Groups GII Research Articles

Fracture resistance of roots prosthetically restored with intra‐radicular posts of different lengths

The purpose of this study was to assess the fracture resistance of roots that were prosthetically restored with intra-radicular posts of different lengths. Forty-five bovine incisors were sectioned 17 mm from their apices, endodontically treated and randomly divided into three experimental groups: GI, fibreglass posts luted at a depth of 12 mm; GII, 8 mm and GIII, 4 mm. All posts were luted with dual resin cement. Resin composite cores were prepared with standardized measurements, and all teeth were restored with metal crowns. The samples were submitted to the fracture resistance test in a universal testing machine, at an angle of 135 degrees and speed of 0.5 mm min(-1), until fracture occurred. The data, in MPa, were submitted to the analysis of variance (anova) followed by Tukey's test (alpha = 0.01). No statistically significant difference (P > 0.01) was found between GI (129.72 +/- 12.14) and GII (154.3 +/- 12.08), which presented the highest fracture resistance values. Group GIII (100.5 +/- 8.07) showed lower fracture resistance (P < 0.01) when compared with GI and GII. Within the limitations of this study, it was concluded that the post lengths influenced the fracture resistance of prosthetically restored roots. These results suggest that it is not necessary to perform excessive intra-radicular post-space preparation to improve the fracture resistance of roots.

8 EFFECT OF SEMEN TYPES (SEXED v. NONSEXED) ON CONCEPTION RATES OF GIROLANDO HEIFERS INSEMINATED IN FIXED-TIME AI

With the goal of optimizing protocols, fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) was performed under field conditions in a study to evaluate conception rates in Girolando (5/8) heifers (18 to 24 months of age) treated with estradiol benzoate (BE) to induce ovulation. Forty heifers were allocated to 2 groups with 20 animals each: GI-sexed semen (2 million spermatozoa/dose) and GII-nonsexed semen (20 million spermatozoa/dose), with body condition score (BCS) of 3.0 ± 0.14 (scale of 1 to 5), middleweight of 335 ± 38 kg, so that it was made for reutilization of progesterone device. On Day 0 (morning), the animals received 2.0 mg of BE (RIC-BE®,Tecnopec, São Paulo, Brazil), 0.075 mg of D-cloprostenol (Prolise®, ARSA S.R.L., Buenos Aires, Argentina), and an intravaginal device of 1 g of progesterone (Primer®, Tecnopec). On Day 8 (morning) the device was removed and 0.075 mg of D-cloprostenol was managed in the GI animals, then these animals received 1.0 mg of BE 24 h after device removal. The insemination was in the late afternoon of Day 10 with a 6-hour delay (4 to 6 pm). The GII animals received Primer previously used for 8 days (being used in the GI animals under the same protocol). After pregnancy diagnosis at 60 days, a third group was created (GIII) using the not-pregnant animals of GI and GII. In GIII, Primer from third use [disinfected in solution Kilol®-L 1:250 (Quinabra, São Paulo, Brazil) and rinsed with water, dried, and packed in plastic sacks and kept for 60 days] was used following the GI protocol with sexed semen. There were no significant differences (P &gt; 0.05) in the conception rates of 40, 58, and 65% among groups GI (8/20), GII (11/20), and GIII (13/20). These results indicate very good conception rates for heifers, contrary to recommendations of commercial companies of sexed semen that alert for the conception rate for mated animals to be lower when using FTAI and mating protocols in mass, compared with that of AI after estrus observation.

