Synthesis and characterization of novel scaffold for bone tissue engineering based on Whartons´s jelly

A composite is a material made of more than one component, and the bond between the components is on a scale larger than the atomic scale. The objective of the present study was to synthesize and perform the structural characterization and biological evaluation of a new biocomposite (BCO) based on a novel combination of an organic and an inorganic phase, for bone tissue engineering applications. The organic phase consisted of Wharton´s Jelly (WJ), which was obtained from embryonic tissue following a protocol developed by our laboratory. The inorganic phase consisted of bioceramic particles (BC), produced by sintering hydroxyapatite (HA) with β- tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP), and bioactive glass particles (BG). Each phase of the BCO was fully characterized by SEM, EDS, XRD and FTIR. Biocompatibility was evaluated in vivo in the tibiae of Wistar rats (n=40). Histological evaluation was performed at 0, 1, 7, 14, 30 and 60 days. XRD showed the phases corresponding to HA and β-TCP, whereas diffractogram of BG showed it to have an amorphous structure. EDS showed mainly Si and Na, Ca, P in BG, and Ca and P in HA and β-TCP. FTIR identified bonds between the organic and inorganic phases. From a mechanical viewpoint, the composite showed high flexural strength of 40.3±0.8MPa. The synthesized BCO exhibited adequate biocompatibility as shown by formation of lamellar type bone linked by BG and BC particles. The biomaterial presented here showed excellent mechanical and biocompatibility properties for its potential clinical use.Fil: Martinez, Cristian. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ingenieria. Instituto de Ingeniería Biomédica; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Odontología. Cátedra de Anatomía Patológica; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Odontologia; ArgentinaFil: Fernández, Carlos. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ingenieria. Instituto de Ingeniería Biomédica; ArgentinaFil: Prado, Miguel Oscar. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Ozols, Andres. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ingenieria. Instituto de Ingeniería Biomédica; ArgentinaFil: Olmedo, Daniel Gustavo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Odontología. Cátedra de Anatomía Patológica; Argentin

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Composição nutricional e aceitação de bolo elaborado com batata beauregard biofortificada com carotenoides

