The Use of Therapy Dogs in the Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccination at the University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus.

Pet ownership and therapy dogs as companion animals and emotional support have potential health benefits. We report the experiences at a COVID-19 vaccination center after authorizing children's vaccines. When the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for children aged 5 to 11 years was authorized for emergency use, we adapted the center's space to receive children, adding cartoon posters and balloons and using children's adhesive bandages, among others. Located at a Campus with six health professional schools, medical students dressed as storybook or movie characters. Children were asked to make drawings during the post vaccination observation period. We incorporated therapy dogs as part of our strategy for a child-friendly center during vaccination activities. Parents expressed that the COVID-19 immunization seemed to be better accepted by children as the dogs in the center entertained them. Many children were in close contact with the dogs while receiving the shots, caressing them, or having the small dogs on their laps. Children's drawings reflected colors, flowers, families, images of happiness, dogs with their names, their own pets, and superhero characters. There were no negative images of syringes, injections, or germs. To our knowledge, this was the only vaccine center in Puerto Rico that implemented therapy dogs as a strategy to create a friendly environment for COVID 19 immunization efforts targeted for children. Based on this experience, we encourage the use of therapy dogs in other immunization activities and will further gather prospective data in the future.

Consensus in acute myeloid leukemia in Mexico.

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) comprises a heterogeneous group of hematopoietic cell neoplasms of myeloid lineage that arise from the clonal expansion of their precursors in the bone marrow, interfering with cell differentiation, leading to a syndrome of bone marrow failure. AML is a consequence of genetic and epigenetic changes (point mutations, gene rearrangements, deletions, amplifications, and arrangements in epigenetic changes that influence gene expression) in hematopoietic precursor cells, which create a clone of abnormal cells that are capable of proliferating but cannot differentiate into mature hematopoietic cells or undergo programmed cell death. The diagnosis requires more than 20% myeloid blasts in the bone marrow and certain cytogenic abnormalities. Treatment will depend on age, comorbidities, and cytogenetic risk among the most frequent.

La leucemia mieloide aguda (LMA) comprende un grupo heterogéneo de neoplasias de células hematopoyéticas de linaje mieloide que surgen de la expansión clonal de sus precursores en la médula ósea, interfiriendo con la diferenciación celular, lo que conlleva a un síndrome de falla medular. La LMA es una consecuencia de cambios genéticos y epigenéticos (mutaciones puntuales, rearreglos de genes, deleciones, amplificaciones y arreglos en cambios epigenéticos que influyen en la expression del gen) en las células hematopoyéticas precursoras, la cual crea una clona de células anormales que son capaces de proliferar, pero no se pueden diferenciar en células hematopoyéticas maduras ni sufrir una muerte celular programada. El diagnostic requiere más del 20% de blastos mieloides en médula ósea y ciertas anormalidades citogénicas. El tratamiento dependerá de la edad, comorbilidades, riesgo citogenético entre las más frecuentes.

Consenso mexicano para el diagnóstico y tratamiento de la trombastenia de Glanzmann / Mexican consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of Glanzmann thrombasthenia

Resumen Las plaquetas tienen un papel central en diferentes escenarios fisiológicos, incluyendo la hemostasia; se unen unas con otras en la agregación plaquetaria, lo cual permite formar un coágulo plaquetario. Para que la agregación sea apropiada se requiere del complejo glicoproteico IIb/IIIa (GPIIb/IIIa) en la superficie plaquetaria. Toda alteración funcional plaquetaria, hereditaria o adquirida, impide la formación adecuada del coágulo y se manifiesta como hemorragia. Las enfermedades plaquetarias hereditarias son raras y, hasta recientemente, fueron ignoradas. Una de las más reconocidas y estudiadas es la trombastenia de Glanzmann (TG), entidad en la cual el número de plaquetas puede ser normal pero la función está alterada. Es un padecimiento autosómico y recesivo que causa hemorragia de diferente intensidad toda la vida y en la cual el problema radica en precisamente en la GPIIb/IIIa. Las hemorragias son típicamente mucocutáneas: equimosis, púrpura, epistaxis, gingivorragia; menos frecuentes son la hemorragia gastrointestinal, hemartrosis o en sistema nervioso central. La hiperpolimenorrea es común en las mujeres y llega a ser tan importante que amerita transfusiones en la menarca. La TG afecta a todos los grupos étnicos y su prevalencia varía entre 1/40,000 y 1/400,000. A pesar de esta información acerca de la TG en el mundo, hay pocas guías o recomendaciones basadas en la opinión de expertos y experiencias unicéntricas. En México la TG es rara y no se cuenta con una recomendación general para su diagnóstico y tratamiento. El objetivo de este documento fue establecer un consenso y hacer sugerencias generales para su diagnóstico y tratamiento.