ADEQUAÇÃO NAS MEDIDAS DO CASCO ASSOCIADO AO TRAMENTO CIRÚRGICO E APLICAÇÃO TÓPICA DO EXTRATO DA CASCA DO BARBATIMÃO (Stryphnodendron barbatiman Martius) NA RECUPERAÇÃO DE BOVINOS DA RAÇA NELORE COM DERMATITE DIGITAL

Digital dermatitis is a multifactor disease that has various kinds of lesions, therefore requiring different treatment and control protocols. Clinical injuries of 180 Nelore cattle with digital dermatitis were assessed. Cows were randomly distributed in 6 groups of 30 animals each and submitted to the process of hoof care, in which lesions were surgically removed and then treated with 5% barbatimao extract and 3% copper sulfate solutions. Hoof health management varied across groups: trimming of injured claws only (Groups I and III); trimming of both healthy and injured claws from affected hooves only (Groups III and IV); and trimming of all claws from healthy and affected hooves (Groups V and VI). During the post-surgery period, wounds were treated with a 5% barbatimao extract solution (Groups I, III and V), and 3% copper sulfate pediluvium (Groups GII, GIV and GVI). Data was statistically analyzed through a chi-square test at p<0,05 significance level. Highest recovery rates were observed after therapeutic treatment, which included trimming of healthy and lesioned hooves, surgical treatment of the injuries, and barbatimao extract application.

Ultrastructural analysis of the low level laser therapy effects on the lesioned anterior tibial muscle in the Gerbil

Low level laser therapy (LLLT) is known for its positive results but studies on the biological and biomodulator characteristics of the effects produced in the skeletal muscle are still lacking. In this study the effects of two laser dosages, 5 or 10 J/cm 2, on the lesioned tibial muscle were compared. Gerbils previously lesioned by 100 g load impact were divided into three groups: GI ( n = 5) controls, lesion non-irradiated; GII ( n = 5), lesion irradiated with 5 J/cm 2 and GIII ( n = 5), lesion irradiated with 10 J/cm 2, and treated for 7 consecutive days with a laser He–Ne ( λ = 633 nm). After intracardiac perfusion, the muscles were dissected and reduced to small fragments, post-fixed in 1% osmium tetroxide, dehydrated in increasing alcohol concentrations, treated with propylene oxide and embedded in Spurr resin at 60 °C. Ultrafine cuts examined on a transmission electron microscope (Jeol 1010) revealed in the control GI group a large number of altered muscle fibers with degenerating mitochondria, intercellular substance containing degenerating cell fragments and budding blood capillaries with underdeveloped endothelial cells. However, groups GII and GIII showed muscle fibers with few altered myofibrils, regularly contoured mitochondria, ample intermembrane spaces and dilated mitochondrial crests. The clean intercellular substance showed numerous collagen fibers and capillaries with multiple abluminal processes, intraluminal protrusions and several pinocytic vesicles in endothelial cells. It was concluded that laser dosages of 5 or 10 J/cm 2 delivered by laser He–Ne ( λ = 633 nm) during 7 consecutive days increase mitochondrial activity in muscular fibers, activate fibroblasts and macrophages and stimulate angiogenesis, thus suggesting effectivity of laser therapy under these experimental conditions.

Effectiveness of different final irrigation protocols in removing debris in flattened root canals

This study evaluated in vitro the capacity of debris removal from the apical third of flattened root canals, using different final irrigation protocols. Thirty human mandibular central incisors with a mesiodistal flattened root were prepared using rotary instrumentation by Endo-Flare 25.12 and Hero 642 30.06, 35.02, 40.02 files, irrigated with 2 mL of 1% NaOCl after each file. The specimens were randomly distributed into 5 groups according to the final irrigation of root canals: Group I: 10 mL of distilled water (control), Group II: 10 mL of 1% NaOCl for 8 min, Group III: 2 mL of 1% NaOCl for 2 min (repeated 4 times), Group IV: 10 mL of 2.5% NaOCl for 8 min, and Group V: 10 mL of 2.5% NaOCl for 2 min (repeated 4 times). The apical thirds of the specimens were subjected to histological processing and 6-microm cross-sections were obtained and stained with hematoxylin-eosin. The specimens were examined under optical microscopy at x40 magnification and the images were subjected to morphometric analysis using the Scion image-analysis software. The total area of root canal and the area with debris were measured in square millimeters. Analysis of variance showed no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) among the groups GI (2.39 +/- 3.59), GII (2.91 +/- 2.21), GIII (0.73 +/- 1.36), GIV (0.95 +/- 0.84) and GV (0.51 +/- 0.22). In conclusion, the final irrigation protocols evaluated in this study using the Luer syringe presented similar performance in the removal of debris from the apical third of flattened root canals.

