Evaluation of DNA polymorphisms amplified by arbitrary primers (RAPD) as genetically associated elements to differentiate virulent and non-virulent Paracoccidioides brasiliensis isolates

Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis of 35 Paracoccidioides brasiliensis isolates was carried out to evaluate the correlation of RAPD profiles with the virulence degree or the type of the clinical manifestations of human paracoccidioidomycosis. The dendrogram presented two main groups sharing 64% genetic similarity. Group A included two isolates from patients with chronic paracoccidioidomycosis; group B comprised the following isolates showing 65% similarity: two non-virulent, six attenuated, five virulent, eight from patients with chronic paracoccidioidomycosis and two from patients with acute paracoccidioidomycosis. The virulent Pb18 isolate and six attenuated or non-virulent samples derived from it were genetically indistinguishable (100% of similarity). Thus, in our study, RAPD patterns could not discriminate among 35 P. brasiliensis isolates according to their differences either in the degree of virulence or in the type of the clinical manifestation of this fungal infection. © 2002 Federation of European Microbiological Societies. Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Early healing pattern of autogenous bone grafts with and without e-PTFE membranes: A histomorphometric study in rats

Objective. The aim of this study was to perform quantitative and qualitative analyses of the initial repair pattern of an autogenous bone block graft when covered or not with e-PTFE membranes. Study design. Sixty male Wistar rats received a bone graft plus an e-PTFE membrane (MB) or just the graft (B). A block graft was harvested from the animal's calvarium and was laid and stabilized on the external cortical area near the angle of the mandible. Descriptive histology and histomorphometric analyses were carried out and the data were analyzed statistically by ANOVA and the Tukey test, with the level of significance set at 5%. Results. The results for group B showed that there was bone loss during the healing period (B0 = 1.38, B45 = 1.05, F = 7.91 > F C = 3.02), that is, the initial volume of the graft decreased in time. Bone tissue loss was about 24%. In contrast, the MB group showed bone tissue gain along the observation period (MB0 = 1.54, MB45 = 2.40, F = 7.91 > FC = 3.02), meaning that the total volume of newly formed bone was greater than the original graft area. Bone tissue gain was approximately 55%. MB showed significantly greater bone gain when compared to B (B45 = 1.05, MB45 = 2.40, F = 39.86 > FC = 1.90). These significant differences between B and MB could already be observed after 21 days. Conclusions. The bone block graft underwent resorption at an early healing stage, while additional new bone formation was observed when the bone graft was covered with an e-PTFE membrane. © 2005 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Sleep bruxism: Clinical aspects and characteristics in patients with and without chronic orofacial pain

Objective. Evaluation of long-standing sleep bruxism (SB) patients. Study Design. Descriptive study. Results. One hundred subjects with SB (80 women and 20 men, mean age: 36.1±11.3 years) were evaluated according to the RDC/TMD and a pain questionnaire (EDOF-HC). The patients were divided into 2 groups: Group A-without (30.0%) and Group B-with orofacial pain (70.0%). AM stiffness: 36.4% in Group A and 88.6% in Group B; mean pain duration: 6.92 years; mean intensity of pain: 4.33 (VAS); quality of pain: tightness/pressure (84,3%); 95.7% of Group B had myofascial pain. Depression and somatization levels were different between the groups (p = 0.001). Higher frequency of depression was found with body pain or presence of comorbidities. Conclusion. The data presented in this study showed statistical differences between long-standing bruxism without and with chronic facial pain; the two questionnaires allowed interaction between the chief complaint and the clinical findings; depression levels increased with pain in several regions of the body. © 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Sleep bruxism and temporomandibular disorder: Clinical and polysomnographic evaluation

Objective: To seek better understanding of chronic musculoskeletal facial pain and its relation to sleep bruxism, by comparing patients with sleep bruxism, with and without temporomandibular disorder. Design: Forty sleep bruxism patients were evaluated according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders: group A-20 patients with myofascial pain, 3 men, 17 women; average age 32.7 yr; mean duration of pain 4.37 yr; group B-20 without myofascial pain, 5 men, 15 women; average age 30.8 yr. Sleep and bruxism were evaluated in one-night polysomnography. Results: There were no statistically significant differences for bruxism and sleep variables of the two groups: number of bursts and bruxism episodes per hour, amplitude and duration of bruxism episodes, sleep efficiency and latency, percentage of non-REM and REM sleep, respiratory events, periodic limb movements, and micro-arousals. Conclusions: The polysomnographic characteristics of patients with sleep bruxism, with and without orofacial pain, are similar. More studies are necessary to clarify the reasons why some sleep bruxism patients develop chronic myofascial pain, and others do not. © 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Interval between first dose and booster affected antibody production in cattle vaccinated against rabies

