Boas práticas de laboratório e biossegurança: prevenção dos riscos ergonômicos

El control de los riesgos ergonómicos es parte del paquete de medidas de Buenas Prácticas de Laboratorio y Bioseguridad. De este modo, la mala postura, la iluminación o ventilación inadecuadas , prolongada jornada de trabajo, la monotonía y la actividad repetitiva, intensa rutina, el control de la productividad , el estrés y el trabajo por la noche son factores a los riesgos ergonómicos. Como se relacionan a los elementos físicos y de organización también pueden interferir con la comodidad y la salud del personal de laboratorio. Riesgos ergonómicos no sólo pueden generar trastornos psicológicos y fisiológicos que causan graves daños a la salud, sino también comprometer la productividad del laboratorio y reducir el equipo de seguridad , ya que producen cambios en el cuerpo y el estado emocional, tales como trastornos o lesiones relacionadas con el cansancio físico producido por el trabajo repetitivo, dolor muscular, alteraciones del sueño, diabetes, trastornos de los nervios , la taquicardia , las enfermedades del aparato digestivo (gastritis y úlcera ), tensión, ansiedad, problemas de espalda y la hipertensión. En este trabajo se propone una secuencia de actividad laboral (gimnasia) en el intervalo de tiempo pequeño, respetando las instalaciones y el espacio físico disponible en el ambiente del trabajo, como una estrategia para mejorar la calidad de vida laboral, para aumentar la productividad, mejorar la disposición a trabajar y para aumentar el conocimiento del cuerpo y de la interacción social.

Mensurações do bulbo ocular e cálculo do poder dióptrico da lente intraocular em miniporcos brasileiros

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Parâmetros oftálmicos em cachorro-do-mato (Cerdocyon thous, Linnaeus, 1766)

Pós-graduação em Cirurgia Veterinária - FCAV

Implante de queratinócitos autólogos em úlceras de membros inferiores de pacientes com seqüelas de hanseníase

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Uso de plasma rico em plaquetas em úlceras de córnea em cães

This study aims to clinically and macroscopically evaluate the adjuvant therapy with platelet-rich plasma in the form of eyedrops or clot, for corneal ulcers in dogs treated at the Veterinary Ophthalmology Service. We analyzed 20 eyes diagnosed with ulcerative keratitis, divided into two experimental groups. The eyedrop group (GC) was composed of eyes treated topically with eyedrops of autologous plateletrich plasma (PRP), and the clot group (GT) was composed of eyes treated with a platelet-rich clot and covered with a third eyelid for retention of the clot. The groups were evaluated by clinical and macroscopic analysis and by the analysis of epithelial defect reduction, at different times, at three, five, ten, 15 and 30 days, except for the third day in GT. The coverage of the third eyelid was removed on the fifth day. In both groups the inflammation signs reduced, there was an improvement in ocular sensibility and proper repair of epithelial defect. All GT eyes and 70% GC eyes showed complete healing on the fifth day, the remainder of GC completed healing on the tenth day. PRP in the form of eyedrops and clot is an excellent adjuvant therapy to be instituted in the clinical treatment for corneal ulcer in dogs, because it decreases the inflammatory signs and the ocular pain and it potentially assists in healing epithelial defects.

Antiulcerogenic activity of the aqueous fraction of Anacardium humile St. Hil (Anacardiaceae)

Anacardium humile St. Hil. is being used in traditional medicine to treat ulcer. The present work evaluated the mechanisms of action involved in the anti-ulcer properties of the aqueous fraction from leaves of A. humile (AHQ). Gastroprotection of A. humile was evaluated in ethanol and piroxicam models. Mechanisms of action such as mucus production, nitric oxide (NO), sulfhydryl compounds (SH) and the anti-secretory action were evaluated. The acetic acid-induced gastric ulcer model was used to evaluate the A. humile healing properties. Results obtained in the ethanol model showed that AHQ provided significant gastroprotection at all the tested doses (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg). Thereby, the following protocols were performed using the dose capable of producing the most effective gastroprotection, which was the AHQ 200 mg/kg (P < 0.001). Moreover, AHQ (200 mg/kg) protected the mucosa from piroxicam-induced damage. Mucus, NO, and SH did not participate on this gastroprotection. AHQ interfere in H+ secretion in gastric mucosa, thus exerting an anti-secretory activity. Our results suggest that the gastroprotection and cicatrisation process executed by AHQ occurred due to its anti-secretory activity. This study reinforces its traditional medicinal use. Considering that the current therapies are based on the use of anti-secretory agents, the A. humile arises as a promising alternative antiulcer therapy.

