Stratified Sampling Applied to Estimation of the Volumetric Fraction of Alumina in Cast Metal Matrix Composites

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Pancreas Transplantation Prevents Morphologic and Ultrastructural Changes in Pulmonary Parenchyma of Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

Purpose. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether pancreas transplantation (PT) is a suitable method for controlling histopathologic changes in lungs of alloxan-induced diabetic rats.Methods. Sixty inbred male Lewis rats were randomly assigned to 3 experimental groups: NC, 20 nondiabetic control rats; DC, 20 untreated diabetic control rats; and PT, 20 diabetic rats that received syngeneic PT from normal donor Lewis rats. Each group was further divided into 2 subgroups of 10 rats each, which were killed after 4 and 12 weeks of follow-up. Clinical and laboratory parameters, fresh and fixed lung weights, and fixed lung volumes were recorded for all rats. Total number of alveoli, alveolar perimeter, alveolar surface area, and alveolar epithelial (AE) and endothelial capillary (EC) basal laminae thickening were randomly measured in 5 rats from each subgroup by using an image analyzer. For light microscopy, 250 alveoli were analyzed in each subgroup. For electron microscopy, 50 electron micrographs were examined for each subgroup.Results. The DC rats showed elevated blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels, with insulin blood levels significantly lower than the NC rats (P < .001). Fresh and fixed lung weights and fixed volumes were significantly reduced in these rats, although their proportions to body weight were increased at 12 weeks (P < .01). The total number of alveoli in diabetic rats was higher than in control rats, whereas alveolar perimeter and surface area were significantly diminished (P < .01). AE and EC basal laminae were significantly thicker in DC than in NC (P < .01). Successful PT corrected all clinical and metabolic changes in diabetic rats, with sustained normoglycemia throughout the study. Morphologic and morphometric changes observed in diabetic lungs were completely prevented in PT rats from 4 weeks after transplant.Conclusion. We conclude that PT can control morphologic and ultrastructural changes in pulmonary parenchyma, suggesting a promising perspective for preventing other chronic diabetic lesions.

Análise morfométrica do colágeno dérmico a partir da segmentação por conglomerados (clusters) de cor

Análise morfométrica do colágeno dérmico pode fornecer subsídio quantitativo para a pesquisa em dermatologia. Os autores demonstram uma técnica de análise de imagem digital que permite a identificação de estruturas microscópicas, a partir da segmentação por conglomerados (clusters), de cor aplicada à estimativa da intensidade e densidade das fibras colágenas da derme.

Desenvolvimento e validação de técnica quantitativa de análise de imagem para avaliação do teste do cometa corado pela prata

INTRODUÇÃO: O ensaio do cometa ou técnica da eletroforese de células isoladas é largamente empregado para avaliação de danos e reparo do DNA em células individuais. O material pode ser corado por técnicas de fluorescência ou por sal de prata. Este último apresenta vantagens técnicas, como o tipo de microscópio utilizado e a possibilidade de armazenamento das lâminas. A análise dos cometas pode ser feita de modo visual, porém há a desvantagem da subjetividade dos resultados, que pode ser minimizada por análise digital automatizada. OBJETIVOS: Desenvolvimento e validação de método de análise digital de cometas corados por sal de prata. MÉTODOS: Cinquenta cometas foram fotografados de maneira padronizada e impressos em papel. Além de medidas manualmente, essas imagens foram classificadas em cinco categorias por três avaliadores, antes e depois de pré-processadas automaticamente pelo software ImageJ 1.38x. As estimativas geradas pelos avaliadores foram comparadas quanto sua correlação e reprodutibilidade. em seguida, foram desenvolvidos algoritmos de análise digital das medidas, com base em filtros estatísticos de mediana e de mínimo. Os valores obtidos foram comparados com os estimados manual e visualmente após o pré-processamento. RESULTADOS: As medidas manuais das imagens pré-processadas apresentaram maior correlação intraclasse do que as imagens preliminares. Os parâmetros automatizados apresentaram alta correlação com as medidas manuais pré-processadas, sugerindo que este sistema aumenta a objetividade da análise, podendo ser utilizado na estimativa dos parâmetros dos cometas. CONCLUSÃO: A presente análise digital proposta para o teste do cometa corado pela prata mostrou-se factível e de melhor reprodutibilidade que a análise visual.

