How do imaging protocols affect the assessment of root-end fillings?

Torres Fernanda Ferrari Esteves,Jacobs Reinhilde,EzEldeen Mostafa,de Faria-Vasconcelos Karla,Guerreiro-Tanomaru Juliane Maria,dos Santos Bernardo Camargo,Tanomaru-Filho Mário 대한치과보존학회 2022 Restorative Dentistry & Endodontics Vol.47 No.1

Objectives This study investigated the impact of micro-computed tomography (micro-CT)-based voxel size on the analysis of material/dentin interface voids and thickness of different endodontic cements. Materials and Methods Following root-end resection and apical preparation, maxillary premolars were filled with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), Biodentine, and intermediate restorative material (IRM) (n = 24). The samples were scanned using micro-CT (SkyScan 1272; Bruker) and the cement/dentin interface and thickness of materials were evaluated at voxel sizes of 5, 10, and 20 µm. Analysis of variance and the Tukey test were conducted, and the degree of agreement between different voxel sizes was evaluated using the Bland and Altman method (p < 0.05). Results All materials showed an increase in thickness from 5 to 10 and 20 µm (p < 0.05). When evaluating the interface voids, materials were similar at 5 µm (p > 0.05), while at 10 and 20 µm Biodentine showed the lowest percentage of voids (p < 0.05). A decrease in the interface voids was observed for MTA and IRM at 20 µm, while Biodentine showed differences among all voxel sizes (p < 0.05). The Bland-Altman plots for comparisons among voxel sizes showed the largest deviations when comparing images between 5 and 20 µm. Conclusions Voxel size had an impact on the micro-CT evaluation of thickness and interface voids of endodontic materials. All cements exhibited an increase in thickness and a decrease in the void percentage as the voxel size increased, especially when evaluating images at 20 µm.

Robust inference in an heteroscedastic measurement error model

Mário de Castro,Manuel Galea 한국통계학회 2010 Journal of the Korean Statistical Society Vol.39 No.4

In this paper we deal with robust inference in heteroscedastic measurement error models. Rather than the normal distribution, we postulate a Student t distribution for the observed variables. Maximum likelihood estimates are computed numerically. Consistent estimation of the asymptotic covariance matrices of the maximum likelihood and generalized least squares estimators is also discussed. Three test statistics are proposed for testing hypotheses of interest with the asymptotic chi-square distribution which guarantees correct asymptotic significance levels. Results of simulations and an application to a real data set are also reported.

Deep-beams with indirect supports: numerical modelling and experimental assessment

Mário Pimentel,Paulo Cachim,Joaquim Figueiras 사단법인 한국계산역학회 2008 Computers and Concrete, An International Journal Vol.5 No.2

An experimental and numerical research was conducted to gain a deeper insight on the structural behaviour of deep-beams with indirect supports and to assess the size effects in the ultimate state behaviour. The experimental campaign focused on the influence of the reinforcement tie distribution height on the compression check of the support region and on the benefits of using unbonded prestressing steel. Three reduced scale specimens were tested and used to validate the results obtained with a nonlinear finite element model. As a good agreement could be found between the numerical and the experimental results, the numerical model was then further used to perform simulations in large scale deep-beams, with dimensions similar to the ones to be adopted in a practical case. Two sources of size effects were identified from the simulation results. Both sources are related to the concrete quasi-brittle behaviour and are responsible for increasing failure brittleness with increasing structural size. While in the laboratory models failure occurred both in the experimental tests as well as in the numerical simulations after reinforcement yielding, the numerically analysed large scale models exhibited shear failures with reinforcement still operating in the elastic range.

Provision of a protein-rich supplement for grazing suckling female beef calves to improve productive performance and metabolic response

Moreno Deilen S,Ortega Román M,Marquez David C,Moreira Thiago R,Santos Edson J dos,Almeida Daniel M de,Paulino Mário Fonseca,Rennó Luciana Navajas,Detmann Edenio 아세아·태평양축산학회 2022 Animal Bioscience Vol.35 No.8

