Comparison between wound healing in induced diabetic and nondiabetic rats after low-level laser therapy

Objective: the aim of this work was to compare the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on the wound healing process in nondiabetic and diabetic rats. Background Data: Among the clinical symptoms caused by diabetes mellitus, a delay in wound healing is a potential risk for patients. It is suggested that LLLT can improve wound healing. Methods: the tissue used for this study was extracted from animals suffering from diabetes, which was induced by Streptozotocin (R), and from nondiabetic rats. Animals were assembled into two groups of 25 rats each (treated and control) and further subdivided into two groups: diabetic (n = 15) and nondiabetic (n = 10). A full-thickness skin wound was made on the dorsum. area, with a round 8-mm hole-punch. The treated group was irradiated by a HeNe laser at 632.8 nm, with the following parameters: 15 mW, exposition time of 17 sec, 0.025 cm(2) irradiated area, and energy density of 10 J/cm(2). Square full-thickness skin samples (18 mm each side, including both injured and noninjured tissues) were obtained at 4, 7, and 15 days after surgery and analyzed by qualitative and quantitative histological methods. Results: Quantitative histopathological analysis confirmed the results of the qualitative analysis through histological microscope slides. When comparing tissue components (inflammatory cells, vessels and fibroblast/area), we found that treated animals had a less intense inflammatory process than controls. Conclusion: Results obtained by both qualitative and quantitative analyses suggested that irradiation of rats with HeNe (632.8 nm), at the tested dose, promoted efficient wound healing in both nondiabetic and diabetic rats as, compared to the control group.

Heparin, heparin plus ASA and dipyridamole, and arteriovenous fistula as adjuvant methods to prevent rethrombosis after venous thrombectomy. Experimental study in rabbits

Venous rethrombosis following thrombectomy is a common event. The aim of the present study was to verify the action of heparin, heparin plus acetyl salicylic acid (ASA) and dipyridamole, and of an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) in the prevention of this complication. Thrombosis was induced in 48 male rabbits by the injection of thrombin in a segment of the left jugular vein, in which the blood flow was arrested for 10 minutes. After 48 hours, the animals were randomly allocated into one of 4 groups of treatment: (1) control, (2) subcutaneous heparin (600 S.I. Units/kg - 8/8 hours), (3) heparin, in the same dose, plus ASA (10 mg/kg/once a day), and dipyridamole (0.5 mg/kg thrice a day), (4) an AVF was surgically constructed between the left carotid after and the left maxillar vein. After 30 minutes, thrombectomy was performed. The venous blood flow, the hematocrit, activated partial thromboplastin time and thrombin time tests were performed before, right after the thrombectomy and 48 hours after thrombectomy. Venography was performed after thrombectomy and at the end of the experiment. The animals were killed 48 hours after thrombectomy and the veins were examined macroscopically. Venous rethrombosis was significantly prevented only in the AVF group (9/12), when compared to control group (0/12), heparin group (1/12) and heparin plus antiaggregating agents group (2/12). These results validate further clinical and experimental investigations with the use of AVF to prevent rethrombosis after venous thrombectomy, when a reduction of venous flow is present.

Histoenzymological and ultrastructural changes in lateral muscle fibers of Oreochromis niloticus (Teleostei: Cichlidae) after local injection of veratrine

The effects of veratrine have been investigated in mammalian, amphibian, and crustacean muscle, but not in fish. In this work, the action of veratrine was studied in the lateral muscle of the freshwater teleost Oreochromis niloticus after intramuscular injection. Histoenzymological typing and electron microscopy of muscle fibers before and 15, 30, and 60 min after veratrine injection (10 ng/kg fish) were used to indirectly assess the morphological changes and the oxidative and m-ATPase activities. In some cases, muscles were pretreated with tetrodotoxin to determine whether the ultrastructural changes were the result of Na+ channel activation by veratrine. Veratrine altered the metabolism of fibers mainly after 30 min. Oxidative fibers showed decreased NADH-TR activity, whereas that of glycolytic and oxidative-glycolytic type fibers increased. There was no change in the m-ATPase activity of the three fiber types, except at 60 min postveratrine, when a novel fiber type, which showed no reversal after acidic and alkaline preincubations, appeared. Ultrastructural damage involved sarcomeres, myofibrils, and mitochondria, but the T-tubules remained intact. Pretreatment with tetrodotoxin (1 ng/ml) prevented the ultrastructural changes caused by veratrine. These results show that in fish skeletal muscle veratrine produces some effects that are not seen in mammalian muscle.

