Racial and ethnic differences in cognitive health appraisals: a comparison of non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, and Hispanic older adults.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between cognitive performance and cognitive health appraisals across non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, and Hispanic older adults in the United States and to explore within-group variations by examining interactions between cognitive performance and background and health variables. METHOD: The sample (N = 3,099) included 2,260 non-Hispanic White, 498 non-Hispanic Black, and 341 Hispanic adults aged 65 or older, from the 2016-2017 Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol. Regression models of cognitive health appraisals, indicated by self-rated cognitive health, were examined in the entire sample and in racial and ethnic subgroups to test direct and interactive effects of cognitive performance, indicated by the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). RESULTS: The regression model for the entire sample showed direct effects of cognitive performance and race/ethnicity on cognitive health appraisals, as well as a significant interaction between cognitive performance and being non-Hispanic Black. Cognitive performance and cognitive health appraisals were positively associated in non-Hispanic Whites but not significantly associated in non-Hispanic Blacks. Our subsequent analysis within each racial/ethnic group showed that the effect of cognitive performance in non-Hispanic Blacks and Hispanics became either reversed or nonsignificant when background and health variables were considered. Modification by age or chronic medical conditions in each racial and ethnic group was also observed. CONCLUSION: Overall, these findings suggest that perceptions and appraisals of cognitive health vary by race and ethnicity and hold implications for how these differences should be considered in research and practice with diverse groups of older adults.

Evaluation of biomarkers of joint damage in patients subjected to arthroscopy.

AIMS: Recently, the determination of biochemical markers has been intensely explored to better understand the mechanisms underlying knee OA. In this study, we aimed to explore the expression pattern of five biochemical markers in patients with knee OA. METHODS: After IRB approval and signed informed consent, 26 patients were enrolled. Serum and synovial samples were collected prior to knee arthroscopy. Pre-operative assessment included diagnosis, Lysholm, Tegner Activity Scale, IKDC score, and radiographic Kellgren and Lawrence classification. ELISA of CTX-I, CTX-II, NTX-I, MMP3, and MMP13 were measured in serum and synovial fluid samples. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients were included, with a mean age of 42 ± 15 years old. Mean results and standard deviation of the biomarkers in serum were as follows: CTX-I 5.8 ± 5.5 ng/mL, CTX-II 3.8 ± 1.7 ng/mL, NTX-I 52 ± 71 (nM BCE), MMP3 1.18 ± 0.6 ng/mL, and MMP13 1243.6 ± 1422 pg/mL; synovial fluid results were as follows: CTX-I 0.74 ± 0.5 ng/mL, CTX-II 5.1 ± 2.5 ng/mL, NTX-I 254 ± 85 (nM BCE), MMP3 0.4 ± 0.4 ng/mL, and MMP13 797 ± 1391 pg/mL. We observed a differential pattern of expression in serum NTX-I in patients with chronic meniscus injuries when compared with ACL injuries or cartilage lesions. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the clinical criteria of early OA are useful to categorize patients with knee conditions. The biochemical markers explored did not yield a differential pattern that can be associated with this classification. Serum NTX-I could be a useful marker of chronic meniscal lesion in future longitudinal studies, after adjusting for age and sex.

