γ-Terpinene complexed with ß-cyclodextrin attenuates spinal neuroactivity in animals with cancer pain by Ca2+ channel block.

OBJECTIVES: Considering that γ-terpinene (γ-TPN) is a monoterpene found in Cannabis oil, with high lipophilicity and limited pharmacokinetics, our objective was to evaluate whether its complexation in ß-cyclodextrin (γ-TPN/ß-CD) could improve its physicochemical properties and action on cancer pain, as well as verify the mechanisms of action involved. METHODS: The γ-TPN/ß-CD was prepared and submitted to physicochemical characterization. Animals with sarcoma 180 were treated (vehicle, γ-TPN 50 mg/kg, γ-TPN/ß-CD 5 mg/kg or morphine) and assessed for hyperalgesia, TNF-α and IL-1ß levels, iNOS and c-Fos activity. The effects of γ-TPN on calcium channels were studied by patch-clamp and molecular docking. RESULTS: ß-CD improved the physicochemical properties and prolonged the anti-hyperalgesic effect of γ-TPN. This compound also reduced the levels of IL-1ß, TNF-α and iNOS in the tumour, and c-Fos protein in the spinal cord. In addition, it reduced Ca2+ current, presenting favourable chemical interactions with different voltage-dependent calcium channels. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that the complexation of γ-TPN into ß-CD increases its stability and time effect, reducing spinal neuroactivity and inflammation by blocking calcium channels.

Effects of whole-body electromyostimulation on health indicators of older people: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials.

OBJECTIVE: to provide evidence for the effects of whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) on health-related outcomes compared to the effects of minimal or non-intervention for older people in the short/medium/long term. DATA SOURCES: seven databases (MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, CINAHL, Scopus, SPORTDiscuss and Web of Science) were electronically searched in April 2020 and updated in March 2021. STUDY SELECTION: included studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving WB-EMS that assessed effects on health-related outcomes, risks and adverse events in older people (>60 years). DATA EXTRACTION: the following data were obtained: author and publication year, follow-up, detailed information of older characteristics, current parameters/intensity and outcomes. DATA SYNTHESIS: a random effects model was used with effect size reported as SMD. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 test. RESULTS: 13 RCTs met the eligibility criteria. Meta-analysis found: large effects of WB-EMS on reducing sarcopenia Z-score (ES: 1.44[-2.02: 0.87] p= <.01) and improving isometric strength leg extensors (ES: 0.81[0.41: 1.21] p= <.01) at medium and long-term, respectively. Moderate effects of WB-EMS on improving handgrip strength (ES: 0.58[0.23: 0.92] p= <.01) and habitual gait speed (ES: 0.69[0.31: 1.07] p= <.01) at medium-term and improving appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ES:0.69 [0.30: 1.09] p= <.01) at long-term. Non-significant effect of WB-EMS on waist circumference (p = .17) and triglycerides (p = .20) at medium-term. Non-significant effects of WB-EMS on improving creatine kinase concentrations, C-reactive protein, and interleukin 6 at medium-term. CONCLUSIONS: This review provides further evidence for significant, moderate to large effect sizes of WB-EMS on sarcopenia, muscle mass and strength parameters, but not on waist circumference and triglycerides. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO database no. CRD42019134100.

Risk factors for non-specific low back pain in older people: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To conduct a systematic review about risk factors associated with non-specific low back pain (LBP) in older people. METHODS: The study protocol was prospectively registered with Prospero (CRD42020191619). This systematic review with meta-analysis included cohort studies that investigated risk factors for LBP in older people. The following databases were searched up to 12 December 2020: MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase, CINAHL, SCOPUS and Web of Science. Two independent reviewers appraised methodological quality using the Critical Appraisal Checklist for Cohort Studies instrument. RESULTS: We identified 3939 potentially relevant publications. After removing duplicates, screening title, and abstracts, we assessed 86 publications in full text. We included the remaining 11 publications for analysis. There is strong evidence that depressive symptoms are a risk of reporting future back pain onset (I2 = 52,7%, Odds ratio 1.4, CI 1.28-1.53). CONCLUSION: Depressive symptoms are a risk factor for LBP in older people. Due to the limitations of the literature, the role of some risk factors remains unclear. An additional high-quality prospective cohort is needed to better elucidate these relationships.

