The effect of different spatial resolutions and enhancement filters on radiographic detection of simulated furcation defects with intraoral digital radiography.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of spatial resolution and the application of enhancement filters in the diagnosis of simulated furcation defects and image quality with intraoral radiographs. STUDY DESIGN: Periapical images were acquired with photostimulable phosphor plates of molars in dry skulls (n = 8) and mandibles (n = 10) with 4 stages of furcation defect simulation. The plates were scanned in fast scan and high resolution modes to produce different spatial resolutions. Four image filters were applied. Six observers scored the detection of furcation defects. Mean values of area under the curve in receiver operating characteristic evaluation, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were calculated. Mean gray value (brightness), noise, and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were calculated for enamel, dentin, and alveolar bone to evaluate image quality. Analysis of variance compared the values between the different spatial resolutions and filters. The significance of difference was established at P < .05. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in overall diagnostic values comparing image spatial resolutions and filters. Diagnostic outcomes were significantly better for the largest defects than the smallest lesions but were generally poor in detecting lesions. All structures showed greater brightness in high resolution. . Noise was greater in all structures with all enhancement filters except inversion. Dentin and alveolar bone exhibited more noise and lower CNR in high resolution. CONCLUSIONS: Varying spatial resolution and applying enhancement filters did not significantly affect the diagnosis of furcation defects.

Testosterone suppression impacts craniofacial growth structures during puberty : An animal study.

AIM: Hormones play a crucial role in growth development; however, the impact of testosterone suppression (TS) on craniofacial growth during puberty remains inconclusive. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of TS during puberty on cephalometric measurements and histological characteristics of facial growth centers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six heterogenic Wistar male rats were randomly allocated into experimental orchiectomy (ORX) and control (sham) groups. At an age of 23 days (prepubertal stage), orchiectomy and placebo surgery were performed. Cephalometric measurements were performed via lateral cephalograms during and after puberty. The animals were euthanized at an age of 45 days (pubertal stage) and 73 days (postpubertal stage). Histological slices of the growth centers (condyle, premaxilla, and median palatine suture) were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and sirius red. Student's t or Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare linear and angular cephalometric measurements across groups (α error = 5%). RESULTS: Linear and angular measurements were statistically different in ORX animals (cranial bones, maxilla, and mandible) at 45 days and 73 days. Condylar histology showed a decrease in prechondroblast differentiation and a delay of mineralization in ORX animals. Vascularization of the medium palatine suture was lower in the ORX group at 45 days. Type I and III collagen fiber synthesis was lower in the ORX groups. In the premaxillary suture, collagen fibers were better organized in the sham groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that testosterone suppression affects craniofacial growth during puberty.

Association between neuronal degeneration and supraphysiological doses of two types of anabolic steroids in rat brain.

The anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) are natural compounds that are precursors or derivatives of testosterone and, as a consequence of indiscriminate use, cause irreversible neuronal effects. For this study, 70 brain samples were used from male Wistar rats, separated into 14 groups, divided into: control, sedentary, and exercise groups; in the concentrations: 5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg. Two different AAS were used: Testosterone Cypionate (TC) and Nandrolone Decanoate (ND). The encephali followed all the conventional histological procedures, for further analysis of the estimates of neuron bodies of the Locus coeruleus; also being carried out the techniques of the Tunnel Assay and Von Kossa staining. The results obtained show significant values different from the control group: Testosterone Cypionate (TCS): 5 mg (25,00 ± 4,47); 10 mg (23,67 ± 4,45) and 15 mg (21,93 ± 5,65), as well as for Nandrolone Decanoate (ND) in the doses: 5 mg (23,40 ± 3,81); 10 mg (22,80 ± 3,80) and 15 mg (22,80 ± 4,54) being the values of the control group (CGS) 34,27 ± 6,06. For the groups that exercised, the values were: TCT 5 mg 20,87 ± 3,23; TCT 10 mg 21,93 ± 4,91 and TCT 15 mg 21,47 ± 4,36 while, the Nandrolone Decanoate (ND) groups, in the different doses were: NDT 5 mg 21,53 ± 4,34; NDT 10 mg 23,53 ± 1,68 and NDT 15 mg 23,40 ± 2,20, also expressing significant values different from the control group. When comparing the sedentary control group with the animals that exercised, a statistically significant difference was observed being: CGS 34,27 ± 6,06; TCT 5 mg; 20,87 ± 3,23; NDT 5 mg 21,53 ± 4,34; TCT 10 mg 21,93 ± 4,91; NDT 10 mg 23,53 ± 1,68; TCT 15 mg 21,47 ± 4,36 and NDT 15 mg 23,40 ± 2,20. The results of this study, point out that both steroids drastically reduce neuronal density in the Locus coeruleus area inferring that, the possible cause of neuronal death is necrosis, caused by intracellular calcium imbalance.

Pharmacokinetics of chloroquine and primaquine in healthy volunteers.

