Botulinum toxin A in complex incisional hernia repair: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety, efficacy, and short and long-term postoperative results of using BTA. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review following the recommendations of the PRISMA method. We systematically reviewed the MEDLINE/PubMed and SCOPUS electronic databases for studies published between January 2010 and September 2021. This systematic review was registered in PROSPERO, with registration number CRD42021252445. RESULTS: After applying the selection criteria, 11 relevant articles were selected. The total sample size was 1058 patients. Most studies aimed to assess the rate of fascial closure, followed by the rate of recurrence and reporting of postoperative complications, as well as the need for the components separation technique (CST). None of the studies reported serious complications from using BTA. Regarding fascial closure, all articles had rates above 75%, except for one. Surgical site events ranged between 19% and 29.4%. No recurrence in the group that used BTA was recorded in five studies. The other articles reported recurrence rates ranging from 6.4 to 11.4% in the groups that received BTA. The studies had varying follow-up times ranging from 1 to 49 months, with a mean of 18.6 months (± 11.2). CONCLUSION: This review described most of the key points about the preoperative use of BTA in hernia repair. It can be concluded that the use of BTA is a safe and effective practice that promotes good short and long-term results. However, the limitations of the current literature prevent more accurate conclusions on the subject.

Use of a smartphone platform for temporomandibular joint arthroscopy.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthroscopy, a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure involving the introduction of a small-calibre optical scope into the joint compartments for the treatment of internal derangement, has been gaining prominence and is now being recommended as the first therapeutic option due to the good results obtained and minimal invasiveness. However, the technical difficulty, high cost, need for specific instruments, and video tower system remain limiting factors for the implementation of TMJ arthroscopy by practicing professionals. The objective of this study was to examine the possibility of using a smartphone optical adaptation platform in TMJ arthroscopy. Ten qualified examiners with different levels of expertise in TMJ arthroscopy located four points of interest in the upper TMJ compartment of a validated realistic simulator and assessed the resolution of the images obtained and ergonomics of the smartphone platform for each point of interest, assigning a score of 0-2 (0 = poor, 1 = intermediate, and 2 = good performance in comparison to the video tower). For image quality, 77.5% of scores were 'good', while 22.5% were 'intermediate'. For ergonomics, 62.5% of scores were 'good' and 37.5% were 'intermediate'. In conclusion, the platform appears to be safe for TMJ arthroscopy in humans.

Review: The putative role of Progesterone Receptor membrane Component 1 in bovine oocyte development and competence.

Acquisition of developmental competence is a complex process in which many cell types cooperate to support oocyte maturation, fertilisation, and preimplantation embryonic development. In recent years, compelling evidence has shown that Progesterone Receptor Membra Component 1 (PGRMC1) is expressed in many cell types of the mammalian reproductive system where it exerts diverse functions. In the ovary, PGRMC1 affects follicular growth by controlling cell viability and proliferation of granulosa cells. PGRMC1 has also a direct role in promoting a proper completion of bovine oocyte maturation, as altering its function leads to defective chromosome segregation and polar body extrusion. Strikingly, the mechanism by which PGRMC1 controls mitotic and meiotic cell division seems to be conserved, involving an association with the spindle apparatus and the chromosomal passenger complex through Aurora kinase B. Conclusive data on a possible role of PGRMC1 in the preimplantation embryo are lacking and further research is needed to test whether the mechanisms that are set in place in mitotic cells also govern blastomere cleavage and subsequent differentiation. Finally, PGRMC1 is also expressed in oviductal cells and, as such, it might also impact fertilisation and early embryonic development, although this issue is completely unexplored. However, the study of PGRMC1 function in the mammalian reproductive system remains a complex matter, due to its pleiotropic function.

Communication between the temporomandibular joint articular space and the extradural space in patients with temporal bone pneumatization: implications for temporomandibular joint surgery.

