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The study of microorganisms and biological particulate matter that transport passively through air is very important for an understanding of the real quality of air. Such monitoring is essential in several specific areas, such as public health, allergy studies, agronomy, indoor and outdoor conservation, and climate-change impact studies. Choosing the suitable monitoring method is an important step in aerobiological studies, so as to obtain reliable airborne data. In this study, we compare olive pollen data from two of the main air traps used in aerobiology, the Hirst and Cour air samplers, at three Tunisian sampling points, for 2009 to 2011. Moreover, a downscaling method to perform daily Cour air sampler data estimates is designed. While Hirst air samplers can offer daily, and even bi-hourly data, Cour air samplers provide data for longer discrete sampling periods, which limits their usefulness for daily monitoring. Higher quantities of olive pollen capture were generally detected for the Hirst air sampler, and a downscaling method that is developed in this study is used to model these differences. The effectiveness of this downscaling method is demonstrated, which allows the potential use of Cour air sampler data series. These results improve the information that new Cour data and, importantly, historical Cour databases can provide for the understanding of phenological dates, airborne pollination curves, and allergenicity levels of air.

Introduction: To determine the epidemiological profile of pediatric consultations treated at the emergency department (ED) is essential for planning processes of medical care and to guide education programs and research., Objectives: To describe the characteristics of the child population and the main reasons for consultation (RFC) seen in a pediatric emergency service., Patients and Method: A retrospective, descriptive clinical study was conducted regarding the visits to the Children's Emergency Service of an academic hospital in Santiago, for a period of twelve months. RFC were analyzed by age group, severity, seasonality, disposition and frequency of recurrent visits., Results: 24,531 pediatric consultations were evaluated, 51.9% were male (n=12,720). The age of the patients ranged between one day old and 15 years, with a median age of 36.5 months. 1.5% of patients were newborns (NB), 17.6% were infants (n=4,326), 51.9% were preschoolers (n=12,725) and 29% were school children (n=7,118). Major RFC were fever (n=6,643, 28.2%), gastrointestinal symptoms (n=5,606, 23.8%) and respiratory symptoms (n=5,018, 21.3%), which did not differ significantly according to gender. Most patients (95.5%) were sent to their homes. The risk of hospitalization was more elevated in NB and in those with jaundice (OR=7.20, 95% CI 3.12 to 16.6), neurological symptoms (OR=6.90, 95% CI 4.60 -10.4) and poisoning (OR=6.45, 95% CI 2.82 to 14.7). About 4% were repeat visits, especially in the NB group., Conclusions: The epidemiological profile of pediatric consultations seen at the ED was similar to that described in previous studies. However, a lower rate of hospitalization was found even though the patients had similar risk profile.

Aim: To characterize three radiopaque Magnesium Phosphate Cements (MPCs) developed for endodontic purposes., Methodology: Three experimental MPCs containing Bi2 O3 were formulated. The experimental cements, which consisted of mixtures of magnesium oxide with different phosphate salts, were characterized for setting time, injectability, porosity, compressive strength and phase composition. The long-term sealing ability of the experimental MPCs applied in single-rooted teeth as root canal filling material or as sealer in combination with gutta-percha was also assessed using a highly sensitive fluid filtration system. A mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) cement was used as control. Statistical analysis was performed with two- or three-way analysis of variance (anova) and Tukey's test was used for comparisons., Results: The addition of 10 wt% Bi2 O3 within the composition of the MPCs provided an adequate radiopacity for endodontic applications according to ISO 6876 standard. The reaction products resulting from the MPCs were either struvite (MgNH4 PO4 ·6H2 O) or an amorphous sodium magnesium phosphate. The porosity of the three MPCs ranged between 4% and 11%. The initial setting time of the experimental cements was between 6 and 9 min, attaining high early compressive strength values (17-34 MPa within 2 h). All MPC formulations achieved greater sealing ability than MTA (P < 0.05) after 3 months, which was maintained after 6 months for two of the experimental cements (P < 0.05)., Conclusions: These MPCs had adequate handling and mechanical properties and low degradation rates. Furthermore, a stable sealing ability was demonstrated up to 6 months when using the cement both as root filling material and as sealer in conjunction with gutta-percha., (© 2013 International Endodontic Journal. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

