Search

Objetivos: Comparar níveis de citocinas e quimiocinas entre indivíduos infectados com SARS-CoV-2 com COVID-19 grave ou com a forma assintomática da infecção, a fim de avaliar quais destes marcadores biológicos de resposta inflamatória são indicadores de gravidade da infecção viral. Métodos: Foram analisados dados clínicos de 48 pacientes com COVID-19 hospitalizados no Hospital Eduardo de Menezes (FHEMIG, MG) no período de 07 de julho a 21 de novembro de 2020, que necessitaram ou não de assistência em terapia intensiva (grupos UTI e sem UTI, respectivamente). Foi feita a quantificação dos níveis de citocinas (IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNF, IFN-, IL-17A) e quimiocinas (CCL2, CCL5, CXCL8, CXCL9 e CXCL10) do plasma de 14 pacientes UTI e 17 pacientes sem UTI que tinham COVID-19 grave no momento da coleta da amostra, além de 24 doadores de sangue da Fundação Hemominas com infecção ativa pelo SARS-CoV-2 (RT-PCR positiva) que eram assintomáticos no momento da coleta da amostra. Resultados: A análise clínica dos pacientes UTI (n = 19) em comparação àqueles que não usaram UTI (n = 29) não mostrou diferença estatística quanto à frequência de comorbidades e de sinais e sintomas para COVID-19 na admissão hospitalar. A comorbidade mais comum foi hipertensão (62,5%), seguida por diabetes (37,5%) e obesidade (22,9%). Tosse, dispneia, febre, fatiga e mialgia foram os sinais e sintomas mais prevalentes de COVID-19 em ambos os grupos. Entretanto, os pacientes UTI desenvolveram doença grave ou crítica que requereu um período de hospitalização em média duas vezes mais longo que o grupo sem UTI (p < 0,001). O conjunto dos pacientes com COVID-19 mostrou níveis significativamente mais altos de IL6, IL10 e CCL5 que os doadores assintomáticos. Na comparação dos grupos dos pacientes houve diferença significativa apenas para IFN, com níveis mais elevados nos pacientes UTI. Discussão: Apesar do grupo de pacientes UTI apresentarem quadro de COVID-19 mais grave que os pacientes sem UTI, a frequência de sinais e sintomas da doença e de comorbidades não foi significativamente diferente entre os grupos. A evolução da COVID-19 de assintomática para grave e crítica tem sido associada com intensa resposta inflamatória, o que está de acordo com maiores níveis de IL6, IL10 e CCL5 observados nos pacientes em comparação aos doadores assintomáticos. Nível de IFN pode ser especial indicador de gravidade da doença. Conclusão: Marcadores biológicos, como citocinas e quimiocinas, podem ser melhores preditores de evolução da COVID-19 que sinais clínicos e sintomas. Suporte financeiro: Fundação Hemominas e SES/MG. more...

Objetivo: Comparar a prevalência de sorologia positiva para IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2 encontrada em doadores de sangue dos hemocentros de Minas Gerais e os dados de casos de COVID-19 confirmados pela Secretaria de Estado de Saúde de Minas Gerais (SES-MG), bem como avaliar o perfil dos doadores positivos. Métodos: Amostras de soro (n = 7.837) de doadores de sangue dos hemocentros de Belo Horizonte (HBH), Governador Valadares (GOV), Juiz de Fora (JFO), Montes Claros (MOC), Pouso Alegre (PAL), Uberaba (URA) e Uberlândia (UDI) no período de março a dezembro de 2020 foram testadas por quimioluminescência para IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2. A soroprevalência foi comparada à prevalência de casos acumulados de COVID-19 relatados em boletins epidemiológicos da SES-MG. Resultados: Dos doadores testados, 441 (5,6%) foram positivos para IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2. Doadores do sexo masculino foram significativamente mais frequentes no grupo positivo (54,2% nos negativos vs. 61,9% nos positivos; p = 0,0019) e doadores com grupo sanguíneo O foram significativamente menos frequentes neste grupo (53,2% nos negativos vs. 46,7% nos positivos; p = 0,0096). Não houve diferença quanto à idade dos doadores nos dois grupos, nem quanto ao tipo de doação (espontânea, reposição, convocado ou doador de primeira vez). Os dados de sorologia para IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2 mostraram um aumento consistente da prevalência de amostras positivas ao longo do período avaliado em todos os hemocentros, atingindo-se níveis mais elevados especialmente a partir do mês de novembro. A soroprevalência acumulada de IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2 em doadores de sangue no período avaliado foi significativamente diferente nos hemocentros incluídos (HBH: 5,71%; GOV: 7,21%; JFO: 4,32%; MOC: 5,92%; PAL: 2,56%; UDI: 7,60%; URA: 4,28%). Comparando-se os dados encontrados àqueles reportados nos boletins epidemiológicos da SES-MG, verificou-se que a soroprevalência detectada foi maior que a prevalência de casos acumulados em 32,1% dos meses no primeiro semestre de 2020. Por outro lado, a soroprevalência foi maior que a prevalência de casos acumulados em 76,2% dos meses no segundo semestre de 2020. Discussão: A análise da evolução da infecção por SARS-CoV-2 é muito importante para a adoção de medidas de contenção da COVID-19 e a estruturação adequada dos serviços de saúde. Entretanto, em um cenário em que a testagem em massa é impedida pela escassez de testes e pelo pouco acesso aos serviços de saúde, novas estratégias de testagem da população devem ser estudadas. Os resultados deste estudo reforçam que os dados de prevalência de COVID-19 na população de Minas Gerais estão subestimados, pois quase a totalidade dos testes foram disponibilizados para casos sintomáticos. A sorovigilância baseada em doadores de sangue é cada vez mais reconhecida como uma estratégia poderosa e de baixo custo para monitorar doenças infecciosas, incluindo a evolução de epidemias de doenças infecciosas emergentes. Este resultado parece ser especialmente mais consistente quando ocorre maior disseminação da infecção na população, pois os dados discrepantes de soroprevalência e prevalência de casos se acentuaram após o início da primeira onda de COVID-19 no Brasil (junho/2020). Conclusão: Os resultados deste estudo mostram que o teste de sorologia por quimioluminescência para IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2 em doadores de sangue é uma importante ferramenta para monitorar a infecção na população. Suporte financeiro: Fundação HEMOMINAS, CNPq. more...

