Tobacco advertising and oral health among never smokers: the mediating role of secondhand smoke exposure.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the association between tobacco advertising (TA) exposure and poor self-rated oral health (SROH) is mediated through secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure in Brazilian adults who have never smoked. METHODS: Secondary cross-sectional analysis of The Brazilian National Health Survey 2019 data. The daily, weekly, or monthly exposure to SHS at home or at work was set as the mediator. Mediation analysis within a counterfactual approach used adjusted binary logistic regressions for both poor SROH and SHS exposure, to estimate the natural direct effect (NDE), natural indirect effect (NIE) through SHS exposure, and marginal total effect (MTE) of TA exposure on poor SROH. To assess the robustness of the results, we calculated the E-value for the MTE. RESULTS: The sample comprised 53,295 never smoker adults. The MTE of TA exposure on poor SROH was 1.09 (1.03, 1.16), with the indirect effect through SHS exposure responsible for only 16.6% of the total (NIE: 1.01 [1.01, 1.02] and NDE: 1.08 [1.02, 1.14]). An effect of 1.42 would be required for an unmeasured confounder to explain away the association between TA and SROH. CONCLUSION: More individuals exposed to TA have poor SROH than those unexposed, with secondhand smoke exposure explaining only a small portion of this effect. Upstream tobacco policies should consider oral health outcomes.

The Alcohol Harm Paradox in Periodontitis.

Individuals of lower socioeconomic position (SEP) experience a greater rate of alcohol-related harms, yet they consume equal or lower amounts of alcohol than higher-SEP individuals. This phenomenon, called the "alcohol harm paradox" (AHP), gained attention recently, and different mechanisms have been proposed to explain it. Since both SEP and alcohol have been suggested to be associated with periodontitis risk, we conducted a secondary analysis using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011 to 2012 and 2013 to 2014 cycles, aiming to examine 1) whether the association between alcohol consumption and periodontitis is modified by SEP and 2) the extent to which the effect of SEP inequalities on periodontitis is mediated by and/or interacts with alcohol consumption. We set educational attainment as the main SEP proxy and tested the poverty income ratio in subsequent sensitivity analyses. Effect measure modification analysis was employed, considering heavy drinking as exposure, and causal mediation analysis based on the potential outcome's framework decomposed the effect of SEP on periodontitis in proportions attributable to mediation and interaction. Models were fitted using binary logistic regression and adjusted for sex, ethnicity, age, body mass index, smoking status, diabetes, binge drinking, and regular preventive dental visits. The analytical sample comprised 4,057 participants. After adjusting for covariates, less educated heavy drinkers presented 175% (odds ratio, 2.75; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.04-3.72) higher odds of periodontitis than their counterparts, and super-additive associations were found (relative excess risk due to interaction: 1.35; 95% CI, 0.49-2.20). Additionally, -69.5% (95% CI, -122.1% to -16.8%) of the effects of education on periodontitis were attributable to interaction with heavy drinking, consistent with the AHP. No contribution was found for the mechanism of mediation. Heavy drinking disproportionately impacts the occurrence of periodontitis in lower-SEP individuals. Lower-SEP individuals seem to experience differential effects of heavy drinking on periodontitis.

Central angiotensinergic mechanisms in female spontaneously hypertensive rats treated with estradiol.

Estrogens reduce 0.3 M NaCl intake and palatability in a widely used model of essential hypertension, the spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Here we investigated whether the inhibitory effects of ß-estradiol (E2, 10 µg/kg b.w. subcutaneously for 8 days) on water deprived partially-rehydrated (WD-PR) ovariectomized (OVX) adult female SHRs (fSHRs, n = 4-10/group) are related to interferences on brain angiotensin II AT1 receptors (AT1r). After WD-PR, E2 reduced 0.3 M NaCl intake (1.3 ± 0.6, vs. vehicle: 3.5 ± 1.2 ml/30 min), the number of hedonic responses to intraoral NaCl infusion (57 ± 11, vs. vehicle: 176 ± 32/min), and the relative angiotensin AT1r (Agtr1a) mRNA expression in the hypothalamus. Losartan (AT1r antagonist, 100 µg) intracerebroventricularly in OVX fSHRs treated with vehicle subcutaneously abolished 0.3 M NaCl intake (0.1 ± 0.1 ml/30 min) and only transiently reduced hedonic responses to intraoral NaCl. Losartan combined with E2 decreased the number of hedonic and increased the number of aversive responses to intraoral NaCl and abolished 0.3 M NaCl intake. E2 also reduced the pressor and dipsogenic responses to intracerebroventricular angiotensin II. The results suggest that AT1r activation increases palatability and induces NaCl intake in WD-PR fSHRs. E2 reduced hypothalamic Agtr1a mRNA expression, which may account for the effects of E2 on NaCl intake and palatability and intracerebroventricular angiotensin II-induced pressor and dipsogenic responses in OVX fSHRs. Future studies considering natural fluctuations in estrogen secretion might help to determine the degree of such interference in brain neuronal activity.

