Pure cut vs. Endocut in endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

Background and study aims Biliary sphincterotomy is a crucial step in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), a procedure known to carry a 5% to 10% risk of complications. The relationship between Pure cut, Endocut, post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) and bleeding is unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis compared these two current types and their relationships with adverse events. Patients and methods This systematic review involved searching articles in multiple databases until August 2023 comparing pure cut versus Endocut in biliary sphincterotomy. The meta-analysis followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA). Results A total of 987 patients from four randomized controlled trials were included. Overall pancreatitis: A higher risk of pancreatitis was found in the Endocut group than in the Pure cut group ( P =0.001, RD=0.04 [range, 0.01 to 0.06]; I 2 =29%). Overall immediate bleeding: Statistical significance was found to favor Endocut, ( P =0.05; RD=-0.15 [range, -0.29 to -0.00]; I 2 =93%). No statistical significance between current modes was found in immediate bleeding without endoscopic intervention ( P =0.10; RD=-0.13 [range, -0.29 to 0.02]; I 2 =88%), immediate bleeding with endoscopic intervention ( P =0.06; RD=-0.07 [range, -0.14 to 0.00]; I 2 =76%), delayed bleeding (P=0.40; RD=0.01 [range, -0.02 to 0.05]; I 2 =72%), zipper cut ( P =0.58; RD=-0.03 [range, -0.16 to 0.09]; I 2 =97%), perforation ( P =1.00; RD=0.00 [range, -0.01 to 0.01]; I 2 =0%) and cholangitis ( P =0.77; RD=0.00 [range, -0.01 to 0.02]; I 2 =29%). Conclusions The available data in the literature show that Endocut carries an increased risk for PEP and does not prevent delayed or clinically significant bleeding, although it prevents intraprocedural bleeding. Based on such findings, Pure cut should be the preferred electric current mode for biliary sphincterotomy.

Water temperature affects somatic growth, body condition and oxygen and carbon otolith isotopes of stout whiting (Sillago robusta).

Ocean warming will continue to affect the growth, body condition and geographic distributions of marine fishes and understanding these effects is an urgent challenge for fisheries research and management. Determining how temperature is recorded in fish otolith carbonate, provides an additional chronological tool to investigate thermal histories, preferences and patterns of movement throughout an individual's life history. The influence of three water temperature treatments (22°C, 25°C, and 28°C) on hatchery-reared juvenile stout whiting, Sillago robusta, was tested using a controlled outdoor mesocosm system. Fish were measured for change in length and weight, and body condition was determined using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Sagittal otoliths were analysed for stable oxygen (δ18Ootolith) and carbon (δ13Cotolith) isotopes via isotope ratio mass spectrometry. Whiting kept at 22°C were significantly smaller and had diminished body condition compared to fish in 25°C and 28°C, which did not significantly differ from each other. The δ18O otolith values of stout whiting demonstrated a negative temperature-dependent fractionation relationship which was similar in slope but had a different intercept to the relationships reported for inorganic aragonite and other marine fish species. The δ13C otolith values also showed a negative relationship with water temperature, and the calculated proportion of metabolic carbon M in otoliths differed between fish reared in the coolest (22°C) and warmest (28°C) temperature treatments. Overall, the results suggest that stout whiting may have reached an upper growth threshold between 25°C and 28°C, and that growth and body condition may be optimised during warmer seasons and toward the northerly regions of their distribution. Otolith oxygen thermometry shows promise as a natural tracer of thermal life history, and species-specific fractionation equations should be utilised when possible to prevent errors in temperature reconstructions of wild-caught fish.

Understanding yeast shells: structure, properties and applications.

