A recombinant chimeric protein composed of human and mice-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell epitopes protects against visceral leishmaniasis.

In this study, a recombinant chimeric protein (RCP), which was composed of specific CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell epitopes to murine and human haplotypes, was evaluated as an immunogen against Leishmania infantum infection in a murine model. BALB/c mice received saline were immunized with saponin or with RCP with or without an adjuvant. The results showed that RCP/saponin-vaccinated mice presented significantly higher levels of antileishmanial IFN-γ, IL-12 and GM-CSF before and after challenge, which were associated with the reduction of IL-4 and IL-10 mediated responses. These animals showed significant reductions in the parasite burden in all evaluated organs, when both limiting dilution and quantitative real-time PCR techniques were used. In addition, the protected animals presented higher levels of parasite-specific nitrite, as well as the presence of anti-Leishmania IgG2a isotype antibodies. In conclusion, the RCP/saponin vaccine could be considered as a prophylactic alternative to prevent against VL.

Chemokine Patterns in Children with Acute Bacterial Infections.

Chemokines are chemotactic cytokines that are mainly involved in the migratory patterns of immune cells. Few studies have evaluated the levels of chemokines in children with acute bacterial infections. The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum levels of chemokines MCP-1, RANTES, MIG and IP-10 in children with sepsis, community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and skin abscess. Serum levels of MCP-1, RANTES, MIG and IP-10 were measured in 37 children with sepsis, 27 children with CAP, 25 children with skin abscess and 20 controls with no signs of infection. Patients with sepsis, CAP and skin abscess had higher concentrations of RANTES compared to controls (P = 0.0057, P = 0.0004 and P = 0.0108, respectively). IP-10 values were higher in patients with sepsis compared to children with skin abscess (P = 0.0075). However, MCP-1 levels were lower in septic patients compared to controls (P = 0.0136). There was no difference on MIG concentrations between the groups. Our original findings observed that RANTES was consistently elevated in all types of infections suggesting this chemokine may play an important role in the pathogenesis of bacterial infection. Additionally, patients with sepsis had a unique pattern of response with high levels of IP-10 but low levels of MCP-1, which should be further explored as the markers of disease severity.

Cross-protective efficacy from a immunogen firstly identified in Leishmania infantum against tegumentary leishmaniasis.

Experimental vaccine candidates have been evaluated to prevent leishmaniasis, but no commercial vaccine has been proved to be effective against more than one parasite species. LiHyT is a Leishmania-specific protein that was firstly identified as protective against Leishmania infantum. In this study, LiHyT was evaluated as a vaccine to against two Leishmania species causing tegumentary leishmaniasis (TL): Leishmania major and Leishmania braziliensis. BALB/c mice were immunized with rLiHyT plus saponin and lately challenged with promastigotes of the two parasite species. The immune response generated was evaluated before and 10 weeks after infection, as well as the parasite burden at this time after infection. The vaccination induced a Th1 response, which was characterized by the production of IFN-γ, IL-12 and GM-CSF, as well as by high levels of IgG2a antibodies, after in vitro stimulation using both the protein and parasite extracts. After challenge, vaccinated mice showed significant reductions in their infected footpads, as well as in the parasite burden in the tissue and organs evaluated, when compared to the control groups. The anti-Leishmania Th1 response was maintained after infection, being the IFN-γ production based mainly on CD4(+) T cells. We described one conserved Leishmania-specific protein that could compose a pan-Leishmania vaccine.

Prophylactic properties of a Leishmania-specific hypothetical protein in a murine model of visceral leishmaniasis.

In this work, the effect of vaccination of a newly described Leishmania infantum antigenic protein has been studied in BALB/c mice infected with this parasite species. The LiHyD protein was characterized after a proteomic screening performed with the sera from dogs suffering visceral leishmaniasis (VL). Its recombinant version was expressed, purified and administered to BALB/c mice in combination with saponin. As a result of vaccination and 10 weeks after challenge using an infective dose of L. infantum stationary promastigotes, vaccinated mice showed lower parasite burdens in different organs (liver, spleen, bone marrow and footpads' draining lymph nodes) than mice inoculated with the adjuvant alone or the vaccine diluent. Protected mice showed anti-Leishmania IgG2a antibodies and a predominant IL-12-driven IFN-γ production (mainly produced by CD4(+) T cells) against parasite proteins, whereas unprotected controls showed anti-Leishmania IgG1 antibodies and parasite-mediated IL-4 and IL-10 responses. Vaccinated mice showed an anti-LiHyD IgG2a humoral response, and their spleen cells were able to secrete LiHyD-specific IFN-γ, IL-12 and GM-CSF cytokines before and after infection. The protection was correlated with the Leishmania-specific production on nitric oxide. Altogether, the results indicate that the new LiHyD protein could be considered in vaccine formulations against VL.