Abstract Platelets have a central role in several physiological scenarios including hemostasis. Platelets bind each other during platelet aggregation allowing the proper formation of the clot; to be appropriate, platelet aggregation requires the glycoproteic complex IIb/IIIa (GPIIb/IIIa). Every platelet function abnormality both, congenital or acquired, impedes clot formation and favors bleeding episodes. Hereditary platelet abnormalities are rare and, until recently, they were almost ignored. Among these disorders, Glanzmann Thrombasthenia (GT) is a widely recognized abnormality in which platelet counts may be normal, but their function is affected. GT is an autosomal, recessive disease that causes life-long bleeding of different intensity. Main biochemical abnormality resides in GPIIb/IIIa. Bleeding is typically mucocutaneous: easy bruising, purpura, and nose and gum bleeds; less frequently are gastrointestinal bleeds, hemarthrosis, or intracranial. Menorrhagia and hyperpolymenorrhea are common findings in in women and may be the cause of anemia requiring blood transfusions at fertile age. GT affects all ethnic groups and its prevalence ranges between 1/40,000 to 1/400,000. Despite this worldwide information regarding GT, only a few guidelines and recommendations have been published, most of them based on expert opinions. In Mexico, GT is rare and there is not a general recommendation regarding its diagnosis and treatment. The aim of this document was to establish a consensus to suggest a general guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of GT in Mexico.

Consenso de leucemia mieloide aguda en México / Mexican consensus in acute myeloid leukemia in Mexico

resumen está disponible en el texto completo

Abstract Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) comprises a heterogeneous group of hematopoietic cell neoplasms of myeloid lineage that arise from the clonal expansion of their precursors in the bone marrow, interfering with cell differentiation, leading to a syndrome of bone marrow failure. AML is a consequence of genetic and epigenetic changes (point mutations, gene rearrangements, deletions, amplifications, and arrangements in epigenetic changes that influence gene expression) in hematopoietic precursor cells, which create a clone of abnormal cells that are capable of proliferating but cannot differentiate into mature hematopoietic cells or undergo programmed cell death. The diagnosis requires more than 20% myeloid blasts in the bone marrow and certain cytogenic abnormalities. Treatment will depend on age, comorbidities, and cytogenetic risk among the most frequent.

Evaluation of vectorcardiography parameters matrixed synthesized

The form of analysis of the cardiac signal most used today is the electrocardiogram (ECG). However, in addition to this form of data visualization, there is the vectorcardiogram (VCG), that allows a visualization of the signal in 3 dimensions. This study aims to compare the different ECG to VCG transformation matrices Kors and Inverse Dower (iDower), by analyzing some known parameters taken from VCG's mathematically synthesized from 12-lead ECG's of amyloidosis patients. The idea is also to compare that similarity for patients with different types of amyloidosis. The study was done through the analysis of electrocardiograms taken from a sample of 12 humans who have amyloidosis, either mutant or wild-type. The results indicated that there is not much similarity between the signals, although the similarity was higher for patients with mutant amyloidosis than for those with wild-type amyloidosis.

Prevalence of three-rooted primary mandibular first and second molars: clinical and radiographic findings in a Mexican population.

The aim of this study was to determine prevalence and describe the clinical and radiographic findings of three-rooted primary mandibular first and second molars in a Mexican population. Intraoral periapical radiograph, orthopantomogram or cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) were obtained. A total 2284 children from the state of Puebla, Mexico were examined, of whom 20 presented an anatomic variant in tooth crown shape. Of the total teeth with crown alterations, 10 first and 5 second primary mandibular molars were found to have supernumerary roots. In one case, it was possible to obtain micro-CT images. The study recorded prevalence, unilateral or bilateral occurrence, and ratio between sexes. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Clinical findings were presence of an anatomical variation (tuberculum paramolare / right and/or left cervical convexity) in primary mandibular first molars. Second molars presented conventional crown morphology. Prevalence of three-rooted primary mandibular first and second molars was 0.44% and 0.22%, respectively. Male: female ratio for presence of threerooted primary mandibular first molars was 4:1, showing genetic predisposition in males, and for second molars it was 1.5:1, with no predisposition according to sex. The clinical and radiographic anatomical variants in primary molars should be considered by pediatric dentists during routine care because they may cause difficulties in restorations.