Background and purpose: The employment of yeasts for biomedical purposes has become increasingly frequent for the delivery of prophylactic and therapeutic products. Its structural components, such as ß-glucans, mannan, and chitin, can be explored as immunostimulators that show safety and low toxicity. Besides, this system minimizes antigen degradation after administration, facilitating the delivery to the target cells. Review approach: This review sought to present molecules derived from yeast, called yeast shells (YS), and their applications as carrier vehicles for drugs, proteins, and nucleic acids for immunotherapy purposes. Furthermore, due to the diversity of information regarding the production and immunostimulation of these compounds, a survey of the protocols and immune response profiles generated was presented. Key results: The use of YS has allowed the development of strategies that combine efficiency and effectiveness in antigen delivery. The capsular structure can be recognized and phagocytized by dendritic cells and macrophages. In addition, the combination with different molecules, such as nanoparticles or even additional adjuvants, improves the cargo loading, enhancing the system. Activation by specific immune pathways can also be achieved by different administration routes. Conclusion: Yeast derivatives combined in different ways can increase immunostimulation, enhancing the delivery of medicines and vaccine antigens. These aspects, combined with the simplicity of the production steps, make these strategies more accessible to be applied in the prevention and treatment of various diseases.

2,4-D Herbicide-Induced Hepatotoxicity: Unveiling Disrupted Liver Functions and Associated Biomarkers.

2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is a widely used herbicide worldwide and is frequently found in water samples. This knowledge has prompted studies on its effects on non-target organisms, revealing significant alterations to liver structure and function. In this review, we evaluated the literature on the hepatotoxicity of 2,4-D, focusing on morphological damages, toxicity biomarkers and affected liver functions. Searches were conducted on PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus and 83 articles were selected after curation. Among these studies, 72% used in vivo models and 30% used in vitro models. Additionally, 48% used the active ingredient, and 35% used commercial formulations in exposure experiments. The most affected biomarkers were related to a decrease in antioxidant capacity through alterations in the activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase and the levels of malondialdehyde. Changes in energy metabolism, lipids, liver function, and xenobiotic metabolism were also identified. Furthermore, studies about the effects of 2,4-D in mixtures with other pesticides were found, as well as hepatoprotection trials. The reviewed data indicate the essential role of reduction in antioxidant capacity and oxidative stress in 2,4-D-induced hepatotoxicity. However, the mechanism of action of the herbicide is still not fully understood and further research in this area is necessary.

Biochemical Markers for Liver Injury in Zebrafish Larvae.

Liver plays a crucial role in detoxification processes and metabolism of xenobiotics, and therefore, it is a target organ of toxicity of different classes of chemicals. In this context, some key enzymes present in liver are considered to be good biochemical markers of hepatic damage and can have their activities determined via spectrophotometry. Aspartate and alanine aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, and glutathione peroxidase are enzymes that have activities often changed in response to hepatotoxic compounds and can be accessed through the larval period of zebrafish (Danio rerio). In this chapter, we described methodologies for analyses of these five biomarkers in pooled zebrafish larvae through spectrophotometry.

Acciones del enfermero en la consulta de enfermería de puericultura en la atención primaria / Nurses' actions in childcare Nursing consultations in Primary Care

Introducción: En la Consulta de Enfermería de Puericultura, el enfermero realiza el seguimiento delcrecimiento y desarrollo del niño, práctica fundamental para la promoción y prevención de la salud. Sin embargo, hay fragilidades en la implementación, como vacíos en los registros y fallas en la evaluación preventiva de resultados importantes en la infancia, como obesidad y desnutrición. Objetivo: Identificar las acciones del enfermero en la consulta de enfermería de puericultura en la red de Atención Primaria de un municipio de la región semiárida del Nordeste de Brasil. Método: Estudio cualitativo descriptivo-exploratorio realizado con 9 enfermeros que trabajan en las Estrategias Salud de la Familia de la Atención Primaria de un municipio del estado de Río Grande del Norte, en la región semiárida del nordeste de Brasil. Los datos fueron recolectados a través de entrevistas semiestructuradas entre enero y marzo de 2021 y analizados mediante Análisis de Contenido Temático. Resultados: Surgieron 5 categorías de análisis y discusión: acogida para el vínculo; antropometría y examen físico; seguimiento del desarrollo infantil; educación para la salud: comportamiento para el cuidado; Dificultades para completar la libreta de salud del niño. Conclusión: Se observó que el enfermero es capaz de realizar una evaluación integral de la salud del niño, el vínculo y la acogida y la educación para la salud forman parte de la atención. Se verificó que hay deficiencias en la cumplimentación de la cartilla y que el proceso de enfermería no sigue la estructura esperada, lo que puede comprometer la calidad de la atención (AU)

