P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy versus dual antiplatelet therapy in patients with acute coronary syndromes undergoing coronary stenting: rationale and design of the NEOMINDSET Trial.

Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is currently the standard of care after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Recent studies suggest that reducing DAPT to 1-3 months followed by an aspirin-free single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) strategy with a potent P2Y12 inhibitor is safe and associated with less bleeding. However, to date, no randomised trial has tested the impact of initiating SAPT immediately after PCI, particularly in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). NEOMINDSET is a multicentre, randomised, open-label trial with a blinded outcome assessment designed to compare SAPT versus DAPT in 3,400 ACS patients undergoing PCI with the latest-generation drug-eluting stents (DES). After successful PCI and up to 4 days following hospital admission, patients are randomised to receive SAPT with a potent P2Y12 inhibitor (ticagrelor or prasugrel) or DAPT (aspirin plus a potent P2Y12 inhibitor) for 12 months. Aspirin is discontinued immediately after randomisation in the SAPT group. The choice between ticagrelor and prasugrel is at the investigator's discretion. The primary hypothesis is that SAPT will be non-inferior to DAPT with respect to the composite endpoint of all-cause mortality, stroke, myocardial infarction or urgent target vessel revascularisation, but superior to DAPT on rates of bleeding defined by Bleeding Academic Research Consortium 2, 3 or 5 criteria. NEOMINDSET is the first study that is specifically designed to test SAPT versus DAPT immediately following PCI with DES in ACS patients. This trial will provide important insights on the efficacy and safety of withdrawing aspirin in the early phase of ACS. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04360720).

Randomized clinical trial with fractional CO2 laser and Clobetasol in the treatment of Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus: a clinic study of feasibility.

OBJECTIVES: The main objective of the study was to describe and compare the feasibility of using fractional CO2 laser to the usual treatment with Clobetasol. Randomized clinical trials brought together 20 women from a Brazilian university hospital, 9 of them were submitted to Clobetasol treatment and 11 to laser therapy. Sociodemographic data were obtained and quality of life parameters, vulvar anatomy, self-perception and histopathological analysis of vulvar biopsies were evaluated. Evaluations were made before the beginning of the treatment, during its implementation, right after its completion (3 months), and 12 months after. The SPSS 14.0 software was used, obtaining descriptive measurements. The level of significance adopted was 5%. RESULTS: The clinical/anatomical characteristics of the vulva did not differ between the treatment groups, as much before as after its performance. There was no statistically significant difference between the treatments performed regarding the impact on the life quality of the patients. A higher satisfaction degree with the treatment was obtained with the patients in the Laser group in the third month of evaluation. Laser therapy also revealed higher occurrence of telangiectasia after treatment completion. Fractional CO2 laser has proven to be well accepted and is a promising therapeutic option. Registration number and name of trial registry The institutional review board status was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of HU/ UFJF under advisory number 2881073 and registered in the Brazilian Clinical Trials, with consent under registration RBR-4p9s5y. Access link: https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-4p9s5y.

Feasibility and Safety of Ipsilateral Ulnar Access in Cases of Impossibility or Failure of Radial Access for Coronary Angiography or Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of using the ulnar access in coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention, in the failure or contraindication of ipsilateral radial access. METHODS: We prospectively evaluated, in a quaternary hospital, patients undergoing coronary angiography or percutaneous coronary intervention by transulnar approach, in case of failure or contraindication to the ipsilateral radial access. RESULTS: Between August 2018 and March 2020, of the 5,916 invasive coronary procedures performed, 2.2% were by transulnar approach. In the 130 patients evaluated, the indication for use of the transulnar approach was predominantly the low-amplitude or difficult to palpate radial pulse when compared to the ulnar artery (39.2%), followed by occlusion of the ipsilateral radial artery (33.1%). Complications of using the transulnar approach were superficial hematoma or low-degree muscle infiltration with extension ≤10 cm, in 6 patients (4.5%), and in 5 cases (3.8%) hematoma >10 cm. There was a case of transient ischemia of the hand due to forearm hematoma, treated conservatively. No cases of arterial thrombosis, pseudoaneurysm, arteriovenous fistula, symptomatic ulnar artery occlusion or ulnar nerve injury were observed after 30-day follow-up. CONCLUSION: The use of ipsilateral transulnar access is a feasible and safe alternative in cases where radial access would be impossible. This access site is associated with a low incidence of complications, which, when present, are most commonly associated with the occurance of spasm after the attempted radial puncture.

Phytobiotics blend as a dietary supplement for Nile tilapia health improvement.

