Comparison of conjunctival pedicle flap to corneal fixation strength achieved by Tisseel® fibrin glue, ethyl cyanoacrylate adhesive, ReSure® hydrogel sealant, and conventional suturing with 8-0 VICRYL® ophthalmic suture.

OBJECTIVE: To determine and compare the fixation strength of conjunctival pedicle flaps to cornea achieved via conventional ophthalmic suture and three different adhesive compounds. ANIMALS STUDIED: Ex vivo porcine globes. PROCEDURES: Following a 6 mm wide 500-micron-restricted depth lamellar keratectomy, conjunctival pedicle flaps were secured to the keratectomy site with either 8-0 VICRYL® suture or one of three adhesive products, including Tisseel® bioadhesive, ReSure® synthetic adhesive, or ethyl cyanoacrylate adhesive (n = 10 per surgical group). Adhesive application protocol varied by product based upon adhesive biocompatibility. Corneoconjunctival tissues were then harvested, clamped in a tensile testing device, and loaded at a rate of 1 mm/s under video surveillance until the point of failure. Peak load was determined for each test and used to compare fixation strength between samples. RESULTS: Forty conjunctival flaps were performed, with 6 omitted from evaluation due to dehiscence prior to tensile testing. Of the 34 flaps analyzed, 10 were secured with suture, 10 with cyanoacrylate, 8 with ReSure®, and 6 with Tisseel®. Flaps secured with suture withstood significantly higher applied tensile force compared with cyanoacrylate (p = .02474), ReSure® (p = .00000), and Tisseel® (p = .00002). Flaps secured with cyanoacrylate withstood significantly greater force than those secured with ReSure® and Tisseel® (p = .01194 and 0.01798, respectively). There was no significant difference in fixation strength between ReSure® and Tisseel® glue (p = .95675). CONCLUSIONS: Conjunctival pedicle flap fixation using 8-0 VICRYL® suture fixation was able to withstand significantly greater maximum tensile force compared to ReSure®, Tisseel®, or cyanoacrylate adhesives. Fixation strength achieved with cyanoacrylate adhesive was significantly greater than that achieved with ReSure® or Tisseel®.

Clinical comparison of tear film breakup time measurements in normal dogs using three different methods of fluorescein solution administration.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether the method of fluorescein administration affects the results of tear film breakup time (TFBUT) measurement in normal dogs. ANIMALS STUDIED: Thirty-seven client and hospital staff owned dogs over 1 year of age with no known comorbidities or administration of systemic or topical ophthalmic medications. PROCEDURES: A prospective randomized three-way crossover study was conducted. All dogs received an abbreviated ophthalmic examination to rule out ocular surface disease. Using a 30-min washout interval period, each dog's right eye was received: (a) direct application of fluorescein stain strip with one drop of sterile eyewash, (b) direct application of fluorescein stain strip with two drops of sterile eyewash, or (c) application of one drop from a premade fluorescein solution (dilution of one strip in 0.3 mL sterile eyewash). Eyes were assessed using the cobalt blue filter of a slit lamp biomicroscope. TFBUT measurements were summarized as means ± standard deviation. The methods were compared using mixed model analysis of variance. All analyses were performed using sas version 9.4. RESULTS: Thirty-seven dogs met the inclusion criteria. Mean TFBUT ± standard deviation (SD) for the three described methods were: (a) 16.58s ± 6.9, (b) 15.98s ± 7.1, and (c) 16.43s ± 8.1. No differences between fluorescein stain application techniques were observed (p = .92). CONCLUSION: The technique of fluorescein solution administration did not affect TFBUT measurement in this population of healthy dogs.

Causes, outcomes, and owner satisfaction of dogs undergoing enucleation with orbital implant placement.

