Inoculation of salivary gland extracts obtained from female of Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille, 1806) (Acari, Ixodidae) with 2, 4, and 6 days of feeding in rabbit: I - Histopathology of the feeding lesion

This study analyzed the histopathology of rabbit skin, previously immunized with SGE2, SGE4, and SGE6 gland extracts prepared from salivary glands of Rhipicephalus sanguineus female with 2, 4, and 6 days of feeding, at the region of the R. sanguineus female feeding lesion 2, 4, and 6 days after tick attachment. In this work, infestation-naïve New Zealand White rabbits were inoculated either with the extracts (test group (TG)) or with phosphate buffer and complete Freund's adjuvant mixture (control group 2 (CG2)). Each extract-inoculated- (TG and CG2) and non-inoculated (CG1) rabbit was subsequently infested with R. sanguineus. Skin biopsies were collected from the rabbit at the tick feeding lesion at 2, 4, and 6 days of feeding. Results revealed that rabbit immunization with gland extracts induced acquisition of resistance against this species. It should be stated that the SGE4 extract was the most effective in developing an immune-inflammatory response against ectoparasites, being this process characterized by the presence of an early and intense inflammatory cell infiltrate. On the other hand, SGE6 extract caused a later appearance of resistance with less infiltrate occurrence and intense edema at the feeding lesion site. As to the inflammatory process deriving from SGE2 extract inoculation, it was the less intense. It was concluded that immunization with different extracts from R. sanguineus female salivary glands did not change microscope features of the inflammatory process, although an earlier or more intense and later response, which was also dependent on the inoculate extract, was noticed. © 2012 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.

Activation of central aα-adrenoceptors mediates salivary gland vasoconstriction

Objective: Peripheral treatment with the cholinergic agonist pilocarpine increases salivary gland blood flow and induces intense salivation that is reduced by the central injection of moxonidine (aα-adrenoceptors/ imidazoline agonist). In the present study, we investigated the effects of the intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of pilocarpine alone or combined with moxonidine also injected i.c.v. On submandibular/sublingual gland (SSG) vascular resistance. In addition, the effects of these treatments on arterial pressure, heart rate and on mesenteric and hindlimb vascular resistance were also tested. Design: Male Holtzman rats with stainless steel cannula implanted into lateral ventricle and anaesthetized with urethane + α-chloralose were used. Results: Pilocarpine (500 nmol/1 μl) injected i.c.v. Reduced SSG vascular resistance and increased arterial pressure, heart rate and mesenteric vascular resistance. Contrary to pilocarpine alone, the combination of moxonidine (20 nmol/1 μl) and pilocarpine injected i.c.v. Increased SSG vascular resistance, an effect abolished by the pre-treatment with the α2-adrenoceptor antagonist yohimbine (320 nmol/2 μl). The increase in arterial pressure, heart rate and mesenteric resistance was not modified by the combination of moxonidine and pilocarpine i.c.v. Conclusion: These results suggest that the activation of central α2- adrenoceptors may oppose to the effects of central cholinergic receptor activation in the SSG vascular resistance. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Anterior pericranial flap for frontal sinus duct obliteration: Is it a valuable resource?

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 autogenous grafts such as fat, muscle, or bone. These avascular grafts have an increased risk of resorption and infection and 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 study aimed to report a case of a comminuted frontal sinus fracture with a brief literature review, regarding the use of pericranial flap. The authors report a case of a 23-year-old male subject with a severely comminuted fracture of the anterior and posterior walls of the frontal sinus. The patient was successfully treated by cranialization with frontal sinus duct obliteration, using anterior pericranial flap. The patient was followed up for 16 months with no postoperative complication, such as infection. Pericranial flap is a good resource for frontal sinus duct obliteration because it is a durable and well-vascularized flap, which determines low rates of postoperative complications. Copyright © 2013 by Mutaz B. Habal, MD.

Evaluation of the floral vasculature of the Janusia, Mascagnia and Tetrapterys species as a tool to explain the decrease of floral organs in Malpighiaceae

The family Malpighiaceae is considered monophyletic, but the intra-family classification is conflicting. Analyses of floral vasculature allow the identification of reductions, connations and adnations and can even reveal evolutionary steps prior to current floral morphology. The present work analysed the floral vasculature of Janusia mediterranea, Mascagnia cordifolia and Tetrapterys chamaecerasifolia using material processed by traditional methods for light microscopy. A general pattern was observed of three bundle traces supplying each sepal and one trace per petal and stamen; Mascagnia is an exception, as its eglandular sepal has only a median trace but shares lateral traces with adjacent sepals. No dorsal traces are emitted to the carpels; however, three intercarpellary complexes are emitted that divide into six ventral bundles, supplying the ovule. Mascagnia demonstrates connation between the anterior and adjacent sepal glands; reductions of the anterior sepal glands were registered in Tetrapterys and Janusia. This work reveals two distinct processes for gland loss in non-related groups of the family that resulted in similar present appearances. Our evaluation of the number of calyx glands and the processes of glandular loss in species with less than ten glands improves our understanding of the evolution of calyx glands in Malpighiaceae. © 2013 Elsevier GmbH.

Dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitor improves the salivary gland histology of spontaneously diabetic mice

Objectives: The incretin-based therapy might be effective in patients possessing certain levels of preserved pancreatic beta-cells. However, doubts still exist regarding the efficacy of this atment in the recovery of tissues damaged by type 1 diabetes. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the treatment with MK0431 in salivary glands of spontaneously diabetic mice, focusing mainly on the possible therapeutic and hypoglycaemic effects of this dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitor in the recovery of these salivary tissues. Methods and results: Twenty mice were divided into two groups of 10 animals each: group I (NOD diabetic/untreated) and group II (NOD diabetic MK0431/treated). The group II was treated during 4 weeks with MK0431 mixed in the food. The group I was maintained in the same way without receiving, however, any treatment. Glucose levels were monitored during treatment and salivary glands samples were collected at the end of treatment for the histological examination under both transmitted and polarized light microscopy. High glucose levels were observed in untreated animals, while in animals with treatment, reduction of these levels was observed. Tissue restructuring was also observed in animals submitted to therapy with MK0431, mainly in relation to the attempt to extracellular matrix reorganization. Conclusions: According to results, the treatment with this dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitor contributed to the general homeostasis of the organism and to the reestablishment of both epithelial and stromal compartments which were damaged by the hyperglycaemic condition, demonstrating that the incretin-based therapy may be an important complementary treatment for the type 1 diabetic condition. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd.

Light microscopic evaluation and scanning electron microscopic analysis of horse eyes following deep anterior lamellar keratectomy

Objective To describe the technique of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) with Descemet's membrane (DM) exposure in horse eyes. Also, to compare the efficacy and safety of viscodissection and big-bubble techniques for DALK. Animals studied Thirty-four ex vivo horse eyes. Procedure Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty was performed in 34 ex vivo horse eyes. Two groups (Group V - viscodissection - 2% sodium hyaluronate; Group A - air - big-bubble) of 17 eyes were studied. Other than the substance used, the surgical technique was similar for both groups. Nonperforated eyes were submitted for light microscopic histologic evaluation and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis. Results Group V - Perforations occurred in 18% of the eyes during surgery. Light microscopy revealed exposure of DM in 28% of the eyes with mean thickness of the remaining stroma being 70.4μm. Group A - Perforations occurred in 42% of the eyes. Light microscopy revealed exposure of DM in 60% of the eyes with mean thickness of the remaining stroma being 23.3μm. No significant differences in safety, efficacy and thickness of the remaining stroma (including all eyes or excluding those with DM exposure) were observed. SEM of the surgical site revealed a more even surface in those eyes with DM exposure compared to eyes with thicker remaining stroma in both groups. Conclusions We describe two DALK techniques (viscodissection and big-bubble) for use in horses. No significant differences in safety, efficacy and thickness of the remaining stroma were observed. However, a nonsignificant trend toward the big-bubble technique being more efficacious but less safe was observed. © 2012 American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.

Avaliação do uso de imobili zação externa após descompressão e fusão cervical por via anterior. Revisão Sistemática

This study aims to evaluate safety and effectiveness of the use of orthesis in postoperative degenerative disorders of the cervical spine. Although widely used, there are not defined criteria for the use of cervical collars, and their importance on cervical arthrodesis. A systematic literature review was undertaken and a multicentre controlled clinical trial comprising 32 specialized services, with a total of 257 patients who met the inclusion criteria of the review. Clinical and radiographic outcomes were compared in post surgical patients that used or not rigid cervical collar during 6 to 12 weeks after surgery. The evidence available on literature, although weak, suggests that cervical collar decreases the clinical scores in first weeks after surgery. Furthermore, it does not alter the rate of fusion when used concomitantly with plaque and screws through anterior access in cervical degenerative diseases on a single anatomical level.

Decreasing pH of mammary gland secretions is associated with parturition and is correlated with electrolyte concentrations in prefoaling mares

The objectives of this study were to determine pH of the mammary gland secretions and the corresponding electrolyte concentrations in prefoaling mares. Pregnant mares (seven primiparous and seven multiparous) were monitored daily from 310.320 days of gestation until parturition. Prefoaling mammary gland secretions were collected, and pH was immediately determined with a pH meter and pH strip test. An aliquot of prefoaling mammary secretions was frozen and stored until further analyses. After parturition, samples from day .4 to 0 (day of foaling) were thawed and electrolyte concentrations (ie, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+ and Cl-) were determined with an automated analyser. Data were analysed via a mixed model with the mare as a random effect. Correlations were determined between pH and electrolyte concentrations by the Pearson product-moment for each pair. There was significant reduction in pH of mammary secretions on the day of foaling (P<0.0001), and most mares (11/14) with a pH .7 foaled within 24 hours. There was high correlation between the two pH methods (r=0.93). Additionally, there were significant (P<0.05) increases in Ca2+ and K+ concentrations, and significant decreases in Na+ and Cl- concentrations from one day before to the day of foaling. The pH of mammary secretions was highly and significantly (P<0.001) correlated with Na + (r=0.87), Cl- (r=0.85), Ca2+ (r=-0.88); and K+(r=.0.80) concentrations, and moderately correlated with Mg 2+ (r=-0.58). Daily evening pH measure of the mammary gland secretions can predict foaling in most mares.

