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Background: The aim of this study was to determine if there is a correlation between fluoride release, surface hardness, and diametral tensile strength of restorative glass ionomer cements (GICs)., Material and Methods: Conventional (Riva Self Cure) and resin-modified (Riva Light Cure) GICs were used. Thirty-four samples (ø 6 x 3 mm) were prepared for each cement. The kinetics of fluoride release (n=4) was evaluated over 28 days using a fluoride-selective electrode (ISE 4010-C00). The analysis of surface hardness (n=10) was performed using a microhardness tester (Shimadzu HMV-2000, Japan) with a Knoop indenter and a load of 25 gf for 30 seconds. The diametral tensile strength test (n=10) was conducted on a universal testing machine at a speed of 0.75 mm/min. Fluoride release data were analyzed by two-way repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc test, while independent t-test was used for other analyses (α=0.05)., Results: Overall, the groups showed higher fluoride release until day 7 and a progressive decrease until day 28. On day 1 and day 21, Riva Self Cure showed a higher level of release than Riva Light Cure ( p =0.026). Riva Light Cure showed higher diametral tensile strength ( p <0.0001) and surface hardness ( p =0.034) than Riva Self Cure. A negative correlation was found, indicating that higher fluoride release is associated with lower surface hardness and diametral tensile strength., Conclusion: Fluoride release and mechanical performance are related properties of GICs, and these properties exhibit different values depending on the type of material. Resin-modified GIC release less fluoride but exhibit better mechanical performance compared to conventional GIC. Key words: Diametral Tensile Strength, Fluoride, Glass Ionomer Cement, Surface Hardness., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright: © 2024 Medicina Oral S.L.)

Our understanding of mammal ecology has always been hindered by the difficulties of observing species in closed tropical forests. Camera trapping has become a major advance for monitoring terrestrial mammals in biodiversity rich ecosystems. Here we compiled one of the largest datasets of inventories of terrestrial mammal communities for the Neotropical region based on camera trapping studies. The dataset comprises 170 surveys of medium to large terrestrial mammals using camera traps conducted in 144 areas by 74 studies, covering six vegetation types of tropical and subtropical Atlantic Forest of South America (Brazil and Argentina), and present data on species composition and richness. The complete dataset comprises 53,438 independent records of 83 species of mammals, includes 10 species of marsupials, 15 rodents, 20 carnivores, eight ungulates and six armadillos. Species richness averaged 13 species (±6.07 SD) per site. Only six species occurred in more than 50% of the sites: the domestic dog Canis familiaris, crab-eating fox Cerdocyon thous, tayra Eira barbara, south American coati Nasua nasua, crab-eating raccoon Procyon cancrivorus and the nine-banded armadillo Dasypus novemcinctus. The information contained in this dataset can be used to understand macroecological patterns of biodiversity, community, and population structure, but also to evaluate the ecological consequences of fragmentation, defaunation, and trophic interactions., (© 2017 by the Ecological Society of America.)

Objective:: This study analyzed the frequency of cardiometabolic risk markers and metabolic syndrome occurrence in overweight and obese children and adolescents., Methods:: The participants included 161 overweight (n=65) and obese (n=96) individuals aged between 5 and 19 years. Clinical markers were assessed (body mass index, body fat percentage, waist circumference, acanthosis, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, laboratory parameters [glucose, insulin, cholesterol (total and fractions) and triglyceride levels and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index] and leptin and adiponectin levels). The frequency of changes, odds ratios and correlations among markers were determined. Metabolic syndrome was assessed according to International Diabetes Federation criteria., Results:: A high frequency of acanthosis (51.6%); increased waist circumference (45.4%), systolic blood pressure / diastolic blood pressure (8.1% / 9.3%), glucose (10%), insulin (36.9%) and HOMA-IR (44.3%) values; and reduced high-density lipoprotein levels (47.2%) were observed. Leptin levels were increased in 95% of obese and in 66% of overweight subjects. Adiponectin was decreased in 29.5% of obese and in 34% of overweight subjects. An odd ratio analysis revealed a greater probability of increased waist circumference (9.0), systolic blood pressure (4.1), triglyceride (2.3) and insulin (2.9) levels and HOMA-IR (3.0) in the obese group than in the overweight group. The clinical and laboratory parameters and leptin levels exhibited significant correlations, whereas adiponectin was negatively correlated with systolic blood pressure. The occurrence rate of metabolic syndrome was 13.6%., Conclusions:: The high frequency of changes in clinical, laboratory and adipokine markers indicates the need for early interventions aimed at preventing cardiometabolic complications in adulthood.

