Different outcomes of neonatal and adult Zika virus infection on startle reflex and prepulse inhibition in mice.

Zika virus (ZIKV) infection causes severe neurological consequences in both gestationally-exposed infants and adults. Sensorial gating deficits strongly correlate to the motor, sensorial and cognitive impairments observed in ZIKV-infected patients. However, no startle response or prepulse inhibition (PPI) assessment has been made in patients or animal models. In this study, we identified different outcomes according to the age of infection and sex in mice: neonatally infected animals presented an increase in PPI and delayed startle latency. However, adult-infected male mice presented lower startle amplitude, while a PPI impairment was observed 14 days after infection in both sexes. Our data further the understanding of the functional impacts of ZIKV on the developing and mature nervous system, which could help explain other behavioral and cognitive alterations caused by the virus. With this study, we support the startle reflex testing in ZIKV-exposed patients, especially infants, allowing for early detection of functional neuromotor damage and early intervention.

Estudio aleatorizado, doble ciego, sobre la eficacia del tratamiento homeopático en niños con amigdalitis recurrente / Randomized, double-blind study on the efficacy of homeopathic treatment in children with recurrent tonsillitis

La eficacia y seguridad del tratamiento homeopático fueron investigadas en niños con amigdalitis recurrente para la que se indicaba cirugía. Métodos: Estudio clínico prospectivo, aleatorizado, doble ciego, que incluyó 40 niños de entre 3 y 7 años de edad; 20 niños fueron tratados con medicación homeopática y otros 20 niños, con placebo. El seguimiento fue de 4 meses por niño. La evaluación de los resultados fue clínica mediante un cuestionario estándar y examen clínico el primer y último día de tratamiento. La amigdalitis recurrente se definió como ocurrencia de 5 a 7 episodios de amigdalitis bacteriana aguda al año. Resultados: Del grupo de 18 niños que completó el tratamiento homeopático, 14 no presentó episodio alguno de amigdalitis bacteriana aguda; del grupo de 15 niños que recibió placebo, 5 pacientes no presentaron amigdalitis. Esta diferencia fue estadísticamente significativa (p = 0,015). Ninguno de los pacientes presentó efectos secundarios. Conclusiones: El tratamiento homeopático fue efectivo en niños con amigdalitis recurrente, en comparación con el placebo; a 14 niños (78%) ya no se les indicó cirugía. El tratamiento homeopático no se asoció con eventos adversos.

The efficacy and safety of homeopathic treatment was investigated on children with recurrent tonsillitis justifying surgery. Methods: Prospective, randomized,double-blind clinical trial that included 40 children between ages of 3 to 7 years old;20 children were treated with homeopathic medication and 20 children with placebo. Follow up was 4 months per child. Assessment of results was clinical by means of a standard questionnaire and clinical examination on the first and last day of treatment.Recurrent tonsillitis was defined as 5 to 7 episodes of bacterial acute tonsillitis per year. Results: From the group of 18 children who completed homeopathic treatment, 14 did not present any episode of acute bacterial tonsillitis; from the group of 15 children whoreceived placebo 5 patients did not present tonsillitis; this difference was statistically significant (p= 0,015). None of the patient exhibited side effects. Conclusions: Homeopathic treatment was effective in children with recurrent tonsillitis compared to placebo, 14 children (78%) were no longer indicated surgery. Homeopathic treatment was not associated with adverse events.

Guarana (Paullinia cupana Mart.) protects against amyloid-ß toxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans through heat shock protein response activation.

Alzheimer disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative brain disorder that causes significant disruption in normal brain functioning, representing the most common cause of dementia in the elderly. The main hallmark of AD is the presence of amyloid plaques in the brain formed by the deposition of insoluble amyloid protein (Aß) outside of neurons. Despite intensive investigation of the mechanisms of AD pathogenesis during the past three decades, little has been achieved in terms of effective treatments or ways to prevent the disease. Paullinia cupana, known as guarana, is a plant endemic to the Amazon region in Brazil with several beneficial effects reported, including delayed aging. In this study, we investigated the effects of chronic consumption of guarana ethanolic extract (GEE) on Aß toxicity using a C. elegans model of AD. We analyzed the behavioral phenotype, oxidative damage and Aß protein expression in worms treated with GEE. In addition, we investigated the possible role of the heat shock response on the beneficial effects induced by GEE. Overall, our data demonstrate that chronic GEE treatment decreased the formation of Aß aggregates in C. elegans, preventing the behavioral deficits and the oxidative damage inducible by Aß expression, due to activation of the heat shock protein (HSP) response. This finding provides a new alternative against amyloidogenic neurodegenerative diseases and other diseases caused by protein accumulation during aging.