Semen variables of sheep ( Ovis aries) experimentally infected with Toxoplasma gondii

The influence of Toxoplasma gondii on semen variables and sperm morphology of sheep was evaluated in eight reproductive males distributed into three experimental groups: GI, three sheep inoculated with 2.0 × 10 5 of P strain oocytes; GII, three sheep infected with 1.0 × 10 6 of RH strain tachyzoites and; GIII two control sheep. Clinical (rectal temperature, cardiac and respiratory frequencies), parasite and serology exams (IIF) were realized. Sperm variables (volume, motility, vigor and concentration) and semen morphology for each sheep were also evaluated. Thus, semen and blood collections were assessed on post-inoculation days (PIDs)-1,3,5,7,11,14 and weekly thereafter up to PID 70. Clinical alterations were observed (hypothermia and anorexia) in infected sheep from groups GI and GII. Parasitic outbreaks were detected in five sheep. All the infected sheep produced antibodies against T. gondii from PID 5 onwards, reaching a peak of 4096 and 8192 for group GI and GII sheep, respectively. Differences ( P < 0.05) were observed regarding the ejaculate volume between the inoculated groups (oocytes and tachyzoites) and control. Even though experimental toxoplasmic infection resulted in clinical symptomology in the inoculated sheep, the minimal alterations in sperm pathologies could not be directly attributed to T. gondii.

Avaliação clínica e videofluoroscópica de pacientes com distúrbios da deglutição - estudo comparativo em dois grupos etários: adultos e idosos

The abnormalities of swallowing process have multifactor and complex etiologies. The videofluoroscopy has been pointed as the exam of greater utility in diagnostic investigation for these cases. This method, when preceded of an adequate anamnesis, can characterize conveniently the level of the dysfunction and usually identify the cause of abnormality with great precision. To study the clinical complaints and findings of the videofluoroscopy examination in patients with deglutition disorders and no clinical evidence associated with neurological disorder, classified into two age groups: adults and older people, and to analyze: symptomatic manifestations, kinds of disorders (oropharyngeal or esophageal) and the capacity of clarifying the clinical complaints through the method of images. Seventy patients with complaint of the capacity of deglutition were analyzed. They had no clinical evidence of associated neurological syndromes or disorders and were classified into two age groups: adults (GI)-- < or = 65 years (n = 36) and older (GII) > 65 years (n = 34). All patients were submitted to anamnesis to obtain the information about their complaints concerning deglutition. The complaints were characterized as high or low, according to their predominant location of manifestation. All the patients were submitted to videofluoroscopy of the deglutition; these alterations were characterized as oropharyngeal or esophageal. The capacity of clarifying the clinical complaints by videofluoroscopy was evaluated in both groups. Among the complaints analyzed, the only one in which the statistical analysis presented a significant difference between the groups was the complaint of heartburn, which occurred more often in the group GI-- eight patients (22.2%) and GII--one patient (2.9%). In the study of videofluoroscopy, it was observed a higher incidence in the oropharyngeal disorder in group GII--41.2% while in group GI--13.9%. As for the esophageal disorder, the incidence was similar in both groups GI - 35.3% and GII--33.3%. Nineteen patients (52.8%) in GI and 23 (67.6%) in GII had their complaints clarified through the videofluoroscopy. Under the conditions of this study, it can be concluded that: 1. The clinical complaints associated with the difficulty of deglutition occur at a similar frequency in adults and older people, with the exception of heartburn that occurs in larger number among adults; 2. Older people present a higher incidence of oropharyngeal deglutition problems; 3. The videofluoroscopy of the deglutition represents a method of great importance for the diagnosis, because it allows the identification of morphofunctional disorders that cannot be adequately identified by anamnesis; 4. The capacity of clarifying diagnosis of the videofluoroscopy of the deglutition is higher in the older people group.