Objetivo: Comparar o perfil imunológico de indivíduos positivos e negativos para IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2. Métodos: Amostras de soro (n = 7.837) de doadores de sangue da Fundação Hemominas, coletadas no período de março a dezembro de 2020, foram testadas por quimioluminescência para IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2. As amostras positivas foram separadas em quatro grupos considerando-se os intervalos interquartis do index de anticorpos detectados no teste sorológico. Amostras positivas e negativas foram utilizadas na dosagem de citocinas (IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNF, IFN-gama e IL-17A) e quimiocinas (CXCL8, CCL5, CXCL9, CCL2 e CXCL10). Resultados: Dos doadores testados, 441 (5,6%) foram positivos para IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2 com mediana de index de 3,65 (IQR 2,43-5,40). As concentrações séricas (ng/mL) de IL-10 (mediana, 0,51; IQR, 0,18-0,86; p < 0,0001), TNF (mediana, 0,65; IQR, 0,00-0,77; p = 0,0279) e IFN-gama (mediana, 0,36; IQR, 0,00-0,88; p < 0,0001) foram significativamente maiores em doadores de sangue positivos para IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2. As concentrações séricas (ng/mL) de CXCL8 (mediana, 13,60; IQR, 5,98-28,04; p = 0,0013), CCL5 (mediana, 4.017,00; IQR, 2.674,00-4.736,00; p < 0,0001), CXCL9 (mediana, 33,08; IQR, 17,88-54,14; p < 0,0001), CCL2 (mediana, 40,39; IQR, 23,38-61,52; p = 0,0068) e CXCL10 (mediana, 111,70; IQR, 56,98-178,00; p < 0,0001) foram significativamente maiores em doadores de sangue positivos para IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2. Análises de correlação revelaram que todas as citocinas (exceto IL-4, IL-6 e IL-17A) têm correlação negativa significativa com o index de IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2, mas com coeficiente de Spearman (r) menores que 0,5. Todas as quimiocinas testadas tiveram correlação negativa significativa, com destaque para CCL5 (r = -0,79), CXCL9 (r = -0,57) e CXCL10 (r = -0,51). Discussão: A análise do perfil imunológico de indivíduos positivos e negativos evidenciou que a produção de IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2 depende de uma resposta imune inata caracterizada pela alta concentração sérica de quimiocinas e de uma resposta pró-inflamatória potencializada por TNF e IFN-gama e regulada por IL-10. Os resultados evidenciam ainda que a produção de mais anticorpos contra o vírus depende de uma síntese controlada de citocinas e quimiocinas, indicando que menores níveis destes biomarcadores estão relacionados à maior produção de IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2. Conclusão: Os resultados deste estudo evidenciaram que um perfil imune pró-inflamatório associado a biomarcadores de resposta imune inata é importante para o desenvolvimento de anticorpos IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2. Suporte financeiro: Fundação HEMOMINAS, CNPq. more...

AbstractThis study aims developing and evaluate a protocol of semen cryopreservation of the lane snapper Lutjanus synagris. Firstly, sperm motility rate, motility time, density and spermatocrit were appraised to characterize the sperm quality of the lane snapper. The effect of three extenders with distinct ionic compositions and pH values combined with seven concentrations of cryoprotector dimethylsulfoxide (0; 2.5; 5.0; 7.5; 10.0; 12.5 e 15.0%), five cooling rates (110, 90, 60, 45 e 30°C –min), nine equilibration time (1; 2,5; 5; 10; 15; 20; 25; 30 e 60 minutes) e five dilutions ratio (1:1; 1:3; 1:6; 1:10 e 1:20) on the sperm motility rate and motility time were analyzed. Fertilization test was accomplished to evaluate the viability of the cryopreserved sperm. The higher sperm motility rate and motility time (P60% validating the present protocol for lane snapper. The cryoconserved sperm of lane snapper is a viable alternative, being possible to maintain appropriate sperm viability. more...

To assess the effect of cleaning protocols on dentin contaminated with blood in reparative endodontic materials, bovine root samples were divided: no contamination (N); contamination (P); contamination and cleaning with saline (S), 2.5% NaOCl+saline (Na) or 2.5% NaOCl+17% EDTA+saline (NaE) and filled with: mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), calcium-aluminate-cement (C), or C+collagen (Ccol) (n=13). The samples were evaluated for porosity, chemical composition, and bond strength. MTA porosity was lower than C (p=0.02) and higher than Ccol (p<0.001). P and NaE were similar (p=1.00), but higher than the other groups (p<0.001). MTA bond strength was similar to Ccol (p=0.777) and lower than C (p=0.028). P presented lower bond strength than the N (p<0.001); S and Na were similar to each other (p=0.969), but higher than P and lower than N (p<0.001). It was observed a predominance of mixed and cohesive failures. None of the samples showed Ca/P ratio values similar to human hydroxyapatite. This study showed that contamination with blood increased the materials porosity, but dentin cleaning with 2.5% NaOCl reduced this effect, and the collagen additive reduced the material porosity. Furthermore, blood contamination reduced the materials bond strength, and cleaning with saline or 2.5% NaOCl diminished this effect. more...

Background: The inflammatory response plays a significant role in the outcome of coronavirus disease (COVID-19)., Methods: We investigated plasma cytokine and chemokine concentrations in non-infected (NI), asymptomatic severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2)-infected blood donors (AS), and patients with severe COVID-19 (SC)., Results: The SC group showed significantly higher levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-10, and CCL5 than the AS and NI groups. The SC and AS groups had considerably greater CXCL9 and CXCL10 concentrations than the NI group. Only NI and infected people showed separate clusters in the principal component analysis., Conclusions: SC, as well as AS was characterized by an inflammatory profile. more...

This study evaluated the effect of chitosan, zirconium oxide, and hydroxyapatite on the apatite-like forming ability, porosity, and bond-strength of calcium-aluminate cements (C). Three hundred bovine root-slices were assigned to one of five groups, according to the material: MTA, C, C + chitosan (Cchi), C + zirconium oxide (Czio), and C + hydroxyapatite (Chap), and within each group, two subgroups, according to the immersion: deionized water or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) up to 14 days. Assessments (n = 10) of apatite-like forming ability were performed using scanning-electron microscopy, energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and x-ray diffraction. PBS was evaluated for pH and Ca 2+ release (n = 10). Bond-strength was analyzed by push-out test (n = 10) and porosity by micro-CT (n = 10). Chemical and push-out data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey's tests (α = .05). Porosity data were analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis and SNK tests (α = .05). Similar Ca/P ratios were observed between all groups (p > .05). The pH of MTA and Cchi were higher than that of other cements at d 3 and 6 (p < .05). Cchi had a higher release of Ca 2+ up to 6 days (p < .05). All cements had lower porosity after PBS (p < .05). Cchi and Chap had similar porosity reduction (p > .05), and were higher than MTA, C, and Czio (p < .05). Cchi had higher bond-strength than the other groups (p < .05). PBS samples had higher bond-strength (p < .05). All cements had hydroxyapatite deposition and the chitosan blend had the lowest porosity and the highest bond-strength., (© 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.) more...

Introduction and Objectives: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) infections have chronic courses. HCV is primarily transmitted via the hematogenous route, whereas HTLV-1 is primarily transmitted sexually, although it can also be transmitted by blood. Individuals chronically infected with either HTLV-1 or HCV can differ in terms of behavioral characteristics and personality traits. This study compared the occurrence of risk behaviors and impulsivity aspects between HCV and HTLV-1 carriers., Materials and Methods: Observational, comparative and cross-sectional study that involved a sample of outpatients who had HCV or HLTV-1, by way of a sociodemographic and behavioral questionnaire and the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale - BIS-11. 143 individuals with HCV and 113 individuals with HTLV-1 were evaluated., Results: There was a difference with regards to gender among patients, with mostly males affected in the HCV group. Risk behaviors commonly mediated by impulsiveness were significantly more frequent in the HCV group. Similarly, overall impulsiveness and domain nonplanning were higher in the HCV group. Multivariate analysis showed that increased age, male gender, higher nonplanning scores and HCV infection were independent factors for the occurrence of risk behaviors. Both groups presented high rates of other sexually transmitted diseases and a low rate of condom use in sexual relations., Conclusions: This study confirms the higher rate of risk behaviors and the levels of impulsiveness commonly observed in patients with HCV, along with comparisons to patients with HTLV-1., (Copyright © 2019 Fundación Clínica Médica Sur, A.C. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.) more...