Weight loss and surface roughness of hard chairside reline resins after toothbrushing: Influence of postpolymerization treatments

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of 2 postpolymerization treatments on toothbrushing wear (weight loss) and surface roughness of 3 autopolymerized reline resins-Duraliner II (D) (Reliance Dental), Kooliner (K) (Coe Laboratories), and Tokuso Rebase Fast (T) (Tokuyama Dental)-and 1 heat-polymerized resin, Lucitone 550 (L) (Dentsply International). Materials and Methods: Specimens (40 x 10 x 2mm) of each material (n = 24) were prepared and divided into 3 groups: control (no postpolymerization treatment); water bath (immersion in water at 55°C); and microwave (microwave irradiation). Specimens were dried until constant weight was achieved and the surface roughness (Ra) was measured. Tests were performed in a toothbrush machine using 20,000 strokes of brushing at a weight of 200 g, with the specimens immersed in 1:1 dentifrice/water slurry. Specimens were reconditioned to constant weight and the weight loss (mg) and surface roughness were evaluated. Data were analyzed by 2-way analysis of variance and followed by Tukey test (α = .05). Results: In the control group, the weight loss of materials D and T was lower (P < .05) than that of L. No differences among materials were found after postpolymerization treatments (P > .05). The weight loss of material T (control = 0.5 mg) was significantly increased (P < .05) after postpolymerization treatments (water bath = 1.9 mg; microwave = 1.8 mg). For materials K and T, the toothbrushed surface roughness was higher (P < .05) after microwave and waterbath postpolymerization treatments. Material L showed increased surface roughness after microwave postpolymerization treatment. Conclusion: The toothbrushing wear resistance of L was not superior to the reline resins. The postpolymerization treatments did not improve the toothbrushing wear resistance of the materials and produced an increased surface roughness for materials L, K, and T.

Cryopreservation of dog spermatozoa: Effect of bovine serum albumin on acrosomal integrity and pregnancy rates after artificial insemination

The objective of the present study was to compare the in vitro and in vivo profile of frozen dog semen with Tris-bovine serum albumin (TB) and Tris-egg yolk (TE) extenders. Twenty dogs were used as donors. Each dog was stimulated by penile massage and only the sperm-rich fraction was collected weekly until 40 ejaculates were obtained. After macroscopic and microscopic analysis, equal parts of each ejaculate were diluted with TB and TE by the one-step method at 37 °C. The semen was added to 0.5-mL French straws which presented normal characteristics before freezing and after thawing. Acrosomal integrity was evaluated by double Trypan blue-Giemsa staining, in which alive intact (LI), alive reacted (LR), dead intact (DI) and dead reacted (DR) spermatozoa, were identified by the time of thawing and up to 4 h of incubation at 39 °C, the TE being significantly superior to TB (P<0,01) in the LI and LR variables. The TB being significantly superior to TE (P<0,01) in the DR variable. Female dogs in natural heat were submitted to artificial insemination, 20 receiving TE-semen and 20 receiving TB-semen with the Osiris probe (IMV, L'Aigle, France) and the numbers indicate that TE was significantly better than TB (P<0,01) to pregnancy rate and number of puppies/delivery. We concluded from this study, that TE was better than TB, because this, induced an eady acrossome reaction in dog's sperm.

Preemptive dexamethasone and etoricoxib for pain and discomfort prevention after periodontal surgery: A double-masked, crossover, controlled clinical trial