Plasma Adiponectin and Resistin Levels in Type 2 Diabetic Obese Female Patients With and Without Hypertension and Retinopathy

Background: In the past, adipose tissue was largely regarded as a depot for fuel storage in the form of triglyceride. However, adipose tissue is an active endocrine organ that secretes a variety of metabolically important substances including adipokines. The adipocyte is now known to secrete a variety of proteins such as tumour necrosis factor (TNF)- , adipsin, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, leptin, resistin, and adiponectin. Adipose tissue regulates insulin sensitivity via the circulating adipocytokines, resistin and adiponectin. These factors affect insulin sensitivity and may represent a link between obesity, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes (DM). The objective of this study was to compare the levels of resistin and adiponectin in type 2 diabetic obese female patients with and without hypertension and retinopathy. Subjects and Methods: In this study the plasma adiponectin and resistin concentrations were investigated, in 20 control obese non-diabetic females and 40 obese female patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The diabetic females were divided into 2 groups. GI included 20 controlled uncomplicated diabetics & GII included 20 diabetic patients with hypertension and retinopathy. Results: The plasma concentration of adiponectin was significantly lower (P< 0.01) in diabetic females in GΙ & GΠ than non-diabetic control females. In diabetic patients with hypertension and retinopathy ( GII) there was a significant decrease in plasma adiponectin levels (P< 0.01) as compared to their levels in diabetic females in GΙ and control females. Our results also show that there were non-significant changes in plasma resistin in diabetic patients in both groups GΙ & GII as compared to their levels in control group. Conclusion: These results suggest that adiponectin may play a key role in pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus and its microangiopathy and macrovascular complications. Key words: diabetes mellitus . obesity Introduction

Usefulness of Pulsed Doppler Tissue Imaging in the Early Detection of Diastolic Myocardial Abnormalities in First-Degree Relatives of Patients With Familial Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Doppler tissue imaging (DTI) enables regional myocardial function to be assessed irrespective of preload. Our aim was to determine the usefulness of DTI in healthy relatives of patients with familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. We studied 47 first-degree relatives of patients with familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (group GI) and 47 normal subjects (group GII). Echocardiographic studies, including DTI, were performed in both groups. DTI was used to measure myocardial velocities during systole (S'), early diastole (E') and atrial contraction (A') at the mitral annulus, septum, and tricuspid annulus. Isovolumic relaxation and contraction times were corrected for heart rate. With DTI assessment of regional diastolic myocardial function and use of the E'/A' ratio, normal (i.e., E'/A'>1) and abnormal (i.e., E'/A'<1) diastolic function could be distinguished. There were no abnormalities in regional diastolic function in group GII (right E'/A' 1.78 (0.58), septum E'/A' 2.03 (0.53), and left E'/A' 2.55 (0.80). However, in group GI, two subgroup could be distinguished using E'/A' ratio values: group GIa comprised 37 first-degree relatives with normal diastolic function (right E'/A' 1.8 (0.44), septum E'/A' 2.07 (0.41), and left E/A 2.35 (0.6) who did not differ significantly from control subjects, and group GIb comprised 10 first-degree relatives with abnormal right diastolic function (right E'/A' 0.70 (0.28), P<.001) but with less significant differences at the septum (1.57 (0.49), P<.01) and mitral annulus (1.85 (0.53), P<.01). In 10 of 47 (21.3%) first-degree relatives of patients with familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, DTI enabled the detection of ventricular diastolic abnormalities, which were more evident in the right ventricle. They could be a preclinical manifestation of disease.

