Anti-inflammatory and immune properties of the peltatoside, isolated from the leaves of Annona crassiflora Mart., in a new experimental model zebrafish.

Establishing new animal models for the study of inflammation is very important in the process of discovering new drugs, since the inflammatory event is the basis of many pathological processes. Whereas rodent models have been the primary focus of inflammation research, we defend the zebrafish (Danio rerio) test as a feasible alternative for preclinical studies. Moreover, despite all the technological development already achieved by humanity, nature can still be considered a relevant source of new medicines. In this context, the aim of this work was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of a substance isolated from the medicinal plant Annona crassilfora Mart, the peltatoside, in an inflammatory model of zebrafish. It was determined: (i) total leukocyte count in the coelomate exudate; (ii) N-acetyl-ß-d-glucuronidase (NAG); (iii) myeloperoxidase (MPO); (iv) and the histology of liver, intestine and mesentery. Peltotoside (25, 50 and 100 µg) and dexamethasone (25 µg) were administered intracelomatically (i.c.) 30 min before carrageenan (i.c.). Pretreatment with peltatoside at three doses significantly inhibited leukocyte recruitment in the coelomic cavity, and inhibited NAG and MPO activity against the action of Cg, in a similar manner as dexamethasone. However, some microlesions in the evaluated organs were detected. The dose of 25 µg showed an anti-inflammatory effect with lower undesirable effects in the tissues. Our results suggest that the zebrafish test was satisfactory in performing our analyzes and that the peltotoside has a modulatory action in reducing leukocyte migration.

Bilateral balanced occlusion compared to other occlusal schemes in complete dentures: A systematic review.

No consensus has been reached regarding the best occlusal scheme for making complete dentures. Thus, the purpose of this systematic review was to compare bilateral balanced occlusion (BBO) with other occlusal schemes (canine guidance, lingualised occlusion and zero degree) in complete dentures. The schemes were compared in terms of quality of life/satisfaction and masticatory performance. Two independent reviewers performed a comprehensive search of studies published in or before October 2017 using the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus and Cochrane Library databases. The search was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. The focused question was: "In conventional complete denture, is BBO better than lingualised occlusion, canine guidance and zero degree in terms of quality of life, patient satisfaction and masticatory performance/muscle activity?" Seventeen studies were selected for analysis. In total, there were 492 patients with a mean age of 64.78 years and a mean follow-up duration of 2.96 months (range: 1-6 months). All studies compared BBO with the other occlusal schemes. Eleven studies evaluated the influence of the occlusal scheme designs on quality of life and satisfaction, and 8 studies evaluated masticatory performance and muscle activity between BBO and the other occlusion schemes. The present systematic review indicated that BBO does not confer better quality of life/satisfaction or masticatory performance and muscle activity. Thus, lingualised occlusion can be considered a predictable occlusal scheme for complete dentures in terms of quality of life/satisfaction and masticatory performance, while canine guidance can be used to reduce muscular activity.

Could the beneficial effects of dietary calcium on obesity and diabetes control be mediated by changes in intestinal microbiota and integrity?

Evidence from animal and human studies has associated gut microbiota, increased translocation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and reduced intestinal integrity (II) with the inflammatory state that occurs in obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Consumption of Ca may favour body weight reduction and glycaemic control, but its influence on II and gut microbiota is not well understood. Considering the impact of metabolic diseases on public health and the role of Ca on the pathophysiology of these diseases, this review critically discusses possible mechanisms by which high-Ca diets could affect gut microbiota and II. Published studies from 1993 to 2015 about this topic were searched and selected from Medline/PubMed, Scielo and Lilacs databases. High-Ca diets seem to favour the growth of lactobacilli, maintain II (especially in the colon), reduce translocation of LPS and regulate tight-junction gene expression. We conclude that dietary Ca might interfere with gut microbiota and II modulations and it can partly explain the effect of Ca on obesity and T2DM control. However, further research is required to define the supplementation period, the dose and the type of Ca supplement (milk or salt) required for more effective results. As Ca interacts with other components of the diet, these interactions must also be considered in future studies. We believe that more complex mechanisms involving extraintestinal disorders (hormones, cytokines and other biomarkers) also need to be studied.