OBJECTIVE: To describe clinical and histopathologic pre-operative diagnoses as well as associated post-operative complications following orbital silicone implantation in dogs undergoing enucleation and evaluate owner satisfaction. ANIMALS STUDIED: One hundred and eighty-six dogs who underwent enucleation with orbital implant. PROCEDURES: Medical records from dogs that underwent enucleation with orbital implant performed at Virginia-Maryland Veterinary Teaching Hospital between 2007 and 2019 were reviewed. Owners were surveyed via telephone regarding client satisfaction. RESULTS: Enucleation followed by orbital implant placement occurred in 215 eyes of 186 dogs. The most common pre-operative diagnoses were glaucoma (68.8%), uveitis (17.7%), cataracts (15.8%), intraocular neoplasia (13.0%), and lens luxation (10.7%). The most common histopathologic diagnoses were retinal degeneration (46.5%), uveitis (39.5%), cataract (29.8%), retinal detachment (27.4%), and secondary glaucoma (26.5%). Fourteen eyes (6.5%) from ten dogs had post-operative complications reported including orbit cellulitis (n = 11), implant migration (n = 1), and implant extrusion (n = 1). Five of these dogs (50%) had concurrent diabetes mellitus. Median complication time from surgery was 41 days (range: 11-541 days). Ninety-five owner survey responses were completed with a median time of 6.3 years following surgery. Most owners, 85.3% (n = 81), were satisfied with the post-operative outcome. CONCLUSION: Enucleation with implantation of an orbital implant is a viable and safe method for irreversibly blind eyes. Diabetes mellitus may be a risk factor for the development of post-operative complications. Intraocular neoplasia was not associated with development of post-operative complications. Results of this study indicated high owner satisfaction rates for improving cosmetic appearance after enucleation in dogs.

Tadalafil restores long-term memory and synaptic plasticity in mice with hepatic encephalopathy.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Tadalafil displays important neuroprotective effects in experimental models of neurodegenerative diseases, however its mechanisms of action remain poorly understood. The aim of the present study was to investigate the action of Tadalafil on learning and memory, neuroinflammation, glial cell activation and neuroprotection in the experimental model of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) induced by Thioacetamide (TAA) in mice. METHODS: Mice received intraperitoneal injections of TAA, for 3 consecutive days, reaching the final dose of 600 mg/kg. Tadalafil 15 mg/kg body weight was administered by gavage during 15 days after TAA induction. Mice underwent a Barnes maze for learning and memory evaluation. RESULTS: Animals with hepatic encephalopathy showed reduced learning and spatial memory in the Barnes Maze, presented astrocyte and microglia activation and increased neuroinflammatory markers such as TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, p-p38, p-ERK and p-NF-kB. In addition, the signaling pathway PKA/PKG/CREB/BDNF/NeuN/synaptophysin and glutamate receptors were deregulated by TAA. Tadalafil treatment regulated the inflammation signaling pathways restoring learning and spatial memory. CONCLUSION: Tadalafil significantly reduced neuroinflammation, promoted neuroprotection and plasticity, regulated the expression of hippocampal glutamate receptor and restored spatial learning ability and memory.

Fluoroscopically guided neocanalization for treatment of nasolacrimal atresia in two horses.

CASE DESCRIPTION: A yearling Thoroughbred stallion and an 8-year-old Saddlebred mare were evaluated for persistent mucoid ocular discharge. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Examination of both horses revealed copious yellow-tan mucoid ocular discharge with a negative Jones I test, absent nasal punctum, and unsuccessful anterograde nasolacrimal duct (NLD) irrigation. Clinical abnormalities were present on the right side only in one horse and bilaterally in the other. Computed tomography (CT) with contrast confirmed nasolacrimal duct atresia in both horses. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: Under general anesthesia, the affected NLD was catheterized anterograde and contrast injected. Using fluoroscopic guidance, retrograde access to the distal NLD was obtained for through-and-through wire access. Over the wire, the stoma was dilated and a temporary stent placed for 4-8 weeks. After the procedure, both horses were comfortable and free of ocular discharge at the minimum time of last follow-up, 9 months postoperatively. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Fluoroscopically guided neocanalization is a viable alternative to traditional surgical approaches for NLD atresia, especially when access to the site of obstruction is limited.

Genetic variability and physiological traits of Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains isolated from "Vale dos Vinhedos" vineyards reflect agricultural practices and history of this Brazilian wet subtropical area.

