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The production of human recombinant proteins to be used for therapeutic or nutritional purposes must focus on obtaining a molecule that is as close as possible to the native human protein. This biotechnological tool has been documented in various studies published in recent decades, with lactoferrin being one of those that has generated the most interest, being a promising option for recombinant technology. However, stability studies including thermodynamic parameters have not been reported for recombinant lactoferrin (Lf). The objective of this work was to obtain the human recombinant protein using the yeast Komagataella phaffii to study structural changes modifying pH and temperature using circular dichroism spectroscopy (CD). Thermodynamic parameters such as ΔH, ΔS and Tm were calculated and compared with commercial human lactoferrin. We propose the potential use of CD and thermodynamic parameters as a criterion in the production of recombinant proteins to be used in the production of specialized recombinant proteins.
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Lactoferrina , Humanos , Lactoferrina/química , Dicroísmo Circular , Proteínas Recombinantes/metabolismo , Temperatura , Concentração de Íons de HidrogênioRESUMO
In the present work, the impact that the longitudinal shape of channels has on the current produced in the flow of a magneto-hydrodynamic microgenerator (MHDMG) is studied. The goal is to find the micro-channel geometry via modeling to maximize the current output for low Reynolds and Mach regimes. To carry out this study, a 3D dynamic numerical tool relying on the finite volume method was handled with the open-source software OpenFOAM. It is the base model to study the impact of intricate geometries on the ability to produce energy. An additional steady-state 2D analytical model was also developed to check some basic modeling assumptions. Both models have been experimentally validated on the simplest flow system having a constant square cross-section throughout. The results produced by both models cross-check very well and compare favorably with respect to experimental data. Hence, using the validated numerical tool, three shapes have been further investigated, namely, progressive (linear decrease of the cross-section), arc (parabolic decrease of the cross-section), and wavy (sinusoidal shape). It was found that the arc channel provides the greatest current output for the same volumetric flow. It is therefore the preferred choice for developing high current gain and more efficient MHDMG used in micro-scaled actuators and sensors.
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Experimental and numerical results are reported for the internal and external flow fields evolving in a bio-inspired snapping plunger. The experimental evidence underlines the nature of the dynamic-coupling between the processes taking place inside and outside the device. Two main structures dictate the properties of the external flow field: a strong jet which is followed by a vortex ring. Internally, complex patterns of cavitating structures are simultaneously produced in the chamber and the venturi-like conduit. We find the cavitation cycle to be suitably described by the Rayleigh-Plesset model and, thus, proceed to characterize the coupling of both fields in terms of the fluctuations of the velocity. All main parameters, as well as the energy released to the fluid during the collapse, are found to be within the same order-of-magnitude of previously known experimental results for isolated bubbles of comparable size.
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HidrodinâmicaRESUMO
Introducción: El consumo de alcohol es un problema a nivel mundial. En Chile es la droga más consumida, y en cantidades mayores que otros países de la región. Debido a la alta prevalencia y la gran cantidad de complicaciones asociadas, se describió la tasa de mortalidad por síndrome de dependencia del alcohol (SDA) entre los años 2016-2020 en Chile. Materiales y métodos: Estudio observacional, ecológico y descriptivo. La población correspondió a todos los fallecidos por SDA como causa básica en Chile entre 2016-2020 utilizando fuente Departamento de Estadísticas e Información de Salud. Se calculó la tasa de mortalidad según sexo, grupo etario y región con un total de 710 personas. Resultados: Durante el período 2016-2020 se observó un aumento de la tasa de mortalidad principalmente en 2020. Respecto al sexo, predominó la tasa de mortalidad en hombres. El grupo etario con mayor tasa de mortalidad fue el de 65-79. El promedio más alto de la tasa de mortalidad entre los años 2016 y 2020 es el de la región de Los Lagos (2,09) y una desviación estándar de (1,05). Discusión: Resulta interesante que la tasa de mortalidad promedio atribuible al alcohol es menor en Chile y Estados Unidos que en otros países de América. Tanto en Chile como en Argentina y Cuba la tasa de mortalidad es mayor en hombres, sin embargo, en relación al rango etario, el predominio de las tasas varía en la región.
