Small mammals in the diet of Barn Owls (Tyto furcata) in an urban area in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, with a new record of the dwarf mouse opossum (Cryptonanus) / Pequenos mamíferos na dieta da coruja-suindara (Tyto furcata) em uma região urbana do estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, com um novo registro da catita do gênero Cryptonanus

Several studies emphasize the use of owl pellets in small mammal inventories in natural areas harboring high richness of rare species, but few Brazilian Atlantic forest localities have been surveyed by this method. The present study documents the species composition and abundance of small mammals in the diet of Tyto furcata in an urban area of the municipality of Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, remarking on a new record of the dwarf mouse opossum genus Cryptonanus in the Atlantic forest. We analyzed 265 pellets regurgitated by a pair of T. furcata from November 2016 to September 2017 found in a nesting box. Analysis of the samples enabled finding a total of 596 individuals of four small mammal species. Mus musculus was predominant among the prey items (98.3%), while the native rodents Necromys lasiurus (1.3%) and Holochilus brasiliensis (0,17%) were much rarer. A single specimen of Cryptonanus sp. was identified among the diet items based on distinctive dental characters. The identification of this genus in the present study represents the second record in the state of Rio de Janeiro, and the sixth in the Atlantic Forest biome, suggesting that this marsupial occupies a wider ecological and biogeographic range. The present study underscores the relevance of owl pellets for small mammal surveys, even in urban and highly disturbed areas.

Vários estudos enfatizam o uso de pelotas de coruja em inventários de pequenos mamíferos em áreas naturais com elevada riqueza de espécies raras, mas poucas localidades da Mata Atlântica brasileira têm sido inventariadas por esse método. O presente estudo documenta a composição de espécies e abundância de pequenos mamíferos na dieta de Tyto furcata em uma área urbana do município de Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, discutindo a relevância de um novo registro de um raro marsupial do gênero Cryptonanus na Mata Atlântica. Foram analisadas 265 pelotas regurgitadas por um casal de T. furcata entre novembro de 2016 e setembro de 2017, encontradas abaixo de uma caixa de nidificação. A análise das amostras permitiu encontrar o total de 596 indivíduos de quatro espécies pequenas de mamíferos. O roedor exótico Mus musculus foi predominante entre os itens alimentares (98,3%), enquanto os roedores nativos Necromys lasiurus (1,3%) e Holochilus brasiliensis (0,17%) foram bem mais raros. Um único espécime de Cryptonanus sp. foi identificado entre os itens com base em caracteres dentários. A identificação desse gênero no presente estudo representa o segundo registro no estado do Rio de Janeiro e o sexto no bioma Mata Atlântica, sugerindo que este marsupial ocupa uma ampla faixa ecológica e biogeográfica. O presente estudo destaca a relevância dos pellets de coruja para pesquisas com pequenos mamíferos, mesmo em áreas urbanas e altamente perturbadas.

Small mammals in the diet of Barn Owls (Tyto furcata) in an urban area in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, with a new record of the dwarf mouse opossum (Cryptonanus) / Pequenos mamíferos na dieta da coruja-suindara (Tyto furcata) em uma região urbana do estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, com um novo registro da catita do gênero Cryptonanus

Several studies emphasize the use of owl pellets in small mammal inventories in natural areas harboring high richness of rare species, but few Brazilian Atlantic forest localities have been surveyed by this method. The present study documents the species composition and abundance of small mammals in the diet of Tyto furcata in an urban area of the municipality of Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, remarking on a new record of the dwarf mouse opossum genus Cryptonanus in the Atlantic forest. We analyzed 265 pellets regurgitated by a pair of T. furcata from November 2016 to September 2017 found in a nesting box. Analysis of the samples enabled finding a total of 596 individuals of four small mammal species. Mus musculus was predominant among the prey items (98.3%), while the native rodents Necromys lasiurus (1.3%) and Holochilus brasiliensis (0,17%) were much rarer. A single specimen of Cryptonanus sp. was identified among the diet items based on distinctive dental characters. The identification of this genus in the present study represents the second record in the state of Rio de Janeiro, and the sixth in the Atlantic Forest biome, suggesting that this marsupial occupies a wider ecological and biogeographic range. The present study underscores the relevance of owl pellets for small mammal surveys, even in urban and highly disturbed areas.