Vale dos Vinhedos appellation of origin has a very recent history as industrial wine making region. In this study we investigated the genetic and phenotypic variability of Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains isolated from South-Brazilian vineyards in order to evaluate strain fermentation aptitude and copper and sulphites tolerance. Merlot grape bunches were collected from three vineyards and yeast isolation was performed after single bunch fermentation. High genotypic variability was found and most of the genotypes revealed to be vine-specific. No industrial strain dissemination was present in the sampled vineyards, although it has been wildly reported in traditional winemaking countries. From the phenotypic traits analysis these Brazilian native strains showed good fermentation performances, good tolerance to sulphites and, in particular, a high copper tolerance level. Copper is the most important metal in the formulation of fungicides against downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola), one of the most harmful disease of the vines, and other fungal pests. The high tolerance to copper suggests an environmental adaptation to the strong use of copper-based fungicides, requested by the wet subtropical climate.

Normative Nasalance Scores for Brazilian Portuguese Using New Speech Stimuli.

OBJECTIVE: Normative data were established for newly developed speech materials for nasalance assessment in Brazilian Portuguese. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nasalance scores of preexisting passages (oral ZOO-BR, low-pressure oral ZOO-BR2 and NASAL-BR), new nasalance passages (oral Dudu no zoológico, oral Dudu no bosque, oral-nasal O cãozinho Totó and nasal O nenê) and Brasilcleft articulation screening sentences were collected from 245 speakers of Brazilian Portuguese, including 121 males and 124 females, divided into 4 groups: children (5-9 years), adolescents (10-19 years), young adults (20-24 years) and adults (25-35 years). RESULTS: Across all nasalance passages, adult females scored on average 2 percentage points higher than males. Children scored 2-4 percentage points lower than older groups for the preexisting nasalance passages ZOO-BR and ZOO-BR2. Nasalance scores for the new nasalance passages were not significantly different from the preexisting passages. Scores for high-pressure sentences did not differ significantly from the oral nasalance passage Dudu no bosque. CONCLUSION: The nasalance scores for the new nasalance passages were equivalent to the preexisting materials. The new shortened and simplified nasalance passages will be useful for assessing young children. Normative scores for the Brasilcleft high-pressure sentences were equivalent to the new oral passage Dudu no bosque.

Brazilian Portuguese Adaptation and Validation of the Language Screening Test for Poststroke Patients.

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of standardized assessment tools for poststroke aphasia in Brazil, particularly bedside screenings for early identification of patients with suspected language disorders. The Language Screening Test (LAST) is a valid and reliable method for screening hospitalized patients following a stroke. This tool was first developed in French and then translated and validated in other languages. PURPOSE: This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and validate the LAST into Brazilian Portuguese. METHOD: Following a systematic, multistep approach to translation and cultural adaptation of language instruments, this study developed the two parallel versions of the Brazilian Portuguese LAST (pLAST) Versions A and B. The final versions were applied to 70 healthy and 30 poststroke adults across age and educational levels. Subtests of the Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination (BDAE) were used to assess the external validity of the pLAST. RESULTS: Findings showed that the two versions (A and B) of the pLAST were equivalent (intraclass correlation coefficient = .91; p < .001). No floor or ceiling effects were observed, and internal validity was excellent (Cronbach's α = .85). Moreover, its external validity against the BDAE was moderate to strong. Test sensitivity and specificity were 0.88 and 1, respectively, and accuracy was 0.96. CONCLUSION: The Brazilian Portuguese version of the LAST is a valid, simple, easy, and rapid test to screen poststroke aphasia in hospital settings. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL: https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.23548911.

Comparison of visual acuity and automated perimetry findings in patients with neuromyelitis optica or multiple sclerosis after single or multiple attacks of optic neuritis.

OBJECTIVE: To review the clinical characteristics of patients with neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and to compare their visual outcome with those of patients with optic neuritis (ON) and multiple sclerosis (MS). METHODS: Thirty-three patients with NMO underwent neuro-ophthalmic evaluation, including automated perimetry along with 30 patients with MS. Visual function in both groups was compared overall and specifically for eyes after a single episode of ON. RESULTS: Visual function and average visual field (VF) mean deviation were significantly worse in eyes of patients with NMO. After a single episode of ON, the VF was normal in only 2 of 36 eyes of patients with NMO compared to 17 of 35 eyes with MS (P < 0.001). The statistical analysis indicated that after a single episode of ON, the odds ratio for having NMO was 6.0 (confidence interval [CI]: 1.6-21.9) when VF mean deviation was worse than -20.0 dB while the odds ratio for having MS was 16.0 (CI: 3.6-68.7) when better than -3.0 dB. CONCLUSION: Visual outcome was significantly worse in NMO than in MS. After a single episode of ON, suspicion of NMO should be raised in the presence of severe residual VF deficit with automated perimetry and lowered in the case of complete VF recovery.

