Abstract Background Oncostatin M (OSM) is a pleiotropic cytokine which, after arterial injury, has proven to be to be rapidly expressed. Objectives To correlate the serum levels of OSM, soluble OSM receptor (sOSMR), and soluble fraction of glycoprotein 130 (sgp130) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) with clinical parameters. Methods Levels of sOSMR and sgp130 were evaluated by ELISA and OSM by Western Blot, in patients with CCS (n=100), patients with ACS (n=70), and 64 control volunteers without clinical manifestations of the disease. P-values < 0.05 were considered to be statistically significant. Results CAD patients exhibited significantly lower levels of sOSMR and sgp130 and higher levels of OSM when compared to the controls (both p < 0.0001). Clinical analysis displayed, lower levels of sOSMR in men ([OR] = 2.05, p = 0.026), youth (OR = 1.68, p = 0.0272), hypertensives (OR = 2.19, p = 0.041), smokers (OR = 2.19, p = 0.017), patients that did not present dyslipidemia (OR = 2.32, p = 0.013), patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction [AMI] (OR = 3.01, p = 0.001) and patients not treated with statin (OR = 1.95, p = 0.031), antiplatelet agent (OR = 2.46, p = 0.005), inhibitors of calcium channels (OR = 3.15, p = 0.028), and antidiabetic drugs (OR = 2.97, p = 0.005). The levels of sOSMR were also correlated with gender, age, hypertension, and use of medications in multivariate analysis. Conclusions Our data suggest that the enhanced serum levels of OSM, and decreased levels of sOSMR and sGP130 in patients with cardiac injury may play an important role in the pathophysiological mechanism of the disease. Furthermore, lower levels of sOSMR were associated with gender, age, hypertension, and the use of medications.

Resumo Fundamento A oncostatina M (OSM) é uma citocina pleiotrópica que, após lesão arterial, demonstra ser expressa rapidamente. Objetivos Correlacionar os níveis séricos da OSM, do receptor solúvel de oncostatina M (sOSMR) e da fração solúvel de glicoproteína 130 (sgp130) em pacientes com doença arterial coronariana (DAC) a parâmetros clínicos. Métodos Os níveis de sOSMR e sgp130 foram avaliados por ELISA, enquanto os de OSM foram avaliados por Western Blot, em pacientes com SCC (n=100), pacientes com SCA (n=70) e 64 voluntários do grupo de controle sem manifestações clínicas da doença. Valores de p <0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significativos. Resultados Pacientes com DAC exibiram níveis significativamente mais baixos de sOSMR e sgp130 e níveis mais altos de OSM em comparação ao grupo de controle (ambos p <0,0001). A análise clínica mostrou níveis mais baixos de sOSMR em homens ([OR] = 2,05, p = 0,026), jovens (OR = 1,68, p = 0,0272), hipertensos (OR = 2,19, p = 0,041), fumantes (OR = 2,19, p = 0,017), pacientes que não apresentavam dislipidemia (OR = 2,32, p = 0,013), pacientes com infarto agudo do miocárdio [IAM] (OR = 3,01, p = 0,001) e pacientes não tratados com estatina (OR = 1,95, p = 0,031), antiplaquetário (OR = 2,46, p = 0,005), inibidores dos canais de cálcio (OR = 3,15, p = 0,028) e antidiabéticos (OR = 2,97, p = 0,005). Os níveis de sOSMR também foram correlacionados a sexo, idade, hipertensão e uso de medicamentos na análise multivariada. Conclusões Nossos dados sugerem que o aumento dos níveis séricos de OSM e a diminuição dos níveis de sOSMR e sGP130 em pacientes com injúria cardíaca podem desempenhar um papel importante no mecanismo fisiopatológico da doença. Além disso, níveis mais baixos de sOSMR foram associados a sexo, idade, hipertensão e uso de medicamentos.

