Potential of Germination in Selected Conditions to Improve the Nutritional and Bioactive Properties of Moringa (Moringa oleifera L.).

Moringa oleifera L. is greatly appreciated for its high content of phytochemicals. Although most parts of moringa tree have been widely studied, seeds remained scarcely explored. The first goal of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of germination to improve the nutritional composition (proximate composition and levels of vitamins B1 and B2), content of bioactive compounds (glucosinolates, phenolics and γ-aminobutyric acid, GABA) and antioxidant activity of moringa seed. Germination improved protein, fat, fiber, riboflavin, phenolics, some individual glucosinolates (GLS) and GABA contents, as well as the antioxidant potential in moringa sprouts, but the extent of the improvement depended on germination conditions. The second objective of this work was to identify the optimal germination conditions to maximize nutritional and bioactive quality of moringa by applying multi-response optimization (response surface methodology, RSM). RSM models indicated that 28 °C and 24 h were the optimal conditions to enhance the accumulation of riboflavin, phenolics and antioxidant activity of sprouts, while the highest GABA and total GLS contents were observed at 36 °C for 96 h and thiamine achieved the maximum content at 36 °C for 24 h. These results show that moringa sprouts are promising functional foods that might be also used as ingredients for the elaboration of novel foodstuffs.

Management of Pediatric Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: 2019 Consensus and Guidelines-Based Algorithm for First and Second Tier Therapies.

OBJECTIVES: To produce a treatment algorithm for the ICU management of infants, children, and adolescents with severe traumatic brain injury. DATA SOURCES: Studies included in the 2019 Guidelines for the Management of Pediatric Severe Traumatic Brain Injury (Glasgow Coma Scale score ≤ 8), consensus when evidence was insufficient to formulate a fully evidence-based approach, and selected protocols from included studies. DATA SYNTHESIS: Baseline care germane to all pediatric patients with severe traumatic brain injury along with two tiers of therapy were formulated. An approach to emergent management of the crisis scenario of cerebral herniation was also included. The first tier of therapy focuses on three therapeutic targets, namely preventing and/or treating intracranial hypertension, optimizing cerebral perfusion pressure, and optimizing partial pressure of brain tissue oxygen (when monitored). The second tier of therapy focuses on decompressive craniectomy surgery, barbiturate infusion, late application of hypothermia, induced hyperventilation, and hyperosmolar therapies. CONCLUSIONS: This article provides an algorithm of clinical practice for the bedside practitioner based on the available evidence, treatment protocols described in the articles included in the 2019 guidelines, and consensus that reflects a logical approach to mitigate intracranial hypertension, optimize cerebral perfusion, and improve outcomes in the setting of pediatric severe traumatic brain injury.

Aspectos ultrassonográficos, anatômicos e histológicos normais da articulação metacarpofalangeana equina / Normal ultrasonographic, anatomical and histological aspects of the equine metacarpophalangeal joint

O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever e caracterizar as estruturas que compõem a articulação metacarpofalangena equina por meio de análise ultrassonográfica, anatômica e histológica. Membros torácicos equinos (=70), obtidos em instalações frigoríficas, foram submetidos a exame ultrassonográfico post mortem. Destes, 30 membros apresentaram imagens ultrassonográficas consideradas sem alterações. Posteriormente foi realizada a dissecação dos mesmos e o estudo anátomo-histológico. Critérios como tamanho, forma, arquitetura e ecogenicidade foram observados a fim de caracterizar as imagens ultrassonográficas, anatômicas e histológicas normais das estruturas ligamentares, tendíneas, capsulares e cartilaginosas da articulação metacarpofalangeana equina.(AU)

The purpose of this study was to describe and characterize the equine metacarpophalangeal joint structures through ultrasonographic, anatomical and histological analysis. Seventy forelimb specimens were obtained from a slaughterhouse and submitted to ultrasonographic evaluation. Thirty specimens without ultrasonographic detectable lesions were selected for dissection and subsequent anatomical and histological evaluation. Criteria such as size, shape, architecture and echogenicity were observed in order to characterize normal ligaments, tendons, joint capsule and articular cartilage of the metacarpophalangeal joint.(AU)

