Unexpected increase of the deuterium to hydrogen ratio in the Venus mesosphere.

This study analyzes H2O and HDO vertical profiles in the Venus mesosphere using Venus Express/Solar Occultation in the InfraRed data. The findings show increasing H2O and HDO volume mixing ratios with altitude, with the D/H ratio rising significantly from 0.025 at ~70 km to 0.24 at ~108 km. This indicates an increase from 162 to 1,519 times the Earth's ratio within 40 km. The study explores two hypotheses for these results: isotopic fractionation from photolysis of H2O over HDO or from phase change processes. The latter, involving condensation and evaporation of sulfuric acid aerosols, as suggested by previous authors [X. Zhang et al., Nat. Geosci. 3, 834-837 (2010)], aligns more closely with the rapid changes observed. Vertical transport computations for H2O, HDO, and aerosols show water vapor downwelling and aerosols upwelling. We propose a mechanism where aerosols form in the lower mesosphere due to temperatures below the water condensation threshold, leading to deuterium-enriched aerosols. These aerosols ascend, evaporate at higher temperatures, and release more HDO than H2O, which are then transported downward. Moreover, this cycle may explain the SO2 increase in the upper mesosphere observed above 80 km. The study highlights two crucial implications. First, altitude variation is critical to determining the Venus deuterium and hydrogen reservoirs. Second, the altitude-dependent increase of the D/H ratio affects H and D escape rates. The photolysis of H2O and HDO at higher altitudes releases more D, influencing long-term D/H evolution. These findings suggest that evolutionary models should incorporate altitude-dependent processes for accurate D/H fractionation predictions.

Daptomycin and Ceftaroline Combination Therapy in Complicated Endovascular Infections Caused by Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis.

Background In complicated endovascular infections by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or Staphylococcus epidermidis (MRSE), when first-line therapy with vancomycin (VAN) or daptomycin (DAP) fails, combination therapy with ceftaroline (CFT) and DAP has been shown to be a useful approach as salvage therapy for persistent MRSA bacteremia. Objectives This study aimed to describe experience with daptomycin and ceftaroline combination therapy in MRSE-complicated endovascular infections. Methods A single-center retrospective review of consecutive patients with MRSE-complicated endovascular infections treated with ≥72 hours of DAP+CFT at any time during the course of treatment, from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2020, at Centro Hospitalar Universitário São João (CHUSJ), Porto, Portugal, was conducted. The exclusion criteria were known resistance to daptomycin or ceftaroline, total time of combination therapy <72 hours and loss to follow-up. Results We identified seven cases that matched our criteria: five endocarditis and two central venous catheter infections. Six patients switched to combination therapy due to treatment failure with first-line agents - three due to persistent bacteremia and three due to progression of infection despite negative blood cultures. Effective surgical source control took one to four weeks to occur. Three patients died during the treatment, one from progression of the disease and two due to another infection. Conclusions We consider the DAP+CFT combination therapy to be a valid and safe therapeutic choice in complicated patients, such as those with severe infection, poor functional status, and impossibility or delay of surgical source control. However, conclusions on the role of combination therapy should be careful due to the low number of patients and the several confounding factors.

Purpura Fulminans as a Rare Manifestation of Invasive Haemophilus influenzae Disease: A Case Report.

Haemophilus influenzae (Hi) is a bacterium usually found in the upper respiratory tract of humans. Though it is recognized as a naturally occurring element in the human bacterial reservoir, Hi infections have the potential to be severe and even fatal, particularly when they result in conditions such as meningitis or epiglottitis. Because of this, Hi invasive infections are considered a reportable disease in Portugal. We report a case of a 58-year-old female, chronically adrenally suppressed on long-term steroids, who developed an invasive Hi type b infection that led to purpura fulminans and multiorgan failure after an acute episode of epiglottitis. According to our review of the literature, only three previous cases of invasive Hi type b disease-causing purpura fulminans have been described.

Surgical site infection surveillance in knee and hip arthroplasty: optimizing an algorithm to detect high-risk patients based on electronic health records.

