Ketamine plus Alcohol: What We Know and What We Can Expect about This.

Drug abuse has become a public health concern. The misuse of ketamine, a psychedelic substance, has increased worldwide. In addition, the co-abuse with alcohol is frequently identified among misusers. Considering that ketamine and alcohol share several pharmacological targets, we hypothesize that the consumption of both psychoactive substances may synergically intensify the toxicological consequences, both under the effect of drugs available in body systems and during withdrawal. The aim of this review is to examine the toxicological mechanisms related to ketamine plus ethanol co-abuse, as well the consequences on cardiorespiratory, digestive, urinary, and central nervous systems. Furthermore, we provide a comprehensive discussion about the probable sites of shared molecular mechanisms that may elicit additional hazardous effects. Finally, we highlight the gaps of knowledge in this area, which deserves further research.

Local effect of simvastatin combined with different osteoconductive biomaterials and collagen sponge on new bone formation in critical defects in rat calvaria.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the local effect of simvastatin (SVT) combined with deproteinized bovine bone (DBB) with hydroxyapatite/ß-tricalcium phosphate biphasic ceramics (HA/TCP) and with collagen sponge (CS) on bone repair in critical size defects (CSDs) in rat calvaria. METHODS: Forty-two 5-mm diameter CSDs were made bilaterally in the calvaria of 18 rats. The animals were allocated according to the type of biomaterial and associations used to fill the CSD. After 8 weeks, the animals were euthanized, and their calvaria were evaluated for repaired tissue composition using histologic and histometric analyses. RESULTS: In the histometric analysis, the use of SVT showed to increase bone formation in the CSDs when combined with all the bone substitutes tested in this study (p<0.05). Greater bone formation was observed in the groups with SVT compared to the groups without SVT. CONCLUSIONS: The use of SVT without the need for a vehicle and combined with a commercially available biomaterial may be a cheaper way to potentiate the formation of bone tissue without the need to produce new biomaterials. Therefore, SVT combined with DBB induced significantly greater new bone formation than did the other treatments.

Aplicação do Método “Plasma Tromboplastina/Trombina” no Preparo de Amostras Citológicas para Pesquisa de Câncer no Laboratório de Anatomia Patológico / Application of the “Plasma-Thromboplastin/Thrombin” Method for Preparation of Cytological Samples for Cancer Research in Pathological Anatomy Laboratories

Realizar uma revisão da literatura sobre a aplicação dométodo “plasma-tromboplastina/trombina” no preparo de “cell block”de amostras citológicas para pesquisa de câncer no laboratório deAnatomia Patológica. Material e Métodos. Para a elaboração do estudoforam realizadas buscas na base de dados PubMed, SciELO e LILACSutilizando os descritores “Cell block effusion”, “Cell block preparation”e “Cell block method”. Resultados: O método “plasma-tromboplastina/trombina” tem sido descrito no preparo de diferentes tipos de amostrascitológicas: efusões (líquidos das cavidades pleural, peritoneal,pericárdica), lavado peritoneal, aspirados e amostras em meio líquido.A descrição da técnica não foi realizada em alguns estudos ou foirealizada apenas parcialmente e com variações entre eles com relaçãoà velocidade e tempo de centrifugação, quantidades de plasma,trombina e tromboplastina. Os estudos que comparam o método“plasma-tromboplastina/trombina” com outros métodos de preparo do“cell block”, usando diferentes tipos de amostra, são escassos, emuitas vezes, com pequeno número de amostras e isto dificulta umaconclusão definitiva sobre suas vantagens sobre outras técnicas. Osmétodos mais usados no preparo do “cell block” são os que utilizamágar e plasma-tromboplastina/trombina. As vantagens do “métodoplasma-tromboplastina” em relação aos outros métodos são execuçãofácil, baixo custo, ausência de artefatos celulares relacionados aoaquecimento, melhor celularidade, melhor distribuição celular emelhores resultados da imunocitoquímica. Conclusão: O “cell block”preparado pelo método “plasma-tromboplastina/trombina” pode serconsiderado uma ferramenta diagnóstica complementar aocitocentrifugado e aplicável na rotina de laboratórios de AnatomiaPatológica públicos e privados para a pesquisa de câncer...

