Reflexoterapia e auriculoterapia para lombalgia aguda em docentes e discentes universitários: Ensaio clínico duplo-cego / Reflexotherapy and auriculotherapy for acute lumbalgia in university teachers and students: A double-blind clinical trial

Objetivo: comparar os efeitos da auriculoterapia e reflexoterapia podal para lombalgia aguda inespecífica em docentes e discentes universitários da área da saúde. Método: ensaio clínico, randomizado, controlado, duplo-cego, com 189 participantes distribuídos em três grupos: auriculoterapia experimental, reflexoterapia experimental e combinadas. Fora realizados 3 intervenções. Para a coleta foram utilizados: Questionário Sociodemográfico; Escala Visual e Analógica de intensidade na avaliação da dor; e Questionário para Lombalgia. Os dados foram analisados no programa IBM SPSS Statistics versão 18.0 Foram aplicados: teste de normalidade Kolmogorov-Smirnov; testes Qui-quadrado ou Exato de Fisher para comparação entre os grupos, e Análise de variância com post hoc ou Kruskal-Wallis, conforme apropriado. Resultados: evidenciou-se redução significativa da dor nos três protocolos (p=<0,001) para o Questionário de lombalgia, mas na comparaçãoda escala da dor, houve menor eficácia no grupo combinado (p=0,006). Conclusão: Ambas as terapias são eficazes e indicadas para controle da lombalgia aguda(AU)

Objective: to compare the effects of auriculotherapy and foot reflex therapy for nonspecific acute low back pain in university professors and students in the health area. Method: clinical trial, randomized, controlled, double-blind, with 189 participants divided into three groups: experimental auriculotherapy, experimental reflex therapy and combined therapy. Three interventions were performed. For data collection, the following were used: Sociodemographic Questionnaire; Visual and Analog Scale of intensity in pain assessment; and Low Back Pain Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the IBM SPSS Statistics program, version 18.0. The following were applied: Kolmogorov-Smirnov normality test; Chi-square or Fisher's Exact tests for comparison between groups, and Analysis of variance with post hoc or Kruskal-Wallis, as appropriate. Results: there was a significant reduction in pain in the three protocols (p=<0.001) for the Low Back Pain Questionnaire, but when comparing the pain scale, there was less efficacy in the combined group (p=0.006). Conclusion: Both therapies are effective and indicated for the control of acute low back pain(AU)

Objetivo: comparar los efectos de la auriculoterapia y la terapia refleja podal en el dolor lumbar agudo inespecífico en profesores y estudiantes universitarios del área de la salud. Método: ensayo clínico, aleatorizado, controlado, doble ciego, con 189 participantes divididos en tres grupos: auriculoterapia experimental, terapia refleja experimental y terapia combinada. Se realizaron tres intervenciones. Para la recolección de datos, se utilizaron: Cuestionario Sociodemográfico; Escala Visual y Analógica de intensidad en la valoración del dolor; y Cuestionario de dolor lumbar. Los datos fueron analizados mediante el programa IBM SPSS Statistics, versión 18.0, se aplicaron: prueba de normalidad de Kolmogorov-Smirnov; Pruebas Chi-cuadrado o Exacto de Fisher para comparación entre grupos, y Análisis de varianza con post hoc o Kruskal-Wallis, según corresponda. Resultados: hubo reducción significativa del dolor en los tres protocolos (p=<0,001) para el Low Back Pain Questionnaire, pero al comparar la escala de dolor, hubo menor eficacia en el grupo combinado (p=0,006). Conclusión: Ambas terapias son efectivas e indicadas para el control del dolor lumbar agudo(AU)

Reflexoterapia e auriculoterapia para lombalgia aguda em docentes e discentes universitários: Ensaio clínico duplo-cego / Reflexoterapia y auriculoterapia para la lumbalgia aguda en universitarios: Un ensayo clínico doble ciego / Reflexotherapy and auriculotherapy for acute lumbalgia in university teachers and students: A double-blind clinical trial

Objetivo: comparar os efeitos da auriculoterapia e reflexoterapia podal para lombalgia aguda inespecífica em docentes e discentes universitários da área da saúde. Método: ensaio clínico, randomizado, controlado, duplo-cego, com 189 participantes distribuídos em três grupos: auriculoterapia experimental, reflexoterapia experimental e combinadas. Fora realizados 3 intervenções. Para a coleta foram utilizados: Questionário Sociodemográfico; Escala Visual e Analógica de intensidade na avaliação da dor; e Questionário para Lombalgia. Os dados foram analisados no programa IBM SPSS Statistics versão 18.0 Foram aplicados: teste de normalidade Kolmogorov-Smirnov; testes Qui-quadrado ou Exato de Fisher para comparação entre os grupos, e Análise de variância com post hoc ou Kruskal-Wallis, conforme apropriado. Resultados: evidenciou-se redução significativa da dor nos três protocolos (p=<0,001) para o Questionário de lombalgia, mas na comparaçãoda escala da dor, houve menor eficácia no grupo combinado (p=0,006). Conclusão: Ambas as terapias são eficazes e indicadas para controle da lombalgia aguda(AU)