Vários estudos enfatizam o uso de pelotas de coruja em inventários de pequenos mamíferos em áreas naturais com elevada riqueza de espécies raras, mas poucas localidades da Mata Atlântica brasileira têm sido inventariadas por esse método. O presente estudo documenta a composição de espécies e abundância de pequenos mamíferos na dieta de Tyto furcata em uma área urbana do município de Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, discutindo a relevância de um novo registro de um raro marsupial do gênero Cryptonanus na Mata Atlântica. Foram analisadas 265 pelotas regurgitadas por um casal de T. furcata entre novembro de 2016 e setembro de 2017, encontradas abaixo de uma caixa de nidificação. A análise das amostras permitiu encontrar o total de 596 indivíduos de quatro espécies pequenas de mamíferos. O roedor exótico Mus musculus foi predominante entre os itens alimentares (98,3%), enquanto os roedores nativos Necromys lasiurus (1,3%) e Holochilus brasiliensis (0,17%) foram bem mais raros. Um único espécime de Cryptonanus sp. foi identificado entre os itens com base em caracteres dentários. A identificação desse gênero no presente estudo representa o segundo registro no estado do Rio de Janeiro e o sexto no bioma Mata Atlântica, sugerindo que este marsupial ocupa uma ampla faixa ecológica e biogeográfica. O presente estudo destaca a relevância dos pellets de coruja para pesquisas com pequenos mamíferos, mesmo em áreas urbanas e altamente perturbadas.

Small mammals in the diet of Barn Owls (Tyto furcata) in an urban area in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, with a new record of the dwarf mouse opossum (Cryptonanus)

Abstract Several studies emphasize the use of owl pellets in small mammal inventories in natural areas harboring high richness of rare species, but few Brazilian Atlantic forest localities have been surveyed by this method. The present study documents the species composition and abundance of small mammals in the diet of Tyto furcata in an urban area of the municipality of Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, remarking on a new record of the dwarf mouse opossum genus Cryptonanus in the Atlantic forest. We analyzed 265 pellets regurgitated by a pair of T. furcata from November 2016 to September 2017 found in a nesting box. Analysis of the samples enabled finding a total of 596 individuals of four small mammal species. Mus musculus was predominant among the prey items (98.3%), while the native rodents Necromys lasiurus (1.3%) and Holochilus brasiliensis (0,17%) were much rarer. A single specimen of Cryptonanus sp. was identified among the diet items based on distinctive dental characters. The identification of this genus in the present study represents the second record in the state of Rio de Janeiro, and the sixth in the Atlantic Forest biome, suggesting that this marsupial occupies a wider ecological and biogeographic range. The present study underscores the relevance of owl pellets for small mammal surveys, even in urban and highly disturbed areas.

Resumo Vários estudos enfatizam o uso de pelotas de coruja em inventários de pequenos mamíferos em áreas naturais com elevada riqueza de espécies raras, mas poucas localidades da Mata Atlântica brasileira têm sido inventariadas por esse método. O presente estudo documenta a composição de espécies e abundância de pequenos mamíferos na dieta de Tyto furcata em uma área urbana do município de Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, discutindo a relevância de um novo registro de um raro marsupial do gênero Cryptonanus na Mata Atlântica. Foram analisadas 265 pelotas regurgitadas por um casal de T. furcata entre novembro de 2016 e setembro de 2017, encontradas abaixo de uma caixa de nidificação. A análise das amostras permitiu encontrar o total de 596 indivíduos de quatro espécies pequenas de mamíferos. O roedor exótico Mus musculus foi predominante entre os itens alimentares (98,3%), enquanto os roedores nativos Necromys lasiurus (1,3%) e Holochilus brasiliensis (0,17%) foram bem mais raros. Um único espécime de Cryptonanus sp. foi identificado entre os itens com base em caracteres dentários. A identificação desse gênero no presente estudo representa o segundo registro no estado do Rio de Janeiro e o sexto no bioma Mata Atlântica, sugerindo que este marsupial ocupa uma ampla faixa ecológica e biogeográfica. O presente estudo destaca a relevância dos pellets de coruja para pesquisas com pequenos mamíferos, mesmo em áreas urbanas e altamente perturbadas.

