Effect of avocado/soybean unsaponifiables on ligature-induced bone loss and bone repair after ligature removal in rats.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of administration of avocado/soybean unsaponifiable (ASU), a drug that is commonly used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, on ligature-induced bone loss and bone repair after ligature removal in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighty-four rats were randomly assigned to four groups of equal size and received a daily gavage of either sterile saline [control (CTR)] or ASU (0.6 mg/kg), starting 7 d before (ASU/-7), on the day of (ASU/0) or 7 d after (ASU/+7) periodontitis induction. Periodontitis was induced by placing silk ligatures into the gingival sulcus of the second maxillary molars for 7 d; after 7 d, the ligatures were removed. Seven rats from each group were sacrificed, 7, 15 or 30 d after ligature removal. Bone resorption was evaluated by histomorphometry and micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the expression of TRAP, RANKL and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and quantitative PCR (qPCR) was used to evaluate the levels of interleukin-1beta (Il1ß), tumor necrosis factor alpha (Tnfα), interleukin-6 (Il-6), Rankl and Alp. Statistical analysis was performed using the Shapiro-Wilk test, ANOVA and Tukey's test for normal data, and using the Kruskall-Wallis and Dunnet's tests for non-normal data (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Histomorphometry and micro-CT analysis showed greater bone resorption in the CTR group than in the ASU/0 (15 d) and ASU/+7 (7 and 15 d) groups. The CTR group also presented with a higher expression of TRAP (15 and 30 d) and RANKL (7 and 15 d) compared with ASU/0 and ASU/+7 groups. Similarly, qPCR analysis showed higher levels of Rankl and Il1ß mRNAs, and lower levels of Alp mRNA, in the CTR group compared with all other groups (for all periods). CONCLUSION: ASU exhibited a positive effect on bone repair following ligature-induced periodontitis in rats.

Influence of different toothpaste abrasives on the bristle end-rounding quality of toothbrushes.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the influence of different toothpaste abrasives on the bristle wear and bristle tip morphology of toothbrushes with different degrees of hardness. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ninety samples of bovine incisor teeth were used in this study. The samples were randomly divided into three groups according to the bristle hardness of the toothbrush used: soft bristles (S); extra-soft bristles (ES); hard bristles (H). The toothbrushes of each group were randomly divided into six subgroups with five toothbrushes each, according to the abrasive of the toothpaste used in the simulation: Negative control (distilled water); toothpaste 1 (silica); toothpaste 2 (hydrated silica); toothpaste 3 (calcium carbonate, calcium bicarbonate and silica); toothpaste 4 (tetrapotassium pyrophosphate, silica and titanium dioxide); toothpaste 5 (calcium carbonate). The samples were placed in a toothbrushing simulating machine that simulating three months of brushing. The toothbrush bristles were evaluated by the bristle wear index, and the bristle tips morphology was evaluated by the bristle tip morphology index. RESULTS: The ES brush presented the highest bristle wear among the toothbrushes. Additionally, the S brushes showed better morphology of the bristles followed by ES and H brushes. The type of abrasive only influenced the bristle tip morphology of the ES brushes. The toothpaste 3 induced the worse bristle tip morphology than all the other toothpastes. CONCLUSIONS: Different abrasives have influence only on the bristle tip morphology of the ES brushes.

The influence of different implant surfaces on osseointegration in diabetes: a systematic review of the literature.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate, through a systematic review of the literature, the effects of different implant surface modifications on osseointegration in diabetic subjects. METHODS: A search was performed of the PubMed database, using a combination of the following keywords: "Implant surface" OR "Dental implants" AND "Diabetes" OR "Hyperglycemia". Papers published in English between January 1960 and November 2013 were selected. All experimental models were considered in this search, but case reports and in vitro studies were excluded from this review. RESULTS: The initial search identified 182 articles. After reading the titles and abstracts, 39 articles were selected for full reading. Finally, 4 papers were selected after evaluation of all the papers, and these papers are discussed in this review. Due to the methodological heterogeneity of the selected studies, it was not possible to perform a meta-analysis of the data. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that although the benefits of surface modifications present in individuals with diabetes have biological plausibility, there is little evidence of the benefits of these modifications.