WHOLE-BODY VIBRATION EXERCISE IS WELL TOLERATED IN PATIENTS WITH DUCHENNE MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW.

BACKGROUND: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is caused by a defective gene located on the X-chromosome, responsible for the production of the dystrophin protein. Complications in the musculoskeletal system have been previously described in DMD patients. Whole body vibration exercise (WBVE) is a treatment that improves musculoskeletal function in movement disorders. The aim of this study was to review the effects of WBVE on functional mobility, bone and muscle in DMD patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four databases were searched. Three eligible studies were found; all three conclude the management of DMD patients with WBV was clinically well tolerated. The studies used a side-alternating WBV system, frequencies 7 - 24 Hz; and amplitudes 2 - 4 mm. RESULTS: A work indicates that a temporary increase in creatine kinase in DMD during the first days of WBV was observed, but other authors did not find changes. No significant changes in bone mass, muscle strength or bone markers. Some patients reported subjective functional improvement during training. Interpretation. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that WBV seems to be a feasible and well tolerated exercise modality in DMD patients.

RELEVANCE OF WHOLE BODY VIBRATION EXERCISE IN SPORT: A SHORT REVIEW WITH SOCCER, DIVER AND COMBAT SPORT.

BACKGROUND: Whole body vibration exercise (WBVE) has been used as a safe and accessible exercise and important reviews have been published about the use of this exercise to manage diseases and to improve physical conditions of athletes The aim of this paper is to highlight the relevance of WBVE to soccer players, divers and combat athletes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was made through a systematic review of publications involving WBVE and the selected sports in two databases (Pubmed and PEDRo). RESULTS: It were identified 10 studies involving WBVE and sports (6 of soccer, 2 of diving and 2 of sport combat) with 156 subjects (80 soccer players, 32 divers and 44 combat athletes), with age from 17 to 44 years old. CONCLUSION: The use of WBVE has proven to be a safe and useful strategy to improve the physical conditions of players of different sports. These findings may have clinical relevance and should be considered as a strategy to be used to try improve the physical conditions of players.

EFFECTS OF WHOLE BODY VIBRATION INTERVENTION ON HANDGRIP STRENGTH OF BRAZILIAN HEALTHY SOLDIERS.

BACKGROUND: Whole body vibration (WBV) exercises have been investigated as an alternative and complementary method to traditional resistance programs for fitness improvements in healthy subjects. Active militaries must have a high fitness level and have to improve some physical abilities to accomplish some specific tasks in Army, as climb ropes, climb walls and pull up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven young and healthy soldiers from Brazilian Army were exposed to mechanical vibration in a push-up position, with different frequencies, as 25 (first session), 30 (second session), 35 (third session), 40 (fourth session) and 45 Hz (fifth session). The WBV intervention consisted of five WBV sessions over a consecutive two and a half-weeks period of time. A WBV session consisted of twenty bouts, each one with 10- second vibration, interspersed with 10 seconds of passive rest and 4 minutes pause after the first 10 bouts. Handgrip strength was measured, as proposed by American Society of Hand Therapists - ASHT, before and after the session using 25 Hz of frequency and 45 Hz of frequency (1st and 5th sessions). RESULTS: No significant results were found between groups. CONCLUSION: Intervention of WBV exercises with 25 and 45 Hz of frequency applied by hands of healthy and young soldiers had no significant results. Further investigations should focus on the efficacy of WBV in the improvement of handgrip strength of young and healthy people.

