Insights into incipient oral squamous cell carcinoma: a comprehensive south-american study.

BACKGROUND: To describe demographic and clinicopathological aspects of a South-American cohort of incipient oral squamous cell carcinoma patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional, observational study was performed to assess demographic and clinicopathological characteristics of incipient oral squamous cell carcinoma patients from 6 South-American institutions. RESULTS: One hundred and seven patients within the histopathological spectrum of incipient oral squamous cell carcinoma (in-situ and microinvasive) were included. Fifty-eight (54.2%) patients were men with a mean age of 60.69 years. Forty-nine (45.8%) and thirty-nine (36.5%) patients had history of tobacco and alcohol use, respectively. Clinically, most of the lesions were plaques (82.2%), ≥ 2 cm in extension (72%), affecting the lateral border of the tongue (55.1%), and soft palate (12.1%) with a mixed (white and red) appearance. Eighty-two (76.7%) lesions were predominantly white and 25 (23.3%) predominantly red. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest cohort of incipient oral squamous cell carcinoma patients, which raises awareness of clinicians' inspection acuteness by demonstrating the most frequent clinical aspects of this disease, potentially improving oral cancer secondary prevention strategies.

Histopathological parameters reported in microinvasive oral squamous cell carcinoma: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Microinvasive oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCCmi) is an incipient stage of oral cancer. Through this systematic review, we aim to assess patterns of histopathological outcomes reported in OSCCmi cases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An online search in major databases was performed without period restriction, and 2,024 publications in English, Spanish and Portuguese were obtained. After screening and eligibility, 4 studies were selected. The risk of bias was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist. A descriptive synthesis was conducted. RESULTS: All 4 publications included were retrospective, reporting a total of 116 OSCCmi patients, with a male predominance (1.6:1) and a mean age of 55.9 years. The main parameters considered for microinvasion were tumor thickness (TT) (range 4-10mm) and depth of invasion (DOI) (range 0,02-5mm). Definition, cut-off values, and assessment of microscopic features were not standardized. Other relevant measures such as perineural or lymphovascular invasion and pattern of invasive front were barely described, and cytological/architectural characteristics were not discussed. CONCLUSIONS: TT and DOI are currently the primary histopathological criteria used to define OSCCmi. Nonetheless, the outcomes of this systematic review showed the absence of standardized quantitative parameters to render the diagnosis of microinvasive OSCC. Therefore, additional studies aiming to standardize histopathological features to diagnose OSCCmi are paramount.

Malignant transformation of oral leukoplakia: a multicentric retrospective study in Brazilian population.

BACKGROUND: Among the oral potentially malignant disorders, leukoplakia stands out as the most prevalent. The purpose of this study was to analyse the clinical-pathological features of oral leukoplakia in groups of patients from three major pathology centers in two different regions of Brazil, in order to determine which factors would be associated to the clinical risk of malignant transformation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 148 patients was analyzed, and data regarding gender, age, site, classification of the clinical subtype, harmful habits such as use of tobacco and alcohol, time of evolution and presence of dysplasia were collected. The association between risk factors and malignant transformation was investigated using the chi-square test and Fischer's exact test for correlation of variables. A significance level of 5% (p≤0.05) was used. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 60 years, and 56% were female. Most of the lesions (34,5%) were located in the lateral and ventral regions of the tongue. Of the 148 patients, ninety had clinical follow-up. Malignant transformation occurred in 13 patients (8.8%), with an average of 44 months of follow up. CONCLUSIONS: Non-smoker, nonhomogeneous clinical presentation, location at the tongue, and the presence of high degree of dysplasia were statistically relevant factors associated with a higher risk of transformation transformation.

Evaluation of the screw tent-pole technique for the repair of anterior maxilla width defects: a prospective, randomized, split-mouth study.

