The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence and temporal trends of head and face trauma, in Brazil, between 2000 and 2015. This is a retrospective epidemiological study based on secondary data obtained from the Hospital Information System of the Brazilian National Health System, we analyzed the total number of hospitalizations and deaths, those resulting from injuries and head and face trauma in Brazil and its five macro-regions, the 26 states and the Federal District, through multivariate statistical techniques, cluster methodology on trajectory analysis for longitudinal data, using the R package kml. We observed that the overall hospitalization rate decreased over the period studied, while the mortality rate gradually increased, with both rates varying in 2008. Hospitalizations for head and face trauma and deaths by sex were 4:1 and 6:1 for males, respectively. The largest number of hospitalizations occurred in the Southeast macro-region, 40.3% (183,727). The most compromised age group was 20 to 29 years old. Mandible fractures accounted for 33.5% of hospitalizations, followed by malar and maxillary fractures (26%) and nasal bone fractures (19.2%), but vault fractures were responsible for the highest number of deaths (37%). The lethality rate decreased for both sexes in all macroregions, except for the North where there was an increase. It is expected that this study may have repercussions on epidemiological indices and on prevention actions, due to injuries mortality and head and face trauma.

El objetivo de este estudio fue estimar la incidencia y las tendencias temporales de los traumatismos craneofaciales en Brasil entre 2000 y 2015. cabeza y cara, en Brasil, entre 2000 y 2015. Se trata de un estudio epidemiológico retrospectivo basado en datos secundarios obtenidos del Sistema Sistema de Información Hospitalaria del Sistema Nacional de Salud de Brasil. número total de hospitalizaciones y muertes, las resultantes de lesiones y traumatismos craneoencefálicos y faciales en Brasil y sus cinco macrorregiones, los 26 estados y el Distrito Federal, mediante técnicas estadísticas multivariantes, metodología de conglomerados sobre análisis de trayectorias para datos longitudinales, utilizando el paquete kml de R. Nosotros observamos que la tasa global de hospitalización disminuyó a lo largo del período estudiado mientras que la tasa de mortalidad aumentó gradualmente, variando ambas tasas en 2008. Las hospitalizaciones por traumatismos craneoencefálicos y las muertes por sexo fueron 4:1 y 6:1 para los varones, respectivamente. El mayor número de hospitalizaciones ocurrió en la macrorregión Sudeste, 40,3% (183.727). El grupo de edad más comprometido fue el de 20 a 29 años. Las fracturas de mandíbula representaron el 33,5% de las hospitalizaciones, seguidas de las fracturas malares y maxilares (26%) y las fracturas del hueso nasal (19,2%), pero las fracturas de la bóveda fueron responsables del mayor número de muertes (37%). La tasa de letalidad disminuyó para ambos sexos en todas las macrorregiones, excepto en el Norte, donde se produjo un aumento. Se espera que este estudio pueda tener repercusiones en los índices epidemiológicos y en acciones de prevención, debido a la mortalidad por lesiones y traumatismos craneales y faciales.

O objetivo deste estudo foi estimar a incidência e a tendência temporal dos traumatismos de crânio e face, no Brasil, entre 2000 e 2015. Trata-se de um estudo epidemiológico retrospectivo baseado em dados secundários, obtidos no Sistema de Informações Hospitalares, do Sistema Único de Saúde, foi analisado o total das internações e óbitos, decorrentes das lesões e as dos traumatismos de crânio e face, no Brasil e suas cinco macrorregiões, nos 26 estados e Distrito Federal, mediante estatística descritiva multivariante, metodologia de clusters sobre análise de trajetória para dados longitudinais, usando o pacote kml do R. Observou-se que a taxa de internação global diminuiu ao logo dos anos, ao tempo que, a de mortalidade aumentou gradualmente, verificando-se em ambas uma variação em 2008. As relações homem: mulher de internações e óbitos por traumatismos de crânio e face foram de 4:1 e 6:1, respetivamente. O maior número de internações ocorreu na macrorregião Sudeste, 40,3 % (183.727). A faixa etária mais afetada foi de 20 a 29 anos. As fraturas de mandíbula representaram 33,5% das internações, seguidas pelas de malar e maxilar (26%) e pelas de ossos nasais (19,2%), porém as fraturas da abóbada foram as responsáveis pelo maior número de óbitos (37%). A taxa de letalidade diminuiu ao longo do período estudado para ambos os sexos em todas as macrorregiões, com exceção da Norte, onde houve um aumento. Espera-se que este estudo possa repercutir nos índices epidemiológicos e em ações de prevenção, de mortalidade por lesões e traumatismos de crânio e face.