The accident with the oil tanker Prestige in November 2002 resulted in a major spill of about 63,000 tons of heavy fuel oil. More than 300,000 people participated in the clean-up activities, which lasted for up to 10 months. Previous studies reported increases in genotoxicity endpoints in individuals exposed to Prestige oil, both at the moment of exposure [DNA breakage, micronuclei (MN), sister chromatid exchange] and two years later (chromosomal aberrations). In this work we carried out for the first time the follow-up of genotoxic effects in subjects exposed to an oil spill seven years after the exposure. The main objective was to determine the possible persistence of genotoxic damage in individuals exposed to Prestige oil seven years after the accident. The exposed group was composed of 54 residents of Galician villages in Spain that were heavily affected by the spill. This group was involved in clean-up labor for at least two months in the period November 2002-September 2003. They were compared with 50 matched controls. Primary DNA damage was evaluated by the comet assay, mutagenicity by the T-cell receptor (TCR) mutation assay, and MN frequency was determined both by the cytokinesis-block test and by flow cytometry. The results obtained showed no significant differences between the exposed and the controls in the comet assay, the TCR mutation assay and the cytokinesis-block MN test. An unexpected and significant decrease was observed in the exposed group for the results of the MN test evaluated by flow cytometry, probably influenced by modifying factors - other than age, sex and smoking - not considered in this study. Our results show no evidence of the persistence of genotoxic damage in individuals exposed to Prestige oil seven years later. Nevertheless, the need to plan biomonitoring studies on people participating in clean-up activities in case a new oil spill occurs should be established., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

In November 2002 the oil tanker Prestige spilled 63,000tonnes of heavy oil off the northwest coast of Spain, impacting more than 1000km of coastline. A general concern led to a huge mobilization of human and technical resources, and more than 300,000 people participated in cleanup activities, which lasted up to 10months. Some endocrine and immunological alterations were reported in Prestige oil exposed subjects for several months. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate if these alterations are still present seven years after the exposure. Fifty-four individuals exposed for at least 2months were compared to 50 matched referents. Prolactin and cortisol plasma concentrations, percentages of lymphocyte subsets (CD3(+), CD4(+), CD8(+), CD19(+), and CD56(+)16(+)), plasma levels of circulating cytokines (interleukin (IL) 2, IL4, IL6, IL10, tumour necrosis factor α, and interferon γ), and serum concentrations of neopterin, tryptophan and kynurenine were determined in peripheral blood samples. Results showed significant differences in exposed individuals vs. referents only in cortisol (increase), kynurenine and %CD16(+)56(+) lymphocytes (both decrease). Time of exposure to the oil or using protective clothes did not influence the results, but effect of using protective mask was observed on neopterin, %CD8(+), CD4(+)/CD8(+) ratio and IL4. Surveillance of the exposed individuals for early detection of possible health problems related to the endocrine or immunological systems is recommended., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: Neurotransmitter systems and neurotrophic factors can be considered strong candidates for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The serotoninergic and dopaminergic systems are involved in neurotransmission, brain maturation and cortical organization, while neurotrophic factors (NTFs) participate in neurodevelopment, neuronal survival and synapses formation. We aimed to test the contribution of these candidate pathways to autism through a case-control association study of genes selected both for their role in central nervous system functions and for pathophysiological evidences., Methods: The study sample consisted of 326 unrelated autistic patients and 350 gender-matched controls from Spain. We genotyped 369 tagSNPs to perform a case-control association study of 37 candidate genes., Results: A significant association was obtained between the DDC gene and autism in the single-marker analysis (rs6592961, P = 0.00047). Haplotype-based analysis pinpointed a four-marker combination in this gene associated with the disorder (rs2329340C-rs2044859T-rs6592961A-rs11761683T, P = 4.988e-05). No significant results were obtained for the remaining genes after applying multiple testing corrections. However, the rs167771 marker in DRD3, associated with ASD in a previous study, displayed a nominal association in our analysis (P = 0.023)., Conclusions: Our data suggest that common allelic variants in the DDC gene may be involved in autism susceptibility.

Background: Tyrosinases, tyrosinase-related proteins, catechol oxidases and hemocyanins comprise the type-3 copper protein family and are involved in a variety of biological processes, including pigment formation, innate immunity and oxygen transport. Although this family is present in the three domains of life, its origin and early evolution are not well understood. Previous analyses of type-3 copper proteins largely have focussed on specific animal and plant phyla., Results: Here, we combine genomic, phylogenetic and structural analyses to show that the original type-3 copper protein possessed a signal peptide and may have been secreted (we designate proteins of this type the α subclass). This ancestral type-3 copper protein gene underwent two duplication events, the first prior to the divergence of the unikont eukaryotic lineages and the second before the diversification of animals. The former duplication gave rise to a cytosolic form (β) and the latter to a membrane-bound form (γ). Structural comparisons reveal that the active site of α and γ forms are covered by aliphatic amino acids, and the β form has a highly conserved aromatic residue in this position. The subsequent evolution of this gene family in modern lineages of multicellular eukaryotes is typified by the loss of one or more of these three subclasses and the lineage-specific expansion of one or both of the remaining subclasses., Conclusions: The diversity of type-3 copper proteins in animals and other eukaryotes is consistent with two ancient gene duplication events leading to α, β and γ subclasses, followed by the differential loss and expansion of one or more of these subclasses in specific kingdoms and phyla. This has led to many lineage-specific type-3 copper protein repertoires and in some cases the independent evolution of functionally-classified tyrosinases and hemocyanins. For example, the oxygen-carrying hemocyanins in arthropods evolved from a β-subclass tyrosinase, whilst hemocyanins in molluscs and urochordates evolved independently from an α-subclass tyrosinase. Minor conformational changes at the active site of α, β and γ forms can produce type-3 copper proteins with capacities to either carry oxygen (hemocyanins), oxidize diphenols (catechol oxidase) or o-hydroxylate monophenols (tyrosinases) and appear to underlie some functional convergences.