BACKGROUND: Vivax malaria is a neglected disease. There is an irrefutable need for better treatments with higher acceptability and efficacy. The treatment efficacy is influenced by many factors, including bioavailability. Hence, a straightforward strategy to improve vivax malaria treatment efficacy is the deployment of good quality formulations of primaquine and chloroquine. As these treatments were developed more than 70 years ago, many of the available data on blood levels of both drugs are based on obsolete analytical methodologies or pharmaceutical formulations, which are not available anymore. Herein, the results of three bioequivalence studies are presented, providing individual pharmacokinetic data on chloroquine and primaquine of more than a hundred healthy volunteers and using up-to-date analytical methods. METHODS: Three trials were designed as a single centre, randomized, single dose, open label, fasting, crossover bioequivalence studies comparing a new coated chloroquine tablet to the uncoated tablet, and 5 and 15 mg primaquine formulations to either an international reference product or the currently distributed tablets. Plasma concentrations of chloroquine and primaquine were measured using a validated HPLC-MS/MS method in accordance with current international regulatory requirements for bio-analytical methods. RESULTS: In total, a hundred eleven healthy volunteers of both genders were included in the three studies (n = 32; 30 and 56 respectively). No serious adverse events occurred. Drugs levels were measured in 5,520 blood samples. The estimated ratio of the geometric means of Cmax, AUC0-t and AUC0-inf of test and reference drugs and their 90% CI for chloroquine 150 mg, primaquine 15 mg and primaquine 5 mg were: 95.33% (89.18; 101.90), 86. 85% (82.61; 91.31), and 84.45% (76.95; 92.67); 93.28% (81.76; 106.41), 94.52% (86.13; 103.73) and 93.93% (85.83; 102.79); 97.44% (90.60; 104.78), 93.70% (87.04; 100.87) and 91.36% (85.27; 97.89), respectively. As Cmax and AUC0-t 90% CI were within the acceptance interval of 80-125% in all cases, the formulations tested were bioequivalent. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the three studies provided detailed chloroquine and primaquine pharmacokinetic data in accordance with current regulatory standards. Together with other open data initiatives, this individual data may increase the accuracy of pharmacokinetic models guiding best dose, new combinations, regimens and formulations to optimize the current chloroquine and primaquine treatments for vivax malaria. The data presented here may support the deployment of high-quality drugs and evidence-based public health policies.

Comparação de dois métodos de rugoscopia palatina na identificação humana / Comparison of two methods of palatal rugoscopy in human identification

A Odontologia Legal é cada vez mais requisitada para a obtenção de dados que permitam a identificação humana. Entre muitas ferramentas, a análise das rugas palatinas se destaca como um meio eficaz para a identificação, contudo são necessários estudos que permitam estabelecer padrões de análise que levem a um maior sucesso no processo. Assim, esse estudo teve por objetivo averiguar se há diferença entre a execução da rugoscopia por comparação visual ou por meio de um software. Para isso, foi utilizada uma amostra de 30 indivíduos (n=30), os quais foram submetidos à realização de fotografias intraorais do palato, à obtenção de modelo de gesso do arco alveolar superior com delineamento e ressalte das rugas em cada modelo com grafite, além da tomada de uma fotografia de cada modelo com as rugas demarcadas. Duas análises foram realizadas, sendo a primeira comparação de fotos de modelo de gesso com fotos intraorais via software por sobreposição, e a segunda entre modelos de gesso com fotografias intraorais por análise visual. Com quatro avaliadores em cada análise, registrou-se o resultado obtido de compatibilidade entre modelo-foto, ou foto-foto. Na análise estatística dos dados obtidos, foram aplicados os testes t student (P=0,053) e Kruskal-Wallis (P=0,990), que demonstraram não existir diferença significativa entre os resultados obtidos pelas diferentes análises, e nem variância estatisticamente significativa entre os grupos. Desse modo, pode-se dizer que um software pode ser usado simultaneamente com análise visual

The Forensic Dentistry is being increasingly requested for obtaining data that allows human identification. Among many of its tools, the analysis of the palatal rugae stands out as an effective device for the identification, but more studies are needed to allow an establishment of standards that increases the success rate. So, this study had the main goal to ascertain if there is a difference between choosing the execution of the rugoscopy by visual comparison or by software. This way, it started from a sample of 30 individuals (n=30), in which all of them had their palates photographed, a plaster model from the upper arch with the rugae highlighted with graphite obtained, and finally a photograph of each plaster model made. Two analyses have been done, being the first one a comparison of the photographs of the models and the intraoral ones, on a software by overlapping them, and the second was a comparison between the plaster models and the intraoral photographs, visually. With four evaluators in each analysis, the results from the compatibility among model-photo and photo-photo were registered. In the statistical analysis of this results, the t student t (P=0,053) and the Kruskal-Wallis (P=0,990) tests were performed, and they demonstrated the non-existence of significant difference between the results of the two analysis, nor variance statistically significant between the groups. Being so, it can be said that the software could be simultaneously used with a visual analysis

Effects of Supraphysiological Doses of Anabolic Androgenic Steroids on the Left Ventricles of Male and Female Mice Submitted to Swimming

