Effects of the Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields on Experimental Periodontitis and Estrogen Deficiency.

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease resulting from a complex polymicrobial infection that causes tissue destruction in susceptible individuals. Osteoporosis has been associated with greater clinical attachment loss in patients with periodontitis. Experimental studies have shown positive results in the treatment of osteoporosis through pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) stimulation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of PEMF in the presence of estrogen deficiency associated with periodontitis, verifying its role in bone metabolism and in the inflammatory response. Sixty rats were divided into four groups: Sham surgery + ligature-induced periodontitis (P); Sham surgery + ligature-induced periodontitis + PEMF therapy (P + PEMF); Ovariectomy surgery + ligature-induced periodontitis (P + OVX); Ovariectomy surgery + ligature-induced periodontitis + PEMF therapy (P + OVX + PEMF). The area of bone loss in the furcation region (BL), connective tissue attachment loss (CTAL) and alveolar bone loss (ABL), BV/TV and BMD were evaluated. In addition to immunohistochemical labelling of RANKL, OPG, and TRAP and the inflammatory response of interleukin (IL)-1b, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10, and vascular endothelial growth factor. P + OVX showed significant BL in relation to P + PEMF and the greatest CTAL and ABL. P + OVX and P + OVX + PEMF showed a significant reduction in BV/TV (%). P and P + PEMF showed a significantly lesser amount of Tb.Sp (mm) while P + OVX and P + OVX + PEMF showed a lesser of Tb.N. P + PEMF had the greatest BMD. P + OVX presented higher RANKL and lower OPG immunolabeling than other groups. P + PEMF and P + OVX + PEMF showed a reduction on all biomarkers evaluated. The application of PEMF seems to attenuate the effects of bone loss in the presence of periodontitis and ovariectomy. © 2022 Bioelectromagnetics Society.

JM-20, a Benzodiazepine-Dihydropyridine Hybrid Molecule, Inhibits the Formation of Alpha-Synuclein-Aggregated Species.

Studies showed that JM-20, a benzodiazepine-dihydropyridine hybrid molecule, protects against rotenone and 6-hydroxydopamine neurotoxicity. However, its protective effects against cytotoxicity induced by endogenous neurotoxins involved in Parkinson's disease (PD) pathogenesis have never been investigated. In this study, we evaluated the ability of JM-20 to inhibit alpha-synuclein (aSyn) aggregation. We also evaluated the interactions of JM-20 with aSyn by molecular docking and molecular dynamics and assessed the protective effect of JM-20 against aminochrome cytotoxicity. We demonstrated that JM-20 induced the formation of heterogeneous amyloid fibrils, which were innocuous to primary cultures of mesencephalic cells. Moreover, JM-20 reduced the average size of aSyn positive inclusions in H4 cells transfected with SynT wild-type and synphilin-1-V5, but not in HEK cells transfected with synphilin-1-GFP. In silico studies showed the interaction between JM-20 and the aSyn-binding site. Additionally, we showed that JM-20 protects SH-SY5Y cells against aminochrome cytotoxicity. These results reinforce the potential of JM-20 as a neuroprotective compound for PD and suggest aSyn as a molecular target for JM-20.

The Flavonoid Agathisflavone from Poincianella pyramidalis Prevents Aminochrome Neurotoxicity.

Flavonoids have been suggested to protect dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson's disease based on studies that used exogenous neurotoxins. In this study, we tested the protective ability of agathisflavone in SH-SY5Y cells exposed to the endogenous neurotoxin aminochrome. The ability of aminochrome to induce loss of lysosome acidity is an important mechanism of its neurotoxicity. We demonstrated that the flavonoid inhibited cellular death and lysosomal dysfunction induced by aminochrome. In addition, we demonstrated that the protective effect of agathisflavone was suppressed by antagonists of estrogen receptors (ERα and ERß). These results suggest lysosomal protection and estrogen signaling as mechanisms involved in agathisflavone neuroprotection in a Parkinson's disease study model.

