P16 as a marker of carcinoma in effusions and peritoneal washing.

BACKGROUND: Considering the potential of p16 as a marker for diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic response, the aim of this study was to assess its presence, via immunocytochemistry, in metastatic carcinoma of different primary sites and histological types obtained from effusions and peritoneal washings. A total of 118 samples including 85 of metastatic carcinoma and 33 samples of benign effusion/peritoneal washing were prepared by the plasma/thromboplastin method. Immunocytochemistry reactions were performed on cell block sections using antibodies against p16, claudin-4, MOC-31, calretinin, HBME and CD68. RESULTS: P16 overexpression was observed in 88.23% of all carcinoma samples. All cervix adenocarcinoma samples showed p16 overexpression. Overexpression in adenocarcinomas of ovary, lung and breast was observed in 93.75, 93.10 and 75% of the samples, respectively. Overexpression was observed in all different histological types analyzed: small cell carcinoma (lung), squamous cell carcinoma (cervical) and urothelial carcinoma (bladder). The specificity of p16 for carcinoma detection was of 96.96%. CONCLUSION: Overexpression of p16 was observed in most metastatic carcinoma, from different primary sites and histological types, obtained from effusions and peritoneal washings. Due to its high frequency of overexpression in metastatic carcinoma, p16 may play a possible role in tumor progression and it may be considered as a complementary diagnostic marker depending on histological type and primary site of carcinoma.

Electrical stimulation structurally affects the tissues of the rectum and anus of nulliparous rats.

Considering that the muscles of the anus perform a critical role in maintaining continence, losses in their structure can negatively affect the physiological control of the intestinal contents. Anorectal electro-stimulation (ARES) has been reported to have a positive effect on the functionality of treated patients, but how ARES affects the structural tissues of the anorectal segment remains unknown. Because the study of how ARES structurally affects human tissues is not possible, this study aimed to clarify these effects in a murine model, which has a similar anorectal segment (structure and physiology) to humans. For the descriptive and comparative study, randomly selected nulliparous adult Wistar rats (n = 5) were submitted to 30 anorectal sessions of ARES with a biphasic current (700 µs, 50 Hz from 2 to 4 mA). After treatment, the animals were euthanized, and the anorectal segments were dissected and processed for histopathological analysis. Our results showed that ARES increased the widths of the mucosal, submucosal and muscle layers of the rectum, as well as the number of leukocytes in the mucosa. ARES also caused hyperplasia of the smooth muscle of the internal anal sphincter and hypertrophy of the external anal sphincter muscle. In conclusion, our results showed that ARES had not only a positive effect on the structure (morphology) of all tissues associated with the rectum and anus but, more importantly, on the structural gain of the muscles (hyperplasia and hypertrophy), which could point to a functional gain of the anal sphincter, reinforcing the applicability of ARES as a non-invasive treatment for anal incontinence.

Effect of piplartine and cinnamides on Leishmania amazonensis, Plasmodium falciparum and on peritoneal cells of Swiss mice.

CONTEXT: Plants of the Piperaceae family produce piplartine that was used to synthesize the cinnamides. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of piplartine (1) and cinnamides (2-5) against the protozoa responsible for malaria and leishmaniasis, and peritoneal cells of Swiss mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cultures of Leishmania amazonensis, Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes, and peritoneal cells were incubated, in triplicate, with different concentrations of the compounds (0 to 256 µg/mL). The inhibitory concentration (IC50) in L. amazonensis and cytotoxic concentration (CC50) in peritoneal cell were assessed by the MTT method after 6 h of incubation, while the IC50 for P. falciparum-infected erythrocytes was determined by optical microscopy after 48 or 72 h of incubation; the Selectivity Index (SI) was calculated by CC50/IC50. RESULTS: All compounds inhibited the growth of microorganisms, being more effective against P. falciparum after 72 h of incubation, especially for the compounds 1 (IC50 = 3.2 µg/mL) and 5 (IC50 = 6.6 µg/mL), than to L. amazonensis (compound 1 = 179.0 µg/mL; compound 5 = 106.0 µg/mL). Despite all compounds reducing the viability of peritoneal cells, the SI were <10 to L. amazonensis, whereas in the cultures of P. falciparum the SI >10 for the piplartine (>37.4) and cinnamides 4 (>10.7) and 5 (= 38.4). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The potential of piplartine and cinnamides 4 and 5 in the treatment of malaria suggest further pre-clinical studies to evaluate their effects in murine malaria and to determine their mechanisms in cells of the immune system.