Effect of interscalene nerve block on the inflammatory response in shoulder surgery: a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Comparing techniques of general anesthesia and regional anesthesia in arthroscopic shoulder surgery, some studies have shown differences in the intensity of immediate postoperative pain and neuroendocrine response, but the inflammatory response when using balanced general anesthesia (BGA) vs. an ultrasound-guided (USG) single-dose interscalene block (SDIB) has not been compared. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a single-center, prospective, randomized clinical trial, the inflammatory response of 2 groups of 10 patients scheduled to undergo arthroscopic shoulder surgery was evaluated through measurement of a panel of cytokines that act on cells of the adaptive immune response to promote or inhibit inflammation, chemokines involved in chemotaxis, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), the high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) level, and the white blood cell (WBC) count in 3 blood samples (before anesthesia, immediately postoperatively, and 24 hours postoperatively) with 2 types of anesthesia (BGA vs. USG SDIB). Postoperative pain intensity (immediately, at 12 hours, and at 24 hours) was also assessed. RESULTS: The ESR and CRP level increased significantly at 24 hours after surgery; however, the increase in ESR (P < .0001) and CRP level (P < .0001) was lower in the USG SDIB group. Significant increases in the levels of soluble interleukin 2 receptor α (P = .022) and interleukin 12p40 (P = .016) occurred in the immediate postoperative period in the USG SDIB group. Immediate postoperative pain showed a significant increase (P < .001) in the BGA group. CONCLUSIONS: In arthroscopic shoulder surgery, the use of a USG SDIB compared with the use of BGA is possibly associated with improved pain control in the immediate postoperative period and lower immunosuppression, even at 24 hours after surgery.

Evaluation of sexuality in a Paraguayan mid-aged female urban population using the six-item Female Sexual Function Index.

Background There are scant data related to sexuality assessed among mid-aged women from Paraguay. Objective To assess sexual function in a sample of mid-aged Paraguayan women. Methods This was a cross-sectional study in which 265 urban-living women from Asunción (Paraguay) aged 40-65 years were surveyed with the six-item version of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI-6) and a questionnaire containing personal and partner data. Results The median age of the sample was 48 years, 48.2% were postmenopausal (median/interquartile range age at menopause 46/13 years), 11.3% used hormone therapy, 37.0% used psychotropic drugs, 44.5% had hypertension, 7.2% diabetes, 46.1% abdominal obesity and 89.4% had a partner (n = 237). Overall, 84.1% (223/265) of surveyed women were sexually active, presenting a median total FSFI-6 score of 23.0, and 25.6% obtained a total score of 19 or less, suggestive of sexual dysfunction (lower sexual function). Upon bivariate analysis, several factors were associated with lower total FSFI-6 scores; however, multiple linear regression analysis found that lower total FSFI-6 scores (worse sexual function) were significantly correlated to the postmenopausal status and having an older partner, whereas coital frequency was positively correlated to higher scores (better sexual function). Conclusion In this pilot sample of urban-living, mid-aged Paraguayan women, as determined with the FSFI-6, lower sexual function was related to menopausal status, coital frequency and partner age. There is a need for more research in this regard in this population.

Complementary experimental/docking approach for determining chitosan and carboxymethylchitosan ability for the formation of active polymer-ß-galactosidase adducts.

The spontaneous aggregation of chitosan and carboxymethylchitosan polymers can be advantageous for the enzyme confinement on these colloidal systems during immobilization processes. The initial crucial step involves the polymer-enzyme adduct formation. The objective here is to determine the interactions that drive the adduct formation between these polymers and ß-galactosidase from Bacillus circulans. The chemical characterization of chitosan and its carboxymethyl-derivate allowed to explain their colloidal behavior and design the four-unit fragments ligands used for the docking study. The deacetylation degree (0.6 times lower), isoelectric point (5.2 instead 6.4) and substitution degree (DSO = 1.779 and DS2N = 0.441) of carboxymenthylchitosan are due to the hydroxide concentration (>25%) and 30 °C modification conditions. Favorable Van der Waals and H-bond interactions between chitosan-ß-galactosidase and contribution of electrostatic attraction mediated by calcium ions for carboxymethylchitosan-ß-galactosidase explained the zeta potential and dynamic light scattering results at pH 7.0. These interactions occur onto the external surface of this galactosidase, without affecting the catalytic activity. A cross-linked enzyme aggregates-type model was proposed for the formation of the adducts, based on the complementary experimental-docking results. They contribute understanding the behavior of polyelectrolyte chitosan-derived matrices for enzyme immobilization.

Highly cross-linked arabinoxylans microspheres as a microbiota-activated carrier for colon-specific insulin delivery.

