Experimental surgery of the facial nerve. Assessment of the intraperitoneal use of exogenous gangliosides

Compression and section of the facial nerve were performed in 48 rats in order to study the anatomopathological alterations occurring after daily intraperitoneal injections of 100 mg of exogenous gangliosides (Sinaxial®) for 45, 90, 180 days. In groups submitted to nerve compression, the histopathological changes were discrete and in the 180-day subgroups the nerve was practically normal. In animals submitted to section and neurorrhaphy there was formation of an amputation neuroma, a granuloma around the suture, axonal unstructuration and inter and perineural fibrosis. No significant differences were observed between the groups submitted or not to injection of exogenous gangliosides, indicating that the major factors involved in the quality of nerve regeneration were the technique and the formation of fibrosis and of an amputation neuroma.

Granuloma facial: A proposito de dois casos

Granuloma faciale is a benign and rare disease restricted to the skin. Its etiopathogenesis is not related to systemic granulomatous and eosinophilic diseases. Two adult patients with reddish-brown lesions on the facial are reported. Among the treatments used, the more consistent results were observed with intralesional triamcinolona (Case 1) and with CO2 Laser (Case 2), with clear advantage of the laser therapy. The histopathology and the therapeutic options are discussed.

Padrão de sensibilidade de cepas de Enterobacter spp isoladas na região de Presidente Prudente - SP

Enterobacter spp. are considered important causing agents of infection, specially in hospitalized individuals. The natural resistance of these microorganisms and the great facility to develop resistance to new antimicrobial agents make this genus an important object of study. In this work, 176 strains isolated from various clinical samples were used from hospitalized patients (University Hospital Domingos Leonardo Cerávolo) and from clinic patients (Clinical Laboratory from Unoeste), both situated in Presidente Prudente - SP. E. cloacae (78.9%), E. aerogenes (7.9%) and E. (pantoea) agglomerans (3.9%) were the ones more frequently isolated. Eleven antimicrobial agents were tested by the disk diffusion method and around 90% of the strains presented resistance to the cephalotin, ampicillin and cefaclor. Strains of E. (pantoea) agglomerans presented wide profile of sensibility However one strain of E. cloacae presented resistance to all the antimicrobial agents. The antimicrobial agents with greater inhibitory activity were imipenem and cefepime, for this reason these antimicrobial agents could be the treatment of choice in emergencial therapeutic. This emergencial therapy can be applied with relative security, whereas the data obtained in this study show homogeneity in the profile of sensibility to these antimicrobial agents, independent of the infection site and from the isolated species. The ESBL enzyme could not be detected in no one of the strains by the double diffusion test.

Padrão de sensibilidade aos antimicrobianos de bacilos gram-negativos não fermentadores isolados de materiais clínicos de pacientes em Presidente Prudente - SP

The aim of this study was the assessment of isolation frequency and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of nonfermenting Gram-negative bacilli. Ninety eight strains of nonfermenting Gram-negative bacilli, isolated from several clinical materials of patients admited at the Dr. Domingos Leonardo Cerávolo University Hospital and at Dr. Odilo Antunes Siqueira State Hospital, as well as from every outpatient; assisted at Laboratory of Clinical Analysis of Unoeste University, Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, in the period of October 1999 to April 2001 were analyzed. The most frequent species were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (65.3%) and Acinetobacter baumannii (23.5%). The frequency of the other isolated species was smaller than 2.5%. In the antimicrobial susceptibility tests, the two species more prevalent showed high resistance. The antibiotic most active in vitro was the imipenem, with 79.6% in microdiluition method, and 76.6% in diffusion method, for Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains and 100.0% in both microdiluition and diffusion methods, for Acinetobacter baumannii. The cephalosporins of third generation, the ciprofloxacin and the aminoglycosides, presented percentage of susceptibility varying from 22.4 to 69.7%. These results bring implications to the emergency use of the antimicrobial agents in the treatment of patients with severe infection.

O novo padrão de desenvolvimento agroindustrial e a atuação das cooperativas agropecuárias no Paraná

This article aims at discussing the transformations in the cooperativist rural sector in the state of Paraná since 1970. Considerable active agents in the process of modernization in the agriculture from Paraná, the cooperatives developed also an important role in the productive restructuralization in the State of Paraná, when they started the agroindustrial activities. The verticalization represented a big growth of the cooperatives that act in the rural area, but it also implied in a redirection of the cooperatives' strategies, that started acting in an extremely competitive market.

