bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synadenium umbellatum Pax. promotes cell cycle arrest and induces apoptosis in K-562 leukemia cells
Authors: Mota Mariana Flavia da , Benfica Polyana Lopes , Valadares Marize Campos
Published: October 2012

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a clonal myeloproliferative disease that shows apoptosis resistance. The introduction of imatinib mesylate has revolutionized the treatment of CML, but imatinib resistance may develop at any time and inevitably leads to disease progression. Synadenium umbellatum Pax. belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family and is popularly used in Brazil for the treatment of cancer. The cytotoxicity of Euphorbiaceae is associated with the ability of these plants and their bioactive compounds to induce apoptotic tumor cell death. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the cytotoxicity and the mechanisms of death induced by S. umbellatum extract in leukemic cells. S. umbellatum cytotoxicity was evaluated by trypan blue exclusion assay and flow cytometric analysis of the cell cycle; the mechanisms involved in K-562 cell death were investigated by light microscopy and flow cytometry. The results demonstrate that S. umbellatum is cytotoxic to leukemic cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Morphological analysis revealed that S. umbellatum treatment induced K-562 cell death by an apoptotic pathway. Furthermore, data indicate ROS overproduction, alterations in mitochondrial membrane potential, phosphatidylserine externalization and activation of caspase 9. Taken together, the results demonstrate that S. umbellatum extract arrested the cell cycle and triggered apoptosis at several levels in K-562 cells.
Modulation of the oxidative stress in malaria infection by clotrimazole
Authors: Rodrigues Henriques Juan Ricardo , Gamboa de Domínguez Neira
Published: October 2012

Antimycotic clotrimazole (CTZ) has demonstrated remarkable activity against Plasmodium falciparum in vitro and in vivo. Hemoglobin degradation by Plasmodium parasites makes amino acids available for protein synthesis, inducing oxidative stress in infected cells and producing free heme. These events represent biochemical targets for potential antimalarials. In this study, we have tested the ability of CTZ to modify the oxidative status in Plasmodium berghei-infected erythrocytes. After hemolysis, activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione cycle and NADPH+H+-producing dehydrogenases were investigated using UV-visible spectrophotometry. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were evaluated as a marker of lipid damage. Results showed that CTZ significantly decreased the overall activity of 6-phosphagluconate dehydrogenase (6PGD) compared to infected and non-treated cells; consequently, the glutathione cycle was inhibited, leaving the parasite vulnerable to the oxidative stress originating from hemoglobin degradation. As a compensatory response, CTZ prevented some loss of SOD and CAT activities in infected cells. The infection triggered lipid peroxidation in erythrocytes, which was decreased by CTZ. These results suggest the presence of a redox unbalance in cells treated with CTZ, discussing a possible effect of this compound disturbing the oxidative status in a Plasmodium berghei-infection.
Comparative study of sustained-release lipid microparticles and solid dispersions containing ibuprofen
Authors: Almeida Hugo , Amaral Maria Helena , Lobão Paulo
Published: October 2012

Ibuprofen is one of the most important non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs used in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. In its pure state, ibuprofen presents poor physical and mechanical characteristics and its use in solid dosage forms needs the addition of excipients that improve these properties. The selection of the best excipients and the most suitable pharmaceutical dosage form to carry ibuprofen is very important for the industrial success of this drug. Given these factors, lipid microparticles and solid dispersions of ibuprofen with cetyl alcohol, stearic acid, and hydrogenated castor oil were prepared. These formulations were intended to improve the physical and mechanical characteristics and to sustain the release of this drug. Physical mixtures were also prepared with the same ingredients in similar proportions. The solid dispersions of ibuprofen/stearic acid and ibuprofen/hydrogenated castor oil showed the best flow characteristics compared with pure ibuprofen. Further, gelatin capsules filled with lipid microparticles and solid dispersions were submitted to dissolution tests in order to study the influence of the prepared systems in the release profiles of ibuprofen. Prolonged release of ibuprofen was achieved with the lipid microparticles and solid dispersions prepared with the different types of excipients.
The correlation between the phenolic composition and biological activities of two varieties of Brazilian propolis (G6 and G12)
Authors: Cabral Ingridy Simone Ribeiro , Oldoni Tatiane Luiza Cadorin , Alencar Severino Matias de , Rosalen Pedro Luiz , Ikegaki Masaharu
Published: October 2012

Biological assays that have been performed on different types of Brazilian propolis have shown that type 6 propolis (G6) has a strong antimicrobial activity and a low flavonoid content. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between the phenolic composition and the biological activities displayed by propolis G6 from the state of Bahia and green propolis, also known as type 12 (G12). The values of the flavonoids and the total phenolics in propolis G6 were different than those in propolis G12. Although the G12 variety presented greater antioxidant activity, propolis G6 proved to have greater antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities. The results showed that the phenolic compounds may not be the only compounds responsible for the biological activity. More detailed studies of the chemical composition and an assessment of the biological activity are required to establish the quality of propolis.
Comparison of pharmacopeial statistical methods applied in microbiological assay for antibiotics potency determination using parallel lines and three-dose level
Authors: Leonel Miriam de Fátima Vianna , Soares Cristina Duarte Vianna , Siqueira Arminda Lucia
Published: October 2012