The use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) has grown into aworldwide substance abuse problem over the last decades, with the doses taken by illegal users being 10 to 100 times higher than the therapeutic ones. In the present experiment, 60 mice were divided into 3 groups of 20 animals. Group 1 received testosterone cypionate (Deposteron [EMS, São Bernardo do Campo, SP, Brazil]); group 2 received stanozolol (Stanozolol Depot, Landerlan, Lambaré, Paraguay), and group 3 received saline solution), each one composed by 10males and 10 females, treated once a week and put to swimming thrice a week for 2months. After euthanasia, their chests were opened, the hearts removed and processed histologically for morphometric analyses. The specimens were cut into 6 different sections and each onewas measured with the help of an optical microscope with a 40-fold magnification. For such analyses, the Axiovision Rel. 4.8.2 (Carl Zeiss Microscopy LLC, Peabody, MA, USA) and Axiovision 4 Module Interactive Measurement (Carl Zeiss Microscopy LLC) software were used. The results showed that there was an increase in the diameter of the left ventricles in the male mice treated with Deposteron while in the female animals treated with Winstrol, there was a decrease in the left ventricular diameter in relation to the other two groups. Thus, one can conclude that the use of supraphysiological doses of the given AAS significantly alters the ventricular diameter in both male and female animals, which can cause a considerable change in both heart rate and blood pressure, and potentially induce disorders that are very relevant to the organism.

Effect of testosterone cypionate and stanozolol on the heart of young trained mice: A morphometric study.

Testosterone cypionate and Stanozolol are Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids (AAS) which are synthetic substances that possess functions similar to testosterone. The use of these substances has increased considerably among youngsters and sports practitioners aiming better performance of with aesthetic purposes. The major concern is the effects caused by the inappropriate use of the substances, such as hypertension, myocardial ischemia, and left ventricle hypertrophy. The objective of the present research was to measure the diameter of the left ventricle lumen and the thickness of the left ventricle myocardium in mice submitted to supraphysiological doses of AAS. A total of 30 female Swiss mice were used in the experiments. The animals received supraphysiological doses of the AAS for 30 days, and during the treatment period, they were put to swim in intercalated days. After treatment animals were euthanized and slides were made from the hearts for measurements. Results demonstrated that both AAS changed significantly the heart morphology: Testosterone cypionate led to an increase in the ventricular lumen and stanozolol increased left ventricle myocardium thickness. In conclusion, the use of AAS in supraphysiological doses can change the heart morphology and can lead to serious health consequences.

Efeitos dos anabolizantes sobre a densidade de neurônios dos núcleos da base / Effects of anabolic agents on the neuron density of the basal nuclei / Efectos de los anabolizantes en la densidad de las neuronas de los núcleos basales

RESUMO Objetivos: Pouco se sabe sobre a atuação dos esteroides androgênicos anabolizantes (EAA) no cérebro humano e, por isso, resolvemos estudar a perda neuronal causada pelo uso e abuso de EAA em camundongos. Métodos: Utilizamos 60 camundongos da linhagem Swiss, sendo 30 machos e 30 fêmeas, divididos em três grupos: 20 animais foram tratados com Deposteron® (cipionato de testosterona); outros 20 animais foram tratados com Winstrol Depot® (stanozolol); os últimos 20 animais foram tratados com solução salina. Todos foram submetidos à natação por 15 minutos. Finalizado o tratamento, os animais foram sacrificados pelo método de inalação de Halotano. Os encéfalos foram retirados e armazenados em solução de formaldeído a 4% por 24 horas. De cada encéfalo foram retiradas amostras homotípicas da região média do cérebro em cortes frontais para que pudéssemos avaliar as áreas estabelecidas para este estudo. Resultados: As análises da estimativa dos perfis celulares mostraram que houve uma diminuição do número de perfis no núcleo pálido dos animais machos tratados com Winstrol Depot®. Conclusão: Esses resultados nos permitem inferir que o uso inadequado e sem orientação médica de EAA pode levar a degenerações celulares.

ABSTRACT Objectives: Little is known about the action of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) on the human brain and, therefore, we decided to study the neuronal loss caused by use and abuse of AAS in mice. Methods: We used 60 Swiss mice, 30 males and 30 females, divided into three groups: 20 animals treated with Deposteron® (testosterone cypionate); another 20 animals were treated with Winstrol Depot® (stanozolol); the last 20 animals were treated with saline solution. All the animals were submitted to swimming for 15 minutes. After the treatment, the animals were euthanized by halothane inhalation (Halotano) method. The brains were removed and stored in 4% formal-dehyde solution for 24 hours. From each brain, homotypic samples were taken from the middle region of the brain in frontal cuts so that we could evaluate the areas established for this study. Results: Analyzes of the estimated cell profiles showed that there was a decrease in the number of profiles in the pallidal nucleus of the male animals treated with Winstrol Depot®. Conclusion: These results allow us to infer that inadequate and non-medical use of AAS can lead to cellular degeneration.

