EFFECT OF DIFFERENT ROOTSTOCKS ON GROWTH, CHLOROPHYLL A FLUORESCENCE AND MINERAL COMPOSITION OF TWO GRAFTED SCIONS OF TOMATO

Two tomato scions (cvs. 'Raf' and 'Gorety') were grafted on three different rootstocks: S. torvum, 'Beaufort' (Lycopersicum esculentum × Lycopersicum hirsutum) and intermediate grafting of eggplant 'Cristal' between tomato and S. torvum (double graft). Plants were grown in Mediterranean greenhouse conditions. The response to grafting was measured through growth parameters, Fv/Fm and leaf macronutrients analysis, and it was compared with non-grafted plants. The scions grafted on S. torvum in simple and double graft showed lower fresh and dry weight of leaves, number of commercial fruits, plant height, Fv/Fm and decreased their capacity to absorb several nutrients resulting in a lower mineral concentration in scions leaves, as a result of a thickened graft union. On the other hand, both scions showed a good response when grafted on the rootstock 'Beaufort', with which growth parameters, yield and photosynthetic capacity were similar to non-grafted plants. © 2013 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.

Vascular pericranial graft: A viable resource for frontal sinus obliteration

Inappropriate treatments of frontal sinus fractures may lead to serious complications, such as mucopyocele, meningitis, and brain abscess. Assessment of nasofrontal duct injury is crucial, and nasofrontal duct injury requires sinus obliteration, which is often accomplished by autologous grafts such as fat, muscle, or bone. These avascular grafts have an increased risk of resorption and infection, as well as donor site morbidity. For these reasons, pericranial flap, which is vascular, should be used for frontal sinus obliteration. The pericranial flap presented with less morbidity procedure and has decreased infection rates, which justifies its use in frontal sinus obliteration. This paper aims to report a case of a comminuted frontal sinus fracture in a 29-year-old man who was successfully treated by frontal sinus obliteration, using pericranial local flap. The patient was followed up postoperatively for 16 months without infection. Copyright © 2013 by Mutaz B. Habal, MD.

New circumstances, fresh challenges

Discurso pronunciado por el Secretario Ejecutivo de la CEPAL al inaugurar las sesiones a nivel ministerial el día 9 de mayo.

Root coverage stability of the subepithelial connective tissue graft and guided tissue regeneration: A 30-month follow-up clinical trial

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the long-term clinical effects produced by subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) and guided tissue regeneration combined with demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft (GTR-DFDBA) in the treatment of gingival recessions in a 30-month follow-up clinical trial. Methods: Twenty-four defects were treated in 12 patients who presented canine or pre-molar Miller class I and/or II bilateral gingival recessions. GTR-DFDBA and SCTG treatments were performed in a randomized selection in a split-mouth design. The clinical measurements included root coverage (RC), gingival recession (GR), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL) and keratinized tissue width (KTW). These clinical parameters were evaluated at baseline and after 6, 18 and 30 months post-surgery. Results: The changes in RC, GR, PD and CAL did not show significant differences between groups (p > 0.05). Both procedures promoted similar RC (GTR-DFDBA: 87% and SCTG: 95.5%) and similar reduction in GR (GTR-DFDBA: 3.25 mm and SCTG: 3.9 mm), PD (GTR-DFDBA: 1.6 mm and SCTG: 1.2 mm) and CAL (GTR-DFDBA: 4.9 mm and SCTG: 5.0 mm). The increase in KTW was significantly higher (p = 0.02) in the SCTG group (3.5 mm) than in the GTR-DFDBA group (2.4 mm). Conclusions: Both techniques for treatment of gingival recession (SCTG and GTR-DFDBA) lead to favourable and long-term stable results, but SCTG promoted a more favourable increase in keratinized tissue. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of Sperm Kinetics and Plasma Membrane Integrity of Frozen Equine Semen in Different Storage Volumes and Freezing Conditions

In the present study, different freezing systems (Styrofoam box and Mini Digitcool ZH 400) and storage volumes (0.5- and 0.25-mL straws) were compared with regard to sperm kinetics and plasma membrane integrity of frozen and thawed semen. For that, three ejaculates from four animals were frozen in Styrofoam box and Mini Digitcool ZH 400 machine. The 0.5-mL straws were thawed at 46°C for 20 seconds, and the 0.25-mL straws were thawed at 46°C for 12 seconds. Statistical analysis was performed using program R of descriptive analysis box plot, followed by analysis of variance using PROC MIXED of SAS 9.1 package. Variances of 5% were considered as different. There was no interaction between the straw sizes and volumes; however, statistical differences were observed between the semen storage volumes. The 0.5-mL straws had higher total motility (%), progressive motility (%), average path velocity (μm/s), straight-line velocity (μm/s), curvilinear velocity (μm/s), and rapid sperm percentage (%) than the 0.25-mL straws. However, plasma membrane integrity analysis did not differ between the two straws. Thus, it is possible to conclude that equine sperm cryopreserved in 0.5-mL straws has better sperm kinetics than when stored in 0.25-mL straws. Additionally, it is possible to conclude that automated systems that enable faster freezing rates result in a seminal quality that is similar to the one obtained by the conventional system using Styrofoam boxes. © 2013 Elsevier Inc.

