Dietary predictors of serum total carotene in low-income women living in Sao Paulo, south-east Brazil

Objective Dietary intake and nutritional status of antioxidant vitamins have been reported to protect against some cancers The objective of the present study was to assess the correlations between serum levels of carotenoids (including beta-, alpha- and gamma-carotene), lycopene, retinol, alpha- and gamma-tocopherols, and dietary intakes estimated by an FFQ, among low-income women in the Brazilian Investigation into Nutrition and Cervical Cancer Prevention (BRINCA) study. Design Cross-sectional study of data for 918 women aged 21-65 years participating in the BRINCA study in Sao Paulo city. Multiple linear regression models were used with serum nutrient levels as the dependent variable and dietary intake levels as the independent variable, adjusted for confounding factors. Results In energy-adjusted analyses, the intakes of dark green and deep yellow vegetables and fruits (partial R(2) = 4.8%), total fruits and juices (partial R(2) = 1.8%), vegetables and fruits (partial R(2) = 1.8%), carrots (partial R(2) = 1.4%) and citrus fruits and juices only (partial R(2) = 0.8%) were positively correlated only with serum total carotene levels, after adjusting for serum total cholesterol concentration, age, hospital attended, smoking status. BMI and presence of cervical lesions Multiple-adjusted serum levels of carotenoids were positively correlated with intake quartiles of dark green and deep yellow vegetables and fruits and total fruits and juices independent of smoking status. Conclusions The intake of specific fruits and vegetables was an independent predictor of serum total carotene levels in low-income women living in Sao Paulo

Dietary fructose, fruits, fruit juices and glucose tolerance status in Japanese-Brazilians

Background and aims: Evidence suggests that fructose and sweetened beverages may be a risk factor for obesity and type 2 diabetes, but the role of sweetened fruit juices in glucose disturbances has been minimally explored. The aim of this study was to examine the association of total fructose, fresh fruit and sweetened fruit juice intake with glucose tolerance homeostasis in Japanese-Brazilians. Methods and results: A total of 475 men and 579 women aged >= 30 years were evaluated in a cross-sectional population-based survey with a standardized protocol including a 2-h oral glucose tolerance test (WHO criteria). Habitual food consumption was obtained using a validated food frequency questionnaire for Japanese-Brazitians. After adjustments for potential confounding variables, the odds ratio (OR; 95%Cl) for impaired glucose tolerance was 2.1 (1.0-4.5; P for trend = 0.05) for the highest as compared to the lowest tertile intake of total fructose and 2.3 (1.1-5.1; P for trend = 0.05) for the highest as compared to the lowest tertile intake of sweetened fruit juices. Conclusion: Our results showed that high intakes of dietary fructose and sweetened fruit juices, but not whole fresh fruits, were associated with impaired glucose tolerance among genetically susceptible individuals. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effects of voluntary running on spatial memory and mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression in mice hippocampus after status epilepticus

Voluntary physical activity improves memory and learning ability in rodents, whereas status epilepticus has been associated with memory impairment. Physical activity and seizures have been associated with enhanced hippocampal expression of BDNF, indicating that this protein may have a dual role in epilepsy. The influence of voluntary physical activity on memory and BDNF expression has been poorly studied in experimental models of epilepsy. In this paper, we have investigated the effect of voluntary physical activity on memory and BDNF expression in mice with pilocarpine-incluced epilepsy. Male Swiss mice were assigned to four experimental groups: pilocarpine sedentary (PS), pilocarpine runners (PRs), saline sedentary (SS) and saline runners (SRs). Two days after pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus, the affected mice (PR) and their running controls (SR) were housed with access to a running wheel for 28 days. After that, the spatial memory and the expression of the precursor and mature forms of hippocampal BDNF were assessed. PR mice performed better than PS mice in the water maze test. In addition, PR mice had a higher amount of mature BDNF (14 kDa) relative to the total BDNF (14 kDa + 28 kDa + 32 kDa forms) content when compared with PS mice. These results show that voluntary physical activity improved the spatial memory and increased the hippocampal content of mature BDNF of mice with pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Shear bond strength of self-etch and total-etch bonding systems at different dentin depths

