Spatial distribution of sediment bacterial communities from São Francisco River headwaters is influenced by human land-use activities and seasonal climate shifts.

Riverbed sediments are dynamic freshwater environments colonized by a great diversity of microorganisms which play important roles in supporting freshwater ecosystem by performing a vast array of metabolic functions. Recent evidence generated by HTS approaches has revealed that the structure of sediment microbial communities is influenced by natural seasonal variations in water such as temperature or streamflow as well by disturbances caused by local human activities. Here, a spatiotemporal analysis of sediment microbial distribution from São Francisco River headwaters section was conducted using Illumina 16S rRNA-V4 region amplicon sequencing in order to accomplish three major goals: (i) to investigate whether the diversity and composition of bacterial communities accessed in riverbed sediments vary in response to distinct land-use activities; (ii) to estimate whether the diversity patterns vary between the dry and wet seasons; and (iii) to evaluate whether the diversity of bacterial metabolic functions, predicted by PICRUSt2 approach, varies similarly to the estimated taxonomic diversity. Our findings revealed that bacterial communities in the sediment show differences in diversity and taxonomic composition according to the anthropic activities performed in the local environment. However, the patterns in which this taxonomic diversity is spatially structured show differences between the dry and wet seasons. On the other hand, the most changes in predicted bacterial metabolic functions were verified between sediment samples accessed in portions of the river located in protected and unprotected areas. Our findings contributed with new evidence about the impact of typical land-use practices conducted in countryside landscapes from developing countries on riverbed bacterial communities, both in their taxonomic and functional structure.

Ancilla-Assisted Generation of Photons from Vacuum via Time-Modulation of Extracavity Qubit.

We propose a scheme for the generation of photons from a vacuum via time-modulation of a quantum system indirectly coupled to the cavity field through some ancilla quantum subsystem. We consider the simplest case when the modulation is applied to an artificial two-level atom (we call 't-qubit', that can be located even outside the cavity), while the ancilla is a stationary qubit coupled via the dipole interaction both to the cavity and t-qubit. We find that tripartite entangled states with a small number of photons can be generated from the system ground state under resonant modulations, even when the t-qubit is far detuned from both the ancilla and the cavity, provided its bare and modulation frequencies are properly adjusted. We attest our approximate analytic results by numeric simulations and show that photon generation from vacuum persists in the presence of common dissipation mechanisms.

Can moderate heavy metal soil contaminations due to cement production influence the surrounding soil bacterial communities?

Events of soil contamination by heavy metals are mostly related to human activities that release these metals into the environment as emissions or effluents. Among the industrial activities related to heavy metal pollution, cement production plants are considered one of the most common sources. In this work we applied the High-throughput sequencing approach called 16 S rDNA metabarcoding to perform the taxonomic characterization of the prokaryotic communities of the soil surrounding three cement plants as well as two areas outside the influence of the cement plants that represented agricultural production environments free of heavy metal contamination (control areas). We applied the environmental genomics approaches known as "structural community metrics" (α- and ß-diversity metrics) and "functional community metrics" (PICRUSt2 approach) to verify whether or not the effects of heavy metal contamination in the study area generated impacts on soil bacterial communities. We found that the impact related to the elevation of heavy metal concentration due to the operation of cement plants in the surrounding soil can be considered smooth according to globally recognized indices such as Igeo. However, we identified that both the taxonomic and functional structures of the communities surrounding cement plants were different from those found in the control areas. We consider that our findings contribute significantly to the general understanding of the effects of heavy metals on the soil ecosystem by showing that light contamination can disturb the dynamics of ecosystem services provided by soil, specifically those associated with microbial metabolism.

Photobiomodulation can prevent apoptosis in cells from mouse periodontal ligament.