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of the provision of a proteinrich supplement on productive performance, and metabolic profile on grazing suckling female beef calves in tropical conditions during 150 d of experimentation. Methods: Fifty-six Nellore suckling female calves, and their respective dams were distributed in a completely randomised design and made to undergo two treatments as follows: UNS (without supplementation), and SUP (supplementation with 5 g/kg body weight [BW] of a protein supplement). Throughout the experiment, animal performance and metabolic profile were evaluated. Also, ureagenesis and gluconeogenesis were assessed for gene expression. Results: SUP female calves showed a higher voluntary intake (p≤0.03) of the diet components evaluated, digestibility of organic matter (p≤0.02) and microbial nitrogen production (MICN; p≤0.02) compared to UNS female calves. In its turn, serum urea nitrogen (p≤0.01) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (p≤0.03) levels and ureagenesis (p≤0.04) increased in SUP female calves compared to UNS female calves. Blood glucose and triglyceride levels were not affected by supplementation. The average daily gain (ADG) from SUP female calves was higher (p≤0.02) compared with UNS female calves. However, supplementation did not affect the body measures of the animals. Conclusion: In summary, provision of a protein-rich supplement improves the intake and nutrients digestibility, ADG and final BW and increases metabolic indicators of the protein status in grazing suckling female beef calves in tropical conditions. Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of the provision of a protein-rich supplement on productive performance, and metabolic profile on grazing suckling female beef calves in tropical conditions during 150 d of experimentation.Methods: Fifty-six Nellore suckling female calves, and their respective dams were distributed in a completely randomised design and made to undergo two treatments as follows: UNS (without supplementation), and SUP (supplementation with 5 g/kg body weight [BW] of a protein supplement). Throughout the experiment, animal performance and metabolic profile were evaluated. Also, ureagenesis and gluconeogenesis were assessed for gene expression.Results: SUP female calves showed a higher voluntary intake (p≤0.03) of the diet components evaluated, digestibility of organic matter (p≤0.02) and microbial nitrogen production (MICN; p≤0.02) compared to UNS female calves. In its turn, serum urea nitrogen (p≤0.01) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (p≤0.03) levels and ureagenesis (p≤0.04) increased in SUP female calves compared to UNS female calves. Blood glucose and triglyceride levels were not affected by supplementation. The average daily gain (ADG) from SUP female calves was higher (p≤0.02) compared with UNS female calves. However, supplementation did not affect the body measures of the animals.Conclusion: In summary, provision of a protein-rich supplement improves the intake and nutrients digestibility, ADG and final BW and increases metabolic indicators of the protein status in grazing suckling female beef calves in tropical conditions.

How image-processing parameters can influence the assessment of dental materials using micro-CT

Torres Fernanda Ferrari Esteves,Reinhilde Jacobs,Mostafa EzEldeen,Karla de Faria-Vasconcelos,Guerreiro-Tanomaru Juliane Maria,Bernardo Camargo dos Santos,Mário Tanomaru-Filho 대한영상치의학회 2020 Imaging Science in Dentistry Vol.50 No.2

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of voxel size and different post-processing algorithms on the analysis of dental materials using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Materials and Methods: Root-end cavities were prepared in extracted maxillary premolars, filled with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), Biodentine, and Intermediate Restorative Material (IRM), and scanned using micro- CT. The volume and porosity of materials were evaluated and compared using voxel sizes of 5, 10, and 20 μm, as well as different software tools (post-processing algorithms). The CTAn or MeVisLab/Materialise 3-matic software package was used to perform volume and morphological analyses, and the CTAn or MeVisLab/Amira software was used to evaluate porosity. Data were analyzed using 1-way ANOVA and the Tukey test (P<0.05). Results: Using MeVisLab/Materialise 3-matic, a consistent tendency was observed for volume to increase at larger voxel sizes. CTAn showed higher volumes for MTA and IRM at 20 μm. Using CTAn, porosity values decreased as voxel size increased, with statistically significant differences for all materials. MeVisLab/Amira showed a difference for MTA and IRM at 5 μm, and for Biodentine at 20 μm. Significant differences in volume and porosity were observed in all software packages for Biodentine across all voxel sizes. Conclusion: Some differences in volume and porosity were found according to voxel size, image-processing software, and the radiopacity of the material. Consistent protocols are needed for research evaluating dental materials.

Focal Dermal Hypoplasia (Goltz Syndrome): A Case Report Showing a Wide Variety of Systemic and Oral Manifestations

Átila Vinícius Vitor Nobre,Mário Taba Júnior,Alfredo Ribeiro Silva,Sérgio Luís Scombatti de Souza,Ana Carolina Fragoso Motta 대한피부과학회 2022 Annals of Dermatology Vol.34 No.4

Focal dermal hypoplasia (FDH), also known as Goltz syndrome, consists of an unusual genodermatosis that affects tissues of ectodermal and mesodermal origin and various or- gans and systems, especially skin, bones, eyes, and oral cavity. While systemic manifesta- tions of FDH have been well documented, the oral manifestations have not been extensively discussed. We present a 22-year-old female patient with history of FDH that showed a variety of systemic and oral manifestations. FDH was diagnosed at birth based on cutane- ous alterations. Extra and intraoral examination showed facial asymmetry, lip and perioral atrophy, upper lip papilloma, malocclusion, enamel hypoplasia, and gingival hyperplasia. Mucosal lesions, periodontal diseases, and malocclusion were treated by oral surgery, peri- odontal therapy and orthodontic treatment, respectively. Although FDH is an uncommon syndrome, health professionals should be aware of its systemic and oral manifestations to establish an early diagnosis and adequate treatment.