ABSTRACT: Generally, primary methods of identification as the fingerprint analysis, dental analysis or DNA examination are indicated for the establishment of the identity of a corpse. In situations with poor body conservation, such as in advanced stage of putrefaction or skeletonization, imaging exams like medical and dental computed tomography can assist in the process of identification. The frontal sinuses present anatomical characteristics that allow the establishment of the identity of an in dividual. In this case report we used the technique of three-dimensional construction of the frontal sinuses through the generation of solid figures representative of the sinus morphology. After the comparative analysis of the antemortem and postmortem tomography of the alleged victim, we could establish similarities in both the variations in size, shape, symmetry and contour of borders, and the presence and number of septa, allowing us to infer that the two images described belong to the same individual, thus establishing the identity of the corpse found.

RESUMEN: Generalmente, los métodos primarios de identificación como el análisis dactiloscópico, el análisis dental o el examen de ADN están indicados para el establecimiento de la identidad de un cadáver. En situaciones de mala conservación del cuerpo, como en etapa avanzada de putrefacción o esqueletización, los exámenes de imagen como la tomografía computarizada médica y dental pueden ayudar en el proceso de identificación. Los senos frontales presentan características anatómicas que permiten establecer la identidad de un individuo. En este reporte de caso utilizamos la técnica de construcción tridimensional de los senos frontales a través de la generación de figuras sólidas representativas de la morfología sinusal. Tras el análisis comparativo de la tomografía antemortem y postmortem de la presunta víctima, pudimos establecer similitudes tanto en las variaciones de tamaño, forma, simetría y contorno de márgenes, como en la presencia y número de septos, lo que nos permite inferir que las dos imágenes descritas pertenecen al mismo individuo, estableciéndose así la identidad del cadáver encontrado.

Abstract The Neotropical armored catfish genus Harttia presents a wide variation of chromosomal rearrangements among its representatives. Studies indicate that translocation and Robertsonian rearrangements have triggered the karyotype evolution in the genus, including differentiation of sex chromosome systems. However, few studies used powerful tools, such as comparative whole chromosome painting, to clarify this highly diversified scenario. Here, we isolated probes from the X1 (a 5S rDNA carrier) and the X2 (a 45S rDNA carrier) chromosomes of Harttia punctata, which displays an X1X1X2X2/X1X2Y multiple sex chromosome system. Those probes were applied in other Harttia species to evidence homeologous chromosome blocks. The resulting data reinforce that translocation events played a role in the origin of the X1X2Y sex chromosome system in H. punctata. The repositioning of homologous chromosomal blocks carrying rDNA sites among ten Harttia species has also been demonstrated. Anchored to phylogenetic data it was possible to evidence some events of the karyotype diversification of the studied species and to prove an independent origin for the two types of multiple sex chromosomes, XX/XY1Y2 and X1X1X2X2/X1X2Y, that occur in Harttia species. The results point to evolutionary breakpoint regions in the genomes within or adjacent to rDNA sites that were widely reused in Harttia chromosome remodeling.

Resumo Apesar das dificuldades encontradas em se realizar análises cromossômicas em peixes de pequeno porte, os estudos citogenéticos em Lebiasinidae vêm crescendo nos últimos anos e demonstrando padrões diferenciados na evolução cromossômica entre os membros da família. Nesse contexto, o gênero Lebiasina tem mostrado preservar sua macroestrutura cariotípica, composta por 2n = 36 cromossomos, enquanto os demais gêneros geralmente apresentam 2n maiores. Este estudo tem como foco a citogenética comparativa de três espécies de Lebiasina, sendo uma delas analisada pela primeira vez aqui, através do emprego de técnicas convencionais e moleculares. Os resultados obtidos reforçam a trajetória evolutiva diferenciada do gênero Lebiasina, ao mesmo tempo em que evidenciam as particularidades genômicas que acompanham a evolução de cada uma das espécies. Neste contexto, os componentes repetitivos do genoma tiveram um papel importante na caracterização particular de cada uma das espécies. Também, é notável que L. minuta e L. melanoguttata, duas espécies que ocorrem exclusivamente no território brasileiro, apresentam maior proximidade citogenética entre elas do que com a espécie irmã transandina, L. bimaculata.