Evaluation of the alcoholic extract of Dipteryx alata Vogel almonds and bark in skin wound healing in C57BL6 mice / [Avaliação do extrato alcoólico da casca e da semente da Dipteryx alata Vogel na cicatrização da pele de camundongos C57BL/6]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the topical application of alcoholic extracts of Dipteryx alata Vogel almonds and bark in skin wound healing in mice. Fifty-four C57BL/6 mice were equally distributed into three groups: Control, Almond, and Bark. A 9 mm skin fragment was resected from the dorsal region of the animals' thorax. The wounds were submitted to topical application of base cream (vehicle), 10% hydroalcoholic almond extract, or bark extract twice a day. Macroscopic, histological, and immunohistochemical evaluations were conducted on the 7th, 14th, and 21st postoperative days. No significant difference was observed regarding skin wound area among groups, with the parameter presenting only a temporal effect on healing (p>0.05). The almond and control groups exhibited more intense collagenization than the bark group (p<0.05). Dipteryx alata Vogel showed to be inert in the wound healing process in mice.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a aplicação tópica do extrato alcoólico da semente e da casca da Dipteryx alata Vogel na cicatrização de feridas cutâneas, em camundongos. Um total de 54 camundongos C57BL/6 foram utilizados neste estudo, distribuídos em três grupos de 18 animais (controle, semente e casca). Em todos os animais, um fragmento de pele foi ressecado da região dorsal do tórax utilizando-se instrumento de punção de 9mm de diâmetro, após o qual foi realizada aplicação tópica de creme base (veículo), extrato hidroalcoólico 10% de semente ou casca, duas vezes ao dia. As avaliações macroscópica, histológica e imuno-histoquímica foram realizadas no sétimo, 14º e 21º dias de pós-operatório. Não foi observada diferença significativa quanto à área da ferida cutânea entre os grupos, apenas um efeito temporal na cicatrização (P>0,05), indicando estágio possivelmente mais avançado desse processo. Porém, na avaliação histológica, os grupos semente e controle apresentaram colagenização mais intensa que o grupo casca (P<0,05). Dipteryx alata Vogel mostrou-se inerte no processo de cicatrização de feridas em camundongos.(AU)

Evaluation of tissue repair using phytotherapeutic gel from Plectranthus neochilus, Schlechter (boldo-gambá) and Cnidoscolus quercifolius Pohl (favela) in Wistar rats / [Avaliação da reparação tecidual do gel fitoterápico de Plectranthus neochilus, Schlechter (Boldo-gambá) e Cnidoscolus quercifolius Pohl (Favela) em ratos Wistar]

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of a gel formulation from the association of Plectranthus neochilus and Cnidoscolus quercifolius on tissue repair in cutaneous wounds in rats. A surgical wound was induced in 35 Wistar rats and treated according to group: G1 - commercial phytotherapeutic gel; G2 - Carbopol gel 1%; G3, 4, 5 - gel formulation from Boldo-gambá and Favela (FGBF) at 2.5%, 5%, and 10%, respectively. 1ml of the product was applied topically daily, for 14 days. Macroscopic evaluation of the wound showed inflammation, granulation, and epithelization in all groups. The FGBF 2.5% group showed greater angiogenic potential. There was a significant difference between the surgical area of the wounds treated with FGBF 2.5%, 5%, or 10% compared to the group with the commercial phytotherapeutic gel. On histomorphometry of the skin, there were reepithelization of the epidermis and superficial dermis, longitudinal collagen fibers, fibroblasts, and blood vessels, and in the deeper dermis, fibroblasts, transverse and longitudinal collagen fibers, blood vessels, and inflammatory cells. The 2.5% formulation had the greatest increase in fibroblast proliferation and most intense collagenization on day 14 of treatment.(AU)

