Background Diseases associated with the circulatory system are the main causes of worldwide morbidity and mortality, implying the need for vascular implants. Thus, the production of vascular biomaterials has proven to be a promising alternative to therapies used in studies and research related to vascular physiology. Objectives The present project aims to achieve the artificial development of blood vessels through the recellularization of vascular scaffolds derived from bovine placental vessels. Methods The chorioallantoic surface of the bovine placenta was used to produce decellularized biomaterials. For recellularization, 2.5 x 104 endothelial cells were seeded above each decellularized vessel fragment during three or seven days, when culture were interrupted, and the fragments were fixed for cell attachment analysis. Decellularized and recellularized biomaterials were evaluated by basic histology, scanning electron microscopy, and immunohistochemistry. Results The decellularization process produced vessels that maintained natural structure and elastin content, and no cells or gDNA remains were observed. Endothelial precursor cells were also attached to lumen and external surface of the decellularized vessel.Conclusion: Our results show a possibility of future uses of this biomaterial in cardiovascular medicine, as in the development of engineered vessels.

Resumo Fundamento As doenças associadas ao aparelho circulatório são as principais causas de morbidade e mortalidade em todo o mundo, implicando a necessidade de implantes vasculares. Assim, a produção de biomateriais vasculares tem se mostrado uma alternativa promissora às terapias utilizadas em estudos e pesquisas relacionados à fisiologia vascular. Objetivos O presente projeto visa ao desenvolvimento artificial de vasos sanguíneos pela recelularização de scaffolds vasculares derivados de vasos placentários bovinos. Métodos A superfície corioalantoide da placenta bovina foi utilizada para produzir biomateriais descelularizados. Para a recelularização, 2,5 x 104 células endoteliais foram semeadas acima de cada fragmento de vaso descelularizado durante três ou sete dias, quando a cultura foi interrompida e os fragmentos foram fixados para análise de adesão celular. Biomateriais descelularizados e recelularizados foram avaliados por histologia básica, microscopia eletrônica de varredura e imuno-histoquímica. Resultados o processo de descelularização produziu vasos que mantiveram a estrutura natural e o conteúdo de elastina, e não foram observadas células e gDNA remanescentes. Além disso, células precursoras endoteliais se ligaram ao lúmen e à superfície externa do vaso descelularizado. Conclusão nossos resultados mostram a possibilidade de usos futuros desse biomaterial na medicina cardiovascular, como, por exemplo, no desenvolvimento de vasos artificiais.

SUMMARY: Dystrophin disfunction results in sarcolemma destabilization, leading muscle cell damage by continuous degeneration cycles and limited regeneration. In muscle dystrophy, caused by dystrophin dysfunction, inflammation, necrosis and fibrosis are pathophysiological muscle function loss characteristics. As a genetic disease, this muscle dystrophy has no cure, however, advances in drug therapy using glucocorticoids can decrease the disease progression. Subsequently, alternative therapies were studied, such as ursolic acid (UA), that inhibits muscle atrophy and increases muscle mass and strength. Herein, we used 10 mg/kg daily supplementation in mdx mice for 4 weeks to evaluate serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK), muscle strength (Kondziela test), muscular organization (histology) and expression of fibrosis related genes (TGF-ß, TNF-α, mstn and ostn). UA supplementation increased muscle morphological organization, motor strength and decreased muscular TGF-ß expression. Altogether, the gene expression profile, histological organization and strength could suggest that UA treatment did not stop the fibrogenesis but decreased its progress.