To perform a literature review on the application of the“plasma-thromboplastin/thrombin” method for cell block preparationof cytological samples in cancer research in pathological anatomylaboratories. Material and Methods: Bibliographical searches werecarried out in the databases PubMed, SciELO and LILACS using thedescriptors “cell block effusion”, “cell block preparation” and “cellblock method”. Results: The “plasma-thromboplastin/thrombin” methodhas been described for preparation of different types of cytologicalsamples, including effusions (liquids from the pleural, peritoneal andpericardial cavities), peritoneal lavage, aspirated samples, and samplesin liquid medium. The description of the technique was not reported insome studies or was performed just partially. Variations in the studieswere found with regard to centrifugation time and speed, as well as toquantity of plasma, thrombin and thromboplastin used. Only a fewstudies have compared the “plasma-thromboplastin/thrombin method”with other cell block preparation methods using different types ofsamples. The studies have frequently included a small sample size,which makes it difficult to establish a solid conclusion on theadvantages of this method over other approaches. The most commonlyused methods for cell block preparation include those using agar andthromboplastin/thrombin. The advantages of the “plasma/thromboplastin” method in relation to other methods are easiness toimplement, low cost, no cell artifacts related to heating, bettercellularity, better cellular distribution and better immunocytochemistryresults. Conclusion: Cell block preparation using the plasmathromboplastin/thrombin method can be considered a diagnostic tooladjunctive to the cytocentrifuged one that is applicable to the routineof public and private pathological anatomy laboratories for cancerresearch...

The effect of simvastatin on relapse of tooth movement and bone mineral density in rats measured by a new method using microtomography.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of simvastatin on relapse of tooth movement in rats using microtomography (micro CT), as well as the correlation of bone density with the orthodontic relapse. METHODS: Twenty-five adult male Wistar rats, divided into two groups, had stainless steel springs installed on left maxillary first molar. The molars were moved for 18 days, and after removing the springs, were applied by oral gavage, 5mg/kg of simvastatin in the experimental group for 20 days. Tooth relapse was assessed with a micro CT scanner, and the images chosen through the Data Viewer software 1.5.0.0 had their measurement guides made and checked by the software Image ProR plus 5.1, and compared by Mann-Whitney test. After rats were sacrificed, bone mineral density was evaluated by micro CT through the software CT Analyzer 1.13 and compared by independent T-test, as well as by Spearman correlation test. RESULTS: Relapse and bone mineral density (BMD) was lower in the experimental group than in the control group, however without a statistically significant difference. CONCLUSION: Simvastatin did not inhibit the relapse of tooth movement in rats, and there was no correlation between bone density and orthodontic relapse.

The effect of simvastatin on relapse of tooth movement and bone mineral density in rats measured by a new method using microtomography

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of simvastatin on relapse of tooth movement in rats using microtomography (micro CT), as well as the correlation of bone density with the orthodontic relapse. METHODS: Twenty-five adult male Wistar rats, divided into two groups, had stainless steel springs installed on left maxillary first molar. The molars were moved for 18 days, and after removing the springs, were applied by oral gavage, 5mg/kg of simvastatin in the experimental group for 20 days. Tooth relapse was assessed with a micro CT scanner, and the images chosen through the Data Viewer software 1.5.0.0 had their measurement guides made and checked by the software Image ProR plus 5.1, and compared by Mann-Whitney test. After rats were sacrificed, bone mineral density was evaluated by micro CT through the software CT Analyzer 1.13 and compared by independent T-test, as well as by Spearman correlation test. RESULTS: Relapse and bone mineral density (BMD) was lower in the experimental group than in the control group, however without a statistically significant difference. CONCLUSION: Simvastatin did not inhibit the relapse of tooth movement in rats, and there was no correlation between bone density and orthodontic relapse. .

