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The forestry sector has been able to sustainably satisfy the increasing global demand for forest products, thereby positively impacting the economy, while mitigating climate change. It is therefore necessary to continue developing technologies to support vegetative propagation activities that consider the diverse genetic resources and their optimal production environments. This study aimed to investigate the influence of mini-tunnel use in the clonal mini-garden (MG) and greenhouse (GH) environments on the survival and rooting of mini-cuttings of three Eucalyptus species and a Corymbia species under subtropical climate conditions across the four annual seasons. A factorial experimental scheme was adopted with two environments for stock plants [MG with mini-tunnel (MGWT) and without mini-tunnel (MGOT)], and two rooting environments [GH with mini tunnel (GHWT) and without mini-tunnel (GHOT)]. We found that the use of a mini-tunnel did not influence mini-cutting survival, and all species exhibited superior performance during cold seasons. Eucalyptus mini-cuttings had high rooting under average temperatures of 23.9 °C (GHWT), which occurred in autumn. Conversely, the rooting of Corymbia mini-cuttings was enhanced in winter, in environments with average temperatures of 19.55 °C (MGWT and GHWT). Mini-tunnels altered the clonal production microenvironment, thereby enhancing adventitious rooting. For Eucalyptus, their use is recommended in the GH in autumn and winter. For clonal production of Corymbia, mini-tunnel use is recommended in both the clonal MG and GH.

Natural fiber has been an attractive alternative as reinforcement in polymeric composites. However, their physical properties can be impaired due to the hydrophilic behavior of the vegetal fibers: the weak bonds at the interface fiber/matrix emerge due to the hydrophobic behavior of some polymeric matrices. This paper aims to evaluate the influence of mercerization process in Leopoldinia piassaba fibers on the physical, mechanical, thermal, morphological, and accelerated aging properties of polyurethane (PU)-based composites produced by the thermoforming process. The experimental design (22+1) was applied considering the parameters NaOH Treatment and %(PU)Resin. The NaOH Treatment consisted of 5 % and 10 % NaOH solution for fibers mercerization, and %(PU)Resin consisted of different amounts of PU (15 %, 17.5 % and 20 %). The mercerization process chemically modified the interface fiber/matrix and improved the resistance of the composite to screw withdraw strength, ranging from 573 N to 1019 N, and from 574 N to 1648 N considering Surface and Top, respectively. According to Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis, the mercerization process also improved the fiber/matrix adherence and reduced pores, resulting in swelling decreasing and thermal conductivity increasing. Furthermore, the mean thickness swelling (TS) value ranged from 6 to 15 % and was not statistically different after accelerated aging. The developed composites containing untreated fibers showed thermal conductivity values similar to the commercial medium density fiberboard (MDF).

Generalized glucocorticoid resistance is characterized by impaired cortisol signaling, resulting from mutations in the NR3C1 gene coding the human glucocorticoid receptor (hGR). Most of the pathogenic hGR variants are identified in the ligand-binding domain (LBD). However, we report a new case associated with a novel NR3C1 pathogenic variant in the N-terminal domain (NTD) of the hGR. The index case was an Italian 31-year-old woman with a history of chronic fatigue, anxiety, hirsutism, irregular menstrual cycles, and infertility, but no clinical manifestations suggestive of Cushing’s syndrome. Standard clinical methods were used to assess the patient’s hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis. Molecular analysis of the NR3C1 gene was performed by Sanger sequencing. In addition, we perform an extensive survey of all clinical pathogenic variants modifying the whole sequence of the NR3C1 gene. Endocrinologic evaluation revealed elevated serum cortisol, plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone, and androstenedione concentration and increased urinary free cortisol excretion. Morning serum cortisol levels remained elevated and were not suppressed during a 2-day, 2-mg dexamethasone suppression test. The identification of the novel p.(Glu123Ter) NR3C1 variant confirmed the diagnosis of glucocorticoid resistance. Our findings improve the understanding of NR3C1 mutational spectrum in patients affected by glucocorticoid resistance syndrome and contribute to precise diagnosis and genetic counseling.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) comprises a group of autosomal recessive disorders caused by complete or partial defects in one of the several steroidogenic enzymes involved in the synthesis of cortisol from cholesterol in the adrenal glands. More than 95-99% of all cases of CAH are caused by deficiency of steroid 21-hydroxylase, an enzyme encoded by the CYP21A2 gene. Currently, CYP21A2 genotyping is considered a valuable complement to biochemical investigations in the diagnosis of 21-hydroxylase deficiency. More than 200 mutations have been described in literature reports, and much energy is still focused on the clinical classification of new variants. In this review, we focus on molecular genetic features of 21-hydroxylase deficiency, performing an extensive survey of all clinical pathogenic variants modifying the whole sequence of the CYP21A2 gene. Our aim is to offer a very useful tool for clinical and genetic specialists in order to ease clinical diagnosis and genetic counseling.

