Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity of Ursolic Acid Ester Derivatives.

Infections caused by microorganisms are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and natural products continue to be important sources for the discovery of new antimicrobial agents. Ursolic acid is a triterpene with known antibacterial action, being naturally found in plants, such as Jaracanda oxyphylla and Jacaranda caroba (Bignoniaceae). Ursolic acid derivative esters have revealed potential biological activities, such as antitumor, antiviral, and antibacterial activity. In this study, sixteen esters (1-16) were synthesized from ursolic acid using DIC/DMAP and characterized by infrared (IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (1 H- and 13 C-NMR) and mass spectrometry. All ursolic acid esters were evaluated against Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, and the yeast Candida albicans. Six compounds are herein described for the first time (3, 9, 11, 13, 14 and 16) with yields up to 91.6 %. Compounds 11 (3ß-(3,4-dimethoxybenzoyl)ursolic acid) and 15 (3ß-nicotinoylursolic acid) displayed promising antifungal activity, with inhibition of C. albicans growth of 93.1 and 95.9 %, respectively.

Radiolabeling of cidofovir with technetium-99m and biodistribution studies

Radiolabeling cidofovir with technetium-99m (99mTc-CDV) is an innovative procedure that enables real-time monitoring of the drug. Essays were performed in vitro, showing high radiolabel stability within 24 h. Blood clearance, biodistribution studies, and scintigraphic images were performed in healthy mice in order to evaluate the profile of the drug in vivo. 99mTc-CDV showed biphasic blood circulation time and significant kidney uptake, indicating that 99mTc-CDV is preferentially eliminated by the renal route. Bones also showed important uptake throughout the experiment. In summary, cidofovir was successfully labeled with technetium-99m and might be used in further studies to track the drug.

Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Patients with Breast Cancer Following Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Provides Early Prediction of Pathological Response - A Prospective Study.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the capacity of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) for early prediction of pathological response in breast cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT). This prospective unicentric study evaluated 62 patients who underwent NCT. MRI was performed prior to the start of treatment (MR1), after the first NCT cycle (MR2), and upon completion of NCT (MR3). Pathological response was used as the gold-standard. Patients' median age was 45.5 years and the median tumor size was 40 mm. Twenty-four (38.7%) tumors presented complete pathological response (pCR). The percent increase in apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value between MR1 and MR2 was higher in the pCR group (p < 0.001). When the minimum increase in ADC between MR1 and MR2 was set at 25%, sensitivity was 83%, specificity was 84%, positive predictive value was 77%, negative predictive value was 89%, and accuracy was 84% for an early prediction of pCR to NCT. Meanwhile, there were no significant changes in major tumor dimensions between MR1 and MR2. In conclusion, an increase in ADC after the first cycle of NCT correlates well with pCR after the chemotherapy in our cohort, precedes reduction in tumor size on conventional MRI, and may therefore be used as an early predictor of treatment response.

Antibacterial activity and antibiotic modulating potential of the essential oil obtained from Eugenia jambolana in association with led lights.

Bacterial resistance has risen as an important health problem with impact on the pharmaceutical industry because many antibiotics have become ineffective, which has affected their commercialization. The Brazilian biodiversity is marked by a vast variety of natural products with significant therapeutic potential, which could bring new perspectives in the treatment of infections caused by resistant microorganisms. The present study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial effect of the essential oil obtained from Eugenia jambolana (EjEO) using the method of microdilution method to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC). The modulatory effect of this oil on antibiotic activity was determined using both the broth microdilution and gaseous contact methods. The antibacterial effect of the association of the gaseous contact and the use of a LED unit with red and blue lights was also determined. The chemical components of the EjEO were characterized by HPLC, which revealed the presence of α-pinene as a major constituent. The EjEO presented a MIC≥128µg/mL against S. aureus and ≥1024µg/mL against E. coli. The combination of the EjEO with antibiotics presented synergism against E. coli and antagonism against S. aureus. An antagonistic effect was obtained from the association of EjEO with amikacin and erythromycin by the method of gaseous contact. On the other hand, the association of EjEO with ciprofloxacin presented a synergistic effect against S. aureus and E. coli exposed to LED lights. A similar effect was observed in the association of the EjEO with norfloxacin presented synergism against S. aureus in the same conditions. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that the essential oil obtained from Eugenia jambolana interfere with the action of antibiotics against bacteria exposed to LED lights. Thus, further researches are required to elucidate the mechanisms underlying these effects, which could open new perspectives in the development of new antibacterial therapies.