Objective: to compare the effects of auriculotherapy and foot reflex therapy for nonspecific acute low back pain in university professors and students in the health area. Method: clinical trial, randomized, controlled, double-blind, with 189 participants divided into three groups: experimental auriculotherapy, experimental reflex therapy and combined therapy. Three interventions were performed. For data collection, the following were used: Sociodemographic Questionnaire; Visual and Analog Scale of intensity in pain assessment; and Low Back Pain Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the IBM SPSS Statistics program, version 18.0. The following were applied: Kolmogorov-Smirnov normality test; Chi-square or Fisher's Exact tests for comparison between groups, and Analysis of variance with post hoc or Kruskal-Wallis, as appropriate. Results: there was a significant reduction in pain in the three protocols (p=<0.001) for the Low Back Pain Questionnaire, but when comparing the pain scale, there was less efficacy in the combined group (p=0.006). Conclusion: Both therapies are effective and indicated for the control of acute low back pain.(AU)

Objetivo: comparar los efectos de la auriculoterapia y la terapia refleja podal en el dolor lumbar agudo inespecífico en profesores y estudiantes universitarios del área de la salud. Método: ensayo clínico, aleatorizado, controlado, doble ciego, con 189 participantes divididos en tres grupos: auriculoterapia experimental, terapia refleja experimental y terapia combinada. Se realizaron tres intervenciones. Para la recolección de datos, se utilizaron: Cuestionario Sociodemográfico; Escala Visual y Analógica de intensidad en la valoración del dolor; y Cuestionario de dolor lumbar. Los datos fueron analizados mediante el programa IBM SPSS Statistics, versión 18.0, se aplicaron: prueba de normalidad de Kolmogorov-Smirnov; Pruebas Chi-cuadrado o Exacto de Fisher para comparación entre grupos, y Análisis de varianza con post hoc o Kruskal-Wallis, según corresponda. Resultados: hubo reducción significativa del dolor en los tres protocolos (p=<0,001) para el Low Back Pain Questionnaire, pero al comparar la escala de dolor, hubo menor eficacia en el grupo combinado (p=0,006). Conclusión: Ambas terapias son efectivas e indicadas para el control del dolor lumbar agudo.(AU)

Vitamin D (VD3) Intensifies the Effects of Exercise and Prevents Alterations of Behavior, Brain Oxidative Stress, and Neuroinflammation, in Hemiparkinsonian Rats.

In the present study, we investigated the effects of physical exercise in the presence of Vitamin D3 (VD3), on 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-lesioned hemiparkinsonian rats. The animals were divided into sham-operated (SO), 6-OHDA-lesioned, and 6-OHDA-lesioned plus VD3 (1 µg/kg, 21 days), in the absence (no exercise, NE) and presence (with exercise, WE) of physical exercise on a treadmill (30 min, speed of 20 cm/s, once a day/21 days). This procedure started, 24 h after the stereotaxic surgery (injections of 6-OHDA into the right striatum). The animals were then subjected to behavioral (rotarod, open field, and apomorphine tests) and their brain areas were dissected for neurochemical, dopamine (DA), 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) determinations, and immunohistochemical studies for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), dopamine transporter (DAT), and vitamin D receptor (VD3R). The effects on the brain oxidative stress: nitrite/nitrate, glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) measurements were also evaluated. Behavioral changes of the 6-OHDA lesioned group were improved by exercise plus VD3. Similar results were observed in dopamine (DA) and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) concentrations increased by exercise and VD3, compared with SO groups. Additionally, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopamine transporter (DAT) immunoexpressions were decreased in the 6-OHDA-lesioned groups, with values normalized after exercise and VD3. The VD3 receptor immunoexpression decreased in the 6-OHDA (NE) group, and this was attenuated by exercise, especially after VD3. While 6-OHDA lesions increased, VD3 supplementation decreased the oxidative stress, which was intensified by exercise. VD3 showed neuroprotective properties that were intensified by physical exercise. These VD3 actions on hemiparkinsonian rats are possibly related to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Digital educational technology content production and validity about Japanese bathtub (ofurô) in neonatal unit / Producción y validación de contenido de tecnología educativa digital sobre baño de hidromasaje en unidad neonatal / Produção e validação de conteúdo de tecnologia educacional digital sobre banho de ofurô em unidade neonatal