Pharmaceutical equivalence studies, useful for checking the interchangeability of generic medicines and their respective innovator medicines, have been carried out in Brazil since 1999, as a consequence of the establishment of the generic medicine policy. For medicines containing antibiotics, microbiological assays are often the most appropriate method. However, the statistical methods applied in these assays are not widely known due to the difficult access to official codes and/or little knowledge of the statistical tools of analysis. Thus, the aim of this work was to compare the statistical methods for determining the potency of antibiotics through the cylinder-plate method using parallel lines and a three-dose level model, as described in the Brazilian Pharmacopeia (4th edition, 1988), British Pharmacopoeia 2011, European Pharmacopoeia (7th edition), The International Pharmacopoeia (4th edition), and United States Pharmacopeia (34th edition). The assay is illustrated with the antibiotic ofloxacin, and details on orthogonal coefficients, normality test, homogeneity of variance test, and detection of outliers are discussed. The calculations obtained by statistical analyses from different pharmacopeias lead to the same final interpretation. In practice, with the availability of alternative pharmacopeial methods, the analyst can choose the most appropriate statistical calculation to be used.
Antidepressant and skeletal muscle relaxant effects of the aqueous extract of the Prosopis cineraria
Authors: George Mathew , Joseph Lincy , Sharma Abishika
Published: October 2012

The aqueous leaves extract of Prosopis cineraria (AEPC) is used traditionally for the treatment of various CNS disorder. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the extract for antidepressant and skeletal muscle relaxant activity. The antidepressant effect of the extract was evaluated using Forced swim test (FST). The immobility periods of control and treated mice were recorded. The antidepressant-like effect of tested compound was compared to that of imipramine (15 mg/kg. p.o). Muscle relaxant property was studied using rotarod apparatus and total fall off time for standard and control group was recorded. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, tannins and phenolic compounds. The leaf extract at doses of 200 mg/kg significantly decreased the duration of immobility time in FST. The efficacy of tested extract was found to be comparable to that of imipramine. Our results suggested that the aqueous extract of Prosopis cineraria leaves exerts antidepressant-like effect.
Advancements in the knowledge of induced tooth movement: idiopathic osteosclerosis, cortical bone and orthodontic movement
Authors: Consolaro Alberto , Consolaro Renata Bianco
Published: October 2012

Moving teeth orthodontically through the dense trabecular bone and cortical areas may require a reduction in the intensity and/or concentration of the applied forces. In part, the orthodontic applied forces are dissipated and reduced by bone deflection, which normally occurs by a slight degree of elasticity of bone tissue in normal conditions. In areas of dense trabecular and in cortical bone this deflection should be insignificant or nonexistent. If there is no reduction in the intensity of the forces in these mentioned regions, the entire force will focus on the structure of the periodontal ligament, increasing the risk of death of cementoblasts, hyalinization and root resorption. Further studies could assess the prevalence of these consequences in populations selected for this purpose, so that would no longer be randomly observed notes.
Evaluation of shear bond strength of different treatments of ceramic bracket surfaces
Authors: Andrade Patrícia Helou Ramos , Reges Rogério Vieira , Lenza Marcos Augusto
Published: October 2012

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the bonding strength of the ceramic bracket and composite resin restoration interface, using four types of treatment on the base of the bracket. METHODOLOGY: 48 photoactivated composite resin discs were used (FiltekTM Z250) contained in specimens and divided into 4 groups of 12 specimens for each group according to the type of treatment performed on the base of the brackets. Once the brackets were bonded, the specimens were subjected to shear stress carried out in a universal testing machine (MTS: 810 Material Test System) calibrated with a fixed speed of 0.5 mm / minute. The values obtained were recorded and compared by means of appropriate statistical tests - analysis of variance and then Tukey's test. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The surfaces of ceramic brackets conditioned with 10% hydrofluoric acid for 1 minute, followed by aluminum oxide blasting, 50µ, after silane application and primer application, was considered the best method to prepare surfaces of ceramic brackets prior to orthodontic esthetic bonding.
Knoop hardness of enamel and shear bond strength of brackets bonded with composite resin with and without fluoride
Authors: Vedovello Silvia Amélia Scudeler , Grigoletto Marcelo , Vedovello Filho Mário , Valdrighi Heloísa Cristina , Kuramae Mayury
Published: October 2012

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the Knoop hardness of enamel, shear bond strength and failure pattern (adhesive, bracket/resin interface or mixed) after bonding and debonding brackets, using resin composite with fluoride (Ortho Lite Cure, Ortho Source®) and without fluoride (Orthobond, Morelli®). METHODS: Fragments (6 mm x 6 mm) of 40 bovine incisor crowns were embedded in acrylic self-polymerizing resin. The Knoop hardness measurements were performed before and after bonding metal brackets. The specimens were divided into two groups, according to composite resin: with fluoride (Ortho Lite Cure, Ortho Source®) and without fluoride (Orthobond, Morelli®). After bonding, the specimens were submitted to demineralization and remineralization cycling for 14 days. Shear bond strength testing was performed in a universal test machine (EMIC), at 5 mm/min crosshead speed. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in shear bond strength between Groups I and II. After demineralization and remineralization procedures (DE/RE), the specimens bonded with Ortho Lite Cure showed higher Knoop hardness than Orthobond. For both groups there was predominance of failure at bracket/resin interface. CONCLUSION: specimens bonded with fluoride resin composite showed higher microhardness after DE/RE cycling than those bonded with resin composite without fluoride, although no difference in shear bond strength was found.
Maxillary constriction: are there differences between anterior and posterior regions?
Authors: Belluzzo Regina Helena Lourenço , Faltin Junior Kurt , Lascala Cícero Ermínio , Vianna Lucas Bacci Renno
Published: October 2012