Redox-Active Drug, MnTE-2-PyP5+, Prevents and Treats Cardiac Arrhythmias Preserving Heart Contractile Function.

BACKGROUND: Cardiomyopathies remain among the leading causes of death worldwide, despite all efforts and important advances in the development of cardiovascular therapeutics, demonstrating the need for new solutions. Herein, we describe the effects of the redox-active therapeutic Mn(III) meso-tetrakis(N-ethylpyridinium-2-yl)porphyrin, AEOL10113, BMX-010 (MnTE-2-PyP5+), on rat heart as an entry to new strategies to circumvent cardiomyopathies. METHODS: Wistar rats weighing 250-300 g were used in both in vitro and in vivo experiments, to analyze intracellular Ca2+ dynamics, L-type Ca2+ currents, Ca2+ spark frequency, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and cardiomyocyte and cardiac contractility, in control and MnTE-2-PyP5+-treated cells, hearts, or animals. Cells and hearts were treated with 20 µM MnTE-2-PyP5+ and animals with 1 mg/kg, i.p. daily. Additionally, we performed electrocardiographic and echocardiographic analysis. RESULTS: Using isolated rat cardiomyocytes, we observed that MnTE-2-PyP5+ reduced intracellular Ca2+ transient amplitude, without altering cell contractility. Whereas MnTE-2-PyP5+ did not alter basal ROS levels, it was efficient in modulating cardiomyocyte redox state under stress conditions; MnTE-2-PyP5+ reduced Ca2+ spark frequency and increased sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ load. Accordingly, analysis of isolated perfused rat hearts showed that MnTE-2-PyP5+ preserves cardiac function, increases SR Ca2+ load, and reduces arrhythmia index, indicating an antiarrhythmic effect. In vivo experiments showed that MnTE-2-PyP5+ treatment increased Ca2+ transient, preserved cardiac ejection fraction, and reduced arrhythmia index and duration. MnTE-2-PyP5+ was effective both to prevent and to treat cardiac arrhythmias. CONCLUSION: MnTE-2-PyP5+ prevents and treats cardiac arrhythmias in rats. In contrast to most antiarrhythmic drugs, MnTE-2-PyP5+ preserves cardiac contractile function, arising, thus, as a prospective therapeutic for improvement of cardiac arrhythmia treatment.

Comparison of Features of a Mobile Application to Report School Violence Through Benchmarking.

BACKGROUND: At a time and educational context favorable to technologies and innovations, we took the initiative to mobile phone applications (apps) relevant to school violence in an effort to be responsive to a growing public health problem in multiple countries. METHODS: In this study, we compared and verified the features of 10 apps for reporting violence in schools. We used a benchmarking tool for integrative review of these mobile apps. RESULTS: There were 13 apps on the Google Play platform, 11 apps in the App Store, and 5 apps on both platforms, totaling 19 apps. We selected 10 apps for comparative analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Through benchmarking, we determined the relevant features of the apps with recommendations for improving app development in the future.

Involvement of the PKA pathway and inhibition of voltage gated Ca2+ channels in antihyperalgesic activity of Lippia grata/ß-cyclodextrin.

Neuropathic pain (NP) is a difficult condition to treat because of the modest efficacy of available drugs. New treatments are required. In the study we aimed to investigate the effects of the essential oil from Lippia grata alone or complexed in ß-cyclodextrin (LG or LG-ßCD) on persistent inflammatory and neuropathic pain in a mouse model. We also investigated Ca2+ currents in rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Male Swiss mice were treated with LG or LG/ß-CD (24 mg/kg, i.g.) and their effect was evaluated using an acute inflammatory pleurisy model and nociception triggered by intraplantar injection of an agonist of the TRPs channels. We also tested their effect in chronic pain models: injection of Freund's Complete Adjuvant and partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSNL). In the pleurisy model, LG reduced the number of leukocytes and the levels of TNF-α and IL-1ß. It also inhibited cinnamaldehyde and menthol-induced nociceptive behavior. The pain threshold in mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia was increased and paw edema was decreased in models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain. PSNL increased inflammatory protein contents and LG and LG-ßCD restored the protein contents of TNF-α, NF-κB, and PKA, but not IL-1ß and IL-10. LG inhibited voltage gated Ca2+ channels from DRG neurons. Our results suggested that LG or LG-ßCD produce anti-hyperalgesic effect in chronic pain models through reductions in TNF-α levels and PKA, and inhibited voltage-gated calcium channels and may be innovative therapeutic agents for the management of NP.

