Conservative and minimally invasive approaches to control idiopathic condylar resorption: a scoping review.

Idiopathic condylar resorption (ICR) is an uncommon disease with multiple names that challenges orthodontic and surgical treatments. The aim of this study was to investigate the existing conservative and minimally invasive approaches to controlling ICR. A scoping literature review was conducted. Inclusion criteria were young patients with degenerative joint disease based on the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders or Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) protocols, or ICR based on the DC/TMD expanded taxonomy protocol. Six electronic databases and the grey literature were searched, without restriction on year or language. Two reviewers independently performed the study selection and data extraction. Ten studies were selected from the 13,953 records identified. The total sample size was 424 patients; the female-to-male ratio was 7:1 and the mean age of the patients was 25.7 years. The main primary outcomes were pain, mandibular dysfunction, and condylar resorption. There is no guarantee of definitive success in the early management of ICR, despite the promising approaches studied, and there is no specific protocol to be followed. Therefore, close post-surgical follow-up is still required. This study highlights the need to standardize the nomenclature and diagnostic criteria, and assess the status of condylar activity/severity in future research.

Effects of lycopene from guava (Psidium guajava L.) derived products on breast cancer cells.

Polyphenols, condensed tannins, total flavonoids, total carotenoids, lycopene and ascorbic acid were determined besides verifying antioxidant capacity of peel, pulp and desserts (with and without sugar) of red guava (Psidium guajava L.) as well as the effects of lycopene on cytotoxicity, cell cycle and apoptosis on breast cancer cell line MCF-7. Guava peel contains 90% of the total ascorbic acid and heat treatment does not modify bioactive compounds content and antioxidant capacity. Sugar addition decreased guava pulp functional capacity. After heat treatment, lycopene content was stable, but sugar addition reduced its concentration by 57%. Lycopene (10 µM) extracted from guava and standard presented the same cytotoxic effect on MCF-7 cells. Lycopene influenced over G2-M transition check-point of the cell cycle and increased apoptotic cells percentages compared to untreated cells. The consumption of in natura guava, especially with peel can be considered an important source of bioactive compounds.

Serological Evidence of Rickettsia Exposure among Patients with Unknown Fever Origin in Angola, 2016-2017.

Spotted fever group Rickettsia (SFGR) is one among the aetiologies that cause fever of unknown origin in Angola. Despite their occurrence, there is little information about its magnitude in this country either because it is misdiagnosed or due to the lack of diagnostic resources. For this purpose, eighty-seven selected malaria- and yellow fever-negative serum specimens collected between February 2016 and March 2017 as part of the National Laboratory of Febrile Syndromes, from patients with fever (≥37.5°C) for at least 4 days and of unknown origin, were screened for Rickettsia antibodies through an immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Serological results were interpreted according to the 2017 guidelines for the detection of Rickettsia spp. Three seroreactive patients had detectable IgM antibodies to Rickettsia with an endpoint titre of 32 and IgG antibodies with endpoint titres of 128 and 256. These findings supported a diagnosis of Rickettsia exposure amongst these patients and highlight that rickettsioses may be among the cause of unknown febrile syndromes in Angola. Therefore, physicians must be aware of this reality and must include this vector-borne disease as part of aetiologies that should be considered and systematically tested in order to delineate appropriate strategies of diagnostic and control of Rickettsia in Angola.

Osteossíntese femoral associada ao biovidro 60S em tamanduá-bandeira: relato de caso / Femoral osteosynthesis associated with 60s bioglass in tamanduá bandeira: case report

