Ferulic acid amide derivatives with varying inhibition of amyloid-ß oligomerization and fibrillization.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized, in part, by the misfolding, oligomerization and fibrillization of amyloid-ß (Aß). Evidence suggests that the mechanisms underpinning Aß oligomerization and subsequent fibrillization are distinct, and may therefore require equally distinct therapeutic approaches. Prior studies have suggested that amide derivatives of ferulic acid, a natural polyphenol, may combat multiple AD pathologies, though its impact on Aß aggregation is controversial. We designed and synthesized a systematic library of amide derivatives of ferulic acid and evaluated their anti-oligomeric and anti-fibrillary capacities independently. Azetidine tethered, triphenyl derivatives were the most potent anti-oligomeric agents (compound 2i: IC50 = 1.8 µM ± 0.73 µM); notably these were only modest anti-fibrillary agents (20.57% inhibition of fibrillization), and exemplify the poor correlation between anti-oligomeric/fibrillary activities. These data were subsequently codified in an in silico QSAR model, which yielded a strong predictive model of anti-Aß oligomeric activity (κ = 0.919 for test set; κ = 0.737 for validation set).

A selective volatilization method for determination of chloride and sulfate in calcium carbonate pharmaceutical raw material and commercial tablets.

In this work a feasible method for chloride and sulfate determination in calcium carbonate pharmaceutical raw material and commercial tablets by ion chromatography after microwave-induced combustion was developed. The analytes were released from matrix by combustion in closed system pressurized with oxygen. Starch as volatilization aid, 100mmolL-1 HNO3 as absorbing solution and 5min of microwave irradiation time were used. Recovery tests using standard solutions were performed for the accuracy evaluation. A mixture of calcium carbonate pharmaceutical raw material or commercial tablets, starch and a certified reference material was also used as a type of recovery test. Recoveries ranging from 88% to 103% were obtained in both spike tests. Limits of detection (Cl-: 40µgg-1 and SO42-: 140µgg-1) were up to eighteen times lower than the maximum limits established for the analytes by Brazilian, British, European and Indian Pharmacopoeias. The limit tests recommended by the European Pharmacopoeia for Cl- and SO42- in CaCO3 were carried out to compare the results. Chloride and SO42- concentrations in the samples analyzed by proposed method were in agreement with those results obtained using the tests recommended by the European Pharmacopoeia. However, the proposed method presents several advantages for the routine analysis when compared to pharmacopoeial methods, such as the quantitative simultaneous determination, high sample preparation throughput (up to eight samples per run in less than 30min), reduced volume of reagents and waste generation. Thus, the proposed method is indicated as an excellent alternative for Cl- and SO42- determination in CaCO3 pharmaceutical raw material and commercial tablets.

Analysis of polyphenols in brewer's spent grain and its comparison with corn silage and cereal brans commonly used for animal nutrition.

Brewer's spent grain (BSG) could be tested as an alternative source of polyphenols in animal nutrition. Proper extraction and analytical methods are critical for quantification. Thus, extraction for BSG, corn silage, and brans of rice, corn, and wheat were studied for the highest yield of polyphenols. A method for 18 phenolic monomers by HPLC-DAD was developed, validated, and applied to samples. An aqueous solution of NaOH (0.75% w/v) using integral samples for extraction resulted in the highest values for colorimetric measurements in all analyzed sources. Method by maceration showed the highest phenolic yield when applied in corn silage and BSG. However, for brans the best method was microwave assisted. Results from HPLC-DAD analysis clearly showed that native structures of phenolic compounds were simplified to its monomers allowing quantification and sample discrimination. BSG had the highest concentration of polyphenols and could be a promising and innovative source for animal feed studies.

Comparative study of intraperitoneal adhesions related to light-weight polypropylene mesh and type I polymerized and purified bovine collagen coated light-weight polypropylene mesh in rabbits.

PURPOSE: To compare the effectiveness of light-weight polypropylene mesh coated with polymerized and purified bovine type I collagen (Surgidry HNB) in the treatment of abdominal wall defect and the degree of adhesion formation. METHODS: Two types of polypropylene mesh were implanted after creation of defect measuring 6.0cm X 5.5cm in the anterior abdominal wall of 32 male New Zealand breed rabbits, divided in two groups (n = 32): (1) light-weigh macroporous polypropylene, (2) type I polymerized and purified bovine collagen coated light-weigh macroporous polypropylene. These animals were further accessed for adhesions, histological evaluation of inflammation and wall's thickness. RESULTS: The percentage of the area adhered in group 1 (62.31 ± 16.6) was higher compared to group 2 (22.19 ± 14.57) (p <0.05). There was an association between the percentage of the covered area by adhesions and the type of adhesion, toughness and the scores obtained by the adhesion score by correlation analysis (p <0.05). There was no difference between the groups in any variables in relation to the degree of inflammation. CONCLUSION: The purified type I bovine collagen coated light-weigh polypropylene mesh showed to be effective in the repair of abdominal wall defects and reducing adhesion formation.