ACW-02 an Acridine Triazolidine Derivative Presents Antileishmanial Activity Mediated by DNA Interaction and Immunomodulation.

The present study proposed the synthesis of a novel acridine derivative not yet described in the literature, chemical characterization by NMR, MS, and IR, followed by investigations of its antileishmanial potential. In vitro assays were performed to assess its antileishmanial activity against L. amazonensis strains and cytotoxicity against macrophages through MTT assay and annexin V-FITC/PI, and the ability to perform an immunomodulatory action using CBA. To investigate possible molecular targets, its interaction with DNA in vitro and in silico targets were evaluated. As results, the compound showed good antileishmanial activity, with IC50 of 6.57 (amastigotes) and 94.97 (promastigotes) µg mL-1, associated with non-cytotoxicity to macrophages (CC50 > 256.00 µg mL-1). When assessed by flow cytometry, 99.8% of macrophages remained viable. The compound induced an antileishmanial effect in infected macrophages and altered TNF-α, IL-10 and IL-6 expression, suggesting a slight immunomodulatory activity. DNA assay showed an interaction with the minor grooves due to the hyperchromic effect of 47.53% and Kb 1.17 × 106 M-1, and was sustained by docking studies. Molecular dynamics simulations and MM-PBSA calculations propose cysteine protease B as a possible target. Therefore, this study demonstrates that the new compound is a promising molecule and contributes as a model for future works.

Methodological Approaches for Vocal Folds Experiments in Laryngology: A Scoping Review.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe the methodological approaches adopted in experimental researches in laryngology intervention studies. METHODS: The study was performed as a scoping review using the electronic databases Medline (PubMed), Web of Science, Embase, BioMed Central and SCOPUS. These databases were manually searched from 1995 (or its inception) until the most recently published articles in June 2022. The inclusion criteria were as follows: a) studies performed with animal models in voice and/or larynx therapy, intervention and/or surgery; b) studies with participant populations composed with animals; c) studies containing original research; d) studies performed with at least one objective measurement for treatment and or intervention; e) studies reporting at least one method of larynx intervention; and f) publications written in English, Spanish or Portuguese. The exclusion criteria were as follows: a) studies considering without any objective intervention and or treatment; b) studies without animal models; and c) studies that reviewed articles or books. These criteria were set to increase inter-study comparability. RESULTS: There were found 26 studies that showed that in experimental laryngology. There were retrieved four main characteristics in the retrieved studies. It was observed five major groups of experimental models used for assessing vocal folds: dog (38.5%), rat/mouse (23,1%), pig (23.1%), rabbit (19.2%), human (11.5%), and sheep (3.8%). In addition, three characteristics were observed: sample (up to 20 subjects 88.5%), type of surgery/intervention (100%) and duration (up to 30 days 61.5%). CONCLUSION: In experimental laryngology, the state of the art is grounded on mainly in dog, rat and pig in vocal folds assessment. Up to 20 subjects, surgery/intervention and experimental trial lasting no more than 30 days are frequent methodological approaches in this research field.

Etiopathogenic features of severe epistaxis in histological samples from individuals with or without arterial hypertension.

