Factors influencing terrestriality in primates of the Americas and Madagascar.

Among mammals, the order Primates is exceptional in having a high taxonomic richness in which the taxa are arboreal, semiterrestrial, or terrestrial. Although habitual terrestriality is pervasive among the apes and African and Asian monkeys (catarrhines), it is largely absent among monkeys of the Americas (platyrrhines), as well as galagos, lemurs, and lorises (strepsirrhines), which are mostly arboreal. Numerous ecological drivers and species-specific factors are suggested to set the conditions for an evolutionary shift from arboreality to terrestriality, and current environmental conditions may provide analogous scenarios to those transitional periods. Therefore, we investigated predominantly arboreal, diurnal primate genera from the Americas and Madagascar that lack fully terrestrial taxa, to determine whether ecological drivers (habitat canopy cover, predation risk, maximum temperature, precipitation, primate species richness, human population density, and distance to roads) or species-specific traits (body mass, group size, and degree of frugivory) associate with increased terrestriality. We collated 150,961 observation hours across 2,227 months from 47 species at 20 sites in Madagascar and 48 sites in the Americas. Multiple factors were associated with ground use in these otherwise arboreal species, including increased temperature, a decrease in canopy cover, a dietary shift away from frugivory, and larger group size. These factors mostly explain intraspecific differences in terrestriality. As humanity modifies habitats and causes climate change, our results suggest that species already inhabiting hot, sparsely canopied sites, and exhibiting more generalized diets, are more likely to shift toward greater ground use.

Another Piece of the Puzzle: Echinococcus oligarthrus Recorded in Jaguarundis (Herpailurus yagouaroundi) in Southern Brazil.

Echinococcus oligarthrus is a tapeworm endemic to South America and widely distributed in the Amazon region. Its lifecycle is maintained by relationships between felids and their prey, mainly small sylvatic rodents, but humans can be infected occasionally. We report two female jaguarundis (Herpailurus yagouaroundi) harboring E. oligarthrus in southern Brazil. The felines were found road killed in periurban areas, and, during necropsy, the small intestine was examined. Visual inspection revealed helminths, which were submitted to microscopy and molecular examination. Morphologically, they were around 2.5 mm long, with four suckers and an armed scolex with two rows of hooks. Phylogenetic reconstruction using cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene sequences placed samples from south Brazil in the same clade as all other E. oligarthrus samples, but as a sister group. Genetic distance gave similar results, resulting in a divergence of 0.087% between the samples described in this study and other samples. The geographic pattern of genetic diversity, as assessed by analysis of molecular variance, suggests that the divergency results from isolation by distance. This finding expands the geographic range of E. oligarthrus and brings new insights to help understand and prevent the zoonosis it causes.

HIV post-exposure prophylaxis in vulnerable populations: a retrospective longitudinal study in a public health outpatient clinic in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, 2015-2018. / Profilaxia pós-exposição ao HIV em populações vulneráveis: estudo longitudinal retrospectivo em um ambulatório da rede pública do Rio Grande do Sul, 2015-2018.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the profile of people who initiated HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) in a public health service, evaluating the use of this technology by key populations as recommended by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. METHODS: This was a retrospective longitudinal study using secondary data on service users receiving care between 2015-2018. Absolute and relative frequencies were calculated and Pearson's chi-square test was used to compare behavioral characteristics. RESULTS: Of the 270 people evaluated, there was a higher frequency of young adults (45.4%), males (74.7%), people of white race/skin color (76.3%), with a high level of education (65.7%) and with multiple sex partners (40.7%). Among the key populations, there was a higher frequency of people who use alcohol and/or other drugs (49.6%) and men who have sex with men (38.1%), while transgender people (2.2%) and sex workers (4.8%) used PEP less. CONCLUSION: The use of PEP was not homogeneous among the vulnerable groups evaluated, with low frequency of transgender people and sex workers.

Fermented food consumption in wild nonhuman primates and its ecological drivers.