In vitro evaluation of the antibacterial potential and modification of antibiotic activity of the Eugenia uniflora L. essential oil in association with led lights.

Due to the great biodiversity of its flora, Brazil provides combat tools against bacterial resistance with the utilization of natural products with vegetable origin. Therefore, the present study had as its objective to evaluate the antibacterial potential of the Eugenia uniflora essential oil (EuEO) in vitro, as well as to analyze the modulatory effect of the oil against antibiotics by gaseous contact and to compare them when associated with a LED apparatus. The chemical components were characterised by gas chromatography which revealed the presence of the isoflurane-germacrene, considered the major component (61.69%). The MIC obtained from the EuEO was ≥256 µg/mL for S. aureus and ≥1024 µg/mL for E. coli. When combined with antibiotics, the EuEO presented synergism reducing the MIC when associated, with the exception of gentamicin against E. coli, where an antagonistic effect was observed. The was an interference of the EuEO over the activity of ciprofloxacin when associated with red and blue LED lights, increasing the inhibition halos against S. aureus and E. coli. Norfloxacin presented similar results to ciprofloxacin against S. aureus bacteria. When combined, norfloxacin and the EuEO presented synergism against S. aureus, which did not occur in the combination with ciprofloxacin. Interference occurred only with blue light for E. coli. Thus, it was observed that the EuEO causes changes in the activity of antibiotics, the same occurring with the use of LED lights, without significant differences in the association of the oil and the lights with the antibiotics tested. Further research is needed to elucidate the modulatory effects of the EuEO, as well as its association with LED lights.

Role of magnetic resonance imaging in the planning of breast cancer treatment strategies: comparison with conventional imaging techniques.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the planning of breast cancer treatment strategies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 160 women diagnosed with breast cancer, who underwent breast MRI for preoperative staging. Using Pearson's correlation coefficient (r), we compared the size of the primary tumor, as determined by MRI, by conventional imaging (mammography and ultrasound), and in the pathological examination (gold standard). The identification of lesions not identified in previous examinations was also evaluated, as was its influence on treatment planning. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 52.2 years (range, 30-81 years), and the most common histological type was invasive ductal carcinoma (in 60.6% of the patients). In terms of the tumor size determined, MRI correlated better with the pathological examination than did mammography (r = 0.872 vs. 0.710) or ultrasound (r = 0.836 vs. 0.704). MRI identified additional lesions in 53 patients (33.1%), including malignant lesions in 20 (12.5%), which led to change in the therapeutic planning in 23 patients (14.4%). CONCLUSION: Breast MRI proved to be more accurate than conventional imaging in determining the dimensions of the main tumor and was able to identify lesions not identified by other methods evaluated, which altered the therapeutic planning in a significant proportion of cases.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o papel da ressonância magnética (RM) no planejamento terapêutico de pacientes com câncer de mama. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Foram avaliadas 160 mulheres com diagnóstico de câncer de mama submetidas a RM para estadiamento préoperatório. O tamanho do tumor principal avaliado pela RM e pelos exames convencionais (mamografia e ultrassonografia) foi comparado com o exame anatomopatológico (padrão ouro), utilizando o coeficiente de correlação de Pearson (r). Foi avaliada, ainda, a presença de lesões adicionais não identificadas nos exames prévios e sua influência no planejamento terapêutico. RESULTADOS: A idade média das pacientes foi 52,2 anos (variação: 30­81 anos) e o tipo histológico mais comum foi o carcinoma ductal invasivo (60,6%). A medida do tumor na RM teve melhor correlação com o tamanho no exame anatomopatológico, quando comparado com a mamografia (r: 0,872 × 0,710) e com a ultrassonografia (r: 0,836 × 0,704). A RM identificou lesões adicionais em 53 pacientes (33,1%), sendo 20 malignas (12,5%), e modificou o planejamento terapêutico em 23 pacientes (14,4%). CONCLUSÃO: A RM das mamas demonstrou ser mais acurada que os exames convencionais na avaliação das dimensões do tumor principal e foi capaz de identificar lesões adicionais não identificadas pelos outros métodos, que alteraram o planejamento terapêutico em um percentual importante dos casos.

