The Allogenic Dental Pulp Transplantation from Son/Daughter to Mother/Father: A Follow-Up of Three Clinical Cases.

The study investigated allogenic pulp transplantation as an innovative method of regenerative endodontic therapy. Three patients were selected for the endodontic treatment of single-root teeth, who also had a son/daughter with deciduous teeth or third molars scheduled for extraction. Receptor teeth were endodontically instrumented and irrigated using a tri-antibiotic solution. During the transplant procedures, the teeth from the son/daughter were extracted, sectioned, and the pulp was carefully removed. The harvested pulp from the donor was inserted into the root canal of the host tooth (father/mother), followed by direct pulp capping and resin composite restoration. The teeth were followed-up with for 2 years and were surveyed with computed tomography, the electric pulp vitality test, and Doppler ultrasound examination. At the 6-month follow-up, positive pulp vitality and the formation of periapical lesions were verified in cases 1 and 2. Case 3 showed remarkable periapical radiolucency before transplantation, but after 1 year, such lesions disappeared and there was positive vitality. All teeth were revascularized as determined by Doppler imaging after 2 years with no signs of endodontic/periodontal radiolucency. In conclusion, although this was a case series with only three patients and four teeth treated, it is possible to suppose that this allogenic pulp transplantation protocol could represent a potential strategy for pulp revitalization in specific endodontic cases.

Dermoscopic classification of melasma: Concordance study and correlation with the melanophages count.

BACKGROUND: Melasma is a common hypermelanosis characterized by symmetrical brownish macules, especially on the face. Histologic analysis demonstrates increased epidermal and dermal melanin. Dermoscopy is useful to estimate the depth of the melanin and may help in the diagnosis and classification of melasma, with therapeutic importance. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the diagnostic concordance of dermoscopic classification of epidermal or mixed subtypes of melasma and the correlation between dermoscopic and histopathological findings. METHODS: Twenty-eight women with facial melasma, phototypes III to V, ages between 30 and 61 years were selected. Based on the evaluation of clinical and dermoscopic images, two independent observers classified melasma into epidermal or mixed subtypes. The intra and interobserver concordances were calculated. Histopathological analysis of epidermal melanin extension and maximum number of melanophages per high-power field (400×; HPF) have been assessed. Association between the melanophages count and the dermoscopic classification was evaluated. RESULTS: Intraobserver agreement was 82.1%, and between observers, from 78.6% to 89.3%, according to the Kappa index. Histopathology revealed increased intraepidermal melanin and the presence of dermal melanophages in all the samples. Ten or more melanophages/HPF was significantly associated with mixed melasma. CONCLUSIONS: Moderate to substantial concordance in the dermoscopic classification of melasma was found, and the correlation between this classification and the dermal melanophages count have been suggested. Intradermal component of every case of melasma should be considered for therapeutic and prognostic purposes.

Evaluating the psychometric properties of the iconographical falls efficacy scale (ICON-FES).

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to analyze the construct and content validity of the Iconographical Falls Efficacy Scale (Icon-FES) in order to measure the fear of falling in community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: The Icon-FES was applied to 333 older adults. An exploratory factor analysis was performed to assess internal consistency. Item response theory (IRT) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used to evaluate the consistency of the questionnaire and whether it corresponded satisfactorily to the construct "concern about falling." Concurrent validity with the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) and convergent validity with the Senior Fitness Test (SFT) were also assessed. Receiving operator characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine the sensitivity and specificity. RESULTS: The structural model of the 30-item and 10-item Icon-FES showed some theoretical fragility. The final model of the new short version of the Icon-FES consisted of 13 items, yielding a theoretically satisfactory structural model. Validity analyses indicated that the 13-item Icon-FES had a moderate relationship with the SFT, a strong relationship with the FES-I, and good sensitivity and specificity for a history of falls. CONCLUSION: The 13-item Icon-FES has excellent psychometric properties for measuring fear of falling in community-dwelling older adults. It can be recommended as a screening tool for fear of falling for both research and clinical purposes.

