Topographic and biometric study of radial nerve branches to the muscles of the anterior compartment of the arm / Estudio topográfico y biométrico de los ramos del nervio radial para los músculos del compartimiento anterior del brazo

The radial nerve is a terminal branch of the brachial plexus that innervates the entire posterior compartment of the upper limb. Researches have shown that the branches can contribute to innervation of the muscles from the anterior compartment of the arm. This study sought to identify branches of radial nerve for brachialis and coracobrachialis muscles and its clinical value during surgery. Dissection was performed in 60 arms, from 30 corpses selected from the Human Anatomy Laboratories of Universidade Estadual de Ciências da Saúde de Alagoas (UNCISAL). In each arm, three segments of the same proportion were considered (proximal, middle and distal) in order to observe the number of radial nerve branches to brachialis and coracobrachialis muscles. Branches were identified in 4 of the 60 upper limb (6.66%) with the following distribution: nerve with 1 branch to the brachialis muscle in the distal third (1.66%); with 1 branch to the middle third of the coracobrachialis (1.66%) and 5 branches to the coracobrachialis muscle in the proximal third; 1 branch being found in an upper limb (1.66 %) and 4 branches in the other upper limb (1.66 %). The event was not bilaterally in the same body, and in four cases there was no branching, but only communication with other terminal nerves of the brachial plexus. In conclusion, although most authors do not describe the possibility of the occurrence of radial nerve branches to the muscles of the anterior compartment of the arm, this condition exists as an anatomical variation.

El nervio radial es un ramo terminal del plexo braquial que inerva el compartimiento posterior del miembro superior. Diversos estudios han mostrado que sus ramos pueden contribuir a la inervación de los músculos del compartimiento anterior del brazo. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo identificar ramos del nervio radial dirigidos a los músculos braquial y coracobraquial y su importancia clínica durante las cirugías. Para ello, se disecaron 60 brazos de 30 cuerpos formolizados en los Laboratorios de Anatomía Humana de la Universidad Estadual de Ciencias de la Salud de Alagoas, Brasil (UNCISAL). En cada brazo, se consideraron tres partes de similares proporciones (proximal, medio y distal) para localizar los ramos dirigidos a los músculos mencionados. En 4 de los 60 brazos (6,66%) se identificaron ramos con la siguiente distribución: un ramo para el músculo braquial en el tercio distal (1,66%); un ramo para el tercio medio del músculo coracobraquial (1,66%) y cinco ramos para este mismo músculo en su tercio proximal; en otro miembro (1,66%)se encontró solo un ramo y en la otra muestra (1,66%) se encontraron cuatro ramos. Ninguno de los casos fue bilateral y en los cuatro casos no había ninguna ramificación. No hubo comunicación con el nervio musculocutáneo pero si con otros ramos del plexo braquial. Aunque la mayoría de los autores no describe la posibilidad de que el nervio radial inerve a los músculos anteriores del brazo, esta disposición existe como una variación anatómica.

Lipopolysaccharides, cytokines, and nitric oxide affect secretion of prostaglandins and leukotrienes by bovine mammary gland during experimentally induced mastitis in vivo and in vitro.

The aim of the study was to determine the effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF), interleukin-1-alpha (IL-1α), and nitric oxide donor (NONOate) on both in vivo and in vitro secretion of prostaglandin (PG)E2, PGF2α, leukotriene (LT)B4, and LTC4 by the bovine mammary gland. In the first experiment, tissues isolated from the teat cavity and lactiferous sinus were treated in vitro with LPS (10 ng/mL), TNF (10 ng/mL), IL-1α (10 ng/mL), NONOate (10(-4) M), and the combination of TNF + IL-1α + NONOate for 4 or 8 h. PGE2 or PGF2α secretion was stimulated by all treatments (P < 0.05) excepting NONOate alone, which did not stimulate PGF2α secretion. Moreover, all factors increased LTB4 and LTC4 secretion (P < 0.05). In the second experiment, mastitis was experimentally mimicked in vivo by repeated (12 h apart) intramammary infusions (5 mL) of (1) sterile saline; (2) 250-µg LPS; (3) 1-µg/mL TNF; (4) 1-µg/mL IL-1α; (5) 12.8-µg/mL NONOate; and (6) TNF + IL-1α + NONOate into 2 udder quarters. All infused factors changed PGE2, 13,14-dihydro,15-keto-PGF2α, and LT concentrations in blood plasma collected from the caudal vena cava, the caudal superficial epigastric (milk) vein, the jugular vein, and the abdominal aorta (P < 0.05). In summary, LPS and other inflammatory mastitis mediators modulate PG and LT secretion by bovine mammary gland in both in vivo and in vitro studies.