Desempenho reprodutivo de ovelhas mestiças da raça Santa Inês em Brachiaria humidícula e efeito do sexo no ganho de peso de cordeiros / Reproductive performance of crossbred ewes race Santa Ines in Brachiaria humidicula and e ffect of sex on weight gain of lambs

Objetivou-se avaliar o desempenho reprodutivo de ovelhas deslanadas em função do manejo alimentar das crias e idade de desmame, além de mensurar o efeito do sexo no ganho de peso de cordeiros. Sessenta e quatro ovelhas mestiças da raça Santa Inês foram distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 4 x 2 x 2 - quatro idades de desmame (56, 70, 84 e 98 dias), sexo e manejo alimentar das crias, cada tratamento com quatro repetições. As ovelhas foram manejadas com a cria ao pé, em 14 piquetes de 1,5 ou 2,0 hectares, formados com pastagem de Brachiaria humidícola. As crias nascidas de partos simples, filhos de reprodutores Santa Inês puros de origem (PO). Após o desmame de todos os grupos, sessenta e quatro cordeiros (32 machos e 32 fêmeas) foram distribuídos ao acaso em baias individuais e confinados por 30 dias. A comparação dos parâmetros foi realizada pelo ajuste do modelo de regressão linear simples. Verificou-se vício de tempo longo do manejo alimentar das crias de + 3,7% (P<0,05) para o intervalo entre partos e de + 1,4% (P<0,05) para o período de serviço. Houve efeito linear crescente (P<0,05) da idade de desmame sobre o intervalo entre partos e período de serviço. Verificou-se vício de tempo longo do sexo das crias de + 2,0% (P<0,05) para o intervalo entre partos e de + 0,8% (P<0,05) para o período de serviço das ovelhas. Constatou-se vício de tempo longo do sexo de + 35,2% e + 36,9% (P<0,05), respectivamente, para o ganho de peso diário de cordeiros do nascimento ao desmame e pós desmame em confinamento. A suplementação das crias em alimentador privativo e a antecipação da idade de desmame reduzem o intervalo entre partos e período de serviço de ovelhas deslanadas em pastagem de Brachiaria humidícula. O sexo da cria é fonte de variação na análise da eficiência reprodutiva de matrizes ovinas e no ganho de peso de cordeiros mestiços da raça Santa Inês do nascimento ao desmame e após o desmame.

The purpose was to evaluate the reproductive performance of woolless ewes due to the feeding management of offsprings and weaning age in addition to measuring the effect of gender on weight gain of lambs. Sixty-four Santa Inês crossbred ewes were distributed in a completely randomized design in a factorial 4 x 2 x 2 - four weaning ages (56, 70, 84 and 98 days), sex and feeding management of the offspring, each treatment with four replications. The ewes were managed with the offsprings at the foot in 14 paddocks of 1,5 or 2,0 hectares, formed with Brachiaria humidícola. The offsprings were born by single birth, of Santa Inês pure of origin (PO). After the weaning of all groups, sixty-four lambs (32 males and 32 females) were randomly assigned in individual stalls and confined for 30 days. The comparison of the parameters was carried out by the adjustment of the simple linear regression model. It was verified over time addiction of the offspring feed management of + 3,7% (P<0,05) for the calving intervals and of + 1,4% (P<0,05) for the service period. There was increasing linear effect (P<0,05) of weaning age on calving intervals and service period. It was verified over time, addiction of the offspring sex of + 2,0% (P<0,05) for the calving intervals and + 0,8% (P<0,05) for the ewes service period. It was observed over time addiction of sex of + 35,2% and + 36,9% (P<0,05), respectively, for the daily weight gain of lambs from birth to weaning and post-weaning in feedlot. The supplementation of the offspring in private feeder and the anticipation of the weaning age reduce the calving intervals and the service period of woolless ewes in Brachiaria humidicula pasture. The offspring sex is the source of variation in the analysis of reproductive efficiency of ewe's mat rices and in the weight gain of Santa Inês crossbred lambs from birth to weaning, and after weaning.

Comportamento ingestivo de cordeiros em confinamento, alimentados com dieta exclusiva de concentrado com diferentes porcentagens de proteína / Ingestive behavior of feedlot lambs feed with exclusive diet of concentrate with different percentages of protein