RESUMEN Objetivos: Poco se sabe acerca del efecto de la acción de los esteroides anabólicos androgénicos (EAA) en el cerebro humano y, por este motivo, decidimos estudiar la pérdida neuronal causada por el uso y abuso de EAA en ratones. Métodos: Utilizamos 60 ratones de linaje Swiss, siendo 30 machos y 30 hembras, divididos en tres grupos: 20 animales fueron tratados con Deposteron® (cipionato de testosterona); otros 20 animales fueron tratados con Winstrol Depot® (stanozolol); los últimos 20 animales fueron tratados con solución salina. Todos fueron sometidos a natación durante 15 minutos. Terminado el tratamiento, los animales fue-ron sacrificados por el método de inhalación de Halotano. Los cerebros fueron retirados y almacenados en solución de formaldehído al 4% durante 24 horas. De cada cerebro fueron retiradas muestras homotípicas de la región media del cerebro en cortes frontales, así que pudimos evaluar las áreas establecidas para este estudio. Resultados: El análisis de la estimación de los perfiles celulares mostró que hubo una disminución en el número de perfiles en el globo pálido de los animales machos tratados con Winstrol Depot®. Conclusión: Estos resultados permiten inferir que el uso inadecuado y sin orientación médica de EAA puede conducir a la degeneración celular.

Novel acidic phospholipase A2 from Porthidium hyoprora causes inflammation with mast cell rich infiltrate.

Phospholipases A2 (PLA2) are a group of enzymes that hydrolyze phospholipids at the sn-2 position, being present in all nature. In venomous animals, these proteins assume a special role, being able to exert diverse pharmacological effects. In this work, authors identified a new isoform of PLA2 in the venom of Porthidium hyoprora, which was isolated through sequential chromatographic steps and named PhTX-III. The enzyme was characterized biochemically and structurally. Structural studies using mass spectrometry confirmed an acidic secretory PLA2, family IIA, with molecular mass of 13,620.9 Da and identification of 86% of its primary sequence. PhTX-III did not exhibit myotoxic, anticoagulant or antibacterial effects, often present in this class of enzymes. Although, it was capable of initiate inflammatory response, with local edema and release of cytokines IL-1α, IL-6 and TNF-α, probably due to mast cell degranulation.

Tratamento do estresse psicológico pela acupuntura, avaliado pela eletromiografia do músculo trapézio / Psychological stress treated by acupuncture and evaluated by trapezius muscle electromyography

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: O estresse é considerado um fenômeno da vida moderna, que pode estar presente na vida de todas as pessoas, independente de idade, sexo, classe social ou profissão. Esta pesquisa foi realizada visando propor um tratamento alternativo para o estresse, pelo tratamento com acupuntura, avaliando eletromiograficamente o músculo trapézio, direito e esquerdo, de indivíduos portadores de estresse psicológico, uma semana antes das avaliações e após a acupuntura. MÉTODO: Para a realização deste estudo foram selecionados 10 voluntários, submetidos a um questionário que avaliou os sinais de estresse psicológico. O músculo estudado foi o trapézio por refletir melhor os sinais de estresse. Este foi estudado bilateralmente e a ação muscular foi captada no repouso e durante atividade isométrica, realizando-se movimentos de elevação e abaixamento. Em cada uma das 10 sessões de acupuntura foi realizado o agulhamento do ponto C7; pontos obtidos a partir de um pentagrama e pontuar pontos de confluência do meridiano distinto afetado no pentagrama. RESULTADOS: Os valores de RMS, quando comparados antes e após o tratamento com acupuntura, no repouso e em elevação da escápula foram estatisticamente significativos (p < 0,01). CONCLUSÃO: Os músculos apresentaram menor atividade eletromiográfica após o tratamento, mostrando assim a eficácia da acupuntura em indivíduos portadores de estresse psicológico.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Stress is a modern life phenomenon and may be present in the lives of anyone, regardless of age, gender, social class or profession. This research aimed at proposing an alternative treatment for stress with acupuncture, evaluating by electromyography right and left trapezius muscles of patients under psychological stress one week before evaluations and after acupuncture. METHOD: Participated in this study 10 volunteers submitted to a questionnaire to evaluate signs of psychological stress. The trapezius muscle was selected for best reflecting stress signs. The study was bilateral and muscle action was captured at rest and during isometric activities with raising and lowering movements. The following points were needled during each one of the 10 acupuncture sessions: C7 point, points obtained as from a pentagram and confluence points of the distinct meridian affected on the pentagram. RESULTS: RMS values, compared before and after acupuncture treatment, at rest and with elevation of the scapula were statistically significant (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Muscles have shown less electromyographic activity after treatment, thus showing the efficacy of acupuncture for patients under psychological stress.

Comparação do número de corpos de neurônios em diferentes giros do córtex cerebral de cães desnutridos / Comparison of the neuron bodies number in different gyrus of brain cortex of malnourished dogs

Este trabalho teve por objetivo estudar possíveis alterações quantitativas em corpos de neurônios do córtex cerebral de cães, causadas pela desnutrição. Foram utilizados sete encéfalos de cães machos sem raça definida, diagnosticados desnutridos, para a realização deste estudo. Foram definidos diferentes giros do córtex cerebral a serem estudados; estes foram amostrados, processados pelo procedimento histológico de rotina e corados pelo método de violeta cresil modificado, para visualização dos corpos de neurônios. As lâminas foram analisadas à ocular de 20 vezes. Os resultados obtidos revelaram uma diminuição expressiva na quantidade de corpos de neurônios nos cães desnutridos (10,8), quando comparados aos cães normonutridos (16,35), concluindo que possivelmente a desnutrição é um fator de diminuição do número de corpos de neurônios no córtex cerebral de cães desnutridos, quando comparados a normonutridos.

