Prolactin regulates luminal bicarbonate secretion in the intestine of the sea bream (Sparus aurata L.).

The pituitary hormone prolactin is a pleiotropic endocrine factor that plays a major role in the regulation of ion balance in fish, with demonstrated actions mainly in the gills and kidney. The role of prolactin in intestinal ion transport remains little studied. In marine fish, which have high drinking rates, epithelial bicarbonate secretion in the intestine produces luminal carbonate aggregates believed to play a key role in water and ion homeostasis. The present study was designed to establish the putative role of prolactin in the regulation of intestinal bicarbonate secretion in a marine fish. Basolateral addition of prolactin to the anterior intestine of sea bream mounted in Ussing chambers caused a rapid (<20 min) decrease of bicarbonate secretion measured by pH-stat. A clear inhibitory dose-response curve was obtained, with a maximal inhibition of 60-65% of basal bicarbonate secretion. The threshold concentration of prolactin for a significant effect on bicarbonate secretion was 10 ng ml(-1), which is comparable with putative plasma levels in seawater fish. The effect of prolactin on apical bicarbonate secretion was independent of the generation route for bicarbonate, as shown in a preparation devoid of basolateral HCO(3)(-)/CO(2) buffer. Specific inhibitors of JAK2 (AG-490, 50 µmol l(-1)), PI3K (LY-294002, 75 µmol l(-1)) or MEK (U-012610, 10 µmol l(-1)) caused a 50-70% reduction in the effect of prolactin on bicarbonate secretion, and demonstrated the involvement of prolactin receptors. In addition to rapid effects, prolactin has actions at the genomic level. Incubation of intestinal explants of anterior intestine of the sea bream in vitro for 3 h demonstrated a specific effect of prolactin on the expression of the Slc4a4A Na(+)-HCO(3)(-) co-transporter, but not on the Slc26a6A or Slc26a3B Cl(-)/HCO(3)(-) exchanger. We propose a new role for prolactin in the regulation of bicarbonate secretion, an essential function for ion/water homeostasis in the intestine of marine fish.

Identificação de diterpenos clerodânicos em diferentes órgãos de Casearia sylvestris Swartz / Identification of clerodane diterpenes in different organs of Casearia sylvestris Swartz

Casearia sylvestris Swartz (Salicaceae) é uma espécie vegetal arbórea ou arbustiva, disseminada pelo território brasileiro e bastante utilizada em nossa medicina popular. Diversos diterpenos clerodânicos bioativos típicos do gênero Casearia foram isolados desta espécie (ex. casearinas e casearvestrinas). O objetivo principal deste trabalho foi avaliar a presença de diterpenos clerodânicos em diferentes órgãos de C. sylvestris, utilizando técnicas analíticas cromatográficas e espectroscópicas. Os extratos dos diferentes órgãos foram analisados por cromatografia em camada delgada, cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência com detector de arranjo de diodos e ressonância magnética nuclear de 1H. Nas análises cromatográficas foram utilizados diterpenos clerodânicos isolados de C. sylvestris como padrões, incluindo rel-19S-acetóxi- 18R- butanoilóxi- 18,19- epóxi -6S -hidróxi -2R- (2-metilbutanoilóxi) -5S, 8R, 9R, 10S -cleroda-3,13(16),14-trieno, isolado do caule pela primeira vez. Foram obtidos perfis fitoquímicos dos órgãos avaliados. Os resultados indicaram a presença de diterpenos clerodânicos em toda planta, prevalecendo em maior número nas folhas. Além disso, os resultados também indicam que em caules, flores e raízes há predomínio de diterpenos clerodânicos com padrão diênico diferente daqueles obtidos de folhas de C. sylvestris.