Sanitary conditions of the Goliath grouper Epinephelus itajara in captivity on estuarine environment: case report / Condições sanitárias do mero Epinephelus itajara em cativeiro em ambiente estuarino: relato de caso

This study aimed to report the sanitary conditions through the hematological analysis of grouper E. itajara reared in captivity on estuarine conditions. Seven Goliath groupers (1,881.5±1,246.03g) were captured and kept in two tanks located on estuary. After 20 days, fish were collected for morphologic and hemato-physiologic evaluation. Two fish had clinical signs such as hemorrhagic spots and loss of scale due to agonistic behavior. Blood samples were collected, and the hematological parameters (biochemical, erythrogram and leukogram) were determined. Blood cells were characterized by their size, color and shape. Univariate statistic and principal components analysis were used to identify a hematological standard between fish with or without clinical signs. Four leukocyte types were found: lymphocyte, monocyte, neutrophil and basophil. Regardless of the clinical signs the cell morphology did not present any difference among the fish. However, there is a significant correlation between erythrocyte and lactate on fish with clinical signs. Thus, agonistics encountered among the fish is a stressing factor in captivity conditions making it necessary to have adequate management related to the size of fish and stocking density.(AU)

Este estudo avaliou as condições sanitárias do peixe mero E. itajara mantido sob cativeiro, em condições estuarinas, pelas análises hematológica e morfológica. Sete peixes (1.881,5±1.246,03g) foram capturados e mantidos em tanques localizados no estuário. Após 20 dias, os peixes foram coletados para avaliações morfológica e hematológica. Dois peixes tiveram sinais clínicos, como manchas hemorrágicas e perda de escamas devido ao comportamento agonístico entre os peixes. Amostras sanguíneas foram coletadas dos peixes anestesiados com auxílios de seringas umedecidas com EDTA 3%. Determinaram-se os parâmetros hematológicos (bioquímico, eritrograma e leucograma). Células sanguíneas foram caracterizadas por seu tamanho, cor e padrão. Estatística univariada e análises de componentes principais foram usadas para identificar um padrão hematológico entre os peixes com e sem sinais clínicos. Quatro tipos de leucócitos foram encontrados: linfócito, monócito, neutrófilo e basófilo. Os sinais clínicos não apresentaram diferença entre os peixes e a morfologia celular. Contudo, observou-se uma correlação entre os peixes com sinais clínicos e a quantidade de eritrócitos e lactato. Assim, encontros antagônicos entre os peixes são um fator estressante em condições de cativeiro, tornando-se necessário um manejo mais adequado relacionado ao tamanho dos indivíduos e à densidade de estocagem.(AU)

Two different antibiotic protocols as adjuncts to one-stage full-mouth ultrasonic debridement to treat generalized aggressive periodontitis: A pilot randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: To assess the clinical and microbiological responses of amoxicillin + metronidazole (AMX + MET) versus clarithromycin (CLM) as adjuncts to one-stage full-mouth ultrasonic debridement (FMUD) in the treatment of generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP). METHODS: For this parallel, double-masked, pilot randomized clinical trial, 46 patients with GAgP were selected and randomly assigned into two groups: AMX+MET group (n = 23): FMUD associated with AMX (500 mg three times a day) and MET (400 mg three times a day) for 7 days; and CLM group (n = 23): FMUD associated with CLM (500 mg twice a day) for 7 days. Clinical parameters were evaluated at baseline, 3, and 6 months post-treatment. The levels of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, and Fusobacterium nucleatum from subgingival biofilm were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Both treatments significantly improved all clinical parameters compared with baseline and promoted a significant reduction of A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. gingivalis counts (P > 0.05). CLM succeeded in decreasing T. forsythia at 6 months (P < 0.05), but no antibiotic was able to reduce F. nucleatum. There was no difference between the two protocols regarding the reported adverse effects (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that CLM is not superior than AMX + MET in the treatment of GAgP. However, this antibiotic led to good clinical outcomes and may be a possible alternative to AMX+MET in the treatment of severe periodontitis in young patients. Future studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm this statement (NCT02969928).

Efficacy of Ocimum gratissimum essential oil against the monogenean Cichlidogyrus tilapiae gill parasite of Nile tilapia / Eficácia do óleo essencial de Ocimum gratissimum contra o monogenea Cichlidogyrus tilapiae parasita de brânquias de tilápia-do-nilo