The aim of this study was to verify the quantitative alterations of the neurons bodies in the brain cortex of malnourished dogs. Seven brains of mongrel male dogs that were previously diagnosticated as malnourished were collected. The dogs had similar constitutionalist characteristics of cranium (mesaquicefalus). It was chosen different gyrus of the brain cortex to been study; those gyrus were sampled, prepared according to conventional histological technique and stained by modified cresil violet, for becoming evident the neurons bodies. The slides were analyzed with the 20x ocular. Our results indicate a expressive reduction in the number of neuron bodies in malnourished dogs (10,8), when compared with dogs in normal nutrition conditions (16,35). In conclusion, it’s possible that the malnutrition leads to an reduction of neurons bodies in brain cortex of dogs, when compared to those with normal condition of nutrition.

Bilateral high division of the brachial artery in one human male cadaver: case report

ABSTRACT: In general, the brachial artery divides into the radial and ulnar arteries at the level of the cubital fossa (elbow), just proximal to or right over the cubital anastomosis and these arteries are the main responsible for the irrigation of the forearm. After revising an extensive bibliographical literature, we found out that only few authors admit that divisions can appear below the cubital fossa (low division) and at the upper, middle or lower third of the arm (high divisions), but these are considered rare events. While dissecting one male cadaver on an ordinary practical class in the Laboratory of Gross Anatomy, we observed a high division of the brachial artery, located at the level of the superior part of the upper third in both arms, close to the axilla. We decided to report this anatomical variation because a bilateral event such as that is rarer yet.

Masseter e Exodontia de Terceiros Molares: Avaliação Eletromiográfica / Masseter and Extraction of Third Molars: Electromyographic Evaluation

Proposição: Avaliar eletromiograficamente o músculo masseter quatro horas antes da cirurgia e 48 horas após, durante repouso, oclusão cêntrica forçada e abertura máxima da boca em pacientes submetidos à exodontia de terceiros molares. Metodologia: Foram selecionados 10 voluntários com terceiros molares inferiores direitos mesioangulados, classe II posição B, do gênero feminino, com idade entre 18 e 25 anos. Os dois terceiros molares do lado direito foram extraídos. Resultados: Eletromiograficamente, os resultados mostraram diferenças significativas (p<0,05) no músculo masseter direito em repouso, havendo um aumento de 44,07% da atividade elétrica entre o pré e pós-operatório, enquanto, na oclusão cêntrica forçada, uma queda da atividade de 68,68%. No masseter esquerdo, tanto no repouso quanto na oclusão cêntrica forçada, não foram observadas diferenças estatisticamente significativas (p>0,05). Na abertura máxima da boca, houve um aumento da atividade elétrica nos masseteres direito e esquerdo, entre os períodos pré e pós-operatório, de 119,96% e 93,97%, respectivamente (p<0,05). Conclusão: A exodontia de terceiros molares inferiores alterou significativamente a atividade do músculo masseter, contribuindo para o aparecimento do trismo.

Proposition: to evaluate for electromyography the masseter muscle, four hours before and forty eight hours after surgery, during rest, forced centric occlusion and maximum mouth opening, in patients undergoing extraction of third molars.Methodology: were selected 10 subjects with lower third molars mesioangulados rights, class II B position, female, aged between 18 and 25. The third molars were extracted from the right side. Results: electromyographically, the results showed significant differences (p <0.05) in right masseter muscle at rest, with an increase electrical activity of 44,07% between pre and post operatively while in centric occlusion forced a decline in activity of 68,68%. In left masseter, both at rest and forced centric occlusion, there were no statistically significant differences (p> 0.05). At maximum mouth opening was an increase of electrical activity in right and left masseter, between the preoperative and postoperative period of 119.96% and 93.97%, respectively (p <0.05). Conclusions: the extraction of lower third molars change activity of masseter muscle, contributing to the onset of trismus.

