The influence of cardiopulmonary bypass operation on the biodistribution of 99mTc-HMPAO-labelled granulocytes – Evaluation in pigs by planar scintigraphy and section-analyses

Aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of an extra corporal perfusion (cardiopulmonary bypass operation - cpb) on activation and biodistribution of Tc-99m labelled granulocytes in pigs with and without inhibition of the granulocytes by a leukocyte inhibition module (LIM). The cpb is often related to an activation of granulocytes resulting in an inflammatory answer. The biological mechanisms are unsolved yet. First trials of our group showed that LIM may inhibit the activation of neutrophils and therefore antagonize a cpb-caused impairment of cardiac function. This study is the continuation of these experiments with a higher number of animals and the focus on scintigraphic imaging. Animals, material, methods: 39 German landrace pigs were subdivided into three groups: group A (control) median sternotomy without cpb, group B with cpb, group C with LIM in addition to cpb. After labelling with Tc-99m-HMPAO autologues granulocytes were reinjected. Subsequently to cpb, the animals underwent scintigraphic imaging. Quantification was performed with ROI evaluation and with tissue samples (section analysis) examined in a well counter. Results:A high uptake of Tc-99m-HMPAO was found in the liver. The count rates in brain, heart, lung, spleen and kidneys were far below. The amount of Tc-99m-activity in the organ related to the half life corrected administered activity [%] was for the tissue samples (group A/B/C): brain 0.01/0.02/0.03; lung 12.1/8.3/11.5; heart 0.35/0.54/0.42; kidney 1.24/0.87/1.02; spleen 4.0/4.0/4.5, liver 16.8/20.9/19.6. The count rates determined by ROI-evaluation of the scintigraphic images related to the total count rate in the image [%] were (group A/B/C): brain 1.1/0.9/1.0; lung 15.6/10.4/12.2; heart 4.0/3.5/3.4; kidney 4.0/2.9/3.2; spleen 7.6/7.7/9.5, liver 23.1/36.7/31.4. A significant difference in the tracer uptake between the groups could neither be detected by scintigraphic imaging nor evaluation of tissue samples. Conclusion: Scintigraphic imaging as well as section analysis showed a comparable biodistribution of the tracer. Therefore, the initial results of our group were not confirmed with a considerably higher number of animals. Neither cpb nor the use of the LIM influenced distribution of Tc-99m-labelled granulocytes in pigs significantly.

Evaluation of developmental changes in bovine in vitro produced embryos following exposure to bovine Herpesvirus type 5

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

Serology of paracoccidioidomycosis - I. Evaluation of the indirect immunofluorescent test

The purposes of the present work were: i) to study the positivity indices and compare titers obtained with the indirect immunofluorescence (II), tube precipitation (TP), complement fixation (CF) and double immunodiffusion on agar gel (ID) tests in the sera of 196 patients with paracoccidioidomycosis before treatment, and ii) to compare the initial titers of II with those obtained 1 year or more after treatment. II was the most sensitive serologic reaction (85.2%), and the positivity indices for CF, ID and TP were 67.7%, 66.0% and 50.0%, respectively. The sera tended to show parallel mean titers in II, CF and TP tests. One year after treatment there was a fall in titers of II in 66.2% of patients. The data, taken as a whole, demonstrate the usefulness of the indirect immunofluorescent test and the importance of using 2 or more serologic tests for the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with paracoccidioidomycosis. © 1985 Martinus Nijhoff/Dr W. Junk Publishers.

Pressure evaluation of the antireflux ability of the rat ureterovesical junction

The bladder pressure necessary to cause vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) was measured in 16 female rats. Under general anesthesia, the ureters were exposed via an abdominal incission and a pressure catheter was placed near the uterovesical junction. Values of bladder distension and bladder pressure increase to cause VUR were obtained by injecting isotonic saline in one ureter until VUR in the opposite ureter was detected as a sudden pressure increase. After 5 min the same procedure was done on the contralateral side. This procedure was repeated eight times in each rat with a 15-min intermission. The bladder pressure at which VUR occurred was measured through a uretral catheter. Two groups were studied: G1, control, and G2, administration of intravenous metoclopramide (0.007 mg/100 g body weight) four times.

Paracoccidioidomycosis in the region of Botucatu (state of São Paulo, Brazil). Evaluation of serum thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) levels and of the response to thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH)

T4, T3 and TSH serum levels were measured in 25 patients with paracoccidioidomycosis. Thyroid T3 reserves were measured on the basis of the increase in T3 (ΔT3) 2 h after intravenous injection of 200 μg TRH, and pituitary TSH reserves were measured on the basis of TSH increase (ΔTSH) 20 min after the same injection. Twenty healthy volunteers with no history of thyroid disease were used as controls. When the two groups were compared, the following results were obtained: (a) there was no significant difference in mean T4, T3, ΔTSH between groups; (b) reduced T3 levels were detected more frequently in patients with paracoccidioidomycosis, especially among those with the acute form of the disease or with the severely disseminated chronic form. The results suggest the occurrence of a reduction in peripheral conversion of T4 to T3, but do not indicate the occurrence of hypothyroidism in any of its forms (thyroid, pituitary or hypothalamic). © 1988 Kluwer Academic Publishers.

