Investigation of a fatigue failure in a stainless steel femoral plate.

Surgical implants are exposed to severe working conditions and therefore a wide range of failure mechanisms may occur, including fatigue, corrosion, wear, fretting and combinations of them. The mechanical failures of metallic implants may also be influenced by several other factors, including the design, material, manufacturing, installation, postoperative complications and misuse. An 83-year-old patient suffered an oblique femoral shaft fracture due to a fall at home. A stainless steel locking compression plate (LCP) employed in the fracture reduction failed after four months and was sent back to the producer. A second LCP of the same type was implanted and also failed after six months. A failure analysis of the second femoral LCP is performed in this paper. The results demonstrate that poor material quality was decisive to the failure. The chemical analysis revealed a high P content in the steel, which is not in accordance to the standards. A combination of factors lead to LCP fracture and these include: brittle crack initiation due to phosphorus, segregation at grain boundaries, crack propagation due to cyclic loading and final fast fracture favored by the loss of ductility due to cold work.

Ectopia testicular cruzada en niño indígena / Crossed testicular ectopia in indigenous child

La ectopia testicular cruzada es una entidad extremadamente rara, caracterizada por la migración de ambos testículos a un mismo canal inguinal, muchas veces asociada con hernia inguinal sintomática y criptorquidiadel lado contralateral. Cerca de 100 casos habían sido publicados en la literatura mundial. Reportamos un caso de ectopia testicular cruzada en niño indígena brasileño, de dos años de edad, con buenísima evolución postoperatoria (AU)

The crossed testicular ectopia is an extremely rare entity, characterized by migration of both testicles in the same inguinal canal, often associated with symptomatic inguinal hernia and cryptorchidism in the contralateral side. About one hundred cases have been published in the literature. Were port a case of crossed testicular ectopia in brazilian indigenous boy, aged two years old, with a favorable post operative (AU)

[Crossed testicular ectopia in indigenous child]. / Ectopia testicular cruzada en niño indígena.

The crossed testicular ectopia is an extremely rare entity, characterized by migration of both testicles in the same inguinal canal, often associated with symptomatic inguinal hernia and cryptorchidism in the contralateral side. About one hundred cases have been published in the literature. We report a case of crossed testicular ectopia in brazilian indigenous boy, aged two years old, with a favorable post operative.

Association of slow N-acetyltransferase 2 profile and anti-TB drug-induced hepatotoxicity in patients from Southern Brazil.

PURPOSE: To determine the frequency of N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) polymorphisms, the NAT2 acetylation profile and its relation to the incidence of gastrointestinal adverse drug reactions (ADRs), anti-tuberculosis (TB) drug-induced hepatotoxicity, and the clinical risk factors for hepatotoxicity in a population from Brazil. METHODS: Two hundred and fifty-four Brazilian TB patients using isoniazid (INH), rifampicin (RMP), and pirazinamide (PZA) were tested in a prospective cohort study. NAT2 genotyping was performed by direct PCR sequencing. The association between gastrointestinal ADRs/hepatotoxicity and the NAT2 profile genotype was evaluated by univariate analysis and multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: Of the 254 patients analyzed, 69 (27.2%) were slow acetylators and 185 (72.8%) were fast acetylators. Sixty-five (25.6%) patients were human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive. Thirty-three (13%) and 14 (5.5%) patients developed gastrointestinal ADR and hepatotoxicity, respectively. Of the 14 hepatotoxicity patients, nine (64.3%) were slow acetylators and five (35.7%) were fast acetylators. Sex, age, presence of hepatitis C virus, alcohol abuse, and baseline aminotransferases were not found to be risk factors for hepatotoxicity. However, logistic regression analysis revealed that slow acetylator status and the presence of HIV (p < 0.05) were independent risk factors for hepatotoxicity. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that HIV-positive patients that have the slow acetylation profile are significantly associated with a higher risk of developing hepatotoxicity due to anti-TB drugs.

