Dental abnormalities in children after chemotherapy treatment for acute lymphoid leukemia

The frequency of dental abnormalities, such as delayed dental development, microdontia, hypoplasia, agenesis, V-shaped root and shortened root was evaluated in 76 acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) pediatric patients who had been off chemotherapy for 6 months. These children had been subjected to one of the three Brazilian Protocols or the BFM86 Protocol. The patients were divided into three groups: Group I (GI; high risk) treated with one of the three Brazilian Protocols who received high-dose chemotherapy, intensive maintenance and cranial radiotherapy; Group II (GII; low risk) who were also treated with one of the three Brazilian Protocols using low-intensive chemotherapy with no radiotherapy; and Group III (GIII) based on the BFM86 Protocol.Of 76 children, 13 showed no dental abnormalities (8 were at the age of tooth formation). The remaining 63 children (82.9%) showed at least one dental anomaly.The abnormalities were probably caused by the type, intensity, frequency of the treatment and age of the patients at ALL diagnosis and this might have important consequences for the children's dental development. (C) 2002 Elsevier B.V. Ltd. All rights reserved.

Demonstration of the cellular viability and safety of Enterococcus faecium CRL 183 in long-term experiments

Enterococcus faecium CRL 183, a strain isolated from NSLAB cheese starter, has been the focus of much research on its potential probiotic capacity, although its survival through the gastrointestinal tract has not been demonstrated so far. In order to determine the capacity of E. faecium CRL 183 to survive such conditions, this strain was administered daily to rats for 30 weeks. The experimental animals were divided into Group I: those that did not receive E. faecium, Group II: those that received a pure culture of E. faecium CRL 183 and Group III: animals that received E. faecium CRL 183 in the form of a fermented soy-based product. Faecal samples were collected at the beginning and at the 50%, 75% and 100% stages of the experimental period. Isolation and counts of Enterococcus were carried out on KF selective media. To distinguish the various Enterococcus species in the faeces, biochemical (API Strep 20) and molecular (PCR) tests were performed. Initially, E. faecium was absent from the intestinal flora of the rats; however, after 15 weeks of administration, E. faecium could be recovered from the faeces of Groups II and III, demonstrating that E. faecium CRL 183 was able to survive gastrointestinal transit under the study conditions. This is further evidence of the probiotic qualities of this strain. The safety of the strain was also investigated with regard to body weight and serum biochemical analysis.

Experimental paracoccidioidomycosis in hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus): Gestational interactions

Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is a dimorphic fungus presenting specific steroid hormone receptors, both in the yeast and mycelial forms and estrogen inhibits the transition from mycelium to yeast. In the acute phase, the disease occurs with equal frequency in both sexes but in adults, females are spared. Placental fungal infection has been reported, but references to fetal infection have not been confirmed. We used 78 Syrian female hamsters divided into 3 groups: GI consisted of 30 infected mated females, GII of 20 infected unmated females and GIII of 28 uninfected mated females. Animals of group I were mated 4 weeks after infection and half of them were submitted to cesarean section on day 15 after successful mating; the other half was maintained and submitted to cesarean section and sacrificed 14 weeks after infection. Half of the animals of group II were sacrificed seven weeks and the other half 14 weeks after infection. Uninfected animals of group III were treated the same as the animals of group I. The animals were infected with strain 18 of P. brasiliensis by the intracardiac route. We evaluated the disease by the volume of granulomas in different organs, number of fungi in liver and spleen and the immunologic responses [ELISA, Double Immunodifusion (DID), Delayed Hypersensitivity Skin Test (DHT) and Macrophage Migration Inhibition (MMI)]. We studied the infection through the gestation by evaluation of the abortions, morphologic and clinic examinations of the fetuses. Our results showed that the infection did not transfer to the fetus through the placenta, but the number of abortions was larger among infected females. The newborns of GI females were smaller, weighed less and showed little vitality. The disease was more severe and disseminated in infected mated females, especially in the second sacrifice 14 weeks after inoculation, when the total volume of granulomas in them (56.3 mm) was much greater than in the infected unmated females (12 mm).

