005, Benjamini–Hochberg; FDR of 0 5) Findings of the GO analyses

005, Benjamini–Hochberg; FDR of 0.5). Findings of the GO analyses were consistent with those from our “manual” literature searches. We then performed KEGG pathway analysis to identify well characterized molecular pathways that were significantly over-represented in the gene lists of NOD altered genes. Results of the smaller and larger gene lists of NOD altered genes were similar; only those of the smaller

lists are presented ( Table 6). Consistent with the GO analysis, the predominantly enriched category was metabolic pathways, which still was most highly significantly enriched CHIR-99021 at 2 weeks as compared to the other two ages. Five NOD altered genes common to all 3 ages were identified in these metabolic pathways: Enpp3 (ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 3), Ndufs5 (NADH dehydrogenase (ubiquinone) Fe−S protein 5), Galnt10 (UDP-N-acetyl-alpha-d-galactosamine:polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 10), Prim2 (DNA primase, p58 subunit) and Gatm. These findings suggest that these genes may

contribute to the metabolic abnormalities that affect the immune system and predispose NOD mice to autoimmune diabetes. Overall, these data suggest that CD4 T-cells from NOD mice already have a defect in metabolism (most prominent at 2 weeks), cellular activation and endoplasmic reticulum function BTK phosphorylation (both evident at 3 weeks) and T-cell/immune response (evident at 3–4 weeks) at the preinsulitis stage. The 4 topmost significantly enriched transcription factor bindings sites (Table 7) were

for androgen receptor (Ar), significantly enriched at 2 and 4 weeks; Interferon regulatory factor 1 (Irf1), significantly enriched at all 3 ages; and Interferon regulatory factor 7  (Irf7) and Interferon sensitive response elements (ISRE) both significantly enriched at 3 and 4 weeks. ISRE are present in the promoters of interferon stimulated genes (ISGs), also known as antiviral or innate immune response genes. All 4 binding sites were Flavopiridol (Alvocidib) most highly significantly enriched at 4 weeks. Interestingly, each putative transcription regulator correlated with a different set of NOD altered genes at the various stages it was significantly enriched, including both age-common and age-specific NOD altered genes. This suggests a dynamic (possibly coordinated) regulation of gene expression. The promoter analysis data suggest that expression of the NOD altered genes was significantly more likely to be regulated by Ar, Irf1, Irf7, and type I interferon than by other transcription regulators. In addition to the transcriptional regulatory pathway analysis, we performed Ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA; 17,18) to gain further insights into the genes/molecules that may play a role in regulating the expression of the NOD CD4 T-cell altered genes and/or molecular pathways. IPA analyses of the 3 “smaller” lists of NOD altered genes (Table 1, Table 2, Table 3 and Table 4) generated several networks each.

Targeted and spontaneous mutation of the dystonin locus in mice [

Targeted and spontaneous mutation of the dystonin locus in mice [dystonia musculorum (dt) mice] results in dystonic movement and severe ataxia [62]. In these mice, sensory nerve fibers are reduced and axonal swellings are detected in the remaining fibers [62]. In the DRG, dystonin mutation reduces the number of large neurons which send their peripheral axons to muscle spindles. In the dystonin knockout mouse, small nociceptors which bind to isolectin B4 (IB4) are also reduced [36]. However, CGRP-containing neurons are abundant in the mutant DRG.

Thus, it is likely that failure in axonal transport of neurotrophic substances, www.selleckchem.com/products/pifithrin-alpha.html as the consequence of microtubule network perturbation, causes excessive buy TSA HDAC cell death of proprioceptors and IB4-binding nociceptors in the DRG of dt mice [36] and [63]. In the TG of dt mice, the number of sensory neurons is also reduced (43.1% reduction) [64]. The dystonin disruption decreases sensory neurons which bind to IB4 or

contain CGRP ( Table 2). In contrast, Mes5 neurons are barely affected in dt mice [64]. These data suggest that dystonin is necessary for survival of nociceptors but not proprioceptors in the trigeminal nervous system. This review describes the effects of deficiency of neurotrophin receptors, Brn-3a or dystonin on sensory neurons in the trigeminal nervous system. The trkA, trkB or trkC disruption results in loss or decrease of nociceptors and low-threshold mechanoreceptors in the