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the dentin shear bond strength of four adhesive systems (Adper Single Bond 2, Adper Prompt L-Pop, Magic Bond DE and Self Etch Bond) in regards to buccal and lingual surfaces and dentin depth. Forty extracted third molars had roots removed and crowns bisected in the mesiodistal direction. The buccal and lingual surfaces were fixed in a PVC/acrylic resin ring and were divided into buccal and lingual groups assigned to each selected adhesive. The same specimens prepared for the evaluation of superficial dentin shear resistance were used to evaluate the different depths of dentin. The specimens were identified and abraded at depths of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mm. Each depth was evaluated by ISO TR 11405 using an EMIC-2000 machine regulated at 0.5 mm/min with a 200 Kgf load cell. We performed statistical analyses on the results (ANOVA, Tukey and Scheffé tests). Data revealed statistical differences (p < 0.01) in the adhesive and depth variation as well as adhesive/depth interactions. The Adper Single Bond 2 demonstrated the highest mean values of shear bond strength. The Prompt L-Pop product, a self-etching adhesive, revealed higher mean values compared with Magic Bond DE and Self Etch Bond adhesives, a total and self-etching adhesive respectively. It may be concluded that the shear bond strength of dentin is dependent on material (adhesive system), substrate depth and adhesive/depth interaction.

Prevalence and risk factors of apical periodontitis in endodontically treated teeth in a selected population of Brazilian adults

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and risk factors of apical periodontitis in endodontically treated teeth in a selected population of Brazilian adults. A total of 1,372 periapical radiographs of endodontically treated teeth were analyzed based on the quality of root filling, status of coronal restoration and presence of posts associated with apical periodontitis (AP). Data were analyzed statistically using odds ratio, confidence intervals and chi-square test. The prevalence of AP with adequate endodontic treatment was low (16.5%). This percentage dropped to 12.1% in cases with adequate root filling and adequate coronal restoration. Teeth with adequate endodontic treatment and poor coronal restoration had an AP prevalence of 27.9%. AP increased to 71.7% in teeth with poor endodontic treatment associated with poor coronal restoration. When poor endodontic treatment was combined with adequate coronal restoration, AP prevalence was 61.8%. The prevalence of AP was low when associated with high technical quality of root canal treatment. Poor coronal restoration increased the risk of AP even when endodontic treatment was adequate (OR=2.80; 95%CI=1.87-4.22). The presence of intracanal posts had no influence on AP prevalence.

Systemic treatment in severe cases of recurrent aphthous stomatitis: an open trial

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the systemic drugs thalidomide, dapsone, colchicine, and pentoxifylline in the treatment of severe manifestations of RAS. METHODS: An open, 4-year clinical trial was carried out for 21 consecutive patients with severe RAS. Initially, patients were given a 2-week course of prednisone to bring them to a baseline status. Simultaneously, one of the four test drugs was assigned to each patient to be taken for a period of 6 months. During the course of the trial, patients were switched to one of the other three drugs whenever side effects or a lack of satisfactory results occurred, and the 6-month limit of the treatment was then reset. RESULTS: The most efficient and best-tolerated drug was thalidomide, which was administered to a total of eight patients and resulted in complete remission in seven (87.5%). Dapsone was prescribed for a total of nine patients, of whom eight (89%) showed improvement in their symptoms, while five showed complete remission. Colchicine was administered to a total of ten patients, with benefits observed in nine (90%), of whom four showed complete remission. Pentoxyfilline was administered to a total of five patients, with benefits observed in three (60%), of whom one patient showed complete remission. CONCLUSION: The therapeutic methods used in this trial provided significant symptom relief. Patients experienced relapses of the lesions; however, this occurred after withdrawal of their medication during the follow-up period.

Analysis of the periodontal status of patients with mandibular-bonded retainers

PURPOSE: This clinical study evaluated the periodontal status of patients with bonded retainers as compared to a non-treated control group. METHODS: Forty dental students were included in the sample and divided into the following two groups: 1) a test group of 20 subjects that, after orthodontic treatment, have been bonded retainer users for at least 2 years and 2) a control group of 20 patients that never experienced orthodontic treatment nor used any bonded retainer. The region associated with the retainer in the test group and the lower canine-to-canine region in the control group were examined according to the following clinical parameters: plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), gingival recession (GR), clinical attachment level (CAL) and probing depth (PD). RESULTS: No differences were observed for GR or BOP (P>0.05). In contrast, the test group showed higher values of CAL and PD at proximal sites when compared to controls (P<0.05). In addition, IP was significantly increased at buccal and lingual sites (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The placement of orthodontic bonded retainers negatively affected periodontal health, resulting in increased PI, PD and CAL.

