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Acta Cirurgica Brasileira Dec 2013To evaluate the effects of copaiba oil ointment (Copaifera langsdorffii) on dorsal skin flaps in rats.
PURPOSE
To evaluate the effects of copaiba oil ointment (Copaifera langsdorffii) on dorsal skin flaps in rats.
METHODS
Adult male rats (n=30) were distributed into three groups of ten animals each, as follows: GC--control; GCA--absolute control and GT--treated with copaiba ointment. The rats were subjected to dorsal cutaneous skin flap surgery and the animals from the GC and GT received post-operative treatment for eight consecutive days. The animals from the GCA group did not receive treatment while the animals from the GC group received daily topical treatment of ointment without the active ingredient and the animals from the GT group were daily treated with 10% copaiba oil ointment. At the end of each experimental period the lesions were evaluated according to the percentage of necrotic area. Then, fragments from cranial, median and caudal parts were fixed in Boüin's solution and processed for paraffin embedding. The morphology of histological sections (5µm) was evaluated and the number of leucocytes, fibroblasts and blood vessels was also analyzed. The data obtained were submitted to ANOVA test complemented by Tukey-Kramer test (p<0.05).
RESULTS
The necrotic area was lower in the group treated with copaiba ointment when compared to the control groups (GCA>GC and GT), while the morphology showed larger granulation tissue with bulky fibroblasts and collagen fibers more arranged in the GT group. The morphometry showed a significant higher number of blood vessels in the median and caudal parts (GT>GCA and GC), leucocytes in the cranial part (GT>GC>GCA), and also fibroblasts in the median (GT and GC> GCA) and caudal parts (GT>GC and GCA) (p<0.05).
CONCLUSION
The copaiba oil ointment favors angiogenesis and accelerates the viability of random skin flaps in rats.
Topics: Administration, Topical; Animals; Blood Vessels; Fabaceae; Fibroblasts; Leukocyte Count; Male; Ointments; Plant Oils; Random Allocation; Rats; Reproducibility of Results; Skin; Surgical Flaps; Tissue Survival
PubMed: 24316860
DOI: 10.1590/s0102-86502013001200009 -
Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology =... Nov 2013Many gastroenterology (GI) trainees face a variety of barriers to stable employment and are finding it increasingly difficult to secure employment in their chosen field.
BACKGROUND
Many gastroenterology (GI) trainees face a variety of barriers to stable employment and are finding it increasingly difficult to secure employment in their chosen field.
OBJECTIVE
To elucidate factors that contribute to the burden of unemployment and underemployment, and to examine solutions that may remedy this growing problem in the field of GI.
METHODS
A nationwide survey of current, incoming and recently graduated individuals of GI training programs in Canada was conducted. Trainees in pediatric GI programs and those enrolled in subspecialty programs within GI were also included.
RESULTS
The response rate was 62%, with 93% of respondents enrolled in an adult GI training program. Many (73%) respondents planned to pursue further subspecialty training and the majority (53%) reported concerns regarding job security after graduation as contributory factors. Only 35% of respondents were confident that they would secure employment within six months of completing their training. Regarding barriers to employment, the most cited perceived reasons were lack of funding (both from hospitals and provincial governments) and senior physicians who continue to practice beyond retirement years. Sixty-nine per cent perceived a greater need for career guidance and 49% believed there were too many GI trainees relative to the current job market in their area. Most residents had a contingency plan if they remained unemployed >18 months, which often included moving to another province or to the United States.
CONCLUSION
GI trainees throughout Canada reported substantial concerns about securing employment, citing national retirement trends and lack of funding as primary barriers to employment. Although these issues are not easily modifiable, certain problems should be targeted including optimizing training quotas, tailoring career guidance to the needs of the population, and emphasizing credentialing and quality control in endoscopy.