Este trabalho objetivou investigar os efeitos de uma formulação em gel da associação da Plectranthus neochilus e da Cnidoscolus quercifolius no processo de reparação tecidual em feridas cutâneas de ratos. Foi induzida uma ferida cirúrgica em 35 ratos Wistar, sendo tratadas de acordo com os grupos: G1 - fitoterápico comercial; G2 - gel de carbopol 1%; G3, G4 e G5 - formulação gel boldo-gambá mais favela (FGBF) 2,5%, 5% e 10%, respectivamente. Aplicou-se 1mL do produto, via tópica, diariamente, durante 14 dias. Na avaliação macroscópica das feridas, verificou-se inflamação, granulação e epitelização em todos os grupos. O grupo FGBF 2,5% apresentou maior potencial angiogênico. Houve diferença significativa entre as áreas cirúrgicas das feridas tratadas com os FGBF 2,5%, 5% ou 10%, comparados ao grupo com o gel fitoterápico comercial. Na histomorfometria da pele, observou-se reepitelização da epiderme e da derme superficial, fibras colágenas longitudinais, fibroblastos e vasos sanguíneos e, na derme profunda, fibroblastos, fibras colágenas transversais e longitudinais, vasos sanguíneos e células inflamatórias. A formulação a 2,5% teve o maior aumento na proliferação de fibroblastos e mais intensa colagenização no dia 14 de tratamento.(AU)

Biosynthesis of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles: a review.

Nanoparticles promise to revolutionize the way we think of ordinary materials thanks to the new features such small structures exhibit which include strength, durability, optical and magnetics properties. Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) are a prominent class of NMs because of their potential application in magnetic separation, hyperthermia, targeted drug delivery, and catalysis. Most synthetic nanoparticulate platforms rely on the use of tough chemical procedures associated with unfriendly, harmful and costly reactants. For this reason, bio-inspired approaches have become the most successful alternatives to fabricate nanomaterials in an "eco-friendly" manner, and many bio-protocols that make use of substrates from plants and microorganisms have been successfully applied in the synthesis of magnetic IONPs. In this review, the main biosynthesis protocols applied in the synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles are discussed. A discussion on the challenges for a second stage perspective which would be a large scale production is also given.

Clinico-pathological characteristics and outcome of upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma presenting to a tertiary care urology unit in Sri Lanka

Introduction: Upper urinary tract urothelial cancers account for 5% of urothelial tumours. In the West, the majority affect the pelvicalyceal system, with pyelocalyceal to ureteric ratio of 3:1. This study aims to describe the clinico-pathological features and outcome of upper urinary tract urothelial cancer treated surgically in a tertiary care unit in Sri Lanka. Methods: A retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent nephroureterectomy for upper urinary tract urothelial cancer at the Urology Unit at National Hospital of Sri Lanka between January1997 and December 2016 was carried out. Results: There were 43 patients. Male: female=1.87. Median age was 65 years (range:42-83). Macroscopic haematuria was the commonest presentation (n=29; 67.4%). Median duration of symptoms was 3 months (range 0.5-6). In the majority (n=20;46.5%) the tumour was confined to the ureter. Thirty-three (75.6%) were papillary tumours. Twenty-one had non-muscle invasive tumours (pTa: n=6(14%), pT1: n=15(34.9%) and others had invasive cancers (pT2: n=11(25.6%), pT3: n=7(16.3%) and pT4: n=4(9.3%)). Majority were low grade tumours (n=23;53.5%). Twelve (27.9%) had preceding urothelial bladder cancer. Nineteen (44.2%) were lost to follow up after surgery. Median follow up duration of the rest was 40 months (range:4-224months). Of them, 9(20.9%) developed metachronous bladder tumours. Nine had recurrence free survival of ≥5years and 15 had overall survival of ≥5 years. Of them, 4 patients survived ≥10 years. Older age (p=0.015) and presence of necrosis(p=0.05) were the only clinico-pathological parameters predictive of tumour recurrence. Conclusions: A relatively higher number females and high number of ureteric tumours were noted compared to similar studies from Asia.