RESUMEN: La disfunción de la distrofina resulta en la desestabilización del sarcolema, llevando al daño de las células musculares por ciclos continuos de degeneración y regeneración limitada. En la distrofia muscular, debido a la disfunción de la distrofina, la inflamación, la necrosis y la fibrosis, son características fisiopatológicas de la pérdida de la función muscular. Como enfermedad genetica no es possible remediar esta distrofia muscular, sin embargo, los avances en la terapia de medicamentos con glucocorticoides pueden disminuir la progresión de la enfermedad. Se estudiaron terapias alternativas, como el ácido ursólico (UA), que inhibe la atrofia muscular y aumenta la masa y la fuerza muscular. En este estudio, utilizamos una suplementación diaria de 10 mg / kg en ratones mdx durante 4 semanas para evaluar la creatina fosfoquinasa (CPK) sérica, la fuerza muscular (prueba de Kondziela), la organización muscular (histología) y la expresión de genes relacionados con la fibrosis (TGF-ß, TNF- α, mstn y ostn). La suplementación con AU aumentó la organización morfológica muscular, la fuerza motora y la disminución de la expresión muscular de TGF-ß. El perfil de expresión génica, la organización histológica y la fuerza simultáneamente podrían sugerir que el tratamiento con AU no detuvo la fibrogénesis sino que disminuyó su progreso.

Resumo Este artigo descreve os programas de integridade implementados pela administração pública direta brasileira, com o objetivo de comparar suas práticas com o regime internacional anticorrupção. A pesquisa analisou 12 programas de integridade pública criados por governos federal, estadual e municipal. Cada um deles foi analisado por meio de 36 indicadores, agrupados em 9 diretrizes, de acordo com as práticas previstas no regime nacional e internacional anticorrupção. Os resultados indicam que, apesar de ainda existir um número reduzido de programas, em média 70% das práticas previstas nesses regimes são observadas ao menos parcialmente. As evidências apontam que os principais desafios para o aperfeiçoamento desses programas são a adoção de verificações prévias, a combinação adequada entre os canais de denúncia e as investigações internas, bem como a promoção de capacidades institucionais. O estudo descreve as práticas adotadas pelos programas de integridade pública por meio de um conjunto de indicadores que podem ser comparados e replicados em futuras pesquisas sobre o tema.

Abstract This article describes the public integrity programs implemented by the Brazilian direct public administration, to compare their practices with the international anti-corruption regime. The study analyzed 12 public integrity programs implemented by federal, state, and municipal governments. Following the practices provided for in the national and international anti-corruption regime, each program was analyzed using 36 indicators, grouped into 9 guidelines. The results indicate that, although there is still a small number of programs, on average, 70% of the practices provided for in these regimes are observed at least partially. The evidence points out that the main challenges for improving these programs are the adoption of prior checks, the appropriate combination between the channels of complaints and internal investigations, and the promotion of institutional capacities. The study describes the practices that public integrity programs adopt through a set of indicators that can be compared and replicated in future research on the topic.

Resumen Este artículo describe los programas de integridad implementados por la administración pública directa brasileña, con el objetivo de comparar sus prácticas con el régimen internacional anticorrupción. La investigación analizó 12 programas de integridad pública implementados por el gobierno federal, estatal y municipal. De acuerdo con las prácticas previstas en el régimen anticorrupción nacional e internacional, cada programa se analizó utilizando 36 indicadores, agrupados en 9 pautas. Los resultados indican que, aunque todavía hay un pequeño número de programas, en promedio, el 70% de las prácticas previstas en estos regímenes se observa al menos parcialmente. La evidencia señala que los principales desafíos para la mejora de estos programas son la adopción de controles previos, la combinación apropiada entre los canales de denuncia e investigaciones internas y la promoción de capacidades institucionales. El estudio describe las prácticas que adoptan los programas de integridad pública a través de un conjunto de indicadores que se pueden comparar y replicar en futuras investigaciones sobre el tema.

SUMMARY: Mesenchymal stem cells are characterized by in vitro high proliferation and multilineage potential maintenance. This study aimed to isolate and characterize equine YS mesenchymal stem cells and compare these with amniotic membranes. The yolk sac (YS) and amniotic membranes (AM) were obtained from 20 pregnant mares with gestational age around 30 days. Cells were cultured in α-MEM supplemented with 15 % FBS, 1 % antibiotic solution, 1 % L-glutamine and 1 % nonessential amino acids. To cell characterization we used cytogenetic analysis, fibroblast colony-forming unit assays, cell growth curves, immunophenotyping, flow cytometry, differentiation assays and teratoma formation. Results: Both cell sources presented fibroblastoid and epithelioid-like format. The YS cells have lower colony formation potential then AM ones, 3 versus 8 colonies per 103 plated cells. However, YS cells grew progressively while AM cells showed steady. Both, the YS and amnion cells immunolabeled for Oct-4, Nanog, SSEA-3, cytokeratin 18, PCNA, and vimentin. In addition, presented mesenchymal, hematopoietic, endothelial and pluripotency markers in flow cytometry. Discussion: Both cell sources presented high plasticity and differed into osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic lineages, and no tumor formation in nude mice was observed. The results suggest that horse YS may be useful for cell therapy such as amnion-derived cells.