El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la prevalencia, así como los hallazgos clínicos y radiográficos de los primeros y segundos molares primarios mandibulares con tres raíces en una población mexicana. Se obtuvieron radiografías periapicales intraorales, ortopantomografía o tomografía computarizada de haz cónico (TCHC). Fueron revisados en total 2284 niños originarios del estado de Puebla, México, de los cuales 20 sujetos presentaron una variante anatómica en la forma de la corona dental. En el total de dientes con alteraciones coronarias, se encontraron 10 primeros y 5 segundos molares primarios mandibulares con raíces supernumerarias. En un caso fue posible la obtención de imágenes de micro tomografía computarizada (micro-CT). Fueron registradas la prevalencia, la ocurrencia uni o bilateral y la relación entre sexos. Los datos se analizaron mediante estadística descriptiva. Los hallazgos clínicos fueron: presencia de una variación anatómica (tuberculum paramolare / convexidad cervical derecha y/o izquierda) en los primeros molares primarios mandibulares. Los segundos molares presentaron una morfología coronal convencional. Entre los hallazgos radiográficos, fue común encontrar un conducto en cada raíz. La prevalencia fue de 0,44% y 0,22% para los primeros y segundos molares primarios mandibulares con tres raíces, respectivamente. La relación por sexo en los primeros molares primarios mandibulares con tres raíces fue de 4:1, indicando una predisposición genética para el sexo masculino, mientras que, en los segundos molares, la razón fue de 1,5:1 sin predisposición por sexo. Las variantes anatómicas clínicas y radiográficas presentes en los molares primarios deben ser tomadas en cuenta por los odontopediatras durante su rutina de atención, ya que pueden ocasionar dificultades para la restauración.

Prevalence of three-rooted primary mandibular first and second molars / Prevalencia de primeros y segundos molares primarios mandibulares con tres raíces

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to determine prevalence and describe the clinical and radiographic findings of three-rooted primary mandibular first and second molars in a Mexican population. Intraoral periapical radiograph, orthopantomogram or cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) were obtained. A total 2284 children from the state of Puebla, Mexico were examined, of whom 20 presented an anatomic variant in tooth crown shape. Of the total teeth with crown alterations, 10 first and 5 second primary mandibular molars were found to have supernumerary roots. In one case, it was possible to obtain micro-CT images. The study recorded prevalence, unilateral or bilateral occurrence, and ratio between sexes. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Clinical findings were presence of an anatomical variation (tuberculum paramolare / right and/or left cervical convexity) in primary mandibular first molars. Second molars presented conventional crown morphology. Prevalence of three-rooted primary mandibular first and second molars was 0.44% and 0.22%, respectively. Male: female ratio for presence of threerooted primary mandibular first molars was 4:1, showing genetic predisposition in males, and for second molars it was 1.5:1, with no predisposition according to sex. The clinical and radiographic anatomical variants in primary molars should be considered by pediatric dentists during routine care because they may cause difficulties in restorations.

RESUMEN El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la prevalencia, así como los hallazgos clínicos y radiográficos de los primeros y segundos molares primarios mandibulares con tres raíces en una población mexicana. Se obtuvieron radiografías periapicales intraorales, ortopantomografía o tomografía computarizada de haz cónico (TCHC). Fueron revisados en total 2284 niños originarios del estado de Puebla, México, de los cuales 20 sujetos presentaron una variante anatómica en la forma de la corona dental. En el total de dientes con alteraciones coronarias, se encontraron 10 primeros y 5 segundos molares primarios mandibulares con raíces supernumerarias. En un caso fue posible la obtención de imágenes de micro tomografía computarizada (micro-CT). Fueron registradas la prevalencia, la ocurrencia uni o bilateral y la relación entre sexos. Los datos se analizaron mediante estadística descriptiva. Los hallazgos clínicos fueron: presencia de una variación anatómica (tuberculum paramolare / convexidad cervical derecha y/o izquierda) en los primeros molares primarios mandibulares. Los segundos molares presentaron una morfología coronal convencional. Entre los hallazgos radiográficos, fue común encontrar un conducto en cada raíz. La prevalencia fue de 0,44% y 0,22% para los primeros y segundos molares primarios mandibulares con tres raíces, respectivamente. La relación por sexo en los primeros molares primarios mandibulares con tres raíces fue de 4:1, indicando una predisposición genética para el sexo masculino, mientras que, en los segundos molares, la razón fue de 1,5:1 sin predisposición por sexo. Las variantes anatómicas clínicas y radiográficas presentes en los molares primarios deben ser tomadas en cuenta por los odontopediatras durante su rutina de atención, ya que pueden ocasionar dificultades para la restauración.