Does the use of low-level light therapy postoperatively reduce pain, oedema, and neurosensory disorders following orthognathic surgery? A systematic review.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of low-level light therapy (LLLT) in improving pain, oedema, and neurosensory disorders of the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) after orthognathic surgery. This systematic review was performed in compliance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. Searches were conducted in the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) published up to September 2020. After evaluating eligibility, 15 RCTs were selected. None of the studies reported an evaluation of all of the outcomes within the same publication. It was possible to determine the effect of LLLT in controlling pain following orthognathic surgery. Of the three studies evaluating this outcome, all observed a positive effect. Of the four studies that evaluated oedema, two found a positive effect. Of the 11 studies that evaluated neurosensory disorders of the IAN, all of them observed a positive effect, at least in one of the sensory evaluation tests. A meta-analysis was not possible due to the heterogeneity across studies. Considering the limitations of this review, but given the fact that LLLT is a minimally invasive intervention, its use merits consideration in immediate postoperative orthognathic surgery.

Functional dissimilarity of melanomacrophage centres in the liver and spleen from females of the teleost fish Prochilodus argenteus.

Melanomacrophage centres (MMCs) are formed by macrophage aggregates containing pigments such as hemosiderin, melanin and lipofuscin. MMCs are found in animals such as reptiles, amphibians and, mainly, fishes, in organs such as the kidney, spleen, thymus and liver. In teleost fish, several functions have been attributed to MMCs, including the capture and storage of cations, the phagocytosis of cellular debris and immunological reactions. As the use of MMCs has been suggested as a tool for the assessment of environmental impacts, our aim has been to describe the various metabolic processes performed by MMCs in diverse organs (liver and spleen) by using the teleost Prochilodus argenteus as an animal model. MMCs from the liver and spleen were assessed by histochemistry, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray microanalysis techniques and biochemical assay for N-acetylglucosaminidase activity. The data showed metabolic differences in MMCs between the liver and spleen of P. argenteus in their morphometric characteristics and biochemical and elemental composition. The implications of these findings are discussed, focusing on their role in organ metabolism.

Comparison between computer-guided and freehand dental implant placement surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The purpose of this systematic review was to compare computer-guided (fully guided) and freehand implant placement surgery in terms of marginal bone loss, complications, and implant survival. This review followed the PRISMA guidelines and was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42019135893). Two independent investigators performed the search of the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases for studies published up to April 2020 and identified 1508 references. After a detailed review, only four studies were considered eligible. These studies involved a total of 154 patients with 597 dental implants and a mean follow-up period of 2.25 years. There was no difference between computer-guided surgery and freehand surgery in terms of the marginal bone loss (mean difference -0.11mm, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.27 to 0.04mm; P=0.16), mechanical complications (risk ratio (RR) 0.85, 95% CI 0.36-2.04; P=0.72), biological complications (RR 1.56, 95% CI 0.42-5.74; P=0.51), and implant survival rate (RR 0.53, 95% CI 0.11-2.43; P=0.41). This meta-analysis demonstrated that both computer-guided and freehand surgeries yielded similar results for marginal bone loss, mechanical and biological complications, and implant survival rate.

Comparison between flapless and open-flap implant placement: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

No consensus has been reached regarding the influence of the flapless and open-flap surgical techniques on the placement of dental implants. This systematic review compared the effects of flapless implant placement and implant placement with elevation of the mucoperiosteal flap in terms of marginal bone loss, implant survival rate and complications rates. This review followed PRISMA guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO with the registration number CRD42017071475. Two independent reviewers performed a comprehensive search of the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases for studies published until December 2017. The search identified 559 references. After a detailed review, 24 studies were assessed for eligibility. A total of 1025 patients who had received a total of 1873 dental implants were included. There were no significant differences between the flapless and open-flap surgical techniques in terms of implant survival rates (P=0.34; risk ratio (RR): 1.36; confidence interval (CI): 0.72-2.56), marginal bone loss (P=0.23; MD: -0.20; CI: -0.52-0.13), or complication rates (P=0.67; RR: 1.10; CI: 0.70-1.73). The current meta-analysis showed that the implant survival rate, marginal bone levels, and complications of flapless surgery were similar to those of open-flap surgery over a mean follow-up period of 21.62 months.

