Is Periodontal and Peri- Implant Disease Associated with Fixed Partial Denture Use? A 25-year Prospective Case Series.

INTRODUCTION: The association of the periodontium with the fixed prosthesis is the basis of prosthetic rehabilitation. This prospective case series aimed to evaluate periodontal health through the relation between periodontal/peri-implant disease progression and the use of fixed partial dentures (FPDs). METHODS: Probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), gingival index (GI), and plaque index (PI) on either teeth or implants were evaluated at up to 25-year follow-up and compared with the baseline. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier test (p⟨0.05). RESULTS: The prospective evaluation showed that the patients maintained adequate periodontal health. Failure (severe periodontal stages) occurred in 12.5% of patients. The survival rate for 107 teeth/implants was 80.48%. The comparisons for clinical parameters revealed no statistically significant difference (p⟩ 0.05). At T1, the measurements for anterior and posterior regions, respectively, were PD =2.7mm and 3.1mm; CAL= 3.3mm and 3.6mm; GI=0.5 (both regions); and PI=0.79 and 0.62. Periodontal/peri-implant disease progression did not relate to the use of prostheses. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with more frequent follow-up appointments and lower GI and PI showed periodontal health for longer periods. Patients with different oral hygiene levels present different periodontal disease progression. Periodic hygiene control and motivation are vital factors for extensive oral rehabilitation success.

Evaluation of phytochemical composition, toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster and effects on antibiotics modulation of Plathymenia reticulata Benth extract.

Bacterial resistance is interfering with the action of antibiotics for clinical use in treating pathologies. The search for new substances capable of combating this resistance is necessary. An alternative to the search for these substances is in the extract of medicinal plants. Plathymenia reticulata, plant of the Fabaceae family, is a common tree species from the Brazilian cerrado, and is commonly used in areas of environmental degradation. This species is rich in phenolic compounds, such as flavonoids and tannins, compounds that are associated with various biological effects. A hydroethanolic extract from the bark of Plathymenia reticulata (HEPrB) was produced and then tests were carried out to verify the direct antibacterial activity, the modulatory effect of antibiotics for clinical use and their toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster flies. Through the analysis with UPLC, a wide variety of flavonoids contained in the HEPrB was observed. Direct antibacterial activity was observed for the standard strain of Staphylococcus aureus, however, the extract showed antagonistic activity or no significance in relation to the antibiotics tested in this study. As for toxicity, the HEPrB did not show significant damage in the proposed model. The results emphasize care when associating the consumption of teas with treatments with antibiotics for clinical use.

Reducing the composting time of broiler agro-industrial wastes: The effect of process monitoring parameters and agronomic quality.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of considering different composting times on compost quality before the end of the bio-oxidative phase and after the maturation and storage phases. This study may provide useful information to optimize the composting process and increase the economic feasibility of the technology and its adoption without decreasing the quality of the end-product. In this study, three composts were prepared using chicken meat processing wastes mixed with urban tree trimmings, serving as a bulking agent, to evaluate the effect of reducing the durations of the bio-oxidative phase and the maturity stage on the different physico-chemical properties. Specifically, we evaluate water-soluble organic matter transformations by using excitation-emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectroscopy. The obtained results have shown that a composting time of 35 days combined with eight turnings was efficient for achieving the standard process control parameters for agro-industrial waste composting in the studied conditions and allowed for the production of stable and mature compost that is suitable for agricultural use.

Nuclear organization and morphology of cholinergic neurons in the brain of the rock cavy (Kerodon rupestris) (Wied, 1820).

