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Flow simulation using artificial neural networks (ANNs) in the modelling has been widely applied and has gained prominence in regions lacking data. The hydrological variables are subject to the influence of morphological characteristics and urbanization in the watershed. Statistical models, such as ANNs, need to be able to identify the relationship between the hydrological inputs and outputs of the model, without explicitly considering the other relationships involved in physical processes. This work aimed to apply a Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) neural network for predicting flows in an urban basin subject to recurrent floods, using precipitation and flow data from previous periods as inputs. After model calibration and validation for the current state of the basin (2018–2019), its responses were analysed using input data before the basin urbanization (1985–1986) to identify the error behaviour at the output as a proxy for the basin changes effect. Its efficiency was evaluated using hydrographs, showing satisfactory results in both periods. In the urbanization period, there is more dispersion for maximum flows. For the day 4 steps back in the current forecast, NSE = 0.59 was observed, whereas in the other period, NSE = 0.70. The evaluation of the models for the current period of basin urbanization showed that the model could capture the basin's physical dynamics within the established static relationship. Also, the result found in the statistical relationships for the inputs showed once again the impact of urbanization on the basin.

Stochastic modeling to forecast hydrological variables under changing climatic conditions is essential for water resource management and adaptation planning. This study explores the applicability of stochastic models, specifically SARIMA and SARIMAX, to forecast monthly average river discharge in a sub-basin of the Paranaíba River near Patos de Minas, MG, Brazil. The Paranaíba River is a vital water source for the Alto Paranaíba region, serving industrial supply, drinking water effluent dilution for urban communities, agriculture, fishing, and tourism. The study evaluates the performance of SARIMA and SARIMAX models in long-term discharge modeling and forecasting, demonstrating the SARIMAX model’s superior performance in various metrics, including the Nash–Sutcliffe coefficient (NSE), the root mean square error (RMSE), and the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE). The inclusion of precipitation as a regressor variable considerably improves the forecasting accuracy, and can be attributed to the multivariate structure of the SARIMAX model. While stochastic models like SARIMAX offer valuable decision-making tools for water resource management, the study underscores the significance of employing long-term time series encompassing flood and drought periods and including model uncertainty analysis to enhance the robustness of forecasts. In this study, the SARIMAX model provides a better fit for extreme values, overestimating peaks by around 11.6% and troughs by about 5.0%, compared with the SARIMA model, which tends to underestimate peaks by an average of 6.5% and overestimate troughs by approximately 76.0%. The findings contribute to the literature on water management strategies and mitigating risks associated with extreme hydrological events.

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INTRODUCTION: Over the last years, zebrafish has gained prominence in the biomedical community. It is currently considered one of the best vertebrate animal models for various types of studies, such as toxicology and developmental biology. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to conduct a literature review on the use of zebrafish in dentistry and whether this animal model could be a viable alternative for performing different types of studies in this area. METHODS: A literature search was performed using the PubMed, Lilacs, Embase, and Dentistry and Oral Sciences Source. The keywords used as search terms were zebrafish and dentistry. The selection criteria were articles published in English that used zebrafish as an animal model in dentistry, oral health, and craniofacial growth/development. RESULTS: The electronic search of literature yielded 421 articles. After the analysis of the abstracts, 29 articles were selected for an in-depth analysis and reading of the full text. CONCLUSIONS: All studies included in this review confirm zebrafish's excellence as an animal model for various types of dentistry studies, as well as assisting and complementing other studies involving mammals.