Loading and composite restoration assessment of various non-carious cervical lesions morphologies - 3D finite element analysis.

BACKGROUND: The present study analysed the effects of different occlusal loading on premolars displaying various non-carious cervical lesions morphologies, restored (or not) with composites, by 3D finite element analysis. METHODS: A three-dimensional digital model of a maxillary premolar was generated using CAD software. Three non-carious cervical lesions morphological types were simulated: wedged-shaped, saucer and mixed. All virtual models underwent three loading types (100 N): vertical, buccal and palatal loading. The simulated non-carious cervical lesions morphologies were analysed with and without restorations to consider specific regions, such as the occlusal and gingival walls as well as the depth of the lesions. Data summarizing the stress distribution were obtained in MPa using Maximum Principal Stress. RESULTS: Palatal loads were responsible for providing the highest values of accumulated tensile stress on the buccal wall; 27.66 MPa and 25.76 MPa for mixed and wedged-shaped morphologies, respectively. The highest tensile values found on non-carious cervical lesions morphologies restored with composite resin were 5.9 MPa in the mixed morphology, similar to those found on sound models despite their morphologies and occlusal loading. CONCLUSIONS: The various non-carious cervical lesions morphologies had little effect on stress distribution patterns, whereas the loading type and presence of composite restorations influenced the biomechanical behaviour of the maxillary premolars.

Role of tumor necrosis factor-α, interferon-γ and Fas-ligand on in vitro nitric oxide activity in the corpus luteum.

Normal reproductive function involves the expression of inflammatory mediators. Regarding the corpus luteum (CL), cytokines promote the cross-talk between immune, vascular and steroidogenic cells, among others. Moreover, TNF, IFNG and FASL were shown to regulate equine CL establishment and regression. We hypothesized that cytokines action on equine CL may be mediated by nitric oxide (NO), through the regulation of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) expression. TNF increased eNOS mRNA level and NO metabolite (nitrite) production during CL growth. Cytokines combined action (TNF+IFNG+FASL) promoted eNOS protein upregulation in mid-CL and nitrite production in mid and late-CL. However, in late-CL, TNF alone decreased nitrite secretion. These results indicate that in equine CL, cytokines TNF, IFNG and FASL regulate NO activity, via eNOS expression modulation.

Coumestrol and its metabolite in mares' plasma after ingestion of phytoestrogen-rich plants: potent endocrine disruptors inducing infertility.

Phytoestrogens exist in plants that are present in forages fed to horses. They may compete with 17-ß estradiol and influence the estrous cycle. Therefore, the objective was to determine whether coumestrol from clover-mixed pastures is present in mare's plasma after their ingestion (experiment I), and when this phytoestrogen was present in mare's plasma after ingestion (experiment II). The effect of a long-term ingestion of phytoestrogens on estrous cycle disruption was assessed (experiment III; clinical case). Experiment I was carried out in nonpregnant anestrous and cyclic Lusitano mares (n = 14) kept on clover and grass-mixed pastures, and supplemented with concentrate and hay or cereal straw. Blood and feedstuff were obtained from November to March. In experiment II, stabled cyclic Lusitano mares (n = 6) were fed for 14 days with increasing amounts of alfalfa pellets (250 g to 1 kg/day). Sequential blood samples were obtained for 8 hours after feed intake on Day 0 (control) and on Days 13 and 14 (1 kg/day alfalfa pellets). Experiment III mares were fed with a mixture of alfalfa and clover haylage for 5 months (group 1; n = 4) or for 9 months (group 2; n = 12). Estrous cycle was determined on the basis of plasma estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4), and ultrasound (experiment III). Concentrations of phytoestrogen coumestrol and its metabolite methoxycoumestrol were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Phytoestrogens decreased in pasture from November until March (P < 0.01) (experiment I), but were always detected in mares' plasma. In experiment II, plasma-conjugated forms of coumestrol and methoxycoumestrol were higher on Days 13 and 14 than in control (P < 0.05). The highest concentrations of conjugated form of coumestrol were at 1.5 and 4 hours (P < 0.001), whereas its free forms peaked at 1 and at 3.5 hours after ingestion (P < 0.05). Methoxycoumestrol-conjugated form concentration was the highest at 1.5 and 5 hours (P < 0.001), whereas its free form peaked at 1 hour (P < 0.05) and at 1.5 hours (P < 0.001). Long-term intake of coumestrol caused lack of ovulation, uterine edema, and uterine fluid accumulation (experiment III). Coumestrol and methoxycoumestrol in both forms were higher in group 2 (while still ingesting haylage) than in group 1, after haylage withdrawal (P < 0.001). These data show that in the mare, coumestrol and its metabolite increase in blood after ingestion of estrogenic plants and can influence reproduction in mares as potent endocrine disruptors.