Concentrado proteico de arroz na alimentação do jundiá (Rhamdia quelen) / Rice protein concentrate in the feeding of silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen)

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a inclusão do concentrado proteico da destilação de etanol obtido de arroz (CPA) na alimentação do jundiá. Trezentos e setenta e cinco peixes foram distribuídos em sistema de recirculação de água com 15 caixas (125L). Foram testadas três dietas (37% PB e 3200kcal/kg de energia digestível), sendo uma controle e duas testando a substituição da proteína da farinha de peixe em 25% (CPA-25%) ou 50% (CPA-50%) pelo CPA. Aos 30 dias, foram avaliadas as variáveis de desempenho, composição corporal e índices somáticos. Os animais submetidos ao tratamento CPA-25% apresentaram resposta de crescimento equivalente aos que receberam o tratamento controle, mas superior aos peixes submetidos ao CPA-50%. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas entre os tratamentos para os índices somáticos avaliados. Os animais submetidos às dietas contendo CPA apresentaram maior teor de gordura corporal. Já a deposição de gordura corporal foi superior para os peixes alimentados com CPA-25%, e a deposição de proteína corporal menor para os alimentados com CPA-50%. Os resultados indicam que o CPA pode substituir em até 25% a proteína da farinha de peixe, sem comprometer o crescimento dos jundiás, tendo esse nível de substituição proporcionado, inclusive, uma redução de 8% no custo da dieta.(AU)

The objective of this work was to evaluate the inclusion of protein concentrate from the distillation of ethanol from rice (CPA) in jundia feed. A total of 375 fish were distributed in water recirculation system with 15 boxes (125L). Three diets (37% PB and 3200kcal / kg digestible energy), one control and two were to test for the replacement of fishmeal protein by 25 (CPA-25%) and 50% (CPA-50%) by CPA. At 30 days, the variables of performance, body composition and somatic indexes were evaluated. The animals submitted to the CPA-25% treatment presented a growth response equivalent to those that received the Control treatment, but superior to the fish submitted to the CPA-50%. There were no significant differences between treatments for the somatic indices evaluated. Animals submitted to diets containing CPA had higher body fat content. Body fat deposition was higher for fish fed with CPA-25% and lower body protein deposition for those fed with CPA-50%. The results indicate that CPA can substitute up to 25% fish meal protein, without compromising the growth of jundias, and this level of substitution provided an 8% reduction in diet cost.(AU)

Rare case of incarcerated obturator hernia: Case report and review of literature.

INTRODUCTION: Obturator hernia is a rare condition accounting for less than 1% of all intra abdominal hernias. Clinical diagnosis is considered a challenge for most surgeons. It usually appears as an intestinal obstruction. Confirmation of diagnosis is carried out by means of imaging or during surgery. CASE REPORT: An 85-year-old female patient, with symptoms of intestinal obstruction of 24h duration was admitted to the emergency room of Unimed Hospital - Belo Horizonte. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a herniation of the small bowel through the right obturator canal with an intestinal distension proximally. At laparotomy, the presence of a right obturator hernia with an ileal strangulation was confirmed. Segmental enterectomy with primary anastomosis and herniorrhaphy for the closure of the obturator foramen were performed. DISCUSSION: Obturator hernias typically affect women, elderly, emaciated and multiparous. Symptoms are non-specific and associated with an intestinal obstruction. Howship-Romberg sign, considered pathognomonic, is generally absent. Abdominal CT scan can aid in pre-operative diagnosis and the treatment is surgical. CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis and surgical treatment are imperative in obturator hernias due to the high morbidity and mortality that occur in cases where the intervention is delayed.

