ABSTRACT: Heterosis plays an important role on yield and profitability of beef production systems. This study evaluates the morphometrics of purebred Nellore (N) and Charolais (C) animals and of the second (G2) and third (G3) generations of their alternating crosses, regarding the effects of genetic group and heterosis from birth to 365 days of age. The experiment comprised 159 calves (C = 29, N = 22, G2 - 3/4C 1/4N = 21, 3/4N 1/4C = 9, G3-5/8C 3/8N = 44 and 5/8N 3/8C = 34). The foreshank girth (FG), thoracic girth (TG), body length (BL), and hip height (HH) were measured after birth, and at 63, 210, and 365 days of age, and the total increases were calculated. The Charolais animals had greater FG, TG, and BL values than Nellore, while the latter had greater HH. For the offspring generations, the predominance of Charolais genes in the genotypes resulted in greater measurements for FG and TG in G2, whereas the predominance of Nellore genes resulted in higher HH values in both generations. The crossbred animals had greater values for all measurements than the purebreds, with more significant differences in FG, TG, and BL compared to Nellore purebreds and in HH compared to Charolais. Charolais animals show higher values for muscularity; while, Nellore animals are taller. Crossbred animals show greater development compared to purebreds, indicating a significant effect of heterosis.

RESUMO Introdução: Ainda não há um método considerado eficaz para análise dos modelos digitais no exame do Board Brasileiro de Ortodontia (BBO), considerando-se os parâmetros do método manual atual. Objetivo: Assim, o presente estudo objetiva verificar a confiabilidade de um método de avaliação em modelos digitais para o exame do BBO, comparando com o padrão-ouro. Métodos: As medições foram realizadas por 5 examinadores, previamente calibrados. A amostra de 10 pares de modelos de gesso da fase final do tratamento ortodôntico foi medida no método manual (Sistema Objetivo de Avaliação, SOA). Os modelos foram digitalizados por meio de um scanner 3D e exportados para o software Geomagic Qualify, onde foram feitas as medidas no método digital proposto. As medidas foram refeitas em 5 modelos após 15 dias. A análise intraexaminador desse método foi realizada por meio do teste t pareado; já a interexaminadores, feita com ANOVA e teste de Tukey, sendo encontrada diferença estatisticamente significativa. Para a comparação dos métodos manual e digital, foram utilizados o teste t pareado e a correlação de Pearson. Resultados: Uma diferença estatisticamente significativa foi encontrada. Os resultados mostraram que, comparada ao método manual, a metodologia digital mostrou-se eficaz para medição do SOA em quatro das sete variáveis estudadas: Margem interproximal, Sobressaliência, Contato oclusal e Contato interproximal. As variáveis Alinhamento, Inclinação V-L e Relação oclusal mostraram muita dispersão nos achados. Conclusão: Mais estudos são necessários para o desenvolvimento de uma metodologia digital adequada em todas as variáveis do SOA.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Currently, no method is considered effective for the evaluation of digital models in the Certification Examination of the Brazilian Board of Orthodontics (BBO), considering the parameters of the currently used manual method. Objective: Thus, the aim of this study is to verify the reliability of an evaluation method for digital models that could be used in the BBO exam, compared to the gold standard. Methods: Measurements were performed by five previously calibrated examiners. Samples of ten sets of plaster models of the final phase of orthodontic treatment were measured using a manual method (Objective Grading System, OGS). These models were digitized using a 3D scanner and exported to Geomagic Qualify software, in which the measurements were made with the proposed digital method. These measurements were repeated using five models, after fifteen days. The intra-examiner performance with this method was analyzed with a paired t-test, whereas the inter-examiner analysis was carried out with analysis of variance and Tukey’s test. To compare the manual and digital methods, a paired t-test and Pearson’s correlation analysis were performed. Results: A statistically significant difference was found. The results showed that, when compared to the manual method, the digital method was effective in measuring the OGS in four of the seven variables studied: Marginal Ridge, Overjet, Occlusal Contact, and Interproximal Contact. The variables Alignment, BL inclination, and Occlusal Relationship showed a great amount of dispersion in the findings. Conclusion: Further studies are needed to develop an adequate digital methodology that can be used for all OGS variables.