Estudo morfológico da sínfise púbica de ratos e camundongos durante a gravidez / Morphological study of rats and mice pubic symphysis during pregnancy

O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar as diferenças existentes na sínfise púbica de camundongos e ratos fêmeas, grávidas e não grávidas, descrevendo as alterações morfológicas ocorridas na articulação com a finalidade de entender os movimentos apresentados pela articulação ao longo da gestação. Para tal, as sínfises foram coletadas de camundongos fêmeas grávidas no 6º, 12º e 18º dias de gestação, e nas ratas com 18 dias de gestação. Foram fixadas em paraformoldeído e a seguir descalcificadas em solução de Morse. Na sequência, as peças foram incluídas em parafina. Cortes de 7 micrômetros foram realizados e corados em Picrosirius e Resorcina-Fucsina. A coloração com Picrosirius evidenciou em camundongos fêmeas virgens a presença de fibras grossas de colágeno diferente dos outros grupos de camundongos, os quais apresentaram fibras finas. A análise de fibras elásticas mostrou que, com o decorrer da gestação, estas aumentam em espessura e número. Em ratas com 18 dias de gestação foi observado o aparecimento de tecido conjuntivo fibroso no disco de cartilagem hialina, aumentando assim, o espaço inter-púbico e modificando a estrutura de sincondrose encontrada nos animais virgens. Observou-se também aumento no diâmetro e quantidade de fibras elásticas em relação às ratas virgens. Podemos concluir que a articulação de camundongos fêmeas grávidas passam por transformações estruturais qualitativas e quantitativas ao longo da gravidez. Em ratas prenhas, além do aumento de fibras elásticas e da distância entre os ossos do quadril, a articulação diferenciou-se pelo aparecimento de tecido conjuntivo fibroso para facilitar o parto.

The objective of this study was to assess the existing differences in the pubic symphysis of female rats and mice, pregnant and non pregnant, describing the morphological alterations occurred in the joint and understanding the movements shown during pregnancy. The pubic symphysis were collected from female pregnant mice on the 6th, 12th and 18th days of pregnancy, and from rats with 18 days of pregnancy. They were fixed in paraformoldehyde and following decalcificated with Morse’s solution. The samples were then, included in paraffin. Seven micrometers slices were made and stained with Picrosirius and Resorcin-Fuchsin. The Picrosirius staining had shown, in virgin female mice, the presence of thick collagen fibers different from the other groups of mice, which presented thin fibers. The analysis of elastic fibers showed that, with the progress of pregnancy there is an increase in their thickness and number. In rats with 18 days of pregnancy, an appearance of fibrous conjunctive tissue on the hyaline cartilage disc was observed, enlarging the inter-pubic space and modifying the synchondrosis structure found in the virgin animals. It was also observed an increase in diameter and amount of elastic fibers comparing to virgin rats. We conclude that the pregnant female mice’s joint undergoes transformations in structure, quality and amount during the pregnancy. In pregnant rats, besides the increase of elastic fibers and the distance between the hip’s bone, the joint had differred by the appearance of fibrous conjunctive tissue, thus making the birth easier.

Effects of fluoxetine and imipramine in rat fetuses treated during a critical gestational period: a macro and microscopic study / Efeitos da fluoxetina e imipramina em fetos de ratas tratadas durante o período crítico da gestação: estudo macro e microscópico

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate morphological alterations in rat fetuses treated with fluoxetine and imipramine during the "critical" period of gestation. METHOD: Fifteen female rats were separated into three groups (n = 5) and treated with 10 mg/kg/day of test substances on the ninth, tenth and eleventh day of pregnancy: G1, fluoxetine; G2, imipramine hydrochloride; G3 (control), saline. On day 21, cesarean sections were performed to release the fetuses, whose bodies were weighed and macroscopically analyzed. The placenta was also weighed. The fetuses were then fixed and their encephala removed and weighed. Sections of the frontal lobe were taken for histological neuron counting. RESULTS: G1 and G2 showed the highest fetal body weight. Placental weight showed statistical differences (p < 0.01): G1 weighed more than G2 and G3. Otherwise, G2 exhibited the highest encephalon weight, statistically differing from G3 (control) and fluoxetine-treated G1 (p < 0.01). However, G1 did not statistically (p > 0.01) differ from the control group. G3 showed the highest number of neurons per area when compared to G1 and G2 (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The use of antidepressants in rats caused an increase in fetal weight and a decrease in the number of fetal frontal lobe neurons, thus suggesting that the use of antidepressants by pregnant women can induce depression in fetuses due to alterations in their neural development.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar as possíveis alterações ocorridas em nível macroscópico e microscópico de fetos de ratas submetidas ao tratamento com fluoxetina e imipramina durante o período "crítico" da gestação. MÉTODO: Quinze ratas, posteriormente ao acasalamento, foram divididas em três grupos experimentais (n = 5): G1, tratadas com 10mg/kg/dia de fluoxetina; G2, tratadas com 10mg/kg/dia de cloridrato de imipramina, e G3 (controle), tratadas com 10mg/kg/dia de solução fisiológica a 0,9 por cento, no 9º, 10º e 11º dias de prenhez das ratas. Posteriormente à cesária, no 21º dia de prenhez, analisou-se macroscopicamente o peso fetal e placentário. Os fetos foram fixados e houve a remoção do encéfalo para pesagem e preparação das lâminas do tecido neuronal para contagem de neurônios do lobo frontal. RESULTADOS: O G1 e G2 apresentaram maior peso fetal. O G1 apresentou maior peso placentário, diferindo do G2 e G3 (p < 0,01). De forma diferente, o G2 possuiu maior peso encefálico, diferindo do G3 e G1 (p < 0,01). G1 não diferiu estatisticamente do grupo controle (p > 0,01). O G3 exibiu maior número de neurônios, por área, do lobo frontal em relação a G1 e G2 (p < 0,01). CONCLUSÃO: A adoção dos antidepressivos causou, nos fetos, aumento de peso e redução da contagem de neurônios do lobo frontal, sugerindo que a indicação de antidepressivos às gestantes pode induzir a depressão nos fetos por alterações em seu neurodesenvolvimento.