In developing countries nutritional deficit during prenatal and continuing in post-natal life is very common. This condition leads to stunting and important metabolic changes. Over 30% of children in the world are stunted. The metabolic resultants of nutritional deficit during growth are classically known to aim at energy conservation. This review summarizes data from Brazil, a developing country undergoing the double burden of obesity and undernutrition, especially among the poor, and suggests that stunting or chronic undernutrition increases the risk of obesity and hypertension later in life. Around 60 million people are under the poverty line in Brazil. In São Paulo, the richest city of the country, 20% of the population live in slums and in Maceió, the capital of one of the poorest states, this percentage reaches 50%. Undernutrition in this population is around 20% among children, with high frequency of infections, anemia, and parasitic infestations, associated with poor sanitation. Among stunted adolescents, we found a high prevalence of hypertension (21%) that is a considerably higher estimate compared to non-stunted adolescents (less than 10%). The prevalence of hypertension in undernourished pre-school children, or in those who recovered from undernutrition, was higher than that in controls (29%, 20% and 2%, respectively, P < 0.001). Among stunted adults eating no more than 66% of the requirements (adjusted for stature), overweight/obesity was 35% in women and 25% in men. The prevalence of hypertension was 44% among stunted women and 18% among stunted men. Fifty per cent of stunted and obese women had hypertension. These data reinforce the important association between undernutrition and hypertension from childhood through adulthood. Health policies for preventing and combating childhood undernutrition should have an impact on the morbidity and mortality related to hypertension during adulthood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focused on developing electrically stimulable hyaluronic acid (HA) films incorporating lipid nanoparticles (NPs) designed for the topical administration of lipophilic drugs and macromolecules. Based on beeswax and medium-chain triglycerides, NPs were successfully integrated into silk fibroin/chitosan films containing HA (NP-HA films) at a density of approximately 10 11 NP/cm 2 , ensuring a uniform distribution. This integration resulted in a 40% increase in film roughness, a twofold decrease in Young's modulus, and enhanced film flexibility and bioadhesion work. The NP-HA films, featuring Ag/AgCl electrodes, demonstrated the capability to conduct a constant electrical current of 0.2 mA/cm 2 without inducing toxicity in keratinocytes and fibroblasts during a 15-min application. Moreover, the NPs facilitated the homogeneous distribution of lipophilic drugs within the film, effectively transporting them to the skin and uniformly distributing them in the stratum corneum upon film administration. The sustained release of HA from the films, following Higuchi kinetics, did not alter the macroscopic characteristics of the film. Although anodic iontophoresis did not noticeably affect the release of HA, it did enhance its penetration into the skin. This enhancement facilitated the permeation of HA with a molecular weight (MW) of up to 2 × 10 5 through intercellular and transcellular routes. Confocal Raman spectroscopy provided evidence of an approximate 100% increase in the presence of HA with a MW in the range of 1.5-1.8 × 10 6 in the viable epidermis of human skin after only 15 min of iontophoresis applied to the films. Combining iontophoresis with NP-HA films exhibits substantial potential for noninvasive treatments focused on skin rejuvenation and wound healing., (© 2024. Controlled Release Society.)

Purpose: Evaluating the facial esthetics of complete denture (CD) treatment using a 3D analysis of the lower third of the face before (T1) and after (T2) treatment by comparing and correlating measurements., Material and Methods: Thirty-one edentulous patients were enrolled, and three-dimensional (3D) images were captured before (T1) and after (T2) CD delivery. Twelve landmarks were established in the face. Linear, angular, surface, and perimeter measurements were evaluated and compared with the paired t test. The delta (Δ) values (T2-T1) were assessed by the Spearman correlation to verify the associations between all measurements according to the facial parameters (α=.05)., Results: Statistical differences were identified in the lower third of the face in the linear measurement Sn-Gn (P = 0.006), the angular measure Tright-Pg-Tleft (P = 0.004), and at the surface of the lower third of the face (P = 0.001). All measurements were statistically different in the labial protrusion area: the nasolabial angle (Prn-Sn-Ls), the surface, and the perimeter (P = 0.001). In the lip evaluation, statistical differences were observed in the linear (Ls-Li), surface, and perimeter measurements (P = 0.001)., Conclusion: The facial esthetic proportions of the linear and perimeter measurements increased, and the angles of sealed lips and nasolabial and lower facial convexity decreased after CD delivery. The present study showed a clinical important correlation between linear and angular measurements that should help restore facial esthetics, providing metrics that can aid the clinician in facial composition.

Bovines are carriers of Salmonella spp., a relevant foodborne pathogen, acting as contamination sources in slaughterhouses. Calves are prone to infection, and antimicrobial resistance may occur in such bacteria. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and virulence determinants of Salmonella spp. recovered from calves in the Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. Eighty-five calves' carcasses were evaluated (leather and veal meat). Thirteen Salmonella spp. isolates (8%) from 11 animals (13%) were obtained only from leather, indicating that contamination occurred before slaughter and that the meat was safe regarding this aspect. The serotypes S. Minnesota, S. Abony, S. Cerro, and S. Gafsa were identified, and all isolates were multidrug-resistant. The isolates had at least 19 virulence-related genes, and the bla OXA-48 resistance gene was detected in three (23%). The data suggest that treating infections caused by these bacteria may be difficult in animals from these farms and can also be an extended human health problem., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