Inteligência artificial e diagnóstico por imagem - o futuro chegou? / Artificial intelligence and diagnostic imaging - has the future come?

Na nova era da Medicina de Precisão, a inteligência artificial (IA) - um conjunto de sistemas e programas que permitem às máquinas serem capazes de executar tarefas que habitual mente exigiriam a participação humana - emerge como ferramenta capaz de criar novas maneiras de analisar as imagens médicas além dos parâmetros morfológicos convencionais. Embora ainda não estejam completamente disponíveis para o uso clínico, essa nova abordagem tem grande potencial de aplicação na prática clínica e de pesquisa médica. A discussão dos conceitos básicos, potenciais aplicações e limitações das novas técnicas de IA no diagnóstico por imagem é importante para a interpretação adequada do potencial efeito que essa tecnologia teria na medicina, contrapondo-se à excessiva ansiedade despertada por abordagens superficiais e apressadas. Este artigo tem por objetivo apresentar uma visão equilibrada e atual sobre o tema, com especial foco no presente e no futuro da imagenologia cardíaca

In the new era of Precision Medicine, artificial intelligence (AI) - a set of systems and programs that enable machines to be able to perform cognitive tasks that would usually require human participation emerges as a tool that can create new ways of analyzing images beyond the conventional morphological parameters. Although not yet ready for clinical use, these tools have a potential effect on clinical and research practice. The discussion of the basic concepts, potential applications and limitations of new AI techniques in imaging diagnosis is important for a balanced interpretation of their results, as opposed to the excessive anxiety recently observed among professionals dealing with the subject. In this brief article, we aim to take a balanced and attentive look on this subject, with special focus on the horizon of modern cardiac imaging

Non-invasive ECG recording and QT interval correction assessment in anesthetized rats and mice / Eletrocardiograma não invasivo e avaliação da correção do intervalo QT em roedores anestesiados

Rats and mice are the most common species used in experimental cardiac electrophysiology studies. Electrocardiogram (ECG) recording shows paramount importance for monitoring arrhythmias and cardiac function in several disease models, including QT syndrome. However, the lack of standardized reference values and QT correction formula for different animal species and lineages represent a challenge for ECG interpretation. The aim of this study is to provide an improved method for ECG recording, establishing reference range values and determine the QT formulas with higher correlation to heart rate (HR). A total of 10 Wistar rats, 10 Swiss mice, 10 C57BL/6 mice and 10 FVB/NJ mice were used in the study. Animals were submitted to anesthesia with isoflurane and ECG recording was performed using a six-channel non-invasive electrocardiograph. QT was corrected using the following formulas: Bazzett, Fridericia, Mitchell, Hodges, Van der Water and Framingham. Normal range values for ECG parameters were established in all animals studied. Pearsons' correlation defined Hodges formula as the most suitable for QT correction. This study demonstrated an improved method of ECG recording with reference values for Swiss, FVB/NJ, C57BL/6 mice, and Wistar rats. Hodges' formula was the most effective formula for QT correction in rodents, whereas Bazett's and Friderica formulas were ineffective for such animals. The present work contributes to arrhythmias investigation in experimental cardiology and may reduce misinterpretations in rodents' ECG.(AU)

Ratos e camundongos são as espécies mais comumente utilizadas em estudos experimentais de eletrofisiologia cardíaca. O registro do eletrocardiograma (ECG) é de suma importância para o monitoramento de arritmias e função cardíaca em vários modelos de patologias. No entanto, a falta de valores de referência padronizados e a fórmula de correção do QT para diferentes espécies e linhagens animais representam um desafio para a interpretação do ECG. O objetivo deste estudo é fornecer um método melhorado para o registro de ECG, estabelecendo valores de referência e determinar as fórmulas QT com maior correlação com a freqüência cardíaca (FC). Um total de 10 ratos Wistar, 10 camundongos Swiss, 10 camundongos C57BL/6 e 10 camundongos FVB/NJ foram utilizados no estudo. Os animais foram submetidos à anestesia com isoflurano e o registro de ECG foi realizado com eletrocardiógrafo não invasivo de seis canais. O QT foi corrigido usando as seguintes fórmulas: Bazzett, Fridericia, Mitchell, Hodges, Van der Water e Framingham. Os valores da normalidade para os parâmetros do ECG foram estabelecidos em todos os animais estudados. A correlação de Pearson definiu a fórmula de Hodges como a mais adequada para a correção do QT. Este estudo demonstra um método melhorado de registro de ECG com valores de referência para camundongos Swiss, FVB/NJ, C57BL/6 e Wistar. A fórmula de Hodges foi a mais eficaz para correção de QT em roedores, enquanto as fórmulas de Bazett e Friderica apresentaram valores mais baixos de correlação. O presente trabalho contribui para a investigação de arritmias em cardiologia experimental e pode reduzir interpretações erradas no ECG de roedores.(AU)