The lysine (K)-rich mantle protein (KRMP) and shematrin protein families are unique to the organic matrices of pearl oyster shells. Similar to other proteins that are constituents of tough, extracellular structures, such as spider silk, shematrins and KRMPs, contain repetitive, low-complexity domains (RLCDs). Comprehensive analysis of available gene sequences in three species of pearl oyster using BLAST and hidden Markov models reveal that both gene families have large memberships in these species. The shematrin gene family expanded before the speciation of these oysters, leading to a minimum of eight orthology groups. By contrast, KRMPs expanded primarily after speciation leading to species-specific gene repertoires. Regardless of their evolutionary history, the rapid evolution of shematrins and KRMPs appears to be the result of the intrinsic instability of repetitive sequences encoding the RLCDs, and the gain, loss and shuffling of other motifs. This mode of molecular evolution is likely to contribute to structural characteristics and evolvability of the pearl oyster shell. Based on these observations, we infer that analogous RLCD proteins throughout the animal kingdom also have the capacity to rapidly evolve and as a result change their structural properties.

Introduction: Gastric bypass surgery is the most common obesity surgery procedure in women. Decreased weight loss favors fertility and leads to pregnancy sometimes just months after surgery, raising the risk of developing gastric bypass-related complications during pregnancy, including the formation of internal hernias., Presentation of Case: The first patient presented at 37 weeks of gestation with abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. X-ray revealed multiple air-fluid levels and absence of gas in colon. She underwent a cesarean section and exploratory laparotomy without complications. A Petersen's space internal hernia was found. The second patient presented at 25 weeks of gestation with abdominal pain and nausea. X-ray revealed multiple air-fluid levels and a "U-shaped" intestinal loop. She underwent exploratory laparotomy with reduction of an internal hernia also in Petersen's space., Discussion: Pregnant patients with internal hernias after gastric bypass are usually of young age and with a several-day history of abdominal pain. Surgical exploration is safe and should not be delayed. The literature review showed that maternal death (9%) and fetal death (13.6%) rates are considerably high., Conclusion: The possibility of an internal hernia should always be considered in pregnant women with history of gastric bypass who present with abdominal pain, in order to prevent catastrophic outcomes such as maternal and/or fetal death., (Copyright © 2012 Surgical Associates Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Aim: This study tests the hypothesis postulating that metabolic syndrome induced by chronic administration of fructose to spontaneously hypertensive rats (FFHR) generates impairment in vascular repair by endothelial progenitor cells (EPC)., Materials and Methods: TO CHARACTERIZE THE VASCULAR ADVERSE ENVIRONMENT PRESENT IN THIS EXPERIMENTAL MODEL WE MEASURED: NAD(P)H oxidase activity, eNOS activity, presence of apoptosis in the arterial wall, all these parameters were most affected in the FFHR group. Also, we found decreased level and proliferative capacity of EPC measured by flow cytometry and colonies forming units assay in cultured cells, respectively, in both groups treated with fructose; FFHR (SHR fructose fed rats) and FFR (WKY fructose fed rats) compared with their controls; SHR and WKY., Results: The fructose-fed groups FFR and SHR also showed an incremented number of apoptotic (annexinV+/7AADdim) EPC measured by flow cytometry that returns to almost normal values after eliminating fructose administration., Conclusion: Our findings suggest that increased apoptosis levels of EPC generated in this experimental model could bein part the underlying cause for the impaired vascular repair by in EPC.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of four chemomechanical surface treatments on the surface average microroughness and profile of laser-sintered and vacuum-cast dental prosthetic structures. Square-shaped blocks (10 mm × 10 mm × 1.5 mm) were prepared as follows: (1) laser-sintered CoCr (L) (ST2724G); (2) cast Co-Cr (C) (Gemium-cn); and (3) cast Ni-Cr-Ti (T) (Tilite). Specimens of each alloy group were randomly divided into five subgroups (n = 10 each), depending on the conditioning method used: (1) no treatment (control); (2) sandblasting (125 μm Al₂O₃-particles); (3) silica coating (50 μm silica-modified Al₂O₃-particles); (4) oxidation; and (5) oxidation plus opacification. Subgroups 2 and 3 represent "inner" pretreatments proposed for ceramometal restorations to improve the metal surface area available for luting cements. Subgroups 4 and 5 are the "outer" pretreatments required for bonding the aesthetic veneering ceramics to the underlying metal frameworks. Average surface roughness (Ra/μm) was determined using a surface profilometer. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Student-Newman-Keuls tests (α = 0.05). Metal surface topography was SEM-analyzed. Despite the inner pretreatment applied, L samples resulted in the highest microroughness (P < 0.001), whereas sandblasting produced a surface-smoothing effect in cast specimens. After oxidation, a significant increase in surface roughness occurred in all groups compared with controls, L specimens being the roughest (P < 0.001). Opacification caused a flattening effect of all oxidized structures; all opacified groups resulting in similar microroughness. Laser sintering of Co-Cr enhances the roughness of metal structures, which may improve the frameworks' microretention of the cements, and of the opaquer before the copings are veneered with the aesthetic ceramics., (Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