Manson's schistosomiasis in the undernourished mouse: some recent findings.

This paper deals with current knowledge of the interrelationships between Schistosoma infection and malnutrition. It emphasizes the relevance of these investigations in the face of dynamic and evolving changes occurring in population diets and changes in the epidemiological patterns of schistosomiasis in endemic countries. The paper further discusses the basis for continuing the studies on this subject and the reasons why it represents a misunderstood association. This review also focuses on the cellular and humoral immune responses in the undernourished mouse model infected with Schistosoma mansoni, with updated information on the immune response in wild-type and iNOS knockout mice concerning soluble egg antigen specific antibodies and kinetics of IFN-gamma, IL-4, IL-10 and IL-13 cytokines, in the chronic phase of Manson's schistosomiasis. There is indication that schistosome-infected undernourished mice are able to develop a humoral immune response, but antibody titres are much lower than in the control animals. Cytokine production (IFN-gamma, IL-4, IL-10) is lower in the undernourished mice, but as infection progresses to the chronic phase its kinetics run an antagonistic course when compared to that of well-nourished animals. Marked variation in the secretion of IL-13 (a fibrogenic cytokine) could explain why undernourished mice do not develop liver "pipe-stem" fibrosis described in previous papers on well-nourished animals.

Determination of volatile compounds responsible for sensory characteristics from Brazilian extra virgin olive oil using HS-SPME/GC-MS direct method.

Producing of extra virgin olive oils (EVOOs) containing pleasant sensory notes depends on fruits quality and production process and is strongly associated with their classification that is based on aroma and sensory taste. Consolidated as an efficient method, the direct headspace solid phase microextraction technique (HS-SPME) was utilized to characterize the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) profile, which contributes to the aroma of olive oils from southwestern (Serra da Mantiqueira region) and southern (Campanha Gaúcha region) Brazil. In this work, the relationship between the VOCs and sensory characteristics has been established; 19 EVOO samples (12 from Campanha Gaúcha and 7 from Serra da Mantiqueira) were studied. Indeed, the main volatile compounds were analyzed and grouped by their classification as well stood up with the trained sensorial panel perceptions. Relevant correlation between artichoke notes and ripe EVOO and between herbaceous notes and green EVOO was found. Additional correlations were observed for C5 and C6 VOCs with green and fruit/floral notes. The results denote the high quality among the samples and imply that besides the genetic factor, ripe or green classification influenced the volatile composition. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: As the Brazilian olive oil production is increasing, knowing about different sensory characteristics and its correlation with the volatile compounds of extra virgin olive oil represents a good tool to improve the quality. Moreover, the application of direct SPME method was possible evidence in the differentiation of ripe and green olive oils, beyond the production region and in consonance with its sensory notes and characteristics.

Epidemiological pattern of tattoo skin disease: a potential general health indicator for cetaceans.

The presence of tattoo skin disease (TSD) was examined in 1392 free-ranging and dead odontocetes comprising 17 species from the Americas, Europe, South Africa, New Zealand and Greenland. We investigated whether TSD prevalence varied with sex, age and health status. TSD was encountered in cetaceans from the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans as well as in those from the North, Mediterranean and Tasman Seas. No clear patterns related to geography and host phylogeny were detected, except that prevalence of TSD in juveniles and, in 2 species (dusky dolphin Lagenorhynchus obscurus and Burmeister's porpoise Phocoena spinipinnis), in adults was remarkably high in samples from Peru. Environmental factors and virus properties may be responsible for this finding. Sex did not significantly influence TSD prevalence except in the case of Peruvian P. spinipinnis. Generally, there was a pattern of TSD increase in juveniles compared to calves, attributed to the loss of maternal immunity. Also, in most samples, juveniles seemed to have a higher probability of suffering TSD than adults, presumably because more adults had acquired active immunity following infection. This holo-endemic pattern was inverted in poor health short-beaked common dolphins Delphinus delphis and harbour porpoises Phocoena phocoena from the British Isles, and in Chilean dolphins Cephalorhynchus eutropia from Patagonia, where adults showed a higher TSD prevalence than juveniles. Very large tattoos were seen in some adult odontocetes from the SE Pacific, NE Atlantic and Portugal's Sado Estuary, which suggest impaired immune response. The epidemiological pattern of TSD may be an indicator of cetacean population health.