The pneumatization of the articular portion of the temporal bone is an anatomical variant that can modify the barrier between the articular space and the middle cranial fossa. Thus, this study aimed to identify the presence and degree of pneumatization, as well as the existence of pneumatic cell dehiscence towards the extradural or articular space determining whether it could lead to direct communication between the articular and extradural spaces. Hence, One-hundred skull computed tomography images were selected. The presence and extension of pneumatization were classified according to scores 0, 1, 2, and 3. Dehiscence towards extradural and articular spaces was recorded. In total, 200 TMJ from 100 patients were assessed and 40.5% of pneumatization cases were observed. The most prevalent score was 0 (restricted to the mastoid process), while the least prevalent score was 3 (extending beyond the crest of articular eminence). Dehiscence of the pneumatic cells towards the extradural space is more common than towards the articular space. One complete communication between the extradural and articular spaces was observed. Considering the results, it was concluded that to avoid neurological and ontological complications, awareness of the potential anatomical communications between articular and extradural spaces, particularly in patients with extensive pneumatisation, is necessary.

Diet quality, asthma and airway inflammation in school-aged children.

Summary: Background. Asthma is a major public health problem, with increasing prevalence in most countries, particularly among children. Poor dietary quality is also increasing in children, and evidence of the overall quality of children's food patterns effects on asthma is scarce. Methods. This cross-sectional analysis (660 children: 49.1% females, aged 7-12years) evaluated the association between diet quality and asthma (n = 56) and airway inflammation among school-aged children according to body mass index (BMI). Diet quality was assessed through the Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2015, and categorized by tertiles. Higher scores represent a healthier diet. A questionnaire was used to enquire about self-reported medical diagnosis of asthma and asthma under medication. Lung function and airway reversibility were measured, and airway inflammation assessed measuring exhaled fractional nitric oxide (eNO). Two categories of BMI were considered: non-overweight/obese (p less than 85th), (n = 491), and overweight/obese (p ≥ than 85th), (n = 169). The associations between diet quality and asthma and airway inflammation were estimated using logistic regression models. Results. Non-overweight/obese children in 2nd tertile of HEI-2015 score had decreased odds of having eNO ≥ 35ppb (OR 0.43, 95%CI 0.19-0.98), medical diagnosis of asthma (OR 0.18; 95%CI 0.04-0.84), and asthma treatment (OR 0.12; 95%CI 0.01-0.95), compared to children in the 1st tertile. Conclusions. Our findings suggest that a higher diet quality associates with lower levels of airway inflammation and reduced prevalence of asthma among non-overweight/obese school-aged children.

The Hunter-8 Scale Prehospital Triage Workflow for Identification of Large Vessel Occlusion and Brain Haemorrhage.

OBJECTIVE: The Hunter-8 prehospital stroke scale predicts large vessel occlusion in hyperacute ischemic stroke patients (LVO) at hospital admission. We wished to test its performance in the hands of paramedics as part of a prehospital triage algorithm. We aimed to determine (a) the proportion of patients identified by the Hunter-8 algorithm, receiving reperfusion therapies, (b) whether a call to stroke team improved this, and (c) performance for LVO detection using an expanded LVO definition. METHODS: A prehospital workflow combining pre-morbid functional status, time from symptom onset, and the Hunter-8 scale was implemented from July 2019. A telephone call to the stroke team was prompted for potential treatment candidates. Classic LVO was defined as a proximal middle cerebral artery (MCA-M1), terminal internal carotid artery, or tandem occlusion. Extended LVO added proximal MCA-M2 and basilar occlusions. RESULTS: From July 2019 to April 2021, there were 363 Hunter-8 activations, 320 analyzed: 181 (56.6%) had confirmed ischemic strokes, 13 (4.1%) transient ischemic attack, 91 (28.5%) stroke mimics, and 35 (10.9%) intracranial hemorrhage. Fifty-two patients (16.3%) received reperfusion therapies, 35 with Hunter-8 ≥ 8. The stroke doctor changed the final destination for 76 patients (23.7%), and five received reperfusion therapies. The AUCs for classic and extended LVO were 0.73 (95% CI 0.66-0.79) and 0.72 (95% CI 0.65-0.77), respectively. CONCLUSION: The Hunter-8 workflow resulted in 28.7% of confirmed ischemic stroke patients receiving reperfusion therapies, with no secondary transfers to the comprehensive stroke center. The role of communication with stroke team needs to be further explored.

