Experimental paracoccidioidomycosis in the mouse. III. Histopathological and immunological findings after intravenous infection in the presence or absence of previous immunization

Cinqüenta camundongos suíços, brancos, com quatro semanas de idade, foram inoculados com 5x10(5) formas leveduriformes, viáveis de Paracoccidiodes brasiliensis (cepa 18). Dez destes animais tinham sido previamente imunizados com antígeno particulado de P. brasiliensis, durante quatro semanas, por injeção intradérmica. Os controles consistiram de 10 animais que foram somente imunizados e 10 inoculados com solução salina estéril. Os animais foram sacrificados após 2, 4, 7, 11 e 16 semanas. Estudamos: 1) resposta de hipersensibilidade retardada medida pelo teste do coxim plantar, 24 horas antes do sacrifício; 2) anticorpo- gênese específica avaliada pelo teste de imunodifusão dupla em gel de ágar; 3) histopatologia dos pulmões, fígado, baço, supra-renal e rins. Observamos: 1) os animais imunizados desenvolveram resposta imunecelular mais intensa que os infectados; 2) a infecção deprimiu a resposta imunecelular dos animais imunizados; 3) a histopatologia da infecção endovenosa revelou inflamação granulomatosa sistêmica e progressiva. Os animais infectados após imunização prévia apresentaram inflamação pulmonar menos extensa, com granulomas menores e com reduzido número de fungos. O presente modelo murino de paracoccidioidomicose mimetiza alguns achados da forma humana subaguda da micose (doença sistêmica com depressão da imunidade celular). O esquema de imunização extrapulmonar utilizado foi capaz de induzir certo grau de proteção do pulmão contra um desafio infeccioso pelo P. brasiliensis.

Effect of intravenous propofol and remifentanil on heart rate, blood pressure and nociceptive response in acepromazine premedicated dogs

ObjectiveTo investigate the cardiorespiratory, nociceptive and endocrine effects of the combination of propofol and remifentanil, in dogs sedated with acepromazine.Study designProspective randomized, blinded, cross-over experimental trial.AnimalsTwelve healthy adult female cross-breed dogs, mean weight 18.4 +/- 2.3 kg.MethodsDogs were sedated with intravenous (IV) acepromazine (0.05 mg kg-1) followed by induction of anesthesia with IV propofol (5 mg kg-1). Anesthesia was maintained with IV propofol (0.2 mg kg-1 minute-1) and remifentanil, infused as follows: R1, 0.125 mu g kg-1 minute-1; R2, 0.25 mu g kg-1 minute-1; and R3, 0.5 mu g kg-1 minute-1. The same dogs were administered each dose of remifentanil at 1-week intervals. Heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), respiratory rate (f(R)), end tidal CO(2) (Pe'CO(2)), arterial hemoglobin O(2) saturation, blood gases, and rectal temperature were measured before induction, and 5, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, and 120 minutes after beginning the infusion. Nociceptive response was investigated by electrical stimulus (50 V, 5 Hz and 10 ms). Blood samples were collected for plasma cortisol measurements. Statistical analysis was performed by anova (p < 0.05).ResultsIn all treatments, HR decreased during anesthesia with increasing doses of remifentanil, and increased significantly immediately after the end of infusion. MAP remained stable during anesthesia (72-98 mmHg). Antinociception was proportional to the remifentanil infusion dose, and was considered satisfactory only with R2 and R3. Plasma cortisol concentration decreased during anesthesia in all treatments. Recovery was smooth and fast in all dogs.Conclusions and clinical relevanceInfusion of 0.25-0.5 mu g kg-1 minute-1 remifentanil combined with 0.2 mg kg-1 minute-1 propofol produced little effect on arterial blood pressure and led to a good recovery. The analgesia produced was sufficient to control the nociceptive response applied by electrical stimulation, suggesting that it may be appropriate for performing surgery.

Effects of intravenous glucose infusion and nutritional balance on serum concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids, glucose, insulin, and progesterone in nonlactating dairy cows

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

Estado neurológico e cardiorrespiratório de filhotes de cães nascidos de parto normal ou de cesariana sob anestesia geral inalatória com sevofluorano

A anestesia obstétrica possibilita um procedimento mais seguro para a mãe e para os fetos. em medicina veterinária, no entanto, a literatura científica a respeito do assunto é deficiente. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o grau de depressão neurológica, hemodinâmica e respiratória fetais provocado pelo agente anestésico, em que as mães foram submetidas ao parto normal ou à cesariana, utilizando-se sevofluorano como agente de manutenção anestésica, comparando-o com o parto normal. Foram realizados seis partos normais (GN) e seis cesarianas (GC), avaliando-se um total de 36 filhotes. As cesarianas foram realizadas utilizando-se acepromazina, propofol e sevofluorano (GC) e os neonatos foram avaliados clinicamente ao primeiro, quinto e décimo minuto de nascimento, nos dois grupos. Observou-se maior depressão respiratória nos filhotes nascidos de cesariana. Contudo, apesar dessa depressão, o protocolo anestésico empregado não comprometeu de maneira importante a viabilidade e a saúde das mães e dos filhotes, demonstrando ser seguro em cadelas gestantes.