Functional additives of natural origin included as dietary supplements have become an alternative to synthetic antibiotics to improve health and resistance to ecologically correct pathogenic diseases in fish farming. We tested whether incorporating a mixture of phytobiotics such as volatile oils of thyme, red thyme and pepper rosemary into the diet improves growth performance, oxidative stress, immune and hematological responses and resistance of juvenile Nile tilapia when subjected to a challenge with Aeromonas hydrophila compared to a synthetic antibiotic (enrofloxacin). The experimental design was completely randomized with three experimental groups: control diet, diets containing a mixture of thyme phytobiotic essential oils, red thyme and pepper rosemary (FTB) and the synthetic antibiotic enrofloxacin (ATB), with four replicates (14 fish per repetition/experimental unit). Plasma glucose levels, leukocyte respiratory activity, serum lysozyme levels, number of circulating erythrocytes and leukocytes, levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO), catalase (CAT) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity at the end of 20 days of feeding (phase) were evaluated and 24 h after exposure to bacteria (phase II). The supplementation of FTB and ATB did not change the performance parameters, but it was sufficient to increase lysozyme, leukocytes, neutrophils and monocytes after the bacterial challenge, reduction of CAT and LPO activity and the highest GST activity (P < 0.05). The results of the present study suggest that FTB as a dietary supplement has benefits and can replace synthetic ATB, including supplementation with FTB for 20 days to provide greater antioxidant protection in Nile tilapia, mitigate the impacts of stressors and modulate immunity, providing to fish greater resistance and protection against diseases.

Aspirin-Free Prasugrel Monotherapy Following Coronary Artery Stenting in Patients With Stable CAD: The ASET Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the hypothesis that prasugrel monotherapy following successful everolimus-eluting stent implantation is feasible and safe in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD). BACKGROUND: Recent studies have suggested that short dual-antiplatelet therapy strategies may provide an adequate balance between ischemic and bleeding risks. However, the complete omission of aspirin immediately after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has not been tested so far. METHODS: The study was a multicenter, single-arm, open-label trial with a stopping rule based on the occurrence of definite stent thrombosis (if >3, trial enrollment would be terminated). Patients undergoing successful everolimus-eluting stent implantation for stable CAD with SYNTAX (Synergy Between PCI With Taxus and Cardiac Surgery) scores <23 were included. All participants were on standard dual-antiplatelet therapy at the time of index PCI. Aspirin was discontinued on the day of the index procedure but given prior to the procedure; prasugrel was administered in the catheterization laboratory immediately after the successful procedure, and aspirin-free prasugrel became the therapy regimen from that moment. Patients were treated solely with prasugrel for 3 months. The primary ischemic endpoint was the composite of cardiac death, spontaneous target vessel myocardial infarction, or definite stent thrombosis, and the primary bleeding endpoint was Bleeding Academic Research Consortium types 3 and 5 bleeding up to 3 months. RESULTS: From February 22, 2018, to May 7, 2019, 201 patients were enrolled. All patients underwent PCI for stable CAD. Overall, 98.5% of patients were adherent to prasugrel at 3-month follow-up. The primary ischemic and bleeding endpoints occurred in 1 patient (0.5%). No stent thrombosis events occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Aspirin-free prasugrel monotherapy following successful everolimus-eluting stent implantation demonstrated feasibility and safety without any stent thrombosis in selected low-risk patients with stable CAD. These findings may help underpin larger randomized controlled studies to evaluate the aspirin-free strategy compared with traditional dual-antiplatelet therapy following PCI. (Acetyl Salicylic Elimination Trial: The ASET Pilot Study [ASET]; NCT03469856).

Effects of Artemisia annua alcohol extract on physiological and innate immunity of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) to improve health status.

Plants are a potential source of active molecules and are environmentally safer and cheaper than synthetic antibiotics. Bioactive compounds of Artemisia annua have shown pharmacological activities and are used globally as a supplement. The present study tested whether dietary supplementation with alcohol extract of the plant A. annua (ae-Aa; patent BR10201902707) improves the health status of juvenile Nile tilapia and increases resistance to diseases when fish are challenged with the bacteria Aeromonas hydrophila. The experimental design was completely randomized with four experimental groups (0.0, 0.1, 0.25, and 0.5% ae-Aa in the diets) with five repetitions (12 fish per repetition/experimental unit). We assessed serum glucose and cortisol levels in plasma, leukocyte respiratory activity, total plasma protein, serum lysozyme levels, as well as the number of circulating red blood cells and fish leukocytes at the end of the 30 days of feeding (phase I) and 24h after exposure to bacteria (phase II). The levels of lipid peroxidation, catalase activity and glutathione S-transferase of fish were also analyzed. The supplementation of 0.5% of ae-Aa was sufficient to increase the respiratory burst of leukocyte and lysozyme activity, total plasma protein, blood thrombocytes, neutrophils and monocytes after bacterial challenge (P < 0.05), and minimized stress response with decreases in plasmatic glucose and cortisol, and reduction in lipid peroxidation levels (P < 0.05). Results of the present study suggest that ae-Aa as a dietary supplement has benefits, including supplementation with 0.5% A. annua extract for 30 days to minimize the stress response and modulate innate immunity in Nile tilapia, providing fish with greater resistance and disease protection.