Abstract Osteoarthritis (OA) encompasses degeneration of articular cartilage, subchondral bone erosions and sclerosis. Chondrocyte apoptosis and an oxygen-deprived microenvironment are essential factors in OA pathogenesis. PAR-4 (Prostate apoptosis response-4) is a pro-apoptotic protein implicated in many pathologies as well as in chondrocyte cell death mechanism. Vitamin D supplementation has been identified as a therapeutic tool for a variety of inflammatory pathologies. In the present manuscript, we investigated whether first, PAR-4 expression is influenced by chondrocytes in a model of OA, in vitro, and second, whether vitamin D modulates PAR-4 expression in the same model. To test our hypothesis, we used the primary culture of murine chondrocytes isolated from the femoral and tibial condyles of wistar rats. The expression of the pro-inflammatory effect interleukin IL-1β was evaluated in the presence and absence of vitamin D. Western blot and immunofluorescence analysis confirmed protein expression. In the normoxia condition, the chondrocytes expressed PAR-4 in the cell nucleus, and in the hypoxic condition, PAR-4 was expressed in the cell cytoplasm. We disclosed that the treatment with Vitamin D decreased PAR-4 (p= 0.0137) and caspase-3 (p= 0.0007) expression. Thus, the results suggested that PAR-4 and caspase-3 proteins could be potential targets for OA.However, we believe that research is needed to identify the mechanisms implicated in the regulation of PAR-4 in OA.

ABSTRACT In this text we address sexual practices and HIV prevention in the circuits of men who have sex with men (MSM) in the Metropolitan Region of Recife (RMR), based on a behavioral survey with 380 MSM, aged between 18 and 51 years, and interviews with 20 of the respondents. The analyzed data were collected between January 2016 and February 2017, when Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) was not yet available and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) was little known (51%) and used (1.3%). Unprotected Anal Sex (UAS) (50.6% in steady partners, 30.2% in casual partners) generally occurred between partners who were presumed to be HIV-negative. Serologies were inferred by ties (stranger, acquaintance, friend, boyfriend). Emotions (fear, lust, love, trust, disgust, neediness) were important in UAS configuration, almost always linked to attachments. We observed dissident pleasure regimes of heteronormativity: mouth-anus and mouth-penis; threesome and group sex. Considering the strong presence of UAS and the high prevalence of HIV in Recife (21.5%), we found the need for educational actions that introduce combined prevention techniques (condoms, PrEP, PEP, serochoice, negotiated safety etc.) through narratives that incorporate dissident bonds, emotions, and pleasure regimes, so that, when approaching the contexts of use, they enable safer choices.

RESUMO O texto aborda as práticas sexuais e a prevenção do HIV nos circuitos de Homens que fazem Sexo com Homens (HSH) da Região Metropolitana do Recife, embasados em inquérito comportamental com 380 HSH de idade de 18 a 51 anos, e entrevistas com 20 dos respondentes. Os dados analisados foram coletados entre janeiro de 2016 e fevereiro de 2017, quando a Profilaxia Pré-Exposição (PrEP) ainda não estava disponível e a Profilaxia Pós-Exposição (PEP) era pouco conhecida (51,8%) e utilizada (1,3%). O Sexo Anal Desprotegido (SAD) (50,6% em parcerias fixas, 30,2% em casuais) ocorria, geralmente, com parceiros presumidamente negativos para HIV. As sorologias eram inferidas pelos vínculos (estranho, conhecido, amigo, namorado). As emoções (medo, tesão, amor, confiança, nojo, carência) eram importantes na configuração do SAD, normalmente articuladas às vinculações. Observaram-se regimes de prazer dissidentes da heteronormatividade: boca-ânus e boca-pênis; sexo a três e em grupo. Considerando a forte presença de SAD e a alta prevalência de HIV em Recife (21,5%), constatou-se a necessidade de ações educativas que apresentem técnicas da prevenção combinada (camisinha, PrEP, PEP, soroescolha, segurança negociada etc.) mediante narrativas que incorporem vínculos, emoções e regimes de prazer dissidentes, para que, ao se aproximarem dos contextos de usos, possibilitem escolhas mais seguras.