The aim of this prospective study was to compare horizontal bone augmentation in the anterior maxilla associated with two types of tenting screw used in the screw tent-pole technique. Ten patients with a premaxilla width deficiency underwent grafting with protein-free xenograft bone. A split-mouth design was used, with sides allocated randomly to receive standard and wide-head tenting screws. Implants were installed after 9 months. Patients underwent clinical, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), and histomorphometric evaluations. The buccal aspect of the ridge was classified as flat or concave in shape. Clinical measurements showed width augmentation of 1.05mm, 2.45mm, and 2.70mm for standard screws and 1.50mm, 3.10mm, and 3.45mm for wide-head screws, at the ridge, 5mm, and 10mm, respectively. CBCT showed width augmentation of 0.74mm, 3.88mm, and 4.72mm for standard screws and 0.91mm, 4.05mm, and 4.37mm for wide-head screws, at the crest, 5mm, and 10mm, respectively. Histomorphometric analysis showed 30.99% ± 26.43% vital bone tissue, 11.32% ± 9.68% graft residue, and 57.66% ± 21.85% connective tissue for standard screws and 32.64% ± 20.28%, 9.73% ± 5.82%, and 57.61% ± 20.15%, respectively, for wide-head screws. Flat alveolar ridges showed the lowest percentage of vital bone. New bone formation seems to be optimized on concave ridges. There was no statistically significant difference in bone gain results between standard and wide-head tenting screws.

The impact of head and neck radiotherapy on the dentine-enamel junction: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Radiotherapy is widely used in contemporary head and neck cancer treatment protocols. The ability of head and neck radiotherapy (HNRT) to cause direct radiogenic destruction to the teeth is one of the most controversial topics in the field of oral oncology. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to investigate ionising radiation as an independent factor for physical and chemical changes on the dentine-enamel junction (DEJ), a pivotal dental topography for the onset and progression of radiation-related caries (RRC) and enamel delamination. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Systematic searches were conducted on three databases: Scopus, MEDLINE (Via PubMed) and Embase (Elsevier). Laboratory studies evaluating the effects of simulated or in vivo HNRT on the DEJ were included. The GRADE tool adapted for in vitro studies was used to assess the methodological quality. RESULTS: Of the 154 initially selected studies, eight met the inclusion criteria, from which five studies were graded as high quality of evidence, two studies were graded as moderate quality and one as low quality. Two studies did not demonstrate DEJ alterations following HNRT while the other six articles described several organic and inorganic changes in the DEJ of irradiated teeth samples. These radiogenic events were mostly detected through micro and nanoindentation, Raman micro-spectroscopy, confocal microscopy, Western blotting and optical coherence tomography. CONCLUSIONS: HNRT may have a negative impact on the physical and chemical aspects of the DEJ, predisposing cancer patients to RRC and enamel delamination.

Comprehensive analysis by liquid chromatography Q-Orbitrap mass spectrometry: Fast screening of peptides and organic molecules.

The number of substances nominally listed in the prohibited list of the World Anti-Doping Agency increases each year. Moreover, many of these substances do not have a single analytical target and must be monitored through different metabolites, artifacts, degradation products, or biomarkers. A new analytical method was developed and validated for the simultaneous analysis of peptides and organic molecules using a single sample preparation and LC-Q-HRMS detection. The simultaneous analysis of 450 target molecules was performed after cleanup on a mixed-mode solid-phase extraction cartridge, combined with untreated urine. The cleanup solvent and reconstitution solvent were the most important parameters for achieving a comprehensive sample preparation approach. A fast chromatographic run based on a multistep gradient was optimized under different flows; the detection of all substances without isomeric coelution was achieved in 11 minutes, and the chromatographic resolution was considered a critical parameter, even in high-resolution mass spectrometry detection. The mass spectrometer was set to operate by switching between positive and negative ionization mode for FULL-MS, all-ion fragmentation, and FULL-MS/MS2 . The suitable parameters for the curved linear trap (c-trap) conditions were determined and found to be the most important factors for the development of the method. Only FULL-MS/MS2 enables the detection of steroids and peptides at concentrations lower than the minimum required performance levels set by World Anti-Doping Agency (1 ng mL-1 ). The combination of the maximum injection time of the ions into the c-trap, multiplexing experiments, and loop count under optimized conditions enabled the method to be applied to over 10 000 samples in only 2 months during the 2016 Rio Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games. The procedure details all aspects, from sample preparation to mass spectrometry detection. FULL-MS data acquisition is performed in positive and negative ion mode simultaneously and can be applied to untargeted approaches.