Objectives: To establish cut-off values for growth hormone concentrations using clonidine as a secretagogue and an immunochemiluminescent assay as the method of measurement and to analyze the response time as well as the influence of gender, nutritional status and pubertal stage., Methods: A total of 225 tests were performed in 3 patient groups, categorized as group 1 (normal), group 2 (idiopathic short stature) and group 3 (growth hormone deficiency). Among the 199 disease-free individuals, 138 were prepubertal, and 61 were pubertal. Clonidine (0.1 mg/m2) was orally administered, and the growth hormone level was measured by immunochemiluminescent assay. The growth hormone peak and the difference between the growth hormone peak and the baseline level were then analyzed. Statistical analyses were performed using Student's t-test or the Mann-Whitney test and Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Dunn's post hoc test. Cut-off values were determined using a receiver operating characteristic curve., Results: Group 1 and group 2 had no difference in growth hormone peak, gender, body mass index standard deviation score, or pubertal stage. Group 3 exhibited a significantly lower growth hormone peak than the other groups did. The receiver operating characteristic curve demonstrated that growth hormone concentrations ≥ 3.0 ng/mL defined responsiveness to clonidine. In total, 3.02% of individuals in group 1 and group 2 were considered false positive, i.e., these children lacked growth hormone deficiency and had a peak below 3.0 ng/mL., Conclusion: Clonidine-stimulated growth hormone concentrations ≥3 ng/mL, as measured by immunochemiluminescent assay, suggest responsiveness to the stimulus regardless of gender, body mass index standard deviation score or pubertal stage.

Objective: To report our experience of treating central precocious puberty (CPP) with a GnRH analogue with respect to the final heights (FH) attained in patients who completed treatment., Subjects and Methods: Among 105 records of children diagnosed with precocious puberty, 62 cases (54 girls and 8 boys), who were treated with leuprolide acetate/3.75 mg/monthly, were selected, and divided into 4 groups: group 1 (G1), 25 girls who attained FH; group 2 (G2), 18 girls who completed treatment but did not reach FH; group 3 (G3), 11 girls still under treatment; and group 4 (G4), 8 boys, 5 of which attained FH. Treatment was concluded at a bone age of 12 years, and follow-up continued until FH was achieved., Results: In both G1 and G2 groups, height standard deviation score (SDS), weight-SDS and percentile of body mass index (PBMI) did not show intra/intergroup differences at the beginning and at interruption of treatment, but when added, G1+G2, height-SDS and weight-SDS differed significantly (p = 0.002 and 0.0001, respectively). In G1, 19 of 25 cases attained TH, and average height gain was 16.7 cm (7.7- 27.1); there was significant difference between FH and prediction of FH at the start (PFH at start) (p = 0.0001), as well as between PFH at interruption vs TH and vs FH (p = 0.007) with FH higher than TH (p = 0.004). Significant correlation was identified between FH and height gain after treatment., Conclusion: As shown by some studies, GnRH analogue treatment was effective in children with CPP reaching FH near the genetic target.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, one of the most frequent autosome recessive disorders, is caused by defects in steroidogenic enzymes involved in the cortisol biosynthesis. Approximately 95% of the cases are caused by abnormal function of the 21-hydroxylase enzyme. This deficiency leads to androgen excess, consequently, to virilization and rapid somatic growth with accelerated skeletal maturation. Mutations in CYP21A2 are responsible for different forms of 21-hydroxylase deficiency. Mild impairment in the enzymatic activity causes the non-classic or late-onset congenital adrenal hyperplasia that is observed with a prevalence of 1 in 1000 subjects in different populations. The present paper describes a de novo mutation that occurred in the paternal meiosis. The child, who was conceived by in vitro fertilization, presented with precocious puberty and diagnosed with non-classical 21-hydroxylase deficiency. DNA sequencing showed the compound heterozygosis for a de novo CYP21A1P / A2 chimeric gene and the p.Val281Leu mutation inherited from her mother, who was heterozygous for the mutation. The chimeric gene showed pseudogene-derived sequence from 5'-end to intron 3 and CYP21A2 sequences from intron 3 to 3'-end of the gene. Sequencing analysis of the father did not show any mutation. The multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) assay did not indicate loss of DNA discarding gene deletion but confirmed the chimeric gene. In addition, supernumerary copies of CYP21A1P were observed for both parents and for the affect child. Since paternity has been confirmed, those results suggest that a de novo large gene conversion in the paternal meiosis could have occurred by misalignment of alleles bearing different copy numbers of genes in CYP21 locus.