Calcium aluminate cement (CAC) has been highlighted as a promising alternative for endodontic use aiming at periapical tissue repair. However, its effects on dental pulp cells have been poorly explored., Objective: This study assessed the impact of calcium chloride (CaCl2) and bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) or zinc oxide (ZnO) additives on odontoblast cell response to CAC., Methodology: MDPC-23 cells were exposed for up to 14 d: 1) CAC with 2.8% CaCl2 and 25% ZnO (CACz); 2) CAC with 2.8% CaCl2 and 25% Bi2O3 (CACb); 3) CAC with 10% CaCl2 and 25% Bi2O3 (CACb+); or 4) mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), placed on inserts. Non-exposed cultures served as control. Cell morphology, cell viability, gene expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bone sialoprotein (BSP), and dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP-1), ALP activity, and extracellular matrix mineralization were evaluated. Data were compared using ANOVA (α=5%)., Results: Lower cell density was detected only for MTA and CACb+ compared with Control, with areas showing reduced cell spreading. Cell viability was similar among groups at days one and three (p>0.05). CACb+ and MTA showed the lowest cell viability values at day seven (p>0.05). CACb and CACb+ promoted higher ALP and BSP expression compared with CACz (p<0.05); despite that, all cements supported ALP activity. Matrix mineralization were enhanced in CACb+ and MTA., Conclusion: In conclusion, CAC with Bi2O3, but not with ZnO, supported the expression of odontoblastic phenotype, but only the composition with 10% CaCl2 promoted mineralized matrix formation, rendering it suitable for dentin-pulp complex repair. more...

Moebius syndrome (MBS) is a congenital disorder caused by paralysis of the facial and abducens nerves. Although a number of candidate genes have been suspected, so far only mutations in PLXND1 and REV3L are confirmed to cause MBS. Here, we fine mapped the breakpoints of a complex chromosomal rearrangement (CCR) 46,XY,t(7;8;11;13) in a patient with MBS, which revealed 41 clustered breakpoints with typical hallmarks of chromothripsis. Among 12 truncated protein-coding genes, SEMA3A is known to bind to the MBS-associated PLXND1. Intriguingly, the CCR also truncated PIK3CG, which in silico interacts with REVL3 encoded by the other known MBS-gene REV3L, and with the SEMA3A/PLXND1 complex via FLT1. Additional studies of other complex rearrangements may reveal whether the multiple breakpoints in germline chromothripsis may predispose to complex multigenic disorders., (© 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.) more...

Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) has low prevalence rates, but is endemic in some regions of the world. It is usually a chronic asymptomatic infection, but it can be associated with serious neurologic and urinary conditions. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is broadly spread out worldwide. The majority of these infections have a chronic course that may progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma., Objectives: To compare sociodemographic and mental health (risk behaviors, depression, and suicide) aspects, and quality of life among patients with HCV or HTLV-1., Methods: Observational, comparative and cross-sectional study involving outpatients with HCV or HLTV-1 infection. Sociodemographic characteristics, risk behaviors and quality of life were assessed through the questionnaires Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview - MINI Plus (depression and suicide) and Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (quality of life). Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses (hierarchical logistic regression) were conducted., Results: 143 individuals with HCV and 113 individuals with HTLV-1 infection were included. Males were predominant in the HCV group (68.8%) and females in the HTLV-1 group (71.7%). The frequency of risk behaviors (sexual and drug use) was greater in those with HCV (p < 0.05). A past depressive episode was more common in the HTLV-1 group (p = 0.037). Quality of life was significantly worse in the physical functioning, vitality, mental health, and social functioning domains in those with HTLV-1 (p < 0.05). HTLV-1 infection remained independently associated with worse quality of life in multivariate analysis., Conclusions: Risk behaviors are frequent among those infected with HCV. Additionally, despite HTLV-1 being considered an infection with low morbidity, issues related to mental health (depressive episode) and decreased quality of life are relevant., (Copyright © 2019 Sociedade Brasileira de Infectologia. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.) more...

Aim: To evaluate the effects of 2.8% or 10% calcium chloride (CaCl 2 ) in calcium aluminate cement (CAC) with either bismuth oxide (Bi 2 O 3</subscript> ) or zinc oxide (ZnO) as radiopacifiers on the progression of osteogenic cell cultures., Methodology: Rat calvaria-derived cells were grown on Thermanox ® coverslips for 24 h and exposed to samples of (i) CACb: with 2.8% CaCl 2 and 25% Bi 2 O 3 ; (ii) CACb+: with 10% CaCl 2 and 25% Bi 2 O 3 ; (iii) CACz: with 2.8% CaCl 2 and 25% ZnO; or (iv) CACz+: with 10% CaCl 2 and 25% ZnO, placed on inserts. Nonexposed cultures served as the control. Calcium and phosphorus contents in culture media were quantified. The effects of the cements on cell apoptosis, cell viability and acquisition of the osteogenic cell phenotype were evaluated. Data were compared by Kruskal-Wallis test (α = 5%)., Results: CACb+ promoted the highest levels of calcium in the culture media; CACz+, the lowest levels of phosphorus (P < 0.05). CACz+ and CACb increased cell apoptosis (P < 0.05). CACb reduced cell viability (P < 0.05) and the expression of the osteoblastic phenotype. CACz+ and CACb+ promoted greater cell differentiation and matrix mineralization compared to CACz and CACb (P < 0.05)., Conclusion: For CAC with the lower CaCl 2 content, the use of Bi 2 O 3 was detrimental for osteoblastic cell survival and differentiation compared to ZnO, while CAC with the higher CaCl 2 content supported the acquisition of the osteogenic cell phenotype in vitro regardless of the radiopacifier used. Thus, CAC with 10% CaCl 2 would potentially promote bone repair in the context of endodontic therapies., (© 2017 International Endodontic Journal. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.) more...

This work investigated the content of total polyphenolic compounds and flavonoids as well as their toxicity and larvicidal and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities. The antioxidant activities of two medicinal Senna species extracts ( Senna cana and Senna pendula ) were also investigated. The ethanol extract of the leaves of S. cana and the ethanol extract of the branches of S. pendula presented the best performance in the DPPH/FRAP and ABTS/ORAC assays, respectively. For the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, the hexane extract of the flowers of S. pendula presented the lowest IC 50 value among the ethanol extracts of the leaves of S. cana and showed the best performance in some assays. The hexane extract of the leaves of S. pendula and the hexane extract of the branches of S. cana were moderate to Artemia salina Leach. In the quantification of phenols and flavonoids, the ethanol extract of the leaves of S. cana presented the best results. The ethanol extracts of the leaves of S. cana were found to be rich in antioxidants, phenolic compounds, and flavonoids. These results indicate the antioxidant potential of the extracts of Senna species and can be responsible for some of the therapeutic uses of these plants. more...

Aim: To evaluate mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), Biodentine and several formulations of calcium aluminate cements (CACb) in terms of their ability to release calcium ions (Ca 2+rscript> ) and form apatite-like precipitates after short-term immersion in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and its influence on the bond strength to the root-end cavity., Methodology: Ten samples of MTA, Biodentine, CACb and calcium-enriched aluminate cement (CACb+) were placed in contact with PBS or deionized water for 14 days. The cement surfaces were analysed using SEM, EDS-X and FTIR. Eighty standardized root-end cavities filled with the cements (ten samples of each cement) were immersed in PBS or deionized water for 14 days, and the bond strengths were measured. Data from the push-out test were analysed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey's tests (α = 0.05)., Results: A gradual decrease was observed in Ca 2+ concentrations and pH of all solutions. FTIR bands of different phases of hydroxyapatite were identified. Crystalline formation was observed on the surface of all cements after immersion in PBS. No significant difference was observed in the bond strength of the test materials (P > 0.05); however, all cements without contact with the solution revealed significantly lower bond strength values than those in contact with the solution (P < 0.05)., Conclusion: MTA, Biodentine, CACb e CACb+ were associated with precipitation of crystals after being in contact with PBS for 14 days, indicated by different phases of hydroxyapatite crystalline formation, which also increased dislodgment resistance of the material from root-end cavities. The CACb+ had similar bond strengths and precipitation of crystals to existing materials., (© 2017 International Endodontic Journal. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.) more...

The introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy marked a major gain in efficacy of HIV/AIDS treatment and a reduction in morbidity and mortality of the infected patients. However, high levels of adherence are required to obtain virologic suppression. In Brazil, the policy of free and universal access to antiretroviral therapy has been in place since 1996, although there are reports of poor adherence., Objective: To define the clinical, demographic and psychological characteristics, and quality of life of patients with HIV/AIDS who present poor adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy., Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. To be included in the study patients had to be 18 through 65 years old, diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, having the two previous viral loads above 500 copies, a surrogate for poor adherence to antiretrovirals. The following instruments were applied to all eligible patients: the sociodemographic questionnaire "Adherence Follow-up Questionnaire", the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and the 36-Item Short Form Survey., Results: 47 patients were evaluated, 70.2% were female, mean age of 41.9 years (±10.5), 46.8% were single, 51.1% self-reported adherence ≥95%, 46.8% mentioned depression as the main reason for not taking the medication, 59.5% presented symptoms of moderate to severe depression, and 44.7% presented symptoms of moderate to severe anxiety. Finally, regarding health-related quality of life these patients obtained low scores in all dimensions, physical component summary of 43.96 (±9.64) and mental component summary of 33.19 (±13.35)., Conclusion: The psychological component is considered to be fundamental in the management of HIV/AIDS patients. Psychoeducation should be conducted at the initial evaluation to reduce negative beliefs regarding antiretroviral therapy Assessment of anxiety and depression symptoms should be done throughout therapy as both psycological conditions are associated with patient adherence, success of treatment, and ultimately with patients' quality of life., (Copyright © 2017 Sociedade Brasileira de Infectologia. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.) more...

Aim: To evaluate the effect of a calcium aluminate-based cement (CAC+) on the development of the osteogenic phenotype in vitro., Methodology: Rat calvaria-derived cells were grown on Thermanox ® coverslips for 24 h and then exposed to either samples (4-h set) of CAC+ or mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) placed on Transwell ® inserts for periods of up to 14 days. Nonexposed cultures were used as the controls. The comparisons were made using the nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test, followed by the Student-Newman-Keuls post hoc test when appropriate., Results: The results showed that proximity to MTA or CAC+ samples inhibited cell growth, whereas at a distance, viable and proliferative cells adhered to and spread on the Thermanox ® , expressing osteoblast differentiation markers prior to mineralization of the extracellular matrix. Compared with MTA, the osteogenic cell cultures exposed to CAC+ exhibited significantly greater cell viability, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and expression of runt-related transcription factor 2, osterix, ALP, bone sialoprotein and osteocalcin (P < 0.05 for all). For the osteogenic cell cultures exposed to CAC+, the quantification of matrix mineralization was not altered (P > 0.05)., Conclusions: CAC+ supported the acquisition of the osteogenic cell phenotype in vitro, rendering this novel material a potential alternative to MTA in endodontic procedures. Further in vivo studies are needed to verify if the beneficial in vitro effects of CAC+ on osteoblastic cells correspond to an increase and/or acceleration of bone repair in the periapical region., (© 2016 International Endodontic Journal. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.) more...

Introduction:: Although it only corresponds to 2.5% of congenital heart defects, hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is responsible for more than 25% of cardiac deaths in the first week of life. Palliative surgery performed after the second week of life is considered an important risk factor in the treatment of HLHS., Objective:: The aim of this study is to describe the initial experience of a medical center in Northeastern Brazil with a modified off-pump hybrid approach for palliation of HLHS., Methods:: From November 2012 through November 2015, the medical records of 8 patients with HLHS undergoing hybrid procedure were retrospectively evaluated in a tertiary private hospital in Northeastern Brazil. The modified off-pump hybrid palliation consisted of stenting of the ductus arteriosus guided by fluoroscopy without contrast and banding of the main pulmonary artery branches. Demographic and clinical variables were recorded for descriptive analysis., Results:: Eight patients were included in this study, of whom 37.5% were female. The median age and weight at the time of the procedure was 2 days (p25% and p75% = 2 and 4.5 days, respectively) and 3150 g (p25% and p75% = 3077.5 g and 3400 g, respectively), respectively. The median length in intensive care unit stay was 6 days (p25% and p75% = 3.5% and 8 days, respectively). There were no in-hospital deaths. Four patients have undergone to the second stage of the surgical treatment of HLHS., Conclusion:: In this series, the initial experience with the modified off-pump hybrid procedure showed to be safe, allowing a low early mortality rate among children presenting HLHS. more...

The intraclass correlation is commonly used with clustered data. It is often estimated based on fitting a model to hierarchical data and it leads, in turn, to several concepts such as reliability, heritability, inter-rater agreement, etc. For data where linear models can be used, such measures can be defined as ratios of variance components. Matters are more difficult for non-Gaussian outcomes. The focus here is on count and time-to-event outcomes where so-called combined models are used, extending generalized linear mixed models, to describe the data. These models combine normal and gamma random effects to allow for both correlation due to data hierarchies as well as for overdispersion. Furthermore, because the models admit closed-form expressions for the means, variances, higher moments, and even the joint marginal distribution, it is demonstrated that closed forms of intraclass correlations exist. The proposed methodology is illustrated using data from agricultural and livestock studies., (© 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.) more...

Context and Objective: There are few data in the literature on the frequency of cholecystectomy in Brazil. The frequency of cholecystectomy and associated risk factors were evaluated in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil)., Design and Setting: Cross-sectional study using baseline data on 5061 participants in São Paulo., Methods: The frequency of cholecystectomy and associated risk factors were evaluated over the first two years of follow-up of the study and over the course of life. A multivariate regression analysis was presented: odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI)., Results: A total of 4716 individuals (93.2%) with information about cholecystectomy were included. After two years of follow-up, 56 had undergone surgery (1.2%: 1.7% of the women; 0.6% of the men). A total of 188 participants underwent cholecystectomy during their lifetime. The risk factors associated with surgery after the two-year follow-up period were female sex (OR, 2.85; 95% CI, 1.53-5.32), indigenous ethnicity (OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 2.28-15.85) and body mass index (BMI) (OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.01-1.19 per 1 kg/m2 increase). The risk factors associated over the lifetime were age (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.02-1.05 per one year increase), diabetes (OR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.34-2.76) and previous bariatric surgery (OR, 5.37; 95% CI, 1.53-18.82). No association was found with parity or fertile age., Conclusion: Female sex and high BMI remained as associated risk factors while parity and fertile age lost significance. New factors such as bariatric surgery and indigenous ethnicity have gained importance in this country. more...