In vivo evaluation of arabinoxylans (AX) microspheres showed to protect insulin from degradation in the upper gastrointestinal tract and carrier insulin to colon. Insulin-loaded AX microspheres (50 UI/kg) decreased blood glucose level by 39% in diabetic rats with a maximum effect at 18 h post-administration, indicating that insulin remains bioactive. The continuous administration (4 days) of insulin-loaded AX microspheres improved the polyuria and increased the production of short-chain fatty acids, as well as Bifidobacterium and Bacteroides in diabetic rats compared to untreated diabetic rats. AX microspheres are a potential microbiota-activated carrier for colon-specific drug delivery and could be useful as a complementary treatment for diabetes.

Enzymatically cross-linked arabinoxylan microspheres as oral insulin delivery system.

Arabinoxylans (AX) microspheres with different insulin/AX mass ratio were prepared by formation of phenoxy radical issued from the ferulic acid by enzymatic oxidation (entrapped in situ of insulin). Phenolic acid content and FT-IR spectrum of unloaded and insulin-loaded AX microspheres revealed that the phenoxy radical issued from the ferulic acid by enzymatic oxidation did not interact covalently with insulin. The microspheres showed a spherical shape, smooth surface and an average diameter of particles of 320 µm. In vitro control release found that AX microspheres minimized the insulin loss in the upper GI tract, retaining high percentage (~75%) of insulin in its matrix. The stability of the secondary structure of insulin was studied by dichroism circular (CD). The CD spectra of insulin released from AX microspheres did not change according to the insulin/AX mass ratio of the microsphere. Significant hypoglycemic effects with improved insulin-relative bioavailability tested on an in vivo murine model revealed the efficacy of these enzymatically cross-linked arabinoxylans microspheres as a new oral insulin carrier.

Antibothropic action of Casearia sylvestris Sw. (Flacourtiaceae) extracts.

Casearia sylvestris Sw., popularly known in Brazil as 'guaçatonga', has been used as antitumor, antiseptic, antiulcer, local anaesthetic and healer in folk medicine. Snakebite envenomation by Bothrops jararacussu (Bjssu) constitutes a relevant public health hazard capable of inducing serious local damage in victims. This study examined the pharmacological action of apolar and polar C. sylvestris leaf extracts in reverting the neuromuscular blockade and myonecrosis, which is induced by Bjssu venom and its major toxin bothropstoxin-I on the mouse phrenic nerve-diaphragm preparations. The polar methanol extract (ME) was by far the most efficacious. ME not only prevented myonecrosis and abolished the blockade, but also increased ACh release. Such facilitation in neuromuscular transmission was observed with ME alone, but was accentuated in preparations incubated with ME plus venom or toxin. This established synergy opens an interesting point of investigation because the venom or toxin in contact with ME changes from a blocking to a facilitating effect. It is suggested that rutin, known to have potent antioxidant properties, and one of the components present in the ME, could have a role in the observed effects. Since commercial rutin did not reproduce the ME effects, it is likely that a rutin-containing phytocomplex is neutralizing the bothropic envenoming effects.

The effect of Cecropia glazioui SNETHLAGE on the physical and neurobehavioral development of rats.

This study aimed to determine the LD50, toxic effects on organogenesis/fetal-development, physical aspects, and developmental/neurobehavioral reflexes of litters previously exposed to Cecropia glazioui SNETHL (Cg) extract during the entire gestational period. Swiss mice were submitted to doses of 0.5, 1.0, 2.5 and 5.0 g/Kg/p.o. Female rats received 1.0 g/Kg/day of Cg extract (G1, n = 10) or 1.0 mL/Kg/day of deionized water (G2, n = 10) during pregnancy. The number of successful gestations, pregnant females weight and born/dead-born offsprings were evaluated. Physical development (offspring weight; fluff and hair appearing; ear unsticking and opening; incisor teeth eruption; eyes opening; testis descent; vagina opening; rearing frequency; uprightness latency and negative geotaxis) and the sleeping time (30 mg/Kg/i.p. sodium pentobarbital assay) were also observed. Open field assay evaluated the developmental/neurobehavioral reflexes of pups. LD50 was higher than 5.0 g/Kg. The extract did not affect the gestation number, born/dead-born offspring number and the female weight during pregnancy. The weight and the physical development of both genders pups were not affected (p > 0.05), but the uprightness latency and the negative geotaxis reflexes were enhanced and the rearing frequency decreased (p < 0.05). Ambulation, cleaning activity, sleeping time, and immobility were not affected (p > 0.05). We concluded that Cg extract showed low toxicity to pregnant rats and their litters.

