Abstract Background: The association of scaffolds to repair extensive bone defects can contribute to their evolution and morphophysiological recomposition. The incorporation of particulate biomaterials into three-dimensional fibrin bioproducts together with photobiomodulation therapy (PBM) has potential and can improve regenerative medicine procedures. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of PBM therapy on critical size defects filled with xenogenic bone substitute associated with fibrin biopolymer. Methods: A critical defect of 8 mm was performed in 36 Wistar male adult rats that were divided into four groups. Groups BC and BC-PBM were defined as controls with defects filled by a clot (without or with PBM, respectively) and groups XS and XS-PBM that comprised those filled with biocomplex Bio-OssTM in association with fibrin biopolymer. PBM was applied immediately after the surgery and three times a week every other day, with the parameters: wavelength of 830 nm, energy density 6.2 J/cm2, output power 30 mW, beam area of 0.116 cm2, irradiance 0.258,62 W/cm2, energy/point 0.72 J, total energy 2.88 J. Fourteen and 42 days after the surgery, animals were euthanatized and subjected to microtomography, qualitative and quantitative histological analysis. Results: The BC-PBM and XS-PBM groups had a similar evolution in the tissue repair process, with a higher density of the volume of new formed bone in relation to the groups without PBM (p = 0.04086; p = 0.07093, respectively). Intense vascular proliferation and bone deposition around the biomaterial particles were observed in the animals of the groups in which biocomplex was applied (XS and XS-PBM). Conclusion: PBM therapy allowed an improvement in the formation of new bone, with a more organized deposition of collagen fibers in the defect area. Biocomplex favored the insertion and permanence of the particulate material in bone defects, creating a favorable microenvironment for accelerate repair process.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar a influência da suplementação de β-hidroxi-β-metilbutirato sobre as características morfológicas e morfométricas do músculo diafragma de ratos e se existe diferenças entre os sexos. Métodos Estudo experimental com 48 ratos Wistar (24 de cada sexo) divididos em 3 grupos: Grupo Controle, no qual foi ofertada dieta diária com soro fisiológico; Grupo Experimental, ofertada 0,3g/kg de β-hidroxi-β-metilbutirato e mesma quantidade de alimentos do Grupo Controle consumida no dia anterior; Grupo Experimental Ad libitum com mesma dose do suplemento, porém com alimentação Ad libitum. A análise foi feita através da histomorfometria e classificação em faixas de área das fibras musculares após 30 dias do início do experimento. Os dados foram analisados pelos testes Anova one-way e Tukey (p<0,05). Resultados Não foi observado aumento da área de secção transversal das fibras do músculo diafragma com o protocolo de suplementação utilizado e no padrão histológico em ambos os sexos. Não foram observadas mudanças significativas nas faixas de tamanho de fibras musculares nos grupos suplementados, sugerindo que não houve hipertrofia das fibras musculares. Conclusão A suplementação com β-hidroxi-β-metilbutirato não provoca alterações nas características morfológicas e morfo-métricas do músculo diafragma, independente do sexo.

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the β-hydroxy-βmethylbutyrate supplementation influence on the morphological and morphometric characteristics of the diaphragm muscle of rats and verify whether there are sex differences. Methods Experimental study with 48 Wistar rats (24 of each sex) divided into 3 groups: Control Group: in which a daily diet with saline solution was offered; Experimental Group: the same amount of food from the Control group consumed in the previous day and 0.3g/kg of β-hydroxy-βmethylbutyrate; Ad libitum Experimental Group: ad libitum feeding with the same dose of the supplement. The analysis consisted of histomorphometry and classification in diaphragm muscle fiber area bands. The procedures occurred 30 days after the start of the experiment. Data were analyzed using the one-way ANOVA and Tukey tests (p<0.05). Results There was no increase in the cross-sectional area of the diaphragm muscle fibers with the supplementation protocol employed and a similar histological pattern in both sexes. No significant changes were observed in muscle fiber size ranges in the supplemented groups, suggesting that there was no hypertrophy of muscle fibers. Conclusion This study suggests that β-hydroxy-βmethylbutyrate supplementation does not cause changes in the morphological and morphometric characteristics of the diaphragm muscle, regardless of sex.

