Acute toxicity and determination of the active constituents of aqueous extract of uncaria tomentosa bark in hyphessobrycon eques

Uncaria tomentosa is a medicinal plant used in folk medicine by Amazon tribes. In this study the constituents of aqueous extract of U. tomentosa bark were quantified by chromatographic technique and its lethal concentration 50 (48 h) in Hyphessobrycon eques was determined. The chromatography showed high levels of oxindole alkaloids, quinovic acid glycosides, and low molecular weight polyphenols. The CL50 48 h was 1816 mg/L. Fish showed behavior changes at concentrations above 2000 mg/L, accompanied by a significant decrease of dissolved oxygen. At the highest concentration 100% mortality was observed attributed to oxygen reduction by the amount of oxindole alkaloids, polyphenols accumulation of the extract in the gills, and the interaction of these compounds with dopamine. In conclusion, the aqueous extract of U. tomentosa did not alter the chemical components and it was shown that U. tomentosa has low toxicity to H. eques; therefore, it can be used safely in this species.

Uncaria tomentosa increases growth and immune activity in Oreochromis niloticus challenged with Streptococcus agalactiae

Cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa) is an Amazon herb using in native cultures in Peru. In mammals, it has been described several effects of this herb. However, this is the first report of its use on the diet of fish. The aim of this study was to determinate the effect of this plant on the growth and immune activity in Oreochromis niloticus. Nile tilapia (81.3 ± 4.5 g) were distributed into 5 groups and supplemented with 0 (non-supplement fish), 75, 150, 300, and 450 mg of U. tomentosa.kg(-1) of diet for a period of 28 days. Fish were inoculated in the swim bladder with inactivated Streptococcus agalactiae and samples were taken at 6, 24, and 48 h post inoculation (HPI). Dose dependent increases were noted in some of the evaluated times of thrombocytes and white blood cells counts (WBC) in blood and exudate, burst respiratory activity, lysozyme activity, melanomacrophage centers count (MMCs), villi length, IgM by immunohistochemistry in splenic tissue, and unexpectedly on growth parameters. However, dietary supplementation of this herb did not affect red blood cells count (RBC), hemoglobin, and there were no observed histological lesions in gills, intestine, spleen, and liver. The current results demonstrate for the first time that U. tomentosa can stimulate fish immunity and improve growth performance in Nile tilapia.

High blood pressure and sedentary behavior in adolescents are associated even after controlling for confounding factors

The aim of this study was to determine whether high blood pressure (HBP) is associated with sedentary behavior in young people even after controlling for potential confounders (gender, age, socioeconomic level, tobacco, alcohol, obesity and physical activity). In this epidemiological study, 1231 adolescents were evaluated. Blood pressure was measured with an oscillometric device and waist circumference with an inextensible tape. Sedentary behavior (watching television, computer use and playing video games) and physical activity were assessed by a questionnaire. We used mean and standard deviation to describe the statistical analysis, and the association between HBP and sedentary behavior was assessed by the chi-squared test. Binary logistic regression was used to observe the magnitude of association and cluster analyses (sedentary behavior and abdominal obesity; sedentary behavior and physical inactivity). HBP was associated with sedentary behaviors [odds ratio (OR) = 2.21, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.41-3.96], even after controlling for various confounders (OR = 1.68, CI = 1.03-2.75). In cluster analysis the combination of sedentary behavior and elevated abdominal obesity contributed significantly to an increased likelihood of having HBP (OR = 13.51, CI 7.21-23.97). Sedentary behavior was associated with HBP, and excess fat in the abdominal region contributed to the modulation of this association.