Topics: Adult; Canada; Career Choice; Data Collection; Employment; Female; Gastroenterology; Humans; Internship and Residency; Male; Physicians; Specialization; Unemployment
PubMed: 24199210
DOI: 10.1155/2013/950649 -
The Journal of Veterinary Medical... Mar 2014The extracellular matrix of the cervix that comprises collagen, elastin, proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) is thought to have an essential role in cervical... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
The extracellular matrix of the cervix that comprises collagen, elastin, proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) is thought to have an essential role in cervical relaxation. This study investigated the proportion of collagen and smooth muscle as well as the GAGs in cervices obtained from healthy bitches at different stages of the estrous cycle and bitches with open- and closed-cervix pyometra. Cervices were collected after ovariohysterectomy. The proportion of collagen to smooth muscle was determined using Masson's trichrome staining. Alcian blue staining was used to evaluate the relative distribution of cervical GAGs. The proportion of cervical collagen relative to smooth muscle was higher at estrus compared to anestrus (P≤0.05). It was also higher (P≤0.05) in bitches with open- compared to those with closed-cervix pyometra. Overall, hyaluronan (HA) was the predominant GAG in the canine cervix. In the luminal epithelium, the staining intensity for HA was stronger in estrus than in anestrus (P≤0.05), but not in diestrus (P>0.05). On the contrary, the intensity for the combined keratan sulfate (KS) and heparan sulfate (HS) was stronger in anestrus than in estrus and diestrus (P≤0.05). In bitches with pyometra, the staining intensity of the stroma for KS and HS was weaker in open- compared to closed-cervix pyometra (P≤0.05). Collectively, the different profiles of collagen and GAG suggest that the metabolism of both collagen and GAGs in the canine cervix is associated with hormonal statuses during the estrous cycle and cervical patency of bitches with pathological uterine conditions, such as pyometra.
Topics: Acetic Acid; Alcian Blue; Animals; Azo Compounds; Cervix Uteri; Collagen; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Eosine Yellowish-(YS); Estrous Cycle; Extracellular Matrix; Female; Formaldehyde; Glycosaminoglycans; Immunoassay; Methyl Green; Muscle, Smooth; Picrates; Progesterone; Pyometra
PubMed: 24152876
DOI: 10.1292/jvms.13-0114 -
Toxicology International May 2012The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of early postnatal exposure to sodium arsenite (NaAsO(2)) on rat testis.
OBJECTIVE
The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of early postnatal exposure to sodium arsenite (NaAsO(2)) on rat testis.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Wistar rat pups were administered aqueous solution of NaAsO(2,) 1.5 mg/kg body weight (bw) (experimental) and distilled water (control), respectively, by intraperitoneal route (i.p.) from postnatal day (PND) 1 to 14. Testes were collected after 1, 7 and 36 days (at PND 15, 21 and 50) after the treatment period (PND1-14) from the animals and immersion fixed in Bouin's fluid followed by paraffin embedding. Seven micrometer thick serial sections were cut and stained with hematoxylin and eosin for light microscopic observations. At PND 50, morphological features of sperms and their counting was carried out besides processing the perfusion-fixed testes for electron microscopy (EM).
RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS
The observations revealed an altered morphology of the seminiferous tubules (ST) along with degeneration and dissociation of spermatogenic cells in the experimental animals at PND 15, 21 and 50. Also, increased number of sperms with abnormal morphology and decreased sperm count was noted in the experimental animals. These features together with electron microscopic observations of abnormal mitochondria and apoptotic nuclei of spermatogonia and spermatocytes could be indicative of long-lasting adverse effects on the rat testis induced by exposure to As during early postnatal period.
PubMed: 22778523
DOI: 10.4103/0971-6580.97225 -
International Journal of Fertility &... Oct 2011di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is widely used in the plastic industry and can induce reproductive toxicity. On the other hand, L-carnitine (LC) plays a crucial role...
BACKGROUND
di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is widely used in the plastic industry and can induce reproductive toxicity. On the other hand, L-carnitine (LC) plays a crucial role in sperm metabolism and maturation. This study evaluates the effect of LC on body and testis weight, testis tissue, count, motility, viability, morphology, and chromatin quality of epididymal sperm, testicular spermatid number (TSN) per gram testis and daily sperm production (DSP) in LC-treated mice.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
IN THIS EXPERIMENTAL STUDY, ADULT MALE NMRI MICE (MEAN AGE: 4 weeks) were given doses of DEHP and LC by gavaging for 2 weeks. All samples were assessed according to World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Sperm morphology was assessed using Papanicolaou staining and sperm chromatin quality by aniline-blue staining. The left testes were fixed in Bouinś solution for histological examination and the end slices were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). The right testes were homogenized, and then TSN and DSP were calculated with an improved Neubauer haemocytometer and respective frames. Paired t-test, ANOVA, and Kruskal-Wallis tests were utilized for data analysis.
RESULTS
Co-administration of DEHP and LC not only prevented significant gains in testicular weight, but also maintained the sperm's normal morphology and chromatin quality (p<0.05). In addition, LC recovered histological changes, TSN, DSP, and sperm count.
CONCLUSION
These results demonstrated that oral administration of LC partially or generally protects spermatogenesis from DEHP-toxicity in mice.