Aspectos ultrassonográficos, anatômicos e histológicos normais da articulação metacarpofalangeana equina / Normal ultrasonographic, anatomical and histological aspects of the equine metacarpophalangeal joint

O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever e caracterizar as estruturas que compõem a articulação metacarpofalangena equina por meio de análise ultrassonográfica, anatômica e histológica. Membros torácicos equinos (=70), obtidos em instalações frigoríficas, foram submetidos a exame ultrassonográfico post mortem. Destes, 30 membros apresentaram imagens ultrassonográficas consideradas sem alterações. Posteriormente foi realizada a dissecação dos mesmos e o estudo anátomo-histológico. Critérios como tamanho, forma, arquitetura e ecogenicidade foram observados a fim de caracterizar as imagens ultrassonográficas, anatômicas e histológicas normais das estruturas ligamentares, tendíneas, capsulares e cartilaginosas da articulação metacarpofalangeana equina.(AU)

The purpose of this study was to describe and characterize the equine metacarpophalangeal joint structures through ultrasonographic, anatomical and histological analysis. Seventy forelimb specimens were obtained from a slaughterhouse and submitted to ultrasonographic evaluation. Thirty specimens without ultrasonographic detectable lesions were selected for dissection and subsequent anatomical and histological evaluation. Criteria such as size, shape, architecture and echogenicity were observed in order to characterize normal ligaments, tendons, joint capsule and articular cartilage of the metacarpophalangeal joint.(AU)

"Quantum Leap" in Photobiomodulation Therapy Ushers in a New Generation of Light-Based Treatments for Cancer and Other Complex Diseases: Perspective and Mini-Review.

OBJECTIVE: Set within the context of the 2015 International Year of Light and Light-Based Technologies,and of a growing and aging world population with ever-rising healthcare needs, this perspective and mini-review focuses on photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy as an emerging, cost-effective, treatment option for cancer (i.e., solid tumors) and other complex diseases, particularly, of the eye (e.g., age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa) and the central nervous system (e.g., Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease). BACKGROUND DATA: Over the last decades, primary and secondary mechanisms of PBM have been revealed. These include oxygen-dependent and oxygen-independent structural and functional action pathways. Signal and target characteristics determine biological outcome, which is optimal (or even positive) only within a given set of parameters. METHODS: This study was a perspective and nonsystematic literature mini-review. RESULTS: Studies support what we describe as a paradigm shift or "quantum leap" in the understanding and use of light and its interaction with water and other relevant photo-cceptors to restore physiologic function. CONCLUSIONS: Based on existing evidence, it is argued that PBM therapy can raise the standard of care and improve the quality of life of patients for a fraction of the cost of many current approaches. PBM therapy can, therefore,benefit large, vulnerable population groups, including the elderly and the poor, whilehaving a major impact on medical practice and public finances.

Nondecalcified histologic study of bone response to titanium implants topographically modified by laser with and without hydroxyapatite coating.

The purpose of this study was nondecalcified histologic analysis of titanium implants modified by laser with and without hydroxyapatite. Implants with three modified surfaces were inserted into rabbit tibias: group 1, machined surface; group 2, irradiated (laser); and group 3, irradiated and hydroxyapatite coated (biomimetic method). The mean surface roughness (Ra) scores of groups 2 and 3 were higher than that of group 1. Boneimplant contact measurements at 30 and 60 days for groups 2 and 3 were higher than for group 1. Bone area at 30 and 60 days for group 2 was higher than for groups 1 and 3. Titanium implants modified by laser with and without hydroxyapatite exhibit increased early osseointegration.

Photobiomodulation of aqueous interfaces: finding evidence to support the exclusion zone in experimental and clinical studies.