BACKGROUND: Surgical site infection (SSI) is an important cause of disease burden and healthcare costs. Fully manual surveillance is time-consuming and prone to subjectivity and inter-individual variability, which can be partly overcome by semi-automated surveillance. Algorithms used in orthopaedic SSI semi-automated surveillance have reported high sensitivity and important workload reduction. This study aimed to design and validate different algorithms to identify patients at high risk of SSI after hip or knee arthroplasty. METHODS: Retrospective data from manual SSI surveillance between May 2015 and December 2017 were used as gold standard for validation. Knee and hip arthroplasty were included, patients were followed up for 90 days and European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control SSI classification was applied. Electronic health records data was used to generate different algorithms, considering combinations of the following variables: ≥1 positive culture, ≥ 3 microbiological requests, antimicrobial therapy ≥ 7 days, length of hospital stay ≥ 14 days, orthopaedics readmission, orthopaedics surgery and emergency department attendance. Sensitivity, specificity, negative and predictive value, and workload reduction were calculated. RESULTS: In total 1631 surgical procedures were included, of which 67.5% (n = 1101) in women; patients' median age was 69 years (IQR 62 to 77) and median Charlson index 2 (IQR 1 to 3). Most surgeries were elective (92.5%; n = 1508) and half were hip arthroplasty (52.8%; n = 861). SSI incidence was 3.8% (n = 62), of which 64.5% were deep or organ/space infections. Positive culture was the single variable with highest sensitivity (64.5%), followed by orthopaedic reintervention (59.7%). Twenty-four algorithms presented 90.3% sensitivity for all SSI types and 100% for deep and organ/space SSI. Workload reduction ranged from 59.7 to 67.7%. The algorithm including ≥ 3 microbiological requests, length of hospital stay ≥ 14 days and emergency department attendance, was one of the best options in terms of sensitivity, workload reduction and feasibility for implementation. CONCLUSIONS: Different algorithms with high sensitivity to detect all types of SSI can be used in real life, tailored to clinical practice and data availability. Emergency department attendance can be an important variable to identify superficial SSI in semi-automated surveillance.

Blood collection under anesthesia, peripheral blood cells, plasma biochemistry, and plasma protein electrophoresis in a living fossil: the Spotted Ratfish (Hydrolagus colliei).

This report describes the safe and effective handling under anesthesia, blood collection and main clinical pathology values determination for three adult Spotted Ratfish (Hydrolagus colliei) (two males and one female) successfully maintained under human care for more than 20 years. The anesthetic MS-222 diluted in tamponed salt water at 50 ppm provided deep narcosis with mean induction and recovery times of 5 and 20 min, allowing safe handling and blood collection in the three animals sampled. Major leukocyte types were similar to other teleost and elasmobranch species, identifying lymphocytes as the predominant leukocyte (75.5%), followed by the fine eosinophilic granulocytes (10.25%), the coarse eosinophilic granulocytes (9.75%), and a small percentage of monocytes (5.50%). Plasma biochemistry values in this species were like those seen in elasmobranchs, with the highest levels of blood urea nitrogen described in any Chondrichthyes (mean 679.7 mmol/l). Plasma protein electrophoresis analysis in the Spotted Ratfish showed five consistent fractions, like those previously described in other fish species, with a negligible quantity of proteins migrating in the region equivalent to albumin, and with fraction 4 (mean 53.20%) as the predominant fraction. Despite the limitations imposed by the small sample size and the challenging access to the studied species under human care, this study will shed light on and enhance clinical knowledge regarding Ratfish handling, anesthesia, blood collection, and analysis. It aims to deliver a comprehensive clinical pathology description, presenting valuable data for professionals engaged in the care and management of Chimaerans.

Nonemergent craniotomy surgical site infection: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: The incidence of surgical site infection after craniotomy (SSI-CRAN) varies widely and is associated with major consequences. The aim of this study is to estimate the SSI-CRAN rate at the neurosurgery department of a tertiary center and to establish its risk factors. Methods: All consecutive adult patients who underwent elective craniotomy for tumor resection at a tertiary center from January 2018 to October 2019 were retrospectively assessed. Demographic, clinical, and surgical data were collected. The main outcome of our study was the development of SSI within 30days postsurgery, as defined by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control guidelines. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to establish risk factors for SSI-CRAN. Results: From the 271 patients enrolled in this study, 15 (5.5%) developed SSI-CRAN within 30days postsurgery, 11 (73.3%) of which were organ-space. The most common causative microorganisms isolated were gram-positive cocci, particularly Staphylococcus epidermidis (n = 4, 66.7%). In the univariate analysis, absence of normothermia and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak were associated with SSI-CRAN. In the multivariate analysis, normothermia was the only protective factor and CSF leak was the only independent risk factor for SSI-CRAN. Conclusion: The cumulative incidence of SSI-CRAN within 30days postsurgery was 5.5%. CSF leak and the absence of normothermia were the only independent risk factors for SSI-CRAN. The data provided in this study should be considered in the design of preventive strategies aimed to reduce the incidence of SSI.