Silver nanoparticles: influence of stabilizing agent and diameter on antifungal activity against Candida albicans and Candida glabrata biofilms

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Short-term evaluation of the pulpo-dentin complex response to a resin-modified glass-ionomer cement and a bonding agent applied in deep cavities

Objectives. To evaluate the response of the pulpo-dentin complex following application of a resin-modified glass-ionomer cement or an adhesive system in deep cavities performed in human teeth.Methods. Deep class V cavities were prepared on the buccal surface of 26 premolars. In Group I the cavity walls (dentin) and enamel were conditioned with 32% phosphoric acid and the dentin adhesive system One Step (Bisco, Inc., Itasca, IL, USA) was applied. In Groups 2 and 3, before total etching and application of bonding agent, the cavity floor was lined with the resin-modified glass-ionomer cement-Vitrebond (3M ESPE Dental Products Division, St. Paul, MN, USA) or the calcium hydroxide cement-Dycal (control group, Dentsply, Mildford, DE, USA), respectively. The cavities were restored using light-cured Z-100 composite resin (3M ESPE). The teeth were extracted between 5 and 30 days and prepared for microscopic assessment. Serial sections were stained with H/E, Masson's trichrome, and Brown and Brenn techniques.Results. In Group 1, the inflammatory response was more evident than in Groups 2 and 3. Diffusion of dental material components across dentinal tubules was observed only in Group 1, in which the intensity of the pulp response increased as the remaining dentin thickness decreased. Bacteria were evidenced in the lateral walls of two samples (Group 2) which exhibited no inflammatory response or tissue disorganization.Conclusions. Based on the experimental conditions, it was concluded total acid etching followed by application of One Step bonding agent cannot be recommended as adequate procedures. In this clinical condition the cavity walls should be lined with a biocompatible dental material, such as Vitrebond or Dycal. 2003 Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Anteroventral third ventricle lesions impair cardiovascular responses to intravenous hypertonic saline infusion

The anteroventral third ventricle (AV3V) region is a critical area of the forebrain, acting on fluid and electrolyte balance and maintaining cardiovascular homeostasis. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of lesions to the anteroventral third ventricle region on cardiovascular responses to intravenous hypertonic saline (HS) infusion, Male Wistar rats were anesthetized with urethane. The femoral artery and jugular vein were cannulated to record mean arterial pressure (MAP) and infuse hypertonic saline (3M NaCl, 0.18 mL/100 g bw, over 1 min), respectively. Renal blood flow (RBF) was recorded by ultrasonic transit-time flow probes. Renal vascular conductance (RVC) was calculated as renal blood flow to mean arterial pressure ratio and expressed as percentage of baseline. After hypertonic saline infusion in sham animals, renal blood flow and renal vascular conductance increased to 137+10% and 125+7% (10 min), and 141 +/- 10% and 133 +/- 10% (60 min), respectively. Increases in mean arterial pressure (20-min peak: 12 +/- 3 mm Hg) were also observed. An acute lesion in the AV3V region (DC, 2 mA 25s) 30 min before infusion abrogated the effects of hypertonic saline. Mean arterial pressure was unchanged and renal blood flow and renal vascular conductance were 107 +/- 7% and 103 +/- 6% (10 min), and 107 +/- 4 and 106 +/- 4% (60 min), respectively. Marked tachycardia was observed immediately after lesion. Responses of chronic sham or lesioned rats were similar to those of acute animals. However, in chronic lesioned rats, hypertonic saline induced sustained hypertension. These results demonstrate that integrity of the AV3V region is essential for the renal vasodilation that follows acute changes in extracellular fluid compartment composition. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Response of human pulps following acid conditioning and application of a bonding agent in deep cavities