Embryological studies in fish species are useful to the understanding of their biology and systematics. The available biological data in Leiarius marmoratus are scarce and additional information about its reproductive biology is needed, mainly because this species has been commercially exploited and used in production of hybrid lineages. In order to evaluate the temporal-morphological embryonic modifications in L. marmoratus, samples of nearly 200 embryos were collected at random at different stages of development, starting from fecundation (time zero). Embryos were fixed in modified Karnovsk's solution and 2.5% glutaraldehyde, processed and analysed under optic and electron microscopy. The incubation period of L. marmoratus was equal to 14.42 h at a mean temperature of 28.3 ± 0.07°C. The following stages of embryonic development were established: zygote, cleavage, gastrula, organogenesis and hatching. These stages were divided into phases, as follows: cleavage - phases of 2, 4, 8, 16, 32 and 64 cells and morula; gastrula - phases of 25, 50, 75 and 90% of epiboly and blastopore closure; and organogenesis - neurula, segmentation and pre-larval phases. The embryogenesis of L. marmoratus was typical of neotropical teleosteans, with peculiarities in species development. more...

The endocrine cells (ECs) of the gastrointestinal mucosa form the largest endocrine system in the body, not only in terms of cell numbers but also in terms of the different produced substances. Data describing the association between the relative distributions of the peptide-specific ECs in relation to feeding habits can be useful tools that enable the creation of a general expected pattern of EC distribution. We aimed to investigate the distribution of ECs immunoreactive for the peptides gastrin (GAS), cholecystokinin (CCK-8), neuropeptide Y (NPY), and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in different segments of the digestive tract of carnivorous fish dorado (Salminus brasiliensis) by using immunohistochemistry procedures. The distribution of endocrine cells immunoreactive for gastrin (GAS), cholecystokinin (CCK-8), neuropeptide Y (NPY), and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in digestive tract of dorado S. brasiliensis was examined by immunohistochemistry. The results describe the association between the distribution of the peptide-specific endocrine cells and feeding habits in different carnivorous fish. The largest number of endocrine cells immunoreactive for GAS, CCK-8, and CGRP were found in the pyloric stomach region and the pyloric caeca. However, NPY-immunoreactive endocrine cells were markedly restricted to the midgut. The distribution pattern of endocrine cells identified in S. brasiliensis is similar to that found in other carnivorous fishes., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.) more...

Context and Objective: Noninvasive strategies for evaluating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have been investigated over the last few decades. Our aim was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of a new hepatic ultrasound score for NAFLD in the ELSA-Brasil study., Design and Settings: Diagnostic accuracy study conducted in the ELSA center, in the hospital of a public university., Methods: Among the 15,105 participants of the ELSA study who were evaluated for NAFLD, 195 individuals were included in this sub-study. Hepatic ultrasound was performed (deep beam attenuation, hepatorenal index and anteroposterior diameter of the right hepatic lobe) and compared with the hepatic steatosis findings from 64-channel high-resolution computed tomography (CT). We also evaluated two clinical indices relating to NAFLD: the fatty liver index (FLI) and the hepatic steatosis index (HSI)., Results: Among the 195 participants, the NAFLD frequency was 34.4%. High body mass index, high waist circumference, diabetes and hypertriglyceridemia were associated with high hepatic attenuation and large anteroposterior diameter of the right hepatic lobe, but not with the hepatorenal index. The hepatic ultrasound score, based on hepatic attenuation and the anteroposterior diameter of the right hepatic lobe, presented the best performance for NAFLD screening at the cutoff point ≥ 1 point; sensitivity: 85.1%; specificity: 73.4%; accuracy: 79.3%; and area under the curve (AUC 0.85; 95% confidence interval, CI: 0.78-0.91)]. FLI and HSI presented lower performance (AUC 0.76; 95% CI: 0.69-0.83) than CT., Conclusion: The hepatic ultrasound score based on hepatic attenuation and the anteroposterior diameter of the right hepatic lobe has good reproducibility and accuracy for NAFLD screening. more...

Objective: Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) is a noninvasive measurement of early atherosclerosis. Most IMT studies have involved populations with low rates of racial blending. The aim of the present article is to describe IMT value distributions and analyze the influence of sex and race on IMT values in a large Brazilian sample, a setting with a high rate of racial admixture., Methods: The Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil) is a multicenter cohort of 15,105 adult (aged 35-74 years) civil servants in six Brazilian cities. Baseline assessment included IMT measurements in both common carotid arteries. Race was self-reported. We studied the association between sex and race with IMT values using multiple linear regression models. We conducted analyses in all and low-risk individuals, defined as those without classical cardiovascular risk factors., Results: We analyzed complete IMT data from 10,405 ELSA-Brasil participants. We present nomograms by age for all and low-risk individuals, stratified by sex and race. We found that men had significantly higher maximal IMT values compared with women (β = 0.058; P < 0.001). This association remained for low-risk individuals (β = 0.027; P = 0.001). In addition, Brown and White individuals had lower maximal IMT values compared with Black individuals for all (β = -0.034 and β = -0.054, respectively; P < 0.001) and low-risk individuals (β = -0.027; P = 0.013 and β = -0.035; P < 0.001, respectively)., Conclusion: We found significantly higher IMT values in men. We found significantly higher IMT values in Black individuals than White and Brown individuals. These results persisted when analyses were restricted to low-risk individuals., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.) more...

Unlabelled: GRID-HAMD is a semi-structured interview guide developed to overcome flaws in HAM-D, and has been incorporated into an increasing number of studies., Objectives: Carry out the transcultural adaptation of GRID-HAMD into the Brazilian Portuguese language, evaluate the inter-rater reliability of this instrument and the training impact upon this measure, and verify the raters' opinions of said instrument., Methods: The transcultural adaptation was conducted by appropriate methodology. The measurement of inter-rater reliability was done by way of videos that were evaluated by 85 professionals before and after training for the use of this instrument., Results: The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) remained between 0.76 and 0.90 for GRID-HAMD-21 and between 0.72 and 0.91 for GRID-HAMD-17. The training did not have an impact on the ICC, except for a few groups of participants with a lower level of experience. Most of the participants showed high acceptance of GRID-HAMD, when compared to other versions of HAM-D., Conclusion: The scale presented adequate inter-rater reliability even before training began. Training did not have an impact on this measure, except for a few groups with less experience. GRID-HAMD received favorable opinions from most of the participants. more...

This study aimed to develop a protocol of semen cryopreservation of the mutton snapper Lutjanus analis. The interaction between three extenders ( pH 6.1; 7.8 and 8.2) , two concentrations of dimethyl sulfoxide ( DMSO, 5 and 10%) and three cooling rates ( -90; -60 and -30°C.min-1) on the sperm motility rate and motility time were analyzed by a factorial experiment. A sample of 30 fishes ( 1,261 ± 449 g) collected in the nature was kept in floating net cages. The semen was frozen by using cryogenic straws, in nitrogen vapour and transferred, later, to liquid nitrogen. Fertilization test was accomplished to evaluate the viability of the cryopreserved sperm. The highest sperm motility rate and motility time ( P < 0.05) was achieved by combining extender C ( pH 8.2) with DMSO ( 10%) and cooling rate of -60°C.min-1 ( P < 0.05) . The use of cryopreserved sperm presented fertilization rates higher than 59% validating the present protocol for mutton snapper. more...

