Negovsky en el campo de la reanimatología y de la medicina crítica durante el siglo XX y albores del siglo XXI, y se correlacionan sus investigaciones y descubrimientos con sus historias de vida y momentos compartidos. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Se realizó una revisión de literatura sobre el tema, mediante la búsqueda de fuentes primarias y secundarias sobre la vida y producción científica y académica de Vladimir Negovsky y Peter Safar, en bases de datos en línea, en inglés y en español. RESULTADOS: Peter Safar y Vladimir Negovsky, pese a tener dos historias de vida muy distintas y desarrollar sus aportes académicos en contextos políticos diferentes, coincidieron en un campo de la ciencia que no les impidió que cada uno sentara las bases de la reanimación cardio cerebro pulmonar, tanto en los conceptos y en la comprensión fisiopatológica de los procesos de lesión, como en los procedimientos para prevenir la muerte y minimizar los efectos del proceso isquemia/reperfusión. Así mismo, concibieron y desarrollaron las unidades de medicina crítica y cuidado intensivo, el sistema integral para el transporte de los pacientes y el campo vasto en la formación de posgrados como anestesiología y medicina crítica. CONCLUSIÓN: Definitivamente la ciencia no tiene fronteras políticas y se fundamenta en el trabajo colectivo. Estos dos personajes vivieron tiempos políticos y sociales adversos, unieron lazos de amistad y compartieron experiencias para producir cambios históricos en la ciencia de la reanimación conocida como Reanimatología.

Evaluation of Peri-Implant Bone Reduction Levels from Superimposition Perspective: Pilot Study among Ukrainian Implantology Practice

Objective: To evaluate the possibility and efficiency of using adapted peri-implant bone evaluation method based on the principle of graphical superimposition and compare it to the possibilities of using sagittal sections of CBCT results to register the dynamics of peri-implant bone changes during the first year of implant functioning. Material and Methods: 108 pairs of DICOM data sets were selected and pre-anonymized and coded in Planmeca Romexis® Viewer software. Each pair of datasets consisted of a CBCT file, obtained immediately after the installation of a dental implant, and one year after its operation. The first method of peri-implant bone changes evaluation was carried out by analyzing the sagittal sections of the CBCT data from the mesial and distal sides of the implant. The second method was followed by original algorithm, which included specific steps of superimposition of graphical images. Results: Superimposition method helped to establish volumetric parameter of circular bone reduction around dental implants after 1 year of their functioning. Such average values for the maxillary distal implants were 3.547 mm3, maxillary frontal implants ­ 3.118 mm3, mandibular distal implants ­ 2.614 mm3, mandibular frontal implants ­ 2.456 mm 3. Correlation values between averages of vertical bone loss parameters and volumetric bone loss parameters riches r=0.954. Among all patients the highest peri-implant bone reduction rates were observed in the distal and frontal areas of the maxilla, even though statistical difference among such parameters of implants installed at the areas of mandible and maxilla was not significant (p > 0.05). Such observation was established during the analysis of results obtained both by digital sagittal cross section from CBCT results and by superimposition method. Conclusion: Using the superimposition principle allows us to evaluate the individual indicator of volumetric bone loss at the peri-implant region. The possibility of taking into account the parameters of bone tissue volume reduction, instead of just geometrical parameter of bone height, allows to individualize the parameters of bone loss among patients of different prosthetic rehabilitation group.

Evaluation of Frontal Teeth Stabilization after Root Apex Resection among the Ukrainian Young People