ABSTRACT In this text we address sexual practices and HIV prevention in the circuits of men who have sex with men (MSM) in the Metropolitan Region of Recife (RMR), based on a behavioral survey with 380 MSM, aged between 18 and 51 years, and interviews with 20 of the respondents. The analyzed data were collected between January 2016 and February 2017, when Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) was not yet available and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) was little known (51%) and used (1.3%). Unprotected Anal Sex (UAS) (50.6% in steady partners, 30.2% in casual partners) generally occurred between partners who were presumed to be HIV-negative. Serologies were inferred by ties (stranger, acquaintance, friend, boyfriend). Emotions (fear, lust, love, trust, disgust, neediness) were important in UAS configuration, almost always linked to attachments. We observed dissident pleasure regimes of heteronormativity: mouth-anus and mouth-penis; threesome and group sex. Considering the strong presence of UAS and the high prevalence of HIV in Recife (21.5%), we found the need for educational actions that introduce combined prevention techniques (condoms, PrEP, PEP, serochoice, negotiated safety etc.) through narratives that incorporate dissident bonds, emotions, and pleasure regimes, so that, when approaching the contexts of use, they enable safer choices.

RESUMO O texto aborda as práticas sexuais e a prevenção do HIV nos circuitos de Homens que fazem Sexo com Homens (HSH) da Região Metropolitana do Recife, embasados em inquérito comportamental com 380 HSH de idade de 18 a 51 anos, e entrevistas com 20 dos respondentes. Os dados analisados foram coletados entre janeiro de 2016 e fevereiro de 2017, quando a Profilaxia Pré-Exposição (PrEP) ainda não estava disponível e a Profilaxia Pós-Exposição (PEP) era pouco conhecida (51,8%) e utilizada (1,3%). O Sexo Anal Desprotegido (SAD) (50,6% em parcerias fixas, 30,2% em casuais) ocorria, geralmente, com parceiros presumidamente negativos para HIV. As sorologias eram inferidas pelos vínculos (estranho, conhecido, amigo, namorado). As emoções (medo, tesão, amor, confiança, nojo, carência) eram importantes na configuração do SAD, normalmente articuladas às vinculações. Observaram-se regimes de prazer dissidentes da heteronormatividade: boca-ânus e boca-pênis; sexo a três e em grupo. Considerando a forte presença de SAD e a alta prevalência de HIV em Recife (21,5%), constatou-se a necessidade de ações educativas que apresentem técnicas da prevenção combinada (camisinha, PrEP, PEP, soroescolha, segurança negociada etc.) mediante narrativas que incorporem vínculos, emoções e regimes de prazer dissidentes, para que, ao se aproximarem dos contextos de usos, possibilitem escolhas mais seguras.

Seventeen Schiff bases bearing 2-aminothiophene derivatives were designed and synthesized using molecular simplification. The resulting compounds (4a-4q) were evaluated for their in vitro antifungal activity against dermatophytes. Prediction of their druglikeness and pharmacokinetic properties, establishment of their structure-activity relationships (SAR), and cytotoxic evaluation of the most active compounds were performed. Using an eco-friendly procedure, microwave assisted synthesis resulted in compounds in good yields (35-85%). Compounds 4a-4q presented good druglikeness and pharmacokinetic profiles and no cytotoxicity for any cell line tested up to 100 µM. The compounds presenting the best antifungal profiles were 4e, 4f, 4g, 4k, 4l, 4m, 4o and 4p with more than one minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value occurring between 16-64 µg mL-1, thus, in some cases better than the reference drug (fluconazole). SAR testing indicated that the presence of halogens and nitro substituents increases antifungal activity. Taken together, the results demonstrate that 2-aminothiophene derivatives are promising lead compounds for the development of antifungal drugs.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever os procedimentos metodológicos de um estudo longitudinal sobre a saúde de adolescentes, bem como caracterizar o perfil da amostra. Participaram desta pesquisa 302 adolescentes (13,9±1,2 anos) de Londrina – Paraná. Duas coletas de dados foram realizadas com intervalo de três anos. Foram coletados indicadores antropométricos, pressão arterial, frequência cardíaca, dor na coluna, desempenho escolar, atividade física, comportamento sedentário, hábitos alimentares, consumo de bebidas alcoólicas, tabagismo, condição socioeconômica e testes motores. Verificou-se frequência de pressão arterial elevada de 10,4%; índice de massa corporal em condições associadas com risco à saúde de 22,4%; e dor na coluna com intensidade moderada de 22,1%. A prática de esporte e/ou exercício físico (moderada à vigorosa; ≥150 minutos/semana) foi de 33,1%. O consumo elevado dos alimentos e bebidas não saudáveis variou de 21,2% (café ou chá) a 58,0% (frituras). Elevada proporção (87,1%) relatou nunca ter fumado. As prevalências de notas ≥ sete, variaram entre 21,4% (Biologia) e 71,1% (Educação Física). Apenas 33,2% tiveram desempenho escolar elevado. O maior atendimento de critérios foi no abdominal (76,4%) e o menor flexão de cotovelos (37,2%). Este trabalho possibilitará verificar a estabilidade de diferentes indicadores comportamentais e biológicos relacionados à saúde, bem como do desempenho escolar. Permitirá a identificação da associação entre desfechos em saúde e fatores de exposição de forma prospectiva, considerando a influência de potenciais variáveis de confusão. Tais informações podem contribuir para o planejamento de intervenções e políticas públicas na área da saúde.