Introduction: Alcohol consumption is a worldwide problem that has been steadily increasing. Chile is among the countries with the highest alcohol consumption per capita in Latin America. Due to the high prevalence and the large number of associated complications, we described the mortality rate due to alcohol dependence syndrome (ADS) between the years 2016-2020 in Chile. Material y methods: Observational, ecological and descriptive study. The population corresponded to all deaths due to ADS as a basic cause in Chile between 2016-2020 using source Department of Health Statistics and Information. The mortality rate was calculated according to sex, age group and region with a total of 710 people. Results: During the period 2016-2020, an increase in the mortality rate was observed mainly in 2020. Regarding sex, the mortality rate was predominantly in men. The age group with the highest mortality rate was 65-79. The highest average mortality rate between 2016 and 2020 is that of the Los Lagos region (2,09) and a standard deviation of (1,05). Discussion: Interestingly, the average alcohol-attributable mortality rate is lower in Chile and the United States than in other countries in the Americas. In Chile as well as in Argentina and Cuba, the mortality rate is higher in men, however in relation to age range, the predominance of rates varies across the region.
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Humanos , Masculino , Feminino , Adulto , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Adulto Jovem , Transtornos Relacionados ao Uso de Álcool/mortalidade , Transtornos Relacionados ao Uso de Álcool/epidemiologia , Chile/epidemiologia , Alcoolismo/mortalidade , Distribuição por Idade e Sexo , Estudos EcológicosRESUMO
Pigment dispersion syndrome (PDS) represents a clinical spectrum of a relatively common and usually underdiagnosed phenomenon produced by spontaneous pigment dispersion from the iris into the anterior segment. PDS is often bilateral, has no gender predisposition, and presents at a young age, particularly in myopes. Although most patients experiencing an episode of pigment dispersion are asymptomatic, extreme photophobia, ocular pain, redness, and blurred vision may occur. Other characteristic signs are iridolenticular contact, concave iris configuration, 360° peripheral iris transillumination, and pigment deposition on the anterior chamber angle or the corneal endothelium (Krukenberg spindle). Early PDS diagnosis is crucial to detect patients with pigment-related ocular hypertension (POHT) that can eventually lead to pigmentary glaucoma (PG). The latter represents a sight-threatening condition in which mechanical, environmental, and genetic factors contribute to optic nerve damage. In this review, we update the pathogenic mechanisms involved in the clinical spectrum of the disease. We describe its clinical presentation, ophthalmologic manifestations, and complications, including the factors influencing the development of POHT and PG. Because PDS has variable clinical presentations that lead to misdiagnoses, we emphasize the differential diagnosis and the actual therapeutic strategies according to disease status.
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Glaucoma de Ângulo Aberto , Glaucoma , Câmara Anterior/patologia , Endotélio Corneano/patologia , Glaucoma/complicações , Glaucoma/etiologia , Glaucoma de Ângulo Aberto/diagnóstico , Glaucoma de Ângulo Aberto/etiologia , Humanos , IrisRESUMO
The dataset presented in this article was collected in a laboratory flow circuit, which was designed to investigate high-viscosity flows. The data set is composed of 1200 s (equivalent to 12,000 samples) of mass flow and pressure measurements taken at five points along the pipeline. The first 300 s were recorded when the flow in the loop was composed only of glycerol. The remaining data were acquired when the flow was composed of a water-glycerol mixture. During the data acquisition, two extractions were produced. The research reported in [1] uses 160 s of the data provided here. This article explains in detail the experimental set-up and the principal instruments used for obtaining the dataset. The dataset is in the form of seven columns: Time, Mass Flow, Pressure 1, Pressure 2, Pressure 3, Pressure 4, Pressure 5, in supplementary Excel and Matlab files.
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A creative low-cost and compact mechanical device that mimics the rapid closure of the pistol shrimp claw was used to conduct electrochemical experiments, in order to study the effects of hydrodynamic cavitation on the corrosion of aluminum and steel samples. Current-time curves show significant changes associated with local variations in dissolved O2 concentration, cavitation-induced erosion, and changes in the nature of the surface corrosion products.