There is a consensus that arterial hypertension (AH) is associated with stroke. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the histology of the microvasculature associated with the mucosa of the posterior nasal cavity to identify possible factors related to vascular weakening and rupture. Histological sections were obtained from hypertensive and normotensive individuals, regardless of epistaxis. Our results showed that the group with AH had: (a) smaller median diameter of the lumen of arteries and arterioles; (b) increased thickness of the intimal arteries and arterioles, slight inflammatory infiltrate, and rupture of internal elastic lamina; (c) greater thickness of the middle tunica in arterioles; (d) lower percentage of histological sections with non-injured intimal layers in capillaries, arterioles, and small arteries; (e) lower percentage of histological sections with intact media tunic and/or myocytes juxtaposed in arteries and arterioles; (f) no difference between the diameters of small arteries or arterioles. The intima was thicker in individuals with severe epistaxis than in the normotensive group, but it did not differ from the AH group. Thus, hypertension may cause structural lesions in the vascular layers, and in the absence of tissue repair and the persistence of AH, these lesions may favour vascular rupture, especially during hypertensive peaks.

Perspectives on the Therapeutic Effects of Pelvic Floor Electrical Stimulation: A Systematic Review.

Pelvic, perineal, and nervous lesions, which derive principally from pregnancy and childbirth, may lead to pelvic floor dysfunctions, such as organ prolapses and lesions in the nerves and muscles due to muscle expansion and physiology. It is estimated that 70% of women affected by this clinical picture have symptoms that do not respond to the classical treatments with antimuscarinic and anticholinergic drugs. Therefore, resorting to efficient alternatives and less invasive methods is necessary to assist this public health problem that predominantly affects the female population, which is more susceptible to the risk factors. This study aimed to perform an updated and comprehensive literature review focused on the effects of pelvic floor electrical stimulation, considering new perspectives such as a correlation between electric current and site of intervention and other molecular aspects, different from the present reviews that predominantly evaluate urodynamic aspects. For that purpose, PubMed and ScienceDirect databases were used to perform the search, and the Methodi ordinatio method was applied. With well-researched therapeutic effects, electrical stimulation induced promising results in histological, nervous, and molecular evaluations and spinal processes, which showed beneficial results and revealed new perspectives on ways to evoke responses in the lower urinary tract in a non-invasive way. Thus, it is possible to conclude that this type of intervention may be a non-invasive alternative to treat pelvic and perineal dysfunctions.

Melatonin prevents age-related hearing loss in the murin experimental model.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to perform a morphological and morphometric analysis of cochlear structures of C57BL/6J mice receiving oral melatonin for a 12-month period. METHODS: 32 male C57BL/6J were divided into control and melatonin groups. Control received saline and ethanol solution and melatonin group, 50 µL of 10 mg of melatonin/kg/day orally for a 12-month period. After de experiment the animals were sacrificed into a 40% concentration of CO2 chamber, and the blades were morphological and morphometrically analyzed. RESULTS: The melatonin group revealed a higher median density of viable cells (45 ±â€¯10.28 cells/100 µm2, 31-73, vs. 32 ±â€¯7.47 cells/100 µm2, 25-48). The median area of stria vascularis was 55.0 ±â€¯12.27 cells/100 µm2 (38-80) in the control, and 59.0 ±â€¯16.13 cells/100 µm2 (40-134) in the melatonin group. The morphometric analysis of the spiral ligament reveals a higher median of total viable neurons in the melatonin (41 ±â€¯7.47 cells/100 µm2, 27-60) than in the control group (31 ±â€¯5.68 cells/100 µm2, 21-44). CONCLUSION: Although melatonin is a potent antioxidant, it does not completely neutralize the occurrence of presbycusis; however, it may delay the onset of this condition.