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the transverse constriction of the maxilla in both anterior and posterior regions, using Korkhaus analysis and to check whether there were any statistically significant differences within its values. METHOD: The sample comprised 341 study models. The study models were randomly selected from previous cases, without gender, age and malocclusion restrictions. The models were submitted to Korkhaus analysis. Data from these models were subjected to statistical analyzes in order to evaluate differences in anterior and posterior regions. RESULTS: The transverse discrepancies were statistically significant (p<0.001) with a greater constriction in the anterior region (mean -2.84 mm). CONCLUSION: The results showed that the differential diagnosis is very important and the treatment plan may be adapted to specific therapy focusing in a greater expansion in the anterior region.
Orthodontic cements: immediate protection and fluoride release
Authors: Santos Rogério Lacerda dos , Pithon Matheus Melo , Leonardo Júlia Barbosa Pereira , Oberosler Edna Lúcia Couto , Vaitsman Delmo Santiago , Ruellas Antônio Carlos de Oliveira
Published: October 2012

OBJECTIVES: The objective of the authors was to evaluate fluoride release of 3 glass ionomer cements with immediate protection of fluoride varnish (Cavitine, SS White), divided into 3 groups: Group M (Meron, VOCO), Group V (Vidrion C, SS White) and Group KC (Ketac-Cem, 3M ESPE). METHODS: Fluoride release was measured during 60 days by means of an ion-selective electrode connected to an ion analyzer. After 4 weeks, the test specimens were exposed to a solution of 0.221% sodium fluoride (1000 ppm of fluoride). RESULTS: Results showed that the cements reached a maximum peak of fluoride release in a period of 24 h. There was a statistically significant difference between the amount of fluoride released after the applications of fluoride among the groups from the 31st to 60th day (p> 0.05). CONCLUSION: The Vidrion C and Meron cements showed better performance to uptake and release fluoride when compared with Ketac-Cem cement.
Comparative study of frictional forces generated by NiTi archwire deformation in different orthodontic brackets: In vitro evaluation
Authors: Queiroz Gilberto Vilanova , Ballester Rafael Yagüe , De Paiva João Batista , Rino Neto José , Galon Giselle Mara
Published: October 2012

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to compare the frictional forces between 0.014-in NiTi wires (Aditek) with 4 mm horizontal deflection and brackets with different archwire ligation systems. METHODS: Four types of self-ligating brackets (Damon MX, Easy Clip, Smart Clip and In-Ovation), a triple bracket (Synergy) and a twin bracket with 8-shaped ligature (Tecnident) were tested. Twin brackets with conventional elastomeric ligatures (Morelli) were used as control group. Tests were repeated 10 times for each bracket/archwire combination. Frictional forces were measured in an Instron universal tensile machine at 3 mm/minute speed and a total displacement of 6 mm. Statistical analysis comprised ANOVA and Dunnett's multiple comparison post hoc test. RESULTS: Deflection-induced frictional (DIF) forces increased in the following order: Synergy, Damon, 8-shaped Ligature, Easy Clip, In-Ovation, Smart-Clip and conventional ligatures. The differences among groups were significant, with the exception of the 8-shaped ligature groups which was equal to the Damon and Easy Clip groups. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to conventional ligatures, all ligation systems tested reduced frictional forces. However, such reduction varied according to the ligation system employed.
Assessment of surface friction of self-ligating brackets under conditions of angulated traction
Authors: Buzzoni Roberta , Elias Carlos N. , Fernandes Daniel J. , Miguel José Augusto M.
Published: October 2012

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess resistance to sliding of stainless steel passive self-ligating brackets with 0° and 2.5° angulations and to compare them to active self-ligating brackets at zero angulation. The hypothesis to be tested was that passive self-ligating brackets produce lower frictional forces than active self-ligating brackets. METHODS: Twenty five 0.022 x 0.028-in slot maxillary canine brackets were divided into 5 groups of 5 brackets: Damon SL II (Ormco, CA, USA) self-ligating bracket and Gemini (3M/Unitek, CA, USA) conventional bracket with angulation of 0 and 2.5° and a group of Speed 2 (American Orthodontics, WI, USA) active clip self-ligating system with zero angulation. Twenty five segments of stainless steel 0.020-in archwire (TP Orthodontics, IN, USA) were tested and each bracket/wire interface was evaluated at 4 successive points during sliding. Overall, 100 frictional values were analyzed by parametric analysis of variance and Bonferroni tests. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Frictional tests were performed with an Emic DL 10000 testing machine (Emic, Brazil) with a load cell of one kilogram. Passive self-ligating brackets produced lower frictional forces than active self-ligating brackets (p < 0.01). Under angulation, brackets with a slide mechanism produced higher friction than the same brackets under zero angulation (p < 0.01). Nevertheless, the slide system under angulation produced smaller friction values than conventional brackets tied with elastomeric ligatures in 0° tests.
Maxillary incisors mesiodistal angulation changes in patients with orthodontically treated anterior superior diastemas
Authors: Morais Juliana Fernandes de , Freitas Marcos Roberto de , Freitas Karina Maria Salvatore de , Janson Guilherme , Branco Nuria Cabral Castello , Zanda Marcelo
Published: October 2012

