The Baumann Angle: An Analysis from Theory to Practice.

Objective To analyze how the Baumann angle (BA) is affected by inadequate radiographic inclinations. Methods The study was performed from radiographs of the distal humerus of children aged 3 to 10 years. The BA measurements performed by five observers were compared, and each radiograph was evaluated for its quality as "adequate" or "inadequate." The correlation between radiographic quality and the normality of the angles was evaluated. Results Sample was composed of 141 patients, 44% between 3 and 6 years of age and 56% between 7 and 10. We observed the BA between 52.01 and 89.82 degrees, with about 16% of the measurements outside the normal limits of the literature. A total of 33.3% of the evaluated radiographs were classified as "inadequate". On the BA measurements outside the normality parameter, we observed that its proportion was higher among images with inadequate radiographic quality (31.1 vs. 6.2%), and this difference was significant ( p < 0.001). Conclusions The BA is a very variable measurement and, alone, it is unreliable for the evaluation of angular deformities of the pediatric elbow, with radiographic quality proven to be an important causal factor of this variability.

The Baumann Angle: An Analysis from Theory to Practice / O ângulo de Baumann: Uma análise da teoria à prática

Abstract Objective To analyze how the Baumann angle (BA) is affected by inadequate radiographic inclinations. Methods The study was performed from radiographs of the distal humerus of children aged 3 to 10 years. The BA measurements performed by five observers were compared, and each radiograph was evaluated for its quality as "adequate" or "inadequate." The correlation between radiographic quality and the normality of the angles was evaluated. Results Sample was composed of 141 patients, 44% between 3 and 6 years of age and 56% between 7 and 10. We observed the BA between 52.01 and 89.82 degrees, with about 16% of the measurements outside the normal limits of the literature. A total of 33.3% of the evaluated radiographs were classified as "inadequate". On the BA measurements outside the normality parameter, we observed that its proportion was higher among images with inadequate radiographic quality (31.1 vs. 6.2%), and this difference was significant (p< 0.001). Conclusions The BA is a very variable measurement and, alone, it is unreliable for the evaluation of angular deformities of the pediatric elbow, with radiographic quality proven to be an important causal factor of this variability.

Resumo Objetivo Analisar como o ângulo de Baumann (AB) é afetado por inclinações radiográficas inadequadas. Métodos Estudo realizado a partir de radiografias do úmero distal de crianças de 3 a 10 anos. Foram comparadas as aferições do AB realizadas por cinco observadores, e cada radiografia foi avaliada quanto à sua qualidade em "adequada" ou "inadequada". A correlação entre a qualidade radiográfica e a normalidade dos ângulos foi avaliada. Resultados Amostra composta por 141 pacientes, 44% entre 3 e 6 anos e 56% entre 7 e 10. Observamos AB entre 52,01 e 89,82 graus, tendo cerca de 16% das medidas fora dos limites de normalidade da literatura. Um total de 33,3% das radiografias avaliadas foram classificadas como "inadequadas". Sobre as medidas do AB fora do parâmetro da normalidade, observamos que sua proporção foi maior entre as imagens com qualidade radiográfica inadequada (31,1% vs. 6,2%), tendo essa diferença se mostrado significativa (p< 0,001). Conclusões O AB é uma medida muito variável e, isoladamente, pouco confiável para a avaliação de deformidades angulares do cotovelo pediátrico, tendo a qualidade radiográfica se mostrado um fator causal importante dessa variabilidade.

Strain-induced multigap superconductivity in electrene Mo2N: a first principles study.