RESUMEN: Las células madre mesenquimales se caracterizan por una alta proliferación in vitro y un mantenimiento potencial de múltiples líneas. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo aislar y caracterizar las células madre mesenquimales del saco vitelino equinas y compararlas con las membranas amnióticas. Se obtuvo el saco vitelino (SV) y las membranas amnióticas (MA) de 20 yeguas preñadas con edad gestacional de aproximadamente 30 días. Las células se cultivaron en α -MEM suplementado con 15 % de FBS, 1 % de solución antibiótica, 1 % de L-glutamina y 1 % de aminoácidos no esenciales. Para la caracterización celular utilizamos análisis citogenéticos, ensayos de unidades de colonias de fibroblastos, curvas de crecimiento celular, inmunofenotipaje, citometría de flujo, ensayos de diferenciación y formación de teratomas. Ambas fuentes celulares presentaron formato fibroblastoideo y epitelioide. Las células SV tienen un potencial de formación de colonias más bajo que las de MA, 3 versus 8 colonias por 103 células en placa. Sin embargo, las células SV crecieron progresivamente mientras que las células MA se mostraron estables. Tanto las células YS como las células amnios están inmunomarcadas para Oct-4, Nanog, SSEA-3, citoqueratina 18, PCNA y vimentina. Además, presentó marcadores mesenquimales, hematopoyéticos, endoteliales y pluripotenciales en citometría de flujo. Ambas fuentes celulares presentaron alta plasticidad y diferían en linajes osteogénicos, adipogénicos y condrogénicos, y no se observó formación de tumores en ratones. Los resultados sugieren que el SV de caballo puede ser útil para la terapia celular, como las células derivadas de amnios.

SUMMARY: The vomeronasal organ (VNO) is an accessory organ involved on the olfactory pathway, that detects pheromones and emits signals in order to modulate social and reproductive behavior. The VNO stem cells replace neurons throughout life. The aim of this study was to isolate and characterize cells derived from the vomeronasal organ from New Zealand rabbits. Five male rabbits with 120 days were used for cell isolation and culture. Results: VNO-derived cells presented labelling for proliferation (PCNA), undifferentiated profile (Nanog), neuronal (GFAP), mesenchymal stem cells (CD73, CD90 and CD105 and Stro-1). Also, presence of cytoskeletal (Vimentin, b-tubulin and CK-18) and absence of hematopoietic markers (CD34, CD117 and CD45) both by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. By PCR it was possible to verify the expression of some undifferentiated profile (Oct-4), neuronal (Nestin) and mesenchymal (CD73, CD105 and Vimentin) genes. Functionally, VNO-derived cells differentiate in vitro into adipocytes, osteocytes and chondrocytes, and presented no tumorigenic potential when injected to Balb/c nu/nu mice. In conclusion, the rabbit VNO-derived cells have a profile that could be supportive to VNO olfactory/neuroreceptor epithelium by delivering factors to epithelial turnover or even by differentiation into epithelial cells to replacement of commissural epithelium.