Lipopolysaccharides, cytokines, and nitric oxide affect secretion of prostaglandins and leukotrienes by bovine mammary gland epithelial cells.

The aims of this study were to determine the effects of lipopolysaccharides (LPS), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin 1 alpha (IL-1α), nitric oxide donor (NONOate), or the combination of TNF + IL-1α + NONOate on the following: (i) secretion of prostaglandin (PG)-F(2α), PGE(2), leukotriene (LT)-B(4), and LTC(4) by epithelial cells of the teat cavity and lactiferous sinus of bovine mammary gland; (ii) messenger RNA (mRNA) transcription of enzymes responsible for arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism (prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 [PTGS2], prostaglandin E synthase [PTGES], prostaglandin F synthase [PGFS], and arachidonate 5-lipooxygenase [ALOX5]); and (iii) proliferation of the cells. The cells were stimulated for 24 h. Prostaglandins and LT were measured by enzyme immunoassay, mRNA transcription of enzymes was determined by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and the cell viability was measured by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide. All factors increased PG secretion, but the highest stimulation was observed after TNF and IL-1α (P < 0.001). Tumor necrosis factor, NONOate, and TNF + IL-1α + NONOate increased LTB(4) production (P < 0.01), whereas LTC(4) was increased by LPS, TNF, and IL-1α (P < 0.01). Lipopolysaccharides, TNF, IL-1α, and the reagents combination increased PTGS2, PTGES, and PGFS mRNA transcription (P < 0.01), whereas ALOX5 mRNA transcription was increased only by TNF (P < 0.001). Lipopolysaccharides, TNF, IL-1α, NONOate, and the combination of reagents increased the cell number (P < 0.001). Mediators of acute-clinical Escherichia coli mastitis locally modulate PG and LT secretion by the epithelial cells of the teat cavity and lactiferous sinus, which might be a useful first line of defense for the bovine mammary gland. Moreover, the modulation of PG and LT secretion and the changing ratio of luteotropic (PGE(2), LTB(4)) to luteolytic (PGF(2α), LTC(4)) metabolites may contribute to disorders in reproductive functions.

mRNA transcription of prostaglandin synthases and their products in the equine endometrium in the course of fibrosis.

