Protective effects of a chemically characterized extract from solanum torvum leaves on acetaminophen-induced liver injury.

Distinct parts of Solanum torvum Swartz. (Solanaceae) are popularly used for a variety of therapeutic purposes. This study determined the phytochemical composition of a phenolic fraction of S. torvum leaf aqueous extract and investigated its antioxidant and liver-protective properties. A phenolic compound-enriched fraction, or phenolic fraction (STLAE-PF) of an infusion (STLAE) of S. torvum leaves, was tested in vitro (antagonism of H2O2 in cytotoxicity and DCF assays with HepG2/C3A cells), and in vivo for antioxidant activity and protective effects against acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver injury in mice. Thirty-eight compounds (flavonoids, esters of hydroxycinnamic acid, and chlorogenic acid isomers) were tentatively identified (high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution electrospray mass spectrometry) in the STLAE-PF fraction. In vitro assays in HepG2/C3A cells showed that STLAE-PF and some flavonoids contained in this phenolic fraction, at noncytotoxic levels, antagonized in a concentration-dependent manner the effects of a powerful oxidant agent (H2O2). In C57BL/6 mice, oral administration of STLAE (600 and 1,200 mg/kg bw) or STLAE-PF (300 mg/kg bw) prevented the rise in serum transaminases (ALT and AST), depletion of reduced glutathione (GSH) and elevation of thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARs) levels in the liver caused by APAP (600 mg/kg bw, i.p.). The hepatoprotective effects of STLAE-PF (300 mg/kg bw) against APAP-caused liver injury were comparable to those of N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC 300 or 600 mg/kg bw i.p.). These findings indicate that a phenolic fraction of S. torvum leaf extract (STLAE-PF) is a new phytotherapeutic agent potentially useful for preventing/treating liver injury caused by APAP overdosing.

Daily Undulating Periodization Is More Effective Than Nonperiodized Training on Maximal Strength, Aerobic Capacity, and TCD4+ Cell Count in People Living With HIV.

ABSTRACT: Soares, VL, Soares, WF, Zanetti, HR, Neves, FF, Silva-Vergara, ML, and Mendes, EL. Daily undulating periodization is more effective than nonperiodized training on maximal strength, aerobic capacity, and TCD4+ cell count in people living with HIV. J Strength Cond Res 36(6): 1738-1748, 2022-The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of daily undulating periodization (DUP) and nonperiodized training (NPT) programs on maximal muscle strength, body composition, aerobic capacity, muscle power, and immune markers in people living with HIV (PLWHIV). A total of 41 PLWHIV were randomly assigned to control (CON [n = 15]), DUP (n = 13), and NPT (n = 13) groups. The DUP and NPT groups performed combined training 3 times a week on nonconsecutive days during 12 weeks, whereas the CON group was asked to maintain their current level of activity. After the 12-week training program, DUP produced greater gains in muscle strength (except for bench press), V̇o2peak, and muscle power than NPT (p < 0.05). Compared to CON, the training groups showed significantly (p < 0.05) increased muscle strength (DUP = 31.0 ± 13.9 kg; NPT = 17.7 ± 9.2 kg; CON = -0.3 ± 1.5 kg), fat-free mass (DUP = 1.9 ± 1.5 kg; NPT = 1.4 ± 1.9 kg; CON = -0.1 ± 1.2 kg), and metabolic equivalent (DUP = 2.3 ± 1.3; NPT = 1.8 ± 1.9), and decreased body fat mass (DUP = -2.1 ± 1.6 kg; NPT = -1.4 ± 1.5 kg; CON = 0.1 ± 0.2) and functional aerobic impairment (DUP = -35.9 ± 17.0%; NPT = -25.8 ± 22.0%; CON = 0.8 ± 3.0%). There was an increase in TCD4+ cells only in the DUP group (p < 0.05). The training effect generally provided a positive correlation between change in leg press strength (r = 0.393, p < 0.05), triceps pulley strength (r = 0.417, p < 0.05), lat pull-down strength (r = 0.459, p < 0.05), and muscle power (r = 0.324, p < 0.05) with changing CD4 + lymphocyte count. Daily undulating periodization protocol showed to be safe, applicable, and more efficient for increasing strength, aerobic capacity, and TCD4+ cells compared to NPT in PLWHIV.

