Morphological analysis of the jugular foramen in dry human skulls in northeastern Brazil.

The jugular foramen (JF) is located between the temporal and occipital bones. The JF is a primary pathway for venous outflow from the skull and passage of nerves. Variations are common in this region and may have clinical and surgical implications. To analyze the sexual dimorphism and JF morphology in skulls from Northeastern Brazil. 128 human skulls from the Anatomy Laboratory of the Federal University of Paraíba, 64 male and 64 female, were selected and the JFs analyzed for bone septation and the presence of a dome. Data analysis considered P<0.05 as significant. On at least one side, complete septation was observed in 26 skulls (20.3%), incomplete septation in 93 skulls (72.6%) and 61 skulls (47.6%) did not present septation. In 114 skulls (89%), 47.6% female and 41.4% male, have a unilateral presence of the dome and 71 (55.4%) have it bilaterally. Posterolateral compartment diameters and JF area had higher values on the right side in the total sample and separated by sex (P<0.05). Most morphometric variables of the anteromedial compartment were higher in male than in female (P<0.05), fact that was not observed in the posterolateral compartment (P>0.05). This study showed a higher prevalence of complete septation in males compared to females. Morphometric analysis presented a peculiar morphology of the JF in this study. These results suggests that the surgical approach to diseases that affect the JF may be peculiar to the studied population, confirming the importance of morphological analysis of the skull base.

Basal or stimulated thyroglobulin in evaluating response to treatment in papillary thyroid carcinoma? A retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: It is not clear whether response to initial treatment in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) patients is best evaluated by measuring thyroglobulin (Tg) in the presence of levothyroxine (BTg) or when stimulated by elevated TSH (STg). The aim of this study was to evaluate whether response to therapy 1 year after initial treatment changes with the use of STg in relation to BTg in PTC patients treated with total thyroidectomy (TT) and radioiodine (131I), and, if observed, to assess which response is better associated with clinical course. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 148 PTC patients submitted to TT and 131I. We analyzed the response to therapy (excellent, biochemical incomplete, or indeterminate) at 1 year after initial treatment, using BTg or STg, and compared which method was better associated with "excellent response at final evaluation." RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients (20.4%) presented change in response to therapy, with 17 of these (60.7%) presenting a worse response. Response using STg was 1.6 times better associated with proposed outcome [odds ratio (OR) = 4.61; confidence interval 95% (IC95%): 2.13-9.98] than with BTg (OR = 2.84; IC95%: 1.33-6.06). CONCLUSION: Response to therapy at 1 year using STg was altered in approximately 20% of cases and therefore proved to be a better predictor of excellent response in the last evaluation.

Automated Assessment of Cell Infiltration and Removal in Decellularized Scaffolds - Experimental Study in Rabbits.

Objective Semiquantitative and automated measurement of nuclear material removal and cell infiltration in decellularized tendon scaffolds (DTSs). Method 16 pure New Zealand rabbits were used, and the gastrocnemius muscle tendon was collected bilaterally from half of these animals (16 tendons collected); 4 were kept as control and 12 were submitted to the decellularization protocol (DTS). Eight of the DTSs were used as an in vivo implant in the experimental rotator cuff tear (RCT) model, and the rest, as well as the controls, were used in the semiquantitative and automated evaluation of nuclear material removal. The eight additional rabbits were used to make the experimental model of RCT and subsequent evaluation of cellular infiltration after 2 or 8 weeks, within the DTS. Results The semiquantitative and automated analysis used demonstrated a removal of 79% of nuclear material ( p < 0.001 and power > 99%) and a decrease of 88% (p < 0.001 and power >99%) in the area occupied by nuclear material after the decellularization protocol. On cell infiltration in DTS, an increase of 256% (p < 0.001 and power >99%) in the number of cells within the DTS was observed in the comparison between 2 and 8 weeks postoperatively. Conclusion The proposed semiquantitative and automated measurement method was able to objectively measure the removal of nuclear material and cell infiltration in DTS.

