Abstract Introduction Leg ulcers (LUs) are relatively common in patients with sickle cell anemia (SCA). The role of inflammation and nitric oxide (NO) pathways in the pathophysiology of the LU is not understood. Objective The aim of this study was to verify the association between inflammatory molecules and nitric oxide metabolites (NOx) and the occurrence of the LU in patients with SCA. Method It was a cross-sectional study on adult participants with SCA followed at Fundação Hemominas, a public blood center in Brazil. Eligible participants were recruited and included in one of two groups: Group 1, comprised of cases with SCA (Hb SS) and at least one LU at the time of inclusion in the study and Group 2, comprised of controls with SCA without a history of LU, matched by sex and age to cases. Participants were interviewed to obtain sociodemographic data and blood samples were collected. Clinical and laboratory data were abstracted from medical records. Nitric oxide metabolites (NOx) and inflammatory molecules were quantified using an immunoassay and Multiplex xMAP® technology, respectively. Eighty-seven individuals were included, ranging in age from 17 to 61 years (mean 40 ± 10.7 years); 30 had LU and 57 were controls without LU. Results Participants with LU had significantly higher levels of interleukin 8 (IL-8), IL-10, IL-15, NOx and platelet and white blood cell (WBC) counts, when compared to those without LU. Participants with LU had a significantly higher risk of having a history of osteomyelitis and a higher use of antiseptic soap in bathing, when compared to those without LU. Conclusion In conclusion, our results showed that NOx, inflammatory molecules and hematological features were associated with LU in Brazilian adults with SCA.

SUMMARY: The complete petrosphenoidal foramen, or canal, is an eventual and atavistic bony formation at the boundary between the posterior and middle cranial fossa, by occurrence of ossification of the superior petrosphenoidal ligament. This ligament ossification, which has important clinical and surgical significance, can be complete or incomplete, in variable degrees, and is associated with the passageway of neurovascular structures, such as the abducens nerve and the inferior petrosal sinus. This study, conducted with 175 dry skulls that belong to the University of São Paulo’s collection (USP), São Paulo, Brazil, established criteria for a morphological classification of the incomplete petrosphenoid foramen in nine types. In addition, anatomical parameters were established for the morphometric determination of two diameters: the Oblique Diameter (ObDi) and the Maximum Transverse Diameter (MTD). Thus, of the 175 skulls, 146 (83.42 %) presented some of the incomplete forms of the petrosphenoid foramen, and 43 skulls (29.45 %), due to their conservation characteristics, were habilitated to the morphological study, in the classification and in the morphometry (the types I and II of our classification). The type II (incomplete foramen with bony projections of the petrosal tubercle, of the margin of the dorsum of the hypophyseal fossa or of the posterior clinoid process with a distance between them greater than 1mm) and type V (incomplete foramen with a bony projection only in one of the referential structures - posterior clinoid process) were the most common in this study (50 % of the 86 hemiskulls). Morphometry was attributed only to the types: I selar (incomplete foramen with bony projections from the petrosal tubercle and the margin of the dorsum of the hypophyseal fossa with a distance between them less than or equal to 1mm) and to the type II of this classification. The type I selar (9.3 % of the 43 skulls) resulted in an average of 3.25 mm of MTD and 4.63 mm, on average, of ObDi. The type II (25.58 % of the 43 skulls) showed, on average, 4.93 mm of MTD and 7.01 mm of ObDi.