Casearia sylvestris Swartz (Salicaceae) is a tree or shrub distributed widely in Brazil, where it is used in popular medicine. Several bioactive clerodane diterpenes typical of Casearia have been isolated from this species (e.g. casearins and casearvestrins). The main objective of this study was to identify clerodane diterpenes in various organs of C. sylvestris, using chromatographic and spectroscopic analytical techniques. The extracts of the different plant parts were analyzed by thin layer chromatography, high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detector and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance. In the chromatographic analysis, clerodane diterpenes isolated from C. sylvestris were used as standards, including rel-19Sacetóxi- 18R- butanoilóxi-18,19- epóxi -6S -hidróxi -2R- (2-metilbutanoilóxi) -5S, 8R, 9R, 10S -cleroda-3,13(16),14- triene, isolated for the first time from the stems. Phytochemical profiles of the organs were produced, which indicated the presence of clerodane diterpenes in all parts of the plant, notably in the leaves. The results also suggest that the main clerodane diterpenes in the stems, flowers and roots had conjugated double-bond patterns that differed from those found in the leaves.

Uso do probiótico Efinol®L durante o transporte de tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) / The use of probiotic Efinol®L during transportation of tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum)

Verificou-se a eficácia da adição de um probiótico potencialmente redutor de estresse, durante o transporte de juvenis de tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum). Os peixes foram transportados em sacos plásticos com probiótico (20mg/L) ou sem adição do produto à água. O transporte teve duração de 16 horas. Após o transporte, os peixes foram colocados em caixas de 150L para monitorar a recuperação por 96 horas. Para o monitoramento do estresse, avaliaram-se a glicose, o hematócrito e a hemoglobina, além das características de qualidade da água. Após o transporte, a glicose aumentou significativamente, permaneceu elevada nas amostras por 24 e 48 horas e retornou à concentração inicial, 96 horas depois, em ambos os tratamentos. A hemoglobina não se alterou durante e após o transporte, e o hematócrito aumentou significativamente no tratamento sem probiótico nos tempos 24 e 48 horas após o transporte. O probiótico utilizado não foi eficiente em suprimir as respostas de estresse em tambaqui durante o transporte, porém foi eficiente em suprimir as respostas pós-transporte.

The effectiveness of the addition of a potentially stress reducing probiotic during transportation of tambaqui juveniles was studied. Fish were transported with (20mg/L) and without probiotic in the water. The transport duration was 16 hours. After transportation, fish were placed in 150L tanks to monitor their recovery for 96-hours. The following stress parameters were evaluated: glucose, hematocrit, and hemoglobin, and also some water quality parameters. The responses of glucose presented similar pattern between the treatments. Glucose concentrations significantly increased after transportation, kept high for 24 and 48-hours after transportation, and returned to control-like concentration at 96-hours after transportation. Hemoglobin did not present significant difference during or after transportation. Hematocrit significantly increased in probiotic-free treatment at 24 and 48 hours after transportation. The stress response in tambaqui was similar between the tested treatments, indicating that the used probiotic was not efficient in suppressing the stress during transportation; however, it was able to mitigate post-transportation stress response.

Avaliação da atividade IMAO e antibacteriana de extratos de Mikania glomerata Sprengel

Neste trabalho avaliou-se a atividade antibacteriana e IMAO de extratos de diferentes polaridades de Mikania glomerata. A atividade antibacteriana foi medida frente à cepa multiresistente de Staphylococus aureus PI57, através das técnicas de bioautografia e antibiograma. A atividade IMAO foi medida utilizando uma suspensão de mitocôndrias. Mikania glomerata mostrou conter no extrato hexânico substâncias antimicrobianas. Os extratos hexânico e CH2Cl2 foram ativos frente à MAO-B, sem apresentarem atividade de inibição da MAO-A, enquanto o extrato metanólico apresentou atividade de inibição da MAO-A e MAO-B, sem seletividade.

Antibacterial and IMAO inhibition activities of different polarities extracts of Mikania glomerata were evaluated. The antibacterial activity was assayed against a multiresistant strain of Staphyllococus aureus PI57. The IMAO activity was measured with a suspension of mitochondrion. In the hexanic extract of Mikania glomerata substances with antibacterial activity were detected. Hexanic and CH2Cl2 extracts showed MAO-B inhibition activity while MAO-A inhibition activity was not detected. The methanolic extract showed non-selective inhibition activity of MAO-A and MAO-B.