Role of magnetic resonance imaging in the planning of breast cancer treatment strategies: comparison with conventional imaging techniques / Papel da ressonância magnética no planejamento terapêutico das pacientes com câncer de mama: comparação com exames convencionais

Abstract Objective: To assess the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the planning of breast cancer treatment strategies. Materials and Methods: The study included 160 women diagnosed with breast cancer, who underwent breast MRI for preoperative staging. Using Pearson's correlation coefficient (r), we compared the size of the primary tumor, as determined by MRI, by conventional imaging (mammography and ultrasound), and in the pathological examination (gold standard). The identification of lesions not identified in previous examinations was also evaluated, as was its influence on treatment planning. Results: The mean age of the patients was 52.2 years (range, 30-81 years), and the most common histological type was invasive ductal carcinoma (in 60.6% of the patients). In terms of the tumor size determined, MRI correlated better with the pathological examination than did mammography (r = 0.872 vs. 0.710) or ultrasound (r = 0.836 vs. 0.704). MRI identified additional lesions in 53 patients (33.1%), including malignant lesions in 20 (12.5%), which led to change in the therapeutic planning in 23 patients (14.4%). Conclusion: Breast MRI proved to be more accurate than conventional imaging in determining the dimensions of the main tumor and was able to identify lesions not identified by other methods evaluated, which altered the therapeutic planning in a significant proportion of cases.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar o papel da ressonância magnética (RM) no planejamento terapêutico de pacientes com câncer de mama. Materiais e Métodos: Foram avaliadas 160 mulheres com diagnóstico de câncer de mama submetidas a RM para estadiamento préoperatório. O tamanho do tumor principal avaliado pela RM e pelos exames convencionais (mamografia e ultrassonografia) foi comparado com o exame anatomopatológico (padrão ouro), utilizando o coeficiente de correlação de Pearson (r). Foi avaliada, ainda, a presença de lesões adicionais não identificadas nos exames prévios e sua influência no planejamento terapêutico. Resultados: A idade média das pacientes foi 52,2 anos (variação: 30-81 anos) e o tipo histológico mais comum foi o carcinoma ductal invasivo (60,6%). A medida do tumor na RM teve melhor correlação com o tamanho no exame anatomopatológico, quando comparado com a mamografia (r: 0,872 × 0,710) e com a ultrassonografia (r: 0,836 × 0,704). A RM identificou lesões adicionais em 53 pacientes (33,1%), sendo 20 malignas (12,5%), e modificou o planejamento terapêutico em 23 pacientes (14,4%). Conclusão: A RM das mamas demonstrou ser mais acurada que os exames convencionais na avaliação das dimensões do tumor principal e foi capaz de identificar lesões adicionais não identificadas pelos outros métodos, que alteraram o planejamento terapêutico em um percentual importante dos casos.

Chemical Characterization and Cytoprotective Effect of the Hydroethanol Extract from Annona coriacea Mart. (Araticum).

INTRODUCTION: Annona coriacea Mart. (araticum) is a widely distributed tree in the cerrado. Its value is attributed principally to the consumption of its fruit which possesses a large nutritive potential. The objective was to identify the chemical profile and evaluate the antimicrobial and cytoprotective activity of the hydroethanol extract of A. coriacea Mart. (HEAC) leaves against the toxicity of mercury chloride. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The characterization of components was carried out using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by microdilution method in broth with strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. For evaluation of the modulatory and cytoprotective activity of aminoglycoside antibiotics (gentamicin and amikacin) and mercury chloride (HgCl2), the substances were associated with the HEAC at subinhibitory concentrations (MIC/8). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The HPLC analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids such as Luteolin (1.84%) and Quercetin (1.19%) in elevated concentrations. The HEAC presented an MIC ≥512 µg/mL and significant antagonistic action in aminoglycosides modulation, and it also showed cytoprotective activity to S. aureus (significance P < 0.0001) and E. coli (significance P < 0.05) bacteria against the mercury chloride heavy metal with significance, this action being attributed to the chelating properties of the flavonoids found in the chemical identification. CONCLUSIONS: The results acquired in this study show that the HEAC presents cytoprotective activity over the tested strains in vitro and can also present antagonistic effect when associated with aminoglycosides, reinforcing the necessity of taking caution when combining natural and pharmaceutical products. SUMMARY: The hydroalcoholic extract of A. coriacea Mart. presents in vitro cytoprotective activity against the toxic effect of Hg. Abbreviations Used: HPLC-DAD: High-performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector; MIC: Minimum inhibitory concentration; DMSO: Dimethyl sulfoxide.