Histopathologic Changes Induced by Intense Pulsed Light in the Treatment of Poikiloderma of Civatte

Background The clinical efficacy of intense pulsed light (IPL) in the treatment of poikiloderma of Civatte (PC) is well documented, but little is known about microscopic changes. Objective To analyze histopathologic findings on the necks of individuals with PC after IPL therapy. Materials and Methods Fourteen patients with PC on the neck underwent three monthly sessions of IPL. Biopsies and clinical photographs were taken before and 60 similar to days after treatment. A dermatopathologist analyzed histopathologic slides stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Masson's trichrome, Verhoeff-van Gieson and Fontana-Masson or processed for CD-34 immunohistochemistry. The slides also underwent digital image analysis. Clinical results were based on the analysis of the pictures by three dermatologists and on patient satisfaction. Results Intense pulsed light treatment resulted in more-homogeneous melanin distribution; a greater number of fibroblasts and nonfragmented elastic fibers; and greater density (p similar to=similar to.01), color intensity (p similar to=similar to.02), number and thickness of the collagen bundles. No significant changes in vessels number or diameters were observed. Clinical results were positive in 92.9% of the cases. Conclusion IPL treatment of PC induced a more-homogeneous distribution of melanin and increased nonfragmented elastic fibers, collagen density, and intensity. These changes were related to clinical improvement.

COMPARATIVE EVALUATION of OCULOMETRIC VARIABLES IN GRAVES' OPHTHALMOPATHY

OBJECTIVES: To estimate oculometric parameters of Graves' ophthalmopathy in comparison to healthy eyes using digital photography and digital image analysis.INTRODUCTION: Graves' ophthalmopathy is the main cause of eye proptosis. Because these protrusions cause clinically perceived distortions in orbital architecture, digital photographs can be used to detect and quantify these changes.METHODS: We carried out a cross-sectional study comprising 12 healthy volunteers and 15 Graves' ophthalmopathy patients with the purpose of evaluating the use of simple, non-invasive digital photography to estimate oculometric parameters of Graves' ophthalmopathy and compare them with the parameters of unaffected eyes. Facial photographs of cases and controls were taken in a standardized manner. Oculometric parameters were compared between the groups and then correlated to proptometer measures.RESULTS: All estimated oculometric variables showed significant differences between the groups, in particular with regard to mediopupilar aperture, lateral height, distance from the iris edge to the lateral boundary of the palpebral fissure, and distance from the higher point of the iris to the lateral limit of the palpebral fissure. The product of medial aperture and horizontal palpebral fissure also revealed greater discrepancy between the groups. Proptometer measures showed significant linear correlation between the distance from the iris edge to the lateral boundary of the palpebral fissure and between the distance from the higher point of the iris to the lateral limit of palpebral fissure (p<0.05).CONCLUSIONS: Comparative analysis of oculometric parameters in Graves' ophthalmopathy suggests that eye proptosis is related to an asymmetric increase in lateral oculometric measures. Standardized digital photographs can be used in clinical practice to objectively estimate oculometric parameters of Graves' ophthalmopathy patients.

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression in pterygium

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a expressão da metaloprotease de matriz (MMP)-9 nos pterígios. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado na Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu estudo prospectivo, aleatório, com o intuito de avaliar a expressão da metaloprotease de matriz na cápsula de Tenon normal e de pterígios primários e recidivados, usando o método da imuno-histoquímica e o sistema computadorizado de análise de imagem. Os resultados foram avaliados estatisticamente. RESULTADOS: A expressão da metaloprotease de matriz foi semelhante na cápsula de Tenon normal e nos pterígios primários e recidivados. CONCLUSÃO: A expressão da metaloprotease de matriz na cápsula de Tenon normal e nos pterígios primários ou recidivados é semelhante, o que nos leva a concluir que esta metaloprotease de matriz não esteja envolvida na gênese ou na recidiva do pterígio.

Fixação de enxerto cutâneo em malha de espessura total com sutura ou cola de fibrina

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Heparin-binding proteins of canine seminal plasma

Heparin-binding proteins (HBP) from seminal plasma have been expected to participate in modulation of the acrosomal reaction, and have been correlated with fertility in some species. However, they have not been described in the dog. The aim of this study was to document the HBPs of canine seminal plasma. Six pooled samples of seminal plasma from three crossbred dogs were used. The HBPs were isolated by heparin affinity chromatography and the fractions recovered were pooled. One-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) was carried out on 12 and 18% vertical minigels. The stained gels were scanned and the molecular weight (kDa) values for each band within a lane were calculated by image analysis software. The electrophoresis analysis of the pooled eluded fractions identified 19 bands, with molecular weights varying from 61.5 to 5.2 kDa. Previous studies, using one-dimensional SDS-PAGE, identified two bands (67 and 58.6 kDa), which were positively correlated with some semen parameters (sperm motility, sperm vigor, percentage of morphologically normal sperm and plasma membrane integrity). The 61.5 kDa band detected in the present study apparently corresponded to the 58.6 kDa band identified previously. Canine seminal plasma contained HBP; since HBP modulate the acrosome reaction in other species, they may have the same function in the dog. Further studies are necessary to better characterize this protein and determine if it is associated with fertility in the dog. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Influence of the ratio of particulate autogenous bone graft/platelet-rich plasma on bone healing in critical-size defects: a histologic and histometric study in rat calvaria

