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 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.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the biocompatibility and local sensibility reaction to bacterial cellulose hydrogel (0.8%) implanted in subcutaneous tissue of rabbits.METHODS:Fifteen New Zeland rabbits were randomly allocated into three groups: T1, 7 days, T2, 21 days, and T3, 84 days. The new material was implanted in the subcutaneous tissue of the ear; on the scalp over the periosteum; and on the outer and inner surfaces of the thighs, in the aponeurosis of the muscle. At 7, 21 and 84 postoperative days, the material was collected for histological study. The clinical signs, inflammatory response, angiogenesis and fibrogenesis were variables used for analysis of the biocompatibility and biological reactivity to BCH. Analyses were performed with an AXIO(r) Imager. The statistical tests were performed using the GraphPad Prism 5.0 program(r)RESULTS:The intensity of the inflammatory infiltrate, considering the different cell types (PMN, LMN and GC), was statistically significant, with group T1 different from groups T2 and T3 (p = 0.0124 and p <0.0001, respectively) and T2 different from the T3 group (p = 0.0007). Fibrogenesis grade 1 was the most prevalent in groups T1 (55.4%) and T2 (44.6%). The formation of neovascularization in the group was identified in 84.4% of samples.CONCLUSION:Bacterial cellulose hydrogel (0.8%) is biocompatible, integrating with the subcutaneous tissue of rabbits and inducing tissue remodeling.

PURPOSE:To compare the inflammatory reaction caused by the injection of a sugarcane biopolymer (SCB) into the vocal fold of rabbits with that caused by calcium hydroxyapatite (CaH).METHODS: CaH (Radiesse(r)) and SCB gel were injected respectively into the right and left vocal cords of thirty rabbits. The rabbits were distributed into two equal groups and sacrificed at three and twelve weeks after injection. We then evaluated the intensity of the inflammatory reaction, plus levels of neovascularization, fibrogenesis and inflammatory changes in the vocal mucosa.RESULTS:The vocal cords injected with CaH had a stronger inflammatory reaction by giant cells in both study periods. The SCB group had a more intense inflammatory involvement of polymorphonuclear cells three weeks after injection. SCB caused a higher level of neovascularization compared with CaH three weeks after the procedure.CONCLUSION:Whereas calcium hydroxyapatite triggers a more intense and lasting inflammatory reaction mediated by giant cells, sugarcane biopolymer causes a greater response from polymorphonuclear leukocytes, as well as higher levels of vneoascularization three weeks after injection.

INTRODUÇÃO: Existem diversos biomateriais que podem ser utilizados na cirurgia otológica para preencher a cavidade da orelha média ou dar suporte a enxertos. A esponja de gelatina absorvível é a mais utilizada, mas pode provocar fibrose e prejudicar a ventilação da orelha média. OBJETIVO: Investigar os efeitos da reação inflamatória provocada pela esponja do biopolímero da cana-de-açúcar (BP) comparada a esponja de gelatina absorvível (EGA) na mucosa da orelha média de ratos. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Estudo experimental prospectivo. A esponja do BP foi implantada na orelha direita e a EGA na orelha esquerda de 30 ratos Wistar fêmeas. Os animais foram sacrificados com 4 e 12 semanas após o procedimento. Avaliação histológica qualitativa foi realizada para verificar a reação inflamatória na bula timpânica. RESULTADOS: A esponja do BP provocou exsudato inflamatório mais intenso e persistente que a EGA. O BP não foi absorvido durante o tempo de observação. Traves de fibrose foram observadas apenas nos ouvidos com a EGA. Houve espessamento da mucosa e neoangiogênese no grupo da EGA. CONCLUSÃO: Apesar da reação inflamatória, a esponja do BP provocou menos fibrose e neoangiogênese quando comparada a EGA. A esponja do BP comportou-se como um biomaterial não absorvível na orelha média.