Objectives. The aim of this in vivo study was to evaluate the human dental pulp response when a one-bottle adhesive system was applied on etched or unetched deep dentine.Methods. Eighteen class V deep cavity preparations were divided in three groups: group 1-total etching + two coats of single bond (SB) + composite resin (Z-100); group 2-enamel etching + two coats of SB + Z-100, group 3-cavity floor lined with a calcium hydroxide liner (Dycal) + acid-etching of enamel and lateral walls + two coats of SB + Z-100. Two teeth were used as intact control group. After 30 days the teeth were extracted and processed through H and E, Masson's trichrome and Brown and Brenn staining techniques.Results. Moderate inflammatory response, disorganization of pulp tissue, as well as, deposition of thin layer of reactionary dentin were observed in group 1 teeth in which the remaining dentin thickness (RDT) was less than 300 mum. These histological findings appear to be related to long resin tags formation and bonding agent diffusion through dentinal tubules. In group 2, slight inflammatory response was observed only in one tooth in which the RDT was 162 mum. In group 3, all the teeth showed normal histological characteristics which were similar to the intact control group. Presence of bacteria was not correlated with the intensity of pulpal response. The patients reported no symptoms during the experiment. Radiographic evaluation showed no periapical pathology for any of the teeth,Significance and conclusions. Acid-etched deep dentin (RDT less than 300 mum) lined with SB causes more intense pulpal response than unetched deep dentin. Based on the results observed in the present study and the conditions in which it was carried out, we recommend the application of a biocompatible liner before etching deep dentin and applying SB. (C) 2002 Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier B.V. Ltd. All rights reserved.

Diametral tensile strength and film thickness of an experimental dental luting agent derived from castor oil

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

EFFECT of DIFFERENT AIRBORNE-PARTICLE ABRASION/BONDING AGENT COMBINATIONS on THE BOND STRENGTH of A RESIN CEMENT TO A BASE METAL ALLOY

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

Should Anacardium humile St. Hil be used as an antiulcer agent? A scientific approach to the traditional knowledge

The crude methanolic extract (ME) obtained from the leaves of Anacardium humile was evaluated orally at doses of 250-500-1000 mg/kg on gastric lesion on ethanol and piroxicam induced gastric lesions in rodents. All the tested doses significantly inhibited gastric lesions by 56 to 100%. These results seems to support the traditional use of this species in the treatment of gastric diseases. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Indigofera suffruticosa Mill as new source of healing agent: Involvement of prostaglandin and mucus and heat shock proteins

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

Can a Strychnos species be used as antiulcer agent? Ulcer healing action from alkaloid fraction of Strychnos pseudoquina St. Hil. (Loganiaceae)

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

Can the aqueous decoction of mango flowers be used as an antiulcer agent?

This study was designed to determine the effect of Mangifera indica flowers decoction, on the acute and subacute models of induced ulcer in mice and rats. A single oral administration of the aqueous decoction (AD) from M. indica up to a dose of 5 g/kg, p.o. did not produce any signs or symptom of toxicity in the treated animals. The oral pre-treatment with AD (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg) in rats with gastric lesions induced by ethanol, decreased the gastric lesions from 89.0 +/- 6.71 (control group) to 9.25 +/- 2.75, 4.50 +/- 3.30 and 0, respectively. Pretreatment with AD (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg) to mice with HCl/ethanol- or stress-induced gastric lesions resulted in a dose-dependent significant decrease of lesion index. In the piroxicam-induced gastric lesions, the gastroprotective effect of AD was reducing with the increase of the AD dose. In the pylorus-ligature, AD (p.o.) significantly decreased the acid output indicating the antisecretory property involved in the gastroprotective effect of M. indica. Treatment with AD during 14 consecutive days significantly accelerated the healing process in subacute gastric ulcer induced by acetic acid in rats. Pretreatment with N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), an inhibitor of NO-synthase, did not abolish the gastroprotective effects (99% with saline versus 80% With L-NAME) of AD against ethanol-induced gastric lesions. Pretreatment with N-ethylmaleimide (NEM), a blocker of endogenous sulphydryl group, significantly abolished the protective effects of AD against ethanol-induced gastric ulcers (95% with saline versus 47% with NEM). Phytochemical screening showed the presence of steroids, triterpenes, phenolic compounds and flavonoids. Estimation of the global polyphenol content in the AD was performed by Folin-Ciocalteu method and showed approximately 53% of total phenolic on this extract. These findings indicate the potential gastroprotective and ulcer-healing properties of aqueous decoction of M. indica flowers and further support its popular use in gastrointestinal disorders in Caribbean. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V.. All rights reserved.

Chelating agent effects in the synthesis of mesoscopic-size superconducting particles

Several routes and procedures have been used in these last years as an effort to achieve single-phase mesoscopic-size superconducting samples. In this paper, the effects of using citric acid (CA), tartaric acid (TA) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) as chelating agents and ethylene-glycol (EG) as polyhydroxy alcohol were studied in order to establish conditions to avoid the occurrence of BaCO(3) undesirable secondary phase in YBa(2)Cu(3)O(7-delta) (YBCO). Thermal evolution of intermediate compounds formed during the calcinations process by the use of different chelating agents was traced using thermogravimetric and spectroscopic methods. The obtained results indicated that the polymer breakdown of samples prepared using EDTA occurs at higher temperatures than others chelating agents and also reduces the occurrence of BaCO(3) secondary phase as studied by X-ray diffraction measurements. Furthermore, the magnetic response of the mesoscopic-size YBCO specimens obtained was verified showing that samples present different superconducting response.