Automated Assessment of Cell Infiltration and Removal in Decellularized Scaffolds - Experimental Study in Rabbits / Avaliação automatizada da infiltração e remoção celular em scaffolds descelularizados - Estudo experimental em coelhos

Abstract Objective Semiquantitative and automated measurement of nuclear material removal and cell infiltration in decellularized tendon scaffolds (DTSs). Method 16 pure New Zealand rabbits were used, and the gastrocnemius muscle tendon was collected bilaterally from half of these animals (16 tendons collected); 4 were kept as control and 12 were submitted to the decellularization protocol (DTS). Eight of the DTSs were used as an in vivo implant in the experimental rotator cuff tear (RCT) model, and the rest, as well as the controls, were used in the semiquantitative and automated evaluation of nuclear material removal. The eight additional rabbits were used to make the experimental model of RCT and subsequent evaluation of cellular infiltration after 2 or 8 weeks, within the DTS. Results The semiquantitative and automated analysis used demonstrated a removal of 79% of nuclear material (p< 0.001 and power > 99%) and a decrease of 88% (p < 0.001 and power >99%) in the area occupied by nuclear material after the decellularization protocol. On cell infiltration in DTS, an increase of 256% (p < 0.001 and power >99%) in the number of cells within the DTS was observed in the comparison between 2 and 8 weeks postoperatively. Conclusion The proposed semiquantitative and automated measurement method was able to objectively measure the removal of nuclear material and cell infiltration in DTS.

Resumo Objetivo Mensuração semiquantitativa e automatizada da remoção de material nuclear e da infiltração celular em scaffolds tendinosos descelularizados (STDs). Método Foram utilizados 16 coelhos Nova Zelândia puros, sendo o tendão do músculo gastrocnêmio coletado bilateralmente de metade destes animais (16 tendões coletados); 4 foram mantidos como controle e 12 foram submetidos ao protocolo de descelularização (STD). Dos STDs, 8 foram utilizados como implante in vivo no modelo experimental de lesão do manguito rotador (LMR) e os restantes, assim como os controles, foram utilizados na avaliação semiquantitativa e automatizada da remoção de material nuclear. Os oito coelhos adicionais foram utilizados na confecção do modelo experimental de LMR e posterior avaliação da infiltração celular após 2 ou 8 semanas, dentro do STD. Resultados A análise semiquantitativa e automatizada utilizada demonstrou uma remoção de 79% do material nuclear (p< 0,001 e poder > 99%) e uma diminuição de 88% (p< 0,001 e poder > 99%) na área ocupada por material nuclear após o protocolo de descelularização. Sobre a infiltração celular no STD, foi observado um aumento de 256% (p< 0,001 e poder > 99%) no número de células dentro do STD na comparação entre 2 e 8 semanas de pós-operatório. Conclusão O método de mensuração semiquantitativo e automatizado proposto foi capaz de mensurar objetivamente a remoção de material nuclear e a infiltração celular no STD.

Treatment of Muscle Injury with Stem Cells - Experimental Study in Rabbits.

Objective Histological and macroscopic evaluation of the healing process of acute lesions of the femoral rectus muscle using stem cells derived from adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs). Method An experimental study was conducted with 18 hind legs of New Zealand rabbits, which were divided into three study groups according to the intervention to be performed. In group I, no surgical procedure was performed; in group II-SHAN, the experimental lesion was performed without any additional intervention protocol; in group III-Intervention, the addition of ADSCs was performed in the same topography of the experimental lesion. After the proposed period, 2 weeks, the material was collected and submitted to macroscopic and histological evaluation. Results The quantitative analysis showed that the addition of ADSCs is related to the reduction of inflammatory cells in the 2-week evaluation (164.2 cells in group II - SHAN to 89.62 cells in group III - ADSC). The qualitative analysis of the slides with Picrosirius red, noticed an increase in orange/yellow fibers in group III - ADSC, which evidences a final healing process. The macroscopic evaluation found no difference between the groups. Conclusion The use of ADSCs in the treatment of acute muscle injury presented histological advantages when compared to their non-use.

Treatment of Muscle Injury with Stem Cells - Experimental Study in Rabbits / Tratamento da lesão muscular com células-tronco - Estudo experimental em coelhos