Evaluating the psychometric properties of the iconographical falls efficacy scale (ICON-FES)

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to analyze the construct and content validity of the Iconographical Falls Efficacy Scale (Icon-FES) in order to measure the fear of falling in community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: The Icon-FES was applied to 333 older adults. An exploratory factor analysis was performed to assess internal consistency. Item response theory (IRT) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used to evaluate the consistency of the questionnaire and whether it corresponded satisfactorily to the construct "concern about falling." Concurrent validity with the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) and convergent validity with the Senior Fitness Test (SFT) were also assessed. Receiving operator characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine the sensitivity and specificity. RESULTS: The structural model of the 30-item and 10-item Icon-FES showed some theoretical fragility. The final model of the new short version of the Icon-FES consisted of 13 items, yielding a theoretically satisfactory structural model. Validity analyses indicated that the 13-item Icon-FES had a moderate relationship with the SFT, a strong relationship with the FES-I, and good sensitivity and specificity for a history of falls. CONCLUSION: The 13-item Icon-FES has excellent psychometric properties for measuring fear of falling in community-dwelling older adults. It can be recommended as a screening tool for fear of falling for both research and clinical purposes.

Root growth and carbohydrate partitioning in cotton subjected to shading in the initial phase / Crescimento radicular e partição de carboidratos em algodoeiro submetido ao sombreamento na fase inicial

ABSTRACT: Cotton cultivation in Brazil tends to occur mostly in the rainy season, and at the time of developing the crop there are often prolonged periods of low solar radiation. The objective of this work was to evaluate the root development of cotton cultivars subjected to shading in the initial phase. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse, using rhizotrons. The experimental design was a 2x2 factorial in randomized blocks with five replications. The treatments were composed of cotton cultivars TMG 1WS (early) and TMG 8WS (late) and luminosity conditions: non-shaded and shaded (50% reduction of luminosity). There were no interactions between the factors "shading" and "cultivars" for any parameter evaluated. Shading reduced total and lateral root growth from the 21 days after emergence (DAE) and the main root at 24DAE. Shading caused reductions in length (60%), surface (65%), mean diameter (15%), root volume (69%), root dry matter mass (83%) and shoot (64%), as well as decreasing the content (36%) and the accumulation of carbohydrates in the shoot (73%). Shading at early cotton development reduces the shoot carbohydrates production, affecting dry matter accumulation and root growth, and this response is independent of the cultivar.

RESUMO: O cultivo do algodoeiro no Brasil está concentrado no período chuvoso, e no momento do estabelecimento da lavoura frequentemente há períodos prolongados de baixa radiação solar. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o desenvolvimento radicular de cultivares de algodoeiro submetidos ao sombreamento na fase inicial da cultura. O experimento foi realizado em ambiente controlado, em rizotrons. O delineamento experimental foi um fatorial 2x2 em blocos ao acaso com cinco repetições. Os tratamentos foram as cultivares de algodão TMG 11WS (precoce) e TMG 81WS (tardia) e as condições de sombra: sem sombra e com sombra (50% de redução da luminosidade). Não houve interação entre os fatores "sombra" e "cultivares estudadas" para nenhum parâmetro avaliado. A sombra reduziu o crescimento radicular total e das raízes laterais a partir dos 21 dias de emergência (DAE) e da raiz principal aos 24DAE. O sombreamento reduziu o comprimento (60%), a superfície (65%), o diâmetro médio (15%), o comprimento por volume (60%), o volume radicular (69%), a massa de matéria de seca da raiz (83%) e da parte aérea (64%), o teor (36%) e o acúmulo de carboidratos na parte aérea (73%). Em conclusão, o sombreamento na fase inicial de desenvolvimento do algodoeiro reduz a produção de carboidratos da parte aérea, afetando o acúmulo de matéria seca e o crescimento radicular, sendo que essa resposta independe da cultivar.