Superconductivity in low dimensional materials and 2D electrides are topics of great interest with possible applications in next generation electronic devices. Using density functional theory (DFT) associated with Migdal-Eliashberg approach and maximally localized Wannier functions this study shows how biaxial strain affects superconductivity in a monolayer of Mo2N. Results indicate that 2D Mo2N presents strong electron-phonon coupling with large anisotropy in the superconducting energy gap. It is also proposed that, at low temperatures, a single layer of Mo2N becomes an electride with localized electron gas pockets on the surface, resembling anions adsorbed on an atomic sheet. Calculations point to Tc = 24.7 K, a record high transition temperature for this class of material at ambient pressure. Furthermore, it is shown that when biaxial strain is applied to a superconducting Mo2N monolayer, a new superconductivity gap starts at 2% strain and is enhanced by continuum strain, opening additional coupling channels.

Use of 'Aminogam Gel' to fast the wound healing in dogs after the surgical curettage of injured penis.

BACKGROUND: Aminogam gel is used in human patients to accelerate the post-surgical wound healing process of soft oral tissues (e.g. after teeth extraction or oral laser surgery). For this reason and because of the histological affinity between oral and genital mucosa, Aminogam Gel was applied on the dog's penile mucosa to evaluate wound healing after traumatic lesion. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare conventional therapy (using only oral medications) to topic application of 'Aminogam Gel' in order to determine which is better to accelerate the healing process of canine penis injuries. METHODS: For this study, 12 male dogs with an injured penis and traumatic paraphimosis were selected. All patients had traumatic penis injuries due to unsuccessful mating attempts and consequent trauma (continuous licking). The dogs underwent surgical curettage of necrotic areas. The animals were randomly divided into two groups: a control group treated with routine therapy and a group treated with Aminogam Gel as an adjuvant for the scarring process. We assessed wound status and tracked healing using the Bates-Jensen Wound Assessment Tool. RESULTS: Dogs treated with Aminogam Gel therapy healed faster than dogs treated with traditional therapy alone. DISCUSSION: Aminogam Gel is a valid auxiliary drug to accelerate wound healing after penis surgery. This is especially important for breeding dogs, for whom rapid and complete healing of the penis is important for returning to normal reproductive activities.

The trochlear physeal line angle: a novel method to assess coronal plane alignment of the paediatric distal humerus.

Supracondylar humeral fractures account for 60% of elbow fractures in childhood, with cubitus varus being its most common complication. It can be avoided by accurate assessment of distal humeral alignment after fracture reduction, and the Baumann angle is the usual measurement for this purpose. However, several reports demonstrate an inconsistency of this angle, and our hypothesis is that reliability could be improved with angles drawn between the trochlear physeal line and the humeral longitudinal axis. The aim of the study was to compare intra- and interobserver reliability between the Baumann angle and angles drawn between the trochlear physeal line and (1) humeral longitudinal axis (X-angle), (2) humeral lateral cortex line (Y-angle), (3) humeral medial cortex line (Z-angle). Angle measurements were performed on 141 distal humerus' radiographs of children aged 3-10 years by five observers in a tertiary hospital. The measurements were compared for their intra- and interobserver agreement. All measurements showed good or excellent intraobserver agreement levels, with the highest for Z-angle [intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.906] and the lowest for Baumann angle. There were also excellent interobserver agreement levels for all angles, the highest for Z-angle (ICC = 0.885). There are indications that Z-angle had higher agreement levels when compared to the others (ICC = 0.954; 0.936-0.969) in the group aged 7-10 years. The angle drawn between the humeral medial cortex and trochlear physeal line showed greater agreement than the other angles analysed, becoming a potentially useful tool for evaluation of children with supracondylar humeral fractures in daily practice.

