Oxidative stress is involved in LLLT mechanism of action on skin healing in rats

The skin injury healing process involves the main phases of homoeostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. The present study aimed to analyze the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on hematological dynamics, oxidative stress markers, and its relation with tissue healing following skin injury. Wistar rats were divided into control, sham, skin injury, and skin injury LLLT. The biochemical and morphological analyses were performed in the inflammatory (1 and 3 days) and regenerative phases (7, 14, and 21 days) following injury. The skin injury was performed in the dorsal region, between the intrascapular lines, using a surgical punch. LLLT (Al-Ga-In-P, λ=660 nm, energy density of 20 J/cm2, 30 mW power, and a time of 40 s) was applied at the area immediately after injury and on every following day according to the experimental subgroups. LLLT maintained hematocrit and hemoglobin levels until the 3rd day of treatment. Surprisingly, LLLT increased total leukocytes levels compared to control until the 3rd day. The effects of LLLT on mitochondrial activity were demonstrated by the significant increase in MTT levels in both inflammatory and regenerative phases (from the 1st to the 7th day), but only when associated with skin injury. The results indicated that LLLT modulated the inflammatory response intensity and accelerated skin tissue healing by a mechanism that involved oxidative damage reduction mostly at early stages of skin healing (inflammatory phase).

Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of the isatin derivative (Z)-2-(5-chloro-2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)-N-phenyl-hydrazinecarbothioamide in mice

Several isatin derivatives have shown important biological activities, which have attracted interest from researchers. For this reason, the present study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of the isatin derivative (Z)-2-(5-chloro-2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)-N-phenyl-hydrazinecarbothioamide (COPHCT) in mice. Three doses of this compound were tested: 1.0, 2.5, and 5.0 mg/kg. The anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using the carrageenan-induced paw edema model and the zymosan-induced air pouch model. The evaluation of the antinociceptive effect was performed through the formalin test and the acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing test. The paw edema assay demonstrated that all doses of the compound showed a significant reduction of the edema in the second hour evaluated, but a better response was observed in the fourth hour. The zymosan-induced air pouch model indicated that the compound, in all doses, significantly reduced leukocyte migration and total protein concentration levels. In the formalin test, the doses 1.0, 2.5, and 5.0 mg/kg of COPHCT showed activity only in the second phase, with reduction in paw pain time of 73.61, 79.46, and 73.85%, respectively. The number of abdominal writhings decreased with the increasing dose, but only 5.0 mg/kg COPHCT exhibited a significant response, with a reduction of 24.88%. These results demonstrated the ability of this compound to interfere in the anti-inflammatory activity of edema, vascular permeability, and cell migration. In addition, its possible antinociceptive effect may be related to the dose used.

Efeito do tipo de alimentação de cães saudáveis sobre análises clínicas e aspectos comportamentais / Effect of the diet of healthy dogs on clinical analysis and behavioral aspects

Objetivou-se estudar o efeito da alimentação caseira, da ração comercial a granel e da ração comercial fechada para cães adultos sobre análises clínicas e aspectos comportamentais de ingestão das dietas. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente ao acaso, com três tratamentos, sendo o tratamento 1 constituído de dieta caseira, o tratamento 2 por ração a granel tipo premium, e o tratamento 3 por ração comercial fechada do tipo premium. Foram utilizados três cães em cada um dos tratamentos, totalizando nove animais. As variáveis analisadas foram: teste de glicemia, odor fecal, escore fecal, volume fecal, análise química da urina (pH urinário, presença de proteína, sangue, corpos cetônicos, bilirrubina e glicose), avaliação visual do pelo e consumo voluntário da dieta. Os cães submetidos à dieta caseira apresentaram menor resultado de glicemia sanguínea (83,90). A urina apresentou pH mais alcalino para cães que receberam a ração a granel (8,06). Cães da dieta caseira apresentaram o mais alto escore para a qualidade do pelo. Houve um maior volume das fezes de cães que receberam a dieta de ração a granel. Cães que receberam a dieta de alimentação caseira ou a ração comercial fechada apresentaram um consumo total do alimento em menos de 10 minutos. A maioria dos resultados foi semelhante entre a dieta caseira e a ração fechada do tipo premium. A ração a granel apresentou os piores resultados.(AU)