Oral creatine supplementation on performance of Quarter Horses used in barrel racing.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of oral creatine supplementation on the athletic performance of equines used for barrel racing. Ten healthy Quarter Horses, or Quarter Horse crossbred, weighing 429.7 ± 25.3 kg and with mean age of 3.8 ± 1.2 years, were used. Animals were evaluated in four different moments (M1, M2, M3, M4), and between M3 and M4, they were supplemented with 28 g of creatine/100 kg of body weight, orally, for 45 days. Although significant alterations for LDH activity, plasma glucose and packed cell volume were observed, it was possible to conclude that there was no improvement in the athletic performance for the animals used on the experiment, as there were no changes in time scores, heart rate and plasma lactate, variables considered as performance indicators, before and after supplementation.

Novel DNA extraction assay for molecular identification of Aedes spp eggs.

Aedes aegypti and A. albopictus represent the two most important species of mosquitoes in relation to dengue virus transmission both in the Americas and Asia. However, the study of theses species generally requires the establishment of a colony for the larvae to hatch, or waiting for the adult development to perform its taxonomic classification, which is time consuming. Thus, the establishment of new methods aimed at obtaining DNA directly from the mosquito eggs is relevant. Accordingly, we compared a new approach based on Chelex(®) 100 resin with the standard STE method to extract DNA from the eggs of Aedes spp to molecularly identify these vectors. The Chelex(®) 100 resin approach was very efficient, as satisfactory amounts of DNA were obtained, making it possible to amplify and sequence a mitochondrial DNA barcode region widely used to identify species. The STE protocol yielded substantial amounts of DNA, but the 260/280 optical density ratio indicated a low quality, precluding amplification. This new method proved quite effective in obtaining DNA from even a single mosquito egg, and it can thus be applied in population genetic studies of various vector insects to enhance monitoring programs.

Tranquilização de asininos com acepromazina associada ou não ao diazepam / Tranquilization of donkeys using acepromazine or acepromazine: diazepam

Avaliaram-se os efeitos da acepromazina isolada ou associada ao diazepam em asininos. Cinco asininos foram submetidos a dois protocolos anestésicos: os do grupo acepromazina (AC) receberam acepromazina, 0,1mg/kg/IV, e os do grupo acepromazina-diazepam (ACD), acepromazina na mesma dose e via do AC, associada ao diazepam, 0,1mg/kg/IV. Foram mensuradas as frequências cardíaca (FC) e respiratória (FR) e a temperatura retal (TR) e analisadas variáveis eletrocardiográficas, tranquilização, período de latência, início do prolapso peniano e grau de ataxia. A tranquilização iniciou-se aos 10,4±0,9 minutos nos asininos do AC e aos 4,8±1,1 nos do ACD. Ocorreu prolapso peniano aos 4,2±1,3min no AC e aos 2,7±0,4 no ACD. A FC elevou-se aos 15 e 30min no AC. Não ocorreu variação significativa nas variáveis eletrocardiográficas e na temperatura retal. A FR diminuiu no AC a partir de 60min e no ACD a partir de 30min. A distância focinho-solo reduziu-se significativamente em ambos os grupos e nos momentos a partir de 15min. Concluiu-se que a acepromazina promove tranquilização discreta, e a adição do diazepam potencializa a tranquilização, diminui o período de latência e aumenta a ataxia.

The effects of acepromazine isolated or associated with diazepam were evaluated in five donkeys were underwent in two anesthetic protocols, in the acepromazine group (AC), animals received acepromazine (0.1mg/kg/IV) and in acepromazine-diazepam group (ACD), acepromazine at the same dose and route of AC, associated with diazepam (0.1 mg/kg/IV). Heart frequency (HR), respiratory frequency (RF) and rectal temperature (RT) were measured and electrocardiographic variables analyzed, in addition to tanquilization, latency, beginning of the penile prolapse and degree of ataxia. The tanquilization began at 10.4±0.9 minutes (min) in the AC donkeys and 4.8±1.1 in ACD. Penile prolapse occurred at 4.2±1.3 minutes in AC and 2.7±0.4 in ACD. The HR increased to 15 and 30min. Electrocardiographic parameters and rectal temperature not varied significantly. RF decreased from AC in 60min and 30min from ACD. The muzzle-to-ground distance reduced significantly in both groups and at times from 15min. It was concluded that the acepromazine promotes discreet tanquilization and the adition of diazepam potentiates the tranquilization, decreases the latency period and increases ataxia caused by acepromazine.

Use of chitosan and ß-tricalcium phosphate, alone and in combination, for bone healing in rabbits.