The phythotherapy is an alternative to use of chemotherapeutical agents against monogenean infection. This study evaluated the anthelmintic activity of essential oil Ocimum gratissimum against monogenean Cichlidogyrus tilapiae as well as its acute toxicity in tilapia juveniles. The mean lethal concentration (LC50) and different concentrations of the essential oil, both in vitro and in vivo assays (short and long-term baths) were assessed. The LC50 was 40.70mg.L-1 and in the in vitro assay this concentration showed 80% efficacy at the last two hours and in the in vivo assay 65.87% efficacy in long-term bath. However, it provoked morphological alterations on the gills such as hyperplasia and edema. The parasites exposure at the highest concentration (320mg.L-1) showed 100% mortality after 2h exposure in the in vitro assay, whereas in the in vivo assay, short-term baths of 5min for 3 consecutive days showed an efficacy of 87.71% without gills damage. These results demonstrate the anthelminthic activity of essential oil O. gratissimum and the safety concentration to use in Nile tilapia.(AU)

A fitoterapia é uma alternativa ao uso de agentes químicos contra infecções por parasitos monogenéticos. Este estudo avaliou a atividade anti-helmíntica do óleo essencial Ocimum gratissimum contra o monogenea Cichlidogyrus tilapiae , bem como sua toxicidade aguda e histopatologia em juvenis de tilápias. Foram avaliadas a concentração letal média (CL50) e diferentes concentrações de óleo essencial, tanto in vitro como in vivo (banho de curta e longa duração). A CL50 foi de 40,70mg.L-1; no ensaio in vitro, essa concentração apresentou 80% de eficácia, e no ensaio in vivo 65,87% de eficácia em banho de exposição crônica. No entanto, provocou alterações morfológicas nas brânquias, como hiperplasia e edema. A exposição dos parasitas na concentração mais elevada (320mg.L-1) mostrou 100% de mortalidade após duas horas de exposição no ensaio in vitro, enquanto no ensaio in vivo, em banho de curta duração de cinco minutos, durante três dias consecutivos, apresentou uma eficácia de 87,71%, sem danos às brânquias. Esses resultados demonstraram a atividade anti-helmíntica do óleo essencial de O. gratissimum e a concentração de segurança para uso na tilápia-do-nilo em banhos de curta duração.(AU)

Neither slim nor fat: estimating the mass of the dodo (Raphus cucullatus, Aves, Columbiformes) based on the largest sample of dodo bones to date.

The dodo (Raphus cucullatus) might be the most enigmatic bird of all times. It is, therefore, highly remarkable that no consensus has yet been reached on its body mass; previous scientific estimates of its mass vary by more than 100%. Until now, the vast amount of bones stored at the Natural History Museum in Mauritius has not yet been studied morphometrically nor in relation to body mass. Here, a new estimate of the dodo's mass is presented based on the largest sample of dodo femora ever measured (n = 174). In order to do this, we have used the regression method and chosen our variables based on biological, mathematical and physical arguments. The results indicate that the mean mass of the dodo was circa 12 kg, which is approximately five times as heavy as the largest living Columbidae (pigeons and doves), the clade to which the dodo belongs.

Fish sperm subpopulations: Changes after cryopreservation process and relationship with fertilization success in tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum).

Fish tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) is the native Brazilian fish with the highest agricultural production under intensive aquaculture in South America. However, the decrease in the genetic variability in fish farms has become necessary the improvement of cryopreservation process through new statistical studies of spermatozoa (like subpopulation studies). The evaluation of the kinetic data obtained with a computer-assisted sperm analysis system, applying a two-step cluster analysis, yielded in tambaqui three different subpopulations in fresh sperm: SP1, considered as a slow nonlinear subpopulation; SP2, considered as a fast nonlinear subpopulation, and finally; SP3, considered as a fast linear subpopulation. For cryopreserved sperm, the cluster analysis yielded only two sperm subpopulations: SP1', considered as a slow nonlinear subpopulation and SP2', which seemed to be an intermediate subpopulation (showing medium motility and velocity values) merged from SP2 and SP3 obtained from fresh sperm. Coefficients of correlation (r) and determination (r2) between the sperm subpopulations from fresh sperm and the fertilization rates were calculated, and SP2 and SP3 (the fast-spermatozoa subpopulations) showed a high-positive correlation with the fertilization rates (r = 0.93 and 0.79, respectively). In addition, the positive significant correlations found in curvilinear velocity (r = 0.78), straight line velocity (r = 0.57), and average velocity (r = 0.75) indicate that sperm kinetic features seem to be a key factor in the fertilization process in tambaqui, as occur in other fish species.

Correction: Neither slim nor fat: estimating the mass of the dodo (Raphus cucullatus, Aves, Columbiformes) based on the largest sample of dodo bones to date.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4110.].