OBJECTIVE: To present clinical and experimental evidence of the role of exclusion zone (EZ) water in photobiomodulation. BACKGROUND: Water at the interface of most hydrophilic surfaces forms a solute-free area, or EZ, that can project for hundreds of microns. To date, EZ phenomena had been documented in nafion, resins, and biologic membranes. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of published experimental and clinical data using an infrared pulsed laser device (IPLD). RESULTS: Photo-induced effects on the water dynamics of burned rat tissue monitored by 1H-NMR transverse relaxation times (1/T2) indicate significantly greater structuring of water. A microdensitometry study of T2 weighted tumor heterogeneities from a phase I clinical trial in patients with advanced neoplasias and an algorithm for tumor characterization also shows significantly increased structuring of water associated with biopolymers and macromolecules. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first known demonstration of the EZ in medicine. Data support the premise that photobiomodulation can increase potential energy in the EZ, which then acts as an energy repository that can selectively supplement cell energy demands. It further suggests EZ structuring may be used as a predicator of anticancer response before measurable tumor volume reduction.

Comparative in vivo study of commercially pure Ti implants with surfaces modified by laser with and without silicate deposition: biomechanical and scanning electron microscopy analysis.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate commercially pure titanium implant surfaces modified by laser beam (LS) and LS associated with sodium silicate (SS) deposition, and compare them with machined surface (MS) and dual acid-etching surfaces (AS) modified. Topographic characterization was performed by scanning electron microscopy-X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), and by mean roughness measurement before surgery. Thirty rabbits received 60 implants in their right and left tibias. One implant of each surface in each tibia. The implants were removed by reverse torque for vivo biomechanical analysis at 30, 60, and 90 days postoperative. In addition, the surface of the implants removed at 30 days postoperative was analyzed by SEM-EDX. The topographic characterization showed differences between the analyzed surfaces, and the mean roughness values of LS and SS were statistically higher than AS and MS. At 30 days, values removal torque LS and SS groups showed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) when compared with MS and AS. At 60 days, groups LS and SS showed statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) when compared with MS. At 90 days, only group SS presented statistically higher (p < 0.05) in comparison with MS. The authors can conclude that physical chemistry properties and topographical of LS and SS implants increases bone-implant interaction and provides higher degree of osseointegration when compared with MS and AS.

The nerve of ovulation-inducing factor in semen.

A component in seminal fluid elicits an ovulatory response and has been discovered in every species examined thus far. The existence of an ovulation-inducing factor (OIF) in seminal plasma has broad implications and evokes questions about identity, tissue sources, mechanism of action, role among species, and clinical relevance in infertility. Most of these questions remain unanswered. The goal of this study was to determine the identity of OIF in support of the hypothesis that it is a single distinct and widely conserved entity. Seminal plasma from llamas and bulls was used as representative of induced and spontaneous ovulators, respectively. A fraction isolated from llama seminal plasma by column chromatography was identified as OIF by eliciting luteinizing hormone (LH) release and ovulation in llamas. MALDI-TOF revealed a molecular mass of 13,221 Da, and 12-23 aa sequences of OIF had homology with human, porcine, bovine, and murine sequences of ß nerve growth factor (ß-NGF). X-ray diffraction data were used to solve the full sequence and structure of OIF as ß-NGF. Neurite development and up-regulation of trkA in phaeochromocytoma (PC(12)) cells in vitro confirmed NGF-like properties of OIF. Western blot analysis of llama and bull seminal plasma confirmed immunorecognition of OIF using polyclonal mouse anti-NGF, and administration of ß-NGF from mouse submandibular glands induced ovulation in llamas. We conclude that OIF in seminal plasma is ß-NGF and that it is highly conserved. An endocrine route of action of NGF elucidates a previously unknown pathway for the direct influence of the male on the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis of the inseminated female.

Photobiomodulation of aqueous interfaces as selective rechargeable bio-batteries in complex diseases: personal view.