Resultados da aplicação tópica do extrato de própolis na redução da progressão da doença periodontal / Results of topical application of propolis extracts in reducing progression of periodontal disease

RESUMO Agentes químicos têm sido usados para auxiliar na inibição da formação do biofilme e impedir desenvolvimento da doença periodontal (DP). O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar radiograficamente a ação do extrato de própolis na progressão da DP induzida em ratos. Foram utilizados 48 ratos Wistar, divididos em 4 grupos (n=12): Controle, Pincel, Própolis e Clorexidina. Os grupos foram subdivididos para análise aos 7 e 21 dias. A progressão da DP foi avaliada radiograficamente pela distância entre a junção cemento-esmalte e a crista óssea alveolar na face mesial do 1º molar inferior. A perda óssea foi significativamente menor nos animais do grupo própolis em ambos os períodos (p ≤ 0,01). Concluiu-se por análise radiográfica que a aplicação tópica do extrato de própolis interfere reduzindo a progressão da doença periodontal induzida por ligadura em ratos, demonstrando a importância desse composto como substância auxiliar no tratamento periodontal.

ABSTRACT Chemical agents have been used to assist on inhibiting biofilm formation and on preventing the development of periodontal disease (PD). The aim of this study was to radiographically evaluate the action of propolis extract on the progression of PD induced in rats. 48 Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups (n = 12): Control, Brush, Propolis and Chlorhexidine. The groups were subdivided for analysis at 7 and 21 days. The progression of the periodontal disease was radiographically assessed by the distance between the cement-enamel junction and the alveolar bone crest mesial of the 1st molar. Bone loss was significantly lower in the Propolis group in both periods (p ≤ 0.01). By radiographic analysis, it is concluded that the topical application of propolis extract interferes by reducing the progression of ligature-induced periodontal disease in rats, demonstrating the importance of this compound as an auxiliary substance in periodontal treatment.

Plantas medicinais abortivas utilizadas por mulheres de UBS: etnofarmacologia e análises cromatográficas por CCD e CLAE / Abortive medicinal plants used by women of Basic Health Units: ethnopharmacology and cromatographic analysis by TLC and HPLC

O emprego de plantas medicinais refere-se a uma prática milenar, seja na medicina alternativa para cura de diversas doenças, ou como método abortivo. No entanto, a população em geral desconhece os grandes riscos que a cometem. Neste sentido este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o índice de consumo de plantas medicinais por mulheres de uma Unidade Básica de Saúde (UBS), na tentativa de identificar quais as espécies mais frequentemente ingeridas inclusive em período gestacional. Através de um questionário de caráter explorativo com 48 mulheres observou-se que a maioria das entrevistadas tinha filhos e as plantas medicinais mais citadas foram "boldo" (Peumus boldus), "carqueja" (Baccharis trimera) e "sene" (Cassia angustifolia), as quais eram empregadas principalmente em dores estomacais ou como digestivos (53%), para resfriados (23%), cólicas menstruais (4%) ou para menstruar (2%). Outra parte do trabalho constituiu a análise visual e química de espécies de plantas medicinais citadas pelo público feminino entrevistado, bem como, outras utilizadas popularmente com propriedades abortivas. Análises visuais comparativas de amostras de plantas medicinais de quatro estabelecimentos comerciais diferentes denominadas Grupo A-C, mostraram a ausência de controle de qualidade com relação às especificações nas embalagens, e separação do material vegetal a ser consumido. Através de análises dos perfis químicos destas amostras por cromatografia em camada delgada (CCD) e cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (CLAE) indicaram que aquelas pertencentes ao Grupo C diferiram significativamente em relação àquelas de mesma identificação, exceto no que se refere ao boldo do Chile, cujas amostras apresentaram-se bastante similares com relação à constituição química.