Planning for a fresh social and economic dynamic

Includes bibliography

Vitrification of immature feline oocytes with a commercial kit for bovine embryo vitrification

The aim of this study was to evaluate the suitability of a commercial kit for bovine embryo vitrification for cryopreserving cat oocytes and to evaluate comparatively the effects of its use with slow freezing procedure on cryotolerance in terms of morphology and oocyte resumption of meiosis. Germinal vesicle stage oocytes isolated from cat ovaries were either vitrified (n=72) using a vitrification kit for bovine embryo or slow frozen (n=69) by exposing oocyte to ethylene glycol solution before being transferred to a programmable embryo freezer. After thawing and warming, oocytes were cultured for 48h and then were examined for meiosis resumption using bisbenzimide fluorescent staining (Hoechst 33342). Fresh immature oocytes (n=92) were used as the control group. The proportion of oocytes recovered in a morphologically normal state after thawing/warming was significantly higher in frozen oocytes (94.5%) than in the vitrified ones (75%, p<0.01). Morphological integrity after culture was similar in vitrified (73.6%) and slow frozen oocytes (76.8%); however, only 37.5% of the morphologically normal oocytes resumed meiosis after vitrification compared to 60.9% of those submitted to slow freezing procedure (p<0.01). Fresh oocytes showed higher morphological integrity (91.3%) and meiosis resumption rates (82.6%, p<0.002) than cryopreserved oocytes, irrespective of the procedure used. These results suggest that immature cat oocytes vitrified with a kit for bovine embryos retain their capacity to resume meiosis after warming and culture, albeit at lower rates than slow frozen oocytes. Vitrification and slow freezing methods show similar proportions of oocytes with normal morphology after culture, which demonstrate that thawed and warmed oocytes that resist to cryodamage have the same chances to maintain their integrity after 48h of culture. © 2012 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Changes during chilled storage of whole tilapia and short-term frozen storage of tilapia fillets

This study evaluated the physicochemical changes in Nile tilapia (n = 82, 373.71 ± 61.91 g) refrigerated for up to 92 h and in the frozen fillets. The tilapias were captured with nets, slaughtered by ice and water shock (1:1) in a temperature of approximately 2°C for 30 min, and stored refrigerated at 4°C in polystyrene boxes containing ice. The fish were filleted, and filets were weighed and frozen. The drip loss and protein were determined after 23 days of frozen storage. After 4 h of storage, all fish were in full rigor mortis. The pH of the muscles decreased for up to 45 h of the storage period. The fillets obtained from tilapia stored for more than 72 h lost more weight and protein. Thus, the filleting or processing of tilapia should be done before 72 h of cold storage, since deterioration of the fish starts to occur after this period. Copyright © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Evaluation of the presence of VEGF, BMP2 and CBFA1 proteins in autogenous bone graft: Histometric and immunohistochemical analysis

Aims: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the expression of proteins that participate in the osteoinduction stage (VEGF, BMP2 and CBFA1) of the process of bone regeneration of defects created in rat calvariae and filled with autogenous bone block grafts. Materials and methods: 10 adult male rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus, Wistar) were used, who received two bone defects measuring 5 mm each in the calvariae. The bone defects constituted two experimental groups (n = 10): Control Group (CONT) (defects filled with a coagulum); Graft Group (GR) (defects filled with autogenous bone removed from the contralateral defect). The animals were submitted to euthanasia at 7 and 30 days post-operatively. Results: Quantitative analysis demonstrated significantly greater bone formation in Group GR, but the presence of the studied proteins was significantly greater in the CONT Group in both time intervals of observation. Conclusion: It was not possible in this study in cortical bone block groups to detect the osteoinductive proteins in a significant amount during the repair process. © 2013 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery.