Molecular detection of Leishmania infantum DNA according to clinical stages of leishmaniasis in dog / Deteção molecular de DNA de Leishmania infantum em diferentes estágios clínicos da leishmaniose em cães

Abstract The aim of this study was to compare molecular tests used to diagnose Leishmania spp. in dogs with different stages of infection. Blood and conjunctival swab (CS) samples from dogs classified in four clinical stages were subjected to different PCR protocols (13A/13B, MC1/MC2, LITSR/L5.8S and LEISH-1/LEISH-2 primers). To the study, 22.3% (48/215) of dogs were classified as without clinical signs, 67.5% (145/215) stage I (mild disease), 7.0% (15/215) stage II (moderate disease) and 3.2% (7/215) stage III (severe disease). The results showed that in blood samples, 13A/13B detected a significant higher number of positive dogs in stage I (25/145) and in total (42/215) (p≤0.05). However, when CS samples were tested, no difference was observed (p>0.05). On the other hand, in blood samples, MC1/MC2 detected significantly fewer positive dogs classified as without clinical signs (0/48), in stage I (0/145) and in total (1/215) (p≤0.05). Likewise, in CS samples, this primers showed also lower detection (1/215) (p≤0.05). So than, we can conclude that PCR on blood samples with 13A/13B primers has greater capacity to detect positive dogs, mainly at the initial of clinical disease than do other primers and MC1/MC2 are not a good choice to detect Leishmania infantum infection in dogs.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar testes moleculares usados para diagnosticar Leishmania spp., em cães apresentando diferentes estágios de infecção. Amostras de sangue e suabe conjuntival (SC) de cães classificados em quatro estágios clínicos foram submetidas a diferentes PCRs (primers 13A/13B, MC1/MC2, LITSR/L5.8S e LEISH-1/LEISH-2). Para o estudo, 22,3% (48/215) dos cães foram classificados como sem sinais clínicos, 67,5% (145/215) estágio I (doença leve), 7,0% (15/215) estágio II (doença moderada) e 3,2% (7/215) estágio III (doença grave). Os resultados mostraram que, em amostras de sangue, 13A/13B detectou número significativamente maior de cães positivos no estágio I (25/145) e no total (42/215) (p≤0,05). No entanto, quando as amostras de SC foram testadas, nenhuma diferença foi observada (p>0,05). Por outro lado, no sangue, MC1/MC2 detectou significativamente menos cães positivos sem sinais clínicos (0/48), em estágio I (0/145) e no total (1/215) (p≤0,05). Da mesma forma, em amostras de SC, MC1/MC2 também apresentou menor detecção (1/215) (p≤0,05). Assim, a PCR em amostras de sangue com 13A/13B tem maior capacidade de detectar cães positivos, principalmente no início da doença do que outros primers, e o par de primers MC1/MC2 não é uma boa escolha para detectar infecção por Leishmania infantum em cães.

Processo de validação da Global Measure of Sexual Satisfaction em três amostras da população portuguesa / Validation process of the Global Measure of Sexual Satisfaction in three samples of the portuguese population

A satisfação sexual é um indicador importante da saúde sexual, contudo, a sua definição não é consensual. A Global Measure of Sexual Satisfaction (GMSEX) é um instrumento que avalia a satisfação sexual global no contexto de uma relação íntima. Pretendeu-se avaliar o comportamento psicométrico deste instrumento em três amostras distintas da população portuguesa, constituídas por participantes comprometidos em relações de coabitação: duas amostras presenciais designadas por "grupo normativo" sem diagnóstico e percepção de problemas sexuais (n = 291), "grupo clínico" com problemas sexuais (n =84), e uma amostra online (n = 760). Confirmou-se a estrutura unifactorial da escala, verificando-se uma adequada fiabilidade e validade do instrumento...