The effect of orthodontic separator and short-term fixed orthodontic appliance on inflammatory mediators and somatosensory function.

BACKGROUND: Although inflammation can alter cytokines release and nerve function, it is not yet fully established if orthodontic-induced inflammation can cause significant extraoral trigeminal somatosensory alterations and release of inflammatory chemical mediators. OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of this study was to investigate the impact of orthodontic separator and short-term fixed orthodontic appliance on the extraoral trigeminal somatosensory function and concentrations of cytokines in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF). METHODS: Twenty-two female patients were evaluated as follow: baseline, 24 hour-after elastomeric separator (-aES), 24 hour- and 1 month-after bonding brackets (-aBB) at both arches. The outcome variables were as follows: self-reported pain (Visual Analog Scale), QSTs (current perception threshold-CPT, cold detection threshold-CDT, warm detection threshold-WDT, mechanical detection threshold-MDT, mechanical suprathreshold-MST and wind-up ratio-WUR. All QSTs were performed at infra-orbital and mental nerve entry zone at patient`s dominant side. In addition, GCF samples in order to assess cytokines profile (IL-1ß,IL-8,IL-6 and TNF-α) were collected. ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc analyses were performed (a = 5%). RESULTS: Patients reported higher pain intensity 24 hour-aBB compared to baseline and 24 hour-aES (P < 0.050). Patients were less sensitive to pin-prick pain (MST) at 24 hour-aBB and 1 month-aBB compared to baseline (P < 0.006). Significant increases in IL-6 levels were observed 24 hour-aBB (P < 0.001). Multiple comparison analysis showed significant increase in IL-1ß levels (P < 0.001) and TNF-α (P < 0.001) 1 month-aBB compared to baseline. CONCLUSION: Elastomeric separators only induced mild pain and were not able to significantly increase proinflammatory cytokines level in the GCF. In addition, orthodontic fixed appliance may induce only minor somatosensory changes at extraoral trigeminal locations.

Somatosensory, inflammatory and pain evaluation during orthodontic treatment / Avaliação das alterações dolorosas, inflamatórias e somatossensoriais em pacientes durante tratamento ortodôntico

Experimental tooth movement has been shown to induce inflammation and release of chemical mediators. Inflammation can also alter nerve function that can be measured with Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST). Various authors have studied orthodontic pain and the different factors that modify it. But, to our knowledge none studied a possible individual endogenous analgesia effect on orthodontic induced-pain. The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of orthodontic separator and short-term fixed orthodontic appliance on the somatosensory function and gingival cervicular fluid (GCF) levels of IL-1ß, IL-8, IL-6 and TNF-α. Thirty patients were evaluated as follow: baseline, 24h-after elastomeric separator (24h-aES), 24h and 1 month after bonding the fixed appliance (aBFA) at maxillary and mandibular arch. The outcome variables were: self-reported pain, QSTs (current perception threshold, cold detection threshold, warm detection threshold, mechanical detection threshold, mechanical supra threshold and wind-up ratio, CPM and sample from the GCF in order to assess cytokines profile (IL-1ß, IL-8, IL-6 and TNF-α). ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc analyses were performed (a = 5%). The participants were divided in two groups: G1) RESPONDERS (more than 10% decrease in WUR); G2) NON-RESPONDERS (not show more than 10% decrease in WUR). T-test for independent sample was performed. A Bonferroni correction lowered the significance level to 0.1% (p = 0.001) as the cut-off point to establish the statistical significance for the mean difference between CPM responders and non-responders. Patients were less sensitive to pin prick pain (MST) at 24h (p<0.020) and 1month-aBFA (p<0.002) when compared to baseline. Significant increases in IL-6 levels were observed 24h-aBFA (p<0.023) and in IL-1ß (p<0.001) and TNF-α (p<0.026) levels at 1 month-aBFA when compared to baseline values (p<0.023). There was no significant difference in somatosensory function, pain report and GCF cytokines when compared between G1 and G2. In conclusion, orthodontic-induced inflammation may have a modality specific effect on somatosensory function of the trigeminal system. In addition, elastic separators seem not an ideal model to study possible inflammatory changes following orthodontic tooth movement. Moreover, CPM efficiency may not significantly influence somatosensory function, pain intensity or released of inflammatory cytokines following orthodontic tooth movement up to 1 month. However, remained to be confirmed and further investigations are required in intraoral somatosensory assessment.(AU)