Is secondhand smoke exposure associated with poor periodontal status in children and adolescents? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: We aimed to systematically evaluate whether SHS exposure is associated with poor periodontal status in individuals up to 15 years. METHODS: Seven databases were searched by two independent reviewers according to pre-specified eligibility criteria up to November 2021. The methodological quality of included studies was appraised using The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and GRADE was used for assessing the certainty of evidence. Random-effects pairwise meta-analyses compared the periodontal status of those exposed and unexposed to SHS through standardized mean differences (SMDs) and associated confidence intervals (95% CI). RESULTS: Eight cross-sectional studies were eligible for inclusion and two present high methodological quality. All studies contributed to the meta-analysis for gingival index scores (GI) and four for probing pocket depth (PPD). Those exposed exhibited significantly higher levels of GI compared to unexposed (SMD = 1.03, 95% CI 0.17-1.89), but no difference was observed for PPD (SMD = 0.34, 95% CI - 0.14-0.82), with overall very low certainty on evidence. CONCLUSION: Therefore, very low certainty evidence supports that children and adolescents exposed to SHS possibly present poorer periodontal status due to higher levels of GI.

Relationship of arsenic and chromium availability with carbon functional groups, aluminum and iron in Little Washita River Experimental Watershed Reservoirs, Oklahoma, USA.

Sediment from three reservoirs located in the Little Washita River Experimental Watershed (LWREW) in Oklahoma, USA with contrasting dominant land uses were analyzed for total and extractable concentrations of arsenic (As) and chromium (Cr), and the potential ecologic risk to benthic organisms. Extractable As ranged from 0.24 to 1.21 mg kg-1, in the order grazing>cropland>forest and 0.13-0.58 mg kg-1 for extractable Cr, in the order of forest>grazing>cropland. However, only approximately < 1.5% of total As and < 4% of total Cr were extractable. Total As ranged from 16.2 to 141 mg kg-1 and total Cr ranged from 5.06 to 40.1 mg kg-1 both in the order of cropland>grazing>forest. The sediment exhibited an alkaline pH (8.0-8.7). As sorption exhibited a positive relationship with Al (r = 0.9995; P = 0.0001), Fe (r = 0.9829; P = 0.0001), and C (r = 0.4090; P = 0.0017) and Cr correlated positively with Al (r = 0.9676 P = 0.0001), Fe (r = 0.9818; P = 0.0001), and C (r = 0.3368; P = 0.0111). In addition, both As and Cr exhibited positive relationships with carbon (C) functional groups in the order of O-alkyl C> methoxyl C> alkyl C> aromatic C> carboxyl C> phenolic C. The sediment concentration analysis results illustrated that As in all reservoirs exceeded their respective Threshold Effect Level (TEL) and/or Probable Effect Level (PEL) indicating that existing concentrations of metals in these sediments were sufficiently high to cause adverse effects. However, Cr concentrations in all reservoirs evaluated was lower compared to the TEL and PEL.

Características de carcaça e carne de novilhos Aberdeen Angus submetidos à castração cirúrgica ou imunológica / Carcass characteristics and meat of Aberdeen Angus steers submitted to surgical or immunological castration

Objetivou-se avaliar as características de carcaça e carne de novilhos Aberdeen Angus castrados cirurgicamente em duas idades ou imunocastrados com dois protocolos. Foram utilizados 48 bezerros, monitorados a partir do nascimento e desmamados, com idade e peso médio inicial de seis meses e de 160±16,54kg, respectivamente. Os animais foram distribuídos aleatoriamente nos seguintes tratamentos: castração cirúrgica ao nascer; castração cirúrgica ao desmame; imunocastração com três doses da vacina Bopriva® e imunocastração com quatro doses da vacina Bopriva®. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente ao acaso. Novilhos imunocastrados com três doses apresentaram maior quebra ao resfriamento e menor espessura de gordura ajustada para 100kg de carcaça fria que castrados cirurgicamente ao nascer (P<0,05). A imunocastração com três doses proporcionou incremento na participação de músculo, em relação às castrações cirúrgicas, mas reduziu a gordura em relação à castração cirúrgica ao nascimento (P<0,05). A relação músculo:osso foi superior nos imunocastrados com três doses em relação a castrados cirurgicamente no desmame (P<0,05). Apesar de variações na participação tecidual na carcaça, a castração imunológica mostrou-se viável em substituição à castração cirúrgica, não alterando os padrões qualitativos da carne.(AU)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the carcass and meat characteristics of Aberdeen Angus steers surgically castrated at two ages or immunocastrated with two protocols. Forty-eight calves we used, monitored from birth and weaned, with age and initial mean weight of six months and 160±16.54kg, respectively. The animals were randomly assigned to the following treatments: surgical castration at birth; surgical castration at weaning; immunocastration with three doses of the Bopriva ® vaccine and immunocastration with four doses of the Bopriva ® vaccine. The experimental design was completely randomized. Immunocastrated steers with three doses had a greater cooling break and lower fat thickness adjusted for 100kg of cold carcass than surgically castrated at birth (P< 0.05). Immunocastration with three doses provided an increase in muscle participation in relation to surgical castration but reduced fat in relation to surgical castration at birth (P< 0.05). The muscle:bone ratio was higher in the immunocastrated with three doses compared to surgically castrated at weaning (P< 0.05). Despite variations in tissue involvement in the carcass, the immunological castration proved to be viable to replace surgical castration, not changing the quality of the meat standards.(AU)