p-Cymene attenuates cancer pain via inhibitory pathways and modulation of calcium currents.

BACKGROUND: Oncological pain is one of the most prevalent and difficult-to-treat symptoms in patients with cancer. p-Cymene (PC) is a monoterpene found in more than 100 different plant species, endowed with various pharmacological properties-particularly antinociceptive. HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE: PC has antinociceptive effect in a model of oncologic pain due to the activation of the descending inhibitory pathway of pain. STUDY DESIGN: A pre-clinical, longitudinal, blind and randomized study. METHODS: Male Swiss mice were induced with S180 cells in the right hind paw, then treated daily with PC (12.5, 25 and 50 mg/kg, s.c.) and screened for mechanical hyperalgesia, spontaneous nociception, nociception induced by non-noxious palpation, tumor growth, changes in the neuromuscular function and existence of bone degradation in the tumor area. The effect of PC on Ca2+ currents (electrophysiological records), histological and neurochemical changes (immunofluorescence for Fos) were also evaluated. RESULTS: PC reduced (p < 0.05) the mechanical hyperalgesia, the spontaneous (p < 0.001) and non-noxious palpation (p < 0.001) nociceptions, not changing the tumor development, neuromuscular function or histopathological aspects of the paw affected. PC reduced Fos expression in the spinal cord (p < 0.001) and increased this expression in the PAG (p < 0.05) and in the NRM (p < 0.01). PC decreased the density of calcium channel currents (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: These results suggest the antinociceptive effect of PC on oncologic pain, probably acting in both ascending and descending pain pathways, and modulating the calcium channel currents in order to exert its effects.

Advances in Photopletysmography Signal Analysis for Biomedical Applications.

Heart Rate Variability (HRV) is an important tool for the analysis of a patient’s physiological conditions, as well a method aiding the diagnosis of cardiopathies. Photoplethysmography (PPG) is an optical technique applied in the monitoring of the HRV and its adoption has been growing significantly, compared to the most commonly used method in medicine, Electrocardiography (ECG). In this survey, definitions of these technique are presented, the different types of sensors used are explained, and the methods for the study and analysis of the PPG signal (linear and nonlinear methods) are described. Moreover, the progress, and the clinical and practical applicability of the PPG technique in the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases are evaluated. In addition, the latest technologies utilized in the development of new tools for medical diagnosis are presented, such as Internet of Things, Internet of Health Things, genetic algorithms, artificial intelligence and biosensors which result in personalized advances in e-health and health care. After the study of these technologies, it can be noted that PPG associated with them is an important tool for the diagnosis of some diseases, due to its simplicity, its cost⁻benefit ratio, the easiness of signals acquisition, and especially because it is a non-invasive technique.

The Peptide PnPP-19, a Spider Toxin Derivative, Activates µ-Opioid Receptors and Modulates Calcium Channels.

The synthetic peptide PnPP-19 comprehends 19 amino acid residues and it represents part of the primary structure of the toxin δ-CNTX-Pn1c (PnTx2-6), isolated from the venom of the spider Phoneutria nigriventer. Behavioural tests suggest that PnPP-19 induces antinociception by activation of CB1, µ and δ opioid receptors. Since the peripheral and central antinociception induced by PnPP-19 involves opioid activation, the aim of this work was to identify whether this synthetic peptide could directly activate opioid receptors and investigate the subtype selectivity for µ-, δ- and/or κ-opioid receptors. Furthermore, we also studied the modulation of calcium influx driven by PnPP-19 in dorsal root ganglion neurons, and analyzed whether this modulation was opioid-mediated. PnPP-19 selectively activates µ-opioid receptors inducing indirectly inhibition of calcium channels and hereby impairing calcium influx in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Interestingly, notwithstanding the activation of opioid receptors, PnPP-19 does not induce ß-arrestin2 recruitment. PnPP-19 is the first spider toxin derivative that, among opioid receptors, selectively activates µ-opioid receptors. The lack of ß-arrestin2 recruitment highlights its potential for the design of new improved opioid agonists.