O experimento foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar o comportamento ingestivo de cordeiros em confinamento, alimentados com dieta exclusiva de concentrado com diferentes porcentagens de proteína (14, 16, 18 e 20%). Foram utilizados 24 cordeiros mestiços da raça Santa Inês, não castrados, com aproximadamente 180 dias de idade, peso vivo médio de 25kg, confinados, num delineamento experimental inteiramente ao acaso, com quatro tratamentos e seis repetições. O tempo despendido na atividade de alimentação decresceu linearmente em 0,20 hora/dia para cada 1% de aumento na porcentagem de proteína na dieta; o de ócio aumentou linearmente em 0,25 hora/dia; e o de mastigação total reduziu linearmente em 0,25 hora/dia. A elevação da porcentagem de proteína na dieta elevou linearmente a eficiência de alimentação (kg MS e FDN/hora), em 0,038 e 0,005kg/hora, respectivamente, para as frações MS e FDN. Contudo, os consumos de matéria seca (MS) e fibra em detergente neutro (FDN), a eficiência de ruminação (kg MS e FDN/hora), assim como o período (nº/dia) e o tempo (min) gasto por período de alimentação, ruminação e ócio não foram influenciados pelas diferentes porcentagens de proteína na dieta.

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the ingestive behavior of feedlot lambs fed with an exclusive diet of concentrate with different percentages of protein (14, 16, 18, and 20%). A total of twenty four Santa Inês crossbred lambs, not castrated, with approximately 180 days of age, average live weight of 25kg, confined, in a completely randomized design, with four treatments and six repetitions. The time spent on feeding decreased linearly in 0.20 hours/day for each 1% increasing in protein percentage in the diet, the idleness increased linearly in 0.25 hours/day, and the total chewing decreased linearly in 0.25 hours/day. The increase in the protein percentage in the diet increased the feed efficiency linearly (kg DM and NDF/hour) in 0.038 and 0.005kg/hour, respectively, for DM and NDF fractions. However, the intake of dry matter (DM) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF), the rumination efficiency (kg DM and NDF/hour), as well as the period (nº /day) and the time (min) spent on feeding, ruminating and idling were not influenced by different protein percentages in the diet.

The effect of fermented milk on the deciduous enamel in the presence and absence of fluoride: in vitro study.

AIM: This study assessed the effect of fermented milk on the enamel of primary teeth in the presence and absence of fluoride. METHODS: Sixty enamel blocks (4X4 mm) underwent surface microhardness analysis (Knoop). The blocks were randomly distributed into 5 groups of 12 samples in each group according to the following treatments: Group 1) pH cycling and fermented milk (control); Group 2) pH cycling and dentifrice; Group 3) pH cycling and fermented milk and dentifrices; Group 4) varnish and pH cycling and fermented milk; Group 5) varnish and pH cycling and fermented milk and dentifrice. After the treatments, new microhardness determination was carried out and the surface microhardness change ratio was calculated (%SMH). The data were submitted to the Shapiro-Wilk normality test, ANOVA test, Tukey's test and paired t-test (P<0.05). RESULTS: It was observed that after treatment, all groups showed statistically significant reduction (P<0.05) for initial surface microhardness. Group 1 showed the lowest microhardness (73.01±9.68 KNH) compared to groups 2, 3 and 4. Group 5 (172.5±45.89KNH) showed a greater surface microhardness than Group 4 (122.0±22.33 KNH). CONCLUSION: It was concluded that the fermented milk adversely altered the microhardness of the samples and that fluorine contributes to a smaller reduction in the microhardness change ratio (SMH%). The combined solution of toothpaste with fluoride varnish provided a lower surface microhardness reduction of the samples.

Desempenho de cordeiros em confinamento alimentados com dieta exclusiva de concentrado com diferentes porcentagens de proteína / Performance of feedlot lambs feed with exclusive concentrate diet with different percentages of protein

O presente experimento foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar o desempenho de cordeiros em confinamento alimentados com dieta exclusiva de concentrado com diferentes porcentagens de proteína. Foram utilizados 24 cordeiros mestiços da raça Santa Inês, não castrados, com aproximadamente 180 dias de idade, peso vivo médio de 25kg, confinados, num delineamento experimental inteiramente ao acaso, com quatro tratamentos e seis repetições. O consumo voluntário de matéria seca, matéria orgânica, proteína bruta e nutrientes digestíveis totais, além do ganho de peso diário e total, da conversão e da eficiência alimentar dos cordeiros, não foram influenciados (P>0,05) pela porcentagem de proteína na dieta. As dietas com 18 e 20% de proteína bruta apresentaram menores custos de produção, entretanto o menor custo foi obtido com a ração contendo 18% de PB.

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the performance of feedlot lambs feed with exclusive concentrate diet with different percentages of protein. A total of twenty four confined, not castrated Santa Inês crossbred lambs, with approximately 180 days of age, average live weight of 25kg, in a completely randomized design, with four treatments and six repetitions were used. Voluntary intake of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein and total digestible nutrient, besides the daily and total gains, conversion and feed efficiency of feedlot lambs were not affected (P>0.05) by percentage of dietary crude protein. Diets with 18 and 20% crude protein had lower production costs, however, the lowest cost was obtained with a diet containing 18% CP.