Múltiplos pilomatricomas em membros superiores: relato de exérese cirúrgica / Multiple pilomatricomas in upper limbs: report of surgical exeresis

Pilomatricoma é uma neoplasia folicular benigna relativamente rara. Pode ocorrer em qualquer idade, mas menos de 13% dos casos acontecem em pessoas com mais de 50 anos, sendo mais comum em mulheres (1,5 a 2,5 mulheres:1 homem). A localização mais frequente é a região cervical, seguida das áreas frontais, periorbitárias e pré-auriculares (1). Clinicamente, apresenta-se como um tumor subcutâneo ou intradérmico, endurecido e de crescimento lento. O diagnóstico pré-cirúrgico é quase sempre difícil (3). O tratamento padrão é o cirúrgico, com margens de segurança amplas para minimizar o risco de recorrência nas variantes malignas (2,3). Relatamos um caso atípico e exuberante de múltiplos pilomatricomas em membros superiores em um paciente do sexo masculino de 55 anos (AU)

Pilomatricoma is a relatively rare benign follicular neoplasm. It can occur at any age, but less than 13% of cases occur in people over 50 years old, and it is more common in women (1.5 to 2.5 women: 1 man). The most frequent location is the cervical region, followed by the frontal, periorbital and pre-auricular areas (1). Clinically it presents as a hardened and slowly growing subcutaneous or intradermal tumor. Preoperative diagnosis is almost always difficult (3). The standard treatment is surgical, with wide safety margins to minimize the risk of recurrence in malignant variants (2,3). We report an atypical and exuberant case of multiple pilomatricomas in upper limbs in a 55-year-old male patient (AU)

Treatment of abdominal wall hernia with suture, or polypropylene, or collagen prosthesis.

PURPOSE: To develop an experimental model for incisional hernias and to compare morphological and functional aspects of hernia repairs by suture, polypropylene mesh and collagen mesh. METHODS: A defect measuring 7cm x 2cm was created in the anterior abdominal of 28 New Zealand male rabbits, divided into four groups (n = 7): (1) control, (2) suture of the anterior sheath of the rectus abdominal muscle, (3) setting of polypropylene mesh, and (4) setting of collagen mesh. On the 90th postoperative day, the animals were examined to verify the presence of incisional hernia. Samples of abdominal wall and scar were collected for histological study. RESULTS: Incisional hernia was identified in 85.7% of the control group, 57.1% of the suture group, 42.9% of the collagen mesh group, and none in the polypropylene mesh group (p = 0.015). Mesh exposure could be identified in 71.4% of the animals in group 3 and in no animal in group 4 (p = 0.021). The polypropylene mesh is effective in the treatment of abdominal wall defects, causing an intense inflammatory reaction. CONCLUSION: The collagen mesh is biocompatible, producing a minimal inflammatory reaction, but fails in the treatment of abdominal wall defects.

Relato de caso: pólipo piloso da nasofaringe em adulto / Case report: a hairy polyp of nasopharynx in adult

O pólipo piloso é um tumor congênito que se manifesta, normalmente, nos primeiros anos de vida, como uma massa coberta com pele contendo glândula sebácea e pelo. Foi descrito, primeiramente, por Brown-Kelly em 1918, com predominância no sexo feminino. A manifestação clínica depende da localização e do tamanho do pólipo, mas, geralmente, causa sintomas respiratórios e alimentares. Há predileção pelo lado esquerdo do organismo, ainda não explicada (1). Não há predisposição genética ou identificação em parentes, e normalmente apresenta-se como um defeito isolado, sem relatos de malignização. O diagnóstico pode ser suspeitado através do estudo de imagem. O tratamento envolve a exérese completa da massa, não havendo necessidade de nenhuma outra complementação (2). Relatamos o caso de uma paciente de 21 anos cujo diagnóstico foi confirmado com anatomopatológico da peça cirúrgica(AU)

The hairy polyp is a congenital tumor that usually manifests in early life as a mass covered with skin containing sebaceous gland and hair. It was first described by Brown-Kelly in 1918, predominantly in females. The clinical manifestation depends on the polyp's location and size, but it usually causes respiratory and feeding symptoms. It is more likely to appear on the left side of the body, a predilection not yet explained. (1) There is no genetic predisposition or identification in relatives, and it usually presents as an isolated defect without malignant reports. The diagnosis may be suspected by imaging. Treatment involves complete excision of the mass, with no need for any other action. (2) We report the case of a 21-year-old patient whose diagnosis was confirmed by pathology of the surgical specimen(AU)