Randomized, double-blind trial on the efficacy of homeopathic treatment in children with recurrent tonsillitis

OBJECTIVE: The efficacy and safety of homeopathic treatment was investigated onchildren with recurrent tonsillitis justifying surgery. METHODS: Prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial that included 40 children between ages of 3 to 7 years old;20 children were treated with homeopathic medication and 20 children with placebo. Follow up was 4 months per child. Assessment of results was clinical by means of astandard questionnaire and clinical examination on the first and last day of treatment. Recurrent tonsillitis was defined as 5 to 7 episodes of bacterial acute tonsillitis per year. RESULTS: From the group of 18 children who completed homeopathic treatment, 14 did not present any episode of acute bacterial tonsillitis; from the group of 15 children who received placebo 5 patients did not present tonsillitis; this difference was statistically significant (p= 0,015). None of the patient exhibited side effects. CONCLUSIONS: Homeopathic treatment was effective in children with recurrent tonsillitis compared toplacebo, 14 children (78%) were no longer indicated surgery. Homeopathic treatment was not associated with adverse events.

Estudo clínico, duplo-cego, randomizado, em crianças com amigdalites recorrentes submetidas a tratamento homeopático / A double-blind, randomized clinical study in children with recurrent tonsillitis undergoing homeopathic treatment

Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia e a segurança do tratamento homeopático em crianças com amigdalite recorrente, com indicação cirúrgica. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo, duplo-cego, randomizado, em que foram incluídas 40 crianças com idade variando de 3 a 7 anos; 20 crianças foram tratadas com medicação homeopática individualizada e 20 crianças receberam placebo. A duração do estudo de cada paciente foi de 4 meses. A avaliação dos resultados foi clínica, por meio de questionário padrão, de exame otorrinolaringológico, no primeiro e no último dia do tratamento. Utilizou-se como critério de amigdalites de repetição a ocorrência de 5 a 7 episódios de amigdalites agudas ao ano. Resultados: Das 18 crianças que completaram o tratamento homeopático, 14 não apresentaram nenhum episódio de amigdalite aguda bacteriana; das 15 crianças que receberam placebo por 4 meses, 5 pacientes não apresentaram amigdalite, com diferenças estatisticamente significantes (p= 0,015). Nenhum dos pacientes apresentou efeitos colaterais aos medicamentos prescritos. Conclusões: O tratamento homeopático foi eficaz nas crianças com amigdalites recorrentes, quandocomparado ao placebo, excluindo 14 crianças (78%) da indicação cirúrgica. O medicamento homeopático não provocou eventos adversos nas crianças. (AU)

Objective: The efficacy and security of homeopathic treatment was investigated on children with recurrent tonsillitis justifying surgery. Methods: Prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial that included 40 children between ages of 3 to 7 years old, 20 children were treated with homeopathic medication and 20 children with placebo. The duration of the study of each child was 4 months. The evaluation of the results was clinical, by means of a standard questionnaire and clinical examination on the first and last day of treatment. Recurrent tonsillitis was defined as 5 to 7 episodes of bacterial acute tonsillitis per year. Results: From the group of 18 children who completed homeopathic treatment, 14 did not present any episode of acute bacterial tonsillitis; from the group of 15 children who received placebo 5 patients did not present tonsillitis; this difference was statistically significant (p= 0,015). None of the patient exhibited side effects. Conclusions: homeopathic treatment was effective in the children with recurrent tonsillitis compared to placebo, 14 children (78%) were no longer indicated surgery. Homeopathic treatment was not associated with adverse events. (AU)

Randomized, double-blind trial on the efficacy of homeopathic treatment inchildren with recurrent tonsillitis

Objective: The efficacy and safety of homeopathic treatment was investigated onchildren with recurrent tonsillitis justifying surgery. Methods: Prospective, randomized,double-blind clinical trial that included 40 children between ages of 3 to 7 years old;20 children were treated with homeopathic medication and 20 children with placebo.Follow up was 4 months per child. Assessment of results was clinical by means of astandard questionnaire and clinical examination on the first and last day of treatment.Recurrent tonsillitis was defined as 5 to 7 episodes of bacterial acute tonsillitis per year.Results: From the group of 18 children who completed homeopathic treatment, 14 didnot present any episode of acute bacterial tonsillitis; from the group of 15 children whoreceived placebo 5 patients did not present tonsillitis; this difference was statisticallysignificant (p= 0,015). None of the patient exhibited side effects. Conclusions:Homeopathic treatment was effective in children with recurrent tonsillitis compared toplacebo, 14 children (78%) were no longer indicated surgery. Homeopathic treatmentwas not associated with adverse events. (AU)