Effect of traditional Chinese medicinal enemas on ulcerative colitis of rats

To investigate the effects of traditional Chinese medicinal enema (TCME) on inflammatory and immune response of colonic mucosa of rats with ulcerative colitis (UC), and to observe the pathogenic mechanism. Thirty UC rats, induced by intestinal enema together with 2.4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) and acetic acid, were randomly divided into 3 groups, i.e., GI, GII and GIII. Groups GI and GII were administered with TCME and salazosulfapyridine enema (SASPE), respectively. Group GIII was clystered with only normal saline (NSE), served as control. Group GIV was taken from normal rats as reference, once daily, from the 7th day after the establishment of UC for total 28 d. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the colonic mucosa was assayed by (3)H-TdR incorporation assay. Colonic mucosal lymphocyte subpopulation adhesive molecules, CD(4)(+)CD(11a )(+), CD(4)(+)CD(18)(+), CD(8)(+)CD(11a)(+), CD(8)(+)CD1(18)(+) (LSAM), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Moreover, the expression of TNF-alpha mRNA and IFN-gamma mRNA in colonic mucosa were detected by polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Before therapies, in model groups, GI, GII and GIII, levels of IL-6, TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, CD(8)(+)CD(11a)(+) and CD(8)(+)CD(18)(+) were significantly different (38.29+/-2.61 U/mL, 16.54+/-1.23 ng/L, 8.61+/-0.89 ng/L, 13.51+/-2.31% and 12.22+/-1.13%, respectively) compared to those in GIV group (31.56+/-2.47 U/mL, 12.81+/-1.38 ng/L, 5.28+/-0.56 ng/L, 16.68+/-1.41% and 16.79+/-1.11%, respectively). After therapeutic enemas, in GI group, the contents of IL-6 (32.48+/-2.53 U/m), TNF-alpha (13.42+/-1.57 ng/L) and IFN-gamma (5.87+/-0.84 ng/L) were reduced; then, the contents of CD(8)(+)CD(11a)(+) (16.01+/-1.05 %) and CD(8)(+)CD(18)(+) (16.28+/-0.19%) were raised. There was no significant difference between groups GI and GIV, but the difference between groups GI and GII was quite obvious (P<0.05). The expressions of TNF-alpha mRNA and IFN-gamma mRNA in group GIII were much higher than those of group GIV, but those in group GI were significantly suppressed by TCME therapy. Ulcerative colitis is related to colonic regional mucosal inflammatory factors and immune imbalance. TCME can effectively inhibit regional mucosal inflammatory factors and improve their disorder of immunity.

Reconstituição experimental da parede torácica de gatos com implante heterógeno de cartilagem auricular conservada em glicerina a 98%

Com o objetivo de testar o implante de cartilagem auricular heteróloga conservada em glicerina a 98% como alternativa para reparar defeitos na parede torácica em felinos, foram estudados doze animais adultos, sendo distribuídos em dois grupos GI e GII, e avaliados após 60 dias de pós-operatório. Todos os animais foram submetidos à ressecção costal na porção média do tórax abrangendo a 7ª, 8ª e 9ª costelas e posterior implante de cartilagem conchal heteróloga conservada em glicerina a 98%. No GI, foi preservada a musculatura adjacente, já no GII, a musculatura foi retirada. Os animais foram avaliados clinicamente no pós-operatório e, ao final do período, submetidos à eutanásia e necropsia para avaliação macroscópica e microscópica da região do implante. Observou-se proliferação de tecido fibrovascular neovascularizado sobre o implante, com aderência pulmonar e diafragmática em algumas das unidades experimentais. O implante de cartilagem heteróloga conservado em glicerina a 98% pode ser utilizado para reconstrução de parede costal cujo defeito abranja o espaço de parte de três costelas. O implante em 60 dias é substituído por tecido cicatricial, sem apresentar sinais clínicos de rejeição.

Avaliação de dois modelos experimentais de isquemia e reperfusão cerebral em ratos com oclusão temporária carotídea associada ou não à oclusão vertebral