Photobiomodulation (PBM) has been used to modulate the inflammatory and immune responses, pain relief, and to promote wound healing. PBM is widely used in dental practice and its cellular effects should be investigated. The aim was to evaluate if PBM changes proteins cell death-related, such as caspase-6 and Bcl-2, in periodontal ligament cells. Eighteen mice were divided in three groups (n = 6), i.e., (I) control, (II) 3 J cm-2, and (III) 30 J cm-2. Low power infrared laser (830 nm) parameters were power at 10 mW, energy densities at 3 and 30 J cm-2 in continuous emission mode, exposure time of 15 and 150 s, respectively for 4 days in a row. Twenty-four hours after last irradiation, the animals were euthanized, and their jaws were fixed and decalcified. Caspase-6 and Bcl-2 were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunocytochemical techniques, and DNA fragmentation was evaluated by TUNEL. Statistical differences were not significant to caspase-6 mRNA relative levels in tissues from jaws at both energy densities, but a significant increase of Bcl-2 mRNA relative levels was obtained at 30 J cm-2 group. Also, 30 J cm-2 group showed caspase-6 positive-labeled cells decreased and Bcl-2 positive-labeled cells significantly increased. TUNEL-labeled cells demonstrated DNA fragmentation decreased at 30 J cm-2. PBM can alter Bcl-2 mRNA relative level and both caspase-6 and Bcl-2 protein, modulating cell survival, as well as to reduce DNA fragmentation. More studies must be performed in order to obtain conclusive results about photobiostimulation effects using infrared low-level laser in apoptosis process as to achieve the optimum dosage.

Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization of hepatocellular carcinoma in a patient with celiac trunk occlusion: a therapeutic challenge.

Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization is a technique for provoking ischemia and cytotoxic activity by selectively injecting microspheres containing chemotherapy drugs into vessels supplying a tumor. An 87-year-old female patient on palliative treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma and with indications for chemoembolization underwent preparatory angiography, which revealed celiac trunk occlusion. The treatment option chosen was selective catheterization of the hepatic artery proper to release the chemotherapy agent via an alternative route through the superior mesenteric artery with communication using the pancreaticoduodenal arcade. Studies have reported evidence showing increased survival after chemoembolization and also reduced tumor growth rate. However, difficulties with accessing and catheterizing the artery feeding the tumor via the alternative access make the procedure a challenge, because of the tortuosity of the pancreaticoduodenal arcade.

A high-resolution history of the South American Monsoon from Last Glacial Maximum to the Holocene.

The exact extent, by which the hydrologic cycle in the Neotropics was affected by external forcing during the last deglaciation, remains poorly understood. Here we present a new paleo-rainfall reconstruction based on high-resolution speleothem δ18O records from the core region of the South American Monsoon System (SAMS), documenting the changing hydrological conditions over tropical South America (SA), in particular during abrupt millennial-scale events. This new record provides the best-resolved and most accurately constrained geochronology of any proxy from South America for this time period, spanning from the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) to the mid-Holocene.

Centennial-scale solar forcing of the South American Monsoon System recorded in stalagmites.

The South American Monsoon System (SAMS) is generally considered to be highly sensitive to Northern Hemisphere (NH) temperature variations on multi-centennial timescales. The direct influence of solar forcing on moisture convergence in global monsoon systems on the other hand, while well explored in modeling studies, has hitherto not been documented in proxy data from the SAMS region. Hence little is known about the sensitivity of the SAMS to solar forcing over the past millennium and how it might compete or constructively interfere with NH temperature variations that occurred primarily in response to volcanic forcing. Here we present a new annually-resolved oxygen isotope record from a 1500-year long stalagmite recording past changes in precipitation in the hitherto unsampled core region of the SAMS. This record details how solar variability consistently modulated the strength of the SAMS on centennial time scales during the past 1500 years. Solar forcing, besides the previously recognized influence from NH temperature changes and associated Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) shifts, appears as a major driver affecting SAMS intensity at centennial time scales.

Diagnosis of temporomandibular joint disorders: indication of imaging exams.

INTRODUCTION: Knowledge of the different imaging tests and their appropriate indications is crucial to establish the diagnosis of temporomandibular disorders, especially in patients with overlapping signs and symptoms. OBJECTIVE: To present and assess the main diagnostic imaging tests for temporomandibular disorders and rationally discuss their indication criteria, advantages, and disadvantages. METHODS: Literature review in the Web of Knowledge, PubMed and SciELO databases, as well as manual search for relevant publications in reference lists of the selected articles. RESULTS: Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were considered the gold standard assessments for the temporomandibular joint to evaluate hard and soft tissues, respectively. Each diagnostic method exhibited distinct sensitivity and specificity for the different subtypes of joint dysfunction. CONCLUSION: Selecting an evaluation examination based on its accuracy, safety, and clinical relevance is a rational decision that can help lead to an accurate diagnosis and an optimum treatment plan.

Ear Acupuncture Therapy for Masticatory Myofascial and Temporomandibular Pain: A Controlled Clinical Trial.