Morphological and functional aspects of acute kidney injury after fetal programing in the offspring of diabetic rats.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of folic acid (FA)-induced renal failure in young offspring of diabetic mothers. METHODS: The offspring of streptozotocin-induced diabetic dams were divided into four groups: CC (controls receiving vehicle); DC (diabetics receiving vehicle); CA (controls receiving FA solution, 250 mg/kg) and DA (diabetics receiving FA solution, 250 mg/kg). Renal function tests and morphometry results were analyzed. RESULTS: An increase in creatinine and urea levels was observed in CA and DA groups at two and five months. FA administration caused a significant reduction in the number of glomeruli in the offspring of diabetic dams. The diabetes group treated with FA had fewer glomeruli compared to controls at two and five months. FA caused an increase in the area of the urinary space both in controls and offspring of diabetic dams at two and five months. The number of glomeruli and area of the urinary space at two months were negatively correlated. CONCLUSIONS: Fetal programing promotes remarkable changes in kidney morphology and function in offspring. We suggest that the morphological changes in the kidneys are more pronounced when fetal programing is associated with newly acquired diseases, e.g. renal failure induced by FA.

Origem anômala da artéria coronária esquerda do seio de Valsalva direito / Anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the right sinus of Valsalva

Trazemos neste artigo a descrição de uma peça anatômica especificamente preparada para demonstrar uma rara anomalia da origem da artéria coronária esquerda do seio de Valsalva direito, com incidência de 0,15% em pacientes submetidos a cinecoronariografia. Trata-se de um subgrupo de anomalias das artérias coronárias que tem o maior potencial para repercussões clínicas, em especial a morte súbita em jovens. Discutimos, à luz dos conhecimentos atuais, os mecanismos fisiopatológicos, o diagnóstico e as opções de tratamento das variações anatômicas da origem anômala da artéria coronária do seio contralateral.

This article reports an anatomic specimen specifically prepared to demonstrate a rare anomaly of the origin of the left coronary artery from the right sinus of Valsalva, with an incidence of 0.15% in patients undergoing coronary angiography. This is a subgroup of coronary artery anomalies with the greatest potential for clinical repercussions, especially sudden death in young patients. Based on current knowledge, pathophysiologic mechanisms, diagnosis and treatment options of anatomical variations of the anomalous origin of a coronary artery from the contralateral sinus are discussed.

Essential oil from Cymbopogon citratus (DC) Stapf: a promising natural product against Malassezia spp

This study evaluated the sensitivity of Malassezia spp. strains, the etiologic agent of pityriasis versicolor, to essential oil from Cymbopogon citratus. The chemical composition of the essential oil was analysed by GC-MS, and the major constituents were: geraniol (52.80%), neral (36.65%) and myrcene (3.73%). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of C. citratus essential oil on to 22 strains of Malassezia spp. were determined by agar dilution technique in the presence and absence of ergosterol (50-250 ìg/mL) and sorbitol (0.8 M). Increased MIC values in the presence of ergosterol indicate an effect on fungal membrane, and the higher MIC values in the presence of sorbitol indicate a mechanism of action on thecell wall. The MIC ranged from 0.31 to 1.25 ìL/mL and it increased fourfold in the presence of ergosterol, regardless of concentration tested; and this fact was most likely related to the occurrence of the oil and exogenous ergosterol complexes. No change in MIC values in the presence of sorbitol was found. The sedata infer that C. citratus essential oil causes an effect on Malassezia spp. plasma membrane synthesis by binding to ergosterol. This study contributes to the development of new antifungal drugs, especially against Malassezia spp.