OBJECTIVES: Although fermented food use is ubiquitous in humans, the ecological and evolutionary factors contributing to its emergence are unclear. Here we investigated the ecological contexts surrounding the consumption of fruits in the late stages of fermentation by wild primates to provide insight into its adaptive function. We hypothesized that climate, socioecological traits, and habitat patch size would influence the occurrence of this behavior due to effects on the environmental prevalence of late-stage fermented foods, the ability of primates to detect them, and potential nutritional benefits. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We compiled data from field studies lasting at least 9 months to describe the contexts in which primates were observed consuming fruits in the late stages of fermentation. Using generalized linear mixed-effects models, we assessed the effects of 18 predictor variables on the occurrence of fermented food use in primates. RESULTS: Late-stage fermented foods were consumed by a wide taxonomic breadth of primates. However, they generally made up 0.01%-3% of the annual diet and were limited to a subset of fruit species, many of which are reported to have mechanical and chemical defenses against herbivores when not fermented. Additionally, late-stage fermented food consumption was best predicted by climate and habitat patch size. It was more likely to occur in larger habitat patches with lower annual mean rainfall and higher annual mean maximum temperatures. DISCUSSION: We posit that primates capitalize on the natural fermentation of some fruits as part of a nutritional strategy to maximize periods of fruit exploitation and/or access a wider range of plant species. We speculate that these factors contributed to the evolutionary emergence of the human propensity for fermented foods.

HIV post-exposure prophylaxis in vulnerable populations: a retrospective longitudinal study in a public health ambulatory in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, 2015-2018 / Profilaxis post exposición al VIH en poblaciones vulnerables: estudio longitudinal retrospectivo en un ambulatorio de salud pública en Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, 2015-2018 / Profilaxia pós-exposição ao HIV em populações vulneráveis: estudo longitudinal retrospectivo em um ambulatório da rede pública do Rio Grande do Sul, 2015-2018

Objective: To describe the profile of people who initiated post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) in a public health service, evaluating the use of this technology among the key populations preconized by the Ministry of Health of Brazil. Methods: Retrospective longitudinal study, with secondary data of people attended between 2015-2018. Absolute and relative frequencies were calculated and Pearson's chi-square test was used to compare behavioral characteristics. Results: From 270 people evaluated, there was a higher frequency of white (76.3%) young adults (45.4%), male (74.7%), highly educated (65.7%) and with multiple sex partners (40.7%). Among the key populations, there was a higher frequency of people who use alcohol and/or other drug (49.6%) and men who have sex with men (38.1%), while lower frequency of transgender people (2.2%) and sex workers (4.8%) used PEP. Conclusion: The use of PEP was not homogeneous among the vulnerable groups evaluated, with lower frequency of transgender people and sex workers.

Objetivo: Descrever o perfil de usuários que iniciaram a profilaxia pós-exposição ao HIV (PEP) em um serviço público, avaliando o uso dessa tecnologia pelas populações-chave recomendadas pelo Ministério da Saúde do Brasil. Métodos: Estudo longitudinal retrospectivo, com uso de dados secundários de usuários atendidos entre 2015 e 2018. Foram calculadas frequências absolutas e relativas e o teste qui-quadrado de Pearson foi utilizado para comparar características comportamentais. Resultados: Dos 270 usuários, foram mais frequentes adultos jovens (45,4%), homens (74,7%), raça/cor da pele branca (76,3%), alta escolaridade (65,7%) e múltiplas parcerias sexuais (40,7%). Entre as populações-chave, observou-se maior frequência de usuários de álcool e/ou outras drogas (49,6%) e homens que fazem sexo com homens (38,1%), enquanto pessoas transgênero (2,2%) e profissionais do sexo (4,8%) fizeram menor uso da PEP. Conclusão: O uso de PEP não foi homogêneo entre os grupos vulneráveis avaliados, com baixa frequência de pessoas transgênero e profissionais do sexo.

Flower consumption, ambient temperature and rainfall modulate drinking behavior in a folivorous-frugivorous arboreal mammal.

Water is vital for the survival of any species because of its key role in most physiological processes. However, little is known about the non-food-related water sources exploited by arboreal mammals, the seasonality of their drinking behavior and its potential drivers, including diet composition, temperature, and rainfall. We investigated this subject in 14 wild groups of brown howler monkeys (Alouatta guariba clamitans) inhabiting small, medium, and large Atlantic Forest fragments in southern Brazil. We found a wide variation in the mean rate of drinking among groups (range = 0-16 records/day). Streams (44% of 1,258 records) and treeholes (26%) were the major types of water sources, followed by bromeliads in the canopy (16%), pools (11%), and rivers (3%). The type of source influenced whether howlers used a hand to access the water or not. Drinking tended to be evenly distributed throughout the year, except for a slightly lower number of records in the spring than in the other seasons, but it was unevenly distributed during the day. It increased in the afternoon in all groups, particularly during temperature peaks around 15:00 and 17:00. We found via generalized linear mixed modelling that the daily frequency of drinking was mainly influenced negatively by flower consumption and positively by weekly rainfall and ambient temperature, whereas fragment size and the consumption of fruit and leaves played negligible roles. Overall, we confirm the importance of preformed water in flowers to satisfy the howler's water needs, whereas the influence of the climatic variables is compatible with the 'thermoregulation/dehydration-avoiding hypothesis'. In sum, we found that irrespective of habitat characteristics, brown howlers seem to seek a positive water balance by complementing the water present in the diet with drinking water, even when it is associated with a high predation risk in terrestrial sources.

