Histology and morphometry of the testes of adult domestic cats (Felis catus)

Testicles of 30 mongrel cats were analyzed histologically and morphometrically, divided into three groups: G1 (1-2 years old), G2 (over 2 and up to 4 years old) and G3 (over 4 and up to 6 years old). After orchiectomy and histopathology, the morphometric parameters studied were: thickness of the tunica albuginea (72 mu m) and seminiferous epithelium (77.19 mu m), perimeter (53.81; 90.57 mu m), (54.80; 101.07 mu m); area (174.23; 494.55 mu m(2)), (176.68; 629.70 mu m(2)); maximum diameter (14.94; 28.02 mu m), (14.76; 31.66 mu m); minimum diameter (13.25; 21.92 mu m), (13.30; 24.52 mu m); and shape factor (index for regularity of the format) (1.36; 1.36), (1.39; 1.35) of the nucleus and cytoplasm of spermatogonia and Leydig cells, respectively. The results can be used for comparative studies and contribute knowledge concerning the height of the seminiferous epithelium, thickness of the tunica albuginea and size of spermatogonia and Leydig cells.

Murine alpha-2-macroglobulin increase during inflammatory responses and tumor growth

Objective and Design: To determine the alpha-2-macroglobulin (alpha2M) levels in mice during acute and chronic inflammatory responses. Materials and Methods: Inflammation was induced by one of the following stimuli: carrageenin, zymosan, lipopolysacharide, thioglycollate, bacilli Calmette Guerin, PPD (in pre-immunized and non-immunized animals) and tumor cells. The concentration of alpha2M was determined in plasma or peritoneal liquid by electroimmunoassay. Results: In all the treatments employed, the plasma levels of alpha2M were higher than in untreated animals. This increase varied from 9%, 24 h after injection up a maximum of 66% 72 h post-injection. When compared to animals injected only with saline, the increases were significant 48 h after treatment with either zymosan or LPS, and 72 h after treatment with either thioglycollate or carrageenin. Treatment with BCG triggers an increase in alpha2M levels after 24 h (18.60%) and 48 h (27.90%). Immunized mice presented higher levels of this protein than non-immunized animals after challenge with PPD. The growth of Ehrlich tumor cells in the peritoneal cavity was directly correlated with the local levels of alpha2M which increased 3.5 fold, 10 days after injection. Conclusions: These results strongly indicate that in mice, the concentration of alpha2M can increase during acute and chronic inflammatory reactions with kinetics dependent on the particular kind of inflammatory agent.

Articaine and mepivacaine efficacy in postoperative analgesia for lower third molar removal: a double-blind, randomized, crossover study

Objective: Comparison of the clinical efficacy of 4% articaine in relation to 2% mepivacaine, both with 1:100,000 epinephrine, in the prevention of postoperative pain after lower third molar removal. Study design: Twenty patients underwent removal of bilateral lower third molars under local anesthesia (articaine or mepivacaine) in 2 separate appointments, in a double-blind, randomized, and crossed manner. Objective and subjective parameters were recorded for paired comparison of postoperative courses. Results: Duration of analgesia provided by articaine and mepivacaine was 198.00 ± 25.86, and 125.40 ± 13.96 min, respectively (P = .02), whereas the duration of anesthesia was 273.80 ± 15.94 and 216.85 ± 20.15 min, respectively (P = .06). Both solutions exerted no important effects upon arterial pressure, heart rate, or oxygen saturation (P > .05). Conclusions: Articaine provides a longer period of analgesic effect and a tendency for a longer period of anesthesia as compared to mepivacaine. The presence of a vasoconstrictor agent in local anesthetic solutions does not seem to influence hemodynamic parameters during lower third molar removal in healthy subjects. © 2006 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Estudo morfológico e histológico dos ovos de seis espécies do gênero Triatoma (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)

The objective of this study was to analyze the morphological and histological characteristics of eggs from six triatomine species in order to obtain a generic and specific characterization of this group of Trypanosoma cruzi vectors and better understand their phylogenetic and taxonomic aspects. The eggs of the respective species came from the collection of the Laboratório de Triatomíneos e Culicídeos da Faculdade de Saúde Pública/USP, from the Insetário do Serviço Especial de Saúde de Araraquara - SESA and from the Triatomine insectary of the Laboratório Nacional e Internacional de Referência em Taxonomia de Triatomíneos (FIOCRUZ), in Rio de Janeiro. Morphological studies were done with optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Histological analyses used only optical microscopy. All of the species analyzed showed a predominance of hexagonal cells. The exchorion of Triatoma breyeri Del Ponte, T. costalimai Verano & Galvão, and T. tibiamaculata (Pinto) consists of unornamented cells, overlapping or slightly separated, with a smooth, padded appearance. Meanwhile, in T. matogrossensis Leite & Barbosa, T. sherlocki Papa, Juberg, Carcavallo, Cerqueira & Barata, and T. williami Galvão, Souza & Lima, the exchorion cells are ornamented on their entire surface with perforations and fissures. Egg histology showed undulations, pores, and orifices. The study helps to expand the generic and specific knowledge of the Triatominae subfamily. The characteristics identified in the exchorion of the eggshells can help separate close species. These new parameters will back the elaboration of future dichotomous keys, help to determine each vector species' role and expand knowledge of the various species.