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the elaboration and content validity stages of a digital educational technology for nursing professionals about Japanese bathtub (ofurô) in newborns in neonatal care units. Method: A methodological study conducted between August 2019 and July 2021, in a public maternity hospital in Manaus, Amazonas, developed in two stages. In the first, the e-book images, text and editing were produced. In the second, material content validity was carried out, through the opinion of 15 expert judges, nurses and neonatal care experts. In data analysis, the percentage of agreement was applied with agreement score estimation. Items with 80% or more agreement were considered valid. Results: The e-book "Japanese bathtub: manual for nursing professionals" was produced, organized into nine sessions, which describe the technique execution. Content was considered valid by expert judges (general score 90%). Conclusion: The e-book was considered suitable for use in training nursing professionals, with potential for dissemination of knowledge regarding humanization of care for premature babies.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Describir las etapas de elaboración y validación de contenido de una tecnología educativa digital para profesionales de enfermería sobre el baño ofurô en recién nacidos en Unidades de Cuidados Neonatales. Método: Estudio metodológico realizado entre agosto de 2019 y julio de 2021, en una maternidad pública de Manaus, Amazonas, desarrollado en dos etapas. En la primera se produjeron las imágenes, el texto y la edición del e-book. En el segundo, se realizó la validación de contenido del material, a través de la expresión de 15 jueces expertos, enfermeros y experimentados en cuidados neonatales. En el análisis de datos se aplicó el porcentaje de concordancia con estimación del puntaje de concordancia. Se consideraron válidos los ítems con un 80% o más de acuerdo. Resultados: Se elaboró el libro electrónico "Banho de ofurô: manual para profissionais de enfermagem" (Baño de Ofurô: manual para profesionales de enfermería), organizado en nueve sesiones, que describen la ejecución de la técnica. El contenido fue considerado válido por los jueces expertos (puntuación general 90%). Conclusión: El e-book se consideró apto para ser utilizado en la formación de profesionales de enfermería, con potencial para la difusión de conocimientos sobre la humanización del cuidado del recién nacido prematuro.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever as etapas de elaboração e validação de conteúdo de uma tecnologia educacional digital para profissionais de enfermagem sobre o banho de ofurô em recém-nascidos em Unidades de Cuidado Neonatal. Método: Estudo metodológico conduzido entre agosto de 2019 e julho de 2021, em uma maternidade pública de Manaus, Amazonas, desenvolvido em duas etapas. Na primeira, foram produzidas as imagens, texto e editoração do e-book. Na segunda, foi conduzida a validação de conteúdo do material, pela manifestação de 15 juízes especialistas, enfermeiros e experientes no cuidado neonatal. Na análise dos dados, aplicou-se a porcentagem de concordância com estimação de escore de concordância. Foram considerados válidos os itens com 80% ou mais de concordância. Resultados: Foi produzido o e-book "Banho de ofurô: manual para profissionais de enfermagem", organizado em nove sessões, que descrevem a execução da técnica. O conteúdo foi considerado válido pelos juízes especialistas (escore geral 90%). Conclusão: O e-book foi considerado adequado para ser utilizado em treinamento de profissionais de enfermagem, com potencial para a difusão do conhecimento quanto à humanização da assistência ao recém-nascido prematuro.

Massagem perineal pré-natal para prevenção do trauma: piloto de ensaio clínico randomizado / Masaje perineal prenatal para la prevención del trauma: piloto de ensayo clínico aleatorizado / Antenatal perineal massage for trauma prevention: a pilot randomized clinical trial

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a adesão de gestantes e acompanhantes à realização da massagem perineal digital durante a gestação e seu efeito na prevenção do trauma perineal no parto e na redução de morbidade associada nos 45 e 90 dias pós-parto. Métodos Estudo piloto de ensaio clínico randomizado com 153 gestantes de risco habitual, 78 mulheres no grupo de intervenção realizaram a massagem perineal digital e 75 mulheres do grupo controle receberam os cuidados habituais. Para a análise do desfecho principal (trauma perineal) e dos desfechos secundários, permaneceram em cada grupo 44 mulheres que tiveram parto vaginal. A intervenção foi realizada pela gestante ou acompanhante de sua escolha, diariamente, a partir de 34 semanas de gestação, por 5 a 10 minutos. Resultados A massagem perineal foi fator de proteção para edema nos primeiros 10 dias pós-parto (RR 0,64 IC95%0,41-0,99) e perda involuntária de gases nos 45 dias pós-parto (RR0,57 IC95%0,38-0,86). O ajuste residual ≥ 2 observado na análise das condições do períneo pós-parto mostrou uma tendência das mulheres do grupo intervenção terem períneo íntegro. As mulheres e os acompanhantes que realizaram a massagem perineal aceitaram bem a prática, recomendariam e fariam novamente em futura gestação. Conclusão A massagem perineal digital realizada diariamente, a partir de 34 semanas de gestação, foi uma prática bem aceita pelas mulheres e acompanhantes deste estudo. Apesar de não proteger a mulher de trauma perineal, esta prática reduziu o risco de edema 10 dias pós-parto e incontinência de gases 45 dias pós-parto. Registro Brasileiro de ensaio clínico: RBR-4MSYDX