ABSTRACT The adoption of more productive and nutrient-demanding genotypes, in addition soils with low availability of nutrients of soils under forest plantations, lead high fertilizer demand and justify research that seeks to rationalize the use of these inputs. Therefore, we aimed with this research to determine classes of interpretation of soil fertility using boundary line (BL) and estimate macronutrient sufficiency ranges for eucalyptus. Fertility classes and sufficiency ranges were obtained using a database of areas cultivated with eucalyptus in the Central-East region of Minas Gerais, Brazil, totaling 689 plots, containing information on yield, leaf contents, and soil chemical properties. Scatter plots were drawn relating the mean annual increment (MAI) in trunk volume (relative) with soil organic matter (OM), phosphorus (P), potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+), and magnesium (Mg2+) of the 0.00-0.20 m layer. Those graphs and equations were used to estimate soil fertility classes. Leaf contents of N, P, K, Ca, and Mg were plotted with soil contents of OM, P, K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+. Using the Quadrant Diagram of the plant-soil Relationship (QDpsR) method, horizontal and vertical lines were drawn separating the cloud of points in four quadrants. With the points at the quadrants III and I, regression equations were fitted. To obtain foliar sufficiency ranges, soil values of critical and optimal levels of OM, P, K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+, obtained by BL, were substituted in the equations generated by the QDpsR method. The appropriate soil content ranges determined by BL for productivity of 47.7 m3 ha-1 yr-1 were: 24.75-38.28 g kg-1 of OM, 8.5-14.6 mg dm-3 of P, 100.0-150.35 mg dm-3 of K+, 0.77-1.47 cmolc dm-3 of Ca2+, and 0.25-0.43 cmolc dm-3 of Mg2+. Leaf content ranges determined by QDpsR are: 19.4-21.3 g kg-1 of N, 1.0-1.2 g kg-1 of P, 8.5-10.6 g kg-1 of K, 4.8-6.1 g kg-1 of Ca, and 1.9-2.4 g kg-1 of Mg. The critical levels of nutrients in the soil, obtained by the BL method, and the leaf sufficiency ranges, obtained using the QDpsR method, are similar to those existing in the literature. This indicates that this methodology is reliable in establishing standards and that the critical levels obtained can be used to improve the recommendation of fertilizers for eucalyptus.

RESUMO O objetivo foi avaliar a produção in vitro de embriões bovinos a partir de doadoras zebuína e taurina. Os complexos cumulus oócitos (COC’s) foram obtidos de 167 doadoras Bos taurus e 161 Bos indicus, por meio de Ovum pick-up. Os COC’s foram classificados quanto à qualidade morfológica, maturados em incubadora por 22 a 24h em meio de maturação, e encaminhados à fertilização entre 18 e 22h. Os zigotos foram transferidos para meio de cultivo, onde permaneceram durante sete dias. Os embriões foram classificados em mórula (MO), blastocisto inicial (BI), blastocisto (BL) e blastocisto expandido (BX), envasados em palhetas contendo meio de cultivo, e inovulados em receptoras sincronizadas. Após 30 e 45 dias da inovulação, realizou-se o diagnóstico de gestação. Os animais Bos indicus apresentaram maior produção oocitária (n = 2556) em comparação aos Bos taurus (n = 1903) (P = 0,008). Os COCs das doadoras zebu apresentaram melhor qualidade morfológica do que das doadoras taurina (n = 689 vs. 444 para COCs grau I, P < 0,0001; n = 681 vs. 509 para COCs grau II, P = 0,010, para doadoras zebu e taurina, respectivamente). Quanto à produção de embriões, houve diferença nas porcentagens obtidas de MO (0,44% zebuínas e 6,42% taurinas, P = 0,017), BL (14,18% zebuínas e 3,74% taurinas, P < 0,0001) e BX (81,43% zebuínas e 75,13% taurinas, P < 0,0001). Não foi observado diferença para BI e taxa de prenhez (P > 0,05). Os animais Bos indicus apresentaram maior recuperação oocitária e maior número de oócitos viáveis em comparação às vacas Bos taurus, como também, maior produção de embriões viáveis.