TG. Primary proprioceptors in the Mes5 are also decreased in trkC knockout mice. On the other hand, mice deficient for Brn-3a exhibit reduction of nociceptors and mechanoreceptors in the TG as well as loss of proprioceptors in the Mes5. Dystonin disruption decreases the number of nociceptors in the TG but not proprioceptors in the Mes5. These findings suggest that nociceptors, mechanoreceptors and proprioceptors in the trigeminal nervous system require one or more neurotrophins and Brn-3a for their development. Dystoninis probably necessary for the survival of nociceptors in the TG but not proprioceptors in the Mes5. “
“A major goal of modern dental materials research is the development of dental restorative Leukocyte receptor tyrosine kinase materials that form strong bonds to tooth structures. The acceptance and widespread use of direct-filling composite resin restorative materials over the past 30 years has stimulated research into bonding to tooth structures. The fundamental bonding mechanism to both enamel and dentin can be regarded as an exchange process involving the substitution of inorganic tooth materials by resin monomers that become micromechanically interlocked in microporosities created in situ. Diffusion is the primary mechanism used to obtain this micromechanical retention [1]. Pioneering work using phosphoric-acid etching for bonding to enamel has been key to the success of resin restorations.

abscessus In summary, our case suggests that NTM such as M  absc

abscessus. In summary, our case suggests that NTM such as M. abscessus is capable of causing empyema and Autophagy inhibitor mouse empyema necessitatis as well as lung parenchymal infection. Physicians should be aware of the possibility of pulmonary infection and empyema associated with empyema necessitatis caused by M. abscessus even in immunocompetent patients. No author has a conflict of interest to disclose. “
“Pulmonary syndromes in the setting of hepatic disease with portal hypertension include portopulmonary hypertension (POPH), hepatopulmonary

syndrome (HPS) and hepatic hydrothorax. POPH is defined as pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with liver disease and portal hypertension in the absence of other causes. HPS is defined as classical triad of presence of chronic liver disease or portal hypertension, arterial deoxygenation and evidence of intrapulmonary vascular dilatations. We present a case of liver cirrhosis where both POPH and HPS were diagnosed simultaneously. A 63-year-old woman came to the emergency department complaining of a one month history of progressive

dyspnea on exertion and leg swelling. She had a past medical history of hepatitis C diagnosed four years ago which was untreated as patient could not tolerate pegylated interferon. On physical examination, she was found to be severely hypoxic. Chest was clear to auscultation. Abdominal examination showed hepato-splenomegaly PLX3397 solubility dmso and ascites. Her chest radiograph revealed mild cardiomegaly without SPTLC1 any evidence of pulmonary edema. High resolution computed

tomography showed a focal area of linear opacities within the right lower lobe in a reticular pattern with honeycombing and associated septal thickening. Laboratory data was indicative of chronic liver disease, including a bilirubin of 2.8, an INR of 1.2, an albumin of 2.8, and a platelet count of 63,000. Arterial blood gas showed PaO2 of 53 mmHg while breathing room air. Abdominal ultrasound showed features suggestive of portal hypertension (ascites, splenomegaly). Transthoracic echocardiogram revealed an elevated right ventricle systolic pressure (49 mmHg) accompanied by a mildly dilated right atrium and right ventricle with normal left ventricular function. A contrast echocardiogram was done showing the appearance of micro bubbles in the left ventricle approximately 6 beats after their appearance in the right ventricle suggestive of hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS). Right heart catheterization was performed which confirmed pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) with a pulmonary artery systolic pressure of 54 mmHg with a mean pulmonary artery pressure of 39 mmHg, a pulmonary vascular resistance of 266 (dyne*sec)/cm5 a wedge pressure of 15 mmHg and a cardiac output of 7.2 L/min. Investigation of other causes of pulmonary hypertension was unrevealing suggesting portopulmonary hypertension (POPH) as a cause of her worsening shortness of breath. Our patient was treated on oxygen with aggressive diuresis.

