Efficacy of Biosilicate Glass-ceramic and Fluoride Varnish in the Treatment of Dentin Hypersensitivity-A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of Biosilicate and Duraphat in the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity (DH). METHODS AND MATERIALS: This clinical trial was conducted with young adults presenting DH. A visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to assess the level of pain, using volatile and tactile tests. Forty participants presenting two teeth with DH were included, and these teeth were divided into two groups according to the treatment: Biosilicate or Duraphat. Each product was randomly applied on one tooth per participant once a week for 4 weeks and evaluated every 15 days for 60 days after the last application. RESULTS: The mean and standard deviation (SD) of VAS values for the initial volatile sensitivity evaluation were 6.18 (1.99) and 6.08 (1.98) for the Biosilicate and Duraphat groups, respectively, and at the fourth week 0.48 (1.5) and 0.83 (1.58). After 60 days, the volatile sensitivity showed the following values: 0.63 (1.19) for Biosilicate and 1.03 (1.07) for Duraphat. The intragroup comparison showed a significant reduction of mean VAS values for DH-related pain assessed by volatile testing for both groups (p<0.001), and the assessment at the 60-day follow-up showed mean values statistically similar to those obtained at the end of treatment. Initial tactile sensitivity observed was 1.48 (2.39) for the Biosilicate and 1.4 (2.2) for the Duraphat group and at the 60-day follow-up 0.23 (0.73) and 0.15 (0.36), respectively, with significant statistical difference (p<0.002). When the reduction in tactile and volatile sensitivities between both groups was compared, no statistically significant difference was observed. CONCLUSION: This study indicated that both products were able to promote an important reduction in dentin hypersensitivity with similar results within a 60-day follow-up.

Stimuli-Responsive Track-Etched Membranes for Separation of Water-Oil Emulsions.

In this work, we have developed a method for the preparation of pH-responsive track-etched membranes (TeMs) based on poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) with pore diameters of 2.0 ± 0.1 µm of cylindrical shape by RAFT block copolymerization of styrene (ST) and 4-vinylpyridine (4-VP) to be used in the separation of water-oil emulsions. The influence of the monomer concentration (1-4 vol%), the molar ratio of RAFT agent: initiator (1:2-1:100) and the grafting time (30-120 min) on the contact angle (CA) was studied. The optimal conditions for ST and 4-VP grafting were found. The obtained membranes showed pH-responsive properties: at pH 7-9, the membrane was hydrophobic with a CA of 95°; at pH 2, the CA decreased to 52°, which was due to the protonated grafted layer of poly-4-vinylpyridine (P4VP), which had an isoelectric point of pI = 3.2. The obtained membranes with controlled hydrophobic-hydrophilic properties were tested by separating the direct and reverse "oil-water" emulsions. The stability of the hydrophobic membrane was studied for 8 cycles. The degree of purification was in the range of 95-100%.

Investigation of acoustic waves behavior of an underground tunnel in a multilayer soil.

Understanding the acoustic behavior of buried tunnels is valuable for locating them and monitoring their structure health. This research focuses on the acoustic behavior of buried tunnels in multilayer soil structures. The reflected and transmitted acoustic wave pressure variations are investigated exclusively for a multilayer soil buried tunnel. The tunnel system's 3D finite element model is presented, which contains the tunnel lining, surrounding soil, and the air inside the tunnel and at the ground surface. A free air explosion is used as the acoustic wave source. The reflected and transmitted waves' pressure values are measured to evaluate the effects of mechanical characteristics of soil layers, tunnel buried depths, and lining concrete types on the acoustic wave behavior of the tunnel. In addition, a utility line is introduced to the system in different positions related to the main tunnel to investigate its effect on the main tunnel's acoustic wave behavior. The results indicate that in a multilayer soil structure, the relative position of the soil layers and the tunnel (whether the main tunnel or the utility line) significantly impacts the acoustic pressure value, particularly the transmitted wave pressure. When changing the tunnel buried depth and the lining concrete type, multiple pressure peaks are observed in reflected acoustic wave pressure-time history exclusive to a tunnel surrounded by a multilayer soil structure. The findings can be used to precisely interpret the recorded signals for structural health monitoring and locating underground structures, especially in a media with multilayer soil structures.