The objective of this study was to study the effect of homemade feed, commercial feed in bulk, and closed commercial feed for adult dogs on clinical analysis and behavioral aspects of diet intake. The experimental design was completely randomized with three treatments: homemade diet, bulk premium type feed, and closed commercial feed of the premium type. Three dogs were observed in each of the treatments, totaling nine animals. The variables analyzed were: blood glycemia, fecal odor, fecal score, fecal volume, chemical urine analysis (urinary pH, presence of protein, blood, ketone bodies, bilirubin and glucose), visual evaluation of hair and voluntary dietary intake. Dogs submitted to a home diet showed lower blood glucose results (83.90). Urine was more alkaline pH for dogs that received the bulk feed (8.06). Dogs from the homemade feed presented the highest score for hair quality. There was a greater volume of feces from dogs that received the diet of bulk feed. Dogs that received the diet of home feed or closed commercial feed showed a total consumption of food in less than ten minutes. Most of the results were similar between the homemade feed and the closed-type premium diet. The dogs bulk feed presented the worst results.(AU)

Cryotherapy: biochemical alterations involved in reduction of damage induced by exhaustive exercise

When exercises are done in intense or exhaustive modes, several acute biochemical mechanisms are triggered. The use of cryotherapy as cold-water immersion is largely used to accelerate the process of muscular recovery based on its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. The present study aimed to study the biochemical effects of cold-water immersion treatment in mice submitted to exercise-induced exhaustion. Swiss albino mice were divided into 4 treatment groups: control, cold-water immersion (CWI), swimming exhaustive protocol (SEP), and SEP+CWI. Treatment groups were subdivided into times of analysis: 0, 1, 3, and 5 days. Exhaustion groups were submitted to one SEP session, and the CWI groups submitted to one immersion session (12 min at 12°C) every 24 h. Reactive species production, inflammatory, cell viability, and antioxidant status were assessed. The SEP+CWI group showed a decrease in inflammatory damage biomarkers, and reactive species production, and presented increased cell viability compared to the SEP group. Furthermore, CWI increased acetylcholinesterase activity in the first two sessions. The present study showed that CWI was an effective treatment after exercise-induced muscle damage. It enhanced anti-inflammatory response, decreased reactive species production, increased cell viability, and promoted redox balance, which could decrease the time for the recovery process.

Caracterização anatômica, histoquímica e de classes de metabólitos secundários de folhas de Guzmania lingulata (L. ) Mez / Anatomical, histochemical and class characterization of secondary metabolites in leaves of Guzmania lingulata (L. ) Mez

Na medicina natural pouco se sabe sobre a importância curativa da maior parte das espécies pertencentes à Bromeliaceae. Tal fato evidencia a necessidade da realização de investigações para a comprovação de possíveis potenciais fitoterápicos em espécies dessa família. Guzmania lingulata é caracterizada como sendo uma das espécies de bromélia mais comercializada e conhecida popularmente, a qual é amplamente propagada no Brasil. O presente trabalho objetivou a caracterização anatômica e a identificação de classes de metabólitos secundários presentes em G. lingulata, por meio de análises anatômicas, histoquímicas e químicas. As folhas foram fixadas em FAA 50 e transferidas para etanol 50%. Para o estudo anatômico, secções transversais da porção mediana das lâminas foliares foram obtidas à mão livre e submetidas ao processo de dupla coloração com safranina e azul de astra, sendo, logo após, montadas em gelatina glicerinada. Para a triagem das classes de metabólitos secundários foram coletadas 10 folhas frescas que passaram pelo processo de maceração em solução hidroalcoólica 70% por sete dias, à temperatura ambiente. O filtrado resultante da filtração a vácuo foi evaporado sob vácuo a temperatura de 50ºC até a remoção total do etanol, sendo obtido desta forma o extrato bruto hidroalcoólico a frio (EBHF). Os resultados das secções histológicas permitiram a caracterização anatômico-foliar baseada na qualidade das secções manuais obtidas. Os testes em relação às classes de metabólitos secundários revelaram a presença de antocianinas e taninos e ausência de flavonóides e saponinas. Esses resultados estimulam a realização de estudos mais aprofundados para identificar e quantificar os compostos dessas e de outras classes de metabólitos.

