Electrochemical dissolution of nickel-titanium instrument fragments in root canals of extracted human maxillary molars using a small reservoir of electrolyte.

AIM: To evaluate the viability of the electrochemical dissolution of fragments of fractured NiTi instruments in root canals of extracted human maxillary molars, using two electrodes and the solution restricted to a small reservoir coupled to the pulp chamber. The primary hypothesis was that this method enables the reduction of fragment volume and re-establishment of the root canal path with a size 08 K-file, both in simulated canals and in extracted human maxillary molars. METHODOLOGY: Fragments of F1 ProTaper instruments were polarized in simulated root canals and in distobuccal root canals of extracted maxillary molars using a new method, with the solution restricted to a small acrylic microcell coupled to each resin block or pulp chamber. Two electrodes were used, where one was kept in contact with the intracanal fragment and another was positioned in the solution present in the acrylic microcell. After the tests, a size 08 K-file was used passively to verify the possibility of bypassing the fragment, which was also confirmed by radiographic analysis. Micro-CT analysis of the teeth was used before and after fragment dissolution to evaluate the volume, length and porosity of the fragments. The D'Agostino-Pearson normality test was used to verify the distribution of the data. A paired t-test (P < 0.05) was used to compare the volume, length and porosity of the fragments before and after the dissolution tests. RESULTS: After dissolution, all fragments could be bypassed with a size 08 K-file in both simulated canals and in extracted teeth. The dissolution process did not result in significant reduction of neither the fragment length nor the fragment porosity. However, it resulted in a significant reduction of fragment volume (paired t-test, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The electrochemical dissolution of fragments of NiTi files in root canals of extracted human maxillary molars using two electrodes, and the solution restricted to a small reservoir coupled to the pulp chamber resulted in a significant reduction of fragment volume. The re-establishment of the root canal path with the passive insertion of size 08 K-files was possible in all samples after the tests, both in simulated canals and in extracted teeth.

RAR-Related Orphan Receptor Gamma T (RoRγt)-Related Cytokines Play a Role in Neutrophil Infiltration of the Central Nervous System After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: How inflammatory cells are recruited into the central nervous system is a topic of interest in a number of neurological injuries. In aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), neutrophil accumulation in the central nervous system 3 days after the hemorrhage is a critical step in the development of delayed cerebral injury (DCI). The mechanism by which neutrophils enter the central nervous system is still unclear. METHODS AND RESULTS: To identify human effectors of neutrophil recruitment, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were taken from a small, selected sample of SAH patients with external ventricular drainage devices (10 patients). Among a battery of CSF cytokines tested 3 days after SAH, five cytokines were associated with poor 90-day outcome (modified Rankin Score 3-6). A parallel study in a mouse model of mild SAH showed elevation in three cytokines in the CNS compared to sham. IL-17 and IL-2 were increased in both patients and the mouse model. IL-17 was investigated further because of its known role in neutrophil recruitment. Inhibition of RAR-Related Orphan Receptor Gamma T, the master transcription factor of IL-17, with the inverse agonist GSK805 suppressed neutrophils entry into the CNS after SAH compared to control. Using an IL-17 reporter mouse, we investigated the source of IL-17 and found that myeloid cells were a common IL-17-producing cell type in the meninges after SAH, suggesting an autocrine role for neutrophil recruitment. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, IL-17 appears to be in important factor in the recruitment of neutrophils into the meninges after SAH and could be an important target for therapies to ameliorate DCI.

Cross-section profile of the nonlinear refractive index of Gorilla Glass obtained by nonlinear ellipse rotation measurements.

In this work we determined the influence of potassium-to-sodium ion exchange in the nonlinear refractive value (n2) of Corning's Gorilla Glass (GG). Due to the production process, GG has a rich potassium surface in comparison to the original sodium matrix glass. In order to determine the nonlinear cross-section profile, we have used a highly sensitive nonlinear elliptical rotation spatial measurement. Using a simple model, where the nonlinearity varies exponentially with depth, we observed that the value of the nonlinear refraction at the surface is about 22% greater than that of the matrix interior with a penetration depth constant of ∼50 µm.