Synthesis of tubular nanostructures from wheat bran albumins during proteolysis with V8 protease in the presence of calcium ions.

There are very few reports on the self-assembly of peptides derived from proteins of agro industrial byproducts origin. Although it has been claimed that purity is a determining factor in peptide self-assembly, whether proteins extracted using water along with other components also form self-assembled structures is not known. The results of this work prove that albumins from wheat bran, a byproduct obtained from the milling industry, can form tubular nanostructures during their hydrolysis with the V8 protease in the presence of Ca(2+). Electron microscopy of the hydrolysate revealed that under specific conditions, long filaments are formed, which are nanotubes of several microns in length, with inner and outer diameters of 100 and 200 nm, respectively. The infrared analysis of the hydrolysate identified (-)OOC-Ca(2+) interactions and changes in beta sheet content in response to variations in protein/V8/Ca(2+) molar ratios. A model that explains the probable mechanism of the observed self-assembly is discussed.

Association between drinking water disinfection and somatic parameters at birth.

We conducted an epidemiological study in Liguria, Italy, on the association between somatic parameters at birth and drinking water disinfection with chlorine dioxide and/or sodium hypochlorite. Over 2 years (1988-1989), 676 births at two public hospitals, one in Genoa (548 cases) and another in Chiavari (128 cases) were examined and data regarding both mother and child were obtained from hospital records. Results indicate a higher frequency of small body length (< or = 49.5 cm) and small cranial circumference (< or = 35 cm) in infants born to mothers who drank water treated with chlorine compounds. In particular, the statistical analysis (by simultaneous variance analysis and Scheffé test) indicated that there may be an association between infants with smaller body length and mothers who drank water treated with chlorine dioxide [adjusted odds radio (OR) = 2.0; 95% CI = 1.2-3.3] or sodium hypoclorite (adjusted OR = 2.3; 95% CI = 1.3-4.2) and between infants with smaller cranial circumference and mothers who drank water treated with chlorine dioxide (adjusted OR = 2.2; 95% CI = 1.4-3.9) or sodium hypochlorite (adjusted OR = 3.5; 95% CI = 2.1-8.5). The presence of neonatal jaundice is almost twice as likely (adjusted OR = 1.7; 95% CI = 1.1-3.1) in infants whose mothers drank water treated with chlorine dioxide.

Neutralizing capacity of antisera raised in horses and rabbits against Crotalus durissus terrificus (South American rattlesnake) venom and its main toxin, crotoxin.

Crotalus durissus terrificus (South American rattlesnake) venom possesses myotoxic and neurotoxic activities, both of which are also expressed by crotoxin, the principal toxin of this venom. We have investigated the ability of commercial equine antivenom and antivenoms raised in rabbits against C. d. terrificus venom and crotoxin to neutralize the physiological and morphological changes induced by this venom and crotoxin in electrically-stimulated phrenic nerve-diaphragm (PND) and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) preparations of mice. The time required to produce 50% neuromuscular blockade in the PND and EDL preparations was, respectively, 103+/-9 and 59+/-6 min for C. d. terrificus venom (10 microg/ml) and 75+/-9 and 110+/-7 min for crotoxin (10 microg/ml). The antivenoms dose-dependently inhibited this neuromuscular activity of the venom and crotoxin. At a venom:antivenom ratio of 1:3, the rabbit antivenoms were as effective as the commercial equine antivenom. The creatine kinase (CK) concentrations in the organ bath containing EDL muscle were 290 and 1020 U/l following a 120 min exposure to C. d. terrificus venom and crotoxin, respectively. All of the antivenoms neutralized the release of CK by crotoxin, but were ineffective against C. d. terrificus venom. Histological analysis of the two preparations showed that rabbit anticrotoxin antivenom protected against the myotoxic action of C. d. terrificus venom and crotoxin better than the other antivenoms. We conclude that antisera raised in rabbits are better than equine antiserum in neutralizing the neurotoxic and myotoxic activities of C. d. terrificus venom and crotoxin.