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to describe the patterns of maxillary incisor angulation in patients with upper interincisive diastemas, to evaluate angulation changes with treatment and posttreatment period, and to assess whether there are association between incisor angulation and interincisive diastema relapse. METHODS: The sample comprised 30 Class I or Class II patients with at least one pretreatment anterior diastema of 0.77 mm or greater after eruption of maxillary permanent canines. Data were obtained from panoramic radiographs at pretreatment, posttreatment and at least 2 years post-retention. RESULTS: Incisors presented a mesial tipping tendency after treatment, but only lateral incisors showed significant changes between pre and posttreatment stages. CONCLUSION: Regarding post-retention period, no changes were found. Finally, no relation was found between diastema relapse and maxillary incisor axial angulation.
The influence of sucking habits on occlusion development in the first 36 months
Authors: Santos Neto Edson Theodoro dos , Oliveira Adauto Emmerich , Barbosa Rodrigo Walter , Zandonade Eliana , Oliveira Zilda Fagundes Lima
Published: October 2012

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to identify the influence of sucking habits on the occlusal characteristics of the deciduous dentition. METHODS: The initial sample consisted of 86 infants, aged 0 to 3 months. Seven home visits were performed, when and information on breastfeeding practice, nutritive and non-nutritive sucking habits, mouth breathing and dentition development was collected. From the first sample, impressions of the dental arches were obtained from 58 children at the age of 36 months (+2.51SD). Dental casts were obtained and two examiners, trained and calibrated by the Kappa and Pearson Correlation tests, measured several parameters of dental occlusion, such as arch length, depth, and width. RESULTS: The results showed that bottle feeding before 6 months was associated to an increased mandibular intermolar width (p=0.01). Pacifier use before 6 months was statistically associated to a reduction of the maxillary intercanine (p=0.03) and intermolar (p=0.03) width. In addition to these findings, the increased molar depth of the maxillary arch was associated to loss of lip closure before the age of 12 months (p= 0.03). CONCLUSION: According to these results, it could be concluded that sucking habits interfere with the determination of some deciduous occlusal characteristics: pacifier sucking limits lateral-lateral maxillary growth, bottle feeding favors lateral-lateral mandibular growth and open bite development, and the lack of lip closure favors the anteroposterior maxillary growth.
Evaluation of disinfection methods of orthodontic pliers
Authors: Almeida Camilla Machado Feitosa de , Carvalho Adriana Silva de , Duarte Danilo Antônio
Published: October 2012

INTRODUCTION: In recent years, a strong behavior change regarding the control of cross infection during dental treatment was perceived, except among some orthodontists who insist in the misconception that Orthodontics is a specialty of low risk in the transmission of infectious and contagious diseases. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the methods used by orthodontists for disinfection of pliers in their daily practice. METHODS: The bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus salivarius were inoculated in vitro in 30 orthodontic pliers. The pliers were divided into 3 groups (n = 10) and disinfected in different ways. Group 1: Brush, soap and water; Group 2: Cotton soaked in ethyl alcohol 70%; Group 3: Immersion in a solution of 2% glutaraldehyde for 30 minutes and then rinsed with water. RESULTS: The results showed that the ethyl alcohol 70% (Group 2) kept 20% of the pliers infected, being more efficient than the soap and water (Group 1), which maintained 60% of contaminated pliers. Only immersion in 2% glutaraldehyde was able to decontaminate all pliers and was statistically superior to the aforementioned methods (p = 0.030). CONCLUSION: Based on these results, we concluded that among the tested methods, disinfection of orthodontic pliers with 2% glutaraldehyde is the only efficient method.
Cytotoxicity of separation orthodontic elastics
Authors: Santos Rogério Lacerda dos , Pithon Matheus Melo , Martins Fernanda Otaviano , Romanos Maria Teresa Villela
Published: October 2012

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that there is no difference in cytotoxicity between separating elastics of different manufacturers. METHODS: The present article compared latex elastics (4.0 mm, 4.4 mm and 4.8 mm) of four different manufacturers. The sample was allocated to seven groups of 9 elastics: Group A (American Orthodontics, green color, modules), Groups M1 and M2 (Morelli, blue color, modules and free in pack respectively), Groups M3 and M4 (Morelli, green color, modules and free in pack respectively), Group U (Uniden, blue color, free in pack) and Group T (Tecnident, blue color, free in pack) regarding their possible cytotoxic effects on oral tissues. Cytotoxicity assays were performed using cell culture medium containing epithelioid-type cells (Hep-2 line) derived from human laryngeal carcinoma and submitted to the methods for evaluating the cytotoxicity by the "dye-uptake" test, at time intervals 24, 48, 72 and 168 h. Data were compared by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Results showed statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) between group U and all the other Groups (A, M1, M2, M3, M 4 and T) at 24 and 48 hours. CONCLUSIONS: Uniden elastics evoked more cell lysis at 24 and 48 h, although, all brands showed biocompatibility from 72 h onwards.
Different strategies used in the retention phase of orthodontic treatment
Authors: Lima Vinicius Schau de Araújo , Carvalho Felipe de Assis Ribeiro , Almeida Rhita Cristina Cunha , Capelli Júnior Jonas
Published: October 2012

