Biomechanical in vitro evaluation of three stable internal fixation techniques used in sagittal osteotomy of the mandibular ramus: a study in sheep mandibles.

UNLABELLED: Among the osteotomies performed in orthognathic surgery, the sagittal osteotomy of the mandibular ramus (SOMR) is the most common, allowing a great range of movements and stable internal fixation (SIF), therefore eliminating the need of maxillomandibular block in the postoperative period. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical resistance of three national systems used for SIF in SOMR in sheep mandibles. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was performed in 30 sheep hemi-mandibles randomly divided into 3 experimental groups, each containing 10 hemi-mandibles. The samples were measured to avoid discrepancies and then subjected to SOMR with 5-mm advancement. In group I, 2.0x12 mm screws were used for fixation, inserted in an inverted "L" pattern (inverted "L" group). In group II, fixation was performed with two 2.0x12 mm screws, positioned in a linear pattern and a 4-hole straight miniplate and four 2.0x6.0 mm monocortical screws (hybrid group). In group III, fixation was performed with two 4-hole straight miniplates and eight 2.0x6.0 mm monocortical screws (mini plate group). All materials used for SIF were supplied by Osteosin - SIN. The hemimandibles were subjected to vertical linear load test by Kratos K2000MP mechanical testing unit for loading registration and displacement. RESULTS: All groups showed similar resistance during mechanical test for loading and displacement, with no statistically significant differences between groups according to analysis of variance. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that the three techniques of fixation are equally effective for clinical fixation of SOMR.

Biomechanical in vitro evaluation of three stable internal fixation techniques used in sagittal osteotomy of the mandibular ramus: a study in sheep mandibles

Among the osteotomies performed in orthognathic surgery, the sagittal osteotomy of the mandibular ramus (SOMR) is the most common, allowing a great range of movements and stable internal fixation (SIF), therefore eliminating the need of maxillomandibular block in the postoperative period. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical resistance of three national systems used for SIF in SOMR in sheep mandibles. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was performed in 30 sheep hemi-mandibles randomly divided into 3 experimental groups, each containing 10 hemi-mandibles. The samples were measured to avoid discrepancies and then subjected to SOMR with 5-mm advancement. In group I, 2.0x12 mm screws were used for fixation, inserted in an inverted "L" pattern (inverted "L" group). In group II, fixation was performed with two 2.0x12 mm screws, positioned in a linear pattern and a 4-hole straight miniplate and four 2.0x6.0 mm monocortical screws (hybrid group). In group III, fixation was performed with two 4-hole straight miniplates and eight 2.0x6.0 mm monocortical screws (mini plate group). All materials used for SIF were supplied by Osteosin - SIN. The hemimandibles were subjected to vertical linear load test by Kratos K2000MP mechanical testing unit for loading registration and displacement. RESULTS: All groups showed similar resistance during mechanical test for loading and displacement, with no statistically significant differences between groups according to analysis of variance. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that the three techniques of fixation are equally effective for clinical fixation of SOMR.

Malignant lesions in the ventral prostate of alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes caused by chronic diabetes in the rat ventral prostate and to establish a correlation between diabetes and the development of prostatic lesions. Male rats received alloxan (42 mg/kg b.w.) to induce diabetes. Ninety days after diabetes diagnosis, animals were sacrificed and the ventral prostate was removed and prepared for general and immunohistochemical analyses. The total area showing different types of lesions was estimated. Diabetes led to a decrease in the body and prostatic weights, as well as in testosterone levels. The prostate morphology and stereology showed high variation in the diabetic group. Some animals had light changes; the great majority had an intense epithelial atrophy; and other rats showed premalignant and malignant lesions in the prostate. Such epithelial atrophy was, in some samples, combined with chronic inflammation, similar to proliferative inflammatory atrophy (PIA). The diabetic group also presented high incidence of prostatitis, adenocarcinoma and prostatic intra-epithelial neoplasia (PIN). Samples with adenocarcinoma had poorly differentiated acini with high levels of cellular proliferation and nuclear atypia. These lesions exhibited an invasive feature showing Bcl-2-positive cells and interruptions in the basement membrane. An association of PIA, PIN and adenocarcinoma was detected in one sample. Reduced androgen levels have a synergic effect to insulin dysfunction promoting negative effects in the rat prostate. Diabetic individuals had a high incidence of prostatitis, and this inflammation could stimulate the incidence of other forms of prostatic pathology.