Metallurgical evaluation of a copper-based alloy for dental castings.

The present study was designed to evaluate the metallurgical properties of an experimental, low-cost copper-zinc-aluminum-nickel alloy for dental castings. Some specimens were subjected to heat treatment after induction casting. The extent of corrosion was determined by measuring weight loss of specimens stored in a sodium sulfite solution. In the as-cast specimens, tests demonstrated the presence of three phases: the first consisted of copper-zinc-aluminum, the second was similar but lower in copper and aluminum, and the third consisted of an intermetallic compound of manganese-nickel-phosphorus. After heat treatment, the first phase remained relatively constant, the second was converted to Cu3Al, and the third increased in volume. The weight loss from the as-cast specimens was eight times that of the heat-treated specimens. It was concluded that the heat treatment substantially changed the microstructure and improved the corrosion resistance of the experimental alloy.

Psychological evaluation of patients scheduled for orthognathic surgery.

Using a questionnaire, 41 patients scheduled for orthognathic surgery were evaluated pre- and postoperatively to determine some of their psychological characteristics and treatment outcome from the patient's standpoint. Among other conclusions, the results showed that some patients may not fully understand the details of their deformity, despite a full explanation by the orthodontist and surgeon. Expectations regarding treatment outcome may be unrealistic even in patients with valid self-motivation for surgery. Social adjustment usually improves after treatment. Functional changes were noticed by over 80% of the patients and esthetic changes in over 90%.

Topical effect of propolis in the repair of sulcoplasties by the modified Kazanjian technique. Cytological and clinical evaluation.

A study was conducted to analyze the effects of propolis mouth rinse on the repair of surgical wounds after sulcoplasty by the modified Kazanjian technique. Twenty-seven patients who underwent sulcoplasty were divided into three groups: C1--patients who did not use the mouth rinse C2--patients who used a mouth rinse containing 5% aqueous alcohol T--patients who used a mouth rinse containing 5% propolis in aqueous alcohol solution. The patients returned 7, 14, 30, and 45 days after surgery for cytological and clinical evaluation. It was concluded that: 1) the mouth rinse containing propolis in aqueous alcohol solution aids repair of intra-buccal surgical wounds and exerts a small pain-killing and anti-inflammatory effect; 2) the vehicle employed has a minor irritant effect on intra-buccal surgical wounds; 3) exfoliative cytology allows epithelization of intrabuccal surgical wounds.

Radiographic and microbiologic evaluation of posttreatment apical and periapical repair of root canals of dogs' teeth with experimentally induced chronic lesion

The objective of the present study was to evaluate radiographically and bacteriologically apical and periapical repair in dogs' teeth with induced chronic periapical lesions with the use of two different operative techniques (techniques 1 and 2). The study was conducted on 40 root canals of upper and lower premolars from two dogs aged approximately 12 months. Periapical lesions were induced by leaving the root canals exposed to the oral environment for 5 days and then sealing them with zinc oxide-eugenol for 45 days. After this period, radiographic examination revealed the occurrence of a radiolucent lesion and endodontic treatment was started. The two techniques did not differ in terms of chemomechanical preparation, final filling, or type of cement, but differed in terms of irrigating solution and the presence of an antibacterial dressing. Thus 4% to 6% hypochlorite and hydrogen peroxide (10 volumes) were used in technique 1 during chemomechanical preparation and an antibacterial dressing based on calcium hydroxide was applied between sessions, whereas Dakin's fluid (0.5% sodium hypochlorite solution) and a final filling with no antibacterial dressing were used in technique 2. After chemomechanical preparation, the root canals were filled with gutta-percha cones and Sealapex (Sealapex-Sybron, Kerr, Sao Paulo, Brazil), and the animals were killed 270 days after the final filling. Blocks were cut into 6-μm sections and stained by the Brown and Brenn method. Radiographic, histomicrobiologic and statistical analysis permitted us to conclude the following: radiographically there was a marked reduction or even the disappearance of the radiolucent area present before treatment with greater success in the group treated with technique 1 (group I) than in the group treated with technique 2 (group II); the extent of bacterial invasion of dentinal tubules was greater and more intense in group II than in group I; and the amount of microorganisms detected in the ramifications of the apical delta and in the lumen of the root canal was intense in group II and mild or absent in group I. © 1994.

Evaluation of platelet number and function and fibrinogen level in patients bitten by snakes of the Bothrops genus.

Platelet function and plasma fibrinogen levels were evaluated in 14 patients, 10 males and 4 females, aged 13-59 years bitten by Bothrops genus snakes. There was a statistical difference (p < 0.05) among plasma fibrinogen levels evaluated 24 and 48 hours after envenomation. There was a tendency towards normalization after 48 hours of treatment. The low platelet number was clear in 24-48 hour evaluations with a tendency towards normalization after 48 hours of treatment (p < 0.05). When platelet function was stimulated by collagen and epinephrine, it appeared to be within normal values. On the other hand, when it was stimulated by adenosine diphosphate (ADP), platelet function was hypoaggregated by a single micromol concentration until 48 hours after treatment. At a 3 micromol concentration, there were alterations only before specific treatment (p < 0.05). Fibrinogen levels and fibrin degradation product (FDP) levels appeared to be altered in 83.33% of patients evaluated. The authors suggest that platelet hypoaggregation is related to decreased fibrinogen and increased FDP levels.