Resumen Objetivo Evaluar la participación de mujeres embarazadas y acompañantes en la realización del masaje digital perineal durante el embarazo y su efecto en la prevención del trauma perineal durante el parto y en la reducción de la morbilidad asociada con los 45 y 90 días post parto. Métodos Estudio piloto de ensayo clínico aleatorizado con 153 mujeres embarazadas con riesgo normal, 78 mujeres en el grupo de intervención realizaron el masaje digital perineal y 75 mujeres del grupo control recibieron los cuidados habituales. Para el análisis del desenlace principal (trauma perineal) y de los desenlaces secundarios, permanecieron en cada grupo 44 mujeres que tuvieron parto vaginal. La intervención la realizó la mujer embarazada o el acompañante por ella elegido, diariamente, a partir de las 34 semanas de embarazo, por 5 a 10 minutos. Resultados El masaje perineal fue factor de protección para el edema en los primeros 10 días postparto (RR 0,64 IC95%0,41-0,99) y la pérdida involuntaria de gases en los 45 días post parto (RR0,57 IC95%0,38-0,86). El ajuste residual ≥ 2 observado en el análisis de las condiciones del perineo postparto mostró una tendencia en las mujeres del grupo intervención a que tengan el perineo íntegro. Las mujeres y los acompañantes que realizaron el masaje perineal recibieron bien la práctica, la recomendarían y la harían nuevamente en un futuro embarazo. Conclusión El masaje digital perineal realizado diariamente, a partir de las 34 semanas de embarazo, fue una práctica bien recibida por las mujeres y acompañantes de este estudio. Pese a que no protege a la mujer de un trauma perineal, esta práctica redujo el riesgo de edema a los 10 días post parto y la incontinencia de gases 45 días post parto.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the adherence of pregnant women and companions to the performance of digital perineal massage during pregnancy and its effect on the prevention of perineal trauma during childbirth and on the reduction of associated morbidity at 45 and 90 days postpartum. Methods A pilot study of a randomized clinical trial with 153 normal risk pregnant women; 78 women in the intervention group underwent digital perineal massage and 75 women in the control group received usual care. For the analysis of the main outcome (perineal trauma) and secondary outcomes, 44 women who had vaginal delivery remained in each group. The intervention was performed daily by the pregnant woman or the companion of her choice from 34 weeks of gestation during 5-10 minutes. Results Perineal massage was a protective factor for edema in the first 10 days postpartum (RR 0.64 95%CI 0.41-0.99) and involuntary gas loss at 45 days postpartum (RR0.57 95%CI 0.38-0.86). The residual adjustment ≥ 2 observed in the analysis of perineal conditions postpartum showed a trend of women in the intervention group having an intact perineum. The women and companions who performed perineal massage accepted the practice well, recommended it and would do it again in a future pregnancy. Conclusion The digital perineal massage performed daily from 34 weeks of gestation was a practice well accepted by women of this study and their companions. Although not protecting women from perineal trauma, this practice reduced the risk of edema at 10 days postpartum and gas incontinence at 45 days postpartum. Brazilian Clinical Trial Registry: RBR-4MSYDX

Sex influences in the preventive effects of peripubertal supplementation with N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in mice exposed to the two-hit model of schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia is a devastating neurodevelopmental disorder. The animal model based on perinatal immune activation, as first-hit, combined with peripubertal stress, as a second hit, has gained evidence in recent years. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n3-PUFAs) is being a promise for schizophrenia prevention. Nevertheless, the influence of sex in schizophrenia neurobiology and prevention has been neglected. Thus, the present study evaluates the preventive effects of n3-PUFAs in both sexes' mice submitted to the two-hit model and the participation of oxidative changes in this mechanism. The two-hit consisted of polyI:C administration from postnatal days (PNs) 5-7, and unpredictable stress from PNs35-43. n3-PUFAs were administered from PNs30-60. Prepulse inhibition of the startle reflex (PPI), social interaction, and Y-maze tests were conducted between PNs70-72 to evaluate positive-, negative-, and cognitive-like schizophrenia symptoms. We assessed brain oxidative changes in brain areas and plasma. Both sexes' two-hit mice presented deficits in PPI, social interaction, and working memory that were prevented by n3-PUFAs. In two-hit females, n3-PUFAs prevented increments in nitrite levels in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), hippocampus, striatum, and plasma TBARS levels. In two-hit males, n3-PUFAs prevented the increase in TBARS in the PFC, hippocampus, and striatum. Notably, male mice that received only n3-PUFAs without hit exposure presented impairments in working memory and social interaction. These results add further preclinical evidence for n3-PUFAs as an accessible and effective alternative in preventing behavioral and oxidative changes related to schizophrenia but call attention to the need for precaution in this indication due to hit- and sex-sensitive issues.