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Histological evaluation of experimentally induced subluxation in rat molars and its implications on the management of orthodontic treatment

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the histological alterations occurred in the periradicular region of rat molars after intentional subluxation using an experimental method to induce dentoalveolar trauma. Eighteen adult male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus) were selected for the study. The dentoalveolar trauma was experimentally induced by the application of an occlusogingival force on the occlusal surface of the maxillary right first molar using a tensiometer secured on a fully articulated support with adjustable steel shafts. The animals were assigned to six groups (n = 3), according to the intensity of the force applied to induce trauma: Group I (GI, control) - no force application; Groups II-VI (GII-GVI) - the animals were subjected to 600, 700, 800, 900 and 1000 cN force, respectively. After experimental induction of trauma, the animals were sacrificed by anesthetic overdose and the right maxillas were removed and processed for histological analysis under light microscopy. In the animals of GII, GIII and GIV, the histological alterations were similar to those described for GI. GVI (1000 cN) presented the most severe alterations, with the occurrence of buccal bone plate fracture, alveolar fracture and root fracture, which are not present in mild traumatic injuries like subluxation. The 900 cN force (GV) was capable to produce clinical and histological alterations in the gingival and periodontal tissues compatible with those observed in subluxation.

Bone healing in critical-size defects treated with either bone graft, membrane, or a combination of both materials: a histological and histometric study in rat tibiae

Objectives: The aim of the present investigation was to histologically analyze the effect of using lyophilized bovine bone (GenOx (R) organic matrix) with (or without) guided tissue regeneration (using a decalcified cortical osseous membrane [GenDerm (R)]) on bone healing in surgically created critical-size defects created in rat tibia.Material and methods: Surgical critical-size bone defects were created in 64 animals that were randomly divided into four groups: group I (control); group II (defect filled with GenOx (R)); group III (defect covered by GenDerm (R)); group IV (defect filled with GenOx (R) and covered by GenDerm (R)). Animals were killed at 30 or 90 days post-surgery. The specimens were embedded in paraffin, serially cut, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin for analysis under light microscopy. The formation of new bone in the cortical area of the defect was histomorphometrically evaluated.Results: All experimental groups demonstrated superior bone healing compared with the control group. However, group IV samples showed evidence of more advanced healing at both 30 and 90 days post-surgery as compared with the other experimental groups.Conclusions: The bovine organic bone graft GenOx (R) associated with GenDerm (R) this produced the best treatment results in the case of critical-size defects in rat tibia.

Correlation between koilocytes and human papillomavirus detection by PCR in oral and oropharynx squamous cell carcinoma biopsies

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Pixel intensity and fractal analyses: detecting osteoporosis in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women by using digital panoramic images

Objective. Pixel intensity values (PI) and fractal dimensions (FD) were compared in selected mandibular regions on digital panoramic images of normal, osteopenic, and osteoporotic perimenopausal and postmenopausal women to evaluate their relative efficacies in detecting osteoporotic-associated bone density changes.Study design. Standardized mandibular angle, body, and canine/premolar (C/PM) regions on 54 charge-coupied device (CCD) digital panoramic images of normal and potentially osteoporotic postmenopausal women were analyzed for PI and FD. Lumbar spine and femoral neck dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry QXA) on each patient served as the reference standard examination. Pearson correlation coefficients and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were performed.Results. There was significant correlation among PI measurements (P < 0.01), and no significant correlation between FD. C/PM had significantly lower PI than control C/PM (P = 0.049).Conclusions. Osteoporotic changes in mandibular C/PM cancellous bone were detected in our study population on CCD digital panoramic images by using a robust image analysis paradigm. Future automated application of such image analysis could enable widespread, cost effective screening for osteoporosis in dental settings.

The Effect of Coating Patterns with Spinel-Based Investment on the Castability and Porosity of Titanium Cast into Three Phosphate-Bonded Investments

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)