OBJECTIVE: To identify most frequent clinical conducts, considering the following variables: 1) used appliances; 2) time of use; 3) protocol of use in daily hours and evolution with along time; 4) percentage of patients in follow up 1 year after treatment; and 5) most frequent observed relapses.. METHODS: It was used a questionnaire distributed to all specialization course of Orthodontics inscribed in the Brazilian Federal Council of Dentistry until October of 2005. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: It was obtained 91 valid questionnaires. For data analysis were used descriptive statistics and chi-square for linear tendency and chi-square for linear trend and chi-square for multivariate linear trend. We can conclude that: 1) on upper arch, the most used appliances were Hawley, wraparound and acetate plate; in the lower multi-stranded rod, steel rod not bonded to incisors and rod bonded to the incisors; 2) it was indicated its use for more than 24 months for the upper arch, with a trend toward its less use than in the lower arch; 3) the protocol of use in the upper arch begins with 24 hours/day, reducing after the second year; for the lower arch the protocol of hours/day was kept stable; 4) after 1 year of retention most than 50% of treated cases were re-examined; 5) most common relapses were crowding, giroversion and opening of diastemas.
Effects induced after the use of maxillary protraction appliances: a literature review
Authors: Freire Adanai de Brito , Nascimento Leonard Euler Andrade Gomes do , Lira Ana de Lourdes Sá de
Published: October 2012

OBJECTIVE: The present literature review, examined the effects of maxillary protraction in patients treated with different types of facial masks. METHODS: The review searched for relevant articles, including randomized controlled trials, controlled clinical trials and uncontrolled trials. Comparisons were made between eight different types of facial masks: Delaire; Grummons; Petit; Turley; Batista; "Sky Hook"; Nanda and Türbinger. Following aspects were evaluated: a) the type of anchorage; the origin, direction and magnitude of forces and b) the relevant results of following skeletal and dental measurements: angular (SNA and SNB), linear (AFAI); vertical angles (SN.GoGn, FMA); dental (IMPA) and linear (1-NA, 1-NB). CONCLUSION: The results showed that there was no uniformity in the choice of anchorage type and form of application of forces between the facial masks examined, but there were similarities in skeletal and dental aspects: Anterior displacement of the maxillary complex (increase in SNA) ; anterior displacement of the upper anterior teeth (increase of 1-NA), the lingual inclination of mandibular incisors (decrease of 1-NB), down and back rotation of the mandible (increase AFAI, SN.GoGn, FMA, decrease in SNB).
Effect of rapid maxillary expansion on the dimension of the nasal cavity and on facial morphology assessed by acoustic rhinometry and rhinomanometry
Authors: Itikawa Carla Enoki , Valera Fabiana Cardoso Pereira , Matsumoto Mírian Aiko Nakane , Lima Wilma Terezinha Anselmo
Published: October 2012

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of rapid maxillary expansion on facial morphology and on nasal cavity dimensions of mouth breathing children by acoustic rhinometry and computed rhinomanometry. METHODS: Cohort; 29 mouth breathing children with posterior crossbite were evaluated. Orthodontic and otorhinolaryngologic documentation were performed at three different times, i.e., before expansion, immediately after and 90 days following expansion. RESULTS: The expansion was accompanied by an increase of the maxillary and nasal bone transversal width. However, there were no significant differences in relation to mucosal area of the nose. Acoustic rhinometry showed no difference in the minimal cross-sectional area at the level of the valve and inferior turbinate between the periods analyzed, although rhinomanometry showed a statistically significant reduction in nasal resistance right after expansion, but were similar to pre-treatment values 90 days after expansion. CONCLUSION: The maxillary expansion increased the maxilla and nasal bony area, but was inefficient to increase the nasal mucosal area, and may lessen the nasal resistance, although there was no difference in nasal geometry. Significance: Nasal bony expansion is followed by a mucosal compensation.
Determination of the structural characteristics in youngsters from Ceará with Class II, division 1 malocclusion
Authors: Castelo Keila Maria de Sousa , Bramante Fausto Silva
Published: October 2012

OBJECTIVE: To determine the structural characteristics of Caucasian youths from Ceará State, Northeastern Brazil, presenting with Class II, Division 1 malocclusion and to investigate whether there is gender dimorphism based on the cephalometric variables assessed. METHODS: By means of lateral cephalograms, it was possible to determine the cephalometric characteristics of Class II, Division 1 malocclusion in a sample of 50 Caucasian youths from Ceará State, Brazil, of both genders (25 male and 25 female), aged between 9 and 14 years, who had not received previous orthodontic treatment. Sixteen cephalometric measures were evaluated and a comparison was made between the experimental group (Class II) and the control group (Class I), a sample comprising 50 Caucasian children from the Brazilian State of Ceará, of both genders (22 male and 28 female), aged 9 to 13 years, obtained from research conducted at the Study Center of the Federal University of Ceará (UCCB), Department of Orthodontics. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the maxilla exhibited adequate positioning. The mandible showed a clear predominance of retrusion and dimensional changes in the sagittal direction. The facial vertical dimensions were increased. The maxillary incisors were well-positioned in their apical bases and with slight lingual inclination. The mandibular incisors were labially inclined and protruded. The study identified the presence of gender dimorphism in the following measures: P-Nperp, Co-A, Wits and ALFH.
Taxonomic notes on Leandra (Melastomataceae, Miconieae)
Authors: Reginato Marcelo , Goldenberg Renato
Published: October 2012