Suicidal Behavior in the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Since the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been numerous social changes to try to ​​contain the spread of the disease. These sudden changes in daily life have also changed the way we relate to others, in addition to creating a climate of uncertainty and fear. Therefore, the objective of this review is to compile published data of the consequences of suicidal behavior in the first months from the onset of the pandemic. RECENT FINDINGS: The analysis reflects a concern about issues related to suicide since the beginning of the pandemic. A large number of online surveys have been released and have provided data on relatively large populations. The percentage of the population with suicidal ideation in that period seems to be approximately 5-15%. Many studies associate suicidal ideation with being young, female, and presence of sleep problems. Surveys of healthcare workers do not seem to indicate a higher prevalence of suicidal ideation compared to the general population. The incidence of suicide attempts seen in emergency departments did not seem to change, while the number of visits for other issues, unrelated to suicide, did decrease. The few studies on completed suicide do not indicate an increase in incidence in these first 6 months since March 2020, when the WHO declared the start of the pandemic. It does not seem that there have been major changes in the figures related to suicidal behavior in the studies from the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, although it is still too early to know the consequences it will have long term. The social and economic damages resulting from the pandemic will certainly take a long time to recover.

Case of Anorchia in a Mixed-Breed Dog.

Anorchia is a rare and often poorly understood disorder of sexual development. In the present case report, we used a multidisciplinary approach to diagnose a case of anorchia in a 30-month old dog. The diagnostic process began with gathering the dog medical history followed by a clinical visit with the patient, which included a general wellness examination as well as an examination of the genital system. As suggested in the relevant literature, the dog underwent an ultrasound and then computed tomography (CT) of the genital system, which confirmed the diagnosis of testicular agenesis. Genetic testing confirmed the male XY karyotype. Hormone testing also supported the diagnosis: testosterone and anti-Müllerian hormone levels were below their reference ranges, and luteinizing hormone (LH) was above 1 ng/mL. Following the diagnostic procedures suggested in the relevant literature, the present study confirms anorchia in the dog and describes a case of testicular agenesis in the canine species.

Cell internalization of 7-ketocholesterol-containing nanoemulsion through LDL receptor reduces melanoma growth in vitro and in vivo: a preliminary report.

Oxysterols are cholesterol oxygenated derivatives which possess several biological actions. Among oxysterols, 7-ketocholesterol (7KC) is known to induce cell death. Here, we hypothesized that 7KC cytotoxicity could be applied in cancer therapeutics. 7KC was incorporated into a lipid core nanoemulsion. As a cellular model the murine melanoma cell line B16F10 was used. The nanoparticle (7KCLDE) uptake into tumor cells was displaced by increasing amounts of low-density-lipoproteins (LDL) suggesting a LDL-receptor-mediated cell internalization. 7KCLDE was mainly cytostatic, which led to an accumulation of polyploid cells. Nevertheless, a single dose of 7KCLDE killed roughly 10% of melanoma cells. In addition, it was observed dissipation of the transmembrane potential, evidenced with flow cytometry; presence of autophagic vacuoles, visualized and quantified with flow cytometry and acridine orange; and presence of myelin figures, observed with ultrastructural microscopy. 7KCLDE impaired cytokenesis was accompanied by changes in cellular morphology into a fibroblastoid shape which is supported by cytoskeletal rearrangements, as shown by the increased actin polymerization. 7KCLDE was injected into B16 melanoma tumor-bearing mice. 7KCLDE accumulated in the liver and tumor. In melanoma tumor 7KCLDE promoted a >50% size reduction, enlarged the necrotic area, and reduced intratumoral vasculature. 7KCLDE increased the survival rates of animals, without hematologic or liver toxicity. Although more pre-clinical studies should be performed, our preliminary results suggested that 7KCLDE is a promising novel preparation for cancer chemotherapy.

Cell internalization of 7-ketocholesterol-containing nanoemulsion through LDL receptor reduces melanoma growth in vitro and in vivo: a preliminary report