Action of Coriandrum sativum L. Essential Oil upon Oral Candida albicans Biofilm Formation.

The efficacy of extracts and essential oils from Allium tuberosum, Coriandrum sativum, Cymbopogon martini, Cymbopogon winterianus, and Santolina chamaecyparissus was evaluated against Candida spp. isolates from the oral cavity of patients with periodontal disease. The most active oil was fractionated and tested against C. albicans biofilm formation. The oils were obtained by water-distillation and the extracts were prepared with macerated dried plant material. The Minimal Inhibitory Concentration-MIC was determined by the microdilution method. Chemical characterization of oil constituents was performed using Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). C. sativum activity oil upon cell and biofilm morphology was evaluated by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The best activities against planktonic Candida spp. were observed for the essential oil and the grouped F(8-10) fractions from C. sativum. The crude oil also affected the biofilm formation in C. albicans causing a decrease in the biofilm growth. Chemical analysis of the F(8-10) fractions detected as major active compounds, 2-hexen-1-ol, 3-hexen-1-ol and cyclodecane. Standards of these compounds tested grouped provided a stronger activity than the oil suggesting a synergistic action from the major oil constituents. The activity of C. sativum oil demonstrates its potential for a new natural antifungal formulation.

Correlations between pulse oximetry and peak expiratory flow in acute asthma.

Few studies are available concerning correlations between pulse oximetry and peak expiratory flow in children and adolescents with acute asthma. Although the Global Initiative for Asthma states that measurements of lung function and oximetry are critical for the assessment of patients, it is not clear if both methods should necessarily be included in their evaluation. Since there is a significant difference in cost between pulse oximetry equipment and peak expiratory flow devices, we determined whether clinical findings and peak expiratory flow measurements are sufficient to determine the severity of acute asthma. The present prospective observational study was carried out to determine if there is correlation between pulse oximetry and peak expiratory flow determination in 196 patients with acute asthma aged 4 to 15 years diagnosed according to the Global Initiative for Asthma criteria. Patients experiencing their first or second wheezing episode, with fever, related acute or chronic diseases, and unable to perform the peak expiratory flow maneuver were excluded. Measurements of peak expiratory flow and pulse oximetry were performed at admission and after 15 min of each inhaled salbutamol cycle. Correlations obtained by linear regression using the Pearson correlation coefficients (r) were 0.41 (P < 0.0001), 0.53 (P < 0.0001), 0.51 (P < 0.0001), and 0.61 (P < 0.0001) at admission and after the first, second and third cycles of salbutamol, respectively. These correlations showed that one measure cannot substitute the other (Pearson's coefficient <0.7), probably because they evaluate different aspects in the airways, suggesting that peak expiratory flow should not be used alone in the assessment of acute asthma in children and adolescents.

Chemical composition and antifungal potential of Brazilian propolis against Candida spp.

Propolis is known to have biological properties against numerous microorganisms of clinical interest. This study aimed to determine the chemical composition and antifungal activity of Brazilian propolis (types 3 and 13) against Candida spp. and their effects on the morphology of preformed and mature Candida biofilms. Samples of propolis (3 and 13) collected by Apis mellifera honeybees were obtained from different regions in Brazil. Ethanolic extracts of propolis (EEP) were prepared, fractionated and submitted to chemical analysis by GC/MS. The extracts and their hexane, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate fractions were tested for their ability to inhibit Candida spp. (C. albicans, C. dubliniensis, C. glabrata, C. kruzei, C. tropicalis and C. parapsilosis) by determination of the minimum inhibitory and fungicidal concentrations (MIC/MFC). Additionally, their effects on morphology of preformed and mature biofilms were observed by scanning electron microscopy. The phenolic compounds p-coumaric acid, caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), kaempferol and quercetin were identified in the EEP-3 and its bioactive dichloromethane fraction; and isoflavonoids such as medicarpin, vestitol and formononetin were found in the EEP-13, and triterpenes in its bioactive hexane fraction. The EEP-3 and EEP-13 and their bioactive fractions showed MIC values ranging from 0.2 to 125µg/mL and MFC values between 125 and 500µg/mL. The EEP and fractions were predominantly fungistatic agents. All extracts and fractions disrupted biofilm structures at 500µg/mL and amorphous areas with cell damage were clearly observed in preformed and mature biofilms. Propolis types 3 and 13 have strong anti-Candida activity and should be considered as promising candidates to treat oral and systemic candidiasis.