In this study, we compared the levels of neutralizing antibodies induced by inactivated rabies vaccine in cattle by using three alternative immunization procedures. Forty-five bovines (breed nelore) were then organized in three groups (A, B and C, with 15 animals/group). Group A received only one vaccine dose at day zero and Group B received the first dose at day zero and then another dose at day 30 (early booster). Group C was also immunized with two doses; however, the booster was postponed until day 180 after the first dose (delayed booster). Blood samples were withdrawn at days zero (before the first dose) and 30, 210, 390, and 540 after the beginning of immunization and the antibody titers were evaluated by mouse neutralization test. The protocol used to immunize Group C (booster at day 180) was clearly more efficient. In this group, antibody levels were higher and also remained higher for longer periods in comparison with the other two groups. These results show that booster timing significantly affected antibody levels. Therefore, programs addressed to control this disease in cattle should consider not only the use of a booster but also its administration time.

Is 44-hour better than 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in hemodialysis?

The aim of this study is to evaluate if hemodialysis (HD) patients with similar blood pressure (BP) in the whole inter-HD period could have different target organ lesions and survival if the behavior of BP differs from the first to the second day of the inter-HD period. The present study compares 44-hour ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) patterns in 45 HD patients. Three BP patterns emerged: group A (n = 15) had similar BPs throughout (138 ± 11/88 ± 12 in the first 22 h vs. 140 ± 11/87 ± 12 mm Hg in the second 22-hour period); group B (n = 15) had a significant systolic BP rise from the first to the second period (132 ± 15/80 ± 12 vs. 147 ± 12/86 ± 13 mm Hg, p < 0.05); group C (n = 15) had significantly higher BPs (p < 0.05) than the other 2 groups throughout the whole inter-HD period, with no significant change between the 2 halves (172 ± 14/108 ± 12 vs. 173 ± 18/109 ± 14 mm Hg). Ventricular mass and survival during the 30-month follow-up period were statistically significantly better in group A, intermediate in group B and worse in group C. The data suggest that a 44-hour ABPM is more accurate than a 24-hour one in evaluating organ lesion and prognosis in HD patients. Copyright © 2006 S. Karger AG.

In vitro evaluation of the precision of working casts for implant-supported restoration with multiple abutments

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy of two working cast fabrication techniques using strain-gauge analysis. Methods: Two working cast fabrication methods were evaluated. Based on a master model, 20 working casts were fabricated by means of an indirect impression technique using polyether after splinting the square transfer copings with acrylic resin. Specimens were assigned to 2 groups (n=10): Group A (GA): type IV dental stone was poured around the abutment analogs in the conventional way; Group B (GB), the dental stone was poured in two stages. Spacers were used over the abutment analogs (rubber tubes) and type IV dental stone was poured around the abutment analogs in the conventional way. After the stone had hardened completely, the spacers were removed and more stone was inserted in the spaces created. Six strain-gauges (Excel Ltd.), positioned in a cast bar, which was dimensionally accurate (perfect fit) to the master model, recorded the microstrains generated by each specimen. Data were analyzed statistically by the variance analysis (ANOVA) and Tukey's test (α= 5%). Results: The microstrain values (με) were (mean±SD): GA: 263.7±109.07με, and GB: 193.73±78.83με. Conclusion: There was no statistical difference between the two methods studied.

Conhecimento de estudantes de medicina sobre o processo de doacção de córneas

Purpose: To compare knowledge of medical students about the cornea donation process among those who already studied Ophthalmology and the others. Methods: A questionnaire containing data as: age, sex, graduation year, and 10 multiple-choice questions about the subject was applied to medical students from the interior of São Paulo state, Brazil. The questions were: age for donation, contraindication for transplants, the time limit to remove the cornea, among others. The knowledge regarding cornea donation was compared between the two groups: students who already studied Ophthalmology (Group A) and the others (Group B). Results: The study group was composed of 402 students, of whom 140 were of group A and 262 of group B. Knowledge between the two groups was different, but not statistically significant (p=0.8328). Conclusion: Knowledge about the cornea donation process among the interviewed seemed to be insufficient, even those who had studied Ophthalmology. Information and education about transplants in Medical Schools should be improved.