Morbidity in the postoperative follow-up of endoscopic anterior skull base surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic access to the sellar region by videoendoscopy shows a low rate of surgical complications, with findings that indicate risk factors for reducing morbidities during and after the postoperative period. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate, over a nine-year period, the acquisition of skills by the anterior skull base surgical team, according to the time of elimination of nasal crusts and/or the presence of morbidities in the postoperative follow-up of individuals treated in a tertiary public hospital. METHODS: After confirming the diagnosis of skull base pathologies, the individuals in this study underwent endoscopic surgery according to the rostrocaudal or coronal axis. For the skull base reconstruction, the nasoseptal flap (associated or not with fascia lata with thigh fat) or free graft was used; clinical follow-up of individuals occurred for a minimum period of 12 months. To assess the impact of the surgical approach on patient clinical evolution, qualitative data related to smoking, post-nasal discharge, nasal flow, smell, taste, clinical symptoms of headache, cranial paresthesia, comorbidities and postoperative morbidities were obtained. RESULTS: The most frequent diagnosis was pituitary macroadenoma (84.14%). The mean absence of crusts in this cohort was 124.45 days (confidence interval 95%=119.50-129.39). There was a low cerebrospinal fluid fistula rate (3%). Reconstruction with the nasoseptal flap with a fat graft was an independent variable that recorded the highest mean time for the elimination of nasal crusts (=145 days, confidence interval 95%=127.32-162.68). Allergic rhinitis and smoking were shown to be the most important and independent variables that increased the mean time to eliminate nasal crusts. CONCLUSION: The mean time to eliminate nasal crusts did not change over the years during which the procedures were performed, demonstrating the adequate training of the surgical team. Debridement and nasal irrigation with saline solutions should be performed more frequently and effectively in patients with allergic rhinitis, smokers and those who received the nasoseptal flap and fascia lata graft with autologous fat.

Methodological variations affect the release of VEGF in vitro and fibrinolysis' time from platelet concentrates.

Blood Concentrates (BCs) are autologous non-transfusional therapeutical preparations with biological properties applied in tissue regeneration. These BCs differ in the preparation method, in fibrin network architecture, growth factors release as well as in platelet/cell content. Methodological changes result in distinct matrices that can compromise their clinical effectiveness. The present study evaluated the influence of different g-forces and types of tubes in the release of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) from platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) as a function of time. The PRF-like samples were obtained with three g-forces (200, 400, and 800 x g) for 10 minutes in pure glass tubes or in polystyrene-clot activator tubes. Scanning and Transmission electron microscopy was used to morphometric analyzes of PRF's specimens and flow cytometry was used to quantify VEGF slow release until 7 days. Our results showed that platelets were intact and adhered to the fibrin network, emitting pseudopods and in degranulation. The fibrin network was rough and twisted with exosomic granulations impregnated on its surface. An increase in the concentration of VEGF in the PRF supernatant was observed until 7 days for all g forces (200, 400 or 800 xg), with the highest concentrations observed with 200 x g, in both tubes, glass or plastic. Morphological analyzes showed a reduction in the diameter of the PRF fibers after 7 days. Our results showed that g-force interferes with the shape of the fibrin network in the PRF, as well as affect the release of VEGF stored into platelets. This finding may be useful in applying PRF to skin lesions, in which the rapid release of growth factors can favor the tissue repair process. Our observations point to a greater clarification on the methodological variations related to obtaining PRF matrices, as they can generate products with different characteristics and degrees of effectiveness in specific applications.

Role of melatonin in prevention of age-related hearing loss.

INTRODUCTION: Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is a consequence of aging of the auditory system. The best known mechanism of cell death in ARHL is apoptosis due to increased production of reactive oxygen species. In this context, it is hypothesized that melatonin, owing to its high antioxidant potential and its action in the mitochondria, helps prevent or delay outer hair cell dysfunction (HCD). AIMS: To evaluate the effect of melatonin on the prevention of HCD dysfunction in the ARHL process in a susceptible murine C57BL/6J model. METHOD: C57BL/6J animals were divided into two groups: control (CG) and melatonin (MG). The CG received a saline and ethanol solution and the MG, melatonin (10 mg/kg/day). The solutions were offered daily (50 µl) orally over a 10-month period. Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAE) measurements were conducted once a month. RESULTS: There was a decrease in DPOAE values in both groups over time and a differentiation between them from the 10th month of life onwards. At 10 months, the MG maintained higher DPOAE values than the CG at all frequencies tested. CONCLUSION: The use of melatonin has otoprotective effects on HCD in the ARHL process in the C57BL/6J model.