Umbelliferone esters with antibacterial activity produced by lipase-mediated biocatalytic pathway.

OBJECTIVE: The present report describes the enzymatic acylation of umbelliferone with different vinyl esters as acyl donors biocatalyzed by the commercial lipase Novozym® 435, and the investigation for their antibacterial activity against ATCC and clinical strains isolated from hospital infection sites. RESULTS: The umbelliferone esters (1-5) were synthesized through the acylation reaction of 7-hydroxy-2H-chromen-2-one with different long chain vinyl esters catalyzed by the lipase Novozym 435. The reaction conditions were: 10% Novozym 435; tetrahydrofuran:acetone (3:1) for the reactions with acetate, propionate and butyrate vinyl esters 50-90% conversion, and (9:1) for decanoate and laurate vinyl esters 10-15% conversion; acyl donor/umbelliferone molar ratio of 10:1 and 60 °C. All the umbelliferone esters were characterized NMR and (HRMS). The antibacterial activity of the products were tested using the broth microdilution method in order to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The results displayed by 7-laurate and 7-decanoate-umbelliferone esters showed the highest antibacterial potential, with 1 mM inhibitory activity for ATCC 33591, a methicillin and oxacillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus strain. They were also able to inhibit gram-negative bacterial strains, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC 0.5 mM) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (MIC 1 mM). In addition, 7-laurate- and 7-decanoate-umbelliferone esters were able to inhibit all clinical strains (MIC 1 mM; except 7-laurate-umbelliferone in which MIC 0.5 mM against 55a). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study performing the biocatalysis of umbelliferone followed by the purification of the products and the antibacterial evaluation.

Extending compound identification for molecular network using the LipidXplorer database independent method: A proof of concept using glycoalkaloids from Solanum pseudoquina A. St.-Hil.

INTRODUCTION: Molecular networks are now established as the method of choice for tandem mass spectrometry dereplication and similarity-based structure elucidation. Node identification can be used to start the propagation of the structure elucidation of unknown compounds progressively. OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the capabilities of using the LipidXplorer data results along with molecular networking to identify nodes and aid sequential structure elucidation of unknown compounds. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Molecular fragmentation query language (MFQL) files were written to identify glycoalkaloids based on known structures described for Solanum species. A dataset generated from liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) analysis of Solanum pseudoquina sample were submitted to dereplication on both LipidXplorer software and Global Natural Products Social Molecular Network (GNPS) online system. The resulting attribute table from GNPS calculations was merged with the LipidXplorer results and this merged file was used for network visualisation in Cytoscape. Nodes in the molecular network were labelled using the LipidXplorer identifiers, thus assisting the structure elucidation of unidentified compounds. RESULTS: The combination of the LipidXplorer glycoalkaloids list and GNPS analysis was used in Cytoscape to label nodes in the molecular network. The analysis of the network using these labelled starting points triggered the structure elucidation of closely related nodes leading to the identification of 30 compounds using the LipidXplorer output and four purified and structure elucidated compounds, including a new glycoalkaloids identified as 3-O-(ß-d-xylopyranosyl)-(20R,25S)-22,26-epimino-16-acetyl-cholesta-5,22(N)-diene. CONCLUSION: A significant compound identification completely based on molecular formula and fragmentation queries was achieved. This new and effective approach could help researches to expand the identification rate of compounds in dereplication studies using molecular networks.

Production of activated carbon from biodiesel solid residues: An alternative for hazardous metal sorption from aqueous solution.