This study evaluated the palatal surface area in children with different oral clefts after primary surgeries and at five years of age. This longitudinal study was composed by 216 digital models: unilateral complete cleft lip (UCL), unilateral complete cleft lip and palate (UCLP), and complete cleft palate (CP). The models were analysed at four time periods: T1 (before cheiloplasty), T2 (before palatoplasty), T3 (after palatoplasty); and T4 - (at five years of age). Area of the dental arches was measured through stereophotogrammetry software. Measurements evaluated with Student's test and ANOVA followed by the Tukey test (p<0.05) (AQ 1). In the UCL group, the palatal surface area significantly increased among phases. In the primary surgery periods, UCLP and CP significantly decreased (p<0.001). Palatal area in the UCLP group was significantly greater than the CP group. Overall, no statistically significant differences occurred among groups. At T4, the area of the palate in the UCL group was significantly greater than the UCLP group and no significant differences occurred between UCLP and CP groups. This study suggests that cheiloplasty did not inhibit the growth of the palatal surface area in children with UCL and UCLP. Palatoplasty significantly decreased the palatal area in children with UCLP and CP, demonstrating a significant negative effect of palatal repair on maxillary growth. At five years, children with UCLP and CP had a significantly smaller palate area than those with UCL., (Copyright © 2021 The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: This study aimed to compare dimensional alterations of dental arches in children with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate before and after different techniques of primary plastic surgeries., Materials and Methods: The sample was divided into two groups: group 1-cheiloplasty by Millard's technique and one-stage palatoplasty by von Langenbeck's technique; group 2-cheiloplasty by Millard's technique and two-stage palatoplasty: anterior palatoplasty by Hans Pichler's technique and posterior palatoplasty by Sommerlad's technique. Dental arches were evaluated before (T1), after the first phase (T2), and 1 year after the second phase (T3) of primary surgeries. Linear measurements and palatal area were assessed. To analyze the method's error, interclass correlation coefficient was applied. ANOVA (followed by Tukey test), dependent, and independent t-test were used (p < 0.05)., Results: At T1, the intertuberosity distance was statistically greater in G2 (p = 0.004). At T2, the anterior length of the dental arch was statistically greater in G2 (p = 0.025), while the area of the smaller palatal segment (p = 0.001), cleft area (p = 0.014), and total area (p = 0.002) were statistically smaller in G2. At T3, the intertuberosity distance was statistically greater in G2 (p = 0.017)., Conclusion: This study suggests that cheiloplasty and one-stage palatoplasty resulted in smaller growth of maxilla than cheiloplasty and two-stage palatoplasty in the linear measurements (T-T' and I-CC') and total area of the dental arches., Clinical Relevance: Surgical protocols need to be evaluated to verify their effects aiming at improving the clinical practice of the interdisciplinary team, determining new parameters for the rehabilitation of individuals with cleft lip and palate., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: Cohort studies have evaluated dental arches of children., Aim: To evaluate the volumetric, linear, palatal surface area, and the dental arch superimposition of participants with bilateral complete cleft lip (BCL) and bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP) surgically treated in a specialized hospital., Design: One hundred and thirty six digitized dental models evaluated before cheiloplasty (T1), after cheiloplasty (T2), and after palatoplasty (T3). The stereophotogrammetry software analysed the volume, palate superimposition, linear, and area measurements., Results: In BCL group, at T2, C-C', T-T', area, and volume significantly increased (P = .000, P < .000, P = .010 e P = .003, respectively). In BCLP group, the comparison T3 × T1 showed that C-C' decreased, whereas T-T' and the area increased (P < .000, P < .000, P = .000). The volume increased at T2, but decreased at T3 (P < .000) in participants with BCLP. The intergroup analysis revealed that C-C', T-T', I-C', and I-C were significantly smaller in participants with BCLP (P < .000, P = .016, P = .001 e P = .020, respectively), whereas the volume, superimposition, and area were statistically similar between groups (P > .05)., Conclusion: The comparison between bilateral orofacial clefts showed reduction in the transversal and anteroposterior linear measurements, but not in the area and volume, which was confirmed by the superimposition of the dental arches., (© 2020 BSPD, IAPD and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: We evaluated microRNAs and extracellular matrix component profiles in squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity (OSCC) in comparison to healthy mucosa., Methods: Retrospective study investigating 64 microRNAs related to oncogenic process and to constituents of the extracellular matrix. We also performed immunohistochemical assays for molecules involved in the same biological processes., Results: High expression of miR-21-5p (p < 0.001) and miR-106-5p (p < 0.001) and low expression of miR-320a (p = 0.001) and miR-222-3p (p = 0.001) were predictors of malignancy. Individually, miR-21-5p exhibited the best statistical performance (area under the curve = 0.972; 95% confidence interval: 0.911-1.000) in the differentiation between tumor tissue and healthy mucosa. Moreover, tumor sample showed increased expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, α-laminin, and β-laminin in tumor-related fibroblasts and lower continuity of type IV collagen in the basement membrane., Conclusion: The present study demonstrates the biological effects of microRNAs on the carcinogenesis of OSCC as well as the intense modification of the tumor microenvironment., (© 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