Fcγ-RI, Fcγ-RII and IL-10 as predictive biomarkers for post-therapeutic cicatrization time in monocytes from cutaneous leishmaniasis patients.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) treatment is based on therapy with Glucantime® , yet, there are few laboratory methods to monitor its success. In this study, ex vivo and in vitro evaluations of peripheral blood monocytes were performed in a longitudinal study to characterize the impact of Glucantime® on overall phenotypic/functional features of these cells from CL patients to identify predictive biomarkers for post-therapeutic monitoring by flow cytometry. The ex vivo evaluation from CL patients demonstrated a modulatory profile before treatment, with a decrease in TLR-2, FcγRII, HLA-DR, CD86, IFN-γR, TNF, IL-12, NO, and an increase in FcγRIII and IL-10R. Conversely, treatment changes some of these biomarker expressions by decreasing FcγRIII and IL-10R and increasing IFN-γR, IL-12 and NO. Moreover, an in vitro analysis of these patients showed a reduced phagocytic capacity of Leishmania braziliensis and higher levels of IL-10 and TGF-ß modulating functional profile. Regardless of the compromised L. braziliensis phagocytic capacity, treatment re-established the production of IL-12, IL-10, TGF-ß and NO at the basal level. Notably, monocytes from patients with early cicatrization showed enhanced FcγRI and FcγRII expressions and reduced IL-10, which was further corroborated by a baseline fold change analysis. Finally, the logistic regression model emphasized the performance of FcγRI, FcγRII and IL-10 as robust predictive biomarkers for post-therapeutic cicatrization during cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Evaluation of the effects of the solution used for electrochemical dissolution of nickel-titanium endodontic files on dentine structure, microhardness and cell viability.

AIM: To evaluate the effects of the [NaF 12 g L-1  + NaCl 1 g L-1 ] solution used in the electrochemical dissolution process of fractured endodontic files, as well as its NiTi-containing product, on dentine hardness, topography and human fibroblast viability. METHODOLOGY: Sixty single-rooted human teeth were evaluated for dentine microhardness using the Vickers hardness test and the area and number of dentinal tubules by scanning electron microscopy. The samples were divided according to the dentine surface treatment: distilled water; 17% EDTA; [NaF 12 g L-1  + NaCl 1 g L-1 ]; and 17% EDTA + [NaF 12 g L-1  + NaCl 1 g L-1 ]. Thirty-six single-rooted human teeth were divided according to the irrigation protocol: Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium + 10% foetal bovine serum; 5.25% NaOCl; [NaF 12 g L-1  + NaCl 1 g L-1 ]; and [NaF 12 g L-1  + NaCl 1 g L-1  + NiTi]. The extracts in contact with the apical foramen were used in the MTT assay to evaluate human fibroblast viability, with dilutions of 100%, 50%, 25% and 12.5%. Statistical tests used were paired t-tests, one-way anova, Tukey's test, Kruskal-Wallis test and Dunn's post-test. RESULTS: The [NaF 12 g L-1  + NaCl 1 g L-1 ] solution did not modify dentine microhardness or the average dentinal tubule area. However, EDTA induced changes in dentine structure and microhardness (P < 0.05). The [NaF 12 g L-1  + NaCl 1 g L-1 ] solution, and its NiTi-containing product had lower cytotoxicity than NaOCl at dilutions of 25% and 50% (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The [NaF 12 g L-1  + NaCl 1 g L-1 ] solution did not alter dentine microhardness or damage the dentine structure. It also demonstrated lower cytotoxicity than NaOCl.

Topical Osmoprotectant for the Management of Postrefractive Surgery-Induced Dry Eye Symptoms: A Randomised Controlled Double-Blind Trial.