Profilaxia pós-exposição ao HIV em populações vulneráveis: estudo longitudinal retrospectivo em um ambulatório da rede pública do Rio Grande do Sul, 2015-2018 / Profilaxis post exposición al VIH en poblaciones vulnerables: estudio longitudinal retrospectivo en un ambulatorio de salud pública en Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, 2015-2018 / HIV post-exposure prophylaxis in vulnerable populations: a retrospective longitudinal study in a public health outpatient clinic in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, 2015-2018

Objetivo: Descrever o perfil de usuários que iniciaram a profilaxia pós-exposição ao HIV (PEP) em um serviço público, avaliando o uso dessa tecnologia pelas populações-chave recomendadas pelo Ministério da Saúde do Brasil. Métodos: Estudo longitudinal retrospectivo, com uso de dados secundários de usuários atendidos entre 2015 e 2018. Foram calculadas frequências absolutas e relativas e o teste do qui-quadrado de Pearson foi utilizado para comparar características comportamentais. Resultados: Dos 270 usuários, foram mais frequentes adultos jovens (45,4%), homens (74,7%), raça/cor da pele branca (76,3%), alta escolaridade (65,7%) e múltiplas parcerias sexuais (40,7%). Entre as populações-chave, observou-se maior frequência de usuários de álcool e/ou outras drogas (49,6%) e homens que fazem sexo com homens (38,1%), enquanto pessoas transgênero (2,2%) e profissionais do sexo (4,8%) fizeram menor uso da PEP. Conclusão: O uso de PEP não foi homogêneo entre os grupos vulneráveis avaliados, com baixa frequência de pessoas transgênero e profissionais do sexo.

Objetivos: Describir el perfil de los usuarios que comenzaron la profilaxis post exposición al VIH (PEP) en un servicio público, evaluando el uso de esta tecnología por las poblaciones clave recomendadas por el Ministerio de Salud de Brasil. Métodos: estudio longitudinal retrospectivo, con datos secundarios de usuarios atendidos entre 2015-2018. Se calcularon frecuencias absolutas y relativa y se utilizó chi-cuadrado de Pearson para comparar características de comportamiento. Resultados: De los 270 usuarios estudiados, hubo mayor frecuencia de adultos jóvenes (45,4%), blancos (76,3%), hombres (74,7%), con educación superior (65,7%) y múltiples parejas sexuales (40,7%). Entre las poblaciones clave, hubo mayor frecuencia de usuarios de alcohol y/u otras drogas (49,6%) y hombres que tienen sexo con hombres (38,1%), mientras que personas transgénero (2,2%) y trabajadoras sexuales (4,8%) hizo menos uso de PEP. Conclusión: El uso de PEP no fue homogéneo entre los grupos vulnerables evaluados, con baja frecuencia de personas transgénero y trabajadoras sexuales.

Objective: To describe the profile of people who initiated HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) in a public health service, evaluating the use of this technology by key populations as recommended by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. Methods: This was a retrospective longitudinal study using secondary data on service users receiving care between 2015-2018. Absolute and relative frequencies were calculated and Pearson's chi-square test was used to compare behavioral characteristics. Results: Of the 270 people evaluated, there was a higher frequency of young adults (45.4%), males (74.7%), people of white race/skin color (76.3%), with a high level of education (65.7%) and with multiple sex partners (40.7%). Among the key populations, there was a higher frequency of people who use alcohol and/or other drugs (49.6%) and men who have sex with men (38.1%), while transgender people (2.2%) and sex workers (4.8%) used PEP less. Conclusion: The use of PEP was not homogeneous among the vulnerable groups evaluated, with low frequency of transgender people and sex workers.

Cytogenetic Characterization of Brown Howler Monkeys, Alouatta guariba clamitans (Atelidae, Platyrrhini): Meiotic Confirmation of an X1X1X2X2X3X3/X1X2X3Y1Y2 Sex Chromosome System.