Introdução: Na Consulta de Enfermagem em puericultura, o enfermeiro realiza a vigilância do crescimento e desenvolvimento da criança, prática essencial para promoção e prevenção da saúde. Entretanto, evidencia-se fragilidades na sua implementação como lacunas de registros e debilidades na avaliação preventiva de desfechos importantes na infância, como obesidade e desnutrição. Objetivo: Identificar as ações do enfermeiro na consulta de enfermagem em puericultura na rede de Atenção Básica de um município do Semiárido Nordestino brasileiro.Métodos: Estudo qualitativo descritivo-exploratório realizado com 9 enfermeiros atuantes nas Estratégias de Saúde da Família da Atenção Básica de um município do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte, interior do semiárido nordestino brasileiro. Os dados foram coletados por entrevista semiestruturada entre janeiro e março de 2021 e analisados por Análise de Conteúdo do tipo Temática. Resultados: Emergiram 5 categorias de análise e discussão: acolhimento para o vínculo; antropometria e exame físico; vigilância do desenvolvimento infantil; educação em saúde: atitude de cuidado; dificuldades no preenchimento da caderneta de saúde da criança. Conclusão: Percebeu-se queos enfermeiros conseguem realizar ampla avaliação de saúde das crianças, perpassando o cuidado pelo vínculo e acolhimento e pela educação em saúde. Evidencia-se que as deficiências no preenchimento da caderneta existem e que o processo de enfermagem não obedece a estrutura prevista, podendo comprometer com a qualidade da assistência (AU)

Introduction: In Childcare Nursing Consultations, nurses monitor children's growth and development, an essential practice for health promotion and prevention. However, there are weaknesses in their implementation, such as gaps in records and deficits in the preventive assessment of important outcomes in childhood, such as obesity and malnutrition. Objective: To identify nurses' actions in childcare Nursing consultations in the Primary Care network of a municipality in the semi-arid region of northeastern Brazil. Methods: A qualitative and descriptive-exploratory study carried out with 9 nurses working in the Family Health Strategies of Primary Care in a municipality from the state of Rio Grande do Norte, in the inland of the semi-arid region of northeastern Brazil. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews between January and March 2021 and analyzed using Thematic Content Analysis. Results: A total of 5 analysis and discussion categories emerged: welcoming for the bond; anthropometry and physical examination; child development surveillance; health education: caring attitude; and difficulties completing the children's health booklets. Conclusion: It was noticed that nurses are able to carry out a comprehensive assessment of children's health, permeating care through bonding, welcoming and health education. It is evidenced that there are deficiencies in completing the booklets and that the Nursing Process does not follow the expected structure, which may compromise care quality (AU)

New approaches for modulation of alginate-chitosan delivery properties.

Alginate is a biopolymer widely used on delivery systems when bioactive protection at acidic pH is required, while chitosan can enhance mucoadhesion and controlled release at alkaline pHs. In this work, alginate ionotropic gelation and electrostatic complexation to chitosan were evaluated concomitantly or in a two-step approach to improve the delivery properties of systems in different pHs. The effect of pH on alginate gelation and chitosan interactions were also evaluated. Alginate microspheres were prepared by ionotropic gelation in CaCl2 at different pH values (2.5 and 6.0) by extrusion. Complexation with chitosan was carried out during alginate ionotropic gelation (one-step approach) or after alginate gel formation (two-step approach). Alginate microparticles without chitosan showed larger pores and lower mechanical strength. Extruded microspheres at pH 6.0 were more stable to pH and showed smaller pores than the formed at pH 2.5. One-step production retained a large amount of bioactive at pH 7.0 and resulted in lower release at the pH of intestinal digestion. The two-step approach retained less amount of bioactive but confer more protection to the pH of the stomach phase and higher release in pH of the intestinal phase than one-step samples. These results indicate that the formation of alginate gels by ionotropic gelation followed by the complexation with chitosan (in two-step) is promising for the transport and delivery of bioactives into intestinal conditions, whereas the ionotropic gelation concomitantly to electrostatic complexation (one-step approach) is indicated to the delivery of bioactives into lower pH environments.