O movimento dentário experimental demonstrou induzir inflamação e liberação de mediadores químicos. A inflamação também pode alterar a função nervosa que pode ser medida através de testes quantitativos sensoriais (QST). Vários autores estudaram a dor ortodôntica e os diferentes fatores que a modificam. Mas, ao nosso conhecimento, não há estudos avaliando o efeito da analgesia endógena individual na dor induzida por ortodontia. O objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar o impacto do separador ortodôntico e do aparelho ortodôntico fixo de curta duração na função somatossensorial e nos níveis do fluido cervical gengival (GCF) de IL-1ß, IL-8, IL-6 e TNF-α. Trinta pacientes foram avaliados da seguinte forma: valores basais, 24 horas após separador elástico (24h- AES), 24h e 1 mês após a ligação do aparelho fixo (aBFA) no arco maxilar e mandibular. As variáveis avaliadas foram: dor, QSTs (limiar de percepção elétrica, limiar de detecção ao frio, limiar de detecção ao quente, limiar de detecção mecânica, supralimiar mecânico e razão de somação temporal, CPM e amostra do GCF para avaliar perfil das citocinas ( IL-1ß, IL-8, IL-6 e TNF-α). A ANOVA e as análises post hoc de Tukey foram realizadas (a = 5%). Os participantes foram divididos em dois grupos: G1) CPM-RESPONDENTES (diminuição de mais de 10% em WUR); G2) CPM-NÃO RESPONDENTES (não mostra mais de 10% de diminuição na WUR). Foi realizado teste T para amostra independente. Uma correção de Bonferroni reduziu o nível de significância para 0,1% (p = 0,001) como ponto de corte para estabelecer a significância estatística para a diferença média entre G1 o G2. Os pacientes eram menos sensíveis à dor de pin (MST) às 24h (p <0,020) e 1 mês-aBFA (p <0,002) quando comparado à linha de base. Observaram-se aumentos significativos nos níveis de IL-6 níveis 24h-aBFA (p <0,023) e nos níveis de IL-1ß (p <0,001) e TNF-α (p <0,026) em 1 mês-aBFA quando comparados aos valores basais (p < 0,023). Não houve diferença significativa na função somatossensorial, no relatório da dor e citocinas do FCG quando comparadas entre G1 e G2. Em conclusão, a inflamação induzida por ortodontia pode ter um efeito de modalidade específico na função somatossensorial do sistema trigeminal. Além disso, os separadores elásticos não parecem ser um modelo ideal para estudar possíveis alterações inflamatórias após o movimento dentário ortodôntico. Além disso, a eficiência de CPM pode não influenciar significativamente a função somatossensorial, intensidade da dor ou liberação de citocinas inflamatórias após o movimento dentário ortodôntico até 1 mês. No entanto, outras investigações são necessárias na avaliação somatossensorial intraoral.(AU)

Morphophysiological characterization of rhizobia isolated from wild genotypes of the common bean / Caracterização morfofisiológica de rizóbios isolados de genótipos silvestres de feijoeiro-comum

