Radiographic assessment of bone density around integrated titanium implants after ovariectomy in rats

Objectives:This study evaluated the influence of ovariectomy 8 weeks after implant placement on bone integrated to titanium implants.Materials and methods:Thirty-eight female rats were submitted to a titanium implant at the tibiae proximal methaphysis. After a healing period of 8 weeks the animals were randomly divided into three groups: control (CTL-10 animals), sham-operated (SHAM-14 animals) and ovariectomy (OVX-14 animals). The CTL group was then sacrificed in order to confirm integration of the implant. The SHAM group was submitted to fictitious surgery and the OVX group was submitted to bilateral ovariectomy. After 12 weeks post-implant placement, the SHAM and OVX groups were sacrificed. In order to confirm the systemic osteopenia in rats, a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was performed. For the evaluation of bone density, digital radiographs were taken. The grey level of the bone adjacent to implant was measured using image software and the bone density was calculated at six points on both sides of the implant.Results:Densitometry measurements of the femur confirmed systemic bone mass loss in the OVX group. Individualized bone analyses of different regions surrounding the implant showed a significantly lower radiographic bone density (P < 0.05) in the cancellous region of the OVX group (77.48 +/- 23.39 grey levels) when compared with the CTL and SHAM groups (91.61 +/- 32.10 and 102.57 +/- 32.50 grey levels, respectively).Conclusions:The present study showed a decrease of the radiographic bone density in the cancellous region of bone around titanium implants placed 8 weeks before ovariectomy in rats.

Population structure and stock assessment of Hoplias malabaricus (Characiformes: Erythrinidae) caught by artisanal fishermen in river-reservoir transition area in Brazil

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Exercise test and glucose homeostasis in rats treated with alloxan during the neonatal period or fed a high calorie diet

Background: Animal models appear well-suited for studies into the role of exercise in the prevention of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). The aim of the present study was to analyze glucose homeostasis and blood lactate during an exercise swimming test in rats treated with alloxan during the neonatal period and/or fed a high calorie diet from weaning onwards.Methods: Rats were injected with alloxan (200 mg/kg, i.p.) or vehicle (citrate buffer) at 6 days of age. After weaning, rats were divided into four groups and fed either a balanced diet or a high-caloric diet as follows: C, control group (vehicle + normal diet); A, alloxan-treated rats fed the normal diet; H, vehicle-treated rats fed the high-caloric diet; and HA, alloxan-treated rats fed the high-caloric diet.Results: Fasting serum glucose levels were higher in groups A and AH compared with the control group. The Homeostatic Model Assessment index varied in the groups as follows: H > A > HA = C. There were no differences in free fatty acids or blood lactate concentrations during the swim test.Conclusions: Alloxan-treated rats fed a normal or high-caloric diet have the potential to be used in studies analyzing the role physical exercise plays in the prevention of NIDDM.

In Vitro Assessment of Chemical Activation Efficiency During In-office Dental Bleaching

Purpose: This study compared five types of chemical catalyzing agents added to 35% hydrogen peroxide gel, with regard to their capacity of intensifying in-office dental bleaching results.Methods: One-hundred and twenty bovine incisors were used, of which the crowns and roots were cut in the incisor-apical direction, to acquire the dimensions of a human central incisor. The specimens were sectioned in the mesiodistal direction by means of two longitudinal cuts, the lingual halves being discarded. The vestibular halves received prophylaxis with a bicarbonate jet, ultrasound cleaning and acid etching on the dentinal portion. Next, the specimens were stored in receptacles containing a 25% instant coffee solution for two weeks. After the darkening period, initial measurement of the shade obtained was taken with the Easy Shade appliance, which allowed it to be quantified by the CIELab* method. The samples were divided into six groups, corresponding to the chemical activator used: a) none (CON); b) ferric chloride (CF); c) ferrous sulphate (SF); d) manganese gluconate (GM); e) manganese chloride (CM); f) mulberry root extract (RA). Each group received three 10-minute applications of the gels containing the respective activating agents. Next, a new shade measurement was made.Results: The Analysis of Variance and Tukey tests (alpha=5%) showed statistically significant differences for the shade perception values (p=0.002). Groups GM, CM and RA showed significantly higher means than the control group.Conclusion: The presence of some chemical activators is capable of resulting in a significant increase in tooth shade variation.