Atropelamentos de animais silvestres são frequentes e muitas vezes causam fraturas ósseas que, se não tratadas adequadamente, levam à morte do animal por complicações ou por inabilidade de sobrevivência no seu habitat natural. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi relatar o uso de placa associada ao pino intramedular e ao biovidro 60S (BV60S) para o tratamento de fratura de fêmur em tamanduá-bandeira. O animal foi resgatado pela polícia ambiental com suspeita de atropelamento. Foi sedado para avaliação clínica e radiográfica, que revelou fratura em fêmur direito. Utilizou-se dexmedetomidina como medicação pré-anestésica, midazolam e cetamina para indução, e isoflurano para manutenção. Também foi realizado bloqueio peridural com bupivacaína e morfina. A osteossíntese foi feita com placa bloqueada 2,7 e pino intramedular 2,5. Colocaram-se 4g de BV60S no foco de fratura para favorecer a osteogênese. O paciente teve recuperação funcional imediata do membro acometido. A reparação óssea ocorreu por segunda intenção, observando-se ossificação completa do calo com consolidação clínica, aos 30 dias, e remodelação quase completa, aos 180 dias. Conclui-se que o uso de placa e pino associado ao BV60S é eficiente no tratamento de fratura de fêmur em tamanduá, permitindo a rápida recuperação e a reintrodução do animal na natureza.(AU)

Roadblocks of wild animals are frequent and often cause bone fractures that if not properly treated lead to the death of the animal due to complications or inability to survive in its natural habitat. The objective of the present study was to report the use of plate rod and bioglass 60S (BG60S) for the treatment of femoral fracture in anteater. The animal was rescued by environmental police on suspicion of being hit. It was sedated for clinical and radiographic evaluation, which revealed a fracture in the right femur. Dexmedetomidine was used as preanesthetic medication, midazolam and ketamine for induction, and isoflurane for maintenance. Epidural blockade with bupivacaine and morphine was also performed. Osteosynthesis was done with a locking plate 2.7 and 2.5 intramedullary pin. 4G of BG60S was placed in the focus of fracture to favor osteogenesis. The patient had immediate functional recovery of the affected limb. The bone repair occurred by second intention, with complete ossification of the callus with clinical consolidation at 30 days, and near complete remodeling at 180 days. It is concluded that the use of plate rod to the BG60S is efficient in the treatment of femur fracture in anteater, allowing the rapid recovery and reintroduction of the animal in the wild.(AU)

Occurrence in Brazil of Haplaxius crudus (Hemiptera: Cixiidae), Vector of Coconut Lethal Yellowing.

The lethal yellowing (LY) is a major phytoplasma causing disease seriously threatening coconut plantations worldwide, with imminent risk of entering Brazil. The LY phytoplasma is restricted to the phloem and transmitted by the planthopper Haplaxius crudus (Van Duzee) (Cixiidae). In this study, Auchenorrhyncha were collected on the leaves of Dwarf vs. Dwarf hybrids and Brazilian Green Dwarf Jiqui in the Brazilian northern state of Para using yellow adhesive traps in May of 2016. The planthopper H. crudus was found in coconut plantations of Brazilian Green Dwarf Jiqui, accounting for 87% of the individuals captured. This is the first report of vector H. crudus in Brazilian coconut plantations. These findings are of great scientific relevance since H. crudus could negatively impact the Brazilian coconut industry and this knowledge could be used in contingency measures in the case of LY be introduced in the country.

Mental disorder prevalence among U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs outpatients with spinal cord injuries.

OBJECTIVES: Depression and other mental disorders are more prevalent among individuals living with spinal cord injury (SCI) than in the community at large, and have a strong association with quality of life. Yet little is known about the prevalence and predictors of mental disorders among U.S. military Veterans living with SCI. The primary aim of this study was to present an estimate of mental disorder point prevalence in this population. The secondary aim was to examine the relationship of mental disorders to demographics, injury characteristics, and other clinically relevant features such as impairment from mental health problems and life satisfaction. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SETTING: A SCI & Disorders Center at a U.S. Veterans Affairs Medical Center. PARTICIPANTS/METHODS: Administrative and medical records of 280 Veterans who attended annual comprehensive SCI evaluations were evaluated. Demographics, injury characteristics, self-reported mental and emotional functioning (i.e. SF-8 Health Survey), and clinician-determined mental disorder diagnoses were attained. RESULTS: Overall, 40% of patients received at least one mental disorder diagnosis, most commonly depressive disorders (19%), posttraumatic stress disorder (12%), and substance or alcohol use disorders (11%). Several patient characteristics predicted mental disorders, including age, racial minority identity, non-traumatic SCI etiology, and incomplete (i.e. AIS D) vs. complete injury. Mental disorders were associated with greater impairment from health and mental health-related problems and less satisfaction with life. CONCLUSIONS: Mental disorders are common among outpatients receiving VA specialty care for SCI. These findings highlight the importance of having adequate and effective available mental health services available for Veterans with SCI.