Effects of fluoxetine and imipramine in rat fetuses treated during a critical gestational period: a macro and microscopic study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate morphological alterations in rat fetuses treated with fluoxetine and imipramine during the "critical" period of gestation. METHOD: Fifteen female rats were separated into three groups (n = 5) and treated with 10 mg/kg/day of test substances on the ninth, tenth and eleventh day of pregnancy: G1, fluoxetine; G2, imipramine hydrochloride; G3 (control), saline. On day 21, cesarean sections were performed to release the fetuses, whose bodies were weighed and macroscopically analyzed. The placenta was also weighed. The fetuses were then fixed and their encephala removed and weighed. Sections of the frontal lobe were taken for histological neuron counting. RESULTS: G1 and G2 showed the highest fetal body weight. Placental weight showed statistical differences (p < 0.01): G1 weighed more than G2 and G3. Otherwise, G2 exhibited the highest encephalon weight, statistically differing from G3 (control) and fluoxetine-treated G1 (p < 0.01). However, G1 did not statistically (p > 0.01) differ from the control group. G3 showed the highest number of neurons per area when compared to G1 and G2 (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The use of antidepressants in rats caused an increase in fetal weight and a decrease in the number of fetal frontal lobe neurons, thus suggesting that the use of antidepressants by pregnant women can induce depression in fetuses due to alterations in their neural development.

Avaliação do potencial osteogênico do periósteo em associação com uma membrana de colágeno / Evaluation of osteogenic capacity of the periosteum in combination with collagen membrane

OBJETIVOS: Este trabalho avaliou o potencial osteogênico de enxertos de periósteo livre associado a uma membrana de colágeno. MÉTODOS: Vinte ratos albinos Wistar com idade média de 100 dias foram submetidos à cirurgia para criação de um defeito ósseo de 2,5 a 3,0 mm de comprimento na diáfise das fíbulas. Após 30 dias os animais foram então divididos em dois grupos: Grupo I recebeu o implante de periósteo associado à membrana de colágeno e Grupo II, somente a membrana de colágeno. Os animais foram radiografados antes do implante de periósteo e 15 ou 30 dias após o mesmo. RESULTADOS: Os resultados mostraram que o enxerto de periósteo livre associado à membrana de colágeno não foi eficiente no processo de reparo do defeito ósseo. CONCLUSÃO: Sugere-se que enxertos periosteais não vascularizados não apresentam potencial para formar novo osso. O fato de o enxerto ter sido implantado 30 dias após a criação do defeito ósseo interferiu negativamente no processo de osteogênese.

OBJECTIVE: The present study evaluated the osteogenic potential of free periosteum graft in combination with collagen membranes. METHODS: Twenty white Wistar rats aged 100 days underwent surgery to create a bone defect measuring 2.5-3.0 mm in length in the diaphysis of the fibula. After thirty days, the animals were divided into two groups. Group I received periosteum along with a collagen membrane, while Group II received only a collagen membrane. The animals were X-rayed before the implant surgery and 15 or 30 days post-operation. RESULTS: The results demonstrated that free periosteum graft in combination with collagen membranes was not efficient in the repair of bone defects. CONCLUSION: We suggest that nonvascularized periosteal grafts do not show potential to form new bone, and that making the implant 30 days after the creation of the bone defect may have interfered negatively in osteogenic process.

Carga de trabalho de enfermeiros: uma análise do Nursing Activities Score (NAS) / Workload of nurses: an analysis of the Nursing Activities Score (NAS)

Este estudo tem como objeto a carga de trabalho de enfermeiros que trabalham em unidades de cuidados semi-intensivos. Seu objetivo geral foi identificar e analisar a percepção dos enfermeiros de uma unidade semi-intensiva acerca do instrumento Nursing Activities Score - NAS, tendo como foco o conceito de carga de trabalho. Os objetivos específicos foram: identificar domínios do NAS considerados pelos enfermeiros como capazes de avaliar a carga de trabalho; identificar os itens que os enfermeiros consideram relevantes e manteriam no instrumento, os itens que excluiriam e os que acrescentariam; identificar itens que os enfermeiros consideram subdimensionados, para os quais aumentariam a pontuação, os superdimensionados, para os quais diminuiriam a pontuação; e, ao final, discutir implicações dessa avaliação para a organização do trabalho e seus impactos na saúde do trabalhador de enfermagem. Estudo de abordagem quantitativa do tipo descritivo exploratória, com breve aporte qualitativo, utilizando a triangulação metodológica. O local de estudo foi uma unidade de média complexidade com 35 leitos em um hospital privado do Rio de Janeiro. Participaram do estudo 28 enfermeiros e os dados foram coletados por meio de um questionário com perguntas fechadas e abertas no período de abril a maio de 2008. O tratamento dos dados foi realizado com apoio do software Excel, utilizando estatística descritiva. O material qualitativo foi organizado em categorias, usando elementos da Análise de Conteúdo Temática. Entre os domínios, verificou-se que os enfermeiros consideram o que mais avalia a carga real de trabalho o Suporte Ventilatório, com 89%, e o domínio que não avalia a carga de trabalho foi o Suporte Neurológico, com 25%. Os três domínios mais citados para serem acrescidos de atividades foram o Suporte Renal, com 25%, seguido Intervenção Especificas, com 21%, e Suporte Metabólico, respectivamente...