ABSTRACT In this study, the in vitro production of bovine embryos from zebu and taurine donors was compared. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were obtained from 167 Bos taurus and 161 Bos indicus donors by ovum pick-up. COCs were classified based on their morphological quality, matured in incubators for 22 to 24 h in maturation medium, and then fertilized for 18 to 22 h. The zygotes were transferred to the culture medium for seven days. The embryos were classified as morula (OM), initial blastocyst (BI), blastocyst (BL), and expanded blastocyst (BX), before being transferred to synchronized recipient cows. Pregnancy was diagnosed 30-45 days post-transfer. The Bos indicus donors had a higher oocyte yield (n = 2556) than Bos taurus donors (n = 1903) (P = 0.008). The COCs from zebu donors had a better morphological quality than those from taurine donors (n = 689 vs. 444 for grade 1 COC, P < 0.0001; n = 681 vs. 509 for grade 2 COC, P = 0.010, for zebu and taurine donors, respectively). There were differences in embryo production percentages obtained from OM (0.44% from zebu and 6.42% from taurine, P = 0.017), BL (14.18% from zebu and 3.74% from taurine, P < 0.0001), and BX (81.43% from zebu and 75.13% from taurine, P < 0.0001). No significant difference was observed for embryo production from BI and pregnancy rate (P > 0.05). The Bos indicus cows showed greater oocyte recovery, number of viable oocytes, and production of viable embryos than the Bos taurus cows.

RESUMO O fósforo é um recurso natural finito e o uso de fontes fosfatadas de liberação gradual associado ao composto orgânico pode favorecer o uso mais racional, devido à matéria orgânica proteger esse nutriente da fixação no solo. Dessa forma, objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar o efeito de fontes de fósforo associadas à aplicação de composto orgânico no plantio, sobre a produção de brócolis do tipo inflorescência única e as características químicas do solo ao final do ciclo. Foram avaliados oito tratamentos, em esquema fatorial 4 x 2, sendo quatro fontes de fósforo [termofosfato (TM), fosfato natural (NP), fosfato natural reativo (RNP) e superfosfato triplo (TSP)]; na presença (55 t ha-1) e ausência de composto orgânico Visafértil® no plantio, no delineamento em blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições. A fonte TSP resultou em maiores teores de P. Na ausência do composto orgânico, a fonte TM resultou em maior pH e teores de MO, Ca, Mg, SB e V%. Na presença do composto orgânico a fonte NP proporcionou maiores teores de MO e K. A adição de composto orgânico aumentou o pH e resultou em maiores teores de P, K, Ca, SB, CTC e V%. A presença de composto orgânico resultou em maior produtividade para as fontes TM, NP e TSP. Dentre as fontes, o TSP proporcionou maior produtividade tanto na presença como na ausência do composto orgânico, sendo que a fonte NP foi a única que não diferiu do TSP para a massa fresca da inflorescência e produtividade tanto na presença como na ausência de composto orgânico. Conclui-se que as melhores fontes de fósforo foram o TSP e o NP, associados à aplicação de composto orgânico.