OBJECTIVE: In this personal view, we propose that the modulation of the structure and function of water by light may come to embody a new mechanistic approach for the treatment of complex diseases. BACKGROUND DATA: Long considered an innocuous medium, water has increasingly been found to be a key player in numerous mechanisms, including first-contact events in which cells decide between survival and apoptosis. Consequently, externally applied electromagnetic energy (light) may selectively target the organization of water to steer biological function. METHODS: We survey light-water research with particular emphasis on the quasi-crystalline exclusion zone (EZ), part of the cell's aqueous interface that is just now beginning to be decoded. The current state of research, the technical challenges involved in obtaining evidence in biological systems, and some potential uses and implications of EZ water in medicine are presented. RESULTS: Though existing data have not yet proven the role of EZ water in photobiomodulation, research shows that EZ water can store charge and can later return it in the form of current flow, with as much as 70% of the input charge being readily obtainable. Macroscopic separation of charges can be stable for days to weeks and has unusual electric potential. Water is, thus, an unexpectedly effective charge separation and storage medium. CONCLUSIONS: We propose that the EZ may be selectively targeted in photobiomodulation as an efficient energy reservoir, which cells can use expeditiously to fuel cellular work, triggering signaling pathways and gene expression in the presence of injury-induced redox potentials.

Surface and biomechanical study of titanium implants modified by laser with and without hydroxyapatite coating, in rabbits.

Surface and biomechanical analysis of titanium implant surfaces modified by laser beam with and without hydroxyapatite. Titanium implants with 3 different surfaces were inserted into the tibias of 30 rabbits: group I (GI) machined surface (control group), group II irradiated with laser (GII), and group III irradiated with laser and hydroxyapatite coating applied-biomimetic method (GIII). Topographical analysis with scanning electron microscopy was made before surgery in the tibia. These rabbits were distributed into 2 periods of observation: 4 and 8 weeks postsurgery, after which biomechanical analysis (removal torque) was conducted. Statistical analysis used the Student-Newman-Keuls method. Surface showed roughness in GII and GIII. Biomechanical analysis demonstrated values with significant differences in GII and GIII. Titanium implants modified by laser irradiation can increase osseointegration during the initial phase.

Epidural analgesia with morphine or buprenorphine in ponies with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced carpal synovitis.

This study evaluated the analgesia effects of the epidural administration of 0.1 mg/kg bodyweight (BW) of morphine or 5 µg/kg BW of buprenorphine in ponies with radiocarpal joint synovitis. Six ponies were submitted to 3 epidural treatments: the control group (C) received 0.15 mL/kg BW of a 0.9% sodium chloride (NaCl) solution; group M was administered 0.1 mg/kg BW of morphine; and group B was administered 5 µg/kg BW of buprenorphine, both diluted in 0.9% NaCl to a total volume of 0.15 mL/kg BW administered epidurally at 10 s/mL. The synovitis model was induced by injecting 0.5 ng of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the left or right radiocarpal joint. An epidural catheter was later introduced in the lumbosacral space and advanced up to the thoracolumbar level. The treatment started 6 h after synovitis induction. Lameness, maximum angle of carpal flexion, heart rate, systolic arterial pressure, respiratory rate, temperature, and intestinal motility were evaluated before LPS injection (baseline), 6 h after LPS injection (time 0), and 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 20, and 24 h after treatments. Although the model of synovitis produced clear clinical signs of inflammation, the lameness scores in group C were different from the baseline for only up to 12 h. Both morphine and buprenorphine showed a reduction in the degree of lameness starting at 0.5 and 6 h, respectively. Reduced intestinal motility was observed at 0.5 h in group M and at 0.5 to 1 h in group B. Epidural morphine was a more effective analgesic that lasted for more than 12 h and without side effects. It was concluded that morphine would be a valuable analgesic option to alleviate joint pain in the thoracic limbs in ponies.

