Predisposing risk factors for cleft lip and palate in an Amazonian population by focusing on nutritional factors: A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Orofacial clefts (OFC) are the most common congenital malformation of the craniofacial skeleton. Attempts have been made to correlate the components of maternal diet as triggers for the development or prevention of OFC. OBJECTIVE: To analyze nutritional status as a predictive factor for the development of cleft lip and palate in an Amazonian population. METHODS: A total of 152 mothers within 3 months of delivery were interviewed for comparison: 51 mothers of children with nonsyndromic cleft lip and palate (CLP) (study group) and 101 mothers of children without OFC (control group). A food frequency questionnaire was used to assess maternal nutrition and to analyze the influence of macro- and micronutrients on the possible predisposition or protection for CLP. RESULTS: The study group showed higher percentage of lipid intake than did the control group (p = 0.01). Among the participants with no family history of OFC, the study group had a higher percentage of lipid intake (p = 0.002) and lower vegetable intake (p = 0.037). Maternal micronutrient intake among the participants with a positive family history was lower in the study group for vitamins B2 (p = 0.03), B5 (p = 0.036), E (p = 0.03), and folate (p = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS: Nutritional analysis indicated that higher maternal lipid intake increased the likelihood of having offsprings with nonsyndromic CLP. Moreover, families with a history of OFC and low maternal folate intake showed heightened risk of nonsyndromic CLP in their offsprings.

Cohabitation with aggressive hosts: description of a new microhisterid species in nests of a ponerine ant with ecological notes.

A new clown beetle species, Bacanius neoponerae, is described from Mexican nests of the arboreal ponerine ant Neoponera villosa found in the tank bromeliad Aechmea bracteata. Adult beetles were found in brood chambers or inner refuse piles, but also outside the ant nests, in decaying organic matter between the bromeliad leaves. No direct interactions between ants and microhisterid beetles could be observed. Several lines of evidence suggest a close relationship either with the ants, specific microhabitats within the ant nests or the bromeliads. Sample site elevation, colony size, monthly rainfall and collecting site were the main variables predicting the association. Almost half of the N. villosa colonies were associated with the microhisterids, and larger colonies favored their presence, especially during the driest months of the year. Two specimens were found in a nest of another ant species, Camponotus atriceps, also inhabiting A. bracteata. The new species is the seventh of the genus Bacanius reported from Mexico. This is the second time a species of this genus is associated with ants, and the fourth record of a histerid beetle cohabiting with ponerine ants. The small size of these beetles and their very protective body structure may facilitate their cohabitation with such aggressive hosts.

First Record of the Elusive Ant Parasitoid Horismenus floridensis (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) in Mexico and New Association with an Ant Host.

Most eulophid wasps are primary parasitoids, mainly of endophytic insect larvae (Diptera, Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera, Hemiptera, and Thysanoptera), but can also attack spider eggs, gall-forming mites, or nematodes. A few species are known to parasitize ants. Here we report on the occurrence of Horismenus floridensis (Schauff and Boucek) attacking Camponotus atriceps (Smith) in southern Mexico (Campeche), expanding the distribution for this eulophid species and the range of its potential hosts. We also provide an updated list of the Horismenus Walker species found in Mexico, which currently includes 21 identified species. This is the second host ant ever recorded for H. floridensis and the first reliable record of C. atriceps as a host for this eulophid wasp. The first host ant reported from Florida 35 years ago was the closely related valid species, C. floridanus (Buckley), erroneously synonymized at that time with C. atriceps (formerly, C. abdominalis (Fabricius)).

Pollination service provided by honey bees to buzz-pollinated crops in the Neotropics.

Generalist honey bees grant significant pollination services worldwide. Although honey bees can provide compensatory pollination services, their service to buzz-pollinated crops, compared to specialized pollinators, is not clear. In this study, we assessed the contribution of Africanized honey bees (AHB) and native sonicating bees (NBZ) to the pollination of eggplant (Solanum melongena) and annatto (Bixa orellana) in Yucatan, Mexico, one of the largest producers of these crops in the Americas and a region with one of the largest densities of honey bees in the world. We first compared the relative frequency and abundance of both bee types on flowers of both crops. Secondly, we controlled access to flowers to compare the number and weight of fruit and number of seed produced after single visits of AHB and native bees. For a better assessment of pollination services, we evaluated the productivity of individual flowers multiply visited by AHB. The results were compared against treatments using pollinator-excluded flowers and flowers that were supplied with additional pollen, which allowed an overall measure of pollination service provision (PSP). Our results showed that AHB were the predominant flower visitors in both crops and that were poorly efficient on individual visits. Notably, fruit quantity and seed number increased concomitantly with the number of AHB visits per flower on eggplant, but not on annatto. Estimation of PSP revealed no pollination deficit on eggplant but that a deficit existed on the pollination services to annatto. We found that AHB numerical predominance compensates their poor individual performance and can complement the services of native bees on eggplant, but not on annatto. We discuss possible explanations and implications of these results for buzz-pollinated crops in the neotropics an area with little assessment of pollination services and a high density of honey bees.