Estudo clínico, duplo-cego, randomizado, em crianças com amigdalites recorrentes submetidas a tratamento homeopático / Randomized, double-blind trial on the efficacy of homeopathic treatment in children with recurrent tonsillitis

Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia e a segurança do tratamento homeopático em crianças com amigdalite recorrente, com indicação cirúrgica. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo, duplo-cego, randomizado, em que foram incluídas 40 crianças com idade variando de 3 a 7 anos; 20 crianças foram tratadas com medicação homeopática individualizada e 20 crianças receberam placebo. A duração do estudo de cada paciente foi de 4 meses. A avaliação dos resultados foi clínica, por meio de questionário padrão, de exame otorrinolaringológico, no primeiro e no último dia do tratamento. Utilizou-se como critério de amigdalites de repetição a ocorrência de 5 a 7 episódios de amigdalites agudas ao ano. Resultados: Das 18 crianças que completaram o tratamento homeopático, 14 não apresentaram nenhum episódio de amigdalite aguda bacteriana; das 15 crianças que receberam placebo por 4 meses, 5 pacientes não apresentaram amigdalite, com diferenças estatisticamente significantes (p= 0,015). Nenhum dos pacientes apresentou efeitos colaterais aos medicamentos prescritos. Conclusões: O tratamento homeopático foi eficaz nas crianças com amigdalites recorrentes, quandocomparado ao placebo, excluindo 14 crianças (78%) da indicação cirúrgica. O medicamento homeopático não provocou eventos adversos nas crianças. (AU)

Alzheimer-associated Aß oligomers impact the central nervous system to induce peripheral metabolic deregulation.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is associated with peripheral metabolic disorders. Clinical/epidemiological data indicate increased risk of diabetes in AD patients. Here, we show that intracerebroventricular infusion of AD-associated Aß oligomers (AßOs) in mice triggered peripheral glucose intolerance, a phenomenon further verified in two transgenic mouse models of AD. Systemically injected AßOs failed to induce glucose intolerance, suggesting AßOs target brain regions involved in peripheral metabolic control. Accordingly, we show that AßOs affected hypothalamic neurons in culture, inducing eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α phosphorylation (eIF2α-P). AßOs further induced eIF2α-P and activated pro-inflammatory IKKß/NF-κB signaling in the hypothalamus of mice and macaques. AßOs failed to trigger peripheral glucose intolerance in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) receptor 1 knockout mice. Pharmacological inhibition of brain inflammation and endoplasmic reticulum stress prevented glucose intolerance in mice, indicating that AßOs act via a central route to affect peripheral glucose homeostasis. While the hypothalamus has been largely ignored in the AD field, our findings indicate that AßOs affect this brain region and reveal novel shared molecular mechanisms between hypothalamic dysfunction in metabolic disorders and AD.

Proanthocyanidin-rich fraction from Croton celtidifolius Baill confers neuroprotection in the intranasal 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine rat model of Parkinson's disease.

We have recently demonstrated that rodents treated intranasally with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) suffered impairments in olfactory, cognitive and motor functions associated with time-dependent disruption of dopaminergic neurotransmission in different brain structures conceivably analogous to those observed during different stages of Parkinson's disease (PD). On the other hand, the proanthocyanidin-rich fraction (PRF) obtained from the bark of Croton celtidifolius Baill (Euphorbiaceae), a tree frequently found in the Atlantic forest in south Brazil, has been described to have several neurobiological activities including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may be of interest in the treatment of PD. The present data indicated that the pretreatment with PRF (10 mg/kg, i.p.) during five consecutive days was able to prevent mitochondrial complex-I inhibition in the striatum and olfactory bulb, as well as a decrease of the enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase expression in the olfactory bulb and substantia nigra of rats infused with a single intranasal administration of MPTP (1 mg/nostril). Moreover, pretreatment with PRF was found to attenuate the short-term social memory deficits, depressive-like behavior and reduction of locomotor activity observed at different periods after intranasal MPTP administration in rats. Altogether, the present findings provide strong evidence that PRF from C. celtidifolius may represent a promising therapeutic tool in PD, thus being able to prevent both motor and non-motor early symptoms of PD, together with its neuroprotective potential.

Single intranasal administration of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine in C57BL/6 mice models early preclinical phase of Parkinson's disease.