Negative inotropism of terpenes on guinea pig left atrium: structure-activity relationships.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the pharmacological effect of seven structurally related terpenes on the contractility of cardiac muscle. The effect of terpenes was studied on isolated electrically driven guinea pig left atrium. From concentration-response curves for inotropic effect were determined the EC50 and relative potency of such terpenes. Our results revealed that all terpenes, except phytol, showed ability to reduce the contractile response of guinea pig left atrium. Further, relative potency was directly related to the number of isoprene units and to the lipophilicity of the compounds. For example, sesquiterpenes farnesol and nerolidol showed higher relative potency when compared with the monoterpenes citronellol, geraniol and nerol. We can conclude that most of the evaluated terpenes showed a promising negative inotropism on the atrial muscle. Future studies are necessary to investigate their action mechanism.

Cardioprotective Action of Ginkgo biloba Extract against Sustained ß-Adrenergic Stimulation Occurs via Activation of M2/NO Pathway.

Ginkgo biloba is the most popular phytotherapic agent used worldwide for treatment of several human disorders. However, the mechanisms involved in the protective actions of Ginkgo biloba on cardiovascular diseases remain poorly elucidated. Taking into account recent studies showing beneficial actions of cholinergic signaling in the heart and the cholinergic hypothesis of Ginkgo biloba-mediated neuroprotection, we aimed to investigate whether Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) promotes cardioprotection via activation of cholinergic signaling in a model of isoproterenol-induced cardiac hypertrophy. Here, we show that GBE treatment (100 mg/kg/day for 8 days, v.o.) reestablished the autonomic imbalance and baroreflex dysfunction caused by chronic ß-adrenergic receptor stimulation (ß-AR, 4.5 mg/kg/day for 8 days, i.p.). Moreover, GBE prevented the upregulation of muscarinic receptors (M2) and downregulation of ß1-AR in isoproterenol treated-hearts. Additionally, we demonstrated that GBE prevents the impaired endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity in the heart. GBE also prevented the pathological cardiac remodeling, electrocardiographic changes and impaired left ventricular contractility that are typical of cardiac hypertrophy. To further investigate the mechanisms involved in GBE cardioprotection in vivo, we performed in vitro studies. By using neonatal cardiomyocyte culture we demonstrated that the antihypertrophic action of GBE was fully abolished by muscarinic receptor antagonist or NOS inhibition. Altogether, our data support the notion that antihypertrophic effect of GBE occurs via activation of M2/NO pathway uncovering a new mechanism involved in the cardioprotective action of Ginkgo biloba.

Characterization of the Adsorption of Nucleic Acid Bases onto Ferrihydrite via Fourier Transform Infrared and Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy and X-ray Diffractometry.

Minerals could have played an important role in concentration, protection, and polymerization of biomolecules. Although iron is the fourth most abundant element in Earth's crust, there are few works in the literature that describe the use of iron oxide-hydroxide in prebiotic chemistry experiments. In the present work, the interaction of adenine, thymine, and uracil with ferrihydrite was studied under conditions that resemble those of prebiotic Earth. At acidic pH, anions in artificial seawater decreased the pH at the point of zero charge (pHpzc) of ferrihydrite; and at basic pH, cations increased the pHpzc. The adsorption of nucleic acid bases onto ferrihydrite followed the order adenine >> uracil > thymine. Adenine adsorption peaked at neutral pH; however, for thymine and uracil, adsorption increased with increasing pH. Electrostatic interactions did not appear to play an important role on the adsorption of nucleic acid bases onto ferrihydrite. Adenine adsorption onto ferrihydrite was higher in distilled water compared to artificial seawater. After ferrihydrite was mixed with artificial seawaters or nucleic acid bases, X-ray diffractograms and Fourier transform infrared spectra did not show any change. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy showed that the interaction of adenine with ferrihydrite was not pH-dependent. In contrast, the interactions of thymine and uracil with ferrihydrite were pH-dependent such that, at basic pH, thymine and uracil lay flat on the surface of ferrihydrite, and at acidic pH, thymine and uracil were perpendicular to the surface. Ferrihydrite adsorbed much more adenine than thymine; thus adenine would have been better protected against degradation by hydrolysis or UV radiation on prebiotic Earth.