This study aimed to evaluate longitudinally the alteration of the dental arch dimensions of children with different oral cleft types, before and after the primary surgeries. Three-dimensional images of the maxillary dental casts of children with unilateral complete cleft lip (G1), unilateral complete cleft lip and palate (G2), and cleft palate (G3). The children were evaluated at pre-cheiloplasty (T1), pre-palatoplasty (T2), and 1 year after palatoplasty (T3). The measurements obtained: intercanine (C-C') and intertuberosity (T-T') distances, anterior (I-CC') and total (I-TT') arch lengths. To analyze the intraexaminer error, paired t-test was applied and Dahlbergh formula. The intragroups comparisons were applied: paired t-test, ANOVA followed by Tukey, Wilcoxon test, and Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Dunn test. The intergroup comparisons were performed by independent t-test and Mann-Whitney test. In G1, the C-C', T-T', and the I-TT' distances revealed a significant increase of the maxilla. In G2, the C-C' distance statistically decreased from T1 to T3, T-T' distance showed statistical increase from T1 to T3. The I-TT' length increased with statistically significant differences between T1 and T3, T2 and T3. In G3, the C-C', T-T', and I-TT' distance increased was statistically significant. The longitudinal evaluation of the changes occurred in the dental arches with different oral cleft types showed that cheiloplasty and palatoplasty caused the most alterations in the development of the maxillary dimensions of children with complete cleft lip and palate.

Objective: This study aimed to perform a longitudinal morphometric analysis of the alterations of the maxillary dental arches in children with cleft lip and palate before and after primary lip and/or palate surgeries using a 3-dimensional stereophotogrammetry system., Study Design: The sample consisted of dental casts of 60 children with complete unilateral cleft lip (UCL) and complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP). Dental arches were evaluated before cheiloplasty (T1), after cheiloplasty (T2), and 1 year after palatoplasty (T3). Independent t test and Mann-Whitney U test were used for intergroup comparisons, and paired t test, Wilcoxon's test, and repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Tukey's test, were used for intragroup comparisons., Results: At T1, the intercanine and intertuberosity distances in the UCLP group were statistically greater than those in the UCL group. At T2, the maxillary dimensions significantly increased, except for the intertuberosity distance in UCL. Between T1 and T3, the intercanine distance and the anterior length decreased significantly, whereas the intertuberosity distance and the total length of the palate increased significantly., Conclusions: Our results indicated that the primary lip surgery altered the development of dental arches, evidently in children with UCLP. The primary palate surgery interfered in the growth of the anterior palatal region in the UCLP group. Children with UCLP had more restricted development of the maxillary dental arch compared with children with UCL., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