Differential expression of nifH and anfH genes in Paenibacillus durus analysed by reverse transcriptase-PCR and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to develop an approach based on a reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR/denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) for the detection of the functional genes nifH and anfH in Paenibacillus durus. METHODS AND RESULTS: Two sets of primers were employed to study the expression of the nitrogen fixation genes in a pure-culture system of P. durus grown in media with increasing concentrations of ammonium (NH(4)(+)), tungsten (W) or molybdenum (Mo). The results obtained indicate that the expression of nitrogenase genes from P. durus can take place in the presence of relatively high levels of fixed nitrogen. It was also observed that the addition of 20 micromol l(-1) molybdenum and 2 mmol l(-1) tungstate did not interfere in the mRNA levels of nifH and anfH genes. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate the presence and transcription of nifH and anfH in P. durus under a variety of growth conditions. A specific set of primers was designed for the detection of the alternative system for nitrogen fixation in P. durus. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The RT-PCR/DGGE system enables the rapid gathering of incremental data about the regulation of conventional and alternative nitrogenase genes in P. durus strains.

[Giant dermoid cyst of sternum]. / Quiste dermoide gigante de esternón.

Dermoid cysts are lesions located in the subcutaneous tissue, containing epidermis and epidermal appendages and being common found in the head and neck. However, such lesion can be found in other parts of the body. The present case, shows an atypical presentation of a giant dermoid cyst on the sternum of a child. Although atypical, the dermoid cyst must be considered in the diagnosis of sternal masses.

The occurrence of amphibians in bromeliads from a southeastern Brazilian restinga habitat, with special reference to Aparasphenodon brunoi (Anura, Hylidae).

Five species of anuran amphibians, all belonging to the family Hylidae, were collected at Praia das Neves, municipality of President Kennedy, southeastern Brazil. The species were represented by four genera: Scinax, Hyla, Aparasphenodon, and Trachycephalus. Four species (A. brunoi, Hyla albomarginata, Scinax altera, and S. cuspidatus) were found during the dry season (August 1999), and two (A. brunoi and Trachycephalus nigromaculatus) in the rainy season (February 2000). Aparasphenodon brunoi was the most abundant species in Praia das Neves. Some reproductive aspects and feeding habits of this hylid were investigated. Aparasphenodon brunoi was found mainly inside the bromeliad Aechmea lingulata, the largest plant analyzed. Fifteen specimens were collected during the dry season (August 1999) (11 males and 4 females). During the rainy season (February 2000), we collected 14 specimens (3 males, 10 females, and 1 juvenile). Sex-ratio was 1:1. Frogs ranged in snout-vent length from 31.2 to 69.3 mm. Females were larger than males. One female had 1,451 fully developed oocytes in her ovaries. The major groups of prey found in the stomachs were: Insecta, Myriapoda, and Arachnida. Blattodea, Orthoptera, Lepidoptera, and Hymenoptera (only ants) were the main food types in frequency, number, and weight. Aparasphenodon brunoi is a threatened species in many habitats of southeastern Brazil. Only natural vegetation protection may guarantee its survival during the immediate future.

The occurrence of amphibians in bromeliads from a Southeastern Brazilian restinga habitat, with special reference to Aparasphenodon brunoi (Anura, Hylidae)

Five species of anuran amphibians, all belonging to the family Hylidae, were collected at Praia das Neves, municipality of Presidente Kennedy, southeastern Brazil,. The species were represented by four genera: Scinax, Hyla, Aparasphenodon, and Trachycephalus. Four species (A. brunoi, Hyla albomarginata, Scinax altera, and S. cuspidatus) were found during the dry season (August 1999), and two (A. brunoi and Trachycephalus nigromaculatus) in the rainy season (February 2000). Aparasphenodon brunoi was the most abundant species in Praia das Neves. Some reproductive aspects and feeding habits of this hylid were investigated. Aparasphenodon brunoi was found mainly inside the bromeliad Aechmea lingulata, the largest plant analyzed. Fifteen specimens were collected during the dry season (August 1999) (11 males and 4 females). During the rainy season (February 2000), we collected 14 specimens (3 males, 10 females, and 1 juvenile). Sex-ratio was 1:1. Frogs ranged in snout-vent length from 31.2 to 69.3 mm. Females were larger than males. One female had 1,451 fully developed oocytes in her ovaries. The major groups of prey found in the stomachs were: Insecta, Myriapoda, and Arachnida. Blattodea, Orthoptera, Lepidoptera, and Hymenoptera (only ants) were the main food types in frequency, number, and weight. Aparasphenodon brunoi is a threatened species in many habitats of southeastern Brazil. Only natural vegetation protection may guarantee its survival during the immediate future

Reproduction and food habits of the lined seahorse, Hippocampus erectus (Teleostei: Syngnathidae) of Chesapeake Bay, Virginia.