Motor development evaluated by Test of Infant Motor Performance: comparison between preterm and full-term infants.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the motor development of preterm infants whose gestational age had been corrected to 38-40 weeks with full term newborns using the Test of Infant Motor Performance (TIMP). METHODS: The cross-sectional study compared preterm infants (PT group), with a gestational age at birth of 28-33 weeks, at an equivalent age to full term newborns (FT group), who were assessed up to 48 hours after birth. The assessments were performed between December 2008 and April 2009 in a hospital nationally recognized for premature infant care in the city of Recife, PE, Brazil. The sample consisted of 92 infants, 46 in each group. The test was administered at age 38-40 weeks (or equivalent age in the PT group). RESULTS: In the 46 preterm infants studied, 26.1% were classified as atypical, while in the FT group 100% were classified as typical (p<0.001). Moreover, there was a significant difference in average raw TIMP score between the two groups, with the PT group being lower (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: According to TIMP performance, prematurity seems to be associated with impaired motor development.

Motor development evaluated by Test of Infant Motor Performance: comparison between preterm and full-term infants / Desenvolvimento motor avaliado pelo Test of Infant Motor Performance: comparação entre lactentes pré-termo e a termo

OBJECTIVES: To compare the motor development of preterm infants whose gestational age had been corrected to 38-40 weeks with full term newborns using the Test of Infant Motor Performance (TIMP). METHODS: The cross-sectional study compared preterm infants (PT group), with a gestational age at birth of 28-33 weeks, at an equivalent age to full term newborns (FT group), who were assessed up to 48 hours after birth. The assessments were performed between December 2008 and April 2009 in a hospital nationally recognized for premature infant care in the city of Recife, PE, Brazil. The sample consisted of 92 infants, 46 in each group. The test was administered at age 38-40 weeks (or equivalent age in the PT group). RESULTS: In the 46 preterm infants studied, 26.1 percent were classified as atypical, while in the FT group 100 percent were classified as typical (p<0.001). Moreover, there was a significant difference in average raw TIMP score between the two groups, with the PT group being lower (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: According to TIMP performance, prematurity seems to be associated with impaired motor development.

OBJETIVOS: Comparar, por meio do Test of Infant Motor Performance (TIMP), o desenvolvimento motor de lactentes nascidos pré-termo que estavam com idade gestacional corrigida de 38 a 40 semanas com o de recém-nascidos a termo. MÉTODOS: Estudo de desenho transversal em que se comparou o desempenho motor de lactentes pré-termo (grupo RNPT), com idade gestacional no parto de 28 a 33 semanas, avaliados na idade equivalente ao termo, com o de recém-nascidos a termo (grupo RNT), avaliados em até 48 horas de vida, por meio do TIMP. A coleta dos dados foi realizada no período de dezembro de 2008 a abril de 2009, num hospital de referência para assistência a prematuros na cidade de Recife, PE, Brasil. A amostra foi constituída de 92 lactentes, 46 para cada grupo. O teste foi aplicado na idade de 38 a 40 semanas de idade gestacional (corrigida, no caso dos lactentes nascidos pré-termo). RESULTADOS:Dos 46 lactentes pré-termo avaliados, 26,1 por cento foram classificados como atípicos, enquanto 100 por cento dos recém-nascidos a termo foram classificados como típicos (p<0,001). Além disso, houve diferença significativa na média do escore bruto do teste nos dois grupos, sendo a média do grupo RNPT menor (p<0,001). CONCLUSÕES: A prematuridade parece estar associada a prejuízo no desenvolvimento motor, avaliado pelo TIMP.

Experience with different botulinum toxins for the treatment of refractory neurogenic detrusor overactivity.