ABSTRACT Phosphorus is a finite natural resource and the use of gradual-release phosphate sources, associated with an organic compound may favor a more rational use of this nutrient, since organic matter protects P from soil fixation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of phosphorus sources application, associated with organic compound at planting, on single inflorescence type broccoli production and soil chemical properties at the end of the cycle. Eight treatments were evaluated, in a 4 x 2 factorial scheme, using four phosphorus sources [thermophosphate (TM), natural phosphate (NP), reactive natural phosphate (RNP) and triple superphosphate (TSP)]; in the presence (55 t ha-1) and absence of organic compound Visafértil® at planting. The experimental design was randomized blocks, with four replicates. TSP source presented higher P contents. TM source showed, in the absence of organic compound, higher pH and contents of organic matter, Ca, Mg, SB and V%. In the presence of organic compound, NP source provided higher contents of organic matter and K. The addition of organic compound increased pH and resulted in higher contents of P, K, Ca, SB, CEC and V%. The presence of organic compound favored higher productivity for the sources TM, NP and TSP. Among these sources, TSP provided the highest production both in the presence or absence of organic compound, considering that NP source was the only one which did not differ from TSP for inflorescence fresh weight and productivity, both in the presence and in the absence of organic compound. We concluded that TSP and NP are the best P sources, associated with the application of organic compound.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o desenvolvimento de características morfométricas de equinos Mangalarga Marchador por meio de modelos não lineares. Utilizou-se o método transversal para coletar dados de altura da cernelha (AC), comprimento corporal (CC) e perímetros torácico (PT) e de canela (PC) de 200 cavalos (75 machos e 125 fêmeas não gestantes), com idade entre 6 e 153 meses. Os parâmetros dos modelos não lineares de Brody, de Gompertz, logístico e de Von Bertalanffy foram estimados com uso do programa R. A comparação e a seleção dos modelos foi realizada por meio do coeficiente de determinação, do desvio-padrão residual e do critério de informação de Akaike corrigido. Nas fêmeas adultas, AC, CC, PT e PC variaram entre 146,45-148,34, 148,59-151,64, 179,07-182,88 e 18,25-18,76 cm, respectivamente. Nos machos, AC, CC e PC variaram entre 148,55-151,80, 150,77-154,88 e 18,95-19,41 cm, respectivamente. O modelo logístico é o mais indicado para expressar o crescimento em AC em machos e fêmeas, bem como em CC e PC em machos, enquanto o de Brody é o melhor preditor de AC, CC, PT e PC em fêmeas. O aumento nos valores das medidas morfométricas é mais rápido e homogêneo entre as idades de 6 a 24 meses, e estabiliza-se aos 60 meses em ambos os sexos.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the development of the morphometric characteristics of Mangalarga Marchador horses through nonlinear models. The transversal method was used to collect data on height at the withers (HW), body length (BL), and thoracic (TP) and cannon (CP) perimeters from 200 horses (75 males and 125 non-pregnant females), aged between 6 and 153 months. The parameters of the Brody, Gompertz, logistic, and von Bertalanffy nonlinear models were estimated using the R software. Models were compared and selected using the coefficient of determination, the residual standard deviation, and the corrected Akaike information criterion. For adult females, HW, BL, TP, and CP ranged between 146.45-148.34, 148.59-151.64, 179.07-182.88, and 18.25-18.76 cm, respectively. For males, HW, BL, and CP ranged between 148.55-151.80, 150.77-154.88, and 18.95-19.41 cm, respectively. The logistic model best expresses growth in HW for males and females, as well as in BL and CP for males, whereas the Brody model is the best predictor for HW, BL, TP, and CP for females. The increase in the values of the morphometric measurements is more rapid and homogeneous between the ages of 6 and 24 months, stabilizing at 60 months in both sexes.

Abstract Low intensity laser can be used as a promising alternative in the treatment of periodontal disease. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate low-level laser therapy (LLLT) as an adjuvant treatment for scaling and root planing (SRP) for the treatment of induced periodontitis in simvastatin-modified rats. Material and Methods A total of 180 rats were evenly divided into two groups: Veh – receiving oral administration of polyethylene glycol (vehicle); S – receiving oral administration of Simvastatin. Periodontal disease was induced in both groups at the first mandibular molar. After seven days, the ligature was removed and the animals were divided into subgroups according to the following local treatments: NT – no treatment; SRP – scaling and root planing and irrigation with saline solution; and LLLT ¬– SRP and laser irradiation (660 nm; 0.03 W; 4 J). Ten animals in each subgroup/local treatment were euthanized at 7, 15 and 30 days. Samples of gingival tissue were processed to analyze the tissue oxidative damage and radiographic analysis. Levels of oxidative stress were analyzed by the expressions of Tripeptideglutathione (TG), Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Carbonylated Proteins (CP). Results The animals in S group had higher levels of TG and lower levels of MDA and CP compared with Veh group (p<0.05). Radiographically, in the intragroup analysis Veh and S, LLLT showed lower bone loss (BL) compared with NT and SRP, in all experimental periods (p<0.01). In addition, a lower BL was observed for the animals of Veh group treated with LLLT compared with treatment SRP in the S group, in all experimental periods. Conclusion Within the limits of this study, we can conclude that LLLT was effective as adjuvant treatment for SRP protecting against the occurrence of oxidative tissue damages as well as for reducing alveolar bone loss in experimentally induced periodontitis simvastatin-modified rats.

When large Transnational Corporations (TNCs) enter a host country, consequent development of local Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) is expected. The public sector may play an important role by fostering Business Linkages (BL), by which TNCs establish purchasing relationships with local SMEs. This article was motivated by growing attention in literature to the interaction between economic development and the ability of companies to absorb and disseminate competences. Its purpose is to understand the role of public policy programs that promote BLs for development by: (a) analyzing actions and programs developed by public and private institutions to foster BL in Brazil; (b) discovering the participants' benefits from such actions and programs; and (c) identifying opportunities for public sector promotion of BL. The research design was a multiple case study which analyzed Supplier Development Projects in five Brazilian states. Results indicate that public policies may complement overall development as well as industrial policy, which is related to capacity building, stimulating technology transfer, and, more broadly, promoting a business friendly environment able to attract investment for development, calling for a regional and sub-regional approach for a country the size of Brazil.