Estudo biomecânico comparando a utilização de placas bloqueadas híbridas na artrodese dorsal e medial do carpo de cães / Biomechanical study comparing the utilization of hybrid locking plates on dorsal and medial carpal arthrodesis in dogs

Objetivou-se com este trabalho comparar biomecanicamente os posicionamentos dorsal e medial da placa bloqueada na artrodese do carpo em cães. Para isso, foram utilizados sete pares de membros torácicos de cães eutanasiados por razões não relacionadas ao estudo, em que sete membros foram estabilizados com placa dorsal, e seus respectivos pares com placa em posicionamento medial. Os membros com as articulações radiocarpometacarpianas estabilizadas cirurgicamente foram submetidos a ensaio de compressão axial em máquina universal de ensaios de materiais, e os dados de limite de elasticidade, rigidez estrutural, carga máxima e carga no momento da fratura dos posicionamentos foram comparados por meio do teste de Student-Newman-Keuls, a um nível de significância de 5%. Todos os membros foram fraturados no terço distal do terceiro metacarpo; nos membros com placa dorsal, a fratura ocorreu distal ao orifício distal e, nos membros com placa medial, a fratura ocorreu no último orifício dos metacarpos dois e três. Não houve dobra ou quebra de placas e parafusos e não houve diferença significativa entre os posicionamentos dorsal e medial dos implantes quanto aos parâmetros avaliados.(AU)

The aim of this study was to compare biomechanically the dorsal and medial positions of the locking plates on carpal arthrodesis in dogs. For this, seven pairs of thoracic limbs of dogs were used, in which seven limbs were stabilized with dorsal plate and seven limbs with plate in medial positioning. The members with the surgically stabilized radiocarpal-metacarpal joints were submitted to axial compression testing in a universal testing machine and the yield load, structural rigidity, maximum load and ultimate load of the positioning were compared by Student-Newman-Keuls test at a significance level of 5%. All members fractured in the distal third of the third metacarpal, in the limbs with dorsal plate the fracture occurred distal to the distal hole and in the members with medial plate the fracture occurred in the last hole of the metacarpals two and three. There was no bending or broken implants. There was no significant biomechanical differencebetween the dorsal and medial positions of the implants.(AU)

Abiotrofia cerebelar em um gato: relato de caso / Cerebellar abiotrophy in a feline: case report

Um caso de abiotrofia cerebelar em um gato com 45 dias de idade foi diagnosticado no Laboratório de Patologia Animal, Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal de Campina Grande. O animal apresentava, havia 15 dias, apatia, anorexia, desidratação, ataxia, hipermetria, espasticidade dos membros torácicos e pélvicos, tremores de intenção, nistagmo, opistótono, déficit proprioceptivo e ausência de resposta de ameaça. Clinicamente, havia a suspeita de hipoplasia cerebelar, e, devido ao prognóstico desfavorável, o animal foi eutanasiado. Na necropsia, não foram observadas alterações macroscópicas. Microscopicamente, as lesões estavam restritas ao cerebelo e caracterizavam-se por alterações neurodegenerativas e necróticas, com desaparecimento segmentar dos neurônios de Purkinje. Nessas áreas, também se verificaram espaços em branco, denominado aspecto de cesto vazio, resultantes da perda dos neurônios de Purkinje, além de raros esferoides axonais e proliferação dos astrócitos de Bergmann. Em algumas áreas, a camada granular estava hipocelular e havia moderada gliose multifocal na camada molecular. O diagnóstico de abiotrofia cerebelar foi realizado com base nos dados epidemiológicos, clínicos e, principalmente, pelas alterações histopatológicas dos neurônios de Purkinje características da doença.(AU)

The aim of this report was to describe a case of cerebellar abiotrophy in cat with 45-year-old diagnosed at the Animal Pathology Laboratory, Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Campina Grande. The animal had presented 15-day apathy, anorexia, dehydration and neurological signs, characterized by ataxia, hypermetria, spasticity of fore and hindlimbs, intention tremor, nystagmus, opisthotonos, proprioceptive deficits, and absence of threat response. Clinically, cerebellar hypoplasia was suspected and the animal was euthanized due to poor prognosis. During necropsy, gross lesions were not observed. Microscopically the lesions were restricted to the cerebellum and were characterized by neurodegenerative and necrotic damage with segmental disappearance of the Purkinje cells. In these areas, there were also empty spaces, called the empty basket aspect, resulting from the loss of Purkinje cells, as well as rare axonal spheroids and proliferation of Bergmann's astrocytes. In some areas, the granular layer was hypocellular and there was moderate multifocal gliosis in the molecular layer. The diagnosis of cerebellar abiotrophy was based on epidemiological, clinical and mainly on histopathological changes in neurons of Purkinje disease characteristics.(AU)