The angiotensin II receptor subtype 2 (AT2-R) has been proposed to mediate protective vascular actions after brain injury. In this study we investigated the participation of this peptide in the tolerance to cellular damage induced by preconditioning in a rat model of neonatal hypoxia-ischemia (HI). We found that injured animals present a decreased number of microvessels in the ipsilateral (IPLT) side of the brain while in the contralateral (CNLT) side the microvessel number is increased. On the contrary, in the preconditioned animals the microvessels maintained the same number as in control animals. However these vessels show a remarkable increase of the fluorescent signal when they are labeled with antiFlk-1 (VEGFR2), while the Flt-1 (VEGFR1) signal faded in both the injured and the preconditioned animals. The pharmacological blockade of the AT2-R by the drug PD123319 (1.69 mM in the lateral ventricle) diminished the resilience of the microvasculature to HI injury provided by preconditioning and also the Flk-1 increase that occurred in these animals. In conclusion these results suggest an interaction of the AT2-R with VEGFR2 in the neonatal brain microvasculature that produces protective effects which are associated with injury tolerance., (Copyright © 2012 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The identification of mutations in genes encoding proteins of the synaptic neurexin-neuroligin pathway in different neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism and mental retardation, has suggested the presence of a shared underlying mechanism. A few mutations have been described so far and for most of them the biological consequences are unknown. To further explore the role of the NRXN1β gene in neurodevelopmental disorders, we have sequenced the coding exons of the gene in 86 cases with autism and mental retardation and 200 controls and performed expression analysis of DNA variants identified in patients. We report the identification of four novel independent mutations that affect nearby positions in two regions of the gene/protein: i) sequences important for protein translation initiation, c.-3G>T within the Kozak sequence, and c.3G>T (p.Met1), at the initiation codon; and ii) the juxtamembrane region of the extracellular domain, p.Arg375Gln and p.Gly378Ser. These mutations cosegregate with different psychiatric disorders other than autism and mental retardation, such as psychosis and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. We provide experimental evidence for the use of an alternative translation initiation codon for c.-3G>T and p.Met1 mutations and reduced synaptic levels of neurexin-1β protein resulting from p.Met1 and p.Arg375Gln. The data reported here support a role for synaptic defects of neurexin-1β in neurodevelopmental disorders., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

In ethanol wet bonding, water is replaced by ethanol to maintain dehydrated collagen matrices in an extended state to facilitate resin infiltration. Since short ethanol dehydration protocols may be ineffective, this study tested the null hypothesis that there are no differences in ethanol dehydration protocols for maintaining the surface roughness, fibril diameter, and interfibrillar spaces of acid-etched dentin. Polished human dentin surfaces were etched with phosphoric acid and water-rinsed. Tested protocols were: (1) water-rinse (control); (2) 100% ethanol-rinse (1-min); (3) 100% ethanol-rinse (5-min); and (4) progressive ethanol replacement (50-100%). Surface roughness, fibril diameter, and interfibrillar spaces were determined with atomic force microscopy and analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and the Student-Newman-Keuls test (α = 0.05). Dentin roughness and fibril diameter significantly decreased when 100% ethanol (1-5 min) was used for rinsing (p < 0.001). Absolute ethanol produced collapse and shrinkage of collagen fibrils. Ascending ethanol concentrations did not collapse the matrix and shrank the fibrils less than absolute ethanol-rinses.