Connective tissue graft associated or not with low laser therapy to treat gingival recession: randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the treatment of gingival recession with a connective tissue graft (CTG) alone or in combination with low-level laser therapy (CTG + L). METHODS: Forty patients presenting 40 Miller Class I and II gingival recessions were included. The defects were randomly assigned to receive either CTG (n = 20) or CTG + L (n = 20). A diode laser (660 nm) was applied to the test sites immediately after surgery and every other day for 7 days (eight applications). RESULTS: The mean percentage of root coverage was 91.9% for the test group and 89.48% for the control group after 6 months (p > 0.05). The test group presented more complete root coverage (n = 13, 65%) than the control group (n = 7, 35%) (p = 0.04). Dentine sensitivity decreased significantly after 6 months in both groups (p < 0.001). The two groups showed improvement in aesthetics at the end of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Low-level laser therapy may increase the percentage of complete root coverage when associated with CTG.

Measurement of the nonlinear optical response of low-density lipoprotein solutions from patients with periodontitis before and after periodontal treatment: evaluation of cardiovascular risk markers.

The Z-Scan (ZS) technique in the thermal regime has been used to measure the nonlinear optical response of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). The ZS technique is carried out in LDL from 40 patients with chronic periodontitis before and after three, six, and 12 months of periodontal treatment. Clinical parameters such as probing depths, bleeding on probing, total and differential white blood cells counts, lipid profiles, cytokine levels, and antibodies against oxidized LDL are also determined and compared over time. Before the treatment, the ZS experimental results reveal that the LDL particles of these patients are heavily modified. Only after 12 months of the periodontal treatment, the ZS results obtained reveal behavioral characteristics of healthy particles. This conclusion is also supported by complementary laboratorial analysis showing that the periodontal treatment induces systemic changes in several inflammatory markers.

Cryopreservation of tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) semen: extenders, cryoprotectants, dilution ratios and freezing methods.

The tambaqui is an Amazonian fish of great economic and environmental importance to Brazil and other South American countries. Several semen cryopreservation methodologies have been tested for different Brazilian fish species; however, there is little information on the use of this technique on tambaqui semen. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of osmolarity and activation solutions on sperm kinetics and, glucose solutions, cryoprotectants, dilution ratios, egg yolk and freezing methods on tambaqui semen freezing. The osmolarity of 230 mOsm was suitable for simultaneously yielding higher sperm motility (85%) and motility time (54 sec.) and osmolarities above 360 mOsm maintain immobile tambaqui sperm. The tambaqui semen can be successfully cryopreserved when diluted 1:9 in freezing medium composed of 5 percent glucose solution (290 mOsm) with 10 percent methylglycol and 5 percent egg yolk, and frozen directly in a dry shipper container.

Out-of-season sperm cryopreserved in different media of the Amazonian freshwater fish pirapitinga (Piaractus brachypomus).

The pirapitinga (Piaractus brachypomus) is a freshwater fish that inhabits the Amazon and Orinoco River basins. The use of cryopreserved sperm has been considered to facilitate procedures during the artificial reproduction. The aim of the present study was to develop a freezing protocol for pirapitinga sperm collected outside the spawning season. Sperm samples were diluted in four freezing media prepared by a combination of two extenders (glucose and BTS-Beltsville Thawing Solution) and two cryoprotectant agents (DMSO and methylglycol) loaded into 0.5-mL straws, frozen in a nitrogen-vapor shipping dewar (dry-shipper) and stored in liquid nitrogen at -196 degrees C. Post-thaw sperm motility was evaluated both subjectively using a light microscope and by a computer-assisted sperm analyzer (CASA). Curvilinear, average path and straight-line velocities were also determined. There were no differences (P>0.05) in post-thaw sperm motility between evaluations performed subjectively and using the CASA. Sperm samples cryopreserved in glucose-methylglycol yielded the greatest post-thaw sperm motility (81%) and fastest sperm velocities when compared to the samples frozen in the other three media (P<0.05). Out-of-season sperm cryopreserved in glucose and methylglycol under the conditions described above is of high quality and can therefore be used to facilitate artificial reproduction procedures, as only females will need handling for hormonal induction and gamete collection during the spawning season. Although the CASA system provides precise data on sperm motility, the subjective evaluation is practical and can be conducted by well-trained personnel at commercial fish farms as an acceptable evaluation of sperm quality.