Ear acupuncture works by reducing painful sensations with analgesic effect through microsystem therapy and has been demonstrated to be as effective as conventional therapies in the control of facial pain. This clinical trial aimed to evaluate the adjuvant action of auricular acupuncture through an observation of the evolution of temporomandibular and masticatory myofascial symptoms in two groups defined by the therapies elected: auricular acupuncture associated with occlusal splint (study) and the use of the occlusal splint plate alone (control). We have selected 20 patients, who were randomly allocated into two groups of ten individuals. Symptoms were evaluated in five different moments, every seven days. We analyzed the orofacial muscle and joint palpation in order to measure the intensity of the experienced pain. Both groups showed a statistically significant decrease in muscle and joint symptoms (p < 0.05). However, comparisons between the groups showed an expressive and significant reduction of symptomatology in the study group (p < 0.05) already on the first week of therapy. According to the results, to the methodological criteria developed and statistical analysis applied, the conclusion is that auricular acupuncture therapy has synergistic action on conventional occlusal splint treatment. It was demonstrated to be effective in the reduction of symptoms in the short term.

Impact of oral health conditions on the quality of life of workers.

Occupational health has been the scope of numerous studies, primarily due to the concern that the worker should enjoy good working conditions and a satisfactory quality of life. This study seeks to analyze the impact of oral health on the quality of life of workers at a public university using the simplified version of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) and associated factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 326 workers who responded the questions of OHIP-14 about self-rated health, oral morbidity, and socioeconomic and demographic questions. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to verify the association between the independent variables and OHIP-14. About 40% of the impact of oral health on quality of life can be explained by the variables: education level (p = 0,03), age (p = 0,03), reason for visiting a dentist (p = 0,01), oral health perception (p < 0,01) and satisfaction with teeth and mouth (p < 0,01). The use of OHIP-14 can be useful for planning programs and actions focused on health education for occupational health, prioritizing workers with greater psychosocial impacts caused by oral problems.

Evaluación radiográfica y microscópica de la acción de quelantes en la remoción del barro dentinario / Radiographic and microscopic evaluation of the action of chelating agents in dental smear layer removal

Introducción: el tratamiento endodóntico realiza la limpieza y conformación del sistema de conductos radiculares, ya que virutas de dentina y materiales orgánicos, como los microorganismos, creadas por la acción de la instrumentación, forman el llamado barro dentinario. Objetivo: evaluar in vitro la remoción del barro dentinario y la disminución de la densidad de túbulos dentinarios, con soluciones irrigadoras quelantes. Métodos: se trata de un estudio experimental para el cual fueron seleccionados 30 dientes unirradiculares de humanos después del examen radiográfico inicial, y en el que se constató la presencia de canal único, ausencia de calcificación, reabsorción interna y tratamiento endodóntico concluido o en proceso. Luego se procedió a la instrumentación con tres diferentes soluciones irrigadoras: ácido etilenodiaminetetracético 17 por ciento, ácido cítrico 10 por ciento e hipoclorito de sodio 5,25 por ciento (grupo control). Posteriormente se evaluó radiográficamente cada diente instrumentado con el uso de una escala de densidad que fue confeccionada de aluminio con diferentes marcadores de densidades. Para el análisis por microscopio electrónico de barrido se utilizaron tres dientes de cada grupo, tratados con diferentes soluciones irrigadoras. Siete dientes de cada grupo se infiltraron con azul de metileno para la lectura de la infiltración marginal en el microscopio estereoscópico. Los dientes fueron evaluados en sus tres tercios: cervical, medio y apical. Resultados: se encontró que radiográficamente no hubo diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre los promedios de las densidades de los grupos de dientes en todos los tercios. Por microscopio electrónico de barrido se encontró una diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre los tres grupos de sustancias irrigadoras (p < 0,001), en el tercio cervical la remoción del barro dentinario fue mayor. Y por microscopio óptico se observó una mayor infiltración en el grupo de ácido etilenodiaminetetracético seguido del grupo ácido cítrico y por último el grupo control. Conclusión: el análisis de la densidad radiográfica y microscópica mostró que las sustancias quelantes fueron eficientes en la remoción del barro dentinario, excepto en el grupo control. Ninguna de las sustancias demostró alteraciones de densidad radiográfica de los túbulos dentinarios(AU)

