Photobiomodulation Therapy on the Guided Bone Regeneration Process in Defects Filled by Biphasic Calcium Phosphate Associated with Fibrin Biopolymer.

The aim is to evaluate the effects of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) on the guided bone regeneration process (GBR) in defects in the calvaria of rats filled with biphasic calcium phosphate associated with fibrin biopolymer. Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly separated: BMG (n = 10), defects filled with biomaterial and covered by membrane; BFMG (n = 10), biomaterial and fibrin biopolymer covered by membrane; and BFMLG (n = 10), biomaterial and fibrin biopolymer covered by membrane and biostimulated with PBMT. The animals were euthanized at 14 and 42 days postoperatively. Microtomographically, in 42 days, there was more evident bone growth in the BFMLG, limited to the margins of the defect with permanence of the particles. Histomorphologically, an inflammatory infiltrate was observed, which regressed with the formation of mineralized bone tissue. In the quantification of bone tissue, all groups had a progressive increase in new bone tissue with a significant difference in which the BFMLG showed greater bone formation in both periods (10.12 ± 0.67 and 13.85 ± 0.54), followed by BFMG (7.35 ± 0.66 and 9.41 ± 0.84) and BMG (4.51 ± 0.44 and 7.11 ± 0.44). Picrosirius-red staining showed greater birefringence of collagen fibers in yellow-green color in the BFMLG, showing more advanced bone maturation. PBMT showed positive effects capable of improving and accelerating the guided bone regeneration process when associated with biphasic calcium phosphate and fibrin biopolymer.

Fibrin Sealant Derived from Human Plasma as a Scaffold for Bone Grafts Associated with Photobiomodulation Therapy.

Fibrin sealants derived from human blood can be used in tissue engineering to assist in the repair of bone defects. The objective of this study was to evaluate the support system formed by a xenograft fibrin sealant associated with photobiomodulation therapy of critical defects in rat calvaria. Thirty-six rats were divided into four groups: BC (n = 8), defect filled with blood clot; FSB (n = 10), filled with fibrin sealant and xenograft; BCPBMT (n = 8), blood clot and photobiomodulation; FSBPBMT (n = 10), fibrin sealant, xenograft, and photobiomodulation. The animals were killed after 14 and 42 days. In the histological and microtomographic analysis, new bone formation was observed in all groups, limited to the defect margins, and without complete wound closure. In the FSB group, bone formation increased between periods (4.3 ± 0.46 to 6.01 ± 0.32), yet with lower volume density when compared to the FSBPBMT (5.6 ± 0.45 to 10.64 ± 0.97) group. It was concluded that the support system formed by the xenograft fibrin sealant associated with the photobiomodulation therapy protocol had a positive effect on the bone repair process.

The new heterologous fibrin sealant in combination with low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in the repair of the buccal branch of the facial nerve.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in the repair of the buccal branch of the facial nerve with two surgical techniques: end-to-end epineural suture and coaptation with heterologous fibrin sealant. Forty-two male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: control group (CG) in which the buccal branch of the facial nerve was collected without injury; (2) experimental group with suture (EGS) and experimental group with fibrin (EGF): The buccal branch of the facial nerve was transected on both sides of the face. End-to-end suture was performed on the right side and fibrin sealant on the left side; (3) Experimental group with suture and laser (EGSL) and experimental group with fibrin and laser (EGFL). All animals underwent the same surgical procedures in the EGS and EGF groups, in combination with the application of LLLT (wavelength of 830 nm, 30 mW optical power output of potency, and energy density of 6 J/cm(2)). The animals of the five groups were euthanized at 5 weeks post-surgery and 10 weeks post-surgery. Axonal sprouting was observed in the distal stump of the facial nerve in all experimental groups. The observed morphology was similar to the fibers of the control group, with a predominance of myelinated fibers. In the final period of the experiment, the EGSL presented the closest results to the CG, in all variables measured, except in the axon area. Both surgical techniques analyzed were effective in the treatment of peripheral nerve injuries, where the use of fibrin sealant allowed the manipulation of the nerve stumps without trauma. LLLT exhibited satisfactory results on facial nerve regeneration, being therefore a useful technique to stimulate axonal regeneration process.

Comparison of results obtained with standard and inside out vein graft techniques and their implication on neurotrophin expression in repair of nerve defect: an experimental study.