Abstract Despite several difficulties in chromosomal analyses of small-sized fishes, the cytogenetics of the Lebiasinidae was largely improved in the last years, showing differential patterns in the chromosomal evolution inside the family. In this context, it has been shown that genus Lebiasina preserves its karyotypic macrostructure, composed of 2n = 36 chromosomes, whereas the other genera generally present higher 2n. This study focused on the comparative cytogenetics of three Lebiasina species, one of them analyzed here for the first time, using conventional and molecular procedures. The results reinforced the differentiated evolutionary path of the genus Lebiasina while, at the same time, highlighted the genomic particularities that have accompanied the evolution of each species. In this sense, the repetitive components of the genome played a significant role in the differentiation of each species. It is also notable that L. minuta and L. melanoguttata, the two species that occur exclusively in the Brazilian territory, show greater chromosomal similarities to each other than to the trans-Andean sister species, L. bimaculata.

Abstract The freshwater family Siluridae occurs in Eurasia and is especially speciose in South and Southeast Asia, representing an important aquaculture and fishery targets. However, despite the restricted cytogenetic data, a high diploid number variation (from 2n=40 to 92) characterizes this fish group. Considering the large genomic divergence among its species, silurid genomes have experienced an enormous diversification throughout their evolutionary history. Here, we aim to investigate the chromosomal distribution of several microsatellite repeats in 12 Siluridae species and infer about their possible roles in the karyotype evolution that occurred in this group. Our results indicate divergent patterns of microsatellite distribution and accumulation among the analyzed species. Indeed, they are especially present in significant chromosome locations, such as the centromeric and telomeric regions, precisely the ones associated with several kinds of chromosomal rearrangements. Our data provide pieces of evidence that repetitive DNAs played a direct role in fostering the chromosomal differentiation and biodiversity in this fish family.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar medidas mandibulares obtidas de 225 tomografias computadorizadas do “Biobanco Osteológico e Tomográfico da Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba Universidade Estadual de Campinas”, visando verificar a existência de relação entre essas medidas, o dimorfismo sexual e a ancestralidade. Métodos: Buscou-se estabelecer um modelo matemático capaz de estimar sexo e ancestralidade. Destas tomografias, 126 eram do sexo masculino, 94 do sexo feminino e 5 estavam sem identificação, com idades entre 15 e 100 anos, e ancestralidade conhecida para o fenótipo cor da pele (branco, negro, pardo e amarelo). Foram realizadas medidas entre os pontos: kondylion lateral direito e kondylion lateral esquerdo; kondylion lateral direito e pogônio; kondylion lateral esquerdo e pogônio; borda mesial do forame mentoniano direito e borda mesial do forame mentoniano esquerdo. Analisou-se também a área delimitada pelo triângulo formado pelas medidas entre kondylion lateral direito e kondylion lateral esquerdo; kondylion lateral direito e pogônio; e kondylion lateral esquerdo e pogônio. O teste t de Student para variâncias homogêneas demonstrou que houve diferença estatística nas médias em função do sexo, à exceção da medida de área, que não foi utilizada no modelo. Resultados: Foi possível estabelecer um modelo matemático com acurácia de 69,2%. Não houve diferença estatística nas médias em função da ancestralidade. Conclusão: Conclui-se que as medidas investigadas auxiliam no processo de estimativa do sexo, porém não foram adequadas para estimar a ancestralidade. A metodologia proposta deve ser expandida para outros grupos populacionais para que possa ser aperfeiçoada.

ABSTRACT Objetive: The objective of this study was to analyze mandibular measurements obtained from 225 computed tomography scans of the Osteological and CT Biobanks of Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba Universidade Estadual de Campinas, aiming to verify the existence of a relationship between these measures and sexual dimorphism and ancestry. Methods: We sought to establish a mathematical model capable of estimating sex and ancestry. Of these scans, 126 were male, 94 were female and 5 were unidentified, aged 15 to 100 years, and ancestry known for the skin color phenotype (white, black, brown and yellow). Measurements were made between the following points: right lateral condylion and left lateral condylion; right lateral condylion and pogonion; left lateral condylion and pogonion; mesial border of right mental foramen and mesial border of left mental foramen. The area delimited by the triangle formed by the measurements between right lateral condylion and left lateral condylion was also analyzed; right lateral condylion and pogonion; and left lateral condylion and pogonion. Student t test for homogeneous variances showed that there was statistical difference in the means as a function of sex, except for the area measure, which was not used in the model. Results: It was possible to establish a mathematical model with accuracy of 69.2%. There was no statistical difference in the averages as a function of ancestry. Conclusion: It is concluded that the measures investigated help in the process of estimating sex, but were not adequate to estimate ancestry. The proposed methodology should be expanded to other population groups so that it can be improved.