The objective of this study was identify and analyze the perception of nurses from a Unit Semi Intensity on the instrument Nursing Activities Score (NAS) concerning the concept of work burden. Specific targets were: identify NAS domains that nurses considerate that can measure work burden ; identify the items they considerate relevant and they would keep in the instrument, the items they would exclude, and items they evaluate must be added; identify sub and super dimensioned items, adequating their punctuation; discuss implications of this assessment for work organization and the impacts on worker’s health. Quantitative, exploratory and descriptive study, including a brief qualitative contribution. Locus was a medium complexity health unit with 35 beds in a private hospital of Rio de Janeiro City. Subjects were 28 nurses, and data collection used a structured questionnaire, in the period from April to May, 2008. Data organization was accomplished with support of an electronic database in the software Excel, using descriptive statistical tests. Qualitative material was organized in categories, according to Thematic Analysis of Content methodology. Results showed that nurses considered that the domains can assess work burden in a range from 25% to Neurological Support to 98% for Ventilatory Support. The three domains nurses would increase punctuation were Renal Support Specific Interventions and Metabolic Support...

Análise comparativa da densidade de neurônios em áreas corticais de diferentes raças de cães / Comparative analisys of neuron densities in cortical areas of different dogs breed

Foram estudadas e comparadas as densidades neuronais do córtex cerebral de três raças de cães, com tipos constitucionais e aptidões funcionais característicos e distintos entre si. Dos encéfalos foram retirados fragmentos das diferentes áreas do córtex cerebral, correspondentes ao sistema límbico, visual, auditiva, motor, paladar, olfato e à área somestésica. Através de contagem visual-manual, foram buscados dados comparativos, entre áreas cerebrais versus raça associando tipos constitucionais versus aptidão funcional. Os fatores raças, áreas funcionais e hemisférios cerebrais podem ser variáveis dependentes entre si, pois foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significativas em valores correspondentes à média de densidade de neurônios das áreas estudadas nas diferentes raças, bem como entre os hemisférios cerebrais. Os resultados permitem concluir que a distribuição quantitativa de neurônios nas diferentes áreas corticais estudadas mostra diferenças significativas que estabelecem correlações com as aptidões funcionais e respectivos tipos constitucionais das raças enfocadas.

They were studied and compared the neuronal densities of the cerebral cortex of three dogs races, with constitutional types, characteristic and different functional aptitudes amongst themselves. Of the brain they were solitary fragments of the different areas of the cerebral cortex, corresponding to the system limbic, visual, hearing, motor, palate, sense of smell and to the area somestesic. Through counting appearance-manual, comparative data were looked for, among areas cerebral versus race associating types constitutional versus aptitude. The factors races, functional areas and cerebral hemispheres can be dependent variables amongst themselves, because they were found differences significant estimation in values corresponding to the average of density of neurons of the areas studied in the different races, as well as he/she enters the cerebral hemispheres. The results allow to end that the quantitative distribution of neurons in the different areas studied cortical display significant differences that establish correlations with the aptitudes functional.

Comparação do número de corpos neuronais de áreas do córtex cerebral de cães / Comparison of the neuron body number of areas brain cortex of dogs

Foram utilizados 10 encéfalos de cães sem raça definida, 5 machos e 5 fêmeas, com peso entre 8-12 kg, com características constitucionais do crânio semelhantes (mesaquicéfalos). Dos encéfalos foram retirados fragmentos das diferentes áreas cerebrais, que foram preparados segundo técnica histológica convencional e corados por violeta cresil modificada, para evidenciação dos corpos de neurônios. Através da análise morfométrica, foram buscados dados comparativos, principalmente entre as diferentes áreas cerebrais; hemisférios cerebrais direito e esquerdo e entre os sexos, para o conhecimento do comportamento e da quantidade de corpos de neurônios. As lâminas foram analisadas com auxílio do Axioscópio Zeiss® acoplado ao programa de análise de imagens KS-400 Zeiss®. Os resultados encontrados foram que os machos apresentam maior quantidade de corpos de neurônios no hemisfério cerebral direito (16,71). Já nas fêmeas as proporções foram inversas, apresentando maior quantidade de neurônios no hemisfério cerebral esquerdo (17,46), quando comparados as diferentes áreas cerebrais. Os cães apresentaram maiores quantidades de corpos de neurônios na área visual (19,77), seguida da comportamental ou límbica (18,37) e entre as outras áreas cerebrais não verificou-se diferenças significativas.