Effect of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus on subsequent Pasteurella multocida challenge in pigs

This trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSv) on a subsequent challenge with Pasteurella multocida in pigs. Sixteen, 3-4 week-old piglets, from a PRRSv and Aujeszky disease virus (ADV) free herd were used. Animals were equally and randomly allocated in four groups which were treated according the following schedule: Group I: negative controls; Group II: inoculation with only PRRSV; Group III: inoculation with PRRSV and P. multocida; Group IV: inoculation with ADV and multocida (positive controls), PRRSV and ADV were inoculated intranasally, at the doses of 10(4.6) and 10(4.5) TCID50/ml, respectively. Five days later, pigs from groups III and IV were inoculated intranasally, with two ml of a 10(9) CFU/mL suspension of equal parts of P. multocida, strains A52 and A24. No lesions were observed in piglets of group I. Microscopically, interstitial pneumonia was identified in all piglets of groups II and III and 3/4 piglets from group IV. Bronchopneumonia was detected in 3/4 of the piglets from group III and in all animals of group TV which, additionally, showed meningo-encephalitis and purulent rhinitis. Macroscopically, only piglets of groups III and IV had lung consolidation. However, much lower pneumonic scores (2.3%) were observed in group III, where 3 of 4 piglets were affected. on the other hand, all piglets of group IV showed some degree of pulmonary consolidation, with a mean score of 13.7%. Based on these results, it appears that the role of PRRSV as a initiator of secondary diseases is still undefined, but is probably mild, There was no clear interaction between PRRSV and Pasteurella multocida under the conditions and strains tested here. (C) 1997 Elsevier B.V. B.V.

Fibrin adhesive implant in wound healing repair of dental sockets with topical application of epsilon aminocaproic acid: Histological analysis

The aim of the study was to evaluate wound healing repair of dental sockets after topical application of 5% epsilon-aminocaproic acid (EACA) and the use of fibrin adhesive implant in rats under anticoagulant therapy with warfarin. Sixty Albinus wistar rats were used, divided into three groups of 20. In Group I, the animals were given 0.1 mL/100 mg of 0.9% saline solution per day, beginning 6 days before dental extraction and continuing throughout the experimental period. In Group II, the animals received 0.03 mL of sodium warfarin daily, beginning 6 days before the surgery and continuing until the day of sacrifice; after tooth extractions, the sockets were filled with fibrin adhesive material. In Group III the animals were treated as in Group II, and after extractions, the sockets were irrigated with 5 mL of 5% EACA and filled with the same fibrin adhesive material. All groups presented biological phases of wound healing repair, the differences being evident only in the chronology. The results obtained in Group III were very similar to those of Group I in the last period of wound repair, whereas Group II presented a late chronology compared to the other groups. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Comparing the efficacy of mandibular implant-retained overdentures and conventional dentures among elderly edentulous patients: satisfaction and quality of life

Objectives: the aim of this study was to compare the satisfaction and the quality of life in an elderly population using either mandibular conventional dentures or implant-retained overdentures.Materials and methods: A total of 34 patients were divided into two groups: group I-complete dentures users; group II - users of upper complete dentures opposed by implant-retained overdentures. The subjects were submitted to a questionnaire based on Oral Health impact Profile and oral health related quality of life to evaluate their satisfaction levels and quality of life with their prostheses. Data were evaluated using a non-parametric statistical analysis (Fischer test) with significant difference at alpha = 0.05.Results: There were no significant differences between the groups in relation to comfort, aesthetics, chewing ability, overall satisfaction, pain, functional, phonetic, social, and psychological limitations (p > 0.05). Comparing the stability of mandibular dentures, group II presented the better results (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Although the stability of the mandibular implant-retained overdenture was enhanced compared to a conventional denture, the quality of life and satisfaction levels were similar for both the groups.

High-speed cavity preparation techniques with different water flows

Statement of problem. Cavity and tooth preparations generate heat because the use of rotary cutting instruments on dental tissues creates friction. Dental pulps cannot survive temperature increases greater than 5.5degreesC.Purpose. This study evaluated the efficiency of 3 different water flows for 2 different tooth preparation techniques to determine which are safe for use.Material and methods. Thermocouples were placed in the pulpal chambers of 30 bovine teeth, and 1 of 2 tooth preparation techniques was used: a low-load intermittent tooth preparation technique or a high-load tooth preparation technique without intervals. Water flows of 0, 30, and 45 mL/min were associated with each technique, for a total of 6 different groups. The results were analyzed with a 2-factor analysis of variance (P<.05).Results. Temperature increases with the high-load technique were 16.40&DEG;C without cooling (group 1), 11.68&DEG;C with 30 mL/min air-water spray cooling (group III), and 9.96&DEG;C with 45 mL/min cooling (group V). With the low-load tooth preparation technique, a 9.54&DEG;C increase resulted with no cooling (group II), a 1.56&DEG;C increase with 30 mL/min air-water spray cooling (group TV), and a 0.04&DEG;C decrease with 45 mL/min cooling (group VI). The low-load technique was associated with more ideal temperature changes.Conclusion. The results of this study confirm the necessity of using a low-load technique and water coolants during cavity and tooth preparation procedures.