IMP3 expression in gastric cancer: association with clinicopathological features and HER2 status.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of IMP3, an independent poor prognostic factor for many cancers, and its association with clinicopathological features and HER2 status. METHODS: Gastrectomy specimens from 106 patients were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization. RESULTS: HER2 overexpression was found in 4.71 % of the samples. A negative association was observed between HER2 overexpression and grade of differentiation. No association was observed between HER2 overexpression and status of surgical margins, vascular invasion, perineural invasion, nodal metastasis and depth of invasion. Among all specimens of gastric cancer, 67.92 % were positive for IMP3. Expression of IMP3 was significantly higher in specimens with vascular invasion, perineural invasion, nodal metastasis and higher depth of invasion. HER2 overexpression was detected in only 5.55 % of IMP3 positive specimens. CONCLUSIONS: IMP3 expression was frequently observed in gastric cancer and was associated with poor prognostic clinicopathological features. A survival benefit with HER2 therapy should be expected for the minority of patients with IMP3 positive specimens. Studies should be conducted to evaluate the response to HER2 therapy of gastric cancer expressing IMP3.

Effects of metoclopramide on healing of colonic anastomoses in a rat model of abdominal sepsis.

INTRODUCTION: Metoclopramide is often used in the treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting, but a literature review failed to find reports on the influence of this drug on the healing of bowel anastomoses in the setting of abdominal sepsis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of metoclopramide on the healing of left colonic anastomoses in rats with induced abdominal sepsis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty rats were divided into two groups of 20 animals each to receive either metoclopramide (experimental group: E) or saline (control group: C). Each group was further divided into subgroups of 10 animals each to be killed on the third (E3 and C3) or seventh postoperative day (E7 and C7). A segmental resection of the left colon was performed, followed by end-to-end anastomosis. Sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture. On the day of reoperation, the total number of adhesions was assessed and the anastomosed bowel segment was removed for tensile strength testing, histopathological analysis, measurement of hydroxyproline levels, and histomorphometric evaluation of collagen. RESULTS: Intraoperative findings, number of intra-abdominal adhesions in the anastomosed area, and tensile strength before anastomosis rupture were similar among all subgroups at all assessments. On the third postoperative day, the anastomoses of animals treated with metoclopramide showed significantly lower hydroxyproline levels (p = 0.01) when compared with controls. Collagen content was similar among all subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: Metoclopramide does not have deleterious effects on the healing of bowel anastomoses in rats subjected to experimental abdominal sepsis.

Efeitos da bromoprida na cicatrização de anastomoses no cólon esquerdo de ratos / Effects of bromopride on the healing of left colon anastomoses of rats

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os efeitos da bromoprida sobre a formação de aderências e a cicatrização de anastomoses de cólon esquerdo de ratos. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos 40 ratos, divididos em dois grupos contendo 20 animais, para administração de bromoprida (grupo de estudo- E) ou solução fisiológica (grupo controle- C). Cada grupo foi dividido em subgrupos contendo 10 animais cada, para eutanásia no terceiro (E3 e C3) ou no sétimo dia (E7 e C7) de pós-operatório. Os ratos foram submetidos à secção do cólon esquerdo e anastomose término-terminal. No dia da relaparotomia, foi avaliada a quantidade total de aderências e removido um segmento colônico contendo a anastomose para análise histopatológica, da força de ruptura e da concentração de hidroxiprolina. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferença entre os grupos em relação à evolução clínica. Dois animais do grupo de estudo apresentaram deiscência de anastomose bloqueada. Os animais que receberam bromoprida apresentaram número de aderências intracavitárias e aderências à anastomose semelhantes ao grupo controle. As anastomoses dos animais do grupo E3 apresentaram menor resistência de ruptura do que as do grupo C3 (p=0,04). Este efeito não ocorreu no sétimo dia de pós-operatório (p=0,37). Não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos em relação à histopatologia ou concentração de hidroxiprolina das anastomoses. CONCLUSÃO: O uso da bromoprida está associado à diminuição da resistência tênsil de anastomoses do cólon esquerdo de ratos no terceiro dia de pós-operatório.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of bromopride on the formation of adhesions and anastomotic healing in the left colon of rats. METHODS: We divided 40 rats into two groups of 20 animals, administration of bromopride (study group-E) or saline (control group-C). Each group was divided into subgroups containing 10 animals each for euthanasia in the third (C3 and E3) or the seventh (E7 and C7) postoperative days. The rats were submitted to section of the left colon and end-to-end anastomosis. On the day of reoperation, we evaluated the total amount of adhesions and removed a colonic segment containing the anastomosis for histopathological analysis, assessment of rupture strength and hydroxyproline concentration. RESULTS: There was no difference between groups in relation to clinical outcome. Two animals in the study group had blocked anastomotic leakage. The animals that received bromopride had the number of intracavitary adhesions and adhesions to the anastomosis similar to the control group. The anastomoses from the group E3 animals showed lower resistance to rupture the one from the C3 group (p = 0.04). This effect did not occur on the seventh postoperative day (p = 0.37). There was no significant difference between groups in relation to histopathology and hydroxyproline concentration in the anastomoses. CONCLUSION: The use of bromopride was associated with decreased tensile strength of left colon anastomosis in rats in the third postoperative day.

