ABSTRACT PURPOSE: To evaluate a new model of intraoperative electromyographic (EMG) assessment of the tibial and fibular nerves, and its respectives motor units in rats. METHODS: Eight Wistar rats underwent intraoperative EMG on both hind limbs at two different moments: week 0 and week 12. Supramaximal electrical stimulation applied on sciatic nerve, and compound muscle action potential recorded on the gastrocnemius muscle (GM) and the extensor digitorum longus muscle (EDLM) through electrodes at specifics points. Motor function assessment was performaced through Walking Track Test. RESULTS: Exposing the muscles and nerves for examination did not alter tibial (p=0.918) or fibular (p=0.877) function between the evaluation moments. Electromyography of the GM, innervated by the tibial nerve, revealed similar amplitude (p=0.069) and latency (p=0.256) at week 0 and at 12 weeks, creating a standard of normality. Meanwhile, electromyography of the EDLM, innervated by the fibular nerve, showed significant differences between the amplitudes (p=0.003) and latencies (p=0.021) at the two different moments of observation. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative electromyography determined and quantified gastrocnemius muscle motor unit integrity, innervated by tibial nerve. Although this study was not useful to, objectively, assess extensor digitorum longus muscle motor unit, innervated by fibular nerve.

PURPOSE: To compare sciatic nerve regeneration in rats using three different techniques of repair.METHODS:Fifteen isogonics rats were divided into three groups according to the method used to repair a 5-mm long defect created in the sciatic nerve: autogenous graft (Group A), polyglycolic acid tube (PGAt) (Group B), and of the association of PGAt with the graft (Group C). Histological analysis, regenerated myelinated axon number count and functional analysis were used to compare after six weeks.RESULTS:There was no difference in fiber diameter and degree of myelinization presented by Groups A, B and C. Group B presented the lowest number of regenerated axons. The groups did not display any significant functional difference after walking track analysis (p<0.05).CONCLUSION: No differences between the three groups in terms of functional recovery, although there were histological differences among them.

ABSTRACT Background: A pleasant smile depends on harmonious relationships between the teeth, gums, and lips. The present study measured upper lip changes related to ageing using a morphometric analysis. Methods: Fortysix Caucasian women at least 15 years of age were selected and divided into four groups: 15 - 30 years old, 31 - 45 years old, 46 - 60 years old, and > 60 years old. Frontal photographs with closed lips and parted lips were taken. The following measurements were performed: upper lip height, upper vermilion height in parted and closed lips positions, and exposure of the central upper incisors in the relaxed position. Results: Upper lip height increased with age. The average upper lip height in the closed lips position was 13.75 mm in the youngest age-range (15 - 30 years old). The upper lip height gradually increased with age until reaching an average of 19.24 mm was observed in the > 60 years old group. The opposite result was observed in upper vermilion height, which decreased with increasing age. The average vermilion height in the parted lips position was 7.09 mm in the youngest age-range (15-30 years old) and decreased to 4.58 mm in the oldest group (> 60 years old). Teeth exposure decreased with age. The average upper teeth exposure was 3.55 mm in the youngest group and decreased to 0.40 mm in the oldest group. Conclusion: The upper lip height increases, while the upper vermilion height and exposure of the upper teeth decrease with age.

RESUMO Introdução: Um sorriso considerado agradável envolve relações harmônicas entre os dentes, gengivas e lábios. O presente estudo mediu as alterações no lábio superior, relacionadas ao envelhecimento, utilizando análise morfométrica. Método: Foram selecionadas 46 mulheres caucasianas com idade mínima de 15 anos e divididas em quatro grupos: 15-30 anos, 31-45 anos, 46-60 anos e > 60 anos. Foram tiradas fotografias frontais com a boca fechada e na posição de repouso. As seguintes medidas foram realizadas: altura do lábio superior, altura do vermelhão do lábio superior nas posições repouso e fechada, e exposição dos dentes incisivos superiores centrais na posição repouso. Resultados: A altura do lábio superior aumentou com a idade. A média da altura do lábio superior com a boca fechada foi 13,75 mm na faixa etária mais nova (15-30 anos). A altura do lábio superior gradualmente aumenta com a idade até atingir uma média de 19,24 mm, observada no grupo > 60 anos. O resultado oposto foi observado na altura do vermelhão superior, que diminuiu com o aumento da idade. A altura média do vermelhão com a boca em repouso foi 7,09 mm na faixa etária mais nova (15-30 anos) e diminuiu para 4,58 mm no grupo mais velho (> 60 anos). A exposição dos dentes diminuiu com a idade. A exposição média dos dentes superiores foi de 3,55 mm no grupo mais jovem e diminuiu para 0,40 mm no grupo mais velho. Conclusão: A altura do lábio superior aumenta, enquanto a altura do vermelhão superior e a exposição dos dentes superiores diminuem com a idade.