BACKGROUND: Dry eye disease (DED) is one of the most common complications following refractive surgery. PURPOSE: Evaluate the efficacy of an osmoprotective eye drop (Optive®) for the management of induced DED in refractive surgery patients. DESIGN: Double-masked randomised controlled trial. METHODS: Twenty-two refractive surgery patients oriented to apply FreshTears (FT; n = 13) or Optive (Op; n = 9), topically, QID, for 3 months. Eye exams were performed before surgery (T0) and 1-month (T1) and 3-month (T3) follow-up and consisted of tear film osmolarity, Schirmer 1 test, tear film breakup time (TBUT), fluorescein staining, and ocular surface disease index (OSDI) and patient symptoms questionnaires. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pain and osmolarity. RESULTS: Pain increased significantly for FT at T3 (p < 0.05). A reduction in osmolarity was observed at T1 and T3 for Op group (p < 0.01) and at T3 for FT group (p < 0.05). TBUT showed a decrease between T0 and T1 for FT (p < 0.05). Schirmer 1 values increased significantly for Op in T1. CONCLUSIONS: Op was superior to FT in regard to pain, osmolarity, TBUT, and Schirmer 1. Osmoprotectant solutes, such as L-carnitine, could attenuate inflammation and secondary DED. Osmoprotective lubricants can be effectively applied for the prevention of refractive surgery-related dry eye symptoms and signs.

Dual immune effect of iNKT cells considering human cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis: An example of cell plasticity according to different disease scenarios.

Although the semi-invariant natural killer T cells (iNKT) are a small subpopulation of cells in the peripheral blood, they are presumed to play a role in early stages of infection against various pathogens, including protozoa. This work investigates the activation status and cytokine profile of iNKT cells during human Leishmania infantum and Leishmania braziliensis infection. We studied iNKT cells in patients with symptomatic active visceral leishmaniasis (AVL) (n = 8), patients with symptomatic active cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) (n = 13), negative endemic controls (NEC) (n = 6) and non-endemic controls (NonEC) (n = 6), with and without total Leishmania antigen stimulus (TLA). The number of iNKT cells in the peripheral blood of patients with ACL and AVL unaltered in relation to control groups. Moreover, the iNKT cells from ACL showed a hyperactivation profile compared to patients with AVL. Additionally, TLA induced IFN-gamma production in iNKT cells from patients with ACL, while in iNKT of patients with AVL, TLA induced a decrease in this cytokine. Higher IL-17 and IL-10 production by iNKT cells from patients with ACL were also observed compared to all other groups. There were no changes in iNKT IL-10-producing cells in AVL after TLA stimulation. However, TLA induced increase in IL-10 in iNKT cells in patients with ACL. These findings suggest that, although iNKT cells showed distinct profiles in patients with ACL and AVL, they play a dual role in immune modulation in both Leishmania infections.

Soil forensics: How far can soil clay analysis distinguish between soil vestiges?

Soil traces are useful as forensic evidences because they frequently adhere to individuals and objects associated with crimes and can place or discard a suspect at/from a crime scene. Soil is a mixture of organic and inorganic components and among them soil clay contains signatures that make it reliable as forensic evidence. In this study, we hypothesized that soils can be forensically distinguished through the analysis of their clay fraction alone, and that samples of the same soil type can be consistently distinguished according to the distance they were collected from each other. To test these hypotheses 16 Oxisol samples were collected at distances of between 2m and 1.000m, and 16 Inceptisol samples were collected at distances of between 2m and 300m from each other. Clay fractions were extracted from soil samples and analyzed for hyperspectral color reflectance (HSI), X-ray diffraction crystallographic (XRD), and for contents of iron oxides, kaolinite and gibbsite. The dataset was submitted to multivariate analysis and results were from 65% to 100% effective to distinguish between samples from the two soil types. Both soil types could be consistently distinguished for forensic purposes according to the distance that samples were collected from each other: 1000m for Oxisol and 10m for Inceptisol. Clay color and XRD analysis were the most effective techniques to distinguish clay samples, and Inceptisol samples were more easily distinguished than Oxisol samples. Soil forensics seems a promising field for soil scientists as soil clay can be useful as forensic evidence by using routine analytical techniques from soil science.

Influence of clinical use on physical-structural surface properties and electrochemical potential of NiTi endodontic instruments.