How do presbylarynx and presbycusis affect the Voice Handicap Index and the emotional status of the elderly? A prospective case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the influence of presbylarynx and presbycusis on Voice Handicap Index and emotional status. METHODS: A case-control, prospective, observational, cross-sectional study was conducted of patients aged 65 years or older referred to an otorhinolaryngology department from January to September 2020. Presbycusis was assessed by pure tone and vocal audiometry. Each subject underwent fibre-optic videolaryngoscopy with stroboscopy, and presbylarynx was considered when two or more of the following endoscopic findings were identified: vocal fold bowing, prominence of vocal processes in abduction, and a spindle-shaped glottal gap. Each subject completed two questionnaires: Voice Handicap Index and Geriatric Depression Scale (short-form). RESULTS: The studied population included 174 White European subjects, with a mean age of 73.99 years, of whom 22.8 per cent presented both presbylarynx and presbycusis. Multivariate linear regression revealed that only presence and severity of presbylarynx had an influence on Voice Handicap Index-30 scores. However, both spindle-shaped glottal gap and presbycusis influenced Geriatric Depression Scale scores. CONCLUSION: Presbylarynx has a strong association with the impact of voice on quality of life. Presbylarynx and presbycusis seem to have a cumulative effect on emotional status.

Incidence of metastasis to level V lymph nodes in clinically positive necks among Sri Lankan patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains the most common cancer among males in Sri Lanka. Metastasis to neck is a crucial prognostic factor. A modified radical/radical neck dissection including levels I -V, was performed in patients with OSCC who had a clinically positive neck (cN+). Currently, evidence suggests that sparing level V in a cN+ may be justified due to less chance of metastasis in early stages of the disease. To the best of our knowledge, the incidence of metastasis to level V in patients with cN+s has not been previously investigated in a Sri Lankan context. We aimed to determine level V lymph node metastasis and related clinicopathological indicators in cN+s in patients with OSCC. A multicentre retrospective study investigated postoperative biopsy reports of 187 patients for five years. OSCC patients with cN+s who underwent neck dissections of levels I-V were included. Only 6.4% of patients had histopathologically positive level V lymph nodes. A total of 127 lymph nodes were harvested from level V of those who showed level V positivity and out of them 68 were positive with a third of cases showing extranodal extension (ENE). The buccal mucosa (n=4) and lateral aspect of the anterior two thirds of the tongue (n=4) were the common primary sites for level V metastasis. In patients who showed positivity in levels III and IV, a considerably higher probability of level V nodes being positive was seen, which was statistically significant (p = 0.0001). We have concluded that the routine performance of a modified radical/radical neck dissection for cN+s should be stopped, as the incidence of Level V positivity is significantly low. Assessing the cN+ for N stage, status of levels III and IV, pattern of invasion, differentiation, and the site may be used instead as predictors for level V positivity.

Growth hormone deficiency and other endocrinopathies after childhood brain tumors: results from a close follow-up in a cohort of 242 patients.

PURPOSE: Brain tumors are the most common solid tumor in children. The prevalence of survivors from these cancers has been increasing, presenting endocrine sequelae in more than 40% of the cases. Our aim was to characterize the endocrinopathies diagnosed in this population, exploring the outcomes of growth hormone treatment. METHODS: We have performed a retrospective analysis of the survivors that were followed-up through a close protocol at our endocrine late-effects clinic. RESULTS: 242 survivors, followed during 6.4 (0-23.4) years, were considered. The median age at tumor diagnosis was 6.7 (0-18) years and pilocytic astrocytoma was the most frequent neoplasm (33.5%). The prevalence of endocrinopathies was of 71.5%, with growth hormone deficiency being the most frequent (52.9%). An indirect correlation between the age at the beginning of somatropin and growth velocity in the first year of treatment was observed. Those treated with craniospinal radiotherapy presented a smaller final upper/lower segments ratio comparing with those that only received cranial radiotherapy. However, their final height was not compromised when compared to their family height target. We found pubertal delay in 12%; accelerated/precocious puberty in 13.2%; central and primary hypogonadism in 21.9% and 3.3%, respectively; primary and central hypothyroidism in 23.6% and 14.5%, respectively; thyroid nodules in 7.4%; ACTH deficiency in 10.3% and diabetes insipidus in 12%. CONCLUSION: This study reveals a higher prevalence of endocrinopathies in brain tumors survivors and explores the influence of craniospinal irradiation in the adult body proportions. It reinforces the importance of routine follow-up among survivors.

Probiotic properties of yeasts isolated from Brazilian fermented table olives.