Effects of cyclic intraocular pressure on conventional outflow facility.

PURPOSE: In vivo, biomechanical stress plays an important role in tissue physiology and pathology, affecting cell and tissue behavior. Even though conventional outflow tissues are constantly exposed to dynamic changes in intraocular pressure, effects of such biomechanical stressors on outflow function have not been analyzed. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect(s) of ocular pulse on conventional outflow facility in perfused anterior segments. METHODS: The anterior segment perfusion model was used to investigate the impact of ocular pulsation on human and porcine outflow facility. To determine tissue viability of human anterior segments, three complementary techniques (postperfusion morphology and cell density of outflow tissues plus central corneal thickness measurements over time of perfusion) were used. RESULTS: A consistent decrease in outflow facility was observed in response to cyclic intraocular pressure in both porcine (-29.96% +/- 6.56; P = 0.009) and human (-27.65% +/- 8.26; P = 0.010) perfused anterior segments. Viability data showed no significant difference between control and experimental anterior segments, with respect to postperfusion histologic evaluations (P = 0.227) or change in central corneal thickness over time (P = 0.289). In contrast, the cellularity of the trabecular meshwork in experimental (cyclically pulsed) anterior segments (333.86 +/- 22.15 nuclei/field of view) was greater than in the control eyes (290.47 +/- 17.60, P = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Decreased outflow facility in cyclically pulsed anterior segments is not a function of cell or tissue damage, but rather is an active response of the conventional outflow tissues to a biomechanical stimulus. In fact, the observation of increased cellularity in tissues exposed to cyclic stress suggests a physiological benefit of mechanical stress to outflow cells in organ culture.

Tensile strength study of the abdominal wall following laparotomy synthesis using three types of surgical wires in Wistar rats.

PURPOSE: To study the tensile strength of the abdominal wall following laparotomy synthesis utilizing three types of surgical wires. METHODS: Thirty Wistar rats were randomized into three groups of ten rats each. Each group underwent a 3cm-laparotomy which was closed with 3-0 polyglactin 910, polyglecrapone and catgut wires. After 63 days, euthanasia was performed and part of the abdominal wall was removed with which a strip was produced measuring 2.0 cm in length by 6.0 cm in width comprising the abdominal muscles with the implanted mesh. The sample was fixed in a mechanical test machine in which constant force was applied contrary to the tissue strips. Maximum force was considered, expressed in Newton, until full rupture of the tissue occurred. The non-parametrical Kruskal - Wallis test was used for the statistical analysis, admitting p

Blueberry Metabolites Attenuate Lipotoxicity-Induced Endothelial Dysfunction.

SCOPE: Lipotoxicity-induced endothelial dysfunction is an important vascular complication associated with diabetes. Clinical studies support the vascular benefits of blueberry anthocyanins, but the underlying mechanism is unclear. The hypothesis that metabolites of blueberry anthocyanins attenuate lipotoxicity-induced endothelial dysfunction was tested. METHODS AND RESULTS: Human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) were treated for 6 h with either: (i) the parent anthocyanins (malvidin-3-glucoside and cyanidin-3-glucoside); or (ii) the blueberry metabolites (hydroxyhippuric acid, hippuric acid, benzoic acid-4-sulfate, isovanillic acid-3-sulfate, and vanillic acid-4-sulfate), at concentrations known to circulate in humans following blueberry consumption. For the last 5 h HAECs were treated with palmitate or vehicle. HAECs treated with palmitate displayed elevated reactive oxygen species generation, increased mRNA expression of NOX4, chemokines, adhesion molecules, and IκBα, exaggerated monocyte binding, and suppressed nitric oxide production. Of note, the damaging effects of palmitate were ameliorated in HAECs treated with blueberry metabolites but not parent anthocyanins. Further, important translational relevance of these results was provided by our observation that palmitate-induced endothelial dysfunction was lessened in arterial segments that incubated concurrently with blueberry metabolites. CONCLUSION: The presented findings indicate that the vascular benefits of blueberry anthocyanins are mediated by their metabolites. Blueberries might complement existing therapies to lessen vascular complications.