Prevalência dos tumores cutâneos de equinos diagnosticados no Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul / Prevalence of equine skin tumors diagnosed at the Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology of the Federal University Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Este estudo teve como objetivo determinar a prevalência das dermatopatias tumorais de equinos diagnosticadas no Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária (LPV) da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Rio Grande do Sul. Para isso, foram revisados os protocolos de biópsia de pele de equinos, arquivados no LPV-UFSM, entre janeiro de 1999 e dezembro de 2009. Em todos os casos, foram considerados os diagnósticos morfológicos que constavam nos protocolos. Durante esse período foram submetidas ao LPV-UFSM 139 amostras cutâneas de equinos. Dessas 139 amostras, 108 (77,6 por cento) eram de tumores cutâneos, neoplásicos ou não; os outros 31 casos consistiam de dermatoses não tumorais. Dos 108 equinos, 53 (49,1 por cento) eram fêmeas e 37 (34,2 por cento por cento) eram machos, em 18 (16,7 por cento) casos não estava descrito no protocolo o sexo. Quanto à raça, 66 (61,1 por cento) eram de raça pura e 13 (12 por cento) não tinham raça definida; em 29 (26,9 por cento) protocolos não havia a descrição da raça. A raça mais prevalente foi a Crioula (44/108 [40,7 por cento]), o restante dos 22 equinos de raça pura pertencia a outras sete raças diferentes. Quanto à idade, as categorias mais prevalentes em ordem decrescente foram a de 1-5 anos (47/108 [43,5 por cento]) e a de 6-14 anos (21/108 [19,5 por cento]), cavalos com 15 anos ou mais representaram 11,1 por cento (12/108). Apenas um cavalo tinha menos de um ano de idade. Em 27 protocolos não constava a idade. Os tumores mais prevalentes incluíram: sarcoide (62/108 [57,4 por cento]); carcinoma de células escamosas (11/108 [10,2 por cento]); pitiose (9/108 [8,3 por cento]); tecido de granulação (7/108 [6,5 por cento]; e o granuloma eosinofílico (4/108 [3,8 por cento]). Os outros tumores contaram com aproximadamente 14 por cento dos casos.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of the equine skin tumors diagnosed at the Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology (LPV) of the Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM). Cases of equine skin biopsies diagnosed between January 1999 and December 2009 and filed at the LPV-UFSM were reviewed. In all cases the morphological diagnosis considered was the one written in the filed biopsy report. During the period studied 139 equine skin biopsies were submitted to the LPV-UFSM. Out of those, 108 (77.6 percent) were skin tumors, neoplastic or otherwise and 31 cases were non-tumoral dermatosis. Fifty three of the 108 horses were females (49.1 percent), 37 (34.2 percent percent) were males and in 18 cases (16.7 percent) the sex was not stated in the report. Sixty six affected horse (61.1 percent) were purebreds, 13 (12 percent) were crosses and in 29 instances (26.9 percent) the breed was not stated in the report. The Crioulo was the most prevalent breed (44/108 [40.7 percent]) and the remaining 22 purebreds horses were distribute among seven different breed. The most prevalent age categories affected in decreasing order were 1-5 year-old (47/108 [43.5 percent]) and 6-14 year-old (21/108 [19.5 percent]); 12 horses (11,1 percent) were 15 year-old or above .Only one horse was less than 1year-old. In 27 reports the age was not mentioned. More prevalent tumors included equine sarcoid (62/108 [57.4 percent]); squamous cell carcinomas (11/108 [10.2 percent]); pythiosis (9/108 [8.3 percent]); granulation tissue ("proud flesh") (7/108 [6.5 percent]) and eosinophilic granuloma (4/108 [3.8 percent]). The remaining tumors accounted for approximately 14 percent of the cases.