AIM: To investigate the surface morphology and electrochemical potential of superelastic (SE), M-Wire (MW) and shape memory technology (SMT) NiTi instruments before and after single clinical use in vivo. METHODOLOGY: A total of 60 ProTaper Universal F2 (PTU-SE), ProTaper Next X2 (PTN-MW), Typhoon (TYP), Hyflex (HF) and Vortex Blue (VB), the last three SMT, and size 25, .06 taper (n = 6 of each type) files were examined. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and electrochemical potential analysis were employed before and after clinical use. Statistical analysis was performed with one-way analysis of variance and Bonferroni's post hoc test. Significance was determined at the 95% confidence level for both tests. RESULTS: SEM observations of new instruments indicated the presence of marks left by the machining process during manufacturing and EDS revealed the existence of an oxide coating on shape memory instruments. After clinical use, the five types were associated with propagation of transverse cracks 3 mm from the tip. The surface oxide layer of TYP, HF and VB instruments had microcracks in multiple directions, whilst TYP and HF had fragmentation in chip form of the oxide layer. EDS analysis demonstrated a significant reduction of the oxide layer in shape memory instruments, except for VB. Electrochemical potentials were higher for shape memory instruments than for M-Wire and superelastic NiTi instruments, respectively (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It appears that shape memory technology NiTi instruments have a dysfunctional oxide layer after clinical use. Additionally, they featured higher electrochemical potential relative to NiTi instruments manufactured from M-Wire, and conventional superelastic NiTi alloy.

Synergic and antagonistic relationship between MMP-2 and MMP-9 with fibrosis and inflammation in Chagas' cardiomyopathy.

Cardiomyopathy is the most important clinical manifestation in the chronic phase of Chagas' disease because of its frequency, severity and impact on morbidity and mortality. The extracellular matrix degradation during cardiac remodeling in Trypanosoma cruzi infection is driven by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), primarily the MMP-2 and MMP-9 gelatinases. MMPs also regulate some molecules related to inflammation, such as growth factors, cytokines and chemokines. The involvement of MMP-2 and MMP-9 is not yet fully understood in Chagas' disease. It has been proposed that the gelatinases may have opposite effect on inflammation/regulation and cardiac remodeling. MMP-2 would participate in regulation, offering a protective role for cardiac damage in asymptomatic patients and would be a good marker for the initiation of changes in the heart. On the other hand, MMP-9 can be used as a marker for serious changes on the heart and would be associated with inflammation and fibrosis. Here, we consolidate all characteristics involving MMP-2 and MMP-9 in Chagas' disease based on current studies to clarify their participation on the inflammation/regulation and fibrosis, and the synergistic or antagonistic role between them.

Clinical features and long-term outcomes of systemic lupus erythematosus: comparative data of childhood, adult and late-onset disease in a national register.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) affects predominantly women at reproductive age but may present at any age. Age at disease onset has a modulating effect on presentation and course of disease, but controversies persist regarding its impact on long-term outcome. Our aims were to characterize clinical features, co-morbidities and cumulative damage in childhood-onset, adult-onset and late-onset SLE. Patients with childhood-onset SLE fulfilling ACR 1997 criteria were identified in a nationwide register-Reuma.pt/SLE (N = 89) and compared with adult-onset and late-onset counterparts matched 1:1:1 for disease duration. 267 SLE patients with mean disease duration of 11.9 ± 9.3 years were analyzed. Skin (62 %), kidney (58 %), neurological (11 %) and hematologic involvement (76 %) were significantly more common in childhood-onset SLE and disease activity was higher in this subset than in adult- and late-onset disease (SLEDAI-2K 3.4 ± 3.8 vs. 2.2 ± 2.7 vs. 1.6 ± 2.8, respectively; p = 0.004). Also, more childhood-onset patients received cyclophosphamide (10 %) and mycophenolate mofetil (34 %). A greater proportion of women (96 %), prevalence of arthritis (89 %) and anti-SSA antibodies (34 %) were noted in the adult-onset group. There was a significant delay in the diagnosis of SLE in older ages. Co-morbidities such as hypertension, diabetes and thyroid disease were significantly more frequent in late-onset SLE, as well as the presence of irreversible damage evaluated by the SLICC/ACR damage index (20 vs. 26 vs. 40 %; p < 0.001). Greater organ involvement as well as the frequent need for immunosuppressants supports the concept of childhood-onset being a more severe disease. In contrast, disease onset is more indolent but co-morbidity burden and irreversible damage are greater in late-onset SLE, which may have implications for patients' management.