Abstract Purpose: To compare the functional result of standart vein grafts and inside-out vein graft technique on sciatic nerve repair. Methods: We used 24 male Wistar rats divided into 4 groups: control group (CG), standard vein graft group (SVG), Inside-out vein graft group (IOVG) and denervated Group (DG). SVG, IOVG and DG underwent total section of the sciatic nerve, SVG and IOVG however underwent nerve repair surgery using a graft with normal jugular vein and inside-out jugular vein, respectively. Histological analysis of the soleus and Extensor Digitorum Longus (EDL), and Sciatic Functional Index were used to compare the results after 6 weeks. Results: Both grafts acted favorably in muscle recovery and improved functionality; They were similar in all parameters, however, in more points SVG achieved similar to the CG, in the other hand IOVG more times was similar to DG. Fact that makes the graft with normal vein the most viable option between the two options. Conclusion: Both types of grafts acted beneficially wherein the graft normal vein has proved to be the best option

RESUMO Objetivo Investigar se a estimulação elétrica pela corrente russa é capaz de manter a morfologia do músculo tibial cranial de ratos desnervados experimentalmente. Métodos Foram utilizados 36 ratos Wistar, distribuídos em quatro grupos: Grupo Controle Inicial, Grupo Controle Final, Grupo Experimental Desnervado Tratado, Grupo Experimental Desnervado. A eletroestimulação foi realizada com um protocolo de corrente russa aplicada três vezes por semanas, durante 45 dias. Ao final, os animais foram eutanasiados e, em seguida, foram realizadas as análises histológica e morfométrica. Os dados foram submetidos à análise estatística, com nível de significância de p<0,05. Resultados Os Grupos Experimental Desnervado e o Grupo Experimental Desnervado Tratado apresentaram área de secção transversal da fibra menor quando comparados ao Grupo Controle Final. Entretanto, constatou-se diferença significativa entre o Grupo Experimental Desnervado e o Grupo Experimental Desnervado Tratado, mostrando que a estimulação elétrica minimizou atrofia muscular. Ainda, observou-se que o Grupo Experimental Desnervado Tratado apresentou resultados semelhantes ao Grupo Controle Inicial. Conclusão A estimulação elétrica por meio da corrente russa foi favorável na manutenção da morfologia do músculo tibial cranial desnervado experimentalmente, minimizando a atrofia muscular.

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate if electrical stimulation through Russian current is able to maintain morphology of the cranial tibial muscle of experimentally denervated rats. Methods Thirty-six Wistar rats were divided into four groups: the Initial Control Group, Final Control Group, Experimental Denervated and Treated Group, Experimental Denervated Group. The electrostimulation was performed with a protocol of Russian current applied three times per week, for 45 days. At the end, the animals were euthanized and histological and morphometric analyses were performed. Data were submitted to statistical analysis with a significance level of p<0.05. Results The Experimental Denervated Group and the Experimental Denervated and Treated Group had cross-sectional area of smaller fiber compared to the Final Control Group. However, there was significant difference between the Experimental Denervated Group and Experimental Denervated and Treated Group, showing that electrical stimulation minimized muscle atrophy. The Experimental Denervated and Treated Group and Initial Control Group showed similar results. Conclusion Electrical stimulation through Russian current acted favorably in maintaining morphology of the cranial tibial muscle that was experimentally denervated, minimizing muscle atrophy.

RESUMO As lesões de nervos periféricos ocorrem frequentemente e, de modo geral, causam perda funcional impactando de forma negativa na vida do paciente. O objetivo do estudo foi verificar a eficiência da associação da laserterapia e natação em ratos acometidos por axonotmeses. A amostra foi composta por 50 ratos da linhagem Wistar. Foram divididos em 5 grupos, sendo: grupo controle (GC); grupo controle cirúrgico (GCC); grupo experimental laser (GEL); grupo experimental natação (GEN) e grupo experimental laser associado à natação (GELAN). O nervo foi esmagado em um segmento de 5 mm de comprimento próximo a trifurcação do nervo isquiático, feito com uma pinça durante 60 segundos. Foi utilizado o laser infravermelho AsGa (904 nm) com energia irradiada de 0,4 J na primeira semana, 0,8 J na segunda semana e 1,2 J na terceira e quarta semana. Para avaliação funcional (IFC), os animais foram imobilizados, e a região plantar das patas foram pintadas com tinta de carimbo. Esse procedimento foi repetido duas vezes com cada animal. Foi realizada a morfometria (áreas, diâmetros e espessuras das fibras, axônios e bainha de mielina) dos nervos com mensuração de 220 fibras por animal de cada grupo. Pudemos observar que os grupos GEL e GEN, em todas as variáveis morfométricas estudadas, obtiveram os melhores resultados, quando comparados com os outros grupos (GC, GCC e GELAN), mas não apresentou diferença estatisticamente significante entre eles. Na análise funcional observou-se que o grupo GELAN obteve o melhor resultado quando comparado com os outros grupos (GCC, GEL e GEN) e quando comparados os grupos GEL e GEN entre eles não houve diferença estatisticamente significante. A conclusão foi que os grupos GEL e GEN obtiveram os melhores resultados morfométricos, enquanto o GELAN apresentou o melhor resultado funcional. Portanto, pode-se concluir que a associação destes recursos favoreceu a recuperação funcional desses animais.