Background: Several anti-inflammatory drugs have been used to reduce pain and discomfort after periodontal surgeries. This study evaluates the efficacy of using etoricoxib and dexamethasone for pain prevention after open-flap debridement surgery. Methods: For this prospective, double-masked, crossover, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial, open-flap debridement surgeries were performed on 15 patients (eight males and seven females, age range 20 to 56 years: mean age ± SD: 40 ± 9.7 years) who presented with chronic periodontitis after nonsurgical periodontal therapy at three quadrants. Each patient underwent three surgical procedures at intervals of 30 days and received one of the following premedication protocols 1-hour before surgery: group 1 = placebo, group 2 = 8 mg dexamethasone, and group 3 = 120 mg etoricoxib. Rescue medication (750 mg acetaminophen) was given to each patient who was instructed to take it when necessary. Pain intensity and discomfort were evaluated by a 101-point numeric rate scale and a four-point verbal rate scale, respectively, hourly for the first 8 hours after surgery and three times a day on the following 3 days. Results: The results demonstrate that groups 2 and 3 present reduced postoperative pain-intensity levels compared to group 1. There were statistically significant differences at the 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 hour-periods after surgery (Friedman test; P<0.05). Furthermore, rescue-medication intake was significantly lower for groups 2 and 3 than for group 1 (analysis of variance; P<0.02). Conclusion: The adoption of a preemptive medication protocol using etoricoxib or dexamethasone may be considered effective for pain and discomfort prevention after open-flap debridement surgeries.

Biochemical biomarkers in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) after short-term exposure to diesel oil, pure biodiesel and biodiesel blends

Fossil fuels such as diesel are being gradually replaced by biodiesel, a renewable energy source, cheaper and less polluting. However, little is known about the toxic effects of this new energy source on aquatic organisms. Thus, we evaluated biochemical biomarkers related to oxidative stress in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) after two and seven exposure days to diesel and pure biodiesel (B100) and blends B5 and B20 at concentrations of 0.01 and 0.1mLL -1. The hepatic ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase activity was highly induced in all groups, except for those animals exposed to B100. There was an increase in lipid peroxidation in liver and gills in the group exposed to the higher concentration of B5. All treatments caused a significant increase in the levels of 1-hydroxypyrene excreted in the bile after 2 and 7d, except for those fish exposed to B100. The hepatic glutathione-S-transferase increased after 7d in animals exposed to the higher concentration of diesel and in the gill of fish exposed to the higher concentration of pure diesel and B5, but decreased for the two tested concentrations of B100. Superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase also presented significant changes according to the treatments for all groups, including B100. Biodiesel B20 in the conditions tested had fewer adverse effects than diesel and B5 for the Nile tilapia, and can be suggested as a less harmful fuel in substitution to diesel. However, even B100 could activate biochemical responses in fish, at the experimental conditions tested, indicating that this fuel can also represent a risk to the aquatic biota. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd.

Ultra-structural mapping of sugarcane bagasse after oxalic acid fiber expansion (OAFEX) and ethanol production by Candida shehatae and Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Background: Diminishing supplies of fossil fuels and oil spills are rousing to explore the alternative sources of energy that can be produced from non-food/feed-based substrates. Due to its abundance, sugarcane bagasse (SB) could be a model substrate for the second-generation biofuel cellulosic ethanol. However, the efficient bioconversion of SB remains a challenge for the commercial production of cellulosic ethanol. We hypothesized that oxalic-acid-mediated thermochemical pretreatment (OAFEX) would overcome the native recalcitrance of SB by enhancing the cellulase amenability toward the embedded cellulosic microfibrils. Results: OAFEX treatment revealed the solubilization of hemicellulose releasing sugars (12.56 g/l xylose and 1.85 g/l glucose), leaving cellulignin in an accessible form for enzymatic hydrolysis. The highest hydrolytic efficiency (66.51%) of cellulignin was achieved by enzymatic hydrolysis (Celluclast 1.5 L and Novozym 188). The ultrastructure characterization of SB using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform-near infrared spectroscopy (FT-NIR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed structural differences before and after OAFEX treatment with enzymatic hydrolysis. Furthermore, fermentation mediated by C. shehatae UFMG HM52.2 and S. cerevisiae 174 showed fuel ethanol production from detoxified acid (3.2 g/l, yield 0.353 g/g; 0.52 g/l, yield, 0.246 g/g) and enzymatic hydrolysates (4.83 g/l, yield, 0.28 g/g; 6.6 g/l, yield 0.46 g/g). Conclusions: OAFEX treatment revealed marked hemicellulose degradation, improving the cellulases ability to access the cellulignin and release fermentable sugars from the pretreated substrate. The ultrastructure of SB after OAFEX and enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulignin established thorough insights at the molecular level. © 2013 Chandel et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Motor Recovery and Synaptic Preservation after Ventral Root Avulsion and Repair with a Fibrin Sealant Derived from Snake Venom