Fatores associados ao comprometimento da segurança do paciente na unidade de terapia intensiva / Factors associated with the commitment of patient safety in the intensive care unit / Factores asociados al compromiso de la seguridad del paciente en la unidad de cuidados intensivos

Objetivo: conhecer os fatores associados ao comprometimento da segurança do paciente. Método: trata-se de um artigo de revisão integrativa da literatura a partir das bases de dados Scientific Electrônic Library Online, PubMed e Literatura Latino-americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde, realizada entre abril e maio de 2022. Resultados: foi visto os principais fatores que corroboram para o comprometimento da segurança, sendo a utilização inadequada dos equipamentos, falta de rotina e ausência de protocolo no setor. Foi detectado a problemática da carga exacerbada de trabalho. Conflitos na equipe também foi tido como um preditor para existência de evento adverso. E por fim, o quesito da subnotificação dos erros. Conclusão: é visto a necessidade da gestão reverter esses problemas, para que a assim a porcentagem de erros seja diminuída.

Objective: to know the factors associated with compromised patient safety. Method: this is an integrative literature review article based on the Scientific Electronic Library Online, PubMed and Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences databases, carried out between April and May 2022. Results: it was seen the main factors that corroborate for the compromise of safety, being the inadequate use of equipment, lack of routine and lack of protocol in the sector. The problem of exacerbated workload was detected. Conflicts in the team was also considered a predictor for the existence of an adverse event. And finally, the issue of underreporting of errors. Conclusion: the need for management to reverse these problems is seen, so that the percentage of errors is reduced.

Objetivos:conocer los factores asociados a la seguridad del paciente comprometida. Método: este es un artículo de revisión integradora de la literatura basado en las bases de datos Scientific Electronic Library Online, PubMed y Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences, realizado entre abril y mayo de 2022. Resultados: se vieron los principales factores que corroboran para el compromiso de seguridad, siendo el uso inadecuado de equipos, falta de rutina y falta de protocolo en el sector. Se detectó el problema de la sobrecarga de trabajo. Los conflictos en el equipo también fueron considerados predictores de la existencia de un evento adverso. Y por último, el tema del subregistro de errores. Conclusión: se ve la necesidad de que la gestión revierta estos problemas, de modo que se reduzca el porcentaje de errores.

Análise epidemiológica dos acidentes por animais peçonhentos no estado de pernambuco / Epidemiological analysis of accidents caused by venomous animals in the state of Pernambuco

Objetivo: Analisar o perfil epidemiológico dos acidentes por animais peçonhentos no estado de Pernambuco, entre 2018 e 2022. Método: Pesquisa epidemiológica do tipo quantitativa, realizada com secundários do SINAN. Selecionado às variáveis: sexo, faixa etária, raça, escolaridade, gestação, local de picada, tempo de atendimento, tipo de acidente, soroterapia, classificação e evolução final. Os Programa Microsoft Excel e Word foram utilizados para análise estatística. Resultados: Foram notificados 105.005 casos, predominando-se em períodos quentes e chuvosos. Houve maior notificação no sexo feminino (53,05%), dos 20 aos 39 anos (31,74%), ensino fundamental incompleto (15,96%), pardos (67,88%) e não gestantes (87,07%). A maioria dos acidentes foram causados por escorpiões (73,39%), originando-se nos pés (30,35%), com atendimento médico em até 1 hora (47,74%), leves (85,73%), evoluindo para cura (91,52%) sem soroterapia (82,92%). Conclusão: Torna-se evidente a importância de medidas para seu controle, principalmente em orientações populacional e o preenchimento correto da ficha de notificação.(AU)

To analyze the epidemiological profile of accidents by venomous animals in the state of Pernambuco between 2018 and 2022. Method: Quantitative epidemiological research using secondary data from SINAN. The following variables were selected: gender, age group, race, schooling, pregnancy, place of bite, time of care, type of accident, serotherapy, classification and final evolution. The Microsoft Excel and Word programs were used for statistical analysis. Results: 105,005 cases were reported, predominantly during hot and rainy periods. Most cases were reported among females (53.05%), those aged between 20 and 39 (31.74%), those with incomplete primary education (15.96%), those with brown skin (67.88%) and those who were not pregnant (87.07%). The majority of accidents were caused by scorpions (73.39%), originated in the feet (30.35%), with medical attention within 1 hour (47.74%), mild (85.73%), evolving to cure (91.52%) without serotherapy (82.92%). Conclusion: The importance of measures to control the disease is clear, especially in terms of guidance for the population and the correct completion of the notification form.(AU)