The use of medicinal plants corresponds to an ancient practice, either as an alternative medicine for the cure of several diseases, or as a method of abortion. Nevertheless, the population in general does not know the risks involved in the use of medicinal plants. In this sense, the purpose of the study was to evaluate the consumption rate of medicinal plants by women in a Basic Health Unit (BHU), on order to identify which plant species have been most frequently consumed by them, including during the pregnancy. Through an exploratory questionnaire with 48 women, it was observed that most part of the interviewees had children and the most of them cited Peumus boldus, Baccharis trimera and Cassia angustifolia, which were mainly used for stomach aches or digestives (53%), for colds (23%), menstrual cramps (4%) or to menstruate (2%). The remaining part of the study consisted in the visual and chemical analysis of the plant species cited by the interviewees, including other species that have been popularly used as a method of abortion. Comparative visual analysis of medicinal plants (Group A-C) from four different shops showed the absence of quality control concerning packing specifications and the separation of the plant material to be consumed. The analysis of the chemical profiles of these samples by thin layer chromatography (TLC) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) indicated that those species belonging to the Group C were significantly different from those plants having the same identification, except for Peumus boldus, whose samples were similar in terms of chemical composition.

Tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-1beta modulate calcium and nitric oxide signaling in mechanically stimulated osteocytes.

OBJECTIVE: Inflammatory diseases often coincide with reduced bone mass. Mechanoresponsive osteocytes regulate bone mass by maintaining the balance between bone formation and resorption. Despite its biologic significance, the effect of inflammation on osteocyte mechanoresponsiveness is not understood. To fill this gap, we investigated whether the inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) modulate the osteocyte response to mechanical loading. METHODS: MLO-Y4 osteocytes were incubated with TNFalpha (0.5-30 ng/ml) or IL-1beta (0.1-10 ng/ml) for 30 minutes or 24 hours, or with calcium inhibitors for 30 minutes. Cells were subjected to mechanical loading by pulsatile fluid flow (mean +/- amplitude 0.7 +/- 0.3 Pa, 5 Hz), and the response was quantified by measuring nitric oxide (NO) production using Griess reagent and by measuring intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) using Fluo-4/AM. Focal adhesions and filamentous actin (F-actin) were visualized by immunostaining, and apoptosis was quantified by measuring caspase 3/7 activity. Cell-generated tractions were quantified using traction force microscopy, and cytoskeletal stiffness was quantified using optical magnetic twisting cytometry. RESULTS: Pulsatile fluid flow increased [Ca(2+)](i) within seconds (in 13% of cells) and NO production within 5 minutes (4.7-fold). TNFalpha and IL-1beta inhibited these responses. Calcium inhibitors decreased pulsatile fluid flow-induced NO production. TNFalpha and IL-1beta affected cytoskeletal stiffness, likely because 24 hours of incubation with TNFalpha and IL-1beta decreased the amount of F-actin. Incubation with IL-1beta for 24 hours stimulated osteocyte apoptosis. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that TNFalpha and IL-1beta inhibit mechanical loading-induced NO production by osteocytes via abrogation of pulsatile fluid flow-stimulated [Ca(2+)](i), and that IL-1beta stimulates osteocyte apoptosis. Since both NO and osteocyte apoptosis affect osteoclasts, these findings provide a mechanism by which inflammatory cytokines might contribute to bone loss and consequently affect bone mass in rheumatoid arthritis.