Base neurofisiológica para compreensão da dor crônica através da acupuntura / Neurophysiologic basis to understand chronic pain through acupuncture

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Os efeitos neurobiológicos da acupuntura, que atua também sobre os neurotransmissores relacionados com a dor e a depressão, qualificam o método como útil e adequado na terapêutica da dor crônica. O objetivo deste estudo foi ascender à questão do tratamento das dores crônicas pela acupuntura fazendo uma revisão bibliográfica sobre o assunto.CONTEÚDO: A acupuntura tem recebido grande destaque na mídia nas últimas décadas como uma modalidade terapêutica alternativa aos tratamentos convencionais. Estudo de neurofisiologia revela que através da inserção de agulhas há estimulação de fibras sensitivas A, de condução mais rápida (mielínica) e C, de condução mais lenta (amielínica) as quais levam os estímulos até o corno posterior da medula e este ascende pelo trato espinotalâmico. As fibras do tipo A, em especial as fibras A-beta são responsáveis pela percepção mais fina (tato) e as fibras do tipo C pela condução da dor, em especial de característica difusa e em queimação. A reação fisiológica mais extensivamente pesquisada na acupuntura tem sido a liberação de substâncias no cérebro conhecidas como endorfinas, que pertencem a um subtipo de neuropeptídio chamado de opioides endógenos que é parte integral do mecanismo natural de supressão da dor. CONCLUSÃO: Este estudo permitiu compreender a importância de conhecer os potenciais efeitos da acupuntura nos processos dolorosos crônicos, pois estar ciente dos meios de inibir os processos excitatórios dolorosos e estimular as ações moduladoras e inibitórias é fundamental para planejar o tratamento direcionado para os fatores responsáveis pela presença e manutenção da dor crônica.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Neurobiological effects of acupuncture, which also acts on pain and depression-related neurotransmitters, qualify such method as useful and adequate to treat chronic pain. This study aimed at evaluating the treatment of chronic pain with acupuncture through a literature review on the subject.CONTENTS: Acupuncture has been widely spread by the media in recent years as an alternative therapeutic modality to conventional treatments. Neurophysiologic studies show that through needle insertions there is stimulation of sensory A fibers, of faster conduction (myelinic) and of C fibers, of slower conduction (unmyelinated) which transmit stimuli to posterior bone marrow horn and from there they ascend through the spinothalamic tract. Type-A fibers, especially A beta fibers, are responsible for the finer perception (touch) and type-C fibers are responsible for pain conduction, especially diffuse and burning pain. Most extensively researched physiologic reaction in acupuncture has been the release of substances in the brain, known as endorphins, which belong to a neuropeptide subtype called endogen opioids, which are integral part of natural pain suppression mechanism. CONCLUSION: This study showed the importance of knowing potential acupuncture effects on chronic painful processes because it is fundamental to be aware of means to inhibit painful excitatory processes and to stimulate modulating and inhibiting actions to plan the treatment directed to factors responsible for chronic pain presence and persistence.

Chemical composition and antifungal activity of Hyptis suaveolens (L. ) poit leaves essential oil against Aspergillus species

This study aimed to identify the constituents of the essential oil from Hyptis suaveolens (L.) leaves using a Gas Chromatograph -Mass Spectrometer and assess its inhibitory effect on some potentially pathogenic Aspergilli (A. flavus, A. parasiticus, A. ochraceus, A. fumigatus and A. niger). Eucaliptol (47.64 percent) was the most abundant component in the oil, followed for gama-ellemene (8.15 percent), beta-pynene (6.55 percent), (+)3-carene (5.16 percent), trans-beta-cariophyllene (4.69 percent) and germacrene (4.86 percent). The essential oil revealed an interesting anti-Aspergillus property characterized by a Minimum Inhibitory Concentration and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration of 40 and 80 µL/mL, respectively. The oil at 80 and 40 µL/mL strongly inhibited the mycelial growth of A. fumigatus and A. parasiticus along 14 days. In addition, at 10 and 20 µL/mL the oil was able to cause morphological changes in A. flavus as decreased conidiation, leakage of cytoplasm, loss of pigmentation and disrupted cell structure suggesting fungal wall degeneration. These findings showed the interesting anti-Aspergillus property of H. suaveolens leaves essential oil supporting its possible rational use as alternative source of new antifungal compounds to be applied in the aspergillosis treatment.