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Fragmentation leads to the formation of edges between habitats, which in turn changes biotic and abiotic factors that might influence herbivory or plant-herbivory interactions. The aims of this study were to describe the herbivory community associated with oak (Quercus) and to determine the effects of proximity to a Eucalyptus edge and season on insect herbivory. We selected three forest sites that were subsequently divided into three quadrants located at different distances from the Eucalyptus edge: edge (0 m), intermediate (30 m), and oak forest interior (60 m). We randomly selected 10 oak trees per quadrant and conducted monthly surveys, during the dry and rainy season (from February to October 2010), where we quantified leaf area and the percentage of herbivory. These were analyzed using linear mixed models, with distance and season as fixed factors and individual and site as random factors. The primary oak herbivores were Lepidoptera caterpillars. We found that herbivory increased away from the edge but just during the rainy season, although higher herbivory levels were found during the dry season. These results seem to be related to a specialist community of herbivorous associated to the Quercus. This study emphasizes the importance of considering border effect, especially within Natural Protected Areas to establish strategies to improve and maintain native oak forest and the biodiversity of its Lepidoptera herbivorous community.
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Eucalyptus , Florestas , Herbivoria , Lepidópteros/fisiologia , Quercus , Animais , Modelos Lineares , México , Chuva , Estações do AnoRESUMO
Resumen Introducción: La estimulación magnética transcraneal (EMT) es una opción potencial de tratamiento para la sintomatología de trastorno del espectro autista. Objetivos: Determinar la eficacia de la EMT en modalidad theta-burst intermitente (ETBi) sobre la corteza pre frontal dorso lateral izquierda (CDLPF) en el manejo de comportamientos patológicos asociados con TEA. Pacientes y Métodos: Paciente masculino de 10 años de edad diagnosticado con TEA con (ADOS) Autistic Diagnostic Observation Schedule, presenta una historia familiar de una hermana menor con TEA. Tanto el estudio de Resonancia Magnética encéfalo (IRM) y IRM funcional (IRMf) con paradigma emocionales se efectuaron antes del tratamiento de ETBi, inmediatamente después de tratamiento ETBi, y después de 6 meses de tratamiento con ETBi. Resultados: La prueba de ATEC reporto mejoría en las escalas de comunicación, cognición, social y comportamiento, 83%,81%,72% y 52% respectivamente. La puntuación total mejoro un 66% inmediatamente después de tratamiento y 55% en un periodo de 6 meses. La IRMf revelo la activación de la corteza frontal, parietal y occipital antes del tratamiento con ETBi y persistiendo la mejoría por 6 meses. Conclusión: ETBi una técnica de neuromodulación no invasiva bien tolerado que requiere un tiempo de administración menor que el tratamiento estándar.
Abstract Background: Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a potential treatment option for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptomatology. Objectives: To determine the efficacy of the TMS intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) protocol over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in the management of pathological behaviors associated with ASD. Patient/Methods: A 10-year-old male diagnosed with ASD by the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) presented with a family history of ASD with a younger sister diagnosed with the same disorder. Both magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and functional MRI (fMRI) scans for emotional paradigms were performed before the iTBS treatment, immediately after the iTBS treatment, and after 6 months of iTBS treatment. Results: The ATEC reports revealed improvement in communication, cognition, sociability, and behavior scales by 83%, 81%, 72%, and 52%, respectively. The overall score improved by 66% immediately after the treatment and by 55% lasting over a 6-month period. The fMRI revealed the activation of the frontal, parietal, and occipital cortex before iTBS treatment, and a better integration and activation of the frontal, temporal, and occipital cortex after iTBS treatment and persisted after 6 months. Conclusions: iTBS is a well-tolerated, non-invasive neuromodulation technique that requires relatively less administration than the standard treatment.
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Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (D-G6PD) is a common erythroenzymopathy that needs to be addressed as an important public health issue. Proper population monitoring is needed to anticipate clinical complications. A joint venture between Genomi-k (a Mexican company focused on newborn screening) and several university researchers conducted a retrospetive study for D-G6PD based on 156,152 newborn screening reports belonging to the Mexican population comprising a period of 10 years. We identified 540 male newborns affected with this deficiency, representing an incidence of 6.78 cases per 1,000 newborn males. A single double mutation of G202A:A376G was detected in 97.22% of cases. In regions where there is an absence of a national centralized health data for D-G6PD, information from a non-probabilistic large population sample can be used as a national incidence subrogate.