Caracterização química do óleo essencial de Hypericum brasiliense Choisy

Hypericum brasiliense Choisy, planta da família Guttiferae, ocorre principalmente nas regiões Sudeste e Sul do Brasil. Em trabalhos anteriores foram isolados e identificados nesta espécie, dentre outras classes de compostos, xantonas, floroglucinóis e flavonóides. Apesar da presença de óleos essenciais ser uma característica do gênero, ainda não há registros na literatura da composição química do óleo essencial desta espécie. Neste trabalho foi realizado o estudo químico da fração volátil de H. brasiliense visando identificar e quantificar as substâncias químicas presentes através da cromatografia em fase gasosa acoplada a espectrômetro de massas equipado com banco de dados.

Hypericum brasiliense Choisy, plant of the Guttiferae family, occurs mainly in the regions Southeastern and South of Brazil. Xanthones, phloroglucinols, flavonoids and other compounds were isolated from this species. There are not registrations in the literature of the chemical composition of the essential oil of this species, in spite of the importance of these compounds in the chemistry of the genera. In this work, it was done the chemical study of the volatile fraction obtained by hidrodestilation of H. brasiliense and this fraction was analyzed by CG/MS.

Otimização do processo de extração de própolis através da verificação da atividade antimicrobiana

A própolis, também conhecida como "cola de abelhas" possui atividade antimicrobiana, antiinflamatória, anestésica e imunoestimulante. Amostras de diferentes origens geográficas podem apresentar composição química bem diferente, porém continuam sendo responsáveis por atividade antibacteriana, inclusive contra cepas multirresistentes de Staphylococcus aureus. Este trabalho teve por objetivo otimizar o processo de extração visando determinar a melhor alcoolatura para a obtenção de tinturas de própolis com maior atividade antimicrobiana. Amostras de própolis foram extraídas com diferentes misturas hidroalcoólicas, variando o teor de etanol entre 90 por cento a água pura, obtendo assim 11 tinturas diferentes. Todas as tinturas foram aplicadas em discos de papel, secos e colocados sobre a superfície de placas contendo ágar inoculado com cepa multirresistente de S. aureus. As placas foram incubadas e avaliadas no dia seguinte quanto à presença de halos de inibição. Os melhores resultados foram obtidos com extratos contendo 50 a 90 por cento de etanol. O trabalho sugere a utilização da alcoolatura de 70 por cento como a ideal para a obtenção de tinturas de própolis.

Bee glue (propolis) possesses antimicrobial, antiinflammatory, anaesthetic and immunostimulating activities. Propolis composition is extraordinary variable; samples from different geographic origin may posse's entirely different chemical composition. In different propolis samples, various substance combinations are responsible for the antibacterial activity of the bee glue. The aim of the study was to evaluate the best ethanolic extract concentration using Staphylococcus aureus multiresistant. Ethanol extracts from different concentration (10 to 90 percent) were applied on paper disks, dried, and put on the surface of nutrient agar plates with the overlay containing S. aureus. The plates were then incubated and evaluated the next day for the presence of inhibition zones. The best result was verified among 60 to 90 percent of ethanolic extract of propolis. This paper suggests the use of the alcool 70 percent as the ideal for the extration of propolis.