Patient needs four years after first psychiatric hospitalization in a Brazilian cohort.

Knowledge about the needs of psychiatric patients is essential for mental health care planning. However, research on met and unmet needs is still scarce, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to describe the patients' needs (met and unmet) at least four years after their first psychiatric hospitalization and to verify the role of demographic and clinical features as possible predictors of these needs. Patients who had their first psychiatric admission between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2007 at an inpatient unit in the city of Ribeirão Preto, Brazil, were eligible to participate in the study. Patients were contacted and face-to-face interviews were conducted by psychologists using the Camberwell Assessment of Need. Data were analyzed using zero-inflated negative binomial regression model. Of 933 eligible patients, 333 were interviewed. The highest level of needs was related to welfare benefits (32.4%, unmet=25.5%), followed by household skills (30.3%, unmet=3.0%), psychotic symptoms (29.4%, unmet=9.0%), psychological distress (27.6%, unmet=8.4%), physical health (24.3%, unmet=5.4%), daytime activities (19.5%, unmet=16.5%), and money (16.8%, unmet=9.0%). Fewer years of schooling, living with relatives, and unemployment at the moment of the first admission were significantly associated with a higher number of both met and unmet needs in the follow-up. Unmet needs were also more often reported by patients living alone. In conclusion, socioeconomic indicators were the best predictors of needs. The unmet needs related to welfare benefits point to the need for specific social and health policies.

[Prevalence of dermatological diseases in Primary Care]. / Prevalencia de enfermedades dermatológicas en atención primaria.

OBJECTIVE: To guide the training of Primary Care physicians in the most prevalent and relevant skin pathologies, it is necessary to study their prevalence in the Primary Care consultation and describe their characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Observational cross-sectional study. It took place at the Porriño Health Center (Pontevedra, Spain). A total of 305 patients of the same quota participated, recruited in consultation during 41days between September 2018 and February 2019, selected by systematic sampling coinciding with those mentioned at the hour between 9 and 13hours and, failing that, we selected the next of those mentioned. The variables were analyzed: age, sex, educational and economic level, diagnostic means, previous diagnosis of dermatological disease, treatment, follow-up and relationship with systemic diseases. The statistical analysis performed was descriptive and bivariate by sex with chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS: 161 women and 144 men participated, age and number of consultations being non-parametric. Median age was 59years (IQR: 42-69), with no significant differences between sexes. 69.83% (95%CI: 64.46-74.71) present between 1 and 5 types of skin lesions grouped in 33 different diagnoses. The 15 most frequent pathologies account for 77.35% (95%CI: 75.80-84.48) of diagnoses. As the most relevant pathologies, we observed two basal cell carcinomas and one squamous cell carcinoma (0.98%; 95%CI: 0.34-2.85). CONCLUSIONS: Dermatological diseases have a high prevalence in Primary Care.

Allogenic platelet-rich plasma in induced ulcers in rat's cornea / [Plasma rico em plaquetas alogênico em úlceras de córnea induzidas em ratos]