Lithium is an alkali metal, whose dietary effects have been littl

Lithium is an alkali metal, whose dietary effects have been little investigated. The main sources of lithium are vegetables and grains (Schrauzer, 2002). This element has also been found at different concentrations in mushrooms (e.g., P. ostreatus, Craterellus cornucopioides, Amanita strobiliformis, Psathyrella candolleana; Vetter, 2005). Li is not considered an essential mineral for vital functions because no symptoms of its deficiency in humans have been reported. However, it can influence behaviour without causing physiological changes ( Schrauzer, 2002). The mechanism

by which Li acts to promote mood-stabilizing effects has been investigated. Gould et al. (2008) proposed that Li ions inactivate the enzyme activity of glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β). This enzyme is involved

in the pathophysiology of numerous psychiatric disorders. In rats, a decrease of Hydroxychloroquine mouse serotonin is associated with aggression and seems to favour the activity of GSK-3β; it is possible that Li reduces aggression by inhibiting the activity of GSK-3β (Jope, 2003). This element can http://www.selleckchem.com/products/otx015.html thus restore normal brain function in some people. The regulation of GSK-3β by Li can affect the circadian clock. When GSK-3β is activated, the BMAL1 protein is unable to reset the “master clock” inside the brain, and as a result, the body’s natural cycle is interrupted. When this cycle is interrupted, the routine schedules of many functions, such as metabolism, sleep and body temperature,

are disturbed (McClung, 2007). The enrichment of P. ostreatus mushrooms can provide a promising source of Li, since food sources rich in this mineral are limited. The isolate Plo 02 of P. ostreatus was grown in a Petri dish containing culture medium potato dextrose agar (PDA; Merck, Darmstadt, Germany) at pH 5.8 and incubated at 25 °C. After seven days, the mycelium was used for inoculum production in a substrate based on rice grains that was previously boiled and autoclaved at 121 °C for 90 min. Coffee husks were boiled for 2 h and centrifuged for PTK6 5 min at 1500g. Next, 1.5 kg of substrate was placed in polypropylene bags and autoclaved at 121 °C for 90 min, as described by Silva et al. (2012). After cooling, 25 mL of a previously autoclaved solution containing 0, 62.5, 125, 250 or 500 mg of lithium chloride (LiCl, Sigma®) per kg of coffee husks were added to each package. Then, the packages were inoculated with 100 g of inoculum of Plo 02 and were incubated at 25 °C for about 30 days. After the incubation period, the packages were transferred to a fruiting room with controlled temperature and humidity of 20 °C and 80%, respectively. There were three packages for each concentration. Three harvests of mushrooms were performed at intervals from the 40th to the 60th day after inoculation.

The variability of the results is high, even within the same spec

The variability of the results is high, even within the same species since the composition of carotenoids may also be Selleckchem Crizotinib affected by some factors such as variety, cultivar, maturation stage, geography, climate, harvesting and post-harvesting, as well as the analysis itself (Rodriguez-Amaya, Kimura, Godoy, & Amaya-Farfan, 2008). For example, Assunção and Mercadante (2003) noted higher carotenoid content in cashews cultivated

in north-eastern Brazil than those cultivated in south-eastern Brazil, where average temperatures are lower. In the cashews cultivated in north-eastern Brazil, β-cryptoxanthin was the major carotenoid whereas in cashews cultivated PI3K inhibitor in south-eastern Brazil it was β-carotene. There are several studies on pumpkins that analyse the composition of carotenoids in different species and varieties, showing high concentrations of these compounds in fresh pumpkins (Azevedo-Meleiro and Rodriguez-Amaya, 2007, Kurz et al., 2008 and Murkovic et al., 2002). However, there are a number of cultivars, varieties or growing conditions that have not yet been investigated. Moreover, there are few studies about carotenoid composition in industrial products derived from pumpkins. Since there are double bonds in the

carbon chain, carotenoids are susceptible to some reactions such as oxidation and isomerisation (cis–trans) during food processing and storage, especially due to light, heat, acids, and oxygen; thus causing loss of colour and reduction of biological activity Morin Hydrate ( Rao and Rao, 2007 and Rodriguez-Amaya, 1999). In the case of isomerisation, the trans-isomers are more common and stable in foods while cis-isomers are usually formed during food processing ( Oliver & Palou, 2000). There are many studies correlating to the processing, packaging, and storage conditions with changes in the composition

of carotenoids in many foods ( Chen et al., 1996, Lin and Chen, 2005, Vásquez-Caicedo et al., 2007a and Vásquez-Caicedo et al., 2007b). There are several factors that may affect the stability of these compounds, such as type and physical form of the carotenoid, oxygen concentration, presence of metals, exposure to light, severity of heat treatment, food matrix, amongst others ( Rodriguez-Amaya, 1999). Hence, the stability of carotenoids in foods varies greatly ( Lee & Coates, 2003). Although there are no official data reported in Brazil, the production of pumpkins is high, mainly amongst small farmers and especially of the Cucurbita moschata and Cucurbita maxima species.