AIMS: To investigate the probiotic potential of yeasts isolated from naturally fermented Brazilian table olives. METHODS AND RESULTS: Eighteen yeast strains were tested in terms of: safety; survival of gastrointestinal and digestion conditions; antimicrobial activity; cellular hydrophobicity; autoaggregation ability and adhesion to epithelial cells; coaggregation and inhibition of pathogenic bacteria adhesion. Six yeasts showed favourable results for all probiotic attributes: Saccharomyces cerevisiae CCMA 1746, Pichia guilliermondii CCMA 1753, Candida orthopsilosis CCMA 1748, Candida tropicalis CCMA 1751, Meyerozyma caribbica CCMA 1758 and Debaryomyces hansenii CCMA 1761. These yeasts demonstrated resistance to 37°C, pH 2·0 and bile salts, and survived in vitro digestion (≥106  CFU per ml). Furthermore, the yeasts exhibited a hydrophobic cell surface (42·5-92·2%), autoaggregation capacity (41·0-91·0%) and adhesion to Caco-2 (62·0-82·8%) and HT-29 (57·6-87·3%) epithelial cell lines. Also, the strains showed antimicrobial activity against Salmonella Enteritidis as well as the ability to coaggregate and reduce the adhesion of this pathogen to intestinal cells. CONCLUSIONS: Autochthonous yeasts from naturally fermented Brazilian table olives have probiotic properties, with potential for development of new probiotic food products. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF STUDY: These data are important and contribute to the knowledge of new potential probiotic yeasts capable of surviving gastrointestinal tract conditions and inhibiting pathogenic bacteria.

Administration of a single dose of 300 IU of human chorionic gonadotropin seven days after the onset of estrus improves pregnancy rate in dairy goats by an unknown mechanism.

This study examined the effects of exogenous hCG administration on ovarian function and pregnancy rates in estrous-induced dairy goats during the transition into the breeding season. Eighty-six Toggenburg does received 60 mg of medroxyprogesterone acetate intravaginal sponge for 6 d plus 200 IU of equine chorionic gonadotropin and 30 µg of d-cloprostenol i.m. 24 h before sponge removal, and were then bred for 96 h. Seven days (D7) after first mating the does received either 1 mL of saline (the control group, n = 43) or 300 IU of hCG (the hCG-treated group, n = 43) i.m. Transrectal ovarian ultrasonography (B-mode and color Doppler) was performed on D7, D13, D17, and D21 and ultrasonographic pregnancy detection on D30. Pregnancy rate was higher (P < 0.05) in hCG-treated goats (90.7%; 39/43) than that in control animals (74.4%; 32/43). Accessory luteal structures (ALSs) were detected in 46.5% (20/43) of hCG-treated does. All hCG-treated does that had ALSs and 82.6% of goats without ALS post-treatment remained pregnant. The total luteal area increased (P < 0.05) from D7 to D13 in pregnant animals of both groups, whereas mean vascular area declined (P < 0.05) by D21 in all nonpregnant does. Serum progesterone concentrations increased (P < 0.05) on D21 in pregnant goats of both groups, but they were related to changes in luteal tissue content only in control does throughout the present study. Mean daily numbers of small- and medium-sized antral follicles decreased (P < 0.05) only in pregnant animals of both groups with a decline in medium follicle numbers occurring earlier in hCG-treated (D13) compared with control does (D17). To summarize, a single dose of hCG given on D7 after estrus was followed by a decrease in the number of medium-sized antral follicles in gestating hCG-treated does, induced the formation of ALSs in ~47% of all hCG-treated does, and significantly increased the pregnancy rate in estrous-induced Toggenburg goats in the transition to the breeding season.

Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse (ARFI) elastography imaging of equine distal forelimb flexor structures / [Elastografia Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse (ARFI) das estruturas flexoras da porção distal do membro torácico de equinos]

This study set out to determine normal values for acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) elastography of the superficial digital flexor tendon, deep digital flexor tendon, accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon and suspensory ligament in horses. Twenty-four horses were submitted to conventional sonographic assessment and elastography imaging (quantitative ARFI method) of distal forelimb tendons and ligaments at nine anatomical regions. Elastograms depicted tendons and ligaments in orange to red tones consistent with greater stiffness. Shear wave velocity was higher in the longitudinal compared to the cross-sectional plane but did not differ significantly between the left and right forelimbs. The suspensory ligament was stiffer compared to remaining structures in the cross-sectional plane. Ligaments were stiffer than tendons and the deep digital flexor tendon was stiffer than the superficial digital flexor tendon in the longitudinal plane. Target structures were stiffer in male compared to female horses and stiffness tended to increase with age. ARFI elastography proved to be a feasible and reproducible imaging modality for assessment of distal forelimb tendons and ligaments in horses. Qualitative features derived from stiffness quantification in these structures can be applied to horses with musculoskeletal disorders, as well as to other animal species.(AU)