Processo de Enfermagem como potencializador da prática da acupuntura / Proceso de Enfermería como potencializador de la práctica de acupuntura / Nursing Process as a potentializer of acupuncture practice

Resumo Objetivo Analisar a utilização do Processo de Enfermagem na prática da acupuntura, no período de 1997 a 2015. Método Qualitativo, com abordagem Histórico-Social, por meio da história oral temática aplicada a 20 enfermeiras especialistas em acupuntura, fundamentado na Sociologia das Profissões, de Eliot Freidson. Da análise temática, construíram-se duas categorias: Processo de Enfermagem como organizador da prática da acupuntura; e Desconhecimento da importância do Processo de Enfermagem na prática da acupuntura. Resultados A aplicação do Processo de Enfermagem na consulta de enfermagem, com foco na prática da acupuntura como cuidado e tratamento, possibilita uma atuação diferenciada, maior compreensão e reconhecimento diagnóstico, escolha mais adequada de técnicas favoráveis à qualidade e o bem-estar dos usuários, além de consolidar a sua utilização como prática especializada. Considerações finais O Processo de Enfermagem possibilita um avanço tecnológico aplicado na consulta de enfermagem, ao se implementar a acupuntura como tratamento e reabilitação, colaborando na evolução e prognóstico no atendimento, e uma estratégia facilitadora para a enfermeira acupunturista junto ao cliente.

Resumen Objetivo Analizar el uso del Proceso de Enfermería en la práctica de la acupuntura de 1997 a 2015. Método Cualitativo con abordaje Histórico-Social, a través de la historia oral temática aplicada a 20 enfermeras especializadas en Acupuntura, basado en la sociología de las profesiones de Eliot. Freidson. A partir del análisis temático se construyeron dos categorías: Proceso de Enfermería como organizador de la práctica de la acupuntura; y desconocimiento de la importancia del Proceso de Enfermería en la práctica de la acupuntura. Resultados La aplicación del Proceso de Enfermería en la consulta de enfermería con un enfoque en la práctica de la acupuntura como cuidado y tratamiento, posibilita un desempeño diferenciado, mayor comprensión y reconocimiento diagnóstico, elección más adecuada de técnicas que favorezcan la calidad y el bienestar de los usuarios, además de consolidar su uso como práctica especializada. Consideraciones finales El proceso de Enfermería permite un avance tecnológico aplicado en la consulta de enfermería con la implementación de la acupuntura como tratamiento y rehabilitación, colaborando en la evolución y pronóstico en el cuidado y una estrategia facilitadora para la Enfermera Acupunturista con el cliente.

Abstract Objective To analyze the use of the Nursing Process in the practice of acupuncture, from 1997 to 2015. Method A qualitative, with a Social-Historical approach, through thematic oral history applied to 20 nurses specialized in acupuncture, based on Eliot Freidson's Sociology of Professions. From the thematic analysis, two categories were constructed: Nursing Process as an organizer of acupuncture practice; and Unawareness of the importance of the Nursing Process in acupuncture practice. Results The application of the Nursing Process in the nursing consultation, focusing on the practice of acupuncture as care and treatment, enables a differentiated performance, greater understanding and diagnostic recognition, more appropriate choice of techniques favorable to the quality and well-being of users, and consolidates its use as a specialized practice. Final Considerations The Nursing Process enables a technological advance applied in the nursing consultation, when implementing acupuncture as treatment and rehabilitation, collaborating in the evolution and prognosis in the care, and a facilitating strategy for the acupuncturist nurse with the client.