For brown howler monkeys (Alouatta guariba clamitans), diploid chromosome numbers varying from 2n = 45 to 2n = 52, with XX/XY, X1X1X2X2/X1X2Y, and X1X1X2X2X3X3/X1X2X3Y1Y2 sex chromosome systems have been described by mitotic studies but still await confirmation by meiotic analyses. We analyzed 3 male individuals sampled in the wild (in the municipality of Santa Maria, RS, Brazil) as well as 1 male and 1 female individual in captivity at the São Braz breeding center. Peripheral blood samples and testicular biopsies were taken. We found different diploid numbers for both sexes in somatic cells, 2n = 45,X1X2X3Y1Y2 in males and 2n = 46,X1X1X2X2X3X3 in females, with 4 metacentric (9-12), 7 submetacentric (1-6, 8), and 9 acrocentric autosomal chromosome pairs (13-20, 22). X1 and X2 were submetacentric chromosomes, while X3, Y1, and Y2 were acrocentric ones. Spermatocyte microspreads were examined for synaptonemal complexes. Pachytene spermatocyte analysis was done to verify the chromosome number and morphologies observed in mitotic karyotypes. Immunodetection was performed using anti-SMC3 and anti-CREST antibodies. The presence of a sex chromosome pentavalent X1X2X3Y1Y2 in the males was confirmed by C-banding in metaphase I and by immunodetection in prophase I by the clear identification of 5 centromeres. The G-banded karyotype corresponded to that previously described for A. g. clamitans in the south of Brazil (Curitiba, Parana State, and Blumenau, Santa Catarina State) and for the Misiones Province, Argentina.

Grupo de alfabetização e convivência em saúde mental: uma investigação sobre a produção de sentidos

O presente artigo é resultado de estudo que tem como objetivo identificar o significado e o sentido do Grupo de Alfabetização e Convivência em Saúde Mental para os sujeitos envolvidos. As indagações que motivaram a pesquisa surgiram da inserção como residente de Serviço Social em uma Unidade de Saúde de Atenção Primária a Saúde (APS), do Serviço de Saúde Comunitária do Grupo Hospitalar Conceição (SSC/GHC), onde ocorre o referido grupo. Para atingir o objetivo proposto, através de abordagem qualitativa exploratória, realizou-se pesquisa documental, entrevista com os coordenadores e grupo focal com os participantes. Identifica-se a partir da análise que o sentido e significado do grupo atribuído por seus membros é relacionado ao espaço de convivência e socialização oportunizado. Conclui-se que este é o elemento produtor de sentido para os sujeitos de pesquisa e potencializador de abordagens convergentes com a promoção de saúde e integralidade do cuidado.

Biotransformed soybean extract induces cell death of estrogen-dependent breast cancer cells by modulation of apoptotic proteins.

The process of soybean biotransformation increases the quantity of isoflavones (daidzein and genistein), which besides being considered an alternative to estroprogestive hormone replacement therapy (HRT), are able of hindering the growth and development of tumor cells. We investigated the effects of soybean extract biotransformed by fungus on estrogen-dependent (MCF-7) and nondependent (SK-BR-3) breast cell lines. Cells were treated with different concentrations of biotransformed (BSE) and nonbiotransformed soybean extract (SE), or daidzein (D) and genistein (G) patterns isolated and in combination (D + G). Afterwards, we analyzed cell viability by MTT assay, phosphatidylserine exposure and cell permeability by flow cytometry; expression of apoptotic proteins by Western blotting. BSE promoted reduction in cell viability and increase in DNA degradation in both cell lines. In addition, we verified increase in cell permeability and in the expression of phosphatidylserine, as well as modulation in the expression of apoptotic proteins in MCF-7 cells. The cells did not show any signs of cell death when incubated with the controls (D, G, and D + G). Unknown components found in the BSE induce cell death by apoptosis and necrosis, mainly in MCF-7 cells. These processes depend on the activation of caspase-3 and involve an increase in the expression of proapoptotic molecules.

UVA-UVB photoprotective activity of topical formulations containing Morinda citrifolia extract.