This study aimed to use new three-dimensional (3D) anthropometric analyses to verify the post-surgical effects on the maxillary segments of children with unilateral cleft lip and palate. The sample was composed by digitized dental models of 60 children with unilateral complete cleft lip and alveolus (UCLA) and complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP). The impressions were taken before cheiloplasty (T1), after cheiloplasty (T2), and after palatoplasty (T3). The 3D anthropometric analyses of digitized dental casts were obtained through a specific software. Intragroup changes were applied paired t test and Wilcoxon test (UCLA group) and for the UCLP group, repeated-measures analyses of variance followed by the Tukey test. For intergroup analyses, an independent t test and Mann-Whitney test were used. The palatal dimensional changes of UCLA group showed that the distances IC, I-T', and I-T significantly increased after cheiloplasty (p = 0.0002, p = 0.0007 and p < 0.0001, respectively). In the UCLP group, the IC' distance statistically decreased in the post-surgical periods (p < 0.0001), while the I-T distance increased (p < 0.0001). The IC distance increased after cheiloplasty (p < 0.0001). The I-T' distance increased between T2 and T3 with statistically significant differences (p = 0.0037). The intergroup analysis of palatal development (T2-T1) showed that the distances IC' and I-T' demonstrated a reduction of the dental arches growth of UCLP group compared with the UCLA group, with statistically significant differences. The new 3D anthropometric analysis showed that the development of the maxillary segments changed after surgical repair. The UCLP group demonstrated a reduction of the dental arches growth compared with the UCLA group., (Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Recent Zika outbreaks in South America, accompanied by unexpectedly severe clinical complications have brought much interest in fast and reliable screening methods for ZIKV (Zika virus) identification. Reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is currently the method of choice to detect ZIKV in biological samples. This approach, nonetheless, demands a considerable amount of time and resources such as kits and reagents that, in endemic areas, may result in a substantial financial burden over affected individuals and health services veering away from RT-PCR analysis. This study presents a powerful combination of high-resolution mass spectrometry and a machine-learning prediction model for data analysis to assess the existence of ZIKV infection across a series of patients that bear similar symptomatic conditions, but not necessarily are infected with the disease. By using mass spectrometric data that are inputted with the developed decision-making algorithm, we were able to provide a set of features that work as a "fingerprint" for this specific pathophysiological condition, even after the acute phase of infection. Since both mass spectrometry and machine learning approaches are well-established and have largely utilized tools within their respective fields, this combination of methods emerges as a distinct alternative for clinical applications, providing a diagnostic screening-faster and more accurate-with improved cost-effectiveness when compared to existing technologies.

Introduction and Hypothesis: The prevalence of sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women is high. Theoretically pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength could influence sexual function, but to date there is scant evidence on this topic. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between PFM strength and sexual function in postmenopausal women. The relationship between reported urinary incontinence (UI) and sexual dysfunction was also investigated., Methods: This was a cross-sectional study including 113 postmenopausal women. PFM strength was evaluated using vaginal manometry. Sexual function was evaluated using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). A score of ≤26.5 was considered to indicate sexual dysfunction. Urinary incontinence reports were evaluated using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence (ICIQ-UI) Short Form. Statistical analysis was performed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (ρ), the Mann-Whitney test and 95 % confidence intervals., Results: The median age of the women was 53 years (range 42 - 65 years) and their median body mass index was 27.9 kg/m 2 (range 20 - 42 kg/m 2 ). Women without sexual dysfunction showed significantly higher PFM strength (median 41.8, range 11.3 - 94.0 cmH 2 O) than women with sexual dysfunction (median 30.3, range 3 - 112 cmH 2 O; p = 0.02). A weak correlation was found between the total FSFI score and the total ICIQ-UI score (ρ = -0.21, p = 0.03)., Conclusions: Postmenopausal women with sexual dysfunction showed lower PFM strength than women without sexual dysfunction. There was a weak correlation between urinary incontinence severity and sexual function.

Herein we present a novel approach for the quantification of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) using mass spectrometry imaging. This strategy uses a filter paper previously "eluted" with a MALDI matrix solution as a support for analyte application. Samples are submitted to mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) and quantification through characteristic fingerprints is ultimately performed. Results for the content of rosuvastatin from a known formulation are comparable to those obtained with a validated HPLC method.

Objectives: The present study verified the influence of whitening dentifrices on the surface roughness of a nanohybrid composite resin., Materials and Methods: Thirty-two specimens were prepared with Filtek™ Z350 XT (3M/ESPE) and randomly divided into four groups (n = 08) that were subjected to brushing simulation equivalent to the period of 1 month. The groups assessed were a control group with distilled water (G1), Colgate Total 12 Professional Clean (G2), Sensodyne Extra Whitener Extra Fresh (G3), and Colgate Luminous White (G4). A sequence of 90 cycles was performed for all the samples. The initial roughness of each group was analyzed by the Surface Roughness Tester (TR 200-TIME Group Inc., CA, USA). After the brushing period, the final roughness was measured, and the results were statistically analyzed using nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests for intergroup roughness comparison in the time factor. For intragroup and "Δ Final - Initial" comparisons, the Wilcoxon test and (one-way) ANOVA were, respectively, performed (α = 0.05)., Results: The roughness mean values before and after brushing showed no statistically significant difference when the different dentifrices were used. None of the dentifrices analyzed increased significantly the nanohybrid composite resin surface roughness in a 1 month of tooth brushing simulation., Conclusions: These results suggest that no hazardous effect on the roughness of nanohybrid composite resin can be expected when whitening dentifrices are used for a short period. Similar studies should be conducted to analyze other esthetic composite materials.