[Nasopharyngeal colonization and antimicrobial resistance of Streptococcus pneumoniae isolated from children with acute rhinopharyngitis] / Colonização e resistência antimicrobiana de Streptococcus pneumoniae isolado em nasofaringe de crianças com rinofaringite aguda.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and risk factors for nasopharyngeal colonization by, and to evaluate antimicrobial susceptibility of Streptococcus pneumoniae strains in children with acute rhinopharyngitis. METHODS: We collected nasopharyngeal swab specimens from 400 children aged 3 months to 5 years and with clinical status of acute rhinopharyngitis from June 16, 1997 to May 20, 1998 at the outpatient clinics of two hospitals in the city of São Paulo. Nasopharyngeal specimens were collected pernasally using a calcium alginate swab and plated immediately after collection onto trypticose soy agar with 5% sheep blood and garamicin 5 mcg/ml. Penicillin susceptibility was determined by oxacillin 1 mcg disk screening test and the minimal inhibitory concentration by the E-test. RESULTS: Pneumococci were recovered from 139 children, indicating a colonization prevalence of 35%. The risk factors analyzed indicated that the colonization was more prevalent in children attending day-care centers, children with siblings younger than 5 years, and children with recent use of antimicrobial agents. The prevalence of penicillin non-susceptible strains was of 16 % (20 strains). All strains were intermediately resistant (0.1mcg/ ml

Associated or combined vaccination of Brazilian infants with a conjugate Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine, a diphtheria-tetanus-whole-cell pertussis vaccine and IPV or OPV elicits protective levels of antibodies against Hib.

This study investigated the immunogenicity and safety of including a Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine (polyribosylribitol phosphate conjugated to tetanus toxoid, PRP-T) in three different vaccination schemes: (1) PRP-T reconstituted with a combined diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis-inactivated poliovirus vaccine (DTP-IPV//PRP-T); (2) PRP-T reconstituted with DTP and administered concomitantly with an oral poliovirus vaccine (DTP//PRP-T+OPV); and (3) PRP-T administered concomitantly with DTP at a different injection site and OPV (DTP+PRP-T+OPV). Vaccines were given at 2, 4, and 6 months of age. A total of 252 infants were enrolled, and randomly assigned to one of the three vaccination groups (84 infants in each group); 241 infants were followed until the end of the study. Antibody production against PRP, diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis antigens was satisfactory for each vaccination scheme used. A good response to Hib vaccine was elicited in each group, and 3 months after the third vaccine dose, at least 97% of children in each group had levels of PRP antibody considered to be seroprotective (>0.15 microg/ml), and over 90% of children in each group had levels over 1. 0 microg/ml. The solicited local and systemic adverse events following vaccination were mild in all groups and resolved within 4 days without medical intervention. With the exception of fever, which was more common after the second dose in children who received DTP-IPV//PRP-T, local and systemic reactions did not differ between the vaccination groups. Due to the practical advantages of combined vaccines, their use in routine immunization programs in developing countries is highly desirable. Our results show that Hib conjugate vaccine can be included in routine immunization programs that include either OPV or IPV with satisfactory immunogenicity and safety profiles. This flexible approach should facilitate the inclusion of the Hib conjugate vaccine in routine immunization programs on a world-wide scale.

[Coxsackie B2 virus fatal meningoencephalitis in a student] / Meningoencefalite fatal por vírus coxsackie B2 em escolar.

OBJECTIVE: To present the case of a girl who was previously healthy but had fatal evolution due to Coxsackie B2 viral meningoencephalitis.METHODS: The authors describe the case of a female child with fatal meningoencephalitis caused by Coxsackie B2 virus and present a review of the literature (Medline and Lilacs).RESULTS: The girl was eight years old when she presented meningoencephalitis with bad evolution, leading to death on the 32nd day of internation. The exams showed positive serologic reaction to Coxsackie B2. The virus taken from two stool samples was isolated. The CRF exam showed an increase four times higher on Coxsackie B2 titulation.CONCLUSION: The death of healthy patients with enteroviral encephalitis, as described here, is rarely dealt with in the medical literature, perhaps because of lack of clinic suspicion. This case tries to drive attention to the importance of an early etiologic diagnosis in the meningoencephalities and the search for specific etiological treatment.

Activities of the Pharmaceutical Technology Institute of the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation with medicinal, insecticidal and insect repellent plants.