Standard vein graft (SVG) and inside out vein graft (IOVG) techniques to promote peripheral nerve regeneration have been widely studied since last two decades. In this experimental study, we attempted to compare these two techniques and analyze the differences in the expression of the neurotrophins during peripheral nerve regeneration. Thirty-six male Wistar rats were used in this sciatic nerve transection model and were divided into two experimental groups (SVG and IOVG) and one sham operated control group. An overall defect of 10 mm was made in the sciatic nerve of the animals in the experimental groups. Each group consisted of two time intervals of 6 and 12 weeks (n = 6). After each experimental interval, sciatic functional index (SFI) along with area and diameter of the axons and fibers of each group were calculated. Muscle mass measurements were also evaluated to see any functional recovery in the groups. Expression of neurotrophins in the graft and distal stump were analyzed with the help of RT-PCR. SFI obtained from walking track analysis showed poor motor recovery in the experimental groups during both time intervals. No significant differences in the histological, morphometric (P > 0.05), and muscle mass measurements (P > 0.05) between the two experimental groups were observed. Analysis of RT-PCR data exhibited an increase in the expression of NT-3 with time in both the grafts (6 weeks 0.428 ± 0.392, 12 weeks 1.089 ± 0.455, P < 0.05) and distal stump (6 weeks 0.411 ± 0.306, 12 weeks 0.807 ± 0.303, P < 0.05) of the SVG group. The study concludes that there is no substantial difference in the nerve regeneration ability between both the techniques. Also, the difference in the level of NT-3 between SVG and IOVG suggests a distinct regulation of NT-3 in peripheral nerve regeneration.

Identification of the bony canal of the posterior superior alveolar nerve and artery in the maxillary sinus: tomographic, radiographic, and macroscopic analyses.

The aim of this study was to identify the shape and route of the bony canal of the posterior superior alveolar artery (PSAA) and posterior superior alveolar nerve (PSAN) using different identification methods, including computed tomography (CT), panoramic radiograph, and macroscopic evaluation (corpse and dry skull). Twenty-four patients were analyzed by CT and panoramic and posterior anterior (PA) radiographs; additionally, 90 dry skulls and 21 dissected anatomical specimens were examined. Three-dimensional-CT revealed that the lateral wall of the maxillary sinus resembled a tunnel format in 60% of the treated patients. Out of all 24 patients, the panoramic radiograph identified the bony canal in only one patient; whereas the PA radiograph identified it in 80% of the patients. The dry skulls showed tunnellike routes of the PSAA and PSAN in 65% of the cases. Moreover, the pathway was also visibly observed in the dissected anatomical specimens as a straight shape in 85% of the cases. Thus, our results demonstrated that the most common shape of the bony canal of the PSAA and PSAN is the tunnel format with a straight route by 3D-CT, posterior anterior radiography, and macroscopic evaluation. However, in the panoramic radiographs, it was difficult to identify this canal.

Zygomaticofacial foramen location accuracy and reliability in cone-beam computed tomography.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the possibility of detecting the zygomaticofacial foramen (ZFF) in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study evaluated ZFFs in 151 macerated skulls (302 zygomatic bones, ZBs) by physical inspection, in which the presence and diameters of the ZFFs were determined. These data were compared with the CBCT images of the skulls to determine the accuracy of CBCT in detecting ZFFs. The diameters were measured by insertion of steel wires with known thicknesses into the ZFFs. The CBCT images were acquired by an i-CAT Classic® (International Imaging Sciences, Hatfield, PA) connected to a workstation (Model ITOX Midtower Workstation; Imaging Sciences International®) with a 20-inch Eizo monitor. The images were generated in coronal, sagittal and axial slices to evaluate the best tomographic plane for ZFF visualization. RESULTS: The incidence of ZFF found by physical inspection was one foramen in 44% of ZBs (n = 133), two foramina in 28% (n = 86), three foramina in 8% (n = 24) and four foramina in 1% (n = 2). ZFF was absent in 19% (n = 57) of ZBs. The average diameter was 0.57 mm (± 0.27 mm). All foramina were observed in all tomography images. CONCLUSION: This preliminary study supports the conclusion that a CBCT scan has excellent accuracy in evaluating ZFFs.