The aim of this study was to conduct cytoarchitectonic studies and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) immunohistochemical analysis to delimit the cholinergic groups in the encephalon of the rock cavy (Kerodon rupestris), a crepuscular Caviidae rodent native to the Brazilian Northeast. Three young adult animals were anesthetized and transcardially perfused. The encephala were cut in the coronal plane using a cryostat. We obtained 6 series of 30-µm-thick sections. The sections from one series were subjected to Nissl staining. Those from another series were subjected to immunohistochemistry for the enzyme ChAT, which is used in acetylcholine synthesis, to visualize the different cholinergic neural centers of the rock cavy. The slides were analyzed using a light microscope and the results were documented by description and digital photomicrographs. ChAT-immunoreactive neurons were identified in the telencephalon (nucleus accumbens, caudate-putamen, globus pallidus, entopeduncular nucleus and ventral globus pallidus, olfactory tubercle and islands of Calleja, diagonal band of Broca nucleus, nucleus basalis, and medial septal nucleus), diencephalon (ventrolateral preoptic, hypothalamic ventrolateral, and medial habenular nuclei), and brainstem (parabigeminal, laterodorsal tegmental, and pedunculopontine tegmental nuclei). These findings are discussed through both a functional and phylogenetic perspective.

Cholesterol and ergosterol affect the activity of Staphylococcus aureus antibiotic efflux pumps.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of ergosterol on steroids and cholesterol efflux pumps in multidrug resistant strains of S. aureus. Were used RN4220 harboring plasmid pUL5054, which carries the gene encoding the MsrA macrolide efflux protein; and IS-58, which possesses the TetK tetracycline efflux protein; 1199B resists hydrophilic fluoroquinolones via a NorA-mediated mechanism and wild strain 1199B. The Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) was determined and the evaluation of possible inhibition of efflux pumps by reduction of MIC. Some of the detrimental effects on bacterial cells can be attributed to the detergent properties of cholesterol and ergosterol on account of their amphipathic structure. Besides the cholesterol did not affect directly the pump structure, a synergism was observed, maybe due the interaction with the cell membrane and interference in the lipid bilayer.

Histology and Immunohistochemistry of the Cardiac Ventricular Structure in the Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas).

This study describes the implications of cardiac ventricular microscopy in Chelonia mydas relating to its ability to dive. For this work, 11 specimens of the marine turtle species C. mydas found dead on the coast of Rio Grande do Norte (Northeast Brazil) were used. After necropsy, fragments of the cardiac ventricular wall were fixed in 10% buffered formaldehyde solution for 24 h and then subjected to routine processing for light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The ventricle in this species is formed by the epicardium, myocardium and endocardium. The subepicardial layer consists of highly vascularised connective tissue that emits septa to reinforce the myocardium surface. There is an abundant and diffuse subepicardial nerve plexus shown by immunostaining technique. The thickness of the spongy myocardium and the nature of its trabeculae varied between the heart chambers. The endocardium shows no characteristic elements of the heart conduction system. The valves have a hyaline cartilage skeleton, coated by dense irregular connective tissues characterised by elastic fibres. These findings in the green turtle ventricular microscopy are related to hypoxia resistance during diving.

Rutin increases critical wavelength of systems containing a single UV filter and with good skin compatibility.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is responsible for sunburns, skin cancer, photoaging, and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The awareness on preventing these deleterious effects made the use of anti-UVB formulations an important part of population habits; however, despite the availability of several antioxidants capable of ROS scavenging, the pharmaceutical market lacks products associating UV filters with natural compounds of proven efficacy. Here, we investigated the effect of rutin, a flavonoid with antioxidant activity, associated with UVB filters in dermocosmetic preparations. METHODS: Formulations were assessed through its antioxidant activity, in vitro photoprotective effectiveness, photostability, and in vivo skin tolerance (hydration, transepidermal water loss, and erythema). RESULTS: Samples containing rutin were compatible with the human skin and presented a pronounced antioxidant potential, with scavenging activity values 75% higher than the ones containing only UVB filters. Although rutin could not prevent the sunscreens photodegradation post-irradiation, the bioactive compound significantly increased the formulations critical wavelengths, showing a photoprotective gain, especially in the UVA range. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the absorption in the UVA range, coupled with ROS scavenging potential, proved the positive effect of rutin applied to anti-UVB formulations, making this bioactive compound a promising candidate for photoprotection improvement.

The impact of the frequency of moderate exercise on memory and brain-derived neurotrophic factor signaling in young adult and middle-aged rats.