Desenvolvimento e avaliação de equipamento de tração, para redução de fraturas de ossos longos de cães / Development and evaluation of a traction device for reducing long bone fractures in dogs

Fraturas costumam ocorrer com encavalgamento das extremidades ósseas, dificultando, assim, sua redução. Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo desenvolver um equipamento de tração esquelética a ser utilizado em caninos acometidos de fraturas de ossos longos. Foram utilizados 21 cães de raças variadas, pesando entre dois e 27kg, com idade entre dois meses e 11 anos, com fraturas diafisárias ou metafisárias ocorridas entre três e 24 dias. Enquanto a fixação do corpo do paciente à mesa foi efetuada com cintas de náilon, a força de tração aplicada ao longo do eixo ósseo do membro fraturado foi realizada mediante cintas de náilon ou pinos transfixados e estribos (sendo os pinos implantados na epífise distal do osso fraturado), com a força de tração medida por um dinamômetro, não sendo aplicada carga maior que 25kg. Em todos os casos, a força de tração iniciava com o valor de cinco quilogramas, exceto em animais com peso inferior a esta, a qual começava com carga equivalente a esse peso; e em todos, se necessário, era aumentada a cada cinco minutos para se manter tração igual ao peso ou aos valores que oscilavam do seu peso até cinco quilogramas, dependendo do tamanho do animal, até se atingir a tração necessária para se proceder à redução. Para essa progressão de distensão, o equipamento possuía haste rosqueada de 25mm de diâmetro, uma porca com sistema timão e cilindro deslizante por fora da haste, este conectado ao animal por uma corrente, e o dinamômetro. Todos os animais tiveram as fraturas reduzidas sem haver perda óssea, o que evidencia que o aparelho se mostrou eficiente tanto na redução como na manutenção da redução da fratura, e eles não apresentaram, no pós-operatório, sinais de prejuízos neurológicos, vasculares, cutâneos e articulares. O distensor ósseo aqui desenvolvido tem como características: ser de simples confecção, ter baixo custo, não gerar danos ao paciente e facilitar a redução dos fragmentos tanto em fraturas recentes quanto em antigas.(AU)

Fractures usually occur with overriding of bone fragments, thus hindering fracture reduction. The aim of this research was to develop and test a skeletal traction device for use in dogs with long bone fractures. Twenty-one dogs were included, regardless of breed or gender, weighing between two and 27kg, and between two months and 11 years of age, with metaphyseal or diaphyseal fractures that had occurred between three and 24 days prior to intervention. While fixation of the patient's body to the table was performed using nylon straps, the traction force applied along the bone axis of the fractured limb was performed using nylon straps or transfixed pins and stirrups (with the pins implanted in the distal epiphysis of the fractured bone). Tensile strength was measured by a dynamometer, and the maximum load applied was no greater than 25kg. In all cases, the distraction force began at five kilograms except in dogs below this weight, where the starting load was equivalent to the weight of the animal. If necessary, in all dogs, force was increased every five minutes to maintain equal traction to the dog's weight or values which ranged from the dog's weight to five kilograms depending on the size of the animal, until the necessary traction for reduction was obtained. For this progression of distension, the equipment had a 25-milimeter-diameter threaded rod, a nut with a rudder system and sliding cylinder outside the rod, which connected to the dog via a chain and the dynamometer. Fracture reduction was achieved in all dogs without bone loss, and the device was shown to be efficient in both allowing and maintaining fracture reduction, with no neurologic, vascular, cutaneous, or articular damage. The developed bone distractor has the following characteristics: simple to construct, low cost, does not harm the patient, and facilitates reduction of the fragments in recent and old fractures.(AU)

Diagnostic work-up and laparoscopic correction of an ectopic ureter.

INTRODUCTION: A duplex renal collecting system is a common congenital anomaly in children. Continuous dribbling (especially if after the toilet-training period) should raise suspicion of the presence of an ectopic ureter, which is most often associated with ureteral duplication. This video will demonstrate the complete diagnostic work-up necessary in these cases. CASE REPORT: A 10-year-old girl presented with continuous dribbling. Ultrasonography and computerized tomography depicted a duplex system on the left side, with the upper pole ureter ectopically inserting into the vaginal cavity and good upper pole renal parenchyma. A careful urethrocystoscopy showed a topic right ureteral orifice and a topic lower pole left ureteral orifice. Retrograde pyelography was performed and displayed normal left lower pole anatomy. A vaginography was performed, which showed reflux to the ectopic ureter. Vaginoscopy clearly identified the ectopic ureteral orifice. A guide wire was introduced through this meatus and retrograde contrast injection confirmed the diagnosis of an ectopic ureter. RESULTS: At laparoscopy, a larger upper pole ureter and a normal lower pole ureter on the left side were identified. A termino-lateral ureteroureteral anastomosis was performed. After the procedure, the child reported immediate resolution of urinary dribbling. CONCLUSION: In order to optimize its surgical correction, efforts should be made to appropriate localization of the ectopic ureter.

The dysfunctional innate immune response triggered by Toll-like receptor activation is restored by TLR7/TLR8 and TLR9 ligands in cutaneous lichen planus.