In this paper we propose 11 synonyms and six lectotypes for eastern Brazilian species of Leandra. Leandra urophylla and L. nutans are placed in the synonymy of L. acutiflora; Leandra atropurpurea in the synonymy of L. australis; Ossaea ramboi in the synonymy of L. catharinensis; Leandra pulchra in the synonymy of L. clidemioides; Leandra furfurella in the synonymy of L. cordigera; Leandra macrosepala in the synonymy of L. laevigata; Leandra dusenii in the synonymy of L. microphylla; Leandra dolichodons in the synonymy of L. penduliflora; Leandra dasytricha and L. mosenii in the synonymy of L. variabilis. We also propose lectotypes for L. australis, L. atropurpurea, L. cordigera, L. dusenii, L. laevigata, and L. pulchra.
Pequenas espécies de Parmeliaceae ciliadas no Parque Estadual da Cantareira, São Paulo, SP, Brasil: gêneros Bulbothrix, Parmelinella e Parmelinopsis (Parmeliaceae, Ascomycota)
Authors: Benatti Michel Navarro
Published: October 2012

O levantamento das espécies pertencentes aos gêneros de pequenas parmélias ciliadas no Parque Estadual da Cantareira e arredores revelou a ocorrência de duas espécies de Bulbothrix, uma de Parmelinella e quatro de Parmelinopsis. As espécies são caracterizadas pelos talos foliosos com lobos ou lacínias em geral < 0,5 cm larg., sendo que Bulbothrix apresenta cílios marginais bulbados, Parmelinella apresenta cílios simples axilares e Parmelinopsis apresenta cílios simples conspícuos. Constituintes químicos medulares são muito diversos em Bulbothrix e Parmelinopsis, enquanto que o ácido salazínico é predominante em Parmelinella. São apresentados uma chave de identificação, descrições, comentários e ilustrações.
Epifitismo vascular em sítios de borda e interior em Floresta Estacional Semidecidual no Sudeste do Brasil
Authors: Bataghin Fernando Antonio , Pires José Salatiel Rodrigues , Barros Fábio de
Published: October 2012

As epífitas têm papel fundamental como indicadores ambientais e podem refletir o grau de preservação local. Esta pesquisa foi desenvolvida na Floresta Nacional de Ipanema, São Paulo, Brasil e objetivou caracterizar a comunidade epifítica vascular, analisando sua abundância e distribuição nos sítios de borda e de interior da floresta. Foram encontradas 16 espécies, pertencentes a 12 gêneros e seis famílias. Houve predominância dos holoepífitos característicos. Na borda foram amostradas sete espécies, com diversidade de Shannon de H' = 1,282 e equabilidade de Pielou de J = 0,658. No interior foram amostradas 13 espécies, com diversidade de Shannon de H' = 1,587 e equabilidade de Pielou de J = 0,619. Os resultados indicaram que a baixa diversidade da área pode estar relacionada a perturbação da floresta e a fitofisionomia pesquisada, e que há ação do efeito de borda sobre as epifíticas vasculares da borda e do interior da floresta, alterando a composição específica e a distribuição vertical da comunidade.
Licófitas e monilófitas das Unidades de Conservação da Usina Hidroelétrica - UHE de Tucuruí, Pará, Brasil
Authors: Fernandes Rozijane Santos , Maciel Sebastião , Pietrobom Marcio Roberto
Published: October 2012

O presente estudo refere-se às espécies de licófitas e monilófitas ocorrentes nas Zonas de Preservação da Vida Silvestre da Usina Hidroelétrica de Tucuruí, Estado do Pará, Brasil. A área de estudo localiza-se na região sudeste do Pará, com cerca de 29.700 hectares, composta, predominantemente, por floresta ombrófila aberta. Os dados obtidos demonstraram a ocorrência de 18 famílias, 37 gêneros e 82 espécies. A família com maior riqueza de espécies é Pteridaceae (21 spp.) e o gênero mais representativo é Adiantum com 14 espécies. Três espécies são novas referências para o Pará: Didymoglossum ovale, Danaea nodosa e Pecluma hygrometrica. Além disso, duas espécies novas foram identificados, uma delas já descrita, Thyelypteris amazonica. A outra espécie pertence a Adiantum e será publicada em breve. A riqueza florística da área, associada com as novidades taxonômicas, atesta a sua importância biológica e aponta para a necessidade de aumentar os esforços em pesquisa e conservação da área estudada.
Eunotiaceae Kützing (Bacillariophyceae) planctônicas do Sistema Lago dos Tigres, Britânia, GO, Brasil
Authors: Oliveira Bárbara Dunck , Nogueira Ina de Souza , Souza Maria da Graça Machado de
Published: October 2012