Exposure to solar radiation, particularly its ultraviolet (UV) component, has a variety of harmful effects on human health. Some of these effects include sunburn cell formations, basal and squamous cell cancers, melanoma, cataracts, photoaging of the skin, and immune suppression. The beneficial photoprotective effects of topical formulations with the extract, Morinda citrifolia, have not been investigated. This present study aims to investigate the potential benefits of M. citrifolia topical application on the dorsal skin of mice, exposed to UVA-UVB light. Using 7 days of treatment, [before (baseline values) and 20 h after UV exposure], the thickness, skin barrier damage (TEWL), erythema, and histological alterations were evaluated. The results showed that the formulations containing the extract protected the skin against UV-induced damage.

Biotransformed soybean extract (BSE) inhibits melanoma cell growth and viability in vitro: involvement of nuclear factor-kappa B signaling.

Melanoma is recognized as one of the most aggressive cancers with a relatively high propensity for metastasis. The prognosis of melanoma remains poor in spite of treatment advances, emphasizing the importance of additional preventive measures. Isoflavonoids have become not only potential chemopreventive, but also important therapeutic natural agents. We evaluated the antiproliferative and proapoptotic properties of biotransformed soybean extract (BSE) in A375 melanoma cells. Previous analyses demonstrated that the concentration of daidzein, genistein and aminoacids/peptides present in BSE, fermented by Aspergillus awamori is much higher than in the non biotransformed extract (NBSE). Experiments comparing the efficacy of the extracts in preventing cancer cell growth showed that treatment (24 h) of aggressive melanoma cells (A375 and 451Lu) with BSE resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of growth and viability. In contrast, treatment with similar doses of NBSE failed to inhibit melanoma cell viability. Further studies in A375 cells showed that decrease in cell viability with BSE treatment (1.5-1.9 mg/ml; 24 h) was associated with induction of apoptosis. Immunoblot analysis revealed that BSE treatment resulted in induction of PARP cleavage, activation of caspase-3, -7, and -8 and increased expression of TRAIL and its receptor DR4. BSE did not activate the intrinsic apoptotic pathway in A375 cells, as no change was observed in caspase-9 expression. The expression of Bcl-2 apoptotic proteins such as Bid and Bax remained unaffected with BSE treated cells. Interestingly, we also showed that BSE treatment increased the phosphorylation and activation of IKK, IκBα degradation and p65/NF-κB translocation to the nucleus, and that stimulation of the NF-???B pathway was required for BSE-induced apoptosis of A375 cells. Our findings indicate that the biotransformation of soybean plays a crucial role in the extract anti-cancer effect observed in melanoma cells. However, further studies are warranted to define the active anti-cancer agent(s) present in BSE.

Evaluation of Mucoadhesive Gels with Propolis (EPP-AF) in Preclinical Treatment of Candidiasis Vulvovaginal Infection.

Vulvovaginal candidiasis is the second cause of vaginal infection in the USA. Clinical treatment of C. albicans infections is routinely performed with polyenes and azole derivatives. However, these drugs are responsible for undesirable side effects and toxicity. In addition, C. albicans azole and echinocandin resistance has been described. Propolis is a bee product traditionally used due to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and other properties. Therefore, the present work aimed to evaluate different propolis presentations in order to evaluate their in vitro and in vivo efficacy. The methodologies involved antifungal evaluation, chemical analysis, and the effects of the rheological and mucoadhesive properties of propolis based gels. The obtained results demonstrated the fungicide action of propolis extracts against all three morphotypes (yeast, pseudohyphae, and hyphae) studied. The highest level of fungal cytotoxicity was reached at 6-8 hours of propolis cell incubation. Among the based gel formulations developed, the rheological and mucoadhesive results suggest that propolis based carbopol (CP1%) and chitosan gels were the most pseudoplastic ones. CP1% was the most mucoadhesive preparation, and all of them presented low thixotropy. Results of in vivo efficacy demonstrated that propolis based gels present antifungal action similar to clotrimazole cream, suggesting that future clinical studies should be performed.

Anti-inflammatory and toxicity studies of atranorin extracted from Cladina kalbii Ahti in rodents

Atranorin (ATR) is the main compound from the lichen Cladina kalbii Ahti, which grows in the arid regions of northeastern Brazil. This study was conducted to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and toxicological properties of ATR. To evaluate anti-inflammatory properties, paw edema was induced by injecting 0.1 mL of carrageenan into the subplantar region of the right hind paw of rats, and leukocyte migration was induced by injection of 500 µL of carrageenan into the peritoneal cavity of mice. In addition, we determined ATR cytotoxicity in L929 cells by MTT assay and acute (5 g/kg-single dose) and subchronic (50 mg/kg-30 days) toxicity tests in Wistar rats. The results showed that ATR (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity (paw edema and leukocyte migration). In the acute toxicity test, the animals showed hypoactivity and lethargy during the initial period (first 6 hours) and increase in total protein, total and indirect bilirubin, and alkaline phosphatase after 14 days in ATR-treated male rats. The subchronic toxicity test revealed increases in total protein, globulin, gamma-glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase, and total and direct bilirubin in ATR-treated female rats. Histological analysis revealed no changes in the architecture and morphology of the organs. These results suggest that ATR has significant anti-inflammatory activity, with no significant acute and subchronic toxicity or cytotoxicity.