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Deficiência de Glucosefosfato Desidrogenase/epidemiologia , Deficiência de Glucosefosfato Desidrogenase/genética , Humanos , Incidência , Recém-Nascido , Masculino , México/epidemiologia , Mutação , Triagem Neonatal , Estudos RetrospectivosRESUMO
Germination responses of non-dormant seeds to temperature and thermal requirements are affected by the geoclimatic origin of the species, along with specific attributes such as life form, life cycle or seed size. We evaluated the relationship of these attributes and temperature to germination in 18 species that inhabit a convergence area of two biogeographic realms. Seeds were sown at different constant temperatures. Base temperature (Tb ) and thermal time for 50% germination (θT(50) ) were determined. For Tb , θT(50) and seed size, we performed a cluster analysis and then applied a discriminant analysis (DA). DA was also performed using geoclimatic origin, life form and life cycle as grouping variables. Seed that did not germinate were transferred to the benefit temperature for germination. Finally, ethylene was applied to the remaining seeds that did not germinate. Temperature significantly affected final germination. Tb varied between 5 and 13 °C in 15 species and 19.0-21.5 °C in the remainder; θT(50) was 7-30 °Cd in eight species and 50-109 °Cd in the remainder. Cluster analysis showed three groups, and DA evidenced the relevance of Tb and θT(50) for this separation. Differences in life cycle were related to θT(50) . The geoclimatic origin was not significant. Thermoinhibition or thermodormancy were found in some species. Tb overlaps with environmental temperature of the growth season. Thermal traits for germination mainly reflect the species' life cycle, which is related to the main differences in reproductive performance among annuals and perennials. Local adaptation might mask the effect of geoclimatic origin of a species.
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Germinação/fisiologia , México , Dormência de Plantas/fisiologia , Fenômenos Fisiológicos Vegetais , Sementes/anatomia & histologia , Sementes/fisiologia , Temperatura , Fatores de TempoRESUMO
To analyze the intraocular pressure reduction, number of anti-glaucoma medications needed, and post-operative complications of trans-scleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation (DCPC) in patients with high-risk penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) and secondary refractory glaucoma. Prospective interventional, longitudinal, non-comparative series of cases, including 16 eyes of 15 patient's post-PKP on maximal anti-glaucoma medical therapy with intraocular pressures above 22 mmHg. All patients received 18 shots, 360° peri-limbal (avoiding the long posterior ciliary nerves and arteries at 3 and 9 o'clock positions) of trans-scleral DCPC (2000 mW, time: 2.0 s/shot). There was a 55.5 % reduction (total of 14.0 mmHg) of the mean pre-operative IOP (31.5 mmHg) after the first diode laser application (p = 0.0020). Re-treatment was required in 31.2 % of eyes over a mean period of 10.7 months. In these five eyes, the mean pre-operative IOP was 40.4 mmHg, which decreased to 15.0 mmHg post-therapy, and a mean IOP reduction of 25.4 mmHg (p = 0.0218). There was a 51.0 % reduction in the mean number of medications used after the first, and a 57.1 % reduction after a second laser application. The incidence of failure (IOP ≥ 22 mmHg or need of additional medical therapy) from initial intervention to loss of follow-up was 1.3 % per person-month. DCPC effectively reduces the intraocular pressure and the number of anti-glaucoma medications with few complications in patients after high-risk PKP and secondary glaucoma. Only, one-third of the eyes needed a second intervention to control the intraocular pressure. Post-DCPC complications were limited to phthisis bulbi and endothelial dysfunction, one eye each. Please check and confirm the author names and initials are correct. Also, kindly confirm the details in the metadata are correct.