New Trends to Treat Muscular Atrophy: A Systematic Review of Epicatechin.

Epicatechin is a polyphenol compound that promotes skeletal muscle differentiation and counteracts the pathways that participate in the degradation of proteins. Several studies present contradictory results of treatment protocols and therapeutic effects. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review was to investigate the current literature showing the molecular mechanism and clinical protocol of epicatechin in muscle atrophy in humans, animals, and myoblast cell-line. The search was conducted in Embase, PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. The qualitative analysis demonstrated that there is a commonness of epicatechin inhibitory action in myostatin expression and atrogenes MAFbx, FOXO, and MuRF1. Epicatechin showed positive effects on follistatin and on the stimulation of factors related to the myogenic actions (MyoD, Myf5, and myogenin). Furthermore, the literature also showed that epicatechin can interfere with mitochondrias' biosynthesis in muscle fibers, stimulation of the signaling pathways of AKT/mTOR protein production, and amelioration of skeletal musculature performance, particularly when combined with physical exercise. Epicatechin can, for these reasons, exhibit clinical applicability due to the beneficial results under conditions that negatively affect the skeletal musculature. However, there is no protocol standardization or enough clinical evidence to draw more specific conclusions on its therapeutic implementation.

A systematic review of photogrammetry as a reliable methodology in gender identification of human skull.

One of the most important parameters in the identification process in forensic Medicine and Dentistry is the determination of sex through the skull, based on morphological and metric dimorphism. Photogrammetry is an affordable option that allows the reconstruction of position, orientation, shape, and size, allowing the performance of quantitative and qualitative analyzes to identify the sex of the individual. However, there are few systematic reviews in the literature validating whether photogrammetry is a reliable methodology for sexual identification using human skulls. Therefore, the objective of the current systematic review was to validate whether photogrammetry of dry skulls is reliable as a method for calculating sex in human identification. This revision follows the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) and was recorded in the Prospective International Systematic Reviews Registry (PROSPERO) (CRD420223 Systematic Registry) (CRD420223). The inclusion criteria for selecting the studies were based on the PICO question: "Is test photogrammetry reliable as a method for estimating sex in human identification?". A literature search for studies was performed in the databases MEDLINE Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, and the Cochrane Library. The Kappa agreement presented an approval level of (k = 0.93). This systematic review analyzed 11 ex-vivo studies published between 2001 and 2021. The risk of bias was considered low in 8 of the studies, and high in 3 studies. Based on this systematic review, it can be concluded that the photogrammetry method is viable and reliable in identifying sexual dimorphism.

Cranial anatomical structures with high sexual dimorphism in metric and morphological evaluation: A systematic review.

The mastoid process has attracted the attention of several researchers due to its protected position at the base of the skull and the fact that it is relatively compact, in addition to being highly resistant and dimorphic, considered as a gold standard anatomical structure in the determination of the sexual dimorphism of skulls. However, intrinsic and extrinsic factors may influence this anatomical structure over time, providing contradictory and ambiguous data. Therefore, other anatomical structures need to be evaluated concurrently with the mastoid process to provide better accuracy and reliability of skull sexual dimorphism data. Thus, the objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the degree of reliability of the mastoid process to determine sexual dimorphism compared to other dimorphic structures, since there are still no systematic reviews on the subject in the literature. This review follows the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) and was recorded in the Prospective International Systematic Reviews Registry (PROSPERO) (CRD 42023395167 Systematic Registry) (CRD420223). The inclusion criteria for selecting the studies were based on the PICO question: "Are skull anatomical structures reliable as alternatives to determine sexual dimorphism compared to the mastoid process?". A literature search for studies was performed in the MEDLINE Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, and Cochrane Library databases. The Kappa agreement presented an approval level of (k = 0.93). This systematic review analyzed 13 ex-vivo studies published between 2008 and 2023. The risk of bias was considered low in 12 of the studies, and high in 1 study. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that even with the limitations of this systematic review, quantitative and qualitative analyses are essential in sexual identification of human skulls, and different anatomical structures can be used as references in addition to the mastoid process, with high reliability and precision, among them the; glabella, frontal profile, superciliary arch, bizygomatic width, maximum cranial length, and nasal height.

Surgical anatomy of the human middle ear: an insight into cochlear implant surgery.