Surface electromyography of facial muscles during natural and artificial feeding of infants

Objective: To measure and compare the activity of the masseter, temporalis and buccinator muscles in different infant feeding methods. Method: Cross-sectional study of 60 full-term infants with no intercurrent diseases, aged between two and three months, classified into the following groups: 1) exclusive breastfeeding; 2) breastfeeding plus bottle-feeding; and 3) exclusive breastfeeding plus cup feeding. Surface electromyography was performed during infant feeding. The Krushal-Wallis test was used, complemented by multiple paired comparisons of the groups. A 5% significance level was chosen for the tests. Results: Statistically higher results were verified in the breastfeeding group in relation to the bottle-feeding one, both in the range of movement and the mean contraction of the masseter. With regard to the temporalis muscle, statistically higher results were found in the breastfeeding group comparatively to the bottle-feeding one. As to the buccinator muscle, statistically higher results were observed in the breastfeeding group in relation to the bottle-feeding one, although in this case, the difference concerned only the range of contraction. Conclusion: The similarities between the muscle activity in the breastfeeding and in the cup-feeding groups suggests that cup-feeding can be used as an alternative infant feeding method, being better than bottle-feeding, due to the hyperactivity of the buccinator muscle, which could result in changes to the structural growth and development of the stomatognathic system functions. Copyright © 2006 by Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria.

Influence of the facial pattern on ANB, AF-BF, and Wits appraisal.

AIM: To assess the correlation between Wits and AF-BF appraisals with the ANB angle, and verify the influence of the facial type on these appraisals. METHODS: Lateral cephalometric radiographs from 118 untreated individuals were separated into 3 groups according to the facial pattern (brachyfacial, mesofacial, and dolichofacial). The radiographs were digitized and submitted to ANB angle and Wits and AF-BF appraisals on computer software. All radiographs were retraced for intraobserver and interobserver error tests. RESULTS: The Student's t test demonstrated no statistically significant differences on the intraobserver's test (P > .05). There were statistically significant differences in the readings of Wits values of the 3 groups and for AF-BF values in the brachyfacial and mesofacial groups (P <.05). The multiple linear regression tests demonstrated high correlation between ANB and AF-BF for the 3 groups (r2, 0.768). The same result was found for ANB and Wits (r2, 0.624). CONCLUSION: Facial pattern does not have an influence on the correlation between ANB and AF-BF nor between ANB and Wits, but it does influence the measurements of ANB, AF-BF, and Wits.

Estimativa do padrão de preferência térmica de matrizes pesadas (frango de corte)

Female broiler breeder productivity is based on the principles of thermal comfort that are directly related with the microclimate inside the housing. This research had the objective of monitoring the behavior of female broiler breeders, using the technology of radio-frequency, injectable transponders and readers in different existing microclimates inside a small scale distorted housing model. Eight birds with electronic identification were used. Three readers were used, in three different points inside the model: on the floor of the nest, in the passage besides the lateral wall and below the water facility. Dry bulb (DBT), wet bulb (WBT) and black globe (BGT) temperature were measured continuously. The results point out a distinct behavioral pattern of the birds regarding the environment exposition during the experiment. Three probabilistic models of behavior were developed from the recorded data: probabilistic model for the passage use: FP = 1.10 - 0.244 ln(DBT), probabilistic model for the water facility use: FB = 0.398 + 0.00866(DBT), and probabilistic model for the nest use: FN = 2.22 - 0.272 DBT + 0,011 DBT 2 - 0.000144 DBT 3.

Acurácia do teste de escada utilizando o consumo máximo de oxigênio como padrão-ouro

Objective: To determine the accuracy of the variables related to the fixed-height stair-climbing test (SCT) using maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O 2 max) as the gold standard. Methods: The SCT was performed on a staircase consisting of 6 flights (72 steps; 12.16 m total height), with verbal encouragement, in 51 patients. Stair-climbing time was measured, the variables 'work' and 'power' also being calculated. The V̇O2 max was measured using ergospirometry according to the Balke protocol. We calculated the Pearson linear correlation (r), as well as the values of p, between the SCT variables and V̇O2 max. To determine accuracy, the V̇O 2 max cut-off point was set at 25 mL/kg/min, and individuals were classified as normal or altered. The cut-off points for the SCT variables were determined using the receiver operating characteristic curve. The Kappa statistic (k) was used in order to assess concordance. Results: The following values were obtained for the variable 'time': cut-off point = 40 s; mean = 41 ± 15.5 s; r = -0.707; p < 0.005; specificity = 89%; sensibility = 83%; accuracy = 86%; and k = 0.724. For 'power', the values obtained were as follows: cut-off point = 200 w; mean = 222.3 ± 95.2 w; r = 0.515; p < 0.005; specificity = 67%; sensibility= 75%; accuracy = 71%; and k = 0.414. Since the correlation between the variable 'work' and V̇O2 max was not significant, that variable was discarded. Conclusion: Of the SCT variables tested, using V̇O2 max as the gold standard, the variable 'time' was the most accurate.