Post partum reproductive assessment in lowland Tapir (Tapirus terrestris): a case report

O tapir ou anta, descrito como o maior mamífero terrestre brasileiro, pertence à ordem Perissodactila, subordem Hippomorfa, superfamília Tapiroidea e família Tapiridae. Na floresta úmida está envolvido com a dispersão de sementes em função das características do tubo digestivo. O acompanhamento do ciclo estral permite avaliar e compreender a atividade reprodutiva nas espécies animais. Nos animais silvestres, o estresse da contenção pode interferir na própria ciclicidade gonadal, uma das alternativas é o acompanhamento dos hormônios gonadais nas excretas. Buscamos neste trabalho o acompanhamento periódico da atividade gonadal através da quantificação de progesterona no leite. Utilizamos uma fêmea recém-parida no Zoológico de Araçatuba, da qual colhemos leite, esfregaço vaginal e temperatura retal. A progesterona foi quantificada por radioimunoensaio de fase sólida (Coat-a-Count, DPC®) com curva padrão fornecida pela F.A.O. O ensaio mostrou sensibilidade de 1,25 nmol/l com coeficiente de variação intra-ensaio de 15,36%. Durante a fase de lactação, a fêmea não apresentou níveis detectáveis de progesterona por 158 dias (de novembro a abril). O primeiro pico de produção foi de 2,3 nmol/l e apresentou duração de 5 dias. O segundo pico de 3,54 nmol/l teve uma duração de 23 dias. Setenta e quatro dias após o aparecimento da progesterona no leite a lactação cessou. Podemos concluir que a fêmea de tapir apresentou um período de anestro lactacional de aproximadamente 5 meses e voltou a ciclar no outono (abril) sugerindo pouca influência do fotoperíodo. A quantificação da progesterona no leite mostrou-se útil para o acompanhamento do ciclo estral na espécie, porém a variação da citologia vaginal e temperatura retal não apresentaram correlação com os níveis hormonais.

A histologic assessment of the influence of low-intensity laser therapy on wound healing in steroid-treated animals

Objective: the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of low-intensity laser therapy on the wound healing process treated with steroid. Background Data: Various biological effects have been associated with low-level laser therapy (LLLT). Materials and Methods: Forty-eight rats were used, and after execution of a wound on the dorsal region of each animal, they were divided into 4 groups (n = 12), receiving the following treatments: G1 (control), wounds and animals received no treatment; G2, wounds were treated with LLLT; G3, animals received an intraperitoneal injection of steroid dosage (2 mg/kg of body weight); G4, animals received steroid and wounds were treated with LLLT. The laser emission device used was a GaAIAs (904 nm), in a contact mode, with 2.75 mW gated with 2.900 Hz during 120 sec (33 J/cm(2)). After the period of 3, 7, and 14 days, the animals were sacrificed and the parts sent to histological processing and dyed using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Masson trichromium (MT) techniques. Results: the results have shown that the wounds treated with steroid had a delay in healing, while LLLT accelerated the wound healing process. Also, wounds treated with laser in the animals treated with steroid presented a differentiated healing process with a larger collagen deposition and also a decrease in both the inflamatory infiltrated and the delay on the wound healing process. Conclusion: LLLT accelerated healing, caused by the steroid, acting as a biostimulative coadjutant agent, balancing the undesirable effects of cortisone (in the tissue healing process.