PURPOSE: This research was designed to aid practical otologic studies of the human middle ear. The topographic anatomy access of the middle ear was described with special focus to the cochlear implant procedure. It was conducted in an attempt to elucidate factors that would ultimately determine the ease of insertion of an electrode array. METHODS: Fifteen right and 12 left temporal bones were dissected under the surgical microscope. After performing appropriate incisions, the distances between the stapedius muscle tendon, incus long crus and the cochleostomy were measured with the help of a digital microscope (Dino-Lite plus(®)). RESULTS: After performing statistical analysis, we found that strong relationship exists in the distances between the measured anatomical landmarks. CONCLUSION: Microscopic anatomical studies of the temporal bone are essential to safely perform surgical intervention within the middle ear. The results shows that morphometric data concerning different anatomical structures inside the middle ear, particularly distances, is an important contribution towards the planning of safe surgical procedures.

A biocomplex to repair experimental critical size defects associated with photobiomodulation therapy.

Background: The association of scaffolds to repair extensive bone defects can contribute to their evolution and morphophysiological recomposition. The incorporation of particulate biomaterials into three-dimensional fibrin bioproducts together with photobiomodulation therapy (PBM) has potential and can improve regenerative medicine procedures. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of PBM therapy on critical size defects filled with xenogenic bone substitute associated with fibrin biopolymer. Methods: A critical defect of 8 mm was performed in 36 Wistar male adult rats that were divided into four groups. Groups BC and BC-PBM were defined as controls with defects filled by a clot (without or with PBM, respectively) and groups XS and XS-PBM that comprised those filled with biocomplex Bio-OssTM in association with fibrin biopolymer. PBM was applied immediately after the surgery and three times a week every other day, with the parameters: wavelength of 830 nm, energy density 6.2 J/cm2, output power 30 mW, beam area of 0.116 cm2, irradiance 0.258,62 W/cm2, energy/point 0.72 J, total energy 2.88 J. Fourteen and 42 days after the surgery, animals were euthanatized and subjected to microtomography, qualitative and quantitative histological analysis. Results: The BC-PBM and XS-PBM groups had a similar evolution in the tissue repair process, with a higher density of the volume of new formed bone in relation to the groups without PBM (p = 0.04086; p = 0.07093, respectively). Intense vascular proliferation and bone deposition around the biomaterial particles were observed in the animals of the groups in which biocomplex was applied (XS and XS-PBM). Conclusion: PBM therapy allowed an improvement in the formation of new bone, with a more organized deposition of collagen fibers in the defect area. Biocomplex favored the insertion and permanence of the particulate material in bone defects, creating a favorable microenvironment for accelerate repair process.

Use of Photobiomodulation Combined with Fibrin Sealant and Bone Substitute Improving the Bone Repair of Critical Defects.

In this preclinical protocol, an adjunct method is used in an attempt to overcome the limitations of conventional therapeutic approaches applied to bone repair of large bone defects filled with scaffolds. Thus, we evaluate the effects of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) on the bone repair process on defects filled with demineralized bovine bone (B) and fibrin sealant (T). The groups were BC (blood clot), BT (B + T), BCP (BC + PBMT), and BTP (B + T + PBMT). Microtomographically, BC and BCP presented a hypodense cavity with hyperdense regions adjacent to the border of the wound, with a slight increase at 42 days. BT and BTP presented discrete hyperdensing areas at the border and around the B particles. Quantitatively, BCP and BTP (16.96 ± 4.38; 17.37 ± 4.38) showed higher mean bone density volume in relation to BC and BT (14.42 ± 3.66; 13.44 ± 3.88). Histologically, BC and BCP presented deposition of immature bone at the periphery and at 42 days new bone tissue became lamellar with organized total collagen fibers. BT and BTP showed inflammatory infiltrate along the particles, but at 42 days, it was resolved, mainly in BTP. In the birefringence analysis, BT and BTP, the percentage of red birefringence increased (9.14% to 20.98% and 7.21% to 27.57%, respectively), but green birefringence was similar in relation to 14 days (3.3% to 3.5% and 3.5% to 4.2%, respectively). The number of osteocytes in the neoformed bone matrix proportionally reduced in all evaluated groups. Immunostaining of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP­2/4), osteocalcin (OCN), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were higher in BCP and BTP when compared to the BC and BT groups (p < 0.05). An increased number of TRAP positive cells (tartrate resistant acid phosphatase) was observed in BT and BTP. We conclude that PBMT positively influenced the repair of bone defects filled with B and T.