In natural medicine, little is known about the healing importance of most of the species belonging to the family Bromeliaceae. Such a fact points tothe need to perform investigations toprovethe possible phytotherapic potentials in species of the family. Guzmania lingulata is characterized as one of the most popular well-known and commercialized species of bromeliads, being widely spread in Brazil. This work aimed at the anatomic characterization and identification of classes of the secondary metabolites present in G. lingulata, by anatomic, histochemical and chemical analysis of the leaves. The leaves were fixed in FAA 50 and, afterwards, transferred to 50% ethanol. For the anatomic study, transverse sections of the middleproportion of the leafblades were obtained by hand and exposed to the process of double coloration with safranin and astra blue, being, right after that, mounted on glycerin jelly. For the sorting of the classes of secondary metabolites, 10 fresh leaves were collected and then put through the maceration process in 70% hydroalcoholic solution for 7 days, at room temperature. The resulting filtered solution from the vacuum filtration was evaporated under vacuum at 40ºC until the complete removal of the ethanol, obtaining, this way, the cold crude hydroalcoholic extract (EBHF). The results ofhistological sectionsallowed the anatomical characterization based onthe quality ofthe manual sectionsobtained. The testsin relationto the classes of secondary metabolitesrevealed the presence ofanthocyanins andtannins andabsence of flavonoids and saponins. These results encourage the completionoffurther studies to identify and quantify the compounds of these and other classes of metabolites.

Isolation and characterization of canine parvovirus type 2c (CPV-2c) from symptomatic puppies

Canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) is a leading cause of diarrhea in puppies in several parts of the world. In this study CPV-2 was detected and recovered from puppies showing clinical disease from Montevideo, Uruguay. Samples were processed and used to infect CRFK and MDCK cells in order to isolate the virus. Out of twelve, two samples were positive for CPV-2. A genomic region of 583 bp was amplified and the molecular characterization was performed by sequencing, phylogenetic analysis and Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP). Two isolated viruses (UY1 and UY2) were CPV-2c-like viruses. The comparison between the cytophatic effect (CPE) of CPV-2 (vaccinal virus) and CPV-2c (isolated virus) on primary canine cells cultures and on CRFK line cells, demonstrated that CPV-2c is less citopathogenic in CRFK than in primary cultures. Our study represents the first report on isolation and characterization of canine parvovirus type 2c (CPV-2c) in cell cultures from South American dogs.

Patient-based dengue virus surveillance in Aedes aegypti from Recife, Brazil.