In this study, the potential for the sorption of Pb(2+) and Cd(2+) from aqueous solutions using HNO3-treated activated carbon (TAC) obtained from radish press cake (Raphanus sativus L.), a solid residue from biodiesel production, was investigated. Activated carbon (AC) was obtained by physical activation with CO2(g). Chemical modification with HNO3 was employed to increase the sorption capability of the AC. The sorption of Pb(2+) and Cd(2+) was studied in monometallic systems in equilibrium with different metal-ion concentrations (10-400 mg L(-1)). The experimental sorption equilibrium data were fit to the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The maximum sorption capacity (qmax) obtained for AC from the Langmuir isotherm was 45.5 mg g(-1) for Cd(2+) and 250 mg g(-1) for Pb(2+). Moreover, TAC presented qmax of 166.7 mg g(-1) (1.48 mmol g(-1)) for Cd(2+) and 500.0 mg g(-1) (2.41 mmol g(-1)) for Pb(2+)showing the effect of chemical modification. Sorption-desorption studies showed that the interaction between metals and TAC is reversible and this sorbent can be reused for several consecutive cycles. Furthermore, the sorption of Cd(2+) and Pb(2+) by TAC was not affected by the presence of competing ions. The experimental data obtained in this study indicated that this solid residue is viable for the production of sorbents that remove metals, such as cadmium and lead, from wastewaters and thereby contribute to the sustainable development of the production of biodiesel.

Identification of blood meal sources of Lutzomyia longipalpis using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of the cytochrome B gene.

An analysis of the dietary content of haematophagous insects can provide important information about the transmission networks of certain zoonoses. The present study evaluated the potential of polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome B (cytb) gene to differentiate between vertebrate species that were identified as possible sources of sandfly meals. The complete cytb gene sequences of 11 vertebrate species available in the National Center for Biotechnology Information database were digested with Aci I, Alu I, Hae III and Rsa I restriction enzymes in silico using Restriction Mapper software. The cytb gene fragment (358 bp) was amplified from tissue samples of vertebrate species and the dietary contents of sandflies and digested with restriction enzymes. Vertebrate species presented a restriction fragment profile that differed from that of other species, with the exception of Canis familiaris and Cerdocyon thous. The 358 bp fragment was identified in 76 sandflies. Of these, 10 were evaluated using the restriction enzymes and the food sources were predicted for four: Homo sapiens (1), Bos taurus (1) and Equus caballus (2). Thus, the PCR-RFLP technique could be a potential method for identifying the food sources of arthropods. However, some points must be clarified regarding the applicability of the method, such as the extent of DNA degradation through intestinal digestion, the potential for multiple sources of blood meals and the need for greater knowledge regarding intraspecific variations in mtDNA.

Task force of the Brazilian Society of Otology - evaluation and management of peripheral facial palsy.

OBJECTIVE: To review key evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of peripheral facial palsy in children and adults. METHODS: Task force members were educated on knowledge synthesis methods, including electronic database search, review and selection of relevant citations, and critical appraisal of selected studies. Articles written in English or Portuguese on peripheral facial palsy were eligible for inclusion. The American College of Physicians' guideline grading system and the American Thyroid Association's guideline criteria were used for critical appraisal of evidence and recommendations for therapeutic interventions. RESULTS: The topics were divided into 2 main parts: (1) Evaluation and diagnosis of facial palsy: electrophysiologic tests, idiopathic facial palsy, Ramsay Hunt syndrome, traumatic peripheral facial palsy, recurrent peripheral facial palsy, facial nerve tumors, and peripheral facial palsy in children; and (2) Rehabilitation procedures: surgical decompression of the facial nerve, facial nerve grafting, surgical treatment of long-term peripheral facial palsy, and non-surgical rehabilitation of the facial nerve. CONCLUSIONS: Peripheral facial palsy is a condition of diverse etiology. Treatment should be individualized according to the cause of facial nerve dysfunction, but the literature presents better evidence-based recommendations for systemic corticosteroid therapy.