Prevalência dos tumores cutâneos de equinos diagnosticados no Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul / Prevalence of equine skin tumors diagnosed at the Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology of the Federal University Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Este estudo teve como objetivo determinar a prevalência das dermatopatias tumorais de equinos diagnosticadas no Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária (LPV) da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Rio Grande do Sul. Para isso, foram revisados os protocolos de biópsia de pele de equinos, arquivados no LPV-UFSM, entre janeiro de 1999 e dezembro de 2009. Em todos os casos, foram considerados os diagnósticos morfológicos que constavam nos protocolos. Durante esse período foram submetidas ao LPV-UFSM 139 amostras cutâneas de equinos. Dessas 139 amostras, 108 (77,6 por cento) eram de tumores cutâneos, neoplásicos ou não; os outros 31 casos consistiam de dermatoses não tumorais. Dos 108 equinos, 53 (49,1 por cento) eram fêmeas e 37 (34,2 por cento por cento) eram machos, em 18 (16,7 por cento) casos não estava descrito no protocolo o sexo. Quanto à raça, 66 (61,1 por cento) eram de raça pura e 13 (12 por cento) não tinham raça definida; em 29 (26,9 por cento) protocolos não havia a descrição da raça. A raça mais prevalente foi a Crioula (44/108 [40,7 por cento]), o restante dos 22 equinos de raça pura pertencia a outras sete raças diferentes. Quanto à idade, as categorias mais prevalentes em ordem decrescente foram a de 1-5 anos (47/108 [43,5 por cento]) e a de 6-14 anos (21/108 [19,5 por cento]), cavalos com 15 anos ou mais representaram 11,1 por cento (12/108). Apenas um cavalo tinha menos de um ano de idade. Em 27 protocolos não constava a idade. Os tumores mais prevalentes incluíram: sarcoide (62/108 [57,4 por cento]); carcinoma de células escamosas (11/108 [10,2 por cento]); pitiose (9/108 [8,3 por cento]); tecido de granulação (7/108 [6,5 por cento]; e o granuloma eosinofílico (4/108 [3,8 por cento]). Os outros tumores contaram com aproximadamente 14 por cento dos casos.(AU)

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of the equine skin tumors diagnosed at the Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology (LPV) of the Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM). Cases of equine skin biopsies diagnosed between January 1999 and December 2009 and filed at the LPV-UFSM were reviewed. In all cases the morphological diagnosis considered was the one written in the filed biopsy report. During the period studied 139 equine skin biopsies were submitted to the LPV-UFSM. Out of those, 108 (77.6 percent) were skin tumors, neoplastic or otherwise and 31 cases were non-tumoral dermatosis. Fifty three of the 108 horses were females (49.1 percent), 37 (34.2 percent percent) were males and in 18 cases (16.7 percent) the sex was not stated in the report. Sixty six affected horse (61.1 percent) were purebreds, 13 (12 percent) were crosses and in 29 instances (26.9 percent) the breed was not stated in the report. The Crioulo was the most prevalent breed (44/108 [40.7 percent]) and the remaining 22 purebreds horses were distribute among seven different breed. The most prevalent age categories affected in decreasing order were 1-5 year-old (47/108 [43.5 percent]) and 6-14 year-old (21/108 [19.5 percent]); 12 horses (11,1 percent) were 15 year-old or above .Only one horse was less than 1year-old. In 27 reports the age was not mentioned. More prevalent tumors included equine sarcoid (62/108 [57.4 percent]); squamous cell carcinomas (11/108 [10.2 percent]); pythiosis (9/108 [8.3 percent]); granulation tissue ("proud flesh") (7/108 [6.5 percent]) and eosinophilic granuloma (4/108 [3.8 percent]). The remaining tumors accounted for approximately 14 percent of the cases.(AU)

Implantes nanotopograficamente modificados pela ação do laser Yb-YAG / Nanofeatured dental implants by Yb-YAG laser modification