To compare the three-dimensional changes occurring in the maxillary arch during the use of modified pre-surgical nasoalveolar moulding (PNAM) and Hotz's plate. A clinical trial including 32 children with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP), 16 treated with Hotz's plate and 16 with PNAM, was performed. Impressions of the maxillary arches were taken: A. prior to pre-surgical orthopaedics, B. before cheiloplasty and C. after cheiloplasty. Models were digitised using a stereophotogrammetric instrument, and geodesic distances were calculated: anterior, canine and posterior widths of the arch, and lengths and cleft depths of the larger and shorter segments. The time and treatment effects were assessed by two-factor anova. A significant effect of treatment was found for cleft depth at the larger segment: children treated with Hotz's plate had significantly deeper cleft than children treated with PNAM. All distances significantly changed during time: the anterior and canine widths decreased, while the posterior width, the lengths and depths of the cleft segments increased. Significant treatment per time interactions was found. The anterior and canine widths reduced more with PNAM between time points A and B while Hotz's treatment was more effective between B and C. The shorter segment depth increased more between B and C with PNAM, and between A and B with Hotz's plate. During pre-surgical orthopaedics, therapy with PNAM obtained the best results in reducing the width at the anterior segment of the cleft. This treatment gave a lower increase in cleft depth than treatment with Hotz's plate., (© 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Objective: To assess a three-dimensional (3D) stereophotogrammetric method for area delimitation and evaluation of the dental arches of children with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP). Obtained data were also used to assess the 3D changes occurring in the maxillary arch with the use of orthopedic therapy prior to rhinocheiloplasty and before the first year of life., Design: Within the collaboration between the Università degli Studi di Milano (Italy) and the University CES of Medellin (Colombia), 96 palatal cast models obtained from neonatal patients with UCLP were analyzed using a 3D stereophotogrammetric imaging system., Main Outcome Measures: The area of the minor and greater cleft segments on the digital dental cast surface were delineated by the visualization tool of the stereophotogrammetric software and then examined. "Trueness" of the measurements, as well as systematic and random errors between operators' tracings ("precision") were calculated., Results: The method gave area measurements close to true values (errors lower than 2%), without systematic measurement errors for tracings by both interoperators and intraoperators (P > .05). Statistically significant differences (P < .05) were noted for alveolar segment and time., Conclusions: Maxillary segments have the potential for growth during presurgical orthopedic treatment in the early neonatal period. The cleft segment delimitation on digital dental casts and area measurements by the 3D stereophotogrammetric system revealed an accurate (true and precise) method for evaluating the stone casts of newborn patients with UCLP.

Background: In type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) management, enhancing health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is as important as good metabolic control and prevention of secondary complications. This study aims to evaluate possible regional differences in HRQoL, demographic features and clinical characteristics of patients with T1DM in Brazil, a country of continental proportions, as well as investigate which variables could influence the HRQoL of these individuals and contribute to these regional disparities., Methods: This was a retrospective, cross-sectional, multicenter study performed by the Brazilian Type 1 Diabetes Study Group (BrazDiab1SG), by analyzing EuroQol scores from 3005 participants with T1DM, in 28 public clinics, among all geographical regions of Brazil. Data on demography, economic status, chronic complications, glycemic control and lipid profile were also collected., Results: We have found that the North-Northeast region presents a higher index in the assessment of the overall health status (EQ-VAS) compared to the Southeast (74.6 ± 30 and 70.4 ± 19, respectively; p < 0.05). In addition, North-Northeast presented a lower frequency of self-reported anxiety-depression compared to all regions of the country (North-Northeast: 1.53 ± 0.6; Southeast: 1.65 ± 0.7; South: 1.72 ± 0.7; Midwest: 1.67 ± 0.7; p < 0.05). These findings could not be entirely explained by the HbA1c levels or the other variables examined., Conclusions: Our study points to the existence of additional factors not yet evaluated that could be determinant in the HRQoL of people with T1DM and contribute to these regional disparities.