Pattern of silver nitrate-staining during meiosis and spermiogenesis in testicular lobes of Antiteuchus tripterus (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae)

The pattern of silver nitrate (Ag)-staining differed among testicular lobes of Antiteuchus tripterus. In general, these differences are in regard to the number, size, shape, coloring intensity, and location of the stained bodies or masses, observed during meiosis and spermiogenesis. These characteristics were similar in lobes 1-3. Lobes 4-6, however, differed from each other and from lobes 1-3 as well. Because the Ag-staining method is specific for nucleolar organizing regions and nucleolar material, the observations in meiosis of lobes 1-3 suggested the presence of a single pair of nucleolar organizing region-bearing chromosomes in A. tripterus, as previously found in other Pentatomidae species. In general, the amount of Ag-stained material seen in meiosis of the testicular lobes 1-3 of A. tripterus is smaller than in the other lobes. The differences among lobes observed during spermiogenesis included a striking variation in morphology of the Ag-stained material found in the head and tail of the spermatids. Given that the key role of the nucleolar material is to participate in protein synthesis, interlobular variations seem to be related to the different functions attributed to each lobe (reproduction to lobes 1-3 and basically nutrition to lobes 4-6). To our knowledge, this is the first time that the nucleolar material was studied in each testicular lobe during spermatogenesis. The present observations encourage further studies since, in addition to being of basic biological interest, several Pentatomidae species are agricultural pests and added knowledge of their biology, mainly in reproduction, may be important for the development of control strategies. ©FUNPEC-RP.

Concurrence between the maxillary midline and bisector to the interpupillary line

Purpose: Symmetry is one of the factors that contributes to facial harmony, and in oral rehabilitation it determines the success of esthetic treatment. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to analyze the axial symmetry between the bipupillar midline and maxillary central incisors midline of 102 dental students (both genders) distributed across five Brazilian dental schools. Materials and Methods: Students with no teeth missing and who had never been subjected to any dental treatment were selected. Photographs were taken with a Dental Eye III camera with a 100-mm macro objective and ratio of 1 : 10 from natural size, recorded on an Ektachrome ASA/ISO 100 film. The images were developed and applied to Microsoft Office Power Point 2007 software. The results were analyzed by analysis of variance and Student's t-test (= 0.05). Results: There was no significant correlation between bipupillar midline and the maxillary dental midline, irrespective of gender. Conclusion: No significant coincidence was observed between the interpupillary and dental midline. However, the interpupillar distance and its relationship with other anatomic structures may be used as a reference in treatment, but measurements must be assessed individually. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Anatomic measurements and facial proportions can be helpful during the planning of esthetic oral rehabilitation. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The Latin American Pacific Basin initiative and the Asia-Pacific region

Includes bibliography

Opportunities for trade and investment between Latin America and Asia-Pacific: the link with APEC

Includes bibliography

Intellectual property rights and sustainable development: a survey of major issues

Includes bibliography

Strategies for measuring the knowledge economy in the Caribbean

Includes bibliography

Atuação fisioterapêutica na lesão medular em unidade de terapia intensiva: Atualização de literatura

Objective. Collate and update knowledge in relation to physical therapy in spinal cord injury (SCI) in the intensive care unit (ICU). Method. We performed a literature update in the databases Lilacs, PubMed and Scielo, crossing the descriptors spinal cord injury, cinesiotherapy, physiotherapy, mobilization, rehabilitation, intensive care unit, respiratory therapy and electrotherapy in the period of 2005 to 2010. Results. We found 21 studies, however, only five articles met the inclusion criteria. Kinesiotherapy is essential since the phase of spinal shock, since it favors the maintenance of joint range of motion and flexibility, and to prevent circulatory complications caused/ resulted from prolonged immobilization in bed. Respiratory therapy promotes bronchial hygiene, correction of abnormal respiratory patterns and respiratory diseases. The electrotherapy is a feature still little used by physiotherapists in the intensive care units. Conclusions. The physical therapy in SCI in ICU is focused on motor rehabilitation through kinesiotherapy and intervention through the respiratory bronchial hygiene and training of respiratory muscles. New treatment modalities such as electrotherapy, there have been in intensive environment, there is a need for more studies to confirm benefits and risks of this feature in the spinal cord.