The aim of this research was to evaluate the process of bone regeneration in rabbits, using chitosan and beta-tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP) independently and in combination. A total of 12 New Zealand rabbits of both sexes, with average weight of 3.0 ± 0.57 kg were used. Animals were randomly divided into two experimental time points, with six animals euthanized 45 days after surgery and six euthanized 90 days after surgery. We performed two osteotomies in each tibia. The left tibia was used for the chitosan (QUI) and control groups, and the right tibia was used for the ß-TCP alone and in combination with chitosan (QUI+TCP) groups. Tomographic evaluation showed no statistically significant difference among groups; however radiopacity was higher in the treated groups. Comparative descriptive histological evaluation found that treatment groups stimulated a more pronounced tissue repair reaction and accelerated bone repair. Morphometric analysis showed that treatment groups presented statistically higher bone formation compared with the control group.

O paciente idoso sob o aspecto da utilização de antimicrobianos: repercussão ao sistema público de saúde brasileiro (SUS) / Elderly patients from the aspect of use of antimicrobial: repercussion in the Brazilian Public Health System (SUS)

Os idosos constituem a parcela da população que mais vem aumentando em todo o mundo. No Brasil, o envelhecimento populacional tem ocorrido de forma rápida e acentuada. Os pacientes acima de 60 anos chegam a somar 50% dos multiusuários do SUS, representando um grande consumo de medicamentos de modo a ser o destinatário de uma fração significativa dos recursos empregados. Contudo, destacam-se os antimicrobianos como os medicamentos prescritos com maior frequência a essa população.

The elderly constitute the population that is increasing most in the world. In Brazil, the aging of the population has been happening fast and accentuated. The patients who are over 60 years of age correspond to 50% of the government medical care (SUS) clients, which represents a high consumption of medication which means a significant percentage of resources used. However, the antimicrobials seem to represent as the most prescribed medications to this population.

Anestesia epidural com associação medetomidina e lidocaína, em gatos pré-medicados com acepromazina e midazolam / Epidural anesthesia with lidocaine and association medetomidine in cats pre-medicated with acepromazine and midazolam

Avaliaram-se os efeitos anestésicos promovidos pela associação medetomidina e lidocaína por via epidural, em gatos pré-tratados com acepromazina e midazolam. Foram utilizados 10 gatos adultos, machos e fêmeas, hígidos e com média de peso de 2,5±0,6kg, distribuídos em dois grupos (GM e GL) de igual número (n=5). Administraram-se, como medicação pré-anestésica, acepromazina, 0,2mg/kg, e midazolam, 0,5mg/kg, via intramuscular, e 20 minutos depois, nos animais do GM, por via epidural, lidocaína, 4,4mg/kg, associada à medetomidina, 0,02mg/kg. Os gatos do GL receberam lidocaína, 4,4mg/kg, associada à solução de NaCl a 0,9 por cento. As avaliações ocorreram antes da pré-anestesia (MPA), 20 minutos após a MPA e antes da anestesia epidural, e aos 10, 20, 30 e 40 minutos após a anestesia epidural, respectivamente, T-20, T0, T10, T20, T30 e T40. Foram avaliados: frequência cardíaca (FC) e respiratória (FR), temperatura do corpo, saturação de oxiemoglobina, analgesia, miorrelaxamento e período de recuperação. No GM, a FC diminuiu em T20, T30 e T40 em relação ao T-20 e T10 e foi mais baixa que a FC do GL em T20, T30 e T40, respectivamente, 86, 91 e 88 bat/min e 194, 205 e 177 bat/min. A FR variou entre o T-20 e os outros momentos de avaliação nos animais do GL. Nas variáveis eletrocardiográficas, houve diferenças entre T20, T30 e T40 e T-20 e T0, valores de 235, 238 e 240ms e 156 e 161ms, respectivamente, somente no GM. Este grupo diferiu do GL nas avaliações em T20, T30 e T40, valores de 147, 132 e 150ms para os gatos do GL. Oitenta por cento dos gatos tiveram analgesia intensa, e em todos os animais ocorreu relaxamento da mandíbula e da língua. O tempo de recuperação foi de 40 e 15min no GM e no GL, respectivamente. Concluiu-se que a associação lidocaína com medetomidina promoveu plano anestésico estável com grau de anestesia e recuperação anestésica de boa qualidade.