Assessment of tropical forest degradation by selective logging and fire using Landsat imagery

Many studies have assessed the process of forest degradation in the Brazilian Amazon using remote sensing approaches to estimate the extent and impact by selective logging and forest fires on tropical rain forest. However, only a few have estimated the combined impacts of those anthropogenic activities. We conducted a detailed analysis of selective logging and forest fire impacts on natural forests in the southern Brazilian Amazon state of Mato Grosso, one of the key logging centers in the country. To achieve this goal a 13-year series of annual Landsat images (1992-2004) was used to test different remote sensing techniques for measuring the extent of selective logging and forest fires, and to estimate their impact and interaction with other land use types occurring in the study region. Forest canopy regeneration following these disturbances was also assessed. Field measurements and visual observations were conducted to validate remote sensing techniques. Our results indicated that the Modified Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index aerosol free (MSAVI(af)) is a reliable estimator of fractional coverage under both clear sky and under smoky conditions in this study region. During the period of analysis, selective logging was responsible for disturbing the largest proportion (31%) of natural forest in the study area, immediately followed by deforestation (29%). Altogether, forest disturbances by selective logging and forest fires affected approximately 40% of the study site area. Once disturbed by selective logging activities, forests became more susceptible to fire in the study site. However, our results showed that fires may also occur in undisturbed forests. This indicates that there are further factors that may increase forest fire susceptibility in the study area. Those factors need to be better understood. Although selective logging affected the largest amount of natural forest in the study period, 35% and 28% of the observed losses of forest canopy cover were due to forest fire and selective logging combined and to forest fire only, respectively. Moreover, forest areas degraded by selective logging and forest fire is an addition to outright deforestation estimates and has yet to be accounted for by land use and land cover change assessments in tropical regions. Assuming that this observed trend of land use and land cover conversion continues, we predict that there will be no undisturbed forests remaining by 2011 in this study site. Finally, we estimated that 70% of the total forest area disturbed by logging and fire had sufficiently recovered to become undetectable using satellite data in 2004. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Digital monitoring of broiler breeder behavior for assessment of thermal welfare

The assessment of welfare issues has been a challenge for poultry producers, and lately welfare standards needs to be reached in order to agree with international market demand. This research proposes the use of continuous behavior monitoring in order to contribute for assessing welfare. A software was developed using the language Clarium. The software managed the recording of data as well as the data searching in the database Firebird. Both software and the observational methodology were tested in a trial conducted inside an environmental chamber, using three genetics of broiler breeders. Behavioral pattern was recorded and correlated to ambient thermal and aerial variation. Monitoring video cameras were placed on the roof facing the used for registering the bird's behavior. From video camera images were recorded during the total period when the ambient was bright, and for analyzing the video images a sample of 15min observation in the morning and 15 min in the afternoon was used, adding up to 30 min daily observation. A specific model so-called behavior was developed inside the software for counting specific behavior and its frequency of occurrence, as well as its duration. Electronic identification was recorded for 24h period. Behavioral video recording images was related to the data recorded using electronic identification.. Statistical analysis of data allowed to identify behavioral differences related to the change in thermal environment, and ultimately indicating thermal stress and departure from welfare conditions.

A preliminary assessment of the policies implemented by the governments of Latin America and the Caribbean in response to the crisis - May 2010 Meeting

Includes bibliography

Clinical assessment of ethinylestradiol and cyproterone acetate in menstrual irregularities of hyper-androgenic origin

We report on the results of a double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial comparing two preparations of ethinylestradiol and cyproterone acetate in the treatment of women of reproductive age presenting menstrual irregularities of hyper-androgenic origin. After obtaining informed consent, subjects were randomized to a 4-month treatment period consisting of one daily dose of 0.035mg ethinylestradiol + 2mg cyproterone acetate. The treatment regimen cycle consisted of one pill, once daily for 21 days, followed by a 7-day pill-free period. We compared the efficacy of two presentations of the drug combination after each treatment cycle (Visits 2, 3, 4, and 5) in establishment and maintenance of menstrual regulation, intensity of menstrual flow, and dysmenorrhea, as well as a comparison of the two presentations in terms of Global Satisfaction and Drug Satisfaction assessments performed by the patients and the investigating physician. At each study visit, drug compliance and use of concomitant medications, as well as incidence, severity and duration of adverse events were recorded. A total of 86 subjects were randomized to treatment, with 43 subjects in each treatment group. At Visit 2 and each subsequent visit, all patients in both treatment groups reported an episode of withdrawal bleeding during the 7-day hormone-free period. We observed a statistically significant (p<0.0001) decrease in the incidence of dysmenorrhea at each study visit in relation to the pretreatment assessment. There was a significant reduction (p<0.0001) in the number of subjects reporting intermenstrual bleeding at each study visit in both treatment groups. Global Satisfaction scores by the patient and physician increased significantly at each successive study visit in both treatment groups. There were no clinically significant changes in vital signs, weight, and body mass index throughout the study period in either group. The number of subjects reporting adverse events at each visit did not vary between treatment groups. The combined oral contraceptive pill containing ethinylestradiol and cyproterone acetate was found to be both effective and safe in the menstrual irregularities of hyper-androgenic origin (amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, and intermenstrual bleeding) assessed in this study. © Copyright Moreira Jr. Editora. Todos os direitos reservados.