AVALIAÇÃO DA ATIVIDADE ANTI-INFLAMATÓRIA TÓPICA E ANTIBACTERIANA DO EXTRATO METANÓLICO DAS FOLHAS DE Sideroxylon obtusifolium / Evaluation of the Topical Anti-inflammatory Activity and Antibacterial Activity of Methanol Extract in the Sideroxylon obtusifolium Leaves / Evaluación de la actividad antiedematogenic tópica y antibacteriana del extracto metanólico de hojas de Sideroxylon obtusifolium

Sideroxylon obtusifolium, conhecida como quixaba, é utilizada para diversos fins medicinais, dentre eles em casos de inflamações e infecções bacterianas, com isso, o estudo teve por objetivo investigar a atividade anti-inflamatória tópica e antibacteriana do extrato metanólico obtido das folhas de S. obtusifolium. A prospecção fitoquímica do extrato revelou a presença de diversas classes, entre eles: Fenóis; Taninos Pirogálicos, Flavonoides, Catequinas e alcaloides. Os polifenóis e flavonóides presentes neste extrato foram quantificados em 150,3 mg equivalentes de ácido gálico/g de extrato e 98,5 mg equivalentes de quercetina/g de extrato, respectivamente. Os resultados obtidos através dos testes de microdiluição e modulação mostraram potencial atividade antibacteriana quando associados a gentamicina e amicacina para cepas multirresistentes de Staphylococcus aureus. Para cepas de Escherichia coli, houve sinergismo frente ao antibiótico amicacina havendo antagonismo para gentamicina, o mesmo efeito foi observado para Pseudomonas aeruginosas em ambos antibióticos. Nos testes para inflamação aguda através dos modelos de edema de orelha induzido por óleo de cróton e fenol, o extrato apresentou um potente efeito antiedematogênico significativo (p < 0,05). Diante dos resultados, podem-se observar atividades biológicas de S. obtusifolium, o que condiz com seu uso na terapia popular.

Sideroxylon obtusifolium, known as "quixaba", is used for various medicinal purposes, including in cases of inflammation and bacterial infections, therefore, the study aimed to investigate the topical antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity of the methanol extract obtained from the leaves of S. obtusifolium. The phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of several classes, including Phenols; Tannins, Flavonoids, catechins and alkaloids. Polyphenols and flavonoids present in this extract were quantified in 150.3 mg of gallic acid equivalents / g extract and 98.5 mg of quercetin equivalents / g extract, respectively. The results obtained by the microdilution tests have shown potential and modulation antibacterial activity when associated gentamicin, and amikacin for multidrug-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus. For Escherichia coli, there was synergism for amikacin, gentamicin having antagonism, the same effect was observed for Pseudomonas aeruginosa on both antibiotics. In tests for acute models of inflammation by ear edema induced by croton oil, and phenol, the extract had a potent antiedematogenic significant effect (p < 0.05). Therefore, the results can be observed biological activities of S. obtusifolium, which is consistent with its use in popular therapy.

Sideroxylon obtusifolium conocida como quixaba, se utiliza para diversos fines medicinales, incluso en los casos de infecciones bacterianas y la inflamación, por lo tanto, este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar la actividad antiinflamatoria tópica y antibacteriana del extracto de metanol obtenido de las hojas de S. obtusifolium. El tamizaje fitoquímico del extracto reveló la presencia de varias clases, incluyendo: fenoles; taninos pirogálicos, flavonoides, catequinas y alcaloides. Los polifenoles y flavonoides presentes en este extracto se cuantificaron en 150,3 mg de equivalentes de ácido/g de extracto gálico y 98,5 mg de extracto de quercetina equivalentes/g, respectivamente. Los resultados obtenidos por los ensayos de microdilución han mostrado actividad potencial y la modulación antibacteriana cuando se asocia gentamicina, amikacina y para las cepas resistentes a múltiples fármacos de Staphylococcus aureus. Para Escherichia coli, solo se obtuvo sinergismo con amikacina, y se observo antagonismo para gentamicina, este mismo efecto fue observado para Pseudomonas aeruginosa en ambos antibióticos. En las pruebas de modelos agudos de inflamación por edema de la oreja inducido por aceite de crotón, y el fenol, el extracto tuvo un efecto significativo antiedematogenic potente (p <0,05). Por lo tanto, los resultados muestran actividad biológica de S. obtusifolium, que es coherente con su uso en terapia popular.

Role of MRI in the staging of breast cancer patients: does histological type and molecular subtype matter?