INTRODUCTION: Several biomaterials can be used in ear surgery to pack the middle ear or support the graft. The absorbable gelatin sponge is the most widely used, but it may produce fibrosis and impair ventilation of the middle ear. OBJECTIVE: This experimental study aimed to investigate the inflammatory effects of the sugarcane biopolymer sponge (BP) in the rat middle ear compared with absorbable gelatin sponge (AGS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective experimental study design. Thirty adult female Wistar rats were allocated to receive the BP sponge into the right ear and AGS into the left ear. Animals were randomly killed at 4 and 12 weeks post-procedure. Qualitative histological assessments were performed to evaluate the inflammatory reaction in the tympanic bullae. RESULTS: The BP sponge caused inflammation more intense and persistent than AGS. The BP was not absorbed during the experiment. Fibrosis was observed only in the ears with AGS. There were thickening of the mucosa and neoangiogenesis in the group of AGS. CONCLUSION: Despite inflammation, the BP sponge produced less fibrosis and neoangiogenesis compared to AGS. The sponge BP appeared to be a non-absorbable biomaterial in the middle ear.

INTRODUÇÃO: As alterações das pregas vocais que envolvem redução do seu volume e falha no fechamento glótico causam um escape exagerado de ar durante a fonação. Para essas situações, tem sido proposta a utilização de implantes ou enxertos de materiais diversos. OBJETIVO: Definir o comportamento do biopolímero de cana-de-açúcar implantado nas pregas vocais de coelhos. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo experimental. Avaliaram-se histologicamente as pregas vocais de coelhos injetadas com biopolímero de cana-de-açúcar e solução fisiológica após 21 e 90 dias. RESULTADOS: Foi observada a presença do biopolímero, reação inflamatória leve a moderada e aumento de volume em todas as pregas vocais injetadas em relação às de controle. Não houve casos de necrose ou calcificação. DISCUSSÃO: Este trabalho mostrou maior reação inflamatória nos casos que os controles além de biointegração do material na prega vocal. Essa resposta fibrogênica com ausência de repercussões epiteliais pode nos sugerir que o biopolímero em sua forma de gel pode ser bioativo e preservar as funções vibratórias normais do epitélio. CONCLUSÃO: Neste trabalho, mostramos que apesar de produzir uma reação inflamatória nos tecidos das pregas vocais o material perdurou na prega vocal durante todo o período de estudo.

INTRODUCTION: Alterations in the vocal folds that involve volume reduction and glottal closure failure result in exaggerated air escape during speech. For such situations, the use of implants or grafts of different materials has been proposed. OBJECTIVE: To define the effect of sugarcane biopolymer gel when implanted in the vocal folds of rabbits. METHODS: This was an experimental study. The vocal folds of rabbits injected with sugarcane biopolymer and saline solution were histologically evaluated after 21 and 90 days. RESULTS: Mild to moderate inflammation and increased volume were observed in all vocal folds injected with biopolymer, when compared to controls. There were no cases of necrosis or calcification. DISCUSSION: This study showed higher inflammatory reaction in cases than in controls and biopolymer biointegration to the vocal fold. This fibrogenic response with absence of epithelial repercussions suggests that the biopolymer in its gel form can be bioactive and preserve the normal vibratory function of the epithelium. CONCLUSION: We show that in spite of producing an inflammatory reaction in vocal fold tissues, the material remained in vocal fold throughout the study period.

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar histologicamente o processo de integração do gel da celulose produzida pela Zoogloe asp implantado em olhos eviscerados de coelhos. MÉTODOS: Estudo experimental utilizando 36 olhos de 18 coelhos. Todos eles tiveram seus olhos direitos eviscerados. A bolsa escleral foi suturada e preenchida com biopolimero da cana de açúcar, no estado gel. Todos os animais foram examinados clinicamente, sob biomicroscopia, até o dia de seus sacrifícios e enucleações que aconteceram no 7º, 30º, 60º,90º,120º e 240º dia. Os bulbos obtidos, inclusive os esquerdos, considerados controles, foram encaminhados para estudo histopatológicos de macroscopia e microscopia óptica. As colorações pela hematoxilina-eosina, tricômio de Masson (com anilina), tricômio de Gomori, Van Gienson e Picrosirius red e ácido periódico de Schiff (PAS) foram usadas. RESULTADOS: Durante o experimento não foram observados sinais clínicos de infecção, alergias, intoxicação ou extrusão. As córneas apresentavam-se relativamente preservadas. Exame macroscópico revelou uma diminuição de aproximadamente 8% no volume dos bulbos nos quais o biopolímero foi implantado. O corte do saco escleral mostrou um conteúdo sólido, compacto, elástico, resistente à tração, com superfície lisa e brancacenta. Não foram observados sinais de necrose, ou liquefação. O tecido epiescleral estava algo hipertrofiado. As preparações histológicas estudadas, nas diversas colorações, revelaram uma infiltração linfomonomorfonuclear inicial, substituída posteriormente por uma resposta fibroblástica e proliferação de histiócitos com formação de células multinucleadas gigantes. Foram também encontrados poucos polimorfonucleares neutrófilos e eosinófilos. A partir do 30º dia houve proliferação vascular e deposição de calágeno em todos os espécimes estudados, embora, no 240º dia do experimento, a resposta inflamatória crônica, a neovascularização e a deposição do colágeno não tinham ainda atingido o centro do implante. CONCLUSÃO: Neste modelo, o gel da celulose produzido pela Zoogloea sp, mostrou-se biocompatível e integrado às órbitas. Estudos morfométrico, imuno-histoquímico e de biodegradabilidade devem ser realizados futuramente.