Padrão de consumo de álcool entre estudantes do ensino médio de uma cidade do interior do estado de São Paulo / Alcohol consumption pattern among high school students of an interior city in the state of São Paulo - Brazil

Esta pesquisa avalia o consumo de álcool entre 591 estudantes do ensino médio. Utilizou-se como instrumento de coleta dos dados dois testes: o Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test – AUDIT e o Quantidade e Freqüência de uso de álcool no último mês, e também levantou-se o consumo de álcool entre os familiares. Resultados mostram que 22,3

dos estudantes pontuaram 8 ou mais no AUDIT, mostrando que fazem uso de risco para bebidas alcoólicas. O consumo é mais freqüente entre adolescentes do sexo masculino, que freqüentam as aulas no período noturno e não pertencem a nenhuma religião e, ainda, possuindo algum familiar que bebe excessivamente. (AU)

Padrão de consumo de álcool entre estudantes do ensino médio de uma cidade do interior do estado de São Paulo / Alcohol consumption pattern among high school students of an interior city in the state of São Paulo - Brazil

Esta pesquisa avalia o consumo de álcool entre 591 estudantes do ensino médio. Utilizou-se como instrumento de coleta dos dados dois testes: o Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test – AUDIT e o Quantidade e Freqüência de uso de álcool no último mês, e também levantou-se o consumo de álcool entre os familiares. Resultados mostram que 22,3% dos estudantes pontuaram 8 ou mais no AUDIT, mostrando que fazem uso de risco para bebidas alcoólicas. O consumo é mais freqüente entre adolescentes do sexo masculino, que freqüentam as aulas no período noturno e não pertencem a nenhuma religião e, ainda, possuindo algum familiar que bebe excessivamente.

Caffeine effect on mortality and oviposition in successive generations of Aedes aegypti.

OBJECTIVE: Previous experiments showed that caffeine blocks the development of Aedes aegypti (Diptera, Culicidae) in the larval stage, consequently inhibiting the production of adults. This study aimed at obtaining data suggestive of caffeine resistance by these mosquitoes. METHODS: Experiments were carried out in successive generations to assess adult production from eggs laid in previous generation and oviposition rate in every generation using 200 and 500 microg/mL caffeine. Tap water was used as control. Experiments were conducted in the city of São José do Rio Preto, Southeastern Brazil between 2002 and 2005. Statistical tests consisted of exploratory data analysis and smoothing algorithms. RESULTS: Increasing reduction in productivity of adults occurred among generations at both caffeine concentrations but the differences were only significant at 200microg/mL caffeine. As for the oviposition rate, there was a decrease in the mean number of eggs per female over generations at both caffeine concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: There was no evidence of caffeine resistance over generations. The study results corroborate caffeine as an alternative as an important Ae. Aegypti control agent to avoid resistance.

Caffeine effect on mortality and oviposition in successive generations of Aedes aegypti

OBJECTIVE: Previous experiments showed that caffeine blocks the development of Aedes aegypti (Diptera, Culicidae) in the larval stage, consequently inhibiting the production of adults. This study aimed at obtaining data suggestive of caffeine resistance by these mosquitoes. METHODS: Experiments were carried out in successive generations to assess adult production from eggs laid in previous generation and oviposition rate in every generation using 200 and 500 æg/mL caffeine. Tap water was used as control. Experiments were conducted in the city of São José do Rio Preto, Southeastern Brazil between 2002 and 2005. Statistical tests consisted of exploratory data analysis and smoothing algorithms. RESULTS: Increasing reduction in productivity of adults occurred among generations at both caffeine concentrations but the differences were only significant at 200æg/mL caffeine. As for the oviposition rate, there was a decrease in the mean number of eggs per female over generations at both caffeine concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: There was no evidence of caffeine resistance over generations. The study results corroborate caffeine as an alternative as an important Ae. Aegypti control agent to avoid resistance.