Assessment of eyebrow position before and after upper eyelid blepharoplasty

Objective: Assess the occurrence of secondary brow ptosis after upper lid blepharoplasty. Methods: Forty-five individuals (n90 brows) submitted to upper lid blepharoplasty, were assessed by means of a comparative analysis using pre- and post-operatively digital photographs, in the primary position of the eye. The images were processed using ImageJ software, transferred to a computer, to an electronic Microsoft Excel 2002® worksheet. Angular measurements were used, taking the lateral canthal angle of the brow, the most medial point of the brow, the medial canthal angle and the lateral canthal angle of the lid as anatomical reference points. When the outer angles were reduced or the inner angles increased after surgery this was considered a brow ptosis. Individuals who had undergone lid surgery associated with the eyebrow, previous eyebrow surgery and those with eyelid ptosis were excluded. The difference between the pre-operative and post-operative measurements were analyzed statistically using the Student's t-test for paired samples and the angular variation was compared with their corresponding contralateral sample using Wilcoxon's non-parametric test. Results: The measurements obtained after the blepharoplasty show significant variations from those before the surgery, indicating that the correction of redundant tissues in the brow accentuates the tendency of the eyebrow to move down. The alterations are more important in the lateral portion of the eyebrow and they occur bilaterally. Conclusion: The assessment of angular measurements obtained pre- and post-operatively showed that there are secondary changes in the position of the eyebrow as a result of upper eyelid blepharoplasty. © 2012 Informa Healthcare USA, Inc.

Assessment of force decay in orthodontic elastomeric chains: An in vitro study

Introduction: Elastomeric materials are considered important sources of orthodontic forces. Objective: To assess force degradation over time of four commercially available orthodontic elastomeric chains (Morelli, Ormco, TP and Unitek). Methods: The synthetic elastics were submerged in 37 oC synthetic saliva and stretched by a force of 150 g (15 mm - Morelli and TP; 16mm - Unitek and Ormco). With a dynamometer, the delivered force was evaluated at different intervals: 30 minutes, 7 days, 14 days and 21 days. The results were subjected to ANOVA and Tukey's test. Results: There was a force decay between 19% to 26.67% after 30 minutes, and 36.67% to 57% after 21 days of activation. Conclusions: TP elastomeric chains exhibited the smallest percentage of force decay, with greater stability at all time intervals tested. Meanwhile, the Unitek chains displayed the highest percentage of force degradation, and no statically significant difference was found in force decay between Ormco and Morelli elastomeric chains during the study period.

Water productivity assessment by using MODIS images and agrometeorological data in the Petrolina municipality, Brazil

The municipality of Petrolina, located in the semi-arid region of Brazil, is highlighted as an important agricultural growing region, however the irrigated areas have cleared natural vegetation inducing a loss of biodiversity. To analyze the contrast between these two ecosystems the large scale values of biomass production (BIO), evapotranspiration (ET) and water productivity (WP) were quantified. Monteithś equation was applied for estimating the absorbed photosynthetically active radiation (APAR), while the new SAFER (Simple Algorithm For Evapotranspiration Retrieving) algorithm was used to retrieve ET. The water productivity (WP) was analysed by the ratio of BIO by ET at monthly time scale with four bands of MODIS satellite images together with agrometeorological data for the year of 2011. The period with the highest water productivity values were from March to April in the rainy period for both irrigated and not irrigated conditions. However the largest ET rates were in November for irrigated crops and April for natural vegetation. More uniformity of the vegetation and water variables occurs in natural vegetation, evidenced by the lower values of standard deviation when comparing to irrigated crops, due to the different crop stages, cultural and irrigation managements. The models applied with MODIS satellite images on a large scale are considered to be suitable for water productivity assessments and for quantifying the effects of increasing irrigated areas over natural vegetation on regional water consumption in situations of quick changing land use pattern. © 2012 SPIE.