Neutralization of the pharmacological effects of bothropstoxin-I from Bothrops jararacussu (jararacuçu) venom by crotoxin antiserum and heparin.

Bothropstoxin-I (BthTX-I), the principal myotoxin of Bothrops jararacussu venom, is devoid of phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) activity but capable of blocking neuromuscular transmission in mouse nerve-muscle preparations. In this study, the ability of crotoxin antiserum and heparin in preventing the neurotoxic and myotoxic effects of BthTX-I was investigated. Phrenic nerve-diaphragm preparations (PND) stimulated indirectly with supramaximal stimuli (0.2 ms, 0.1 Hz) were incubated with BthTX-I (20 microg/ml) alone or with BthTX-I preincubated with antiserum or heparin for 30 min at 37 degrees C prior to testing. Control preparations were incubated with Tyrode solution, antiserum or heparin alone. BthTX-I (20 microg/ml) produced 50% neuromuscular blockade in the PND preparations in 31+/-4min, with complete blockade occurring in 120 min. The antiserum and heparin significantly prevented the neuromuscular blockade caused by BthTX-I (84 +/- 4% and 100% protection, respectively). Light microscopy examination of the muscles at the end of the 120 min incubation showed that BthTX-I damaged 48 +/- 6% of the fibers. Preincubating the toxin with antivenom significantly reduced the extent of this damage (only 15 +/- 4% of fibers affected, corresponding to 69% protection, P<0.01) whereas heparin offered no protection (34 +/- 7% of fibers affected, not significantly different from that seen with toxin alone). These results show that the antivenom was more effective in neutralizing the myotoxic effects of BthTX-I than was heparin.

[Possible correlations between urinary cadmium and fetal growth retardation in pregnant women who smoke]. / Possibili correlazioni tra cadmio urinario e ritardato accrescimento fetale in gestanti fumatrici.

The results of a study on Ligurian women at the third day of puerperium are presented. The data obtained from the analysis of urinary cadmium levels in puerperae are related to their smoking habits and to the newborn weight. We found that women who smoked during pregnancy run the risk of giving birth to small-weight children one-and-a-half times higher than women who didn't smoke; moreover, cadmium levels in the urine of the women who smoked are higher too. The cadmium levels in urine on average are higher in women who gave birth to small-weight children, independently of smoke habits. We didn't find a significant relationship between cadmium levels in urine and newborn weight.

[Hygiene problems associated with characteristics of the sludge from purification plants in Liguria]. / Problemi igienici associati alle caratteristiche dei fanghi provenienti dagli impianti di depurazione in Liguria.