The anesthetic effects due to the association of medetomidine and epidural lidocaine in cats pretreated with acepromazine and midazolam were evaluated. Ten adult cats were used, male and female, healthy and weighing 2.5±0.6kg. They were divided into two groups (GM and GL) of equal numbers (n=5). Premedication with acepromazine, 0.2mg/kg, and midazolam, 0.5mg/kg, intramuscular was administered. Twenty minutes later, GM animals were given epidural lidocaine, 4.4mg/kg, associated with medetomidine, 0.02mg/kg. GL cats received lidocaine, 4.4mg/kg, associated with NaCl 0.9 percent. Assessments occurred before the pre-anesthesia (MPA), 20 minutes after premedication and before the epidural block, and 10, 20, 30 and 40 minutes after epidural anesthesia, respectively, T-20, T0, T10, T20, T30 and T40. Heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature, oxyhemoglobin saturation, analgesia, muscle relaxation and recovery period were evaluated. In GM cats the heart rate decreased at T20, T30 and T40 as compared to T-20 and T10 and was lower than the heart rate in the GL cats at T20, T30 and T40, values being, respectively, 86, 91 and 88 beats/min and 194, 205 and 177 beats/min. The respiratory rate ranged from T-20 and the other time points in GL animals. Concerning electrocardiographic variables, in GM cats significant differences between T20, T30 and T40 and T0 and T-20, were observed, values being 235, 238 and 156 and 161ms and 240ms, respectively. GM animals differed from GL in T20, T30 and T40, values being 147, 132 and 150ms for GL cats. Eighty percent of the cats had severe pain and in all animals there was a relaxation of the jaw and tongue. The recovery time was 40 and 15 min at GM and GL, respectively. It was concluded that the association promoted lidocaine with medetomidine anesthesia with a stable level of anesthesia and anesthetic recovery of good quality.

Prospectus of waste stabilization ponds in Ceará, Northeast Brazil.

WSP technology has been used in Ceará, Northeast Brazil, since middle 1970s. There are presently 96 ponds plants and most of them are comprised by single cells (40%) and series of 3 ponds (35%). They were under loaded due to incomplete house connections to the sewerage network and low per capita wastewater contributions. Highest removal rates of organic material, ammonia and faecal coliform were found in 3 pond series. Faecal coliform removal was in accordance with the literature and series of ponds reached numbers ≤10(5) cells/100 ml. In series with 4 and 5 ponds FC was below 10(3) cells/100 ml. Ammonia removal varied from 30 to 80% and total phosphorus the removal was not significant. An increase in the number of maturation ponds enhances nutrient and coliform removal. Up-grading schemes should be investigated as well as effluent reuse potential.

Thermo-tolerant coliform bacteria decay rates in a full scale waste stabilization pond system in northeast Brazil.

This paper presents the results for thermo-tolerant coliform (TTC) decay rates (K(b)) in a full scale WSP system located in Natal-RN, northeast Brazil. The series comprises a primary facultative pond (2 m deep), followed by two maturation ponds (1.5 m deep) giving a total area of 11 ha. The influent sewage and the pond effluents were monitored weekly during a seven month period. The results showed that the K(b) values predicted by the Marais equation assuming a hydraulic regime of complete mixing overestimated TTC die-off rates. The K(b) value adopted in the project design was 6.20 d(-1) but the mean value found for the WSP system during the monitoring programme was only 0.85 d(-1). This value is low compared to the values cited in the literature for shallow ponds (<1.25 m deep) but similar to values for deeper ponds. The sub optimal TTC removal rate in this WSP system may be caused by the adoption of too high a K(b) value at the design stage and the negative influence of high wind conditions on the mixing regime in the water columns of the ponds. Thus values for K(b) adopted at the design stage of WSP systems should be coherent with the hydraulic flow model, the type of pond, pond depth, and with the surface organic loading.

Morphological and morphometric study of the mental foramen on the M-CP-18 Jiachenjiang point / Estudio morfológico y morfométrico del foramen mental en el punto M-CP-18 Jiachenjiang