In addition to original research, Far-Manguinhos, the Pharmaceutical Division of the Brazilian Ministry of Health's Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), devotes major attention to the finalising of products for use in public health campaigns or, under contract, for private industrial development. Emphasis is on standardisation, adequate supply, safety in use and efficacy. Among the products discussed in this summary of some of its activities in the chemical and pharmaceutical fields are medicinal plants Bidens pilosa, Cymbopogon citratus, Copaifera species, Mentha crispa, Phyllanthus tenellus Roxb. and other Phyllanthus species, insecticidal plants, Lonchocarpus urucu and Quassia amara, and the insect antifeedant plants Carapa guianensis and Pterodon emarginatus.

[Pediatric nosocomial infections] / Infecção hospitalar em pediatria.

OBJECTIVE: Considering that the nosocomial infections have been a serious problem of public health all over the world in both developed and developing countries, this revision has the aim of amplifying the pediatrician's knowledge, in different interfaces of the question. METHODS: A review of the articles from the specific literature of the area leading to a practical presentation of the topics as well on the personal experience of the writers, who work in this area. RESULTS: We have characterized which topics are important when dealing with nosocomial infection as, for example, the concepts used in nosocomial infections, the methods of epidemiological surveillance, the nosocomial infections in pediatric critical areas as the intensive care and the neonatal units, the techniques of isolation and precaution, ending with general and specific preventive actions. CONCLUSION: Technical knowledge about the central questions in nosocomial infections should be basis for a conscious and responsible involvement of all the professionals in the health area to control and prevent these infections.

[Varicella: clinical aspects and prevention] / Varicela: aspectos clínicos e prevenção.

OBJECTIVE: To present, in practical form and updated terms, the clinical aspects of the varicella and its prevention using either vaccination or isolation precautions. METHOD: Review of the literature using MEDLINE and LILACS referring to the last 10 years; presentation of the most recent aspects in the literature as well as reference to the author's professional experience in the area. RESULTS: Current aspects of the clinic and treatment of this disease are analyzed. The vaccine is examined in relation to the soroconversion and safety. The technique of application of the vaccine is presented, considering its indication for healthy children, adults, seniors and high risk patients. Among these, we consider those with leukemia, solid tumors, nephrotic syndrome, AIDS, and those transplanted. The application of the vaccine is analyzed in relation to contacts, personal in the health area and people in closed communities. Precautions, contraindication, production and types of vaccines are analyzed. The association and combination of vaccines, as well as their current indications are carefully discussed. As a nosocomial infection, varicella requires much attention due to its very easy dissemination. Recommended procedures are indicated for both hospitalized and contact cases of varicella or zoster. CONCLUSIONS: The appropriate knowledge of the clinic, treatment and preventive procedures in cases of varicella is mostly important for the pediatrician, especially with the introduction of its vaccine in our country.

[Immunization schedule: dynamics and updating] / Calendário vacinal: dinâmica e atualização.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this article is to make an analysis of the dynamics of the imunization schedule and an updating of the practical aspects of the vaccination. METHODS: The authors, based on the official recommendations, in the imunization schedule of the Infectology Department of the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics and on their experience, present practical aspects to facilitate the understanding of the dynamics of application of the calendar. RESULTS: The current calendar of the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics (SBP) is presented with a practical analysis of the vaccines BCG, hepatitis B, poliomyelitis, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), DPT and triple viral, which are also part of the Calendar of the National Program of Immunizations. Besides this, they analyze two other suitable vaccines for SBP, against varicella and hepatitis A. Finally they comment on the risk of urbanization of the yellow fever and the increasing indication of vaccination against this disease in Brazil. CONCLUSIONS: The imunization schedule should be dynamic, adapted to the epidemiologic characteristics of each country or place. The presented calendar is what is now recommended by the Infectology Department of the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics (SBP).