Características de carcaça e de não componentes da carcaça de cordeiros suplementados com sal forrageiro de Gliricidia sepium (Jacq. ) Walq / Characteristics of carcass and non-carcass components of lambs supplemented with fodder salt from Gliricidia sepium (Jacq. ) Walq

O presente experimento foi conduzido com o objetivo de avaliar a porcentagem de inclusão da espécie forrageira Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Walq na confecção do sal forrageiro de gliricídia, por meio de características de carcaça e de não componentes da carcaça de cordeiros. Foram utilizados 30 cordeiros mestiços da raça Santa Inês, não castrados, com aproximadamente 180 dias de idade, peso vivo médio de 25kg, confinados, num delineamento experimental inteiramente ao acaso, com cinco tratamentos e seis repetições, em que os tratamentos foram constituídos de zero (100% de NaCl), 93, 95, 97 e 99% de inclusão de feno de gliricídia (7, 5, 3 e 1% de NaCl na formulação do sal forrageiro, respectivamente). A suplementação com sal forrageiro de gliricídia não afetou (P>0,05) o peso vivo ao abate em jejum (28,39kg), peso de carcaça quente (9,76kg), rendimento de carcaça quente (34,12%), o peso de carcaça fria (9,42kg), o rendimento de carcaça fria (32,95%), as perdas de peso por resfriamento (3,40%), assim como o peso de vísceras brancas (2,19kg) e o peso de vísceras vermelhas (1,29kg). Porcentagem de inclusão de até 99% de gliricídia na confecção de sal forrageiro não altera (P>0,05) as características de carcaça e de não componentes da carcaça de cordeiros.

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the inclusion of Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Walq forage species for the confection of the fodder salt gliricidia according to the characteristics of carcass and non-carcass components of lambs. Thirty confined, not castrated crossbred Santa Inês lambs, ageing approximately 180 days, with mean live body weight of 25kg, were distributed in a completely randomized design, with five treatments and six repetitions. Treatments were zero (100% NaCl), 93, 95, 97 and 99% inclusion of gliricidia hay (7, 5, 3 and 1% NaCl in the formulation of fodder salt, respectively). The supplementation with gliricidia fodder salt did not affect (P>0.05) the fasting live body weight (28.39kg), hot carcass weight (9.76kg), hot carcass yield (34.12%), cold carcass weight (9.42kg), cold carcass yield (32.95%), chilling loss (3.40%), or white (2.19kg) and red viscera weight (1.29kg). The inclusion of up to 99% gliricidia in the production of fodder salt did not affect (P>0.05) the characteristics of carcass and non-carcass components of lambs.

Participation of the NO/cGMP/K+ATP pathway in the antinociception induced by Walker tumor bearing in rats

Implantation of Walker 256 tumor decreases acute systemic inflammation in rats. Inflammatory hyperalgesia is one of the most important events of acute inflammation. The L-arginine/NO/cGMP/K+ATP pathway has been proposed as the mechanism of peripheral antinociception mediated by several drugs and physical exercise. The objective of this study was to investigate a possible involvement of the NO/cGMP/K+ATP pathway in antinociception induced in Walker 256 tumor-bearing male Wistar rats (180-220 g). The groups consisted of 5-6 animals. Mechanical inflammatory hypernociception was evaluated using an electronic version of the von Frey test. Walker tumor (4th and 7th day post-implantation) reduced prostaglandin E2- (PGE2, 400 ng/paw; 50 µL; intraplantar injection) and carrageenan-induced hypernociception (500 µg/paw; 100 µL; intraplantar injection). Walker tumor-induced analgesia was reversed (99.3% for carrageenan and 77.2% for PGE2) by a selective inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (L-NAME; 90 mg/kg, ip) and L-arginine (200 mg/kg, ip), which prevented (80% for carrageenan and 65% for PGE2) the effect of L-NAME. Treatment with the soluble guanylyl cyclase inhibitor ODQ (100% for carrageenan and 95% for PGE2; 8 µg/paw) and the ATP-sensitive K+ channel (KATP) blocker glibenclamide (87.5% for carrageenan and 100% for PGE2; 160 µg/paw) reversed the antinociceptive effect of tumor bearing in a statistically significant manner (P < 0.05). The present study confirmed an intrinsic peripheral antinociceptive effect of Walker tumor bearing in rats. This antinociceptive effect seemed to be mediated by activation of the NO/cGMP pathway followed by the opening of KATP channels.