Caracterização, teor de polifenóis totais e atividade antioxidante em diferentes tipos de erva-mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hill.) para chimarrão / Characterization and determination of the total polyphenols contents and the antioxidant activity in four types of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hill.) for preparing chimarrão

Considerando-se a ampla utilização das folhas da erva-mate, bem como os benefícios advindos de seu emprego, neste estudo foi avaliada a qualidade de quatro tipos de ervas-mate nativas de espécime chimarrão: tradicional, com adição de 5 % e 10 % de açúcar, e a moída grossa, bem como a homogeneidade em três lotes dos produtos, correspondentes a diferentes semanas de processamento. Foram avaliadas as propriedades físico-químicas, o teor de polifenóis totais e a atividade antioxidante. Os extratos aquosos de erva-mate foram elaborados a 85 ºC, mantidos em de cocção em sistema fechado durante 10 e 30 minutos.As ervas-mate com adição de açúcar apresentaram menores teores de material mineral e de fibra bruta quando comparadas aos tipos tradicional e moída grossa. A erva-mate moída grossa acondicionada em embalagem laminada apresentou os menores valores de atividade de água em relação aos outros tipos de ervas acondicionados em embalagem de papel. A embalagem laminada também contribuiu para a menor absorção de oxigênio, que retarda a oxidação da clorofila e mantém a coloração verde do produto.Os extratos elaborados a partir da erva-mate moída grossa e os que permaneceram por maior tempo em decocção apresentaram maiores teores de polifenóis totais...

Current perception threshold and reaction time in the assessment of sensory peripheral nerve fibers through sinusoidal electrical stimulation at different frequencies

INTRODUCTION: The Perception Sensory Threshold (ST) for sinusoidal current stimuli at 5, 250, and 2,000 Hz is commonly used in the assessment of peripheral nerve fibers (C, Aδ, and Aβ, respectively). However, the neuroselectivity of these frequencies is far from consensus. In addition, Reaction Time (RT) measurements suggest that 2,000 Hz stimuli excite Aβ-fibers, 250 Hz Aβ- or Aδ-fibers, as well as 5 Hz Aβ-, Aδ- or C-fibers. Therefore, we suppose that the sinusoidal current neuroselectivity may be better observed if ST and RT parameters are jointly evaluated. In addition, we have investigated whether there are other sets of frequencies that could be used. METHODS: Thus this work investigates ST and RT for stimuli with frequency ranging from 1 to 3,000 Hz, on 28 healthy subjects aged from 19 to 44 years old (27.1±5.49). ST and RT dissimilarity among different frequencies was evaluated applying bi-dimensional Fisher Quadratic Discriminant. RESULTS: The lowest classification error (3.6%) was obtained for 1, 250, and 3,000 Hz. Error for 5, 250, and 2,000Hz was 16.7%. Stimulation frequency at 1 Hz evoked more sensations related to C-fibers (53% of reports) than to Aβ-fibers (36%). However, this behavior did not repeat itself at 5 Hz (only 21% of perceptions were related to C-fibers against 64% to Aβ-fibers). Sensations related to Aβ-fibers prevailed for the highest frequencies presented to the subjects (2,000 Hz - 82% and 3,000 Hz - 93%). Mean RT values showed a decreasing trend with frequency. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that frequencies 1, 250, and 3,000 Hz are more neuroselective than 5, 250, and 2,000 Hz for the evaluation of peripheral sensitive fibers. Furthermore, they show RT usefulness.

Influence of Rangelia vitalii (Apicomplexa: Piroplasmorida) on copper, iron, and zinc bloodstream levels in experimentally infected dogs.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentrations of copper, iron, and zinc in blood serum of dogs experimentally infected with Rangelia vitalii (n  =  7) compared with uninfected controls (n  =  5). Serum metal levels were determined in blood samples collected at days 0, 10, 15, and 20 post-infection (PI). Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry was used to measure the levels of copper, iron, and zinc. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed among groups PI. Increased levels of copper and decreased levels of iron and zinc were observed in the infected animals. The infection by R. vitalii may, therefore, alter the serum metal levels, resulting in metabolic disorders in dogs. These metals are directly involved in many enzymatic systems; accordingly, alterations in their blood concentrations may also influence the pathogenesis of disease.