Objective: To develop a protocol of improved stabilization of teeth after root apex resection among young people using endodonto-endoossal implants and assessing its effectiveness. Material and Methods: Thirty-six patients were previously selected and divided into Group 1 (without additional stabilization) and Group 2 (with additional stabilization). The efficacy of treatment in both clinical groups was estimated at 90, 180 and 360 days, respectively. The results were evaluated on the Miller scale in the Flesrar modification. Density of bone tissue was expressed in Hounsfield units. Results: The average mobility indices over 90 days indicate a significant lower mobility of teeth in patients in Group 2, where as an advanced method, the RTR with an additional filling of the bone marrow defect with an osteoplastic material was chosen as the method of treatment (+ 18.0 ± 0.21 U.M. 10.0 ± 0.8 µm, p<0.05). In Group 1, 90 and 180 days after surgery, the density of bone tissue in the defect area was 756.3 ± 2.45 HU and 880.1 ± 4.34 HU. In Group 2, these indices were insignificantly higher and amounted to 834.3 ± 4.35 HU and 880.4 ± 2.56 HU. After 360 days after treatment in the first clinical group the bone density index was 957.4 ± 2.45 HU, while in the second group - 1003.3 ± 4.38 HU. Conclusion: The mobility of teeth among patients on 90-th day corresponded to level 1, and on 360-th day corresponded to level 0, indicating the effectiveness of the proposed method. The biomechanical stabilization of the teeth was confirmed by the results of densitometry among patients of both groups, in particular, the recovery of bone density in the affected site was observed after 360 days.

Clinical and Laboratory Grounds for the Rational Selection of Filling Material for the Restoration of Deciduous Teeth

Objective: To compare the use of two different restorative materials placed in deciduous teeth. Material and Methods: Clinical observations were formed in the number of 58 patients aged 3 to 12 years; 23 - with deciduous dentition, 35 with mixed dentition. The total number of teeth was 266. The Index of destruction of the occlusal surface of the teeth (IROPZ) and the following materials were used: Ionofil Molar® (VOCO) and Twinky Star® (VOCO). Microphotographs of the sections selected for illustration were performed using a Biorex-3 VM-500T microscope with a digital DCM- 900 attached photo element using for interpretation of the results adapted data research software. The Spearman correlation coefficient [r] was used to examine the relationship between the parameters evaluated. The level of significance was set at 5%. Results: The Twinky Star® compomer has been found to be optimal for restoring the teeth with an IROPZ of less than 0.55, pH levels of <6.2 and any values of the degree of acidity of the enamel [r = 0.89]. Ionofil Molar® showed to be a material of choice with high and average degrees of acidity of the enamel [r = 0.65]. Conclusion: Choice and usage of different types of restorative materials depend on the period of bite, the condition of root formation, group membership of the teeth, depth and topography of the carious, the level of the pH of the saliva, the degree of acid resistance enamels and areas of destruction of the occlusive surface of the tooth.

A review of methods to estimate the visibility factor for bias correction in network scale-up studies / 한국역학회지

Network scale-up is an indirect size estimation method, in which participants are questioned on sensitive behaviors of their social network members. Therefore, the visibility of the behavior affects the replies and estimates. Many attempts to estimate visibility have been made. The aims of this study were to review the main methods used to address visibility and to provide a summary of reported visibility factors (VFs) across populations. We systematically searched relevant databases and Google. In total, 15 studies and reports that calculated VFs were found. VF calculation studies have been applied in 9 countries, mostly in East Asia and Eastern Europe. The methods applied were expert opinion, comparison of NSU with another method, the game of contacts, social respect, and the coming-out rate. The VF has been calculated for heavy drug users, people who inject drugs (PWID), female sex workers (FSWs) and their clients, male who have sex with male (MSM), alcohol and methamphetamine users, and those who have experienced extra-/pre-marital sex and abortion. The VF varied from 1.4% in Japan to 52.0% in China for MSM; from 34.0% in Ukraine to 111.0% in China for FSWs; and from 12.0% among Iranian students to 57.0% in Ukraine for PWID. Our review revealed that VF estimates were heterogeneous, and were not available for most settings, in particular the Middle East and North Africa region, except Iran. More concrete methodologies to estimate the VF are required.

A review of methods to estimate the visibility factor for bias correction in network scale-up studies / 한국역학회지