Background: The adjective «cognitive» has a double meaning and it is used for naming two disciplines with separate activities: Cognitive neuroscience and cognitive psychotherapy. This has an unrecognised impact on the health terminology and the classification systems., Method: The current use of this term is reviewed in a series of key dictionaries, scientific books, databases (OldMedline and PsycINFO) and specific web searchers (Google Scholar). The history of this term and its etymology is also reviewed and compared to other alternatives (i.e. noetic) as well as its use in international classifications (e.g. the International Classification of Functioning - ICF)., Results: The modern use of the term «cognitive» in Neurosciences can be traced back to Hebb in a 1955 one year before that recorded at official version. The different meaning of this term in psychology can be traced back to the same decade. Departing from the ICF framework of mental functions, «cognitive» can be regarded as a generic term that encompasses both neurocognitive and meta-cognitive functions and should not be used for classification purposes. A hierarchy is suggested for the use of «neurocognitive» in the classification of mental functions., Comments: The polysemic use of this name reveals a latent controversy in health sciences which has implications for its use in the international classification systems. There is an need to improve the standard definition and the semantic hierarchy of the term «cognitive», «neurocognitive» and other related terms within the context of International Health Terminology Standards Development Organisation (IHTSO)., (Copyright © 2010 SEP y SEPB. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: To determine the bond strength of seven adhesive systems to human cementum, and to assess the promoted surface roughness., Methods: Extracted human canines were used for the present study. The mesial surface from the cervical third of the roots were ground flat with wet 600-grit silicon carbide paper and bonded. Seven adhesive systems were employed: an etch-and-rinse adhesive (Single Bond), two two-step self-etching (Clearfil SE Bond and Resulcin Aquaprime) and four one-step self-etching (One-up Bond F, Prompt-L-Pop, Etch and Prime 3.0 and NRC+Prime&Bond NT). Composite build-ups were constructed and stored in a humid environment for 24h at 37 degrees C. Specimens were sectioned into 1mm(2) beams and tested for microtensile bond strength (MTBS). Additional surfaces were conditioned for atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis. Results were analyzed with ANOVA and Student-Newman-Keuls tests (P<0.05)., Results: Single Bond showed the highest MTBS values. No differences were found between Resulcin Aquaprime, One-up Bond and Prompt-L-Pop. Clearfil SE Bond, Etch and Prime and NRC+Prime&Bond NT obtained the lowest bond strength values. H(3)PO(4) acid treatment of cementum and Resulcin Aquaprime showed the highest nanoroughness parameters and One-up Bond the lowest., Conclusion: The etch-and-rinse adhesive and the two-step self-etching adhesive with the lowest pH value promoted the highest bond strength to human cementum surfaces., (Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Melatonin, an endogenous hormone, is used as an antioxidant drug in doses quite higher than the endogenous circulating levels of this hormone. Hepatic endoplasmic reticulum contains the cytochrome P450 (CYP450) system, which catalyzes one biotransformation pathway of melatonin; this organelle is also one of the main sources of reactive oxygen species in cells. Therefore, we proposed that the antioxidant activity of this hormone may have a biological relevance in the organelle where it is biotransformed. To evaluate this postulate, we used Fe(3+)/ascorbate, an oxygen free radical generating system that leads to lipid peroxidation, loss of protein-thiol content, and activation of UDP-glucuronyltransferase in rat liver microsomes. We found that mM concentrations of melatonin prevented all these oxidative phenomena. We also found that Fe(3+)/ascorbate leads to structural alterations in the CYP450 monooxygenase, the enzyme that binds the substrate in the CYP450 system catalytic cycle, probably through direct oxidation of the protein, and also inhibited p-nitroanisole O-demethylation, a reaction catalyzed by the CYP450 system. Notably, melatonin prevented both phenomena at microM concentrations. We provide evidence suggesting that melatonin may be oxidized by oxygen free radicals. Thus, we postulate that melatonin may be acting as an oxygen free radical scavenger, and Fe(3+)/ascorbate-modified melatonin would be directly protecting the CYP450 system through an additional specific mechanism. Pharmacological relevance of this phenomenon is discussed., (Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Harmful effects of oil spills on diverse flora and fauna species have been extensively studied. Nevertheless, only a few studies have been compiled in the literature dealing with the repercussions of oil exposure on human health; most of them have focused on acute effects and psychological symptoms. The objective of this work was to gather all these studies and to analyze the possible consequences of this kind of complex exposure in the different aspects of human health. Studies found on this topic were related to the disasters of the Exxon Valdez, Braer, Sea Empress, Nakhodka, Erika, Prestige and Tasman Spirit oil tankers. The majority of them were cross-sectional; many did not include control groups. Acute effects were evaluated taking into account vegetative-nervous symptoms, skin and mucous irritations, and also psychological effects. Genotoxic damage and endocrine alterations were assessed only in individuals exposed to oil from Prestige. The results of the reviewed articles clearly support the need for biomonitoring human populations exposed to spilled oils, especially those individuals involved in the cleanup, in order to evaluate not only the possible immediate consequences for their health but also the medium- and long-term effects, and the effectiveness of the protective devices used., (2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