Abstract The aim of this work was to describe the methodological procedures of a longitudinal study on adolescent health, as well as to characterize the sample profile. This research enrolled a sample of 302 adolescents from Londrina - Paraná. Two data collections were carried out with an interval of three years. Anthropometric indicators, blood pressure, heart rate, back pain, academic achievement, physical activity, sedentary behavior, eating habits, alcohol consumption, smoking, socioeconomic status, and motor tests were collected. There was a frequency of high blood pressure of 10.4%; body mass index in conditions associated with health risk of 22.4%; and spinal pain with moderate intensity of 22.1%. Sport and/or physical exercise practice (moderate-to-vigorous; ≥150 minutes/week) was 33.1%. High consumption of unhealthy foods and beverages ranged from 21.2% (coffee or tea) to 58.0% (fried foods). A high proportion (87.1%) reported never having smoked. The grades frequency ≥ seven varied between 21.4% (Biology) and 71.1% (Physical Education). Only 33.2% presented high academic achievement. The highest compliance with criteria was in the curl-up (76.4%) and the lowest in the 90º push-up (37.2%). This work will make it possible to verify the tracking of different behavioral and biological indicators related to health, as well as academic achievement. It will also allow the identification of the association between health outcomes and exposure factors prospectively, considering the influence of potential confounding variables. This information could contribute to the planning of public health interventions and policies.

Resumo O texto discute gestões de risco para o HIV no sexo anal desprotegido (SAD) realizadas por homens que fazem sexo com homens (HSH). Está embasado na análise de 25 entrevistas com enfoque biográfico com HSH e observação participante na comunidade gay do Recife. Os homens utilizam a soroescolha: SAD com parceiros de mesma sorologia. Além da testagem, são empregados outros indicadores para inferir a condição sorológica negativa. Estilizações corporais, nuançadas pelos vínculos com os parceiros, produzem emoções que medeiam o SAD. Dada a precariedade dos indicadores utilizados, os homens recorrem muito ao teste anti-HIV. Este acontece após a exposição ao risco, como um ritual reparador para o drama do sexo desprotegido, mas sem eficácia preventiva individual.

Abstract The text discusses HIV risk management in unprotected anal sex (UAS) carried out by men who have sex with men (MSM). It is based on analyses of 25 interviews with a biographical focus with MSM, and participant observation in the gay community of Recife. The men use serosorting: UAS is chosen with partners of the same serology. Besides testing, other indicators are used to infer a serologically negative condition. Body stylizations, nuanced by affective bonds with the partners, produce emotions which mediate the willingness to engage in UAS. As they understand the precariousness of the indicators used, the men often resort to testing. This takes place after exposure to risk, as a repairing ritual for the drama of unprotected sex, but without any individual preventative effectiveness.

Resumen El texto discute el manejo del riesgo para el VIH en el sexo anal sin protección (SASP) llevado a cabo por hombres que tienen sexo con hombres (HSH). Se basa en el análisis de 25 entrevistas con enfoque biográfico con HSH y la observación participante en la comunidad gay de Recife. Los hombres utilizan el “suero elección”: elige para el SASP parejas de la misma serología. Además de las pruebas, utilizan otros indicadores para inferir una condición serológica negativa. Estilizaciones corporales, matizadas por los vínculos afectivos con parejas sexuales, producen emociones que median el SASP. Como entienden la precariedad de los indicadores utilizados, los hombres a menudo recurren a las pruebas. Esto ocurre después de la exposición al riesgo, como un ritual de reparación para el drama del sexo sin protección, pero sin ninguna eficacia preventiva individual.