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Glaucoma/cirurgia , Ceratoplastia Penetrante/efeitos adversos , Fotocoagulação a Laser/métodos , Adolescente , Adulto , Idoso , Anti-Hipertensivos/administração & dosagem , Criança , Feminino , Glaucoma/tratamento farmacológico , Glaucoma/etiologia , Glaucoma/fisiopatologia , Humanos , Pressão Intraocular/fisiologia , Lasers Semicondutores/uso terapêutico , Estudos Longitudinais , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Complicações Pós-Operatórias/cirurgia , Estudos Prospectivos , Retratamento/estatística & dados numéricos , Adulto JovemRESUMO
Changes in land use are mainly a consequence of anthropogenic actions. The current agricultural and urban transformations in Costa Rica have raised questions about the effectiveness of conservation and restoration within protected areas. Herein we analyzed the patterns of land use change between three periods: 1997, 2005 and 2010 in terms of magnitude, direction, and pace through categorical maps generated by the photointerpretation for La Cangreja National Park (LCNP), Rancho Mastatal Wildlife Refuge (RMWR), and their surrounding areas (SA), this last compound of one kilometer radius outside the protected areas' boundaries. The matrix which describes the landscape within the protected areas is natural coverage, composed mainly by forest cover and thickets. We found that the most abundant natural cover for both protected areas was forest cover for all years tested. The stability and large areas of forest cover in LCNP and RMWR for 2005 and 2010, reflected that policies, management actions and vigilance, have a positive impact on the conservation and restoration of natural habitats in these Costa Rican Central Pacific areas. However, the high landscape complexity of the SA in 1997, 2005 and 2010 was an evidence of the anthropogenic pressure on these protected areas, and suggested the ineffectiveness of local governments to monitor and abate land use changes, that could hinder the management, conservation and restoration of species in the protected areas.
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Conservação dos Recursos Naturais , Florestas , Agricultura , Costa Rica , Ecossistema , Recuperação e Remediação Ambiental , Sistemas de Informação GeográficaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: The use of the pneumatic tourniquet (PT) in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has been controversial; its advantages, disadvantages and associated complications have been described. In order to assess its benefits we analyzed operative time; intraoperative, postoperative and total bleeding volume, as well as pre- and postoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit values in patients who had undergone primary TKA using the PT, and they were compared with a control group. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the clinical records of cases who underwent TKA was conducted. Based on the inclusion criteria and the use or nonuse of PT, two groups were formed: a study group (n=19) and a control group (n=19). The following variables were compared: operative time, intra and postoperative bleeding and total bleeding; initial and final hemoglobin and hematocrit values. RESULTS: Significant differences in favor of the group with PT use were obtained in 7 out of the 8 variables studied. The most relevant ones were operative time (t = 2.08 p < 0.050); intraoperative bleeding (t = -6.44, p < 0.010); postoperative bleeding (t = -2.170 p < 0.050) and total bleeding (t = /7.52, p < 0.010). CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that patients in whom PT was used during TKA had a shorter operative time, and their total, intra- and postoperative bleeding and the estimated, blood loss were lower than in controls. Additional suppositions on the benefits of PT warrant the conduction'of more prospective research studies.
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Artroplastia do Joelho/métodos , Perda Sanguínea Cirúrgica , Hemorragia Pós-Operatória/epidemiologia , Torniquetes , Adulto , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Feminino , Hematócrito , Hemoglobinas/metabolismo , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Duração da Cirurgia , Estudos RetrospectivosRESUMO
This paper presents the experimental results of the thermoluminescent (TL) characteristics of synthetic hydroxyapatite (SHAp) obtained by the sol-gel method. For preparation of the SHAp powders, phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5) and calcium nitrate tetrahydrated (Ca(NO3)2-4H2O) were used. The powders obtained were submitted at different temperatures. The structural and morphological characterization were carried out using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy techniques. TL glow curve exhibited two peaks centered at around 200 °C and 300 °C. TL response of SHAp as a function of gamma absorbed dose was linear over a wide dose range. Fading of the storage information in the samples irradiated was also studied. The experimental results show that the synthetic hydroxyapatite obtained by the sol-gel method may have used in gamma radiation dosimetry applications.
