Refinement and initial validation of a multidimensional composite scale for use in assessing acute postoperative pain in cats

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

Effects of the opiold remifentanil on the arrhythmogenicity of epinephrine in halothane-anesthetized dogs

Opioids may exert a protective effect against ventricular arrhythmias via a vagally mediated mechanism. This study evaluated the effects of the opioid remifentanil on arrhythmogenicity of epinephrine during halothane anesthesia. Eight dogs were assigned to 2 treatments in a randomized crossover design, with 1-week intervals between treatments. Anesthesia was maintained with 1.3% end-tidal halothane in oxygen and mechanical ventilation to maintain eucapnia. A constant rate infusion of remifentanil (0.72 mu g/kg/min) was administered throughout the study in the experimental treatment, while control animals received physiologic saline as placebo. The arrhythmogenic dose of epinephrine (ADE), defined as 4 premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) within 15 s, was determined by administering progressively increasing infusion rates of epinephrine (2.5, 5.0, and 10 mu g/kg/min), allowing 20 min intervals between each infusion rate. In both treatments, epinephrine infusions induced bradyarrhythmias and atrioventricular conduction disturbances, which were followed by escape beats and PVCs. In the remifentanil treatment, mean s ADE values (11.3 +/- 4.9 mu g/kg) did not differ from values observed in control animals (9.9 +/- 6.1 mu g/kg). on the basis of the ADE model for assessing the arrhythmogenity of drugs during halothane anesthesia, the present study did not demonstrate a protective effect of remifentanil (0.72 mu g/kg/min) against ventricular arrhythmias in dogs.

Hemodynamic effects in dogs anesthetized with isoflurane and remifentanil-isoflurane

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

Lipídeo e vitamina C em dietas preparatórias de inverno para tilápias-do-nilo

Foram avaliados o desempenho produtivo e os parâmetros fisiológicos de tilápias-do-nilo alimentadas, durante 112 dias, com dietas preparatórias para o inverno, formuladas com diferentes níveis de lipídeo e vitamina C. Utilizaram-se 192 alevinos (5,57 ± 0,50 g) distribuídos em 32 tanques-rede. O experimento foi conduzido em esquema fatorial 2 ´ 3, composto de dois níveis (8,0 e 12,0%) de lipídeo e três níveis (300,0; 600,0 e 1.200,0 mg/kg de ração) de vitamina C, em comparação a duas dietas (uma isenta dos nutrientes-teste e outra com 6,0% de lipídeo e 125,0 mg de vitamina C), totalizando oito dietas isoprotéicas (32,0% de proteína digestível). A energia adicional proveniente do lipídeo é depositada na cavidade abdominal em forma de gordura visceral; a deposição desta gordura como reserva de energia foi obtida nos níveis de suplementação de lipídeo testados; a concentração hepática de vitamina C é proporcional à sua concentração na dieta; a ausência desta vitamina na dieta prejudica a eritropoiese e a síntese de colágeno.

Effect of root surface treatment with propolis and fluoride in delayed tooth replantation in rats

Replantation is an acceptable option for treatment of an avulsed permanent tooth. Nevertheless, an extended extraoral period damages the periodontal ligament and results in external root resorption. The purpose of this study was to assess by histologic and histometric analysis, the influence of propolis 15% (natural resinous substance collected by Apis mellifera bees from various plants) and the fluoride solution used as root surface treatment on the healing process after delayed tooth replantation. Thirty Wistar (Rattus norvegicus albinus) rats were submitted to extraction of their upper right incisor. The teeth were maintained in a dry environment for 60 min. After this, the pulp was extirpated and the papilla, enamel organ and periodontal ligament were removed with scalpel. The teeth were divided into three experimental groups: Group I - teeth immersed in 20 ml of physiologic saline; Group II - teeth immersed in 20 ml of 2% acidulated phosphate sodium fluoride; Group III - teeth immersed in 20 ml of 15% propolis. After 10 min of immersion in the solutions, the root canals were dried and filled with calcium hydroxide paste and the teeth were replanted. The animals were euthanized 60 days after replantation. The results showed that similar external root resorption was seen in the propolis and fluoride groups. Teeth treated with physiologic saline tended to have more inflammatory root resorption compared with those treated with fluoride or propolis. However, the comparative analysis did not reveal statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) between the treatment modalities when used for delayed tooth replantation.