Fish products developed from ground rainbow trout and tilapia fillet mixtures: physico-chemical, microbiological and toxicological analyses / Produtos de pescado elaborados a partir de misturas de carne moída de truta-arco-íris (Oncorhynchus mykiss) e tilápia (Oreochromis sp. ): análises físico-químicas, microbiológicas e toxicológicas

Constant fishing industry innovations in response to consumer demands for novel, balanced healthy products exhibiting high nutritional value, as well as easy to prepare and ready to consume, have led to the emergence of new technologies. Among them, the development of products based on ground beef and fish mixtures are noteworthy. In this context, the purpose of this study was to develop products from different ground rainbow trout and tilapia fillet ratios, in the form of meatballs and nuggets, determining their proximate composition and physico-chemical, microbiological and toxicological characteristics. The average dry matter percentage of the developed products was 29.20±2.30%, while mineral content was 1.45±0.55%, lipid pulp content, 3.70±0.30% and crude pulp protein, 16.60±2.04%. Total psychotropic counts remained below 102 CFU/g, for standard counting on aerobic microorganism plates. Histamine and sulfur-based compounds were not detected in any of the prepared samples. The purpose of the work proposal was to develop foods and technologies that can serve as standards, allowing for simple handling products that apply ground meat mixtures from different fish species to maintain adequate nutritional indices after processing.(AU)

A constante inovação da indústria pesqueira, em resposta às demandas dos consumidores por novos produtos saudáveis, com alto valor nutritivo, balanceados, de fácil preparo e prontos para consumo, levou ao surgimento de novas tecnologias, entre elas o desenvolvimento de produtos à base de mistura de carne moída de pescado. Nesse contexto, a proposta deste trabalho é desenvolver produtos a partir de carne moída de pescado de truta-arco-íris e tilápia, confeccionando almôndegas e nuggets em diferentes proporções, com determinação da composição centesimal e de suas características físico-químicas, microbiológicas e toxicológicas. A matéria seca percentual média foi de 29,20±2,30%. Teores de matéria mineral nos produtos estão em 1,45±0,55%. Os teores de lipídeos aferidos na polpa foram de 3,70±0,30%, e os níveis de proteína bruta apresentados na polpa de 16,60±2,04%. A contagem de psicrotróficos totais manteve-se abaixo de 102 CFU/g, para contagem padrão em placas de micro-organismos aeróbicos. Nas amostras, não foram detectados níveis de histamina e de compostos à base de enxofre. A proposta de trabalho objetivou, por fim, desenvolver alimentos e tecnologias que possam servir como padrões, permitindo que produtos de manipulação simples e que utilizem misturas de carne moída de diferentes espécies de pescado mantenham índices nutricionais adequados após o processamento.(AU)

Periprandial blood glucose and insulin values during the third trimester of normal pregnancies.

In order to determine the normal periprandial blood glucose values during gravidity, we studied 17 normal pregnant women, near term of gestation, in their homes using test strips and reflectometers . Results show an initial fasting level not higher than 80 mg/dl and not lower than 45 mg/dl. In all cases but one blood glucose levels were lower than 120 mg/dl, irrespective of when the measurements were taken. Insulin determinations permitted us to recognize low and high responders, although no differences could be found between them.