The participation of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the benefits of physical exercise on cognitive functions has been widely investigated. Different from voluntary exercise, the effects of treadmill running on memory and BDNF are still controversial. Importantly, the impact of the frequency of physical exercise on memory remains still unknown. In this study, young adult and middle-aged rats were submitted to 8 weeks of treadmill running at moderate intensity and divided into 4 groups of frequency: 0, 1, 3 and 7 days/week. Aversive and recognition memory were assessed as well as the immunocontent of proBDNF, BDNF and tyrosine kinase receptor type B (TrkB) in the hippocampus. Frequencies did not modify memory in young adult animals. The frequency of 1 day/week increased proBDNF and BDNF. All frequencies decreased TrkB immunocontent. Middle-aged animals presented memory impairment along with increased BDNF and downregulation of TrkB receptor. The frequency of 1day/week reversed age-related recognition memory impairment, but worsened the performance in the inhibitory avoidance task. The other frequencies rescued aversive memory, but not recognition memory. None of frequencies altered the age-related increase in the BDNF. Seven days/week decreased proBDNF and there was a trend toward increase in the TrkB by the frequency of 1 day/week. These results support that the frequency and intensity of exercise have a profound impact on cognitive functions mainly in elderly. Thus, the effects of physical exercise on behavior and brain functions should take into account the frequency and intensity.

Morphological changes in the midgut of Aedes aegypti L. (Diptera: Culicidae) larvae following exposure to an Annona coriacea (Magnoliales: Annonaceae) extract.

Bioinsecticides are important in the control of disease vectors, but data regarding their physiological effects on target insects are incomplete. This study describes morphological changes that occur in the midgut of third instar Aedes aegypti L. (Diptera: Culicidae) following treatment with a methanolic extract of Annona coriacea (Magnoliales: Annonaceae). Dissected midguts were subdivided into anterior and posterior regions and analyzed by light and scanning electron microscopy. Insects exposed to the extract displayed intense, destructive cytoplasmic vacuolization in columnar and regenerative midgut cells. The apical surfaces of columnar cells exhibited cytoplasmic protrusions oriented toward the lumen, suggesting that these cells could be involved in apocrine secretory processes and/or apoptosis. We report that A. coriacea extracts induced morphological alterations in the midgut of A. aegypti midgut larvae, supporting the use of plant extracts for control of the dengue vector.

Efeito residual do extrato de Annona coriacea sobre Aedes aegypti / Residual effect of Annona coriacea extract on Aedes aegypti

A produção de extratos vegetais da família Annonaceae é uma alternativa eficaz no controle do vetor da dengue, e sua aplicabilidade está relacionada à persistência do produto no ambiente. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar o efeito residual do extrato de Annona coriacea (Mart., 1841) sobre a mortalidade de Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762). Foram utilizados recipientes plásticos de 25 L, para distribuir as concentrações de 50 e 100 ppm do extrato, e DMSO (1%) e água foram usados como controle. Estes recipientes ficaram expostos na área externa do laboratório. Nos dias 1, 8, 15, 30 e 45 dias após o preparo, coletou-se uma amostra de 1,3 L de cada tratamento. Foram utilizadas oito réplicas com 25 larvas de A. aegypti para os dois tratamentos, e quatro réplicas para os controles. O registro da mortalidade das larvas foi feito diariamente e foi observada a mortalidade de pupas e adultos. O experimento foi conduzido aleatoriamente, no esquema fatorial 4 x 5. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância pelo teste F e as médias dos tratamentos foram comparadas pelo teste de Tukey (p < 0,05). A concentração de 100 ppm do extrato de A. coriaceaapresentou efeito residual de 100% de mortalidade de larvas durante o período de 15 dias, e não houve eficiência na mortalidade de pupas e adultos. Portanto, o efeito residual apresentado por A. coriacea sobre larvas de A. aegypti indica que o extrato desta planta pode ser utilizado em programas de controle da dengue. (AU)