Etiological treatment of Chagas disease patients with benznidazole lead to a sustained pro-inflammatory profile counterbalanced by modulatory events.

In the present study, we characterized the phagocytic capacity, cytokine profile along with the FCγ-R and TLR expression in leukocytes from Chagas disease patients (indeterminate-IND and cardiac-CARD) before and one-year after Bz-treatment (INDT and CARDT). A down-regulation of IL-17, IFN-γ and IL-10 synthesis by neutrophils was observed in CARDT. The Bz-treatment did not impact on the expression of phagocytosis-related surface molecules or monocyte-derived cytokine profile in INDT. Although CARDT showed unaltered monocyte-phagocytic capacity, up-regulated expression of Fcγ-RI/III and TLR-4 may be related to their ability to produce IL-10 and TGF-ß. Down-regulation of lymphocyte-derived cytokine was observed in INDT whereas up-regulated cytokine profile was observed for lymphocytes in CARDT. Analysis of cytokine network revealed that IND displayed a multifaceted cytokine response characterized by strong connecting axes involving pro-inflammatory/regulatory phagocytes and lymphocytes. On the other hand, CARD presented a modest cytokine network. The Bz-treatment leads to distinct cytokine network: decreasing the links in INDT, with a pivotal role of IL-10(+) monocytes and expanding the connections in CARDT. Our findings highlighted that the Bz-treatment contributes to an overall immunomodulation in INDT and induces a broad change of immunological response in CARDT, eliciting an intricate phenotypic/functional network compatible with beneficial and protective immunological events.

Electrochemical-induced dissolution of stainless steel files.

AIM: To investigate the effectiveness of the dissolution process when hand stainless steel files are polarized in solutions containing chloride and fluoride to promote their dissolution. METHODOLOGY: Redox curves and anodic polarization curves were obtained to determine the conditions necessary for the dissolution of stainless steel endodontic files. Anodic polarization of sizes 20 and 30 files was performed, and a t-test (P < 0.05) was used to compare the weight loss, the time of dissolution and the electrical charge generated by both groups of files. Fragments were polarized in simulated root canals to evaluate the dissolution process. After the tests, a size 10 K-file was used to verify the possibility of bypassing the fragment. Radiographic analysis of the simulated canals was used before and after the tests to verify fragment dissolution. RESULTS: A progressive consumption of the sizes 20 and 30 files was observed with total polarization times of 7.0 and 9.0 min, respectively. Files with the larger diameters exhibited greater weight loss, longer times of dissolution and generated a greater electrical charge during the active dissolution process (t-test, P < 0.05). After 60 min, the anodic polarization of file fragments in simulated root canals resulted in their partial dissolution. CONCLUSION: A 60-min anodic polarization of stainless steel K-file fragments in simulated root canals resulted in their partial dissolution. The fragments could be bypassed after the test.

Electrochemical-induced dissolution of nickel-titanium endodontic instruments with different designs.