Protective Effect of Melatonin on Cisplatin-induced Ototoxicity in Rats.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Cisplatin is a highly effective chemotherapeutic agent that is used to treat solid tumors; however, its severe side effects remain a limitation. In particular, the high incidence of cisplatin-induced ototoxicity has attracted interest. Melatonin has been shown to decrease the toxic effects of cisplatin due to its antioxidant activity, and could increase the efficacy of cancer chemotherapy. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of melatonin against ototoxicity in rats treated with cisplatin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rats were randomly divided into four groups (saline, melatonin, cisplatin+saline, and melatonin+cisplatin). Distortion-product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) measurements were carried out on days 1 and 8. RESULTS: There was a decrease in DPOAE amplitudes in the animals that received cisplatin (10 mg/kg); however, the group treated with cisplatin+melatonin presented DPOAE amplitudes comparable to those of the control groups. CONCLUSION: Melatonin can be used as an adjuvant tumor treatment due to its ability to decrease cisplatin-induced ototoxicity.

Melatonin prevents age-related hearing loss in the murin experimental model

Abstract Objective: The present study aimed to perform a morphological and morphometric analysis of cochlear structures of C57BL/6J mice receiving oral melatonin for a 12-month period. Methods: 32 male C57BL/6J were divided into control and melatonin groups. Control received saline and ethanol solution and melatonin group, 50 μL of 10 mg of melatonin/kg/day orally for a 12-month period. After de experiment the animals were sacrificed into a 40% concentration of CO2 chamber, and the blades were morphological and morphometrically analyzed. Results: The melatonin group revealed a higher median density of viable cells (45 ± 10.28 cells/100 μm2, 31-73, vs. 32 ± 7.47 cells/100 μm2, 25-48). The median area of stria vascularis was 55.0 ± 12.27 cells/100 μm2 (38-80) in the control, and 59.0 ± 16.13 cells/100 μm2 (40-134) in the melatonin group. The morphometric analysis of the spiral ligament reveals a higher median of total viable neurons in the melatonin (41 ± 7.47 cells/100 μm2, 27-60) than in the control group (31 ± 5.68 cells/100 μm2, 21-44). Conclusion: Although melatonin is a potent antioxidant, it does not completely neutralize the occurrence of presbycusis; however, it may delay the onset of this condition. Level of evidence: 3.

Morbidity in the postoperative follow-up of endoscopic anterior skull base surgery / Fatores relacionados à morbidade no seguimento pós-operatório da cirurgia endoscópica de base de crânio anterior

Abstract Introduction: Endoscopic access to the sellar region by videoendoscopy shows a low rate of surgical complications, with findings that indicate risk factors for reducing morbidities during and after the postoperative period. Objective: To evaluate, over a nine-year period, the acquisition of skills by the anterior skull base surgical team, according to the time of elimination of nasal crusts and/or the presence of morbidities in the postoperative follow-up of individuals treated in a tertiary public hospital. Methods: After confirming the diagnosis of skull base pathologies, the individuals in this study underwent endoscopic surgery according to the rostrocaudal or coronal axis. For the skull base reconstruction, the nasoseptal flap (associated or not with fascia lata with thigh fat) or free graft was used; clinical follow-up of individuals occurred for a minimum period of 12 months. To assess the impact of the surgical approach on patient clinical evolution, qualitative data related to smoking, post-nasal discharge, nasal flow, smell, taste, clinical symptoms of headache, cranial paresthesia, comorbidities and postoperative morbidities were obtained. Results: The most frequent diagnosis was pituitary macroadenoma (84.14%). The mean absence of crusts in this cohort was 124.45 days (confidence interval 95% = 119.50-129.39). There was a low cerebrospinal fluid fistula rate (3%). Reconstruction with the nasoseptal flap with a fat graft was an independent variable that recorded the highest mean time for the elimination of nasal crusts (=145 days, confidence interval 95% = 127.32-162.68). Allergic rhinitis and smoking were shown to be the most important and independent variables that increased the mean time to eliminate nasal crusts. Conclusion: The mean time to eliminate nasal crusts did not change over the years during which the procedures were performed, demonstrating the adequate training of the surgical team. Debridement and nasal irrigation with saline solutions should be performed more frequently and effectively in patients with allergic rhinitis, smokers and those who received the nasoseptal flap and fascia lata graft with autologous fat.