OBJETIVO: Experimentos anteriores mostraram que a cafeína bloqueia o desenvolvimento de Aedes aegypti (Diptera, Culicidae) na fase larval, inibindo conseqüentemente a produção de adultos. O objetivo do estudo foi obter dados que pudessem sugerir desenvolvimento de resistência dos mosquitos à cafeína. MÉTODOS: Foi avaliada a produção de adultos em gerações sucessivas, a partir de ovos produzidos na geração anterior e a taxa de oviposição em cada geração, utilizando meios contendo cafeína a 200 e 500 æg/ml e água de torneira proveniente de poço artesiano como controle. Os experimentos foram conduzidos em São José do Rio Preto, entre 2002 e 2005. Nos testes estatísticos foram utilizados a análise exploratória de dados e algoritmos de alisamento. RESULTADOS: Ocorreu redução crescente da produção de adultos, nas duas concentrações, ao longo das gerações, mas apenas no experimento a 200 æg/ml os dados foram estatisticamente significantes. Quanto à oviposição, a análise dos números mostra redução crescente e acentuada na média de ovos por fêmea, no experimento tratado. CONCLUSÕES: Não houve evidência de resistência ao longo das gerações devido ao tratamento com cafeína. Os resultados encontrados podem reforçar a indicação da cafeína como uma alternativa aos principais agentes de controle do Ae. aegypti atualmente usados, contra os quais os mosquitos têm desenvolvido resistência.

Conhecimento sobre DST/AIDS, hepatites e conduta sexual de universitários de São José do Rio Preto, SP / Self-awareness in relation to STD/AIDS, hepatitis and sexual behavior of university students in São José do Rio Preto, SP

Introdução: apesar de se conhecer, atualmente, a dimensão da epidemia da aids, há um relativo desconhecimento sobre a doença entre universitários. Objetivo: levantar o nível de informação sobre as DST/aids, hepatites B e C, assim como analisar a conduta sexual de jovens universitários de um município do interior do estado de São Paulo e obter subsídios para nortear estratégias de prevenção em relação a essa população. Métodos: aplicação de questionário anônimo entre alunos de três Instituições Educacionais de Ensino Superior (IES) da cidade estudada, com metodologia baseada em um plano de amostragem probabilística estratificada e proporcional. Resultados: dos 888 questionários respondidos, 25 foram descartados em função de inconsistências no preenchimento; deste total, 75,3% são do sexo feminino e 77,8% têm até 24 anos de idade; predomina, entre esses alunos, a orientação heterossexual e 81% deles declararam já ter iniciado sua vida sexual; as principais doenças sexualmente transmissíveis são lembradas por mais de 90% da amostra e as hepatites B e C foram mencionadas por 70 a 89% dos pesquisados. Conclusão: encontrou-se um predomínio de mulheres na amostra de universitários pesquisada, sendo que a maioria desses estudantes apresentaram vida sexual ativa, demonstraram conhecimento adequado sobre os métodos contraceptivos, DST/aids, e fizeram referência ao uso do preservativo como a melhor forma de prevenção de DST/aids. Esses alunos iniciaram sua vida sexual com cerca de 17 anos, para os homens, e 18 anos, para as mulheres; e, embora 70% destes jovens tenham relatado uso de preservativo na primeira relação sexual, este número cai para 46,1% na prática atual.