Beauregard biofortified sweet potato is a tuberous root with a high content of carotenoids whose consumption can bring beneficial effects on human health related to the biological actions of these substances. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the acceptance of cake made with sweet potato biofortified with carotenoids by school children enrolled in a school of the municipal education network of the city of Teresina PI. The sweet cake containing biofortified potato (Beauregard) (PC) was compared with standard sweet wheat flour (WC) cake formulation. The PC and WC products and the Beauregard potato were analyzed for centesimal composition (moisture, ashes, proteins, lipids and carbohydrates) and total carotenoid content. Acceptance of PC was assessed by means of an acceptance test with a hedonic scale of five points applied to 100 children from 08 to 10 years of age. The evaluation of the centesimal composition showed protein content corresponding to 2.1% in WC and 3.57% in PC, and of lipids of 5.16% in WC and 8.95% in PC. Regarding the moisture content, WC presented 32.5% and PC 38.44%. The content of fixed minerals (ash) found in formulations was 1.9% and 1.26%, respectively, in WC and PC. The carotenoid content (μg of β-carotene.g-1) was significantly higher (p <0.05) in the biofortified potato (3,200.01 ± 0.02) and in the PC formulations (3,666.17 ± 2.55) and WC (3,066.53 ± 1.88) for common sweet potatoes (2.200,23 ± 1.63). In the five-point facial hedonistic acceptance test, the formulation containing biofortified potato (PC) obtained a significantly higher score (p <0.05) (4.24 ± 0.93) when compared to the WC formulation (3.75 ± 1.19). The biofortified potato and the cake containing the biofortified potato presented some characteristics related to the centesimal composition similar to those found in WC and the content of carotenoids in PC larger than those of WC. Because sweet cake is a food product, generally well accepted by children and adults, PC\u27s greater acceptance of WC suggests its promising potential for consumption by the population.A batata-doce Beauregard biofortificada é uma raiz tuberosa com alto teor de carotenoides, cujo consumo pode trazer efeitos benéficos na saúde humana relacionados com as ações biológicas dessas substâncias. Os objetivos deste estudo foram avaliar a aceitação de bolo elaborado com batata doce biofortificada com carotenoides por crianças em idade escolar matriculados em uma escola da rede municipal de ensino da cidade de Teresina PI. O bolo doce contendo batata biofortificada (Beauregard) (BB) foi comparado com formulação padrão de bolo doce de farinha de trigo (BT). Os produtos BB e BT e a batata Beauregard foram analisados quanto à composição centesimal (umidade, cinzas, proteínas, lipídeos e carboidratos) e conteúdo de carotenóides totais. A aceitação do BB foi avaliada por meio de teste de aceitação com escala hedônica facial de cinco pontos aplicado em 100 crianças de 08 a 10 anos de idade. A avaliação da composição centesimal mostrou conteúdo protéico correspondendo 2,1% no BT e 3,57% no BB, e de lipídios de 5,16% no BT e 8,95% no BB.   Em relação ao teor de umidade, o BT apresentou 32,5% e BB 38,44%. O teor de minerais fixos (cinzas) encontrado nas formulações foi de 1,9% e 1,26%, respectivamente, no BT e BB. O conteúdo de carotenoides (µg de β-caroteno.g-1) foi significativamente maior (p<0,05) na batata biofortificada (3.200,01 ± 0,02) e nas formulações BB (3.666,17 ± 2,55) e BT (3.066,53 ± 1,88) em relação à batata doce comum (2.200,00 ± 1,63). No teste de aceitação escala hedonica facial de cinco pontos a formulação contendo batata biofortificada (BB) obteve nota significativamente maior (p<0,05) (4,24± 0,93) quando comparada com a formulação BT (3,75± 1,19). A batata biofortificada e o bolo contendo a batata biofortificada apresentaram algumas características relacionadas à composição centesimal semelhantes àquelas encontradas no BT e conteúdo de carotenoides no BB maiores que os do BT.  Por ser o bolo doce um produto alimentício, de modo geral, bem aceito por crianças e adultos, a maior aceitação do BB em relação ao BT sugere seu potencial promissor para consumo pela população

Effect of Sodium Ascorbate and Ascorbic Acid Hydrogels on Microleakage of Composite Restorations after an Office Bleaching Protocol