Assessing soil erosion risk using RUSLE through a GIS open source desktop and web application.

Soil erosion is a serious environmental problem. An estimation of the expected soil loss by water-caused erosion can be calculated considering the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE). Geographical Information Systems (GIS) provide different tools to create categorical maps of soil erosion risk which help to study the risk assessment of soil loss. The objective of this study was to develop a GIS open source application (in QGIS), using the RUSLE methodology for estimating erosion rate at the watershed scale (desktop application) and provide the same application via web access (web application). The applications developed allow one to generate all the maps necessary to evaluate the soil erosion risk. Several libraries and algorithms from SEXTANTE were used to develop these applications. These applications were tested in Montalegre municipality (Portugal). The maps involved in RUSLE method-soil erosivity factor, soil erodibility factor, topographic factor, cover management factor, and support practices-were created. The estimated mean value of the soil loss obtained was 220 ton km(-2) year(-1) ranged from 0.27 to 1283 ton km(-2) year(-1). The results indicated that most of the study area (80 %) is characterized by very low soil erosion level (<321 ton km(-2) year(-1)) and in 4 % of the studied area the soil erosion was higher than 962 ton km(-2) year(-1). It was also concluded that areas with high slope values and bare soil are related with high level of erosion and the higher the P and C values, the higher the soil erosion percentage. The RUSLE web and the desktop application are freely available.

Estradiol modulates TGF-ß1 expression and its signaling pathway in thyroid stromal cells.

The higher prevalence of thyroid disease in women suggests that estrogen (E2) might be involved in the pathophysiology of thyroid dysfunction. To approach the question of the effect of stromal cells in the modulation of thyroid epithelial cells activity, we established and characterized a homogeneous stromal cell population (TS7 cells) of rat thyroid gland. These fibroblastic cells synthesize the cytoskeleton proteins α-smooth muscle actin and vimentin, produce basement membrane components and express the cytokine transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-ß1). Here, we hypothesized that the effects of E2 on follicular thyroid cells are mediated by TGF-ß1 synthesis and secretion by stromal cells (paracrine action). Thus we investigated the effect of E2 on TGF-ß1 synthesis and its signaling pathway in TS7 cells. In addition, we analyzed the role of TGF-ß1 signaling pathway as mediator of TS7-PC CL3 thyroid epithelial cells interactions. We report that TS7 stromal cells expressed α and ß estrogen receptors (ERα and ERß). Further, both isoforms of TGF-ß1 receptors, TGFRI and TGFRII, were also identified in TS7 cells, suggesting that these cells might be a target for this cytokine in vitro. Treatment of TS7 cells with E2 induced both synthesis and secretion of TGF-ß1. This event was followed by phosphorylation of the transcription factor Smad2, a hallmark of TGF-ß1 pathway activation. Co-culture of PC CL3 cells onto TS7 cells monolayers yielded round aggregates of PC CL3 cells surrounded by TS7 cells. TS7 cells induced a decrease in iodide uptake by PC CL3 cells, probably by a mechanism involving TGF-ß1. Moreover, E2 affected synthesis and organization of the extracellular matrix (ECM) components, tenascin C and chondroitin sulfate, in these co-culture cells. Our results point to the TGF-ß1/Smad-2 signaling pathway as a putative target of estrogen actions on thyroid stromal cells and contribute to understanding the interplay between stromal and follicular cells in thyroid physiology.