O papel da angiogênese e da hemólise na úlcera de perna de pessoas com anemia falciforme

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Human immature dental pulp stem cells share key characteristic features with limbal stem cells

Objectives: Limbal stem cells (LSC) are self-renewing, highly proliferative cells in vitro, which express a set of specific markers and in vivo have the capacity to reconstruct the entire corneal epithelium in cases of ocular surface injury. Currently, LSC transplantation is a commonly used procedure in patients with either uni- or bilateral total limbal stem cells deficiency (TLSCD). Although LSC transplantation holds great promise for patients, several problems need to be overcome. In order to find an alternative source of cells that can partially substitute LSC in cornea epithelium reconstruction, we aimed at investigating whether human immature dental pulp stem cells (hIDPSC) would present similar key characteristics as LSC and whether they could be used for corneal surface reconstruction in a rabbit TLSCD model. Materials: We used hIDPSC, which co-express mesenchymal and embryonic stem cell markers and present the capacity to differentiate into derivative cells of the three germinal layers. TLSCD was induced by chemical burn in one eye of rabbits. After 30 days, the opaque tissue formed was removed by superficial keratectomy. Experimental group received undifferentiated hIDPSC, while control group only received amniotic membrane (AM). Both groups were sacrificed after 3 months. Results and conclusions: We have demonstrated, using immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, that hIDPSCs express markers in common with LSC, such as ABCG2, integrin beta 1, vimentin, p63, connexin 43 and cytokeratins 3/12. They were also capable of reconstructing the eye surface after induction of unilateral TLSCD in rabbits, as shown by morphological and immunohistochemical analysis using human-specific antibodies against limbal and corneal epithelium. Our data suggest that hIDPSCs share similar characteristics with LSC and might be used as a potential alternative source of cells for corneal reconstruction.

The incidence of pressure ulcers after the implementation of a prevention protocol

Even in the present, pressure ulcers still represent a severe health problem, particularly in Intensive Care Units (ICU). This study assesses the implementation of a protocol to prevent pressure ulcers in ICU inpatients. This prospective, descriptive and exploratory study verifies the incidence of pressure ulcers following the implementation of a prevention protocol. Data were collected from April 17th to July 15th 2009. The incidence observed in this study (23.1%) was below that reported in a similar study developed in the same institution (41.02%) before the implementation of the protocols to assess risk and prevent pressure ulcers. The prevention protocols are essential tools that have an impact on controlling the incidence of pressure ulcers, when used consistently.

The Endothelial Sample Size Analysis in Corneal Specular Microscopy Clinical Examinations