RESUMEN: El órgano vomeronasal (OVN) es un órgano accesorio de la vía olfatoria, que detecta feromonas y emite señales que afectan la modulación del comportamiento social y reproductivo. Las células madre OVN reemplazan las neuronas durante toda la vida. El objetivo de este estudio fue aislar y caracterizar células derivadas del órgano vomeronasal de conejos raza Nueva Zelanda. Para el aislamiento y el cultivo celular se utilizaron cinco conejos machos con una edad de 120 días. Las células del OVN presentaron etiquetado para la proliferación (PCNA), un perfil indiferenciado (Nanog), neuronal (GFAP), células madre mesenquimales (CD73, CD90 y CD105 y Stro-1). Además, se ob- servó presencia de citoesqueleto (Vimentina, β-tubulina y CK-18) y ausencia de marcadores hematopoyéticos (CD34, CD117 y CD45) tanto por inmunofluorescencia como por citometría de flujo. Me- diante PCR fue posible verificar la expresión de algunos genes de perfil indiferenciado (Oct-4), neuronal (Nestin) y mesenquimatoso (CD73, CD105 y Vimentin). Las células derivadas del OVN se diferencian in vitro en adipocitos, osteocitos y condrocitos, y no presentan un potencial tumorigénico al ser infiltrados en ratones Balb / c nu / nu. En conclusión, las células derivadas de OVN de conejo tienen un perfil que podría ser compatible con el epitelio olfatorio / neurorreceptor de OVN transmitiendo factores al recambio epitelial o incluso mediante la diferenciación en células epiteliales para reemplazar el epitelio comisural.

SUMMARY: The equine placenta is a simple apposition of fetal and maternal tissues, becoming more complex with the formation of microcotyledons around days 75 and 100 of gestation. The present study aimed to describe the gross and microscopic morphology of early equine placenta. Embryonic/fetal membranes from thirty-seven mares were submitted to macroscopic description, light, scanning and transmission microscopy. Overall the gross characteristics of membranes were similar with already described for older stages. However, transmission electron microscopy evidenced high metabolic rate in chorion and allantois, and high secretion profile in amnion and even higher in yolk sac. Gene ontologies enrichment, using published data, pointed several common ontologies in allantoic and amniotic fluids, related to oxygen and iron transport, extracellular space and high-density lipoprotein receptor binding. Overall, the morphological and ontology enrichment could indicate allantois and amnion crosstalk.

RESUMEN: La placenta equina es una simple aposición de tejidos fetales y maternos, que se vuelve más compleja con la formación de microcotiledones alrededor de los días 75 y 100 de gestación. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo describir la morfología macroscópica y microscópica de la placenta equina temprana. Las membranas embrionarias / fetales de treinta y siete yeguas fueron sometidas a descripción macroscópica, luz, escaneo y microscopía de transmisión. En general, las características generales de las membranas fueron similares a las ya descritas para las etapas más antiguas. Sin embargo, la microscopía electrónica de transmisión mostró una alta tasa metabólica en corion y alantoides, y un alto perfil de secreción en amnios e incluso mayor en el saco vitelino. El enriquecimiento de ontologías génicas, utilizando datos publicados, señaló varias ontologías comunes en fluidos alantoideos y amnióticos, relacionados con el transporte de oxígeno y hierro, espacio extracelular y unión a receptores de lipoproteínas de alta densidad. En general, el enriquecimiento morfológico y ontológico podría indicar alantoides y diafonía de amnios.

Resumo Introdução: Nos dias atuais, exames de ecocardiografia transesofágica (ETE) são realizados de forma frequente sob sedação em regime ambulatorial. A sedação está relacionada com aumento de intercorrências nas vias aéreas. Dentro desse contexto, desenvolvemos uma cânula orofaríngea de duplo-lúmen com finalidade de manutenção da via aérea pérvia, reduzindo riscos aos pacientes durante procedimentos endoscópicos sob sedação. O principal objetivo do nosso estudo foi avaliar a incidência de dessaturação em uma série de casos de pacientes adultos submetidos a ETE ambulatorial sob sedação com o uso da cânula orofaríngea. Métodos: Foram avaliados 30 pacientes sedados com midazolam e propofol intravenoso. A cânula foi inserida após perda da consciência e os pacientes foram mantidos com ventilação espontânea. Analisados saturação de oxigênio, capnometria, frequência cardíaca e pressão arterial não invasiva, além de dados subjetivos: patência das vias aéreas, manuseio e inserção da cânula e conforto ao examinador. Resultados: A incidência de dessaturação leve foi de 23.3% e não houve dessaturação grave em nenhum caso. A inserção da cânula orotraqueal foi considerada fácil em 29 pacientes (96,6%) e o manuseio da sonda de ETE foi adequada em 93,33% dos exames realizados. Conclusões: A realização dos exames de ETE sob sedação com auxílio da cânula orofaríngea de duplo lúmen apresentou baixa incidência de dessaturação nos pacientes avaliados, além de permitir análise do CO2 expirado durante a realização dos exames.

