Gastroprotective activity of Pradosia huberi on experimentally induced gastric lesions in rodents: Role of endogenous sulphydryls and nitric oxide

Pradosia huberi is a medicinal plant very common in the Amazonian forest population. The research interest in this plant is justifiable because of its potential medicinal value in gastritis and gastric ulcer mentioned in local folk medicine. In this paper, we evaluated the acute toxicity and antiulcerogenic effect of a hydroalcoholic extract (HAE) obtained from Pradosia huberi barks in rodents. No acute toxicological sign or symptom was observed in animals treated with the highest dose (5000 mg/kg, p.o.) of Pradosia huberi. In the HCl/EtOH-induced gastric ulcer model, HAE demonstrated significant inhibition of the ulcerative lesion index by 73% (500 mg/kg) and 88% (1000 mg/kg), respectively, in relation to the control value (p < 0.05). The gastric damage induced by absolute ethanol in rats was effectively reduced by 84, 88 and 81% (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg) when compared with the control group (p < 0.01). In the NSAID-induced lesion model, HAE also showed antiulcerogenic effect with decrease in gastric lesions of 56% (250 mg/kg), 57% (500 mg/kg) and 67% (1000 mg/kg) when compared with animals treated with vehicle (p < 0.05). In the gastric ulcer induced by pylorus ligature model, the administration of HAE by oral and intraduodenal routes inhibited the gastric lesion index by 79 and 52% (500 mg/kg), respectively. HAE administered orally or intraduodenally was able to change gastric juice parameters (pH, volume and acid output) as well as those treated with cimetidine. The treatment with HAE (p.o.) significantly increased gastric volume, the pH values and promoted reduced acid output (1) < 0.01). By comparative effect (intraduodenal and oral route), we observed that HAE was better for local activity in gastric mucosa than in systemic action. HAE also has a non-specific activity when found to be the inhibitor of intestinal motility (p > 0.01). The mechanism of action of HAE did not seem to be related to the NO-inhibitor but showed the participation of endogenous sulphydryl group in the gastroprotective action. (C) 2005 Elsevier B.V.. All rights reserved.

Hand, foot, and mouth disease: A case report

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a viral infection related to coxsackieviruses A5, A6, A9, and A10, coxsackieviruses B2 and B5, and echovirus 11. It generally affects children, but this article presents a clinical case of a young woman with hand, foot, and mouth disease. Patients with this disease have oral and skin lesions that may be confused with other diseases. The differential diagnosis is very important because both dental and medical professionals may misdiagnose the disease and sometimes prescribe an inappropriate medication.

Distinct regions of loss of heterozygosity on 22q at different sites of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas

Background: Frequent loss of heterozygosity (LOH) has been reported in many types of cancer, including head and neck carcinomas. Somatic deletions involving specific chromosomal regions are strongly associated with inactivation of the allele of a tumor suppressor gene located within the deleted region. In most studies concerning LOH in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) the different anatomical sites are not distinguished. The behavior of tumors arising at various sites differs significantly, however, suggesting different intrinsic tumor properties. In this study we compared the LOH on 22q and its relationship to clinicopathological parameters at the three major sites of HNSCC: oral cavity, larynx and pharynx. Material/Methods: LOH and microsatellite instability (MSI) were studied using seven polymorphic microsatellite markers mapped to the 22q11-q13.3 region in 37 oral, 32 laryngeal, and 31 pharyngeal carcinomas. Results: Two separate regions of LOH were identified in the laryngeal (22q11.2-12.1) and oral cavity (22q13.1-13.31) tumors. When the different anatomical sites were compared, a statistically significant difference was found between the presence of LOH at D22S421 (p<0.001), D22S315 (p=0.014) and D22S929 (p=0.026) in the laryngeal tumors. Conclusions: These data suggest that distinct regions on 22q are involved in LOH in oral cavity and laryngeal tumorigenesis but do not support a similar association between the development of pharyngeal tumors and genes located on 22q. These findings implicate the presence of different tumor suppressor genes mapping to distinct regions on chromosome 22q in oral and laryngeal carcinomas.