Incidence, morphology and morphometry of the foramen of Vesalius: complementary study for a safer planning and execution of the trigeminal rhizotomy technique.

BACKGROUND: The foramen of Vesalius (FV) is located in the greater wing of the sphenoid bone between the foramen ovale (FO) and the foramen rotundum in an intracranial view. The FO allows the passage of the mandibular branch of trigeminal nerve, which is the target of the trigeminal radiofrequency rhizotomy. OBJECTIVE: We analyzed its location, morphology, morphometry and interrelation among other foramina. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 400 macerated adult human skulls were examined. A digital microscope (Dino-Lite plus) was used to capture images from the FV. A digital caliper was used to perform the measurements of the distance between the FV and other foramina (FO, foramen spinosum and the carotid canal) in an extracranial view of the skull base. RESULTS: In the 400 analyzed skulls, the FV was identified in 135 skulls (33.75%) and absent on both sides in 265 skulls (66.25%). The FV was observed present bilaterally in 15.5% of the skulls. The incidence of unilateral foramen was 18.25% of the skulls of which 7.75% on right side and 10.5% on left side. The diameter of the FV was measured and we found an average value of 0.65 mm, on right side 0.63 mm and on the left side 0.67 mm. We verified that positive correlations were statistically significant among the three analyzed distances. CONCLUSIONS: This study intends to offer specific anatomical data with morphological patterns (macroscopic and mesoscopic) to increase the understanding of the FV features as frequency, incidence and important distances among adjacent foramina.

Evaluation of the Use of an Inorganic Bone Matrix in the Repair of Bone Defects in Rats Submitted to Experimental Alcoholism.

To assess the effects of chronic alcoholism on the repair of bone defects associated with xenograft. Forty male rats were distributed in: control group (CG, n = 20) and experimental group (EG, n = 20), which received 25% ethanol ad libitum after a period of adaptation. After 90 days of liquid diet, the rats were submitted to 5.0-mm bilateral craniotomy on the parietal bones, subdividing into groups: CCG (control group that received only water with liquid diet and the defect was filled with blood clot), BCG (control group that received only water with liquid diet and the defect was filled with biomaterial), CEG (alcoholic group that received only ethanol solution 25% v/v with liquid diet and the defect was filled with blood clot), and BEG (alcoholic group that received only ethanol solution 25% v/v with liquid diet and the defect was filled with biomaterial). In the analysis of body mass, the drunk animals presented the lowest averages in relation to non-drunk animals during the experimental period. Histomorphologically all groups presented bone formation restricted to the defect margins at 60 days, with bone islets adjacent to the BCG biomaterial particles. CEG showed significant difference compared to BEG only at 40 days (17.42 ± 2.78 vs. 9.59 ± 4.59, respectively). In the birefringence analysis, in early periods all groups showed red-orange birefringence turning greenish-yellow at the end of the experiment. The results provided that, regardless of clinical condition, i.e., alcoholic or non-alcoholic, in the final period of the experiment, the process of bone defect recomposition was similar with the use of xenograft or only clot.

New Surgical Model for Bone-Muscle Injury Reveals Age and Gender-Related Healing Patterns in the 5 Lipoxygenase (5LO) Knockout Mouse.