The objective in this study was to evaluate the clinic effect of applying allogenic platelet-rich plasma (PRP) heated or not, for treating cornea ulcers, including the dosage of PDGF-BB in the cornea. The ulcers were induced, standardizing the left eye from 81 rats (Ratus norvegicus, albinus variety), assigned randomly into three groups (N=27): control group (CG) which did not receive any topic treatment; heated PRP group (GA) and PRP group (GP), which received topical treatment every eight hours for five days. Each group underwent evaluation at 24 hours (M1), three days (M3) and five days (M5). The clinical exam evaluated the opacity, vascularization and corneal repair. The corneal PDGF-BB was dosed through the ELISA method. The corneal opacity was decreased in PRP-treated animals (GA and GP) and corneal repair time reduced when compared to CG at M1 and M5. Furthermore, GP showed greater vascularization at M3 compared to M1. Applied allogenic PRP eye drops, heated or not, speed up corneal healing, and reduce corneal repair time. However, the corneal PDGF concentration was not altered in any of the treatments.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito clínico da aplicação de plasma rico em plaquetas alogênico (PRP) aquecido ou não, no tratamento de úlceras de córnea, como a dosagem de PDGF-BB na córnea. As úlceras foram induzidas, padronizando-se o olho esquerdo de 81 ratos (Rattus norvegicus, variedade albinus), aleatoriamente, nos três grupos (N = 27): grupo controle (CG), que não recebeu nenhum tratamento tópico; grupo PRP aquecido (GA) e grupo PRP (GP), que receberam tratamento tópico a cada oito horas, durante cinco dias. Cada grupo foi subdividido em 24 horas (M1), três dias (M3) e cinco dias (M5). O exame clínico avaliou a opacidade, a vascularização e o reparo corneano. O PDGF-BB corneano foi dosado pelo método Elisa. Houve diminuição da opacidade da córnea nos animais tratados com PRP (GA e GP) e diminuição do tempo de reparo da córnea em comparação com CG, M1 e M5. Além disso, foi observada maior vascularização no GP no momento M3 em relação ao M1. A aplicação de colírios de PRP alogênico, aquecidos ou não, acelera a cicatrização da córnea, além de reduzir o tempo de reparo da córnea. No entanto, a concentração de PDGF na córnea não se alterou em nenhum dos tratamentos.(AU)

Cardiomiopatia hipertrófica apical x infarto apical: strain longitudinal ou ressonância magnética? / Apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy vs. apical infarction: longitudinal strain or MRI?

INTRODUÇÃO: A cardiomiopatia hipertrófica apical (CMHA) ou síndrome de Yamaguchi é uma condição relativamente rara, que apresenta acometimento predominante da região apical do ventrículo esquerdo (VE). O Ecocardiograma com strain nesta condição apresenta uma redução no ápice bem semelhante à imagem obtida no Infarto Apical. Descrevemos um caso onde as duas condições estavam presentes. (Figuras 1 -4) RELATO DE CASO: Masculino, de 78 anos, previamente hipertenso, procurou o pronto socorro por dor precordial teve o diagnóstico de infarto sem supra do segmento ST. Seu eletrocardiograma evidenciava ondas T profundas na parede anterior e lateral. Submetido à estratificação invasiva, sendo evidenciada coronária direita (CD) ocluída no terço proximal (CD), com circulação colateral presente e lesão grave em terço proximal de artéria circunflexa (Cx). Foi submetido à angioplastia com stent farmacológico na CX. Um mês após o evento coronariano agudo, o paciente retorna ao serviço referindo persistência de dor precordial, semelhante ao quadro anterior. Mantinha-se em uso de dupla antiagregação plaquetária, de modo que foi optado por nova estratificação invasiva, que revelou as mesmas lesões previamente citadas, com stent farmacológico em Cx apresentando fluxo TIMI 3. Ao ECO com strain, evidenciou-se aumento isolado da espessura da região apical do VE, medindo 15mm, com contratilidade miocárdica preservada nesta região, redução do strain global de 11.2% e área de redução muito acentuada sugerindo fibrose nessa mesma região poupando as demais paredes. Neste momento, não foi possível a determinação da causa da redução do strain apical, se IAM, Takotsubo ou CMH. A ressonância magnética cardíaca (RMC) com estresse com dipiridamol observou hipertrofia miocárdica assimétrica apical com carga fibrótica de 16% e presença de isquemia miocárdica em segmentos inferosseptal e inferior medioapical, além de realce tardio de padrão não coronariano acometendo a porção apical do VE, com fração de ejeção de 66%. CONCLUSÃO: A identificação da etiologia da fibrose apical só foi possível com a ressonância magnética, que deixou claro ser decorrente da CMHA, já que o padrão de realce era não coronariano. Ao estresse com Dipiridamol, evidenciou isquemia na parede inferior e inferosseptal medioapical determinando que a dor precordial tinha como causa a circulação colateral insuficiente da CD. Concluímos pela necessidade do diagnóstico ser multimodalidades de imagem, com resultados mais conclusivos com RMC.