The [M]+ at m/z 669 led to MS/MS fragments at m/z 507[M−162]+, 46

The [M]+ at m/z 669 led to MS/MS fragments at m/z 507[M−162]+, 465[M−204]+ and 303[M−162-204]+ ( Table 2). In this case, losses of 162 u and 204 u corresponded, respectively, to a unit of hexose and of an acetylated hexose (162 + 42 u) ( Cuyckens & Claeys, 2004), and the fragment at m/z 303 is characteristic of the aglycone delphinidin. Furthermore, the elution order in relation to dpn 3,5-diglucoside is consistent with what is expected from the reversed-phase elution, e.g., the acylated

anthocyanins elute after their corresponding non-acylated anthocyanins ( Wu & Prior, 2005). The major anthocyanins found in jambolão were delphinidin 3,5-diglucoside (45%), petunidin 3,5-diglucoside (32%) and malvidin 5-Fluoracil solubility dmso 3,5-diglucoside (15%). These results are consistent with those reported in previous studies with jambolão fruits, where the major anthocyanins were identified as 3,5-diglucosides of delphinidin (23–33%), petunidin (32–35%) and malvidin (21–38%) (Brito et al., 2007, Li et al., 2009a and Veigas et al., 2007). In addition to these anthocyanins, Brito et al. (2007) and click here Li et al., 2009a and Li et al., 2009b also identified 3,5-diglucosides of cyanidin and peonidin. The phenolic

compounds shown in Table 3 (chromatogram in Fig. S3 from Supplementary data) were mainly identified by the mass spectra characteristics, since ionisation in the positive and negative modes gave complementary information, such as the case where only the protonated molecule ([M+H]+) with sodium adduct [M+Na]+ was detected in the positive mode. The presence of the deprotonated molecule ([M−H]−) allowed the confirmation of

the molecular weight of the compounds. The identification of gallic acid (peak 2) was based on the characteristics of UV–Vis and mass spectra (Table 3) compared to literature data (Cuyckens and Claeys, 2004 and Nuengchamnong and Ingkaninan, 2009) and confirmed by co-chromatography. This phenolic acid showed λmax at 271 nm, characteristic of phenolic acids derived from hydroxybenzoic acid. Moreover, the mass spectra obtained from both ESI+ (fragment at m/z 153) and ESI− ([M−H]− at m/z 169) showed the same characteristics as the ones obtained from the standard analysed under the same conditions. Dolutegravir datasheet Peak 1 was tentatively identified as galloyl-glucose ester based on the elution order on reversed phase relative to free gallic acid (peak 2), detection of [M−H]− at m/z 331, and loss of 162 u, equivalent to the elimination of an hexose unit, giving the fragment ion at m/z 169 corresponding to gallic acid. The [M+Na]+ at m/z 355 was observed in the ESI+ analysis. Furthermore, this compound also showed λmax at 278 nm, characteristic of phenolic acids. Moreover, the galloyl-glucose ester (peak 1) showed the same MS/MS fragmentation pattern as the galloyl-glucose ester found in jambolão wine ( Nuengchamnong & Ingkaninan, 2009).

Significant differences in direct comparisons were determined usi

Significant differences in direct comparisons were determined using a Tukey’s post hoc test. Differences with p < 0.05, p < 0.01, and p < 0.001 were considered statistically significant. The antiviral selleck screening library activities of ginsenosides against CVB3 were assessed using the SRB method, which monitors the alteration

of CPE induced by virus infection. As a positive control, ribavirin, a commonly used antiviral drug, was included. Of the seven ginsenosides tested, ginsenosides Re, Rf, and Rg2, which are classified as PT-type ginsenosides, significantly inhibited CVB3-induced CPE, and increased the cell viability of Vero cells (Fig. 1). CVB3 infection induced approximately 60% cell death in Vero cells (40% of cell viability), and the treatment of cells with 100 μg/mL of Re, Rf, and Rg2 increased the cell viability to 75%, 60%, and 50%, respectively. Furthermore, 10 μg/mL of ginsenosides Re and Rg2 also significantly reduced the CPE click here of CVB3 infection in Vero cells, albeit a weaker protective effect than that of ribavirin at the same concentration. By contrast, the PD-type ginsenosides Rb1, Rb2, Rc, and Rd did not exhibit any antiviral activity against CVB3, and 100 μg/mL of Rd, Rc, and Rb2 even significantly increased CVB3 infection-induced cytotoxicity (Fig. 1). In Vero cells treated with ribavirin after CVB3 infection, the drug exhibited significant

antiviral activity at 100 μg/mL and 10 μg/mL (Fig. 1), and the maximal efficacy of ribavirin was comparable to those of PT-type ginsenosides.