Patient-perceived barriers to surgical treatment of cleft lip and palate in Brazil: A multi-region study.

INTRODUCTION: Many patients worldwide are unable to access timely primary repair of cleft lip and palate. The aim of this study was to assess patient-perceived barriers to accessing timely cleft lip and palate repair across Brazil. METHODS: A 29-item questionnaire was applied to patients undergoing surgery for cleft lip and/or palate across five contrasting sites in Brazil from February 2016 to November 2017. Differences in patient timelines, demographics, and patient-reported barriers were compared by region. A multivariate logistic regression was used to determine predictors of delayed care. RESULTS: Of 181 patients, 42% of patients received timely primary surgical repair. The age of the patient at the interview was 82 months (standard deviation [SD] 107) and 52% were male. The majority of delays occurred between diagnosis and primary surgical repair. The mean number of barriers to accessing timely surgical care cited by each patient was 3.77. The most common barrier was perceived "lack of hospitals that provided the surgery in my area" (48% (n = 86)). Univariate logistic regression showed increased odds of receiving late care in the state of Amazonas (odds ratio [OR] 2.91; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07-7.96; P = 0.037) or Para (OR 4.46; 95% CI 1.09-19.70; P = 0.037). Multivariate logistic regression determined predictors of delayed care to be female sex (OR = 2.05; 95% CI 1.05-3.99; P = 0.035) and perceived poor availability of care (OR = 0.045; 95% CI 1.02-4.37; P = 0.045). CONCLUSION: The majority of patients in Brazil are not receiving timely primary repair of their clefts. Improvements in the coordination of care, patient education and patient empowerment are required.

A new ant-butterfly symbiosis in the forest canopy fills an evolutionary gap.

Myrmecophilous butterflies can establish complex symbiotic relationships with ants. A caterpillar wandering among the brood of the aggressive ponerine ant Neoponera villosa was found inside the core of a nest built in the myrmecophytic bromeliad Aechmea bracteata. This is the first caterpillar found living inside a ponerine ant nest. Its DNA barcode was sequenced, and an integrative approach was used to identify it as Pseudonymphidia agave, a poorly known member of the subtribe Pachythonina in the riodinid tribe Nymphidiini. The cuticle of the tank-like caterpillar lacks projections or tubercles and is covered dorsally by specialized flat setae that form an armor of small plates. Ant-organs potentially related to caterpillar-ant signaling, such as perforated cupola organs and tentacle nectary organs, are present. These morphological traits, together with evidence of social integration (direct contact with host brood, protective morphology, slow movement, no host aggressiveness), suggest that P. agave is a symbiotic, social parasite of N. villosa, preying on its host brood. However, several knowledge gaps remain, including oviposition site, dependence on bromeliad association, steps to colony integration, and larval diet through development. Carnivory has been reported in all known members of the subtribe Pachythonina (caterpillars prey on honeydew-producing hemipterans) suggesting a shift to myrmecophagy inside the ant nests as a possible evolutionary transition.

Nest Site Selection during Colony Relocation in Yucatan Peninsula Populations of the Ponerine Ants Neoponera villosa (Hymenoptera: Formicidae).