Aplicação da versão brasileira do questionário de dor Mcgill em idosos com dor crônica / Applicability of Brazilian Version of the Mcgill Pain Questionaire in Elderly with Chronic Pain

A dor crônica é uma experiência multidimensional que envolve aspectos sensório-perceptual, afetivo-motivacional e cognitivo-avaliativo que se interagem e contribuem para a resposta dolorosa final. As alterações características do processo do envelhecimento em cada um desses aspectos podem interferir na experiência da dor, dificultando a sua avaliação adequada. O uso de uma escala multidimensional como o Questionário de dor McGill (MPQ) possibilita uma avaliação mais adequada desse sintoma. Os objetivos desse estudo foram verificar a confiabilidade intra e inter examinadores da aplicação do Br-MPQ em idosos com dor crônica em decorrência de doenças ortopédicas e neurológicas.Participaram desse estudo 19 idosos com doenças ortopédicas (71,21 +/- 7,51 anos) e 19 idosos com doenças neurológicas (69,79 +/- 5,30 anos) apresentando o diagnóstico de dor crônica, encaminhados pelo serviço médico, sem alterações cognitivas. A confiabilidade geral intra e interexaminadores nos idosos com doenças ortopédicas foram 0,86 e 0,89, respectivamente, e para idosos com doenças neurológicas de 0,71 e 0,68, respectivamente (Spearman, p<0,05). Os resultados mostraram que o Br-MPQ foi de fácil aplicação (8,54 +/- 2,35 minutos) nessa amostra. O presente estudo demonstrou que o Br-MPQ pode ser mais adequado para avaliar a dor crônica em idosos, uma vez que a percepção desse sintoma está mais relacionada aos aspectos sensoriais, afetivos e cognitivo-avaliativos e não somente à intensidade.

Chronic pain is a multidimensional experience that involves sensory-perceptual affective-motivational and cognitive- evaluation aspects, which interact and contribute to the ultimate painful response. The characteristic changes of the aging process on each of these aspects can interfere with the experience of pain, thus making appropriate assessment more difficult. The use of multidimensional scales, such as the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) makes more appropriate evaluations possible. The aims of this study were to assess the intra- and inter-examiner reliability of the Brazilian Version of the MPQ (Br-MPQ) and characterize the perceptions of chronic pain in elderly individuals with orthopedic and neurological diseases. The sample consisted of 19 elderly individuals (71.21 „b 7.51 yrs) with orthopedic (G1) and 19 (69.79 „b 5.30 yrs) with neurological diseases (G2), all with a clinical diagnosis of chronic pain but no cognitive alterations. The general intra- and inter- examiner reliability was 0.86 and 0.89 for G1, and 0.71 and 0.68 for G2, respectively (p is less than 0.05). The results showed that the Br-MPQ was easily applied to a group of elderly individuals with chronic pain (8.54 more or less 2.35 minutes). The present study demonstrated that the Br-MPQ can be more effective to assess pain in the elderly, as the perception of this symptom is more associated to sensorial, affective, and subjective aspects than to pain intensity.

Análise do desempenho funcionais em pacientes portadores de doença de Parkinson / Analysis of functional performance in patients with Parkinson's disease

A Doença de Parkinson (DP) é uma doença degenerativa e progressiva do sistema nervoso central, carcterizada, principalmente, por alterações motoras. Objetivo: avaliar o desempenho funcional e a qualidade de vida de parksonianos nos estágios inicial e intermediário da doença. Metodologia: 20 pacientes (60,8 mais ou menos 9,7 anos) com Hoehn e Yahr entre 1 e 3 foram avaliados e comparados com 20 indivíduos saudáveis (63,5 mais ou menos 63,3 anos). O Perfil de Atividade Humana (PAH), a velocidade da marcha (m/s) e a velocidade para subir/descer escadas (degraus/minuto) foram usados para avaliar o desempenho funcional e o Perfil da Saúde de Nottingham para avaliar a qualidade de vida. Resultados: foram observadas diferenças significativas no PHA (p=0,000) e na velocidade da marcha (p=0,05), demonstrando pobre aptidão física e lentidão da marcha dos pacientes com DP. Conclusão: Os resultados demonstraram que alterações de performance funcional estão presentes desde fases iniciais de DP e não apenas na fase avançada.

Granuloma eosinófilo craniano na infância / Eosinophilic granuloma of skull in infancy

o granuloma eoinófilo é uma das três variantes de um grupo de donças denominado histiocitose de células de Langerhans. O granuloma eosinófilo solitário do crânio tem sido considerado raro na infância. Durante o período de janeiro de 1997 e junho de 2003, foram estudados seis casos de granuloma eosinófilo craniano na infância. O sexo masculino foi o mais acometido (4:2). A idade variou dos 4 meses a 12 anos, com média de 5,5 anos. A localização craniana foi: parietal em três, temporal em dois e frontal em um. Os sintomas mais frequentes foram tumefação craniana e dor local. Radiografia simples e tomografia computadorizada identificaram a lesão e orientaram na conduta. o Tratamento curúrgico foi intituído em todos os casos, com ressecção total da lesão. O seguimento desses pacientes foi possível em quatro que, até a presenta data, encontram-se bem.