RESUMEN: El foramen o canal petroesfenoidal completo es una formación ósea eventual y atávica en el límite entre las fosas craneal posterior y media, por osificación del ligamento petroesfenoidal superior. Esta osificación del ligamento, que tiene un importante significado clínico y quirúrgico, puede ser completa o incompleta, en grados variables, y está asociada al paso de estructuras neurovasculares, como el nervio abducente y el seno petroso inferior. Este estudio se realizó en 175 cráneos secos pertenecientes a la colección de la Universidad de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brasil. Se establecieron criterios para una clasificación morfológica del foramen petrosfenoidal incompleto en nueve tipos. Además, se establecieron parámetros anatómicos para la determinación morfométrica de dos diámetros: el Diámetro Oblicuo (ObDi) y el Diámetro Transversal Máximo (MTD). Así, de los 175 cráneos, 146 (83,42 %) presentaron alguna de las formas incompletas del foramen petrosfenoidal, y 43 cráneos (29,45 %), por sus características de conservación, fueron habilitados para el estudio morfológico, en la clasificación y en la morfometría (los tipos I y II de nuestra clasificación). El Tipo II (foramen incompleto con proyecciones óseas del tubérculo petroso, del margen del dorso de la fosa hipofisaria o del proceso clinoides posterior con una distancia entre ellos mayor de 1 mm) y el Tipo V (foramen incompleto con proyección ósea solamente en una de las estructuras referenciales - proceso clinoides posterior) fueron los más comunes en este estudio (50 % de los 86 hemiscráneos). La morfometría se atribuyó únicamente al Tipo I selar (foramen incompleto con proyecciones óseas desde el tubérculo petroso y el margen del dorso de la fosa hipofisaria con una distancia entre ellos menor o igual a 1mm) y al Tipo II de esta clasificación. El Tipo I selar (9,3 % de los 43 cráneos) resultó en un promedio de 3,25 mm de MTD y 4,63 mm, en promedio, de ObDi. El Tipo II (25,58 % de los 43 cráneos) mostró, en promedio, 4,93 mm de MTD y 7,01 mm de ObDi.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of chlorhexidine on the formation of adhesions and dilation of the colon at the oral end of anastomosis in the presence of peritonitis. METHODS: Peritonitis was induced in male Wistar rats by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Abdominal cavities were irrigated with tepid solutions containing 0.9% saline (SAL group; n=8) or 0.05% chlorhexidine (CHD group; n=8), after which colon anastomoses were performed. Control rats (n=8) were submitted to colon anastomoses but not to CLP. Animals were euthanised seven days after surgery and the incidence of adhesions, the degree of dilation of colon loops and an index were calculated to determine variables correlation. RESULTS: No animals exhibited macroscopic signs of residual peritonitis or abdominal abscesses. Adhesions were observed in 75% of control and 100% of SAL and CHD animals. Dilation of intestinal loops at the oral end of anastomosis was observed in control (50%), SAL (57.2%) and CHD (66.7%) animals. The calculated index was 1.25 in group A; 1.86 in group B; and 2.0 group C. CONCLUSION: Chlorhexidine promoted stronger adhesions and a greater dilatation of colonic loops than control group.

O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a condição de saúde bucal de idosos não institucionalizados de Governador Valadares-MG com a meta da Organização Mundial de Saúde (OMS) para o ano 2010. Foi utilizado o banco de dados desenvolvido pelo grupo de pesquisa Saúde, Indivíduo e Sociedade (SAIS), da Universidade Vale do Rio Doce (UNIVALE). Avaliaram-se o acesso aos serviços odontológicos, o índice CPO-D e o uso e necessidade de prótese em 505 idosos. Em relação ao acesso aos serviços odontológicos, 61,8% dos idosos afirmaram não terem ido ao dentista nos últimos 12 meses que antecederam a entrevista. Destes, 37,9% relataram ter procurado o sistema público por motivo de consulta de rotina, reparos e manutenção protética. O resultado do índice CPO-D encontrado foi de 27,9. Quanto ao uso e a necessidade de prótese, constatou-se que 46,9% dos idosos utilizavam a total removível, 33,3% não utilizavam nenhum tipo, 54,1% não apresentavam necessidade de uso e 23,8% necessitavam de prótese total removível. Diante dos dados obtidos, conclui-se que a condição de saúde bucal dos idosos avaliados é precária, encontrando-se distante do padrão estabelecido pelas metas da OMS para o ano 2010. Essa ocorrência aponta para a necessidade de investimentos na área da saúde bucal, para que em longo prazo as metas sejam atingidas.

This study aimed to compare the oral health status of non-institutionalized elderly from Governador Valadares-MG, with the goal proposed by the World Health Organization for the year 2010. We used the database developed by the research group "Health, Individual and Society", from Vale do Rio Doce University. We assessed access to dental services, the DMFT index and the use and the use and need for prostheses in 505 elderly. With regard to access to dental services, 61.8% of seniors said they had not gone to the dentist in the past 12 months preceding the interview. Of these, 37.9% reported having sought the public system due to routine consultation, denture repairs and maintenance. The result of the DMFT index was 27.9. As for the use and need of prostheses, it was found that 46.9% of seniors used the removable total, 33.3% did not use any type, 54.1% had no need to use and 23.8% needed removable dentures. From the data obtained, we conclude that the oral health status of elderly subjects is poor, being far from the standard set by the WHO goals for the year 2010. This fact points to the need for investments in oral health, so that long-term goals are met.