Este artigo verifica as condições nas quais os programas e as políticas públicas promotoras de vínculos de negócios (VNs), entre grandes empresas compradoras e pequenos fornecedores locais agem, pressupondo que o Estado tem um importante papel nesse estímulo e que tais vínculos geram desenvolvimento regional e reduzem o desequilíbrio social. A pesquisa empírica, de natureza qualitativa, busca analisar ações e programas de promoção de VNs desenvolvidos no Brasil, bem como as instituições envolvidas, verificar os benefícios dessas ações e identificar oportunidades de intervenção do Estado. Os resultados indicam que políticas públicas podem ser criadas como complemento às políticas de desenvolvimento, voltadas à educação, ualificação de profissionais e incentivadoras de transferência de tecnologia e, de maneira mais ampla, como promotoras de um ambiente propício à atração de investimentos estrangeiros diretos e ao ambiente de negócios. Sugestões de pesquisas futuras são apresentadas como sistemas de governança que abrangem a relação entre as empresas e sua conexão com o setor público.

This article analyzes the conditions under which public policies promoting business linkages (BL) between large and small/medium enterprises act, assuming that the state has a fundamental role stimulating them, and those linkages generate regional development and reduce social inequalities. The empirical research, qualitative in nature, was designed to analyze actions and programs promoting BL developed in Brazil, as well as the institutions involved in it. It also verifies the benefits of those actions and identifies opportunities for public sector intervention. The results show that public policies can be created so as to complement those related to promoting development directed toward education, competence building and technology transfer, and, more generally, to those promoting favorable environment for business and foreign direct investment attraction. The paper also suggests future research, including governance systems involving the relationship between companies and their connection with the public sector.

A regulação da expressão gênica do patógeno oral Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans não está completamente descrita. O sistema de dois componentes ArcAB permite que bactérias anaeróbias facultativas percebam diferenças nas condições respiratórias durante sua multiplicação e adaptem a expressão de genes à estas condições. Este estudo investigou em A. actinomycetemcomitans o papel de arcB na regulação da formação de biofilme, aderência à hidroxiapatita recoberta por saliva (SHA) e nas propriedades hidrofóbicas celulares. Estas características fenotípicas foram determinadas para uma linhagem de A. actinomycetemcomitans deficiente em arcB e para uma linhagem selvagem. Foram observadas diferenças nas propriedades hidrofóbicas entre as linhagens quando estas foram cultivadas em ambiente microaerófilo até início e final de fase exponencial e quando foram cultivadas em ambiente anaeróbio até final de fase exponencial. A linhagem arcB mutante formou menos biofilme do que a linhagem selvagem quando estas foram cultivadas sob incubação anaeróbica, porém, apresentou maior formação de biofilme quando a incubação foi realizada em condições de microaerofilia. A aderência à SHA apresentada pela linhagem mutante foi significantemente menor do que a observada pela linhagem selvagem. Estes estudos sugerem que a quinase sensora arcB, em A. actinomycetemcomitans, percebe as condições redox de multiplicação e regula a expressão de componentes de superfície bacterianos relacionados à formação de biofilme e adesão a superfícies recobertas com saliva.

The regulation of gene expression in the oral pathogen Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans is still not fully elucidated. ArcAB is a two-component system which allows facultative anaerobic bacteria to sense various respiratory growth conditions and adapt their gene expression accordingly. This study investigated in A. actinomycetemcomitans the role of arcB on the regulation of biofilm formation, adhesion to saliva coated hydroxyapatite (SHA) and the hydrophobic properties of the cell. These phenotypic traits were determined for an A. actinomycetemcomitansarcB deficient type and a wild type strain. Differences in hydrophobic properties were shown at early and late exponential growth phases under microaerobic incubation and at late exponential phase under anaerobiosis. The arcB mutant formed less biofilm than the wild type strain when grown under anaerobic incubation, but displayed higher biofilm formation activity under microaerobic conditions. The adherence to SHA was significantly lower in the mutant when compared with the wild type strain. These results suggest that the transmembrane sensor kinase arcB, in A. actinomycetemcomitans, senses redox growth conditions and regulates the expression of surface components of the bacterial cell related to biofilm formation and adhesion to saliva coated surfaces.