Acute exercise performed close to the anaerobic threshold improves cognitive performance in elderly females

The objective of the present study was to compare the effect of acute exercise performed at different intensities in relation to the anaerobic threshold (AT) on abilities requiring control of executive functions or alertness in physically active elderly females. Forty-eight physically active elderly females (63.8 ± 4.6 years old) were assigned to one of four groups by drawing lots: control group without exercise or trial groups with exercise performed at 60, 90, or 110 percent of AT (watts) and submitted to 5 cognitive tests before and after exercise. Following cognitive pretesting, an incremental cycle ergometer test was conducted to determine AT using a fixed blood lactate concentration of 3.5 mmol/L as cutoff. Acute exercise executed at 90 percent of AT resulted in significant (P < 0.05, ANOVA) improvement in the performance of executive functions when compared to control in 3 of 5 tests (verbal fluency, Tower of Hanoi test (number of movements), and Trail Making test B). Exercising at 60 percent of AT did not improve results of any tests for executive functions, whereas exercise executed at 110 percent of AT only improved the performance in one of these tests (verbal fluency) compared to control. Women from all trial groups exhibited a remarkable reduction in the Simple Response Time (alertness) test (P = 0.001). Thus, physical exercise performed close to AT is more effective to improve cognitive processing of older women even if conducted acutely, and using a customized exercise prescription based on the anaerobic threshold should optimize the beneficial effects.

Menstrual irregularity in the first postmenarchal years: an early clinical sign of polycystic ovary syndrome in adolescence.

We determined the hormonal, metabolic and ultrasonographic pattern of adolescents with menstrual irregularity since menarche but without clinical signs of hyperandrogenism with the aim of evaluating whether this condition represents an early stage of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). These adolescents were divided in two groups: 13 adolescents with irregular cycles (IC) within the first 3 postmenarchal years (IC < or = 3) and 15 adolescents having persistent irregular cycles for more than three postmenarchal years (IC > 3). These adolescents were compared with 15 adolescents with PCOS and 18 normal adolescents. The values of free testosterone, free androgen index, luteinizing hormone (LH) and LH/follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio were similar in IC < or = 3, IC > 3 and PCOS, and higher than in the normal group (p < 0.005). The total testosterone and androstenedione levels were higher and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) lower in PCOS only when compared with the normal group (p < 0.05). The ovarian volume was similar in IC < or = 3, IC > 3 and PCOS, and higher than in the normal group (p < 0.005). A higher incidence of polycystic structure was found in IC < or = 3, IC > 3 and PCOS, whereas normal structure was more common in normal adolescents (p < 0.0005). There were no significant differences in glucose and insulin parameters between groups. These results indicate that menstrual irregularity within the first postmenarchal years can be an early clinical sign of PCOS.

The relationship between ovarian structure and hyperandrogenism in premature pubarche.

The aim of this study was to describe the ovarian structure (OS) and its relationship with hyperandrogenism in girls with premature pubarche (PP). A pelvic ultrasound was carried out in 23 girls with PP and in 57 prepubertal age-matched controls (C), and the OS was subdivided into five classes (c): 1-homogeneous; 2-microcystic, 3-multicystic, 4-polycystic and 5-follicular. In the girls with PP, an ACTH test was performed, and the presence of hormonal levels >3 SD of postpubertal normal levels and not compatible with late-onset congenital adrenal hyperplasia were considered an exaggerated response. The fasting levels of glucose (G) and insulin (I) were measured and the fasting I to G ratio (FIGR) was calculated. FIGR >22 was suggestive of I resistance (IR). The microcystic structure (c2) was more frequently found in the PP than in the C group (63% vs 35%, p=0.03). In the PP group, we observed the following OS: cl (n=6), c2 (n=15), c3 (n=1) and c4 (n=1). 11-Deoxycortisol--both basal and after ACTH--was greater in the PPc2 group than in PPc1 (p=0.04, p=0.0008, respectively). We also observed an exaggerated response to ACTH in 87% of the girls with PP, greater in the PPc2 group than in PPc1 (p=0.04). The FIGR showed IR in 44% of girls with PP, but I levels and FIGR were similar between PPc1 and PPc2. These findings suggest generalized adrenocortical hyperresponsiveness in girls with PP, which is more accentuated in PPc2. Long-term follow-up of girls with PP into adulthood is warranted to ascertain whether microcystic ovarian structure precedes functional ovarian hyperandrogenism.