Este trabalho objetivou inventariar as espécies da família Eunotiaceae Kützing ocorrentes no plâncton do sistema Lago dos Tigres (Britânia, GO-15º36'33,5"-15º22'8,7"S e 51º17'56,3"-51º16'91"W), composto por regiões lóticas e lênticas. A amostragem foi realizada entre junho e novembro de 2004 em 11 estações amostrais, e amostras coletadas através de rede de plâncton 25 µm. O sistema Lago dos Tigres apresentou 22 táxons, sendo um para Actinella e 21 para Eunotia. Eunotia asterionelloides foi o táxon mais comum, registrado em todas as estações amostrais. Entre os táxons, 10 citações são pioneiras para a região Centro-Oeste do Brasil (Eunotia deficiens, E. diodonopsis, E. intermedia, E. longicollis, E. papilio, E. pileus, E. rabenhorstiana var. elongata, E. rabenhorstii var. monodon, E. trigibba e E. tropico-arcus).
Espécies de Cladonia P. Browne (Cladoniaceae, Ascomycota) do Supergrupo Cladonia em restingas e costões rochosos dos Estados do Paraná e de Santa Catarina, Brasil
Authors: Gumboski Emerson Luiz , Eliasaro Sionara
Published: October 2012

Foram registradas 14 espécies de Cladonia, das quais quatro são novas ocorrências: Cladonia latiloba e C. ochracea para o Paraná; C. merochlorophaea e C. polyscypha para Santa Catarina. A maioria das espécies foi encontrada tanto em restingas quanto em costões rochosos. Cladonia flagellaris e C. litoralis foram encontradas apenas em costões enquanto que C. merochlorophaea, C. polyscypha, C. signata e C. solida apenas em restingas. São apresentadas chave de identificação, descrições, comentários e ilustrações.
Novos registros para a família Melastomataceae nos Estados do Paraná e Santa Catarina, Brasil
Authors: Meyer Fabrício Schmitz , Meirelles Julia , Caddah Mayara Krasinski , Goldenberg Renato
Published: October 2012

Neste trabalho são registradas uma nova ocorrência de gênero Henriettea DC. para Santa Catarina e quatro novas ocorrências de espécies de Melastomataceae para esse Estado: Henriettea glabra (Vell.) Penneys, Michelangeli, Judd & Almeda, Leandra tetraquetra (Cham.) Cogn., Miconia racemifera (DC.) Triana e Miconia paniculata (DC.) Naudin. Miconia paniculata e Salpinga margaritacea (Naudin) Triana são também registradas pela primeira vez para o Estado do Paraná, e confirma-se a ocorrência da última no Estado de Santa Catarina, mencionada anteriormente de forma duvidosa, com base em uma coleta antiga e sem flores. Todas essas espécies tiveram seus limites de distribuição ampliados no sentido sul, alcançando os Estados do Paraná e Santa Catarina. São fornecidas descrições, ilustrações e comentários taxonômicos para as novas ocorrências.
Cross-cultural adaptation of the Operationalized Psychodynamic Diagnosis (OPD-2) in Portugal
Authors: Vicente Carla S. , Oliveira Rui Aragão , Silva Filipe , Ferrajão Paulo , Augusto Sara , Oliveira Sandra , Senra Hugo , Oliveira Raquel , Krieger Daniela
Published: October 2012

Background: The Operationalized Psychodynamic Diagnosis (OPD-2) is internationally established as one of the major instruments available for clinical diagnosis and scientific research, being frequently used as an auxiliary tool in the selection of therapeutic interventions. Aims: 1) To describe the methodological aspects of the adaptation of the OPD-2 into Portuguese (Portugal and Brazil). 2) To assess inter-rater agreement for the different axes of the instrument when scoring clinical interviews. Method: The cross-cultural adaptation involved translation of the instrument by different independent translators, whose versions were compared in discussion groups in order to develop a final Portuguese version. In the presence of discrepancies regarding the translation of original concepts, the authors of the original instrument were contacted for clarification. Five interviews were used to assess inter-rater agreement. Each subject participated in two interviews, conducted by an experienced clinical psychologist. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and then analyzed by the principal investigator and by three independent examiners. Results: Axis IV (Structure) presented the highest inter-rater agreement (78%). Axes I (Experience of illness and prerequisites for treatment) and III (Conflict) showed the lowest inter-rater agreement results (66 and 57.7%, respectively). Conclusions: Our results point in the same direction as previous studies conducted in other countries. In our sample, the OPD-2 presented an acceptable inter-rater agreement; however, further studies are needed to assess the instrument's reliability.
Problematic parent-infant relationships in two-parent families: prevalence and risk factors in a Brazilian neighborhood
Authors: Falceto Olga Garcia , Giugliani Elsa R. J. , Fernandes Carmen Luiza C.
Published: October 2012

Introduction: Although the quality of parent-child relationships is known to be associated with the offspring's mental health, little is known about the prevalence of problematic relationships in this scenario. This cross-sectional study aims to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of different types of early parent-infant relationships in a Brazilian population group. Methods: During 1 year, all families (n = 230) from an urban community of Porto Alegre, southern Brazil, with 4-month-old infants born in public hospitals were identified, and 148 were fully investigated by two family therapists. This study describes data on the 116 infants with two-parent families. Demographic, obstetric, and relational variables were collected through questionnaires and scales (Parent-Infant Relationship Global Assessment Scale, Global Assessment of Relational Functioning, and Self-Report Questionnaire). Prevalence ratios were calculated, and Poisson regression with robust variance was performed to adjust for covariates. Results: Almost 10% of mothers and 12% of fathers showed at least a significantly perturbed relationship with their 4-month-old infants. Inadequate mother-infant bonding coincided with evidence of paternal mental disorder, poor maternal social network, and discontinuation of breastfeeding at 4 months. A problematic father-infant relationship was associated with a dysfunctional couple relationship and with low infant birth weight. Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of early parent-child relationship problems, suggesting a need for health system interventions. Parent-infant relational problems are prevalent very early in life and more associated with other relational problems than with socioeconomic burden.
Brazilian Portuguese version of the Spence Children's Anxiety Scale (SCAS-Brasil)
Authors: DeSousa Diogo A. , Petersen Circe S. , Behs Rafaela , Manfro Gisele G. , Koller Silvia H.
Published: October 2012