Many studies have shown that deficits in olfactory and cognitive functions precede the classical motor symptoms seen in Parkinson's disease (PD) and that olfactory testing may contribute to the early diagnosis of this disorder. Although the primary cause of PD is still unknown, epidemiological studies have revealed that its incidence is increased in consequence of exposure to certain environmental toxins. In this study, most of the impairments presented by C57BL/6 mice infused with a single intranasal (i.n.) administration of the proneurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) (1 mg/nostril) were similar to those observed during the early phase of PD, when a moderate loss of nigral dopamine neurons results in olfactory and memory deficits with no major motor impairments. Such infusion decreased the levels of the enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase in the olfactory bulb, striatum, and substantia nigra by means of apoptotic mechanisms, reducing dopamine concentration in different brain structures such as olfactory bulb, striatum, and prefrontal cortex, but not in the hippocampus. These findings reinforce the notion that the olfactory system represents a particularly sensitive route for the transport of neurotoxins into the central nervous system that may be related to the etiology of PD. These results also provide new insights in experimental models of PD, indicating that the i.n. administration of MPTP represents a valuable mouse model for the study of the early stages of PD and for testing new therapeutic strategies to restore sensorial and cognitive processes in PD.

Preventive and therapeutic anti-inflammatory properties of the sesquiterpene alpha-humulene in experimental airways allergic inflammation.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: alpha-Humulene and trans-caryophyllene are plant sesquiterpenes with pronounced anti-inflammatory properties. Here, we evaluated the effects of these compounds in an experimental model of airways allergic inflammation. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Female BALB/c mice, sensitized to and challenged with ovalbumin received daily alpha-humulene or trans-caryophyllene (50 mg.kg(-1), orally) or alpha-humulene (1 mg.mL(-1), by aerosol) as either a preventive (for 22 days) or therapeutic (from the 18th to the 22nd day) treatment. Dexamethasone or budesonide was used as a positive control drug. Inflammation was determined on day 22 post-immunization by leukocyte recruitment, interleukin-5 (IL-5), CCL11, interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and leukotriene (LT)B(4) levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). In addition, transcription factors [nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB), activator protein 1 (AP-1)] and P-selectin in lung tissue were measured by immunohistochemistry and mucus secretion by histochemistry. KEY RESULTS: Preventive or therapeutic treatments with alpha-humulene, but not with trans-caryophyllene, significantly reduced the eosinophil recruitment to the BALF. In addition, alpha-humulene recovery INF-gamma and reduced the IL-5, CCL11 and LTB(4) levels in BALF, as well as the IL-5 production in mediastinal lymph nodes (in vitro assay). Furthermore, alpha-humulene decreased the NF-kB and the AP-1 activation, the expression of P-selectin and the increased mucus secretion in the lung. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: alpha-Humulene, given either orally or by aerosol, exhibited marked anti-inflammatory properties in a murine model of airways allergic inflammation, an effect that seemed to be mediated via reduction of inflammatory mediators, adhesion molecule expression and transcription factors activation.

Tratamento Homeopático da amigdalite recorrente em crianças: um estudo randomizado controlado / Homeopathic treeatment of recurrent tonsillitis in children: a randomized controlled trial

Objetivo: avaliar a eficácia e segurança do tratamento homeopático em crianças com amidalite recorrente, com indicação cirúrgica. Métodos: estudo prospectivo, duplo-cego, randomizado, em que foram incluídas 40 crianças com idade variando de 3 a 7 anos, 20 crianças foram tratadas com medicação homeopática individualizada (simillimum), baseada no princípio da similitude e 20 crianças receberam placebo. Todas as crianças do grupo medicação homeopática receberam diariamente Baryta carbônica 6 CH, Streptococcus beta hemolítico 21 CH e Amigdala 21 CH; e as do grupo placebo receberam diariamente placebo como se fossem estes medicamentos. A duração do estudo de cada paciente foi de 4 meses. Avaliação dos resultados foi clínica, por meio de questionário padrão, de exame otorrinolaringológico, no primeiro e no último dia de tratamento. Utilizou-se como critério de amigdalites de repetição a ocorrência de 5 a 7 episódios de amigdalites agudas ao ano.Resultados: das 18 crianças que completaram o tratamento homeopático, 14 não apresentaram nenhum episódio de amidalite aguda bacteriana; das 15 crianças que receberam placebo por 4 meses, 5 pacientes não apresentaram amidalite, com diferenças estatisticamente significantes (P=0,015*). Nenhum dos pacientes apresentou efeitos colaterais aos medicamentos prescritos. Conclusões: o tratamento homeopático foi eficaz nas crianças com amigdalites recorrentes, quando comparado ao placebo, excluindo 14 crianças (78%) da indicação cirúrgica. O medicamento homeopático nao provocou eventos adversos nas crianças