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a reprodutibilidade de dois modelos experimentais de isquemia e reperfusão cerebral. MÉTODOS: 60 ratos foram distribuídos, aleatoriamente, em três grupos experimentais, com 20 animais cada: I - pinçamento temporário de artéria carótida esquerda; II - cauterização prévia das artérias vertebrais e pinçamento temporário da artéria carótida esquerda; simulado - sem isquemia nem reperfusão. Todos os animais tiveram oclusão definitiva de artéria carótida direita e os três grupos foram subdivididos em dois períodos de reperfusão: A - 60 minutos e B - 120 minutos. Os parâmetros verificados foram: medidas de pressão arterial média sistêmica e fluxo sangüíneo carotídeo; medida de malondialdeído cerebral através do teste TBARS e avaliação histológica do hemisfério cerebral submetido à isquemia e reperfusão. Foi feito também um estudo complementar com angiografia cerebral em 5 animais adicionais. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferenças significativas nas dosagens de malondialdeído cerebral e na freqüência e gravidade das alterações histológicas cerebrais entre os três grupos. Nos grupos GI e GII, a PAM foi significantemente maior no período de isquemia. O fluxo sangüíneo entre os períodos pré e pós-pinçamento aumentou nos grupos IA e IIB, diminuiu no grupo IB e no grupo IIA manteve-se inalterado. As angiografias do estudo complementar mostraram aporte sangüíneo para cérebro através de circulação colateral. CONCLUSÃO: Os modelos de isquemia e reperfusão estudados não demonstraram alterações consistentes de marcadores de lesão cerebral, seja quanto à produção de lipoperóxidos ou de lesões histológicas.

In vitro evaluation of the effects of the interaction between irrigating solutions, intracanal medication and Er:YAG laser in dentin permeability of the endodontic system.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate in vitro the effects of different associations between irrigating solutions (EDTA-T and citric acid), intracanal medicament (NDP), and Er:YAG laser irradiation on dentin permeability. Fifty-one extracted single-rooted teeth were instrumented and divided into seven groups. Groups GI and GII had final irrigation with a demineralizing solution only (EDTA-T and citric acid, respectively). Groups GIII and GIV had final irrigation with EDTA-T and citric acid, respectively, plus an association of irrigating solution and Er:YAG laser. Groups GV and GVI had final irrigation with EDTA-T and citric acid, respectively, plus an association of intracanal medication and Er:YAG laser. Group GVII (control group) had final irrigation with distilled water. All root canals were filled with NDP associated with rhodamine B dye. After the experimental period, the samples were transversely cut into six 2.0 mm thick slices for subsequent reading using the ImageLab software. Analysis of the results allowed us to conclude that there were statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) between the groups as to the penetration of the dye-intracanal medication solution. Groups III and IV presented smaller values of dentinal permeability when compared to the other groups. The best results were obtained with the interaction between a demineralizing irrigating solution and the association of intracanal medicament and laser Er:YAG (groups V and VI). In these groups the observed penetration of the intracanal medicament plus dye solution in the apical third was, on average, 29% greater than in the other groups.

Body chemical composition and efficiency of energy and nutrient utilization by growing pre-ruminant Saanen goat kids

AbstractAn experiment involving a feeding trial and a comparative slaughter was conducted to assess the body chemical composition and patterns of nutrient utilization in pre-ruminant Saanen goat kids. Thirty male kids weighing about 6 kg were divided into five equal groups, one of which was slaughtered as the reference group (G0). The remainder were randomly assigned to four feeding levels of 250, 290, 330 and 370 g goats’ milk per kg M0·75 per day and named as groups GI, GII, GIII and GIV, respectively up to about 15 kg live weight, after which they were slaughtered. Mean milk consumption per unit live-weight gain (LWG) (kg/kg), and daily LWG (g/day), for GI, GII, GIII, GIV respectively were: 13·5 and 110; 10·5 and 160; 10·2 and 180; and 10·3 and 200. Empty body weight (EBW) as a proportion of final live weight was 0·95 in the reference animals, and ranged from 0·80 to 0·88 in the treatment groups. The dry matter (DM) concentration in the empty body of kids increased as their age advanced, from 277 g/kg EBW (G0) to between 308 and 326 g/kg EBW (GI to GIV). The protein and fat concentration of LWGs increased with the level of feeding from GI (142 g crude protein (CP) and 75·5 g fat per kg LWG) to GIV (155 g CP and 109 g fat per kg LWG). Regression of energy retention (ER) on metabolizable energy (ME) intake resulted in an efficiency of ME utilization for body retention (k) of 0·72(± 006). ME requirement for maintenance was estimated as 458 kJ/kg M0·75 per day. Efficiency of nitrogen (N) utilization for growth and N requirement for maintenance were estimated as 0·66(±011) and 0·47 g/kg M0·75 per day, respectively.