Miocardio não compactado em esportista ­ um desafio diagnóstico / Uncompressed myocardium in sportsman - a diagnostic challenge

INTRODUÇÃO: Miocárdio não compactado (MNC) é uma cardiopatia congênita rara que teve seu primeiro caso publicado há menos de 40 anos caracterizado pela falta de compactação miocárdica com a formação de trabéculas no ventrículo esquerdo (VE), afetando principalmente a região apical, podendo estar associado à hipertrofia e dilatação do VE. CASO: Masculino, 69 anos, praticante de atividade física (corrida de rua, 10km, 3x/semana). Durante avaliação inicial apresentava-se assintomático e exame físico normal, trazendo resultado de exames de cinco anos atrás, quando ainda era sedentário, apresentando eletrocardiograma (ECG) e ECO normais. Na admissão, apresenta ECG com bloqueio atrioventricular grau I, Teste ergométrico (TE) com boa capacidade funcional, não compatível com resposta isquêmica. O ECO evidenciou hipertrabeculação dominante no ápice do VE com disfunção global do VE (FE 40%). Na RMC mostrou uma relação entre miocárdio não compactado/compactado de 3,0 e confirmou disfunção do VE. Assim, foi realizada a hipótese diagnóstica de MNC, orientada limitação das atividades físicas a leves a moderadas e contraindicado atividades de alta intensidade além de ser iniciado tratamento para disfunção O paciente foi acompanhado com ECOs evidenciando persistência das trabeculações do VE, TE e Holter que não revelaram presença de arritmias ventriculares significativas. Na última avaliação, após um ano de sedentarismo do paciente o ECO evidenciou diminuição da trabeculação no VE e a nova RMC mostrou disfunção do VE (FE 42%) associado a um aumento discreto das trabeculações na porção apical, porém sem fechar critérios para o diagnóstico de MNC com uma relação miocárdio não compactado/compactado <2,3e com ausência de comprometimento septal. Após afastado o diagnóstico inicial, foi levantada a hipótese de miocardiopatia dilatada idiopática, orientando limitação de atividades físicas para leves a moderadas. DISCUSSÃO: Já está bem estabelecido que o treinamento físico pode estar associado a adaptações cardíacas, elétricas e estruturais, e, em casos raros, essas adaptações, tidas como fisiológicas, podem se sobrepor a expressões morfologicamente leves das cardiomiopatias primárias e resolver este dilema diagnóstico pode ser desafiador. O MNC é um distúrbio miocárdico relativamente novo, podendo levar a disfunção sistólica do VE, arritmias ventriculares e até a morte súbita. Eventualmente atletas podem exibir critérios convencionais para MNC destacando a natureza não específica dos critérios diagnósticos atuais se aplicados a populações de atletas.

Patient needs four years after first psychiatric hospitalization in a Brazilian cohort

Knowledge about the needs of psychiatric patients is essential for mental health care planning. However, research on met and unmet needs is still scarce, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to describe the patients' needs (met and unmet) at least four years after their first psychiatric hospitalization and to verify the role of demographic and clinical features as possible predictors of these needs. Patients who had their first psychiatric admission between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2007 at an inpatient unit in the city of Ribeirão Preto, Brazil, were eligible to participate in the study. Patients were contacted and face-to-face interviews were conducted by psychologists using the Camberwell Assessment of Need. Data were analyzed using zero-inflated negative binomial regression model. Of 933 eligible patients, 333 were interviewed. The highest level of needs was related to welfare benefits (32.4%, unmet=25.5%), followed by household skills (30.3%, unmet=3.0%), psychotic symptoms (29.4%, unmet=9.0%), psychological distress (27.6%, unmet=8.4%), physical health (24.3%, unmet=5.4%), daytime activities (19.5%, unmet=16.5%), and money (16.8%, unmet=9.0%). Fewer years of schooling, living with relatives, and unemployment at the moment of the first admission were significantly associated with a higher number of both met and unmet needs in the follow-up. Unmet needs were also more often reported by patients living alone. In conclusion, socioeconomic indicators were the best predictors of needs. The unmet needs related to welfare benefits point to the need for specific social and health policies.