Signaling lipid mediators released from 5 lipoxygenase (5LO) pathways influence both bone and muscle cells, interfering in their proliferation and differentiation capacities. A major limitation to studying inflammatory signaling pathways in bone and muscle healing is the inadequacy of available animal models. We developed a surgical injury model in the vastus lateralis (VL) muscle and femur in 129/SvEv littermates mice to study simultaneous musculoskeletal (MSK) healing in male and female, young (3 months) and aged (18 months) WT mice compared to mice lacking 5LO (5LOKO). MSK defects were surgically created using a 1-mm punch device in the VA muscle followed by a 0.5-mm round defect in the femur. After days 7 and 14 post-surgery, the specimens were removed for microtomography (microCT), histopathology, and immunohistochemistry analyses. In addition, non-injured control skeletal muscles along with femur and L5 vertebrae were analyzed. Bones were microCT phenotyped, revealing that aged female WT mice presented reduced BV/TV and trabecular parameters compared to aged males and aged female 5LOKO mice. Skeletal muscles underwent a customized targeted lipidomics investigation for profiling and quantification of lipid signaling mediators (LMs), evidencing age, and gender related-differences in aged female 5LOKO mice compared to matched WT. Histological analysis revealed a suitable bone-healing process with osteoid deposition at day 7 post-surgery, followed by woven bone at day 14 post-surgery, observed in all young mice. Aged WT females displayed increased inflammatory response at day 7 post-surgery, delayed bone matrix maturation, and increased TRAP immunolabeling at day 14 post-surgery compared to 5LOKO females. Skeletal muscles of aged animals showed higher levels of inflammation in comparison to young controls at day 14 post-surgery; however, inflammatory process was attenuated in aged 5LOKO mice compared to aged WT. In conclusion, this new model shows that MSK healing is influenced by age, gender, and the 5LO pathway, which might serve as a potential target to investigate therapeutic interventions and age-related MSK diseases. Our new model is suitable for bone-muscle crosstalk studies.

Photobiomodulation Therapy Associated with Heterologous Fibrin Biopolymer and Bovine Bone Matrix Helps to Reconstruct Long Bones.

Bone defects cause aesthetic and functional changes that affect the social, economic and especially the emotional life of human beings. This complication stimulates the scientific community to investigate strategies aimed at improving bone reconstruction processes using complementary therapies. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) and the use of new biomaterials, including heterologous fibrin biopolymer (HFB), are included in this challenge. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the influence of photobiomodulation therapy on bone tibial reconstruction of rats with biomaterial consisting of lyophilized bovine bone matrix (BM) associated or not with heterologous fibrin biopolymer. Thirty male rats were randomly separated into three groups of 10 animals. In all animals, after the anesthetic procedure, a noncritical tibial defect of 2 mm was performed. The groups received the following treatments: Group 1: BM + PBMT, Group 2: BM + HFB and Group 3: BM + HFB + PBMT. The animals from Groups 1 and 3 were submitted to PBMT in the immediate postoperative period and every 48 h until the day of euthanasia that occurred at 14 and 42 days. Analyses by computed microtomography (µCT) and histomorphometry showed statistical difference in the percentage of bone formation between Groups 3 (BM + HB + PBMT) and 2 (BM + HFB) (26.4% ± 1.03% and 20.0% ± 1.87%, respectively) at 14 days and at 42 days (38.2% ± 1.59% and 31.6% ± 1.33%, respectively), and at 42 days there was presence of bone with mature characteristics and organized connective tissue. The µCT demonstrated BM particles filling the defect and the deposition of new bone in the superficial region, especially in the ruptured cortical. It was concluded that the association of PBMT with HFB and BM has the potential to assist in the process of reconstructing bone defects in the tibia of rats.

Influence of experimental alcoholism on the repair process of bone defects filled with beta-tricalcium phosphate.

This study evaluated the effect of ethanol on the repair in calvaria treated with beta-tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP). Forty rats were distributed into 2 groups: Water group (CG, n = 20) and Alcohol Group (AG, n = 20), which received 25% ethanol ad libitum after an adaptation period of 3 weeks. After 90 days of liquid diet, the rats were submitted to a 5.0 mm bilateral craniotomy in the parietal bones; the left parietal was filled with ß-TCP (CG-TCP and AG-TCP) and the contralateral only with blood clot (CG-Clot and AG-Clot). The animals were killed after 10, 20, 40 and 60 days. The groups CG-Clot and AG-Clot showed similar pattern of bone formation with a gradual and significant increase in the amount of bone in CG-Clot (22.17 ± 3.18 and 34.81 ± 5.49) in relation to AG-Clot (9.35 ± 5.98 and 21.65 ± 6.70) in periods of 20-40 days, respectively. However, in the other periods there was no statistically significant difference. Alcohol ingestion had a negative influence on bone formation, even with the use of ß-TCP, exhibiting slow resorption and replacement by fibrous tissue, with 16% of bone formation within 60 days in AG-TCP, exhibiting immature bone tissue with predominance of disorganized collagen fibers. Defects in CG-TCP showed bone tissue with predominance of lamellar arrangement filling 39% of the original defect. It can be concluded that chronic ethanol consumption impairs the ability to repair bone defects, even with the use of a ß-TCP biomaterial.