Objective: Functional neuroimaging techniques represent fundamental tools in the context of translational research integrating neurobiology, psychopathology, neuropsychology, and therapeutics. In addition, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has proven its efficacy in the treatment of anxiety disorders and may be useful in phobias. The literature has shown that feelings and behaviors are mediated by specific brain circuits, and changes in patterns of interaction should be associated with cerebral alterations. Based on these concepts, a systematic review was conducted aiming to evaluate the impact of CBT on phobic disorders measured by functional neuroimaging techniques., Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted including studies published between January 1980 and April 2012. Studies written in English, Spanish or Portuguese evaluating changes in the pattern of functional neuroimaging before and after CBT in patients with phobic disorders were included., Results: The initial search strategy retrieved 45 studies. Six of these studies met all inclusion criteria. Significant deactivations in the amygdala, insula, thalamus and hippocampus, as well as activation of the medial orbitofrontal cortex, were observed after CBT in phobic patients when compared with controls., Conclusion: In spite of their technical limitations, neuroimaging techniques provide neurobiological support for the efficacy of CBT in the treatment of phobic disorders. Further studies are needed to confirm this conclusion. more...

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are components of the innate immune response that represent desirable alternatives to conventional pharmaceuticals, as they have a fast mode of action, a low likelihood of resistance development and can act in conjunction with existing drug regimens. AMPs exhibit strong inhibitory activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, fungi, viruses, metazoans and other parasites, such as the protozoan Leishmania. Melittin is a naturally occurring AMP, which comprises 40-50% of the dry weight of Apis mellifera venom. Our group has recently shown that crude A. mellifera venom is lethal to Trypanosoma cruzi, the Chagas disease etiologic agent, and generates a variety of cell death phenotypes among treated parasites. Here, we demonstrate that the melittin affected all of T. cruzi developmental forms, including the intracellular amastigotes. The ultrastructural changes induced by melittin suggested the occurrence of different programmed cell death pathways, as was observed in A. mellifera-treated parasites. Autophagic cell death appeared to be the main death mechanism in epimastigotes. In contrast, melittin-treated trypomastigotes appeared to be dying via an apoptotic mechanism. Our findings confirm the great potential of AMPs, including melittin, as a potential source of new drugs for the treatment of neglected diseases, such as Chagas disease., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.) more...

Introduction: Calcium aluminate endodontic cement (CAEC) developed for use in root canal therapy has been produced with additives that improve handling properties and provide higher mechanical strength than mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) according to prior studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the bioactivity of CAEC containing accelerating additives (A-CAEC) in comparison with MTA, both in contact with simulated body fluid (SBF) solutions., Methods: pH measurements were taken for set cement samples immersed in water or SBF solutions prepared according to the Kokubo and Rigo techniques. The surface of these materials kept in contact with SBF solutions were also evaluated by means of scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, and X-ray diffraction., Results: Because of the calcium hydroxide dissociation, MTA cement is able to release more Ca(2+) ions and results in a higher pH increase compared with A-CAEC. This behavior enhances the supersaturation of Kokubo solution, resulting in the precipitation of calcium phosphate phases on the MTA surface. On the other hand, for MTA in Rigo SBF solution, the pH value attained was higher than for the Kokubo SBF solution as a result of the Mg(2+) ion precipitation, which inhibited the calcium phosphate phase formation. For A-CAEC, the optimal precipitation conditions of calcium phosphate phases are achieved in Rigo SBF solution., Conclusions: MTA and A-CAEC present bioactivity in contact with SBF solution although the composition of this solution defines the type of phase precipitated., (Copyright © 2013 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.) more...

This study aimed to evaluate various concentrations of egg yolk (5, 10, or 20%) in combination with different concentrations of glycerol (3% or 6%) added to a Tris-based extender on the post-thaw characteristics of sperm obtained from Tayassu tajacu. For this purpose, semen from 10 sexually male mature collared peccaries was collected by electroejaculation and evaluated for sperm motility, vigour, viability, morphology and functional membrane integrity. The ejaculates were initially extended in Tris-fructose plus egg yolk (5%, 10% or 20%). After cooling, the semen was added to Tris-egg yolk plus glycerol (6% or 12%), resulting in a final concentration of 3% or 6% glycerol of the extender. Straws were frozen using liquid nitrogen and thawed in a water bath at 37°C for 30 s. The frozen-thawed semen was evaluated as reported for fresh semen. After thawing, a significant decrease was verified for sperm motility and vigour, for all the samples in comparison with fresh semen. However, no differences were evidenced among treatments for any sperm characteristics evaluated (p > 0.05), except for the combination between 10% egg yolk and 6% glycerol, which provided the worst preservation of functional membrane integrity (p < 0.05). The interactions between higher concentrations of egg yolk (20%) and glycerol (6%) and also between lower concentrations of the same substances (5% egg yolk and 3% glycerol) added to the Tris-based extender negatively affected the preservation of the normal sperm morphology after thawing (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the use of Tris-based extender added to 10% or 20% egg yolk plus 3% glycerol is recommended for effective sperm cryopreservation in collared peccaries., (© 2012 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.) more...

In this work, horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was immobilized on dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) bilayers supported on Au (111) by dithiotreitol (DTT) self-assembled monolayers and used as a nanostructured electrochemical biosensor to dopamine determination. The morphology of the phospholipid bilayers and the immobilization of HRP to these layers were characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Square-wave voltammetry (SWV) experiments were done to investigate the performance of the HRP-modified electrode. The AFM images indicate that the enzyme is adsorbed at the external layer of the lipid bilayer and, although the electrical charges on the surface were not measured, the enzyme and phospholipids surface interaction occurs probably by electrostatic forces due to the pH used in the experiments. Interestingly, the present system can be used as one-shot sensor for the rapid detection of dopamine. The analytical performance of this system was linear for dopamine concentrations from 3.3 × 10⁻⁵ to 1.3 × 10⁻³  mol L⁻¹ (r = 0.9997) with a detection limit of 2.0 × 10⁻⁶  mol L⁻¹. Our results indicate that the use of HRP-DMPC bilayer system may be useful not only in developing new nanostructured materials for technological purposes, but could be very useful in fundamental studies to investigate the interactions between different micro-and macromolecules, even with soluble proteins, and lipid membranes., (Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.) more...

For the last 40 years, schizophrenia has been considered to be the result primarily of a dysfunction in brain dopaminergic pathways. In this review, it is described and discussed findings concerning nitric oxide-mediated neurotransmission in schizophrenia. Studies were searched in PubMed, SciELO, and LILACS using the terms schizophrenia and nitric oxide plasma levels or nitric oxide serum levels, with no time limit. The reference lists of selected articles were also hand-searched for additional articles. From 15 potential reports, 10 were eligible to be included in the review and meta-analysis. These studies included a total of 505 patients with schizophrenia and 339 healthy volunteers. No significant difference was found between patients and healthy controls regarding total nitrite plasma/serum levels (effect size g = 0.285, 95%CI = -0.205 to 0.774, p = 0.254). However, when studies with patients under antipsychotic treatment were examined separately, there was a significant difference between patients and healthy volunteers (effect size g = 0.663, 95%CI = 0.365 to 0.961, p < 0.001), showing that patients under treatment have higher levels of plasma/serum nitric oxide than controls. These results suggest that antipsychotics increase nitric oxide plasma/serum levels and that the nitrergic pathway would be a fertile target for the development of new treatments for patients with schizophrenia. more...