Purpose: To evaluate endothelial cell sample size and statistical error in corneal specular microscopy (CSM) examinations. Methods: One hundred twenty examinations were conducted with 4 types of corneal specular microscopes: 30 with each BioOptics, CSO, Konan, and Topcon corneal specular microscopes. All endothelial image data were analyzed by respective instrument software and also by the Cells Analyzer software with a method developed in our lab(US Patent). A reliability degree (RD) of 95% and a relative error (RE) of 0.05 were used as cut-off values to analyze images of the counted endothelial cells called samples. The sample size mean was the number of cells evaluated on the images obtained with each device. Only examinations with RE<0.05 were considered statistically correct and suitable for comparisons with future examinations. The Cells Analyzer software was used to calculate the RE and customized sample size for all examinations. Results: Bio-Optics: sample size, 97 +/- 22 cells; RE, 6.52 +/- 0.86; only 10% of the examinations had sufficient endothelial cell quantity (RE<0.05); customized sample size, 162 +/- 34 cells. CSO: sample size, 110 +/- 20 cells; RE, 5.98 +/- 0.98; only 16.6% of the examinations had sufficient endothelial cell quantity (RE<0.05); customized sample size, 157 +/- 45 cells. Konan: sample size, 80 +/- 27 cells; RE, 10.6 +/- 3.67; none of the examinations had sufficient endothelial cell quantity (RE>0.05); customized sample size, 336 +/- 131 cells. Topcon: sample size, 87 +/- 17 cells; RE, 10.1 +/- 2.52; none of the examinations had sufficient endothelial cell quantity (RE>0.05); customized sample size, 382 +/- 159 cells. Conclusions: A very high number of CSM examinations had sample errors based on Cells Analyzer software. The endothelial sample size (examinations) needs to include more cells to be reliable and reproducible. The Cells Analyzer tutorial routine will be useful for CSM examination reliability and reproducibility.

Endovascular Treatment for Acute Aortic Syndrome

Background: The term "acute aortic syndrome" (AAS) includes conditions of high mortality, such as ruptured aneurysm, pseudoaneurysm and, aortic dissection. Open surgery for these cases has demonstrated unsatisfactory results, and endovascular treatment has become an excellent alternative. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of patients with AAS who underwent endovascular treatment in our emergency department from July 2009 to February 2011. They represent 64% (16 of 25) of all patients with AAS seen during this period. Results: Sixteen patients underwent endovascular treatment: eight ruptured aneurysms, six aortic dissections, one nonruptured painful aneurysm, and one pseudoaneurysm. No intramural hematoma or penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer was found. The mean age was 64.3 years, and arterial hypertension (100%) and smoking (64.7%) were the major comorbidities. Technical success rate was 93%, and overall 30-day mortality was 6.25%. Conclusion: Endovascular treatment for AAS was feasible. Technical success, 30-day mortality, hospital stay, and procedure time were similar to those of the other series reported in the literature, and the endovascular approach has became the main technique for AAS in our hospital.

Importance of anterior segment tomography for the diagnosis of corneal ectasia

Purpose: The methodology currently used for interpretation of the cornea and anterior segment tomography for the diagnosis of corneal ectasia and its susceptibility. Methods: Description of the methodology and clinical interpretation of corneal and anterior segment tomography indexes; report of three cases demonstrating the importance of this new diagnostic tool (Pentacam HR (R)) in ophthalmological practice. Conclusion: The use of corneal and anterior segment tomography seems to be an effective method to increase the sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis and early detection of corneal ectasia.

Restoration of the rabbit corneal surface after total epithelial debridement and complete limbal excision

How is the corneal epithelium restored when all of it plus the limbus have been eliminated? This investigation explored the possibility that this may be achieved through the conjunctival epithelium. The corneal epithelium of the right eye of 12 rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) was totally scraped followed by surgical excision of the limbus plus 1.0-1.5 mm of the adjacent conjunctiva. Antibiotics and corticosteroids were applied for 1 week after surgery. Histological and immunohistochemical techniques were used to monitor the events taking place on the eye surface 2 weeks and 1, 3 and 6 months thereafter. Initially, the corneal surface was covered by conjunctival-like epithelium. After 1 month and more prominently at 3 and 6 months an epithelium displaying the morphological features of the cornea and reacting with the AE5 antibody was covering the central region. It is likely that the corneal epithelium originated from undifferentiated cells of the conjunctiva interacting with the corneal stroma.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Mammary Gland in Domestic Cat