Sensibilidade dos espermatozoides de dourado (Salminus brasiliensis) a diferentes soluções crioprotetoras / Sensitivity of dourado (Salminus brasiliensis) spermatozoa to different cryoprotectant solutions

Em três experimentos, avaliou-se a sensibilidade dos espermatozoides de dourado (Salminus brasiliensis) a diferentes soluções crioprotetoras. No experimento 1, o sêmen foi diluído, 1:10, em 12 soluções (quatro diluidores x três crioprotetores - dimetilsulfóxido (DMSO), metilglicol ou glicerol). Metade de cada amostra foi resfriada por uma hora e a outra, criopreservada. A motilidade espermática foi avaliada imediatamente após a diluição e após o resfriamento em todas as amostras e, após o descongelamento, apenas nas amostras criopreservadas em DMSO. No experimento 2, o sêmen foi diluído, 1:5, em cinco soluções contendo DMSO e resfriado, criopreservado e avaliado como no experimento 1. No experimento 3, o sêmen foi diluído, 1:5, em quatro soluções contendo DMSO e criopreservado e avaliado quanto à motilidade e à fertilidade. Quando o sêmen foi diluído 1:10, observou-se motilidade acima de 58 por cento em todas as amostras resfriadas em DMSO e em NaCl-tris-metilglicol. Baixa motilidade foi observada nas amostras resfriadas nas outras combinações com metilglicol (5-32 por cento) ou glicerol (0-8 por cento) e naquelas criopreservadas (16-20 por cento). Todas as amostras diluídas 1:5 apresentaram motilidade de 65-72 por cento após o resfriamento e de 45-66 por cento após o descongelamento (experimentos 2 e 3). As taxas de eclosão produzidas com sêmen criopreservado, entretanto, foram baixas (17-23 por cento) em relação ao sêmen fresco (60 por cento).

The sensitivity of dourado (Salminus brasiliensis) spermatozoa to different cryoprotectant solutions was evaluated in three experiments. In experiment 1, semen was diluted, 1:10, in 12 solutions (four extenders x three cryoprotectants - dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO), methyglycol, or glycerol). Half of each sample was refrigerated for one hour while the other half was cryopreserved. Sperm motility was immediately assessed after dilution and after refrigeration in all samples, and after thawing in those cryopreserved in DMSO. In experiment 2, semen was diluted, 1:5, in five solutions containing DMSO, refrigerated, cryopreserved, and analyzed as in experiment 1. In experiment 3, semen was diluted, 1:5, in five solutions containing DMSO, cryopreserved and evaluated for motility and fertility. When semen was diluted 1:10, motility higher than 58 percent was observed in all samples refrigerated in DMSO and in NaCl-tris-methylglycol. Low motility was observed in samples refrigerated in the other combinations of methylglycol (5-32 percent) or glycerol (0-8 percent) and in those cryopreserved (16-20 percent). All samples diluted 1:5 yielded motility of 65-72 percent after refrigeration, and 45-66 percent after thawing (experiments 2 and 3). The hatching rates produced with cryopreserved semen, however, were lower (17-23 percent) compared to fresh semen (60 percent).

Cardiovascular disease parameters in periodontitis.

BACKGROUND: Recently, there has been an increasing in the impact of oral health on atherosclerosis and subsequent cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between chronic periodontitis and cardiovascular risk markers. METHODS: Forty patients with periodontitis and 40 healthy gender-, body mass index-, and age-matched individuals were compared by measuring total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, levels of cytokines, antibodies against oxidized low-density lipoprotein, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, total and differential white blood cell counts, and the non-linear index of refraction. RESULTS: The levels of triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein in periodontitis patients were significantly higher and lower, respectively (P = 0.002 and P = 0.0126), compared to controls. Total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and lipid peroxide levels were the same in both groups (P = 0.2943, P = 0.1284, and P = 0.067, respectively). Interleukin (IL)-6 and -8, antibodies against oxidized low-density lipoprotein, and leukocyte and neutrophil counts were significantly higher in periodontitis patients (P <0.05). The value of the non-linear index of refraction of low-density lipoprotein solutions was higher in the controls (P = 0.015) compared to individuals with periodontitis. CONCLUSION: Our results confirmed and further strengthened the suggested association between coronary artery disease and periodontitis.