In the late years, much attention has been brought to the scientific community regarding the safety of sucralose and its industrial applications. Although it is the most used artificial sweetener in foods and pharmaceuticals, many questions still arise on its potential to form chlorinated byproducts in high temperatures, as demonstrated by several recent studies. In the present contribution, we use a combination of differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis coupled with infrared spectroscopy (DSC/TGA/IR), Hot-stage microscopy (HSM) and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) on samples submitted to water bath at mild temperatures to evaluate a broad spectrum of hazardous compounds formed in the degradation of this product. TGA/IR has revealed that there is effective decomposition in form of CO2 along with the formation of hydrogen chloride and other minor compounds. HSM results have provided accurate information, where the melting of the crystals was observed, followed by decomposition. Chlorinated derivatives, including polychlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons (PCAHs) were also confirmed by HRMS. These findings not only corroborate the suspected instability of sucralose to high temperatures, but also indicate that even exposed to mild conditions the formation of hazardous polychlorinated compounds is observed.

Purpose: To better manage dental treatment outcome, a previsualization of desired appearances can be used to understand patients' wishes. A deeper comprehension of labial modifications related to hard-tissue movements is advantageous. The purpose of the study was to evaluate tooth restoration-induced labial displacements in three dimensions., Materials and Methods: In a group of 20 healthy Caucasian individuals, simulations of vestibular translations of maxillary anterior crowns were obtained by placing an acrylic resin veneer on the labial surfaces of maxillary incisors and canines. Three-dimensional stereophotogrammetric acquisitions were made to evaluate soft-tissue changes induced by the simulations. Linear dislocation of selected landmarks and labial surfaces were quantified using dedicated software., Results: All paired and two midline labial landmarks had significant displacements, ranging from 13% (Subnasale landmark) to 103% (left Cheilion landmark) of veneer thickness (2 mm thick). A significant positive correlation was obtained between the lower lip displacement and overjet values., Conclusions: The vestibular shift of maxillary incisors and canines affect both upper and lower vermilion areas, without involving cutaneous perilabial landmarks., (© 2014 by the American College of Prosthodontists.)

No current age- and gender-related normative data exist for the dimensions of facial structures in Northern Sudanese subjects. In the current study information about normal sex- and age-related linear distances is provided. The three-dimensional coordinates of 14 landmarks on the facial soft tissues were obtained using a hand-held laser scanner in 653 healthy Northern Sudanese subjects (326 males and 327 females) aged 4-30 years. From the landmarks, 13 linear distances were calculated, and averaged for age and sex. Comparisons were performed by factorial analysis of variance. All analyzed linear soft tissue facial dimensions were significantly larger in men than in women (p < 0.01), except mouth width (ch-ch), upper facial height (n-sn), mandibular body length (pg-go) and width (go-go). All measurements underwent significant modifications as a function of age (p < 0.01), with significant age × sex interactions (p < 0.01) for all linear dimensions except lower face height (sn-pg). Overall, when compared to literature data for African and Caucasoid subjects, several differences were found, pointing to the necessity of ethnic-specific data. Data collected in the present investigation could serve as a database for the quantitative description of human facial morphology during normal growth and development., (Copyright © 2013 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To investigate dimensions and ratios of soft-tissue facial volumes of adult Northern Sudanese subjects with Down syndrome by using computerized anthropometric measurements., Design, Setting, and Patients: The 3D coordinates of soft-tissue facial landmarks were obtained by a computerized digitizer in 26 Northern Sudanese adult subjects with Down syndrome (18 men, 8 women, aged 17-34 years), and in 99 healthy Northern Sudanese controls (48 women, 51 men) of the same age range. From the landmarks, several facial volumes and volume ratios were calculated. Data were compared to those collected in healthy individuals by computing z-scores., Results: In subjects with Down syndrome, facial volumes were significantly smaller than in control subjects (Student's t, p < 0.05). The patterns of deviation from the norm were similar in men and women. When compared to controls, subjects with Down syndrome had no differences in nose volume as a fraction of total facial volume and a larger total lip volume as a fraction of total facial volume; within the facial middle third, they had relatively larger upper lip volumes and relatively smaller nose volumes., Conclusions: The facial soft-tissue structures of subjects with Down syndrome differed from those of normal controls of the same age, sex and ethnic group: a reduced facial size was coupled with specific variations in the nasal and labial regions.