Schlemm's canal endothelia, lymphatic, or blood vasculature?

In the human eye, the final barrier for aqueous humor to cross before returning to systemic circulation is the inner wall of Schlemm's canal. Unfortunately, the specific contribution of the inner wall to total outflow resistance in the conventional pathway is unknown in both normal and glaucomatous eyes. To better understand inner wall physiology, we contrasted it with 2 specialized continuous endothelia, initial lymphatic, and blood capillary endothelia. Specifically, we compare their developmental origin, morphology, junctional complexes, microenvironment, and physiologic responses to different biomechanical factors. Our evaluation concludes that the inner wall of Schlemm's canal is unique, sharing extraordinary characteristics with both types of specialized endothelia in addition to having distinctive features of its own.

Considerations that may influence the result of trials assessing tensile strength in experimental surgery.

PURPOSE: To provide information gathered upon the execution of trials assessing tensile strength in experimental surgeries. METHODS: Descriptive study considering details on the execution of trials assessing tensile strength in experimental surgery. RESULTS: The analysis of the rupture force in a mechanical test machine is an adequate technique since it provides precise and quick results. It can, undoubtedly, be developed in this context of the eminently mechanical analysis of trials on experimental surgery. CONCLUSION: The utilization of a mechanical test machine is a useful tool in the assessment of materials' strength, providing accurate results. Nevertheless the trials must be well structured analyzing the multiple variables so as to attain a pattern of constant reproducibility and to provide the necessary reliability.

O assassinato de marielle franco: olhar psicossocial sobre polarização em um recorte do pensamento social / El asesinato de marielle franco: una mirada psicosocial a la polarización en un recorte del pensamiento social / Marielle franco's murder: psychosocial approach at polarization in a social thinking extract

Resumo: O trabalho explora comentários online no jornal "O Dia" dos dias subsequentes ao assassinato de Marielle Franco e Anderson Gomes e analisa a expressão da polarização nesse material. Recorremos aos estudos de polarização de Martín-Baró, Lozada, Villa Gómez e à perspectiva de Moscovici e Jodelet sobre pensamento social. Foram reunidos 1330 comentários de 40 matérias, submetidos ao programa IRaMuTeQ e análises de conteúdo complementares. As classes encontradas trataram das duas vítimas, do assassinato e de outras mortes, menos cotadas; das homenagens; da segurança pública, da política e da desigualdade/precariedade do trabalho. Os principais achados foram os indícios de representação social do crime e de Marielle; a negação da existência do racismo; indícios de que a polarização, além dos extremos, tem outros tons e intensidades; a polarização assimétrica, predominando o polo conservador; e a direita como possível minoria ativa que tenta influenciar a mudança do senso comum em marcha.

Resumen: Este trabajo explora comentarios en línea del diario "O Dia" en los días subsecuentes al asesinato de Marielle Franco y Anderson Gomesy analiza la expresión de la polarización en este material. Recurrimos a los estudios sobre polarización de Martín-Baró, Lozada, Villa Gómez y a la perspectiva de Moscovici y Jodelet acerca del pensamiento social. Se reunieron 1330 comentarios de 40 materias, sometidos a IRaMuTeQ y a un análisis de contenido complementario. Las clases detectadas tratan de las dos víctimas, del asesinato y de otras muertes, menos estimadas; los homenajes; la seguridad pública, la política y la desigualdad/precariedad del trabajo. Los hallazgos más sugerentes fueron los indicios de representación social del crimen y de Marielle; la negación de la existencia del racismo; los indicios de que la polarización, más allá de los extremos, tiene otros tonos e intensidades; la polarización asimétrica, predominando el polo conservador; y la derecha como posible minoría activa que intenta influenciar el cambio del sentido común en marcha.