Data-efficient deep learning of radiological image data for outcome prediction after endovascular treatment of patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Treatment selection is becoming increasingly more important in acute ischemic stroke patient care. Clinical variables and radiological image biomarkers (old age, pre-stroke mRS, NIHSS, occlusion location, ASPECTS, among others) have an important role in treatment selection and prognosis. Radiological biomarkers require expert annotation and are subject to inter-observer variability. Recently, Deep Learning has been introduced to reproduce these radiological image biomarkers. Instead of reproducing these biomarkers, in this work, we investigated Deep Learning techniques for building models to directly predict good reperfusion after endovascular treatment (EVT) and good functional outcome using CT angiography images. These models do not require image annotation and are fast to compute. We compare the Deep Learning models to Machine Learning models using traditional radiological image biomarkers. We explored Residual Neural Network (ResNet) architectures, adapted them with Structured Receptive Fields (RFNN) and auto-encoders (AE) for network weight initialization. We further included model visualization techniques to provide insight into the network's decision-making process. We applied the methods on the MR CLEAN Registry dataset with 1301 patients. The Deep Learning models outperformed the models using traditional radiological image biomarkers in three out of four cross-validation folds for functional outcome (average AUC of 0.71) and for all folds for reperfusion (average AUC of 0.65). Model visualization showed that the arteries were relevant features for functional outcome prediction. The best results were obtained for the ResNet models with RFNN. Auto-encoder initialization often improved the results. We concluded that, in our dataset, automated image analysis with Deep Learning methods outperforms radiological image biomarkers for stroke outcome prediction and has the potential to improve treatment selection.

Análise evolutiva da morfologia e da irrigação do timo de javalis (Sus scrofa Linnaeus, 1758) / Evolutionary analysis of morphology and irrigation of the thymus of boar's (Sus scrofa Linnaeus, 1758)

Objetivou-se descrever comparativamente as artérias responsáveis pela irrigação dos lobos tímicos cervicais e torácicos dos javalis, determinando-se também as características morfológicas do referido órgão nessa espécie, a ponto de correlacioná-las evolutivamente com os demais representantes da família Suidae. Os lobos tímicos cervicais direito e esquerdo receberam ramos distribuídos pelas artérias carótidas comuns direita e esquerda e cervicais superficiais direita e esquerda e, por vezes, pelas artérias torácica externa esquerda e subclávia esquerda. Essa característica vascular foi mantida ao longo da evolução, estando presente em linhagens e raças mais recentes de suídeos. A irrigação dos lobos tímicos torácicos direito e esquerdo foi realizada predominantemente por ramos diretos e indiretos ipsilaterais e contralaterais das artérias torácicas internas direita e esquerda, e também por ramos da artéria subclávia esquerda. Ramos diretos das artérias cervicais superficiais direita e esquerda e ramos diretos da artéria torácica interna direita foram encontrados para o lobo tímico médio, sendo essa uma descrição única nessa espécie, o que demonstra uma característica evolutiva primitiva nesse ancestral.(AU)

The objective of this study was to comparatively describe the arteries responsible for the irrigation of the cervical and thoracic thymus lobes of Boars, also determining the morphological characteristics of this body in this species to the point of evolutionarily correlating them with other representatives of the Suidae family. The left and right cervical thymic lobes received branches distributed by common right and left, superficial right and left carotid arteries, and neck and, sometimes, the outer left chest and left subclavian arteries. This feature was vascular maintained throughout evolution and is present in more recent strains and breeds of swine. Irrigation of the right and left thoracic thymic lobes was performed predominantly by direct and indirect ipsilateral and contralateral branches of the right and left internal thoracic arteries and also by branches of the left subclavian artery. Direct branches of the right and left superficial cervical artery and right branches of the right internal thoracic artery were found for the average thymic lobe, this being a unique description in this species, demonstrating a primitive feature in this evolutionary ancestor.(AU)