O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a condição de saúde bucal de idosos não institucionalizados de Governador Valadares-MG com a meta da Organização Mundial de Saúde (OMS) para o ano 2010. Foi utilizado o banco de dados desenvolvido pelo grupo de pesquisa Saúde, Indivíduo e Sociedade (SAIS), da Universidade Vale do Rio Doce (UNIVALE). Avaliaram-se o acesso aos serviços odontológicos, o índice CPO-D e o uso e necessidade de prótese em 505 idosos. Em relação ao acesso aos serviços odontológicos, 61,8% dos idosos afirmaram não terem ido ao dentista nos últimos 12 meses que antecederam a entrevista. Destes, 37,9% relataram ter procurado o sistema público por motivo de consulta de rotina, reparos e manutenção protética. O resultado do índice CPO-D encontrado foi de 27,9. Quanto ao uso e a necessidade de prótese, constatou-se que 46,9% dos idosos utilizavam a total removível, 33,3% não utilizavam nenhum tipo, 54,1% não apresentavam necessidade de uso e 23,8% necessitavam de prótese total removível. Diante dos dados obtidos, conclui-se que a condição de saúde bucal dos idosos avaliados é precária, encontrando-se distante do padrão estabelecido pelas metas da OMS para o ano 2010. Essa ocorrência aponta para a necessidade de investimentos na área da saúde bucal, para que em longo prazo as metas sejam atingidas.

This study aimed to compare the oral health status of non-institutionalized elderly from Governador Valadares-MG, with the goal proposed by the World Health Organization for the year 2010. We used the database developed by the research group "Health, Individual and Society", from Vale do Rio Doce University. We assessed access to dental services, the DMFT index and the use and the use and need for prostheses in 505 elderly. With regard to access to dental services, 61.8% of seniors said they had not gone to the dentist in the past 12 months preceding the interview. Of these, 37.9% reported having sought the public system due to routine consultation, denture repairs and maintenance. The result of the DMFT index was 27.9. As for the use and need of prostheses, it was found that 46.9% of seniors used the removable total, 33.3% did not use any type, 54.1% had no need to use and 23.8% needed removable dentures. From the data obtained, we conclude that the oral health status of elderly subjects is poor, being far from the standard set by the WHO goals for the year 2010. This fact points to the need for investments in oral health, so that long-term goals are met.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a eficácia de induzir peritonite em ratos através da ligadura cecal laparoscópica (CL), por meio de banda elástica. MÉTODOS: Doze ratos Wistar foram submetidos a ligadura cecal com banda elástica aplicada com dispositivo especialmente construído para este fim. Em seis animais (grupo CL), a bolsa cecal foi mantida intacta, enquanto nos outros animais (grupo CLP), a bolsa foi perfurada com tesoura. Parâmetros clínicos, características da cavidade peritonial e ceco, e histologia do tecido cecal foram examinados em todos os animais 8 e 24 horas após a cirurgia. RESULTADOS: Os animais do grupo CLP apresentaram pelo menos um sinal clínico de sepses nas primeiras 8 h de observação. Líquido peritonial claro foi observado em quase todos os membros do grupo CLP. Leucócitos polimorfonucleares foram identificados na serosa do ceco dos animais do grupo CLP. Por outro lado, todos os animais do grupo CL estavam vivos após 24 h, e leucócitos polimorfonucleares estavam restritos à muscular própria. Presença de líquido peritonial não foi detectada nos animais do grupo CL. CONCLUSÃO: A ligadura elástica do ceco foi reprodutível e a secção da bolsa cecal foi essencial para a indução de sepse.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of inducing peritonitis in rats through laparoscopic cecal ligation (CL), by means of an elastic band. METHODS: Twelve Wistar rats were subjected to cecal ligated with an elastic band applied using a specially constructed applicator. In six of the animals (the CL group) the cecal sac was preserved intact whilst in the remaining animals (the CLP group) the sac was perforated with scissors. Clinical parameters, characteristics of the peritoneal cavity and cecum, and histological features of the cecal tissue were observed in all experimental animals 8 and 24 h after surgery. RESULTS: CLP animals exhibited at least one clinical sign of sepsis within the first 8 h of observation. The peritoneal liquid was observed to be clear in almost all members of the CLP. Polymorphonucleated cells were detected in the tunica serosa of the cecum of CLP animals. In contrast, all members of the CL group were alive after 24h, and of polymorphonucleated cells in the muscle layer of the cecal wall were observed. The presence of peritoneal liquid was not detected in CL animals. CONCLUSION: Although elastic ligation of the cecum was reproducible, puncture of the cecal sac was essential for induction of sepsis.