BACKGROUND: Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic inflammatory mucocutaneous disease. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) bind numerous exogenous and endogenous antigens by recognizing conserved pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and have the ability to induce the production of proinflammatory cytokines. Therefore, alterations in innate immunity could explain the inflammation and T-cell autoreactivity leading to the development of LP disease. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate how the host innate immune response to PAMPs is affected by cutaneous LP, primarily by using TLR agonists to induce proinflammatory cytokine secretion from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). METHODS: PBMCs from patients with LP and healthy control (HC) individuals were stimulated with agonists of TLR2/TLR1 (pam3csk4), TLR3 [poly(I:C)-RIG], TLR4 (lipopolysaccharide), TLR5 (flagellin), TLR7 (imiquimod), TLR7/TLR8 (CL097) and TLR9 (CpG). Cytokines from culture supernatants (n = 10-12) and serum chemokines and cytokines (n = 22-24) were measured using flow cytometry. RESULTS: Activation through the TLR2, TLR4 and TLR5 pathways induced increased tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α secretion by PBMCs from individuals with LP compared with the HC group. In contrast, activation through TLR3 and TLR7 was impaired in the LP group, leading to decreased TNF-α secretion. Moreover, intracellular TLR activation resulted in reduced interleukin (IL)-1ß and IL-6 secretion. Notably, individuals with LP became responders on stimulation with TLR7/TLR8 and TLR9 agonists; responses were measured as increases in interferon (IFN)-α production. Detectable TNF-α and high CXCL9 and CXCL10 serum levels were observed in patients with LP, suggesting their potential use as markers of the inflammatory status in LP. CONCLUSIONS: These findings point to a defect in the TLR signalling pathways in cutaneous LP. Agonists of TLR7/TLR8 or TLR9 overcame impaired IFN-α secretion in LP, strategically acting as adjuvants to improve the type I response.

Profile of skin barrier proteins (filaggrin, claudins 1 and 4) and Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokines in adults with atopic dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) in adults and profile of skin barrier proteins and inflammatory cytokines. OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of the expression of skin barrier proteins such as filaggrin, claudins 1 and 4 and of circulating inflammatory cytokines (Th1/Th2/Th17) in adults with AD. METHODS: Thirty-three adult patients with AD diagnosed according to the Hanifin & Rajkacriteria, and 25 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. AD severity was measured by Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI). Laboratory assays included immunohistochemistry analysis of skin barrier proteins, such as filaggrin, claudins 1 and 4 and interleukin-17 (IL-17) from skin samples and determination of circulating cytokine levels (IL-2, 4, 5, 6, 10, 17A, TNF and IFN-γ) by flow cytometry (Cytometric Bead Array). RESULTS: We observed a reduced expression of filaggrin and claudin 1 in lesional skin of AD patients, when compared to controls. There was an inverse correlation of filaggrin expression and disease severity. In addition, IL-17 expression was enhanced in AD patients. Similarly, higher levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-2, 5, 6, 10, 17A and IFN-γ) were found in AD patients. CONCLUSION: Our data reinforce the role of an altered skin barrier in the pathogenesis of AD. Our results show not only reduced expression of filaggrin and claudin 1 in lesional atopic skin but also inverse correlation of filaggrin expression and disease severity. Moreover, elevation of in situ IL-17 and of circulating interleukin levels in AD emphasize the systemic, inflammatory profile of this defective skin barrier dermatosis.

Utilização do filme de quitosana na reparação de tendão em coelhos / Use of the film of chitosan in the repair of tendons in rabbits

Com este trabalho objetivou-se avaliar o processo de cicatrização do tendão em coelhos, utilizando-se no grupo tratamento o filme de quitosana, por meio de uma análise clínico-cirúrgica e histológica. Foram utilizados 12 coelhos adultos, separados em grupo controle (GC) e grupo tratamento (GT), nos quais se realizou uma secção parcial do tendão gastrocnêmio de ambos os membros pélvicos. A avaliação clínica baseou-se na presença de reação inflamatória, infecção, dor e deiscência da sutura. Para a avaliação histológica, foi realizado um estudo comparativo do processo cicatricial por meio do tipo de células, da quantidade de tecido conjuntivo e da organização das fibras colágenas entre os grupos e os momentos. Nas feridas cirúrgicas, não foram observadas secreção, dor ou deiscência. Na histologia comparativa entre os grupos, o GC apresentou melhor processo cicatricial em relação ao GT, aos 60 dias. Aos 90 dias, no GT a cicatrização já esboça recuperação do tendão, com reorganização da celularidade e das fibras colágenas no tecido conjuntivo denso modelado. Concluiu-se que a quitosana estimula rápido crescimento celular, mas de forma desorganizada, e que a cicatrização completa só ocorre após 90 dias da sua implantação no tecido...