Atranorina (ATR) é o principal composto do líquen Cladina kalbii Ahti, que cresce em terras áridas do nordeste brasileiro. Este estudo foi realizado para avaliar as propriedades antiinflamatórias e toxicológicas da ATR. Para avaliar as propriedades antiinflamatórias, o edema de pata foi induzido, administrando-se 0,1 mL de carragenina na região subplantar da pata traseira direita e a migração leucocitária foi induzida pela injeção de 500 µL de carragenina no peritônio. Além disso, determinou-se a citotoxicidade da ATR, utilizando-se a linhagem celular L929, através do teste de MTT e dos testes de toxicidade aguda (5 g/kg - dose única) e subcrônica (50 mg/kg-30 dias) em ratos Wistar. Os resultados mostraram que nas doses de (100 mg/kg e 200 mg/kg) a ATR exibiu atividade antiinflamatória significativa nos ensaios de edema de pata e migração leucocitária. Nos testes de toxicidade aguda, os animais apresentaram hipoatividade e letargia no período inicial (primeiras 6 horas) e aumento das proteínas totais, bilirrubinas total e indireta e fosfatase alcalina depois de 14 dias nos machos tratados. Para o ensaio subcrônico, houve aumento das proteínas totais, gama-glutamil-transferase, fosfatase alcalina e bilirrubina total e direta nas fêmeas tratadas com ATR. Não foram encontradas alterações na arquitetura e morfologia das lâminas histológicas observadas. Esses resultados sugerem que a ATR apresenta atividade antiinflamatória significativa, sem apresentar significativa toxicidade aguda, subcrônica e citotoxicidade.

Immediate/Early loading of zygomatic implants: clinical experiences after 2 to 5 years of follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Conventional prosthetic treatment of the edentulous and resorbed maxilla with zygomatic implants is a lengthy procedure. Today, immediate/early loading is a clinical reality and it is possible that such protocols could be used also for zygomatic implants. PURPOSE: The aim of the present study is to report on the clinical outcomes of immediate/early loading of zygomatic implants for prosthetic rehabilitation of edentulous and severely resorbed maxillary cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 47 zygomatic and 129 regular implants were placed in 25 consecutive patients with total (N = 23) or partial (N = 2) edentulism in the maxilla. The patients had less than 4 mm of available bone height and width distal to the canine pillars. Straight and angulated abutments and impression copings were attached to the implants during surgery. Impressions and bite registrations were made and 19 patients received a bridge within 24 hours and six patients were rehabilitated within 5 days. Screw-retained full arch restorations were used in 23 patients and cemented in 2 patients. The patients were instructed for a soft diet during 4 months. Follow-up controls were performed at 1, 4, and 12 months and thereafter annually. All patients were followed for at least 2 years and up to 5 years in function. RESULTS: All zygomatic implants were stable during the follow-up (cumulative survival rate 100%). One regular implant placed in the pterygoid plate failed after 52 months of loading (cumulative survival rate 99.2%). Apart from fracture of one abutment screw and of anterior teeth in five patients, no other complications were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of the present study, it is concluded that immediate/early loading is a viable treatment modality for prosthetic rehabilitation of the severely resorbed maxilla using zygomatic and conventional implants.

Extrasinus zygomatic implants: three year experience from a new surgical approach for patients with pronounced buccal concavities in the edentulous maxilla.