Divine proportions and facial esthetics after manipulation of frontal photographs.

AIM: To investigate the relationship between divine proportion and facial esthetics in frontal photographs as well as whether any of the 4 ratios for manipulation provide more favorable facial esthetics. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The sample comprised 20 frontal photographs of Caucasian individuals (11 males and 9 females). The photographs were digitized and stored on a compact disk. A photometric analysis was created with 7 facial segments that were measured on Image Tool software and 4 ratios between 2 facial segments calculated using Microsoft Excel. This manipulation led to 5 different photographs of the same individual: one photograph with no manipulation and the others with 1 of the ratios manipulated in the Deformer 2.0 to very close or equal to 1.618. Thereafter, the 5 photographs of all individuals were evaluated by 12 examiners. The examiners selected those photographs that were esthetically more pleasant. CONCLUSION: After evaluation, a chi-square test revealed a relationship between divine proportion and facial esthetics. Among the ratios selected, R1 and R2 provided more favorable facial esthetics.

Atividades séricas da aspartato aminotransferase, creatina quinase e lactato desidrogenase de eqüinos submetidos ao teste padrão de exercício progressive em esteira

The aim of this study was to determine the serum activities of enzymes aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase in Arabian horses submitted to exercise on high-speed equine treadmill. Eleven mature Arabian horse were training and submitted to Standard Incremental Exercise Test on high-speed equine treadmill. Venous blood samples were taken before exercise, immediately and 30 min, 60min, 3h, 6h, 24h, 3 days and 5 days after exercise. The serum activity aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase were determined. The serum activies of AST, CK and LDH increase immediately and returned to baseline value 30 minutes after exercise. The AST enzyme activity increased at 12 hours and 24 hours, CK at 3 hours and 6 hours, and LDH at 24 hours after Standard Incremental Exercise Test.

Alterações dentoesqueléticas e do perfil facial em pacientes tratados ortodonticamente com extração de quatro primeiros pré-molares

Objective: the purpose of this prospective study was to cephalometrically analyze the dentoalveolar and soft tissue changes after the orthodontic treatment followed by the extraction of four premolars. Material and methods: the sample was comprised by 30 Class II division 1 patients with mean initial age of 12 years and 4 months. Two lateral cephalograms were obtained from each patient at the beginning and at the end of the treatment. The variables analyzed were the nasalabial changes and upper and lower incisors changes in relation to a vertical and horizontal x and y reference lines. Results: upper and lower incisors retraction was 3.4 and 1.8mm, respectively. The SNA angle was decresead by 1.7 degrees followed by a retraction of point A mainly due to the upper incisor retraction. There was a significant decrease of the Wits and ANB variables. There was an increase in the lower anterior facial height. Upper incisor retraction was followed by an increase in the nasolabial angle (ratio 1:2.8 degrees). However, a wide range of individual variability was found. Conclusions: the present study did not support the simple expectation that treatment with extractions of four premolars will result in a dished in face. It appeared that facial changes were more related to a normal facial growth, the amount of incisor retraction and the anchorage control during the upper and lower incisor.