Chemical composition and antifungal activity of Hyptis Suaveolens (L.) Poit leaves essential oil against Aspergillus species.

This study aimed to identify the constituents of the essential oil from Hyptis suaveolens (L.) leaves using a Gas Chromatograph - Mass Spectrometer and assess its inhibitory effect on some potentially pathogenic Aspergilli (A. flavus, A. parasiticus, A. ochraceus, A. fumigatus and A. niger). Eucaliptol (47.64 %) was the most abundant component in the oil, followed for gama-ellemene (8.15 %), beta-pynene (6.55 %), (+)-3-carene (5.16 %), trans-beta-cariophyllene (4.69 %) and germacrene (4.86 %). The essential oil revealed an interesting anti-Aspergillus property characterized by a Minimum Inhibitory Concentration and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration of 40 and 80 µL/mL, respectively. The oil at 80 and 40 µL/mL strongly inhibited the mycelial growth of A. fumigatus and A. parasiticus along 14 days. In addition, at 10 and 20 µL/mL the oil was able to cause morphological changes in A. flavus as decreased conidiation, leakage of cytoplasm, loss of pigmentation and disrupted cell structure suggesting fungal wall degeneration. These findings showed the interesting anti-Aspergillus property of H. suaveolens leaves essential oil supporting its possible rational use as alternative source of new antifungal compounds to be applied in the aspergillosis treatment.

Perfil epidemiológico, sociodemográfico e psicossocial de idosos institucionalizados do Distrito Federal / Epidemiological, socialdemographic and psychosocial profile of institutionalized elders of the Federal District

Objetivo. Determinar o perfil epidemiológico, demográfico e psicossocial de idosos institucionalizados do Distrito Federal, bem como as enfermidades prevalentes, medicamentos utilizados e intercorrências comuns durante a permanência nas referidas instituições. Método. Estudo transversal, descritivo e observacional. A amostragem constou de 149 idosos, com idade igual ou superior a 60 anos, residentes em quatro instituições de longa permanência do Distrito Federal, no período de novembro de 2005 a maio de 2006. Os dados foram coletados mediante a aplicação de questionários aos idosos, cuidadores e análise de prontuários. Resultados. Os idosos (n=149) apresentaram idade média de 76,6 anos, sendo que 42,3 por cento eram do sexo masculino; 66 por cento dos idosos estavam institucionalizados há menos de três anos; 55,5 por cento dos homens e 60,5 por cento das mulheres recebiam visitas familiares; 100 por cento dos homens e 79,3 por cento das mulheres relatam gostar da instituição de longa permanência. As doenças com maior prevalência foram: a hipertensão arterial sistêmica (51,6 por cento), acidente vascular (26,5 por cento) e diabetes melito (19,4 por cento). A média do número de medicamentos em uso foi de 4,7 (homens) e 4,4 (mulheres) mais ou menos 2,4. Conclusão: Os resultados deste trabalho contribuem na determinação da tipologia dos idosos em instituições de longa permanência no Distrito Federal e sugerem a necessidade de delineamento de uma política de qualidade de cuidados em instituições de longa permanência, de forma que o Setor Público exerça seu papel de regulador/fiscalizador/executor das ações dessas instituições, avaliando as condições de seu funcionamento e dos serviços ofertados.Palavras-chave: Idoso. Instituições de longa permanência. Perfil epidemiológico.