Sexual satisfaction is an important indicator of sexual health, however, its definition is not consensual. Lawrence and Byers (1995) developed a conceptual model of sexual satisfaction for people in committed relationships and, within this model, the authors developed the Global Measure of Sexual Satisfaction (GMSEX) which assesses global sexual satisfaction in the context of an intimate relationship. In the present study we aimed to adapt and assess the psychometric properties of this scale with three distinct samples from the Portuguese population in cohabitation relationships. One was designated as "normative group" with no diagnosis and perception of sexual problems (n = 291), another called "clinical group", whose participants presented sexual problems (n = 84), and an "online" sample of participants with and without perception of sexual problems (n = 760). The scale proved to have a single factor structure as well as good reliability and validity...

Validação da versão portuguesa do Índice de Funcionamento Sexual Feminino - 6 / Validation of the Portuguese version of the Female Sexual Function Index-6

Introdução. A medição do funcionamento sexual constitui um pressuposto essencial no estudo da sexualidade feminina. Objetivo. A presente investigação teve como objetivo proceder à validação da versão portuguesa do Índice de Funcionamento Sexual Feminino - 6 (FSFI‐6), instrumento breve que mede o funcionamento sexual feminino. Material e métodos. Recorreu‐se a um total de 375 participantes do sexo feminino, subdivididas em amostra normativa (n=307) e amostra clínica (n=68), as quais preencheram o questionário com a tradução para português do FSFI‐6. Resultados. Foram demonstradas as principais propriedades psicométricas da validação do FSFI‐6. Discussão. A estrutura unidimensional original do FSFI‐6 foi replicada e obtiveram‐se igualmente valores bons a nível de consistência interna, validade convergente, validade divergente e validade de grupos‐conhecidos. Conclusões. As propriedades psicométricas encontradas justificam a utilização do FSFI‐6 na população feminina portuguesa (AU)

Introduction. The measurement of sexual function constitutes an essential basis in the study of female sexuality. Objective. The purpose of the present study was to validate a Portuguese version of the Female Sexual Function Index-6 (FSFI‐6), a short scale that assesses female sexual function. Material and methods. A total of 375 women, subdivided in a community sample (n=307) and in a clinical sample (n=68), participated in this study by completing the Portuguese version of the questionnaire. Results. The main psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of the FSFI‐6 were demonstrated. Discussion. The original unidimensional structure of the FSFI‐6 was replicated and good values were also obtained in terms of internal consistency, convergent validity, divergent validity, and known‐groups validity. Conclusions. The use of the Portuguese version of the FSFI‐6 is justified since it has sound psychometric properties (AU)

Lesão vascular da placenta condicionando RCIU e hidropisia fetal não imune em gestação gemelar / Placental vascular lesion as cause of IUGR and nonimmune fetal hydrops in twin pregnanc

As lesões vasculares da placenta constituem um grupo de entidades distintas, mas inter-relacionadas, em que se incluem os corioangiomas e a corangiomatose multifocal difusa. O corioangioma é uma lesão nodular expansiva com incidência de cerca de 1 por cento. A corangiomatose multifocal difusa é rara (0,2 por cento) e predominante em placentas em idade gestacional inferior a 32 semanas. Os autores apresentam um caso de gestação gemelar monocoriônica/biamniótica, no qual um dos fetos, à 26ª semana de gestação, apresentou quadro de restrição de crescimento intrauterino, hidropisia e anemia associado à formação tumoral da placenta com vascularização aumentada verificada pela doplervelocimetria. O estudo anatomopatológico da placenta permitiu o diagnóstico de corangiomatose multifocal difusa. Este raro caso de corioangiomatose multifocal difusa com forma de apresentação pré-natal mimetizando a de um corioangioma comprova que a detecção ultrassonográfica de um tumor da placenta com vascularização aumentada deve suscitar outras hipótese diagnóstica, além do corioangioma.