Oxysterols are cholesterol oxygenated derivatives which possess several biological actions. Among oxysterols, 7-ketocholesterol (7KC) is known to induce cell death. Here, we hypothesized that 7KC cytotoxicity could be applied in cancer therapeutics. 7KC was incorporated into a lipid core nanoemulsion. As a cellular model the murine melanoma cell line B16F10 was used. The nanoparticle (7KCLDE) uptake into tumor cells was displaced by increasing amounts of low-density-lipoproteins (LDL) suggesting a LDL-receptor-mediated cell internalization. 7KCLDE was mainly cytostatic, which led to an accumulation of polyploid cells. Nevertheless, a single dose of 7KCLDE killed roughly 10% of melanoma cells. In addition, it was observed dissipation of the transmembrane potential, evidenced with flow cytometry; presence of autophagic vacuoles, visualized and quantified with flow cytometry and acridine orange; and presence of myelin figures, observed with ultrastructural microscopy. 7KCLDE impaired cytokenesis was accompanied by changes in cellular morphology into a fibroblastoid shape which is supported by cytoskeletal rearrangements, as shown by the increased actin polymerization. 7KCLDE was injected into B16 melanoma tumor-bearing mice. 7KCLDE accumulated in the liver and tumor. In melanoma tumor 7KCLDE promoted a > 50% size reduction, enlarged the necrotic area, and reduced intratumoral vasculature. 7KCLDE increased the survival rates of animals, without hematologic or liver toxicity. Although more pre-clinical studies should be performed, our preliminary results suggested that 7KCLDE is a promising novel preparation for cancer chemotherapy.

Cell internalization of 7-ketocholesterol-containing nanoemulsion through LDL receptor reduces melanoma growth in vitro and in vivo: a preliminary report

Oxysterols are cholesterol oxygenated derivatives which possess several biological actions. Among oxysterols, 7-ketocholesterol (7KC) is known to induce cell death. Here, we hypothesized that 7KC cytotoxicity could be applied in cancer therapeutics. 7KC was incorporated into a lipid core nanoemulsion. As a cellular model the murine melanoma cell line B16F10 was used. The nanoparticle (7KCLDE) uptake into tumor cells was displaced by increasing amounts of low-density-lipoproteins (LDL) suggesting a LDL-receptor-mediated cell internalization. 7KCLDE was mainly cytostatic, which led to an accumulation of polyploid cells. Nevertheless, a single dose of 7KCLDE killed roughly 10% of melanoma cells. In addition, it was observed dissipation of the transmembrane potential, evidenced with flow cytometry; presence of autophagic vacuoles, visualized and quantified with flow cytometry and acridine orange; and presence of myelin figures, observed with ultrastructural microscopy. 7KCLDE impaired cytokenesis was accompanied by changes in cellular morphology into a fibroblastoid shape which is supported by cytoskeletal rearrangements, as shown by the increased actin polymerization. 7KCLDE was injected into B16 melanoma tumor-bearing mice. 7KCLDE accumulated in the liver and tumor. In melanoma tumor 7KCLDE promoted a > 50% size reduction, enlarged the necrotic area, and reduced intratumoral vasculature. 7KCLDE increased the survival rates of animals, without hematologic or liver toxicity. Although more pre-clinical studies should be performed, our preliminary results suggested that 7KCLDE is a promising novel preparation for cancer chemotherapy.

Oral insulin improves metabolic parameters in high fat diet fed rats.

INTRODUCTION/AIM: The gut has shown to have a pivotal role on the pathophysiology of metabolic disease. Food stimulation of distal intestinal segments promotes enterohormones secretion influencing insulin metabolism. In diabetic rats, oral insulin has potential to change intestinal epithelium behavior. This macromolecule promotes positive effects on laboratorial metabolic parameters and decreases diabetic intestinal hypertrophy. This study aims to test if oral insulin can influence metabolic parameters and intestinal weight in obese non-diabetic rats. METHODS: Twelve weeks old Wistar rats were divided in 3 groups: control (CTRL) standard chow group; high fat diet low carbohydrates group (HFD) and HFD plus daily oral 20U insulin gavage (HFD+INS). Weight and food consumption were weekly obtained. After eight weeks, fasting blood samples were collected for laboratorial analysis. After euthanasia gut samples were isolated. RESULTS: Rat oral insulin treatment decreased body weight gain (p<0,001), fasting glucose and triglycerides serum levels (p<0,05) an increased intestinal weight of distal ileum (P<0,05). Animal submitted to high fat diet presented higher levels of HOMA-IR although significant difference to CT was not achieved. HOMA-beta were significantly higher (p<0.05) in HFD+INS. Visceral fat was 10% lower in HFD+INS but the difference was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: In non-diabetic obese rats, oral insulin improves metabolic malfunction associated to rescue of beta-cell activity.