PURPOSE: To evaluate histologically the integration process of cellulose gel produced by Zoogloea sp when implanted into rabbits' eviscerated eyes. METHODS: This experimental study employed 36 eyes of 18 rabbits subjected to evisceration of their right eyes. The sclerocorneal bag was sutured and filled with biopolymer from sugar cane in the gel state. All animals were clinically examined by biomicroscopy until the day of their sacrifice which occurred on the 7th, 30th, 60th, 90th, 120th, or 240th day. The eyeballs obtained, including the left eyes considered controls were sent for histopathological study by optical macroscopy and microscopy. Tissue staining techniques used included hematoxylin-eosin, Masson trichrome (with aniline), Gomori trichrome, Van Gienson, Picrosirius red, and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS). RESULTS: No clinical signs of infection, allergy, toxicity, or extrusion were observed throughout the experiment. The corneas were relatively preserved. Macroscopic examination revealed a decrease of ~ 8% in the volume of the bulbs implanted with the biopolymer. After cutting, the sclerocorneal bag was solid, compact, elastic, and resistant to traction, with a smooth and whitish surface, and showed no signs of necrosis or liquefaction. The episcleral tissues were somewhat hypertrophied. The histological preparations studied in different colors revealed an initial lymphoplasmacytic infiltration, replaced by a fibroblastic response and proliferation of histiocytes, along with formation of giant cells. Few polymorphonuclearneutrophils and eosinophils were also found. Neovascularization and collagen deposition were present in all animals starting from day 30; although on the 240th day of the experiment the chronic inflammatory response, neovascularization and collagen deposition had not yet reached the center of the implant. CONCLUSION: In this model, the cellulose gel produced by Zoogloea sp proved to be biocompatible and integrated into the orbits. Morphometric, immunohistochemical and biodegradability studies should be performed in the future.

CONTEXTO: A presença de múltiplas neoplasias em um mesmo paciente é evento infreqüente, correspondendo a 1,2%-4,5% dos pacientes com câncer em estudos clínicos e de autópsias. Neste artigo, os autores relatam casos de diagnósticos sincrônicos de carcinomas e neoplasias linfóides. Ao apresentar estes casos, tenciona-se alertar clínicos e patologistas para a possibilidade da ocorrência de neoplasias concomitantes, para evitar atrasos ou erros diagnósticos ou de estadiamento da doença. SÉRIE DE CASOS:Sete pacientes, quatro mulheres e três homens, com média de idade de 61,4 anos, foram diagnosticados com neoplasias epitelial e hematológica concomitantes. DISCUSSÃO E CONCLUSÃO: Os linfonodos devem ser cuidadosamente examinados quando se buscam metástases, dada a possibilidade de uma neoplasia hematológica concomitante. Sempre que aspectos morfológicos suspeitos forem detectados, um estudo imunoistoquímico faz-se necessário.

CONTEXT: The presence of multiple neoplasms in one patient is an uncommon event. Its occurrence ranges from 1.2% to 4.5% of cancer patients in autopsy and clinical studies. In the present article, cases of synchronous diagnoses of carcinoma and lymphoid neoplasms are reported. The intention of this report was to alert clinicians and pathologists to the possibility of the existence of concomitant neoplasms, in order to prevent inaccurate or delayed diagnosis and staging. CASES:Seven patients (four female and three male) with a median age of 61.4 years were diagnosed as having concomitant epithelial and hematological neoplasms. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Lymph nodes should be carefully examined when searching for metastases, because of the possibility of a second hematological malignancy. Whenever uncommon suspicious morphological features are seen in such neoplasms, an immunohistochemical analysis is essential.