Objective: To establish benchmarks and study some sonographic characteristics of the thyroid gland in a group of euthyroid children aged up to 5 years as compared with age-matched children with congenital hypothyroidism., Materials and Methods: Thirty-six children (17 female and 19 male) aged between 2 months and 5 years were divided into two groups - 23 euthyroid children and 13 children with congenital hypothyroidism - and were called to undergo ultrasonography., Results: In the group of euthyroid children (n = 23), mean total volume of the thyroid gland was 1.12 mL (minimum, 0.39 mL; maximum, 2.72 mL); a homogeneous gland was found in 17 children (73.91%) and 6 children (26.08%) had a heterogeneous gland. In the group of children with congenital hypothyroidism (n = 13), mean total volume of the thyroid gland was 2.73 mL (minimum, 0.20 mL; maximum, 11.00 mL). As regards thyroid location, 3 patients (23.07%) had ectopic thyroid, and 10 (69.23%) had topic thyroid, and out of the latter, 5 had a homogeneous gland (50%) and 5, a heterogeneous gland (50%). In the group with congenital hypothyroidism, 6 (46.15%) children had etiological diagnosis of dyshormoniogenesis, 3 (23.07%), of ectopic thyroid, and 4 (30.76%), of thyroid hypoplasia., Conclusion: Thyroid ultrasonography is a noninvasive imaging method, widely available, easy to perform and for these reasons could, and should, be performed at any time, including at birth, with no preparation or treatment discontinuation, to aid in the early etiological definition of congenital hypothyroidism.

Background: In Brazil Leishmania braziliensis and L. infantum are the principal species responsible for cutaneous and visceral leishmaniases, respectively. Domestic dogs are the main reservoirs of visceral leishmaniasis, while rodents and marsupials are the main reservoirs for cutaneous leishmaniasis. It has also been suggested that dogs could play a role in transmission of cutaneous leishmaniasis. The identification of the species of Leishmania, the reservoirs, and the vectors involved in each particular transmission cycle is critical for the establishment of control activities. Belo Horizonte has emerged as an endemic region for leishmaniases, however, epidemiological studies assessing the contribution of wild reservoirs to transmission are scarce in the area. The aim of this study was to investigate Leishmania spp. infection in possible reservoirs of an urbanized area., Results: A high rate of infection was found in small mammals (64.9%) and dogs (DG1 30.4% and DG2 48.6%). The presence of L. infantum and L. braziliensis was detected in small mammals and dogs, and mixed infections by both species were detected in rodents which, to the best of our knowledge, is the first description of this phenomenon in an urban area. Additionally, L. amazonensis was detected in the canine samples., Conclusion: The possible role of these animals as a source of infection of the vector of each species of Leishmania identified should not be overlooked and should be taken into account in future control activities. The results of mixed infection by L. braziliensis and L. infantum in cosmopolitan rodents as M. musculus and R. rattus, may have important implications in the context of the control of leishmaniasis in urban areas, especially when considering that these rodents live in close relationship with human dwellings, especially those in more precarious conditions.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the incidence and etiology of congenital hypothyroidism (CH) in Uberaba, MG., Subjects and Methods: From 2001 to 2010, by reviewing patient files from a public reference outpatient unit. The screening program covered 88% of live-born children., Results: CH was diagnosed in 16 children, representing an incidence of 1:2,017 live-born children screened. The etiological evaluation was done in 15 children and revealed seven cases of thyroid dysgenesis, seven of dyshormonogenesis, and one case of transient hypothyroidism. One child moved away from the state before etiological investigation was carried out., Conclusion: We concluded that both the incidence of CH and of dyshormonogenesis as the main causes of CH were increased in the investigated region, but molecular studies are necessary for a better definition of etiology.