Análise de parâmetros do VCG obtidos a partir de matrizes de transformação do ECG em pacientes com hipertrofia cardíaca / Analysis of VCG parameters obtained from ECG transformation matrices in patients with cardiac hypertrophy

INTRODUÇÃO: O eletrocardiograma (ECG) é uma ferramenta diagnóstica primordial em cardiologia. Através de técnicas de pós-processamento do ECG digital é possível extrair dados do clássico vetorcardiograma (VCG) e ampliar as possibilidades do método. OBJETIVO: Comparar os dados matriciais do ECG entre os pacientes portadores de hipertrofia ventricular patológica (Cardiomiopatia Hipertrófica e Amiloidose Cardíaca) e o grupo controle utilizando duas matrizes diferentes de transformação de ECG para VCG: a matriz inversa de Dower (iDower) e a matriz de Kors. MÉTODOS: Foram analisados VCGs sintetizados a partir das duas matrizes, iDower e Kors, e tais exames foram obtidos para o grupo hipertrófico, composto por 11 pacientes, e para o grupo controle, com cinco pacientes. O tempo de coleta do ECG foi de 10 minutos e, para cada paciente, foram analisados 10 VCGs, referentes a cada minuto da coleta. Foram analisados a amplitude cúbica (mV), por meio da análise da variação dos valores, e o ângulo do complexo QRS e da onda T, por meio da análise de dados circulares. RESULTADOS: Em relação aos ângulos, as médias dos ângulos de cada grupo tiveram maior proximidade no grupo controle e menor no grupo hipertrófico. A variação destes ângulos foi maior utilizando a matriz de Kors para o grupo controle (Figura.1); no entanto, no grupo hipertrófico a maior variação no observada na matriz iDower (Figura 2). Em relação à amplitude cúbica das ondas, a variação foi pequena para ambos os grupos, porém com proximidade maior na onda T, e não houve diferença notável em relação às matrizes. CONCLUSÃO: Analisando as variáveis angulares e de amplitude cúbica nas ondas QRS e T para o grupo controle e hipertrófico, não foi observada diferença significativa entre os grupos. Tal proximidade entre as variáveis também foi observada considerando as matrizes de transformação.

Extremely Low-Frequency Magnetic Fields and the Risk of Childhood B-Lineage Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in a City With High Incidence of Leukemia and Elevated Exposure to ELF Magnetic Fields.

It is important to study the relationship between extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MFs) and childhood leukemia, particularly in locations with a high incidence of this neoplasm in children and an elevated exposure to ELF-MF, such as Mexico City. The aim was to investigate the association between ELF-MF exposure and the risk of B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). A case-control study was conducted in Mexico City during the period from 2010 to 2011. Residential 24-h ELF-MF measurements were obtained for 290 incident B-ALL patients and 407 controls, aged less than 16 years. Controls were frequency-matched by sex, age (±18 months), and health institution. The adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. ELF-MF exposure at <0.2 µT was used to define the reference group. ELF-MF exposure at ≥0.3 µT was observed in 11.3% of the controls. Different ELF-MF intensity cutoff values were used to define the highest exposure category; the highest exposure category for each cutoff value was associated with an increased risk of B-ALL compared with the corresponding lower exposure categories. The aORs were as follows: ≥0.2 µT = 1.26 (95% CI: 0.84-1.89); ≥0.3 µT = 1.53 (95% CI: 0.95-2.48); ≥0.4 µT = 1.87 (95% CI: 1.04-3.35); ≥0.5 µT = 1.80 (95% CI 0.95-3.44); ≥0.6 µT = 2.32 (95% CI: 1.10-4.93). ELF-MF exposure as a continuous variable (per 0.2 µT intervals) was associated with B-ALL risk (aOR = 1.06; 95% CI: 1.01-1.12). In the present study, the proportion of children exposed to ≥0.3 µT is among the highest reported worldwide. Additionally, an ELF-MF exposure ≥0.4 µT may be associated with the risk of B-ALL. Bioelectromagnetics. © 2020 Bioelectromagnetics Society.