This study determines the morphology and ultrasound features of the abdominal organs in male, nestling and healthy collared peccaries. The bladder wall is hyperechogenic, with a thickness of 0.2 ± 0.08 cm. The kidneys present a well-defined cortex, medulla and pelvis, and the dimensions are 2.56 ± 0.3 × 4.6 ± 0.8 cm for the left and 2.51 ± 0.4 × 4.86 ± 1.1 cm for the right kidney. The spleen has a uniform echotexture over its entire surface. The largest dimensions of the liver are 2.0 ± 0.57 cm for the left lobe and 1.42 ± 0.66 cm for the caudate lobe. The liver presents a homogeneous echotexture in the majority of cases, but sometimes some hyperechoic spots are present. The stomach wall has a thickness of 0.42 ± 0.28 cm. The bowel loops show alternate hyperechoic and hypoechoic layers with a uniform diameter and a wall thickness of 0.19 ± 0.07 cm., (© 2012 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.) more...

Objectives: To study the impact of eating disorders (EDs) on the severity of bipolar disorder (BD)., Methods: The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I (SCID-I), Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D-17), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF), Clinical Global Impression (CGI), and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment (WHOQOL-BREF) were used. Clinical and sociodemographic data were also collected., Results: Among the 356 bipolar patients included in this study, 19 (5.3%) were also diagnosed with ED. Of these, 57.9% had bulimia nervosa (BN) and 42.1% had anorexia nervosa (AN). Among ED patients, 94.7% were female. Bipolar patients with EDs presented with lower scores in the mental health domain of the WHOQOL-BREF, higher scores of depressive symptoms, and more psychiatric comorbidities., Conclusions: ED comorbidities imposed important negative outcomes in bipolar patients. This finding suggests that attention should be given to the presence of EDs in BD patients and that better treatments focused on this population should be developed. more...

The aim of this work was to assess the cryoprotective effects of dimethylformamide (DMF) for freezing goat semen, using an objective analysis by computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA). Twenty-one ejaculates (seven per animal) were collected from three stud bucks with the aid of an artificial vagina and immediately evaluated for gross and microscopic characteristics. The semen was diluted in two steps with a Tris-egg yolk extender containing 6% glycerol or 6% DMF, frozen in 0.50-mL straws, and stored in liquid nitrogen. Samples were accessed for sperm morphology, sperm membrane structural and functional integrity, and by CASA, immediately after thawing. There were differences (P<0.05) between glycerol and DMF with regard to subjective progressive motility (23.9±2.2% vs. 16.6±2.0%), objective progressive motility (3.5±0.4% vs. 1.8±0.3%), linearity (53.9±1.6% vs. 48.1±1.4%) and amplitude of lateral head (2.3±0.1 vs. 2.9±0.1 mm), which confirmed the efficiency of glycerol. In conclusion, dimethylformamide could be used as an alternative cryoprotectant for goat semen freezing. However it was showed that no benefits were derived by using dimethylformamide to replace glycerol at an equal 6% concentration., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.) more...

Objective: This study investigates obsessive-compulsive disorder patients in terms of strategic planning and its association with specific obsessive-compulsive symptom dimensions., Method: We evaluated 32 obsessive-compulsive disorder patients. Strategic planning was assessed by the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test, and the obsessive-compulsive dimensions were assessed by the Dimensional Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale. In the statistical analyses, the level of significance was set at 5%. We employed linear regression, including age, intelligence quotient, number of comorbidities, the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale score, and the Dimensional Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale., Results: The Dimensional Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale "worst-ever" score correlated significantly with the planning score on the copy portion of the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (r = 0.4, p = 0.04) and was the only variable to show a significant association after linear regression (β = 0.55, t = 2.1, p = 0.04). Compulsive hoarding correlated positively with strategic planning (r = 0.44, p = 0.03). None of the remaining symptom dimensions presented any significant correlations with strategic planning., Conclusion: We found the severity of obsessive-compulsive symptoms to be associated with strategic planning. In addition, there was a significant positive association between the planning score on the copy portion of the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test copy score and the hoarding dimension score on the Dimensional Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale. Our results underscore the idea that obsessive-compulsive disorder is a heterogeneous disorder and suggest that the hoarding dimension has a specific neuropsychological profile. Therefore, it is important to assess the peculiarities of each obsessive-compulsive symptom dimension. more...

The present study evaluated the progression of osteogenic cell cultures exposed to a novel calcium aluminate cement (CAC+) in comparison with the gold standard mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). Cells were enzimatically isolated from newborn rat calvarial bone, plated on glass coverslips containing either CAC+ or a control MTA samples in the center, and grown under standard osteogenic conditions. Over the 10-day culture period, roundening of sample edges was clearly noticed only for MTA group. Although both cements supported osteogenic cell adhesion, spreading, and proliferation, CAC+-exposed cultures showed significantly higher values in terms of total cell number at days 3 and 7, and total protein content and alkaline phosphatase activity at day 10. The present in vitro results indicate that the exposure to CAC+ supports a higher differentiation of osteogenic cells compared with the ones exposed to MTA. Further experimental studies should consider CAC+ as a potential alternative to MTA when the repair of mineralized tissues is one of the desired outcomes in endodontic therapy. more...

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies have reported a variety of brain abnormalities in association with schizophrenia. These include a higher incidence of cavum septum pellucidum (CSP), which is consistent with a neurodevelopmental model for this disorder. In this meta-analytic review, we describe and discuss the main CSP MRI findings in schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs) to date. We adopted as keywords cavum and schizophrenia or psychosis, and the inclusion criteria were articles in English, with samples of SSD patients compared to healthy subjects, which used MRI to assess CSP, without time limit. From 18 potential reports, fifteen were eligible to be part of the current review. These studies included 1054 patients with SSD and 866 healthy volunteers. Six out of 15 studies pointed to a higher prevalence of CSP of any size in SSD patients, while five out of 15 showed that subjects with SSD had a greater occurrence of a large CSP than healthy individuals. However, the meta-analysis demonstrated that only the incidence of a large CSP was significantly higher in SSD relative to healthy comparisons (odds ratio=1.59; 95%CI 1.07-2.38; p=0.02). Overall our results suggest that only a large CSP is associated with SSD while a small CSP may be considered a normal neuroanatomical variation. Our review revealed a large degree of variability in the methods employed across the MRI studies published to date, as well as evidence of publication bias. Studies in large, community-based samples with greater standardization of methods should clarify the true significance of CSP in SSD., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.) more...

Aim: To evaluate the influence of additives on several physical and chemical properties of a novel endodontic cement based on calcium aluminate in comparison with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA)., Methodology: Manipulation tests, measurements of temperature, pH, ionic conductivity, compressive strength, apparent porosity, and pore size distribution were carried out on Gray-MTA (Angelus) and calcium aluminate cement (Secar-71, Kerneos) with and without various additives: a polymeric dispersant, CaCl(2) as plasticizer, and ZnO as radiopacifier., Results: The calcium aluminate cement without additives had a setting time of approximately 60min, and when combined with Li(2) CO(3) it decreased to 10min. The material also released Ca(2+) ions and alkalinized the medium. Moreover, the addition of additives (dispersant, plasticizer, and radiopacifier) improved its properties resulting in a material with a viscosity of 57mPas, enhanced handling properties, a mechanical strength of 81MPa, a porosity of 4% and pores with small diameter (0.25μm). MTA had no temperature increase (that indicates setting) up to 400min, a mechanical strength of 34MPa, and porosity of 28% with pores 2.5μm in diameter., Conclusion: The novel cement set more rapidly, had better fluidity, improved handling properties, higher mechanical strength, and reduced porosity with lower pore size compared to Gray-MTA Angelus., (© 2010 International Endodontic Journal.) more...