Differences in responses to the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP14) used as a questionnaire or in an interview

The objective of this study was to compare the completion rates and performance of the Brazilian version of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP14) when applied as an interview or in its original self-reported form. A convenience sample of 74 adult patients was selected in a Dental Clinic (University of Araras, Brazil). One examiner administered the instrument in both formats to participants with an interval of 2 weeks between each administration. Data about dental health condition and socioeconomic status were collected and associated with total OHIP14 scores in both formats using linear regression analyses. No differences were found in the total scores and in each subscale of the OHIP14 according to the form of administration. Higher values of completion were found in the interview format. More severe impacts were recorded in the interview format than in the questionnaire format. Higher values of total OHIP-14 scores in both formats were related to the presence of dental caries. Total OHIP14 scores were not influenced by the method of administration. However, the use of the OHIP14 in the questionnaire format may result in lower completion rates and loss of data.

Avaliação e mensuração da sutura palatina mediana por meio da radiografia oclusal total digitalizada em pacientes submetidos à expansão rápida maxilar

OBJETIVOS: avaliar e mensurar a sutura palatina mediana por meio de radiografias oclusais totais de maxila digitalizadas, antes e depois da sua disjunção. MÉTODOS: a amostra constou de 17 pacientes, com idades entre 7 e 22 anos. Radiografias oclusais totais da maxila foram executadas antes e depois da abertura da sutura palatina mediana, e digitalizadas em scanner HP Scanjet 6110 C com adaptador de transparências HPC 6261 6100 C, utilizando-se o programa Deskscan II. Para a avaliação e medição, foi utilizado o programa Radioimp® (Radiomemory, MG/Brasil). Na análise estatística, foram utilizados a média, o desvio-padrão, o coeficiente de variação e os testes "t" e ANOVA. CONCLUSÕES: após os resultados, foi possível concluir que (1) na região dos incisivos, houve uma abertura palatina mediana estatisticamente significativa; (2) houve abertura de diastema entre os incisivos centrais superiores em torno de 69,37% dos casos; (3) houve uma maior abertura da sutura palatina mediana na região a 10mm a partir da crista para posterior, em comparação com a região a 3mm para posterior do parafuso expansor; (4) na região a 3mm para posterior do parafuso expansor houve uma abertura de 35,97%, e na região a 10mm para posterior da crista uma abertura de 69,37%.

Resposta em parâmetros sanguíneos e urinários de vacas leiteiras ao aumento no balanço cátion-aniônico da dieta

Estudou-se efeito de quatro níveis de dietas catiônicas sobre os parâmetros ácido-base do sangue e o pH urinário de vacas em lactação. Para a manipulação dos níveis do balanço cátion-amônico da dieta (BCAD), foram adicionadas diferentes concentrações de bicarbonato de sódio às dietas, obtendo-se os seguintes tratamentos: +150, +250, +400 e +500mEq/kg de matéria seca. O experimento foi realizado durante o verão, por um período total de 72 dias, utilizando-se oito vacas da raça Holandesa após o pico de lactação, distribuídas em quadrado latino (4x4), replicado, em que cada período teve duração de 18 dias. O pH urinário e o bicarbonato, o pH, o CO2 total e a pCO2 do sangue aumentaram linearmente (P<0,01) com o aumento do BCAD. As concentrações de sódio e potássio do sangue não foram modificadas (P>0,05) pelo BCAD. A concentração de cloro no sangue diminuiu linearmente (P<0,01) com o aumento do BCAD. O aumento do BCAD afetou o equilíbrio ácido-base das vacas, promovendo efeito alcalinogênico, o que poderia levar a diferenças significativas no desempenho do animal.

Calagem e adubação boratada na produção de feijoeiro

Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos da aplicação de calcário e boro nos atributos químicos de um Latossolo, estado nutricional e produtividade da cultura do feijoeiro. As doses de calcário empregadas foram crescentes, considerando-se a saturação por bases igual a 70%, correspondendo às doses: zero; 0,6; 1,2 (v = 70%); 1,8 e 2,4 t ha-1. O calcário utilizado apresentava poder relativo de neutralização total (PRNT), poder de neutralização (PN) e reatividade (RE) de 131; 137 e 95%, respectivamente. As doses de boro estudadas foram iguais a 0 (zero); 0,6; 1,2; 1,8; e 2,4 mg dm-3 de B, sendo a referência para definição das mesmas a de 1,2 mg dm-3 de B (ou 1,2 kg ha-1 de B). Utilizou-se como fonte o ácido bórico (H3BO3) p.a. (17% B). Na época do florescimento foi avaliado o estado nutricional das plantas e, aos 90 dias foram avaliadas a fertilidade do solo e a produção de grãos. No solo houve melhoria dos atributos pH, SB, V e na concentração de Ca e Mg, e do B com o emprego da adubação boratada. A interação da calagem com a adubação boratada promoveu maior acúmulo de Ca, Mg e B nas plantas. Os dados apresentados demonstram que o feijoeiro foi responsivo à calagem e à adubação boratada, tendo atingido bons índices de produção com a utilização de 1,8 kg ha-1 de B com doses crescentes de calcário.