Sludge samples from five municipal sewage treatment plants in Liguria (Italy) were examined periodically during a whole year. Four of them are located in Genova and receive the sewage corresponding respectively to 20,000-53,000-125,000 and 285,000 equivalent inhabitants. The last one is in Chiavari and receives the sewage corresponding to 40,000 equivalent inhabitants. All plants included a preliminary screening treatment, primary sedimentation and a secondary activated sludge process. Sludge was thickened by centrifuge. The bacteriological and chemical characteristics of the sludge after centrifuging (detection and estimation of total and fecal coliforms, fecal streptococci and enumeration and isolation of Salmonella, pH, moisture, total and volatile residue, nitrogen, phosphorus, heavy metals) were measured in order to establish the possibility of land disposal. Dry solids contained on average 34 g/kg total nitrogen and 1,4 g/kg phosphorus. Among heavy metals copper and zinc reached high levels: 544 and 1587 mg/kg of dry solids. Other metals were present at lower concentrations (As 6, Cd 2, Cr 70, Hg 2, Ni 53, pb 416 mg/kg). Comparing these results with those of a research carried out contemporarily in another region (Emilia Romagna) it was observed that in Ligury there is a higher content of copper and bacteria (with an average of 69 Salmonella in 1 g of dry solids). The results showed that sludge produced in the five treatment plants in Ligury (Italy) was apt to be used as fertilizer in soil, but that care has to be taken for what concerns microbial contamination. For what regards the differences among the five sewage treatment plants under observation some heavy metals (arsenic and chromium) reached very high average levels (10-14 mg/kg of arsenic and 70-118 mg/kg of chromium) in the sludge of two of them, which treat the sewage from highly industrialized areas. On the contrary lead and cadmium were present at the same levels in all plants (416 mg/kg of lead and 2 mg/kg of cadmium) with the exception of one (Ge-Quinto) where cadmium was practically absent (0,2 mg/kg). The overall average concentrations of heavy metals resulted definitively lower than maximum concentration proposed by CEE (1986) and by some italian region as Lombardia. Some differences among plants for what regards microbiological parameters were noted only for total coliforms.

Perfiles de personalidad de estudiantes de psicología de universidad privada comparados em similitud y congruencia / Personality profiles of psychology students from a privateuniversity compared by similarity and congruence

En continuidad con los estudios del área de Perfiles de la Cátedra de Psicología Experimental I y II, se llevó a cabo un análisis comparativo de Perfiles de Personalidad en estudiantes de psicología. La muestra fue intencional y autoseleccionada, quedó conformada por 153 estudiantes de Psicología. Se ha utilizado un diseño Descriptivo y Comparado. El instrumento utilizado fue el Inventario Multifásico de la Personalidad Minnesota-2 (MMPI-2). Los resultados reportan que existe un patrón de personalidad con similitudes muy acentuadas en los estudiantes de la carrera de psicología, independiente del curso al que pertenecen, y en comparación a los perfiles de años anteriores (n = 152, muestra 2001: n=168, muestra 2007: y n= 101 muestra 2008).

In continuity with the studies of the area of Profiles of the Professorship of Experimental Psychology I and II, a comparative analysis of Profiles of Personality in students of psychology was carried out. The sample was intentional and autoseleccionada, remained conformed by 153 (166) students of Psychology. A Descriptive design has been utilized and Compared. The instrument utilized was the Polyphase Inventory of the Personality Minnesota-2 (MMPI-2). The results report that a boss of personality with similarities exists very accentuated in the students of the career of psychology, independent of the course to which they belong, and in comparison to the profiles of previous years (n = 152 sample 2001; n = 168, sample 2007 and n = 101 sample 2008).

Mutagenicity induced by the hydroalcoholic extract of the medicinal plant Plathymenia reticulata Benth

Plathymenia reticulata Benth has an anti-inflammatory effect and is capable of neutralizing the neuromuscular blockade induced by Bothrops jararacussu or Crotalus durissus terrificus venoms, probably by precipitating venom proteins (an effect caused by plant tannins). The present study aimed to evaluate the mutagenic activity of P. reticulata by using the Salmonella mutagenicity assay (Ames test) and the micronucleus test in CHO-K1 cells. P. reticulata extract concentrations of 2.84, 5.68, 11.37, and 19.90 mg/plate were assayed by the Ames test using TA97a, TA98, TA100 and TA102 bacterial strains, with (+S9) and without (-S9) metabolic activation. Concentrations of 5, 1.6 and 0.5 ìg/mL of P. reticulata extract were used for the micronucleus test. P. reticulata extract was mutagenic to TA98 (-S9) and showed signs of mutagenic activity in TA97a and TA102 (both -S9) strains. Micronucleus test CBPI values showed that the endogenous metabolic system increased the number of viable cells when compared to the non-activated samples and the micronucleus frequency increased when the cells were treated in the absence of S9. We concluded that P. reticulata extract may present direct mutagenic properties.