Estudo comparativo experimental da injeção perineural do álcool benzílico 0,75% e do álcool etílico absoluto nos nervos palmares de eqüinos

The clinical and histopathological effects of two alcoholic neurolytics were studied in horses. Normal horses were shod with a designed shoe adaptted with 5 screws to produce solar pain. After gait and lameness score analysis, the palmar nerve of 5 horses was injected with 5 ml of 0,75% benzyl alcohol (Group A) and 5 horses were injected with 5 ml of absolute ethyl alcohol (Group B). The animals were submitted to regular lameness evaluation and solar sensibility tests during next six months. The solar sensitivity returned 5 months latter in the group injected with benzyl alcohol 0,75%, while in the group injected with absolute ethyl alcohol, the sole was still desensitized 6 months latter. The histopathological findings showed that the nerve injected with benzyl alcohol 0,75%, resulted in axonotmesis, characterized by axonal nerve degeneration, with possibilities for the nerve conduction recovery. The perineural injection of ethyl alcohol absolute, resulted in neurotmesis with difficult nerve regeneration. It was concluded that chemical neurolysis with alcohol is an option for temporary or permanent nerve blocks in horses.

Low caloric value of ethanol itself increases alveolar bone loss in ligature-induced periodontitis in male rats

This study aimed at morphometrically evaluating the influence of variable caloric values of ethanol consumption on alveolar bone loss in periodontitis in male rats. Thirty-six male rats were randomized into four groups of nine rats each, as follows: Test group A (low) - rats were fed an ethanol-containing liquid diet (ethanol representing 22% of total caloric value); Control group A - rats were fed a pair-fed control diet (ethanol replaced by isocaloric amounts of carbohydrate); Test group B (high) - rats were fed an ethanol-containing liquid diet (ethanol representing 36% of total caloric value); Control group B - rats were fed a pair-fed control diet for Test B. Following anesthesia, cotton ligatures were placed around the cervix of the right upper second molar. At eight weeks, the maxillary bones were removed and alveolar bone loss was analyzed by measuring the distance between the cementoenamel junction and the alveolar bone crest at buccal and palatal sites of the upper second molar. The unligated groups showed no significant differences between the bone loss values observed for the low and high caloric values of ethanol (p > 0.05). In the ligated groups, the rats receiving low caloric values of ethanol showed significantly greater bone loss compared to the isocaloric rats (p < 0.05); however, the rats receiving high caloric values of ethanol showed no significant differences compared to the controls. Analysis of the results demonstrated that, in male rats, ethanol itself affected ligature-induced bone loss when representing a low value in the total caloric value.

Consumo e custo de energia elétrica na cultura de citros irrigado por gotejamento e microaspersão, com três lâminas de água

The objective of this work was to analyze the consumption, electric energy cost, and economic results of irrigated citrus (Citrus sinensis). The treatments consisted of a dripping irrigation system with one and two lateral distribution lines, a micro sprinkler irrigation system and a treatment without irrigation. For each irrigation system, three water depths were used: 100%, 75% and 50% of Etc (citrus evapotranspiration). The electric energy cost for two tariff groups, Group A and Group B, was studied. For Group A, the expenses with energy were determined for the Conventional Binomial Structure tariff, the Hour-seasonal tariff (green and blue) and the special tariff for nocturnal irrigation. The kWh cost for the tariff systems were obtained from the website of CPFL (São Paulo State Power and Light Company, Brazil). The best relation between the electric energy consumption (kWh.ha -1) and productivity (t.ha -1) occurred in the treatment irrigated with 50% of the Etc. The irrigated treatments increased productivity. The biggest productivity was observed in the irrigation treatments with 50% of the Etc when compared to the ones with 100% of the Etc. The blue and green Hour-seasonal tariff system of Group A (nocturnal irrigation) was the best option. A biggest economic turnover occurred in the treatments irrigated with 50% of the Etc.

Eimeria stiedai: Metabolism of lipids, proteins and glucose in experimentally infected rabbits, Oryctolagus cuniculus

Rabbits were experimentally infected with sporulated Eimeria stiedai oocysts. A total of 50 white adult rabbits, New Zealand race, were distributed into two groups: Group A was infected with 1x10 4 sporulated Eimeria stiedai oocysts, while group B was inoculated with distilled water as a control. The animals generally displayed increased levels of total protein, globulin, total cholesterol, LDL-c and triacylglycerols; however, total levels of liver lipids and HDL-c decreased, and plasma glucose levels varied during the experimental period. In sum, Eimeria stiedai infection of rabbits caused a considerable number of changes in the metabolism of lipids, proteins and glucose, which is likely due to direct effects of liver cirrhosis on normal body function.