RESIDUAL EFFECT OF ANNONA CORIACEA EXTRACT ON AEDES AEGYPTI. The production of extracts of the Annonaceae family is considered an effective alternative for the control of the dengue vector, and its applicability is related to the persistence of the product in the environment. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the residual effect of Annona coriacea (Mart., 1841) extract on the development of Aedes aegypti (Linneaus, 1762). Plastic containers with the capacity of 25 liters were used to distribute the concentrations of 50 and 100 ppm of the extract, and DMSO (1%) and water were used as a control. These containers were exposed in the outer area of the laboratory. On days 1, 8, 15, 30, 45 after treatment application, 1.3 liters of each treatment was collected as a sample. Eight replicates with 25 larvae were applied for the two treatments, and four replicates for the control group. Evaluation of the mortality of larvae was carried out daily and the mortality of pupae and adults was observed. The experiment was conducted randomly in a 4 X 5 factorial scheme. The data was submitted to analysis of variance by F test, and the means compared by Tukey Test (p < 0.05). The concentrations of 100 ppm of the extract of A. coriacea showed residual effects with 100% mortality of larvae during the period of 15 days, and was not effective on the death of pupae and adults. Therefore, the residual effect presented by A. coriacea on A. aegypti can be used in future management programs for controlling the vector of dengue. (AU)

Efeito residual do extrato de Annona coriacea sobre Aedes aegypti

The production of extracts of the Annonaceae family is considered an effective alternative for the control of the dengue vector, and its applicability is related to the persistence of the product in the environment. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the residual effect of Annona coriacea (Mart., 1841) extract on the development of Aedes aegypti (Linneaus, 1762). Plastic containers with the capacity of 25 liters were used to distribute the concentrations of 50 and 100 ppm of the extract, and DMSO (1%) and water were used as a control. These containers were exposed in the outer area of the laboratory. On days 1, 8, 15, 30, 45 after treatment application, 1.3 liters of each treatment was collected as a sample. Eight replicates with 25 larvae were applied for the two treatments, and four replicates for the control group. Evaluation of the mortality of larvae was carried out daily and the mortality of pupae and adults was observed. The experiment was conducted randomly in a 4 X 5 factorial scheme. The data was submitted to analysis of variance by F test, and the means compared by Tukey Test (p 0.05). The concentrations of 100 ppm of the extract of A. coriacea showed residual effects with 100% mortality of larvae during the period of 15 days, and was not effective on the death of pupae and adults. Therefore, the residual effect presented by A. coriacea on A. aegypti can be used in future management programs for controlling the vector of dengue.

A produção de extratos vegetais da família Annonaceae é uma alternativa eficaz no controle do vetor da dengue, e sua aplicabilidade está relacionada à persistência do produto no ambiente. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar o efeito residual do extrato de Annona coriacea (Mart., 1841) sobre a mortalidade de Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762). Foram utilizados recipientes plásticos de 25 L, para distribuir as concentrações de 50 e 100 ppm do extrato, e DMSO (1%) e água foram usados como controle. Estes recipientes ficaram expostos na área externa do laboratório. Nos dias 1, 8, 15, 30 e 45 dias após o preparo, coletou-se uma amostra de 1,3 L de cada tratamento. Foram utilizadas oito réplicas com 25 larvas de A. aegypti para os dois tratamentos, e quatro réplicas para os controles. O registro da mortalidade das larvas foi feito diariamente e foi observada a mortalidade de pupas e adultos. O experimento foi conduzido aleatoriamente, no esquema fatorial 4 x 5. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância pelo teste F e as médias dos tratamentos foram comparadas pelo teste de Tukey (p 0,05). A concentração de 100 ppm do extrato de A. coriacea apresentou efeito residual de 100% de mortalidade de larvas durante o período de 15 dias, e não houve eficiência na mortalidade de pupas e adultos. Portanto, o efeito residual apresentado por A. coriacea sobre larvas de A. aegypti indica que o extrato desta planta pode ser utilizado em programas de controle da dengue.

Efeito residual do extrato de Annona coriacea sobre Aedes aegypti / Residual effect of Annona coriacea extract on Aedes aegypti