Network scale-up is an indirect size estimation method, in which participants are questioned on sensitive behaviors of their social network members. Therefore, the visibility of the behavior affects the replies and estimates. Many attempts to estimate visibility have been made. The aims of this study were to review the main methods used to address visibility and to provide a summary of reported visibility factors (VFs) across populations. We systematically searched relevant databases and Google. In total, 15 studies and reports that calculated VFs were found. VF calculation studies have been applied in 9 countries, mostly in East Asia and Eastern Europe. The methods applied were expert opinion, comparison of NSU with another method, the game of contacts, social respect, and the coming-out rate. The VF has been calculated for heavy drug users, people who inject drugs (PWID), female sex workers (FSWs) and their clients, male who have sex with male (MSM), alcohol and methamphetamine users, and those who have experienced extra-/pre-marital sex and abortion. The VF varied from 1.4% in Japan to 52.0% in China for MSM; from 34.0% in Ukraine to 111.0% in China for FSWs; and from 12.0% among Iranian students to 57.0% in Ukraine for PWID. Our review revealed that VF estimates were heterogeneous, and were not available for most settings, in particular the Middle East and North Africa region, except Iran. More concrete methodologies to estimate the VF are required.

Prevalência de anemia na artrite reumatoide / The prevalence of anemia in rheumatoid arthritis

Objetivos: O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar a prevalência de anemia em pacientes com artrite reumatoide (AR). Pacientes e métodos: 89 pacientes que satisfaziam os critérios do American College of Rheumatology (ACR) para AR foram incluídos nesse estudo. A duração média da doença foi 10,9±8,8 anos. Todos os pacientes foram medicados com metotrexato (10,5±5,5 mg/semana) em combinação com ácido fólico. Hormônios esteroides foram receitados para 92% dos pacientes (19,3±3,8 mg/dia).Velocidade de hemossedimentação (VHS), níveis de hemoglobina, proteína C reativa (PCR), fator de necrose tumoral alfa (TNFα) e interleucina-1 beta (IL1β) foram avaliados em todos os pacientes. Os critérios da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) para anemia utilizam um limiar para hemoglobina de <120 g/L para mulheres e de <130 g/L para homens. Resultados: Anemia foi observada em 57 (64%) dos pacientes (1º grupo); os demais pacientes (2º grupo) tinham níveis normais de hemoglobina (135,5±10,7 g/L). A duração e a atividade de AR foram significativamente maiores (p<0,05) no 1º versus 2º grupo. Os níveis médios de VHS, PCR, TNFα e IL-1β estavam significativamente aumentados (p<0,05) no 1º versus 2º grupo. Foram observadas correlações negativas entre o nível de hemoglobina e as concentrações de VHS, PCR, TNFα e IL-1β. Conclusão: Esse estudo demonstrou pela primeira vez que, na Ucrânia, 46% dos pacientes com AR apresentavam anemia. Um nível reduzido de hemoglobina foi associado à atividade intensa da doença. .

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of anaemia in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Patients and methods: 89 patients who fulfilled American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for RA were included in this study. The mean disease duration was 10.9±8.8 years. All patients received methotrexate (10.5±5.5 mg/week) in combination with folic acid. Steroid hormones were prescribed to 92% (19.3±3.8 mg/day) of patients. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and levels of hemoglobin, C-reactive protein (CRP), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) were evaluated in all patients. The World Health Organization (WHO) criteria for anaemia uses a hemoglobin threshold of <120 g/L for women and <130 g/L for men. Results: Anaemia was observed in 57 (64%) of the patients (1st group), the other patients (2nd group) had normal levels of hemoglobin (135.5±10.7 g/L). Duration and activity of RA were significantly higher (p<0.05) in the 1st group compared with the 2nd. ESR, CRP, TNFα, and IL1β mean levels were significantly increased (p<0.05) in the 1st group when compared with the 2nd group. Negative correlations between hemoglobin level and ESR, CRP, TNFα, and IL1β concentrations were observed. Conclusion: This study showed for the first time in Ukraine that in 46% of patients with RA, anaemia was diagnosed. A reduction of hemoglobin level was associated with a high activity of disease. .

An international multicenter study on quality of life and family quality of life in children with atopic dermatitis.

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) has severe impact on the quality of life (QoL) of children suffering from the disease and their families. The infant's dermatitis quality of life index (IDQoL) and the dermatitis family impact questionnaire (DFI) were designed to study this impact. Aims: To compare the impact of AD on children and their families in different countries. Methods: 419 children with AD from six countries representing three continents under the age of 4 years were included into the study. English, Ukrainian, Czech, Portuguese, and Korean versions of the IDQoL and the DFI and Dutch version of the IDQoL questionnaires were used. Results: The highest scored items for the IDQoL and the DFI were rather similar. The IDQoL and the DFI results were well correlated with parental assessment of disease severity and between each other in all countries. Some differences mostly in the IDQoL assessment were found. Conclusion: Despite some reported peculiarities, parents in different counties assessed QoL and family QoL of their AD children in a similar way. The IDQoL and the DFI may be reliable initial measures for international studies. International study on the influence of the same treatment methods on the IDQoL and the DFI assessments is important.