Analizar el perfil epidemiológico de los accidentes por animales venenosos en el estado de Pernambuco entre 2018 y 2022. Método: Investigación epidemiológica cuantitativa utilizando datos secundarios del SINAN. Fueron seleccionadas las siguientes variables: sexo, grupo de edad, raza, escolaridad, embarazo, lugar de la mordedura, tiempo de atención, tipo de accidente, sueroterapia, clasificación y evolución final. Para el análisis estadístico se utilizó Microsoft Excel y Word. Resultados: Se notificaron 105.005 casos, predominantemente durante los períodos cálidos y lluviosos. La mayoría de los casos se notificaron en mujeres (53,05%), con edades comprendidas entre 20 y 39 años (31,74%), con estudios primarios incompletos (15,96%), de piel morena (67,88%) y no embarazadas (87,07%). La mayoría de los accidentes fueron causados por escorpiones (73,39%), se originaron en los pies (30,35%), recibieron atención médica en menos de 1 hora (47,74%), fueron leves (85,73%) y evolucionaron hacia la curación (91,52%) sin sueroterapia (82,92%). Conclusión: Es evidente la importancia de las medidas de control de la enfermedad, especialmente en lo que se refiere a la orientación de la población y a la correcta cumplimentación del formulario de notificación.(AU)

Contrasting patterns of foraging behavior in neotropical stingless bees using pollen and honey metabarcoding.

Stingless bees are major flower visitors in the tropics, but their foraging preferences and behavior are still poorly understood. Studying stingless bee interactions with angiosperms is methodologically challenging due to the high tropical plant diversity and inaccessibility of upper canopy flowers in forested habitats. Pollen DNA metabarcoding offers an opportunity of assessing floral visitation efficiently and was applied here to understand stingless bee floral resources spectra and foraging behavior. We analyzed pollen and honey from nests of three distantly related stingless bee species, with different body size and social behavior: Melipona rufiventris, Scaptotrigona postica and Tetragonisca angustula. Simultaneously, we evaluate the local floristic components through seventeen rapid botanical surveys conducted at different distances from the nests. We discovered a broad set of explored floral sources, with 46.3 plant species per bee species in honey samples and 53.67 in pollen samples. Plant families Myrtaceae, Asteraceae, Euphorbiaceae, Melastomataceae and Malpighiaceae dominated the records, indicating stingless bee preferences for abundant resources that flowers of these families provide in the region. Results also reinforce the preference of stingless bees for forest trees, even if only available at long distances. Our high-resolution results encourage future bee-plant studies using pollen and honey metabarcoding in hyper-diverse tropical environments.

Validation of targeted selective treatment (TST) methodology for gastrointestinal parasites of adult sheep in different physiological states.