A produção de extratos vegetais da família Annonaceae é uma alternativa eficaz no controle do vetor da dengue, e sua aplicabilidade está relacionada à persistência do produto no ambiente. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar o efeito residual do extrato de Annona coriacea (Mart., 1841) sobre a mortalidade de Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762). Foram utilizados recipientes plásticos de 25 L, para distribuir as concentrações de 50 e 100 ppm do extrato, e DMSO (1%) e água foram usados como controle. Estes recipientes ficaram expostos na área externa do laboratório. Nos dias 1, 8, 15, 30 e 45 dias após o preparo, coletou-se uma amostra de 1,3 L de cada tratamento. Foram utilizadas oito réplicas com 25 larvas de A. aegypti para os dois tratamentos, e quatro réplicas para os controles. O registro da mortalidade das larvas foi feito diariamente e foi observada a mortalidade de pupas e adultos. O experimento foi conduzido aleatoriamente, no esquema fatorial 4 x 5. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância pelo teste F e as médias dos tratamentos foram comparadas pelo teste de Tukey (p < 0,05). A concentração de 100 ppm do extrato de A. coriaceaapresentou efeito residual de 100% de mortalidade de larvas durante o período de 15 dias, e não houve eficiência na mortalidade de pupas e adultos. Portanto, o efeito residual apresentado por A. coriacea sobre larvas de A. aegypti indica que o extrato desta planta pode ser utilizado em programas de controle da dengue.

RESIDUAL EFFECT OF ANNONA CORIACEA EXTRACT ON AEDES AEGYPTI. The production of extracts of the Annonaceae family is considered an effective alternative for the control of the dengue vector, and its applicability is related to the persistence of the product in the environment. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the residual effect of Annona coriacea (Mart., 1841) extract on the development of Aedes aegypti (Linneaus, 1762). Plastic containers with the capacity of 25 liters were used to distribute the concentrations of 50 and 100 ppm of the extract, and DMSO (1%) and water were used as a control. These containers were exposed in the outer area of the laboratory. On days 1, 8, 15, 30, 45 after treatment application, 1.3 liters of each treatment was collected as a sample. Eight replicates with 25 larvae were applied for the two treatments, and four replicates for the control group. Evaluation of the mortality of larvae was carried out daily and the mortality of pupae and adults was observed. The experiment was conducted randomly in a 4 X 5 factorial scheme. The data was submitted to analysis of variance by F test, and the means compared by Tukey Test (p < 0.05). The concentrations of 100 ppm of the extract of A. coriacea showed residual effects with 100% mortality of larvae during the period of 15 days, and was not effective on the death of pupae and adults. Therefore, the residual effect presented by A. coriacea on A. aegypti can be used in future management programs for controlling the vector of dengue.

Ocorrência de neoplasias em cães e gatos da mesorregião metropolitana de Belém, PA entre 2005 e 2010 / Occurrence of neoplasms in canine and feline from the Metropolitan Mesoregion of Belém, PA from 2005 to 2010

Data on the occurrence of cancers in dogs and cats from the Metropolitan Mesoregion of Belém are not available in the literature. This paper describes the occurrence of neoplasms in these species from 2005 to 2010. The canine cutaneous system was the most affected in this study (47 percent), followed by the mammary gland (39 percent), reproductive system (4 percent), oral cavity (4 percent), bones and joints (2 percent), ocular system (1.5 percent), digestive system (1.5 percent) and urinary tract (1 percent). In feline species, the mammary gland accounted for 87.8 percent, followed by the cutaneous system (6 percent), respiratory system (3 percent) and oral cavity (3 percent).(AU)

Ocorrência de neoplasias em cães e gatos da mesorregião metropolitana de Belém, PA entre 2005 e 2010 / Occurrence of neoplasms in canine and feline from the Metropolitan Mesoregion of Belém, PA from 2005 to 2010

Data on the occurrence of cancers in dogs and cats from the Metropolitan Mesoregion of Belém are not available in the literature. This paper describes the occurrence of neoplasms in these species from 2005 to 2010. The canine cutaneous system was the most affected in this study (47 percent), followed by the mammary gland (39 percent), reproductive system (4 percent), oral cavity (4 percent), bones and joints (2 percent), ocular system (1.5 percent), digestive system (1.5 percent) and urinary tract (1 percent). In feline species, the mammary gland accounted for 87.8 percent, followed by the cutaneous system (6 percent), respiratory system (3 percent) and oral cavity (3 percent).

Basolateral amygdala inactivation impairs learned (but not innate) fear response in rats.