Background:Ventral root avulsion is an experimental model of proximal axonal injury at the central/peripheral nervous system interface that results in paralysis and poor clinical outcome after restorative surgery. Root reimplantation may decrease neuronal degeneration in such cases. We describe the use of a snake venom-derived fibrin sealant during surgical reconnection of avulsed roots at the spinal cord surface. The present work investigates the effects of this fibrin sealant on functional recovery, neuronal survival, synaptic plasticity, and glial reaction in the spinal motoneuron microenvironment after ventral root reimplantation.Methodology/Principal Findings:Female Lewis rats (7 weeks old) were subjected to VRA and root replantation. The animals were divided into two groups: 1) avulsion only and 2) replanted roots with fibrin sealant derived from snake venom. Post-surgical motor performance was evaluated using the CatWalk system twice a week for 12 weeks. The rats were sacrificed 12 weeks after surgery, and their lumbar intumescences were processed for motoneuron counting and immunohistochemistry (GFAP, Iba-1 and synaptophysin antisera). Array based qRT-PCR was used to evaluate gene regulation of several neurotrophic factors and receptors as well as inflammatory related molecules. The results indicated that the root reimplantation with fibrin sealant enhanced motor recovery, preserved the synaptic covering of the motoneurons and improved neuronal survival. The replanted group did not show significant changes in microglial response compared to VRA-only. However, the astroglial reaction was significantly reduced in this group.Conclusions/Significance:In conclusion, the present data suggest that the repair of avulsed roots with snake venom fibrin glue at the exact point of detachment results in neuroprotection and preservation of the synaptic network at the microenvironment of the lesioned motoneurons. Also such procedure reduced the astroglial reaction and increased mRNA levels to neurotrophins and anti-inflammatory cytokines that may in turn, contribute to improving recovery of motor function. © 2013 Barbizan et al.

Airway space changes after maxillomandibular counterclockwise rotation and mandibular advancement with TMJ Concepts® total joint prostheses: Three-dimensional assessment

This study focused on three-dimensional (3D) airway space changes and stability following simultaneous maxillomandibular counterclockwise rotation, mandibular advancement, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) reconstruction with custom-made total joint prostheses (TMJ Concepts®). Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of 30 consecutive female patients with irreversibly compromised TMJs were obtained at the following intervals: T1, presurgery; T2, immediately after surgery; and T3, at least 6 months after surgery. The CBCT volumetric datasets were analysed with Dolphin Imaging ® software to evaluate surgical and postsurgical changes to oropharyngeal airway parameters. The average changes in airway surface area (SA), volume (VOL), and minimum axial area (MAA) were, 179.50 mm2, 6302.60 mm3, and 92.23 mm2, respectively, at the longest follow-up (T3 - T1) (P ≤ 0.001). Significant correlations between the amount of mandibular advancement and counterclockwise rotation of the occlusal plane and 3D airway changes were also found (P ≤ 0.01). The results of this investigation showed a significant immediate 3D airway space increase after maxillomandibular counterclockwise rotation and mandibular advancement with TMJ Concepts total joint prostheses, which remained stable over the follow-up period. © 2013 International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.

Influence of filler charge on gloss of composite materials before and after in vitro toothbrushing

Objectives: This study evaluated the gloss behaviour of experimental resin composites loaded with different filler percentages, immediately after polishing and after toothbrushing simulation. Methods: Sixteen disc-shaped specimens were fabricated for each different-charged composite (40%, 50%, 60%, 70% and 75%) and polished with SiC abrasive papers. Gloss measurements were made prior to simulated toothbrushing. The specimens were subjected to the simulation for 5, 15, 30 and 60 min using an electrical toothbrush with a standardized pressure while being immersed in a toothpaste/artificial saliva slurry. Results: Baseline composite gloss values ranged from 69.7 (40%) to 81.3 (75%) GU (gloss units) and from 18.1 (40%) to 32.3 (75%) GU after 1 h of brushing. Highest gloss values were obtained by 75%-charged resin, while the lowest values were obtained by the 40%-charged one. Conclusions: All tested materials showed a gloss decrease. However, the higher filler load a composite resin has, the higher gloss it can achieve. Clinical significance: Gloss of resin composite materials is an important factor in determining aesthetic success of anterior restorations, and this property may vary according to the filler charge of the restorative material. Higher filler load of a composite resin results in higher gloss values. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Biochemical and nutritional evaluation of patients with visceral leishmaniasis before and after treatment with leishmanicidal drugs