The cursor complex is a group within the Akodon genus of South American rodents, formed by Akodon cursor and A. montensis. Correct distinction between these two species is of great importance since they can harbor different Hantavirus strains. These species are only distinguishable by means of karyotypic or internal anatomic features, requiring dissection; recently, some other genetic methods have become available. We developed RAPD markers capable of distinguishing between A. cursor and A. montensis. Samples included 42 individuals of A. cursor from four localities and 16 individuals of A. montensis from two localities. Fifty-five bands, 41 of which were polymorphic, were analyzed. A principal component analysis showed that this set of markers could successfully distinguish between the two species, mainly based on three RAPD bands. The number of bands in each population was compared within a 95% confidence interval as a measure of intraspecific variability. The A. cursor populations were found to have marked genetic structure across the study area (AMOVA; F(ST )= 0.21), which in part might be because of the relatively limited dispersal capabilities of this species. Species-specific bands, with potential for species identification, were identified.

Unlabelled: Metabolic changes resulting from type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) may put growth and development at risk., Objective: To evaluate the final stature of DM1 patients and the interference of DM1 in growth., Subjects and Methods: The final height reached by 58 DM1 patients was evaluated according to anthropometric data and metabolic control., Results: Mean age was 26.4 years (15.0-51.0) and the duration of disease was of 9.6 years (1.4-25.0). Final stature was 165.1 cm (149.3-183.0) and the z-score for height was 0.09 (-1.76-2.85). In a subgroup (n = 34), it was possible to evaluate the effect of metabolic control on growth. Mean glycosylated hemoglobin was 12.2% (6.8-24.1) and the correlation between anthropometric data and glucose control was not considered statistically significant (p > 0.05)., Conclusion: We conclude that DM1 had no effect on the final stature, to the detriment of a poor metabolic control.

Purposes: To determine the incidence of retinopathy of prematurity and assess the main risk factors involved in its development., Methods: Retrospective cohort study carried out from January 2004 to December 2006, at University Hospital Onofre Lopes, Natal (RN)-Brazil. The sample was composed of 663 newborns, with less than or equal to 36 weeks of gestational age and/or birth weight less than or equal to 1,500 g, submitted to the protocol of retinopathy of prematurity in the ophthalmology department of the hospital. The variables were: gender, birth weight, gestational age, duration of oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation, sepsis and blood transfusion. Data were analyzed through the chi-squared test, Fisher's exact test and logistic regression model., Results: Of the 663 cases, retinopathy of prematurity occurred in 414 (62.4%). Of the total sample, 338 (51.0%) were male and 282 (42.5%) female. Mean and standard deviation of weight, gestational age and duration of oxygen therapy were, respectively, 1,334.9+/-345.6 g, 31.9+/-2.3 weeks and 10.0+/-14.0 days. The incidence of retinopathy in premature newborns in the period was 62.4%, 58.0% of cases in 2004, 67.2% in 2005 and 63.0% in 2006. The multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the weight less than 1,000 g (p<0.001; adjOR=17.18, CI=6.52-45.29) and between 1,000 g and 1,500 g (p=0.002; adjOR -4.20 CI=1.68-10.48), the time of oxygen lounger than 20 days (p=0.022; adjOR=3.40, CI=1.19-9.69) and blood transfusion (p=0.022; adjOR -2.06, CI=1.11-3.83) are independent factors for the disease., Conclusions: The study showed a high incidence of the disease in the service. A low birth weight, a prolonged oxygen therapy and blood transfusion are factors associated with the development of retinopathy of prematurity. Gestational age is not a reliable parameter for screening of newborns in the service.

The treatment of systemic diseases with glucocorticoids is often associated with decreased height velocity (HV), and can result in shorter final height. Interactions between adrenal and GH-IGF axis have been described and can occur at hypothalamic-pituitary level or at the regulation of IGF system, including the IGF1R signaling. The clinical state of these patients may be considered as an absolute and/or functional IGF-1 deficiency. Interventions aiming to restore the normal function of GH-IGF axis might reduce the glucocorticoids-induced growth suppression in these children. It has been shown that recombinant human GH (hrGH) induces an increase in HV and a decrease in protein loss in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis treated with glucocorticoids. Significant increment in HV was also described after hrGH treatment in children under glucocorticoid therapy due to inflammatory bowel disease or renal transplantation. There is a positive correlation between HV and the dose of hrGH. The results support that the IGF-1 deficiency in these children may be counteract by hrGH therapy. The effect of hrGH is observed only during the treatment period and depends on the replacement strategy, nutritional status and disease control.