Introduction: as part of endodontic treatment, root canals are cleaned and shaped, since shavings of dentin and organic materials, such as microorganisms, resulting from the action of instrumentation, create the so-called dental smear. Objective: carry out an in vitro evaluation of smear layer removal and dentinal tubule density reduction using chelating irrigation solutions. Methods: an experimental study was conducted for which 30 single-rooted human teeth were selected after initial radiographic examination to verify the presence of a single canal, absence of calcification, internal resorption and endodontic treatment either completed or underway. Next, instrumentation was performed with three different irrigation solutions: 17 percent ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, 10 percent citric acid and 5.25 percent sodium hypochlorite (control group). Each instrumented tooth was then evaluated radiographically using a density scale made of aluminum with different density markers. Scanning electron microscope analysis was performed on three teeth from each group, which were treated with different irrigation solutions. Seven teeth from each group were infiltrated with methylene blue to determine marginal infiltration under the stereomicroscope. The teeth were evaluated on their three thirds: cervical, middle and apical. Results: radiographs did not reveal any statistically significant difference between the mean densities of the different groups of teeth in all thirds. Scanning electron microscopy showed a statistically significant difference between the three groups of irrigation substances (p < 0,001), with greater smear layer removal from the cervical third. Optical microscopy showed that infiltration was greatest in the ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid group, followed by the citric acid group, and lowest in the control group. Conclusion: analysis of radiographic and microscopic density revealed that except for the control group, chelating agents were efficient in removing dental smear. None of the substances showed any alteration in the radiographic density of dentinal tubules(AU)

Laser acupuncture in patients with temporomandibular dysfunction: a randomized controlled trial.

A prospective, double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled trial was conducted in patients with chronic temporomandibular disorder (TMD) to check the analgesic efficacy of infrared low-power GaAlAs diode laser applied to acupuncture points. Forty female subjects, ranging in age from 20 to 40 years, with diagnoses of chronic myofascial pain and arthralgia were randomly allocated to two groups: an experimental group (EG) who received the laser acupuncture as adjunct to reversible occlusal splint therapy and a control group (CG) who received a placebo laser associated with occlusal splint therapy. Both approaches were applied once a week for 3 months. Laser acupuncture was defined by the following parameters: 50-mW continuous radiation for 90 s to acupoints ST6, SI19, GB20, GB43, LI4, LR3, NT3, and EX-HN3; defining 4.5-J energy; 1250-W/cm(2) density point; and 112.5-J/cm(2) total density. The outcome measurements included a symptom evolution assessment carried out by checking spontaneous and palpation pain intensity, which was indicated on a visual analog scale (VAS). All evaluations were made by an assessor who was blind to the treatment. The symptom reduction was significant in both groups (EG: VAS = 0, n = 20; CG: VAS between 2 and 4, n = 18). The measurements showed significantly faster and lower pain intensity values in the EG (p ≤ 0.002), where there was a higher proportion of patients with remission of symptoms related to the action of laser acupuncture. For patients in whom conservative treatment was adopted, the laser acupuncture is a secure, noninvasive, and effective treatment modality because it improves the chronic pain associated with TMD and has no side effects.

Manejo de imágenes radiográficas digitalizadas para el auxilio diagnóstico / Digitized radiographic image management for diagnosis assistance

Evaluar las herramientas digitales utilizadas para la corrección de la calidad de la imagen de radiografías periapicales. Fueron confeccionadas cinco radiografías periapicales sin patrón de calidad, una radiografía con calidad ideal (Padrón Oro) y una con escala de densidad (ED). Las imágenes fueron transferidas a un computador y corregidas por las herramientas del software Picasa II (Google Co., EUA). Quince estudiantes de pregrado y quince profesionales confrontaron las imágenes antes y después de la corrección digital con el "Padrón Oro" y la "ED". Las medias de las evaluaciones de los dos grupos en cuanto al valor de "Padrón Oro", antes y después de la corrección y la "ED", fueron iguales (p<0,05). Se integró entonces un grupo homogéneo de evaluadores (n=30). El software mostró mayor eficiencia en la corrección de la sobreexposición y subfijación (p<0,05); y en las demás imágenes no fue eficaz (p<0,05). El software Picasa II mostró mejoras en las radiografías periapicales sobreexpuestas y subfijadas.

To evaluate the digital tools for correction of the image quality of periapical X-rays. Five periapical X-rays were made without quality standard, one X-ray with ideal (Gold) quality and one on a scale of density (SD). The images were transferred to a computer and corrected by the tools of the Picasa II software (Google Co., USA). Fifteen academics and fifteen professionals confronted the images before and after the digital correction with the "Gold" and the "SD". The averages of the evaluations of the two groups, as to the value of the "Gold", before and after the correction and as to "SD", were the same (p <0.05). A homogeneous group of evaluators was then formed (n=30). The software showed better efficiency in the correction of over-exposure and under-fixing (p <0.05); and in the other images it was not efficient (p <0.05). The Picasa software presented improvement of the over-exposed and under-fixed periapical X-rays.