Resumo O artigo apresenta resultados de pesquisa etnográfica na comunidade gay do Recife (PE), realizada por meio de observação participante e entrevistas. Objetiva compreender condutas sexuais de risco de homens que fazem sexo com homens (HSH) ao HIV, focando os sentidos das posições sexuais no intercurso anal — receptivo (IAR) e insertivo (IAI). Praticantes de IAR desprotegido são sujeitos a maior risco de infecção que praticantes de IAI. Os que praticam ambos, IAR e IAI, são elos amplificadores (maiores chances de receber e passar o vírus) nas cadeias de transmissão. O texto aborda as categorias êmicas, relacionadas com as identidades de gênero — pintosa (gay feminino), boy (gay masculino) e cafuçu (HSH e com mulheres, não gay, masculino, classe popular) — e com as identidades sexuais — ativo (IAI), passivo (IAR) e versátil (IAI e IAR) —, nos modos como significam as posições sexuais e produzem atração sexual. Os homens masculinos são os sexualmente desejados. Boys tendem a se relacionar com boys, e pintosas, com cafuçus. Há expressivo número de versáteis, o que amplia o risco coletivo dentro da comunidade gay. Por meio das relações entre pintosas e cafuçus, pode existir um caminho propício para o vírus circular mais entre a comunidade gay e a sociedade mais ampla.

Abstract The article presents the results of an ethnographic study of the gay community in Recife (PE), conducted via participant observation and interviews. It seeks to understand sexual risk conduct among men who have sex with men (MSM) and HIV, focusing on the significance of sexual positions during anal-receptive intercourse (ARI) and anal-insertive intercourse (AII). Those who practice unprotected ARI are subject to a greater risk of infection than those who practice AII. Those who practice both, ARI and AII, are amplifiers (greater chances of receiving and passing on the virus) in the transmission chains. The text addresses the emic categories related with gender identities – pintosa (female gay), boy (male gay), and cafuçu (MSM and with women, non-gay, male, lower social class) – and with gender identities – active (AII), passive (ARI), and versatile (AII and ARI) – in the ways they result in sexual positions and produce sexual attraction. Masculine men are the most sexually desirable. Boys tend to relate with boys, and pintosas with cafuçus. There is a significant number of versatiles, which increases the collective risk within the gay community. By means of the relations between pintosas and cafuçus, there is increased danger for the virus to circulate more among the gay community and society in general.

Resumo O artigo apresenta resultados de pesquisa etnográfica na comunidade gay do Recife (PE), realizada por meio de observação participante e entrevistas. Objetiva compreender condutas sexuais de risco de homens que fazem sexo com homens (HSH) ao HIV, focando os sentidos das posições sexuais no intercurso anal — receptivo (IAR) e insertivo (IAI). Praticantes de IAR desprotegido são sujeitos a maior risco de infecção que praticantes de IAI. Os que praticam ambos, IAR e IAI, são elos amplificadores (maiores chances de receber e passar o vírus) nas cadeias de transmissão. O texto aborda as categorias êmicas, relacionadas com as identidades de gênero — pintosa (gay feminino), boy (gay masculino) e cafuçu (HSH e com mulheres, não gay, masculino, classe popular) — e com as identidades sexuais — ativo (IAI), passivo (IAR) e versátil (IAI e IAR) —, nos modos como significam as posições sexuais e produzem atração sexual. Os homens masculinos são os sexualmente desejados. Boys tendem a se relacionar com boys, e pintosas, com cafuçus. Há expressivo número de versáteis, o que amplia o risco coletivo dentro da comunidade gay. Por meio das relações entre pintosas e cafuçus, pode existir um caminho propício para o vírus circular mais entre a comunidade gay e a sociedade mais ampla.