Placenta vascular lesions are a group of distinct yet related entities that include chorangiomas and diffuse multifocal chorangiomatosis. Chorangioma is an expansive nodular lesion with an incidence of about 1 percent. Diffuse multifocal chorangiomatosis is rare (0.2 percent) and mostly seen in placentas before the 32nd gestational week. The authors present a case of a monochorionic/biamniotic twin pregnancy, in which, at the 26th gestational week, one fetus developed intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), hydrops, and anemia associated with a tumor of the placenta with increased vascularization in the Doppler study. Pathological examination of the placenta diagnosed diffuse multifocal chorangiomatosis. This rare case report of diffuse multifocal chorangiomatosis with prenatal manifestations resembling those of a chorangioma proves that prenatal ultrasound detection of a placenta tumor, with increased vascularization at Doppler study, must raise other diagnostic possibilities beside chorangioma.

Laparoscopia na decisão da estratégia terapêutica para o casal infértil / Laparoscopy in the decision of treatment strategy for the infertile couple

OBJETIVO: avaliar a contribuição da laparoscopia diagnóstica na abordagem do casal infértil. MÉTODOS: estudo retrospectivo com análise dos 86 casos consecutivos de pacientes acompanhadas em consulta de esterilidade que foram submetidas à laparoscopia entre Janeiro de 2004 e Dezembro de 2006. Oitenta e duas pacientes tinham realizado histerossalpingografia (HSG) previamente à laparoscopia. Avaliaram-se os achados laparoscópicos bem como os procedimentos acessórios efetuados, e correlacionaram-se os achados histerossalpingográficos com os da laparoscopia. A análise estatística foi efetuada com o Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 15. A sensibilidade e a especificidade da HSG foram determinadas e os intervalos de confiança calculados assumindo-se um erro alfa de 0,05 (IC95 por cento). RESULTADOS: na laparoscopia foram identificadas alterações compatíveis com endometriose em 21 casos (24,4 por cento), salpinge uni/bilateral em 14 casos (16,3 por cento) e doença inflamatória pélvica em 16 casos (18,6 por cento). Procedeu-se à adesiólise e à fulguração dos focos de endometriose em oito pacientes. Foram feitas duas salpingostomias, duas quistectomias do paraovário, duas quistectomias do ovário e três drillings do ovário. A prova de permeabilidade tubar foi normal em 44 casos (53 por cento), revelou obstrução unilateral em 21 (25,3 por cento) e obstrução bilateral em 17 (20,5 por cento). Os resultados da histerossalpingografia foram concordantes com os da laparoscopia em 44 dos 82 casos (53,7 por cento). Quando definimos doença como qualquer forma de obstrução tubar presente na laparoscopia, a sensibilidade da HSG foi 0,79 (IC95 por cento=0,62-0,9) e a especificidade 0,58 (IC95 por cento=0,42-0,73). Quando limitamos a definição de doença à presença de obstrução tubar bilateral na laparoscopia, a sensibilidade e a especificidade da HSG foram 0,47 (IC95 por cento=0,24-0,71) e 0,77 (IC95 por cento=0,64-0,86), respectivamente. Em nove casos (15,3 por cento) em que a HSG havia sido normal ou revelado apenas obstrução unilateral, a laparoscopia revelou obstrução bilateral. Em 15 casos (65,2 por cento) em que a HSG havia demonstrado obstrução bilateral, a laparoscopia foi normal ou revelou apenas obstrução unilateral. CONCLUSÕES: a laparoscopia demonstrou sua relevância diagnóstica e terapêutica revelando-se fundamental na clarificação do status tubo-peritoneal. Permitiu a realização concomitante de atos terapêuticos, possibilitando a definição da melhor estratégia terapêutica no casal infértil.