Accurate regulation of the reproductive cycle and successful implantation depend on proper functioning of the endometrium. The aim of this study was to determine whether mRNA transcription of specific enzymes responsible for prostaglandin (PG) synthesis (prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase, PTGS-2; prostaglandin F(2α) synthase, PGFS; and prostaglandin E(2) synthases, PGES) and PG concentrations in endometrial extracts would change in moderate (Kenney's Category II) and severe phases of fibrosis (Kenney's Category III; endometrosis), compared with healthy endometrium (Kenney's Category I), during the estrous cycle. Endometrial tissues samples were obtained from mares at the early (n = 12), mid (n = 12) and late (n = 12) luteal phases and the follicular phase (n = 12) of the estrous cycle. Additionally, all endometria were classified microscopically as belonging to Categories I and II or III according to the Kenney classification, resulting in allocation of 4 samples for each subcategory, e.g., mid luteal I, II and III. Relative mRNA transcription was quantified using Real-time PCR. Concentrations of PGE(2) and PGF(2α) in the endometrial extracts were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (EIA). In Category I, PTGS-2 mRNA transcription was upregulated at the mid (P < 0.05) and late luteal phases (P < 0.001) and at the follicular phase (P < 0.05) compared to the early luteal phase. PGFS mRNA transcription as well as PGF(2α) concentrations increased at the mid (P < 0.01) and late (P < 0.05) luteal phases compared to the early luteal phase in Category I. PGES mRNA transcription was higher at the mid (P < 0.01) and late luteal phases (P < 0.05) compared to the early luteal and follicular phases in Category I. Prostaglandin E(2) concentration in Category I was higher at the mid luteal phase (P < 0.01) compared to all other phases of the estrous cycle. During incipient endometrosis (Category II) and under full endometrosis (Category III), PTGS-2, PGFS and PGES mRNA transcription and PG concentration were altered compared to the respective estrous phases in healthy endometria (P < 0.05). It may be concluded that serious changes in mRNA transcription of PG synthases and PG production that occur in the equine endometrium during the course of fibrosis in the estrous cycle could be responsible for disturbances leading to disorders of the estrous cycle and early embryo losses.

Effects of cell storage and passage on basal and oxytocin-regulated prostaglandin secretion by equine endometrial epithelial and stromal cells.

Cell cultures are useful for determining the responses of specific cell types to various factors under controlled conditions and for obtaining a better understanding of in vivo physiologic processes. The aims of the present study were (i) to establish methodologies for isolation, culture and cryopreservation of equine endometrial epithelial and stromal cells; and (ii) to determine the effect of passage and cryopreservation on endometrial cell physiology, based on their basal and oxytocin (OT)-stimulated prostaglandin (PG) release. Epithelial and stromal cells were obtained by enzymatic digestion of equine endometrium collected from Days 2-5 of the estrous cycle (n = 16). Primary epithelial and stromal cells, as well as cryopreserved cells were stimulated with OT (10(-7)m) for 24 h. The concentrations of PGE(2) and PGF(2α) in the culture medium were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (EIA). Oxytocin increased PGE(2) and PGF(2α) release by primary cultures of unfrozen epithelial cells until passage I (P < 0.01) and by the primary culture of unfrozen and cryopreserved/thawed stromal cells until passage IV (P < 0.01). Cryopreserved/thawed stromal cells cultured up to passage IV and unfrozen epithelial cells derived from passage I have physiological properties similar to those observed in primary culture and may be successfully used for in vitro studies of PG secretion.

Estudo comparativo entre os sistemas de umidificação aquoso aquecido e trocador de calor e de umidade na via aérea artificial de pacientes em ventilação mecânica invasiva / Comparative study between heated water humidifiers and hygroscopic heat and moisture exchangers in artificial airways for patients undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation

CONTEXTO: Nos pacientes recebendo suporte ventilatório invasivo através de tubos endotraqueais é essencial o uso de umidificadores. OBJETIVO: avaliar os níveis de temperatura (TºC) e de umidade relativa (UR) do gás administrado ao paciente em ventilação mecânica através da umidificação aquosa aquecida (UAA) e do filtro trocador de calor e de umidade (FTCU). MÉTODO: Este foi um estudo prospectivo, randomizado, onde foram estudados 20 pacientes divididos em dois grupos: um grupo usou a UAA (n=10) e o outro grupo (n=10) usou FTCU Hygrobac "S", marca Mallinckrodt®. As variáveis analisadas foram: níveis de temperatura (T) e umidade relativa (UR) do gás, volume minuto (VM), volume corrente (VC) e volume de condensação. RESULTADOS: Verificou-se que o sistema de umidificação aquosa aquecida atingiu temperaturas mais baixas que o filtro trocador (29,01 ± 1,33 ºC, versus 30,14 ± 1,24 ºC; p<0,001). A umidade relativa foi maior na UAA do que no FTCU (97,45 ± 5,22 por cento, versus 89,87 ± 11.04 por cento, p < 0,021). O volume de condensação do circuito do grupo usando UAA foi maior que o do grupo usando o FTCU (p < 0,05). CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados demonstram que ambos os sistemas, UAA e o FTCU forneceram umidades absolutas abaixo do valor recomendado, sendo que o sistema de UAA ofereceu uma umidade relativa maior, enquanto que o aquecimento do gás com o FTCU obteve um melhor desempenho.