In the Yucatan Peninsula, the ponerine ant Neoponera villosa nests almost exclusively in tank bromeliads, Aechmea bracteata. In this study, we aimed to determine the factors influencing nest site selection during nest relocation which is regularly promoted by hurricanes in this area. Using ants with and without previous experience of Ae. bracteata, we tested their preference for refuges consisting of Ae. bracteata leaves over two other bromeliads, Ae. bromeliifolia and Ananas comosus. We further evaluated bromeliad-associated traits that could influence nest site selection (form and size). Workers with and without previous contact with Ae. bracteata significantly preferred this species over others, suggesting the existence of an innate attraction to this bromeliad. However, preference was not influenced by previous contact with Ae. bracteata. Workers easily discriminated between shelters of Ae. bracteata and A. comosus, but not those of the closely related Ae. bromeliifolia. In marked contrast, ants discriminated between similar sized Ae. bracteata and Ae. bromeliifolia plants, suggesting that chemical cues and plant structure play an important role. Size was also significant as they selected the largest plant when provided two dissimilar Ae. bracteata plants. Nest site selection by N. villosa workers seems to depend on innate preferences but familiarization with plant stimuli is not excluded.

Ritidoplastia e paralisia facial: como lidar? / Facelift and Facial nerve injury: how to deal with?

Não é novidade para os cirurgiões plásticos, especialmente aos que se dedicam à cirurgia de face, que o nervo facial pode ser lesado virtualmente em qualquer cirurgia de ritidoplastia. Porém, apesar da importância contida nesse tema, não é tarefa simples encontrar na literatura artigos que abordem de forma objetiva a correlação entre lesão do nervo facial e cirurgia facial. Paralisias faciais, sejam elas completas ou não, podem se tornar situações potencialmente conflituosas na relação médicopaciente. Este artigo, portanto, visa propor de forma clara e sucinta, baseada na experiência dos autores, um guia de como evitar, identificar e tratar uma potencial lesão do nervo facial no contexto de uma cirurgia de face, em especial a ritidoplastia.

Is largely known that the facial nerve virtually can be injured in every facial lift. Even though its importance, it is difficult to find in the literature articles related to this theme. Complete or incomplete facial paralysis after a facial procedures, may become a very uncomfortable situation between the patient and the surgeon, that is why we propose in this article a guide which intends to help avoid, identify and manage a facial nerve injury in the event of a face lift. Identifying Facial palsy before the surgery: Intending to make the pre-op facial assessment as simple as possible, we suggest a systematic approach examination. Avoiding facial nerve injury during face lifting: Several technical details are discussed along the text aiming to minimize the risk of nerve damage during the surgical procedure. What to in the event of a post-operative facial palsy: The authors propose a logical approach to the facial palsy, suggesting a planning for diagnosis, classification of the lesion and a rational treatment for the injury. Conclusion: This article presents a guide showing some safe technical options to avoid nerve damage during rythidoplasty, how to identify the lesion and treat it if necessary.

Fine-tuned intruder discrimination favors ant parasitoidism.

A diversity of arthropods (myrmecophiles) thrives within ant nests, many of them unmolested though some, such as the specialized Eucharitidae parasitoids, may cause direct damage to their hosts. Ants are known to discriminate between nestmates and non-nestmates, but whether they recognize the strength of a threat and their capacity to adjust their behavior accordingly have not been fully explored. We aimed to determine whether Ectatomma tuberculatum ants exhibited specific behavioral responses to potential or actual intruders posing different threats to the host colony and to contribute to an understanding of complex ant-eucharitid interactions. Behavioral responses differed significantly according to intruder type. Ants evicted intruders that represented a threat to the colony's health (dead ants) or were not suitable as prey items (filter paper, eucharitid parasitoid wasps, non myrmecophilous adult weevils), but killed potential prey (weevil larvae, termites). The timing of detection was in accordance with the nature and size of the intruder: corpses (a potential source of contamination) were detected faster than any other intruder and transported to the refuse piles within 15 min. The structure and complexity of behavioral sequences differed among those intruders that were discarded. Workers not only recognized and discriminated between several distinct intruders but also adjusted their behavior to the type of intruder encountered. Our results confirm the previously documented recognition capabilities of E. tuberculatum workers and reveal a very fine-tuned intruder discrimination response. Colony-level prophylactic and hygienic behavioral responses through effective removal of inedible intruders appears to be the most general and flexible form of defense in ants against a diverse array of intruders. However, this generalized response to both potentially lethal and harmless intruders might have driven the evolution of ant-eucharitid interactions, opening a window for parasitoid attack and allowing adult parasitoid wasps to quickly leave the natal nest unharmed.