Six-year follow-up of maxillary anterior rehabilitation with forced orthodontic extrusion: Achieving esthetic excellence with a multidisciplinary approach

Orthodontic extrusion with multidisciplinary treatment can provide predictable outcomes in selected situations, reducing the costs and the adaptation times of gingival tissues after implant integration. Forced orthodontic extrusion is strongly related to interactions of teeth with their supportive periodontal tissues. This article reports a case of orthodontic extrusion of the maxillary incisors for later implant rehabilitation in a patient with periodontal disease. Slow forces were applied for 14 months. After this time, the teeth were extracted, and the implants were placed on the same day. Also in the same session, the provisional crown was fabricated for restoration of the anterior maxillary interdental papillae loss and for gingival contouring. Clinical and radiographic examinations at the 6-year follow-up showed successful tooth replacement and an improved esthetic appearance achieved by this multidisciplinary treatment. The decision to perform orthodontic extrusion for implant placement in adult patients should be multidisciplinary. Copyright © 2013 by the American Association of Orthodontists.

Involvement of pituitary gonadotropins, gonadal steroids and breeding season in sex change of protogynous dusky grouper, Epinephelus marginatus (Teleostei: Serranidae), induced by a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor

Two experiments were performed using the aromatase inhibitor (AI) letrozole (100mg/kg) to promote sex change, from female-to-male, in protogynous dusky grouper. One experiment was performed during the breeding season (spring) and the other at the end of the breeding season (summer). During the spring, AI promoted sex change after 9weeks and the sperm produced was able to fertilize grouper oocytes. During the summer, the sex change was incomplete; intersex individuals were present and sperm was not released by any of the animals. Sex changed gonads had a lamellar architecture; cysts of spermatocytes and spermatozoa in the lumen of the germinal compartment. In the spring, after 4weeks, 11ketotestosterone (11KT) levels were higher in the AI than in control fish, and after 9weeks, coincident with semen release, testosterone levels increased in the AI group, while 11KT returned to the initial levels. Estradiol (E2) levels remained unchanged during the experimental period. Instead of decreasing throughout the period, as in control group, 17 α-OH progesterone levels did not change in the AI-treated fish, resulting in higher values after 9weeks when compared with control fish. fshβ and lhβ gene expression in the AI animals were lower compared with control fish after 9weeks. The use of AI was effective to obtain functional males during the breeding season. The increase in androgens, modulated by gonadotropins, triggered the sex change, enabling the development of male germ cells, whereas a decrease in E2 levels was not required to change sex in dusky grouper. © 2013 Elsevier Inc.

Horizontal ridge augmentation of the atrophic anterior maxilla using rhBMP-2/ACS or autogenous bone grafts: A proof-of-concept randomized clinical trial

Aim To compare the effect of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) in an absorbable collagen sponge carrier (ACS) with autogenous bone graft for augmentation of the edentulous atrophic anterior maxilla. Methods Twenty-four subjects were enrolled in a randomized, controlled, parallel-group, open-label clinical trial. Subjects either received rhBMP-2/ACS (1.5 mg/ml) or particulated autogenous bone harvested from the mandibular retromolar region. A titanium-mesh was used to provide space and wound stability. A guide was used to standardize clinical recordings using an analogue caliper. Alveolar ridge width was also assessed using cone-beam computed tomography. Results rhBMP-2/ACS yielded significantly greater radiographic horizontal bone gain compared with autogenous bone graft at immediate subcrestal levels (1.5 ± 0.7 versus 0.5 ± 0.9 mm; p = 0.01); non-significant differences were observed at mid- (2.9 ± 0.8 versus 2.9 ± 0.9 mm; p = 0.98) and apical (1.7 ± 0.9 versus 1.8 ± 1.1 mm; p = 0.85) crestal levels. No significant differences in clinical horizontal bone gain were observed at 6 months between rhBMP-2/ACS and autogenous bone graft (3.2 ± 0.9 mm versus 3.7 ± 1.4 mm; p = 0.31). Sixty-two implants were placed after 6 month of healing with no significant differences between groups for number of implants, implant size, primary stability and survival. Conclusions rhBMP-2/ACS appears a realistic alternative for augmentation of the edentulous atrophic anterior maxilla. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Variações regionais e efeitos da castração nos lobos dorsal e ventral da próstata do gerbilo da Mongólia (Meriones unguiculatus)

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Efeito da inflamação do tornozelo sobre as características histológicas, a expressão gênica e níveis da creatina cinase nos músculos sóleo e tibial anterior de ratos diabéticos

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Associação entre fatores epidemiológicos e neoplasias mamárias em cadelas

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Suplementação do meio de maturação com gonadotrofinas placentárias na produção in vitro de blastocistos bovinos

Pós-graduação em Ciências Biológicas (Farmacologia) - IBB