Resumen: La odontología legal resulta fundamental para la identificación de víctimas en descomposición avanzada, carbonizadas o esqueletizadas. Este trabajo relata un caso de identificación humana, por medio de análisis morfológico del seno frontal y material de osteosíntesis. Un cuerpo esqueletizado fue sometido a examen antropológico, evidenciándose la existencia de tres placas de osteosíntesis en ambas regiones periorbitarias. Parientes de la supuesta víctima aportaron radiografías ante-mortem, en las que se aprecia una sola placa de osteosíntesis. Empero, tras la realización de exámenes imagenológicos del esqueleto, con la misma incidencia de los efectuados ante-mortem, se constató una clara semejanza morfológica del seno frontal y de la única placa de osteosíntesis presente en las imágenes ante-mortem y post-mortem. Así, fue posible identificar positivamente a la víctima, allanando el camino a la investigación criminal y realzando el rol de las imágenes radiográficas y caracteres anatómicos en el proceso de identificación humana.

Forensic dentistry is essential for the identification of highly decomposed and charred bodies, as well as skeletal remains. This study reports a case of human identification by analyzing the morphology of the frontal sinuses and osteosynthesis material. In the anthropological assessment of skeletal remains a surgical plate used for osteosynthesis was detected in the periorbital regions. Relatives of the potential victim provided ante-mortem (AM) radiographs which revealed the presence of an osteosynthesis plate. Post-mortem (PM) imaging exams were performed to reproduce the AM data. Similarities were observed between the AM and PM radiographs, especially regarding the morphology of the frontal sinuses and the position and outline of the surgical plate used for osteosynthesis. The comparison of AM and PM images made it possible to identify the victim and to aid the criminal investigation. It also highlighted the role of radiographs and anatomical characteristics in the process of human identification.

Abstract It is largely known that some oral diseases can be diagnosed based upon their clinical manifestation combined with the patient's medical history and generally not depending on examination. This is the case of some bone diseases such as osteoradionecrosis of the jaw (ORNJ), osteomyelitis of the jaw (OMJ), and medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). The present study aimed to analyze the histopathological features of these specific bone diseases in order to evaluate similarities and differences. Forty-four bone specimens resected from each bone disease (22 cases of ORNJ, 6 cases of OMJ, and 16 cases of MRONJ) were analyzed by two experienced oral pathologists without prior knowledge of the diagnosis, considering bone tissue condition, inflammation, vascularization, and the presence of microorganisms. In addition, the examiners formulated a diagnostic hypothesis for each specimen. Many histopathological similarities were found among the diseases, especially considering the presence of necrotic bone, inflammation, and microorganisms. Statistically significant differences were detected in empty bone lacunae, which was decreased in ORN (p = 0.042), and considering neutrophil count, which was low in the MRONJ group (p ≤ 0.001). The Kappa coefficient was calculated and agreement was detected based on the histopathological parameters, but not for diagnostic suggestion (p=0.23). In conclusion, histopathological aspects of ORNJ, OMJ, and MRONJ do not permit a conclusive diagnosis, emphasizing the necessity of a detailed clinical report.

ABSTRACT: Faced with complex cases of human identification, such as bodies in an advanced state of decomposition, the application of dental techniques becomes necessary to establish the identity of a missing person. In this sense, the existence and obtaining of ante-mortem dental records of an alleged victim, as well as the analysis of the dental specificities of the respective corpse, can constitute a quick and low-cost possibility for human identification by dental features. The objective of this report is to present a forensic case, demonstrating the importance of plaster models for the positive identification of a decomposed body, discussing the inherent aspects of archiving and discarding them after their clinical use. Dental plaster models are substantial for the diagnosis, planning and execution of certain treatments, and must be stored on physical or digital media. Likewise, they have a significant potential for human identification by reliably allowing the three-dimensional evaluation of the teeth, their positions in the dental arches and the dental peculiarities that may be present.

