Morphologic and clinical effects of subretinal injection of indocyanine green and infracyanine green in rabbits.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of subretinal injection of indocyanine green (ICG), infracyanine (IfCG), and balanced salt solution (BSS) in rabbits. METHODS: Ten (10) animals were subjected to a subretinal injection of 0.05% ICG (279 mOsm), 0.5% IfCG (276 mOsm), and BSS (300 mOsm) used as a control. Animals were examined at 6, 12, and 24 h and 14 days following the surgical procedure by indirect binocular ophthalmoscopy, fluorescein angiography (FA), and light and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: The subretinal injection of ICG caused damage to all retinal layers and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) during the entire follow-up. Subretinal injection of IfCG resulted in abnormalities of the photoreceptor outer segments (POSs) during the entire follow-up; however, abnormalities of the photoreceptor inner segments (PISs) and outer nuclear layer (ONL) were observed only 24 h and 14 days after surgery; no RPE damage was observed. FA showed that window defects were more prominent in the subretinal ICG bleb position than the IfCG-related area. BSS caused only abnormalities of the POS layer and no RPE alterations. CONCLUSIONS: Subretinal injection of 0.05% ICG results in more significant retinal damage than 0.5% IfCG. In this model, iodine-free IfCG demonstrates a safer profile than a tenfold lower concentration of ICG, which contains iodine in its composition.     

Cost-effectiveness analysis of a state funded programme for control of severe asthma

Background  

Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases and a major economical burden to families and health systems. Whereas efficacy of current therapeutical options has been clearly established, cost-effectiveness analysis of public health interventions for asthma control are scarce.     

Pharmacological,morphological and behavioral analysis of motor impairment in experimentally vitamin C deficient guinea pigs

The scurvy shows an inflammatory disease and gingival bleeding. Nevertheless, in an animal model for guinea pigs, described by Den Hartog Jager in 1985, scurvy was associated with a motor neuron disease with demyelinization of the pyramidal tract, provoking neurogenic atrophy of muscles. Aiming at searching the protective role of vitamin C in nervous system, a pharmacological, morphological and behavioral study was conducted. Three experimental groups were used: A100, animals receiving 100 mg/ vitamin C/ day; A5.0, animals receiving 5.0 mg/vitamin C/ day; and A0, animals without vitamin C. We analyzed the weight gain, muscular diameter and behavioral tests. In all tests examined, we found significant differences between the supplemented groups in comparison with scorbutic group (p<0.05). Thereafter, the animals were killed for histopathology of gastrocnemius muscle, spinal cord and tooth tissues. In addition, a morphometric study of periodontal thickness and alpha-motor neuron cell body diameter were done. The vitamin C-diet free regimen seemed to induce a disruption in spinal cord morphology, involving the lower motor neuron, as confirmed by a significant reduction in neuron perycaria diameter and muscular atrophy, complicated by increased nutritional deficit.     

Distribution of different types of occlusal contacts at maximal intercuspal position in deciduous dentition

Since there is a lack of standardization of occlusal contacts for deciduous dentition, this study assessed distribution and different types of occlusal contacts at maximal intercuspal position in children from 4 to 5 1/2 years, with normal occlusion, finding a pattern able to be used as a reference for dentists during the rehabilitation of these children, and suitable for development of the craniofacial complex.     

Experimental Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection in dexamethasone-immunosuppressed mice

OBJECTIVE: Microsporidian Encephalitozoon cuniculi has been recognized as an opportunistic pathogen in immunosuppressed individuals, such as AIDS patients. The objective of the study was to develop pharmacologically immunosuppressed animals as a model of the natural occurring E. cuniculi infection. METHODS: Distinct groups of adult Balb-C mice were immunosuppressed with different doses of dexamethasone (Dx, 3 or 5 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneal route - IP) and inoculated with E. cuniculi spores by IP route intraperitoneally. Control groups (inoculated animals but non-immunosuppressed and non- inoculated animals but immunosuppressed) were also used. The spores of E. cuniculi were previously cultivated in MDCK cells. The animals were sacrificed and necropsied at 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days post-inoculation. Tissue fragments were collected and processed for light microscopy studies, using Gram-chromotrope and hematoxylin-eosin staining techniques. RESULTS: In all immunosuppressed and inoculated inoculated immunosuppressed mice,specially in those that received 5 mg/kg/day of dexamethasone, the most prominent necropsy findings were hepatomegaly and splenomegaly. The experimental inoculation resulted in a disseminated non-lethal infection, characterized by granulomatous lesions in several organs (liver, lungs, kidneys, gut and brain) but notably in the hepatic tissue. Spores of E. cuniculi were only seen in few animals treated with 5 mg/kg/day of Dx at 35 days post-infection. CONCLUSIONS: Microsporidiosis in Dx-immunosuppressed mice provides a useful model for studies of the microsporidial infection, resembling that one naturally occurring in immunodeficient individuals with AIDS.     

knowledge level about of American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL) and use of alternative therapies in an endemic area in the Amazon Region in the State of Maranhão, Brazil

The level of knowledge concerning American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL) and use of alternative therapies was evaluated in five rural communities in Buriticupu, Maranh?o State, Brazil. The study lasted from September 1997 to January 1998. Local inhabitants answered an interview on housing conditions, epidemiological aspects, prevention, standard clinical treatment, and alternative therapies. The study population was 378 (19%) out of a total of 1,980 inhabitants, from Sexta Vicinal (35), Quinta Vicinal (63), Trilha 410 (96), Vila Uni?o (85), and Buritizinho (99). Of the interviewees, 72% had little knowledge of ATL transmission, 96% had heard something about the disease from friends, and 60.7% knew ATL by the local term "lésh". Glucantime was the most familiar drug for treatment, while 29.6% referred to use of herbal remedies on the ulcers. Citrus limon (lemon) was the plant most frequently used, and 15.4% of the interviewees used it as a powder spread on the wound. We conclude that the population had little correct knowledge of ATL in the five areas studied, especially with regard to prevention and treatment.