Objetivo: Este estudo avaliou a influência da utilização de hidrogéis de ascorbato de sódio (SA) e ácido ascórbico (AA) na microinfiltração de restaurações classe V de resina composta realizadas após a aplicação de um protocolo de clareamento em consultório (B). Métodos: Sessenta incisivos bovinos foram seccionados a 8 mm da junção amelodentinária em direção incisal e a 2 mm em direção ao ápice radicular. Os canais radiculares foram selados com um compósito e os dentes foram divididos em 5 grupos: no grupo C (controle), os dentes foram preparados (P; 4 × 3 mm profundidade × diâmetro; ponta diamantada 3131, KG Sorensen), condicionados, lavados (ER), submetidos a um protocolo adesivo (Ambar, FGM) e restaurados (R) com uma resina composta microhíbrida (Opallis, FGM); no grupo IR, os dentes foram clareados (B; 2 sessões, 1 semana de intervalo, peróxido de hidrogênio a 35%, Whitness HP Blue, FGM) + P + ER + R; no grupo SA, os dentes foram submetidos à sequência B + P + SA (20%/15 minutos) + ER + R; no grupo AA, os dentes receberam B + P + AA (10%/15 minutos) + ER + R; e, no grupo MR, após B, os dentes foram armazenados em água (37°C/14 dias) + P + ER + R. Todos os espécimes foram submetidos a um processo de envelhecimento por termociclagem (5 × 104 ciclos, 5°C/55°C, 30 s de intervalo), selados com verniz, imersos em fucsina básica por 3 h, lavados e seccionados. A microinfiltração foi medida com o auxílio do programa ImageTool®. ANOVA e o teste Tukey (p < 0,05) foram aplicados para as médias. Resultados: A microinfi ltração medida em mm e os desvios-padrão foram: C, 0,29 (0,06)A ; IR, 1,86 (0,15)C ; SA, 1,08 (0,09)B ; AA 1,07 (0,10)B ; MR, 1,02 (0,12)B. Conclusões: Dentes clareados submetidos a um tratamento superficial com SA a 20% e AA a 10% aplicados por 15 minutos previamente à restauração apresentaram menor grau de microinfiltração quando comparados aos dentes imediatamente restaurados. A microinfiltração observada após o uso desses antioxidantes foi comparável àquela obtida após um período de espera de 14 dias previamente ao procedimento restaurador.Aim. This work evaluated the influence of 20% sodium ascorbate (SA) and 10% ascorbic acid (AA) hydrogels on microleakage of class V composite restorations after an office bleaching protocol (B). Methods: 60 bovine incisors were sectioned 8mm from the amelo-dentinal junction to incisal and 2mm to radicular directions. Root canals were sealed with a composite and teeth were divided into 5 groups: C (control group) – the teeth were prepared (P) (4 x 3mm diam. diamond bur 3131 – KG Sorensen)  etched, rinsed (ER), adhesive system used (Ambar – FGM) and restored (R) with a microhybrid composite (Opallis – FGM); IR – B (2 sessions, 1 week interval - hydrogen peroxide 35% - Whitness HP Blue – FGM) + P + ER + R; SA -  B + P + SA 20%/15 min + ER + R;  AA – B + P + AA 10% /15min + ER + R; and MR – B + water storage (37°C/14d) + P + ER + R. Specimens were submitted to an aging process (thermocycling – 5/55°C/min, 5×104 cycles), varnish sealed, immersed in basic fuchsine (3h), washed and sectioned with a diamond disc. Microleakage was measured with the aid of ImageTool® software. ANOVA and a Tukey post hoc test were applied. Results. Microleakage (mm) and standard deviations per group were: C – 0.29 (0.06)A; IR – 1.86 (0.15)C; SA – 1.08 (0.09)B; AA – 1.07 (0.10)B; MR – 1.02 (0.12)B.  Conclusions. Bleached teeth submitted to superficial treatment with 20% SA and 10% AA applied for 15 minutes prior to restoration presented reduced microleakage when compared to bleached teeth immediately restored. The use of these antioxidants led to a microleakage comparable to that observed after a waiting period of 14 days prior to restoration

Perception of family health strategy users on emergency service

Objective: To analyze the users' perception of the Family Health Strategy on the urgent and emergency care provided in primary healthcare. Method: A qualitative descriptive exploratory study with 30 users. A semi-structured interview was used as a data collection technique. The data were processed using the software Alceste 4.8. Results: Four classes were constructed: User satisfaction with the urgent and emergency care; Unit structure for urgent / emergency care; Justifications for seeking urgent and emergency care; Understanding of the meanings of urgent and emergency. Conclusion: The study showed that users are satisfied with the care received in the units although they present ambiguity when it comes to their physical structure. The respondents also failed to conceptualize urgent and emergency, and showed that the cause that led them to seek the healthcare units were changes in blood pressure, diabetes and trauma

Haematological and genotoxic profile study of workers exposed to medical waste

Objective: To evaluate the haematological and genotoxic profile of workers exposed to medical waste. Method: Descriptive study of an observational nature, performed with two distinct groups: exposed (20 individuals) and unexposed (20 individuals), which had blood samples collected for analysis. Results: The results revealed an increased erythrocytes, hematocrit and leukocytes of the exposed group compared to the unexposed group. In the group exposed were identified: eosinophilia (45%), atypical lymphocytes (35%) and neutrophil toxic granulation (25%). It revealed a significant genotoxic effect by the content and frequency of major damage in the exposed group. There was no correlation of these results with the habits and life styles reported. Conclusion: It was found that the study group might be undergoing reaction processes caused by some agent, as well as genetic instability. These data highlight the need for greater biomonitoring of these workers in order to prevent neoplastic conditions