Objective: To assess the effectiveness and safety of the homeopathic treatment in children with recurrent tonsillitis justifying surgery.Methods: a randomized controlled, double-blind trial included 40 children, ages 3-7; 20 children were treated with homeopathic medication, based on the principle of individualization (simillimum); 20 children received placebo. All treated children also received Baryta carbonica 6CH daily; Beta hemolytic streptococcus 21CH and Tonsil 21CH daily. The duration of the study was 4 months. Evaluation was clinical, through standard interview and physical exam, at the first and last days of treatment. Criterion for recurrent tonsillitis was 5-7 episodes of bacterial acute tonsillitis per year.Results: from the 18 children who completed the homeopathic treatment, 14 did not present any episode of acute tonsillitis; from 15 children who completed the treatment with placebo, 5 did not present any acute episode. This difference is statistically significant (p=0.005). None of the treated patients presented side-effects. Conclusions: The homeopathic treatment was effective in children with recurrent tonsillitis, when compared to compared to placebo. 14 children (78%) could, thus avoid surgery. The homeopathic remedies did not provoke adverse effects.

Tratamento Homeopático da amigdalite recorrente em crianças: um estudo randomizado controlado / Homeopathic treeatment of recurrent tonsillitis in children: a randomized controlled trial

Objetivo: avaliar a eficácia e segurança do tratamento homeopático em crianças com amidalite recorrente, com indicação cirúrgica. Métodos: estudo prospectivo, duplo-cego, randomizado, em que foram incluídas 40 crianças com idade variando de 3 a 7 anos, 20 crianças foram tratadas com medicação homeopática individualizada (simillimum), baseada no princípio da similitude e 20 crianças receberam placebo. Todas as crianças do grupo medicação homeopática receberam diariamente Baryta carbônica 6 CH, Streptococcus beta hemolítico 21 CH e Amigdala 21 CH; e as do grupo placebo receberam diariamente placebo como se fossem estes medicamentos. A duração do estudo de cada paciente foi de 4 meses. Avaliação dos resultados foi clínica, por meio de questionário padrão, de exame otorrinolaringológico, no primeiro e no último dia de tratamento. Utilizou-se como critério de amigdalites de repetição a ocorrência de 5 a 7 episódios de amigdalites agudas ao ano.Resultados: das 18 crianças que completaram o tratamento homeopático, 14 não apresentaram nenhum episódio de amidalite aguda bacteriana; das 15 crianças que receberam placebo por 4 meses, 5 pacientes não apresentaram amidalite, com diferenças estatisticamente significantes (P=0,015*). Nenhum dos pacientes apresentou efeitos colaterais aos medicamentos prescritos. Conclusões: o tratamento homeopático foi eficaz nas crianças com amigdalites recorrentes, quando comparado ao placebo, excluindo 14 crianças (78%) da indicação cirúrgica. O medicamento homeopático nao provocou eventos adversos nas crianças(AU)

Objective: To assess the effectiveness and safety of the homeopathic treatment in children with recurrent tonsillitis justifying surgery.Methods: a randomized controlled, double-blind trial included 40 children, ages 3-7; 20 children were treated with homeopathic medication, based on the principle of individualization (simillimum); 20 children received placebo. All treated children also received Baryta carbonica 6CH daily; Beta hemolytic streptococcus 21CH and Tonsil 21CH daily. The duration of the study was 4 months. Evaluation was clinical, through standard interview and physical exam, at the first and last days of treatment. Criterion for recurrent tonsillitis was 5-7 episodes of bacterial acute tonsillitis per year.Results: from the 18 children who completed the homeopathic treatment, 14 did not present any episode of acute tonsillitis; from 15 children who completed the treatment with placebo, 5 did not present any acute episode. This difference is statistically significant (p=0.005). None of the treated patients presented side-effects. Conclusions: The homeopathic treatment was effective in children with recurrent tonsillitis, when compared to compared to placebo. 14 children (78%) could, thus avoid surgery. The homeopathic remedies did not provoke adverse effects.(AU)