Abstract Introduction: Currently, transesophageal echodopplercardiography is frequently performed under sedation on an outpatient basis. Sedation is related with increase in incidents on airways. Bearing in mind this scenario, we developed a new double lumen oropharyngeal cannula aimed at keeping airway patency, in addition to reducing risks to patients during endoscopy procedures performed under sedation. The main objective of our study was to assess the incidence of oxygen desaturation in a series of cases of adult patients submitted to outpatient transesophageal echo exam, under sedation and using the oropharyngeal cannula. Method: 30 patients under sedation with intravenous midazolam and propofol were assessed. After loss of consciousness, the cannula was placed and patients were maintained on spontaneous breathing. Oxygen saturation, capnometry, heart rate and non-invasive arterial blood pressure, in addition to subjective data: airway patency, handling of cannula insertion and, comfort of examiner were analyzed. Results: The incidence of mild desaturation was 23.3%, and there was no severe desaturation in any of the cases. The insertion of the oropharyngeal cannula was considered easy for 29 patients (96.6%), and transesophageal echo probe handling was appropriate in 93.33% of exams performed. Conclusions: Transesophageal echo exams under sedation aided by the double-lumen oropharyngeal cannula presented a low incidence of desaturation in patients assessed, and allowed analysis of expired CO2 during the exams.

Abstract The envelope of a building is responsible for its physical protection against external agents, including humidity and temperature. Thus, the present work seeks to evaluate the effect of air entraining admixtures (AEA) in mortars for laying and coating to improve their physical and thermal performances. The AEA generates macropores, interrupting the system of canaliculi that allows the capillary absorption of water. The AEA used is based on biodegradable surfactant molecules of Linear Alkyl Benzene Sodium Sulfonate. Results compare physical tests (water absorption, capillary coefficient, specific gravity, and mechanical strength), and thermal evaluation (thermal conductivity and specific heat) from two mortars mixtures with varying levels of AEA. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the pore system were also analysed. All mixtures studied presented higher workability and cohesion, reduced thermal conductivity, decreased specific heat, and a reduction in the effects of water absorption, capillary elevation and specific gravity (density). In this sense, the durability of mortars to humidity effect is potentially improved, along with several other properties. Therefore, this work seeks to contribute to the quality of built environments, as well as to promote the technological development of cement-based composites.

Resumen Los cerramientos de un edificio son responsables de su protección física contra agentes externos, incluida la humedad y la temperatura. Por lo tanto, el presente trabajo busca evaluar el efecto de los aditivos inclusores de aire (AEA) en los morteros para asentamiento y revestimiento para mejorar sus rendimientos físicos y térmicos. Los AEA generan macroporos, interrumpiendo el sistema de canalículos que permiten la absorción capilar del agua. El AEA utilizado se basa en moléculas de un surfactante biodegradables - alquil benceno sulfonato de sodio lineal. Los resultados comparan pruebas físicas (absorción de agua, coeficiente capilar, masa específica y resistencia mecánica) y evaluación térmica (conductividad térmica y calor específico) de dos mezclas de morteros con niveles variables de AEA. También se analizó la microscopía electrónica de barrido (SEM) del sistema de poros. Todas las mezclas estudiadas presentaron mayor trabajabilidad y cohesión, reducción de la conductividad térmica, disminución del calor específico y reducción de los efectos de la absorción de agua, elevación del capilar y gravedad específica (densidad). En este sentido, la durabilidad de los morteros al efecto de la humedad es potencialmente mejorada, junto con varias otras propiedades. Por lo tanto, este trabajo busca contribuir a la calidad de los entornos construidos, así como a promover el desarrollo tecnológico de compuestos de matriz cementicia.