Este trabalho objetivou estabelecer valores de referência por meio da elastografia ARFI ("Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse") do tendão flexor digital superficial, tendão flexor digital profundo, ligamento acessório inferior e ligamento suspensor do boleto em equinos hígidos. Vinte e quatro equinos foram submetidos aos exames ultrassonográfico e elastográfico (método ARFI quantitativo) dos tendões e ligamentos da porção distal do membro torácico, em nove regiões anatômicas diferentes. Os elastogramas mostraram tendões e ligamentos de coloração alaranjada a vermelha, que representam maior rigidez. Não houve diferenças em relação ao membro avaliado; as velocidades de cisalhamento foram maiores nos planos longitudinais. No plano transversal, os ligamentos suspensores foram mais rígidos em comparação aos demais. No plano longitudinal, os ligamentos mostraram-se mais rígidos que os tendões, e o tendão flexor digital profundo, mais rígido que o tendão flexor digital superficial. As estruturas mostraram-se mais rígidas nos machos, e houve uma tendência à maior rigidez em animais mais velhos. A elastografia ARFI comprovou ser um método viável e reprodutível para avaliação dos tendões e ligamentos dos membros torácicos de equinos. As características qualitativas obtidas a partir da rigidez dessas estruturas podem ser utilizadas para testes em equinos com distúrbios musculoesqueléticos e também em outras espécies animais.(AU)

Impact of an active lifestyle on heart rate variability and oxidative stress markers in offspring of hypertensives.

Familial history of hypertension is associated with autonomic dysfunction and increase in blood pressure (BP). However, an active lifestyle has been found to improve a number of health outcomes and reduce all-cause mortality. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of an active lifestyle on hemodynamics, heart rate variability (HRV) and oxidative stress markers in offspring of hypertensive parents. One hundred twenty-seven subjects were assigned into four groups: sedentary offspring of normotensives (S-ON) or hypertensives (S-OH); and physically active offspring of normotensives (A-ON) or hypertensives (A-OH). Diastolic BP and heart rate were reduced in the physically active groups when compared to S-OH group. A-ON and A-OH groups presented increased values of RR total variance when compared to the sedentary ones (A-ON: 4,912 ± 538 vs. S-ON: 2,354 ± 159; A-OH: 3,112 ± 236 vs. S-OH: 2,232 ± 241 ms2). Cardiac sympato-vagal balance (LF/HF), systemic hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anion were markedly increased in S-OH group when compared to all other studied groups. Additionally, important correlations were observed between LF/HF with diastolic BP (r = 0.30) and hydrogen peroxide (r = 0.41). Thus, our findings seem to confirm an early autonomic dysfunction in offspring of hypertensive parents, which was associated with a systemic increase in reactive oxygen species and blood pressure. However, our most important finding lies in the attenuation of such disorders in offspring of physically active hypertensives, thus emphasizing the importance of a physically active lifestyle in the prevention of early disorders that may be associated with onset of hypertension.

Radiopacity and mechanical properties of dental adhesives with strontium hydroxyapatite nanofillers.

OBJECTIVES: Dental resins filled with hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanoparticles have significantly revolutionized restorative dentistry offering advantages such as remineralization potential and increase of polymerization. However, these materials have limited radiopacity hindering the diagnosis of secondary caries. The present study investigated the development of a new radiopaque dental adhesive by incorporating novel pure strontium hydroxyapatite nanoparticles [Sr10(PO4)6(OH)2, SrHAp] synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method. METHODS: Strontium phosphates were prepared using co-precipitation (SrHAp0h) and hydrothermal treatment for 2 and 5h (SrHAp2h and SrHAp5h). The crystallinity, crystallite size, textural and morphology features of the nanoparticles were characterized by XRD, FT-IR, micro-Raman and TEM. Strontium hydroxyapatite (SrHAp) or calcium hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanoparticles were then incorporated (10 wt%) into an adhesive resin of a commercial three-step etch-and-rinse adhesive to evaluate the radiopacity of disk-shaped specimens, degree of conversion (DC) assessed by FT-IR and mechanical properties by three-point bending test. The unfilled adhesive was used as negative control. RESULTS: While SrHAp0h and SrHAp2h resulted a phase mixing, the pure and highly crystalline phase of strontium hydroxyapatite free of calcium was obtained with 5h hydrothermal treatment (SrHAp5h). The TEM images revealed nanorods morphology for SrHAp5h. SrHAps incorporated into adhesive showed higher radiopacity, no alteration on DC despite slightly reducing the mechanical properties. SIGNIFICANCE: Although the mechanical properties are slightly impaired, incorporation of SrHAp nanoparticles offers potential method to improve radiopacity of restorative dental resins, easing the tracking of actual remineralization effects and enabling diagnosis of recurrent caries.