[Efficacy and safety of cefprozil versus cefaclor in the treatment of acute otitis media in pediatric patients] / Avaliação da eficácia e da segurança do cefprozil versus cefaclor no tratamento de otite média aguda em crianças.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of two oral cephalosporins, cefprozil and cefaclor, in the treatment of acute otitis media in children.METHODS: Forty children with clinical diagnosis of acute otitis media were randomized in two groups. Twenty-one children were given cefprozil at the dose of 30/mg/kg/day, in two equally divided doses every twelve hours, for ten days. Nineteen children were given cefaclor at the dose of 40/mg/kg/day in three divided doses every eight hours, for ten days. Efficacy evaluation of the antibiotic was analyzed by the presence or absence of symptoms, fever and otoscopic abnormalities while the safety and tolerability were evaluated by spontaneous information for possible adverse events.RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in the number of observed alterations between days 3 and 5 of treatment among those of the cefprozil group in comparison to the cefaclor group, while between days 10 and 14 of treatment the observed cure rate was clinically similar in both groups. Both medications presented adequate safety profiles. Only three children receiving cefprozil presented mild adverse events, such as nausea and vomit, none of which required treatment interruption.CONCLUSIONS: The clinical efficacy of both cephalosporins was similar although a more rapid activity was observed for cefprozil between days 3 and 5 of treatment. The favorable clinical results, the low incidence of adverse events and the twice a day dose regimen suggest that cefprozil is one more antimicrobial of choice for the treatment of acute otitis media in children, when this therapeutic is indicated.

Seroconversion of a trivalent measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine in children aged 9 and 15 months.

The serological response to MMR vaccine was evaluated in 109 9-month-old infants having no history of measles vaccination, and in 98 15-month-old children who had received monocomponent measles immunisation at 9 months. The combined vaccine contained Schwarz, Urabe Am9, and Wistar RA 27/3 live attenuated virus strains. Preimmunisation antibody levels were extremely low for the 9-month-old children, indicating that maternally-transmitted antibodies do not persist at this age. In the case of mumps, preimmunisation antibody levels were significantly higher in the 15-month-old than in the 9-month-old group. A difference between groups in terms of postimmunisation antibody titres was observed only for rubella, with titres being significantly higher in the older group. Seroconversion rates were high in both groups and no serious events attributable to vaccination were observed. The MMR vaccine can thus be administered to children as young as 9 months of age. Evidence for the efficacy of a two-dose schedule, i.e. at 9 and 15 months, is presented.

[Comparison of seroconversion rates between well-nourished and malnourished children after measles immunization at nine months of age]. / Viragem sorológica após a vacinação contra o sarampo, realizada em crianças eutróficas e desnutridas, aos nove meses de idade.

The study was based on activities developed at Embu, SP, between October 1989 and June 1990. Its purpose was to study serological turning after child vaccination against measles at the age of nine months. Two groups were compared, both within the same age limits. Group number I included eutrophic children and group number II included undernourished children. Gomes criteria was used to evaluate the childrens nutritional state. Antibodies (AB) dosage was done through hemagglutination inhibition (HI) and ELISA. These two laboratory methods were also checked regarding its sensibility. Out of 130 children studied, 80 could be evaluated. From this total, 56 (70%) belonged to group I and 24 (30%) belonged to group II. When the ELISA method was used, a significantly higher seroconversion percentage (P < 0.05 or 5%) was found among children belonging to group II. This percentage was not detected when the HI method was used.

Risk of health care professionals acquiring HIV infection in Latin America.

This study describes the professional risk of acquiring HIV infection while caring for AIDS patients at a teaching hospital in Brazil. Since 1985 we have tested health care professionals (HCP) for HIV-1 antibody after accidents with blood and body fluids from AIDS patients. The blood samples were tested twice using an ELISA FDA approved test and, if positive, we performed Western blot. Two hundred and forty seven health care professionals reported 338 accidents (50% were percutaneous and 22% were mucous membrane exposures to blood). A further 404 HCPs reported no occupational exposure but wanted to be tested. From 247 HCPs with at least one accident, we analyzed 115 with more than 6 months of follow up. None were HIV antibody positive. Nobody received zidovudine as a prophylaxis. Of the 404 HCPs with no accident, 6 (1.5%) were positive and had confirmed risk factors for HIV. Our results support other studies that report a low occupational risk (about 0.4%) of acquiring HIV infection.