Assignment of the disulfide bridges in bothropstoxin-I, a myonecrotic Lys49 PLA(2) homolog from Bothrops jararacussu snake venom

Bothropstoxin-I (BthTX-1), a Lys49 phospholipase A(2) homolog with no apparent catalytic activity, was first isolated from Bothrops jararacussu snake venom and completely sequenced in this laboratory. It is a 121-amino-acid single polypeptide chain, highly myonecrotic, despite its inability to catalyze hydrolysis of egg yolk phospholipids, and has 14 half-cystine residues identified at positions 27, 29, 44, 45, 50, 51, 61, 84, 91, 96, 98, 105, 123, and 131 (numbering according to the conventional alignment including gaps, so that the last residue is Cys 131). In order to access its seven disulfide bridges, two strategies were followed: (1) Sequencing of isolated peptides from (tryptic + SV8) and chymotryptic digests by Edman-dansyl degradation; (2) crystallization of the protein and determination of the crystal structure so that at least two additional disulfide bridges could be identified in the final electron density map. Identification of the disulfide-containing peptides from the enzymatic digests was achieved following the disappearance of the original peptides from the HPLC profile after reduction and carboxymethylation of the digest. Following this procedure, four bridges were initially identified from the tryptic and SV8 digests: Cys50-Cys131, Cys51-Cys98, Cys61-Cys91, and Cys84-Cys96. From the chymotryptic digest other peptides were isolated either containing some of the above bridges, therefore confirming the results from the tryptic digest, or presenting a new bond between Cys27 and Cys123. The two remaining bridges were identified as Cys29-Cys45 and Cys44-Cys105 by determination of the crystal structure, showing that BthTX-1 disulfide bonds follow the normal pattern of group II PLA(2)s.

Mineral trioxide aggregate as a root canal filling material in reimplanted teeth. Microscopic analysis in monkeys

This study analyzed mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) as a root canal filling material for the immediate reimplantation of monkey teeth. Four adult capuchin monkeys Cebus apella were used, which had their maxillary and mandibular lateral incisors on both sides extracted and reimplanted after 15 min. During the extra-alveolar period, the teeth were kept in saline solution and after reimplantation retention was performed with a stainless steel wire and composite resin for 14 days. After 7 days, the reimplanted teeth were submitted to endodontic treatment with biomechanics up to file n. 30 and irrigation with a saturated solution of calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)(2)], and then divided into two study groups: group I - root canal filled with a Ca(OH)(2) paste, and group II - root canal filled with MTA. Radiographic follow up was performed at 30, 60 and 90 days postoperatively, and after 180 days the animals were killed and specimens were processed for histomorphological analysis. The results revealed that most specimens of both groups presented organized periodontal ligament with no inflammation. The resorptions observed were surface resorptions and were repaired by cementum. Both MTA and Ca(OH)(2) were good root canal filling materials for immediately reimplanted teeth, providing good repair and also allowing biological sealing of some lateral canals. There was no significant difference between the study groups (alpha = 29.60%).

Psychophysical power functions for apparent area in perceptive, memory, and inference conditions for observers of different age groups

The purpose of this research was to verify the effect of age on the exponent of the power function in Perceptive, Memory, and Inference experimental conditions. In the Memory condition the intervals of 2 min., 8, 24, and 48 hr. and 1 wk. were used between acquisition of information and remembering. For each experimental condition the ages of observers ranged between 17 and 35 years (Group I), 40-55 years (Group II), and 60-77 years (Group III), and education ranged from high school to graduate school. The observers estimated the areas of the Brazilian states using the psychophysical method of magnitude estimation. No significant differences were obtained for Groups I, II, and III for each experimental condition, except in the Memory Condition with the 24-hr. interval. Analysis for experimental conditions and ages showed a significant difference between the Perceptive Condition and each of the others, but no difference between the Inference and Memory Conditions. These results indicated that in the remembering processes there is no loss of information as a function of age. From the small variability in the power function exponents for the three ages, we may assume that age could be related to amount of education of the observers, which suggests study is important.