Physicochemical properties, cytotoxicity and penetration into dentinal tubules of sodium hypochlorite with and without surfactants

Coaguila-Llerena Hernán,Barbieri Isadora,Tanomaru-Filho Mário,Leonardo Renato de Toledo,Ramos Ana Paula,Faria Gisele 대한치과보존학회 2020 Restorative Dentistry & Endodontics Vol.45 No.4

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the physicochemical properties, cytotoxicity and penetration into dentinal tubules of ChlorCid™ Surf (3% sodium hypochlorite [NaOCl] with surfactant) in comparison to ChlorCid™ (3% NaOCl without surfactant). Materials and Methods: The physicochemical properties evaluated were pH, surface tension, free available chlorine (FAC) and contact angle. Cytotoxicity was evaluated in L929 fibroblasts exposed to the solutions by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide and neutral red assays. Assessment of penetration into dentinal tubules was performed by staining single-rooted permanent human teeth with crystal violet (n = 9), which were irrigated with the solutions and analyzed in cervical, middle and apical segments. Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's post-test, 2-way ANOVA and Bonferroni's post-test or t-test (α = 0.05). Results: ChlorCid™ Surf and ChlorCid™ FAC values were close to those indicated by the manufacturer. ChlorCid™ Surf showed lower surface tension and contact angle on dentin, and higher pH than ChlorCid™ (p < 0.05). The penetration of ChlorCid™ Surf was higher in cervical and middle segments, compared with ChlorCid™ (p < 0.05). There was no difference in irrigant cytotoxicity (p > 0.05). Conclusions: ChlorCid™ Surf showed lower surface tension, lower contact angle on root canal dentin, higher penetration into dentinal tubules and more alkaline pH, compared with ChlorCid™. However, both solutions showed similar cytotoxicity and FAC content.

Barthel’s Index: A Better Predictor for COVID-19 Mortality Than Comorbidities

João Cordeiro da Costa,Manso Maria Conceição,Gregório Susana,Leite Márcia,Pinto João Moreira 대한결핵및호흡기학회 2022 Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases Vol.85 No.4

Background: The most consistently identified mortality determinants for the new coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) infection are aging, male sex, cardiovascular/respiratory diseases, and cancer. They were determined from heterogeneous cohorts that included patients with different disease severity and previous conditions. The main goal of this study was to determine if activities of daily living (ADL) dependence measured by Barthel’s index could be a predictor for COVID-19 mortality.Methods: A prospective cohort study was performed with a consecutive sample of 340 COVID-19 patients representing patients from all over the northern region of Portugal from October 2020 to March 2021. Mortality risk factors were determined after controlling for demographics, ADL dependence, admission time, comorbidities, clinical manifestations, and delay-time for diagnosis. Central tendency measures were used to analyze continuous variables and absolute numbers (proportions) for categorical variables. For univariable analysis, we used t test, chi-square test, or Fisher exact test as appropriate (α=0.05). Multivariable analysis was performed using logistic regression. IBM SPSS version 27 statistical software was used for data analysis.Results: The cohort included 340 patients (55.3% females) with a mean age of 80.6±11.0 years. The mortality rate was 19.7%. Univariate analysis revealed that aging, ADL dependence, pneumonia, and dementia were associated with mortality and that dyslipidemia and obesity were associated with survival. In multivariable analysis, dyslipidemia (odds ratio [OR], 0.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.17–0.71) was independently associated with survival. Age ≥86 years (pooled OR, 2.239; 95% CI, 1.100–4.559), pneumonia (pooled OR, 3.00; 95% CI, 1.362–6.606), and ADL dependence (pooled OR, 6.296; 95% CI, 1.795–22.088) were significantly related to mortality (receiver operating characteristic area under the curve, 82.1%; p<0.001).Conclusion: ADL dependence, aging, and pneumonia are three main predictors for COVID-19 mortality in an elderly population.

Short-term combined exercise training improves cardiorespiratory fitness and autonomic modulation in cancer patients receiving adjuvant therapy

Cristiano Mostarda,Jurema Castro-Filha,Andréa Dias Reis,Mário Sevílio Jr,Carlos José Dias,Antonio Carlos Silva-Filho,João Batista Silva Garcia,Maria do Desterro Nascimento,Hélio José Coelho-Junior,Bru 한국운동재활학회 2017 JER Vol.13 No.5

Antiplatelet Activity of Cucurbita maxima

Sigrid Sanzana,Lyanne Rodríguez,Hayleen Barraza Barrionuevo,César Albornoz Poblete,Mário Roberto Maróstica Junior,Eduardo Fuentes Quinteros,Iván Palomo 한국식품영양과학회 2021 Journal of medicinal food Vol.24 No.11

Natural extracts constitute an important source in the prevention of noncommunicable diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases. The pumpkin, Cucurbita maxima, is widely consumed in Chile. Pumpkin seeds, despite having crude protein, lipids, and carbohydrates, are regarded as agro-industrial waste. In this work, we correlated the antiplatelet activity of aqueous, ethanolic, and methanolic extracts from pumpkin seeds with their bioactive compounds. In vitro platelet aggregation and activation studies were performed by turbidimetry and flow cytometry, respectively. Results reveal that the extracts inhibited, in a dose-dependent manner, platelet aggregation induced by adenosine diphosphate, thrombin receptor activator peptide 6 (TRAP-6), and collagen. Pumpkin seed extracts inhibited P-selectin secretion and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa activation on TRAP-6-activated platelets. They were found to be rich in fatty acids and a powerful source of plant-based protein, which could be related to the high antiplatelet potential identified in extracts. This research demonstrated that pumpkin seed extracts could be a candidate in the prevention of thrombotic events.