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in wild ungulates.

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are zoonotic pathogens that live in the gastrointestinal tract of wildlife and cattle without causing disease. In humans, their colonization and infection lead to life-threatening disease. We investigated the occurrence of STEC in wild ungulates (wild boar, red deer and roe deer) inhabiting areas differently impacted by anthropogenic activities. STEC were detected in 9% (n = 6) of the samples and were recovered from the three species: 1 of wild boar, 4 of red deer and 1 of roe deer. All the isolates (n = 7) were non-O157 STEC encoding stx1 (n = 2; 29%) and/or stx2 genes (n = 6; 86%). O27:H30 was the most frequent serotype identified, followed by O146:H21 and O146:H28. Two STEC were O-untypable: ONT:H28 and ONT:H52. The phylo-groups identified were B1 (n = 3), E (n = 3) and F (n = 1). All the isolates recovered were susceptible to the different classes of antibiotics tested, although resistance genes were found in two strains. Apart from stx, all STEC encode many virulence factors (VF), particularly adhesins and/or other toxins. A strain with 13 VF collected from roe deer has a high enterohemorrhagic risk due to the presence of intimin, hemolysin and protease effectors genes. Enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) are implicated in the major cases of human infection and mortality, highlighting the zoonotic potential of wildlife-associated STEC. Wild ungulates are reservoirs of STEC potentially pathogenic to humans. Therefore, following the One Health concept, it is crucial to establish worldwide local monitoring programs that will benefit human, animal and environmental health.

Multiple sclerosis prevalence in Salta City, Argentina.

INTRODUCTION: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is one of the leading causes of disability in young adults. Its prevalence varies according to different countries. In Argentina there is a wide heterogeneity regarding data published in different areas of the country. Prevalence established in most studies is 17 cases per 100,000 inhabitants; however, most of the available data comes from studies that took place in Buenos Aires. There is little or no information from other provinces, especially from Northwest of Argentina (NOA), where there are no studies of the disease prevalence. The aim of this study is to investigate MS prevalence, phenotypes and epidemiological characteristics in Salta, Argentina, in order to contribute to the current knowledge of MS epidemiology and distribution in our country. METHODS: A descriptive, observational, transversal study was carried out in the capital city of Salta. Researchers from all public and private hospitals with a Neurology Department have participated. Private researchers who are well known leaders in demyelinating diseases in the city provided valuable information. Patients who did not have medical control for the past two years as well as patients whose last address was not registered in Salta were excluded. RESULTS: 120 registries were obtained from the four hospitals that participated and from the 12 private researchers. Ten patients were excluded due to overlapping data. The population of the area based on 2010 census was 535,310, so we estimated an MS prevalence 23.8 cases per 100,000 inhabitants (95% CI 20.1-27.4), 24.1 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in female population (95% CI 21.2-28.6) and 18.2 cases per 100,000 inhabitants (95% CI 15.2-21.1) in male population. In our analysis, 64 (58.2%) were female and the average age was 42.1 years. 81.8% are recurrent remitting forms, 16.4% secondary progressive and 1.8% primary progressive. CONCLUSION: This is the first study that provides epidemiological data on the prevalence and clinical forms of MS in Salta City as well as in the entire Northwest Region of Argentina(NOA). We estimate a prevalence of 23.8 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, which establishes a moderate risk area for MS.

Cr(III) removal from synthetic and industrial wastewaters by using co-gasification chars of rice waste streams.