Objective: To describe the immediate effects of ischemic compression (IC) as a trigger point therapy in a case of a patient with neck pain. The application of IC is a safe and effective method to successfully treat elicited myofascial trigger points. The purpose of this method is to deliberate the blockage of blood in a trigger point area in order to increase local blood flow. This washes away waste products, supplies necessary oxygen and helps the affected tissue to heal. In this case study, we treated a 27-year-old female patient with a medical report of neck pain for at least four months. The physical examination revealed a neck pain and stiffness at the left side and pain increases when moving the neck. An active myofascial trigger point was found in the left trapezius muscle. The following data were recorded: active range of motion of cervical rachis measured with a cervical range of motion instrument, basal electrical activity of the left trapezius measured with electromyography, and pressure tolerance of the myofascial trigger point measured with visual analogue scale, assessing local pain evoked by the application of 2.5 kg/cm2 pressure with an analogue algometer., Results: Immediately after application of the IC, all measured parameters improved compared to base line. The application of IC has been shown effective in the treatment of myofascial trigger points in a patient with neck pain. The results show a relation between active range of motion of cervical rachis, basal electrical activity of the trapezius muscle and myofascial trigger point sensitivity., Conclusions: In this case of a patient with neck pain, active range of motion of cervical rachis, basal electrical activity of the trapezius muscle and myofascial trigger point sensitivity gaining short-term positive effects with the application of one single ischemic compression session. Nevertheless, randomized controlled double-blinded studies should be conducted in future to examine the effectiveness of this ischemic compression technique in case of the presence of myofascial trigger points in the neck.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine immediate effects of ischemic compression (IC) and ultrasound (US) for the treatment of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in the trapezius muscle., Methods: Sixty-six volunteers, all CEU-Cardenal Herrera University, Valencia, Spain, personnel, participated in this study. Subjects were healthy individuals, diagnosed with latent MTrPs in the trapezius muscle. Subjects were randomly placed into 3 groups: G1, which received IC treatment for MTrPs; G2, which received US; and G3 (control), which received sham US. The following data were recorded before and after each treatment: active range of motion (AROM) of cervical rachis measured with a cervical range of motion instrument, basal electrical activity (BEA) of muscle trapezius measured with surface electromyography, and pressure tolerance of MTrP measured with visual analogue scale assessing local pain evoked by the application of 2.5 kg/cm(2) of pressure using a pressure analog algometer., Results: The results showed an immediate decrease in BEA of the trapezius muscle and a reduction of MTrP sensitivity after treatment with both therapeutic modalities. In the case of IC, an improvement of AROM of cervical rachis was also been obtained., Conclusion: In this group of participants, both treatments were shown to have an immediate effect on latent MTrPs. The results show a relation among AROM of cervical rachis, BEA of the trapezius muscle, and MTrP sensitivity of the trapezius muscle gaining short-term positive effects with use of IC.

Objective: To evaluate the flexural strength, microleakage, and degree of conversion of a microhybrid resin polymerized with argon laser and halogen lamp., Method and Materials: For both flexural test and degree of conversion analysis, 5 bar samples of composite resin were prepared and polymerized according to ISO 4049. The halogen light-curing unit was used with 500 mW/cm(2) for 20 seconds and the argon laser with 250 mW for 10 and 20 seconds. Samples were stored in distilled water in a dark environment at 37 degrees C for 24 hours. The flexural property was quantified by a 3-point loading test. For the microleakage evaluation, 60 bovine incisors were used to prepare standardized Class 5 cavities, which were restored and polished. Specimens were stored in distilled water for 24 hours at 37 degrees C and thermocycled 500 times (6 degrees C to 60 degrees C). Specimens were then immersed in an aqueous solution of basic fuchsin for 24 hours. Longitudinal sections of each restoration were obtained and examined with a stereomicroscope for qualitative evaluation of microleakage. Fourier transform (FT)-Raman RFS 100/S spectrometer (Bruker) was used to analyze the degree of conversion., Results: ANOVA showed no statistically significant differences of flexural strength between the photoactivation types evaluated in the flexural study. Microleakage data were statistically analyzed by Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Enamel margins resulted in a statistically lower degree of leakage than dentin margins. No statistically significant difference was found among the 3 types of photocuring studied. ANOVA also showed no statistically significant difference in the degree of conversion among the studied groups., Conclusion: According to the methodology used in this research, the argon laser is a possible alternative for photocuring, providing the same quality of polymerization as the halogen lamp. None of the photocured units tested in this study completely eliminated microleakage.