Dental caries experience in children attending an infant oral health program

Aim: To investigate: a) caries experience in 5 year-old children and its relationship to the caries risk evaluation made before 1 year of age; b) compliance of parents to an infant oral health program as well as the abandonment reasons. Methods: Group A (GA) - 242 children (60-71 months old) who stayed in the program and had been enrolled since their first year of life underwent a clinical examination according to the WHO's criteria; their parents/caregivers were interviewed to ascertain their compliance to the program. Group B (GB) - parents of 60 children, who had dropped out of the program, were interviewed to check the reasons of withdrawing. The caries risk classification was based on the file at the first appointment. Chi-square test was used (α=0.05) for statistical analyses. Results: Most of the children were free of caries (71.1%). Caries risk evaluation showed low sensibility (34.3%, 95% CI = 22.4-46.1) and high specificity (74.4%, 95% CI = 67.6-81.2) to caries experience. Sixty-two mothers (25.6%) reported difficulty to follow the guidelines. The main reason for dropping out was changing to similar health services (40.0%). Conclusions: Caries risk in the first year of life was not efficient to predict dental caries experience at 5 years of age. Educational practice should be improved to increase the compliance of the parents to the program.

Induction pegylated interferon Alfa-2a and high dose ribavirin do not increase SVR in heavy patients with HCV genotype 1 and high viral loads

Background & Aims Patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1, body weight <85 kg, and high baseline viral load respond poorly to standard doses of pegylated interferon (peginterferon) and ribavirin. We evaluated intensified therapy with peginterferon alfa-2a plus ribavirin. Methods This double-blind randomized trial included HCV genotype 1-infected outpatients from hepatology clinics with body weight <85 kg and HCV RNA titer <400,000 IU/mL. Patients were randomized to 180 μg/wk peginterferon alfa-2a for 48 weeks plus 1200 mg/day ribavirin (standard of care) (group A, n = 191) or 1400/1600 mg/day ribavirin (group B, n = 189). Additional groups included 360 μg/wk peginterferon alfa-2a for 12 weeks then 180 μg/wk peginterferon alfa-2a for 36 weeks plus 1200 mg/day ribavirin (group C, n = 382) or 1400/1600 mg/day ribavirin (group D, n = 383). Follow-up lasted 24 weeks after treatment. Results Sustained virologic response rates (HCV RNA level <15 IU/mL at end of follow-up) in groups A, B, C, and D were 38%, 43%, 44%, and 41%, respectively. There were no significant differences among the 4 groups or between pooled peginterferon alfa-2a regimens (A + B vs C + D: odds ratio [OR], 1.08; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.831.39; P = .584) or pooled ribavirin regimens (A + C vs B + D: OR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.791.28; P = .974). Conclusions In patients infected with HCV genotype 1 who are difficult to treat (high viral load, body weight <85 kg), a 12-week induction regimen of peginterferon alfa-2a and/or higher-dose ribavirin is not more effective than the standard regimen. © 2010 AGA Institute.

Avaliação morfométrica, realizada pelo exame ultrassonográfico, da veia porta, veia cava caudal e aorta abdominal em cães saudáveis de diferentes pesos corpóreos

The diameters and areas of portal vein, caudal vena cava and abdominal aorta are useful measurements in dogs. These values can be easily measured by ultrasonographic exam, and variations of normality can be an important indicator of hepatic or extra-hepatic alterations. This study aimed to measure the diameter and areas of portal vein, caudal vena cava and abdominal aorta in healthy dogs, with normal corporal score, divided in groups according to the body weight, and assess whether the data are influenced by animal weight. Thirty dogs were examined and divided into three groups (Group A: ≤ 10 kg Group B: from 10.1 to 20.0 kg; Group C: ≥ 20.1 kg). To measure the diameters and areas of portal vein, caudal vena cava and abdominal aorta, the animal was kept in left lateral decubitus position and the transducer was placed on the right lateral abdominal wall, at approximately the 10 th or 11 th intercostal space, in the porta hepatis region. The diameters and areas of the portal vein, caudal vena cava and abdominal aorta were significantly lower for dogs in Group A with respect to other groups and the dogs from Groups B and C had similar results with each other. The diameters and areas of the portal vein, caudal vena cava and abdominal aorta may vary with the animal size, and reference values must be specific for small, medium and large dogs.