BACKGROUND: In patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation through endotracheal tubes, the use of humidifiers is essential. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate temperature and relative humidity levels in the gas administered to patients undergoing mechanical ventilation by means of heated water humidifiers (HWH) and hygroscopic heat and moisture exchangers (HHME). METHOD: This was a prospective randomized study on 20 patients divided into two groups: one group using HWH (n=10) and the other using the Hygrobac "S" model of HHME, made by Mallinckrodt® (n=10). The variables analyzed were: temperature and relative humidity levels of the gas, minute volume (MV), tidal volume (V T) and condensation volume. RESULTS: It was found that HWH attained lower temperatures than did HHME (29.01 ± 1.33 ºC versus 30.14 ± 1.24 ºC; p<0.001). The relative humidity was higher in HWH than in HHME (97.45 ± 5.22 percent versus 89.87 ± 11.04 percent; p<0.021). The condensation volume in the ventilator circuit for the group using HWH was greater than for the HHME group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate that both systems (HWH and HHME) supplied absolute humidity that was below recommended values, while the HWH offered higher relative humidity. On the other hand, HHME produced better performance regarding gas heating.

Eggplant (Solanum melongena) infusion has a modest and transitory effect on hypercholesterolemic subjects.

Eggplant (Solanum melongena) is consumed extensively in Brazil. It has been believed that infusion of a powdered preparation of the fruit may reduce serum cholesterol. However, there are few documented reports on its effects on cholesterol metabolism and its possible hypocholesterolemic effect has not been proved by well-controlled studies. The aim of the present study was to observe the effects of S. melongena on the serum cholesterol and triglycerides of 38 hypercholesterolemic human volunteers ingesting S. melongena infusion for five weeks. Thirty-eight hypercholesterolemic subjects receiving either S. melongena infusion (N = 19) or placebo (N = 19) participated in two clinical experiments in which the effect of S. melongena infusion was studied with (N = 16) or without (N = 38) dietary orientation. Total cholesterol and its fractions, triglycerides, and apolipoproteins A and B were measured in blood at the beginning of the experiment and three and five weeks thereafter. No differences were observed compared to control. Intraindividual analysis showed that S. melongena infusion significantly reduced the blood levels of total and LDL cholesterol and of apolipoprotein B. After dietary orientation, no intra- or intergroup differences were seen for any of the parameters analyzed. The results suggest that S. melongena infusion had a modest and transitory effect, which was not different from that obtained with standard orientation for dyslipidemia patients (diet and physical activities).

Eggplant (Solanum melongena) infusion has a modest and transitory effect on hypercholesterolemic subjects

Eggplant (Solanum melongena) is consumed extensively in Brazil. It has been believed that infusion of a powdered preparation of the fruit may reduce serum cholesterol. However, there are few documented reports on its effects on cholesterol metabolism and its possible hypocholesterolemic effect has not been proved by well-controlled studies. The aim of the present study was to observe the effects of S. melongena on the serum cholesterol and triglycerides of 38 hypercholesterolemic human volunteers ingesting S. melongena infusion for five weeks. Thirty-eight hypercholesterolemic subjects receiving either S. melongena infusion (N = 19) or placebo (N = 19) participated in two clinical experiments in which the effect of S. melongena infusion was studied with (N = 16) or without (N = 38) dietary orientation. Total cholesterol and its fractions, triglycerides, and apolipoproteins A and B were measured in blood at the beginning of the experiment and three and five weeks thereafter. No differences were observed compared to control. Intraindividual analysis showed that S. melongena infusion significantly reduced the blood levels of total and LDL cholesterol and of apolipoprotein B. After dietary orientation, no intra- or intergroup differences were seen for any of the parameters analyzed. The results suggest that S. melongena infusion had a modest and transitory effect, which was not different from that obtained with standard orientation for dyslipidemia patients (diet and physi