Study on adhesion formation and the healing of colon anastomosis in rats with induced peritoneal sepsis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of abdominal sepsis on adhesion formation and colon anastomosis healing in rats. METHODS: Forty rats were distributed in two groups containing 20 rats each for left colon anastomosis in the presence (Group S) or absence (Group N) of induced sepsis by cecal ligation and puncture. Each group was divided into subgroups for euthanasia on the third (N3 and S3) or seventh (N7 or S7) post-operative day. The amount of adhesions was evaluated and a segment of the colon was removed for histopathologic analysis, bursting strength assessment, hydroxyproline and the determination of tissue collagen. RESULTS: The subjects which underwent cecal ligation and puncture presented a higher amount of intra-abdominal adherences in both third (p=0,00) and seventh (p=0,00) post-operatory days. Smaller bursting strengths were found in the S3 subgroup, and greater bursting strengths were found in the S7 subgroup. There was no difference in the variations on the concentrations of hydroxyproline, tissue collagen and histopathology. CONCLUSIONS: The peritoneal infection which was developed by cecal ligation and puncture raised the amount of intra-cavitary adhesions. There was a decrease in the amount of colonic anastomosis on the third post-operatory day with a following raise on the seventh without any effects on other healing parameters.

Does metoclopramide impair anastomotic healing of the left colon of rats?

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of metoclopramide on the formation of adhesion and the healing of left colonic anastomoses in rats. METHODS: Forty rats underwent sectioning of the left colon and end-to-end anastomosis and were divided into two groups of 20 animals for the administration of metoclopramide (experimental group - E) or saline solution (control group - C). Each group was divided into subgroups of 10 animals each to be killed on the third (E3 and C3) or seventh postoperative day (E7 and C7). Adhesion was assessed, and a colonic segment containing the anastomosis was removed for analysis of breaking strength and hydroxyproline concentration. RESULTS: There were no deaths or dehiscence on the 3(rd) postoperative day. There was one death and one blocked anastomotic dehiscence in the E7 group. No significant differences between groups were found in the analysis of clinical outcome, intra-cavity adhesion, adhesion to the anastomosis or breaking strength on the 3(rd) and 7(th) postoperative day. Hydroxyproline concentration was higher in the control group on the 3(rd) (p=0.006) but not on the 7(th) postoperative day (p=0.241). CONCLUSION: Metoclopramide did not have harmful effects on the healing of intestinal anastomoses in rats.

Does metoclopramide impair anastomotic healing of the left colon of rats? / A metoclopramida prejudica a cicatrização de anastomoses do cólon esquerdo de ratos?