Background & objectives: Dengue is currently one of the most important arthropod-borne diseases and may be caused by four different dengue virus serotypes (DENV-1 to DENV-4), transmitted mainly by Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) mosquitoes. With the lack of a dengue vaccine, vector control strategies constitute a crucial mode to prevent or reduce disease transmission. In this context, DENV detection in natural Ae. aegypti populations may serve as a potential additional tool for early prediction systems of dengue outbreaks, leading to an intensification of vector control measures, aimed at reducing disease transmission. In Brazil, this type of surveillance has been performed sporadically by a few groups and has not been incorporated as a routine activity in control programs. This study aimed at detecting DENV in natural Ae. aegypti from Recife, Pernambuco, to check the circulating serotypes and the occurrence of transovarial transmission in local mosquito populations. Methods: From January 2005 to June 2006, mosquitoes (adults and eggs) were collected in houses where people with clinical suspicion of dengue infection lived at. RNA was extracted from pooled mosquitoes and RT-PCR was performed in these samples for detection of the four DENV serotypes. Results & conclusion: Out of 83 pools of adult mosquitoes collected in the field, nine were positive for DENV: five for DENV-1, two for DENV-2 and two for DENV-3. From 139 pools of adult mosquitoes reared from collected eggs, there were 17 positive pools: three for DENV-1, 10 for DENV-2, and four for DENV-3. These results are discussed in the paper in regard to the local dengue epidemiological data. The conclusions clearly point to the informative power and sensitivity of DENV entomological surveillance and to the importance of including mosquito immature forms in this strategy.

Genetic diversity in Brazilian populations of Aedes albopictus

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis technique was undertaken in Aedes albopictus populations from three states in Brazil, Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Minas Gerais (MG) and Pernambuco (PE), to estimate the level of genetic variability and levels of genetic exchange between populations. Allele and genotype frequencies were measured on 47 RAPD loci. Average observed heterozigosity (Ho) ranged from 0.282 in MG to 0.355 in Casa Forte (PE) population. Genetic distances estimates indicated that RJ and MG were more genetically similar than populations from PE. Genetic variation observed in local Brazilian populations was attributed to genetic drift associated with restricted gene flow in recently established populations

Pesquisa de micronúcleos na mucosa esofágica e sua relaçäo com fatores de risco ao câncer de esôfago / Research of micronuclei in the esophageal mucosa and its relationship with risk factors to esophagus cancer

Micronúcleos sao fragmentos de DNA nao incorporados ao núcleo na divisao celular e que apresentam relaçao com agentes genotóxicos (mutagênicos ou clastogênicos). Os micronúcleos podem ser detectados nas células esfoliadas dos tecidos. OBJETIVO: Determinar a freqüência de micronúcleos na mucosa esofágica, relacionando com determinados hábitos. PACIENTES E MÉTODOS: Em pacientes submetidos à endoscopia digestiva alta e sem evidências de anormalidades esofágicas, foram colhidos materiais através de escovado do esôfago médio, para pesquisa de micronúcleos. Após à endoscopia, os pacientes foram questionados sobre seus hábitos. RESULTADOS: A freqüência de micronúcleos nao mostrou diferenças significativas (p > 0,05) em relaçao ao sexo, local de residência (rural ou urbana), tipo de atendimento (ambulatorial ou hospitalizado), ingestao de álcool. Nas variáveis fumo e mate houve diferenças significativas entre as categorias expostos e ex-expostos em relaçao à categoria nunca expostos. CONCLUSAO: A freqüência de micronúcleos na mucosa esofágica foi maior nos pacientes fumantes e bebedores de mate

Tumor de ureter diagnosticado por biópsia transrectal ecoguiada / Ureteric tumor diagnosed by transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy

The transrectal route is currently the preferred one for the performance of prostatic and seminal vesicles biopsies, and its safety and good tolerance are well proved. Transrectal ultrasound, further to be commonly used to guide these biopsies, enables this route to be used for the biopsy of other pelvic organs or masses. However, this has been used only rarely for other organs than prostate or seminal vesicles. We reported a case where a transrectal biopsy was used to diagnose a suspected ureteral metastasis from a rectal adenocarcinoma. The anatomo-pathological study showed that the mass was an urothelial carcinoma of the ureter