Liberación de flúor en los cementos de ionómero de vidrio después de la exposición a la radioterapia / Fluoride release from glass ionomer cements after exposure to radiotherapy

Con el conocimiento de la acción del flúor sobre la prevención de la caries dental, éste ha sido incorporado a los materiales odontológicos, entre ellos al cemento de ionómero de vidrio (CIV). El objetivo de este trabajo fue conocer cuál es el tipo de CIV que sufre menos influencia en su liberación de flúor cuando se lo somete a dosis radioterápicas. Los tres grupos experimentales se construyeron con CIV convencional, reforzado e híbrido, los cuales recibieron una dosis radioterápica fraccionada en 35 aplicaciones de 200cGy/día. La concentración de los iones fluoruro liberada se midió por espectrofotometría UV-VIS (= 620nm). El CIV convencional irradiado liberó menos flúor en todas las semanas, cuando se lo comparó con el convencional sin radiación. El híbrido irradiado liberó dos veces más que el sin radiación en la primera y segunda semana. El reforzado irradiado liberó el doble de flúor de la primera a la tercera semana. Los tres tipos de CIV presentaron alteraciones al ser sometidos a la dosis radioterápica.

Fluoride prevents dental caries, thus compound has been incorporated to dental materials, including glass ionomer cements (GIC). Identify the type of GIC that is less influenced by its fluoride-release ability when exposed to therapeutic doses of radiation. The experimental group comprises three different GIC (standard, reinforced and hybrid) and received 35 applications of 200cGy/day. Released fluorine concentrations were measured with UV-VIS (= 620nm) spectrophotometry. Irradiated standard GIC released less fluoride in all weeks when compared to non-irradiated standard GIC. Irradiated hybrid GIC released twice as much fluoride as the non-irradiated one both in the first and second weeks. Irradiated reinforced GIC released twice as much fluoride in the first and third weeks. The three GIC types experienced alterations after receiving therapeutic doses of radiation.

Lesiones cervicales no cariosas asociadas a bruxismo nocturno grave: informe de un caso clínico / Non-carious cervical lesions associated with severe bruxism: report of a case report

Entre las lesiones cervicales no cariosas, la abfracción se define como la pérdida patológica de la estructura del diente en la región de unión cemento-esmalte, debido a la flexión producida por las fuerzas oclusales excéntricas, generalmente vinculadas a algunas interferencias oclusales, contactos prematuros, bruxismo y apretamiento. El presente artículo es un informe de un caso de una paciente, RFG, de 47 años, sexo femenino, que asistió a la clínica del "Servicio ATM" con la queja principal del bruxismo y la recesión gingival. En la historia clínica se informó de las actividades parafuncionales desde hace 2 años, además de episodios de depresión y ansiedad. En el examen clínico se observaron lesiones de abfracción en todos los elementos posteriores, hipertonicidad del masetero y puntos dolorosos de baja intensidad en el pterigoideo y en el esternocleidomastoideo. Para controlar los síntomas, el tratamiento inicial fue el uso de una férula neuromiorelajante. Teniendo en cuenta las manifestaciones sintomáticas relacionadas con las estructuras del sistema estomatognático, los hábitos parafuncionales y el perjuicio de los aspectos psicosociales, este trabajo tiene como objetivo establecer una relación entre las lesiones de abfracción, los factores etiológicos y las manifestaciones clínicas del trastorno temporomandibular que se incluyen en este informe de caso.

Among the noncarious cervical lesions, the abfraction is defined as the pathological loss of tooth structure at the cementoenamel junction due to the bending generated by occlusal eccentric forces, usually linked to some occlusal interference, premature contacts, bruxism and tight. This article show the case of patient RFG, 47 years old, female, who attended the "SERVICIO ATM" clinic with main complaint of bruxism and gingival retraction. In anamnesis, parafuncional activity was recorded 2 years ago, and episodes of depression and anxiety.In the clinical examination were observed abfraction lesions in all posterior teeth, hypertonicity of the masseter and painful light sites in medial pterygoid and sternocleidomastoid. For control of symptoms, initial treatment was established with occlusal plate. In view of the symptomatic manifestations involving structures of the stomatognathic system, parafunctional habits and commitment to the psychosocial aspects, this work aims to make a brief association, so little reported in the literature, among the lesions of abfraction, the etiological factors and clinical manifestations of the temporomandibular disorder found in this case.