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.

Assessment of the damage caused by flood rains and landslides in association with hurricane Michelle, october 2001: implications for economic, social and environmental development

Preface This study was prepared for the Government of Jamaica following the significant physical damage and economic losses that the country sustained as a result of flood rains associated with the development of Hurricane Michelle. The Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) submitted a request for assistance in undertaking a social, environmental and economic impact assessment to the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) on 14 November 2001. ECLAC responded with haste and modified its work plan to accommodate the request. A request for training in the use of the ECLAC Methodology to be delivered to personnel in Jamaica was deferred until the first quarter of 2002, as it was impossible to mount such an initiative at such short notice. This appraisal considers the consequences of the three instances of heavy rainfall that brought on the severe flooding and loss of property and livelihoods. The study was prepared by three members of the ECLAC Natural Disaster Damage Assessment Team over a period of one week in order to comply with the request that it be presented to the Prime Minister on 3 December 2001. The team has endeavoured to complete a workload that would take two weeks with a team of 15 members working assiduously with data already prepared in preliminary form by the national emergency stakeholders. There is need for training in disaster assessment as evidenced by the data collected by the Jamaican officials engaged in the exercise. Their efforts in the future will be more focused and productive after they have received training in the use of the ECLAC Methodology. This study undertakes a sectoral analysis leading to an overall assessment of the damage. It appraises the macroeconomic and social effects and proposes some guidelines for action including mitigating actions subsequent to the devastation caused by the weather system. The team is grateful for the efforts of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), the associated government ministries and agencies, the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN), the Planning Institute of Jamaica and the Inter American Development Bank (IDB) for assistance rendered to the team. Indeed, it is the recommendation of the team that STATIN is poised to play a pivotal role in any disaster damage assessment and should be taken on board in that regard. The direct and indirect damages have been assessed in accordance with the methodology developed by ECLAC (1). The results presented are based on the mission's estimates. The study incorporates the information made available to the team and evidence collected in interviews and visits to affected locations. It is estimated that the magnitude of the losses exceeds the country's capacity to address reparations and mitigation without serious dislocation of its development trajectory. The government may wish to approach the international community for assistance in this regard. This appraisal is therefore designed to provide the government and the international community with guidelines for setting national and regional priorities in rehabilitation and reconstruction or resettlement programmes. A purely economic conception of the problem would be limited. A more integrated approach would have a human face and consider the alleviation of human suffering in the affected areas while attending to the economic and fiscal fallout of the disaster. Questions of improved physical planning, watershed management, early warning, emergency response and structural preparedness for evacuation and sheltering the vulnerable population are seen as important considerations for the post disaster phase. Special attention and priority should be placed on including sustainability and increased governance criteria in making social and productive investments, and on allocating resources to the reinforcing and retrofitting of vulnerable infrastructure, basic lifelines and services as part of the reconstruction and rehabilitation strategy. The Jamaican society and government face the opportunity of undertaking action with the benefit of revised paradigms, embarking on institutional, legal and structural reforms to reduce economic, social and environmental vulnerability. The history of flood devastation in the very areas of Portland and St. Mary shows a recurrence of flooding. Accounts of flooding from the earliest recorded accounts pertaining to 1837 are available. Recurrences in 1937, 1940, 1943 and 2001 indicate an ever-present probability of recurrence of similar events. The Government may wish to consider the probable consequences of a part of its population living in flood plains and address its position vis-à­¶is land use and the probability of yet another recurrence of flood rains. (1) ECLAC/IDNDR, Manual for estimating the Socio-Economic Effects of Natural Disasters, May,1999.