We aimed to validate a targeted selective treatment (TST) methodology for treating parasitic gastrointestinal infections in ewes in different physiological states using parasitological and hematological parameters. Forty ewes were monitored from December 2021 to June 2022 and evaluated during various physiological stages in their life cycle. Before starting the experiment, a fecal egg count (FEC) reduction test was performed to evaluate the efficacy of the anthelmintic (AH) treatment. Weekly assessments were performed based on the Famacha© (F) system and body condition score (BCS), and ewes were subjected to AH treatment when necessary, with their physiological states recorded. Ewes were treated when they presented F ≥ 3, BCS ≤ 2.0 (when F = 2), or submandibular edema. Parasitological, i.e., FEC, and hematological, i.e., hematocrit (Ht), parameters were evaluated monthly to determine the efficiency of the TST methodology. Comparisons between the mean Ht and FEC values in ewes subjected to AH treatment and untreated ewes were performed using analysis of variance, followed by Tukey's test. Spearman's correlation was performed to determine the correlation between the variables, i.e., F scores, BCS, Ht, and FEC. All tests were performed at a significance level of 5 %. During the experimental period, 1138 evaluations were performed. The main reason for AH treatment was F ≥ 3. Ewes in early pregnancy, lactation and late pregnancy received comparatively more AH treatments than the other physiological states. Ewes in late pregnancy and lactation exhibited lower mean Ht values (23.5 % and 22.9 %) and higher mean FEC values (3269 and 1426) compared with those in early pregnancy (30.2 % and 727 EPG). In addition, a statistically significant difference was observed in the Ht and FEC values of ewes that presented submandibular edema (P < 0.001) compared with those that did not exhibit submandibular edema. The genus Haemonchus sp. showed a 96.4 % prevalence in coprocultures. A positive correlation existed between F scores and FEC (r = 0.3819) and a negative correlation between F scores and Ht (r = -0.4728). Ewes that needed AH treatment had lower mean Ht values than ewes that did not need the treatment (19.2 % × 29.3 %; P < 0.001) and higher mean FEC values (8747 × 1163; P < 0.001), confirming that these ewes needed AH treatment. The TST methodology based on F scores, BCS, and submandibular edema could effectively identify individuals in the herd needing AH treatment, identifying 13 % additional cases requiring treatment than using only the F score criterion.

Molecular prevalence and factors associated with Ehrlichia canis infection in dogs from the North Pantanal wetland, Brazil.

Background and Aim: Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis is a vector-borne disease caused by the obligatory intracellular bacterium Ehrlichia canis, which is distributed across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Its prevalence within dog populations is high in municipalities located across the Pantanal biome, but it remains unknown in Barão de Melgaço, Mato Grosso, Brazil. This study aimed to determine the molecular prevalence and factors associated with E. canis infection in dogs domiciled in Barão de Melgaço. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out to investigate the prevalence of E. canis infection in 369 dogs from urban and rural areas in Barão de Melgaço, North Pantanal wetland, Brazil. Initially, the dogs were examined, and, through a questionnaire, the risk factors were investigated. Blood samples were subjected to DNA extraction and PCR was performed to estimate the prevalence of E. canis infection. Results: The molecular prevalence of E. canis infection in dogs was 42.5% and none of the studied variables were significantly associated with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positivity (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The high molecular prevalence demonstrates an increased transmission of the agent across the city. This also indicates that attention needs to be paid to E. canis infection and control measures should be introduced to prevent its transmission. The demographic and clinical risk factors commonly associated with E. canis infection in this study were not associated with PCR positivity.

Pathophysiology and Treatment of Lipid Abnormalities in Cerebrotendinous Xanthomatosis: An Integrative Review.

Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by pathogenic variants in CYP27A1, leading to a deficiency in sterol 27-hydroxylase. This defect results in the accumulation of cholestanol and bile alcohols in various tissues, including the brain, tendons and peripheral nerves. We conducted this review to evaluate lipid profile abnormalities in patients with CTX. A search was conducted in PubMed, Embase and the Virtual Health Library in January 2023 to evaluate studies reporting the lipid profiles of CTX patients, including the levels of cholestanol, cholesterol and other lipids. Elevated levels of cholestanol were consistently observed. Most patients presented normal or low serum cholesterol levels. A decrease in chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) leads to increased synthesis of cholesterol metabolites, such as bile alcohols 23S-pentol and 25-tetrol 3-glucuronide, which may serve as surrogate follow-up markers in patients with CTX. Lipid abnormalities in CTX have clinical implications. Cholestanol deposition in tissues contributes to clinical manifestations, including neurological symptoms and tendon xanthomas. Dyslipidemia and abnormal cholesterol metabolism may also contribute to the increased risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular complications observed in some CTX patients.

Automated weighing in the stable isotope lab: When less is more.