E-cadherin and its transcriptional repressor Snail1 (Snai1) are two factors that control epithelial phenotype. Expression of Snail1 promotes the conversion of epithelial cells to mesenchymal cells, and occurs concomitantly with the downregulation of E-cadherin and the upregulation of expression of mesenchymal genes such as those encoding fibronectin and LEF1. We studied the molecular mechanism controlling the expression of these genes in mesenchymal cells. Forced expression of E-cadherin strongly downregulated fibronectin and LEF1 RNA levels, indicating that E-cadherin-sensitive factors are involved in the transcription of these genes. E-cadherin overexpression decreased the transcriptional activity of the fibronectin promoter and reduced the interaction of beta-catenin and NF-kappaB with this promoter. Similar to beta-catenin, NF-kappaB was found, by co-immunoprecipitation and pull-down assays, to be associated with E-cadherin and other cell-adhesion components. Interaction of the NF-kappaB p65 subunit with E-cadherin or beta-catenin was reduced when adherens junctions were disrupted by K-ras overexpression or by E-cadherin depletion using siRNA. These conditions did not affect the association of p65 with the NF-kappaB inhibitor IkappaBalpha. The functional significance of these results was stressed by the stimulation of NF-kappaB transcriptional activity, both basal and TNF-alpha-stimulated, induced by an E-cadherin siRNA. Therefore, these results demonstrate that E-cadherin not only controls the transcriptional activity of beta-catenin but also that of NF-kappaB. They indicate too that binding of this latter factor to the adherens junctional complex prevents the transcription of mesenchymal genes.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of in vitro degradation and mechanical loading on microtensile bond strength (MTBS) and microleakage (ML) of a resin composite to dentin using a self-etching primer adhesive [Clearfil SE Bond (SEB)] under two hydration statuses. Twenty-four flat dentin surfaces were divided in groups: 1) blot-dried, 2) air-dried. SEB was applied and resin buildups were performed with Tetric Ceram. Specimens were divided in four subgroups: a) sectioned into beams, b) load cycled, c) beams were immersed in NaOCl for 5 h, d) load cycled and immersed in NaOCl. Beams were tested in tension. For ML testing, 80 Class V cavities were prepared and molars divided in subgroups as described above (in group c and d, specimens were kept in distilled water for 1 year, instead of the 5-h NaOCl immersion). ML was assessed by dye penetration. Analysis of variance and multiple comparisons tests were used for MTBS. For ML, Mann-Whitney U and Wilcoxon matched pairs signed ranked were used (p<0.05). SEB applied to completely dehydrated dentin produced the highest MTBS, at 24-h evaluation. In vitro degradation always decreased MTBS, and fatigue loading only diminished MTBS on dehydrated dentin. Load cycling increased dye penetration on dentin margins. Degradation always increased ML in both enamel and dentin margins., (Copyright (c) 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Object: Osteogenesis imperfecta is the term used for a group of disorders of collagen synthesis which cause increased bone fragility. The aim of our study was to evaluate the BMD in patients with OI., Material and Methods: We used dual-energy x ray absorptiometry, Hologic QDR 4500W (DEXA), to compare the bone mineral density (BMD) of 8 patients aged from 3 years to 20 years who had osteogenesis imperfecta with an age and sex matched control group., Results: DEXA detected highly significant differences in BMD respecting control group. The mean BMD in the patients with osteogenesis imperfecta was 62.6 % of normal in lumbar spine (p < 0.01) and 63.01 % of normal in the femoral neck (p < 0.01) using Wilcoxon test., Conclusion: DEXA is an objective, reproductible and sensitive method of measurement of BMD in children. It may help to stablish the diagnosis, to asses prognosis and possibly to monitor the response to different types of treatment.