Vestibular Alveolar bone height measurement: Accuracy and Correlation between direct and indirect techniques.

Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) has modified the perspective of dentistry images, providing manipulable threedimensional images with a 1:1 patient:image ratio. Treatments and diagnosis are modified or corroborated by CBCT; however, its accuracy in thin structures such as cortical bone has been subjected to critical review. The aim of this study is to correlate the measurement of vestibular alveolar bone height using direct measurements and measurements performed with cone-beam tomographic images with standard (SD) voxel resolution. Thirty incisor and premolar teeth of patients undergoing open curettage were measured with a high-precision caliper and with Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) at an SD resolution of 0.16 mm voxels in a 3D Orthophos XG Sirona scanner. Intra-observer evaluation was performed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Direct measurements and CBCT measurements were correlated using Pearson correlation (PCC). The mean difference between indirect and direct measurements was 3.15 mm. Paired t test and Pearson Correlation coefficient determined that all measurements differed statistically from each other with p<0.05. With the CT scanner and protocol used in this study, CBCT images do not enable accurate evaluation of vestibular alveolar bone height.

La tomografía de haz cónico (CBCT) ha modificado la perspectiva de la imagenología en odontología que brinda una imagen tridimensional manipulable con una relación 1:1, paciente: imagen. Los tratamientos y diagnósticos se ven modificados o corroborados por el CBCT; sin embargo, la exactitud que presenta en estructuras delgadas como las corticales óseas ha sido sometida a críticas. El objetivo fue correlacionar la medición de la altura del hueso alveolar vestibular mediante mediciones directas y las realizadas con imágenes tomográficas de haz cónico con resolución de vóxel estándar (SD). Treinta dientes incisivos y premolares de pacientes sometidos a un curetaje abierto se midieron con un calibrador de alta precisión y una tomografía computarizada de haz cónico (CBCT) a una resolución SD de 0,16 mm de vóxeles en un escáner 3D Orthophos XG Sirona. La evaluación intraobservador se realizó utilizando el coeficiente de correlación intraclase (ICC), y las mediciones directas y las mediciones CBCT se correlacionaron utilizando la correlación de Pearson (PCC). La diferencia media entre las mediciones indirectas y directas fue de 3,15 mm. La prueba t pareada y el Coeficiente de Correlación de Pearson determinaron que todas las mediciones fueron estadísticamente diferentes entre sí con una p <0.05. Con el escáner de TC y el protocolo utilizado en este estudio, las imágenes CBCT no permiten una evaluación precisa de la altura del hueso alveolar vestibular.

Vestibular Alveolar bone height measurement: Accuracy and Correlation between direct and indirect techniques / Medición de la altura del hueso alveolar vestibular: precisión y correlación entre técnicas directa e indirecta

ABSTRACT Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) has modified the perspective of dentistry images, providing manipulable threedimensional images with a 1:1 patient:image ratio. Treatments and diagnosis are modified or corroborated by CBCT; however, its accuracy in thin structures such as cortical bone has been subjected to critical review. The aim of this study is to correlate the measurement of vestibular alveolar bone height using direct measurements and measurements performed with conebeam tomographic images with standard (SD) voxel resolution. Thirty incisor and premolar teeth of patients undergoing open curettage were measured with a highprecision caliper and with Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) at an SD resolution of 0.16 mm voxels in a 3D Orthophos XG Sirona scanner. Intraobserver evaluation was performed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Direct measurements and CBCT measurements were correlated using Pearson correlation (PCC). The mean difference between indirect and direct measurements was 3.15 mm. Paired t test and Pearson Correlation coefficient determined that all measurements differed statistically from each other with p<0.05. With the CT scanner and protocol used in this study, CBCT images do not enable accurate evaluation of vestibular alveolar bone height.

RESUMEN La tomografía de haz cónico (CBCT) ha modificado la perspectiva de la imagenología en odontología que brinda una imagen tridimensional manipulable con una relación 1:1, paciente: imagen. Los tratamientos y diagnósticos se ven modificados o corroborados por el CBCT; sin embargo, la exactitud que presenta en estructuras delgadas como las corticales óseas ha sido sometida a críticas. El objetivo fue correlacionar la medición de la altura del hueso alveolar vestibular mediante mediciones directas y las realizadas con imágenes tomográficas de haz cónico con resolución de vóxel estándar (SD). Treinta dientes incisivos y premolares de pacientes sometidos a un curetaje abierto se midieron con un calibrador de alta precisión y una tomografía computarizada de haz cónico (CBCT) a una resolución SD de 0,16 mm de vóxeles en un escáner 3D Orthophos XG Sirona. La evaluación intraobservador se realizó utilizando el coeficiente de correlación intraclase (ICC), y las mediciones directas y las mediciones CBCT se correlacionaron utilizando la correlación de Pearson (PCC). La diferencia media entre las mediciones indirectas y directas fue de 3,15 mm. La prueba t pareada y el Coeficiente de Correlación de Pearson determinaron que todas las mediciones fueron estadísticamente diferentes entre sí con una p <0.05. Con el escáner de TC y el protocolo utilizado en este estudio, las imágenes CBCT no permiten una evaluación precisa de la altura del hueso alveolar vestibular.