The purpose of this work was to study the morphology and morphometry of the mental foramen (MF), as well as to evaluate its morphological configuration; in addition to taking measures of its localization using as a parameter the distances of the foramen to the inferior border of the mandible and at the alveolar ridge. 80 dry mandibles were analyzed using the test of Qui-square and T test, with 5 percent of significance. Its average distance, on the right side, at the inferior edge of the mandible (IEM) was of 12.96( +/-1 .57) mm and of the alveolar ridge (AR) was of 12.82(+/-3.4) mm. On the left side it was found distant of IEM 12.96(+/-1.32) mm and of the AR 12.82(+/- 3.22)mm. The largest horizontal diameter found was of 3.32 (+/- 0.91) mm to the right and 3.25 (+/- 0.86) mm to the left side while the largest vertical diameter was of 2.38 (+/- 0.63) mm on the right and of 2.39 (+/- 0.58) mm on the left side. It was predominantly found in the oval form, on the right side, of which 98.3 percent presented as a larger diameter the horizontal (type I). On the left side, all the oval foramens were classified as of type I. 76 (95 percent) appeared single on both sides. As to the localization related to the mandibular dentition, it was localized in similar statistic proportions between the 1st and 2nd premolars and above the 2nd premolar, in 45.17 percent of the mandibles, on the right side. On the left side it was predominantly found between the 1st and 2nd premolars 48.48 percent of the mandibles. The study of the MF is of vital importance to the acupuncture practice, as well as to modern surgical procedures, like anesthesia, requiring a detailed and precise study of the morphology and morphometry of the area.

El objetivo de este trabajo fue estudiar la morfología y morfometría del foramen mentoniano (FM), así como evaluar su configuración morfológica; tomar las medidas de su localization usando como parámetro la distancia del foramen hacia el borde inferior de la mandíbula y el reborde alveolar. 80 mandíbulas secas se analizaron mediante la prueba de Chi-cuadrado y prueba t, con un 5 por ciento de significancia. Su distancia media, en el lado derecho, hasta el borde inferior de la mandíbula (BIM) fue de 12,96 (+/- 1,57) mm y del reborde alveolar (RA) fue de 12,82 (+/- 3,4) mm. En el lado izquierdo se encuentro una distancia del BIM de 12,96 (+/- 1,32) mm y del RA de 12,82 (+/- 3,22) mm. El mayor diámetro horizontal encontrado fue de 3,32 (+/- 0,91) mm a la derecha y 3,25 (+/- 0,86) mm a la izquierda, mientras que el mayor diámetro vertical fue de 2,38 (+/- 0,63) mm a la derecha y de 2,39 (+/- 0,58) mm en el lado izquierdo. Se encuentra principalmente en forma oval en el lado derecho, de los cuales 98,3 por ciento presenta un diámetro mayor horizontal (tipo I). En el lado izquierdo, todos los forámenes ovales fueron clasificados como de tipo I. 76 (95 por ciento) aparecieron solamente en ambos lados. En cuanto a la localization en relación con la dentición mandibular, fue localizado en la misma proporción estadística entre el 1er y 2d° premolar y por encima del 2ª premolar en el 45,17 por ciento de las mandíbulas en el lado derecho. En el lado izquierdo se encuentran principalmente entre los l ros y 2ros premolares en el 48,48 por ciento de las mandíbulas. El estudio del FM, es de vital importancia para la práctica de la acupuntura, así como para los modernos procedimientos quirúrgicos, como la anestesia, que requieren un estudio detallado y preciso de la morfología y morfometría de la zona.

In vitro hemolytic activity of Bothrops lanceolatus (fer-de-lance) venom

Bothrops lanceolatus venom contains a variety of enzymatic and biological activities. The present work investigated the hemolytic activity of this venom and its phospholipase A2 (PLA2). Bothrops lanceolatus venom (6.7 µg/mL) caused indirect hemolysis of cow, horse, rat and sheep erythrocytes, with horse erythrocytes being the most sensitive; no direct hemolysis was observed. Hemolysis in sheep erythrocytes was concentration-dependent (5-11.7 µg/mL) and markedly attenuated by heating the venom for 30 minutes at ≥ 40°C and by the PLA2 inhibitor p-bromophenacyl bromide. An acidic PLA2 (5 µg/mL) purified from B. lanceolatus venom also caused hemolysis. This PLA2 showed immunoprecipitin lines with antivenom against B. lanceolatus, which suggests that the enzymatic and hemolytic activities of this enzyme may be neutralized during antivenom therapy. These results indicate that B. lanceolatus venom and its PLA2 can cause hemolysis in vitro.(AU)

Determination of the sedimentation constants for total suspended solids and the algal component in a full-scale primary facultative pond operating at high wind velocities under tropical conditions.