Abstract Objective Histological and macroscopic evaluation of the healing process of acute lesions of the femoral rectus muscle using stem cells derived from adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs). Method An experimental study was conducted with 18 hind legs of New Zealand rabbits, which were divided into three study groups according to the intervention to be performed. In group I, no surgical procedure was performed; in group II—SHAN, the experimental lesion was performed without any additional intervention protocol; in group III—Intervention, the addition of ADSCs was performed in the same topography of the experimental lesion. After the proposed period, 2 weeks, the material was collected and submitted to macroscopic and histological evaluation. Results The quantitative analysis showed that the addition of ADSCs is related to the reduction of inflammatory cells in the 2-week evaluation (164.2 cells in group II - SHAN to 89.62 cells in group III - ADSC). The qualitative analysis of the slides with Picrosirius red, noticed an increase in orange/yellow fibers in group III - ADSC, which evidences a final healing process. The macroscopic evaluation found no difference between the groups. Conclusion The use of ADSCs in the treatment of acute muscle injury presented histological advantages when compared to their non-use.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliação histológica e macroscópica do processo de cicatrização das lesões agudas do músculo reto femoral, com utilização de células-tronco derivadas de tecido adiposo (ADSCs, na sigla em inglês). Método Foi realizado um estudo experimental com 18 patas traseiras de coelhos Nova Zelândia, que foram divididos em três nos grupos de estudo de acordo com a intervenção a ser realizada. No grupo I não foi realizado procedimento cirúrgico; no grupo II - SHAN foi realizado a lesão experimental sem nenhum protocolo de intervenção adicional; e no grupo III - Intervenção foi realizado a adição de ADSCs na mesma topografia onde foi realizada a lesão experimental. Após o período proposto, 2 semanas, o material foi coletado, submetido a avaliação macroscópica e histológica. Resultados A análise quantitativa demonstrou que a adição de ADSCs está relacionada com a diminuição de células inflamatórias na avaliação com 2 semanas (164,2 células no grupo II - SHAN para 89,62 células no grupo III - ADSC). A análise qualitativa das lâminas coradas com Picrosírius red demonstrou um aumento das fibras de cor laranja/amarela no grupo III - ADSC, o que evidencia um processo final de cicatrização. A avaliação macroscópica não encontrou diferença entre os grupos. Conclusão A utilização de ADSCs no tratamento de lesão muscular aguda apresentou vantagens histológicas quando comparada a sua não utilização.

A new decellularized tendon scaffold for rotator cuff tears - evaluation in rabbits.

BACKGROUND: Scaffolds have considerably advanced in recent years. In orthopaedic surgery, scaffolds have been used as grafts in procedures involving tendon and ligament reconstruction. This paper aimed to produce and evaluate decellularized tendon scaffolds (DTSs) from biomechanical, microscopic, macroscopic and in vivo perspectives. METHODS: Bilateral gastrocnemius muscle tendons from 18 adult New Zealand rabbits were collected. Of these 36 tendons, 11 were used as controls (Group A - control), and 25 were used in the decellularization protocol (Group B - DTS). The groups were subjected to histological, biomechanical and macroscopic analyses, and Group B - DTS was subjected to an additional in vivo evaluation. In the decellularization protocol, we used a combination of aprotinin, ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and t-octyl-phenoxypolyethoxyethanol (Triton X-100) for six days. During this period, the scaffolds were kept at room temperature on an orbital shaker with constant motion. RESULTS: The DTSs showed an increased cross-sectional area and inter-fascicular distance and no change in parallelism or matrix organization. The nuclear material was not organized in the DTSs as it was in the control. In the biomechanical analysis, no significant differences were found between the groups after analysing the ultimate tensile load, stiffness, and elongation at the ultimate tensile load. During the in vivo evaluation, mononuclear cell infiltration was noted. CONCLUSIONS: The evaluated decellularization protocol generated a tendon scaffold, maintained the most important biomechanical characteristics and permitted cell infiltration.

Serial Doppler velocimetry of mesenteric and portal flow in very-low-birth-weight preterm neonates with and without patent ductus arteriosus.

BACKGROUND: Very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) preterm neonates are vulnerable to patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), which might be related to high-resistance flow in the superior mesenteric artery (SMA), with decreased diastolic flow in situations of marked intestinal hypoperfusion. No previous studies have evaluated the portal vein and superior mesenteric vein (SMV) parameters to assess the PDA hemodynamic repercussions. OBJECTIVE: To assess mesenteric and portal flow in VLBW preterm neonates with or without PDA using serial Doppler ultrasonography (US). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective longitudinal study on 61 VLBW preterm neonates submitted to 161 Doppler US exams, from 2 days to 20 days of age. RESULTS: All infants exhibited a progressive daily increase in the mean of the SMA diameter and systolic velocity, the portal vein diameter, the peak velocity, the mean velocity and the flow volume and of SMV diameter (P<0.05). The incidence of PDA was 37.7% (n=23) and infants with the disease revealed a smaller diameter, greater systolic velocity, lower diastolic velocity, and higher resistivity and pulsatility indices on SMA compared to those without PDA (P<0.05). Additionally, 47.8% (n=11) of infants with PDA exhibited absent or reversed end-diastolic flow in the SMA, and its resolution was seen among 54.5% (n=6) of these. Infants with PDA also exhibited lower values of portal vein diameter and flow volume and of SMV diameter (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Doppler US enhances the understanding of mesenteric and portal flow, including the effects of PDA. The study of SMV and portal vein flow is proposed as a new parameter in PDA evaluation.