Evaluation of morphology, morphometry and follicular dynamics in FecGE genotyped ewes.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of FecGE mutation on the development of ovarian follicles. To this end, 42 Santa Inês ewes were genotyped for FecGE mutation and classified as wild-type (FecG+/+), heterozygous (FecG+/E) or mutant homozygous (FecGE/E). Ovarian fragments were processed, and the follicles were analyzed with regard to the morphology and morphometry using classical histology. For the evaluation of follicular dynamics, ewes underwent oestrous synchronization and were monitored throughout an interovulatory period. A higher (P < 0.05) percentage of morphologically normal follicles in the primordial stage was identified in FecGE/E (90.0%) and FecG+/E (88.1%) ewes than in the FecG+/+ (73.0%) ewes. There was also a significantly greater (P < 0.05) number of morphologically normal follicles in the FecGE/E (87.3%) and FecG+/E (83.3%) ewes than in FecG+/+ (76.8%) ewes in the transitional stage. A smaller (P < 0.05) diameter was observed in the secondary follicles in FecGE/E (93.8 µm) ewes than in FecG+/E (171.8 µm) ewes. Regarding follicular dynamics, FecGE/E ewes showed a greater (P < 0.05) number of ovulations (2.5 ±â€¯0.2) than FecG+/+ ewes (1.5 ±â€¯0.3) ewes. Ovulatory follicles were smaller (P < 0.05) in the FecGE/E (5.1 mm) and FecG+/E (5.2 mm) ewes than in FecG+/+ (5.8 mm) ewes. Santa Inês nulliparous ewes carrying the FecGE mutation showed a greater proportion of morphologically normal follicles in the primordial and transitional stages than those not carrying the mutation. FecGE/E ewes demonstrated a higher number of ovulated follicles and that FecGE/E and FecG+/E ewes presented ovulatory follicles with a smaller diameter.

Temporomandibular disorders and mandibular vertical asymmetry.

Objective To analyze the association between mandibular vertical asymmetry and the presence of TMD in adult patients. Methods This case-control study recruited patients from the orthodontic clinic at FEBUAP. Patients were classified on the basis of diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders (DC/TMD). Panoramic radiographs were measured to determine mandibular vertical asymmetry indices according to criteria described by Kjellberg and Habets. Both methods (DC/TMD and index criteria) were standardized a priori. Results A total of 56 patients were analyzed, of whom 25 (44.6%) met the inclusion criteria and were divided into two groups (TMD group, n = 15; non-TMD group, n = 10). The highest asymmetry index was observed in the condylar neck, followed by the total condylar asymmetry index, but without significant differences between groups (p > .05). Conclusion There is no association (p > .05) between temporomandibular disorders and mandibular vertical asymmetry.

Interactions between different media and follicle-stimulating hormone supplementation on in vitro culture of preantral follicles enclosed in ovarian tissue derived from collared peccaries (Pecari tajacu Linneaus, 1758).

The aim was to verify the effect of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) supplementation to α-MEM+ or TCM199+ media on the in vitro development of ovarian preantral follicles (PFs) derived from collared peccaries. Ovaries (n = 5 pairs) were collected and divided into fragments destined to control group (non-cultured) or treatments that were cultured for 7 days. The PFs morphology, growth and activation were evaluated by classical histology. The immunohistochemistry markers Ag-NOR and PCNA were used for nuclear proliferation analysis, and the picrosirius red labelling was used for ovarian extracellular matrix (ECM) evaluation. After 7-day culture, only the TCM199+ treatment maintained the proportion of intact PFs similar to day 1 (63.2%), but no differences were found among treatments (p > .05). In addition, a significant increase in the growing follicles proportion was verified for all the treatments, indicating follicular activation (p > .05). By the Ag-NOR analysis, only the TCM199+/FSH maintained the nuclear proliferation similar to the first day (p > .05). The picrosirius red staining revealed that the ECM remained intact in all the treatments (p > .05). We suggest the use of TCM199+ medium supplemented of FSH for the in vitro development of peccaries PFs under 7-day culturing conditions.