Estudo clínico, randomizado, duplo-cego, em crianças com adenóide obstrutiva, submetidas a tratamento homeopático / Prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial about efficacy of homeopathic treatment in children with obstructive adenoid

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a eficácia e segurança do tratamento homeopático em crianças com adenóide obstrutiva, com indicaçäo cirúrgica. FORMA DE ESTUDO: Clínico prospectivo. Material e método: Estudo prospectivo, duplo-cego, randomizado, em que foram incluídas 40 crianças com idade variando de 3 a 7 anos, 20 crianças foram tratadas com medicaçäo homeopática individualizada (Simillimum), baseada no princípio da similitude e 20 crianças receberam placebo. Todas as crianças do grupo medicaçäo homeopática foram medicadas diariamente com Agraphis nutans 6 CH, Thuya 6 CH e Adenóide 21CH; e as do grupo placebo receberam diariamente medicamentos sem o princípio ativo. A duraçäo do estudo de cada paciente foi de 4 meses. A avaliaçäo dos resultados foi clínica, por meio de questionário padräo, de exame otorrinolaringológico e nasofaringoscopia direta com fibroscópio flexível, no primeiro e no último dia de tratamento. Utilizou-se como critério de inclusäo a adenóide que ocupou mais do que 70 por cento da luz coanal. RESULTADOS: Das 20 crianças tratadas com medicamento homeopático, 13 näo apresentaram alteraçäo no tamanho da adenóide nos exames nasofaringoscópicos e 7 tiveram diminuiçäo da adenóide; das 20 crianças que receberam placebo por 4 meses, 11 näo apresentaram alteraçöes no tamanho da adenóide, 4 tiveram diminuiçäo da adenóide e 5 crianças tiveram aumento. Näo houve diferença estatística significante entre os grupos (P= 0,069). Na avaliaçäo clínica da evoluçäo dos pacientes, dos 20 pacientes tratados com medicamento homeopático, 17 se mantiveram inalterados, com respiraçäo oral e ronco, um paciente melhorou, ficando sem ronco e dois foram curados, isto é, a respiraçäo alterou-se de oral para nasal e sem ronco. Dos 20 pacientes tratados com placebo, 17 pacientes se mantiveram inalterados, um paciente melhorou do ronco e dois foram curados, näo tendo havido diferença estatística significante entre os grupos (P>0,999). CONCLUSÖES: O tratamento homeopático näo foi eficaz nas crianças com adenóide obstrutiva, mantendo-se a indicaçäo cirúrgica em 85 por cento dos pacientes. O medicamento homeopático näo provocou eventos adversos nas crianças

Estudo da açäo depressora inespecífica do suco extraído das folhas de Bryophyllum calcynum Salisb. (Crassulaceae) sobre o sistema nervoso central: comparaçäo com os efeitos da difenidramina / Study on the innespecific depressive action of the leaves juice of Bryophillum calycinum Salisb. (Crassulaceae) in the central nervous system: comparison whith diphenhydramine effects

Bryophyllum calcynum Salisb (Crassulaceae) é uma planta largamente utilizada em regiöes tropicais e subtropciais como medicaçäo tópica em afecçöes cutäneas de natureza alérgica. Tal utilizaçäo foi fundamentada sob o ponto de vista farmacológico, por um trabalho (NASSIS, 1991) que demonstra ser o suco extraído das folhas desta planta, um potente antagonista dos receptores H1 a nível periférico em ratos. Durante a realizaçäo do referido trabalho, foi verificada uma aparente açäo depressora central exercida pelo suco caracterizada por sonolência e imobilidade dos animais. No presente trabalho, a proposta foi estudar tal açäo, verificando se realmente o suco exercia açäo depressora significativa sobre o SNC. Os experimentos realizados demonstraram que o suco (4,0g/Kg) inibe a atividade locomotora em campo aberto, e potência o tempo de sono induzido por pentobarbital em ratos. Resultados similares foram obtidos com a administraçäo de difenidramina (20mg/Kg), indicando a necessidade de realizaçäo de experimentos mais especificos para a verificaçäo de uma eventual açäo anti-histamínina central