Eight novel microsatellite markers were isolated from the woolly mouse opossum from the Amazon Forest in Peru, Micoureus demerarae, using a partial genomic DNA library and an enrichment protocol. These loci were polymorphic in M. demerarae and Micoureus paraguayanus populations from the Atlantic Forest in Brazil with the number of alleles ranging from two to 23. Those eight loci plus another five already described for M. paraguayanus will allow for the evaluation of genetic diversity of populations from the 'Rio Doce' Park, one of the last Atlantic Forest fragments in Minas Gerais state, Brazil., (© 2007 The Authors.)

Objective: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD) is characterized by high androgen levels, ambiguous genitalia or premature pubarche, increased height velocity and skeletal maturation. Considering the possibility of changes in the IGF system components depending on the state of clinical control, the objective of the present study was to analyse serum IGF-I, IGF-II and IGFBP levels in children with 21-OHD under two states of clinical control., Patients and Design: We studied 12 prepubertal children with 21-OHD CAH aged 4.0 +/- 0.7 years. They were classified as good (GC) or poor control (PC) based on growth rate, signs of adrenal insufficiency or Cushing syndrome, progression of sexual characteristics and serum androgens levels. Blood samples were obtained from each patient in two different states of clinical control (GC and PC) for biochemical measurements., Measurements: IGF-I, IGF-II, IGFBP-1, IGFBP-2 and IGFBP-3 were determined by immunoassays. IGFBPs were also analysed by Western ligand blotting (WLB)., Results: Levels of IGF-I (P = 0.03) and IGFBP-3 (P = 0.01) were higher in GC than in PC while IGFBP-1 (P = 0.004) concentrations were lower in GC patients. A trend towards higher levels of IGF-II (P = 0.08) and lower levels of IGFBP-2 (P = 0.08) was observed in GC children. Increased IGFBP-4 band intensity was observed in GC children (P = 0.03)., Conclusion: Higher levels of IGF-I, IGFBP-3 and IGFBP-4, but lower levels of IGFBP-1, were associated with better control in children with 21-OHD CAH. These findings are different from those observed in children with other causes of increasing androgens levels and are likely to be related to the insufficient glucocorticoid status.

We report the case of a 28-year-old female prostitute, intravenous drug user, seropositive for human immunodeficiency virus and with unusual manifestations of lues infection. The presence of plantar keratoderma, alopecia of the scalp, total loss of hair eyebrows and eyelashes with bilateral chorioretinitis is emphasised. Non-treponemal and treponemal tests for syphilis showed reactivity, but with abnormal serologic expression. The possible relationship between H.I.V. infection and the natural course of syphilis is discussed.

The Postural Deficiency Syndrome (P.D.S.) is a clinical situation always accompanied by an alteration of the ocular and postural equilibrium and by a defect of proprioceptive and visual information. The P.D.S. patients may present an important ophthalmological symptomatology which the classical semiological methods are not able to identify. To study properly these patients it was indispensable to introduce new methods of ophthalmological exploration. Among these new methods, the A.A. point out specially the directional scotometry and the linear directional coordinometry, found out and introduced by them. All these methods have allowed to detect in P.D.S. patients, troubles of directional visual information and typical disturbances of the tonic convergence. As a result of their investigation, the A.A. also describe a new therapy to the P.D.S. This therapy may complement the effects of somatoanalysis and reprogramming, always essential in the treatment of this situation. This new therapy is based on the introduction of a special correction, by means of prismatic lenses of low power, prescribed according to the rules that the A.A. also disclosed. The prismatic correction, appearing to be extremely effective, is well accepted by the great majority of the patients. The investigation work performed by the A.A. gives a new dimension to ophthalmology in the field of diagnosis, prophylaxis, treatment and rehabilitation of different situations of disability and incapacity.