Ribavirin itself was slightly toxic to Vero cells GNAT2 (cell viability of approximately 81% at 100 μg/mL), whereas none of the seven ginsenosides alone was toxic to Vero cells at the same concentration (Table 1). Collectively, these results suggest that ginsenosides Re, Rf, and Rg2 have significant antiviral activity against CVB3 without inducing cytotoxicity in Vero cells. Together with coxsackievirus A16, EV71 is one of the two major causative agents of hand, foot, and mouth disease, and thus we sought to investigate whether ginsenosides have antiviral activity against EV71 infection in Vero cells. Most ginsenosides assessed using the SRB method did not have significant antiviral activity against EV71, and only ginsenoside Rg slightly inhibited EV71 infection-induced cytotoxicity (Fig. 2). Infection with EV71 induced substantial cell death in Vero cells, resulting in approximately 25% cell viability. The antiviral effect of Rg2 (10 μg/mL and 100 μg/mL) in EV71-infected cells improved cell viability by 40%. The antiviral effect of Rg2 was shown to be dose-dependent, and the maximal antiviral efficacy of the compound is comparable to that of ribavirin. By contrast, other ginsenosides tested did not have significant antiviral activity against EV71 infection (Fig. 2).

How do children progress from an initial understanding of set ide

How do children progress from an initial understanding of set identity to the adult concept of numerosity? One possibility is that children first understand the principles C59 purchase of exact numerical equality as applied to small sets, through their object-tracking

system, and later extend those principles to large sets (Klahr & Wallace, 1973). As far as understanding the impact of addition and subtraction transformations on numerical equality, this seems a likely possibility, given children’s ability to predict the numerosity of small sets through addition and subtraction events. However, it remains to be shown that young children are able to handle substitution events with small numbers, since substitutions are necessarily more complex: they are formed of at least two simple events, one addition and one subtraction. Alternatively, experience with numeric symbols may play a crucial role in the acquisition of exact numerical equality. As children become CP-knowers, they assign a meaning to number words that is defined in

terms of the counting procedure. Although the impact of the transition to the CP-knower stage on children’s concepts of number is debated (Davidson et al., 2012 and Le Corre et al., click here 2006), all parties agree that, at a minimum, CP-knowers appreciate that to say that there are ‘five frogs’ means that if they count this set of frogs, they will end the count with the word ‘five’. Thus, CP-knowers have access to a representation that has the properties of exact numbers, and in particular, implies a relation of exact numerical equality between sets. As a result, whenever they are able to apply counting, or perhaps even when they can simulate the application G protein-coupled receptor kinase of counting, CP-knowers gain the ability to respond in accordance with a precise interpretation of number words. For example, contrary to subset-knowers, CP-knowers generalize number words correctly in face of two sets presented

in visual one-to-one correspondence (Sarnecka and Gelman, 2004 and Sarnecka and Wright, 2013), perhaps because this configuration enables them to predict how the results of counts would compare across these two sets. In other tasks where counting is not permitted, young CP-knowers sometimes revert to the same errors as subset-knowers (Davidson et al., 2012 and Sarnecka and Carey, 2008). Nevertheless, it is possible that, after the children have become CP-knowers, the counting procedure serves to scaffold the development of a concept of exact numerical equality between sets by providing children with a mental model from which they derive the properties of exact numbers.