Objectives: The aim of this review was to assess the effect of different adhesive systems and tooth preparation on the retention of tooth-colored restorative materials placed in non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs). Methods: Randomized clinical trials with a minimum of 3 years of follow-up that evaluated the effectiveness of tooth-colored materials, adhesive systems, and preparation techniques for the restoration of NCCLs were selected. The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), EMBASE (OVID), the Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature database (LILACS), and Medline (OVID) electronic databases were searched from 1990 to 2013. Results: Twenty-seven randomized clinical trials were included and reviewed. Meta-analysis was used to determine the relative risk of loss of tooth-colored NCCL restorations between different categories of adhesive systems. The effect of tooth preparation could not be similarly analyzed. Conclusion: The current best evidence indicates that a glass ionomer cement has a significantly lower risk of loss of a NCCL restoration compared to either a three-step etch-and-rinse or a two-step etch-and-rinse adhesive system; a three-step etch-and-rinse adhesive system has a significantly lower risk of loss of a NCCL restoration compared to a two-step etch-and-rinse adhesive system. No significant difference could be observed in the risk of loss of a tooth-colored NCCL restoration between a three-step etch-and-rinse adhesive system and either a two-step self-etch or a one-step self-etch adhesive system. © 2014 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.

Cases of myiasis in man associated with preexisting lesions are quite common. However, in the forensic field, certain behavioral habits related to insects may be useful to ratify mistreatment. This is a register of a case of oral myiasis by Cochliomyia hominivorax (Diptera: Calliphoridae), an obligate parasite of warm-blooded animals, in a 95-year-old man with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. The identification of immatures removed (n = 87) was based on their morphological characteristics. Considering the developmental time and length of the maggots, it was possible to estimate an infestation of at least 143 h. Undoubtedly, the poor state of health was one of the cofactors for the infestation; however, the long time of infestation observed denotes negligence in the conduct of patient care. In terms of prophylaxis, it would be recommended that individuals who need special care must have access to more comprehensive physical examinations and periodicals, as well as hygienic conditions should be meticulously observed. Additionally, the immatures causing myiasis after being removed must be stored and forwarded for analysis, since their identification can be crucial to determine the exact time and circumstances of an infestation, and consequently its pathogenesis. If we consider the aggressiveness of C. hominivorax, a fast and reliable diagnosis becomes even more important for an adequate treatment. Finally, it is expected that this study encourages the health care professionals to improve the treatment of incapable patients.

Extended-release primaquine tablets were developed using polyethylene oxide (PEO) as a hydrophilic swellable polymer with different amounts and molecular weights (4 × 106 and 8 × 106). Investigations were carried out in order to verify the matrix performance. The evaluated parameters were weight, hardness, thickness, friability, and drug content. The swelling and erosion matrices as well as drug release profile were analyzed under dissolution conditions. The statistical model ANOVA and Tukey-Kramer HSD were considered. The results showed that all formulations provided adequate physical characteristics and a time release about eight hours following a non-Fickian diffusion model. The kinetics of drug delivery was directly related to the synchronization of swelling and erosion matrices. The formulations prepared with high PEO concentrations showed a lower rate of erosion, a slower drug release, and faster rate of swelling, as compared with matrices containing lower PEO concentration.

The effect of trigeminal electrical stimulation on cerebral blood flow has been studied in conditions of normal or reduced cerebral blood flow (CBF). Autologous blood was injected into the subarachnoid space of ten Pittmann-Moore pigs to induce subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) accompanied by cerebral blood flow (CBF) reduction. One week later, in six of ten animals, a considerable decrease of CBF was noted as evaluated by means of a recording-system monitoring over the right parieto-temporal calvarium the washout of 133Xenon injected into the internal carotid artery after the external carotid had been clamped. Continuous electrical stimulation of the Gasserian ganglion performed in the six animals with severely induced CBF reduction produced a remarkable cerebrovascular dilation and increase of CBF lasting over 3 h. Electrical stimulation of the Gasserian ganglion produced a similar pattern of vasodilation in six pigs in which no blood was injected and no reduction of CBF was evident. The mechanisms and the anatomical pathways which underlie these results are discussed.