Social dominance and behavioral consequences of intrauterine position in female groups of the social rodent Octodon degus.

Female phenotypic masculinization is a phenomenon widely described among mammals. In species that produce litters, female masculinization occurs in utero during late trimester of pregnancy as consequence of the intrauterine position phenomenon (IUP), affecting morphological, physiological and behavioral traits during adulthood. One morphological trait that is affected by IUP is anogenital distance (AGD) that is utilized as proxy of the female phenotypic masculinization.

Aqueous-ozone irrigation of bone monocortical wounds in hyperglycemic rats.

Purpose: To analyze the effects of aqueous ozone irrigation over bone healing in hyperglycemia-induced rats.

Methods: Forty-eight male Wistar rats were allocated into Group H (hyperglycemic) or Group N (control). Monocortical bone wound were performed on femurs' anterolateral face.

Social structure in a family group of Guanaco (Lama guanicoe, Ungulate): is female hierarchy based on 'prior attributes' or 'social dynamics'?

Social life involves costs and benefits mostly associated with how individuals interact with each other. The formation of hierarchies inside social groups has evolved as a common strategy to avoid high costs stemming from social interactions. Hierarchical relationships seem to be associated with different features such as body size, body condition and/or age, which determine dominance ability ('prior attributes' hypothesis).

Performance bound for quantum absorption refrigerators.

An implementation of quantum absorption chillers with three qubits has been recently proposed that is ideally able to reach the Carnot performance regime. Here we study the working efficiency of such self-contained refrigerators, adopting a consistent treatment of dissipation effects. We demonstrate that the coefficient of performance at maximum cooling power is upper bounded by 3/4 of the Carnot performance.

Hematological alterations caused by high intensity of L3 larvae of Contracaecum sp Railliet & Henry, 1912 (Nematoda, Anisakidae) in the stomach of Hoplias malabaricus in lakes in Pirassununga, São Paulo.

The objective of the present study was to discover the hematological indices of Hoplias malabaricus infected by larvae of Contracaecum sp. A total of 105 fish were collected from two lakes located in the municipal district of Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil, of which 95.2% were infested by L3 larvae of Contracaecum sp.

Three-dimensional assessment of buccal alveolar bone after rapid and slow maxillary expansion: a clinical trial study.

Introduction: The purposes of this study were to analyze and compare the immediate effects of rapid and slow maxillary expansion protocols, accomplished by Haas-type palatal expanders activated in different frequencies of activation on the positioning of the maxillary first permanent molars and on the buccal alveolar bones of these teeth with cone-beam computerized tomography.

Methods: The sample consisted of 33 children (18 girls, 15 boys; mean age, 9 years) randomly distributed into 2 groups: rapid maxillary expansion (n = 17) and slow maxillary expansion (n = 16). Patients in the rapid maxillary expansion group received 2 turns of activation (0.

Cost-effectiveness of the introduction of specialized oral care with laser therapy in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Oral mucositis (OM) is one of the side effects of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), resulting in major morbidity. The aim of this study was to determine the cost-effectiveness of the introduction of a specialized oral care program including laser therapy in the care of patients receiving HSCT with regard to morbidity associated with OM. Clinical information was gathered on 167 patients undergoing HSCT and divided according to the presence (n = 91) or absence (n = 76) of laser therapy and oral care.

Low-level laser therapy can produce increased aggressiveness of dysplastic and oral cancer cell lines by modulation of Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a non-thermal phototherapy used in several medical applications, including wound healing, reduction of pain and amelioration of oral mucositis. Nevertheless, the effects of LLLT upon cancer or dysplastic cells have been so far poorly studied. Head and neck cancer patients receiving LLLT for oral mucositis, for example, might have remaining tumor cells that could be stimulated by LLLT.

Maternal Steller sea lion diets elevate fetal mercury concentrations in an area of population decline.

Total mercury concentrations ([THg]) measured in western Aleutian Island Steller sea lion pup hair were the highest maximum [THg] documented in this endangered species to date. Some pups exceeded concentrations at which other fish-eating mammals can exhibit adverse neurological and reproductive effects (21% and 15% pups above 20 and 30 μg/g in hair, respectively). Of particular concern is fetal exposure to mercury during a particularly vulnerable stage of neurological development in late gestation.

Biological, biochemical and histopathological features related to parasitic castration of Biomphalaria glabrata infected by Schistosoma mansoni.

Parasitic castration in the snail-trematode relationship can be understood as any change in the reproductive function of the snail that is due to interference by the developing larvae inside the snail that leads to the reduction or complete disruption of egg-laying activity. This study was designed to observe the parasitic castration of Biomphalaria glabrata infected with Schistosoma mansoni during both the pre-patent and patent periods. The effect of infection on snail fecundity and fertility, growth rate and survival was studied during the 62 days following miracidia exposure.

Trophic interactions of the endangered Southern river otter (Lontra provocax) in a Chilean Ramsar wetland inferred from prey sampling, fecal analysis, and stable isotopes.

Non-invasive methodological approaches are highly recommended and commonly used to study the feeding ecology of elusive and threatened mammals. In this study, we use multiple lines of evidence to assess the feeding strategies of the endangered Southern river otter, by determining seasonal prey availability (electrofishing), analysis of undigested prey remains (spraints), and the use of stable isotopes (δ(15)N and δ(13)C) in otter spraints (n = 262) and prey in a wetland ecosystem of southern Chile (39°49'S, 73°15'W). Fecal and isotopic analyses suggest that the otter diet is restricted to a few prey items, particularly the less-mobile, bottom-living, and larger prey such as crayfish (Samastacus spinifrons, 86.