RESUMEN: Frente a casos complejos de identificación humana, como cuerpos en avanzado estado de descomposición, la aplicación de técnicas odontológicas se hace necesaria para establecer la identidad de una persona desaparecida. En este sentido, la existencia y obtención de registros odontológicos ante-mortem de una supuesta víctima, así como el análisis de las particularidades odontológicas del respectivo cadáver, puede constituirse en una posibilidad rápida y de bajo costo para la realización de pericias odontológicas de identificación humana. El objetivo de este relato es presentar un caso pericial, demostrando la importancia de los modelos de yeso para la identificación positiva de un cuerpo putrefacto, discutiendo los aspectos inherentes alarchivo y descarte de los mismos, después de su uso clínico. Los modelos de yeso odontológicos resultan sustanciales para el diagnóstico, planeamiento y ejecución de determinados tratamientos, debiendo ser almacenados en medio físico o digital. De igual manera, poseen relevante potencial para la identificación humana, al permitir, de forma confiable, la evaluación tridimensional de los dientes, sus posiciones en los arcos dentales y las peculiaridades odontológicas eventualmente presentes.

The Carrea's index is an alternative to estimate the human stature. However, in cases when the jaw is affected, this technique becomes impracticable. Expanding the use of the Carrea's index, by extending it to the upper elements, would increase the chances of the method, especially in cases when only the skull is available for analysis. The aim of the study was to test a new denominator for Carrea's index, so that it could be used for the upper arch, aiming at a new feature to estimate human stature. Plaster models of the arch and the string of the upper arch of 107 dentistry students, aged between 18 and 30 years, previously submitted to anthropometric analysis, were measured with a digital caliper. The data found were inserted in software developed to find a denominator that would result in a higher number of correct answers to real statures, evaluating the left and the right hemiarch, and their average. For the right hemiarch, the denominator with more accuracy for the real stature was the interval from 2.573 to 2.583, with 58.9 %. For the left hemiarch, the best values were from 2.553 to 2.554 with 63.6 %. The average of hemiarchs had as ideal denominator values between 2.579 and 2.581, with 60.7 %. We found no significant statistical difference between denominators. It was possible to obtain a new denominator to apply Carrea's index for the upper arch. The new method had satisfactory accuracy rate and should be tested in other populations to verify its applicability.

El índice de Carrea constituye una alternativa para la estimación de la estatura humana. Sin embargo, esta técnica se torna inviable cuando la mandíbula se encuentra comprometida. Su aplicación a partir de elementos dentales superiores, resultaría de utilidad en los casos en que sólo se dispusiese del cráneo para examinar. El objetivo del estudio fue proponer un nuevo denominador para que el índice de Carrea pueda ser utilizado para el arco superior, en la búsqueda de otro recurso para estimar la estatura humana. El arco y la cuerda fueron medidos, con un calibre digital, sobre los respectivos modelos de yeso superiores de 107 estudiantes de Odontología, que tenían entre 18 y 30 años de edad y habían sido sometidos a análisis antropométricos previos. Los datos obtenidos fueron analizados matemáticamente mediante un programa desarrollado para encontrar un denominador, que proporcionase un mayor número de aciertos para las estaturas reales, evaluando el hemiarco derecho, izquierdo y la media de los hemiarcos. Para el hemiarco derecho, el denominador más apropiado para la estatura real correspondió al intervalo 2,573-2,583, con 58,9 % de acierto. Para el hemiarco izquierdo, los mejores valores quedaron comprendidos entre 2,553 y 2,554, con 63,6 % de acierto. La media de los hemiarcos determinó guarismos ideales, oscilantes entre 2,579 y 2,581, con 60,7 % de acierto. No hubo diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre los denominadores hallados. Se obtuvo un nuevo denominador, que permitió el empleo del índice de Carrea para el arco superior, con una tasa de acierto satisfactoria. No obstante, este método debe ser probado y validado para otras poblaciones, verificando su aplicabilidad.