Objective: In this descriptive study were assessment clinically children with malignant neoplasm, to evidence the correlation between oral health status and the occurrence of stomatologic complications. Patients and methods: Were evaluated the oral health conditions of 40 children with malignant neoplasm (group I) through intra and extra oral physic examination, obstention of Visible Plate Index, Gingival Bleeding Index and Decayed, Missed and Filled Teeth Index; simultaneously were observed the stomatologic complications developed in this patients. The oral health status of the children of group I was compared to the healthy children (group II). Results: The children of group I presented Gingival Bleeding Index and caries experience lower than children of group II, in other hand, the Visible Plate Index was lightly greater in children of group I, nevertheless existed statistical difference in the value of the DMF-T/dmf-t between both groups (p = 0.002). In the group I, 16 children developed together 61 stomatologic complications, with predominance of oral mucositis, followed by spontaneous oral bleeding, candidiasis and xerostomy. Conclusions: Patients in anti neoplastic therapy with deficient oral hygiene had high risk of develop stomatologic complications.

Objetivo: Este estudio de carácter descriptivo visó evaluar clínicamente niños con neoplasias malignas y poner de manifiesto la relación entre el status de salud bucal y la ocurrencia de complicaciones estomatológicas. Pacientes y métodos: la salud bucal de 40 niños con neoplasias malignas (grupo I) fue evaluada clínicamente mediante examen físico extra e intra oral, obtención del índice de placa visible, índice de sangrado gingival e índice de dientes cariados, ausentes y obturados y simultáneamente fueron observadas las complicaciones estomatológicas desarrolladas en esos pacientes. El status de salud bucal de éstos niños fue comparado al de niños saludables (grupo II). Resultados: los niños del grupo I presentaron índices de sangrado gingival y experiencia de caries menores que los del grupo II, por otro lado, el índice de placa visible fue ligeramente mayor en los niños del grupo I, sin embargo, sólo hubo diferencia estadísticamente significativa en el valor del CAO-D/cao-d entre ambos grupos (p = 0.002). En el grupo I, 16 niños desarrollaron conjuntamente 61 complicaciones estomatológicas, con predominancia de la mucositis, seguida del sangrado oral espontáneo, candidiasis y xerostomia. Conclusión: Pacientes bajo tratamiento antineoplásico, presentando higiene oral deficiente, tienen mayor riesgo de desarrollar complicaciones estomatológicas.

FUNDAMENTOS: A neurite silenciosa é definida como deterioração da função nervosa na ausência de dor neural, diferenciando-se da neurite franca, em que ocorre dor no nervo periférico, com ou sem prejuízo da função nervosa. Sua detecção precoce é importante para tentar impedir o estabelecimento de seqüelas decorrentes da hanseníase. OBJETIVOS: Conhecer a freqüência das neurites silenciosas em portadores de formas multibacilares de hanseníase. MÉTODOS: Cento e três pacientes (18,4% BB, 47,6% BL e 34% LL) foram acompanhados durante o período médio de 64,6 meses a partir do momento do diagnóstico, durante e após a poliquimioterapia, por meio da avaliação do grau de incapacidade. RESULTADOS: Foram analisados doentes que tiveram piora do grau de incapacidade no término de tratamento, ou ao fim do seguimento, em relação ao grau manifestado antes do tratamento ou no término do tratamento medicamentoso. Ao todo, pelo menos cinco pacientes (4,9% do total) evoluíram com neurite silenciosa, durante ou após a poliquimioterapia. CONCLUSÃO: Preconiza-se exame neurológico seqüencial cuidadoso dos pacientes multibacilares, de modo a detectar e tratar precocemente a neurite silenciosa.

BACKGROUND: Silent neuritis is defined as deterioration of the neural function without neural pain, in contrast to overt neuritis, characterized by pain in the peripheral nerve that may accompany damage to neural function. Its early detection is important to prevent the development of leprosy disabilities. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the frequency of silent neuritis in multibacillary leprosy patients. METHODS: One hundred and three patients (18.4% BB, 47.6% BL and 34% LL) were followed-up for an average of 64.6 months from diagnosis, during and after multidrug therapy, in relation to physical impairments and according to a disability grade. RESULTS: Patients that presented a worsening of the disability grade by the end of treatment or at the end of follow-up compared to the baseline grade or to the end of treatment, were studied. Altogether we detected five patients (4.9% of the total) that developed silent neuritis, during or after multidrug therapy. CONCLUSION: We recommend a careful regular neurological examination of multibacillary patients, with a view to prompt detection and treatment of silent neuritis.