Desmame precoce em crianças atendidas na Estratégia Saúde da Família

The study objective was to assess the early weaning prevalence, andassociated factors of children attended in the Family Health Strategy.We conducted a quantitative, descriptive and exploratory study with 241 children accompaniedby the health team. We used a form and a questionnaire for data collection. In the analyses, we conducted a binary logistic regression for variables with statistically significant associations. The prevalence of early weaning was 58.51%. Higherproportions of early weaning occurred in children aged one to three months. To be part of economic level B/C and to have received breastfeeding guidance during the prenatalperiod wassignificantly associated with early weaning. The earlyweaning prevalence was high and similar to the national prevalencedescribed for Piauí state. Early weaning, economic level B/C and breastfeeding guidance during prenatal were associated.O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a prevalência de desmame precoce e fatores associados em crianças atendidas na Estratégia Saúde da Família. Trata-se depesquisa quantitativa, descritiva e exploratória realizada com 241 crianças atendidas pela equipe de saúde. Para coleta dos dados foram usados um formulário e um questionário. Nas análises, para variáveis em que foram encontradas associações estatisticamente significativas foi realizado teste de regressão logística binária. A prevalência de desmame precoce foi de 58,51%. Maiores proporções de desmame precoce ocorreram em crianças com idade entre um e três meses. Pertencer a classe econômica B/C e ter recebido orientação sobre amamentação no pré-natal apresentaram-se significativamente associados com o desmame precoce. A prevalência do desmame precoce foi elevada, e considerada semelhante à prevalência nacional e descrita para o estado do Piauí. Houve associação entre o desmame precoce, classe econômica B/C e ter recebido orientação sobre amamentação no pré-natal

Correlations between risk factors for prostate cancer: an epidemiological analysis

Objective: To establish correlations between risk factors for prostate cancer. Method: 155 Medical records of patients with prostate cancer were analyzed regarding the tumor characteristics and risk factors. Results: The patients on average were 70 years of age, incomplete grade school (70%), exposed to pesticides (68,56%), non-smokers (93,8%), and alcohol consumption (71,2%), patients with adenocarcinoma (98,71%) and metastases (12,90%). Positive correlations (0.001) were evidenced with occupational exposure (r= 0,588), use of medications (r= 0,569) and radiation exposure (r= 0.609). No correlations were observed for diet, smoking and alcoholism. Conclusion: The data show that for associations between genetic factors and occupational exposure, with emphasis to the mutagenicity and carcinogenicity

Self-medication practice among pension housed patients at the central healthcare unit of Teresina

Objective: To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of self-medication among pension housed patients at the central healthcare unit of Teresina in the downtown region. Method: This is an exploratory epidemiological study with a quantitative, cross-sectional descriptive approach. For data collection a semi-structured questionnaire was applied on the behaviors of 300 patients. Results: Of the total respondents, the practice of self-medication was common in 241 (80,33%) of individuals. The greatest achievement of this was seen in those coming from municipalities in the interior of Maranhao 116 (48,13%), which surpassed even that with a small gap the individuals from the interior of Piaui, to practice self-medication in 101 (41,91%). Conclusion: It is understood that self-medication is an old widespread practice. The search for relief from their ailments and the poor public healthcare offered to the population admits that individuals opt for self-medication as a first option

Risk factors associated with breast cancer patients in Teresina, Piauí, Brazil

Objective: To characterize the risk factors for breast cancer in patients seen in a referral center in the city of Teresina, Piaui (2010-2012). Method: A descriptive exploratory study with 197 patient records. A personal health questionnaire was administered to 20 patients and 20 women without breast cancer. The data were submitted to SPSS 13.0 for analysis of percentages, means and Spearman correlations. Results: The average age (55 years) was positively correlated with ductal carcinoma (83%) and 10% of metastases. The occupation of domestic, family history, medications, and exposure to ionizing radiation have been demonstrated as risk factors. Significant (p <0.001) positive correlation (r = 0.6642, p = 0.002) were observed between breast cancer family history and occupation. Conclusion: Prevention strategies related to environmental, occupational and hereditary factors are necessary to minimize the risk of mutagenicity and carcinogenicity