Some new surprises in chaos.

"Chaos is found in greatest abundance wherever order is being sought.It always defeats order, because it is better organized"Terry PratchettA brief review is presented of some recent findings in the theory of chaotic dynamics. We also prove a statement that could be naturally considered as a dual one to the Poincaré theorem on recurrences. Numerical results demonstrate that some parts of the phase space of chaotic systems are more likely to be visited earlier than other parts. A new class of chaotic focusing billiards is discussed that clearly violates the main condition considered to be necessary for chaos in focusing billiards.

First phylogenetic analysis of the tribe Phyllotini (Rodentia: Sigmodontinae) combining morphological and molecular data.

Previous phylogenetic analyses of the tribe Phyllotini, one of the largest components of the subfamily Sigmodontinae, have been based on a single source of evidence. In particular, morphological analyses were largely based on craniodental data, almost neglecting the potential phylogenetic information present in the postcranium. Despite the significant advances made in relation to the knowledge of phyllotine phylogeny in recent times, there are several unsolved issues that highlight the importance of a phylogenetic analysis that integrates multiple sources of evidence, including previously considered sources as well as new sources of data. We present here the first combined phylogenetic analysis (morphological and molecular) of phyllotines, which includes the widest taxon and character sampling to date. Our dataset includes 164 morphological characters, of which 83 are postcranial characters, plus 3561 molecular characters, scored for 52 species from 34 genera of Oryzomyalia. In this study 75 postcranial characters not previously considered in this group are thoroughly described, and their utility for solving the relationships within Phyllotini is evaluated by means of different complementary analyses. Phyllotini was retrieved as a monophyletic clade in the combined analysis, with a composition that matches that obtained in most other recent analyses. All genera of phyllotines were monophyletic and show high support values. Abrotrichini, Akodontini and Oryzomyini were also monophyletic. The inclusion of postcranial data appears to be of limited utility to solve the phylogenetic relationships within Phyllotini.

Short-term preservation of Pecari tajacu ovarian preantral follicles using phosphate buffered saline (PBS) or powdered coconut water (ACP(r)) media / Preservação de folículos ovarianos pré-antrais de Pecari tajacu por curtos períodos utilizando meios à base de solução salina fosfatada tamponada (PBS) ou água de coco em pó (ACP(r))

We compare protocols for the short-term preservation of collared peccarie's ovarian preantral follicles (PFs) by using phosphate buffered saline- (PBS) or powdered coconut water- (ACP(r)) based medium. For morphology analysis each pair of ovaries collected from six females was divided into nine fragments. One fragment was destined for morphology analysis (histology and transmission electron microscopy - TEM), constituting the control group and the other fragments were placed in tubes with PBS or ACP(r), packed in 5 L Styrofoam boxes, stored for 4h, 12h, 24h, and 36h, and then analyzed. For viability analysis a pair of ovaries from two additional females was divided into nine fragments; one fragment was immediately destined for viability analysis (Trypan blue test) and the other fragments were stored as previously described, until 24h and then analyzed. After 4h storage in ACP(r) medium, the follicular integrity was similar to control (87.8% vs 94.4%, respectively); however, ultrastructural analyses revealed swollen mitochondria as the first signals of PF degeneration. It was observed that ACP(r) (66.7%) was more efficient than PBS (49.4%) to preserve the morphological integrity after 36h storage (P<0.05); however, no differences were observed on follicular viability (P>0.05). In conclusion, the use of the ACP(r) is recommended for the short-term preservation of Pecari tajacu preantral follicles...