This work aimed to evaluate the process of tendon healing in rabbits, using the treatment group in chitosan film through a clinical, surgical and histological analysis. In the experiment, 12 adult rabbits were used, divided into control group (CG) and treatment group (TG), which were held in the partial section of the gastrocnemius tendon of both limbs. Clinical assessment was based on the presence of inflammation, infection, pain and suture dehiscence. For histological evaluation a comparative study of the healing process through the cell type, amount of connective tissue and collagen fiber organization was performed between groups and times. In surgical wounds no secretion, pain or dehiscence were observed. In the comparative histology between groups, the CG showed better healing compared to TG, at 60 days. On day 90 the TG already outlines tendon recovery with reorganization of cellularity and collagen fibers in the dense connective tissue modeled. It was concluded that chitosan stimulates faster cell growth, but it is haphazardly, and that complete healing occurs after 90 days of their implantation in tissue...

Effect of ractopamine on the chemical and physical characteristics of pacu(Piaractus mesopotamicus) steaks / Efeito da ractopamina sobre as características físicas e químicas de filés de pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus)

The objective was to evaluate the use of ractopamine (RAC) in the diet for pacu (Piaractus mesopotaminus) in the finishing phase on some quality parameters of the fillets. Thirty-five animals weighing 0.868±0.168kg were distributed in a completely randomised design with five treatments (0.0 - control; 11.25, 22.50, 33.75 and 45 ppm of RAC) and seven replicates with two fillets obtained from the same animal. The diets were isocaloric and isoprotein and experimental time was 90 days. RAC did not affect (P>0.05) the initial pH or ph after 24 hours of the fillets. Compared to the control, RAC increased (P<0.05) the moisture content of the fillets in natura and lipid oxidation of samples stored for 12 days in the refrigerator or freezer for 60 days. The RAC in 11.25 ppm reduced (P<0.05) the lipid content, while 45 ppm reduced (P<0.05) the crude protein in the fillets. Considering only RAC, there was a linear increase (P<0.05) in the lipid content (P<0.05) and a linear reduction in crude protein and weight loss after cooking the fillets. There was a quadratic effect (P<0.05) on the ash content, weight loss and lipid oxidation in fillets stored in the refrigerator or freezer. A RAC dose of 33.75 ppm resulted in a lower lipid oxidation index. In conclusion, ractopamine at 11.25 ppm is effective for reducing the fat content in fillets of pacu, although it increases the formation of peroxides in samples kept in the freezer for longer than 60 days. At 33.75 ppm, ractopamine is effective in reducing the effect of oxidation during storage in the refrigerator or freezer.

O objetivo foi avaliar a influência do uso de ractopamina na alimentação de pacus (Piaractus mesopotaminus) na fase de terminação sobre alguns parâmetros de qualidade dos filés. Trinta e cinco animais com peso de 0,868±0,168kg foram distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso com cinco tratamentos (0,0 - controle; 11,25; 22,50; 33,75 e 45ppm de ractopamina) e sete repetições, sendo a parcela representada por dois filés provenientes de um animal. As rações foram isoenergéticas e isoproteicas, e o tempo experimental foi de 90 dias. A ractopamina não influenciou (P>0,05) o pH inicial dos filés e nem após 24 horas. Comparado ao controle, a RAC aumentou (P<0,05) a umidade dos filés in natura e a oxidação lipídica dos mesmos quando armazenados por 12 dias em geladeira ou 60 dias em freezer. Na dose de 11,25 reduziu (P<0,05) o teor de extrato etéreo e, na dose de 45 ppm, reduziu (P<0,05) o de proteína bruta dos filés. Considerando somente a RAC, houve aumento linear (P<0,05) do teor de gordura e redução linear (P<0,05) da proteína bruta e perda de peso por cocção. Houve efeito quadrático (P<0,05) sobre o teor de cinzas, perda de peso por descongelamento e oxidação lipídica para os filés armazenados em geladeira ou em freezer, sendo 33,75 ppm o nível de RAC que resultou em menor índice de oxidação lipídica. Conclui-se que a ractopamina a 11,5 ppm é efetiva em reduzir o teor de lipídeos em filés de pacu, embora aumente a formação de peróxidos em amostras mantidas em freezer após 60 dias. A 33,75 ppm a ractopamina é efetiva em reduzir os efeitos da oxidação durante o armazenamento em geladeira ou freezer.

Germinação in vitro de Hyptis leucocephala Mart. ex Benth. e Hyptis platanifolia Mart. ex Benth. / In vitro germination of Hyptis leucocephala Mart. ex Benth. and Hyptis platanifolia Mart. ex Benth

Hyptis leucocephala e Hyptis platanifolia (Lamiaceae) são espécies aromáticas endêmicas do semiárido nordestino e possuem grande importância econômica devido ao seu potencial medicinal. O presente trabalho teve por objetivo obter o protocolo para o estabelecimento inicial in vitro das espécies H. leucocephala e H. platanifolia. O meio de cultura WPM promoveu a maior porcentagem de germinação (96,81%) para H. leucocephala, porém não diferiu estatisticamente dos resultados obtidos no MS½ na última semana de cultivo. Para a germinação de sementes de H. platanifolia, o MS½ foi o meio que proporcionou a maior porcentagem (40,83%). O tipo de esterilização não interferiu na germinação in vitro para as duas espécies. Para a espécie H. platanifolia, quando se utilizou o fechamento dos tubos de ensaio com tampão de algodão, a hiperidricidade foi eliminada; porém, a porcentagem de germinação das sementes foi menor. Avaliando-se o tipo de meio de cultura no crescimento in vitro de H. leucocephala observou-se que este fator não influenciou no número de brotações, nem o comprimento de parte aérea e da matéria seca de raiz. O meio MS proporcionou incremento para o número de folhas, matéria seca da parte aérea, e comprimento da maior raiz, enquanto o meio MS½ foi o que promoveu maior número de raízes. O meio de cultura ideal para a germinação de H. leucocephala e H. platanifolia foi o MS½, podendo ser esterilizado com hipoclorito de sódio, enquanto que o MS foi o melhor meio de cultura para o crescimento in vitro de H. leucocephala.