A 2-year clinical evaluation of fluoride-containing pit and fissure sealants placed with an invasive technique

The aim of this study was to clinically evaluate fluoride-containing sealants in teeth subjected to minimal enamel reduction (preventive resin restorations). Two hundred fourteen sealants (109 Fluro Shield and 105 Delton Fluor) were applied in 153 teeth of 32 subjects. The sealants were evaluated for superficial irregularities, marginal adaptation, retention, and caries after 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. After 6, 12, and 18 months, the attendance at recall was 100.00%. After 24 months, 93.75% of subjects returned for reevaluation. Although total or partial loss of sealant occurred in a few instances, no occlusal caries was found in any tooth at any recall. No statistically significant differences in the results of the clinical evaluation were found between sealant in the maxillary and mandibular dentitions.

Calcium hydroxide root canal sealers: Evaluation of pH, calcium ion concentration and conductivity

The calcium hydroxide ionization of four root canal sealers (Sealapex, CRCS, Sealer 26, and Apexit) was studied by measuring conductivity and pH and by conducting atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Samples 6 mm in diameter and 15 mm long were prepared from these sealers. After setting and 48 h storage in a desiccator, five samples of each material were placed in 50 mL distilled water and analysed after 0,1,2,4, 6 and 24 h and 5, 15 and 30 days. The results showed that Sealapex was the root canal sealer showing the highest pH, ionic calcium and total calcium values (P<0.05) throughout the experimental period, followed by CRCS, Apexit and Sealer 26.

Evaluation of apical sealing of three endodontic sealers

Aim: The apical sealing ability of three different endodontic sealers was evaluated in extracted teeth using dye penetration. Methodology: The root canals of 99 extracted human maxillary central incisors were prepared sequentially 2 mm beyond the apical foramen with a size 55 Nitiflex file. The teeth were divided into three experimental groups and obturated by lateral condensation of cold gutta-percha and one of the following sealers: group 1, zinc oxide and eugenol sealer (Fill Canal); group 2, glass ionomer sealer (Ketac-Endo) and group 3, epoxy resin sealer (AH Plus). The teeth were covered with nail varnish to within 1 mm of the apical foramen and immersed in 2% methylene blue in a reduced pressure environment for 24h. After this period, the teeth were washed and cut longitudinally for apical leakage analysis. The values were obtained from the maximum depth of leakage as well as the average between the maximum and minimum values observed for each group. Results: Statistical evaluation of the results showed no significant difference in the leakage between Fill Canal and Ketac-Endo (P > 0.05). Leakage with AH Plus was significantly less (P < 0.01) than with the other sealers. Conclusions: All three sealers allowed some leakage to occur. Leakage with AH Plus was significantly different than with Fill Canal or Ketac-Endo.

In vitro evaluation of antimicrobial activity of sealers and pastes used in endodontics

The antimicrobial activity of four root canal sealers (AH Plus, Sealapex, Ketac Endo, and Fill Canal), two calcium hydroxide pastes (Calen and Calasept), and a zinc oxide paste was evaluated. Seven bacterial strains were used, six of them standard; Micrococcus luteus ATCC 9341, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 12228, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, and Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 10541. There was a wild strain of Streptococcus mutans isolated from saliva obtained in an adult dental clinic. Activity was evaluated using the agar diffusion method with Brain Heart Infusion agar and Müller Hinton medium seeded by pour plate. Calcium hydroxide-based sealers and pastes were either placed directly into 4.0 × 4.0 mm wells or by using absorbent paper points. The plates were kept at room temperature for 2 hr for diffusion. After incubation at 37°C for 24 hr, the medium was optimized with 0.05 g% TTC gel and inhibition haloes were measured. All bacterial strains were inhibited by all materials using the well method. However, when the materials were applied with absorbent paper points, Enterococcus faecalis was not inhibited by zinc oxide, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was not inhibited by AH Plus, Fill Canal, and the zinc oxide-based paste. We conclude that sealers and pastes presented antimicrobial activity in vitro and culture medium optimization with 0.05 g% TTC gel facilitated observation of the inhibition haloes. Copyright © 2000 by The American Association of Endodontists.

A thirty months clinical evaluation of a posterior composite resin in primary molars

The purpose of this in vivo study was to evaluate the clinical performance of a posterior composite resin TRH (Caulk Dentisply) in class I restorations in primary molars. A total of 30 children aged 5 to 8 years old with 49 class I dental lesions in primary molars participated in the study. The cavity preparations involved removal of carious lesion only and the enamel margins were beveled. The results showed after 30 months that, 82% (32/39) of Alfa ratings and 18% (7/39) of Bravo ratings. We concluded that the composite resin TP-H could be used in conservative restorations in primary molars, particularly in the late mixed dentition.