The reproductive and feeding biology of the lined seahorse, Hippocampus erectus, was studied in Chesapeake Bay. Seahorses are monogamous, and males incubate the eggs received from females in a closed brood pouch (= marsupium). Females do not play any parental care after mating. Total sex ratio and the operational sex ratio was strongly skewed toward females. Males and females had similar number of eggs/embryos and hydrated oocytes, respectively. The number of eggs/embryos found in the male brood pouch varied from 97 to 1,552 (fish from 80 to 126 mm TL), whereas the number of hydrated oocytes in female varied from 90 to 1,313 (fish from 60 to 123 mm TL). Both, the number of eggs/embryos and hydrated oocytes were better linearly correlated to total weight than to total length. The small snout and mouth size limits the feeding of the lined seahorse to small prey size. Amphypods were the predominant food items found in the guts, especially Ampithoe longimana, Gammarus mucronatus, and Caprella penantis. The lined seahorse is not abundant in Chesapeake Bay, but keeps a breeding population which is probably brought inside the bay by currents on drifting vegetation. Chances to find a partner may be difficult because of its low abundance, due to turbid waters, and its sedentary behavior.

Evidence of terrestrial feeding in the arboreal lizard Enyalius bilineatus (Sauria, Polychrotidae) of south-eastern Brazil.

The diet of the arboreal lizard E. bilineatus was assessed based on analysis of gut contents of specimens collected in the remnants of the Atlantic rainforest in Espírito Santo State, south-eastern Brazil. Stomachs of the lizards examined (SVL = 57.0-85.0 mm) contained nine arthropod orders. E. bilineatus utilizes a broad range of arthopodan prey type and sizes, and can be considered an arthropod generalist, which uses a sit-and-wait foraging strategy. Orthoptera represented the most important food item, followed by Dictyoptera and Hymenoptera. Hemiptera, Homoptera, Lepidoptera (larvae), Coleoptera, Araneae, and Diplopoda constituted the remainder of food items. The presence of Diplopoda, which are not generally found on tree trunks, provides particularly strong evidence the E. bilineatus forages in leaf litter on the ground.

Reproduction and food habits of the lined seahorse, Hippocampus erectus (Teleostei: Syngnathidae) of Chesapeake Bay, Virginia

The reproductive and feeding biology of the lined seahorse, Hippocampus erectus, was studied in Chesapeake Bay. Seahorses are monogamous, and males incubate the eggs received from females in a closed brood pouch (= marsupium). Females do not play any parental care after mating. Total sex ratio and the operational sex ratio was strongly skewed toward females. Males and females had similar number of eggs/embryos and hydrated oocytes, respectively. The number of eggs/embryos found in the male brood pouch varied from 97 to 1,552 (fish from 80 to 126 mm TL), whereas the number of hydrated oocytes in female varied from 90 to 1,313 (fish from 60 to 123 mm TL). Both, the number of eggs/embryos and hydrated oocytes were better linearly correlated to total weight than to total length. The small snout and mouth size limits the feeding of the lined seahorse to small prey size. Amphypods were the predominant food items found in the guts, especially Ampithoe longimana, Gammarus mucronatus, and Caprella penantis. The lined seahorse is not abundant in Chesapeake Bay, but keeps a breeding population which is probably brought inside the bay by currents on drifting vegetation. Chances to find a partner may be difficult because of its low abundance, due to turbid waters, and its sedentary behavior

Evidence of terrestrial feeding in the arboreal lizard Enyalius bilineatus (Sauria, Polychrotidae) of south-eastern Brazil