Facial Reanimation in the Seventh and Eighth Decades of Life.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of facial paralysis in the older population is often relegated to static rather than dynamic reanimation for fear of poor outcomes. This pervasive approach lacks physiologic foundation and is not evidence based. Thus, the authors present an extensive literature review demonstrating weak evidence supporting this misguided concept, followed by detailed outcomes from three centers of the largest reported series to date of patients older than 60 years after reanimation performed using three techniques-lengthening temporalis myoplasty, free functional muscle, and nerve transfers. METHODS: A PubMed search spanning over 40 years identified all reports on reanimation in patients older than 60 years. In addition, detailed demographics, surgical techniques, and outcomes of 30 patients older than 60 years were analyzed. RESULTS: Of 629 articles, only 45 patients were identified, described in case reports or small series, lacking details or consistent long-term follow-up. In the clinical series, average age, preoperative House-Brackmann score, and comorbidities were similar among the groups. Highest excursion was observed in the free functional muscle group, followed by nerve transfer and temporalis myoplasty, averaging 10.4, 6.8, and 3.1 mm, respectively. The most notable philtral deviation correction was in the lengthening temporalis myoplasty group, followed by the free muscle and nerve transfer groups, averaging 5.6, 2.2, and 1.13 mm, respectively. Complication rates were highest in the free functional muscle group. CONCLUSIONS: Facial palsy patients should not be denied dynamic restoration based on age alone. Although surgical technique may vary based on duration of palsy, surgeon experience, and preference, with each presenting advantages and disadvantages, dynamic restoration is feasible regardless of age. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Cervico-Mental Angle Suspensory Ligament: The Keystone to Understand the Cervico-Mental Angle and the Ageing Process of the Neck.

The authors performed cadaveric dissections to investigate the existence of an anatomical structure creating and maintaining the cervical mental angle, aiming to understand the anatomical bases of the cervico-mental angle and its modifications over time. Six fresh cadaver dissections were performed; four were done in the Caen University anatomy laboratory one in Paris XV University and one in the Coventry University hospital, England. At the end of this investigation, the authors were able to demonstrate the existence of an anatomical structure in the neck, the cervico-mental angle suspensory ligament. This ligament that fixates the platysma and skin to deeper structures originated from the second branchial arch and seems to play a key role in the formation of the cervico-mental angle and in the anatomical alterations in the ageing process. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Natural Enemies of the Frankliniella Complex Species (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in Ataulfo Mango Agroecosystems.

A field survey was conducted in Ataulfo mango (Mangifera indica L.) orchards in Chiapas, Mexico, with the objective of determining the natural enemies of the Frankliniella complex species (Thysanoptera: Thripidae). Seven species of this genus feed and reproduce in large numbers during the mango flowering. Two representative orchards were selected: the orchard "Tres A" characterized by an intensive use of agrochemicals directed against thrips, and the orchard "La Escondida" that did not spray insecticides. During mango flowering, five inflorescences were randomly collected every 5 d in both orchards, for a total of 18 sampling dates. Results revealed the presence of 18 species of arthropods that were found predating on Frankliniella. There were 11 species in the families Aeolothripidae, Phlaeothripidae, Formicidae, Anthocoridae and Chrysopidae; and seven species of spiders in the families Araneidae, Tetragnathidae, and Uloboridae. Over 88% of predators were anthocorids, including, Paratriphleps sp. (Champion), Orius insidiosus (Say), Orius tristicolor (White), and O. perpunctatus (Reuter). The orchard that did not spray insecticides had a significantly higher number of predators suggesting a negative effect of the insecticides on the abundance of these organisms.

[Vacuum dressing technique to temporary cover of laparostomy]. / Curativo à vácuo para cobertura temporária de peritoneostomia.

BACKGROUND: The advances in patient care with trauma or severe intra-abdominal infections, brought important gains in survival with the use of peritoneostomies. But the management of patients brought a difficult problem: the primary closure without tension of the abdominal cavity. AIM: To present a proposal for temporary coverage of peritoneostomies in patients undergoing damage control laparotomy or decompressive laparotomy for abdominal compartment syndrome. TECHNIC: Isolation of the small intestine loops from abdominal internal; coverage of the intestinal surface with a polyethylene film multiperforated with sterile scissors or scalpel blade, to prevent direct contact with the foam. It is placed below the edges of the defect between the parietal and visceral peritoneum. Over it, a polyurethane sterile foam is fixed to the edges, leaving the defect tension free to the vacuum be applied. Another coverage with a plastic adhesive polyester impregnated with iodine stuck to skin is done, and, at the end, is added a drainage continuous aspiration system. The dressing is changed between three and five days. It was used successfully in four patients with primary closure of the abdominal cavity after seven to 21 days. Of these, three had open abdomen after laparotomy for trauma (two due to damage control and one for lack of primary closure); the fourth had been previously submitted to decompressive laparotomy for abdominal compartment syndrome. CONCLUSION: The vacuum dressing proved to be good choice for temporary coverage of peritoneostomies allowing faster closure of the abdominal wound, reducing the number of reoperations and providing protection against bacterial contamination of the intestinal loops.