Abstract The article presents the results of an ethnographic study of the gay community in Recife (PE), conducted via participant observation and interviews. It seeks to understand sexual risk conduct among men who have sex with men (MSM) and HIV, focusing on the significance of sexual positions during anal-receptive intercourse (ARI) and anal-insertive intercourse (AII). Those who practice unprotected ARI are subject to a greater risk of infection than those who practice AII. Those who practice both, ARI and AII, are amplifiers (greater chances of receiving and passing on the virus) in the transmission chains. The text addresses the emic categories related with gender identities – pintosa (female gay), boy (male gay), and cafuçu (MSM and with women, non-gay, male, lower social class) – and with gender identities – active (AII), passive (ARI), and versatile (AII and ARI) – in the ways they result in sexual positions and produce sexual attraction. Masculine men are the most sexually desirable. Boys tend to relate with boys, and pintosas with cafuçus. There is a significant number of versatiles, which increases the collective risk within the gay community. By means of the relations between pintosas and cafuçus, there is increased danger for the virus to circulate more among the gay community and society in general.

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of the cellulosic exopolysaccharide membrane (CEM) as a urethral reinforcement for urethrovesical anastomosis. Methods: Twenty eight rabbits were submitted to urethrovesical anastomosis with or without CEM reinforcement. The animals were divided into 4 groups: C7, CEM7, C14 and CEM14: (C= only anastomosis or CEM = anastomosis + CEM), evaluated after 7 weeks, and 14 weeks. The biointegration and biocompatibility of CEM were evaluated according to stenosis, fistula, urethral wall thickness, urethral epithelium, rate of inflammation and vascularization. Results: Between the two experimental groups, the difference in the number of stenosis or urinary fistula was not statistically significant. The morphometric analysis revealed preservation of urethral lumen, well adhered CEM without extrusion, a controlled inflammatory process and implant vascularization. The urothelium height remained constant over time after CEM reinforcement and the membrane wall was thicker, statistically, after 14 weeks. Conclusion: The absence of extrusion, stenosis or urinary fistula after 14 weeks of urethrovesical anastomosis demonstrates cellulosic exopolysaccharide membrane biocompatibility and biointegration with tendency to a thicker wall.

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate risk factors for mortality in patients with Fournier's gangrene (FG), with emphasis in the Simplified Fournier Gangrene Severe Index Score (SFGSI). Materials and Methods This was a cross-sectional study that was carried out from January 2010 to December 2014, with 124 patients treated for FG in a General Hospital. Several clinical and laboratory variables, including SFGSI, were evaluated and correlated with mortality through univariate analysis and logistic regression. Results Of the 124 patients, 99 were men (79.8%), the mean age was 50.8±19.5 years and the main comorbidity was diabetes mellitus (51.6%). The mortality rate was 25.8%. Variables that presented independent correlation with mortality were the extension of the lesion to the abdomen (OR=4.0, CI=1.10-14.68, p=0.03), hematocrit (OR=0.81, CI=0.73-0.90, p<0.0001), potassium (OR=2.41, CI=1.13-5.10, p=0.02) and creatinine (OR=2.15, CI= 1.04-4.41, p=0.03). When hematocrit, potassium and creatinine were tested together, as part of the SFGSI, a >2 result was the largest of the independent predictors of mortality (OR=50.2; CI=13.18-191.47; p<0.0001). Conclusion The SFGSI >2 presented a higher correlation with mortality than any variable tested alone. It seems to be a promising alternative to evaluate predictors of mortality in Fournier's gangrene. The main advantage is easy applicability because it contains only three parameters and can be used immediately after patient's admission.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar, através de dopplerfluxometria, de venografia, de histologia e de evolução clínica, o uso de enxertos tubulares de biopolímero de cana-de-açúcar (BP) na reconstrução de veias femorais em cães. Métodos: oito cães adultos foram submetidos à reconstrução de veia femoral, à esquerda com enxerto tubular de BP e à direita com veia autóloga. No período pós-operatório, os animais foram submetidos à avaliação clínica e dopplerfluxometria das veias femorais. Após 360 dias, os cães foram reoperados e submetidos à flebografia das veias femorais com contraste iodado. Os segmentos das veias femorais contendo os enxertos foram retirados e enviados para avaliação histopatológica. Resultados: os cães não apresentaram hemorragia, hematoma, infecção da ferida operatória ou edema dos membros operados. Um animal apresentou dilatação venosa superficial na região inguinal esquerda. A flebografia realizada 360 dias após a primeira cirurgia demonstrou que três (37,5%) enxertos de BP e sete (87,5%) do grupo controle (C) estavam pérvios. Na avaliação histopatológica foi encontrada uma reação inflamatória com neutrófilos e linfócitos na superfície externa de ambos os grupos. Na camada íntima de revestimento dos enxertos e na camada externa nos dois grupos, foi encontrada fibrose. Conclusão: com base nos resultados obtidos com o modelo experimental utilizado, conclui-se que a BP apresenta potencial para ser utilizado como enxerto tubular para revascularização venosa, porém novas pesquisas precisam ser realizadas para confirmar a sua eficácia na revascularização de veias de médio e grande calibre, o que poderia permitir o seu uso na prática clínica.