Free PSA and prostate volume on the diagnosis of prostate carcinoma

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the influence of prostate volume on the performance of total prostate specific antigen (tPSA) and free PSA (fPSA) on the diagnosis of prostate adenocarcinoma. METHODS: A total of 188 patients underwent transrectal ultrasound guided biopsies (10-12 cores) due to prostate nodes detected by digital rectal examination and/or tPSA range of 2.5-10ng/ml. Mean age was 65.7±8.7 years. 19/100 (19%)(GI) patients with prostate volume &gt;40ml had prostate cancer while the corresponding figure for patients with prostate &lt;40ml was 26/88 (29.5%)(GII). We analyzed the sensitivity and specificity of tPSA at cut-off points of 2.5 and 4ng/ml as well as the influence of the ratio f/tPSA in both groups of patients. RESULTS: In the group GI tPSA sensitivity and specificity were 94.4% and 19.5% at the cut-off level of 4ng/ml and 100% and 6% at 2.5ng/ml. The corresponding values for GII were 76.5% and 62.9%, and 100% and 19.3%. In group GI a cut-off of 19% for the ratio f/tPSA kept tPSA sensitivity over 90% while the specificity increased to 46.2% at cut-off level of 4ng/ml and to 32.9% at 2.5ng/ml. In the group GII the ratio f/tPSA was not able to increase the specificity of tPSA at a cut-off level of 4ng/ml without an expressive reduction of sensitivity. On the other side, for this group a cut-off of 16% for the f/tPSA ratio rose the specificity to 46.7% for a sensitivity over 90%. CONCLUSION: We recommend stratification of patients according to prostate volume to define tPSA cut-off point. The cut-off level of 2.5ng/ml for tPSA combined with f/tPSA ratio of 19% in prostates &gt;40ml and 16% in prostates &lt;40ml was a better option for prostate biopsy indication than tPSA at a cut-off of 4ng/ml associated or not with f/tPSA ratio.

Tissue response to polyanionic collagen: elastin matrices implanted in rat calvaria

The tissue response to polyanionic collagen matrices, prepared from bovine pericardium and implanted subperiosteally in rat calvaria, was studied. The materials were implanted in 72 male rats ( Rattus norvegicus, albinus, Holtzman), randomly divided into four groups: GI-MBP hydrolyzed for 24 h; GII-MBP hydrolyzed for 36 h; GIII-MBP hydrolyzed for 48 h; GIV-native MBP. The materials were explanted after 15, 30 and 60 days and analyzed by routine histological procedures. Except for group IV (native bovine pericardium), polyanionic collagen from groups GI, GII and GIII showed low inflammatory reaction associated with bone formation, partially or completely integrated to the cranial bone; group GIV was characterized by an intense inflammatory reaction with occasional dystrophic mineralization and with occasional bone formation at 60 days when there was a decrease in the inflammatory reaction. Thus, the MBP from groups I, II and III were biologically compatible, enhancing bone formation with a slight delay at 60 days in GII.