PURPOSE: to evaluate the contribution of diagnostic laparoscopy to approach the infertile couple. METHODS: retrospective analysis of 86 consecutive cases of patients who were accompanied in the infertility appointments and were submitted to diagnostic laparoscopy from January 2004 to December 2006. Eighty-two of these patients had been submitted to hysterosalpingography (HSG) prior to laparoscopy. The laparoscopic findings were analyzed, as well as the accessory procedures, and the results of the hysterosalpingography and of the laparoscopy were correlated. Statistical analysis was performed by the use of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 15. The sensitivity and the specificity of HSG were determined and the confidence intervals were calculated with an alpha error of 0.05 (95 percentCI). RESULTS: the laparoscopy revealed 21 cases of endometriosis (24.4 percent), 14 cases of uni/bilateral inflammatory disease of the salpinx (16.3 percent), and 16 cases of pelvic inflammatory disease (18.6 percent). Adhesiolysis and ablation of endometrial lesions were performed in eight patients. There were also other accessory procedures: two salpingostomies, two paraovarian cystectomies, two ovarian cystectomies and three ovarian drillings. The tubal patency test during laparoscopy was normal in 44 cases (53 percent), revealed unilateral obstruction in 21 cases (25.3 percent) and bilateral obstruction in 17 cases (20.5 percent). The results of the hysterosalpingography were similar to those of the laparoscopy in 44 out of the 82 cases (53.7 percent). HSG sensitivity was 0.79 (95 percentCI=0.62-0.9) and its specificity was 0.58 (95 percentCI=0.42-0.73) when the disease was defined as any form of tubal occlusion detected with the laparoscopy, wheter this occlusion was one-sided or two-sided. HSG sensitivity and specificity were 0.47 (95 percentCI=0.24-0.71) and 0.77 (95 percentCI=0.64-0.86), respectively, when the definition of the disease was limited to two-sided tubal occlusion. In nine cases (15.3 percent) in which HSG had shown normal findings or only a unilateral occlusion, laparoscopy revealed a two-sided occlusion. And in 15 cases (65.2 percent) in which HSG had shown a two-sided occlusion, laparoscopy revealed normal findings or one-sided occlusion. CONCLUSIONS: the laparoscopy demonstrated its diagnostic and therapeutic relevance, proving to have fundamental importance for the clarification of the tuboperitoneal status. It has permitted the development of concomitant accessory therapeutic procedures, thus defining the best treatment strategy for the infertile couples.

Atividade inibidora da absorção intestinal da glicose do epicarpo da Romã (Punica granatum, L.)

When glucose at 0,1% was perfused into intestinal segment of the anesthetized rats, presents constant rate of absorption.The association of the pomegranate infusion in the glucose solution inhibits glucose absorption. The pomegranate extract previously IP injected also inhibits absorption of perfused glucose.

A solução de glicose a 0,1% perfundida num seguimento intestinal de ratos anestesiados apresenta uma velocidade constante de absorção. A associação do chá da Romã na solução de glicose inibe a sua absorção sem apresentar atividade inibidora residual. O extrato da Romã injetado IP previamente também inibe a absorção da glicose perfundida.Não foi detetada (s) substância (s) inibidora (s) da absorção da glicose.

Influência do chá da caá-heê, Stevia rebaudiana (Bert.) Bertoni, sobre o peso dos órgãos sexuais isolados de camundongos jovens

The infusion of the dried cáa-heê leaves reduced the male and female mouse sexual organ weight (the latest principaly). After the administration of the infusion at 1% for period of 30 days (for females) and 60 days (male testicles) this effect was more evident. The inhibitory influence of the dried cáa-heê leaves chaged with the dose (Concentration of the infusion) and with the duration of the treatment.

O chá das folhas secas da Cáa-heê reduziu o peso dos ôrgãos sexuais de comundongos machos e fêmeas principalmente. Este efeito foi mais nítido após administração do chá a 1% por período de 30 dias (nas fêmeas) e 60 dias (testículos dos machos). A influência inibitória da cáa-heê variou com a dose (concentração do chá) e com o tempo de duração do tratamento.

Estudo do mecanismo tóxico em Dieffenbachia picta

These are the results we have got with the experiences on buccal edem provoked by the raphides of Dieffenbachia picta which were washed with water or ether.The raphides washed with water and suspendend in water have no longer provoked the edem. The raphides washed with water have presented a red colorin by the SUDAM III while those wasched with ether do not get colored any more.

São apresentados os resultados das experiências com edema bucal provocados pelas ráfides de Dieffenbachia picta lavados somente com água ou com éter. As ráfides lavadas com água e resuspensas em água não provocam mais edema. As ráfides lavadas com água apresentam coloração vermelha pelo SUDAM III enquanto as lavadas com éter não se colorem mais.