Automated powder weighing is an elusive goal in scientific laboratories. The main problem is that powders are much more heterogeneous than liquids, making difficult the development of a unified automation solution for their handling. A compromise has been presented with miau, a low-cost, open-source autosampler for microbalance. Miau was demonstrably useful to perform the automated weighing of some powders, as long as the same powder is weighed repeatedly, which is useful for preparing standards to be measured along samples. However, in stable-isotope laboratories it is also necessary to weigh samples, which are often very heterogeneous, and thus not amenable for miau. Here it is demonstrated how miau can be adapted to handle not only standards, but also samples, using the "less is more" philosophy:•Miau is simplified to perform only the manipulation of weighing capsules, becoming "miau redux"•Miau redux can be used not only for standards, but for a variety of samples as well•Miau redux saves 64% of operator time when using a microbalance.

Influence of bone wax on bone healing: a case report and literature review.

The purposes of this article are to report the clinical case of a patient who exhibited a foreign body reaction associated with the use of bone wax after extraction of an impacted third molar and to present an integrative literature review addressing the possible influences of this hemostatic agent on bone healing. A 26-year-old woman who underwent the extraction of her mandibular right third molar developed intense alveolar bleeding during surgery, requiring the use of bone wax. In the 2-month postoperative period, the patient presented with intraoral edema and discharge of a purulent secretion via the alveolar route. After cone beam computed tomographic images revealed increased hyperdensity inside the alveolus, alveolar curettage was performed and the material that was obtained was submitted to histopathologic examination. The results of the histopathologic analysis proved conclusive for an inflammatory foreign body reaction associated with exogenous material. A search of the PubMed, SciELO, and LILACS databases identified 22 studies that evaluated the influence of this hemostatic agent on bone healing, and an integrative review involving 367 animals and 75 humans was compiled. Bone wax is a nonresorbable material capable of negatively influencing bone healing. It is suggested that the product be used cautiously in amounts that are just enough to promote the sealing of the bone channels.

Adapting an elemental analyser to perform high-temperature catalytic oxidation for dissolved organic carbon measurements in water.

RATIONALE: Many laboratories employ elemental analyzers (EAs) coupled to isotope ratio mass spectrometers (IRMSs) to measure carbon stable isotope ratios (δ13 C) in solid samples. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in most natural water samples cannot be analyzed using this approach unless time-consuming preconcentration is employed. METHODS: An EA-IRMS can be used to measure DOC δ13 C in natural waters without the need for sample preconcentration by employing high-temperature catalytic oxidation. An autosampler injects water into the EA reactor at 680°C filled with platinum catalyst beads, where all carbon is converted to CO2 . Remaining water and halides are removed, while CO2 is trapped in a cryotrap and later released to the IRMS. RESULTS: Measurements were accurate (deviation <0.3‰ compared to solid sample measurements) and precise (error of 0.3‰ for concentrations ≥46 µM). Blanks were present and accounted for. Salinity up to seawater level did not affect accuracy or precision, but limited the number of samples that could be run before cleaning of the reactor was needed. DOC δ13 C in a river/estuary varied between -25.7 and -23.2‰, with higher values for waters with higher salinity, as expected. Deep-sea water reference material had a value of -22.9 ± 0.5‰, very similar to those found in recent reports employing similar techniques. CONCLUSION: Adapting an EA is a feasible approach for the measurement of DOC δ13 C in natural waters. The low cost and simplicity of the system allow its use in any laboratory already equipped with EA-IRMS.

Position of lingual foramina in cone beam computed tomography and its implications for choosing the dimensions of dental implants for mandibular symphysis / Posição das foraminas linguais na tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico e suas implicações na escolha das dimensões dos implantes dentários para sínfise mandibular

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify the lingual foramina in a Brazilian population of 210 individuals through Cone-Beam Computed Tomography images, in order to guide the installation of dental implants in the region of the mental symphysis. Methods: After identifying the lingual foramina on a parasagittal section, four measurements were taken: distance to the alveolar ridge, distance to the mandibular lower border, distance to the limit of the vestibular cortical, and alveolar ridge inclination angle. The measurements were compared in relation to gender by the Mann-Whitney test. The association between gender and the number of foramina was done by the chi-square test. Pearson's correlation analyzed the linear relationship between age and number of foramina. Results: Lingual foramina are present in 99.6% of the research participants. In the upper-inferior direction, a mean distance to the alveolar ridge of 21.4 mm was noted, while the mean distance to the lower mandibular border was 13.1 mm. In the bucco-lingual direction, a mean distance from the lingual foramina to the vestibular cortical of 15.2 mm is noted. The inclination angle of the alveolar ridge had a mean of 25.4º. Regarding gender, the test was not significant only for the distance to the vestibular cortical. Conclusion: The lingual foramina had a descending way in 100% of cases, being positioned mainly in the middle thirds (66.5%) and lower thirds (32.7%) of the mandibular ridge height. The use of dental implants up to 13 mm in length and up to 4 mm in diameter in the region of the symphysis mentualis is recommended.