Fatores de risco relacionados ao câncer de esôfago no Rio Grande do Sul / Risk factors fo esophageal cancer in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Objetivo. O Rio Grande do Sul apresenta significativos coeficientes de mortalidade ao câncer de esôfago, com diferenças importantes nas microregioes, sugerindo a açao de fatores de riscos externos. Este estudo tem como objetivo mostrar a relaçao do câncer de esôfago com o hábito de fumar, ingerir álcool e mate. Casuística e Metologia. Foram entrevistados 55 pacientes com câncer de esôfago e 110 pacientes controles, sem evidências de tumor à endoscopia. Resultados. Nao foram observadas diferenças em relaçao ao sexo e idade entre casos e controles (p>0,05). Entre os casos foram verificados mais freqüentemente a presença de indivíduos cuja profissao estava ligada à atividade agrícola (RC 3,3; 95 por cento IC 0,9-11,2), pai com antecedente de câncer (RC 6,9; 95 por cento IC 1,9-25,6), fumantes e ex-fumantes (RC 2,5; 95 por cento IC 1,1-5,9), tomadores e ex-tomadores de bebidas alcoólicas (RC 5,3; 95 por cento IC 2,6-11,0), tomadores e ex-tomadores de mate (RC 3,6; 95 por cento IC 1,3-9,8). Outras variáveis mais freqüentes entre os casos de câncer de esôfago: fumantes > 20 anos, entre os tipos de álcool o uso de cachaça, ingestao de álcool diariamente, ingestao de mate diariamente e o hábito de adicionar sal nos alimentos. Conclusoes. Fumo, álcool, mate, agricultores e antecedentes de pai com câncer foram significativamente mais freqüentes entre os casos de câncer de esôfago em relaçao aos controles. Mate foi significativo, independente da quantidade ingerida/dia.

Utilizaçäo da sensitometria no controle de qualidade de imagens radiográficas / Utilization of sensitometry in quality control of radiographic images

Utilizando o método sensitométrico analisou-se a resposta característica de filmes radiográficos e a qualidade das imagens neles geradas. A sensitometria consistiu em sensibilizações e avaliações sistemáticas dos filmes após o seu processamento. A coleta de dados foi realizada diariamente, durante o período de três meses. Os resultados desta pesquisa demostraram que 100 por cento dos filmes apresentam uma resposta característica em desacordo com a sensitometria utilizada como referência. Os resultados podem acrescentar pontos desfavoráveis na decisão de utilizar essa marca e tipo de filme no Serviço de Radiologia em questão.

Using a sensitometric method, the characteristic answer of radiographic films and the quality of the produced images were analized. Sensitometry was a sistematic sensibilization and evaluation of the films after they were processed. Data was collected daily in a period of three months. Results from this research show a desagreement in 100% from the pattern of the sensitometric characteristics to the analized films. This conclusion may add negative points in decision on using this or that fabricant and type of film at the Radiologic Service in question.

Atuaçäo do físico médico nos serviços de radiologia, hemodinâmica e unidade de bloco cirúrgico no Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre / Actuation of physical medical in ridiology, hemodinamic services and surgical unit in Hospital de Clinica de Porto Alegre

Atualmente, os hospitais tem demonstrado maior interesse no Programa de Garantia de Qualidade, bem como, na Radioproteção, no que tange a serviços que envolvam radiações ionizantes. Faz-se necessário, perante a esta tendência, a presença do Físico Médico, que irá elaborar plano de Proteção Radiológica, Programa de Garantia da Qualidade informar mensalmente as doses individuais, acompanhar inspeções sanitárias, treinar e orientar os profissionais envolvidos nessa área. Portanto, o presente trabalho tem o objetivo de relatar as atividades desempenhadas por este profissional nos Serviço de Radiologia, Hemodinâmica e unidade de Bloco Cirúrgico, assim como, a metodologia e os resultados obtidos.

At present, the hospitals have showed more interest in the Quality Assurance Program, also, in Radioprotection, about the services that involve ionization radiation. This is necessery, because a treemd, the presence of the Medical Physics, that will organize a Radiologic Protection project, Quality Assurance Program, inform monthly the individual doses, accompany sanitary inspection, train and orientale the profissionals involve in this area. Consequently, the present paper has the; objective to give an account of the activities executed for this profissional in the Radiologic, Hemodinamic and Surgery Unit, also, the metodology and the results obteined with it.