Resumo Introdução: O acesso endoscópico à região selar por videoendoscopia demonstra baixo índice de complicações cirúrgicas, com achados que apontam fatores risco para reduzir as morbidades durante e após o período pósoperatório. Objetivo: Avaliar fatores morbidades no seguimento pós-operatório de indivíduos atendidos em um hospital público terciário. Método: Depois de confirmado o diagnóstico de doenças da base do crânio, os indivíduos deste estudo foram submetidos a cirurgia endoscópica conforme o eixo rostrocaudal ou coronal. Para a reconstrução da base do crânio usava-se o retalho nasoseptal (associado ou não à fáscia lata com gordura de coxa) ou enxerto livre; o seguimento clínico dos indivíduos ocorreu por um período mínimo de 12 meses. Para avaliar o impacto da abordagem cirúrgica na evolução clínica dos pacientes foram obtidos os dados qualitativos relativos ao tabagismo, descarga pós-nasal, fluxo nasal, olfato, paladar, sintomas clínicos de dor de cabeça, parestesia craniana, comorbidades e morbidades pós-operatórias. Resultados: O diagnóstico mais frequente foi o macroadenoma hipofisário (84,14%). A média da ausência de crostas nesta coorte foi de 124,45 dias (intervalo de confiança [95% CI] 119,50-129,39). Baixo índice de fístula liquórica (3%). A reconstrução com o retalho nasoseptal com enxerto de gordura apresentou-se com variável independente que necessitou de maior tempo médio para a eliminação de crostas nasais (=145 dias, 95% CI 127,32-162,68). A rinite alérgica e o tabagismo se demonstraram como as variáveis mais importantes e independentes para aumentar o tempo médio de eliminação de crostas nasais. Conclusão: O tempo médio de eliminação de crostas nasais não se alterou ao longo dos anos em que os procedimentos foram feitos. Deve-se fazer com maior frequência e eficácia o debridamento e as irrigações nasais com soluções salinas nos pacientes com rinite alérgica, tabagistas e os que usaram o retalho nasoseptal e enxerto de fáscia lata com gordura autóloga.

Longitudinal and retrospective study has demonstrated morphometric variations in the fingerprints of elderly individuals.

Dermatoglyphics can be found in the thick skin of both hands and feet which make the identification process possible, however morphological changes throughout life can affect identification in elderly individuals. Considering that dermatoglyphics is an important biometric method, due to it being practical and inexpensive, this longitudinal and retrospective study was aimed to evaluate the morphological variations in fingerprints obtained from men and women (n=20) during their adult and elderly stages of life; the time between obtaining the two fingerprints was 33.5±9.4 years. For the morphometric analysis, an area of 1 cm(2) was selected to quantify the visible friction ridges, minutiae, interpapillary and white lines, and later side-by-side confrontation was used to determine the identity of the individuals. Our results showed a reduction of friction ridges, an increase in the number of white lines for the group (men and women) and a decrease in the number of interpapillary lines in the group of women. It also showed that the selection of compatible fingerprints by the automated AFIS/VRP system allowed the identification of 23 individuals (57.5%), but when the identification was made by the automated AFIS/VRP system, followed by the analysis of archived patterns to eliminate incompatible fingerprints, determination of the identity of 28 individuals (70.0%) was possible. The dermatoglyphics of the elderly suffered morphometric changes that prevented the identification of 30% of them, probably due to the aging process, and pointed to the importance of improving the methods of obtaining fingerprints to clarify issues related to the identification of the elderly.