Impact of biventricular and left ventricular pacing on hemodynamics and left ventricular dyssynchrony compared with right ventricular pacing in the early postoperative period following cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to test the hypotheses that in the postoperative period following corrective surgery for congenital heart defects: (i) atrio-right ventricular (RA-RV) pacing decreases cardiac output (CO) compared with right atrial (RA) pacing, (ii) atrio-biventricular (RA-BiV) and left ventricular (RA-LV) pacing improves CO compared with RA-RV pacing. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective observational study. PATIENTS: Children 0-2years of age referred for surgery of congenital heart defects were studied during intrinsic rhythm and atrial, atrio-right ventricular, atrio-left ventricular and atrio-biventricular pacing. CO, extrapolated from mean systolic aortic velocity (MSAV), and left ventricular dyssynchrony were assessed using transthoracic echocardiography. RESULTS: RA-RV pacing induced a significant decrease in CO (MSAV 0.52±0.19m/s to 0.46±0.16m/s, p=0.01) and a significant increase in LV dyssynchrony (8.7±7.9ms to 33±21ms, p=0.001). RA-BiV pacing induced a significant increase in CO (MSAV 0.46±0.16m/s to 0.52±0.18m/s, p=0.01) and a significant decrease in LV dyssynchrony (33±21ms to 7±4ms, p=0.0003) compared with RA-RV pacing. RA-LV pacing induced a significant decrease in LV dyssynchrony (33±21ms to 9±7ms, p=0.0007) without a significant improvement of CO compared with RA-RV pacing. CONCLUSIONS: RA-BiV pacing improves CO compared with RA-RV pacing in the early postoperative period following pediatric cardiac surgery. This improvement is related to a reduction in left ventricular dyssynchrony.

Expression of TERT in precancerous gastric lesions compared to gastric cancer.

The objective of this study was to determine the levels of TERT mRNA and TERT protein expression in stomach precancerous lesions such as intestinal metaplasia (IM) and gastric ulcer (GU) and compare them to gastric cancer (GC). Real-time PCR was performed to detect TERT mRNA expression levels in 35 biopsies of IM, 30 of GU, and 22 of GC and their respective normal mucosas. TERT protein was detected by immunohistochemistry in 68 samples, 34 of IM, 23 of GU, and 11 of GC. Increased TERT mRNA expression levels were observed in a significant number of cases, i.e., 46% of IM, 50% of GU, and 79% of GC. The relative mean level of TERT mRNA after normalization with the ß-actin reference gene and comparison with the respective adjacent normal mucosa was slightly increased in the IM and GU groups, 2.008 ± 2.605 and 2.730 ± 4.120, respectively, but high TERT mRNA expression was observed in the GC group (17.271 ± 33.852). However, there were no statistically significant differences between the three groups. TERT protein-positive immunostaining was observed in 38% of IM, 39% of GU, and 55% of GC. No association of TERT mRNA and protein expression with Helicobacter pylori infection or other clinicopathological variables was demonstrable, except for the incomplete type vs the complete type of IM. This study confirms previous data of the high expression of both TERT mRNA and protein in gastric cancer and also demonstrates this type of changed expression in IM and GU, thus suggesting that TERT expression may be deregulated in precursor lesions that participate in the early stages of gastric carcinogenesis.

Subgenotype diversity of hepatitis B virus American genotype F in Amerindians from Venezuela and the general population of Colombia.

The objective of this study was the evaluation of the genetic diversity found in HBV circulating among Venezuelan Amerindians and the general population in Colombia. Phylogenetic analysis of the S region in 194 isolates showed that genotype F is highly predominant in Colombia and Venezuela. This might be related to the genetic background of the population. F3 is the main subgenotype which circulates in both countries. Phylogenetic analysis of 61 complete genome sequences of HBV American genotypes confirms the presence of two genotypes F and H, and 4 F subgenotypes. In Venezuela, subgenotypes F1, F2, and F3 circulate in East and West Amerindians, while only F3 was found among South Amerindians. Japreira community derived from Yucpa Amerindians around 150 years ago. However, several Japreira HBV sequences were forming a clade that can be classified as subgenotype 2b, differing from Yucpa sequences that belong mainly to subgenotype F3. The apparent absence of correlation between the phylogenetic groupings of HBV isolates with the ethnical origin in aboriginal populations might be suggesting a recent origin of HBV American subgenotypes, or a genetic drift effect.

Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil from the leaves and flowers of Aloysia gratissima / Composição química e atividade antimicrobiana do óleo essencial de folhas e flores de Aloysia gratissima

Volatile oils from leaves and flowers of Aloysia gratissima were investigated for their chemical composition and antimicrobial activity against the bacteria Bacilus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella choleraesuis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pneumoniae and the Candida albicans yeast. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the oils were determined by the micro-dilution method, while the chemical composition was determined by GC-MS (gas chromatography mass spectrometry). The fresh leaves and inflorescence were subjected to hydrodistillation for 120 min using a Clevenger-type apparatus, and the essential oil was tested against microorganisms. High concentrations of sesquiterpenes were observed for the inflorescence, and monoterpenes were observed for the leaves. The main compounds of the inflorescence essential oil were E-caryophyllene, germacrene B, guaiol and bulnesol, while in the leaves the main compounds were trans-pinocamphone, trans-pinocarveyl acetate, and guaiol. The essential oil from the leaves showed an effect against P. aeruginosa and S. pneumonia, and the essential oil of the inflorescence showed an effect against P. aeruginosa, S. pneumonia, and Candida albicans.

O óleo essencial de folhas e de flores de Aloysia gratissima foi avaliado quanto à composição química e ação antimicrobiana contra as bactérias Bacilus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella choleraesuis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pneumoniae, e a levedura Candida albicans. A concentração mínima inibitória (MIC) dos óleos essenciais foi determinada pelo método da microdiluição e a composição química determinada por CG-EM (Cromatografia Gasosa acoplada a Espectrômetro de Massas). Folhas e inflorescências frescas foram hidrodestiladas por 120 minutos em aparelho Clevenger sendo o óleo essencial testado contra microorganismos. Para as flores foi observada maior concentração de sesquiterpenos, enquanto que as folhas apresentaram maior concentração de monoterpenos. Os principais constituintes do óleo essencial da flor foram: E-cariofileno, germacreno B, guaiol e bulnesol; e das folhas foram: trans-pinocamfona, acetato de trans-pinocarveol e guaiol. O óleo essencial da folha mostrou atividade contra P. aeruginosa e S. pneumoniae, e o óleo essencial da flor mostrou atividade contra P. aeruginosa, S. pneumoniae e Candida albicans.

Expression of TERT in precancerous gastric lesions compared to gastric cancer

The objective of this study was to determine the levels of TERT mRNA and TERT protein expression in stomach precancerous lesions such as intestinal metaplasia (IM) and gastric ulcer (GU) and compare them to gastric cancer (GC). Real-time PCR was performed to detect TERT mRNA expression levels in 35 biopsies of IM, 30 of GU, and 22 of GC and their respective normal mucosas. TERT protein was detected by immunohistochemistry in 68 samples, 34 of IM, 23 of GU, and 11 of GC. Increased TERT mRNA expression levels were observed in a significant number of cases, i.e., 46 percent of IM, 50 percent of GU, and 79 percent of GC. The relative mean level of TERT mRNA after normalization with the β-actin reference gene and comparison with the respective adjacent normal mucosa was slightly increased in the IM and GU groups, 2.008 ± 2.605 and 2.730 ± 4.120, respectively, but high TERT mRNA expression was observed in the GC group (17.271 ± 33.852). However, there were no statistically significant differences between the three groups. TERT protein-positive immunostaining was observed in 38 percent of IM, 39 percent of GU, and 55 percent of GC. No association of TERT mRNA and protein expression with Helicobacter pylori infection or other clinicopathological variables was demonstrable, except for the incomplete type vs the complete type of IM. This study confirms previous data of the high expression of both TERT mRNA and protein in gastric cancer and also demonstrates this type of changed expression in IM and GU, thus suggesting that TERT expression may be deregulated in precursor lesions that participate in the early stages of gastric carcinogenesis.

Avaliação do potencial alelopático, atividade antimicrobiana e antioxidante dos extratos orgânicos das folhas de Pyrostegia venusta (Ker Gawl. ) Miers (Bignoniaceae) / Evaluation of allelopathic potential, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of Pyrostegia venusta (Ker Gawl. ) Miers (Bignoniaceae) leaf organic extracts