Introduction: nowadays the dimension of the AIDS epidemy is well-known, but the prevention conducts among university students is a subject not widely studied. Objective: collect information about young university students concerning their level of awareness in relation to STD/AIDS, Hepatitis B and C. Methods: an anonymous questionnaire was filled in by students from three universities in the city observed. A methodology based on a plan of stratified-random probabilistic sampling was used. Results: Eight hundred and eighty-eight questionnaires were answered and 25 were excluded due to inconsistent answers; thetotal number, 75,3% are females and are 24 years old; there is a predominance among these students of heterosexuals, and 81% of them stated that they had already started their sexual life; the most important STDs were mentioned by more than 90% of the sampling, and hepatitis B and C were mentioned by 70 to 89% of the students. Conclusion: a predominance of women in the sampling of university students researched was found, most of these students have an active sexual life; they have adequate knowledge on contraceptive methods, STD/AIDS, and they also stated that condom is the best prevention method for STD/ AIDS; these students started their sexual life around 17 years old, in case of men, and 18 years old in case of women; although 70% of these young students said that they had used condom in their first sexual experience, these figures decreased to 46,1% when it was asked about their present conduct.

Sister chromatid exchanges in heterozygote ß thalassaemic patients with normal folate levels

Linfócitos de pacientes ß talassêmicos heterozigotos com níveis normais de ácido fólico plasmático, cultivados por 72 horas em meio rico em folato, näo apresentaram frequências aumentadas de trocas entre cromátides-irmäs (TCI). Uma ampla variabilidade intra e interindividual foi encontrada nos grupos de talassêmicos e controles e fatores metodológicos e biológicos, tais como tipos de linfócitos periféricos, sexo, idade, cigarro, café e bebida alcoólica, como também hábito alimentar, säo possivelmente responsáveis por essas variaçöes

Monitorizaçäo biológica por método citogenético em indivíduos expostos profissionalmente a agentes antineoplásicos / Biologic monitoring by cytogenetic method in professionally exposed antineoplastic agents

Enfermeiras, atendentes e assistentes de enfermagem que preparam e aplicam antineoplásicos em unidades hospitalares apresentaram frequências aumentadas de anomalias e de trocas entre cromátides-irmäs (TCI) em cromossomos de linfócitos periféricos. Näo foi detectada associaçäo entre as frequências desses fenômenos e os tipos de dispositivos de proteçäo ou o tempo de exposiçäo aos antineoplásicos, possivelmente devido à multiplicidade de variáveis atuantes, o que dificultou a interpretaçäo do papel de fatores isolados. No entanto, foi detectada uma associaçäo de anomalias citogenéticas, que é menor nos profissionais de nível superior que naqueles com formaçäo técnica, ou prática. Além disto, a frequência de anomalias cromossômicas e de TCI foram menores quando as profissionais expostas manuseavam menos frequentemente os antineoplásicos mais tóxicos. A amostra de aplicadores de antineoplásicos analisada, portanto, pertence a um grupo de risco para a ocorrência de lesöes no material genético, indicando a necessidade de que sejam sempre observadas as normas de segurança previstas para o manuseio desses compostos e sugerindo a conveniência da monitorizaçäo biológica periódica nos indivíduos a eles profissionalmente expostos.

Risco ocupacional associado a manipulaçäo de antineoplásicos / Occupacional risk related to antineoplastic drugs manipulation

A importância terapêutica dos agentes antineoplásicos é indiscutível e um número muito elevado deles vem sendo intensamente utilizado, justificando o incremento das investigaçöes sobre seus efeitos ao nível celular. Apresenta-se uma revisäo sobre o efeito mutagênico dos antineoplásicos em sistemas de testes in vivo e in vitro, discutindo resultados obtidos em plantas e animais e enfatizando as pesquisas que envolvem indivíduos profissionalmente expostos aos antineoplásicos. Os resultados permitem que esses individuos sejam considerados como um grupo de risco para a ocorrência de aberraçöes cromossômicas e confirmam a necessidade de que sejam mais rigorosamente observadas as normas de segurança previstas para o manuseio de tais drogas.