Blends of rice waste streams were submitted to co-gasification assays. The resulting chars (G1C and G2C) were characterized and used in Cr(III) removal assays from a synthetic solution. A Commercial Activated Carbon (CAC) was used for comparison purposes. The chars were non-porous materials mainly composed by ashes (68.3-92.6% w/w). The influences of adsorbent loading (solid/liquid ratio - S/L) and initial pH in Cr(III) removal were tested. G2C at a S/L of 5 mg L-1 and an initial pH of 4.50 presented an uptake capacity significantly higher than CAC (7.29 and 2.59 mg g-1, respectively). G2C was used in Cr(III) removal assays from an industrial wastewater with Cr(III) concentrations of 50, 100 and 200 mg L-1. Cr(III) removal by precipitation (uptake capacity ranging from 11.1 to 14.9 mg g-1) was more effective in G2C, while adsorption (uptake capacity of 16.1 mg g-1) was the main removal mechanism in CAC.

Biomechanical analysis of the masticatory movement before and after adjusting dental occlusion in equine / Análise biomecânica do movimento mastigatório antes e depois do ajuste oclusal dental em equinos

The aim of this study was to evaluate through three-dimensional kinematic analysis the influence of occlusal adjustment by tooth wear in masticatory biomechanics of horses. Seven clinically healthy thoroughbred Arabian horses with strong occlusal irregularities were used, of which seven castrated males and one female of between seven and nineteen years of age. Three digital video cameras and seven spherical reflective markers placed on the horses' face were employed. The animals were filmed twice in succession: while chewing hay before and after the occlusal adjustment by tooth wear. Following that, kinematic analysis was made of the movements obtained by means of the images which were synchronized, segmented and reconstructed three-dimensionally with the help of Dvideow program. Mathematical functions were applied in Matlab environment for obtaining the values of the amplitudes of movements. The results of the biomechanical analysis showed that the occlusal adjustment increases the range of mandibular movements in horses.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar, através de análise cinemática tridimensional, a influência do ajuste oclusal por desgaste dentário na biomecânica da mastigação de equinos. Foram utilizados sete cavalos puro sangue árabe, clinicamente saudáveis, com irregularidades oclusais relevantes, sendo seis machos castrados e uma fêmea, de sete a dezenove anos de idade. Três câmeras de vídeo digitais e sete marcadores reflexivos esféricos foram colocados na face dos equinos. Os animais foram filmados duas vezes seguidas: durante a mastigação do feno antes e após o ajuste oclusal por desgaste dental. Na sequência, procedeu-se a cinemática dos movimentos obtidos por meio das imagens sincronizadas, segmentadas e reconstruídas em três dimensões, com a ajuda do programa Dvideow. Funções matemáticas foram aplicadas no ambiente Matlab para a obtenção dos valores de amplitudes dos movimentos. Os resultados da análise biomecânica mostraram que o ajuste oclusal aumenta a gama de movimentos mandibulares em equinos.(AU)

Metaloproteinases no tecido laminar do casco de equinos submetidos à obstrução intraluminal do cólon menor / Metalloproteinases in hoof laminar tissue of equine submitted to intraluminal small colon obstruction

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a expressão das MMP-2 e MMP-9 no tecido laminar do casco e o perfil leucocitário de equinos submetidos à obstrução intraluminal do cólon menor. Realizaram-se laparotomia e obstrução do cólon menor de oito equinos hígidos, utilizando-se uma bola inserida no lúmem intestinal. A bola foi inflada à pressão de 80mmHg e a obstrução foi mantida por quatro horas. Foram realizadas coletas sanguíneas antes da obstrução (M0), imediatamente após a desobstrução (M4) e a cada 12 horas após M4, até completar 72 horas (M12, M24, M36, M48, M60 e M72). As biópsias de casco foram realizadas em M0, M4 e M72, e as amostras foram submetidas à análise zimográfica. Foi observado aumento nos leucócitos em M12 e M24, decorrente do aumento de neutrófilos segmentados e bastonetes, os quais diminuíram a partir de M36. Segundo a técnica zimográfica, não se observaram alterações nos valores de MMP-2 e -9, possivelmente devido à baixa intensidade das lesões ocasionadas no cólon menor. Com isso, conclui-se que as alterações inflamatórias decorrentes da obstrução do cólon menor não foram suficientes para ocasionar alterações na expressão das MMP-2 e -9 no tecido laminar podal.(AU)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the blood leukocytes and the MMP-2 and -9 expression in the hoof laminar tissue of horses undergoing intraluminal small colon obstruction. Laparotomy and the small colon obstruction was performed in eight healthy horses, inserting a ball in the intestinal lumen. The ball was inflated to 80 mmHg pressure and the occlusion was maintained for 4 hours. The blood was collectedBlood samples were taken before the obstruction (M0), immediately after intestinal clearance (M4), and every 12 hours until completeuntil 72 hours (M12, M24, M36, M48, M60 and M72). The hoof biopsies were performed at M0, M4, and M72 and the samples were subjected to zymography analysis. There was an increase in leukocytes in M12 and M24, due to the increase in segmented neutrophils and band neutrophils, which decreased as of M36. According to zymography technique not observed changes were not not observed in MMP-2 and -9, possibly due to the low intensity of the small colon lesions. Wherefore, it is concludedIn conclusion, that the inflammatory changes resulting from small colon obstruction were not enough to cause changes in the expression of MMP-2 and -9 in the hoof laminar tissue.(AU)