Comparative analysis of root surface smear layer removal by different etching modalities or erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser irradiation. A scanning electron microscopy study

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) laser (2.94 mu m) irradiation on the removal of root surface smear layer of extracted human teeth and to compare its efficacy with that of citric acid, ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA), or a gel containing a mixture of tetracycline hydrochloride (HCl) and citric acid, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Thirty human dentin specimens were randomly divided into six groups: G1 (control group), irrigated with 10 ml of physiologic saline solution; G2, conditioned with 24% citric acid gel; G3, conditioned with 24% EDTA gel; G4, conditioned with a 50% citric acid and tetracycline gel; G5, irradiated with Er:YAG laser (47 mJ/10 Hz/5.8 J/cm(2)/pulse); G6, irradiated with Er:YAG laser (83 mJ/10 Hz/10.3 J/cm(2)/pulse). Electron micrographs were obtained and analyzed according to a rating system. Statistical analysis was conducted with Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests (P < 0.05). G1 was statistically different from all the other groups; no statistically significant differences were observed between the Er:YAG laser groups and those undergoing the other treatment modalities. When the two Er:YAG laser groups were compared, the fluency of G6 was statistically more effective in smear layer removal than the one used in G5 (Mann-Whitney test, P < 0.01). Root surfaces irradiated by Er:YAG laser had more irregular contours than those treated by chemical agents. It can be concluded that all treatment modalities were effective in smear layer removal. The results of our study suggest that the Er:YAG laser can be safely used to condition diseased root surfaces effectively. Furthermore, the effect of Er:YAG laser irradiation on root surfaces should be evaluated in vivo so that its potential to enhance the healing of periodontal tissues can be assessed.

Conservative management of a dentigerous cyst secondary to primary tooth trauma

Pulp necrosis is a commonly observed sequela in traumatized primary teeth and is one of the possible etiologic factors for the development of dentigerous teeth. This article reports the case of a dentigerous cyst associated with the germ of a permanent maxillary central incisor that developed secondary to trauma to the predecessor primary incisor. The therapeutic approach included endodontic treatment of the primary tooth and marsupialization of the lesion. After 36 months of follow up, the permanent incisor presented with normal physiologic conditions, absence of dental anomalies and erupted in its correct position in the oral cavity. In conclusion, with proper case selection, marsupialization might be a good treatment option for conservative management of dentigerous cysts.

A comparative SEM study of smear layer removal by detergents and EDTA on the root surface

The present study performed an SEM evaluation of the efficiency of the following detergents on smear layer removal on the root surface: sodium lauryl sulphate, Plax, castor oil, and EDTA 24%. Sodium lauryl sulphate did not remove the smear layer and showed the worst results of all detergents tested. Plax and castor-oil detergents showed similar results represented by partial removal of the smear layer; these results were better than those obtained in the control (physiologic serum) and sodium lauryl sulphate groups. Neutral EDTA 24% was the most efficient detergent for smear layer removal.

The Effect of Supra- and Subphysiologic Testosterone Levels on Ligature-Induced Bone Loss in Rats - A Radiographic and Histologic Pilot Study

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

Análise quantitativa dos tecidos gengivais de ratos tratados com fenitoína e ciclosporina

Os aumentos gengivais podem ser decorrentes de reações teciduais a estímulos idiopáticos, patológicos e farmacológicos. O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar morfometricamente e estereologicamente a ação da fenitoína (Fen) e ciclosporina (CsA) sobre os tecidos gengivais de ratos. Dez ratos receberam, por via intraperitonial, Fen na dose inicial de 2 mg/kg de peso corporal/dia, aumentando 2 mg a cada duas semanas, durante 60 dias. em outros 10 ratos, administraram-se, por via subcutânea, 10mg/kg de peso corporal/dia de CsA, durante o mesmo período do grupo anterior. Os valores morfométricos e estereométricos dos tecidos gengivais dos ratos tratados com CsA foram significativamente maiores quando comparado com os valores dos tecidos gengivais do grupo tratado com Fen. Esses resultados sugerem que a CsA na dose utilizada é mais eficaz no desenvolvimento do aumento gengival em ratos, podendo estar atuando na proliferação de fibroblastos e no desequilíbrio fisiológico da síntese de fibras colágenas.

A cross-over randomised clinical trial of eccentric occlusion in complete dentures

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

Processo de reparo em feridas de extração dentária em camundongos tratados com o complexo Symphytum officinale e Calendula officinallis

Medicamentos homeopáticos como o Symphytum officinalle e a Calendula officinallis são dotados de propriedades anti-sépticas, antiinflamatória, cicatrizantes e também agem como promotores da consolidação de fraturas ósseas. Neste trabalho, uniram-se esses dois medicamentos similares em um complexo para verificar o seu efeito no reparo em feridas de extração dentária em camundongos. O complexo Symphytum officinalle e Calendula officinallis nas potências de 6CH e 3CH, respectivamente, foi ministrado por via oral ao grupo tratado durante 5 dias antes e após a extração do incisivo superior direito. No grupo controle, administraram-se 5ml de álcool etílico a 70% diluídos em 30 ml de soro fisiológico. Após a proservação, os animais foram sacrificados, a maxila direita separada da esquerda, fixada e processada para inclusão em parafina. Após a microtomia, os cortes obtidos foram corados pela H/E. A análise histológica mostrou que, tanto no grupo controle como no tratado, o alvéolo dentário estava preenchido por tecido de granulação e tecido ósseo neoformado, com graus variáveis de maturação, rico em osteócitos. No entanto, nos animais tratados, o processo de reparo em feridas após extração dentária do incisivo superior direito mostrou um avanço progressivo de neoformação óssea mais acentuado quando comparado ao grupo controle, em tempos equivalentes. Estes resultados enfatizam as propriedades biológicas do complexo Symphytum officinalle e Calendula officinallis e sua possível utilização como recurso terapêutico na Odontologia.