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of metoclopramide on the formation of adhesion and the healing of left colonic anastomoses in rats. METHODS: Forty rats underwent sectioning of the left colon and end-to-end anastomosis and were divided into two groups of 20 animals for the administration of metoclopramide (experimental group - E) or saline solution (control group - C). Each group was divided into subgroups of 10 animals each to be killed on the third (E3 and C3) or seventh postoperative day (E7 and C7). Adhesion was assessed, and a colonic segment containing the anastomosis was removed for analysis of breaking strength and hydroxyproline concentration. RESULTS: There were no deaths or dehiscence on the 3rd postoperative day. There was one death and one blocked anastomotic dehiscence in the E7 group. No significant differences between groups were found in the analysis of clinical outcome, intra-cavity adhesion, adhesion to the anastomosis or breaking strength on the 3rd and 7th postoperative day. Hydroxyproline concentration was higher in the control group on the 3rd (p=0.006) but not on the 7th postoperative day (p=0.241). CONCLUSION: Metoclopramide did not have harmful effects on the healing of intestinal anastomoses in rats.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os efeitos da metoclopramida sobre a formação de aderências e a cicatrização de anastomoses de cólon esquerdo de ratos. MÉTODOS: 40 ratos distribuídos em dois grupos contendo 20 animais, para administração de metoclopramida (grupo experimental - E) ou solução de NaCl 0,9 por cento (grupo controle - C). Cada grupo foi dividido em subgrupos contendo 10 animais, para eutanásia no terceiro (E3 e C3) ou sétimo dia (E7 e C7) de pós-operatório. Os ratos foram submetidos à secção do cólon esquerdo e anastomose término-terminal. No dia da re-laparotomia foi avaliada a quantidade total de aderências e removido um segmento colônico contendo a anastomose para análise da força de ruptura e concentração de hidroxiprolina. RESULTADOS: Não houve mortes ou deiscências no 3º dia de pós-operatório. No grupo E7 ocorreram uma morte e uma deiscência de anastomose bloqueada. Não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos em relação à evolução clínica, quantidade de aderências intra-cavitárias ou à anastomose e resistência tênsil no 3º ou 7º pós-operatório. A concentração de hidroxiprolina foi maior no grupo metoclopramida no 3º (p=0,006) mas não no 7º dia de pós-operatório (p=0,241) CONCLUSÃO: A metoclopramida não apresenta efeito deletério sobre a cicatrização de anastomoses intestinais em ratos.

Effects of bromopride on the healing of left colon anastomoses of rats.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of bromopride on the formation of adhesions and anastomotic healing in the left colon of rats. METHODS: We divided 40 rats into two groups of 20 animals, administration of bromopride (study group-E) or saline (control group-C). Each group was divided into subgroups containing 10 animals each for euthanasia in the third (C3 and E3) or the seventh (E7 and C7) postoperative days. The rats were submitted to section of the left colon and end-to-end anastomosis. On the day of reoperation, we evaluated the total amount of adhesions and removed a colonic segment containing the anastomosis for histopathological analysis, assessment of rupture strength and hydroxyproline concentration. RESULTS: There was no difference between groups in relation to clinical outcome. Two animals in the study group had blocked anastomotic leakage. The animals that received bromopride had the number of intracavitary adhesions and adhesions to the anastomosis similar to the control group. The anastomoses from the group E3 animals showed lower resistance to rupture the one from the C3 group (p = 0.04). This effect did not occur on the seventh postoperative day (p = 0.37). There was no significant difference between groups in relation to histopathology and hydroxyproline concentration in the anastomoses. CONCLUSION: The use of bromopride was associated with decreased tensile strength of left colon anastomosis in rats in the third postoperative day.

Condutas farmacológicas e não-farmacológicas para o manejo de dor em odontopediatria / Pharmacological and non pharmacological techniques for painmanagement in pediatric dentistry

Na Odontopediatria, a utilização dos meios farmacológicos e não-farmacológicospara manejo da dor é importante para uma abordagem completa e efetiva do fenômeno doloroso, sem que o mesmo represente um evento traumático para a criança, pois o estresse vivenciado pelopaciente amplia o seu medo e a sua percepção da dor, diminuindo a suacapacidade de colaborar com o tratamento. Nesse contexto, é imprescindível que o cirurgião-dentista utilize, de forma consistente, todos os recursos disponíveis para controle da dor infantil. Portanto, o objetivo desta revisão é enfatizar as condutas farmacológicas e não farmacológicas utilizadas para o controle de dor em crianças na Odontologia, através de uma revisão da literatura científica. O controle da dor de uma criança é o fator-chave imprescindível na conduta do profissional pediatra, visto que o tratamento adequado da dor, da ansiedade e do medo, gerados pela situação desconfortável dos sinais e sintomas, proporcionam maior probabilidade de sucesso nos procedimentos, em especial quando há necessidade de procedimentos invasivos. Dessa forma, o conhecimento da farmacologia das diversas categorias de drogas sedativas e analgésicas é obrigatório para qualquer pediatra e, da mesma forma, as condutaspsicológicas infantis se constituem elementos primordiais para o sucessoem todos os procedimentos adotados.