Objective: To describe the cross-cultural adaptation of the Spence Children's Anxiety Scale (SCAS) for use in Brazil. Methods: Cross-cultural adaptation followed a four-step process, based on specialized literature: 1) investigation of conceptual and item equivalence; 2) translation and back-translation; 3) pretest; and 4) investigation of operational equivalence. All these procedures were carried out for both the child and the parent versions of the SCAS. Results: A final Brazilian version of the instrument, named SCAS-Brasil, was defined and is presented. Conclusion: The SCAS-Brasil instrument seems to be very similar to the original SCAS in terms of conceptual and item equivalence, semantics, and operational equivalence, suggesting that future cross-cultural studies may benefit from this early version. As a result, a new instrument is now available for the assessment of childhood anxiety symptoms in community, clinical, and research settings.
Low serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) in children with autism
Authors: Tostes Márcia Helena Fávero de Souza , Polonini Hudson Caetano , Gattaz Wagner Farid , Raposo Nádia Rezende Barbosa , Baptista Edilene Bolutari
Published: October 2012

Objective: To confirm previous evidence suggesting an association between autism and low vitamin D serum levels. Methods: This preliminary exploratory study assessed the circulating levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) in pediatric patients with autism and in typically developing controls from Juiz de Fora, Brazil. Results: Serum levels of 25-OHD were lower in children with autism (26.48 ± 3.48 ng mL-1) when compared to typically developing subjects (40.52 ± 3.13 ng mL-1) (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our findings attest to the importance of vitamin supplementation during pregnancy and in the treatment of children with autism, who tend to present low vitamin D consumption rates.
The protein corona effect for targeted drug delivery
Authors: Caracciolo Giulio
Published: October 2012

At present, ligand binding to nanoparticle surface is the most widespread strategy for targeting specific tissues by a receptor-mediated mechanism. However, the nanoparticles are immediately covered by a protein-rich layer when administrated in vivo, the so-called “protein corona”, with the immediate consequence that the ligand-receptor recognition may be obscured. It is not the nanoparticle-bulk composition or surface functionalization but rather the identity, arrangement and residence time of the proteins of the corona that determine the nanoparticle bioidentity, and this is an emerging concept available for use to target specific cell types in a controlled manner. An in-depth understanding of the relationship between surface properties of nanoparticles and composition of the “protein corona” is a fundamental step toward the design of nanoparticles that, once in the blood, become covered by specific proteins able to deliver them at the right site of action and promote efficient cell internalization. This “protein corona effect” is a formidable challenge that could lead to a complete renewal of the current strategies of targeted drug delivery.
Single-element spark plasma sintering of silicon germanium
Authors: Thompson Daniel , Hitchcock Dale , Lahwal Ali , Tritt T. M.
Published: October 2012

Various compositions of the thermoelectric material, silicon germanium (SiGe), were synthesized directly from single elements (SE) via the spark plasma sintering (SPS) process. Through proper choice of commercially available powders, sintering conditions and stoichiometry, n-type and p-type samples with thermoelectric properties comparable with those of the Si80Ge20 alloys used in radioisotope thermoelectric generators for space missions were generated using the SE SPS process. The SE SPS technique is a rapid process requiring only 1 h to synthesize the desired material. This new synthesis technique is a viable alternative to traditional synthesis methods and provides the potential to discover novel avenues for improving the thermoelectric dimensionless figure of merit of SiGe alloys.
Investigation by limit analysis on the stability of slopes with cracks
Authors: UTILI S.
Published: October 2012

A full set of solutions for the stability of homogeneous c, φ slopes with cracks has been obtained by the kinematic method of limit analysis, providing rigorous upper bounds to the true collapse values for any value of engineering interest of φ, the inclination of the slope, and the depth and location of cracks. Previous stability analyses of slopes with cracks are based mainly on limit equilibrium methods, which are not rigorous, and are limited in their capacity for analysis, since they usually require the user to assume a crack depth and location in the slope. Conversely, numerical methods (e.g. finite-element method) struggle to deal with the presence of cracks in the slope, because of the discontinuities introduced in both the static and kinematic fields by the presence of cracks. In this paper, solutions are provided in a general form considering cases of both dry and water-filled cracks. Critical failure mechanisms are determined for cracks of known depth but unspecified location, cracks of known location but unknown depth, and cracks of unspecified location and depth. The upper bounds are achieved by assuming a rigid rotational mechanism (logarithmic spiral failure line). It is also shown that the values obtained provide a significant improvement on the currently available upper bounds based on planar failure mechanisms, providing a reduction in the stability factor of up to 85%. Charts of solutions are presented in dimensionless form for ease of use by practitioners.