Auditory processing disorder in patients with language-learning impairment and correlation with malformation of cortical development

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Endectocide activity of a new long-action formulation containing 2.25% ivermectin+1.25% abamectin in cattle

The present work aimed to evaluate the endectocide activity of a new injectable long-action formulation, containing ivermectin (IVM) and abamectin (ABA). In each one of the four experiments performed, the following groups were formed: group I: 2.25% IVM (450 mu g/kg) + 1.25% ABA (250 mu g/kg), group II: 3.15% IVM (630 mu g/kg) and group III: control. Eighteen bovine naturally infected by gastrointestinal nematoda were selected for anthelmintic evaluation and necropsied on posttreatment day (PTD) 14 to estimate the total parasitic burden. For the Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus field trial, 30 bovine were selected by means of counts of semi-engorged R. (B.) microplus and the therapeutic and residual efficacy evaluated by tick counts on PTDs 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, 56, 63, 70, 77, 84 and 91. In the stall test, 15 calves were artificially infested with 5000 R. (B.) microplus (Mozzo strain) larvae three times a week and daily collections of all the engorged female ticks detached from each calf were performed until the PTD 80. Forty bovine naturally infected with Dermatobia hominis larvae were selected and the number of larvae was counted by visual and tactile inspection on PTDs 3, 7, 14, 28, 35, 49, 63, 77, 91 and 105. In this trial, a formulation containing 1% doramectin (200 mu g/kg) was also used. IVM + ABA formulation and 3.15% IVM eliminated four of the eight species of nematode identified. The anthelmintic efficacy of the avermectins association against Haemonchus placei, Cooperia spatulata and C. punctata was 89.64%, 98.84% and 97.69%, while 3.15% IVM achieved 30.98%, 84.79% and 75.56%, respectively. The two formulations evaluated showed reduced acaricide action on the PTD I and 3, reaching high efficacy percentages from PTD 14 onward. The IVM + ABA showed efficacy above 95% in the period between PTDs 21 and 49. In the stall test, it observed no difference (P > 0.05) between the two formulations regarding the R. (B.) microplus counts during the entire evaluation period. IVM + ABA reduced the number of ticks from the PTD 1 to 77 (P < 0.05) and 3.15% IVM reduced (P < 0.05) the tick number from PTD 4 up to PTD 80. The three endectocides showed no difference (P > 0.05) regarding the number of D. hominis larvae and prevented this parasite reestablishment until PTD 105. These results indicate that the IVM + ABA association showed higher anthelmintic activity and similar efficacy against arthropods to the formulation containing 3.15% IVM. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Histopathological evaluation in experimental envenomation of dogs with Crotalus durissus terrificus Venom

The present work evaluated histopathological aspects in experimental envenomation of dogs with Crotalus durissus terrificus venom. Twenty-eight mixed breed adult dogs were divided into three groups of seven animals each: Group I only venom; Group II - venom + 50ml antiophidic serum + fluid therapy; Group III venom + 50ml antiophidic serum + fluid therapy + urine alkalization. Lyophilized venom of Crotalus durissus terrificus was reconstituted in saline solution and inoculated subcutaneously at the dose of 1mg/kg body weight. Three animals of each group were subjected to euthanasia, and their muscular tissue, brain, spleen, kidneys, heart, lungs, stomach, small and large intestines, and popliteal lymph node fragments were collected for histopathological evaluation. There was myonecrosis in the inoculated limb, renal tubular degeneration, lymphoid hyperplasia of spleen, and unspecific reactive hepatitis. These results show the antigenicity and action of the venom on the immune system.

Daily sperm production and testicular morphometry in goats according to external scrotal conformation

The present study aimed to compare testicular histology and the testicular cell population as well as spermatogenic efficiency in goats with different scrotal conformations. Eighteen goats were divided into 3 groups: Group I - goats without bipartition of the scrotum, Group II - animals with bipartition of the scrotum up to 50% of the testicular length, Group III - goats with scrotal bipartition more than 50% of the testicular length. In goats in Groups I, II and III, the values for the volume density of seminiferous epithelium were 68.9 +/- 0.6%, 71.5 +/- 2.8% and 73.4 +/- 4.7% (P < 0.05), the height of the seminiferous epithelium were 60.2 +/- 4.9 mu m, 61.0 +/- 5.0 mu m and 73.1 +/- 6.6 mu m (P < 0.05), total length of seminiferous tubules found for Groups I, II and III were 2091.9 +/- 27 m, 2172.5 +/- 24.1 m, and 2340.1 14 m (P < 0.05), number of Sertoli and Leydig cells were 1.8 +/- 0.4 x 10(9) and 1.4 +/- 0.1 x 10(9), 2.2 +/- 0.4 and 2.2 +/- 0.7 x 10(9), and 2.5 +/- 0.1 10(9) and 2.3 +/- 0.510(9)(P < 0.05)and daily sperm production observed were 2.1 0.3 x 109, 2.8 0.4 x 109, and 3.1 0.7 x 109 (P < 0.05). In conclusion, goats with greater scrotal bipartition have a greater capacity to produce reproductive cells that is reflected in a greater reproductive potential. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Bull semen varibles after experimental exposure with Bovine Herpesvirus type 5

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