Numerous studies have suggested that the amygdala is involved in the formation of aversive memories, but the possibility that this structure is merely related to any kind of fear sensation or response could not be ruled out in previous studies. The present study investigated the effects of bilateral inactivation of the amygdaloid complex in rats tested in the plus-maze discriminative avoidance task. This task concomitantly evaluates aversive memory (by discrimination of the two enclosed arms) and innate fear (by open-arm exploration). Wistar rats (3-5 months-old) were implanted with bilateral guide cannulae into basolateral amygdala. After surgery, all subjects were given 1 week to recover before behavioral experiments. Afterwards, in experiment 1, 15 min prior to training, 0.5 µl of saline or muscimol (1 mg/ml) was infused in each side via microinjection needles. In experiment 2 the animals received injections immediately after the training session and in experiment 3 rats were injected prior to testing session (24 h after training). The main results showed that (1) pre-training muscimol prevented memory retention (evaluated by aversive arm exploration in the test session), but did not alter innate fear (evaluated by percent time in open arms); (2) post-training muscimol impaired consolidation, inducing increased percent in aversive arm exploration in the test session and (3) pre-testing muscimol did not affect retrieval (evaluated by aversive enclosed arm exploration in the test session). The results suggest that amygdala inactivation specifically modulated the learning of the aversive task, excluding a possible secondary effect of amygdala inactivation on general fear responses. Additionally, our data corroborate the hypothesis that basolateral amygdala is not the specific site of storage of aversive memories, since retention of the previously learned task was not affected by pre-testing inactivation.

Biological activities of sulfated polysaccharides from tropical seaweeds.

Sulfated polysaccharides from 11 species of tropical marine algae (one edible specie of Rhodophyta, six species of Phaeophyta and four species of Chlorophyta) collected from Natal city coast (Northeast of Brazil) were evaluated for their anticoagulant, antioxidant and antiproliverative in vitro activities. In the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) test, which evaluates the intrinsic coagulation pathway, seven seaweeds presented anticoagulant activity. Dictyota cervicornis showed the highest activity, prolonging the coagulation time to double the baseline value in the APTT with only 0.01 mg/100 microl of plasma, 1.4-fold lesser than Clexane, a low molecular weight heparin. In the protrombin time (PT) test, which evaluates the extrinsic coagulation pathway, only Caulerpa cupresoides showed anticoagulant activity. All species collected showed antioxidant activities. This screening emphasized the great antioxidant potential (total capacity antioxidant, power reducing and ferrous chelating) of four species: C. sertularioide; Dictyota cervicornis; Sargassum filipendula and Dictyopteris delicatula. After 72 h incubation, HeLa cell proliferation was inhibited (p<0.05) between 33.0 and 67.5% by S. filipendula; 31.4 and 65.7% by D. delicatula; 36.3 and 58.4% by Caulerpa prolifera and 40.2 and 61.0% by Dictyota menstrualis at 0.01-2mg/mL algal polysaccharides. The antiproliferative efficacy of these algal polysaccharides were positively correlated with the sulfate content (r=0.934). Several polysaccharides demonstrated promising antioxidant, antiproliferative an/or anticoagulant potential and have been selected for further studies on bioguided fractionation, isolation and characterization of pure polysaccharides from these species as well as in vivo experiments are needed and are already in progress.

Low level laser therapy (LLLT): attenuation of cholinergic hyperreactivity, beta(2)-adrenergic hyporesponsiveness and TNF-alpha mRNA expression in rat bronchi segments in E. coli lipopolysaccharide-induced airway inflammation by a NF-kappaB dependent mechanism.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: It is unknown if the decreased ability to relax airways smooth muscles in asthma and other inflammatory disorders, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), can be influenced by low level laser therapy (LLLT) irradiation. In this context, the present work was developed in order to investigate if LLLT could reduce dysfunction in inflamed bronchi smooth muscles (BSM) in rats. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: A controlled ex vivo study was developed where bronchi from Wistar rat were dissected and mounted in an organ bath apparatus with or without a TNF-alpha. RESULTS: LLLT administered perpendicularly to a point in the middle of the dissected bronchi with a wavelength of 655 nm and a dose of 2.6 J/cm(2), partially decreased BSM hyperreactivity to cholinergic agonist, restored BSM relaxation to isoproterenol and reduced the TNF-alpha mRNA expression. An NF-kappaB antagonist (BMS205820) blocked the LLLT effect on dysfunction in inflamed BSM. CONCLUSION: The results obtained in this work indicate that the LLLT effect on alterations in responsiveness of airway smooth muscles observed in TNF-alpha-induced experimental acute lung inflammation seems to be dependent of NF-kappaB activation.