Introduction Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is caused by the intracellular protozoan Leishmania donovani complex. VL may be asymptomatic or progressive and is characterized by fever, anemia, weight loss and the enlargement of the spleen and liver. The nutritional status of the patients with VL is a major determinant of the progression, severity and mortality of the disease, as it affects the clinical progression of the disease. Changes in lipoproteins and plasma proteins may have major impacts in the host during infection. Thus, our goal was evaluate the serum total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides, glucose, albumin, globulin and total protein levels, as well as the body composition, of VL patients before and after treatment. Methods Nutritional evaluation was performed using the bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) to assess body composition. Biochemical data on the serum total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, glucose, albumin, globulin and total protein were collected from the medical charts of the patients. Results BIA indicated that both pre-treatment and post-treatment patients exhibited decreased phase angles compared to the controls, which is indicative of disease. Prior to treatment, the patients exhibited lower levels of total body water compared to the controls. Regarding the biochemical evaluation, patients with active VL exhibited lower levels of total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and albumin and higher triglyceride levels compared to patients after treatment and the controls. Treatment increased the levels of albumin and lipoproteins and decreased the triglyceride levels. Conclusions Our results suggest that patients with active VL present biochemical and nutritional changes that are reversed by treatment.

Transverse maxillary and mandibular growth during and after Bionator therapy: study with metallic implants

INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated posteroanterior cephalograms before and after treatment and long term follow-up of Class II division 1 patients treated with bionator. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to demonstrate the transverse growth of maxilla and mandible during and after bionator therapy. METHODS: Measurement of transverse dimensions between posterior maxillary and mandibular implants, as well as the distances between the buccal, gonial and antegonial points were recorded. Measurements were analyzed at three periods: T1 = before bionator therapy, T2 = after bionator therapy and T3 = 5.74 years after T2. RESULTS: There was statistically significant transverse increase due to growth and/or treatment for all variables, except for the distance between the anterior maxillary implants. CONCLUSIONS: During the study period only the anterior maxillary area did not show transverse growth.

Distribution of fluoride and calcium in plaque biofilms after the use of conventional and low-fluoride dentifrices

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

Taste and Temperature in Swallowing Transit Time after Stroke

Background: Oropharyngeal dysphagia is common in individuals after stroke. Taste and temperature are used in dysphagia rehabilitation. The influence of stimuli, such as taste and temperature, on swallowing biomechanics has been investigated in both healthy individuals and in individuals with neurological disease. However, some questions still remain unanswered, such as how the sequence of offered stimuli influences the pharyngeal response. The goal of the present study was to determine the influence of the sequence of stimuli, sour taste and cold temperature, on pharyngeal transit time during deglutition in individuals after stroke. Methods: The study included 60 individuals with unilateral ischemic stroke, 29 males and 31 females, aged 41–88 years (mean age: 66.2 years) examined 0–50 days after ictus (median: 6 days), with mild to moderate oropharyngeal dysphagia. Exclusion criteria were hemorrhagic stroke patients, patients with decreased level of consciousness, and clinically unstable patients, as confirmed by medical evaluation. The individuals were divided into two groups of 30 individuals each. Group 1 received a nonrandomized sequence of stimuli (i.e. natural, cold, sour, and sour-cold) and group 2 received a randomized sequence of stimuli. A videofluoroscopic swallowing study was performed to analyze the pharyngeal transit time. Four different stimuli (natural, cold, sour, and sour-cold) were offered. The images were digitalized and specific software was used to measure the pharyngeal transit time. Since the values did not present regular distribution and uniform variances, nonparametric tests were performed. Results: Individuals in group 1 presented a significantly shorter pharyngeal transit time with the sour-cold stimulus than with the other stimuli. Individuals in group 2 did not show a significant difference in pharyngeal transit time between stimuli. Conclusions: The results showed that the sequence of offered stimuli influences the pharyngeal transit time in a different way in individuals after stroke and suggest that, when the sour-cold stimulus is offered in a randomized sequence, it can influence the response to the other stimuli in stroke patients. Hence, the sour-cold stimulus could be used as a therapeutic aid in dysphagic stroke patients.