Evolutionary aspects on the origin, distribution and ramifications of the ischiadicus nerve in the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) / Aspectos evolutivos sobre as origens, distribuições e ramificações dos nervos isquiáticos do tamanduá-bandeira (Myrmecophaga tridactyla)

This work aimed to describe the origin, distribution, and ramifications of the ischiadicus nerve in the giant anteater and to provide anatomical data which could explain not only the evolutionary aspects but also provide important information for other related works. For the present study, four specimens were used, prepared by perfusion of 10% formaldehyde solution via the femoral artery, for conservation and dissection. The origin of the right and left ischiadicus nerves in the giant anteater from the ventral ramification of the third lumbar (L3) and the first (S1), second (S2), and third (S3) sacral spinal nerves. These nerves were symmetrical in all animals studied. The distribution and ramification occurred to the superficial, middle, and deep gluteal, gemelli, piriform, quadratus femoris, tensor fasciae latae, caudal crural abductor, cranial and caudal parts of the biceps femoris, adductor, semitendinous, and cranial and caudal parts of the semimembranous muscles. Based on the origins of the ischiadicus nerves, there is a caudal migration in the nerve location in animals in a more recent position on the evolutionary scale due to reconfiguration of the lumbosacral plexus, resulting from the increase in a number of lumbar vertebrae. There is no complete homology of the muscle innervation.(AU)

Objetivou-se descrever as origens, distribuições e ramificações dos nervos isquiáticos no tamanduá-bandeira, disponibilizando, assim, dados anatômicos que possam não só elucidar os aspectos evolutivos como também fornecer informações importantes para áreas afins. Foram utilizados quatro espécimes preparados por meio da perfusão de formaldeído 10% via artéria femoral, para conservação e dissecação. As origens dos nervos isquiáticos direito e esquerdo no tamanduá-bandeira foram provenientes dos ramos ventrais dos nervos espinhais lombares três e sacrais um, dois e três, sendo simétricos em todos os animais estudados. As distribuições e ramificações ocorreram nos músculos glúteos superficial, médio e profundo; gêmeo; piriforme; quadrado femoral; tensor da fáscia lata; abdutor crural caudal; bíceps femoral parte cranial; bíceps femoral parte caudal; adutor; semitendíneo; semimembranáceo parte cranial e semimembranáceo parte caudal. Notou-se que houve uma migração caudal na localização deste nervo nos animais mais recentes na escala evolutiva, devido a uma reconfiguração do plexo lombossacral decorrente do aumento no número de vértebras lombares, não havendo uma homologia total quanto à inervação dos músculos.(AU)

The required coefficient of friction in Parkinson's disease: people with freezing of gait.

The required coefficient of friction (RCOF) is frequently reported in the literature as an indicator of slip propensity, a consequence of the collisional aspect of legged locomotion. Little is known about the RCOF in pathological gait. Therefore, this study aimed to quantify the RCOF in subjects with Parkinson's disease (PD) and freezing of gait (FOG) during the OFF-pharma phase, and to investigate the interplay between RCOF parameters and ankle kinematic and kinetic gait variables. Fourteen subjects with PD and 14 healthy age-matched subjects were instructed to walk barefoot at self-selected speed over a force platform. The RCOF curve was obtained as the ratio between the tangential and vertical ground reaction forces. Then, the following discrete variables were identified: P1COF (the peak at the loading response phase), V1COF (the valley at midstance phase) and P2COF (the peak at push-off phase). Stepwise multiple regressions were applied to observe the influence of the gait speed and ankle kinematic and kinetic gait variables on RCOF variables. In subjects with PD and FOG the gait speed is a predictor of the RCOF in the loading response phase; plantarflexion and the plantarflexion moment are strong predictors of the RCOF in midstance; finally, push-off power is a predictor of RCOF increasing in the push-off phase. These results characterized the biomechanical strategies adopted by subjects with PD and FOG during gait in order to avoid falls.