Abstract: This paper analyzes on line comments from Brazilian newspaper "O Dia" following the murder of Marielle Franco and Anderson Gomes. Analyze polarization in this material. Analysis was based on polarization studies by Martín-Baró, Lozada, Villa Gómez, besides those on social thinking by Moscovici and Jodelet. 1330 comments from 40 articles were submitted to the IRaMuTeQ software and complementary content analyses. The content analysis pointed out the categories: characterization of the victim, of the death, of the killer, and showed how they interconnect. Polarization centered on the city's problems, and issues such as human rights and same sex marriage, with a conservative bias. The most thought-provoking findings were the denials of the existence of racism; discrete indications that polarization has various tones and intensities; the asymmetric polarization, with a predominance on the conservative pole; and the right wing as a possible active minority that tries to influence the change of common sense in progress.

A comparison of the effects of radiofrequency treatment and mechanical shaving for meniscectomy.

PURPOSE: The goal of this ex vivo pilot study was to compare radiofrequency treatment with cutting and shaving treatment of meniscal tears by use of a mechanical testing procedure and electron microscopy to establish the mechanical characteristics and qualitative appearance of meniscal tissue after the use of each of these procedures. METHODS: In this study 136 menisci were explanted and divided into 4 groups: a damaged, untreated control group; a group damaged in the same way as the control group and treated by mechanical shaving of the meniscal tear; a group damaged in a similar way and then treated by radiofrequency by use of a radiofrequency wand; and a fourth group in which plunge-cutting by use of the radiofrequency wand was used to resect the tissue, beginning at the superior surface of the meniscus in a place that corresponded to the location of the meniscal tears. The menisci were then tested for strength by applying radial tension to the tear. Electron microscopy at low and high magnification was used to evaluate the appearance of the surface of the menisci after shaving or radiofrequency treatment. RESULTS: Static mechanical testing to failure showed no significant difference between the control group and the 3 test groups. However, there was a statistically significant difference between the radiofrequency-treated groups and the mechanically shaved group at the .033 level. On fatigue testing, there was no statistically significant difference in the failure cycles, but the coefficient of variation was 8 times greater for the mechanically shaved menisci versus the radiofrequency-treated menisci. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the mechanically treated menisci had flat surfaces with clefts or fissures. The radiofrequency-treated menisci had a homogeneous appearance without clefts. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that radiofrequency-treated damaged tissue leaves a qualitatively different surface from the mechanically treated menisci, which failed at a significantly higher load on static testing. On fatigue testing, there was greater variation in the number of cycles to failure of mechanically treated specimens versus the radiofrequency-treated menisci. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although recurrent meniscal tears are uncommon, they may be of value in evaluating different methods of meniscectomy. This study points out mechanical and qualitative differences between shaved and radiofrequency-treated meniscectomy.

Influence of Er:YAG laser on cavity preparation and surface treatment in microleakage of composite resin restorations.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess microleakage on class V cavities prepared by Er:YAG laser with varying surface treatment. BACKGROUND DATA: There has been little reported research on microleakage at cavities prepared and treated with Er:YAG laser. METHODS: Fifty preparations using Er:YAG laser or a highspeed handpiece were developed. The surface treatment was performed as follows: Er:YAG laser (group 1); 35% phosphoric acid (group 2); laser + acid (group 3); finishing with low-speed + laser + acid (group 4); conventional preparation developed with a high-speed handpiece + acid (group 5--control). The samples were restored with Single Bond/Z250, thermocycled, isolated, and immersed in a 50% AgNO(3) solution. The restorations were sectioned, and the microleakage was measured in milimeters using a specific computer software. Data were analyzed employing ANOVAand Tukey test. RESULTS: Statistical analysis showed that group 5 (G5) obtained the lowest results of microleakage (22.05%), and it was statistically similar (p > 0.05) to G1 (37.7%) and different (p < 0.05) from the other groups (G2 = 50.4%; G3 = 43%; G4 = 44.2%). The occlusal margins (22.62%) demonstrated less microleakage (p < 0.05) than the cervical margins (56.32%). CONCLUSION: The use of Er:YAG laser for cavity preparation and surface treatment negatively influenced the marginal sealing of composite resin restorations.