Inhibitory effect of Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume (Lauraceae) essential oil and beta-pinene on the growth of dematiaceous moulds

Dematiaceous moulds are pathogen microorganisms able to act as etiological agents of mycoses with different degrees of severity. This study evaluated the effectiveness of Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume essential oil and beta-pinene in inhibiting the growth of various strains of dematiaceous moulds (Alternaria brassicola, Cladosporium herbarium, C. resinae, C. cladosporioides, Chaetomum globosum, Curvularia sp., Fonsecaea compacta, Piedraia hortae). Antimicrobial assays were led by determining the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration-MIC using the solid medium diffusion procedure and observing the interference of the MIC values on the mould radial mycelial growth along 14 days. MIC values found to C. zeylanicum essential oil oscillated between 63 and 125 µL/mL. beta-pinene showed MIC value of 125 µL/mL for the most mould strains, however C. resinae and C. globosum were resistant to it in all assayed concentrations. MIC values found to C. zeylanicum essential oil and beta-pinene presented intense fungicidal effect noted by a total inhibition of the mycelial growth of C. cladosporioides and F. compacta along 14 days of exposure. These results showed the intense antimould potential of C. zeylanicum essential oil and beta-pinene which could be regarded in a rational use in pharmaceutical formulations used to treat some mycoses, particularly, those caused by dematiaceous moulds.

Os fungos dematiáceos são microrganismos patogênicos capazes de agir como agentes etiológicos de micoses com diferentes graus de severidade. Este estudo avaliou a efetividade do óleo essencial de Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume e beta-pineno em inibir o crescimento de várias cepas de fungos dematiáceos (Alternaria brassicola, Cladosporium herbarium, C. resinae, C. cladosporioides, Chaetomum globosum, Curvularia, Fonsecaea compacta, Piedraia hortae). Os ensaios antimicrobianos foram conduzidos através da determinação da Concentração Inibitória Mínima-CIM utilizando-se da técnica de difusão em meio sólido, bem como através da observação da interferência dos valores de CIM sobre o crescimento micelial radial fúngico ao longo de 14 dias. Os valores de CIM encontrados para o óleo essencial de C. zeylanicum oscilaram entre 63 e 125 µL/mL. beta-pineno apresentou um valor de CIM de 125 µL/mL para a maioria das cepas fúngicas, entretanto C. resinae e C. globosum mostraram-se resistentes a todas as concentrações ensaiadas. Os valores de CIM encontrados para C. zeylanicum e beta-pineno apresentaram intenso efeito fungicida notado por uma total inibição do crescimento micelial de C. cladosporioides e F. compacta ao longo de 14 dias de exposição. Estes resultados mostraram o intenso potencial antifúngico do óleo essencial de C. zeylanicum e beta-pineno, os quais poderiam ser considerados em um uso racional em formulações farmacêuticas utilizadas para a terapia de algumas micoses, particularmente, aquelas causadas por fungos dematiáceos.

Comparison between two forms of vaginally administered progesterone for luteal phase support in assisted reproduction cycles.

The use of progesterone for luteal phase support has been demonstrated to be beneficial in assisted reproduction cycles using gonadotrophin-releasing hormone analogues (GnRHa). Two micronized progesterone preparations are available for vaginal administration: capsules and gel. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of these two forms for luteal phase support in assisted reproduction cycles. A total of 244 couples undergoing IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles were included in the study and were randomly allocated (sealed envelopes) into two groups: group 1 (122) received vaginal capsules of 200 mg of micronized progesterone (Utrogestan), 3 times daily, and group 2 (122) received micronized progesterone in gel (Crinone 8%), once daily. Both groups received progesterone for 13 days beginning day 1 after oocyte retrieval, continuing until the pregnancy test was performed and until 12 weeks of pregnancy. Groups were compared by clinical data and assisted reproduction results and had similar ages and causes of infertility. Although the pregnancy rate was higher for those receiving progesterone gel than capsules (44.26 and 36.06% respectively), this difference was not statistically significant. The study showed that vaginal progesterone gel and capsules used for luteal phase support in assisted reproduction cycles with long protocol GnRHa result in similar pregnancy rates.