Pharmacological screening of plants recommended by folk medicine as anti-snake venom: I. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities

We have observed that several plants used popularly as anti-snake venom show anti-inflammatory activity. From the list prepared by Rizzini, Mors and Pereira some species have been selected and tested for analgesic activity (number of contortions) and anti-inflammatory activity (Evans blue dye diffusion - 1% solution) according to Whittle's technique (intraperitoneal administration of 0.1 N-acetic acid 0.1 ml/10 g) in mice. Previous oral administration of a 10% infusion (dry plant) or 20% (fresh plant) corresponding to 1 or 2 g/Kg of Apuleia leiocarpa, Casearia sylvestris, Brunfelsia uniflora, Chiococca brachiata, Cynara scolymus, Dorstenia brasiliensis, Elephantopus scaber, Marsypianthes chamaedrys, Mikania glomerata and Trianosperma tayuya demonstrated analgesic and/or anti-inflammatory activities of varied intensity .

Effect of leaf essential oil from Piper solmsianum C.DC. in mice behaviour

The essential oil from Piper solmsianum leaves and its major compound (sarisan) were tested to verify their influences upon mice behaviour. The essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation in a modified Clevenger extractor and analysed by GC/ MS. This analysis revealed in the oil the presence of monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes and of arylpropanoids. The compound sarisan, a myristicin analogue, was isolated from the oil to perform the pharmacological tests. Emulsions of the oil and of sarisan (5.0 and 10.0 percent v/v) were used in the tests. Pentobarbital (30 mg/ kg s.c.) or diazepam (2.5 mg/ kg s.c.) were tested as standard drugs to verify depressant or anxiolytic effects, respectively. Both essential oil and sarisan showed to have exciting and depressant effects in the tested animals

Plants as hypoglycemic agents

The world over, many plants are being used successfully - mainly in the form of teas - to counteract the effects of diabetes; and Brazil is no exception. This is especially true for patients suffering from noninsulin dependent (type II) diabetes. The article first summarizes the mechanisms reported in the scientific literature which explain hypoglycemic activity in plants. These include: Inhibition of the intestinal absorption of glucose; inhibition of alpha-glucosidase; and protection of the beta-pancreatic cells and of the liberated insulin. Also shown is the hypoglycemic activity of glycans. In a second section experimental results are presented with three plants widely used in Brazil as hypoglycemic agents: Myrcia multiflora (Lam.) D.C. (pedra-ume-caá); Punica granatum L. (roma, pomegranate); and Chrysobalanus icaco (abajeru). The experimental results show the activity of the plant extracts in the inhibition of the intestinal absorption of glucose.

Contribuiçäo para conhecimento da toxicidade aguda e crônica do digliconato de clorexidina administrado por via oral em camundongos / Contribution to the study of toxicity of chlorhexidine gluconate by oral administration in rats

Säo apresentados os resultados sobre a toxicidade do digliconato de clorexidina administrado por via oral a camundongos. Nos ensaios crônicos com a ingestäo das soluçöes a 0,02% e 0,05% em camundongos de ambos os sexos näo foi observada anormalidade no desenvolvimento ponderal, e a soluçäo a 0,02% näo interferiu na fecundidade, embora o número de filhotes tenha sido menor que no grupo testemunha. A DL50 por via oral em camundongos, foi constatada ser de 550mg/kg

Efeito de um extrato alcoólico do epicarpo da Romä (Punica Granatum, L) sobre a hipoglicemia insulínica / Effect of alcoholic extract of pomegranate (Punica Granatum, L) on insulin hypoglycemia

O extrato alcoólico do epicarpo da Romä, tanto administrado previamente como posteriormente, inibiu a hipoglicemia da insulina injetada subcutaneamente, em camundongos, na dose de 1Ul/kg de peso corporal

Atividade inibidora da absorçäo intestinal da glicose do epicarpo da romä (Punica granatum, L.) / Inhibiting activity of the intestinal absorption of pomegranate glucose (Punica granatum, L.)

A soluçäo de glicose a 0,1% perfundida num seguimento intestinal de ratos anestesiados apresenta uma velocidade constante de absorçäo. A associaçäo do chá da Romä na soluçäo de glicose inibe a sua absorcäo sem apresentar atividade inibidora residual. O extrato da Romä injetado IP previamente também inibe a absorçäo da glicose perfundida. Näo foi detectada a(s) substância(s) inibidora(s) da absorçäo da glicose