Malignant hyperthermia in a liver transplant patient: a case report.

Malignant hyperthermia is an autosomal dominant disorder with incomplete penetrance and variable expression. This syndrome is characterized by a hypermetabolic response to all commonly used inhalational anesthetics and depolarizing muscle relaxants. It can happen during or after the anesthesia. We describe a case of malignant hyperthermia during orthotopic liver transplantation. Our patient was a 48-year-old man, born in Brazil but with European ascendance, who developed malignant hyperthermia associated with the use of isoflurane. He was treated with dantrolene, which caused hepatic graft dysfunction. It is important that transplant teams be able to recognize and treat this complication.

Canine dermatophytosis caused by an anthropophilic species: molecular and phenotypical characterization of Trichophyton tonsurans.

Microsporum canis is the most common species isolated from canine and feline dermatophytosis in the world. However, this study reports a rare case of canine dermatophytosis caused by the anthropophilic dermatophyte Trichophyton tonsurans in the city of Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. The fungal characterization was performed by classical mycological examination and by genotypical analysis using the restriction enzymes Sau3A, RsaI, DdeI and EcoRI. The phenotypical characteristics were compatible with T. tonsurans. The results obtained in the genotypical analysis were similar to the digestion pattern of the ITS sequences for T. tonsurans strains. In addition, an antifungal susceptibility test was performed with griseofulvin, ketoconazole and itraconazole. The MICs were 0.5 microg ml(-1) for griseofulvin, 0.25 microg ml(-1) for ketoconazole and 1 microg ml(-1) for itraconazole. This study emphasizes the adaptability of anthropophilic fungi such as T. tonsurans to animal conditions.

2016 update of the Portuguese recommendations for the use of biological therapies in children and adolescents with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To provide evidence-based guidance for the rational and safe prescription of biological therapies in children and adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIAs) considering the latest available evidence and the new licensed biologics. METHODS: Rheumatologists and Pediatricians with expertise in Pediatric Rheumatology updated the recommendations endorsed by the Portuguese Society of Rheumatology and the Portuguese Society of Pediatrics based on published evidence and expert opinion. The level of agreement with final propositions was voted using an online survey. RESULTS: In total, 20 recommendations to guide the use of biological therapy in children and adolescents with JIAs are issued, comprising 4 general principles and 16 specific recommendations. A consensus was achieved regarding the eligibility and response criteria, maintenance of biological therapy, and procedures in case of non-response, for each JIA category. Specific recommendations concerning safety procedures were also updated. CONCLUSIONS: These recommendations take into account the specificities of each JIA category and are intended to continuously improve the management of JIA patients.

Endomyocardial fibrosis: report of 6 patients and review of the surgical literature.

Six patients with endomyocardial fibrosis were treated by endocardium decortication and atrioventricular valve replacement. There were 5 female patients and 1 male patient ranging from 14 to 48 years old (mean, 30 years). Four patients had involvement of the right ventricle, 1 patient had involvement of the left ventricle, and 1 patient had biventricular disease. There was 1 operative death due to low cardiac output state (the patient with biventricular endomyocardial fibrosis), and there was 1 late noncardiac death. The surgical literature, which describes 19 previously reported cases, was reviewed. On the basis of the results of this series and those of the reported cases, it is concluded that surgical treatment of endomyocardial fibrosis is feasible and provides good clinical improvement.

Double-blind evaluation of low-dose proglumetacin versus naproxen in rheumatoid arthritis out-patients.