Background: In the feline species, 80% to 93% of neoplasias in the mammary gland are malignant, being the majority carcinomas. Among them, there is the mammary squamous cell carcinoma, which amounts to a very rare neoplasm in the domestic cat, with considerable potential for malignancy. This study aimed to report a case of squamous cell mammary carcinoma in the feline species. Case: A female cat, mixed breed, ten years old, presented history of skin lesion. The cat had been spayed two years before, but with previous administration of contraceptives. At the physical examination, it was observed ulcer between the caudal abdominal mammary glands. The occurrence of skin or mammary neoplasia was conceived. The following complementary tests were requested: complete blood count, serum biochemical profile (renal and hepatic), chest radiographs, abdominal ultrasound, and incisional biopsy of the ulcerated region periphery, followed by classic histopathology. The lesion histopathology was compatible with squamous cell carcinoma of the mammary gland. Due to such a diagnosis, bilateral mastectomy was recommended. The material obtained during the surgical procedure was sent for anatomopathological analysis. Microscopically, surgical margins infiltration and a regional lymph node were verified. The owner was advised of the need for complementary therapies and medical monitoring of the cat. However, there was no return. It is noteworthy that the animal's physical and laboratory examinations showed no neoplasia in other regions, being the squamous cell carcinoma of the mammary gland considered primary. Discussion: The malignant mammary neoplasia genesis in feline species, in general, seems to be related to steroid hormones. The ovariectomized females are less likely to develop the disease when compared to intact cats, but there is no protective effect of surgery on those spayed after two years of age regarding the appearance of the neoplasia. Thus, at the time the reported patient was ovariectomized, this effect no longer occurred. The synthetic progestins regularly used to prevent estrus increase by three times the risk of breast carcinomas onset. In humans, there is no clear definition of the etiology and pathogenesis of mammary squamous cell carcinoma. However, it has been suggested its association with extreme forms of squamous metaplasia present in pre-existing mammary adenocarcinoma, besides cysts, chronic inflammations, abscesses and mammary gland adenofibromas. In a hypothetical way, this etiology could also be related to the feline mammary carcinoma, although, for the case at issue, the exogenous and endogenous hormonal influence should not be excluded. It has been reported that mammary squamous cell carcinomas in cats are classified in grades II and III (ie, moderately and poorly differentiated, respectively). Thus, they are considered tumors with more unfavorable prognosis. However, the monitoring of the clinical course, in order to evaluate possible recurrence of the neoplasia and metastases to distant sites, was not possible as the animal under discussion did not return. The squamous cell carcinoma is the most common skin tumor in feline species, despite the primary location in the mammary gland. It is, therefore, important to differentiate squamous cell carcinoma originated in the breast from histological types derived from skin. The description of this special and rare feline mammary carcinoma is important due to its particular characteristics and potential for malignancy.

Effects of a combined strengthening, stretching and functional training program versus usual-care on gait biomechanics and foot function for diabetic neuropathy: a randomized controlled trial

Background: Polyneuropathy is a complication of diabetes mellitus that has been very challenging for clinicians. It results in high public health costs and has a huge impact on patients' quality of life. Preventive interventions are still the most important approach to avoid plantar ulceration and amputation, which is the most devastating endpoint of the disease. Some therapeutic interventions improve gait quality, confidence, and quality of life; however, there is no evidence yet of an effective physical therapy treatment for recovering musculoskeletal function and foot rollover during gait that could potentially redistribute plantar pressure and reduce the risk of ulcer formation. Methods/Design: A randomised, controlled trial, with blind assessment, was designed to study the effect of a physiotherapy intervention on foot rollover during gait, range of motion, muscle strength and function of the foot and ankle, and balance confidence. The main outcome is plantar pressure during foot rollover, and the secondary outcomes are kinetic and kinematic parameters of gait, neuropathy signs and symptoms, foot and ankle range of motion and function, muscle strength, and balance confidence. The intervention is carried out for 12 weeks, twice a week, for 40-60 min each session. The follow-up period is 24 weeks from the baseline condition. Discussion: Herein, we present a more comprehensive and specific physiotherapy approach for foot and ankle function, by choosing simple tasks, focusing on recovering range of motion, strength, and functionality of the joints most impaired by diabetic polyneuropathy. In addition, this intervention aims to transfer these peripheral gains to the functional and more complex task of foot rollover during gait, in order to reduce risk of ulceration. If it shows any benefit, this protocol can be used in clinical practice and can be indicated as complementary treatment for this disease.