Bone regeneration in cranioplasty and clinical complications in rabbits with alloxan-induced diabetes

This research evaluated the bone repair process in surgical defects created on the parietal bones of diabetic rabbits using the guided bone regeneration technique to observe the effects of alloxan in the induction of diabetes mellitus. Twenty-four adult rabbits were divided into three study groups: control (C), diabetic (D) and diabetic associated to polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane (D-PTFE). For diabetes induction the animals received one dose of monohydrated alloxan (90 mg/kg) by intravenous administration in the auricular or femoral vein. In group D-PTFE the membrane covered both the floor and the surface of the bone defect. In groups D and C, the bone defect was filled up with blood clot. The specimens were fixed in 10% formol and prepared for histomorphometric analysis. The results showed that the 90 mg/kg dose of monohydrate alloxan was sufficient to promote diabetes mellitus when administered in the auricular vein. Bone regeneration was slower in the diabetic group when compared with the control and diabetic-PTFE groups, but there was no significant statistical difference between the two experimental groups (D and D-PTFE). The oral and general clinical complications among the diabetics were weight loss, polyuria, polyphagia and severe chronic gingivitis.

Retention and processing methods of nasal prosthesis

Patients with congenital malformations, traumatic or pathological mutilation and maxillofacial developmental disorders can be restored aesthetically and emotionally by the production and use of facial prostheses. The aim of this study was to review the literature about the retention and processing methods of facial prostheses, and discuss their characteristics. A literature review on Medline (PubMed) database was performed by using the keywords maxillofacial prosthesis, silicone, resin, pigment, cosmetic, prosthetic nose, based on articles published from 1956 to 2010. Several methods of retention, from adhesives to the placement of implants, and different processing methods such as laser, CAD/CAM and rapid prototyping technologies have been reported. There are advantages and disadvantages of each procedure, and none can be classified as better compared to others.

Análise quantitativa do tempo de trânsito oral e faríngeo em síndromes genéticas

Pós-graduação em Fonoaudiologia - FFC

Investigação de marcadores protéicos do carcinoma oral

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

A avaliação somativa nas sequências didáticas para o oral e a escrita em português

Desde os anos 80, a avaliação somativa tem sido denunciada como sendo um dos principais mecanismos de classificação, de seleção e de exclusão social. As críticas suscitaram várias propostas de transformações das práticas avaliativas levando ao predomínio teórico da modalidade formativa. Consequentemente, as pesquisas sobre a modalidade somativa foram relegadas a um segundo plano. Porém, esta modalidade continua amplamente usada por professores do nível básico ao acadêmico. Além disto, a aplicação desta modalidade é necessária para a validação e certificação, pelo sistema educacional, dos resultados obtidos ao término de um período de aprendizagem. Recentemente, tem sido cada vez mais divulgadas as propostas de Schneuwly e Dolz (2004) para o desenvolvimento das capacidades de produção textual em língua materna com base no procedimento didático-metodológico chamado “Sequência Didática” com vistas ao domínio de uma diversidade de gêneros da escrita e da oralidade. Embora os autores tenham previsto a realização da avaliação somativa em um dos componentes do modelo (a produção final), pouco parece ser dito ou escrito em torno das práticas que tal modalidade pressupõe e sobre sua inclusão em uma proposta marcadamente formativa. Esta pesquisa tem como objetivo, portanto, identificar dificuldades e possíveis soluções a respeito da realização da avaliação somativa em Sequências Didáticas para o oral e a escrita no ensino/aprendizagem da língua portuguesa. Após caracterizar a avaliação somativa e os instrumentos que essa modalidade mobiliza no ensino/aprendizagem da língua portuguesa, propõe-se a análise de um corpus de dezessete documentos acadêmicos com propósito de verificar como a avaliação somativa foi realizada nas diferentes Sequências Didáticas relatadas nestes documentos. Para tal, foi observada a ocorrência ou não da avaliação somativa na produção final, os objetos de aprendizagem levados em conta na sua realização e os sujeitos desta modalidade de avaliação. Conclui-se, mostrando a importância da articulação dessa modalidade com a modalidade formativa pressuposta na Sequência Didática.