Comparison between fingerprints of the epidermis and dermis: Perspectives in the identifying of corpses.

In forensic science, the putrefaction, maceration, mummification or burning make it difficult to collect the fingerprints of the epidermis for identification purposes. In such cases, the comparison between fingerprints collected from the dermal surface and the ante mortem pattern of the epidermal surface archived in databases must be performed. Therefore, considering that the identification of corpses is done by comparison of fingerprints on different surfaces, this study aimed to compare the epidermal and the dermal fingerprints to determine the discrepancies between the minutiae of both surfaces. The study was conducted with excised fingers of 19 fresh adult corpses. Once selected, excised and photographed, the fingers were subjected to maceration with 0.5% acetic acid solution for the removal of the epidermal glove and for registering the dermal fingerprint. Then, an area of 1cm(2) in the epidermal and dermal photographies was selected and the minutiae of each were separately marked by an expert in identification. The comparison between minutiae of the epidermal and dermal surfaces showed that: (1) both surfaces maintained the patterns and characteristics of fingerprints (arch, whorl or loop) and the characteristics related to the systems and the disposal of the lines, meaning the formation or not of deltas; (2) the total number of marked minutiae did not differ between both surfaces for the group of individuals (paired t test, p=0.48); (3) the percentage of coincidences and divergences (minutiae present on only one surface) between minutiae were 63.0±20.0% and 37.0±20.0%, respectively; (4) identification was possible for 16 fingers/individuals, but not for 3 of them; (5) the increase in the number of marked minutiae does not affect the percentage of coincidences. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of the dermal surface for identification purposes due to the high percentage of matching minutiae, but considering the discrepancies and the inconclusive identification of 3 fingers/individuals, our study points to the use of more fingers per individual, as well as the possibility of further studies to improve on the techniques for increasing the identification of corpses, or even to deploy new technologies to ensure their rapid and safe identification.

Miltefosine enhances phagocytosis but decreases nitric oxide production by peritoneal macrophages of C57BL/6 mice.

Miltefosine is an anticancer drug currently used to treat visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis, also presents a broad-spectrum of fungicidal and antiamoebae activities. It acts on the metabolism of phospholipids and glycoproteins of the membrane of parasites. Our study aimed to evaluate the effects of miltefosine (0.4 to 50.0 µg/mL) on the phagocytosis and nitric oxide production by macrophages of C57BL/6 mice to clarify the immunomodulatory effects of the drug on macrophages of C57BL/6, strain mice that is biased to Th1 response. Peritoneal macrophages were in vitro treated with miltefosine and phagocytosis of sensitized or nonsensitized Saccharomyces cerevisiae was assessed. NO production was evaluated by Griess reaction. In the concentration of 1.6 µg/mL and 50.0 µg/mL, miltefosine increased phagocytosis of non-opsonized S. cerevisiae in 59.7% and 214.3%, respectively. For phagocytosis through opsonin receptors, miltefosine (50.0 µg/mL) increased the phagocytic index in 208.6% (p=0.04, paired t test). Miltefosine (50.0 µg/mL) decreased in 39.3% NO production by macrophages. However, treatment with miltefosine (50.0 µg/mL) after infection of macrophages with Leishmania amazonensis increased NO production in 73.4% (p=0.01, Wilcoxon test). Our data showed that, besides the antimicrobial effect of miltefosine, the drug showed immunomodulatory effects on macrophages of C57BL/6 mice, improving phagocytosis and decreasing NO production, but was able to increase NO production when macrophages were previously infected with L. amazonensis. These results suggest that miltefosine may favor the better evolution of infectious diseases by improving the innate immune response of macrophages.