Heparin and commercial bothropic antivenom against the paralyzing effect of Bothrops jararacussu snake venom

The crude venom of Bothrops jararacussu (Bjssu) is known to induce muscular paralysis in vitro. Many studies have shown that various substances, including heparin, neutralize the damage caused by snake venom. In the present study, the ability of heparin (Hep) and commercial bothropic antivenom (CBA) to neutralize neuromuscular effects of Bjssu venom, at different time-points, was analyzed. Mouse phrenic nerve-diaphragm preparation was used through a conventional myographic technique, following five different protocols: Group 1 was incubated with Bjssu (40 µg/mL) without any other treatment; Groups 2 and 3 were pretreated with heparin (1 µL/mL) and CBA (120 µL/mL), respectively, for 15 minutes before venom addition; Group 4 after 50 percent neuromuscular blockade induced by Bjssu crude venom received 1 µL/mL of heparin while Group 5 received a mixture of Hep:CBA:Bjssu. Control preparations (Tyrode) were treated with Hep and CBA (mean ± SEM; n = 3-6). After 120 minutes of venom incubation, Group 1 preparations presented twitch-tension of 12 ± 2 percent. However, in Groups 2 and 3, the neutralizations were 92 ± 1.9 percent and 81 ± 6 percent, respectively. The heparin addition, after 50 percent neuromuscular blockade by Bjssu, produced 40 ± 6 percent muscular response after 120 minutes of incubation. Hep:CBA:Bjssu mixture displayed a protective effect of 84 ± 10 percent against venom action. In conclusion, heparin and commercial bothropic antivenom efficiently neutralized the neurotoxic effects caused by B. jararacussu crude venom, even at different incubation time-points.

Bothrops jararacussu venom-induced neuromuscular blockade inhibited by Casearia gossypiosperma Briquet hydroalcoholic extract

The hydroalcoholic extract of Casearia gossypiosperma Briquet (Flacourtiaceae) was standardized for the first time through quality control procedures including pharmacognostic methods, fingerprint chromatograms, defined amounts of marker substances and physicochemical characteristics. The pharmacological activity of C. gossypiosperma (Cg) hydroalcoholic extract was assayed by a traditional in vitro test, which involved irreversible neuromuscular blockade induced by Bothrops jararacussu (Bjssu) venom (60 ìg/mL) in mouse phrenic nerve-diaphragm preparations. Bjssu venom blocked muscle activity for 26 (± 2.0) minutes (n = 6). Cg extract (0.1 mg/mL) induced changes on the baseline muscle activity without impairing the muscle function and inhibited 87.6% (± 1.8) (n = 6) of the Bjssu venom-induced blockade. Both flavonoids (0.624 g%) and polyphenols (4.63 g%) from the extract were spectrophotometrically quantified. Therefore, the present study confirms the antibothropic activity of Cg extract, supporting the ethnomedical use of Casearia sp. in the treatment of snakebite victims.

Bothrops jararacussu venom-induced neuromuscular blockade inhibited by Casearia gossypiosperma briquet hydroalcoholic extract

The hydroalcoholic extract of Casearia gossypiosperma Briquet (Flacourtiaceae) was standardized for the first time through quality control procedures including pharmacognostic methods, fingerprint chromatograms, defined amounts of marker substances and physicochemical characteristics. The pharmacological activity of C. gossypiosperma (Cg) hydroalcoholic extract was assayed by a traditional in vitro test, which involved irreversible neuromuscular blockade induced by Bothrops jararacussu (Bjssu) venom (60 µg/mL) in mouse phrenic nerve-diaphragm preparations. Bjssu venom blocked muscle activity for 26 (± 2.0) minutes (n = 6). Cg extract (0.1 mg/mL) induced changes on the baseline muscle activity without impairing the muscle function and inhibited 87.6 percent (± 1.8) (n = 6) of the Bjssu venom-induced blockade. Both flavonoids (0.624 g percent) and polyphenols (4.63 g percent) from the extract were spectrophotometrically quantified. Therefore, the present study confirms the antibothropic activity of Cg extract, supporting the ethnomedical use of Casearia sp. in the treatment of snakebite victims.