Calcium-binding proteins in the circadian centers of the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) and the rock cavy (Kerodon rupestris) brains.

The hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and the thalamic intergeniculate leaflet (IGL) are considered to be the main centers of the mammalian circadian timing system. In primates, the IGL is included as part of the pregeniculate nucleus (PGN), a cell group located mediodorsally to the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus. This work was carried out to comparatively evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of the calcium-binding proteins calbindin D-28k (CB), parvalbumin (PV), and calretinin (CR) into the circadian brain districts of the common marmoset and the rock cavy. In both species, although no fibers, terminals or perikarya showed PV-immunoreaction (IR) into the SCN, CB-IR perikarya labeling was detected throughout the SCN rostrocaudal extent, seeming to delimit its cytoarchitectonic borders. CR-IR perikarya and neuropil were noticed into the ventral and dorsal portions of the SCN, lacking immunoreactivity in the central core of the marmoset and filling the entire nucleus in the rock cavy. The PGN of the marmoset presented a significant number of CB-, PV-, and CR-IR perikarya throughout the nucleus. The IGL of the rocky cavy exhibited a prominent CB- and CR-IR neuropil, showing similarity to the pattern found in other rodents. By comparing with literature data from other mammals, the results of the present study suggest that CB, PV, and CR are differentially distributed into the SCN and IGL among species. They may act either in concert or in a complementary manner in the SCN and IGL, so as to participate in specific aspects of the circadian regulation.

Low level laser therapy (LLLT) decreases pulmonary microvascular leakage, neutrophil influx and IL-1beta levels in airway and lung from rat subjected to LPS-induced inflammation.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Low level laser therapy (LLLT) is a known anti-inflammatory therapy. Herein we studied the effect of LLLT on lung permeability and the IL-1beta level in LPS-induced pulmonary inflammation. STUDY DESIGN/METHODOLOGY: Rats were divided into 12 groups (n = 7 for each group). Lung permeability was measured by quantifying extravasated albumin concentration in lung homogenate, inflammatory cells influx was determined by myeloperoxidase activity, IL-1beta in BAL was determined by ELISA and IL-1beta mRNA expression in trachea was evaluated by RT-PCR. The rats were irradiated on the skin over the upper bronchus at the site of tracheotomy after LPS. RESULTS: LLLT attenuated lung permeability. In addition, there was reduced neutrophil influx, myeloperoxidase activity and both IL-1beta in BAL and IL-1beta mRNA expression in trachea obtained from animals subjected to LPS-induced inflammation. CONCLUSION: LLLT reduced the lung permeability by a mechanism in which the IL-1beta seems to have an important role.

Caffeine prevents age-associated recognition memory decline and changes brain-derived neurotrophic factor and tirosine kinase receptor (TrkB) content in mice.

The beneficial effects of caffeine on cognition are controversial in humans, whereas its benefit in rodents had been well characterized. However, most studies were performed with acute administration of caffeine and the tasks used to evaluate cognition had aversive components. Here, we evaluated adulthood administration of caffeine up to old age on recognition memory in mice using the object recognition task (ORT) and on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BNDF) and tyrosine kinase receptor (TrkB) immunocontent in the hippocampus. Adult mice (6 months old) received either drinking water or caffeine (1 mg/mL) during 12 months. At 18 months of age both groups were tested for ORT. Our results showed that aged mice exhibited lower performance in the recognition memory compared with adults (6 months old). Furthermore, caffeine-treated mice showed similar performance to adult mice in the ORT and an improvement compared with their age-matched control mice. Caffeine also counteracted the age-related increase in BDNF and TrkB immunocontent. Our results corroborate with other studies and reinforce that caffeine consumed in adulthood may prevent recognition memory decline with aging. This preventive effect may involve a decrease in the hippocampal BDNF and TrkB immunocontent.