Participation of the NO/cGMP/K+ATP pathway in the antinociception induced by Walker tumor bearing in rats.

Implantation of Walker 256 tumor decreases acute systemic inflammation in rats. Inflammatory hyperalgesia is one of the most important events of acute inflammation. The L-arginine/NO/cGMP/K(+)ATP pathway has been proposed as the mechanism of peripheral antinociception mediated by several drugs and physical exercise. The objective of this study was to investigate a possible involvement of the NO/cGMP/K(+)ATP pathway in antinociception induced in Walker 256 tumor-bearing male Wistar rats (180-220 g). The groups consisted of 5-6 animals. Mechanical inflammatory hypernociception was evaluated using an electronic version of the von Frey test. Walker tumor (4th and 7th day post-implantation) reduced prostaglandin E(2)- (PGE(2), 400 ng/paw; 50 µL; intraplantar injection) and carrageenan-induced hypernociception (500 µg/paw; 100 µL; intraplantar injection). Walker tumor-induced analgesia was reversed (99.3% for carrageenan and 77.2% for PGE(2)) by a selective inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (L-NAME; 90 mg/kg, ip) and L-arginine (200 mg/kg, ip), which prevented (80% for carrageenan and 65% for PGE(2)) the effect of L-NAME. Treatment with the soluble guanylyl cyclase inhibitor ODQ (100% for carrageenan and 95% for PGE(2); 8 µg/paw) and the ATP-sensitive K(+) channel (KATP) blocker glibenclamide (87.5% for carrageenan and 100% for PGE(2); 160 µg/paw) reversed the antinociceptive effect of tumor bearing in a statistically significant manner (P < 0.05). The present study confirmed an intrinsic peripheral antinociceptive effect of Walker tumor bearing in rats. This antinociceptive effect seemed to be mediated by activation of the NO/cGMP pathway followed by the opening of KATP channels.

Consumo, digestibilidade e pH ruminal de novilhos submetidos a dietas com tortas oriundas da produção do biodiesel em substituição ao farelo de soja / Intake, digestibility and ruminal pH of steers fed diets with pies coming from the production from biodiesel to replacement soybean meal

O experimento foi realizado com quatro novilhos Holandês x Zebu, fistulados no rúmen, mantidos em baias individuais e dispostos em um quadrado latino 4x4 repetido no tempo. Teve duração de 88 dias e os animais foram alimentados com feno de tifton-85 e mistura concentrada com farelo de soja, tortas de dendê, amendoim e girassol, que constituíram os quatro tratamentos. Avaliaram-se o consumo, a digestibilidade aparente total e o pH ruminal. O consumo de matéria seca (MS), proteína bruta (PB), carboidratos não fibrosos (CNF) e nutrientes digestíveis totais (NDT) foi menor (P<0,05) na dieta com torta de dendê em relação às demais. Os consumos de extrato etéreo (EE) e fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) não diferiram entre dietas (P>0,05). As digestibilidades totais dos nutrientes não foram influenciadas pelas dietas (P>0,05). A concentração do pH ruminal não foi influenciada pelas dietas, entretanto houve efeito do tempo de coleta. As tortas de amendoim e girassol oriundas da produção do biodiesel podem substituir o farelo de soja na dieta de novilhos. A substituição total do farelo de soja pela torta de dendê diminuiu o consumo de MS.

The experiment was conducted with four rumen canulated Holstein-Zebu steers, kept in individual pens and distributed in a 4x4 Latin square with repeated measures of time. The experiment lasted 88 days and the animals were fed Tifton-85 hay and concentrate ration with soybean meal or one of the following cakes: palm kernel, peanuts or sunflower, which constituted the four treatments. Intake, total apparent digestibility and rumen pH were evaluated. Dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC) and total digestible nutrients (TDN) intakes were lower (P<0.05) in diets containing palm kernel cake. Intake of ether extract (EE) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) did not differ between diets (P>0.05). The total digestibility of nutrients was not affected by the diets (P>0.05). Rumen pH was not influenced by the diets; however, it was affected by time of collection. Peanut and sunflower cake originated from the production of biodiesel can replace the soybean meal in the diet for steers. Total replacement of soybean meal with palm kernel cake decreased DM intake.

Effect of periodontal treatment on the incidence of preterm delivery: a systematic review.