Forty out-patients with acute 'flare' of chronic rheumatoid arthritis were treated orally with either 150 mg proglumetacin or 250 mg naproxen twice daily over 3 weeks, according to a randomized, double-blind design. Before and after 1 and 3 weeks of treatment, the number of painful and of swollen joints, the intensity of pain and function tests (morning stiffness, time to walk over 15 metres and hand grip strength) were measured and recorded. Haematology was investigated before and after treatment. Two patients in the proglumetacin group did not report to control and were considered drop-outs; 2 more (1 in each group) interrupted treatment before completion because of the onset or aggravation of accessory symptoms. Efficacy, assessed in 17 patients on proglumetacin and in 19 on naproxen, was good with both drugs, even though only those patients given proglumetacin experienced a significant (p less than 0.01) decrease in the number of painful joints. None of the haematological tests showed clinically significant variations after either treatment. Tolerance could be assessed in 18 and 20 patients given proglumetacin or naproxen, respectively. Accessory symptoms appeared or were aggravated in 5 and 3 patients, respectively.

Low doses of epidural ketamine or neostigmine, but not midazolam, improve morphine analgesia in epidural terminal cancer pain therapy.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To examine analgesia and adverse effects of combination epidural pain therapy consisting of administration of morphine with either low dose of ketamine, neostigmine, or midazolam in terminal cancer pain patients. DESIGN: Randomized double-blind study. SETTING: Teaching hospital. PATIENTS: 48 terminal cancer patients suffering from chronic pain. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomized to one of four groups (n = 12). The concept of visual analog scale (VAS), which consisted of a 10-cm line with 0 equaling "no pain at all" and 10 equaling "the worst possible pain" was introduced. All patients were taking oral amitriptyline 50 mg at bedtime. Pain was initially treated with epidural morphine 2 mg twice daily (12-hr intervals) to maintain the VAS below 4/10. Afterwards, VAS scores > or = 4/10 at any time were treated by adding the epidural study drug (2 ml), which was administered each morning, just after the 2-mg epidural morphine administration. The control group (CG) received 2 mg of epidural morphine (2 ml). The ketamine group (KG) received 0.2 mg/kg epidural ketamine (2 ml). The neostigmine group (NG) received 100 micrograms epidural neostigmine (2 ml). The midazolam group (MG) received 500 micrograms epidural midazolam (2 ml). Patients received the study drugs on a daily basis. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Duration of effective analgesia was measured as time from the study drug administration to the first patient's VAS score > or = 4/10 recorded in days. The groups were demographically the same. The VAS pain scores prior to the treatment were also similar among groups. Only the patients in the KG demonstrated lower VAS scores compared to the MG (p = 0.018). Time since the epidural study drug administration until patient complaint of pain VAS > or = 4/10 was higher for both the KG and NG compared to the CG (KG > CG, p = 0.049; NG > CG; p = 0.0163). Only the KG used less epidural morphine compared to the CG during the period of study (25 days) (p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: The association of either low-dose epidural ketamine or neostigmine (but not midazolam) to epidural morphine increased the duration of analgesia in the population studied (gt;20 days) compared to the CG and MG (8 to 10 days) when administered in the early stages of terminal cancer pain therapy, without increasing the incidence of adverse effects.

Reliability of the interpretation of coronary angiography by the simple visual method.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of inter and intraobserver reproducibility of by the visual method interpretation of cineangiogram in a clinically based context. METHODS: Five interventional cardiologists analyzed 11 segments of 8 coronary cineangiograms at a two month apart sessions. The percent luminal reduction by the lesions were analyzed by two different classifications: in one (A) the lesions were graded in 0% = absent, 1-50% = mild, 51 - 69 = moderate, and > or = 70% = severe; the other classification (B) was a dichotomic one : <70% = nonsignificant and > or = 70%=significant lesions. The agreement were measured by the kappa (k) index. RESULTS: Interobserver agreement was moderate for classification A (1st measurement, k = 0.36 - 0.63, k m = 0.49; 2nd measurement, k = 0.39-0.68, k m = 0.52) and good for classification B (1st measurement, k = 0.55-0.73, k m = 0.63; 2nd measurement, k = 0.37-0.82, k m = 0.61). Intraobserver levels of agreement were k = 0.57-0.95 for classification A and 0.62-1.0 for classification B. CONCLUSION: The higher level of reproducibility obtained by adopting the dichotomous criteria usually considered for ischemic limits demonstrates that in the present clinical context, the reliability of the simple visual method is adequate for the identification of patients with clinically significant lesions and candidates for myocardial revascularization procedures.