Curativo à vácuo para cobertura temporária de peritoneostomia / Vacuum dressing technique to temporary cover of laparostomy

INTRODUÇÃO: O avanço nos cuidados com pacientes traumatizados ou com infecções intra-abdominais graves, trouxe importante ganho na sobrevida com o aumento de peritoneostomias. O manejo dos pacientes apresentou um problema de difícil solução: o fechamento primário sem tensão da cavidade abdominal. OBJETIVO: Apresentar proposta para cobertura temporária das peritoneostomias em pacientes submetidos à laparotomias de controle de danos ou laparotomias descompressivas por síndrome compartimental abdominal. TÉCNICA: Realiza-se isolamento das alças intestinais das bordas da parede que são envolvidas por um filme de polietileno estéril multiperfurado com tesoura ou lâmina de bisturi, para impedir contato direto com a espuma. É colocado abaixo das bordas do defeito, entre o peritônio visceral e o parietal, e sobre ele uma espuma de poliuretano estéril fixada às bordas deixando o defeito livre de tensão quando o vácuo for aplicado. Ela é recoberta com um plástico adesivo de poliéster impregnado por iodo colado à pele e adicionada drenagem aspirativa contínua. O curativo é trocado entre três e cinco dias. Foi utilizado com sucesso em quatro pacientes onde foi possível o fechamento primário da cavidade abdominal após sete a 21dias. Destes, três tinham ficado com o abdome aberto após laparotomia por trauma (dois para controle de danos e um por impossibilidade de fechamento primário); o quarto tinha sido submetido à laparotomia descompressiva por síndrome compartimental abdominal. CONCLUSÃO: O curativo a vácuo mostrou ser boa opção para cobertura temporária de peritoneostomias permitindo fechamento mais rápido da ferida abdominal, reduzindo o número de reoperações e promovendo proteção das alças contra contaminação bacteriana.

BACKGROUND: The advances in patient care with trauma or severe intra-abdominal infections, brought important gains in survival with the use of peritoneostomies. But the management of patients brought a difficult problem: the primary closure without tension of the abdominal cavity. AIM: To present a proposal for temporary coverage of peritoneostomies in patients undergoing damage control laparotomy or decompressive laparotomy for abdominal compartment syndrome. TECHNIC: Isolation of the small intestine loops from abdominal internal; coverage of the intestinal surface with a polyethylene film multiperforated with sterile scissors or scalpel blade, to prevent direct contact with the foam. It is placed below the edges of the defect between the parietal and visceral peritoneum. Over it, a polyurethane sterile foam is fixed to the edges, leaving the defect tension free to the vacuum be applied. Another coverage with a plastic adhesive polyester impregnated with iodine stuck to skin is done, and, at the end, is added a drainage continuous aspiration system. The dressing is changed between three and five days. It was used successfully in four patients with primary closure of the abdominal cavity after seven to 21 days. Of these, three had open abdomen after laparotomy for trauma (two due to damage control and one for lack of primary closure); the fourth had been previously submitted to decompressive laparotomy for abdominal compartment syndrome. CONCLUSION: The vacuum dressing proved to be good choice for temporary coverage of peritoneostomies allowing faster closure of the abdominal wound, reducing the number of reoperations and providing protection against bacterial contamination of the intestinal loops.