Mandioca minimamente processada submetida a radiação gama

Fresh cut cassava is an alternative to prolong roots commercialization period, adding value to the raw material and assisting the consumer's needs that seeks for products of easy preparation. The aim of this work was to evaluate the quality of fresh cut cassava subjected to gamma radiation. For processing cassava roots (IAC - 567-70) were used, after preparation were packed in expanded polystyrene (EPS) trays, covered by low density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic film, being subjected to gamma radiation in the doses 0 (control), 0.5; 1.0; 1.5; 2.0 KGy. Another treatment was also carried out in which roots were vacuum packed in nylon + polyethylene. Packed roots of all treatments were stored under refrigeration (5 +/- 1 degrees C) and evaluations were made after 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 days. Evaluated analyses were: titrable acidity, pH, firmness, coloration, polyphenoloxidase activity, cooking time and roots hydration percentage. Evaluations just proceeded until the nine storage day, because after this period the roots already presented visually detectable physiologic and microbiological alterations. For titrable acidity, the vacuum packed roots had the lowest values, followed by the control packed in trays. For the other treatments, values of acidity increased and influenced the pH values. For the other appraised parameters there was no significant difference among treatments, but alterations were observed with the storage. The firmness decreased with the storage. Brightness values and yellow color component decreased with the storage and the b * (green) color values increased. Polyphenoloxidase activity was maximum in the day of elaboration of the product and it decreased with the storage. Cooking time and roots hydration percentage decreased with the roots storage.

Puberty installation and adrenergic response of seminal vesicle from rats exposed prenatally to hydrocortisone

We investigated the effects of hydrocortisone during the prenatal period and its repercussion on puberty installation and adrenergic response of seminal vesicle in adult rats. The efficacy of the hydrocortisone treatment in reducing adrenal wet weight immediately after delivery in both the treated mothers and respective pups at birth may indicate impairment of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. This parameter was unchanged in the adult phase of these descendants, suggesting recuperation of this axis. In addition, the treatment with hydrocortisone delayed the age of puberty installation, probably by absence of both physiologic production and liberation of luteinizing hormone and testosterone. Despite the significant reduction in testosterone level as well as of wet weights of both vas deferens and testis in the adult phase, no difference was observed in the sensitivity of the seminal vesicle to the studied sympathetic agonist. However, the observed reduction in contractile response of the seminal vesicle may be a consequence of contractile-system damage in this organ. It is possible that this alteration may cause a reduction in the amount of vesicular secretion so important in the process of ejaculation. In conclusion, these results suggest that administration of hydrocortisone in late prenatal life did not influence the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis in adult life, although it altered the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis, and reduced testosterone production starting at puberty, as a consequence of an incomplete masculinization of the hypothalamus plus a reduction in the contractile response of the seminal vesicle. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Characterisation of protease activity in extracellular products secreted by Giardia duodenalis trophozoites treated with propolis

Results from our laboratory revealed propolis activity on Giardia trophozoites proliferation. Since therapeutic agents can inhibit the activity of proteases related to relevant biologic and physiologic processes of parasites, this study was undertaken to characterise the proteolytic activity of excretory/secretory products (ESP) of trophozoites treated with propolis. ESP was obtained from culture supernatants of trophozoites exposed to 250 and 500 mu g mL(-1) of propolis. ESP were tested in sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis for the protein profiles and the protease activity was assayed in gelatin-containing gels. Synthetic inhibitors were used to characterise the protease classes. Treated and non-treated ESP showed a similar protein and hydrolysis pattern. A simple pattern of protein composed by five evident bands of approximately 167, 132, 79, 61 and 51 kDa was found, and the zymograms comprised hydrolysis zones distributed from > 170 to 23 kDa. No inhibition was seen on protease activity of propolis-treated trophozoites, whose hydrolysis pattern was similar to control. One may conclude that both ESP degraded gelatin and the activity was predominantly due to cysteine proteases. Although propolis had no effect on the proteolytic activity, further studies could identify the active constituents responsible for propolis antigiardial activity and their mechanisms of action.