Planning of dental implant size with digital panoramic radiographs, CBCT-generated panoramic images, and CBCT cross-sectional images.

Objectives: To compare the implant size (width and length) planned with digital panoramic radiographs, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT)-generated panoramic views, or CBCT cross-sectional images, in four implant systems.

Material And Methods: Seventy-one patients with a total of 103 implant sites in the upper premolar and/or lower molar regions were examined with digital panoramic radiography (D-PAN) and (CBCT). A metal ball 5 mm in diameter was placed in the edentulous area for the D-PAN.

Secular trends in the epidemiology of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI): relationship with alcohol gel and antimicrobial usage in a hospital.

Background: Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) has shown increasing incidence, morbidity, and mortality in recent years. We assessed the number of CDAD tests requested, CDAD positivity rates, the use of alcohol-based hand rubs, and antimicrobial utilization.

Methods: We collected information on every adult patient (>18 years) who developed diarrhea and had a positive stool test for C.

Studies on diversity and evolution of Iridaceae species in southern Brazil.

Plants of the family Iridaceae are well represented in the grassland vegetation of southern Brazil, occurring in the Pampa and Atlantic Forest biomes. Nevertheless, little is known about the taxonomy and evolution of Iridaceae species in southern Brazil. The main goal of this review is to compile published information about South American Iridaceae, and to discuss the evolution and genetic diversity of the family presenting our own research data in the light of the published literature.

A hospital-based matched case-control study to identify clinical outcome and risk factors associated with carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae infection.

Background: Healthcare-associated infections caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates are increasing and few effective antibiotics are currently available to treat patients. We observed decreased carbapenem susceptibility among K. pneumoniae isolated from patients at a tertiary private hospital that showed a phenotype compatible with carbapenemase production although this group of enzymes was not detected in any sample.

Temperature measurement and Hsp47 immunoexpression in oral ulcers irradiated with defocused high-energy diode laser.

Unlabelled: Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are conservative protective proteins responsible for protein integrity during transcription in the cell under stress. Hsp47 is one of the most important chaperonins for collagen synthesis and release, and is up-regulated during wound repair. The aim of this study was to verify whether defocused high-energy diode laser (DDL) causes sufficient increase in local temperature to cause Hsp47 up-regulation during repair of oral ulcers.

Bloodstream Infection in the Intensive Care Unit: Preventable Adverse Events and Cost Savings.

Objectives: Central line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) impose a significant economic burden for patients admitted to the intensive care unit for adults (AICU). The objectives of the study were to evaluate the excess length of stay and extra costs attributable to CLABSIs diagnosed in the AICU.

Methods: Cases were selected as patients admitted to AICU from 2006 through 2009, who developed a CLABSI episode.

Evaluation of a maxillary sinus floor augmentation in the presence of a large antral pseudocyst.

Sinus floor augmentation has been established as a predictable technique to overcome maxillary bone loss. Antral cystic lesions may lead to intrasurgical complications and should be accurately diagnosed. However, antral pseudocysts have recently been described not to be contraindicated for sinus-grafting procedures.

Detection of bla(OXA-23) in Acinetobacter spp. isolated from patients of a university hospital.

Introduction: Acinetobacter spp. have emerged as notorious pathogens involved in healthcare-associated infections. Carbapenems are important antimicrobial agents for treating infections due to multidrug resistant Acinetobacter spp.

Impact of the prehospital activation strategy in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous revascularization: a single center community hospital experience.

The strategy of prehospital activation by the emergency medical system (EMS) in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has been poorly adopted among the US hospitals that currently offer 24/7 primary percutaneous coronary intervention. In this study, we report a single center experience after the implementation of this strategy. From 2008 to 2011, we identified a total 188 STEMI patients (age 65 ± 15 years) presenting via EMS for primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

Oral leukoplakia manifests differently in smokers and non-smokers.

Oral leukoplakias (OL) are potentially malignant lesions that are typically white in color. Smoking is considered a risk factor for developing OL, and dysplastic lesions are more prone to malignant transformation. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical features observed in dysplastic and non-dysplastic OL in both smokers and non-smokers.

Phosphate limitation induces sporulation in the chytridiomycete Blastocladiella emersonii.

The cell cycle is controlled by numerous mechanisms that ensure correct cell division. If growth is not possible, cells may eventually promote autophagy, differentiation, or apoptosis. Microorganisms interrupt their growth and differentiate under general nutrient limitation.

Epidemiology of squamous cell carcinomas among the population attended in the city of Tubarão, Brazil, between 1999 and 2009.

Background: Skin cancer is the most common neoplasm in Brazil, with increasing incidence in recent decades. Data on the incidence of squamous cell carcinoma are scarce in southern Santa Catarina.

Objective: To establish epidemiological data on squamous cell carcinoma in Tubarão, State of Santa Catarina.

Addition of Bacillus sp. inoculums in bedding for swine on a pilot scale: effect on microbial population and bedding temperature.

Thermal and microbiological characteristics of beddings for swine were compared according to their depth and of addition of inoculums. Bedding was added to boxes at 0.25 (25D) and 0.

Slits affect the timely migration of neural crest cells via Robo receptor.

Background: Neural crest cells emerge by delamination from the dorsal neural tube and give rise to various components of the peripheral nervous system in vertebrate embryos. These cells change from non-motile into highly motile cells migrating to distant areas before further differentiation. Mechanisms controlling delamination and subsequent migration of neural crest cells are not fully understood.