ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the structural and molecular changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM) during the process of intervertebral disc degeneration, using animal model. Methods: Wistar rats underwent intervertebral disc degeneration through 20-gauge needle puncture, and 360° rotation applied for 30 sec, representing the degenerated group, while control group was not submitted to this procedure. Histological parameters and expression of extracellular matrix molecules were evaluated in the 15th and 28th days after degenerative induction. Results: Fifteen days after the induction of intervertebral disc degeneration, significant changes were observed, such as reduction in the expression metalloprotease-9 (MMP9) and interleukins (IL-6 and IL-10). There was a significant increase in the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and caspase-3. However, different alterations in the ECM were observed at 28 days, the level of collagen I, metalloprotease-2 (MMP2) and caspase-3 were enhanced. Furthermore, expression of heparanase isoforms (HPSE1 and HPSE2) mRNA were increased in the degenerative intervertebral disc. Conclusion: The different profiles of ECM molecules observed during the intervertebral disc degeneration suggest that molecular processes such as ECM remodeling, neovascularization, apoptosis and inflammation occur. Experimental Study.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a expressão das metaloproteinases e do TGFb em pacientes com estenose do canal vertebral e em pacientes mais jovens que apresentam hérnia de disco. MÉTODOS: Foram analisadas 19 amostras de LA, sendo nove de pacientes com estenose de canal lombar e 10 de pacientes com hérnia discal. Do total, cinco pacientes tinham de 15 a 40 anos, 10 tinham de 40 a 65 anos e quatro tinham mais de 65 anos. As áreas representativas do LA foram escolhidas com base na coloração dos tecidos por hematoxilina-eosina. Os cortes de 3 µm de espessura incluídos em parafina e fixados em formalina foram desparafinizados e reidratados. Todos os ligamentos foram incubados overnight a 4 ºC com os anticorpos primários. RESULTADOS: Constatou-se aumento do TGFb em indivíduos mais velhos, embora sem significância estatística. CONCLUSÃO: As metaloproteinases não apresentaram diferença importante entre os grupos tanto com relação à idade quanto ao tipo de alteração da coluna vertebral.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the expression of matrix metalloproteinases and TGFb in patients with spinal stenosis and in younger patients who have herniated disc. METHODS: 19 samples of LA were analyzed, nine of them with lumbar canal stenosis and 10 with disc herniation. Of the total, five patients were aged between 15 and 40 years, 10 were between 40 and 65 years and four had more than 65 years. Representative areas of LF were chosen based on the staining of tissues with hematoxylin-eosin. The 3µm-thick sections embedded in paraffin and fixed in formalin were deparaffinized and rehydrated. All ligaments were incubated overnight at 4 °C with primary antibodies. RESULTS: An increase of TGFb was verified in older individuals, although without statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Metalloproteinases showed no significant difference between both groups with respect to age and type of abnormality of the spine.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la expresión de metaloproteinasas de la matriz y del TGFb en pacientes con estenosis espinal y en pacientes más jóvenes que tienen una hernia de disco. MÉTODOS: Diecinueve muestras de LA fueron enviadas, de nueve pacientes con estenosis del canal lumbar y diez pacientes con hernia de disco. Del total de pacientes, cinco tenían de 15 a 40 años, 10 tenían de 40 a 65 años y cuatro tenían más de 65 años. Áreas representativas de LA se eligieron sobre la base de la tinción de los tejidos con hematoxilina-eosina. Las secciones de 3 µm de espesor, incluidas en parafina y fijadas en formalina fueron desparafinadas y rehidratadas. Todos los ligamentos se incubaron durante la noche a 4 °C con anticuerpos primarios. RESULTADOS: Se encontró un aumento de TGFb en personas mayores, aunque sin significación estadística. CONCLUSIÓN: Las metaloproteinasas no mostraron diferencias significativas entre ambos grupos con respecto a la edad y el tipo de anomalía de la columna vertebral.

Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) is an efficient and sustainable alternative for energy generation compared to non-renewable sources. Currently, during the mechanized harvest process, the straw left in the field can be used in part for the second generation ethanol and increasing the electric energy production. Thus, this study aimed to provide information on the potential for residual biomass cultivars of sugarcane cropping system. This study provides the following information: yield of straw, depending on the calculated leaf area index and the number of tillers per linear meter; primary energy production of several sugarcane genotypes; contribution of dry tops and leaves; biomass yield; and evaluation of fiber, cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. Preliminary results obtained by researchers of the State of São Paulo, Brazil, and reCviews related studies are presented. The results suggest that the production of sugarcane straw content varies according to the cultivars; the greater mass of sugarcane straw is in the top leaves and that the potential for the crude energy production of sugarcane per area unit can be increased using fiber-rich species or species that produce more straw. The straw indexes was shown to be a good indicator and allow the estimation of straw volumes generated in a sugarcane crop. The cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin composition in sugarcane is distinct among varieties. Therefore, it is possible to develop distinct biomass materials for energy production and for the development of sugarcane mills using biochemical processes and thermal routes.

OBJETIVO: Avaliação epidemiológica retrospectiva de 100 casos de traumatismo da coluna vertebral. MÉTODO: Estudo transversal de dados colhidos por levantamento de prontuário, segundo protocolo de decodificação local. RESULTADOS: Predomínio etário de 20 a 40 anos em 64% dos casos; sexo masculino em 86%; segmento toracolombar mais comumente atingido 64% e 36% para o segmento cervical; principais causas foram às quedas em 40%, seguidas de acidentes automobilísticos em 25% e quedas da laje 23%. A prevalência dos ferimentos por arma de fogo foi de 7%, mergulho em águas rasas 3% e agressões 2%. Houve análise complementar com cruzamentos entre idade, sexo, causa e segmento da coluna vertebral acometido, observando que o segmento cervical teve grande predomínio nas mulheres em relação aos homens em 85,7% X 14,3%. CONCLUSÃO: O traumatismo da coluna vertebral ocorreu predominantemente em homens entre 20 e 40 anos e o segmento cervical foi o mais acometido nas mulheres em relação aos homens na proporção de 6:1.

BACKGROUND: Retrospective epidemiological analysis of 100 patients with trauma spine injury. METHOD: Data were collected through a local spine injury protocol, performing a transversal model. RESULTS: Major incidence varied from 20 to 40 years old (64% cases); 86% were male; thoracolumbar segment was the most injured segment (64%) whereas cervical segment counted for 36%. Simple falls were the most important cause, followed by car crash accident (25%) and complex falls (23%). Fire arm injuries counted for 7%, shallow dives for 3% and aggressions for 2%. Additional analysis between age, sex, cause, and spine segment was made. We found a greater incidence of cervical injury in females when in comparison to males (85.7% versus 14.3%). CONCLUSION: Spine injuries, prevailed in males between 20 and 40 years old, and the cervical segment was prevalent in women in a 6:1 proportion.