A tradição oral no ensino de línguas indígenas: uma proposta para o povo Parkatêjê

Esta dissertação tem como objetivo principal “apresentar uma proposta para o ensino da língua parkatêjê apoiada na tradição oral do povo de mesma denominação, com vistas a sua implantação na Escola Indígena Pẽmptykre Parkatêjê”, da aldeia Parkatêjê, localizada na Terra Indígena Mãe Maria, à altura do quilômetro 30 da rodovia BR 222, no município Bom Jesus do Tocantins. Com base em Severino (2007), caracteriza-se como uma pesquisa etnográfica, por visar compreender a cotidianidade da aludida escola, no que se refere ao ensino e aprendizagem da língua tradicional, e também como pesquisa bibliográfica, tendo em vista a natureza das fontes utilizadas para sua tessitura. A pesquisa está vinculada à Linguística Aplicada, uma área da INdisciplina ou transdisciplinar, segundo Moita Lopes (2006), pautada na democracia cognitiva por uma educação emancipadora, conforme Petraglia (2013). O texto está estruturado em quatro partes, além da introdução e das considerações finais. A primeira parte apresenta considerações gerais sobre os Parkatêjê. A segunda parte trata de uma abordagem histórica acerca do desenvolvimento da linguística indígena no contexto educacional brasileiro, com base nos acontecimentos observados desde o ano de 1540 até os dias atuais. A terceira parte reúne algumas características de sociedades reguladas pela tradição oral, ou principalmente por meio dessa tradição, e, a partir de uma definição de cultura, apresenta reflexões sobre cultura oral e cultura escrita. A quarta parte trata do histórico da educação formal na aldeia parkatêjê e aborda informações referentes ao protagonismo do povo de mesma denominação no momento contemporâneo da mencionada escola. Ainda nesta última parte, a aludida proposta de ensino, que se intitula “A tradição oral no ensino da língua parkatêjê”, é apresentada, com o apoio de Queiroz e Pereira (2013), Belintane (2007; 2008), Calvet (2011) e de outros estudos levados a efeito por autores favoráveis à pujança da oralidade no ensino de língua. A pesquisa destaca os velhos da aldeia, índios de primeira geração, como atores importantes no processo de ensino e aprendizagem da língua tradicional na educação formal.

Retinoids for prevention and treatment of actinic keratosis

Actinic keratosis is a common cause of dermatological consultations and it presents a strong association with squamous cell carcinoma. Many substances are used for treatment and prevention, such as retinoids. Nevertheless, many studies on retinoids emphasize their application in treating and preventing non melanoma skin cancers. In this article, we reviewed studies about systemic and topical retinoids used with immunocompetent patients and organ transplant recipients with actinic keratosis, as primary or secondary outcomes. The majority of these papers pointed to a reduction in actinic keratosis count after treatment with retinoids. However, studies need to be better-defined in order to address the lack of a standardized dose, the absence of control groups, the low number of patients and short follow-up periods. Blind, randomized and controlled clinical trials with adequate sample sizes, specifically focused on actinic keratosis, are needed to clarify the real benefit of topical and/or oral retinoids. Comparison of efficacy and safety between oral and topical retinoids in the prevention and treatment of non-melanoma skin cancers and actinic keratosis is an essential pre requisite to establish new strategies to control these conditions.

Alcohol and Quality of Life Among Social Groups for the Elderly in Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil

This study aims to investigate alcohol consumption within social groups for the elderly in So Jos, dos Campos-Brazil, and to check for a correlation between alcohol consumption and quality of life. A sample of 500 individuals participating on social groups for the elderly were interviewed by using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) to verify alcohol consumption; the Medical Outcomes Study 36 Item Short Form (SF-36), for evaluating quality of life; and the Oral Health Impact Profile short form (OHIP-14), for evaluating oral health-related quality of life. The average alcohol consumption was very low (1.48), being higher in men (2.23) than women (1.09). The SF-36 average score for the domain of physical function was 70.5; for role-physical function 64.9; for bodily pain,68.3; for general health 73.8; for vitality,72.4; for social function 82.8; for role-emotional function 72.3 and for mental health 75.0. The OHIP-14 average score was 3.87. AUDIT did not correlate with SF-36 domains, or with OHIP-14. However, there was a negative correlation between OHIP 14 and all SF-36 domains. This elderly sample has a very low consumption of alcohol, and no correlation was found between alcohol consumption and oral and medical quality of life.