The Hyptis leucocephala and Hyptis platanifolia (Lamiaceae) are aromatic species, endemic to the Brazilian Semiarid northeast, and they have great economic importance becaude of their pharmacological potential. This study aimed to obtain the protocol for the in vitro establishment of H. leucocephala and H. platanifolia plants. The WPM promoted higher germination percentage (96.81%) for H. leucocephala, but there was no difference between the results obtained in ½MS, in the last week of cultivation. For the germination of H. platanifolia, ½MS was the one that provided the highest percentage (40.83%). The type of sterilization did not affect the in vitro germination of both species. For the H. platanifolia species, when we closed the tubes with a cotton plug, hyperhydricity was eliminated, but the percentage of seed germination was the lowest one. Evaluating the type of culture medium on the in vitro growth of H. leucocephala, it did not influence the number of shoots, length of shoot or root dry matter. The MS medium promoted an increase of the number of leaves, dry shoot and longest root length, and the ½MS medium was more suitable for root induction. The optimal culture medium for the germination of H. leucocephala and H. platanifolia is ½MS, as it can be sterilized with sodium hypochlorite, while the MS was the best culture medium for the in vitro growth of H. leucocephala.

Indução, caracterização bioquímica e ultra-estrutural de calos de aroeira-do-sertão (Myracrodruon urundeuva Fr. All. ) / Induction, biochemical and ultrastructural characterization of the callus of "aroeira-do-sertão" (Myracrodruon urundeuva Fr. All. )

A aroeira-do-sertão (Myracrodruon urundeuva Fr. All.) é espécie arbórea que apresenta grande valor econômico devido às propriedades químicas da casca com elevado teor de taninos. Em decorrência da exploração predatória encontra-se inserida na lista oficial de espécies da flora brasileira ameaçadas de extinção na categoria vulnerável. A micropropagação vem sendo colocada como importante forma de multiplicação dessa espécie, na busca de alternativa para a exploração sustentável. Este trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de induzir calos a partir de segmentos foliares usando 2,4-D e caracterizá-los quanto aos aspectos morfológicos e bioquímicos. Os resultados obtidos indicam que é possível induzir calos a partir de segmentos foliares de aroeira-do-sertão utilizando-se 2,4-diclorofenoxiacético (2,4-D). Os calos obtidos foram compactos e não-embriogênicos, apresentando valores médios de 43,32 mg g-1 de açúcares solúveis totais; 23,62 mg g-1 de açúcares redutores; 3,157 mg g-1 de proteína total; 3,147 mg g-1 de aminoácidos livres e 0,914 mg g-1 de compostos fenólicos totais na matéria fresca.

"Aroeira-do-sertão" (Myracrodruon urundeuva Fr. All.) is a tree species that has great economic value due to the chemical properties of its bark, which has high tannin content. On account of the predatory exploitation it has been placed in the official list of threatened species of the Brazilian flora, in the vulnerable category. Micropropagation has been considered an important form of multiplication of this species in the search for an alternative for its sustainable exploitation. This study was conducted with the aim of inducing callus from leaf segments using 2,4-D and characterizing them according to their morphological and biochemical aspects. The obtained results indicate that it is possible to induce callus from leaf segments of M. urundeuva using 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic (2,4-D). The obtained calluses were compact and non-embryogenic, with average values of 43.32 mg g-1 total soluble sugars, 23.62 mg g-1 reducing sugars, 3.157 mg g-1 total protein, 3.147 mg g-1 free-form amino acids and 0.914 mg g-1 phenolic compounds in the fresh matter.

Propagação vegetativa de Hyptis leucocephala Mart. ex Benth. e Hyptis platanifolia Mart. ex Benth. (Lamiaceae) / Vegetative propagation of Hyptis leucocephala Mart. ex Benth. and Hyptis platanifolia Mart. ex Benth