The present study is aimed at evaluating the effect of centrifugation for seminal plasma removal and the supplementation of fructose or glucose to the Tris-based extender on the kinematic patterns of the motility parameters of frozen-thawed semen obtained from captive collared peccaries (Tayassu tajacu). Semen samples (n = 14) were collected from 10 sexually mature male collared peccaries by electroejaculation. These samples were further evaluated for parameters such as motility, vigor, sperm viability, membrane integrity, and sperm morphology. The samples were divided into four aliquots, and only two of these aliquots were centrifuged. The semen aliquots (centrifuged and raw semen samples) were diluted in Tris-based extenders supplemented with fructose or glucose. Egg yolk (20%) and glycerol (3%) were added to all the samples which were cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen and thawed at 37 °C/1 min. The frozen-thawed semen was evaluated for the same parameters described for the fresh semen. On the other hand, the kinematic motility patterns were evaluated by a computer-aided system. After thawing, it was observed that the values for the total sperm motility were around 30% for all the samples. A negative effect of centrifugation was verified for parameters such as sperm morphology, linearity, straightness, and beat cross frequency (P < 0.05). However, no differences between fructose and glucose were verified for any semen end point (P > 0.05). In conclusion, it is not recommended to centrifuge the ejaculates from collared peccaries prior to conducting the cryopreservative procedures using a Tris-based extender supplemented with fructose or glucose., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.) more...

A study was undertaken to investigate the role of Trypanosoma vivax in sheep and goat mortality and abortions in the Brazilian semiarid region, where outbreaks had been previously reported in bovines. For this purpose, 177 goats and 248 sheep (20% of herds) were randomly sampled on four farms in the State of Paraiba in May and October 2008. The animals were screened for trypanosomes by the buffy coat technique (BCT) and PCR. Infected animals, approximately 25% in both surveys, manifested apathy, pale mucous membranes, enlarged lymph nodes, weakness, weight loss, opacity of the cornea, blindness and abortion. However, the animals with acute and severe disease showing the highest levels of parasitemia and fever, which many times resulted in death, were only detected in the first survey. These severely diseased animals exhibited progressive weight loss and had the smallest packed cell volume (PCV) values. During survey 2, done in October 2008 on the same farms, only animals with low parasitemia and normal temperatures, PCV values and body weights were detected. Therefore, animals that spontaneously recovered from acute infection developed chronic and asymptomatic disease. This finding demonstrated for the first time that sheep and goats, which are the most important livestock in the semiarid region of Brazil, may be severely injured by T. vivax infection and also play a role as asymptomatic carriers and important sources of T. vivax to ruminants in general. more...

In this study, sugar cane residue or bagasse was used for removal of toxic metal ions from wastewater of an electroplating factory located in northeast Brazil. Prior acid treatment increased the adsorption efficacies in batch wise experiments. The microstructure of the material before and after the treatment was investigated by X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Column operations showed that removals of Cu(2+), Ni(2+) and Zn(2+) from wastewater (in the absence of cyanide) were 95.5%, 96.3.0%, and 97.1%, respectively. Regeneration of the adsorbent obtained in acid indicated that the efficiencies decreased only after the fourth cycle of re-use. Acid-treated sugar cane bagasse can be considered a viable alternative to common methods to remove toxic metal ions from aqueous effluents of electroplating industries. more...

The aim of this study was to assess bacterial microleakage through 2 different cements used as root canal filling materials: mineral-trioxide-aggregate (White MTA, Angelus, Londrina, PR, Brazil); and an experimental material containing calcium aluminate plus additives (EndoBinder, University of São Carlos [UFSCar-Brazil], patent number PI0704502-6). Forty incisors were divided into 4 groups: (1) white-MTA, (2) calcium aluminate cement, and (3) positive and (4) negative control group. Falcon tubes were prepared for this experiment, divided into 2 separated chambers; the lower part was filled with RTF-transport media so that only the root apex was in contact with the transport media, whereas the coronal part was immersed in BHI containing Enterococcus faecalis to investigate bacterial microleakage. The evaluated materials used as root canal filling materials showed an absence of microbial growth. Both materials when used as the root canal filling were efficient in sealing root canals and preventing E. faecalis microleakage for the 30-day evaluation period using an in vitro model. more...

Oral cancers have a tendency to invade the surrounding bone structures, and this has a direct influence on the treatment management and on outcomes. The objective of this study was to correlate the clinical parameters (location, clinical presentation and TNM staging) of oral malignant tumors that can be associated with a potential of bone invasion and determine the accuracy of clinical examination to predict bone involvement, using computed tomography (CT). Twenty five patients, with oral malignant tumors were submitted to clinical and CT examinations. CT was considered the standard parameter to evaluate the presence of bone involvement. Clinical assessment of location, presentation form and TNM staging of the tumors were then compared to the CT findings in predicting bone involvement. Bone involvement was observed in 68% of the cases. It was predicted that tumors located in the retromolar trigone and hard palate, with a clinical aspect of infiltrative ulcer or nodule and classified in stage IV had a high potential to cause bone involvement. The clinical examination assessment of these tumors showed to be a valuable tool to predict bone invasion, with high sensitivity (82%) and specificity (87.5%), based on the results found in the CT images. No statistical significance was found between the CT and clinical examinations regarding bone involvement. The identification of some clinical parameters such as location, clinical presentation, and TNM stage, associated with a detailed clinical examination, was considered a valuable tool for the assessment of bone destruction by oral malignant tumors. more...

Objective: To review the efficacy of placebo in comparison with atypical and typical antipsychotics for the treatment of schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder and to evaluate the pertinence of using placebo in clinical trials with antipsychotics., Method: Trials in which the atypical antipsychotics were compared with typical antipsychotics and placebo were included. A search was conducted using the terms 'amisulpride', 'aripiprazole', 'clozapine', 'olanzapine', 'quetiapine', 'risperidone', 'sertindole', 'ziprasidone' and 'zotepine'. Main efficacy parameters were calculated using the proportion of 'events' (defined as a deterioration or lack of improvement by at least 20% in Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale or Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale) and the pooled relative risk with random effects, with their respective 95% confidence intervals. We also calculated the necessary sample sizes in studies in which the study drug is compared to a typical antipsychotic or placebo., Results: The pooled efficacy rates observed were 40.8%, 34.9% and 21.3% for the atypical antipsychotics, typical antipsychotics and placebo, respectively. One hundred and sixty six patients would have to be included when a new drug is compared with placebo if calculation is based on a difference of 20% found between the atypical antipsychotic and placebo and 2,054 if the difference sought were that found between the atypical antipsychotic and the typical antipsychotic, i.e. 6%. The estimated therapeutic failures would be 115 of the 166 patients when the study drug is compared with placebo, and 1,274 failures in the 2,054 patients when the study drug is compared to the typical antipsychotic., Conclusions: Placebo controlled studies may reduce the number of individuals exposed to the harmful effects of ineffective drugs. more...

Objective: To describe the use of cognitive techniques and to review studies on the efficacy of CBT in the treatment of depression., Method: A non-systematic review of the literature of original studies complemented with data from meta-analyses and specialized textbooks., Results: The fundamentals of cognitive-behavioral therapy in the treatment of depression are described and the evidence of short- and long-term efficacy is reviewed. The use of pharmacological therapy in conjunction with CBT is also discussed., Conclusions: CBT in the treatment of depression is one of the therapeutic modalities with the highest empirical evidence of efficacy, whether applied alone or in combination with pharmacotherapy. more...