O titânio como biomaterial apresenta excelente biocompatibilidade e resistência à corrosão. Vários estudos foram realizados nas últimas décadas sobre modificação da superfície dos implantes de titânio, a fim de otimizar o processo da osseointegração; o uso do laser é um dentre eles. Objetivo: o propósito deste estudo foi avaliar implantes de titânio modificados por feixe de laser de alta intensidade, comparando-os com os implantes usinados, por meio de análise topográfica e histométrica. Métodos: implantes de titânio com duas superfícies diferentes foram inseridas em tíbia de 30 coelhos (um de cada lado, escolhidos de forma aleatória). Grupo I (GI) superfície usinada (grupo controle) e Grupo II (GII) superfície irradiada com laser Yb-YAG (Pulsed Ytterbium Fiber Laser). A caracterização das superfícies foi realizada por meio de MEV-EDS, ângulo de contato e rugosidade média (Ra). Após 30 e 60 dias pós-operatórios, os animais foram submetidos à eutanásia e os implantes foram removidos para análise histológica da interface osso/implante. Resultados: a microfotografia do GII mostrou superfície rugosa e homogênea, com molhabilidade total e rugosidade maior do que o GI. A análise histológica da extensão linear de contato entre o tecido ósseo e a superfície do implante (Elcoi) revelou melhores resultados no GII aos 30 dias (39,26 ± 18,23 e 68,41 ± 13,68, para GI e GII, respectivamente). Conclusão: os implantes de titânio modificados por laser mostraram importantes características superficiais que favoreceram uma precoce osseointegração.

Titanium has proven its suitability as an implant material in surgery over many years. Excellent biocompatibility and corrosion resistance are outstanding features. Implant surfaces always causes concern and interest in scientific communities, due to its close relationship with the time required for osseointegration. Surface modification can be performed by several methods, being laser irradiation one of them. Titanium implants with two different surfaces were inserted in rabbits: Group I (G-I: machined surface, control group), and group II (G-II: laser irradiated, test group) being processed 30 and 60 days after surgery for histological analysis. Surface characterization was performed with SEM-EDS, contact angle measurement, and mean roughness (Ra) parameters. Surface analysis in the GII group showed a nanomorphology affected by melt and quick solidification zones following laser irradiation (SEM), as well as total wettability and Ra mean values significantly higher than in the G-I group. The laser treatment resulted in a homogenized, porous surface, with increased surface area and volume. Histological analysis of bone-implant contact linear extension (BIC) showed better results in G-II at 30 days (39.26 ± 18.23 and 68.41 ± 13.68 for G-I and G-II groups, respectively). Titanium implants modified by laser irradiation showed important features that may accelerate early osseointegration.

Photo-infrared pulsed bio-modulation (PIPBM): a novel mechanism for the enhancement of physiologically reparative responses.

OBJECTIVE: The present manuscript describes the non-invasive, long-range, energy transport of a singular infrared pulsed laser device (IPLD) and the upstream components of the original action mechanism, designated photo-infrared pulsed bio-modulation (PIPBM). BACKGROUND DATA: Major strides have been taken in recent years towards scientifically acceptable clinical applications of low-energy lasers. Nevertheless, challenges still abound. For instance, the range of potential target tissues for laser therapy in medicine has been, until now, limited by the optical penetration of the beam or to sites accessible by fiberoptics. In addition, much needs to be learned about the action mechanisms of pulsed lasers, which can induce unique biological effects. METHODS: We present a review of the IPLD laser technology and the PIPBM mechanism. RESULTS: The studies reviewed suggest that the PIPBM enhances physiologically reparative processes in a non-toxic and selective manner through the activation and modulation of chaotic dynamics in water. These, in turn, lead not only to local, but also long-distance (systemic) effects. CONCLUSIONS: Though additional studies are necessary to fully explore the biological effects of the PIPBM induced by the IPLD, this mechanism may have multiple potential applications in medicine that are the subject of active current and future investigations.