Oropharyngeal epignathus with partial facial duplication: report of a rare case.

Foetal oral teratoma or epignathus is a rare benign condition that originates in the oropharyngeal region. The term 'teratoma' refers to a mass composed of poorly organized tissues derived from each of the three germ layers. Epignathus may occur when one twin ceases development during gestation and becomes vestigial to the fully formed dominant twin. The reported incidence of epignathus is approximately 1:35,000 to 1:200,000 live births. A unique case of partial facial duplication with gross histological and radiological evidence of partial duplication of the facial elements and organs is presented herein. The affected newborn baby underwent urgent surgery due to breathing difficulties. The mass was excised successfully and the infant made an uneventful recovery. The resected specimen included two developing faces, each composed of a developing mandible and maxilla with developing tooth buds. Tissues from all three germ layers were present. In such cases, the treatment option is exclusively surgical, and complete resection is curative in most cases during the early neonatal period.

Role of antimicrobial stewardship programmes in children: a systematic review.

The United Nations and the World Health Organization have designated antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as a major health priority and developed action plans to reduce AMR in all healthcare settings. Establishment of institutional antimicrobial stewardship programmes (ASPs) is advocated as a key intervention to reduce antibiotic consumption in hospitals and address high rates of multi-drug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. PUBMED and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (January 2007-March 2017) were searched to identify studies reporting the effectiveness of ASPs in general paediatric wards and paediatric intensive care units (PICUs) for reducing antibiotic consumption, use of broad-spectrum/restricted antibiotics, and antibiotic resistance and healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Neonatal units and antifungal agents were excluded. Of 2509 titles and abstracts, nine articles were eligible for inclusion in the final analysis. All studies reported a reduction in the use of broad-spectrum/restricted antibiotics or antibiotic consumption. One study reported a reduction in HAIs in a PICU, and another study evaluated bacterial resistance, showing no effect following ASP implementation. Prospective audit on antibiotic use was the most common ASP core component (eight of nine studies). Antibiotic pre-authorization was described in two studies. Other described interventions were the provision of guidelines or written information (five of nine studies), and training of healthcare professionals (one study). There is limited evidence for a reduction in antibiotic consumption and use of broad-spectrum/restricted agents following ASP implementation specifically in PICUs. Data evaluating the impact of ASPs on HAIs and AMR in PICUs are lacking. In addition, there is limited information on effective components of a successful ASP in PICUs.

Performance evaluation of a natural treatment system for small communities, composed of a UASB reactor, maturation ponds (baffled and unbaffled) and a granular rock filter in series.

Post-treatment of anaerobic reactor effluent with maturation ponds is a good option for small to medium-sized communities in tropical climates. The treatment line investigated, operating in Brazil, with an equivalent capacity to treat domestic sewage from 250 inhabitants, comprised a upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor followed by two shallow maturation ponds (unbaffled and baffled) and a granular rock filter (decreasing grain size) in series, requiring an area of only 1.5 m2 inhabitant-1. With an overall hydraulic retention time of only 6.7 days, the performance was excellent for a natural treatment system. Based on over two years of continuous monitoring, median removal efficiencies were: biochemical oxygen demand = 93%, chemical oxygen demand = 79%, total suspended solids = 87%, ammonia = 43% and Escherichia coli = 6.1 log units. The final effluent complied with European discharge standards and WHO guidelines for some forms of irrigation, and appeared to be a suitable alternative for treating domestic sewage for small communities in warm areas, especially in developing countries.