The sapwood border was visually determined and marked in the fiel

The sapwood border was visually determined and marked in the field, immediately after core extraction, where the border between sapwood and heartwood can easily be recognized by differences in light transmittance. Since we intended to select sample trees covering the whole range of individual leaf area index (LAI = LA/APA)

in the stand, a first approximation of both, individual tree leaf area (LA) and the ground area potentially available (APA), were needed. For the first approximation of leaf area we assumed a strong relationship between sapwood area at breast height and leaf area (Eckmüllner and Sterba, 2000), and thus used sapwood area as a proxy for leaf area. While Assmann (1970) defined APA by the crown projection area of a tree plus a proportional part of the surrounding gaps (or Veliparib solubility dmso minus the proportional overlaps with other trees), we used leaf area instead of crown projection area for defining APA, because leaf area is supposed to reflect the respective growing space more accurately (Assmann, 1970). Thus, Metformin we allotted the stand area to each tree proportionally to its leaf area. For the actual calculation of APA we used the procedure of Römisch (1995) with the square root of leaf area as a weight: the procedure starts with dividing the stand area into little squares of 1 dm2, and each

of these squares is then attributed to that tree for which D/LA is minimum, with D, the distance between the centre of the square and the position of the tree, and LA, the leaf area estimated from the sapwood area. Then, in order to select sample trees, the trees of each stand were split into 3 equally frequent classes of dbh, and each of the dbh-classes was further split into 3 classes (equal size) of leaf area index. In each of these 9 classes 3 trees were selected randomly, however, avoiding trees on the edge of the stand, trees with any kind of abnormal crown growth (e.g., signs of defoliation, broken tops), and those whose neighbours were one of the few see more broadleaf

trees in some of the stands. Thus, the sample size resulted in 27 sampled trees per stand. Since the two thinned and un-thinned pole stage stands, respectively were pooled for the selection of sample tress we finally had 162 sample trees. To estimate the leaf area of each sampled tree we calculated in a first step the dry needle mass of each sampled tree. In a second step, we used the strong relationship between dry weight of 100 needles and specific leaf area (SLA) according to Hager and Sterba (1985) to get the SLA of each tree. SLA refers to projected leaf area. The leaf area of each sampled tree could then be easily calculated by multiplying the SLA and the dry needle mass. The detailed procedure is described subsequently. Each of the 27 sample trees of a stand was felled and its crown was cut into three sections of equal length (where crown base was defined as the first live branch where no whorl with only dead braches was above) (Fig. 1).

The mechanical retrieval of fractured instruments from root canal

The mechanical retrieval of fractured instruments from root canals has been largely reported in the literature, and many devices and methods have been proposed to accomplish that 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20. However, those methods present

some limitations related to canal morphology, reduction of root strength, and operator ability 6, 7, 16, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 and 27. Consequently, a less complex retrieval method that causes minimum damage to the dental structures is necessary. A recent study proposed the electrochemical-induced dissolution of the fractured instrument as a means to recover the original canal path without damaging the root structures (28). According to the method described by Ormiga et al (28), two electrodes must be immersed in the electrolyte, one acting as a cathode and the other as an anode. Selleck FG 4592 Contact between the fractured file and the electrode used as an anode is necessary when the dissolution of the fractured file is the objective of the process. The electrolyte might have a composition that varies according to the metal to be dissolved; it is essential that the metal has susceptibility Wnt activity for dissolution in this electrolyte. Therefore, once the cathode is composed by an inert metal, the transfer of electrons from the metal to be dissolved to the cathode tends to occur even without the imposition of a difference of potential between

the 2 electrodes. However, this process would be too slow to be used during the endodontic treatment. Consequently, aminophylline a difference of potential must be applied to accelerate the transfer of electrons and the release of metallic ions to the solution. This process corresponds to the progressive dissolution of the fragment inside the root canal, where the current values generated are directly related to the amount of dissolved

material. Ormiga et al (28) observed a progressive consumption of K3 NiTi endodontic files with increasing polarization time in a sodium fluoride solution. Consequently, it was concluded that the concept of fractured file retrieval by an electrochemical process is feasible. Those authors also stated that there might be a relation between the current values and the exposed area of the fragment to the solution. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to test the method ability to dissolve fragments of K3 NiTi endodontic instruments. The diameter of the surface of the fragment exposed to the medium was evaluated as an interfering factor on the current levels used to promote the dissolution. Embedded fragments of 30.06 NiTi K3 rotary files (SDS Kerr, Glendora, CA) were obtained according to the method proposed by Siciliano (29). The files were inserted from the tip in internal orifices created in small polyvinyl chloride (PVC) cylinders. The diameter of the orifice was 8.0 mm, and the depth was 29.0 mm.