Equine protease inhibitor system as a marker for the diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

The protease inhibitor system (PI) was investigated to ascertain if it can be used as a marker of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in thoroughbred horses. Serum samples were taken from healthy thoroughbreds (n = 13) and those diagnosed as having COPD (n = 24) or inflammatory airway disease (IAD, n = 38) as well as from 3,600 undiagnosed thoroughbred horses. PI allelic and genotypic frequencies were estimated using protein electrophoresis on starch and polyacrylamide gels. The four groups of horses showed high genotypic similarity and none of the observed alleles or genotypes of the equine PI system were found to be associated with COPD.

Developing local public health capacity in cultural competency: a case study with Haitians in a rural community.

With the increase in cultural diversity in all regions of the United States, public health employees and other health care providers are more challenged than ever before to provide culturally sensitive care to citizens from an increasing range of cultures. Building on their existing experience and skill, health care staff must expand their competencies to address this changing diversity in their communities. This project serves as a case study of how 1 small rural health department in Delaware created a Web site using Purnell's model for cultural competence (Purnell & Paulanka, 2003) as the organizational framework and rose to the challenge of assisting public health staff to provide culturally sensitive health services to a rapidly increasing population of Haitian immigrants.

H-NMR spin-lattice and correlation times of burned soft-tissue after treatment with an infrared pulsed laser device.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the spin-lattice (T(1), 1/T(1)) and correlation times (tau(c)) of burned soft-tissue after treatment with an infrared (IR) pulsed laser device (IPLD, 904 nm pulsed at 3 MHz). STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven groups (GI-GVII), each consisting of four albino rats, were used. Groups I-VI were anesthetized and burned with a hot tip: GI, GIII, GV were not irradiated; GII, GIV, GVI were irradiated at 0; 0 and 24; and 0, 24, and 48 hours, respectively. A control group (GVII) was neither burned nor irradiated. Samples from all groups were evaluated using a 90 MHz hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance (H-NMR) spectrometer. An unpaired Student's t-test and an ANOVA I were preformed (alpha = 0.05). RESULTS: At 0 and 24 hours, 1/T(1) and tau(c) data revealed significant differences between GVII and both the non-irradiated (GI, GIII), and irradiated (GII, GIV) groups. At 48 hours, only the difference in tau(c) between GVII and the irradiated group (GVI) remained significant. CONCLUSIONS: Spin-lattice data reflected significant changes in tissues induced by the burn and a tendency towards control values for all burned groups. Meanwhile, the tau(c) value of GVI suggests the possibility of enhanced reparative effects attributable to chaotic intra- and inter-molecular energy transport to biopolymers in injured soft-tissue.

Phase I trial of an infrared pulsed laser device in patients with advanced neoplasias.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the toxicity/radiant exposure/time relationship of an infrared pulsed laser device (IPLD) treatment in patients with advanced neoplasias. Karnofsky performance status (KPS), Spitzer quality of life index (QLI), and potential antitumor activity, if any, were also assessed. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Seventeen patients (n = 17) received a daily IPLD radiant exposure of 4.5 x 10(5) J/m(2) (904 nm pulsed at 3 MHz) under a one-dose schedule and procedure design. Toxicity was evaluated under the parameters of the WHO; indirect toxic ocular effects were also monitored. KPS and QLI measurements were conducted before treatment and at six 3-months intervals. Scores for the seventh interval are the last available (range, 19-39 months). For statistical purposes, patients were classified into group 1, those alive at the end of the study, and group 2, those who had died. RESULTS: Dose-limiting toxicity was not observed. Five patients (n = 5) reported occasional headaches (grade 2), and four (n = 4) referred local pain (grade 2). In group 1 (n = 7), statistically significant increases in KPS and QLI were observed in all of the follow-up intervals compared with pretreatment values. One patient had a complete response, 1 a partial response, 4 stable diseases > or =12 months, and 1 progressive disease. In group 2 (n = 10), statistically significant increases in QLI were observed during the first two intervals. Eight patients had stable disease > or =6 months and 2 had uninterrupted progressive diseases. CONCLUSIONS: The IPLD treatment studied is safe for clinical use and may have potential effects on KPS, QLI, and antitumor activity in patients with advanced neoplasias.