Sobre regimes demográficos restritos: comportamento reprodutivo e cultura familiar entre os ucranianos no meio rural paranaense (1895-1980) / Sobre regímenes demográficos restringidos: comportamiento reproductivo y cultura familiar entre los ucranianos en el medio rural paranaense (1895-1980) / On restricted demographic regimes: reproductive behavior and ukrainian family culture in rural areas of the Brazilian state of Paraná (1895-1980)

O estudo acompanha a dinâmica familiar de imigrantes originários da área da atual Ucrânia, chegados ao Brasil em 1895 e estabelecidos em área rural do Paraná, na colônia Antonio Olyntho. Dada a alta fecundidade legítima do grupo, nas coortes estabelecidas para o estudo (1895-1949/1950-1980), procurou-se compreender as razões da manutenção de uma descendência final alta ao longo de todo o período analisado (entre 8 e 9 filhos, na primeira coorte, e entre 7 e 8, na segunda) e o que isso implicou em termos de organização social, familiar e doméstica. Disso restou considerar que o comportamento reprodutivo é fruto de um complexo sistema de representações, no qual interagem modos de conceber as relações de gênero e as intergeracionais, bem como o papel do casamento e da constituição domiciliar. Se assim for, as práticas concernentes à fecundidade correspondem, sobremaneira, ao exercício social de uma determinada visão de mundo. Em especial nos grupos que vivem em certo isolamento social, as chances de reproduzir modelos ancestrais de reposição geracional são favorecidas. Entre os imigrantes estudados, quase um século no Brasil foi insuficiente para mudar o sistema familiar que veio em sua bagagem: aqui continuaram a produzir prole extensa, mesmo que para isso tenham ativado uma continuada migração dos filhos excedentes.

This study focuses on the family dynamics of immigrants from the present country of the Ukraine. the ancestors of these families came to Brazil in 1895 and settled in a rural area of the State of Paraná known as Colônia Antonio Olynto. Due to the group's high legitimate fertility rate in the cohorts established for the study (1895-1949/1950-1980), the research focused on understanding the maintenance of this high rate during the period analyzed (between 8 and 9 children in the first group and 7 and 8 in the second) and the consequences in terms of family, home and social organization. In other words, the analysis questions the reasons why this group tried to perpetuate a reproductive system that historically corresponded to the realities of a quite different social space, when, in their adopted country the gross fertility rate was quickly reduced, particularly in the period that corresponded to the second group of the study. the only conclusion possible would seem to be that reproductive behavior is the result of a complex system of representation interfacing the different ways of conceiving gender-based and inter-generational relations. Also important are the role of marriage and the establishment of a home. If this is so, fertility behavior overwhelmingly corresponds to the social exercise of a specific perception of the world, especially in groups that live in social isolation, where the opportunity to reproduce ancestral models of generational replacement is favored. Among the immigrants studied, almost a century in Brazil was not enough to change the system that the families brought with them from the Ukraine. In Brazil they repeated behavior of having large numbers of offspring, even at the cost of the inevitable migration of many of their children in adulthood.

El estudio hace un seguimiento de la dinámica familiar de inmigrantes originarios del área de la actual Ucrania, llegados a Brasil en 1895 y establecidos en el área rural de Paraná, en la colonia Antonio Olyntho. Dada la alta fecundidad legítima del grupo, en las cohortes establecidas para el estudio (1895-1949/1950-1980), se procuró comprender las razones del mantenimiento de una descendencia final alta a lo largo de todo el período analizado (entre 8 y 9 hijos, en la primera cohorte, y entre 7 y 8 en la segunda) y lo que eso implicó en términos de organización social, familiar y doméstica. De esto restó considerar que el comportamiento reproductivo es fruto de un complejo sistema de representaciones, en el cual interactúan modos de concebir las relaciones de género y las inter-generacionales, así como el papel del casamiento y de la constitución familiar. Si así fuera, las prácticas concernientes a la fecundidad corresponden, sobremanera, al ejercicio social de una determinada visión del mundo. En especial en los grupos que viven en cierto aislamiento social, las posibilidades de reproducir modelos ancestrales de reposición generacional son favorecidas. Entre los inmigrantes estudiados, casi un siglo en Brasil fue insuficiente para cambiar el sistema familiar que vino en su bagaje: aquí continuaron reproduciendo una prole extensa, aunque por eso hubieran activado una continuada migración de los hijos excedentes.