Compararam-se protocolos para a preservação por curtos períodos de folículos ovarianos pré-antrais (PFs) de catetos, utilizando meios à base de solução salina tamponada (PBS) ou água de coco em pó (ACP(r)). Para a análise morfológica, cada par de ovários coletados de seis fêmeas foi dividido em nove fragmentos. Um fragmento foi destinado para a análise da morfologia (histologia e microscopia eletrônica de transmissão - MET), constituindo o grupo controle, e os demais fragmentos foram colocados em tubos contendo PBS ou ACP(r), acondicionados em caixas térmicas de poliestireno expandido de 5L, armazenados durante quatro, 12, 24 e 36 horas, e, então, analisados. Para a análise da viabilidade, pares de ovários de duas fêmeas adicionais foram divididos em nove fragmentos; um deles foi imediatamente destinado à análise da viabilidade (teste com azul de Trypan), os outros fragmentos foram armazenados como descrito previamente até 24h e, então, foram analisados. Após quatro horas de armazenamento em meio ACP(r), a integridade folicular foi similar ao grupo controle (87,8% vs. 94,4%, respectivamente); contudo, a análise ultraestrutural revelou mitocôndrias edemaciadas como os primeiros sinais de degeneração dos PFs. Foi observado que o ACP(r) (66,7%) foi mais eficiente do que o PBS (49.4%) em preservar a integridade morfológica após 36h (p<0,05); entretanto, nenhuma diferença foi observada para a viabilidade folicular (P>0,05). Em conclusão, o uso da ACP(r) é recomendado para a preservação por curtos períodos de folículos pré-antrais de Pecari tajacu...

Interplay between postcranial morphology and locomotor types in Neotropical sigmodontine rodents.

Sigmodontine rats are one of the most diverse components of the Neotropical mammal fauna. They exhibit a wide ecological diversity and a variety of locomotor types that allow them to occupy different environments. To explore the relationship between morphology and locomotor types, we analyzed traits of the postcranial osteology (axial and appendicular skeletons) of 329 specimens belonging to 51 species and 29 genera of sigmodontines exhibiting different locomotor types. In this work, postcranial skeletal characters of these rats are considered in an ecomorphological study for the first time. Statistical analyses showed that of the 34 osteological characters considered, 15 were related to the locomotor types studied, except for ambulatory. However, character mapping showed that climbing and jumping sigmodontines are the only taxa exhibiting clear adaptations in their postcranial osteology, which are highly consistent with the tendencies described in many other mammal taxa. Climbing, digging and swimming rats presented statistically differences in traits associated with their vertebral column and limbs, whereas jumping rats showed modifications associated with all the skeletal regions. Our data suggest that sigmodontine rats retain an all-purpose morphology that allows them to use a variety of habitats. This versatility is particularly important when considering the lack of specialization of sigmodontines for a specific locomotor mode. Another possible interpretation is that our dataset probably did not consider relevant information about these groups and should be increased with other types of characters (e.g. characters from the external morphology, myology, etc.).

Morphological characterization of the ovarian preantral follicle population of collared peccaries (Tayassu tajacu Linnaeus, 1758).

The aim of this research was to characterize the preantral ovarian follicular population in collared peccaries (Tayassu tajacu) using light and electron microscopy. Ovaries from six mature females were collected and further fixed for histological and ultrastructural analysis. A total of 33273.45 ± 5789.99 preantral follicles (PFs) were estimated for the population in each ovary. Most preantral follicles were primordial (91.56%), followed by primary (6.29%) and secondary (2.15%) ones. Most PFs were morphologically normal (94.4%), and only a few were atretic (5.6%). At histology assessment, amounts of lipid droplets were observed into the oocyte cytoplasm, which was confirmed through ultrastructural analysis. This work characterizes for the first time the ovarian population of preantral follicles, total and per category, in collared peccaries (Tayassu tajacu). The general follicles featured at primordial, primary and secondary categories are very similar to those described for other species.

[Breast feeding and systemic blood pressure in infants]. / La alimentación al seno materno y la presión arterial sistémica en el lactante.

INTRODUCTION: Blood pressure levels in childhood influence these levels in adulthood, and breastfeeding has been considered such as a cardioprotective. We evaluated the association between blood pressure levels and feeding type in a group of infants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a comparative cross-sectional study in term infants with appropriate weight at birth, to compare blood pressure levels in those children with exclusively breastfeeding, mixed-feeding and formula feeding. The comparison of groups was performed using ANOVA and multiple regression analysis was used to identify variables associated with mean arterial blood pressure levels. A p value < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: We included 20 men and 24 women per group. Infant Formula Feeding had higher current weight and weight gain compared with the other two groups (p < 0.05). Systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure levels, as well as respiratory and heart rate were higher in the groups of exclusively formula feeding and mixed-feeding than in those with exclusively breastfeeding (p < 0.05). Multiple regression analysis identified that variables associated with mean blood pressure levels were current body mass index, weight gain and formula feeding. CONCLUSIONS: Infants in breastfeeding show lower blood pressure, BMI and weight gain.