In pediatric dentistry, a complete and effective approach to avoid traumain children involves the use of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologictechniques for pain management. The stress experienced by the patient increases the fear and perception of pain, diminishing his ability to cooperatewith treatment. In this regard, the dentist must use all available resources for pain control. The goal of this review is to emphasize pharmacological and non-pharmacological procedures used in dentistry for pain control in children via a review of scientific literature. Pain controlis a key factor in the work of a pediatric professional, given that adequate treatment of pain, anxiety and fear generated by uncomfortable situations leads to greater probability of success in procedures. This is especially true for invasive procedures. Thus, pharmacology knowledgeof sedative and analgesic drugs is obligatory for every pediatric dentist;similarly, psychological care for children is a fundamental element for success in all procedures.

Study on adhesion formation and the healing of colon anastomosis in rats with induced peritoneal sepsis / Estudo da formação de aderências e da cicatrização de anastomoses colônicas em ratos com sepse peritoneal induzida

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of abdominal sepsis on adhesion formation and colon anastomosis healing in rats. METHODS: Forty rats were distributed in two groups containing 20 rats each for left colon anastomosis in the presence (Group S) or absence (Group N) of induced sepsis by cecal ligation and puncture. Each group was divided into subgroups for euthanasia on the third (N3 and S3) or seventh (N7 or S7) post-operative day. The amount of adhesions was evaluated and a segment of the colon was removed for histopathologic analysis, bursting strength assessment, hydroxyproline and the determination of tissue collagen. RESULTS: The subjects which underwent cecal ligation and puncture presented a higher amount of intra-abdominal adherences in both third (p=0,00) and seventh (p=0,00) post-operatory days. Smaller bursting strengths were found in the S3 subgroup, and greater bursting strengths were found in the S7 subgroup. There was no difference in the variations on the concentrations of hydroxyproline, tissue collagen and histopathology. CONCLUSIONS: The peritoneal infection which was developed by cecal ligation and puncture raised the amount of intra-cavitary adhesions. There was a decrease in the amount of colonic anastomosis on the third post-operatory day with a following raise on the seventh without any effects on other healing parameters.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os efeitos da sepse abdominal sobre a formação de aderências e a cicatrização de anastomoses colônicas em ratos. MÉTODOS: 40 ratos distribuídos em dois grupos contendo 20 animais, para anastomose do cólon esquerdo na presença (grupo S) ou ausência (grupo N) de indução de sepse por ligadura e punção do ceco (CLP). Cada grupo foi dividido em subgrupos para eutanásia no terceiro (N3 e S3) ou sétimo (N7 e S7) dia de pós-operatório (DPO). Foi avaliada a quantidade de aderências e removido um segmento colônico contendo a anastomose para análise histopatológica, força de ruptura, hidroxiprolina e conteúdo de colágeno tecidual. RESULTADOS: Os animais submetidos à CLP apresentaram maior quantidade de aderências intra-abdominais tanto no 3° DPO (p=0,00) quanto no 7° DPO (p=0,00). Tiveram menores valores de força de ruptura no 3° DPO (p=0,00), porém maiores valores no 7° DPO (p=0,00). Não houve diferença na variação da concentração de hidroxiprolina, conteúdo de colágeno e histopatologia. CONCLUSÕES: A infecção peritoneal desencadeada por CLP aumentou a quantidade de aderências intra-cavitárias. Houve diminuição da resistência de anastomoses cólicas no 3° DPO, com posterior aumento no 7° DPO, sem efeito sobre os outros parâmetros da cicatrização.