OBJECTIVE: To assess the role of MRI in the pre-operative staging of patients with different histological types and molecular subtypes of breast cancer, by the assessment of the dimensions of the main tumour and identification of multifocal and/or multicentric disease. METHODS: The study included 160 females diagnosed with breast cancer who underwent breast MRI for pre-operative staging. The size of the primary tumour evaluated by MRI was compared with the pathology (gold standard) using the Pearson's correlation coefficient (r). The presence of multifocal and/or multicentric disease was also evaluated. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 52.6 years (range 30-81 years). Correlation between the largest dimension of the main tumour measured by MRI and pathology was worse for non-special type/invasive ductal carcinoma than for other histological types and was better for luminal A and triple-negative than for luminal B and Her-2 molecular subtypes. Multifocal and/or multicentric disease was present in 48 patients (30.0%), and it was more common in breast carcinomas classified as Her-2 molecular subtype. There was no statistically significant difference in the frequency of multifocal and/or multicentric tumours identified only by MRI in relation to histological type or molecular subtype. CONCLUSION: The results of this retrospective study demonstrated that histological types and molecular subtypes might influence the MRI assessment of breast cancers, especially in the evaluation of tumour size. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: The real benefit of MRI for treatment planning in patients with breast cancer may be different according to the histological type and molecular subtype.

Ultrasensitive biosensor for detection of organophosphorus pesticides based on a macrocycle complex/carbon nanotubes composite and 1-methyl-3-octylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate as binder compound.

This work describes the highly sensitive detection of organophosphorus pesticides employing the cobalt(II) 4,4,4,4-tetrasulfo-phthalocyanine (CoTSPc) macrocycle complex, carbon nanotubes (CNT), and 1-methyl-3-octylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (OMIM[BF4]). The technique is based on enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition. The composite was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and amperometry. The AChE was immobilized on the composite electrode surface by cross-linking with glutaraldehyde and chitosan. The synergistic action of the CoTSPc/CNT/OMIM[BF4] composite showed excellent electrocatalytic activity, with a low applied potential for the amperometric detection of thiocholine (TCh) at 0.0 V vs. Ag/AgCl. The calculated catalytic rate constant, k(cat), was 3.67 × 10(3) mol(-1) L s(-1). Under the optimum conditions, the inhibition rates of these pesticides were proportional to their concentrations in the ranges of 1.0 pmol L(-1) to 1.0 nmol L(-1) (fenitrothion), 2.0 pmol L(-1) to 8.0 nmol L(-1) (dichlorvos), and 16 pmol L(-1) to 5.0 nmol L(-1) (malathion).

Efeito antibacteriano e anti-inflamatório tópico do extrato metanólico de Chenopodium ambrosioides L / Antibacterial and topical anti-inflammatory effect of methanol extract of Chenopodium ambrosioides L

A utilização de plantas medicinais é uma prática comum nos países, fazendo parte da cultura popular como forma de tratamento de diferentes patologias. A planta Chenopodium ambrosioides L., conhecida popularmente como mastruz, é utilizada na medicina popular no tratamento de bronquite crônica, tuberculose, contusões, hérnias e fraturas, tendo algumas atividades comprovadas cientificamente como ação vermífuga e antimicrobiana. Dessa forma, o presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o perfil químico e investigar a atividade antibacteriana, moduladora de antibióticos e anti-inflamatória tópica do extrato metanólico obtido das folhas de Chenopodium ambrosioides L. Na prospecção fitoquímica do extrato, foram verificados diferentes metabólitos que possuem várias atividades biológicas, e na dosagem dos fenóis totais foram verificados 21,0 mg/g equivalente de ácido gálico, sendo a quantificação de flavonoides encontrado um total de 135,4 mg/g de quercetina. Não houve atividade antibacteriana, porém detectou-se modulação quando o extrato foi associado aos aminoglicosídeos contra cepas de E. coli e Staphylococcus aureus. Nos testes para inflamação aguda, o extrato apresentou um potencial antiedematogênico nas concentrações de 25 e 50 mg. Diante dos resultados, pode-se correlacionar o conhecimento empírico das pessoas, às propriedades biológicas observadas nessa pesquisa, esta podendo ser importante para futura validação dessas propriedades etnomedicinais.(AU)