Action of a deproteinized xenogenic biomaterial in the process of bone repair in rats submitted to inhalation of cigarette smoke.

PURPOSE: To investigate if the inorganic bovine bone matrix changes the bone formation in rats submitted to inhalation of cigarette smoke. METHODS: Twenty Wistar rats were divided into two groups: Cigarette Clot Group (CCG), which in the inhalation chamber received the smoke of 10 cigarettes, 3 times a day, 10 minutes, for 30 days and had the surgical cavity filled by clot; Cigarette Biomaterial Group (CBG), submitted to the same inhalation technique but with the cavity filled by biomaterial. RESULTS: In CCG there was a significant difference of new bone tissue in the analyzed periods (15 and 45 days), and in 15 days, there was 4.8 ± 0.42 of bone formed and 11.73 ± 0.59 (p <0.05) in 45 days. The CBG also showed a significant difference between the periods of 15 to 45 days, being respectively 6.16 ± 0.30 and 11.60 ± 0.61. However, when the groups were compared, within the same analyzed periods, a significant difference was observed only in the period of 15 days, with the new bone percentage being greater in the CBG. CONCLUSION: The bone matrix acted as an osteoinductive biomaterial, biocompatible and aided in the repair process, mainly in the initial period of recovery.

Comparative study between standard and inside-out vein graft techniques on sciatic nerve repair of rats. Muscular and functional analysis.

PURPOSE:: To compare the functional result of standart vein grafts and inside-out vein graft technique on sciatic nerve repair. METHODS:: We used 24 male Wistar rats divided into 4 groups: control group (CG), standard vein graft group (SVG), Inside-out vein graft group (IOVG) and denervated Group (DG). SVG, IOVG and DG underwent total section of the sciatic nerve, SVG and IOVG however underwent nerve repair surgery using a graft with normal jugular vein and inside-out jugular vein, respectively. Histological analysis of the soleus and Extensor Digitorum Longus (EDL), and Sciatic Functional Index were used to compare the results after 6 weeks. RESULTS:: Both grafts acted favorably in muscle recovery and improved functionality; They were similar in all parameters, however, in more points SVG achieved similar to the CG, in the other hand IOVG more times was similar to DG. Fact that makes the graft with normal vein the most viable option between the two options. CONCLUSION:: Both types of grafts acted beneficially wherein the graft normal vein has proved to be the best option.

Efficacy of Laser Photobiomodulation on Morphological and Functional Repair of the Facial Nerve.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on qualitative, quantitative, and functional aspects in the facial nerve regeneration process. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-two male Wistar rats were used, randomly divided into a control group (CG; n = 10), in which the facial nerve without lesion was collected, and four experimental groups: (1) suture experimental group (SEG) and (2) fibrin experimental group (FEG), consisting of 16 animals in which the buccal branch of the facial nerve was sectioned on both sides of the face; an end-to-end epineural suture was performed on the right side, and a fibrin sealant was used on the left side for coaptation of the stumps; and (3) laser suture experimental group (LSEG) and (4) laser fibrin experimental group (LFEG), consisting of 16 animals that underwent the same surgical procedures as SEG and FEG with the addition of laser application at three different points along the surgical site (pulsed laser of 830 nm wavelength, optical output power of 30 mW, power density of 0.2586 W/cm2, energy density of 6.2 J/cm2, beam area of 0.116 cm2, exposure time of 24 sec per point, total energy per session of 2.16 J, and cumulative dose of 34.56 J). The animals were submitted to functional analysis (subjective observation of whisker movement) and the data obtained were compared using Fisher's exact test. Euthanasia was performed at 5 and 10 weeks postoperative. The total number and density of regenerated axons were analyzed using the unpaired t-test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Laser therapy resulted in a significant increase in the number and density of regenerated axons. The LSEG and LFEG presented better scores in functional analysis in comparison with the SEG and FEG. CONCLUSIONS: LLLT enhanced axonal regeneration and accelerated functional recovery of the whiskers, and both repair techniques allowed the growth of axons.