The Chernobyl accident 20 years on: an assessment of the health consequences and the international response

Twenty years after the Chernobyl accident the WHO and the International Atomic Energy Authority issued a reassuring statement about the consequences. Our objectives in this study were to evaluate the health impact of the Chernobyl accident, assess the international response to the accident, and consider how to improve responses to future accidents. So far, radiation to the thyroid from radioisotopes of iodine has caused several thousand cases of thyroid cancer but very few deaths; exposed children were most susceptible. The focus on thyroid cancer has diverted attention from possible nonthyroid effects. The international response to the accident was inadequate and uncoordinated, and has been unjustifiably reassuring. Accurate assessment in future health effects is not currently possible in the light of dose uncertainties, current debates over radiation actions, and the lessons from the late consequences of atomic bomb exposure. Because of the uncertainties from and the consequences of the accident, it is essential that investigations of its effects should be broadened and supported for the long term. The United Nations should initiate an independent review of the actions and assignments of the agencies concerned, with recommendations for dealing with future international-scale accidents. These should involve independent scientists and ensure cooperation rather than rivalry.

Vinte anos após o acidente de Chernobyl ocorrido em 1986, a OMS e a Autoridade Internacional sobre Energia Atômica lançaram um relatório sobre as conseqüências desse desastre. Nosso objetivo neste estudo é avaliar o impacto de tal acidente sobre a saúde e a reação internacional sobre o ocorrido, além de considerar se é possível melhorar as respostas em futuros desastres. Observamos que a radiação sobre a tireóide, proveniente de radioisótopos de iodo, causou milhares de casos de câncer, mas poucas mortes; as crianças expostas foram as mais suscetíveis. O foco no câncer de tireóide, porém, distraiu a atenção de especialistas sobre outros possíveis efeitos. A resposta internacional ao acidente foi inadequada, descoordenada e injustificavelmente tranqüilizadora. Acurada avaliação sobre efeitos futuros nem sempre é possível por causa de uma certa dose de incertezas frente ao estágio atual dos debates sobre radiação. É essencial que investigações sobre efeitos e conseqüências do desastre possam ser socializadas e apoiadas por um longo período de tempo. Por causa das inadequadas respostas internacionais ao problema, a ONU deveria iniciar uma revisão independente a respeito das ações e responsabilidades das agências, com recomendações de como agir em futuros desastres. Isso deveria envolver cientistas independentes e não que atuassem em competição.

Effects of different pretreatments on germination of Prunus serotina seed sources.

Establishing intensive plantations of fast growing hardwood tree species that have high market values in the forest industry can narrow the gap between Turkey's demand and the supply of quality hardwood products. Black cherry (P. serotina Ehrh.) is a fast growing hardwood species with a high market value. Introducing and intensively growing black cherry (BC) in Turkey may significantly reduce the country's quality wood shortage. Adequate seed germination constitutes the first essential step for successful establishments. In this paper effects of different pretreatments, including artificial and natural stratification, on the seeds of different BC seed sources (SSs) were studied. Pretreatments had substantial effects on the dormancy breaking and germination behaviours of the SSs. Consecutive periods of complex warm and cold artificial stratification regimes longer than 90 days or natural stratification (where seeds were assumed to be naturally exposed to this complexity) resulted in best dormancy breaking and, in turn, germination among all pretreatments. Deeper dormancy and reduced germination rates of some BC seeds as the altitude of the source increases might suggest an ecological adaptive strategy of the species. BC may have deeper morphophysiological dormancy than is commonly believed. Seed size may have a positive effect on seed germination.