The use of medicinal plants is a common practice in countries as part of popular culture as a treatment of different pathologies. The Chenopodium ambrosioides L. plant, popularly known as Mastruz, is used in folk medicine to treat chronic bronchitis, tuberculosis, bruises, fractures and hernias, and some activities scientifically proven as anthelmintic and antimicrobial action. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the chemical profile and investigate the antibacterial activity, modulator of antibiotics and topical anti-inflammatory of methanol extract obtained from Chenopodium ambrosioides L. leaves. In the phytochemical extract prospecting, they were checked different metabolites that have multiple biological activity, and the dosage of total phenols were checked 21.0 mg / g gallic acid equivalent, and the quantification of flavonoids found a total of 135.4 mg / g quercetin. There was no antibacterial activity, but modulation was detected when the extract was associated with aminoglycosides against strains of E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus. In tests for acute inflammation, the extract showed an antiedematogenic potential at concentrations of 25 and 50 mg. Given the results, we can correlate the empirical knowledge of people; the biological properties observed in this study, this may be important for future validation of these ethnomedicinal properties.(AU)

Expert witnesses: neuroradiologists' perspectives.

PURPOSE: Physician malpractice expert witnesses may testify on behalf of physicians or patients. The goal of the study was to assess the experience of neuroradiologists as expert witnesses and their attitudes about such testimony. METHODS: A survey was distributed to the 4,357 e-mail addresses of the members of the American Society of Neuroradiology with questions about expert witnesses. RESULTS: The survey found that 1,301 of 4,357 answered at least one survey question. Five hundred twenty seven of 1194 (44.1%) of respondents had experience as expert witnesses. Most offer to testify on behalf of both plaintiffs and defendant physicians (324 of 465; 69.7%). Some do not testify/review cases on behalf of a plaintiff because they do not think that physicians should testify against other physicians, even if negligence is a factor (40 of 198; 20.2%). This reason was the most common for not agreeing to be an expert witness for a plaintiff, for all age groups. Of those expressing an opinion, 312 of 874 (35.7%) of neuroradiologists feel negatively about expert witnesses, whereas 434 of 874 (49.6%) say they serve a purpose, and 105 of 874 (12.0%) feel they should be commended for their work on behalf of the justice system. CONCLUSIONS: Of neuroradiologists answering the survey, nearly half have served as expert witnesses, and most feel comfortable testifying for both plaintiffs and defendants. Substantive negative perceptions (35.7%) of expert witnesses were found.

Afastamento por doença entre trabalhadores de saúde em um hospital público do estado da Bahia / Sickness absenteeism among health care workers at a public hospital in Bahia, Brazil

Este trabalho descreveu as características sociodemográficas de trabalhadores de saúde, seu trabalho e a incidência de afastamento por doença de um hospital público do Estado da Bahia no período de 1º de julho de 2005 a 30 de junho de 2006. Os dados foram coletados nas pastas cadastrais do setor de pessoal, nos atestados médicos de até 15 dias de afastamento e em documento da Secretaria Estadual de Saúde. Observou-se uma média de 2,31 atestados médicos por trabalhador. Dos 837 profissionais da equipe de saúde, 31,9% afastaram-se por doença pelo menos uma vez no período. Destes, 91,0% são do sexo feminino; 60,7% possuem idade 40 anos; 60% possuem tempo de serviço na instituição 12,5 anos; 70% eram estatutários; 59,5% tinham jornada de 40 horas semanais. A maioria dos afastados estava lotada na Emergência e na UTI e era do grupo de Enfermagem. Espera-se que este estudo fomente novas discussões sobre as características do trabalho em hospitais e estimule a implantação de serviço de atendimento à saúde do trabalhador no hospital estudado e a realização de novas investigações.

This work describes the socio-demographic characteristics of health care workers, their work, and the incidence of sick leave in a public hospital in the State of Bahia, Brazil during the period between July 1, 2005 and June 30, 2006. Data was collected from the personnel department register, from doctors statements for the leave, and from a document issued by the Bahia State Health Department. The results showed an average of 2.31 doctors statements per worker. Among 837 workers, 31.9% were absent at least once due to illness, during the mentioned period. Of these, 91.0% were women; 60.7% 40 years old; 60% had been working at the institution for 12.5 years; 70% were permanent civil servants covered by a specific pay system; 59.5% worked 40 hours a week. Most of the absentees belonged to the nursing staff and worked either in the emergency ward or in the ICU. We expect that this study will encourage new discussions on the characteristics of hospital work, will incite the implementation of workers health services in the hospital studied and new research on the issue.