Este trabalho apresenta os resultados de atividade alelopática, antimicrobiana e antioxidante dos extratos orgânicos (hexano, acetato de etila e metanol) das folhas de Pyrostegia venusta (Ker Gawl.) Miers (Bignoniaceae). Para alelopatia, foi estudado o desenvolvimento de Cucumis sativus (pepino), sendo avaliados o comprimento da raiz principal, o número de raízes secundárias e o comprimento do hipocótilo. Os dois primeiros parâmetros foram afetados por todos os três extratos testados enquanto o comprimento do hipocótilo só não foi afetado pelo extrato acetato de etila. Quanto à atividade antimicrobiana, avaliada pelo ensaio de CIM, o extrato hexânico apresentou inibição moderada frente ao Staphylococcus aureus (0,9 mg mL-1) e forte ao Enterococcus hirae (0,5 mg mL-1). O extrato acetato de etila apresentou forte atividade frente Candida albicans (0,3 mg mL-1) enquanto o extrato metanólico não mostrou-se ativo para os microrganismos testados. Por outro lado, o extrato metanólico apresentou a maior capacidade de seqüestrar radicais livres (Concentração Efetiva 50 por cento-CE50 =102,0 ± 56,9 mg mL-1, com TCE50 = 30 min) no ensaio com DPPH (2,2-difenil-1-picril-hidrazila) e o maior teor de compostos fenólicos (116,2 ± 83,0 mg ácido gálico g amostra-1), avaliado pelo ensaio de Folin-Ciocalteau.

This paper presents the results of allelopathic, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of organic extracts (hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol) from the leaves of Pyrostegia venusta (Ker Gawl.) Miers (Bignoniaceae). Allelopathic activity was assessed based on Cucumis sativus (cucumber) development for the parameters main root length, number of secondary roots and hypocotyl length. All tested extracts affected the first two parameters, while the hypocotyl length was not affected only by the ethyl acetate extract. For antimicrobial activity, assessed by MIC assay, hexane extract showed moderate inhibition for Staphylococcus aureus (0.9 mg mL-1) and strong inhibition for Enterococcus hirae (0.5 mg mL-1). Ethyl acetate extract showed strong activity against Candida albicans (0.3 mg mL-1), whereas methanolic extract was not active against the tested microorganisms. On the other hand, methanol extract showed the most promising radical scavenging capacity (Effective Concentration 50 percent - EC50 = 102.0 ± 56.9 mg mL-1, with TEC50 = 30 min) in DPPH assay (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hidrazil) and the highest level of phenolic compounds (116.2 ± 83.0 mg acid garlic g sample-1), as indicated by Folin-Ciocalteau assay.

[Use of prophylactic medication in persistent asthma] / Emprego de medicação profilática na asma persistente.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the proportion of patients with moderate or severe persistent asthma who are on prophylactic therapy when first evaluated at a specialized outpatient center. METHODS: Descriptive study of 306 patients with persistent asthma and ages ranging from four to fifteen years old, seen from June/1995 to August/1998, at the Respiratory and Allergic Diseases section of the Child and Adolescent Institute, an outpatient reference center located in the town of Juiz de Fora (MG), Brazil. Data from the Institute's registry, chiefly those related to the use of prophylactic medications, such as inhaled steroids, sodium chromoglycate, nedocromil sodium, sustained-release theophylline, long acting inhaled beta2-agonist and ketotifen were used to fill in a standardized protocol. RESULTS: Of the 306 patients, 87.3% had persistent moderate and 12.7% had persistent severe asthma. Only 14.4% were on some kind of controller medication. When only the use of inhaled antiinflammatory drugs (sodium cromolyn, nedocromil sodium and steroids) was considered, this proportion decreased to 4.6%. There was not statistical significance (p<0.05) between the use or not of prophylactic regimens in relation to gender, weight, height, asthma severity, hospital admissions, age of onset, age when first evaluated at the outpatient center and household smoking. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of utilization of prophylactic regimens in this population of persistent asthmatic patients was unsatisfactory, a finding particularly stressed by the low rate of subjects on inhaled antiinflammatory drugs. It is necessary to emphasize such measures to face the magnitude that asthma represents in our country.

Xanthium strumarium L. antimicrobial activity and carboxyatractyloside analysis through electrospray ionization mass spectrometry / Atividade antimicrobiana e análise de carboxiatractilosideo por espectrometria de massas com ionização por electrospray de Xanthium strumarium L

The aim of this work was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of Xanthium strumarium L. leaf extracts against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Clostridium perfringens, as well as to investigate the presence of the toxic compound carboxyatractyloside in different plant parts. S. aureus and C. perfringens were more sensitive to non-polar than to polar fractions, and there was no difference between extracts for the remaining bacteria. All extracts had strong antimicrobial activity against the evaluated microorganisms. Carboxyatractyloside was found in cotyledons and seeds but not in adult leaves and burrs. Thus, only Xanthium strumarium leaves in adult stage can be used for medicinal purposes.