RESUMO OBJETIVOS: Traduzir e adaptar culturalmente o Constant-Murley Score (CMS) e verificar a validade da versão brasileira (CMS-BR). MÉTODOS: A tradução foi realizada de acordo com o método de retrotradução por quatro tradutores independentes. As versões produzidas foram sintetizadas por análise extensiva e consenso de um comitê de especialistas, gerando uma versão final usada para a adaptação cultural. Realizou-se um teste em campo com 30 sujeitos para observação de possíveis considerações em relação à semântica. Para a posterior análise psicométrica, ampliou-se a amostra para 110 participantes, que responderam a dois instrumentos: CMS-BR e Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH). O CMS-BR e o DASH possuem variação de 0 a 100 pontos. Para o primeiro, altas pontuações refletem melhor função, para o segundo, o contrário. A validade foi verificada através do teste de correlação de Pearson, a dimensionalidade através de análise fatorial e a consistência interna através do alfa de Cronbach. RESULTADOS: A variância explicada foi de 60,28% com cargas fatoriais entre 0,60 e 0,91. O CMS-BR demonstrou correlação forte e negativa com o DASH (-0,82, p < 0,05), alfa de Cronbach de 0,85 e seu escore total teve correlação forte com a amplitude de movimento dos pacientes (0,93, p < 0,001). CONCLUSÃO: O CMS-BR foi adaptado de forma satisfatória e demonstrou evidências de validade que permitem seu uso nessa população.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVES: To translate and culturally adapt the CMS and assess the validity of the Brazilian version (CMS-BR). METHODS: The translation was carried out according to the back-translation method by four independent translators. The produced versions were synthesized through extensive analysis and by consensus of an expert committee, reaching a final version used for the cultural adaptation. A field test was conducted with 30 subjects in order to obtain semantic considerations. For the psychometric analyzes, the sample was increased to 110 participants who answered two instruments: CMS-BR and the Disabilities of the Arm, shoulder and Hand (DASH). The CMS-BR and DASH score range from 0 to 100 points. For the first, higher points reflect better function and for the latter, the inverse is true. The validity was verified by Pearson's correlation test, the unidimensionality by factorial analysis, and the internal consistency by Cronbach's alpha. RESULTS: The explained variance was 60.28% with factor loadings ranging from 0.60 to 0.91. The CMS-BR exhibited strong negative correlation with the DASH score (-0.82, p < 0.05), Cronbach's alpha 0.85, and its total score was strongly correlated with the patient's range of motion (0.93, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The CMS was satisfactorily adapted for Brazilian Portuguese and demonstrated evidence of validity that allows its use in this population.

Resumo: A função reprodutiva é um fator de vital compreensão tanto para o estabelecimento de sistemas apropriados de manejo, quanto para o uso de novas espécies como modelos animais. Neste estudo através da microscopia de luz e eletrônica caracterizou-se a fase de desenvolvimento sexual do porquinho-da-Índia (Cavia porcellus) em espécimes de 30, 45 e 90 dias de desenvolvimento. Nos animais de 30 dias, a diferenciação dos espermatócitos foi visualizada somente na microscopia eletrônica de transmissão em leptóteno, zigóteno e paquíteno. Durante a puberdade, houve diferenciação do epitélio germinativo, formação do acrossoma, porém não foram evidenciados espermatozóides, assim, infere-se que a puberdade acontece a partir dos 45 dias de idade. A maturidade sexual foi evidente aos 90 dias de idade. Nossos resultados mostraram que ao longo do desenvolvimento sexual pós-natal do porquinho-da-Índia, mudanças no epitélio germinativo testicular levam há alterações morfológicas, inclusive com relação ao desenvolvimento das células de Sertoli e de Leydig, as quais estão diretamente relacionadas com a puberdade. Assim, novos subsídios morfológicos são fornecidos para um melhor entendimento dos parâmetros reprodutivos desta espécie, a fim de viabilizar sua utilização como modelo animal no campo da biologia reprodutiva.