Stapedotomy in a residency training program.

INTRODUCTION: The major objective of a stapedotomy is the restoration of hearing. In training centers, the hearing results obtained by resident physicians are lower than those achieved by more experienced surgeons. An analysis of the surgical results obtained by resident physicians is essential to identification of the deficiencies in the learning process. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the postoperative hearing results obtained by otosclerosis patients who underwent stapedotomy performed by surgeons in a residency program. METHODS: The pre- and postoperative audiometric results were evaluated in a retrospective study of 98 otosclerosis patients who underwent stapedotomy from January 2000 to December 2010. RESULTS: The distribution of patients according to the postoperative results was as follows: 68.4% of the patients achieved a postoperative gap of less than or equal to 10 dB, and 91.8% of the patients achieved a postoperative gap of less than or equal to 20 dB. Three (3.1%) patients had profound sensorineural hearing loss after the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: An improvement in surgical outcomes of doctors in training is essential for the continuation of training for stapes surgery during medical residency.

miR-431 secreted by human vestibular schwannomas increases the mammalian inner ear's vulnerability to noise trauma.

Introduction: Vestibular schwannoma (VS) is an intracranial tumor that arises on the vestibular branch of cranial nerve VIII and typically presents with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). The mechanisms of this SNHL are postulated to involve alterations in the inner ear's microenvironment mediated by the genetic cargo of VS-secreted extracellular vesicles (EVs). We aimed to identify the EV cargo associated with poor hearing and determine whether its delivery caused hearing loss and cochlear damage in a mouse model in vivo. Methods: VS tissue was collected from routinely resected tumors of patients with good (VS-GH) or poor (VS-PH) pre-surgical hearing measured via pure-tone average and word recognition scores. Next-generation sequencing was performed on RNA isolated from cultured primary human VS cells and EVs from VS-conditioned media, stratified by patients' hearing ability. microRNA expression levels were compared between VS-PH and VS-GH samples to identify differentially expressed candidates for packaging into a synthetic adeno-associated viral vector (Anc80L65). Viral vectors containing candidate microRNA were infused to the semicircular canals of mice to evaluate the effects on hearing, including after noise exposure. Results: Differentially expressed microRNAs included hsa-miR-431-5p (enriched in VS-PH) and hsa-miR-192-5p (enriched in VS-GH). Newborn mice receiving intracochlear injection of viral vectors over-expressing hsa-miR-431-GFP, hsa-miR-192-GFP, or GFP only (control) had similar hearing 6 weeks post-injection. However, after acoustic trauma, the miR-431 group displayed significantly worse hearing, and greater loss of synaptic ribbons per inner hair cell in the acoustically traumatized cochlear region than the control group. Conclusion: Our results suggest that miR-431 contributes to VS-associated hearing loss following cochlear stress. Further investigation is needed to determine whether miR-431 is a potential therapeutic target for SNHL.

Physical capacity, body composition and immune-inflammatory markers are associated with risk of cardiovascular disease in sedentary people living with HIV.

BACKGROUND: People living with HIV (PLHIV) are experiencing a high level of non-HIV-related disease mainly related to cardiovascular system however the factors associated with this scenario are widely discussed and indefinite so far. The purpose was to investigate the association of physical capacities, body composition, and immune-inflammatory markers with the Framingham risk score (FRS) in PLHIV. METHODS: Volunteers were recruited and data on age, the time of HIV infection diagnosis and the time of HAART use were collected. The volunteers performed upper limb strength (ULS), lower limb strength (LLS) and cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2peak) tests, body composition evaluation, and blood collection to immune-inflammatory marker markers and the FRS was calculated. Partial age- and sex-adjusted correlation was used to verify associations between factors and multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify an independent association of FRS and the variables. RESULTS: 113 PLHIV met the eligible criteria and were observed a negative correlation between CD4+ (r=-0.615), time of HIV infection diagnosis (r=-0.237), time of HAART use (r=-0.239), ULS (r=-0.274), LLS (r=-0.213), and VO2peak (r=-0.207) with FRS. There was a positive correlation between fibrinogen and FRS (r=0.363; P<0.001). The TCD4+ count cells were significantly associated with FRS (P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Environmental and biological HIV-related factors are inversely associated with FRS while immune-inflammation markers have a positive association.