PubMed: 25101163
DOI: No ID Found -
Acta Cirurgica Brasileira Oct 2011To measure the healed areas of osteochondral defects produced in femoral condyles of rabbits filled with biopolymer sugar cane gel and to compare these with those of the...
PURPOSE
To measure the healed areas of osteochondral defects produced in femoral condyles of rabbits filled with biopolymer sugar cane gel and to compare these with those of the control group at 90, 120 and 180 days.
METHODS
A study was made of 16 New Zealand rabbits, 6 and 7 months old, weighing between 2 and 2.5 kg. Defects of 3.2 x 4 mm were made, with trephine, in the femoral condyles of the right and left knees. As to the study group defects of the medial and lateral condyles of the right knee were used which were filled with Biopolymer Sugar Cane Gel; as to the Control Group defects of the medial and lateral condyles of the left t knees were used which were left open for natural healing. The defects were analyzed at 90, 120 and 180 days after surgery. After euthanasia, the knees were removed and fixed in Bouin's solution for later digital photographic documentation with a digital camera. The areas healed were measured in both the study and control groups using the images obtained from an Image-J(®) program. Statistical analysis was conducted using the non-parametric Mann-Whitney test.
RESULTS
There were no significant differences between the means of the healed areas in the study and control groups at 90, 120 and 180 days after surgery.
CONCLUSION
The dimension of the healed areas of the defects treated with the biopolymer sugar-cane gel in the study group was similar to those of the control group, which healed naturally.
Topics: Animals; Biopolymers; Cartilage, Articular; Femur; Gels; Plant Structures; Rabbits; Saccharum; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Wound Healing
PubMed: 21952662
DOI: 10.1590/s0102-86502011000500010 -
Revista Brasileira de Ortopedia 2011To study the surface, coloring, consistency, continuity and healing of osteochondral defects produced in the femoral condyles of rabbits and filled with sugar cane...
OBJECTIVE
To study the surface, coloring, consistency, continuity and healing of osteochondral defects produced in the femoral condyles of rabbits and filled with sugar cane biopolymer gel (SCBG), after 90, 120 and 180 days, and in comparison with a control group.
METHOD
Sixteen adult New Zealand white rabbits aged 6 to 7 months, weighing between 2 and 2.5 kg and without locomotor system abnormalities were studied. In all the animals, a defect was made in the femoral condyles of the right and left knees, measuring 3.2 mm in diameter and 4 mm in depth, using a trephine. The animals were divided into two groups: study group formed by the right knees, in which the medial and lateral condyles received implants of SCBG; and control group formed by the left knees, in which the medial and lateral condyles were allowed to heal naturally. The knees were assessed 90, 120 and 180 days after the operation. After the animals had been sacrificed, the anatomical specimens were resected and placed in Bouin's solution. They were then photographed with a Nikon Coolpix 5400(®) coupled to a Nikon SM2800(®) stereoscopic loupe, to analyze the surface, coloring, consistency, continuity and healing.
RESULTS
The results were evaluated using the chi-square test. There were no significant differences in the macroscopic assessments of healing between the study and control groups.
CONCLUSION
With regard to the surface, coloring, consistency, continuity and healing of the defects, the macroscopic appearance of the tissue repaired with SCBG was similar to that of the control group.
PubMed: 27027057
DOI: 10.1016/S2255-4971(15)30415-8 -
Annals of Medical and Health Sciences... Jul 2011Herbal medication is commonly employed in treatment of diseases. Aqueous extract of Azadirachta indica leaf (A. indica) is commonly used in treatment of malaria by...
BACKGROUND
Herbal medication is commonly employed in treatment of diseases. Aqueous extract of Azadirachta indica leaf (A. indica) is commonly used in treatment of malaria by Nigerians. Most often, aqueous extract of A. indica leaf is taken in combination with chloroquine in order to cure malaria infection without knowledge of the side effect especially by the rural dwellers in Nigeria.
OBJECTIVES
This study is designed to investigate the effects of aqueous extract of A. indica leaf, and concomitant administration of chloroquine phosphate + aqueous extract of A. indica leaf on the Brain tissue (cerebellum) of rabbit.