Seasonal contrasts in the response of coffee ants to agroforestry shade-tree management.

In many tropical landscapes, agroforestry systems are the last forested ecosystems, providing shade, having higher humidity, mitigating potential droughts, and possessing more species than any other crop system. Here, we tested the hypothesis that higher levels of shade and associated humidity in agroforestry enhance coffee ant richness more during the dry than rainy season, comparing ant richness in 22 plots of three coffee agroforestry types in coastal Ecuador: simple-shade agroforests (intensively managed with low tree species diversity), complex-shade agroforests (extensively managed with intermediate tree species diversity) and abandoned coffee agroforests (abandoned for 10-15 yr and resembling secondary forests). Seasonality affected responses of ant richness but not composition to agroforestry management, in that most species were observed in abandoned coffee agroforests in the dry season. In the rainy season, however, most species were found in simple-shade agroforests, and complex agroforestry being intermediate. Foraging coffee ants species composition did not change differently according to agroforestry type and season. Results show that shade appears to be most important in the dry seasons, while a mosaic of different land-use types may provide adequate environmental conditions to ant species, maximizing landscape-wide richness throughout the year.

Analysis of foraminifera assemblages and sediment geochemical properties to characterise the environment near Araçá and Saco da Capela domestic sewage submarine outfalls of São Sebastião Channel, São Paulo State, Brazil.

Superficial bottom samples were collected near diffusers of domestic sewage submarine outfalls at Araçá and Saco da Capela, São Sebastião Channel, Brazil. The goal of this study was to investigate the distribution and composition of live benthic foraminifera assemblages and integrate the results obtained with geochemical analyses to assess human-induced changes. According to the results obtained no environmental stress was observed near the Saco da Capela submarine outfall diffusers. The foraminifera assemblage is characterised by species typical of highly hydrodynamic environments, with well-oxygenated bottom waters and low nutrient contents. In contrast, near Araçá submarine outfall, organic enrichment was denoted by high phosphorus, sulphur and, to a lesser extent, total organic carbon content. Harmful influences on foraminifera could be identified by low richness and specific diversity, as well as the predominance of detritivore feeder species, which are associated with higher organic matter flux and low oxygen in the interstitial pore water.

Reproductive performance of the mite Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes, 1939) on citrus and coffee, using life table parameters.

The flat-mite Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes, 1939) (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) is considered important in citrus (Citrus spp.) and coffee plants (Coffea spp.) in Brazil, and is known as the leprosis and coffee ring spot mite, as being a vector of the Citrus Leprosis Rhabdovirus - CitLV and Coffee Ring Spot Virus - CoRSV. The objective of this work is to find out about the reproductive success of B. phoenicis on citric fruits and coffee leaves by fertility life table parameters and its biology. The experiments were carried out in laboratory conditions at 25 +/- 2 degrees C, 70 +/- 10% of relative humidity and 14 h of photophase. The lengths of embryonic and post-embryonic periods were different due to the host where the mite was reared. B. phoenicis showed better development and higher survival and fecundity in citric fruits than coffee leaves. The intrinsic rate of the population increase (r(m)) was 0.128 and 0.090 - females/female/day on citric fruits and coffee leaves, respectively. The citric fruits were more appropriate for the development of B. phoenicis than coffee leaves.

Reproductive performance of the mite Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes, 1939) on citrus and coffee, using life table parameters / Desempenho reprodutivo do ácaro Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes, 1939) em citros e em cafeeiro, utilizando parâmetros de tabela de vida

The flat-mite Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes, 1939) (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) is considered important in citrus (Citrus spp.) and coffee plants (Coffea spp.) in Brazil, and is known as the leprosis and coffee ring spot mite, as being a vector of the Citrus Leprosis Rhabdovirus - CitLV and Coffee Ring Spot Virus - CoRSV. The objective of this work is to find out about the reproductive success of B. phoenicis on citric fruits and coffee leaves by fertility life table parameters and its biology. The experiments were carried out in laboratory conditions at 25 ± 2 °C, 70 ± 10 percent of relative humidity and 14 h of photophase. The lengths of embryonic and post-embryonic periods were different due to the host where the mite was reared. B. phoenicis showed better development and higher survival and fecundity in citric fruits than coffee leaves. The intrinsic rate of the population increase (r m) was 0.128 and 0.090 - females/female/day on citric fruits and coffee leaves, respectively. The citric fruits were more appropriate for the development of B. phoenicis than coffee leaves.