Knowledge-based risk management: Survey on Brazilian software development enterprises

A risks management, carried on in an effective way, leads the software development to success and may influence on the organization. The knowledge takes part of such a process as a way to help taking decisions. This research aimed to analyze the use of Knowledge Management techniques to the Risk Management in software projects development and the possible influence on the enterprise revenue. It had, as its main studying subject, Brazilian incubated and graduated software developing enterprises. The chosen research method was the Survey type. Multivariate statistical methods were used for the treatment and analysis of the obtained results, this way identifying the most significant factors, that is, enterprise's achievement constraining factors and those outcome achievement ones. Among the latter we highlight the knowledge methodology, the time of existence of the enterprise, the amount of employees and the knowledge externalization. The results encourage contributing actions to the increasing of financial revenue. © 2013 Springer-Verlag.

From widespread to microendemic: Molecular and acoustic analyses show that Ischnocnema guentheri (Amphibia: Brachycephalidae) is endemic to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Many species of tropical amphibians are restricted to very small ranges, and this microendemism coupled with ongoing habitat loss and susceptibility to emerging pathogens imperils the long-term persistence of these species. Incomplete taxonomic and distributional knowledge may obscure conservation assessment, particularly in putatively widespread species that are typically considered to be of Least Concern in Red List assessments, but that in fact may constitute complexes of partly microendemic species. Such is the case in the Steindachner's Robber Frog, Ischnocnema guentheri which, together with the recently recognized Ischnocnema henselii, is thought to occupy most of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. To test whether these taxa may constitute a species complex of range-restricted and thus potentially threatened species, we analyzed 160 samples of I. guentheri and/or I. henselii for two molecular markers, 16S rRNA (16S) and recombination activation gene 1 (RAG1). To verify the monophyly of the complex, closely related species were also included in the 16S analysis. Congruent evidence from the molecular data and from analyses of advertisement calls support the existence of six distinct species within the complex: I. guentheri and I. henselii as well as four candidate new species. The lineages are distributed as a mosaic in the Atlantic Forest and are sympatric at some localities without indication of admixture. Their phylogeographical pattern partially agrees with paleo-models for the Atlantic Forest, but also suggests the existence of micro-refugia in less stable areas. I. guentheri, previously considered to be widespread, was found only in its type locality, a reserve within the urban area of Rio de Janeiro city. Although none of the species studied appears highly threatened with extinction, we recommend their IUCN threat status to be re-evaluated carefully for the next comprehensive update of the Red List of Brazil's amphibians. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht.

Assessing the impact of menopause on salivary flow and xerostomia

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the symptoms of dry mouth and salivary flow in menarche and menopausal women. Methods: Objective and subjective assessment of salivary function were analysed by Xerostomia Inventory and Visual Analogue Scale questionnaire in menopausal and menarche women (control group). Salivary flow was evaluated by a chemical absorption stimulation test. Each subject provided three saliva samples: S1, non-stimulated saliva; S2, saliva initially stimulated with two drops of citric acid 2.5%; and S3, saliva super-stimulated with two drops of citric acid 2.5% every 30 seconds for two minutes. Results: No intergroup association was observed between Xerostomia Inventory and Visual Analogue Scale questionnaire. In both groups, the salivary flow was greatest at S3, followed by S2 and finally S1. Salivary flow was lower in the menopausal group compared to the control group only in S2 and S3. Conclusions: In the menopausal group, the salivary flow showed reduction but without clinical symptoms of dry mouth. It is important to normalize salivary flow to prevent oral abnormalities and maintain oral health. © 2013 Australian Dental Association.

Desmame precoce: Falta de conhecimento ou de acompanhamento?

Objective: To assess the knowledge of women and the instructions received on breastfeeding during pregnancy and after childbirth, and their influence on breastfeeding practice. Method: This study was a longitudinal investigation following 84 pairs of mothers and babies from pregnancy through the sixth month of baby's life. In the first phase of the research, interviews were made with the pregnant women at home and at Basic Health Units to collect information about their intentions and knowledge of breastfeeding. In the second phase of the research, mothers and babies were followed up from the first to sixth month of baby's life to record the difficulties of breastfeeding and reasons for weaning. Results: In the first month, 94.3% (82) of the babies were breastfed, but only 49.4% (43) were breastfed exclusively. At the end of the sixth month of life, 43.7% (38) of the babies had already been weaned. No mother breastfed exclusively her baby within the sixth month. During pregnancy, 60.7% (51) of the mothers had no instructions about breastfeeding and 83.4% (70) of the mothers received instructions on breastfeeding after childbirth. Most mothers (76.2%) knew about the ideal breastfeeding period. Seventy-three (86.9%) mothers believed that breastfeeding was beneficial for the baby, but only 41 (48.8%) of them really breastfed. Only 11 (13.1%) mothers were followed up by the public health system team during lactation. Conclusion: Although most women had been instructed during pregnancy or after childbirth and had knowledge of breastfeeding, early weaning occurred. Advising is important, but the support and follow up of the mothers are of utmost importance for a successful breastfeeding practice.