Brazilian Society of Otology task force - Vestibular Schwannoma ‒ evaluation and treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To review the literature on the diagnosis and treatment of vestibular schwannoma. METHODS: Task force members were educated on knowledge synthesis methods, including electronic database search, review and selection of relevant citations, and critical appraisal of selected studies. Articles written in English or Portuguese on vestibular schwannoma were eligible for inclusion. The American College of Physicians' guideline grading system and the American Thyroid Association's guideline criteria were used for critical appraisal of evidence and recommendations for therapeutic interventions. RESULTS: The topics were divided into 2 parts: (1) Diagnosis - audiologic, electrophysiologic tests, and imaging; (2) Treatment - wait and scan protocols, surgery, radiosurgery/radiotherapy, and systemic therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Decision making in VS treatment has become more challenging. MRI can diagnose increasingly smaller tumors, which has disastrous consequences for the patients and their families. It is important to develop an individualized approach for each case, which highly depends on the experience of each surgical team.

Effects of Two Different Exercise Training Programs Periodization on Anthropometric and Functional Parameters in People Living with HIV: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of two different exercise training programs periodization on anthropometric and functional parameters in people living with HIV (PLHIV). This was a randomized clinical trial that involved participants (n = 31) living with HIV aged over 18 years and undergoing antiretroviral therapy which were randomized to periodized exercise training (PET; n = 13), non-periodized exercise training (NPET; n = 13), or control group (CON; n = 15). The PET and NPET groups performed 12 weeks of combined training while the CON group maintained the usual activities. Before and after 12 weeks of intervention were measured body composition and perimeters, muscle strength, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test time. Results: The PET and NPET groups increased fat-free mass (p < 0,001), right (p < 0,001) and left thigh perimeter (p < 0,001), muscle strength (p < 0,001), handgrip force (p < 0,001), and reduced the fat mass (p < 0,001), neck perimeter (p < 0,001), chair stand (p < 0,001), and time-up and go test time (p < 0,001) compared to CON. Furthermore, PET was significantly different to increase right thigh and muscle strength (p < 0,05) compared to NPET. Conclusion: Both exercise training periodization protocols were effective to improve body composition and functional outcomes; however, seems that PET presents better results compare to NPET in PLHIV.

Effects of resistance training on muscle strength, body composition and immune-inflammatory markers in people living with HIV: a systematic review and Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Purpose: The purpose of this review is to evaluate the effect of resistance training (RT) as a unique intervention on muscle strength, body composition, and immune-inflammatory markers in people living with HIV (PLHIV).Methods: The searches were conducted in seven databases and included published randomized clinical trials that assessed the effect of RT vs. no exercise on muscle strength, body composition, and immune-inflammatory markers in PLHIV until June 2021. Random effects meta-analyses of mean differences (MD) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were performed, and the effect size was estimated by Hedges' g test.Results: Seven RCTs were included (n= 258 PLHIV) and the study duration lasted between six and 24 weeks. In comparison to no exercise, RT improved muscle strength in bench press (MD 10.69 kg, 95%IC 3.44 to 17.93, p= 0.004, g =2.42) and squat (MD 22.66 kg, 95%IC 7.82 to 37.50, p= 0.003, g = 3.8) exercises, lean body mass (MD 2.96 kg, 95%CI 0.98 to 4.94, p= 0.003, g = 1.99), fat body mass(MD -2.67 kg; 95%CI -4.95 to -0.39, p= 0.02, g=-0.99), body fat percentage (MD -3.66%, 95%CI -6.04 to -1.29, p= 0.003, g=-1.99) and CD4+ cells count(MD 100.15 cells/mm3, 95%CI 12.21 to 188.08, p = 0.03, g = 2.91) in PLHIV. There was no effect of RT on IL-6 (MD -1.18 pg/mL, 95%CI -3.71 to 1.35, p = 0.36, g = 0.001) and TNF-α (MD -4.76 pg/mL, 95%CI -10.81 to 1.29, p = 0.12, g=-1.3) concentrations in PLHIV. Conclusions: RT as a unique intervention improves muscle strength, body composition and CD4+ count cells in PLHIV.