AIM: To compare the active dissolution process of K3, ProTaper and Mtwo NiTi endodontic rotary instruments in chloride and fluoride containing solutions. METHODS: Anodic polarization of K3 size 20, 0.06 taper, ProTaper size F1 and MTwo size 20, 0.06 taper instruments was performed, and anova (P < 0.05) was used to compare the weight loss, the time of dissolution and the electrical charge generated by the groups of instruments. Fragments of the instruments were polarized in simulated root canals to evaluate the dissolution process. After the tests, a size 10 K-file was used to verify whether the fragment could be bypassed. Radiographic analysis of the simulated canals was used before and after the tests to verify fragment dissolution. RESULTS: A progressive consumption of the instruments was observed. K3 and ProTaper instruments had significantly greater weight loss than Mtwo instruments after 30 min of polarization. K3 instruments had the highest values of total electrical charge, and MTwo instruments the lowest (P < 0.05). After 60 min, the anodic polarization of instrument fragments in simulated root canals resulted in their partial dissolution. CONCLUSION: The anodic polarization of K3, ProTaper and MTwo instruments resulted in their progressive consumption with increasing polarization time. Sixty minutes anodic polarization of the various NiTi instrument fragments in simulated root canals resulted in their partial dissolution.

Diferentes substratos na propagação por estaquia de assa-peixe (Vernoniapolyanthes Less) / Different substrates on cutting propagation of assa-peixe (Vernonia polyanthes Less)

RESUMO O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a propagação vegetativa do assa-peixe Vernonia polyanthes Less utilizando estacas apicais e diferentes substratos. O experimento foi conduzido em condições de casa de vegetação com irrigação controlada na Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas da UNESP campus Botucatu- SP. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado, com sete tratamentos (Solo de textura argilosa; 50% Solo de textura argilosa + 50% Húmus; Solo de textura média; 50% Solo de textura média + 50% Húmus; Solo de textura arenosa; 50% Solo de textura arenosa + 50% Húmus; Húmus) e quatro repetições, sendo 10 estacas por repetição. As características avaliadas foram: comprimento da maior raiz, comprimento da parte aérea, número de brotações, porcentagem de enraizamento, volume radicular, nota para qualidade das estacas e massa seca da parte aérea e das raízes. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância pelo teste F e as médias comparadas pelo teste de Scott & Knott a 5% de probabilidade. Para a análise estatística, utilizou-se o programa SISVAR ®. A partir da análise, observou-se efeito altamente significativo dos tratamentos utilizados para todas as variáveis analisadas, com exceção da massa seca da parte aérea, que não apresentou diferença significativa. Para obtenção de melhor enraizamento da espécie em questão, o recomendado é a utilização do substrato: solo de textura argilosa ou média, acrescido de húmus na proporção de 1:1.

ABSTRAT The current study aimed to evaluate the vegetative propagation of assa-peixe using apical cuttings and different substrates. The trial was conducted under greenhouse conditions with controlled irrigation, in the Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas of UNESP in Botucatu- SP campus. The experimental design was completely randomized, with seven treatments and four replications, with 10 cuttings per replicate. The characteristics were: longest root length, shoot length, number of shoots, rooting percentage, root volume, score of quality of cuttings and dry mass of shoots and roots. The data were subjected to analysis of variance by F test and the averages were compared by the Scott Knott test at 5% probability. For statistical analysis, we used the SISVAR ®. From the analysis, we observed highly relevant effect of the treatments used for all variables, with the exception of the dry weight of shoots, which did not present significant difference. In order to obtain a better rooting of the species concerned, the recommended method would be to use substrates such as clayey soil or medium plus humus in the ratio 1:1.

Electrochemical induced dissolution of fragments of nickel-titanium endodontic files and their removal from simulated root canals.

AIM: To improve the dissolution process of NiTi endodontic rotary files aiming at fragment removal and the recovery of the original path of the root canal during a clinically acceptable period of time. METHODOLOGY: Anodic polarization curves and redox curves were obtained to determine the conditions necessary for the dissolution of endodontic files. Anodic polarization of K3 files was performed, and analysis of variance (P < 0.05) was used to compare different test times in relation to weight loss, length loss and electrical charge generated in each solution. The polarization of fragments in simulated root canals was undertaken to evaluate the dissolution process. After the tests, a size 10 K-file was used to verify the possibility to bypass the fragment. The total electrical charge of each test was obtained from the corresponding graph area. Radiographic analysis of the simulated canals was used before and after the tests to verify fragment dissolution. RESULTS: The weight loss values, the length loss values and the total values of electrical charge in each period of time were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the tests using the selected solution compared with the solution previously proposed. A progressive consumption of the K3 file tip was observed up to 30 min. The anodic polarization of file fragments in simulated root canals for 60 min resulted in their partial dissolution and enabled the recovery of the original canal pathway with size 10 K-files. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing fluoride concentration resulted in greater active dissolution of NiTi files. The dissolution of fractured files in simulated root canals enabled the recovery of its original path during a clinically acceptable period of time.