Obstetric practices in planned home births assisted in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To describe obstetric practices in planned home births, assisted by qualified professionals in Brazil. METHOD: This is a descriptive study, with data collected in an online bank maintained by 49 professionals from December 2014 to November 2015, in which the target population was women and newborns assisted in home births. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics. RESULTS: A total of 667 women and 665 newborns were included. Most of the women gave birth at home (84.4%), in a nonlithotomic position (99.1%); none underwent episiotomy; 32.3% had intact perineum; and 37.8% had first-degree lacerations, some underwent amniotomy (5.4%), oxytocin administration (0.4%), and Kristeller's maneuver (0.2%); 80.8% of the women with a previous cesarean section had home birth. The rate of transfer of parturients was 15.6%, of puerperal women was 1.9%, and of neonates 1.6%. The rate of cesarean section in the parturients that started labor at home was 9.0%. CONCLUSION: The obstetric practices taken are consistent with the scientific evidence; however, unnecessary interventions are still performed. The rates of cesarean sections and maternal and neonatal transfers are low. Home can be a place of birth option for women seeking a physiological delivery.

Impact of Scyphozoan Venoms on Human Health and Current First Aid Options for Stings.

Cnidaria include the most venomous animals of the world. Among Cnidaria, Scyphozoa (true jellyfish) are ubiquitous, abundant, and often come into accidental contact with humans and, therefore, represent a threat for public health and safety. The venom of Scyphozoa is a complex mixture of bioactive substances-including thermolabile enzymes such as phospholipases, metalloproteinases, and, possibly, pore-forming proteins-and is only partially characterized. Scyphozoan stings may lead to local and systemic reactions via toxic and immunological mechanisms; some of these reactions may represent a medical emergency. However, the adoption of safe and efficacious first aid measures for jellyfish stings is hampered by the diffusion of folk remedies, anecdotal reports, and lack of consensus in the scientific literature. Species-specific differences may hinder the identification of treatments that work for all stings. However, rinsing the sting site with vinegar (5% acetic acid) and the application of heat (hot pack/immersion in hot water) or lidocaine appear to be substantiated by evidence. Controlled clinical trials or reliable models of envenomation are warranted to confirm the efficacy and safety of these approaches and identify possible species-specific exceptions. Knowledge of the precise composition of Scyphozoa venom may open the way to molecule-oriented therapies in the future.

Aspidosperma pyrifolium Mart: neuroprotective, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in a Parkinson's disease model in rats.

OBJECTIVES: Aspidosperma species are used for several diseases, especially for malaria in Brazil. Although the genus is object of pharmacological studies, almost none are found on Aspidosperma pyrifolium. We investigate neuroprotective, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the APSE-Aq fraction (benzoic acid glycosylated derivative) on Parkinson's disease model. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were subjected to a 6-hydroxydopamine injection into the right striatum and treated or not with APSE-Aq (100 or 200 mg/kg, p.o.). The sham-operated group was injected with saline. Two weeks later, animals were subjected to behavioural, neurochemical and immunohistochemical evaluation. The data were analysed by ANOVA and Tukey test. KEY FINDINGS: The APSE-Aq-treated group shows a partial recovery of behavioural changes as compared with the untreated-6-hydroxydopamine group. A partial recovery was also observed in nitrite contents and lipid peroxidation. APSE-Aq treatments significantly reversed decreases in striatal dopamine and metabolites in the untreated 6-hydroxydopamine group. Immunostainings for markers as tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine transporter decreased in the untreated 6-hydroxydopamine group and values recovered after APSE-Aq treatments. Similar data were seen for TNF-alpha. CONCLUSION: APSE-Aq presents neuroprotective, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Considering that APSE-Aq is chemically related to salicylic acid, it may act on similar targets.

In vitro activity of a partially purified and characterized bark extract of Castanea sativa Mill. (ENC®) against Chlamydia spp.

Castanea sativa Mill (ENC®), containing tannins against 33 Chlamydia strains, was compared to SMAP-29 with inhibitory effect against C. trachomatis and C. pneumoniae. The ENC® activity against Chlamydia spp. was evaluated determining the lowest concentration to achieve more than half reduction of intact chlamydial inclusions versus controls. ENC® reduced all Chlamydia strains tested at 1 µg/mL, while SMAP-29 induced reductions of C. trachomatis and C. pneumoniae infectivity at 10 µg/mL. A great reduction of C. trachomatis, C. pneumoniae, and C. abortus infectivity was achieved with a 10 µg/mL ENC® concentration, whereas their infectivity was almost inhibited at 100 µg/mL ENC® concentration.

Crude venom from nematocysts of Pelagia noctiluca (Cnidaria: Scyphozoa) elicits a sodium conductance in the plasma membrane of mammalian cells.

