Canalicular laceration: a simplified suture technique

The authors describe the use of a teflon catheter as an intracanalicular stent in order to increase its accessability to ophthalmologists.The technique is based on the identification of the canalicular borders followed by the introduction of a teflon catheter (22 or 24) into the canalicular lumen. Three full-thickness sutures are placed at the canaliculum using a 8-0 mononylon or a 8-0 vicryl. This technique can be used in cases of non-complicated lacerations, in which catheterization is still possible.Os autores descrevem a utilização do cateter de teflon como molde intracanalicular visando tornar a sutura do canalículo lacrimal mais simples e acessível a todo oftalmologista. A técnica consiste em identificar os cotos canaliculares e, após introdução de cateter de teflon (número 22 ou 24) no lúmem canalicular, realizam-se três pontos cardinais transfixantes de sutura do canalículo com o fio nylon monofilamento (Mononylon®) ou poliglactina trançada (Vicryl®) 8-0. Esta técnica está indicada em casos de lacerações regulares, que possibilitem a cateterização do canalículo.35135

Influence of a probiotic soy product on fecal microbiota and its association with cardiovascular risk factors in an animal model

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Previous work showed that daily ingestion of an aqueous soy extract fermented with <it>Enterococcus faecium </it>CRL 183 and <it>Lactobacillus helveticus </it>416, supplemented or not with isoflavones, reduced the total cholesterol and non-HDL-cholesterol levels, increased the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) concentration and inhibited the raising of autoantibody against oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL Ab) and the development of atherosclerotic lesions.</p> <p>Objective</p> <p>The aim of this study was to characterize the fecal microbiota in order to investigate the possible correlation between fecal microbiota, serum lipid parameters and atherosclerotic lesion development in rabbits with induced hypercholesterolemia, that ingested the aqueous soy extract fermented with <it>Enterococcus faecium </it>CRL 183 and <it>Lactobacillus helveticus </it>416.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The rabbits were randomly allocated to five experimental groups (n = 6): control (C), hypercholesterolemic (H), hypercholesterolemic plus unfermented soy product (HUF), hypercholesterolemic plus fermented soy product (HF) and hypercholesterolemic plus isoflavone-supplemented fermented soy product (HIF). Lipid parameters and microbiota composition were analyzed on days 0 and 60 of the treatment and the atherosclerotic lesions were quantified at the end of the experiment. The fecal microbiota was characterized by enumerating the <it>Lactobacillus </it>spp., <it>Bifidobacterium </it>spp., <it>Enterococcus </it>spp., Enterobacteria and <it>Clostridium </it>spp. populations.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>After 60 days of the experiment, intake of the probiotic soy product was correlated with significant increases (P < 0.05) on <it>Lactobacillus </it>spp., <it>Bifidobacterium </it>spp. and <it>Enterococcus </it>spp. and a decrease in the Enterobacteria population. A strong correlation was observed between microbiota composition and lipid profile. Populations of <it>Enterococcus </it>spp., <it>Lactobacillus </it>spp. and <it>Bifidobacterium </it>spp. were negatively correlated with total cholesterol, non-HDL-cholesterol, autoantibodies against oxidized LDL (oxLDL Ab) and lesion size. HDL-C levels were positively correlated with <it>Lactobacillus </it>spp., <it>Bifidobacterium </it>spp., and <it>Enterococcus </it>spp. populations.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>In conclusion, daily ingestion of the probiotic soy product, supplemented or not with isoflavones, may contribute to a beneficial balance of the fecal microbiota and this modulation is associated with an improved cholesterol profile and inhibition of atherosclerotic lesion development.</p