Economic impact of treatment for surgical site infections in cases of total knee arthroplasty in a tertiary public hospital in Brazil

The aim of this study was to estimate the additional cost of treatment of a group of nosocomial infections in a tertiary public hospital. A retrospective observational cohort study was conducted by means of analyzing the medical records of 34 patients with infection after total knee arthroplasty, diagnosed in 2006 and 2007, who met the criteria for nosocomial infection according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To estimate the direct costs of treatment for these patients, the following data were gathered: length of hospital stay, laboratory tests, imaging examinations, and surgical procedures performed. Their costs were estimated from the minimum values according to the Brazilian Medical Association. The estimated cost of the antibiotics used was also obtained. The total length of stay in the ward was 976 days, at a cost of US$ 18,994.63, and, in the intensive care unit, it was 34 days at a cost of US$ 5,031.37. Forty-two debridement procedures were performed, at a cost of US$ 5,798.06, and 1965 tests (laboratory and imaging) were also performed, at a cost of US$ 15,359.25. US$ 20,845.01 was spent on antibiotics and US$ 1,735.16 on vacuum assisted closure therapy, microsurgical flaps, implant removal, spacer use, and surgical revision. The total additional cost of these cases of hospital infection in 2006 and 2007 was of US$ 91,843.75. Based on that, we demonstrate that the high cost of treatment for hospital infections emphasizes the importance of taking measures to prevent and control hospital infection.

Effect of Potato virus X on total phenol and alkaloid contents in Datura stramonium leaves

The present paper reports results of the effect of Potato virus X (PVX) on the contents of total phenols and alkaloids in leaves of Datura stramonium. A significant decrease in the contents of phenols and alkaloids was observed in leaves inoculated with PVX (X-I). However, there was an increase in the percentage of phenols in leaves rubbed with phosphate buffer (C1-I) and in leaves from the nodes immediately above, possibly induced by mechanical injury. Gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy revealed amounts of scopolamine in samples submitted to all treatments, except X-I, in which the amount of this alkaloid was low. High amounts of an unidentified compound (molecular ion m/z 302 and a prominent peak at m/z 129) were noted in extracts from leaves X-I, C1-I and leaves from the nodes immediately above the leaves inoculated with PVX. It is suggested that the synthesis and accumulation of the unidentified compound is a result of stress from mechanical injury and virus inoculation.

Polyamine patterns in haploid and diploid tobacco tissues and in vitro cultures

The aim of this work was to determine PAs levels in pith tissues and callus cultures from haploid and diploid tobacco plants, explanted from the apical and basal regions of the stem. These explants were cultured in an RM-64 medium supplied with IAA and kinetin, under light or in the dark, during successive subcultures. PAs levels followed a basipetal decrease in diploid and an increase in haploid, pith tissues. A similar pattern of total PAs (free + conjugated) was observed for the callus of diploid and haploid plants maintained in the light, and for the haploid callus in the dark, whereas the diploid callus in the dark showed a constant increase in total PAs levels until the end of culture. The PA increase in the diploid callus in the dark was related to free Put levels increase. The ploidy status of the plants could express different PA gradients together with the plant pith and in vitro callus cultures.

Trichomycterus dali: a new highly troglomorphic catfish (Silurifomes: Trichomycteridae) from Serra da Bodoquena, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Central Brazil

Trichomycterus dali, new species, is described from flooded limestone caves in Serra da Bodoquena karst area, State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Central Brazil. The new species is diagnosed by a unique character in the genus, the presence of conspicuous, ridge-like adipose folds lining dorsally throughout the body. Trichomycterus dali can be further distinguished readily from epigean congeners by the reduction of eyes and skin pigmentation (except for T. gorgona), and from remaining congeners (i.e., all hypogean plus T. gorgona) by the total loss of eyes, not visible externally (except for T. sandovali and T. spelaeus). Other diagnostic features includes very long barbels, especially the nasal (99.3-143.5% HL) and the maxillary (97.0-131.3% HL), pectoral-fin ray count reaching I,9 and a unique cranial fontanel with a conspicuous constriction on the meeting point of supraoccipital and the two frontal bones. The troglobitic status of the species is suggested by the presence of troglomorphisms on an advanced degree, especially the reduction of skin pigmentation, the total loss of eyes and the enlarged barbels. In addition, the presence of a well developed adipose fold in adults may indicate a distinctive adaptation acquired by neoteny to withstand the food scarce conditions of its hypogean habitat.