Comunidades sujas de lama: da destruição à ressignificação e a resistência em mariana/mg / Comunidades sucias de barro: de la destrucción a la resignificación y la resistencia en mariana/mg / Mud-dirty communities: from destruction to resignification and resistance in mariana/mg, brazil

Resumo No dia 5 de novembro de 2015, o rompimento da barragem de rejeitos de Fundão em Mariana-MG (Brasil) de propriedade das mineradoras Samarco, Vale e BHP Billiton destruiu comunidades e contaminou o Rio Doce, sendo reconhecido como o maior desastre/crime sócio ambiental do Brasil. Nosso objetivo neste artigo é compreender os sentidos de comunidade construídos e acessados pelos atingidos dessas localidades anteriormente ao desastre e após o mesmo. Para tal, recorreremos a dados coletados durante diferentes contatos com o campo realizados pelas três autoras e que incluíram a realização de visitas aos territórios, entrevistas com atingidos e atingidas, observação participante (eventos, reuniões, outros), registro em diário de campo. Os resultados apontam que há uma constante busca por tentar recriar o sentimento de comunidade que se mostra principalmente na manutenção do vínculo com o espaço físico devastado e na tentativa de recriar o mesmo no espaço onde será feito o reassentamento.

Resumen El 5 de noviembre de 2015, la ruptura de la presa de relaves Fundão en Mariana-MG (Brasil), propiedad de las compañías mineras Samarco, Vale y BHP Billiton, destruyó comunidades y contaminó el Río Doce, siendo reconocido como el mayor desastre/crimen socioambiental en Brasil. Nuestro objetivo en este artículo es comprender los significados de la comunidad construida y accedida por los afectados en estos lugares antes y después del desastre. Con este fin, utilizaremos los datos recopilados durante los diferentes contactos con el campo llevados a cabo por las tres autoras, que incluyeron visitas a los territorios, entrevistas con los afectados y afectadas, observación participante (eventos, reuniones, otros) y registro en un diario de campo. Los resultados muestran que existe una búsqueda constante para tratar de recrear el sentimiento de comunidad que se muestra principalmente en el mantenimiento del vínculo con el espacio físico devastado y en el intento de recrearlo en el espacio donde se realizará el reasentamiento.

Abstract On November 5, 2015, the Fundão dam owned by the mining companies Samarco, Vale and BHP Billiton broke in Mariana/MG (Brazil), destroying communities and contaminating the Rio Doce, being recognized as the biggest socio-environmental catastrophe/crime in Brazil. Our goal in this article is to understand the senses of community built and accessed by those affected before and after the disaster. To this end, we used data collected during different field contacts made by the three authors, which included visits to the affected territories, interviews with those affected, participant observation (events, meetings and others), and recording in a field diary. The results indicate that there is a constant search to try to recreate the feeling of community, which is shown mainly in the maintenance of the bond with the devastated physical space and in the attempt to recreate it in the space where the resettlement will be done.

Vadias, putas e feministas: diálogos em Belo Horizonte / Zorras, putas y feministas: diálogos en Belo Horizonte / Sluts, whores and feminists: dialogues at Belo Horizonte

Resumo O presente artigo tem como objetivo mostrar as formas como os debates feministas em torno da prostituição em Belo Horizonte se atualizam e adquirem novos contornos a partir da emergência da "Marcha das Vadias" e de sua relação com o movimento de prostitutas. O artigo apresenta parte dos dados da pesquisa de doutorado concluída por uma das autoras em 2015, incluindo métodos como observação participante, entrevistas em profundidade, coleta documental, dentre outros. No que toca à Marcha das Vadias de Belo Horizonte, realizamos etnografia das edições de 2012, 2014 e 2015, participando também das listas de discussão e grupos de organização e avaliação da mesma. Observamos que a Marcha das Vadias se mostra aberta ao diálogo com as prostitutas na cidade, mas que esse debate é frequentemente perpassado por concepções prévias e pouca margem para construções e ações efetivamente conjuntas.