ABSTRACT Objective: to evaluate, through Doppler flowmetry, venography, histology and clinical evolution, the use of sugarcane biopolymer (BP) tubular grafts in the reconstruction of femoral veins in dogs. Methods: we submitted eight adult dogs to femoral vein reconstruction, on the left with BP tubular graft and on the right with autologous vein. In the postoperative period, the animals underwent clinical evaluation and femoral vein Doppler flowmetry. After 360 days, we reoperated the dogs and submitted them to femoral vein phlebography with iodinated contrast. We removed the segments of the femoral veins containing the grafts and sent them for histopathological evaluation. Results: the dogs did not present hemorrhage, hematoma, surgical wound infection or operated limb edema. One animal had superficial venous dilatation in the left inguinal region. Phlebography performed 360 days after the first surgery showed that three (37.5%) BP grafts and seven (87.5%) grafts from the control group (C) were patent. In the histopathological evaluation, we found an inflammatory reaction, with neutrophils and lymphocytes on the external surface of both groups. In the intimal layer of the grafts and in the outer layer in the two groups, we observed fibrosis. Conclusion: based on the results obtained with the experimental model used, BP presents potential to be used as a tubular graft for venous revascularization. However, new research must be performed to confirm its efficacy in the revascularization of medium and large diameter veins, which could allow its use in clinical practice.

ABSTRACT Objective To validate the application of the bacterial cellulose (BC) membrane as a protecting barrier to the urethra. Materials and Methods Forty female Wistar rats (four groups of 10): Group 1 (sham), the urethra was dissected as in previous groups and nothing applied around; Group 2, received a 0.7cm strip of the BC applied around the urethra just below the bladder neck; Group 3, received a silicon strip with the same dimensions as in group 2; Group 4, had a combination of 2 and 3 groups being the silicon strip applied over the cellulosic material. Half of the animals in each group were killed at 4 and 8 months. Bladder and urethra were fixed in formalin for histological analysis. Results Inflammatory infiltrates were more intense at 4 months at lymphonodes (80% Grade 2), statistically different in the group 2 compared with groups 1 (p=0.0044) and 3 (p=0.0154). At 8 months, all samples were classified as grade 1 indicating a less intense inflammatory reaction in all groups. In group 2, at 8 months, there was a reduction in epithelial thickness (30±1μm) when com-pared to groups 1 (p=0.0001) and 3 (p<0.0001). Angiogenesis was present in groups 2 and 4 and absent in group 3. In BC implant, at 4 and 8 months, it was significant when comparing groups 4 with 1 (p=0.0159). Conclusion BC membrane was well integrated to the urethral wall promoting tissue remodeling and strengthening based on morphometric and histological results and may be a future option to prevent urethral damage.

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study was to confirm the safety and efficacy of BC dressing when used in surgical male wound healing at the urogenital area. Methods: Open, non-controlled clinical study of phase II. A total of 141 patients, among those children, adolescents and adults with hypospadias (112), epispadias (04), phymosis (13) and Peyronie's disease (12) that had a BC dressing applied over the operated area after surgery. A written informed consent was obtained from all participants. Study exclusion criteria were patients with other alternative treatment indications due to the severity, extent of the injury or the underlying disease. The outcomes evaluated were efficacy, safe and complete healing. The costs were discussed. Results: In 68% patients, the BC dressing fell off spontaneously. The BC was removed without complications in 13% of patients at the outpatient clinic during the follow-up visit and 17% not reported the time of removal. In 3% of the cases, the dressing fell off early. Complete healing was observed between 8th and 10th days after surgery. The BC dressings have shown a good tolerance by all the patients and there were no reports of serious adverse events. Conclusion: The bacterial cellulose dressings have shown efficacy, safety and that can be considered as a satisfactory alternative for postoperative wound healing in urogenital area and with low cost.