Preterm birth is a major problem in public health in developed and developing countries and the search for risk factors of this event is important. The aim of this study was to review the effect of periodontal treatment on the incidence of preterm delivery. A wide research was executed considering an evaluation period between November of 1998 and October of 2009 at MEDLINE/PUBMED databases. The selection strategy consisted of the search for the following key-words: "periodontal therapy" or "periodontal disease" and "pregnancy outcome" or "preterm birth". The search was limited for articles written in English. The randomized clinical trials that evaluated the effect of the non-surgical periodontal treatment on the incidence of Preterm Low Birth Weight (PLBW) were selected. In a total of 7 papers selected, the incidence of PLBW was lower in groups of women who were submitted to periodontal treatment. Reductions of Preterm Birth (PTB) ranged from 0.8% to 28.01%, while reduction of Low Birth Weight (LBW) ranged from 0.44% to 33%. In studies that analyzed these two variables together, there was variation between 4.57% to 71.5% in rates reduction. Due to heterogeneity of the data, the meta-analysis was not applied. The majority of the studies concluded that non-surgical periodontal treatment in pregnant women reduces incidence of preterm babies with low weight.

Tumor bearing decreases systemic acute inflammation in rats--role of mast cell degranulation.

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: To investigate the effect of experimental tumor bearing on acute inflammation models in rats. METHODS: Four and 7 days after Walker tumor implantation in the right armpit, carrageenan or dextran- induced edema in the contralateral paw, carrageenan induced neutrophil migration into peritoneal cavities, cutaneous vascular permeability induced by bradykinin, histamine, serotonin, substance P, capsaicin or compound 48/80, and mesenteric mast cell degranulation induced by compound 48/80 were evaluated. The control group did not receive tumor implantation. Statistical analysis was performed using one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by the Bonferroni test. RESULTS: On the 7(th) day after tumor inoculation, there were significant decreases in both carrageenan and dextran- induced paw edema. Tumor bearing did not change the neutrophil infiltration induced by carrageenan. There were decreases in cutaneous vascular permeability induced by compound 48/80, serotonin or bradykinin, but not that induced by histamine, substance P. A significant inhibition of mesenteric mast cell degranulation induced by compound 48/80 was observed, on the 4(th) and 7(th) days after tumor inoculation. CONCLUSION: Tumor bearing can limit mast cell function and vascular events in acute systemic inflammation in rats, without changes in neutrophil migration.

Percutaneous mechanical mitral commissurotomy performed with a Cribier's metallic valvulotome. Initial results.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the immediate results of percutaneous mechanical mitral commissurotomy. METHODS: Thirty patients underwent percutaneous mechanical mitral commissurotomy performed with a Cribier's metallic valvulotome from 8/11/99 to 2/4/00. Mean age was 30.7 years, and 73.3% were women. With regards to functional class, 63.3% were class III, and 36.7% were class IV. The echocardiographic score had a mean value of 7.5+/- 1.8. RESULTS: The mitral valve area increased from 0.97+/-0.15cm2 to 2.16+/-0.50cm2 (p>0.0001). The mean diastolic gradient decreased from 17.9+/-5.0mmHg to 3.2+/-1.4mmHg. The mean left atrial pressure decreased from 23.6+/-5.4mmHg to 8.6+/-3.1mmHg, (p>0.0001). Systolic pressure in the pulmonary artery decreased from 52.7+/-18.3mmHg to 32.2+/-7.4mmHg. Twenty-nine cases were successful. One patient developed severe mitral regurgitation. Interatrial septal defect was observed and one patient. One patient had cardiac tamponade due to left ventricular perforation. No deaths occurred. CONCLUSION: This method has proven to be safe and efficient in the treatment of rheumatic mitral stenosis. The potential advantage is that it can be used multiple times after sterilization, which decreases procedural costs significantly.

Gemeos thoracopagus. / Thoracopagus conjoined twins

A gemelidade imperfeita, conhecida pelos leigos como "Gemeos Siameses", e estimada entre 1/50.000 a 1/100.000 de nascimentos e, aproximadamente, 1/600 gemeos vivem. Embora o diagnostico seja frequentemente omitido ate por procedimentos laboratoriais, os gemeos imperfeitos sao, ocasionalmente, diagnosticados antes do nascimento com base nos criterios radiologicos, ultra-sonograficos e, ate mesmo, por fotografia. O objetivo deste trabalho e apresentar um tipo raro de Gemeos Siameses e discutir a historia, incidencia, embriogenese, etiologia, classificacao e modalidade de diagnostico