Natural lectin activity in the haemolymph of Panstrogylus megistus (Heteroptera: Reduvidae)

A hemolinfa de Panstrongylus megistus mostrou uma atividade lectínica natural para eritrócitos de vários vertebrados e näo mostrou especificidade para os diversos tipos de eritrócitos testados (humano ABO, pato, coelho,c amundongo,carneiro, galinha e boi). Com relaçäo aos eritrócitos humanos a atividade lectínica foi similar nos tipos A+, B+ e AB+ enquanto a atividade mais alta foi observada no tipo O+. O título de aglutinaçäo entre eritrócitos animais näo mostrou diferença apreciável, excluindo eritrócitos de boi, que apresentaram o título mmais baixo. A determinaçäo da concentraçäo mínima de inibiçäo foi realizada com eritrócitos humanos O+. A aglutinaçäo foi inibida por vários carboidratos (ramnose, D-dalactose, rafinose, D-lactose e D-fucose). A ramnose foi o inibidor mais potente (0,78 mM). Os resultados sugerem a presença de mais de uma lectina na hemolinfa de P. megistus

Ecobiometria do olho fetal / Fetal eye ultrasonic measurement

Foram realizadas mediçöes do diâmetro transversal equatorial ocular em 224 fetos de gestantes normais utilizando-se um ecógrafo Toshiba equipado com transdutor de 2,4 MHz. A idade gestacional dos fetos oscilou entre 12 e 19 semanas. O diâmetro ocular médio variou de 3,3 mm na 12ª semana até 18,9 mm na 39ª. O crescimento ocular mostrou-se mais rápido na primeira metade da gestaçäo diminuindo paulatinamente até chegar a um mínimo nas últimas semanas. Com os dados obtidos foi posssivel construir nomogramas aplicáveis ao nosso meio, que poderäo auxiliar na detecçäo intra-uterina de diversas patologias

Effects of juvenile hormone analogue on ecdysis prevention induced by precocene in Rhodnius prolixus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae).

Adicionado ao sangue alimentar na dose de 25 micros/ml o precoceno II causou um aumento no periodo de intermuda em ninfas de 4o. estadio de Rhodnius prolixus. Este atraso da muda foi relacionado com a diminuicao da area dos nucleos das celulas das glandulas protoracicas e com a queda da atividade mitotica das celulas da epiderme do inseto. Um analogo de hormonio juvenil aplicado topicamente (60 micros/inseto) junto com o tratamento oral com precoceno II preveniu a atrofia das glandulas protoracicas e induziu um aumento no numero de mitoses nas celulas da epiderme, diminuindo o periodo de intermuda nestes insetos.A possivel relacao entre a acao do hormonio juvenil e a producao de ecdisona pelas glandulas protoracicas e discutida

Aspectos epidemiologicos del melanoma maligno en el Uruguay. Revision de 154 casos. / Epidemiologic aspects of malignant melanoma in Uruguay. Review of 154 cases

Los autores presentan un estudio retrospectivo de 154 casos de melanoma maligno cutaneo primario, con especial referencia a la localizacion. La mortalidad por melanomas en el Uruguay ha aumentado en los ultimos anos, con una tasa de 0.79 por l00.00 habitantes para 1975. La localizacion anatomica mas frecuente fue en miembros inferiores, cabeza y cuello. Existieron diferencias de sitio primario entre ambos sexos, observandose un predominio del tronco en los hombres y las piernas en mujeres. Tambien se establecio un aumento de incidencia con la edad para los de cabeza, cuella y miembros inferiores. Los de tronco predominaron en los mas jovenes. Se senala relativamente baja frecuencia en planta de pie, afectando por igual al grupo urbano y al rural, sexo masculino y femenino. Se analiza la influencia de la radiacion solar el melanoma maligno en el Uruguay comparandose con Australia, de similar latitud pero con situacion climatica diferente