ABSTRACT The peripheral nerve injuries occur frequently and generally cause functional loss impacting negatively on patient's life. The objective this study was to verify the efficiency of the combination of laser therapy and swimming in rats affected by axonotmesis. The sample was comprised of 50 Wistar rats and it was divided into 05 groups: Control Group; Surgical Control Group; Laser Experimental Group; Swimming Experimental Group and Laser Experimental combined with Swimming Group. The nerve was crushed into a 5 mm-long segment next to the sciatic nerve trifurcation with a pair of forceps for 60 seconds. The GaAs infrared laser (904nm) was used with energy radiated 0,4J the first week, the second week 0,8J and 1,2J in the third and fourth week. For functional (FCI) evaluation, the animals were immobilized and the plantar region of their paws were painted with ink stamp. The procedure was repeated twice to each animal. The nerve morphometry (areas, diameters and thicknesses of the fibers, axons and myelin sheath) was performed with the measurement of 220 fibers per animal in each group . We can see that the GEL and GEN groups , obtained the best results when compared with the other groups (GC, GCC and GELAN) in all morphometric variables studied, but no statistically significant difference was found between them. In functional analysis, it was observed that the gelan group obtained the best results when compared with the other groups (GCC , GEN and GEL) and when the GEL and GEN groups were compared, there was no statistically significant difference between them. Was conclued the GEL and GEN groups havd the best morphometric results, while the GELAN showed the best functional outcome. Therefore, it can be concluded that the combination of these features favoured the functional recovery of the animals.

RESUMEN Las lesiones de los nervios periféricos frecuentemente ocurren, y generalmente ocasionan pérdida funcional, lo que les causa daño a la vida de los pacientes. En este artículo se propone a verificar la eficacia de la asociación de la laserterapia y de la natación en ratas sometidas a axonotmesis. El muestro se compuso de 50 ratas Wistar. Se las dividieron en 5 grupos: grupo control (GC); grupo control quirúrgico (GCQ); grupo experimental láser (GEL); grupo experimental natación (GEN) y grupo experimental láser asociado con la natación (GELAN). Se aplastó con una pinza durante 60 segundos el nervio en un segmento de 5 mm de extensión cerca de la trifurcación del nervio isquiático. Se empleó el láser infrarrojo AsGa (904 nm) con energía irradiada de 0,4 J en la primera semana, 0,8 J en la segunda y 1,2 J en la tercera y cuarta semanas. Para la evaluación funcional (IFC), se los inmovilizaron los animales y se los pintó con tinta estampilla la región plantar de las patas. Se repitió dicho procedimiento dos veces en cada animal. Se realizó la morfometría (áreas, diámetros y espesuras de las fibras, axónios y vaina de mielina) de los nervios con mensuración de 220 fibras por cada animal de cada grupo. Se notó que los grupos GEL y GEN, en todas las variables morfométricas estudiadas, presentaron los mejores resultados, en comparación con los otros grupos (GC, GCQ y GELAN), sin embargo no presentó diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre ellos. En el análisis funcional se observó que el grupo GELAN tuvo el mejor resultado en comparación con otros grupos (GCQ, GEL y GEN), y al comparar los grupos GEL y GEN no presentaron diferencia estadísticamente significativa. Se concluyó que los grupos GEL y GEN tuvieron mejores resultados morfométricos, mientras que el GELAN presentó el mejor resultado funcional. Por lo que se concluye que la asociación de dichos recursos les favoreció la recuperación funcional de dichos animales.