Effects of season and ovarian status on the outcome of long-term progesterone-based estrus synchronization protocols and ovulatory follicle development in Santa Inês ewes under subtropical conditions

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Vibração incidente sobre o corpo inteiro do operador de trator agrícola ensaiado em pista de vibração com diferentes lastros, velocidades e pressões de inflação dos pneus

Pós-graduação em Agronomia (Energia na Agricultura) - FCA

Evaluation of femur of orchiectomized guinea pigs by bone densitometry using dual-energy x-ray absortiometry (DXA) and mechanical testing

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Análise dosimétrica de perfis de distribuições radiais de doses relativas de um aplicador de betaterapia de 90Sr+90Y utilizando o código MCNP-4C e filmes raiocrômicos

Although they are no longer manufactured, the applicators of 90Sr +90Y acquired in the decades of 1990 are still in use, by having half-life of 28.5 years. These applicators have calibration certificate given by their manufacturers, where few have been recalibrated. Thus it becomes necessary to accomplish thorough dosimetry of these applicators. This paper presents a dosimetric analysis distribution radial dose profiles for emitted by an 90Sr+90Y betatherapy applicator, using the MCNP-4C code to simulate the distribution radial dose profiles and radiochromium films to get them experimentally . The results with the simulated values were compared with the results of experimental measurements, where both curves show similar behavior, which may validate the use of MCNP-4C and radiochromium films for this type of dosimetry

Efeitos da administração em longo prazo do omeprazol sobre a densidade mineral óssea e as propriedades mecânicas do osso

Objectives: Epidemiological studies have shown a relationship between long-term use of proton pump inhibitors and bone metabolism. However, this relationship has not yet become established. The aim of the present study was to analyze the mechanical properties and bone mineral density (BMD) of rats that were subjected to long-term omeprazole use. Methods: Fifty wistar rats weighing between 200 and 240 g were divided equally into five groups: OMP300 (omeprazole intake at a dose of 300 moL/kg/day); OMP200 (200 moL/ kg/day); OMP40 (40 moL/kg/day); OMP10 (10 moL/kg/day); and Cont (control group; intake of dilution vehicle). The solutions were administered for 90 consecutive days. After the rats had been sacrificed, their BMD, the mechanical properties of the dissected femurs and their serum Ca++ levels were analyzed. Results: The BMD of the OMP300 group was lower than that of the controls (p = 0.006). There was no difference in comparing the OMP200, OMP40 and OMP10 groups with the controls. The maximum strength and rigidity of the femur did not differ in the experimental groups in comparison with the controls. The OMP300 group had a statistically lower serum Ca++ concentration than that of the controls (p = 0.049), but the other groups did not show any difference in relation to the controls. Conclusion: Daily intake of 300moL/kg/day of omeprazole decreased the BMD of the femur, but without changes to the rigidity and strength of the femur in adult rats. © 2

Avaliação Histológica e histomorfométrica do reparo ósseo em tíbias osteotomizadas de ratos (rattus novergicus albinus), submetidos a tratamento com ultrassom, frente à presença e ausência de carga

The response of bone metabolism is directly related to hormonal factors and mechanical stimuli that the bone is exposed. The ultrasonic energy on bone healing have been shown to be crucial for the stimulation and improvement in quality of newly formed tissue. The aim of this study was to analyze the action of low intensity ultrasound on bone healing of tibial osteotomy in rats subjected to tail suspension, through histological analysis and histomorphometry. Eighteen Rattus norvegicus albinos, Wistar, adults were divided into three groups, arranged as follows: G1 (n = 6), who remained free for a period of 15 days, G2 (n = 5), suspended by the tail for a period of 15 days and G3 (n = 7), suspended by the tail for a period of 36 days. In all three groups, both tibias were subjected to mono-cortical bone injury 4X2 mm in the medial region of the diaphysis, and the left limb was used as control and the right limb undergoing treatment with ultrasound (U.S.). The right tibia was treated with pulsed ultrasound at a frequency of 1.5 MHz, duty cycle 1:4, 30mW/cm2, for 12 sessions of 20 minutes each. Samples of tibia were subjected to histological analysis, blindly, with light microscopy and histomorphometric analysis by specific software Image-Pro 6.1. The average percentage of new bone formation were subjected to analysis of variance in subdivided parcels and multiple comparison test "Student-Newman-Keuls (SNK), with a significance level of 5%. The average values and standard deviations of the percentage of newly formed bone for the groups showed the least amount of bone repair G1t (13.62% ± 4.88%) - G1c (8.68% ± 4.16%) compared G2t groups (27.17% ± 11.36%) - G2c (10.10% ± 7.90%) and G3t (23.19% ± 5.61%) - G3c (15.74% ± 7 08%). However, the mean values and standard deviations of the percentage of newly formed bone repair in the tibia treated G2t and G3t were significantly higher when compared to the repair of tibia in the control group (G2c and G3c). Consequently, we conclude that ultrasound has helped to accelerate bone repair in both the presence and absence of cargo.