Utilização de curativo de espuma de poliuretano e silicone (Mepilex Transfer®) em áreas doadoras de enxerto de pele parcial / Use of dressing of polyurethane foam and silicone (Mepilex Transfer®) in donor areas of partial skin graft

Introdução: Atualmente, existe um debate contínuo e uma busca para identificar quais curativos propiciam os melhores resultados e menores custos no tratamento de áreas doadoras de enxertos de pele parcial. Novas tecnologias foram desenvolvidas com esse intuito, entre elas a Safetec, presente no Mepilex Transfer ®, curativo com fina camada de silicone adesiva, não-aderente, que tende a manter o ferimento hidratado, sem lesaros tecidos em regeneração. Relato dos casos: Foram selecionados dois pacientes submetidos a enxerto de pele parcial, tendo como área doadora ascoxas. Imediatamente após a retirada, foram aplicadas as lâminas de MepilexTransfer®, não sendo manipulada até o 7o pós-operatório, quando, então, o curativo de silicone era removido. Observamos que o curativo com MepilexTransfer® proporcionou mais conforto, praticidade e menos dor, por não necessitar de trocas, além de não lesar o tecido em regeneração. Conclusão: O tratamento de áreas doadoras com Mepilex Transfer® parece ser uma boa alternativa, por apresentar fácil manuseio, sem necessitar de trocas.

Introduction: Currently there is an ongoing debate and a search for which dressings provide better results and lower costs in the treatment of donor sites of partial skin grafts. New technologies were developed for this purpose, including the Safetec present in Mepilex Transfer®, dressing with a thin layer of silicone adhesive, non-stick which tends to keep the wound moist, without damaging the tissue regeneration. Cases report: We selected two patients who underwent partial skin graft, with the donor area on the thighs. Immediately after withdrawal, we applied the blades of Mepilex Transfer®, not being manipulated until the seventh postoperative period, at which time the silicone dressing was removed. We observed that the Mepilex Transfer® dressing provided more comfort, convenience and less pain, for does not require changes, and not damage the tissue regeneration. Conclusion: We conclude that treatment of donor sites with Mepilex Transfer® seems to be a good alternative, because it has easy handling without requiring changes.

Avaliação comparativa do uso de hidroalginato com prata e o curativo convencional em queimaduras de segundo grau / Comparative evaluation of use of silver hydroalginate and conventional dressing in second degree burns

Introdução: O tratamento do paciente queimado sempre foi um desafiopara o profissional que busca melhores resultados no que diz respeito a maiorvelocidade de restauração tecidual, redução da dor e da infecção, além demelhor aspecto estético final da ferida. Entre as novas tecnologias em curativos, destaca-se a cobertura de hidroalginato associado à prata. Objetivo: Comparar o tratamento convencional da queimadura de segundo grau superficial (curativode quatro camadas) e profunda (curativo de quatro camadas + sulfadiazina de prata a 1%) com a utilização do curativo de hidroalginato com prata, quanto aos critérios: dor, evolução da queimadura e praticidade de uso. Método: Este estudo foi conduzido na Divisão de Queimaduras do Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual de São Paulo, em 20 pacientes, de ambos os sexos, entre 5 e 60 anos de idade, vítimas de queimaduras de segundo grau superficial ou mista,com superfície corpórea queimada (SCQ) de até 5%. Resultados: As trocas de curativos convencionais foram extremamente dolorosas (escala de dor 7, 8 e 9), enquanto que, com o curativo de hidroalginato com prata, as trocas receberam notas 0, 2 e 3. Este curativo mostrou-se fácil e prático, especialmente pela reepitelizaçãomais rápida e menor número de trocas. Conclusão: O curativo de hidroalginato com prata mostrou-se de fácil aplicação e manuseio, possibilitando a troca pelo paciente em seu próprio domicílio, proporcionando maior conforto para este e comodidade para os profissionais da saúde.

Introduction: The treatment of burn patients has always been a challenge for the professionals looking better results with regard to the higher rate of tissue restoration, reduction of pain and infection, and better aesthetics final wound. Among the new technologies indressings, stands out the coverage of Alginate associated with silver. Objective: To compare the conventional treatment of superficial seconddegree burn (four-layer bandage) and deep (four-layer bandage + silver sulfadiazine 1%) of the Alginate dressing with silver, for the criteria: pain, evolution of burn and practicality of use. Methods: This study was conducted at the Division of Burns Hospital for State Civil Servants of São Paulo, in 20 patients, of both sexes, between 5 and 60 years of age, victims of superficial second-degree burnsor mixed with body surface burned (SCQ) up to 5%. Results: The conventional dressing changes were extremely painful (pain scale of 7, 8 and 9), while with the silver Alginate dressing, exchanges were scored 0, 2 and 3. This dressing was easy and convenient, especially for faster re-epithelialization and fewer exchanges. Conclusion: Alginate dressing with silver proved easy application and handling, enabling exchange by patients in their own homes, providing greater comfort for them and convenience for health professionals.