Biossegurança e biosseguridade do manuseio do xilol em laboratórios de anatomia patológica / Biosecurity and biosafety of xilol handling in anatomical pathology laboratories

O conceito de biosseguridade e biossegurança vem sendo cada vez mais difundido e valorizado à medida que o entendimento da responsabilidade do profissional, envolvido em atividades que manipulam agentes biológicos, químicos, físicos e radioativos, não se limita somente às ações de prevenção de riscos derivados de sua atividade específica, mas também de todas as pessoas que, diretamente ou indiretamente, participam dessa atividade. Nos laboratórios de anatomia patológica é muito importante que os profissionais entendam a distinção entre esses dois termos e os ponham em prática para maior segurança. O objetivo deste trabalho foi fazer uma revisão dos efeitos do xilol, uma das principais substâncias voláteis usadas diariamente em um laboratório de anatomia patológica, e suas implicações nos profissionais envolvidos, decorrentes da falta de conhecimento ou prática da biosseguridadee biossegurança. Foi observado, de forma geral, que as legislações existentes em vigor em nosso país são pouco específicas para os laboratórios que trabalham com anatomia patológica (biopsias e citologia). Quando o enfoque é biossegurança, além dos cuidados normais de boas práticas de laboratório, são necessários procedimentos específicos para minimizar os riscos de acidentes pessoais e de contaminação ambiental. Cabe ao nosso país implementar medidas cabíveis para os profissionais que lidam com histotecnologia, oferecendo a estes o reconhecimento legal, por meio de cursos de qualificação aos técnicos. Da mesma forma, cabe a todos os gestores envolvidos na área da saúde orientar seus profissionais quanto à conscientização da prática diária de todos os aspectos envolvidos com a biosseguridade e biossegurança.

Biosafety and biosecurity concepts have been increasingly used and valued, considering that the understanding of the responsibility of the professional involved in activities that manipulate biological, chemical, physical and radioactive agents, is not only limited to risk prevention measures originated from his or her specific activity, but also from all persons who directly or indirectly participate in these activities. In anatomical pathology laboratories, it is very important for professionals to understand the difference between these two terms and to put them into practice to achieve a higher level of security. The objective of this study was to perform a review of xylol effects, which is one of the main volatile substances daily used in anatomical pathology laboratories, and its implications for the professionals involved, due to the lack of knowledge or biosafety and biosecurity practices. Generally speaking, it was observed that current laws in our country are not very specific for anatomical pathology laboratories, which perform biopsies and cytology. When the focus is biosecurity, in addition to the normal care of good laboratory practices, specific procedures to minimize the risks of personal accident and environmental contamination are necessary. The implementation of suitable measures for the professional dealing with histotechnology is our country's responsibility, by offering them legal acknowledgement of the profession through qualification courses for technicians. Similarly, all managers involved in the health sector must instruct their professionals with regard to the awareness of the daily practice of all aspects involved with biosafety and biosecurity.

Inhibitory avoidance acquisition in adult rats exposed to a combination of ethanol and methylmercury during central nervous system development.

Previous studies have shown that combined exposure to ethanol (EtOH) and methylmercury (MeHg) in rats during central nervous system development produces several behavioural impairments. This present study was done to investigate inhibitory avoidance acquisition and panic-like disorders in rats in an elevated T-maze (ETM) model of anxiety. Pregnant rats received tap water or EtOH at 22.5% (w/v) (6.5 g/kg per day, by gavage) during pregnancy and lactation. On the 15th day of pregnancy, half of each group received MeHg (8 mg/kg, by gavage). Adult offspring intoxicated by both EtOH + MeHg showed an increase in the ETM re-exposure time. Upon analysis of the enclosed arms latency in baseline and avoidance 1 session it was observed that the rats spent less time inside the arm, suggesting impairment in their short-term memory. The escape latency decreased for EtOH + MeHg and also for EtOH and MeHg groups, suggesting panic-like behaviour. After 24-h and 7-day trials (tests and retests), MeHg and EtOH + MeHg groups had their latency in the enclosed arm reduced with the exception of the EtOH group, revealing memory impairment. Upon analysis of the risk assessment, animals treated with EtOH + MeHg were the only ones to show a decrease in all evaluation stages. This study demonstrates that the exposure to both EtOH and MeHg has an impact on memory and panic-related behaviours, leading to the assertion that this association of toxicants should be studied more in detail to clarify the precise mechanisms of these pharmacological effects.

Adult brain nitrergic activity after concomitant prenatal exposure to ethanol and methyl mercury.