Healing and expression of growth factors (TGF-β and PDGF) in canine radial ostectomy gap containing platelet-rich plasma

Objectives: To evaluate bone healing in an experimental radial ostectomy in dogs treated with autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP), through histological, densitometric, radiographic studies, as well as expression of growth factors in the ostectomy gap. Methods: Twenty-one dogs were randomly divided into either a control or a PRP group. All underwent unilateral ostectomy of the radius to generate a gap of 2.0 mm, that was stabilized with external skeletal fixation. The ostectomy gap was either filled with PRP or left empty as a control. The radiographic and densitometric studies were performed after surgery, then at intervals until 60 days during the post-surgery period. Histological and immunohistochemical evaluations were performed at seven or 60 days post-surgery. Analyses were performed using a statistical analysis system, and the level of significance was set at p <0.05. Results: The median radiographic healing score in the PRP group increased significantly between day 0 and day 60. Furthermore, at 60 days, the median healing score and the proportion of healed ostectomies in the control group (score 1; 1/6 healed) and the PRP group (score 5; 4/5 healed) were significantly different. There were differences between groups in radiographic and densitometric values at days 45 and 60. The histological evaluation showed advanced bone healing at 60 days in the PRP group and signs of delayed union in the control group. Clinical relevance: Platelet-rich plasma can be used as an adjuvant therapy because it may promote better bone healing of a radial ostectomy treated with external skeletal fixation in dogs.

Obesity induced by a sucrose-rich diet promotes deficits in bone mineralization and microarchitecture

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Laser terapêutico no reparo ósseo de ratos submetidos à ausência de carga

Low-intensity laser has been used as a physical agent in various fields of medical sciences such as bone and tissue repair. Meanwhile little is known about its effects in adverse conditions such as abolition of load and osteopenic. With the assumption that the laser Ga-Al-As accelerates the process of bone consolidation, goal of this study was to evaluate bone mineral density (BMD) in incomplete transverse osteotomies of tibia in adult rats, treated with low power laser therapy in three different groups: G1 (n = 10), reference 15 days; G2 (n=10), suspended by the tail and, accordingly, treated with laser for 12 days; G3 (n = 10), suspended by the tail by 36 days and that after 21 days, there was laser treatment for 12 days. The right tibia treated with laser and left served as control. The laser was used to Ga-Al-As, DMC - Flash Lase® III, with wavelength 830nm, 100 mW, 4J, 140 J / cm ², 40s of application in 12 sessions. It was used densitometer-Lunar DPX®, with computer program for "small animals", and the analysis of BMD was made in the bone throughout the region and the osteotomy. The results showed no efficacy of laser therapy in the process of bone repair, both in animals of group 1, as in group 2 and 3. It follows that either the low-power laser was not an effective performance or the effects of laser therapy is not only manifested at the site of irradiation as well as the systemic level.

Osseointegration of anodized implant: effect of fibrin adhesive/TEA on primary stability

Processo FAPESP: 2012/24545-3

Osseointegração de implantes instalados sem estabilidade primária: o papel dos materiais à base de fibrina e fosfato de cálcio

When implants are installed immediately after tooth extraction may occur anchoring primary decreased, delay or failure of osseointegration process. This occurs because of the large interface between the surrounding walls of the socket and the surface of the implant. For reconstruction, replacement or filling of bone defects the solution can be obtained with the use of autogenous, heterogenous or allogeneic bone grafts. However, these grafts suffer certain drawbacks, particularly a high rate of donor site morbidity, limited amounts of available bone, and the additional operative time required for harvest. For these reasons, intensive efforts have been directed toward developing alternative substances for to either augment or substitute. In this paper, we will examine some of the commonly used materials : fibrin and calcium phosphate.