RESUMO Objetivos: Identificar as foraminas linguais em uma população brasileira de 210 indivíduos, por meio de imagens de tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico, a fim de orientar a instalação de implantes dentários em região de sínfise mentual. Métodos: Após identificação das foraminas linguais em corte parasagital, foram realizadas quatro medidas: distância até à crista alveolar, distância até à borda inferior da mandíbula, distância até o limite da cortical vestibular e ângulo de inclinação do rebordo alveolar. As medidas foram comparadas em relação ao sexo pelo teste Mann-Whitney. A comparação entre os sexos e o número de foraminas foi feito pelo teste qui-quadrado. A correlação de Pearson analisou a relação linear entre idade e número de foraminas. Resultados: As foraminas linguais estão presentes em 99,6% dos indivíduos. No sentido súpero-inferior, nota-se uma distância média até à crista alveolar de 21,4 mm, enquanto a distância média até à borda inferior da mandíbula foi de 13,1 mm. No sentido vestíbulo-lingual, nota-se uma distância média da foramina lingual até a cortical vestibular de 15,2 mm. O ângulo de inclinação do rebordo alveolar apresentou uma média de 25,4º. Em relação ao sexo, o teste só não foi significativo para a distância até a cortical vestibular. Conclusão: As foraminas linguais apresentam um trajeto descendente em 100% dos casos, posicionando-se, principalmente, nos terços médios (66,5%) e terços inferiores (32,7%) da altura do rebordo mandibular. Recomenda-se o uso de implantes dentários de até 13 mm de comprimento e de até 4mm de diâmetro em região de sínfise mentual.

The origin of the stingless bee species described by Frederick Smith from Brazilian specimens brought to the London International Exhibition of 1862

ABSTRACT For a long time, the provenance of the specimens used by Frederick Smith to describe the species of stingless bees from Brazil remained a mystery. The recent digitalization of 19th century publications has made possible to trace the origin of the material brought to the London International Exhibition of 1862 by the Brazilian delegation. We document that the bee specimens showed at the International Exhibition, and that served as type material of the species described by Smith, were collected by Manuel Ferreira Lagos, head of the Zoology section of the Comissão Científica de Exploração, during their stay in Ceará, from 1859 to 1861. Even if late, it is important to give due credit to the Comissão Científica de Exploração, and more specifically to Lagos, for the contribution to the knowledge of the stingless bee fauna from Brazil.

Analgesia and Side Effects of Codeine Phosphate Associated with Paracetamol Versus Oxycodone After the Extraction of Mandibular Third Molars: A Randomized Double-Blind Clinical Trial Using the Split-Mouth Model.

Purpose: To assess the analgesia and side effects of 10 mg oxycodone as compared to 30 mg of codeine phosphate associated with 500 mg of paracetamol after bilateral lower third molar extraction. Methods: This is a prospective, randomized, double-blind study applied to a sample of 16 patients. They were evaluated for seven days postoperatively, and the mean score of the visual analogue scale (VAS) of pain between test and control medications was assessed by the Wilcoxon distribution. The side effects of these medications were assessed by the Q Cochran test. A p value of < .05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean score of the VAS of pain was higher in the oxycodone side, where few patients reported the use of rescue analgesic. There was no report of rescue medication in codeine phosphate associated with paracetamol side. The most common side effects reported in both groups, predominantly in patients using the oxycodone, were drowsiness, dizziness, and headache. Conclusion: The use of codeine phosphate associated with paracetamol after the extraction of impacted mandibular third molars is a better choice than oxycodone for controlling postoperative pain. Trial Registration Number and Date of Registration: RBR-8ntwmyq 07/07/2021.