This study aimed to characterize, based on the morphology and on the use of carbon sources, rhizobial isolates obtained from nodules of wild common bean genotypes cultivated on soil samples from the states of Goiás, Minas Gerais and Paraná. Based on morphological and carbon source use, similarity matrixes were generated to perform clustering analysis based on the Jaccard index. A total of 523 isolates were obtained with the predominance of isolates that acidify the culture medium and showed fast growth. Isolates from the soils of Araucária and Prudentópolis produced a greater amount of mucus than those from Jussara, Nova Veneza, Uberlândia and Unaí soils. The rhizobia isolates obtained from soils of Goiás and Minas Gerais showed greater phenotypic diversity than those from the soils of Paraná. Analysis based on the use of different carbon sources revealed that rhizobia isolates obtained from soils of Goiás have higher metabolic diversity. Overall, the most part of isolates grouped with the reference strains, especially with the Rhizobium tropici and R. freirei strains used as inoculants for the common bean.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar, com base em características morfológicas e quanto ao uso de fontes de C, isolados de rizóbio obtidos de genótipos silvestres de feijoeiro-comum cultivados em amostras de solo dos Estados de Goiás, Minas Gerais e Paraná. A partir das informações foram geradas matrizes de similaridade, usadas para análise de agrupamento por dendrogramas de similaridade, com base no coeficiente de Jaccard. Foram obtidos 523 isolados com predominância de isolados que acidificaram o meio de cultivo e de crescimento rápido, sendo que os provenientes de solos de Araucária e Prudentópolis produziram maior quantidade de muco que os de Jussara, Nova Veneza, Uberlândia e Unaí. Os isolados de rizóbios obtidos de solos do estado de Goiás e Minas Gerais apresentaram maior diversidade fenotípica do que aqueles oriundos de solos do Paraná. A análise de uso de fontes de C revelou que os isolados de rizóbios obtidos de solos do estado de Goiás apresentaram maior diversidade metabólica. De forma geral, a maior parte dos isolados agrupou com as estirpes-padrão, especialmente com as estirpes de Rhizobium tropici e R. freirei usadas como inoculante do feijoeiro-comum.

Effects of Dietary Exposure to Sulfamethazine on the Hematological Parameters and Hepatic Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

Sulfamethazine (SMZ) is one of the most commonly used sulfonamide compounds in fish farming, and its physiological effects on fish are unknown. SMZ was administered to juvenile Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) at a dose level of 422 mg kg(-1) body weight, for a period of 11 days, via medicated feed. Fish were divided into two groups, the control group (CG) and the group fed with SMZ in feed. The administration of SMZ did not alter the erythrograms and leukograms of the Nile tilapia. The SMZ-fed group showed the same hepatic lipid peroxidation (LPO) concentration as the CG. Nonetheless, the oral administration of SMZ raised the hepatic catalase (CAT) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities, the increase probably being sufficient to prevent hepatic LPO production. The oral administration of SMZ affects the hepatic GST and CAT activities of Nile tilapia.

Is aerobic exercise useful to manage chronic pain? / Exercício aeróbico ajuda no tratamento da dor crônica?

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Several studies have shown the importance of biopsychosocial strategies, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies, to decrease pain in orofacial pain patients. The involvement of pain modulation during aerobic exercise contributes to the use of such modality as part of rehabilitation programs for chronic pain patients. Studies have shown that aerobic exercise may increase the level of several neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine, acetylcholine and norepinephrine. The reality is that it activates endocannabinoid and endogenous opioid systems, involved in pain modulation. The effect of physical activity on pain perception is often called exercise-induced hypoalgesia. This study aimed at discussing the use of exercise-induced hypoalgesia as part of chronic pain management, including orofacial pain. CONTENTS: Comprehensive search on Pubmed, Medline, Web of Science and Scopus databases was carried out using the keywords: physical exercise, aerobic exercise, exercise-induced hypoalgesia, exercise-induced analgesia and orofacial pain/chronic orofacial pain. CONCLUSION: Exercise does not need to be of high-intensity to have an effect on pain management. Although there is evidence that some chronic pain patients may have the capacity to exercise at intensities and durations that appear to be required to elicit exercise-induced hypoalgesia in healthy subjects, the exercise tolerance of other unhealthy populations requires study. Additional research is needed to clarify and expand the understanding of the mechanisms responsible for exercise-induced hypoalgesia and how it can be used in chronic pain conditions such as chronic orofacial pain.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Vários estudos têm demonstrado a importância de utilização de estratégias biopsicossociais, incluindo terapias farmacológicas e não farmacológicas, para reduzir a dor em pacientes com dor orofacial. O envolvimento da modulação da dor durante o exercício aeróbico contribui para o uso dessa modalidade como parte de programas de reabilitação para pacientes com dor crônica. Estudos demonstram que o exercício aeróbico pode aumentar o nível de vários neurotransmissores tais como serotonina, dopamina, acetilcolina e norepinefrina. A realidade é que ele ativa os sistemas endocanabinóide e opioide endógeno, envolvidos no sistema de modulação de dor. O efeito da atividade física na percepção da dor é comumente denominado hipoalgesia induzida por exercício. O objetivo deste estudo foi discutir o uso do fenômeno da hipoalgesia induzida por exercício como parte do tratamento da dor crônica, incluindo a dor orofacial. CONTEÚDO: Pesquisas abrangentes na base de dados Pubmed, Medline, Web of Science e Scopus foram realizadas utilizando as palavras-chave: exercício físico, exercício aeróbico, hipoalgesia induzida por exercício, analgesia induzida por exercício e dor orofacial/dor orofacial crônica. CONCLUSÃO: O exercício não precisa ser de alta intensidade para se obter efeito sobre o controle da dor. Embora alguns estudos comprovem que alguns pacientes com dor crônica tem a capacidade de se exercitarem em intensidades e durações de exercício que induzem a hipoalgesia induzida por exercício, a tolerância ao exercício e seus efeitos em populações de pacientes crônicos ainda exigem mais estudos e investigações para esclarecer e ampliar a compreensão do mecanismo da hipoalgesia induzida por exercício.