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Objetivo: Comparar la presencia de inflamación aguda severa en pacientes con y sin medicación antes del procedimiento de exodoncia de terceros molares inferiores, atendidos en la Clínica Odontológica de la Universidad Nacional Federico Villarreal. Material y métodos: Se tomó como muestra 116 pacientes de ambos sexos, entre 21 y 45 años de edad los cuales fueron divididos en dos grupos aleatoriamente, solo uno recibió medicación con Glucocorticoides antes del tratamiento. Resultados: Se encontró que el 92% de pacientes del grupo que no recibió medicación previa presentaron dolor agudo durante las primeras 48 horas, medicándose con fármacos no narcóticos (78%) y fármacos narcóticos (22%); as¡ mismo, presentaron signos de edema y trismus (82% y 80%) permaneciendo hasta los 6 d¡as, contrariamente los pacientes que recibieron medicación previa al tratamiento, presentaron signos y s¡ntomas de dolor agudo, edema y trismus en el 12%, 4% y 2% respectivamente, requiriendo de medicación solo 15% y con fármacos no narcóticos, encontrando asociaci¢n entre la medicación y frecuencia de signos, s¡ntomas y consumo de fármacos (p<0,05). El promedio de fármaco ingeridos por el grupo que no recibió medicación fue de 24 tabletas (3 analgésicos, 1 anti inflamatorio por d¡a durante 6 d¡as), mientras que, los que recibieron medicación ingirieron en promedio 6 tabletas y en su totalidad analgésicos. La apertura bucal máxima, signo del trismus, en los pacientes que no recibieron medicación fue en promedio 12mm y en los que recibieron medicación 32mm, siendo esta diferencia estad¡sticamente significativa (p<0,05). Conclusión: La presencia de signos y s¡ntomas de inflamación aguda severa as¡ como el consumo de fármacos fue mayor en el grupo que no recibió medicación con glucocorticoides antes de la intervención.
Objective: Compare the presence of severe acute inflammation in patients with and without medication before the procedure of extraction of third molars, treated at the Dental Clinic of Universidad Nacional Federico Villarreal. Material and Methods: Sample was taken as 116 patients of both sexes, between 21 and 45 years who were randomly divided into two groups, only one received medication before treatment with glucocorticoid. Results: It was found that 92% of patients who did not receive premedication had severe pain during the first 48 hours, medicating with non-narcotic drugs (78%) and narcotic drugs (22%), likewise, showed signs of edema and trismus (82% and 80%) 6 days remaining until contrary the patients who received pre-treatment medication, had signs and symptoms of acute pain, edema and trismus at 12%, 4% and 2% respectively, requiring only medication 15%, and non-narcotic drugs, finding association between medication and frequency of signs, symptoms, and medication (p <.05). The average drug ingested by the group that received no medication was 24 tablets (3 analgesics, anti-inflammatory one per day for 6 days), while those receiving medication ingested an average of 6 tablets and painkillers entirely. The maximum mouth opening, sign trismus in patients who received no medication was on average 12mm and 32mm those receiving medication, and this difference was statistically significant (p <0.05). Conclusions: The presence of signs and symptoms of acute inflammation and severe drug consumption was higher in the group not receiving glucocorticoid medication before surgery.
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Feminino , Adulto Jovem , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Cirurgia Bucal , Glucocorticoides , Inflamação , Procedimentos Cirúrgicos Bucais , Profilaxia Dentária , Dente SerotinoRESUMO
Environmental heterogeneity mostly dominated by differing light regimes affects the expression of phenotypic plasticity, which is important for plant growth and survival, especially in the forest understory. The knowledge about these responses to this heterogeneity is a key factor for forest restoration initiatives. In this study, we determine several phenotypic responses to contrasting light conditions in five native tree seedling species of La Cangreja National Park, Central Pacific of Costa Rica, four of them with threatened or relict populations. After 14 weeks at a medium gap condition (24% of full sun), seedlings were transferred and acclimated for 11 weeks to three different natural light regimes: large gap (LG), medium gap (MG) and small gap (SG), corresponding to 52%, 24%, 9% of the mean direct and indirect radiation at each site from full sun. Growth, biomass allocation and leaf gas exchange were measured after the acclimation period. Four species strongly reduced relative growth rate (RGR) in the lower light condition. Total biomass (TB) and RGR were different in Hymenaea courbaril and Platymiscium curiense. H. courbaril and Astronium graveolens had significant changes in the maximum assimilation rate, with a mean value in the LG of 11.02 and 7.70 micromolCO2/m2s, respectively. P. curuense showed the same trend and significant changes in RGR and biomass allocation. Aspidosperma myristicifolium and Plinia puriscalensis showed no adjustments to the light regimes in any of the measured variables. This study remarks the importance of determining the growth and physiological performance of these tree native species. It also demonstrates that the most threatened species are those with the less plastic responses to the light regimes, which stresses the difficult situation of their natural populations. This study highlights an urgent definition of the conservation and restoration needs of the degraded forests of the Costa Rican Central Pacific area, where these species dwell.