This study evaluated the amount, distribution and sedimentation constant of solids in a full-scale primary facultative pond operating mostly under high wind conditions and the contribution made by the algal biomass. Solids deposition rates were measured using sedimentation traps placed in the inlet and outlet zones of the pond. Most sludge accumulation occurred, not surprisingly, in the inlet zone A1 with a sludge volume of 9072.m3 accumulating over an operating time of approximately 3 years. However, sludge deposition within this zone was uneven and affected by wind action. Mean proportionality constant (K) values for solids sedimentation were 3.02 and 5.70 for depths of 50 cm and 100 cm respectively for A1. In contrast in zone A3, (the outlet zone), reduced K values of 1.38 and 3.22 were obtained for depths of 50 cm and 100 cm respectively. The algal sedimentation constant varied from 0.8 d(-1) in zone A1 to 0.02 d(-1) in A3. These data suggest that in this large facultative pond the wind, blowing predominantly from the direction of the outlets towards the pond inlets, had a greater influence on solids deposition than the bulk hydraulic flow and also kept the pond completely mixed for most of the time.

The Y-chromosomal heritage of the Azores Islands population.

The Azores, a Portuguese archipelago located in the north Atlantic Ocean, had no native population when the Portuguese first arrived in the 15th century. The islands were populated mainly by the Portuguese, but Jews, Moorish prisoners, African slaves, Flemish, French and Spaniards also contributed to the initial settlement. To understand the paternal origins and diversity of the extant Azorean population, we typed genomic DNA samples from 172 individuals using a combination of 10 Y-biallelic markers (YAP, SRY-1532, SRY-2627, 92R7, M9, sY81, Tat, SRY-8299, 12f2 and LLY22g) and the following Y-chromosomal STR systems: DYS389I, DYS389II, DYS390, DYS391, DYS392, DYS393 and DYS385. We identified nine different haplogroups, most of which are frequent in Europe. Haplogroup J* is the second most frequent in the Azores (13.4%), but it is modestly represented in mainland Portugal (6.8%). The other non-European haplogroups, N3 and E3a, which are prevalent in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, respectively, have been found in the Azores (0.6% and 1.2%, respectively) but not in mainland Portugal. Microsatellite data indicate that the mean gene diversity (D) value for all the loci analysed in our sample set is 0.590, while haplotype diversity is 0.9994. Taken together, our analysis suggests that the current paternal pool of the Azorean population is, to a great extent, of Portuguese descent with significant contributions from people with other genetic backgrounds.

Assistência farmacêutica como um modelo tecnológico em atenção primária à saúde / Pharmaceutical assistance as a technological model in healthcare

A Assistência Farmacêutica foi analisada neste artigo, como tecnologia em saúde. A amplitude dos procedimentos atribuídos à Assistência Farmacêutica conduz a uma diversidade de interpretações por parte dos gestores do sistema de saúde. A mais frequente é restringi-la à tecnologia de gestão. Apesar de sua importância, esta não deve ser dissociada da tecnologia do uso do medicamento, a qual exige amplo conhecimento clínico dos medicamentos, habilidade nas relações interpessoais e de comunicação com o interlocutor e está sujeita às condições do local de trabalho e do empregador. Para a implantação da Assistência Farmacêutica integral, é necessário um aprimoramento que possibilite a avaliação de seu impacto na qualidade de vida do usuário e na redução de custos para o sistema de saúde. No entanto, nas unidades de saúde básicas ou distritais, modelos tecnológicos de uso de medicamentos são difíceis de serem implantados e avaliados, devido em parte, às condições inerentes ao atendimento. Neste trabalho foi considerado o Programa de Saúde da Família como o ambiente propício para o desenvolvimento de modelos tecnológicos de uso do medicamento e avaliação de seu impacto, uma vez que este programa tem como estratégia ações de proteção e promoção à saúde dos indivíduos sadios ou doentes em seu ambiente familiar através de um atendimento contínuo e integral

Microbiological quality of vegetable drugs commercialized in open-air markets for use in infusion preparations according to the part of the vegetable used.

The microbiological quality of different parts of vegetable drugs, commercialized in an open-air market, and intended for use as infusion preparations was compared. Total viable aerobic microorganisms, fungi, total and fecal coliforms and Enterobacteriaceae counts demonstrated lower sanitary quality in drugs composed of roots than those composed of leaves and caulis. E. coli was identified in some samples, but all of them were free from Salmonella sp.