Emotional reactivity to social stimuli in patients with eating disorders.

Patients with eating disorders often display a wide range of difficulties in psychosocial functioning. Most of the studies on this subject have focused on theory of mind; however, little is known about the subjective emotional reactivity of patients to social situations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the patients' perceptions of their own emotions when viewing pictures with social content. Emotional reactivity was assessed in 85 women (29 with anorexia nervosa, 28 with bulimia nervosa, and 28 healthy controls) by using 30 images from the International Affective Picture System. Images were divided into categories based on its social content and its emotional valence. The emotional response was evaluated through the Self-Assessment Manikin. Patients with bulimia nervosa presented higher arousal and lower control when viewing images with social content of pleasant, unpleasant, and neutral valence. Patients with anorexia nervosa reported higher arousal and lower control only for social images with neutral valence. There were no differences between groups for the control images. The finding of specific differences in emotional reactivity to pictures with social content contributes to a more accurate understanding of the difficulties of patients in social situations.

Hematological and morphometric blood value of four cultured species of economically important tropical foodfish

The use and validation of fish health monitoring tools have become increasingly evident due to aquaculture expansion. This study investigated the hematology and blood morphometrics of Piaractus mesopotamicus, Brycon orbignyanus, Oreochromis niloticus and Rhamdia quelen. The fish were kept for 30 days in 300-liter aquariums, after which they were anesthetized with benzocaine and blood was collected from caudal vessels. In comparison to other species, B. orbignyanus presented the highest hematocrit (Ht), RBC averages and Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) with a particular range of data. B. orbignyanus presented lower Ht, Hb, RBC averages and values, and Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC). Oreochromis niloticus presented lower Ht, Hb, RBC averages and values, and Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC). Rhamdia quelen and O. niloticus presented higher variation of White Blood Cells (WBC), neutrophils (Nf), lymphocytes (Lf), monocytes (Mf) and thrombocytes (Trb). Data of large axes (LA), minor axes (MA), surface (SF) and volume (VL) are in the same variance range. This study has demonstrated that hematological variances can occur between animals of different species as well as of the same species.

O uso e validação de ferramentas para monitorar o estado de saúde dos peixes está se tornando mais evidente, devido à expansão da aquicultura. Este estudo investigou a hematologia e a morfometria do sangue de Piaractus mesopotamicus, Brycon orbignyanus, Oreochromis niloticus e Rhamdia quelen. Os peixes foram mantidos por 30 dias em aquários de 300 litros, após esse período os peixes foram anestesiados com benzocaína e o sangue coletado por punção caudal. Em comparação com outras espécies B. orbignyanus apresentou maiores médias de hematócrito (Ht), eritrócitos (Eri) e volume corpuscular médio (VCM) com um determinado intervalo de dados. Oreochromis niloticus apresentou menor média e valor de Ht, Hb, eritrócitos e concentração de hemoglobina corpuscular média (CHCM). Rhamdia quelen e O. niloticus apresentaram maior variedade de leucócitos (Leu), neutrófilos (Nf), linfócitos (Lf), monócitos (Mf) e de trombócitos (Trb). Dados de eixos maiores (EMA), eixos menores (EME), superfície (SF) e volume (VL) estão no mesmo intervalo de variação. Este estudo demonstrou que as variações hematológicas não ocorrem somente entre os animais de diferentes espécies, mas também entre os indivíduos da mesma espécie.