METHODS
Eight adult male Rabbits with average weight range between 1.29kg - 1.52kg obtained from Department of Zoology University of Ekpoma, Edo state were used for this study. They were weighed at intervals of five days before and after the experiment. They were randomly divided into four groups (A- D) of two rabbits each. The chloroquine and aqueous extract of A. indica leaf was administered to the animals orally via a cannula inserted through the oral cavity. They were treated as follows; group A received (100mg ml(-1) dry extract solution of aqueous extract of A. indica), group B received (15mg kg(-1) of chloroquine sulphate), group C received (100mg ml(-1) dry extract solution of aqueous extract of A. indica + 15mg kg(-1) of chloroquine sulphate and the control animals (group D) were given normal saline. Both the treatment and control animals were sacrificed at the end of the experiment. The cerebellum was carefully dissected out and immediately fixed in Bouin's fluid for histological studies.
RESULTS
Groups A-C animals showed normal Cerebellar histoarchitecture and average weight gain of 2.1% (group A), 1.4% (group B), 0.7% (group C) and 1.4% (group D) respectively. When the average weight gain by the treated animals was compared to the average weight gain by the control animals, it was statistically not significant (P>0.06).
CONCLUSION
Our findings revealed that aqueous extract of A. indica has no effect on the histology of the Cerebellum and weight of adult male rabbits, even when it is administered concomitantly with Chloroquine Sulphate at a reported and recommended safe dose.
PubMed: 23209976
DOI: No ID Found -
International Journal of Fertility &... Apr 2011During the last decades, environmental contamination by lead generated from human activities has become an evident concern. The present study assessed the long-term...
BACKGROUND
During the last decades, environmental contamination by lead generated from human activities has become an evident concern. The present study assessed the long-term effects of neonatal exposure to different doses of lead acetate on the ovaries of offspring rats.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Pregnant female Wistar rats were randomly divided into a control and three experimental groups. The experimental groups received 20, 100 and 300 mg/L/day lead acetate via drinking water during lactation. Ovaries of the offspring were removed at 30, 60, 90 and 120 days of age, their weights recorded and fixed in Bouin's solution. Following tissue processing, 5 μm serial sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin, and then, the numbers and diameters of ovarian follicles and corpora lutea were estimated.
RESULTS
Ovary weights decreased significantly (p<0.05) in the 300 mg/L/day dose groups at 30, 60 and 90 days postnatal development. Significant dose-related decreases were seen in the numbers of primary, secondary and antral follicles in 100 (p<0.05) and 300 mg/L/day doses groups at 30 and 60 days of age (p<0.01). There was significant decrease in mean number of corpora lutea in the 100 (p<0.05) and 300 (p<0.01) mg/L/day dose groups at 60 days of age. It seems that neonatal lead treatment has transient effects on follicular development in the ovary of offspring and ovarian parameters gradually improve until 90 days of age.
CONCLUSION
The present study showed that maternal lead acetate exposure affects prepubertal ovarian follicle development in a dose dependent manner, but ovarian parameters gradually improve during the postpubertal period.
PubMed: 24917923
DOI: No ID Found -
Journal of Reproduction & Infertility Jan 2011In recent years concerns have been raised about human reproductive disorders, specially the effects of environmental factors on human fertility and pregnancy outcome....
BACKGROUND
In recent years concerns have been raised about human reproductive disorders, specially the effects of environmental factors on human fertility and pregnancy outcome. Therefore, the present study was designed to assess the effects of maternal caffeine consumption on ovarian follicles development in rat offspring.
METHODS
60 pregnant female rats were randomly divided into a control and two experimental groups. The rats in the two experimental groups received caffeine via drinking water during gestation (26 and 45 mg/kg) and lactation (25 and 35 mg/kg). The ovaries of the offspring were removed at 7, 14, 28, 60, 90 and 120 days after birth, and fixed in Bouin's solution. By preparing serial tissue sections, structural changes in ovarian follicles and corpora lutea were studied during postnatal development.
RESULTS
The weight of ovaries decreased significantly (p<0.05) in the high dose caffeine-treated group at all stages of postnatal development. Significant (p<0.05) decreases were seen in the number of primordial follicles from day 7 to 120 after birth in the high dose caffeine-treated group. Moreover, the number of primary and secondary follicles decreased significantly on days 7, 14 and 28 as did the number of antral follicles on days 14 and 28 after birth (p<0.05) in the high dose caffeine-treated group. The diameter of secondary and antral follicles decreased significantly (p<0.05) in high dose caffeine-treated group on the early days of postnatal development. No statistically significant differences were seen in the number of corpora lutea between the groups.
CONCLUSION
The present study shows that caffeine consumption during gestation and lactation affects the early stages of ovarian follicle development and reduces reproductive efficiency in the offspring of Wistar rats.
PubMed: 23926495
DOI: No ID Found