Oral insulin improves metabolic parameters in high fat diet fed rats

ABSTRACT Introduction/Aim: The gut has shown to have a pivotal role on the pathophysiology of metabolic disease. Food stimulation of distal intestinal segments promotes enterohormones secretion influencing insulin metabolism. In diabetic rats, oral insulin has potential to change intestinal epithelium behavior. This macromolecule promotes positive effects on laboratorial metabolic parameters and decreases diabetic intestinal hypertrophy. This study aims to test if oral insulin can influence metabolic parameters and intestinal weight in obese non-diabetic rats. Methods: Twelve weeks old Wistar rats were divided in 3 groups: control (CTRL) standard chow group; high fat diet low carbohydrates group (HFD) and HFD plus daily oral 20U insulin gavage (HFD+INS). Weight and food consumption were weekly obtained. After eight weeks, fasting blood samples were collected for laboratorial analysis. After euthanasia gut samples were isolated. Results: Rat oral insulin treatment decreased body weight gain (p<0,001), fasting glucose and triglycerides serum levels (p<0,05) an increased intestinal weight of distal ileum (P<0,05). Animal submitted to high fat diet presented higher levels of HOMA-IR although significant difference to CT was not achieved. HOMA-beta were significantly higher (p<0.05) in HFD+INS. Visceral fat was 10% lower in HFD+INS but the difference was not significant. Conclusions: In non-diabetic obese rats, oral insulin improves metabolic malfunction associated to rescue of beta-cell activity.

Experimental periodontitis promotes transient vascular inflammation and endothelial dysfunction.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the systemic inflammatory response and cardiovascular changes induced by experimental periodontitis in rats. DESIGN: Experimental periodontitis was induced by placing a cotton ligature around the cervix of both sides of mandibular first molars and maxillary second molars in each male rat. Sham-operated rats had the ligature removed immediately after the procedure. Seven, 14 or 28 days after procedure, the effects of acetylcholine, sodium nitroprusside and phenylephrine were evaluated on blood pressure, aortic rings and isolated and perfused mesenteric bed. The blood was obtained for plasma Interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP) and lipid evaluation. The mesenteric vessels were obtained to evaluate superoxide production and nitric oxide synthase 3 (NOS-3) expression. RESULTS: Ligature induced periodontitis reduced endothelium-dependent vasodilatation, a hallmark of endothelial dysfunction. This effect was associated with an increase in systemic inflammatory markers (IL-6 and CRP), worsens on lipid profile, increased vascular superoxide production and reduced NOS-3 expression. It is interesting to note that many of these effects were transitory. CONCLUSION: Periodontitis induced a transient systemic and vascular inflammation which leads to endothelial dysfunction, an initial step for cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, the animal model of periodontitis used here may represent a valuable tool for studying the relationship between periodontitis and endothelial dysfunction.

Simvastatin impairs murine melanoma growth.