We assessed lipid status in a population of 181 schoolchildren and adolescents divided into three age groups: 6-7 years (n = 60), 10-12 years (n = 61) and 13-15 years (n = 60). All subjects were from the Mediterranean coastal area of Vélez-Málaga in southern Spain. Nutrient intakes and biochemical parameters related with lipid status [total cholesterol (TC), HDL-chol, LDL-chol, VLDL-chol and triglycerides (TG)] were measured. Boys and girls aged 6-7 years had the same plasma concentrations of TC and TG; these concentrations were slightly higher than the mean values for age and sex found in earlier studies in Spanish populations. The high TC values were due mainly to increased concentrations of LDL-chol. This age group also had the largest percentage of members (26.6% boys, 36.6% girls) with plasma TC above 200 mg/dl. Of the groups aged 10-12 years, more girls than boys had abnormally high plasma cholesterol (16.1 vs 10%), HDL-chol (6.5 vs 0%) and TG concentrations (6.5 vs 0%). However, more adolescent boys than adolescent girls (aged 13-15 years) had abnormally low plasma concentrations of HDL-chol (10 vs 3.3%).

Iron status was assessed in a population of 196 schoolchildren and adolescents divided into three age groups: 6-7 years (n = 60), 10-12 years (n = 63) and 13-15 years (n = 73). All subjects were from the Vélez-Málaga area (province of Málaga) in southern Spain. Nutrient intakes and biochemical parameters related with iron status (number of red cells, hematocrit, hemoglobin, serum iron concentration, total iron-binding capacity and transferrin saturation) were measured. The results showed a lack of correlation between the nutrient intake and biochemical findings. Food intake calculations suggested that adolescent girls between 13 and 15 years of age were at greatest risk for iron deficiency (intakes covered only 71.6% and 84% of the iron and folic acid RDAs, respectively), followed by 10-12 year old girls and 6-7 year old boys. However, groups in which iron deficiency was most frequent according to the biochemical data were 6-7 year old boys (10%), followed by 13-15 year old adolescent boys (2.9%).

Background and Purpose: Spontaneous dissection of the intracranial carotid artery or its main branches is an unusual condition., Case Description: A 72-year-old hypertensive woman after an intense nuchal rigidity showed a subarachnoid hemorrhage and an interhemispheric hematoma by computed tomography. The neuropathological study revealed a transmural dissection of the pericallosal artery., Conclusions: The authors suggest that the dissection origin is an atheromatous plaque that bleeds, producing a dissection plane from the lumen to the adventitial artery.

Spinal epidural abscesses (SEA) are an infrequent disease which should be suspected in patients with spinal and/or radicular pain, neurologic deficits and fever. We present 3 patients with SEA (two lumbar and one dorsal) who recovered following exclusively antibiotic treatment. The complete disappearance of the abscess was proven by magnetic resonance. Patients with SEA and discrete, stable deficits and with known germs, are susceptible to medical and not surgical treatment.

The authors evaluate subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in the autonomous community of Navarra during 3 years. Ninety-five patients were evaluated (mean age (MA) 51.47 years). They were divided in groups depending on angiographic findings. Thirty-four had an intracranial aneurysm (MA 5%.23 years) with a female preponderance (66.7% vs 33.3%). Eight patients had an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) (MA 33.7 years); in 35 patients the angiographic study was negative (MA 44 years) and in 18 angiography was not carried out (MA 66.66 years). Computed tomography was positive in 40% of patients and there was a correlation between the amount of blood in the cisterns and poor outcome of patients after 6 months. In the discussion, the authors emphasize the high incidence of SAH without angiographic findings.

The nutritional status of a population of school children was assessed with anthropometric data and information on nutrient intake. The three groups of subjects, all from the area around Vélez Málaga (Málaga-Spain), were aged 6-7, 10-12 and 13-15 years. The data revealed no significant departures from normal anthropometric patterns with the exception of triceps skin fold thickness, which was lower for both sexes in all groups than the normal figure established for these groups in the spanish population. Although no serious imbalances were recorded in nutrient intake, fat intake was higher than the recommended levels for spanish children's, while carbohydrate, fiber, calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc intake was lower in all groups, and vit. B2 intake was lower in the 10-12 years old group.

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) from a ruptured intracranial aneurysm represents a major health issue. The natural history, rebleeding, fibrinolytic therapy and vasospasm are reviewed in this article. Current evaluation of the existing data suggests that early aneurysm surgery and aggressive postoperative volume expansion therapy constitute the best presently approach to patients with ruptured intracranial aneurysms.

Five types of commercial bottle feeds for babies have been investigated against five other experimentally made by ourselves that were equivalent to a domestic preparation. We found that all biological index of protein quality were higher in our experimental lots, and the same happened with chemical index, with the exception of chemical score of the variety "Sole with potato". On the other hand it was proved that fat digestibility was good in any case, although the incidence on that index of both manufacturing processes was not clear. The results could be attributed once left out high sterilization influence, to two sets of factors that arise a two levels: a) Quality of initial protein source upon which operate subjective factors such as selection and cleanliness of original ingredients, and b) Manufacturing conditions.