Association between impacted third molars and position of the mandibular canal: a morphological analysis using cone-beam computed tomography.

Our aim was to assess the association between the angle of impaction of the third molar and the position of the mandibular canal on cone-beam computed tomography (CT). We designed a retrospective study of 100 cone-beam CT images of 173 mandibular third molars that were obtained between January 2012 and December 2015, and recorded the angle of impaction of the third molar, the position of the mandibular canal in relation to the impacted tooth, and the potential contact between the roots of the tooth and the mandibular canal. Most third molars tilted mesially (n=33), while the mandibular canal was positioned below the roots of the third molar in most cases (n=73). Contact between the two was most likely when the mandibular canal was between (RR=1.49; 95% CI 1.27 to 1.75, p<0.001), or to the lingual side (RR=1.49; 95% CI 1.27 to 1.75, p<0.001) of the roots of the tooth. These outcomes indicate a greater likelihood of contact between the canal and the roots when the canal is between, and to the lingual side, of the roots. We found no association between the angle of impaction and the position of the canal. These findings illustrate the importance of surgical planning using complementary imaging tests such as cone-beam CT.

Application of mesocellular siliceous foams (MCF) for surface-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (SALDI-MS) Analysis of fingermarks.

Recent advances in nanotechnology applied in forensic sciences have contributed to consider new approaches including chemical evaluation of latent fingermarks. Significant improvement to the detection of small organic molecules has been reached with matrix-free methods associated to laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry. The present study investigated the application of mesocellular siliceous foam (MCF) as an ionizing agent for laser desorption/ionization (LDI-MS) analysis of fingermarks as a proof of concept research. Fingermarks from three different donors were deposited directly onto a MALDI target plate and α-CHCA matrix solution, MCF ethanolic suspension or MCF/magnetic powder mixture were used for treatment. Microscopy characterization of MCF support showed particles with irregular morphology and variable sizes, and a unordered porous surface with pores diameter ranging from about 10 to 20 nm. Results showed less intense peaks in the spectra produced by the MCF support (control). Analysis of fingermarks showed ions related to endogenous and exogenous molecular components, including possible lipids from human sebum and quaternary ammonium cations commonly present in cosmetics. Promising and reproducible results were obtained for the fingermarks dusted with the MCF/magnetic powder mixture. Considering the forensic applications of nanomaterials for the analysis of small molecules in biological samples by matrix-free LDI techniques, the advantages of silica based materials should be further investigated.

Low-protein diet does not alter reproductive, biochemical, and hematological parameters in pregnant Wistar rats.

The aim of this study was to investigate the reproductive, biochemical, and hematological outcomes of pregnant rats exposed to protein restriction. Wistar rat dams were fed a control normal-protein (NP, 17% protein, n=8) or a low-protein (LP, 8% protein, n=14) diet from the 1st to the 20th day of pregnancy. On the 20th day, the clinical signs of toxicity were evaluated. The pregnant rats were then anesthetized and blood samples were collected for biochemical-hematological analyses, and laparotomy was performed to evaluate reproductive parameters. No sign of toxicity, or differences (P>0.05) in body weight gain and biochemical parameters (urea, creatinine, albumin, globulin, and total protein) between NP and LP pregnant dams were observed. Similarly, hematological data, including red blood cell count, white blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood cell distribution width (coefficient of variation), mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, % lymphocytes, absolute lymphocyte count, platelet count, and mean platelet volume were similar (P>0.05) at the end of pregnancy. Reproductive parameters (the dam-offspring relationship, ovary mass, placenta mass, number of corpora lutea, implantation index, resorption index, and the pre- and post-implantation loss rates) were also not different (P>0.05) between NP and LP pregnant dams. The present data showed that a protein-restricted diet during pregnancy did not alter reproductive, biochemical, and hematological parameters and seems not to have any toxic effect on pregnant Wistar rats.