O gênero Hyptis (Lamiaceae) apresenta metabolismo especial de notável variabilidade, possuindo predominância de óleos essenciais, que têm muito valor junto a diversas comunidades que utilizam essas plantas pelas propriedades terapêuticas. Diversos estudos com esse gênero têm demonstrado que os óleos essenciais apresentam propriedades antimicrobiana, antifúngica, citotóxica, antiinflamatória, anti-HIV e inseticida, entretanto, poucos são os estudos voltados para a exploração sustentável dessas espécies. O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de diferentes tipos de estaca e diferentes concentrações de ácido indolbutírico (AIB) sobre a taxa de sobrevivência, crescimento e enraizamento de estacas de Hyptis leucocephala Mart. ex Benth. e Hyptis platanifolia Mart. ex Benth., espécies endêmicas do semi-árido nordestino cujo valor medicinal tem sido amplamente comprovado. O experimento teve duração de quatro meses. Foram utilizadas estacas apicais, médio-apicais, médio-basais e basais tratadas com soluções de 0, 1000, 2000 e 4000 mg L-1 de ácido indolbutírico (AIB), durante 5 minutos. A utilização de estacas apicais, médio/apicais e médio/basais induzidas com 2000 e 4000 mg L-1 de AIB possibilitaram melhores resultados para propagação vegetativa de Hyptis leucocephala. Para Hyptis platanifolia os melhores resultados foram obtidos com a utilização de estacas médio/basais e basais tratadas com AIB na concentração de 2000 e 4000 mg L-1.

The genus Hyptis (Lamiaceae) has a special metabolism with remarkable variability and predominance of essential oils of great value to the various communities that use these plants due to their therapeutic properties. A number of studies on this genus have demonstrated that its essential oils present antimicrobial, antifungal, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, anti-HIV and insecticidal activities. However, few studies have focused on the sustainable exploitation of these species. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different types of cuttings and different concentrations of indolebutyric acid (IBA) on the survival, growth and rooting rates of cuttings from Hyptis leucocephala Mart. ex Benth. and Hyptis platanifolia Mart. ex Benth., species endemic to the semi-arid region of Northeastern Brazil and with largely proven medicinal value. The experiment lasted four months. Apical, middle-apical, middle-basal and basal cuttings were treated with 0, 1000, 2000 and 4000 mg L-1 IBA solutions for 5 min. The use of apical, middle-apical and middle-basal cuttings induced by 2000 and 4000 mg L-1 IBA led to the best results for vegetative propagation of H. leucocephala. For H. platanifolia, the best results were obtained using middle-basal and basal cuttings treated with IBA at 2000 and 4000 mg L-1.

Melhor escore de avaliação para hepatocarcinoma

O hepatocarcinoma é uma das complicações mais freqüente e temida da cirrose hepática, independentemente da etiologia. O tratamento requer escolha cuidadosa, uma vez que a função hepática na cirrose encontra-se prejudicada. É o 4º câncer mais prevalente no mundo e possui alta morbidade e mortalidade

Therapeutic use of Cannabis sativa on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting among cancer patients: systematic review and meta-analysis.

This paper aims to evaluate the anti-emetic efficacy of cannabinoids in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy using a systematic review of literature searched within electronic databases such as PUBMED, EMBASE, PSYCINFO, LILACS, and 'The Cochrane Collaboration Controlled Trials Register'. Studies chosen were randomized clinical trials comprising all publications of each database until December 2006. From 12 749 initially identified papers, 30 fulfilled the inclusion criteria for this review, with demonstration of superiority of the anti-emetic efficacy of cannabinoids compared with conventional drugs and placebo. The adverse effects were more intense and occurred more often among patients who used cannabinoids. Five meta-analyses were carried out: (1) dronabinol versus placebo [n=185; relative risk (RR)=0.47; confidence interval (CI)=0.19-1.16]; (2) Dronabinol versus neuroleptics [n=325; RR=0.67; CI=0.47-0.96; number needed to treat (NNT)=3.4]; (3) nabilone versus neuroleptics (n=277; RR=0.88; CI=0.72-1.08); (4) levonantradol versus neuroleptics (n=194; RR=0.94; CI=0.75-1.18); and (5) patients' preference for cannabis or other drugs (n=1138; RR=0.33; CI=0.24-0.44; NNT=1.8). The superiority of the anti-emetic efficacy of cannabinoids was demonstrated through meta-analysis.

Anthelmintic activity of Lippia sidoides essential oil on sheep gastrointestinal nematodes.

Medicinal plants have been investigated for their anthelmintic properties and shown to be effective against eggs and larvae of gastrointestinal nematodes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the Lippia sidoides essential oil (LsEO) on sheep gastrointestinal nematodes. Initially, 44 naturally infected sheep were divided and treated with 200 microg kg(-1) ivermectin and 230 and 283 mg kg(-1) LsEO, respectively, plus the control. Fecal samples were collected from each animal to determine epg at 7, 14 and 21 days after treatment. In another test, 21 sheep were distributed and treated with 200 microg kg(-1) ivermectin, 283 mg kg(-1) LsEO and the control, respectively. Seven days after treatment, they were euthanized and necropsied to count and identify the nematodes from the abomasum, small and large intestines. In the first test, the efficacy of 230 and 283 mg kg(-1) LsEO and ivermectin was 38%, 45.9% and 40.2%, respectively, 7 days after treatment, and 30%, 54% and 39.6%, respectively, 14 days after treatment. In the second experiment, the respective efficacy of 283 mg kg(-1) LsEO and ivermectin was 56.9% and 34.4% against Haemonchus spp., and 39.3% and 63.6% against Trichostrongylus spp.