Pregnant rats were exposed to ethanol (EtOH) and/or methyl mercury (MeHg) during fetal brain development. Nitrergic activity was quantified by densitometric measurement of formazan deposits in the hippocampus, cerebellum and striatum of two-month-old offspring following histochemical assay for NADPH-diaphorase (NADPH-d) activity. Compared to control subjects, an increase in nitrergic activity was found in the molecular layer of dentate gyrus and in the lacunosum molecular and stratum radiatum of CA1 (cornus amoni 1) in the EtOH+MeHg group, whereas a single administration of EtOH increased the activity in all striatal segments. The cerebellum seems to be less sensitive at this time-point to intoxication, and presented an increase only at the molecular layer of EtOH-exposed animals when compared to the MeHg and EtOH+MeHg groups (ANOVA, one-way followed by Tukey's test, p<0.05 or p<0.01). Taken together, results suggest that developmental exposure to EtOH and MeHg, singularly or in combination, alters nitrergic activity in adult rat in different ways depending on the region and layer of the central nervous system (CNS), and that these alterations might be related to different local metabolic properties.

Interference of ethanol and methylmercury in the developing central nervous system.

Studies involving alcohol and its interactions with other neurotoxicants represent the focus of several works of research due to the fact that the use of alcohol can sometimes leads to serious health problems. Fetal exposure to alcohol and mercury has a high incidence in some regions of Brazil, where there are pregnant women who are alcoholics and live in mining areas. This work was conducted to examine the effects of combined exposure to ethanol (EtOH) and methylmercury (MeHg) in rats during the development of the central nervous system (CNS). Experimental behavioral animal models/tests were used in order to examine locomotion, anxiety, depression and memory. Pregnant rats received tap water or EtOH 22.5% w/v (6.5 g/kg per day), by gavage) during pregnancy and breast-feeding. On the 15th day of pregnancy, some groups received 8 mg/kg of MeHg (by gavage). The groups were as follows: control, EtOH, MeHg and EtOH+MeHg. The experimental results showed that the EtOH, MeHg and EtOH+MeHg groups reduced the percentage of frequency and time spent in the open arms entries of the elevated plus-maze (EPM) test, when compared to the control group. This result suggests an anxiogenic behavioral response. The MeHg group increased locomotor activity in the arena and the immobility time in the forced swimming test, suggestive of depression-like behavior. The EtOH+MeHg group showed greater reductions in the percentages of frequency and time spent in the open arms entries in the EPM test, suggesting a sedative-behavior since the frequency of enclosed arm entries was affected. In the inhibitory avoidance task, the EtOH+MeHg group reduced the latency of the step-down response onto the grid floor, suggesting a cognitive and behavior dysfunctions. Taken together, the results suggest that EtOH and/or MeHg intoxication during the developing CNS may be a risk for deficits related to locomotor impairment, anxiety, depression and neurocognitive functions. There is a possibility that EtOH may prevent some of the MeHg responses, but the precise mechanism of action involved in this process needs to be considered for future research.

Involvement of nitric oxide-dependent pathways of dorsolateral periaqueductal gray in the effects of ethanol in rats submitted to the elevated plus-maze test.

Our previous study showed the microinjection of drugs that influence the nitric oxide (NO)-mediated neurotransmission in the hippocampus impacts upon the anxiolytic-like effect of ethanol. In this study, we examined whether NO-dependent pathways of the dorsolateral periaqueductal gray (dlPAG) participate in the anxiolytic effect of ethanol in rats submitted to the elevated plus-maze test. We evaluated the impact on ethanol effects of the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor 7-nitroindazole, the soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor 1H-(1,2,4)-oxodiazolo (4,3-a) quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ), the cyclic guanylate monophosphate (cGMP) analogue 8-bromo-cGMP and the NO donor sodium nitroprusside. The results showed that ODQ and 7-nitroindazole increased the percentage of open arm entries and of time spent on open arms in the elevated plus maze in rats injected with ethanol at 1.0g/kg, a dose that did not produce anxiolysis per se. Conversely, 8-bromo-cGMP and sodium nitroprusside blocked the increased exploration of open arms exhibited by rats treated with a higher dose of ethanol (1.2g/kg). Taken together, the results suggest that the inhibition of NO-dependent pathways of the dlPAG enhances the anxiolytic effect of ethanol, whereas the activation of these pathways results in an opposite effect.