A simple, inexpensive and successful freezing method for curimba Prochilodus lineatus (Characiformes) semen.

The cryopreservation of fish sperm provides a tool by which reproduction is optimized and thereby larval production is increased. The aims of this study were to evaluate the effects of cryosolutions, motility-activation media, straw volumes and thawing temperatures on the post-thaw motility of curimba semen. Furthermore, semen cryopreserved in a simple and inexpensive cryosolution and that yielded excellent post-thaw motility was tested for fertility. Semen was diluted in each of the eight cryosolutions in a factorial of two cryoprotectants (DMSO and methylglycol) x four extenders (0.9% NaCl, 5% glucose, BTS and M III). Diluted semen was frozen in 0.5-mL straws in a nitrogen vapor vessel. Sperm motility was evaluated after thawing (60 degrees C water bath for 8s) and activation with a total of four different activation media (distilled water, 0.15% NaCl, 0.29% NaCl or 1% NaHCO(3)). To evaluate straw volume and thawing temperature, semen was diluted in 5% glucose and methylglycol and frozen in 0.5- and 4.0-mL straws. Half of the 0.5-mL straws were thawed in a water bath at 60 degrees C for 8s and the other half at 30 degrees C for 16s. The 4.0-mL straws were thawed at 60 degrees C for 24s only. In the last experiment, semen cryopreserved in 5% glucose and methylglycol, 0.5-mL straws, and thawed at 60 degrees C for 8s was tested for fertility. The results of these comparisons are presented and show that curimba semen can be successfully cryopreserved in a simple glucose solution combined with methylglycol as cryoprotectant, in 0.5-mL straws, yielding motility rates between 86% and 95% and fertilization rates between 47% and 83%.

Sucesso do resfriamento e congelamento de sêmen de pirapitinga Brycon nattereri / Sucess of cooling and freezing of pirapitinga (Brycon nattereri) semen

Avaliaram-se protocolos de resfriamento e de criopreservação do sêmen de pirapitinga (Brycon nattereri) utilizando-se sêmen diluído em NaCl 154mM, NaCl 200mM, Saad e BTS® e resfriado por sete dias. Cinco diluidores (glicose 277mM, NaCl 154mM, NaCl 200mM, Saad e BTS®) foram combinados com dois crioprotetores (DMSO - dimetilsulfóxido e metilglicol) e usados como meio de congelamento. O sêmen diluído em cada meio foi envasado (palhetas de 0,5ml) e congelado, e a motilidade espermática avaliada após o descongelamento (60ºC, 8seg). O sêmen foi novamente congelado em palhetas com diferentes volumes (0,25 e 0,5ml) e descongelados em banho-maria em duas temperaturas (50º e 60ºC). As maiores motilidades (48 por cento) foram observadas no sêmen diluído em BTS® e resfriado por sete dias. Motilidade espermática acima de 68 por cento foram observadas no sêmen congelado em NaCl 154mM-metilglicol, BTS®-metilglicol, NaCl 200mM-DMSO e Saad-DMSO. Não houve diferença entre os volumes de palheta nem entre as temperaturas de descongelamento quanto a motilidade espermática. Assim, o sêmen de pirapitinga mantém altas taxas de motilidade quando resfriado em BTS® por até sete dias ou congelado em NaCl 154mM-metilglicol, BTS®-metilglicol, NaCl 200mM-DMSO e Saad-DMSO

Cooling and freezing protocols of pirapitinga (Brycon nattereri) semen were evaluated using semen diluted in 154mM NaCl, 200mM NaCl, Saad or BTSÕ, and cooled for seven days. Sperm motility was daily evaluated. Five extenders (277mM glucose, 154mM NaCl, 200mM NaCl, Saad and BTSÕ) were combined with two cryoprotectants (DMSO - dimethyl sulphoxide and methylglycol) to produce 10 cryosolutions. Semen was diluted in each cryosolutions, aspirated into 0.5ml straws and frozen. Sperm motility was evaluated after thawing (60ºC, 8 sec). Then, semen was frozen in straws with different volumes (0.25 and 0.5ml), and thawed under different water-bath temperatures (50º and 60ºC). Higher sperm motility (48 percent) was observed when semen was cooled in BTSÕ for seven days. Post-thawing sperm motility above 68 percent was observed when semen was frozen in 154mM NaCl-methylglycol, BTSÕ-methylglycol, 200mM NaCl-DMSO or Saad-DMSO. There was no difference on sperm motility when semen was frozen in 0.25 or 0.5ml straws and thawed in 50º or 60ºC water-bath. Thus, pirapitinga semen can be successfully cooled in BTSÕ for seven days or frozen in 154 mM NaCl-methylglycol, BTSÕ- methylglycol, 200mM NaCl-DMSO and Saad-DMSO