Cnidarians may negatively impact human activities and public health but concomitantly their venom represents a rich source of bioactive substances. Pelagia noctiluca is the most venomous and abundant jellyfish of the Mediterranean Sea and possesses a venom with hemolytic and cytolytic activity for which the mechanism is largely unknown. Here we show that exposure of mammalian cells to crude venom from the nematocysts of P. noctiluca profoundly alters the ion conductance of the plasma membrane, therefore affecting homeostatic functions such as the regulation and maintenance of cellular volume. Venom-treated cells exhibited a large, inwardly rectifying current mainly due to permeation of Na+ and Cl-, sensitive to amiloride and completely abrogated following harsh thermal treatment of crude venom extract. Curiously, the plasma membrane conductance of Ca2+ and K+ was not affected. Current-inducing activity was also observed following delivery of venom to the cytosolic side of the plasma membrane, consistent with a pore-forming mechanism. Venom-induced NaCl influx followed by water and consequent cell swelling most likely underlie the hemolytic and cytolytic activity of P. noctiluca venom. The present study underscores unique properties of P. noctiluca venom and provides essential information for a possible use of its active compounds and treatment of envenomation.

Avaliação da atividade antibacteriana e moduladora dos extratos metanólico e hexânico da folha de Allium cepa / Evaluation of the Antibacterial and Modulating Activity of Methanolic and Hexanic Extracts of the Allium Cepa / Evaluación de la actividad antibacteriana y moduladora de los extractos metanol y hexano de la hoja de Allium cepa

Introdução: A resistência bacteriana tem crescido significativamente nos últimos tempos, tornando-se imprescindível a busca por novos alvos terapêuticos. Nesse contexto, compostos bioativos presentes em algumas plantas medicinais podem apresentar várias atividades biológicas, como ação antimicrobiana. Allium cepa conhecida popularmente como cebola é utilizada de maneira etnofarmacológica há muito tempo para o tratamento de diversas enfermidades: tuberculose, diabetes, hipertensão, reumatismo e assim por diante. Objetivo: O principal objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a atividade antimicrobiana e modulatória dos extratos metanólico e hexânicoda das folhas A. cepa frente às cepas de bactérias padrões e multirresistentes. Materiais e métodos: Pelos métodos e microdiluição e modulação com antibióticos. Resultados: Os resultados deste estudo demonstraram uma variação no CMI (Concentração Inibitória Mínima) de 128 a ≥ 1024 μg/mL dos extratos metanólico de A. cepa (EMAC) e hexânico de A. cepa (EHAC). Na modulação com os aminoglicosídeos (amicacina e gentamicina) observaram-se efeitos sinérgicos e antagônicos dos extratos EHAC e EMAC frente às cepas Escherichia coli e Staphylococcus aureus de linhagem multirresistente. Novas pesquisas são necessárias para uma possível utilização das plantas medicinais combinadas com os antimicrobianos frente às linhagens patogênicas. Conclusão: Através desses resultados sugere-se que os produtos naturais representam fontes promissoras no combate à resistência bacteriana.

Introduction: Bacterial resistance has grown significantly in recent years, making the search for new antibiotics imperative. Bioactive compounds in some medicinal plants may exhibit various biological activities as antimicrobial activity. Allium cepa, popularly known as onion, is ethnopharmacologically used for treating various diseases, such as tuberculosis, diabetes, hypertension and rheumatism; it is also considered a powerful bactericide. Objective: The main objective of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial and modulating activity of methanol and hexane extracts of A. cepa against the strains of multiresistant bacteria. Materials and methods: Microdilution and modulation of antibiotics. Results: The results showed a variation in the MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) from 128 to ≥ 1024μg / mL between A. cepa methanol (EMAC) and A. cepa hexane (EHAC) extracts. Modulation with aminoglycosides (gentamicin and amikacin) have proved to have antagonistic effects of the extracts sinérgicose EHAC and EMAC against strains of multiresistant Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Further research is needed related to the use of medicinal plants combined with antimicrobials against pathogenic strains. Conclusion: Through these results it can be inferred that natural products could constitute a promising source for combating bacterial resistance.

Introducción: la resistencia bacteriana ha crecido significativamente en los últimos años, por lo que es necesaria la búsqueda de nuevas dianas terapéuticas. En este contexto, los compuestos bioactivos presentes en algunas plantas medicinales pueden tener diversas actividades biológicas, tales como la acción antimicrobiana. Allium cepa, conocida como la cebolla, es utilizada, popularmente de forma etnofarmacológica para el tratamiento de diversas enfermedades tales como la tuberculosis, la diabetes, la hipertensión, el reumatismo y así sucesivamente. Objetivo: el objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la actividad antimicrobiana y moduladora de extractos de metanol y hexano de Allium cepa frente a las cepas de bacterias y normas multirresistentes. Materiales y métodos: por los métodos microdilución y modulación con antibióticos. Resultados: los resultados mostraron una variación de MIC(concentración mínima inhibitoria) de 128 a ≥ 1024μg / mL dos extractos metanólicos A. cepa (EMAC) y hexano de A. cepa (EHAC). En la modulación con aminoglucósidos (amikacina y gentamicina), se observaron efectos sinérgicos y antagónicos de EHAC y EMAC, frente a las cepas de Escherichia coli y Staphylococcus aureus multirresistente. Se necesitan nuevas investigaciones para un posible uso de plantas medicinales combinadas con la cara antimicrobiana de las cepas patógenas. Conclusión: a partir de estos resultados, se sugiere que los productos naturales son fuentes prometedoras en la lucha contra la resistencia bacteriana.