Resumen Este artículo tiene como objetivo mostrar las formas en que se actualizan o reformulan los debates feministas acerca de la prostitución en Belo Horizonte con la aparición de "Slutwalk". El artículo presenta parte de los datos de investigación de doctorado completados por una de las autoras en 2015, incluyendo métodos tales como la observación participante, entrevistas en profundidad, análisis documental, entre otros. En cuanto a la Slutwalk de Belo Horizonte, se realizó la etnografía de las ediciones de 2012, 2014 y 2015, participando también en la organización de listas de correo electrónico y grupos y la evaluación de la misma. Se observó que la Slutwalk se muestra abierta al diálogo con las prostitutas en la ciudad, pero este debate es a menudo impregnado de ideas preconcebidas y con poco espacio para las estructuras y acciones conjuntas eficaces.

Abstract This article aims to show the ways in which feminist debates on prostitution at Belo Horizonte are updated and acquire new characteristics from the emergence of the "Slutwalk" and its relation with the prostitutes movement. The article presents part of the doctoral research data completed by one of the authors in 2015, including methods such as participant observation, in-depth interviews, documents collection, among others. Regarding the Slutwalk of Belo Horizonte, we conducted ethnography of the editions of 2012, 2014 and 2015, also participating in the mailing lists and the Facebook group of the organization members. We observed that the Slutwalk showed open to dialogue with the prostitutes in the city, but this debate is often permeated by preconceptions and gives little room for effective joint structures and actions.

Identidade das Prostitutas em Belo Horizonte: as Representações, as Regras e os Espaços / Identity of Prostitutes in Belo Horizonte: Representations, Rules, and Spaces

A prostituição é uma atividade marcada pela diversidade de locais, práticas, regras e atores, gerando limites e possibilidades diferentes para a construção da identidade de mulheres prostitutas. O artigo tem como objetivo caracterizar a prostituição em alguns pontos da cidade de Belo Horizonte e discutir como a inserção nesses espaços e nessa atividade interfere na formação da identidade das prostitutas. Durante visitas a áreas de prostituição, foram feitas observações e entrevistas informais. Foram feitas 16 entrevistas semi-estruturadas, sendo 5 com prostitutas e 11 com informantes-chave. Observou-se a forma como as representações sobre a prostituição e os espaços ocupados interferem na formação da identidade e também no modo como são tratadas as prostitutas, muitas vezes de formas preconceituosas e violentas. A caracterização da atividade se mostrou fundamental por permitir um olhar menos preconceituoso e estigmatizante (AU)

Prostitution is an activity marked by a diversity of places, practices, rules, and actors, creating boundaries and different possibilities for the construction of the identity of female prostitutes. The article has as its objective to describe the prostitution in some spots in the city of Belo Horizonte and to discuss how the insertion into these spaces and this activity interferes in the formation of identity of the prostitutes. During visits to areas of prostitution, observations and informal interviews were made. 16 semi-structured interviews were made, 5 with prostitutes and 11 with key informants. We observed how the representations about prostitution and the spaces occupied interfere in the formation of identity and also in the way prostitutes are treated, often with prejudice and violence. The description of the activity proved essential, for it allowed a less biased and stigmatizing view (AU)

Próteses provisórias implanto-suportadas / Implant-supported provisional prosthesis

Para uma adequada reabilitação oral protética, tanto nos dentes preparados como nos casos sobre implantes, existe a necessidade da confecção de próteses provisórias para restabelecer seus princípios funcionais, biológicos e mecânicos. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi apresentar casos clínicos de próteses provisórias implanto-suportadas, suas versatilidades e importância para o sucesso do tratamento. Foram selecionados pacientes em tratamento odontológico no Hospital de Reabilitação de Anomalias Craniofaciais da Universidade de São Paulo (HRAC/USP), os quais receberam próteses unitárias, fixas e do tipo protocolo. Foi enfatizada a importância da prótese provisória no estabelecimento do perfil de emergência, sua utilização durante a moldagem de transferência dos implantes e, por final, uma prótese protocolo provisória feita com um reforço metálico, em vez de uma barra convencional. Considerando a importância da fase das próteses provisórias no tratamento reabilitador, o cirurgião-dentista deve explorar toda a possibilidade e versatilidade dessa fase para que o mínimo de dúvidas e adversidades ocorra na fase definitiva, proporcionando um prognóstico confiável.