The diet of the arboreal lizard E. bilineatus was assessed based on analysis of gut contents of specimens collected in the remnants of the Atlantic rainforest in Espírito Santo State, south-eastern Brazil. Stomachs of the lizards examined (SVL = 57.0-85.0 mm) contained nine arthropod orders. E. bilineatus utilizes a broad range of arthopodan prey type and sizes, and can be considered an arthropod generalist, which uses a sit-and-wait foraging strategy. Orthoptera represented the most important food item, followed by Dictyoptera and Hymenoptera. Hemiptera, Homoptera, Lepidoptera (larvae), Coleoptera, Araneae, and Diplopoda constituted the remainder of food items. The presence of Diplopoda, which are not generally found on tree trunks, provides particularly strong evidence the E. bilineatus forages in leaf litter on the ground

[Deflazacort and colonic anastomotic healing. An experimental study in rats]. / Deflazacort e cicatrização de anastomoses colônicas. Estudo experimental em ratos.

BACKGROUND: Deflazacort, a new corticosteroid is claimed to induce less collateral effects than other corticoids. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of this drug on the healing of colonic anastomosis. MATERIAL AND METHOD: 75 Wistar rats were randomized to receive daily by gavage, one of the following treatments: control group (N=24) - 1 ml of saline; deflazacort (N=25) - 1 ml of this drug containing 0.15mg/ml (0,1 mg/kg/day), and dexamethasone (N=26) - 1 ml containing 0.03 mg/ml of this drug (0.5 mg/kg/day). After 6 days of treatment, the animals underwent laparotomy followed by section and immediate colonic anastomoses in a point 2 cm above peritoneal reflexion. Treatment in each group was carried out until the animals were killed on the third of a six postoperative day. At necroscopy, signs of peritonitis and anastomotic dehiscence were registered. Anastomotic site was tested for tensile rupture and biopsies containing all layers were sent for hydroxyproline and protein measurements. RESULTS: There was no difference in the peritonitis and anastomotic dehiscence rates among the groups. Bowel rupture pressure was similar at day 3 but significantly higher in controls (180 [150-230] mmHg) than in deflazacort (150 [120-180] mmHg) and dexamethasone groups (140 [100-180] mmHg) at day 6. No difference occurred in the hydroxyproline concentration. Protein content was higher in dexamethasone group than in controls on the third postoperative day. CONCLUSIONS: Corticosteroids may impair colonic anastomotic resistance and deflazacort may have similar deleterious effects of dexamethasone in anastomotic healing.

Deflazacort e cicatrizaçao de anastomoses colônicas: estudo experimental em ratos / Deflazacort and colonic anastomotic healing: an experimental study in rats

OBJETIVO: O deflazacort é um novo corticóide com os mesmos efeitos antiinflamatórios dos demais, porém com menos efeitos colaterais. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar os efeitos do deflazacort na cicatrizaçao de anastomoses colônicas. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: 75 ratos Wistar foram randomizados em três grupos para receberem os seguintes tratamentos por gavagem: grupo controle (N=24)= soluçao fisiológica; grupo deflazacort (N=25)= 0,1 mg/Kg/dia dessa droga e, grupo dexametasona (N=26)= 0,5 mg/Kg/dia substância. Após seis dias de tratamento, os animais foram submetidos à secçao colônica, seguida de anastomose primária em um ponto situado a 2 cm acima da reflexao peritoneal. O tratamento com as soluçoes foi mantido até o sacrifício, que ocorreu no 3o. ou no 6o. dia de PO. Observou-se na necrópsia sinais de peritonite e deiscência de sutura. Realizou-se o teste de pressao de ruptura das anastomoses e dosou-se nessa regiao a concentraçao de hidroxiprolina e proteinas. RESULTADOS: Nao houve diferença em relaçao à ocorrência de deiscência e peritonite. A pressao de ruptura foi semelhante no 3o. dia. No 6o. dia, ela foi maior (p <0.05) no grupo controle (180 [150-230] mmHg) que nos grupos deflazacort (150 [120-180] mmHg) e dexametasona (140 [100-180] mmHg). Nao ocorreu diferença entre os grupos na dosagem de hidroxiprolina. A dosagem de protéinas foi maior no grupo dexametasona que nos controles no 3o. PO. CONCLUSOES: O uso de corticóides determina queda na resistência da anastomose colônica. O deflazacort apresenta os mesmos efeitos deletérios da dexametasona na cicatrizaçao de anastomoses intestinais