Management of pure medial orbital wall fracture with autogenous bone graft

The orbit is an irregular conical cavity formed from 7 bones including the frontal, sphenoid, zygomatic, maxillary, ethmoid, lacrimal, and palatine bones. Fractures of the internal orbit can cause a number of problems, including diplopia, ocular muscle entrapment, and enophthalmos. Although muscle entrapment is relatively rare, diplopia and enophthalmos are relatively common sequelae of internal orbital fractures. Medial orbital wall fracture is relatively uncommon and represents a challenge for its anatomical reconstruction. In this context, autogenous bone graft has been the criterion standard to provide framework for facial skeleton and orbital walls. Therefore, it is possible to harvest grafts of varying size and contour, and the operation is performed through the bicoronal incision, which is the usual approach to major orbital reconstruction. Thus, this article aimed to describe a patient with a pure medial orbital wall fracture, and it was causing diplopia and enophthalmos. The orbital fracture was treated using autogenous bone graft from calvarial bone. The authors show a follow-up of 12 months, with facial symmetry and without diplopia and enophthalmos. In addition, a computed tomography scan shows excellent bone healing at the anterior and posterior parts of the medial orbital wall reconstruction. Copyright © 2013 by Mutaz B. Habal, MD.

Randomized controlled clinical trial evaluating connective tissue graft plus resin-modified glass ionomer restoration for the treatment of gingival recession associated with non-carious cervical lesion: 2-year follow-up

Background: The aim of this clinical study is to evaluate the 2-year term results of gingival recession (GR) associated with non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) treated by connective tissue graft (CTG) alone or in combination with a resin-modified glass ionomer restoration (CTG+R). Methods: Thirty-six patients with Miller Class I buccal GR associated with NCCLs completed the follow-up. The defects were randomly assigned to receive either CTG or CTG+R. Bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), relative GR, clinical attachment level (CAL), and cervical lesion height coverage were measured at baseline, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after treatment. Results: Both groups showed statistically significant gains in CAL and soft-tissue coverage. The differences between groups were not statistically significant in BOP, PD, relative GR, or CAL after 2 years. Cervical lesion height coverage was 79.31% ± 18.51% for CTG and 71.95% ± 13.25% for CTG+R (P >0.05). Estimated root coverage was 91.56% ± 11.74% for CTG and 93.29% ± 7.97% for CTG+R (P ≥0.05). Conclusions: Within the limits of the present study, it can be concluded that both procedures provide comparable soft tissue coverage after 2 years of follow-up.

Cryoprotective effect of different glycerol concentrations on domestic cat spermatozoa

Cryopreservation of spermatozoa is a pivotal tool in assisted reproduction, and studies aiming to establish optimal freezing/thawing protocols are essential to enhance sperm survival. The objectives of the present study were to (1) compare the cryoprotective efficiency of three different glycerol concentrations (3%, 5%, and 7%) on the basis of post-thaw sperm quality and (2) investigate whether the incidence of morphologically abnormal sperm in fresh samples is related to cryodamage sensitivity. Semen was collected from six tomcats using an artificial vagina (total 18 ejaculates). Each ejaculate was diluted using Tris-egg yolk-based extender (TEY), evaluated, equally divided into three aliquots, and rediluted using TEY with and without glycerol to achieve final concentrations of 3%, 5%, and 7%. Samples were loaded into 0.25 mL straws, equilibrated for 60 minutes at 5 °C, frozen, and then thawed at 46 °C for 12 seconds. Fresh and frozen-thawed samples were evaluated for sperm motion parameters (computer-assisted sperm analysis), plasma membrane integrity (PMI; propidium iodide and carboxyfluorescein diacetate), and DNA integrity (acridine orange). Plasma and acrosomal membrane integrity were assessed by flow cytometry (propidium iodide and fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated pea (Pisum sativum) agglutinin) immediately after thawing. Sperm motion parameters were also evaluated at 30 and 60 minutes of postincubation. For all treatment groups, cryopreservation significantly impaired the PMI and sperm motion parameters, except for straightness and amplitude of lateral head displacement. DNA integrity showed a slight reduction (P < 0.05) when 3% glycerol was used. The percentage of total motility, progressive motility, and rapid spermatozoa were significantly lower immediately after thawing and up to 60 minutes of incubation for the 3% glycerol group when compared with 5% and 7%. No difference (P > 0.05) was found for PMI, acrosome integrity, and DNA integrity among post-thaw groups. However, higher (P < 0.05) incidence of viable cells with reacted acrosome and dead cells with intact acrosome were observed with 7% and 3% glycerol, respectively. Percentage of morphologically abnormal spermatozoa in fresh sample was positively correlated with PMI only in the 3% glycerol group and negatively correlated with sperm motility in the 5% and 7% groups. In conclusion, the final concentration of 5% glycerol offered better cryoprotective effect for ejaculated cat sperm, and the relationship found between prefreezing sperm morphology and post-thaw sperm quality showed to be dependent on final glycerol concentration. © 2013 Elsevier Inc.

Avaliação de caracteristicas físico-químicas e bioquímicas do pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.) em suas diversas formas de armazenamento

Pós-graduação em Biotecnologia - IQ

Estudo da vida-de-prateleira do suco de laranja concentrado e congelado

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Trade patterns and policies of CDCC countries in rice, legumes, ground provisions, fresh vegetables and citrus products and identification of areas for joint action

Includes bibliography