OBJETIVO: Analisar e correlacionar características clínicas, sintomas psiquiátricos e dados laboratoriais no hipotireoidismo subclínico (HS). MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal comparando achados de 103 pacientes com HS aos de 60 indivíduos eutireoidianos. A avaliação clínica e a psiquiátrica foram baseadas, respectivamente, na escala de Zulewski e nos questionários de Hamilton A, Hamilton D e Beck. Todos foram submetidos a dosagens de tireotropina (TSH), T4 livre e antitireoperoxidase (ATPO). Variáveis contínuas foram analisadas por meio do teste t de Student, quando de distribuição normal, e dos testes de Mann-Whitney e Kruskal Wallis, quando "não normais". Variáveis categóricas por meio dos testes Qui-quadrado, exato de Fisher e Kruskal Wallis. Análise multivariada foi utilizada para estudo de variáveis de confundimento. RESULTADOS: O nível médio de TSH, no HS, foi 7,76 ± 2,9 µUI/mL e 1,66 ± 0,6 µUI/mL nos eutireoideanos (p=0,001). O nível de T4L foi menor no HS, apresentando correlação linear negativa com TSH. Ocorreu maior freqüência de escore clínico anormal (48,3 vs 67%; p=0,020), de sintomas de depressão, pela escala de Beck no HS (20,5 vs 44,2%; p=0,011) e de sintomas de ansiedade (86 vs 63,4%; p=0,004) no HS. A presença de sintomas de depressão e ansiedade associou-se de forma positiva com pontuação no escore clínico e níveis de TSH. Não houve associação entre achados clínicos ou psiquiátricos e etiologia do HS, presença de ATPO, idade ou menopausa. CONCLUSÃO: O estudo aponta para associação entre HS, achados clínicos e sintomas psiquiátricos. Ensaios clínicos são necessários para avaliar uma possível melhora com levotiroxina.

BACKGROUND: This investigation evaluated and correlated clinical, laboratorial aspects and psychiatric symptoms in sub clinical hypothyroidism (SH). METHODS: Cross sectional study involving 103 patients with SH and 60 subjects without thyroid disease. Clinical and psychiatric evaluation was respectively based on the Zulewski score and Hamilton A, Hamilton D and Beck questionnaires. Serum thyreotropin (TSH), (thyroxine) FT4 and (antithyroperoxidase) ATPO were measured in all participants. Analysis of continuums data was assessed by the Student t- test, for normally distributed data, and by the Mann- Whitney and Kruskal Wallis tests for non-parametric data. The chi2, Fisher's and Kruskal Wallis tests were used to study qualitative variables. Multivariate analyses were used to study confounding variables. RESULTS: Mean serum TSH level was 7.76 ± 2.9 µUI/mL in SH and 1.66 ± 0.6 µUI/mL in the group without thyroid disease (p=0.001). Mean serum T4L was slightly lower among patients with HS, and showed a negative linear correlation with TSH. Higher frequencies of abnormal clinical score (48.3 vs. 67.0%; p=0.02), depression self reported symptoms (20.5 vs. 44.2%; p=0.011) and anxiety symptoms (86.0 vs. 63.4%; p=0.004) occurred more frequently in SH. Frequency of psychiatric symptoms had a positive correlation with the clinical score and serum TSH. There was no association between the clinical and psychiatric findings and the etiology of SH, presence of ATPO, age or menopause. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that SH was associated with clinical findings and with psychiatric symptoms. Clinical trials are required to evaluate possible improvement with levotiroxine.