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a atividade antimicrobiana de extratos de folhas de Xanthium strumarium L. sobre os microrganismos Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella thyphimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa e Clostridium perfringens, bem como verificar a presença do composto tóxico carboxiatractilosideo em diferentes partes da planta. As bactérias S. aureus e C. perfringens foram mais sensíveis às frações não polares do que as polares, sendo que para as outras bactérias não foi verificada diferença entre os extratos. Todos os extratos apresentaram uma forte ação antimicrobiana sobre os microrganismos avaliados. O carboxiatractilosideo foi encontrado nos cotilédones e nas sementes da planta, entretanto, não foi encontrado nas folhas em estádio adulto e na carapaça espinhosa que envolve a semente. Portanto, somente as folhas de Xanthium strumarium na fase adulta podem ser utilizadas para o uso medicinal.

Correlations between pulse oximetry and peak expiratory flow in acute asthma

Few studies are available concerning correlations between pulse oximetry and peak expiratory flow in children and adolescents with acute asthma. Although the Global Initiative for Asthma states that measurements of lung function and oximetry are critical for the assessment of patients, it is not clear if both methods should necessarily be included in their evaluation. Since there is a significant difference in cost between pulse oximetry equipment and peak expiratory flow devices, we determined whether clinical findings and peak expiratory flow measurements are sufficient to determine the severity of acute asthma. The present prospective observational study was carried out to determine if there is correlation between pulse oximetry and peak expiratory flow determination in 196 patients with acute asthma aged 4 to 15 years diagnosed according to the Global Initiative for Asthma criteria. Patients experiencing their first or second wheezing episode, with fever, related acute or chronic diseases, and unable to perform the peak expiratory flow maneuver were excluded. Measurements of peak expiratory flow and pulse oximetry were performed at admission and after 15 min of each inhaled salbutamol cycle. Correlations obtained by linear regression using the Pearson correlation coefficients (r) were 0.41 (P < 0.0001), 0.53 (P < 0.0001), 0.51 (P < 0.0001), and 0.61 (P < 0.0001) at admission and after the first, second and third cycles of salbutamol, respectively. These correlations showed that one measure cannot substitute the other (Pearson's coefficient <0.7), probably because they evaluate different aspects in the airways, suggesting that peak expiratory flow should not be used alone in the assessment of acute asthma in children and adolescents.

Atividade antimicrobiana de extratos hidroalcólicos de espécies da coleção de plantas medicinais CPQBA/UNICAMP

Extratos obtidos a partir de 45 espécies da Coleção de Germoplasmas do CPQBA foram estudados quanto à atividade antimicrobiana. As espécies que apresentaram forte inibição (Concentração Mínima Inibitória até 0,5 mg/mL) para os respectivos microrganismos foram: Achillea millefolium (0,5), Mikania laevigata (0,04), Solidago chilensis (0,1), Piper marginatum (0,2) para Staphylococcus aureus; Aloysia gratissima (0,1), P. marginatum (0,2), M. laevigata (0,09) para Bacillus subtilis e Mentha pullegium (0,3), Mikania glomerata (0,1), M. laevigata (0,04), Stachytarpeta cayenensis (0,2) e Bacharis dracunculifolia (0,5) para Streptococcus faecium. De acordo com os resultados, ressaltamos a espécie M. laevigata por apresentar inibição contra três das bactérias estudadas, em concentrações similares a do cloranfenicol, padrão de referência utilizado.

Crude extracts of 45 medicinal plants from CPQBA Germoplasm Collection were tested for their antimicrobial activity. The species that presented strong activity (Minimal Inhibitory Concentration until 0.5 mg.mL-1) against the respective microorganisms were: Achillea millefolium (0.5), Mikania laevigata (0.04), Solidago chilensis (0.1), Piper marginatum (0.2) against Staphylococcus aureus; Aloysia gratissima (0.1), P. marginatum (0.2), M. laevigata (0.09) against Bacillus subtilis and Mentha pullegium (0.3), Mikania glomerata (0.1), M. laevigata (0.04), Stachytarpeta cayenensis (0.2) and Bacharis dracunculifolia (0.5) against Streptococcus faecium. According to results, M. laevigata was able to inhibit three bacteria species, at similar concentrations as observed for the standard chloranphenicol.