O ácaro Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes, 1939) (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) é considerado importante em citros (Citrus spp.) e cafeeiro (Coffea spp.) no Brasil, sendo conhecido como ácaro da leprose e da mancha-anular, por ser vetor dos vírus causadores da leprose em citros,Citrus Leprosis Rhabdovirus - CitLV, e da mancha-anular em cafeeiro,Coffee Ring Spot Virus - CoRSV. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o sucesso reprodutivo de B. phoenicis, em frutos cítricos e em folhas de cafeeiro, por meio de parâmetros calculados a partir da tabela de vida,de fertilidade e da biologia. Os experimentos foram realizados em laboratório a 25 ± 2 °C, 70 ± 10 por cento de umidade relativa e 14 h de fotofase. Os períodos embrionário e pós-embrionário apresentaram diferenças em função do hospedeiro em que o ácaro foi criado.B. phoenicis teve melhor desenvolvimento, maior sobrevivência e maior fertilidade específica em frutos cítricos do que em folhas de cafeeiro. A taxa intrínseca de crescimento populacional (rm) foi de 0,128 e 0,090 fêmeas/fêmea/dia em frutos cítricos e em folhas de cafeeiro, respectivamente. Os frutos cítricos mostraram-se mais adequados ao desenvolvimento de B. phoenicis do que as folhas de cafeeiro.

Characterization and natural history of ventricular septal defects in the fetus.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize and describe the evolution of ventricular septal defects (VSD) from intra-uterine diagnosis to infancy in a population of fetuses with isolated defects. METHODS: Sixty-eight fetuses with isolated VSD represented the study population. Of these, 28 underwent termination of pregnancy, 14 died in utero or after birth and 26 reached 1 year of age. In this population, the following variables were evaluated: presence of extracardiac or chromosomal anomalies, site and size of the defect, pregnancy outcome. These variables were assessed against closure of the VSD up to 1 year of age. Necropsies were available for all fetuses following termination of pregnancy. All surviving neonates were followed up directly or by telephone until documented echocardiographic closure of the defect or until 1 year of age. RESULTS: There was a significant correlation between type of VSD and type of aneuploidy (P < 0.001). A total of 26 surviving fetuses reached 1 year of age: 46.1% (n = 12) of all defects closed in utero, 23.1% (n = 6) closed during the first year of life and 30.8% (n = 8) remained patent. Only three (15.8%) of the 19 VSDs < 3 mm remained patent in comparison with five (71.4%) of the seven defects > 3 mm (P < 0.05). None of the malalignment VSDs closed, in comparison to 69% of the peri-membranous and 60% of the muscular defects. CONCLUSION: Ventricular septal defect can undergo spontaneous closure during intra-uterine life and this process depends upon the site and the size of the defect. These data may provide useful additional information to aid prenatal counseling.

Prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung: a report of 26 cases and review of the literature.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the sonographic appearances and prenatal natural history of congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung. METHODS: In each case a detailed examination of the thoracic lesion and a complete fetal survey was performed. The pregnancies that elected to continue were followed to term. RESULTS: A total of 26 cases were identified. The pregnancy was electively terminated in nine cases (35%). All the remaining 17 pregnancies ended in liveborn infants (100%). The lesion disappeared completely in three fetuses (18%). Of the 14 infants in whom the lesion was confirmed at birth nine required surgery in the neonatal or post-natal period. Five children did not undergo surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Conservative management appears to be an adequate medical practice in cases of isolated congenital unilateral cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung, in the absence of hydrops and/or acute polyhydramnios.