Abstract: al for both, the establishment of appropriate management systems, and for the use of new species as animal models. In this study, we used light and electron microscopy to characterize the sexual development stages of the guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) in specimens of 30, 45 and 90 days of age. We observed the differentiation of spermatocytes only through transmission electron microscopy in the leptotene, zygotene and pachytene phases of meiosis, in 30-day-old animals. During puberty, there was differentiation of the germinative epithelium and formation of the acrosome. Spermatozoa, however, were not detected. Thus, we could infer that puberty happens after 45 days of age. Sexual maturity was evident in 90-day-old specimens. Our results showed that changes in the testicular germinative epithelium during the postnatal sexual development in guinea pig led to morphological changes, including the ones related to the development of Leydig and Sertoli cells, which are directly related to puberty. In this work, we provide new morphological subsidies for a better understanding of reproductive parameters of this species, enabling its use as an animal model in the field of the reproductive biology.

ABSTRACT Objectives To systematically review randomized controlled trials that assessed the effects of Global Postural Reeducation (GPR) on patient-reported outcomes in conditions of the musculoskeletal system. Method An electronic search of MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, and SciELO was performed from their inception to June 2015. Randomized controlled trials that analyzed pain and patient-reported outcomes were included in this review. The Cochrane Collaboration’s Risk of Bias Tool was used to evaluate risk of bias, and the quality of evidence was rated following the GRADE approach. There were no language restrictions. Results Eleven trials were included totaling 383 patients. Overall, the trials had high risk of bias. GPR was superior to no treatment but not to other forms of treatment for pain and disability. No placebo-controlled trials were found. Conclusion GPR is not superior to other treatments; however, it is superior to no treatment. Due to the lack of studies, it is unknown if GPR is better than placebo. The quality of the available evidence ranges from low to very low, therefore future studies may change the effect estimates of GPR in musculoskeletal conditions.

Background: Whole body vibration (WBV) has been used to increase physical activity levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Objective: To carry out a systematic review of the effects of WBV on the glycemic control, cardiovascular risk factors, and physical and functional capacity of patients with T2DM. Method: MEDLINE, LILACS, PEDro, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched up to June 1st, 2015. Randomized controlled trials investigating the effects of WBV, compared to control or other intervention, on blood glucose levels, blood and physical cardiovascular risk factors, and physical and functional capacity in adult individuals with T2DM. Two independent reviewers extracted the data regarding authors, year of publication, number of participants, gender, age, WBV parameters and description of intervention, type of comparison, and mean and standard deviation of pre and post assessments. Results: Out of 585 potentially eligible articles, two studies (reported in four manuscripts) were considered eligible. WBV interventions provided a significant reduction of 25.7 ml/dl (95% CI:-45.3 to -6.1; I2: 19%) in 12 hours fasting blood glucose compared with no intervention. Improvements in glycated hemoglobin, cardiovascular risk factors, and physical and functional capacity were found only at 12 weeks after WBV intervention in comparison with no intervention. Conclusion: WBV combined with exercise seems to improve glycemic control slightly in patients with T2DM in an exposure-dependent way. Large and well-designed trials are still needed to establish the efficacy and understand whether the effects were attributed to vibration, exercise, or a combination of both.

PURPOSE: To describe a new technique for isolation of a mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) population from the olfactory mucosa in rabbits. METHODS: Olfactory stem cells (OSCs) were retrieved from under the cribriform plate of the Ethmoid bone. Several assays were accomplished to characterize the cell population and attest its viability in vitro. The cells were submitted to flow cytometry with the antibodies CD34, CD45, CD73, CD79, CD90 and CD105 and also they were induced to differentiate in three lineages. Functional evaluation involved analysis of in vitro growth behavior, colony forming unit like fibroblasts (CFU-f) and cryopreservation response. Further transduction with Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) was also performed. RESULTS: The OSCs showed mesenchymal features, as positive response to CD34, CD73 and CD90 antibodies and plasticity. Additionally, these cells have high proliferated rate, and they could be cultured through many passages and kept the ability to proliferate and differentiate after cryopreservation. The positive response to the transduction signalizes the possibility of cellular tracking in vivo. This is a desirable feature in case those cells are used for pre-clinical trials. CONCLUSION: The cells harvested were mesenchymal stem cells and the technique described is therefore efficient for rabbit olfactory stem cells isolation.