A utilização da progesterona natural micronizada em gestações gemelares na prevenção do trabalho de parto prematuro / Use of natural micronized progesterone in the prevention of preterm labor in twin pregnancies

Com o objetivo de determinar a eficácia da progesterona natural micronizada em gestações gemelares para a profilaxia do trabalho de parto prematuro, foi avaliada uma coorte histórica de 43 mulheres com gestações gemelares. As gestantes foram divididas em dois grupos: usuárias da progesterona (Grupo 1) e não usuárias da progesterona (Grupo 2). O medicamento foi administrado na dosagem de 200 mcg por via vaginal, a partir de 20 semanas de gestação. Das 43 gestações estudadas, 20 foram tratadas com a progesterona. Não houve associação entre uso da progesterona e época do parto, de forma que o uso da progesterona natural micronizada não impediu o parto prematuro (p = 0,87). Portanto, a progesterona natural micronizada não reduziu a frequência do trabalho de parto prematuro em gestações gemelares...

A historical cohort of 43 women with twin pregnancies were assessed to determine the effectiveness of natural micronized progesterone in twin pregnancies for the prophylaxis of preterm labor. The women were divided into two groups: progesterone users (Group 1) and non-users of progesterone (Group 2). The drug was administered at a dose of 200 mcg vaginally, from 20 weeks of gestation. Of the 43 pregnancies studied, 20 were treated with progesterone. There was no association between use of progesterone and delivery time, so that the use of natural micronized progesterone did not prevent preterm birth (p = 0.87). Therefore, natural micronized progesterone did not reduce the frequency of preterm birth in twin pregnancies...

Neuropatia pós-implante / Post-implant neuropathy

Atualmente, a utilização de implantes dentários tem sido considerada o padrão-ouro para reabilitação de arcos parcial ou totalmente edêntulos. Devido aos recursos avançados de exame por imagem, principalmente da tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico, esses procedimentos apresentam altas taxas de sucesso; no entanto, algumas complicações trans- e pós-cirúrgicas ainda são passíveis de ocorrer, sendo uma delas a neuropatia pós-implante. A neuropatia pós-implante se trata de uma neuropatia traumática orofacial secundária a traumas diretos ou indiretos aos nervos da face, sendo os nervos alveolar inferior e lingual os mais acometidos. Essa condição pode apresentar diferentes formas clínicas, sendo elas a anestesia, parestesia, hipoestesia, hiperestesia e/ou disestesia. Por se tratar de uma complicação pouco frequente, porém de alto impacto social para o paciente e de difícil diagnóstico e tratamento, o presente artigo tem como objetivo, por meio de uma revisão de literatura dos estudos mais relevantes na área, esclarecer o que é a neuropatia pós-implante, como ela pode ser desencadeada, bem como as melhores formas de diagnóstico e tratamento.

Nowadays, the use of dental implants in partial or total edentulous arch is considered the gold standard in oral rehabilitation. This procedure has high success rates mainly due to the advanced features of radiograph exams like the cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT). However, some intra- and post-operative complication may occur. One of the possible complications is post implant neuropathy (PIN). PIN is a traumatic trigeminal neuropathy that can be due to direct or indirect nerve trauma. The most affected nerves are inferior alveolar nerve and lingual nerve. This condition can be clinically reported as anesthesia, paresthesia, hypoesthesia, hyperesthesia and/or dysesthesia. PIN is not a frequent condition but has a major impact on everyday social life and it is a very difficult pathology to diagnose and to treat. Based on that, the aim of this article is to review the most relevant studies in the field and to clarify what is PIN and what are the possible causes of it. As well as identify the best diagnostic and treatment approach.

Clinical, tomographic aspects and relevance of torus palatinus: case report of two sisters.

Despite the nomenclature suggested to be a tumor, torus palatinus (TP) is an overgrowth of the bone in the palatal region and represents an anatomic variation. Its prevalence varies among the population studied and its etiology is still unclear; however, it seems to be a multifactorial disorder with genetics and environmental involvement. Surgical removal of the TP is indicated in the following circumstances: (1) deglutition and speech impairment, (2) cancer phobia, (3) traumatized mucosa over the torus, and (4) prosthetic reasons. The aim of this case report is describe cases that occurred in two sisters, emphasizing the genetic etiology of this anatomic variation. In addition, intra-oral exam and computed tomography scan (axial, coronal and sagittal view) provided a detailed assessment of the TP and elimination of other possible diagnoses, furthermore allowed a better analyzes of the anatomic relation with adjacentes structures. No surgical removal was indicated for both cases.

Theory of mind and central coherence in eating disorders: two sides of the same coin?