Resumen: El piercing se exterioriza como una práctica intrínsecamente vinculada a la conformación de las diversas organizaciones colectivas humanas. Numerosos autores han tipificado las lesiones orgánicas acaecidas por su utilización, pero no así, el marco sociocultural en el que se encuadran. Objetivos: este estudio buscó analizar los alcances patológicos y socioculturales concernientes al uso de piercing, en una muestra uruguaya. Metodología: consistió en la aplicación de un cuestionario, con 26 preguntas estructuradas y abiertas, a los estudiantes de un instituto de educación media de la ciudad de Rivera, Uruguay. Resultados: 21 (40.38%) de los 52 poseedores de piercings padecieron complicaciones provenientes de su uso, en tanto que 24 (46.15%), 26 (50%) y 14 (58.33% de los que trabajaban), respectivamente, no notaron reacciones sociales, familiares ni laborales. Conclusiones: trátase de un comportamiento potencialmente riesgoso, a pesar de que en esta oportunidad, la totalidad de las alteraciones se topografió localmente, la mayoría de los usuarios realizaba deportes y un porcentaje significante de ellos, no advirtió ninguna repercusión en su vida cotidiana.

Abstract: Piercing is externalized as a practice intrinsically linked to the construction of diverse human collective organizations. Numerous authors have typified organic lesions occurred by its use, but not sociocultural framework that characterize it. Objectives: the aim of this paper was to analyse pathological and sociocultural scopes concerning the use of piercing in a Uruguayan sample. Methods: the research was developed by applying a questionnaire with 26 structured and open questions, answered by students of a secondary education institute of the city of Rivera, Uruguay. Results: 21 (40.38%) of the 52 pierced individuals suffered complications from its use, while 24 (46.15%), 26 (50%) and 14 (58.33% of those who worked), respectively did not notice social, family or employment impacts. Conclusions: piercing is a potentially risky behaviour, although in this opportunity all alterations were locally situated, most users performed sports, and a significant percentage of them did not point out no repercussion on their daily life.

O processamento de peças automotivas por meio de injeção de polímeros envolve vários fenômenos físicos que ocorrem simultaneamente e que possuem caráter não linear e multivariável. Softwares comerciais podem ser utilizados na previsão dos parâmetros do processo, o que pode ser caro e inviável. Pode-se determinar os parâmetros de forma analítica, mas o tratamento desse problema requer a aplicação de teorias clássicas dos fenômenos de transporte, de difícil equacionamento. As redes NeuroFuzzy são aplicáveis a esse problema porque reúnem a capacidade de aprender das redes neurais artificiais com a capacidade da lógica Fuzzy de transformar variáveis linguísticas em regras. Neste trabalho combinou-se uma rede neural artificial Multilayer Perceptron e uma rede neural artificial Radial Basis Function à lógica Fuzzy para construir-se um modelo de inferência que previu o tempo de ciclo de processos de injeção de polímeros. Os resultados obtidos confirmam as redes NeuroFuzzy como opção para esse tipo de problema.

The injection molding of automotive parts is a complex process due to the many non-linear and multivariable phenomena that occur simultaneously. Commercial software applications exist for modeling the parameters of polymer injection but can be prohibitively expensive. It is possible to identify these parameters analytically, but applying classical theories of transport phenomena requires accurate information about the injection machine, product geometry, and process parameters. However, neurofuzzy networks, which achieve a synergy by combining the learning capabilities of an artificial neural network with a fuzzy set's inference mechanism, have shown success in this field. The purpose of this paper was to use a multilayer perceptron artificial neural network and a radial basis function artificial neural network combined with fuzzy sets to produce an inference mechanism that could predict injection mold cycle times. The results confirmed neurofuzzy networks as an effective alternative to solving such problems.

OBJETIVO: Realizar um estudo anatômico do ligamento colateral medial, um importante estabilizador do cotovelo, em diferentes graus de flexo-extensão do cotovelo. MÉTODOS: Foram dissecados 40 cotovelos para analisar o comportamento funcional das bandas anterior, posterior e transversa do ligamento nas manobras de estresse em valgo do cotovelo durante seu movimento de flexão e extensão em diferentes graus. Determinou-se dois grupos: no GPA foi seccionado, a banda posterior do ligamento, depois a cápsula articular e, por fim, a banda anterior; no GAP, a ordem de dissecação foi inversa. RESULTADOS: No GPA observou-se instabilidade somente na terceira etapa e a média de abertura foi maior entre 50&º e 70&º de flexão de cotovelo; no GAP, a instabilidade apareceu desde a primeira etapa e os graus de flexão com maior instabilidade foram nos mesmos do grupo A. CONCLUSÃO: A banda anterior do ligamento colateral medial do cotovelo é o mais importante estabilizador na instabilidade em valgo do cotovelo e sua atuação principal acontece entre 50º e 70º de flexão do cotovelo. Nível de evidência III, Estudo Diagnóstico - Investigação de um exame para diagnóstico.