Nonclassical innervation patterns in mammalian extraocular muscles.

PURPOSE: The abducens (CN6) and oculomotor (CN3) nerves (nn) enter target extraocular muscles (EOMs) via their global surfaces; the trochlear (CN4) nerve enters the superior oblique (SO) muscle on its orbital surface. Motor nn are classically described as entering the EOMs in their middle thirds. We investigated EOM innervation that does not follow the classic pattern. METHODS: Intact, whole orbits of two humans and one each monkey, cow, and rabbit were paraffin embedded, serially sectioned in coronal plane, and prepared with Masson's trichrome and by choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) immunohistochemistry. Nerves innervating EOMs were traced from the orbital apex toward the scleral insertion, and some were reconstructed in three dimensions. RESULTS: Classical motor nn positive for ChAT entered rectus and SO EOMs and coursed anteriorly, without usually exhibiting recurrent branches. In every orbit, nonclassical (NC) nn entered each EOM well posterior to classical motor nn. These NC nn entered and arborized in the posterior EOMs, mainly within the orbital layer (OL), but often traveled into the global layer or entered an adjacent EOM. Other NC nn originated in the orbital apex and entered each EOM through its orbital surface, ultimately anastomosing with classical motor nn. Mixed sensory and motor nn interconnected EOM spindles. CONCLUSIONS: EOMs exhibit a previously undescribed pattern of NC innervation originating in the proximal orbit that partially joins branches of the classical motor nn. This NC innervation appears preferential for the OL, and may have mixed supplemental motor and/or proprioceptive functions, perhaps depending upon species. The origin of the NC innervation is currently unknown.

The essential oil of Eucalyptus tereticornis, and its constituents alpha- and beta-pinene, potentiate acetylcholine-induced contractions in isolated rat trachea.

The effects of the essential oil of Eucalyptus tereticornis (EOET), especially the effects of its constituents alpha- and beta-pinene, were studied on rat trachea in vitro. In tracheal rings, EOET, alpha- or beta-pinene potentiated the contractions induced by acetylcholine (ACh). Contractions induced by K(+) (60mM) were also potentiated by alpha- and beta-pinene, but were reduced by EOET. Our findings show that EOET has myorelaxant effects on rat airways, but potentiates ACh-induced contractions. Monoterpenes alpha- and beta-pinene are involved in its potentiating actions, but are not responsible for its myorelaxant effects. A putative inhibition of the acetylcholinesterase enzyme is involved.

Targeting alpha7-nicotinic receptor for the treatment of pleural mesothelioma.

Human malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a dreadful disease and there is still no standard therapy available for a consistent therapeutic approach. This research is aimed at the evaluation of the potential therapeutic effect of a specific nicotinic receptor (nAChR) antagonist, namely alpha-Cobratoxin (alpha-CbT). Its effectiveness was tested in mesothelioma cell lines and in primary mesothelioma cells in vitro, as well as in vivo, in orthotopically xenotransplanted NOD/SCID mice. Cells showed alpha7-nAChR expression and their growth was significantly inhibited by alpha-CbT. Severe induction of apoptosis was observed after exposure to alpha-CbT [IC(80-90)]. Apoptosis was characterised by: change in mitochondrial potential, caspase-3 cleavage, down-regulation of mRNA and protein for survivin, XIAP, IAP1, IAP2 and Bcl-XL, inhibition by caspase-3 inhibitor. In vivo, the alpha-CbT acute LD(50) was 0.15 mg/kg. The LD(100) [0.24 mg/kg] induced fatal respiratory failure and massive kidney necrosis. Phase II experiments with 0.12 ng/kg alpha-CbT (1/1000 of LD(10)) were done in 53 xenotransplanted mice, inhibiting tumour development as confirmed by chest X-ray examinations, autopsy and microscopical findings. The growth of human proliferating T lymphocytes and of mesothelial cells in primary culture was not affected by alpha-CbT. Non-immunogenic derivatives of the alpha-CbT molecule need to be developed for possible human use.