Os ácidos biliares são potentes estimulantes olfatórios e gustatórios em peixes. Registros em eletro-olfactograma foram usados para testar se o epitélio olfatório de Pseudoplatystoma corruscans, pintado, é sensível aos ácidos biliares, alguns dos quais têm sido propostos como feromônios. Foram selecionados cinco de uma lista de trinta ácidos biliares previamente testados em atividade olfatória em peixes. Testes de adaptação cruzada demonstraram que a sensibilidade aos ácidos biliares se dá por 3 classes independentes de sites de receptores olfatórios. O ácido taurocólico (TCA) e o ácido tauroquenodesoxicólico (TCD) foram os compostos mais potentes. Em testes de evasão/preferência, P. corruscans prefere água contendo o ácido TCA. Os ácidos biliares são discriminadas por epitélio olfatório de pintado, evidenciando que estes compostos podem funcionar como feromônios.

Bile acids are potent olfactory and gustatory stimulants for fish. Electro-olfactogram recording was used to test whether the olfactory epithelium of pintado catfish Pseudoplatystoma corruscans is specifically sensitive to bile acids, some of which have been hypothesized to function as pheromones. Five out of 30 bile acids that had been pre-screened for olfactory activity in fish were selected. Cross-adaptation experiments demonstrated that sensitivity to bile acids is attributable to at least 3 independent classes of olfactory receptor sites. The taurocholic acid (TCA) and taurochenodeoxycholic acid (TCD) were the most potent compounds. By using avoidance/preference tests, we found that P. corruscans prefers water containing TCA. Bile acids are discriminated by olfactory epithelium of pintado, supporting that these compounds could function as pheromones.

Introdução: O implante por cateter de prótese aórtica (TAVI, do inglês transcatheter aortic valve implantation) constitui tratamento alternativo para pacientes com estenose aórtica de alto risco cirúrgico ou inoperáveis. Para adquirir competência, o grupo multidisciplinar deve receber treinamento específico e acumular experiência na execução do TAVI. Contudo, sua curva de aprendizado não está bem estabelecida. Nosso objetivo foi analisar o impacto da curva de aprendizado na seleção de pacientes, nos aspectos técnicos e nos resultados clínicos do TAVI. Métodos: Estudo observacional e prospectivo dos primeiros 150 pacientes submetidos a TAVI por via femoral, entre janeiro de 2009 e dezembro de 2013 divididos em tercis (n = 50) de acordo com a data do procedimento. Os desfechos foram definidos conforme os critérios Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 (VARC-2). Resultados: A idade foi de 82,5 ± 6,7 anos, sendo 44% homens e 75% em classe NYHA III/IV. O EuroSCORE (24,2 ± 13% vs. 21,2 ± 10,8% vs. 23,4 ± 14,3%) e o STS Score (5,9 ± 2,9% vs. 6,7 ± 4,3% vs. 5,8 ± 3,1%) foram similares entre os grupos. Observou-se redução gradativa nos tempos do procedimento (107,2 ± 48,1 minutos vs. 90,3 ± 42,2 minutos vs. 76,6 ± 37,7 minutos; p < 0,01) e de fluoroscopia (31,3 ± 9,6 minutos vs. 25,4 ± 8,7 minutos vs. 17,2 ± 6,2 minutos; p = 0,01), e no volume de contraste (145,5 ± 70,9 mL vs. 123,2 ± 87,8 mL vs. 101,1 ± 50 mL; p = 0,01). A mortalidade reduziu-se de forma progressiva (20% vs. 10% vs. 4%; p = 0,047), e menores taxas de sangramentos e de refluxo paraprotético de grau moderado/grave foram observadas no terceiro tercil (14% e 4%, respectivamente). Não ocorreram casos de reintervenção, acidente vascular cerebral e nem outros eventos clínicos entre a alta hospitalar e o 30º dia pós-implante. Conclusões: A competência para o TAVI aumentou progressivamente com o número de pacientes tratados, associando-se a melhores desfechos clínicos.