Direct and indirect connections between cochlear root neurons and facial motor neurons: Pathways underlying the acoustic pinna reflex in the albino rat

Cochlear root neurons (CRNs) are involved in the acoustic startle reflex, which is widely used in behavioral models of sensorimotor integration. A short-latency component of this reflex, the auricular reflex, promotes pinna movements in response to unexpected loud sounds. However, the pathway involved in the auricular component of the startle reflex is not well understood. We hypothesized that the auricular reflex is mediated by direct and indirect inputs from CRNs to the motoneurons responsible for pinna movement, which are located in the medial subnucleus of the facial motor nucleus (Mot7). To assess whether there is a direct connection between CRNs and auricular motoneurons in the rat, two neuronal tracers were used in conjunction: biotinylated dextran amine, which was injected into the cochlear nerve root, and Fluoro-Gold, which was injected into the levator auris longus muscle. Under light microscopy, close appositions were observed between axon terminals of CRNs and auricular motoneurons. The presence of direct synaptic contact was confirmed at the ultrastructural level. To confirm the indirect connection, biotinylated dextran amine was injected into the auditory-responsive portion of the caudal pontine reticular nucleus, which receives direct input from CRNs. The results confirm that the caudal pontine reticular nucleus also targets the Mot7 and that its terminals are concentrated in the medial subnucleus. Therefore, it is likely that CRNs innervate auricular motoneurons both directly and indirectly, suggesting that these connections participate in the rapid auricular reflex that accompanies the acoustic startle reflex. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Orthognathic Surgery in the Young Cleft Patient: Preliminary Study on Subsequent Facial Growth

Purpose: This study evaluated the long-term effects of orthognathic surgery on subsequent growth of the maxillomandibular complex in the young cleft patient. Patients and Methods: We evaluated 12 young cleft patients (9 male and 3 female patients), with a mean age of 12 years 6 months (range, 9 years 8 months to 15 years 4 months), who underwent Le Fort I osteotomies, with maxillary advancement, expansion, and/or downgrafting, by use of autogenous bone or hydroxyapatite grafts, when indicated, for maxillary stabilization. Five patients had concomitant osteotomies of the mandibular ramus. All patients had presurgical and postsurgical orthodontic treatment to control the occlusion. Radiographs taken at initial evaluation (T1) and presurgery (T2) were compared to establish the facial growth vector before surgery, whereas radiographs taken immediately postsurgery (T3) and at longest follow-up (T4) were used to determine postsurgical growth. Each patient's lateral cephalograms were traced, and 16 landmarks were identified and used to compute 11 measurements describing presurgical and postsurgical growth. Results: Before surgery, all patients had relatively normal growth. After surgery, cephalograms showed statistically significant growth changes from T3 to T4, with the maxillary depth decreasing by -3.3° ± 1.8°, Sella-nasion-point A by -3.3° ± 1.8°, and point A-nasion-point B by -3.6° ± 2.8°. The angulation of the maxillary incisors increased by 9.2° ± 11.7°. Of 12 patients, 11 showed disproportionate postsurgical jaw growth. Maxillary growth occurred predominantly in a vertical vector with no anteroposterior growth, even though most patients had shown anteroposterior growth before surgery. The distance increased in the linear measurement from nasion to gnathion by 10.3 ± 7.9 mm. Four of 5 patients operated on during the mixed dentition phase had teeth that erupted through the cleft area. A variable impairment of postoperative growth was seen with the 2 types of grafting material used. No significant difference was noted in the effect on growth in patients with unilateral clefts versus those with bilateral clefts. The presence of a pharyngeal flap was noted to adversely affect growth, whereas simultaneous mandibular surgery did not. After surgery, 11 of 12 patients tended toward a Class III end-on occlusal relation. Conclusions: Orthognathic surgery may be performed on growing cleft patients when mandated by psychological and/or functional concerns. The surgeon must be cognizant of the adverse postsurgical growth outcomes when performing orthognathic surgery on growing cleft patients with the possibility for further surgery requirements. Performing maxillary osteotomies on cleft patients would be more predictable after completion of facial growth. © 2008 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.

La technique de l’arc segmenté. Contrôle de l’ancrage et modification significative du profil facial : une étude de cas

This article evaluates space closure mechanics efficiency in an extraction case where maximum anchorage was a requirement. The Segmented Arch Technique (SAT) was utilized as an anchorage control strategy to obtain maximum anterior retraction and, in consequence, significant facial profile change. A 20-year-10-month old woman needed severe labial and profile changes. The patient had four premolars extracted and SAT with type A mechanics [1] (Marcotte [2] activation protocol) was applied. The results showed significant reduction in labial protrusion and incisal angulation with effective anchorage control. The results were compared to others available in the literature derived from different techniques, where anterior retraction was also accomplished with maximum anchorage [3-7]. In conclusion, the SAT with type A mechanics has been shown to be another treatment option when significant changes in the soft-tissue profile are needed in extraction cases. © 2008. CEO. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.