BACKGROUND: The surgical protocol for zygomatic fixtures prescribes an intrasinus approach ideally maintaining the sinus membrane intact and the implant body inside the sinus while gaining access to the zygomatic bone. In the presence of a pronounced buccal concavity, the implant head has to be placed far from the alveolar crest in a palatal direction, which results in a bulky bridge construction. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to report on the preliminary experiences with zygomatic implants placed with an extrasinus approach in order to have the implant head emerging at or near the top of the alveolar crest. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty consecutive patients with pronounced buccal concavities in the edentulous posterior maxilla were treated with 104 regular and 36 zygomatic implants as support of fixed dental bridges. Sixteen patients were treated bilaterally and four patients were treated unilaterally. The zygomatic implants were inserted by using an extrasinus surgical approach with the implant body passing from the alveolar crest through the buccal concavity into the zygomatic bone. This enabled placement of the implant head at or close to the alveolar crest. The patients were followed from 36 to 48 months after occlusal loading with a mean follow-up of 41 months. The relation of the zygomatic implants to the crest was measured and compared with a control group of 20 patients treated with conventional placement of zygomatic implants. RESULTS: No implants were lost during the study period. No pain, discomfort, or complications related to the extrasinus path of the zygomatic implants were recorded after the initial healing period and up to the 36th-month checkup. The zygomatic implants emerged, on average, 3.8 mm (SD 2.6) palatal to the top of the crest compared with 11.2 mm (SD 5.3) to the conventional technique. CONCLUSION: The present 3-year clinical study shows that an extrasinus approach can be utilized when placing zygomatic implants in patients with pronounced buccal concavities in the posterior maxilla. Moreover, the technique results in an emergence of the zygomatic fixture close to the top of the crest, which is beneficial from a cleaning and patient-comfort point of view.

Frog diversity in the Floresta Nacional de Chapecó, Atlantic Forest of southern Brazil / Diversidade de anuros na Floresta Nacional de Chapecó, Floresta Atlântica do sul do Brasil

The Atlantic Forest is considered one of the world's biological diversity hotspots but is nevertheless increasingly threatened with the rapid destruction and fragmentation of its natural areas. In the state of Santa Catarina, southern Brazil, remnants of the mixed ombrophilous forest and seasonal deciduous forest exist as islands within large areas of agriculture, pastures and human settlements. Here we present information on species richness and habitat use by anurans in the Floresta Nacional de Chapecó, located in the western portion of the state of Santa Catarina. Anurans were surveyed by active search of potential reproductive sites from December 1998 to December 2001. A total of 29 species were recorded, most of which have a known distribution restricted to southern Brazil and adjacent countries (Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay) and use open areas for reproduction. The species composition was most similar to other areas of mixed ombrophilous forest and seasonal deciduous forest from the extreme south of Brazil. The information in this study may support the implementation of conservation and management strategies in the area.

A Floresta Atlântica é um dos hotspots mundiais de diversidade biológica, mas se encontra cada vez mais ameaçada devido a rápida destruição e fragmentação das áreas naturais. No Estado de Santa Catarina, os remanescentes de Floresta Atlântica formam ilhas em meio a amplas áreas de cultivo agrícola, pastagens e habitações humanas. Neste estudo, apresentamos informações sobre a riqueza de espécies e uso do ambiente pelos anuros na Floresta Nacional de Chapecó (FNC), localizada nos municípios de Guatambú e Chapecó, Estado de Santa Catarina. A coleta de dados foi realizada entre dezembro de 1998 e dezembro de 2001. Os registros foram realizados por meio de busca ativa em sítios potencialmente utilizados para a reprodução das espécies. Foram registradas 29 espécies de anuros. A maioria das espécies registradas apresenta distribuição geográfica restrita ao sul do Brasil e países vizinhos (Argentina, Paraguai e Uruguai), e utilizam áreas abertas para a reprodução. A composição de espécies da FNC foi mais similar a outras áreas de floresta ombrófila mista e floresta estacional decidual do extremo sul do Brasil. As informações deste estudo podem auxiliar na implementação de estratégias de conservação e manejo da área.

A prospective clinical study on titanium implants in the zygomatic arch for prosthetic rehabilitation of the atrophic edentulous maxilla with a follow-up of 6 months to 5 years.