Viability of microencapsulated Lactobacillus acidophilus by complex coacervation associated with enzymatic crosslinking under application in different fruit juices.

The objective of this study was to produce microcapsules containing Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-02 by complex coacervation followed by crosslinking with transglutaminase and to evaluate the effect of their addition on different fruit juices, as well as the probiotic viability of L. acidophilus and its effect on fruit juices during storage. To this end, L. acidophilus was microencapsulated by complex coacervation, followed by crosslinking with transglutaminase at different concentrations. Probiotics, in their free and microencapsulated forms, were added to orange juice and apple juice at concentrations of 10% and 30%. The obtained microcapsules were characterized in terms of morphology. The viability of probiotics and the effects of their addition on fruit juices were assessed and the juices characterized (with respect to pH and total soluble solids) during 63 days of storage at 4 °C. Orange juice proved to be more suitable for the addition of probiotics, and the survival of probiotics was directly related to pH. The microcapsules had a protective effect on L. acidophilus, prolonging their survival, and the crosslinking process proved to be adequate and promising, ensuring probiotic viability. Thus, the complex coacervation process associated with induced enzymatic crosslinking provided protection for L. acidophilus in different fruit juices, showing an adequate methodology for adding probiotics to this adverse food matrix, guaranteeing the survival of L. acidophilus for up to 63 days, and generating products with innovative and promising probiotic appeal.

Cross-cultural validation of the Work Values Scale EVAT using multi-group confirmatory factor analysis and confirmatory multidimensional scaling.

The Work Values Scale EVAT (based on its initials in Spanish: Escala de Valores hacia el Trabajo) was created in 2000 to measure values in the work context. The instrument operationalizes the four higher-order-values of the Schwartz Theory (1992) through sixteen items focused on work scenarios. The questionnaire has been used among large samples of Mexican and Spanish individuals reporting adequate psychometric properties. The instrument has recently been translated into Portuguese and Italian, and subsequently used in a large-scale study with nurses in Portugal and in a sample of various occupations in Italy. The purpose of this research was to demonstrate the cross-cultural validity of the Work Values Scale EVAT in Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian. Our results suggest that the original Spanish version of the EVAT scale and the new Portuguese and Italian versions are equivalent.

Very late hepatic arterial thrombosis manifesting as central biliary necrosis: A rare presentation.

Hepatic artery thrombosis should always be considered on a liver graft recipient with mild and nonspecific symptoms, even after a decade of the transplantation.

Cytokine Levels in Inner Ear Fluid of Young and Aged Mice as Molecular Biomarkers of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss.

Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is the most common sensory deficit worldwide, frequently caused by noise trauma and aging, with inflammation being implicated in both pathologies. Here, we provide the first direct measurements of proinflammatory cytokines in inner ear fluid, perilymph, of adolescent and 2-year-old mice. The perilymph of adolescent mice exposed to the noise intensity resulting in permanent auditory threshold elevations had significantly increased levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and CXCL1 6 h after exposure, with CXCL1 levels being most elevated (19.3 ± 6.2 fold). We next provide the first immunohistochemical localization of CXCL1 in specific cochlear supporting cells, and its presumed receptor, Duffy antigen receptor for chemokines (DARC), in hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of molecular diagnostics of SNHL using only 0.5 µL of perilymph, and motivate future sub-µL based diagnostics of human SNHL based on liquid biopsy of the inner ear to guide therapy, promote hearing protection, and monitor response to treatment.