Análise do índice de placa gengival e higiene bucal de pacientes em relação ao tabagismo / Analysis of gingival plaque index and oral hygiene of patients with regard to smoking

Objetivo: Avaliar clinicamente as alterações periodontais causadas pelo cigarro em pacientes fumantes e não fumantes sob dois aspectos: índice de placa gengival e higiene bucal. Métodos: Foram selecionados 80 pacientes de ambos os sexos, de faixa etária entre 20 e 50 anos, divididos em quatro grupos experimentais (pacientes não fumantes sem restaurações estéticas, pacientes não fumantes com restaurações estéticas, pacientes fumantes sem restaurações estéticas e pacientes fumantes com restaurações estéticas). Resultados: Os pacientes sem restaurações, independentemente de serem ou não fumantes, apresentaram menor índice gengival que os pacientes com restaurações, ou seja, a presença de restaurações exerce forte influência no aumento dos índices de placa bacteriana e gengival. Em relação à higiene bucal, dos 40 pacientes fumantes examinados, muitos mantinham o vício de fumar há muitos anos; na maioria dos casos, em torno de 20 cigarros/dia. Dos 80 pacientes examinados (fumantes e não fumantes), cerca de 50% informaram escovar os dentes três vezes ao dia, e 55 pacientes (mais de 50%) informaram visitar o cirurgião-dentista periodicamente. Dos 80 pacientes examinados (fumantes e não fumantes), apenas 17 retornavam ao consultório dentário a cada seis meses, enquanto 26 pacientes informaram que compareciam ao consultório uma vez ao ano. Constatou-se também equilíbrio entre fumantes e não fumantes quanto à presença de mau hálito. Conclusão: As restaurações exerceram forte influência no aumento dos índices de placa bacteriana e gengival, e mais de 50% dos pacientes examinados informaram visitar o cirurgião-dentista periodicamente. Em relação à presença de mau hálito, constatou-se que cerca de 40% afirmaram percebê-lo.

Objective: To make a clinical evaluation of periodontal alterations caused by cigarettes in smoker and non-smoker patients from two aspects: gingival plaque index and oral hygiene. Methods: Eighty patients of both sexes, ranging between 20 and 50 years of age, were selected and divided into four experimental groups (non-smoker patients without esthetic restorations, non-smoker patients with esthetic restorations, smoker patients without esthetic restorations, smoker patients with esthetic restorations). Results: The patients without restorations, irrespective of whether they were smokers or not, presented a lower gingival plaque index than the patients with restorations; that is, the presence of restorations exerts a strong influence on the increase in bacterial and gingival plaque indexes. With regard to oral hygiene, of the 40 smoker patients examined, many had been smoking for many years; in the majority of cases, around 20 cigarettes/day. Of the 80 patients examined (smokers and non-smokers), around 50% informed that they brushed their teeth three times a day, and 55 patients (over 50%) informed that they visited the dentist periodically. Of the 80 patients examined (smokers and non-smokers), only 17 returned to the dental consulting room every six months, while 26 patients informed that they went once a year. Balance was also found between smokers and non-smokers with regard to the presence of bad breath. (halitosis) Conclusion: Restorations had a strong influence on the increase in the bacterial and gingival plaque indexes, and over 50% of the patients examined informed that they visited the dentist periodically. As regards the presence of bad breath, it was found that around 40% of patients affirmed being aware of it.

Estudo comparativo de aparelhos fotopolimerizadores para determinar o grau de conversão de resinas compostas utilizando o espectrofotômetro de infravermelho / Comparative study of curing light devices to determine the degree of polymerization of composite resins using infrared spectroscopy

Objetivo: Avaliar e comparar o grau e conversão de duas resinas compostas – Filtek Z250® e Filtek P60® – polimerizadas com duas unidades de luz fotoativadoras, sendo uma de luz halógena (Degulux®) e um LED (Ultrablue IS®). Métodos: Foram confeccionados 20 corpos-de-prova de cada resina composta, distribuídos aleatoriamente em quatro grupos, de acordo com cada aparelho de luz testada e então submetida à análise por espectrofotometria de infravermelho para determinação porcentual do grau de conversão. Resultados: Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que não houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre os valores de grau de conversão das duas resinas testadas e o aparelho Ultrablue IS® apresentou resultados de conversão de monômeros semelhantes ao aparelho de luz halógena Degulux®. Conclusão: Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre os valores de grau de conversão dos materiais e o aparelho Ultrablue IS® apresentou resultados de conversão de monômeros semelhantes ao aparelho de luz halógena Degulux®.