Revascularization of autogenous block grafts with or without an e-PTFE membrane.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to describe the revascularization process of autogenous bone block grafts placed with or without an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE) membrane. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty Wistar male rats had their mandibles augmented by either an autogenous bone block graft (group A) or an autogenous bone block graft covered with an e-PTFE membrane (group B). The animals were sacrificed by perfusion at baseline, 3, 7, 14, and 21 days after surgery. RESULTS: After 3 days, the presence of vascular sprouts derived from the recipient bed was observed in group A; more discrete sprouts were also observed in group B. After 7 days, revascularization continued, with vessels derived from both the recipient bed and the surrounding connective tissue in group A but only from the recipient bed in group B. At 14 days, group A showed penetration of vessels at the periphery of the graft; the vessels reached varying distances inside it. In group B, revascularization of the graft occurred mainly near its perforation, its borders, and at the recipient bed-graft interface. After 21 days, graft vascular penetration could be observed throughout the extent of the graft in group A but only approximately halfway through the graft in group B. DISCUSSION: The results emphasized the importance of the vascular network and of the revascularization process of the autogenous bone graft in new bone formation. Early vascular penetration and nutrition of the graft are key factors in its integration with the recipient bed. CONCLUSIONS: Revascularization of the bone graft occurred in both A and B. However, vascular sprouts originated only from the recipient bed in group A, while in group B the graft was penetrated by vessels from both the recipient bed and the surrounding connective tissue. The revascularization took place more promptly and was more intense and extensive in group A than in group B for all periods.

Clinical, genetic and microbiological findings in a Brazilian family with aggressive periodontitis.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Aggressive periodontitis comprises a group of rapidly progressive forms of periodontitis. Besides bacteria, a high level of subject susceptibility must be involved in the expression of disease. In the present study, we report the clinical, microbiological and genetic profile of a 14-individual family with aggressive periodontitis. METHOD: PCR was utilized to detect pathogenic bacteria of affected sites. DNA was obtained from epithelial cells through a mouthwash with 3% glucose and scrapping of the oral mucosa. RFLP-PCR was used to analyze cytokine genetic polymorphisms. RESULTS: Localized aggressive periodontitis was diagnosed for an 18-year-old systemically healthy non-smoking proband, with siblings displaying aggressive periodontitis. Bacteroides forsythus and Treponema denticola were the most frequent pathogens. The proband presented Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and detectable levels of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Bacteroides forsythus and Treponema denticola. Allele 2 of IL-1alpha (-889) polymorphism was found in all individuals as well as allele 1 of the IL-1beta (+3953) gene. Alleles 1 and 2 (50 % each) of IL-1beta (-511), allele 1 of TNF-alpha (-308) and allele 2 (in homo or heterozygosity) of IL-RN (intron 2) gene were present. CONCLUSION: The results show that the present microbiological and genetic parameters were not relevant for the prediction of periodontitis susceptibility in this family.

Comparative overview of cardiac output measurement methods: has impedance cardiography come of age?

Cardiac output, usually expressed as liters of blood ejected by the left ventricle per minute, is a fundamental measure of the adequacy of myocardial function to meet the perfusion needs of tissue at any time. Decreases in cardiac output over time (when cardiac output is measured under similar conditions) may signal myocardial functional deterioration and the onset or progression of heart failure. Conversely, improvements in cardiac output may indicate a positive response to medical therapy. However, most methods for evaluating cardiac output are technically demanding, require specialized training and specialized environments for measurement, and are costly. Therefore, most measurement techniques are impractical for routine evaluation of disease progression and/or response to treatment in the prevention and/or management of heart failure. This paper provides a comparative overview of commonly employed cardiac output measurement strategies with emphasis on developments in impedance cardiography which suggest that impedance cardiography has the potential to make routine assessment and trending of cardiac output a viable alternative to assist in the management of both chronically and acutely ill patients, including those with heart failure. (c)2000 by CHF, Inc.