Chemical profile, liver protective effects and analgesic properties of a Solanum paniculatum leaf extract.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Solanum paniculatum L. (Solanaceae) is a plant native to South America where it is used in traditional medicine for different therapeutic indications. This study evaluated the chemical composition and the hepatoprotective and analgesic activities of S. paniculatum leaf extracts. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The chemical profile of an ethyl acetate partition (SPOE) of a S. paniculatum leaf infusion (SPAE) was analysed by high performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution electrospray mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESIMS). Liver protective effects of SPAE (600 and 1200 mg/kg bw, po), or SPOE (300 mg/kg bw, po) were evaluated in a C57BL/6 mouse model of acetaminophen (AP, 600 mg/kg bw, ip) hepatotoxicity by measuring alanine (ALT) and aspartate (AST) aminotransferase activity in the serum, and reduced glutathione (GSH), and thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARs) levels in the hepatic tissue. RESULTS: HPLC-ESIMS analysis of the SPOE fraction tentatively identified 35 flavonoids, esters of hydroxycinnamic acid and isomers of chlorogenic acid. SPAE (600 and 1200 mg/kg bw) and SPOE (300 mg/kg bw) antagonized the rise in ALT and AST, and the depletion of GSH, and elevation of TBARs levels in the liver caused by AP. The liver protective effects of SPOE (300 mg/kg bw) against AP-induced liver toxicity mimicked those of N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC 300 or 600 mg/kg bw ip). The mouse writhing assay showed that SPOE (300 mg/kg bw po) has anti-nociceptive effects comparable to those of AP (180 mg/kg bw po). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that an extract of S. paniculatum leaves (SPOE), rich in phenolic compounds, is a promising herbal drug to prevent and treat AP poisoning and presents analgesic properties as well.

Brazilian Society of Otology task force - Vestibular Schwannoma - evaluation and treatment

Abstract Objective: To review the literature on the diagnosis and treatment of vestibular schwannoma. Methods: Task force members were educated on knowledge synthesis methods, including electronic database search, review and selection of relevant citations, and critical appraisal of selected studies. Articles written in English or Portuguese on vestibular schwannoma were eligible for inclusion. The American College of Physicians' guideline grading system and the American Thyroid Association's guideline criteria were used for critical appraisal of evidence and recommendations for therapeutic interventions. Results: The topics were divided into 2 parts: (1) Diagnosis - audiologic, electrophysiologic tests, and imaging; (2) Treatment - wait and scan protocols, surgery, radiosurgery/radiotherapy, and systemic therapy. Conclusions: Decision making in VS treatment has become more challenging. MRI can diagnose increasingly smaller tumors, which has disastrous consequences for the patients and their families. It is important to develop an individualized approach for each case, which highly depends on the experience of each surgical team.

Knowledge of stroke among a Brazilian urban population.

Knowledge of the population in regards to stroke has clinical and epidemiological importance. Prompt identification of the symptoms means efficient medical attendance within the window of therapeutic opportunities reducing significantly the morbidity-mortality. Our aim was to evaluate the level of knowledge of the population of Teresina (PI) concerning factors of risk, symptoms and treatment of stroke. The door-to-door study was carried out by means of a standardized application of questionnaire on risk factors, symptoms and attitude when faced with a stroke victim. 991 forms were selected. Factors of risk more cited were hypertension identified by 416 [42.0%] and hyperlipidemia 284 [28.7%]. The most remembered symptoms were headache 277 [28.0%] and hemiplegia 219 [22.1%]. 375 (37.8%) respondents were unable to identify any risk factors and and 410 (41.4%) any symptom. The lack of knowledge of the population of Teresina in relation to stroke reflects the need for intervention through public and professional educational campaigns.