Objectives: The aim of this work was to evaluate and compare the degree of conversion of two composite resins - Filtek Z250® and Filtek P60®- polymerized with two curing light units: halogen light (Degulux®) and LED (Ultrablue IS®). Methods: Twenty specimens of each composite resin were confectioned and randomly distributed in 4 groups, according to each device of light tested and then submitted to spectroscopy analysis of infra-red ray for determination of conversion degree.Results: The results obtained showed that there was no significant statistical difference between the curing efficiency values of both composite resins tested, and the device Ultrablue IS® presented similar results of curing conversion to the halogen curing light device (Degulux®). Conclusion: There was no statistical significant difference between the values of the degree of conversion of materials and the unit Ultrablue IS® presented results of conversion of monômeros similar to the device of light halógena Degulux®.

Enxerto de tecido conjuntivo subepitelial: uma alternativa em cirurgia plástica periodontal: caso clínico / Subepithelial connective tissue graft: an alternative in periodontal plastic surgery: case report

Os autores relatam um caso clínico mostrando uma alternativa estética para recobrimento radicular utilizando a técnica de enxerto de tecido conjuntivo subepitelial. Este procedimento tem a vantagem da nutrição sangüínea dupla do enxerto vindo do tecido conjuntivo adjacente, periósteo do leito receptor e do retalho posicionado coronariamente, reduzindo o risco de perda do enxerto, além de favorecer a estética no pós-operatório

Transmissibilidade da microbiota bucal entre humanos / Aerobic microorganisms survey of mother-offspring pairs

Desde a comprovação de que a etiologia das doenças periodontais está estreitamente relacionada à presença de microorganismos, muitos estudos têm buscado conhecimento sobre a composição das placas bacterianas subgengivais, a fonte e a via de infecção por periodontopatógenos específicos. A etiologia bacteriana na doença periodontal, bem como os fatores relacionados ao hospedeiro, foram revisados na literatura, enfatizando o que foi sugerido sobre a transmissibilidade da microbiota bucal entre humanos. Com o objetivo de verificar a similaridade da microbiota que habita a cavidade bucal de mães com periodontite e seus filhos, foi realizado um levantamento microbiológico em aerobiose, a partir das placas bacterianas subgengivais de 7 pares de mãe-filho, onde todas as mães sofriam de periodontite e os(as) filhos(as) encontravam-se na faixa etária de 2 a 10 anos. As amostras foram cultivadas em meios sólidos para que se pudesse evidenciar o crescimento de microrganismos Gram-negativos (meio de MacConkey Agar) e Gram-positivos (meio de Mueller Hinton Sangue). Constatou-se uma similaridade na colonização entre as mães e seus(uas) respectivos(as) filhos(as) e a presença de periodontopatógenos suspeitos (Pseudomonas sp) em apenas uma amostra, pertencente a uma criança. Concluiu-se ser de fundamental importância a promoção de saúde bucal voltada para pais portadores de uma microbiota evidentemente patogênica, com o estabelecimento de programas preventivos, assim como o diagnóstico e plano de tratamento das doenças periodontais ser associada à abordagem familiar.

Reimplantes de dentes permanentes avulsionados / The dental replantation powder-traumatismos

Os reimplantes dentários pós-traumatismos vêm sendo realizados com grande freqüência e muitos trabalhos têm contribuídos para o esclarecimento destes procedimentos. Buscando melhores conhecimentos neste campo de atuação, revisamos a literatura, dando ênfase às estruturas periodontais. Podemos concluir, depois de analisarmos os trabalhos pesquisados, que a manutenção da vitalidade das células e fibras do LPD é o fator mais importante que interfere para o sucesso desta técnica.

Estudo da resistência ao cisalhamento de três tipos de resinas fotopolimerizáveis indicadas para dentes posteriores / Study of the shear strength of three different types of light-curing composites for posterior teeth

Neste trabalho realizou-se um estudo comparativo entre as tensöes de cisalhamento de três tipos de resinas fotopolimerizáveis, indicadas para restauraçöes de dentes posteriores, sendo duas utilizadas na técnica direta e uma processada em laboratório. Foram confeccionados 75 corpos-de-prova, mantidos por 24 horas em água bidestilada à temperatura ambiente e posteriormente submetidos a tensäo de cisalhamento na máquina Instron modelo 4.442, regulada para uma carga de 50 kgf a uma velocidade de 0,5 mm/min. Os resultados obtidos revelaram que os valores de resistência ao cisalhamento das resinas compostas diretas dos Grupos 1 (Z100TM) e 2 (Solitaire©) foram maiores que os da resina composta indireta do Grupo 3 (SolidexTM). Entre as resinas compostas diretas testadas, a resistência ao cisalhamento da resina do Grupo 1 foi maior que a do Grupo 2