BACKGROUND: Prosthetic rehabilitation with implant-supported prostheses in the atrophic edentulous maxilla often requires a bone augmentation procedure to enable implant placement and integration. However, a rigid anchorage can also be achieved by using so-called zygomatic implants placed in the zygomatic arch in combination with regular implants placed in residual bone. PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to report on the clinical outcome of using zygomatic and regular implants for prosthetic rehabilitation of the severely atrophic edentulous maxilla. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-nine consecutive patients with severe maxillary atrophy were, during a 5-year period, treated with a total of 69 fixed full-arch prostheses anchored on 435 implants. Of these, 131 were zygomatic implants and 304 were regular implants. Fifty-seven bridges were screw-retained and 12 were cemented. The screw-retained bridges were removed at the examination appointments and each implant was tested for mobility. In addition, the zygomatic implants were subjected to Periotest (Siemens AG, Bensheim, Germany) measurements. The patients had at the time of this report been followed for at least 6 months up to 5 years in loading. RESULTS: Two regular implants failed during the study period giving a cumulative survival rate of 99.0%. None of the zygomatic implants was removed. All patients received and maintained a fixed full-arch bridge during the study. Periotest measurements of zygomatic implants showed a decreased Periotest values value with time, indicating an increased stability. Three patients presented with sinusitis 14-27 months postoperatively, which could be resolved with antibiotics. Loosening of the zygomatic implant gold screws was recorded in nine patients. Fracture of one gold screw as well as the prosthesis occurred twice in one patient. Fracture of anterior prosthetic teeth was experienced in four patients. CONCLUSIONS: The results from the present study show that the use of zygomatic and regular implants represents a predictable alternative to bone grafting in the rehabilitation of the atrophic edentulous maxilla.

Determinación de la substantividad de un dentífrico con flúor de aminas y xilitoly de un dentífrico con flúor de sodio / No disponible

Los agentes químicos utilizados para el control y eliminación de la placa bacteriana deben reunir unas características específicas para ser utilizados como medio de prevención de la caries y la enfermedad periodontal. Todas estas características son de gran interés, sin embargo, debemos destacar tres condiciones sine qua non a la horade seleccionar el agente químico a utilizar: la toxicidad, la potencia y la substantividad. Un factor determinante en la acción antiplaca de un agente químico parece estar relacionado con la capacidad de ser retenido en la cavidad oral durante largos períodos de tiempo, es la propiedad conocida con el nombre de substantividad. En el presente trabajo se realiza un estudio comparativo para determinar el contenido de flúor en saliva después del cepillado dental con un dentífrico que contiene flúor de aminas y con un dentífrico que contiene flúor de sodio; comparando la substantividad de cada uno de ellos en el medio oral (AU)

The chemical agents used for the control and elimination of the bacterial plaque must have especial and determinant characteristics to be used by a prevention method of caries and periodontal disease. All of these characteristics are very interesting; however, we must insist on three essential conditions in the time of choose the chemist agent for use: the toxicity, the potency and the substantivity. A determinant factor in the antiplaque action of our chemical agent seem to be related with the capacity for are retained in the oral cavityduring long periods of time; is the property known as substantivity. In the present study it is been compared three different dentifrices in order to determine the quantity of fluorine in saliva after a tooth brushing with amina fluorine dentifrice and with sodium fluorine dentifrice; comparing the substantively of each in the oral medium (AU)

Estudio de la microfiltración en tres sistemas diferentes de elementos sobre implantes / No disponible

Los objetivos de este estudio in vitro son evaluar la presencia de gapsy microfiltración entre pilar e implante en un pilar cementado, pilar mecanizado, pilar colado en titanio, pilar colado en oro y pilar colado con conexión amortiguada, todos ellos excepto el primero, atornillados. Para ello se analizaron al microscopio electrónico, posteriormente se termociclaron y se realizó un análisis de filtración de fluidos. Los pilares cementados no fue posible valorar el gap, en los mecanizados el gap fue inexistente, en los colados en titanio fue de39.26 micras de media, en los colados en oro fue de 9.85 micras, en los colados en titanio amortiguados fue de 22.8 micras. Los pilares cementados, los mecanizados y los colados en titanio amortiguados no mostraron filtración, mientras que los pilares colados en titanio yen oro mostraron filtración de fluidos (AU)

The purpose of this in vitro study is to quantify the gap and microleakage in implants with trasmucosal collar and cemented bolt abutment, implants with screw retained prosthesis with mechanized abutment, implants with screw retained prostheses with abutment casted in titanium, implants with screw retained prostheses with abutment casted in gold and implants with transmucosal collar, resino'ring and titanium casted abutment will be used. All implants were analysed under a scanning electron, later we thermocycled its and evaluate fluid filtration. In mechanised abutments a mean of 0micron gap, in titanium casted abutments a mean of 39 micron gap,in gold casted abutment a mean of 22 micron gap, in casted abutment with o'ring a mean of 9 micron gap, and in cemented abutments the gap was completely filled with cement. Mechanised, cemented abutments and casted abutments with resin o'ring offer better results relating to abutment-implant interface sealing (AU)