Identification of phenotypic markers of B cells from patients with Chagas disease.

Chagas disease was discovered more than a hundred years ago, but its pathogenesis is still not completely understood. Autoimmunity is one of the mechanisms shown to contribute to its pathogenesis, which may indicate an important participation of B lymphocytes. Patients with Chagas disease have shown increased percentage of B cells producing IL-10. However, there are no reports of the phenotypic markers of B cells producing IL-10 in patients with Chagas disease. For the first time in the literature, we evaluated the phenotypic profile of distinct markers of B cells from peripheral blood of noninfected individuals and patients with Chagas disease. Our results showed that patients with Chagas disease had a higher expression of CD21 and CD24 on the surface of CD19+ B cells, while CD43 and CD23 were expressed equally in all groups. Moreover, the expression of MHC-II (HLA-DR), CD80, CD86, caspase-3, granzyme B and intracellular IL-10 and TGF-ß by CD19+ B cells was higher in patients with Chagas disease. The results of IL-10 production within CD19+ CD5+ CD1d+ B cells showed a higher percentage of this cytokine in patients with Chagas disease. Thus, our data bring a new knowledge about distinct markers of B cells in immune responses of Chagas disease.

Substituição da agulha isolada para eletroneuroestimulação pela agulha metálica de cateter intravenoso, na verificação da punção epidural, em cães / Replacement of an insulated electric neurostimulation spinal needle with an intravenous catheter metal needle to confirm correct epidural puncture in dogs

Utilizou-se o eletroneuroestimulador como um meio adequado para confirmação do posicionamento da ponta de agulhas isoladas no espaço epidural lombossal, por meio de pequenas estimulações elétricas que provocam contrações dos músculos inervados, empregando-se agulha de cateter intravenoso em vez de agulha isolada para a eletroneuroestimulação. Foram utilizados 40 cães para procedimentos cirúrgicos ortopédicos, abdominais ou retroumbilicais que necessitassem de bloqueio epidural. Durante a introdução gradativa da agulha no canal vertebral lombossacral, estímulos elétricos de 1,5 a 0,5mA foram aplicados. Diante de contrações musculares em membros pélvicos, cauda e/ou ânus, as quais foram consideradas respostas condizentes com o correto posicionamento da agulha no espaço epidural, estimulando raízes da cauda equina, procedeu-se à administração da associação de lidocaína, bupivacaína e tramadol. Constatou-se a adequada anestesia epidural mediante relaxamento do esfíncter anal, ausência dos reflexos patelares e flexor e a analgesia na área cirúrgica abdominal. Conclui-se que o método foi eficaz para a confirmação do correto posicionamento da agulha no espaço epidural durante a realização dessa anestesia regional em cães.

The electric neurostimulator was used as an adequate mean for the confirmation of the correct placement of the tip of the insulated needles in the lumbosacral epidural space through small electric stimulations causing muscle contractions by using an intravenous catheter needle instead of an electric neurostimulation insulated needle. Forty dogs were selected based on the need for an epidural block for orthopedic, abdominal or retroumbilical surgical procedures. Electrical stimuli were applied from 1.5 to 0.5mA during a gradual introduction of the needle into the lumbosacral vertebral canal. Responses that were considered as indicative of the correct placement of the needle and stimulation of the cauda equina were muscle contractions in the pelvic limbs, tail or anus. An association of lidocaine, bupivacaine and tramadol was then administered. Adequate epidural anesthesia was confirmed through relaxation of the anal sphincter, absence of patellar and flexor reflexes and analgesia of the abdominal surgical area. The authors were able to conclude that the method used was effective to confirm the correct needle placement in the epidural space during regional anesthesia in dogs.