OBJECTIVE: To carry out an anatomical study of the medial collateral ligament, an important elbow stabilizer in different degrees of elbow flexion-extension. METHODS: Forty elbows were dissected in order to analyze the functional behavior of the anterior, posterior and transverse ligament bands during valgus stress maneuvers of the elbow in different degrees of flexion and extension. Two groups were determined; in the group GPA the posterior band of the ligament was sectioned initially, then the articular capsule and finally the anterior band; in group GAP this order was reversed. RESULTS: Instability was observed in GPA only in the third stage, when there was a greater mean elbow's opening during the flexion (between 50º and 70º); in GAP, the instability was present since the first stage; the degrees of flexion with greater instability were the same as in group GPA. CONCLUSION: The anterior band of the medial collateral ligament of the elbow is the most important stabilizer of the elbow valgus instability, and its principal action occurs between 50º and 70º of elbow flexion. Level of Evidence III, Diagnostic Studies - Investigating a diagnostic test.

Helicobacter pylori infects nearly 50% of the world's population. This microorganism is accepted as the most important agent of gastritis and as a risk factor for peptic ulcer disease and gastric adenocarcinoma. Currently many diagnostic methods exist for detecting H. pylori, however they all have limitations, thus it is recommend a combination of at least two methods. The aim of this study was to evaluate diagnostic methods, such as in-house urease test, culture and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), for the detection of the H. pylori in gastric biopsy specimens of 144 dyspeptic patients, using as gold standard the association between histology and rapid urease test. According to the gold standard used in this study, 48 (33.3%) patients were infected with H. pylori, while 96 (66.7%) were classified as not infected. The in-house urease test and the PCR were the most sensitive methods (100%), followed by culture (85.4%). However, the in-house urease test and the culture were the most specific (100%), followed by PCR (75%). In conclusion, this study showed that, in comparison with the combination of histology and rapid urease test, the in-house urease test and the PCR presented 100% of sensitivity in the diagnosis of gastric infection by H. pylori, while the in-house urease test and the culture reached 100% of specificity. These finding suggest that the combination of two or more methods may improve the accuracy of the H. pylori detection.

The human mandibles belonging to Uruguayan population present some anatomic differences with those belonging to Brazilian population. This appears to be determined by racial and ethnic characteristics of each country. This study examined the morphological characteristics of 100 Uruguayan mandibles and compared them with similar number of Brazilian bones, using thirteen measurements stipulated by Humphrey et al. (1999). The significant variations in mean values were calculated by Mann-Whitney test (alpha=5%). Expressive discrepancies were observed between the two populations regarding some of analyzed dimensions. The Uruguayan mandibles showed higher values in almost all measurements when compared to the Brazilian ones, except for the mandibular symphysis height, which was lightly higher in Brazilian mandibles. Differences were observed in notch and ramus height, mandibular length, mandibular width, symphysis height and bicoronoid width. Several factors could be responsible for these morphological discrepancies, including functional and biomechanical adaptations of stomatognathic system, stimulated by different consistency of the diet or miscegenation.

Las mandíbulas humanas pertenecientes a la población uruguaya presentan ciertas diferencias anatómicas con las de la brasileña. Tal hecho parecería deberse a las particularidades raciales y étnicas de cada país. Este estudio examinó las características morfológicas de 100 mandíbulas de uruguayos y las cotejó con las correspondientes a idéntico número de piezas óseas de brasileños, por medio de trece mediciones estipuladas por Humphrey et al. (1999). Las variaciones significativas entre los valores promedios fueron determinadas mediante el test de Mann-Whitney (alfa=5%). Se constataron expresivas discrepancias entre algunas de las dimensiones analizadas, producto de las modificaciones de forma y estructura de las mandíbulas de ambos grupos. Las uruguayas exhibieron guarismos clara o ligeramente superiores en prácticamente todas las medidas realizadas, salvo en lo que respecta a la altura de la sínfisis (sutilmente mayores en sus homólogas brasileñas). Las divergencias más evidentes correspondieron a la altura de la incisura, altura de la rama y longitud mandibular, y las menos notorias al ancho mandibular, altura de la sínfisis y ancho bicoronoideo. Los factores que pueden haber inducido a las mismas resultan realmente profusos, incluyendo tanto a las adaptaciones funcionales del sistema estomatognático como a las biomecánicas, estimuladas por la diferente consistencia de la dieta, o la propia miscegenación.