Chronic graft-versus-host disease: clinical presentation of multiple lesions of lichenoid and atrophic pattern

Graft-versus-host disease is observed mainly in recipients of hematopoietic cell transplantation and is expressed by cutaneous or systemic signals and symptoms. Graft-versus-host disease is clinically classified as acute or chronic. Chronic Graft-versus-host disease occurs in up to 70% of hematopoietic cell transplanted patients and its clinical manifestations have important impact on morbidity and quality of life. The authors report an expressive cutaneous, oral and adnexal involvement in a patient with chronic Graft-versus-host disease with multiple lesions of lichenoid and atrophic pattern.

Effect of a Silver Nanoparticles Solution on Staphylococcus aureus and Candida spp.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Estabilidade sagital da condiloplastia associada à cirurgia ortognática para o tratamento do osteocondroma mandibular

The aim of this study was to evaluate the stability of the conservative condylectomy technique and articular disc repositioning as the surgical treatment approach for management of mandibular condylar osteochondroma, with appropriate Orthognathic surgery. Fifteen patients (12 females and 3 males), average age of 32.3 years (range, 13 to 56 years), with unilateral active osteochondroma of the mandibular condyle were analyzed. All patients underwent conservative condylectomy, recontouring of the remaining condylar neck stump and articular disc repositioned and indicated orthognatic surgical procedures. Average post surgical follow-up was 19 months. Each patient's lateral cephalograms were traced at 3 intervals (presurgery, immediate post surgery and long-term follow-up). Immediate after surgery the oclusal plane angle decreased -2.8 ± 4.5o, the maxillomandibular complex rotated counter-clockwise with advancement at menton 5.3 ± 5.6 mm, pogonion 5.0 ± 5.1 mm, B point 3.4 ± 4.2 mm and A point 1.0 ± 1.5 mm. The long-term follow-up showed significant changes in overbite (-0.6 ± 0.5 mm) and SNGoMe (0,93° ± 1,53°). Horizontally and vertically small instabilities occurred in Me (-1.21 ± 1.94 mm) and PNS (-1.48 ± 1.67 mm) respectively. The treatment protocol studied produced counterclockwise rotation and maxillofacial mandibular advancement. The long-term follow-up showed solid dental and skeletal stability with horizontal instability of Me and PNS in the vertical direction.

Protein phosphatase activities in the serum and saliva of healthy children

The purpose of this study was to investigate the activities of the total acid phosphatase (TAP), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), low molecular weight protein tyrosine phosphatase (LMW-PTP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) enzymes, as well as the possible correlation in the serum and in unstimulated whole saliva of children. Enzymatic activities were measured in pairs of concurrently obtained serum and salivary samples from 32 children in good oral and systemic health (16 of each sex) with a median age of 6.4 ± 3.3 years (range 1.08 – 12.92 years). All collections were made between the hours of 08:00 – 10:00 a.m. We used p-nitrophenyl phosphate as the substrate in the enzymatic assay for TAP, TRAP and LMW-PTP, and thymolphthalein monophosphate as the substrate for ALP. The enzymatic activities of all the studied enzymes were higher in serum than in saliva. The mean of enzymatic activities of serum TAP, TRAP, LMW-PTP and ALP were 36.51 ± 8.21, 23.99 ± 5.73, 11.16 ± 5.65 and 76.50 ± 17.32 U/L, respectively, while the mean salivary TAP, TRAP, LMW-PTP and ALP enzymatic activities were 9.60 ± 5.04, 1.36 ± 0.87, 5.65 ± 3.07 and 4.08 ± 1.83 U/L in this order. The TRAP revealed a positive linear correlation between its activity in the serum and saliva (Spearman r = 0,4685, p < 0,05). We concluded that the salivary TRAP has a potential to be use as biomarkers of pathologies and states that modify its activity in the serum.