BACKGROUND: Statins induces cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, reduction of angiogenic factors, inhibition of the endothelial growth factor, impairing tissue adhesion and attenuation of the resistance mechanisms. The aim of this study was evaluate the anti-tumoral activity of simvastatin in a B16F10 melanoma-mouse model. METHODS: Melanoma cells were treated with different concentrations of simvastatin and assessed by viability methods. Melanoma cells (5 × 10(4)) were implanted in two month old C57Bl6/J mice. Around 7 days after cells injection, the oral treatments were started with simvastatin (5 mg/kg/day, p.o.). Tumor size, hematological and biochemical analyses were evaluated. RESULTS: Simvastatin at a concentration of 0.8 µM, 1.2 µM and 1.6 µM had toxic effect. Concentration of 1.6 µM induced a massive death in the first 24 h of incubation. Simvastatin at 0.8 µM induces early cell cycle arrest in G0/G1, followed by increase of hypodiploidy. Tumor size were evaluated and the difference of treated group and control, after ten days, demonstrates that simvastatin inhibited the tumor expansion in 68%. CONCLUSION: Simvastatin at 1.6 µM, presented cytototoxicity after 72 h of treatment, with an intense death. In vivo, simvastatin being potentially useful as an antiproliferative drug, with an impairment of growth after ten days.

Synthetic nanoemulsion resembling a protein-free model of 7-ketocholesterol containing low density lipoprotein: In vitro and in vivo studies.

7-ketocholesterol (7-KC) differs from cholesterol by a functional ketone group at C7. It is an oxygenated cholesterol derivative (oxysterol), commonly present in oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Oxysterols are generated and participate in several physiologic and pathophysiologic processes. For instance, the cytotoxic effects of oxidized LDL have been widely attributed to bioactive compounds like oxysterols. The toxicity is in part due to 7-KC. Here we aimed to demonstrate the possibility of incorporating 7-KC into the synthetic nanoemulsion LDE, which resembles LDL in composition and behavior. This would provide a suitable artificial particle resembling LDL to study 7-KC metabolism. We were able to incorporate 7-KC in several amounts into LDE. The incorporation was evaluated and confirmed by several methods, including gel filtration chromatography, using radiolabeled lipids. The incorporation did not change the main lipid composition characteristics of the new nanoparticle. Particle sizes were also evaluated and did not differ from LDE. In vivo studies were performed by injecting the nanoemulsion into mice. The plasma kinetics and the targeted organs were the same as described for LDE. Therefore, 7-KC-LDE maintains composition, size and some functional characteristics of LDE and could be used in experiments dealing with 7-ketocholesterol metabolism in lipoproteins.

Low-level laser irradiation (InGaAlP-660 nm) increases fibroblast cell proliferation and reduces cell death in a dose-dependent manner.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Impaired cell metabolism and increased cell death in fibroblast cells are physiological features of chronic tendinopathy. Although several studies have shown that low-level laser therapy (LLLT) at certain parameters has a biostimulatory effect on fibroblast cells, it remains uncertain if LLLT effects depend on the physiological state. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIAL AND METHODS: High-metabolic immortal cell culture and primary human keloid fibroblast cell culture were used in this study. Trypan blue exclusion and the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) test were used to determine cell viability and proliferation. Propidium iodide stain was used for cell-cycle analysis by flow cytometry. Laser irradiation was performed daily on three consecutive days with a GaAlAs 660-nm laser (mean output: 50 mW, spot size 2 mm(2), power density =2.5 W/cm(2)) and a typical LLLT dose and a high LLLT dose (irradiation times: 60 or 420 s; fluences:150 or 1050 J/cm(2); energy delivered: 3 or 21 J). RESULTS: Primary fibroblast cell culture from human keloids irradiated with 3 J showed significant proliferation by the trypan blue exclusion test (p < 0.05), whereas the 3T3 cell culture showed no difference using this method. Propidium iodide staining flow cytometry data showed a significant decrease in the percentage of cells being in proliferative phases of the cell cycle (S/g(2)/M) when irradiated with 21 J in both cell types (hypodiploid cells increased). CONCLUSIONS: Our data support the hypothesis that the physiological state of the cells affects the LLLT results, and that high-metabolic rate and short- cell-cycle 3T3 cells are not responsive to LLLT. In conclusion, LLLT with a dose of 3 J reduced cell death significantly, but did not stimulate cell cycle. A LLLT dose of 21 J had negative effects on the cells, as it increased cell death and inhibited cell proliferation.