PURPOSE: To report our experience with the use of the botulinum toxin-A (BoNT/A) formulations Botox and Prosigne in the treatment of neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO). MATERIALS AND METHODS: At a single institution, 45 consecutive patients with refractory urinary incontinence due to NDO received a single intradetrusor (excluding the trigone) treatment with botulinum toxin type A 200 or 300 units. Botox was used for the first 22 patients, and Prosigne for the subsequent 23 patients. Evaluations at baseline and week 12 included assessment of continence and urodynamics. Safety evaluations included monitoring of vital signs, hematuria during the procedure, hospital stay, and spontaneous adverse event reports. RESULTS: A total of 42 patients were evaluated (74% male; mean age, 34.8 years). Significant improvements from baseline in maximum cystometric capacity (MCC), maximum detrusor pressure during bladder contraction, and compliance were observed in both groups (P < 0.05). Improvement in MCC was significantly greater with Botox versus Prosigne (+103.3% vs. +42.2%; P = 0.019). Continence was achieved by week 12 in 16 Botox recipients (76.2%) and 10 Prosigne recipients (47.6%; P = 0.057). No severe adverse events were observed. Mild adverse events included 2 cases of transient hematuria on the first postoperative day (no specific treatment required), and 3 cases of afebrile urinary tract infection. CONCLUSIONS: Botox and Prosigne produce distinct effects in patients with NDO, with a greater increase in MCC with Botox. Further evaluation will be required to assess differences between these formulations.

Experience with different botulinum toxins for the treatment of refractory neurogenic detrusor overactivity

Purpose: To report our experience with the use of the botulinum toxin-A (BoNT/A) formulations Botox® and Prosigne® in the treatment of neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO). Materials and methods: At a single institution, 45 consecutive patients with refractory urinary incontinence due to NDO received a single intradetrusor (excluding the trigone) treatment with botulinum toxin type A 200 or 300 units. Botox was used for the first 22 patients, and Prosigne for the subsequent 23 patients. Evaluations at baseline and week 12 included assessment of continence and urodynamics. Safety evaluations included monitoring of vital signs, hematuria during the procedure, hospital stay, and spontaneous adverse event reports. Results: A total of 42 patients were evaluated (74 percent male; mean age, 34.8 years). Significant improvements from baseline in maximum cystometric capacity (MCC), maximum detrusor pressure during bladder contraction, and compliance were observed in both groups (P < 0.05). Improvement in MCC was significantly greater with Botox versus Prosigne (+103.3 percent vs. +42.2 percent; P = 0.019). Continence was achieved by week 12 in 16 Botox recipients (76.2 percent) and 10 Prosigne recipients (47.6 percent; P = 0.057). No severe adverse events were observed. Mild adverse events included 2 cases of transient hematuria on the first postoperative day (no specific treatment required), and 3 cases of afebrile urinary tract infection. Conclusions: Botox and Prosigne produce distinct effects in patients with NDO, with a greater increase in MCC with Botox. Further evaluation will be required to assess differences between these formulations.

5-Methyl-2,4-bis-(methyl-sulfan-yl)tricyclo-[6.2.1.0]undeca-4,9-diene-3,6-dione.

The structure analysis of the title compound, C(14)H(16)O(2)S(2), shows the SMe and H atoms of the bond linking the six-membered rings to be syn and also to be syn to the bridgehead -CH(2)- group. Each of the five-membered rings adopts an envelope conformation at the bridgehead -CH(2)- group. The dione-substituted ring adopts a folded conformation about the 1,4-C⋯C vector, with the ketone groups lying to one side. The cyclo-hexene ring adopts a boat conformation.

A regional model (Northeastern Brazil) of induced mal-nutrition delays ontogeny of reflexes and locomotor activity in rats.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of malnutrition, induced by a regional basic diet (RBD), on motor development. RBD is a 7.87%-protein diet based on aliments typical of Northeastern Brazil, elaborated after nutritional investigation by Teodosio et al. (1979). Female rats were treated with RBD during lactation. The reflex ontogenesis and the development of locomotor activity in their offspring were assessed. Malnourished (MN) rats showed a delay in reflex maturation and in locomotor activity evolution. The decreased locomotor activity may be related to the reduced movement experiences induced by the delay in the reflex maturation. Occurring during the critical period of brain development, this fact could jeopardize all the steps in future locomotion evolution. The present results confirm deleterious effects of RDB-induced malnutrition on the somatic development and maturation of the nervous system (NS).