Ação da domperidona sobre a prenhez da rata albina

Objetivos: estudar os efeitos do uso crônico do fármaco anti-emético domperidona durante toda a prenhez da rata albina. Métodos: foram utilizadas 50 ratas albinas prenhes distribuídas ao acaso em cinco grupos: GI - sem nenhum tratamento (controle I); GII - recebeu água (controle II), GIII, GIV e GV foram tratadas, respectivamente, com 2, 6 e 12 mg/kg de peso corporal por dia de domperidona, com doses fracionadas de 4 em 4 horas, por gavagem, sempre em 1 ml de água destilada, desde o dia zero até o 20º dia de prenhez. O ganho de peso das matrizes foi avaliado no dia zero e no 7º, 14º e 20º dia de prenhez, sendo que no 20º dia todos os animais foram sacrificados. A seguir foram anotados os seguintes parâmetros: número de sítios de implantação, de placentas e de fetos, pesos das placentas e dos fetos, malformações e mortalidade materna e fetal. Resultados: considerando as variáveis apreciadas, o fármaco influiu somente sobre a mortalidade fetal, sendo respectivamente de 14, 26 e 32 óbitos intra-uterinos entre 74, 60 e 57 crias, considerando os grupos III, IV e V. Conclusões: embora os resultados da experimentação animal não possam ser diretamente levados para a clínica humana, este trabalho alerta para os cuidados na prescrição de domperidona durante o período gestacional.

Efeitos do Uso Crônico de Acetaminofeno na Prenhez da Rata

Objetivos: estudar a acao do acetaminofeno administrado durante toda a prenhez da rata albina. Metodos: 40 ratas albinas prenhes foram distribuidas ao acaso em quatro grupos numericamente iguais: GI - recebeu diariamente 1 ml de agua destilada por gavagem (controle); GII, GIII e GIV foram tratadas, respectivamente, com 125, 500 e 1.500 mg/kg de peso corporal de acetaminofeno, dose unica, diaria, por gavagem, sempre diluido em 1 ml de agua destilada, desde o dia zero ate o 20o dia de prenhez. O ganho de peso das matrizes foi avaliado nos dias 0, 7, 15 e 20 de prenhez, sendo que no 20o dia todos os animais foram sacrificados. Resultados: nossos achados mostraram sempre menor peso entre as matrizes que receberam o medicamento, quando comparadas com o controle. A incidencia de reabsorcao dos embrioes foi da ordem de 2,0, 3,5 e 7,0 vezes maior que no controle, considerando-se, respectivamente, os grupos GII, GIII e GIV. Os grupos GIII e GIV tiveram reducao do peso dos conceptos. No GIV, houve reducao de 50% no crescimento de fetos e placentas com relacao ao controle; aqui, tambem foram encontradas 15,7% de malformacoes externas. Conclusoes: deve ser evitado o uso continuo do acetominofeno em altas doses, superiores a 70 mg/kg por dia, durante o periodo gestacional.

A microscopic survey of the human temporomandibular joint disc.

The articular disc of the temporomandibular joint was studied in a foetuses and children group (GI), a dentate group of adults (GII) and an edentulous, elderly group of humans (GIII) by light microscopy. The main, constituent bundles of type I collagen fibres are stratified and are orientated sagittally, transversely and obliquely in the middle portion of the disc. In the thick, posterior portion, transverse bundles constitute the main feature. In the anterior portion of the disc, the fibres are sagittally and obliquely orientated. Type III collagen fibres, intermingled with type I collagen fibres are present in all groups. The disc is cellular in nature in foetuses and children, becoming more fibrous with age. Chondroid cells are observed in all portions of the discs in groups GII and GIII. Elastic fibres are numerous in GI discs and decrease in number in the disc with age. These fibres lie parallel to the collagen fibres in all three portions of the three groups.

A microscopic survey of the human temporomandibular joint disc

summary The articular disc of the temporomandibular joint was studied in a foetuses and children group (GI), a dentate group of adults (GII) and an edentulous, elderly group of humans (GIII) by light microscopy. The main, constituent bundles of type I collagen fibres are stratified and are orientated sagittally, transversely and obliquely in the middle portion of the disc. In the thick, posterior portion, transverse bundles constitute the main feature. In the anterior portion of the disc, the fibres are sagittally and obliquely orientated. Type III collagen fibres, intermingled with type I collagen fibres are present in all groups. The disc is cellular in nature in foetuses and children, becoming more fibrous with age. Chondroid cells are observed in all portions of the discs in groups GII and GIII. Elastic fibres are numerous in GI discs and decrease in number in the disc with age. These fibres lie parallel to the collagen fibres in all three portions of the three groups.