The aim of this study was to evaluate central coherence and theory of mind (ToM) and explore the relationships between these domains in patients with eating disorders (ED). ToM and central coherence were assessed in 72 women [24 with anorexia nervosa (AN), 24 with bulimia nervosa (BN) and 24 healthy controls (HC)]. The Reading the Mind in the Eyes (RME) and the Faux Pas Test (FPT) to measure ToM, and the copy strategy of the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test to assess central coherence were used. It was observed that patients with ED had a decrease in central coherence skills compared with the control group; that patients with anorexia had a poor performance on RME ToM task compared with BN patients and HCs, and also that these measures were related in both clinical groups. The statistically significant correlation between them suggests that the central coherence and ToM measures might involve common cognitive processes. These results provide a better understanding of the nature of the socio-cognitive deficits observed in patients with eating disorders.

Theory of mind in eating disorders and their relationship to clinical profile.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess cognitive and affective theory of mind (ToM) in patients with eating disorders and to explore its relationship with the clinical and psychopathological profile. METHOD: Theory of mind was assessed in 65 women, consisting of 22 with anorexia nervosa (AN), 19 with bulimia nervosa (BN), and 24 healthy controls (HC), using the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test and the Faux Pas Test. These tasks evaluate affective and cognitive ToM, respectively. We also examined the correlations between performance on ToM tasks and the clinical psychopathological profile, which was extensively evaluated through self-report instruments and clinical interviews. RESULTS: Patients with AN had poorer performance than BN patients and HCs had in the affective ToM task, particularly in recognizing negative emotions and emotions in male eyes. Moreover, this deficit showed no correlation with the psychopathological profile. Performance in the BN group was equivalent to that of HCs in both tasks. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, patients with AN showed an impairment in affective ToM, independent of their clinical status. Consistent with other studies, our findings demonstrate a specific difficulty in social cognition in patients with AN. This may be a trait marker in this population and should be considered in treatment. Furthermore, patients with AN and BN have different difficulty profiles in this domain of social cognition.

Genetic background determines inflammatory angiogenesis response to dipyridamole in mice.

Inflammation and angiogenesis, key components of fibrovascular tissue growth, exhibit considerable variability among species and strains. We investigated whether the response of inbred and outbred mice strains to dipyridamole (DP) on these processes would present similar variability. The effects of the drug on blood vessel formation, inflammatory cell recruitment, collagen deposition and cytokine production were determined on the fibroproliferative tissue induced by sponge implants in Swiss and Balb/c mice. Angiogenesis as assessed by hemoglobin (Hb) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) concentrations differed between the strains. Swiss implants had the highest Hb content but the lowest VEGF concentrations. Systemic DP treatment exerted an antiangiogenic effect on Balb/c implants but an proangiogenic effect on Swiss implants. The inflammatory enzyme activities myeloperoxidase (six-fold higher in Balb/c implants) and N-acetyl-ß-D-glucosaminidase were reduced by the treatment in Balb/c implants only. Nitrite concentrations were also higher in Balb/c implants by 40% after DP treatment. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels were similar in the implants of both strains and were not reduced by DP. Transforming growth factor ß-1 levels and collagen deposition also varied between the strains. The inbred strain had similar levels of the cytokine but implants of Swiss mice presented more collagen. DP treatment reduced collagen deposition in Balb/c implants only. Our data showing the influence of the genetic background on marked heterogeneity of inflammatory angiogenesis components and differential sensitivity to DP may provide some answers to clinical evidence for resistance to angiogenic therapy.

Antioxidant defenses and biochemical changes in the neotropical fish pacu, Piaractus mesopotamicus: responses to single and combined copper and hypercarbia exposure.

This study investigated the potentially detrimental effects of copper and elevated aquatic CO(2) (hypercarbia), alone or in combination, on pacu, Piaractus mesopotamicus. Fish were exposed for 48 h to control (no copper addition in normocarbia), to 400 µg Cu(2+)L(-1), to hypercarbic (1% CO(2); PCO(2) = 6.9 mm Hg) water and to 400 µg Cu(2+)L(-1) + hypercarbia. In liver the single factors caused an increase in lipid hydroperoxide concentration that was not observed when the factors were combined. Copper exposure elicited increased hepatic superoxide dismutase activity, irrespective of aquatic CO(2) level. On the other hand, the effects of copper on hepatic glutathione peroxidase activity were dependent on water CO(2) levels. The two stressors combined did not affect hepatic catalase activity. Hypercarbic water caused a decline in plasma glucose concentration, but this was not observed when hypercarbia was combined with copper exposure. Copper caused a decrease in branchial Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity that was independent of water CO(2) level. Copper caused an increase in branchial metallothionein concentration that was independent of water CO(2) level. Thus, branchial metallothionein and Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase were effective biomarkers of copper exposure that were not affected by water CO(2) level.